Everything We Haven't Said

Bliss Cove #4

by Nina Lindsey, Nina Lane

An alternative cover edition for this ASIN B08N9PF3L2 can be found here

Computer genius Rory Prescott is all set to leave Bliss Cove for good. No real shock there since coming home to help her family a few years ago was always supposed to be temporary. The one hiccup before Rory can start her new software job back in the city, however, is the fact that she doesn’t have a place to stay her last few weeks in town.

But what she does have is a Grant. As in her grumpy, tech-averse buddy Grant Taylor, owner of her favorite tavern and a spare cottage.

Setting small town roots far from his wealthy family’s reach was how Grant built himself a new life. But with his brother’s wedding coming up, Grant expects a major mother ambush—most likely a single socialite frenzy of sorts. Hence his deal to let Rory stay in his cottage in exchange for a few weeks of pretend girlfriend duties.

A fake relationship with real sparks in close quarters between two people who couldn’t be more opposite…what’s the worst that could happen?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Small Town Romance, Contemporary Romance

311 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 30, 2019

About the author

Nina Lindsey writes romances filled with heart, heat, and happy endings. She is delighted to introduce readers to Bliss Cove, California, a coastal town with an abundance of warm cookies, ocean breezes, and the ever-present possibility of love.

Nina loves all things spicy and sweet, with chili chocolates being at the top of the list. She is also a fan of glossy magazines, pop culture, Gilmore Girls, energy bites, Orangetheory, and the sound of silence.

She lives in Wisconsin with her meteorologist husband (yes, she asks him daily, "What's the weather forecast?"), their two children, an overly energetic dog, and a snail named Pipsqueak.

Reviews

[Patty ~ Wrapped Up In Reading Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

*****4.5 STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}


Breathing hard, he pressed his forehead to hers. Their eyes locked. Tenderness and an emotion more intense than Rory could articulate passed between them. Her heart beat heavily against his chest. They’d been together for less than a month, and yet she knew she would never have this kind of life with another man. Ever.





”LOVE ME TENDER”, the third installment of the Bliss Cove series is Rory Prescott and Grant Taylor’s ”frenemies-to-lovers” romance. Throughout the first two books, we’ve been given hints of a spark between the beautiful and snarky computer geek, and the handsome yet gruff owner of the Mousehole Tavern. Their story was one I was highly anticipating and it was well worth the wait. Rory and Grant’s initial friendship was very reminiscent of Luke and Lorelai’s from the ”Gilmore Girls”. So it’s no wonder why I ended up loving this one so much.




Rory agrees to be Grant’s fake girlfriend so that he can take her as a date to his brother’s wedding and avoid his mother’s relentless matchmaking attempts. In return, Rory gets to live in the cottage he owns that is connected to his restaurant and home. What they haven’t admitted in all the years they’ve known each other is that there was a mutual attraction that sparked since day one. Soon enough their fake relationship turns into something very real and catches them both by surprise. Rory has just landed a dream job in San Francisco and is leaving Bliss Cove in a matter of weeks. Grant’s life is wrapped up in his restaurant. Can their relationship survive the long-distance?



Here are my overall ratings:
Hero: 5
Heroine: 4.5
Plot: 4.5
Angst: 4
Steam: 5
Chemistry Between Hero & Heroine: 5



”LOVE ME TENDER” releases on December 5th!!



Amazon: https://amzn.to/2OVE5tk

[Ang C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unquestionably my favorite in the Bliss Cove series thus far, Love Me Tender was a sweetly romantic frenemies-turned-lovers tale that made my heart swell with delight. This highly anticipated third installment featured the feisty Rory and the delectable Grant - two completely opposite personalities whose sexual tensions teased me in the previous novels. Thrilled to be back in this quaint seaside town and true to Nina Lindsey's remarkable and magical writing style, this little gem was chock full of passionate moments, laughter, intense chemistry, and unforgettable beloved characters.

I love a strong heroine, and Rory Prescott certainly possessed incredible strength. A career-focused woman who strives to make her way in the tech world, she faced several challenges in a new company while dealing with discrimination and harassment. But nothing could stop Rory's determination and grit, and I admired how she handled the unfair situation. Amid all the turmoil, this computer geek managed to open her tightly guarded heart to the handsome yet mysterious owner/chef of the Mousehole tavern, Grant Taylor.

Grant was one heck of a swoon-worthy, overly sexy, and lovingly gentle hero. Like Rory, he struggled with difficult issues. In particular, the strained relationship involving his father. Grant had my sympathies seeing how, in my opinion, he was mistreated and belittled by his dad. However, Grant took it in stride, never waiving on what he wanted out of life.



This couple was playfully combative, and through their comical banter, a blossoming and loving relationship grew. Grant brought out the best in Rory. She's stubborn and set in her ways, but seeing her tender and attentive side with Grant (which was hidden beneath her tough-girl outspoken demeanor) was heartwarming. In turn, she was everything Grant needed in a partner. Having to deal with the opinionated Taylor family and their constant criticism and disappointment in his life choices, Rory was his source of comfort and encouragement. Their beginnings may have been unconventional, and their relationship faced several obstacles, but the love they shared was strong, faithful, and completely genuine.



Love Me Tender was an eloquently written light-hearted story that was low on angst but brimming with sizzling passion. The perfect read for fans of contemporary romances that I highly recommend. As always, I cannot wait for more from Nina Lindsey as her novels utterly consume me. She's an incredible storyteller and truly one of my favorites.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

My FAV couple so far!! Loved Grant & Rory! Both of them were strong and independent, while not allowing others to influence them! They made me laugh, smile, and swoon! The writing has the perfect amount of description and dialogue! Nina is one of my fav authors and her books never disappoint! Highly recommend this series if you are looking for something sweet, swoon worthy, with some steam!

Quote:
“Carving a piece out of my heart is something else entirely.”

*Thanks to Nina for an ARC for an honest review!

[☆☆Hannah☆☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good read. Grant's brother is getting married and he needs a date to the wedding. Rory is looking for somewhere to live. They make a deal that she can live in his cottage if she is his date to the wedding. Of course by the end they are together for real and get their happy ending.

[Jaime Fiction Fangirls · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite book of the series!!

My favorite book of the series. The chemistry between Rory and Grant practically drips off of the pages!! This is a must read!

[Jenny - Book Sojourner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved finally getting Rory and Grant's story. Having met these two in the previous books, I couldn't help but hope they'd become a couple. Well, wishes come true.

Their story was quite the interesting ride. Both Rory and Grant have things going on in their personal lives that is affecting them on a deep level that those around them can't see. Rory has been burned in the tech field as a woman in a predominantly male world. Grant has been hurt by his parents who see his line of work as a huge disappointment. But Grant's need for a date (and buffer) to his brother's wedding finally brings these two together as more than restauranteur and patron.

I loved the way Rory and Grant's relationship grew. It's always been clear they'd have chemistry. But the beautiful thing was that they were kindred spirits. They became to each other the very thing they needed.

I also loved how the personal issues in their lives were handled. Rory's predicament in particular was very relevant and current. The author handled the challenges and true emotions in a real and compelling manner.

Rory and Grant's story was a beautiful treat.

[Doodle · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5 stars

"She was at constant war with herself—her self-preserving urge to walk out of the office right now battling her determination not to let the assholes win."

How is it "winning" to keep working so that the company who does nothing about harassment makes money off the back of your labor? I understand where the FMC is coming from but she's losing by staying, not winning. Her talents are helping her employer, no matter how you Iook at it. Every minute she stays is a win for them, not for her.

I lost respect for the FMC the last 25 percent of this book. She was seeking validation and personal fulfillment in a toxic environment and prioritizing it over her happiness with the MMC. She stated she was happy living with him and her new job ended up being a nightmare, but her passion about staying at her terrible job isn't the strong and brave stand this book was trying to make it seem. It was sad that she gave up her happiness with someone she supposedly is in love with to chase some kind of purpose that just results in a company that doesn't care about her profiting off her talents. The MMC was way too understanding. I would be offended if my partner chose to put themselves in such a horrible environment over being with me when they have a choice, which she certainly did. The FMC literally lives almost two hours away from the MMC, they barely see each other and because of her work drama and needing "space", she decides not to spend Thanksgiving with him and to take a step back from him to be alone to figure things out.

In relationships, you work things out together and support each other. She was being a terrible partner, abandoning her relationship for something out of the MMC's control. It's not as if HE did something to her and they were having an argument. He only wanted to spend time with her and help her however she would let him. He deserved better than her. Her excuse: "Though she knew Grant would be right over there for as long as she needed, she had to navigate this new chaos without him at her side as her partner-in-crime, her support system, her kindred spirit. She also had no idea how she ever would." Why? Why did she need to? She didn't.

"Grant shook his head. “She quit last week, I think. I haven’t seen her since before Thanksgiving. She’s still in San Jose.”

After she solved her problem, she STILL kept the MMC out of her life to the point he didn't even know when exactly she quit her job. That's a major change in one's life, but she didn't find it important to inform her "partner-in-crime" of when she quit her job?  Just break up with him already and find someone you actually want to share your life with because this is ridiculous. There's no reason to stay apart from him after her problem was solved either. She said she needed space to figure out her problem and her problem was solved.

I was hoping the FMC would be redeemed by the end of the book. She was not. Everything she did about her work problem could have been achieved without pushing the MMC away. A woman can be independent while in a relationship. Accepting support and encouragement does not take away from one's capability and independence. Is she always going to kick the MMC out of her life whenever she has a problem she needs to solve "alone?" When she came back and told him about her new plan, she accepted his help in the form of money without much pushback. What happened to the FMC's warped definition of independence? It's different if he's offering money instead of emotional support? These things aren't consistent and paint an even more unflattering picture of the FMC.

This was a 4 star book for the first 75 percent and a 1 star book for the last 25 percent. Unfortunately, the last quarter ruined the love story for me. If what I've described above doesn't bother you, you will probably enjoy this book because the progression of the relationship and the dynamic between the characters was done well the first 75 percent of the book. I gave this 1.5 stars because, even though it started well, it managed to destroy the relationship in the last quarter of the book. The FMC treated the MMC poorly and she never acknowledged it, instead saying something about being sorry she had to hurt him to do what she needed to do with no GOOD explanation as to why she had to hurt him and no assurance whatsoever it won't happen again because she realizes she can be strong with him by her side. I suppose she never had that realization.

[Sharon Thérèse · Rating 5 out of 5]

5+++-Stars

I’d read all the Bliss Cove novels except this one, and although they’re all fabulous standalones, Everything We Haven’t Said now holds a special place in my heart. I got hooked on Rory and Grant’s story from the beginning and couldn’t put it down until I’d turned the last page. Also, I seldom reread a book after finishing it, but I did this time. 

Lindsey’s heroes are all gorgeous guys regardless of their predicaments, and Grant Taylor was no exception. I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed observing him banter with his customers at the tavern he owns in Bliss Cove. The contraption hanging on the wall is laugh-out-loud stuff, if not an annoyance for some! When he wasn’t conjuring up mouth-watering dishes in the kitchen, he was luring Rory to eat good food. But not everything looks as it seems. Not conforming to his father's wishes is the cause of ill feelings, and it’s not until he opens up to her that I learnt why he wasn’t in his good books. Past and present interference from his mother doesn’t help matters either, although I have to say that she eventually gained my respect. His father! Well—you’ll have to decide what you think about him for yourselves.

So, if Grant’s family relationship isn’t how he would have liked, Rory’s is quite the opposite. She has a fabulous rapport with her mother and sisters; and has always been their pillar of support, hardworking and independent. I adored her quick wit and casual attire—ooh my, the
t-shirts are something else! Tech-savvy and unyielding in her purpose, a bad experience with work colleagues doesn’t stop her from wanting to move on. When she does, she’s in for an unpleasant surprise. I felt dreadfully sorry for her since the situation was demeaning, cruel, and downright sexist.

Rory needs her space, and Grant knows how to give it to her because he would be right over there for her. But more often than not, it hurts to do just that. Putting into words how hard reading about his dilemma was, isn’t easy. I came undone and hoped they’d find even more strength to ride the storm.

Meeting up with the Bliss Cove sisters and townsfolk again was a pleasure, and I was delighted to see that Destiny Storm was still doing her magic. Lindsey has written an all-consuming story with laugh-out-loud moments, just the right amount of emotional angst, and expressive dialogue. What more can you ask for when the plot is original and the steaminess off the charts? All the stars, Lindsey. Bravo!

[Debby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rory Prescott left Silicon Valley 2 years earlier when her father died to return home to Bliss Cove and help her mother run her bakery. She's kept up on her programming by taking classes and doing freelance work, but she's ready to return full-time, but when he lease is up before her job starts, she's looking for a place to live in the busy season. She approaches Grant Taylor, owner of the local pub with a cottage for rent behind. Grant is the son of a tech giant, who left behind the family business to be a chef and pub owner. His brother is getting married though, so there's a full court press from the family to return for the wedding, and preferably the company. He agrees to a swap - Rory acts as his date for the wedding and she can use the cottage. That plan backfires when his parents arrive just after the wedding thinking they're a committed couple, which both of them would like to be, but haven't said that to the other. Rory is a phenomenal programmer, but the male oriented world of Silicon Valley doesn't give up much to women and she's harassed and demeaned in her new job as well as most of her old ones. With a little help/support from Grant's family, she finally causes an earthquake in the tech sector when she exposes beyond doubt, some of the crap she's had to deal with. Only then do the two get their HEA. Unusual topic, but well done.

[Natward1 · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. This was an okay little read. It was a bit slow and boring though, but not horrible. I had to skim a bit throughout the whole book. At first I didn’t like Rory at all. I know the authors intention was to have her be kind of rougher and like a no nonsense, say it like it is type of person, but it wasn’t executed well. She just came across as a jerk at first. But as the book progressed she became a lot better. Which was good because I didn’t want her to be a jerk, but because of her initial behavior there was a bit of a disconnect with her character for me. I liked grant a lot though. He was a great character.

One thing I didn’t love was the way the sexual harassment conflict was executed. Or, more specifically, the build up to it throughout the whole book. It didn’t feel natural. The author over emphasized it throughout the book in such a way that when the big conflict happened in her job it felt too author contrived. Too set up. This is why it didn’t feel natural. It just felt like the author was too heavy handed leading up to the event that happened. I just wish the whole thing would have been written and interwoven more mindfully and been less obvious.

[Floraljoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tender love story with plenty of heart and heat:
It was lovely being back in Bliss Cove and catching up with old friends and although reading the prior books would provide some backstory, it can totally be read as a standalone. However this is such a great series I think you'd want to read them all!
Rory and Grant are complete opposites, coming from different worlds and wanting different things for their futures. However they have an undeniable attraction to one another and you can feel their chemistry. What starts out as fake soon turns very real and hard decisions need to be made. I was gripped by the emotional saga and so wanted things to work out between them.
I also liked how it highlighted the misogyny and difficulties faced by women working in the tech industry. Overall a great read and I can't wait for more!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new author for me, so this is the first in this series I have read.....and I loved it! The story hooked me and I couldn't put it down....I mean I want to visit Bliss Cove now! My heart broke for Grant and Rory, for what they had been through in the past and for what they went through during this story, I loved them individually and I loved them together. I loved that Grant listened to Rory and did what she needed (even though it almost killed him to do so) and I loved how Rory was so strong and she fought for what she believed in and for a better future. I am really pleased I took a chance on this book and am adding it to my read it again list. I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an ARC.

[Jin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rory Prescott is ready to leave Bliss Cove for new tech job. However she needs a place to stay since her lease was up before she can go back to San Jose again. She couldn't find any air B & B and she was getting desperate. All of her sisters were pairing up and even her mother has her boyfriend so she didn't really want to move into their homes.
Sexy Tavern owner Grant and Rory always had their little arguments. Yet, they enjoyed each other's company. Grant's brother was getting married and he needed a partner for his brother's wedding unless he wants to be set up by his mother again. When he overheard Rory's problem he suggests she becomes his plus one for the wedding and he would let her rent out his little cottage behind the tavern.
When Rory and Grant shows up for the wedding things gets little more out of hand. Rory played the girlfriend part too well and they might have to play the part for longer time than just the wedding. Rory didn't know Grant's father was one of the tech giant and Grant didn't really get along with his father.
Now they are back after the wedding and his parents are visiting the Bliss Cove so they won't bother his brother's honeymoon. Grant and Rory have to play loving couple in front of his parents plus whole town will find out soon enough.
Rory and Grant were really cute from the beginning and they supported each other. Grant was really patient with her and they really fell in love but Rory will be moving soon. They think they can handle long distance relationship but it is not easy as it is and Rory is getting back to place where people really didn't appreciate her talent.
I enjoy this book the most. Grant and Rory were cute and they seem they really understood each other.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book free as an ARC reader for review.

Rory is a strong woman, both inside and out. In the male dominated, take-no-prisoners world of the tech industry she is a programming goddess. In her personal life she is a rock to her friends and family, content to be alone and happy to root them on in their quests for love. Rory, however, has no desire for romantic entanglements of her own... at least not consciously. Her subconscious, however, has been fixed solidly on one seemingly unobtainable man ever since he made her tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich one night to cheer her up. Now she just needs to figure out how to let him inside without losing her strength.

[Mia Epsilon · Rating 3 out of 5]

IT and Cooking

A good,solid story that got a bit too technical now and then but it was needed for the story. Mega guarded main characters, a meddling mom, a singing fish, sisters, a wedding, an ex, lots of panting women, total male jerk coworkers, and a host of more characters made this a story with depth. I love that He knew her so well as to when to back off and when not to. And that his affirmation to her,that she could do anything, is what helped her finally break the chains of harassment she endured. Worth the time to read and enjoy.

[Margery Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A recommended read
Although I haven’t read the previous books in this series I found this one delightful. Rory and Grant are perfect together especially his support of her in her career. Real people in the real world finding love. “Computer geek” plus owner/chef of the Mousehole tavern=1 irresistible couple that will pull you into their story. I’ll be reading the preceding stories ASAP.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Abi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was this an ad for Crash Royale? Lol that would have been funny. This is the 3rd book of the series but it can be read as a standalone. I like when the MCs profess their love earlier in the book. Rory is a strong woman who can take care of herself. While I wanted Grant to help and be the hero, it was nice that he stepped back at the request of Rory. They had great respect for each other. It was a cute story

[Mari (Mystics & Metaphysics Book Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good enemies-to-lovers and friends-to-lovers romance and this one both in one. Grant and Rory decide to help each other out but what starts off as fake, quickly turns real. I could feel their attraction and chemistry coming off the pages and had me with as much anticipation as they were experiencing. The story is funny, sweet, sexy, and I loved the back and forth between them.

[Lucinda Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can’t Stop Smiling

I think I’ve read all the Bliss Cove stories now, and the Prescott sisters are my favorite. The Mousehole, and its owner, Grant, has been a steady presence in every Bliss Cove romance, so I think I anticipated this one most of all, and it definitely did now disappoint.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best love story in a long time

Talk about all the feels. This is what you get with Love Me Tender. I love Grant and Rory together. They show the strength that most relationships seem to lack anymore. They give you hope for true love. Can’t wait for book 4!

[Charlotte Isaac · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Who knew their snipping at each other was really attraction.

Nina Lindsey did amazing job on this book.

I loved Rory and Grant together, they bounced off each other. And fought to keep their relationship going even after everything that happened.

[MamaBee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. I LOVED the fact that the heroine was so strong and relatable and the hero was just a really great guy who was strong enough to let her be strong without trying to diminish her shine.

Loved it!

I received an arc copy via hidden gems, opinions are my own.

[Melissa B · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's Grant's and Rory's time to find love, their banter, the chemistry that was noticeable in the previous book, their frenemies turned to lovers' relationship.

I'm voluntarily reviewing this after receiving an arc from Hidden Arcs.

[Michelle Ferrari-Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Against Technology

Rory has a secret crush on Grant,the Mousehole tavern owner. When he asks her for a huge favor, she says yes and then learns who he really is. Will they really walk away from each other or will it pull them together?~

[Carol Gil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally!

You see the sparks fly between Rory and Grant in the first two books! Glad finally got to read their story. Grant is such a good guy, glad Rory was able to help mend his family.

[Ramona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scrumptious

He's a chef/ owner of his own tavern. She's a tech genius. He's closed off, she's a powder keg. Read this great story about their budding relationship. Well told, a little angsty, romantic and highly readable.

[Cris Saldana · Rating 5 out of 5]

sooo gooood

This was a page turner that literally made me laugh and cry at various moments. I love the protagonists and the plot. It was exactly what I needed to read. Highly recommend!!!

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. It was a bit like a Hallmark movie in that it was sweet but not overly deep.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story.

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ was a very pleasant surprise