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Boys of Fall #2
Defending Hearts
The New York Times bestselling author of Under the Lights presents a novel of past triumphs, present challenges, and future happily ever afters…
They were the golden boys of fall: Stewart Mills High School’s legendary championship football team. Fourteen years later, they’re back to relive their glory, save the team—and find themselves again…
Globetrotting photographer Alex Murphy returns to Stewart Mills for a football fundraiser, but stays to document the football team and the town’s changes. Since his project includes photos of the Walker farm, he rents a room there.
Needing money to save the family farm, Gretchen Walker doesn’t have time to deal with the sexy photographer in her house. After all, Alex is a man with no sense of home, and to her, home is everything. But when she finds herself falling for him, she’ll be forced to decide where her dreams really lie…
They were the golden boys of fall: Stewart Mills High School’s legendary championship football team. Fourteen years later, they’re back to relive their glory, save the team—and find themselves again…
Globetrotting photographer Alex Murphy returns to Stewart Mills for a football fundraiser, but stays to document the football team and the town’s changes. Since his project includes photos of the Walker farm, he rents a room there.
Needing money to save the family farm, Gretchen Walker doesn’t have time to deal with the sexy photographer in her house. After all, Alex is a man with no sense of home, and to her, home is everything. But when she finds herself falling for him, she’ll be forced to decide where her dreams really lie…
279 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 27, 2015
35 people are currently reading
1215 people want to read
About the author
Shannon Stacey
145 books2,639 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shannon Stacey lives with her husband and two sons in New England, where her favorite activities are writing romance and really random tweets when she’s not riding her ATV. She loves mud, books, football & watching way too much TV.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
July 24, 2016
Defending Hearts is the second installment in Shannon Stacey's contemporary romance series titled Boys of Fall. I am a huge fan of Ms. Stacey's Kowalski Family series and could read those books back-to-back all day long. In comparison, the Boys of Fall series didn't start off to a promising start for me personally but this second installment felt much more reminiscent of Ms. Stacey's writing that I've come to love. I am happy to keep gobbling up this series along with anything else she chooses to write. If you haven't checked out Shannon Stacey yet, I highly recommend her for fans of adult contemporary romance! Enjoy :)
My favorite quote:
"Gretchen, you need to let a guy open your pickle jar once in awhile." "Is that what the kids are calling it these days? Because trust me, I wouldn't mind a guy opening my pickle jar once in a while." "There's an electric can opener joke in there somewhere."
My favorite quote:
"Gretchen, you need to let a guy open your pickle jar once in awhile." "Is that what the kids are calling it these days? Because trust me, I wouldn't mind a guy opening my pickle jar once in a while." "There's an electric can opener joke in there somewhere."
February 19, 2021
I like Gretchen. She is my adoptive sister. Her persistent, independence and commitment is just blown me away. I think I am in love with Gretchen. It is not often that I fall in love with the heroine instead of the Hero. I do not even care for Alex.
This is my first read by Miss Stacey and I do like Defending Hearts very much. The romance with background of small town romance with a strong heroine character. I also like the writing style. It flows perfectly well. The beginning is bit boring. After 20% the story picks up. Even though I put Alex in the background, the chemistry between Gretchen and Alex is still sizzle hot.
I am looking forward for other books by Miss Stacey.
4 stars
This is my first read by Miss Stacey and I do like Defending Hearts very much. The romance with background of small town romance with a strong heroine character. I also like the writing style. It flows perfectly well. The beginning is bit boring. After 20% the story picks up. Even though I put Alex in the background, the chemistry between Gretchen and Alex is still sizzle hot.
I am looking forward for other books by Miss Stacey.
4 stars
November 28, 2015
Originally posted on The Book Nympho
Photojournalist Alex Murphy returns to Stewart Mills following his trip there for the football fundraiser. He plans to do a piece on the team and rents a room from Gretchen Walker and her grandmother at their farm. Gretchen and Gram need some extra money and he needs a longer-term place to stay.
What I enjoyed about the story was Alex's introspection about his life and career, examining what was really important and where he was heading. I also appreciated Gretchen's dedication to her grandmother and the farm. Her reality was enlightening and I admired her independence and skills.
What didn't work so well for me was the romance. While I thought Alex and Gretchen had chemistry, most of the focus was on why Gretchen couldn't get involved with Alex because he was her tenant. The reasoning just felt too contrived, an excuse for conflict that was just annoying. It didn't fit the character and I quickly tired of her musings about it.
While the narrator was competent, it often sounded like she was reading the story and not prepared for the connection of the sentences to the paragraph. Her voice was also fairly monotone, making a story that I was struggling with even more of a challenge.
I liked the story, didn't love it. The conflict was just too flimsy and didn't ring true. What saved the story for me was the strength of the two characters. I liked them better when they were dealing with their personal issues rather than the romance. I'm hoping the next story offers a more interesting story premise. 3.5 stars
(I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review)
Photojournalist Alex Murphy returns to Stewart Mills following his trip there for the football fundraiser. He plans to do a piece on the team and rents a room from Gretchen Walker and her grandmother at their farm. Gretchen and Gram need some extra money and he needs a longer-term place to stay.
What I enjoyed about the story was Alex's introspection about his life and career, examining what was really important and where he was heading. I also appreciated Gretchen's dedication to her grandmother and the farm. Her reality was enlightening and I admired her independence and skills.
What didn't work so well for me was the romance. While I thought Alex and Gretchen had chemistry, most of the focus was on why Gretchen couldn't get involved with Alex because he was her tenant. The reasoning just felt too contrived, an excuse for conflict that was just annoying. It didn't fit the character and I quickly tired of her musings about it.
While the narrator was competent, it often sounded like she was reading the story and not prepared for the connection of the sentences to the paragraph. Her voice was also fairly monotone, making a story that I was struggling with even more of a challenge.
I liked the story, didn't love it. The conflict was just too flimsy and didn't ring true. What saved the story for me was the strength of the two characters. I liked them better when they were dealing with their personal issues rather than the romance. I'm hoping the next story offers a more interesting story premise. 3.5 stars
(I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review)
September 28, 2016
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup.
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1GC6rSe
Ahhh Shannon Stacey. She's long been a favorite of mine and with this new series won me over all over again with a heart warming story of survival and hope. The quick of it is that Alex has come home to do what he does best...tell a story with photos. And this small town that's trying to save itself is one he needs to tell. It speaks to him. Just like the woman he's rented a room from for his stay...
So. 5 Things about Defending Hearts
>>>> I loved the hero and heroine. Gretchen has had a hard life and she keeps her emotions tightly under wraps. She's a hard worker, self sufficient and a spot prickely but only because she really doesn't want to be hurt. And Alex. He's sexy and fun and I loved watching him settle into farm life even though it was so far from his usual globe trotting lifestyle. They were wonderful together. The chemistry was delightful and yum when things heat up it's nice (though not tooooo much).
>>>> I liked their careers too! You don't see pumpkin farmers too often in romances. lol Especially when it's the HEROINE who is the farmer! The hero was a photojournalist which was neat to see as well.
>>>> Cocoa! The cutest pup is in this book. She's wild and crazy and loves her people and she gives high fives obsessively. She was so dang adorable and I loved that the three main characters (hero, heroine and her gram) all doted and indulged her. Totally had me falling for each of them.
>>>> The small town. One of the things I love about this series is the feeling of hope. This town is broken. The Mill closed up and most of the families have been struggling and fiercely. But there's still a hope in them. Things are slowly turning around. They're fighters and doing everything they can to roll with the punches and survive. I love that about them. Seeing small bits of hope shining through. Families finding their feet again. The heroine and her gram's hard work and how they get through the day together. It's just touching.
>>>> The one thing that bothers me about the series is the covers. Yes. It's something I kind of harp on but these covers do not match the series. They scream New Adult and sports romance. Neither of which the series is. The characters are in their 30s and the only connection to sports is that the guys played together in high school and in book one the town came together to rally behind the current high school football team. But the actual heroes and heroines? So far a police officer (heroine 1), construction owner (hero 1), photojournalist (hero 2), pumpkin farmer (heroine 2) and in book three the heroine is a teacher (not sure what hero 3 is). The covers just do not fit.
All in all, Defending Hearts stole mine completely. Stacey has created an incredibly touching and heart warming series that doesn't shy away from the realities of life but leaves you hopeful and completely smitten.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Enjoyed the first and looking forward to this one. The cover though. Nice but just doubt it fits the books any better than the first one did.
Reviewing for herding cats & burning soup.
November 8, 2015
I loved the premise (synopsis) and that is all. I had issues with the heroine. If I can't connect with the heroine, the book is basically over for me. When I kept reading this, all I kept thinking was how hard the heroine was. I love heroines who are strong, tough, and take care of their family, but her entire persona was hard.
The heroine lived with her grandmother and took care of the farm and I loved that. However, the heroine (to me) was hard and bit cold. Iceberg cold. I have no idea why the hero liked her. I guess there is someone for everyone.
She did show goodness by what she did for her grandmother, but otherwise, I was just thought she was the most arrogant person. She had attitude where attitude was completely uncalled for.
I could not connect with the main characters.
Pros: I loved the grandmother.
The heroine lived with her grandmother and took care of the farm and I loved that. However, the heroine (to me) was hard and bit cold. Iceberg cold. I have no idea why the hero liked her. I guess there is someone for everyone.
She did show goodness by what she did for her grandmother, but otherwise, I was just thought she was the most arrogant person. She had attitude where attitude was completely uncalled for.
I could not connect with the main characters.
Pros: I loved the grandmother.
November 5, 2015
I love having a go-to author that I can always rely on to bring me a sweet romance. Sometimes, in the rush of the real world, all you really need is a little escape into a small town and a little old fashioned true love. This series began in the first book with the graduated high school alumni’s gathering to save their small hometown's high school football program. Defending Hearts picks up not long after the first left off, so it gives us an insight into how everyone has been doing since reuniting, and in some cases, falling in love.
Alex, jet-setting, danger laughing, high profile photo journalist was such a genuinely good and likable guy. He becomes part of the family almost immediately—helping with the dishes, liking the dog, humoring Gram. How can you not like a man who loves the dog and the grandmother? He's considerate, he respects Gretchen, and even admires her! Gretchen was a good match for his adaptability because of her unwavering personality. She was a determined sort, and as such, the kind of woman who makes happen the things that she wants to happen! When the two decided to come together and finally acknowledge those sparks flashing between them, it's sexy and sweet.
Another favorite of mine was the lack of overblown angst. Par for the course, Alex and Gretchen have things they have to work out to be together. There's a little heartbreak going on when they think these things are going to be insurmountable, but it's not over the top. It's adult, and it felt very real. There is almost nothing I like better in a book than adults being adults. It keeps things much more realistic, and makes it easier to stay immersed in the world.
I also love the town! There were visits from the quirky citizens, conversations with the bigger secondary characters, such as the Coach and his wife, and what looks to be a well-executed build-up to some of the underlying plot lines, and the main romance for the next book—the kind of build-up that adds to the main story while making me anxious to read the next one.
I love being immersed in a series that makes me feel like part of a community, like part of a little world all its own. Like part of the family. This is Shannon Stacey's talent, and I am grateful! ~ George, 4 stars
Alex, jet-setting, danger laughing, high profile photo journalist was such a genuinely good and likable guy. He becomes part of the family almost immediately—helping with the dishes, liking the dog, humoring Gram. How can you not like a man who loves the dog and the grandmother? He's considerate, he respects Gretchen, and even admires her! Gretchen was a good match for his adaptability because of her unwavering personality. She was a determined sort, and as such, the kind of woman who makes happen the things that she wants to happen! When the two decided to come together and finally acknowledge those sparks flashing between them, it's sexy and sweet.
Another favorite of mine was the lack of overblown angst. Par for the course, Alex and Gretchen have things they have to work out to be together. There's a little heartbreak going on when they think these things are going to be insurmountable, but it's not over the top. It's adult, and it felt very real. There is almost nothing I like better in a book than adults being adults. It keeps things much more realistic, and makes it easier to stay immersed in the world.
I also love the town! There were visits from the quirky citizens, conversations with the bigger secondary characters, such as the Coach and his wife, and what looks to be a well-executed build-up to some of the underlying plot lines, and the main romance for the next book—the kind of build-up that adds to the main story while making me anxious to read the next one.
I love being immersed in a series that makes me feel like part of a community, like part of a little world all its own. Like part of the family. This is Shannon Stacey's talent, and I am grateful! ~ George, 4 stars
October 27, 2015
Alex Murphy is a photojournalist who finds himself burned out after a teenager's cellphone picture went viral instead of his professional shots. He's restless and needs a place to start over, so he decides to head back to his home town, Stewart Mills, to chronicle the efforts to save the high school football team and get the town's economy moving again. Not planning to stay long, he rents a room from Gretchen Walker, a former classmate.
Gretchen Walker is a farm girl, homebody who helps take care of her grandmother and works the farm she grew up on. Unfortunately, they are struggling to make ends meet, especially after adopting a chocolate lab named Cocoa, so Gretchen agrees to bring in Alex Murphy as a border. His not-quite-a-friend-not-quite-a-stranger.relationship is something Gretchen thinks she will be able to tolerate in a tenant, until things heat up between the pair.
After enjoying, but not loving Under the Lights, the first book in the Boys of Fall series, I was pleasantly pleased with the romance and events in Defending Hearts. This second offering finds a better balance between the romance and the condition of the town than the first book. The focus of the story is on the couple and their relationship, with the financial difficulties and plight of the town as the setting rather than the driver of the plot. And yes, there were a few moments reminiscent of Ms. Stacey’s Kowalski series, but overall the book and series stand separate as a small town under hard times romances rather than mostly light and fluffy. This balance afforded me the opportunity to create a strong emotional connection to the characters, which made for a wonderful read.
I absolutely adored Gretchen and Alex. Individually, they are both strong, ethical people who enjoy their lives and jobs but find something lacking. Right from the start the pair has wonderful chemistry, and never has opening a jar of pickles been so sensual! The romance is slow building because neither feels they can cross the landlord-tenant line, yet each wants to. This slow-simmering attraction makes for an explosive first kiss that knocked my socks off. I appreciated the time it took to get to that first kiss, but also loved that once they decided to go for it, they let their passions take over. And while we all knew (to include the characters) that Alex would be leaving after his work was over, it didn’t make my heart hurt any less when things go down as predicted.
As much as I treasured Alex and Gretchen, it’s the two side characters of Cocoa and Grams who round out the book and give it heart. Grams’ character gives the story wisdom, and she provides just the right nudge to get Alex and Gretchen together. Meanwhile, Cocoa and his constant high fives provides humor and heart without crossing over into cheesiness.
Defending Hearts is a touching and heartfelt romance that hits all the right notes. I appreciate how the relationship was given time to incubate and blossom, and I love that Alex and Gretchen found how to be happy together. I felt connected to the pair, and loved their relationship with Gram and Cocoa. The story brought a few tears to my eyes, but overall left me uplifted and happy.
My Rating: A, Loved It
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Review copy provided by publisher
Gretchen Walker is a farm girl, homebody who helps take care of her grandmother and works the farm she grew up on. Unfortunately, they are struggling to make ends meet, especially after adopting a chocolate lab named Cocoa, so Gretchen agrees to bring in Alex Murphy as a border. His not-quite-a-friend-not-quite-a-stranger.relationship is something Gretchen thinks she will be able to tolerate in a tenant, until things heat up between the pair.
After enjoying, but not loving Under the Lights, the first book in the Boys of Fall series, I was pleasantly pleased with the romance and events in Defending Hearts. This second offering finds a better balance between the romance and the condition of the town than the first book. The focus of the story is on the couple and their relationship, with the financial difficulties and plight of the town as the setting rather than the driver of the plot. And yes, there were a few moments reminiscent of Ms. Stacey’s Kowalski series, but overall the book and series stand separate as a small town under hard times romances rather than mostly light and fluffy. This balance afforded me the opportunity to create a strong emotional connection to the characters, which made for a wonderful read.
I absolutely adored Gretchen and Alex. Individually, they are both strong, ethical people who enjoy their lives and jobs but find something lacking. Right from the start the pair has wonderful chemistry, and never has opening a jar of pickles been so sensual! The romance is slow building because neither feels they can cross the landlord-tenant line, yet each wants to. This slow-simmering attraction makes for an explosive first kiss that knocked my socks off. I appreciated the time it took to get to that first kiss, but also loved that once they decided to go for it, they let their passions take over. And while we all knew (to include the characters) that Alex would be leaving after his work was over, it didn’t make my heart hurt any less when things go down as predicted.
As much as I treasured Alex and Gretchen, it’s the two side characters of Cocoa and Grams who round out the book and give it heart. Grams’ character gives the story wisdom, and she provides just the right nudge to get Alex and Gretchen together. Meanwhile, Cocoa and his constant high fives provides humor and heart without crossing over into cheesiness.
Defending Hearts is a touching and heartfelt romance that hits all the right notes. I appreciate how the relationship was given time to incubate and blossom, and I love that Alex and Gretchen found how to be happy together. I felt connected to the pair, and loved their relationship with Gram and Cocoa. The story brought a few tears to my eyes, but overall left me uplifted and happy.
My Rating: A, Loved It
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Review copy provided by publisher
November 5, 2015
I really like Shannon Stacey’s books. I haven’t read every one (for example I haven’t read the first in this series), but I enjoy the refreshing lack of man whores, women in traditional romance novel jobs (bakery, sweetshop), florid language, insta-love, constant repetition of how hot the other MC is, and billionaires. Her characters know how to use a computer and a smartphone and often do as a part of the plot. I’ve lost track of the number of times I’ve thought “oh shit, stupid plot mechanism coming up”, but it never does because someone picks up their phone or uses Google. I’ve even started using an app SS mentions in Taken with You.
Specifically, Defending Hearts was a nice book. The heroine, Gretchen, is working her family farm with the help of her grandmother. Gretchen does the physical labor and all the planning and paperwork while her grandmother maintains the family garden, cooks, and knits. Gretchen loves the farm and though the work is demanding and money worries abound, she is dedicated to it.
The hero, Alex, is an award winning photographer and part of the legendary high school football team who came to help the town in the first book. He’s been all over the world on photo assignments and takes pride in the fact that he makes people aware of things they never would have seen on their own. Alex has dedicated his life to photography even though the travel required was central in the collapse of his first marriage.
Gretchen rents a room to Alex and he moves in so he can work on a project involving the town. They initially find each other attractive and as they go about the rhythms of daily life together they begin to fall in love. I would have liked more time inside the MCs heads, but if the choice is that or endless obsessing, I’ll take SS’s understated writing.
I only have a few criticisms of this book. One is that the grandmother is only 65 yet is depicted as if she were 75. This may be a sore spot for me, I’m 54, but there is no indication that there is anything wrong with her. My family members were all still actively practicing law and going to court at 65. Gram only leaves the kitchen to knit, with the very occasional foray into the garden. She even talks about going into senior housing. WTF? The other is that there is a timeline issue at the end. Not a biggie, but it was there.
Bottom line, I enjoyed Defending Hearts. The characters were smart, honorable, and their actions made sense. I won’t read the first book in the series because the romance sounds very similar, but I may read the next as that hero doesn’t seem to have any pressing reason to leave town once he falls in love with his heroine.
Specifically, Defending Hearts was a nice book. The heroine, Gretchen, is working her family farm with the help of her grandmother. Gretchen does the physical labor and all the planning and paperwork while her grandmother maintains the family garden, cooks, and knits. Gretchen loves the farm and though the work is demanding and money worries abound, she is dedicated to it.
The hero, Alex, is an award winning photographer and part of the legendary high school football team who came to help the town in the first book. He’s been all over the world on photo assignments and takes pride in the fact that he makes people aware of things they never would have seen on their own. Alex has dedicated his life to photography even though the travel required was central in the collapse of his first marriage.
Gretchen rents a room to Alex and he moves in so he can work on a project involving the town. They initially find each other attractive and as they go about the rhythms of daily life together they begin to fall in love. I would have liked more time inside the MCs heads, but if the choice is that or endless obsessing, I’ll take SS’s understated writing.
I only have a few criticisms of this book. One is that the grandmother is only 65 yet is depicted as if she were 75. This may be a sore spot for me, I’m 54, but there is no indication that there is anything wrong with her. My family members were all still actively practicing law and going to court at 65. Gram only leaves the kitchen to knit, with the very occasional foray into the garden. She even talks about going into senior housing. WTF? The other is that there is a timeline issue at the end. Not a biggie, but it was there.
Bottom line, I enjoyed Defending Hearts. The characters were smart, honorable, and their actions made sense. I won’t read the first book in the series because the romance sounds very similar, but I may read the next as that hero doesn’t seem to have any pressing reason to leave town once he falls in love with his heroine.
August 3, 2016
Hotness Rating 3 out of 5
Defending Hearts was a fantastic follow up to Under the Lights. This second book of the Boys of Fall series made up for any of the little annoyances I had with the first book. The pace was much faster, the characters had me invested from the very beginning and the story was well developed. I love that this series is based on the original championship football team all grown up and finding their happy ever after. Most of them have moved away, made lives of their own and for one reason or another are making their way back home to Stewart Mills.
Alex Murphy was so much fun! He's well traveled thanks to his jetset career of photojournalism. Everything is just catching up with him and making him yearn for something more. He's just not sure what it is. In book 1 Alex was asked to come back to help save the football program and pay tribute to the coach that meant the world to all of them. Something about being back in the small town that he grew up in called to him and Alex can't go back to his hectic life just yet.
Gretchen is a hardworking farm girl that would sacrifice anything to keep her family farm afloat. Since her grandfather passed it's been her and her grandmother running things. She was so different from Alex in so many ways and I think she felt this more keenly than he did. Staying on their farm while he worked on a special Stewart Mills project she is thrown in close proximity to Alex and it weighed on her. She is a girl that knows where she needs to be and feels her obligations deeply. It was a life so different from Alex's and she feared for her heart if she were to give in.
This couple was beautiful as they explored their attraction and waded into a relationship. It was slow going, but when they reached the deep end it was hot. The passion between this couple once they gave in was sizzling.
The secondary characters were too cute and helped make this story that much better. Ida (Gram) was hilarious in her meddling. I love this woman! Cocoa the dog, and it's not often that I mention a dog's influence on a book, was a great addition. I love his high fives and am super bummed I can't seem to teach my dog this trick. We also to get to revisit Coach, his wife and their friends. I can not wait to read more of this series and these boys that grew into amazing men.
This book was provided to me in exchange for my honest review.
Defending Hearts was a fantastic follow up to Under the Lights. This second book of the Boys of Fall series made up for any of the little annoyances I had with the first book. The pace was much faster, the characters had me invested from the very beginning and the story was well developed. I love that this series is based on the original championship football team all grown up and finding their happy ever after. Most of them have moved away, made lives of their own and for one reason or another are making their way back home to Stewart Mills.
Alex Murphy was so much fun! He's well traveled thanks to his jetset career of photojournalism. Everything is just catching up with him and making him yearn for something more. He's just not sure what it is. In book 1 Alex was asked to come back to help save the football program and pay tribute to the coach that meant the world to all of them. Something about being back in the small town that he grew up in called to him and Alex can't go back to his hectic life just yet.
Gretchen is a hardworking farm girl that would sacrifice anything to keep her family farm afloat. Since her grandfather passed it's been her and her grandmother running things. She was so different from Alex in so many ways and I think she felt this more keenly than he did. Staying on their farm while he worked on a special Stewart Mills project she is thrown in close proximity to Alex and it weighed on her. She is a girl that knows where she needs to be and feels her obligations deeply. It was a life so different from Alex's and she feared for her heart if she were to give in.
This couple was beautiful as they explored their attraction and waded into a relationship. It was slow going, but when they reached the deep end it was hot. The passion between this couple once they gave in was sizzling.
The secondary characters were too cute and helped make this story that much better. Ida (Gram) was hilarious in her meddling. I love this woman! Cocoa the dog, and it's not often that I mention a dog's influence on a book, was a great addition. I love his high fives and am super bummed I can't seem to teach my dog this trick. We also to get to revisit Coach, his wife and their friends. I can not wait to read more of this series and these boys that grew into amazing men.
This book was provided to me in exchange for my honest review.
November 4, 2015
Every time Alex came to leave I was like:
Yep...I was probably more emotionally involved than the main protagonist Gretchen!!
Yep...I was probably more emotionally involved than the main protagonist Gretchen!!
November 19, 2015
4.5 stars :) After the angst and crazy books ive read lately I needed this! such a refreshing sweet and funny story. i want to be friends with Gretchen, Kelly and Jen and be terrible drunks. each book gets better and better.
October 29, 2015
You know that feeling you get when you’ve got some warm comfy socks on, you’re snuggled up in a blanket on the couch, with a mug of hot chocolate and a good book? (Maybe even your faithful canine companion curled up with you on the end of the couch?) That’s how you’ll feel after reading this book. In fact, I recommend reading this story while doing all of the above, just to give you a double shot of the warm fuzzies.
This is the second story in the Boys of Fall, a delightful small town romance series featuring players from the championship team coming home to help out their town fourteen years later, after the shutting down of the local mill left the local football program in jeopardy. The first story (and they are all easily read as standalones) featured Chase and Kelly, the coach’s daughter. This story though, is about the wayward town son Alex, a troubled teen who straightened himself out with the help of his high school football coach. He went on to become a world renowned photojournalist, and he’s making his second trip home to Stewart Mills, this time to more fully document the town’s turnaround. Not knowing how long he’ll be in town, he’s set up to board at Gretchen’s farm, the one she runs with her grandmother Ida. Though Gretchen was a few years behind him in school, they know each other, and she feels fairly comfortable renting a room to him to test out the whole boarding thing as a way of making some extra money to keep the farm afloat. What she doesn’t count on is how well Alex starts to fit in, becoming a fixture in their home -and with not much encouragement gaining a place in her heart as well. But his stay is temporary, his calling to be out where the action is only put aside briefly to finish what he feels is the story left to tell about his home town. When his next assignment comes calling, will Alex and Gretchen both be left with only memories?
It’s really nice to read a story that doesn’t have any manufactured angst, just the real emotions of believable characters who’ve maybe had a tougher upbringing than some, but have dealt with it, moved on, and are fully functioning normal adults. I loved Gretchen’s character as a strong, loyal, committed woman. She was brought up by her grandparents after being left with them by her wayward and unreliable parents, and has dedicated herself to the farm, her way of thanking her grandparents for taking her in. But it’s not just that. She really loves what she does. It’s hard work, but it’s rewarding and she doesn’t complain about the early hours, or the constant repairs or any other of the little day to day responsibilities – they are just part of her. Her grandfather has since passed away but not without leaving her a legacy to continue, and she’s constantly thinking up ways to earn more income to keep the farm viable. Taking in a boarder is just another means to an end. But Alex is someone who fits in so well that she finds it hard to keep those tenant/landlord boundaries with him. Alex is friendly, helpful, kind, and equally hardworking. He’s also extremely talented as a photojournalist, able to capture the emotion of a moment. It’s a gift not to be taken lightly, and it’s one that Gretchen knows is too important to keep him in a small town like Stewart Mills. She tries, rather unsuccessfully, to guard her heart from him – because Alex is able to bring out the feminine side that Gretchen keeps so well hidden, the side that might like it if a man could ‘open a pickle jar’ for her (I’ll leave you to decide if that’s a euphemism for something else, wink wink). Her stature and demeanor have always made her a bit intimidating to men, but Alex makes her feel desired and special. The chemistry between them sparks from the start and leads to eventual steamy love scenes that turn them both inside out – because what should be a casual sexual fling becomes so much more. Gretchen is good at hiding her emotions though, and knowing that Alex is bound to leave means she keeps her heart locked down, even though Alex has already cracked through the shell.
With two people who have set ideas for their future, it’s only going to be with compromise that a happy ending will be reached – but not without a few tears (darn you Ms. Stacey!). I really loved how the story came together and how the emotions and conflict were settled. The secondary characters, friends of both Alex and Gretchen made for some fun scenes, with male and female bonding that speaks to strong friendships. Ida, Gretchen’s grandmother is a hoot, and made their home feel warm and loving. And one can’t forget Cocoa, a beautiful dog and loyal companion who added just the right touch of extra warmth to the story. Delightful from start to finish. 5 stars.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
This review appears as a blog post at: http://straightshootinbookreviews.com...
This is the second story in the Boys of Fall, a delightful small town romance series featuring players from the championship team coming home to help out their town fourteen years later, after the shutting down of the local mill left the local football program in jeopardy. The first story (and they are all easily read as standalones) featured Chase and Kelly, the coach’s daughter. This story though, is about the wayward town son Alex, a troubled teen who straightened himself out with the help of his high school football coach. He went on to become a world renowned photojournalist, and he’s making his second trip home to Stewart Mills, this time to more fully document the town’s turnaround. Not knowing how long he’ll be in town, he’s set up to board at Gretchen’s farm, the one she runs with her grandmother Ida. Though Gretchen was a few years behind him in school, they know each other, and she feels fairly comfortable renting a room to him to test out the whole boarding thing as a way of making some extra money to keep the farm afloat. What she doesn’t count on is how well Alex starts to fit in, becoming a fixture in their home -and with not much encouragement gaining a place in her heart as well. But his stay is temporary, his calling to be out where the action is only put aside briefly to finish what he feels is the story left to tell about his home town. When his next assignment comes calling, will Alex and Gretchen both be left with only memories?
It’s really nice to read a story that doesn’t have any manufactured angst, just the real emotions of believable characters who’ve maybe had a tougher upbringing than some, but have dealt with it, moved on, and are fully functioning normal adults. I loved Gretchen’s character as a strong, loyal, committed woman. She was brought up by her grandparents after being left with them by her wayward and unreliable parents, and has dedicated herself to the farm, her way of thanking her grandparents for taking her in. But it’s not just that. She really loves what she does. It’s hard work, but it’s rewarding and she doesn’t complain about the early hours, or the constant repairs or any other of the little day to day responsibilities – they are just part of her. Her grandfather has since passed away but not without leaving her a legacy to continue, and she’s constantly thinking up ways to earn more income to keep the farm viable. Taking in a boarder is just another means to an end. But Alex is someone who fits in so well that she finds it hard to keep those tenant/landlord boundaries with him. Alex is friendly, helpful, kind, and equally hardworking. He’s also extremely talented as a photojournalist, able to capture the emotion of a moment. It’s a gift not to be taken lightly, and it’s one that Gretchen knows is too important to keep him in a small town like Stewart Mills. She tries, rather unsuccessfully, to guard her heart from him – because Alex is able to bring out the feminine side that Gretchen keeps so well hidden, the side that might like it if a man could ‘open a pickle jar’ for her (I’ll leave you to decide if that’s a euphemism for something else, wink wink). Her stature and demeanor have always made her a bit intimidating to men, but Alex makes her feel desired and special. The chemistry between them sparks from the start and leads to eventual steamy love scenes that turn them both inside out – because what should be a casual sexual fling becomes so much more. Gretchen is good at hiding her emotions though, and knowing that Alex is bound to leave means she keeps her heart locked down, even though Alex has already cracked through the shell.
With two people who have set ideas for their future, it’s only going to be with compromise that a happy ending will be reached – but not without a few tears (darn you Ms. Stacey!). I really loved how the story came together and how the emotions and conflict were settled. The secondary characters, friends of both Alex and Gretchen made for some fun scenes, with male and female bonding that speaks to strong friendships. Ida, Gretchen’s grandmother is a hoot, and made their home feel warm and loving. And one can’t forget Cocoa, a beautiful dog and loyal companion who added just the right touch of extra warmth to the story. Delightful from start to finish. 5 stars.
Now she pulled on Alex’s hands so he sat up, but he didn’t let her pull him to his feet. Instead, he hauled her in until she was standing between his legs, looking down at him. Letting go of her hands, he cupped her ass and tilted his head back so he could see her face.
“You move pretty fast once you make up your mind,” he said. “Let’s not rush this part though.”
She didn’t intend to. She’d been denying herself the highly anticipated pleasure of Alex’s touch for too long to let it be over too soon. “I’ll take my time getting your clothes off, but it won’t be easy.”
“Any chance of you getting naked first?”
She grinned, slowly shaking her head. “I don’t want you distracted.”
“You don’t have to be naked to distract me.” He squeezed her ass, pulling her even closer, so she had to brace her hands on his shoulders to keep from falling on top of him. While he might have enjoyed that, she had other plans.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
This review appears as a blog post at: http://straightshootinbookreviews.com...
October 14, 2018
Loved this story of a woman who is deeply rooted to her home and a man who doesn’t really have one.
However, I almost gave up on this audiobook because on the narrator - her voice was so slow and monotone I was afraid it would put me to sleep. Thankfully I discovered that if I adjusted the speed up one setting, there was more inflection and the voices between the characters were more distinguishable.
And I am so glad I was able to listen to the whole story because Gretchen and Alex were so sweet (and steamy!) together. I love a relationship that happens organically and progresses at a realistic pace. There was no angst, just two people who led very different lives and needed to figure out how they could be together.
Only one more story left in this series, and I’m conflicted - looking forward to the last listen, but sad I’m almost done with them all!
However, I almost gave up on this audiobook because on the narrator - her voice was so slow and monotone I was afraid it would put me to sleep. Thankfully I discovered that if I adjusted the speed up one setting, there was more inflection and the voices between the characters were more distinguishable.
And I am so glad I was able to listen to the whole story because Gretchen and Alex were so sweet (and steamy!) together. I love a relationship that happens organically and progresses at a realistic pace. There was no angst, just two people who led very different lives and needed to figure out how they could be together.
Only one more story left in this series, and I’m conflicted - looking forward to the last listen, but sad I’m almost done with them all!
May 26, 2017
I really like Shannon Stacey but this novel just didn't seem to do it for me. I thought Alex was great but Gretchen's stubbornness bordered on coldness, and I just didn't think the romance was believable.
October 27, 2015
Slick's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
When I read the first book in Shannon Stacey's Boys of Fall series, I liked it quite a bit but I was a bit disappointed in that the romance seemed lost in the story. Don't get me wrong, the story was wonderful but I didn't feel like I had enough time with the couple to really love it. In Defending Hearts, Ms. Stacey gave me everything I could want in a romance and more. I loved this book; the out of sorts hero, the strong and somewhat stubborn heroine, a feisty matchmaking grandma, the backdrop of a small town and two people so very different finding common ground.
In the first book Alex Murphy an award winning photojournalist returns to his hometown, Stewart Mills, New Hampshire, to help raise funds for the football program as a tribute to the coach who taught him much about life. After a particularly grueling assignment Alex feels the need to return "home" again and ends up renting a room at a farm from a woman who was a few years behind him in school and her grandmother who raised her. The last thing Gretchen wants is a boarder in her and her grandmother's home but it is money they can use and he's not a complete stranger but finding him handsome and charming isn't what she expects or the fact that he seems every bit as interested in her as she is in him.
I was fascinated by how different the lives of Alex and Gretchen were but how they found so much common ground. Alex couldn't wait to get out of the small town he grew up in and he has traveled the world, lived in some great and not so great places, and had experiences most people dream about but finds himself wondering if a chance at happiness has passed him by. Gretchen has spent her life on her grandparent's farm after she went to live with them as a small child. Following her grandfather's death she took over managing the farm and earning the money to keep it going. She honestly loves the town and the farm and doesn't mind the hard work but meeting Alex and listening to him talk makes her wonder if she's missed out by not having any adventures. Truly opposites in so many ways yet the minute Alex stepped into her home it seemed like he'd been there forever he charmed Ida (or Gram) as well as their dog, Cocoa and he even managed to rankle Gretchen a bit from the start. I enjoyed watching him go about working on a piece about the town and the football team and rediscovering the joys of his hometown as an adult. I felt like I watched Gretchen blossom when Alex was around and even though she went down kicking and screaming it was easy to see that he made her happy just as she did for him.
While we saw quite a few secondary character in this book from both Gretchen and Alex's friends to her grandmother and the football coach and his wife they added to this story. They offered some very wise advice; they were a shoulder to cry on and sometimes delivered a much needed push in the right direction.
While it took some time for them to explore the physical side of their relationship, once they did they had some interesting and extremely sexy encounters that I think took them both a bit by surprise.
I appreciated the depth of this story and the fact that both the hero and heroine had to make some tough choices about their lives to get to their happy place. Completely entertaining, wonderfully written and surprisingly sexy Defending Hearts is a fantastic addition to this series and I am very excited about what's to come next!
Review copy provided for an honest review.
When I read the first book in Shannon Stacey's Boys of Fall series, I liked it quite a bit but I was a bit disappointed in that the romance seemed lost in the story. Don't get me wrong, the story was wonderful but I didn't feel like I had enough time with the couple to really love it. In Defending Hearts, Ms. Stacey gave me everything I could want in a romance and more. I loved this book; the out of sorts hero, the strong and somewhat stubborn heroine, a feisty matchmaking grandma, the backdrop of a small town and two people so very different finding common ground.
In the first book Alex Murphy an award winning photojournalist returns to his hometown, Stewart Mills, New Hampshire, to help raise funds for the football program as a tribute to the coach who taught him much about life. After a particularly grueling assignment Alex feels the need to return "home" again and ends up renting a room at a farm from a woman who was a few years behind him in school and her grandmother who raised her. The last thing Gretchen wants is a boarder in her and her grandmother's home but it is money they can use and he's not a complete stranger but finding him handsome and charming isn't what she expects or the fact that he seems every bit as interested in her as she is in him.
I was fascinated by how different the lives of Alex and Gretchen were but how they found so much common ground. Alex couldn't wait to get out of the small town he grew up in and he has traveled the world, lived in some great and not so great places, and had experiences most people dream about but finds himself wondering if a chance at happiness has passed him by. Gretchen has spent her life on her grandparent's farm after she went to live with them as a small child. Following her grandfather's death she took over managing the farm and earning the money to keep it going. She honestly loves the town and the farm and doesn't mind the hard work but meeting Alex and listening to him talk makes her wonder if she's missed out by not having any adventures. Truly opposites in so many ways yet the minute Alex stepped into her home it seemed like he'd been there forever he charmed Ida (or Gram) as well as their dog, Cocoa and he even managed to rankle Gretchen a bit from the start. I enjoyed watching him go about working on a piece about the town and the football team and rediscovering the joys of his hometown as an adult. I felt like I watched Gretchen blossom when Alex was around and even though she went down kicking and screaming it was easy to see that he made her happy just as she did for him.
While we saw quite a few secondary character in this book from both Gretchen and Alex's friends to her grandmother and the football coach and his wife they added to this story. They offered some very wise advice; they were a shoulder to cry on and sometimes delivered a much needed push in the right direction.
While it took some time for them to explore the physical side of their relationship, once they did they had some interesting and extremely sexy encounters that I think took them both a bit by surprise.
I appreciated the depth of this story and the fact that both the hero and heroine had to make some tough choices about their lives to get to their happy place. Completely entertaining, wonderfully written and surprisingly sexy Defending Hearts is a fantastic addition to this series and I am very excited about what's to come next!
Review copy provided for an honest review.
December 24, 2015
Defending Hearts by Shannon Stacey: Coming to Grips with Change
Original Post:
http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/201...
Aside from poor communications skills the couple in this story is an interesting combination of travel weary and stuck at home, of lost in a profession and lost in a need to belong.
I enjoyed watching Alex, who is more understanding than Gretchen, develop feelings for Gretchen without the idea of developing barriers to each other based on circumstance. So single-minded as to be blind to the obvious, Gretchen is good at denying herself everything and anything that might make her resolve weaken.
I really liked how Alex was working to come to grips with the nature of his art, and his profession. I was a little confused about his job as a free-lance journalistic photographer who felt he was competing with people wwith cellphone cameras. In the story he talks a lot about losing his connection to the subject. But, his agent calls to tell him people want to see what he has from a newsworthy situation. Somehow the cellphone cameras and loss of connection are intertwined.
As a painter, that’s like saying an oil painter competes with an artist using their computer to create; it’s just a different medium.
But, for a journalistic photographer, I guess it may be faster to have someone on site with their cellphone get a sale and a picture before you do. I don’t personally get the link to being connected to the subject.
I respect that the writer has given the character the sense to pull himself out of the field and regroup, and that he does it with a project he does feel a connection to.
I found it hard to like Gretchen, and recently learned people can still be intelligent but disconnected from the world around their immediate milieu.What I didn’t like was her refusal to look outside her own understanding and knowledge. She only grudgingly acknowledges that she needs help and that there are simple things she could do to make it easier.
Alex is flexible, but he has to be. The flexibility he has had to foster has left him feeling rootless. Gretchen is so rooted in her determination to keep the farm, she has lost sight of why she is doing it.
As Alex comes to grip with the changes in his profession, Gretchen also has to come to grips with what keeping the family farm means. She has this whole thing about it being her family farm, but she isn’t leaving it to anyone, it is essentially taking all her time and money. A lot of people are stuck in situations like this in their lives and they generally think they have time to do it all and then have a family, or they are doing it for a misplaced sense of obligation.
I liked how Stacey explores this issue and Alex’s career issues. I did not like the inability both characters have to tell the other how they feel, especially Gretchen. I know that, in Gretchen’s case, it is a symbol of her inability to admit things to herself.
I also like the very hot hook ups that Gretchen and Alex eventually get into, the way they handle Gretchen and Alex being in the same house as her grandmother. Or how they think they handle it.
Alex and Gretchen are both on the cusp of the change moving from one stage of life to the next, taking stock of where they are going and what they want. Changes are uncomfortable and I think Stacey does well well writing the story about these characters: creating their reality and relationships. I recommend it!
Original Post:
http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/201...
Aside from poor communications skills the couple in this story is an interesting combination of travel weary and stuck at home, of lost in a profession and lost in a need to belong.
I enjoyed watching Alex, who is more understanding than Gretchen, develop feelings for Gretchen without the idea of developing barriers to each other based on circumstance. So single-minded as to be blind to the obvious, Gretchen is good at denying herself everything and anything that might make her resolve weaken.
I really liked how Alex was working to come to grips with the nature of his art, and his profession. I was a little confused about his job as a free-lance journalistic photographer who felt he was competing with people wwith cellphone cameras. In the story he talks a lot about losing his connection to the subject. But, his agent calls to tell him people want to see what he has from a newsworthy situation. Somehow the cellphone cameras and loss of connection are intertwined.
As a painter, that’s like saying an oil painter competes with an artist using their computer to create; it’s just a different medium.
But, for a journalistic photographer, I guess it may be faster to have someone on site with their cellphone get a sale and a picture before you do. I don’t personally get the link to being connected to the subject.
I respect that the writer has given the character the sense to pull himself out of the field and regroup, and that he does it with a project he does feel a connection to.
I found it hard to like Gretchen, and recently learned people can still be intelligent but disconnected from the world around their immediate milieu.What I didn’t like was her refusal to look outside her own understanding and knowledge. She only grudgingly acknowledges that she needs help and that there are simple things she could do to make it easier.
Alex is flexible, but he has to be. The flexibility he has had to foster has left him feeling rootless. Gretchen is so rooted in her determination to keep the farm, she has lost sight of why she is doing it.
As Alex comes to grip with the changes in his profession, Gretchen also has to come to grips with what keeping the family farm means. She has this whole thing about it being her family farm, but she isn’t leaving it to anyone, it is essentially taking all her time and money. A lot of people are stuck in situations like this in their lives and they generally think they have time to do it all and then have a family, or they are doing it for a misplaced sense of obligation.
I liked how Stacey explores this issue and Alex’s career issues. I did not like the inability both characters have to tell the other how they feel, especially Gretchen. I know that, in Gretchen’s case, it is a symbol of her inability to admit things to herself.
I also like the very hot hook ups that Gretchen and Alex eventually get into, the way they handle Gretchen and Alex being in the same house as her grandmother. Or how they think they handle it.
Alex and Gretchen are both on the cusp of the change moving from one stage of life to the next, taking stock of where they are going and what they want. Changes are uncomfortable and I think Stacey does well well writing the story about these characters: creating their reality and relationships. I recommend it!
February 1, 2016
Alex has been travelling all around the world as a famous photographer, but now with social media - actual photographers are in a shortage and after spending some time in his hometown after just over a decade away , he found himself missing that feeling . Now he has the time to head back home and since the community suffered during the recent recession - he has a story that he feels he needs to write . So he contacts Coach who puts him in touch with the Walkers and in particular Gretchen Walker as they have a room spare in their farm house. Gretchen Walker is the type of girl who is practical and takes more after her grandfather's personality rather than her warm, welcoming and flirtatious nature that her Grandmother Ida holds. As Alex starts to wander around town taking photographs and chatting to the current boys of the Stewart Falls football team - he realises that what he has been missing out on all these years by travelling is that feel of family and the love that comes from growing up in a small tight-knit community. As the book goes along , we see the development of Gretchen as she starts to let her walls down and welcome Alex inside but with the boarding of the room and project being only temporary - will she let Alex into her heart or be protective as she doesn't want to fall in love with him in case she gets hurt ?
Will Alex decide to make his stay in Stewart Falls's more permanent as he realises this time around he has more to lose than ever before ? Has he finally found the home he has been looking for , for the past fourteen years ?
Find out in this smalltown romance novel - perfect for that February Valentine's reading in Book #2 of Shannon Stacey's Boys of Fall novel "Defending Hearts" and readers if you have not read a Shannon Stacey book - what are you waiting for as I fell in love with her writing when reading her series "The Kowalski Family".
Will Alex decide to make his stay in Stewart Falls's more permanent as he realises this time around he has more to lose than ever before ? Has he finally found the home he has been looking for , for the past fourteen years ?
Find out in this smalltown romance novel - perfect for that February Valentine's reading in Book #2 of Shannon Stacey's Boys of Fall novel "Defending Hearts" and readers if you have not read a Shannon Stacey book - what are you waiting for as I fell in love with her writing when reading her series "The Kowalski Family".
January 13, 2016
Defending Hearts by Shannon Stacey captured my heart. It was the type of story that walked you through the lives of two people falling in love. It wasn't rushed and it wasn't an out of nowhere realization. It was a slow building love based on trust and attraction. Gretchen and Alex's love poured off of the pages of this story. It included the perfect balance of home, work, love, and friendship.
Gretchen Walker was a farm girl through and through. She was raised by her grandparents and learned at an early age about responsibility and family honor. When her grandfather passed away she took over the care of the farm. It is definitely a part of her and her grandmother. They say home is where the heart is but in this case, the farm is part of her heart. There is no way I can picture Gretchen, Ida, and Cocoa, their chocolate Lab dog, and not see the farm. Alex has also become a fixture in that image.
Alex is a photojournalist who has gone back to his home town after thirteen years. Helping keep the football team from getting cut he realizes how much he misses home. He rents a room on the Walker farm and that's where the love story begins. He has a hard time deciding between his love for his job and the ones he can't live without.
This was an incredibly written story that caught your attention and didn't let go. It wasn't a slow read by any means but it was done in such a way that made it that much more real. I recommend this whole-heartedly and will go back and read the first book and am anticipating the next in the series.
Gretchen Walker was a farm girl through and through. She was raised by her grandparents and learned at an early age about responsibility and family honor. When her grandfather passed away she took over the care of the farm. It is definitely a part of her and her grandmother. They say home is where the heart is but in this case, the farm is part of her heart. There is no way I can picture Gretchen, Ida, and Cocoa, their chocolate Lab dog, and not see the farm. Alex has also become a fixture in that image.
Alex is a photojournalist who has gone back to his home town after thirteen years. Helping keep the football team from getting cut he realizes how much he misses home. He rents a room on the Walker farm and that's where the love story begins. He has a hard time deciding between his love for his job and the ones he can't live without.
This was an incredibly written story that caught your attention and didn't let go. It wasn't a slow read by any means but it was done in such a way that made it that much more real. I recommend this whole-heartedly and will go back and read the first book and am anticipating the next in the series.
June 24, 2016
Full disclosure: I received this novel (as well as the previous one in the series) as a Goodreads First Reads giveaway, but that in no way affected the review.
4.5 stars actually...this second book in the Boys of Falls contemporary romance pairs one of the "golden boys" of the championship team with another of the women who planned the Eagles Fest fund-raiser to save the current team.
While the fund-raiser was successful, there are some issues that still are festering in Stewart Mills, New Hampshire. Gretchen is trying to hold onto her grandparents' farm. She, along with Gram, have agreed to take on a boarder to make tax payments. Their first boarder is Alex, formerly a defensive tackle for the championship team and now an award-winning photojournalist. Dealing with burnout, he needs a break from his job, and returns to Stewart Mills.
From the moment he arrives, Gretchen tries to keep her defenses up and her heart intact as Alex becomes a part of the family. Sexual tension is there from the beginning, but can she maintain the distance from him? Once they become involved, can she bear it when he returns to his real life? Can he?
Spicy scenes are interspersed with the realities of making a farm viable in a difficult economy. Characters from the previous novel (Under the Lights) play ancillary roles, but ultimately it is the love story of Gretchen and Alex with a side of a feisty Gram and her dog Cocoa.
4.5 stars actually...this second book in the Boys of Falls contemporary romance pairs one of the "golden boys" of the championship team with another of the women who planned the Eagles Fest fund-raiser to save the current team.
While the fund-raiser was successful, there are some issues that still are festering in Stewart Mills, New Hampshire. Gretchen is trying to hold onto her grandparents' farm. She, along with Gram, have agreed to take on a boarder to make tax payments. Their first boarder is Alex, formerly a defensive tackle for the championship team and now an award-winning photojournalist. Dealing with burnout, he needs a break from his job, and returns to Stewart Mills.
From the moment he arrives, Gretchen tries to keep her defenses up and her heart intact as Alex becomes a part of the family. Sexual tension is there from the beginning, but can she maintain the distance from him? Once they become involved, can she bear it when he returns to his real life? Can he?
Spicy scenes are interspersed with the realities of making a farm viable in a difficult economy. Characters from the previous novel (Under the Lights) play ancillary roles, but ultimately it is the love story of Gretchen and Alex with a side of a feisty Gram and her dog Cocoa.
August 25, 2016
2.5/5
I just... didn't care about this all that much. I don't think the characters felt very real to me at all, and Gretchen in particular felt like a caricature. This and the previous book both felt very rushed in their conclusion. It wasn't a bad book, it was fine, but overall it just didn't do anything for me.
To be fair, I'm largely done with Shannon Stacey and only picked these two up because I was on vacation and needed some light reading that was available from the library immediately, and I'm still interested in book three of the series. But these first two books have been a reminder that I should only read her books when the specific summary appeals to me.
I just... didn't care about this all that much. I don't think the characters felt very real to me at all, and Gretchen in particular felt like a caricature. This and the previous book both felt very rushed in their conclusion. It wasn't a bad book, it was fine, but overall it just didn't do anything for me.
To be fair, I'm largely done with Shannon Stacey and only picked these two up because I was on vacation and needed some light reading that was available from the library immediately, and I'm still interested in book three of the series. But these first two books have been a reminder that I should only read her books when the specific summary appeals to me.
November 11, 2015
Ok this book didn't do it for me.....stopped reading twice......and had to force myself to finish it!
it was too forced and too slow....like it had to happen with a drag!
I mean I loved the first one and was eagerly waiting for the 2nd book......but it just didn't have that spark!
The heroine was great, no nonsense gal,Which was good......guy was ok too.....but the story was just....I dunno....comfortable??? Nothing great popped out, including the writing!
Dissapointed!
it was too forced and too slow....like it had to happen with a drag!
I mean I loved the first one and was eagerly waiting for the 2nd book......but it just didn't have that spark!
The heroine was great, no nonsense gal,Which was good......guy was ok too.....but the story was just....I dunno....comfortable??? Nothing great popped out, including the writing!
Dissapointed!
February 15, 2016
4.5 stars
November 1, 2015
I liked it ...but it was.....not dramatic? Not sure of the word I am looking for.....not passionate enough? Connection?
December 4, 2019
I really enjoy Shannon Stacey's books on audiobook - they keep my placing one foot in front of the other when out walking in our frigid NJ weather. This second story in the Boys of Fall series was no exception.
I loved the plot of a woman who is deeply rooted to her home and a man who doesn’t have one. Gretchen Walker loves her grandparents' farm where she was abandoned by her parents years before. She takes great pride in her land and her work on the farm. She comes across as "hard" but she is used to doing things for herself and her grandmother. Alex Murphy had comes home earlier for the "Eagles Fest" fundraiser to help raise money for the local high school football team. Later, he returns after for some down time after burnout from his international photojournalism career. This was a nice continuum of the series.
Go Cards! L1C4!!
I loved the plot of a woman who is deeply rooted to her home and a man who doesn’t have one. Gretchen Walker loves her grandparents' farm where she was abandoned by her parents years before. She takes great pride in her land and her work on the farm. She comes across as "hard" but she is used to doing things for herself and her grandmother. Alex Murphy had comes home earlier for the "Eagles Fest" fundraiser to help raise money for the local high school football team. Later, he returns after for some down time after burnout from his international photojournalism career. This was a nice continuum of the series.
Go Cards! L1C4!!
June 18, 2018
A wonderful second installment in this series. Also would work great as a stand-alone. This is purely Gretchen and Alex's story with a few appearances of characters from the first book, like Coach, Kelly and Jen. Both Jen and Alex are fabulous characters, both deserving of a HEA and their romance warmed my heart. I did get frustrated with Gretchen's constant "this can never work" attitude. Funny how she can be so determined and strong when it comes to making the farm profitable, and give up so easily on something as important has her happiness. But I loved the book and will definitely read the next!
April 1, 2021
So this book picks up almost right after the first one ends. Within a week or two really. I was happy to see all of our secondary characters were involved just as much as they were in the first book. The drama on this book was a little bit more than the first. This was still an easy fun, quick read but the drama level was up a bit and I loved it. I really love how into the community I feel while I'm reading the book. Oh not to stray but, no you don't NEED to read the first book to enjoy this one but I would highly recommend it. To me getting to know all the characters was fun and then seeing their lives play out even further in subsequent books just makes me smile. I love the nosy neighbor, I can't remember her name right now but you'll know who I'm talking about when you read the books. She annoys and entertains me all in the same spell. I loved Gram and Cocoa they make fantastic secondary characters. Again we don't get an epilogue and these are my first books by this author so maybe that's not her writing style but I still look forward to what the conclusion of this series is going to bring. Enjoy:)
June 17, 2024
This was a cute read. I didn’t love the ending as it felt rushed and like they would have a LOT of issues that weren’t worked out. Gretchen was an interesting character that was almost too unemotional and strong willed. Alex was a decent character, but he didn’t seem to fit Gretchen. It was like he was trying to draw her out of her quiet, reserved state vs letting her be herself.
May 18, 2017
Alex Murphy
Gretchen Walker
Read May 2017 | 4 stars
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Book synopsis: The New York Times bestselling author of Under the Lights presents a novel of past triumphs, present challenges, and future happily ever afters…
They were the golden boys of fall: Stewart Mills High School’s legendary championship football team. Fourteen years later, they’re back to relive their glory, save the team—and find themselves again…
Globetrotting photographer Alex Murphy returns to Stewart Mills for a football fundraiser, but stays to document the football team and the town’s changes. Since his project includes photos of the Walker farm, he rents a room there.
Needing money to save the family farm, Gretchen Walker doesn’t have time to deal with the sexy photographer in her house. After all, Alex is a man with no sense of home, and to her, home is everything. But when she finds herself falling for him, she’ll be forced to decide where her dreams really lie…
Gretchen Walker
Read May 2017 | 4 stars
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Book synopsis: The New York Times bestselling author of Under the Lights presents a novel of past triumphs, present challenges, and future happily ever afters…
They were the golden boys of fall: Stewart Mills High School’s legendary championship football team. Fourteen years later, they’re back to relive their glory, save the team—and find themselves again…
Globetrotting photographer Alex Murphy returns to Stewart Mills for a football fundraiser, but stays to document the football team and the town’s changes. Since his project includes photos of the Walker farm, he rents a room there.
Needing money to save the family farm, Gretchen Walker doesn’t have time to deal with the sexy photographer in her house. After all, Alex is a man with no sense of home, and to her, home is everything. But when she finds herself falling for him, she’ll be forced to decide where her dreams really lie…
November 19, 2022
a great small time series
A closed mill, a struggling community, a football team that’s the heart of the town. Stacey’s A Boys of Fall series certainly delivers the romance and the good feelings. This is the second book and brings us the story of Alex and Gretchen, a traveling photographer and a homebody.
A closed mill, a struggling community, a football team that’s the heart of the town. Stacey’s A Boys of Fall series certainly delivers the romance and the good feelings. This is the second book and brings us the story of Alex and Gretchen, a traveling photographer and a homebody.
May 10, 2017
Enjoy the book and the storyline !! wish we had a epilogue ....
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