Hank

Men of Clarence County #1

by Tilly H. Colson

Returning home has never been so dangerous...

Returning to her hometown was never part of the plan for Daisy Hughes. But after the sudden death of the grandparents who raised her, Daisy finds herself inheriting the family farm in Bell Ridge, Texas. When she begins to receive anonymous threats demanding she sell the farm, it becomes clear that not everyone is happy with her return.

If Daisy doesn't figure out who wants her out of Bell Ridge, and fast, her home won't be the only thing she loses.

Clarence County Sheriff Hank Porter is perfectly fine going through life on his own. He's closed off, more than a little rough around the edges, and distant, but that suits him just fine. After his ex left him with no warning five years ago, Hank hasn't had any desire to explore a relationship with anyone else, friendship or otherwise. That is, until Daisy Hughes goes flying past his radar gun one afternoon with tears in her eyes.

Struggling to move on from his past, Hank tries to stay away from Daisy. But as the danger surrounding her escalates, it becomes clear that someone is determined to put her life at risk. He can't stay away and let her be hurt, or worse. While the chemistry between them grows as they spend time together, Hank and Daisy must race against time to uncover the sinister force trying to destroy her life.

Will Hank be able to get over his past to ensure he and Daisy have a future?

Genres: Romance, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Romance, Dark, Grumpy Sunshine, Forced Proximity, Suspense

325 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 12, 2024

About the author

Tilly H. Colson is a contemporary romance author who enjoys writing stories filled with emotion, heartache, and happily ever afters for men who range from golden retrievers to alpha protectors, and the amazing women they love!!

Reviews

[Kara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Infuriating

The most frustrating, infuriating and annoying main characters.
The story was good but the back and forth between the two main characters was just frustrating, I gave up half way and skipped through to the last few chapters and the story still made sense.
The snippet for the next book was intriguing however I'm hesitant to read it if it's going to be like this one....
A great story but the back and forth between the two main characters and all the supposed miscommunication was totally unnecessary to the story and actually took away from it, just made it drag out.

[Amelia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I struggled to connect to main characters. They stay in a small town but he ignores her for a whole year. His back and forth gave me whiplash. She is a victim of SA but quite forward for someone that's never been with anyone else. She irritated me with her attitude toward her safety. If someone sent me threatening notes for a year, killed my chickens and tried to kill me I wouldn't be so stubborn and blase about my own safety.

His sister shows up at his home and they are both upset and unsettled after talking. Never mentioned again. And belatedly he realise he should have put her in contact with his sister that's a security expert. The only thing really mentioned is her giving Daisy mace. Really?

And then.. her grandparents were both killed in an accident on the farm. Never any mention of what happened and how both were involved. Didn't make sense.

[Sandy (Sandy.Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5 Stars)
*rounded up

You can definitely tell Hank was one of the author’s earlier books, but there were still so many things about it that I enjoyed.

One thing Tilly consistently does well is suspense. Every time I think I’ve figured out who the bad guy is or where the story is heading, she manages to throw in a twist that completely changes everything. Hank was no exception. The suspense kept me engaged and eager to see how everything would unfold.

And let’s talk about Hank. We love a man in uniform who shows up when it matters. He was fiercely protective of Daisy and always did what he believed was best to keep her safe. His loyalty and dedication made him easy to root for throughout the story.

What I enjoyed most was getting to experience another one of Tilly’s suspenseful romances. Even in one of her earlier books, the elements that keep me coming back to her stories were there: the mystery, the twists, and a hero who would do anything to protect the woman he loves. If you’re a fan of romantic suspense, there’s a lot to enjoy in this one.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

A New Beginning? . . .

Being short-handed at the Sheriff’s Office was bad enough. They just had enough officers to cover the current shifts. Hank Porter had to assign his deputy Dan to highway traffic amid much grumbling. But Dan called him that his wife Michelle had gone into labor, so Hank took over his shift. Hank had once hoped for a family with his fiancée, but she walked out on him and he gave up on that dream.

Returning home had not been an option for Daisy Hughes who was struggling to get ahead in her advertising job. But a call from the Clarence County Sheriff changed her life. Her grandparents who had raised her, Pat and Joe Wilkins, had been in an accident and were in the hospital. Before she could grab her purse, her boss dumped another load of work on her desk that she needed immediately. Her boss actually stood in front of her to block her from leaving, insisting she could not leave until her work was finished… and she would have to work overtime so their presentation the next day would be ready! She was 3 hours away from the hospital and she refused to remain at work until she saw her grandparents in person! Tears streamed down her face as she raced into town, only to be stopped by a cop – actually the Sheriff! -- for speeding. When she mentioned a farm accident, he knew who she was and gave her a police escort to the hospital. He waited a bit, then walked inside to make sure she was okay. She exited the elevator in tears, walked toward him without seeing him, then collapsed as he caught her.

With the death of her grandparents, Daisy inherits her family's farm. Strangely, anonymous threats begin to arrive. As the threats escalate, Hank cannot avoid her anymore. Will they figure out who is after her? Can Hank protect her from the unseen danger?

[FANCHON · Rating 3 out of 5]

Daisy was so stupid it was painful.

Not only is she completely and increasingly TSTL as the book progresses, but she is unbelievably dismissive of danger to the point of being in a Pollyanna fantasy world.

Oh, the guy that assaulted her, attempted to rape her, and threatened her life? No restraining order please, he was just drunk!

Someone sent her flowers KNOWING she has an anaphylactic allergy? She’s sure it’s was “an honest mistake”. 🙄

This was **after** her truck was tampered to cause her death, her chickens were violently slaughtered, she’s received threatening letters for a year, she was grabbed in a kidnapping attempt, she has seen multiple intruders at her home…. The list goes on. But sure, keep your head in the sand 🙄

It’s not often that I root for the villain, but when he called her out for being so completely stupid I cheered for him. Seriously. I refuse to believe anyone is that dense.

Overall, the storyline was ok. Hank was ridiculous with his hot and cold, and had Daisy not completely ruined the book for me with her idiocy then I might have griped more about his poor behavior. But she stole the show with her brainlessness. And I’m not quite sure what either one saw in the other tbh. She’s clueless and incapable of learning, and he repeatedly pushes her away and ghosts her.

The ending is a lead in to the next book, and I’m undecided on reading it. Daisy’s pregnant cousin is in an abusive relationship apparently. I’m nervous she’s genetically predisposed to the same level of idiocy as Daisy, and I just can’t do it again.

[Anna Page · Rating 3 out of 5]

romantic suspense x sherif x grumpy/sunshine

Romantic suspense is becoming the genre I go to when I’m in a book slump, need a palate cleanser or need fast paced and this was all those things. The small town makes for a good setting and intro to the series and the characters are so sweet you can’t help but root for them. That being said, please check the TW!

read this if you’re in the mood for…
- small town
- grumpy/sunshine
- sheriff
- slow burn
- who hurt you

This book is written in 3rd-of which usually bothers me but it switched attention between characters enough that it felt like dual narration. The slow burn was SLOW and we really needed that yearning internal monologue lol I enjoyed the book but sometimes felt like the plot was a little forced and that took me out of the moment. I finished because I wanted the closure but also wasn’t overly invested if that makes sense.

Here are a few of my favorite things…
- the beginning when she thought there was an animal growling in the corner LOL
- Jake knowing exactly what he was doing
- taking over the farm seems like the dream life (but also what is her income? lol)

Will I recommend ? Unsure! I was entertained but unattached lol

[Sara Kauffman · Rating 2 out of 5]

How is the FMC that dumb? Assault and attempted rape? He was just drunk. Threatening letters taped to your door for a year? NBD. Your chickens murdered and the axe left behind? oh no, gonna be late for the farmer's market. Someone tries to kidnap you? I'll just go back to my house alone, thanks. Seriously though.

[Alayna · Rating 1 out of 5]

All I have to say is that the writing was super elementary and I can’t believe I even finished it 🤦‍♀️

[San-Daleen · Rating 1 out of 5]

He is an idiot and she is weird.

[Angie Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tilly H. Colson has written a 5-star book. This is the story of Daisy and Hank. Daisy is at work and gets a call. It is a deputy and he tells her that her grandparents have been in an accident and taken to the hospital. She asks if he knows anything else and he says he didn't. She packs up her things and as she starts to leave, her boss Shay comes in and says that she put more files on her desk. Daisy looked at her and said "I have to go. Shay looked at her and told her that she couldn't leave until her work was done. Daisy hears Shay's voice but it sounds like it is coming from a tunnel a mile away. "Are you okay? You look pale." Daisy tells her that she has a family emergency and has to go. Shay is standing in her way and Daisy tells her "Get out of my way." Shay starts to give her a hard time but Daisy walks away from her. When Daisy gets to Bell Ridge, she hopes her grandparents are all right. She is going a little faster than she is supposed to be going and she gets stopped. Hank is the sheriff of Bell Ridge and he has taken over for one of his deputies since his wife has gone into labor. When Hank finds out who she is, he escorts her to the hospital. He waits for her after she goes to see about her grandparents. When she comes out, she falls apart. Hank is there to comfort her. She tells him that her grandfather passed away on the way to the hospital and her grandmother passed away just a little bit ago. After the funeral, Daisy inherits the farm from her grandparents. Someone doesn't want her to keep the farm and start sending her notes about leaving. She doesn't pay attention to the notes. Daisy has been taking things from the farm to the farmer's market to sell. Daisy is on her way to the farmer's market when her truck starts speeding up. She tries to slow it down but her breaks don't work. She wrecks and is knocked out from the crash. Hank is at the market when Sam, a friend of Daisy's asks him if he has seen her. They talked and Hank was told that she said that she would be there. Hank said that he would go and look for her. He finds the crash and Daisy hurt. He doesn't want to move her since he is not sure of how badly she is hurt. Caleb and Aaron come up and they want to move Daisy. Hank tells them that they can't move her but then he smells gas leaking. Hank and Caleb get Daisy out of the truck. When she gets to the hospital. Jake, a friend of Hank's is there and he is the one who takes care of Daisy. She has a concussion and a dislocated shoulder. After she is taken care of, she wants to know when she can go home but Jake tells her that she needs to have someone stay with her in case something happens or she has to stay in the hospital. Hank said that he would stay with her to check on her through the night. Daisy is attracted to Hank but she doesn't think her likes her since he doesn't talk to her. She tells him that she doesn't think it is a good idea for him to stay with her. He tells her that she can't do everything she needs done with her shoulder the way it is. She finally agrees to let him stay. Hank is attracted to Daisy but he fights it. Since his fiance Anna left him with no word, he doesn't trust women and doesn't date. There is something about Daisy that changed him. Hank helps Daisy with the farm chores and cooks for her since she can't use her arm. Things happened and she kissed him and he returned the kiss but after, told her it was a mistake. She feels hurt and thinks about what is wrong with her and that no one wants her. She tries to keep her feelings for him locked up so he can't hurt her anymore. Hank wants to know about the accident and she tells him how the truck was acting before she found out the brakes didn't work. She tells him about the notes that she has been getting for the last year. He asks why she hadn't said anything to him about them. She says she didn't want to bother him. He said that he would find out what was going on and wouldn't let anyone hurt her again. Hank stays with Daisy for a week and when he leaves, he goes back to being cold toward her. She is over his hot and cold and tries to get over her feelings for him. She is out with her friend Emma having drinks when Dale comes on to her. She tells him no but he doesn't listen. She tries to get away from him but he grabs her. Hank is at the bar and sees what is going on and goes to stop Dale. After Daisy told Emma that she was going to head out. She leaves and when she gets outside, Dale is waiting on her. He drags her to the alley and tries to have his way with her. Hank is on his way to his truck when he hears the scream. He goes to check it out and sees Dale his Daisy. He stops Dale from hitting her again and arrests him. After Dale is taken away, Hank follows Daisy home. When they get to her farm, she thinks she sees someone around her house. Hank tells her to get in his truck and lock the doors while he goes to check things out. When he comes back, he tells her that he didn't see anyone. He tells her that when he went out back, he saw her kitchen door open just a little bit. He tells her to pack a bag because she is going to his house. He called to have someone come over and check to see if they could find anything about who broke into her house. She agrees to go just for the night. The next morning, she is fixing breakfast as a thank you and a woman walks in calling for Hank. Daisy thinks it is someone he is seeing and she wonders what is wrong with her. The woman wants to know who she is and when she says Daisy, the woman smiles at her. The woman tells her that she is Hank's sister Kara. Daisy and Kara start talking waiting on Hank. When Hank comes into the room, he wants to know why Kara is there. She tells him that she needs to talk to him and he is not going to get away from her. Daisy and Hank are in town and he is shocked to see his ex-fiance Anna coming toward him. When she gets to him, she wants to talk to him but he says he has nothing to talk to her about. He is with Daisy and over her. Anna says she was sorry for leaving him without a word. He tells her it would have been nice 5 years ago but now he doesn't care. Daisy and Hank talk and she tells him that he needs closure with Anna. He sends Anna a message and gives her a place and time to meet. When she gets there, she tells him that she made a mistake in leaving him and wants him back. He tells her that he doesn't want anything to do with her since he is with Daisy. Anna tells him that she knows he has not dated in the past and was just waiting for her to come back. Hank tells her that what they had was over and he would never be with her again since he would be waiting for the next time she just left without a word. She gets upset that he won't give her another chance. It is a few days later and Daisy is at home and there is a knock on her door. When she goes to answer, Anna is standing there. Daisy is shocked to see her but invites her in and asks if she would like some tea. When Anna gets the tea, she drinks it all down and Daisy sips her. Anna tells her that she is sorry for what she did. All of a sudden, Anna said she didn't feel well and tried to stand but passed out. Daisy is feeling fuzzy and calls Hank and tells him what is going on. He tells her that he is on his way. When he gets to the house, Anna is there and she wants him to stay with her but he says that the EMTs are on their way. He leaves and goes to look for Daisy. When Daisy wakes up, she doesn't know where she is but Aaron comes in and tells her that if she had just done what the notes have said then she would've been safe. He goes on to tell her that the farm was to be his and she took it away from him and now he was going to get what was his. Daisy knows she has to find a way out of where she is. She tries to talk to Aaron. Hank can't find out anything about Daisy. He thinks about everything that has happened and wonders about Aaron. He goes to talk to Aaron's mother and asks her about him. She says that he is away helping a friend. Hank says that something happened and he thinks that Aaron has a part in it. Aaron's mother said something about Daisy's grandparents telling them that when they passed, they would make sure that Daisy knew that Aaron had first choice on buying the farm. Hank asks if there is any other place Aaron would go. She tells him about her husband's old hunting cabin. He says he needs the address. She gives him the address and he leaves. He calls dispatch and tells them where he is going. Daisy gets scared when Aaron pulls a gun on her. About that time, Anna shows up. Daisy is shocked to see her there. Aaron and Anna talk about what is going to happen to Daisy. Aaron asks her if she remembers the friend he said he was helping. When Daisy didn't answer, Aaron said that it was Anna, who was his cousin. Anna tells her that she is going to be there for Hank when Daisy dies. This is her plan to get him back. Aaron tells her that there will be paperwork where it shows that he is to get the farm. Daisy thinks Anna and Aaron have been working together for a while to get all the details down to this level. Daisy tells them that she is planning on leaving and that Anna could have Hank. Aaron is not having it and tries to get Anna to shoot Daisy. When she can't, Aaron gets upset turns the gun on her, and shoots her. Daisy looks around for something to help her against Aaron. She sees something and when Aaron goes off about the farm being his and how she messed things up for him, Daisy goes after the fire poker. Daisy decides that she has to get out of there and she and Aaron fight. He tries to choke her and before he can kill her she hits him in his privates. She gets up and grabs the fire poker. Aaron comes after her before she can get out. She sees him coming and just before he can grab her, she hits him and he goes down. She sees the gun and she grabs it on her way out. She runs out of the cabin and takes off. Aaron comes after her and she stops long enough to shoot at him. She hits him again and he goes down. She doesn't stick around and takes off again. She gets to the main road and sees headlights. She is in the middle of the road and when the car stops, she goes down and passes out. Hank is the one who came up to her and he is shocked to see her in the middle of the road. He gets out of his truck and goes to Daisy. He sees that she is hurt. He takes her to the hospital and on the way calls Jake and tells him what is going on. Jake said that he was headed out and would meet him at the hospital to take care of Daisy. Hank is worried about Daisy because she has not woken up yet. Jake tells him that she should be fine and for him to go to her and let her know that he is there and she is safe now. When Daisy finally wakes up, She asks if she killed Aaron. He tells her that no, he was in surgery and after would be taken to jail for a very long time for what he had done to her. Hank tells her that he is sorry that he was not there to keep her safe from Aaron and Anna. She tells him that he is not at fault for what happened to her. It was all on Aaron and Anna. Hank tells her that he has something to say to her. He told her that he was sorry for not being there and that he would understand if she did not want to see him anymore because of it. He goes on to tell her that he would do anything to protect her from that moment on.
Will Daisy let Hank know that she wants to be with him always?
This was a wonderful book and I would recommend it to anyone.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Hanna Giesen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This wasn’t terrible but it wasn’t great. I did like quite a few of the (rather typical romantic suspense) scenes and had a fun time with them. I still got very annoyed with the characters and their decisions though…
2.75⭐️ 🌶🌶🌶

[Margery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, what an adventure Ms. Colson has woven. Daisy's grandparents have an accident the same day, the sheriff, after pulling her over for speeding leads her to the hospital. He decides to wait. That decision sets Daisy and Sheriff Hank into a whirlwind of mixed signals and out of sinc emotions. Threats to Daisy brings danger to her door step, injuries to Daisy and murder. Can Hank save the day? Will they end up together for life? You will have to read this action packed who dunnit romance. A truly wonderful book!

[Hannah Parshall · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ooof that was rough. I got to 70% and then skipped to the end to see who did it

[Ida Havard · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was sooo infuriating…
Sorry but Daisy was the most annoying FMC ever. She had ZERO self preservation sense:
1. Got roofied at a frat party and SA? Yes. But didn’t tell anybody.. not for trauma (which would have been understandable) but bc of fear of losing her scholarship for drinking underage.. what?
2. Has a lurking “friend” that makes her feel uncomfortable? Sure, I’m not going to tell my police officer boyfriend about it, it will be okay .
3. A guy tried to force himself on you at a bar? Let’s not press charges he was just drunk
4. After you decide to Walk ALONE to your car, same guy tries to SA you an ally? Oh it was my fault bc I said no.. girl what?
5. Also I’m not going to tell my boyfriend anything and just assume stuff
We all hate the miscommunication trope
This also has:
- FMC who is super hot but has no idea
- FMC who is oblivious about about basic life skills.. like therapy, talking about threatening notes to the people you know, and freaking defending predators that literally prayed in you .. calling them “Friends”
- MMC worst police officer ever
- MMC a simp.. a don’t mind a man crying but this was. A lot of tears and feminization of a male character.. no man talks that much about feelings to anybody
Ugh
Idk why I don’t DNF, I guess I wanted to know about the plot and who was the bad guy. It wasn’t shocking you could see it from a mile away..

[Alithea King · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why won’t her date her? Mission unclear. He had a mild breakup and spent a year talking about the FMC but then won’t date her?

[Tina Thompson · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. I just can’t do it. The writing is terrible, with no explanations on anything!

The start of the book was awful, with Daisy working at a marketing company for hours upon hours, she hasn’t got any friends or a life at all. She’s not even doing marketing which she’s qualified for, she works as an admin assistant to the boss and she just gets taken advantage of. She’s worked there for three years and her boss keeps dangling the carrot of her actually working in marketing someday. HOW STUPID DO YOU HAVE TO BE to believe that? So it’s not a very good start to the book. She hasn’t had any time of since she started working there as again her boss keeps telling her that she will work in marketing one day. 😂😂😂😂😂 WHEN? It’s been THREE YEARS!!! When her grandparents who brought her up are in an accident she comes home to see them. So Daisy is obviously distraught as they’ve just died and Hank who is the town’s sheriff KISSES HER! Full on snogs her as she’s stood there sobbing over her grandparents deaths. Eeeeeeeewwwww! That’s so inappropriate! Then the next page is several months later and Daisy has loads of friends and is working the farm. ERM COULD WE HAVE SOME DESCRIPTIONS OF THE FARM AND WHO EVERYONE IS? I’ve got no clue who anyone is as the author can’t be bothered to explain it, what sort of farm did her grandparents run? What sort of farm is she running? Again no explanation. 😡😡😡😡😡

Then there’s the bitter Hank. Hank’s wife left him and apparently didn’t explain why, so it’s left him with a boulder on his shoulder. He avoids Daisy like the plague after kissing her when he first meets her. He doesn’t want another relationship and he’s scared. Oh boo hoo! Strap on a pair and get back out there. He’s only 35 and acts like he’s much older. He’s got a damaged knee and again I don’t know how, and I can’t be bothered to read anymore as it’s annoyed me that much.

I feel like there’s a HUGE part of the book missing at the beginning. It could have been a lot better if we had been able to read about Daisy learning how to run the farm, and learnt who people were! If it was a paperback book I would be convinced that a load of pages were missing.

Terrible.

[Sarah Driscoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book captivated my attention and I couldn’t put it down. I read it over the course of a couple days and want to see more of the story line! This was well written because there were parts in which I was angry with certain characters and then parts in which I loved. Steamy, cute, mysterious, thriller - all wrapped up in one book!

[Chelsea · Rating 2 out of 5]

So I mean, literally pages into this book and I’m screaming WTF!! She’s just lost both her grandparents .. and the sheriff (that she’s literally JUST MET) kisses her?!?? What?? I honestly nearly stopped reading but I carried on.. just in case.

I think the interest around who was stalking Daisy is what kept me reading. I couldn’t believe it when she was attacked by Dale and then went on to have s*x with Hank later that day like nothing ever happened.

How annoying did Daisy get towards the end! She literally seemed oblivious to the fact that someone was trying to kill her.

I kind of rushed through the end. I didn’t think there was much depth in it to be honest. What I expected to happen, happened and that was that. I didn’t feel I had any connection to the characters so didn’t really enjoy reading the last few chapters.

The ending that gave the insight into Grace’s story seemed interesting, but I haven’t really enjoyed the writing style in this book, so I don’t think I’ll be reading the next.

[Kim · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have never read a book and felt so much annoyance for the 2 main characters. Daisy has an emotional maturity of a 15 year old. How many times does someone have to try harm/kill/rape you before you become a bit more self aware?! And then there’s her relationship with Hank. She gets upset because she wakes up and he’s not there, but then proceeds to turn off her phone so he can’t actually contact her. Let alone the fact that someone is actively trying to kill you but, yes, let’s turn the phone off because you can’t be an adult. Hank on the other hand was a 36 year old grown man, but his ex had scarred him so badly that he had to constantly run from his feelings from Daisy. Oh please!! There were also many questions on the plot etc. but I’m too annoyed to even get into those…

[GigiReads]

DNF at 30%

He kissed her right after her grand parents died and then nothing for a year? She was pushing everything to get ahead in her career and gave it up for a small farm?

This book is one of those classic over explain all the small things and leave all the big things totally unexplained.

Inconsistencies in their characters kept throwing me off. He talks about caring about the community but is then challenged by a friend that he never willingly talks to anymore? Does she have friends or not?

[ForeverBooked · Rating 3 out of 5]

- small town
- grumpy/sunshine
- sheriff
- slow burn
- who hurt you
- western
- forced proximity
- someone's trying to kill her


fav parts from the book:




Looking down, he realized just how much he towered over her. Her legs buckled beneath her and she collapsed down towards the ground, shuttered sobs piercing the surrounding air. Hank caught her, easily sweeping her body up in his arms, walking to the quiet lounge. He set her down in a chair, making sure she was steady enough that she would not tumble out when he moved. She needed something to drink or eat. It looked like she was seconds away from shock. When he sat down, her head fell forward into her hands and sobs wracked her body. A desire to wrap her up in his arms felt like it punched him in the stomach, but he knew better. Hank settled on just sitting beside her, hoping his presence was enough support

“Did you stay to give me a ticket?” She sniffled, trying to smile.
“No, sunshine. I didn’t.” He tried to make his voice steady, but her

me.”
“Did you even see the way he looked at you just then? Like you were the most fragile piece of glass and it was his job to protect you? My panties almost melted off at the intensity.”

Sunshine, do you really think I’m going to have you sleep on the couch? Besides it being the most ungentlemanly thing I can think of, the living room is very exposed. I don’t want anyone looking in the windows and seeing you there. I’ll be close to the door so I can protect you if someone tries to come in.”
Lord, those were definitely not the words she needed to hear right now. She’d almost forgotten the reason she was here. It had almost been enough to just flirt with Hank, to pretend like someone wasn’t trying to scare her, or maybe even worse, hurt her.
Hank took her hand.
“Sorry, Daisy. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

This home, in the beginning, was where he saw his future children living. Having breakfast all around the island in the kitchen, family game nights in the living room. But as the years passed, no woman ever lived up to the dream. He couldn’t see kids growing up there anymore. But he’d seen them playing on the tire swing in Daisy’s yard. He’d thought about a little blonde-haired girl, with Daisy’s piercing blue eyes, running through the sunflower fields chasing after a little boy with his dark features. The dream of what this house would hold was too precious to him to dirty with one-night stands or women who were just passing through his life. But now that Daisy was here, and he’d heard her laughter bounce off the walls, he’d smelled her delicately floral scent fill the rooms as they walked through, he didn’t want to think about letting her go.

“Yes. He was driving me crazy, but that’s when I knew he had it bad. You were never just someone he felt obligated to help.”
“What did he ask you?”
“Oh, everything from if you were sleeping enough to if he should be worried about how you refused to take your pain medication. He even asked me if you’d spent too much time out in the sun one day, and if he needed to watch out for dehydration. The man is a goner. When the two of you have kids, I’ll be disconnecting my phone for sure.”
When they had kids.
Daisy’s heart flooded with warmth as she thought about a future with Hank. It meant everything to her to have someone she could count on by her side.

“At the accident where Caleb was killed. In the seconds where I thought my life was going to end. I didn’t have a flashback to my childhood, or even a flash of memories from recent years. I saw you. In the future. I was coming home to you and our family. You were standing on the porch at the farm, yelling after the most adorable little girl in a sunflower dress who had your blonde hair. The both of you were lit up by the sun, looking like angels who just arrived from Heaven. Your belly was round with another child we were expecting. I felt such happiness in that moment, Daisy.”
“You can’t say that to me, Hank.”
“Why? I want that future, Daisy. I love you.”
“You really love me too?” He watched as a smile stretched across her face.

“Gotcha. I’ll take it a little slower. That should help. Sometimes I get so excited about getting home to Daisy, I forget that I also have to follow the speed limits.” He laughed.
“That’s really sweet.” She paused, wondering if she should say out loud what she was thinking. After a minute, she decided to just go for it. “I know we just met, but I can see so easily how much you love Daisy. You’re a wonderful husband to her, and you’re going to make a great dad.” Hank’s eyes grew wide, and she continued to explain. “Daisy told me this morning. Or, more like I figured it out.”

[Chelsea · Rating 2 out of 5]

I legitimately don't know what to rate this. The book could have been great but it turned out to be fine, and that's solely because of the characters personalities and the glaring obviousness on who the kidnappers/stalkers were.
The FMC was so independent it was annoying. She felt like the girl who gets murdered first in a horror movie because even with all these threats to her life (more than 2 murder attempts AND evidence that she's being tormented on her own property AND her house has been broken into and chickens decapitated) she constantly tries to convince the MMC she's fine on her own or doesn't need help but caves after arguing being all "you're right" and "I feel safer with you." Girl, grow up and let logic be at the forefront of your brain. The MMC was no better with his constant yearning for her but also icing her out every time? He has no right to be jealous when she's hanging out with other men when he barely speaks to her and then when he gives her the cold shoulder. Also, who doesn't leave a note or a text the morning after a trauma dump followed by sex? Bro, you're the SHERIFF, when has any problem you're called in for been solved before somebody who wakes up early every weekend for a market day and who also has shown time and time again will not slow down even with injuries. I just couldn't handle either of them even before the halfway point, but I kept going because there was no hint who the bad people were yet and I wanted to see if I could figure it out. Which I did easily once the diner scene happened and after that it was just not DNFing it.
Also, WAY to much trauma in such a small amount of time. I get having a back story but I don't need an almost SA (but an assault nonetheless) taking place RIGHT before the flashback of her actual SA. I know it was a trigger warning and I was fine with it, but both scenes were too close together.
Don't know if I want to read the others, especially if all the FMCs are going to have some sort of assault/violence trauma towards them, for personal reasons.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard Hitting

Some parts of this book hit very hard, and they should. Too many people (male and female) have been put in bad situations and they tend to blame themselves. IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT! I wish this was reiterated more when kids are younger, and the fact that people should stop forcing themselves on others. People need to learn that no means no, and when there is alcohol involved, pretty good chance that yes means no. I know these issues will never end, and it’s a sad world that we live in where people (mostly girls) have to rely on friends to help keep them safe and to not leave their drinks unattended.
Anyway, enough about that, TO THE BOOK! OMG, two broken souls find each other and are the healing balm the other needs. Age gaps are an interesting read sometimes, and depending on the age of the characters, can border on wrong. This one is right. Ten years isn’t a big difference when the characters are 25 and 35, however, drop them down ten years, and it’s wrong. Good thing this one wasn’t like that. In most of the age gap books I’ve read, it’s usually the man (older) who has an issue with the age, as is the case in this book. He is soon pointed in the right direction and shown that their age difference isn’t the issue, it’s his own hang-ups that are causing the issue.
With good friends and a small town community, the two manage to work through issues and actually talk.
I liked this book because it wasn’t a whole lot of him thinking “I’m too old for her. I can’t protect her properly so I’ll just leave her alone” and her thinking “oh, he doesn’t like me” and then a huge misunderstanding where they don’t talk, that was only at the beginning after they first met. The rest of their interactions were communicating their fears and how they felt. It was refreshing.

[Cassie L · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent with the fmc

I LOVED this book but the fmc had me almost dnf this a few times.

*SPOILERS*

1) she cried about something legit every single chapter. Like bro you are 25, stop crying so much. It got to the point where I was physically rolling my eyes every time she cried because how many times are tears just going to roll down your cheeks.

2) she got so pissy when Hank would try to protect her. Like she was in the hospital 15 million times because someone is literally trying to kill you but god forbid a man tell you to be more cautious.

3) someone leaves threatening letters? Oh I’m sure it’s just kids playing around. Someone kills 3 of your chickens? Those damn kids playing jokes on you. Someone messes with your truck and causes a wreck that could kill you? Oh I’m sure it’s an accident. Oh the break lines were cut and other stuff was wrong with the truck? Well that’s unfortunate. Literally I have no idea how many times this woman almost died and she was just like oh hahaha I’m fine trust me. Like home girl you have the self preservation of a fucking house fly. Three murder attempts and you just open the front door without checking? I’m not one to victim blame but good lord read the room.

[kimmybelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

okay! this was my first Tilly colson book and I was so excited to read it! let me start by saying it didn’t disappoint. I was entertained and I love an author who has the same formula for her books (based on me stalking her insta LMFAO) so I knew what to expect and I loved all of the tropes.

what got me: Hank. heeeee was pissing me off. I don’t like when men play with women’s feelings lol like daisy wears her heart on her sleeve and multiple times he just like..left her there…wondering. I didn’t like that. Like omg she is not Anna. And also I understand him being hurt about Anna leaving and not saying anything but idk it just didn’t seem deep enough for him to be all “oh I don’t wanna hurt daisy” “oh my past scars” yadda yadda like cry me a river and man up!

also. I love daisy, that’s my sweetie pie. but she is a dumbass. 😕 my goodness. someone is trying to KILL YOU and you’re letting people in your house, walking by yourself places like my god!! and HANK TOO!! Like no way someone is trying to kill her and you leave her by herself!!!!

overall, solid read I was entertained! this is a maybe for if I would read it again!

[Lucy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was such an exhausting read. The back and forth that Daisy was put through with Hank was just exhausting. These two would not communicate with each other to the point that I was starting to root against them.

Daisy had so little common sense that her constantly ending up in the emergency room didn't even feel like it mattered. And when the story's pace started to pick up, it was just hit after hit after hit. There wasn't any real build up or suspense. Major events just kept happening which, in my opinion, took away from the impact of them. You then couple that with Daisy whining about Hank not being 100% invested in them and frankly, I couldn't tell if I just wanted the villains to win or Hank and Daisy to break up or both.

Both of these characters needed therapy before they needed a relationship. They had no chemistry. There was no fun dynamic. They honestly had more of a sibling type of chemistry than anything else. Hank wanting to protect Daisy, and Daisy wanted to be independent in all things. Just an exhausting read.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this novel! I love to read books that pull me in quickly, and Hank definitely did that! From the pre-chapter I was hooked, and the will they/won't they tension kept me completely wrapped up- I couldn't put this book down! The main characters are both loveable and relatable and the author does such a great job of telling their intricate backstories. I felt so connected to Hank and Daisy and so invested in their love story. Honestly, I already love all of the characters in town and cannot wait to see what happens to each of them!

This novel also had the perfect balance of romance and mystery. The twists and turns of the mystery storyline truly left me guessing until the final chapter. The ending really got me, and I cannot believe how intense everything got in the final scenes! I can honestly say there is not a dull chapter or page in this book. I highly recommend reading Hank and am anxiously awaiting the next book!

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first in a new series, and this is Hank and Daisy’s story.
Daisy never though she would return to her hometown, but she inherits the family, farm when her grandparents are in a tragic accident, and when she is speeding to get to the hospital, the sheriff Hank stops her. Someone is not happy that Daisy is back, and she starts getting threats demanding she sell the land, and Hank is there to help her.
This is a well written story which is a slow burn, emotionally charged story, with family, friendships, romance, undeniable chemistry, danger, suspense, intrigue, twists, and love, which leads to an entertaining and steamy page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Erica Jean DeMott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky to receive any early release copy of Hank to review. Once I got a few chapters into this book I couldn't put it down. It had all my secret pleasures I want in a romance novel tied into one book. Over protective alpha male. Drama. Suspense. It was a slow burn romance but did not drag on to long and make me lose interest. The slow burn was mixed with just enough drama and sparks that once I started to get frustrated with Hank he delivered what
I wanted 10 fold. Tilly spun a story with just the right amount of spice and romance and I cannot wait to read the rest of this series as it comes out.

[Maggie Donovan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had to make myself put this one down and go to sleep each night! I was able to read this as an ARC and am really impressed by Colson’s second novel. “Hank” has all the charm of “After the Rain” plus some spicy scenes and intrigue that add new, interesting dimensions to her writing. I found myself wanting Daisy to feel safe right alongside Hank and wanting Hank to figure out how to talk about the tough stuff right alongside Daisy. The main love story was warm, healing, and perfectly paced. Knowing this is the start of a series is a relief, because I want more time with Hank and Daisy! Definitely looking forward to book two!