Making the Cut by JS Wood {a review}

I wanted to be the one person in the world she couldn't live without. I wanted to be her everything.

Making the Cut is the third book in the Average Gents series from author J.S. Wood. This new release features the brother's best friend trope, a fake relationship, and these two going from friends to lovers. After losing her job, Viv finds the perfect opportunity to work for the competitor. There's just one catch, all employees must be in a committed relationship. Now Viv has to find someone to be her better half. Enter Archer. Archer is Viv's brother's best friend, and Archer is volunteering for the job. After all he's been in love with Viv for the majority of his life. This assignment should be a walk in the park.

My rating for Making the Cut:

We've gotten to know Archer and Viv a bit while they've circled around in the back of the other books in this series. Now it's their time to shine.

While this starting off as a fake relationship, Archer isn't looking at it like that. In his mind, this is his shot, and he's taking it. This attraction isn't one sided though. Not by any means. In fact these two have been gone for each other for many years. So that just adds to the tension. So dang good. Then there's the fact that they're trying to keep it quiet from the friend group, and more so Viv's brother.

The beginning of the book had me feeling for Archer. You could tell he was struggling. The fake relationship came at the perfect time as it gave him something positive to focus on. For Viv having to start over wasn't ideal, but this new opportunity seemed right up her alley. Even if it did require her to find a fake fiancee.

Everything that happened in Making the Cut goes to show how important communication is. Not to mention finding those moments where you can squeeze in time for your partner when life is extremely busy. Had that line of communication been a constant for Viv and Archer, I feel like they wouldn't have had as many issues as they did. But that's just my take.

I loved how supportive Archer was when it came to Viv. Well even to his friends in general. He is the perfect cheerleader for he holds dear.

I feel like this book is quite possibly my favorite of the series thus far. Now that could change, but it might not. I was just drawn to this couple, and the fact that their story features one of my favorite tropes helps a lot.

Okay but one thing I do not like, and it has to be said, is the cover. I'm sorry, but no. Just no. It is way too bright, and I'm just not digging the Green Bay Packers color scheme. Also that is not how I picture Viv at all. Dark hair? Yep. Curvier body? Perfect. The outfit though? No. The hairstyle? Again no. Even just the stance. Sigh. I really feel like a neutral cover would have been better. Or something not so vibrant. But that's just me, and I'm one person.

Bring on the next in the series!

Laura

Amazon | Goodreads

Archer Moore has a secret.

Since he was fifteen-years-old, he’s kept the fact that he was in love with his best friends little sister to himself, never wanting to ruin things if the secret came out.

Now, she needs a fake fiancé to help her secure a new job and Archer is ready to step up.

Viviana Capello is in a bind.

For years she’s worked to build her reputation as one of the best marketing agents in Denver. When her callous boss fires her without cause, she goes to their biggest competitor.

However, this new boss is unconventional and Viviana knows that having a partner will give her a leg up.

But when her ex crush and brothers best friend volunteers to help her out, feelings start to rise to the surface again.

Thank you JS Wood, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of Making the Cut.

Also, I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program. Therefore purchases made through the links above allow me to earn a small commission. Thank you for that!