Spiced Apple Winter (Fairfield Orchard #2) by Emma Cane

Title: A Spiced Apple Winter
Classification: Adult Fiction
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Fairfield Orchard
Format: Paperback; 384 pages
Publisher: Avon (December 27, 2016)
ISBN-10: 0062411373
ISBN-13: 978-0062411372
Author's Website: http://www.emmacane.com/
Notes: I received an eARC loan from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I am also an Avon Addict which means I love the books that Avon publishes enough to volunteer to read as many ARCs and books as they can send my way. So you'll be seeing a lot of books reviewed by me from this publisher. Please note, however, that if I don't like a book, it will be truthfully reflected by a low rating.

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Brianna MacDougall and Tyler Fairfield have know each other for forever and have been friends almost as long, but nothing romantic ever happened between the two. That is until six months ago when they consumed a little too much liquor, let one thing lead to another, and shared one hot, steamy, and passionate night. The next morning was filled with awkwardness and regret as the two vowed  never to mention that night ever again. Lately, however, things seem to be heating up between the two, but Brianna isn't sure if she's imagining it or not. Was that one night the mistake or was agreeing to never discuss it the real mistake? Dare she risk their friendship to find out?

This was the second book in the Fairfield Orchard series and Ms. Cane decided to kick things up a notch in this one. If you haven't read the previous book, "At Fairfield Orchard", don't worry. This one can be read as a standalone and you won't feel like you've missed anything.

Tyler Fairfield is a hometown boy who is an up and coming actor in Hollywood. He spent the last three years as the heartthrob, Dr. Lake, on the soap opera Doctors and Nurses before the show was canceled. Now on sabbatical, he's come home to help run the family orchard after his mother and father retired. Volunteering to help out for the next six months, the timing couldn't have been more perfect. A well needed break from the Hollywood life was just what he needed or so he thinks. While he loved acting, not everything about the Hollywood lifestyle appealed to him.

Brianna McDougall is a small-town girl who manages her family's general store. She loves the town and the people and can't imagine ever leaving. She's kind, loyal, and very different from the types of girls you'd meet in Hollywood. Tyler has always felt an unspoken connection to her, but has tried over the years to avoid taking things farther than friendship. Her father had been like a second father to him growing up, and he'd never want to disrespect him, but six months ago he'd finally given in to his attraction for Bri. While he's agreed to never discussing what happened, he's finding he'd like to pick up where they left off and see where things might go.

I gave this one 4 out of 5 roses. It was a sweet and charming romance where two friends have strong feelings for each other, but are afraid of messing up a very special friendship. There are a few minor bumps in the road, but you know exactly where this one is heading. The author slowly builds up anticipation as these two pussy-footed around one another while waiting for the right moment to pounce and reveal their feelings to one another. Such a fun story with some touching and heartfelt moments along the way. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one earned a STEAM rating--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed. Definitely worth your time to pick this one up. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Order of the Fairfield Orchard series:

At Fairfield Orchard (Fairfield Orchard #1) by Emma Cane

Title: At Fairfield Orchard
Classification: Adult Fiction
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Fairfield Orchard
Format: Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Avon (August 30, 2016)
ISBN-10: 0062411357
ISBN-13: 978-0062411358
Notes: I received copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I am also an Avon Addict which means I love the books that Avon publishes enough to volunteer to read as many ARCs and books as they can send my way. So you'll be seeing a lot of books reviewed by me from this publisher. Please note, however, that if I don't like a book, it will be truthfully reflected by a low rating. Please note that as I read an ARC and quotes are subject to change, they will need to be checked and verified against the final version.

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Amy Fairfield's family has owned and operated the family orchard for years. She's come home to help run the place with her siblings, and heal her broken heart. In order to make the orchard profitable, they need to find their niche in the market and stand out from the many other orchards in the area.

Dr. Jonathan Gebhart is an associate professor history writing a book about Thomas Jefferson. He's attempting to prove his theory that Thomas Jefferson hid from the British during the American Revolution on the land he owned in Virginia--namely that which is now Fairfield Orchard. He's asking the Fairfields if he can do some figurative and literal digging in the area in an attempt to unearth some proof of his theory.

The two will form an unlikely partnership, one helping the other, that will quickly turn into friendship. With an attraction brewing between them will it bloom into something more? Only time will tell.

This was a story that didn't instantly hook me in. Instead it lured me in gradually, page by page, as the story became increasingly more intriguing and addictive. In a way, it mirrored Amy and Jonathan's relationship in that respect. I rather enjoyed how these two were attracted to one another right from the start but, each being a little relationship shy, didn't immediately act upon those feelings. They gradually got to know one another and became friends before taking the plunge into something more.

Johnathan was a brilliant child who could have followed in his parent's footsteps, but instead became enamored with history. His last relationship ended badly and, never having been adept with other people, he's since kept to himself. We don't learn a lot about him or his background until later in the story and that's when we finally get a real glimpse as to the type of man he is.

Amy comes from a very close knit family. While they appear to be the ideal family there is a skeleton or two in their closet. She's on the mend from a long term relationship that went sour, but hasn't told anyone the extent of what happened. She's not looking for a relationship, but there's just something about Johnathan she can't seem to resist.

Overall, I gave this story 4 out of 5 roses. A sweet and touching story that warms the heart. It started off slow, but ended strong, and I totally connected with the characters. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one earned a STEAM rating--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed.

Order of the Fairfield Orchard series: