Pick Yourself Up

Heroes to the Core #3

by Jemi Fraser

Sometimes the shattered pieces are too small to pick up…
After surviving an attack at her workplace, Amber Malssum wants to go home. Too bad she doesn’t have one.
Gray Santoro’s past is full of loss. His present is full of dissatisfaction. But an injured woman who is tougher than she believes has him hoping his future might hold a whole lot more.
***
Pick Yourself Up is the third book in Jemi Fraser's Heroes To The Core romance series. Each of these small-town romances can be read as a stand-alone, although they are best enjoyed in order. The book contains a touch of danger, some strong language and sexy times. Enjoy the read!

214 pages, Paperback

Published September 20, 2025

About the author

Jemi Fraser writes small-town romance filled with hope, heart, humour, and a touch of danger. Her stories combine her love of mystery with the satisfaction of a Happy Ever After. Love is always worth the risk!

Find Jemi's books:

Amazon https://amzn.to/3Bs4t4h
Apple https://apple.co/2XYH6lg
B&N Nook https://bit.ly/3pLR0lC
Google Play https://bit.ly/3mmVxJ6
Kobo https://bit.ly/3GxTeLd

Reviews

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Loved, loved, loved this book! Pick Yourself Up pulls in all the best parts I’ve adored from Jemi Fraser’s other series—Midnight Lake and No Fail Heroes—and delivers a story that’s heartfelt, dramatic, and full of healing.

Amber and Gray’s journey is raw and real, with just enough tension to keep you turning the pages, but it’s also grounded in family, love, and the comfort of second chances. I adored the balance of drama, tenderness, and those lighter moments (the apple details were a sweet touch!). The inn’s name? Absolutely perfect—one of those little gems that makes you smile and sticks with you.

Jemi Fraser creates such a warm, welcoming world that you don’t just read about these people—you want to go there and spend time with them. It feels like home, and you never want to leave.

This book is a beautiful mix of resilience, romance, and hope. Fraser has a way of writing characters who feel like people you know—and want to cheer for. Heartwarming and unforgettable—I didn’t want it to end! I can’t wait for the next book.

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

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book three in The Heroes To The Core series and it is Amber and Gray’s story and omg it is definitely a must read. Amber loved her job helping with all the renovations but now she felt like she needed more along with a home and inheriting a Apple farm along with her siblings she didn’t know if that would be enough for her because security was her main priority until she was viciously attacked which changed everything in her life. Gray was in the army but now a civilian but being just a bodyguard was starting to wear him down and he felt like it was time to look for another job and career. When Gray was in a hotel and saw a woman being attacked he didn’t think because his whole life was about protecting people so he went in and managed to save her from the three thugs and get justice for her. When Amber decided to go to the Apple Farm to be with her family the last person she expected to see was Gray because he knew her brothers as they had served together on different missions when they were in the army. Amber and Gray’s had been attracted to each other since the beginning and the more time that they spent together the stronger that attraction and chemistry grew but Amber is still having nightmares and is also jittery while having trust issues around people who she doesn’t know and Gray is trying to help her through the process and support her whenever she needs him too because she was worthy of his protection and just when things start to go really well and feelings start to develop between Amber and Gray the past comes back to haunt Amber and she is kidnapped and in danger but Gray knows that he will do anything and everything regardless of the situation or circumstances to find her and bring her safely back because she is his future. There are twists and turns along the way that will have you turning the pages and on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next and I loved how Amber and Gray were so perfect together and for each other in every single way and how they also had all there friends to help and support them with whatever they neede. I definitely recommend you read this book and series and you will not be disappointed.

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a wonderful blend of heartwarming romance and suspense. It features two wonderful main characters, Amber and Gray who met and made a memorable connection on one the most terrifying days of her life. Neither expected to ever see each other again, but Fate had more in mind for them. It is Gray’s past with her brothers that brings him to the apple farm that Amber and her siblings have recently inherited. Their shared experience was the catalyst to a change in the direction of their lives for both Amber and Gray, and they are ready to start anew. Gray knows the secret that she has been keeping from her family and the reason she now has a highly trained and very protective dog at her side. He offers her support, makes her feel safe and keeps her secrets. Both acknowledge the attraction between them, the connection that tethers them, and soon realize that the feelings between them are deeper than they could have imagined. Both are set on staying on the farm and hopefully building a future as a couple. The farm is a place of safety, renewal and peace for both of them and her family enfold them both, as do the townspeople and neighbours. Unfortunately, the terrifying incident is coming back to haunt them and their safety as well as her family’s is now in jeopardy. Thankfully, the military skills that Gray, Amber’s brother and many of their friends have will help keep everyone safe and protected.

I am happy to recommend this engaging book.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

I knew Amber had a story to tell but I never imagined that it would be this one, the connection she and Gray had was instant and came from danger and uncertainty, yet it held strong and waited for a time when they would be reunited and able to explore it's potential. I really liked Gray's certainty, his compassion, understanding, his belief in Amber and in them and a future together. Gray knew what he wanted and he was prepared to go slowly if he needed to, he helped Amber to see that she was stronger than she thought and helped her to navigate her way through the tough times, to learn to live her life so that she could feel happy and feel safe again.

I really enjoyed the lighthearted moments in this, the bonds that shone, the love that was everywhere and the support they had from all around them. I just loved Boomer as a character, the way he was with Amber and with Gray, the good he did both of them, the happiness he inspired and the way he added to their story.

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

[J Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a complimentary copy. Amber Malssum manages a high-end boutique hotel in Chicago. Amber ends up getting attacked at work because of a wealthy guest who brings danger to the hotel. Amber meets Gray Santaro, who is a bodyguard for the guest; he ends up saving the day.

Amber decides to leave the big city and return to her family's apple orchard farm. Amber is surprised to see Gray there. Gray is friends with her older brothers, who all served in the Army together.

Amber and Gray are attracted to each other the first time they met, and now, as they spend more time together, the attraction grows stronger.

Sweet romance about two people who met, thought they would not see each other again, but life had other plans.

[Amber Novak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Heroes to the Core bookss and this is another wonderful addition to the series. Amber goes through a workplace trauma but Gray is there working as a bodyguard and saves her. Sher goes home to her family farm to heal emotionally and, small world that it is, runs into Gray, who turns out to be a friend of her brothers who all served together. As the two get to knoe one another and the attraction builds, they each help the other open up to love. You'll feel off the emotions, laugh and shed a tear at the love, spend time with lots of family and friends, and follow a beautiful love story as Gray and Amber work towards their HEA.

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

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This compelling story grabs you from the first page. Amber's life flashes in front of her when she is confronted with hoodlums who wants to gain entrance into the room of one of its visitors. True to her word she locks down the hotel and suffers the consequences until help arrives which comes in the form of Gray one of the men responsible for keeping the man in question safe. It starts their journey and quickly leads to one amazing ride through their life's transformation. It is well written and had my emotions all over the place.

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

[Alex Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amber has been through a lot in this book. After surviving a brutal attack at her workplace (thanks to Gray) Amber decides to make a change, enter the apple orchard that was bequeathed to her and her siblings, she didn’t know what to expect when she left Chicago for Vermont, but she never would have expected “Dark Eyes” to show up at the orchard. Jemi has a way of writing that I enjoy reading exponentially. This series is romance with more story than spice, but Jemi writes each book in a way that makes the limited spicy parts perfect, book four can’t come out fast enough.

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

[BecReadReview · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prepare to fall head over heels for the Malssums all over again. The story explodes out of the gate with nail-biting, high-octane action before easing into moments so sweet & steamy you can’t wipe the smile off your face. Gray & Amber’s romance burns with desire & heart. Boomer steps in to complete the circle, making it all feel unshakably perfect. Love, laughter, banter, & loyalty blaze across the pages, but when danger strikes hard, Gray’s alpha protector roars to life, fierce, unyielding, & unstoppable in his fight for their HEA.

[Darcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pick Yourself Up starts with a bang as Amber is attacked at her workplace. Gray was there as a personal bodyguard for a high profile client and this is where the two first meet. Small world that it is, both end up working at her family's apple farm. I loved the camaraderie between the Malssum family, as they all try to make a go of new careers and working together for a common interest. When Amber's attackers try once again, it is a fantastic example of a community coming together to save one of their own.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amber went through a traumatic experience and Grey was there. She won't admit to herself that she was brave and that she can tell her family. I loved her protection dog who is a hero in this book and her ideas for a new inn on her family's apple farm. Grey came to her family's farm help with revitalizing the gardens, but it isn't long before he falls for Amber. This was a sweet and steamy romance with elements of suspense. It was great to catch up with the rest of the characters of this wonderful supportive small town.

[Tesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

After an attack in her workplace Amber is lost but Gray who is in trouble himself helps her.

Amber and Gray were such a brilliant couple. Setting aside his own troubles, Gray can't help but want to protect Amber. They have a mutual attraction that grows and is a delight to read.

Such a great story. A little suspense and a lot of romance in a peaceful small town setting. Love this series and can't wait for more.

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

[Floraljoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As sweet as apple juice
This was another delightful and sweet story. Amber and Gray were perfect together and of course, you can't forget Boomer. In fact this series is perfect for those looking for a heartfelt story featuring family, friendships and furry friends. There was a bit of danger and action, however the primary focus was on finding your place and setting down roots whilst new love blossomed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amber loves refurbishing old Inns and Hotels back yo what they used to be. But a hold up where she got hurt protecting others has her going to be with her siblings at an apple farm they inherited . Gray who witnessed her courage and rescued her is also going to the same place. This family has seen a lot but being together and finding love is worth it all.

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

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pick Yourself Up is a good, and enjoyable steamy small town best friend's sister work place romance read. The story has a great entertaining world building story line that is easy to read. The characters are great, wonderful, and they have great chemistry. This story is a very entertaining heartwarming romance read with a happily ever after.

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

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love that Amber meets Gray before moving to the farm with her family. I love their re-meet for the surprise and the recognition and the continued instant connection. I love how perceptive Gray is when it comes to Amber and his protective nature. The action adds that little heartbeat skip to the story. I love seeing this all come together. Can't wait for Nash!.

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

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is no reason why you don't have this book as well as this series by Jemi in your kindle already. I absolutely 110% loved this romance book as well as the characters in it. I Loved Gray and Amber in this heartfelt romance book. You might find your eyes tearing up at times so some Kleenexes should be handy. This is a really fantastic 5-star romance story.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third story in the Heroes To The Core featuring Amber Malssum and Gray Santoro. The author did an excellent job of crafting a compelling storyline with believable characters, and I was completely drawn in from the very beginning. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Niki · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Amber is attacked at work Gray is there to save her, that is the first time they meet. When they both end up working back at the apple farm that her family owns. When one of the people that attacked her shows up again, the community steps in to keep her safe.

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

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic small town/protector romance. I just can't get enough Jemi Fraser books! Sweet and suspenseful, heartfelt and lovely.. Wonderful characters!.

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

[Heather Gibbard · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is a great addition to the series. This is a small town romance with suspense and is sweet and steamy with a wonderful ending.

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

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lo suficiente entretenido para terminarlo, pero no para leer los demás.