Rumours and Romance: A fake relationship, small town romance

Julia Jarrett

Sep 2021 · Dogwood Cove Book 2 · Julia Jarrett

About this ebook

Jackson Holt, the sexy new veterinarian in Dogwood Cove, and I both have a problem with an obvious solution.

I’ve got a busy bakery to run, and a new cafe to open, but my friends and family think I’m a workaholic who needs to find love. Jackson has an offer to be a partner at the vet clinic, as long as he shows his boss he’s in town to stay.

A fake relationship is the perfect way for both of us to get what we want. Two birds, one little white lie of a stone.

Jackson has no intention of falling in love, and I don’t have time for anything real. It should be easy to end things when we don’t have to pretend anymore… right?

We promised we wouldn’t fall for each other. Turns out that was the biggest lie of all.

Rumours and Romance is the perfect fake relationship that leads to real love. For fans of steamy small town, with sassy heroines, swoony heroes, adorable animals, found family friend groups, low angst and high heat romance with a guaranteed HEA. This is the second book in the Dogwood Cove series and can be read as a standalone, although the series is best enjoyed if read in order.

This series is for fans of Melanie Harlow, Adriana Locke, Claire Kingsley, Lucy Score, Laura Pavlov, Tia Louise, Jami Albright, Kandi Steiner and more.

Ratings and reviews

This is the 2nd book in this amazing series and is Jackson and Mila’s story. Jackson is the new veterinarian in this small town, and he is focused on becoming a partner in the practice, but his boss is a tad old fashioned. Jackson has been though a bad breakup and fresh start in Dogwood is just what he needs, and he is certainly not looking for any relationships. Mila has been totally focused on expanding her bakery, and has had little time for anything else, despite what her family and friends say. When Mila finds an injured dog at the side of the road, she takes him to the vet and meets Jackson, and they become friend, which leads them to striking a deal which will get Mila’s parents off her back and put a more favourable light on Jackson with his potential partner. This is a beautifully written story which is sweet, fun, and entertaining, and with a tad angst, drama, humor, witty banter, family, friendships, and undeniable chemistry. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

I received an ARC of this book and this review is my own honest opinion. Rumours and Romance is a delicious mix of fake dating, banter and hot sexy chemistry. Jackson is new in town and Mila instantly likes him when she spots him in her bakery. When they begin talking they realise they have something in common, he needs to prove he’s settled in Dogwood Cove for his ambition of becoming a partner in his job and she needs to get her friends off her back about being single, so they decide to fake date. They soon realise that fake dating is hard and their feelings are crossing the boundary. But, nothing is ever plain sailing and when Jackson jumps to conclusions about something he sees, he puts his relationship with Mila in jeopardy. This book is an easy lighthearted read, the chemistry is amazing and the steamy scenes are just that, steeaammy!

Rumours and Romance is the second book in the Dogwood Cove series by Julia Jarrett. Mila, the heroine in this book, is Ethan and Summer's (hero and heroine from book 1) sister and best friend. Mila knows what she wants in life and what she doesn't, and she doesn't let other people's opinions affect this. That was something I admired about her. Another thing was how much she fought and worked for what she wanted. There is a new vet in town! Jackson was hot and sweet, Jackson and Mila understood each other, what they wanted career-, relationship- and future wise. I enjoyed their conversations and banter. The story is told in dual pov, which is needed because you need both sides to the story. It is a faced paced story that reads very smoothly and easily. Also, a big shout-out to pets Harley and Milo for all the cuteness. Rumours and Romance has all the good ingredients a small town/fake dating romance needs. Topped off with lots of emotions, fun, and steam, it's mixed into an easy, light story. I received an ARC from the other and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.