Hi my Reading Ninjas, how's 2023 going so far? Read anything good you want to share with us? I have - of course. Pepper North has given us a great start to 2023 with
COULDA
That's Coulda, as in Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda... And Coulda is the first. Now let me preface with, I really wasn't sure about this one at the start. It begins 20 years ago - with a group of high school friends, all very different who've carved their own path through school away from the accepted cliques and hierachy and Coulda features a 17 year old girl obsessing over a mid to late 20's barman, as she pines and plots her perfect 18th birthday celebration in his arms and bed. An that same barman, although keeping this distance - for now; equally plans to make her his as soon as possible. Thats where I had pause...
HOWEVER - The story then moves forwards to the groups 20 year high school reunion and finally the barman and the Little Girl he was obsessed with so long ago, walks back into his life and there is no way he's letter her leave again. THIS I LOVE!
I love their story as adults. I love the attraction, I love this Daddy and his Little Girl and I love that they know immediately that they were meant for each other so long ago and even more so now. This story ended up being really great and I'm so glad I didn't allow myself to be diverted or put off by my qualms at the start and their history.
I'm telling you though, I'm dying to know what ever became of Limey... Read COULDA if you want to know what I mean.
One look at this bartender, and everyone gets thirsty...
With thirteen years separating them, Amber has always known that Rio is off limits. Not only does her father forbid such a relationship, but Rio himself seems intent on keeping her at arm's length. If only that was enough to quench her desire for the handsome older man.
Hired for his good looks, charismatic personality, and bartending skills, Rio makes Amber's father a lot of money by drawing women into the establishment. Watching the boss's daughter grow from an enchanting imp into a beautiful woman was never in the job description, but as Amber approaches her eighteenth birthday, Rio can't ignore her any longer. Will a promise and a duty force this drink-slinging Daddy to wonder forever what coulda been, or will he find a way to serve up a happy ending for them both?
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