That Conflicted Feeling

The Dashwood Billionaires

by Nicky Redford

The hot billionaire's giant discount grocery chain will crush my tiny small-town produce store. Unless I crush him and his twinkly eyes first...

The handsome stranger who tried to rescue me when I fell headfirst into a crate of potatoes (don’t ask) was perfect. He made me tingle in places I didn’t even know could tingle.

But now I’ve learned how unreliable those kinds of feelings are.

Turns out my would-be hero is Max Dashwood—the billionaire owner of a monstrous grocery chain that’s about to destroy my small-town organic produce shop.

My only option is to destroy him first if I want to save my livelihood, and every other mom-and-pop store on Main Street.

So I won’t stop until I send the jerk back to Manhattan once and for all. I will not fall for his sexy smile, charming wit, or twinkling blue eyes. He will definitely never make me fall in love with him.

And most importantly, I will definitely not kiss him.

Well, not again, anyway…

This laugh-out-loud, enemies to lovers, rom-com is part of the Dashwood Billionaires series of interconnected standalones. Packed with quirky characters, a local spring festival and adorable baby goats, it features a billionaire hell-bent on ripping out a small town’s heart, and the spunky produce seller who discovers the big bad wolf might have one of his own beating under that thousand-dollar shirt.

Genres: Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Ebooks, Small Town Romance, Fiction, Contemporary, Family

326 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2024

About the author

Nicky Redford writes bladder-threateningly funny rom-coms with all the steam and all the feels.

She loves heroes who think they know what they want (they’re wrong, obviously), the feisty, independent, heroines who don’t take their crap, and the sparky banter that inevitably ensues.

Her idol is Nora Ephron, and if anyone tries to say When Harry Met Sally is not the greatest film ever made they’ll be treated to a very detailed explanation as to why they are wrong.

Nicky aims to bring you page-turning raunchy rom-coms that brighten your day, put a smile on your face, and make you need to sit on an ice pack.

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Reviews

[Liz-Mari Theron · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

THE BANTER. THE DISLIKE. THE CHEMISTRY.

This book brought a refreshing new light and it was the first time I got frustrated with a FMC!
Polly could be a little (lot) overprotective of her mother, completely understandable thinking about her condition. HOWEVER she definetly is a wonderfully smart woman and a whole different person once she calms down. The kind that is sarcastically witty and lovable.
Now Max on the other hand... I loved this book purely because of his charm and hilarity.
The situations he got himself into to impress Polly is absolutely comical. I definitely didn't think that he could actually be the considering sweetheart that he turned out to be. He's a real gentleman and a determined business man.

This was only my second novel by NR (and my second time reading a romantic comedy).
The descriptions and their originality that comes with any Nicky Redford novel is like nothing I've read before. I FLIPPING LOVE THAT about her.
That Conflicted Feeling is an easy and relaxed read with no hidden agenda.

NOTE: in my opinion, the spice level in this novel is really really good and WAY better than the first novel in the series!

I highly reccomend reading this book if you’re a fan of the following tropes;
- Enemies to Lovers
- Small Town
- Opposites Attract
- Billionaire Romance
- Feisty FMC

[Marian. · Rating 5 out of 5]

New favorite book unlocked, this book is funny, romantic, entertaining, friends I had the best time reading it.

The story of Max and Polly is one of my favorites by far, it the almost enemies vibes here, the whole town which without a doubt was what I liked the most, is that THIS WHOLE BOOK FOR ME WAS WONDERFUL.

We have Max who is our MMC, millionaire but with a somewhat sad past, does not believe in love (yes, it's cliché but we love) and plans to make a chain supermarket in the small town of Warm Spring; I loved his personality because he is not grumpy or anything like that and I loved reading him, when we know more about him he is such a charming character that I declare myself completely in love with him.

Now, Polly is our small town girl, she owns the small vegetable store and fears what Max will do with her store and town when he builds the big store; she has a huge heart, her mother and her best friend are the only family she has and hates city people with money (everything Max represents)

These two took my heart and I don't want them to give it back to me, I already want to reread it just because I miss Polly and Max. Nicky without a doubt gained a reader with me and in the process created one of the series that will undoubtedly be my favorite for long.

Oh and another thing: BABY GOATS AND LLAMAS, with that I'm just telling you GO AND READ THIS BOOK.

Thanks to the author & Give Me Books PR for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review!!

---

Nuevo libro favorito desbloqueado, este libro es gracioso, romántico, entretenido, amigos pase mi mejor vida leyéndolo.

La historia de Max y Polly es de mis favoritas y por mucho, el casi vibra de enemies acá, todo el pueblo que sin duda alguna fue lo que mas me gusto, es que TODO ESTE LIBRO PARA MI FUE MARAVILLOSO.

Tenemos a Max que es nuestro MMC, millonario pero un pasado un poco triste, no cree en el amor (si, es cliché pero amamos) y planea hacer un supermercado de cadena en el pequeño pueblo de Warm Spring; su personalidad me encanto porque no es gruñón ni nada por el estilo y me encanto leerlo, cuando conocemos mas de el es un personaje tan encantador que me declaro completamente enamorada de él.

Ahora bien, Polly es nuestra chica de pueblo, ella es dueña de la pequeña tienda de vegetales y teme por lo que Max va hacer con su tienda y pueblo cuando construya la gran tienda; ella tiene un corazón enorme, su madre y su mejor amiga son la única familia que tiene y odia a la gente de ciudad con dinero (todo lo que Max representa)

Estos dos se llevaron mi corazón y no quiero que me lo devuelvan, ya quiero volver a releerlo solo porque extraño a Polly y Max, Nicky sin duda alguna se ganó una lectora conmigo y de paso creó una de las series que sin duda será mi favorita por mucho.

A y otra cosa: CABRAS BEBÉS Y LLAMAS, con eso solo les digo VAYAN Y LEAN ESTE LIBRO.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I loved Max and Polly's story! I've read other books in this series and I was already aware of Max and his family but I wasn't sure about him.

I just love how realistic Nicky's stories are! I get drawn in from the first page and forget to come up for air! I'm completely immersed into the Dashwood world she's created.

Although I read the series out of order, I might just have to start it all over again. It's that good!

[Erika · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story, fast read.
Reminiscent of hallmark but with spice. I really loved the beginning of the story with the banter and clumsy accidents, but it lost the “Twinkle” as it went on.
I felt like their backstories were told well and made their current choices more believable. But the insta love felt a little over the top for me.
The ending felt rushed and it focused more on the next brother’s story than finishing the one it was telling.

Although, I think one of my new favorite sub tropes is nose kisses!

[Minnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐|3🌶|3🥵
⁣
Another rom-com by Nicky Redford. And again she hit the nail perfectly. Honestly, she is my rom-com queen, even though she only has two published books but both are just perfect.
After I read book one, I thought Max is a really huge a**hole. He wasn't really nice in book one. He was cold and heartless. But that changed with this book instantly. His first appearance was already cute. The chemistry between Polly and Max is indescribable. There is a huge magnetism between them. They are so opposite and should hate each other. But still, they both feel this huge connection between each other.
And the scenes with all the animals 🤣🤣🤣 OMG... First the goats. And how cool and cuuuuute Max reacts with them 😍 And then the llamas 🙈
There are so many small details that are so funny... The "Open & Close" sign of Polly's shop. The sticker on Polly's old VW bus. The slogans on the demonstration signs. The "ker-clunk". And of course all the banter between Polly and Max, just perfect 🤩
An interesting side fact is that Polly as well as Summer (book 2) both have a bad history with rich a**holes 😱
⁣
At the end, we met all his brothers again and oh the teaser for book 3 😱😱😱😱😱 I can't wait to read Connor's story. He really has a huge problem. And I hope Rose will manage to help him. I think he is a very sensitive man. I feel sorry for him at the moment.

Follow me on IG for more
https://www.instagram.com/minnie.love...

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful RomCom. I have to admit I laughed to the point of tears a time or two at the outrageous antics of Max Dashwood, the sexy billionaire who will stop at nothing to get what he wants, and Polly, the owner of the small towns produce store who will do anything to keep her store and the new Yellow Barn Grocery Store from moving into their town. The author gave us a hilarious storyline about Max and Polly. Their banter back and forth will have you laughing out loud and smiling throughout.

But who will prevail? Will Max get his Store Built in the small town or will Polly get him and his store run out of town? And let's not forget the instant chemistry between these two. Well that is until Polly finds out who the sexy stranger really is and what he wants. Can Max convince Polly he’s not the bad guy she thinks he is? Will Polly ever make Max understand her position?

Grab this one up people and be prepared to laugh out loud. This book is the 2nd in the Dashwood Billionaires series but can be read as a complete standalone. (But this reader highly recommends the prequel, That Stranded Feeling, as well). As for this reader, I’m anxiously waiting for book 2 - That Fake Feeling with Connor Dashwood.

2 Thumbs Up and 5+ Stars

[Wanda Compton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small town produce shop versus Big box store

Polly sources food from local farms for her produce store. The store is important to her not just as a means of income. It has a significance to her family. When she learns a Big Box food store is planning to build on Main Street across from her shop she begins planning how to stop it from happening. Max Dashwood is the CEO who is planning to purchase the property for is store. He thinks Polly is cute but she won’t influence his plans. When he stays in town for an extended period to convince the town in favor of the store they get to know each other and he sees what the town and its people are like. Eventually they come to a comprise.

Polly and Max had great chemistry. They live very different lives but learn they have much in common. I enjoyed seeing the town through his eyes. It is the perfect small town with original buildings friendly people who treat you like family, They have charming traditions and town activities. I liked Polly and Max and some of the side characters. I hope you give this a try.

[Katja · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cute and entertaining story about a corporate hotshot who comes to tiny town to do business. Max wants to open another shop for his grocery store chain but Polly is convinced that it will ruin all the other businesses on Main Street and organizes protests. It's just too bad that he's so twinkly and charming and delicious looking. If you have ever seen a hallmark movie you know exactly what's going to happen (except there's more sex and swearing). The quirky smalltown girl, her goats and the other quirky smalltown characters will melt his workaholic heart and eventually he will find a way for his company to preserve and coexist with all the things that Polly loves. I enjoyed the dialogue and finished it in one sitting. It stands alone OK but if you liked this, you may be glad to know that Max has brothers and cousins who have all been single for long enough.

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

[Taylor Fearn · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨Received and reviewed as an ARC✨

Release date October 5th📚

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I really did not like Max as a character in the previous book (the snippets we saw), but my oh my did he redeem himself😍🫣! His character development in this book was amazing!

I loved this opposites attract, comedic, small town read! I read it in one sitting🫣
Nicky has a way of making me cry laugh whilst reading her books and this one did it!! The Goat scene 🤣🤣🤣

The FMC (Polly) is very sassy and head strong, meaning the main characters clash a lot, however they manage to balance each other out by the end!

If you want a funny, spicy (read the bonus scene😧🫠) and easy read! This one’s for you!

Even if this book isn’t your usual genre, just read it for the baby goats😍🥲

I cannot wait for the next one! I love me some fake dating!! Congratulations Nicky❤️


I received this book as an ARC, but I am voluntarily leaving a review 😀

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 in Redford's The Dashwood Billionaires series and can easily be read as a standalone book. Our main characters are Max and Polly and while these two start off as enemies, have so much chemistry and similarities that it's inevitable they will collide. Polly's been burned by big corporate companies in the past and here comes Max owner of yet another big corporate company ready to destroy her livelihood - only Max has a heart and now he has to prove it! I loved the dual point of view and while well written there were times it seemed the storyline lagged a bit - a lot of focus on things that had already been established. I did love the quirky best friend and towns folk that brought a small town feel to this read...and the goats - omg, the goats and llamas! Sweet with some heat and a wonderful HEA! I can't wait for more of these Dashwoods!

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

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is that a tiny bit of goodness she sees hidden deep within his heart?

Polly owns and operates a small town organic produce store. Her family was cheated in a dealing with a big business concerning the sale of their farm. Polly feels that contributed to the death of her father. She's very leery of what's promised by big businesses vs what's actually delivered.


Max Daswood is the billionaire owner of a mega grocery store chain about to develop a store in her town. A store that will be the death knell for her store and most of the small businesses in town.

They're polar opposites on the small town owned businesses vs his conglomerate business corporation. Despite that there’s a definite attraction between the two of them. But is it insurmountable?

I received an ARC of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

That Conflicted Feeling is book 2 in the Dashwood Billionaires series. And let me tell you, this series is quickly becoming my favorite rom com series this year! This is a hysterical, enemies-to-lovers, OTT, spicy, opposites-attract, small-town, quirky girl gets her billionaire romance. Max is a charming billionaire looking to open a supermarket chain store. Polly is a sassy, spirited, and quirky vegetable store owner. This story literally had me laughing out loud at times. I already want to re-read both books in this series. The characters have amazing chemistry, supporting characters, including the animals are fantastic and we get a happy ending. I loved it so much. I highly recommend this book as well as the first one!.

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

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this incredible series, and this is Max and Polly’s story. Polly is a feisty owner of a small-town organic shop, and Max is the owner of a huge grocery chain, which is about to set up in her town, and Polly knows that this will be the death of her shop and most of the small businesses in the area as well.
This is a well written story which is an enemies / lovers, opposites attract, emotional roller coaster, with drama, angst, humor, witty banter, quirky characters, undeniable chemistry, family, friendships, tension, and love, which leads to an entertaining and heartwarming page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Floraljoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Satisfying:
Like a long cold drink on a hot summers day, this book was both refreshing and satisfying. Whilst the premise of the little guy taking on the corporate bully isn’t exactly new, this one nevertheless felt fresh due to the humour, crazy shenanigans and the fact that the villian really was a nice guy. It is part of a series but could totally be enjoyed as a standalone.
Polly and Max were adorable together and I was so happy that they got their HEA. I loved that they faced real challenges but it was well balanced with fun, flirting and fiery passion. Such a well rounded and entertaining read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second instalment in Nicky’s series about the billionaire Dashwoods brothers tells the story of Max — a ruthless businessman who forgot how to be a decent person. Enter Polly — a charming and quirky, if slightly insecure, business owner, who is all decency and heart 💜

Opposites attract in many hilarious ways in this fast-paced, light and emotional romcom! When Max and Polly’s interests clash, they have to face each other in the battle for the Main Street. In an attempt to convince Polly to sell her soul, Max finds his own, while Polly loses her heart to Max trying to save the heart of her small town.

The town of Warm Springs is a magical place, housing a community of bright and nosy business owners and their customers, who are obviously very invested in their beloved produce seller’s love life. Even farm animals seem to want Max and Polly to end up together 😂😂

I loved this story — it’s a fast read which will make you smile and sigh and throw your feet in the air! I could relate to Polly, not in her quirky ways, but in her worries for her mom and feelings of guilt for not doing enough, for taking time for herself, wanting to be happy and feeling selfish for it. Max’s character development is beautiful in a believable way — he doesn’t just switch his personality after meeting Polly, instead she makes him open up to her. The way he thought about her and their future was so sweet 🫠🫠

The ending is completely bonkers — in a totally romcomy, big-gestury kind of way — and I loved it! 😍

I totally recommend this book to everyone who loves romcoms, especially You’ve Got Mail. That Conflicted Feeling, in my opinion, has much better ending!

You don’t need to read the first book to enjoy this one, but make sure you read the bonus scene once you’re done — it’s 🥵🥵

Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[arieste323 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this beautifully written heartfelt book. Max is a rich business man who meets Polly who is struggling business owner. Polly does not hesitate to go toe to toe with Max for what she believes in. These two have amazing chemistry from their first meet but struggle to find even ground. Every woman deserves a Max in their life. This story has wonderful characters, plenty of fun, witty banter and spicy times. 5 star must read. Looking forward to the rest of the series.

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

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Polly has an organic produce shop and Max owns a large grocery chain with thoughts of opening one in her small town. Of course they go toe to toe and disagree on the topics of the small stores in the area closing if he opens shop there. Even the animals - goats and llamas - get into the act. Loads of fun times and even some steamier ones once the two start talking instead of fighting. Great chemistry, entertaining situations and plenty of surprises. Terrific ending.

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

[PollyAnna Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Max and Polly

First of all, it's easy to LOVE a book whose main character has the same name as myself! What's even better is when the book is genuinely good! Mr. Twinkles! I love it! It's even better that Mr. Twinkles is not a cat! Polly and Max fight their instant attraction because he wants to put her store out of business in favor of his big box grocery store. Let the shenanigans begin! And it is so much fun watching them attempt to out maneuver one another!

[Janice Salotti · Rating 1 out of 5]

Didn't enjoy.

With all the f-words and misuse of God, Jesus and Christ it was impossible to enjoy. Sex was always at the forefront of Polly's and Max's minds. I got through about a third, then skimmed another few chapters before giving up. Not even the baby goats could redeem it for me.

[Bksbloggingandreviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book. And this author knocked out the park. I loved the two mine characters Max and Polly and her goats. Loved it. He feel so hard for Polly it was beautiful to read about
#bksbloggingandreviews

[The Cajun Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this was such a cute, quick read!

Definitely a good dislike/hate (on fmc part) to lovers.

The conflict was great, Polly being the one to have the grand gesture was the best. Max having a soft heart was so sweet.

I loved the goat cameos!

[Bianca Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this rom com! It reminds me of a hallmark movie in a book. I immediately fell in love with Max and Polly from the start. They have chemistry the second they meet and it makes it that much more believable. I definitely recommend all of Nicky Redfords books in this series.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked max and Polly’s book. It was an entertaining, fun read. And am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Rosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a fun read, quirky banter, and cute characters.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

I stayed up all night needing to finish this book. Hilarious and exciting. Action packed and full of cute goats

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️ it was a nice fun easy read. Not the biggest fan of the third act drama but other than that it was good

[Cyra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this!! Love the writing, the banter, the chemistry!!! Can't wait to read the rest of the dashwood series!!

[samuel o'halloran · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love the banter

Banter between these two is great! Chemistry is a little lacking and the 🌶️ is somewhat clinical. Love the storyline though.

[Dori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am such a sucker for the healing of soul and melting of cold hearts trope. I read the first in this series and you could tell even from that one that Max was a grump and had hard and rough edges and like things his way or no way. The fact that a small-town farm girl can melt that heart and heal his soul. love it! It is one of my biggest romances weaknesses.

[Stacie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute rom com about a small town woman (Polly) who owns a produce store. She falls into Max (AKA Mr Twinkles) when he comes to town to work on a deal with the town board to bring a monster supermarket in down the street from her small store. The two are opposites that trade witty banter and grow together as they come to see that they may be small town vs big city/discount store vs mom and pop/organic free trade vs best deal on the market but their values (and chemistry) are very similar! There are a lot of cute, witty and snarky moments in the novel and it will have you rolling with laughter!