Susan's Review of Bachelor Games in Good Hope by Cindy Kirk

Bring on the Bachelor Games

His latest girlfriend may not have broken his heart, but she sure as heck wounded his pride.

Clay Chapin has looks, money and a knack for picking the wrong women.

When the matchmaking matriarch of Good Hope insists she can find him the perfect woman, Clay figures he has nothing to lose by playing along.

For Bea Appleton, living in the shadow of her vibrant twin is a sucky--but tolerable--place to be. Until her sister is set up with the man Bea has secretly loved for years.

The Bachelor Games are approaching the final inning. It's time for Bea to step up to the plate or risk being shut out and losing Clay forever.



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Good Hope’s favorite matchmaker Gladys Bertholf has added a new twist to her match making services; Bachelor Games! And her first contestant is . . . . High School Principal Clay Chapin!

Gladys has promised to arrange dates for Clay after his latest girlfriend ended their relationship. Clay Chapin is a handsome, well-liked and respected member of the community but, he cannot seem to settle into a long lasting relationship. His brother, sister and mother have found love and Clay realizes that he wants to share his life with someone special.

Bea Appleton has had a crush on Clay for a while. She enjoys his visits to the Book and Cup-the bookstore that she manages. Bea attended Good Hope High School with her twin sister Brittany. Brittany and Bea are opposites; Brittany was outgoing and popular while Bea studied in the library. Cindy Kirk is spot on with the sisters dynamic and she captures the underlying currents in Bea and Britany’s relationship.

Loved that the author weaved in Marigold’s friendship with Bea into the story. Marigold shares her heartbreak over not being able to conceive with Bea. And Marigold works her magic at her salon and transforms Bea with a cut and color. The new hairstyle gives Bea some much needed self-confidence.

The redistricting of Good Hope’s business area is another hot topic in this novel. The Chapins are going to profit from the changes while small business owners like Bea and her friend Piper will be forced to close their business, move or pay higher rents.

Gladys and her assistant, Oaklee arrange several dates for Clay. Loved it when Clay was paired with the long distance runner. She ran ahead and Clay jogged with Bea instead. Loved how the couples relationship developed. Clay realizes that he has feelings for Bea but he’s unable to quit the Bachelor games. Bea’s low self- esteem and several misunderstandings add a touch of drama to this friends to lover’s romance.

Bachelor Games in Good Hope is an entertaining read filled with romance. I love the small town feel of Good Hope series, the strong sense of community and the importance of friends helping neighbors in each book. I adore Cindy Kirk’s voice—she blends family, relationships with a dose of reality in each book.

If you are a fan of friends to lovers romances—pick up Bachelor Games in Good Hope! Grab a mug of tea, your favorite corgi and settle in because Clay and Bea’s story is the perfect winter weekend read!

Reviewed by Susan gorman

ARC provided by the author