She's back in her hometown with a shattered heart, a suitcase full of secrets, and no idea how to put herself back together...
After discovering her fiancé's ultimate betrayal, Emery Reed returns to the only place that ever felt like home. Her family's crumbling farm in Hartson's Creek.
She tells everyone she's just here for the summer. But what she doesn't say is that the wedding's off. Or that the life she spent ten years building is gone.
Most days, it's all she can do to breathe under the weight of everyone's expectations.
Then she meets him. Hendrix Hartson. The grumpy, tattooed neighbor who's just as guarded as she is broken. And he makes her feel something she thought she'd lost for good. Hope.
But Emery isn't the sweet, straightforward girl he thinks she is. And if the truth comes out, it could break them both.
Because Emery's heart isn't just bruised. It's fractured. Fragile. And falling for him might be the final break.
That One Night is a standalone, raw, emotional small-town romance about two scarred souls, one impossible connection, and the kind of love that dares you to believe in forever. Even when it hurts...
Praise for the Heartbreak Brothers Next Generation
'An absolute must-read.' - Nikki, The RomanceBookstagram 'Full of all the angst, spice and drama you want. I loved this!' - Souplala, Goodreads reviewer 'The most wonderfully romantic book I've read in a long time' - Story Goodreads reviewer 'The forbidden romance, age gap, love at first sight...I was hooked immediately' - Jaime, Goodreads reviewer 'I couldn't put this book down!- Erica, Goodreads reviewer 'I absolutely loved this story.' - Shannon, Goodreads reviewer 'This was utterly gorgeous!.' - Sarah, Goodreads Reviewer 'A wonderful story' - Booklover Bev 'I couldn't put it down' - Turn The Page Lady
Carrie Elks is an international bestselling author of traditionally-published and self-published novels. Her books are sweet yet sexy contemporary small town romance stories. You can find her in all these places:
Ah this was just such a lovely book, I read it all in one day pretty much non-stop!
This is a story of two people who are starting over a bit in life and come back to their small hometown.
Hendrix has a sweet protectiveness about him, even when it sometimes makes things more complicated than they should be.
Emery is a sweet woman who has been in a bad situation and is now just trying to catch a break. She wants something a little different for herself than she’s had.
The way Carrie writes families just always gets to me. I frequently tear up reading her books just based on their relationships and how they are with each other, even completely separate to the main story of the romance between the MC’s. I dunno, the families are just so tight and supportive and I love it.
Omg Emery’s ex is a real piece of 💩! That’s all I have to say about that.
There are many funny parts that had me really grinning - the whole fun convo around Hendrix and his tattoo was hilarious. Loved the teasing and banter. The moderate spice is weaved into the story as just a warm, passionate extension of their growing romantic relationship.
There’s parts in this where I got frustrated with them both but kind of in a good way? Like the drama drew me in.
At times the book was slightly generic for me and I didn’t feel overly connected to Hendrix and Emery, I think the overall small town and family vibes, the ‘world’ this story is set in, bumped this one up for me.
That said, it was still very much a lovely and engaging read that I couldn’t put down.
The end was so heartwarming and this was just overall a satisfying, touching romance.
If you like a classic small-town/farm boy romance, you’ll definitely like this one. It’s the last in the Heartbreak Brothers Next Generation series which was a follow on from the first Heartbreak Brothers series. All of the books have been excellent - they can be read in any order but I highly recommend checking them all out! Carrie is one of my immediate read, no hesitation, authors.
4/5 ⭐️
I received an advance copy of the book and have left my honest, influence-free review
I loved the last of the Hartson brother books. we still get glimpses of Pres and Marley and now get to see their younger, bad boy, brother Hendrix who finally gets his story. He and Emery are great together, I loved how they met and really enjoyed Franks antics, what a character!
This was a lovely ending to the Heartbreak Brothers Next Generation Series. Hendrix and Emery were wonderful characters with insecurities and flaws, but big hearts filled with compassion and a longing to belong. I loved their chemistry, passion and playfulness, and the way they helped each other overcome past constraints and baggage to find happiness in themselves. What sat much less comfortably for me was the cheating (but not cheating) and sneaking around aspects of the story. The angst this created was difficult to read, but did keep me eagerly turning the pages wishfully waiting for the truth to be revealed. Of course Carrie came through with a wonderful happy ending for the pair and blissful epilogues to allow the reader to bask in the happiness. This has been an absolutely delightful series and I am sad to have reached the end.
I was lucky to receive an early copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Cute story. But I just didn’t like the storyline about pretending to be engaged to her ex. Something else would have been better to me. It threw me off.
Every book in this series is REALLY good. I loved every couple and every story. I feel like this is her best series so far and I highly recommend it. SPOILERS AHEAD
This one was “a little” frustrating for the first half. Now I absolutely loved both Hendrix and Emery so much. Their banter and chemistry was extremely well done. But I HATED the fact that she let everyone think she was engaged for so long. Instead of building up the suspense of them not being able to be together (because she let everyone think that she was engaged) it just annoyed the hell out of me. There were so many times that she should have told the truth to both Hendrix and her mom. If I didn’t love these characters so much, I would have dnf’ed. Once she came clean to Hendrix, (at 50%) I finally felt like I could breathe. Like I said—I LOVED them together.
There’s a third act break up—it was emotional and I really wanted to just shake Hendrix. I felt the scene where he has a “come to Jesus” talk with his mom was really emotional and well written. The ending was good, but the extended epilogue made it even better. I actually kinda miss this whole family (in this series) right now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
In the first two books, we saw twin brothers Pres and Marley find love and now it’s their youngest brother’s turn.
After years of traveling the world, 29 year old Hendrix Hartson is back in his hometown. After a bad experience with a woman in California, he’s ready to settle down in Hartson’s Creek. He’s bought a cottage with some farmland and meanwhile is also working for his uncle. His plan is to focus on his future and avoid a relationship for a while. Everything is going well until his neighbor’s daughter Emery Reed returns for the summer. Emery is a kind-hearted, intelligent and beautiful woman. She’s a temptation for Hendrix. But she isn’t single, she’s engaged to Trenton, someone Hendrix grew up with and they weren’t friends! So the last thing Hendrix wants is to fall in love with Emery, but the chemistry between them is hard to resist.
Emery and her fiancé Trenton grew up in Hartson’s Creek, but then moved to Charleston, where they still live. Emery is unhappy in her relationship and after ten years together her feelings for Trenton have faded. But ending things with Trenton isn’t easy. He wants her to pretend that everything is still okay for the summer. Emery doesn’t want to do it, but she’s also finding it hard to tell her mother the news. Emery’s father recently passed away and her mother is still grieving. Emery returns to Hartson’s Creek, for the summer holidays, to help her mother sell their farm and find a new house. Emery never expected to fall in love during the summer and now her promise to Trenton is making everything so much more difficult.
This is a sweet story. You get both POV’s. Hendrix may be the ‘bad’ boy of Hartson’s Creek but as you get to know him better, it becomes clear that he’s a good man with a wild side. Someone with a vulnerable side too. Hendrix had learning difficulties in school which caused him to hate school and misbehave. The special band that his twin brothers shared, also made him feel a bit left out. He loves his parents and family very much but he feels that he’s often let them down. He’s just a lonely guy, searching for his place in the world. One of his passion is working outdoors, farming on the land. He shares this passion with his uncle. His only companion is a goat named Frank. Frank is an expert at escaping and finding trouble. But he can also be very sweet. There are some funny scenes with Frank in the story. They make me laugh.
Emery and Hendrix were made for each other. They are a huge support for each other. They respect the other and don’t want to change each other. I really appreciated that. The fact that Emery couldn’t tell Hendrix the truth only made it harder, but thankfully, it ended well. The author gave us an epilogue, which I loved!
Emery’s best friend Maisie gave her a summer bucket list, which led to some really fun scenes in the story! Maisie is a very good friend.
It’s wonderful to see so many familiar faces from the previous books again. To see how the other relationships are progressing.
That One Night is the fourth (#4) and final book in the Heartbreak Brothers: Next Generation series.
Emery Reed has returned home to Hartson’s Creek to help her mum get the family farm ready to sell. Armed with a list of ‘challenges’ to try to lift her out of her funk following the end of a long term relationship, it takes everything in her to just get through each day.
When she meets Hendrix Hartson with his grumpy, closed off demeanour, she is surprised by the immediate sparks that seem to erupt between them. But she has so much to deal with in her life that she’s not sure if she has the energy or will to break through Hendrix’s walls.
But as they start to spend time together, their feelings begin to develop. Do they have the chance at a future together or are all the hurdles they face too high to overcome?
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I’m sooo sad this heart warming and delightful series is coming to an end!! With a beautifully crafted storyline and adorably relatable characters the pages simply turn themselves.
Hendrix believes that he is the quintessential ‘bad boy’, that he’s responsible for causing his family embarrassment, that everything he touches turns sour. So he keeps himself isolated, not realising the effect this has on his family. his battle to see himself as worthy is related perfectly, and we see how much Ember is responsible for his slow transformation. He is a character you can really empathise with.
Ember is a ‘pleaser’ and her character is frustrating at times as she seems to do everything to keep everyone else happy whether or not she wants to. You want to tell her to stand up for herself at times, but Hendrix makes her realise that she can be herself. A teacher, she’s quite straight laced unwilling to draw outside the lines but Hendrick helps her be braver.
It was lovely as always to see other members of the Hartson family appear - there’s just something about that family, that town, that makes you want to be there. There is a quirky character ‘Frank’ who’s adorable and Embers encounters him as soon as she moves back to her mum’s. Their first meeting, which leads to her first encounter with Hendrix is HILARIOUS!!
I don’t know how Ms Elks does it but she invariably hits your feels right in your heart. I have yet to rate one of her books less than 5⭐️.
This book is a standalone but I recommend you read all the Hartson books to get to know the characters.
I received an ARC from Carrie Elks. All comments are my own honest, unbiased opinion.
Finding True Love When they Least Expected It - The last thing on Emery’s mind when she returned home to help her mother, as she had just broken up with her fiancé, but everything changed after a billy goat decided to play matchmaker. Hendrix was happy living a single life and working on his uncles farm, after his disastrous relationship caused problems for his family, but his goat decided to change his anti-social lifestyle by introducing him to the gorgeous neighbour.
Even though Hendrix and Emery’s initial interaction was awkward, they soon found themselves spending time together and getting to know each other, which heightened their attraction towards each other, but they couldn’t cross the boundaries because she was keeping agreement she had made a secret. However, the sparks between them made it really difficult to keep their hands off each other, so Emery decided to tell Hendrix about her agreement, so they wouldn’t feel guilty about exploring their feelings for each other.
Unfortunately, not long after Hendrix and Emery settled into their relationship, her ex-fiancé arrived to reek havoc on their lives and an unplanned action by Hendrix led to the breakdown of their budding romance. Luckily, Hendrix’s mother gave him the courage to fight for what he wanted, so he did everything possible to convince Emery to give them a chance at having the future they both deserved. This is a heartfelt romance story with the type of hero and family dynamic we would all love to have in our lives. The level of steam was incredible and the small town feel of the story ensured I had a fantastic reading experience.
I received a free review copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another fantastically romantic book from Carrie Elks,and the 4th and final book in this series,which I utterly enjoyed. Emery and Hendrix are just so Amazing I adored their love story. Emery is back in Hartson Creek to help her Mum sell their farm after her father dies..So her stay is only supposed to be temporary...She has also been in a relationship that has shredded her self confidence. Hendrix is a farmer and works so hard he has also been a relationship that burned him...So both characters have their issues to get over. Emery's friend Maisie makes a to do list for Emery to help her get some self confidence back...and put the spark back into her life. Frank the Goat is involved in Emery and Hendrix meeting for the first time,its so funny and cute. Hendrix appears grumpy and standoffish..quite the opposite of Emery's sweet and caring demeanor...the one thing apparent with their first meeting is there is alot of chemistry between them. Hendrix helps Emery with her to do list which brings them close together and As they spend time together a friendship forms that bubbles over into passion. But Emery has a secret and there are obstacles to face for them so could all this just ruin what is happening between them? I loved reading this story there is some angst but it is all worth it for the HEA at the end.. That One Night is such a Glorious romance heartwarming,emotional and sweetly steamy..It is one of those books that is very hard to put down and I adored it. Carrie Elks is just so good at writing stories that make you feel and have you coming away feeling good inside. This series has been such a privilege to read. Loved it. 5 Stars.
Another lovely installment in this next generation series.
Emery Reed moves home for the summer to help her mom get sorted and ready to sell their family farm. Problem is: she has recently ended her engagement - for valid reasons - but the guy persuades her not to tell anyone yet. The ex-fiancé seems like an arrogant jerk, who doesn't know the meaning of the word 'no', so it makes you wonder why she was engaged to him in the first place.
Anyway, only her best friend knows the truth, and she challenges Emery to complete a bucket list. I actually quite like this idea, as it encourages her to step outside of her comfort zone. While completing one of the items on the list - skinny dipping - she comes face to face with her neighbor's naughty goat, who promptly steals her underwear. This leads to her meeting her mom's new neighbor: Hendrix Hartson.
They are no strangers, but haven't been in touch since high school, when she was your classic good girl, while he had a bad reputation. They've both grown up since then, though, and can't deny their immediate attraction. The fake engagement holds them back, but they do strike up a kind of friendship. Or at least friendly neighbors.
The fake engagement becomes even more complicated, which makes the ex-fiancé even more of a jerk, but at least it prompts some honest conversations between Hendrix and Emery.
I liked how their relationship grows, despite the initial secrets. The Hartson family dynamics are also always fun to read about, and this book doesn't disappoint in that regard.
This book - and the whole series - makes small town life actually appear appealing to this city girl!
That One Night tells the story of Emery and Hendrix. Emery temporarily moved back to Hartson's Creek to help her mom sell her childhood home. While everyone thinks she is engaged, she is hiding the truth about what happened. Hendrix is building his very own farm, next to Emery's home, and although they've grown up in the same town, their lives have been very different. But from the moment they meet again after all these years, it's clear that there is a lot of chemistry between them.
I loved reading about Emery and Hendrix. Their lives are totally different, and they have very different personalities. But everything about them just really worked. Emery and Hendrix start out as friends, and I loved those moments between them. They truly made each other better and I loved them.
Coming back to the small town of Hartson's Creek was such a treat. I love this small town that I got to know through reading the previous books in this series, and the Heartbreak brothers' series. It's just the perfect small town romance series. And even if you haven't read the previous books, this book can easily be read as a standalone.
The one thing I didn't really enjoy, was the way Emery just kept keeping secrets from her mom. This made all their lives so much harder. And it just felt wrong! But, it didn't bother me to much since we got some very steamy and sweet moments.
Overall That One Night was a great story and I really recommend it!
I didn't want the book to end! The Hartman Family has been such a lovely family to follow, and seeing Hendrix finding happiness was a beautiful ending to this saga. Hendrix is the youngest, and termed a bit of a rebel through his life. His journey was filled with curves and bumps as he was overcoming undiagnosed dyslexia, which had him struggling. He starts afresh with a piece of land of his own, and a goat Frank who was part of the property deal lol!!! His home is near his old school friends farm, and she has returned home to help her mother sort things out after the death of her father. Poor Emery, being coerced into pretending she is engaged whilst trying to complete her friends list of 7 items which i really feel was a genius idea and I am doing this for my friend! Emery is finding her feet and helping her mum, and really discovering who she is! And there is a moment I cheer for her! The sparks with her and Hendrix are flying off the page as she tries to tick of item 1 lol!!! There is a lot of laughs, heat, flirting, family fun, cameos with our old favourites, and the funniest scene stealing goat ever. The book is substantive, well written, the story flows beautifully and the characters dialogue keeps you wanting more. Its a slow burn for a reason!! We blame Emery for this, but her intentions of the charade is something we would have all had. A fab read.
A grade school teacher and a fit farmer? What a great pairing and an entertaining plot, partially driven by the to-do list that Emery's BFF Maisie imposes on Emery's summer break back in her hometown of Hartson's Creek, West Virginia.
It's got great separate back stories for Emery, with her self obsessed ex-fiance, and Hendrix, a Hartson son who's always felt a bit left out and subpar. I loved the meet-cute instigated by billy goat Frank, and the way the two leads connect inspite of it all, with Hendrix set on helping Emery ace her to-do list. Her secret can only keep them apart for so long, especially with the hot summer days and skimpy summer wardrobe!
This romance had all that I expect from Carrie Elks, one of my go-to authors. The leads are totally sympathetic and complex, embracing the fight between rationality and passion before succumbing. Yes, there's steam nicely interspersed with the drama. Although Frank was a strong, comic presence, Hendrix was my favorite character. Hardworking, generous, principled, close to his large family and totally bowled over by his neighbor in spite of his best efforts to be the better man. So hard to resist!
A thumbs up from me!👍👍
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
I was given this book in turn for an honest review.
Wow what a story Carrie Elks has delivered this time. This story is inspiring and touches on tough subjects. However, it also gives strength and inspiration that no matter how far we are down a broken road, we can turn it around, find our true selves and have the life and love we both envision and deserve.
Without any doubt Emery’s ex-fiancé is a complete muppet, he is not only still trying to destroy peoples lives he has a history of it too. Thankfully, Emery found her strength, knew her worth and turned her life round, leaving him for dust.
Hendrix, the broody, grumpy, hardworking, and deep-down sweetest man; he absolutely stole my heart from the first time I met him. He had some past issues that were still holding him back, and thanks to Emery he was able to talk about them and work on his strengths.
I honestly loved Emery and Hendrix so much, their connection and chemistry was of the charts, I just cannot get enough of Hartson’s Creek and the Hartson Family.
If you love small town romances, not only is That One Night the book for you, you should definitely check out the Heartbreak Brothers Series and The Heartbreaks Brothers Next Generation Series, you will not be disappointed!
A great end to another fabulous series from Carrie Elks. I can’t get enough of Carrie’s books they never fail to make me smile, to make me want to visit the town they are set in to know the characters who seem so real. This was the last in this series which was sad as. I love the Hartson family. Emery ended her engagement after finding a dating app on his phone, she also realised how unhappy she’s been for a long time after he slowly but surly had moulded her to his wants and needs, finally she’s able to breath freely but he gets her to agree to wait until his parents return to let family and friends know of their split. This majorly backfires when she sets sights on Hendrix, the chemistry is clear as Frank the goat steals her panties, ( you need to read no spoilers lol ) I wish their had been more Frank antics throughout as he was a great humorous flirt. Hehe
I would have loved to have had a few more family interactions this one didn’t seem to have ad much as others and I love the family feel. A second epilogue with the whole family would have made my read lol yes I’m greedy when it comes to Carries families, I’m always left feeling warm and fuzzy after reading one of her reads. Highly recommended book & series best read in order but can be standalone.
That one night is the last book in Heartbreak brothers next generation series ~ Oh how I’ve missed this small town of Hartson Creek, along with the Hartson family, chairs & the ongoing shenanigans of this small town.
Carrie has given us another beautiful romance book for us to loose ourself in ~ You know those books that make you swoon and give you all the feels ? That one night is that book ~ An emotional read, written to pure perfection. I loved it 💗
This book is a standalone but I recommend you read all the Hartson books to get to know the characters.
When Emery’s father passed away she returns home to Hartson Creek to help her Mum prepare the land/property for sale. With her confidence knocked after the end of a long term relationship her best friend Maisie sets her a “must complete list” to bring Emery back to life.
Hendrix Hartson, known as the town bad boy has felt so lost & alone for so long that he focuses on working his uncles farm. He’s closed himself off from everyone he cares about. He’s surrounded by a loving family. Twin brothers but they had a kind of bond that could never be broken.
When Emery meets Hendrix (hilarious first meet) they had an immediate reaction to one another. The more time they spend with each other the more their feelings deepen. They dance around one another all summer, trying to figure out their feelings & relationship.
Together they bring each other out of their self imposed misery & isolation ~ It was almost like they were going through the motions of life, half asleep whilst waiting for each other to wake up.
That one night is beautifully written & what it means to find light after darkness, hope after heartbreak, and love when you least expect it.
I loved this book & honestly can’t recommend it highly enough ~ If you’re a fan of the following tropes then That one night is for you
🥰 Best meet cute, EVER ! 🩵 Bad boy trying to be good 💗 Good girl trying to be bad 🏡 Small town romance 🌞 All the summer vibes Thank you Carrie, another amazing read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Emery has had it with her fiance, Trenton. After 10 years together he's got a dating app on his phone and he's never home. Certainly he isn't the loving man a fiance should be. She's heading home to their small town to help her mother sell the family farm after her father's death. And his parents are on a long cruise. So in order to keep word from spreading like wildfire in town they agree to keep the breakup a secret until everyone could be told at the same time. Emery doesn't know that he has loaned her parents money and taken a lien.
Hendrix went to high school with both, but he wasn't in their class. He's now living across the road from Emery's mother's house on his new farm. He's also working on his uncle's farm to earn a pay check. Neither expects to find the other attractive, but when Hendrix goat steals Emery's clothes when she's skinny dipping, both are embarrassed, yet taken with each other.
But his secrets, her secrets, and her parent's unintentional secrets cause difficulties. And Trenton's self-importance and selfishness cause further problems.
This is a great romance, and a very sexy story. I jumped in with both feet and enjoyed the whole thing.
- I do not do spoilers unless warned. - If you’re looking at books, I assume you can read - read the summary above; it will tell you what the book is about. I will not reiterate.
Book:
POV/narrative: 4rd person alternating viewpoints SA/ cliffhanger: standalone (as of now) Ingredients:
Finally the baby of the family falls. Hendrix and Emery's story is one that grabs you from the start and keeps you coming back. I'm loving the small town stories and having read the brothers' (and uncles' stories) I'm longing for my long ago small town life. The antics of one particular animal kept the story light and entertaining.
I rate this book as “Adult” to include:– (Note: rating description below borrowed from another site) • May contain profanity (or words considered crude) • May contain passionate and extended kissing • May contain one or more onscreen semi-detailed or detailed love scenes • May also contain non page but descriptive intimacy scenes • May contain graphic descriptions of nudity and/or body • May contain drug, alcohol or tobacco use
When Emery life starts to fall apart, she decided its time for a change from everything. She leave her good for nothing fiance and moves back home to help her mom prepare her childhood home for sale. But moving back home comes with its own problems. The biggest being her neighbor who happens to be the boy she once knew but like her, is all grown up now.
Hendrix is immediately attracted to Emery, but she's wearing a ring that puts damper on him mood. But as they begin building a friendship, keeps their hands to themselves will be a huge problem. Unit one night, she confesses her secret then all bets are off. But will their chemistry and love be enough for our love birds finding HEA? Both are gonna have to look deep down and see if their love is worth fighting for.
I absolutely loved these two together and i'm really sad to see this series come to an end. But next generation is coming and i can not wait to start reading what happens to them next.
***Review copy requested and received on behalf of Carrie Elks Review team***
Hendrix and Emery are both back in town for different reasons. She’s here to help her mom get their farm ready for sale while keeping her breakup on the down low until summer’s end. Hendrix is done with his wild ways. He’s working for his uncle and living in a cottage next door to Emery’s mom. There’s a lot of chemistry and attraction between the two but Hendrix is steering clear of anything remotely romantic since he thinks Emery is still engaged to Trenton. Emery finally reveals her secret to Hendrix, spurs him to make a move. Everything eventually comes to a head but not before they fall in love.
There was just something about Emery and Hendrix that had me rooting for them from the moment they met. He was protective but not overbearing. He showed parts of himself to Emery that no one else saw. Emery just wanted to catch a break, to find some peace and get her bearings. Their HEA was definitely earned. Good riddance to Trenton!
I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review.
I can always count on a Carrie Elks book to leave me feeling great, & smiling along the way. Her books always have a “real life” quality, like the situations could actually happen to someone I know. This small town, instant attraction, bad timing story is really entertaining. It’s easy to like Emery & Hendrix from the start. Who knew a funny, troublesome goat could be such a great ice breaker? Without giving too much away, I’ll just say the struggle to resist the mutual attraction is as futile as containing Frank the goat. There’s plenty of opinionated family & friends, spicy scenes, laughs, emotional baggage, & a self-centered jerk of a villain determined to make everyone’s life miserable. These next generation books are a fun way to revisit the Hartson family featured in the original Heartbreak Brothers series. If you haven’t read them from the start, do yourself a favor & go back to the beginning. It all starts w/Hendrix’s mom & dad. Thanks to the author for allowing me to read an advance copy of this one.
Hendrix and Emery are chef’s kiss in That One Night. Carrie really knows how to create a beautiful, sexy story with hidden depths and small town shenanigans. I’ve enjoyed reading every one of the books in this series, but this one has completely managed to top the others after getting to know Emery and Hendrix.
Emery Reed has returned home to Hartson’s Creek to help her mum get the family farm ready to sell. Armed with a list of ‘challenges’ to try to lift her out of her funk following the end of a long term relationship, it takes everything in her to just get through each day.
When she meets Hendrix Hartson with his grumpy, closed off demeanour, she is surprised by the immediate sparks that seem to erupt between them. But she has so much to deal with in her life that she’s not sure if she has the energy or will to break through Hendrix’s walls.
But as they start to spend time together, their feelings begin to develop. Do they have a chance at a future together or are all the hurdles they face too high to overcome?
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a complimentary copy. Emery Reed has returned to her hometown in Hartson's Creek, leaving her fiancé Trenton behind in Charleston. Emery and Trenton have been together for 10 years, but Emery does not feel the same for him any longer and wants to call off the wedding. Trenton talks her into keeping it a secret for the summer. Hendrix Hartson also returns home to Hartson's Creek after a bad situation with a woman he met; he is gun-shy and has no intention of getting into a relationship.
Hendrix and Emery are neighbors, and there is an attraction between them, but Hendrix believes Emery is engaged. I will say Emery is way nicer than I am. I would never agree to not tell everyone that I was broken up with a fiancé who treated me poorly. I was rooting for Hendrix and Emery; these two are perfect for each other. I loved Frank, the goat; they are so cute. Overall, another wonderful love story, with great lovable characters and an awesome goat named Frank.
3/3.5⭐ - I definitely loved Emery and Hendrix, this third act breakup though was very frustrating. Communication is key people! Use your big kid words and be an adult.
Emery returns home to help her mother sell their rand after the death of her father. Before she left, she broke things off with her boyfriend/fiancé of 10 years, with the agreement to wait until the summer was over before telling anyone. Thinking she is just going to be spending time with her mother, this doesn't seem like a problem. However, she didn't anticipate Hendrix Hartson living across the street, or how much more attractive he's gotten over the years
Hendrix was just trying to go about his life on his new ranch, the short lasting thrill of seeing Emery, only to notice her engagement ring certainly put a wrench in things. Especially since her fiancé and him have some rather rough history. When it seems that his feelings might not be one sided, he is hesitant to start up anything, given her status and his reputation.
The third act break up just took me straight out of this one, all it would have taken was a quick conversation and none of that would have happened.
I love the world of Hartson’s Creek - the OG and the second Gen series’s are just such lovely warm hugs of a read. This is Book 4 and it’s Hendrix’s book.
Hendrix is an adorable MMC - working all the hours outdoors on his farm and no time for love following a past entanglement that went wrong. This rugged yet sensitive man meets Emery who has also had a relationship go awry and goes home to help her mother sell their farm. On realising she is available their romance blossoms despite it being kept secret. This story is just gorgeous - these wonderful characters finding each other. I loved the build of the story - you know their relationship won’t stay secret and the shadow of Emery’s ex hangs over them and you know it’s all going to come to a head. This is a warm, funny, engaging small town story with all the banter and humour plus spice you expect from a Carrie Elks story. This book just made me smile- loved it
It's always great to return to Hartson's Creek even if all isn't smooth sailing for Emery and Hendrix. As I'm trying to put my thoughts together to write this review, I can't help chuckling at their first meeting after her return home and her introduction to Frank (Hendrix's goat). I hate to say it, but Frank has almost stolen the story!
As the story progresses, we learn the extent to which Emery's putting others before herself has been a detriment to her. And working on the to-do list that her friend Maisie gave her to complete over the summer slowly brings her back to core self.
For Hendrix, he feels that he is the screw-up always letting people down and doesn't see the fine man that he has grown to be. This leads him to seeming like a grumpy person.
I loved this couple, how they tried fighting their attraction for each other, their integrity, and their loyalty to their families.
Well it’s true, Hendrix is now my favorite of the brothers. What a sweet, sweet man. I couldn’t wait for his personal story to be revealed, and it definitely didn’t disappoint. He carries a bit of a weight on his shoulders, but that doesn’t stop him from being the best version of himself everyday. For himself, his family and then for Emery. I really enjoyed these two together. The pair deserve to have love in their lives, and when you read what they both have gone through it’s heartwarming that they are open to finding it again. Carrie is a master at writing small town romance novels, and a part of that is a big family connection. She does this so extremely well that I tend to wish that they were my actual family by the end of the story. This book ended so beautifully, and it looks like this is the end for now. Truth be told there is a certain cousin I wouldn’t mind reading their story.
We’re back in Hartson’s Creek for the last of the Hartson brothers! I’m torn, sad that it’s come to an end (for now I hope) but absolutely buzzing from reading Hendrix Hartsons story. To say I devoured this book is an understatement, after reading Pres and Marley’s story, I was antsy to get my hands on Hendrix and his little tortured soul. Emery - what a woman, so kind, so patient but also too kind and is manipulated by her ex. He’s a piece of work! Forced proximity (they are neighbors for the summer), a secret romance, undeniable sizzling chemistry and a very flirty Frank, love that little goat! Carrie, you have done it again, please can I move to Hartson creek and join Chairs?!
I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own
Emery and Hendrix Close proximty (neighbors) Smalltown
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ SPICE: 🔥🔥
Emery is returning home, newly single (but hiding that fact) to help her widowed mom get the farm ready to sell.
Hendrix having returned home and vowing to be good and not bring any shame to his family, especially his mom.
Emery has a now-that-I-am-single list and I am a sucker for a list. There is immediate attraction by both, but Hendrix immediately puts his out as she is engaged. Small moments here and there, and a spontaneous lapse of judgement has him giving into his desires. Thankfully Emery finally tells him she is single and why she is keeping it a secret.
I adored this story. Adored his dedication to his farm (and goat Frank). Liked Emery and her determination to start living.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. This is the 4th book in The Heartbreak Brothers Next Generation series. Each book can be read as a standalone. Emery is home for the summer to help her mom get the family farm up for sale. However, after going through all the paperwork she discovers there is a lein on the land. And it's the last person she wants to talk to. Hendrix moved back home and has settled into a solitary routine. He likes his simple life. Just him and Frank, his goat. He works on his uncle's farm and in his spare time he's working on getting his farm up and running. He definitely doesn't have time for his new neighbor, even if Frank insists on being friends with her. I just loved these two and of course Frank was a hoot. Can't wait for more.