I must be the only person who isn’t keen on all the men of JMP security rolling in on their motorcycles and muscle cars and setting up shop on Main Street. As the mayor of Eden, I know this is not the image we want to project of our small town. But when I need a fake boyfriend for my sister’s wedding—long story—and Joe and his tattoos and bulging muscles come to my rescue, I have to rethink my stance on the issue, all the while trying to resist my overwhelming attraction to him.
Joe
I wasn't sure yet if I was staying in Eden but after a night of passion with the town's mayor, I decide I'm not going anywhere. Unfortunately, things go off the rails when she finds out who I really am. But I’ll soon bring her around. Luckily, it’s not my style to give up on something worthwhile so easily. I’ll stand and fight until she understands we are perfect for each other.
My reviews always contain spoilers, I write them so I can remember the story.
Gasp! How scandalous, the Mayor of Eden has a one night stand! Ava is always mindful of her duty as Mayor of Eden, but when she meets Joe at a house party at Mrs. B place, she throws caution to the wind and invites him to her house. She thinks she vanilla but let’s go of her inhibitions and has a steamy sexy night with him. She thinks he is just passing through town and she will never have to see him again. Imagine her surprise when she sees him revving his motorcycle outside the JMP Security offices. He’s one of those guys, she can’t be seen dating a biker, what would the town folks say. Joe is new to Eden and isn’t sure the small town is where he wants to settle, but after spending the night with Ava he knows he’s not leaving, he wants to pursue their relationship. A little pull back from Ava but Joe proves he’s a stand up guy when he agrees to be Ava’s pretend boyfriend for her sister’s wedding. A mix up at the hotel has them in the same room with only one bed. Joe gives her time to get use to him, but seals the deal the night of the wedding. I liked how her whole family loved him, even her sulking teen brother. He shows her he’s the suit wearing proper guy and the sexy biker bad ass all rolled into one. Their chemistry is hot and I loved how he is strong enough not to be threatened by her job as Mayor. It’s fun to read how all her preconceived notions about him and the JMP biker guys are knocked down by how great Joe is. Cute epilogue three years later with kids and them so happy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This short story has so much going for it; the way they met, the instant attraction, who they were, a lie, family, friends, passion, connection and chemistry. I liked that they were both strong characters, that they supported each other and were honest. Joe was such a lovely person, I would have loved to have read about his promised visit to her parents and seen the reception from his brothers when they returned back to town. I liked them as a couple and could have happily continued reading about their life together, I enjoyed the glimpse into their future. I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an ARC.
Joe and Ava meet at a house party in Eden. Neither knows the other but are attracted to each other and they have a one night fling. When they next meet Ava the Mayor of Eden is shocked to find out that Joe works for the Security Company. She turns him down when he asks her out because she never expected to see him again. Ava's sister Lana is getting married and she has been lying to her family telling them she has a boyfriend. Joe volunteers to be her plus one and her boyfriend for the wedding.
Joe isn't sure Eden is where he wants this next step to be until he sees Ava. She has his mind going to a white picket fence and babies. Can he get her to let go of her reservations about him and let love be her guide?