Solid Harlequin Romance. This is a Harlequin romance of the classic type, though they're trying to get away from the somewhat infamous cover set apparently. :D

For those that love that style - and there is a very clear business reason why the publisher puts out so many books of exactly the same style - know that you're getting exactly what you're after here. Solid romance, a couple of sex scenes, a Hallmarkie type plot and conflict resolution (with a fair amount of angst to boot), etc. This book is perfectly within your comfort zone, and it is a solid, fun, and short-ish book to boot. So go ahead and hand over the money you know you're going to anyway, and have fun. :)

For those that are more hesitant, perhaps *because* of the infamy, know that if you're open to the romance genre at all, this one is going to be pretty well exactly what you expect (see above). It is truly enjoyable, but also very much within the conventional bounds of the genre. Some heartstrings pulled, and a fun (if foreseeable due to genre rules, but still interesting in exact manner) resolution that plays on a bit of a darker moment from earlier in the book.

There really isn't much more to say here. Again, if you're open to the genre at all, you're going to have fun with this book. If you're not, you probably aren't even reading this review. ;) Very much recommended. ( )

•”Pure.”•

This was a great read! As the second book in the Beaumont Bay series, we meet our leads Cash Sutherland, bad boy country music star, and his ex college flame who is also a journalist looking for her story, Presley Cole.

The chemistry is an interesting journey between these two as it borders between hot, warm and cold throughout the book. I really enjoyed the sweet moments between them and the way the emotions around the past are handled as well as the present.

Something that I did feel could’ve used a little more, was Cash and his inner feelings towards Presley as we get closer to the end. A little more insight into the progression of his feelings would’ve been great because it felt like something was missing in that respect.

My favorite aspect of the book, by far, is Presley herself, she’s a take charge, incredibly strong heroine that I loved reading about. Jessica Lemmon staying true to Presley’s character all the way to the end was so satisfying to read and made for such a perfect and unique ending, I read it multiple times with a smile on my face!

I look forward to reading more in this series! ( )

Years ago Cash Sutherland broke Presley Cole's heart. That was all before Cash become a country music megastar and Presley finished her journalism degree and has found herself working for an entertainment blog. When Cash's reputation takes a hit, his brothers see Presley as the perfect person to spin some good PR back into his career.

Presley might have slight ulterior motives however. If she can get Cash to finally reveal the muse behind his hit song Lightning, it'll guarantee her an advancement in her job opening up countless opportunities.

Sparks fly again when Cash and Presley encounter each other once again. But will their own separate motivations ruin what could be their second chance?

I really like how Jessica Lemmon incorporates the ever-present mystery that is asked about countless songs to various artists over the years. Of course that being: "Who is the inspiration (good or bad) behind the song. I could probably name off more than a dozen celebrities who've given us lyrics to ponder over the years, but you're probably all too familiar with them yourself. I honestly wish that this aspect of the book was pushed a little further.

Basically once Cash and Presley are within range of one another the undeniable chemistry pops. And the story becomes more focused on whether or not something that isn't set up for permanence can last.

I felt like towards the end things get a bit clunky in regards to reasons for conflict that arise between Cash and Presley. But then, I think, that kind of speaks to relationships in general when two people obviously care for one another, but just haven't figured out how to make it work yet. Overall, though, I enjoyed seeing these two - with all of their history - work their way back to one another.

This is the second book in a series seemingly alternatively written between Jessica Lemmon and Jules Bennett. I haven't had the chance to read the first book yet, but my understanding is that it features Cash's brother. I had no issues following along with the story. Things were laid out and set up perfectly for new readers. I do look forward to catching up however and then seeing how things progress from there. ( )

Terrific second chance love story. Cash and Presley knew each other in college and had a fairly intense relationship. That all ended when he dropped out of school his senior year to pursue his dreams of a Nashville music career. Refusing even to consider a long-distance relationship, Cash turned his back and walked away, leaving Presley brokenhearted.

Years later, Cash is a country music star who made his dreams come true. But he also has thick walls built around his heart, keeping people at a distance. While his success is satisfying, it hasn't made him as happy as he thought it would. Cash finally realizes the price he paid for that success - losing the one woman he truly loved. When a DUI tarnishes his reputation, he and his brothers know he needs some help. His brothers hire Presley to write a story that will return the shine to his star.

After the breakup, Presley concentrated on her journalism studies and tried to consign Cash to her past. Years later, she works for a worldwide magazine but is still stuck in Florida. If she can impress her boss with this story, Presley can write her own ticket to anywhere in the world. All she has to do is manage the interview without risking her heart.

I enjoyed watching the rekindling of the relationship between Cash and Presley, though there were also a few times I wanted to smack them for being blindly stubborn. Cash and Presley's first meeting came as a complete shock to Cash and happened as he had a bit of a freak-out in the service elevator. All of Presley's good intentions went out the window when Cash kissed her, and old feelings came roaring back to the surface. Cash, who still feels guilty over how he broke up with her, is equally affected. To say that he wasn't happy to find out she was there to interview him would be putting it mildly, but his brother Gavin pointed out that they could trust her to be fair. Cash is skeptical, but that doesn't stop him from inviting her to stay with him.

It is clear from the start that the feelings Cash and Presley had for each other in college never faded. Sparks flew whenever they were together. The attraction continues to build until neither can resist giving in, though both insist it's a short-term, no-strings thing to give them closure on their previous relationship. I loved watching them spend time together, from talking about his career to hanging out together. Both of them fight their growing feelings. Cash believes that Presley has never forgiven him for the way he left her and that he wouldn't deserve it anyway. Presley is equally sure that he never really cared for her. The best she can do is write her story and move on with her life.

There are a couple of rough patches caused by Presley's pursuit of the story. One happens when she gives her opinions about why he does the things he does and asks questions about his family. Cash's reaction is less than polite (okay, her timing wasn't the best, either), and they exchange harsh words. I liked Cash's apology, which was sweet and very Cash-like. Later, Presley makes a very boneheaded mistake while trying to discover the inspiration for his signature song. She earned Cash's anger and hurt, and I appreciated what she did about it.

It is the ending that provides a roller coaster of emotions. From Cash's confession to Presley about the origins of his song to Presley's reaction, the pain for both of them leaps off the page. I ached for Cash and his misery while at the same time I wanted to push him into the lake for being such an idiot. I loved seeing Gavin's version of support and how he dragged Cash off. I liked seeing Presley put her hurt behind her to write one of the best stories of her life, then make an important decision about her future. I loved the scene at Luke's bar when Cash finally read Presley's article and his relief and happiness at the surprise waiting for him. I loved watching the last of his walls come crashing down as he finally stops fighting the past. The epilogue was fantastic, and I loved Cash's new version of The Apology Song.

Oh, yeah. I was curious about Cash's car, as I'd never heard of a Bugatti Chiron. All I can say is WOW!

#netgalley ( )