Upshot

Dansboro Crossing #2

by Avery Samson

She sailed into the room like an angel from heaven and sat beside me.
I just wish I could remember what happened next.

I’ve never been the sort of man to meet a woman in a bar and take her home for the night. But this time I’ll make an exception.
I’d really like to see her again. The problem is I just can’t remember more than a first name and the city she lives in.
But I’m not worried, I’ve taken on bigger problems than this.

Never, not even once, have I had a one-night stand. But, something about the sweet, sexy stranger had me following him up to his room. I also never drink so much that I can’t remember the night. Until now. Well, live and learn I guess.

Except it was a huge lesson.
One I’ll have for the rest of my life.
One that made that little stick turn blue.

What do you do when the dad is no more than a blurry image? You move back to your hometown.

Don’t worry about me. I’m fine living with my parents, working in a small shop, and waiting for the next months to pass quietly. I can do this on my own.

Except, he just walked into my small store, in my small town, in the middle of nowhere.

If it’s a surprise he wants, then it’s a surprise he’s going to get. The surprise of a lifetime.

195 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 16, 2023

About the author

Avery Samson grew up on a ranch outside of a small west Texas town. Since she could remember, she’s had her face stuck in a book. High School graduation found her leaving ranch life for the big city.

After living all over the state of Texas, she now finds herself back on one of the family ranches near Dallas with her husband surrounded by cattle. A lot of them. They’re everywhere! When not traveling or reading, she spends her time writing.

Avery would love for you to follow her. She’s everywhere (just like those damn cows.)

Website - https://www.averysamsonbooks.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/averysamsona...
Instagram - www.instagram.com/averysamson91
TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@averysamson91
Pinterest - www.pinterest.com/averysamson91

Reviews

[Elaine Francisca · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good book, but I think it was missing something. I think pregnancy trope can be tricky to write sometimes, and while I enjoyed this book, the characters could've been better.
Everything happened to fast with main characters, one day they were one night stand, and the other they were madly in love. We didn't have many moments where we could see when they actually fall in love. And I'm a sucker for those moments, the little gestures between them.
Also I didn't like how the female character was portrayed as a pregnant woman, it fell too cliché. Not all pregnant women are hungry and horny all the time. Also I think I would've enjoyed it more if the author talked about what the main character was feeling while being pregnant, besides being in a mood all the time and sometimes rude for no reason whatsoever.
I also enjoyed the pace of the book.
While this book wasn't for me, I'll be reading more from this author.

I received an advanced review copy for free in exchange for an honest review

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Upshot by Avery Samson is book two in the Dansboro Crossing Series. This is the story of Bronte and Rand. Bronte and Rand have a one night together where they didn't exchange last names and both just happened to be away from home. Rand woke up the next morning alone and Bronte had left to return to her life. But it seems that night had more impact then expected. Enjoyed this book.

[The Gemini’s Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know I’m in the minority with this one, but I love the unplanned pregnancy trope 🖤

I felt like Rand and Brontë were perfect for each other. I loved seeing their chemistry and I wish we got more of it! Seeing them overcome struggles and come together as one tugged on the heart strings.

Read this if you like:
•unplanned pregnancy
•small town romance
•one night stand
•millionaire romance

[Micronova · Rating 3 out of 5]

Upshot, book two in the Dansboro Crossing series-
My rating is 3 stars.

This is the only book I’ve read by Avery Samson. I read this as a standalone and have not read the first book in the series.

This was a cute, small-town love story and a quick read at only 195 pages. The writing was well done but I didn’t find anything particularly exciting or memorable. Maybe thats because you can’t pack an epic love story into a novella? There just isn’t enough time.

Brontë finds herself pregnant after a one-night-stand while she was out of town on a modeling shoot. She only knew his first name so she had no way to locate him. She returns home to Dansboro Crossing to move back in with her parents.
Meanwhile-
Rand has been obsessed with finding Brontë ever since he returned home from his business trip. He’s been searching unsuccessfully for months. One day he looks out his office window and sees an advertising billboard that has just been put up with none other than Brontë as one of the featured models. His sister makes a quick call and miraculously ends up with Brontë’s home address. Rand immediately leaves in search of his unforgettable one-night-stand…

The story was okay. I did find it to be pretty predictable and as I noted earlier, it wasn’t very exiting. The plot was carried through the entire book well and the support characters did their intended jobs (helped the story along.) There is some low level angst within the pages and Brontë and Rand get their HEA. I don’t feel the pressing need to read any other books from this series, it just isn’t for me.

I received an advance reader copy and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Kimberley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book two in the Dansboro Crossing Series featuring Brontë the youngest Caraway sister. Brontë is a model and get this biggest surprise, an unplanned pregnancy, after a meeting handsome stranger Rand at a hotel bar one night. This story takes you on all the emotions and struggles one faces when life gives you the most unexpected surprise. I would recommend reading book one in the series first as you meet all the recurring characters but it isn’t necessary however it does help you understand the family and small town dynamics. I really enjoyed Upshot and cannot wait to read the rest of the series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

She just sailed into the room like an Angel from heaven ……

It’s a surprise pregnancy for the second Calloway sister in the latest book in the Dansboro Crossing series. Model Bronte was modelling in Phoenix when she met a handsome stranger Rand in a hotel bar, copious amounts of alcohol later and Rand wakes up alone in his room. Bronte has left to return to her life in New York while he returns to California and his family business, but Bronte is always on his mind and he determines to find her but since they’d only exchanged first names that was more difficult than he thought but faint heart never won fair lady and he eventually tracks her down back home in Texas and finds more than he was expecting.

I wanted to love this book as much as I did the first book in the series, but Upshot just felt a bit meh for me. It’s a quick and easy read but everyone was just too nice and a bit bland. There was no conflict whatsoever between the hero and heroine and I didn’t really feel much connection there either. Rand and his sister had a traumatic upbringing at the hands of his father who sounded like an abuser at worse but definitely a bully, even when they were adults he treated them horribly, but I felt this was skimmed over. I did enjoy the small-town setting of Dansboro where everyone knows your business almost before you do, and I liked that they were protective of Bronte when Rand first showed up but for me the highlights of this book was Rand’s relationship with his sister Geneva and best friend Peter and also Bronte with her respective sisters. Unfortunately, Bronte and Rand’s relationship just fell flat and for that reason I give this book 3.5 stars. I did love what I saw of the third sister Eliot and I’m looking forward to her story.

[Linda Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, steamy and humorous small-town romance
Another wonderful trip to Dansboro Crossing, Texas and the Caraway family where their love for historical romance authors prompted the names of the three sisters: Eliot, Austen and Brontë. Our current story is about the youngest: 23yo Brontë. She is a fashion model in NYC by happenstance although she studied to work in fashion design. While working on a job in Phoenix, she meets an attractive man at the bar on her last night there. The handsome man is 32yo Henry Randolph V aka Rand a very successful real estate developer from California. Unfortunately, he has no recollection of what happened the night before when he wakes up the next morning. Whoa!! When he finally finds Brontë at home with a little baby bump…Oh. My. Word. Let the fun begin.
There were several poignant moments, one of which is the moment Rand holds his baby in chapter 21. I have often wondered what a man thinks when he holds his first progeny. This may be pretty close. The humor is literally of the laugh-out-loud variety. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through BookSirens. If you like sweet and humorous romances with just the right amount of steam, read this book and the previous one “Overdue” about Austen and her love interest Reed. I already plan on reading Eliot’s book "Brazen." Cannot wait…

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story with charm and heartfelt emotions. A one night stand in Arizona leaves a permanent impression on both Brontë and Rand.

I loved Rand’s sweet and shy demeanor and how his best friend/business partner supports him while busting his chops at the same time. Rand has a tight relationship with his younger sister who is definitely a sharp and dangerous woman.

Brontë is the youngest of 3 sisters in a very loving and involved family. When she moves home to her small Texas hometown eyebrows are raised when the fashion model shares the news she’s pregnant and the baby daddy was a one night stand.

The storyline is egg aging with fantastic characters with plenty of humor, some surprises and the typical misunderstandings. Rand is sweetly in over his head and overwhelmed at some of the realities of becoming a father. Watching him plan to win over Brontë’s heart was fun.

The reality of living in a small town are hilarious to see Rand experience and comment on internally. His reaction to Reed and his method of being there for his pseudo younger sister was hilarious.

This was a fun and entertaining read with lots of emotion and heartfelt drama.

I received a free ARC from the author and Hidden Gems; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.

[Tiffany aka Chai Tea And Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t read a lot of unexpected pregnancy romances, but I really liked this one! This had me feeling emotional, and had me rooting for the main characters to figure everything out. I wish there was a bit more spice or at least lead up to it to show the chemistry that the two main characters had. This was my first book by this author, but I’m definitely going to go back and read the first in the series. I loved Reed’s character and want to know his story. I also fell in love with this small town and want to stay there a little longer.

❤️Tropes❤️
💋one night stand
💋millionaire romance
💋unplanned pregnancy
💋small town romance

Rand has self imposed rules that he never breaks. He never gets drunk, he never sleeps naked (what if there’s a fire?!) and he NEVER has one night stands. So when he wakes up hungover and starts piecing together the previous night, he’s not quite sure how he got there other than being inexplicably drawn to Brontë. But she’s checked out and he has no way to find her. He can’t get her out of his head, so he puts all of his resources towards finding her. And she has a big surprise for him when he does.

Thank you to Literally Yours PR for the copy, all thoughts are my own.

[Carin van Niekerk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly, you had me at small town romance. But then, the main character and her sisters are named after the best known historical romance authors (Eliot, Austen and Bronte!!!) How incredibly fitting for a romance book.

So the fun kicks off with Bronte and Rand having a one night stand while they are both travelling for work. Bronte is a successful model and Rand is a real estate developer with some pretty intense rules - he never gets drunk, he never sleeps naked (because what if there is a fire :) and he never has one night stands. So imagine his surprise waking up with following morning - naked, hungover and definitely having had a one night stand.

Rand can’t get Bronte out of his head and he starts thinking of ways to find her until the solution is almost quite literally right in his face. And when he does finally find her, with a baby bump - well, let the games begin.

This book will give you all of the feelings with frustration at Rand’s initial freak out, his sweet gestures to win Bronte over, his best friend Peter and sister Geneva are hilarious and you will probably have murderous thoughts over his total ass of a father.

I absolutely loved this book!

Note - I received an ARC for review, all opinions are my own and are given freely.

[Sharon Moritz-rosenthal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of this author. I also have read the first book in the series. Its a series about three sisters who live in a small town. They have been named after Jane Austen. This is Bronte's story. She was a model at the beginning of this story and she has a fun one night stand. With no last names or phone numbers exchanged, when she ends up pregnant, she runs home and plans to be a single mom.

What she doesn't know is that her one night stand, Rand is desperate to find her. One day he looks out his office and there she is, because she modelled for an ad. That gives him some clues on how to find her.

What happens when he finds her? And what about her BIG surprise? I am not spoiling except to tell you, their reactions are shall we say complicated. I absolutely loved this story. Is it realistic? No! Its very coincidental but its also a lot of fun. I laughed, and I loved every minute of this story.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jenlovestoread7 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brontë and Rand meet in a bar in a city and have a drunken one night stand, Brontë later finds out that she’s pregnant. Unable to contact Rand and not able to continue her modelling career, Brontë moves back to the small town that she grew up in. Unable to forget Brontë, Rand manages to find her and is shocked to see that she’s expecting.

Avery Samson is one of my comfort authors, one that makes you cosy up in your favourite reading chair and not leave it until the book is finished. Her books are light and refreshing whilst still having a small level of angst, a good length and written so well the story just flows. They also have really likeable side characters and you want to see how their stories will develop-I’m really looking forward to Eliot’s book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kelly DeMarco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steamy with a slow build to love and forever
Upshot: a small town romance (A Dansboro Crossing Series Book 2) by Avery Samson is the first book by this author I have read and I really like the small town setting of Dansboro Crossing! Interesting but not too quirky, Dansboro Crossing residents don't hesitate to stand up for Bronte. And I adore the surprise baby trope.
While Bronte and Rand connect (obviously) because of their one night stand and all the lost details from it, this couple starts and stops more than a few times. And Rand? I love Rand. Absolutely my favorite character in this book hands down. But he had me wondering for a bit!
Overall, the one night stand doesn't only result in a surprise baby, but with determination, perseverance and open hearts, a chance at forever is born too.
I read an ARC of this book via Hidden Gems and voluntarily share my review.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bronte decided she would like one more drink before heading to her room. She chose to sit next to a gorgeous young man with an expensive suit and they ended up with too many drinks and a one-night stand. Both wish they could remember what happened. Rand cannot get her out of his mind and decides to track her down. Once he finds her, he realizes she is pregnant with his child. I loved the contrast of Bronte’s small town and the community that supports her with Rand’s father and mother who rarely speak to him. I liked the struggles Rand had wanting to be so much better than his own dad. Rand’s sister and best friend added a lot to the story, both support and creativity. Bronte’s sisters and parents were part of a family that stays together and makes the most of life. Great book and characters. I loved watching Bronte and Rand as their love grew deeper.

[Sarah Elyse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avery Samson’s “Upshot” is the second book in her Dansboro Crossing series, and it’s a small town accidental pregnancy romance that I think you will absolutely love! Rand and Brontë’s love story was both super sweet and incredibly swoony. It was a bit of a shorter read, and I read it all in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down. Even though neither Rand or Brontë were ready to have a baby with someone they barely knew, they were still determined to do what was right for the baby, and they also couldn’t deny their connection. Rand was extremely rich, but he isn’t cocky or stuck up because of it. I actually thought he was very kindhearted and genuine. And Brontë! I loved her quiet strength and I really admired her confidence as well. I loved this book, so it was definitely a 5 star read for me!

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

2 strangers, each on a business trip, meet at a bar on their last night in town. After several drinks and lots of flirting, the bartender shuts them off so off they go, back to his hotel room and enjoy a wild night together. No names exchanged, no contact information so there's no way to get in touch with one another. His money can't track her down, until her modeling ad appears on a banner outside his office window and finally he is able to track her down and surprises her when he shows up on her doorstep, only to find that she too has a surprise for him.

Very easy read with lots of funny moments - there's the required misunderstandings of course, and overly involved yet protective family members along with other family members who think they know what's best for all.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Deb V.]

I love this series! Heading back to the wonderful Dansboro Crossing. Seriously, I have never lived in a small town that is as awesome as the one in this series. I can only hope that there is one out there like it where people help out not because they are paid to but because they care and want to. This second book in the series is about Brontë and Rand. Everything starts with a one night stand while they are both in Arizona for work. The characters in this series are wawesome and each book just keeps adding to the wonderful story arc.

My favorite quote from the book pretty much summarizes this wonderful book:
“Love is just existing happily in the other person’s space.”

If you are looking for a fun new and fast read series with all the feels, this one is it!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[…Welcome to My World &#x1f30e.. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a short story that included all the feelings and banter. Brontë and Rand meet at a bar and they have a one night stand which results in a love baby! They both didn’t remember much from their night and they didn’t exchange any info about one another so they could reach other. Rand can’t stop thinking about Brontë so he’s determined to find her. When he finds her he doesn’t know what to really say to her and he ends up saying the wrong thing and assuming that Brontë moved on. From then on Rand works to show Brontë that she is it for him and that he wants her and their baby. This story was kind of sweet Rand and Brontë were perfect for each other. The last few chapters with their baby was just so sweet and wholesome.

I received an Arc copy and I am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this amazing series, and this is Rand and Bronte’s story.
Rand and Bronte are both away from home when they meet in a bar, and share a 1-night stand, with no names exchanged. Their night together has consequences, but when Bronte is back in her hometown working in a small shop, Rand unexpectedly walks in. How will Rand react to becoming a baby daddy?
This is a well written story which is an easy to read story, with family, friendships, humor, witty banter, emotions, and fun, which leads to an entertaining, and steamy small town romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Amy Crull · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sweet book! If you love books that show the entire pregnancy while a romance is brewing between the characters then this is the book for you!
Bronte' and Rand have a one night stand and leave it up to that until fate steps in and changes their plans. These two may have had two different ways of growing up but that doesn't stop them from falling in love and making a family.
While I wasn't the biggest fan of the name Rand, I found myself still liking him and how he was with Bronte'. He was sweet and loving while letting her have her space. He didn't overwhelm her and showed her how serious he was about staying in Dansboro Crossing with her.
It was a good book with characters who are loud, overbearing and loves so hard!! Bronte' family is a lot but they all have good hearts!

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kept me interested and involved in the story until the end. Picked it up to start and had a rough time putting it down. Really liked the lead characters. Especially liked Rand for who he was, especially with the self absorbed father he had that was always abusing him, Rand and his sister Geneva. Brronte' was a unique character and a lot more to her personality and who she was considering the high class model she had been.

Their story took some interesting turns and liked how they each remained faithful throughout to each other and the baby.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Upshot was a feel good, happy story.

I really did like Rand and Brontë. Their first night was one for the books. A one night stand that turned into the rest of their lives unbeknownst to them!

The ride to getting their happy ending was a little predicable, but satisfying. I understand with Rand’s past, but at times I felt like he was a little soft, a pushover. I didn’t want him to be an a$$hole but I also wanted him to have a little pre of a backbone at times.

The supposed characters were amazing. Brontë’s sisters were a hoot and Pete and Geneva, let’s just say their story wi be full of steam!

[M H]

"Love is just existing happily in the other person’s space."

Feel good romance with lots of entertaining banter and mostly great family dynamics. Rand is such a gentleman and really shy despite who he is in society. He's a great character. Truly caring and attentive. The plot is about one night leading an unforseen journey for both characters and how they navigate that journey. I appreciated that there were no huge misunderstandings. It's annoying when things stretch for ever because of a misunderstanding and someone refusing to listen. Glad that didn't happen here.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m glad I stuck with this one. There was a moment early on when I felt like the writing was a little stunted…almost like sentences were ended very abruptly and it was throwing me off. I did stick through it primarily because I caught myself laughing out loud at some of the internal monologue and one liners. I’m so glad I did too. Brontë and Rand were so cute together and I really enjoyed reading ad their relationship developed. I have to admit though…Peter and Geneva stole the show for me. I really really hope they are up next in this series.

[Belle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Avery's second book in the Dansboro Crossing Series and focuses on Bronte, the youngest Caraway sister. Unlike her sisters, Bronte is a fashion model and loves the city life. However, after a one-night stand, she is forced to move back home. She doesn't count on Rand, his best friend and hilarious sister tracking her down.

This is a great easy to read rom-com with some genuine laugh-out loud moments and great character development. Definitely recommend!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[KL Cassanello · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bronte moves home when she finds out she's pregnant. With no baby daddy in sight, the rumor mill is abuzz. A chance meeting brings Rand back into her life, and he's not going anywhere. He's the real deal, and I love him for that - staying in Dansboro Crossing, changing his life in order to be near Bronte and their coming child. His family is a mess, but the support she gets from hers is amazing. This is the second book in the series, and it was just wonderful reading. I received an advance copy of the book, and this is my honest review.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brontë and Rand are that well drawn to one another that they both did something they wouldn’t normally do. She leaves him and his room to get on with her life, but finding out she’s now pregnant, she hightailed it back home to ma n pa and working in their small shop. Well it wouldn’t be much of a story if one fine day the father hadn’t shown up in that very same store…. They both had a hard time remembering and definitely didn’t catch each other’s surname so it’s gotta be fate dealt a hand . He found his Angel aww… good read , entertaining

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Dansboro Crossing series. I didn’t think this would be as good as the first, but it was just as good if not better. Brontë the youngest Caraway sister returns home when she need the support of her family. After a fantastic one night stand, Rand is constantly on the search for the beautiful model. The problem is he only knows her first name and she’s from Texas. Loved it. Can’t wait for Eliot’s story next.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[DENICE · Rating 5 out of 5]

RAND AND BRONTE

I received this book for free and am giving my honest and voluntary review.

After reading the third book in this series, I had to go back to the first and second stories. This is the second story and I fell in love with the characters even moreso that the third book. All the stories have shy men and this one interested me as how Rand fell so hard for Bronte and found himself when he realized he loved her. Add in a baby and I was hooked. This series is worth reading more than once.

[Manue · Rating 3 out of 5]

*This is an ARC review

I love the pregnancy trope when it’s well done, and this one didn’t disappoint! I really enjoyed the characters and their growth throughout the story. However, I did find the pacing uneven; some sections felt rushed, especially during important developments. There were time jumps of a few weeks without much context, which made it hard to follow the story’s progression. Despite this, I really liked the book overall, it was easy to read and engaging!

Thank you so much BookSirens/and the author for the advance copy❤️