green valley

All Folked Up

Happy Thursday! All Folked Up is out today. 

This is book three in the Good Folk series, which is a spin off of The Winston Brothers, featuring important side characters finding their HEAs.

There is nothing I love more than returning to Green Valley with Penny. The way she writes, the unique turns of phrase, the thought and care that goes into every word, I just want to wrap myself in the pages and never leave.

We start off with possibly the most awkward meet-cute result of all time, which leads to an undercover investigation at the strip club our FMC Hannah manages. Hannah and Isaac have to work together so Isaac can investigate a frequent customer, but due to their terrible meet cute it’s quite awkward for a while. 

I’ve been wondering what Isaac’s deal was since I read Beard Science in 2016 so it was wonderful to get some answers. He started off a bit rigid and icy, but as the story moved on he started to thaw for Hannah and I grew to understand him better. 

Hannah was the kind of FMC I really enjoy – totally competent but underestimated and she proved how strong and worthy of love she is. 

It was heavy on the Green Valley cameos, especially Cletus & Hank, and my surprising new favorite Tina, which I loved! This gave me all the answers I’ve been wanting and it is always a true delight to return to my favorite fictional town. 

Young Buck


From Smartypants Romance… Young Buck, an all-new slow burn small-town romance
 from Kilby Blades, is now live in #kindleunlimited!

My take –

This was a sweet small town age gap romance. Loretta and Buck had a hilarious meet cute that set up the story really well. I love that she was the older one in the age gap, though Buck didn’t really seem younger in any way. I enjoyed how their relationship grew from neighbors to more and enjoyed the bit of heat we got! 

At times it felt like these were montages instead of chapters, the way things jump around. She’s on a date with a different guy, the next page he’s rescuing someone in her “book club”, then the next chapter something else happens. It didn’t feel like a super cohesive plot in these moments.

I also did not love the third act conflict. I don’t hate them in general but this one had me gritting my teeth.

Overall though it was a good addition to this series!

‘Young Buck’ is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #5 in the Green Valley Heroes series, Green Valley Chronicles, Penny Reid Book Universe.

Package Makes Perfect

This was a cute fake dating small town romance between Robin, an outgoing aviation mechanic, and Arthur, a slightly grumpy mailman. 

Robin catches her boyfriend, Arthur’s cousin, cheating on her and decides to fake date Arthur to get back at him. Arthur, who believes in true love and soulmates, is appalled that his cousin would cheat on a woman as wonderful as Robin, so he agrees despite this causing major issues with his family. She decides to give him kissing lessons (and more!) after their one attempt at a kiss to decide if they’re actually compatible goes terribly.

I loved Arthur, he’s described as grumpy but I think he’s really just an introvert who appreciates a schedule and just wants to be comfortable at home while reading a book and having a strict bedtime (I can relate). He’s a big hairy guy which I lovvvveee and I loved how steadfastly he believed in true love even if he hadn’t really felt that spark with any one (until *spoiler alert* Robin). His family was also great, aside from one of them, and I loved that they were a bunch of male wedding planners.

Robin was a fun character, I loved her take no shit attitude while also caring deeply for Arthur and his happiness. I love that she has a blue collar career while also going to school to finish her degree so she can own her own company. 

I loved them together but man the lack of communication made me want to pull my hair out by the end. Neither of them were honest about their feelings and it got repetitive and old as the book progressed. 

Overall though it was cute and I especially loved the kissing (and more!!) lessons. 

‘Package Makes Perfect’ is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #6 in the Green Valley Heroes series, Green Valley Chronicles, Penny Reid Book Universe.

Peaches and Dreams

Happy Thursday! 

Today kicks off a new Smartypants launch and starting it off is Peaches and Dreams by Juliette Cross! I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

I thought fall started today which is why I took this autumnal colored picture but it turns out it starts Saturday. Regardless, this is a great fall read!

This was such a sweet (and spicy) small town romance! This is technically book four in the Green Valley Heroes series but could absolutely be read as a standalone, or even just after Parks and Provocation also by Juliette Cross. 

Marly, also known as Mad Marly for her wild and sometimes crazy behaviors, meets her match in Wade, a very grumpy rule following single dad(dy bear.) Their opposites attract grumpy/sunshine dynamic was a joy to watch as they balanced each other out.

I loved how supportive and caring Wade was. Such a dad in the best possible way! I also loved how great Marly was with Wade’s son Jake, they had such a cute relationship. 

Overall a great low drama read and great addition to this universe!