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I Heart SF #2
In Love with Lewis Prescott
A woman’s peaceful life is turned upside down when a bad-boy TV star comes to town in Sarah Smith’s new laugh-out-loud romantic comedy
She needs a break
Fed up with the long hours at her prestigious San Francisco architecture firm, Harper Ellorza has traded the overcrowded city for the sleepy seaside town of Half Moon Bay. Her plan to renovate her late grandparents’ house has hit some snags, though: it’s in worse condition than expected, the costs are piling up and her savings are dwindling—fast.
He needs to hide out
A chance encounter with TV hunk Lewis Prescott might be the solution to her problems. After a career-killing meltdown, he’s desperate for a place to lie low for a while. He offers to help Harper remodel the house—for free—if she lets him stay there. He’s famous, he’s handsome and he’s surprisingly good with his hands…
They need each other
As their living arrangements become more intimate, so do their conversations. Turns out, there’s more to Lewis than she ever would have guessed, but Harper knows she needs to keep her hands—and her heart—to herself. After all, her hard-earned quiet coastal life could never be enough for a TV star determined to return to the A-list. Could it?
I Heart SF
Book 1: The Close-Up
Book 2: In Love with Lewis Prescott
She needs a break
Fed up with the long hours at her prestigious San Francisco architecture firm, Harper Ellorza has traded the overcrowded city for the sleepy seaside town of Half Moon Bay. Her plan to renovate her late grandparents’ house has hit some snags, though: it’s in worse condition than expected, the costs are piling up and her savings are dwindling—fast.
He needs to hide out
A chance encounter with TV hunk Lewis Prescott might be the solution to her problems. After a career-killing meltdown, he’s desperate for a place to lie low for a while. He offers to help Harper remodel the house—for free—if she lets him stay there. He’s famous, he’s handsome and he’s surprisingly good with his hands…
They need each other
As their living arrangements become more intimate, so do their conversations. Turns out, there’s more to Lewis than she ever would have guessed, but Harper knows she needs to keep her hands—and her heart—to herself. After all, her hard-earned quiet coastal life could never be enough for a TV star determined to return to the A-list. Could it?
I Heart SF
Book 1: The Close-Up
Book 2: In Love with Lewis Prescott
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 21, 2023
18 people are currently reading
462 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Smith
20 books926 followersSarah Smith is a copywriter-turned-author who wants to make the world a lovelier place, one kissing story at a time. Her love of romance began when she was eight and she discovered her auntie's stash of romance novels. She's been hooked ever since. When she's not writing, you can find her hiking, eating chocolate, and perfecting her lumpia recipe. She is also one half of the romance writing duo Sarah Skye. Sarah also writes tearjerker fiction under the name Sarah Echavarre
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
February 22, 2023
Really enjoyed this celeb, forced proximity, slow burn, reno, interracial roommance! I loved the first book in this series and we get some great cameos from The Close-up's Simon and Naomi as Harper is Naomi's cousin and involved in her wedding plans.
This book had great sexual tension and some amazing steamy scenes when the two main characters do finally hook up but ultimately they are from completely different worlds and the main conflict comes when they try to see if they can make something real work after their reno arrangement ends and Lewis goes back to his movie star career.
Great on audio with an amazing gender swapped Notting Hill grand gesture ending. I loved it and hope there will be another book in the I heart San Francisco series!
This book had great sexual tension and some amazing steamy scenes when the two main characters do finally hook up but ultimately they are from completely different worlds and the main conflict comes when they try to see if they can make something real work after their reno arrangement ends and Lewis goes back to his movie star career.
Great on audio with an amazing gender swapped Notting Hill grand gesture ending. I loved it and hope there will be another book in the I heart San Francisco series!
February 21, 2023
When Harper runs into Lewis for the first time, she doesn't realize who he is. As the penny drops, it becomes apparent that Lewis is trying to lay low and stay away from the prying paparazzi. As the two get talking, they strike a deal where Harper agrees to let him use her house to hide in, in exchange for him assisting with her renovations.
Sarah Smith's books are such comfort reads for me. They flow so easily, are light and fun and always leave me feeling happy at the end. This one was no different. I loved Harper's family in this book and the way they welcomed Lewis with open arms. A quick, easy, sweet read - highly recommend for romance lovers!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Sarah Smith's books are such comfort reads for me. They flow so easily, are light and fun and always leave me feeling happy at the end. This one was no different. I loved Harper's family in this book and the way they welcomed Lewis with open arms. A quick, easy, sweet read - highly recommend for romance lovers!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
March 29, 2023
This story had so much promise for me to love it. A big loving family, a celebrity love interest, forced proximity, etc. and sadly, it was a miss for me. Don’t think I’ll read more from this author. At least it was a quick read!
December 23, 2022
I have a soft spot for celebrity romance stories so I was super into this book. Plus, its super spicy.
I wish I could of read this while lounging in a pool. But alas, it did warm up a few winter nights in bed.
Smith has done it again. Go get a copy for all your friends.
Thank you to NetGalley and Carina Press for providing an eARC for a honest review.
I wish I could of read this while lounging in a pool. But alas, it did warm up a few winter nights in bed.
Smith has done it again. Go get a copy for all your friends.
Thank you to NetGalley and Carina Press for providing an eARC for a honest review.
March 9, 2023
This book was LAUGH OUT LOUD FUNNY! Perfect narration, the whole 9! The part when she accidentally touched Lewis’ you know what had me gasping out loud haha! This book could totally be a movie. Great ending as well.
5 STARS!
5 STARS!
February 13, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Well, I’m in love with Lewis Prescott (& Harper)!!! I didn’t want this book to end. In Love With Lewis Prescott is the best book C has read in awhile!
Harper and Lewis were such great main characters. They were fun, witty, and both had depth.
This book had so many of my favorite tropes and was just perfection.
It comes out February 21, 2023.
✨Celebrity Romance
🏠 Forced Proximity
🔨 Home Renovation
🇵🇭 Filipino Main Character
Thank you @ , @ , and @netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review. 💗
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Well, I’m in love with Lewis Prescott (& Harper)!!! I didn’t want this book to end. In Love With Lewis Prescott is the best book C has read in awhile!
Harper and Lewis were such great main characters. They were fun, witty, and both had depth.
This book had so many of my favorite tropes and was just perfection.
It comes out February 21, 2023.
✨Celebrity Romance
🏠 Forced Proximity
🔨 Home Renovation
🇵🇭 Filipino Main Character
Thank you @ , @ , and @netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review. 💗
March 6, 2023
DNF at 20%.
This book is completely unrealistic in every plot point and turn of events that exist. An architect just lets a contractor they’ve never used, work away on a reno without ever checking in - not even by FaceTime - and is surprised they don’t like the finished product? Cmon. Be smarter.
I am really surprised the rating for this is so high (currently above 4 stars) on here. The way the characters narrate their feelings reminded me of fan fiction. Both characters having a hallway run-in with each other after he just got out of the shower and she falls and *accidentally* grabs his junk and then they both retreat to their rooms and masturbate? What even is this. I’m all for steamy scenes books if they’re well written and based in reality… but … this was not.
This book is completely unrealistic in every plot point and turn of events that exist. An architect just lets a contractor they’ve never used, work away on a reno without ever checking in - not even by FaceTime - and is surprised they don’t like the finished product? Cmon. Be smarter.
I am really surprised the rating for this is so high (currently above 4 stars) on here. The way the characters narrate their feelings reminded me of fan fiction. Both characters having a hallway run-in with each other after he just got out of the shower and she falls and *accidentally* grabs his junk and then they both retreat to their rooms and masturbate? What even is this. I’m all for steamy scenes books if they’re well written and based in reality… but … this was not.
December 23, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley, Carina Press & Carina Adores (Harlequin), and Sarah Smith for sending me this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Okay, wow I LOVED this book! Sarah did such a good job at keeping me hooked the entire time. I finished this book in one sitting!
The narration was real, raw and realistic. There were so many times while reading I was either laughing out loud or grinning like a total loser because I was enjoying myself so much. The spicy scenes in this book were *chefs kiss* very sexy!
Look out for this book when it comes out on February 21st next year! You’ll definitely want to add this to your tbr!
Okay, wow I LOVED this book! Sarah did such a good job at keeping me hooked the entire time. I finished this book in one sitting!
The narration was real, raw and realistic. There were so many times while reading I was either laughing out loud or grinning like a total loser because I was enjoying myself so much. The spicy scenes in this book were *chefs kiss* very sexy!
Look out for this book when it comes out on February 21st next year! You’ll definitely want to add this to your tbr!
February 1, 2023
Lucky me, starting off February with a 5 star review!
Thank you to Sarah Smith and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Architect Harper Ellorza is in a pinch. She's taken time off from her corporate architect job to take on a passion project: renovating her grandparent's cottage in Half Moon Bay, California. The contractor she hired was a total dud and now she needs to figure how to start over, this time with way less money. While fuming about her circumstances, she literally bumps into Lewis Prescott, a Hollywood heartthrob who is hiding out in Half Moon Bay to escape some bad publicity. It turns out Lewis used to be contractor, and he has a great eye for design. Could they work out a trade? He'll renovate the cottage in exchange for a hiding place from the paparazzi and crazy fans. Harper agrees to the unconventional arrangement, as the project should only last three months. How bad could it be?
There was SO MUCH to love about this book. It was zippy, funny, and charming. The celebrity romance aspect worked because they were so different. Harper and her family brought out a side of Lewis that even he didn't know he needed nurturing. Lewis' character growth throughout the story was unexpected and definitely a highlight. It was fun to see Harper let loose a bit too - she was able to lean into her passions and let go of her obligations enough to be more fulfilled. And Harper - how could you not want to root for her? What a loving, empathetic, passionate person. The scene where she tells off the apartment building manager for being racist had me cheering practically out loud. They each brought out the other's silly side, and the playfulness of the sex scenes was fun, hot, and revealing.
Even though the premise is a classic (celeb dates normie, surprise, they actually have things in common), this book also touched on modern topics like racism, classism, social media, and wealth in modern ways. For example, Lewis is clearly in a different tax bracket than Harper but it really only comes up once, and they have a pretty honest conversation about it.
This book was so fun. I'm smiling just writing this review. It reminds me of that classic 90's romcom 'Win a Date with Tad Hamilton' - just a warm hug of a story.
Spoilers below:
The twist that Harper's family botched things by being SOO out of the loop was pitch-perfect. I kept waiting for the plot twist that would screw things up for them and while I knew it would be something having to do with his celeb status, I couldn't put it together. The fact that he was accidentally discovered through a family member's cluelessness on social media was both accurate to her family AND how things would/could happen in reality. I think that this twist should get special mention for its accuracy and for how well it fits into the story.
Thank you to Sarah Smith and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Architect Harper Ellorza is in a pinch. She's taken time off from her corporate architect job to take on a passion project: renovating her grandparent's cottage in Half Moon Bay, California. The contractor she hired was a total dud and now she needs to figure how to start over, this time with way less money. While fuming about her circumstances, she literally bumps into Lewis Prescott, a Hollywood heartthrob who is hiding out in Half Moon Bay to escape some bad publicity. It turns out Lewis used to be contractor, and he has a great eye for design. Could they work out a trade? He'll renovate the cottage in exchange for a hiding place from the paparazzi and crazy fans. Harper agrees to the unconventional arrangement, as the project should only last three months. How bad could it be?
There was SO MUCH to love about this book. It was zippy, funny, and charming. The celebrity romance aspect worked because they were so different. Harper and her family brought out a side of Lewis that even he didn't know he needed nurturing. Lewis' character growth throughout the story was unexpected and definitely a highlight. It was fun to see Harper let loose a bit too - she was able to lean into her passions and let go of her obligations enough to be more fulfilled. And Harper - how could you not want to root for her? What a loving, empathetic, passionate person. The scene where she tells off the apartment building manager for being racist had me cheering practically out loud. They each brought out the other's silly side, and the playfulness of the sex scenes was fun, hot, and revealing.
Even though the premise is a classic (celeb dates normie, surprise, they actually have things in common), this book also touched on modern topics like racism, classism, social media, and wealth in modern ways. For example, Lewis is clearly in a different tax bracket than Harper but it really only comes up once, and they have a pretty honest conversation about it.
This book was so fun. I'm smiling just writing this review. It reminds me of that classic 90's romcom 'Win a Date with Tad Hamilton' - just a warm hug of a story.
Spoilers below:
The twist that Harper's family botched things by being SOO out of the loop was pitch-perfect. I kept waiting for the plot twist that would screw things up for them and while I knew it would be something having to do with his celeb status, I couldn't put it together. The fact that he was accidentally discovered through a family member's cluelessness on social media was both accurate to her family AND how things would/could happen in reality. I think that this twist should get special mention for its accuracy and for how well it fits into the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2023
Sarah Smith continues her fantastic 'I Heart SF' series with an ordinary woman meets Hollywood actor in 'I love Lewis Prescott'.
Architect Harper Ellorza, who is cousin to Naomi who was featured in the first book of the series 'The Close-Up', is taking a sabbatical from her job to renovate her late grandparents house in Half Moon Bay, California. A chance meeting with Hollywood heart throb Lewis Prescott results in her offering him refuge to escape paparazzi and negative media attention on him. In return he offers to use his dormant construction skills to help her renovate her home.
Sparks fly instantly. Both Harper and Lewis have insane chemistry. If I had any quibble I think I would've liked to have seen the sexual tension dragged out a bit longer with the friendship and connection developed more.
What's also refreshing with Sarah's books - indeed with her 'Unlikely Pairings' collaboration with Skye McDonald as Sarah Skye - is her characters role modelling good habits such as therapy, open communication and working on themselves as individuals as well as a couple.
While the main conflict is a result of one character resorting back to their injured self (over nothing!) its still relatable and understandable, with the appropriate amount of not just grovelling, but actions and work to reenforce their grovelling. Which is hugely refreshing. I find too often characters grovel, but I've yet to see evidence they've changed.
I also loved that the heroine is from a migrant Filipino family. As someone who has migrant south-east Asian parents, I recongised some of the large (though overwhelming) family gatherings where food is at the heart of their love language.
This book is as sparkling as the sea with a dash of spice, and characters you'll find yourself invested in. I wish I lived next door to these characters. Add this to your pre-orders, you won't regret it.
Thanks to Netgalley and Carina Press for the ARC.
Architect Harper Ellorza, who is cousin to Naomi who was featured in the first book of the series 'The Close-Up', is taking a sabbatical from her job to renovate her late grandparents house in Half Moon Bay, California. A chance meeting with Hollywood heart throb Lewis Prescott results in her offering him refuge to escape paparazzi and negative media attention on him. In return he offers to use his dormant construction skills to help her renovate her home.
Sparks fly instantly. Both Harper and Lewis have insane chemistry. If I had any quibble I think I would've liked to have seen the sexual tension dragged out a bit longer with the friendship and connection developed more.
What's also refreshing with Sarah's books - indeed with her 'Unlikely Pairings' collaboration with Skye McDonald as Sarah Skye - is her characters role modelling good habits such as therapy, open communication and working on themselves as individuals as well as a couple.
While the main conflict is a result of one character resorting back to their injured self (over nothing!) its still relatable and understandable, with the appropriate amount of not just grovelling, but actions and work to reenforce their grovelling. Which is hugely refreshing. I find too often characters grovel, but I've yet to see evidence they've changed.
I also loved that the heroine is from a migrant Filipino family. As someone who has migrant south-east Asian parents, I recongised some of the large (though overwhelming) family gatherings where food is at the heart of their love language.
This book is as sparkling as the sea with a dash of spice, and characters you'll find yourself invested in. I wish I lived next door to these characters. Add this to your pre-orders, you won't regret it.
Thanks to Netgalley and Carina Press for the ARC.
January 2, 2023
This book combined a few things that I really like: falling for a celebrity, home renovations, and humour. And I truly enjoyed it, but not as much as I expected to. The thing what worked against the story was actually the sex which (I know) is something you kind of expect in a book like this. But the opening where Lewis decides to pleasure himself after she mistakenly grabs his member, and Harper almost does the same didn't work for me; and as a result, it took me a lot longer to get into their chemistry and romance. And then, the sex just felt sloppy and thrown in rather than part of the story. I also had a hard time believing that a celebrity like Lewis would want to do a calendar like he did, even if it's for charity. I understand controlling the narrative, but it felt a bit out there even for a book about a normal-celebrity romance.
That didn't make this a bad book. It just didn't make it a great book either. I liked the characters, I liked all of the players Harper brings into the story, and I'm sure that if you had read the book about Naomi and Simon it would be fun to see them later in their story. (Sidebar: I did find the whole strip scene at the combined bachelor and bachelorette party a little odd but I wrote it off as odd because I hadn't read their story.)
Last negative: the conflict, when it happened, felt very contrived and unnecessary. There was enough going on in the book to not have to make that scene play the way it did. No spoilers though!
All in all, it was a fun read. Quick enough but I'm not sure if I will read another Sarah Smith because this one didn't blow me away either. And with all the romances I read, you have to blow me away to get me to pick up more of your books. Or to become a die hard fan.
*Received ARC via NetGalley.
That didn't make this a bad book. It just didn't make it a great book either. I liked the characters, I liked all of the players Harper brings into the story, and I'm sure that if you had read the book about Naomi and Simon it would be fun to see them later in their story. (Sidebar: I did find the whole strip scene at the combined bachelor and bachelorette party a little odd but I wrote it off as odd because I hadn't read their story.)
Last negative: the conflict, when it happened, felt very contrived and unnecessary. There was enough going on in the book to not have to make that scene play the way it did. No spoilers though!
All in all, it was a fun read. Quick enough but I'm not sure if I will read another Sarah Smith because this one didn't blow me away either. And with all the romances I read, you have to blow me away to get me to pick up more of your books. Or to become a die hard fan.
*Received ARC via NetGalley.
February 14, 2023
"I’m gonna pounce on you. The minute we get into the house, I’m gonna tackle you. I’m gonna tear your clothes off your body. I’m not even kidding. I’ll probably shred the fabric.”
"Good. I like it when a woman gets rough with me.”
I really liked this book! This is one of my favorite celebrity romances! After bad publicity, and getting fired from his TV show, Lewis needs a place to lie low for a while. Having to fire her construction crew after they do a bad job on trying renovate her grandparents house, Harper is in need of help. After a funny meet, cute, Lewis offers to help Harper in exchange for staying with her at the house for the time being. I loved all the forced proximity in this romance! There’s even a scene where Lewis accidentally bumps into Harper while coming out of the shower and there’s some hand groping involved! How about Harper photographing Lewis while he’s posing nude! I loved reading how they try to fight the chemistry between them. Once they give into their attraction things start to heat up! I loved every single spicy moment! The only thing I wasn’t a big fan about was the third act break up but overall this book is really good!
Read if you like:
Dual POVs
Celebrity romance
Forced proximity
Renovation romance
Open door romance
Funny meet cute moment
"Good. I like it when a woman gets rough with me.”
I really liked this book! This is one of my favorite celebrity romances! After bad publicity, and getting fired from his TV show, Lewis needs a place to lie low for a while. Having to fire her construction crew after they do a bad job on trying renovate her grandparents house, Harper is in need of help. After a funny meet, cute, Lewis offers to help Harper in exchange for staying with her at the house for the time being. I loved all the forced proximity in this romance! There’s even a scene where Lewis accidentally bumps into Harper while coming out of the shower and there’s some hand groping involved! How about Harper photographing Lewis while he’s posing nude! I loved reading how they try to fight the chemistry between them. Once they give into their attraction things start to heat up! I loved every single spicy moment! The only thing I wasn’t a big fan about was the third act break up but overall this book is really good!
Read if you like:
Dual POVs
Celebrity romance
Forced proximity
Renovation romance
Open door romance
Funny meet cute moment
February 2, 2023
While I may love everything Sarah writes, this truly is not said with any bias! I love the worlds she creates, with such diverse characters and full of different families, good and bad. Honestly, her male lead characters are often unbelievably amazing, but I’d say that speaks more to the general population being filled with dirtbags in reality than her being unrealistic. Her words have always spoken to the possibility of a better world, if only she were the author, and this story is no exception. Harper’s Filipino family reminds me so much of my own, though thankfully less critical lol, and it’s so beautiful to see so much of our culture as if it were mainstream! Lewis gave such Captain America (with a dirty side) vibes that I eventually started picturing him as Chris E. while reading. Harper and Lewis had so much chemistry and good communication between them for most of the book. The conflict between them was understandable, but obviously heartbreaking to see, and I was so tempted to zoom further to see how it might get resolved. I would’ve loved to see a bit more of their getting-to-know-you phase actually take place, but I get that there’s only so much space on the page. My only qualm would be in the epilogue, where such an important subject is left to the last second, far further into a relationship than I think would be healthy in real life. Despite the cute timing. That brought my scoring to 4.85 stars, rounding up to 5. What else can I say but, BUY THE DANG BOOK! 😛
Thanks to NetGalley and Carina press for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts
Thanks to NetGalley and Carina press for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts
December 3, 2022
This is the second novel in a series and is a standalone. Harper is an architect who quits and decides to renovate her late grandparents' huose. She meets TV hunk Lewis and he offers to help. Along the way, they fall in love.
I love The Close-up so I have a lot of high expectations of this book. I love Lewis and Harper. They are both great characters and even better together. Such chemistry... Love their banter and how they are around each other.
Thanks to the publisher for the arc.
I love The Close-up so I have a lot of high expectations of this book. I love Lewis and Harper. They are both great characters and even better together. Such chemistry... Love their banter and how they are around each other.
Thanks to the publisher for the arc.
March 3, 2023
3.5 Better than the first book
November 10, 2023
A bit too cheesy for me, where everyone says and does just the right thing, and I didn’t find the big argument they had believable. But I love the trope of celebrity and regular person falling in love!
February 24, 2023
⭐️3.75. I genuinely love everything Sarah Smith writes. Even though this wasn't my favourite of hers, she will still be an auto-buy for me!
February 9, 2023
What a great vibe this book had! Delightful, sexy, topical, FREAKING HILARIOUS, and told perfectly in Sarah Smith's fresh tone of voice. Harper and Lewis were such lovable characters with an awkward and funny kind of chemistry. I heaps recommend this book to romantics with a snappy sense of humour, especially those who loved the cheeky vibe of The Close-Up.
December 13, 2022
Another 5 stars!!!! I can not get enough of Sarah Smith’s books! She is one of my favorite and go to author! This book had me laughing, sweating and brought back great memories of my own Filipino family! Keep them coming Sarah, cause I’ll always be ready in line to get your next upcoming book!
February 24, 2023
Harper Ellorza is a high-flying architect in San Francisco. She has decided to completely renovate her grandparents' home in Half Moon Bay and achieve all the things with it that they wanted but couldn't afford. She has resigned her job and plans to spend a year overseeing the renovations, but after her plans were slightly delayed by a family illness she arrives to find that the contractor has completely messed up her careful plans (painted the walls the wrong colour, laid the floor the wrong direction, fitted the kitchen doors badly, etc). Now, I let this go for artistic licence, but who pays their contractor for work without seeing what it looks like? Also, apparently this means that she will lose all her savings and won't be able to afford the reno, despite the fact that she is letting family stay rent-free in her apartment in Nob Hill, and that she is taking a year off work unpaid. It seems to me that she was the architect of her own problems, but hey artistic licence.
Feeling deeply unhappy about the contractor fiasco, Harper accidentally runs into a man outside a coffee shop who turns out to be TV hunk Lewis Prescott who has recently been fired from his show, dumped by his model girlfriend, and shouted obscenities at the paparazzi. Lewis is hiding out in a local grotty motel for a few months until the fuss dies down. When Harper tells him her woes he offers to renovate the house for free, if he can stay at the house while he's working.
Anyway, as they work side by side renovating the house they feel the attraction but at first try to resist because - awks - but eventually they can resist no longer. But what chance is there of this romance surviving the reno?
This had so much potential, but it got bogged down in not very much plot, trying on wedding dresses etc, and it seemed as though there was a nothing plot scene, followed by a sex scene, followed by a nothing plot scene over and over again. So, at this point I was thinking three stars, maybe three and a half depending on the ending. Then the author basically stole the ending of Notting Hill as the big finale, just set in San Francisco - I know that film practically off-by-heart, as I suspect do many other people and it was such an obvious lift that I knocked another star off.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
Feeling deeply unhappy about the contractor fiasco, Harper accidentally runs into a man outside a coffee shop who turns out to be TV hunk Lewis Prescott who has recently been fired from his show, dumped by his model girlfriend, and shouted obscenities at the paparazzi. Lewis is hiding out in a local grotty motel for a few months until the fuss dies down. When Harper tells him her woes he offers to renovate the house for free, if he can stay at the house while he's working.
Anyway, as they work side by side renovating the house they feel the attraction but at first try to resist because - awks - but eventually they can resist no longer. But what chance is there of this romance surviving the reno?
This had so much potential, but it got bogged down in not very much plot, trying on wedding dresses etc, and it seemed as though there was a nothing plot scene, followed by a sex scene, followed by a nothing plot scene over and over again. So, at this point I was thinking three stars, maybe three and a half depending on the ending. Then the author basically stole the ending of Notting Hill as the big finale, just set in San Francisco - I know that film practically off-by-heart, as I suspect do many other people and it was such an obvious lift that I knocked another star off.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
January 12, 2023
Harper is looking for a low-key, low stress life in Half Moon Bay. She’s come to town to renovate her grandparent’s old house. Then recently disgraced Hollywood star Lewis Prescott comes to town, and he offers to help her with the renovation if he can hide out at the old house. They’ll be living together and working on the house together. The sparks fly immediately. Great steamy sexy sparks!
Harper is an MC with integrity and assertiveness as well as having a soft lovable side. She faces problems head on, like so many of us wish we could do, so we admire her for it. Absolutely hunky Lewis is a deep character, not just a fluffy Hollywood throwaway. He was fired from his last project for blowing the whistle on the show runner for his sexual misconduct with many of the crew members. Harper and Lewis are easy to admire and, let’s face it, they are sizzlingly passionate. What’s not to love here? Though part of a series it can easily be read alone.
Thanks to NetGalley and Carina Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Harper is an MC with integrity and assertiveness as well as having a soft lovable side. She faces problems head on, like so many of us wish we could do, so we admire her for it. Absolutely hunky Lewis is a deep character, not just a fluffy Hollywood throwaway. He was fired from his last project for blowing the whistle on the show runner for his sexual misconduct with many of the crew members. Harper and Lewis are easy to admire and, let’s face it, they are sizzlingly passionate. What’s not to love here? Though part of a series it can easily be read alone.
Thanks to NetGalley and Carina Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 10, 2023
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Although this book is #2 in a series, it certainly works as a standalone novel.
I must admit, I am absolute trash for a celebrity romance, so I was really excited to read this book. I really liked both of the MCs- Harper, who is an architect on sabbatical to renovate her late grandparents house, and Lewis, a famous actor who recently had a public meltdown and is trying to lay low while the bad press blows over. They meet when they literally run into each other in the street. Harper doesn't recognize Lewis, he replaces her coffee he spilled, and they part ways. However, they see each other again soon after, and come up with a mutually beneficial agreement- Lewis can hide out at Harper's house and he will help her finish renovations as payment. Obviously the forced proximity builds delicious, delicious tension. There are some laugh out loud funny scenes and was also wonderfully spicy!
I really enjoyed this book, which was a quick read because I didn't want to put it down, and I plan to go back and read the first in the series.
Although this book is #2 in a series, it certainly works as a standalone novel.
I must admit, I am absolute trash for a celebrity romance, so I was really excited to read this book. I really liked both of the MCs- Harper, who is an architect on sabbatical to renovate her late grandparents house, and Lewis, a famous actor who recently had a public meltdown and is trying to lay low while the bad press blows over. They meet when they literally run into each other in the street. Harper doesn't recognize Lewis, he replaces her coffee he spilled, and they part ways. However, they see each other again soon after, and come up with a mutually beneficial agreement- Lewis can hide out at Harper's house and he will help her finish renovations as payment. Obviously the forced proximity builds delicious, delicious tension. There are some laugh out loud funny scenes and was also wonderfully spicy!
I really enjoyed this book, which was a quick read because I didn't want to put it down, and I plan to go back and read the first in the series.
February 21, 2023
𝗜𝗻 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗟𝗲𝘄𝗶𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘁𝘁 by Sarah Smith
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Genre/Tropes: fiction, romance, celebrity, forced proximity
Is it enough to say “Read this! It was so cute, and it’s one of my favorites this year”?
It really is cute! Lewis Prescott, hottie actor and tabloid favorite is in hiding after getting fired from his show, and then having a public fight with his ex model-girlfriend that was caught by paparazzi. He lands just outside of San Fran and literally runs into Harper. She’s a local who’s fixing up her grandparent’s house and one thing leads to another, they devise a plan. Harper needs a new contractor for her house upgrades and Lewis used to work as one. He’ll help fix up her house, and she’ll provide him a room to hideaway from the public while his scandal dies down. And stuff happens…
Let’s talk spice. It was 🌶️ 🔥🌶️🔥!!!! They have chemistry and I was sooooo in to their connection. I love that Harper knows what she likes and says it aloud. Lewis is swoon-worthy, supportive, and too good to be true.
I also liked Harper’s family background. She’s part Filipino and proud of the accomplishments of her immigrant grandparents, and always seeks to honor them.
I wasn’t crazy about the conflict as it’s the jump-straight-into-anger trope instead of staying to talk it out, even if it does have to do with Lewis’ trust issues stemming from his own family.
This has become by far my favorite romance by Sarah Smith. If you’re a fan of the celebrity romance or even grand gestures, this one will hit the sweet spot.
Thanks to @netgalley #carinapress & @harlequinbooks for my ARC. This is my honest review.
𝗜𝗻 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗟𝗲𝘄𝗶𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘁𝘁 is available February 21st.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Genre/Tropes: fiction, romance, celebrity, forced proximity
Is it enough to say “Read this! It was so cute, and it’s one of my favorites this year”?
It really is cute! Lewis Prescott, hottie actor and tabloid favorite is in hiding after getting fired from his show, and then having a public fight with his ex model-girlfriend that was caught by paparazzi. He lands just outside of San Fran and literally runs into Harper. She’s a local who’s fixing up her grandparent’s house and one thing leads to another, they devise a plan. Harper needs a new contractor for her house upgrades and Lewis used to work as one. He’ll help fix up her house, and she’ll provide him a room to hideaway from the public while his scandal dies down. And stuff happens…
Let’s talk spice. It was 🌶️ 🔥🌶️🔥!!!! They have chemistry and I was sooooo in to their connection. I love that Harper knows what she likes and says it aloud. Lewis is swoon-worthy, supportive, and too good to be true.
I also liked Harper’s family background. She’s part Filipino and proud of the accomplishments of her immigrant grandparents, and always seeks to honor them.
I wasn’t crazy about the conflict as it’s the jump-straight-into-anger trope instead of staying to talk it out, even if it does have to do with Lewis’ trust issues stemming from his own family.
This has become by far my favorite romance by Sarah Smith. If you’re a fan of the celebrity romance or even grand gestures, this one will hit the sweet spot.
Thanks to @netgalley #carinapress & @harlequinbooks for my ARC. This is my honest review.
𝗜𝗻 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗟𝗲𝘄𝗶𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘁𝘁 is available February 21st.
February 7, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and Carina Press for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Architect Harper is fed up with people not taking her seriously. Especially the contractor working on the renovation at her grandparents’ old house. He doesn’t believe her when she tells him he’s messed up the work, so now she has found herself without a contractor and not enough time or money to get the job fixed. Cue Lewis, showing up unexpectedly in her life. The TV star is in hiding after being fired from his show and causing a scene in Hollywood. He needs a place to hide out, and it just so happens he has experience working in construction. The arrangement is supposed to be mutually beneficial…he gets a place to stay and hide out, in exchange for doing the work on the house. What could go wrong?
I found myself really rooting for Lewis and Harper at first. They seemed to be exactly what the other needed at the time. But Lewis’s overprotection of his privacy, and the lengths he felt necessary to hide…but then also pose nude for photos? It just seemed like a contradiction, and didn’t make much sense since then it wasn’t really brought up again. The spice was pretty good, especially the urgency between the two of them. It made their chemistry seem really believable. Once I got about two-thirds through and more of the negativity came into play, I just felt like it didn’t hit right with me. Some side plots could’ve been really good if expanded on further.
Overall, I give this one 3.5 stars, rounded down to 3.
Architect Harper is fed up with people not taking her seriously. Especially the contractor working on the renovation at her grandparents’ old house. He doesn’t believe her when she tells him he’s messed up the work, so now she has found herself without a contractor and not enough time or money to get the job fixed. Cue Lewis, showing up unexpectedly in her life. The TV star is in hiding after being fired from his show and causing a scene in Hollywood. He needs a place to hide out, and it just so happens he has experience working in construction. The arrangement is supposed to be mutually beneficial…he gets a place to stay and hide out, in exchange for doing the work on the house. What could go wrong?
I found myself really rooting for Lewis and Harper at first. They seemed to be exactly what the other needed at the time. But Lewis’s overprotection of his privacy, and the lengths he felt necessary to hide…but then also pose nude for photos? It just seemed like a contradiction, and didn’t make much sense since then it wasn’t really brought up again. The spice was pretty good, especially the urgency between the two of them. It made their chemistry seem really believable. Once I got about two-thirds through and more of the negativity came into play, I just felt like it didn’t hit right with me. Some side plots could’ve been really good if expanded on further.
Overall, I give this one 3.5 stars, rounded down to 3.
May 16, 2023
This is a first time read for me by this author. I really enjoy romantic comedies and am always looking for new authors and decided to give this a try and I was not disappointed. Harper is tired of the hustle and bustle of the overcrowded city life and comes to Half Moon Bay to slow down a bit. She decides to take on the task of renovating her grandparents house, but encounters some problems along the way. Lewis is a famous TV star, and recently had a monumental meltdown. He needs to stay low for awhile until the gossip dies down a bit and Half Moon Bay is the perfect place to do just that. He has a chance meeting with Harper and in exchange for letting him stay at the house for free, he will help her with the renovations. Things become very up close and personal as they share living space and get to know each other better.
The story caught my attention from the beginning and held it all the way through. This was a fun and easy read,. The book definitely left me with a smile on my face and a happy feeling afterwards. The characters were interesting and well-developed with realistic qualities that gave them an authentic personality and were easily relatable. And the chemistry between Harper and Lewis was undeniable. A fun and sparkling romantic comedy that I am happy to have had the opportunity to read!
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
The story caught my attention from the beginning and held it all the way through. This was a fun and easy read,. The book definitely left me with a smile on my face and a happy feeling afterwards. The characters were interesting and well-developed with realistic qualities that gave them an authentic personality and were easily relatable. And the chemistry between Harper and Lewis was undeniable. A fun and sparkling romantic comedy that I am happy to have had the opportunity to read!
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
February 19, 2023
Harper Ellorza has traded her job in San Francisco as a successful architect to renovating her late grandparents’ house in the seaside town of Half Moon Bay. When her plans go astray after she fires the builder, she is left wondering what her future holds. When she literally bumps into TV hunk Lewis Prescott and saves him from his fans, they discover that he is need of a place to hide out. Lewis needs time to revaluate his career, after a very public meltdown and his offer to help Harper remodel the house, for free, seems the perfect solution for both of them. Yet as their living arrangements become more intimate, so do their conversations. Soon both of them are contemplating if this is more than just a short interlude in their plans.
I really enjoyed this romance and found that the relationship progressed at a pace, that drew me in. I was going to give this five stars but found some parts of this book, too much like some scenes from the movie, Notting Hill, and thought that it could have been handled with a bit more originality. Overall, an enjoyable read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I really enjoyed this romance and found that the relationship progressed at a pace, that drew me in. I was going to give this five stars but found some parts of this book, too much like some scenes from the movie, Notting Hill, and thought that it could have been handled with a bit more originality. Overall, an enjoyable read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
December 3, 2022
4 Stars In Love with Lewis Prescott by Sarah Smith was a wonderful follow-up to The Close Up. Harper Ellorza is an architect trying to figure out what to do about the renovation to her late grandparents’ house after a construction crew botched the job when she (literally) runs into famous TV star Lewis Prescott. After being fired from his TV show and having a public meltdown, Lewis is in hiding and as a former contractor, offers to fix Harper’s renovation if she’ll allow him to hide out there for the next few months while he completes the job. With both of them working on the house full time, there’s little room for Harper and Lewis to deny their attraction to one another. As they grow closer, Lewis becomes more vulnerable with Harper and begins to fall for her when he sees how she cares for him despite everything he’s gone through.
I had a goofy grin on my face while reading this one because of how absolutely adorable Lewis and Harper were. I loved their unconditional love and acceptance of one another, plus how they challenged each other to go after what they wanted professionally.
I had a goofy grin on my face while reading this one because of how absolutely adorable Lewis and Harper were. I loved their unconditional love and acceptance of one another, plus how they challenged each other to go after what they wanted professionally.
January 29, 2023
'In Love with Lewis Prescott' is the second book in a series by Sarah Smith. This is the first book I have read in this series, but this book was totally stand alone. Thank you to NetGalley for this advanced copy. I did enjoy the book and the premise and while it is similar to some other books I've read with a similar plot. This wasn't the best that I've read, but it was pretty good. I liked Harper and I really loved Lewis. Lewis is the most down to earth celebrity that I've read in quite some time. Harper had a pretty good sense of self-worth, so she wasn't like other h in these stories thinking they weren't good enough. She wonders if their worlds would work together, but not that she isn't good enough. That was a refreshing change from the other books I've read that are similar to this one. That said, this book dragged in a few sections and I am never a big fan of people falling in love quickly and due to circumstance. I don't always buy that their love is going to last (but that is just me, took me five years to marry my husband!) I did really like the epilogue, it was a great sneak peak into their future. Strong 4 stars.
February 15, 2023
I always love everything from Sarah Smith (aka Sarah Echavarre Smith) - she’s such a brilliant author! This is another great example of how she writes beautifully crafted love stories that everyone really needs in their lives. I only discovered her last year but I’ve been devouring her catalogue and can’t wait to read them all!
In Love with Lewis Prescott is a fantastic story about a Hollywood TV star running from the paparazzi after a huge falling out with his producer and girlfriend, and fleeing town to hide-out in smalltown Northern California. He lands in Half Moon Bay, and literally runs into Harper - an oblivious architect who doesn’t recognize him. They have a great meet-cute, and somehow he ends up living in and renovating her house as the ultimate hideout… and also catching some feelings. Until things go awry.
A beautiful multicultural love story, with Smith’s expected beautiful writing, great characters, perfect steam, and everything happens exactly as it should (conflict, relationship progress, everything). I really enjoyed it and know everyone else will, too. A definite recommendation from me!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Carina Press & Carina Adores (Harlequin), for my advance review copy - this is my honest review.
In Love with Lewis Prescott is a fantastic story about a Hollywood TV star running from the paparazzi after a huge falling out with his producer and girlfriend, and fleeing town to hide-out in smalltown Northern California. He lands in Half Moon Bay, and literally runs into Harper - an oblivious architect who doesn’t recognize him. They have a great meet-cute, and somehow he ends up living in and renovating her house as the ultimate hideout… and also catching some feelings. Until things go awry.
A beautiful multicultural love story, with Smith’s expected beautiful writing, great characters, perfect steam, and everything happens exactly as it should (conflict, relationship progress, everything). I really enjoyed it and know everyone else will, too. A definite recommendation from me!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Carina Press & Carina Adores (Harlequin), for my advance review copy - this is my honest review.
October 25, 2023
In Love with Lewis Prescott
By: Sarah Smith
Review Score: 3 3/4 Stars
Five Key Feels
-I love Harper’s friendship with her cousin Naomi.
-Lewis is a really interesting character, and I like how he ended up with Harper.
-Harper and Lewis are a really cute couple.
-I really enjoyed Smith’s family contrasts in this book.
-The epilogue was very sweet.
——
In Love with Lewis Prescott was kindly provided as an ARC by Netgalley and Carina Press. Thank you for allowing me to read this wonderful book!
Release Date: 2/21/23
This was a cute book. Fun and flirty, but still with some very real depth.
I loved seeing the evolution of Harper and Lewis, and the care they felt for each other.
I also liked that this book felt different in terms of the “regular girl falls in love with a celebrity” trope. Smith gave a new life to that storyline, and it was fun to read.
#bookstagram #books #readingnow #boogiereadsbooks #fivekeyfeels #audiobooks #audiobook #fiction #arcreview #netgalley #inlovewithlewisprescott #sarahsmith #carinapress
By: Sarah Smith
Review Score: 3 3/4 Stars
Five Key Feels
-I love Harper’s friendship with her cousin Naomi.
-Lewis is a really interesting character, and I like how he ended up with Harper.
-Harper and Lewis are a really cute couple.
-I really enjoyed Smith’s family contrasts in this book.
-The epilogue was very sweet.
——
In Love with Lewis Prescott was kindly provided as an ARC by Netgalley and Carina Press. Thank you for allowing me to read this wonderful book!
Release Date: 2/21/23
This was a cute book. Fun and flirty, but still with some very real depth.
I loved seeing the evolution of Harper and Lewis, and the care they felt for each other.
I also liked that this book felt different in terms of the “regular girl falls in love with a celebrity” trope. Smith gave a new life to that storyline, and it was fun to read.
#bookstagram #books #readingnow #boogiereadsbooks #fivekeyfeels #audiobooks #audiobook #fiction #arcreview #netgalley #inlovewithlewisprescott #sarahsmith #carinapress
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