Make Me Beg

This novel is the second in the Gold Mountain series. It can be read as a stand-alone without feeling as though you're missing the background story. There are glimpses from characters in Make Me Stay, but you aren't left in the dark. I've been fortunate enough to read both novels and would encourage you read them in order. Mackenzie or "Mack" as she's better known, is a self-made bartender or mixologist. She loves Gold Mountain and never wants to leave. Her life dream is owning her own bar, but she doesn't have the funds to do that. When the opportunity arises to co-own a "new" bar, she gladly accepts. Connor, a chef who has dreams of running his own fine dining restaurant, works as the chef in The Dipper alongside Mack. Sam approaches them with news that The Dpper is losing money, but she has a plan. Sam suggests they work together to come up with a concept that is different, but will draw vacationers in. Since they will all own the bar together, they all have to agree with everything proposed..... The snappy, witty banter between Connor and Mack keeps you interested. They both come into the deal with LOTS of personal baggage. Connor's dad fronts his portion of the money and is putting a lot of pressure on Connor to succeed. Mack grew up in foster care, when two guys took her in and showed her the ropes of running a bar. In tribute to these men, she feels she owes it to them to succeed in building a bar like they owned--before it went out of business. They both come up with amazing ideas, but they can't seem to get their plans to "mesh". Instead of delving into the reasons behind their ideas and getting to know each other, they regard each other with preconceived notions. Mack sees Connor as a player who's on his way out of the door. Connor sees Mack as a hard-nosed, egomaniac who wants to see her name on the sign. Will they be able to see past their preconceived notions to build their dream restaurant or will they let their pride get in the way? I really enjoyed this novel and highly recommend reading it. I read a gifted copy of this novel and all opinions expressed are my own.

Co-workers to friends ... to lovers? Sexy chemistry turns into an unforgettable night, but ultimately Mack isn't into womanizers like him ... so where can it possibly go? Can the tough girl bartender hold her own with the player chef? Mackenzie Ellinsworth is sassy and can work a bar like nobodies business, but she keeps even her friends at arms length. Nobody knows what she works so hard for ... or where she came from. Connor Branding was interested in Mack from day one, but after being shot down he went on to brighter pastures and settled for being the friend she loved to hate on. Now they are being handed the opportunity to have bigger pieces of the pie and open their own bar/restaurant. Will they be able to put down their stubbornness and agree on anything?