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Denial
Win a free print copy of this book!
7 days and 05:26:28
2 copies available
U.S. only
He’s got a badge and a broody stare. She’s the chaos he never saw coming.
An obsessed podcaster starts unraveling my family’s secrets, and I’m forced to take sanctuary in a quiet small town. I envision a peaceful reset. What I find instead is a temporary nanny job with an overprotective single dad who clearly doesn’t trust me.
Our first meeting ends with me in handcuffs. It’s…not my best introduction.
The minor misunderstanding turns Sutton Stone into a human cactus—prickly, guarded, and determined to keep his distance. Or maybe that’s just his default setting.
But I’m pretty immune to the grumpy act. And unfortunately for him, he desperately needs my help.
Between bedtime stories, close quarters, and a forced Ferris wheel ride, Sutton’s defenses start to crumble. Lines blur. Feelings sneak in.
And when the trouble I left behind shows up uninvited, Sutton’s protective instincts surge into something fierce and personal.
Because he doesn’t just want me protected.
He wants to make me his.
An obsessed podcaster starts unraveling my family’s secrets, and I’m forced to take sanctuary in a quiet small town. I envision a peaceful reset. What I find instead is a temporary nanny job with an overprotective single dad who clearly doesn’t trust me.
Our first meeting ends with me in handcuffs. It’s…not my best introduction.
The minor misunderstanding turns Sutton Stone into a human cactus—prickly, guarded, and determined to keep his distance. Or maybe that’s just his default setting.
But I’m pretty immune to the grumpy act. And unfortunately for him, he desperately needs my help.
Between bedtime stories, close quarters, and a forced Ferris wheel ride, Sutton’s defenses start to crumble. Lines blur. Feelings sneak in.
And when the trouble I left behind shows up uninvited, Sutton’s protective instincts surge into something fierce and personal.
Because he doesn’t just want me protected.
He wants to make me his.
362 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 21, 2026
About the author
A.M. Wilson
23 books841 followersA. M. Wilson is a USA Today & Amazon Top 20 bestselling author of contemporary romance. She loves writing small town romances and dark suspenseful reads, depending on her mood that day. When she isn’t furiously typing on her computer, she can be found searching for her next all-consuming read. A. M. lives in the Midwest with her husband, two children, and two adorable dogs.
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Website: https://amwilson.net
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 21, 2026
I’ll admit, I felt a little stressed picking this book up yesterday knowing release day was today and worrying I wouldn’t finish it in time to post a review.
Turns out I had absolutely nothing to worry about, because I devoured this book in just a couple of hours. I genuinely could not put it down.
I used to be a huge mystery/thriller reader before romance completely took over my reading life lately, and this book captured the best of both worlds for me. I was hooked from the very beginning.
Watching the relationship between Nellie and Alice develop,despite the challenges of her overprotective dad, completely stole my heart. And seeing Sutton slowly soften toward Alice throughout the story was so well done ❤️
What I loved most, though, was watching Alice slowly let her walls down and learn to trust people again. It all felt very real and emotional without ever feeling overdone.
A solid 5 stars for me ⭐️ I highly recommend picking this one up — you will not be disappointed! And now I’m already impatiently waiting for the next book in the Stone Brothers trilogy 😍
Turns out I had absolutely nothing to worry about, because I devoured this book in just a couple of hours. I genuinely could not put it down.
I used to be a huge mystery/thriller reader before romance completely took over my reading life lately, and this book captured the best of both worlds for me. I was hooked from the very beginning.
Watching the relationship between Nellie and Alice develop,despite the challenges of her overprotective dad, completely stole my heart. And seeing Sutton slowly soften toward Alice throughout the story was so well done ❤️
What I loved most, though, was watching Alice slowly let her walls down and learn to trust people again. It all felt very real and emotional without ever feeling overdone.
A solid 5 stars for me ⭐️ I highly recommend picking this one up — you will not be disappointed! And now I’m already impatiently waiting for the next book in the Stone Brothers trilogy 😍
May 21, 2026
Oh Sutton does not disappoint. These Stone brothers are just as bad as the Powells and I’m here for it.
Alice did the right thing when she turned her brother in but in doing so she alienated him and their mother. When a true crime podcaster starts harassing her for an interview she packs it all up and moves to Minnesota where Whitney)check out Surrender if you haven’t read that one yet) lives.
Her first meeting with Sutton is in handcuffs. But she’s a rockstar when it comes to handling Nellie, Sutton’s daughter, and he reluctantly hires her as his nanny. Slowly but surely she gets under his skin but danger followed her and Sutton will have to risk it all to keep her safe.
My favorite quote is “Loving someone is living with the fear of losing them, but never letting that fear stop you from loving them despite it.”
I received and ARC and I read in a day because it was that good.
Alice did the right thing when she turned her brother in but in doing so she alienated him and their mother. When a true crime podcaster starts harassing her for an interview she packs it all up and moves to Minnesota where Whitney)check out Surrender if you haven’t read that one yet) lives.
Her first meeting with Sutton is in handcuffs. But she’s a rockstar when it comes to handling Nellie, Sutton’s daughter, and he reluctantly hires her as his nanny. Slowly but surely she gets under his skin but danger followed her and Sutton will have to risk it all to keep her safe.
My favorite quote is “Loving someone is living with the fear of losing them, but never letting that fear stop you from loving them despite it.”
I received and ARC and I read in a day because it was that good.
May 21, 2026
The intrigue! The push and pull of the main characters! The suspense! The alpha male with an adorable little girl and the Nanny with spunk he didn’t know he needed. Awesome story that had me read it in two sittings only because I had to adult and work. This author pulled me in from the beginning with the story arc, the found family, and the small town where everyone comes to help someone in need. The author’s words had you feel like you were in the story as well as a front row seat to their emotions. I don’t want to spoil the story, but, the part with Alice fighting people who were trying to help her because she wanted to make sure Nellie was ok just brought tears to my eyes and made me feel as though I was experiencing it myself. Add this to your list for must read!
May 22, 2026
Alice moves to Minnesota to start over and avoid tense situation. She is arrested by Sutton when she gets in town but Sutton doesn’t know that Alice is his new nanny hired by his family. Sutton is reluctant to hire Alice because she doesn’t seem to take things seriously but his 8 year old daughter loves her. Sutton soon learns that Alice is a total godsend and their bantering just seems like foreplay. Sutton finally breaks and claims Alice as his own after much yearning. Their happiness is challenged when forces from Alice’s past tracks her down. Now Sutton is in a race against time to save the woman he loves.
**I received an advanced reader copy of this book for free and I am voluntarily leaving this review.**
**I received an advanced reader copy of this book for free and I am voluntarily leaving this review.**
May 22, 2026
she run to her best friend town. someone is after her. her friend helps her get a home and a new nanny job. greta right? nope her new boss just toke her to jail for having a expired license. he’s grumpy and is set on his ways. his daughter is a beautiful little girl that loves her dad . she’s chaos rainbow. he does not need that kind of crazy in his life. the more he spends time with her he falls hard .he no longer see her as his baby but his whole world. epic book!!
May 19, 2026
Thank you, A.M. Wilson, for this ARC copy in exchange for an honest review!
I absolutely loved every second of this book! I actually have not read the book before this one but I’m definitely going to read that just from the little snippets we received in this book. I adored seeing Alice grow closer to both Sutton and Nellie, along with watching her gain “her people” with both the Powell and Stone family.
I absolutely loved every second of this book! I actually have not read the book before this one but I’m definitely going to read that just from the little snippets we received in this book. I adored seeing Alice grow closer to both Sutton and Nellie, along with watching her gain “her people” with both the Powell and Stone family.
May 21, 2026
Well another book that I can’t put it down.
This has so many good things. Alice is a great h, Sutton is a hot grumpy man and Nellie just stole your heart.
This book is a slow burn but this two are great at building the fire.
I laughed out loud, I cried a little for both of the characters.
It was a great read.
Another great book in this series.
Now we have to wait for Silas!
This has so many good things. Alice is a great h, Sutton is a hot grumpy man and Nellie just stole your heart.
This book is a slow burn but this two are great at building the fire.
I laughed out loud, I cried a little for both of the characters.
It was a great read.
Another great book in this series.
Now we have to wait for Silas!
May 20, 2026
I was so excited to receive an ARC for this! It was soo good! I just loved the push and pull and the spice was delicious! I loved how their relationship developed and how cute Nellie was. Definitely recommend!
May 21, 2026
Denial by A. M. Wilson
~ Plucked my heartstrings, made me care, fell in love with the characters, couldn’t put it down ~ This is a new to me author I will look for again ~
What I liked:
* Alice Thompson: outgoing, fun, strong sense of humor, resilient, protective, friendly, good friend, responsible, Type 1 Diabetic, arrives in town to be Nanny to Eleanor “Nellie-Jo” Sutton, has a stalker
* Sutton Stone: police officer, single parent, grumpy, reserved, protective, strong, good friend, great support network, community-minded, fighting his attraction to Alice
* Eleanor Sutton: eight-years-old, Sutton’s daughter, active, curious, caring, loves Alice
* Meeting the support network that must have been in books I have not read and thinking that I probably missed some great books
* Watching Sutton try to ignore perky Alice and be the rigid employer as he fell under the spell of warm charming, rather wonderful Alice
* The open honest communication throughout the story – between the adults and between adults and children
* That I liked the characters and could see them living and loving together for the rest of their lives
* The information about type 1 diabetes and being inspired to refresh my nursing information on the subject…including what Alice and Sutton might face with her diagnosis in the future
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
* Being able to dislike the baddies and being glad that they were eventually found and dealt with
* Having read a new-to-me-author that I will gladly read again.
* Everything except…
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like: evil doers after Alice and bullying of Eleanor
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
~ Plucked my heartstrings, made me care, fell in love with the characters, couldn’t put it down ~ This is a new to me author I will look for again ~
What I liked:
* Alice Thompson: outgoing, fun, strong sense of humor, resilient, protective, friendly, good friend, responsible, Type 1 Diabetic, arrives in town to be Nanny to Eleanor “Nellie-Jo” Sutton, has a stalker
* Sutton Stone: police officer, single parent, grumpy, reserved, protective, strong, good friend, great support network, community-minded, fighting his attraction to Alice
* Eleanor Sutton: eight-years-old, Sutton’s daughter, active, curious, caring, loves Alice
* Meeting the support network that must have been in books I have not read and thinking that I probably missed some great books
* Watching Sutton try to ignore perky Alice and be the rigid employer as he fell under the spell of warm charming, rather wonderful Alice
* The open honest communication throughout the story – between the adults and between adults and children
* That I liked the characters and could see them living and loving together for the rest of their lives
* The information about type 1 diabetes and being inspired to refresh my nursing information on the subject…including what Alice and Sutton might face with her diagnosis in the future
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
* Being able to dislike the baddies and being glad that they were eventually found and dealt with
* Having read a new-to-me-author that I will gladly read again.
* Everything except…
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like: evil doers after Alice and bullying of Eleanor
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
May 21, 2026
Alice is a whirlwind of banter, sunshine, humour and has just down right hilarious comebacks. Alice has Type 1 diabetes. Shes not shy and is happy to give just as good as she gets, if not better. Shes relocates after a true crime podcaster starts stalking her. He leaves a box of photos of her and she’s ready for a fresh start. Who knew her fresh start would include working for the grumpy officer who arrested her just as she gets into town.
Sutton is a single dad to 8 year old Nellie and a police officer. Nellies mum died from an overdose so his doing it mostly alone, alongside his family. They’ve all collectively decided it’s time for Sutton to get a nanny (Sutton is not aware of this). Imagine his surprise when he arrives home after a long shift to a ‘welcome’ party insisting he hires Alice. He thinks she’s too irresponsible and relaxed to be responsible for his daughter but eventually gives her a shot. She passes with flying colours. Then her stalkers back and he’s brought a friend. Can Sutton and his law enforcement friends find her before it’s too late?
I was lucky enough to recieve this book as an ARC and am leaving an honest review. This was my first read from A.M Wilson and I loved the mix of romance/chemistry, found family and the dark and twisty scenes. This book was very well written with open door spicy scenes. I’m excited to see what comes next in the Stone Series.
Sutton is a single dad to 8 year old Nellie and a police officer. Nellies mum died from an overdose so his doing it mostly alone, alongside his family. They’ve all collectively decided it’s time for Sutton to get a nanny (Sutton is not aware of this). Imagine his surprise when he arrives home after a long shift to a ‘welcome’ party insisting he hires Alice. He thinks she’s too irresponsible and relaxed to be responsible for his daughter but eventually gives her a shot. She passes with flying colours. Then her stalkers back and he’s brought a friend. Can Sutton and his law enforcement friends find her before it’s too late?
I was lucky enough to recieve this book as an ARC and am leaving an honest review. This was my first read from A.M Wilson and I loved the mix of romance/chemistry, found family and the dark and twisty scenes. This book was very well written with open door spicy scenes. I’m excited to see what comes next in the Stone Series.
May 22, 2026
This book was absolutely impossible to put down for me. I devoured it in one sitting. I was sucked in to the story from the very first line and it kept me interested until the last word was read. I adore a thrill with my romance and this book did not disappoint me on either front. Alice and Sutton were very compelling characters and you couldn’t help but get invested in their story. Watching their relationship grow and change throughout the book was endearing and entertaining. Their connection and chemistry felt genuine and raw. It never once felt overdone or dramatic in a negative way. And the way Sutton was able to help Alice learn to trust again and to let people in warmed my heart. But honestly what really clinched this story was Nellie and her relationships with both Sutton and Alice. It was interesting to see how her connection to Alice impacted the way Sutton and Alice interacted. I loved the vulnerability and genuine care we got to see with regard to Nellie. It really pulls at the heartstrings of the reader. It was truly refreshing to see open and honest communication between characters, and to see Nellie being considered and included in things. This book is full of intrigue and tension and mystery and heat. And no one part overtook the others. We got a balanced narrative that gave us banter coupled with seriousness. It left me feeling emotionally wrung out and satisfied all at the same time. I couldn’t have imagined a better ending.
May 21, 2026
4.25 stars
"But you're allowed to be more than just funny." "Your emotions are not a burden."
Hot, single dad in his 40's who is a major rule follower and a bit of a no-nonsense guy gets a nanny who is in her 30's, a hot mess(and just plain hot), who doesn't seem to have a serious bone in her body. The banter is chefs kiss. The meet cute is a riot. It involves innuendo and handcuffs. The kid is adorable and the huge extended family is a trip down memory lane(if you've read the authors past series). Oh, and there is a farris wheel scene. 🫶
There was a little bit of mystery in this story and I had no clue who the problem was until it all came out. The chemisty and tension was good and it made this feel like a slow burn. I can't wait for the next brother to find a woman.
Overall, this was such a fun read, and had all the things I was craving. I finished it in less than 48hours. I just didn't want to stop reading.
I recieved this book as an ARC, but the review is completely independent and reflects my genuine opinions, thoughts, and feelings.
"But you're allowed to be more than just funny." "Your emotions are not a burden."
Hot, single dad in his 40's who is a major rule follower and a bit of a no-nonsense guy gets a nanny who is in her 30's, a hot mess(and just plain hot), who doesn't seem to have a serious bone in her body. The banter is chefs kiss. The meet cute is a riot. It involves innuendo and handcuffs. The kid is adorable and the huge extended family is a trip down memory lane(if you've read the authors past series). Oh, and there is a farris wheel scene. 🫶
There was a little bit of mystery in this story and I had no clue who the problem was until it all came out. The chemisty and tension was good and it made this feel like a slow burn. I can't wait for the next brother to find a woman.
Overall, this was such a fun read, and had all the things I was craving. I finished it in less than 48hours. I just didn't want to stop reading.
I recieved this book as an ARC, but the review is completely independent and reflects my genuine opinions, thoughts, and feelings.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 stars
Sutton and Alice
Family secrets
Small town romance
Grumpy x sunshine
Opposites attract
Boss x nanny
Age gap
Such a fun, quick read.
I wasn’t sure how this was going to go, because the grumpy x sunshine was overpowering, and she was just too darn happy! I resonated hard with the grumpy vibes in those early interactions.
A lot of tension, a stalker, a protective MMC, a slow-burning change in feelings…. I loved every scene with his daughter (Eleanor/Nellie-Jo/Nelly), and her bond with Alice was gorgeous.
Thanks, A. M. Wilson for the advanced copy!
Sutton and Alice
Family secrets
Small town romance
Grumpy x sunshine
Opposites attract
Boss x nanny
Age gap
Such a fun, quick read.
I wasn’t sure how this was going to go, because the grumpy x sunshine was overpowering, and she was just too darn happy! I resonated hard with the grumpy vibes in those early interactions.
A lot of tension, a stalker, a protective MMC, a slow-burning change in feelings…. I loved every scene with his daughter (Eleanor/Nellie-Jo/Nelly), and her bond with Alice was gorgeous.
Thanks, A. M. Wilson for the advanced copy!
May 20, 2026
I adored reading Denial. A.M. Wilson has a knack for writing small town, found families in a way that just hits you in the feels. She’s a pro at balancing the romance, spicy times with a bit of suspense thrown in. Alice and Sutton were both great characters and I loved seeing their connection grow. Their personalities were very different yet they just fit. Then throwing in little Nellie and their interactions together and it just made for some beautiful scenes. I loved seeing characters from the other books, especially book 1 of this series. I’m super excited to see what’s next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh my god this book was incredible! I have no been so hooked by a book in so long and this was a perfect one to catch my attention. The writing is incredible, the characters are so well detailed I feel like I know them personally, and the plot is incredible and never drags on! It has amazing plot twists you will not see coming. I honestly was hooked by the end of the prologue and couldn’t put it down. I haven’t stayed up all night reading in so long, but this one was worth it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sutton and Alice's backstories and interactions drag you in from the first moment. I love how all of the characters are so well rounded that you can understand their perspectives and their thoughts on Sutton and Alice without reading the other books in the series. I loved the found family aspect of the book and how Sutton shows he cares about Alice and her diabetes even before he admits his feelings. Overall this book is a must read if you love romantic suspense!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sutton is a grumpy sheriff and single dad. Alice, new to town trying to escape her past, is a sunshine nanny. Polar opposites that annoy each other until they don't! A bit of a wait for the spice but well worth it. Wasn't expecting the craziness towards the end but just added to the amazingness of the story. I loved this book so much!
May 22, 2026
I absolutely devoured Alice and Sutton's book. From their hysterical meet cute, to her becoming his nanny without so much as his permission. And Sutton's daughter Eleanor was the best child character I've read in a long time! As a recently new fan to A.M.'s writing, I was so excited that I just finished Revival not too long ago, so I could revisit the Stone brother's!
Review of advance copy received from Author
So, so good. Sutton and Alice are incredible! Nellie was super sweet and totally adorable. The story moved along at a perfect pace. I liked the inclusion of the characters from Powell Brothers series.
May 20, 2026
I really enjoyed Alice, Sutton and Nellie. I loved the banter between Alice and Sutton. I liked the way their relationship slowly changed. I enjoyed the slight suspense and thought the storyline was really good. Overall it was a really good read I had a hard time putting down.
Review of advance copy
Past Coming Back
Alice is looking for a fresh start after being harassed. Meeting Sutton was initially met with contention but it all works out when she ends up becoming his daughters nanny. This story was suspenseful and surprising as well as a little steamy. I really enjoyed thisnread.
I am voluntarily leaving this review.
Alice is looking for a fresh start after being harassed. Meeting Sutton was initially met with contention but it all works out when she ends up becoming his daughters nanny. This story was suspenseful and surprising as well as a little steamy. I really enjoyed thisnread.
I am voluntarily leaving this review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rtc
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love this book so much! Alice and Sutton's characters were perfect for each other. I love getting to hang out with the other characters from previous books. The plot was amazing. I finished the book in one sitting. Definitely recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sutton is such a grump and I love it! I genuinely really liked Alice also, especially the bond she develops with Ellie. The little bit of suspense added fit so well. Also getting more of the Powell family and just the whole group!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews