REVIEW: East in Paradise by Tif Marcelo

East in Paradise by Tif Marcelo: Bryn’s finally making her dream of a cooking retreat come true, and she’s found the perfect place to set it up. If only her investor didn’t decide to back out after she signed her name and put down the down payment. Out of the blue enters the opportunity of a lifetime, however. One that will completely invade her privacy, but at least it will put money in the bank. A live feed by a well-known food website focused on her retreat set up and renovations.

In the army reserve after his time in Afghanistan, it’s up to Mitchell now to take care of the family vineyard since his brothers left to build their own lives. The last thing Mitchell wants is to give a part of his family property away, but he needs the money. To make matters worse, however, he’s being convinced to join the live feed show as Bryn’s love interest since his accidental presence caused a spike in views.

Bryn and Mitchell both want the other, but neither knows if it’s real or not. Add in some control issues on Bryn’s side and Mitchell’s refusal to take a stand against his family and their attitude towards Bryn, and their pseudo-romance might never stand a chance.

I definitely had my issues with both characters. They got on my nerves at times, particularly Bryn’s control freak attitude, but overall I really enjoyed this romance. They fit, and when it mattered they bent and worked together.

The live feed and retreat renovations were a fun background to the sparks flying between the hero and heroine. The author didn’t go too detailed on the cooking or home ware works, which I appreciated. Instead, the story was solely focused on the pair, and their inability to get their feelings straight!

For those who love a complicated romance, I recommend East in Paradise. It’s fun, sweet, and with a depth I didn’t expect. Bryn and Mitchell truly work and grow together, building a bond that I trust in.
 

Book Info:

Publication: September 4, 2017 | Pocket Star | Journey to the Heart #2

When an entrepreneur and an Army reservist end up in their own reality show fauxmance, they have to decide whether their love exists just for the cameras…or if it’s for real in this warmhearted romance, perfect for foodies and wine lovers!

Bryn Aquino, the former manager of a Filipino restaurant, knows the value of hard work. With a shiny new MBA in tow and an investor, she’s ready to start her own business: a culinary retreat where visitors can relax, cook, and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. Dubbed Paraiso Retreats, she leases the childhood home of army reservist Mitchell Dunford—who returned from Afghanistan to revive his family’s vineyard—but finds herself in a bind when her investor pulls out of the business.

When the retreat catches an internet live stream producer’s eye through social media channels, Bryn is offered the opportunity of a lifetime—to document her journey in exchange for a hefty paycheck. Excited, Bryn happily agrees to the arrangement…only to find out that she’s going to have to fake an onscreen romance with her indifferent landlord in order to keep her audience interested.

As Mitchell and Bryn put on a show for the cameras, they find their romance isn’t hard to fake. They’ve got more in common under their bluster, banter, and doubts. As their relationship heats up and the cameras keep rolling, the line between show and reality blurs. And when the pressures of family, business, and the audience stack against them, will their romance survive internet stardom? Or was it just for show?