Her Fake Boyfriend - Heatherly Bell (HSE #3055 - Aug 2024)

Series:  Charming, Texas (Book 7)
 
Her Prince Charming…
In a make-believe fairy tale?
 
Talented divorce attorney and town newcomer Michelle LaCroix needs roots in Charming to make partner, according to her old-fashioned boss. And that means a boyfriend! Problem is, she's got to produce her beau in the flesh. Enter the town's most eligible bachelor, former professional athlete Finn Sheridan, who's only too happy to play pretend with his best friend's ex -- for a price. To his surprise, the more he's thrown together with Michelle, the more he's intrigued by a woman who's far more than her ice-queen exterior. But with Finn's trust still shattered by a brutal divorce, the make-believe match is just a fun diversion…until it becomes all too real!
 
Good book. Michelle came to Charming to reconcile with an old boyfriend. When that didn't work out, and she lost her job in Austin, she decided to stay in Charming and join a local law firm. Michelle is ambitious and wants to make partner, but her old-fashioned boss thinks she needs to be in a committed relationship first. So she has been talking up the boyfriend that exists only in her mind but avoiding the necessity to produce a real one. That ends one evening when she encounters her boss, and he insists on meeting him. Desperate, she latches onto Finn and begs him to play the part.
 
Finn is happy to go along with the ruse. He's been attracted to Michelle since he met her, but she's his best friend's ex and, therefore, off limits. In addition, thanks to a recent contentious divorce, Michelle being a divorce lawyer gives him pause.
 
I enjoyed watching their relationship develop. They had to spend time together to sell the illusion of their relationship, and as they did, they discovered that there was something real growing between them. I enjoyed their scenes together, especially when Finn attempted to break Michelle of her workaholic habits. I liked their teasing and seeing the changes in Michelle as her relationship with Finn grew. Things look good for them until the truth emerges, and Michelle's job is at stake. I liked the ending and the twist that helped everything work out. 

 
 
 

Once Upon a Charming Bookshop - Heatherly Bell (HSE #3022 - Dec 2023)

Series: Charming, Texas (Book 6)
 
Time to rewrite their story?
 
He'd always simply been her best friend. But when Noah Cahill moved back to town, bookstore owner Twyla Thompson knew something was different. Was it holiday memories of the loss they'd both shared or Noah's surprising decision to reignite a dangerous career? Their solid friendship had been through so much, yet now Twyla grew breathless every time Noah was near. Why wasn't Noah -- handsome, fun, but never one to cross the line -- showing any signs of stopping?
 
Good friends to lovers story. Noah and Twyla have been best friends for most of their lives. Their connection is evident to everyone around them, many of whom insist the two are in love. But Noah and Twyla insist they are just friends because each fears losing that bond. Complicating matters, Twyla briefly dated Noah's brother, Will, before he died in a boating accident.
 
Noah's grief over Will's death, the guilty feelings he has over not being able to save him, and his complex relationship with Will drove him away from town, looking for a new start as a firefighter. But a narrow escape brings him back to town and Twyla. He's ready to follow his dream of running his own boating business, but will he find the courage to tell Twyla how he feels?
 
Twyla runs her family bookstore and pines for Noah. She's kept her feelings for Noah to herself because he shows no interest in being anything more. She's tried dating, but none can hold a candle to Noah. Meanwhile she throws herself heart and soul into keeping the bookstore going and fending off her friends' matchmaking attempts.
 
I enjoyed watching Noah and Twyla's relationship develop, though there were times when I wanted to knock their heads together. Their feelings for each other grow stronger, but denial is a long-standing habit that is hard to overcome. Complicating matters, Noah's guilty feelings make him feel unworthy of Twyla, so that's one more thing that holds him back. I loved seeing the lights finally go on and they realize they'd been in love for a long time. There are still some obstacles to overcome, but love, patience, and communication win the day.
 
I loved the bookstore setting. As a bookaholic and former bookseller, it was easy to relate to Twyla. From the poetry club and costume party to receiving book shipments, I felt like I was in the shop with her. I worried with her over the bookstore's financial woes and rooted for her to win the angel investor prize.
 
I also enjoyed the secondary characters. The Almost Dead Poets Society always makes me smile. I loved seeing Noah settle into his new business and deal with his inherited employees. I especially liked the ultra-cool T and his variety of T-shirts.