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The New Girl
Sometimes starting over is simply letting go of the past...
Heartbroken and in need of a fresh start,
Carrie Sweet packed up her car and headed to Juniper Springs.
On the road to the idyllic town with a new journalist job waiting,
she encounters one roadblock after another.
Stranded on the side of the road, a handsome stranger stops to offer her help.
But is he a knight in shining armor or a possible serial killer?
No longer the naïve Carrie, she decides to assume the worst about him.
And as luck would have it, the man she treated as a stalker turns out to be her new boss, Ryan.
While Carrie begins to settle in the cozy small town,
she grabs the attention of a real psycho, one that’s lurking in the shadows and watching her every move.
After seeking the help from lawyer and local PI Avery Hart,
Carrie and Ryan find themselves caught up in an unexpected whirlwind of romance, twists, and life changing surprises.
With a crazed killer in the background, surviving a heartbreak now feels like a walk in the park.
It seems there’s more to starting over than just running away from the past...
*The New Girl is Book 2 in the Juniper Springs series and can be read as a standalone.
Heartbroken and in need of a fresh start,
Carrie Sweet packed up her car and headed to Juniper Springs.
On the road to the idyllic town with a new journalist job waiting,
she encounters one roadblock after another.
Stranded on the side of the road, a handsome stranger stops to offer her help.
But is he a knight in shining armor or a possible serial killer?
No longer the naïve Carrie, she decides to assume the worst about him.
And as luck would have it, the man she treated as a stalker turns out to be her new boss, Ryan.
While Carrie begins to settle in the cozy small town,
she grabs the attention of a real psycho, one that’s lurking in the shadows and watching her every move.
After seeking the help from lawyer and local PI Avery Hart,
Carrie and Ryan find themselves caught up in an unexpected whirlwind of romance, twists, and life changing surprises.
With a crazed killer in the background, surviving a heartbreak now feels like a walk in the park.
It seems there’s more to starting over than just running away from the past...
*The New Girl is Book 2 in the Juniper Springs series and can be read as a standalone.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 7, 2025
944 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 7, 2025
Too much wordy nonsense
Maybe because I am 66 years old, but I found this book childish. The underlying who done it was interesting, but the repetitive and verbose thoughts of Carrie and Ryan were annoying. The first book wasn't quite as bad, but I won't be reading the third.
Maybe because I am 66 years old, but I found this book childish. The underlying who done it was interesting, but the repetitive and verbose thoughts of Carrie and Ryan were annoying. The first book wasn't quite as bad, but I won't be reading the third.
December 29, 2025
I adore this series!!
We’re back in Juniper Springs, and the steaks are even higher! This time, a serial killer is stalking the idyllic streets. Reporter Carrie Sweet stumbles upon a body on her first day in her new job, leading to an electric train of events. Will she and her boss Ryan be able to follow the clues before someone else falls victim to this killer?
We also see our favourite characters from the previous book returning, as Avery lends her PI skills to the investigation and Lance is on hand with his medical skills.
These stories are gripping, and I never see the ending coming! So good!
I audiobooked this one - Expertly narrated by Tiffany Vanlandingham. I’m so impressed with her style and sensitivity in approaching these stories. Just wonderful ☺️
Grab yourself a cozy, fun read - or evening better, a fun audiobook!
We’re back in Juniper Springs, and the steaks are even higher! This time, a serial killer is stalking the idyllic streets. Reporter Carrie Sweet stumbles upon a body on her first day in her new job, leading to an electric train of events. Will she and her boss Ryan be able to follow the clues before someone else falls victim to this killer?
We also see our favourite characters from the previous book returning, as Avery lends her PI skills to the investigation and Lance is on hand with his medical skills.
These stories are gripping, and I never see the ending coming! So good!
I audiobooked this one - Expertly narrated by Tiffany Vanlandingham. I’m so impressed with her style and sensitivity in approaching these stories. Just wonderful ☺️
Grab yourself a cozy, fun read - or evening better, a fun audiobook!
May 28, 2025
It's time to go back to Juniper Springs! Carrie just came off an awful breakup with her last boyfriend and had moved back to Juniper Springs for a fresh start. Her grandmother recently died and willed her cottage to Carrie. As a former writer for a magazine, she takes a position at the local paper with her high school friend, Lizzy. When she meets her new boss, Ryan, she's instantly smitten. Her first news article turns into something sinister, though, when a dead body is found at a construction site for the new museum being built. With the help of local PI, Avery Hart, she's trying to put clues together to find out what happened.
You're going to love this new series! It's the perfect blend of mystery, suspense and romance!
You're going to love this new series! It's the perfect blend of mystery, suspense and romance!
June 10, 2025
I just love this new series! First, I thought, I'm just not going to think the second book was as good as the first. not true at all. Avery and Lance are back but are not the main characters. This time, it's Carrie and Ryan. Carrie grew up in Juniper Springs with Ryan, who just so happens to be Lance's cousin. He had a crush on her in high school, so he is delighted when she is suddenly working for him at the paper. He changes her tire, and still, she doesn't recognize him when she starts working. It's a good story. It's very well written, and the characters are believable with naturally flowing conversations. This series is a nice change of pace from the other books by Rivers, such as the Emma Griffin and Dean Steele series. I hope there are many more book in this new series.
August 8, 2025
Awwww….
Grisly homicides, some new girl-meets-boy romance a-borning, life flows along in Juniper Springs.
Carrie returns to town after on-the-job sabotage and a broken heart disillusion her, to take ownership of the house left to her by her grandmother.
As she navigates her new life in the familiar home town, her newspaper job ends up putting her in the crosshairs of a deranged stalker.
Grisly homicides, some new girl-meets-boy romance a-borning, life flows along in Juniper Springs.
Carrie returns to town after on-the-job sabotage and a broken heart disillusion her, to take ownership of the house left to her by her grandmother.
As she navigates her new life in the familiar home town, her newspaper job ends up putting her in the crosshairs of a deranged stalker.
September 25, 2025
Not much of a mystery. There was really only one person it could be, and the abundant clues made it obvious. As a result, the characters came across as dense and clueless. There was no suspense until over halfway through the book. I almost didn't finish it since I was pretty sure there were no surprises (and I was right). On the other hand, some of the descriptions were well written. But add in some factual errors and awkward phrasing, and I think 3 stars is generous.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2025
Book 2 as good as book 1
I'm loving this new series by A. J. Rivers. The new characters in this second book are just as interesting as those in the first. Carrie, like Avery, knows how to dig deep and be strong when she needs to, while also having a very tender side. I hope they continue to work together in future books. I'll keep reading them as quick as they're written!
I'm loving this new series by A. J. Rivers. The new characters in this second book are just as interesting as those in the first. Carrie, like Avery, knows how to dig deep and be strong when she needs to, while also having a very tender side. I hope they continue to work together in future books. I'll keep reading them as quick as they're written!
June 12, 2025
Sweet, nerve wracking and some intense edge of your seat moments
Poor Carrie, no self-esteem is a terrible way to live. Lucky for her, Ryan is there to guide her. Sweet, intense, and great to read about Avery and Lance. Absolutely love how Carrie and Avery teamed up to solve what was going on.
Poor Carrie, no self-esteem is a terrible way to live. Lucky for her, Ryan is there to guide her. Sweet, intense, and great to read about Avery and Lance. Absolutely love how Carrie and Avery teamed up to solve what was going on.
October 22, 2025
I struggled on this one. If I had been reading it instead of listening to it, I don’t know if that would’ve been better or worse. so cheesy! Also the misogynistic type writing was gross. Extremely predictable. Honestly, the way it’s written makes it seem like the private investigator and the reporters are completely inept.
June 9, 2025
The New Girl
I love this series already. The characters are captivating, I feel like I am getting to know real people. The plot is gripping with perfect twists and turns. AJ Rivers never disappoints me! I look forward to lots of book I this series!!
I love this series already. The characters are captivating, I feel like I am getting to know real people. The plot is gripping with perfect twists and turns. AJ Rivers never disappoints me! I look forward to lots of book I this series!!
June 24, 2025
The New Girl
I enjoyed this book. I could not put this book down. This book is full of excitement and thrills. I highly recommend this book. Can't wait for the next book I this series.
I enjoyed this book. I could not put this book down. This book is full of excitement and thrills. I highly recommend this book. Can't wait for the next book I this series.
June 26, 2025
Thoroughly Enjoyed This Book
I really enjoyed this storyline and all the characters. It was exciting in places and led us around some twists and turns. I know you will enjoy it as well.
I really enjoyed this storyline and all the characters. It was exciting in places and led us around some twists and turns. I know you will enjoy it as well.
July 5, 2025
Good story. The elements are ultimately drawn together
This book holds your attention. The plot moves quickly. Carrie's self doubt gets old as she commiserates often. I like all the characters and they are well developed. You feel like you know them. Good story.
This book holds your attention. The plot moves quickly. Carrie's self doubt gets old as she commiserates often. I like all the characters and they are well developed. You feel like you know them. Good story.
August 15, 2025
Dig deeper, There is a story
A story that takes you into the busy reporters life. Action, suspense, murder will entangle you in it's web of intrigue! You need a headline, but do you need to risk your life?
A story that takes you into the busy reporters life. Action, suspense, murder will entangle you in it's web of intrigue! You need a headline, but do you need to risk your life?
August 21, 2025
New Mystery
Very good story line. New characters are introduced with a new mystery thread. However the previous book's characters also continue their story line with another mystery in the mix.
Very good story line. New characters are introduced with a new mystery thread. However the previous book's characters also continue their story line with another mystery in the mix.
June 9, 2025
This was a great story about Carrie and boss Ryan and trying to find the killer of girls and why and Carrie being kidnapped but saved . This story had lots os suspense and action. Thank you.
June 15, 2025
Another great story
I am really loving this series. It is such a page turner you just cannot stop reading to see what happens.
I am really loving this series. It is such a page turner you just cannot stop reading to see what happens.
June 16, 2025
Love the Characters
The best thing is having Avery and Lance in this book. There are times this was unrealistic, but love makes it worthwhile.
The best thing is having Avery and Lance in this book. There are times this was unrealistic, but love makes it worthwhile.
June 20, 2025
awesome
Good story line, enjoyed reading this. Will continue the story in the next book. Always wondering if the true love comes out
Good story line, enjoyed reading this. Will continue the story in the next book. Always wondering if the true love comes out
July 13, 2025
Amazing read!
Captures the reader right from the start. Automatically sets you up to start next book in the series! Looking forward!
Captures the reader right from the start. Automatically sets you up to start next book in the series! Looking forward!
July 24, 2025
Love the way Rivers sets up relationships, particularly Ryan ❤️ Carrie. Juniper Springs has lots of nice, sweet relationships intertwined with good mysteries.
August 19, 2025
Jupiter Springs
I read book one and two and can’t wait to read more. Fast paced and gripping. Love the characters and the happy ending.
I read book one and two and can’t wait to read more. Fast paced and gripping. Love the characters and the happy ending.
August 25, 2025
Good book!
This was such a good book, with fun characters! Looking forward to the next in the series! Read this book!!!!!!
This was such a good book, with fun characters! Looking forward to the next in the series! Read this book!!!!!!
October 2, 2025
It was a sweet story, but the author kept repeating the same storyline through out the book. It felt the story went on and on.
November 3, 2025
A.J. Does it again. She creates characters that you fall in love with their story. I had Number 3 ready for when I finished and already started. I’m hooked on this beautiful Jjniper Springs.
November 10, 2025
It's a journey
Meet Carrie an original Juniper Springs native who is coming back home. After a bad breakup and her inheriting her Grandmother's cottage, she's jobless, heartbroken and feeling she worthless.
Getting a job at the J S Times her first story is the museum that's under construction. While there a body is found in a dumpster and then it all begins. Great job. Thank you.
Meet Carrie an original Juniper Springs native who is coming back home. After a bad breakup and her inheriting her Grandmother's cottage, she's jobless, heartbroken and feeling she worthless.
Getting a job at the J S Times her first story is the museum that's under construction. While there a body is found in a dumpster and then it all begins. Great job. Thank you.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews