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Donner Bakery #4
Muffin But Trouble
New Yorker, Magdalena Solis, is a city cynic to her core. But when she’s threatened by a thug who demands she pay her absent boyfriend’s debts, she flees to Green Valley, Tennessee. Bewildered by her rural surroundings, and harboring a serious aversion to beards and flannel, Mags is horrified when the first local she encounters is the scruffiest brute she’s ever seen.
Cy Baxter has a tortured past, a bad reputation, and facial hair like tumbleweed in a dust storm.
With troubles of his own, Cy vows to keep clear of the rude stranger who does nothing but insult him. But he has a heart as big as the wide-open countryside, and when an adorable stray dog brings the two together, sparks fly in the most unexpected ways.
Desperate to pay off her pursuer, Mags starts work at the Donner Bakery. And as Cy becomes a regular customer, his sweet tooth turns into a longing for something spicier.
But with the relentless thug hot on Mags’ trail, can these city-meets-country misfits find common ground? Or will their love story be as impossible as square dancing in stilettos?
‘Muffin But Trouble’ is a full-length contemporary romance, can be read as a standalone, and is book #4 in the Donner Bakery series, Green Valley Chronicles, Penny Reid Book Universe.
Cy Baxter has a tortured past, a bad reputation, and facial hair like tumbleweed in a dust storm.
With troubles of his own, Cy vows to keep clear of the rude stranger who does nothing but insult him. But he has a heart as big as the wide-open countryside, and when an adorable stray dog brings the two together, sparks fly in the most unexpected ways.
Desperate to pay off her pursuer, Mags starts work at the Donner Bakery. And as Cy becomes a regular customer, his sweet tooth turns into a longing for something spicier.
But with the relentless thug hot on Mags’ trail, can these city-meets-country misfits find common ground? Or will their love story be as impossible as square dancing in stilettos?
‘Muffin But Trouble’ is a full-length contemporary romance, can be read as a standalone, and is book #4 in the Donner Bakery series, Green Valley Chronicles, Penny Reid Book Universe.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 2, 2024
144 people are currently reading
273 people want to read
About the author
Talia Hunter
30 books151 followersBestselling romance author Talia Hunter likes to include her three favorite things in her novels: toe-curling romance, snort-laughs, and heart-warming friendships.
She recently moved to Australia, where she's constantly amazed and not at all freaked out by the weird and wonderful critters. When she's not writing, you can usually find her with a glass of wine, a good book, and a jumbo-sized can of bug spray.
If you want to chat, you can often find her on Facebook. Usually when she’s supposed to be writing. www.facebook.com/taliahunter
Want a free book from Talia? Grab your limited-time freebie from her website now: www.taliahunter.com
She recently moved to Australia, where she's constantly amazed and not at all freaked out by the weird and wonderful critters. When she's not writing, you can usually find her with a glass of wine, a good book, and a jumbo-sized can of bug spray.
If you want to chat, you can often find her on Facebook. Usually when she’s supposed to be writing. www.facebook.com/taliahunter
Want a free book from Talia? Grab your limited-time freebie from her website now: www.taliahunter.com
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May 2, 2024
★★ NOW AVAILABLE IN KINDLE UNLIMITED! ★★
Muffin But Trouble by Talia Hunter is ALIVE in Kindle Unlimited! Don't miss this latest addition to the Donner Bakery series!
★★Read in KU★★
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/48oUBJe
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CVK7TS7Y
Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CVK7TS7Y
Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0CVK7TS7Y
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/.../2084248...
★★BLURB★★
New Yorker, Magdalena Solis, is a city cynic to her core. But when she’s threatened by a thug who demands she pay her absent boyfriend’s debts, she flees to Green Valley, Tennessee. Bewildered by her rural surroundings, and harboring a serious aversion to beards and flannel, Mags is horrified when the first local she encounters is the scruffiest brute she’s ever seen.
Cy Baxter has a tortured past, a bad reputation, and facial hair like tumbleweed in a dust storm.
With troubles of his own, Cy vows to keep clear of the rude stranger who does nothing but insult him. But he has a heart as big as the wide-open countryside, and when an adorable stray dog brings the two together, sparks fly in the most unexpected ways.
Desperate to pay off her pursuer, Mags starts work at the Donner Bakery. And as Cy becomes a regular customer, his sweet tooth turns into a longing for something spicier.
But with the relentless thug hot on Mags’ trail, can these city-meets-country misfits find common ground? Or will their love story be as impossible as square dancing in stilettos?
‘Muffin But Trouble’ is a full-length contemporary romance, can be read as a standalone, and is book #4 in the Donner Bakery series, Green Valley Chronicles, Penny Reid Book Universe.
May 3, 2024
I enjoyed the first book in the SmartyPants world by this author, Tough Cookie, so I was excited to read another in the Donner Bakery world. It took me a minute to remember those characters, but once we met Mags, Magdalena, and she talked to her sister on the phone, Carla, I remembered her and Noah.
Mags was much different than Carla. Whereas Carla wasn’t much of a social person, Mags was from NYC and was a very loud and big personality. A big city personality. In fact that is why her first meet up with Cy was probably more cute for the readers than for her or Cy. I mean she called him Deliverance! Which most people know is the movie where some hillbillies kind of were scary people. That sucked for Cy as he had dealt with the bad reputation his father gave the family for his whole life.
Her treatment of him made me a little mad at first, and that’s even before we got his side of the story. But as we learned more about her interactions with the contact she had saved in her phone as “scary drug dealer”, her wariness made more sense. And oh my gosh, her ex-boyfriend, a rock star, wow, he was a total and complete loser! But as she kept putting her foot in her mouth over little things with the small town characters of Green Valley, I liked how she ended up handling those things and learning from her mistakes. Not to mention how the small town grew on her, like I think it would any of us who got the absolute wonderful chance to live in this fictional world.
Cy was cautious with letting his niece be known as part of his family. He wants her to have a fair chance in this town without that bad past. His niece is a little bratty, but again, as a teen, it is understandable, especially with what she has gone through and with where her mom is at the moment. Cy was a wonderful guy, and definitely loved his side of the story.
Oh, and I loved the dog that just showed up and made Mags his owner. Another great story from this author in the SPR world and I hope we get more of this family and these characters in future releases!
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
Mags was much different than Carla. Whereas Carla wasn’t much of a social person, Mags was from NYC and was a very loud and big personality. A big city personality. In fact that is why her first meet up with Cy was probably more cute for the readers than for her or Cy. I mean she called him Deliverance! Which most people know is the movie where some hillbillies kind of were scary people. That sucked for Cy as he had dealt with the bad reputation his father gave the family for his whole life.
Her treatment of him made me a little mad at first, and that’s even before we got his side of the story. But as we learned more about her interactions with the contact she had saved in her phone as “scary drug dealer”, her wariness made more sense. And oh my gosh, her ex-boyfriend, a rock star, wow, he was a total and complete loser! But as she kept putting her foot in her mouth over little things with the small town characters of Green Valley, I liked how she ended up handling those things and learning from her mistakes. Not to mention how the small town grew on her, like I think it would any of us who got the absolute wonderful chance to live in this fictional world.
Cy was cautious with letting his niece be known as part of his family. He wants her to have a fair chance in this town without that bad past. His niece is a little bratty, but again, as a teen, it is understandable, especially with what she has gone through and with where her mom is at the moment. Cy was a wonderful guy, and definitely loved his side of the story.
Oh, and I loved the dog that just showed up and made Mags his owner. Another great story from this author in the SPR world and I hope we get more of this family and these characters in future releases!
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
Want to read
May 2, 2024★★ NOW AVAILABLE IN KINDLE UNLIMITED! ★★
It's happening people! 'Muffin But Trouble' by Talia Hunter is finally live in kindle unlimited! Go forth and read this opposites attract small town romance ❤
★★Read in KU★★
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/48oUBJe
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CVK7TS7Y
Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CVK7TS7Y
Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0CVK7TS7Y
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/.../2084248...
★★BLURB★★
New Yorker, Magdalena Solis, is a city cynic to her core. But when she’s threatened by a thug who demands she pay her absent boyfriend’s debts, she flees to Green Valley, Tennessee. Bewildered by her rural surroundings, and harboring a serious aversion to beards and flannel, Mags is horrified when the first local she encounters is the scruffiest brute she’s ever seen.
Cy Baxter has a tortured past, a bad reputation, and facial hair like tumbleweed in a dust storm.
With troubles of his own, Cy vows to keep clear of the rude stranger who does nothing but insult him. But he has a heart as big as the wide-open countryside, and when an adorable stray dog brings the two together, sparks fly in the most unexpected ways.
Desperate to pay off her pursuer, Mags starts work at the Donner Bakery. And as Cy becomes a regular customer, his sweet tooth turns into a longing for something spicier.
But with the relentless thug hot on Mags’ trail, can these city-meets-country misfits find common ground? Or will their love story be as impossible as square dancing in stilettos?
‘Muffin But Trouble’ is a full-length contemporary romance, can be read as a standalone, and is book #4 in the Donner Bakery series, Green Valley Chronicles, Penny Reid Book Universe.
April 27, 2024
La première rencontre de Mags et Cy est explosive, ils se sont pris la tête et ont donc formé une opinion pas très reluisante sur l'autre. Heureusement, ou malheureusement, pour eux, la vie va les envoyer l'un vers l'autre constamment, notamment sous la forme d'un chien errant dont ils vont devoir s'occuper ensemble. Ces rapprochement et communication forcés vont petit à petit les faire changer d'avis.
La famille de Cy a une réputation à Green Valley, et pas pour les meilleures raisons : son père était un dealer, son frère est en prison, et il doit constamment croiser les regards dédaigneux sur son passage. Cy n'a rien a voir avec tout cela, il veut juste pouvoir faire marcher ses cultures de champignons gastronomiques et surtout s'occuper de sa nièce, en lui épargnant le plus possible le harcelement qu'il a connu à son adolescence.
Mags vient se refugier à Green Valley, la proposition de sa soeur de garder sa maison en son absence tombe à pic pour elle. Son chéri, un chanteur de rock à succès mais minable doit de l'argent à un dealer de drogue. Sauf que le zigoto est en tournée au Japon et le dealer se retourne sur elle pour être payée. Mags a déjà perdu toutes ses économies, elle galère à contact son (futur ex) mec, et pense que personne ne la retrouvera dans une petite ville perdue dans le Tennessee.
Mags et Cy ont donc tous les deux de grandes parties de leurs vies privées qu'ils ne souhaitent pas rendre publique au premier venu. Mags n'a aucune raison de rester au long terme à Green Valley et Cy n'aspire qu'à une vie tranquille loin de la mauvaise réputation de sa famille. Tous les deux n'ont rien en commun, mais ils arrivent à craquer la carapace de l'autre.
J'ai bien aimé la dynamique entre les héros, car c'est pas le coup de foudre au premier regard, c'est en apprenant à se connaitre qu'ils commencent à s'apprécier. Ce sont leurs actions qui vont les séduire. Ce sont deux cabossés de la vie qui ont besoin d'une force tranquille pour les ancrer, et ils sont cela l'un pour l'autre.
*********
When Mags and Cy first met, it's explosive, they clashed and therefore formed a not very positive opinion of the other. Fortunately, or unfortunately, for them, life will send them towards each other constantly, notably in the form of a stray dog which they will have to take care of together. This forced proximity and communication will make them change their minds little by little.
Cy's family has a reputation in Green Valley, and not for the best reasons : his father was a drug dealer, his brother is in prison, and he must constantly encounter disdainful glances as he passes by. Cy has nothing to do with all of this, he just wants to be able to run his gourmet mushroom crops and above all, take care of his niece, sparing her as much as possible from the bullying he experienced as a teenager.
Mags comes to take refuge in Green Valley, her sister's offer to look after her house in her absence comes at the right time for her. Her boyfriend, a successful but seedy rock singer, owes money to a drug dealer. Except that the man is on tour in Japan and the dealer turns on her to get paid. Mags has already lost all her savings, she is having trouble contacting her (future ex) boyfriend, and thinks that no one will find her in a small town lost in Tennessee.
So both Mags and Cy have large parts of their private lives that they don't want to talk about. Mags has no reason to stay in Green Valley long term and Cy only wants a quiet life far from his family's bad reputation. The two have nothing in common, but they manage to crack each other's shell.
I really liked the dynamic between the heroes, because it's not love at first sight, it's by getting to know each other that they begin to appreciate each other. It is their actions that will seduce them. They are two rought people who need a quiet strength to anchor them, and they are that for each other.
-Read as an ARC-
La famille de Cy a une réputation à Green Valley, et pas pour les meilleures raisons : son père était un dealer, son frère est en prison, et il doit constamment croiser les regards dédaigneux sur son passage. Cy n'a rien a voir avec tout cela, il veut juste pouvoir faire marcher ses cultures de champignons gastronomiques et surtout s'occuper de sa nièce, en lui épargnant le plus possible le harcelement qu'il a connu à son adolescence.
Mags vient se refugier à Green Valley, la proposition de sa soeur de garder sa maison en son absence tombe à pic pour elle. Son chéri, un chanteur de rock à succès mais minable doit de l'argent à un dealer de drogue. Sauf que le zigoto est en tournée au Japon et le dealer se retourne sur elle pour être payée. Mags a déjà perdu toutes ses économies, elle galère à contact son (futur ex) mec, et pense que personne ne la retrouvera dans une petite ville perdue dans le Tennessee.
Mags et Cy ont donc tous les deux de grandes parties de leurs vies privées qu'ils ne souhaitent pas rendre publique au premier venu. Mags n'a aucune raison de rester au long terme à Green Valley et Cy n'aspire qu'à une vie tranquille loin de la mauvaise réputation de sa famille. Tous les deux n'ont rien en commun, mais ils arrivent à craquer la carapace de l'autre.
J'ai bien aimé la dynamique entre les héros, car c'est pas le coup de foudre au premier regard, c'est en apprenant à se connaitre qu'ils commencent à s'apprécier. Ce sont leurs actions qui vont les séduire. Ce sont deux cabossés de la vie qui ont besoin d'une force tranquille pour les ancrer, et ils sont cela l'un pour l'autre.
*********
When Mags and Cy first met, it's explosive, they clashed and therefore formed a not very positive opinion of the other. Fortunately, or unfortunately, for them, life will send them towards each other constantly, notably in the form of a stray dog which they will have to take care of together. This forced proximity and communication will make them change their minds little by little.
Cy's family has a reputation in Green Valley, and not for the best reasons : his father was a drug dealer, his brother is in prison, and he must constantly encounter disdainful glances as he passes by. Cy has nothing to do with all of this, he just wants to be able to run his gourmet mushroom crops and above all, take care of his niece, sparing her as much as possible from the bullying he experienced as a teenager.
Mags comes to take refuge in Green Valley, her sister's offer to look after her house in her absence comes at the right time for her. Her boyfriend, a successful but seedy rock singer, owes money to a drug dealer. Except that the man is on tour in Japan and the dealer turns on her to get paid. Mags has already lost all her savings, she is having trouble contacting her (future ex) boyfriend, and thinks that no one will find her in a small town lost in Tennessee.
So both Mags and Cy have large parts of their private lives that they don't want to talk about. Mags has no reason to stay in Green Valley long term and Cy only wants a quiet life far from his family's bad reputation. The two have nothing in common, but they manage to crack each other's shell.
I really liked the dynamic between the heroes, because it's not love at first sight, it's by getting to know each other that they begin to appreciate each other. It is their actions that will seduce them. They are two rought people who need a quiet strength to anchor them, and they are that for each other.
-Read as an ARC-
May 6, 2024
Magdelena Solis is hiding. Well, house sitting for her sister. But mainly hiding.
When she meets one of the locals, Cy Baxter, it is not a meet cute. Cy has a bad reputation, and he looks like the scruffiest guy Mags has ever seen. Honestly, the beginning of these two, it was so funny. It's pretty opposites/dislike/distrust.
A dog brings these two together, and Cy is going to the Donner Bakery where Mags is working while she's in Green Valley.
Both of them slowly realize they may have slightly misjudged each other. But Cy has a reputation to live down and some big responsibilities, and Mags is really over her head.
It was really funny and I loved how much they will help each other. And the Green Valley cameos! 💚
When she meets one of the locals, Cy Baxter, it is not a meet cute. Cy has a bad reputation, and he looks like the scruffiest guy Mags has ever seen. Honestly, the beginning of these two, it was so funny. It's pretty opposites/dislike/distrust.
A dog brings these two together, and Cy is going to the Donner Bakery where Mags is working while she's in Green Valley.
Both of them slowly realize they may have slightly misjudged each other. But Cy has a reputation to live down and some big responsibilities, and Mags is really over her head.
It was really funny and I loved how much they will help each other. And the Green Valley cameos! 💚
April 18, 2024
(ARC Review) 2.5 stars
This is book four in the Donner Bakery series, featuring Magdalena, who is the sister to Carla from Tough Cookie. She’s in Green Valley to hideout after her boyfriend’s drug dealer threatens her. She gets a short term job at the Donner Bakery, and has a series of run ins with Cy, her bearded neighbor which eventually turns into a romance.
I loved Cy! His dad was a bad guy so everyone in town expects him and his family to be bad as well but he’s a really upstanding, kind hearted guy. He’s temporarily raising his niece while his sister gets medical help, and I loved how hard he tried to be there for her.
Magdalena I did not like as much. I genuinely hate leaving a review saying something about an unlikable heroine because everyone is too hard on FMCs but I really did not like her. She constantly judged and insulted people directly to their faces and didn’t care, even when they pointed out she was being rude. She was a mean girl which is different than just “unlikable.”
At first I told myself it’s just setting her up for her character arc, she’ll grow into a decent person but no. She complained about any and everything but especially beards, flannel, small towns, and country music, which felt like a personal insult to me and Green Valley. It’s okay to have preferences but it’s not okay to be a jerk about them and Mags fell strongly into the jerk category for me. If there would have been growth and development to her immaturity I could have been okay but there wasn’t.
This is book four in the Donner Bakery series, featuring Magdalena, who is the sister to Carla from Tough Cookie. She’s in Green Valley to hideout after her boyfriend’s drug dealer threatens her. She gets a short term job at the Donner Bakery, and has a series of run ins with Cy, her bearded neighbor which eventually turns into a romance.
I loved Cy! His dad was a bad guy so everyone in town expects him and his family to be bad as well but he’s a really upstanding, kind hearted guy. He’s temporarily raising his niece while his sister gets medical help, and I loved how hard he tried to be there for her.
Magdalena I did not like as much. I genuinely hate leaving a review saying something about an unlikable heroine because everyone is too hard on FMCs but I really did not like her. She constantly judged and insulted people directly to their faces and didn’t care, even when they pointed out she was being rude. She was a mean girl which is different than just “unlikable.”
At first I told myself it’s just setting her up for her character arc, she’ll grow into a decent person but no. She complained about any and everything but especially beards, flannel, small towns, and country music, which felt like a personal insult to me and Green Valley. It’s okay to have preferences but it’s not okay to be a jerk about them and Mags fell strongly into the jerk category for me. If there would have been growth and development to her immaturity I could have been okay but there wasn’t.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2024
Magdalena (sister of Carla from Tough Cookie) is NOT a country girl. Very VEYR not. So fleeing to Green Valley so she can hide out from her quasi-boyfriend's dealer is...not ideal. It's too quiet, there's no food delivery out where her sister lives, and her closest neighbor wears a lot of flannel. Plus, he has a beard. Two things she's VERY not into.
Until, you know, she is.
Cy (the aforementioned closest neighbor) isn't impressed by Mags and her rude attitude. But he does like the way she looks. And how she sasses him (when she's not being rude). Given that he's a genuinely kind man, he also forgives the rudeness because he just can't help himself. It doesn't take long before these two start seeing each others' layers (I only mildly mean that in a dirty way, btw) and realize they like what they see.
Complicated family relationships (or maybe just the perception of complicated relationships), a kind of scary dealer, preconceived notions, a whole lot of beard, a friendly dog, a lady who kills people with kindness (when she's not sassing her hunky neighbor), and a man who isn't at all who Mags imagine he is when they first meet. MAN, I like spending time in Green Valley!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Until, you know, she is.
Cy (the aforementioned closest neighbor) isn't impressed by Mags and her rude attitude. But he does like the way she looks. And how she sasses him (when she's not being rude). Given that he's a genuinely kind man, he also forgives the rudeness because he just can't help himself. It doesn't take long before these two start seeing each others' layers (I only mildly mean that in a dirty way, btw) and realize they like what they see.
Complicated family relationships (or maybe just the perception of complicated relationships), a kind of scary dealer, preconceived notions, a whole lot of beard, a friendly dog, a lady who kills people with kindness (when she's not sassing her hunky neighbor), and a man who isn't at all who Mags imagine he is when they first meet. MAN, I like spending time in Green Valley!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
March 15, 2024
I received an ARC from SmartyPants Romance today. 3.1.24
Cy was the best and I am so happy to see these two get their happily ever after. I hope the author gives us more from this cool family of sisters in Green Valley. I definitely recommend this book and this series.
Cy was the best and I am so happy to see these two get their happily ever after. I hope the author gives us more from this cool family of sisters in Green Valley. I definitely recommend this book and this series.
May 14, 2024
I was provided an ARC of this book via the author and Smartypants Romance, all opinions are my own.
This as with all of the other books in the Smartypants universe reads as a complete standalone. It features other characters from the Pennyverse and other books in the Donner Bakery world, but you don't have to read them to follow along with Mags and Cy's story.
It pains me to say this, because I love what Smartypants puts out, but I didn't love this one. I had a hard time connecting with Mags. She was pretty insulting to the town and the people, yet Cy pretty instantly falls in love with her because she is pretty and all is forgiven. Mags does eventually get brownie points for helping rescue Cy's reputation with the townsfolk. This is pretty insta-love heavy, which is not my favorite trope. I don't feel that the two main characters ever really developed the love and trust they really needed to sell their relationship as believable. On the other hand, Cy was a wonderful character! The way he tried to earn the trust of his niece and make his house a home for her while she stayed with him was amazing! I think that is why I was so disappointed in Cy and Mags' relationship. The relationship between Gemma (the niece) and Cy was so well developed and flushed out. The author did a great job being respectful of the horrors Cy and his sister Ruth faced as children, and the depression they both suffered as adults because of it. Cy openly but respectfully discusses his struggles with mental health with Mags and Gemma, and only wants to protect those he cares about from being harmed physically and verbally by others.
Overall, this was just an OK romance for me. It was lacking some of relationship building elements that I personally like to see in an opposites attract romance.
This as with all of the other books in the Smartypants universe reads as a complete standalone. It features other characters from the Pennyverse and other books in the Donner Bakery world, but you don't have to read them to follow along with Mags and Cy's story.
It pains me to say this, because I love what Smartypants puts out, but I didn't love this one. I had a hard time connecting with Mags. She was pretty insulting to the town and the people, yet Cy pretty instantly falls in love with her because she is pretty and all is forgiven. Mags does eventually get brownie points for helping rescue Cy's reputation with the townsfolk. This is pretty insta-love heavy, which is not my favorite trope. I don't feel that the two main characters ever really developed the love and trust they really needed to sell their relationship as believable. On the other hand, Cy was a wonderful character! The way he tried to earn the trust of his niece and make his house a home for her while she stayed with him was amazing! I think that is why I was so disappointed in Cy and Mags' relationship. The relationship between Gemma (the niece) and Cy was so well developed and flushed out. The author did a great job being respectful of the horrors Cy and his sister Ruth faced as children, and the depression they both suffered as adults because of it. Cy openly but respectfully discusses his struggles with mental health with Mags and Gemma, and only wants to protect those he cares about from being harmed physically and verbally by others.
Overall, this was just an OK romance for me. It was lacking some of relationship building elements that I personally like to see in an opposites attract romance.
May 2, 2024
Another amazing addition to the Spring SPR launch. I love this series and this story will have you laughing, swooning and falling in love with these amazing characters.
Magdelena is a city girl through and through…when she shows up in Green Valley, to escape a threat, she’s in a for a rude awakening. She is sassy, opinionated but also a little scared of what she left behind in NY city. She is humbled by this amazing small town.
Cy is a good man, patient (the best he can be) and does not let Mags get under his skin. He sets her straight on her attitude and doesn’t let her get away with all her sass and big city opinions.
The banter, tension and overall dialogue between these two will have you smiling and binge reading this story. A fun and fantastic read!!
Magdelena is a city girl through and through…when she shows up in Green Valley, to escape a threat, she’s in a for a rude awakening. She is sassy, opinionated but also a little scared of what she left behind in NY city. She is humbled by this amazing small town.
Cy is a good man, patient (the best he can be) and does not let Mags get under his skin. He sets her straight on her attitude and doesn’t let her get away with all her sass and big city opinions.
The banter, tension and overall dialogue between these two will have you smiling and binge reading this story. A fun and fantastic read!!
May 5, 2024
Meh, it was OK. Apparently I read the sister’s book….but I don’t remember it. At all.
In the beginning, the heroine is extremely unlikely. I almost DNF’d it. I did like the hero. And the hero’s niece. The author didn’t do a horrible job with Penny’s Green Valley characters. However, Shelley speaks in odd number of words sentences. One of hers was even. Yes, I noticed that.
Triggers: mental health/depression
In the beginning, the heroine is extremely unlikely. I almost DNF’d it. I did like the hero. And the hero’s niece. The author didn’t do a horrible job with Penny’s Green Valley characters. However, Shelley speaks in odd number of words sentences. One of hers was even. Yes, I noticed that.
Triggers: mental health/depression
May 12, 2024
I love being in Green Valley and especially when a book features one of my favorite locations, The Donner Bakery.
Readers get to meet Mags, Carla's sister. She's hiding out in a green Valley and it's about as far away from her comfort zone as it gets.
She's pretty rude and obnoxious compared to disheveled but disarming, Cy.
Along the way she makes friends, realizes it's a charming place to live and they both get their HEA!
Readers get to meet Mags, Carla's sister. She's hiding out in a green Valley and it's about as far away from her comfort zone as it gets.
She's pretty rude and obnoxious compared to disheveled but disarming, Cy.
Along the way she makes friends, realizes it's a charming place to live and they both get their HEA!
March 31, 2024
Oh I really liked Cy! And I thought he was such a wonderful person for how kind he was to Mags even though she was so judgmental when they first met. And how he stepped up for his family. There was so much truth in this book about small town life (I know, I live in one). And I liked that I got to revisit Noah and Carla too. Great addition to the SPR world.
May 2, 2024
Smartypants Romance has really taken the industry by storm. They have released a ton of books that revolutionized romance, giving authors of all sizes a platform. The Smartypants website has a mission statement:
To be self-sustaining.
To be value added to:
-the authors and professionals (support personnel) who are published
by/within/work for the SRU,
the Penny Reid Brand, and
the romance community and world at large.
To set an example of best practices, inclusion, representation, professionalism, mentorship, and craft-excellence.
To be drama free and efficient.
Its simple, yet effective. Author Talia Hunter is releasing her second book under Smartypants, and the brand looks mighty good on her. With a brightly colored cover with an irresistible title, the story drops you right in the middle of small town America...otherwise known as Green Valley, Tennessee.
If you read Author Hunter's first Smartypants book, you might remember Carla, the transplant from the city who fell for Noah, the stuntman who came back to his hometown to lay down roots. Magdalena is one of Carla's sisters. Mags is not only visiting. She's running from a dangerous man, and isn't entirely happy she's in Green Valley. Her emotional walls are up, and she's scared. Mags doesn't initially make the best impression on people, especially Cy Baxter, Carla's near neighbor who just wanted to help.
"“Don’t you dare stop, Deliverance!” she yelled. Her tone was so caustic, it burned my eardrums like acid. “Just keep on driving!”
Deliverance? Did she just call me Deliverance? What in the devil? Deliverance was the name of an old movie about some big-city hikers who go rafting down a river in Georgia and are set upon by some hillbilly villains with very few teeth and features that imply inbreeding.
No need to wonder which of the characters she was comparing me to. Forget my sexual fantasies. The woman was a judgmental bigot, and that was not at all sexy. Could she be any more offensive?"
While Mags and Cy get off to a rough start, We the reader find out just how scary her situation really is. A drug dealer her boyfriend owes a lot of money to keeps calling her to pay up. Mags boyfriend is a irresponsible rockstar who doesn't seem to mind that the drug dealer is chasing her down instead of him. But Mags finds out quickly that most of the people in this small town she finds herself in are rooting for her. Working at the hub for gossip, otherwise known as the Donner Bakery, makes her fast friends with the locals. And Cy Baxter is giving off serious sexy Hagrid, grubby chic vibes! The two of them argue and insult each other, and boy does the weird chemistry fly!
"...the word boyfriend had started a number of questions circling in my mind, like sharks in a small pool. Was she still dating him? Had he been the man threatening her on the phone? And why was I wondering about the dating habits of the rudest, most unlikeable woman I’d ever had the misfortune to meet?"
"Either Cy was giving off power surges like a faulty battery, or I was more attracted to him than I was willing to admit."
The story isn't just about two misunderstood people who don't see eye to eye. Its about a whole town that makes a lot of assumptions. While Cy and Mags get closer to each other, Mags realizes that Green Valley hasn't been kind to Cy. There are some truly funny scenes in this story, especially when Mags decides she's going to improve everyone's opinions on Cy Baxter. My favorite scene:
"“Cy was in here earlier,” I said, “and I tried to get my courage up to ask him out on a date. But he looks so handsome now he’s trimmed his beard, I’m afraid he won’t be interested in me.”
Mrs. Smith clucked her tongue. “Didn’t I warn you stay away from that one?” Mrs. Linton was shaking her head, her mouth turned down. “Those Baxters are no good.”
"What?” I said, acting confused. Before they could say anything else, I let out a gasp. “Oh no, you haven’t heard about Cy, have you?” I turned to Amber, my eyes opened wide. “They don’t know about Cy.” Amber widened her eyes too, clearly enjoying herself.
“Good Lord. Could it be that they really haven’t heard?”
“Heard what?” demanded Mrs. Linton. Other customers had come into the bakery, but they looked as interested as the two gossips. In any case, nobody was suggesting we cut the chitchat and hurry things along.
“Well,” I said, “you know that Cy was an important corporate businessman when he lived in Boston, right?”
“You don’t say?” Mrs. Linton sounded like she didn’t believe it.
“You really didn’t know that?” I acted surprised. “But you must have heard he’s started a successful business here, selling gourmet mushrooms to local businesses?” Mrs. Smith sniffed. “I’m certain he’s taken over his daddy’s drug business. There’s only one thing that man’s growing.” I let out a laugh, turning to Amber.
“That’s funny.” She laughed even louder. “Hilarious! Oh my goodness. How could anyone think that?”
“Cy is the farthest thing from a drug dealer there could possibly be.” I put my hand to my chest as though the idea had made me laugh so hard, I needed to catch my breath. “He’s highly respectable,” Amber said, nodding. “An upstanding citizen.”"
Mags starts to not only find real friends in Green Valley, but a big strong man who truly understands her. Who wants to protect her. She forgets her initial prejudice, and decides Cy is worth taking a stand over. It's glorious how their relationship blooms.
Author Hunter also talks rock music in this redemption tale. 'Bite Me’ by Avril Lavigne, 'Stronger' by Kelly Clarkson, ‘Watch Me While I Bloom’ by Hayley Williams and more. Why isn't there a music playlist to go with this story, Ms. Hunter? I love how she has so many wonderful tropes in this book that shows how the life in a small town can be monumentally satisfying. I can see how the mission statement of Smartypants Romance must have been fun to incorporate into this story. My advice is grab a piece of cake from Donner Bakery and fall in love with Green Valley.
To be self-sustaining.
To be value added to:
-the authors and professionals (support personnel) who are published
by/within/work for the SRU,
the Penny Reid Brand, and
the romance community and world at large.
To set an example of best practices, inclusion, representation, professionalism, mentorship, and craft-excellence.
To be drama free and efficient.
Its simple, yet effective. Author Talia Hunter is releasing her second book under Smartypants, and the brand looks mighty good on her. With a brightly colored cover with an irresistible title, the story drops you right in the middle of small town America...otherwise known as Green Valley, Tennessee.
If you read Author Hunter's first Smartypants book, you might remember Carla, the transplant from the city who fell for Noah, the stuntman who came back to his hometown to lay down roots. Magdalena is one of Carla's sisters. Mags is not only visiting. She's running from a dangerous man, and isn't entirely happy she's in Green Valley. Her emotional walls are up, and she's scared. Mags doesn't initially make the best impression on people, especially Cy Baxter, Carla's near neighbor who just wanted to help.
"“Don’t you dare stop, Deliverance!” she yelled. Her tone was so caustic, it burned my eardrums like acid. “Just keep on driving!”
Deliverance? Did she just call me Deliverance? What in the devil? Deliverance was the name of an old movie about some big-city hikers who go rafting down a river in Georgia and are set upon by some hillbilly villains with very few teeth and features that imply inbreeding.
No need to wonder which of the characters she was comparing me to. Forget my sexual fantasies. The woman was a judgmental bigot, and that was not at all sexy. Could she be any more offensive?"
While Mags and Cy get off to a rough start, We the reader find out just how scary her situation really is. A drug dealer her boyfriend owes a lot of money to keeps calling her to pay up. Mags boyfriend is a irresponsible rockstar who doesn't seem to mind that the drug dealer is chasing her down instead of him. But Mags finds out quickly that most of the people in this small town she finds herself in are rooting for her. Working at the hub for gossip, otherwise known as the Donner Bakery, makes her fast friends with the locals. And Cy Baxter is giving off serious sexy Hagrid, grubby chic vibes! The two of them argue and insult each other, and boy does the weird chemistry fly!
"...the word boyfriend had started a number of questions circling in my mind, like sharks in a small pool. Was she still dating him? Had he been the man threatening her on the phone? And why was I wondering about the dating habits of the rudest, most unlikeable woman I’d ever had the misfortune to meet?"
"Either Cy was giving off power surges like a faulty battery, or I was more attracted to him than I was willing to admit."
The story isn't just about two misunderstood people who don't see eye to eye. Its about a whole town that makes a lot of assumptions. While Cy and Mags get closer to each other, Mags realizes that Green Valley hasn't been kind to Cy. There are some truly funny scenes in this story, especially when Mags decides she's going to improve everyone's opinions on Cy Baxter. My favorite scene:
"“Cy was in here earlier,” I said, “and I tried to get my courage up to ask him out on a date. But he looks so handsome now he’s trimmed his beard, I’m afraid he won’t be interested in me.”
Mrs. Smith clucked her tongue. “Didn’t I warn you stay away from that one?” Mrs. Linton was shaking her head, her mouth turned down. “Those Baxters are no good.”
"What?” I said, acting confused. Before they could say anything else, I let out a gasp. “Oh no, you haven’t heard about Cy, have you?” I turned to Amber, my eyes opened wide. “They don’t know about Cy.” Amber widened her eyes too, clearly enjoying herself.
“Good Lord. Could it be that they really haven’t heard?”
“Heard what?” demanded Mrs. Linton. Other customers had come into the bakery, but they looked as interested as the two gossips. In any case, nobody was suggesting we cut the chitchat and hurry things along.
“Well,” I said, “you know that Cy was an important corporate businessman when he lived in Boston, right?”
“You don’t say?” Mrs. Linton sounded like she didn’t believe it.
“You really didn’t know that?” I acted surprised. “But you must have heard he’s started a successful business here, selling gourmet mushrooms to local businesses?” Mrs. Smith sniffed. “I’m certain he’s taken over his daddy’s drug business. There’s only one thing that man’s growing.” I let out a laugh, turning to Amber.
“That’s funny.” She laughed even louder. “Hilarious! Oh my goodness. How could anyone think that?”
“Cy is the farthest thing from a drug dealer there could possibly be.” I put my hand to my chest as though the idea had made me laugh so hard, I needed to catch my breath. “He’s highly respectable,” Amber said, nodding. “An upstanding citizen.”"
Mags starts to not only find real friends in Green Valley, but a big strong man who truly understands her. Who wants to protect her. She forgets her initial prejudice, and decides Cy is worth taking a stand over. It's glorious how their relationship blooms.
Author Hunter also talks rock music in this redemption tale. 'Bite Me’ by Avril Lavigne, 'Stronger' by Kelly Clarkson, ‘Watch Me While I Bloom’ by Hayley Williams and more. Why isn't there a music playlist to go with this story, Ms. Hunter? I love how she has so many wonderful tropes in this book that shows how the life in a small town can be monumentally satisfying. I can see how the mission statement of Smartypants Romance must have been fun to incorporate into this story. My advice is grab a piece of cake from Donner Bakery and fall in love with Green Valley.
June 25, 2024
She is a city girl hiding at her sister's home in Tennessee. He is a man who is back in his hometown after leaving years ago to escape his horrible family. He stops to help her and she sarcastically makes a Deliverance joke.
Magdalena loves the city but has to escape to Tennessee after her rock star boyfriend gets himself in trouble with a drug dealer. Now that disappointment of a now ex boyfriend is out of the country and Mags is left to clean up his messes. Mags decides to house sit for her sister who is out of town. While the house is cute, it is definitely a culture shock to Mags. Especially when a horrifying truck with a hillbilly stops outside her home.
Cy Baxter would do anything for his beloved sister. Even take on his teenage niece while his sister sought help for her mental health. Being back in the home he grew up in after his father's death has not been easy for Cy. As a teen, he left everything behind and got him and his sister a new life in Boston where he found success. But when he learned of his father's passing he knew he needed to go home and fix up the house to sell it. Unfortunately, all the people in their small hometown hear his last name and think he is like his criminal relatives. Knowing he can't do anything to change their minds he does his best to lay low.
Mags was able to get a temporary job in the Donner Bakery. Her skills in customer service are perfect for the demands for banana cake. Unfortunately, she keeps having negative interactions with her neighbor, Cy, with the beautiful eyes and ugly beard. Everyone in this town has been friendly to Mags, but also warned her not to associate with a Baxter. In a moment of desperation, she asks Cy for help and he kindly does it. Somewhere along the way, Cy and Mags become friends that share a mutual attraction. With a drug dealer threatening her, Mags needs to come up with a solution fast. Cy learns of the threat and offers to help Mags. As they spend more time together, it's clear they have feelings for each other. But Mags was always going to go back to New York, and Cy was going to let her. Could Mags possibly change her mind and could Cy finally change the reputation his family has in their small town?
Dual POV, haters to lovers, open door love scenes.
The stories that come out of Green Valley are always gentle and sweet in the best way possible. These two bicker and fight until they see the real person behind the facade. Mags and Cy have great chemistry. He is a sweetheart and she can't resist him once she sees the real him. These two are a great addition to the small Tennessee town. Nice HEA and Epilogue.
Question: when is Joy from the Donner Bakery going to have her own story?!
Bonus: Beau and Shelly make an appearance.
Magdalena loves the city but has to escape to Tennessee after her rock star boyfriend gets himself in trouble with a drug dealer. Now that disappointment of a now ex boyfriend is out of the country and Mags is left to clean up his messes. Mags decides to house sit for her sister who is out of town. While the house is cute, it is definitely a culture shock to Mags. Especially when a horrifying truck with a hillbilly stops outside her home.
Cy Baxter would do anything for his beloved sister. Even take on his teenage niece while his sister sought help for her mental health. Being back in the home he grew up in after his father's death has not been easy for Cy. As a teen, he left everything behind and got him and his sister a new life in Boston where he found success. But when he learned of his father's passing he knew he needed to go home and fix up the house to sell it. Unfortunately, all the people in their small hometown hear his last name and think he is like his criminal relatives. Knowing he can't do anything to change their minds he does his best to lay low.
Mags was able to get a temporary job in the Donner Bakery. Her skills in customer service are perfect for the demands for banana cake. Unfortunately, she keeps having negative interactions with her neighbor, Cy, with the beautiful eyes and ugly beard. Everyone in this town has been friendly to Mags, but also warned her not to associate with a Baxter. In a moment of desperation, she asks Cy for help and he kindly does it. Somewhere along the way, Cy and Mags become friends that share a mutual attraction. With a drug dealer threatening her, Mags needs to come up with a solution fast. Cy learns of the threat and offers to help Mags. As they spend more time together, it's clear they have feelings for each other. But Mags was always going to go back to New York, and Cy was going to let her. Could Mags possibly change her mind and could Cy finally change the reputation his family has in their small town?
Dual POV, haters to lovers, open door love scenes.
The stories that come out of Green Valley are always gentle and sweet in the best way possible. These two bicker and fight until they see the real person behind the facade. Mags and Cy have great chemistry. He is a sweetheart and she can't resist him once she sees the real him. These two are a great addition to the small Tennessee town. Nice HEA and Epilogue.
Question: when is Joy from the Donner Bakery going to have her own story?!
Bonus: Beau and Shelly make an appearance.
May 2, 2024
***5 Stars***
I’m always happy to spend some time in Green Valley, especially the Donner Bakery ~ even when it makes me crave something I can’t have ~ and this baby gave me all the goodness and more as Cy and Mags found that opposites do attract.
I adored Cy. He was an absolute sweetheart who could be a bit grumpy ~ though he had reason for it ~ but was truly just a really good person in every way. Mags took a bit for me to warm up to. I got why she was the way she was and with all the upheaval going on in her life, but she had moments. But when she got over herself, she was vivacious and sweet and I really liked seeing how her perspective changed as the book progressed.
Their journey to their HEA was a bit bumpy, but I loved how a sweet puppy and an angsty teen brought them together and had them both realizing that there was so much more beneath the surface that they could have ever known. Their interactions were interesting and fun and the chemistry was hot and I just loved watching them get the HEA they truly deserved.
It’s always fun being back in Green Valley and even more when the Donner Bakery is one of the places I get to spend some time in (please tell me Joy will get her own HEA one day, please) While there is some tension between Cy and Mags, I liked that it didn’t get angsty and the drama aspect was done well and I liked how that whole craziness was resolved. And as far as the inhabitants of Green Valley are concerned, I’m always happy when the Winstons show up or are mentioned, and catching with with Carla and Noah was fun. but I’m hoping that we’ll get more of Gem and maybe see Ruth get her own HEA, as well as Josie. So if you’re all about the Pennyverse, you’ll love this new addition to it!
~ Copy provided by SmartyPants Romance & voluntarily reviewed ~
I’m always happy to spend some time in Green Valley, especially the Donner Bakery ~ even when it makes me crave something I can’t have ~ and this baby gave me all the goodness and more as Cy and Mags found that opposites do attract.
I adored Cy. He was an absolute sweetheart who could be a bit grumpy ~ though he had reason for it ~ but was truly just a really good person in every way. Mags took a bit for me to warm up to. I got why she was the way she was and with all the upheaval going on in her life, but she had moments. But when she got over herself, she was vivacious and sweet and I really liked seeing how her perspective changed as the book progressed.
Their journey to their HEA was a bit bumpy, but I loved how a sweet puppy and an angsty teen brought them together and had them both realizing that there was so much more beneath the surface that they could have ever known. Their interactions were interesting and fun and the chemistry was hot and I just loved watching them get the HEA they truly deserved.
It’s always fun being back in Green Valley and even more when the Donner Bakery is one of the places I get to spend some time in (please tell me Joy will get her own HEA one day, please) While there is some tension between Cy and Mags, I liked that it didn’t get angsty and the drama aspect was done well and I liked how that whole craziness was resolved. And as far as the inhabitants of Green Valley are concerned, I’m always happy when the Winstons show up or are mentioned, and catching with with Carla and Noah was fun. but I’m hoping that we’ll get more of Gem and maybe see Ruth get her own HEA, as well as Josie. So if you’re all about the Pennyverse, you’ll love this new addition to it!
~ Copy provided by SmartyPants Romance & voluntarily reviewed ~
May 5, 2024
This was a fun read that took on the topics of childhood abuse and trauma, depression, and adult trauma recovery. Cy's dad was in the Iron Wraiths MC and was a violent man who ultimately murdered his wife. Cy, at 17, took his sister, Ruth, 16, and escaped from Green Valley to Boston to start a new life and start the journey of recovery. When their father dies years later, Cy inherits the family home and returns to repair and sell it, only to realize he is facing his childhood demons. When Magdalena, or Mags, comes to town, she and Cy start out with an i-hate-you encounter due to Mags's current escape from her loser rockstar and complete narcissist asshole boyfriend's drug dealer. The story isn't as complicated and as ill-written as that last sentence ... trust me!
This was just another peek into Green Valley, the fictional community I have come to obsess over, I mean adore. Former GV characters made appearances and just gave me all the wonderful feels.
Hunter did a fine job in building tension between Mags and Cy from the start. This ultimately led to some spicy love scenes with yummy details that will warm your uh-hm parts right up, if that's what you're into. ::winkwink::
Worth the read! #steamysexscenes #funcharacters #happyreading
This was just another peek into Green Valley, the fictional community I have come to obsess over, I mean adore. Former GV characters made appearances and just gave me all the wonderful feels.
Hunter did a fine job in building tension between Mags and Cy from the start. This ultimately led to some spicy love scenes with yummy details that will warm your uh-hm parts right up, if that's what you're into. ::winkwink::
Worth the read! #steamysexscenes #funcharacters #happyreading
April 28, 2025
Cy and Magdalena’s opposites attract romance pairs a New York City slicker running from a drug dealer and a notorious loner hiding from society with his 15 year old niece. I could practically hear the dueling banjos soundtrack as Mags finds herself exiled from her fast paced life into ‘Deliverance Hell’ when she comes face to face with her towering backwoods neighbor who shockingly resembles Sasquatch. The arrival of a stray dog and his caretaking needs is the start of an unlikely friendship that leads to shared commonalities and I liked the begrudging friendship and sizzle of attraction that draws them closer together. The universal theme of not judging a book by its cover, and the stigma of Cy’s notoriously evil and violent family roots are creatively explored, and I quickly fell for the acceptance both characters crave. I was drawn to the exploration of Cy and his sister Ruth’s childhood trauma and their continuing struggle to overcome their depression and their family’s violent past. Throughout the series I have enjoyed Green Valley’s southern ambience, the social happenings at the Donner Bakery, and the warm friendship that develop between Mags and her fellow co workers and I enjoyed the entire series.
May 5, 2024
Format - E ARC
Rating- ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Spice- 🌶 🌶
Series- Donner Bakery
Troupes- Opposites attract, forced proximity, enemies to lovers, small town,
Representation- Depression, normalized therapy
CW-
This unfortunately is one of those times where I was unable to finish a book because of my mental state. I was unable to push passed my initial judgment of it and all of that had to do with me and my depression brain. I would normally leave it and come back to it when I was in a better place but I don’t see that happening soon so here we are.
I’m give the first 60% of this book 3 stars, the writing is fine and the plot works but I just never connected with the FMC, for me it is important to connect with the MCs. And while Cy is a sweetheart and everything I could hope for in a man I never thought Mags was comparable with him. And again I was just unable to push though a read the HEA.
I know several of my Shark friends loved this one so just this once Imma say it’s really is a Me problem and not the book.
Thank you Talia Hunter and Smartypants Romance for the advanced copy, my opinions are my own.
Rating- ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Spice- 🌶 🌶
Series- Donner Bakery
Troupes- Opposites attract, forced proximity, enemies to lovers, small town,
Representation- Depression, normalized therapy
CW-
This unfortunately is one of those times where I was unable to finish a book because of my mental state. I was unable to push passed my initial judgment of it and all of that had to do with me and my depression brain. I would normally leave it and come back to it when I was in a better place but I don’t see that happening soon so here we are.
I’m give the first 60% of this book 3 stars, the writing is fine and the plot works but I just never connected with the FMC, for me it is important to connect with the MCs. And while Cy is a sweetheart and everything I could hope for in a man I never thought Mags was comparable with him. And again I was just unable to push though a read the HEA.
I know several of my Shark friends loved this one so just this once Imma say it’s really is a Me problem and not the book.
Thank you Talia Hunter and Smartypants Romance for the advanced copy, my opinions are my own.
May 5, 2024
I really enjoy the Donner Bakery series and I couldn't wait to read this one. Now I'm not gonna lie this book almost lost me in the beginning. I was not a fan of how Mags was treating Cy. Hang in there with characters because Mags won me back over after a bit. I mean I get it especially with why she is hiding out in Green Valley. I felt for Cy because he is nothing like is dad, but this town already has an opinion on the Baxter name. As Mags gets to know Cy even her own prejudices are unfounded because she sees the great guy underneath the exterior. As the saying goes don't judge a book by it's cover. Mags' stay in Green Valley is going a way she never anticipated, but the threat she is running from is not too far behind. Her ex is a real piece of work that I'm glad karma visited. This turned out to be such a great story. After a little bump for me I was sucked right into this one. The citizens of Green Valley didn't let me down. A great addition to the series.
https://nicolesbookmusings.blogspot.c...
https://nicolesbookmusings.blogspot.c...
June 24, 2024
I enjoyed Tough Cookie last year by this author so was excited to be back in the world of Green Valley. In Muffin But Trouble we meet Mags, sister of Carla from Tough Cookie. Mags is in town staying at her sisters house to look after her cat and chickens while Carla is away. Though Mags has her own problems to deal with so running away from New York is perfect for her right now.
Cy is a born and bred Green Valley resident, who has his own battles to fight in the small-town. Back after living away for years, he is determined to start fresh and break free from his father’s bad deeds and reputation.
Perfect for readers who enjoy:
💜Snarky and sassy FMC
💜Protective and loyal MMC
💜Small-town shenanigans
💜A stray dog who ends up owning your heart
💜City loving girl and hometown at heart guy
I enjoyed Muffin But Trouble from start to finish, with the author weaving in familiar characters and new and a romance that kept me wondering, will they or won’t they?
Thanks for the early copy I received from the author and Smartypants Romance, this is my honest review.
Cy is a born and bred Green Valley resident, who has his own battles to fight in the small-town. Back after living away for years, he is determined to start fresh and break free from his father’s bad deeds and reputation.
Perfect for readers who enjoy:
💜Snarky and sassy FMC
💜Protective and loyal MMC
💜Small-town shenanigans
💜A stray dog who ends up owning your heart
💜City loving girl and hometown at heart guy
I enjoyed Muffin But Trouble from start to finish, with the author weaving in familiar characters and new and a romance that kept me wondering, will they or won’t they?
Thanks for the early copy I received from the author and Smartypants Romance, this is my honest review.
June 12, 2024
Favorite Quotes:
I was so far from fine, I’d lost sight of it completely.
Noah’s Southern drawl made it sound like he was speaking at half-speed. If time was money, everything he said would cost about twice as much as it should.
That woman’s cheese has slipped right off her cracker.
You can go inside and carry on with your regular business. Sharpen your fangs, or cook up some small children for your dinner. Don’t worry about me.
If gossip were gravy, that woman’s biscuits would never be dry.
Bonnie Linton likes to sweeten her tea with scandal.
If the devil likes to barbecue, he has my daddy on his fork.
My Review:
This was a total delight to read. I gleefully hummed and giggle-snorted my way through this cleverly penned and sassy tale. The characters were well-textured, quick-witted, and highly endearing while also complex and more than a bit damaged. I always enjoy my visits to the quirky community of Green Valley.
I was so far from fine, I’d lost sight of it completely.
Noah’s Southern drawl made it sound like he was speaking at half-speed. If time was money, everything he said would cost about twice as much as it should.
That woman’s cheese has slipped right off her cracker.
You can go inside and carry on with your regular business. Sharpen your fangs, or cook up some small children for your dinner. Don’t worry about me.
If gossip were gravy, that woman’s biscuits would never be dry.
Bonnie Linton likes to sweeten her tea with scandal.
If the devil likes to barbecue, he has my daddy on his fork.
My Review:
This was a total delight to read. I gleefully hummed and giggle-snorted my way through this cleverly penned and sassy tale. The characters were well-textured, quick-witted, and highly endearing while also complex and more than a bit damaged. I always enjoy my visits to the quirky community of Green Valley.
May 17, 2024
Mags has had to leave her job, her home and runway from the scary guy. Her boyfriend Eric has left her with his bill to a drug dealer while he is off on tour. Mags soon learns how worthless he really is. Meeting Cy she was extremely wary but soon see the real Cy and is determined to make sure Green Valley does too.
Moving to back to Green Valley after his father’s death to sell the home was his plan. But soon he is taking care of his niece while his sister recovers. Soon he wants to make a home for Gemma and himself. With Mags showing him that he is a good man he is determined that everyone sees that too of him.
Opposites do attract in the best ways with this story. You won’t be disappointed!
Moving to back to Green Valley after his father’s death to sell the home was his plan. But soon he is taking care of his niece while his sister recovers. Soon he wants to make a home for Gemma and himself. With Mags showing him that he is a good man he is determined that everyone sees that too of him.
Opposites do attract in the best ways with this story. You won’t be disappointed!
March 2, 2024
Muffin But Trouble T. Hunter is book four in the Donner Bakery Series and is part of the Smartypants Romance World and fits right in.
This is a fantastic read.
Set in Green Valley, tells the story of Mags and Cy - a story full of unexpected twists and turns that had me guessing right from the start til the last page.
Cy is the guardian for his 15 year niece and has his hands full. Mags works at Donner Bakery and is a wonderful character. I fell in insta love with these two and their story - this book is my fav of the bunch in the Spring Collection.
A witty and fun read, romantic and gives all the feels, 5 beautiful stars.
This is a fantastic read.
Set in Green Valley, tells the story of Mags and Cy - a story full of unexpected twists and turns that had me guessing right from the start til the last page.
Cy is the guardian for his 15 year niece and has his hands full. Mags works at Donner Bakery and is a wonderful character. I fell in insta love with these two and their story - this book is my fav of the bunch in the Spring Collection.
A witty and fun read, romantic and gives all the feels, 5 beautiful stars.
May 5, 2024
Ze was wel echt een leuke dame. Lekker fierce en sterk. Echt erg dat haar toenmalige vriend haar in de steek liet en niet eens mee op tournee had gevraagd... Daarna had hij problemen met de drugsdealer en moest zij het oplossen terwijl hij aan de andere kant van de wereld was een rockster leven aan het lijden .. maar dat ze het toeliet! Dat ze uiteindelijk zei dat ze het zou doen, zelfs 15k eigen geld gegeven... Die ze niet terug krijgt...
Oke Cy mag wel lief zijn enzo, maar als een Hagrid eruitzien, is NIET aantrekkelijk! Gadver..m hoe lief iemand ook kan zijn, helemaal onder de haren zitten, is vies
Oke Cy mag wel lief zijn enzo, maar als een Hagrid eruitzien, is NIET aantrekkelijk! Gadver..m hoe lief iemand ook kan zijn, helemaal onder de haren zitten, is vies
May 7, 2024
Big city girl comes to the country and meets the red neck. Ok, not really because Cy isn’t really who Mags assumes he is. I like Cy immediately, hometown guy just trying to do the right thing. But Mags had to grow on me, typical New Yorker with her brash attitude and rude assumptions. The trouble she’s in isn’t really hers but the rocker she’s dating. What bothered me about her was how her personality comes across as strong and blunt with others except the boyfriend and the bad guy. Quick read with witty characters and the usual Green Valley personalities. I read an early and wrote my honest review.
May 5, 2024
Muffin But Trouble is book 4 in the Donner Bakery Series and is part of the Smartypants Romance World. It was nice to revisit Green Valley. This is the Mags and Cy story. Mags is the sister of Carla, from a previous book. She's in town from the city technically to house sit, but no one knows she is on the run from a drug dealer demanding that she settle the debt of her ex-boyfriend. Cy is living up the road in the family home preparing the house to sell and taking care of his niece. Mags and Cy could not be more different. This is well worth the read to find out how it works out.
June 2, 2024
Such snarky banter!
I really enjoyed this book and watching Cy and Mags butt heads before feelings snuck in. Their chemistry and banter were there from the get-go, and I love how they learned to accept and fight for each other over time. Cy's relationship with Gemma was another high point given he cared so much about her not suffering for old family choices.
However, this book did remind me that Joy remains single after what's at least a half dozen Donner Bakery books! Can someone write her a happy ending of her own?
I really enjoyed this book and watching Cy and Mags butt heads before feelings snuck in. Their chemistry and banter were there from the get-go, and I love how they learned to accept and fight for each other over time. Cy's relationship with Gemma was another high point given he cared so much about her not suffering for old family choices.
However, this book did remind me that Joy remains single after what's at least a half dozen Donner Bakery books! Can someone write her a happy ending of her own?
May 7, 2024
I found this an amazing read. I thought it was a bit slow at the beginning but naturally picked up after. Mag is opinionated and also in trouble, so she moves to Green Valley to lay low ..here she meets the misunderstood Cy Baxter. Oh my Gosh, I love Cy. Such an amazing man. He has his demons but he is such a caring soul. Mag grew on me. I wasn't the biggest fan at the beginning but she redeemed herself.
June 25, 2024
There is too much going on in this book, too many subplots, too many characters and not enough focus. Also, there was too much disbelief to suspend regarding the drug dealer/old marijuana plot. Absolutely not. And it was a little painful to read about Mags ignoring her sisters plants and chickens that I got attached to in the first book. Anyway, this was not as enjoyable for me as the first in the series by the author.
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