4.5 stars

Two years ago, Caron Hollister chose her father’s approval over Kade Webster’s love. Not long after that, she began dating her childhood neighbor/best friend Alex Madison. Things were going smoothly… but now everything seems to be falling apart as issues that long needed to be addressed are bubbling to the surface. And at the beginning of Almost Like Being in Love, it feels like Caron Hollister has 99 problems.

Problem #1 – she is jobless after impulsively quitting her realtor job.
Problem #2 – her now-former boss is also her dad. Awkward!

Aha! But there’s a temporary solution! Her engaged best friend Margo invites Caron to head to Colorado earlier than planned to help with Margo’s wedding preparations.

Oops! That causes more problems!

Problem #3 – she accidentally wins a destination wedding at a beautiful mountain resort.
Problem #4 – she and Alex are dating but he has definitely not proposed (Problem #4.5 – the mountains are NOT his choice for a wedding destination)
Problem #5 – while in Colorado, she runs into Kade aka Margo’s realtor (Problem #5.5. – he hasn’t gotten over her)
Problem #6 – She hasn’t gotten over him either.

Now, if I lost anyone over the possibility of a love triangle, please come back. I loathe love triangles. Really and truly hate them. But I did NOT hate this one. One is clearly right for her, one is clearly wrong, but I honestly liked both guys and didn’t want to see anybody hurt. Which is why I absolutely loved how Vogt handled this potentially-sticky situation. It was perfect for these characters and their relationships with Caron, and if I hadn’t already been a big fan of this author’s books, this aspect of the story would have made me one!

Beyond the romance, Almost Like Being in Love gently addresses deeper topics like alcoholism, family dysfunction, forgiveness, giving back to veterans, and being a people pleaser. All three main characters – Caron, Alex, and Kade – have some firmly-rooted issues they need to work through before they’re ready to be anyone else’s ‘forever’. Helping them on their respective journeys of personal & spiritual growth are a handful of fantastic supporting characters like Kade’s best friend Mitch and Mitch’s girlfriend Lacey, Caron’s best friend Margo, single mom Jessica and her adorable little boy Scotty, and Caron’s brother Logan & sister-in-law Vanessa (who I met and loved in Crazy Little Thing Called Love). It was great to get reacquainted with Vanessa & Logan as well as meet these other supporting characters. I know this is an older series that I’m behind on reading but I would love a follow-up story exploring ‘where they are now’ or a prequel novella featuring Mitch & Lacey.

Bottom Line: Layered & lovable characters, heartfelt themes, beautiful settings, lots of chemistry and some swoonilicious kisses – all of these and more are in store for you when you begin reading Almost Like Being in Love by Beth K. Vogt. This novel left my heart smiling and my spirit uplifted, all while being completely drawn in to the plot & characters. It’s one of those feel-good stories that we all need to read more of, while also portraying lifelike characters with lifelike problems. The ideal choice for your beach or mountain vacay – or just your fave reading spot in an ordinary weekend at home.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

This is a very thought provoking contemporary romance!

I love the main characters in this wonderful story. Caron has a very complicated life emotionally. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the journey she went on trying to sort it out and figure out how God wanted her to live it. She had a couple of very strong and supportive friends that were encouraging her along the way.

At the same time Alex had a very difficult family life that he seemed to be trapped in. He also had to go through a period of sorting out his feelings about it and grow and mature.

I was very caught up in the story and was pulling for each person to work through their problems and find their own happily ever after.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

This is the second book in the "Destination Wedding" series (there is also a prequel and e-novella in the middle, but every book deals with the different protagonists). It can be read as a standalone - but then you will miss awesome first installment "Crazy Little Thing Called Love"! (I have not read the other ones, but I love Vanessa and Logan's story so much!).

Caron Hollister and boyfriend Alex Madison like each other very much. There is safety in their relationships - they get each other, can trust each other, support each other. They respect each other. Their parents approve. Ah yeah...

So what could go wrong when Caron finally tries her hand in the independence thing and leaves her father's firm and goes to recuperate to her friend's? What could go wrong when she meets her ex-boyfriend there and agrees to help him?
What could go wrong when Alex tries to help single mom Jessica to repair her broken appliances? And what could be wrong when she invites him to be more honest with himself and the way he deals with his family's painful secret?

What is the real thing?

I love this authoress's books very much, because she can tackle the real issues very well. Like here - parental influence, the control issues, secrets and healing - and the raw, colourful, hopeful life we might (and should!) choose instead of the (supposedly) safe places. This is hard way - yet the hope exists.
So why three stars? Because, to me, Alex's story is much more interesting and raw then Caron's. His issues are much stronger and his pain is very relatable. Also Jessica with her honesty and gentleness is a winner! Yet, Caron and Kade (while lovely couple and he is simply THE guy) get more space - and I would like this in the opposite manner. But this is a personal preference.

Also, I love Mitch and Lacey - fingers crossed, guys! I wish you courage.

Almost Like Being in Love is the first full-length novel I've read by Beth K. Vogt. I've heard so many wonderful things about her stories and this book definitely lived up to my expectations. I found the characters charming and the romance was sweet.

I didn't care so much for the way that certain things happened (won't mention since it would be a spoiler), but besides that I loved the story. It was just what I needed to read, as I was looking for a nice, fun contemporary read and Almost Like Being in Love was definitely that. It wasn't a heavy read and I enjoyed the time I spent reading it.

All in all, Almost Like Being in Love was a great read and I will definitely be reading more of Vogt's novels. I recommend this one to fans of contemporary romance .

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

I endorsed this book:
"In Almost Like Being in Love, Beth Vogt once again introduces us to relatable, heart-tugging characters. Caron and Kade are struggling with broken dreams, both their careers and their love lives in upheaval. I loved the thread of hope laced through this story and the reminder that sometimes the best things in life are waiting for us behind the most unexpected doors. Another keeper for your bookshelf!" (Melissa Tagg, author of Like Never Before and One Enchanted Christmas)