Veena’s review of Housebroke by Jaci Burton
Contemporary Romance published by Berkley 12 Dec 23
A fun, contemporary romance, would be perfect for a summer beach read or for a lighthearted escape after any celebratory preparations.
Hazel is down on her luck, without much money or resources, house sitting for a friend with her foster dogs. Unbeknownst to her, the house is sold to property flipper Linc Kennedy.
Not sure who’s more surprised when Linc shows up to what should be an empty house, and to almost get beaned on his head by a saucepan, desperate Hazel manages to sell Linc on the idea that she would cook for him as he does the remodel on the house to get it ready to sell in exchange for a place to stay with her dogs.
Before long both she and the dogs are burrowing their way into Linc’s hard heart. Since Linc hasn’t been totally upfront and open with Hazel, there are bound to be some fireworks when the truth is out and just when things seem to be going well between them.
I’ve been traveling and this book just hit the right lighthearted romantic note.
Grade: B
Summary:
After her ex took all their money and bailed, Hazel Bristow is left broke and homeless. A kind friend whose home is on the market lets Hazel and her foster dogs stay there until it sells. It’s the perfect setup, until her friend forgets to tell Hazel she’s sold the house.
Linc Kennedy is shocked to find Hazel and her pups squatting in the house he just bought, but after some negotiating—she offers to cook amazing meals for him in return for a paycheck—he agrees to let her remain while he’s renovating the place. Linc tells Hazel he’s an investor who renovates homes for fun—he just leaves out the part about being wealthy.
Hazel’s intrigued by Linc. He’s funny, sweet, ridiculously hot, and loves dogs almost as much as she does. But her track record with men? Not great. She worries her trust meter isn’t in working order.
Linc’s never met anyone like the quirky beauty who puts everyone’s needs—human and canine—before her own. He didn’t tell her about his wealth because he’s been burned by women who only wanted him for his money. But with Hazel, he’s never felt more like himself. Now he has to figure out how to tell her the truth without losing her. Because Linc realizes what he feels for her isn’t puppy love—it’s true love.
