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Poplar Springs #2
Unbroken: A Small Town, Single Dad, Fake Dating Romance
ELI
Drama and I don’t mix. Never have.
But Fiona Cafferty? She’s a walking whirlwind in tight jeans—and unfortunately, my new trail guide partner.
Perfect.
We’ve been oil and water since high school. She’s all sass, sunshine, and trouble in denim. I’m the quiet one—hands calloused, jaw set, no patience for nonsense. I’m here in Poplar Springs to work hard and build a steady life for my son.
But she’s in my space, in my head, and damn if I don’t catch myself watching her when I shouldn’t.
Then she drops a lie that spreads like wildfire—tells folks we’re dating.
Says it’s just to help me save face after my two-timing ex tried to make a fool of me.
Now we’re faking it.
Smiles, hand-holding, playing couple for the town.
It was supposed to be temporary. Just a story to shut people up.
But she fits into my life—and my son’s—too easily. And every day, it feels less like a lie… and more like the one thing I didn’t know we were missing.
FIONA
It was just one tiny lie.
Okay—one giant, town-shaking, gossip-fuelling lie. But it was to protect Eli Carter.
He didn’t deserve to be cut down by his ex—not in front of half of Poplar Springs. So, I said we were dating. Figured we’d fake it for a week, maybe two, then go our separate ways.
Now? We’re playing house on the trails, sharing long rides, longer glances, and things that feel a little too real.
Eli’s not just the strong, silent type—he’s a wall of grit and quiet heat. A protective father with a soft spot he keeps buried deep. The kind of man who doesn’t say much, but when he does, you feel it in your bones.
I used to think he barely tolerated me. Now he’s looking at me like I might be the only reason he’d ever stick around.
This was never supposed to be serious.
But I think I just crossed the line between pretend and something that could break me wide open.
Drama and I don’t mix. Never have.
But Fiona Cafferty? She’s a walking whirlwind in tight jeans—and unfortunately, my new trail guide partner.
Perfect.
We’ve been oil and water since high school. She’s all sass, sunshine, and trouble in denim. I’m the quiet one—hands calloused, jaw set, no patience for nonsense. I’m here in Poplar Springs to work hard and build a steady life for my son.
But she’s in my space, in my head, and damn if I don’t catch myself watching her when I shouldn’t.
Then she drops a lie that spreads like wildfire—tells folks we’re dating.
Says it’s just to help me save face after my two-timing ex tried to make a fool of me.
Now we’re faking it.
Smiles, hand-holding, playing couple for the town.
It was supposed to be temporary. Just a story to shut people up.
But she fits into my life—and my son’s—too easily. And every day, it feels less like a lie… and more like the one thing I didn’t know we were missing.
FIONA
It was just one tiny lie.
Okay—one giant, town-shaking, gossip-fuelling lie. But it was to protect Eli Carter.
He didn’t deserve to be cut down by his ex—not in front of half of Poplar Springs. So, I said we were dating. Figured we’d fake it for a week, maybe two, then go our separate ways.
Now? We’re playing house on the trails, sharing long rides, longer glances, and things that feel a little too real.
Eli’s not just the strong, silent type—he’s a wall of grit and quiet heat. A protective father with a soft spot he keeps buried deep. The kind of man who doesn’t say much, but when he does, you feel it in your bones.
I used to think he barely tolerated me. Now he’s looking at me like I might be the only reason he’d ever stick around.
This was never supposed to be serious.
But I think I just crossed the line between pretend and something that could break me wide open.
- GenresRomance
298 pages, Paperback
Published July 10, 2025
13 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
Mary Sue Jackson
62 books118 followersMary Sue Jackson is the romance pen name created for all those cowboy dreamers! This Montana-based cowgirl is a rancher, and knows what hard work means. But despite being up at dawn and working past dusk, she still finds time for what she really loves... romance! With so many hours spent alone, riding across the seemingly never-ending expanse of grasslands, she has plenty of time to dream of love and the romantic tales of ranch life.
When Mary Sue's not out on the grasslands dreaming up her next story, she's most often spending time with her own personal hunky rancher, her husband. One of Mary Sue's favorite activities is to ride the ranch with her husband in the evening and hold his hand as they watch the sun go down over the prairie.
When Mary Sue's not out on the grasslands dreaming up her next story, she's most often spending time with her own personal hunky rancher, her husband. One of Mary Sue's favorite activities is to ride the ranch with her husband in the evening and hold his hand as they watch the sun go down over the prairie.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 22, 2025
Wrangling with Love -
Every time Eli and Fiona saw each other growing up, it turned into a bickering session, but all that changed after she disappointed him during prom and then subsequently left town. Even though Eli wasn’t happy about Fiona’s return to town, he wasn’t looking to restart their bickering, so he tried everything possible to maintain calm every time they interacted. However, when Eli’s ex-wife came to intimidate him, Fiona stepped in and claimed ownership of him.
The relationship between Fiona and Eli was meant to be fake and in a temporary basis, but their attraction for each other grew the more time they spent together and this led to them embarking on a sexual relationship. Unfortunately, Eli was dealing with a few family issues that made him want to leave and start over in another state, but once Fiona didn’t take it well. Luckily, Eli realised he true feelings for Fiona before he left and made a grand gesture to convince her to give them a chance at a future.
This is a wonderful romance story with a huge cast of main and supportive characters, with a small town, that you will definitely enjoy reading and be happy to share with your friends. I highly recommend this book to any avid romance reader.
I received a free review copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Every time Eli and Fiona saw each other growing up, it turned into a bickering session, but all that changed after she disappointed him during prom and then subsequently left town. Even though Eli wasn’t happy about Fiona’s return to town, he wasn’t looking to restart their bickering, so he tried everything possible to maintain calm every time they interacted. However, when Eli’s ex-wife came to intimidate him, Fiona stepped in and claimed ownership of him.
The relationship between Fiona and Eli was meant to be fake and in a temporary basis, but their attraction for each other grew the more time they spent together and this led to them embarking on a sexual relationship. Unfortunately, Eli was dealing with a few family issues that made him want to leave and start over in another state, but once Fiona didn’t take it well. Luckily, Eli realised he true feelings for Fiona before he left and made a grand gesture to convince her to give them a chance at a future.
This is a wonderful romance story with a huge cast of main and supportive characters, with a small town, that you will definitely enjoy reading and be happy to share with your friends. I highly recommend this book to any avid romance reader.
I received a free review copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 23, 2025
Unbroken: A Small Town, Single Dad, Fate Dating Romance by Mary Sue Jackson
This story follows Eli who takes care of his son. He loves the trail riding expeditions and tending to the horses as his job.
His father sometimes gets to visit with Patrick til Eli learns the stories he's been telling Patrick...
Story also follows Fiona who has family in the area. She left her job in CO quickly and ran home. Now thay she's been hired to team up with Eli for the trail rides they are forming a relationship again. With his ex around they are faking a relationship. But then things hit home. They body like each other after their early start and they like their jobs. She's got an offer to return to the Co area for a job and he's applied for a job in a different part of the state that will leave him further away from his mom, who he uses for occasional babysitting. Patrick is heading to kindergarten in the fall...
Adult situations and either of them could leave...
Received this review copy from the publisher via BookSprout and this is my honest opinion.
This story follows Eli who takes care of his son. He loves the trail riding expeditions and tending to the horses as his job.
His father sometimes gets to visit with Patrick til Eli learns the stories he's been telling Patrick...
Story also follows Fiona who has family in the area. She left her job in CO quickly and ran home. Now thay she's been hired to team up with Eli for the trail rides they are forming a relationship again. With his ex around they are faking a relationship. But then things hit home. They body like each other after their early start and they like their jobs. She's got an offer to return to the Co area for a job and he's applied for a job in a different part of the state that will leave him further away from his mom, who he uses for occasional babysitting. Patrick is heading to kindergarten in the fall...
Adult situations and either of them could leave...
Received this review copy from the publisher via BookSprout and this is my honest opinion.
July 30, 2025
This was such a fun small town romance with just the right amount of heart and drama. Eli is your classic quiet cowboy. He's gruff, hardworking, and all about his kid. Fiona is the total opposite of Eli. She's loud, sassy, and full of energy. They've clashed since high school, so of course they're forced to work together… and then fake date after she blurts out a lie to save him from his messy ex.
I loved their banter and how their fake relationship slowly turned into something real. Fiona sliding so easily into Eli’s and his son’s life was really sweet to watch. They balance each other out in the best way, and even though they had their fair share of bumps, they work it out.
It’s a quick, read with a small town vibe, with that “opposites attract” magic.
Thank you to NetGalley and Relay Publishing for a copy of this book. This is my honest review.
I loved their banter and how their fake relationship slowly turned into something real. Fiona sliding so easily into Eli’s and his son’s life was really sweet to watch. They balance each other out in the best way, and even though they had their fair share of bumps, they work it out.
It’s a quick, read with a small town vibe, with that “opposites attract” magic.
Thank you to NetGalley and Relay Publishing for a copy of this book. This is my honest review.
August 2, 2025
A little white lie that spread faster than wildfire
Unbroken is the second book in the Poplar Springs series. This is another sweet, romantic, and sexy book in the series. The story is about Fiona Cafferty and Eli Carter, who grew up in Poplar Springs and went to school together. They are opposites but yet they both had feelings for the other that they tried to hide as they clashed in school. It is a number of years after they graduated and they find themselves in a bit of a situation, both in their personal life and in their work life. It all started with a little white lie that lead to a whole new future for them.
I loved this book, the story and the characters. Fiona and Eli may be opposites but when they are together they complement each other in ways that are a perfect fit. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
Unbroken is the second book in the Poplar Springs series. This is another sweet, romantic, and sexy book in the series. The story is about Fiona Cafferty and Eli Carter, who grew up in Poplar Springs and went to school together. They are opposites but yet they both had feelings for the other that they tried to hide as they clashed in school. It is a number of years after they graduated and they find themselves in a bit of a situation, both in their personal life and in their work life. It all started with a little white lie that lead to a whole new future for them.
I loved this book, the story and the characters. Fiona and Eli may be opposites but when they are together they complement each other in ways that are a perfect fit. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
June 29, 2025
Eli is a single dad just doing his best for himself and his son. Eli enjoys working a local ranch handling ranch trail rides and general ranch duties. Fiona is the sister of his boss and former schoolmate that he used to spar with in high school. Fiona and Eli always were trying to one up each other and be the best of whatever they were doing. So when Fiona returns home and she finds herself having to work with Eli things get off to a sassy but electric start. Fiona finds herself in the middle of some drama when she tells people that she and Eli are dating. I really loved the Eli, his son Patrick, Fiona and all the other characters I met through this beautifully written, cowboy, meant to be love story!
July 4, 2025
Eli and Fiona grew up together in Poplar Springs, pranking each other in high school. Fiona let Eli down badly before moving to Denver after her parents died. Eli has never forgotten and is wary when Fiona returns to work at her family ranch where he also works for Fiona's brother, Josh. Eli is now divorced with a young son and the subject of the town's gossips. As they start working together on the ranch trail ride programs, they agree to fake date to stop the gossip. But Fiona has plans to go back to Denver and Eli to move away to escape the gossip and his manipulative father. However, when their relationship becomes very real they both have to decided if they want a future together instead.
July 20, 2025
Eli and Fiona have known each other for years, they used to play pranks on each other and at school, but they were never malicious or horrible. Fiona left to get a job away from Poplar Springs and Eli got married, had a little boy and got divorced from his cheating ex. He still feels the town pities him for not knowing she was cheating. His father is the vicar but very hypocritical, he's not a nice person.
Now Fiona is back, working on the family ranch and helping him to run the trail riding.
She has a mad idea, they can pretend to be a couple! Will it work? Can they fake it? What happens if fake feelings turn real?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
An entertaining read from Mary Sue
Now Fiona is back, working on the family ranch and helping him to run the trail riding.
She has a mad idea, they can pretend to be a couple! Will it work? Can they fake it? What happens if fake feelings turn real?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
An entertaining read from Mary Sue
July 28, 2025
If you enjoy small town life and cowboys, then this will suit you in an opposites attract setting.
Poplar Springs is not without its gossips. This couple have known each other since school days, but don't seem to fit. Eli is quiet, hardworking to provide a decent living and life for him and his son. The strong, silent character. Fiona is flash, outgoing and gregarious. The sassy, sunshine character who has a kind heart.
In order to help him out, Fiona spreads rumours that they are dating, to offset and out smart the damage of a cheating ex. It all seems simple and easy, until the lines between fake and real begin to blur.
Charming characters and storyline.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Poplar Springs is not without its gossips. This couple have known each other since school days, but don't seem to fit. Eli is quiet, hardworking to provide a decent living and life for him and his son. The strong, silent character. Fiona is flash, outgoing and gregarious. The sassy, sunshine character who has a kind heart.
In order to help him out, Fiona spreads rumours that they are dating, to offset and out smart the damage of a cheating ex. It all seems simple and easy, until the lines between fake and real begin to blur.
Charming characters and storyline.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 2, 2025
I'm clearly in the minority here; I just don't understand the hype.
The storyline wasn't an original one, and as someone who loves a cliche every now and then, this one just fell short.
Eli and Fiona didn't have chemistry. Like, at all. If it wasn't for the author telling us every second how both like each other, you'd think they were just two former friends from high school.
Which brings me to the second point, the characters weren't well fleshed out, there were a lot of inconsistencies and overall, they were really cartoonish.
And don't let me start on the amount of miscommunication!
I honestly think the book needed an extra round of developmental editing.
*I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
The storyline wasn't an original one, and as someone who loves a cliche every now and then, this one just fell short.
Eli and Fiona didn't have chemistry. Like, at all. If it wasn't for the author telling us every second how both like each other, you'd think they were just two former friends from high school.
Which brings me to the second point, the characters weren't well fleshed out, there were a lot of inconsistencies and overall, they were really cartoonish.
And don't let me start on the amount of miscommunication!
I honestly think the book needed an extra round of developmental editing.
*I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
July 26, 2025
Eli and Fiona’s story has them bickering while growing up and after prom she left. She comes back home got a job with him. His ex tries to humiliate him and she steps up to say they are an item. Now they have to fake it for the town but when they start to see each other and how they all three mesh things start to become real. But when she gets a job offer and he thinks about moving to a different place, will they see that they were made for each other before it’s to late.
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.
July 27, 2025
Book two of the Poplar Springs series is a sweet and heartwarming story. It's well written and emotional with likeable and well developed characters that had me absolutely intrigued from the very first page until the last, the pages basically turned themselves. I loved their HEA. Highly recommend reading. I can't wait until I'm reading the next book from the series or whatever Mary Sue Jackson comes up with next.
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.
July 23, 2025
They have known each other since childhood and always at odds with each other. They moved on with their lives, but fate has placed them back into each other's vicinity. When Eli comes across his ex-Fiona makes an offhand remark that will change their lives forever. Will their fake relationship turn into something more that finally lead them into the life they were meant to share.
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.
July 28, 2025
This is book 2 in Jackson's Poplar Springs series and a great addition to the series that can be read as a standalone. A well written, well balanced, captivating romance with main characters Eli and Fion. I love the cast of characters as the small-town feel. I also enjoyed the history these two had in a second chance, fake to read romance. A heartwarming romance that has me eager for more!
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.
October 10, 2025
"Unbroken: A Small Town, Single Dad, Fake Dating Romance" (Poplar Springs Book 2) by Mary Sue Jackson was a great read. I enjoyed Eli and Fiona's story. This story had single dad romance, fake dating, small-town life, cowboys, family, and more. This was a nice addition to this series. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next. I highly recommend it to all fans of romance, single dad romance, fake dating, cowboys, and series.
July 21, 2025
I enjoyed reading this small-town romance book on my day off. The characters deliver some really great chemistry, and I found this romance book to be a real page turning experience. I can't urge you enough to start reading this marvelous book right here and before you start reading this book, I suggest you grab book #1 Undone. They are standalones but both of these books are amazing.
July 25, 2025
Loved it/Great Series
I absolutely loved Fiona and Eli's story. Add in little Patrick and you have a wonderful read that I read straight through. I've really enjoyed getting to know the Cafferty's and can't wait for Shannon to get her story.
I absolutely loved Fiona and Eli's story. Add in little Patrick and you have a wonderful read that I read straight through. I've really enjoyed getting to know the Cafferty's and can't wait for Shannon to get her story.
September 17, 2025
Kindle unlimited
For a honest review in my own words on a book I read. This story has Eli and Fiona who were childhood nemisis are now finding that now older their relationship is different. beautiful and cute.
For a honest review in my own words on a book I read. This story has Eli and Fiona who were childhood nemisis are now finding that now older their relationship is different. beautiful and cute.
August 12, 2025
‘Unbroken’ by Mary Sue Jackson is sweet, lighthearted, and engaging.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the e-ARC.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the e-ARC.
October 10, 2025
"Unbroken: A Small Town, Single Dad, Fake Dating Romance" (Poplar Springs Book 2) by Mary Sue Jackson was a great read. I enjoyed Eli and Fiona's story. This story had single dad romance, fake dating, small-town life, cowboys, family, and more. This was a nice addition to this series. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next. I highly recommend it to all fans of romance, single dad romance, fake dating, cowboys, and series.
July 22, 2025
Wrangling with Love -
Every time Eli and Fiona saw each other growing up, it turned into a bickering session, but all that changed after she disappointed him during prom and then subsequently left town. Even though Eli wasn’t happy about Fiona’s return to town, he wasn’t looking to restart their bickering, so he tried everything possible to maintain calm every time they interacted. However, when Eli’s ex-wife came to intimidate him, Fiona stepped in and claimed ownership of him.
The relationship between Fiona and Eli was meant to be fake and in a temporary basis, but their attraction for each other grew the more time they spent together and this led to them embarking on a sexual relationship. Unfortunately, Eli was dealing with a few family issues that made him want to leave and start over in another state, but once Fiona didn’t take it well. Luckily, Eli realised he true feelings for Fiona before he left and made a grand gesture to convince her to give them a chance at a future.
This is a wonderful romance story with a huge cast of main and supportive characters, with a small town, that you will definitely enjoy reading and be happy to share with your friends. I highly recommend this book to any avid romance reader.
I received a free review copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Every time Eli and Fiona saw each other growing up, it turned into a bickering session, but all that changed after she disappointed him during prom and then subsequently left town. Even though Eli wasn’t happy about Fiona’s return to town, he wasn’t looking to restart their bickering, so he tried everything possible to maintain calm every time they interacted. However, when Eli’s ex-wife came to intimidate him, Fiona stepped in and claimed ownership of him.
The relationship between Fiona and Eli was meant to be fake and in a temporary basis, but their attraction for each other grew the more time they spent together and this led to them embarking on a sexual relationship. Unfortunately, Eli was dealing with a few family issues that made him want to leave and start over in another state, but once Fiona didn’t take it well. Luckily, Eli realised he true feelings for Fiona before he left and made a grand gesture to convince her to give them a chance at a future.
This is a wonderful romance story with a huge cast of main and supportive characters, with a small town, that you will definitely enjoy reading and be happy to share with your friends. I highly recommend this book to any avid romance reader.
I received a free review copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 23, 2025
They have known each other since childhood and always at odds with each other. They moved on with their lives, but fate has placed them back into each other's vicinity. When Eli comes across his ex-Fiona makes an offhand remark that will change their lives forever. Will their fake relationship turn into something more that finally lead them into the life they were meant to share.
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 - 21 of 21 reviews