Joy’s Homecoming

Protectors of Jasper Creek #7

by Caitlyn O'Leary

She's running from a nightmare. He's determined to be her salvation.

JOY
After talking to Little Grandma, I thought coming home to Jasper Creek would make me finally feel safe. Allow me to breathe and stop me from looking over my shoulder. I could finally start living my real life, not live in the shadows.

Working at the Jasper Creek Animal Clinic, and living with Miss Laverne, seemed like small steps in the right direction. Easy steps that I could handle after what happened to me in London.

Then, with one look, Graham Wallace—six feet, four inches of pure Navy SEAL muscle and tattooed charm—walked into Miss Laverne's kitchen and shattered my carefully constructed walls. This man is dangerous. Not because of the motorcycle or the military background, but because he makes me believe in things I swore I'd never trust again. Like safety. Like belonging. Like the crazy idea that someone like me could have a happily ever after.

I should have known better. The unwanted flowers, the ominous notes, warnings that I'd never thought would follow me to Jasper Creek, started showing up three weeks after our first kiss.

GRAHAM
Wham! Joy Magill hit me like a freight train wrapped in sunshine and curves. One taste of her homemade cake, one look at that infectious smile lighting up Miss Laverne's kitchen, and I was gone. Completely, utterly screwed.

She thinks she's not worth fighting for. Her pig-headed brothers think I'm not good enough for their baby sister who just came running back home. But they don't know what I know—that this woman is mine, and I'd burn down the whole damn world before I'd let anyone hurt her again.

The psycho sending her flowers made a fatal mistake. He followed her to my town. He came after my woman.

I've got Simon Clark and the men of Onyx Security, hell all the men of Jasper Creek, ready to go to war. I've got twelve years of lethal Navy training. And I've got zero patience for cowards who stalk innocent women.
Time for this sick freak to learn what happens when you threaten a SEAL's family.

Some women need saving. Some men need a war to fight. Sometimes, they find each other.

This is a retelling of Until Joy from Aurora Rose Reynold’s World. It takes place in Jasper Creek and has 15,000 more words.

Genres: Romantic Suspense

422 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 31, 2025

About the author

Caitlyn O’Leary is a USA Bestselling Author, #1 Amazon Bestselling Author and a Golden Quill Recipient from Book Viral in 2015. Hampered with a mild form of dyslexia she began memorizing books at an early age until her grandmother, the English teacher, took the time to teach her to read -- then she never stopped. She began re-writing alternate endings for her Trixie Belden books into happily-ever-afters with Trixie's platonic friend Jim. When she was home with pneumonia at twelve, she read the entire set of World Book Encyclopedias -- a little more challenging to end those happily.

Caitlyn loves writing about Alpha males with strong heroines who keep the men on their toes. There is plenty of action, suspense and humor in her books. She is never shy about tackling some of today’s tough and relevant issues.

In addition to being an award-winning author of romantic suspense novels, she is a devoted aunt, an avid reader, a former corporate executive for a Fortune 100 company, and totally in love with her husband of soon-to-be twenty years.

She recently moved back home to the Pacific Northwest from Southern California. She is so happy to see the seasons again; rain, rain and more rain. She has a large fan group on Facebook and through her e-mail list. Caitlyn is known for telling her “Caitlyn Factors”, where she relates her little and big life’s screw-ups. The list is long. She loves hearing and connecting with her fans on a daily basis.

Reviews

[Kelly Looney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joy’s Homecoming is Caitlyn O’Leary’s 7th entry in The Protectors of Jasper Creek series and a rewrite of previously released book that was in the Happily Ever Alpha world. The rewrite moves the story to Jasper Creek and replaces the characters from the other world with those from the new location. The rewrite is significant enough to merit reading even if you read the previous version. The overall plot line and main characters are the same (although details on their professions and circumstances are changed).
The story is about Graham and Joy. Graham is a former SEAL and ad hoc member of Onyx Security. Joy is the Great Great Granddaughter of Little Grandma. Jasper Creek is a wonderful community with strong family bonds with both blood and chosen family members. Joy is still reeling from a bad experience a few years earlier that she has not shared with anyone and Graham is dealing with issues from his last mission as a SEAL. When the two meet, it is love at first sight, but Graham has to take things slowly as Joy is not quite ready to open herself up to the connection.
Once they both acknowledge that their feelings for each other are real and share their emotional burdens, they each begin to heal. Joy is pushed to share her past when she begins to get gifts and notes from an admirer that frighten her. Graham immediately shifts into SEAL mode, but needs to deal with his past to be the man she needs. With the help of Joy’s brothers and Onyx Security, they face the threats to Joy. There are some very poignant scenes where they each deal with their past traumas and move forward both individually and as a couple.
This was a great read that was hard to put down once I started. It has everything I love, a great setting/world, wonderful characters, touching emotional exchanges, sassy strong female characters, male characters that are alpha with heart, and great suspense and action. I am a huge fan of this author and this series. I strongly recommend this book or really anything by the author. I got this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Jane A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joy’s Homecoming is an extended re-write of a story that originally appeared in a crossover to the a story that appeared in Aurora Rose Reynold’s World and now it’s part of the Protectors of Jasper Creek series and takes place entirely in Jasper Creek with new characters. Joy Magill was working as an au pair in London until something terrible happened and she is now back in Jasper Creek guarding her secrets and existing rather than thriving. Knowing something is wrong Little Grandma arranges for her to make a fresh start working at an animal shelter and living with Ms Laverne. Whilst living with Ms Laverne, Joy meets part-time mechanic, part-time hardware store worker, occasional Onyx Security member and former Seal Graham Wallace, whose muscles and leather conceal a heart of gold and the heavy burden of ghosts from the past haunting him. Graham is instantly smitten with Joy from the moment he sets eyes on her, Joy is equally attracted but keeps him on his toes for a while but Graham has persistence down to a fine art.
It’s not all plain sailing and Joy’s previous troubles seem to have followed her home and now threaten the happiness she is starting to find with Graham, working with his Onyx Security team Graham swings into protector mode to keep Joy safe from her increasingly creepy stalker whilst battling his own demons. Joy is no pushover and her soft and gentle exterior hides a backbone of steel who is equally determined that Graham and her friends and loved ones are not going to come to any harm because of the danger surrounding her and Graham may be a big bad former Seal biker but his heart is a marshmallow when it comes to Joy. Jasper Creek is a town full of characters and community, family through blood and through choice, strong female characters and the alpha men who want to protect them mixed together with the wisdom of generations.
Suspense, romance, action, a whole slew of emotions as bot Joy and Graham open up to each other and share the burden of their pasts, big characters in small town settings there is plenty to love and enjoy in this story so I highly recommend you read it.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

l love Caitlyn O'Leary's combination of Alpha males, SEALs and her Small Town romance world's. and when she had to rewrite Until Joy, and moved it into the Jasper Creek series (it did reference Jasper Creek, melding a combination of both in the original)
so although I knew some of this story, I jumped straight in to see what the difference would be with it set just in Jasper Creek.

the rewrite still has Joy in London, and she didn't have a great time in London, she came home and tried to forget, and she didn't tell anyone in her family but Little Grandma knew something was wrong and being home with her parents wasn't fixing it, so she helps her find a job (Vet Tech) and Joy moves in with Miss Laverne. which is where Joy first meets Graham Wallace — Ex Navy SEAL, who's also dealing with trauma from his last SEAL operation.

Graham senses that Joy is nervous and hiding something from her past, and so he goes slow, and it's definitely a slow burn romance, but I liked how he courted Joy 😊 💞.
Joy gradually starts to open up with her work colleagues And even has the courage to get on stage and sing...
unfortunately this event triggers someone in the audience watching.
The suspense and intrigue kicks up a notch when Joy receives unwanted flowers...
Then Joy tells Graham about what really happened in London.

l liked the way Caitlyn structures this part of the story, bringing in previous characters from the series who work with Graham at Onyx Security.

Joy was a smart and courageous woman, who with the help of family and friends, not only learn to put the past behind her, but when in the face of danger, use her wits to save herself.

I'm not going to say much more, but I love how she didn't play the damsel in distress, she was quite adept at helping herself when the need arose.

I enjoyed this story, the rewrite still kept me entertained and is a good addition to compliment the Jasper Creek series

[Nikki Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Age gap romance where he falls first and hard!

Jasper Creek is about to get another HEA with only a little meddling by Little Grandma and Miss Laverne. Joy finally moved back home after living in London and Nashville for a while. She's hiding a severe trauma from her nearest and dearest, in a vain effort to stop them smothering her. If she doesn't think about it or tell anyone about it, she thinks it'll go away.

Graham has some trauma of his own to get over. He's been a bit of a nomad after leaving the SEALS and hasn't come to terms with the loss of his team. But between automotive jobs, stints at Drapers Hardware, assignments with Onyx and helping out the townsfolk, he's keeping his hands and mind busy. Hands and Mind that's much prefer to be on Joy!

There are some magic moments in this book - equally filled with emotion, passion and action. Joy and Graham may fall fast and hard but the depth of their love is amazingly depicted. But thy do have some hurdles to get over first. I did guess one of the major plot lines quite quickly, I wouldn't be very good at the day job if I didn't, but i really enjoyed watching all the evidence slot into place and the big reveal.

"Some people need to leave home to find themselves. But sometimes, sugar, you need to know to come home to remember who you are. Not to stay stuck but to rebuild from a place of strength". - Little Grandma

[Pam Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an outstanding book! Graham and Joy are quite the couple. From their first meet to the last page you feel their connection and it just continues to grow as their relationship does. Graham is a protector and has served his country as a Navy Seal but after a mission he seeks solace in his fellow brothers, the Broken Eagles MC. You discover more about them and his journey as the story evolves. Joy is back home in Jasper Creek after living in Nashville. Little Grandma reminded her that home is where she needed to be so home is where she came to. Joy is living with Miss Laverne as she didn’t want to live with her parents. Both have issues to work through and as their friendship grows so does their trust and love. When danger begins and Joy is threatened Graham calls upon his brothers and hers to keep her safe. There is intrigue, suspense and a love worth fighting for as they both depend on each other. Loved getting to know their group of friends and families and how they supported Graham and Joy. Caitlyn this book is well written and outstanding! 5+ stars.

[Amanda Lough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action, Action and More Action
This book is actually a rewrite of a book published in another author’s world. Most of the story is the same, just replacing that author’s characters with Jasper Creek characters we all know and love. While I am so happy to get to spend more time with the gang, especially Little Grandma, there are places where the story made sense in the original (set in another town) but feels off in Jasper Creek, although that could just be me since I read and reviewed the original. I also got a bit confused because I know I’ve read all of the Jasper Creek series and there were two couples in this book that I don’t remember. They were in the original version as well, so I assumed they were the other author’s characters but I guess not? You really can’t go wrong with a Caitlyn O’Leaary book. Looking back at my original review I mentioned the passing felt slow, but I didn’t feel that with this version, perhaps because it wasn’t set in a different town with a different set of characters that I didn’t know. The book is good, the main couple is great, the action is great, I liked the side characters and I hope we can get some of their stories in the future. I received an ARC and voluntarily left this review.

[Titania · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joy loves her family but she is feeling stifled and a bit if a failure. When her grandmother reminds her of who she us and what she has, she blossoms. Graham has allowed his guilt to stifle him. But then he meets Joy and she brings him acceptance and joy. Now if only he can protect her from a stalking danger.
Joy's Homecoming is the latest in Caitlyn O'Leary's Protectors of Jasper Creek series. I enjoyed getting to Graham and Joy. Both are dealing with pain from their pasts. The are holding themselves back from friends and family. But they meet and struggle to hold back from each other. I love as Ms. O'Leary allows Joy and Graham to find a home in each other. I love that inspite of the danger that surrounds Joy, they find themselves standing by each other. I love seeing both Joy and Graham learn to accept their pasts as well as each other. This is a well written enjoyable story that I thoroughly enjoyed.

[Elinda Moody · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Joy and Graham's story. I could not put it down. Caitlyn O'Leary never disappoints and I promise you, this book is no exception. Joy came back home from London where she worked as an au pair. Something was wrong. Her family could see it. Joy didn't want to talk about it. Little Grandma, seeing something was wrong, set about doing what she does best. Fixing things. Joy moved in with Little Grandma's friend Miss Laverne and had a job waiting for her before she could blink. What Joy hadn't counted on was Graham Wallace. All 6" 4" of handsome Navy SEAL. They were attracted to each other right away. The only fly in the ointment was they were both carrying something heavy from their pasts. When trouble finds Joy in her own back yard, Graham and his brothers in arms will stop at nothing to get rid of the problem. Joy and Graham have a lot to deal with to get the HEA they deserve. Get this book ASAP and find out how everything turns out. Sorry, no spoilers.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joy’s Homecoming by Caitlyn O’Leary is an awesome book. This is the seventh book in the Protectors of Jasper Creek series, but can be read as a standalone. Joy lived for a year in London, where she experienced trauma that she never told anyone about. When she returned to the States, she lived in Nashville but struggled and eventually returned to Jasper Creek to try to recover from her trauma. Graham is a former SEAL who experienced trauma of his own on his last mission. Joy is being stalked again, and Graham is trying to protect her. Along the way, they fall in love. This book had me crying, angry, etc. I had all the feels. This book has action, drama, heat, romance, former SEALs, angst, trust issues, relationship issues, and more. I could not put the book down. The book is well-written and features very likeable characters. I can’t wait for the next book by Ms. O’Leary. I highly recommend this book and the rest of the series.

[Stacy Gragg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved coming back to Jasper Creek for Joy and Graham.
Joy's internal monologue is laugh out loud funny along with the banter between Joy and Graham.
Joy comes home from living abroad in London but instead of moving back to Jasper Creek she settles in Nashville. One day while visiting Little Grandma, Joy is confronted by her all knowing great grandmother who knows what she needs even if Joy doesn't. Little grandma sets her up with a Job working at a local animal shelter/veterinary hospital along with a room to rent with Miss Laverne.
Graham Wallace is a former Navy SEAL haunted by a mission gone horribly wrong. One day while visiting Miss Laverne he is met with a vision of beauty and is immediately smitten with the beautiful Joy Magill.
When Joy starts getting flowers and strange notes, Graham's protective instincts kick in high gear.

[Suanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this rewrite of the previous version of this book by Caitlyn. I have enjoyed all the books in the Jasper Creek series, which include Little Grandma, the Avery Girl Squad (Family) & those Hunks at Onyx Security. Talk about "smitten" when Graham & Joy meet ~ and he's very in tuned with her & her previous nightmare that took place when she was in London working as a nanny. Enter the mentally unstable, delusional, manic Betty Psycho Crocker, Glenda (who always seemed just a little off to me) & what another nightmare that Joy lives through. Luckily Graham is her rock through all of it. The free Vet Vaccination Day was a hoot to read ~ simply hilarious how Graham pitched in to assist with the wayward animals. Caitlyn has a wonderful way that she weaves the family dynamics into her storylines, especially her series that I am addicted to. Thank you for another wonderful read!

[Snuggle up with books and drinks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Joys Homecoming. It has all the emotions I look for in a great book. I love coming back to Jasper Creek with Little Grandma, the Averys, and the Onyx team. This story also incorporated an Avery family reunion with Evie, Drake, and even Piper!

Joy has moved back to Jasper Creek after living in London and Nashville. She has come back, scared and with a secret she can't talk about. But she is now back with friends and family! Little Grandma has set her up living with Miss Laverne and working at Roxies veterinary clinic. All seems to be going well.

Graham has just settled in Jasper Creek after leaving the Navy and wandering for a while. He is making a home here doing work for Roan and Lisa's garage, Draper Hardware and Onyx Security, while making sure Miss Laverne is taken care of. He walks into Miss Laverne's house and sees Joy baking! Its love at first site! But it does take a bit to get her to go on a date with him.

Both have secrets that they haven't resolved, can they help heal each other? There is danger lurking around Joy. Has her past come back to haunt her? Can Graham, his Onyx Security team as well as Joys brothers keep her safe?

This book has it all. Emotions, plot twists, friends, family, action, as well as great food, a little karaoke, and animals! I could not put this book down! I highly recommend it!

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story absolutely grabbed me from the first page and didn't let go. It masterfully combines heart-pounding suspense with a deeply moving second-chance romance and I simply adored it!

The novel centers on Joy, a young woman returning to Jasper Creek who is understandably still reeling from a traumatic incident in London. The author beautifully portrays her journey as she tries to heal both her physical and psychological scars, including overwhelming survivor's guilt.

Enter Graham, an inactive Navy SEAL who is now working security. He’s the epitome of a protective hero. The moment he sees Joy smile in the kitchen—BOOM—he's completely head over heels. Watching these two navigate their instant connection while sharing their heavy emotional baggage, fears, and guilt was so heartfelt.

The suspense ratchets up when Joy starts receiving anonymous flowers and notes that gradually turn threatening. These incidents terrifyingly echo the horrors of her past, making her wonder if history is about to repeat itself. The tension this created was palpable, leading to some truly heart stopping moments.

The author shines in bringing together a wonderful cast including Little Grandma, the Avery's, and the Onyx team al found in other books by Caitlyn.

All together this is a fast paced read that kept me engaged until I turned that last page This is a a rewrite of Until Joy but is extended

[Carolyn Glover · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Joy and Graham’s story! This book delivers all the emotion and excitement I look for in a great read. Caitlyn O’Leary has long been one of my go-to authors, and Joy’s Homecoming certainly did not disappoint.

This story is a rewrite of one originally set in another author’s world, now beautifully reimagined as part of the Jasper Creek series. I really enjoyed catching up with familiar faces and revisiting this wonderful community.

As always, Caitlyn O’Leary masterfully blends heartfelt emotion with suspense as Joy and Graham work toward their happily ever after. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves romance filled with passion, tension, and a satisfying dose of small-town charm. I can’t wait to see what’s next in this series!

[Siobhan D · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the start I fell in love with the characters Joy and Graham. That man is 6ft 4in of hottest and honour. Joy is a woman that has hidden depths and strength.
Joy is struggling with what happened to her in London and coming home has made her feel a failure. Graham is struggling with his past in the Navy SEALs and the loss of his friends and teammates. New starts new life. I loved how Graham fell fast and hard, but his own past keeps him from going forward. With her lets say over protecting hmm overbearing family Joy’s London history has her working about trust.
When trouble comes to Joy’s front door, Graham is the man that knows he is not going to her down or hurt.
Angst, drama, emotions, struggles and brilliant chemistry romance.
This book has ticked all the boxes.

[Mechelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Graham moved to Jasper Creek to heal from his last mission and becomes kind of an ad hoc member of Onyx Security. When he meets Joy he is instantly blown away. Joy has returned home from London a bit broken and very hesitant to entertain even the thoughts of a relationship even if Graham does appeal to her. When trouble seems to follow her from her time in London, or at least what seems to be a similar stalker, Graham is determined to keep her safe no matter the cost. This book has all the best characters including Little Grandma, Joy’s brothers and the men of Onyx Security that we’ve all grown to love in this series. Everyone joins in the action to keep Joy safe and it’s a story you don’t want to miss!

[Gazelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joy and Graham complement each other perfectly! Joy went through some trauma before coming home and when it seems like the danger followed her, she turns to Graham and his friends to help keep her safe. Graham also has some issues he's working on to allow himself a chance to "live" and love after surviving war. I love that Joy and Graham both find a home in a new town and all the characters that make appearances. I am a sucker for spunky little old ladies as side characters! This book gives you romance, suspense and found family! I read this one previously when it was released as Until Joy from Aurora Rose Reynold’s World. However, this one takes place in Jasper Creek and has 15,000 more words. I generally wouldn't reread a story this close to each other, but I loved it the first time around and wanted to see what had changed. I have to say I'm biased. I love Jasper Creek, so I preferred this one because I'm already attached to these characters! Get ready to fall in love again!

[Country Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fantastic story really does have it all…
Suspense, Sexiness, Laughter, Love and of course Little Grandma’s words of wisdom.

Graham is a Navy Seal and a protector to his very core. One look at Joy and Bam… He’s a goner and his protector instincts and his body kick into high gear.

Joy is sunshine and light and bakes the best cake Graham’s ever tasted. But she’s running from something. And he just can’t stay away. One taste of her cake and he’s hooked.

Just when they find happiness together they soon learn that the past has a way of creeping back in just when you least expect it. And a new silent deadly threat emerges that could destroy them both.
"Thank you for writing this story.”

[Jennie Fortna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joy’s Homecoming is book 7 in the Protectors of Jasper Creek series by Caitlyn O’Leary, this story is a rewrite of a book released in another author’s world, Happy Ever Alpha.

Graham Wallace, ex Navy SEAL, member of Broken Eagles MC club, drops groceries off at Ms Laverne’s home and “boom” he meets Joy Magill and nothing will ever be the same for either of them…suspense, secrets, guilt, alpha protector, stalker, seeing old friends, family, danger, twists, turns, letting go of the past to built a future they both deserve..can’t wait for more in this series!

I voluntarily read a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Teresa Christianson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Joy and Graham

Two people who have been living alone each with their own trauma they are trying to keep away. Joy was stalked when she was in London and ended up in the hospital but never told anyone back home. Graham feels guilty because on his last mission, three of his team along with the hostage didn't make it home alive. Now Joy has a stalker and he vows to keep her safe. Is this the same guy from London who has found her in Jasper Creek or is it someone local? Can Graham with the help of Simon and his team keep her safe? Will they overcome their pasts to have a future?

[Kathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific Small-Town Romance and Suspense!!


Welcome to Jasper Creek, TN. When her grandma caught Joy reading “How to Transform Your Life in Less Than a Month”, she set up a job and place to stay. The reader knows something bad happened to Joy in London, but not the ‘what’.


Miss Laverne is renting Joy a room, and Graham Wallace, former SEAL, steps up his number of visits to increase his chance of running into Joy. Family, coming home, stalkers, kittens, forgiving yourself, chosen family and an amazing romance. This went by in a heartbeat - a wonderful story.


***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****

[Evita · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a retelling of Until Joy.

Joy and Graham, these two have some past issues to deal with, some bad baggage to deal with. They are both very guarded, but when they meet, it was instant, they both fall hard.

As they start to get to know each other, and share their feelings, the past comes back bringing chaos. Graham goes into protective mode over Joy. Some past characters are always great to see because we find out how they are doing, but also because they show up to help.

I love how they each work to overcome that baggage in order to make their relationship work.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 7th book in an amazing series that you can't put down once you start reading it. Joy returns home from London and Lil Gramma can see there's something wrong with her. Lil Gramma sends her to stay with her best friend and there she meets Graham a former Navy Seal and a part of an MC. As soon as he meets Joy he can't get her off his mind and he keeps trying to ask her out and after numerous attempts she finally accepts, from there comes the perfect love where they can't get enough of each other. It's an amazing book to continue the perfect series.

[A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joy’s Homecoming is a Caitlyn O’Leary’s re-write of Until Joy. I loved both stories. The characters are imperfect and awesome. Joy’s Homecoming takes place in the great little town of Jasper Creek with Little Grandma and the Avery family. I love the Jasper Creek Series, and this book fits right in. Joy has problems after she comes back from London. She meets the incredible arc-SEAL Graham. He is suffering from the loss of his team members. Together they overcome their pasts and build a new life together. This book has all of the feels, and I couldn’t put it down.

[Alibi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've got to say I was excited to get to readma rewrite this quick after reading the first. Usually so much time has passed, I do not get to fully enjoy the changes or notice the changes. Until Joy was awesome, but the story being relocated to Jasper Creek and seeing Onyx Security help out were new treasures. Full of love, danger, and suspense this story was everything you could want. As Graham and Joy find love worth fighting for. And the pyscho made me cringe just as much the second go around! But a happy ending was found!

[Kristina Rezac · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet small town meets a swoon worthy alpha protector! I absolutely loved this story Caitlyn O’Leary crafted. She brought my favorite characters of Jasper Creek (Little Grandma) and woven a new tale of love, heartbreak and a little mystery. Joy was a delight, and I want all her recipes. Graham learns he’s not a broken retired SEAL and that he can have his happiness. They were a perfect pairing. She packed all of the emotions… I laughed, cried, yelled and felt so happy by the end. I can’t wait to for the next!

[A Datwani · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the upgrade to Joy and Graham's story!! Their relationship is the perfect blend of sweet and spicy and just so delicious. I also love that we get to visit with characters from some of Caitlyn's earlier books from different series. And as always, Caitlyn includes elements of real issues giving depth to the characters and the narrative. The results is a easy to read, suspense filled romance with plenty of chemistry, friendship and action.

This book was given to me for free at my request and I voluntarily provided this review.

[Liz Sadowsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an updated and expanded version of Graham and Joy’s wonderful story. Both of them are dealing with personal traumas, when Joys life gets turned upside down again, Graham is there to prove to her he’s in for the long haul. Their story is about love, friends and family working together to give these two a real chance at happiness. It’s a fabulous feel good read and great addition to this new series!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joy is Lil Gramma's great-grandaughter and after returning home to Jasper Creek, Tennessee after a traumatic event in London and then moving to Nashville she seems kind of lost but Lil Gramma knows best and sends Joy to stay with her friend Miss Laverne on the other side of town. Graham is a former navy seal haunted by the loss of all but one of his team members who works part time in Roan and Lisa's garage, while also working part time time in Hart's shop and also helping out at Onyx security on occasion ; he also helps Miss Laverne. As soon as he meets Joy he falls head over heels and then the adventure truly begins. This book is fully loaded with all the feels; love, laughter, danger, suspense and an HEA that actually had me crying happy tears. I enjoyed this book so much I couldn't put it down and will definitely be reading it again in the future. I read an Advanced e-copy and am Voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions are my own.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book. It had me from the start. Once I started the book I could not put it down. I was on the edge of my seat. Joy and Graham captured my heart. Their story is not smooth sailing and both have to face their pasts and secrets in order to move forward. What will the cost be? Can they have a HEA? Only one way to know! Check this book and for that matter the series out. You can't go wrong with them. 5 stars all the way!