5/5 Stars

It’s been six months since former pro-baseball player Lincoln “Linc” Conner overheard single mom Emma Henrikson make a disparaging remark about her love life and he’s never forgotten her.

Though everyone knows everyone–and their business–in the close-knit community of Rock Falls, Vermont, Linc only knows Emma as the landlady and bestie of Dawson Shay, the fiancée of his buddy, Tully Faulkner.

That all changes when Emma’s young daughter, Greer, joins the sports program at Linc’s community youth center. Willing to make whatever sacrifices necessary just to see her daughter smile, Emma visits the center to see if she can grant Greer’s wish while still meeting the demands of her overbearing boss at her low-paying job.

Emma’s flustered when she meets the man she’s had a crush on since high school, and who’s high school and professional careers she stalked followed closely, even after dropping out of school because of an unplanned pregnancy. Even though Linc flirts shamelessly with her, Emma doesn’t believe for a second he has any interest in her. She remembers the public photos of the women he dated, and a frumpy, plus-size single mother doesn’t compare.

The story’s pace picks up when Emma not only becomes an employee of the youth center but also Linc’s pretend fiancée!

Full disclosure–I am not a fan of the fake relationship craze AT ALL, but I’m giving Linc and Emma a pass, and Kudos to author Aliyah Burke, because the way this situation came out of left field (baseball pun intended) and played into the plotline worked beautifully!

I love their characters. They’re flawed and edgy with some fantastic romantic banter. Well-developed as individuals and as a couple, I couldn’t help but cheer for Emma and Linc .

Emma’s insecurities are not overplayed and realistically addressed. I felt she didn’t give herself enough credit for the amazing person she is and beat herself up too much, but it’s all she’s ever known.

However, it’s Linc’s demons that implode enough to shake up the town and lead Emma to consider leaving Rock Falls. He wants another chance and forgiveness from Emma, but he must forgive himself first.

While the onus is on Linc to repair things with Emma, he has amazing support from Linc and Mitchell. They’re loud, intrusive, and in-your-face, and a refreshing change from the standard fictional (and real) bromances. Their support for each other is unwavering. But they don’t hesitate to call each other out when they’re wrong, and that’s exactly what Tully and Mitchell do to Linc.

Emma’s never had friends until Dawson arrives in Rock Falls. She understands Emma’s insecurities and trust issues and can be there for her without judgement. However, that doesn’t mean she’s not always ready to deliver a few hard truths.

My two favorite characters in this read make brief appearances which are more than memorable. Retired school employee Mrs. Juliet Sprague is a fierce octogenarian who says whatever she wants, whenever she wants, to whomever she wants. She’s not malicious, just honest to a fault, and her biting comments could leave marks. I loved her take-no-prisoners attitude.

Then there’s Rock Falls PD’s own Officer Parker Hewes, or as Linc referred to him, Barney Fife! Parker was crude, rude, offensive, bumbling, and stupid… and karma swooped in for him in record time! Hilarious scene!

Tinkering with Love is a fun read that shows love of family, friends… and self makes love of the heart even sweeter.

Enjoy!

(Read through Kindle Unlimited)

About the Book

Former pro baseball player Linc Conner knows exactly where his head’s at. Most of the time, he’s completely focused on running his community center and focusing on the kids. But when it comes to single mom Emma Henricksen, Linc can’t see straight. She’s driven, resourceful—not to mention that smart, extra-kissable mouth—and when she’s near, he gets lost in a fog of lust. But he needs her help to convince an investor they’re engaged.

Emma’s too busy raising her gifted little girl to have a sex life that’s not battery-operated. Still, how could she resist being engaged to a guy who’s the sexual equivalent of her favorite dessert topped with whipped cream and a cherry, even if it’s just pretend? Emma knows all too well that if something seems too good—or too tempting—to be true, it definitely is…

Now it’s a game of pretend with a whole lot of chemistry between the guy who’s used to playing the field—and the woman who opted out of the game long ago. All that’s missing is one helluva curveball…

A Sweet Spot for Love (Rock Falls 2)

Kindle Unlimited

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