Sunshine and the Sheriff: Special Edition

Everette #2

by Alina Lane

Enjoy this steamy small town story from author Alina Lane... 

Small town? Yes. Quiet? Not anymore.

As the eldest brother of six rowdy boys, Sheriff Harlan Calhoun is used to running a tight ship. It’s how he keeps his brothers, and his town, out of trouble.


But that infamous control flies right out the window when Maisie Williams comes crashing into his life—literally. 


With the camper that provides her both transportation and a place to live out of commission, Maisie is in desperate need of a place for her and her baby girl to stay.


Now Harlan has a gorgeous, if somewhat skittish single mother living above his garage. 


Temptation incarnate, and one he is slowly losing the battle to resist.


But Harlan has other battles to win. Like the battle for his job, and his town—and whatever it is that sent Maisie running to Everette in the first place…

Sunshine and the Sheriff is the third novel in The Everette Series, where the characters are interconnected, the story can be read as a standalone. Strong language and sexy times ensue in this HOT small town romance.

Genres: Romance, Small Town Romance, Forced Proximity, Found Family, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Abuse

326 pages, Paperback

First published July 11, 2024

About the author

Alina Lane writes swoony, steamy, romance that combines all three to capture you from page one and keep you hooked long past the happily ever after.

A pocket sized powerhouse, Alina lives with her personal Hunky Hero and two children in Arizona. Slathering on sunscreen and living life to its fullest she enjoys hiking, camping, fishing and rock climbing in her desert backyard.

When not hard at work on your next literary escape, you can find Alina embracing her bad-assery on Call of Duty, binge reading or shopping for nail dip sets to compliment her book covers.

Join Alina's information packed newsletter here: https://alinalane.com/contact

Reviews

[Lilyya ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

[Jen ♥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

sweet 😄

[Always Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claire Kingsley included this book in her newsletter and after the blurb I knew I needed to read it immediately.

This is my first time reading this author and I loved everything about this book. A heroine on the run, a baby, 6 rowdy brothers and a small-town. Sign me right up.

Maisie found herself on the run when she found out she was pregnant by her abusive ex who is also a cop so she didn't feel she could report him. She swerves trying not to hit a deer, crashes her camper with her daughter with her and that's how she crosses paths with the sheriff, Harlan.

These two characters were great, so much depth and the connection/chemistry was written so well. I'm in love with the Calhoun brothers, the jokes, pranks and banter were spot on and painted the picture of their family dynamic so well. The author had many scenes with them and I just liked how present the characters were, since he has so many bothers (5) I'm glad they didn't just randomly pop into chapters. They were truly sewn into the story and all have their own distinct characteristics.

I also really loved the way Audra, Maisie's 6-month old daughter was written into the story. Maisie was an amazing mother and Audra didn't feel like an accessory to the story at all, she was well and truly her own character. It was great seeing the characters get wrapped around her little finger too and were all fighting for baby snuggles.

I loved that the heroine wasn't completely destitute and came up with a plan/saved money before running and was living out of a camper for a while and doing short-term rentals. While she did need some help after the accident since her home rental fell through and her camper was no longer liveable I liked reading that she had more than just the clothes on her back and was also able to continue to working since her job didn't require her to be in office. -- I don't think anything is wrong with those types of stories and will still read tf out of them. It's just refreshing and made this story feel up-to-date and utilized today's technology and resources.

Safety: no cheating or separation, OMD - ex is abusive and makes an appearance but gets his karma, mentions of r*pe but it happens off page, she tells Harlan about it. Not even a hint of OWD.

[Sabrina]

Get it here:
Amazon US * Amazon UK

[AddictedToReadingRomance · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Perfect Small Town Romance

Awww I love this reading so much. So many swooning moments, happy moments and emotional moments too. These Calhoun Brothers are the best, I loved them in book 1 but now in book 2 I’m over the moon obsessed. Harlan, Maisie and Audra are the little perfect family. From strangers to neighbors to lovers, it was such an amazing story. The romance, the passion and all the laughter made this story perfect. Harlan with his patience and incondicional love and protection for Mais and Audra makes my heart melt. Maisie finally settled down in the perfect small town. Her past broke my heart but her present and future heels everything for her and her daughter. Audra is the perfect bundle of joy and love, she has all her uncles and aunties around her pretty little finger. Can’t wait to read Jedd and Andy, please let’s them be a friends to lovers romance. Can’t wait for all of them and maybe Hal’s too. Amazing!

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lane does it again. Easily my favorite series of hers so far. If you love small-town romances with heroes you wish existed in real life, heroines with a heart of gold, and a family of hot as heck brothers, this might just be the series for you. Lane writes a town I wish I lived in with a cast of characters I wish I knew in real life. This one had a few rougher themes, but she dealt with them beautifully. Already waiting for the next in the series.

[Bonnie Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harlan and Maisie’s story is everything you want in a small town romance! Maisie Williams is running from a jagged situation with her daughter, and will do anything to keep her safe! After an accident, she finds herself in the hospital in the small town of Everette where she wakes up to the Calhoun brothers taking care of her daughter, and meets the sexy sheriff of Everette and the brother of the Calhoun boys! You will fall in love with this whole family! The way they rally around and protect Maisie and her precious daughter is absolutely delightful! If you like protective cinnamon roll heroes, a heroine who finds her true self along with her happily ever after and all the small town shenanigans this book is for you! Well done, Alina Lane!

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me encantó 💕 💕

[Confidentlyinthe.clouds Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was cute
But I felt like there was too much going on to focus on the plot and vibe of what I was looking for

Too many characters had voices at once , If ya know what I mean

[Amarilis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maisie, Audra y Harlan eran la familia perfecta♥️ Los hermanos Calhoun y Jem son todo lo que esta bien, fueron el complemento perfecto en esta historia. Cada vez que se peleaban por cargar a Audra, no podía parar de reír, que dulzura🥰
Los libros de romance en pueblos pequeños y héroes que son un rollo de canela son mi perdición así que en ocasiones no suelo ser muy objetiva pero esto me gustó mucho♥️

[Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was cute and wholesome. h is on run from her abusive ex when the accident happens and H is the sheriff that rescues her and her 6 month baby from the wreckage and helps her get settled in his small town. He's such a protective bear, i loved him

Safety - Very safe, no virgins, no manwhores. Check tw for rape. Her ex causes some issues but gets resolved. No ow drama.

[jasminjustreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harlan and Maisie…where do I begin? This was the most beautiful love story. I thoroughly enjoyed EVERY SINGLE BIT of it and could not put it down!

Maisie is such a strong mom and her love for her daughter was very clear. Harlan and the family accepted Maisie and Audra immediately and made sure they were taken care of. I also loved that Harlan and the family just wanted to show Maisie that she was safe and that her and Audra would be taken care of.

I could go on and on but I will just say I loved this book with my whole heart and can’t wait for the rest of the series!!!

Alina is outdoing herself with this series.

Forever my love!

[Michelle Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an emotional and angsty slow burn that cranked up the heat when Harlan and Maisie finally gave in to their feelings!

I love the support that these two had from family and found family as they worked through Maisie’s trauma. I love that there wasn’t a large break up scene, just two people who didn’t give up on each when it got tough!

This one is a I must read and it will yank on your heartstrings!

[Jaime Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved ❤️❤️. There is something about these characters that makes you immediately fall in love with them. With this small town. It’s like when you open the book, you are enveloped in a big hug that is comforting and you snuggle deep loving their journey and story. Maybe you can relate in some way. Absolutely loving this series and need more asap!

[Hailey Siedel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was such a sweet read! I loved all the attention and all the mentions baby Audra got and how protective all the family members were of Maisie. Harlan and Maisie were so cute together and I love how Harlan interacted with Audra! It was just so sweet!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5

[Michele M · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved

What a great read. This author is new to me and I can’t wait to read more of her books.

[Sarah Aitken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Booktok was so right with this one!

Easy to read and I couldn’t put it down! Will be reading the rest of the series for sure!

[emily :) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Read.and.Blossom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a single parent and when there is suspense in a romance book!
The couple was amazing and I loved how the MMCs family treated our FMC almost like family from the start!

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was so fucking cute!!!!!!

[Elena Cording · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 cute fast read! Some of my fav tropes are featured

[Tammy Moldovan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crashing into love and healing

I loved this single mom, forced proximity, small town, big loving loud family romance. This heartwarming story had the perfect balance of humor, love, real life issues, danger, healing, and spice. Harlan and Maisie are portrayed as real, relatable people who have flaws, but are really just trying to do their best as messy humans. Maisie is a single mom to 6 month old Audra. She has been moving on a monthly basis to try to stay safe from her abusive past. Harlan is the sheriff in small town Everette. He grew up in the town and has 5 brothers. When Maisie is an auto accident in Everette and her camper home is totaled, she and Audra end up living temporarily in Harlan’s garage apartment. What follows the accident and unexpected stop, is a wonderful HEA journey of baggage unpacking, truth telling, trust building, inner voice finding, healing, and life course correction. I especially loved the way Harlan gently, lovingly, and beautifully helped Maisie come out of her self-imposed fear based isolation and begin to embrace life and love again. He’s such a cinnamon roll of a guy that I could feel his love wrapping around her and soaking into her skin. The story was well written and included engaging dialogue, three dimensional characters who grow, and a captivating storyline. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the Calhoun brothers love stories. 4.5 stars.

[Kristina Maysonet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alina’s writing is always so comforting. I love how sweet and swoony in it with some emotions and quirky characters tossed in. The Calhoun Brothers crack me up they are so funny!

Maisie is on the run after leaving an abusive ex when her camper crashes. And it is our hero, Harlan, who comes to the scene. He helps save Maisie and her daughter Audra and also gives her a place to stay. Harlan was so cute the way that he had these feelings for Maisie but was trying to go at her pace. But don’t even think about touching his girl because he quickly becomes very growly. My heart broke for Maisie and all that she had to go through in the past, but she proves to be such a strong person and amazing mother for knowing when it was time to leave.

[Scarlette Ember · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alina Lane has an amazing talent for weaving a beautiful love story and Sunshine & the Sheriff is no exception. Maisie and Harlan come into each other’s lives under incredibly stressful and traumatic circumstances (check your TW’s) and their kindness, compassion, and love bring them and their people together in the best ways. They are surrounded by a supporting cast of truly incredible people who lift them up and help them through.

In Sunshine & the Sheriff, Alina tackles some really difficult topics with grace, creating a beautiful story of healing, love, and found family. Another wonderful must read from Ms. Lane!

I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.

[CAH - malphrusc · Rating 5 out of 5]

☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ A storyline featuring a strong, protector sheriff and his sunshine that is way stronger than she gives herself credit for mixed in with a family of bearded brothers that are cinnamon roll hotties in disguise and SWOON! Sign me up for ALL.THE.THINGS! This book was an excellent read - I highly recommend! ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️

[Tjasa · Rating 3 out of 5]

ACAB all the way but this was sweet

[Lexie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again has Alina Lane done it. She had me falling for another one of her books and if it is even possible this might be my favourite so far.

Sunshine and the Sheriff is book number 2 in her amazing book series called The Everette Series and it literally had me on a roller coaster with my emotions.

In this book we get to meet a single mother on the run (with a few secrets) that has an accident on her way to her new rental and new city. The accident leads her to meet the handsome sheriff in the county who also happens to be the oldest Calhoun brother plus a few of his brothers. The two MCs are easy to like but that is also most of the characters we are introduced to.

The story was well written and easy to get soaked/hooked in with subjects that can be a bit sensitive and touchy but also make you feel something warm inside of you.

Lane had me tearing up when I was done with this book and I can't wait to get to know what will happen next. One of the best parts of this book is that we get to meet the MCs from the first book although just as side characters.

If you like reading small town romances with characters that feels like they could be real people then I highly recommend this book because it is just that good 😍. I also recommend to read the first book in this series, Buttercup and the Beard, before but it isn't a must.

What to expect:

🩷Close proximity
🩷Small Town
🩷Found family
🩷Slow burn
🩷Grumpy MMC x guarded FMC
🩷Cute nickname for FMC
🩷Swooning scenes
🩷Touch her and d*e

Possible tw: mentioned of abuse (both s*xually and physically

[Sami Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read the first in the series, but it was so easy to jump into the world of the Calhoun brothers without skipping a beat. There are serious topics discussed in this book, including abuse and sexual assault, and I applaud the way Alina handles those moments and the discussion surrounding those topics. I like that Maisie's feelings and needs aren't written off and that time is taken to establish the rapport that she needs with Harlan to have a good relationship with him. There were a few moments at the beginning that I couldn't wrap my head around, especially when the brothers were handling Audra while Maisie was in the ER. Based on her aversion to men and her protectiveness over her child, it seemed a little far reaching that she backed down so quickly about the baby being held. The other was the short burst writing that was more staccato when jumping from beat to beat rather than flowing through, though the tempo did change about halfway through the story and became more palatable.

But ugh, Alina got me with Harlan's quiet adoption of both Maisie and Audra into his life, from slowly loading his house with baby furniture to treating Maisie with the respect and kindness that had been lacking in her interactions for the past months. I am typically impatient about the main characters getting together but the pacing and mutual pining of their relationship helped sooth that eagerness. The brotherhood and their openness and acceptance of the girls was a treat to read and I look forward to their HEA's and hopefully getting more glimpses of the new family.

This is definitely worth a read for us romantics and for those who need a (mostly) feel-good story.

[Lucy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted this to be better. I know it could have been better. The problem came mainly with the side characters though. I get the point of having 6 boys in a family, what better way to start a series than to stuff as many dateable hot guys into one family. But they didn't all need to be as loud as the mains. The brothers ended up taking as much space in the story as both Maisie and Harlan and at that point, the plot ended up being drowned out with the potential of sequels.

As far as our main characters go, Maisie and Harlan were okay, not great but they were there. However, there didn't seem to be much chemistry between the two and maybe that's due in part to a lack of buildup. Harlan went from 0 to 100 within an hour basically, and Maisie didn't really act like she had any trauma other than a few flinches. I can't think of any abused woman who, without therapy, can almost immediately be comfortable being surrounded by several large and loud men. She went through some major trauma and was basically on the run and in hiding for a year and a half, but the moment she stops she's pretty much cured? It not only came across as unbelievable, it bordered on goofy.

In fact, the majority of this book was just goofy and over the top. From the dialogue and character reactions to the background plot lines. If you're looking for something low stakes and fairly light hearted - despite the triggers - this is the book for you. It just wasn't my cup of tea.

[spicy_book_nook · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thoughts : so slow. Minimal spice, that said. It’s a cute wholesome small town read. Harlan is definitely a hero type.

Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot / Storyline 👩🏻‍💻: 📑📑📑
First Couple Spicy Scene: pg232 76 %
Darkness: 🖤🖤
Red Flags: 🚩🚩
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 🥺🫣😑🙂
Ending: 👩🏻‍❤️‍👨🏻 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual}

⚠️⚠️⚠️spoilers - whole story***
Maisie is running from an @busive ex. She has been on the run for 15 months. She now has a 6 month old, Audra. She left as soon as she found out she was pregnant. She bought a RV and travels, never staying in one place longer than a month.
While on her way to her next destination, she swerves to miss a deer in the road and tips over the RV damaging it completely. She is knocked unconscious and thankfully Audra is fine.
Rescue comes along with the sheriff, Harlan.
Harlan has been the sheriff for 6 years and does a great job. He has four brothers (Jess, Rhett, Finch, and Boone - who is married to Jem).
Harlan immediately feels intensely towards Maisie and Audra and knows she is hiding something.
The whole town rallies for Maisie.
Harlan is also having to run for sheriff because a little rich boy (Cormac) wants to run, who has a bad history from previous precincts.
In trying to sabotage Harlan, Cormac basically reveals where Maisie is to her ex, Sean (who was also a cop).
Sean comes for Maisie and Harlan and his brothers protect her.