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She’s rebuilding her life. He’s reclaiming his strength. Together, they’ll face the dangers of their pasts—and the undeniable pull of their hearts.

Samuel Cooper has spent his life protecting his family, his ranch, and the people he loves. But after a health crisis left him feeling caged by their constant worry, all Sam wants is to prove he’s still the capable cowboy they’ve always counted on. When his new Office Manager arrives, pregnant and clearly all on her own, it triggers every protective instinct in his body.

Evelyn Williams left Wisconsin with nothing but a baby in her belly and a fierce determination to start her life over. Landing a job at the picturesque Red River Ranch in Bell Ridge, Texas, offers her a place to heal and a chance to provide for her baby on her own terms. Independence has always been Evie’s armor, and she’s not about to let anyone break through—especially not the gruff, irresistibly attractive cowboy who seems determined to dismantle the walls she’s built around her heart.

Sam and Evie clash from the start—his fear of letting someone else down making him reluctant to trust, and her desperate need to stay forcing her to fight for her place at the ranch. Neither expects the growing tension between them to spark something deeper, something neither can ignore.

When Sam’s long-held secret about his health comes to light, it unexpectedly puts Evie—and her baby—in harm’s way. Now, he’ll do whatever it takes to protect her and her child. But Evie isn’t used to leaning on anyone, and trusting Sam means surrendering a part of herself she’s fought hard to protect.

Can two people used to standing alone find the strength to stand together? Or will the shadows of their pasts keep them apart for good?






Although each book in the Men of Clarence County series is a standalone in an interconnected world, the author recommends reading the series in order for maximum enjoyment.

414 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 28, 2025

285 people are currently reading
1109 people want to read

About the author

Tilly H. Colson

16 books134 followers
Tilly H. Colson is a contemporary romance author who enjoys writing stories filled with emotion, heartache, and happily ever afters for men who range from golden retrievers to alpha protectors, and the amazing women they love!!

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5 stars
312 (34%)
4 stars
309 (34%)
3 stars
213 (23%)
2 stars
52 (5%)
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15 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
Profile Image for Indiana Hatzakortzian.
58 reviews6 followers
April 23, 2025
love a cowboy more then the next girl. But I just don’t think this title was my cup of tea.

I feel as if it was just too long for a romance with far to many subtle lots going on. By page 250 with bad guy (1) dealt with the book could have easily finished. The romance was also slightly lacking in some form. To me it felt as if they hated each other one second and were infatuated the next with little ground covered in between.
Profile Image for Peta.
209 reviews
April 21, 2025
Lord help me, why did I read this? The FMC is INSUFFERABLE and the MMC is actually lovely but the ppl in his life make him feel bad for not wanting to be treated like a child. And the sister?! Fuck me, I wanted to smack her, especially when she got on her high horse about spilling his secret at the bar. Who the fuck does she think she is?!
Urgh. All of them, insufferable and boring and insufferable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Christina.
597 reviews12 followers
March 19, 2025
This was such a good book! I loved the story between Samuel and Evie and how the grumpy as hell cowboy softened to Evie and her unborn baby. He really was there for them from the beginning and it was heartwarming to see. Evie was really stubborn at times but Sam handled her with care and she did the same with him. They both had their issues and it was nice to see them there for each other. Evie wanted to have a baby so she got a sperm donor but that didn’t matter to Sam. Evie moved to Texas due to problems with her former boss. I enjoyed their love story. They had a special connection and the nickname jellybean for the baby Evie was pregnant with was so cute! It was a good romantic suspense book and this is the last book in the series. I liked how we got to see how all of the couples in the previous books ended up and how their families grew and the found family they all had together. Tilly knows how to write swoony, powerful and golden retriever men!

Profile Image for Kellie Forney.
139 reviews1 follower
Read
April 27, 2025
I’m sure this book was one I saw on Instagram or TikTok and the baby storyline was what sucked me in. It’s the 5th and last book in the series and I didn’t read any of the previous books. This book was just okay to me. Maybe I’m not a cowboy girl. Maybe I just wasn’t interested in the mystery of who was stealing from the ranch. All I know is I don’t quit books so I finished it. Also I am a girl who likes her spice. Just when I think I’m finally going to read some action on the page we close the door. Sam and his buddies all seem like a good time, but I think I’ll go read another hockey book now.
1 review
July 4, 2025
I will start by saying that the book could have been really good but was unfortunately poorly executed. Brace yourselves it’s a long review.

The only good point : Jellybean, that’s it.

The book was just TOO DAMN LONG for nothing. Nothing happen 50% of the book. The second part of the book is filled with the same damn conversations between FMC and MC in 3 different places.

The FMC is annoyingly and stupidly stubborn.
I get that she’s hyperindependent and all but it’s just too much, to the point that it’s grotesque. Every time she open her mouth, every damn sentence she pronounced, it’s to say in an offended tone : « you don’t need to do that » or « you didn’t need to do that I can take care of myself » when clearly SHE CANNOT. She’s so stubborn she’s ready to put at risk her freaking baby !! Even when she’s in DANGER she fights everyone who wants to help her. She faints or gets dizzy but no worry she can walk by herself and risk falling on her stomach but that’s okay because she’s an independent woman. It’s hot as hell outside but oh no that’s okay, she can drive her 6 months pregnant self in her crap of a car even though she ended up fainting and oh no let’s not accept some help because « I can handle it ». All along she takes stupid decisions after stupid decisions. She pissed me off so bad I rolled my eyes more than I could count.

The chemistry between the couple was just not there in my opinion. They go from I hate you to I love you in a blink of an eye, without any solid foundation. Without any real emotional building.
Because the book was TOO DAMN LONG, I thought it was gonna be a slow burn but no.
Samuel was sweet enough, he’s protective of Evie and Jellybean, he falls hard and fast.

The « big » plot was poorly executed honestly it was one chapter and it lacked a lot of details as if the author just wanted to overlook it. Plus it happened so early I really was perplexed. It happened at maybe 30-35% of the book, it was very weird and over fast.
And then there was another very very unnecessary plot twist in the last two chapters and AGAIN it was bad.
The epilogue was all over the place.

Overall this book was disappointing I’m sorry, I wasted my time.
916 reviews6 followers
November 1, 2025
Rating: 3/5 stars

POV: Dual, 3rd person
Length: Novel
Relationship: MF

Primary Tropes/Features: Cowboy romance, Small town, Not his baby, Pregnancy, Workplace romance, Protective hero, Enemies to lovers vibes, Found family

Secondary Tropes/Features: Health crisis, Forced proximity, Suspense, Closed door scenes, Kink (bedroom instruction, praise, good girl, choking [he receives])

Micro Tropes: “My girls”, Ride your cowboy, Who did this to you?

Content warning: A content warning is included at the start of the book but does not include all possible triggers: This book includes:

‘Samuel’ was a sweet and easy to read romance with just enough suspense thrown in to keep things angsty.

Samuel (Sam) was the protective hero of his family, family ranch, and of all those he held dear. Having recently suffered a life altering health scare he was out to prove to everyone that he remained as dependable as he always was which didn’t always result in him putting his best foot forward. Though we got to see plenty of his stubbornness he was also a deeply devoted and sweet hero who I enjoyed learning more about, flaws and all. Evelyn (Evie) had escaped a bad situation and was attempting to rebuild her life whilst preparing for single motherhood. Her independence was her armour and she was someone who could give as good as she got when it came to judgement and questions of her capability. She was a sweet and stubborn heroine who was flawed in her own way and I was invested in her character throughout the book.

Sam and Evie clashed from the start and there is no doubt in my mind that things got worse between them before they got better but it was a quick turn around as despite the consistent spats and arguments there was a growing tension neither could ignore. When things changed between them they kept that enemies to lovers vibe they had going which was enjoyable because it didn’t suddenly change their personalities instead showing us readers how their care and growing devotion to one another clashed with the independence they were both holding on to. Despite this they did end up in a very sweet and loving relationship and there were plenty of moments that had me thinking “aww” - especially Sam’s annotations in the pregnancy books he bought. Evie’s pregnancy was a big part of their romance and it added an enjoyable element to their story especially Sam’s feeling of honour towards Evie for her sharing something as special as moments of her pregnancy with him and I loved how he fell for her unborn baby just as hard as he did her.

To accompany their romance there was a light suspense filled secondary plot that featured some of the triggers listed above and there is no avoiding them. Elements of the secondary plot were surprising when I think back to my initial impressions of the book but I do think it's a plot that fit well with the characters and the setting and it didn't overshadow the romance too much. Potential triggers of this book were often present for just a brief amount of time so I don't think they have the potential to be overly triggering for readers and I do think they were handed with the respect that they deserved however please note that given their brief appearance you may process them as being there for the shock factor over anything else.

They were also an abundance of secondary characters within this book who largely came from Sam's friends and family. They were all likable in their own ways and I do think they added to the book especially as they became Evie’s found family however there were some characters that we were meant to like that had moments where I questioned their motives and their involvement in Sam and Evie’s story. There were times when I saw them as overstepping and became annoyed with them but I can put my experience aside and see that they were their own complex characters and perhaps if I had read their books prior to this one I would be more understanding? That being said it didn’t lessen my enjoyment of the book as obviously my focus was on Sam, Evie, and Jellybean.

This appears to be the last book in the series and having not read any of the previous ones I can say that you can read this as a standalone. I didn't get confused by characters or by previous plots that were mentioned in the book and this is an enjoyable one that I'm glad that I have read. Sam and Evie were really sweet and despite the bittersweet moments in the epilogue I am glad they got their happy ending.

Favourite Quote(s):
Why are you telling me this?" she whispered.
"Because, you've earned your place here. You're right. This is your home. And Jellybean's too."
At the ranch, and in my heart.
My girls.


"I suggest you never say something like that about the mother of my baby or my daughter again, or I will make sure you never see another Wisconsin sunrise."

“... I want them to all be carbon copies of you. I'll never survive the sass, but boy will it be fun trying."

Profile Image for Amanda G.
51 reviews
April 15, 2025
While this book was cute, I felt as though everything went from 0 to 60 in every direction. All the situations were nothing then everything and back again. I kinda got whiplash! The epilogue was BEYOND disappointing.
Profile Image for Katarzyna Szuszkiewicz.
66 reviews1 follower
April 23, 2025
wtf happened there? all the murderous characters and actions? like shit filling this book with so much rage didnt do any good
Profile Image for Spinster Pam.
177 reviews10 followers
March 19, 2025
I was not prepared for how good this book would be. How much I would enjoy it. How deeply I would love these characters. Sam & Evie (& Jellybean) completely stole my heart.

Evie/Evelyn is an office manager extraordinaire escaping a bad situation while trying to find a place to build a home for her and her unborn baby. Sam/Samuel is a rancher who carries the weight of the world on his shoulders and had a bit of a (major) health scare and is dealing/not dealing with the aftereffects of same.

Sam hires Evie on the recommendation of his bestie, Daisy. Evie shows up at the ranch to sign her employment contract while trying to keep her pregnancy under wraps. Things do not go as planned. Mostly because Sam decides to be a complete and utter jerk. Things between them get significantly worse before they get better. But once things start getting better? They get so much better!

Sam's behaviour in the first part of the book was really anger inducing (I may have had to put my kindle down and walk around my apartment to calm myself) which was unexpected given his reputation for being so sweet & kind. It was out of character which can happen when someone has had a trauma like he had and is dealing with all of the feelings and change that he was facing. So well written.

Evie is so relateable. Anxiety and hyper-independence? Same, girl. But Evie is who I wish I had had the strength to be when I was younger. She has anxiety and stuff she is dealing with, but she has a pull in her heart to be a mom and she is doing everything she can to bring her little girl into the world.

Sam and Evie are beautiful characters. They are flawed and sweet and frustrating and clever and smart. And the nicknames! Their nicknames are perfection.

The five year in the future epilogue? Lord. That had me bawling! Those last couple sentences? Destroyed me! In the best way.

I received this as an ARC and I am so grateful for the opportunity to read it early. Final books are always hard for me. I am a big time crier and I get attached to characters, so this was rough in the most beautiful way possible. I am sad to be saying goodbye to this series. I love the characters and stories that Tilly has built. But I love leaving knowing they are all safe and well.

You don't have to have read the other books to read this one (although there will be spoilers for those other stories), so don't feel like you can't read SAMUEL if you haven't read the others. Clarence County is ready for first time visitors and frequent flyers at whatever point you want to visit.
Profile Image for Nicole Lovelady.
35 reviews1 follower
April 2, 2025
Packing my bags for Texas

I loved this series; Bell Ridge is the quintessential small town that just happened to have bad people. Nothing like a group of strong, sometimes broody men to take care of their ladies.

I adored Sam throughout the series and was so glad to watch his story finally unfold. Nothing like this quiet, strong man fall for a strong independent woman.

I love that Evie had no problem putting him in his place and made him work for their life together. The slow burn was well done and I love that there wasn’t an ex she was running from - it was amazing to see her coming to the ranch pregnant by a donor because she was ready for the next step in her life and was comfortable doing it on her own.

Watching Sam be extra ooey gooey with her and their jellybean was sweet and a beautiful reminder that families come in different shapes and sizes.

I enjoyed all of Tilly’s misdirects when it came time to find the villain. There were so many people it could have been and I was definitely surprised in the end when they were revealed! If you love a small town romance with suspense this series is one to read.

🤍small town
🤍he falls first
🤍cinnamon roll MMC
🤍pregnant by donor FMC
🤍rancher

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Profile Image for Kiara Hulon.
147 reviews
May 11, 2025
4⭐️’

I really enjoyed this book! The connection between Samuel and Evie was so well done it was touching to watch this gruff, no-nonsense cowboy gradually open his heart to Evie and the baby she was expecting. From the start, Sam stepped up for both of them, and it was genuinely moving to witness.

Evie had a fierce, independent streak, but Sam met her where she was with kindness and understanding. They both came with emotional scars, and it was beautiful to see how they supported and balanced one another. Evie had chosen to become a mom on her own through a sperm donor, but that never changed the way Sam saw her or the baby—his acceptance was unconditional. The nickname “Jellybean” for the baby was adorable and added a sweet, personal touch to their story.

This book also delivered on the romantic suspense front, keeping things engaging while still focusing on the emotional journey. As the final installment in the series, it wrapped things up nicely. I loved seeing how the other couples’ lives had evolved and how their sense of community and chosen family had grown stronger over time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Stephanie M.
175 reviews1 follower
July 3, 2025
Pretty decent story

I got sucked in from one of those out of context reels on FB. I usually expect these types of books (contemporary romance/romantic thrillers) to be enjoyable reading but nothing that stands out…almost like a Hallmark movie or like the popular tv dramas. I loved Evie’s character and I did appreciate the tough but soft cowboy that Sam is, but this book seemed to drag on. There was almost too much drama and I felt like some of the villain/bad guy actions didn’t quite line up with their motivations. A lot of the drama was too repetitive or seemed forced to the point where I was trudging through the rest of the book.

This isn’t my typical genre I read…I do tend to read mostly fantasy with the occasional contemporary romance to take a breather so take this review with a grain of salt. I also tend to read more rom/com contemporaries so maybe this really just wasn’t my vibe.

There were of couple of somewhat detailed spicy scenes, but I skimmed through them since those aren’t my vibe but this is definitely not what I would consider a spicy book if that’s what you’re looking for.
Profile Image for Karen B.
1,478 reviews24 followers
March 28, 2025
From the dedication to the last words of the epilogue, Samuel had me in a gripping hold. Was it because of the beautiful romance that develops between Evie, a soon-to-be-mother and Sam, her cowboy co-worker? The emotional wringer brought on by their traumatic pasts? Maybe the action and suspense as they uncover secrets? Or how about the show of strength a strong friend group and found family bring? It’s all of it. And oh goodness, the sweetness and protectiveness of Sam’s character just make this such a heartwarming finale to The Men of Clarence County series. I feel like I was enveloped in a big hug. This series was everything I ever wanted…romance, suspense and amazing, complex character arcs, and to know that we truly are “worthy of a love like the ones found within the pages “ of their stories and to have our own happily ever afters.
Thank you to the author for an eARC. 4.5 stars
10 reviews
July 9, 2025
I think I’m in love with both MCs???

This book was so freaking cute. I could not even handle Sam and his love for Evie and Jellybean and all the sweet things he says… and boyyyy does he have a dirty mouth on him too 🥵🥵 I could have used a few more of those scenes tbh 👀👀 and Evie is the perfect combination of sweet and strong, allowing Sam to lean on her and be vulnerable but also not being a doormat and letting him walk all over her at the beginning. I loved that she was totally open and honest about her past and that it didn’t leave room for miscommunication (my least favorite trope) and that she was able to hear Sam out even though she was upset with him about not telling her about his heart. I loved everything about this book, and the epilogue is such a great wrap up for this series! Sam was definitely my fav!
Profile Image for Dishi  Gupta.
413 reviews1 follower
September 6, 2025
I know pregnancy tropes can be divisive, but I actually loved how this one was handled — even though it came as a surprise. It’s fascinating how much a trope like this reveals about the characters and the author: the way the MMC and others treat the FMC isn’t just about the story, it’s about exploring how deeply ingrained misogyny is in society. Watching the characters actively fight against those internalized ideas was one of the most satisfying parts of the book for me.

The plot had just the right amount of twists and turns, and I especially loved how well-paced the character development was — nothing felt rushed, which made every emotional moment hit harder. This is exactly what I look for in a good book: thoughtful growth, well-executed arcs, and a story that challenges expectations.

Verdict: Highly, highly enjoyed this one!
Profile Image for Millie Payne.
172 reviews
March 31, 2025
Loved Every Moment!!

This book was incredible to read, I barely stopped to breathe. Such a beautiful story and I’m sad I didn’t start from the first of the series. This book was just full of overprotective, love, babies, family, cowboy fun and a dash of trauma that just made this story so lovely to read!
I love Evie and Sam so so much and they really are perfect for one another. The way sam is so protective literally melts my heart and the way Evie allows Sam to let all his emotions out and doesn’t give into the stereotype where men shouldn’t cry. I loved the men mental health awareness in this book! Loved this family so much!
Profile Image for the questionable librarian.
15 reviews
March 16, 2025
This was the first ARC I have received. I absolutely loved the Men of Clarence County Series and could not wait for Sam’s story. This is a small town suspenseful romance series with siblings and found family . And, the shy/reserved/damaged/grumpy character always turns out to be my favorite. Sam, a rancher who is always there for his friends and family finally agrees for some help for himself. But, his new office manager comes with a few surprises. And, their adorable love story is filled with drama and suspense.
Profile Image for BecReadReview.
1,881 reviews34 followers
March 17, 2025
Stubborn meets Stubborn & Sassy is what we get with Sam & Evie. Despite the clashing meet, it's beautiful how Sam grovels & slowly romances Evie. We see venerabilities displayed which melts your heart. The sweet yet hot chemistry heats up the barn! The strong men & women of Clarence County continue to amaze you with loyalty & love. Suspense slowly creeps in & you see amazing camaraderie in play. Loved the epilogue that both tugs your heart & makes you smile as we see them live their best lives. Tilly has ended this series beautifully.
Profile Image for Leah-Marie.
104 reviews4 followers
March 26, 2025
Wow…Samuel by Tilly H. Colson.

This story had me hooked from the very first chapter—I flew through it in under 24 hours! The found family aspect? Absolute perfection. The little traditions, like the names on the cowboy hats and the nicknames, made my heart so full. And while this is undeniably a swoon-worthy romance, there’s also so much plot. Just when you think you’ve figured it all out, the story hits you with even more twists.

I won’t spoil anything, but if you’re a cowboy romance lover, you need to read this one. Trust me—you won’t regret it! BEAUTIFUL story xx
Profile Image for books.w.tiff.
64 reviews3 followers
May 9, 2025
I don’t have enough words to tell you how much I LOVE THIS BOOK.

I have 221 highlights from this book ALONE.

I am down right OBSESSED with Sam, Evie, and little Jellybean 🥹🥹

This book is absolutely EVERYTHING that I love in a book. He’s grumpy, possessive, and falls first. THE GRUMPY COWBOY FALLS FIRST!!!!!

I don’t want to give too many spoilers but I finished this book in less than 2 days and I cried my eyes out at the epilogue. It wrapped up the ENTIRE series so perfectly. One of the best epilogue/ ending to a series I’ve ever read.
Profile Image for Escape_withStephanie .
473 reviews11 followers
April 26, 2025
I loved this like beyond loved this. It was amazing ,like the way she made us fall in love with them as the pregnancy progressed, now that was perfec , I didn't just get her going birth immediately ,but got to see all the stages, plus the side mystery and plot twist!Noww that was shocking, what I didn't like was how much shit you made her go through at the ending like what do you mean after all that; it is a HEA just not what I would have imagined.
Profile Image for Lucia.
94 reviews
May 10, 2025
I’m a Samuel girlie through and through 😍 This man, oh my my my, caring and vulnerable at times. I’m obsessed how this one was portrayed because we were hinted that he’d have his own book.
They here cared for Evie until the very very end of the book was so touching.
Would love to read an epilogue novella on all of the couples but nonetheless this series is finished perfectly! Cannot wait to read more of Sebastian’s Navy Seal team though 🙂‍↕️
Profile Image for gracie.
106 reviews3 followers
Read
June 9, 2025
dnf at about 40%

there was nothing ‘wrong’ with this book, it just wasn’t for me unfortunately. The 3rd person pov kind of confused me and I personally didn’t really enjoy (I much prefer 1st). I found it a bit too fast paced, which didn’t really make sense for the story.

The mc’s were cute tho, and I liked the idea of the romance and mystery. all of the side characters were also okay!

just not a book I vibed with 💗
Profile Image for SewRomanticReads.
106 reviews1 follower
August 7, 2025
Samuel was amazing!! The epilogue at the end wrapped this series up perfectly! Sam and Evie’s story might be my favorite! Which might be because it has one of my all time favorite tropes - the✨not his baby✨ trope.

Tilly H Colson is an autobuy author for me, and I truly don’t see enough people talking about her books!!

Tropes:
-not his baby
-small town
-romantic suspense
-found family
-rancher mmc
-workplace romance
355 reviews12 followers
June 15, 2025
A small town, sexy cowboy, workplace, pregnancy/ moved her body back on the sofa, tilting her hips out a bit in, not his baby, romantic suspense. stomach fluttered with how perfectly her rounded bump fit into the palm of his hand.
He called them his girls
He took care of her every time she almost fainted
He talked to her baby girl every night
Profile Image for Abby Westling.
543 reviews
August 22, 2025
This was a beautiful ending to this series. I’m glad we got such a beautiful wrap up with the characters. I think this was also the most creative plot and it really made this a quick read, despite being a bit longer than the rest. The solstice scene was beautiful and I am so so glad it was included. Will for sure be checking out Silver Springs.
Profile Image for Lauren.
694 reviews2 followers
October 6, 2025
4.75 stars

Oh man, talk about a roller coaster of emotions. I love Sam and Evie. The way this man makes up for his poor behavior when they first meet and the way he loves her and supports her is swoon-worthy. I love this love story. The suspense was great I thought it was over and then boom didn't see that one coming.
Profile Image for Rebecca Sherman.
79 reviews1 follower
March 17, 2025
WOW! Tilly has done it again. 5 stars for Samuel (and Evie and Jellybean)
The browsing cowboy and his office manager, there were so many twists and turns with this book I had no clue where to look.
But as always HEA for everyone and it was great to see a glimpse of all of their lives 5 years on.
Profile Image for Sydney.
451 reviews5 followers
March 29, 2025
Sam and Evie ❤️❤️

This book was absolutely incredible!! Full of suspense, love, and a found family, and that all works together so well because Tilly H. Colson has a way with words that leave everyone wanting more!!
Profile Image for Honeliz Perales.
Author 3 books4 followers
March 31, 2025
Sam and Evie

I have been waiting impatiently for this book. The Men of Clarence County are something else, but Sam, I was waiting for his turn. Tilly, girl you hit it out of the park…again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews

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