Not A Thing

Seddledowne #2

by Susan Henshaw

A small town principal rewriting her future. A big city lawyer running from his past. The secret that could tear them apart.

After getting dumped, Christy Thornbury has zero intentions of setting foot on Seddledowne soil ever again. But when the school board begs her to be their high school principal, she packs up her car and leaves her toxic family in the dry, Wyoming dust.

Serial dater, Holden Dupree, sprints faster than any woman can catch him. But when Christy’s sisters devise a humiliating scheme to find her a husband, Holden breaks the one self-imposed rule he’s lived by for the last decade. And now he’s stuck in a frustrating, all-cuddling, no-kissing, fake relationship with his brother’s gorgeous ex.

With chemistry hotter than a branding iron, can Christy keep her heart on lockdown while tucked safely in a playboy’s embrace? And will Holden finally lasso his demons, fight for the love he never thought he’d find, and come home to Dupree Ranch for good?

Perfect for readers who enjoy a love story with sizzle but no spice. Get ready for fake dating and forbidden love, dark pasts and daring rescues. But always a hard-earned happily ever after.

Genres: Romance, Fake Dating, Contemporary, Fiction, Clean Romance, Friends To Lovers, Small Town Romance

290 pages, ebook

Published May 17, 2024

Reviews

[Sonja · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some strong dislike to a book that could have been polished a bit. I enjoyed a lot of it but the dramas (plural) needed to be explored deeper and dealt with in a more realistic way. Didn't like that a girl was referred to as not pretty, not as a dialogue comment but as a description. Steamy but not smutty (is a plus) everyone is physical perfection (yawn) too many dramas that were superficially dealt with.

[Tatum - nuggetybooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Holden Dupree & Christy Thornbury
- Dual POV
- Forced proximity
- Romantic suspense
- Found family
- Fake dating (sorta)
- Coach HS Volleyball together
- COMPLICATED history
- Small town drama

✨ a few of my favorite things:
- The teasing and easy banter between Holden and Christy
- How Lemon is so kind to Christy and how Lemon & Silas really show up for Holden over and over.
- Christy shows up for Holden even when he doesn’t deserve it
- Christy’s feisty side and her absolutely going OFF for Holden defending his honor
- Savannah’s grandma 🥹🥲
- Holden making sure his actions match his words 👏🏻
- The absolute CHAOS that is the first epilogue 😂💕 I love it so much. Poor Holden. Christy rolling with the punches. The family. It’s just all amazing 😂🤷🏻‍♀️

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book 2 in the Seddledowne Series - ahhhhhh I literally have no words. This book is just so stinking good. The plot runs the show in this one with so many things going wrong for poor Holden and Christy. The suspense and drama of it all it crazy and had me hooked. I felt so so bad for Holden & Christy. They have to fight for one another, and they royally mess up multiple times. Despite all the pain, they keep finding their way back to each other. They push each other in the best ways and their chemistry is insane.

The found family in this one is so so good. Holden’s family love each other so much that they can’t help but try to fix everything when the MCs start self-sabotaging. People love on Christy and take care of her even though the past is SOOOO complicated. The family really rallies around Holden and Christy. The teenagers at the high school also love and support their coaches with so much angsty teenage energy that it’s so funny and cute.

I’m flying through this series and I cannot stress enough how much I adore this series.

This is a closed door contemporary, suspense romance. The author clearly states in the beginning of the book that it is “a realistic, contemporary, small-town love story”. Author also gives content warnings in the beginning of the book. There is cursing, innuendo, and detailed makeouts.

ps I’ve only read book one and two but these titles 👏🏻 are 👏🏻 so 👏🏻 perfect. 👏🏻 also the covers 🫠 so much meaning in everything

Songs:
Lonesome by Sabrina Carpenter
You’re losing me by Taylor Swift
Drunk in my mind by Benson Boone
Be someone by Benson Boone
My greatest fear by Benson Boone
Lie to girls by Sabrina Carpenter
Flowers by Lauren Spencer Smith
Sickly sweet by Kenzie
This ain’t you leaving by Tayler Holder
Don’t mind if I do by Riley Green & Ella Langley
Worst way by Riley Green
Bruises by Lewis Capaldi **
Same questions by Max McNown
Pretty Little Posion by Warren Zeiders

[Gina Blades · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet & swoony small town fake dating romance

4.25⭐️ 1🌶️ Book 2 in the Seddledowne series—fake dating (turned real really quick 🤣) small town romance with hilarious moments, a very involved family, and heart. This is my 2nd book by this author, and I will be reading more. 🙌🏻

Holden is a lawyer in DC, and in his words ‘single for life’. He doesn’t think happily ever after is in the cards for him. 🥺 Christy is the new principal of the Seddledowne high school, and nursing a broken heart (via Silas from book 1, Holden’s brother). Christy’s sisters put her on a dating app w/out her knowledge, so in order to get out of that Christy enlists Holden to fake date her and do weekly FaceTimes with her family. Soon fake turns into real feelings, but Holden’s past catches up to him. He keeps her at arm’s length because he thinks he’s protecting her (and he doesn’t think he deserves love or happiness 🥺). While helping her coach the girls’ volleyball team, Holden realizes that Christy is it for him but it scares him, and it takes his family and Christy to break through Holden’s demons/trauma.

He remembers that lavender roses🌹 are her favorite. 💜 He boops her nose. He kisses her forehead. He touches his forehead to hers. ❤️ He stands up to her family for her. 🫠

The ending of this book was hilarious, sweet, swoony, and one of the best I’ve ever read. 🤩

Favorite quotes:
"You're a good guy, Holdie. Any woman would be lucky to have you. But you need to believe it yourself."

"Something...tragic...happened in high school and it broke him. Holden might date a lot of women, but he's not incapable of loving some-one. On the contrary, he loves deeply.”

"I'm glad you dumped me as your fake boy-friend. That guy needed to take a hike so your real boyfriend can take over. That's me, in case you didn't know."

"He's going to live in me and Mom's old house while he builds a new one on the ranch for you two. It's all part of his big plan to win you back." I swallowed. "Plan to win me back?"

"You're all mine, Holden. Your whole heart. I'm taking it."
"You already did. A long time ago. I didn't even have a choice. It was gone before I even knew what was happening.”

‘She was where I belonged. And who I belonged with. She always had been.’

“I'm yours. All my days, all my nights, they all belong to you. For the rest of your life.”
“I will never get enough of you."
“Then that's what you'll get. Every little piece of me. Forever."

Read this if you like:
*Small town romance
*Fake dating
*Reformed playboy
*High school principal FMC
*Big city lawyer MMC
*Forehead kisses 💋
*Angst/tension
*Big family dynamics
*Depression/mental health rep

Content warning: bullying, depression, stalker, suicide

I’m excited for book 3 next - All to Pieces - Anna and Blue’s story. 💙 🏈

[Nicola Doyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. It was a heart wrenching story. Christy and Holden's relationship was so complicated. Christy is Holden's brother Silas's ex. Silas was surprisingly okay with them. He's happily married to Lemon. Christy and Holden came up against a giant obstacle in the form of Amber Taylor. She's an extremely toxic person. I detested her. The Dupree family are here again and they're awesome. Such a kind and welcoming family. The book is well written and beautifully engaging. It's written in first person from Christy and Holden's perspectives. The book was very enjoyable. I really recommend this!

[Melanie’s reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the first book One Last Thing so I couldn’t wait to get back to Seddledown with book two. Now I gave the first book 5 stars so how on earth can I rate this when it’s even better. I can’t possibly downgrade my previous review so instead I’m going to say this is a 5 too but with a bonus kiss award.

I thought it would be hard to like Christy, especially with her taking the job of principal above her ex Silas. However Susan cleverly writes her in a way that you can’t help but love her. Her character arc was like an illegal car turn to face the right direction.

Then we get on to Holden, he had me from his custom horn noise and the way he looks at Christy. For an ex player he is more cuddle bunny than a toddler in a soft toy store when it comes to her. But he has been a player for a reason, always running before things get serious and even moving away from home.

That reason soon rears her ugly head and starts to make life hell for them both. She is one of the best villains I have read in a romance book and that plot line had me just as invested as my hope for a happy ever after.

I can’t recommend this series enough and I can’t wait for the next one.

[Jackie McClellan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second in this romance series with heart. I didn’t expect to like this one as much as the first one, but actually enjoyed it more.

[Pria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sorry "Not a thing" is not my thing. It is a good book but just not for me. I have become a very picky reader and I just need what I need, hunh! The premise is great, the going is good but the dialogues are lacking, it needs that certain je ne sais quoi. Also Christy and Holden are just too bland as characters. On the whole they are good but individual characters just don't do it.

Overall, good but...

[Mrs Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in The Seddledowne Series and I LOVED IT. You can read the this book out or order, but it makes a lot more sense if you follow the first book (One Last Thing).

When I started this book, my first thought was "GIRL, don't date a Dupree brother". I looked at the chapter names and was ready to not like the book. BUT, I was so wrong. The angst in this book had my heart pumping and my eyes tearing. It was so good! I would love to express more, but I don't want to give anything away!

I will recommend this book (and series) to all romance lovers.

Thank you for the copy, this is my honest opinion.

[Daisy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This feels like a book written by a mom who is learning “cool” new slang terms….

And I loved it! I laughed out loud several times throughout the book. His family was ridiculous in the best way. I didn’t read the first book and I can’t now that I’m on the second because I don’t see myself likening the MMC who dumped this gem of a FMC. However I plan on continuing in the series. The writing was so good in this. The angst, the drama, all of it delivered and not in a OTT way like I thought it might. His past was really tragic and I understood his hesitation. My only criticism is that I wish they would have stayed separated for longer. I wanted the FMC to really be complete in herself after that gut punch. Overall though it was so good!

[Elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was worried I wouldn’t like book two as much as book one. Truthfully, it’s because I didn’t like Christy’s character in book one. She was needy, clingy, and desperate. But, this book changed everything for me!

Christy’s character grew by leaps and bounds throughout a story filled with overcoming past traumas and finding true love. The amount of closeness the author was able to convey in Christy and Holden’s relationship in such a short time period quickly made them become my favorite couple in the Seddledowne Series!

Read this book if you like Fake dating, Dual POV, Forced proximity, Reformed playboy, Brother’s ex-girlfriend, Found family, Emotional scars/Tortured character, and Couple in peril.

A big thank you to Susan Henshaw and Booked with the Emilys for providing an ARC of Not a Thing in exchange for my honest review!

[Holly Ruble · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am all for a man in touch with his feminine side, but the main male character read as a woman and a highly emotional, annoying, and erratic one at that and felt more like a stereotype than a fully developed character. None of the characters felt fleshed out and I genuinely disliked all of them. The character development was sadly lacking and the plot jumped all over and didn't feel coherent or believable in any way.

[Lou_lovesreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book
Christy and Holden who would have thought it
Couldn’t believe the ups and downs they had both been through but wow together they were amazing

[Paula Evans Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love reading about this little town!

[Cait | GoodeyReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars? I think?

I HAVE SO MANY THOUGHTS.

BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK

This book was maddening to read while also being addictive and I found myself downloading book three immediately after (granted, I have been most looking forward to book three so it tracks).

ANYWHO. My issue here is how immature so many of these adults were. The book is set in high school and it felt like most of the antics were high school based too. And I don’t know how I feel about how some of the heavier themes were used and handled.

There were some good swoon moments and I actually didn’t mind Holden and Christy as a couple. They had this off-beat chemistry that worked well for them. And I can’t deny that I love a great heated make-out scene.

I went up and down as I read on this book and while it’s not my favorite, I’m not upset I read it either.

Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Language: low
- Romance: heated make-outs; light innuendo
- Violence: moderate
- Content Warnings: su!cide (mentioned and brought up throughout), bullying, stalker

[Senior Citizen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christy deserves the world tbh this series isn’t a light one you’ll definitely get mad and upset laugh and cry but you definitely need to be in a mood to read these books without regret.

[Marie Girulat · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dupree brothers saga continues as Holden falls for his brother Silas’s ex. Christy is now the principal at the high school in Seddledown and Silas is the vice principal. Christy and Holden start to fake date when her family tries to find her a boyfriend. Christy and Holden find that their attraction has grown. Holden has a lot of baggage. Will they be able to overcome their pasts to find happily ever after?

This was the sweetest book. I love the characters and the whole Dupree family. The relationship between the 4 brothers had me laughing out loud. Even though Christy was Silas’s ex, she was accepted into the family lovingly.
I am hoping for another book about the Dupree men.

I highly recommend both of these books if you love romance and second chances.

Thank you to Booked with the Emilys and the author for the gifted copies of these books.

[Audio book lover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a Thing is a beautifully heartfelt small-town romance that perfectly blends emotional depth, humor, and healing. Susan Henshaw has once again written a story that feels both warm and raw a tale of two people who have been burned by the past but somehow find exactly what they didn’t know they needed in each other. This book isn’t just about love; it’s about forgiveness, self-worth, and the courage to start over. Christy and Holden’s story had me completely hooked from the start equal parts tender, frustrating, and deeply emotional the kind of love story that sneaks up on you and stays in your heart long after it ends.

The Story
Christy Thornbury thought she’d left her small Wyoming hometown for good along with the pain, the gossip, and her family’s toxic expectations. But when she’s asked to return as the new high school principal, she reluctantly agrees, determined to rebuild her life on her own terms. Enter Holden Dupree: charming, infuriating, and a serial heartbreaker who’s made a habit of keeping things light. When Christy’s sisters hatch a humiliating matchmaking plan, Holden steps in breaking his own rule to never get involved and suddenly, they’re fake dating in a town that thrives on gossip. What starts as a pretend relationship quickly turns into something achingly real as both are forced to confront old wounds, deep secrets, and the possibility that love might actually be worth the risk.

What I Loved
✔️ A perfectly executed fake dating trope with real emotional stakes
✔️ The slow build of trust and affection between Christy and Holden
✔️ Beautifully handled family dynamics and personal growth
✔️ Henshaw’s knack for writing love stories with substance heartfelt, emotional, and mature
✔️ That balance between small-town charm, light humor, and deeper, healing moments
✔️ Closed-door intimacy that focuses on emotional connection over spice

🎧 Narration
Narrated by Summer Roberts and Andrew Gibson, the audiobook is an absolute treat. Summer’s narration captures Christy’s mix of strength and vulnerability with such authenticity, while Andrew gives Holden a perfect blend of charm and quiet intensity. Their chemistry comes through effortlessly the pacing, tone, and emotion make every scene feel alive. Together, they bring the story’s tension, tenderness, and humor to life in a way that makes it impossible to stop listening.

Tropes & Vibes
✔️ Fake Dating
✔️ Small Town Romance
✔️ Second Chances
✔️ Forbidden Love
✔️ Emotional, Closed-Door Romance
✔️ Healing from the Past
✔️ Family Drama & Found Strength

Final Thoughts
Not a Thing is a touching and emotional romance that proves you don’t need spice to feel the heat. Christy and Holden’s journey is full of heart from witty banter and quiet vulnerability to moments that make you smile through tears. Susan Henshaw has a gift for writing stories that explore love’s softer, more complex side the kind that feels lived-in and real. If you love small-town settings, emotional slow burns, and characters who earn their happy ending the hard way, this book will absolutely capture your heart.

[Missy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book follows Christy and Holden. We meet them both in book 1, Christy is the ex-fiance of Silas and Holden is Silas' brother. We learn in book 1 that these two characters become friends. At the start of this book, Christy has left her toxic family in Wyoming and relocated to Seddledown. She is now the new principal at the school where Silas is the assistant principal. When Christy suddenly becomes the new volleyball coach, when she knows very little about the sport, Holden offers to help her. And when he overhears a toxic conversation with Christy and her family, he offers himself up as her boyfriend.

Holden doesn't do relationships due to trauma when he was a teenager, he has kept all of his relationships casual, but the more time he spends with Christy the more he wants to try with her. But his past keeps him from truly giving in to Christy. He thinks that he will keep her safe and she will be better off if they are not together. Christy is looking for her happily ever after, and she knows that Holden is a risky relationship and he breaks her heart more than once. When you learn why Holden feels the way he does, it made me feel for him and forgive some of his behavior.

I loved that his family, especially Silas and Lemon, were all in on his feelings for Christy. Lemon was the one telling Christy to hang on, to be patient and giving her hints as to why Holden was acting the way that he was. I really enjoyed that part of the story.

I love how Holden stands up for Christy with her family and his grovel at the end of the book was chef's kiss good!

Like book 1, this book will take you on a journey. You will swoon and laugh and want to scream! But you will be pleased with the ending.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plot: Christy gets a job as Principal in the small town of Seddledown. The only problem is that this is her ex’s town, and he just got made assistant principal. Not to mention he was married to another woman within a month of their breakup. She can’t be too mad though, because he caught her kissing his brother, Holden, during their reset. They haven’t talked since. Besides, he’s a fancy big wig lawyer in D.C. He won’t be back anytime soon. At least that’s what she thinks. When he surprisingly comes back for a weekend and then gets laid off from his job, he chooses to stay a little longer. When Christy and Holden get tasked with coaching the girls volleyball team, they have to work together in a lot of things, including a stalker-bully. Can they overcome the attempts to ruin her life?

What I liked: I liked that this book had real feelings, and tough discussions. I liked that the chemistry was clear between characters and that they rooted for one another.

What I didn’t like: I didn’t like that the “mean girl” bully stalker hadn’t been stopped before. How she had friends, who seemed to know what she did, is seriously beyond me.

Swearing: no swearing

Physical intimacy level: closed door, no spice

Star rating: 5 stars!

Trope: ex’s brother, small town romance, fake dating

[Jeanine Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am going to be totally honest here! I was not excited to read this book after I met Christy in One Last Thing She was not a person I liked at all. She was clingy, desperate, childish. And her little stunt with Holden made my dislike grow. Don’t even get me started on Holden.

But I had to trust Marilee’s word and believe that this story would change my opinion. And changed it it did. Quickly.

This story was unexpectedly emotional. I mean I knew there would be drama like OLT, but this one gut punched me. Just goes to show you everything isn’t always as it seems. People can project certain personas and demeanors but deep down inside they have pain and suffering. Past trauma, neglect, guilt, trials, tribulations. Never judge a book, or person in this case, by its cover.

Holden and Christy needed each other in the best way. Their chemistry was off the charts. The Dupree family was so welcoming and caring and forgiving. I loved the introduction of the new characters. And I deplored the antagonist in this book with every part of my being.

Holden and Christy broke my heart and I am so happy they got an HEA.

[Gifford MacShane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the plot of this novel, but it was almost overshadowed by the longing glances and fantasies of the characters.

The author promises “a love story with sizzle but no spice”, but for me the sizzle collapsed about half-way through the book due to constant repetition of the same internal thoughts.

The tropes are used adeptly and the author’s writing style is pleasant and easy-to-read. But the characters are all just a little over-the-top. They’re a bit too manipulative, angsty, or reactionary for me. And it seems that almost all of them feel they have the right to interfere in someone else’s life; not one of them is capable of standing on the sidelines or minding their own business. That goes especially for the FMC’s family.

If you’re looking for an excellent plot in an easy-to-read story, and don’t mind overblown characters or desires, NOT A THING would be a great book to spend a summer afternoon with.

My thanks to the author and Story Origin for providing me with the ARC of this novel in return for my honest opinion, which I have freely given.

[Jesse · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know how this woman does it, but I did end up reading about a character that I didn't like and not only that, but I also ended up liking the character a lot.
Christy, poor Christy, her entire family was a red flag and I didn't like how all that ended up being handled, there was no apology from the parents, from the sisters, it just remained unfinished and I understand that most of the time it is like that but still wait, I don't know, at least for her to distance herself a little more from them.

Holden, my friend, lacked a few balls, as we would have said here in my country. Holden was trapped in his adolescence and he didnt know how to get out of there, yes, terrible things happened to him but letting someone manipulate you for almost 10 years is a lot.

Anyway, I devoured this book, I couldn't stop reading even knowing that I had to wake up at 5 AM I finished reading until 1 AM. Incredible what Susan does, in the end I love the book and I want to read the others in the series.

[Lia Lorimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Robinson family of Seddledowne, Virginia become the centre of attention again when Christy, Silas’ ex, is employed as the high school principal, with Silas as her efficient second-in-command! Christy, approached by Silas’ niece Anna, to add volleyball coaching to her principal duties, has no choice but to recruit Holden, Silas’s brother, to assist.
The friendship between Christy and Holden, started several months prior, quickly develops into mutual attraction which both protagonists resist for different reasons.
This is a highly recommended novel which addresses the long-term effects of teenage trauma, bullying and death. It also deals with the, often unrealistic, expectations of peers and the importance of sensitive family support. The humour, especially between Hogan and Christy towards the end, is a welcome addition.
I received a review copy via StoryOrigin and this is my honest opinion.

[BookLionQueen · Rating 5 out of 5]

always entertaining!

Henshaw’s books always have some heavier topics and this one was no different. I found myself having fun and laughing at times and I spent times being on edge for the characters because I was nervous of what was going to happen to them. I’m very glad I read this one. It really helped me understand Holden’s behavior in some of the later books. I didn’t think I was going to like Christy as much as I did but she definitely grew on me as I got to know her. I loved Holden from close to the beginning but I was definitely side eyeing him after the first book. His personality was the fun softie and I loved that. I think it helped balance out the personalities of the siblings.

Narration: I thought both narrators did a fabulous job with portraying all of the emotions that the characters went through. I can’t wait to continue on with this series! I want to listen to all of them on audio now!

[XenyMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I had no idea making out with my brother’s ex would be so rewarding.”

🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧

This story was so much more than what I was expecting. I definitely did not expect the author to have me in a chokehold through most of the story, and the narrators did an excellent job with all the feelings and emotions that are present in this story.

Holden is such a beautiful man, and everything he went through at such a young age is truly devastating. Honestly, I was caught between feeling heartbroken for him, and rage for the psychø bully that just couldn't let him be happy in peace.

And don't get me started on Christy and her family. Seriously, who does that!? Christy is a true badaṣs boss queen. Not only does she have her very dysfunctional family to deal with, but she also handled Amber and all the gossip with such grace. Truly admirable.

Quote: “And I love you too. Obviously. Shirtless-kissing, almost-lose-your-job kind of love.”

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review!!!

Once again, Susan Henshaw did not disappoint! I am so grateful that she allowed me the opportunity to read book 2 in the series in advance of the release date. If you love small town romances or cowboy romances, I would highly recommend “Not a Thing”. I appreciated that it left off immediately after book 1 and we did not have to guess what happened in between. Holden and Christy’s story is perfectly written and shows the struggles of losing someone you are close to at a young age, bullying that can occur throughout life, and the struggles of trying to live up to your parents expectations. I could not reading once I began trying to figure out if they were going to get together or not. It is a shorter read, but it does not feel rushed at all. I cannot wait to read Ashton’s story in book 3!

[Carla Dau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Chances

Susan Henshaw does a through, sensitive and accurate job presenting
several intense topics - bullying, stalking, suicide and long term toxic relationships. The bullying and stalking continues ten years disrupting families, dating and new relationships. Holden is stalked by Amber who is frightening, dangerous and very devious. When Holden and Christy become involved trouble escalates as Amber works to discredit Christy in her job, her family and the community. The author’s dialog is engaging with honesty, sparks, snarky exchanges and teasing. I especially loved the trash talking and name calling between Holden and his brothers. Both books introduce interesting new people to Seddledowne and I’m excited for Book 3. Treat yourself to this series and enjoy the journey!

[Destiny · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you haven't read One Last Thing, the first book in the series, stop and go read it first. While technically, these books can be read as stand-alones, you'll have more insight and background information if you start from the beginning.

This second book follows Christy, Silas's ex-fiancée in the last book, and his younger brother Holden.

This is a bit of a redemption book for Christy, as she came off a little pushy and clingy in the last one. This book dives into her background, and you see more into why she behaved as she did.

Holden and Christy hooked up at the end of the first book and then went their merry way, but when Christy shows up as principal in the small town of Seddledowne, she and Holden get pushed back together.

Like the first book, there are some steamy kisses in this one. Particularly the one that got them in trouble!

[Paula Downey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I honestly didn’t think I would enjoy this book since I wasn’t sure I could get onboard with the the FMC being the ex-finance from book one of this series. She really didn’t seem that likeable.

But….I was wrong. She was so much more than the first book. She is strong and determined, completely misunderstood, misjudged and walked all over by her own family. I love how she becomes a hero to the teenage girls at school, becoming their volleyball coach.

The banter is charming & funny. Holden is of course swoon worthy and I adore all the nicknames.

There is so much depth to this story, past trauma that is difficult to live with and work through.

While the romance is a bit quick, it doesn’t feel rushed if that makes sense.

Loving this series and looking forward to reading about the next Dupree sibling soon!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Not a Thing" takes everything I loved about the first book and raises the stakes. Christy and Holden’s chemistry leaps off the page, making their fake-dating-to-real-love journey irresistible. I didn’t expect to root for Christy after her portrayal in the previous book, but her growth is genuinely inspiring. Holden’s struggles with his past add depth, and the Dupree family brings warmth and humor that balance the emotional moments. A well written antagonist adds a bit of suspense, I truly wanted to punch her in the face. This story delivers swoons, laughs, and a hard-won happily ever after.

Perfect for fans of small-town romance with authentic characters, sizzling tension, and a side of family chaos. I've ordered the last two books and can't wait to read them!