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Scandal in Sweet Side #3
Hit or Miss
Gabriel Starkweather has a lot to offer.
Money. Good looks. Impeccable manners. A body that most women would drool over.
Too bad I’m not most women.
But there is one part of him I’d love to get my hands on.
His connections.
They are exactly what I need to make the Sweet Side Sand and Surf Pageant all I want it to be.
Because I’m here to make a statement. One that’s long overdue.
One that some people might not appreciate.
When the pushback literally sends me over the edge, there’s only one person willing to jump in and save me.
Gabriel.
Now I can’t help but wonder if maybe pretty, polite Gabriel isn’t what I initially thought he was.
Unfortunately, he’s not the only one who isn’t who I thought they were.
Someone’s got it out for my pageant.
And everyone involved in it.
Including the perfectly packaged man I’m suddenly struggling to keep my hands off.
Money. Good looks. Impeccable manners. A body that most women would drool over.
Too bad I’m not most women.
But there is one part of him I’d love to get my hands on.
His connections.
They are exactly what I need to make the Sweet Side Sand and Surf Pageant all I want it to be.
Because I’m here to make a statement. One that’s long overdue.
One that some people might not appreciate.
When the pushback literally sends me over the edge, there’s only one person willing to jump in and save me.
Gabriel.
Now I can’t help but wonder if maybe pretty, polite Gabriel isn’t what I initially thought he was.
Unfortunately, he’s not the only one who isn’t who I thought they were.
Someone’s got it out for my pageant.
And everyone involved in it.
Including the perfectly packaged man I’m suddenly struggling to keep my hands off.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 18, 2022
150 people are currently reading
271 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 20, 2022
Most Definitely a Hit!
When I need a book that has all the character depth I love, along with laugh-out-loud humor, crazy-fun supporting characters, unexpected animal interference, and that cozy romcom feel I crave, I turn to Josie Watts. And once again she hit all the marks with Hit or Miss! Watts incorporates the fake relationship with forced proximity tropes I love seamlessly, and ties them together with humor and building intensity that makes her books unique and 1-clickable.
What pulled me in even more was the way she uses main characters Helen and Gabriel’s needs for approval to build the deeper connections between those two kindred spirits recognizing each other’s needs for what they really are. Creating even more depth happens organically as the main characters discover even more layers to people they thought they already knew so well. And the revelations they grow through are beautiful reflections of relationships the readers will likely recognize and connect to as well. Watts expands the characters’ minds and lives by building on the theme of letting others in to care for you, and I think many readers will relate to the emotions experienced by the characters as well.
Beyond the tension built within and surrounding the relationships in the story, Watts enhances the pace and tension in the book with her signature cozy twist. And the suspense wasn’t just built because I knew something was coming, it was enhanced by the feeling that it could be acted on by 1 of 2 characters. Or maybe both working together. I read through yet another bedtime alarm because I needed closure! I needed to see Helen and Gabriel’s HEA. I needed to see the bad guy(s) pay. I needed to see the resolutions within the family dynamics. And I needed to see Helen and Gabriel realize their dreams. And I did get most of it. I have a feeling Josie is setting up one character for the ultimate comeuppance in a future novel. And I am so here for that, too!
Most Definitely a Hit!
When I need a book that has all the character depth I love, along with laugh-out-loud humor, crazy-fun supporting characters, unexpected animal interference, and that cozy romcom feel I crave, I turn to Josie Watts. And once again she hit all the marks with Hit or Miss! Watts incorporates the fake relationship with forced proximity tropes I love seamlessly, and ties them together with humor and building intensity that makes her books unique and 1-clickable.
What pulled me in even more was the way she uses main characters Helen and Gabriel’s needs for approval to build the deeper connections between those two kindred spirits recognizing each other’s needs for what they really are. Creating even more depth happens organically as the main characters discover even more layers to people they thought they already knew so well. And the revelations they grow through are beautiful reflections of relationships the readers will likely recognize and connect to as well. Watts expands the characters’ minds and lives by building on the theme of letting others in to care for you, and I think many readers will relate to the emotions experienced by the characters as well.
Beyond the tension built within and surrounding the relationships in the story, Watts enhances the pace and tension in the book with her signature cozy twist. And the suspense wasn’t just built because I knew something was coming, it was enhanced by the feeling that it could be acted on by 1 of 2 characters. Or maybe both working together. I read through yet another bedtime alarm because I needed closure! I needed to see Helen and Gabriel’s HEA. I needed to see the bad guy(s) pay. I needed to see the resolutions within the family dynamics. And I needed to see Helen and Gabriel realize their dreams. And I did get most of it. I have a feeling Josie is setting up one character for the ultimate comeuppance in a future novel. And I am so here for that, too!
Most Definitely a Hit!
August 21, 2022
During the one night a week she looks forward to, the sexy hotelier Gabriel approaches Helen in a dick move that ends up with her meeting his family as his fiance.
Aside from that craziness, one of her clients attempts to attack her, slander her and kidnap her.
Aside from that craziness, one of her clients attempts to attack her, slander her and kidnap her.
May 2, 2022
As seen on my blog (Jessie's Reading Corner):
Hit or Miss is another excellent story by Josie Watts in her Scandal in Sweet Side series. As common with the other books in this series you can expect some girl gang shenanigans, animals that like to cause havoc, a little mystery and a ton of steamy romance!
I really enjoyed reading Gabriel and Helen’s story! I loved watching them fall for each other (especially Gabriel) and I loved how committed he became once he realized that he did love Helen! I loved how Julia and her band of misfits were persistent in trying to involve Helen in their shenanigans. Helen struggles to accept genuine friendship from people due to something that happened in her past, and it was great to see when she finally accepted their friendship. The c*ck ramming goats were hysterical and provided an additional level of humor in this book. I loved Gabriel’s family in this, especially Gabriel’s parents. I loved how Gabriel and his dad worked on their relationship throughout the book and I enjoyed catching up with Julia, Grant, Sophia and Elaine (among others.)
I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a steamy rom com and I am already looking forward to the next one in the series!
Hit or Miss is another excellent story by Josie Watts in her Scandal in Sweet Side series. As common with the other books in this series you can expect some girl gang shenanigans, animals that like to cause havoc, a little mystery and a ton of steamy romance!
I really enjoyed reading Gabriel and Helen’s story! I loved watching them fall for each other (especially Gabriel) and I loved how committed he became once he realized that he did love Helen! I loved how Julia and her band of misfits were persistent in trying to involve Helen in their shenanigans. Helen struggles to accept genuine friendship from people due to something that happened in her past, and it was great to see when she finally accepted their friendship. The c*ck ramming goats were hysterical and provided an additional level of humor in this book. I loved Gabriel’s family in this, especially Gabriel’s parents. I loved how Gabriel and his dad worked on their relationship throughout the book and I enjoyed catching up with Julia, Grant, Sophia and Elaine (among others.)
I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a steamy rom com and I am already looking forward to the next one in the series!
August 13, 2022
I love this series! It’s so insanely underrated.
My only issue with this book is that there was no grand love declaration. This whole book the two characters have been hiding their emotions from each other, but at the end, there was no real reveal or anything. The book was definitely still good, but I feel like the best part was left out.
3.5/5
My only issue with this book is that there was no grand love declaration. This whole book the two characters have been hiding their emotions from each other, but at the end, there was no real reveal or anything. The book was definitely still good, but I feel like the best part was left out.
3.5/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2022
Spoilers...summary for my own benefit. This is the 3rd book in a series. Helen is a professional who works for Grant Servantes from Hook, Line & Sinker book. Grant's family has ties to organized crime, but he runs a legitimate business. Helen is a former pageant queen who is now planning to host a unique pageant that focuses on things other than the contestants' appearance. The owner of the hotel, Gabriel, that will host the pageant wants the hotel to be renovated, but his father doesn't want to invest more money into it. In a scheme to get his parents to take him seriously and go along with the renovation, he introduces Helen to them as his fiance which is a total surprise to Helen. When he explains his reason, she realizes the scheme could benefit her as well because she would like the hotel renovated before her pageant. They pretend to be engaged for a while and friends and family find out. Helen and Gabriel start to fall in love, but each of them is afraid to tell the other in fear of rejection. Both of them have to work through family and personal problems, but they end up together in the end and get married.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2022
Absolutely loved the start of this book and it kept me intriuged all the way through. Some great characters as always with this series, but the one liners between Gabriel and Helen are brilliant and kept me chuckling all the way through the storyline. Although their relationship starts under false pretences you're routing for them both as they progress from one disaster to another.... but it's all so worth it....but watch out there is danger about in unexpected places. Once again the senior citizens play an important part in the story...and of course the goats! You have to read it and find out more..
December 8, 2022
Another fun book in the Sweet Side series! Helen Marlowe works for Grant Servantes, and she also wants to put on some type of a pageant. While looking for a location, she visits a hotel owned and run by Gabriel Starkweather. The next time they run into each other, Gabriel introduces her to his parents has his fiancée! He convinces Helen to go along with the farce - she'll get an updated even location out of it and help from his influential mother. There were a few things that never really got addressed, which happened in the last book as well, but overall I enjoyed this book a lot and loved the returning characters.
November 18, 2025
A fantastic edition to this series
I really enjoyed my time back with these characters and suggest this series wholeheartedly.
From the get go, I knew Gabriel would be very well suited to Helen, even if she wasn't accepting his feelings were true.
The found family aspects of this series is AMAZING and this couple absolutely needed them.
I cannot say enough about the creativity of this author and the way her characters seem to come alive on the pages.
Reading in order is strongly suggested, so you don't give yourself spoilers.
I can't wait for more from this talented author 😍
I really enjoyed my time back with these characters and suggest this series wholeheartedly.
From the get go, I knew Gabriel would be very well suited to Helen, even if she wasn't accepting his feelings were true.
The found family aspects of this series is AMAZING and this couple absolutely needed them.
I cannot say enough about the creativity of this author and the way her characters seem to come alive on the pages.
Reading in order is strongly suggested, so you don't give yourself spoilers.
I can't wait for more from this talented author 😍
April 17, 2022
Josie Watts (aka Janice Whiteaker) writes another hilarious rom-com with a theme that needs to be heard by many all while making you laugh out loud and also bring a tear to your eyes. The dashingly handsome Gabriel wants his family to respect him and he decided that Helen was the key to achieving that goal. It's a win, win situation until greed, goats and a geriatric GirlGang get involved.
Hit or Miss is another great addition to the Scandal in Sweet Side series.
Hit or Miss is another great addition to the Scandal in Sweet Side series.
April 27, 2022
Good book
I enjoyed this book and can see me reading it again. It has a lot of feel good moments. I love how sweet and attentive Gabriel is to Helen. He really showed her he cared. His family dynamic was interesting. I would’ve liked the ending to include a declaration of love between them but up it was a bit subtle and then next thing I knew, they were together for good. It still had a lot of sweet moments, some funny situations and fun supporting casts.
I enjoyed this book and can see me reading it again. It has a lot of feel good moments. I love how sweet and attentive Gabriel is to Helen. He really showed her he cared. His family dynamic was interesting. I would’ve liked the ending to include a declaration of love between them but up it was a bit subtle and then next thing I knew, they were together for good. It still had a lot of sweet moments, some funny situations and fun supporting casts.
May 15, 2022
I liked that the woman was smart and successful and had a supportive group of friends. I liked that the guy wasn't a slut and chose the girl to impress his family.
The mafia thing at the end was a bit out there. Grant and his family were disappointing. They just looked intimidating but didn't actually do anything. Grant should have taught Gabe how to improve his fighting skills and then Gabe could have used them on the kidnapper guy.
The mafia thing at the end was a bit out there. Grant and his family were disappointing. They just looked intimidating but didn't actually do anything. Grant should have taught Gabe how to improve his fighting skills and then Gabe could have used them on the kidnapper guy.
May 26, 2022
You are Beautiful
As I have become accustomed to, with regard to JW authored books, this romance is chock full of quirky, likeable characters, intriguing dialog, and hot romantic moments. The H/h both have identity issues, and it is so beautiful the way JW tells the story of their journey to wholeness and love. For a romcom, the story delves into some heavy emotions, but still and all, the way it's told doesn't bring the reader down, it lifts them up!
As I have become accustomed to, with regard to JW authored books, this romance is chock full of quirky, likeable characters, intriguing dialog, and hot romantic moments. The H/h both have identity issues, and it is so beautiful the way JW tells the story of their journey to wholeness and love. For a romcom, the story delves into some heavy emotions, but still and all, the way it's told doesn't bring the reader down, it lifts them up!
September 19, 2022
Great Story! All the feels!
You will laugh, maybe cry, and enjoy a bit of action as well. The hijinxs we’ve come to expect showed up! All I can say is I need a pet goat!! The banter between Gabriel and Helen was top notch too! These two spent so long trying to please everyone else and to see them not only come to terms with that but grow even more was done masterfully! Get this book! You won’t be disappointed!
You will laugh, maybe cry, and enjoy a bit of action as well. The hijinxs we’ve come to expect showed up! All I can say is I need a pet goat!! The banter between Gabriel and Helen was top notch too! These two spent so long trying to please everyone else and to see them not only come to terms with that but grow even more was done masterfully! Get this book! You won’t be disappointed!
June 4, 2023
Feel good, fake relationship romcom, with some light romantic suspense.
Helen and Gabriel are charming and witty and I really enjoyed not only their character growth, but that of those around them. This book is a cozy, easy read and should be satisfying for fans of the previous two books in the series.
Probably could be read as a standalone but I don't think you'd get as much out of it without the connection to previously introduced characters.
Helen and Gabriel are charming and witty and I really enjoyed not only their character growth, but that of those around them. This book is a cozy, easy read and should be satisfying for fans of the previous two books in the series.
Probably could be read as a standalone but I don't think you'd get as much out of it without the connection to previously introduced characters.
March 5, 2024
Helen and Gabriel's fake engagement if convenience helps them both find what they've been missing...love, friendship and family.
I think my favorite quote is from Gabriel's dad, Ted I
G: "What if she decides she likes being away from me?"
T: "Then you're f'd anyway. You can't trick her into wanting to be with you by being up her ass all the time. You have to give her room to see what she's trying to to ignore."
I think my favorite quote is from Gabriel's dad, Ted I
G: "What if she decides she likes being away from me?"
T: "Then you're f'd anyway. You can't trick her into wanting to be with you by being up her ass all the time. You have to give her room to see what she's trying to to ignore."
July 8, 2025
Funny that this is called hit or miss… I wanted to like this book but just couldn’t. DNF at 85%. Helen’s lack of understanding on how friends work, her complete lack of any business acumen or planning skills for her pageant, and much of the storyline was just very juvenile. While these sort of books should be outrageously cute and funny, this one was just outrageous and couldn’t keep my attention.
September 1, 2025
Fake it 'til you Make it
Helen and Gabriel have the same goal, update The Pearl, the hotel his family owns. To help with that, Gabriel introduces Helen to his family as his fiance to speed along the remodel and help Helen with her pageant. Luckily what started out as fake, quickly becomes real. The story keeps you on your toes, the writing is superb, and the spice is just right. Enjoy!
Helen and Gabriel have the same goal, update The Pearl, the hotel his family owns. To help with that, Gabriel introduces Helen to his family as his fiance to speed along the remodel and help Helen with her pageant. Luckily what started out as fake, quickly becomes real. The story keeps you on your toes, the writing is superb, and the spice is just right. Enjoy!
May 13, 2022
I was a bit late getting to read this one. I usually buy and read the day she has any new releases. I have NEVER been disappointed. This book is no exception. Laugh out loud funny and hotter than my favorite sin with a truck load of sweet!
July 5, 2022
Spoiler alert
The story was going really great but i feel i have missed out on 3 chapters at the end..... WTF happened ... why was Helen kinapped, what was going to happen? (Says with face scrunched up in disappointment 😒🤨😞)😧
The story was going really great but i feel i have missed out on 3 chapters at the end..... WTF happened ... why was Helen kinapped, what was going to happen? (Says with face scrunched up in disappointment 😒🤨😞)😧
March 28, 2023
hilarious and easy to read
I absolutely loved the most recent addition to Sweet Side! It was hilarious, easy to read, and super entertaining. I read the book quickly, unable to put it down.
I absolutely loved the most recent addition to Sweet Side! It was hilarious, easy to read, and super entertaining. I read the book quickly, unable to put it down.
February 14, 2024
Caution, Goat Crossing!
When Gabriel decided that Helen should be his fiancee, neither of them were prepared for the changes coming in their lives. Particularly since they barely knew each other, or the goats!
When Gabriel decided that Helen should be his fiancee, neither of them were prepared for the changes coming in their lives. Particularly since they barely knew each other, or the goats!
May 8, 2022
great book
The characters,the romance and the stories wrapped in a little suspense. A great Tory and highly recommended. I really enjoyed it..
The characters,the romance and the stories wrapped in a little suspense. A great Tory and highly recommended. I really enjoyed it..
May 30, 2022
What isn’t there to love about a light romance novel with goats!
November 25, 2022
You did it again! ❤️
Great characters and loved the story. In love with the goats! Hope animals are in next book too! Just not bookworms! 😊
Great characters and loved the story. In love with the goats! Hope animals are in next book too! Just not bookworms! 😊
April 4, 2023
Once again, it was like this book ended without giving us all of the details.
August 9, 2023
Whatta story!!
You will love it, entertaining funny. Goats and family problems , lies, fake and real feelings comes out to a happy ending
You will love it, entertaining funny. Goats and family problems , lies, fake and real feelings comes out to a happy ending
February 11, 2024
great book
A must read! Exciting keeps you wanting to not put your book down make sure you get all 3 books in this series
A must read! Exciting keeps you wanting to not put your book down make sure you get all 3 books in this series
June 21, 2024
I just love this series!
I love the Sweet Side Series, Helen and Gabriel’s book was a great addition.
It was everything we come to expect from one of Jose’s books; Witty, fun, serious, laugh out loud moments with Sylvia causing chaos and plenty romance.
Gabriel and Helen’s relationship may have started out under false pretences, but that didn’t last for long, however not all parties got the memo, or more like they were protecting themselves from a misunderstanding!
This was a fantastic read, touching on the sensitive subject of Anorexia, which ultimately paved the way for Helen’s life choices.
Gabriel’s life choices were paved for him, only he just never knew.
All comes to light quite unexpectedly!
Looking forward to the next instalment of Sweet Side with By the Book.
I love the Sweet Side Series, Helen and Gabriel’s book was a great addition.
It was everything we come to expect from one of Jose’s books; Witty, fun, serious, laugh out loud moments with Sylvia causing chaos and plenty romance.
Gabriel and Helen’s relationship may have started out under false pretences, but that didn’t last for long, however not all parties got the memo, or more like they were protecting themselves from a misunderstanding!
This was a fantastic read, touching on the sensitive subject of Anorexia, which ultimately paved the way for Helen’s life choices.
Gabriel’s life choices were paved for him, only he just never knew.
All comes to light quite unexpectedly!
Looking forward to the next instalment of Sweet Side with By the Book.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews