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Hayes Family #4

Good Directions

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It was a stupid bet—that I could find a date, a real date, to my sister's wedding. Or I was at the mercy of my brothers’ whim.

No problem. I got this.

Except…I don’t.

Until I meet Sawyer Brown. The moment she pulls up to my roadside fruit stand looking for directions, I’m all in.

Then she tells me to go to hell.

Which is just peachy since she just so happens to be the expert the state sent to help my company this summer.

To say that we don’t exactly hit it off is an understatement. As it turns out, I happen to have something Sawyer desperately needs, and I’m not above using that to leverage her into being my girl—even if it is just for show.

But pretty soon fake dates turn into real ones, keeping secrets turns into baring it all, and our reasons for doing this slowly fade away.

Or so I thought…

322 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 10, 2025

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About the author

Claire Hastings

29 books841 followers
Claire Hastings is a walking, talking awkward moment. She loves Diet Coke, gummi bears, the beach, and books (obvs). When not reading she can usually be found hanging with friends at a soccer match or grabbing food (although she probably still has a book in her purse). She and her husband Drew live in Atlanta with their fur-child Denali.

She can be found here:

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5 stars
76 (58%)
4 stars
43 (33%)
3 stars
9 (6%)
2 stars
1 (<1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
Profile Image for BookAddict.
2,135 reviews211 followers
July 9, 2025
This is one of those series I love returning to and just can’t get enough! What’s not to love about a big, noisy, loving southern family set in rural Georgia? Each story is better than the last, and I was desperate for Anton's story.

It starts with a broken car air conditioning on a hot summer day. Sawyer Brown is new to town, here to help a farm with some soil issues they’ve been having. Turns out the guy she’s here to help is the produce stand guy she clashed with when she stopped to ask for directions.

But since this is the Hayes family and small-town Hickory Hills, Sawyer is quickly adopted by both the town and Mama Hayes. It's not long before Anton Hayes sees the brilliance of Sawyer, and it's so much more than her agricultural smarts.

Full of small-town magic and southern charm, you'll fall in love with everything about this phenomenal romance read. Sweet, steamy, and bursting with heart, make sure you don’t miss this wonderful, enchanting small-town romance!
Profile Image for Kristen.
763 reviews10 followers
July 8, 2025
“You make me want that. Make me feel things I didn’t realize were possible, and fuck, that scares me just about as much as armadillos do.”

Anton Hayes, middle Hayes, has finally met his match. He has never been interested in dating but he is in need of a date for his sister’s wedding. He just never expected the woman he chooses to become so much more than just a date for a wedding.

Sawyer Brown, Dirt Doctor extraordinaire, is in Hickory Hills to check out the Hayes soil. She plans to focus solely on dirt and move up in her career. What she isn’t expecting is Anton Hayes.

Anton and Sawyer were a cute duo who simply worked together. They had similar interests and passions making them a great pair. Another great Hayes story!!
1,070 reviews65 followers
July 11, 2025
I loved Anton and Sawyer. They are opposites, the only thing in common is their Ag nerdyness, but they fit together so perfectly. I hate that Sawyers age isn't mentioned. The chemistry was great and it was well written.
Profile Image for Andrea Mehalco.
368 reviews3 followers
July 12, 2025
Cue “Good Directions” by Billy Currington on repeat!

I just love this series so much! And wait—are most of Claire’s romances based on songs? Have I been asleep this whole time?

This is the fourth book in the Hayes Family series, and I feel like I know less about Anton than the other Hayes men. He’s not having the best year with one of the three Ps (peaches, peanuts, and pecans), and now the state is sending someone to help figure out the problem. In the meantime, he’s trying to make the best of a bad peach season by selling fruit at a roadside stand—where he’s also in charge of giving good directions.

I absolutely loved Anton and Sawyer’s meet-cute. Thinking he’d never see her again, Anton goes back to business as usual… until the state soil specialist walks into his lab—and it’s Sawyer. Their chemistry is electric from the start, but Sawyer isn’t exactly a fan of Anton, and for good reason.

She ends up staying at a very familiar property, and the story follows as they spend more time working together. Meanwhile, Anton has a lingering bet on his mind: he needs a date for Willa’s wedding, and his brothers have added several stipulations. So, of course, he turns to Sawyer for help—and the fake dating begins. But as we romance readers know, what starts as fake never stays that way for long.

I really enjoyed reading about these two and watching their relationship blossom. They both needed someone who made them feel safe and seen. I was a little worried about how everything would come together at the end, but Claire never disappoints. This book was amazing, and I loved seeing familiar faces again. The ending was super cute—and very ag-nerdy, in the best way.

I can’t wait to see what happens next in the Hayes family!
Profile Image for World Of Books 65.
3,382 reviews63 followers
July 10, 2025
Are we really four books deep into the magnificent Hayes Family series? Because every single one has been an unputdownable joy—and Good Directions by Claire Hastings is no exception. This series continues to prove that when it comes to small-town romance packed with heart, heat, and humor, Hastings is in a league of her own.

Anton has been a quiet favorite of mine since the earlier books, and seeing him finally get his story was everything I’d hoped for and more. Enter Sawyer—the smart, sassy woman who drives upto his fruit stand needing directions and unwittingly flips his whole world upside down. The moment she asks for help, the banter begins—and so does the delicious slow burn.

What Anton doesn’t know? Sawyer’s not just a passing traveler—she’s the soil expert brought in to help his family farm. Cue the tension, the spark, and the undeniable chemistry that practically leaps off the page.

From sizzling flirtation to genuine emotional depth, Good Directions is another masterclass in small-town romance. The charming setting, lovable side characters, and heartfelt storytelling make it impossible not to fall head over heels—both with Anton and Sawyer, and with the Hayes family all over again.

Claire Hastings pours her soul into every book, and this one overflowed. Heartwarming, witty, and swoony in all the right ways—this is a must-read for fans of family-driven romance and second-chance moments disguised as fate.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Swoony, Sun-Drenched, Small-Town Perfection!
Profile Image for Amanda Brown.
222 reviews
July 16, 2025
Rating: 4.5/5⭐️ Spice:3/5🌶️

Tropes:
🍑Small town
🍑 Workplace
🍑 Enemies to lovers
🍑 Fake dating
🍑 Black cat X golden retriever
🍑 Peach innuendos

I love returning to this series so much, I love getting a big ol’ dose of this big, noisy, loving southern family. Now we get Anton’s story and how he eventually wins over Sawyer’s heart, it’s not easy.

Sawyer is in town to work for the Hayes company for the summer to help with soil issues and find solutions. On her way to Hickory Hills, Anton and Sawyer have their “not-so-cute-meet-cute” on the side of the road at his farm stand. Anton and Sawyer did not hit it off the greatest but he gave her directions to Hickory Hills. Once there she gets adopted by the town and Mama Hayes who takes her into her home.

Sawyer and Anton definitely got off on the wrong foot, and it doesn’t help matters that Anton is in the market for a date to Willa’s (his little sister) wedding. Sawyer and Anton agree to fake date so Anton can win his bet and Anton writes Sawyer a glowing recommendation letter for her promotion. After working together and really getting to know each other their feelings start to evolve. It was sweet watching them fall in love with each other while working together to save the Hayes peaches and trees. Despite their tension their chemistry was off the charts, it was electric, you could feel it coming off the pages.

Anton and Sawyer both needed someone to be there for them, to really be seen and feel safe. It was sweet watching Sawyer and Anton going from sizzling flirtation to genuine feelings and emotional depth. Their chemistry was off the charts! I love absolutely everything about this family, the way they all come together, meddle in each other's lives and rib each other but if any of them need help they are there.

If you are looking for some small town magic, southern charm, a sassy, independent heroine, and a phenomenal romance that is sweet and steamy look no further.

Profile Image for Kelchickbooklover.
2,192 reviews68 followers
July 6, 2025
Ms. Hastings gives us Anton and Sawyer, two people who have a hate-to-love relationship. Right from the start, the banter between the two of them was witty, full of angst but at the same time flirty and suggestive. Good Directions is one book that was easy to read, entertaining and one that I enjoyed from page one to the end.
Anton, the button pusher of the Hayes family and meeting Sawyer, sees her pushing his buttons. The Hayes family needs help with the peach crops and Sawyer is the one who is going to help but they seem to be at one another's throats. Working for or helping the Hayes family sees the two of them in close quarters and having to work together. They both need something and when an agreement is made, things are not what they seem. All the witty banter and push/pull that happens between them is really a form of foreplay. I loved how Anton was not giving up on what he wanted but he showed a sweet and vulnerable side of himself that I was hoping for. Sawyer also opened up about her personal life, which saw the two of them become close and feelings develop into so much more. I think Anton surprised everyone, including Sawyer, with his caring and gentle ways.
The Hayes family and especially Mama Hayes, added another level of banter, family bonding and caring. The way they all embraced Sawyer and pulled her into the family was beautiful.
Profile Image for Brooke Torrey.
605 reviews1 follower
September 8, 2025
I am so obsessed with this series, and I absolutely loved this book!!!! I devoured this book as soon as I got it on my Kindle. This book was filled with drama, angst, spice, and a little more drama. I really connected with Sawyer on so many levels in this book. Claire Hastings is always in my top 5 of authors I enjoy reading and rereading!!! She fills her books with references that I will laugh at and then go and listen to either the songs or watch the movies again. She always takes me on a journey in her books, and I am so for it. She has me laughing, getting a little teary-eyed, and then doing a fist-pump. I thought the storyline was original and had me in love with the characters from the start of the book. Good Directions is part of the Hayes Family series and can be read as a standalone, but I totally suggest starting at the beginning with Blue Jeands in Low Beams, or just take the dive and start with the Hickory Hills series!!!

Sawyer was independent, a total tree nerd, and stubborn. I loved her sassiness and her quirks. Anton was bossy, knew his three P's, and was just as stubborn as Sawyer. They were perfect for each other. I loved their chemistry; it was undeniable and super intense. I enjoyed how their friends-to-lovers relationship sprouted and grew throughout this book. I can't wait to see what comes next from Claire Hastings!!!
137 reviews
July 1, 2025
I’m so excited for this book! I remember the day when Claire first questioned me about what my husband does for a living…he grows peaches & pecans. Since then Claire has been to our farm & other local packing houses several times. And she always has the best chauffeur around! Me!! Driving in peach fields & back roads.

Our friendship developed as she was writing Cary’s story, “Son of a Peach” [READ THIS ONE TOO] for the Candy Cane Key novella series. And then as she throughly researched all things Peaches, Pecans & Peanuts for “Good Directions”.

I remember discussing details of so many of the scenes in this book, from Anton charging Hux for a peach to Anton & Sawyer’s first meeting at the fruit stand. I love all the references to the song!! Of course all the peach factoids!! The sandwich board idea & the grades of peaches!

But this is a love story of course & the way that these 2 come together, finding their similarities through their differences, helping each other conquer their fears, making a life together…that’s the good stuff!! The fantastic banter between Anton & Sawyer & all the other family members & the way Auggie & Miss Belle took her under their wings, like she was one of their own…that’s just a bonus!
Profile Image for Fiona.
637 reviews20 followers
June 26, 2025
Good Directions was such a fun and thoroughly enjoyable read! Claire Hastings delivers a swoony, flirty fake-dating romance that hits all the right notes. The chemistry between Anton and Sawyer crackles from their very first interaction — their banter is sharp, witty, and completely addictive. I found myself smiling through so many of their scenes.
Anton is an absolute standout — charming, mischievous, and sexy, with a dirty mouth that only makes him more irresistible. He’s the life of the party but also fiercely loyal, especially when it comes to his family. The Hayes clan brought so much heart and humor to the story — their playful bets and deep camaraderie gave the book extra warmth and richness.
Sawyer is a perfect foil for Anton — initially guarded and serious, she slowly reveals layers of vulnerability and strength that make her so relatable. Watching her go toe-to-toe with Anton was such a delight. Together, they have the kind of spark that makes you believe in the magic of opposites attracting.
This fake romance turned real love story was engaging, heartwarming, and laugh-out-loud fun. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. 4.5 stars
Profile Image for lowkeyreader.
5,650 reviews52 followers
July 13, 2025
Good Directions by Claire Hastings is a charming and heartfelt contemporary romance that I thoroughly enjoyed. The story offers a perfect blend of small-town warmth and emotional depth, with characters who feel genuine and relatable. Hastings does a great job of creating a cozy atmosphere that made me feel connected to the setting and invested in the characters’ journeys.

The romance unfolds naturally, with a nice balance of sweet moments and subtle tension that kept me turning the pages. I appreciated how the book explored themes of healing, self-discovery, and second chances without feeling overly dramatic. The characters’ growth felt authentic, and their interactions were both tender and engaging.

While the plot follows some familiar romance beats, Hastings’s warm writing style and well-drawn characters made the story stand out for me. I would have liked a bit more conflict or higher stakes to add extra excitement, but overall, the pacing was smooth and enjoyable.

Good Directions is a solid 4-star read that I’d recommend to fans of contemporary romances with heart, especially those who appreciate small-town settings and emotionally satisfying love stories.
Profile Image for Jenn the Readaholic.
2,245 reviews76 followers
July 3, 2025
Oh, Anton. That needling of people is going to turn on him eventually. And believe me, it really does. He meets his match in Sawyer, and honestly? He doesn’t care one bit if she beats him in a battle of wits. Or anything. He’s fallen and he only wants her. Any way he can have her.

Sawyer is a bit prickly at first, but I think she’s used to being overlooked because she’s the odd child out, the woman in the lab, and the person others don’t expect to have good ideas beyond conceptual ones. Anton proves that when he opens his mouth without thinking, and I have to say, I adore his parents for their reaction. It’s a thing of beauty to see the one that they’ve taken as their own while laying into the one they actually birthed and raised!

This is entertaining, will make you think of summer fruit, and oh boy, will you have a certain song in your head most of the book. Maybe two songs, if you happen to be one of us ancient “1900s babies” that somehow still exist in the world.
Profile Image for J.p.
1,539 reviews4 followers
July 10, 2025
Miss Hastings has made me fall in love with another Hayes brother. Anton is the Hayes brother that doesn’t fall in love or wanted to fall in love but when he meets the new Dirt Doctor that could save his crops he is immediately smitten but of course it’s not a smooth ride as they have this hate to love relationship, to and fro banter that could also be interpreted as flirting. He needs a date so who better than Sawyer, it’s supposed to be a fake relationship but could this be the real deal? Once again the family dynamics just hit a sweet spot for me, the siblings are wonderful characters as is Miss Belle, the whole town is too to be fair, it’s an idyllic place and it’s wonderful to be able to follow them and enjoy the Hayes’s brothers falling in love. This book was real, so enjoyable and full of heat too. Perfect.
Profile Image for Brooklyn Lowe.
500 reviews15 followers
July 2, 2025
-loathe to love
-fake dating
-“fuck it”
-small town

Sawyer is on her way to Hickory Hills. Stops by Anton’s fruit stand. Where she’s lost due to her gps not working. Anton gives her directions, but doesn’t ask for her name. What happens when she walks back into his life? He asks her to fake date him. The problem? She can’t stand his funny, pranking ways.

Sawyer is a no-nonsense woman, who knows exactly what she wants. Sawyer is nerdy, and loves to be right.

Anton is hot, nerdy, and loves to play pranks on his brothers.

I love being in Hickory Hills. The siblings, the friendships. Watching Anton and Sawyer. Their story was so perfect and I just loved them. They’re both nerdy, wanting to play in the dirt, and Anton teaching Sawyer how to get dirty.

Profile Image for Jackie Wright.
6,784 reviews140 followers
July 11, 2025
Good Directions is Anton Hayes and Sawyer Brown’s small town, sweet and steamy romance. It’s book four in the Hayes Family Series and its small town, southern charm at its best.
Anton has only ever looked for one night, he is not interested in dating but he needs a date for his sister’s wedding and that’s where Sawyer comes in.
Sawyer is a dirt doctor in Hickory Hills to check out the families soil so she should make the perfect date as she is only in town for a short time.
So what happens when feelings come into play……..
This is a well written and entertaining story, I fell hard and fast for Anton and I want Sawyer as my new bestie. I swooned, I smiled and I giggled as I cheered this couple on.
Profile Image for Lisa Petty (Book Bangers Blog).
2,396 reviews20 followers
July 14, 2025
Sometimes, someone will knock you down a peg, and for Anton, that is what happens when he meets a beautiful woman who is looking for someone to fix her car. Being the gentleman that he is, he directs her right to his town. Sawyer is on a mission to get the promotion of a lifetime and work at Haye's Farm with the best. When her car breaks down, she feels like everything is against her, but she's trying to stay positive. The handsome man from the fruit stand is none other than Dr. Anton Hayes, and they will butt heads and laugh like no other. Anton has been doing this for a long time and knows what he's talking about. His attraction to Sawyer isn't what he expected, but now he's going to show her what life can be like. I loved Anton, and his story is truly heartwarming.
Profile Image for Libby.
319 reviews16 followers
August 23, 2025
This was such a riot to read!

Mr Too Good Looking for his Own Good and the bombshell that shows up needing directions to the office where she will be helping solve the mystery of the worst peach harvest since '54.



Anton Hayes is set in his ways. Now Ms Sawyer Brown has to prove to him that his way isnt always the only way. There’s also the matter of a bet between him and his siblings, needing a date to his sister’s wedding. Will these two head strong individuals be able to solve both problems?

Where do I start? This story's got everything! Laughter, banter and enough steam for a sauna! 5 stars!!!
Profile Image for Tiffany Hannick.
762 reviews6 followers
June 29, 2025
This is part of the Hayes family from Hickory Hills series. Anton who is the instigator of the family has finally met his match. Anton is a very complex and deep man who lives for his work in the family’s company. It was great getting to see so many more sides of him than what we see in his siblings stories. It is always fun to visit the Hayes family. Their dynamic will have you laughing as well as warm your heart. Visiting Hickory Hills will make you wish for small town life. You definitely want to see Anton being kept on his toes by Sawyer.
Profile Image for Rebekah Powers.
298 reviews5 followers
July 7, 2025
A bet - turned into fake dating - leading to something more? THIS BOOK WAS MADE FOR ME!

I thoroughly enjoyed the tension between Sawyer and Anton. The chemistry they put off that originally starts as standoffish and hostile turns into playful bickering. And the bickering turns into foreplay 🌶️

And these are no one dimensional characters. Sawyer and Anton have their outward personas, their total geeky, passionate science nerd sides, and their internalized selves riddled with insecurities.

Their love story is fun, multifaceted, and totally geeky.
Profile Image for Petra.
1,576 reviews
July 9, 2025
I absolutely loved this book from start to finish!

It all starts with said good directions, towards Hickory Hills of course. Sawyer and Anton are perfect for one another. What initially may have been a bet turns out to be much more very soon. Finally someone who is a match for Anton’s jokes and sarcasm (he loves to push people’s buttons!). And he really is loving Sawyer's bossy side, that’s for sure.

~~… somehow, Anton Hayes makes everything right with my world. Even when he’s turning it upside down. And turn it upside down is exactly what he’s done.~~

~~“You are the best thing I never had planned, Anton Hayes,” she says, settling into my lap.~~
Profile Image for ReadonReader.
2,721 reviews10 followers
July 14, 2025
The Hayes family has been an absolute favorite of mine with each story grabbing me further into this loud amazing family and me not wanting them to ever end. Anton’s story is no different with the banter of him and siblings being as great as it always is, but when Sawyer steps on the scene and isn’t afraid to dish her own out it really steps up the story. Sawyer and Anton could not be any more opposite than they are yet, they both are passionate about what they love and their geeky agriculture hearts are so similar. With Anton not wanting to do relationships and the tension between him and Sawyer lights up the pages that will have you smiling and waiting for that inevitable shoe to drop. I love the Hayes family and everyone around them, these stories make you laugh and fall in love.
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,267 reviews220 followers
July 12, 2025
5 Star Review Good Directions (Hayes Family #4) by Claire Hastings

Set in Hickory Hills this is Sawyer Brown and Anton Haye’s story and was well written and entertaining.

I love stories set in small towns and this one ticked all the boxes for me. From the moment they met, the sparks flew.

Starting off as fake their relationship quickly morphs into more and that made for an entertaining read.

I enjoyed the development of their relationship as it evolved and found the characters easy to relate to and likeable.
4,682 reviews
July 15, 2025
-Nerds
-Forced proximity
-Fake Dating
-Small Town

Love is in the air for another Hayes! Love was just a fruit stand and direction away for Anton.
Even though farming and agriculture are a big part of who they are, Anton and Sawyer are opposites. The story is funny and easy to get into. There's banter, romance, family, and a small-town setting. And let's not forget their chemistry!

I was given a free copy of this book and I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
1,924 reviews48 followers
July 11, 2025
I love this series and this is a fabulous addition!! Claire always brings amazing characters, great settings and fantastic HEA’s.

Filled with amazing tropes - small town, fake dating and dislike to love.

Anton and Sawyer are so fun! Their banter, chemistry and adventures will have you binge reading this story. Add in the small town antics, meddling family and “real” feelings creeping in and you have magic!

A feel good book they will have you smiling, laughing and falling in love with this town and its characters.
Profile Image for Jill.
629 reviews62 followers
July 11, 2025
Another great book in the series. This author definitely writes a story with characters that you can connect with. You can read this story as a standalone, though I highly recommend reading all the books in the series. I also enjoy this author‘s way of storytelling and crafting a story that keeps the reader, invested and engaged in the storyline. I enjoyed reading about Anton & Sawyer. This was a great read and look forward to her next book.
4,486 reviews52 followers
July 19, 2025
Anton and Sawyer this story was a change the characters were AG folks. Which was something new for me. Despite that they were opposites even though had the love for Ag. I love the closeness of the Hayes family that caused Anton to realize how badly he messed up with Sawyer. Because to be called out for disappointing them is not good. But embedding a love letter in a letter of recommendation was a grand gesture. Nice ending.
Profile Image for Vanessa.
47 reviews
June 28, 2025
I absolutely loved this book and can’t wait for the next one! Anton’s hilarious antics and clever banter made the whole story a blast! Sawyer fit right in, and it was so heartwarming to see how the whole family welcomed her with open arms. The bet and the aftermath of it were hilarious! Another fantastic couple in Hickory Hills!
Profile Image for J.C. Hannigan.
Author 26 books486 followers
July 5, 2025
Good Directions was such a GOOD story! I loved Anton and Sawyer so much. From their adorable meet cute, to their sassy banter and their sizzling chemistry. I also loved the entire Hayes family and all the residents of Hickory Hills. It was admittedly my first Hayes family book, but you can bet your ass I’ll be going back to read the rest of them!
Profile Image for Stacey Bates.
513 reviews
July 6, 2025
This book gave me so much joy! Anton is silly, button pushing, nerdy, and swoony! Sawyer is serious, focused, nerdy, bossy, and a secret karaoke singing surprise to Anton! Their chemistry is there and they just fit! Their interactions had me smiling so many times reading! Loved this book and of course revisiting all the Hayes family!
472 reviews2 followers
July 11, 2025
Some of the best character dynamics I've read. Fun and playful, Anton Hayes meets serious and focused Sawyer Brown. this is a he falls first opposites attract sweet, & swoony romance. I love all the references on country music hits, it plays wonderfully into the small charm that this book delivers page after page.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews