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Second Hope #1
The Little Things
I’ll admit, I made more than my fair share of stupid decisions, but all it took was an accidental felony and a teensy kitchen fire to turn my life upside down.
When my parents cut me off, selling my swanky Los Angeles apartment and shipping me off to some ranch in the middle of nowhere to teach me a lesson, I thought it was the worst thing that could happen to me.
Then I got to Safe Haven Ranch and met my new boss.
Zach Paulson is an older, grumpy cowboy who thinks I’m nothing more than a spoiled princess and doesn’t want me on his turf. He also happens to be drop-dead gorgeous, and can wear a faded pair of Wranglers better than any other man alive.
The dumbest thing I can do is fall into lust with the temperamental rancher. Unfortunately, I’m not exactly known for making good choices.
But I’m determined to do better this time. I want to prove to myself and everyone else that I’m more than the shallow, self-absorbed socialite I’ve been playing at for years. I have a plan. Keep my head down, do my work, and don’t make any mistakes.
The problem is, I’m not the only one with a crush, and all my defenses are useless against a man like Zach when he puts his mind to getting what he wants.
When my parents cut me off, selling my swanky Los Angeles apartment and shipping me off to some ranch in the middle of nowhere to teach me a lesson, I thought it was the worst thing that could happen to me.
Then I got to Safe Haven Ranch and met my new boss.
Zach Paulson is an older, grumpy cowboy who thinks I’m nothing more than a spoiled princess and doesn’t want me on his turf. He also happens to be drop-dead gorgeous, and can wear a faded pair of Wranglers better than any other man alive.
The dumbest thing I can do is fall into lust with the temperamental rancher. Unfortunately, I’m not exactly known for making good choices.
But I’m determined to do better this time. I want to prove to myself and everyone else that I’m more than the shallow, self-absorbed socialite I’ve been playing at for years. I have a plan. Keep my head down, do my work, and don’t make any mistakes.
The problem is, I’m not the only one with a crush, and all my defenses are useless against a man like Zach when he puts his mind to getting what he wants.
Kindle Edition
Published August 12, 2024
958 people are currently reading
1567 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Prince
106 books2,552 followersBorn and raised around Houston, Jessica is a self proclaimed caffeine addict, connoisseur of inexpensive wine, and the worst driver in the state of Texas. In addition to being all of these things, she’s first and foremost a wife and mom.
Growing up, she shared her mom and grandmother’s love of reading. But where they leaned toward murder mysteries, Jessica was obsessed with all things romance.
When she’s not nose deep in her next manuscript, you can usually find her with her kindle in hand.
To be in-the-know before anyone else, follow along on my website, or join my newsletter.
www.authorjessicaprince.com
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/_KJ0n
Connect with me everywhere else:
Facebook: authorjessicaprince
Instagram: @jessprince_writes
Twitter: @JessPrince2013
Growing up, she shared her mom and grandmother’s love of reading. But where they leaned toward murder mysteries, Jessica was obsessed with all things romance.
When she’s not nose deep in her next manuscript, you can usually find her with her kindle in hand.
To be in-the-know before anyone else, follow along on my website, or join my newsletter.
www.authorjessicaprince.com
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/_KJ0n
Connect with me everywhere else:
Facebook: authorjessicaprince
Instagram: @jessprince_writes
Twitter: @JessPrince2013
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 244 reviews
August 12, 2024
Rae had some sins to atone for, and what better way to do that than hard labor on a ranch. Zach has zero interest in holding the hand of a Hollywood socialite while she attempts to earn her keep - until he sees her.
This story was so sweet and heartwarming. I was sucked in from the first page, intrigued by Rae's circumstances and the situation she had gotten herself into, then drawn deeper as the true colors of her personality came to light.
For a grumpy cowboy, Zach wasn't terribly grumpy. He was complicated, with good cause, but so very loveable, I think I found my next book boyfriend.
This story was so sweet and heartwarming. I was sucked in from the first page, intrigued by Rae's circumstances and the situation she had gotten herself into, then drawn deeper as the true colors of her personality came to light.
For a grumpy cowboy, Zach wasn't terribly grumpy. He was complicated, with good cause, but so very loveable, I think I found my next book boyfriend.
January 2, 2025
Grumpy cowboy 🤠
Instant 5 ⭐️
This was so cute and fun!
Zach Paulson, holy smokes 🔥🙌
Rae, the socialite banished to a ranch…
The character growth on this girl.
Age gap: 12 years
Boss/employee vibes
Small town
Enemies to lovers
Instant 5 ⭐️
This was so cute and fun!
Zach Paulson, holy smokes 🔥🙌
Rae, the socialite banished to a ranch…
The character growth on this girl.
Age gap: 12 years
Boss/employee vibes
Small town
Enemies to lovers
June 20, 2025
3 Stars
Opinion Breakdown
The Good: The premise, the h's growth, and the H's family.
The Not-So-Good: The end, I feel like they could've easily had a full out HEA, but it just didn't get there
The Bad: The lack of conflict for me.
Overall: This is for lovers of easy and no angst but yet a little steamy romances. It just felt too easy I guess. I needed some type of conflict. Again, it might also be that the H falls first -- which this is the second book in a row with this happening and I've decided I'm just not a huge fan 🤷🏻♀️ Not horrible or anything, and I did get through it just fine, but also not something that I see being all that memorable after a few other books.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Rae and Zach's story. Rae's life as a socialite in LA is over when her parents send her to their friend's ranch to work off some damage that they paid off after a party gone wrong. Zach isn't thrilled to have to show her around his ranch and he doesn't hide that fact from her enough that she dubs him the "grumpy cowboy." There is some growth in the characters, some cute scenes, and some sexy times...and they get a HFN ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Rae and Zach's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good, I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: No, they take a while to develop stronger feelings.
H (Hero) rating: 4 stars. Zach. I liked him but I feel like he was just a little too perfect if that makes sense 🫣
h (heroine) rating: 3.5 stars. Rae. I appreciated her growth arch and how she didn't give up on things when they were hard.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: No, just some very mild jealousy
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: No
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends with a cute epilogue but not enough closure for me, so I'll call it a HFN ending
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
Opinion Breakdown
The Good: The premise, the h's growth, and the H's family.
The Not-So-Good: The end, I feel like they could've easily had a full out HEA, but it just didn't get there
The Bad: The lack of conflict for me.
Overall: This is for lovers of easy and no angst but yet a little steamy romances. It just felt too easy I guess. I needed some type of conflict. Again, it might also be that the H falls first -- which this is the second book in a row with this happening and I've decided I'm just not a huge fan 🤷🏻♀️ Not horrible or anything, and I did get through it just fine, but also not something that I see being all that memorable after a few other books.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Rae and Zach's story. Rae's life as a socialite in LA is over when her parents send her to their friend's ranch to work off some damage that they paid off after a party gone wrong. Zach isn't thrilled to have to show her around his ranch and he doesn't hide that fact from her enough that she dubs him the "grumpy cowboy." There is some growth in the characters, some cute scenes, and some sexy times...and they get a HFN ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Rae and Zach's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good, I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: No, they take a while to develop stronger feelings.
H (Hero) rating: 4 stars. Zach. I liked him but I feel like he was just a little too perfect if that makes sense 🫣
h (heroine) rating: 3.5 stars. Rae. I appreciated her growth arch and how she didn't give up on things when they were hard.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: No, just some very mild jealousy
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: No
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends with a cute epilogue but not enough closure for me, so I'll call it a HFN ending
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
November 3, 2024
I’ve made the mistake of reading the second book in the series before this one and with a trope I dislike.
This is everything, it’s romantic, safe, hot and with a very good couple
His parents have an amazing book -Stay with me-, not for everyone because he is a little meh but I was drawn to their story and I re read it multiple times…
Age gap
Good sex scenes
Safe
Loving heroine
Sweet grumpy amazing Hero with a hurtful past
There’s triggers because he was abused in foster house,
No virgins but no manwh…
No OW/OM drama
Funny moments
This is everything, it’s romantic, safe, hot and with a very good couple
His parents have an amazing book -Stay with me-, not for everyone because he is a little meh but I was drawn to their story and I re read it multiple times…
Age gap
Good sex scenes
Safe
Loving heroine
Sweet grumpy amazing Hero with a hurtful past
There’s triggers because he was abused in foster house,
No virgins but no manwh…
No OW/OM drama
Funny moments
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2024
✨ I received this book as an ARC for my honest review✨
Rate: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is my first read by Jessica Prince and it is the second book in the Second Hope Series.
I had mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, I enjoyed the opposites-attract romance between Rae and Zach. Rae starts off as a spoiled rich girl sent to work on a ranch as a last-chance effort by her parents, while Zach is a down-to-earth guy running Safe Haven Ranch. Their chemistry is undeniable, and their connection grows as Rae adjusts to her new life, finding real friends and a sense of belonging in Hope Valley.
However, the relationship felt a bit rushed and surface-level, even though the book is over 350 pages long. The transition from Rae's vapid personality to her genuine growth seemed too abrupt, and I felt there were missed chances for deeper development and healing together. The story also had some repetitive elements and could’ve used more space to flesh out their romance and individual growth.
Overall, I liked the book’s concept and enjoyed Rae’s transformation and her chemistry with Zach. It was a fun, sexy read with some good moments, but it could’ve benefited from being a bit longer and more detailed to fully explore their relationship.
Rate: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is my first read by Jessica Prince and it is the second book in the Second Hope Series.
I had mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, I enjoyed the opposites-attract romance between Rae and Zach. Rae starts off as a spoiled rich girl sent to work on a ranch as a last-chance effort by her parents, while Zach is a down-to-earth guy running Safe Haven Ranch. Their chemistry is undeniable, and their connection grows as Rae adjusts to her new life, finding real friends and a sense of belonging in Hope Valley.
However, the relationship felt a bit rushed and surface-level, even though the book is over 350 pages long. The transition from Rae's vapid personality to her genuine growth seemed too abrupt, and I felt there were missed chances for deeper development and healing together. The story also had some repetitive elements and could’ve used more space to flesh out their romance and individual growth.
Overall, I liked the book’s concept and enjoyed Rae’s transformation and her chemistry with Zach. It was a fun, sexy read with some good moments, but it could’ve benefited from being a bit longer and more detailed to fully explore their relationship.
August 13, 2024
Zach and Rae
I feel like I’ve been waiting for this book since Zach appeared in Stay With Me. I really liked that Jessica made him grow into a man who still struggled with his past so much. It gave me a refresher on his backstory while giving his present character depth. The way he fell for Rae and struggled to communicate those feelings really drew me in.
Rae may not have been the perfect person, but she was perfect for Zach. Her character growth in this book was fantastic. She went from a spoiled rich girl trying to fit in to a fake crowd in LA to finding her true self on a ranch in Virginia. I loved her interactions with Sassy. Her first conversation with Zach about Sassy had so many parallels to what she was feeling. I loved the connection between her and that horse.
I really liked the give and take Zach and Rae had. Rae felt like she had something to prove and Zach showed her what it meant to have a clean slate. They had a fast moving relationship but it really worked for them.
This was a great read. I only wish there was more! I hope we get to see Zach and Rae in the future because they made a great couple.
I feel like I’ve been waiting for this book since Zach appeared in Stay With Me. I really liked that Jessica made him grow into a man who still struggled with his past so much. It gave me a refresher on his backstory while giving his present character depth. The way he fell for Rae and struggled to communicate those feelings really drew me in.
Rae may not have been the perfect person, but she was perfect for Zach. Her character growth in this book was fantastic. She went from a spoiled rich girl trying to fit in to a fake crowd in LA to finding her true self on a ranch in Virginia. I loved her interactions with Sassy. Her first conversation with Zach about Sassy had so many parallels to what she was feeling. I loved the connection between her and that horse.
I really liked the give and take Zach and Rae had. Rae felt like she had something to prove and Zach showed her what it meant to have a clean slate. They had a fast moving relationship but it really worked for them.
This was a great read. I only wish there was more! I hope we get to see Zach and Rae in the future because they made a great couple.
January 2, 2025
Insta-lust. Insta-relationship. Insta-love. Insta-ugh.
This story was just kind of boring and predictable. I wasn't really rooting for either MC and wasn't invested in the story.
This story was just kind of boring and predictable. I wasn't really rooting for either MC and wasn't invested in the story.
August 15, 2024
We are back in Hope Valley, baby! I honestly couldn't wait to start this book -- I love the OG series and "Stay With Me" is one of my favorite books from said series, so I was so excited to revisit Cord and Rory, and with that, Zach. The way Jessica set up this story it was like coming home, and as someone who has had trouble getting into any books lately, that was just such an amazing feeling.
Zach is all grown up, and even though he owes the man he is now to the only true family he's ever known in Cord and Rory and his sister, he still has emotional scars from his time in foster care, and with one family in particular. When the news is out that those two are released from prison, it brings out a lot of trauma that he's repressed, so he's not in the best state of mind, especially when it comes to teaching some spoiled rich girl how to act like a human.
As for Rae -- I liked her just fine, but I didn't love her. I understand what the author was trying to portray with her being so vapid and self-absorbed, but it was such a turn-off. Then, the complete 180 within the first few chapters was a bit much. I get why she went that way, but I wish we saw Rae struggle a bit first and realize why she let her so-called friends turn into someone she despises, someone her parents aren't even proud of. I did like that she didn't complain once she got to Hope Valley and not only respected the work she was doing, but embraced the life there as well. Plus the connection she made to Zachs sister and a few of the other ladies was great!
For their relationship, I felt like it was really good, and that they obviously had a connection, but at times it felt very surface level. I really believe this book could have been longer, and because it was so short, it really hindered the actual romance between Zach and Rae.
I'm not saying this was bad by any means, because it wasn't. I just wish it was a bit longer and fleshed out, but all in all, for lovers of the original series, this is definitely worth the read!
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions **
Zach is all grown up, and even though he owes the man he is now to the only true family he's ever known in Cord and Rory and his sister, he still has emotional scars from his time in foster care, and with one family in particular. When the news is out that those two are released from prison, it brings out a lot of trauma that he's repressed, so he's not in the best state of mind, especially when it comes to teaching some spoiled rich girl how to act like a human.
As for Rae -- I liked her just fine, but I didn't love her. I understand what the author was trying to portray with her being so vapid and self-absorbed, but it was such a turn-off. Then, the complete 180 within the first few chapters was a bit much. I get why she went that way, but I wish we saw Rae struggle a bit first and realize why she let her so-called friends turn into someone she despises, someone her parents aren't even proud of. I did like that she didn't complain once she got to Hope Valley and not only respected the work she was doing, but embraced the life there as well. Plus the connection she made to Zachs sister and a few of the other ladies was great!
For their relationship, I felt like it was really good, and that they obviously had a connection, but at times it felt very surface level. I really believe this book could have been longer, and because it was so short, it really hindered the actual romance between Zach and Rae.
I'm not saying this was bad by any means, because it wasn't. I just wish it was a bit longer and fleshed out, but all in all, for lovers of the original series, this is definitely worth the read!
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions **
July 29, 2024
Thank you Jessica for this ARC!
I adored this small town, swoony romance! Now I have to go back and read all of the Hope Valley books!
Rae is in some serious trouble with her parents. She’s 23, and they think she needs to return to her roots and work on their friend’s ranch. There, she meets her new grumpy boss, Zach. He thinks she’s gorgeous and is attracted to her, but he’s 35 and her boss. Rae is definitely a fish out of water and has to work hard on the ranch. Slowly, Zach begins to soften toward her. They can’t hide their feelings after a while. It definitely gets spicy!
Zach’s past has some darkness that he’s still running from. It isn’t until he falls for Rae that he’s able to fight his demons.
I loved this story and really loved the Ranch setting. I can’t wait for more!
Tropes:
Grumpy Cowboy
City girl
Age gap (12 years)
He falls first
I adored this small town, swoony romance! Now I have to go back and read all of the Hope Valley books!
Rae is in some serious trouble with her parents. She’s 23, and they think she needs to return to her roots and work on their friend’s ranch. There, she meets her new grumpy boss, Zach. He thinks she’s gorgeous and is attracted to her, but he’s 35 and her boss. Rae is definitely a fish out of water and has to work hard on the ranch. Slowly, Zach begins to soften toward her. They can’t hide their feelings after a while. It definitely gets spicy!
Zach’s past has some darkness that he’s still running from. It isn’t until he falls for Rae that he’s able to fight his demons.
I loved this story and really loved the Ranch setting. I can’t wait for more!
Tropes:
Grumpy Cowboy
City girl
Age gap (12 years)
He falls first
August 4, 2024
I was so happy to revisit Hope Valley. It’s one of my favorite fictional small towns and to meet the second generation was a highlight.
The story follows Rae, a spoiled, rich girl, who is sent to Hope Valley to learn life lessons after a night in jail. She is sent to work at Safe Haven Ranch in Hope Valley that is owned by Zach. Rae is a fish out of water at the ranch. Shes a city girl but shes determined to see her time through. Sparks immediately fly between Rae and Zach. Each have their own roadblocks they need to work through but watching them help each other and fall in love was so sweet.
I loved the storyline and how the author tied this book in with the first generation of Hope Valley with even some guest appearances! The banter between Rae and Zach had me laughing.
Would highly recommend if you like:
🐴 small town romance
🐴 age gap
🐴 city girl x country boy
🐴 close proximity
Thank you to the author for an e-arc of this book for my honest review.
The story follows Rae, a spoiled, rich girl, who is sent to Hope Valley to learn life lessons after a night in jail. She is sent to work at Safe Haven Ranch in Hope Valley that is owned by Zach. Rae is a fish out of water at the ranch. Shes a city girl but shes determined to see her time through. Sparks immediately fly between Rae and Zach. Each have their own roadblocks they need to work through but watching them help each other and fall in love was so sweet.
I loved the storyline and how the author tied this book in with the first generation of Hope Valley with even some guest appearances! The banter between Rae and Zach had me laughing.
Would highly recommend if you like:
🐴 small town romance
🐴 age gap
🐴 city girl x country boy
🐴 close proximity
Thank you to the author for an e-arc of this book for my honest review.
January 18, 2025
Came across this book unexpectedly as a suggestion on Amazon and I’m so glad I did. My first Jessica Prince book but certainly not my last. This really satisfied my heart that was missing the grumpy cowboys!
When I read the blurb I was expected Rae to be this super spoilt rich brat that would be throwing tantrums all the time.. Spoilt she was, rich brat certainly but boy her character growth was beautiful to see! She proved herself on that ranch and worked her hardest.
Rae and Zach fell for each other from the moment they laid eyes on one another however their own pasts and insecurities kept them apart for as long as it did..
I loved the connections Rae built on the ranch and I loved that she found a safe haven where her past mistakes no longer mattered! I hope to see more of these two in the books to follow!!
𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩: Age gap (12 years), Boss x employee, small town romance, forced proximity, slow burn
When I read the blurb I was expected Rae to be this super spoilt rich brat that would be throwing tantrums all the time.. Spoilt she was, rich brat certainly but boy her character growth was beautiful to see! She proved herself on that ranch and worked her hardest.
Rae and Zach fell for each other from the moment they laid eyes on one another however their own pasts and insecurities kept them apart for as long as it did..
I loved the connections Rae built on the ranch and I loved that she found a safe haven where her past mistakes no longer mattered! I hope to see more of these two in the books to follow!!
𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩: Age gap (12 years), Boss x employee, small town romance, forced proximity, slow burn
September 7, 2024
5 Stars!
This was really really good y'all. A brand new series- the second generation of Hope Valley and this beauty starts out with a bang.. giving us ZACH'S story and he did not disappoint for a single moment in this sweet, complicated, and so worth it love story! ...and you might just run across other SERIES (YES! multiples!) while immersing yourself in this book.
I can't recommend enough y'all!
This was really really good y'all. A brand new series- the second generation of Hope Valley and this beauty starts out with a bang.. giving us ZACH'S story and he did not disappoint for a single moment in this sweet, complicated, and so worth it love story! ...and you might just run across other SERIES (YES! multiples!) while immersing yourself in this book.
I can't recommend enough y'all!
August 5, 2024
I was an ARC reader for the audio. I loved the FMC narrator, but I felt like the MMC narrator was trying too hard to fit the roll.
As far as the story it's self, it is a cute hometown story. It reads as a stand-alone, which is fine, but I was hoping for more. There is a conclusion to the book, but it feels like it's missing something.
As far as the story it's self, it is a cute hometown story. It reads as a stand-alone, which is fine, but I was hoping for more. There is a conclusion to the book, but it feels like it's missing something.
August 1, 2024
ALC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Tropes:
🐴 Grumpy Cowboy turned Cinnamon Roll
🐴 Nepo baby FMC
🐴 12-year age gap
🐴 Small Town romance
🐴 Forced Proximity
🐴 Enemies to Lovers
🐴 He falls first
🐴 Slow-burn
🐴 Sweet horse named Sassy ❤️🥹
🐴 Spice 🥵
✨️ I loved this audiobook! The narrators brought the characters to life so well.
When we are introduced to Zach , we learn that he had a rough upbringing, and I felt for him from the start. I instantly fell for the rough exterior, soft interior cowboy. I mean- he taught Rae how to ride a horse and drive a stick shift. How could you not? I enjoyed the character development of Rae. She started out seemingly as a spoiled Nepo baby but was thrown into the ranch life to fend for herself. She eventually grew into her own, and I ended up liking her as a character. I also enjoyed the family and the side characters, especially Lennix and Connor. Both Zach and Rae's parents each have a book in different series by Jessica, so I will be sure to give those books a read. This is the first book in a new series by Jessica Prince, and I look forward to continuing the series.
Thank you for allowing me to listen and review!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Tropes:
🐴 Grumpy Cowboy turned Cinnamon Roll
🐴 Nepo baby FMC
🐴 12-year age gap
🐴 Small Town romance
🐴 Forced Proximity
🐴 Enemies to Lovers
🐴 He falls first
🐴 Slow-burn
🐴 Sweet horse named Sassy ❤️🥹
🐴 Spice 🥵
✨️ I loved this audiobook! The narrators brought the characters to life so well.
When we are introduced to Zach , we learn that he had a rough upbringing, and I felt for him from the start. I instantly fell for the rough exterior, soft interior cowboy. I mean- he taught Rae how to ride a horse and drive a stick shift. How could you not? I enjoyed the character development of Rae. She started out seemingly as a spoiled Nepo baby but was thrown into the ranch life to fend for herself. She eventually grew into her own, and I ended up liking her as a character. I also enjoyed the family and the side characters, especially Lennix and Connor. Both Zach and Rae's parents each have a book in different series by Jessica, so I will be sure to give those books a read. This is the first book in a new series by Jessica Prince, and I look forward to continuing the series.
Thank you for allowing me to listen and review!
August 14, 2024
Short Summary:
○DNF @ 78%
●Age Gap relationship
●boss/employee
●insta-lovey
●I didn't feel like I knew the characters, or why they should be together besides the fact they were the MC's
●one hookup led to him claiming her as a gf without a conversation(🚩🚩🚩)
●The book wasn't for me, but that's okay I'm sure it will be perfect for someone else
I honestly didn't love the story, which sucks because the description and tropes had me hooked in. "The Little Things " is about a privileged LA girl named Rae, who after landing herself in a jail cell, gets sent away by her parents to go help out on a farm and learn some humility. This is where we meet our MMC Zach, the owner of the farm who has his own sad past that is creeping back into his life. The two initially meet, and it feels like a setup to an enemies to lovers situation. He sees her as the spoiled rotten brat who is hot but untouchable. She sees him as someone who fills in his Levi jeans really well but is a bit of a grumpy jerk. Now, to her credit, I will say Rae takes work in stride, and despite her aching muscles, she really doesn't complain. In fact. She often finds herself reflecting on how she hates her former self because of how she behaved under the influence of her previous "freinds". With that being said, I almost wish she would have complained a little, maybe even had a hard time at things. Her earning the respect of Hal, a farm hand who doesn't dole out compliments, even being loved by everyone she worked with, almost felt rushed because we didn't get to watch her naturally progress. Even though I hate the spoiled rich girl behavior, the author could have really leaned into this more in the first few chapters so we could see her evolve and become a better person for it. I guess maybe they didn't want to lean too hard into it because her parents are characters from a previous work, and she didn't want loyal fans to get the impression that those characters did not correctly parent her? That was my guess, at least. Next, I want to address Zach because I really wanted to like this character, but unfortunately, I just didn't get to that point. If you want to show me a grumpy hardass, then show me that. Again, similarly to Rae, I feel that because his parents are legacy characters, the author didn't want to make those characters look bad by comparison, yet at the same time she has the perfect reason why. See, Zach was in foster care because his biological parents were negligent, perhaps even abusive, though I'm not sure since I stopped reading. Zach was adopted at 12 years old, which is even a surprise to Rae, who had no reason to assume otherwise. Zach to me would have been much better being written in as a golden retriever type, as that would still leave room for the dark past, with the excuse that he uses his smiles and jokes to cover up his pain. He was rough around the edges, sure, but he never quite gave the energy I felt that the author was going for. He basically falls in love with Rae at first sight, he teaches her how to ride a horse, he gets super jealous of male attention aimed at her (which isn't super cute to be honest) and he gives multiple hints at caring for her. Not to say that the tough guy can't have a soft spot, but he is characterized as a family man who loves deeply and who falls in love hard. Their love story almost felt like it was missing a few chapters for me. It was like they went from a drunken kiss to fighting to get naughty in record time simply because the author was approaching a certain percentage without their relationship progressing, so she had to press on the gas. Also, to add to that point, he rushed her into a relationship without even talking to her about what she wanted. I'm sorry, I'm a romantic at heart, but they hooked up and he showed up to her work the next day, and was kissing on her, calling her his girlfriend in front of her coworker/friend and his grandma without a conversation. Girl couldn't even roll around in the post-coital bliss because he was marking his territory right away. To put it simply, I love love, and I understand when the feelings are right, you want to shout from the rooftops that you are with someone. However, they don't know each other. We didn't get to see them get to know each other, or learn each other's habits through watching each other, hell we didn't even get to feel the pining that comes from feelings that have to be kept secret because he is her boss and there is a noticeable age gap. He got mad that she was giving him the silent treatment after he called their kiss a mistake, demanded answers at her door, they got nasty with each other (censoring my phrasing so GR doesn't get mad) and the next day he is staking his claim without any conversations with her to ask how she is feeling post hookup. What i would have loved to see is him deciding that he doesn't want this to be a one time thing, and courting her, even if it's just asking her to date him or to go on A date. Him announcing that they are boyfriend and girlfriend now without asking was a serious red flag, not to mention icky. In the previous pages, she literally lied about why she looked happy because she didn't want anyone to think less of her or him since they hooked up, so for him to announce it and then kiss her felt like a dog peeing somewhere to mark it's territory. With that being said, that was where I had to stop reading, at 78%. I do hope that my review doesn't upset anyone. I will always say that if you like a book, if it fulfilled something you wanted or needed to read, then it was time well spent. However, for me, I just felt like it needed some work on developing the characters, both as individuals and as the main couple.
○DNF @ 78%
●Age Gap relationship
●boss/employee
●insta-lovey
●I didn't feel like I knew the characters, or why they should be together besides the fact they were the MC's
●one hookup led to him claiming her as a gf without a conversation(🚩🚩🚩)
●The book wasn't for me, but that's okay I'm sure it will be perfect for someone else
I honestly didn't love the story, which sucks because the description and tropes had me hooked in. "The Little Things " is about a privileged LA girl named Rae, who after landing herself in a jail cell, gets sent away by her parents to go help out on a farm and learn some humility. This is where we meet our MMC Zach, the owner of the farm who has his own sad past that is creeping back into his life. The two initially meet, and it feels like a setup to an enemies to lovers situation. He sees her as the spoiled rotten brat who is hot but untouchable. She sees him as someone who fills in his Levi jeans really well but is a bit of a grumpy jerk. Now, to her credit, I will say Rae takes work in stride, and despite her aching muscles, she really doesn't complain. In fact. She often finds herself reflecting on how she hates her former self because of how she behaved under the influence of her previous "freinds". With that being said, I almost wish she would have complained a little, maybe even had a hard time at things. Her earning the respect of Hal, a farm hand who doesn't dole out compliments, even being loved by everyone she worked with, almost felt rushed because we didn't get to watch her naturally progress. Even though I hate the spoiled rich girl behavior, the author could have really leaned into this more in the first few chapters so we could see her evolve and become a better person for it. I guess maybe they didn't want to lean too hard into it because her parents are characters from a previous work, and she didn't want loyal fans to get the impression that those characters did not correctly parent her? That was my guess, at least. Next, I want to address Zach because I really wanted to like this character, but unfortunately, I just didn't get to that point. If you want to show me a grumpy hardass, then show me that. Again, similarly to Rae, I feel that because his parents are legacy characters, the author didn't want to make those characters look bad by comparison, yet at the same time she has the perfect reason why. See, Zach was in foster care because his biological parents were negligent, perhaps even abusive, though I'm not sure since I stopped reading. Zach was adopted at 12 years old, which is even a surprise to Rae, who had no reason to assume otherwise. Zach to me would have been much better being written in as a golden retriever type, as that would still leave room for the dark past, with the excuse that he uses his smiles and jokes to cover up his pain. He was rough around the edges, sure, but he never quite gave the energy I felt that the author was going for. He basically falls in love with Rae at first sight, he teaches her how to ride a horse, he gets super jealous of male attention aimed at her (which isn't super cute to be honest) and he gives multiple hints at caring for her. Not to say that the tough guy can't have a soft spot, but he is characterized as a family man who loves deeply and who falls in love hard. Their love story almost felt like it was missing a few chapters for me. It was like they went from a drunken kiss to fighting to get naughty in record time simply because the author was approaching a certain percentage without their relationship progressing, so she had to press on the gas. Also, to add to that point, he rushed her into a relationship without even talking to her about what she wanted. I'm sorry, I'm a romantic at heart, but they hooked up and he showed up to her work the next day, and was kissing on her, calling her his girlfriend in front of her coworker/friend and his grandma without a conversation. Girl couldn't even roll around in the post-coital bliss because he was marking his territory right away. To put it simply, I love love, and I understand when the feelings are right, you want to shout from the rooftops that you are with someone. However, they don't know each other. We didn't get to see them get to know each other, or learn each other's habits through watching each other, hell we didn't even get to feel the pining that comes from feelings that have to be kept secret because he is her boss and there is a noticeable age gap. He got mad that she was giving him the silent treatment after he called their kiss a mistake, demanded answers at her door, they got nasty with each other (censoring my phrasing so GR doesn't get mad) and the next day he is staking his claim without any conversations with her to ask how she is feeling post hookup. What i would have loved to see is him deciding that he doesn't want this to be a one time thing, and courting her, even if it's just asking her to date him or to go on A date. Him announcing that they are boyfriend and girlfriend now without asking was a serious red flag, not to mention icky. In the previous pages, she literally lied about why she looked happy because she didn't want anyone to think less of her or him since they hooked up, so for him to announce it and then kiss her felt like a dog peeing somewhere to mark it's territory. With that being said, that was where I had to stop reading, at 78%. I do hope that my review doesn't upset anyone. I will always say that if you like a book, if it fulfilled something you wanted or needed to read, then it was time well spent. However, for me, I just felt like it needed some work on developing the characters, both as individuals and as the main couple.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2024
Rae Blackwell's life consists of parties with her so-called friends and being popular on social media.
When she definitely takes it too far, her parents have had enough.
The only solution? Detox from her current life!
Apartment gone, car gone, everything gone.
Rae has to work on a ranch far away from the city.
To make things worse, the sexy, grumpy boss isn't that happy to have her there.
What can a little city girl from Hollywood do to help him and the crew?
Well... Zach will learn that Rae is more than a spoiled city girl... and also Rae will learn that it's not that boring in a small-town than she thought...
OH MY GOODNESS!
THE NEXT GENERATION! Guys!
Jessica Prince gifted us the next generation, and it's as awesome as her previous books!
✨️THE LITTLE THINGS is the first book of her NEW SECOND HOPE SERIES! ✨️
Rae Blackwell is the daughter of Roan and Alma Blackwell (Vamp = #6 of the Wiskey Dolls Series) and
Zach Paulson is the son of Cord and Rory Paulson (Stay with Me = #5 Hope Valley Series).
Awwwwww! I'm still not over the fact that we've got the next generation now! And I hope they'll be mooooore! Duh!
Okay. Focus!
Rae seems like a spoiled little city girl at first... buuuuut her whole personality development? Ugh! CHEF'S KISS! ABSOLUTELY PERFECT!
I loved how Rae learned a lot about herself and what's important in life!
And ZACH?!
HOLY MOLY! A sexy, huge, grumpy cowboy? Who seems grumpy with her... but there's so much moooore to it! Awwwwww! And he wears his cap backwards!! 😍
How he's with his family? CHEF'S KISS!
ABSOLUTELY PERFECT!
Well, it wasn't that hard for me to fall in love with both main characters!
They instantly stole my heart. And honestly? I don't want it back! They can keep it! Forever!
I LOOOOVED THEIR WHOLE STORYLINE!
How they treated each other first and how it turned into something woooooooonderful!
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I CAN'T STOP SWOONING! SERIOUSLY!
Talking about C-H-E-M-I-S-T-R-Y! DAAAAAAMN!!!! Sparks were flying! Palpable through my Kindle! It definitely melted a few times! HOLY MOLY!! 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵
OMG! And HOW SEXY can a lesson of how to ride a horse be?? 🐎🥵😍🥰
I'm still getting GOOSEBUMPS EVERYWHERE only because I'm thinking of it now!!
But besides all the wonderful emotions like happiness and affection, I felt their pain too.
OMG, how much I cried!
For... you'll know what I mean when you'll read their story!
Awwwwww! Please let me mention one more thing: THE EPILOGUE! PERFECTION! 🥰😍🥹❤️
That's all I'm saying about it.
So if you love:
🐎 small-town romance
🐎 age gap
🐎 a grumpy cowboy
🐎 celebrity city girl
🐎 enemies-to-lovers
🐎 fish out of water
THE LITTLE THINGS is the one for you. ❤️
Thank you so much to Jessica Prince for an early copy.
This is my honest review in my own words.
When she definitely takes it too far, her parents have had enough.
The only solution? Detox from her current life!
Apartment gone, car gone, everything gone.
Rae has to work on a ranch far away from the city.
To make things worse, the sexy, grumpy boss isn't that happy to have her there.
What can a little city girl from Hollywood do to help him and the crew?
Well... Zach will learn that Rae is more than a spoiled city girl... and also Rae will learn that it's not that boring in a small-town than she thought...
OH MY GOODNESS!
THE NEXT GENERATION! Guys!
Jessica Prince gifted us the next generation, and it's as awesome as her previous books!
✨️THE LITTLE THINGS is the first book of her NEW SECOND HOPE SERIES! ✨️
Rae Blackwell is the daughter of Roan and Alma Blackwell (Vamp = #6 of the Wiskey Dolls Series) and
Zach Paulson is the son of Cord and Rory Paulson (Stay with Me = #5 Hope Valley Series).
Awwwwww! I'm still not over the fact that we've got the next generation now! And I hope they'll be mooooore! Duh!
Okay. Focus!
Rae seems like a spoiled little city girl at first... buuuuut her whole personality development? Ugh! CHEF'S KISS! ABSOLUTELY PERFECT!
I loved how Rae learned a lot about herself and what's important in life!
And ZACH?!
HOLY MOLY! A sexy, huge, grumpy cowboy? Who seems grumpy with her... but there's so much moooore to it! Awwwwww! And he wears his cap backwards!! 😍
How he's with his family? CHEF'S KISS!
ABSOLUTELY PERFECT!
Well, it wasn't that hard for me to fall in love with both main characters!
They instantly stole my heart. And honestly? I don't want it back! They can keep it! Forever!
I LOOOOVED THEIR WHOLE STORYLINE!
How they treated each other first and how it turned into something woooooooonderful!
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I CAN'T STOP SWOONING! SERIOUSLY!
Talking about C-H-E-M-I-S-T-R-Y! DAAAAAAMN!!!! Sparks were flying! Palpable through my Kindle! It definitely melted a few times! HOLY MOLY!! 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵
OMG! And HOW SEXY can a lesson of how to ride a horse be?? 🐎🥵😍🥰
I'm still getting GOOSEBUMPS EVERYWHERE only because I'm thinking of it now!!
But besides all the wonderful emotions like happiness and affection, I felt their pain too.
OMG, how much I cried!
For... you'll know what I mean when you'll read their story!
Awwwwww! Please let me mention one more thing: THE EPILOGUE! PERFECTION! 🥰😍🥹❤️
That's all I'm saying about it.
So if you love:
🐎 small-town romance
🐎 age gap
🐎 a grumpy cowboy
🐎 celebrity city girl
🐎 enemies-to-lovers
🐎 fish out of water
THE LITTLE THINGS is the one for you. ❤️
Thank you so much to Jessica Prince for an early copy.
This is my honest review in my own words.
August 11, 2024
***5 Stars***
So. Much. Goodness!
I was already excited to go back to Hope Valley and catch up with as many of the crazy, lovable characters I’d come to love ~ and though we don’t get to catch up with EVERYONE ~ it is kind of a long list and we probably need some kind of family tree to keep ~ it gave me all the small town romance feels and more and I cannot wait to go back!
I loved Rae and Zach, well, loved them after a bit of frustration with them ~ nothing major, and I did empathize with both for the most part, but the eye rolling was real ~ but soon they both grew on me. With Rae it was how she took the situation she was in and stepped up. She may not have wanted to be there, but she basically “woman’s up”, takes it all in stride and finds that the life she thought she wanted wasn’t all that it was cracked up to be. Zach is a sweetheart, but when he gets in his own way, he gets in his own way and boy can he be a grump.
They definitely do not get off on the right foot at the start, but with a couple of nudges from family and an unexpected ally, Zach comes around and starts to see who Rae is beneath the Hollywood surface. They do deal with a few bumps in the road ~ the age gap thing, boss/employee thing and a specter from the past ~ but the connection between them couldn’t be broken and I just loved watching as they fell hard for each other.
This was a great addition to the Hope Valley world. While we didn’t get to catch up with everyone, it was still fun to catch up with those that we were able to. While the angst, drama and triggers are on the low end, there still are a few situations that come up from Zach’s past that could be uncomfortable for some, but they are necessary to understand Zach. As for the next generation. I loved Lennix, Ivy, Connor and Raylan ~ and am crossing my toes that we’ll get lots more from them ~ and Hal is just awesome as are Becky and Bill. So, now to wait patiently for the next book.
~ Copy provided by the author & voluntarily reviewed ~
So. Much. Goodness!
I was already excited to go back to Hope Valley and catch up with as many of the crazy, lovable characters I’d come to love ~ and though we don’t get to catch up with EVERYONE ~ it is kind of a long list and we probably need some kind of family tree to keep ~ it gave me all the small town romance feels and more and I cannot wait to go back!
I loved Rae and Zach, well, loved them after a bit of frustration with them ~ nothing major, and I did empathize with both for the most part, but the eye rolling was real ~ but soon they both grew on me. With Rae it was how she took the situation she was in and stepped up. She may not have wanted to be there, but she basically “woman’s up”, takes it all in stride and finds that the life she thought she wanted wasn’t all that it was cracked up to be. Zach is a sweetheart, but when he gets in his own way, he gets in his own way and boy can he be a grump.
They definitely do not get off on the right foot at the start, but with a couple of nudges from family and an unexpected ally, Zach comes around and starts to see who Rae is beneath the Hollywood surface. They do deal with a few bumps in the road ~ the age gap thing, boss/employee thing and a specter from the past ~ but the connection between them couldn’t be broken and I just loved watching as they fell hard for each other.
This was a great addition to the Hope Valley world. While we didn’t get to catch up with everyone, it was still fun to catch up with those that we were able to. While the angst, drama and triggers are on the low end, there still are a few situations that come up from Zach’s past that could be uncomfortable for some, but they are necessary to understand Zach. As for the next generation. I loved Lennix, Ivy, Connor and Raylan ~ and am crossing my toes that we’ll get lots more from them ~ and Hal is just awesome as are Becky and Bill. So, now to wait patiently for the next book.
~ Copy provided by the author & voluntarily reviewed ~
July 30, 2024
This might be the best revisit of Hope Valley that I could’ve imagined. Rae seems like a vapid, shallow snob, but she’s just faltering in life. Zach is…well, he’s still that scared foster kid deep down, but boy has he grown up around that little boy! He does keep those fears and insecurities at his core, though, so it’s going to take someone strong to weather the storm when it comes. And that someone just might be Rae.
I’m not lying when I say Rae seems vapid. Or at least at a casual, don’t really care to see you glance. But she’s not. She’s trying to find herself and her place in the world. Yeah, she’s a bit of a fish out of water for a while, but she’s determined to make her way toward finding where she belongs and who she truly is. It doesn’t help that a certain grump plays hot and cold until he pulls his head together. But it does help that no one seems to be rooting for Rae to fail and fall flat on her face. Not even the grump, not matter how he wishes to pretend he hopes for it to happen. Because when the chips are down, these two care so deeply about each other that they can’t fathom even an ounce of pain or misery for the other half of their heart.
This is an excellent reintroduction to Hope Valley and I sort of can’t wait to see what’s next. I really can’t! And I won’t lie. Those little tie-ins to OTHER favorite places in this author’s world just made this all that much sweeter for me.
I’m not lying when I say Rae seems vapid. Or at least at a casual, don’t really care to see you glance. But she’s not. She’s trying to find herself and her place in the world. Yeah, she’s a bit of a fish out of water for a while, but she’s determined to make her way toward finding where she belongs and who she truly is. It doesn’t help that a certain grump plays hot and cold until he pulls his head together. But it does help that no one seems to be rooting for Rae to fail and fall flat on her face. Not even the grump, not matter how he wishes to pretend he hopes for it to happen. Because when the chips are down, these two care so deeply about each other that they can’t fathom even an ounce of pain or misery for the other half of their heart.
This is an excellent reintroduction to Hope Valley and I sort of can’t wait to see what’s next. I really can’t! And I won’t lie. Those little tie-ins to OTHER favorite places in this author’s world just made this all that much sweeter for me.
August 5, 2024
✨ARC Review✨
The Little Things by Jessica Prince out August 12th!
Gah! Where to even start with this book it was SOO GOOD!! I absolutely LOVE the Hope Valley series and this second generation start did NOT disappoint! All the sweetness, all the heart achy moments, all the steamy - just perfection!
Rating: 12/10
Spicy: 🌶️ 🌶️🌶️
POV: Dual
Tropes:
- Opposites Attract
- Small Town
- Grumpy Cowboy
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Age Gap
Rae is a spoiled Hollywood Socialite who after making yet another major mistake her parents say enough is enough. They send her back to the small town of Hope Valley to work on the Ranch their best friend’s son owns and runs. Rae is a fish out of water on the ranch, but after feeling like she doesn’t belong for so long she is determined to figure out who she is, what she likes and to prove to her parents she is just a screw up.
Zach had a tough life until he was taken in and adopted by an amazing couple. They took him in and showed him what family should look like and how to run a ranch. Safe Haven Ranch is just that his safe haven - until a bubbly Hollywood Socialite comes to his ranch to make amends with her parents. The last thing he needs is a spoil rich girl playing cowgirl. Never mind the fact that he feels drawn to her like no one else and he’s starting to see that there more to her than the mistakes she’s made.
Seriously loved this book and I can’t wait to read more of this second generation series!!
The Little Things by Jessica Prince out August 12th!
Gah! Where to even start with this book it was SOO GOOD!! I absolutely LOVE the Hope Valley series and this second generation start did NOT disappoint! All the sweetness, all the heart achy moments, all the steamy - just perfection!
Rating: 12/10
Spicy: 🌶️ 🌶️🌶️
POV: Dual
Tropes:
- Opposites Attract
- Small Town
- Grumpy Cowboy
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Age Gap
Rae is a spoiled Hollywood Socialite who after making yet another major mistake her parents say enough is enough. They send her back to the small town of Hope Valley to work on the Ranch their best friend’s son owns and runs. Rae is a fish out of water on the ranch, but after feeling like she doesn’t belong for so long she is determined to figure out who she is, what she likes and to prove to her parents she is just a screw up.
Zach had a tough life until he was taken in and adopted by an amazing couple. They took him in and showed him what family should look like and how to run a ranch. Safe Haven Ranch is just that his safe haven - until a bubbly Hollywood Socialite comes to his ranch to make amends with her parents. The last thing he needs is a spoil rich girl playing cowgirl. Never mind the fact that he feels drawn to her like no one else and he’s starting to see that there more to her than the mistakes she’s made.
Seriously loved this book and I can’t wait to read more of this second generation series!!
August 12, 2024
This book has my entire heart. I can’t tell you how excited I am to return to Hope Valley. This is the first book in a new spin-off and second-generation series bringing two series together. It can be read as a standalone. If you have the chance read Stay with Me where you meet 12-year-old Zach and his backstory which plays a part of this story but of course, it’s not necessary. You can jump right in. Getting his story as an adult was the story I didn’t know I needed. I love the people of Hope Valley, and now Safe Haven. The characters add so much to what is already a fantastic story.
Fans of fish-out-of-water, small-town cowboy romances will LOVE this one. Rae is sent to the Safe Haven Ranch by her parents after trouble finds her in L.A. She’s a bit spoiled, but so adorably likable. The rough on the outside grumpy cowboy Zach made me instantly fall in love. These two don’t hesitate to provide some fun banter and have a ton of chemistry. The simmering slow burn of their relationship couldn’t have fit the story better. This is coming from someone who often struggles with slow burn. The development of the story, characters, and romance couldn’t have been better written.
This was the perfect book to curl up with and completely immerse myself in. Once I got some uninterrupted reading time, I couldn’t put it down. This one will make you smile, laugh, swoon, and feel the emotions. Zach’s childhood before he came into his parents’ life in Stay with Me was hard but the way to added to his storyline was incredible.
🐴 small town
🐴 age gap
🐴 close proximity
🐴 grumpy cowboy
🐴 city girl
🐴 he falls first
🐴 slowburn
🐴 open door spice
🐴 first person, dual POV
Fans of fish-out-of-water, small-town cowboy romances will LOVE this one. Rae is sent to the Safe Haven Ranch by her parents after trouble finds her in L.A. She’s a bit spoiled, but so adorably likable. The rough on the outside grumpy cowboy Zach made me instantly fall in love. These two don’t hesitate to provide some fun banter and have a ton of chemistry. The simmering slow burn of their relationship couldn’t have fit the story better. This is coming from someone who often struggles with slow burn. The development of the story, characters, and romance couldn’t have been better written.
This was the perfect book to curl up with and completely immerse myself in. Once I got some uninterrupted reading time, I couldn’t put it down. This one will make you smile, laugh, swoon, and feel the emotions. Zach’s childhood before he came into his parents’ life in Stay with Me was hard but the way to added to his storyline was incredible.
🐴 small town
🐴 age gap
🐴 close proximity
🐴 grumpy cowboy
🐴 city girl
🐴 he falls first
🐴 slowburn
🐴 open door spice
🐴 first person, dual POV
August 12, 2024
Received as an ARC and ALC.
🐴 Age gap
🐴 Enemies to lovers
🐴 Grumpy rancher who’s secretly a cinnamon roll MMC
🐴 City girl FMC
🐴 Small town
🐴 Man obsessed
Ok Jessica I see you………now my first and most important question is, where can I find me a Zach? Is one available on Amazon? TikTok shop? The supermarket? Because I need this energy in my life pronto. That being said I wasn’t Rae’s biggest fan to start with, she felt self-entitled to me and a bit up her own arse, but I guess that’s a testament to the authors writing style and ability to portray characters that make you bristle a bit. She very much grew on me though and I enjoyed reading her development as the story progressed. By the end I was rooting for her to get her HEA.
I’m really not sure why I haven’t ready anything from Jessica before but I can tell you now that I am well and truly converted. New go to author for sure. Glad that this is the first book in this new series and can’t wait to see where it goes next.
In regards to the audiobook for this, it was very well narrated, Ava and Rock did a fantastic job of fully immersing me in the Hope Valley world from the get go.
🐴 Age gap
🐴 Enemies to lovers
🐴 Grumpy rancher who’s secretly a cinnamon roll MMC
🐴 City girl FMC
🐴 Small town
🐴 Man obsessed
Ok Jessica I see you………now my first and most important question is, where can I find me a Zach? Is one available on Amazon? TikTok shop? The supermarket? Because I need this energy in my life pronto. That being said I wasn’t Rae’s biggest fan to start with, she felt self-entitled to me and a bit up her own arse, but I guess that’s a testament to the authors writing style and ability to portray characters that make you bristle a bit. She very much grew on me though and I enjoyed reading her development as the story progressed. By the end I was rooting for her to get her HEA.
I’m really not sure why I haven’t ready anything from Jessica before but I can tell you now that I am well and truly converted. New go to author for sure. Glad that this is the first book in this new series and can’t wait to see where it goes next.
In regards to the audiobook for this, it was very well narrated, Ava and Rock did a fantastic job of fully immersing me in the Hope Valley world from the get go.
July 31, 2024
It is no secret that I am a huge Jessica Prince fan. I love her books so much. Her Hope Valley series is one of my favorites so I was beyond excited when she announced the second gen series. The first book did not disappoint! Zach (parents: Rory & Cord from Stay With Me) and Rae (parents: Alma & Roan from Vamp) were so much fun. Rae was definitely spoiled but we quickly get to see there is more than meets the eye. She was so kind and hardworking once she put her mind to it. Zach was super grumpy but I definitely understood it. He had a hard life before being adopted at age 12 (we saw this in his parents' book, but Jessica did a good job of showing it here too) and had a lot to deal with in this book. I loved seeing the push and pull between these characters. There is a 12 year age gap but Rae acted more mature than her age. I loved that even when times got tough and one of them would mess up, they never really gave up on each other. Overall I loved this book and cannot wait for the next one!
August 12, 2024
Ah, I loved this book!! The Little Things is the first story in Jessica Prince's next-generation Hope Valley series. We have Zach -- the orphan that Rory and Cord adopted in Stay With Me, now all grown up and a sexy cowboy -- and Rae, the spoiled socialite daughter of Alma and Roan from Vamp.
After making a string of really stupid mistakes, Rae's mom and dad ship her off to Hope Valley where she has to work on Rory's son's farm. Needless to say, Zach is none too happy to have Hollywood forced on him. He goes out of his way to make things hard for her, but Rae is a spitfire and she doesn't give up very easily. Somewhere along the way, that disdain turns to lust and then to something more between these two. And the little things about the other that once annoyed them to no end aren't so annoying anymore...
I really enjoyed the journey that Zach and Rae went on. I thought their connection was well written. There was sizzling chemistry from the start, and this book checked off all the boxes for an enemies-to-lovers story.
I am really looking forward to more in the Second Hope series! I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
After making a string of really stupid mistakes, Rae's mom and dad ship her off to Hope Valley where she has to work on Rory's son's farm. Needless to say, Zach is none too happy to have Hollywood forced on him. He goes out of his way to make things hard for her, but Rae is a spitfire and she doesn't give up very easily. Somewhere along the way, that disdain turns to lust and then to something more between these two. And the little things about the other that once annoyed them to no end aren't so annoying anymore...
I really enjoyed the journey that Zach and Rae went on. I thought their connection was well written. There was sizzling chemistry from the start, and this book checked off all the boxes for an enemies-to-lovers story.
I am really looking forward to more in the Second Hope series! I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
August 6, 2024
What an amazing 5 star story this was. I am truly overjoyed that we are getting the kids from previous favourite couples.
Rae has led a sheltered , pampered life. Her parents didn’t mean for it to get out of hand. So when she finds herself in trouble , she has no choice to go to Hope Valley.
Zack’s first 12 years of his life were in foster care and in hell. That is until he gets adopted. Now at 38 yo he runs the family ranch. He is not too happy when Rae lands on his ranch, beautiful, younger by 12 years and instant attraction.
I loved this amazing story. I was hooked from the very first page to the last one. It’s an age gap/grumpy sunshine /small town story that made swoon many times over. A cowboy, who doesn’t love one.I have read every single books that Jessica has written, I’m amazed she keep all her characters in line. Beautifully written with a seamless plot. Bottomline this is a must read.
This story is a second generation and can be read as a standalone. Since I have read all her stories I was able to make better connections. Told in a dual POV with an HEA, I strongly recommend this story.
Rae has led a sheltered , pampered life. Her parents didn’t mean for it to get out of hand. So when she finds herself in trouble , she has no choice to go to Hope Valley.
Zack’s first 12 years of his life were in foster care and in hell. That is until he gets adopted. Now at 38 yo he runs the family ranch. He is not too happy when Rae lands on his ranch, beautiful, younger by 12 years and instant attraction.
I loved this amazing story. I was hooked from the very first page to the last one. It’s an age gap/grumpy sunshine /small town story that made swoon many times over. A cowboy, who doesn’t love one.I have read every single books that Jessica has written, I’m amazed she keep all her characters in line. Beautifully written with a seamless plot. Bottomline this is a must read.
This story is a second generation and can be read as a standalone. Since I have read all her stories I was able to make better connections. Told in a dual POV with an HEA, I strongly recommend this story.
August 12, 2024
Eeeekkkk, we have started another series and it includes charters from previous books. We learned of Zach from Rory and Cord’s story and Rae from Roan and Alma’s story. Rae has been the celebrity daughter living out in Hollywood, making a name for herself for all the wrong reasons, until her parents decide that enough is enough. They send her to Zach’s family ranch to work for everything she owes her parents after cleaning up her mess. Zach is immediately attracted to the bell of the ball, which has him acting like a complete you know what, to her. She more than proves that she will take anything that is dissed to her and not complain, which is something Zach and everyone on the ranch sees as being very admirable. He is unable to deny the pull he has to her, even though she’s worried what everyone will think. But ghosts from his past show up and forces him to close off to her and pushes her away. Will he be able to finally let someone in to this part of his past that he’s kept locked away? Read this story just to find out what happens.
September 6, 2024
Great start to a new generation in Hope Valley!! Rae and Zach were everything that we needed for the first book in this series. After everything Zach went through before being adopted you easily rooted for him. Rae took me by surprise. At the beginning of the story she came across as a spoiled pampered princess. But once she arrived at Hope Valley you had to wonder if it was still the same person. She made things work in her new environment and worked hard to adapt and fit in. These two were attracted to each other but it was a slow burn because they were clueless on the feelings they had for each other. Zach’s past tried to destroy his new life but Rae was not having it and she stood up for her man. The banters with secondary characters were amazing and it was great watching the OG’s as parents of adults. Can’t wait for more!!
September 8, 2025
I was disappointed by The Little Things (Second Hope #1) by Jessica Prince. This book had such potential and a good premise. Written in duo POV’s between Rae, a 23-year-old socialite from Los Angeles that is your typical spoiled brat. After getting in trouble with the law, her parents cut her off and send her to a ranch in Virginia. This is where she meets Zach, a 35-year-old rancher whose family owns the ranch. He immediately dislikes her and puts her to work on the ranch. Of course, the two who despise each other fall for one another.
Unfortunately, this is where the book lost it for me, the two get together and immediately its “I love you”, “I want you pregnant”, blah, blah…. Like absolutely no storyline, no conflict… nothing. I really wish this book could have been more, but it wasn’t.
I give The Little Things (Second Hope #1) by Jessica Prince 2 stars.
Unfortunately, this is where the book lost it for me, the two get together and immediately its “I love you”, “I want you pregnant”, blah, blah…. Like absolutely no storyline, no conflict… nothing. I really wish this book could have been more, but it wasn’t.
I give The Little Things (Second Hope #1) by Jessica Prince 2 stars.
July 31, 2024
What an amazing start to the Second Hope Series! Zach and Rae are perfect for each other. Rae is the calm to Zach’s storm, and Zach is the light to Rae’s feeling of helplessness! This book is one that will have you glued to every word. It was so refreshing and heartwarming. I enjoyed watching these two deny their attraction, but when they finally gave in, their chemistry was so great. The progression of their relationship was filled with laughter, angst, admiration, and love. I enjoy Jessica Prince’s small town romances and her writing ability. If you haven’t read the Hope Valley series, now is the perfect time so you can get caught up on the cast of characters you will most like encounter in the Second Hope Series!
August 1, 2024
Audio and written review:
The little things is right. This author puts those tiny details in the story that really makes it sparkle. Rae an entitled individual who knew that wasn’t her but the pressure from friends was too much needed to learn life lessons and what it means to care about more than herself. Zach who has found peace in his life but is quickly disturbed when he sees Rae and knows there is something special about her where she is meant to be with him. This slow burn romance that not only makes the two fight emotions with themselves, but shows us some of the little things in life that make it special. I loved this book and I hope there are more books from her on the other side characters we met.
The little things is right. This author puts those tiny details in the story that really makes it sparkle. Rae an entitled individual who knew that wasn’t her but the pressure from friends was too much needed to learn life lessons and what it means to care about more than herself. Zach who has found peace in his life but is quickly disturbed when he sees Rae and knows there is something special about her where she is meant to be with him. This slow burn romance that not only makes the two fight emotions with themselves, but shows us some of the little things in life that make it special. I loved this book and I hope there are more books from her on the other side characters we met.
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