Blurb:

Our fake romance was born from flames.  

But when real feelings spark, will my real wounds destroy us?

EVAN:

I’ve been managing Calypso Key Resort, our family beachside retreat in the Florida Keys, for so long I can do it in my sleep—which isn’t what keeps me up at night. That honor goes to Liv Jacobson, the gorgeous, curvy bakery owner I’m too shy to approach. Past wounds cut deep and I’m a shadow of the man I once was. 

But when fate engulfs her bakery, I offer her a refuge. And an opportunity to get to know her better. When I spin a panicked tale of needing a fake relationship, Liv shocks me further by playing along.

Every shared secret, every pretend kiss kindles a blaze that becomes dangerously real. But when my unresolved past explodes, I push everyone away, including Liv. How could a fake relationship have turned so real? 

Because now, it’s no longer a game—it’s our shot at forever.

Buy Link: https://mybook.to/Because

Available in KU

*****

Review:

I really like Evan and Liv. They work well together – caring, giving, and kind. Evan helps Liv step a little out of her comfort zone and try new things. He is also good at helping her feel good in her body, finding herself as sexy as he does. While Liv helps Evan remember that he’s a worthy man as he is now. One who is an integral part of his family, their business, and the community.

Of course, his issues cause trouble between the two but after a big push from his family & Liv and a bit of self-discovery (I wish it had included professional counseling), he starts to recognize how his attitude is impacting his world. While it isn’t completely resolved by the end of the book, there is still an opportunity in a future book so maybe Brockus is holding on to that. Oh, and the epilogue is perfect for these two.

**some minor spoilers ahead**

I did struggle a bit, though, with Evan’s issues. It’s been 13 years! And they were kids! I get that he lost a lot of what he expected to be. And that it was painful and took a while. But I don’t understand why his family let him continue like that for so long. I could understand if it had only been a few years but over a decade? and the man is in his 30s … it should have been addressed well before this point. This is my first by this author so maybe this came up before, I don’t know. But it bothered me. I kept reading because I loved these two together AND because I hoped that there would be an explanation. There wasn’t. And there wasn’t a good resolution? I seem the only one that seems to mind it though so take from that what you will.

(Part of a series, can be read on its own, but I felt like I missed a couple of references by not having read previous stories. Minor but they exist and may bother some.)

*****

Author Info:

Dive Into a Tropical Romantic Escape!

Erin Brockus writes steamy small town romances that transport readers to exotic, tropical destinations, and provide a perfect beachy getaway from everyday life. Her mature, relatable characters are impossible not to root for, and she weaves breezy romantic adventure into her stories, emphasizing scuba diving and the ocean.

Drawing on her twin passions for diving and travel, Erin infuses her characters and narratives with a sense of excitement and passion. Her idea of the perfect day involves sipping a cocktail on the beach after exploring the ocean depths.

Erin lives in Washington wine country with her husband, who is also a scuba instructor. She is currently hard at work on her next island adventure. When she’s not writing, you might find her out for a run or cycling through the countryside on the next quest for adventure.

Connect with Erin Brockus:

https://linktr.ee/erinbrockus

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