Blurb:
Demi Crawford was Magnolia Falls royalty.
I was the boxer from the wrong side of the tracks.
She was the epitome of everything good, while I was broody and rebellious.
We couldn't be more different.
Her family was enemy number one which made her guilty by association.
I despised her before I even knew her.
It was easier that way.
But now she'd moved in next door to me, and she was everywhere I turned.
I couldn't avoid her no matter how hard I tried.
She was beautiful and honest and sweet.
Everything I knew I shouldn't want.
Shouldn't need.
They say there's a fine line between love and hate—and I don't know when I crossed over.
I was so wrapped up in this girl I couldn't see straight.
She was the right hook I never saw coming.
Hating her was supposed to be my end game.
Loving her… well, that was just the beginning.
But the secrets that lived between us threatened to tear us apart.
Lucky for her—I was a born fighter.
And she was definitely worth the fight.
My 5* Review:
Loving Romeo by Laura Pavlov is the first book in her new series Magnolia Falls and what an incredible start it is. This is a small town, opposites attract, enemies to lovers, sports romance between Romeo Knight, the bad boy boxer and Demi Crawford, the good girl from a wealthy family. Along with the romance there is family drama and suspense as the truth is finally revealed.
"You can't always pick and choose when someone walks into your life and knocks you on your ass."
Romeo has a reputation for being trouble and known for his bad-boy demeanour. He is supported by a great group of friends who have been there for him through everything that has happened.They all had tough childhoods but a terrible incident changed not only his life but also River's. Then just as he got his life back on track and started boxing, tragedy struck and his plans changed again. He now owns the local gym and trains boxers.
"Ride or die. Brothers till the end. Loyalty always. Forever my friend."
Demi has returned home and opened Magnolia Beans, a coffee shop, next to Romeo's gym. She is fed up with being judged due to her last name and is determined to make it on her own. When she first meets Romeo, she thinks he is the best looking guy she has ever seen but has no idea why he has such an issue with her.
Romeo isn't very nice to her due to the history he has with her family. He is conflicted by his strong feelings for her and worried that when she learns the truth, she will side with her family and not believe him. His friends quickly realise she wasn't involved and encourage him to explore the attraction. He is baited by a boxer who wants to fight him but Romeo has lost his desire to fight. When he can't ignore him anymore, he starts training but finds Demi a big distraction.
They slowly become friends after a series of events bring them together. He finds her funny, honest and very kind to everyone. It turns out they have more in common than they thought and use it to understand what the other is going through. I loved how she always thought the best of everyone and how she protects and cares for those close to her. He becomes very protective and shows what a real gentleman he is, even after all he's been through.
His friends are brothers River and Kingston, Hayes and single dad Nash. They are great and their group chats are hilarious but the star is young Cutler, he is adorable and has such swagger. If you have read the author's Cottonwood Cove series then you will know Romeo's brother Lincoln and his wife Brinkley. I felt so sorry for Demi's brother Slade and hope he overcome his problems. The author covers addition with sensitivity but also shows how much it effects the whole family.
Can they admit their secrets to each other and work through the consequences. What will happened when the past comes back to haunt them both and Demi starts questioning everything about her family. I loved the progression of Romeo and Demi's relationship and how they worked through everything to trust and love each other. I also loved how the guys had managed to put the past behind them and survived what could have ruined them. Romeo's dedication to training and how he handle Leo's intimidation was so impressive. The author gives us a fantastic fight at the end and don't forget to grab the bonus scene. She also teases us about next book, with news that Ruby, who hates the guys, is coming back to town so who will fall next. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and totally recommend it.
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