Release Blitz + Excerpt + Review: "Fetching" by Kylie Gilmore

I am pleased to take part in this week's release blitz celebrating "Fetching" by Kylie Gilmore, book #1 of the Unleashed Romance series. This is the first book I've read by this author, but it appears to be a spinoff from an earlier series (The Rourkes) complete with appearances by characters from its final book ("Rogue Beast"). "Fetching" reads as a standalone, however, and I was easily able to keep up with all of the characters and events.

 

I really enjoyed this cute, funny enemies-to-lovers romance, which featured likeable characters and an engaging plot. The chemistry between main characters Sydney Robinson and Wyatt Winters was apparent from the very first page, and their amusing banter consistently made me laugh. Wyatt was a great guy beneath his no-nonsense exterior, and I loved how he doted on his little dog, Snowball, and sister, Kayla. However, he had an overwhelming need to fix things for the people he loved, which was a major source of conflict between him and independent Sydney. Learning to compromise was the key to making Wyatt and Sydney's relationship work, with Sydney learning to ask for and accept help and Wyatt learning that it wasn't necessary for him to try to fix every single problem.

Family was very important to both Wyatt and Sydney, and they were both close to their siblings as a result of losing a parent when they were young. Sydney's brothers and Wyatt's sister were entertaining secondary characters in this story, and I look forward to learning more about them in future books of the series. Sydney's best friends Jenna and Audrey were also a lot of fun, and I hope we will see more of them in future stories too.
 

Overall, "Fetching" was a fun, sweet story, and I recommend it for all fans of contemporary romance and romantic comedy. I look forward to picking up the next book in the series. 

 

*Review copy provided by the author via Xpresso Book Tours. All opinions expressed are my own.   

 

 

About "Fetching"

He’s her knight in shining armor. Only she’s no damsel in distress.

Wyatt
I’m a self-made billionaire with a soft spot for damsels in distress, so when I move to the quirky lakeside community of Summerdale, I immediately zero in on the woman I most want to…ahem, rescue. Only the stubborn woman refuses to cooperate.

Sydney
When Satan, aka Wyatt Winters, moves to town, I do my best to be welcoming. After all, I’m the owner of the historic restaurant and bar that he keeps showing up at, despite criticizing nearly everything about it. Deep breath. I might’ve lost my cool and made a rude gesture in his direction. And told him off. How was I to know he was considering investing in my place?

Did I mention I’m in debt up to my eyeballs and every bank has turned me down?

Still, there’s not a snowball’s chance in hell I’d ever work with him. Or admit he fires me up in every way.

And then a snowstorm traps us together and—

I’m melting.

This romantic comedy stands alone with a swoonworthy happy-ever-after! No cliffhangers.

NOTE: A portion of Fetching’s book sales will go to Pets for Vets, a nonprofit that trains shelter dogs to be therapy companions for military veterans with PTSD. 

 

 

Read an Excerpt from "Fetching"

Sydney

Wyatt catches my eye. “Appetizers are good.”

Pleased that he finally said something positive about my place, I close the distance, stopping at his table. “Glad you’re enjoying them.”

He leans back in his chair. “Have you ever thought of upgrading the dinner menu?”

My temper flares, but I manage to keep a civil tone. “No. Locals love it.”

“Not saying it’s bad, just unoriginal. I mean, every meal comes with either French fries or baked potato. A new chef might bring some life to the place. Isn’t that what tonight’s fundraiser’s all about? Keeping this place open?” He taps the table. “With the right management, a better chef, this place has potential.”

I manage this place, and the chef is a family friend. I bare my teeth. “Seems you know a lot about the restaurant business.”

“Not at all. I just appreciate a good one.”

I jam my hands on my hips and glare at him. Obviously he thinks we’re a bad one! I’m so furious I can’t even speak.

He cocks his head. “Cindy, are you cross with me?”

“Who the hell do you think you are?” I snap. “Coming in here and insulting my place left and right! If you don’t like it, don’t come back.”

He arches a brow. “Since you own the place, maybe we could talk about some serious improvements. You don’t know what you don’t know, am I right?”

I bristle. “This place was my great-grandfather’s, passed down the generations, and now it’s mine.” I leave out that Drew is the one who actually inherited it and declared it a lost cause because of the debt dragging it down. I took it over rather than let him sell it. “It’s an institution in this town, and we’re doing just fine without your city snark. How dare you walk in here and spew your judgment over all of us!”

He smirks. “I don’t recall spewing.”

My heartbeat roars in my ears, anger clouding all good reason. I desperately want to smack that smirk off his face.

He gestures to his ale, which he barely touched. “I didn’t like this one. Could I get one of those local Connecticut ales you mentioned?”

I stare at his glass of ale. I want to throw it in his face and watch his shock as it drips down his beard, fancy sport coat, and dress shirt.

He chuckles. “That’s an evil look in your eye, Cindy. You’re thinking about dumping this drink on my head, aren’t you?”

How did he know? “Not at all,” I lie.

He leans close and smirks. “I dare you.”