Christina Hovland lives her own version of a fairy tale: an artisan chocolatier by day and romance writer by night. Born in Colorado, Christina received a degree in journalism from Colorado State University. Before opening her chocolate company, Christina’s career spanned from the television newsroom to managing an award-winning public relations firm. She’s a recovering overachiever and perfectionist with a love of cupcakes and dinner she doesn’t have to cook herself. A 2017 Golden Heart® finalist, she lives in Colorado with her first-boyfriend-turned-husband, four children, the sweetest dog around, and now Chloe, the wonder pup.
Lucy is starting a new job at KDVX. She is working her way towards being an anchor or reporter. She has come a long way from the fat girl in her past who was bullied.
Will is back home in Confluence. He is back to claim his rightful ownership of his mother's television company. His birthday is soon and his lawyers are fighting his dad's appeal to the will. Will is not giving up his mother's legacy without a fight. He is determined not to let his father control his life any longer. He has paid for his mistakes of reality tv for far too long.
When these two meet and go undercover as honeymooners, things shift in the universe and Lucy is back in the past as the fat girl with a crush. She wants nothing more than to push Will away, but Will has other plans.
This is the first book by Christina Hovland that I have read. I found her book to be fun and engaging. A steady pace read with some hot romance that flows nicely. The characters were endearing and the book touches on many real issues that people face every day, giving this book a realistic feel. The book digs into problems with self-esteem and bullies. It also deals with grief and loss. I feel as if the author left this book open for Katie's story to be told next. I hope so. I am interested to see if her and Jeff make a go of it. Simon could use a women in his life to fill the empty roll of his mother.
Overall this book was an emotional and inspiring read. The characters were relatable and engaging. The book was fun and highly entertaining. I found it to be sweet and endearing. I love the stubbornness of Lucy and the sweet caring side of Simon. It was an easy book to read that I became invested in and would love to read more about the gang in Confluence.
This was such a funny and fresh contemporary romance, and I loved every second of it. Strongly recommended for people who loved The Hating Game by Sally Thorne.
This story is about Lucy and Will. They both start a new job at a tv station in a town called Confluence, and it just so happens that Will was Lucy’s old crush from years ago, who now lives next door to her and turns out to be her new boss at work. Lucy’s first assignment is to go undercover doing a fake honeymoon with Will and thus getting to know him all over again, while trying to keep him from finding out about their shared past. I had so much fun reading this book from both Lucy and Will’s POV, and you could definitely notice the character development as they each work through their painful past, make plenty of mistakes, but still fall for eachother while doing it.
Lucy was such a relatable and adorable main character. She has low self-esteem due to being overweight in the past, and being heavily bullied about it. Besides that, she’s incedibly sweet, witty and hardworking and I just loved her! Will used to be a notorious womanizer who has changed his ways, and is now the sweetest guy ever. Incredibly protective of Lucy and a great leader.
I laughed out loud on multiple occasions as this was very hilariously written. There were emotional and confronting, and ofcourse pretty sexy times as well, and it all came together nicely in this fun novel written by Christina Hovland. This was one of my most enjoyable reads this year and I definitely want to see more from her!
Received a free copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
This fresh, contemporary romance delivers. Funny, witty, full of tension and a page-turner. I love this author's style. The secondary characters are hilarious. Anyone looking for a fun read will love this book!
**I received a copy of The Honeymoon Trap from Entangled Publishing and Net Galley in exchange for a voluntary and honest review**
The Honeymoon Trap by Christina Hovland really was a great book and I enjoyed it a lot. This is the first time I've read the author and I'll be sure to check out her next book and I've give the book 4.5 stars.
Lucy Campbell has come to Confluence to take a new job at KDVX as a producer but she didn't know that an old crush William Covington would be the manager of the station. She knew him in Florida when her summer internship was on a reality show he appeared on. But now she's slimmed down and eager to prove her worth at her new job. Will he remember her? When an opportunity to pose as a honeymoon couple at a resort with a theft problem, William asked Lucy to be his "bride".
William Covington is currently fighting to convince his father that he can run the station and the other that his late mother's family have left to him. His vision of improving the station have met a brick wall even though he's more than ready to take over the reins of their business. But first he needs a place to live and there's a apartment next to Lucy, will he be able to keep away from her? Even when they are posing as a couple for a story? I'll let you guess the outcome of that.
Throw in a interesting landlady, Dixie, the police Chief who is her nephew and has a son who's being bullied, and did I mention the bedraggled cat who shows up after her owner passes away. The entire story has wonderful characters and a second chance at love story to entertain you.
This is a well-written, entertaining, contemporary romance novel. It is engaging and fast paced with likable characters, family and relationship drama, a cute kid and cat, and many laugh out loud moments. I was thrilled to see "The Honeymoon Trap" on Hoopla, as I have enjoyed every one of Ms. Hovland's outstanding novels, and this one did not disappoint. I listened to the audio version of this novel, and the narrator, Ms. Tina Wolstencroft, does an excellent job depicting the characters and their personalities.
This is the first book I've read from Christina Hovland but it won't be the last! I really enjoyed this fun, witty and sweet story. The characters were interesting and had great dialogue. I even laughed out loud a few times. It was a fun, flirty read with very likable characters.
It's a sweet but quite emotional read. I loved it, both characters are all great with interesting back stories. I enjoyed reading their story. Lucy is happy to start at a new place where no would know her. She is running from her past insecurities and trying to build a new life for herself. Also, it's great to get away from her parents who are not easy people to deal with. What she didn't count on was meeting her teenage crush, William. What more, he is not only her new neighbour, but also a colleague. Life just got a little bit more messy for her, good thing is that William doesn't seem to remember her and she hopes that it stays that way. William is back in his hometown. He is ready to take over the family business. He feels that he can make his mother proud, at last.However, the only downside is dealing with his controlling father. But he is no longer a child and he is not ready to forgive his father just yet. One bright thing in his life right now is Lucy. She is adorable and he can't help but feel attractive to her. For some reason she seems to discourage his attentions but he can feel that deep down she wants him just as much as he wants her. Will they be able to build a life together, in this small time where secrets cannot be kept hidden for long? It's well-written, sweet, and quite romantic story. I enjoyed all the embarrassing moments, the funny moments, and the romantic ones as well. There is some emotional trauma involved as well, but story is written in a lighthearted manner so anyone can enjoy it. P.S. I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley.
Lucy takes a job in Confluence at a tv station and finds her teenage crush, William, is her neighbor and also her colleague. When they go undercover as a honeymoon couple things get heated. But William doesn’t remember Lucy from when she was a lowly assistant on his reality show ...
There was a lot going on in this story actually. Both Lucy and William have issues with their family, Lucy still suffers from low self-esteem after being bullied and ridiculed in her childhood plus there is the whole unrequited crush-on-William thing from 8 years ago when Lucy was overweight and shy. This time around, William is interested in Lucy, but she has changed herself from when she was shy Lulu.
The honeymoon undercover thing was just to get them together and is not that big a part of the story. I also wonder why William would bother, as he is set to inherit his mother’s company including the tv station Lucy works for.
But the story overall is quite good with some realistic feeling to it. It was not a cookie cutter romance. I did think some things were resolved quite conveniently near the end. Nice epilogue.
I requested and received an ARC via Netgalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Christina Hovland’s debut novel is a wonderful mix of sweet and sexy. With a poignant history between the two characters, I was drawn in deeply and rooting for both of them. Love the dialogue, the story and this author.
The Honeymoon Trap begins with William trying to interview a chicken for the t.v. station that his family owns. Having just relocated back to Confluence as his 30th birthday approaches, he has two goals: stay away from his dad, from whom he will take control of their media empire on said birthday and find a place to live. Neither proves easy. Seems his dad has a wide reach and is trying to force William's hand (and his body) into moving back into the family home.
When his interview didn't go as planned, he heads out, only to encounter a beautiful young woman who gets her car window shot out by a little boy with a slingshot. Will intervenes, but has no idea that he and the young woman had before during a part of his life he'd rather forget.
Lucy can't believe it when Will intercedes on her behalf, as she thought she would never see him again. She was both thankful and a little hurt that the man that she had crushed hard on didn't recognizer her, even though she went through a transformation that left her almost unrecognizable.............almost. It also doesn't help when Lucy realizes that she and Will are neighbors in a little tiny apartment complex, let alone the fact that his family owns the very station she is starting her new job. She settles into her new job well, and enjoys her co-workers, while getting to know Will again. However, when a piece that Will is working on requires him to have a 'wife', she tries to distance herself and have him pick someone else. But, he wants her.
They travel to the resort that their investigative piece is about, and to say she's nervous about the whole setup is an understatement. Once they reach the resort, tension is ramped up another notch when they find themselves in a little cabin with one bed. They get to know each other better by playing an old board game that they find in the cabin and things get pretty steamy between the two of them. However, when Lucy finds out that he is set to become her boss on his 30th birthday, she makes the decision that they will have a temporary fling and then it's over. One thing she didn't count on was Will's determination to keep her in Confluence, and in his life.
The Honeymoon Trap is a nicely written story, and the first I've read by Christina Hovland. Lucy and Will are great characters who play well off of each other. They both have histories that have affected the way they handle themselves. Both of their backstories make your heart ache for each of them. I love Lucy's independent streak and love Will's determination to become the man who would make his mother proud. With all of that said, the thing I loved the most was that it made me laugh out loud. A LOT!! I loved the banter between the two of them, the sarcasm and the underlying vulnerability. This is, honest to God, one of the most enjoyable reads I've had in a long time. Not too complicated, just two characters who draw you in and make you cheer for them. The secondary characters are awesome as well. I loved their quirky little town and hope this is the start of a series, because I'd love to know more about the residents of Confluence. As I said before, this is the first I've read by Hovland, but it will not be the last. Well done, Christina Hovland! Very well done!
Lucy is a new woman; with a new fit and trim body, a new home, in a new town, and new job that she hopes will give her everything she has ever wanted, but this new job comes with an unforeseen complication, an old jerky crush who broke her heart and hurt her feelings way back when. This is a complication she never anticipated, but when he beams his dazzling smile at her, announces that he is her new boss, and offers her a fake honeymoon trip as her first assignment, she decides to just roll with it, and see where it takes her. Who knows maybe it will be the best thing to ever happen to her!
The Honeymoon Trap offers up a humorous and heartfelt story line, with some quirky characters that will keep you thoroughly entertained from start to finish! This first time read had me beaming throughout, the banter was top notch, the writing was easy to fall into, and the characters were well crafted; overall I would say it was a successful debut! Highly recommend, this one is certain to inspire a smile or two!!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
Lucy is just about to start her new job in Confluence when she sees her former crush, William. She's worked really hard to leave behind the girl she was when she knew him and he's worked really hard to shed the image of reality tv star playboy. He doesn't remember her and doesn't understand why she seems to go out of her way to avoid him. When an assignment comes up that needs a couple posing as honeymooners, he insists she goes with him. Their chemistry is off the charts and their talent for bringing the story to life for their viewers is fantastic.
This is my first book by this author and I definitely liked the writing style. I would have loved William so much more if he didn't prove to be the shallow, reality tv star he was thought to be throughout the story. Some of the drama felt unnecessary but overall I really enjoyed this story. The side characters were awesome and I really hope to see HEAs for them too!!
*This is my voluntary review of an advanced reader copy*
Lucy dreams of being on camera. So much so that she moves to the same town that her teenage crush is from, just for the chance at more air time. She's floored when she finds out he is there and that he is poised to own the station they work for! Worst yet, he doesn't even recognize her from her "Lulu" fat days. Soon, they are on an assignment, posing as Honeymooners. Can they ignore the sparks between them?
This was a cute story about love and forgiveness. One click today.
I've read a lot of women's fiction in my time but this book is definitely up there as one of my favorites, This book is about a guy and a girl who find themselves constantly thrown together (by fate -- or whatever you'd like to call it) - they bump into each other in town, then they end up living next door to each other, then they realize they work at the same company, then they have to go undercover as a newly married couple for a news story. Despite my initial "here we go again", I really enjoyed this book - it had me laughing and tearing up and biting my nails in anxiety. The author did a great job creating and building the main characters and even sprinkling in a few well rounded supporting characters. I really enjoyed this book and would absolutely recommend it to anyone who wants a light and easy read. Also a huge bravo to the author for typing up all the loose ends and answering any questions I had! 5/5 from me!!!
Surco Netgalley buscando libros como este, que me atraigan por la portada o por la sinopsis, que tengan grandes probabilidades de ser monoplatillescos y cuyos autores no conozca, y este cumple todos los requisitos. Es un libro de "mono con platillos total", donde lo importante es la historia de amor entre ambos. Hay una mezcla de enemigos a amantes, con relaciones fingidas por medio, que no se llega a desarrollar de un modo croquetil pero que es bastante decente (bueno, no llevaba altas las expectativas, así que es más difícil decepcionarse), con momentos muy divertidos. La tensión sexual ya no se desarrolla tan bien, básicamente porque quedan claras las intenciones de ambos bien pronto. El protagonista me ha encantado, un personaje que tenía todas las papeletas para ser insoportable y ha resultado ser un tío íntegro y de los que va de cara con sus sentimientos. Ella es un poco más difícil de tragar pero no insoportable. Se lee bastante bien pero me costó meterme en la historia. Luego va todo bastante rodado. En cuanto al guarrerismo, se describe más el juego previo que los ejercicios de después, IYKWIM. Nada chabacano, por cierto. En la parte final es donde más flojea al libro (y el epílogo me ha sobrado) En fin, que es un libro para pasar el ratillo y olvidar a los dos días.
Lucy is stoked to start her new job. She has over come many obstacles to get here. She is working behind the scenes but eventually wants to be in front of the news camera, and this is the studio to make that happen.
What she doesn't count on is running into her old crush, for him to not recognize her, and to find out that he will soon be her boss.
Will is back, his mothers will left him the company, that includes a tv station. But his past stint on a reality tv show has prevented him from progressing further. This is his chance to prove that he has grown.
Lucy and Will embark, undercover, for a news story; posing as honeymooners. But real feelings seem to lie below the surface.
What happens when their story wraps? Definitely one click this now. You'll love the funniness, seriousness and angst.
This was a sweet and somewhat emotional read. Well written and the author makes you fall into the story and in love with the characters. I really enjoyed it and I cant wait to read more from this author!
Exactly what I needed at this time. It has lifted my mood.
The story revolves around Lucy and William and how they try to have a relationship despite all the complications.
For two thirds of the book I was reading with a smile on my face, then it was trying to get a bit serious and resolve a few issues. I admit it's not deep and a few things were not very well handled, I didn't mind because I already was invested in the relationship and wanted it to wrap nicely.
The best part of the book for me was that William always stuck around, he didn't run and ignore the problem, and although he did do the typical male act of playing the victim, it was short and he did try to fix it.
It might not have been thoughtful and powerful, but if was funny and entertaining and I totally enjoyed it.
This review is for a free copy courtesy of the publisher and Netgalley
I received a free ARC of this book from Netgally in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and critiques are my own.
Based on the blurb, I was under the impression that they H and h didn't know each other before the book started. They do. They went to school together and the h had a major crush on the H.
The H and h both work in the journalist business, something that I don't usually read as I usually find it too much like a mystery or too much like a police novel. When I read romance books, I like it to majnly be a romance book. I would have like to know about their respective careers before hand but that's just personal preference. Overall, the book was fairly well done. I enjoyed reading it.
I only have one really big issue and that has to do with the H and his family situation. You find out soon enough that the H's father is very controlling and tries to dictates the H's housing situation by making it so no one would sell or rent to him. At the base of this controlling personality is a really big misunderstanding. I really wish it wasn't in the book as it felt like filler. However it did allow the H and h to spend more time together so what do I know.
Overall, the book is fairly well written. It has an interesting plot line. The plot line is not overly unique but it's still well done. I enjoyed reading it and would recommend it as an simple read. I wouldn't read it again but am not disappointed that I did read it.
Woot! I love this book! I loved it when I beta read it and I love it now. Christina Hovland is one of my favorite writers. She's flawless and witty and her characters are delicious! I generally read historical romances, but this girl can write. She makes me love her contemporary characters.
The opening scene with the rooster made me chuckle.
Lucy moves to Confluence to boost her journalism career hoping to land a job as a serious reporter. Will is about to own the station where she gets a job. They end up doing undercover work scoping out a hotel that is scamming its honeymooners. When Will and Luce pretend to be a newly married couple they'll have to share a room. But what do they do with all that time behind closed doors? They play a board game called "Confessions".
The question and answers lead to a better understanding of each other. Each of their weaknesses will come out in different ways. She'll help him transition from under his father's militant thumb and he'll help her learn to trust that there are people who truly care about her.
Between the man in the rooster suit, a stray cat, and Dixie the trailer park manager, this book kept me smiling. It's a comforting read. Lighthearted and heartfelt.
**Thanks to Entangled and Netgalley for providing me with an e-arc of this book. This was read in exchange for me leaving an honest review**
The writing, in general, was quite addictive I have to say and it made for a fast-paced read. I just didn't want to stop reading it! I think this had a lot to do with the characters in this book because I loved both the main characters a lot! But I also loved the presence of the minor characters and the attention they received as well. I wouldn't mind in the least if there'd be a book about Katie for example! Lucy, our main lead, was really relatable on some levels to me and I always like that. that way, the bonding is a lot easier. Will was definitely swoon-worthy material. Some may say he's a control-freak and things go a bit too far, and sometimes they may do, but given his own 'issues' I can fully comprehend why he's acting the way he does. And since he's a super nice guy otherwise, sexy as hell and really fun to read about, I could get past my minor remark on his character. Overall, I really loved him and Lucy as well. They were so much fun to read about!
This book was so humorous at times and I just loved it so much. If you want a romantic, swoon-worthy book that's able to make you laugh out loud, this is definitely a book I'd recommend. And it definitely made me want to read more by this author.
I did feel at times though, that the development of the story-line was a bit lacking here and there and things went a bit too fast at times towards the end. I'd love it if there would've been a bit more follow-up on some plotlines that I think deserved some more depth and attention. It remained a bit shallow, a bit sloppy. So I think there's definitely room for progress
If I'm just looking at the romance and it's development; I liked it a lot. I love the forbidden-romance trope and I think this was quite a good one. I really liked the chemistry between these characters and the writing of it all regarding them giving into things and such ;) The suspense and build-up was killing me, in a good way, and I always love it when a romance like this one gets to me and is able to make me FEEL.
Overall, this was a really cute, sweet and adorable read that I enjoyed really much. I've had some remarks on things and that's why I give it a 3.5-star rating. I'd still recommend this book if you're looking for an adorable, sexy, fast-paced contemporary romance!
4 Overcoming Our Past Choices Stars * * * * Spoiler Free When I discover a new to me author and fall hard for the work they did, I will look to see what else they had written. Christina Hovland was one such author. I had just finished Going Down on One Knee (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...) and loved it. It had humor, smarts and perfect sexy times. With the endorphins still coursing through me, I found her first book and click clicked right away.
We have William Covington, a fella who is about to turn 30. He had a mother who loved the television station she founded and although she is gone, the love she had for it lives on through Will. The media company grew and before she passed, his mother left it to him to take over at 30. Unfortunately, his father has been running it and fighting Will's inheritance. Will is fully committed to making this new position work but he has a few obstacles to overcome.
It seems no matter how hard he has worked to live down his participation in a Reality TV show when he was back in college, the image he presented still remains with many. Will was young, part of a frat and living large. He became a focal point with the producers; they promoted his looks and how all the girls wanted to be with him. This led to him becoming the "Asshat" all girls need to stay away from...Not his finest moments.
So Will grew up, realized what had happened and had to live down all of the flack from numerous media sites. He put his head down, worked hard and became a stand-up guy who had been working in television, honing his skills to take over the company left to him. He is back home and is determined to have the station work on a higher level. More ratings and better stories.
Lucy Campbell is very good at her craft. She is a news producer and has worked her way up through many different positions all over the country. Her real dream is to be on camera but every place she has worked have not allowed her to take the next step. She purposely took this new position at KDVX because it was a station which allowed growth and cross positioning. So fingers crossed, she will get an opportunity to be on camera sooner rather than later.
Lucy has already met the team and is doing the rookie coffee run for the group when she literally crashes into Will. This cannot be happening...You see Lucy was an intern on that Reality show and had a huge crush on him. It didn't help that Lucy was not the slim woman she is now...she was young and so excited to be working in television. Well, all of her experiences with Will back then were awkward and embarrassing.
Even more embarrassing... Will has no idea who she is...
These two develop a working relationship and also a personal one. It is tested with an assignment to investigate a location which only has honeymooners as clients. Now they have to be really up close and personal as they pretend to be honeymooners. At some point the playacting becomes blurred and both aren't sure what is real or fake.
Will and Lucy go through arcs which allow us to see their growth. They work well together...with banter, some conflicts and lots of heat. Will shows he is more than that fella from the Reality show and Lucy proves she is more than trustworthy.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. We had a lot of layers and had secondary characters which were fully formed. As a first novel. this was a true winner. I was already a huge fan of Christina Hovland and this just showed how strong an author she was from the start. I am so glad I found this gem.
Welcome to Confluence, home to Camelot and Lucy's new job at the local TV station. For her it's just another step to where she feels she belongs, in front of the camera rather than behind the scenes. Accepting this job for her was a good thing, that is until she is faced with her long time crush William or Will as she calls him. She's staying at her friend Katie's place, Camelot which is in reality an old hotel converted into rather tacky units run by Dixie, a feisty old gal with a shotgun and not afraid to use it. Her son Jeff is the sheriff and he lives there also with his son Simon. She gets a surprise when William moves into the unit next door to her. He just wants to be close to her, he's crushing on her something fierce. All Lucy remembers is the William from 10 years ago when she was an intern on a reality show he was on, back then her physical appearance was not what it is today and she basically lived her entire young life being bullied and made to feel less than by her parents and everyone around her. Garnering a nickname I'm not even going to repeat because it's not necessary, she still struggles deeply with her traumatic past. Will doesn't recognize her. She does a great job at the news station and Will is set to take over the entire business which his deceased mother left to him when he turned 30. Outing his father who is a class A jackhat. He avoids his father like the plague and is trying to put his past behind him as well. Those days of that reality TV show were not who he is and never was. The story unfolds as these two edge closer to each other. Lucy holding back and when they go on an assignment together, a fake honeymoon couple checking out a local lodge that is supposedly dirty pool they have no choice but to grow closer. Will is busy fielding calls because the his role as owner and boss soon approach. Lucy's way to keep Will at arms length is to pull the employee boss card. Lucy also inherits a cat from the a neighbor who passed away who seems to like her. The cat doesn't like Will. When Lucy takes a few steps out on her own, because no one else was available Will gets angry. Angry Will is not a nice Will. I didn't like angry Will which made me question nice Will as well. Things escalate between these two, Will is pushy and when he realizes who Lucy is from the past he blows a gasket. He calls her that god awful name, for once she stands up for herself albeit quietly and knows she's done with Will. Will is angry and spewing his crap leaves. Good on him. Honestly Will knew how to turn it on, but don't assert yourself because he's lop your head off. The stuff he slung at Lucy made me cringe and it made me angry. The book was well written and the plot was solid. I liked Lucy, I wished her the best because she deserved it. She deserved better and more. Will,yeah not so much. He ran too hot and cold for me. His mouth was something I don't think I could have forgiven. Given that this story seems to evoke so much emotion from readers is good writing. I look forward to reading about Katie. I'm going to assume she's up next. Big thumbs up.
*arc from NetGalley and Entangled for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.**
I loved this story, and I couldn’t put it down! Right from the get-go the story is funny and the characters enjoyable. Lucy is totally relatable as a woman who has gone from ugly duckling to swan, but still struggles with low self-esteem from her younger years. William is the reality tv star that doesn’t remember her. He was betrayed on tv years ago and works to make sure his image is not ruined. The two are forced together for a few days to investigate a honeymoon resort, and the chemistry was amazing. I found myself going “just one more chapter” at the end of each chapter. The book was enjoyable, sweet, and kept me turning the pages. I highly recommend it and can’t wait for the next one! I received an ARC for this review.
The novel never once ceased to surprise me. It kept me on the edge of my seat and I was turning pages even before I could realize. I was hooked to this book. I am a sucker for romance novels and this is perfect romance novel for romance genre buffs. I literally loved reading it.
William needed for this rooster-Miracle Mike- well human inside a rooster costume- to speak . But the man is doing everything but he pecked at the air and shuffled silently in place. Then the man bobbed his head in the way of a chicken. William was reporting on a fluff piece about the annual Miracle Mike Headless Chicken festival. Years of working his way up through larger and more exclusive news markets should have him capable of handling a situation like this. He had investigated Wall Street scandals, extracted information from whistleblowers, and mastered the-man-on-the-street interview. Now in his debut appearance in the smallest television market he had ever worked. Now he was having a problem with a man dressed as a rooster. Low level reporting was suppose to introduce William to operations at his family’s t v station not making himself look like a fool. William just added one more checkmark on his father’s - Joe Covington- list of Things Williams Managed To Screw Up. If he couldn’t handle a simple interview how could he prove he had the grit to run the family company? William really needed a drink. Joe still hadn’t forgiven William for the debacle of William’s foray into reality t v had caused and that was ten years ago. After ten years of friendship Parker did not have William;s back but was siding with Joe, he said he needed a job as station manager when in reality he is stabbing Joe in the back for a promotion. William still had to find a place to live. Joe was a very powerful man who always got what he wanted and he wants William to move back in his home to keep tabs on his long lost son. William ran into Lucy when he went to help her when a boy shot out her car window with a slingshot- on accident. William didn’t recognize her. She had been an overweight seventeen year old girl with acne, braces, and thick eyebrows. William had known her as Lulu Campbell who was an intern on the Beach Nights reality show and Lucy had crushed on William even though William didn’t even notice her all those years ago. Lucy had worked hard to shed her former self. Lucy was starting a career in broadcast journalism. Katie was Lucy’s best friend and told her of a place to live and Lucy moved there then she found out William was her next store neighbor. William asked Lucy if she wanted to grill out but she declined. Lucy works at KDUX t v station and got there early her first day Lucy moved around a lot and didn’t get close to people that way she wouldn’t get hurt. The one thing Lucy loved journalism as no one looks at her funny for her leaving to go to the next job. Lucy was a weekday morning news producer for right now. Lucy went to get everyone coffee Willam was in a rush and bumped into her and the coffee went all over her and scalding coffee hit her chest. William paid for more coffee. William was a consumer journalist for now but after his birthday the company was his even though his father was trying to fight him but this had been his mother's company. Then William got a phone call from his lawyer he had won the company would be his. William came up with an idea for a story that had to do swoth hotels specifically was for honeymooners but people were being ripped off and robbed. William needed a fake wife and it ended up being and and Lucy ended up having to take the role of William’s new wife at Twin Lake. I loved this book. It was a easy summer read. I loved Lucy and William/Will together. I didn’t like how Will acted when he found out about Lucy being an intern on the reality show he had been on. But at least he sincerely apologized. I loved the ending. I loved the pace and plot. I loved Lucy;s and Katie’s relationship and how they interacted with each other. I felt bad for Lucy for the parents she had and how r=they were with her. But I was happy when Lucy stood up to then and William came in and backed her. I chuckled at times while reading this and choked up at others while reading this. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this book and I highly recommend this book.
"The Honeymoon Trap is adorable, clever, funny—in short, completely charming." --Serena Bell, USA Today bestselling author of Do Over
How to Survive Your Next Relationship Disaster 101
Step 1: Get pumped. Your new house, in your new town, comes with a sexy and shirtless man next door. Score!
Step 2: Don’t let your freak-out show when Mr. OMG Shirtless turns around—and it’s your old crush.
Step 3: Hold your head high when you run into him again on the first day of your new job—literally—and spill coffee all over yourself.
Step 4: Stay calm when he introduces himself as your new boss…and then announces that your first assignment is to go on a fake honeymoon together.
Step 5: Keep your $h*t locked tight when the new boss/old crush and you are forced to sleep in the same room…with one bed.
Step 6: Try to ignore just how freaking hot he is, and how much you want to touch him…
My Thoughts:
I don't read much contemporary romance being a huge fan of the historical variety of romance titles, but this book was to put it mildly a laugh a minute and what I would read consistently in the genre. I hope this author is at this moment writing the next book in a can't miss series.
I gave this delightful book 4.9 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization and a sensual rating of 3 of 5 flames. Physical intimacy is not even necessary to make this book a page turner and a reader's delight. I received a complimentary digital ARC of this title by invitation from the publisher via NetGalley. I read and reviewed this book voluntarily and all thoughts expressed are my own.
In short, this was boring. The book was fine. Not great, not awful, just ok. Nothing stands out, neither in a good nor in a bad way. The characters are bland and the storyline predictable. Before the halfway mark I was already skimming in hope of getting to something interesting again. This story line had so much potential and I so desperately wanted to like it. It wasn't a bad book, nothing special really bothered me about it but nothing really held my attention either. I feel like the plot was not flowing. I skipped pages in between because I kept getting bored. I keep thinking that I was supposed to like and enjoy the main couple, except I didn't. I didn't hate or dislike them but I didn't like them either. They were simply 'meh'. It felt like pretty paint-by-the-numbers contemporary romance, to be honest. Perfectly serviceable, but nothing to get excited about. I tried, I really tried but this one just didn't do it for me.