Not a Thing

Seddledowne #2

by Susan Henshaw

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

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

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

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

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

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

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2024

Reviews

[Sonja · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[Tatum - nuggetybooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Holly Ruble · Rating 1 out of 5]

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

[Melanie’s reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

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

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

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

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

[Mrs Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

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

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

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

[Nicola Doyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Jackie McClellan · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Gina Blades · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet & swoony small town fake dating romance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Content warning: bullying, depression, stalker, suicide

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

[Pria · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

Overall, good but...

[Daisy · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

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

[Seiddy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was beyond awful, and honestly it was my fault for believing in tiktok’s recommendations, I don’t even know where to begin describing what went wrong with this, and at the fear of being cancelled I have to say, to the author please medicate… I just feel -as a person with Adhd- that the trama just kept piling up, one or maybe two plots were enough to make the story work, but this was just a bad soap opera, I feel like the author kept changing the narrative or adding story lines that made 0 sense,

So FMC was the bother’s ex fianced? Oh but also she had a brother in law who uses to be her boyfriend and almost fiancée too, and her family just act like it didnt even happen, oh but then also the MMC encouraged his brother to cheated on his fiancee because who cares if they arent married yet? Right, and then the FMC moves across the country to scape her awful family just to ended up being her ex’s boss? And the through the entire book she becames friendly with the now wife of her ex AKA the sister in law of the MMC?
And thats just the beginning, the MMC also has a plot so he has had a crazy ex “ish” that stalks him and ruins his relationship who happen to had cause the suicide of the MMC high school girlfriend, and maybe all this could have worked but Wtf is the problem with both of them? He treats her like shit and then is the perfect bf and then he is also a bully, and she just takes it and takes it, she practically run a marathon on her knees just so he could say to fuck off and later act jealous????????? Seriously WTF she begged and begged, the level of self respect, and dignity was MIA, no actually they were dead before even being born.
Oohh and also the author couldn’t even deliver a proper proposal, people in this story just took and took and took everything they could out of the FMC, I get she was trying to make it funny and introduce the next mmc for following books but honestly just NO it was beyond rude and self centered.
And dont even get me started on the ep1st4in jokes, the sexist comments and just cruelty towards all female characters they were just poorly managed.

I’ll give it 2 ⭐️⭐️ 1 for potential and the other for just give a little justice to fmc and Anna’s character

[Elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

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

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

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

[Lou_lovesreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Paula Evans Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love reading about this little town!

[Cait | GoodeyReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars? I think?

I HAVE SO MANY THOUGHTS.

BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK

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

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

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

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

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

[Senior Citizen · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Marie Girulat · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

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

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

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

[Aaren | The Bare Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 4 stars

Not a Thing by Susan Henshaw

📚 Genre: Contemporary Romance
❤️ Intimacy: Closed Door
🙊 Language: Mild
🎧 Narration: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎙 Narrators: Summer Roberts + Andrew Gibson
✨ Vibes: healing, fear, emotional wounds, found family, hope, redemption, longing

My Thoughts

Okay Susan Henshaw… I owe you an apology because I truly did NOT think you could redeem Christy after book 1 😅

And somehow… you did.

After reading One Last Thing, I honestly wasn’t sure how I would feel about Christy getting her own story. But the more time I spent with her in this book, the more I understood her.

Christy

You really see where so much of Christy’s insecurity and dependency comes from. She has spent years being deeply wounded by relationships with men and a family who made her feel unwanted, unseen, disposable, or only valuable when she was being chosen.

And because of that, so much of her self-worth became tied to love and validation from other people.

I actually thought Susan handled that emotional reality really well because it made Christy feel incredibly human, even when it was frustrating or heartbreaking to watch.

That said… I do think this was the one thing that held me back from fully loving the story.

Personally, I wanted a little more time and space for Christy to really process and heal some of those wounds before stepping fully into a relationship with Holden. By the end, I still felt like some of her joy and identity were too closely tied to finally being chosen by a man, and I struggled with that emotionally.

But even with that hesitation, I still cared about her SO much by the end of this book.

Holden

And HOLDEN 😭🤍 I absolutely loved him.

What this man has lived through because of his stalker is genuinely horrifying and heartbreaking. The fear, trauma, and guilt he carries because of it impact every part of his life and every relationship around him.

You can feel how terrified he is to let people get too close because he genuinely believes loving him could put them in danger, and Susan handled that emotional conflict really well.

Watching someone push people away “for their own protection” can sometimes feel frustrating in romance books, but here it felt deeply earned because the threats and emotional damage surrounding his past are very real.

I also loved that Christy refused to just let him make decisions for her “for her own good.” She consistently reminded him that she was capable, strong, and able to make her own choices, and I really appreciated that dynamic between them.

The Romance

I really enjoyed Holden and Christy together.

There was a sweetness and easiness for the two of them together in their relationship that worked really well alongside the heavier emotional themes and suspense elements in the story.

And while this book definitely has romantic tension and emotional chemistry, I honestly think the emotional healing and safety between them mattered more than anything else.

The Audiobook

The audiobook narration was INCREDIBLE.

Summer Roberts and Andrew Gibson both fit these characters so well emotionally, and they added so much depth to the heavier moments in the story. I was fully pulled in while listening.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I really enjoyed this book.

The emotional wounds, the healing, the chemistry, the suspense, and the redemption arc for Christy all kept me invested from beginning to end.

I will say some people say this is a standalone, but I don't agree. Christy's story is too tied to book one, so without reading book 1 I think you would be lost or at minimum missing a large element of the story.

Heads Up (please be aware these content warnings are not meant to provide spoilers, but can unintentionally give them):

• stalking
• bullying/harassment
• suicide themes
• emotional trauma
• fear/anxiety
• grief
• threats/violence

[Catalina Tofan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not a Thing by Susan Henshaw was, unfortunately, a disappointing read. While the novel appears to aim for an engaging and character-driven story, it falls short in several key areas, particularly in its characterization and storytelling.

One of the book’s biggest weaknesses is its cast of characters. Throughout the story, the characters remain largely unchanged, with little to no meaningful growth or development. Their motivations often feel unclear, and their personalities are so thinly sketched that it becomes difficult to form any emotional connection with them. Rather than feeling like real people with distinct voices and believable reactions, many of the characters come across as flat plot devices existing only to move the story from one scene to the next.

The storyline itself is equally underwhelming. The plot unfolds in a way that often feels simplistic and poorly structured, lacking the depth and polish one would expect from a professionally published novel. At times, the narrative reads less like the work of an experienced author and more like a first attempt at fan fiction written by a young beginner. Events happen because the story needs them to happen, not because they arise naturally from the characters or the world they inhabit. As a result, the book struggles to build tension, maintain credibility, or create a satisfying sense of progression.

The dialogue does little to improve matters, frequently feeling forced and unnatural. Conversations rarely reveal anything new about the characters, and many exchanges lack the authenticity needed to make the relationships feel convincing.

While every book will find readers who appreciate its style and approach, Not a Thing ultimately failed to deliver a compelling narrative or memorable characters. For readers seeking nuanced character arcs, believable personalities, and a well-crafted plot, this novel may prove frustrating. In my view, the book’s lack of character development and immature-feeling storyline prevent it from reaching its potential.

[Tropes_and_Taboo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a Thing (Seddledowne, book 2) by Susan Henshaw
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Interconnected Standalone * Contemporary Romance * Small Town * Fake Dating * Friends to Lovers * Found Family * Cowboy * Bullying (Not the MCs) * Suicide * Lawyer x School Principal * Sports (Volleyball) * Cheating (Reference to Past Ex)
📖 290 pages 🎧8h31
🎙️ Narrated by Summer Roberts & Andrew Gibson (Dual audio)

Book 2 of the Seddledowne series, which follows the romantic beginnings of each of the Dupree siblings. While each book can be read on its own, the Dupree family is very close-knit, so characters continue appearing throughout the series. The FMC of this book is also a fairly significant secondary character in book 1, so I’d highly recommend starting there first, though it’s not absolutely necessary.

This is a closed-door romance, so there are no spicy scenes as the relationship develops. That said, it’s still very much an adult story with innuendos, cursing, and mature themes, just no explicit content beyond some kissing.

One thing this story does really well is showcase the contrast between families. Our FMC comes from an incredibly toxic one. While her sister is the main catalyst; self-centered, manipulative, and selfish, the rest of the family enables the behavior in different ways. Meanwhile, our MMC has a supportive and close-knit family that constantly steps in to help, even while he’s busy self-sabotaging his own life.

There’s also a heavier storyline involving bullying and suicide that may be triggering for some readers. These events happened in childhood, but they play a major role in the present-day conflict. And honestly? The villainous woman in this story is truly awful, she's jealous, vindictive, and determined to create as much chaos as possible. This plotline is deeply woven into the story, so if those themes are a hard trigger for you, this may be one to skip.

[Aziliz · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF 62% - The storyline was a bit of stretch and all over the place, but I was going to rock with it since I liked the previous book.
I started ticking when the author described twice some background characters as 'Black' when it was absolutely irrelevant to the story.
Yet nothing outwardly disrespectful in itself, so I kept on going.
But then the MMC, Holden (26/28), describes a 15 years old, Tally, as attractive. WTF ?
AND THEN ! At the family dinner at the Dupree's (Holden's family), one of the brothers, Ashton, who's 24 I believe, meets Tally (the 15yo) and falls in love at first sight with her. He starts flirting (kind of, as best as he can...) with her, and the whole family is like, "Let's say nothing about her being underage and let him flirt with a minor," like it's funny and cute. They end up telling him afterward, but WHAT. THE. HELL ??
Not to mention, during this so called flirting session, they argue about Jane Eyre. He being adamant it is a disgusting story about abuse, whereas she's hell bent on the book being so romantic and "it's normal to be willing to serve the man you love", and "the laws were different back then, there was nothing wrong with her being a child bride". Worst of all, Ashton seems to be the only one in his family, disagreeing with her.
I stopped at the following scene where they are castrating "old school style" some bulls as a family, using cutters or knifes or some shit to cut the testicules, making their niece's bf participe, only to end up throwing the bulls nuts at him, before he throws the bucket full of nuts right back...... no words needed...

So yeah, DNF, and that's pretty disappointing because from the first book alone, I was excited to read the whole series, especially the next book with the youngest, Anna, and her high school second chance sweet heart, Blue. But no, that's the end with this author for me.

[Missy · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

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

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

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

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

[Lesley Barklay]

This book was touted as a standalone within a series, but I struggled a bit with it as I hadn't read the first book. There were family dynamics and relationship dynamics that I feel like I was missing out on because I came into the series new in book 2.

I think the bits of this book I enjoyed the most were Christy's volleyball coaching and her building the relationships with the girls. Sadly, that wasn't a huge part of the book.

As a teacher myself, I found it a bit unbelievable that a principal would be having a make out session in her office even after school hours. It also felt like some of her interactions with the students were inappropriately close. I'm also not sure how believable I found the resolution to the story simply swapping roles with her AP, and then later getting a further demotion to athletics coordinator when she admittedly doesn't know much about sports.

All the stuff with Amber was a little bit over the top. I understand the MMC has unresolved trauma from his childhood, and the stuff that happened with Savannah was horrific, but I feel like, as a lawyer, he would have taken legal opportunities to put out a restraining order on her.

This one wasn't really for me, but other people might enjoy it, particularly if they read the first book and fell in love with the characters.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

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

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

Swearing: no swearing

Physical intimacy level: closed door, no spice

Star rating: 5 stars!

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

[Jeanine Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

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

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

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

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

[Julia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought I was too harsh in responding to the first one so I read the second one...mistake, big fat waste of time mistake. I was right three hours earlier.

Henshaw writes a decent character. She even has good conversations. Her premise is pretty solid but does absolutely nothing to draw the reader in past the barest layer. And then she does this thing where she takes a reasonably modern woman with a back bone and just turns her into a withering, simpering 1950s stereotype...in this one the heroine actually GIVES her principal position to a man for no apparent reason so she can take the Vice Principal position and ultimately the athletic director position. WTF...it is 2026, not 1976.

BOOK ICK... Direct quote regarding a pregnant high school girl

"We had two other girls in the school who were also expecting but, and I hated to admit it even in my mind, they fit the stereotype. Low income, from uneducated the broken homes." Tell me how you are a Christian but a judgy one with a mean spirit but make me look for it. Ick AF.

No. Don't waste your time since the author couldn't be bothered to do more than dial it in.

[Gifford MacShane · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

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

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

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

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

[Jesse · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

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

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

[Lia Lorimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[BookLionQueen · Rating 5 out of 5]

always entertaining!

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

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