by: Wendy S. Marcus
Series: Speakeasy Taproom
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: September 2, 2021
Publisher: Heart Eyes Press
Amazon | Paperback | Audiobook | Goodreads
Randall Dickson is coping. Sort of. An upcoming medical eval, one that could end his military career, has him stressed and making bad choices. So when a concerned friend issues a strongly-worded “invitation” to Vermont, R.D. is all in for a change of scenery, a temporary job as a bartender, and the opportunity to shake himself out of his self-destructive routine.
Then he sets eyes on his seriously sexy new co-worker…
Lily Reynolds, an artist by day, Speakeasy’s favorite bartender at night, works hard to stay positive, unlike her surly new coworker. He may be a treat to look at, but that grumpy attitude and terse manner are not her type. So when Lily finds herself in desperate need of someone to share expenses, she convinces R.D. to rent her vacant room. There’s no way she’ll find herself falling for him.
She’d like to find the secret admirer who’s leaving her secret love notes around the bar, though. But he won’t reveal himself...
This standalone contains: opposites who definitely attract, a workplace romance, and an opinionated French bulldog.
Stargazer was inspired by the True North Series written by Sarina Bowen. I’m probably one of the few people who has never read Sarina. However, I can say that Griffin Shipley from Bittersweet is in the book and I love him. For those who don’t know, Griff owns Speakeasy Taproom in Colebury, Vermont. He’s also a college friend of Randall Dickson II aka R.D. R.D. is now a Marine going through a tough year after the death of his mother and a bad motorcycle accident that left him addicted to pain meds. Time is running out for R.D. to get cleared to return to his home base in California. Griff suggests R.D. comes to Vermont for a month or two in order to clear his head and stop using the pain pills. Griff even gives R.D. a job working behind the bar at Speakeasy.
Grumpy and a man of few words, R.D. isn’t too happy to be sharing shifts with bartender Lily Reynolds. But Griff has his reasons for putting the two on the same shifts. Lily is the picture of sunshine and optimism. She even has a motivational quote board that she updates daily. Lily’s sunny disposition hides a dark and painful past. While Lily works hard behind the bar, her true passion is her resin art. She’s been making a name for herself and her online store sales have been taking off. However, a lot of her money goes to her deadbeat boyfriend, who no one is a fan of. All too soon, R.D. realizes why Griff has asked him to watch out for Lily. R.D. steps in and in essence takes out the trash. But this leaves Lily with a clear knowledge that she needs more money and someone to help share her expenses with. She convinces R.D. to be her roommate and from there things in R.D. and Lily world get so much better.
Lily and R.D. are polar opposites of each other. She’s a talker and a flirt. He’s the quiet silent type. She’s open and approachable. He’s dark and brooding. What really breaks the ice between these two is Tulip, Lily’s French Bulldog. Tulip LOVES R.D. and this tattooed Marine loves her right back, even making sure she’s dressed in her favorite outfits when he takes her out for walks.
From the beginning of this story, I loved R.D. and Lily. Told in dual points of view, Wendy really allowed you to see what each character was thinking and get to know them. R.D. has this heart of gold that he doesn’t allow people to see. He is the quintessential cinnamon roll hero. Lily is a sweetheart, who tries desperately to be someone a person wants to stick around for. I love when books make me happy and have my heart soaring. Stargazer did that and more.
It should be noticed that this story mentions a paragraph or so of a memory involving violence and murder.
~ Favorite Quotes ~
“Be happy. Not because everything is good, but because you can see the good in everything.”
“You don’t stop shining because someone doesn’t appreciate your light.”
“Everyone is fighting a battle we know nothing about.”
“If you can stay positive in a negative situation, you win.”
“Don’t let a little negativity stop you from seeing all the good that’s around.”
“Respect yourself enough to know you deserve the very best.”
“Don’t waste today. There are only so many tomorrows.”
“The hardest walk is walking alone. But it also makes you the strongest.”
“You’re always one decision away from a totally different life.”
“Sometimes the grass is greener on the other side because it’s fake.”
“Keep shining beautiful one. The world needs your light.”
“The best feeling in the world is being loved back by the person you love.”
**Received a copy of the publisher and voluntarily reviewed it.**
Rating: 5
Purchase Stargazer from:
The Speakeasy Taproom Series:
Starlight by Christine DePetrillo releases September 2, 2021
Safeguard by Stephanie Rose releases September 2, 2021
Places to find Wendy S. Marcus:
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