Fortune's Control: A Small Town Romantic Suspense: Fortune's Creek Book 1

by Hazel Snow

The best way to save your life is marrying a grumpy stranger.

Stranded in Fortune’s Creek, with no job or place to stay, Delilah Mayberry is contemplating a night outdoors when a marriage proposal drops in her lap. She wants to say no, as her life is already a mess, with a killer who wants her dead and a one-eyed cat to care for. But there’s something about Shane Wilcott that makes her accept. Maybe it’s his soft brown eyes or the dominating way he solves her problems.

Lilah can handle her problems just fine, except for the strange feeling of being watched or the threats to her life. Worse, the police insist the man who attacked her couldn’t have done it. Lilah has no choice but to trust the stranger she married.

Shane Wilcott returned home to Fortune’s Creek after an accident ended his military career. He’s content to live his life alone until fate steps in one night.

Lilah insists she doesn’t need saving, and her sunny ways don’t fit with his solitary life. She also plans to leave once the threat to her life ends, but he can’t ignore his growing attraction or stop himself from keeping her in Fortune’s Creek.

Shane is used to getting his way, and when danger follows her to Fortune’s Creek, he steps up, despite her protests. Shane will risk anything, even his heart, to protect his new wife, and along the way, discover she may be the one to heal his deeply buried wounds.

This small-town romantic suspense is set in the world of Fortune’s Creek. Inside, you’ll find angst, found family, a dash of humor, spice, a dual POV, and a lot of heart. This romance guarantees a HEA and no cheating!

345 pages, Paperback

Published August 9, 2025

About the author

Hazel Snow Hazel Snow loves writing about the world of stock car racing. Hazel spends her days at the keyboard, creating another racy couple to share with the world. During rare breaks, she’s busy reading romance. Hazel resides in Florida and can be found in the swimming pool during hot summer days.

Reviews

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shane and Lilah . . .

Delilah Mayberry (“Lilah”) has just lost her job after a mistake cost her boss a great deal of money. She called her mom to ask about staying with her and was quickly told no, mom has a new guy who takes her to dinner every night and she doesn’t want extra company visiting. So she instead she mentioned going to Fortune’s Creek where her grandmother lives. Her mom obviously wants nothing to do with those old memories and instead bragged about her new guy George. She next called Emma, her best friend, who immediately invited her over. Walking to her car, the streetlight was burned out and Lilah felt uneasy. In the next moment, a woman screamed (and the next scene is her arrival in Fortune’s Creek)!

Stranded in Fortune’s Creek at twilight after a 4-mile walk to town, her car out of gas, no money, no job, and nowhere to stay, a man asked if she needed help. All the businesses seemed to be closed now. When she again said she did not need help, he walked away. Deciding to sleep on a bench, she snagged her purse strap on a tree branch and it ripped apart, dumping the contents into the street. Her phone was missing, but her stranger saw her drop it and came back to return it to her and introduced himself as Shane. She asked about the nearest hotel -- and he told her it was full. Out of gas, there was no way she could walk to the next town. Only one shop had the lights on, so she walked to the Gator Tale Bar and Grill. Shane Wilcott was there with friends. She sat at the bar and the waitress told her that her meal was paid for. When she went over to the guys’ table to thank Shane, Aiden asked her how she felt about getting married to his buddy Shane! For some reason, she sputtered and said okay, even as he glared at his companions! Even worse, that question actually had tempted her! He sent his friends away to the bar so he could talk with Lilah and get her true story. Then he called Dean and Aiden over to ask them to get their father here with a marriage license. Sam Taggert, their father, is the mayor and arrived in pajama pants and a t-shirt. Shane and Lilah would be getting married in 5 minutes! Two signatures later, it was done. Has she escaped the danger from witnessing the murder back home?
Lilah figures she can leave once she knows the threat to her life ends. But that doesn’t fit Shane’s plans. Detective Davis had arrested Wilson Skane so she should be okay. But why does she keep feeling someone is watching her? Why does she feel they arrested the wrong man? What is it she can’t remember from that night? And can Shane keep her safe as he has promised while she tries to figure it out?

[Alexandra Vaverka · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️🌶️
ARC REVIEW: Thank you so much @hazelsnowauthor for this opportunity to ARC your first book in this new series. Available on KU 8/28.

I finished this book super late last night and I had to process what just happened before I could write my review. My flabbers are still gasted. This is an amazingly talented author…the plot, the writing style, the twists and turns 💯💯💯.

I can honestly say this book was unlike anything I have ever read before. Was it a marriage of convenience?? Kinda but more like “accidentally on purpose” so we will call it an impulsive marriage. I’m inventing a new trope. I don’t care.

Our MMC, Shane, is a wounded warrior who plays his cards really close to his chest. You don’t know anything more than he’s willing to tell and I loved that. He just gave little crumbs of his story and his reasons and I gobbled that up everytime. Also, he’s very sarcastic and rather blunt, which really made me giggle throughout the story. Our FMC, is on the run. She’s looking for answers and instead finds trouble. She’s just as confused as we are but that’s what makes you come back for more.

This story was so intriguing and the way the author only let you know what’s going on as the characters communicated, I absolutely loved that. It left for a lot of mystery and entertainment. Also, for those of you that hate a miscommunication trope, don’t have to worry about it in this book! This story kept me guessing and the ending….WHAT?!? Still trying to process that one.

The plot, the dialogue, the characters….this is going to be one book I wish I could re-read for the first time again. It’s probably my new Roman Empire. Not gonna lie.

[Twinkle.butt.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

If small-town charm, sizzling romance, and a dash of family drama are your guilty pleasures, then Fortune’s Control is about to be your next binge. Hazel Snow serves up a contemporary romance that’s equal parts heartwarming and heart-tugging.

We follow Lilah Mayberry, a woman with more baggage than an airport carousel, as she flees her messy past in search of the grandmother she’s never met. Her journey takes her to the postcard-perfect town of Fortune’s Creek—where the scenery is gorgeous, the gossip runs faster than the river, and a certain man named Shane might just derail her “no romance” plan.

Lilah’s transformation from wounded and wary to bold and open is beautifully done. Shane is the perfect foil—steady, kind, and the kind of man who makes you want to bake pies just so he’ll stop by.

Fortune’s Creek isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a living, breathing character with its own secrets and charm. Family secrets, messy pasts, and the healing power of connection give the romance some serious depth.

Fortune’s Control is a heartfelt small-town romance that delivers cozy vibes, tender moments, and just enough drama to keep you flipping pages. Perfect for readers who love their love stories with a side of emotional healing.

[Isabelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

[ARC review] I went into this book only knowing the tropes and came out loving it! I was very conflicted about how I felt about "marriage of connivence" going into reading, but came out pleasantly surprised. Although their relationship is sparked out of the blue, Lilah and Shane take their time connecting to allow for a real spark to form. I am also a FL girlie myself and was SO HAPPY for all of the Gainesville and UF mentions throughout, that was an awesome surprise after I began reading. The couple aside, the author also wrote incredible side/supporting characters, in including my favorite, Pirate the cat! Overall, this book kept my on the edge of my seat as it was a perfect mix of all the things I love: romance, suspense, cats, FL, and so much more!! Thank you to Hazel Snow for this read, I cannot wait for the next!

[Siobhan D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shane, is a man of little worlds, only saying what he needs to say, a man of honour and a wounded warrior, he can be sarcastic and rather blunt. I like him.
Lilah is a woman who running from her messy. She looking for her grandmother who she has never been met. Mayberry, a woman with more baggage than an airport carousel, as she flees her messy past in search of the grandmother she has never met and wants answers. But ends up married to Shane.
This book has humour, brilliant characters, full of strength and emotions.

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

[Floraljoy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Something I couldn't get behind:
I have read a lot of fake marriage novels and there is always a fairly good reason why the couple agrees to go down this course. However, not so in this case and it felt like Lilah wasn't even given a say and was railroaded into it. They didn’t even discuss why she might need to enter into such an agreement, Shane just made assumptions after interacting with her for all of 5 minutes. It was so far removed from reality and unhealthy that I couldn't bring myself to continue past the first few chapters. The writing style was also choppy and felt stilted.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nathalie DeSousa · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! This was such a great story. Shane and Lilah will melt your heart, as they discover to love each other. There is plenty of twists, suspense, heat, and a compelling love story. Let's talk about healing and learning to trust!! The plot will have you laughing, swooning, and guessing til the very end.

Cannot wait for the next book in the series.

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

[Isa | bookishandantisocial · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the build up of Shane and Lilah’s relationship after an impulsive marriage at the beginning of the book. This book has a lot of healing and learning to trust someone but also some heat. Lets not forget about the suspense that keeps you guessing until the very end. There was also very intriguing side characters that I can’t wait for the next one.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kassye]

Omg. I read a whole 20 pages before I couldn’t stand it anymore. In just the prologue about 7 things happened with zero transitions, and by chapter 3 they were married FOR NO REASON. this is a “marriage of convenience”. It’s a troupe to get people to read. I couldn’t read it anymore after they got married in a bar and then immediately he offers her an apartment above her garage to stay in and to pay rent. WHY GET MARRIED AT ALL. Is it spoilers if it happens within 20 pages? Idk.

[JP18267 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well that happened fast, nothing like marrying a complete stranger. Shane is so sweet and adorable I absolutely loved him. Together they make an adorable couple. The perfect balance of suspense, mystery, drama and lots of steamy moments. I'm really hoping for a Jack and Sophie book.

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

[Rhyan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unique Marriage of Convenience

Loved the small town vibes of this book. The main characters were great, but I loved the side characters so much that I hope we also get more of their stories. Their marriage was definitely unconventional, it felt pretty rushed but then they really built their relationship up throughout the book.

[McKenna Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Hazel Snow for this eARC! I loved this book! Something about romance combined with a mystery/suspense gives me all the feels every single time! I loved all the characters throughout this book and cannot wait for more books to come in this series. Adding Hazel Snow to my auto buy authors 😍

[Petra Moss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming romance story with interesting characters and a good believable storyline. An enjoyable and entertaining read.

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

[Lacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a good story! HEA! Lots of plot!

[Cathy Moir-Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved This Book!

Good storyline with great characters ! So much potential for future books ! Definitely recommend ! New to this author but looking forward to more reading !

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The main characters were great and I liked the found family aspect.