Libby Hartwell was done with her widowed father trying to run her life. Discovering the night before her wedding he was blackmailing her groom to marry her was the last straw. She runs away to the small town of Sunflower Falls to uncover her late mother’s secrets.
If Eric Keller learned one thing from his uncle, it was to never trust single women who still wore their engagement rings. Even if they were beautiful women who fall into your lap, and were in trouble.
With uncovering family secrets, unexpectedly fostering a dog and puppies, and considering an attraction to Eric that could cause professional ethical issues for her, Libby’s time in Sunflower Falls may be exactly what she needs. If her father’s legal shenanigans don’t take her freedom away…
Katie Lillig is a LONG-time romance reader, and has published romance under a previous pen name. She loves knitting, office supplies, and meeting new people.
This was a short and sweet contemporary romance. Less than 300 pages so a very quick read. The writing wasn’t phenomenal but it was decent enough that I was interested in reading it.
I love the small town vibe and found family. Always so wholesome in my opinion. Was it cheesy and a little juvenile at times, yes but it’s just what I needed as a cleanser.
Definitely think if you need something light hearted and romantic this is a good choice.
Okay read for me, but didn't pull me in. And I think rating it 3 ⭐ is generous already. The writing style isn't bad but it doesn't tug any emotions from me. Maybe it's a me problem or because it's in 3rd POV??? Idk, but something's missing and some parts of the book were bland, I wouldn't say the story was entirely boring but there are flat and snoozefest moments considering this is only 250+ pages.
So, Libby went to this small town, Sunshine Falls, after receiving a letter from someone telling her the sender knew about her mom. Her mom died when she was young, and her father removed any pictures of her, basically erasing her memory. And she wanted so badly to know more about her mother, and this letter gave her hope to seek that information.
Also, the night after her bachelorette party when she came to her apartment, she overheard her dad threatening her fiance. Turns out her father forced/blackmailed the guy into marrying Libby and he had some incriminating evidence against the guy's father. She doesn't love her fiancé and only agreed to marry him to please her father. Because all her life she's a good daughter and she only did things that would please her father. After hearing all about this, she finally decided to run away and to go to the town of the sender's address.
In this small town, she met Eric and Melody, the sender's nephew/niece. He was grumpy and Melody is all sunshine and they became friends immediately. It was an instant attraction for Eric, but not that much on Libby's side, though she finds him attractive, but then again there's a lot going on with her life and she doesn't have time to entertain anything.
Libby was only supposed to stay for a week, and is planning to go back to the city after she learns everything about her mom. But Eric informed her that his uncle would be gone for a month. And that's why she stayed longer than what she anticipated. All throughout her time in the Sunshine Falls, she befriends most of the locals, she even found a mom dog and her litters and fostered them. She also found a part time job under Melody. She literally built a friendship and relationship with everyone. It does help that the locals were very welcoming too, and they never made Libby feel like an outsider. With her longer stay, job, and forced proximity with Eric, they slowly build their relationship.
But tbh, I didn't feel an ounce of chemistry between them, there's no emotional connection and I keep wondering if the problem was me. They started a grumpy/sunshine duo, and he barely talks to her but would turn to a territorial caveman whenever a guy hovers her. I didn't see/feel the bond between them, then all of a sudden they were kissing, which truly caught me off guard and had me thinking where does that come from? Even the spicy scenes were meh (for me) or maybe I'm just used to reading a vivid description? In this story, usually the descriptions of the smut scenes were put together within two short paragraphs. Honestly, it had me wishing maybe the author should've just done a FTB instead. To say reading the steamy scenes was unsatisfying/disappointing is a freaking understatement.
Also, the resolution of the issue with her asshole father felt so rushed. It was glossed over and had been described off page, it's anticlimactic to say the least. I was hoping for a standoff between them, because she finally got the confidence to face her father and his horrible treatment and I would've wanted to see her give him a mouthful, but that didn't happen. Her father's plea for guardianship over her was rejected and he got arrested for apparently embezzling money.
Overall, I didn't enjoy the story and I kept looking at my progress all throughout the time 😭 It felt so dragging yet I didn't skim cuz I'm hoping maybe it'll get better after sometime, spoiler it didn't. I didn't either like that it ended in HFN, she just agreed to go back to the small town and that's basically it. There's an epilogue but it was all about the MCs for the second book. I mean why do authors do this btw? Why not just set a sneak peak for chapter 1 for the next book instead of using the epilogue portion of the current story? I want my epilogue to be about the MCs in the current book and possibly a glimpse of their lives years later.
Anyway, this didn't work for me but other readers might find this interesting.
Book Info: - No cheating/opd - Death of a parent - Parent abandonment - Cute dog and puppies - Friendly small town locals - Found family - Runaway bride - Safe sex (condoms all the time)
Note: - Don't know the MCs age but I think the H is mid thirties and the h is late twenties. - Didn't get the vibe that he's a manhoe, but it was mentioned he dated women before - She has been with other guys too before her fiancé
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was a really cute small town romance. I always love a kind of grumpy mmc and this book delivered exactly that! Even though this book is relatively short (which I prefer anyway for most romances), you could still feel the chemistry between Libby & Eric. Sunflower Falls definitely had that small town vibe/community and I can definitely see lots of potential for other stories in this setting! There are still some unanswered questions about certain plot points, but I'm thinking that some of these questions will be answered in subsequent books? I really liked that the epilogue kind of gave a sneak peak of the next possible story in this setting! Overall, this was a cute small town read :)
I was provided an ARC for this book, and I'm excited to read other stories set in Sunflower Falls!
Emotionally riveting read Not So Runaway Bride (The Brides of Sunflower Falls Book 1) by Katie Lillig is the first book I have read by this author. I took a chance based on the book’s blurb and found it to be a great find! Libby and Eric are wonderful characters and this book is off to a grumpy-sunshine trope start. Libby certainly has many reasons to not be very sunshine-y, but her genuineness and kindness won’t let her circumstances or background dim her light. Eric starts off all grumpy and gruff, but after getting to know Libby and all her misfortune and current insanity, he becomes a softer grump. The attraction between them also adds to the appeal of this book and brings out all kinds of interesting stuff. On the steam meter, this book is what I would call mildly steamy. While there are certainly sweet moments, the sexy times scenes add some heat to the heart. I enjoyed this book, not only for the main characters, but also because of the supporting characters. As the first book in the Sunflowers Falls Series, I’m looking forward to reading about some future HEAs. One in particular and bound to be pretty explosive! And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Maizey! What a wonderful emotional support she and her puppies turn out to be. I also liked that the author does not shy away from tough subjects. Life is messy and romance characters are not perfect, their families are not flawed and not everything is rainbows. That said, I felt both Libby and Eric’s backgrounds emotionally drive the riveting plots. Some books give the antagonist(s) voices within books, but I didn’t feel like that was missing in this case. The actions of the antagonists were more than enough drama and caused plenty of distress from a distance. Overall, Eric and Libby are both characters of strength. While Libby’s ordeal is much more threatening, Eric is compassionate, understanding and supportive in her quest to overcome, persevere and win. In the end, both Libby and Eric win - their HEA.
✔️runaway bride ✔️grumpy x sunshine ✔️small town ✔️a little bit of suspense (family legal battle) ✔️no 3rd act breakup
1.5⭐️
This didn’t really work for me because I cared more about the legal drama with the FMC’s dad than I cared about the romantic relationship between the FMC and MMC, but it is a romance, that should be the main focus. The author also did something that I can’t stand, and used the epilogue to set up the next book instead of showing the couple down the road living their HEA. The book ended on a HFN, which is fine, but I would almost rather the book end there and have no epilogue than have one that changes POV to a side character to set up the next book.
I mean there are cute puppies, so there is that, but like I said I just didn’t really care about the romantic relationship because we weren’t really given reasons to care. They supposedly spend the whole book getting to know each other, but it feels like we didn’t really see that other than the couple of times they spend together alone. Do they know anything about each other, other than the surface level stuff? I have no idea because most of what was talked about was both of their issues with their fathers and the side drama with his sister that will be the basis of book two, or they were in bed (and those scenes didn’t help with the plot or their relationship building except for their first time). This was a fairly quick read which is a plus for me reading goal I guess, but overall this just wasn’t the book for me.
A legal scandal, “secret” puppies, and a very grumpy MMC, what is there not to like about this book? But in all seriousness, I really liked the fact that not only are you invested in Eric and Libby’s romance, but I spent the whole book dying to know what would come of Libby vs. her dad and whether she’d get to beat his butt in court, and what the hell is going on with Tony and Melody. Libby and Eric’s story is just want you want out of a grumpy/sunshine, and while the story is on the shorter side (not a bad note at all) you don’t feel like you miss out on their chemistry or a natural build to their relationship which I sometimes feel can get glossed over in shorter books. while there are still questions I had about Sunflower Falls and some of its residents, I feel like Katie did a great job in setting us up to want more, especially with that epilogue teaser. 4.5/5, I can’t wait to see what happens for Melody and Tony next
This is a new author and the ARC was provided by Hidden Gems. I liked the idea of the story from the synopsis and thought it would be a light, fun read! I was not disappointed. The story centers around Libby, who has runaway from her wedding when she learns her father has blackmailed her groom into the arrangement. She goes to the small town of Sunflower Falls, to try to learn more about her late mother, but the man she is looking for is away and therefore she needs to stay until he returns. At that time, Libby is introduced to his nephew, Eric, who starts out as the grumpy to her sunshine. As Libby starts her stay in Sunflower Falls, she takes a temporary job with Eric and his sister. She also finds a stray dog and her new litter of puppies that become a big part of her new life there. Libby begins developing relationships in the town, and especially with Eric who might be a little less grumpy!
I’m not much of a contemporary romance girly but I picked this up and wanted to read this. It’s a cute romance. Libby finds herself in sunflower falls after finding out her father bribed her fiancé to marry her. On top of that she received a letter about her deceased mother and has to know what it is.
But the man who wrote the letter is not there. Instead she meets his niece and nephew. Both of whom are potential clients for Libby and her business partner. But what started out as a much needed respite turns into the romance Libby has always needed. If her scheming father doesn’t thwart all her chances at happiness. Add in a dog and her rambunctious puppies this book is sure to please all romance readers.
Libby and Eric are great together and I liked the contrast of two emotionally mature people trying to be together compared to alot of other romances I’ve read. It was super refreshing to read in a romance especially a contemporary romance. This is a great start to the sunflower falls brides series.
Sweet story: This was a cute, small town romance. I loved that there was some mystery and intrigue mixed in with fabulous dialogue, small town happenings and sweet romance. I liked Eric and Libby together and I appreciated that there wasn't any unnecessary drama between them. All in all this was a wonderful start to what looks like is going to be a fabulous series. There were some unresolved plot twists that look like they will be followed up on further in upcoming books. I am curious to find out more and to discover what is going on with the rest of this group of friends. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
Not So Runaway Bride by Katie Lillig - A great romance read. Libby runs away from her all controlling Father in the city to find answers about her deceased Mother. She unexpectedly falls in love with a hunky construction guy, who for the first time in his life realises he has found true love. Libby brings her all controlling Father to his knees in a crazy court battle and is finally free to live a happy ever after life. I did feel like the book ended a bit suddenly, but I am looking forward to the next book in the series to see where it takes the main characters and there was a teaser cliff hanger end for Libby's sister in law!
I enjoyed Libby and Eric's story. Libby realizes just before her wedding just how controlling and manipulative her father is and decides to leave town. She borrows her friends car and money so her father can't find her and she ends up in in Sunflower Falls. She meets Eric who is a builder, trying to get a reality home repair show, with father problems of his own. Although she has sworn off men, over time the attraction builds, along the way she rescues a dog with 5 puppies. This is a great read and details family problems and secrets and a HEA. I received this book for free and am happy to leave a review
It was ok. More telling than showing. Didn’t affect my emotions whatsoever - thrills, swoons, sadness. It was grammatically well done and coherent but lacked heart. The timeline was rushed and important interactions skipped over. Example: a chapter ended with his dad on his doorstep. Then the book continues without mentioning it until another chapter when MMC remembers having to call the cops on the dad months ago when it had happened. I think I would have rather read about a real time interaction with a problematic father than the constant dog updates. No chemistry between the main characters.
This book was my first book by author Katie Lillig and I will try her again in the future. She writes an interesting book, however, it needs more development in both the writing and the characters. Her character's aren't exactly intense, they need to be a bit more like able for the reader and they are a bit immature for the story. The plot was a bit far fetched and the reader didn't exactly believe that most of it could happen. The storyline just needed some additional research, some more realistic things that are going to happen and the character's needed to be more...overall it had potential, but it fell flat in a lot of areas.
It has been a pleasure to spend the last week reading Libby and Eric's love story! The family drama they experience while trying to maintain everyday life is super relatable for me. Both MCs are business owners who find love when they least expect it. Also, a great read for dog lovers! The chemistry between the two MCs pulls you into the story immediately! I'm looking forward to book 2 and anything else written by Katie Lillig!
Eric and Libby's story is a heartwarming read that has you connecting with them to find their chance for happiness. Libby flees from her wedding after learning that her father is blackmailing the groom into marriage. She goes to the town where her mother is from to uncover secrets. Will she ever get away from the hold of her father over her life and will her connection with Eric bring her the happiness she deserves. I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.
Eric and Libby's story is a heartwarming read that has you connecting with them to find their chance for happiness. Libby flees from her wedding after learning that her father is blackmailing the groom into marriage. She goes to the town where her mother is from to uncover secrets. Will she ever get away from the hold of her father over her life and will her connection with Eric bring her the happiness she deserves. I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.
This was a pretty good read and you cannot go wrong with puppies!
After receiving a huge shock, Libby takes off for Sunflower Falls. She only had one reason for going but will there be a different reason to stay? It took a little bit for the characters to grow on me but I am looking forward to the rest of the series.
Even though I had a hard time relating to the characters, it was a good story with some suspense and heat. While I was hoping 'grumpy' would play a bigger part in rescuing the damsel in distress, he came off rather immature at times. Despite everything, the ending left me anxious to read the next story in the series regarding different characters.
Really not a fan of stories told in third person point of view! I feel like I have a hard time getting into those types of stories. I just felt like something was missing! Important plot lines had some holes. For example, when Eric’s dad showed up, why did we not get any more information about it until a chapter later in the book?
This was a beautiful contemporary romance in small town America. She ran from her wedding the Night before. But then found out her ex ran the next morning. She was free until her farther tracked her down. Now she had a dog with 5 puppies and man she loved. It wad a great read.
I keep going back and forth from 4 to 3... I feel like it was good, just not great. I was invested in the romance, but wanted more from the problems with her father. Also, her mom was the whole point she went to Sunflower Falls, and she got one answer like almost through the whole book and that was it. It felt like there should have been more. Even with the battle in court.
This was such a cute romantic book with some mystery loved the storyline and can see this going further I love these kinds of stories they really make me fall in love with the characters
I was offered this book to arc read and would be willing to read more
What a breath of fresh air, coming from someone who reads ᴀʟᴏᴛ of dark romance this was perfect for a little pallet cleanse! And the ending, WOW! • I read in one day. I chuckled. There was just the right amount of spice. Grumpy/Sunshine. A couple plots but stems around the same person. A must read!
Friends - don’t read this. I read it to get to my 2024 reading goal. Grammar issues, weirdly human-like dog??, storylines that don’t add up or make much sense to the overall book, no emotional pull… I’ll stop there :P
3.5⭐️s for a free stuff your kindle day book is never a bad situation! Cute rom-com with a grumpy/sunshine trope and super cute pups. I enjoyed all of the characters and love that it ended on a cliffhanger for the next set of characters! It was a little cheesy in some places, but very enjoyable.
If you love small town romance you need to read this! I love the characters and this story. It was a quick read for me and I can’t wait to read more from this Author.
This storyline felt rushed and all over the place. I like a fast paced read but this was a mess. So many things so quickly. The automatic disdain from the MMC. No thank you.