Try Me is book 1 in the Cherry Blossom Lake series by Tawna Fenske, a small town romance. Jake and Cassidy meet when he’s asked to drop something off for a big party at the mansion..He thinks Cassidy is one of the rich, elite people that are taking over his small town except she is just a working girl for the rich and famous. Something is stirring Jake to get to know Cassidy more…but so much is happening…read on to see if Mr Grumpy finds his HEA… I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy (eARC) of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The banter. The sexual tension. The secrets. The family drama. The feels. I loved it all. I loved Jake and Cassidy in this opposites attract, family betrayal romance of all the things. They are portrayed as real, relatable people who have flaws, but are really trying to just do their best as messy humans. Their story will give you all the swoony swoons while also pulling at your heartstrings with all the emotions - laughing, crying, swooning, cringing, teeth gritting, and cheering. Cassidy is a personal assistant to a megarich and famous Hollywood couple. She also takes care of a medically fragile sister and a mom with relationship issues. Jake is the oldest of 6 siblings who works as a fisherman and charter boat captain. His family drama relates to his uncle stealing his family land and selling it off piece by piece to the rich. They meet when Cassidy moves for her work into Jake’s small town. There is a lot of baggage to unpack for both Jake and Cassidy to get to their HEA and it’s a heartwarmingly painful journey to get there. But the end is so worth it. This well written story was delicious perfection and included witty dialogue, three dimensional characters who grow, and an engaging storyline. The book was filled with sweet moments, steamy scenes, real life issues, imperfect characters, painful pasts, laughs, messy families, missteps, and all the swoony love. 4.5 stars. I am excited to read the love story of the next Spencer-King sibling.

Tawna Fenske is, for me, the queen of raunchy and hysterical banter. And there’s plenty of sexually charged, innuendo laden comments to choose from between not just Jake and Cassidy but sprinkled in with the rest of this crazy cast of characters. From smutty cartoons to the surprisingly funny pirate back-and-forth…and trust me, pirates are so not my thing…I’m rolling on the floor while reading. I loved crankypants Jake, from his instant attraction to Cassidy to his absolute love for his family. Cassidy loves hers as well, but that girl needs a break from her momma and her issues. But she’s the best big sister ever. Together, Cassidy and Jake are hot and sweet and perfect for each other, because these opposites do attract. This has all the earmarks to be her best series yet. I can’t wait to visit Cherry Blossom Lake again very soon.

What a rollicking good time read! And I’m not saying that just because there’s a pirate costume scene or two. I love the inside jokes and witty dialogue that Ms. Fenske comes up with, all while telling a realistic, intense story of a relationship just getting off the ground. I loved the whole family of characters: Jake and all his siblings and Cassidy and her sister and mother. And the secondary suspense plot about the family land ownership makes a great foil against which the eventual happy ending can really shine. I am definitely looking forward to the next installment in this fun new series!

Another fabulous series by Tawna Fenske. I loved this book and really enjoyed meeting all the Spencer-King’s. First we got Jake and Cassidy and their meeting was hilarious and the start of their attraction. I loved everything about these two. The attraction between Jake and Cassidy was apparent to everyone and no one was surprised by it. Cassidy was the personal assistant to a famous, wealthy couple who were living in a huge mansion on the new Cherry Blossom Lake and Jake is from town whose family has been around for a long time. I liked meeting Cassidy’s family and seeing the growth her mom had and also the growth Cassidy’s sister was able to achieve. I loved all of Jake’s family and am so excited for all of their stories. This was a great start to a new series and I can not wait for the rest!