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A Reluctant Kiss #1
Lime Tree Hill
He needs a wife. She needs a safe haven. What could possibly go right?
The very week Tayla Whitman dumps one slightly used ivory silk wedding gown at the charity store, Mitchel Harrington asks her to marry him.
The guy double-crossed her once. Hell will freeze over before she lets him do it again.
And yet…
With her dignity in tatters and her parents’ livelihood at stake, options are thin on the ground.
Mitch might have built a highly successful organic orchard from his grandfather’s legacy, but he doesn’t always get it right. Like his offer to buy the neighboring property on a drunken handshake, for instance.
Could a fake marriage to the beautiful but aloof girl next door save her parents from financial ruin and keep his reputation intact?
There’s only one way to find out.
One reluctant kiss would never be enough.
Book one in the standalone Reluctant Kiss series.
The very week Tayla Whitman dumps one slightly used ivory silk wedding gown at the charity store, Mitchel Harrington asks her to marry him.
The guy double-crossed her once. Hell will freeze over before she lets him do it again.
And yet…
With her dignity in tatters and her parents’ livelihood at stake, options are thin on the ground.
Mitch might have built a highly successful organic orchard from his grandfather’s legacy, but he doesn’t always get it right. Like his offer to buy the neighboring property on a drunken handshake, for instance.
Could a fake marriage to the beautiful but aloof girl next door save her parents from financial ruin and keep his reputation intact?
There’s only one way to find out.
One reluctant kiss would never be enough.
Book one in the standalone Reluctant Kiss series.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 20, 2021
29 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Frances Cowie
9 books58 followersFrances Cowie is a writer of women's fiction and contemporary romance, and while happy ever after is the only way to go, she likes a certain arrogance from her heroes and a touch of angst from her heroines – just to keep things interesting.
She lives with her husband in New Zealand’s Southern Lakes district, and is known to have a passion for cupcakes and Whittaker’s coconut chocolate.
Visit Frances online at www.francescowie.com.
She lives with her husband in New Zealand’s Southern Lakes district, and is known to have a passion for cupcakes and Whittaker’s coconut chocolate.
Visit Frances online at www.francescowie.com.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 10, 2021
ARC for honest review with no compensation
Lime Tree Hill is book 1 in the Reluctant Kiss series by Frances Cowie and a new to me author.
The story between Tayla and Mitch is a slow building, engaging, funny, marriage of convenience, chemistry and so much more.
Lime Tree Hill is book 1 in the Reluctant Kiss series by Frances Cowie and a new to me author.
The story between Tayla and Mitch is a slow building, engaging, funny, marriage of convenience, chemistry and so much more.
April 23, 2024
A beautiful small town, enemies to lovers, marriage of convenience romance.
Cradling her bruised heart after being left at the alter and having to rush home to New Zealand after her father suffers a heart attack, the sale of the family orchard falls on her shoulders.
After the buyer reneges on the sale, ultimately throwing her parent’s financial future into jeopardy, Tayla must scramble. The original buyer is none other than Mitch, the owner of the neighbouring orchard. A long running misunderstanding means Tayla hates Mitch with a vengeance but to salvage her families pride and future, she must reach a mutually beneficial understanding with Mitch.
I found Mitch condescending at times and frustrating that he felt Tayla needed to be honest with him while on the other foot conveniently omitting interactions he himself has.
I loved Tayla’s relationship with her sisters and the outer characters added to the stories charm.
A spicy yet sweet romance of self discovery, healing and highlighting the importance of communication.
I was sent this book in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Cradling her bruised heart after being left at the alter and having to rush home to New Zealand after her father suffers a heart attack, the sale of the family orchard falls on her shoulders.
After the buyer reneges on the sale, ultimately throwing her parent’s financial future into jeopardy, Tayla must scramble. The original buyer is none other than Mitch, the owner of the neighbouring orchard. A long running misunderstanding means Tayla hates Mitch with a vengeance but to salvage her families pride and future, she must reach a mutually beneficial understanding with Mitch.
I found Mitch condescending at times and frustrating that he felt Tayla needed to be honest with him while on the other foot conveniently omitting interactions he himself has.
I loved Tayla’s relationship with her sisters and the outer characters added to the stories charm.
A spicy yet sweet romance of self discovery, healing and highlighting the importance of communication.
I was sent this book in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Want to read
June 22, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/22/2021)! 🎁
October 9, 2020
Cute & steamy romance
While the beginning felt a little shaky (I wasn't sure if I liked the FMC, but she was at a difficult point in her life, so it was understandable she was snappy), I soon fell into step alongside Tayla & Mitch, willing them to "get it together". Overall, the story flowed well, with a nice level of "will they?/won't they?" along with dark forces in the forms of jealous exes swirling. This story does what a good romance should: toys with your emotions.
While the beginning felt a little shaky (I wasn't sure if I liked the FMC, but she was at a difficult point in her life, so it was understandable she was snappy), I soon fell into step alongside Tayla & Mitch, willing them to "get it together". Overall, the story flowed well, with a nice level of "will they?/won't they?" along with dark forces in the forms of jealous exes swirling. This story does what a good romance should: toys with your emotions.
July 12, 2021
This is the first Frances Cowie book that I have read, I thoroughly enjoyed it and have indeed downloaded the next one in the series.
Tayla Whitman's world had been turned upside down, her father was very ill following heart surgery, her parents finances were in dire striates and their only option was to sell their home, Cherry Grove, to give them some solvency. To make matters worse she had been left at the alter by her cheating fiancé Hayden.
When Tayla faced a man, who she had crushed on in her teens but now hated, across the lawyers desk little did she know that her life was to get even worse, the man who had accused her of ripping off his grandfather had now pulled out of the sale, he was supposed to be buying Cherry Grove but because of a clause in his grandfather's will that was not now an option. Handsome Mitchel Harrington, who had a reputation as a player, had taken over his grandfather's farm and made Lime Tree Hill into a successful organic citrus farm.
Tayla was left with two choices, sell the farm to the sleazy Chris Stone who would pull down her parents beloved home or enter into a fake marriage to Mitch, could life get any worse ? Oh yes.....throw cheating partners into the mix.
This is a well written story, we all know how it is going to end but who cares, the journey getting there is one with mistrust, doubts, jealousy and lack of communication and of course a blossoming romance, a lovely story.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.
Tayla Whitman's world had been turned upside down, her father was very ill following heart surgery, her parents finances were in dire striates and their only option was to sell their home, Cherry Grove, to give them some solvency. To make matters worse she had been left at the alter by her cheating fiancé Hayden.
When Tayla faced a man, who she had crushed on in her teens but now hated, across the lawyers desk little did she know that her life was to get even worse, the man who had accused her of ripping off his grandfather had now pulled out of the sale, he was supposed to be buying Cherry Grove but because of a clause in his grandfather's will that was not now an option. Handsome Mitchel Harrington, who had a reputation as a player, had taken over his grandfather's farm and made Lime Tree Hill into a successful organic citrus farm.
Tayla was left with two choices, sell the farm to the sleazy Chris Stone who would pull down her parents beloved home or enter into a fake marriage to Mitch, could life get any worse ? Oh yes.....throw cheating partners into the mix.
This is a well written story, we all know how it is going to end but who cares, the journey getting there is one with mistrust, doubts, jealousy and lack of communication and of course a blossoming romance, a lovely story.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.
September 14, 2020
A well-written, fun romance
He needs a wife. She needs a safe haven. What could possibly go right?
It’s fair to say I don’t read as much contemporary romance fiction as I used to, but when I do, this is the kind of engaging, character-driven story I really enjoy.
Frances Cowie has created two great characters in Mitch and Tayla and I loved following their unexpected, up-and-down path to their happy-ever-after. Ms Cowie paints a very plausible world where both are trying to do right by their families while dealing with the fallout and ongoing interference from previous, completely unsuitable romantic partners AND trying to figure out if they could share more than a simple (not!) marriage of convenience. Yes, there’s plenty going on in this well-written, fun read.
I don’t want to give away too much of the story, but really enjoyed the complex layers of Mitch and Tayla’s shared backstory as long-time neighbours and ongoing influence of Mitch’s deceased grandfather. Ooh, some good twists there which I didn’t see coming!
I love longer romances like this with a full cast of well-formed characters. I also enjoyed the New Zealand small town, seaside setting.
Ms Cowie is now on my must-read list.
He needs a wife. She needs a safe haven. What could possibly go right?
It’s fair to say I don’t read as much contemporary romance fiction as I used to, but when I do, this is the kind of engaging, character-driven story I really enjoy.
Frances Cowie has created two great characters in Mitch and Tayla and I loved following their unexpected, up-and-down path to their happy-ever-after. Ms Cowie paints a very plausible world where both are trying to do right by their families while dealing with the fallout and ongoing interference from previous, completely unsuitable romantic partners AND trying to figure out if they could share more than a simple (not!) marriage of convenience. Yes, there’s plenty going on in this well-written, fun read.
I don’t want to give away too much of the story, but really enjoyed the complex layers of Mitch and Tayla’s shared backstory as long-time neighbours and ongoing influence of Mitch’s deceased grandfather. Ooh, some good twists there which I didn’t see coming!
I love longer romances like this with a full cast of well-formed characters. I also enjoyed the New Zealand small town, seaside setting.
Ms Cowie is now on my must-read list.
July 8, 2021
There is something truly magical about reading romance books set in New Zealand, I use to read them a lot when I was a teenager and would get totally lost in the beauty of the place because the author did such a great job describing the place. This book was no different. The descriptions where wonderful, I felt like I was right there walking along the beach or through the orchard and that I could smell the blossoms.
Then there was the marriage of convenience love story which held me captive as well. They were well suited, you could feel it. But communication on their part was there downfall. And sometimes you just wanted to sit them down and hash it out with them. They were so stubborn. Their pasts had a lot to do with that and it was handled so well, never made light off but given the respect the circumstances deserved.
I loved them, their siblings and friends added a lovely backstory too that just help weave them altogether. Loved it.
The only thing that could have made this book better was an epilogue. I do so love to have a peek into their lives further down the track.
I received this as a complimentary copy and I am leaving my honest review voluntarily
Then there was the marriage of convenience love story which held me captive as well. They were well suited, you could feel it. But communication on their part was there downfall. And sometimes you just wanted to sit them down and hash it out with them. They were so stubborn. Their pasts had a lot to do with that and it was handled so well, never made light off but given the respect the circumstances deserved.
I loved them, their siblings and friends added a lovely backstory too that just help weave them altogether. Loved it.
The only thing that could have made this book better was an epilogue. I do so love to have a peek into their lives further down the track.
I received this as a complimentary copy and I am leaving my honest review voluntarily
June 18, 2020
Tender, simple and good
It's a tender, well-written romance between two individuals who think they are making a deal to get out of the problems around them, who don't want a relationship, and yet find themselves having to share everything, whether it's their doubts, attacks on their properties or feelings.
Tayla returns home, after a difficult break-up and to help her family in an orchard, after her father has had a heart attack, she discovers that they are heavily in debt and that they risk losing everything, in particular through of a man who humiliated her when he was younger: Mitch.
However, faced with the situation and to fight against the voracity of another company, Mitch offered her a rather surprising deal: to get married.
They're both coming out of a breakup because their ex cheated on them, so a compromise just for their business seems like a good idea.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
It's a tender, well-written romance between two individuals who think they are making a deal to get out of the problems around them, who don't want a relationship, and yet find themselves having to share everything, whether it's their doubts, attacks on their properties or feelings.
Tayla returns home, after a difficult break-up and to help her family in an orchard, after her father has had a heart attack, she discovers that they are heavily in debt and that they risk losing everything, in particular through of a man who humiliated her when he was younger: Mitch.
However, faced with the situation and to fight against the voracity of another company, Mitch offered her a rather surprising deal: to get married.
They're both coming out of a breakup because their ex cheated on them, so a compromise just for their business seems like a good idea.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
August 3, 2020
I eagerly awaited the latest release from this author. I'm a fan. And this story didn't disappoint.
I loved the start of the story, it was original and engaging. I mean, who doesn't love the hunky guy on the billboard wearing the tightest boxer shorts that he could possibly squeeze his assets into?
Love the title, love the interesting characters, and a storyline that kept me reading right to the end. The setting for the story was original, (to me) and refreshing with a wee mystery running through it involving the Stone and Pip Group. And I didn't think this story had the 'back and forth, will she, won't she' happening that one of the other books did. Nice to see the good guy win out in the end.
Couldn't help but give this 5 stars and now I'm waiting for the next story!!
I loved the start of the story, it was original and engaging. I mean, who doesn't love the hunky guy on the billboard wearing the tightest boxer shorts that he could possibly squeeze his assets into?
Love the title, love the interesting characters, and a storyline that kept me reading right to the end. The setting for the story was original, (to me) and refreshing with a wee mystery running through it involving the Stone and Pip Group. And I didn't think this story had the 'back and forth, will she, won't she' happening that one of the other books did. Nice to see the good guy win out in the end.
Couldn't help but give this 5 stars and now I'm waiting for the next story!!
July 20, 2021
Great characters, including one who is dead when we get there. It is interesting to see the "marriage of convenience" trope done in a modern romance, but it seems to make sense at the time. The author handles the development of their feelings for each other very well. The heroine's immediate past and present are disastrous, which explains her reluctance to admit her feelings. Secondary characters are also well-developed, especially Pru. Maybe she will get her own story? Most of the loose ends are tied up, but there are many stories left to tell.
Very nicely written with appropriate adult sex, nothing kinky or oppressive.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Very nicely written with appropriate adult sex, nothing kinky or oppressive.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 9, 2020
Tayla Whitman drops of her slightly used ivory silk wedding gown at the charity store and a blast from her past comes back into her life. Mitchel Harrington asks Tayla to marry him but she is hesitant because he broke her heart and she doesn't want that to happen again. Mitch might have built a highly successful organic orchard from his grandfather’s legacy, but he doesn’t always get it right. Can this fake marriage be the thing he needs to save his parents and keep his reputation from being in jeopardy. Will this fake relationship turn into something real?
July 10, 2020
Lime Tree Hill is the first book in the "A Reluctant Kiss" series and is a good start to this new series.
I enjoyed reading this story. The characters of Tayla and Mitch are well depicted, likable, and both have had recent bad relationships. Will a marriage of convenience be the answer to both of their current problems? This story is well written and enjoyable and is a sweet romance read.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation. 3.5 stars
I enjoyed reading this story. The characters of Tayla and Mitch are well depicted, likable, and both have had recent bad relationships. Will a marriage of convenience be the answer to both of their current problems? This story is well written and enjoyable and is a sweet romance read.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation. 3.5 stars
September 29, 2021
I loved this marriage of convenience romance. Tabla has had a crush on Mitchel, but he never even suspected. When her family has to sell their orchard, Mitchel has to pull out, at the last minute. He has a solution, but will Taylor agree to his terms? No spoilers, so grab your copy and see what happens. I really enjoyed this book, but I had my doubts about Mitchel a time or two, lol.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from BookSirens and this is my voluntary and honest review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from BookSirens and this is my voluntary and honest review.
January 3, 2024
Highly recommend
If you like a slow burn romance, you'll love this story.
Tayla is hurting after a nasty break up. Her Dad is sick, and she's been tasked with selling the family house.
Mitch owns the adjoining farm, but his offer can't go through. In order to sell the house, they need to marry...each other.
The romance and trust builds slowly, though they have many obstacles to overcome.
Well written, the characters are fun, their romance deep as their relationship grows.
If you like a slow burn romance, you'll love this story.
Tayla is hurting after a nasty break up. Her Dad is sick, and she's been tasked with selling the family house.
Mitch owns the adjoining farm, but his offer can't go through. In order to sell the house, they need to marry...each other.
The romance and trust builds slowly, though they have many obstacles to overcome.
Well written, the characters are fun, their romance deep as their relationship grows.
June 17, 2020
This is Mitch and Tayla's story who were great characters with a great chemistry. It's book one in the series with a wonderful romance where he needs a wife with a fake marriage and she needs help and a safe haven. It's a sexy read that kept my interest all the way through.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 19, 2020
This quick read will have you believing that a fake marriage could be the ticket to real love. It was a fun read with well written story and a plot that had me fully engrossed. Mitch and Tayla's chemistry was also well written.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 26, 2020
4 STAR ROMANCE!
The writing draws you in and keeps you involved throughout the whole story, I found myself in love with not only the characters but also the world that was created.
The descriptions of the characters and their feelings are so involved, you can truly picture it in your mind.
This review has been voluntarily submitted for your consideration.
The writing draws you in and keeps you involved throughout the whole story, I found myself in love with not only the characters but also the world that was created.
The descriptions of the characters and their feelings are so involved, you can truly picture it in your mind.
This review has been voluntarily submitted for your consideration.
August 12, 2020
This is the 1st book in the "A Reluctant Kiss" series and is a good start to this new series.
This is the story of Tayla and Mitch. Their characters are well depicted, both have been cheated on by their respective ex’s.
Will a marriage of convenience be theItv answer?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the story of Tayla and Mitch. Their characters are well depicted, both have been cheated on by their respective ex’s.
Will a marriage of convenience be theItv answer?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 14, 2020
This is Mitch and Tayla's story. This is book one in the series and is a wonderful start to this romance series. The characters are well developed and engaging and the chemistry is undeniable. The storyline flowed well.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 26, 2020
Lime Tree Hill - another winner!
I’m an avid Frances Cowie reader and have read all of her books as soon as I find a new release.
Lime Tree Hill flows easily, has a great plot and keeps the reader well entertained right to the conclusion.
Any readers who enjoy a good romance will love this book.
It deserves a five star rating.
I’m an avid Frances Cowie reader and have read all of her books as soon as I find a new release.
Lime Tree Hill flows easily, has a great plot and keeps the reader well entertained right to the conclusion.
Any readers who enjoy a good romance will love this book.
It deserves a five star rating.
June 17, 2020
3.5 Stars
The story line and character work were good. The book had a fairly smooth flow to it. This was a quick, fun read and kept me entertained from beginning to end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line and character work were good. The book had a fairly smooth flow to it. This was a quick, fun read and kept me entertained from beginning to end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 12, 2020
This was a great read. I am curious about what happened between Cece and Luka. I hope we get their story soon.
August 22, 2020
Loved the way the tension built in the pace of the writing, mirroring Mitch & Taylas relationship, getting steamier as it wove itself through twists and turns. Another well written page turner.
July 14, 2020
A marriage of convenience seems like the best way to go for Tayla and Mitchell. They're both out of bad relationships and in need of a solution for all the problems going around them.
Well-written, likable characters with great chemistry and a captivating read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Well-written, likable characters with great chemistry and a captivating read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 9, 2020
The book is a good romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry. The story is an enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read
March 12, 2021Lime Tree Hill is live. Enjoy your time with Mitch and Tayla as they tiptoe on the outskirts of each other's world.
One hesitant kiss will never be enough.
One hesitant kiss will never be enough.
October 9, 2021
So many emotions in one book! Tayla and Mitch are both dealing with some bad breakups, and not only that, Tayla has returned home to Cherry Grove because her father had a heart attack and escaping from being jilted at the altar seemed the best thing to do after she found out about her fiancé's double life. However, she had no idea that her parents fruit farm was on the path to ruin. She is shocked to receive a proposal of marriage from Mitch Harrington, a guy she used to have a huge crush on back when she was a teenager and who seemed pretty indifferent to her. The proposal is purely a business transaction; Tayla's parents need financial help for their farm and Mitch needs to marry to fulfil the wishes of his grandfather with respect to an inheritance. So they get married and eventually they start to have feelings for each other. This book is written so well that you go through all the emotions with them. There is a wonderful HEA but not before they have to deal with their ex's and some unsavory characters who are determined to buy Tayla's parent's farm to clear the land and demolish the family home. I highly recommend this book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 29, 2025
Slow burn and slow to start. Didn't grip me like some books do but loved the New Zealand setting and just wanted to see how it ended so persevered. Cute story.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews