Category Archives: Small Town Romance

Cliffhanger, Cops/Detectives, Kidnapping, Part of a Series, Single Mom, Small Town Romance, Writers on the River Attending Author

#wotr25 #attendingauthor #seriesstarter Sex Lies and Sweet Tea (Sex and Lies 1) by Kris Calvert

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Hotter than hell and half of Alabama, FBI Agent, Mac Callahan is thirsty for everything except love. Coming home to bust a white-collar crime ring, Mac intends to execute his usual practice with work and women¬ – get in, get it on and get out. Instead, he finds himself unexpectedly drawn to the legacy of his family, his plantation, and the charms of a Southern girl. Samantha Peterson possesses everything he needs in a woman, including the evidence to wrap his case. As the investigation heats up, so does their passion and a dangerous game ignites. But, then again, everything’s hotter in the South.

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18844187-sex-lies-sweet-tea

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Sex-Lies-Sweet-Tea-Book-ebook/dp/B00GPRP0O8/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3RYFMZSQKW25S&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.SNmZQmAVqgmRFtk2oHWiIpNfGtcJrMr3cnWTvc3ePSjGo6JVVHOEIvE7bXHwqiSlEwnzcMO8tBp0fdNkbw6cy3CJ7Ngq-8TD_Y6eb2_VVc_sflncr-b1nB8n86Gb3PBjTdWFZRrKaRWmT5hzxKOsiOPfvMefoiojR6kF46PpOINpDJKjt7Rgl-wSvE5sdSGIMLxbvRV8-1e-tx_fuOiv5ZGqRaqMVcJdWwkICoS_J40.EfmPSiwehOwOH71f5U7H5jkCBaVxPludXfajYiltLUs&dib_tag=se&keywords=kris+calvert&qid=1750423831&sprefix=kris+calvert+%2Caps%2C173&sr=8-2

Review by Twinsie Dee

i bought this book here is my honest review

Sam is a single mom in her small town just raising her son after her husband died before he was born. She had her life mostly put together she visited her grandmother at the senior community where she soon got a job at. Shes perfectly fine being a single mom not looking for love but when it falls in front of her, she isn’t sure how to handle it. Mac came home to see his mom after his dad died but also on a work assignment with the FBI some shady things are happening under the residents’ noses at the senior community. but when Mac las eyes on Sam game over they are head over heels for each other, but will they be able to stay together once his secret comes out as to why he really came home or will she risk her job in order to stop what’s been happening. Sam has more than her own heart to think about what she will do.

 

Kris Calvert is a former copywriter and PR mercenary who after some coaxing, began writing novels. She loves alliteration, pearls and post-it notes. She’s married to the man of her dreams and lives in Lexington, Kentucky. She’s Momma to two grown kids, and is also responsible for one very needy rescue pup. When she’s not writing, she’s baking GF cupcakes.

 

New Release, Part of a Series, Review, Small Town Romance, Standalone

#review #partofaseries Beneath Southern Stars (Magnolia Grove 12) by Andrea Johnston

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LANEY

Small town life isn’t for everyone. At least that’s what I’m told. To me, it’s everything. Growing up in Magnolia Grove my neighbors are like family and every memory I have is tied to our community.

When a single dad rents the house next door, he makes my simple small town life a little more exciting.

RYAN

After a year of grieving, I vowed to give my daughter a holiday season to remember. Magnolia Grove is the epitome of holiday cheer and exactly the distraction that we need.

When my identity as a country music artist becomes town gossip, I greedily accept help from my new neighbor. What I didn’t expect was to find someone who speaks to my soul and reminds me of how much life there is left to live.

When we’re together beneath the southern stars, I believe anything is possible.

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/202410261-beneath-southern-stars?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=DXUiW8Ihy7&rank=39

Amazon https://amzn.to/47RJM2E

Review by Twinsie Dee

i was given this book by the author for an honest review

Small town living is much different than the crazy life of Nashville and Ryan is moving to Magnolia Grove to get a fresh start a year after his daughter’s mother passed away and they both needed a place that didn’t have a memory every time they turned around. Laney is the small-town girl grown up with a hard work in her blood and don’t take crap from no one. so, when her crazy dog finds the new neighbors moving in and the cutest little girl to be friends with, she can’t help but wonder what their story is and what brought them to Magnolia Grove. the small-town charm is working on Ryan and Pepper and hope that they can make new memories but still have Katie be a part of Pepper’s life even if just in memory she will always be the breeze in the wind, the warmth from the sun and live within her daughter’s heart. life as a single dad is the hardest thing Ryan has done but maybe the thought of opening his heart to find new love might be the hardest and worst thing ever. Such a cute story that will make you laugh, cry and fall hopelessly in a happy every after. this was such a good way to end the chapter to Magnolia Grove.

A romantic at heart, Andrea has always been a storyteller. An avid reader since a young age, she never planned to pen her own romance novel but, on a whim, and with no plan, she discovered her passion. Known for her slow burn small town romances, Andrea prides herself on writing relatable characters that the reader cheers for and secondary characters who bring the sass and laughs to each story.

Settled in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and dog, she counts down the days when her adult children come home for a visit. Even if it means more laundry!

2nd Chance, Contemp. Romance, Military, Review, Small Town Romance

#Review – Mountain Storm (Mountain Mayhem Book 2) by Dawn Love

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They say you must weather the storms to find a rainbow.

Michael “Blaze” Blaisure and Lexi Lane have endured some of life’s hardest trials and are finally beginning to see clear skies. Now, they’re ready for the next phase of their lives to begin. A new career path and a new venture may be just what they need to move forward.

As they take those steps together, they are unaware of the danger lurking around the next corner. When the past rears its ugly head, they must face some of the most turbulent storms of their lives.

Will they survive the landslide headed their way? Or will fate rip them apart?

Goodreads

Amazon

Review by Twinsie Kelly

I must start by saying that the first book, Mountain Haven, is one of my favorite books EVER! I stumbled across it and when I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down. When I realized I could continue Lexi and Blaze’s story, I was ecstatic! Now, for Mountain Storm, Lexi and Blaze have started to settle into a sort of routine. Music is coming back to Lexi and Blaze has found a purpose with the police department. Ok everyone, the hotness level is turned up, waaay up! And waaaay fast! What I didn’t see coming was the twistedness that is twisted up within the guy that is all twisted. Gah, I just can’t with some people and the reasoning behind the things they do! The first book was a raging rollercoaster, and this book is more of a twisted pathway through a haunted forest. We are left with quite a cliffhanger at the end so I am desperately waiting for book 3 so I can figure out how I will attempt to describe that book, LOL! Dawn Love, you have a new stalker, er, um…I mean fan!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Dawn Love profile image

Dawn Love was born in Mayfield, Kentucky, and spent the first twenty-six years of her life there. Always a creative person and an avid reader, she began writing stories for her own entertainment as a teen, and her love of writing continued to grow into adulthood. She now resides on her 50-acre farm on the Delmarva peninsula. A mother of two, she spends her free time creating the characters and stories of her fantasies. She also writes an internationally read Blog where she shares stories, thoughts, and craziness.

Writing romance is her passion and it feeds her soul. She loves to tell a good, heartfelt story. Her motto is, “Steamy Romance and Heart Smiles.” You will always find a happy ever after or happy for now in her books

New Release, Part of a Series, Review, Small Town Romance, Standalone

#review #newrelease #partofaseries Whispered Southern Secrets (Magnolia Grove 11) by Gail Haris

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Millard and Minnie own Mimi’s Gasoline Grove.
A staple in the community.
Everyone goes there for their sweet tea, full-service, and gossip. Especially now that their granddaughter has moved back.

And she’s been spotted being friendly with the new, young, and handsome preacher.

They share a secret, and in the small town of Magnolia Grove, everyone is whispering about it.

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/201819676-whispered-southern-secrets

Amazon https://amzn.to/3Tob906

Review by Twinsie Dee

i was given this book by the author for an honest review.

Honey found herself at the local bar to sing some karaoke and have a few drinks, she found herself thinking it was her turn to sing, and it wasn’t it was a very good-looking man, singing her song. she found herself stuck on him and drowning in his voice, they meet, and he wants her name Honey has 2 rules when she goes out 1) no names and 2) no hooks-up, but she then finds herself breaking her rules and in the sheets with this mystery military man. after 3 years of being away from home and a divorce later Honey was moving back to the small town, she always considered Honey finds herself back in Magnolia Grove for her bestie’s grandmother’s funeral and she wasn’t not going to show up for her. home. Honey still can’t get her mind off of her one night stand she never does that but with it had been 3 years it was definitely a wild night she knew she would never see the mystery man again, well she didn’t think she would until she heard his magical voice in no other place then behind the pudendum at Sunday service and he’s the preachers son. Honey is traumatized and Mr. preacher man is just as shocked, sermons, and trying to get Honey’s heart is what he’s working on being back in the small town, will he be able to pray and get into her heart or will the devil get to it first. this was a very slow start with a lot of repeating in the first few chapters but then it started picking up and was good.

Gail Haris believes in fairytales, love, and laughter as the best medicine. She has somewhat of a warped charm.

Steamy with a dash of sugar! Gail loves blending romance out of life’s everyday chaos. Stories filled with humor and steam and moments of sweetness, along with suspense and twists. Death… and then sprinkle some glitter. “Let’s make it awkward” is her motto.

Gail enjoys living in a small town in Southeast Missouri, and then taking adventures all over the world with her two fierce princesses and Boo Bear aka her ultimate real-life book boyfriend and high school sweetheart – basically the love of her life.

When she’s not getting into mischief or scheming with her two girls, she’s busy coming up with crazy scenarios for her characters.

Using coffee and her imagination, Gail writes contemporary romances that blend laughter and true love out of everyday chaos. She writes in a variety of genres including romantic comedy, romantic suspense, and new adult/coming of age romance.

Hopefully by following her dream of becoming an author, she can be an example to her daughters that their dreams can become a reality. Maybe she can encourage you, too.

Never stop believing in love, dreams, and yourself. And coffee…don’t give up on coffee and books 😉

New Release, Part of a Series, Review, Small Town Romance, Standalone

#review #newrelease #partofaseries Sweet Southern Heat (Magnolia Grove 9) by Ashley Cade

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Kissing your enemy is never a good idea, especially when he’s your ex’s surly older brother. But in my defense, he kissed me first.

Landon Crawford has hated me for six long years. He blames me for the car wreck that stole his brother’s future. It doesn’t help that I ran away from our hometown after the accident, but there’s a lot he doesn’t know about that night. I’ve kept what really happened a secret from everyone, but the truth always finds a way of revealing itself.

I never planned to return to Magnolia Grove, but when my grandmother passes unexpectedly, I’m tasked with sorting out her estate and the bakery she left to me in her will. Sugar & Sage is in disrepair and desperately needs a facelift. Hiring our town’s only contractor is a no-brainer, but when he sends Landon to complete the renovations, not even the sweetest of treats can counteract his bitterness.

I try my best to avoid Landon, but fate is determined to keep throwing us together. And the more time we spend in each other’s presence, the more that line between love and hate begins to blur. The moment we give into our feelings, tragedy strikes again, leaving Landon with an impossible choice: fully give his heart to me or cling to what’s left of his crumbling family.

*Sweet Southern Heat is a complete standalone set in the Magnolia Grove Series. It’s a small town, enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine romance with plenty of steam and lots of tension and swoon

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/202618032-sweet-southern-heat?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=Kk2khanxkT&rank=16

Amazon https://amzn.to/48f3Agh

Review by Twinsie Dee

i was given this book by the author for an honest review

Olivia wanted to never return to Magnolia Grove after what happened in high school and losing her boyfriend in front of her eyes. She only returned to see her grandmother on special occasions and today was one she never wanted to deal with the fact that she was coming home for her grandmother’s funeral, her best friend was gone and she didn’t know what she would do except now she never would have to return to home where everyone still hated that i was the reason Lyle died. She isn’t the reason but the town already hates Olivia, so she just deals with it. Lyles family will never forget or forgive her and when Olivia comes face to face with his brother Landon shit was about to hit the fan. he wanted nothing more than for her to leave town again, his family had fallen apart, and Landon will never forgive her for that. life in Magnolia Grove was going to get crazy when Landon finds out that Olivia’s grandmother left everything to her and can these two set the past in the past or will the town really be too small for the both of them. Memories never fade, and traditions and legacies don’t die. this was the one that got me in my feels reading it, but oh so good.

Ashley is a USA Today Bestselling author who likes her small town romance extra spicy with a touch of angst, and a splash of humor. Her swoon worthy heroes will melt your kindles (along with your undergarments). She resides in Ohio with her husband and two sons where she pens emotionally gripping love stories about imperfect people who find their happily ever after.

New Release, Part of a Series, Review, Small Town Romance, Standalone

#review #newrelease #partofaseries Endless Southern Love (Magnolia Grove 8) by Heidi McLaughlin

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Wade Jenkins struggles with the challenges of running his thriving landscaping company and raising his spirited 8-year-old daughter Mari.

Lemon Walsh has just moved to Magnolia Grove as the new elementary principal. She’s leaving behind the hustle and bustle of the city in search of a more peaceful and fulfilling life.

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199905008-endless-southern-love

Amazon https://amzn.to/3RDrrki

Review by Twinsie Dee

i was given this book by the author for an honest review

Wade Jenkins had one drunk night after a breakup with his one true love high school sweetheart, ended up making him a dad. having his daughter randomly during the summer and school and co- parenting great with her mom he can’t even imagine what happened when he gets a random phone call from the emergency room regarding his daughters’ mother. so now Wade has his daughter full time while her mother figures things out with her husband who isn’t the nice guy Wade thought he was. So now he is having to add bathtime, a school routine and everything else to make his daughter more of his number 1 then when she was only around when she was visiting, but his parents are wonderful to help. One thing Wade didn’t think about is the love of his life was now the principal at the school his daughter now attends, and he is having to face her daily. its Lemon’s worst nightmare having to face Wade after 8 years of pain and avoiding him in their small town. Will these two find the love they once had for each other again, or will Lemon let the fact that someone else had his baby before she did get in the way of her happiness. omg this was such a fun cute, typical small town high school sweetheart story.

Heidi McLaughlin is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of The Beaumont Series, The Boys of Summer, and The Archers.

In 2012, Heidi turned her passion for reading into a full-fledged literary career, writing over twenty novels, including the acclaimed Forever My Girl.

Heidi’s first novel, Forever My Girl, has been adapted into a motion picture with LD Entertainment and Roadside Attractions, starring Alex Roe and Jessica Rothe, and opened in theaters on January 19, 2018.

New Release, Part of a Series, Review, Small Town Romance, Standalone

#review #newrelease #partofaseries Tempting Southern Days (Magnolia Grove 7) by L.P. Dover

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Declan Parker thought he left the thrill of being an undercover FBI agent behind him when he moved to the small town of Magnolia Grove. But when he meets Ayla Carington, the town’s beautiful and feisty dentist, his heart starts racing again.

With her sweet smile and sparkling eyes, Ayla seems like the perfect distraction from his past. But as they get to know each other, Declan realizes that Ayla is much more than just a pretty face. She’s smart, tough, and not afraid to speak her mind.

But could someone like Ayla really be interested in a guy like him, with a past as checkered as his? Only time would tell, but one thing was for sure – life in Magnolia Grove was about to get a lot more interesting!

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/200265809-tempting-southern-days

Amazon https://amzn.to/3GHkTuI

Review by Twinsie Dee

i was given this book by the author for an honest review

Small towns don’t always allow you to run away from your past or problems like most think they will. Declan was one of those people after resigning from his job after his brother got killed, Magnolia Grove was his fresh start or so he thought. Til he was confronted by his new neighbor yelling at him to quiet down and let her relax. Judging a book by the cover Declan thought Ayla was just a normal small-town woman relaxing at home next to the pool while her husband brings home the paycheck for her to spend. Fact Ayla is the town dentist after graduating from dental school and her dad handing the practice over to her, but Ayla had one day a week off from work where she can relax and decompress, and the rest of the neighbors knew that, so they respected her quiet. Declan wanted to keep his past pushed down but Ayla wasn’t one to let that happen, she was going to keep pushing to knock those walls down or will Declan keep adding brick by brick to those walls. will Ayla be the key to help Declan through his past trauma or will it cause him to self-destruct. omg this was such a great read, and I couldn’t put it down, the mystery behind it while the small-town love perfect combination

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author L. P. Dover is a southern belle living in North Carolina with her husband and two beautiful girls. Everything’s sweeter in the South has always been her mantra and she lives by it, whether it’s with her writing or in her everyday life. Maybe that’s why she’s seriously addicted to chocolate.

Dover has written countless novels in several different genres, including a children’s book with her daughter. Her favorite to write is romantic suspense, but she’s also found a passion in romantic comedy. She loves to make people laugh which is why you’ll never see her without a smile on her face.

New Release, Part of a Series, Review, Small Town Romance, Standalone

#review #newrelease #partofaseries Slow Southern Kisses (Magnolia Grove 5) by T.C. Matson

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Wrenley
When my grandmother asked me to run her bed-and-breakfast while she took a three-month vacation, I should’ve said no.
Now I’m stuck in this godforsaken town hours away from the pampered life I live in New York City.
Gone are my days filled with luxury and glamour. I’ve been reduced to being domesticated.
What can possibly go wrong?
Decker Black, that’s what.
He walks into my life—more like breaks in, but whatever—and immediately irritates the hell out of me.
I can’t stand him. He’s moody, grumpy, and surly all rolled into one annoyed glare.
Until one severe storm changes everything.
I never could’ve imagined a slower, simpler life was everything I was missing.
Unfortunately, my home is in New York and my heart is stuck in Alabama.

Decker
My life is quiet and calm. Just how I like it.
Until Wrenley comes barreling in out of nowhere and disrupts everything.
Gone are my days of balance and routine. She brings turbulence and chaos.
She’s quick-tempered with a bold mouth full of sharp jabs and is entirely ungrateful.
She’s a headache, and I’m ready for her to go back to where she came from.
So why can’t I stay away from her?
The more time we spend alone, the more I realize underneath all the anger is something beautiful. And I like it. I like her.
I never thought love and happiness was missing in my life.
Unfortunately, my small town no longer has everything I need.
It doesn’t have her.

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/200608083-slow-southern-kisses

Amazon https://amzn.to/48hpaAC

Review by Twinsie Dee

i was given this book by the author for an honest review

Wrenley was dreading having to go to Alabama, she didn’t like it one bit but since she drew the short straw against her brother, she’s got no choice but to go to Magnolia Grove for 3 months. 3 months of taking care of her granny’s bed and breakfast, but Wren is going to get a huge awaking when she learns that she not just watching over the place, but she has to cook, clean, wash and change the bedding, cleaning toilets, let’s just say living in New York has spoiled her a little bit. With 3 months in a small town can Wrenley slow down her fast-paced life and enjoy her surroundings or will she be on the next flight back to New York before her Granny’s plane hits the runway. Or will Decker the not so southern charmer in Wren’s eyes swoop her off her high horse and get her to really love Magnolia Grove. When fast pace of New York meets the slow pace of Magnolia Grove bantering will the cool whip on top of the pancakes.

TC Matson is an international best-selling contemporary romance author with a passion for all things romance. Love is never perfect and easy, so her stories share all the ups and downs of finding that spark and falling hard while bringing heat, heart, laughs, and swoony moments to every couple.

She lives in the peaceful Piedmont area of North Carolina with her husband, kids (#boymom), and her spazzy Doberman.

When TC isn’t writing or forced into adulting, you can find her feeding her coffee addiction with her Kindle in hand. She often wins employee of the month for her stay-at-home mom and housewife duties and has won the award for “Mom’s dinner is awesome!” countless evenings.

Part of a Series, Review, Small Town Romance, Standalone

#review #newrelease #partofaseries Rugged Southern Charmers (Magnolia Grove 4) by Fabiola Francisco

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A childhood friends to lovers, small town romance

I never imagined I’d be back in my hometown, unemployed, and feeling like a failure. Getting involved with someone at work is a huge mistake, especially when he’s a famous football player, and I’m just a therapist they can easily replace.

The silver lining is reconnecting with my best friend…even if he is hot now. I can ignore that detail, right? I hope so because Dean’s helping me fix my grandma’s old cabin so I have a place to stay, and between seeing him shirtless and working with his hands, I might just give in to temptation.

Crossing that line should be awkward, but when he kisses me on a dare, I feel like he’s sparked life into me.

My time in Magnolia Grove is temporary while I figure out my next steps, and falling for Dean is not a part of my plans.

But sometimes challenges lead us back to where we’re meant to be.

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/201814207-rugged-southern-charmer

Amazon https://amzn.to/3NnBLdu

Review by Twinsie Dee

i was given this book by the author for an honest review.

RaeLynn moved back home after getting fired from her personal trainer job with the NFL, but most people think she’s home to help her sister-in-law whose doctor has made a point to tell her to destress and relax for at home for the rest of her pregnancy. So RaeLynn is now running her niece to school and in charge of her sister-in-law’s flower shop. but soon she will run into well more like yell at her former friend from high school Dean she didn’t even realize it was him at first. Not one memory from her past doesn’t involve Dean in one way or another. But now that they are older and Rae isn’t just the tomboy hanging out with the guys or just a member of the football team, she’s a grown woman and Dean is just as good looking as he was in high school just more muscles. But they both don’t know that each other is starting to have feelings that are more than friends. Will they give in to these feelings and possibly ruin their friendship or keep their feelings buried deep down to keep what they already have.

Fabiola Francisco traded her flip flops for boots when she moved to Spain to live out her small town dreams. She loves the escape books offer. She writes contemporary romance, mostly small town romances with swoony book boyfriends and strong and sassy heroines.

Writing has always been a part of her life, penning her own life struggles as a form of therapy through poetry. Now, she writes novels that will capture your heart and make feel a range of emotions.

She is continuously creating stories as she daydreams. She also enjoys country music, exploring the outdoors, and reading.

Fabiola is represented by Two Daisy Media Literary Agency.

New Release, Part of a Series, Review, Small Town Romance, Standalone

#review #partofaseries Fake Southern Fiancé (Magnola Grove 3) by Brittany Holland

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When you’re a famous wedding planner, planning your own wedding, everyone expects it to be the event of the year.

Just one problem… I don’t actually have a groom.

I did—but then he decided to walk away before I even walked down the aisle.

Now if I want to save my reputation, and my business, I need to find someone willing to play the part of my fake southern fiancé and pull off my small town wedding without a hitch.

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/201803369-fake-southern-fianc?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=JyqLKt0fm9&rank=20

Amazon https://amzn.to/3RozuA2

Review by Twinsie Dee

i was given this book by the author for an honest review

Ever since Lucy was a little girl she has been dreaming and planning her perfect wedding down to the littlest detail. She couldn’t wait to get married, she started her own wedding planning business, and found her groom to be, he proposed through a ring sent to Lucy from FedEx. Yes, you read that right he shipped her a ring and asked her to marry him, this wasn’t how Lucy wanted it to go but it is what it is. the day had finally come where they were going to be featured in a magazine telling the whole world about their crazy happy story. but when he starts to realized Lucy isn’t coming to him, he calls everything off and she is devastated, all the red flags were there she just never seen them. Lucy picks herself up she isn’t going to let Mr. Wrong ruin her perfectly ever after, she has some twist turns and complete stops, but Lucy is determined to find her prince charming. this was a well written story, kind of felt rushed in some spots but overall, still enjoyed the town, characters.

Once upon a time, Author Brittany Holland’s passion for reading and an active imagination inspired her to pursue her dream of writing. A lover of fairytales, folklore and mythology, the hopeless romantic pens a modern twist on happily ever after. Her books range from Contemporary Retellings to New Adult Romantic Fantasy. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her husband and two children, perfecting her latte making skills at home and binge-reading her never ending TBR.