This was a good read and definitely makes me interested in reading more of Winter Renshaw's books (The Dirty Truth was my first foray into her books and I loved that one). This one was an enemies to lovers romance but had the added factor that Anneliese was engaged to Lachlan's brother previously (not my favorite trope by any stretch) and only found out how awful the brother Donovan was after his death. The way that Anneliese was written made her out to be quite naive and too trusting and as her relationship with Lachlan evolved, I started to get turned off her character because she still seemed like she "believed" good things about Donovan. But otherwise, I enjoyed how their relationship progressed, although this is definitely in the category of slow burn. it felt more plodding but still well written and definitely drew me into their burgeoning relationship. Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for an early read.

3.5 Stars!

Love and Kerosene is one contemporary romance that I didn’t see coming. From damaged characters to an intriguing plot, this story will captivate and intrigue readers right until the end.

Anneliese was living the dream until the sudden passing of her fiance. Her eyes have been opened to disappointing secrets and hits that never seem to stop coming. The latest hit, discovering that her dead fiance not only has a brother she’s never heard about but learns that the home she’s been renovating belongs to him. For Anneliese and Donovan, what started off as hate at first sight, quickly turns into more…

Overall, I thought this book was a good read. I was really intrigued by the premise of this story and was excited to see this author’s take on the “falling for your dead exes brother” trope. The sparks between Anneliese and Donovan were instant. I enjoyed their love/hate relationship and the entertaining banter it brought along with it. I think this story offered some good mystery and I enjoyed the unraveling of secrets and the past.

However, despite the instant sparks between our two main characters, their story is a definite slow burn. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good build-up/anticipation as much as the next person, but this was a little much for me. And as much as I enjoyed these characters and their story, I found some parts of their story to be lacking; like it just needed to be fleshed out a little more and not rushed.

Despite my issues with this book, I did find it to be an enjoyable read. The story wasn’t over the top or overly dramatic. I think the author delivered when it came to the angst and romance, I was just left wanting more from the characters and their story.

Unfortunately this book wasn't for me and I had to DNF it due to the slow pacing. But there were several things I absolutely loved about the book and will definitely recommend this book to people who I think might like it.

I loved Anneliese's profession/hobby. I also loved the words and their definitions at the beginning of each chapter and I absolutely loved Winter Renshaw's writing style and will definitely be checking out her backlist soon

Page Turning SUSPENSE
Twists and turn and page turning suspense kept me addicted and reading for hours. You get loss, betrayal and heartache with a slow burn romance that is sexy and sweet. This story pulls you in so many directions and keeps you captivated feeling the pain and happiness that flows through the words with great storytelling. It's a fantastic story well written and has a sweet HEA that had me tickled and sporting a hug smiley face.

ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review and opinion. Winter Renshaw pulls at your heart with this book. The raw nature of betrayal builds up to a beautiful romance once healing beings.

The premise of the story is intriguing but the story lacked depth. Certain parts were rushed and overall there wasn’t anything believable. The spice level which was one of the reasons i picked this author was seriously depressing.

What a great story that keeps you on your toes. When we first start we have Anneliese who believes she sees her dead fiancé but come to find out it is his brother who has come back to town to claim what is rightfully his. Problem is, Anneliese believes she deserves the home she has poured not only sweat and tears into but also her life savings. These two are total opposites but being forced together shows that maybe there is healing that can come from this old house and who knows where the future will take them.

This was a great slow burn between two strong personalities that know what they want and are willing to fight to get there but when they discover they want each other just as bad then they will have to learn to also give in order to find their happily ever after. I felt for both Anneliese and Lachlan as they both have hurts to mend. I enjoyed the supporting characters as well. This was great and I recommend this book. I received an early copy to read and review with my honest opinion. It was 5 stars for me.

This book surprised me with its depth and emotional maturity. I loved the two main characters, Anneliese and Lachlan, both their background stories and the slow burn romance between them. You also get a bit of a mystery and a twist with this one. Love and Kerosene was a compulsive read that I devoured in one sitting. I definitely recommend it!

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for access to this arc.

This was something different, but very enjoyable. Just when you thought you knew where it was going-plot twist! This was a page turner, with several interesting characters in the mix. I was surprised that there wasn't much by way of sex, really just mentions than actual scenes. I've read several books by this author and I thought she wrote sex scenes, but I could be wrong. Not that it was a problem, the story is definitely strong enough to stand on its own without the bedroom stuff. It's definitely not a cookie cutter story, I absolutely recommend it, especially if you're tired of reading the same old thing.

What an amazing story between Lachlan and Anneliese. Anneliese was happy, in love and engaged to the man she loved and when tragedy struck she was not prepared for what came next. Devastated, heartbroken, and betrayed in the worst way, she marches forward to reclaim her life, that is until Lachlan shows up on her doorstep with demands, claiming he’s Donovan’s brother and the house she is renovating is now his. Lachlan is a mystery and so many things hide behind his gorgeous eyes. These two are in for a battle of wills of who keeps the house, but can they keep their hand to themselves? Secrets, lies and truths come out, which is a good thing, right? You never thought you’d find that person who makes you feel loved, wanted and listened to, until they are staring you right in the face. Another outstanding read by this author. I found this book on Netgalley.

This book is not for the Saint of heart - I'll just tell you that now. I've read this author before but this book was really well-written and well-thought-out. I'm definitely gonna be reading her again.

So this book is a bit different. Usually Winters books I feel as if I am part of the story this one wasn't like that. Don't get me wrong I loved the book the story line was good because it had plot twist and Lachlan was a story writer(mighty good story teller as well) and he was the brother of the deceased fiance. If your looking for a book that makes you feel what they feel this isn't it but the story line is good.

Winters characters are always so well crafted you walk away feeling like you ‘knew’ them. Anneliese has a trusting heart and a warm personality filled with optimism. Donovan her dead fiancé was a lying cheating womanizer (you love to hate him). Along comes Dons younger brother Lachlan who Anneliese knows nothing about.

Without reiterating the story- here are the things I liked:

Although Anneliese has been royally screwed over- she allows love to guide her heart. It would have been so easy to hate any man after what happened to her.

Lachlans childhood has not been easy. His family has treated him very unkind after the loss of his mother. Lachlan could have been bitter but the sweet loving Anneliese allows him to love her so easily.

I am a sucker for broken people who find their love together heals past wounds.

Lesson learned - do not let the past and the relationships of people who are narcissists to destroy what can be good and rewarding in your own life.

When Anneliese loses her fiancé, she quickly finds out that he had lied to her. Then when her fiancé’s brother returns home and wants her home, she is faced with all sorts of emotions and feelings. Lachlan is almost identical in looks to his brother but is he just as much of a liar? Lachlan of course has his own trauma and emotions to sort through. Once the pair moves in together to finish renovating the home, truths are revealed and hearts begin to heal. The healing process leads to an unexpected love story and leaves the reader with a warm feeling.

Great romance! Winter Renshaw’s latest novel Love and Kerosene has everything I love in romance novels- sweet, sass, and steam! I knew from the synopsis that this novel would be right up my alley and in true Winter Renshaw fashion, I finished it in record time! Centering around two main characters that have both been not so lucky in the love department, I was really on the hook to see how their story would play out. As per usual, I loved what Winter Renshaw had in mind for these two! This 4.5 star novel is a standalone, but I would love to see Winter turn it into a series!

3.5 stars
Anneliese is dealing with the aftermath of her dead fiancé's deception. After being swindled out of her life's savings by the man she thought she knew and would marry, her only way to recover any financial losses is to finish the renovations of his old family home and sell it. She's got a plan but doesn't count on his brother showing up to claim the house. A brother she never knew existed. A brother who wants the house simply to burn it to the ground.

Lachlan is a writer. A lover of unusual words. He's broody but has an easy-going style about him. He's honest and doesn't play games. Beneath the calm and cool surface is a man struggling with demons. And my heart broke as he revealed the truths from his childhood.

There is something spellbinding about these two. A certain ease that transitions quickly between them. I enjoyed reading their slow-building connection forming and I didn't mind the low heat in the story. But I stumbled with the story's pacing nearing the end. There just wasn't enough time to solidify the relationship once they connected and those last handful of chapters switched gears from a leisurely pace to whiplash speed far too abruptly. Regardless of any stumbling blocks I encountered, I've read enough books from this author to know that I'll be first in line to read the next one.

/I received an early edition of this book. This did not affect my opinion of the book or content of my review./

Anneliese was engaged to a man that she thought was her soul mate, Donovan Byrne. They invested a lot of money into refurbishing his childhood home in Arcadia Grove, Vermont. Unfortunately, he died in a car accident several months earlier, and now she is left with all of her savings invested in this home. She wants to finish the job and sell the house to try to recoup her investment. It turns out her former fiancé was a liar and a manipulator. He lied about his intentions and he lied about his life. Anneliese is spitting mad about it, and when she sees a guy who looks almost exactly like her former flame, she freaks out a bit. It turns out that Donovan had a brother, Lachlan, after telling her he was an only child. Lachlan left their hometown at 18 and has made a good life for himself. He and Donovan had a contentious relationship, and initially Anneliese thinks Lachlan is a bad guy, but eventually figures out that he is honest and decent, and quite different from his brother. Lachlan wants to burn the house to the ground to obliterate the unhappy memories from his childhood—most of which were caused by Donovan and his lies. When he discovers Annaliese living in the house, he offers to help with the renovation in exchange for giving him a place to stay for the time it will take to determine the fate of the house, which could take a few months.

As usual, Winter Renshaw tells a well-crafted story. She is known for adding unexpected plot twists and for doling out details sparingly, then springing them on readers where they will create the most impact. This story is no exception. We learn why Lachlan left and the heartache that accompanied his exit well into the story. This type of thoughtfully-designed story-crafting elevates this writer well above the rest of the pack. Her books always make readers think, and they often open our eyes to different perspectives. She is able to keep readers interested in the outcome, while keeping the tension and pacing on point.

This book is a fascinating look at the dynamics of a dysfunctional family, contrasted with the healthy interactions that occur within Anneliese’s family. It is easy to spot the overactive ego that is part and parcel of Donovan Byrne. It is also easy to recognize the truth and goodness of Lachlan, once he starts communicating. This is a story that readers will still be thinking about long after the final page is turned!

Love and Kerosene is by far one of my favorite books of the year! I am still swooning over these characters and their story. Enemies to lovers, One bed trope, a dash of spice. This book had me giddy with all the feels. If this book doesn't blow up, I am hanging up my reviewing hat.

Lachlan won me over so quickly, this grumpy teddy bear was such an amazing character. A lover of words, Lachlan is a writer who has come home to deal with his deceased brother's affairs. And by deal with it I mean set his family home on fire and watch it burn. What he doesn't' expect is his brother's fiancé is still living in the house and has spent her life saving on the still ongoing renovations.

Annaleise has just lost the love of her life (or so she thought) only to realize that he was a con artist who pretty much took her life savings and left her with nothing in his passing. All she has is this house and here comes Lachlan who literally wants to burn it down along with his terrible memories. After coming to an agreement that involves them spending a lot of time together, they quickly start to realize there is more between them than they expected.

The feels are there and I loved this couple so much. One of my favorite parts of this story is that Lachlan's love for words was passed down from his deceased mother. She would write down her favorite words and the meanings in a notebook. Each chapter starts with a word and its meaning and I just loved that touch the author gave us. It really connected me to Lachlan's character.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a great love story with all the feels. You will catch yourself smiling so hard reading this love story.

Gah! Winter Renshaw can not write a bad book. I love all her stories as she captivates me from the very first page. Anneliese and Lachlan are fantastic! I loved the slow burn deliciousness of this story and how compelling the storyline was!

Overall this storyline was angsty, sexy, emotional, captivating and so addicting. I loved how engrossed I was in the story and how strong Anneliese was. She was the perfect match to Lachlan and altogether they were fantastic together! 4 stars! ~Ratula 

* I would like to thank Netgalley and Montlake Publishing for an advanced copy of this book for an honest review. *

This was a fun romance that explored some heavy themes of loss and grieving. The main characters are Anneliese and Lachlan who are connected at the start by the death of his brother and her fiance.
I did struggle to take the heroine's profession seriously but other than that this was a pretty good slowburn romance.