What do you think?
Rate this book
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
First published June 7, 2025
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 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.
February 4, 2026
Small-town charm meets chilling suspense. This story hooked me fast with its twists, danger, and slow-burn romance. I flew through this audiobook. I loved Carrie and how she’s guarded but resilient. The mix of cozy small-town vibes and an undercurrent of danger kept me on edge the entire time. I genuinely didn’t know who to trust, and I loved that tension.
Revisiting Avery and Lance from book one was such a highlight for me. Seeing familiar faces woven naturally into the story made Juniper Springs feel even more alive and connected.
The narration was fantastic! @tiltiffany once again delivered consistency and depth across the series, she absolutely elevated this audiobook with a polished, immersive performance. Her character work is spot-on. One character voice, Regina was so vivid I could instantly picture her.
I’m fully invested in this series and will keep listening!
Revisiting Avery and Lance from book one was such a highlight for me. Seeing familiar faces woven naturally into the story made Juniper Springs feel even more alive and connected.
The narration was fantastic! @tiltiffany once again delivered consistency and depth across the series, she absolutely elevated this audiobook with a polished, immersive performance. Her character work is spot-on. One character voice, Regina was so vivid I could instantly picture her.
I’m fully invested in this series and will keep listening!
March 6, 2026
This is Book 2 but could be read as a standalone. Lance and Avery from Book 1 make appearances along the way but their backstory is explained.
I actually liked this one better than the first one although I felt the journalist and the PI were a little inept at missing all the clues of the villain. I did appreciate that Ryan showed Carrie some self-defense moves, although I knew she'd be in a position to use them. That being said, a good PSA that all women should know how to protect themselves.
I deducted one star because I didn't buy the insta-love romance between Carrie and Ryan.
I received this audiobook from the narrator Tiffany Vanlandingham as a member of her Audiobook Review Team in exchange for an honest review. As always, she did a great job and seamlessly transitions between characters. Once again I could feel Tiffany at the edge of her seat during the dramatic parts which I don't think I would have felt if I was reading the book instead of listening to the audiobook.
I actually liked this one better than the first one although I felt the journalist and the PI were a little inept at missing all the clues of the villain. I did appreciate that Ryan showed Carrie some self-defense moves, although I knew she'd be in a position to use them. That being said, a good PSA that all women should know how to protect themselves.
I deducted one star because I didn't buy the insta-love romance between Carrie and Ryan.
I received this audiobook from the narrator Tiffany Vanlandingham as a member of her Audiobook Review Team in exchange for an honest review. As always, she did a great job and seamlessly transitions between characters. Once again I could feel Tiffany at the edge of her seat during the dramatic parts which I don't think I would have felt if I was reading the book instead of listening to the audiobook.
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!
January 16, 2026
I really enjoyed Tiffany’s narration—she brought warmth and emotion to the story and made it easy to stay engaged throughout the audiobook.
The New Girl by AJ Rivers is a cute, suspenseful romance. While I did see the twist coming, it didn’t take away from my enjoyment. Ryan is an absolute dreamboat—sweet, protective, and a total golden retriever of a man. Carrie was endearing and kind, though at times she felt younger than her stated age of 23.
Their romance was incredibly sweet. Ryan has been quietly pining for Carrie since high school, and she’s healing from a difficult breakup, which made their connection feel tender and comforting.
I also adored Avery and Lance. Even though this wasn’t “their book,” they completely stole the spotlight for me. I’m definitely planning to listen to book one just to get to know them better.
Overall, a charming listen with light suspense, lovable characters, and heartfelt romance.
The New Girl by AJ Rivers is a cute, suspenseful romance. While I did see the twist coming, it didn’t take away from my enjoyment. Ryan is an absolute dreamboat—sweet, protective, and a total golden retriever of a man. Carrie was endearing and kind, though at times she felt younger than her stated age of 23.
Their romance was incredibly sweet. Ryan has been quietly pining for Carrie since high school, and she’s healing from a difficult breakup, which made their connection feel tender and comforting.
I also adored Avery and Lance. Even though this wasn’t “their book,” they completely stole the spotlight for me. I’m definitely planning to listen to book one just to get to know them better.
Overall, a charming listen with light suspense, lovable characters, and heartfelt romance.
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.
May 3, 2026
⭐️5
Review details:
I truly adored this story, it had 2nd chance Romance, family connection, and suspense. I loved how AJ Rivers brought in story elements and intertwined from Book 1 Juniper Springs Mystery...and it went together perfectly. Just to note they can be read as standalones but so much better in order (in my opinion) I had already been invested and got to continue this in Book 2 with the addition of Ryan and Carrie was perfect! I hope to hear more in Book 3 and see how these relationships change and blossom more.
As always, the wonderfully talented Tiffany Vanlandingham narrated this perfectly; her voices are well fitted to the characters and pulls you in.
I received this audiobook book from the narrator and am voluntarily leaving this review.
Review details:
I truly adored this story, it had 2nd chance Romance, family connection, and suspense. I loved how AJ Rivers brought in story elements and intertwined from Book 1 Juniper Springs Mystery...and it went together perfectly. Just to note they can be read as standalones but so much better in order (in my opinion) I had already been invested and got to continue this in Book 2 with the addition of Ryan and Carrie was perfect! I hope to hear more in Book 3 and see how these relationships change and blossom more.
As always, the wonderfully talented Tiffany Vanlandingham narrated this perfectly; her voices are well fitted to the characters and pulls you in.
I received this audiobook book from the narrator and am voluntarily leaving this review.
January 7, 2026
The New Girl by A.J. Rivers is book two in the Juniper Springs series, and I’m really enjoying this world. I liked meeting new characters, even though it did shift the focus away from the original ones a bit, which I didn’t mind. The storyline kept me interested, even if a few parts felt like unnecessary information. I listened to the audiobook, and Tiffany Vanlandingham continues to be a standout narrator—her voices are so natural that I never had to stop and think about who was speaking, which made the story flow smoothly and kept me engaged.
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.
April 19, 2026
I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book after reading book one, and it didn't disappoint. It pulled me in just as quickly and kept me reading way past when I should have gone to bed. The storyline was gripping and kept my attention. I needed to know what was going on and who was killing people. This was another fantastic read that I couldn't put down.
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.
January 27, 2026
Book 2 in the Juniper Springs series definitely didn’t disappoint. We have Carrie who moves back home after a run of bad luck where she gets a job at the local newspaper. Her boss Ryan assigns her a story that turns into a murder investigation so we get to see Avery from book 1 again (yay!). Ryan also happens to be Lance from book 1’s cousin as well so he’s in there as well.
I really enjoyed Ryan & Carrie’s chemistry and them working together to solve the mystery. Having Lance & Avery in the story as well was icing on the cake.
What took this book over from a 3.5 to a 4 for me though was the audio. Tiff is amazing, as always and really brings life to each character. I honestly love anything she narrates 🖤
I really enjoyed Ryan & Carrie’s chemistry and them working together to solve the mystery. Having Lance & Avery in the story as well was icing on the cake.
What took this book over from a 3.5 to a 4 for me though was the audio. Tiff is amazing, as always and really brings life to each character. I honestly love anything she narrates 🖤
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!!!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews