Stargazer by Wendy S. Marcus [Review]

Stargazer (Speakeasy) by Wendy S. Marcus
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: February 17, 2023

Speakeasy
Touchstone
Heartwood
Homecoming
Sideways
Wildflower
Firefly
Starlight
Stargazer - Paperback | Kindle
Safeguard

Related Series:
(find all the books in the series on the 1st book review)
The Busy Bean
1. Sweetheart

In Vino Veritas
1. Wildfire

Moo U
1. Boyfriend

True North
1. Bittersweet

Vino and Veritas
1. Roommate

Wendy S. Marcus
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Randall Dickson is coping. Sort of. An upcoming medical eval, one that could end his military career, has him stressed and making bad choices. So when a concerned friend issues a strongly-worded “invitation” to Vermont, R.D. is all in for a change of scenery, a temporary job as a bartender, and the opportunity to shake himself out of his self-destructive routine.

Then he sets eyes on his seriously sexy new co-worker…

Lily Reynolds, an artist by day, Speakeasy’s favorite bartender at night, works hard to stay positive, unlike her surly new coworker. He may be a treat to look at, but that grumpy attitude and terse manner are not her type. So when Lily finds herself in desperate need of someone to share expenses, she convinces R.D. to rent her vacant room. There’s no way she’ll find herself falling for him.

She’d like to find the secret admirer who’s leaving her secret love notes around the bar, though. But he won’t reveal himself...

Thoughts on Stargazer: Artsy outgoing Lily and doesn't-do-small-talk R.D are up and...heh. Opposites attract, amirite? Especially when one is a really good guy who is more than willing to show his new roomie how a lady should be treated.

Now to back up a little. Lily has some issues stemming from her mother's death that having her make a few bad choices when it comes to significant others. Being alone terrifies her, so sometimes she latches onto the most convenient option and that convenience doesn't always translate into them being a good guy. That said, R.D. IS a good guy. He's focused and competent, but he has a life he's working on getting back to. A life away from Colebury. Which means he thinks he's not the best choice for Lily since he's not planning on sticking around.

Speaking of which, the way he handles his eventual departure is not cool. Sure, he tries to make things as easy as possible for Lily in terms of her security and her business, but...not cool, R.D. Not cool, at all. Sure, things work out in the end, but ouch.

The Speakeasy crew, a sweet pupper, an awful ex, a guy trying to recalibrate his life, and a lady who knows a good thing when she sees it. Even if he is a little grumpy.