Lead Me a Stray

by Alexandra Hale

Tempted by his charm.
Addicted to knowing I shouldn’t.
Wrecked because he’s my best friend’s younger brother.

Mack Crosby is the epitome of a playboy - good looking, rugged, and the life of the party.
Or saloon.
He’s a flirt and while I’ll indulge in some banter, my best friend’s younger brother is off limits.

But since my last - bad - relationship ended I can’t help but notice Mack everywhere.
In town. At work.
And most notably my living room - shirtless - that’s not all…

The way he’s looking at me sends my heart into a sprint, the tension that’s been building between us suddenly at a breaking point.
Getting involved with Mack is the last thing I should be doing but I can’t deny the way I feel when he’s around.

A storm.
A rescue.
And a line that can’t be uncrossed.

I just hope I’m strong enough to withstand the fallout when my best friend finds out.

Genres: Novella, Small Town Romance

109 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2026

About the author

Alexandra Hale is a small town girl living with her family in Upstate New York. She routinely runs on caffeine, dry shampoo and thrives on procrastination.

A romance lover and reading enthusiast, Alexandra finally began putting pen to paper shortly after graduating college. An unobtainable dream has slowly become a reality with the love and support of her friends and family and the romance community.

She currently writes steamy, small town romance with a dash of lighthearted fun and happily ever afters that will make you swoon.

Reviews

[Janelle]

🔥❤️‍🔥 BOOK REVIEW ❤️‍🔥🔥

Okay, Mack Crosby… I see you. 👀🔥

This book had EVERYTHING I love in a romance—small-town vibes, forbidden temptation, a hot-as-sin playboy, undeniable chemistry, and that delicious best friend’s younger brother trope that had me screaming, “Girl, you KNOW you shouldn’t!” 😂🔥

Mack was impossible not to fall for. He’s charming, rugged, flirty, and knows exactly how to push all the right buttons. And the chemistry between him and the FMC! 🔥🔥🔥 The tension was there from the beginning, and watching them try to fight what they were feeling was SO good.

I loved the push and pull, the forbidden aspect, and the way their relationship slowly turned into something deeper than either of them expected. There were moments that made my heart ache, moments that had me smiling like an idiot, and definitely moments that had me needing to cool myself down. 🥵😂

The Hearts Bend, Texas setting was the perfect backdrop for this story, and I’m already completely invested in this little town and all the love stories waiting to happen.

If you love small-town romance, forbidden romance, best friend’s brother, playboys, forced proximity, tension, spice, and a romance that makes you feel ALL the things, you absolutely need to pick this one up!

Mack Crosby has officially stolen my heart. ❤️‍🔥🤠

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥🔥🔥🔥 Spice

[Missy]

I love an Alexandra novella, she creates the most lovable characters and packs so much emotion and spice into a short book, it’s truly impressive!

This one follows Mack and he has had a huge crush on his sister’s best friend, Piper, for years and now that she’s single, he’s finally going to shoot his shot.

What you will find:
🐾 Sister’s best friend
🐾 Age gap (she’s older)
🐾 Reformed playboy
🐾 She runs a shelter
🐾 Small town
🐾 Spicy 🥵 🔥

Mack has a reputation as a playboy, so when he makes his move with Piper, she struggles to trust that he’s interested in more than one night. But Mack is determined to make Piper his. I loved the flirty banter and tension between these two. They definitely had mutual attraction so it didn’t take much to cross the line. And Mack really did all he could to prove to Piper she was the only one he wanted.

Piper has a lot of siblings, there were several group chats with her siblings that were really funny and I loved getting to know them too. I can’t wait to read their stories!

I read this novella in an afternoon, it was such a fun read. If you are looking for a quick read that has small town charm, cute dogs, sister’s best friend, and some great spice, then you should grab this one!

[Patty Baumeister]

Book Review
Lead Me A Stray
A Novella Written By Alexandra Hale
Fiction - Romance
Published August 2026
109 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This author is the champion at writing sweet love stories with spice. This is a quick romance that can be read in an afternoon.

Mack and Piper were destined to be together. He is her best friend’s brother. He has always loved her. He falls first. Piper is four years older than Mack. She is cautious about falling for him since he has a bit of a playboy reputation.

It is sweet how the two come together to become a couple.

I enjoyed the family chat messages. I loved how the title related to the story.

“Thoughtful and sexy is a hell of a combination.”

[Tabbies.nook]

Review of an ARC from Alexandra Hale.

Thank you Alexandra for allowing me to enjoy your work before you send it out into the wild.

This was a short and sweet novella with a small town, best friend's brother, He falls first and Opposites attract trope. Mack is Rory(Piper's Best Friend) brother who has had feelings for Piper for a long time. To keep from confessing those feelings he became a playboy as he watched from a distance until he couldn't do it anymore.

Piper has been admiring Mack from a distance but never wanted to cross that line because Best Friends come first. The attraction between the two is undeniable and they end up seeing each other everywhere. Small town means the gossip will run around so when the two decide to see if they can try a relationship, they decide to keep it a secret from everyone including Rory. But secrets can't be kept for too long,

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a sweet short read full of banter and sweet love.

[C_C]

ARC REVIEW

"Lead Me A Stray"
(Man of the Month Club: Hearts Bend series - August)

by Alexandra Hale

Tropes:
📖 Novella
⏳ Best friend's younger brother
🕰️ Age gap (she's older)
💘 He falls first
🏡 Small town


This story follows Piper and Mack.
Piper has an animal shelter with Rory (Mack's sister) and Mack is a ranch equipment mechanic.
The opposites attract, through and through.

Piper has been able to keep Mack at distance because he is her best friend's younger brother. But he has all but grown up and is all man. She can't resist him for much longer, now that she broke with another boyfriend and Mack is everywhere.

This is a fast read, full of tension and banter. And little sexy moments until they find their HEA.

Releasing August 1

Thank you to the author for this ARC. It is a privilege to be part of her ARC team.

---

some of my favorite quotes:
🏡
I'm a sucker for the promise of a happily ever after.
🏡
The way he says my name has a little shiver racing down my spine.
🏡
I've watched movies like this, where one character won't shut up and the other kisses them even though it's the least logical option.
It's ridiculous.
Absurd.
🏡
Now I just need the girl.
🏡
Right now, she thinks I'm some playboy who's content with a new girl warming my bed every night, but it couldn't be further from the truth.
🏡
It's crazy how much I want her, how one kiss could open the floodgate of want and need and absolute obsession.
🏡
Self-proclaimed, my toxic trait is that I love feelings - even when they're unrequited, misconstrued, or completely twisted to fit the narrative.
🏡
"You better not be all talk," I mumble
🏡
I'll rip apart any man that's hurt her with my bare hands
🏡
She's everything.
🏡

[Star-Book Reviewer]

Alexandra Hale knows how to do banter that’s humorous and sexy all at the same time and there is plenty of it in this book when Mack Crosby finally gets his chance with his older sister’s best friend Piper Knight. The sexy talking and at times dirty talking Mack has been known as a playboy ever since high school but what he’s been waiting for is for Piper to give up on the losers she’s been with and finally give him a chance. Piper is very attracted to Mack but he’s four years younger than her, her best friend’s brother, his reputation doesn’t make him good for a committed relationship and she’s just getting over another breakup. However, Mack sees his chance and he’s going for it.
Alexandra Hale also knows how to develop her characters into realistic, vulnerable, lovable people that I can’t help but want to embrace. There is an almost breakup scene that shows Mack hurting and very vulnerable that I found to be very heartfelt and endearing. A scene with impact and well written. Piper has three siblings living apart in other states and their group texts add even more to the content of this book. A steamy hot small town best friend’s younger brother romance that can be read in an hour or two that will put a smile on your face and have you turning up the air.
I received an Advance Review Copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Confessions of a Bookaholic]

"Lead the way, Honey girl. I'll follow you anywhere."

I love a siblings best friend story but rarely is it reverse age gap. Piper and Mack are exceptional.

Mack has been crushing on his older sister's bestie for years and he finally gets his shot with her. He is not subtle in the least but Piper seems to be oblivious about his feelings. She sees him as the playboy his reputation has made him out to be, which he totally is. He was just biding his time until he got his chance with her. She has always been it for him since the moment he met her.

From the moment the story started the banter between these two is fantastic. Mack is one relentless fella once he gets that opening to move in on Piper. She is a doubtful person and he just sees it as a challenge to prove to her they are meant to be. The little obstacle of his sister being Piper's bestie doesn't deter him one bit, he just has to wait for Piper to get out of her own head.

I always love an Alexandra Hale novella because she packs them full of goodness and this was no different. She introduces a whole new family and their text messages and I need their stories ASAP!!!

[Mel]

Omg this book was so freaking cute 🥰 If you’re looking for something short, adorable, sweet, spicy and romantic with some incredible chemistry, then read this book ASAP!

Piper and Mack were the sweetest. Mack has been in love with Piper for such a long time, but Piper has always kept him firmly in the friend zone. He’s her best friend’s younger brother and also has a reputation for being a playboy, so Piper is convinced that he would only end up breaking her heart.

But Mack is the biggest golden retriever MMC! This man would do absolutely anything for Piper, including proving to her that they are meant to be together.

Every interaction between these two was so adorable, but also so damn hot when things finally heated up! And Mack definitely has the dirty talk down 🥵

It’s a super quick read and by the end you’re guaranteed to be left feeling happy, giddy and wondering where you can find yourself a Mack 😂

Such a cute, spicy little romance that I absolutely loved! 🥰

✨ What to expect:

💘 Best Friend’s Younger Brother

🏡 Small-Town Romance

🫶 Found Family

😍 He Falls First & HARD

😏 Playboy Hero

🐶 Golden Retriever MMC

☕ Cozy Read

Spice Rating: 4/5 🌶️

[Cindy thismomreadsbooks]

Mack and Piper were so great, I devoured this in one sitting!
This was definitely a short, sweet, spicy and fun read. The tension and longing between these two is so good. I loved the playfulness and strong chemistry between them from the very start.

Poor Piper, she has not had the best luck in relationships, so it has left her a little apprehensive and unable to trust her own feelings. My heart went out to her.
Mack was fantastic, was all about Piper from the start, cares deeply for her and just wants his shot at something real! He doesn’t waste time showing her he is in it for the long haul.
You easily root for them to get their HEA.

I alway enjoyed Alexandra’s story’s, she creates wonderful characters and storylines. Even with her novellas she always pacts so much in-and then only thing your a left wanting Is more time with characters you enjoy!

I really loved the added text thread with Piper and her siblings! It has me wanting each of their stories.

4.5⭐️


**thank you to the author for the copy of this book. This review and its opinions are my own

[Dani (dtieds_allbookedup)]

Thanks to @authoralexandrahale for the #gifted copy of this book. 🫶

My Thoughts: Alexandra Hale's novellas are my go-to when I need a read that's sweet and spicy that I can sit and read in a day. Lead Me a Stray was the perfect book for this boy mamma over the summer, giving me a short break from real life.

I loved Mack from the word go. You could tell right away that he was going to fall first and harder for Piper, his sister's best friend. Though he was a bit of a playboy, that man's sole focus was Piper when she finally gave him the time of day. And I was kicking my feet every time they were together.

The text messages between Piper and her siblings were fantastic, and I cannot wait to see more of them in the near future.

If you need a spicy and swoony romance wrapped in the perfectly small package, then this book is for you, with a side of adorable dogs.

What You'll Find:
📖 Novella
💛 Best Friend's Younger Brother
🏡 Small Town Romance
🥹 He Falls First & Hard
😏 Playboy Hero
⚡ Tension & Banter
🤫 Secret Relationship
🌶️ Spicy & Swoony

[Lindsey Riley]

A fun and flirty novella that will lift your heart, make you smile and will undoubtably be exactly what you didn't know you needed.

Mack and Piper's story was pure joy to read and the pick me up Alexandra Hale indicated it would be (check out the dedication!).
From the very first page the chemistry between Mack and Piper sizzles, with their flirty banter and that sweet as honey nickname. The connection they have on all levels shines through in their interactions.
Piper had so many reasons to be wary of getting involved with her best friend's brother, and I loved how he worked hard to show her he was all in.

Alexandra Hale always has top tier text banter. The sibling chat was especially fun and I am excited to get their stories in the future.

I always love a novella from Alexandra Hale. She has a talent for finding the balance to providing depth to the characters as well as moving the story along, all without overwhelming the reader.
Lead Me A Stray was exactly the book I needed.

[Kris]

Hearts Bend, Texas: Mack and Piper

Mack and Piper's story is a fast-paced, steamy romance packed with tension and steam.
As his sister's best friend, it’s made clear to Piper that Mack is completely off-limits, but the attraction between them has been simmering for years… Especially since he's been secretly in love with her for just as long.

The reverse age gap worked well, and there were plenty of fun moments, from Mack sneaking into her house to spend the night to the constant push and pull of their secret relationship.
The biggest obstacle wasn't their feelings, but the fallout they knew would come once his sister found out.

I wasn't sold on Mack's well-earned playboy reputation. It definitely gave me a bit of the ick, but once he committed, it was clear Piper was all he wanted.

A quick, entertaining read with plenty of chemistry, family drama, and a hero who finally gets the woman he's always loved.

[Elizabeth]

A fun, sweet, and spicy reverse-age-gap novella.

Mack has been infatuated with Piper for years, and the fact that he’s younger than her means nothing to him. His biggest obstacle is his reputation as a player rather than someone looking to settle down. Piper is freshly out of a dismal relationship and has no interest in starting anything with her best friend’s younger brother. But the pull between them is impossible to ignore, and once they realize the spark between them is real, there’s no going back.

Alexandra Hale is the queen of novellas. She packs so much emotion, heart, and fun into just a few pages, creating stories that are meaningful and memorable. I know I’m going to find wonderfully imperfect characters who are relatable, charming, and impossible not to love. They work their way deep into my heart, and I can’t help but root for their happy ending. This delightful story was a quick, enjoyable read. As always, I’m looking forward to Ms. Hale’s next book.

[Casey | PageswithPasta]

Lead Me Astray reminded me exactly why I reach for her books whenever I'm in a reading slump. Her writing has this effortless way of pulling me in, making me care about every character, and keeping me glued to the pages.
This story blends everything I love about her books: a cozy, close-knit family, a best friend's younger brother romance, a hero who falls first, incredible chemistry, and some of the absolute best texting scenes you'll find in romance. Add a cast of lovable dogs, and it was impossible not to smile while reading.
The romance felt natural, heartfelt, and full of those little moments that make you root for the characters from the very beginning. The family dynamics brought so much warmth to the story, while the banter and emotional depth kept me completely invested.
And for anyone like me who immediately worries when a dog becomes a major character... don't stress. The dog does not die. 🐾

[Sal’s life]

"Lead Me A Stray" part of Man of the Month Club: Hearts Bend series - August

This story follows Piper and Mack. Piper runs a dog rescue centre with her best friend Rory who happens to be the older sister of Mack. Mack is a mechanic for ranch equipment and appears on the surface to be the complete opposite of Piper.

Piper has always had a fascination with Mack, he's gorgeous, fun but is a ladies man through and through, the biggest thing is that he's her bestie's brother and sees that as a step she's not willing to cross.

Mack maybe a little younger but he has been in love with Piper since he first met her when she was in college and came home for a visit. He's all but grown up now and wants to show her that he is more than his reputation and that he wants her and a relationship.

This is a fast read, full of banter. And little spicy moments until they find their HEA.

[Preet K]

ARC Review
Lead Me A Stray by Alexandra Hale
5/5 stars

MY ONLY COMPLAINT IS THAT ALEXANDRA HALE’S BOOKS ARE NOT LONG ENOUGH. I died laughing from the first page and my ghost said the rest of the story was also my favorite.

Mack, listen, I love a man that knows what he wants and works to get it. This man, rightfully so, had a battle to win for Piper's heart and he did what he had to do.

Piper!! Mack's girl is a stubborn and cautious one, as we all are, but when she finally trusts in herself, she made the best choice!

I love love love small-town feels in books and the text messages were an added cherry on top for this book. Alexandra Hale, 50 gazillion more please and thank you.

Catch this amazing book out on Aug. 1st.

A thank you to @alexandrahaleauthor and her team for an eARC for review.

[Jennifer Leigh (jenjenbookfan)]

𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐌𝐞 𝐀 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐲 is a Man of the Month novella by Alexandra Hale, featuring a spicy and fun best friend’s brother romance for Piper and Mack. I enjoyed the tension, the engaging banter, and the passion, as well as the reverse age gap situation. I couldn’t help but feel bad for Mack with everyone around him judging him based on his past behavior without giving him a chance to prove he had changed. Piper’s sibling chat gave the story another layer of personality that stole the show! I need more of those compelling characters ASAP! As a bonus, there are cute dogs, too. Few authors can produce such a well-rounded story in such a fast-paced, short format like this author does. If you need a quick, entertaining pallet cleanser that will have you excited for more, give this one a try!

I received an advanced review copy, and my opinions are my own and freely expressed.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶.5

[jenswhitenoise]

Piper & Mack. She owns a dog rescue and is doing amazing work in the community. He's her best friend's younger brother who has always been in love with her. If "it's always been you" had a face, Mack's would be it.

This is a short one -1 01 pages on my Kindle. Alexandra Hale does short stories right! Mack has held a torch for Piper since they were teenagers but since the feelings have been one sided all this time, he's made a reputation for himself in their town. It never occurred to Piper that he may return the feelings still because of his behavior. Reading these two find their way out of this miscommunication was so great and I loved the resolution of their third act break up.

I'm always going to read a quick Alexandra Hale book and thank the author for the complimentary arc!

[Courtney Tani]

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Lead Me a Stray
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Alexandra Hale
𝗠𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀: Mack Crosby & Piper Knight

𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀:
- Novella
- Small Town
- Best Friend’s Younger Brother
- Reformed Playboy
- He Falls First & Hard
- Secret Relationship
- Reverse Age Gap
- Spice & Swoony

𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄:
I'm not even surprised anymore when Alexandra Hale writes a book that I absolutely adore. This novella was short, sweet, and everything I was looking for when I first dived in!

Mack was impossible not to fall for!! He was charming and flirty. He had this playboy persona but it was all a façade because Piper wouldn’t give him the time of day… until now. Mack does all he can to prove to Piper that he’s serious and only wants Piper. The lengths he goes to prove it are swoon-worthy.

I loved the push and pull between the two of them. I don’t know how Alexandra was able to build the tension between them in such a short amount of time, but it was palpable!

This was such a fun, easy and quick read. This is exactly what I needed while my life around is chaotic. 💙

𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘈𝘭𝘦𝘹𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘳𝘢 𝘏𝘢𝘭𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸.

[Kylie Loves Reading]

I really enjoyed Lead Me A Stray ! Mack and Rory have that kind of chemistry that makes it so easy to get invested in their story. There’s plenty of emotion, tension and those moments where you’re just waiting for one of them to finally stop fighting what’s right in front of them.

What I loved most was that the relationship felt like more than just attraction. Mack and Rory both have their own layers, and watching them work through their baggage, trust and feelings gave the story a bit more depth. The banter and chemistry kept things fun, while the more emotional moments gave it some heart.

It’s an easy, engaging read that pulled me along, and I definitely found myself rooting for Mack and Rory along the way. Another enjoyable Alexandra Hale read and a great choice for the Man of the Month Club Read!

[Sandi Hatt]

I was honoured to receive an advanced copy of this story and this is my honest review.

Mack Crosby has loved his sister's best friend for years but he is 4 yrs younger than them.

Just love the nickname Mack has always used for Piper.

Crashing at Piper's could it finally be his moment to get Piper to look at him as a man and not as her friend's brother?

Mack has the reputation of being a player so no one takes him seriously when he wants to make his relationship work with Piper.

Rory & Piper work together at a local dog shelter where they decide to hold an adoption event on national dog day.

They also collect dogs when reported. When Piper has no choice but to call Mack to help with this during a storm it also becomes the start of an electric stirm between both of them.

[Melissa * bookedwithmel]

Another spectacular novella from the wonderful Alexandra Hale! I enjoyed meeting these new characters.

Piper and Mack are a great pair. Piper is hesitant to let herself have feelings for Mack because he is her best friend’s younger brother. Mack is always around and she watches him sleep his way through town (he couldn’t have the one woman he truly wants so anyone else is meaningless to him). I love how much he cares for Piper. I love how determined he is to get her to see that he does truly have feelings for her and she won’t just be another notch on his bed post.

Alexandra is so skilled in the way she writes group chats into the story. I couldn’t help but laugh out loud thanks to Piper’s family antics.

Thank you Alexandra, as always, for allowing me to be a part of your ARC team.

[Sam]

I am a big fan of Alexandra Hale and really enjoy her fun novellas as a way to catch up with minor characters in her longer series. Lead Me A Stray has one of my favourite tropes - an older woman with a younger man (a reverse age gap), although in this instance the age difference is only a few years. Our FMC, Piper, also runs a dog rescue with our MMC's sister so this should be super cute!

Mack has adored Piper for years and is only too happy to finally take his chance with her now she's finally single, and after many years of him being the local playboy.

This novella has lots of energy but was a bit too short to really feel a great deal of connection with the characters. I was left wanting more!

Thanks to the author for an ARC. All thoughts are my honest opinion.

[Books N Coffee]

If you need a quick read with tension and laughter, look no further. Alexandra’s novellas are a no brainer. She packs in just the right amount of tension, romance, spice, and laughter.

Piper and Mack have known each other for years. Piper kept her distance since he’s her best friend’s younger brother. Mack has a reputation for being a playboy and Piper doesn’t want to be just another girl on his list. Once Piper enters the single world again, Mack’s ready to prove he can be taken seriously.

There’s plenty of spicy moments to follow but let’s not also overlook the hilarious relationship Piper and her siblings have with each other. Plenty of banter and chances for future relationships. Hoping we get to see what’s in store for his family!

[Coffeenbooks]

- Best friend's brother
- He falls first
- Small town romance

OH. MY. Goodness! I absolutely DEVOURED THIS BOOK!!!! I loved Mack so much and Piper's siblings? The group chat was amazing!!

No one wants to take Mack serious. Okay, he went through a phase that was all w1ld child, but now that his unrequited love Piper is single, he is l@ser focused on her. Now he just has to get her to believe him....

Piper is the sweetest FMC ever. She runs a dog shelter, chats with her family on the regular, loves her town and its residents. Oh, and possibly Mack. But she won't let herself. She is not opposed to some fun @du1t time though...

While Piper does everything she can to keep Mack at arm's length, he just keeps showing up.

This is a super quick read, but oh, so satisfying!

[Ashley Lutz]

Who doesn’t love a best friend’s younger brother forbidden romance with lots of spice!? This novella has it all!

Mack is the small town playboy, but always has had eyes for Piper. Piper has had a crush on Mack since forever, but won’t even fathom the possibility of a relationship with Mack…because of his reputation and because she is older than him! One night their mutual attraction goes a little far and now Mack has to prove to Piper hes interested in more.

Piper has several siblings and their group chats are hilarious! If you have not read an Alexandra Hale sibling group chat…welcome they are the freaking best!

This is the perfect novella to read in one sitting because it is such a page turner!!

[Theresa Lambe]

Piper and Mack are just so dang insanely cute. Like really, from the first starting line to the last, I adored every page, every word.

Even as a novella, it was jam packed with the feelings and I felt everyone. I felt the intense and unwavering love Mack had for Piper. I felt the hesitation from Piper. I felt the confusion from Rory. And then to top it all off, I felt the anger from Mack. But through it all, I felt the insane and red-hot passion between Piper and Mack that made this such and incredible story.

So, need a quick read for in-between stories, or just something that's pretty much going to make you feel, then I for sure say do not miss this read, because it is perfect!

[Jordan Fiest]

Lead Me A Stray is part of the Hearts Bend Series. 

I adored Mack so much. He was a fantastic character. Yes, he was a bit of a ladies man, but that was because the one woman he wanted only saw him as her friends brother. He didn't really get a chance all the years they've known each other, until finally he sees a crack and knows now is his time. He was devoted and invested right from the start. Piper was more hesitant as she knows his history as well as she doesn't want to ruin her friendship with his sister. Anyone could see they had amazing chemistry and were destined for each other. It just took them longer than expected. Loved the story!

[Johanna]

ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE!

Piper and Rory have been best friends for YEARS. Mack who is Rory’s younger brother has had feelings for Piper since he first met her. Being four years younger it took him a while to convince her to give him a real shot and that is where this book picks up.

They are seriously adorable together. He’s the epitome of a Texas gentleman with a small reputation as a ladies man and she’s had terrible taste in guys in the past.

They come together and it’s absolute fire! They don’t come clean to Rory right away and that scene was fun 🤣

And the Knight sibling group chat was HILARIOUS and I can’t wait for more of them!

[K Webz]

Lead Me A Stray is a best friend’s younger brother romance that just sizzles with undeniable chemistry, fun/flirty banter and longing between the characters that has your roots bf for them.

Mack has had it bad for his sister’s best friend and has been biding his time until he can take his shot. He was a bit of a playboy but when Piper became available, he changed his ways immediately.

Piper was a strong FMC who after her last bad relationship was hesitant to let Mack in, as she knows his reputation and there is her friendship with his sister. But the way Mack is always showing her he is in it for the long haul, she can’t help but let down her walls.