Sweet Rose

Sweet Maple Falls #2

by Nikki Ashton

Sweet RoseBehind her reading glasses and quiet demeanor lies a woman ready to bloom. When the town's golden boy sees past her carefully built walls, Rose discovers that love doesn't always follow the script you've written for yourself.

FULL BLURB TO COME SOON

375 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 24, 2026

About the author

I live in Cheshire with my husband, two dogs and mum in law and write romantic humour and contemporary romance. My first two books, Guess Who I Pulled Last Night? and No Bra Required both stayed at number 1 on the Amazon Humour list for 3 & 4 weeks respectively. My ambitions of becoming a writer started at the age of 10 when I started writing poetry at school, and was given the honour of reading one out to the rest of my year group (an horrific experience that I will never forget). Thankfully I have a wide variety of strange and wonderful people in my life, otherwise I'd be stuck on what to write about! I am currently talking to family and friends, finding out their innermost secrets in readiness for my next book.

My books are romances that come with a little more than vanilla sexy times, sometimes a few tears, lots of hot men and feisty women, but ultimately they'll make you smile.

You can follow me on Twitter on @NikkerAsh or on Facebook at Nikki Ashton Books

Reviews

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading Sweet Charity, the first in the Sweet Maple Falls series, I was looking forward to this one and it certainly didn't disappoint.
While the first book is about Charity and Liam, this one is the story of her best friend, local vet Rose and her unexpected relationship with Liam's brother Cole.
Cole has always been a heartbreaker, and not really the type to settle down, but he didn't reckon on his feelings for Rose changing everything he's ever wanted ... from life, a relationship, his future. The fact that she's 11 years older than him is irrelevant and he intends to make it very clear to her that this can and will work.
Granted, his methods are sometimes a bit caveman-like but his heart his true and his intentions are sound.
Rose, on the other hand, is determined to be realistic. This isn't her first rodeo, and after being abused as a child, and cast aside by Andrew, her ex-husband, she's become the tough, strong, independent and determined professional and mom of two boys that she needs to be.
The universe has other plans!!
I do have questions: Where are men like Cole, Liam and Nate IRL??? Did Nikki Ashton decide to create these fabulous men because they're nowhere to be found??
Welcome to Sweet Maple Falls, where you'll adore the love stories, get hooked on the banter and never want to leave!
I can't wait to read the third (and final) book in this series, Sweet Honey.
Thank you to Love Books Tours and the author for my review copy.

[Linda Dominick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Cole and his determination to go after what he wanted, and he wanted Rose so so bad. She’s everything he wanted in a partner, sexy, smart, hard-working, and sassy. The age difference never made him pause, and he knew how to get under her skin. She was a single mom to two teenage boys and a business that was coming under fire. And Cole was always there to support her. It’s no wonder she finally gave in and let herself be with Cole.
The other component I loved was how Rose and Cole had so many obstacles, including a son that wasn’t exactly thrilled at his mom having a boyfriend. Her demanding business as a veterinarian, and a nagging ex-husband.
Rose and Cole are great together, and she realizes he is everything she never knew she needed.
You will fall in love with these two and how good they are for each other.

[Sarah Essex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well i just know when i read a Nikki Ashton book i wont be able to put it down! and this one was exactly the same. I loved the main characters rose and cole and following their blossoming love story. It was a cosy small town romance with bumps along the road. Rose is a single mother of 2 teenage boys who's a vet and has been through some stuff. along comes cole who is a hunky knight in shining armour and her some coach. I loved the dynamic of everything. I really hated Andrew i'm so glad rose left him she deserved better and Nikki makes you actually really hate the people you're not mean to like and love the people you are meant to. She does small town romance like nobody else ❤️

[Sonja Charters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe that it's been 5 whole months since I read the first book in this Sweet Maple Falls series - Sweet Charity.

Not long in terms of writing and releasing a book, no, but I honestly feel like it was yesterday as I can so vividly remember reading it.

 

I absolutely loved starting this new series and getting to know another beautiful small town and all it's diverse community.

 

Although in this book we do follow a new couple, this book does follow on from the first and as such, there were some spoilers here, so I'd say read these in order if you don't want to see just how Liam and Charity are getting along now.

 

It was great to see these snippets of our first couple and have that continuity through the books and I loved the family connections throughout.

 

Here though, we see our vet Rose keeping a tight hold of the control ahead built around her heart and her life.

I loved that she was a slightly more mature FMC, very relatable and with her background, totally understandable that she wants to cling to that control for all it's worth.

 

But, when charming Cole enters the picture, his persistence knows no bounds and despite being over a decade her junior, Rose just can't help letting him sneak under thise defences she's built up.

 

As ever, Nikki draws us in from the word go and I just knew (from last experience) that I was going to just clear my schedule and immerse myself right in for the duration.

 

The writing style is so easy to read and has me hooked and smiling the whole way through.

I love the setting, the characters, just everything about these reads and I am totally transported into this world.

 

I can already see that book 3 is on the way and I can't promise I'm going to be patient!

[Amanda Felton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to LBT for having me on this book review tour and for my gifted copy of this epub

I loved the first book in this series so when this one came to be I couldn’t not sign up I love this author so much her writing is just the best.

I love a good romance book and this book was of no exception!!

I loved Cole and Roses story. I loved Cole. He wouldn’t stop until he got what he wanted. Rose was someone who I admired so much. She was a mom to 2 teen boys. And a single one at that she was so strong and sassy and just so amazing. It’s someone I want to be like.

Cole wanted Rose right away. She was just who he was looking for in a partner they got under each other’s skins and just always there for her.

I just loved this story so much. The writing is the best and I think this book was better than the first one for sure. I can’t wait for more by this author. I hope we will have an audio book !!

Overall best book!!!

[katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sweet Rose by Nikki Ashton absolutely stole my heart. 🌹📚 This is the kind of book that makes you forget the world around you and stay up way too late saying “just one more chapter.”

The romance was tender, emotional, and beautifully written, and the chemistry between the characters had me smiling, swooning, and crying all in the same sitting.

Nikki Ashton has such a gorgeous writing style—every scene felt vivid and full of feeling. I loved how the story balanced sweet moments with deeper emotional themes, and the character growth was chef’s kiss. By the end, I was completely attached to these characters and not ready to let them go
.
If you love slow-burn romance, heartfelt emotions, lovable characters, and books that leave your chest aching in the best way, Sweet Rose needs to be on your TBR immediately.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

🍁Sweet Rose is book two within the Maple Falls Series 🍁

She's cautious.He's all in.
Neither of them saw this coming.
She's done with men. He's never met a challenge he couldn't charm his way through.

Sweet Rose 🌹 is another five star read for me. Nikki Ashton has written another addicting read.
Sweet Rose kinda resonated with me and my husband. He’s 9.5 years younger than I am. He made me feel realize that I deserved a second chance, to be treated how I should be treated. So far Sweet Rose is my favorite within the series.
Rose and Cole worked through obstacles that came their way. I really liked how Cole made Rose feel. She definitely deserved to be loved and respected. The way he wanted to not only protect her but her sons as well was incredibly sweet.
I wanted to savor reading it but I also couldn’t wait to see how it was going to go between Rose and Cole.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Give me a book set in a small town with an accidental pregnancy and a reverse age gap and I'm in! 🥰
We follow the story of Rose, a single mum to 2 teenage boys, and Cole, the younger man who has been wanting to take things further with Rose after their one night together months ago!
Throughout the story the pair are faced with difficult decisions and people set against them as well as the council trying to push Rose to sell her vet clinic by any means necessary.
Personally, I'm not a huge fan of pet names in relationships and felt like there were a lot of uses in here that dragged me out the story a bit but overall it didn't affect my enjoyment or the way the author has written and described everything so I would still highly recommend reading! 💕

[Sharmaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the sweet maple falls series by @nikkiashtonauthor and my god! What a read! I absolutely loved the first one and this was no different! From the first page I was hooked and read it so quick I was gutted when it ended. It follows Rose and Cole and her denial in thinking he would be interested in her when in actual fact he is OBSESSED with her♥️. I LOVED how protective he was of her and her boys and how he proved to her how much he liked her (without the spice at first) it was just so lovely and sweet and written incredibly well. When the spice hit, WOW🥵. I’m not ashamed to admit I love a spicy book and this packed a punch😉. It was fantastic and I loved it!!! Cannot wait for book 3 of the series🥰.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Rose was ultimately a sweet love story between a divorced mom with 2 teenage boys and her best friend’s fiancé’s brother. Cole’s evolving relationship with Rose as well as with her boys was very touching. You had to get through quite a few spicy scenes to get there (if you don’t like spice or foul language, then this book is not for you.), but you do, and it’s swoony! I love reading a scene and reacting with an “Awww!” as I prefer sweet to spice. The fact that Rose is a veterinarian made the book that much better! Nikki Ashton does write a good romance, and I rate this a 5 out of 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Chaos 🥰

Book 2 in the Maple Falls series 🤩

Single mum Rose, is happy enough with her two sons and her veterinary practice, but has a night of 😜😜 with someone 10yrs her junior……..surely it can’t lead anywhere……can it????????

Cole, a thirty something bachelor that has a few ‘notches’ under his belt, has a night with an ‘older’ lady……whom he can’t stop thinking about….and more 😉😉😉

This is a sweet ‘pun’ intended 🤭 read that will have you believing your right alongside them, the laughs then on no’s and seriously won’t stop laughing at the antics of Denver, Sweetums, April & Ron 😂😂😂

Can’t wait for the next book

[Amanda M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the first book prior to this one and it was good but this one is even better. I liked the main characters in this. And the character growth was spot on. I also liked seeing how things developed throughout the storyline. And the overall narrative was written well. It's a small town romance that I could not put down. I feel like it was well balanced with the emotional moments and the romantic ones and everything else. Thanks so much to Love Books Tours and the author for a copy of this. All opinions are my own and freely expressed.

[Kimberley Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

It made me want to retrain to be a vet and or buy a ranch!
I loved this book so much! Rose and Cole are brilliant characters and the whole story is engaging and laugh out loud (like only Nikki can do). Yet again she writes cowboys like no one else can! I've read a lot of books and seriously no one compares!

[Sue Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely recommend.

Sweet Rose by Nikki Ashton.
Sweet Maples Falls book 2.
I really did enjoy this book. I love this series. I loved the cover of this book. I signed up straight away when I saw book 2. I loved the writing style and the story. I did love Rose and Cole. Especially how Cole was with Rose. I loved his name Doc he gave her. I listened to this book on kindle unlimited in 2 sittings. I couldn't put it down. I can't wait for the next book. Definitely recommend.

[Gilly Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say except for I loved this book. Another group of amazing characters with strong Rose and hot 🔥 Cole at their centre. Looking forward to the final one in this series

[Yvonne Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars

This book for me out of a major reading slump. I just couldn't put it down. Cole and Rose could just be my favourite couple.

[Kat Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Cole and Rose! I’m a sucker for the single parent trope and Nikki smashed it out of the park. I always love the banter Nikki writes and Sweet Rose had plenty of it. The more series moments between Cole and Rose pulled at my heart. The spice spiced! They had great chemistry. I love this Sweet Maple Falls world!

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Rose Anderson completely stole my heart in Sweet Rose, and Nikki Ashton has delivered another unforgettable visit to Sweet Maple Falls. This is everything I love about small-town romance—heartfelt, emotional, swoon-worthy, and full of characters who feel like people you could genuinely know.

Rose is a heroine I instantly admired. At forty-one, she’s spent so much of her life putting everyone else first—her sons, her veterinary practice, her friends—that watching her slowly realise she deserves happiness too was incredibly rewarding. She’s strong without being perfect, vulnerable without ever feeling weak, and her journey towards opening her heart again felt beautifully authentic.

Cole was an absolute dream. Despite the eleven-year age gap, he never made Rose feel like she was “too much” or “too old.” Instead, he saw her exactly as she was and loved every part of her. He’s patient, supportive, fiercely devoted, and the kind of hero who proves that actions speak louder than words. The way he gradually earned Rose’s trust through friendship, laughter, and unwavering support made their romance feel all the more believable and satisfying.

I loved that this wasn’t a story built purely on instant attraction. Yes, the chemistry between them is undeniable from the beginning, but what truly makes this romance shine is the emotional connection they build. Their late-night conversations, growing friendship, and quiet moments together created a slow-burn relationship that felt natural and deeply earned.

The age-gap element was handled with so much care. Rather than relying on unnecessary drama, the story explored real insecurities, societal expectations, and the fears both characters carried into the relationship. It never felt forced—it simply highlighted that love doesn’t fit neatly into other people’s expectations.

Sweet Maple Falls continues to be one of those fictional places you never want to leave. The close-knit community, familiar faces, beautiful mountain setting, and unwavering support between neighbours make the town feel alive. It’s the perfect backdrop for a story about healing, hope, and finding love when you’ve almost convinced yourself it’s too late.

The emotional moments hit just as hard as the romantic ones. As life throws unexpected challenges at Rose and Cole, the story explores vulnerability, trust, family, and taking chances on happiness. Their journey isn’t always easy, which made every victory and every heartfelt moment feel even more meaningful.

[Bianca Duthie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 in the Sweet Maple Falls series and we are back in this wonderful small town with their quirky townsfolk and hilarious group chat!
Book 1 we saw Liam get his HEA with Charity, and in book 2 we see how this is progressing - I love following up closely on previous couples lives in books of this genre. Our starring couple here though are Liam's brother Cole and town vet Rose. These two are sweet and spicy and I adore how Cole breaks down Rose's walls and concerns with his alpha domineering you will be my woman act, there is something super hot about dominance like that in a book!
While the books in this series each focus on a different couple and are therefore standalone, the characters are closely linked through tight connections and so you do need to read them in order to avoid spoiling stories for yourself!
Denver the donkey gets a couple of pals, and I love how much mischief they cause, they really are the stars of the show!
Things got pretty serious with some dodgy dealings, and I really hope that we see some just desserts being served up in book 3! Surely Erica Gates in Canada knows the truth?!
I was immediately hooked with this, and could barely put it down, I'm hoping the finale of the series comes soon! I've read a number of books by this author now and loved them all. I would definitely recommend.

[Pattie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had high expectations for this novel based on the 5-star reviews from the other readers on the book tour I am participating in. My rating, however, is 3.5 stars. I chose to round it up to 4 because of how things got better toward the conclusion of the novel.
I liked Rose and her relationship with her two sons. I felt their characterization was really well done. I liked how they communicated, and having taught teens for the better part of my education career, I felt it was quite true to real life.
However, I did not really like Cole all that much. He was too take-charge-y, and not always in a good way. Many things he said and did really irritated me and increased his ick factor. What redeemed him was how he did grow and change through his relationship with Rose and her family–and how he defended her in the face of some of the nefarious things going on in the “sweet” town of Sweet Maple Falls (no spoilers, though).
Spicy open-door bedroom scenes and rated R language.

Thank you to the author and Love Books Tours for a review copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

[Naturalbri (Bri Wignall) · Rating 5 out of 5]

: I always love Nikki's writing and as soon as she has something new out, I dive for it and devour the entire thing as quickly as possible, if only sleep and pesty work did not get in the way.
I loved the first book in this series, and could not wait until this beauty came out. I found this slow burn was perfection, as it truly built some phenomenal tension, flames and intense feels throughout. By the time these two fully crashed together, I was desperate for them to be one. It was such a good level of detail, the activity and emotional connection was stunning and I really felt Ashton created a very real feeling.
I loved our two main characters so much, but especially the female lead. She is such a hidden gem, with such a strong will and intellect that just floats through and she is able to really come out with her brilliance at the perfect times, but flies under the radar. The way these two came together was fun and exciting and just great to read and thoroughly enjoy the whole read through.
I honestly, loved this book!!

[Riette Beling · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know its going to be a great book when the prologue hits you with the feels!

I loved this! Nikki Ashton must be a wizard because she writes magic! This was a compelling love story, not at all like some of the boring romance you get out there.

We experienced a love growing and evolving between Rose and Cole, and it was so much more! Understanding, compromise, dealing with tension and anger. I mean this was full on! All the emotions was included. Besides the love we also had some heart stopping moments with Margaret and the council.

I loved that Rose was older and already had children, it definitely gives the book an added dimension and speaks of the fact that love happens no matter what age or size you are, and that is perfect!

I adore this series and it would be great for any romance lovers and even those that are not! A little bit of everything wrapped up together!

[Jess Sealey (Jess's_book_corner) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely adored this one! Out of the 2 in this series so far this has to be my favourite.
It's great to catch up with the characters from Sweet Charity
I love how persistent Cole is to get Rose and he is quite the charmer. I really enjoy the little twists that are in these books that has you guessing.
The only thing that i didn't like and this is a me thing and something so small is Rose calling Cole honey a lot, I just don't like that.

This one made my heart happy and I can't wait for third!

[B3tw33n_th3_c0v3rs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a FMC who is a full adult. I have enjoyed every single book Nikki has put out and this one is no different. I love that there is an underlying mystery happening in each of the interconnected series and how we are getting closer to finally getting answers. But I also love that the romance of the story isn't overshined by the sub plot. The characters are fun to read and there is humor and real feelings with each couple. I was excited to read about a mature single mom and how she handled letting love back into her life. Cole might have been a wild guy but he is all green flags here!