Loving Brooke

by Elsa Winckler

Can two friends fake love or will their fake relationship end their real friendship?

Irritated by their families continued efforts to get them together, good friends widow Brooke Johnson and Gavin Wilson decide to fake a relationship for the next two weeks. But then Gavin kisses her, making her aware of the desires she’d suppressed for so long.

Suddenly, Brooke struggles to focus on finishing paintings for an upcoming exhibition and her simple life becomes way more complicated than before.

When a creepy gallery manager makes her life unpleasant, Gavin wants to take control of the situation and red lights flicker. Brooke had made a vow to handle her own problems rather than relying on someone. Her husband’s death had left her in the dark about finances. She couldn’t let Gavin take over but will their new romance stand up to her hands off attitude? Or will Brooke learn that it’s okay to lean on the ones you love sometimes?
But in the small town of Alisson, Montana, love will find a way.

This classic friends to lovers and fake relationship story will be sure to delight fans of Nora Roberts and Susan Mallery. Come be swept away, today, by this amazing story!

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance

192 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 11, 2022

About the author

I have been reading love stories for as long as I can remember and when I ‘met’ the classic authors like Jane Austen, Elizabeth Gaskell, Henry James The Brontë sisters, etc. during my studies, I was hooked for life.
I married my college boyfriend and soul mate and we are fortunate to live in the picturesque little seaside village of Betty's Bay, South Africa with the ocean a block away and a beautiful mountain right behind us. And although life so far has not always been an easy ride, it has always been an exiting and interesting one!
I like the heroines in my stories to be beautiful, feisty, independent and headstrong. And the heroes must be strong but possess a generous amount of sensitivity. They are of course, also gorgeous! My stories typically incorporate the family background of the characters to better understand where they come from and who they are when we meet them in the story.

Reviews

[Carolien · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Brooke and Graham have known each other for three years, ever since Brooke's brother married Graham's sister. While there has been undeniable chemistry, they have not acted on it. Brooke was still processing the death of her husband and learning to be independent despite her ability to lose herself in her art for hours on end. But now their families are interfering and so to stop the match-making, they decide to enter into a fake relationship for 2 weeks. Except maybe they don't want it to end. Steamy and sweet as expected from this series. It was exactly the right tone to read as a final treat for the year.

While I enjoyed this series overall, it is very light reading. If you want to try a more substantial romance series by Elsa Winckler, I recommend the Cavallo Brothers series.

[Cindi Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a sucker for romance where characters get a second chance at love and Brooke and Gavin’s story is just that.

Brooke is a widow and Gavin is the brother of her close friends. It’s ranch country in Montana and the men are strong, protective of their women and passionate. Gavin is no exception. With a meddling matchmaker at play, Gavin and Brooke go the fake relationship route to put an end to the small-town meddlers (mainly his sisters and Brooke’s own mum!). But soon things heat up and no kissing rule is broken.

No one writes swoon-worthy kissing scenes like Elsa Winckler and I can only highly recommend this book and the entire series.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book three in The Unexpected Love series and it is Brooke and Gavin's story. Brooke and Gavin are friend's but when there meddlesome family's constantly interfere trying to get them together romantically Brooke and Gavin decide to matters into there own hands by taking a relationship so that they can get everyone off there backs but when something unexpected happens it not only complicated things for them but also throws them completely off kilter. I absolutely loved this book and even though Brooke and Gavin have there own issues and problems will they be able to move forward and be together or will there friendship completely fall apart around them only time will tell what the outcome would be for them. This book has a great storyline that had you turning the pages wondering what would happen next and kept your attention throughout and I look forward to reading more book's in the future.

I Voluntarily Reviewed a Copy of This Book.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Widow Brooke is fed up of everyone trying to fix her up after the death of her husband. With Gavin they decide to fake a relationship but will it stay that way! A simple life becomes difficult with romance, chemistry, jealousy and interfering families as Brooke and Gavin find their way in this sweet friends to lovers romance.

[Rach3l · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read. I feel like the family meddling was a little much. A few times I just wanted to scream at them to back off. But overall I enjoyed the book.

Side note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review

[Viktoria Hergovich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loving Brooke is book #3 in the Unexpected Love series by Elsa Winckler, but it can be read as standalone.

I really liked Brooke and Gavin's story. I think the meddling of their families is adorable. I could easily picture this book as film - romantic and funny with a hint of suspense!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rita Graves · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read! Brooke and Gavin start with a fake relationship but end up with the real deal after some unwanted help from their well meaning but slightly meddlesome family. After overcoming past issues, they find a sweet, loving future. This is the first book in the series I have read but excited to read the sisters stories now. I hope Eleanor the mastermind behind all the matchmaking ends up with her own story as well.

[Corinne Dewey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am reviewing it voluntarily

Well this story had me muttering away to myself whilst reading it I had strong reactions from frustration to sadness realising we put ourselves through a lot of pain by being stubborn and refusing to listen

The usual family interfering was really annoying something I can relate to!

A lovely romantic story how I wish I knew people who could put together a celebration so quickly

It would have been nice if they weren’t so well off as most of us couldn’t afford to do what they did

[Sarah Cudlipp · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fake relationship trope is one of my favorites! The sparks were flying between Gavin and Brooke. Their fake relationship was blind to become real from moment one. The chemistry between these two was way too much for them to just remain friends.

I will say while I do love Brooke’s family and Gavin’s family, their meddling drove me a little crazy. I loved that they wanted the two of them to get together and could see what they were missing was going on between them. But they pushed a lot. And just annoyed me a bit with how much they did it. Sometimes you have to just let people find their own way to one another. I know their hearts and intentions were in the right place but there were times I wanted Brooke to just let out how frustrating that really was.

I loved both of these characters and have been waiting for Gavin to get his story since his appearance in the first book. He is such a sweet, loving, and protective character. He was exactly what Brooke needed. And Brooke is an independent single mom who doesn’t want others to think she needs help. But I liked that Gavin showed her it’s ok to need help and that we all do sometimes.

The romance was incredible between Gavin and Brooke. And there was a perfect amount of suspense sprinkled throughout the book as well. It was very intriguing and kept me on high alert, waiting for something to happen. And things between Gavin and Brooke were more than just a little swoon worthy. I really loved this book and I hope there are going to be more in the series!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with the other books in this series this is a great love story. Brooke and Gavin start out in a fake relationship to get their intertwined families off their backs. But one kiss shows them both that their feelings are far more real than either would like to admit to themselves or each other. They both have to get past their own issues and determination to be self-sufficient to find happiness together. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jill Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much I just couldn’t put it down. Brooke and Gavin were meant for each other. Gavin knew this ….. he just needed to persuade Brooke and what better way than a fake relationship. I loved how close the family are but. Their meddling was a bit over the top. Hope to see Brooke’s mums story soon, she deserves it.
I received a copy from Booksirens and leave my review voluntarily.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loving Brooke by Elsa Winckler is a good, and enjoyable small town friends to lovers romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brooke and Gavin were perfect for each other in Loving Brooke, by Elsa Winckler; book three the Unexpected Love Series. Brooke Johnson and Gavin Wilson find themselves attracted to each other and with all the family meddling, decide to have a fake relationship to keep their families off their backs. After all, their families are entwined with Brooke’s older brother married to one of Gavin’s sisters. Both families want to see them together, even single mom Brooke’s young son; so the pressure is on. It only took one kiss to show them that their feelings are far more real than either would willingly admit. Since her husband's death Brooke has been determined to be self-sufficient and refuses Gavin's offer to help, even when she has some issues with a creepy gallery manager. She's really too stubborn for her own good. Gavin is quite protective, just as he was with his sisters. He was hurt badly by an ex who said some harsh things to him; hurting his confidence about being in a relationship. It’s not long before this fake relationship is soon feeling more and more like the real deal. The find the sparks are flying and the chemistry sizzles before they find they need to work things out and get the sweet, loving future they both deserve. I hope Brooke’s mom, Eleanor, the mastermind behind all the matchmaking of these couples, ends up with her own story. I highly recommend Loving Brooke to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Berta Greenleaf Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3 is as wonderful as the other two books in the Unexpected Love Series by Elsa Winckler. Brooke and Gavin get into a "fake" relationship to keep the other women in their families from matchmaking. Only it turns out they fall in love with each other without letting the other know. He is afraid he will never be what she needs and she is afraid to fall in love again following the death of her husband. After a few misunderstandings and misadventures they find they can not live without each other. They do get a HEA. I totally highly recommend this book, along with others in the series.

I received this book as an Arc and am leaving a review voluntarily.

[Christine Woinich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slow start but I fell into the story, kept turning pages. Brooke and Gavin were wounded in different ways by their pasts. Together, they came alive. I enjoyed Brooke's artistic/creative personality. Her love for her family gave her the strength she needed to move on. Gavin felt guilty because of his past, but with the help of Brooke and his sisters nudging him, he realized his own true worth. There were laughs, sighs, and tears as I read. I loved the story and recommend it.

I received a copy of this story through Xpresso Tours, and this is my unsolicited review.

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two friends fake a relationship to please their families but one kiss changes everything. In Loving Brooke, Elsa Winckler delves into two of my all-time favourite tropes: friends-to-lovers and fake relationship. This romance is filled with family matchmaking, oodles of romantic tension, and characters I simply adore. Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop.

Let’s start with the characters. If you’ve read the previous two books, you’ll remember sweet Brooke. She’s a widow raising a little boy on her own. She’s also an artist. I connected with her on so many levels. I admire her strength and fortitude. She’s got a lot of love to share, if only she opens her heart. Gavin is just the man to lend a helping hand, if only he can get out of the friend zone. I found him to be such an intriguing hero. He’s got a lot of layers and complexities. Can he be there for Brooke? You have to read Loving Brooke to find out.

Once again, Elsa Winckler has penned an emotional romance. She infuses emotion into every story she writes. After all, falling in love is all about emotion.

If you’re looking for a romance you can’t put down, pick up Loving Brooke.

My Rating: 5 stars

Reviewed by: Nancy

This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...

[BP34 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Unexpected Love Series but is read as a standalone. Brooke was a widow and Gavin was her good friend. Their parents were constantly bugging them about getting together and it was annoying to everyone. They finally decided they would fake dating for a couple of weeks so they could get some peace. Brooke is is determined to be on her own since her husband's death and refuses Gavin's offer of help when she hits some snags with a creepy gallery owner. She's really too stubborn for her own good. As you can imagine feelings start to surface and the chemistry starts popping. Do they make fake real? Is she willing to accept Gavin's help. This was a good book was was a quick read with some drama and angst. Engaging story line and characters. I read a free advance reader copy via Booksirens and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Elmaret Fourie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brooke and Gavin certainly took notice of each other but as a widow, she had her chance at love and besides she is never going to feel out of depth again as far as a man taking care of everything like she felt after her husband passed on. As for Gavin…he wasn’t capable of marriage according to his ex-girlfriend and he still felt guilty for not being there for his sister(s) when needed and just want to take care of all if needed. Luckily 7-year-old Connor decides that since his mother isn’t big on cooking and he heard grandma Eleanor mention uncle Gavin is a great cook, that is a solution to their problem. Loving Brooke has all the elements from Kissing Charlie and Protecting Lindsay but is my personal favourite. What an emotional rollercoaster second chance love story this is!

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome story. Brooke is a widow and she has a small son. She is an artist and it’s starting to earn her a name. Gavin moves from South Africa to be closer to his two sisters. Gavin’s brother-in-law, Logan helps him with a job. Brooke is Logan’s sister. They’ve watched one another from a far. Gavin is friends with her mother and son, Connor. Gavin loves to cook and that grabs Conor’s attention. There are difficulties to tackle, and those that try to get in the way. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and look forward to reading future books by Ms Winckler.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe it was because I didn't start at the first book but I absolutely did not enjoy any character in this book other than our H/h. I could not get passed how intrusive they were. They had no regard for anyone but themselves and their opinions. I mean planning the wedding and buying things before anyone is even dating?

[Malvina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is about widowed painter Brooke and Gavin, who's a business partner with her brother. The 'fake' relationship they had was fun, but Brooke fails to realise Gavin's playing for keeps. At times I found her attitude fairly selfish and immature, I guess that was part of the book's conflict, but it didn't seem to fit someone who'd been married before. Still, a charming story.

[CAH - malphrusc · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet fake relationship that turns into more once the #failuretocommunicate gets resolved. Enjoyed this story and the wonderful happily ever after in spite of the meddling family members.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Hester Bökelmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Single mom Brooke paints the Kiss not realizing that she is subconsciously fantasizing about her about a very Sexy Gavin Wilson. The books goes from steamy to sweet like sugar cane. In the end she paints Gavin Wilson caring, gentle loving and compassionate. loved it.

[Hsiau Wei · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brooke and Gavin are friend but when their family started to play Cupid to get them together, both of them decided to play pretend to be involved to each other to get their family off their back. Only it turns out they fall in love with each other without letting each other know.

This book has a great storyline that make you turning the pages and kept your attention throughout the book. Love both Brooke and Gavin, him being sweet and loving and Brooke, being so independent and stubborn in her own way. She know want she want. Overall it is a delightful read to me.

[Rhyann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gavin was certainly a compelling love interest, and I loved how consistent he was throughout the story.
I loved Brooke at the start, and how open she was with Gavin. She was such a likable love interest, allowing her son to bond with Gavin despite her own reservations about a romantic relationship.
However, what I didn't enjoy was how she responded to Gavin during the third act conflict. While I understand that it was necessary to support the progression of the plot, everything that she said and did seemed so out of character.
For someone who was so outspoken at first about how she was feeling, everything that followed seemed almost unnatural. And for that reason, this story gets 4/5 stars.

NOTE: ARC received in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.