This Little Thing Called Love

Under Seattle's Sky #2

by Frances Blackthorn

GET READY FOR A WILD RIDE WHERE GRUMP MEETS SUNSHINE.

Ava, the embodiment of positivity, is trying to heal after her long-term relationship with her best friend, Jax, goes up in flames. Enter Nicholas, a tax lawyer with a permanent scowl and zero interest in love. When fate throws them together, the sparks fly, and the laughter ensues.

Will Ava be able to shake off her heartbreak and give love another chance?
Will Nicholas be able to put his grumpiness aside and fall for Ava's infectious spirit?

THIS CHARMING, HILARIOUS, AND HEARTWARMING STORY PROVES THAT LOVE KNOWS NO BOUNDS AND THAT SOMETIMES THE BEST RELATIONSHIPS ARE THE ONES YOU NEVER SAW COMING

BOOK 2 in the UNDER SEATTLE’S SKY series:
- Trade Secret of a Messy Relationship
- This Little Thing Called Love

Genres: Contemporary Romance

253 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 6, 2023

About the author

Frances Blackthorn is a writer who calls Europe home with her boyfriend and their two furry devils.

She has always been a bookworm and decided to turn her passion into a profession. She can't function without coffee and likes to spice up her stories with some wit and sarcasm. She enjoys watching horror movies, but her guilty pleasures are the dark and whimsical films of Tim Burton.

Reviews

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Give me all the grumpy sunshine romances! This Little Thing Called Love is the second book in Frances Blackthorn’s ‘Under Seattle’s Sky’ series and I enjoyed it even more than the first!

Ava has just gotten out of a long-term relationship with one of her best friends, Jax. Just as that is ending, Nicholas comes into the picture. Nick didn’t give the best first impression, but Ava softens to him when she sees his grumpy self as an uncle. I loved all the scenes with Nick’s adorable niece!

Nick is a bit of a lone wolf and after losing his brother, he’s become even more of one. But Ava brings him out of his shell and gets him to open up to her. I loved watching these two fall for one another!

This was such a sweet and heartwarming romance. It made me smile throughout and any book with an adorable kitten is a win for me.

[aprinda. · Rating 4 out of 5]

ava adam has just been betrayed by her boyfriend, jax. She who is still hurting is not ready to accept someone else in her heart. but who would have thought that the presence of nick, who was flirtatious and ignorant, would distract ava's attention?

nick, at first did not want to be serious in a relationship, even fell under ava's charm.

the presence of maggie -nick's niece- and kitty koa, are like cupid between them. such cuties!

this is the second book in the under seattle's sky series by frances blackthorn. thanks for this arc, in exchange for an honest review. i love this book, i love maggie, and i love koa! i hope many readers will love it too when it's published.

this book is so page-turning, i can finish it in one sitting! no drama, no tears, and you'll get the sweet candy from ava, nick, and the duo cupid!

and petra and rodrigo! this couple also help ava and nick to trust each other!

“it’s a shame, but i want you to be happy. if you’re happy without jax, then be without jax.” - petra

ava, who has a trust issue, is faced with nick, who has trauma from his past. even both of them have problems, they want to try to open up and communicate with each other.

well, communication is the key to relationships, right?👌🏻

i recommend this book for those of you, who are in reading slump or die-hard fans of romance novels. sure you won't be disappointed!

[Maria Santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

PT

4,5✨

Em primeiro lugar, muito obrigado à autora por me deixar ler sua história antes do lançamento! 🩷

Esse é o segundo livro da saga e gostei muito mais que o primeiro livro!

O que posso dizer é que este livro pode-se trata de encontrar a pessoa certa na hora certa, mesmo que o relacionamento anterior ainda não esteja completamente resolvido. ❤️‍🩹

Adorei a relação de amor e ódio entre os protagonistas e como ela se desenvolve em algo muito maior. 🫶🏻

Foi muito bom rever os personagens do primeiro livro e ver o laço de amizade entre todos.

Agora, também quero um advogado que anda de moto e encontra um gatinho na rua e vai entregar de propósito à rapariga pela qual se está a apaixonar. 🥹

O livro é realmente super fofo e só posso recomendar! 🩶

A data de lançamento é dia 10 de junho mas o livro já se encontra em pré-venda, por isso não percam a oportunidade de o comprar e de ler! ✨


ENG

4,5✨

First of all, thank you so much to the author for letting me reading her story before release! 🩷

This is the second book in the saga and I enjoyed it much more than the first book!

You could say that this book is about finding the right person at the right time, even if the past relationship is not completely resolved yet. ❤️‍🩹

I loved the love-hate relationship between the protagonists and how it develops into something much more. 🫶🏻

It was great to see the characters from the first book again and see the bond of friendship between everyone.

Now, I also want a lawyer who rides motorcycles and finds a kitten on the street and goes to give it to the girl he's falling in love with. 🥹

The book is really super cute and I can only recommend it! 🩶

The release date is on the 10th of June but the book is already on pre-sale, so do not miss the opportunity to buy and read it! ✨

[ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐︎ 4.5 stars

everyone, frances blackthorn’s done it again!! this little thing called love is the second book in under seattle’s sky series.

if you love a good grumpy x sunshine story this one’s for you!

if you’ve read trade secret of a messy relationship you’ll have already met our fmc ava! in this story we meet ava again going through a tough time with her long term boyfriend jax & after a few surprising show ups & a not so nice meet up we end up being introduced to our grumpy mmc nick. nick & avas relationship is a grumpy x sunshine finest. there was so many great characters in this story not only our main couple ava & nick but getting a few guest appearances of petra & rodrigo & of course the two cuties maggie & koa!

this little thing called love is by far my favorite under seattle's sky book so far! i love a good grumpy x sunshine story & this one was definitely it. this is a clean, heartwarming, & funny romance that you would not regret reading & with the quick chapters you’ll feel as if you fly through this. as always check this out when it comes out june 10th!

[Margarida · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of This Little Thing Called Love

First of all, I want to thank Frances Blackthorn for having chosen me as one of her ARC readers.
After having read Trade Secret of a Messy Relationship, now was the time to read the second book in the series. Really loved it, specially as this is not about the same couple, so the story is completely different. In this romance, we live the lives of Ava and Nicholas(a Brit 😊). Once again, there’s a lot of humor and love. Although I loved all the characters, my favourite is Maggs🥰! There’s refference of Petra and Rodrigo, since as they’re the bosses, so whoever loved these two, will read of them.
It’s a light read that I really loved to read! Waiting for further books from the author.
Totally reccomend it😊

[Paula Davies · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ava and Nick are opposite sides of a coin and this story takes us through their journey. It was a nice pleasant read for a holiday. Some of the British language was a bit stilted - we don’t all say ‘Love’ at the end of a sentence.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Papercl0uds_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are finally back in Seattle, and after Rodrigo and Petra story, now is Ava's turn. We already met her in the first book, she's Rodrigo's cheerful secretary, but now it's her turn to truly shine and... well, to deal with Nicholas Thompson, his grumpy attitude and charming english accent (I had to include it in the list)! Ava has just got out from a long term relationship when this tall, rude, British man makes his first appearance as Rodrigo's old friend (and sometimes business partner). Of course, the first impression is not the best, but thanks to Meggs, Nick's five-years-old niece (seriously, bless her), this Grumpy × Sunshine duo slowly develops into something more, helping each others to overcome their personal issues.

I really needed a reading like this, something heartwarming and entertaining at the same time. And as much as I enjoyed the first book, "This Little Thing Called Love" is definitely my favorite book of the series! I loved each character, I loved how Ava has this sunshine-girl title at the beginning, and how she proves to be so much more, such a lovely, funny, strong-willed, mature and wonderful young woman. On the other hand, the male protagonist Nicholas (I kept imaging Tom Ellis face and voice btw) is Ava's total opposite, grumpy, stoic, he doesn't believe in serious relationships... in short: what a combination! Usually, I tend to have mixed feelings about this kind of trope, but this time it just worked amazingly for me. Chapter by chapter I just kept reading and before I knew it I was already at the end of the book.

If you need a quick, engaging, heartwarming, and well-written romance, "This Little Thing Called Love" by Frances Blackthorn could be the right reading for you!

[That Old Book Smell · Rating 5 out of 5]

“𝑯𝒐𝒍𝒅 𝒐𝒏, 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒍𝒚 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒖𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝑹𝒐𝒔𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑹𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒍’𝒔 ‘𝒘𝒆 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒐𝒏 𝒂 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒌’ 𝒆𝒑𝒊𝒔𝒐𝒅𝒆?”
I loved this story so much!! We start with a BANG, and the bang just never stops. I was intrigued from page 1, and by the end, I could not get myself to take a break from reading.

"𝑩𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒅𝒚 𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒍.. . 𝑰 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒈𝒊𝒓𝒍 𝒊𝒔 𝒂 𝒃𝒂𝒅 𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒂, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒖𝒏𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒖𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒚, 𝑰 𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒃𝒂𝒅 𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒂𝒔."
The grumpy vs sunshine trope is becoming one of my all time favorites right about now. I loved how Nick really fell first, then tried to hide it by being basically himself (grumpy) and then just gave in completely. The way he calls Ava 'love' had me swooning! I definitely read it with a British accent every time.

"𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒎𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒆𝒏𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒕𝒐 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒅𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒅 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆."
The development that Nick experienced was the most important development for me. How he came to terms with a lot of things and started feeling like his old self again, Ava really brought out the better in him.

“𝑺𝒕𝒐𝒑 𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝑴𝒂𝒈𝒈𝒔,”
Maggs!! Oh, she is my new best friend!! She brought the necessary comedy to this book, and I just could not get enough of her and her word vomit. She was the spark underneath a lot of fires in this story.

I must admit, I loved the first book in this series, but this one is most definitely my favorite!

Thank you, Frances Blackthorn, for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Erika_thebookbearie · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I suppose I needed a ray of sunshine to brighten my dark world. And you, Ava, are that ray of sunshine my soul needed.”

If you’ve read “Trade Secret of a Messy Relationship” then you are familiar with Ava, the sunshine girl, the fmc for this book 2 of Under Seattle’s Sky series.
I like her, she’s lovely, sweet and funny. She recently came out from her long-term relationship with Jax and was in a healing process when a tall, handsome man enter their building oozing with confidence.
Nicholas Thomas, Nick, a tax lawyer and friend of Rodrigo (you should really read the 1st book). Nick is another book boyfriend, charming with his words, and has a promising patience with our little miss cutie and smart, Maggie.
Maggie is the cutest and adds fun and delight to the story. Her honest and innocent remarks are to look out for as well.

I found this book more interesting than the first book. It’s well-written and hard to put down. It’s a funny and clean romance story. Very entertaining and has no boring chapters.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars for This Little Thing Called Love by ( new to me ) author Frances Blackthorn

What immediately got my attention was the beautiful yet different cover as well as the title I started singing in my head “ Crazy Little Thing Called Love” by Queen. Of course then the book blurb pulled me right in !

Ava and Nicholas are amazing characters! There are laugh out loud funny situations and dialog! Great storyline !

I would definitely recommend this read !.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ingrid Vermeulen-Quakernaat · Rating 4 out of 5]

You get to read a wonderful novel with this book.

Ava just ended her relationship with Jax after he cheated on her. She doesn't expect to be able to find love again and that doesn't seem to happen after her first meeting with Nick. But appearances are deceiving and Ava and Nick soon fall for each other. The scenes in which Nick's niece (Maggie) is present are great to read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written book with a cast of strong characters centering on Ava and Nicholas. The author does a great job developing the story and painting her scenes perfectly. She brings laughter, love and romance and delivers a terrific story. Loved it!!

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Ash Juillet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was nice, although I wouldn't say it was a grumpy/sunshine trope. It was more like an asshole/super sweet pairing instead. Still, I adored Maggie and Koa. Rodrigo had more of a role than Petra, but it was nice to see them in this book too. Initially I thought this book would be about Ava and Jax, but I was still pleasantly surprised by this.

Thanks to Booksprout for a copy.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Little Thing Called Love by Frances Blackthorn is a good, and enjoyable sweet grumpy sunshine he falls first romantic comedy read. The story has a great entertaining world building story line. The characters are great, and they have great chemistry. This story is a very entertaining sweet heartwarming romance read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Coastie Mom · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s the Little Things
Ava is Rodrigo’s assistant who happened to be dating his good friend Jax. When things go south for Ava and Jax, Ava decides to break it off with Jax as she has figured out she is no longer in love with him. In walks Nick to Rodrigo’s office acting as if he owns the place. Ava is a little miffed by him, but something about him draws her to him. Nick doesn’t let anyone in after the death of his brother – only his family (parents, sister and niece). But something about Ava wants him to spend more time with her. And when his niece Maggie spends some time with Ava, that is all she wants to do.

This isn’t an insta-love story. Nick and Ava’s story takes time and they spend lots of it together. There is a little jealousy when Jax returns, and it takes everything for Nick to realize that he can let someone in again. Cute story, cute couple and I look forward to reading more from this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Margarida · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Little Thing Called Love Republished review

Re-reading TLTCL was really nice. I had already fallen in love with Ava and Nick – AND Maggie – the first time I read it, but now, fell even harder. Grumpy Nick is still grumpy, but his charm is even better. Ray of Sunshine Ava, is always that ray of sunshine, no matter what life brings on her. Maggie is the sweetest little thing, that lets everything roll out of her mouth easily, turning things much funnier. We can find all the subtle changes Frances did to the book, turning it into an even better read. Highly recommend this clean, sweet romance.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series, and this is Nick and Ava’s story.
This is a well written story which has family, friendships, betrayal, emotions, grumpy / sunshine, opposites attract, humor, witty banter, communication, trauma, trusts issues, revelations, and love, which leads to an entertaining, sweet, and heartwarming romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars
An enjoyable drama with an emotional story that I found entertaining to read. I loved how the author crafted the emotional turmoil. I found it believable and relatable which added to my enjoyment. An enjoyable read.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[M19arta · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable slow-burn romance with a gloomy hero and a constantly smiling heroine.
The pair were likeable and made sense as a couple, despite being complete opposites.
The plot moved quickly, and the writing was seamless. I liked it!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Di · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grumpy vs. sunshine is always a fun trope. The characters in this book are fun, the storyline is cute. It was an easy read. Definitely suggest for anyone looking for a fun, relaxing read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Narelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ava and Nick have a romantic story in this book. We see plenty of our old friends Petra and Rodrigo, and new ones too.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Hanna Belle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun and hot sequel to the previous book! I loved the main characters and their romance was super sweet and wonderful.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Nick and Ava’s book. It was an entertaining read. And am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Izzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cute, cozy read and you will catch me re reading it in the future. I just… this book was so cute for a grumpy vs sunshine and how they were both able to change each other for the better.

*may contain spoilers about characters but no plot line is spoiled so you can still enjoy :)*

I love Ava and her bubbly personality especially when she is around Maggie, those to will be best buddies for life. I also enjoyed Ava struggling to deal with her emotions, sharing that while she was always bringing positive vibes into a room she still was working out who she wanted to be. Its more relatable when characters don’t completely have their lives together. And Ava and I would definitely be best friends purely based on her love of cats and the love of the show Friends 🥰

I think Nick was the perfect balance, struggling with personal lose, moody, and always pushing people away. In comparison to buying cats, opening up to Ava and just his whole relationship with Maggie is so adorable. I loves his character development and his persistence with Ava. Just love it.

And Maggie was the best little character ever, I think she is the perfect representation of a 4 year old with a big mouth and a huge heart. And lets face it she is the whole reason why the characters grow closer over time.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava and Jax relationship go up in smoke when she learns of a secret, he has kept from her. She has given up on relationships until Nick come into the picture. He is grumpy and standoffish towards her but leave it to his niece to open things up between them. Their story will warm your heart and have you cheering for their happily ever after. It is a touching story about relationship issues and letting go to move forward. It is a descriptively well written one that kept me glued to the pages.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book I've read written by Lia Violet; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the second book in the Under Seattle’s Sky Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Ava & Nicholas.