I received this book via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
It Happened on Love Street by Lia Riley Series: Everland Georgia #1
Published by Forever on 2017-04-25
Length: 368 pages
Reviewing eARC from Netgalley
Rating:
Reading Challenges: #NGEW2017, 2017 New Release Challenge
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The most romantic place she never wanted to be . . .
Pepper Knight moved to Everland, Georgia, as step one in her plan for a successful legal career. But after this big-city gal's plans go awry, going home with her tail between her legs isn't an option. So when the town vet-and her sexy new neighbor-offers Pepper a temporary dog-walking job, she jumps at the chance. No one needs to know that man's best friend is her worst nightmare . . . or that Everland's hot animal whisperer leaves her panting.
The last thing Rhett Valentine wants is to be the center of small-town gossip. After his first love left him at the altar, he's been there, done that. These days, life is simple, just the way he likes it. But sultry southern nights get complicated once sparks fly between him and the knockout next door. When she proposes a sexy, secret fling-all the deliciousness and none of the prying neighbors-it seems too good to be true. And it is. Because Pepper's determined to leave Love Street, and when she goes, she just might take his heart with her . . .
It Happened on Love Street by Lia Riley is the first in her new contemporary romance series Everland Georgia. I personally was excited to pick up the book. I love small town contemporaries! When done right, they make for a fun read with quirky, secondary characters and rich town history (even if fictional). Lia Riley doesn’t disappoint in this aspect. The small town feel of Everland Georgia is what makes the book such a fun read. And then of course Rhett 😉
Pepper Knight is chasing her dream, pursuing a legal career and the only job available to her is in a small town down south…a big adjustment for the New York City girl. Pepper is an interesting character. I wasn’t sure how I would feel about her at first. There are many preconceived notions about living in the south and Pepper believes them all. As a southern girl myself, I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. This girl should be smarter than that. But I digress. Pepper is fun character to watch grow. She’s always given herself to her family and their needs, putting her own aside for them. It’s interesting to see her out of her element and away from her family.
Rhett Valentine is the small town vet, beloved hometown boy, and consummate bachelor. I personally enjoyed his chapters/POV more than I did Pepper’s. He is a man who was left at the alter, dumped by his longtime, high school sweet heart. His dad has disowned him for not following in his footsteps and now the town is basically divided into two. I enjoyed seeing him break down his own walls to let Pepper in.
The gist of the story is simple. Pepper moves to Everland because of a job offer, yet when she arrives, the job is no longer hers. Pepper spent her entire savings moving here and now she’s left without a job and no money to support herself. Somehow a chance meeting with Rhett gives her a job as a dog walker (which she’s terrified of dogs) and then she finds the handsome vet is her neighbor. Their romance is sweet and chemistry steamy. I liked reading about the two of them together. There were a few times where the characters had some inner dialogue about past events, and I’m not really sure that it was relevant to the story. Personally I could have just done with more Rhett and Pepper.
Overall I enjoyed this book. It Happened on Love Street‘s has some sweet, romantic moments, but it’s true charm lies in the small town Riley’s built. If you enjoy contemporary romance, I highly recommend you check out this book. FYI there are some adult scenes and strong language so I recommend 18+.
About Lia Riley
Lia Riley writes offbeat romance. After studying at the University of Montana-Missoula, she scoured the world armed only with a backpack, overconfidence and a terrible sense of direction. She counts shooting vodka with a Ukranian mechanic in Antarctica, sipping yerba mate with gauchos in Chile and swilling XXXX with stationhands in Outback Australia among her accomplishments.
A British literature fanatic at heart, Lia considers Mr. Darcy and Edward Rochester as her fictional boyfriends. Her very patient husband doesn't mind. Much. When not torturing heroes (because c'mon, who doesn't love a good tortured hero?), Lia herds unruly chickens, camps, beach combs, daydreams about as-of-yet unwritten books, wades through a mile-high TBR pile and schemes yet another trip. Right now, Icelandic hot springs and Scottish castles sound pretty sweet.
She and her family live in Northern California.
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