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Button Blossom #2
Hankering for Home
Getting hitched is a convenient business arrangement. No strings attached, no hearts involved...except maybe mine.
Growing up in a broken home taught me to watch out for myself, and that the only love out there is what I create. That's why I stick to taking care of my baby sister, and the hodgepodge of wildlife I volunteer to rehabilitate. Add in a stray puppy I found under the car with the help of Wil, a recent move-in to Button Blossom, and my life is complete.
He's cute.
The puppy, not Wil.
Wil's broody, which also makes him a teensy bit hot.
Turns out, Wil's a grumpy single dad because he's been burned before. So when he's given an ultimatum to marry by his crazy uncle, he finds a way around it by suggesting a mutually beneficial arrangement. No emotion, no required commitment to each other. Just a sterile, clean-cut handshake deal.
Except, it's not all that easy. For one, Wil's abs. Can they be any more firm? For another, Wil's patient with everything that comes with me, from snakes in his tub, flying squirrels in his curtains, and that adorable puppy that just ate his favorite shoes.
What's worse is the more time I spend with Wil and his son, the more knit I feel to them as the family I never knew I needed. Our marriage has an end date, but my heart may be too entwined to not tear in two when we say goodbye.
Remi and Wil share some sizzling kisses (gasp!), but there's no matrimonial polka. This romantic comedy is sweet, and the chemistry is explosive, but reader blushing is kept to a minimum.
Growing up in a broken home taught me to watch out for myself, and that the only love out there is what I create. That's why I stick to taking care of my baby sister, and the hodgepodge of wildlife I volunteer to rehabilitate. Add in a stray puppy I found under the car with the help of Wil, a recent move-in to Button Blossom, and my life is complete.
He's cute.
The puppy, not Wil.
Wil's broody, which also makes him a teensy bit hot.
Turns out, Wil's a grumpy single dad because he's been burned before. So when he's given an ultimatum to marry by his crazy uncle, he finds a way around it by suggesting a mutually beneficial arrangement. No emotion, no required commitment to each other. Just a sterile, clean-cut handshake deal.
Except, it's not all that easy. For one, Wil's abs. Can they be any more firm? For another, Wil's patient with everything that comes with me, from snakes in his tub, flying squirrels in his curtains, and that adorable puppy that just ate his favorite shoes.
What's worse is the more time I spend with Wil and his son, the more knit I feel to them as the family I never knew I needed. Our marriage has an end date, but my heart may be too entwined to not tear in two when we say goodbye.
Remi and Wil share some sizzling kisses (gasp!), but there's no matrimonial polka. This romantic comedy is sweet, and the chemistry is explosive, but reader blushing is kept to a minimum.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 6, 2022
109 people are currently reading
335 people want to read
About the author
Rachael Eliker
119 books125 followersRachael Eliker was born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska, where she attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, studying Animal Science with an option in Biology. She currently lives on an acreage in Indiana, with her husband and children where she enjoys challenging home improvement projects, keeping up with a handful of livestock, running on lonely stretches of country road, and writing.
Read more about her upcoming work and sign up for her newsletter at https://rachaeleliker.com.
Read more about her upcoming work and sign up for her newsletter at https://rachaeleliker.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
June 11, 2023
4.5 stars
Super cute! I love the single parent trope and I love RomCom's. Put them together and you have one very happy KJ. I loved all things Remi, Wil, and Asher. Asher definitely stole the show in this one.
If you're looking for a super cute book that will have you giggling out loud, then I highly recommend grabbing this one and giving it a try.
Super cute! I love the single parent trope and I love RomCom's. Put them together and you have one very happy KJ. I loved all things Remi, Wil, and Asher. Asher definitely stole the show in this one.
If you're looking for a super cute book that will have you giggling out loud, then I highly recommend grabbing this one and giving it a try.
November 4, 2022
Let’s just say that if you throw an adorable kid, a puppy, some grumpy/sunshine, and a marriage of convenience together you get a win. Be still my heart for Wil, a single dad who is just living his life trying to protect his and his son’s hearts. Then there is Remi, who wants to care for the whole world—animals especially included. Add in the rich and a bit eccentric old Uncle Greg stirring things up for good measure and you’ve got a story that is so good, so sweet, and so fun!
Things I loved:
-Roscoe’s landing pad
-Sharpie
-Asher
-Aftershave
-“If eyes were the window to my soul, she had her nose pressed against the glass, peering right in.”
-“Either the thought of marrying an almost-stranger is thrilling. Or mortifying. Probably mostly mortifying.”
-Panic bower
-Utility closet
-Granny
-Snakes in the tub
-Diner kiss
-Park Bench Grandpa
-“…life is full of struggle. It just is. The silver lining is that overcoming it can be one of our greatest joys, especially when we can share it with those who matter most.”
-The sweetest gesture and HEA 😍
I loved the way Wil and Remi complemented each other, they had great chemistry and there was growth for each and vulnerability between them as they both started to acknowledge that they wanted their arrangement to be real. This is book two in the series and it is fun to revisit the previous characters, but it can be read as a stand-alone.
Content: Swoony kisses and very mild innuendo
Things I loved:
-Roscoe’s landing pad
-Sharpie
-Asher
-Aftershave
-“If eyes were the window to my soul, she had her nose pressed against the glass, peering right in.”
-“Either the thought of marrying an almost-stranger is thrilling. Or mortifying. Probably mostly mortifying.”
-Panic bower
-Utility closet
-Granny
-Snakes in the tub
-Diner kiss
-Park Bench Grandpa
-“…life is full of struggle. It just is. The silver lining is that overcoming it can be one of our greatest joys, especially when we can share it with those who matter most.”
-The sweetest gesture and HEA 😍
I loved the way Wil and Remi complemented each other, they had great chemistry and there was growth for each and vulnerability between them as they both started to acknowledge that they wanted their arrangement to be real. This is book two in the series and it is fun to revisit the previous characters, but it can be read as a stand-alone.
Content: Swoony kisses and very mild innuendo
February 19, 2024
Remi Bravo is a full-time mail lady and part-time animal rescuer. While rescuing a puppy from under a car, she meets grumpy Wil who has recently moved to Button Blossom with his five-year-old son Asher. It turns out the car belongs to her landlady Barbara, who has a strict policy on pets. Caught red-handed by Barbara with the puppy in her arms, Remi pretends that the puppy belongs to her ‘boyfriend’ Wil who initially goes along with the charade.
When Barbara leaves, a bemused Wil finds himself reluctantly agreeing to allow the puppy to temporarily stay at his home until Remi can make alternative arrangements. However, when Remi is caught smuggling the puppy out of her apartment by Barbara, she finds herself homeless and coincidingly jobless for being late one too many times.
Wil has a predicament of his own. His quirky Uncle Greg has placed a stipulation in his will that if Wil is to inherit anything, he must first get married. Wil is reluctant to marry again after his first wife walked out on him and Asher shortly after his birth. He suggests a marriage of convenience to Remi as a way of solving both their problems. Remi agrees and the two secretly tie the knot in a low-key wedding.
Before long, their forced proximity has both Wil and Remi wishing that their fake marriage was real in every sense of the word. When their secret is exposed to the rest of the town, however, it threatens to bring down the fragile trust they have built.
Havering for Home is a clean sweet small-town romantic comedy and was my first introduction to the author. It’s the second instalment of the Button Blossom series but can be read as a standalone. Marriages of convenience are one of my favourite romantic tropes and this book was more convincing than most. Coupled with the grumpy/sunshine elements, opposites attract, and a cute boy/puppy, this novel promised to tick every criterion.
Both Remi and Wil are appealing and likeable protagonists who readers will instantly find themselves rooting for. Remi comes from a broken home and has grown up in foster care along with her sister. Her longing for a home life is fulfilled when she moves in with Wil and Asher. Wil has had his heart broken and is reluctant to open himself up to love again. He can’t deny the contrast between Remi and his first wife and seeing the way that Remi looks after his son, warms his heart.
The use of alternating points of view enabled the reader to have a deeper insight into the thoughts and feelings of both protagonists. The characters were realistic and varied and the plot progressed at a steady pace.
Perfect for readers who fancy a light, funny romantic read to will away the hours.
When Barbara leaves, a bemused Wil finds himself reluctantly agreeing to allow the puppy to temporarily stay at his home until Remi can make alternative arrangements. However, when Remi is caught smuggling the puppy out of her apartment by Barbara, she finds herself homeless and coincidingly jobless for being late one too many times.
Wil has a predicament of his own. His quirky Uncle Greg has placed a stipulation in his will that if Wil is to inherit anything, he must first get married. Wil is reluctant to marry again after his first wife walked out on him and Asher shortly after his birth. He suggests a marriage of convenience to Remi as a way of solving both their problems. Remi agrees and the two secretly tie the knot in a low-key wedding.
Before long, their forced proximity has both Wil and Remi wishing that their fake marriage was real in every sense of the word. When their secret is exposed to the rest of the town, however, it threatens to bring down the fragile trust they have built.
Havering for Home is a clean sweet small-town romantic comedy and was my first introduction to the author. It’s the second instalment of the Button Blossom series but can be read as a standalone. Marriages of convenience are one of my favourite romantic tropes and this book was more convincing than most. Coupled with the grumpy/sunshine elements, opposites attract, and a cute boy/puppy, this novel promised to tick every criterion.
Both Remi and Wil are appealing and likeable protagonists who readers will instantly find themselves rooting for. Remi comes from a broken home and has grown up in foster care along with her sister. Her longing for a home life is fulfilled when she moves in with Wil and Asher. Wil has had his heart broken and is reluctant to open himself up to love again. He can’t deny the contrast between Remi and his first wife and seeing the way that Remi looks after his son, warms his heart.
The use of alternating points of view enabled the reader to have a deeper insight into the thoughts and feelings of both protagonists. The characters were realistic and varied and the plot progressed at a steady pace.
Perfect for readers who fancy a light, funny romantic read to will away the hours.
December 31, 2023
“my cinnamon roll man” says it all but also who fucking FORGETS about their 5 year old?!
December 11, 2022
This was book 2 in the Button Blossom Series and I absolutely adored this book!
This was single dad; fake marriage; opposites attract; grumpy/sunshine done absolutely beautifully!
Remi and Wil could not be more different but the joy and balance these two bring to each other is beautiful and there is absolutely no shortage of chemistry in this closed door romance. Not to mention the awesome supporting cast that is the other residents of Button Blossom!
Favorite Quote "Being capable of doing it myself was entirely different from having someone else to lean on, and to balance me when I faltered"
Thank you so much to the author @rachaeleliker for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This was single dad; fake marriage; opposites attract; grumpy/sunshine done absolutely beautifully!
Remi and Wil could not be more different but the joy and balance these two bring to each other is beautiful and there is absolutely no shortage of chemistry in this closed door romance. Not to mention the awesome supporting cast that is the other residents of Button Blossom!
Favorite Quote "Being capable of doing it myself was entirely different from having someone else to lean on, and to balance me when I faltered"
Thank you so much to the author @rachaeleliker for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
November 6, 2022
Reader’s Notes:
– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
– this is told from Remi & Wil’s points of view
– there is a scene with a character being accidentally naked (though it is covered by a shower curtain despite the character not being in the shower)
Review:
I loved this funny story! 😂 Remi was hilarious and at loved that she wanted to take in all the animals (and couldn’t let go of Roscoe). I loved the scenes caused by Remi’s animals so much! Wil was adorable when he let his guard down with Asher and Remi. I loved that he was determined to give the best to Asher and Remi (when he decided he liked her more than he expected). I loved seeing more of Granny and her blunt observations! 😂 my favorite moments/scenes from this story include: Granny/Asher/Sharpie, Roscoe visits, Park Bench Grandpa, a bag of popcorn, snakes in the tub, the flying squirrel incident, The Crispy Crumpet kiss, and the end couple of scenes.
Summary:
Remi is known as the local animal rehabilitator who won’t say no to taking in a new creature, even if her landlady seems to despise her for it. When a puppy becomes the last straw to break her landlady’s back, Remi finds herself without a home and without a job after being late to work one too many times. Luckily, the man who helped her save the puppy, Wil, is willing to offer her a roof over her head as well as a job. Though it’s a little unconventional to be paid to be his wife, Remi isn’t about to question her good fortune. But when her feelings start to feel real, Remi questions if it was such a good idea to agree to the arrangement in the first place…
Wil is a single father who wants the best for his son Asher. So when his quirky uncle creates stipulations in order to gain any inheritance from him, Wil is willing to bend over backwards to get Asher the life he believes he deserves. But having to be married might push Wil over the edge. Wil doesn’t want to get into another relationship with a woman after Asher’s mom hurt them both. So when Remi comes to him with no place to go, Wil suggests that they pretend to be married to benefit both of their situations. Wil never expected for Remi to fit so well with him and his son or that she’d change their lives forever…
– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
– this is told from Remi & Wil’s points of view
– there is a scene with a character being accidentally naked (though it is covered by a shower curtain despite the character not being in the shower)
Review:
I loved this funny story! 😂 Remi was hilarious and at loved that she wanted to take in all the animals (and couldn’t let go of Roscoe). I loved the scenes caused by Remi’s animals so much! Wil was adorable when he let his guard down with Asher and Remi. I loved that he was determined to give the best to Asher and Remi (when he decided he liked her more than he expected). I loved seeing more of Granny and her blunt observations! 😂 my favorite moments/scenes from this story include: Granny/Asher/Sharpie, Roscoe visits, Park Bench Grandpa, a bag of popcorn, snakes in the tub, the flying squirrel incident, The Crispy Crumpet kiss, and the end couple of scenes.
Summary:
Remi is known as the local animal rehabilitator who won’t say no to taking in a new creature, even if her landlady seems to despise her for it. When a puppy becomes the last straw to break her landlady’s back, Remi finds herself without a home and without a job after being late to work one too many times. Luckily, the man who helped her save the puppy, Wil, is willing to offer her a roof over her head as well as a job. Though it’s a little unconventional to be paid to be his wife, Remi isn’t about to question her good fortune. But when her feelings start to feel real, Remi questions if it was such a good idea to agree to the arrangement in the first place…
Wil is a single father who wants the best for his son Asher. So when his quirky uncle creates stipulations in order to gain any inheritance from him, Wil is willing to bend over backwards to get Asher the life he believes he deserves. But having to be married might push Wil over the edge. Wil doesn’t want to get into another relationship with a woman after Asher’s mom hurt them both. So when Remi comes to him with no place to go, Wil suggests that they pretend to be married to benefit both of their situations. Wil never expected for Remi to fit so well with him and his son or that she’d change their lives forever…
November 10, 2022
Hankering for Home by Rachael Eliker is a cute, sweet small town romance featuring quirky Remi Bravo who is a contract letter carrier and a full-time animal rescuer. She meets Wil when she is crawling under a car to rescue a puppy. Well, really she had met him before at a community festival when he was there with his son, but that didn’t really count. Turns out the car belonged to her landlady, who didn’t allow pets and immediately jumped to the conclusion that the puppy was hers. She quickly shoved him into Wil’s arms and proclaimed that he was the owner. Now, Wil, was gorgeous, and well-dressed and clearly not comfortable with the dog in his arms. She explained to the landlady that he was her boyfriend. No one believed that, but it got the ball rolling. Wil needed a friend right now. He was set to inherit a lot of money from his uncle, but to do that he had to meet some criteria, one of which is that he be married. After getting to know Remi a little because of their shared dog, he introduced her to his lawyer, who drew up the papers. Remi couldn’t focus for that long so she really had no idea what he was nattering on about and was totally surprised when Wil explained it to her. Her immediate response was no, but as she though about it she decided it would be OK, so she agreed.
Remi had a penchant for getting in trouble. Eliker has created a really likable character in Remi. Wil’s son loves her and is blooming having her in the house. The people on her route missed her when she got fired. In fact, the only person who doesn’t really care for her is her landlady. Not a problem because she got kicked out and was looking for a place to live when this mess with Wil popped up. Wil is a less rounded out character, but still a good one and perfect for Remi. They are so opposite one another that they are genuinely good together. It is a cute story, with cute characters. Easy to read and fun. Well worth your while.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Hankering for Home by the author. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #RachaelEliker #HankeringForHome
Remi had a penchant for getting in trouble. Eliker has created a really likable character in Remi. Wil’s son loves her and is blooming having her in the house. The people on her route missed her when she got fired. In fact, the only person who doesn’t really care for her is her landlady. Not a problem because she got kicked out and was looking for a place to live when this mess with Wil popped up. Wil is a less rounded out character, but still a good one and perfect for Remi. They are so opposite one another that they are genuinely good together. It is a cute story, with cute characters. Easy to read and fun. Well worth your while.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Hankering for Home by the author. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #RachaelEliker #HankeringForHome
November 25, 2024
"The instinct to protect Remi was so unexpected, but so ingrained in my DNA, it made me want to swing from vines and holler from the treetops like a regular Tarzan"
Now I really enjoyed the first instalment of the Button Blossom series so I was excited to start Hankering For Home. I was fully expecting it to be just as good as Lassoed Into Love but I'm really sad to find that it just didn't quite live up to my expectations.
I think one of the main reasons for that is because the marriage plot didn't even get brought up until about 55% of the way through the book. I was hoping that despite it being a marriage of convenience we would have had a bit more fun with them trying to convince the people in town, and Uncle Greg of course, of their relationship but we only got one fake public kiss.
I also, sorry to say, don't think Remi and Wil had much chemistry between them which is a shame because I enjoyed them both as characters. I love the sunshine Remi brings to everyone she meets, especially Wil, and how easy she falls into the role of caring for his son Asher. I liked Wil and how he starts off the book grumpy but slowly relaxes the more time he spends with Remi, you can also see how much he loves his son and eventually Shaprie the dog too!
The book itself was well written as always. Its a sweet read and Rachel knows how to add humour to her story to give you some good laugh out loud moments, this time involving all the animals that Remi rescues. I still love the small town vibes the series gives off especially being introduced to some new future characters and revisiting Parker and Maren from the previous book.
Overall I did enjoy the story, it was a pleasant way to carry on the series but I just wished that there was more romance and firling involved. I know we get a lot of feelings with their inner monolgues but in order to believe how fast they fell for each other in the end I needed to actually see the physical slow burn development between them. Can't wait to read the next one now!
Now I really enjoyed the first instalment of the Button Blossom series so I was excited to start Hankering For Home. I was fully expecting it to be just as good as Lassoed Into Love but I'm really sad to find that it just didn't quite live up to my expectations.
I think one of the main reasons for that is because the marriage plot didn't even get brought up until about 55% of the way through the book. I was hoping that despite it being a marriage of convenience we would have had a bit more fun with them trying to convince the people in town, and Uncle Greg of course, of their relationship but we only got one fake public kiss.
I also, sorry to say, don't think Remi and Wil had much chemistry between them which is a shame because I enjoyed them both as characters. I love the sunshine Remi brings to everyone she meets, especially Wil, and how easy she falls into the role of caring for his son Asher. I liked Wil and how he starts off the book grumpy but slowly relaxes the more time he spends with Remi, you can also see how much he loves his son and eventually Shaprie the dog too!
The book itself was well written as always. Its a sweet read and Rachel knows how to add humour to her story to give you some good laugh out loud moments, this time involving all the animals that Remi rescues. I still love the small town vibes the series gives off especially being introduced to some new future characters and revisiting Parker and Maren from the previous book.
Overall I did enjoy the story, it was a pleasant way to carry on the series but I just wished that there was more romance and firling involved. I know we get a lot of feelings with their inner monolgues but in order to believe how fast they fell for each other in the end I needed to actually see the physical slow burn development between them. Can't wait to read the next one now!
November 18, 2022
When you find a romantic comedy author you like, you keep reading their books! I loved Lassoed into Love by Rachael Eliker. I’ve been anxiously awaiting this one, because the last chapter of Lassoed into Love featured Remi and Wil. And I was not disappointed.
I loved Remi in this one! She is the kind of girl who always finds an animal to rescue. I loved how she found Sharpie in this book just by being observant. And she got kicked out of her apartment because of that. Remi’s landlord was a beast, by the way. I couldn’t have hated her more. But I digress. I loved Remi with Wil and Asher. They just fit, all of them.
Luckily the reader gets to see things through Wil’s point of view as well. I loved that in this book. Wil is so completely different from Remi. He’s analytical, she’s fly by the seat of her pants. That made it all the more fun to see how different their points of view were. Wil’s uncle’s ultimatum about getting married was the impetus here, but I have to believe that Wil and Remi would have eventually figured it out.
There is a whole cast of other characters in this one that I just loved as well. It was fun to see Maren again. Their friend Trixie, I’m hoping she gets her own story too. And Asher. I loved Asher, he’s such a cute little guy. I can’t forget all of Remi’s animals either. So much personality there!
You need to read this one. It’ll bring a smile to your face!
I was sent an e-copy of Hankering for Home as a gift from the author. All opinions are my own.
I loved Remi in this one! She is the kind of girl who always finds an animal to rescue. I loved how she found Sharpie in this book just by being observant. And she got kicked out of her apartment because of that. Remi’s landlord was a beast, by the way. I couldn’t have hated her more. But I digress. I loved Remi with Wil and Asher. They just fit, all of them.
Luckily the reader gets to see things through Wil’s point of view as well. I loved that in this book. Wil is so completely different from Remi. He’s analytical, she’s fly by the seat of her pants. That made it all the more fun to see how different their points of view were. Wil’s uncle’s ultimatum about getting married was the impetus here, but I have to believe that Wil and Remi would have eventually figured it out.
There is a whole cast of other characters in this one that I just loved as well. It was fun to see Maren again. Their friend Trixie, I’m hoping she gets her own story too. And Asher. I loved Asher, he’s such a cute little guy. I can’t forget all of Remi’s animals either. So much personality there!
You need to read this one. It’ll bring a smile to your face!
I was sent an e-copy of Hankering for Home as a gift from the author. All opinions are my own.
November 13, 2022
Romance level: kissing🔥.
I loved this book so much! Their first meeting in book 1, how they teased each other👌🏻 & the banter was the best. This book had such amazing tropes: marriage of convenience, single dad, single bed.
Wil was such a lovely grumpy cinnamon roll! He was amazing🥺. I loved how he was there to support Remi. She was so chaotic & fun. Wil was all about cleanness & control. I loved their chemistry & the evolution of their relationship & hugs.
I love how resilient Remi is. She's always trying to help others. Wil's panic response was hilarious 😂.
Their chemistry! All of their kisses were wow🔥. I mean, neck kisses 😍. I loved how they sat down & talked. They were perfect for each other & as parents too. Asher was the sweetest boy ever💕.
I loved how Will saw miscommunication & talked it through. I hated how Bree messed up Remi though. She didn't deserved that. I didn't like how Remi reacted, but I understood her fear.
I loved Wil. He's the best😂🥺. So precious! His grand gesture was amazing. He handled everything so well. I loved seeing Granny, Maren & Parker again😍.
The epilogue was the best! I loved their honesty through the last bits of the story. Can't wait for book 3!
Scenes I loved:
🍭 First meeting
🐕Rescuing Sharpie
🧑🏼⚖️ The courthouse
🧹The closet
🛁 The shower
🛏️ One bed
⚠️TW: adoption/foster care; abandonment.
🍁
* I was kindly gifted an ARC from the author. This doesn't influence in any form my review/opinion of the book*
I loved this book so much! Their first meeting in book 1, how they teased each other👌🏻 & the banter was the best. This book had such amazing tropes: marriage of convenience, single dad, single bed.
Wil was such a lovely grumpy cinnamon roll! He was amazing🥺. I loved how he was there to support Remi. She was so chaotic & fun. Wil was all about cleanness & control. I loved their chemistry & the evolution of their relationship & hugs.
I love how resilient Remi is. She's always trying to help others. Wil's panic response was hilarious 😂.
Their chemistry! All of their kisses were wow🔥. I mean, neck kisses 😍. I loved how they sat down & talked. They were perfect for each other & as parents too. Asher was the sweetest boy ever💕.
I loved how Will saw miscommunication & talked it through. I hated how Bree messed up Remi though. She didn't deserved that. I didn't like how Remi reacted, but I understood her fear.
I loved Wil. He's the best😂🥺. So precious! His grand gesture was amazing. He handled everything so well. I loved seeing Granny, Maren & Parker again😍.
The epilogue was the best! I loved their honesty through the last bits of the story. Can't wait for book 3!
Scenes I loved:
🍭 First meeting
🐕Rescuing Sharpie
🧑🏼⚖️ The courthouse
🧹The closet
🛁 The shower
🛏️ One bed
⚠️TW: adoption/foster care; abandonment.
🍁
* I was kindly gifted an ARC from the author. This doesn't influence in any form my review/opinion of the book*
January 31, 2023
Modern day marriage of convenience stories always seem so unlikely to me, so it typically surprises me to run across them. This one was very well done, and I really enjoyed the storyline and characters.
A little bit of an age gap was implied a few times, but I never really decided what ages I thought Remi and Wil were... I got the feeling that it wasn't a large gap though.
Hankering for Home was my first book by Rachael Eliker, but it won't be my last! She had been on my TBR list for a while, and I was excited to read this fun story. I really enjoyed Remi and her love of animals, and felt like Wil was a good balance to her. He started out as what some would consider a stick in the mud and a grump.. but inside, he was a sweetheart.
Both Remi and Wil had lived through a some pretty difficult circumstances, and as a result, they've both built up walls.. this is the story of how they grow through their experiences and learn to trust in spite of their personal reasons not to.
*Be aware -- it is clean, but does have some parts that border along the PG13 type line for suggestiveness.
For me, this book is like a good chocolate chip cookie. Maybe sprinkled with sea salt. It's got a good mix of flavors, brought me smiles, and made me want to go grab the the next book in the series as soon as I was through.
A little bit of an age gap was implied a few times, but I never really decided what ages I thought Remi and Wil were... I got the feeling that it wasn't a large gap though.
Hankering for Home was my first book by Rachael Eliker, but it won't be my last! She had been on my TBR list for a while, and I was excited to read this fun story. I really enjoyed Remi and her love of animals, and felt like Wil was a good balance to her. He started out as what some would consider a stick in the mud and a grump.. but inside, he was a sweetheart.
Both Remi and Wil had lived through a some pretty difficult circumstances, and as a result, they've both built up walls.. this is the story of how they grow through their experiences and learn to trust in spite of their personal reasons not to.
*Be aware -- it is clean, but does have some parts that border along the PG13 type line for suggestiveness.
For me, this book is like a good chocolate chip cookie. Maybe sprinkled with sea salt. It's got a good mix of flavors, brought me smiles, and made me want to go grab the the next book in the series as soon as I was through.
November 6, 2022
The Family They Didn’t Know They Wanted -
Wil had given up on relationships and only concentrate on being a single father, but decided to compromise when he found himself in a bind. Remi had struggled and sacrificed to ensure her younger sister was able to get a great education and didn’t experience hardships, and also put rescued animals before herself. Luckily fate brought Wil and Remi together at a time when they both needed help.
The proposition was meant to be temporary, but spending time together with each other, a precocious boy and a collection of rescued animals, had their affection for each other growing, but a couple of jealous individuals nearly cost them their happily ever after. However, time apart made them both realise they were meant to be together.
I was drawn into this gripping tale of hope, selflessness and love, right from the first page and I couldn’t stop reading until I reached the end. It is a definite must read book.
I received an advanced copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wil had given up on relationships and only concentrate on being a single father, but decided to compromise when he found himself in a bind. Remi had struggled and sacrificed to ensure her younger sister was able to get a great education and didn’t experience hardships, and also put rescued animals before herself. Luckily fate brought Wil and Remi together at a time when they both needed help.
The proposition was meant to be temporary, but spending time together with each other, a precocious boy and a collection of rescued animals, had their affection for each other growing, but a couple of jealous individuals nearly cost them their happily ever after. However, time apart made them both realise they were meant to be together.
I was drawn into this gripping tale of hope, selflessness and love, right from the first page and I couldn’t stop reading until I reached the end. It is a definite must read book.
I received an advanced copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 6, 2024
3 stars :)
This was quick, fun and refreshing. Great start to 2024!
Remi was a pretty great main character (low on the annoyance scale) and although fake dating/marriage of convenience isn’t the type book I would usually read, I found this enjoyable.
Asher was super cute and, as an animal lover myself, I found it adorable how much he loved and cared for his dog *heart eye emoji*.
Despite the totally unnecessarily weird name, Wil (short for Wilberforce) was a good love interest and a loving single dad who was really just trying his best to raise his son on his own. I didn’t feel a very deep connection with any of the characters throughout this book, but I appreciated how Rachael Eliker explored themes of foster care and the effect that it can have on sibling relationships/an individual themselves.
Overall, it was okay. It wasn’t too long or difficult to read and the dialogue was well written without being cringy or just an information overload. I might even check out more of Rachael’s books when I feel the urge for a less sophisticated plot/structure.
This was quick, fun and refreshing. Great start to 2024!
Remi was a pretty great main character (low on the annoyance scale) and although fake dating/marriage of convenience isn’t the type book I would usually read, I found this enjoyable.
Asher was super cute and, as an animal lover myself, I found it adorable how much he loved and cared for his dog *heart eye emoji*.
Despite the totally unnecessarily weird name, Wil (short for Wilberforce) was a good love interest and a loving single dad who was really just trying his best to raise his son on his own. I didn’t feel a very deep connection with any of the characters throughout this book, but I appreciated how Rachael Eliker explored themes of foster care and the effect that it can have on sibling relationships/an individual themselves.
Overall, it was okay. It wasn’t too long or difficult to read and the dialogue was well written without being cringy or just an information overload. I might even check out more of Rachael’s books when I feel the urge for a less sophisticated plot/structure.
November 14, 2022
Remi is the best kind of squirrelly.
I love Remi and Wil together. They balance each other out. She is certainly a good thing for Wil's five year old son, Asher. Of course, what young boy wouldn't like a woman who cares for injured wildlife? Especially Roscoe the fox squirrel now living in the park across the street. She even brings him a stray puppy that can bring out his little boy energy. She can even make Wil smile, and even... (gasp) laught occasionally.
The supporting characters are equally good. His rich eccentric uncle giving Wil a house and a bank account, but hedging it with stipulations. Her friends Trixie, Maren & Granny asking all the wrong questions at the worst time. And the evil landlady that makes a perfect substitute for the fairytale stepmother.
I received an ARC copy of this story from the author via BookFunnel and voluntarily chose to share my review.
I love Remi and Wil together. They balance each other out. She is certainly a good thing for Wil's five year old son, Asher. Of course, what young boy wouldn't like a woman who cares for injured wildlife? Especially Roscoe the fox squirrel now living in the park across the street. She even brings him a stray puppy that can bring out his little boy energy. She can even make Wil smile, and even... (gasp) laught occasionally.
The supporting characters are equally good. His rich eccentric uncle giving Wil a house and a bank account, but hedging it with stipulations. Her friends Trixie, Maren & Granny asking all the wrong questions at the worst time. And the evil landlady that makes a perfect substitute for the fairytale stepmother.
I received an ARC copy of this story from the author via BookFunnel and voluntarily chose to share my review.
January 5, 2024
This was a good book until 80%. At precisely at 80% the author decided to succumb to mandatory 3rd act break-up for absolutely no reason, and that brought down my rating to a measly 2 stars.
In the entire book, the ungrateful, she-dog of a younger sister is shown only in 60 second phone calls and suddenly her opinion matters the world to the heroine, and she breaks up with the hero. We are never explained why the younger sister matters so much (even when that wretch hooks up with heroine's cheating ex-bf from HS).
The bonus F-up in the story: The hero arranges for a whole surprise re-marriage with the heroine, when he is not even sure if she wants to be his wife anymore. He invites all her loved ones and goes to great lengths for this so-called surprise. What if she said no??? Did she even have a choice?
She went cray cray first time at the merest sight of trouble and abandoned you. Why do you think she won't do it second time??
In the entire book, the ungrateful, she-dog of a younger sister is shown only in 60 second phone calls and suddenly her opinion matters the world to the heroine, and she breaks up with the hero. We are never explained why the younger sister matters so much (even when that wretch hooks up with heroine's cheating ex-bf from HS).
The bonus F-up in the story: The hero arranges for a whole surprise re-marriage with the heroine, when he is not even sure if she wants to be his wife anymore. He invites all her loved ones and goes to great lengths for this so-called surprise. What if she said no??? Did she even have a choice?
She went cray cray first time at the merest sight of trouble and abandoned you. Why do you think she won't do it second time??
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2022
I loved this hilarious romantic comedy where Remi and Wil got married to satisfy a clause in the will of the Uncle who was leaving his inheritance to Wil. When Remi got kicked out of her apartment for bringing a dog home that she rescued, she got fired from her job for being late, and her sister needed $500; she went to Wil's house for consolation. The marriage proposition solved all of Remi's problems: a place to live, a job, and money to spend. My favorite parts of the book were the antics created by several of the animals that Remi brought home for rehabilitation. I was laughing out loud and couldn't put the book down. I highly recommend this delightful ROM COM. I received an ARC and this is my voluntary and honest review.
December 29, 2023
Spoiler alert!
This was a good story with some nice LOL moments up until just before the end. Then the story lost me for while. I honestly did not get why she didn't tell her sister about Wil. I certainly understand her sister being upset about it but the whole section after that made no sense. Remi seemed to act completely out of character and I really didn't understand the whole 'like her parents' thing. That section was, imo, an unnecessary, frustrating curve ball. Before that I liked her. And Wil and Ashton of course. Thankfully it was sorted out. Very nice ending. But that section affected my overall view of the story for sure. It is a nice read and others may feel very differently about how things unfold, so give it a try.
This was a good story with some nice LOL moments up until just before the end. Then the story lost me for while. I honestly did not get why she didn't tell her sister about Wil. I certainly understand her sister being upset about it but the whole section after that made no sense. Remi seemed to act completely out of character and I really didn't understand the whole 'like her parents' thing. That section was, imo, an unnecessary, frustrating curve ball. Before that I liked her. And Wil and Ashton of course. Thankfully it was sorted out. Very nice ending. But that section affected my overall view of the story for sure. It is a nice read and others may feel very differently about how things unfold, so give it a try.
November 9, 2022
I loved how Remi and Wil developed. Remi was used to taking care of herself but had to eventually let love in. Wil had been burned before but worked to overcome the setback and be there for Remi and express himself. The heated kisses were a wonderful bonus 😍🔥
Asher was such a sweet documentary-loving smart kid. It was nice to hve characters from the first book, especially beloved Granny 😂 I'm not a dog person but Sharpie had me falling in love with his cheerful demeanor 🐕 Also, many thanks to him for that one bed situation 😂
I'm loving the character development in this series so far and can't wait to read more!
Thank you so much to the author for sending me this ARC.
Asher was such a sweet documentary-loving smart kid. It was nice to hve characters from the first book, especially beloved Granny 😂 I'm not a dog person but Sharpie had me falling in love with his cheerful demeanor 🐕 Also, many thanks to him for that one bed situation 😂
I'm loving the character development in this series so far and can't wait to read more!
Thank you so much to the author for sending me this ARC.
November 23, 2022
Where you going?
Home. 🏠
Where is home?
Remi and Wil are looking for home for different reasons. Remi needs a place to live ... because her landlord kicked her out for sneaking a dog inside. Wil has a house but needs to fulfill the demands of his "crazy" Uncle to keep it. They agree to work together and their arrangements lead to a deeper meaning of home. ❤️
This is a sweet, small-town, romantic comedy story. ❤️ It is book two in @rachaeleliker's Button Blossom series. You can read it as a standalone or start with book one, Lassoed into Love.
🏠❤️🏠❤️🏠
Thank you for the eArc, Rachel! I wasn't sure about animal rescue hijinks, but they were GREAT! 😂 🧡
All opinions are my own.
Home. 🏠
Where is home?
Remi and Wil are looking for home for different reasons. Remi needs a place to live ... because her landlord kicked her out for sneaking a dog inside. Wil has a house but needs to fulfill the demands of his "crazy" Uncle to keep it. They agree to work together and their arrangements lead to a deeper meaning of home. ❤️
This is a sweet, small-town, romantic comedy story. ❤️ It is book two in @rachaeleliker's Button Blossom series. You can read it as a standalone or start with book one, Lassoed into Love.
🏠❤️🏠❤️🏠
Thank you for the eArc, Rachel! I wasn't sure about animal rescue hijinks, but they were GREAT! 😂 🧡
All opinions are my own.
November 7, 2022
Hankering for home is a sweet, heartwarming, truly funny romantic comedy. I want to be adopted into this zany family. Remi, Wil, Asher and Sharpie are just the best. Remi, with her love for rescuing wildlife, is always in trouble - late for work, dodging her landlady. There are several laugh out loud antics so do not read while eating! I rather suspected who Park Bench Grandpa might be. (He's a keeper!) I just thoroughly enjoyed taking this journey with these characters, I highly recommend this well written, entertaining book!
November 7, 2022
I thought book 1 was a fun read & this book was so sweet. Remi was sweet and fun. Wil was a good sounding board for her. They were a solid compliment to each other. Button blossom was a nice town to escape into. I think every one needs a Granny! The balance of humor and serious was good. A good read for all of those who like the sweet romcoms but hate the cringe that some have. No cringe here. Some great swoony moments. Good flow, good characters and good dialogue. The sneak peek for Clint was great!
November 7, 2022
Told from dual-perspectives, this story of Remi and Wil is an unorthodox match with dubious beginnings, but it's one that works! Lots of animal hijinks and some of our favorite supporting characters from book one return to lend continuity to the series (including Maren & Parker). However, you do NOT have to have read the first book to enjoy this one. If you're an animal lover, you'll appreciate Roscoe, Sharpie, and the rest of the more 'natural' supporting cast. A sweet addition to Rachael's collection!
November 12, 2022
I absolutely loved this book! It has such a fun twist on marriage of convenience, and the grumpy/sunshine romance was so cute!
Marriage of convenience is one of my favorite tropes, and while I’ve read books where the characters are required to marry because of a will, I don’t think I’ve read one before where the person requiring it is still alive and interacting with the characters. I loved Remi and Wil together, and the forced proximity because of their marriage was so well written. Asher was darling, and it was so much fun to read about him and Sharpie, the dog!
I laughed so many times while reading this book! From the various animal shenanigans to Remi’s way with words, I loved the humor and wit in the story! This is definitely a book I will want to reread in the future. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
5/5 stars!
Marriage of convenience is one of my favorite tropes, and while I’ve read books where the characters are required to marry because of a will, I don’t think I’ve read one before where the person requiring it is still alive and interacting with the characters. I loved Remi and Wil together, and the forced proximity because of their marriage was so well written. Asher was darling, and it was so much fun to read about him and Sharpie, the dog!
I laughed so many times while reading this book! From the various animal shenanigans to Remi’s way with words, I loved the humor and wit in the story! This is definitely a book I will want to reread in the future. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
5/5 stars!
November 19, 2022
Such a cute story of Remi and Wil!
Remi grows up in a broken home and in and out of foster families. She has a want and need for a happy home life.
Wil is a single dad who's uncle offers him a deal of his wealth, IF he marries and is truly happy with it.
Wil runs into Remi, while she's rescuing a stray puppy. Because of the pup Remi loses not only her home, but her job too. With no income and need for housing for Remi and Wil's need for a wife to help take care of his little boy, Wil makes a strategic agreement to benefit both lives. Little did they think they'd be perfect for eachother.
Remi grows up in a broken home and in and out of foster families. She has a want and need for a happy home life.
Wil is a single dad who's uncle offers him a deal of his wealth, IF he marries and is truly happy with it.
Wil runs into Remi, while she's rescuing a stray puppy. Because of the pup Remi loses not only her home, but her job too. With no income and need for housing for Remi and Wil's need for a wife to help take care of his little boy, Wil makes a strategic agreement to benefit both lives. Little did they think they'd be perfect for eachother.
October 24, 2023
Finding What We Crave
Who doesn't want love and family and feeling like we belong? Remi had a life in and out of foster homes. She had good friends, a younger sister she loved, a job she tolerated, and a place to live - until she didn't have them all any more. Will had a son he loved, an interesting rich uncle, and a heart that had been padlocked after his ex had crushed it. How Wil and Remi end up together is laugh out loud funny, as are the continuing antics with her wildlife rescues. The whole story is so good and ends so well.
Who doesn't want love and family and feeling like we belong? Remi had a life in and out of foster homes. She had good friends, a younger sister she loved, a job she tolerated, and a place to live - until she didn't have them all any more. Will had a son he loved, an interesting rich uncle, and a heart that had been padlocked after his ex had crushed it. How Wil and Remi end up together is laugh out loud funny, as are the continuing antics with her wildlife rescues. The whole story is so good and ends so well.
January 27, 2023
Hankering for Home
Remi is an animal rescuer who comes from a broken home and is helping her sister to get a college education. With help from Wil, she rescues a puppy from beneath a car. Wil is a grumpy single dad who isn’t looking for romance because of his ex. Remi needs a place to live and a job; Wil needs a wife to claim his inheritance. Will a marriage before convenience be the answer to both of their problems? This is a fun story.
Remi is an animal rescuer who comes from a broken home and is helping her sister to get a college education. With help from Wil, she rescues a puppy from beneath a car. Wil is a grumpy single dad who isn’t looking for romance because of his ex. Remi needs a place to live and a job; Wil needs a wife to claim his inheritance. Will a marriage before convenience be the answer to both of their problems? This is a fun story.
March 4, 2024
Remi and Wil meet, take an immediate dislike to one another... and then join forces...? What?
Great start!
Of course, it's not all easy-going from there. That was just a momentary thing because... reasons. They don't like each other, remember?
The story takes us through a roller coaster of emotions but ends with a satisfying HEA. The pair have past hurts to work through, after all. I do recommend the story.
Great start!
Of course, it's not all easy-going from there. That was just a momentary thing because... reasons. They don't like each other, remember?
The story takes us through a roller coaster of emotions but ends with a satisfying HEA. The pair have past hurts to work through, after all. I do recommend the story.
November 8, 2022
Remi Bravo is a hot mess of a crazy animal lady who has a thing for Wilburforce (yes, that’s his name, but obviously, he prefers Wil). She embroils Wil in a series of lies, yes, it’s his puppy, not hers. Yes, he’s her boyfriend, that’s why she’s holding his puppy. A fun, fluffy, sweet read. Wil is great, as the stoic, single father. He took Remi’s chaos in stride.
Recommend.
Recommend.
November 9, 2022
Rachael Eliker had me with the first scene of Remi call for Roscoe in the park. I could so see myself doing this. Wil is just a plus and then you also get Asher. I laughed my way through this book. Remi is such a good hearted klutz. I look forward to seeing what else can happen in Button Blossom.
April 5, 2023
Sharpie and Asher, an unbeatable combo.
Great second book in the series. Rom/com marriage of convenience with a cute little boy, a giant dog, and evil landlord and a weird uncle. And two adults who have more insecurities from their past that their walls are practically insurmountable. Clean
Great second book in the series. Rom/com marriage of convenience with a cute little boy, a giant dog, and evil landlord and a weird uncle. And two adults who have more insecurities from their past that their walls are practically insurmountable. Clean
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