Sandy M’s review of Ask Me (Cherry Blossom Lake, Book 4) by Tawna Fenske
Contemporary Romance published by Tawna Fenske 6 Dec 24
As much as Tawna Fenske fans laugh out loud while reading her romcoms, they also wait for that moment when hearts are twisted and wrung out until it’s hard to breathe. In this fourth installment of the Cherry Blossom Lake series, that last happens a few times as we travel through an emotional mine field with Kaleb and Brooke.
Brooke is a best-selling advice author who has just lost her sister, sending her to Blossom Lake to try to work on her next book. Kaleb is his family’s fixer, no project too big or too small for him to jump in. But when it comes to working on themselves, that’s where things get a bit more difficult. Family is another of those emotions that Ms. Fenske does so very well. While Kaleb’s family is fun and love teasing each other, they are very close and have each other’s backs.
So when his long-kept secret is revealed to everyone, that roller coaster is on the ride again through shock, anger, and finally forgiveness. For Kaleb, that also includes the loving help of Brooke, giving him exactly what he needs to get through, just as he’s done for her as she tries to move out without her sibling. Despite the fact Brooke’s advice about their growing attraction – don’t make big decisions when your life is in turmoil – their chemistry can’t be denied, no matter what they do to keep it at bay. In the end, their hearts win out, of course, and they continue to heal together.
If you’ve not read this series, you should. It’s full of laughter, which is Ms. Fenske’s forte, but you will also fall for all her characters because of their positive outlooks, their shenanigans, their loyalty, and their ability to keep you reading through thick and thin until you reach the other side where happiness abounds.
Grade: B
Summary:
Ask anyone in town for the best guy to rev your engine and they’ll point to me.
Ask anyone who’s read a book or watched TV, or hell…
Any human with a pulse knows Brooke Braham is America’s top advice guru.
I don’t need a PhD to see I shouldn’t fall for the famous shrink.
It’s not like an auto shop owner can’t run with the rich and beautiful, but guess what?
Turns out the good doc and I share more than scorching chemistry.
She lost her sister in the worst way, and I—
Well, let’s just say it messes with a guy to learn his dead addict mom isn’t.
Dead, I mean. Who knew?
Not my big pack of rowdy brothers.
My sister might’ve sensed it, but I had a different take.
One I’ve never told anyone.
There’s stuff I should take to the grave, but Brooke’s got me all up in my feelings.
Turns out they aren’t just below the belt.
She’s funny and smart and loves my big, doofy dog.
But we can’t get involved.
It says so right there in her book.
Love’s not for folks facing major life messes, which is us in a nutshell.
So much for sexy sand sledding lessons that can’t lead to more.
Ditto for using my childhood tire swing in ways that would make a mechanic blush.
I can’t fall for Brooke, no matter what my busted-up heart believes.
I’m a guy with a rep for fixing anything.
Almost anything. Let’s not dwell.
The last thing Brooke needs is me rescuing her like she’s some damsel in distress.
But what if we’re meant to save each other?
