LARK LAKE LODGE by Maggie Eliot

Fiction, Romance, Second Chances

4****

Blurb: Note to self: when attempting to reboot your life by selling everything you have, cashing in your 401k and moving across the state to refurbish a massive, old inn, it might be good to check place out first. Lark Lake Lodge was the only thing I ever got out of my dumpster fire of a marriage to my selfish, lying ex. And okay, maybe I daydreamed a bit too much about a charming hideaway that merely needed a good cleaning and some throw pillows. Instead, I got a post-apocalyptic refuge for inhospitable creatures. And don’t get me started about the broken windows, bug infestation, and actual trees growing indoors. But the most unexpected thing I found upon arrival was Harlan. My woodsy, taciturn, bookish, hot dad neighbor was always at the ready to help me when I needed it. On one hand, the side of me wanting to be an independent badass bitch was reluctant to take his help. On the other, he was really handy, and I was in a constant state of jelly-legged, red cheeked, crush energy when he was around. While my new home near Saugatuck, Michigan was picturesque, and the adorable Bassett hounds Harlan bred stole my heart, I quickly learned that a relationship with two people who’ve been destroyed by uncaring exes can turn into a roller coaster ride of complications.

Thoughts: This was a fun story about two people who couldn’t be more different who finally come together in a HEA that satisfies. (Okay, come on, this is a romance. I’m not giving anything away here.) Harlan is a backwoods loner who runs a kennel and is known as a hermit in the small town where he lives. Maisie is a newly divorced woman who got control of an aging lodge she got in the divorce. Ready to start over and stand on her own, she ends up sitting on the steps of the dilapidated lodge with a broken key and crying. Then Harlan shows up. While he could easily solve all her problems, she is determined to be an independent woman and ends up sleeping in her truck rather than his guest room. The lodge is full of trees, wild animals, broken windows, and bad plumbing. Harlan and Maisie hit it off eventually, but there are a lot of problems, distrust, and arguments before they finally get their HEA. (Note: there are quite a few hot, lusty scenes).

The characters are realistic and interesting, though I did just want to grab Maisie and shake her sometimes. The descriptions of the lodge are disgustingly fun – ugh! I’m surprised she didn’t run from that! But overall, a decent romantic story about two broken people starting over and finding love the second time around. Well done.

Recommended.

Disclaimer: I was given this book in hopes of doing a review, but not required. All thoughts and opinions are mine alone and not influenced or solicited by anyone.