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Lennox Valley Chronicles #4
Proud Mary
Not yet published
Expected 10 Nov 26If she’s too much, why can’t he get enough?
Sappy love stories weren’t written for women like tattoo artist Mary Medeiros. She’s too sensitive. Too stubborn. Too much. Single by choice at thirty-eight, she’s made a life on her own terms—and made peace with shutting most people out. If only she could shut out the insufferable firefighter who’s spent the last fourteen years needling her at every opportunity.
Fighting fires for a living didn’t stop Gus Shepherd’s dreams from going up in smoke. Divorced before thirty, he feels like a failure in hero’s clothing—the family man without a family of his own. On the outside, he’s the guy everyone relies on, but beneath the surface, he’s haunted by self-doubt… and a smoldering desire for the one woman who gets under his skin.
When Mary gets roped into house-sitting over Christmas on Gus’ uniquely festive cul-de-sac, it only reignites old frustrations—and getting snowed in together stirs those embers into a raging fire. But, as an unnerving string of arsons unfolds in small-town Lennox Valley, their tenuous connection may be what burns them both.
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Proud Mary is the fourth and final book in the Lennox Valley Chronicles series. It’s a dislike-to-lovers, age-gap, holiday romantic dramedy featuring a golden retriever, sunshine MMC and a black cat, grumpy FMC with sensory processing disorder. It is written in dual POV/first person/present tense and includes several open-door/spicy scenes. With this mature content in mind, it is intended for readers aged 18 and up.
Sappy love stories weren’t written for women like tattoo artist Mary Medeiros. She’s too sensitive. Too stubborn. Too much. Single by choice at thirty-eight, she’s made a life on her own terms—and made peace with shutting most people out. If only she could shut out the insufferable firefighter who’s spent the last fourteen years needling her at every opportunity.
Fighting fires for a living didn’t stop Gus Shepherd’s dreams from going up in smoke. Divorced before thirty, he feels like a failure in hero’s clothing—the family man without a family of his own. On the outside, he’s the guy everyone relies on, but beneath the surface, he’s haunted by self-doubt… and a smoldering desire for the one woman who gets under his skin.
When Mary gets roped into house-sitting over Christmas on Gus’ uniquely festive cul-de-sac, it only reignites old frustrations—and getting snowed in together stirs those embers into a raging fire. But, as an unnerving string of arsons unfolds in small-town Lennox Valley, their tenuous connection may be what burns them both.
---
Proud Mary is the fourth and final book in the Lennox Valley Chronicles series. It’s a dislike-to-lovers, age-gap, holiday romantic dramedy featuring a golden retriever, sunshine MMC and a black cat, grumpy FMC with sensory processing disorder. It is written in dual POV/first person/present tense and includes several open-door/spicy scenes. With this mature content in mind, it is intended for readers aged 18 and up.
- GenresEnemies To Lovers
Kindle Edition
Expected publication November 10, 2026
About the author
Hannah Brixton
6 books129 followersHannah Brixton is a contemporary romance author who lives with her husband, three children, and two cats on beautiful Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada.
A self-proclaimed word nerd, Hannah has a long-standing love of language. Having studied linguistics and psychology, she’s fascinated by how language evokes emotion and human connection. Writing romance was something Hannah toyed with for years before actually taking the plunge, immediately discovering a whole world of joy in the creation of love stories.
Hannah loves writing neurodivergent characters and hopes to normalize mental health struggles through her writing. Her books are steamy romantic comedies with more serious topics woven throughout—romantic dramedies, perhaps—always filled with heart, spice, and a guaranteed happily ever after.
In her spare time, Hannah loves to read, listen to podcasts, and sing along loudly to music that embarrasses her children.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Proud Mary is messy, delicious, satisfying, and definitely not "too much", just like its protagonists.
When I started reading, I fully aware that I'd be drawn in and dragged to the end at an alarming speed. Sure enough, here I am, simultaneously delighted and destroyed by another masterfully written Hannah Brixton book.
I can't choose my favourite part. Was it getting to know new characters, revisiting old ones, giggling at the cheesiest bits of dialogue, snorting at the impeccable snark, or marvelling at the attention to detail?
As always, there's emotional maturity and raw humanity woven in with the romance and sexiness. The tension and heat are epic, the consent is enthusiastic, and the badassery is magnificent.
And, did I mention there's a bit of a mystery, an element of danger to get your adrenaline pumping even more?
I'm a bit sad to say goodbye to Lennox Valley, but I can't wait to see what comes next.
Proud Mary is messy, delicious, satisfying, and definitely not "too much", just like its protagonists.
When I started reading, I fully aware that I'd be drawn in and dragged to the end at an alarming speed. Sure enough, here I am, simultaneously delighted and destroyed by another masterfully written Hannah Brixton book.
I can't choose my favourite part. Was it getting to know new characters, revisiting old ones, giggling at the cheesiest bits of dialogue, snorting at the impeccable snark, or marvelling at the attention to detail?
As always, there's emotional maturity and raw humanity woven in with the romance and sexiness. The tension and heat are epic, the consent is enthusiastic, and the badassery is magnificent.
And, did I mention there's a bit of a mystery, an element of danger to get your adrenaline pumping even more?
I'm a bit sad to say goodbye to Lennox Valley, but I can't wait to see what comes next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review
5⭐|4🌶️|14%🌶️frequency
I'm a fan of Hannah's book from the beginning, and it didn't change with this book.
I've followed her through everything she posted about this book and all the research she did. And it definitely paid off 👍
It's not "just" a firefighter book to fulfill your firefighter k!nk; it's so much more. And yes, you get your 💉 of firefighters, no panic 😉 Gus is 🔥
You will also get sooo much banter. Holy freaking mother of banter 😱 Because Gus and Mary have known each other since Gus was 15!!! 😱 Don't stop reading! It's not as you might think now. She really couldn't stand him back then. He wasn't just too young for anything; he was a d0uche can0e 🙈 If these two had been the last two human beings, the world would be without humans now 😎 So, definitely nothing good between these two back then!
Still, they now got together in a very crazy way. And let me tell you one thing:
DON'T DRINK WHILE READING THIS BOOK!!! Otherwise your Kindle might have to learn how to swim 🤣 And it starts with the very first sentence!!!!! Hint for all mothers: put your microphones out of the reach of your kids 😎
If you love grumpy Christmas hating MMCs, I have to disappoint you. Gus is the complete opposite. He's a sunshine, and he LOVES Christmas. But Mary, yeah, SHE'S the grumpy Christmas hater here 😎 So it's refreshing to get it ALL reversed in this book, not just the grumpy x sunshine thing 😉 OK, one thing isn't; Gus is taller than Mary, but that's the only thing 😁
Thanks to the author for providing me with an ARC 🩷
Follow me on IG for more
https://www.instagram.com/minnie.love...
5⭐|4🌶️|14%🌶️frequency
I'm a fan of Hannah's book from the beginning, and it didn't change with this book.
I've followed her through everything she posted about this book and all the research she did. And it definitely paid off 👍
It's not "just" a firefighter book to fulfill your firefighter k!nk; it's so much more. And yes, you get your 💉 of firefighters, no panic 😉 Gus is 🔥
You will also get sooo much banter. Holy freaking mother of banter 😱 Because Gus and Mary have known each other since Gus was 15!!! 😱 Don't stop reading! It's not as you might think now. She really couldn't stand him back then. He wasn't just too young for anything; he was a d0uche can0e 🙈 If these two had been the last two human beings, the world would be without humans now 😎 So, definitely nothing good between these two back then!
Still, they now got together in a very crazy way. And let me tell you one thing:
DON'T DRINK WHILE READING THIS BOOK!!! Otherwise your Kindle might have to learn how to swim 🤣 And it starts with the very first sentence!!!!! Hint for all mothers: put your microphones out of the reach of your kids 😎
If you love grumpy Christmas hating MMCs, I have to disappoint you. Gus is the complete opposite. He's a sunshine, and he LOVES Christmas. But Mary, yeah, SHE'S the grumpy Christmas hater here 😎 So it's refreshing to get it ALL reversed in this book, not just the grumpy x sunshine thing 😉 OK, one thing isn't; Gus is taller than Mary, but that's the only thing 😁
Thanks to the author for providing me with an ARC 🩷
Follow me on IG for more
https://www.instagram.com/minnie.love...
Review of advance copy received from Author
Hannah has rounded off the series in a spectacular fashion - expect the signature snark, banter, angst and humour that Lennox Valley main characters are loved for. Gus and Mary have known each other for over eight years and in that time take every opportunity to make it known the other is public enemy number one. But under their fiery exchanges there is an undeniable attraction, especially from Gus since Mary is the Shepherd special - small, soft and salty.
I love the way festive circumstances bring the two polar opposites together, and the way they make the other feel seen and understood despite their animosity. We’ve already met Gus as Miles’ loveable best friend with a penchant for bursting into apt songs about people and his love for Christmas. Mary is an introverted self-proclaimed grinch and a formidable verbal sparring opponent who is one of my all-time favourite characters. Her confidence, self-awareness, and feisty persona shine brighter than Gus’ Christmas lights, while her vulnerability and the raw fragility she hides from the world makes her so endearing.
The thread of suspense simmers in the background throughout the story until it comes to the explosive ending, while festive cheer, romance, and the spicy spice take centre stage, intensifying in the most delicious way. Having all of the LV main characters make cameo appearances in Proud Mary was also the perfect way to end the series. This one takes the fucking pie!
I love the way festive circumstances bring the two polar opposites together, and the way they make the other feel seen and understood despite their animosity. We’ve already met Gus as Miles’ loveable best friend with a penchant for bursting into apt songs about people and his love for Christmas. Mary is an introverted self-proclaimed grinch and a formidable verbal sparring opponent who is one of my all-time favourite characters. Her confidence, self-awareness, and feisty persona shine brighter than Gus’ Christmas lights, while her vulnerability and the raw fragility she hides from the world makes her so endearing.
The thread of suspense simmers in the background throughout the story until it comes to the explosive ending, while festive cheer, romance, and the spicy spice take centre stage, intensifying in the most delicious way. Having all of the LV main characters make cameo appearances in Proud Mary was also the perfect way to end the series. This one takes the fucking pie!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Frankly, the line "Mary is too much" in one of the social media promos had me. I received an advance copy of this book and was not at all disappointed. I like books with messy-but-relateable characters. This delivers. Mary is neurospicy, but her habits and tendencied are relateable to folks who are not. Need to be in control? yes! Self reliant? Yup! So watching Mary slowly learn a new way of being strong and independent while enjoying all that Gus The Hot Firefighter has to to offer is utterly delightful. The tension is perfect, the internal drama is delightful to read. While it is standalone, if you have read any of the other Lennox Valley books you will be deliglhted by the cameo appearances past protagonists make in the book. Also, the sprinkles of comedy are masterfully presented. Prepare to laugh out loud right off the top of hte first page. And the spice, when it arrives just in time and perfectly wrapped, is fabulous. As always, one can pick up some new ideas from the Lennox Valley characters. While it is a holiday themed book, it is not over the top Christmas (well.....okay, some characters are) and suitable for anyone who finds Christmas difficult. If I were to describe the book as a coffee drink? A strong espresso with whipped cream on top.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Hannah Brixton wrote one of my most favorite romance series of all time, and Proud Mary was the perfect way to finish it off!
Gus and Mary, along with all the other Lennox Valley characters, are incredible! One of my favorite things about Hannah's books is that her characters are so perfectly human with their beautiful flaws, their struggles with real-life things, and their vulnerability that makes them so relatable. Gus (along with his furry roommate, Lumps) became a favorite MMC in Sweet Caroline because he was the bestest of best friends to Miles. I'm elated that this was his book and even more so that we got to meet Mary, the exact kind of woman that Gus needed in his life!
I'll admit that I'm sad that this book is the conclusion to the Lennox Valley Chronicles, but I'm so grateful that I have had the great pleasure of reading it. Proud Mary was perfection. The entire series was perfection. I cannot wait to see where Hannah goes next with her incredible stories!
Gus and Mary, along with all the other Lennox Valley characters, are incredible! One of my favorite things about Hannah's books is that her characters are so perfectly human with their beautiful flaws, their struggles with real-life things, and their vulnerability that makes them so relatable. Gus (along with his furry roommate, Lumps) became a favorite MMC in Sweet Caroline because he was the bestest of best friends to Miles. I'm elated that this was his book and even more so that we got to meet Mary, the exact kind of woman that Gus needed in his life!
I'll admit that I'm sad that this book is the conclusion to the Lennox Valley Chronicles, but I'm so grateful that I have had the great pleasure of reading it. Proud Mary was perfection. The entire series was perfection. I cannot wait to see where Hannah goes next with her incredible stories!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Proud Mary was not just another five star read in the Lennox Valley Chronicles. Proud Mary is THE five star read of the Lennox Valley Chronicles!
This book has it all - tension, drama, some holiday 'magic', messy characters and all the snark you have come to love from all the LVC characters.
Mary is late 30s, messy, grumpy, neurodivergent with sensory issues and is done playing games and putting up with men who claim she is "too much."
Enter sexy firefighter Gus who happens to be 9 years her junior and who is every bit as spicy as Mary is in the snark department. Also, hes such a golden retriever 'good boy'. 😘
We also get a taste of suspense and glimpses of our old friends and some new friends too. Oh, did I mention hilarious banter? 🤭 Seriously though, I have a whole new vocabulary from this book alone. 😂
My favorite couple and my favorite FMC from the entire series. I highly recommend you read Proud Mary.
Thank you to Hannah Brixton for the eARC in exchange of my honest review.
This book has it all - tension, drama, some holiday 'magic', messy characters and all the snark you have come to love from all the LVC characters.
Mary is late 30s, messy, grumpy, neurodivergent with sensory issues and is done playing games and putting up with men who claim she is "too much."
Enter sexy firefighter Gus who happens to be 9 years her junior and who is every bit as spicy as Mary is in the snark department. Also, hes such a golden retriever 'good boy'. 😘
We also get a taste of suspense and glimpses of our old friends and some new friends too. Oh, did I mention hilarious banter? 🤭 Seriously though, I have a whole new vocabulary from this book alone. 😂
My favorite couple and my favorite FMC from the entire series. I highly recommend you read Proud Mary.
Thank you to Hannah Brixton for the eARC in exchange of my honest review.
October 27, 2026
I loved it! This was a first read for me by Hannah Brixton. I was lucky enough to receive an ARC for this book. I will definitely be going back to the beginning of the series.
I appreciate the fact that the author touches on men’s mental health throughout the book and also on the FMC having a sensory issue and a family member on the spectrum.
Mary and Gus are amazing. The banter between them was awesome. They give as good as they get, from beginning to end. I was laughing out loud, there were also a few times where I held back the tears when their conversations got real. Gus has been annoying Mary for years and she has no problem telling him how annoying and immature he is, until she realizes maybe he has grown up after all. Being snowed in together leads to some spicy realizations for both of them.
I appreciate the fact that the author touches on men’s mental health throughout the book and also on the FMC having a sensory issue and a family member on the spectrum.
Mary and Gus are amazing. The banter between them was awesome. They give as good as they get, from beginning to end. I was laughing out loud, there were also a few times where I held back the tears when their conversations got real. Gus has been annoying Mary for years and she has no problem telling him how annoying and immature he is, until she realizes maybe he has grown up after all. Being snowed in together leads to some spicy realizations for both of them.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Seriously, I didn't know if Hannah could top the incredible masterpiece that was Sweet Caroline - but dear heavens, this one is absolutely perfect in it's own way. Mary and Gus are such opposites and it just works. Their banter, their personalities, their growth, the suspense - it just meshes into this small town slice of heaven that I can already see myself re-reading over and over again. I don't think I have ever laughed as hard or as much as I did reading this and I wouldn't change a thing. My ribs and chest will need a week or two to recover but it was so worth it. The holiday feel, the golden retriever and black cat energies was amazing. The sensory and autism rep - Hannah is the queen of representation and I can't wait to read anything She writes. Lennox Valley will forever have a place in my heart, and she will forever be a favorite author of mine.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Hannah Brixton has a banger coming out next month!!! Run, don’t wait, to pre-order this one!!! Proud Mary is the banter, salty, and sweet story you need this year!
Loved it…and TBH…I am not normally a few things (not into FemDom, not into her being the grumpy on grumpy/sunshine, or the third act break up.
But… I loved her and her vulnerability and his green flag consistency! They balanced each other out so well and rolled with the punches as life and friends and weather happened.
Gus is the ultimate green flag goof ball and Mary is the vulnerable hard shell who just needed the right Christmas nutcracker! Add in some of my favourite tropes…age gap, forced proximity, and holiday with Lumpy the costumed cat…25 ⭐️!!! Enjoy!
Loved it…and TBH…I am not normally a few things (not into FemDom, not into her being the grumpy on grumpy/sunshine, or the third act break up.
But… I loved her and her vulnerability and his green flag consistency! They balanced each other out so well and rolled with the punches as life and friends and weather happened.
Gus is the ultimate green flag goof ball and Mary is the vulnerable hard shell who just needed the right Christmas nutcracker! Add in some of my favourite tropes…age gap, forced proximity, and holiday with Lumpy the costumed cat…25 ⭐️!!! Enjoy!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Where to start- firstly I loved it. And I am so grateful to have discovered Hannah Brixton and must read everything she has ever written!
I received this as an ARC and all thoughts are my own- and I have many! Mary reps sensory processing challenges in such a relatable way. I love the representation Hannah has created here.
Gus and Mary's story is one of strong dislike, comedic moments, the best banter and the perfect balance of salty and sweet. Gus might just be one of the most thoughtful characters going...
The spice is flaming hot (check your TW) and is interspersed into the storyline.
Honestly, one of the my faves of the year!
I received this as an ARC and all thoughts are my own- and I have many! Mary reps sensory processing challenges in such a relatable way. I love the representation Hannah has created here.
Gus and Mary's story is one of strong dislike, comedic moments, the best banter and the perfect balance of salty and sweet. Gus might just be one of the most thoughtful characters going...
The spice is flaming hot (check your TW) and is interspersed into the storyline.
Honestly, one of the my faves of the year!
October 27, 2026
I absolutely adored Mary & Gus 🥹 their sass with each other is -chef's kiss- and it's always such a delight to return to Lennox Valley 🥰 I particularly loved that Christmas was a theme throughout without feeling like a "Christmas special" and this book can be enjoyed any time of year!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews