Cherish

Series #2

by Kris Bryant

Josie Lockner scores big when she’s awarded a summer artist-in-residence in the small beach town of Goda, Massachusetts. The Wellingtons are the perfect host family and Revere Estates the best backdrop. She’s more than ready to capture the beauty of nature with her pencils and brushes. Falling for the Wellingtons’ quiet neighbor, Olivia Monteclair isn’t in the picture, but just because it won’t last forever doesn’t mean she can’t have some fun.

Olivia’s peaceful days are interrupted when Josie, with her infectious grin and sunny disposition, crowds her space. Was Olivia ever that young or that hungry about life? She isn’t in the market, not after her devastating heartbreak, but there’s something about Josie that brings out a lightness she’s missing from her life.

Both cherish the time spent together, but when the summer ends and their temporary romance melts into the real deal, reality gets complicated.

Genres: Lesbian, Romance, LGBT, Lesbian Fiction, Audiobook, Lesbian Romance, Contemporary

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2023

About the author

Podcast with Tara Scott at queerlyrecommended.com

Multi-award winning author Kris Bryant was born in Tacoma, WA but has lived all over the world and now considers Kansas City her home. She received her B.A. in English from the University of Missouri and spends a lot of her time buried in books. She enjoys hiking, photography, spending time with her family, and her dog, Molly (who gets more attention than she does on Facebook).

Her first novel, Jolt, was a Lambda Literary Finalist. Forget Me Not was selected by the American Library Association's 2018 Over the Rainbow book list and was a Golden Crown Finalist for Contemporary Romance. Breakthrough won a 2019 Goldie for Contemporary Romance. Listen won a 2020 Goldie for Contemporary Romance. Temptation won a 2021 Goldie for Contemporary Romance. Not Guilty written under Bryant's pen name - Brit Ryder - won a 2022 Goldie for Erotica. Kris can be reached at krisbryantbooks@gmail or ww.krisbryant.net, @krisbryant14.

Jolt - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Whirlwind Romance - ebook, paperback
Just Say Yes (Novella in the wedding series) - ebook only
Taste - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Forget Me Not - ebook, paperback
Shameless (written as Brit Ryder) - ebook, audiobook
Girl Next Door Anthology - "Dog Day of Summer" - ebook, paperback
Touch - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Breakthrough - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Against All Odds - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Travel Anthology (short by Brit Ryder) - ebook, paperback
Listen - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Falling - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Tinsel - ebook, audiobook
Temptation - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Lucky - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Home - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Scent - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Not Guilty writing as Brit Ryder - ebook, paperback (audiobook in the works)
Always - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Forever - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Stranded Hearts (with Amanda Radley & Emily Smith) - ebook, paperback
Serendipity - ebook, paperback, audiobook

Reviews

[Rosi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has been a story with a slight age gap between its protagonists, also a difference in social classes, although none of the above matters much in the course of the story.

Jossie is a talented graphic artist, focused mainly on painting, although she is reluctantly considering dedicating herself to graphic design due to the difficulties of making a name for herself in the art world. She is lucky enough to get an artist-residency in a quiet, upscale coastal town, which will allow her to dedicate herself to painting without worrying about anything else, living in a beach house within the Wellington residence. , her benefactors.

One of the neighbors is Olivia, a woman who has suffered a great loss that still torments her and makes her surly and unapproachable. But Josie from the first moment they casually meet, she feels a strong attraction and does not hesitate to cause chance encounters, not so chance, that will gradually dismantle Olivia's barriers towards others.

It has been a story that shows how the two women help each other, Josie making Olivia come out of her reverie and Olivia giving Josie confidence to believe in her potential as an artist. And it also shows how two women apparently at opposite poles can find common paths to follow together, without hidden agendas or other interests outside of feelings.


Publisher Bold Strokes Books was kind enough to provide me with an advanced reading copy via Netgalley for an honest review

[currentlyreadingbynat · Rating 5 out of 5]

To be honest, I think this may be my favourite lesfic book cover. The artwork is stunning and absolutely lends itself to the story. Hats off to the cover designer!

Cherish immediately captivated me with its entrancing depiction of New England and its thriving art scene. I loved both of the main characters within this novel - Josie, a budding artist with a summer residency courtesy of the Wellingtons, and Olivia, a revered artist who's masking her grief behind a facade of indifference. Their shared passion for art and the idyllic surroundings draw them into a whirlwind of emotions and passion. While their relationship starts off casual, given Josie's temporary stay, undeniable feelings start to take root. Olivia's hesitance, grounded in her lingering grief as well as their 12 year age gap, adds depth to their budding romance.

I loved this book - it felt like an ideal end-of-summer read as it masterfully intertwines coastal life, love, art, and healing. Although I haven't picked up Temptation (which features the tale of Cassie and Brook), it's next on my list after this engaging slow burn romance.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

[Cherie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️rounded up

This is a story about Josie Lockner who is twenty 23 and a recent art school graduate. She lands an internship with the Wellington foundation at a small Cape Cod town. Brook and Cassie Wellington are a very wealthy couple who are down to earth folks who have two great kids. Their son Noah was my favorite character in the book.

Olivia Montclair is a widow with a tragic past. She’s very depressed and lives a quiet lonely life. She owns an art gallery in the small town. Olivia lives nest door to the Wellingtons and meets Josie one evening on the beach.


I loved the cover of the book and the background story of an artist trying to earn a living with her talent. Josie was a fun character and seemed mature for her age. Olivia was an ice queen with very little personality in my view. I could not relate to her at all.. And I felt bad for Josie getting involved with her. Josie deserved better.

I’ve enjoyed Bryant’s books and I liked this one too except for Olivia, she was a wet blanket for a nice beach story. ARC received from Net Galley for an honest and voluntary review.

[Vita L. Licari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely slow burn, age gap story. Josie is 23 and fresh out of college for art. She wins a summer artist- in residence in Goda, a small beach town in Mass. The host family is the Wellingtons, and they are wonderful.
Their next door neighbor is Olivia, 35 who owns a gallery in town and is a famous artist. Josie stumbles upon her while walking on the beach, it's not an auspicious beginning. But after several "bumping" into one another they become friends. Though Josie would like more, but Olivia is getting over a personal tragedy, and she doesn't expect much. But Olivia flirts...
(We also get back with Brook and Cassie from Temptation )
I absolutely love this book, definitely 5 stars!!

[Tempe Luvs Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read many books by Kris Bryant and my favorite has always been Temptation, another agonizing, slow-burn age-gap. Ironically, I didn’t even realize until I finished this, that Cherish is a spin-off of that wonderful book!
The characters are still amazing and my heart smiled knowing that I had been reunited with the Wellington’s, Cassie, Brooke and Noah.

This book featured Josie, age 23 who just graduated from art school. She was awarded summer artist-in-residence at the Revere Estate in Goda, Massachusetts and was hosted by the Wellingtons. Josie was charming, delightful and warmed easily to others. She was also a very talented artist who hoped to work on developing her craft and finding a job that would enable this.

Olivia Monteclair, 13 years older, was a very successful artist, Josie’s idol, and the owner of the Monteclair Gallery. She was a neighbor of the Wellingtons and someone Josie first thought to be an ice queen. This reader suffered the slow burn, watching from the pages and encouraging the lovely characters on!

Kris Bryant is up at the top of writing passion and heart throbbing steam and this book was over the top with feelings and hope, but was complicated by the angst of some pain the older Olivia was carrying from the past.

I absolutely loved this beautiful romance and how Bryant’s skilled writing managed to weave it all together in what will surely rank as one of her finest works.

My thanks goes to Bold Strokes
Books and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

I decided to take a short break from my Halloween reads with Kris Bryant's latest age gap romance, 'Cherish,' and I couldn't have made a better choice!

Brook, Cassie, and Noah from 'Temptation' are featured in this book. They are, to my delight, prominent side characters in this book. I thought it was very generous of Bryant to incorporate them to the narrative enough to allow readers to catch up on their family life.

The main characters in this book are Olivia and Josie. I was drawn to Olivia immediately; I was drawn to her sadness, to her beauty, to her enigmatic aura and, even though this isn't an audiobook and written in her POV, to the cadence of her voice. My first impression of Josie, on the other hand, wasn't entirely positive. She and I share a number of insecurities, mostly career-wise. Thus, she gets easily annoyed by simple remarks. I found myself torn between empathizing with her and wanting to shield her from her own self-pity.

As for the romance between them, I enjoyed it immensely; although a certain bit in its development left me momentarily disoriented. I just thought such scene was a tad abrupt. Other than that, the overall narrative proved to be a satisfying romance — made even better by the picturesque "Goda beach" for its backdrop!

With 'Cherish,' Bryant was able to paint a delightful romance. Josie's budding attraction to Olivia was very much compelling, and so was Olivia's reluctance — which provided most of the drama in the last chapters. While this romance novel definitely worked me up, Bryant's resolution made the journey worthwhile. I highly recommend a read if you are looking for a quick and immersive romance!

[Ari · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/4. Ah! One of my favorite Kris Bryant books is “Temptation”. Even though this is a standalone, the Wellingtons are prominent side characters in this story. This story mirrors strong themes that are present in Temptation. I enjoyed this age gap romance but thought it was rushed in the end. Also, the first time the main characters were intimate, it seemed so random—I thought the main character was dreaming. I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Carol Hutchinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Masterpiece

As an artist, Josie gets an opportunity to do a residency in Goda. Her host family, The Wellingtons, next door neighbour turns out to be Olivia Monteclair, who is also an artist. Olivia relishes her peace, and after enduring trauma that completely changed her life never expected, Josie’s bright and happy demeanour to affect her so greatly, but they only have the summer.

Truly beautiful and heartfelt romance about taking a second chance on love. Artistic in story and in nature of the way it was written, so simple and eloquent, creating imagery that left me picturing the scenic beach town, the stunning artwork, and the lovely kind people. What makes this story, is the simplistic nature of every chapter and moment, it flowed, artistically between one moment to the next, slowly building the connection and relationship between Josie and Olivia to the point you could easily forget at the beginning they were strangers. They were just so well suited and each brought something out in the other.

Josie almost gave Olivia a permissions she’d been unconsciously seeking to be happy and smile again, and Olivia returned to Josie the allowance to believe and chase a dream. Everything about the story was perfect and had my heart melting. Noah, who was the son of the Wellingtons, was so infectious and really helped Josie settle in, especially for those few classes of Olivia’s they both attended. His sweet nature, and the encouragement of his family, were just the support both Josie and Olivia needed.

I fell completely in love with story and cannot wait to read it again and again. It’s truly fantastic, a simple summer romance, with a lot of good feelings.

[Cathie W · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cover of Cherish caught my eye immediately and drew me in with lush colors and beautiful paint strokes, Open the book to the beautifully written landscape of the New England coast as the setting for the sweet slow burn between Josie and Olivia. I loved these two women, both accomplished artists, Josie fresh out of art school and Olivia the celebrated master. Their character development is masterfully built on witty banter trading thoughts, ideas, opinions on art, the people of their small beach town, and the beautiful landscape around them. How could they not fall in love, save for the few bumps and bruises they acquire to get to their happily ever after. A truly perfect beach read to cap off your summer. Thank you to the author, BSB publishers, and NetGalley for the advance read in exchange for an honest review.

[Aleana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.

Josie is artist who wins a residence for the summer hosted by The Wellingtons. Josie is ready capture her art when she meets Olivia who at first she thinks is cold but learns she is mourning her husband and daughter. Josie and Olivia starts a friendship that turns into a causal relationship because Josie isn’t staying but feelings start to emerge and Josie wants to see what they can become but Olivia is hesitant because she still is grieving. I enjoy this read it’s was nice to see Cassie Brooke and Noah and see what they been up to it’s nice know they add to their family and was very supportive of Josie and Olivia.

[Michelle Schuler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cherish

Kris Bryant has another wonderful book with well developed characters. The chemistry is strong between the MCs. She treats the loss with tender care but doesn't make it feel overwhelming. Bryant also conveys the age and wealth gap well. I love seeing the characters from Temptation as secondary characters as well as another look into their lives. This is one of my favorite authors that I will continue to follow.

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful. Give me a story with artists, throw in a some grief and add in the perfect New England coastal setting and I’m hooked. Josie is talented and fresh out of art school. She has gotten a prestigious artist in residence grant in the wealthy seaside town of Goda, MA. Olivia lives a couple doors down the beach and seems remote and quiet. Turns out she owns a local art gallery and is an accomplished artist herself. This is an age-gap, 23 to 35 but that isn’t the obstacle. Olivia hasn’t allowed herself to be involved or let someone into her life since a tragic accident a couple years before. But Josie wants to break down those walls.

Kris Bryant delivers a simple story made more vibrant with the descriptions of art, landscapes, and friendships. Olivia and Josie are a couple I could easily spend more time with. And the cover is stunning and fits the story, kudos. Highly enjoyable and easy to recommend. Thank you to Bold Strokes Books for the ARC via NetGalley and I am leaving a voluntary review.

[ReadingwithCaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another absolutely great story from Kris Bryant. She has a way of making you fall in love with her characters and wishing you could book a one way ticket into their lives. Cherish is a touching story about finding your way in life, immens heartbreak and opening to love and all its possibilities again.

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

Josie has just finished her art degree. As a uniquely talented painter she secured a summer residency in the coastal town of Goda. This can mean an invaluable start to her career as an artist. What she doesn’t know is that she will get much more than she bargained for. While walking on the beach at night she meets a remarkable woman. A woman that’s intriguing and absolutely gorgeous but also snooty and distant. What a surprise it is to learn that Olivia is actually one of her very favorite artists. As she keeps running into Olivia (most of the time in purpose) Josie chips away at the thick, brick walls surrounding her heart and sneaks her way in. Will she be able to leave unscathed at the end of the summer?

I absolutely adored this story! Its heartbreaking vulnerability makes you want to weep. Josie is a remarkable young, talented woman. The way she has patience with getting to know the real Olivia and has space in her heart to let her deal with her tragic past is admirable. The story is written from Josie’s point of view but through her eyes you get to see how she chips away at the layers and layers of old paint that covers Olivia’s heart until a true connection is formed. A connection that runs so deep it will warm your heart and wraps around you like a comforting blanket.

I loved getting another glimpse in the lives of Brook and Cassie, the main characters of Bryant’s book Temptation. They were the ones granting Josie the residency and are an important part of the story. To read how happy they are together and to see their son Noah connect with Josie as an awesome young man and through art is amazing.

Kris Bryant’s writing has a way of transporting you into the minds and hearts of her characters. It reads like a warm hug. This is another prime example of her incredible talent!

Please do yourself a favor and get lost on the beaches of Goda and in the lives of these amazing characters. I, for one, can’t promise I won’t dive back into this wonderful, wonderful story again immediately!

[Tempe Luvs Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read many books by Kris Bryant and my favorite has always been Temptation, another agonizing, slow-burn age-gap. Ironically, I didn’t even realize until I finished this, that Cherish is a spin-off of that wonderful book!
The characters are still amazing and my heart smiled knowing that I had been reunited with the Wellington’s, Cassie, Brooke and Noah.

This book featured Josie, age 23 who just graduated from art school. She was awarded summer artist-in-residence at the Revere Estate in Goda, Massachusetts and was hosted by the Wellingtons. Josie was charming, delightful and warmed easily to others. She was also a very talented artist who hoped to work on developing her craft and finding a job that would enable this.

Olivia Monteclair, 13 years older, was a very successful artist, Josie’s idol, and the owner of the Monteclair Gallery. She was a neighbor of the Wellingtons and someone Josie first thought to be an ice queen. This reader suffered the slow burn, watching from the pages and encouraging the lovely characters on!

Kris Bryant is up at the top of writing passion and heart throbbing steam and this book was over the top with feelings and hope, but was complicated by the angst of some pain the older Olivia was carrying from the past.

I absolutely loved this beautiful romance and how Bryant’s skilled writing managed to weave it all together in what will surely rank as one of her finest works.

My thanks goes to Bold Strokes
Books and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

[Sue Plant · Rating 5 out of 5]

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book

josie lockner has been awarded for the summer a artist in residency in goda and when she finds out it with the wellingtons a very wealthy and prominent family she is hoping that will spring board her career hopefully with getting her name out there and maybe a few commissions of art work

on her first walk at dusk along the beach trying to get use to her bearings and the lifestyle that she is surrounded by she meets Olivia Monteclair.... who isnt the least bit friendly

but it doesnt put josie off

and during her residency she angles to try and meet up with olivia more often...

this book just made me wish i was talented with a brush and paints being able to draw and must be lovely
a really nice read

[Fran Sappharc · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first 15% didn’t grab me. I found the couple (not the mains,) a bit perfect. I’m assuming their story is a separate novel, but don’t believe I’ve read it. The acknowledgments tell us the author went through their worst time around the time of writing this book. That, coupled with the ability to use words to paint a picture of the aftermath of great grief has informed one of the mains. I could feel her heaviness. Perhaps that is why a main secondary couple seems so bright and unnaturally perfect to me?
The actual mains have met but although we are aware of perhaps attraction from one, there was no, for me reading it, spark.
However, just after this, there is a tiny plot twist and suddenly I’m seeing the flash of a spark. I like the way they have a common endeavour. It is also interesting the professional admiration from afar being gradually replaced by getting to know mixed with a bit of instatraction. Definitely more interested after the first 15%.
I didn’t love one of the mains and felt she was a bit pushy, I did however enjoy the book after my initial ambivalent start.

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Age gap romansces are not normally my go to trope - but this book may have converted me. Olivia’s complexity as a character after the tragic loss of her own family gave life into her story and emotions. The restraint and reservation she has as a character is so genuine and true. While Josie’s raw passion for life, love and art reflect a longing for acceptance and affection. They really completed each other as a couple and I enjoyed every minute of it.
The side characters of Brook and Cassie are such a compliment to the main story line and give such a good pattern for second chance love but also show how everyone’s story is different.
This book was amazing and I enjoyed every minute of it and literally did not put it down. I was a one sitting read because I could not stop myself.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bryant never disappoints. This was well written and engaging from the very beginning. I don't usually like age gaps, but just like with Temptation, Bryant does it flawlessly.

Olivia is closed off and hidden behind walls after tragedy struck years ago. She's a well-known artist and owns her own gallery.

Josie just graduated from art school and scored an artist in residence with the Wellingtons. She is the complete opposite of Olivia, but it helps bring Olivia out of her self-imposed isolation.

It was great to see the Wellingtons again as I loved that book and catching up with their lives. It took some time for Josie to break down some of Olivia's walls and Josie was persistent, but to Olivia age was a huge factor and wouldn't agree to label anything they did as a way to protect herself.

I loved the chemistry between them that jumped off the pages, and the sex scenes were well written. It was a very enjoyable read that I highly recommend to all.

I received an ARC from Netgalley for an honest review.

[Plot Twist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptionally written age gap, slow burn romance! I loved the plot and the characters were well developed. Josie is completing an artist residence with the Wellingtons. She is intrigued by their neighbor, Olivia, who she discovers is an artist/her idol. I really enjoyed the story. Both characters have depth. Highly recommend!!

Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bryant never disappoints. This was well written and engaging from the very beginning. I don't usually like age gaps, but just like with Temptation, Bryant doesn't it flawlessly.

Olivia is closed off and hidden behind walls after tragedy struck years ago. She's a well known artist and owns her own gallery.

Josie just graduated from art school and scored an artist in residence with the Wellingtons. She is the complete opposite of Olivia, but it helps bring Olivia out of her self imposed isolation.

It was great to see the Wellingtons again as I loved that book and catch up with their lives.

It took some time for Josie to break down some of Olivia's walls and Josie was persistent, but to Olivia age was a huge factor and wouldn't agree to label anything they did as a way to protect herself.

I loved the chemistry between them that jumped off the pages and the sex scenes were well written. It was a very enjoyable read that I highly recommend to all.

I received an ARC from Netgalley for an honest review.

[Rey Hawke · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute age-gay romance. I rather enjoyed the supporting characters who were featured in Temptation and like that the mains had chemistry. 4 stars

[Silvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

An age gap, slow burn that’s kept me interested throughout. It’s a quick read but that doesn't take away the enjoyment. And the cover is gorgeous. Bonus, we get to catch-up on some old friends from Temptations although reading that one is not required.

Free ARC via Net Galley

[Celina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed this book intensely. First the appearance of one of my Ice Queen crushes Brook Wellington and her sunshine cuties Cassie and Noah. And now, they added Ava to the pot. So beautiful.

Now, Josie and Olivia. First of all; I love you. When I started reading this book, I was team Josie because that's what usually happens when the book is in one POV. I fell in love immediately. In the end, I loved them both, Josie and Olivia.


The book has a touch, just slightly, of grief and it is probably morbid to admit but I loved Olivia because of that. There is a beautiful sensitivity that Bryant portrayed so well when it came to how Olivia was feeling, esp in the reconciliation scene. SO BEAUTIFUL. AND SWEET. AND EMOTIONAL. JUST REALLY GOOD. All the way from body language to tears, to admission and everything. Really stunning.

I love when I can see myself in characters, emotionally, and how the author handles all those emotions is like a scent that lingers. Olivia was in grief, yes, but how Bryant, again, handled Josie's heartbreak, so achingly sweet.. just right. Beautiful. I love when authors do that emotional turmoil and as a reader you feel like you are going through it all and in the end, the author doesn't do an abrupt U-turn but slowly brings you back together with her characters... Like I said, BEAUTIFUL.
The way Bryant handled Olivia's grief, then heartbreak and bravery to go for what her heart desires and then sweet Josie's loving attitude, heartbreak and then being happy again, amazing.


PS: I swear, I felt Brit Ryder, raring, in those sex scenes because my god... Hot hot. Hot. HOT. I was highlighting, for reserve. Pss: I am patiently waiting for Brit's stuff as well.



𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙫𝙞𝙖 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙜𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙨𝙤 𝙄 𝙖𝙢 𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙡𝙮 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬.⁠

[MJSam · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I got a chapter into this and thought the description of the secondary couple was a bit familiar and then realised this was a sequel of sorts to Temptation. Brooke and Cassie from that story, plus their kids, Noah (still the most polite, well-behaved child ever) and Ava, are hosting MC Josie as their ‘artist in residence’, since Brooke’s wealth was well established in their book it’s not surprising that this story takes place in a wealthy ‘summer’ town. Josie is hoping to find a mentor while in town to help her develop her art. Unlike Cassie, who was an entitled brat, Josie is much more down to earth and happy to find her own way in the world.

Brooke and Cassie’s neighbour Olivia is the other MC. Olivia is also an artist and about 12 years older than Josie (Brooke and Cassie also have an age gap). She’s experienced a fairly recent tragedy and therefore keeps to herself and appears a bit aloof. Olivia and Josie meet early on, and though Josie (who’s POV is the only one given in the book) is instantly attracted, Olivia appears annoyed by her presence in the first few meet ups.

I liked both characters, they were both lovely and interesting on their own, but I didn’t really buy the relationship. Olivia is very closed off initially, and then after one date, is ready to jump into bed with Josie. They do spend a lot of time together through art, and I enjoyed their interactions, but felt they lacked heat. I think having a switching POV may have helped here, because as with Temptation, which only featured Cassie’s POV when Brook was the more interesting character, including Olivia’s POV, especially around how she felt about Josie in light of her personal tragedy, would have added much more dimension to the story.

I still struggled with Josie being so young though, she’s only 23, and I found it hard to believe that she was old enough life experience wise for Olivia, who is also established in the art world and rich, so the disparity between their wealth and life experience just seemed like very big hurdles to overcome.

Apart from another gallery owner and some of Josie’s coworkers, there’s not much in the way of secondary characters outside of Cassie and Brooke, who are now a picture perfect couple, and Noah, who has some lovely interactions with Josie. He was the highlight of Temptation, and is enjoyable here too.

The inevitable breakup occurs around the 85% mark and I’d have enjoyed this more if the characters had actually had a discussion about ending their relationship, but it just ends on Olivia’s terms. Then there’s a time jump before the characters reunite. I found the end a bit rushed, with an apology all it took to sort out some significant issues. There’s an epilogue that also wraps everything in a nice big bow to add to the HEA.

This isn’t my favourite Bryant book, but it’s a nice easy read. Anyone who enjoyed Temptation will enjoy this. 3 stars.

[Diana Nolen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I wasn’t sure I would care much for Olivia after her first casual meeting with Josie. Then later, at dinner Brooke Wellington (from Temptation!) mentions that Olivia has a sad story then dismisses her comment indicating that it is not her story to tell. We do find out it is a very tragic and sad story and that she has been grief stricken for 3years. Once I understood her life and what she’d experienced my heart went out to her.

Josie is a very mature 23 year old fresh out of art school and has a tremendous talent. She is also very taken with this beautiful, yet mysterious and somewhat rude woman. She is able by sheer force of will and quiet consideration able to slowly break through the walls of vulnerability Olivia has. She even suspects Olivia might be flirting with her at times, which confuses her.

There is more to this story, of course, but I would recommend reading it. I took my time and could’ve finished it in a day, but I took my time.

I shouldn’t have to say I’m a fan of Kris Bryant’s writing. I believe I’ve read all her books. This one nearly had me in tears because she writes emotion and vulnerability really well. She’s also very talented in the more sexy, or steamy scenes because the emotions are there, as well.

This is an age gap, class gap story similar to her previous book, Temptation and has almost all the characters from that book that matter. And they are an integral part of the story, too. It was really wonderful to see them appear and see how well they are doing six years later.

I usually don’t comment on the covers of books. They’re either sexy or graphically cute to give you just a hint of the story, but I have to comment about the cover of this one. I knew Kris Bryant had a book in the works for September many months ago. While I was browsing BSB awhile back this cover art jumped out at me! It is amazing. When I realized it was her work in progress I immediately preordered it. Actually, I liked it so much I would probably have ordered it if it had been from another book altogether. Just beautiful. 5/5

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who has ever grieved a devastating loss knows how difficult it is to overcome and how the grief can consume you and leave you broken. And anyone who has had someone in their life who is dealing with grief, knows how delicately those people must be dealt with. That is what impressed me most about this story. Yes, it's romantic and we see old friends, Cassie and Brook, but what will stay with me is how much kindness and compassion Josie shows to Olivia.

Josie Lockner arrives in the coastal town of Goda for a summer artist-in-residence, on the grounds of the home of Temptation's happy couple, Cassie and Brook. She meets their neighbor, who is frosty, to say the least, but Josie is drawn to the beautiful woman who radiates sadness from every pore. She discovers that Olivia is one of her favorite authors and begins to find reasons to spend time with her to talk about art but also because she's hot and intriguing.

Olivia slowly lets Josie in and opens up about the tragedy she experienced. With Josie only around for the summer, what's the harm in a little physical connection? It's not like feelings will get involved. ;-)

The cover of this book is gorgeous and fits perfectly with the story. The colors come back into Olivia's world after meeting Josie and Kris Bryant once again impresses with her innate ability to bring characters who will stay with the reader long after the end of the book. If only I were reading this on my own beach, it would have been perfect.

An ARC was provided by Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley for an honest review.

[Jennabeebs79 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kris Bryant has written a heartwarming age-gap romance set in the idyllic Cape Cod town of Goda, Mass. The story is told through Josie's first-person point of view, which works really well for this story. Bryant is a master at writing in the first person; she doesn't disappoint here. Readers have access to all of Josie's thoughts, feelings, and emotions, and we learn about Olivia through Josie's eyes. This helps to maintain an air of mystery surrounding Olivia.

The town of Goda is beautifully described as I could easily visualize the bustling town and the waves crashing on the shore. I love it when a setting is so integral to a story that it becomes another character.

Olivia's tragic past is absolutely heartbreaking and when she meets the sweet and charismatic Josie, she is thrown for a loop. I love how Josie is able to put cracks in Olvia's walls and get Olivia to share stories without Olivia even realizing it.

Catching up with Brooke and Cassie Wellington from Bryant's book, Temptation is another highlight for me.

Cherish by Kris Bryant is a beautiful age-gap romance with dynamic main characters and set in a beautiful small town. It's about overcoming tragedy, leaning into vulnerability, and letting someone in. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it!

I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[MissAlice · Rating 5 out of 5]

The dark will not change a vibrantly painted canvas; however, the viewer may need to find a different light source to appreciate its beauty.

I have emotional charley horses. Do I have a huge smile on my face due to the epilogue? Yes, though I need an ice pack for my bruises.

My eyeballs told my brain we had reached 80% of the book and to locate a seatbelt, but I was ill prepared for the gauntlet of feels. Next time, a neck brace for the emotional whiplash, a helmet to keep my thoughts and shouts inside my head, and a bullet proof vest may be needed to shield my heart from the tumult. Possibly some antacids to calm my protesting nerve-filled stomach too. I am exhausted.

What a spectacular read.

The love scenes blazed like a heatwave, the laughter and joy of newness stoked the flames, and 80% of the book you will reminiscence and revel in the beauty of happiness. After that, the writing goes not only for the carotid, but both the anterior and exterior jugular as well. It's arterial spray and it's bloody brilliant.

If you've experienced when life forces you down a path you were not prepared for, you will find their journey cathartic. The universality of life and its lemons may unearth those suppressed sour moments- this book? It will help you add the sugar and the vodka to ease it down. Cheers to a wonderful read.

[Nathalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say?! Kris Bryant did it again.

In Cherish we follow Josie as she gets an art internship in the small beach town Goda with hosts the Wellington family. Apperantly Brooke and Cassie have their own book, Temptation, which I am now dying to read.

Josie is 23 and just graduated college. Full of energy she hopes to be inspired and make connections to secure her art career. Her focus quickly goes to the quiet next door neighbour Olivia. Gorgeous and also an artist, Josie feels a pull towards her. Turns out she's a mysterious artist Josie admires and they strike up a friendship. The attraction is there instantly but Olivia carries a huge loss and grief makes her standoffish and distant.

I loved every second of this book and both MC's. Their growing bond is gradual with enough time for the reader to get a clear feel of how broken Olivia is. Josie is a saint and nothing but patient with Olivia despite getting hurt more than a few times.

This story is cute, sad, spicy and so much more. I loved the side characters so much and would have loved for this book to have 100 pages more. I just loved spending time in Goda with them.

An ARC was provided to me via Netgalley in return of an honest review.