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Green Valley Falls #1
Clumsy in Love
She’s sworn off men. He’s too busy for love. But fate always gets the last laugh.
Left at the altar and on a honeymoon for one, park ranger Holly Bennett goes to NYC and accidentally witnesses a murder. Picking up the pieces of her failed engagement will be embarrassing enough. Now she’s supposed to do it with a grouchy city slicker glued to her hip? Hard pass.
Big-city cop Cole Robinson is tasked with keeping Holly safe and must follow her to her small hometown to do it. If Green Valley Falls is a round hole, Cole is a square peg, and he finds himself quickly and thoroughly out of his element.
Stuck together against their will, Holly and Cole are forced to navigate uncharted territory—both emotionally and physically. The rough and tumble wilderness pushes them together, but their seemingly insurmountable differences threaten to keep them apart.
Neither are looking for love. But will it hunt them down and find them anyway?
This closed-door, fish-out-of-water, small-town, romantic comedy drops a big-city cop in the middle of the New Hampshire wilderness, where he must protect a beautiful but clumsy park ranger from a murderer.
Left at the altar and on a honeymoon for one, park ranger Holly Bennett goes to NYC and accidentally witnesses a murder. Picking up the pieces of her failed engagement will be embarrassing enough. Now she’s supposed to do it with a grouchy city slicker glued to her hip? Hard pass.
Big-city cop Cole Robinson is tasked with keeping Holly safe and must follow her to her small hometown to do it. If Green Valley Falls is a round hole, Cole is a square peg, and he finds himself quickly and thoroughly out of his element.
Stuck together against their will, Holly and Cole are forced to navigate uncharted territory—both emotionally and physically. The rough and tumble wilderness pushes them together, but their seemingly insurmountable differences threaten to keep them apart.
Neither are looking for love. But will it hunt them down and find them anyway?
This closed-door, fish-out-of-water, small-town, romantic comedy drops a big-city cop in the middle of the New Hampshire wilderness, where he must protect a beautiful but clumsy park ranger from a murderer.
Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2024
323 people are currently reading
314 people want to read
About the author
Jamie Arras
14 books17 followersJamie recently relocated to the beautiful state of Tennessee, where she lives with her husband of 25+ years and their dog, Bella. Their wonderful, brilliant children are all grown up and out of the nest. Jamie now spends her days traveling, gardening, writing, and taking long walks in the park. She loves chocolate, dogs, and sitting on the back porch with a good book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
April 3, 2025
really good read
Not my normal smut or mystery/thriller - but was SO pleasantly surprised! Fast moving, good storyline and easy reading- couldn’t put it down! Loved the characters and writing was top notch! Will definitely pick up more books by this author 😊
Not my normal smut or mystery/thriller - but was SO pleasantly surprised! Fast moving, good storyline and easy reading- couldn’t put it down! Loved the characters and writing was top notch! Will definitely pick up more books by this author 😊
February 1, 2026
2 Stars
This book sounded light and quirky, despite some of the events that would occur (i.e. murder). And it was. But as some other reviewers mentioned, it read like a Hallmark movie. Not a particularly good one either. I am not a big fan of Hallmark--except that they're pretty clean. Additionally, the writing was pretty simple. This is not a debut. This author has published at lease a dozen books; this is obviously just her style. Everything stayed surface level. Although it touched on serious issues of parent/child estrangement/desertion, and killings/murders.
The characters are likeable enough. The MCs had an interesting meet cute. They were opposites in almost every way. I thought they fell in love too fast. Especially considering Holly had been about to marry someone else only a few weeks prior. When she first described him (Rick), he sounded like a nice guy but soon turned out to be quite the jerk. I wonder if author did that so that reader would accept her moving on so quickly. And for a supposedly independent woman, everything that happened in later chapters just went against it. Cole's was classic hero, a little type A-ish, tall and good looking (of course). Holly's girl squad/team seemed likeable enough as well. They'll all get their own books in the series.
The plot was a bit unbelievable. The coincidences. Folks who just happened to be in the right place at the right time. A villain who it's a wonder stayed out of jail due to repeated stupid actions. But most of all, I wondered how Holly was able to eat so much food each day, at each meal and stay slim. I think that was the biggest mystery for me.
I don't think I will be continuing with the series.
CONTENT
Intimacy: Light range lusting. Kissing (first base level); and closed door undescribed sexy times.
Violence: A few murders; nothing grisly or even described much
Language: Light range of cursing.
This book sounded light and quirky, despite some of the events that would occur (i.e. murder). And it was. But as some other reviewers mentioned, it read like a Hallmark movie. Not a particularly good one either. I am not a big fan of Hallmark--except that they're pretty clean. Additionally, the writing was pretty simple. This is not a debut. This author has published at lease a dozen books; this is obviously just her style. Everything stayed surface level. Although it touched on serious issues of parent/child estrangement/desertion, and killings/murders.
The characters are likeable enough. The MCs had an interesting meet cute. They were opposites in almost every way. I thought they fell in love too fast. Especially considering Holly had been about to marry someone else only a few weeks prior. When she first described him (Rick), he sounded like a nice guy but soon turned out to be quite the jerk. I wonder if author did that so that reader would accept her moving on so quickly. And for a supposedly independent woman, everything that happened in later chapters just went against it. Cole's was classic hero, a little type A-ish, tall and good looking (of course). Holly's girl squad/team seemed likeable enough as well. They'll all get their own books in the series.
The plot was a bit unbelievable. The coincidences. Folks who just happened to be in the right place at the right time. A villain who it's a wonder stayed out of jail due to repeated stupid actions. But most of all, I wondered how Holly was able to eat so much food each day, at each meal and stay slim. I think that was the biggest mystery for me.
I don't think I will be continuing with the series.
CONTENT
Intimacy: Light range lusting. Kissing (first base level); and closed door undescribed sexy times.
Violence: A few murders; nothing grisly or even described much
Language: Light range of cursing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2026
Lacking
This book lacked any real tension and spark. There were some humorous parts. I appreciated that the book was closed door.
The biggest annoyance was the authors inability to keep facts straight or consistent.
The heroines phone went from being out of charge to having disappeared.
The donkey turned into a mule a couple of paragraphs after it was introduced and she used mule and donkey interchangeably there after. Seriously they are not the same animal.
The heroine picked up an arrowhead from the woods of the park she worked in and gave it to the hero, that's usually heavily frowned upon by Park Service personnel.
There were wolves in the book and according to New Hampshire Fish and Wildlife they are extinct in New Hampshire. And yes I checked.
At one point she had wolves howling and then about a paragraph later they were coyotes. Again not the same animal.
The book would be better if she got rid of the word said and threw in asked, exclaimed, wondered, spoke....and if the author would learn when to use who and when to use whom that would improve the book.
At one point the characters were in a remote cabin that did not have any electricity. Yet there was a flush toilet and a well that pumped water into the cabin. That is not how wells work, they have to have electricity to run the well pump.
The book was overly cliched and felt lazy. I will not be reading this author again and do not recommend.
This book lacked any real tension and spark. There were some humorous parts. I appreciated that the book was closed door.
The biggest annoyance was the authors inability to keep facts straight or consistent.
The heroines phone went from being out of charge to having disappeared.
The donkey turned into a mule a couple of paragraphs after it was introduced and she used mule and donkey interchangeably there after. Seriously they are not the same animal.
The heroine picked up an arrowhead from the woods of the park she worked in and gave it to the hero, that's usually heavily frowned upon by Park Service personnel.
There were wolves in the book and according to New Hampshire Fish and Wildlife they are extinct in New Hampshire. And yes I checked.
At one point she had wolves howling and then about a paragraph later they were coyotes. Again not the same animal.
The book would be better if she got rid of the word said and threw in asked, exclaimed, wondered, spoke....and if the author would learn when to use who and when to use whom that would improve the book.
At one point the characters were in a remote cabin that did not have any electricity. Yet there was a flush toilet and a well that pumped water into the cabin. That is not how wells work, they have to have electricity to run the well pump.
The book was overly cliched and felt lazy. I will not be reading this author again and do not recommend.
September 11, 2025
This one was a cute, easy read and a fun start to the Green Valley Falls series.
Holly, is a not only a park ranger from small town New Hampshire but also a jilted bride that starts the story with her being left at the altar. Cole, is a NYC cop trying to climb the detective ladder. They’re total opposites. She’s small-town cozy, he’s big-city edge.
Their worlds collide when Holly gets lost in Central Park at night and witnesses a gang leader kill an undercover cop. She gasps, the guy hears, and suddenly she’s being chased through the park. Enter Cole, who has to protect her, which conveniently includes him following her back home as protection because the killer is aware of her and who she is now. (you really do need to suspend some belief for this story)
The writing is simple, the pacing is alright, and while it gets a little corny at the end, I still enjoyed it.
Perfect if you want a light romance with some chaos and a touch of suspense. It was like reading a Hallmark movie.
Holly, is a not only a park ranger from small town New Hampshire but also a jilted bride that starts the story with her being left at the altar. Cole, is a NYC cop trying to climb the detective ladder. They’re total opposites. She’s small-town cozy, he’s big-city edge.
Their worlds collide when Holly gets lost in Central Park at night and witnesses a gang leader kill an undercover cop. She gasps, the guy hears, and suddenly she’s being chased through the park. Enter Cole, who has to protect her, which conveniently includes him following her back home as protection because the killer is aware of her and who she is now. (you really do need to suspend some belief for this story)
The writing is simple, the pacing is alright, and while it gets a little corny at the end, I still enjoyed it.
Perfect if you want a light romance with some chaos and a touch of suspense. It was like reading a Hallmark movie.
January 8, 2026
Holly was supposed to get married but her fiancé left her at the alter. She swore off men and her friends convinced her to go on her honeymoon. Holly decided why not and flew to NYC where she’s always wanted to go. But, luck was not on her side. While in Central Park her phone went dead and she got lost. But, that wasn’t her only problem she witnessed a mob man to shoot a cop. The man heard her and chased her. Luckily, she was able to climb a tree and they couldn’t find her. She slept in the tree until the policeman, Cole who is grumpy and now has to protect Holly who is the only witness to the murder.
Holly is works in a national park so Cole must go to the small town that Holly lives in to protect her. What happens when you spend 24 hours a day together. Will Holly and Cole admit their true feelings for each other.
Holly is works in a national park so Cole must go to the small town that Holly lives in to protect her. What happens when you spend 24 hours a day together. Will Holly and Cole admit their true feelings for each other.
April 30, 2025
This was book 1 of the Green Valley Falls series. This book is focused on Cole and Holly. Holly is from small town New Hampshire and Cole is a cop trying to become a Detective on NYC. Talk about being complete opposites!
This was a really cute story but I felt like Holly took everything in stride A BIT too easily. I mean - first getting left at the alter, then the fight in the bar, then she witnessed a murder, then she had a bodyguard, then another murder, then, then, then. I mean jeez! I would have been a mess. However, these two really were a cute couple and Cole’s family was too funny.
I’m guessing that the other books in the series are about Holly’s friends since there are 6 of them total.
This was a really cute story but I felt like Holly took everything in stride A BIT too easily. I mean - first getting left at the alter, then the fight in the bar, then she witnessed a murder, then she had a bodyguard, then another murder, then, then, then. I mean jeez! I would have been a mess. However, these two really were a cute couple and Cole’s family was too funny.
I’m guessing that the other books in the series are about Holly’s friends since there are 6 of them total.
April 8, 2025
Okay very cute book! I loved the twist at the end on Big City vs Small Town couple! They always move to the small town so I was so surprised when they moved to the city! I love books with strong female friendships and I need a book that has both main characters who have people in their lives, so they aren’t one dimensional. This book fleshed out the lives well, though does Cole have friends that aren’t his sisters? Unclear. But yeah very cute, really liked ….. one complaint - a donkey and a mule are not the same. A donkey is a cross between a male donkey and a female horse. They were used interchangeably when they are not the same.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2025
This is much better than the purchase preview led me to believe. He’s a New York City Cop trying to catch the bad guy. She is a New England forest ranger jilted bride. She gets lost at night in Central Park and witnesses his criminal kill an undercover boss. He hear’s her gasp and chases her. She evades him. Next morning the cop has to start protecting her, including following her home under pretense of new romance. It is a fun (kinda thriller) big city cop to small town ranger romance. I enjoyed the fantasy.
March 21, 2025
This was a freebie on Amazon. First in a series about 6 friends who are from a small town in New Hampshire.
This was an ok read. It's got some romantic suspense. The heroine witnesses the murder of a cop & now the murderer ( the leader of a vicious gang in NYC) is after her. A regular beat cop is assigned to keep her safe. Not very realistic.
So, it's pleasant enough, but you have to suspend some disbelief. It's a clean romance also.
This was an ok read. It's got some romantic suspense. The heroine witnesses the murder of a cop & now the murderer ( the leader of a vicious gang in NYC) is after her. A regular beat cop is assigned to keep her safe. Not very realistic.
So, it's pleasant enough, but you have to suspend some disbelief. It's a clean romance also.
March 23, 2025
Holly is clumsy and very unlucky. “She’s pretty smart,” Faith added. “But has a tendency to be outwitted by a spoon.” “Cups and glasses are also vexing,” After being left at the altar, she goes on her honeymoon alone to NYC, witnesses a murder and brings home a NYC officer Cole to keep her safe until trial.
Fish out of water, forced proximity, clean romance with a great Tennessee setting, a team of girlfriends who have her back and all the tingles.
Fish out of water, forced proximity, clean romance with a great Tennessee setting, a team of girlfriends who have her back and all the tingles.
September 20, 2025
Really enjoyed this one. Being a small town person myself I could 100% relate to the way Holly interpreted The Big Apple. Cole's Fish out of Water experience was fun for me. He did not seem as thrilled. Lots of action,some drama, a little angst, some friends that are family. Yeah this story had it all right down to the HEA. Time to read the next in the series.
October 7, 2025
When you start this book you meet Holly who is a disaster waiting to happen. She gets lost, witnesses a crime and climbs a tree. Enter Cole, a wanna be detective who sees Holly and “catches” her as she gets out of the tree. Just the start of crazy antics that have you laughing and being a part of an amazing story.
March 22, 2025
Another good book
She had away of getting into trouble, but seeing a murder of cop was bad. Then he stepped into look after her well he tried but between bears and snake he did well not to fall victim himself. But alls well that ends well.
She had away of getting into trouble, but seeing a murder of cop was bad. Then he stepped into look after her well he tried but between bears and snake he did well not to fall victim himself. But alls well that ends well.
March 26, 2025
This book was cute. W little bit unbelievable with the flying back and forth and kind of anticlimactic when it came to the suspense part. You get your resolution in a text? But the romance was sweet.
March 28, 2025
CLUMSY IN LOVE is a great rom-com! I enjoyed every minute reading it. It’s cute, snarky, and romantic with crime drama and the loyal love of best friends underpinning everything. Holly, the clumsy park ranger, and Cole, the hottie cop, are wonderful fun on the way to their happy ever after!
April 27, 2025
Short book but took me awhile to read. As someone from NH, the fact that the author portrays a seacoast town as the boondocks is hilarious to me. Portsmouth is actually very nice and bustling. No mountains LOL.
June 4, 2025
Good plot, nice characters, but it lacks substance. Loads happen but it’s like my aunt is telling me a story, overlooking all the juicy details. Book reads more like a description of what happens. I almost DN at 85% but I pushed through.
February 4, 2026
Clumsy for love is a great read!
Clumsy for love is a great read! You'll laugh out loud at the antics Holly and her friends get into all while Cole tries to protect her from a killer.
Clumsy for love is a great read! You'll laugh out loud at the antics Holly and her friends get into all while Cole tries to protect her from a killer.
February 26, 2026
enjoyable
Closed door sex, living together before marriage, a few blasphemy words.
No idea what any of the people looked like except for the short bloke! Or how tall or short people were. The main focus on character and personality.
Closed door sex, living together before marriage, a few blasphemy words.
No idea what any of the people looked like except for the short bloke! Or how tall or short people were. The main focus on character and personality.
November 11, 2024
What a great first book of a new series!! I loved the park ranger and big city police officer dynamic. I couldn’t put it down and am so excited to read the rest of the series!
December 11, 2024
fun story
Characters were so relatable. Felt like you were part of the story. Lots of fun dialogue. Nice to read about another woman who always drops food on herself.
Characters were so relatable. Felt like you were part of the story. Lots of fun dialogue. Nice to read about another woman who always drops food on herself.
January 16, 2025
fun read
This book was a fun and quick read. I enjoyed the characters and the setting. I am looking forward to the next book.
This book was a fun and quick read. I enjoyed the characters and the setting. I am looking forward to the next book.
February 9, 2025
Great New Series
Wonderful story, relatable characters, meet cute, friends, small town, fun banter and happily ever after. Can't wait for book two!
Wonderful story, relatable characters, meet cute, friends, small town, fun banter and happily ever after. Can't wait for book two!
March 21, 2025
Romantic comedy
This was a wonderful story. It was intense at times and hilarious at other times. The characters were interesting, and the story flowed well. A good read.
This was a wonderful story. It was intense at times and hilarious at other times. The characters were interesting, and the story flowed well. A good read.
March 23, 2025
Such a cute and fun read!! Funny and realistic. Very relatable characters and events. I'm definitely looking forward to the rest of the series!
March 25, 2025
Cute little romance book.
March 27, 2025
I love this story . I could not put the book down it was funny and I want to see what happens next loved her work first time I read anything of hers.
March 29, 2025
cute
A great little romantic comedy. Definitely, worth a read. Friendship, family & love. It is Like a hallmark good movie.
A great little romantic comedy. Definitely, worth a read. Friendship, family & love. It is Like a hallmark good movie.
April 18, 2025
cute idea but so boring
I loved the storyline but there was zero chemistry written between the two main characters. But I will say 5ere was no proof reading errors so that’s a plus
I loved the storyline but there was zero chemistry written between the two main characters. But I will say 5ere was no proof reading errors so that’s a plus
April 26, 2025
Loved this book. Holly sounds so like me, apart from the being tall part, shes just as clumsy and dizzy and falls hard for people that are good to her. Cant wait to read the rest of the series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews