Home in the Country

Clementine Creek #3

by Alexandra Hale

Being the good time guy is all fun and games in a small town like mine.
No strings or commitment – what could possibly go wrong?


Love is something I gave up on a long time ago. Buried the hatchet as they say, when Fallon Jones took my heart with her more than six years ago and never looked back.

No phone call.
No explanation.
Just up and left - effectively destroying me after we shared the single best day of my life.

So, I did the only thing I could to survive - I gave into the persona everyone believed me to be.

Need a laugh? I’ve got jokes.
Looking for a good time? I can do that and then some.

My life was going fine - good even - until one rainy night on a backroad into town. A car with a flat tire caught my eye, but nothing could prepare me for what happened next.

Fallon.

Looking like the ghost of lovers past - but she wasn’t alone. A sleeping child in the backseat nearly stole the breath from my lungs. I shouldn’t get attached - I can’t.

But when she propositions me for one night of fun for old times sake, I know I’m in trouble. She doesn’t want to commit and all I want is forever.

Just when I think things may finally be going my way, the rug is ripped out from under me and I’m falling.

Fast.

Fallon’s ex-husband has landed in Clementine Creek - and he’s here to stay.

Genres: Second Chance, Small Town Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Westerns, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary Romance

284 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 14, 2023

About the author

Alexandra Hale is a small town girl living with her family in Upstate New York. She routinely runs on caffeine, dry shampoo and thrives on procrastination.

A romance lover and reading enthusiast, Alexandra finally began putting pen to paper shortly after graduating college. An unobtainable dream has slowly become a reality with the love and support of her friends and family and the romance community.

She currently writes steamy, small town romance with a dash of lighthearted fun and happily ever afters that will make you swoon.

Reviews

[lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars, 1000%, and all the happy tears! I have been waiting so impatiently for Otto’s book and boy howdy it was a good one!

Home in the Country is second chance, single mom, small town romance with an incredible family/found family, no third act break up, just the right amount of spice, and a whole bunch of swoon.

Otto is such a fun-loving, big-hearted, loyal-to-the-bone guy, and I straight up melted over his relationships with Fallon, with Briggs, and holy moly Tanner. I mean my heart just about burst from it all. I love how involved the Thayers are in each others’ lives, which means we get to catch up with old friends in this book, too. And Fallon! She swooped into town and made me want to be her bestie! I loved that Marlee, Isla, Cheyenne, and Rhea just opened their arms up to Fallon and looped her into their group, and the Thayer family seamlessly absorbed Fallon and Briggs, and Tanner, too. Fallon has a big of baggage when she shows up but no one really bats an eye, they just love her right where she is, and love Briggs and Tanner by default. The whole Tanner thing was such an interesting plot point to me, and I adore him, too! I feel like I’m just gushing about this book, but I have a lot of feelings about it and can’t help it!

Clementine Creek and the whole extended Thayer fam have my heart! I can’t recommend this series enough! Not sure what could top this one, but can’t wait to see what Alexandra writes next.

[JennyGReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMFG... I've been IMPATIENTLY waiting for Otto's book and it absolutely DID NOT DISAPPOINT!

Otto and Fallon's story is a sweet, spicy second chance romance that had me swooning left and right.

Otto has been in love with Fallon since he was 13. Finally, he has his shot to win his girl freshman year of college during spring break. It's the best day of his life until she up and disappears on him. In his mind, she'll always be the one that got away. Little does he know, she's about to flip his world upside down.

Recently divorced and a single mom, Fallon heads to the only place to go when she needs to start over, home. Otto has always been at that back of her mind, but imagine her shock when he rescued her from a flat tire just ten minutes from getting home to start her new life.

The two meet again at a concert where Otto can't stand by and watch Fallon dance with another man. He swoops in and the heat of the two together could burn you they're so hot.

He tells himself it will be just one night, but there's no way he can deny he wants Fallon forever. But is Fallon ready to be his forever girl?

[Casey | Lvbookcase · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m trying to turn my excited noises and facial expressions into English.

Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book 3 Clementine Creek stand-alone series, Home in the Country, by Alexandra Hale, affectionately referred to as “Otto” is a book you’ll want to drop everything to read!

Being the good time guy is all fun and games.
No strings or commitment, what could possibly go wrong?
I gave up on love a long time ago when Fallon Jones took my heart with her and never looked back.
I did the only thing I could to survive, I gave into the persona everyone believed.
My life was going fine until one night when a car with a flat tire caught my eye.
Fallon.
But she wasn’t alone. A sleeping child in the backseat stole the breath. I shouldn’t get attached.
But when she propositions me for one night of fun, I know I’m in trouble. She doesn’t want to commit and all I want is forever.
But, Fallon’s ex-husband has landed in Clementine Creek and he’s here to stay.

I love the layers Hale gives her characters. Otto and Fallon have a back story of heartbreak that’s coupled with SPICE of a second chance. Not to mention the emotion and amazingness of Briggs, Fallon’s son 🥰.

The side characters, old and new are carefully developed and presented. You can’t help but fall for them all. It’s the best when past characters show up in each book because you don’t have to say goodbye to them after the last page. They continue to play strong roles and serve a purpose.

The beautiful family dynamic is ever present. Not only are Otto’s brothers and their significant others back, Mama Thayer is too.

My favorite part of “Otto” was the group text conversations. OMG! I was vocally laughing/snorting reading them. You need to experience it!

This author and her books have brought so much joy into the world.

I’m not saying this book is perfection, but damn is it close. Honestly I don’t know what constructive criticism to give, except I know Alexandra Hale will continue to grow as a writer and wow me over and over as Clementine Creek continues to grow.

#homeinthecountry #alexandrahale #romance #indieauthor #secondchanceromance #foundfamily #smut #clementinecreek #review #newreview #bookreview

[readingwithShelbyyy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Releases: March 14, 2023

Otto!!!!

So, first I read this book within 24 hours of receiving the ARC from Alexandra.

Alexandra, A+ hunny. Everyone will want their own Otto.

“Being a hot mess doesn’t mean you’re not strong, capable, sexy and vibrant. Every season of you is beautiful.”

Read if you love:
- Second change romance
- Single mother
- Small town romance
- Swooning and spice filled

The Clementine Creek series is a 10/10 recommend.

Otto, the fun, loving, big-hearted, loyal guy. He’s been in love with Fallon since he was a teen, when he finally got a chance to be with her, she up and disappears on him with no word. Thinking that he’ll never see her again, one night on the side of the road he fixed her flat after not seeing her for years.

Fallon, a single mother moving back to the small town she grew up in after leaving her ex husband and trying to start over with her son Briggs.

I don’t want to give away any spoilers so read and find out if Otto wins back Fallon and her son!

[L.J. Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Otto is a cinnamon hero with a heart of gold. Fallon is a heart-grabbing single mom. This story was sweet and yet super sexy all at the same time. The love you feel in these characters, this family, and the acceptance of the entire group is simply beautiful. I love how Otto fell in love with her son, Briggs, as he was falling back in love with Fallon. I also really enjoyed the way the ex was woven in to become a gorgeous part of the bigger family. Another fabulous read from Alexandra Hale full of good people with heart.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Home in the Country” is the third book in Alexandra Hales Clementine Creek series, and each book just keeps getting better. I love learning more about each of these characters. They all feel like family now, and I wish I could stop by and get some pie and advice from Mama Thayer! I can’t wait for the next one!

Rating :
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️


Tropes :
- single mom
- second chance
- cinnamon roll alpha
- small town

[Kaitie · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, can I jump in this book and be part of this love and family?!? They are INCREDIBLE!!! And then of course we get to Otto and Fallon. They’re pretty incredible too! I love this series and these characters and icc be any wait to see what happens next in the wonderful town!

[Sarah~Book Obsession Confessions · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet, southern charmer. It’s a romance and story of what a perfect world would be in way. I loved escaping into this world of funny, kind and eccentric characters in a small town in Tennessee.
Fallon and Otto’s story is a second chance, single mom romance with plenty of swoony, sweet moments and plenty of steamy and hot times.
Fallon’s son is an adorable addition.
His relationship with Otto and Otto’s family is beyond cute.
I’m normally not a big fan of sweet, cute and kids in romance, yet this worked for me.
The humor, the text messages, the banter between secondary characters is hilarious.
If you want a feel good, low angst, no drama romance with a small town setting and a good amount of sexiness this is a great option.
I liked the authors writing style. I liked the humor and characters. It didn’t go deep into the past or the characters lives, and that’s ok. It was really enjoyable and entertaining.

[Whitney Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome back to the small town with quite possibly the best family around; Clementine Creek.

Book three in the Clementine Creek series packs some heat y’all.

I knew I was going to love it from the first page, where Otto and Fallon begin their journey as just a couple of young kids in a field.

When Fallon returns home as a single, divorced woman, Otto does everything he can to not fall back into the charms of the one that got away.

Obviously it doesn’t work, and hot damn there’s some MAJOR spice in this one. Spice that even I wasn’t expecting but had me begging for more. Totally binged this one!

Welcome back, and enjoy the ride.

[Missy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in the Clementine Creek series and this one follows Waylon and Hank's brother Otto.

This book opens with a flashback to Otto and Fallon when they were younger, sharing a moment together. It is told trough Otto's point of view, so you can see that he is in love with Fallon and wants nothing more than to be with her. The book then skips several years and you learn that Fallon has left town and is returning. Not only is she moving back home but she is newly divorced with a 5 year old little boy, Briggs.

Otto really wants to stay away from Fallon, but that is impossible in Clementine Creek, they have the same friends and its a small town. He is still angry with her for the way she left but he also can't really stay away from her. Fallon is also drawn to Otto but she also tries to keep him at a distance because she is newly divorced and has her son to think about.

I loved Otto so. much. He was so sweet and caring and they way he was with Briggs just gave me heart eyes through the entire book. Otto loves so big but doesn't realize he does. He is always there for his family and they return the favor in the best way in this book. When Otto decides he wants Fallon to give him a chance, with the help of his family, he starts to do small things to make Fallon's life easier and I really loved the little ways he showed her he was in it.

Fallon really struggled between wanting to be with Otto, but feeling like she doesn't have enough to give. I really sympathized with her character, being a mom and trying to do all of the things and do them well and just feeling like you fail at it all. I loved the other women in this book and how they really lifted her up and took care of her and her son. Fallon's ex-husband , Tanner, also moves to Clementine Creek to co-parent their child and I also loved that aspect of the book. They had a great relationship and it was nice to see them support each other even if they weren't married anymore.

The characters in this book are just so great, this book had me smiling a lot and there is family group chat with the Thayer boys that is amazing and often had me laughing. Don't let the sweetness of the characters fool you, Alexandra also brings the spice in this book and Otto does not disappoint!

I recommend reading the first two books in this series first, although you don't have to, it will help you understand the other characters and the dynamic with the family. Plus they are also fun reads! I can't wait for the others in this series, especially Sorren (please let him be next).

[Jenny Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Otto and Fallon

This was my favorite book of this series so far. I could not put it down. Otto was the perfect dirty talking golden retriever. And Fallon was the one that got away. But I think it was Otto’s instant acceptance and love for Briggs that really sold me on this story. He was willing to give up the love of his life for a chance to continue his relationship with her son.

There wasn’t a whole lot of angst in this story because Otto knew how to communicate. He was brutally honest when Fallon came back to town and he never stopped telling her how things made him feel. The thing I thought would turn into a huge deal, turned into a lesson for Fallon to have a little more faith in Otto.

There was a little mystery surrounding Fallon, first with the reasons for her disappearing act, and then with the reasons for her divorce. I loved how each revelation made me love Fallon a little more. She was such a strong woman who was learning how to ask for help and not feel guilty about it.

There was nothing I didn’t love about this story. Except maybe that I never wanted it to end. There was so much love and Otto was at the center of it all. He had amazing relationships with his family and I loved the deep conversations he had with each of them. The end was perfect and I thought it really showed the significance of the start of the new chapter for Fallon and Otto and their family.

[Bonnie Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow. This book was loaded! Those Thayer men. Hot damn! 🥵🔥🔥🔥 I did not expect to fall in love with Otto, but dang, swoooooonnnn! I had characterized Otto as this silly, playful, good looking guy from the first two books…. But boy is there more to him. He’s fire and ice! He’s a man in love with single mom Fallon, and there is so much baggage between the two of them that makes this story so hard to put down. I completely wrapped myself in their lives with Tanner and Briggs… and the whole family… i just love them all so much! The group chat between the guys is EVERYTHING, and the fact that Sorren has been trying to get kicked out of it since it started has me rolling! I teared up, i gasped several times, I laughed so hard… and I absolutely refused to tear my eyes from this book today, that’s when you know it’s an amazing read!

WAY too many amazing quotes I loved, so I will leave you with two of my faves:

“That’s what makes you blush? All the filthy things I said to you, did to you, and that’s what gets you?”

“He’s my Otto.”

[Brooke Mcwhirter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved getting to know Otto & Fallon.

A sweet high-school romance that didn't have time to flourish, gets its second chance.

Clementine Creek is a quaint small town where we're introduced to the Thayer family.
Unlike Back in the Country - I felt HITC was more seamless in the way it was presented.
I love the relationship that Fallon and Tanner share with their boys best interest at heart. I was also patiently waiting for the ball drop that Tanner kept suggesting she tell Otto.. I really loved the "twist" - I've never read anything like it before and I found it well placed and well built up.

Anyone who knows me, knows that as soon as a loveable kid comes into the mix, I swoon so hard - I looooooved how Otto fell head over heels for Briggs... I can't even describe how much I loved this!

And of course, the Thayer family in itself, Otto's talk with Mama just tied everything together. Perfect little happily ever after was locked in but the epilogue truly was *chefs kiss*

Thanks to Alexandra for the ARC I exchange for an honest review!

[Kims.reading.nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

All I can say is OTTO 😍😍 We've seen him as one of the cheeky twins in the first 2 books of the series but as a man going after who he wants? Perfection!

I loved getting to see him reconnect with his high school love Fallon and the healthy dynamics he displayed re her co-parenting son Briggs with her ex Tanner. The whole thing screamed alpha and dominant BUT also healthy relationship boundaries & communication and I had no idea how much I needed it!

The found family aspect of this series is my absolute favourite and Otto & Fallon took this to another level and expanded their tribe in the most validating way ❤ Can't wait to read the next in the series, Out in the Country, a bonus novella featuring best friends turned lovers Everett & Hunter!

[Abby Burch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Home in the Country by Alexandra Hale
Rating: 4.5⭐️
Release date: Out now!

I admire Alexandra so much. She’s one of the kindest and most generous indie authors on Instagram. So when she picked me for her ARC team for this book, I was so excited!

Home in the Country is the third book in the Clementine Creek series. They’re based in a tiny town in Tennessee and are full of heart and family.

I did not get a chance to read the first two in the series before jumping into this one — and that’s totally on me, because they’ve been on my TBR for literally forever — so although they’re interconnected standalones, I think reading the first two would have been really helpful. There are a lot of characters and they’re all connected in multiple ways, so it was a little confusing for me at times. However, I didn’t deduct from my rating for that because, again, that’s on me lol.

Otto and Fallon are perfect for you if you like:
• Small town
• Second chance
• He falls first
• Single mom
• Found family

Thank you Alexandra for the chance to read and review your book, and congratulations on publishing Home in the Country!! Love you, my friend! ❤️

[Preet K · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 Stars

*pterodactyl noises*
We hit the ground running with Otto and Fallon and let me tell y’all that I love it! These two have chemistry from the first page till the last and yes.

Otto!! This man!! I’m living for all of the men interactions in this book and the groupchat. WE LOVE TO SEE IT.
Fallon! I admire her strength to be a single mom and try to raise her son. I enjoyed the female friendships and the family aspect. Everyone stepped up and came to her aid. I just love this series and this family. Eagerly anticipating more! X

Thank you to @authoralexandrahale for an ARC copy of the book!

Catch this amazing third installment of the Clementine Creek series on Kindle and Kindle Unlimited on March 14!

[Jaimie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this story and all the characters. This is my second read by Alexandra and she is amazing at writing small town romance that will pull on your heartstrings.

Otto and Fallon have such a great second chance story in this book. Add in her sweet son Riggs and you have so much goodness.
The relationship they all end up having is so endearing and lovely!

There is a lot of push and pull in this book and it make for a great story.
I can't wait to read what comes next in Clemintine Creek!

[Jennifer💜 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by Alexandra Hale and I absolutely loved it! A small town romance and family is everything in this book. I had chills at the end. I will read more by her! Definitely recommend

[Books N Coffee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I begin?! I love Otto and Fallon’s story. I laughed, I cried happy tears, I got frustrated with Fallon, and I smiled so big my cheeks hurt!!! This small town, single mom, second chance romance is both sweet and spicy. 🌶️❤️‍🔥

First of all, I love when the man falls and falls hard. Otto knows how to love and show his love for his family, both blood and chosen. He fell for Fallon when they were just kids and finally got his chance with her only to have it ripped away and never knew why. To say he was a little miffed when he saw her again may be an understatement.

Fallon is a little skittish but is also drawn to the man she left behind. She wants him, needs him, but just got divorced and isn’t looking to complicate her life anymore than it already is. She has an adorable five year old boy and an ex-husband moving to town so they can coparent. She wants Otto in her life. She just needs to figure out how it will all work out and luckily, Clementine Creek shows up and supports each other!

The family Alexandra created is everything. These people love and support each other with their entire being. They have each other’s backs and they accept each other as they are. The guys are hilarious in their group texts. I was laughing so hard at times. Thankfully they are so family focused we get to see our favorites from her other books in each new one. I can’t wait to read more from Alexandra and see how this family grows!!

[Onceupona.spine · Rating 5 out of 5]

|| ARC B O O K R E V I E W 📝        
        
𝔹𝕠𝕠𝕜 𝕋𝕚𝕥𝕝𝕖: Home in the Country    
𝔸𝕦𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕣: Alexandra Hale       
𝔾𝕖𝕟𝕣𝕖: Romance        
        
𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐬:        
This is the perfect "𝘖𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘨𝘰𝘵 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘺" second chance romance that I just couldn't put down. 
 
Otto was the perfect combination of sexy and sweet, dirty talker and gentlemen, Which is exactly how I like my Hero's. He was also refreshingly honest about his feelings towards Fallon which made this a very low angst read and the 𝘗𝘌𝘙𝘍𝘙𝘊𝘛 heart happy romance. 
 
These two have chemistry that sparks right off the page, I loved every second of these two and their journey back to one another.  
I have loved this whole series so far with all it's small town, swoony goodness but I think Otto & Fallon has become my new favourite.  
𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐄𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠!!!!! Pure love story magic. 
Highly recommend. 
 
 
* 𝘏𝘶𝘨𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘮 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘺 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦. 
      
𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐎𝐟:       
• Contemporary Romance     
• Steamy Reads    
• Small Town Romances     
• Second Chance Romances  
• Childhood Sweethearts  
• Single Mother Romances     
        
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠:         
𝘌𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘖𝘧 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘥: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️      
𝘘𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘖𝘧 𝘞𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️       
𝘗𝘭𝘰𝘵: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️      
𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️      
𝘚𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘮 𝘓𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭: 🔥🔥🔥   
  
************  
𝘖𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘭: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️      
       

[Nicki | justamomandherbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Otto is a hard not to love golden retriever of a man, relationships? They don’t exist. Despite what he says, he’s still hung up on her. Fallon is facing so many life changes and now that she’s back in Clementine Creek with her son she doesn’t have the time to deal with him.

Wow, ok. If you want a true “the one that got away” read, you’ll want to add this one to your TBR.

This book hurt my soul for the main fact that Otto is happy go lucky throughout the series and in this book we see another side of him. Who he truly is, what he’s hiding from everyone, and what he’s refused to let go of. But even with that, we have a man who has a heart of absolute gold and reading his story was such an experience.

Fallon has walls, which is always frustrating (in the best way) as a reader. We get to see her learn to trust, learn that while mom guilt is so real it’s ok to take time for herself, and that it’s ok to build a new life, while still holding on to remnants of the past.

The way Fallon grounds Otto and his rambunctious ways, and Otto gets Fallon to live life outside of her comfort zone, is just all around something everyone should experience.

[Adrianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book three in the clementine creak series can be read as a stand alone but this is one series I highly recommend getting all the backstory it just adds to the interactions so much more. This small town family is one of my all time favorites. I love everything about this family and their willingness to do whatever it takes to support each other. Their group chats had me laughing out loud. Poor Sorren.

Can we talk about the Sweetgum reference. 😍😍😍

I was so excited to read Ottos story, his go with the flow, funny guy that I am not surprised was sort of masking his hurt. The second Chance aspect of this was slightly different but wonderful. His willingness to sacrifice his happiness for others, and his whole heart love and devotion fit perfectly.

I’m so happy we get to see past couples and friendships grow and grow in each book and I can not wait for the next.

[Macey (spoilers!) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 out of 5 matching shirts ⭐️

🟠 She went radio silent on his ass
-- hmm I'm not sure if this is a valid take but I don't want to believe that she went radio silent on him for more than a year and then forgot about his ass and had a baby with the first stranger she slept with. The plot is not plotting for me I guess. But in the end I just learned to accept it. It helps that they seem to have a very brief relationship before the shit hit the fan
❓ Fuck buddy not fun buddy
-- I don't know what time feel about her insisting on having a friends with benefits relationship with him when he's still full on in love with her. She didn't ask him how he feels about what happened with them years ago. And he just went with it when he knew he's the one who's going to get hurt the most in the process. Bro went kamikaze mode.
🟠 We got a joker here
-- I'm all for single parent romance, not much about second chance romance though. Anyway, I know that she's thinking about her son with every decision she makes but I don't like that she seems to disregard his feelings every time she talks. I'm not sure if maybe she's just an awkward person or something but I kinda feel for him when he was so ready to be with her but she still thinks of him like his feelings are not important as well. When he said "You're never going to want me as much as I want you" and she said "You don't know that". WE KNOW GIRL! WE KNOW! Cause you already are being lowkey hurtful with you deciding what you think he wants and what you think is the only way to do whatever that is between you two.
🟢 5 out of 5 alison stars
-- I'm a simple girl. You put a Taylor Swift song or reference in your book and I'm immediately down bad 🎀
🟢 "He's my Otto"
-- DEAD. I'm dead. Cause wtf? How do you expect me to live after Briggs say that during Father's Luncheon Day? My ass is about to cry.
🔴 Ex-what?
-- I like Tanner. Really. I like that he's there for both Briggs and Fallon even though they're not in love with each other. However, my qualms is how they handled the Fallon-Otto relationship with regard to this. Why did she have to treat Tanner going home like that? Her being 100% transparent to Otto about Tanner's arrival is her making it seem like Tanner is a threat to their relationship. She should have been honest and forthcoming with these info so he wouldn't feel any insecurity. I mean could you blame the guy for feeling insecure? Tanner was THE ex-husband and father. Meanwhile he was just the guy she had a short relationship with years ago. He doesn't only feel insecure about his relationship with Fallon but also with Briggs.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Otto Thayer had a crush on Fallon Jones throughout high school, so when they finally hooked up during his freshman year of college, he thought all his dreams were coming true. Unfortunately, it wasn't meant to be; she broke his heart when she ghosted him afterwards, and he's been a player ever since - or at least pretending to be. Years later, a recently divorced Fallon has decided to move back to their hometown of Clementine Creek with her 5-year-old son, Briggs. It doesn't take long for her to reconnect with her old friends Marlee and Cheyenne, who convince her to go out with them one night. She runs into Otto and impulsively invites him to spend the night together; against his better judgment, he agrees. Even though he swears it will only happen one time, it quickly turns into a not-quite-friends with benefits arrangement. The problem is that Otto has never really gotten over Fallon, and he fears that he's destined to get hurt - especially after he meets her adorable son. With everything that's already on her plate, Fallon is sure that she can't handle a serious relationship, but maybe there's a way for Otto to show her that he can help carry her burdens, not add to them.

I'm not sure I have the words to express how happy this story made me. Otto is one of the best book boyfriends I've come across in quite some time, and the way he cared for Fallon and Briggs made me melt over and over again. I loved that he was so good at anticipating Fallon's needs and was ready when she finally admitted that she was overwhelmed. He was so sweet and thoughtful, and I appreciated that he wasn't shy about telling her what he wanted from the relationship. It would have been easy for him to just jump back into bed with her, but instead he asked for what he wanted and waited until she was ready.

Otto's relationship with Fallon's son Briggs was also super cute. I especially appreciated Otto's efforts to be a part of Briggs's life without overstepping or trying to replace his father, Tanner, who was actually a great guy. The bromance that developed between Otto and Tanner was fantastic for many reasons, not least of which was that it seemed like Tanner really needed a friend. I'd love for him to get a story of his own in the future (and not just because I want more of Tanner and Otto's hilarious antics).

I highly recommend "Home in the Country" for all contemporary romance fans and can't wait for the next book in the series.

*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Confessions of a Bookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You're my 'it' girl. The one that got away, the one I almost lost again, and dammit, I just want to keep you and Briggs and do this thing right."

Good gracious....Otto has a way with the words....that's for sure! I was so excited to go back to Alexandra's Clementine Creek series with this book and she is now three for three with it! I know when I go into one of her books I am in for 101% heartfelt goodness!!!

Otto and Fallon are getting a second chance at love. Otto has never forgotten her or stopped loving her. Fallon has had to maneuver a few obstacles since leaving town abruptly without a word. Now years later she is back trying to adjust to her new life as a recently divorced single mom. It isn't long before she is face to face with Otto making life even more complicated.

There were so many scenarios in this book that could have been dramatically written but Alexandra being Alexandra....they were beautifully written. This story just keeps your heart feeling warm the entire time you read it. Between Otto and Fallon's little boy, the group text threads with the Thayer boys, and the way the ladies embraced Fallon after welcoming her home. Add into that Fallon's ex-husband moves to town so they can co-parent and even that is 99% drama free. Ms. Hale can do no wrong in her writing!

Otto is one determined man with magnificent self restraint....I absolutely LOVED that about him. Who he is behind closed doors was simply delicious. That Fallon is one lucky lady!!!! Alexandra has termed him a cinnamon role H and IS HE EVER! I swear he is the squishiest on the inside...just absolutely adorable. He and Fallon together makes perfect sense and the love between them is scorchin'! Next up....Otto's twin brother Case and I cannot wait!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well hello there Otto, somehow I knew you were going to be a true cinnamon roll amazing guy.

Otto comes across as the carefree, jokester of the family, but that isn’t really who he is. See years ago he gave his heart to one girl who was his forever girl, then one day she was gone. She left with no note or call. No goodbye. Otto became the man everyone thought that he was to survive and promised himself he would never give his heart to another woman.

Fallon has come back home after leaving last minute. With a son with her and a divorce behind her, she is going to try and move on. She knows that confronting the one man she left behind is going to be impossible, but she is hoping with time he has healed. Problem is, their first meeting she realizes that she hurt him more than she even realized. The problem is the heart wants who it wants and neither of them are sure they can risk it again.

Alexandra gives us yet another amazing Thayer brother story where we fall in love with the whole family, I still see you Waylon, and anticipate who is next. Otto always gave me the vibe of being protective and fun loving and he really is, but there is so much more depth to him. We get to finally meet the girl that walked away, and Fallon was truly his perfect equal. She comes with an adorable son. As the flames grow you have to love when you witness a man put his ego aside and go for what he truly wants. Knowing that this time it might truly break him, he wants his always girl back, but is Fallon ready for that?

[Ashley Lutz · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
𝑺𝒑𝒊𝒄𝒆: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆 𝑫𝒂𝒕𝒆: March 14, 2023
ARC REVIEW

Home in the Country is book 3 in the Clementine Creek series. This is a sweet romance, but definitely has some spice to it!! It is a second chance romance, with a single mom, and a cinnamon roll her.

Otto is the ultimate cinnamon roll hero. He stops to help a car with a flat tire on his way home, but soon realizes this might be a mistake when he comes face to face with his first love Fallon. Fallon is finding her way as a single mom who is recently divorced. She’s on her way back to her hometown with her sweet son Briggs, but hits a snag with a flat tire close to home. She is thankful a civilian has come to help her until she’s looking straight into the eyes of her first love, Otto. Briggs, wins Otto’s heart over from the start. Otto struggles to decide if he can take another chance on Fallon. It’s been years, but his heart has never healed from Fallon leaving. Fallon wants to love again, but has to consider her sweet Briggs in the process. Can these two get past their history and mistakes?

I LOVE the Clementine Creek series. I highly recommend reading them in order, but it is not necessary. I love catching up on the characters from earlier books. Alexandra Hale is a talented writer who has you falling in love with this small town and all its characters!!

[Alexandra Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, Otto. Let me tell you, Otto is the biggest, sweetest, gooeyist cinnamon roll you’ll find. Well, until you know what is on the table and watch out. He’s commanding, r0ugh, passionate, and even though Fallon needs time to adjust to returning to her hometown a single mom, she can’t get enough of that side of him. But he isn’t interested in being her toy. He’s loved her too long to have her in his arms, and she still not be his. Now that she’s re-entered his life unexpectedly, his new mission is to prove that he can help ease her busy life, not complicate it. The gestures and ways he supports her and her son Briggs will melt you like icing on a very, very hot cinnamon roll.

Sweet Otto is my favorite. The other side of him was so contrasting it was a little much for this sweet romance girl, but this story was the best. IT.HAS.IT.ALL!!!!!!!!

💬 Hilarious group texts that made me LOL
🌸 Adorable, swoony gestures
💗 Sweet Otto
🔗 Strong family connections
💘 Deep rooted, unconditional love
🌟 Supportive, can’t-live-without friend groups
🫶🏻 Acceptance
📌 On-point advice from small town elders
💗 Did I mention sweet Otto? 🫠

I highly recommend this book for the sheer adorableness of the story, and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series! And if you like your fictional men as naughty as they are sweet, you’ll love this book! 🥵

[Ayu · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝑰’𝒎 𝒉𝒐𝒎𝒆. 𝑴𝒚 𝒇𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒚 𝒊𝒔 𝒉𝒐𝒎𝒆. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒚 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒔 𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒎𝒆 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑰 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝑰 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒆.

Read this if you like :
🤍Second chance
🤍Single mom
🤍It’s always been you
🤍Small town

Omg this series just getting better every books and I have to say this is my favorite as second chance is my jam and I just love Briggs ugh he’s so adorable!

Freshly divorce, Fallon back to Clementine Creek with her son, Briggs and she met with her old love, Otto, at her first day there. She left him due to some reason and they didn’t end with good term. She has got a lot on her plate and relationship with Otto is not what she wants. But as Otto trying to prove that he can be count on, the love starts to bloom.

Otto is the epitome of real cinnamon roll because the way he always have a thing for Fallon and never stop loving her is just freaking beautiful. His love for her never fade and he fall for her son Briggs even harder. I love his determination to make Fallon fall for him again, and his efforts are everything. I love the bromance chat, the girls and their help with Fallon, I love how they support each other and gosh I can’t find single flaw in this book.

I laughed, I sobbed, I fall in love with every characters, and they make me want to live there surrounded by them. I read it in one sitting and I can’t wait to continue this series!

4.5 / 5 ⭐️

[Marian. · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐ 3.5

This story started a little huh? For me, I didn't really like Fallon as FMC, I understand his point because yes, that should not be underestimated but his way of treating Otto was not for me, instead Otto was a sweetheart, he was my favorite of the twins and I liked seeing his story and how he got his happy ending, besides how he was with Briggs? (Fallon's son) here I feel that Otto grew a lot and had his ideas well placed where they had to be, I really liked that the Thayer family along with the other girls will show solidarity with Fallon, it was a good read apart from the FMC part.

Thanks to Alexandra Hale & The Author Agency for the ebook copy in exchange for my honest review 📚!!

________________

Esta historia empezó un poquito eh? para mi, Fallon no me terminó de gustar como FMC, entiendo su punto porque si, no hay que menospreciar eso pero su manera de tratar a Otto no fue para mí, en cambio Otto fue un amor, de los gemelos el era mi favorito y ver su historia y cómo consiguió su final feliz me gusto, además de como era con Briggs? (el hijo de Fallon) acá siento que Otto creció muchísimo y tenía sus ideas bien puestas en donde tenían que estar, me gusto mucho que la familia Thayer junto con las demás chicas se mostrarán en solidaridad con Fallon, fue una buena lectura quitando lo de la protagonista.