Pick Your Spot

Heroes to the Core #1

by Jemi Fraser

Inheriting an apple farm wasn’t on Knox’s Bingo card.
This military veteran hasn’t found his place in civilian life. Running an orchard intrigues him, as does uncovering the family secrets behind the inheritance.
When he meets the woman behind recent improvements on the farm, he knows he’s all in. But someone wants to upset the apple cart and if Knox can’t figure it out, he might lose it all
***
Pick Your Spot is the first book in Jemi Fraser's Heroes To The Core romance series. Each of these small-town romances can be read as a stand-alone, although they are best enjoyed in order. The book contains a touch of danger, some strong language and sexy times. Enjoy the read!

228 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 15, 2025

About the author

Jemi Fraser writes small-town romance filled with hope, heart, humour, and a touch of danger. Her stories combine her love of mystery with the satisfaction of a Happy Ever After. Love is always worth the risk!

Find Jemi's books:

Amazon https://amzn.to/3Bs4t4h
Apple https://apple.co/2XYH6lg
B&N Nook https://bit.ly/3pLR0lC
Google Play https://bit.ly/3mmVxJ6
Kobo https://bit.ly/3GxTeLd

Reviews

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Pick Your Spot (Heroes To The Core, Book 1) by Jemi Fraser ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Knox and Thea stole my heart.

This story brought me to tears—in the best way. It brought me back No Phail Hero’s and Midnight Lake, and the emotional weight of those memories made Knox and Thea’s journey hit even harder.

Knox’s transition from military life to unexpected apple farm owner is compelling and heartfelt, and Thea is exactly the kind of strong, grounded partner who helps him rediscover purpose. Their chemistry is undeniable, their bond tender, and the mystery surrounding the orchard adds just the right touch of suspense. His desire to bring his family back together and find out what happened between his grandfather and his brother is something I hope we find out.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knox and Thea’s story is a sweet and spicy small town romance. Their story includes a bit of angst, a mystery to solve and a bit of danger as someone from Thea’s past resurfaces. With the sudden death of her friend and employer, Jay. Thea is left wandering if she will lose both her home and her job when the new owners take over the apple farm. When Knox arrives, she is stunned by her attraction to him and his willingness to hear her out. Though he can’t make any decisions without consulting his siblings, he is eager to keep Thea on due to her expertise in regenerative farming. He desperately wants his family to settle together on the farm, to work together to make the necessary repairs and improvements, and make the farm a profitable business again. Knox knows his siblings are working long hours at jobs that are not as fulfilling as they had hoped. They have also grown apart and Knox wants to change that. Their grandfather, Fox, raised Knox and his four siblings after the death of their parents. He taught them the value of hard work, working together and family, which is a tad ironic since he never mentioned his brother Jay. Why did the brothers lose contact and never mention each other? That is a mystery that Knox, his siblings and Thea hope to solve.

When Knox finally convinces his siblings to make the farm a project for them all to work and live on, he informs Thea that she can keep both her job and her cabin. The siblings are counting on her expertise since they have little in the area of farming. Each sibling does have skills or knowledge that will help get the farm in peak shape and hopefully making a profit. Knox also has friends, former military teammates, nearby in the town of Phail and another former military buddy who can help with construction and renovations. As they work together before the arrival of his friend and siblings, passion flares between Thea and Knox and quickly leads to deep and lasting feelings. Knox has found his life’s mate, a place his whole family will call home and help to thrive again, and a community that will support them. Thea, a former foster care child, has finally found her place in the world, a family that lives and welcomes her, and a community of supportive friends.

This book touched my heart, made me smile and left me eagerly awaiting the next book in this series. Thea and Knox easily drew me into their engaging story and made me want to see not only how their story continues to unfold, but also learn more about his siblings and the people who capture their hearts. I loved the small town setting and the appearance of so many familiar characters from the books about Phail, Vermont.

I will happily recommend this captivating book.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one in The Heroes To The Core series and it is Knox and Thea’s story and omg what a great start to a new series and definitely a must read. When Knox’s parents died in a car accident Knox and his siblings were taken in and raised by their grandfather. Years later and Knox is out of the military and living as a civilian but when he along with his siblings inherited a Apple Farm from there great uncle he quit his job as a bodyguard and hoped that this new venture would give him a new purpose and challenge in his life while hoping that eventually he can convince his siblings to join him and all be together again and start a new business and life. Thea hadn’t had a easy life after being a orphan but since being on the Apple Farm she feels like she had found her place in life but now the farm had been inherited by Jay’s family and she feels like her life is falling apart and she didn’t know if she would keep her job or the place that she called home so now she was uncertain of her future and where she would go from here if things didn’t work out. When Knox and Thea meet for the first time the attraction and chemistry was instant and strong and the more time that they spent and worked together feelings between them started to grow but just when things started to go right a blast from Thea’s past shows up so now Thea is in danger and everything is on the line because time is running out so they will have to eliminate the threat before it takes away everything that Knox and Thea had built together including their happiness and future that they both want together. Wow I absolutely loved this book and Knox and Thea are so perfect together and for each other and to have the appearance of all the friends from the other books made this really special and they all gel together so well while being determined to help, protect, support and be there for each other regardless of the situation or circumstances and have each other’s backs at all times. I couldn’t put this book down and read it in one sitting because it was so addictive and kept my attention throughout the whole book and I can’t wait to read the next book in this amazing series.

[Alex Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sitting here writing this review I am trying to put my thoughts in order. Pick Your Spot was 100% worth the read. Being familiar with the military I found the characters to be relatable. It can be hard on families to be apart, so your team becomes part of that family. You trust them to have your back when the going gets tough, and they stay by your side (not literally) even after retirement. Those connections are strong, and nothing can blow them apart.

Finding out that you have a family member that you never met is difficult. Even more so, when said family member passed without you knowing they even existed. Knox wants to find out why his grandfather and great-uncle didn’t speak to or about each other for the last decade.

When moving to the apple orchard left to him and his siblings Knox didn’t know what to expect, but he definitely didn’t expect Thea the Soil Consultant.

After Jay passed and Thea heard he left the orchard to family she was worried shew would lose the only home she had, so Knox was definitely not what she expected. With his upbeat attitude and love of humming broadway music on his walks.

Knox and Thea form an instant friendship, and as they get to know each other, Thea’s past resurfaces and puts her at risk. Knox being the protector he is has made it his life mission to keep her safe. But will Thea’s past uproot any chance they had to revitalize the farm or to see where their budding romance will go? So Pick Your Spot and settle in, enjoy the a-peel-ing story. I promise you’ll enjoy it!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

Oh my goodness has this book made me smile, the characters are written so well and complimented the characters who make an appearance from the two previous series, I wish I could visit the area as I know I would love it as much as they do!

I believed in the connection and chemistry between Knox and Thea, I like seeing them get to know each other and build something strong, the worminator is such a cool name and I just loved how it brought so many people together. I am so ready to get to know Knox's siblings better, to find out their stories, to see them bring something back together as a team, to see them enhance the community, and to find out what happened in the past. I am really loving this start to a new series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Floraljoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid start to a new series:
My interest has been sparked and I am interested to see how things develop on the apple farm and to meet the rest of the characters. Whilst still enjoyable, unfortunately I did find a lot of the book to be a rather repetitive and wordy. I guess the author was really trying to set the stage and introduce the siblings who will be featured in upcoming books. I enjoyed the last third of the book much better as it was only then that a threat emerged and I thought the suspense greatly enhanced the story. I still liked Knox and Thea as a couple and was so glad that they found one another.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thea and Knox are a great start to a new series. I love how sweet and caring and protective Knox is of Thea and of his family. I love how the family seems to be so close. I hope they find out more about their grandfather and Fox. i love his enthusiasm for the land. I love how they have such an intense connection. I love the suspense and action and his friends and revisiting Phail and all it's towns people. Most of all I love Thea and her attitude and her intelligence. She is pretty well adjusted even though she has insecurities. I love how Knox helps her realize her dreams. I am ready for the next story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great feel good read with a little suspense thrown in.

Ex military Knox and his siblings inherited an apple farm from an uncle they didn't know, and when he went to check it out, he met Soil expert Thea who had amazing ideas in farming.

So well written. Thea and Knox had the kind of dynamic that shines through and only enhances the story. Their attraction is there from the start.

I enjoyed the plot which was dramatic, emotional and feel good with a really sweet romance. Can't wait for the next in the series. It's going to be amazing!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knox doesn’t know what to expect when he and his siblings inherits an apple orchard from an uncle he never met. He certainly didn’t expect Thea to be living there, but he quickly accepts her expertise and passion about composting. Thea’s previous boss did a number on her career and self-esteem, and he won’t stop calling her. I wouldn’t have just brushed it off. Knox and his friends don’t but they still underestimate Andy. This was a steamy romance with some suspense. It was nice to catch up with previous characters.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding out your grandfather had a brother you didn't know about is one thing. To be left an apple orchard by him is another. Finding Thea, who worked for and stays in a little cabin on the land, is a blessing in disguise. Fate has opened her doors . Can he talk his siblings into making a move that will bring them all together, because he knows he wants to stay with Thea and make this home. Very emotional, heartwarming story. Can't wait for the ones to come next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amber Novak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fantastic first book in the Heroes To The Core series and introduces Knox and Thea. Knox has been struggling to find his place after his service ended and after he inherits an orchard from an unknown relative, he decides why not. He meets Thea, who has been running the orchard, and immediately knows she is the one for him. A little mystery, a little angst, plenty of love, and plenty of family, all with a HEA, make this a fantastic first entry in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pick Your Spot is a good, and enjoyable steamy small town blue collar romance read. The story has a great entertaining world building story line with an easy to read story line. The characters are great, wonderful, and they have great chemistry. This story is a very entertaining feel good work place romance read with a happily ever after ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Niki · Rating 5 out of 5]

So excited to get to revisit some old friends in this new series, Knox is trying to adjust to life out of the service. When he inherits an orchard from an uncle he did not even know about, he goes all in. When he meets Thea, he knows that he has found his forever, however there are some people that do not want that.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[BecReadReview · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jemi entices us with another sweet small town goodness. Knox & Thea are adorably cute & you enjoy their relationship. Fox steals your heart in a blink. We get so much knowledge & growth as we learn how these two find their places on the farm & with each other. A touch of danger to get the juices flowing to set things right with our old favourites. Excellent start!.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This delightful story had me connecting with Knox and Thea. She is working on the farm and the connection between them falls into place right from the start. As their bond grows someone is trying to come between them. Will Knox be able to find out who is behind the incidents.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Raylene Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters in this store are great. Thea and Knox support each other characters. It great to see them come together to do a project and Knox to get his family together one sibling at a time. Can’t wait for more in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Erica Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so excited to start this new series and to learn all about the Malssum family while still getting to stay in touch with all our friends in Phail and Midnight Lake. Learning all about composting was just a bonus!! This story had some emotion, some humor, lots of family vibes (blood and found), some action and some heat. Such a great start and I can’t wait for the rest of the stories!

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic small town romance.. I really loved it! It is steamy-sweet and heartwarming, with a bit of mystery and suspense.. Wonderful characters!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really enjoyable small town romance book that makes your heart feel happy reading about Knox and Thea. I can see this book making a really great movie because everything about it screams sweet romance with a nice ending.
I need the next book in this series now to read.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The start of a new series called Heroes To The Core. Knox and Thea's well written story grabbed my interest from the start. The storyline is great and the characters are believable. I want to read the next book. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather Gibbard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely storyline based in a small town, that was both full of suspense and some mystery along with steam. Loved the ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Glenda Bettin · Rating 5 out of 5]

exciting new series