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Her Side of the Story
As battles to unmask the criminal unfold, can Rosie keep her livelihood intact while attempting to save the man she loves from himself?
Rosie Henderson pours her broken heart into selling handmade candles and silk scarves at her English gift shop, Peacocks and Peonies.
Infamous crime author and celebrity playboy, River Sutton, arrives in the coastal town of Hillford with high hopes a little salt air will cure his writer’s block.
Rosie and River’s chemistry is undeniable when they cross paths in a near-miss meet-cute. But falling for River comes at a cost. Rosie’s carefully crafted and idyllic life is upended by River’s hedonistic lifestyle and substance abuse. As Rosie balances the new demands River’s public lifestyle has in her life, her beloved shop is targeted in a sinister act of vandalism. The threat is personal; break it off with River—or else.
Rosie works with the local police to unmask the perpetrator while helping River confront his demons. But the threats keep escalating, and Rosie fears the scars of the past may be too deep for both her and River to overcome.
Rosie Henderson pours her broken heart into selling handmade candles and silk scarves at her English gift shop, Peacocks and Peonies.
Infamous crime author and celebrity playboy, River Sutton, arrives in the coastal town of Hillford with high hopes a little salt air will cure his writer’s block.
Rosie and River’s chemistry is undeniable when they cross paths in a near-miss meet-cute. But falling for River comes at a cost. Rosie’s carefully crafted and idyllic life is upended by River’s hedonistic lifestyle and substance abuse. As Rosie balances the new demands River’s public lifestyle has in her life, her beloved shop is targeted in a sinister act of vandalism. The threat is personal; break it off with River—or else.
Rosie works with the local police to unmask the perpetrator while helping River confront his demons. But the threats keep escalating, and Rosie fears the scars of the past may be too deep for both her and River to overcome.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 28, 2025
1 person is currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
Kellie Wallace
15 books40 followersBorn and raised in Sydney, Australia, I’ve loved books for as long as I can remember. My passion for storytelling took root at thirteen, after discovering Emily Rodda’s Rowan of Rin series. Throughout my teen years, I experimented with creative writing, penning countless fan fiction novels of my own.
In 2008, I self-published my first novel, All She Ever Wanted, an experience that remains one of my fondest memories. Since then, I’ve traditionally published multiple novels across a wide range of genres, including paranormal, crime, WWII romance, and dystopian fiction.
I stepped away from writing to focus on family life, returning to my laptop when Sydney entered lockdown in 2021. The pause reignited my creativity and reminded me how deeply I adore storytelling. I live in Sydney with my husband and two children. When I’m not writing, I can usually be found playing video games or streaming my favourite shows.
In 2008, I self-published my first novel, All She Ever Wanted, an experience that remains one of my fondest memories. Since then, I’ve traditionally published multiple novels across a wide range of genres, including paranormal, crime, WWII romance, and dystopian fiction.
I stepped away from writing to focus on family life, returning to my laptop when Sydney entered lockdown in 2021. The pause reignited my creativity and reminded me how deeply I adore storytelling. I live in Sydney with my husband and two children. When I’m not writing, I can usually be found playing video games or streaming my favourite shows.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
February 18, 2025
This was a complex and compelling story about falling in love, second chances, and the depths of passion and finding connection.
It explores raw emotions, conflicts, jealousies and vulnerability, balanced against recovery and healing.
I liked seeing Rosie's inner conflicts as she's torn between love interests in her life, the pains of her past, and turmoil over who she is and how she is changing.
There are also threads of mystery and crime as the town is hit by vandals, including damage to Rosie's shop. I enjoyed the suspense of wondering if someone targets the town by chance, or if there's a personal grudge closer to home and what the motivations are.
There is a good amount of drama too from the small town gossip, meddling family, and the pros and cons of dating a celebrity. The tension between love interests kept things interesting and curious over where Rosie's heart would lead, and I enjoyed the twists at the end.
✨"I'm glad fate brought us together. Your charm and innocence are intoxicating"
✨"We are chalk and cheese, Rosie. But opposites attract, do they not?"
✨"Most women give up after I screw them because I have nothing left to offer. You saw past my flaws and gave me a chance"
✨"You've gotten yourself into a very tricky situation, lass. Two men are pining for your heart"
It explores raw emotions, conflicts, jealousies and vulnerability, balanced against recovery and healing.
I liked seeing Rosie's inner conflicts as she's torn between love interests in her life, the pains of her past, and turmoil over who she is and how she is changing.
There are also threads of mystery and crime as the town is hit by vandals, including damage to Rosie's shop. I enjoyed the suspense of wondering if someone targets the town by chance, or if there's a personal grudge closer to home and what the motivations are.
There is a good amount of drama too from the small town gossip, meddling family, and the pros and cons of dating a celebrity. The tension between love interests kept things interesting and curious over where Rosie's heart would lead, and I enjoyed the twists at the end.
✨"I'm glad fate brought us together. Your charm and innocence are intoxicating"
✨"We are chalk and cheese, Rosie. But opposites attract, do they not?"
✨"Most women give up after I screw them because I have nothing left to offer. You saw past my flaws and gave me a chance"
✨"You've gotten yourself into a very tricky situation, lass. Two men are pining for your heart"
January 29, 2025
This was a captivating story of Rosie that is going through the ups and downs in the process of finding true love.
The many different elements in the story made it interesting and kept my attention the whole time. There was also a lot of twists and turns.
I enjoyed this read.
The many different elements in the story made it interesting and kept my attention the whole time. There was also a lot of twists and turns.
I enjoyed this read.
September 12, 2025
“Small-town romance, celebrity drama, mystery… and a love interest who might just ruin everything 👀”
Rosie thought she’d found peace running her little gift shop—until River Sutton, a brooding crime novelist with more baggage than an airport, walks into town. The chemistry? Instant. The drama? Off the charts.
When someone vandalizes her shop, Rosie’s perfect world unravels. Is River worth the chaos… or is he the reason it’s happening?
🔥 Why You’ll Love It
• Steamy romance ❤️🔥
• A dash of mystery 🕵️♀️
• Twists you won’t see coming 😱
📖 If you love romantic suspense with small-town vibes, this one’s a binge-read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2024
With passion, romance, celebrity, a policeman, and a who done it, this story took Rosie through so many experiences the desite for her to find happily ever after while reading made this a real page turner. The intimacy moments were very steamy and written so well. I would totally recommend this book.
April 14, 2025
3.5⭐️
I thought this book was great. It was really good. I loved the balance of description and telling me what was happening. I enjoyed the writing style. I thought Rosie was a sweetheart, and I loved River and Scott. It was so good!
I thought this book was great. It was really good. I loved the balance of description and telling me what was happening. I enjoyed the writing style. I thought Rosie was a sweetheart, and I loved River and Scott. It was so good!
November 16, 2024
Found it hard to get through this story.
A lot happening but getting nowhere
A lot happening but getting nowhere
February 11, 2025
Excellent book, I really enjoyed it and know many others will as well. I look forward to reading more of this author's work in the future.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews