Buns: Hudson Valley, Book 3

I have been anxiously waiting for this book to be released. I loved the first book, Nuts. But like Cream of the Crop, the second book, this was just OK for me.Before this story, we see Archie and Clara a few times. But never getting much of either ones story. Both are dealing with things in their past that have shaped the person they are now.Clara has been brought in to revamp The Bryant Mountain House. The upper class, regal mountain resort that has been in Archie's family for generations, but now is seriously struggling. While Clara wants to keep the feel of the old hotel, while breathing new life into it. Archie is staunchly stuck in the past with old traditions and even older doilies.I had a hard time connecting with Archie and Clara. Yes we get tons of backstory on both of them, I just didn't get the whole enemies to lovers storyline. It was too fast, one minute they are literally hating each other, the next, they're breaking all of her rules about getting involved with clients. Too fast and not really believable. There was insta-lust between the two, but too quickly turned into love.I found myself looking forward to scenes that the other couples were in. Roxie, Leo, Natalie, Oscar, Chad and Logan. I loved Chad and Logan, since the first book, they steal every scene they're in.The other thing I've noticed with this series, is there is no real conclusion to the couples happily ever after. Yes, we see that they are still seeing each other, and obviously happy together. I guess I want the whole story. The ring, the wedding and the whole ever after thing. (Roxie and Leo do get a bit of that in this book, but it's taken three books to get there. I don't want to read an entire series, to find out what's happening with the couple in the first book)I'm hoping there is at least one more book, to wrap everything up with theses couples.It wasn't a bad book. It was well written, and edited. I just didn't enjoy it as much as the first one.

One of the best series ever! Clara has lived her life closed off from anything that resembled an emotional attachment aside from her 2 best friends and in some aspect her boss. Clara and Archie push each others buttons, they butt heads and from all that heated arguing comes a super sizzling attraction. These are my favorite type of characters. I love sassy women who aren't afraid to stand up for themselves and tell a man how it is. I love a man that enjoys a competent, smart, strong-willed woman. This is one of the best series ever, yes I've stated that already, but seriously it is the best!!! I am so very sad to see this series end. I want more of Clara, Roxie, Natalie, Leo, Oscar, Archie, Logan, Chad and the rest of the Hudson Valley crew. I feel like I've said "so long" to my very own friends and family. I hated the thought of finishing this series so much so that I would put off reading in hopes to prolong the inevitable, but that only made me miserable. I recommend this book to anyone that loves a good romance with strong women. Exceptionally done.

Buns, the third installment of the wonderful Hudson Valley series picks up with Clara, the hard-charging lone wolf hotel branding expert, and Archie, the buttoned-up owner of the area’s historic resort. When Clara is hired to oversee a massive project at the hotel, headbutting and angst abound, but not without simmering attraction, flirty banter and plenty of heat. Both main characters have baggage galore (she more than he), yet their backstories make total sense; we understand (with just a few exceptions) why Clara and Archie do what they do and why they are drawn to one another.We are also reunited with Roxie and Leo and Nathalie and Oscar who appear in Alice Clayton’s earlier books (the fantastic Nuts and the so-so Cream of the Crop) and there are even appearances by some of the other great Cocktail Series characters. There are a few missteps—the “meet cute” was just okay, the racing and chasing a bit overdone and the Fourth of July reunion downright ridiculous. That said, nobody writes a love scene of dirty talk like Clayton—it leaves you feeling super sexy and not like you were witnessing a porn shoot or gynecological exam.Bottom Line: Alice Clayton is one of my go-to romance authors. Her characters are real—no moody 25-year-old billionaire, big brother’s friend, fake fiancé, surprise baby or angsty virgin in sight. I look forward to the next Clayton read!

I love how each story may have familiar faces and places but can still bring a completely fresh way of experiencing it! I loved discovering more about Clara at last, and the inner workings of the lovely hotel and it's owner were just the icing on the cake!

An easy 5* rating for me - the same as every Alice Clayton I've read to date. Cheeky, funny, sexy & full of banter, it has everything I've come to love about Alice's style, which will keep me coming back for more every time!!! 100% recommended!

I loved this book and really enjoyed the cameo's from the other series' as well! Hope we get a novella or two on these characters or better yet, another book in the series!

Funny fab read!

Oh, I love this author and I also love this series so Buns being the third installment of the Hudson Valley series is fantastic and I was super excited I received it this morning on my Kindle as a pre-order. The series centres on a tight-knit trio of friends, who are just fabulous (although it can totally be read as stand alone).Clara is our heroine in Buns, her career is her life! Her job keeps her moving around, which is exactly the way she likes it as she desperately avoids any kind of personal attachments. She lives and breathes it and not much has room beside it except her two best friends who live in a small town called Bailey Falls. She rebrands and rejuvenates struggling hotels and this time her job sends her to an old luxury resort - the Bryant Mountain House, at you guessed it - New York, Bailey Falls.Upon arrival she immediately clashes with the owner's son, Archie - he is old-fashioned & very proud of the Bryant traditions and history. Archie and Clara are supposed to work together to rejuvenate the run-down resort but there are many fireworks - of the not good variety! The banter flies thick and fast as Clara and Archie clash over absolutely everything!“You’re incredibly rude, a know-it-all wrecking-ball girl who is more than a little bossy.”I laughed in spite of myself. “What lovely things to say, coming from a pretentious, snobby, incredibly rude himself hotel boy who’d rather rattle around spooky hallways and spend time with antiques than listen to reason.”But underneath it all is a simmering chemistry, and when Clara learns the truth behind his pain... things start to thaw.By the end I adored Archie, I found he brought something very different to the book which made it feel totally original and nothing like other books in this genre. Clara was very strong and independent. She had layers, and was exactly what Archie needed.Once again Alice Clayton proves she is a fabulous writer that manages to bring together smart, funny and wonderfully real characters like no other. She always keeps me smiling, rolling my eyes and I swipe at such a fast pace I have no idea how quickly the time goes. If you enjoy the ”enemies-to-lovers” trope, then you will not to miss Buns.As a bonus there’s time spent with the characters from previous books of the series. If you are a fan of the series, you will not be disappointed, it's exceptional.If you haven't read previous books in the series you won't miss out but mostly.... you will be delighted and no doubt go back and read the others...Highly recommended.

So first book is a farmer, the second he s a dairy farmer .... I was expecting a nice baker lol.What I got was better . Archie is freeekles gorgeous and Clara is ... well she s something alright .To me it took so long for them to get to a good point that once they were there is was not enough and the reunion was a bit rushed .

A super funny, sweet romance with some pretty hot chemistry, this book was the perfect end to the series, I loved seeing more of the previous couples and loved the evolution of Archie and Clara’s relationship. A really enjoyable read

It was a nice way to cap off this series. I don't normally like series that jump main characters, but the author has done this series very well, bringing characters from her Unidentified Red Head Series, and her Cocktail Series.Nicely done.

I gave it 4 stars but the whole series 5 Stars. As a series it stands out as great romantic and fun read. A heart lifter and sends a strong message that love comes in many forms, when we least expect it! Which is the best way ever to explore heart and love.

I'm yet to read an Alice Clayton book I haven't loved. Loved Clara's story and the little bits from the other series. Enjoyed the characters and the story of the hotel was fabulous.

As always, I have enjoyed her strong female characters mixed with witty writing and a solid romantic storyline. I think this series is my favourite as Clara, Roxie and Natalie are the kind of best friends everyone should have!

Alice dialled this one in I think. The franchise is getting weary... predictable and boring. Won't be coming back for seconds that's for sure.

I'll be watching Dirty Dancing and The Shining if anyone needs me. I will miss this book, and I will likely have a book hangover

Wonderfully classy and dirty at the same time. Love all her books!!