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7th and Main #3
Grit
He’s been patient; she’s been busy.
Patience is running out.
Melissa Oxford is a widow with a ranch, an orange grove, a goat-obsessed ten-year-old, and not enough time. She doesn’t have time to make friends. She doesn’t have time to stop and chat, and she definitely does not have time for a boyfriend.
Which is fine, because Cary Nakamura is far from being a boy. Cary’s the man who helped Melissa plant her trees. The friend who keeps offering advice, even when she’s is too stubborn to take it.
He’s also the man who kissed Melissa in broad daylight on a sidewalk in Metlin, California, smack in the face of God and everyone.
But while Melissa may spend a little too long dreaming about Cary from a distance, she knows the kind of passion he promises is more than she can handle.
She just doesn’t have the time.
But sometimes, no matter how busy you are, life makes you stop. It pulls you up short and makes you see things a little more clearly. Things like…
The people you can count on.
The dreams you keep pushing away.
And the passion that can’t be denied.
GRIT is a stand-alone, friends-to-lovers romance in the Love Stories on 7th and Main series by Elizabeth Hunter, author of INK.
Patience is running out.
Melissa Oxford is a widow with a ranch, an orange grove, a goat-obsessed ten-year-old, and not enough time. She doesn’t have time to make friends. She doesn’t have time to stop and chat, and she definitely does not have time for a boyfriend.
Which is fine, because Cary Nakamura is far from being a boy. Cary’s the man who helped Melissa plant her trees. The friend who keeps offering advice, even when she’s is too stubborn to take it.
He’s also the man who kissed Melissa in broad daylight on a sidewalk in Metlin, California, smack in the face of God and everyone.
But while Melissa may spend a little too long dreaming about Cary from a distance, she knows the kind of passion he promises is more than she can handle.
She just doesn’t have the time.
But sometimes, no matter how busy you are, life makes you stop. It pulls you up short and makes you see things a little more clearly. Things like…
The people you can count on.
The dreams you keep pushing away.
And the passion that can’t be denied.
GRIT is a stand-alone, friends-to-lovers romance in the Love Stories on 7th and Main series by Elizabeth Hunter, author of INK.
275 pages, ebook
First published August 26, 2019
About the author
Elizabeth Hunter
76 books5,986 followersELIZABETH HUNTER is a ten-time USA Today bestselling author of romance, contemporary fantasy, and paranormal mystery. Based in Central California and Addis Ababa, she travels extensively to write fantasy fiction exploring world mythologies, history, and the universal bonds of love, friendship, and family.
She has published over forty works of fiction and sold over three million books world-wide. She is the author of the Elemental Mysteries, the Irin Chronicles, the Cambio Springs Mysteries, and other works of fiction.
She has published over forty works of fiction and sold over three million books world-wide. She is the author of the Elemental Mysteries, the Irin Chronicles, the Cambio Springs Mysteries, and other works of fiction.
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September 3, 2019AVAILABLE NOW!
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I LOVE THIS BOOK!
And you can read the first chapter here—> GRIT: Prologue
I know you're not supposed to have favorite books (like you're not supposed to have favorite kids) but this is one of my favorite books. I love Melissa and Cary. They are hot. They are real. And they have ridiculously large amounts of chemistry. Forplaaaaaaaaay, hnnnng.
Melissa also has a ten year old, goat-obsessed daughter. Because contemporary romance just needs more goats, amirite?
And GRIT is now available for preorder! I hope you consider grabbing it. It'll be out September 3rd.
★READ TODAY!★
•Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2ZqUYEp
•Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2S1LMz9
•Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2YEgQaF
•Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2XvYg8l
•AppleBooks: https://apple.co/2RPO6t4
•Kobo: http://bit.ly/302Tegw
•Nook: http://bit.ly/2IZWNhA
•Smashwords: https://bit.ly/2YqG1xk
--------
I LOVE THIS BOOK!
And you can read the first chapter here—> GRIT: Prologue
I know you're not supposed to have favorite books (like you're not supposed to have favorite kids) but this is one of my favorite books. I love Melissa and Cary. They are hot. They are real. And they have ridiculously large amounts of chemistry. Forplaaaaaaaaay, hnnnng.
Melissa also has a ten year old, goat-obsessed daughter. Because contemporary romance just needs more goats, amirite?
And GRIT is now available for preorder! I hope you consider grabbing it. It'll be out September 3rd.
★READ TODAY!★
•Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2ZqUYEp
•Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2S1LMz9
•Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2YEgQaF
•Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2XvYg8l
•AppleBooks: https://apple.co/2RPO6t4
•Kobo: http://bit.ly/302Tegw
•Nook: http://bit.ly/2IZWNhA
•Smashwords: https://bit.ly/2YqG1xk
July 18, 2020
Cary!Cary!Cary!
I loved him since book one..
3,5 stars
August 23, 2019
Phew I loved it.
You know you have that one favourite author above all others and that every time one of her books hits your kindle you can’t wait to get your grabby little hands on them? Ms. Hunter is that author for me HOWEVER book 2 and I were not on the same wavelength which made me even more nervous in reading this book. Imagine losing one of your all time storytellers, I’m telling you I would have been devastated. Hence the, phew I loved it.
I have been intrigued by Cary Nakamura and Melissa Oxford since book one. And I have not been disappointed, Ms. Hunter sold us the older silver fox well and boy would I love my own Cary. He has the patience of a saint you have to if you want to deal with one Melissa Oxford Rhodes.
Melissa is a widow who lost her husband in a tragic accident and has for the past 6 years been prodding on with life, with the ranch with paying her in-laws the money back that she owes them of dealing with their underhanded tactics and she has mastered it with bells and whistles but sometimes just sometimes you need a hand and not a handout. That time has come.
I really liked Melissa she is a person I can see myself being friends with, she is strong and feisty and values the most important things in life, the ones that count the most. She is a good Mom and she has the most amazing daughter. For once I can say nothing negative about a heroine, lol.
Cary is a 46 year old silver fox who has lemon, mandarin groves and has been friends with Melissa for a very long time nothing could come of it but after her husband passing, feelings on both sides started to pop up and eventually after 4 years they start to act on them. Cary is the best he is understanding, loyal, sexy and well one of the best hero’s I have ever met and love.
I loved these two together they really complemented one another. She is a spitfire, Cary is as solid as a rock. She is a constant worrier he has everything sorted. They are combustive in the sheets so that was a steaming as well my friends.
There was a good plot to the story which also had me really invested with these characters and what went on in their everyday life. The pace was perfect as well and there was never a boring moment when it came to the book. My one complaint is I would have loved more of an epilogue unless there is going to be more?
All in all it is just perfect exactly what I needed.
You know you have that one favourite author above all others and that every time one of her books hits your kindle you can’t wait to get your grabby little hands on them? Ms. Hunter is that author for me HOWEVER book 2 and I were not on the same wavelength which made me even more nervous in reading this book. Imagine losing one of your all time storytellers, I’m telling you I would have been devastated. Hence the, phew I loved it.
I have been intrigued by Cary Nakamura and Melissa Oxford since book one. And I have not been disappointed, Ms. Hunter sold us the older silver fox well and boy would I love my own Cary. He has the patience of a saint you have to if you want to deal with one Melissa Oxford Rhodes.
Melissa is a widow who lost her husband in a tragic accident and has for the past 6 years been prodding on with life, with the ranch with paying her in-laws the money back that she owes them of dealing with their underhanded tactics and she has mastered it with bells and whistles but sometimes just sometimes you need a hand and not a handout. That time has come.
I really liked Melissa she is a person I can see myself being friends with, she is strong and feisty and values the most important things in life, the ones that count the most. She is a good Mom and she has the most amazing daughter. For once I can say nothing negative about a heroine, lol.
Cary is a 46 year old silver fox who has lemon, mandarin groves and has been friends with Melissa for a very long time nothing could come of it but after her husband passing, feelings on both sides started to pop up and eventually after 4 years they start to act on them. Cary is the best he is understanding, loyal, sexy and well one of the best hero’s I have ever met and love.
I loved these two together they really complemented one another. She is a spitfire, Cary is as solid as a rock. She is a constant worrier he has everything sorted. They are combustive in the sheets so that was a steaming as well my friends.
There was a good plot to the story which also had me really invested with these characters and what went on in their everyday life. The pace was perfect as well and there was never a boring moment when it came to the book. My one complaint is I would have loved more of an epilogue unless there is going to be more?
All in all it is just perfect exactly what I needed.
October 4, 2019
It was a solid 4 stars. Sex scenes could have been a lot hotter but I like the real-ness of Cary and Missy’s relationship.
What’s unreal tho is that Missy can be so immune to such a freaking hot man!! SIX YEARS!!!
Gah!
What’s unreal tho is that Missy can be so immune to such a freaking hot man!! SIX YEARS!!!
Gah!
August 28, 2019
Absolutely gorgeous! 5 stars!
Oh wow, I love this book! This is how a friends-to-lovers romance should be written! Sweet, swoony, sexy and emotional, super functional and beautifully romantic, I fell in mad love with these characters and their story, and I adored this book!
Cary and Melissa have appeared in earlier books in this series, with a bit of a flirtation hinted at, and I’ve been so excited to get their story and find out exactly what’s going on. Melissa is the older sister of Ox, from book #1, INK, and the character crossover is there, but it’s minimal, so this book can also easily standalone.
Melissa is a 34 year old widow with an adorably precocious 10-year-old daughter, and a ranch to run. Her life is insanely busy, and she has very little time for anything that isn’t related to her daughter, Abby, or her ranch, but she loves her life and is determined to go it alone and build a happy and successful life for her little family.
Cary is a 46 year old citrus grower who owns the farm next to Melissa. They’ve known each other since Melissa was a child, and he watched her grow up, watched her get married, became friends with her husband, and then he was there when her husband was killed six years previous. He has offered her help and advice throughout the years – though she’s usually been too stubborn to take it – and has been there for her whenever she’s needed him, as a good friend to her and her daughter. Cary has also been nursing a growing attraction to his friend, patiently waiting for the right time to push things further, and he’s getting tired of keeping it to himself.
It’s an attraction that has had years to develop, and when Cary decides to make his move, he does it without holding back. He wants Melissa, he comes right out and tells her that, and then he balances the line of giving her time to come to terms with it, and gently pushing her forward. Melissa wants him too, but is not only too busy to even contemplate a relationship, but she’s understandably worried about their friendship and the impact on her daughter. It’s all very reasonable, and I could completely feel where she was coming from. But I also love the way Cary continued to push, and the slow burn as they go back and forth is absolutely delicious.
It’s fun and exciting, and the anticipation builds beautifully! You can feel their want for each other, the teasing, the banter and the kisses had me reading with a massive grin on my face, and the flirting is just awesome!
Cary has this quiet confidence about him that is absolutely irresistible! He’s the perfect mix of strong, protective alpha, sweet, patient and understanding friend, and hot, sexy lover. And as a sort-of-surrogate father to little Abby, he absolutely melted my heart! I love that he’s a bit of an older man (46 to Melissa’s 34), and that they have so much history between them. Their relationship is so well developed, and though they have their ups and downs as they figure everything out between them, it doesn’t feel angsty or overly dramatic, it’s realistic and real, and every moment between them is meaningful and sizzling with chemistry. I love the way everything changed for them, and the way Cary loves Melissa, had me a swooning madly!
There’s a side storyline featuring the small town where Cary and Melissa live, and a bit of family drama, but it all ties in beautifully to the love story. And the addition of Abby to the story is just gold! That little girl is absolutely adorable – funny, smart, and an absolutely scene stealer, and I love that she was such a huge part of Melissa and Cary’s lives.
This is such a great read! It’s all the reasons why I love Elizabeth Hunter’s writing, and her smart, fun, realistic, passionate and emotional romance. I loved every moment and finished this book hugging my kindle to my chest in a blissed-out romance high.
5 stars!
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Oh wow, I love this book! This is how a friends-to-lovers romance should be written! Sweet, swoony, sexy and emotional, super functional and beautifully romantic, I fell in mad love with these characters and their story, and I adored this book!
Cary and Melissa have appeared in earlier books in this series, with a bit of a flirtation hinted at, and I’ve been so excited to get their story and find out exactly what’s going on. Melissa is the older sister of Ox, from book #1, INK, and the character crossover is there, but it’s minimal, so this book can also easily standalone.
Melissa is a 34 year old widow with an adorably precocious 10-year-old daughter, and a ranch to run. Her life is insanely busy, and she has very little time for anything that isn’t related to her daughter, Abby, or her ranch, but she loves her life and is determined to go it alone and build a happy and successful life for her little family.
Cary is a 46 year old citrus grower who owns the farm next to Melissa. They’ve known each other since Melissa was a child, and he watched her grow up, watched her get married, became friends with her husband, and then he was there when her husband was killed six years previous. He has offered her help and advice throughout the years – though she’s usually been too stubborn to take it – and has been there for her whenever she’s needed him, as a good friend to her and her daughter. Cary has also been nursing a growing attraction to his friend, patiently waiting for the right time to push things further, and he’s getting tired of keeping it to himself.
His breath tickled the hair at her temple. “Talk to me.”
She shook her head.
“Then tell me to leave you alone.”
I can’t.
It’s an attraction that has had years to develop, and when Cary decides to make his move, he does it without holding back. He wants Melissa, he comes right out and tells her that, and then he balances the line of giving her time to come to terms with it, and gently pushing her forward. Melissa wants him too, but is not only too busy to even contemplate a relationship, but she’s understandably worried about their friendship and the impact on her daughter. It’s all very reasonable, and I could completely feel where she was coming from. But I also love the way Cary continued to push, and the slow burn as they go back and forth is absolutely delicious.
“We can’t do this.”
“Fuck that,” he growled. “We already are.”
One way or another, their self-control wasn’t going to hold out forever. Something was going to snap. He just hoped they were in a relatively secluded place when it happened.
It’s fun and exciting, and the anticipation builds beautifully! You can feel their want for each other, the teasing, the banter and the kisses had me reading with a massive grin on my face, and the flirting is just awesome!
“Why did you…?” She glanced at his chest. “Can you put a shirt on please?”
The night was warm and he was wearing a pair of basketball shorts and nothing else. Cary glanced down at his bare chest. “No.”
“You’re not going to put on a shirt?”
“It’s hot. Is my chest offending you?”
“It’s…distracting.”
“Then I’m definitely not going to put on a shirt.”
Cary has this quiet confidence about him that is absolutely irresistible! He’s the perfect mix of strong, protective alpha, sweet, patient and understanding friend, and hot, sexy lover. And as a sort-of-surrogate father to little Abby, he absolutely melted my heart! I love that he’s a bit of an older man (46 to Melissa’s 34), and that they have so much history between them. Their relationship is so well developed, and though they have their ups and downs as they figure everything out between them, it doesn’t feel angsty or overly dramatic, it’s realistic and real, and every moment between them is meaningful and sizzling with chemistry. I love the way everything changed for them, and the way Cary loves Melissa, had me a swooning madly!
She kissed him and threw her leg over his hips. “This is giving me all kinds of ideas.”
“Keep your ideas to yourself tonight,” he muttered. “I’m being good, but I’m not that good.”
“No.” She pulled back and looked into his eyes. “You’re not good. You’re great. I’m sorry it took me so long to see that.”
I am yours.
I am yours.
I am so yours.
Cary cupped her cheek in his hand and stared at her. He rubbed his thumb over her lips. I love you like crazy, Melissa Rhodes.
There’s a side storyline featuring the small town where Cary and Melissa live, and a bit of family drama, but it all ties in beautifully to the love story. And the addition of Abby to the story is just gold! That little girl is absolutely adorable – funny, smart, and an absolutely scene stealer, and I love that she was such a huge part of Melissa and Cary’s lives.
This is such a great read! It’s all the reasons why I love Elizabeth Hunter’s writing, and her smart, fun, realistic, passionate and emotional romance. I loved every moment and finished this book hugging my kindle to my chest in a blissed-out romance high.
5 stars!
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
September 2, 2019
4 - Stars!
You know, this was the first book I've read by Elizabeth Hunter?
I've been meaning to read her work before, but for some reason, my TBR pile is ridiculously out of control.
Alas, what a good story to read as my first!
This was a beautifully written friend to lovers slow-burn romance.
The characters literally grew up together, their mothers were and still are best friends.
They've experienced joy, triumphs, and heartbreak together.
I liked the characters, and I really liked the age difference between the protagonists.
These people knew what they want in life.
Their story was a journey of learning to accept their attraction to one another, and the transition from friends to lovers.
They just have to just keep everything simple.
Good story.
I look forward to reading more of Elizabeth Hunter's work.
"I voluntarily read an ARC of this book which was provided by SocialButterflyPR in exchange for an honest review."
You know, this was the first book I've read by Elizabeth Hunter?
I've been meaning to read her work before, but for some reason, my TBR pile is ridiculously out of control.
Alas, what a good story to read as my first!
This was a beautifully written friend to lovers slow-burn romance.
The characters literally grew up together, their mothers were and still are best friends.
They've experienced joy, triumphs, and heartbreak together.
I liked the characters, and I really liked the age difference between the protagonists.
These people knew what they want in life.
Their story was a journey of learning to accept their attraction to one another, and the transition from friends to lovers.
They just have to just keep everything simple.
Good story.
I look forward to reading more of Elizabeth Hunter's work.
"I voluntarily read an ARC of this book which was provided by SocialButterflyPR in exchange for an honest review."
September 5, 2019
4 star review of Grit: A Love Story on 7th & Main (7th & Main #3) by Elizabeth Hunter
Elizabeth Hunter is a new author to me and I am not sure why I have not read her before. This was an enjoyable read that had me entertained from the first to the last chapter.
A friends to lovers story that was heartwarming and had me smiling throughout. Although book three in the series I had no trouble reading this as a stand alone. The writing was strong and I found the characters of Melissa Oxford and Cary Nakamura likeable and easy to relate to.
This is a story about friendship, family and love with secondary characters who were just as entertaining as the H & H and when time permits I will be looking at other books from this author.
Elizabeth Hunter is a new author to me and I am not sure why I have not read her before. This was an enjoyable read that had me entertained from the first to the last chapter.
A friends to lovers story that was heartwarming and had me smiling throughout. Although book three in the series I had no trouble reading this as a stand alone. The writing was strong and I found the characters of Melissa Oxford and Cary Nakamura likeable and easy to relate to.
This is a story about friendship, family and love with secondary characters who were just as entertaining as the H & H and when time permits I will be looking at other books from this author.
September 8, 2019
Okay WOW.... Where did this author come from? I haven't read anything by her, and I am wondering why? This was amazing. I loved each and every word. From start to finish the author grabbed hold of my attention and ran with it.
This is everything that made me fall in love with romance. This love story wasn't hearts and flowers, this story didn't come with ease. It was beautifully raw, dark and even a bit twisted. It was emotional and it was unpredictable. It had me on the edge of my seat from page one, my mind reeling trying to piece together each and every scene, every detail, every little damn thing. It was beautiful yet tragic. It honestly took my breath away. It was gritty, it was hell and heaven. It was fucking consuming me beyond belief.
Melissa and Cary had a relationship that would drive people crazy, the push and pull, the will they or won't they feel. The constant unknown that was going to happen between these two and I will repeat, this wasn't a smooth and easy-going love story. It was fucking insane and amazing and crazy and intense and emotional.
I want to dive into details, but I won't if you've already read the books to this series then you will love this one just as much as you did the others. It can be read as a standalone but for me, I need to go back and read the first couple of books, which is what I am about to go and do! This will grip your heart in pieces. I laughed, I cried, I yelled and I almost threw my kindle. This book has it ALL!! SERIOUSLY. IT HAD EVERYTHING!
Flawless! It was amazing in all sense of the word!
101 stars!!
This is everything that made me fall in love with romance. This love story wasn't hearts and flowers, this story didn't come with ease. It was beautifully raw, dark and even a bit twisted. It was emotional and it was unpredictable. It had me on the edge of my seat from page one, my mind reeling trying to piece together each and every scene, every detail, every little damn thing. It was beautiful yet tragic. It honestly took my breath away. It was gritty, it was hell and heaven. It was fucking consuming me beyond belief.
Melissa and Cary had a relationship that would drive people crazy, the push and pull, the will they or won't they feel. The constant unknown that was going to happen between these two and I will repeat, this wasn't a smooth and easy-going love story. It was fucking insane and amazing and crazy and intense and emotional.
I want to dive into details, but I won't if you've already read the books to this series then you will love this one just as much as you did the others. It can be read as a standalone but for me, I need to go back and read the first couple of books, which is what I am about to go and do! This will grip your heart in pieces. I laughed, I cried, I yelled and I almost threw my kindle. This book has it ALL!! SERIOUSLY. IT HAD EVERYTHING!
Flawless! It was amazing in all sense of the word!
101 stars!!
September 3, 2019
ALL! ALL! ALL! This story! Gah! This book has it ALL! I have been waiting for it since INK. Melissa and Cary's story was just...it was just...sooooooooo good! First, we know these characters from INK and HOOKED, and we've been rooting for them to get together...is the word "shipping"?... I was so shipping for these two. Anyway, Cary is older than Melissa and has been loving her from afar for years now. He has been there for her in every way since her husband died. Melissa is an busy single mom doing everything for her family and ranch and she just "doesn't have time" for anything as frivolous as romance. I totally "got" Melissa. Then there is Abby, Melissa's daughter, who is part of the story as well. She is so funny. We see some of Emmy and Ox too which is so nice to revisit some our favorite, friends...I mean characters. Elizabeth Hunter has a way of telling a story that just makes you feel like you are there. Right. There. We are on 7th & Main shopping for books and riding our bikes, or at the ranch with Melissa helping her fix a broken fence. We are transported to another place that is safe, fun, and oh so sexy sometimes. I love how this story all unfolded. I had tears running down my face at the end along with laughter because Abby is so funny. I loved the underling theme of this book too about hard-work, responsibly, loyalty: what it really means to love. This is by far my favorite 7th and Main book.
September 17, 2019
Cary and Melissa's love story was wonderfully sweet, fun, and super entertaining. There was one moment I was thinking ➡️ "There you go again, Melissa. You're going to use a dumb reason for not having a relationship with Cary. That Calvin was his friend. Even if he had been dead for 6 years! I'm ready to take away 2 stars!" But nope! That didn't happen. So, yeah, more mature HEA couple was fantastic! No unnecessary angst! I can always trust Elizabeth Hunter to deliver! Loved their romantic courtship! And their chemistry? Super delicious!
Melissa's daughter, Abby, was such a smart ten year old kid. She already had her own cottage industry planned and tried out! Goat-milk soap, anyone? I loved this kid! So one of my favorite scenes was her letter to the control freak, freaking rich grandparents:
Melissa's daughter, Abby, was such a smart ten year old kid. She already had her own cottage industry planned and tried out! Goat-milk soap, anyone? I loved this kid! So one of my favorite scenes was her letter to the control freak, freaking rich grandparents:
"What did she write in that letter, Cary?" . . .
"She said she was angry at them for trying to hurt the ranch because it was her home. She was angry that . . . There was one bit that I remember exactly. . . She wrote, 'If you take my home away, I will know you don't love me. Your mouth can't say one thing when your actions say something else.'"
August 23, 2019
Ms. Hunter, as usual, has done it again. I am so thankful that I was offered the chance to read this gem of a story early. I am also thankful that I now have Cary and Melissa’s story in my heart forever. As much as I loved Emmie and Ox in Ink, and Tayla and Jeremy in Hooked, I have been anxiously waiting for Cary and Melissa's story in Grit.
It was worth the wait.
This book is a little different in that it is an “adult” story. Cary is in his mid-forties and Melissa is in her thirties, a widower with a ten-year-old daughter. It is a story of life and loss and hard decisions. It is raw and real and such a slow burn. When something smolders as long as it did for Cary and Melissa, I expected explosions. I got ‘em. This book is a little “sexier” than the other two and it has more “grit.”
Cary lives on his ranch with his mother and grows citrus. He has lived his life with determination, hard work and honor. After his friend died leaving Melissa a widower with a small child he made it his mission to watch out and help her with whatever he could. To be her friend and offer his help and advice when needed. Even if Melissa didn’t think she needed it.
Melissa is desperately trying to keep the dream that she and her husband had for the ranch that is her family’s legacy. Melissa is the glue that holds her family together. She is a harried, tired, stubborn mother who thinks she can do it all. She doesn’t have time for any “feelings.” Any wants, needs or grief she may allow herself to feel for however few seconds gets shoved in a box and the key thrown away. Her daughter always comes first. Her wants and needs aren’t deserved and always takes a back seat to her daughter, her mother and the ranch. This doggedness is her greatest strength and her greatest weakness.
Cary had never allowed himself to think of Melissa in any way except as the wife of a dear friend. That friend has been gone for years and he has finally allowed himself to have hope with the woman he admires so much. He pushes her enough for her to start letting the boxes open that she has kept closed for so long. Cary is a determined man who wants Melissa to know that she deserves her own happiness, and that it isn’t weakness to ask for help, or to feel or to want. He needs her to know that her future is more than a harried mother and an over-worked ranch owner. He wants her future to include him. This man has so much patience. This man has so much love.
New relationships are hard enough, but throw in the death of a husband and a friend, knowing that there will always be a third partner involved, makes it trickier. Throw in a daughter and the pain of grief that you haven’t allowed yourself to experience; add in a little fear and the acknowledgement of adult emotions, it makes for even more of an obstacle course. Throw in fate, angst, lust, laughter and love and it could be epic.
As an older woman, this story tells what I know to be true. No matter your age, we all want to be loved. Wanting a physical, sexual connection with someone does not diminish with age. Wanting an emotional connection becomes even stronger as you have figured out what is important in life. I loved Grit for being real. I loved Grit for being honest. I loved Grit for being patient and letting Cary and Melissa’s story take the time it needed.
I loved Ink. Tattoos and books??? Gah!
I loved Hooked. Jeremy…such a patient man…
I ADORE Grit.
I adore Ms. Hunter for yet again, writing another nugget of gold to add to my bag of treasures, because Grit is priceless.
(And may I add that these book covers are works of art unto themselves)
It was worth the wait.
This book is a little different in that it is an “adult” story. Cary is in his mid-forties and Melissa is in her thirties, a widower with a ten-year-old daughter. It is a story of life and loss and hard decisions. It is raw and real and such a slow burn. When something smolders as long as it did for Cary and Melissa, I expected explosions. I got ‘em. This book is a little “sexier” than the other two and it has more “grit.”
Cary lives on his ranch with his mother and grows citrus. He has lived his life with determination, hard work and honor. After his friend died leaving Melissa a widower with a small child he made it his mission to watch out and help her with whatever he could. To be her friend and offer his help and advice when needed. Even if Melissa didn’t think she needed it.
Melissa is desperately trying to keep the dream that she and her husband had for the ranch that is her family’s legacy. Melissa is the glue that holds her family together. She is a harried, tired, stubborn mother who thinks she can do it all. She doesn’t have time for any “feelings.” Any wants, needs or grief she may allow herself to feel for however few seconds gets shoved in a box and the key thrown away. Her daughter always comes first. Her wants and needs aren’t deserved and always takes a back seat to her daughter, her mother and the ranch. This doggedness is her greatest strength and her greatest weakness.
Cary had never allowed himself to think of Melissa in any way except as the wife of a dear friend. That friend has been gone for years and he has finally allowed himself to have hope with the woman he admires so much. He pushes her enough for her to start letting the boxes open that she has kept closed for so long. Cary is a determined man who wants Melissa to know that she deserves her own happiness, and that it isn’t weakness to ask for help, or to feel or to want. He needs her to know that her future is more than a harried mother and an over-worked ranch owner. He wants her future to include him. This man has so much patience. This man has so much love.
New relationships are hard enough, but throw in the death of a husband and a friend, knowing that there will always be a third partner involved, makes it trickier. Throw in a daughter and the pain of grief that you haven’t allowed yourself to experience; add in a little fear and the acknowledgement of adult emotions, it makes for even more of an obstacle course. Throw in fate, angst, lust, laughter and love and it could be epic.
As an older woman, this story tells what I know to be true. No matter your age, we all want to be loved. Wanting a physical, sexual connection with someone does not diminish with age. Wanting an emotional connection becomes even stronger as you have figured out what is important in life. I loved Grit for being real. I loved Grit for being honest. I loved Grit for being patient and letting Cary and Melissa’s story take the time it needed.
I loved Ink. Tattoos and books??? Gah!
I loved Hooked. Jeremy…such a patient man…
I ADORE Grit.
I adore Ms. Hunter for yet again, writing another nugget of gold to add to my bag of treasures, because Grit is priceless.
(And may I add that these book covers are works of art unto themselves)
January 4, 2022
All of the amazing stars for this one! Unsurprisingly Elizabeth Hunter has done it again. I was so happy when I was offered a chance to read this early and am leaving this review to show my gratitude.
I have loved each book in this series. Each of Emmie, Ox, Tayla and Jeremy’s stories have touched me in different ways. But Cary and Melissa’s story has been woven throughout both Ink as well as Hooked and teased us so I have been MORE than ready for Grit!! I knew this one would hurt a little instead of the lighthearted tone of the other books. We know that Melissa is a widow and single mother and trying to run her farm all on her own. Her stubbornness and spine of steel is both her greatest strength as well as her downfall. We know that Cary has admired from afar, offering friendship and work advice when he can, he has the patience of Job I tell you!
This is no easy love story. It’s not a meet cute. It’s real, and raw, honest and gritty. (aptly named!) And it is also a PLEASURE to read. To experience the story of hope shown here was perfection. To quote this book...
“Grief isn’t rational.”
How true it is. There is no “normal” no amount of specific time before you go back to how you were or “move on”. Grief is hard, it comes in waves that can calmly remind you it’s there or years later hit you like a tsunami out of nowhere. Melissa struggles with this deeply, (as many of us do) but she tries to put it in a box and keep her head down and make her way forward instead of dealing with it. She doesn’t believe there is time to stop and breakdown and FEEL anymore. I truly believe she has resigned herself to only allowing herself two things in her future...success on her farm and her daughter’s happiness. Being a single mother weighs heavily on her and it significantly impacts what she will allow for herself, (something I believe every mother can relate too) the guilt struggle is real!
That isn’t good enough for Cary though. He knows Melissa deserves the proverbial ‘more’. Luckily he is just stubborn enough to challenge her where she is at and push her comfort zone until she can finally open that box she’s been keeping closed for so long and face the truths she’s been hiding from so that she can see her own future’s potential. One that includes happiness that isn’t at odds with her pain. He shows her it isn’t about choosing one way or another, it’s about finding their own path and writing their own story. This book has all of the emotions I want in a story, and as the other 7th and Main stories is makes you fall hard for the setting which is country/farm life!
I laughed, scowled, teared up and smiled throughout Grit. And I know you will too!
I have loved each book in this series. Each of Emmie, Ox, Tayla and Jeremy’s stories have touched me in different ways. But Cary and Melissa’s story has been woven throughout both Ink as well as Hooked and teased us so I have been MORE than ready for Grit!! I knew this one would hurt a little instead of the lighthearted tone of the other books. We know that Melissa is a widow and single mother and trying to run her farm all on her own. Her stubbornness and spine of steel is both her greatest strength as well as her downfall. We know that Cary has admired from afar, offering friendship and work advice when he can, he has the patience of Job I tell you!
This is no easy love story. It’s not a meet cute. It’s real, and raw, honest and gritty. (aptly named!) And it is also a PLEASURE to read. To experience the story of hope shown here was perfection. To quote this book...
“Grief isn’t rational.”
How true it is. There is no “normal” no amount of specific time before you go back to how you were or “move on”. Grief is hard, it comes in waves that can calmly remind you it’s there or years later hit you like a tsunami out of nowhere. Melissa struggles with this deeply, (as many of us do) but she tries to put it in a box and keep her head down and make her way forward instead of dealing with it. She doesn’t believe there is time to stop and breakdown and FEEL anymore. I truly believe she has resigned herself to only allowing herself two things in her future...success on her farm and her daughter’s happiness. Being a single mother weighs heavily on her and it significantly impacts what she will allow for herself, (something I believe every mother can relate too) the guilt struggle is real!
That isn’t good enough for Cary though. He knows Melissa deserves the proverbial ‘more’. Luckily he is just stubborn enough to challenge her where she is at and push her comfort zone until she can finally open that box she’s been keeping closed for so long and face the truths she’s been hiding from so that she can see her own future’s potential. One that includes happiness that isn’t at odds with her pain. He shows her it isn’t about choosing one way or another, it’s about finding their own path and writing their own story. This book has all of the emotions I want in a story, and as the other 7th and Main stories is makes you fall hard for the setting which is country/farm life!
I laughed, scowled, teared up and smiled throughout Grit. And I know you will too!
September 3, 2019
***5 Stars***
I don’t typically read a book in a series out of order, even when it is noted that said book can be read as a complete stand-alone, and I rarely ever do it when it comes to a new to me author, but something about the description of Grit just...hooked me and had me NEEDING to meet these characters and experience their journey to their HEA and I was not disappointed in any way. It hit all the right buttons for me and has me looking forward to more from this author and world, as well as trying to figure out how to get the first two books in the series slotted into the TBR list so I can read them sooner rather than later.
I adored Cary and Melissa. Cary is a good, hard working, man who is content in his life. He loves the land, his family, his town and the life he leads. Melissa has been dealt a quite a few unexpected blows to her heart, but her love of her daughter and an inner strength that is made of titanium pushed her to pick herself up and find a way to live. She’s sweet, sassy and is in no way a push over.
Melissa and Cary’s journey to their HEA is a mixed bag of tropes ~ friends to lovers, single parent, second chance ~ and were woven together so well that it was so easy to get lost in them. The mutual respect and genuine adoration they had for each other, on all levels, made it easy to believe that they could have that elusive HEA. There are a few bumps in their road, though nothing was OTT angsty, they were all everyday, easy to understand concerns when it comes to being a single parent and not wanting to mess up a rock solid friendship.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The writing was engaging, pacing was good and the dual 3rd person POV done very well. The drama in the story was well done and didn’t overshadow the evolution of Cary, Melissa and Abby’s relationship. And speaking of Abby, I adored this girl. She brought all kinds of light and depth to the story. And as for the other characters ~ I adored Joan, Rumi, Stu, Leigh, Ox and Leigh and the various other members of the town that popped up every now and then.
~ Copy provided by Social Butterfly PR & voluntarily reviewed ~
I don’t typically read a book in a series out of order, even when it is noted that said book can be read as a complete stand-alone, and I rarely ever do it when it comes to a new to me author, but something about the description of Grit just...hooked me and had me NEEDING to meet these characters and experience their journey to their HEA and I was not disappointed in any way. It hit all the right buttons for me and has me looking forward to more from this author and world, as well as trying to figure out how to get the first two books in the series slotted into the TBR list so I can read them sooner rather than later.
I adored Cary and Melissa. Cary is a good, hard working, man who is content in his life. He loves the land, his family, his town and the life he leads. Melissa has been dealt a quite a few unexpected blows to her heart, but her love of her daughter and an inner strength that is made of titanium pushed her to pick herself up and find a way to live. She’s sweet, sassy and is in no way a push over.
Melissa and Cary’s journey to their HEA is a mixed bag of tropes ~ friends to lovers, single parent, second chance ~ and were woven together so well that it was so easy to get lost in them. The mutual respect and genuine adoration they had for each other, on all levels, made it easy to believe that they could have that elusive HEA. There are a few bumps in their road, though nothing was OTT angsty, they were all everyday, easy to understand concerns when it comes to being a single parent and not wanting to mess up a rock solid friendship.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The writing was engaging, pacing was good and the dual 3rd person POV done very well. The drama in the story was well done and didn’t overshadow the evolution of Cary, Melissa and Abby’s relationship. And speaking of Abby, I adored this girl. She brought all kinds of light and depth to the story. And as for the other characters ~ I adored Joan, Rumi, Stu, Leigh, Ox and Leigh and the various other members of the town that popped up every now and then.
~ Copy provided by Social Butterfly PR & voluntarily reviewed ~
September 3, 2019
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from Author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
This author is one who takes a reader on a emotional journey using the diversity to bring her realistic characters to life. It is small things which add to the sensory build of the world like the orange trees. Grit is the second book set in the small town of Oakville near Medlin in California, in the 7th and Main series.
The characters are equally authentic. Cary is an old friend of Melissa's husband, has lived next door to her for years, but is at least a decade older. He has helped Melissa since his death. After a period of grief, Melissa may be finally putting herself back into life beyond work. She, like many of us, has impossibly high standards for herself. She has to do it all, well and without help. I am thrilled she has Cary there for emotional support even if she won't always accept anything else.
Cary is SUCH a good guy. He loves her and wants her. But he is SO patient. He makes sure to do what is in HER interest and what is best for her daughter. I love how he supports them (emotionally) without being intrusive like the in-laws. When things go badly, he's there to help with kindness and even helps her to see what she can do for herself.
The story is not all hearts and flowers with romance. This is a realistic journey with death and difficulties, business struggles, family dynamics, beautiful countryside and friends / family dinners. It is life with some romance, not romance with a few bits of life. It is great to see characters from the earlier books and their progression briefly too.
Review copy was received from Author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
This author is one who takes a reader on a emotional journey using the diversity to bring her realistic characters to life. It is small things which add to the sensory build of the world like the orange trees. Grit is the second book set in the small town of Oakville near Medlin in California, in the 7th and Main series.
The characters are equally authentic. Cary is an old friend of Melissa's husband, has lived next door to her for years, but is at least a decade older. He has helped Melissa since his death. After a period of grief, Melissa may be finally putting herself back into life beyond work. She, like many of us, has impossibly high standards for herself. She has to do it all, well and without help. I am thrilled she has Cary there for emotional support even if she won't always accept anything else.
Cary is SUCH a good guy. He loves her and wants her. But he is SO patient. He makes sure to do what is in HER interest and what is best for her daughter. I love how he supports them (emotionally) without being intrusive like the in-laws. When things go badly, he's there to help with kindness and even helps her to see what she can do for herself.
The story is not all hearts and flowers with romance. This is a realistic journey with death and difficulties, business struggles, family dynamics, beautiful countryside and friends / family dinners. It is life with some romance, not romance with a few bits of life. It is great to see characters from the earlier books and their progression briefly too.
July 21, 2021
So, I used to be a strictly PNR or romantic suspense kind of reader. I thought that if there was fighting or spies or something like that, I was not reading a true romance novel and could therefore keep my street cred. THEN, I read Elizabeth Hunter's INK. I thought, "Hey, I've enjoyed her PNR stuff. Maybe this won't be so bad." Long story short, I have to just accept who I am- a Romance novel lover.
Grit is the third of Elizabeth Hunter's contemporary romance series- Love Stories on 7th and Main. It started with INK, then Hooked, and now Grit. The characters in the stories mingle, but I wouldn't say you HAVE to read the previous ones before reading Grit. But you sure would be missing out.
Grit is the story of Cary and Melissa, and Melissa's adorably precocious daughter, Abby. We got to know Cary a bit more in Hooked and Melissa is Ox's (from INK) sister. It is a friends to lovers story. Their relationship over the years has its ups and downs, just like any true close friendship. Cary recognizes his feelings earlier than Melissa, and then of course no one is surprised when they finally get together. With Melissa having a daughter, there is an element that we don't see that much in her other works.
If you have a single mother in your life, you can probably find pieces of her in Melissa. I just love the author's characters. They are so REAL, with real emotions and reactions to situations. You root for the characters because you genuinely like them and you feel like they could be your friends IRL. I mean sure, if I knew a Cary real life, I would want to be more than friends. But you get the point. I know it's not exactly how Cary would look, but there's videos of Jason Momoa practicing rock climbing that are on loop in my head right now.
I had the amazingly wonderful opportunity to read an early copy of Grit.
Grit is the third of Elizabeth Hunter's contemporary romance series- Love Stories on 7th and Main. It started with INK, then Hooked, and now Grit. The characters in the stories mingle, but I wouldn't say you HAVE to read the previous ones before reading Grit. But you sure would be missing out.
Grit is the story of Cary and Melissa, and Melissa's adorably precocious daughter, Abby. We got to know Cary a bit more in Hooked and Melissa is Ox's (from INK) sister. It is a friends to lovers story. Their relationship over the years has its ups and downs, just like any true close friendship. Cary recognizes his feelings earlier than Melissa, and then of course no one is surprised when they finally get together. With Melissa having a daughter, there is an element that we don't see that much in her other works.
If you have a single mother in your life, you can probably find pieces of her in Melissa. I just love the author's characters. They are so REAL, with real emotions and reactions to situations. You root for the characters because you genuinely like them and you feel like they could be your friends IRL. I mean sure, if I knew a Cary real life, I would want to be more than friends. But you get the point. I know it's not exactly how Cary would look, but there's videos of Jason Momoa practicing rock climbing that are on loop in my head right now.
I had the amazingly wonderful opportunity to read an early copy of Grit.
August 24, 2019
This!! This story of love, family and friends that kiss, is simply amazing.
Melissa and Cary’s story is far from a fairytale but it’s theirs alone and it’s full of grit.
You get the worries of a widow/single mum/ business owner who feels she has no place to ask for help or time for romance.
Then Cary the friend who has been in love with Melissa for years. He’s been patient, he’s been waiting .
When his patience starts wearing thin he starts wearing Melissa down. When he finally does you get such a dose of pure brilliance that it makes your heart sigh and wish them all the happiness they obviously give each other.
The interactions with Abby, Melissa’s daughter were brilliant. She is whip smart and crazy about goats. She really adds something extra to this already fabulous book. The rest of the great past characters show up as well as a couple of new ones. Every time Elizabeth Hunter writes I just have to read. The worlds she creates makes you want to dive in and stay and I definitely didn’t want to leave Metlin.
Melissa and Cary’s story is far from a fairytale but it’s theirs alone and it’s full of grit.
You get the worries of a widow/single mum/ business owner who feels she has no place to ask for help or time for romance.
Then Cary the friend who has been in love with Melissa for years. He’s been patient, he’s been waiting .
When his patience starts wearing thin he starts wearing Melissa down. When he finally does you get such a dose of pure brilliance that it makes your heart sigh and wish them all the happiness they obviously give each other.
The interactions with Abby, Melissa’s daughter were brilliant. She is whip smart and crazy about goats. She really adds something extra to this already fabulous book. The rest of the great past characters show up as well as a couple of new ones. Every time Elizabeth Hunter writes I just have to read. The worlds she creates makes you want to dive in and stay and I definitely didn’t want to leave Metlin.
August 28, 2019
Yay! I read a sneak peek copy and there is so much to love about this book (and series). The characters feel real and reflect the diversity of a community. Even the side characters appearing only in town council meetings have dimension. The chemistry between Melissa and Cary is off the charts and their physical coupling is executed beautifully. In the romance genre where a happily-ever-after is expected, I appreciated the author's expertise in making the journey interesting. I could practically smell the orange groves, hear the sounds of the ranch, and see the dust of approaching vehicles as I became immersed in the Jordan Valley.
A note about the intimate scenes: As a freelance romance/erotica editor, I read a LOT of sex scenes and this book is going to become one of my "how to" recommendations for first-time clients.
A note about the intimate scenes: As a freelance romance/erotica editor, I read a LOT of sex scenes and this book is going to become one of my "how to" recommendations for first-time clients.
August 23, 2019
Wonderful friends-to-lovers, second chance, slow burn, small town romance
I can’t express how much I loved this friends-to-lovers, second chance, slow burn, small town romance. Now I am agonizing over how to write a review that does justice to this book without reverting to platitudes or publishing industry phrases like “riveting”, “heartwarming”, and “feelgood romance”, although it is of course all of that.
I was really excited about this story as second chance is one of my favorite romance tropes. There is a substantial (12 year) age gap between the hero and heroine in this book. So, even though they grew up on neighboring ranches/farms the timing just wasn’t right for them. As a teenager Melissa had a huge crush on Cary to which he was kind of oblivious. Years later, when he did finally notice her, she was engaged to another man and Cary put his feelings for her away. But then tragedy struck, which left Melissa widowed at a young age, with a small child to raise and ranch to run basically on her own, taking up all of her time and energy. So she hasn’t even thought about dating in ages. But through all this time Cary has been there as a friend and confidant, listening to her troubles, supporting her, advising her and sometimes running interference for her. Lately Melissa has been noticing him as a man more and more and then during the heat of an argument Cary kisses her and that kiss changes everything…
I loved the two main protagonists (and the fact that the hero is a Japanese American). There is also a great cast of supporting characters, from the two moms, Joan and Rumi and Melissa’s daughter, “goat queen” Abby, who is pretty perceptive for her age, a couple of wicked in-laws, to the friends and town originals we have met in previous books.
But once again, the real stars of the story are the imaginary communities of Oakville and Metlin and the landscapes that surround them; I can practically see the rolling hills, the wildflowers dotting Jordan Valley and smell Cary’s orange and citrus groves. They remind me of other great literary towns, like Margaret Laurence’s Manawaka or Narayan’s Malgudi.
The town also plays an important role from a narrative point of view: it’s questions of how to raise enough revenue to sustain the civic responsibilities (in this case keeping open the school) and how to deal with outside interests that want to develop the community for their own reasons, which move the plot forward. It addresses the complex problems that towns in rural America are faced with in how to rejuvenate their communities in such a way as to allow sustainable growth without sacrificing their traditions and way of life and without destroying the very environment that is the source of their income. I have sort of highlighted this aspect of the story, but it is definitively there, but more as a sub-text that underlies Cary and Melissa’s personal stories, and Elizabeth Hunter of course understands to weave the different strands together seamlessly.
Sweet second chance romance with meaning and depth!
I can’t express how much I loved this friends-to-lovers, second chance, slow burn, small town romance. Now I am agonizing over how to write a review that does justice to this book without reverting to platitudes or publishing industry phrases like “riveting”, “heartwarming”, and “feelgood romance”, although it is of course all of that.
I was really excited about this story as second chance is one of my favorite romance tropes. There is a substantial (12 year) age gap between the hero and heroine in this book. So, even though they grew up on neighboring ranches/farms the timing just wasn’t right for them. As a teenager Melissa had a huge crush on Cary to which he was kind of oblivious. Years later, when he did finally notice her, she was engaged to another man and Cary put his feelings for her away. But then tragedy struck, which left Melissa widowed at a young age, with a small child to raise and ranch to run basically on her own, taking up all of her time and energy. So she hasn’t even thought about dating in ages. But through all this time Cary has been there as a friend and confidant, listening to her troubles, supporting her, advising her and sometimes running interference for her. Lately Melissa has been noticing him as a man more and more and then during the heat of an argument Cary kisses her and that kiss changes everything…
I loved the two main protagonists (and the fact that the hero is a Japanese American). There is also a great cast of supporting characters, from the two moms, Joan and Rumi and Melissa’s daughter, “goat queen” Abby, who is pretty perceptive for her age, a couple of wicked in-laws, to the friends and town originals we have met in previous books.
But once again, the real stars of the story are the imaginary communities of Oakville and Metlin and the landscapes that surround them; I can practically see the rolling hills, the wildflowers dotting Jordan Valley and smell Cary’s orange and citrus groves. They remind me of other great literary towns, like Margaret Laurence’s Manawaka or Narayan’s Malgudi.
The town also plays an important role from a narrative point of view: it’s questions of how to raise enough revenue to sustain the civic responsibilities (in this case keeping open the school) and how to deal with outside interests that want to develop the community for their own reasons, which move the plot forward. It addresses the complex problems that towns in rural America are faced with in how to rejuvenate their communities in such a way as to allow sustainable growth without sacrificing their traditions and way of life and without destroying the very environment that is the source of their income. I have sort of highlighted this aspect of the story, but it is definitively there, but more as a sub-text that underlies Cary and Melissa’s personal stories, and Elizabeth Hunter of course understands to weave the different strands together seamlessly.
Sweet second chance romance with meaning and depth!
August 30, 2019
I have been a big fan of Elizabeth Hunter's A Love Story On 7th and Main series and have been looking forward to Cary and Melissa's story for SO long. I absolutely loved this so much as Cary was just Everything in this story. He was the perfect friend, confidant, neighbor and book hero. He was everything Melissa wanted but was so terrified to have. Gah!! I teared up countless times. This was such an amazing read!
Cary Nakamura has always had his eye on his beautiful neighbor and widow, Melissa Oxford Rhodes. She was a loving mother and hardworking neighbor and the woman he could not get out of his mind. But when years of friendship and comraderie turn into a slow burning cauldron of feelings between them, Cary is in the fight of his life trying to convince Melissa to give into their feelings.
GAH! This story was truly so fabulous. It was full of vibrant love and friendship. I am OBSESSED with Cary as he was loving, protective and SO patient. He knew Melissa was it for him and never gave up on her. This was such a delicious slow burn with an incredible tension between them that was palpable right off the pages. I loved their connection and how in-tune Cary was to both Melissa and her daughter. He was the quintessential alpha hero that I love: Kind, protective, alpha and determined to get the girl. He made me swoon with allll the feels. I loved this so much! Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula
Cary Nakamura has always had his eye on his beautiful neighbor and widow, Melissa Oxford Rhodes. She was a loving mother and hardworking neighbor and the woman he could not get out of his mind. But when years of friendship and comraderie turn into a slow burning cauldron of feelings between them, Cary is in the fight of his life trying to convince Melissa to give into their feelings.
GAH! This story was truly so fabulous. It was full of vibrant love and friendship. I am OBSESSED with Cary as he was loving, protective and SO patient. He knew Melissa was it for him and never gave up on her. This was such a delicious slow burn with an incredible tension between them that was palpable right off the pages. I loved their connection and how in-tune Cary was to both Melissa and her daughter. He was the quintessential alpha hero that I love: Kind, protective, alpha and determined to get the girl. He made me swoon with allll the feels. I loved this so much! Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula
September 7, 2019
It was good.
Single parent strong heroine.
Hero who is in love with the heroine and only sees her, no flirting, cheating etc.
No intimate scenes with anyone other than the Hero and heroine.
The heroine is a widow and has been for many years.
The child is involved in the storyline not a prop.
The book was described as slow burn but to me it was more heroine pushing away.
I'm not a fan of pushing away but by around 40% the Hero has started to break down her walls.
It is realistic that it takes time for her to move on, she is also so busy with the farm and her daughter, relationships are just not on her radar but he has the patience of a saint, if it hadn't moved on a bit by the point it did it would have been beyond annoying.
The was really good angst with her in laws from her dead husband.
No active other man or woman drama other than the ghost of her husband in her memories and the Hero's as he was his friend and the Hero refers to his ex wife from a marriage when he was young.
It's my first book by this author and there are secondary characters that most likely had their books earlier in the series.
HEA.
Epilogue.
Single parent strong heroine.
Hero who is in love with the heroine and only sees her, no flirting, cheating etc.
No intimate scenes with anyone other than the Hero and heroine.
The heroine is a widow and has been for many years.
The child is involved in the storyline not a prop.
The book was described as slow burn but to me it was more heroine pushing away.
I'm not a fan of pushing away but by around 40% the Hero has started to break down her walls.
It is realistic that it takes time for her to move on, she is also so busy with the farm and her daughter, relationships are just not on her radar but he has the patience of a saint, if it hadn't moved on a bit by the point it did it would have been beyond annoying.
The was really good angst with her in laws from her dead husband.
No active other man or woman drama other than the ghost of her husband in her memories and the Hero's as he was his friend and the Hero refers to his ex wife from a marriage when he was young.
It's my first book by this author and there are secondary characters that most likely had their books earlier in the series.
HEA.
Epilogue.
August 23, 2019
Elizabeth Hunter has a way of writing romance that is so compelling that you're immediately invested from the first page. Grit was such a beautiful, frustrating, satisfying read! Cary and Melissa are so consumed by responsibilities that their love story doesn't start until they are a bit older, but the chemistry that ignites between these two is intense and consuming. When real world issues threaten their way of life, the two come together with the love of a close knit community, and the loyalty, family, love, and faith driven plot is riveting. A beautiful story of the family you build in the wake of tragedy, and redemption for all with genuine intentions, Grit was one of those stories that you stay up all night with your eyes glued to the page and your heart in your throat. A truly excellent story!
August 13, 2019
Seriously? I mean Hunter can do NO wrong....Grit is HAWT, when you read it - it gives you that same melting feeling you get in the most awesomely hot bubble bath that you just feel your bones melt into.
Melissa - she is ALL of us - you don't have to be a single mom to understand her. The same "i can do it all, I have to do it all" mentality that most of us women have. Cary - he is that rock, that silent strength that when he speaks he leaves us breathless.
Every character we have grown to love in Metlin makes an appearance, and you can see the values in family, love, support, and sometimes a bit of fresh behavior!
This book was brought me right out of my reading funk, and i cannot wait for you to get your hands on it!
Thank you EH for another world to love.
Melissa - she is ALL of us - you don't have to be a single mom to understand her. The same "i can do it all, I have to do it all" mentality that most of us women have. Cary - he is that rock, that silent strength that when he speaks he leaves us breathless.
Every character we have grown to love in Metlin makes an appearance, and you can see the values in family, love, support, and sometimes a bit of fresh behavior!
This book was brought me right out of my reading funk, and i cannot wait for you to get your hands on it!
Thank you EH for another world to love.
November 15, 2019
I was given the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book and it was so good! That doesn't really seem like the right word but it was. It was refreshingly different from what I have been reading. Like a breath of fresh air ,Cary and Melissa's story was so much fun to read because it was so real. They had real issues and real doubts and through it all Cary's love never wavered and he helped Melissa conquer those doubts and fears.
And Abby!!! Oh my gosh!! You just fall in love with her. She is so sassy and so smart and so grown up. Cary loves that little girl and she adores him.
This is one book you don't want to miss. Elizabeth Hunter has done it again.
And Abby!!! Oh my gosh!! You just fall in love with her. She is so sassy and so smart and so grown up. Cary loves that little girl and she adores him.
This is one book you don't want to miss. Elizabeth Hunter has done it again.
August 7, 2019
I feel like I have so much to say about this book and at the same time I can’t think of a single word to properly describe how it made me feel. Cary and Melissa’s story just has so many feels packed into it. Loss and grief, beautiful love, frustration, adorable sweetness, the list goes on and on. The romance will sweep you off your feet, the drama will have you on the edge of your seat, Melissa’s smart and endlessly adorable daughter will have you laughing and steal your heart. There is just SO MUCH to love in this book.
I also found myself really loving the push and pull that existed between Cary and Melissa. That back and forth that was the build up to them finally letting their feelings out not only made their relationship that much more realistic it added a depth to them as individuals that really made me love them even more.
I also found myself really loving the push and pull that existed between Cary and Melissa. That back and forth that was the build up to them finally letting their feelings out not only made their relationship that much more realistic it added a depth to them as individuals that really made me love them even more.
August 31, 2019
I was given the opportunity to read an early copy of this book, and Y'ALL - IT WAS GOOOOOOD! Grit is the 3rd book in the series, and it might just be my favorite. Cary and Melissa's story has been teased across the other two books (Ink and Hooked) and finally getting to read it was such a treat.
Melissa is a widowed, single mom, who is tough as nails and has no time for anybody's BS. Cary is her neighbor, sexy AF, and has loved her from afar for far too long. Their story left me feeling all kinds of gooey and melty. Cary's relationship with Melissa's daughter Abby was just SO well done. *Chefs kiss*
Elizabeth Hunter is an auto-buy author for me but I honestly wasn't sure I was going to love a series of hers that doesn't even have one single solitary creature of the night. I am so glad I was wrong.
Melissa is a widowed, single mom, who is tough as nails and has no time for anybody's BS. Cary is her neighbor, sexy AF, and has loved her from afar for far too long. Their story left me feeling all kinds of gooey and melty. Cary's relationship with Melissa's daughter Abby was just SO well done. *Chefs kiss*
Elizabeth Hunter is an auto-buy author for me but I honestly wasn't sure I was going to love a series of hers that doesn't even have one single solitary creature of the night. I am so glad I was wrong.
September 5, 2019
Double the number of stars I can give for Grit and it’s still not enough. I was given an early copy to read and here is my honest review.
I am so in love with these Metlin stories and this is my favourite so far. Why? Because it is so real and so full of hope and love. We‘ve already met Melissa and Cary in the previous books and they are a pair of fireworks. This is their story and the title couldn‘t be better. It is real life Grit but the journey is beautiful and heartwarming. We get a good dose of the amazing Abby (and her Goats) as well. We all hope that our life will take a straight and simple path but sadly that isn‘t always the case but Melissa and Cary‘s story proves that out of real life Grit, diamonds can be found and polished to sparkle and shine.
I am so in love with these Metlin stories and this is my favourite so far. Why? Because it is so real and so full of hope and love. We‘ve already met Melissa and Cary in the previous books and they are a pair of fireworks. This is their story and the title couldn‘t be better. It is real life Grit but the journey is beautiful and heartwarming. We get a good dose of the amazing Abby (and her Goats) as well. We all hope that our life will take a straight and simple path but sadly that isn‘t always the case but Melissa and Cary‘s story proves that out of real life Grit, diamonds can be found and polished to sparkle and shine.
September 6, 2019
Well, once again another great couple and another great story from Metlin/Oakville, CA.
Loved this story. It features Melissa, Ox's sister & Cary - Orange grower, mountain climber, protector of goats and servant of the Goat Queen!
This story was filled with great moments & great one-liners. Cary & Melissa have off the chart's chemistry that is obvious to everyone around them even one 10 yr old. Friends to Friends that kiss to lovers - it takes us on a great journey and allows us to feel at home in their boots. Love that Cary is not afraid to say what he feels and that he didn't let Melissa get away with building walls between them.
So, if you haven't started this series - you need too. And don't forget to bring a bag of popcorn!
Loved this story. It features Melissa, Ox's sister & Cary - Orange grower, mountain climber, protector of goats and servant of the Goat Queen!
This story was filled with great moments & great one-liners. Cary & Melissa have off the chart's chemistry that is obvious to everyone around them even one 10 yr old. Friends to Friends that kiss to lovers - it takes us on a great journey and allows us to feel at home in their boots. Love that Cary is not afraid to say what he feels and that he didn't let Melissa get away with building walls between them.
So, if you haven't started this series - you need too. And don't forget to bring a bag of popcorn!
August 29, 2019
As a lady of more mature years myself, it made a very pleasant change to read a book where the hero was not too much younger than myself. So what if the woman he wants is twelve years younger than him and has a much flatter stomach than me?
Melissa is a thirty-four year old widow with a ten year old daughter. Cary is her forty-six year old neighbour who was also her late husband's friend.
The transition from friends to lovers can be a slow and arduous one, especially when someone is as stubborn (and oblivious) as Melissa.
This is a gentle and humorous slow-burn tale with well-drawn characters throughout.
However, as much as this a love story between Cary and Melissa, it is Abbey the goat queen that steals the show!
Melissa is a thirty-four year old widow with a ten year old daughter. Cary is her forty-six year old neighbour who was also her late husband's friend.
The transition from friends to lovers can be a slow and arduous one, especially when someone is as stubborn (and oblivious) as Melissa.
This is a gentle and humorous slow-burn tale with well-drawn characters throughout.
However, as much as this a love story between Cary and Melissa, it is Abbey the goat queen that steals the show!
August 19, 2019
*** ARC Received for Honest Review ***
5 stars!
Okay I have to say I am packing up and moving to Metlin immediately. 7th & Main is the place to be. Grit is simply another example of how Elizabeth Hunter has taken a small town with a close-knit community and has made it smokin' hot!
Being a little closer in age to Melissa and Cary's age, I adored their will they/won't they relationship. Grit had a little of everything: second chance romance, friends to lovers, etc. Plus we get a peek at some of our favorite characters like Ox and Emmie. If you haven't picked up A Love Story on 7th & Main do so quickly because you don't want to miss a moment. (Review by Terrie "Jane")
5 stars!
Okay I have to say I am packing up and moving to Metlin immediately. 7th & Main is the place to be. Grit is simply another example of how Elizabeth Hunter has taken a small town with a close-knit community and has made it smokin' hot!
Being a little closer in age to Melissa and Cary's age, I adored their will they/won't they relationship. Grit had a little of everything: second chance romance, friends to lovers, etc. Plus we get a peek at some of our favorite characters like Ox and Emmie. If you haven't picked up A Love Story on 7th & Main do so quickly because you don't want to miss a moment. (Review by Terrie "Jane")
September 9, 2019
Full review can be found HERE --> https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
*ARC provided for a voluntary honest review.* ~Sonal
*ARC provided for a voluntary honest review.* ~Sonal
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