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Coleridge Cliffs #2
Historic Event
A B&B owner’s only hope to save his business is to accept the help of a hot, nerdy professor in this fake boyfriend, forced-proximity mm romance.
My entire business hangs in the balance when I literally break my leg the week before the biggest event in my B&B’s history. It’s just my luck that there are no elevators in historical mansions. And when the only person who’s willing and able to help me is an adorkable local professor, I do the only thing I can do – I enlist him as my fake boyfriend to help me get the event off without a hitch.
But once we start acting like we’re in love, the chemistry between us feels anything but fake.
My entire business hangs in the balance when I literally break my leg the week before the biggest event in my B&B’s history. It’s just my luck that there are no elevators in historical mansions. And when the only person who’s willing and able to help me is an adorkable local professor, I do the only thing I can do – I enlist him as my fake boyfriend to help me get the event off without a hitch.
But once we start acting like we’re in love, the chemistry between us feels anything but fake.
198 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 16, 2022
21 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
March 25, 2022
3.5 stars
I love these kinds of super sweet and low angst love stories but they still have some conflict, so naturally, this book really worked for me, it had a lot of things I just adore in a book.
Brief summary
Ben's family has a historic mansion that has been in the family for many generations and it has a lot of history, they do tours of it and it's also a hotel. When Ben's parents decide to retire, the mansion is now his and it's very close to being in foreclosure. Anyway, Ben starts hanging out with Julian, who is a history professor who loves the history of the house. Oh, and they start becoming fake boyfriends at some point and then they fall in love along the way.
First, I just adored the historic mansion setting so much. That was such an interesting setting for a book and I loved how the mansion was full of history and how much of the history was talked about in the book, that just really worked for me. And I loved how Ben and Julian had the same love of the place and how they bound about their love of the mansion, that really worked for me.
Second, I loved Julian so much. He was just such a relatable character to me. Julian had trouble in social situations and he wasn't the best at it but he thrived when he was talking about things he loves and that was just so relatable to me. And I loved how he didn't really know how to talk with Ben and he was often awkward when they talked. And I just loved how his character was portrayed, that was so good to me. And I really liked Ben too, he was a very interesting and sweet character and I would love to be his friend. And I just loved how Ben tried to do everything he could to make Julian feel more comfortable with him, that really worked for me.
Third, this book had a lot of Julian and Ben pining after each other and that just really worked for me because I absolutely adore pining in books. I just really appreciated how they kept thinking about each other and fantasizing about each other.
Fourth, Ben and Julian's relationship was just so sweet and I really enjoyed it, they were really well matched and worked well together. I really appreciated the easy way in which Ben and Julian's relationship developed, it really worked for me. I loved how they bounded together and kept sharing special moments together that all culminated into the reasons why they feel for each other.
Fifth, I just wish that these two communicated a little better because they had a bad habit of not telling each other little things which lead to them hurting each other because they weren't as open with each other as they could be and I just don't like miscommunication in books so that part of the book didn't work for me. I was really enjoying the start of this book but then the second half had a lot of miscommunication and the book lost me a little.
This book was very sweet and I quite enjoyed reading it and I'm really interested in reading the other books in the series as I really enjoyed all of the small characters in this one.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest opinion.
I love these kinds of super sweet and low angst love stories but they still have some conflict, so naturally, this book really worked for me, it had a lot of things I just adore in a book.
Brief summary
Ben's family has a historic mansion that has been in the family for many generations and it has a lot of history, they do tours of it and it's also a hotel. When Ben's parents decide to retire, the mansion is now his and it's very close to being in foreclosure. Anyway, Ben starts hanging out with Julian, who is a history professor who loves the history of the house. Oh, and they start becoming fake boyfriends at some point and then they fall in love along the way.
First, I just adored the historic mansion setting so much. That was such an interesting setting for a book and I loved how the mansion was full of history and how much of the history was talked about in the book, that just really worked for me. And I loved how Ben and Julian had the same love of the place and how they bound about their love of the mansion, that really worked for me.
Second, I loved Julian so much. He was just such a relatable character to me. Julian had trouble in social situations and he wasn't the best at it but he thrived when he was talking about things he loves and that was just so relatable to me. And I loved how he didn't really know how to talk with Ben and he was often awkward when they talked. And I just loved how his character was portrayed, that was so good to me. And I really liked Ben too, he was a very interesting and sweet character and I would love to be his friend. And I just loved how Ben tried to do everything he could to make Julian feel more comfortable with him, that really worked for me.
Third, this book had a lot of Julian and Ben pining after each other and that just really worked for me because I absolutely adore pining in books. I just really appreciated how they kept thinking about each other and fantasizing about each other.
Fourth, Ben and Julian's relationship was just so sweet and I really enjoyed it, they were really well matched and worked well together. I really appreciated the easy way in which Ben and Julian's relationship developed, it really worked for me. I loved how they bounded together and kept sharing special moments together that all culminated into the reasons why they feel for each other.
Fifth, I just wish that these two communicated a little better because they had a bad habit of not telling each other little things which lead to them hurting each other because they weren't as open with each other as they could be and I just don't like miscommunication in books so that part of the book didn't work for me. I was really enjoying the start of this book but then the second half had a lot of miscommunication and the book lost me a little.
This book was very sweet and I quite enjoyed reading it and I'm really interested in reading the other books in the series as I really enjoyed all of the small characters in this one.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest opinion.
March 18, 2022
Another winning gem from Jeris Jean.
Julian and Ben’s story is an instant classic and one that will stay with me for a very long time. Jeris created very relatable characters with chemistry that sets your kindle on fire. Jeris’ strength as a writer is up front and center with this book with beautifully written prose and descriptions that place you in the setting.
Julian’s character was my favorite. his mannerisms were so adorable and I loved watching him blossom and become a confident man. Thanks to the equally amazing Ben.
It was nice to catch up with ‘Romantic Hero’s’ characters and what they’ve been up to. We also get to meet Ian and Ash and the set up for their love story. If you love small town romance with steam, I highly recommend this book.
Congratulations @jerisjean for another stunning book.
Julian and Ben’s story is an instant classic and one that will stay with me for a very long time. Jeris created very relatable characters with chemistry that sets your kindle on fire. Jeris’ strength as a writer is up front and center with this book with beautifully written prose and descriptions that place you in the setting.
Julian’s character was my favorite. his mannerisms were so adorable and I loved watching him blossom and become a confident man. Thanks to the equally amazing Ben.
It was nice to catch up with ‘Romantic Hero’s’ characters and what they’ve been up to. We also get to meet Ian and Ash and the set up for their love story. If you love small town romance with steam, I highly recommend this book.
Congratulations @jerisjean for another stunning book.
March 30, 2022
4 stars
I finished reading this at the weekend but life has kept me busy until now, so here's my review finally!
I have loved being back in Coleridge Cliffs. I know the Hollywood Hopefuls series is Jeris's most popular one, but I feel more attached with this series. Maybe it's the connections with college / history / literature and romanticism that does it for me!
We already knew there was a bit of mutual pining between Ben and Julian from the first book, so I was totally invested in seeing how their relationship developed. Ben really needs Julian to help him out during the investors visit, and no one knows the place like Julian does. It was just the perfect solution. Ben throwing the "fake partner" part just highlighted how much he actually wanted it to be real! I really loved that part, seeing Ben and Julian interacting as fake partners and then it becoming real. They are really meant for each other.
And that's why it annoyed me that when the "misunderstanding event" took place, it took Ben two months to get his act together! And what happened during these two months, when they both have friends in common and live in the same place? did they avoid each other? Something else I would have liked was for the heat level to be higher... it was pretty mild in this book. Which is not bad, don't get me wrong - there are plenty of low heat / no heat books out there that I enjoy it - but for some reason I was expecting them to have more than just handjobs. But that's on me - I get it.
Overall really enjoyable, and now I can't wait to see Ian and Ash's story. I am starting to enjoy Best friend's brother tropes so can't wait for it. And will Professor Green get his own story too?
I finished reading this at the weekend but life has kept me busy until now, so here's my review finally!
I have loved being back in Coleridge Cliffs. I know the Hollywood Hopefuls series is Jeris's most popular one, but I feel more attached with this series. Maybe it's the connections with college / history / literature and romanticism that does it for me!
We already knew there was a bit of mutual pining between Ben and Julian from the first book, so I was totally invested in seeing how their relationship developed. Ben really needs Julian to help him out during the investors visit, and no one knows the place like Julian does. It was just the perfect solution. Ben throwing the "fake partner" part just highlighted how much he actually wanted it to be real! I really loved that part, seeing Ben and Julian interacting as fake partners and then it becoming real. They are really meant for each other.
And that's why it annoyed me that when the "misunderstanding event" took place, it took Ben two months to get his act together! And what happened during these two months, when they both have friends in common and live in the same place? did they avoid each other? Something else I would have liked was for the heat level to be higher... it was pretty mild in this book. Which is not bad, don't get me wrong - there are plenty of low heat / no heat books out there that I enjoy it - but for some reason I was expecting them to have more than just handjobs. But that's on me - I get it.
Overall really enjoyable, and now I can't wait to see Ian and Ash's story. I am starting to enjoy Best friend's brother tropes so can't wait for it. And will Professor Green get his own story too?
March 13, 2022
We find ourselves back in the wonderful town of Coleridge Cliffs in book 2 in the series. This is Ben and Julian’s story and we find out how the historic Stonecastle estate happened to come into Ben’s possession.
Ben is struggling and his last ditch effort to save the estate rests in the hands of prospective investors but as if things couldn’t get worse for him he breaks his ankle just before they come to visit for a week.
Julian is a History Professor at Coleridge College. He loves all things Stonecastle House and there isn’t much he doesn’t know about the property, architecture and the treasures it holds. He might also be hiding a crush on the gorgeous Ben.
Ben is desperate that the investors do not postpone the visit even though he can no longer carry out the tours himself and before he knows it Julian is not only helping with the investors tours but also playing Ben’s live in partner.
Julian and Ben have loads of chemistry and are a believable couple. There are misunderstandings, humour and plenty of romance and as an added bonus we get to meet the loveable characters from book one again.
I love the authors style of writing, descriptive, emotive, with a gentle humour and I really enjoyed and would recommend this book.
I have become very fond of Ian, Ben’s best friend and can’t wait to read his story in the next book in the series.
Ben is struggling and his last ditch effort to save the estate rests in the hands of prospective investors but as if things couldn’t get worse for him he breaks his ankle just before they come to visit for a week.
Julian is a History Professor at Coleridge College. He loves all things Stonecastle House and there isn’t much he doesn’t know about the property, architecture and the treasures it holds. He might also be hiding a crush on the gorgeous Ben.
Ben is desperate that the investors do not postpone the visit even though he can no longer carry out the tours himself and before he knows it Julian is not only helping with the investors tours but also playing Ben’s live in partner.
Julian and Ben have loads of chemistry and are a believable couple. There are misunderstandings, humour and plenty of romance and as an added bonus we get to meet the loveable characters from book one again.
I love the authors style of writing, descriptive, emotive, with a gentle humour and I really enjoyed and would recommend this book.
I have become very fond of Ian, Ben’s best friend and can’t wait to read his story in the next book in the series.
March 14, 2022
This was a great fake boyfriend story! Ben is now the owner of the family estate and is trying to keep it afloat when he hurts himself and needs someone to take over his touring duties. Enter Julian who is a history professor at Coleridge Cliffs and knows the history of the estate. He’s also crushing on Ben. They begin a fake boyfriend to help Ben with investors, but it becomes real. I hated Ben’s communication! I loved Julian but felt so many emotions for his insecurities. Loved the way the story ended!! Loved the secondary cast of characters!! The story kept me hooked and didn’t let go until the end! Overall, a really great read! The story is very well written, the pacing flowed nicely, highly recommend. I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
March 16, 2022
I absolutely loved the setting of this story as much as the romance! It was an integral part of the romance of course! Stonecastle is so vividly described I felt like I was actually there with these guys! Julian and Ben are both such sweet and nerdy kind of guys. Together they have a delightful chemistry and give each other confidence! Enjoyed seeing Calum and Theo again too! I adore Ben's friend Ian and Julian's friend Leo! They provide additional humor and fun to the story! I received an ARC of this book and recommend if you enjoy low relationship angst balanced with adorkable guys and a just the right about of steam!
March 17, 2022
I am a sucker for any story with an academic as a main character and Julian is fantastic. Watching him step up to help Ben while also trying to protect his heart was both sweet and sad. Watching them interact as they run the B&B and try to impress the investors made for a great story and ensured they had time for the forced proximity to work its magic on Ben and his dawning awareness of what he really wanted and needed was lovely.
March 13, 2022
I love small town romance. I also love this author’s brand of no angst happily ever afters. Julian and Ben were so much fun to read. I fell in love with bit characters pretty fast. I haven’t read the first book in this series yet, but I plan on fixing that problem next! Coleridge Cliffs promises to be full of swoony happenings and lots of couples finding their well deserved chances at love. Julian is adorkably awkward and lovable and I thoroughly enjoyed watching him gain confidence while working with Ben. And Ben…sweet Ben…you aren’t the black sheep of the family! I highly recommend this one if you like these nice escapes from reality and aren’t looking for lots of angst. ( I like those books too but I have to be in the mood.)
March 18, 2022
my screen
This is a very talented author. Her words, her writing style and her descriptions are some of the most noticeable things in her books.
The story is about Julian and Ben. The latter owns an old estate that has some financial problems and in order to survive he needs money. To do that he has to make sure that investors are interested about his property. So how Ben does that? He asks Julian, a history professor, to 1- become his fake-boyfriend and 2- to engage with businessmen and describe to them the interesting history behind his estate. Did I mention that his estate is an old castle? No? Well now you know.
You might be asking why does Julian has to fake the boyfriend. I'll tell you why. Somehow Ben told the investors in the beginning that he has a live-in partner. 🙄
I don't know what this man would have done without Julian I swear. So now not only they have to stay under the same roof but also share a bedroom.
If only they shared their feelings with each other as easy as that. How is it every time someone likes someone else, instead of coming out and be honest they just push each other away. If they don't speak how is the other one supposed to know? Guess!?
It was a "so help me god" moment there for me. If they didn't start talking and stop keeping things from each other I would not be responsible for the things that would come out from my mouth. Yeah I know, like they would hear me. But whatever.
This is the second book I'm reading from this author and I think it's safe to say that I'm a fan. I just like what I read. I will be honest here and say that this is not the dirtiest book. It does have all this sexual energy and some really hot 🍆🍆 scenes but there is not what we would describe as a sex scene. I mean that the characters do play around but they don't fuck.
The steam was there. The lust was there. The tingles that you get when you read something sexy were there. Do you know what else was there? Snarky characters. Interesting plot. Fancy words. Everything was so organized and well written.
I highly recommend to read this book. Once you start reading it you will be SO hooked. I do have my theories about the next pairings and can't wait to see if I'm right.
March 16, 2022
Historically Epic Tenderness
*mild spoilers*
It’s always easy to fall into one of Jeris’s worlds of romance and this time we get a side of Shakespeare to add to the dalliance.
Stonecastle is steeped in history and dark beauty. Ben loves this. His dad, David, is done with it. I want to give David Miller an honorable mention even though he wasn’t a main book character. I was attracted to him as a character from the first pages. He was the kind of firm and stern I love. I wouldn’t mind if he were to appear in future books.
This story features one of my favorite tropes, fake boyfriends! I have read many, many, fake boyfriend novels, but this one took a unique spin I hadn’t read before. It was a refreshing twist on a favored trope, and I enjoyed the new road I went down.
Ben’s gentle gruffness and cheeky playfulness had me laughing out loud a few times. I liked the way he went after Julian. It was also a new and nuanced way for this type of a character I hadn’t seen before.
I adored Julian so much. He had gorgeous, charming awkwardness that made my heart break a few times. This was a character I could really feel. His perceived social ineptness and perpetual self-doubt … Julian honey, I feel you in my soul. The author did an exceptional job of portraying this in little ways that made for big emotional payoff. Like, that description of him crying in Ben’s bed *cries* It was lip-wobbling and I wanted to curl up in a ball with him. Julian is written with so much depth. He reminded me Fievel Mousekewitz because he was all timid and nervous on the outside, but with a giant, sunny personality on the inside that always manifested in endearing ways.
He was easy to fall in love with. It’s no wonder Ben fell “victim” to his own fake boyfriends screenplay.
This story ends with a romantic bang perfect for these two, and like with all Jeris’s books, you’re guaranteed to walk away with a warm and happy heart.
*I was given this book as an ARC, but this review is left honestly and voluntarily.*
*mild spoilers*
It’s always easy to fall into one of Jeris’s worlds of romance and this time we get a side of Shakespeare to add to the dalliance.
Stonecastle is steeped in history and dark beauty. Ben loves this. His dad, David, is done with it. I want to give David Miller an honorable mention even though he wasn’t a main book character. I was attracted to him as a character from the first pages. He was the kind of firm and stern I love. I wouldn’t mind if he were to appear in future books.
This story features one of my favorite tropes, fake boyfriends! I have read many, many, fake boyfriend novels, but this one took a unique spin I hadn’t read before. It was a refreshing twist on a favored trope, and I enjoyed the new road I went down.
Ben’s gentle gruffness and cheeky playfulness had me laughing out loud a few times. I liked the way he went after Julian. It was also a new and nuanced way for this type of a character I hadn’t seen before.
I adored Julian so much. He had gorgeous, charming awkwardness that made my heart break a few times. This was a character I could really feel. His perceived social ineptness and perpetual self-doubt … Julian honey, I feel you in my soul. The author did an exceptional job of portraying this in little ways that made for big emotional payoff. Like, that description of him crying in Ben’s bed *cries* It was lip-wobbling and I wanted to curl up in a ball with him. Julian is written with so much depth. He reminded me Fievel Mousekewitz because he was all timid and nervous on the outside, but with a giant, sunny personality on the inside that always manifested in endearing ways.
He was easy to fall in love with. It’s no wonder Ben fell “victim” to his own fake boyfriends screenplay.
This story ends with a romantic bang perfect for these two, and like with all Jeris’s books, you’re guaranteed to walk away with a warm and happy heart.
*I was given this book as an ARC, but this review is left honestly and voluntarily.*
July 3, 2022
Sweet low angst opposites attract romance
Ben is the owner of Stonecastle, an historic mansion-turned-hotel with a dark history, which has been in his family for generations. When a broken ankle derails his plans to show investors around the property and town for a week, Ben asks local history professor Julian to help him out, and at the last second tells the investors that Julian is his boyfriend. Coincidentally, the big, burly estate owner and the adorkable professor have been crushing on each other for a long time. Their week pretending to be boyfriends causes their crushes to turn into real feelings that aren’t going to go away when the investors leave.
This was a very sweet, low angst romance. The main characters and side characters are really likable and I love the quirkily spooky college town of Coleridge Cliffs. I enjoyed the opposites-attract aspect of the romance and Ben and Julian had great chemistry and just really enjoyed being around each other. I didn’t love the miscommunication/third act break-up, but the grand gesture was pretty cute. Jeris definitely set us up for the next book and I’m looking forward to it!
Ben is the owner of Stonecastle, an historic mansion-turned-hotel with a dark history, which has been in his family for generations. When a broken ankle derails his plans to show investors around the property and town for a week, Ben asks local history professor Julian to help him out, and at the last second tells the investors that Julian is his boyfriend. Coincidentally, the big, burly estate owner and the adorkable professor have been crushing on each other for a long time. Their week pretending to be boyfriends causes their crushes to turn into real feelings that aren’t going to go away when the investors leave.
This was a very sweet, low angst romance. The main characters and side characters are really likable and I love the quirkily spooky college town of Coleridge Cliffs. I enjoyed the opposites-attract aspect of the romance and Ben and Julian had great chemistry and just really enjoyed being around each other. I didn’t love the miscommunication/third act break-up, but the grand gesture was pretty cute. Jeris definitely set us up for the next book and I’m looking forward to it!
August 25, 2024
3.5 stars
Very cute, with an adorable pair of MCs. The setting at the historic mansion was unique. I'm not sure why Ben and Julian argue at the end. They were doing great, Ben woke up angry one day and then they separate for weeks, not exactly sure how long. It seemed very immature. Also I don't know what the deal was with Julian's mother disliking Ben, she was very strange. Their friends were all very sweet and I hope Ian and Ash have an amazing HEA too.
Very cute, with an adorable pair of MCs. The setting at the historic mansion was unique. I'm not sure why Ben and Julian argue at the end. They were doing great, Ben woke up angry one day and then they separate for weeks, not exactly sure how long. It seemed very immature. Also I don't know what the deal was with Julian's mother disliking Ben, she was very strange. Their friends were all very sweet and I hope Ian and Ash have an amazing HEA too.
March 16, 2022
*3.5*
Historic Event is a sweet and fairly quick fake boyfriend romance with a bit of angst for both men as they have their own personal problems and then the issues with their "relationship".
Ben needs help when he breaks his ankle but has a big pitch coming up for some investors. Investors he needs or he'll lose his home, Stonecastle, a historic family owned mansion turned tourist destination and hotel. Julian is the man lucky enough to be volunteered to help with the tour guides that Ben normally would do but Ben is the one who just happens to mention that Julian is also his live in boyfriend so..... he moves in.
Julian is the sweetest guy, would do anything for anyone if it would help and if course it's not a bad thing that he finds Ben so attractive. It goes the same for Ben regarding Julian and they quickly find out that they can ignite that spark in a big way. Of course, nerves always get in the way with so much going on and feelings are hurt. Julian's nerves and anxiety don't help, firstly in dealing with what's going on with Ben and then possibly making things harder for himself with the job opportunity he has to be Chair of the History Department. His friends are a great source of comfort and support for him, including Calum and Theo, the couple from book one. Ben has his best friend/handyman, Ian, as well as his sister and brother but essentially it's up to him to deal with the relationship if he wants Julian in his future.
I did enjoy the story overall and the premise of what happens both between the couple and with what they have going on in their professional lives but I found that when it came to them, things jumped quickly from 0-100 then back to 100-0 and it takes a minute to catch up. The parts on either side are enjoyable, the highs and lows keeping you entertained but it fell a little for me in those parts. I am interested in seeing what becomes of things for Ian and for Ash as there's possibilities ahead for them, hopefully next. This can be read as a standalone and I'll definitely be going back to read book one as Calum and Theo sound like a lot of fun from what we get from them in this book.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Historic Event is a sweet and fairly quick fake boyfriend romance with a bit of angst for both men as they have their own personal problems and then the issues with their "relationship".
Ben needs help when he breaks his ankle but has a big pitch coming up for some investors. Investors he needs or he'll lose his home, Stonecastle, a historic family owned mansion turned tourist destination and hotel. Julian is the man lucky enough to be volunteered to help with the tour guides that Ben normally would do but Ben is the one who just happens to mention that Julian is also his live in boyfriend so..... he moves in.
Julian is the sweetest guy, would do anything for anyone if it would help and if course it's not a bad thing that he finds Ben so attractive. It goes the same for Ben regarding Julian and they quickly find out that they can ignite that spark in a big way. Of course, nerves always get in the way with so much going on and feelings are hurt. Julian's nerves and anxiety don't help, firstly in dealing with what's going on with Ben and then possibly making things harder for himself with the job opportunity he has to be Chair of the History Department. His friends are a great source of comfort and support for him, including Calum and Theo, the couple from book one. Ben has his best friend/handyman, Ian, as well as his sister and brother but essentially it's up to him to deal with the relationship if he wants Julian in his future.
I did enjoy the story overall and the premise of what happens both between the couple and with what they have going on in their professional lives but I found that when it came to them, things jumped quickly from 0-100 then back to 100-0 and it takes a minute to catch up. The parts on either side are enjoyable, the highs and lows keeping you entertained but it fell a little for me in those parts. I am interested in seeing what becomes of things for Ian and for Ash as there's possibilities ahead for them, hopefully next. This can be read as a standalone and I'll definitely be going back to read book one as Calum and Theo sound like a lot of fun from what we get from them in this book.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
March 31, 2022
My Favorite Jeris Jean Book!!! Soooo Good!
I love love loved this book soooooo much! This was my favorite Jeris Jean story! I love her writing, it’s incredible, detailed and grabs your attention from the very first chapter. Everything I’ve read by her, I have loved, but this was kicked up a knotch, as the story has so much heart.
I am loving this series sooooo much. This story in particular was fun, steamy and had me on pins and needles wanting Ben and Julian together so badly. I loved Ben from the minute I met him in book one, Romantic Hero. I couldn’t wait for him to get his own book, here we are, yay!
I love a fake relationship especially if its done right and Jeris wrote it amazingly. Julian thrown into the relationship by Ben, he rolled with it and that made the story so entertaining. Julian’s fake boyfriend role fit so well in Ben’s life. He was trying so hard to help Ben save his family l’s legacy. The back and forth with Ben and Julian was engaging, fun and so relatable. There was a scene where they talk about sleeping in the same bed, because they are faking their relationship and their was so much fun awkwardness, that it was so hilarious to read. I re-read that scene multiple times, I loved it and couldn’t stop laughing.
I loved Ben but Julian has my heart. His passion and drive and big heart has me relating to him better than most characters I’ve read. He’s compassionate and loves hard, but most of all his vulnerability was beautiful. Not sure of himself and yet so incredible at the same time had me cheering for his success throughout the book. I wanted his love life to work out, because he put his heart and soul into the relationship with Ben. I wanted him to succeed in his career because his passion for history, culture and his job, flows throughout him. He is amazing.
This book deserves the entire galaxy of stars, it was amazing. I’m running to but the paperback because I need to own this forever! A must read, beautiful book! I can’t wait for the next story in this series, it’s gonna be great!
I love love loved this book soooooo much! This was my favorite Jeris Jean story! I love her writing, it’s incredible, detailed and grabs your attention from the very first chapter. Everything I’ve read by her, I have loved, but this was kicked up a knotch, as the story has so much heart.
I am loving this series sooooo much. This story in particular was fun, steamy and had me on pins and needles wanting Ben and Julian together so badly. I loved Ben from the minute I met him in book one, Romantic Hero. I couldn’t wait for him to get his own book, here we are, yay!
I love a fake relationship especially if its done right and Jeris wrote it amazingly. Julian thrown into the relationship by Ben, he rolled with it and that made the story so entertaining. Julian’s fake boyfriend role fit so well in Ben’s life. He was trying so hard to help Ben save his family l’s legacy. The back and forth with Ben and Julian was engaging, fun and so relatable. There was a scene where they talk about sleeping in the same bed, because they are faking their relationship and their was so much fun awkwardness, that it was so hilarious to read. I re-read that scene multiple times, I loved it and couldn’t stop laughing.
I loved Ben but Julian has my heart. His passion and drive and big heart has me relating to him better than most characters I’ve read. He’s compassionate and loves hard, but most of all his vulnerability was beautiful. Not sure of himself and yet so incredible at the same time had me cheering for his success throughout the book. I wanted his love life to work out, because he put his heart and soul into the relationship with Ben. I wanted him to succeed in his career because his passion for history, culture and his job, flows throughout him. He is amazing.
This book deserves the entire galaxy of stars, it was amazing. I’m running to but the paperback because I need to own this forever! A must read, beautiful book! I can’t wait for the next story in this series, it’s gonna be great!
March 12, 2022
Great “fake boyfriends that aren’t fake” read.
The two main characters in this “fake but not fake boyfriends” story are both really likeable and I was cheering them on from the very beginning.
Julian is an adorkable history professor with some quirks. When he’s socially anxious he tends to ramble and he also rambles when talking about his passion - history. Ben is the owner of the historic Stonecastle B&B and is a genuinely nice guy but the business is causing him a fair amount of stress and he’s feeling under pressure.
Circumstances have Julian and Ben living together in Stonecastle as fake boyfriends but it doesn’t take long for the spark between them to burn bright. This naturally blurs the lines of the fake relationship leading to a miscommunication that causes some angst for them both, until a grand gesture has them back on the way to their HEA.
This is the second book in the Coleridge Cliffs series and I found it to be a very easy, enjoyable read.
I put this into the low-medium heat category with a bit of angst and a romantic HEA that left me smiling at the end. We also get a sneak peek at which side characters will get their story told next.
The two main characters in this “fake but not fake boyfriends” story are both really likeable and I was cheering them on from the very beginning.
Julian is an adorkable history professor with some quirks. When he’s socially anxious he tends to ramble and he also rambles when talking about his passion - history. Ben is the owner of the historic Stonecastle B&B and is a genuinely nice guy but the business is causing him a fair amount of stress and he’s feeling under pressure.
Circumstances have Julian and Ben living together in Stonecastle as fake boyfriends but it doesn’t take long for the spark between them to burn bright. This naturally blurs the lines of the fake relationship leading to a miscommunication that causes some angst for them both, until a grand gesture has them back on the way to their HEA.
This is the second book in the Coleridge Cliffs series and I found it to be a very easy, enjoyable read.
I put this into the low-medium heat category with a bit of angst and a romantic HEA that left me smiling at the end. We also get a sneak peek at which side characters will get their story told next.
March 13, 2022
This spin on the fake boyfriend, real feelings trope includes a beautiful historic building in desperate need of investors, one desperate building owner and one very kind history professor to the rescue, plus, of course, a solid supporting cast of friends and family members. Julian was, for me, hands down the best part of this book. Ben is fine, if a bit moody and terrible at communication (see, disastrous phone calls and in person conversations). He means well, but his execution is..mixed at best. Julian, on the other hand, is sweet, sincere, and painstakingly careful with other people’s feelings– he can be awkward, but he’s also charming and knowledgeable and the kind of person who takes on the thankless task of being a fake boyfriend/resident history expert for a hot guy with terrible communication skills. Even though he has a lot to deal with on his own: his mother’s overbearing matchmaking attempts, an unpleasant department chair, a book to finish, he nonetheless drops everything to help someone else, and that’s pretty awesome. He deserves all the good things, and it’s rewarding when he gets them.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
March 27, 2022
HISTORIC EVENT is the second book in Jeris Jean’s Coleridge Cliffs MM romance series. This book is my favorite so far in the series. The story centers around Ben, the owner of Stonecastle, a historic mansion and site of many galas and charity events; as well as Julian, a bashful and insecure, history professor who is in love with Stonecastle… and perhaps Ben. Ben injures his ankle and solicits the help of Julian to act as his fake boyfriend, while trying to impress potential investors. Nothing bad ever happens when pretending to be someone’s boyfriend, right?
This book has so many heartwarming and feelgood moments that you want nothing more than to climb inside the book and hug the characters yourself. The insecurity and vulnerability of Julian teamed up with the sweet and rugged personality of Ben, had me flying through the pages. I have to say, Ben totally stole my heart.
It’s no secret, that Jeris is one of my favorite MM romance authors. I highly recommend reading this series as well as checking out her other series HOLLYWOOD HOPEFULS. You too, will fall in love.
This book has so many heartwarming and feelgood moments that you want nothing more than to climb inside the book and hug the characters yourself. The insecurity and vulnerability of Julian teamed up with the sweet and rugged personality of Ben, had me flying through the pages. I have to say, Ben totally stole my heart.
It’s no secret, that Jeris is one of my favorite MM romance authors. I highly recommend reading this series as well as checking out her other series HOLLYWOOD HOPEFULS. You too, will fall in love.
June 10, 2023
Historic Event, Book 2 in the Coleridge Cliff series by jeris jean was a great continuation of the story started in Romantic Hero.
B&B owner Ben is trying to keep his family’s estate solvent, and his efforts to save his inheritance begins with new investors. An inconvenient injury has local history professor Julian volunteering to help show the investors around. A misunderstanding between Ben and his investors leads to some fake dating and close proximity.
Ben, where do I start? Carrying the weight of the world, trying to save the home he loves, and slowly falling for his brother’s friend.
Goodness I loved Julian in all his awkward, fact quoting glory. He was fun in book 1, and I loved that he got his own story.
These two are wonderful together, and I’d love to read more about their life at Stonecastle and Coleridge Cliffs.
I really enjoy how this author writes. Hot academics, brawny men who love them, and the family and friends who love and support them. Plus, pining! And a grand gesture before a Shakespeare play, in costume no less, is just perfect. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
B&B owner Ben is trying to keep his family’s estate solvent, and his efforts to save his inheritance begins with new investors. An inconvenient injury has local history professor Julian volunteering to help show the investors around. A misunderstanding between Ben and his investors leads to some fake dating and close proximity.
Ben, where do I start? Carrying the weight of the world, trying to save the home he loves, and slowly falling for his brother’s friend.
Goodness I loved Julian in all his awkward, fact quoting glory. He was fun in book 1, and I loved that he got his own story.
These two are wonderful together, and I’d love to read more about their life at Stonecastle and Coleridge Cliffs.
I really enjoy how this author writes. Hot academics, brawny men who love them, and the family and friends who love and support them. Plus, pining! And a grand gesture before a Shakespeare play, in costume no less, is just perfect. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
March 23, 2022
As I mentioned in my review of “Romantic Hero,” I don’t usually read contemporary romances. I loved “Historic Event!” The characters of Ben and Julian felt so believable to me. I felt like they could be friends of mine.
Ben seems so solid and self-assured from the outside. Jeris Jean did a great job giving us a window into his internal struggles. Julian seems like someone I’d like to hang out with. Sure he’s a little socially awkward when he’s nervous, but aren’t a lot of us? Ben and Julian’s strengths compliment each other’s. It was interesting to me that people outside of their relationship were able to see what it took them awhile to realize.
I appreciated the foreshadowing of Ash and Ian’s relationship, but it’s going to make it difficult to wait for their complete story. I also appreciated Calum and Theo, along with the rest of their friends and family members, making appearances in their story.
Ben seems so solid and self-assured from the outside. Jeris Jean did a great job giving us a window into his internal struggles. Julian seems like someone I’d like to hang out with. Sure he’s a little socially awkward when he’s nervous, but aren’t a lot of us? Ben and Julian’s strengths compliment each other’s. It was interesting to me that people outside of their relationship were able to see what it took them awhile to realize.
I appreciated the foreshadowing of Ash and Ian’s relationship, but it’s going to make it difficult to wait for their complete story. I also appreciated Calum and Theo, along with the rest of their friends and family members, making appearances in their story.
March 15, 2022
This is a sweet, happy read!
Ben, who owns and operates a B&B in his ancestral home, is about to embark on the most important week of his life to date. Somehow, he manages to break his foot right before he needs to lead tours of his house. Enter Julian, convinced to lead the tours and pose as Ben’s lover, by well meaning friends and relatives and along the way, they fall in love.
Both Ben and Julian are lovely, sweet people, who suffer from the same affliction. They both have difficulty believing in themselves, their abilities, and that their partner could truly value them for themselves. It was lovely to read about their journey into love. Their relationship was a slow, easy, slide into realizing that the person beside you is your love and soul mate.
This is a beautifully written book and love story.
Ben, who owns and operates a B&B in his ancestral home, is about to embark on the most important week of his life to date. Somehow, he manages to break his foot right before he needs to lead tours of his house. Enter Julian, convinced to lead the tours and pose as Ben’s lover, by well meaning friends and relatives and along the way, they fall in love.
Both Ben and Julian are lovely, sweet people, who suffer from the same affliction. They both have difficulty believing in themselves, their abilities, and that their partner could truly value them for themselves. It was lovely to read about their journey into love. Their relationship was a slow, easy, slide into realizing that the person beside you is your love and soul mate.
This is a beautifully written book and love story.
April 4, 2022
Awesome book and series!
One of my favorite things about Jeris Jean's books is that you always come away feeling like you've just spent time with family and friends. It's like a big dose of comfort. And you definitely get that here with Historic Event. For me in this story not only does the comfort come the wonderful characters but the traditions of the community (gory and quirky as they might be) also brings comfort in a sense...just the thought of things being carried on through time seems comforting.
I thought our two mc's Ben and Julian were perfect for each with their love for Stone Castle ...Ben as it's his ancestral home passed down through the centuries that he grew up in and Julian with his love of the history and beauty of it..now also serving as a B & B and museum type setting. Their "fake" relationship arrangement went a little awry there towards the end but with help from family and friends they had a wonderful ending and hea ...that you definitely need to read about to find out how it all goes down!!
I can't wait to read Ian and Ash's book next. For some reason I was particularly drawn to Tyler too and hope we find out more about him or maybe he'll get his own book.
As always I highly recommend anything this author writes!!
One of my favorite things about Jeris Jean's books is that you always come away feeling like you've just spent time with family and friends. It's like a big dose of comfort. And you definitely get that here with Historic Event. For me in this story not only does the comfort come the wonderful characters but the traditions of the community (gory and quirky as they might be) also brings comfort in a sense...just the thought of things being carried on through time seems comforting.
I thought our two mc's Ben and Julian were perfect for each with their love for Stone Castle ...Ben as it's his ancestral home passed down through the centuries that he grew up in and Julian with his love of the history and beauty of it..now also serving as a B & B and museum type setting. Their "fake" relationship arrangement went a little awry there towards the end but with help from family and friends they had a wonderful ending and hea ...that you definitely need to read about to find out how it all goes down!!
I can't wait to read Ian and Ash's book next. For some reason I was particularly drawn to Tyler too and hope we find out more about him or maybe he'll get his own book.
As always I highly recommend anything this author writes!!
March 16, 2022
Ben, the B&B owner with a broken ankle, wants to save his family home, and Julian, the highly anxious history professor, ends up helping him out for a make-or-break investor meeting. A classic romance setup, with a bit of sugar and a bit more spice, just the right touch of humor and a good amount of swoony-ness.
Ben and Julian just fit together - enough so that the bleak moment seems to come a bit out of left field, but had a perfect payoff for the two of them. Their friends and family provide support and some necessary hits with a clue-by-four, and it all works out - sort of. Not every person changes their MO (thankfully - magic fairy lurve dust gets old), but the HEA is definitely high on the satisfaction meter, with a bonus of hints to the next story’s couple. Can’t wait
I received a copy of this book from the author. This is my honest opinion.
Ben and Julian just fit together - enough so that the bleak moment seems to come a bit out of left field, but had a perfect payoff for the two of them. Their friends and family provide support and some necessary hits with a clue-by-four, and it all works out - sort of. Not every person changes their MO (thankfully - magic fairy lurve dust gets old), but the HEA is definitely high on the satisfaction meter, with a bonus of hints to the next story’s couple. Can’t wait
I received a copy of this book from the author. This is my honest opinion.
March 16, 2022
Sweet and fun to read
This is such a sweet read! Ben and Julian are both shy and awkward in their own ways. Ben is almost a recluse as the sole owner of Stonecastle. The financial aspects of owning a historical building are more than he bargained for. Julian is a professor at the local college and tends to ramble if he isn't in front of his classes.
Historic Event has just enough romance and steam to keep the story interesting. It's definitely a medium angst story, but nothing heartbreaking.
When a romance has castles, Shakespearean plays, tragic deaths (only spoken about, not on page), an overprotective mother, and friends/found family who cheer you on - what more can you ask for?
This is such a sweet read! Ben and Julian are both shy and awkward in their own ways. Ben is almost a recluse as the sole owner of Stonecastle. The financial aspects of owning a historical building are more than he bargained for. Julian is a professor at the local college and tends to ramble if he isn't in front of his classes.
Historic Event has just enough romance and steam to keep the story interesting. It's definitely a medium angst story, but nothing heartbreaking.
When a romance has castles, Shakespearean plays, tragic deaths (only spoken about, not on page), an overprotective mother, and friends/found family who cheer you on - what more can you ask for?
March 30, 2022
This book was beautifully written. I enjoyed her writing style for the most part. I very much love a story of the anxious geek finding, then getting the man of his dreams. Ben is determined, especially when it comes to the upkeep of his stately mansion, almost stubbornly so. Julian is intelligent and somewhat adorably socially awkward. The second hand embarrassment from some parts of the story had me feeling cringy. And I felt that somethings weren’t fully addressed or kind of skipped over. I literally have no idea why Ben became so angry with Julian when he knows how anxious and socially awkward he is. And why the heck doesn’t Julian’s mom like Ben? A few aspects were a bit confusing, but it was still an altogether enjoyable enough read.
April 3, 2022
This is a new to me author and I really enjoyed the writing. I will definitely look for more from this author! This was a great fake boyfriend story, which happens to be one of my favorites to read about. Ben is now the owner of the family estate and is trying to keep it afloat when he hurts himself and needs someone to take over his touring duties. Enter Julian who is a history professor at Coleridge Cliffs and knows the history of the estate. They begin a fake boyfriend plot to help Ben with investors, but then it becomes the real thing. Loved the secondary cast of characters 🖤 The story kept me hooked and didn’t let go until the end! Overall, a really great read! The story is very well written I highly recommend.
I received an ARC for an Honest review and this is it
I received an ARC for an Honest review and this is it
June 10, 2022
❤️all the feels❤️
I read Romantic Hero by Jeris Jean earlier this year and loved it, so I was not surprised that I loved the second book in the series, Historic Event, as well—maybe even more than the first! I was in the mood for a sweet story, and this book more than delivered. ❤️🌈
The story continues to center around the Coleridge Cliffs community, and focuses on Ben, the owner of Stonecastle, and Julian, a history professor at the local college. Ben’s and Julian’s relationship starts off as “fake” to assist Ben with an investment deal for his B&B, but quickly evolves into something real and beautiful. ❤️🥰
Highly recommend this book and series! If you enjoy a story that leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy inside, then you should read this book!! 😊🙌🏻 Also, Ian’s and Ashland’s story (book 3) cannot come soon enough!!! 🌈🌈
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I read Romantic Hero by Jeris Jean earlier this year and loved it, so I was not surprised that I loved the second book in the series, Historic Event, as well—maybe even more than the first! I was in the mood for a sweet story, and this book more than delivered. ❤️🌈
The story continues to center around the Coleridge Cliffs community, and focuses on Ben, the owner of Stonecastle, and Julian, a history professor at the local college. Ben’s and Julian’s relationship starts off as “fake” to assist Ben with an investment deal for his B&B, but quickly evolves into something real and beautiful. ❤️🥰
Highly recommend this book and series! If you enjoy a story that leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy inside, then you should read this book!! 😊🙌🏻 Also, Ian’s and Ashland’s story (book 3) cannot come soon enough!!! 🌈🌈
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 21, 2022
Easy, sweet read with lots of descriptive language to really help show the historic building and other settings. It was probably more a 3.5 star read for me, with sweet characters and a nice fake boyfriend setup.
I thought the characters worked well together. I didn't read the first book in the series, but I think this book works well as a standalone.
I was a bit confused by the drama at the 80% mark as it didn't feel authentic to how one MC had behaved throughout the rest of the book, but the make-up scene is sweet enough to make up for it.
I received a copy of this book from Neon Romance Reviews and I have chosen to leave an honest review.
I thought the characters worked well together. I didn't read the first book in the series, but I think this book works well as a standalone.
I was a bit confused by the drama at the 80% mark as it didn't feel authentic to how one MC had behaved throughout the rest of the book, but the make-up scene is sweet enough to make up for it.
I received a copy of this book from Neon Romance Reviews and I have chosen to leave an honest review.
March 29, 2022
sweet romance
Ahh I loved this story so much. Ben and Julian were a beautiful couple. Ben trying to shoulder all the stress and not realizing his “fake” partner was real and right there to help. Julian having his doubt and nervousness made things difficult for them both to see what was right in front of them. Julian’s mom was frustrating but she was a great part of their story none the less. This story had just enough heat, drama, and angst to make this a pager turner with the sweetest HEA ever. I already can’t wait for the next story in this series. Definitely suggest you give this one a go.
Ahh I loved this story so much. Ben and Julian were a beautiful couple. Ben trying to shoulder all the stress and not realizing his “fake” partner was real and right there to help. Julian having his doubt and nervousness made things difficult for them both to see what was right in front of them. Julian’s mom was frustrating but she was a great part of their story none the less. This story had just enough heat, drama, and angst to make this a pager turner with the sweetest HEA ever. I already can’t wait for the next story in this series. Definitely suggest you give this one a go.
April 14, 2022
so disappointed
I liked book one well enough so I *was* looking forward to reading more. This had to be one of the stupidest non-communication scenarios I’ve read. Ben was portrayed as a childish jerk and had Julian blaming himself for Ben’s poor behavior but neither were given a believable reason for being incapable of using big-boy words or having a conversation. I will probably put off reading any further books.
FWIW: A property without a mortgage can’t be foreclosed on. The author uses “foreclosure” several times. A civil suit by creditors or a bankruptcy cold force a sale of the property but that’s not foreclosure.
I liked book one well enough so I *was* looking forward to reading more. This had to be one of the stupidest non-communication scenarios I’ve read. Ben was portrayed as a childish jerk and had Julian blaming himself for Ben’s poor behavior but neither were given a believable reason for being incapable of using big-boy words or having a conversation. I will probably put off reading any further books.
FWIW: A property without a mortgage can’t be foreclosed on. The author uses “foreclosure” several times. A civil suit by creditors or a bankruptcy cold force a sale of the property but that’s not foreclosure.
April 24, 2022
I'd read as a standalone book and probably should have read this in order to get Ben and Julian's first meeting scenes. From this I didn't get the connection & feels between them.
A good start with a prologue as Ben takes over his family's mansion buissines but didn't know what he was in for.
Now he struggles with financial and need help especially when has a small mishap.
Ian, was Ben's handyman and friend who'd had a hottie brother Julian being a history professor.
A great fake boyfriend story as they try and land Ben some financial help for the business.. Chemistry and bantering with some emotions mixed in.
A good ending and written with dual povs
A good start with a prologue as Ben takes over his family's mansion buissines but didn't know what he was in for.
Now he struggles with financial and need help especially when has a small mishap.
Ian, was Ben's handyman and friend who'd had a hottie brother Julian being a history professor.
A great fake boyfriend story as they try and land Ben some financial help for the business.. Chemistry and bantering with some emotions mixed in.
A good ending and written with dual povs
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