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Silver Springs #1
Silver Linings
Gunner Brooks is a man of few words and even fewer smiles. As a former Navy SEAL, he's accustomed to danger and secrecy, still embroiled in covert missions alongside his trusted teammates. When a distressing message summons him away from his team and back to his hometown, Gunner's stoic facade begins to crack.
Returning home after years of absence, Gunner is stunned to find his childhood friend, Lily Bennett, caring for his ailing mother. Lily, harboring long-buried feelings for Gunner, never imagined their reunion would coincide with her own tumultuous circumstances—a failing engagement and an unexpected pregnancy.
Desperate and afraid, Lily reaches out to Gunner for help, igniting a chain of events neither could have predicted. In a bold move to protect Lily and her unborn child, Gunner proposes a marriage of convenience, a façade to shield them from a dangerous reality.
When their newly formed family moves to Silver Springs, Texas, for Gunner's job, he and Lily find themselves ensnared in a web of perilous secrets and unforeseen threats. Together, they must confront the shadows of their pasts and navigate the treacherous path ahead, where danger lurks around every corner.
In a town where tragedies are turned into hope, will Gunner and Lily be able to weather the storm together? Or will outside forces from their past ultimately pull them apart forever?
Returning home after years of absence, Gunner is stunned to find his childhood friend, Lily Bennett, caring for his ailing mother. Lily, harboring long-buried feelings for Gunner, never imagined their reunion would coincide with her own tumultuous circumstances—a failing engagement and an unexpected pregnancy.
Desperate and afraid, Lily reaches out to Gunner for help, igniting a chain of events neither could have predicted. In a bold move to protect Lily and her unborn child, Gunner proposes a marriage of convenience, a façade to shield them from a dangerous reality.
When their newly formed family moves to Silver Springs, Texas, for Gunner's job, he and Lily find themselves ensnared in a web of perilous secrets and unforeseen threats. Together, they must confront the shadows of their pasts and navigate the treacherous path ahead, where danger lurks around every corner.
In a town where tragedies are turned into hope, will Gunner and Lily be able to weather the storm together? Or will outside forces from their past ultimately pull them apart forever?
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 26, 2024
998 people are currently reading
2692 people want to read
About the author
Tilly H. Colson
13 books165 followersTilly H. Colson is a contemporary romance author who enjoys writing stories filled with emotion, heartache, and happily ever afters for men who range from golden retrievers to alpha protectors, and the amazing women they love!!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
March 20, 2025
Ugh. I can’t believe I actually finished this book instead of chucking it into the #DNF pile
Lilly Kate - you are the wooooooooorst. Constantly crying and the lowest of self esteem. I get it - your ex was mean to you. But spending 100% of the book doubting every single person - including your hottie hubby - is exhausting.
And news flash lovebirds - it’s not possible to spend every single minute together, all day, every day - to keep crybaby Magee “safe.” She’s randomly independent when it defies all logic to be out and about. But then a wallflower when it’s sexy time with her husband. I just, I can’t.
Zero percent interest in completing this series. 👎
Lilly Kate - you are the wooooooooorst. Constantly crying and the lowest of self esteem. I get it - your ex was mean to you. But spending 100% of the book doubting every single person - including your hottie hubby - is exhausting.
And news flash lovebirds - it’s not possible to spend every single minute together, all day, every day - to keep crybaby Magee “safe.” She’s randomly independent when it defies all logic to be out and about. But then a wallflower when it’s sexy time with her husband. I just, I can’t.
Zero percent interest in completing this series. 👎
August 23, 2025
Small town thriller type romance - ex military team of private security action hero type guys - each book is one of their stories. Check your trigger warnings. I liked the drama and action, the other parts fell a little flat for me. Didn’t really connect to the story or characters in this one. As per this authors usual, great writing, good flow and easy to read.
Gunner is the silent broody type. He never thought he would be returning to his childhood home. But when tragedy strikes and he needs to come back to say goodbye to his ill mother - he doesn’t expect to find a girl from his childhood. Lily was the girl next door type. Gunner’s mom like a second mother to her. Now, she is stuck without family, a sleazy fiancé and 9 months pregnant. Having always had a crush on Gunner, she is happy to see him back. But when he bears witness to the train wreck her life is - he protects her and decides to help her. Leave the fiancé who hurts her, and marry him. Purely as an arrangement and that he would take in her baby as his own, but not a love match between them. But between the dangers of her ex and his family, and Gunners dangerous job - they have more than one target on their backs. And as friendship shifts to longing, can they become more than just an arrangement?
Gunner is the silent broody type. He never thought he would be returning to his childhood home. But when tragedy strikes and he needs to come back to say goodbye to his ill mother - he doesn’t expect to find a girl from his childhood. Lily was the girl next door type. Gunner’s mom like a second mother to her. Now, she is stuck without family, a sleazy fiancé and 9 months pregnant. Having always had a crush on Gunner, she is happy to see him back. But when he bears witness to the train wreck her life is - he protects her and decides to help her. Leave the fiancé who hurts her, and marry him. Purely as an arrangement and that he would take in her baby as his own, but not a love match between them. But between the dangers of her ex and his family, and Gunners dangerous job - they have more than one target on their backs. And as friendship shifts to longing, can they become more than just an arrangement?
February 26, 2026
4.25 ⭐️ Review
This was my first book by Tilly H. Colson, and I am immediately picking up book two because I need more of this world. This was romantic suspense done right. Protective hero, high stakes, emotional tension, and a found family vibe that already has me hooked.
Gunner is the definition of protective alpha MMC, and I ate it up. He is willing to do whatever it takes to protect his people, no hesitation, no questions asked. We love a man like Gunner. What I appreciated most, though, was that his protectiveness never crossed into controlling. When Lilly needed saving from a bad situation, he stepped in without making it about himself. He put his feelings aside and focused on her and her unborn child, and that selflessness made me love him even more.
Lilly is his sister’s pregnant best friend, and her vulnerability mixed with quiet strength made her so easy to root for. Watching her slowly find safety and stability while navigating everything she was going through added such an emotional depth to the story.
I also really loved getting a look inside their company that works alongside the FBI. The team dynamic is already giving me future book obsession energy. You can tell each character has layers and backstory just waiting to be explored, and I am ready for all of it.
If you love romantic suspense with a fiercely protective hero, emotional stakes, and a cast you know you’re going to fall for, this one is absolutely worth the read. 4.25 stars and officially invested in this series.
This was my first book by Tilly H. Colson, and I am immediately picking up book two because I need more of this world. This was romantic suspense done right. Protective hero, high stakes, emotional tension, and a found family vibe that already has me hooked.
Gunner is the definition of protective alpha MMC, and I ate it up. He is willing to do whatever it takes to protect his people, no hesitation, no questions asked. We love a man like Gunner. What I appreciated most, though, was that his protectiveness never crossed into controlling. When Lilly needed saving from a bad situation, he stepped in without making it about himself. He put his feelings aside and focused on her and her unborn child, and that selflessness made me love him even more.
Lilly is his sister’s pregnant best friend, and her vulnerability mixed with quiet strength made her so easy to root for. Watching her slowly find safety and stability while navigating everything she was going through added such an emotional depth to the story.
I also really loved getting a look inside their company that works alongside the FBI. The team dynamic is already giving me future book obsession energy. You can tell each character has layers and backstory just waiting to be explored, and I am ready for all of it.
If you love romantic suspense with a fiercely protective hero, emotional stakes, and a cast you know you’re going to fall for, this one is absolutely worth the read. 4.25 stars and officially invested in this series.
July 6, 2025
DNF - so cringey and cliche. FMC is an absolute gob of a woman. Weak and whiney and so full of contradictions that it was painful to read about her in the pages I could stomach through.
“Why would I pack? This is my home, too. (10 sentences later) You’re right. I can’t ask you to stay here. I’ll get my things together.”
“He cleared out our account, Gunner. Not just the one we shared, but my personal one too. I feel like such an idiot.” (That’s because you are)
“His eyes held nothing but concern in them, and she hated that. Why wouldn’t he just keep his distance? Why did he have to make it extra difficult for her by being so sweet and attentive?” (Ew cringe. Why do authors do this to FMCs??)
“I want you to take a leap and show him your heart. Be vulnerable with him and let him see the real you. Not the you that is always so strong and pushes through everything with a smile on her face.” (At no point in the story is the FMC strong. Saying it doesn’t make it true. The author needs to make it so, and she definitely did not)
The MMCs mom is dying and he can’t wait to get out of there and back to his life but we’re expected to believe he’s gonna marry some girl to help her out?! Holy hell Batman, pick a character development arc and stick to it Tilly:
“Gunner had been itching all day to hear something from anyone on his team. He should be back in Texas, helping with what had happened. Being in Connecticut was too much to handle.”
Wait. Time for the FMC to be whiney and pathetic again:
“I’m so sorry, Gunner. I’m so sorry he came to your mother’s celebration of life and caused a scene. I totally understand if you want me to leave. I’m sorry.”
But wait there’s more…She starts giving birth and he rushes her to the hospital:
“But I know you probably don’t want to be in here for that, so you can go. (2 seconds later) Please, don’t go. I’m scared.” (Back to being completely contradictory again!)
And that is when I had to call TOD…
“Why would I pack? This is my home, too. (10 sentences later) You’re right. I can’t ask you to stay here. I’ll get my things together.”
“He cleared out our account, Gunner. Not just the one we shared, but my personal one too. I feel like such an idiot.” (That’s because you are)
“His eyes held nothing but concern in them, and she hated that. Why wouldn’t he just keep his distance? Why did he have to make it extra difficult for her by being so sweet and attentive?” (Ew cringe. Why do authors do this to FMCs??)
“I want you to take a leap and show him your heart. Be vulnerable with him and let him see the real you. Not the you that is always so strong and pushes through everything with a smile on her face.” (At no point in the story is the FMC strong. Saying it doesn’t make it true. The author needs to make it so, and she definitely did not)
The MMCs mom is dying and he can’t wait to get out of there and back to his life but we’re expected to believe he’s gonna marry some girl to help her out?! Holy hell Batman, pick a character development arc and stick to it Tilly:
“Gunner had been itching all day to hear something from anyone on his team. He should be back in Texas, helping with what had happened. Being in Connecticut was too much to handle.”
Wait. Time for the FMC to be whiney and pathetic again:
“I’m so sorry, Gunner. I’m so sorry he came to your mother’s celebration of life and caused a scene. I totally understand if you want me to leave. I’m sorry.”
But wait there’s more…She starts giving birth and he rushes her to the hospital:
“But I know you probably don’t want to be in here for that, so you can go. (2 seconds later) Please, don’t go. I’m scared.” (Back to being completely contradictory again!)
And that is when I had to call TOD…
January 25, 2026
This one really was an experience. I liked it for the most part but it did start to get slow as the book progressed. Not a lot was happening and their romantic relationship didn’t really make sense to me, the pacing of it and the explanation.
The romance suspense part didn’t really make sense to me either, the twist had me confused on how it was portrayed in the story. Gunner was very sweet though and I loved seeing him interact with Sage.
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5
The romance suspense part didn’t really make sense to me either, the twist had me confused on how it was portrayed in the story. Gunner was very sweet though and I loved seeing him interact with Sage.
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5
September 25, 2025
I loved this one so much!! It was a roller coaster of emotions and has one of the absolute sweetest MMC’s ever!! I immediately want to binge the entire series!
Read
August 22, 2025DNF @50%. I can’t keep going, so repetitive
August 9, 2025
More 1,5 stars than 2, but alas, no half stars in this joint.
Anyway...
She was annoying and her whole personality was "me, the victim". He was so bland it should be punishable with jail. And omg-the-final-twist-was-so-unpredictable-I-totally-didn't-see-it-coming-halfay-through-the-book.
Also, pregnancy kink. Yuck.
Anyway...
She was annoying and her whole personality was "me, the victim". He was so bland it should be punishable with jail. And omg-the-final-twist-was-so-unpredictable-I-totally-didn't-see-it-coming-halfay-through-the-book.
Also, pregnancy kink. Yuck.
August 17, 2024
I wanted to really like this book but it was just OK. The writing just didn’t vibe with me, it felt off.
January 15, 2026
DNF at 53 % read
When I first started reading this book of course I hoped to finish it with five stars. Alas, it was not meant to be. A bit later I was hoping to get at least 50 % done so I can say I read all that I could. Thank goodness I got far before DNF’ing it. Phew! Made that far and I felt I gave it the old best that I could.
We start off with Gunner, our hero and a former Navy Seal on a sad task. He’s returning to his home town as his mother is dying and he wants to be there for her and his sister. He finds his sister has hired her best friend, Lily to help take care of his mother in her final days.
Alas, Lily. She is truly the most pathetic, wimpiest personality void heroine I’ve ever read. Ever. She’s 9 months pregnant and living with her fiancé who doesn’t work, drinks all the time, expects her to do all the cooking, cleaning and every other household duty there is while de drinks the night away and while not outright hits her, still leaves her with bruises. He refuses any kind of evolvement with their child - and she accepts all of it. He’s a caricature of the evil villain and Lily drives me around the bend. Her best friend wants to help and Lily absolutely refuses, much preferring her martyr mask. When Gunner realizes how bad things are he is determined to help her, but, hello, professional victim won’t let him.
Speeding this disaster of a story up, he proposes they get married, she ver reluctantly agrees, crying ALL THE TIME because she loves him, has most of her life but she is a burden and will never love her.
Mother dies
Lily has baby
Lily cries
Lily almost dies
Lily cries
They leave home town so Gunner goes back to work
Lily cries
Gunner helps a lot with baby he’s fallen in love with baby girl
Lily cries
She meets his coworkers and fellow SEAL brothers
Lily cries
There is an attempted kidnapping of Lily but Gunner rescues her
Lily cries
You may have guessed that Lily cries All The Time and I finally couldn’t take any more and had to concede. This book was so cookie cutter written. It was bad. Gunner was such a stereotypical hero I found him difficult to tolerate also.
I do commend the author and there may be readers who love her writing but alas, not me. The only good thing I can say is I’m glad I got on KU so I’m not out any money.
When I first started reading this book of course I hoped to finish it with five stars. Alas, it was not meant to be. A bit later I was hoping to get at least 50 % done so I can say I read all that I could. Thank goodness I got far before DNF’ing it. Phew! Made that far and I felt I gave it the old best that I could.
We start off with Gunner, our hero and a former Navy Seal on a sad task. He’s returning to his home town as his mother is dying and he wants to be there for her and his sister. He finds his sister has hired her best friend, Lily to help take care of his mother in her final days.
Alas, Lily. She is truly the most pathetic, wimpiest personality void heroine I’ve ever read. Ever. She’s 9 months pregnant and living with her fiancé who doesn’t work, drinks all the time, expects her to do all the cooking, cleaning and every other household duty there is while de drinks the night away and while not outright hits her, still leaves her with bruises. He refuses any kind of evolvement with their child - and she accepts all of it. He’s a caricature of the evil villain and Lily drives me around the bend. Her best friend wants to help and Lily absolutely refuses, much preferring her martyr mask. When Gunner realizes how bad things are he is determined to help her, but, hello, professional victim won’t let him.
Speeding this disaster of a story up, he proposes they get married, she ver reluctantly agrees, crying ALL THE TIME because she loves him, has most of her life but she is a burden and will never love her.
Mother dies
Lily has baby
Lily cries
Lily almost dies
Lily cries
They leave home town so Gunner goes back to work
Lily cries
Gunner helps a lot with baby he’s fallen in love with baby girl
Lily cries
She meets his coworkers and fellow SEAL brothers
Lily cries
There is an attempted kidnapping of Lily but Gunner rescues her
Lily cries
You may have guessed that Lily cries All The Time and I finally couldn’t take any more and had to concede. This book was so cookie cutter written. It was bad. Gunner was such a stereotypical hero I found him difficult to tolerate also.
I do commend the author and there may be readers who love her writing but alas, not me. The only good thing I can say is I’m glad I got on KU so I’m not out any money.
March 19, 2026
A pleasant surprise
4.75 stars
This was a recommendation that I found on Instagram about being a good romantic suspense (series) similar to Catherine Cowles. I didn’t know what to expect. I was a little iffy about the one trope of another man’s baby and I don’t tend to care for that trope, however that was quickly forgotten because there was so much going on. In the beginning, it was an emotional turmoil and messy as Gunnar came back to say goodbye to his terminal mother. It was rough to read as the heartbreak was there, but not only that dealing with Lily’ abusive partner at the time while she was pregnant.
It was raw and deep and at times dark. The only great thing about that time was the reunion of Gunnar and Lily. The glory of the tropes unrequited love and protective hero was on full display. The greatness continued on with lots of action, feels, angst, and adorable moments.
What warmed my heart was seeing Gunnar fall in love so deeply with not only Lily but baby Sage. He became such an amazing hero. All things he did for both of them was amazing. It was just beautiful to see that love story grow and flourish throughout the story. It thought the pace for the love story was just perfect.
The suspense element upped the stake so much between them. It was when Gunnar’s really protective side came out, which I was all for.
Overall I had a really good time with it. I was immediately hooked even though it started with heartbreak. It got better and better as the story progressed both in the romance department and the suspense part. I can’t wait to read more in this series with the friend group that was introduced in this one.
4.75 stars
This was a recommendation that I found on Instagram about being a good romantic suspense (series) similar to Catherine Cowles. I didn’t know what to expect. I was a little iffy about the one trope of another man’s baby and I don’t tend to care for that trope, however that was quickly forgotten because there was so much going on. In the beginning, it was an emotional turmoil and messy as Gunnar came back to say goodbye to his terminal mother. It was rough to read as the heartbreak was there, but not only that dealing with Lily’ abusive partner at the time while she was pregnant.
It was raw and deep and at times dark. The only great thing about that time was the reunion of Gunnar and Lily. The glory of the tropes unrequited love and protective hero was on full display. The greatness continued on with lots of action, feels, angst, and adorable moments.
What warmed my heart was seeing Gunnar fall in love so deeply with not only Lily but baby Sage. He became such an amazing hero. All things he did for both of them was amazing. It was just beautiful to see that love story grow and flourish throughout the story. It thought the pace for the love story was just perfect.
The suspense element upped the stake so much between them. It was when Gunnar’s really protective side came out, which I was all for.
Overall I had a really good time with it. I was immediately hooked even though it started with heartbreak. It got better and better as the story progressed both in the romance department and the suspense part. I can’t wait to read more in this series with the friend group that was introduced in this one.
May 26, 2025
this is one of the most intensely written romantic suspenses I have ever had the pleasure of reading. It's like on a rollercoaster - you know what's going to happen but you also are there for that thrilling, adrenaline filled, omg what adventure feeling. The moment Lily Kate and Gunner are reunited you knowww that they aren't going to be apart. I loved the realistic approach to their marriage of convenience and how they both went into it prepared. It's an ULTIMATE not his baby story where Gunner will always remind you that he is sprout's dad and Lily Kate is his wife.
I loved getting to know the boys of montgomery defense and I'm so intrigued to learn more about them as we go through the series. There were so many layers to each of them that we got little glimpses of. The banter between them made me giggle endlessly too. Tilly balanced the emotional romance, the stresses of being new parents, the intense suspense, and found family elements so well. Honestly a top tier romantic suspense that so many more people NEED to be reading
I loved getting to know the boys of montgomery defense and I'm so intrigued to learn more about them as we go through the series. There were so many layers to each of them that we got little glimpses of. The banter between them made me giggle endlessly too. Tilly balanced the emotional romance, the stresses of being new parents, the intense suspense, and found family elements so well. Honestly a top tier romantic suspense that so many more people NEED to be reading
January 2, 2026
Romantic suspense is a new subgenre for me and I loved getting to keep exploring it through the start of the Silver Springs series! Pregnancy isn’t at the top of my favorite tropes list, but I think it’s really well done here, and I loved the doors it opened for Lily and Gunner to explore more emotional intimacy than they would have been able to without experiencing birth and parenthood together. I found myself lost in the suspense plot just as much as I was in the romantic one! They were intertwined so well. I think the next book in the series may become a new favorite for me based on the set up we got at the end of this one! 3.75 stars rounded to 4 ⭐️
October 29, 2025
i'm only annoyed by the side plots with the ex but the book was good gunner is such a girl dad
December 29, 2025
who cheered when james got got?? i did!!
January 9, 2026
It was cute! The writing felt a little bit off for me, and I definitely feel like the pacing wasnt the best, but I really liked the overall concept and will probably read the others in this series!
August 10, 2024
The book was okay, definitely not my favorite. To be fair though I read my book of the year before this! I think this could’ve been a lot better if the MMC and FMC actually had chemistry. Their relationship didn’t spark, and I felt zero tension. The FMC personality was bleak, and I didn’t really like her that much. She cried over everything and it just personally annoyed me lol. (She went through awful things! I just enjoy more head strong characters). This was the first pregnancy trope I enjoyed though! Overall it could’ve been so much better if the characters had chemistry, even during the smutty scenes it just felt forced, and she wasn’t in some sort of danger every other chapter. I will read the second when it comes out! Sloan seems like more my character vibe and my heart aches for Gage. I want both of them to have their HEA!
September 4, 2025
there were parts of this book that I actually loved. his support of her postpartum was absolute magic. he literally said and did all the right things.
the parts I didn't like were how dumb dumb they both are. he ignored his feelings and didn't believe she had any real feelings even though his sister told her so many times that Lily had always been in love with him.
and then there is Lily. look all woman have the right to go and do anything with out being molested, but the number of times she put herself in dangerous situations or ignored something physical because she didn't want to ask for help was just dumb. and also something happened to her EVERY time she was alone. I started to expect it.
and then there is the plot at the end. I was so confused, was her ex's family behind everything or was it the Santiago people? were they connected?
the parts I didn't like were how dumb dumb they both are. he ignored his feelings and didn't believe she had any real feelings even though his sister told her so many times that Lily had always been in love with him.
and then there is Lily. look all woman have the right to go and do anything with out being molested, but the number of times she put herself in dangerous situations or ignored something physical because she didn't want to ask for help was just dumb. and also something happened to her EVERY time she was alone. I started to expect it.
and then there is the plot at the end. I was so confused, was her ex's family behind everything or was it the Santiago people? were they connected?
October 7, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed this book! I read this in two days. Couldn’t put it down; the story, the characters, the spice! I love me a pregnancy trope and this was a great one. The character building of not only our FMC and MMC but all the other seals was great! I look forward to Gages story and everyone else in the group. This is my first book I’ve read by this author and look forward to ready her series this is a spinoff of.
Also note I am a firm 1st person reader and I loved this 3rd person story. I was shocked I. Got so into it. I think I’ve been turned to the dark side 😂
Also note I am a firm 1st person reader and I loved this 3rd person story. I was shocked I. Got so into it. I think I’ve been turned to the dark side 😂
July 29, 2024
Gunner Brooks is a man of few words and even fewer smiles. As a former Navy SEAL, he's accustomed to danger and secrecy, still embroiled in covert missions alongside his trusted teammates. But when a distressing message summons him away from his team and back to his hometown, Gunner's stoic demeanor begins to crack.
Returning home after years of absence, Gunner is stunned to find his childhood friend, Lily Bennett, caring for his ailing mother. Lily, harboring long-buried feelings for Gunner, never imagined their reunion would coincide with her own tumultuous circumstances—a failing engagement and an unexpected pregnancy.
Desperate and afraid, Lily reaches out to Gunner for help, igniting a chain of events neither could have predicted. In a bold move to protect Lily and her unborn child, Gunner proposes a marriage of convenience, a pretense to shield them from a dangerous reality.
When their newly formed family moves to Silver Springs, Texas, for Gunner's job, he and Lily face unexpected challenges and threats to their safety. Together, they must confront the echoes of their pasts and navigate a path where uncertainty looms at every turn.
In a town where tragedies are turned into hope, can Gunner and Lily weather the storm together? Or will forces from their past ultimately pull them apart forever?
“Silver Linings” is the first instalment of Tilly’s new series “The Silver Springs”. Gunner (aka Ripper) and Lily are such a beautiful couple - you will fall in love with them both. Lily is his sister’s Gia’s best friend and is also nursing his dying mum. When he discovers she is nine months pregnant and in an abusive relationship, he becomes very protective of Lily. To protect her and her child, they get married and move to Texas. To Gunner, Sage and Lily are his family and he will go above and beyond to protect his family.
Lily has always loved Gunner, but he has made it clear that they are a family in every way, except in the bedroom. Gradually these barriers start to fall and for once, they finally both admit their feelings for each other. The chemistry between these two is off the page! Now they are a real family in every way …. now he and the team just need to find out and stop who is trying to abduct Lily and Sage.
There is never a dull moment! This book is everything you expect from a alpha male small town romance! I’m very happily hooked - I did not want it to end! Once I started reading, I could not put this book down! At times you will laugh, you will cry, get angry and frustrated - most of all, you will love the twists! This book will charm “the pants off you” and leave you going back for more 😊 I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful love story. This is a lovely book that will keep you hooked! It has fun, laughs, intrigue, twists that you do not expect, and physical attraction. You will fall in love with Gunner and Lily 💗
This is a lovely book that will keep you hooked! It has fun, laughs, intrigue, twists that you do not expect, and physical attraction. I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful love story 💗 From page to page, chapter to chapter, you will enjoy this beautiful story - from cover to cover! This book will not disappoint! Highly recommended 😊
Returning home after years of absence, Gunner is stunned to find his childhood friend, Lily Bennett, caring for his ailing mother. Lily, harboring long-buried feelings for Gunner, never imagined their reunion would coincide with her own tumultuous circumstances—a failing engagement and an unexpected pregnancy.
Desperate and afraid, Lily reaches out to Gunner for help, igniting a chain of events neither could have predicted. In a bold move to protect Lily and her unborn child, Gunner proposes a marriage of convenience, a pretense to shield them from a dangerous reality.
When their newly formed family moves to Silver Springs, Texas, for Gunner's job, he and Lily face unexpected challenges and threats to their safety. Together, they must confront the echoes of their pasts and navigate a path where uncertainty looms at every turn.
In a town where tragedies are turned into hope, can Gunner and Lily weather the storm together? Or will forces from their past ultimately pull them apart forever?
“Silver Linings” is the first instalment of Tilly’s new series “The Silver Springs”. Gunner (aka Ripper) and Lily are such a beautiful couple - you will fall in love with them both. Lily is his sister’s Gia’s best friend and is also nursing his dying mum. When he discovers she is nine months pregnant and in an abusive relationship, he becomes very protective of Lily. To protect her and her child, they get married and move to Texas. To Gunner, Sage and Lily are his family and he will go above and beyond to protect his family.
Lily has always loved Gunner, but he has made it clear that they are a family in every way, except in the bedroom. Gradually these barriers start to fall and for once, they finally both admit their feelings for each other. The chemistry between these two is off the page! Now they are a real family in every way …. now he and the team just need to find out and stop who is trying to abduct Lily and Sage.
There is never a dull moment! This book is everything you expect from a alpha male small town romance! I’m very happily hooked - I did not want it to end! Once I started reading, I could not put this book down! At times you will laugh, you will cry, get angry and frustrated - most of all, you will love the twists! This book will charm “the pants off you” and leave you going back for more 😊 I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful love story. This is a lovely book that will keep you hooked! It has fun, laughs, intrigue, twists that you do not expect, and physical attraction. You will fall in love with Gunner and Lily 💗
This is a lovely book that will keep you hooked! It has fun, laughs, intrigue, twists that you do not expect, and physical attraction. I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful love story 💗 From page to page, chapter to chapter, you will enjoy this beautiful story - from cover to cover! This book will not disappoint! Highly recommended 😊
February 26, 2026
I liked the basic outline for the story I think it was a good one it's tried and true. The main character's best friends older brother is protective over her, she is beautiful, she is in an abusive relationship, she is pregnant. He marries her to protect her and her child.
The details are where you lose me
The female lead is a bit of a drip, she's very whiny she has no self confidence , it's a lot. The male lead does not communicate at all, no communication, he thinks his actions do the communicating or something- no communication.
He is an ex Navy SEAL who lives in a different state and who works for a company that does let's say mercenary work in different parts of the world. Sure Jan.
Ok so here is my huge thing that I like laughed out loud at. The mercenary company that has just under a dozen employees provides housing and benefits and good salaries, has made the interesting decision to no longer do the dangerous mercenary work.
The question is then posed how will we make money in this business and they say "we're going to do self-defense classes for the single women in the small town that we are located in"
Bitch what????
How much are the single women paying for these classes to cover that kind of overhead??
For me this is where the book loses me completely, I don't really like any of the main characters. I can't connect with them because it's a whiny baby girl and then tough no communication man, the business model is stupid and I didn't like any of the other characters.
The details are where you lose me
The female lead is a bit of a drip, she's very whiny she has no self confidence , it's a lot. The male lead does not communicate at all, no communication, he thinks his actions do the communicating or something- no communication.
He is an ex Navy SEAL who lives in a different state and who works for a company that does let's say mercenary work in different parts of the world. Sure Jan.
Ok so here is my huge thing that I like laughed out loud at. The mercenary company that has just under a dozen employees provides housing and benefits and good salaries, has made the interesting decision to no longer do the dangerous mercenary work.
The question is then posed how will we make money in this business and they say "we're going to do self-defense classes for the single women in the small town that we are located in"
Bitch what????
How much are the single women paying for these classes to cover that kind of overhead??
For me this is where the book loses me completely, I don't really like any of the main characters. I can't connect with them because it's a whiny baby girl and then tough no communication man, the business model is stupid and I didn't like any of the other characters.
August 18, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. Gunner Brooks is by far top-tier husband material. The way he jumped in to help Lily while she was pregnant to get away from her abusive fiancé was amazing, and what was more amazing how he was with Lily and how he was with their daughter. He didn’t care that the baby was not his the minute they were married. Not only was Lily his but the baby was his as well. The way he cared for them both the way he was always talking about ‘my girls’ was so incredibly sweet. There were some twists and turns in the book that I really enjoyed. The only complaint I have was at the very end. I felt like I needed more of gunner and Lily‘s story. I felt like the book ended abruptly on there story and gave us a little bit of a sneak peek of the next story, which I can’t wait to read however, I feel like I needed a little bit more about Gunner and Lily to kind of tie everything together and who knows maybe there will be extra Gunner and Lily in book 2, as this is all in the same world as the first book based on the things that I read towards the end of the first book the second book is going to be a continuation in this series of this close-knit group of friends who are SEALS. I thoroughly did enjoy this book and I can’t wait to read book 2.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2025
Nope. Just no.
Let’s start at the beginning. Lily is engaged and wants out, but instead of asking her best friend for help, she just lets it drag on until Gunner magically shows up. Somehow, she feels comfortable confiding in him even though they haven’t seen each other in over five years. Then, in the span of three days, they get married. Not believable at all. And don’t even get me started on the fact that she’s nine months pregnant without even having an outfit ready for her baby.
Lily was one of the most frustrating characters I’ve read in a while. Her constant self-doubt and neediness were exhausting. Gunner, on the other hand, was just bland. Together, they had zero chemistry. On top of that, it felt like every other chapter someone was rushing to the hospital.
There’s also this random Cartel storyline targeting the team, which makes no sense without background. I’m assuming you’d need to read the other books for it to click, but in this one there’s no explanation at all. And with all the danger, Lily still insisted on walking around freely and being reckless, which just made her even harder to root for.
The only redeeming part was the ending. I did enjoy that piece of the plot, but even then it felt rushed.
Let’s start at the beginning. Lily is engaged and wants out, but instead of asking her best friend for help, she just lets it drag on until Gunner magically shows up. Somehow, she feels comfortable confiding in him even though they haven’t seen each other in over five years. Then, in the span of three days, they get married. Not believable at all. And don’t even get me started on the fact that she’s nine months pregnant without even having an outfit ready for her baby.
Lily was one of the most frustrating characters I’ve read in a while. Her constant self-doubt and neediness were exhausting. Gunner, on the other hand, was just bland. Together, they had zero chemistry. On top of that, it felt like every other chapter someone was rushing to the hospital.
There’s also this random Cartel storyline targeting the team, which makes no sense without background. I’m assuming you’d need to read the other books for it to click, but in this one there’s no explanation at all. And with all the danger, Lily still insisted on walking around freely and being reckless, which just made her even harder to root for.
The only redeeming part was the ending. I did enjoy that piece of the plot, but even then it felt rushed.
November 25, 2025
3.5 ★★★☆
Lily & Gunner— they had the most angsty push and pull i feel!! but they didn't communicate that good sometimes..
now, i couldn't believe they book just ended.. like was that really the end?? no epi?
i didn't like the 3rd person pov, really wish that wasn't the case and it I'd known earlier so i would've skipped it.. xp
also why did it take gage agessss to realize how he really feels about Lily?? like umm hello? you're friends and everyone pointed you in the right direction and you still couldn't see??
there was a lot that didn't make sense especially with Lily, how she was so insecure at times and just so very independent the next .. i get it tho but felt like it could've been paced better.
And how Gia was just almost non-existent, no matter the crisis you're in you do not forgot your one and only sister. who is only having Her brother as her only family alive..
Sage was just missing in the end.. and the ending was rushed and didn't make sense.. wished the ending was better!
ugh, honestly check the tgws before reading, and you most definitely can skip it!!
but it's a nice short read.. (once ignore somethings uk xp )
Lily & Gunner— they had the most angsty push and pull i feel!! but they didn't communicate that good sometimes..
now, i couldn't believe they book just ended.. like was that really the end?? no epi?
i didn't like the 3rd person pov, really wish that wasn't the case and it I'd known earlier so i would've skipped it.. xp
also why did it take gage agessss to realize how he really feels about Lily?? like umm hello? you're friends and everyone pointed you in the right direction and you still couldn't see??
there was a lot that didn't make sense especially with Lily, how she was so insecure at times and just so very independent the next .. i get it tho but felt like it could've been paced better.
And how Gia was just almost non-existent, no matter the crisis you're in you do not forgot your one and only sister. who is only having Her brother as her only family alive..
Sage was just missing in the end.. and the ending was rushed and didn't make sense.. wished the ending was better!
ugh, honestly check the tgws before reading, and you most definitely can skip it!!
but it's a nice short read.. (once ignore somethings uk xp )
March 21, 2026
My first Tilly book, and honestly… the story had so much potential but fell completely flat. Lily and Gunner were some of the blandest characters I’ve read.
The third-person POV threw me off right away, and the first 100 pages felt very monotonous with repetitive POV switches. I don’t think their ages aren’t stated, but both came across as immature, and the constant miscommunication was exhausting.
I understand Lily’s past, but her lack of trust in herself, low self-esteem, and tendency to be a doormat didn’t work for me. Gunner wasn’t any better, he kept switching between wanting her and pushing her away with no real reasoning. Their relationship lacked any real emotions, friendship, tension, chemistry and even the spice felt random and uncomfortable. Lily’s ex plot line was so obvious but the team went chasing a crime family lead instead — that entire storyline was so absurd.
The only thing that kept me going is sometimes the series gets better after the first book (hopefully). Safe to say, this book frustrated me. Still, I’m curious enough about Sloane and Gage to continue — 1 star!
The third-person POV threw me off right away, and the first 100 pages felt very monotonous with repetitive POV switches. I don’t think their ages aren’t stated, but both came across as immature, and the constant miscommunication was exhausting.
I understand Lily’s past, but her lack of trust in herself, low self-esteem, and tendency to be a doormat didn’t work for me. Gunner wasn’t any better, he kept switching between wanting her and pushing her away with no real reasoning. Their relationship lacked any real emotions, friendship, tension, chemistry and even the spice felt random and uncomfortable. Lily’s ex plot line was so obvious but the team went chasing a crime family lead instead — that entire storyline was so absurd.
The only thing that kept me going is sometimes the series gets better after the first book (hopefully). Safe to say, this book frustrated me. Still, I’m curious enough about Sloane and Gage to continue — 1 star!
March 25, 2026
It’s pretty basic/boring for a romantic suspense book.
The most annoying part of it is the FMC. Lily - how much more does the man need to prove himself to you that he’s actually a good husband & father ? He stepped up, married you to provide safety & peace, took your kid as his own since day, has actually cared more for the baby than you did for the baby, loves y’all to death, tries to keep you secure, whatnot !??!? And she’s the one doubting him ??? Baby, the only thing you do is add stress to that man’s life by going independent & rogue very randomly at worst times and cook food for him… He assures you through your insecurities, loves you the way you are. What else do you need? I’m a misandrist and hate siding/agreeing with men but Lily you were the problem in this one.
The another annoying/silly thing is that MMC is a part of an organization which is supposed to be super smart, intelligent, 10 steps ahead of the enemy or whatever. But these people got fooled by a small town ex & his family for the entirety of the book I can say. Y’all the people with means to investigate and solve mysteries yet you got fooled by the ex & his father??
The most annoying part of it is the FMC. Lily - how much more does the man need to prove himself to you that he’s actually a good husband & father ? He stepped up, married you to provide safety & peace, took your kid as his own since day, has actually cared more for the baby than you did for the baby, loves y’all to death, tries to keep you secure, whatnot !??!? And she’s the one doubting him ??? Baby, the only thing you do is add stress to that man’s life by going independent & rogue very randomly at worst times and cook food for him… He assures you through your insecurities, loves you the way you are. What else do you need? I’m a misandrist and hate siding/agreeing with men but Lily you were the problem in this one.
The another annoying/silly thing is that MMC is a part of an organization which is supposed to be super smart, intelligent, 10 steps ahead of the enemy or whatever. But these people got fooled by a small town ex & his family for the entirety of the book I can say. Y’all the people with means to investigate and solve mysteries yet you got fooled by the ex & his father??
May 6, 2025
This was my first book by Tilly H. Colson, and I really enjoyed it. Let me start by saying, I don't read books written in third person very often. This book was so well written I was in chapter two before I even realized it. I also liked that being in third person did not appear to take away the perspective of either character, so I was pleased about that.
I loved how protective Gunner was from the second he saw Lily again after all the years that had passed. The way he stepped up for her and Sage was amazing, whether it was offering to marry her, help taking care of Sage, or just checking in with her, He was the perfect MMC. I also really liked Lily; she had been through a lot but seemed like such a sweetheart. She was kind and caring. She was perfect to balance out Gunner's character.
I really enjoyed this book and am so excited the next in the series will be in a couple of weeks!
Storyline:4
MMC:5
FMC:4
Development of Relationship:4
Conflict:4
Emotional Impact:4
Total Score: 4.17
I loved how protective Gunner was from the second he saw Lily again after all the years that had passed. The way he stepped up for her and Sage was amazing, whether it was offering to marry her, help taking care of Sage, or just checking in with her, He was the perfect MMC. I also really liked Lily; she had been through a lot but seemed like such a sweetheart. She was kind and caring. She was perfect to balance out Gunner's character.
I really enjoyed this book and am so excited the next in the series will be in a couple of weeks!
Storyline:4
MMC:5
FMC:4
Development of Relationship:4
Conflict:4
Emotional Impact:4
Total Score: 4.17
August 4, 2024
Good start to the series:
This is the first book in the Silver Springs series, which is a spinoff from the Men of Clarence County series. Whilst it could technically be read as a standalone, it may be helpful to at least read Sebastian (third book in the aforementioned series) as it would provide context and clarity.
Overall I enjoyed this story and was happy that Gunner and Lily found each other. However it took a while for this marriage of convenience to move to an authenticatic one, and I found the continual push and pull rather tiresome. I did like how protective Gunner was and the danger aspects kept the tension high. I am now curious about the next book in the series and can't wait to find out more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the first book in the Silver Springs series, which is a spinoff from the Men of Clarence County series. Whilst it could technically be read as a standalone, it may be helpful to at least read Sebastian (third book in the aforementioned series) as it would provide context and clarity.
Overall I enjoyed this story and was happy that Gunner and Lily found each other. However it took a while for this marriage of convenience to move to an authenticatic one, and I found the continual push and pull rather tiresome. I did like how protective Gunner was and the danger aspects kept the tension high. I am now curious about the next book in the series and can't wait to find out more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 25, 2024
Things I loved:
Protective MMC
Gunner’s mom and sister
Found family
He buys her all the baby things
Romantic Suspense
Ex Navy Seal
I devoured this book… finished it in one sitting! Gunner and Lily have known each other for years and get married to protect her from her abusive ex. I loved seeing them work through their feelings for one another. Gunner was such a steady presence for Lily and constantly showed her that he was serious about their wedding vows. He loved Lily and her baby so much and was extremely protective of them. This is the first book in the Silver Springs series and I am so excited for each of the guys to get their own story 😍. If you like small town, romantic suspense, check this one out!
Protective MMC
Gunner’s mom and sister
Found family
He buys her all the baby things
Romantic Suspense
Ex Navy Seal
I devoured this book… finished it in one sitting! Gunner and Lily have known each other for years and get married to protect her from her abusive ex. I loved seeing them work through their feelings for one another. Gunner was such a steady presence for Lily and constantly showed her that he was serious about their wedding vows. He loved Lily and her baby so much and was extremely protective of them. This is the first book in the Silver Springs series and I am so excited for each of the guys to get their own story 😍. If you like small town, romantic suspense, check this one out!
January 27, 2026
Creo que es un buen libro para empezar pero al principio lo sentí todo súper rápido, como que en 10 páginas ya estaban casados y el asumiendo toda la responsabilidad pero sin demostrar nada de cariño a través de palabras sino que de acciones
El inicio es apresurado y hace sentir que no es muy creíble el amor que sienten, sin embargo con el paso de los capítulos se va deteniendo un poco y comienza a cobrar sentido. Los personajes me encantaron y la química que tuvieron los personajes me gustó desde la mitad del libro lo que si me gustaron los personajes secundarios y quiero saber más de ellos
No es una gran historia de romance ni suspenso, pero la pase bien leyéndolo y ya quiero leer el libro de sloane
El inicio es apresurado y hace sentir que no es muy creíble el amor que sienten, sin embargo con el paso de los capítulos se va deteniendo un poco y comienza a cobrar sentido. Los personajes me encantaron y la química que tuvieron los personajes me gustó desde la mitad del libro lo que si me gustaron los personajes secundarios y quiero saber más de ellos
No es una gran historia de romance ni suspenso, pero la pase bien leyéndolo y ya quiero leer el libro de sloane
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