Rumours and Romance by Julia Jarrett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
"Rumours and Romance" by Julia Jarrett, book #2 of the Dogwood Cove series, was a super cute small town romance with just the right amount of steam. Characters from the first book make return appearances in this one, but it reads as a complete standalone.
After breaking off his engagement and learning that the head of the pet shelter where he worked had been accused of embezzlement, veterinarian Jackson Holt was in need of a fresh start. His new job at a vet clinic in the small town of Dogwood Cove, which offered the possibility of a partnership, seemed like a perfect fit. The only catch was that his new boss wanted to see Jackson setting down roots in the community before he'd make him a partner. Still getting over the end of his engagement, Jackson wasn't yet ready to date, but his new friend, local bakery owner Mila Monroe, came up with the perfect solution to his dilemma: a fake relationship. She hoped that the arrangement would be mutually beneficial by convincing her brother and friends to stop worrying about her workaholic tendencies, allowing her to focus on expanding the bakery. It had been her mother's dream to open a full-service cafe serving breakfast and lunch in the empty space next door to the bakery, and Mila was on the verge of making it a reality.
I loved the adorable friendship that developed between Mila and Jackson before their relationship turned romantic. They were so sweet and funny as they got to know each other, especially when Mila teased Jackson about the "geriatric" bran muffins he ordered every morning and made it her mission to get him to try new things. As their feelings for each other grew and the fake relationship evolved into a friends with benefits scenario and then more, Jackson really struggled with his fear of being hurt again after the way his engagement had ended. I empathized with his fears, but at the same time, I wish he had talked to Mila about his feelings sooner.
Overall, I very much enjoyed "Rumours and Romance" and recommend it for all contemporary romance fans, especially those who enjoy small town romance and/or the friends-to-lovers trope. This was the first book I've ever read by Julia Jarrett, but it certainly won't be the last.
*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
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