Book Review: Here to Stay by Melissa Tagg
After playing nomad for five years, Blake Hunziker has finally had enough of adventure. Not sure what reception he’ll get from everyone back in Whisper Shore, he’s stunned at not only a warm welcome from his hometown but also a job offer. The job is his if he can successfully pull off the annual Christmas Festival. If only he knew the first thing about coordinating events…
If there’s one thing Autumn Kingsley knows, it’s Whisper Shore. For years, she’s been stuck running her family’s inn when all she wants is to see the world. Now she has a visit scheduled from a potential investor who could take over the inn, as well as a dream job offer in Paris. But with just two weeks to whip the inn into shape, her chance at escape is a long shot.
The Hunzikers and the Kingsleys may not get along, but Blake knows Autumn’s the only one who can help him. She agrees to a trade–she’ll help with the Festival and he’ll help with inn repairs. But what was meant to be a simple deal quickly becomes much more than that when the guy who’s done running away joins forces with the girl who can’t wait to leave.
I enjoyed Melissa Tagg’s debut offering Made to Last and have been looking forward to Blaze/Blake’s story since she told me his would be up next.
In her sophomore effort, she didn’t disappoint. Autumn and Blake are meant to be together. Blake wants to come home to stay. He struggles with his past, blaming himself for things that weren’t his fault. His brother and Autumn’s sister had been high school sweethearts but the tragic end to that relationship left the Hunzikers and Kingsleys with a feud that doesn’t quite rival the Montagues and Capulets but close enough.
Blake needs help with the Christmas festival. Autumn needs helping whipping her family’s inn back into shape in an attempt to woo an investor. They agree to help each other with no intention of falling in love in the meantime.
But part of Autumn’s goal in getting the inn back in shape is so she can take a job offer. On another continent. Blake’s done wandering and is ready to put his roots down at home.
It’s a romance, so it’s little shock they’ll find a way to work things out. But how? Will he pack up to follow her? Will she stay [or return] home?
Melissa does a fabulous job and I’m looking forward to her next book!
Overall rating: 8.75 out of 9 stars