Steamy Workplace Romance in a Small-Town Inn
Book Review of Middle Ground by Bobbi Maclaren
Published: September 28th, 2024
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 (4.5 Stars)
Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance
Series: Possibly
Disclaimer: Thank you Bobbi Maclaren for sending me this book. All thoughts and opinions are 100% honest and my own.
CW/TW: Stalking, fire/fire injury, death, sexual content, grief, gun violence, injury/injury description, blood and content about the main character being adopted.
Welcome to Fraisier Creek
Jackson’s grandmother has passed, leaving him her shares in a country inn that the family didn’t know she owned. With the plea for Jackson to at least give it six months before giving up on the inn and selling.
Meyer is about to inherit the inn from her mother. She has big plans for the inn. Plans that will show the town that she’s no longer the little girl they once knew but a successful businesswoman. Little does she know that her mum doesn’t outright own the inn, and when Jackson arrives, Meyer has a few choice words for him.
A Lot Going On
This was a beautiful dual-POV romance. As always, I prefer my romance to have more to the story and the character than just the romance (this is a personal preference) and Middle Ground delivered. Meyer is adopted and working through the need to prove herself in a small town that’s known her all her life. She is learning that she doesn’t have to EARN love or provide something to receive love. Jackson is grieving the loss of his grandmother. While trying to adjust to a healthy and calm lifestyle for his health.
Not only did the characters have a lot going on, but the story itself layered romance and mystery with themes of finding yourself. It was a truly touching story.
Loveable Characters
Middle Ground is filled with loveable characters, delicious banter and all the small town, workplace romance vibes you could ask for. Not only was I kicking my feet and smiling like a lunatic, but I was as engaged with the mystery as I was with the romance. Bobbie balances these two aspects of the book, as well as the pacing, fantastically. As well as being invested in the relationship of the main characters, I was also invested in the bits and pieces of the side characters.
Tropes Galore
Honestly, Middle Ground included a lot of tropes: forces proximity, workplace romance, small-town romance, (kinda) rivals-to-lovers, some grumpyXsunshine and found family, just to name a few off the top of my head.
However, I wouldn’t say that the story was written to the tropes. Rather, Bobbi wrote a story that was true to her characters, and those tropes just happened to be a part of their story.
Favourite Quotes
There’s just something about a well-dressed man in a state of slight dishevelment that does something to a woman. And sadly, I am no exception.
I’d be annoyed if it weren’t so nerdy and endearing.
“You can’t do that!” “Do what?” I’m sure my grin is downright goofy at this point. “Buy me flowers,” she replies. “It’s disconcerting.” This amuses me further, and I let out a laugh. “Disconcerting, huh?” “Yes.” She frowns. “You’re not supposed to be nice to me.” “What? Why not?”
Mom has that look in her eyes that screams, I’m about to meddle. I know the look well. So I blurt out the only thing I can think of. “So… huge cocks, huh?” Both my mother and Jackson look at me, blinking. My cheeks flame. “The book club,” I croak. “You guys read smut. Out loud.”
“I’m not being clingy.” I give him a flat look. “You all but got to your knees and begged to come with me to see my mom.” At this, he smirks. “If you want me on my knees, Ellison, all you have to do is ask.” I scoff. “It’ll be a cold day in hell when I ask that of you.” “I’ll pack layers.”
Final Thoughts
Bobbi has set up the possibility of a sequel or two following side characters from this story. I, for one, will be reading them all. I can’t wait to see how Fraisier Creek and the characters we’ve been introduced to in Middle Ground are expanded upon in further books.
Definitely check this one out if you enjoy Gilmore Girls and heartwarming workplace romances with some spice.
Amazon AU | Amazon US
Available on Kindle Unlimited
Have you read this book? Or just looking for more Bookish friends? Join me on socials and let’s talk books!
