Room at the Inn

by Ruthie Knox

Sometimes first loves burn bright, then flicker out. But in this heartwarming eBook novella from RITA finalist and USA Today bestselling author Ruthie Knox, it’s never too late for a second chance at true love.

Ambitious and driven, Carson Vance couldn’t wait to escape the small town where he was born. But now that Carson is back to spend Christmas with his ailing father, he must face all the people of Potter Falls he’s left behind. Topping that list is Julie Long, who’s sacrificed so much for Carson’s family, and whose heart he broke once upon a time. Now the proprietor of the local inn, Julie has blossomed from a shy schoolgirl into a successful, seductive, independent woman—everything that Carson’s looking for in a relationship. But despite several steamy encounters under the mistletoe, Julie refuses to believe in happily ever after. Now Carson must convince Julie that he’s back for good—and that he wants her in his life for all the holidays to come.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Novella, Contemporary, Holiday, Christmas, Short Stories

121 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 5, 2012

About the author

Ruthie Knox is the critically acclaimed, New York Times bestselling author of more than a dozen novels. She writes both mystery and romance, usually with co-author Annie Mare. You can find Ruthie's books under the pen names Ruthie Knox (mystery and het romance), Mae Marvel (queer romance), and Robin York (New Adult romance). Ruthie and Annie are married and live with two teenagers, two dogs, multiple fish, two glorious cats, four hermit crabs, and a bazillion plants in a very old house with a garden.

Reviews

[Maida · Rating 1 out of 5]

It's really difficult to cheer for the main character (Carson) when he's spent the past 16 years of his life acting like a selfish, callous prick. 16 years ago, Carson left his longtime college girlfriend (Julie) while she was still recuperating, after having undergone surgery to donate a kidney to CARSON'S ailing mother. When Carson left, he never looked back. He accepted a job that took him around the world, & he treated Julie & his parents like trivial afterthoughts. Over the past 16 years, Carson has only swept into town a handful of times, & he's stayed no longer than a few of days-- only long enough to screw with Julie's mind, to lure her into a sexual affair, & to leave her brokenhearted... AGAIN!!! His visits home are SO rare & brief that he couldn't even be bothered to return home for his own mother's funeral!!! I just did not like this "hero" AT ALL. *1/5 stars*

[Crista · Rating 4 out of 5]

In my opinion, the best Christmas books/movies/etc. feature a character in desperate need of reformation (or at least a change in perspective). Ruthie Knox uses the theme of the Christmas classic film "It's a Wonderful Life" and modernizes it in this sweet romantic novella.

I'm not sure how Ruthie manages to craft so much story in so few pages! As I finish this novella, I felt as if I had just read a fully fleshed out tale of a disillusioned man and an angelic woman. In all actuality, this is a wonderful Christmas read in that it can easily be read in one sitting.

Carson Vance is a man in need of a Christmas miracle and a character makeover. He is not a nice man. His arrogance, selfishness, and lack of empathy for others was to be honest….a complete turnoff. Julie Long is an angel (but almost too good to be true). She has sacrificed so much for others, and has been mistreated by Carson for the entirety of their relationship. Her love for Carson was amazing, but I kept on feeling like she should ditch him and move on to a more worthy recipient of her devotion.

I wasn't sure if Carson could be redeemed. He was such a jerk that I really felt that it would be impossible for him to turn things around. I shouldn't have doubted the incomparable Ruthie Knox. The last few chapters had Carson Vance realizing just in the nick of time the treasure of Julie. He finally realizes that what he longed for was not to be found, but was actually right within his reach.

This book is a perfect way to celebrate the magic of Christmas and the hope that love brings!

[Ginger at GReadsBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

If a book is written by Ruthie Knox, I will read it. This woman's writing has won me over time and time again with her adult contemporary romances. And she's done it again, but this time with a short and sweet holiday romance! If you've been in a bit of a reading slump, like I have been, then I highly recommend grabbing a few holiday romance novellas to pull you out of it. Begin with this one and you can thank me later!

This holiday story will warm your heart while providing a delicious dose of romance backed by a solid, fulfilling story line. Carson fled from small town Potter Falls, leaving behind his ill mother and head-butting father. He also left behind his college friend, Julie, that he's shared a lot more than just study notes in their past. For Carson he's always felt the need to prove himself, and getting out of Potter Falls was the first step. However, when Julie calls Carson home to take care of his widowed father, he can't resist her plea... or much else.

The attraction between Carson and Julie has not died out over the years. In fact, once they are reunited the flame flickers to life again, threatening to burn the whole town down in its path. As Julie maintains the local Inn at Potter Falls, and Carson takes up residency in one of her vacant rooms, the temptation to pick up where things left off overwhelms the both of them. What begins as just a physical need demanding to be met, spirals out into an emotional attraction neither saw coming.

For a romance novella, this particular story supplied just the right amount of depth to propel the story along. Each scene flowed effortlessly into the next, avoiding obvious plot jumps. My only critique is that I wish Carson and Julie's story would have been longer. I could have stayed in Potter Falls, at the Inn, welcoming the warm glow of a small town Christmas for many more pages. These characters felt authentic and fleshed out, something I definitely admire in Ruthie Knox's ability while crafting a solid, quick read.

If you're looking for a quick, one-sitting type read to get you in the spirit of the holidays I definitely recommend picking up Room at the Inn.

[Enjoy this review? See it & others like it posted at GReads!]

[Mo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick read. A sort of "in-betweener". Liked the two main characters. Hero returns to his hometown. Heroine never left. The attraction is still there but he does not want to be tied down in small-town life.

[Char ღ Denae · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and sweet but the ‘hero’ was a butthead.

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I love Ruthie Knox and so this was the perfect, quick holiday novella.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as part of the Naughty & Nice: Three Holiday Treats anthology last year & would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a sweet and spicy holiday read.

My thoughts on the story (taken from my review of the anthology):

Carson couldn't wait to get away from his home town and left as soon as he was old enough. Apart from the occasional visit home he hasn't looked back since but now thanks to his father's ailing health it looks like he's going to be trapped in a longer visit. The only thing even slightly attractive about staying in town is spending time with his ex girlfriend Julie but Julie has had her heart broken by him one too many times and she isn't going to let him back in without a fight.

The main reason I wanted to read this anthology was for the story by Ruthie Knox, I've read and loved her work in the past so I had high hopes for her contribution and Room at the Inn didn't disappoint - it was my favourite story in the anthology. Carson has spent his whole life running from his feelings, he was so convinced that he would lose Julie one day that he ran out on her before things could get serious (now there's some typical man logic at work if ever I saw it!). Since then he has been so busy focusing on staying away from home that he's forgotten what is missing from his life. I found it quite amusing watching him go from desperately trying to escape to realising that Julie is all he has ever wanted and having to convince her that this time he means it. It would have been easy to feel sorry for Julie but after getting her heart broken she picked herself up, dusted herself off and got on with building a life for herself. She may not have had the man she loved in her life but she was determined to chase her other dreams and you have to admire her for that. Room at the Inn is a really sweet, and definitely sexy, story of two lovers who are reunited and given the opportunity to try again and I really enjoyed reading it.

[Karenfaith · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really like the writing style of the author. I liked all of her books but i didn't feel it here. In the blurb it is stated that H broke h's heart once upon a time. But it is not the case. He gets together with her every time he visits and leaves her all the same. Its like every single time he chose himself over her. It was so easy for him. It makes him so self centered.

It would have been alright if they were just friends and they finally get together by deeper understanding. But the h was so in love with him that she chose him over everything else and considering the sacrifices I don't think the hero redeemed himself. I initially got his fear of losing someone and deciding to avoid commitment. But that didn't give him excuse to hurt others and he did hurt h and his family. I really wanted the h to set him straight and she never did. So it didn't work for me.

[Bette Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful novella that's full of love and hope. Beautifully written with strong bold characters and a picturesque setting. This is one you want in your holiday collection.

[Ⓐlleskelle - That ranting lady ッ · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.5 STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Britain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruthie Knox is good. Vibrant, real characters, believable scenarios, steamy scenes.

[Dharshini Anushya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished another book in one sitting. But this time.. I think I've found a new favourite author. One like Iris Johansen whose words just flow in my head, one I don't even need to concentrate too hard on, one that just enacts out in my head with little to no effort. One that makes my heart try to wrench itself out of my chest, or wring itself out with emotion. And whoa, what a lot of emotion. I found myself laughing out loud, doubled over crying hot tears, smiling fondly, feeling pride and pleasure and joy, right along with the characters. Every single character stayed true to themselves, with their own unique voice. And every interaction I cherished. This is a MUST READ, guys. Really, it'd only take about two hours to finish if you sit down to it (and carry it around into the potty with you) Ruthie Knox has taken a much-used premise, that of the small town girl finally holding down the guy with ambitions, and threaded it through with beautiful prose and complex relationships, sparking lots of emotions as we read her story. Five stars 💕

[Fran · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5*

[Tania · Rating 1 out of 5]

I just couldn't get into it and it ended up a DNF.

[Bree · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not too bad-  Julie was too good for him, though.

[Eesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Revised Review!

I know for a fact that this is not a five star book. This is definitely a five star book! Why wouldn't it be? It's awesome!

Here are some of the reasons:

1. I woke up in a very bad mood this morning the morning I read it because I had the pleasure of reading a way to frustrating book and finding out that my next reading would be equally frustrating, making it the thrid consecutive frustrating read. I had been writing an angry review in my head before I went to sleep, in my sleep and when I woke up. After reading this book, I realized that I could no longer write an angry review because I couldn't stop smiling.

This book was just too cute. I'd forgotten how much I love Ruthie. I haven't read all her books. But the ones I have read, have been very enjoyable.


2. The female protagonist is amazing. When you read as much as I do, you come across so many characters that not many of them can stand out. Julie stands out. She has to be the most wonderful person ever. She is just so strong, independant, selfless, nice, down to earth, doesn't-hold-a-grudge and, though people might disagree, someone who has a lot of self-respect.

She lets him sleep with her sleeps with him and even though she wants him to stay, she doesn't expect him to. She doesn't ask or beg because if the only reason he stayed was because she begged, then he might as well leave. She sleeps with him because she wants to. Doing what she wants and then always picking herself up and coming out stronger is an admirable character trait. She deserves the world and more.


3. Like I said, Julie deserves the world and more. And because of that, I don't mind her ending up with Carson. She is such a good person that if she wants the jackass, she can have him. As long as he treats her right. I'd rather her be happy with the jackass that Carson is, than be sad and resentful because of all the shit he pulled in the past.

I like Carson. I know he made mistakes but that was so many years ago. It's not like he's been stringing her along for fifteen years. She was free to do whatever she wanted. Yes, he used to sleep with her when he blew into town but, like I said, almost a decade ago. And it's not like he forced her. It was her choice.

And I do believe he will take care of her and that he'll stay. He said so, didn't he? All the other times he's left, he never said that he'd stay. He never lied to her so there really is no reason to doubt his words. So And, as long as Julie's happy and safe, I don't care who she's with I'm good.


4. The writing. Man! I missed good writing. The books I've been reading are well written too, but not this well. Reading this book really cheered me up and prepared me for my next read, which could be good or bad.


5. I didn't hate Carson. This might be a strange reason but I went into this book thinking I would hate him so I was pleasently surpised, and kinda annoyed not annoyed (because he's an ass he's not an ass) when I couldn't. Despite all the fuck-ups, he never lied. He never made promises so he never broke them. He was always honest. And I'm aware that that doesn't make everything okay, but honesty is still better than the alternative.

I also think that if he'd stayed 16 years ago, he might have hated Jules for him not reaching his potential. Like in the movie 17 again. And besides, what was he supposed to do? Quit college? Let go of all his dreams? Not the best idea.

I also didn't expect to get a reason for what he did. But I got that too. And the reason is that he is an absolute IDIOT. And very very slow. But in the end, he cared about her, respected her and loved her. He wasn't gonna leave and... what more can you ask for? Better late than never, right?


Overall
A great book and a great read. Not everyone will like it because not everyone can accept Carson. But I can, to some extent. I find him to be a relatable character and I think Jules is... *sigh* I have no words.

I just know that I loved the book.

P.S. I edited the review because I didn't agree with some of the things I said in the previous one.

[Zita · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Cute, sweet contemporary romance...

Sometimes you have to travel the world to realize that what you really want and need is what you left behind. Small towns are difficult for some to grow up in, they can't wait to leave it and make there mark in the world, to scratch the itch that staying still in a small place brings them. Sometimes two people meet and have a relationship but not at the right time in their lives for one of them to commit. If they are really lucky when that person is ready the chance will still be there waiting for them. That is the case for Carson Vance who has come home for the holidays to help his father and finds the woman he left behind still there, the woman whose heart he broke.

Julie Long met Carson Vance in college. She's originally from the city from a well to do family but she never fit into that world. Carson took her to his home town and she found her place and never left but Carson could not stay so she had to let him go. Through the years when Carson visited they would pick things up again, it was her choice to let it happen for she knew he would still not stay but this time she is older and wiser and is determined to keep things platonic. But how can she do that when he is the only person that has truly ever made her feel.

This is a cute, sweet contemporary romance, a second chance at lasting love. The hero has done his traveling and though he still feels the wanderlust it does not drive him as it once did, there is no satisfaction in it anymore. Can having Julie again be the thing that grounds him this time? She is for him what he is for her, the one there really ever was. Julie has grown into a remarkable woman, successful in her business, independent and sexy. Even without the family and small town resident meddling he is as ever drawn to her but he first must face the things in himself that sent him wandering and decide on what he really wants out of life. The time has come for Carson Vance to make peace with everything.

[Michela Walters · Rating 4 out of 5]

In true Ruthie Knox form, I was not disappointed by this short novella.
The story revolves around old flames, Carson Vance, the guy who just couldn't wait to get out of Potter Falls and if he does visit, it’s never for long. Then there’s Julie Long, Carson’s old college flame who he brought back home with him one year and she ends up never leaving. She falls in love with the small tight-knit community and after realizing Carson will never stay, they break up. Eventually she opens up B&B in the small town and joins just about every committee and town organization there is to join, making her one of the town’s favorite residents.

Carson has to come back to tend to his ailing father, who has turned his old childhood home into an episode of Hoarders. Unable to sleep on the couch any longer, Carson is forced to seek a bed at the one place he never thought he’d stay, Julie’s inn. Reluctantly Julie allows him to stay, and he helps her fix up the necessary repairs prior to the Christmas tourist rush. In the process, the pair begins to work through their past issues with a little help from some family and friends.

The story brought tears to my eyes. It is about what happens when all the dreams you thought you had end up not being what you really want at all. Sometimes it is the small accomplishments that are more fulfilling than the grandiose ones. And every now and then, you really can come home.

[UnusualChild{beppy} · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Synopsis: Carson is sort of coerced home to help his father, who isn't doing well. He's come back for Christmas, when Carson never wanted to be in his home town for any length of time after he left. Julie met Carson in college, and came back to meet his family. She fell in love with the town, and was heartbroken when Carson left her behind as well as the town. Although his father isn't doing well, he also doesn't need someone hovering over him 24/7, and Carson and his father never really got along anyway, so Carson offers to help Julie finish renovating her inn so that it will be ready for her guests.
Julia knows that Carson will be leaving again as soon as possible, and she doesn't want to get tangled up with him again. However, as the days continue on with them working in close quarters, the feelings that never quite went away flare up again.

What I liked: That Julie knew who she was and what she wanted, and she didn't compromise that for a man. Carson respected her for standing her ground, even though it meant that they couldn't be together. I liked that they didn't just pick up where they left off; that they took the time to get to know each other as they were now.

What I didn't like: it felt as though there was a lot of story left to tell.

[Heather in FL · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carson brought Julie to Potter Falls years ago. She fell in love with the town, she fell in love with his parents, even gave a kidney to his mom to extend her life. But Carson was always driven to leave his hometown, and he always left Julie behind. Over the years, he's come home to visit and they've hooked up, but several years ago, he made the decision to stop doing that. It hurt them both too much.

But now Carson is back. His mother passed and his father's recent fall requires help around the house. Carson's dad filled his old room with furniture, so that leaves Carson with nowhere to sleep except the uncomfortable couch -- until his father suggests getting a room at Julie's inn. At first, Julie says no, but she relents and lets him stay. While he's there, he helps her with projects around the inn, and over time, they get closer and closer again and end up hitting the sheets again.

But Carson is Carson, and he feels somehow trapped by his hometown, so he decides to leave again. But fate intervenes. Super sweet second (or maybe it was seventh) chance romance.

[Marinella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Per me Ruthie Knox è stata una vera sorpresa. Il racconto si trova in un'antologia che non brilla per titolo, copertina e neanche per gli altri racconti che contiene, ma questo è una perla.
La storia di Room at the Inn è interessante, delicata, coinvolgente, con personaggi e dialoghi vividi, vivaci, veri. Di solito le novelle mi lasciano un po' l'amaro in bocca, questa invece è un gioiellino fatto e finito. E poi...mi ci sono ritrovata, per certi aspetti. L'autrice dice di essersi esplicitamente ispirata al film "La vita è una cosa meravigliosa", che manca nel mio elenco dei "classici che ho visto", perciò dovrò rimediare.
I personaggi sono imperfetti, terribilmente imperfetti, la loro storia e il loro passato fa arrabbiare o rabbrividire, ma i momenti che Ruthie descrive colpiscono davvero. E poi ha un happy end, e un setting natalizio...quale momento migliore per leggerlo? Procuratevelo!

[UltraMeital · Rating 5 out of 5]

Room at the Inn (Naughty and Nice) - Ruthie Knox WOW. What a story. loved it so much! Carson is not the typical guy who's afraid of relationships but he's scared shitless though he loves Julie and it should be obvious to the both of them how much they care about each other. I loved how slowly but surely the realization came to both of them. and also loved that the one who helped him in the end was a friend from his past he "left" for all the wrong reasons. This is my second novella by Ruthie Knox, I also read two of her independent books - It seems I fall in love with everything this woman writes :D I'll sure be reading Camelot in the VERY near future :) [ Read this one as a part of "Naughty & Nice: Three Holiday Treats" ]

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I love Ruthie Knox's writing style and I rate 5 stars to almost all of her titles. But this one just bugged me and I blame it on the misleading blurb about the story. I was under the impression that the hero comes back to town after a long time away and realizes that the woman he left behind is all he really wants. In actuality, he's been back to town several times, hooks up with the heroine each time he visits and then unceremoniously leaves her again. It just made him so unlikable. And the heroine, who allowed him to treat her this way, became unlikeable to me too. So, even though there is a HEA, I am not sold that these two are actually meant to be! That said, the book was written well and overall entertaining and I love Ruthie Knox so I will read everything she writes.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read reviews before I read this book (my first by this author). A lot of reviewers said they didn't like Carson Vance and didn't want Julie Long to give him another chance. While I get their frustration with Carson, I have to admit I understand him right away. He was so afraid of losing someone he loved that he didn't allow himself to love fully and he kept running away. This isn't admirable but it is understandable. I enjoyed seeing Carson and Julie together. I enjoyed Carson figuring out the important things and doing what he needed and what was right for Julie. I'll definitely read more books by this author.

[Lea M · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I love Ruthie Knox's writing and this story had some strong points, but the hero pissed me way the hell off. The blurb makes it sound like he returns after a long time away and reconnects with the heroine, but in actuality he has been stringing her along for years, hooking up with her every time he comes back to town and then leaving again. And the heroine just lies down and takes it (no pun intended). I really wanted there to be a scene where she lets him have it for being an ass for so long but there isn't.

[SoBeA · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think I wanted to like this more than I did, and I blame the misleading summary. I was under the impression that the hero came back with the intent to win the heroine back, but really he spends far too long pretty much being an ass and wanting to leave...The h seemed to put up with a lot, I sorta wish she'd have made more steps to move on. By the end, the H has a lackluster epiphany, but by then I'd lost interest :( 2 stars, but on a positive note, I do like Ruthie Knox's style of writing, so there's a good chance I'll try another title from her later on:)

[Ashley N. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Julie and Carson. High marks for the writing and storyline. I love the feel and flow of Ruthie Knox's work. I was not in love with the main characters. I did not understand what made Carson so so special that he was worth all the fuss. He seemed like a selfish ass to me. So then I was torn about Julie - I really liked that she came to the small town, stayed, and made a difference. I didn't like so much that she remained eternally available for Carson. Overall, the storytelling did surpass the character issues for me.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining novella that had plenty of sizzle to go with the sentimentality.
Carson Vance has returned home to help out his ailing father and ends up having to stay at the Bed and Breakfast of his ex-girl friend, Julie Long. No matter how many times Carson has left and returned they can't seem to get over each other.
Carson needs to come to the realization that no matter where his travel's take him and how hard he fights it, his heart has always belonged to Julie.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I agree with other reviewers that Carson's groveling should of come sooner or that Julia's backbone appeared sooner. But I did like that Julia didn't wait around for him, she didn't remain celibate in hopes he would come back. She did move on and was engaged. One could argue she was waiting for him subconsciously, but at least she made the town her own.

But I've enjoyed ruthless knox's books in the past and really dug her writing in this one. A nice holiday novella.

[FrugalBookNerd]

I had to DNF this one. I hate doing that, but I couldn't get over the main characters. I actually really liked that the h tried to move on and fell in love with someone else for a time. However, 16 years of the H leaving her, showing up and then leaving again was too much for me. Especially when you find out it all started when she gave his mother a kidney. Sorry, just a personal preference but the H spoiled it all for me!