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Heartlanders #4
Things I Read About
I was never supposed to see him again. And my family just hired him as my personal bodyguard...
Sally Canton wanted one week. Just one week where she was not, well, herself. Not the quirky kid sister. Not the smart sidekick. Not the baby of the Canton family (as in the massive greeting card empire, Canton International.) One last Spring Break as the main character in her own story. Bold, flirty, carefree.
And she got that week. Complete with the dark, mysterious, tattooed man of her dreams.
Nate Brenner was her fantasy hero come to life. With him, she felt like a true heroine from all her favorite books...but it was a ruse that was too exhausting to keep up. When the trip ended, she left him with just her memory. No phone number or email address, not even a last name. They’d never meet again.
Which is why the sight of him at a family event—assigned as her security detail—is enough to make her pass out. And Nate? Well, he is all business now. He has one protect the spoiled little rich girl who lied to him and disappeared into thin air. End of story.
This standalone novel is a smart, steamy, full-length contemporary romance. Prepare for hilarious dialogue, unruly goats, a very stupid Smart Home, a swoony happily ever after, and a sisters group text thread you’ll wish you could join!
Sally Canton wanted one week. Just one week where she was not, well, herself. Not the quirky kid sister. Not the smart sidekick. Not the baby of the Canton family (as in the massive greeting card empire, Canton International.) One last Spring Break as the main character in her own story. Bold, flirty, carefree.
And she got that week. Complete with the dark, mysterious, tattooed man of her dreams.
Nate Brenner was her fantasy hero come to life. With him, she felt like a true heroine from all her favorite books...but it was a ruse that was too exhausting to keep up. When the trip ended, she left him with just her memory. No phone number or email address, not even a last name. They’d never meet again.
Which is why the sight of him at a family event—assigned as her security detail—is enough to make her pass out. And Nate? Well, he is all business now. He has one protect the spoiled little rich girl who lied to him and disappeared into thin air. End of story.
This standalone novel is a smart, steamy, full-length contemporary romance. Prepare for hilarious dialogue, unruly goats, a very stupid Smart Home, a swoony happily ever after, and a sisters group text thread you’ll wish you could join!
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 23, 2023
230 people are currently reading
632 people want to read
About the author
Kelsey Humphreys
12 books241 followers“If you don’t laugh out loud or get choked up, I’ve failed.” After tens of millions of video views, comedian Kelsey Humphreys has captured her hilarious, heart-warming characters in book form. Her steamy stories dig into deep truths about love, identity, purpose and family. When she’s not writing romance or creating comedy videos, she is reading, running, mom-ming and wife-ing in Oklahoma. She also writes fantasy romance under the pen name Kay Humphreys.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
June 26, 2023
4.75 🌟
You know the books that never bore you while reading and put a smile on your face? Yeah, this was one of those.
From the beginning itself I was in awe of characterisation. Every character had flaws and were realistic nevertheless they steal your heart. I never thought I’ll love ‘Canton 5’ Aka Sally Canton this much. She was a joy to read and I loved her journey and character growth.
I loved Nate Brenner more in the second half. He was this grumpy, moody, mysterious and tortured hero who loves to act like he doesn’t care about Sally but secretly is obsessed with her.
I loved how he protected and defended her. And his bromance with Shepp was the highlight of the this book. God, I loved the last part so much.
This Canton Family is real and awesome. I can’t wait to read more from them.
—second chance.
—bodyguard romance.
— fantastic familial bonds, friendship, bromance and humour m.
—grovelling.
Safety- heroine kinda casually dates another man during separation. But nothing serious happens.
Hero celibate.
Recommend this whole series but could be read as standalone.
I received an advance review copy and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
You know the books that never bore you while reading and put a smile on your face? Yeah, this was one of those.
From the beginning itself I was in awe of characterisation. Every character had flaws and were realistic nevertheless they steal your heart. I never thought I’ll love ‘Canton 5’ Aka Sally Canton this much. She was a joy to read and I loved her journey and character growth.
I loved Nate Brenner more in the second half. He was this grumpy, moody, mysterious and tortured hero who loves to act like he doesn’t care about Sally but secretly is obsessed with her.
I loved how he protected and defended her. And his bromance with Shepp was the highlight of the this book. God, I loved the last part so much.
This Canton Family is real and awesome. I can’t wait to read more from them.
—second chance.
—bodyguard romance.
— fantastic familial bonds, friendship, bromance and humour m.
—grovelling.
Safety- heroine kinda casually dates another man during separation. But nothing serious happens.
Hero celibate.
Recommend this whole series but could be read as standalone.
I received an advance review copy and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
July 30, 2023
A beautiful grumpy bodyguard contemporary romance with a big meddling family!!
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 24, 2023
I gave this book 3.5 stars.
I really enjoyed this book. I don’t usually like the bodyguard trope but I thought it was really well done in this case.
I loved the family dynamic amongst the Cantons and I loved how each couple was incorporated into the story.
I loved Nate. He gave me all the feels and I loved how grumpy he was at her. I would have loved to see him grovel a little bit more though. The grand gestures were so sweet however.
One think I would recommend to the writer is to do some research on Black hairstyles. She wrote that the twins had dyed their braids but that’s not how black people get coloured braids. I wish the representation there was accurate.
Overall I would recommend this book and I did enjoy reading it, so much so that I got through it in a day!
Thank you to Kelsey Humphreys for sending me this advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really enjoyed this book. I don’t usually like the bodyguard trope but I thought it was really well done in this case.
I loved the family dynamic amongst the Cantons and I loved how each couple was incorporated into the story.
I loved Nate. He gave me all the feels and I loved how grumpy he was at her. I would have loved to see him grovel a little bit more though. The grand gestures were so sweet however.
One think I would recommend to the writer is to do some research on Black hairstyles. She wrote that the twins had dyed their braids but that’s not how black people get coloured braids. I wish the representation there was accurate.
Overall I would recommend this book and I did enjoy reading it, so much so that I got through it in a day!
Thank you to Kelsey Humphreys for sending me this advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 11, 2023
Rating: 4,5 stars ⭐️
Tropes:
forced proximity 🏠
second chance ✨
enemies to lovers 💋
grumpy x sunshine ☀️
slow burn 🔥
I just really love reading about the Canton sisters, they have such a strong bond and I was so happy to receive this arc for Things I Read About!
I’ve read almost every book in this series and this story made me feel a lot, it was really fun and emotional.
I would definitely recommend the Heartlanders series! ❤️
It starts with Sally, she planned a getaway for her sisters to a ski resort. After that, her friends came to enjoy a few days there and on a night out she saw Nate. Sally was attracted from the start and asked him out on a date. They had a strong connection and had a fling together but then she suddenly needed to leave. Sally thought that they would never see each other, until he became her bodygaurd..
Nate is so a protective towards her and I loved the slow burn aspect about their relationship. 🔥
Thank you to Booksirens, Kelsey Humphreys and the publisher for providing me with this copy. All opinions are my own.
Tropes:
forced proximity 🏠
second chance ✨
enemies to lovers 💋
grumpy x sunshine ☀️
slow burn 🔥
I just really love reading about the Canton sisters, they have such a strong bond and I was so happy to receive this arc for Things I Read About!
I’ve read almost every book in this series and this story made me feel a lot, it was really fun and emotional.
I would definitely recommend the Heartlanders series! ❤️
It starts with Sally, she planned a getaway for her sisters to a ski resort. After that, her friends came to enjoy a few days there and on a night out she saw Nate. Sally was attracted from the start and asked him out on a date. They had a strong connection and had a fling together but then she suddenly needed to leave. Sally thought that they would never see each other, until he became her bodygaurd..
Nate is so a protective towards her and I loved the slow burn aspect about their relationship. 🔥
Thank you to Booksirens, Kelsey Humphreys and the publisher for providing me with this copy. All opinions are my own.
May 25, 2023
Book 3 in the Heartlanders series gave me my favourite Canton sister, and Things I Read About gave me my favourite MMC. Heartlander fans, be prepared to meet youngest Canton sister, Sally Canton, and brooding hottie with a marshmallow center, Nate Brenner - insert heart eyes-.
Firstly, let me say that when Kelsey Humphreys said that this book is for all the people-pleasers, she meant it. I related so much to Sally. The youngest of the Canton sisters, and still a child when their mother passed away, Sally felt that everyone’s happiness was contingent on her appearing to be happy. This meant saying yes when she didn’t really want to, saying she liked things when she didn’t, and always keeping her opinions to herself. What no one in the Canton family realises is that 1. Beyond Sally’s overachieving natural abilities, lies opinions and emotions that are very different to her siblings, and 2. Sally would REALLY love the opportunity to define herself… Which she does on a “last hoorah” ski trip before she’s off to med school. What Sally didn’t plan for was the attraction she had to the brooding and silent Nate.
Further to that, what she especially didn’t plan for is that, after a last minute quick exit at the resort, she’d see him 6 months after their whirlwind fling, and that he’d be assigned to her as her personal bodyguard. Yikes!
This book hold so much romance, comedy, action and drama. There’s Sally’s attempt to understand herself and who she is without the weight of her sisters’ expectations on her shoulders. There’s her complex attraction to Nate, and his complex feelings for her. There’s the GRIPPING storyline of the stalker who’s threatening the Canton family. More than anything, there’s Sally and Nate trying to figure out how they feel about each other, when their worlds feel drastically different, yet the same. And so…. much… more… I had to finish this book within a day. My soul would not let me put it down.
As with all the other Heartlander books, Kelsey Humphreys conveys the complex emotions of her characters in a way that has you feeling all the feels. In addition, I felt she took all the best parts of the previous MMCs and mashed them into Nate. I have NEVER been this attracted to an MMC in this series before. I spent the entire book rooting for Sally and Nate (as individuals and as a potential couple) and wanting them to find love and happiness. At this point, I can’t imagine this series coming to an end because I feel like a member of the family.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you BookSirens!
Firstly, let me say that when Kelsey Humphreys said that this book is for all the people-pleasers, she meant it. I related so much to Sally. The youngest of the Canton sisters, and still a child when their mother passed away, Sally felt that everyone’s happiness was contingent on her appearing to be happy. This meant saying yes when she didn’t really want to, saying she liked things when she didn’t, and always keeping her opinions to herself. What no one in the Canton family realises is that 1. Beyond Sally’s overachieving natural abilities, lies opinions and emotions that are very different to her siblings, and 2. Sally would REALLY love the opportunity to define herself… Which she does on a “last hoorah” ski trip before she’s off to med school. What Sally didn’t plan for was the attraction she had to the brooding and silent Nate.
Further to that, what she especially didn’t plan for is that, after a last minute quick exit at the resort, she’d see him 6 months after their whirlwind fling, and that he’d be assigned to her as her personal bodyguard. Yikes!
This book hold so much romance, comedy, action and drama. There’s Sally’s attempt to understand herself and who she is without the weight of her sisters’ expectations on her shoulders. There’s her complex attraction to Nate, and his complex feelings for her. There’s the GRIPPING storyline of the stalker who’s threatening the Canton family. More than anything, there’s Sally and Nate trying to figure out how they feel about each other, when their worlds feel drastically different, yet the same. And so…. much… more… I had to finish this book within a day. My soul would not let me put it down.
As with all the other Heartlander books, Kelsey Humphreys conveys the complex emotions of her characters in a way that has you feeling all the feels. In addition, I felt she took all the best parts of the previous MMCs and mashed them into Nate. I have NEVER been this attracted to an MMC in this series before. I spent the entire book rooting for Sally and Nate (as individuals and as a potential couple) and wanting them to find love and happiness. At this point, I can’t imagine this series coming to an end because I feel like a member of the family.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you BookSirens!
June 22, 2023
I haven’t read the first three books in this series, but when I saw this book and found out it could be read as a standalone, I knew I needed to try it out.
To be fair, it could be read as a standalone. The book’s main focus is on Sally and Nate getting together, and that both gets introduced and concludes within this book.
But every other detail… might be confusing if you haven’t read the first three books.
To begin with, Sally has a large family, and each of her sisters’ names all start with S. We also get introduced early on to each of the sisters’ husbands and multiple other people in their family, which is an overwhelming number of characters for a new reader to get introduced to! I’m still not 100% sure the main character of this book is named Sally!
The plot follows Sally and her family as they go on vacation to a ski resort, where Sally sees Nate from across the bar. She approaches him, and they have a nice few days together before Sally has to leave unexpectedly. Since the two don’t exchange phone numbers or social media handles or anything, Sally assumes she’ll never see Nate again.
Until her family hires a bodyguard for her after a threat, and Sally finds out her bodyguard is Nate.
To be honest, I’m still not sure what this threat is, either. We don’t really get any details into how the family knows there is a threat, what the threat is, where it is, etc. I assume this is something readers who have read the first three books in the series will know more about, but as someone hopping into the series with this book, absolutely nothing was described to me, to the point where I wasn’t even sure this threat existed in the first place!
I enjoyed the writing style and humor in this book, but I felt like the plot could have used a bit more work. Each of the characters were simultaneously enjoyable and forgettable, and I’m sure I’m not going to be thinking about this book after this review.
To be fair, it could be read as a standalone. The book’s main focus is on Sally and Nate getting together, and that both gets introduced and concludes within this book.
But every other detail… might be confusing if you haven’t read the first three books.
To begin with, Sally has a large family, and each of her sisters’ names all start with S. We also get introduced early on to each of the sisters’ husbands and multiple other people in their family, which is an overwhelming number of characters for a new reader to get introduced to! I’m still not 100% sure the main character of this book is named Sally!
The plot follows Sally and her family as they go on vacation to a ski resort, where Sally sees Nate from across the bar. She approaches him, and they have a nice few days together before Sally has to leave unexpectedly. Since the two don’t exchange phone numbers or social media handles or anything, Sally assumes she’ll never see Nate again.
Until her family hires a bodyguard for her after a threat, and Sally finds out her bodyguard is Nate.
To be honest, I’m still not sure what this threat is, either. We don’t really get any details into how the family knows there is a threat, what the threat is, where it is, etc. I assume this is something readers who have read the first three books in the series will know more about, but as someone hopping into the series with this book, absolutely nothing was described to me, to the point where I wasn’t even sure this threat existed in the first place!
I enjoyed the writing style and humor in this book, but I felt like the plot could have used a bit more work. Each of the characters were simultaneously enjoyable and forgettable, and I’m sure I’m not going to be thinking about this book after this review.
June 23, 2023
I received a free ARC of this book. I downloaded it at 12pm and I didn’t stop until I finished it at 3:30pm!!!! I laughed-and when I say laughed, I mean OUT LOUD! It was a good thing I was home alone! I cried and just wanted to give Sally all the hugs (I’m so NOT a hugger). I wanted to knock sense into some of them!
Sally’s whole internal monologue kept the story flowing and it was such an amazing way for her to connect with Nate!
There were a few plot points I didn’t feel were addressed enough, but they didn’t pull me out of the overall summary!
Kelsey did it again and I’m ready to read this one again! Find your main character energy!
On pins and needles waiting for Susan’s book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Sally’s whole internal monologue kept the story flowing and it was such an amazing way for her to connect with Nate!
There were a few plot points I didn’t feel were addressed enough, but they didn’t pull me out of the overall summary!
Kelsey did it again and I’m ready to read this one again! Find your main character energy!
On pins and needles waiting for Susan’s book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 1, 2023
Sally brings Main Character energy:)
BodyGuard Romance
One Night Stand
Forced Proximity
🚨TW: Gun Violence
This book was about Sally, the baby sister of the Canton Girls. I didn’t really know what to expect because she isn’t really mentioned as much as the others in the previous books. I ended relating to Sally more than any of the sister though. She is the one who blends in and agrees with everything so no one ever has to worry about her. This book was her ‘main character’ moment so it’s kind of fitting that she wasn’t mentioned much in the previous books. I liked this couple a lot. Sally and Nate. They were less toxic than the previous couples. They had their own personal issues but they never said anything to cut down the other. I liked that. They’re both literal heroes and terrible with animals and I love it.
My favorite part was the end with Sally realizing her dream all on her own. I loved that Nate pushed her to try but I loved that Sally ultimately knew exactly what she wanted without anyone telling her what to do.
All these books are standalones but there are a lot of little callbacks that won’t be as appreciated if don’t read them all. They refer to Cool Runnings and Runaway Bride (make sure YOU know how YOU like yours eggs) a few times in multiple books and I really love it tbh. They’re a pretty great group of sisters. This book also highlighted how great the husbands are also super great. Shep is still my fav though. 🥰
I read this whole series to get to Book 5 which I have as an ARC. It’s about one of the Canton sisters cousin and one of the cousins ex fiancé. Fun fun! Can’t wait:) I do hope there is a future book about Susan, the oldest sister, though!
BodyGuard Romance
One Night Stand
Forced Proximity
🚨TW: Gun Violence
This book was about Sally, the baby sister of the Canton Girls. I didn’t really know what to expect because she isn’t really mentioned as much as the others in the previous books. I ended relating to Sally more than any of the sister though. She is the one who blends in and agrees with everything so no one ever has to worry about her. This book was her ‘main character’ moment so it’s kind of fitting that she wasn’t mentioned much in the previous books. I liked this couple a lot. Sally and Nate. They were less toxic than the previous couples. They had their own personal issues but they never said anything to cut down the other. I liked that. They’re both literal heroes and terrible with animals and I love it.
My favorite part was the end with Sally realizing her dream all on her own. I loved that Nate pushed her to try but I loved that Sally ultimately knew exactly what she wanted without anyone telling her what to do.
All these books are standalones but there are a lot of little callbacks that won’t be as appreciated if don’t read them all. They refer to Cool Runnings and Runaway Bride (make sure YOU know how YOU like yours eggs) a few times in multiple books and I really love it tbh. They’re a pretty great group of sisters. This book also highlighted how great the husbands are also super great. Shep is still my fav though. 🥰
I read this whole series to get to Book 5 which I have as an ARC. It’s about one of the Canton sisters cousin and one of the cousins ex fiancé. Fun fun! Can’t wait:) I do hope there is a future book about Susan, the oldest sister, though!
June 21, 2023
Ever had a crazy weekend away which makes you fall for the mysterious man? Only for you need a bodyguard six months later, and find out it's him?
In the book, "Things I Read About" by Kelsey Humphreys, we readers see the unorthodox love story of Nate and Sally. Sally is the youngest sister of the Cantons, so when she decides to be a different person to get the hot man at the bar, it's an interesting story. Nate is a security expert who happens to be the tall, dark, handsome and tattooed man Sally has dreamed for. While their meeting is pretty normal, we see further how strange their story gets when Sally is in need of a bodyguard. Though she hasn't seen Nate since that week, they meet again when he is here as her bodyguard.
This book explains how it is to go through life seen, yet unseen at the same time and how our past can cause issues in our future. Sally struggles to find her true self while Nate grapples with how to let himself be valuable again. This story does touch on grief of close loved ones, and mental health issues.
I loved this book so much! Sally as a character is very relatable. She is a people pleaser like me!! The way throughout the book we see her as a character grow into the woman she wants to be. Just like the main character, she reads about! Nate and his struggles are too real. Kelsey Humphreys did an amazing job writing both characters.
Thank you to Booksiren for this amazing book!
In the book, "Things I Read About" by Kelsey Humphreys, we readers see the unorthodox love story of Nate and Sally. Sally is the youngest sister of the Cantons, so when she decides to be a different person to get the hot man at the bar, it's an interesting story. Nate is a security expert who happens to be the tall, dark, handsome and tattooed man Sally has dreamed for. While their meeting is pretty normal, we see further how strange their story gets when Sally is in need of a bodyguard. Though she hasn't seen Nate since that week, they meet again when he is here as her bodyguard.
This book explains how it is to go through life seen, yet unseen at the same time and how our past can cause issues in our future. Sally struggles to find her true self while Nate grapples with how to let himself be valuable again. This story does touch on grief of close loved ones, and mental health issues.
I loved this book so much! Sally as a character is very relatable. She is a people pleaser like me!! The way throughout the book we see her as a character grow into the woman she wants to be. Just like the main character, she reads about! Nate and his struggles are too real. Kelsey Humphreys did an amazing job writing both characters.
Thank you to Booksiren for this amazing book!
October 23, 2023
I have loved all the books in this series. It amazing when you think you are going to read a simple romance rom-com with a bit of humor and instead get 5 stars stories for most of the series. It’s the story of the Canton siblings, a family that owns a greeting card empire similar to Hallmark. This story was about the youngest sister-the one that the family has fussed over ever since her mother died when she was 13. While on a girls trip she decides to throw caution to the wind and go for it with a tall, dark and tattooed man she nicknames the Assassin because he looks dangerous. They have 3 intense dates before she has to leave suddenly with no time for goodbye. Months later her family hires him to be her bodyguard when there’s a credible threat. She has no idea and faints. He gets mad and wants nothing to do with the job. Well of course he has to stay. Neither has forgotten the other and both are smitten but he is still mad that she ghosted him. It’s such a good story. And no it’s not one with sex scenes in every chapter. It’s not without them either. Just way more story than sex scenes and that’s a good thing.
I really loved the whole thing. I thought this was the last book in the series but they left it open for at least one more book. That would make me happy if that happens. I ended up sitting up all night and finishing it at 7:30 am. I literally could not stop reading. The author is an extremely good writer and has made many memorable characters to love in this series. There’s even some laugh out loud moments and the romance was very well done with major chemistry on display between the two. Huge recommendation for adult romance readers.
I really loved the whole thing. I thought this was the last book in the series but they left it open for at least one more book. That would make me happy if that happens. I ended up sitting up all night and finishing it at 7:30 am. I literally could not stop reading. The author is an extremely good writer and has made many memorable characters to love in this series. There’s even some laugh out loud moments and the romance was very well done with major chemistry on display between the two. Huge recommendation for adult romance readers.
December 4, 2023
2.5 underwhelmed ⭐️s. Such a bummer, I REALLY wanted to like this but it just annoyed the heck out of me. While the writing wasn’t terrible, the side characters were an obnoxiously large part of the plot, the tension was almost none, the “forbidden” aspect didn’t pan out, and the H/h were not sexy together.
Sally is the baby of the wealthy Canton family, 23 and doesn’t stand up for herself. She’s often smothered and treated like she’s still a kid by her large well-meaning family (despite being in med school for neurosurgery and also a piano prodigy?). On spring break vacation, she decides to get a makeover and have a good time, shirking all the insecurity and good decisions for a few days. She meets Nate, huge and tattooed, in a bar and they spend a few days getting to know each other before she has to leave suddenly and without goodbye. Six months later, she’s shocked to find he’s a bodyguard that’s been hired and assigned to her after a stalker threat to the family. They’ll be spending several weeks alone together - too bad he’s furious she wasn’t honest about who she was and disappeared.
First off, the premise was great. And I liked several things, like Sally’s spacey-ness and obsession with idioms. I’m assuming she’s mildly autistic. I also liked Nate when we first meet him. He’s mysterious, tall, dark, and silent.
If unravels from there though.
1. The sheer number of other characters we’re supposed to know right off the bat. This was listed as a standalone, but apparently there were 5 other prior stories and right in the first chapters we’re introduced to this massive family and all their significant others, plus friends and more. It is OVERWHELMING and doesn’t help that all the kids have S names. We meet or hear about Sam, Sally, Shelby, Susan, Sky, Sadie, Shep, Emerson, Matthew, Adam, Lulu, Lorelei, Buck, Jon, mom, Gran, Grandpa, Val, Mal, Janie, Kat…. Then later Dean, Fergus, Nate, Joe, Regina, Leanord, Nicole…. Then farm animals/pets Harry, Ringo, Ron, Tony Stark, Hermione, Bilbo Baggins, Han, Leia… How in the world are we expected to remember who these people are and who’s married to who, etc? My eyes were crossed trying to keep up.
2. These interactions with side characters take up soooooo much screen time. I had zero interest in her family, they were all sort of bland, interchangeable people. I didn’t care about them at all, so it was incredibly frustrating to have her spend as much time with/talking about them as with Nate it felt like. I wanted them to go away so we could see Nate and Sally together. They finally did for the middle, but were all back again for the third act.
3. There was no tension or “forbidden” aspect of the bodyguard role. His supervisors find out and don’t care, her family doesn’t care. He says he “can’t put his career in jeopardy” but it never does. And they never have to sneak around or anything.
4. His calling her “kiddo” or “kid” all the time. 🤢🤮 He does this to demean and separate her. Like you’ve seen this woman naked, why are you reducing her to a child?? C R I N G E She’s referred to as kid or kiddo around 20 times. The hilarious thing is she’s a 23 year old med student and he’s 29. Why the heck is he acting like she’s 15?!?!
5. Nate loses all mysteriousness after those initial meetings. At first I was like “cool, he’s all broody and hard to read”. But then (especially after their separation) he just got hot and cold and whiny.
6. The intimate scenes were not sexy. So bland and utterly forgettable. No tension. I’ve read better in a YA.
7. The “stalker” plot went nowhere. I was hoping for some suspense or exciting moments but there are literally none, just a random and overly dramatic, rushed scene at the end.
Overall I had high hopes for this book but I just could not get into it at all unfortunately.
Sally is the baby of the wealthy Canton family, 23 and doesn’t stand up for herself. She’s often smothered and treated like she’s still a kid by her large well-meaning family (despite being in med school for neurosurgery and also a piano prodigy?). On spring break vacation, she decides to get a makeover and have a good time, shirking all the insecurity and good decisions for a few days. She meets Nate, huge and tattooed, in a bar and they spend a few days getting to know each other before she has to leave suddenly and without goodbye. Six months later, she’s shocked to find he’s a bodyguard that’s been hired and assigned to her after a stalker threat to the family. They’ll be spending several weeks alone together - too bad he’s furious she wasn’t honest about who she was and disappeared.
First off, the premise was great. And I liked several things, like Sally’s spacey-ness and obsession with idioms. I’m assuming she’s mildly autistic. I also liked Nate when we first meet him. He’s mysterious, tall, dark, and silent.
If unravels from there though.
1. The sheer number of other characters we’re supposed to know right off the bat. This was listed as a standalone, but apparently there were 5 other prior stories and right in the first chapters we’re introduced to this massive family and all their significant others, plus friends and more. It is OVERWHELMING and doesn’t help that all the kids have S names. We meet or hear about Sam, Sally, Shelby, Susan, Sky, Sadie, Shep, Emerson, Matthew, Adam, Lulu, Lorelei, Buck, Jon, mom, Gran, Grandpa, Val, Mal, Janie, Kat…. Then later Dean, Fergus, Nate, Joe, Regina, Leanord, Nicole…. Then farm animals/pets Harry, Ringo, Ron, Tony Stark, Hermione, Bilbo Baggins, Han, Leia… How in the world are we expected to remember who these people are and who’s married to who, etc? My eyes were crossed trying to keep up.
2. These interactions with side characters take up soooooo much screen time. I had zero interest in her family, they were all sort of bland, interchangeable people. I didn’t care about them at all, so it was incredibly frustrating to have her spend as much time with/talking about them as with Nate it felt like. I wanted them to go away so we could see Nate and Sally together. They finally did for the middle, but were all back again for the third act.
3. There was no tension or “forbidden” aspect of the bodyguard role. His supervisors find out and don’t care, her family doesn’t care. He says he “can’t put his career in jeopardy” but it never does. And they never have to sneak around or anything.
4. His calling her “kiddo” or “kid” all the time. 🤢🤮 He does this to demean and separate her. Like you’ve seen this woman naked, why are you reducing her to a child?? C R I N G E She’s referred to as kid or kiddo around 20 times. The hilarious thing is she’s a 23 year old med student and he’s 29. Why the heck is he acting like she’s 15?!?!
5. Nate loses all mysteriousness after those initial meetings. At first I was like “cool, he’s all broody and hard to read”. But then (especially after their separation) he just got hot and cold and whiny.
6. The intimate scenes were not sexy. So bland and utterly forgettable. No tension. I’ve read better in a YA.
7. The “stalker” plot went nowhere. I was hoping for some suspense or exciting moments but there are literally none, just a random and overly dramatic, rushed scene at the end.
Overall I had high hopes for this book but I just could not get into it at all unfortunately.
July 4, 2023
She is the youngest sister that needs to find her identity outside of her big family. He is her vacation fling that just reappeared as her bodyguard.
Sally Canton is the youngest of five sisters that lost their mother at a young age. Their family business turned into a million dollar industry in a small amount of time leaving the family going in different directions. Sally is twenty three and brilliant just like her mom. For Spring Break, Sally asked her sisters for a skiing vacation in which they all brought their husbands. As the only single woman of the group she tries not to notice how estranged and different she feels from them. In a moment of rare bravery, Sally approaches the best looking man in a bar and introduces herself.
Nate endured trauma as a child and enlisted in the Marines when he became an adult. His time in service equipped him as he approaches thirty to be a civilian consultant for security, aka, a bodyguard. While being assigned to protect a rich person's spoiled kid on vacation, Nate meets Sally who just might be the weirdest, most intriguing woman he has ever met.
The brief time they spent together is padded with lies and unspoken truths, but neither one was able to forget the other. After an unfortunate miscommunication parting ways, the two randomly meet again months later when Nate shows up for his last assignment before a big promotion. All at once the woman he couldn't forget changed before his eyes into a liar and spoiled child of wealth. Their reunion is full of anger and false assumptions as Nate informs his boss this assignment is a conflict of interest for him.
Sally has tried to find Nate after not being able to say goodbye. She hoped to find him again one day but under different circumstances like a person threatening to harm her family. Sally is assigned to her sister's mansion with Nate until she begins Med School in a few months. Even the guy Sally is currently dating suddenly seems boring once Nate comes back into her life.
Nate convinces himself this assignment may be a challenge but it will be brief; he can remain professional. He uses his anger toward Sally to establish a boundary between them and she tries to tear it down.
Sally is hurt by how grumpy and cold Nate treats her, acting like he isn't affected by her in the least. Her solace of playing the piano and reading have lost her interest in comparison to annoying any reaction she can get from her gorgeous bodyguard. Once she realizes he isn't going to change his mind about her, she walks away brokenhearted.
For Nate, he is the last person that Sally deserves. He is the only person that truly sees her and wants to fight anyone, even her family, that doesn't appreciate her. For Sally, once she decides Nate doesn't feel the same about her she creates a distance of her own that almost breaks them both.
Dual POV, grumpy/sunshine, age gap,
bodyguard romance, very spicy.
This one was my favorite of the series. It almost got 5 stars but I wasn't a fan that Sally and Nate fought with each other for what felt like 85 percent of the book. When they are on the same page it's beautiful. In general, I struggle to enjoy stories where the MMC fights his feelings for the FMC so much that it repeatedly hurts them both. The age gap at times feels really noticeable because Nate weaponizes it. Their time as a fling was fun and flirty, but once the sloooowwwww burn and tension finally comes to the climax, it's lovely. I do love the moment Nate realizes his feelings and fights for Sally. Really sweet HEA and epilogue.
Dear future me:
Sally's oldest sister Susan is your least favorite character. I believe the author is building a potential redemption in divorce story for her and I'm not sure you will want to read it.
Sally Canton is the youngest of five sisters that lost their mother at a young age. Their family business turned into a million dollar industry in a small amount of time leaving the family going in different directions. Sally is twenty three and brilliant just like her mom. For Spring Break, Sally asked her sisters for a skiing vacation in which they all brought their husbands. As the only single woman of the group she tries not to notice how estranged and different she feels from them. In a moment of rare bravery, Sally approaches the best looking man in a bar and introduces herself.
Nate endured trauma as a child and enlisted in the Marines when he became an adult. His time in service equipped him as he approaches thirty to be a civilian consultant for security, aka, a bodyguard. While being assigned to protect a rich person's spoiled kid on vacation, Nate meets Sally who just might be the weirdest, most intriguing woman he has ever met.
The brief time they spent together is padded with lies and unspoken truths, but neither one was able to forget the other. After an unfortunate miscommunication parting ways, the two randomly meet again months later when Nate shows up for his last assignment before a big promotion. All at once the woman he couldn't forget changed before his eyes into a liar and spoiled child of wealth. Their reunion is full of anger and false assumptions as Nate informs his boss this assignment is a conflict of interest for him.
Sally has tried to find Nate after not being able to say goodbye. She hoped to find him again one day but under different circumstances like a person threatening to harm her family. Sally is assigned to her sister's mansion with Nate until she begins Med School in a few months. Even the guy Sally is currently dating suddenly seems boring once Nate comes back into her life.
Nate convinces himself this assignment may be a challenge but it will be brief; he can remain professional. He uses his anger toward Sally to establish a boundary between them and she tries to tear it down.
Sally is hurt by how grumpy and cold Nate treats her, acting like he isn't affected by her in the least. Her solace of playing the piano and reading have lost her interest in comparison to annoying any reaction she can get from her gorgeous bodyguard. Once she realizes he isn't going to change his mind about her, she walks away brokenhearted.
For Nate, he is the last person that Sally deserves. He is the only person that truly sees her and wants to fight anyone, even her family, that doesn't appreciate her. For Sally, once she decides Nate doesn't feel the same about her she creates a distance of her own that almost breaks them both.
Dual POV, grumpy/sunshine, age gap,
bodyguard romance, very spicy.
This one was my favorite of the series. It almost got 5 stars but I wasn't a fan that Sally and Nate fought with each other for what felt like 85 percent of the book. When they are on the same page it's beautiful. In general, I struggle to enjoy stories where the MMC fights his feelings for the FMC so much that it repeatedly hurts them both. The age gap at times feels really noticeable because Nate weaponizes it. Their time as a fling was fun and flirty, but once the sloooowwwww burn and tension finally comes to the climax, it's lovely. I do love the moment Nate realizes his feelings and fights for Sally. Really sweet HEA and epilogue.
Dear future me:
Sally's oldest sister Susan is your least favorite character. I believe the author is building a potential redemption in divorce story for her and I'm not sure you will want to read it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2023
Okay, sooo... I have mixed feelings. 🫣🫣🫣
First: I don't get it, for the life of me. I look past my kindle and my shelf with the pretty pastel covers and Romances, popular and (sometimes overhyped) books and I don't understand why this series is not among them and doesn't get more love. Who even reads those manuscripts??😭
Anyways. What I'm trying to say is that I love this series and the Canton family. True, I don't think I've read all the stories but somehow I feel connected to them all. They are all so... wholesome and relatable and quriky and fun and just like what someone would expect from a big family - except better. They all have their own personalities and traits and LOL moments and amazing love stories and I think all Romance (or RomCom) lovers should enjoy them.
Now, about this particular book and my feels. I love Kelsey, I loved the writing, the humor, the family shenanigans and the story, for the most part. I love the Cantons like I said, this is one series I would love to live in; I love all the sisters and the entire dynamic. Unfortunatelly though, I didn't really connect with Sally and some of her actions and interactions made me cringe and sigh. Then again, I'm a Sadie through and through and I just... couldn't get it.
Sally is the little sister of the family - brainy, a little awkward and shy, smothered by everyone's love and expectations. She always tries to fade into the background and please everyone but here, she shines (Alexa, play Rihanna's Diamonds). There's so much more to her, if only people would give her space to stand out!
But no matter, because Nate sees her - all of her. And ok don't get me started on Nate. Pretty sure he is Rhys' (Twisted Games) twin brother. (Read that again and pre-order. You're welcome). He is obvs my favorite male main character of the series and he takes up all the space. Literally. Big, tattooed, serious bodyguard but playful and dominating lover with the sweetest most protective side. He saved this book for me. And if there's ever a definition for opposites attracts, this couple is it.
All that being said, I didn't like how Sally kept throwing herself at him, chasing him over and over, sometimes literally, even when he didn't give signs of being interested. Except for when we finally got his POV and it changed everything. Because up until then it all seemed one-sided and awkward and needy and pointless. And it distracted me from the fun stuff.
I didn't feel the love and the vibe until very late in the book.
So 3.5~4 stars
But as I love this series and writing as a whole, I'm excited for the next story.
WHAT HAPPENED WITH ADAM?? WHAT HAPPENED WITH KAT??? DO WE GET A SECOND CHANCE OR A SINGLE MOM STORY NEXT??
*yes I needed to yell all that
**I received an ARC of this book from the author/BookSirens in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you!!
First: I don't get it, for the life of me. I look past my kindle and my shelf with the pretty pastel covers and Romances, popular and (sometimes overhyped) books and I don't understand why this series is not among them and doesn't get more love. Who even reads those manuscripts??😭
Anyways. What I'm trying to say is that I love this series and the Canton family. True, I don't think I've read all the stories but somehow I feel connected to them all. They are all so... wholesome and relatable and quriky and fun and just like what someone would expect from a big family - except better. They all have their own personalities and traits and LOL moments and amazing love stories and I think all Romance (or RomCom) lovers should enjoy them.
Now, about this particular book and my feels. I love Kelsey, I loved the writing, the humor, the family shenanigans and the story, for the most part. I love the Cantons like I said, this is one series I would love to live in; I love all the sisters and the entire dynamic. Unfortunatelly though, I didn't really connect with Sally and some of her actions and interactions made me cringe and sigh. Then again, I'm a Sadie through and through and I just... couldn't get it.
Sally is the little sister of the family - brainy, a little awkward and shy, smothered by everyone's love and expectations. She always tries to fade into the background and please everyone but here, she shines (Alexa, play Rihanna's Diamonds). There's so much more to her, if only people would give her space to stand out!
But no matter, because Nate sees her - all of her. And ok don't get me started on Nate. Pretty sure he is Rhys' (Twisted Games) twin brother. (Read that again and pre-order. You're welcome). He is obvs my favorite male main character of the series and he takes up all the space. Literally. Big, tattooed, serious bodyguard but playful and dominating lover with the sweetest most protective side. He saved this book for me. And if there's ever a definition for opposites attracts, this couple is it.
All that being said, I didn't like how Sally kept throwing herself at him, chasing him over and over, sometimes literally, even when he didn't give signs of being interested. Except for when we finally got his POV and it changed everything. Because up until then it all seemed one-sided and awkward and needy and pointless. And it distracted me from the fun stuff.
I didn't feel the love and the vibe until very late in the book.
So 3.5~4 stars
But as I love this series and writing as a whole, I'm excited for the next story.
WHAT HAPPENED WITH ADAM?? WHAT HAPPENED WITH KAT??? DO WE GET A SECOND CHANCE OR A SINGLE MOM STORY NEXT??
*yes I needed to yell all that
**I received an ARC of this book from the author/BookSirens in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you!!
August 21, 2023
Sally Canton is the youngest of the five Canton sisters. She was very young when their mother was killed and her sisters have always tried to make up for the loss and make sure Sally is happy. Accordingly, Sally feels responsible for never letting her sisters or father know when she isn't happy or doesn't like something. Kelsey Humphreys has one of Sally's sisters say that she is like Julia Roberts' character in the film Runaway Bride, its not that Sally doesn't know which way she likes her eggs cooked, she just doesn't want to upset anyone by telling them she doesn't like the way they make them/like them.
Somewhat of a child prodigy, Sally is following in her mother's footsteps by training to be a doctor, where she wants to specialise in neurosurgery, but she is also a talented pianist. After yet another family meeting where her father and sisters discuss her as if she were six years old instead of twenty-one years old, deciding what she can and can't do, Sally decides that this Spring Break she will act like the lead character in her own life, instead of the cute little sister or side-kick. And that includes approaching the dangerous-looking guy with all the tattoos giving off an assassin vibe, drinking at the bar in the Ski Lodge where she and her two BFFs are staying for Spring Break.
Nate Brenner is ex-military turned security consultant. When Sally approaches him in the bar he knows she's acting more sultry and sophisticated than she really is, but he's intrigued nevertheless. After a few dates and an expected night stuck on the mountain Nate and Sally spend an amazing time together, but when Sally is called home unexpectedly she decides it is better to leave without leaving Nate a note. They had a wonderful time but there's no long-term future for them, this was just am amazing fantasy escape.
Fast forward a few months and there has been a credible threat made against the Canton family, although no-one is sure of the target. Nate's firm is brought in by Emerson Clark to provide security to the Canton family and Nate just happens to have been assigned to Canton 5. Imagine Nate's horror when the woman he's been looking for ever since that weekend turns out to be yet another spoiled rich-kid princess who told him a pack of lies.
As a bodyguard Nate sees everything, and he sees Sally just fine, if only he can get over his hurt pride and his feelings of inadequacy.
I liked this. I read another review which note that each of the Canton sisters has some weird quirk, with Sally it's knowing the origins of idioms. I could happily live without these quirks but in this case it does at least serve a purpose to show how much Nate loves Sally.
Now I'm totally up-to-date and just eagerly awaiting oldest sister Susan's story.
Read on my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Somewhat of a child prodigy, Sally is following in her mother's footsteps by training to be a doctor, where she wants to specialise in neurosurgery, but she is also a talented pianist. After yet another family meeting where her father and sisters discuss her as if she were six years old instead of twenty-one years old, deciding what she can and can't do, Sally decides that this Spring Break she will act like the lead character in her own life, instead of the cute little sister or side-kick. And that includes approaching the dangerous-looking guy with all the tattoos giving off an assassin vibe, drinking at the bar in the Ski Lodge where she and her two BFFs are staying for Spring Break.
Nate Brenner is ex-military turned security consultant. When Sally approaches him in the bar he knows she's acting more sultry and sophisticated than she really is, but he's intrigued nevertheless. After a few dates and an expected night stuck on the mountain Nate and Sally spend an amazing time together, but when Sally is called home unexpectedly she decides it is better to leave without leaving Nate a note. They had a wonderful time but there's no long-term future for them, this was just am amazing fantasy escape.
Fast forward a few months and there has been a credible threat made against the Canton family, although no-one is sure of the target. Nate's firm is brought in by Emerson Clark to provide security to the Canton family and Nate just happens to have been assigned to Canton 5. Imagine Nate's horror when the woman he's been looking for ever since that weekend turns out to be yet another spoiled rich-kid princess who told him a pack of lies.
As a bodyguard Nate sees everything, and he sees Sally just fine, if only he can get over his hurt pride and his feelings of inadequacy.
I liked this. I read another review which note that each of the Canton sisters has some weird quirk, with Sally it's knowing the origins of idioms. I could happily live without these quirks but in this case it does at least serve a purpose to show how much Nate loves Sally.
Now I'm totally up-to-date and just eagerly awaiting oldest sister Susan's story.
Read on my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
July 12, 2023
In Things I Read About, we return to the Canton family. Having read the previous books about the sisters, I was excited to read this one, too. This time, the sister destined to find her true love is Sally, the youngest. She decides she needs some time away from the family, time where she can be herself and feel free from the constraints of the expectations she feels from her dad and sisters. While spending a week with her cousin and a friend, presenting a braver version of herself, she approaches a guy who fits the tattooed "bad boy" description and asks him out. They proceed to see each other often over the week, though Nate is there for work and not always available. They get very close, and then something comes up and she leaves without saying goodbye, breaking both of their hearts in the process.
When we rejoin them, six months have passed, neither has found the other, and both are pining away. But there's been a threat to the family, and bodyguards are brought in... and guess who's been assigned to Canton 5, also known as Sally? Yep, it's Nate. But she lied to him, and now he wants nothing to do with her. Can she get him to forgive her for leaving without a word? Who is the threat to the family, and which sister is the target?
I loved this one, though not quite as much as I loved Things I Overshared. Sally is quirky, intelligent, and likeable, and I really enjoyed her story. My brand of neurodivergence may not be the same as hers, but I still really related to her, with her feelings of expectation, her always acquiescing, her "this is fine" response to most things. I also related to her ability to lose herself in her craft, enjoying the process and suddenly hours have passed and it's dinnertime.
I liked Nate's focus, his attention to the small details, his sweetness with a girl who was obviously presenting an alternate version of herself. He is a huge dude with tattoos and hair cut short on the sides, a Marine, who always takes care to show Sally the safest way to do things, and how to make her less of a target.
The theme of romance novels and the idea of being a sidekick or the main character in your own life is well woven through the story. I enjoyed watching Sally step out and into her own main character energy. I also got to read the bonus chapter for this book, and it was the cherry on top to this sweet story.
It was a fun return to the Canton sisters and their world, and I really can't wait to learn more about Susan. She is always so focused on work and mama hen to her sisters and it seems like that's all there is to her. But I know it can't be that simple, so I look forward to finding out what is going on with Susan and Adam.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
When we rejoin them, six months have passed, neither has found the other, and both are pining away. But there's been a threat to the family, and bodyguards are brought in... and guess who's been assigned to Canton 5, also known as Sally? Yep, it's Nate. But she lied to him, and now he wants nothing to do with her. Can she get him to forgive her for leaving without a word? Who is the threat to the family, and which sister is the target?
I loved this one, though not quite as much as I loved Things I Overshared. Sally is quirky, intelligent, and likeable, and I really enjoyed her story. My brand of neurodivergence may not be the same as hers, but I still really related to her, with her feelings of expectation, her always acquiescing, her "this is fine" response to most things. I also related to her ability to lose herself in her craft, enjoying the process and suddenly hours have passed and it's dinnertime.
I liked Nate's focus, his attention to the small details, his sweetness with a girl who was obviously presenting an alternate version of herself. He is a huge dude with tattoos and hair cut short on the sides, a Marine, who always takes care to show Sally the safest way to do things, and how to make her less of a target.
The theme of romance novels and the idea of being a sidekick or the main character in your own life is well woven through the story. I enjoyed watching Sally step out and into her own main character energy. I also got to read the bonus chapter for this book, and it was the cherry on top to this sweet story.
It was a fun return to the Canton sisters and their world, and I really can't wait to learn more about Susan. She is always so focused on work and mama hen to her sisters and it seems like that's all there is to her. But I know it can't be that simple, so I look forward to finding out what is going on with Susan and Adam.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 29, 2023
I loved this book. I love this series. I can’t get enough. Go read this whole Heartlanders series. So far, every single book has been the best book and I love it so much. If you’re like me and read on recommendation, just go ahead and download these books right now. All of them. If you actually like to know what you’re getting into, keep reading my spoiler free review.
This series is about the five Canton sisters. Each book follows a sister and they are all so uniquely and wonderfully different but somehow each new book is my favorite. These books can each be read as a stand alone but each book picks up where the last left off, so there will be spoilers in the form of who married who. But this book alone could be picked up and read as a stand alone.
This story follows the youngest Canton sister. Sally is the baby of the group and most protected. She’s following in her mothers footsteps and is such a people pleaser she’s lost her true self. Once she returns from a wild spring break, it’s back to her studies and real life. Unfortunately there’s a very real threat against the lives of the Canton sisters requiring everyone to need round the clock security detail. Sally and her bodyguard go through quite the journey. The ending… The ending! So dramatic. So over the top. So everything I never knew I needed.
Here’s a quick rundown of the tropes you’ll see in these books:
Things I Should Have Said - Skye Canton - Introvert/Extrovert
Things I Overshared - Samantha Canton - Extrovert/ Introvert
Things I Wrote About - Sadie Canton - Second Chance Romance
Things I Read About - Sally Canton (Youngest) - Forced proximity
??? #5 - Susan Canton (Oldest) - ???
I know something about Susan after reading Sally’s story that I can not wait to read. I can’t wait to see how her story plays out. I already don’t want this series to end, so maybe I can talk author Kelsey Humpherys into making this a 6 book series. The ultimate epilogue of all the girls and “where are they now.” Because the banter of the boys at the end of this story was my favorite thing of all time.
Have I convinced you yet? Im obsessed. Thank you so much to Book Sirens for the opportunity to review this ARC before it hits the shelves. This is my honest opinion of Things I Read About by Kelsey Humphreys. Now excuse me, I’m going to go stalk Kelsey Humphreys on all of her social media so I know when Susan’s story is coming out.
This series is about the five Canton sisters. Each book follows a sister and they are all so uniquely and wonderfully different but somehow each new book is my favorite. These books can each be read as a stand alone but each book picks up where the last left off, so there will be spoilers in the form of who married who. But this book alone could be picked up and read as a stand alone.
This story follows the youngest Canton sister. Sally is the baby of the group and most protected. She’s following in her mothers footsteps and is such a people pleaser she’s lost her true self. Once she returns from a wild spring break, it’s back to her studies and real life. Unfortunately there’s a very real threat against the lives of the Canton sisters requiring everyone to need round the clock security detail. Sally and her bodyguard go through quite the journey. The ending… The ending! So dramatic. So over the top. So everything I never knew I needed.
Here’s a quick rundown of the tropes you’ll see in these books:
Things I Should Have Said - Skye Canton - Introvert/Extrovert
Things I Overshared - Samantha Canton - Extrovert/ Introvert
Things I Wrote About - Sadie Canton - Second Chance Romance
Things I Read About - Sally Canton (Youngest) - Forced proximity
??? #5 - Susan Canton (Oldest) - ???
I know something about Susan after reading Sally’s story that I can not wait to read. I can’t wait to see how her story plays out. I already don’t want this series to end, so maybe I can talk author Kelsey Humpherys into making this a 6 book series. The ultimate epilogue of all the girls and “where are they now.” Because the banter of the boys at the end of this story was my favorite thing of all time.
Have I convinced you yet? Im obsessed. Thank you so much to Book Sirens for the opportunity to review this ARC before it hits the shelves. This is my honest opinion of Things I Read About by Kelsey Humphreys. Now excuse me, I’m going to go stalk Kelsey Humphreys on all of her social media so I know when Susan’s story is coming out.
June 25, 2023
3.5 at best.
I don't remember if I saw this via a book blog or kindle recommendations. It's always odd when it recommends a mid-series book from an author I've never read before. It sounded interesting so I hoped it was more of a stand alone. But... it's not. The other characters are too much a part of it. Plus all their names start with the same letter so it's difficult to care enough to keep them straight. It kind of irked me that the main character's name was Sally. So not off to a great start.
The beginning was difficult to get into. Maybe it would have been better if this wasn't the first book for me. I think I skipped over a bunch just to get on with it and see if it was actually worth reading. It did manage to get better. (I did read it in one sitting.) Although I could have enjoyed it more with fewer mentions of the other series characters. I should also note that I don't have any interest in reading the other books now.
There's a bit of a toxic vibe within the family which tends to ruin books for me. It kind of gets addressed but it doesn't change the negative feelings for me. Overall, I think I get what the author was trying to do with the book in general, but it missed the mark for me, especially with Sally. Nate, for the most part, saved the book.
The last chunk of the book... could have been better. I think the threat was forgotten for most of the book so it felt a little rushed. I don't know if it was created just for this book or if reading the others gives you more insight. The characters seemed inconsistent which also can ruin things. Since I haven't read the other books, I don't know if it's a common thing. As in, writing main characters too similarly. Some ending events lead me to believe it's possible.
I noticed the author says "if you don't laugh out loud or get choked up, I've failed." I for sure did not laugh over anything. The scene where Sally had an "odd" reaction (to something serious), felt like a forced attempt at funny. I was emotional but not because of the story itself. I was mildly triggered over some things so it was a me/life thing, not a story thing.
Would I read again? Not likely.
I don't remember if I saw this via a book blog or kindle recommendations. It's always odd when it recommends a mid-series book from an author I've never read before. It sounded interesting so I hoped it was more of a stand alone. But... it's not. The other characters are too much a part of it. Plus all their names start with the same letter so it's difficult to care enough to keep them straight. It kind of irked me that the main character's name was Sally. So not off to a great start.
The beginning was difficult to get into. Maybe it would have been better if this wasn't the first book for me. I think I skipped over a bunch just to get on with it and see if it was actually worth reading. It did manage to get better. (I did read it in one sitting.) Although I could have enjoyed it more with fewer mentions of the other series characters. I should also note that I don't have any interest in reading the other books now.
There's a bit of a toxic vibe within the family which tends to ruin books for me. It kind of gets addressed but it doesn't change the negative feelings for me. Overall, I think I get what the author was trying to do with the book in general, but it missed the mark for me, especially with Sally. Nate, for the most part, saved the book.
The last chunk of the book... could have been better. I think the threat was forgotten for most of the book so it felt a little rushed. I don't know if it was created just for this book or if reading the others gives you more insight. The characters seemed inconsistent which also can ruin things. Since I haven't read the other books, I don't know if it's a common thing. As in, writing main characters too similarly. Some ending events lead me to believe it's possible.
I noticed the author says "if you don't laugh out loud or get choked up, I've failed." I for sure did not laugh over anything. The scene where Sally had an "odd" reaction (to something serious), felt like a forced attempt at funny. I was emotional but not because of the story itself. I was mildly triggered over some things so it was a me/life thing, not a story thing.
Would I read again? Not likely.
June 26, 2023
Sally is the youngest woman in a large, protective family that has seen all of her other sisters married off with their happily ever afters. Always protected, always talked over, Sally is ready to have one wild week on vacation where no one tells her what to do or think. The tattooed mountain of a man she sees at the resort bar seems like the perfect way to strike out as a strong, independent woman and be "Peak Sally."
Just as her feelings start to grow (and maybe his do too?), she's forced to go home early without saying goodbye. She never stops thinking about Nate, and she starts to give up hope of ever seeing him again...then he walks through the door during a family meeting. Someone has threatened the Canton family, and Nate has been hired as her bodyguard.
Things I Read About was hilarious, sweet, and thrilling. There's a tattooed bad boy, romance in a cabin, mutual pining, and a dash of intrigue!
The text threads with the sisters had me giggling, but the convos between the husbands and Nate had me cackling in the middle of the night. Poor Matt. He was the golden child, and the other men just didn’t know what to do with him!
My one complaint about the book is with Joe. He was introduced as a secondary love interest and seemed nice enough. Once it was time for him to be passed over, though, things took a wild turn and were never resolved. You'd think at least Shep would have commented on it. (And yes, I'm being vague to avoid spoilers)
On the flip side, the way Nate's anxiety and other...issue are handled was perfection. There are a few times when Nate thought Sally was in trouble, and I had tears in my eyes watching him fall apart, then try to put himself back together. He was the epitome of the gentle giant when it came to her!!
Favorite quote:
“Do you do this? Ask out strange assassins you just met at a bar?”
Thank you, Book Sirens and Kelsey Humphreys, for the opportunity to review this book! All thoughts are my own.
Just as her feelings start to grow (and maybe his do too?), she's forced to go home early without saying goodbye. She never stops thinking about Nate, and she starts to give up hope of ever seeing him again...then he walks through the door during a family meeting. Someone has threatened the Canton family, and Nate has been hired as her bodyguard.
Things I Read About was hilarious, sweet, and thrilling. There's a tattooed bad boy, romance in a cabin, mutual pining, and a dash of intrigue!
The text threads with the sisters had me giggling, but the convos between the husbands and Nate had me cackling in the middle of the night. Poor Matt. He was the golden child, and the other men just didn’t know what to do with him!
My one complaint about the book is with Joe. He was introduced as a secondary love interest and seemed nice enough. Once it was time for him to be passed over, though, things took a wild turn and were never resolved. You'd think at least Shep would have commented on it. (And yes, I'm being vague to avoid spoilers)
On the flip side, the way Nate's anxiety and other...issue are handled was perfection. There are a few times when Nate thought Sally was in trouble, and I had tears in my eyes watching him fall apart, then try to put himself back together. He was the epitome of the gentle giant when it came to her!!
Favorite quote:
“Do you do this? Ask out strange assassins you just met at a bar?”
Thank you, Book Sirens and Kelsey Humphreys, for the opportunity to review this book! All thoughts are my own.
June 20, 2023
No surprise, another great read from Kelsey Humpreys!
This Heartlanders novel focuses on Sally. Sally is the baby of the family, an introverted people pleaser. Everyone dotes on her and she just can NOT disappoint them. But on Spring break she decides she's tired of being everyone's sidekick and channels her Main Character Energy when she hits on muscly, broody, fiery Nate at the bar. He cannot be more opposite of her but it works so so well! After a few dates, they both head back to reality expecting to never see each other again, until he is hired as her bodyguard and of course, feelings develop and sparks are ignited.
I really did love this book. I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between Sally and Nate and following along as Sally really starts being true to herself. Peak Sally is incredible! And I LOVED how Nate stands up for Sally and encourages her to be her true self. Also, the grand gesture was just perfection! Selfishly I wish there were a few more spicy scenes. The slow burn romance between Sally and Nate was so good, and their spice was so great, I wish there was more!
I'm absolutely loving the Heartlanders series. Each sister is so unique, but their relationships are so touching. The group texts are an especially fun part of the book! I also just really enjoy the writing style. This author's writing is beautiful, hilarious, and really sucks you into the story and the characters.
Overall I loved this book and can't wait for more from the Canton 5 and Kelsey Humphreys!
Thank you to BookSirens and the author for this E-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This Heartlanders novel focuses on Sally. Sally is the baby of the family, an introverted people pleaser. Everyone dotes on her and she just can NOT disappoint them. But on Spring break she decides she's tired of being everyone's sidekick and channels her Main Character Energy when she hits on muscly, broody, fiery Nate at the bar. He cannot be more opposite of her but it works so so well! After a few dates, they both head back to reality expecting to never see each other again, until he is hired as her bodyguard and of course, feelings develop and sparks are ignited.
I really did love this book. I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between Sally and Nate and following along as Sally really starts being true to herself. Peak Sally is incredible! And I LOVED how Nate stands up for Sally and encourages her to be her true self. Also, the grand gesture was just perfection! Selfishly I wish there were a few more spicy scenes. The slow burn romance between Sally and Nate was so good, and their spice was so great, I wish there was more!
I'm absolutely loving the Heartlanders series. Each sister is so unique, but their relationships are so touching. The group texts are an especially fun part of the book! I also just really enjoy the writing style. This author's writing is beautiful, hilarious, and really sucks you into the story and the characters.
Overall I loved this book and can't wait for more from the Canton 5 and Kelsey Humphreys!
Thank you to BookSirens and the author for this E-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 9, 2023
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪🧪
Plot: 5/5
Series: Heartlanders #4
Place: OKC, OK & Dallas, TX
Tropes: Comedy Romance, Steamy Romance, Grumpy / Sunshine, Bodyguard Romance, Military Romance, Forced Proximity, Novels, New Adult, and Contemporary
TW: Profanity, Stalking, Gun Violence, Panic Attacks, PTSD, Mental Illness, infidelity, Death Of A Parent, Grief, Sexy Time
Main Characters: Sally & Nate
Things I Read About is an absolute masterpiece. I laughed so hard throughout this book and got teary eyed at some scenes.
Sally is such a wealth of knowledge and love with a personality like no other. She almost hits me as someone who has Asperger's, with how well she retains and spits knowledge the way she does. She doesn't always pick up on social cues, but I think that is because mostly she is in her head than out of it.
Nate was her perfect match, even if he couldn't see it. He has so much to offer, but is so guarded from past experiences he doesn't realize his unhappiness. Most people have some sort of trauma, not always with family. Nate unfortunately had to deal with betrayal from family. It's hard to deal with from anyone. But more with family. They are supposed to be there no matter what. He needed the family that unbeknownst to him he would become a part of.
This large family is everything!!! They love and they love extra hard!! They are always there for each other even when they can be a bit much. But only because they love and watch the best for each other.
I received a complimentary copy via the author and BookSirens. All opinions are my own, honest and voluntary.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪🧪
Plot: 5/5
Series: Heartlanders #4
Place: OKC, OK & Dallas, TX
Tropes: Comedy Romance, Steamy Romance, Grumpy / Sunshine, Bodyguard Romance, Military Romance, Forced Proximity, Novels, New Adult, and Contemporary
TW: Profanity, Stalking, Gun Violence, Panic Attacks, PTSD, Mental Illness, infidelity, Death Of A Parent, Grief, Sexy Time
Main Characters: Sally & Nate
Things I Read About is an absolute masterpiece. I laughed so hard throughout this book and got teary eyed at some scenes.
Sally is such a wealth of knowledge and love with a personality like no other. She almost hits me as someone who has Asperger's, with how well she retains and spits knowledge the way she does. She doesn't always pick up on social cues, but I think that is because mostly she is in her head than out of it.
Nate was her perfect match, even if he couldn't see it. He has so much to offer, but is so guarded from past experiences he doesn't realize his unhappiness. Most people have some sort of trauma, not always with family. Nate unfortunately had to deal with betrayal from family. It's hard to deal with from anyone. But more with family. They are supposed to be there no matter what. He needed the family that unbeknownst to him he would become a part of.
This large family is everything!!! They love and they love extra hard!! They are always there for each other even when they can be a bit much. But only because they love and watch the best for each other.
I received a complimentary copy via the author and BookSirens. All opinions are my own, honest and voluntary.
June 11, 2023
Each of the Canton sisters are unique and I have enjoyed getting to know them. This entire series has been one of my favorites to date and I recommend them to everyone! I have connected with each of the sisters in different ways, but I think I found my favorite with Sally. She is the youngest of the Canton sisters and is a total people pleaser. Anything that makes her family happy makes her happy. Okay, not happy, but happy for them. She is content to live her life on the fringes, blending in however they need.
This changes when on a sister's weekend (which became a family weekend because everyone brought their husbands). Sally decides she wants to live her life as a main character in the story of her life instead of being a sidekick. She starts with flirting with the gorgeous tattoed man, Nate, she sees at the bar. She is hoping to maybe keep seeing him after vacation, but starts to doubt her main character vibe… and just leaves.
Six months later, Nate is taking his last bodyguard job before becoming a partner in the security firm he works for. Since he was a last minute replacement, he doesn't realize his assignment is Sally…
What follows is an absolute treasure. Both Sally and Nate have traumas from their past that have shaped them. Will these two be able to heal each other?
I am just in awe of how much I love these stories. Each of them deserves way more stars than I can give….
This changes when on a sister's weekend (which became a family weekend because everyone brought their husbands). Sally decides she wants to live her life as a main character in the story of her life instead of being a sidekick. She starts with flirting with the gorgeous tattoed man, Nate, she sees at the bar. She is hoping to maybe keep seeing him after vacation, but starts to doubt her main character vibe… and just leaves.
Six months later, Nate is taking his last bodyguard job before becoming a partner in the security firm he works for. Since he was a last minute replacement, he doesn't realize his assignment is Sally…
What follows is an absolute treasure. Both Sally and Nate have traumas from their past that have shaped them. Will these two be able to heal each other?
I am just in awe of how much I love these stories. Each of them deserves way more stars than I can give….
June 17, 2023
ARC Review
I am really enjoying reading about the Canton family and Kelsey Humphreys' writing. Honestly I was initially disappointed when I saw that this book would be about Sally, but in the end I was pleasantly surprised.
The story revolved around how Sally and Nate met in the beginning and the development of their relationship when Nate starts working as Sally's bodyguard.
Since Sally was the baby of the family, she was used to listening to what everybody had to say and not being 'seen'. I liked how she really came into her own throughout the course of the book, and started standing up for herself more and more.
Nate was someone I appreciated as a person. He had all the qualities of a good H and the character was well-written. However, what I didn't quite like was his behavior towards Sally for a good part of the book. I understand his actions and of course, this formed a major plot point but it's one of the reasons this book is not a 5 star for me.
I loved seeing their relationship grow and and both of them, especially Nate, coming to realize what they meant to each other. Another dynamic I had fun with was Sally's friendship with Kat and Janie. They were there for each other and formed another layer of the good foundation of relationships in this world.
I think I would definitely reread this book, it's a story that will get better every time.
I am really enjoying reading about the Canton family and Kelsey Humphreys' writing. Honestly I was initially disappointed when I saw that this book would be about Sally, but in the end I was pleasantly surprised.
The story revolved around how Sally and Nate met in the beginning and the development of their relationship when Nate starts working as Sally's bodyguard.
Since Sally was the baby of the family, she was used to listening to what everybody had to say and not being 'seen'. I liked how she really came into her own throughout the course of the book, and started standing up for herself more and more.
Nate was someone I appreciated as a person. He had all the qualities of a good H and the character was well-written. However, what I didn't quite like was his behavior towards Sally for a good part of the book. I understand his actions and of course, this formed a major plot point but it's one of the reasons this book is not a 5 star for me.
I loved seeing their relationship grow and and both of them, especially Nate, coming to realize what they meant to each other. Another dynamic I had fun with was Sally's friendship with Kat and Janie. They were there for each other and formed another layer of the good foundation of relationships in this world.
I think I would definitely reread this book, it's a story that will get better every time.
July 9, 2023
THINGS I READ ABOUT By Kelsey Humphreys
I was never supposed to see him again. And my family just hired him as my personal bodyguard...
Sally Canton wanted one week. Just one week where she was not, well, herself. Not the quirky kid sister. Not the smart sidekick. Not the baby of the Canton family (as in the massive greeting card empire, Canton International.) One last Spring Break as the main character in her own story. Bold, flirty, carefree.
And she got that week. Complete with the dark, mysterious, tattooed man of her dreams.
😊What i liked -
✔ Bodyguard/Forced Proximity/Opposites Attract.
✔ This was by far the best Canton story written. (don't get wrong. i loved the others, but this was something else)
✔ i connected with Sally (not the being rich part and all). There were many instances that I really connected with her feelings.
✔ I loved the whole grumpy thing Nate had going.(though i did not agree with the hot and cold vibes)
✔ I loved the Family Dynamic.
✔ An absolute Tearjerker, with tons of slow burn angst, lots of laughter and swoony HEA.
.
🤔What could have been better -
✔ Hmm don't get me wrong, I loved the book but I felt it could have been a bit shorter.
📚Who Should read :
👶Beginners
💝Romance Lover
😎Bodyguard Romance
💞Forced Proximity Romance
📈My Rating : 4.5/5
Thank You, Kelsey Humphreys ,for a copy.
I was never supposed to see him again. And my family just hired him as my personal bodyguard...
Sally Canton wanted one week. Just one week where she was not, well, herself. Not the quirky kid sister. Not the smart sidekick. Not the baby of the Canton family (as in the massive greeting card empire, Canton International.) One last Spring Break as the main character in her own story. Bold, flirty, carefree.
And she got that week. Complete with the dark, mysterious, tattooed man of her dreams.
😊What i liked -
✔ Bodyguard/Forced Proximity/Opposites Attract.
✔ This was by far the best Canton story written. (don't get wrong. i loved the others, but this was something else)
✔ i connected with Sally (not the being rich part and all). There were many instances that I really connected with her feelings.
✔ I loved the whole grumpy thing Nate had going.(though i did not agree with the hot and cold vibes)
✔ I loved the Family Dynamic.
✔ An absolute Tearjerker, with tons of slow burn angst, lots of laughter and swoony HEA.
.
🤔What could have been better -
✔ Hmm don't get me wrong, I loved the book but I felt it could have been a bit shorter.
📚Who Should read :
👶Beginners
💝Romance Lover
😎Bodyguard Romance
💞Forced Proximity Romance
📈My Rating : 4.5/5
Thank You, Kelsey Humphreys ,for a copy.
August 17, 2025
I have been enjoying this series so far, and I like the author's writing style. It works for me. That being said, though, this book was pretty weak for me. There were a couple main issues that really weaken the whole book
First off, I did find a wrong word used at about 88% in. It had they're instead of their.
I had issues with the weak plot. There is a random threat against them all. It felt out of the blue and wasn't really explained at all. Each one of the sisters has a bodyguard, but then we don't hear about anything going on, just there was a threat. Then at the very end, we find out what the issue was, but it, too, felt a little weak. I feel that the author could have amped up that tension a little more and given us a little more info in that regard. The way it is now, it just didn't feel like a credible threat.
Second, I understand why he was pushing her away, but he continued to do so over and over until finally he pushed her too far, and she gave up on him. But after that when she got Dean to watch her, it just felt like Nate just out of the blue changed his mind and decided he wanted her. I didn't really feel much that he was in love with her, or even interested. It was just random.
I will continue this series, and I am definitely looking forward to the next book!
First off, I did find a wrong word used at about 88% in. It had they're instead of their.
I had issues with the weak plot. There is a random threat against them all. It felt out of the blue and wasn't really explained at all. Each one of the sisters has a bodyguard, but then we don't hear about anything going on, just there was a threat. Then at the very end, we find out what the issue was, but it, too, felt a little weak. I feel that the author could have amped up that tension a little more and given us a little more info in that regard. The way it is now, it just didn't feel like a credible threat.
Second, I understand why he was pushing her away, but he continued to do so over and over until finally he pushed her too far, and she gave up on him. But after that when she got Dean to watch her, it just felt like Nate just out of the blue changed his mind and decided he wanted her. I didn't really feel much that he was in love with her, or even interested. It was just random.
I will continue this series, and I am definitely looking forward to the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2023
The Canton family has become so much a part of my own family! Being a baby sister myself, I really felt a connection to Sally. Tired of being treated like a baby all the time, ready to be seen as an adult, and ready to be her own person… Main Character Energy!
I really felt the awkwardness of trying to go after something you want, feeling like the side character in your own life, and even just going with the flow because that feels like the best way to keep everyone else happy.
And Nate? Perfection.
So why only 4 stars? Maybe the forced proximity of the two that seemed unlikely? Maybe it was how she tried to tease and he resisted? Maybe it was how the whole thing flipped so quickly to be him groveling? Something just felt off. Maybe it was how, despite her character arc to becoming her own MC, she still ended up being taken care of by everyone else in her life—like she couldn’t be her own MC unless they all approved and gave her permission! Maybe, at the end of it all, I just wanted to Sally to be the one to stand up for herself and take ownership of her own life instead of just appearing to live the life everyone else decided she could live.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really felt the awkwardness of trying to go after something you want, feeling like the side character in your own life, and even just going with the flow because that feels like the best way to keep everyone else happy.
And Nate? Perfection.
So why only 4 stars? Maybe the forced proximity of the two that seemed unlikely? Maybe it was how she tried to tease and he resisted? Maybe it was how the whole thing flipped so quickly to be him groveling? Something just felt off. Maybe it was how, despite her character arc to becoming her own MC, she still ended up being taken care of by everyone else in her life—like she couldn’t be her own MC unless they all approved and gave her permission! Maybe, at the end of it all, I just wanted to Sally to be the one to stand up for herself and take ownership of her own life instead of just appearing to live the life everyone else decided she could live.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 21, 2023
I’m loving this series about the Canton sisters - it’s so much fun, there’s a lot of humour, so much heart, and so very many difficult topics covered as well. Each sister is so different!
Humphreys is able to use her comedy background to write lighthearted books shedding light on the big and important subjects that so many of us deal with in our daily lives and big things that many folks cover up (like the earlier book about a sister hiding alcoholism, another hiding a divorce, one with the extreme anxiety, etc.). She writes so well that we can get a better understanding of what other people may be going through and bring out out empathy and emotions while still having a rom com and great reading experience - not getting too heavy.
Book 4 is Sally’s story - the baby sister, the one who was not expected to do anything for herself or be anything big. Shy and not a risk taker. Who stays behind at the ski hil after a sister trip for girls weekend and goes after a fling with the hottest and scariest looking guy she’s seen… expecting to never see him again, only to have him show up as her bodyguard after a threat to the family a few months later - what are the chances! Watching the dynamic grow and change between Sally and Nate is fascinating and beautiful, especially with such a heavy backstory on his side.
I love this whole series and while I have a hard time picking my favorite, this one might be it. I highly recommend it, and the whole series!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Humphreys is able to use her comedy background to write lighthearted books shedding light on the big and important subjects that so many of us deal with in our daily lives and big things that many folks cover up (like the earlier book about a sister hiding alcoholism, another hiding a divorce, one with the extreme anxiety, etc.). She writes so well that we can get a better understanding of what other people may be going through and bring out out empathy and emotions while still having a rom com and great reading experience - not getting too heavy.
Book 4 is Sally’s story - the baby sister, the one who was not expected to do anything for herself or be anything big. Shy and not a risk taker. Who stays behind at the ski hil after a sister trip for girls weekend and goes after a fling with the hottest and scariest looking guy she’s seen… expecting to never see him again, only to have him show up as her bodyguard after a threat to the family a few months later - what are the chances! Watching the dynamic grow and change between Sally and Nate is fascinating and beautiful, especially with such a heavy backstory on his side.
I love this whole series and while I have a hard time picking my favorite, this one might be it. I highly recommend it, and the whole series!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 25, 2023
Well, I didn’t think it was possible to love this book more than the others in The Heartlanders series, but I adored every second of this one. Sally is the youngest of the Canton sisters. The genius, people pleaser, does what’s expected of her, sacrificing her own happiness for her family and may not even really know her own self because of it. She’s living in the shadow of the death of her mother and has been protected by her family her whole life. Nate is the broody bodyguard..ex military, tattooed up, tall, dark and gorgeous, with a tortured past. He eventually helps Sally realize her full potential as a strong woman and just loves her completely. It takes awhile to get there, but when it does..wow!!!
This one was so much fun and angsty at the same time. I honestly didn’t want to see it end. I loved seeing the older Canton sisters, their loves, as well as their dad again…and of course the family texts!! Nate is probably my favorite out of all men in this series. The swoon worthy moments were off the charts. The way he understood Sally and loved her actually had me tearing up and that’s saying a lot!!! I’ve been saying it for awhile, READ THIS SERIES!!
❤️Grumpy/sunshine
❤️Bodyguard
❤️Age gap
❤️Slow burn
❤️Forced proximity
❤️Close knit family
This one was so much fun and angsty at the same time. I honestly didn’t want to see it end. I loved seeing the older Canton sisters, their loves, as well as their dad again…and of course the family texts!! Nate is probably my favorite out of all men in this series. The swoon worthy moments were off the charts. The way he understood Sally and loved her actually had me tearing up and that’s saying a lot!!! I’ve been saying it for awhile, READ THIS SERIES!!
❤️Grumpy/sunshine
❤️Bodyguard
❤️Age gap
❤️Slow burn
❤️Forced proximity
❤️Close knit family
June 4, 2023
Sally is the youngest of five daughters. Her sisters treat her like she is fragile and cannot think for herself. She has one week at a resort with two friends and plans to get out of her shell and be flirty. The first night she spies Nate, a gorgeous hunk with lots of tattoos and decides to go flirt with him. They have a great time together until a family crisis comes up and she leaves without telling him goodbye. She misses him but needs to move on with her life. Nate is pulled from one security job to guard the youngest of the Canton International card company. That’s Sally and he is stunned to find out she is his protectee. Nate is angry that Sally lied to him about herself. Nate will do his job but there will be no friendly exchanges between the two. I loved the group chats between the 5 sisters and the ones between the brothers-in-law. The sisters have their husbands wrapped around their fingers. The times when Nate must guard her at functions have a lot of humor. Sally cannot decide what she should do with her life since most of it has been doing what her sisters want. I loved how she was able to stand up for herself and find what she wanted. Great love story.
June 20, 2023
I love the Canton sisters, and I was so excited to read Sally's book! Sally is the youngest of 5 Canton sisters, and she has always felt like the baby of the family. Now, she wants to exert her main character energy and be the star of her own life!
Sally comes out of her shell on a girls trip vacation, and she meets a handsome, tattooed stranger named Nate. They spend a few days together, but she never gets to say goodbye to him. She never expects to run into him again, and he's now her bodyguard!
As Nate and Sally spend more time together, he observes things about her that her family and even Sally herself don't recognize. It's so adorable and sweet that he picks up on so many things about Sally, such as her love for explaining the history of idioms.
Nate and Sally seem like opposites, but they bring out the best in each other. This story is heartwarming, sweet, funny, and at some points, steamy! I love a slow burn romance, and this story delivered!
Thanks to BookSirens and Kelsey Humphreys for an advance review copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily, and all opinions are my own.
Sally comes out of her shell on a girls trip vacation, and she meets a handsome, tattooed stranger named Nate. They spend a few days together, but she never gets to say goodbye to him. She never expects to run into him again, and he's now her bodyguard!
As Nate and Sally spend more time together, he observes things about her that her family and even Sally herself don't recognize. It's so adorable and sweet that he picks up on so many things about Sally, such as her love for explaining the history of idioms.
Nate and Sally seem like opposites, but they bring out the best in each other. This story is heartwarming, sweet, funny, and at some points, steamy! I love a slow burn romance, and this story delivered!
Thanks to BookSirens and Kelsey Humphreys for an advance review copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily, and all opinions are my own.
October 9, 2023
Note: I'm way behind on reviews so this one is quick, short and to the point. No spoilers in sight!
I've thoroughly enjoyed this series from the start. And the fourth book is another delightfully entertaining and fun-to-read addition to the "Heartlanders Series." Oh how I love those group texts between the Canton sisters and their cousin!
Sally, the youngest of the bunch, gets her story told this go-round and it was worth the wait. She’s a bit of a little scamp, high-spirited and full of wit and charm -- and tired of being "bossed around by older sisters." A mountain get-away with a friend becomes a hookup with a tall, dark and handsome stranger she meets in the lodge's bar. One night shakes her world once she returns home to more than she expected.
Love the Canton family and the mix of personalities, family ties and, of course, the humor and romances that each book carries forward along with a bit of suspense to keep things exciting.
Already looking forward to the next round of the Cantons! Cousin Kat gets her chance in the limelight in “Things I Forgot About.” It’s already locked and loaded and ready to go in my Kindle!
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