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Small Town Sparks #1
A Dog Named Bella
One ice queen who likes solitude.
One firebrand crashing into her life.
One snowstorm trapping them together.
Ambitious journalist Amy Kelly has her big break at her fingertips. She's lined up an interview with Morgan Leithe—THE Morgan Leithe, the self-made billionaire who mysteriously vanished from the public eye three years ago. Amy only has to travel to the tiny New Zealand town Morgan's hiding in, nab that interview, and have it published before her big performance review. Wham, bam, thank you ma'am—that promotion is basically in the bag.
But Amy didn't plan for the bone-chilling blizzard sweeping through the sleepy little town, and she definitely didn't plan to have to wait out a snowstorm with a woman whose piercing blue eyes seem to see right through her...
Betrayed by those closest to her, brilliant philanthropist Morgan Leithe has made a new life for herself far away from the glitz and glamour. She'll keep everyone at arm's length to make sure that no-one can hurt her again. She's sworn off romance. All that she needs in life is a good book, her dogs by her side, and solitude. Life in her cosy mountain cottage is peaceful and quiet, just the way she wants it.
But now a tenacious younger woman with sparkling eyes is awakening something in her that she's tried her hardest to bury.
Four days. That's how long she'll have to wait before the snowstorm lifts and the stranger with the heart-stopping smile can leave for good.
Four days of just the two of them, a crackling fire, and the wild New Zealand scenery around them.
She can keep this professional, right?
One firebrand crashing into her life.
One snowstorm trapping them together.
Ambitious journalist Amy Kelly has her big break at her fingertips. She's lined up an interview with Morgan Leithe—THE Morgan Leithe, the self-made billionaire who mysteriously vanished from the public eye three years ago. Amy only has to travel to the tiny New Zealand town Morgan's hiding in, nab that interview, and have it published before her big performance review. Wham, bam, thank you ma'am—that promotion is basically in the bag.
But Amy didn't plan for the bone-chilling blizzard sweeping through the sleepy little town, and she definitely didn't plan to have to wait out a snowstorm with a woman whose piercing blue eyes seem to see right through her...
Betrayed by those closest to her, brilliant philanthropist Morgan Leithe has made a new life for herself far away from the glitz and glamour. She'll keep everyone at arm's length to make sure that no-one can hurt her again. She's sworn off romance. All that she needs in life is a good book, her dogs by her side, and solitude. Life in her cosy mountain cottage is peaceful and quiet, just the way she wants it.
But now a tenacious younger woman with sparkling eyes is awakening something in her that she's tried her hardest to bury.
Four days. That's how long she'll have to wait before the snowstorm lifts and the stranger with the heart-stopping smile can leave for good.
Four days of just the two of them, a crackling fire, and the wild New Zealand scenery around them.
She can keep this professional, right?
Unknown Binding
First published April 6, 2021
65 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
About the author
Bel Blackwood
10 books65 followersBel Blackwood (they/them) spins stories of flawed women finding happiness, aimed at readers who like their lesbian romances to be heartfelt, quirky, and funny.
When they're not writing, Bel loves hiking with their mutts, baking up a storm, and trying (and failing) to learn to meditate. If they followed the advice to write what you know, all of their books would be about heroines waging war on the caterpillars eating their zucchini plants.
When they're not writing, Bel loves hiking with their mutts, baking up a storm, and trying (and failing) to learn to meditate. If they followed the advice to write what you know, all of their books would be about heroines waging war on the caterpillars eating their zucchini plants.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
March 29, 2022
An entertaining story with good romantic drama. Suitable for those who enjoy hidden motives and secrets to bring tension - plus some previous hurt and angst that melds into the current relationship.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 5, 2021
3.5 stars.
This was a sweet, slow-burn romance, set in New Zealand.
Amy is a tech reporter, sent to New Zealand to land a big scoop, and with it a big promotion. Morgan is the reclusive tech billionaire Amy is supposed to interview. She disappeared from the tech world after a big conference announcing her resignation, never to be seen again by most of the world.
Morgan is pitched as a bit of an ice queen, and her interactions with the local community definitely come across this way. I liked how she doesn’t automatically open up to the stranger in her life and how Amy has to fight for the article she’s supposed to write. Amy matches up well to Morgan, and the little insights we get into her life make her situation and decisions more believable.
There’s some intrigue and behind the scenes scheming that plays out to give real reason for why Amy has been given the interview, that keeps things interesting.
I liked the ending as it doesn’t fall into saviour type tropes, whilst still giving a satisfying happy ending, both personally and professionally for them both.
As the book is named after one of the canine characters, they definitely deserve a mention as Morgan’s pack of dogs provide some good ways of moving the story along and opportunities for both characters to open up.
This was a nice way to pass a few hours and I think romance fans looking for a romance with some elements of slow burn and conflict will enjoy this one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a sweet, slow-burn romance, set in New Zealand.
Amy is a tech reporter, sent to New Zealand to land a big scoop, and with it a big promotion. Morgan is the reclusive tech billionaire Amy is supposed to interview. She disappeared from the tech world after a big conference announcing her resignation, never to be seen again by most of the world.
Morgan is pitched as a bit of an ice queen, and her interactions with the local community definitely come across this way. I liked how she doesn’t automatically open up to the stranger in her life and how Amy has to fight for the article she’s supposed to write. Amy matches up well to Morgan, and the little insights we get into her life make her situation and decisions more believable.
There’s some intrigue and behind the scenes scheming that plays out to give real reason for why Amy has been given the interview, that keeps things interesting.
I liked the ending as it doesn’t fall into saviour type tropes, whilst still giving a satisfying happy ending, both personally and professionally for them both.
As the book is named after one of the canine characters, they definitely deserve a mention as Morgan’s pack of dogs provide some good ways of moving the story along and opportunities for both characters to open up.
This was a nice way to pass a few hours and I think romance fans looking for a romance with some elements of slow burn and conflict will enjoy this one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 1, 2021
This is a cute sort of slow burn, ice queen story, but I don’t really see the connection with the characters.
I like that this book is set in a small town in New Zealand, there cute rescue dogs and some blunt towns people. Although I do feel we don’t get enough of it.
It’s cute enough but just lacking in some places
I like that this book is set in a small town in New Zealand, there cute rescue dogs and some blunt towns people. Although I do feel we don’t get enough of it.
It’s cute enough but just lacking in some places
July 26, 2022
A slim tale that was fine and dandy but nothing that made it stand out from the herd. Not sure if I’ll read book 2…
April 11, 2022
I really like this author's voice. The plots are fun and easy to read, and I love reading books set in New Zealand. However, it is also clear this author is not a kiwi herself. A few things gave me pause but they were easy enough to overlook in the name of fiction.
Oh, and I love the cover! Love it!
Ironically, that brings to mind one of the things I was referring to above! That big, white, knitted thing she is wearing...we call it a jersey, not a jumper :)
Oh, and I love the cover! Love it!
Ironically, that brings to mind one of the things I was referring to above! That big, white, knitted thing she is wearing...we call it a jersey, not a jumper :)
July 26, 2021
I had a difficult time rating this book. I loved how Bel Blackwood crafted Amy’s inner dialogue which I found witty and quite endearing. I even laughed out loud a few times. Amy’s trials and tribulations once she arrived in New Zealand would have made a lesser woman crumble. Honestly the reason I kept reading was because of Amy. Morgan wasn’t nearly as ice queen as she was touted in the synopsis and the beginning of the book. She took herself away from society completely and didn’t start really living again until Amy was snowed in on her doorstep. I didn’t feel really any chemistry between our two main characters. There was no sizzle, smoldering looks, or sideways glances. All of a sudden they went from busting each other’s balls to falling into bed together. So while the writing was good, I just felt there were some romance aspects missing, so I guess I’d give this one 3.25 stars.
January 7, 2023
A Dog Named Bella
This was well written by Bel Blackwood. It was a fun story to read. I liked the chemistry and the ending. It was a good quick read. First book I have read by this author.
This was well written by Bel Blackwood. It was a fun story to read. I liked the chemistry and the ending. It was a good quick read. First book I have read by this author.
August 17, 2025
Okay,then one main breaches trust (as a guest in someone's house) and I'm not sure for me she can come back from that.
The mains get intimate and a couple of phrases pull me out the scene. I also can't get past that the fact the “she slept with a billionaire” is her main focus. It seems out of character for everything that has gone before.
There were a couple of other scenes that seemed slightly out of sync with where the mains were, that had me thinking I'd missed something.
I was interested to find out how things would end. It felt a long time for the mains to get going and a really long time for Bella to come in to her own!
The mains get intimate and a couple of phrases pull me out the scene. I also can't get past that the fact the “she slept with a billionaire” is her main focus. It seems out of character for everything that has gone before.
There were a couple of other scenes that seemed slightly out of sync with where the mains were, that had me thinking I'd missed something.
I was interested to find out how things would end. It felt a long time for the mains to get going and a really long time for Bella to come in to her own!
November 12, 2021
few editing issues, and title and cover(in kindle) could have been better, but this was a really good read. I love the author’s writing that I’m binge-reading her works. Now onto the next one.
April 6, 2021
Who doesn’t love a story about love and dogs? Amy’s editor (Savannah) gives her a seemingly impossible assignment - interview a woman who for all intents and purposes does not want to be interviewed. Not to put too fine a point on it, but the subject of her interview is a recluse who fiercely guards her privacy. Not hard right? If that wasn’t enough, Savannah has dangled the prospect of a promotion for Amy, should all go well-no pressure. The subject of said interview, Morgan Leithe, a retired computer mogul and philanthropist who spends her days with four rambunctious dogs and Bella, a dog that behaves like a disinterested cat—she made me laugh out loud. The setup of Amy’s assignment is “too good to be true”. And when things seem too good to be true, they usually are, which she finds out later. The good thing is that her editor’s play went horribly wrong-for the editor:-). What meant for misdeeds leads Amy to the exact place she needs to be.
This is a sweet easy read. If you like to read as much as I do, you will very likely guess the plot by chapter three. Let’s just say Morgan gives a lot of hints to the cause of her gruff persona. Even with that, you will enjoy watching Amy help Morgan to lose her edge and even open up to her neighbors.
This story has love, misunderstandings, intrigue, and a fun plot. You will enjoy Amy and Morgan’s journey out of prickly (this will make sense later) to serene.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a sweet easy read. If you like to read as much as I do, you will very likely guess the plot by chapter three. Let’s just say Morgan gives a lot of hints to the cause of her gruff persona. Even with that, you will enjoy watching Amy help Morgan to lose her edge and even open up to her neighbors.
This story has love, misunderstandings, intrigue, and a fun plot. You will enjoy Amy and Morgan’s journey out of prickly (this will make sense later) to serene.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 4, 2021
This romance is mainly set in small town Ohakune, New Zealand, far away from big city life in the U.S.A. Leads Amy (ultra ambitious journalist) and Morgan (tech giant turned crusty recluse) find themselves sharing space because of a blizzard. Amy desperately needs to get an interview and Morgan fiercely guards her privacy. There is angst, humor, the right touch of bedroom heat and small town nosiness with the build up to Amy's meticulous life planning being tossed figuratively through the window and Morgan finding her tough shell cracked by the pushy journalist nicely handled. Supporting characters in boss lady Savannah (I labelled her immediately as a user, rat fink/bi#%h) and Marie (cafe owner) nicely meshed with the storyline along with the motley crew of dogs (including little doggie heroine Bella) and I can't forget the "ice breaker" cactus plant. Attraction built along side struggling suspicion and past emotional hurts and I hoped for a HEA and Savannah's comeuppance. This is my first read of Ms. Blackwood's work and I look forward with anticipation to more from her. On my re-read shelf.
September 26, 2022
Okay, so my brain took the xena-tilda bit and made up Carrie-Anne Moss in matrix, so there, she's my version of Morgan, even though the latter is blond. Poetic license at its best hahahaha.
This was a sweet, quick and unexpectedly low on drama novella. I thought we'd have those OTT conflicts because of the plot and even though it had the potential to follow on this, it didn't, and all was fixed very quickly. Which I'm very grateful for. The town's people were quite amusing, and even though we don't have too many interactions due to the book length, they've left their mark.
I really liked both MC and I hope we get a glimpse of them with the other 2 books.
Edit: I just thought something, Amy was a shitty friend to Olivia, basically ghosted her. No cool, mate!
This was a sweet, quick and unexpectedly low on drama novella. I thought we'd have those OTT conflicts because of the plot and even though it had the potential to follow on this, it didn't, and all was fixed very quickly. Which I'm very grateful for. The town's people were quite amusing, and even though we don't have too many interactions due to the book length, they've left their mark.
I really liked both MC and I hope we get a glimpse of them with the other 2 books.
Edit: I just thought something, Amy was a shitty friend to Olivia, basically ghosted her. No cool, mate!
February 21, 2022
Enjoyable!
What do you get when you pair a reclusive billionaire (Morgan) with an upcoming young journalist (Amy) who is out to get the story that could make her career? A juicy story full of lies, betrayal, comeuppance, and a new appreciation of what is truly important in life and trusting yourself to do the right thing. I really liked the character of Amy. It's my first time reading this author and I enjoyed the New Zealand locale, the interesting plot, the slow burn relationship, and of course, the dogs. Now I'm off to her next book!
What do you get when you pair a reclusive billionaire (Morgan) with an upcoming young journalist (Amy) who is out to get the story that could make her career? A juicy story full of lies, betrayal, comeuppance, and a new appreciation of what is truly important in life and trusting yourself to do the right thing. I really liked the character of Amy. It's my first time reading this author and I enjoyed the New Zealand locale, the interesting plot, the slow burn relationship, and of course, the dogs. Now I'm off to her next book!
July 2, 2021
Intriguing
I really enjoyed this story. This is my first book I've read by this author but it won't be the last. She has a great way of presenting her characters. They made me laugh, they made me tear up a bit and overall definitely kept me entertained. Can't ask for more than that. 😊
I really enjoyed this story. This is my first book I've read by this author but it won't be the last. She has a great way of presenting her characters. They made me laugh, they made me tear up a bit and overall definitely kept me entertained. Can't ask for more than that. 😊
April 23, 2021
A cute romance
It was a really cute story. I loved the growth of the main character, Amy, and the build up of her romance with Morgan. The engineered downfall of Savannah was funny. I’ll be buying more from this author.
It was a really cute story. I loved the growth of the main character, Amy, and the build up of her romance with Morgan. The engineered downfall of Savannah was funny. I’ll be buying more from this author.
July 21, 2021
Ruthless Reporter’s Story
Amy was on assignment to get a juicy story about a reclusive billionaire who resigned from the world. There’s just one problem, she’s gorgeous and sexy as hell. A healing and a redemption are about to happen. Great characters and sexy scenery.
Amy was on assignment to get a juicy story about a reclusive billionaire who resigned from the world. There’s just one problem, she’s gorgeous and sexy as hell. A healing and a redemption are about to happen. Great characters and sexy scenery.
August 15, 2021
Overall, not enough depth in to the story.
So many issues with the flow of the story. No enough depth in to the whole plot. We were just thrown in to these ideas, but never explained why...
So many issues with the flow of the story. No enough depth in to the whole plot. We were just thrown in to these ideas, but never explained why...
August 22, 2021
A nice little tail
To say Morgan and Amy have a bad start is putting it mildly. But due to a twist in circumstances the two are trapped together where Morgan learns to trust again and Amy realizes she doesn't want to be the monster reporter her boss is trying to turn her in to.
To say Morgan and Amy have a bad start is putting it mildly. But due to a twist in circumstances the two are trapped together where Morgan learns to trust again and Amy realizes she doesn't want to be the monster reporter her boss is trying to turn her in to.
October 30, 2021
This was so good! I was hooked and finished in just over 24hrs. It's a quirky story with characters I quickly grew fond of. I was surprised by Savannah and Morgan's relationship. Savannah got what was coming for her. Can't wait to start book 2!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2021
Finding an amazing New author....
PRICELESS!!! So witty fun and amazing twists and turns! Loved the Humor and the depth! Just bought more from the same author! Highly recommended!!! Fun and well balanced with the best sex scene I have ever read!!! EVER
PRICELESS!!! So witty fun and amazing twists and turns! Loved the Humor and the depth! Just bought more from the same author! Highly recommended!!! Fun and well balanced with the best sex scene I have ever read!!! EVER
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January 24, 2022Not what I expected!
Very enjoyable to read. I thought that the dogs would have a bigger roll. There were some surprising things and some predictable things over all a great book. I look forward to the series!
Very enjoyable to read. I thought that the dogs would have a bigger roll. There were some surprising things and some predictable things over all a great book. I look forward to the series!
April 5, 2021
I picked this up because dogs and New Zealand. Where can you go wrong? This was a sweet romance about a journalist hoping for her big break with a retired tech genius. My biggest problem was that Amy never asked the question I wanted her to, “How do you know Savannah?” I enjoyed Morgan’s character, especially the glimpses into her thoughts as she’s reaching out of her carefully constructed box, enjoying the work she does for Marie especially.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via booksprouts in exchange for an honest review
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via booksprouts in exchange for an honest review
October 25, 2021
Ice queen & dogs
A sweet love story with a couple of twists to keep it moving along, beautiful scenery and a pack of dogs, put your feet up & get absorbed into Morgan & Amy's story.
A sweet love story with a couple of twists to keep it moving along, beautiful scenery and a pack of dogs, put your feet up & get absorbed into Morgan & Amy's story.
February 19, 2022
« what’s a satellite but a really, really fancy phone? »
March 19, 2022
Good read
The second book I've read by Bel Blackwood and did not disappoint. Good characters and story with a good ending a real page turner.
Even better when available with KU.
The second book I've read by Bel Blackwood and did not disappoint. Good characters and story with a good ending a real page turner.
Even better when available with KU.
April 14, 2022
Wow amazing storyline
Wow amazing storyline I loved the main characters chemistry and the turns were perfectly balanced with the storyline great read congratulations
Wow amazing storyline I loved the main characters chemistry and the turns were perfectly balanced with the storyline great read congratulations
April 16, 2022
Stuck in a blizzard
Twists and turns and adventure. An enjoyable story that maybe could have been a little more substantial.
The love scenes and scenery were sweet and beautiful.
Twists and turns and adventure. An enjoyable story that maybe could have been a little more substantial.
The love scenes and scenery were sweet and beautiful.
September 4, 2024
Nice enemy to lovers sort of romance book. If you like winter/being snowed in, you’ll have fun reading it.
April 25, 2021
Slow intense and romantic story with hidden agendas and loveable main characters, happy ending and new beginnings. An easy to read and interesting book.
May 9, 2021
This book was a good read. Both main characters came across as aloof at first but like the winter snow, they began to thaw and get warmer. Lots of dogs in a book is always good. Little twist about who blackmailed Morgan kept it interesting. Half a star removed simply because the epilogue was going great till Amy started thinking of what if - which spoilt it a little. So a 4.5 but rounded up to match the number of dogs
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews