What do you think?
Rate this book
The Spotted Dog #3
Returning
For two Type A workaholics, navigating a three-month fake relationship should be no problem. But as they blur the line between pretend and real, deadly violence erupts around them. Someone is out to destroy them . . .
As co-owner of The Spotted Dog, Jake Alvarez is an admitted workaholic. Along with his duties at the Seattle Irish pub, he runs Alvarez Technologies, a wildly successful mobile gaming company. With the ghosts of his past lingering, his hectic schedule is the perfect excuse to keep romantic relationships at the very bottom of his priority list.
After a three-year absence, Carmen Cunningham has returned to Seattle to lead her family’s nonprofit organization. With her polished facade in place, she’s determined to focus on work, and not the matchmaking busy bodies constantly reminding her of her age. And her three failed marriages.
A fake relationship between the two friends is the perfect solution. Until their playful flirting becomes more. As the secrets they’ve been hiding begin to surface, someone is watching. Someone intent on destroying them . . .
Author’s Note: Please check the author’s website for all tropes and CWs.
As co-owner of The Spotted Dog, Jake Alvarez is an admitted workaholic. Along with his duties at the Seattle Irish pub, he runs Alvarez Technologies, a wildly successful mobile gaming company. With the ghosts of his past lingering, his hectic schedule is the perfect excuse to keep romantic relationships at the very bottom of his priority list.
After a three-year absence, Carmen Cunningham has returned to Seattle to lead her family’s nonprofit organization. With her polished facade in place, she’s determined to focus on work, and not the matchmaking busy bodies constantly reminding her of her age. And her three failed marriages.
A fake relationship between the two friends is the perfect solution. Until their playful flirting becomes more. As the secrets they’ve been hiding begin to surface, someone is watching. Someone intent on destroying them . . .
Author’s Note: Please check the author’s website for all tropes and CWs.
- GenresSuspense
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 31, 2023
26 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Christina Sol
9 books51 followersChristina Sol is an award-winning author who writes what she loves to read — romance books filled with heart, heat, and suspense.
An avid reader from the get-go, Christina was obsessed with The Babysitters Club, Sweet Valley Twins, Sweet Valley High, Christopher Pike, and all things V. C. Andrews. Her love for romance started with the Sunfire books, a YA historical romance series. Caroline by Willo Davis Roberts was her favorite of the series, and a copy of the 1984 novel is one of her most treasured possessions. Then she discovered Danielle Steele and Nora Roberts. And never looked back. She’s still a voracious reader and enjoys all genres of romance, but leans toward romantic suspense and dark romance.
She lives in the inland Pacific Northwest with her husband and two kids. When she’s not writing, reading, or knitting, she’s watching football or fueling her planner, sticker, and washi-tape obsession.
An avid reader from the get-go, Christina was obsessed with The Babysitters Club, Sweet Valley Twins, Sweet Valley High, Christopher Pike, and all things V. C. Andrews. Her love for romance started with the Sunfire books, a YA historical romance series. Caroline by Willo Davis Roberts was her favorite of the series, and a copy of the 1984 novel is one of her most treasured possessions. Then she discovered Danielle Steele and Nora Roberts. And never looked back. She’s still a voracious reader and enjoys all genres of romance, but leans toward romantic suspense and dark romance.
She lives in the inland Pacific Northwest with her husband and two kids. When she’s not writing, reading, or knitting, she’s watching football or fueling her planner, sticker, and washi-tape obsession.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 30, 2023
Returning is an action packed tale of romance, suspense and friendship.
Sol really knows how to write a friend group. I have loved the gang since the first book and watching them grow closer is such a joy. It's great to see friendship that lasts through tough times and these characters certainly go through the ringer.
Sol also really delivers on the emotional side of romance. I always find myself tearing up in her books. She breaks my heart just to mend it. The emotional journey for both MCs was inspiring, especially for Carmen. Carmen and Jake have emotional baggage from their pasts and it catches up to them here. It was lovely seeing them support each other and be the other's person. The relationship from friends to lovers progressed nicely and was believable. Jake is totally a sexy nerd! I fell for him so hard. Carmen was incredibly relatable and inspiring too.
The story is well written that it just seems to fly by in a blink of an eye. I devoured it and I think other readers will do the same.
Would recommend for readers who like fake dating, friends to lovers, friend group, romantic suspense, drama, emotional romances, non-stop action, sexy nerds, strong heroines, and steamy romances.
*Thank you to Greys Promotions & the author for providing an ARC. I voluntarily read & reviewed it. All thoughts & opinions are my own.*
Sol really knows how to write a friend group. I have loved the gang since the first book and watching them grow closer is such a joy. It's great to see friendship that lasts through tough times and these characters certainly go through the ringer.
Sol also really delivers on the emotional side of romance. I always find myself tearing up in her books. She breaks my heart just to mend it. The emotional journey for both MCs was inspiring, especially for Carmen. Carmen and Jake have emotional baggage from their pasts and it catches up to them here. It was lovely seeing them support each other and be the other's person. The relationship from friends to lovers progressed nicely and was believable. Jake is totally a sexy nerd! I fell for him so hard. Carmen was incredibly relatable and inspiring too.
The story is well written that it just seems to fly by in a blink of an eye. I devoured it and I think other readers will do the same.
Would recommend for readers who like fake dating, friends to lovers, friend group, romantic suspense, drama, emotional romances, non-stop action, sexy nerds, strong heroines, and steamy romances.
*Thank you to Greys Promotions & the author for providing an ARC. I voluntarily read & reviewed it. All thoughts & opinions are my own.*
January 30, 2023
This is the third book in this series, and this is Jack and Carmen’s story. Jack is a workaholic, and is co-owner of the Spotted Dog, as well as runs a highly successful mobile gaming company. Carmen has been away for three years and has returned to take over her family’s non-profit organization. These two are destined to be soulmates, as they move from friends / lovers, but someone has a hidden agenda to tear them apart. This is a well written story which has undeniable chemistry, secrets, mystery, suspense, danger, intrigue, family, friendship, and love, which leads to a heartwarming and addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
February 3, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed Returning, an incredible romantic thriller by Christina Sol, the third and final book in her The Spotted Dog series. Who does not love a best friend’s sister romantic thriller with a happily ever after ending? It was an incredible story and I loved reading every moment on every page and it was impossible to put it down. She provided her readers with the amazing characters, that I loved, who feel like close friends! Christina Sol is a wonderful storyteller. Her characters in Returning are so believable and charming, they share great chemistry, lots of laughs, and steamy romance. I love how she developed the story line and the characters. I love that she wrote Returning from the perspective of the main characters. I love getting inside their minds and knowing their thoughts and how they really feel. Returning is filled with heartbreaking and heartwarming moments. I love the lighter moments where I find myself smiling and laughing out loud. My favorite moments are the ones that pull at my heartstrings that cause me to sigh, as I read the heartbreaking moments. Returning is filled with all those things that I have come to love in a romantic thriller love story, especially the poignant and bittersweet moments that filled this page turner. Returning is the story of Carmen Cunningham, President of Development and Operations of Clean Water Campaign and her brother, Parker’s best friend, Jake Alvarez, owner of Alvarez Technologies and co-owner of The Spotted Dog. Carmen and Jake have known each other since college. Carmen recently returned home to Seattle after spending most of her career traveling the world for Clean Water Campaign. She has been married and divorced three times in those years, and when her most recent ex-husband, Brian and a former romantic interest show up in Seattle, she and Jake agree to a mutually agreeable faking dating arrangement for several months. Carmen was living with Parker and Kate and walked in on the two of them. Jake invites Carmen to move in with him after her life appears to be in danger and she takes Jake up on his offer. I love the chemistry between Carmen and Jake, how the sparks fly when they are near one another and that it was more than chemistry, it was love. As Jake and Carmen continue to spend time together, they each realize that they have feelings for one another, and things quickly heat up between them. Mysterious events are occurring regarding Carmen. I love everything that Jake does for Carmen. I love that Carmen shares secrets about what happened to her in Brazil with Jake that she has not told anyone before, and that Jake shares his own secrets with Carmen, especially about his relationship with his college girlfriend Lara, and his difficult childhood. I love Jake and Carmen’s love story, and how Carmen shows her vulnerable side to Jake. Then an unexpected plot twist changes things between them, puts Carmen’s life and Jake’s twin brother, Matt’s life in danger. I love how the plot twist shows Carmen’s vulnerable side, and all that Jake is willing to do for Carmen to prove his love and that he will put her first. I love all the changes that both Carmen and Jake are willing to make in their lives because of their love for one another. My favorite part of the story was the epilogue and how it went above and beyond a happily ever after, especially Jake’s proposal. I love the characters and the family dynamic in Returning, the characters feel like family and friends. I loved catching up with Raven, Blake, Kate and Parker. I enjoyed all the interactions between Carmen, Jake, and their friends, it feels like real family love and makes me laugh at their teasing. Who does not love family and friends that always have each other’s backs? Returning is filled with all those things that I love in a romantic thriller, incredible characters, amazing story, poignant and bittersweet moments, and surprise plot twists. Christina Sol did not disappoint in her delivery of those things. I love how she resolved the surprise plot twist; it was truly a heartwarming moment. Returning was a bittersweet book knowing that it was the last story in her Spotted Dog series, but I loved that she hinted at a new Hudson Valley series at the end of the book and I am so looking forward to reading her next series. Returning was an amazing story and I highly recommend it if you love a romantic thriller.
January 25, 2023
Returning is fantastic. Christina Sol combines a friends-to-lovers storyline with mystery beautifully. Although I've only just read Reclaiming in The Spotted Dog series, I can tell that this author is going to be a go-to for me when I need the very best in romantic suspense.
The entire book flows easily with fabulous characters in Carmen Cunningham and Jake Alvarez, who find in each other their perfectly imperfect match even though both harbor deep secrets and fears that prevent them from previously finding their forever kind of happiness. Carmen is a spitfire who is very successful in her family's business while Jake is a self-made millionaire with superior tech skills. I loved them both separately and together as they are equally strong-willed yet crave the comfort and security that only the other can provide.
The fact that they are close friends within the tight-knit Spotted Dog circle only adds to the chemistry they may have missed during the years prior to the present day. But once they start a very favorable 'arrangement' in order to have that annoying 'plus-one' taken care of for various business and personal events, all bets are off and their passion takes over in the best of ways.
The mystery/suspense part of the story is woven throughout this book perfectly as troubled moments from Carmen's recent past together with despicable characters threaten to become known once more. I have to say that I was so much in awe of Carmen's strength and how she could pull it together when necessary in order to thwart those trying to sabotage her wanting to simply move forward and keep the past where it belonged. She could be stoic when needed and yet, thankfully, had Jake's strong arms and soul to continue to keep her safe from her horrific memories and equally sad thoughts.
Both Carmen and Jake navigate carefully through their new relationship as old flames continue to throw detours in their way. Combined with their own guilt and true compassion for those they are no longer partnered with, it's amazing they can find any semblance of joy during these tumultuous times they can't seem to rid themselves of. The book comes to one heck of a climax as the evil Carmen has tried so hard to avoid comes back in a most surprising way and I was there for every breathtaking moment.
Thankfully Sol wrote this part of the book brilliantly as friends, family, and Seattle's finest come to Carmen's aid and she's able to claim the life she so very much deserves. The love that shines in her eyes for her wonderful babe is never more evident than as those last few chapters were read. And Jake is beyond in love with his feisty sweetheart, two soulmates who finally found their other half.
Returning is full of heartwarming scenes, gorgeously sexy ones and the right amount of heartstopping ones that are seamlessly combined to offer up one really great story. I loved every minute of this exquisite journey and cannot wait for Matt's story and those from the Hudson Security crew, next. But in the meantime, I happily give this book a huge 5 stars!
The entire book flows easily with fabulous characters in Carmen Cunningham and Jake Alvarez, who find in each other their perfectly imperfect match even though both harbor deep secrets and fears that prevent them from previously finding their forever kind of happiness. Carmen is a spitfire who is very successful in her family's business while Jake is a self-made millionaire with superior tech skills. I loved them both separately and together as they are equally strong-willed yet crave the comfort and security that only the other can provide.
The fact that they are close friends within the tight-knit Spotted Dog circle only adds to the chemistry they may have missed during the years prior to the present day. But once they start a very favorable 'arrangement' in order to have that annoying 'plus-one' taken care of for various business and personal events, all bets are off and their passion takes over in the best of ways.
The mystery/suspense part of the story is woven throughout this book perfectly as troubled moments from Carmen's recent past together with despicable characters threaten to become known once more. I have to say that I was so much in awe of Carmen's strength and how she could pull it together when necessary in order to thwart those trying to sabotage her wanting to simply move forward and keep the past where it belonged. She could be stoic when needed and yet, thankfully, had Jake's strong arms and soul to continue to keep her safe from her horrific memories and equally sad thoughts.
Both Carmen and Jake navigate carefully through their new relationship as old flames continue to throw detours in their way. Combined with their own guilt and true compassion for those they are no longer partnered with, it's amazing they can find any semblance of joy during these tumultuous times they can't seem to rid themselves of. The book comes to one heck of a climax as the evil Carmen has tried so hard to avoid comes back in a most surprising way and I was there for every breathtaking moment.
Thankfully Sol wrote this part of the book brilliantly as friends, family, and Seattle's finest come to Carmen's aid and she's able to claim the life she so very much deserves. The love that shines in her eyes for her wonderful babe is never more evident than as those last few chapters were read. And Jake is beyond in love with his feisty sweetheart, two soulmates who finally found their other half.
Returning is full of heartwarming scenes, gorgeously sexy ones and the right amount of heartstopping ones that are seamlessly combined to offer up one really great story. I loved every minute of this exquisite journey and cannot wait for Matt's story and those from the Hudson Security crew, next. But in the meantime, I happily give this book a huge 5 stars!
January 20, 2023
Ms. Sol has become one of my top authors’ writing I love. This series has been so good. I hope she writes a book for Matt, Jake’s twin brother. This book has romance, macho men, and suspense. If you have read the previous books, you will remember that Parker is one of Jake’s best friends and part owner of the Spotted Dog. Jake has always been attracted to Carmen, Parker’s sister, even though she was a year older than him. Carmen was smart, gorgeous, and had just come back to Seattle after being gone on business for three years. I hated the secret that she kept to herself that affected her more than she realized. Jake had some guilt from his past that he was still affecting him. Once the two decided to pretend they were dating, I could see some sparks flying, and I hoped they would find their way to stay together. There were some scary happenings going on to Carmen that scared me. I loved how Jake, Parker, Blake (Parker and Carmen’s cousin) and Matt looked out for Carmen. I know it was hard for Carmen as she had always been a strong and independent woman. After what happened to her in Brazil, I could understand why she liked feeling protected by Jake. The suspense at times had me on the edge of my seat. I strongly encourage you to read the book. I was given a copy and voluntarily wrote a review.
February 6, 2023
So dang good! This was my first book by Christina Sol and I knew within a few chapters she was going to be a new favorite for me. My weekend was spent binge reading the rest of the series and I loved every single one of them!
Carmen has always been the confident, workaholic friend who isn’t around often due to her traveling for work. When she shows up out of the blue her friends worry there is something she isn’t telling them. She still puts on her confident front but she his hiding a painful secret.
Jake is not only friends with Carmen but best friends and business partners with her brother as well. When he sees her needing help one night he comes to her rescue and they end up working out a plan to fake a relationship to help each other out.
Jake and Carmen realize quickly that they have a connection beyond friendship and true feelings for each other. Unfortunately they both have things from their past and secrets that make things difficult. I loved both characters individually and together they were perfect.
This was an incredible friend’s to lover’s book with the perfect amount of suspense. I truly didn’t see some of the things coming which made this book so hard to put down. It wasn’t predictable like a lot of suspenseful romance books are. I can’t wait to read more from this author in the future and I am hoping to see Matt get his own book as well.
Carmen has always been the confident, workaholic friend who isn’t around often due to her traveling for work. When she shows up out of the blue her friends worry there is something she isn’t telling them. She still puts on her confident front but she his hiding a painful secret.
Jake is not only friends with Carmen but best friends and business partners with her brother as well. When he sees her needing help one night he comes to her rescue and they end up working out a plan to fake a relationship to help each other out.
Jake and Carmen realize quickly that they have a connection beyond friendship and true feelings for each other. Unfortunately they both have things from their past and secrets that make things difficult. I loved both characters individually and together they were perfect.
This was an incredible friend’s to lover’s book with the perfect amount of suspense. I truly didn’t see some of the things coming which made this book so hard to put down. It wasn’t predictable like a lot of suspenseful romance books are. I can’t wait to read more from this author in the future and I am hoping to see Matt get his own book as well.
February 1, 2023
As much as I love the other books in the series, Returning was definitely my favorite. Between the emotional connection of Carmen and Jake to the edge of your seat suspense, I couldn’t put this book down.
As much as these two workaholics have a lot in common, they are also each very different. Jake is definitely more lighthearted, while Carmen is very serious. Some of that have to do with what she experienced while she was overseas, but I think it’s also part of her underlying character. Jake seriously has a marshmallow core and his nerdy tech personality is such a great juxtaposition to his buff and brawny appearance.
Christina Sol did a great job with a twist interns of the storyline. It had me guessing and second-guessing myself on who are the ultimate bad guy was.
While I enjoyed the cameos off Jake’s best friends and partners from the previous books, (which include in Carmen‘s brother), anyone who is just starting the series should have no problem reading this book as a standalone. But I definitely encourage them to read the first two as well.
Sign me up for anything written by this new and exciting author. Her storytelling and characters thrilled and excited me from start to finish.
As much as these two workaholics have a lot in common, they are also each very different. Jake is definitely more lighthearted, while Carmen is very serious. Some of that have to do with what she experienced while she was overseas, but I think it’s also part of her underlying character. Jake seriously has a marshmallow core and his nerdy tech personality is such a great juxtaposition to his buff and brawny appearance.
Christina Sol did a great job with a twist interns of the storyline. It had me guessing and second-guessing myself on who are the ultimate bad guy was.
While I enjoyed the cameos off Jake’s best friends and partners from the previous books, (which include in Carmen‘s brother), anyone who is just starting the series should have no problem reading this book as a standalone. But I definitely encourage them to read the first two as well.
Sign me up for anything written by this new and exciting author. Her storytelling and characters thrilled and excited me from start to finish.
February 4, 2023
Returning is the first book I've read from Christina Sol. I enjoyed this one and especially loved the romantic thriller element. Returning is the third book of The Spotted Dog series, but given that they are interconnected standalones, it's not a requirement to read the previously released novels.
Returning is the story between Carmen and Jake. Jake is a workaholic, another co-owner of The Spotted Dog, who captivated me from the start. I was completely entranced with this character to the point, I was able to easily able to imagine his likeness as if he was standing right in front of me. Carmen is the sister of one of Jake's best friends who recently returns home after being away for several years. The relationship between Jake and Carmen start off very unconventional as he decides to live with him for security reasons. Their friendship slowly blooms into a passionate and steamy romance and I am all for it. Insert the thriller element and I know other readers will enjoy this one. I am planning to read the previous books in the series since I also enjoyed the best friends element. Highly recommend this one to fans of romance suspense.
Returning is the story between Carmen and Jake. Jake is a workaholic, another co-owner of The Spotted Dog, who captivated me from the start. I was completely entranced with this character to the point, I was able to easily able to imagine his likeness as if he was standing right in front of me. Carmen is the sister of one of Jake's best friends who recently returns home after being away for several years. The relationship between Jake and Carmen start off very unconventional as he decides to live with him for security reasons. Their friendship slowly blooms into a passionate and steamy romance and I am all for it. Insert the thriller element and I know other readers will enjoy this one. I am planning to read the previous books in the series since I also enjoyed the best friends element. Highly recommend this one to fans of romance suspense.
July 15, 2023
Really enjoyed this one, even more than the first two. Carmen and Jake have been friends for a long time and decide on a fake relationship to benefit them each in their own way – in hopes of stopping match-making ladies, family questions about relationships, and persistent exes while helping each other in certain social situations. Thinking they have their bases covered, aside from their questioning best friends and Carmen’s brother no one saw the danger that suddenly appeared surrounding Carmen when her past catches up with her. Everyone’s all in to help, especially since they’ve had to rally before because they’re all for protecting their own. Just as Carmen and Jake are realizing how much more their fake relationship has become, they’re blindsided with a threat no one saw coming and family is put in imminent danger. When Carmen suddenly disappears, Jake and the others have to quickly figure out what happened and who has her before her time runs out. Suspense, mystery, demons from the past, emotional turmoil, nosy family, long-time friends, surprises, secrets, humor, romance, and steam round out this great read.
January 29, 2023
Wow!! That was intense and crazy and I loved it!!! This author is fairly new to me and I haven’t read the other two of the series but I grabbed at the chance to read this one when I could!!
Carmen seems like this extremely confident, smart and powerful woman; no one would know the incredible pain and suffering she’s going through. I love her friendship with Jake!
Jake seemed like the all star of men and to show up and save the day was sexy! I love that he is also Carmen’s brother’s best friend! I would’ve never suspected Jake being the sexy nerd!!
I had so many parts were I loved them and also hated some; Brian! I couldn’t get over not knowing what was going on but I also got so distracted by Jake and Carmen in general! To say that I didn’t see the ending coming is exactly that… I NEVER saw that happening!! I know I even gasped out loud and had a hand over my mouth until the end!! I can’t wait to go read the other stories!!
Carmen seems like this extremely confident, smart and powerful woman; no one would know the incredible pain and suffering she’s going through. I love her friendship with Jake!
Jake seemed like the all star of men and to show up and save the day was sexy! I love that he is also Carmen’s brother’s best friend! I would’ve never suspected Jake being the sexy nerd!!
I had so many parts were I loved them and also hated some; Brian! I couldn’t get over not knowing what was going on but I also got so distracted by Jake and Carmen in general! To say that I didn’t see the ending coming is exactly that… I NEVER saw that happening!! I know I even gasped out loud and had a hand over my mouth until the end!! I can’t wait to go read the other stories!!
January 31, 2023
Wowser - This Story Packs it all in!!!!
Carmen is President of her family’s company; Clean Water Campaign. She traveled internationally for years, but has settled back home in Seattle. She is dealing with ex-husband #3, Brian, who wants an “alliance”, and an associate Vincent who was also traveling in her circles and has also settled in Seattle, but knows a dark secret she has kept from her family.
Jake is a very close family friend. He helps her out in the moment, and they create a mutually beneficial longer pact. When danger comes to their doorstep the story takes a turn. Intrigue and murder escalate the closeness these two – and sparks fly. A roller coaster ride as they work to find the perpetrator and keep Carmen safe.
Past traumas, current feelings, family, friends and danger in all corners – a fabulous and entertaining story.
***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
Carmen is President of her family’s company; Clean Water Campaign. She traveled internationally for years, but has settled back home in Seattle. She is dealing with ex-husband #3, Brian, who wants an “alliance”, and an associate Vincent who was also traveling in her circles and has also settled in Seattle, but knows a dark secret she has kept from her family.
Jake is a very close family friend. He helps her out in the moment, and they create a mutually beneficial longer pact. When danger comes to their doorstep the story takes a turn. Intrigue and murder escalate the closeness these two – and sparks fly. A roller coaster ride as they work to find the perpetrator and keep Carmen safe.
Past traumas, current feelings, family, friends and danger in all corners – a fabulous and entertaining story.
***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
January 31, 2023
Our hero Jack, is a workaholic as co-owner of the Spotted Dog, on top of running his successful mobile gaming company, so love isn't even close on the radar for him. Carmen has finally come home to run her family's non profit organization, and after her failed marriages, love isn't on the radar for her either. These two end up in a fake relationship situation but you already know it won't stay in the fake zone, especially since they're perfect for each other. They have intense chemistry so that portion of the program won't be denied for long, and honestly, the feelings won't either since the heart wants what the heart wants. Of course not everyone is happy about these turn of events, so now suspense is popping off with a hidden agenda determined to keep them apart making this story a real page turner. I LOVED this story, and HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
January 30, 2023
Best book of this series. I just totally fell in love with both Jake and Carmen. While on the surface it may look like they have it all, both of them have demons from their past that they haven't dealt with. I felt like I could not get enough of these two characters. After having spent time together since her return to Seattle, they know each other's tells when something is not right. This serves them well as they become closer due to their attraction to each other and the danger that coming after Carmen. This story is full of hot chemistry, humor, and intense danger. I didn't want the story to end.
February 1, 2023
Friendship , suspense, family, fake romance
Slow burn
Both Jake and Carmen present strong personalities publicly- both are workaholics. They both deal with big insecurities. Two friends that find comfort and balance with each other. Their chemistry is at first subtly but gathers steam as the become closer.
They decide to fake date to jerk the past from
Interrupting the busy schedules. The oasr does not stay in the past. They have to deal with it an explosive way.
This story makes you laugh, want to shed a tear, and gives many anxious moments.
Loved both characters and the rest of the Spotted Dog Crew.
Slow burn
Both Jake and Carmen present strong personalities publicly- both are workaholics. They both deal with big insecurities. Two friends that find comfort and balance with each other. Their chemistry is at first subtly but gathers steam as the become closer.
They decide to fake date to jerk the past from
Interrupting the busy schedules. The oasr does not stay in the past. They have to deal with it an explosive way.
This story makes you laugh, want to shed a tear, and gives many anxious moments.
Loved both characters and the rest of the Spotted Dog Crew.
June 30, 2024
Jake & Carmen were so much fun–I love a good brother’s best friend, and these two have plenty of chemistry! Carmen’s got secrets, and I was dying to know what brought her back to Seattle. Jake’s patience with her is unmatched. I adore that man. My heart broke for their stories and what they’ve both been through. I loved watching Jake push Parker’s buttons with dating his sister. This was such a fun found family, and I loved the Spotted Dog series! I’m so sad I’ve finished Christina’s backlist now!!
January 24, 2023
OMG! What a read! I so love this series. This book was beyond action packed and was an incredible read in my opinion. I fell for both characters. They both had quite a back story but Jake and Carmen together were incredible. They really helped each other grow. I certainly rate this over five stars if I could. I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
February 1, 2023
Returning by Christina Sol
This is Carmen and Jake’s story. Oh and let me tel you it is one you won’t email tor miss. This book will definitely have you on the edge of you seat. It is full of suspense you will be on edge and reading page after page to see what happens next. You won’t be able to put it down and the next thing you know it’s over and you wish there was more. This book it one to read for sure highly recommend
This is Carmen and Jake’s story. Oh and let me tel you it is one you won’t email tor miss. This book will definitely have you on the edge of you seat. It is full of suspense you will be on edge and reading page after page to see what happens next. You won’t be able to put it down and the next thing you know it’s over and you wish there was more. This book it one to read for sure highly recommend
March 14, 2023
Returning by Christina Sol is a must read for all readers. Each books in this series is really good and can b read as standalone. Their is action, romance with a lot of twist and turns that you will enjoy.
July 2, 2024
Jake Alvarez and Carmen Cunningham (his BFF's sister) are both admitted workaholics. Well meaning people are always trying to set them up for romantic relationships. Both wary they decide to fake a relationship.
January 19, 2023
Good mix of mystery, family, friends, love, and forgiveness.
It was fun to see Jake as an alpha but geeky hero. And Carmen was the epitome of what a woman should strive for.
It was fun to see Jake as an alpha but geeky hero. And Carmen was the epitome of what a woman should strive for.
January 31, 2023
Holy Cow! I was Not expecting this book to be this action packed! Talk about a major page turner! Jake is a smart guy with plenty on his plate. Carmen hasn’t had the best luck at love and could use a break. When these two agree to be fake boyfriend and girlfriend they have no idea what they have gotten themselves into. Both Jake and Carmen have major emotional baggage from past relationships that they definitely need to unpack. Not only is there some hidden feelings between these two, there is some unfinished business from their past. How will they handle it? Of course they have the amazing support of their friends and family. This was a great read with an amazing story. The characters were well written and had great stories to tell. This was an emotional rollercoaster of a read with a few added layers that I truly enjoyed. This is my second book in this series and I really enjoy this group and the connection they share. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Read
March 28, 2023* Gritty & suspenseful romance
* A strong heroine hiding behind a polished façade
* A sexy, nerdy hero with secrets of his own
* Fake relationship
* Brother's best friend
* Friends to lovers
* Forced Proximity
* HEA & no cliffhangers
* A strong heroine hiding behind a polished façade
* A sexy, nerdy hero with secrets of his own
* Fake relationship
* Brother's best friend
* Friends to lovers
* Forced Proximity
* HEA & no cliffhangers
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews