Best Worst Mistake by Lia Riley

October 20th, 2015 Kimberly Review 77 Comments

20th Oct
Best Worst Mistake by Lia Riley
Best Worst Mistake
by Lia Riley
Series: Brightwater #3
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne Star
Heat Level: One FlameOne FlameOne Flame

Sometimes the worst mistakes turn out to be the best… Smoke jumper Wilder Kane once reveled in the rush from putting out dangerous wildfires. But after a tragic accident, he’s cut himself off from the world, refusing to leave his isolated cabin. When a headstrong beauty bursts in, Wilder finds himself craving the fire she ignites in him, but letting anyone near his darkness would be a mistake. After her Hollywood life went up in smoke, Quinn Higsby decided to leave Tinseltown behind and return to Brightwater to care for her ailing father. She spends her days in a small bookstore, until her peaceful existence is up-ended by a fascinating but damaged man. Quinn is determined not to be scared off by Wilder, not once she’s experienced the heat of his passions. But when an arsonist targets the community and Wilder is accused, he must confront the ghosts of his past. Will his desire for Quinn burn him up or will he be able to tame the wildness inside and rekindle a hope for their future?

snarky ROMANCE SUSPENSE BOOKLOVE

Can I just say I love author Lia Riley and her Brightwater series. Best Worst Mistake is the third book in the series and I quickly became caught up in Wilder Kane and Quinn Higsby’s romance. A touch of heat, a dash of heart and a nip of suspense made Best Worst Mistake a winner.

Coffee dates with Best Worst Mistake

  • First date: I was anxious to meet Wilder Kane after hints in the earlier book.  A tragic accident has him living as a recluse in an isolated cabin by the lake. Quinn Higsby has recently returned to Brightwater and is dealing with some life changes. She works at the local bookstore and as a lover of books with an unstoppable sweet tooth, she and I are going to get along just fine.  Riley hints at something from his past that causing him guilt and Wilder is grumpy and obviously hurting. However, the man ordered a Nora Roberts book and I plan to stick around to meet the man beneath his rough exterior.  I am anxious for these two to meet. She is all sugar and spice and Wilder is a big old bear..this should be interesting!!
  • Second date: A snowstorm and a confused man force Quinn and Wilder to spend time together. I love this trope and have snuggled in. Everyone steps lightly around Wilder particularly his family so he does not quite know what to think of Quinn. She never stops talking and is not the least bit intimidated. It is hilarious. I can just see his eyes rolling to the back of his head. Right away, I love the banter between these two as Riley fleshed them out and shares their stories. An unexpected invitation has Quinn joining the Kane’s Thanksgiving and we shared several awe moments with these two as the attraction builds. Gads, I love interfering siblings. Don’t you? Riley adds in a little suspense to this second date when an arsonist begins setting fires. Quinn is struggling with a secret and things are heating up. The relationship begins with attraction, but it slowly develops into something more. Quinn has a positive effect on Wilder and while I thought his turnaround was a little fast I do believe that some folks shine brightly and that they can draw people to them. Quinn is that type of person. I loved seeing her handle Grandma and Wilder, it was hilarious.
  • Third date: OMG, who knew Wilder was such a romantic. I loved discovering that beneath that grumpy façade there was this big old teddy bear.  I swooned my friends and when you see Wilder’s idea of a date I am telling you, he will be your next book boyfriend. A little suspense, danger and Quinn’s secret propel us towards our HEA. Riley creates just enough tension and allows her characters to grow without putting her readers through the wringer. If you like a light romance, with a dash of heat and a few twists this read is for you. Our third date ended with an epilogue that had me grinning and I ended this date with a satisfied smile.

Best Worst Mistake was another delightful edition in the Brightwater series. The Kane brothers are all swoon worthy. We did get updates on earlier couples, but each book works as a standalone. I recommend reading them in order since as it will enhance each story.

Read an Excerpt

“Would you do something for me?” She inched closer.
“What’s that?”
She patted the side of the bed. “Come here. Be next to me. We don’t have to sleep together to sleep together. Maybe I’m not ready to go whole hog, but what about cuddling?”
“Cuddling?” His breath sounded labored.
“Don’t be so dismissive.”
“I’m not, it’s just that … no one has ever asked me to before. I don’t exactly have a reputation as the warm and cuddly type.”
“Or no one’s ever bothered to look close enough.”
He froze before sitting on the edge of the bed, the mattress creaking from his weight.
“There we go, that’s a start,” she said encouragingly.
“Now what?”
“Now we both lie back on your pillows, get under the blankets.”
“What about shoes?”
“Right. Shoes. Very practical. Glad one of us handles the details. See? This is what makes me a terrible Virgo.”
“You nervous?” He slowly undid the zipper to her ankle boot, easing it off, giving her toes a squeeze before proceeding to the next boot. Her stomach muscles clenched. This guy would give amazing foot rubs; she knew it.
“A little, but in a good way.”
He considered her. “You’re strange.”
“And you are terrible at giving compliments.”
He chuckled at that, tossing her boots on the floor and pulling back the blankets, tucking her in.
“Aren’t you getting in too?”
“For my sanity, I’d rather have this as a barrier.” He tugged on the thick comforter, “Otherwise, I’ll never fall asleep.”
“Am I that hard to resist?” She batted her lashes with a faux-seductive voice.
“Woman, you drive me crazy.” But he sounded happy or at least not angry, which was a change. And for not being a cuddler, he had an excellent way of putting his arm around the hollow of her waist and spooning her against him.

 

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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

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77 Responses to “Best Worst Mistake by Lia Riley”

  1. Becki Rizzuti

    This one sounds interesting! I entered the giveaway and hope to have the chance to read it. My book budget is so thin these days and I’m looking for more truly entertaining books to read. It seems like recently so many have fallen short, but Best Worst Mistake actually sounds like something i’d really enjoy!

    Thanks for sharing!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Good luck with the giveaway. A lot of times these books will reduce in price but I understand when you are on a budget making good choices.

  2. Jennifer

    I have my fingers crossed that my library gets this series for me. I’ve requested them and they are pretty good at getting what I ask for.

  3. Sharon

    Nice excerpt, this sounds like a series that I’d enjoy. Thanks for putting it on my radar. 🙂

  4. Teddyree

    I think I’d love this series, reminds me a little of Jill Shalvis’ Animal Magnetism, without the animals lol

  5. kimbacaffeinate

    Oh I envy you marathon abilities I need to wait a few books in between, although to be honest I have never tried it with romance. I tried it with Urban Fantasy and found I rushed too much.

  6. Lisa

    I’m really looking forward to this series!!! Now that I have all three books on my kindle I plan to marathon them! It seems like the perfect series to read on a chilly evening, wrapped up in a warm blanket with a mug of hot chocolate. <3

  8. Bookworm Brandee

    Hehe Bibliophiles with sweet tooths (teeth?) unite! 😉 I love the sound of breaking through to Mr Grumpy Wilder…especially since he’s a romantic. 😉 And something tells me I have a lot in common with Quinn. Great review!

  9. Lark

    As you know, I had mixed feelings about book #2, but your description of this one, especially of Wilder, enticed me, and the excerpt clinched the deal. I’ll definitely be reading this one — I went to Amazon and bought a Kindle copy before I even scroll down enough to see that you had a giveaway going on! LOL

  16. Naomi

    This sounds like a great read Kimberly! I like banter between characters, and how Quinn is all chatty… I’m sure I would’ve been rolling my eyes too!

  18. Grace

    Glad to hear this one was a winner. I recently picked up the first two and can’t wait to get into the series. Great review!!

  19. Katherine

    Characters trying to find new starts, witty banter AND a bookstore? I cannot resist! This sounds like lots of fun!

  21. Kristin

    I LOVE grumpy heroes!!! Or is it Heros? Nope, it’s Heroes… I’ve seen Lia Riley around, she’s quite prolific, no? I will have to enter and hope to win AND not pass up the ARCs when I see them!!! Grumps ARE romantics!!! Swoon!

  25. Heidi

    I like the sound of the grumpy man with a teddy bear side, and romance and snark, yes please.

  26. Lily B

    hehe I love stories like this, so I am so excited for this one. Wish I read book 1 and 2 first but eh i hope i get to them <3

    • kimbacaffeinate

      It will work as a standalone, but with Grandma and the siblings it’s always nicer if you start from the beginning and since this is the final book it won’t be hard.

  27. Ramona

    The grumpy old bear sounds pretty dreamy, actually 🙂 And yes, I want to be best friends with Quinn – books & sugar can be our thing!

  28. Madiha

    I guess I’ve been in a sort of fantasy/sci-fi craze as of late since I’ve barely touched contemporaries, but this sounds cute enough. Love the romantic love interest under the grumpy facade!

  29. Quinn's Book Nook

    Oh my gosh, this book is just adorable. I still have to read book one in the Brightwater series, but I loved books 2 and 3. I also loved that the heroine’s name was Quinn (for obvious reasons). I loved grumpy Wilder who totally did have such a romantic side. Such a good book!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Yeah…he was sweetie underneath. 🙂 Yes…I can see why you would like a heroine named Quinn. The fact that she works in a bookstore made it even cooler.

  30. Rita

    Yes, please! Smoke jumper (have read books about them before) and a cabin-bound recluse sound intriguing and fun! Thanks, Kim.

  33. kindlemom1

    A grumpy hero, insufferable siblings, a strong chatty heroine, and a small town? Count me in! This looks like the perfect winter read Kim! I need to keep this in mind when I start reading for winter. 😉

  34. Sarah

    I love when grumpy heroes turn into mushy teddy bears. How cute! I haven’t read anything by this author but I am excited to say I am reading and reviewing this one for Fresh Fiction very soon! I can’t wait to get my hands on it, either. *rubs hands in glee* Glad you enjoyed it!!

  36. Laurel-Rain Snow

    I love the cover, the blurb, and that excerpt. I’m reading a book now about firefighters (Smoke)…it’s hot! LOL. Great review!

    Thanks for sharing…

  37. Nick

    YAY KIM! I adored this book so much. I was also pleasantly surprised by how romantic Wilder was behind that grumpy facade of his. This was such a sweet book. I think this is the last book, but I’m crossing all my fingers that there’s another book for the cousin! I demand anotoher book. 😀

  39. Jenny

    I NEED THIS BOOK KIM!!!! A grumpy, recluse hero? Ummmmm yes please. I love heroes like him who are all snarly in the beginning and then turn out to be warm and fuzzy:)

  40. Maureen Beatrice

    This sounds like a wonderful read for a cold, dark and cozy evening. And who doesn’t like a main character who spends her time in small bookstore!! I already love her! 😉

  41. Lover Of Romance

    oh I just can’t wait to read this one. I have the second one that I am hoping to read soon, but I would love to read this one for the holidays coming up. Seems just right. Great review….your thoughts on it have me super excited to read this author.

  42. Trish

    Sounds like an interesting series, I like the mix of romance and snark! Thanks for mentioning that they should be read in order too.