This slow-burning, small town romance is more serious than Grant’s indie books, but it still has plenty of charm. I liked the deeper elements and the focus on mending your broken pieces – these two instant enemies clash until they realize how much they have in common, and watching that come full circle was very fulfilling. Starring a commitment-phobic hero who is drawn to emotionally unavailable women (which our newly divorced heroine definitely is!), the romance takes awhile to fully develop. I did find the beginning to be a little too slow for me, but the story gets richer and deeper as it progresses. The moody hero is secretly a sweetheart, a high school teacher who genuinely loves his students. It was adorable seeing the grump in his element, and I loved that he cared for the heroine’s teenage daughter as well. It’s a lighthearted yet emotional romance with a definite found family feel.
The story follows Maisey, a woman who inherited a rundown ranch after her uncle passed away. Though she had been absent from his life for years, Maisey appreciates that she has a place to go after she (finally) divorces her husband. But not everyone welcomes Maisey’s arrival in town, and that includes her new tenant, Flint. The sexy stranger was friends with her uncle, and he doesn’t have much respect for Maisey. As the two bicker, they slowly realize that there’s more to the other than meets the eye. Seeing Flint interact with her teenage daughter softens his harsh edges, and watching Maisey gain her confidence again does something funny to Flint’s heart. But neither one is in the right headspace for a relationship, and that means giving in to their unwanted attraction is off the table.
Personally, I vastly prefer Grant’s indie romances, which are more overtly funny and playful. However, I felt like this was her most successful traditional release so far – there are definitely some comedic elements, but it truly is more of a quiet, small town romance. I liked how Maisey and Flint grew on each other over time, and both characters were multi-faceted and interesting. Watching them both find their happy again was certainly swoony. It’s a low heat/super slow burn romance, and it was too quiet for me at times. The community is a major aspect, so the romance takes a backseat to that in the first half. Once Maisey and Flint let down their walls a bit and finally gave in to the feelings, it was easy to see why they were perfect together. So this was a solid 4-star read for me the whole way through – it didn’t grip me completely, but I was invested in the romance the whole way through.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/47vjC6b
Audio Note:
The audio is great! I’m a fan of Connor Crais, whose deep voice works well for Flint. His voice for Maisey wasn’t the best, but maybe I’m just getting spoiled with all of the excellent audio experiences out there these days. Savannah Peachwood gave an excellent performance, as always. I find her voice to be very easy to listen to. The slow burn nature of the story makes it an ideal workday listen, as does the short runtime (under 9 hours). I had no trouble bingeing it in a day, and it made for a lighthearted, easygoing listen. Recommended in the format, for sure.
Audiobook: https://amzn.to/3E2xaZ6
Blurb:
From USA Today bestselling author Pippa Grant comes a rollicking romantic comedy about a single mom and a grumpy math teacher tackling their differences on a Wyoming ranch.
I knew fixing up my life with a fresh start on the hobby ranch I inherited in Hell’s Bells, Wyoming, would come with challenges. Things like snow. Wildlife. Local gossip about why my daughter and I are here.
But the biggest challenge?
My surly new tenant.
He’s like a bear. Fascinating from a distance, but don’t get too close, or he’ll bite.
His personality should be a good thing. I have no need of a new man in my life. But he’s not only my tenant; he’s also my daughter’s math teacher and soccer coach. I keep running into him. He keeps thinking I need to be saved.
Maybe I do, but here’s what I don’t expect: he’s a fixer-upper in need of saving too.
And I might be the only woman for the job.
Hell’s Bells, help me.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/47vjC6b
About the Author:
Pippa Grant is a USA Today Bestselling author who writes romantic comedies that will make tears run down your leg. When she’s not reading, writing or sleeping, she’s being crowned employee of the month as a stay-at-home mom and housewife trying to prepare her adorable demon spawn to be productive members of society, all the while fantasizing about long walks on the beach with hot chocolate chip cookies.
AUTHOR LINKS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pippagrantromance
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ThePipsquad
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ReadPippa
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/pippagrant
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/pippa-grant
Website: http://www.pippagrant.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/pippa.grant
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