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Pine Springs #1
More Than Nothing
Wildly romantic, More Than Nothing is the first book in the Pine Springs series—small-town Michigan, where there’s community, drama, heat, and heart.
With Elenie’s family the most hated in Pine Springs, keeping a low profile has become a way of life for her.
But then the new police chief, Roman Martinez, shows up at the diner where she’s a waitress, all muscle and badge and dangerous perception. And going under the radar just got that much harder.
He’s determined to take down a drug ring. The prime suspects? Elenie’s criminal stepfather and brothers. Keeping her distance would be the sensible choice, but what if she could help Roman put her family behind bars—and finally prove that she’s nothing like them?
Turning informant will be a dangerous game for them both. But it might be Elenie’s only chance to get the life—and the man—she’s always dreamed of…
Sometimes, you have to risk it all when the reward means everything.
With Elenie’s family the most hated in Pine Springs, keeping a low profile has become a way of life for her.
But then the new police chief, Roman Martinez, shows up at the diner where she’s a waitress, all muscle and badge and dangerous perception. And going under the radar just got that much harder.
He’s determined to take down a drug ring. The prime suspects? Elenie’s criminal stepfather and brothers. Keeping her distance would be the sensible choice, but what if she could help Roman put her family behind bars—and finally prove that she’s nothing like them?
Turning informant will be a dangerous game for them both. But it might be Elenie’s only chance to get the life—and the man—she’s always dreamed of…
Sometimes, you have to risk it all when the reward means everything.
394 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2025
4701 people are currently reading
1256 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
October 3, 2025
So not Michigan!
The British words and phrases are so foreign to this Michigan reader that I had to look some of them up. Please, dear author, don't set the location of your story in an area you know nothing about. Better still, visit us and learn how we live and talk.
The British words and phrases are so foreign to this Michigan reader that I had to look some of them up. Please, dear author, don't set the location of your story in an area you know nothing about. Better still, visit us and learn how we live and talk.
August 25, 2025
4.5 stars!⭐️
I absolutely loved Elenie and Roman’s story, I love small town romance with found family and redemption arcs, but I also love main characters reluctant to lovers, and this book had it all!
The way Sophie writes is so immersive, witty and fun, it makes for a super easy read, the story flows seamlessly between the two characters’ point of views, and never dulls. New stuff keeps happening and honestly there’s never a down moment! The slow burn is slow but so worth it, the thrill of the chase (both romantic and criminal) keeps you turning pages late in the night, and the way the characters come to life truly makes you root for them.
I read tons of spicy books in the past year, and it’s so rare to find those tingle-inducing, feet-kicking, butterfly-in-your-tummy moments that in this book were a-plenty! Lots of other books have the romance aspect, the spice aspect (filled with lust) and these two rarely overlap. In More Than Nothing you could literally feel them connecting and making love in the spicy scenes, there was nothing crass or purely smutty about the scenes (nothing against those, love those!) but it was refreshing to have these deeper feelings always at the forefront of the more steamy scenes. The way that the spicy scenes helped depend the connection between the characters was so well done!
I also loved the secondary characters: Caitlyn is a force to be reckoned with, and Otto has a piece of my heart, I’m a total sucker for and elderly lonely widow that becomes part of the found family!
Honestly this was such a good read and I can’t wait to read more from the author 🙌
Thank you Sophie for the early review copy ❤️
I absolutely loved Elenie and Roman’s story, I love small town romance with found family and redemption arcs, but I also love main characters reluctant to lovers, and this book had it all!
The way Sophie writes is so immersive, witty and fun, it makes for a super easy read, the story flows seamlessly between the two characters’ point of views, and never dulls. New stuff keeps happening and honestly there’s never a down moment! The slow burn is slow but so worth it, the thrill of the chase (both romantic and criminal) keeps you turning pages late in the night, and the way the characters come to life truly makes you root for them.
I read tons of spicy books in the past year, and it’s so rare to find those tingle-inducing, feet-kicking, butterfly-in-your-tummy moments that in this book were a-plenty! Lots of other books have the romance aspect, the spice aspect (filled with lust) and these two rarely overlap. In More Than Nothing you could literally feel them connecting and making love in the spicy scenes, there was nothing crass or purely smutty about the scenes (nothing against those, love those!) but it was refreshing to have these deeper feelings always at the forefront of the more steamy scenes. The way that the spicy scenes helped depend the connection between the characters was so well done!
I also loved the secondary characters: Caitlyn is a force to be reckoned with, and Otto has a piece of my heart, I’m a total sucker for and elderly lonely widow that becomes part of the found family!
Honestly this was such a good read and I can’t wait to read more from the author 🙌
Thank you Sophie for the early review copy ❤️
October 7, 2025
Genuinely enjoyed this book- it's not a literary masterpiece but the chemistry between Elenie and Roman was 🔥🔥🔥 and you know I love me a happy ending!
November 21, 2025
Sophie Hamilton is a new-to-me author, and I have to say I had such a good time with this book! The story follows Elenie, who comes from the most hated family in Pine Springs and has spent her whole life trying to stay under the radar. But when Roman Martinez, the new police chief, shows up determined to take down a local drug ring—and her stepfather and brothers are his main suspects—keeping a low profile becomes impossible. Teaming up with him as an informant is risky, but it might be her only chance to finally break free from her family’s reputation.
The romance is a true slow burn, and the chemistry between Roman and Elenie is perfect. I loved watching Elenie blossom, not just because of Roman but also through the friendships she builds along the way. I would’ve liked a bit more focus on the investigation and especially more undercover moments with Elenie, since those scenes were really fun. The beginning felt slow, but by the end I genuinely felt it paid off.
I read the book on Kindle while also listening to the audiobook, and unfortunately the audio didn’t quite land for me—the female narrator sounded like two very different voices when portraying Elenie, which threw me off a bit.
Overall, this was a fun read with great characters, a sweet slow-burn romance, and a heroine you can’t help but root for.
The romance is a true slow burn, and the chemistry between Roman and Elenie is perfect. I loved watching Elenie blossom, not just because of Roman but also through the friendships she builds along the way. I would’ve liked a bit more focus on the investigation and especially more undercover moments with Elenie, since those scenes were really fun. The beginning felt slow, but by the end I genuinely felt it paid off.
I read the book on Kindle while also listening to the audiobook, and unfortunately the audio didn’t quite land for me—the female narrator sounded like two very different voices when portraying Elenie, which threw me off a bit.
Overall, this was a fun read with great characters, a sweet slow-burn romance, and a heroine you can’t help but root for.
November 22, 2025
Available on Kindle Unlimited with audio
This one started off strong and then fizzled. For sake of time on this review- I’m in agreement with many of the 2 star reviews.
MFC is an odd bird… the random facts she just stated out of nowhere- not at all relevant to the active dialogue. And speaking about 6 languages- she’d interject a phrase in a different language that no one would understand. It was so random and odd.
The multiple storylines, violence, and submissive MFC towards her step family- who was subjecting her to the abuse. I’m not a big fan of the Cinderella stories.
This one wasn’t a win for me.
This one started off strong and then fizzled. For sake of time on this review- I’m in agreement with many of the 2 star reviews.
MFC is an odd bird… the random facts she just stated out of nowhere- not at all relevant to the active dialogue. And speaking about 6 languages- she’d interject a phrase in a different language that no one would understand. It was so random and odd.
The multiple storylines, violence, and submissive MFC towards her step family- who was subjecting her to the abuse. I’m not a big fan of the Cinderella stories.
This one wasn’t a win for me.
September 24, 2025
"It was easier to find her friends inside covers of a book."
Elenie is such an amazing character to follow. She’s sassy in her own way and absolutely delivers on that. Even when the world around her is broken, she remains kind, and that kindness makes her stand out even brighter.
Roman? Total dream. He has that golden retriever boyfriend vibe, the kind of man who could break anyone down. But can be gentle at the same time. The way he cares for Elenie, aches for her, yet still respects her boundaries, that’s the kind of love we all wish for in real life.
I enjoyed the plot, especially how it holds back just enough at the beginning to keep you curious. You don’t immediately know what’s happening, which makes you want to keep turning the pages.
One thing I know for sure: I hated Elenie’s family. And let’s just say, I was more than happy with how things wrapped up (no spoilers).
Elenie is such an amazing character to follow. She’s sassy in her own way and absolutely delivers on that. Even when the world around her is broken, she remains kind, and that kindness makes her stand out even brighter.
Roman? Total dream. He has that golden retriever boyfriend vibe, the kind of man who could break anyone down. But can be gentle at the same time. The way he cares for Elenie, aches for her, yet still respects her boundaries, that’s the kind of love we all wish for in real life.
I enjoyed the plot, especially how it holds back just enough at the beginning to keep you curious. You don’t immediately know what’s happening, which makes you want to keep turning the pages.
One thing I know for sure: I hated Elenie’s family. And let’s just say, I was more than happy with how things wrapped up (no spoilers).
October 6, 2025
dnf @56%
This is bad guys.. so bad..
This book is set in Michigan, USA written very poorly by an English author. Has this author ever even vacationed in the states? Or read a book set here?
Bland characters, slow moving and unbelievable (in a bad way) plot. I just couldn't get through it.
The concept was so good, I was so excited to read it, but it was executed so poorly.
This is bad guys.. so bad..
This book is set in Michigan, USA written very poorly by an English author. Has this author ever even vacationed in the states? Or read a book set here?
Bland characters, slow moving and unbelievable (in a bad way) plot. I just couldn't get through it.
The concept was so good, I was so excited to read it, but it was executed so poorly.
September 2, 2025
I am OBSESSED with Roman 🥵 There story, Elenie and Roman, is amazing. The small town romance with found family. The dual POV was everything. Side character Otto, I just want to keep him in my pocket forever. He is a gem that makes you want to protect him forever!
It was such a smooth story line with twist! I was definitely shocked as I did not see that twist coming. It makes me want to reread the story just because it was that good. I am jealous of everyone that gets to read this for the first time! 😫😫
It was such a smooth story line with twist! I was definitely shocked as I did not see that twist coming. It makes me want to reread the story just because it was that good. I am jealous of everyone that gets to read this for the first time! 😫😫
October 4, 2025
4.0 stars. My Amazon 1st reads choice this month and it was a great one. New to me author's first book is a small town romantic suspense story filled with page turning drama, heat, romance, and suspense that kept me hooked right up to the end. Really liked the characters, especially main couple Roman/Elenie. Happy this is the start of a new series.
Gottta mention this. Gave me a grin. There's a character briefly mentioned in the story named "Kai Mason". Ha! I'm curious if the author is a fan of Kristen Ashley's Rock Chick series or was it just a random coincidence?
Gottta mention this. Gave me a grin. There's a character briefly mentioned in the story named "Kai Mason". Ha! I'm curious if the author is a fan of Kristen Ashley's Rock Chick series or was it just a random coincidence?
October 1, 2025
I absolutely LOVED this book!!
So I was lucky enough to be offered this book to read this book as an ARC copy and lets just say it delivered!!!! This book had everything in that I was looking for. It wasn't rushed and Sophie managed to write a perfect story line! I absolutely loved the way that both Roman and Elenie were portrayed and how their characters connected so well! Honestly I loved this book from start to finish and could not put it down!!!! I cannot wait for the next book in the Pine Spring series. Will definitely be buying this book as a trophy on my bookshelf! Thank you so much for introducing me to the world of Pine Springs Sophie!!!
So I was lucky enough to be offered this book to read this book as an ARC copy and lets just say it delivered!!!! This book had everything in that I was looking for. It wasn't rushed and Sophie managed to write a perfect story line! I absolutely loved the way that both Roman and Elenie were portrayed and how their characters connected so well! Honestly I loved this book from start to finish and could not put it down!!!! I cannot wait for the next book in the Pine Spring series. Will definitely be buying this book as a trophy on my bookshelf! Thank you so much for introducing me to the world of Pine Springs Sophie!!!
September 12, 2025
I was lucky enough to be given an E-ARC of this book and specifically chose to not know too much about it before diving in. More Than Nothing is a romance book set in the fictional small town of Pine Springs, we follow Elenie and Roman, two people who come from very different walks of life. This slow burn romantic tale is one with found family, perfect spice and exciting events that kept me on my toes. This book was absolutely wonderful in many ways.
I am not often a fan of the “fake dating” trope but this book is the only book where I have absolutely loved the way it was used as it is not the entire main plot, there are logical reasons for everything that occurs in this book, it never feels like something is happening just to tick a box. I really enjoyed how invested I was in this intense story, the way the story unfolded was pure excitement and entertainment, sprinkled with surprises and satisfaction. I felt empathy for these characters and how things were going for them, it felt like a rollercoaster I had to see through to the end in the best way. I saw parts of myself in the character of Elenie and loved her kind heart and quirky love of learning.
The pacing was excellent, there were no dull moments and I adored immersing myself in this world. The smaller characters added atmosphere and character to the town as a whole and some of them really stole my heart. And most significantly, from my journey reading this book I have discovered, Roman Martinez might just be the greatest, most lovely and hottest book boyfriend of all time!
For anyone who is a romance book fan, I highly recommend reading this book. I cannot wait to go back to the exciting town of Pine Springs. Bring on the next book!
I am not often a fan of the “fake dating” trope but this book is the only book where I have absolutely loved the way it was used as it is not the entire main plot, there are logical reasons for everything that occurs in this book, it never feels like something is happening just to tick a box. I really enjoyed how invested I was in this intense story, the way the story unfolded was pure excitement and entertainment, sprinkled with surprises and satisfaction. I felt empathy for these characters and how things were going for them, it felt like a rollercoaster I had to see through to the end in the best way. I saw parts of myself in the character of Elenie and loved her kind heart and quirky love of learning.
The pacing was excellent, there were no dull moments and I adored immersing myself in this world. The smaller characters added atmosphere and character to the town as a whole and some of them really stole my heart. And most significantly, from my journey reading this book I have discovered, Roman Martinez might just be the greatest, most lovely and hottest book boyfriend of all time!
For anyone who is a romance book fan, I highly recommend reading this book. I cannot wait to go back to the exciting town of Pine Springs. Bring on the next book!
September 2, 2025
4.5 stars!!!
I was sucked in from the start! I loved reading Elenie and Roman’s story! This book has all of my favorite tropes; found family, small-town, slow burn, and I’d give it a 3/5 spice level.
I loved the characters so much because they both worked so hard to better themselves and remain good people, despite the trauma they’d experienced. Elenie lives in fear constantly being stuck in a family of criminals with no moral compasses and a mother who regrets her. Roman, a brute homicide detective on secondment, lives with his PTSD from a case that almost overcame him. In a small town where everyone knows everyone’s business, they somehow were able to come together and save each other from themselves and those around them who wished them harm. In spite of all of the crazy twists, they still managed to become each other’s safe space.
The novel has a nice flow, and the story-building was done in a way that makes this book so hard to put down. The supporting characters in the story were quirky and funny, which made the found family part of the story so heart-warming. My only warning to potential readers would be to consider that there is physical violence on the page in the form of abuse and unwanted sexual advances. There is a happy ending and the ride to get there is SO worth it!
I was sucked in from the start! I loved reading Elenie and Roman’s story! This book has all of my favorite tropes; found family, small-town, slow burn, and I’d give it a 3/5 spice level.
I loved the characters so much because they both worked so hard to better themselves and remain good people, despite the trauma they’d experienced. Elenie lives in fear constantly being stuck in a family of criminals with no moral compasses and a mother who regrets her. Roman, a brute homicide detective on secondment, lives with his PTSD from a case that almost overcame him. In a small town where everyone knows everyone’s business, they somehow were able to come together and save each other from themselves and those around them who wished them harm. In spite of all of the crazy twists, they still managed to become each other’s safe space.
The novel has a nice flow, and the story-building was done in a way that makes this book so hard to put down. The supporting characters in the story were quirky and funny, which made the found family part of the story so heart-warming. My only warning to potential readers would be to consider that there is physical violence on the page in the form of abuse and unwanted sexual advances. There is a happy ending and the ride to get there is SO worth it!
October 8, 2025
More Than Nothing (Pine Springs #1) is an interesting story involving a burned-out big city homicide cop (Roman Martinez) who comes home to the small town he grew up in, only to find a wannabee crime boss(Frank Dax) has moved in bringing drugs, guns, arson, violence, fear and hatred.
Elenie Dax belongs to a family of criminals and wants out. She has nothing in common with her family, who is hated and despised by the townspeople and unfortunately she is a hostage, collateral damage. She's accustomed to rejection, disappointment, receiving the nothings of life; but she embodies so much more.
Roman sees her although she tries to stay under the radar, and needs her help with information.
Is she willing to take a risk to help him fight against her family? Is she willing to try to change her life? Can she help him get his head together, so he can return to his big city life?
More Than Nothing (Pine Springs #1), a book for 15+, with drugs, violence, racy scenes, hot steamy pages and hope!
Elenie Dax belongs to a family of criminals and wants out. She has nothing in common with her family, who is hated and despised by the townspeople and unfortunately she is a hostage, collateral damage. She's accustomed to rejection, disappointment, receiving the nothings of life; but she embodies so much more.
Roman sees her although she tries to stay under the radar, and needs her help with information.
Is she willing to take a risk to help him fight against her family? Is she willing to try to change her life? Can she help him get his head together, so he can return to his big city life?
More Than Nothing (Pine Springs #1), a book for 15+, with drugs, violence, racy scenes, hot steamy pages and hope!
October 10, 2025
Irresistible!
What a fun story. You will not want to put this book down. Fast paced and engaging the entire time.
What a fun story. You will not want to put this book down. Fast paced and engaging the entire time.
October 10, 2025
Loved the suspense, the love story, and the setting. Some moments had me holding my breath. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
October 6, 2025
3.5 Fine book. Read as part of Prime Reads. The story was good and the characters were interesting. I had a decent time while I was reading it, but I’m not going out of my way to recommend it to people.
5⭐️=LOVED it,can’t shut up about it 4⭐️= I really liked it 3⭐️=It was okay. I finished it. < 3=don’t bother.
5⭐️=LOVED it,can’t shut up about it 4⭐️= I really liked it 3⭐️=It was okay. I finished it. < 3=don’t bother.
October 6, 2025
A story with everything.
Ms. Hamilton did an outstanding job creating a plot with romance, drama, suspense and more. The pages just keep turning and you won't want to put it down.
The characters are well developed and interesting. Dormir is a great FMC. She is amazingly strong even when the world seems to be against her.
I highly recommend More Than Nothing.
Ms. Hamilton did an outstanding job creating a plot with romance, drama, suspense and more. The pages just keep turning and you won't want to put it down.
The characters are well developed and interesting. Dormir is a great FMC. She is amazingly strong even when the world seems to be against her.
I highly recommend More Than Nothing.
October 6, 2025
I really enjoyed this one! It hit just right for me.
October 2, 2025
excellent read highly recommend
Highly recommend this engaging story full of well drawn characters that pull you into their lives and make you root for them to have their happiness
I love finding a new author to follow and now I can’t wait for the release of book 2 to return to Pine Springs
Highly recommend this engaging story full of well drawn characters that pull you into their lives and make you root for them to have their happiness
I love finding a new author to follow and now I can’t wait for the release of book 2 to return to Pine Springs
September 14, 2025
More Than Nothing is the story of Elenie Dax, a sort of dark Cinderella story with awful step brothers and a job in a diner and someone to long after that will never see her. Except Roman sees Elenie in a way she’s never been seen before.
Roman is the hot new Chief of Police, taking over for a man who made Elenie’s life hell. Elenie’s step-dad Frank Dax has a bad reputation but he somehow manages to never get busted. Until Elenie is ready to inform Roman and his police team exactly what Frank’s up to by gaining his trust.
This book had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was around every corner. Sophie’s writing style is incredibly sophisticated and deep, AND she officially broke my record for most words I had to look up on my kindle while reading (3 words, all amazing) 😏🤭🤓
Tropes
“Who hurt you?”
Fake dating
Forbidden love
Grumpy x Sunshine
Small town
Found family
Trigger warnings
Abuse of a step-child
Description of a mutilated body
Roman is the hot new Chief of Police, taking over for a man who made Elenie’s life hell. Elenie’s step-dad Frank Dax has a bad reputation but he somehow manages to never get busted. Until Elenie is ready to inform Roman and his police team exactly what Frank’s up to by gaining his trust.
This book had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was around every corner. Sophie’s writing style is incredibly sophisticated and deep, AND she officially broke my record for most words I had to look up on my kindle while reading (3 words, all amazing) 😏🤭🤓
Tropes
“Who hurt you?”
Fake dating
Forbidden love
Grumpy x Sunshine
Small town
Found family
Trigger warnings
Abuse of a step-child
Description of a mutilated body
September 15, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this story of found family, determination and self healing I devoured this in less than 48 hours! This small town romance was the perfect balance of plot tension and romantic tension. There are themes of PTSD, drugs and crime but also carrying an important message of healing and working through trauma. Thank you Sophie Hamilton for providing an E ARC of this!!
Elenie is eager for a way out of being associated with her family name and the criminal history that comes with it. Having got away with harassing the town for years, when the new police chief, Roman, moves to town everything changes. Elenie sees a way out of her old life she’s trapped in and a way for the police chief to rid the town of her step father. Roman is endlessly drawn to Elenie and she feels the calm with him, away from the chaos of her home, the tension teasing a life they both have together.
Elenie is eager for a way out of being associated with her family name and the criminal history that comes with it. Having got away with harassing the town for years, when the new police chief, Roman, moves to town everything changes. Elenie sees a way out of her old life she’s trapped in and a way for the police chief to rid the town of her step father. Roman is endlessly drawn to Elenie and she feels the calm with him, away from the chaos of her home, the tension teasing a life they both have together.
November 17, 2025
Elenie Dax, a waitress at Diner 43, is all too familiar with the judgments of Pine Springs, Michigan. Her family's troubled history—marked by an alcoholic mother, a stepfather and stepbrothers with extensive criminal records—casts a long shadow over her life. Living at home, Elenie struggles to save money, a challenge that poses risks to her safety.
Roman Martinez, the new police chief, is a recognizable figure to most locals, known from his high school days as a baseball star. Many assume he has returned to his hometown for good, unaware that this homicide detective was compelled by the Detroit police leadership to take on this role for a year.
From the moment Elenie and Roman meet, they grapple with their spontaneous thoughts and reactions. This is not a mere chemistry experiment where the fusion of elements leads to sparks. It's an intense attraction, a slow burn of desire, a hunger for each other, a magnetic pull, a visceral excitement, and a sensual energy that cannot be ignored! But the chief has a job to do. The waitress does too.
The strength of the author's debut novel lies in the compelling characters of Elenie and Roman. Elenie's perseverance and resilience contrast with Roman's layers of vulnerability and strength. Both find it difficult to trust, shaped by their past. At times, what they see in each other offers peace; at other times, it introduces even more complications than the necessary steps for their individual paths forward.
This is a spicy contemporary romance. Elenie's family speaks in no-holds-barred language, and they wield significant dominance in the community as their actions have consistently remained unchecked by local law enforcement.
Thank you to Amazon First Reads for inviting Prime members to gain early access to Kindle books curated by Amazon's editors before their official publication dates! In October 2025, I was excited to choose 2 free titles, and this novel was one of my selections!
Reviewer's Note: I found the storyline engaging, particularly in how the main characters develop, despite Roman's role being unlikely given the context.
Roman Martinez, the new police chief, is a recognizable figure to most locals, known from his high school days as a baseball star. Many assume he has returned to his hometown for good, unaware that this homicide detective was compelled by the Detroit police leadership to take on this role for a year.
From the moment Elenie and Roman meet, they grapple with their spontaneous thoughts and reactions. This is not a mere chemistry experiment where the fusion of elements leads to sparks. It's an intense attraction, a slow burn of desire, a hunger for each other, a magnetic pull, a visceral excitement, and a sensual energy that cannot be ignored! But the chief has a job to do. The waitress does too.
The strength of the author's debut novel lies in the compelling characters of Elenie and Roman. Elenie's perseverance and resilience contrast with Roman's layers of vulnerability and strength. Both find it difficult to trust, shaped by their past. At times, what they see in each other offers peace; at other times, it introduces even more complications than the necessary steps for their individual paths forward.
This is a spicy contemporary romance. Elenie's family speaks in no-holds-barred language, and they wield significant dominance in the community as their actions have consistently remained unchecked by local law enforcement.
Thank you to Amazon First Reads for inviting Prime members to gain early access to Kindle books curated by Amazon's editors before their official publication dates! In October 2025, I was excited to choose 2 free titles, and this novel was one of my selections!
Reviewer's Note: I found the storyline engaging, particularly in how the main characters develop, despite Roman's role being unlikely given the context.
October 9, 2025
Audiobook review- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ok book friends grab a cuppa and some biscuits as I want to tell you about the first book in the Pine Springs series by Sophie Hamilton - More Than Nothing.
Transported to small town living in Michigan,USA where we meet Elenie, Roman and the rest of the Pine Springs community. Tarnished with the same brush as her criminal step family and alcoholic mother, Elenie Dax isn’t living but merely surviving day by day. Underneath her quiet exterior lies a quick sense of humour, a catalogue of foreign one liners and a love for knowledge.
Golden Boy of Pine Springs, Roman Martinez is the new chief of police who has returned to his hometown after 12 years as a police officer in Detroit. Haunted by cases he has faced in the past and the horrors of being a homicide detective a tortured mind lies behind the tight police uniform and rippling muscles.
Elenie is waitressing in Diner 43 where she meets the smoulderingly hot Roman Martinez. From the first meeting these two opposites of the community are drawn together like two magnets. Their attraction is undeniable and the storyline heats up as fate brings them together. The only way that Elenie can see her future changing is by freeing herself of her family ties …. but can the new police chief help her do this?
This book is fast paced and combines great crime writing along side the scorching will they won’t they storyline of the two main characters. I thoroughly enjoyed their character development as well as all the twists and turns. Sophie Hamilton’s writing is all about the slow burn. Turning up the heat chapter by chapter until I had to put the a/c on.
More Than Nothing is an excellent start to what promises to be an unputdownable series. I will definitely be a return visitor to Pine Springs.
Thank you to Sophie Hamilton and Brilliance Audio for my advance listener copy of More Than Nothing by Sophie Hamilton.
Ok book friends grab a cuppa and some biscuits as I want to tell you about the first book in the Pine Springs series by Sophie Hamilton - More Than Nothing.
Transported to small town living in Michigan,USA where we meet Elenie, Roman and the rest of the Pine Springs community. Tarnished with the same brush as her criminal step family and alcoholic mother, Elenie Dax isn’t living but merely surviving day by day. Underneath her quiet exterior lies a quick sense of humour, a catalogue of foreign one liners and a love for knowledge.
Golden Boy of Pine Springs, Roman Martinez is the new chief of police who has returned to his hometown after 12 years as a police officer in Detroit. Haunted by cases he has faced in the past and the horrors of being a homicide detective a tortured mind lies behind the tight police uniform and rippling muscles.
Elenie is waitressing in Diner 43 where she meets the smoulderingly hot Roman Martinez. From the first meeting these two opposites of the community are drawn together like two magnets. Their attraction is undeniable and the storyline heats up as fate brings them together. The only way that Elenie can see her future changing is by freeing herself of her family ties …. but can the new police chief help her do this?
This book is fast paced and combines great crime writing along side the scorching will they won’t they storyline of the two main characters. I thoroughly enjoyed their character development as well as all the twists and turns. Sophie Hamilton’s writing is all about the slow burn. Turning up the heat chapter by chapter until I had to put the a/c on.
More Than Nothing is an excellent start to what promises to be an unputdownable series. I will definitely be a return visitor to Pine Springs.
Thank you to Sophie Hamilton and Brilliance Audio for my advance listener copy of More Than Nothing by Sophie Hamilton.
October 4, 2025
Very well written thriller x romance
October 3, 2025
A very well written romantic suspense novel. Good character development - the characters felt real with a realistic story line.
October 6, 2025
Poorly written, no signs of any actual research done regarding the themes or locations, spelling mistakes throughout and I’m not sure it ever saw an editor?
An Amazon First Read so at least the only thing I wasted was my time and effort.
An Amazon First Read so at least the only thing I wasted was my time and effort.
October 31, 2025
More than Nothing was fine. It's a genre romance with the twist of a chief of police falling for the stepdaughter of a drug dealing criminal. It had the potential to be really sexy, but it's not a gritty drama. They're in a small Michigan town. If you've read any of my romance reviews you probably wonder why I keep reading them. The romantic miscommunication and self-doubt on everybody's part is maddening, but there's something about a happy ever after that appeals me especially as the world gets more topsy-turvey. There are no surprises here, no poetic turns of phrases, no I wish there were a sequel but perhaps the banality is what I liked most. It's a perfectly fine before bed for a couple nights escape.
November 30, 2025
Before I started this review, I had to check my kindle again to see if I actually finished this book. I forgot the entire ending.
This story was just ok. I thought the undercover plot was pretty pointless. I don't think she actually recovered any useful information for the DEA. Her and and sheriff were pretty cute together. But the rest of the story didn't make much sense. Her step family never figured out that she was hanging out with the sheriff, even though she was friends with his sister and sister-in-law. Most of the time I just asked myself "Why?" while listening to this audiobook. I didn't understand the actions for a lot of the characters.
Not a series that I will be picking up.
This story was just ok. I thought the undercover plot was pretty pointless. I don't think she actually recovered any useful information for the DEA. Her and and sheriff were pretty cute together. But the rest of the story didn't make much sense. Her step family never figured out that she was hanging out with the sheriff, even though she was friends with his sister and sister-in-law. Most of the time I just asked myself "Why?" while listening to this audiobook. I didn't understand the actions for a lot of the characters.
Not a series that I will be picking up.
October 4, 2025
This was very unsettling. Definitely more suspense than romance in my opinion. Darker than I originally thought.
In every romantic suspense novel I’ve read so far there are terrible nicknames, you’ll be glad to know that doesn’t happen in this book!!
No terrible nicknames like “fearless” or “reckless”.
I might come back and increase the star rating. I just don’t think I was in the mood for a dark read. I wanted a light romance.
Roman was the best. Elenie was odd, but I understand some people might relate to her. I just found her to be annoying at times. Something about her just irked me and I can’t pinpoint what. Overall I get why they work together. Their relationship wasn’t unexpected or unrealistic to me, which I found nice.
In every romantic suspense novel I’ve read so far there are terrible nicknames, you’ll be glad to know that doesn’t happen in this book!!
No terrible nicknames like “fearless” or “reckless”.
I might come back and increase the star rating. I just don’t think I was in the mood for a dark read. I wanted a light romance.
Roman was the best. Elenie was odd, but I understand some people might relate to her. I just found her to be annoying at times. Something about her just irked me and I can’t pinpoint what. Overall I get why they work together. Their relationship wasn’t unexpected or unrealistic to me, which I found nice.
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