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Fate #1
A Charming Kiss
A stranded woman, a reluctant hero, and a moment that changes everything.Heidi was looking for a fresh start. Her ex-boyfriend, her job—everything had fallen apart, leaving her struggling to pick up the pieces of her life. She just wanted to find a place she could call home, a place to fit in.
One spare.
Two flats.
Three miles to the next town, according to a weathered sign on the side of the road…
Being stranded wasn’t part of the plan.
Then again, neither were the flashing red and blue lights in her rearview mirror.
Insert one proud, small-town police officer with an obnoxious swagger mixed with a devastating smile, like he’s just found his newest entertainment for the afternoon. An untimely misstep, a rescue she never anticipated, and an offer that leaves Heidi second-guessing everything now.
Maybe Fate isn’t just a place you pass through…
It’s where everything begins.
***
If you’re drawn to small-town coziness, heartfelt friendships, and romances that leave you breathless, the town of Fate is ready to welcome you. And if the Flyboys series made your heart soar with its found family and deep connections, you’ll adore this hidden gem of a town—where love lingers, friendships run deep, and every story feels like coming home.
One spare.
Two flats.
Three miles to the next town, according to a weathered sign on the side of the road…
Being stranded wasn’t part of the plan.
Then again, neither were the flashing red and blue lights in her rearview mirror.
Insert one proud, small-town police officer with an obnoxious swagger mixed with a devastating smile, like he’s just found his newest entertainment for the afternoon. An untimely misstep, a rescue she never anticipated, and an offer that leaves Heidi second-guessing everything now.
Maybe Fate isn’t just a place you pass through…
It’s where everything begins.
***
If you’re drawn to small-town coziness, heartfelt friendships, and romances that leave you breathless, the town of Fate is ready to welcome you. And if the Flyboys series made your heart soar with its found family and deep connections, you’ll adore this hidden gem of a town—where love lingers, friendships run deep, and every story feels like coming home.
- GenresContemporary
212 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 28, 2026
About the author
Ginny Sterling
465 books755 followersGinny Sterling writes sweet, clean, closed-door romance with small-town charm and heartfelt emotion. From cozy communities to closed-door hockey romance, her stories feature cinnamon roll heroes, meaningful connections, and uplifting happily-ever-afters—perfect for readers who love wholesome, feel-good love stories.
https://linktr.ee/ginny_sterling
Closed-door love stories | Small-town romance | Hockey heroes 🏒 Cinnamon roll men.
Real emotions.
Happily ever afters.
ALWAYS.
https://linktr.ee/ginny_sterling
Closed-door love stories | Small-town romance | Hockey heroes 🏒 Cinnamon roll men.
Real emotions.
Happily ever afters.
ALWAYS.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 28, 2026
Absolutely loved this one! A fantastic start to the new town of Fate, Texas in the Ginny-verse! Loved Heidi and Jack together! And always a favorite of mine, crossovers from the neighboring towns and past characters showed up! Jack was a sweetie, content in his life and taking care of his grandma, he was such a good guy for Heidi.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Let me get myself off of the floor, after laughing hysterically, now that I have finished this wonderful book. I have laughed until I cried. My husband thought I was losing my mind several times. This author really knows how to tickle the funny bone, and she hit a homerun with this one.
Heidi is on the run from her life. Her life has fallen apart at the seams, and she has no direction of where she is going. She just knows she needs to get away. However, getting away did not include ending up stranded on the side of the road in a tiny, and I do mean tiny, town known as Fate. Now to add insult to injury there are blue lights behind her.
Officer Jack Chance sees Heidi on the side of the road and stops to offer assistance. He gets a little more than he bargained for when he approaches Ms. Attitude. Their first meeting is a little crappy and definitely memorable.
I wanted to smack Heidi on the head. Her attitude stunk to high heaven, and this lady needed to learn some manners. But good old Jack just lets it roll off. I had to applaud him because she speared him with some nasty comments about his little slice of heaven known as Fate. She needs some lessons in humility, which she is going to learn about when she meets Jack's grandmother, lovingly known as Mimi. But don't let the grandmotherly look fool you. She has a mouth on her too. Heidi has met her match in a verbal duel.
There were so many great scenes in this book. Jelly shoes, spicy okra pickles, Princess Poo and her dirty little shoe, no ATM and no cell phone coverage (are you kidding) are just a few of the things that started this story off on the right foot (or wrong foot according to Heidi as she thinks she is in a hot place with "no flames or pitchforks"). Laughter really is the best medicine, and I got this in spades reading this book.
Romantic comedies are good for the heart, and this book will fill your heart to the brim with laughter and swoon to boot.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Heidi is on the run from her life. Her life has fallen apart at the seams, and she has no direction of where she is going. She just knows she needs to get away. However, getting away did not include ending up stranded on the side of the road in a tiny, and I do mean tiny, town known as Fate. Now to add insult to injury there are blue lights behind her.
Officer Jack Chance sees Heidi on the side of the road and stops to offer assistance. He gets a little more than he bargained for when he approaches Ms. Attitude. Their first meeting is a little crappy and definitely memorable.
I wanted to smack Heidi on the head. Her attitude stunk to high heaven, and this lady needed to learn some manners. But good old Jack just lets it roll off. I had to applaud him because she speared him with some nasty comments about his little slice of heaven known as Fate. She needs some lessons in humility, which she is going to learn about when she meets Jack's grandmother, lovingly known as Mimi. But don't let the grandmotherly look fool you. She has a mouth on her too. Heidi has met her match in a verbal duel.
There were so many great scenes in this book. Jelly shoes, spicy okra pickles, Princess Poo and her dirty little shoe, no ATM and no cell phone coverage (are you kidding) are just a few of the things that started this story off on the right foot (or wrong foot according to Heidi as she thinks she is in a hot place with "no flames or pitchforks"). Laughter really is the best medicine, and I got this in spades reading this book.
Romantic comedies are good for the heart, and this book will fill your heart to the brim with laughter and swoon to boot.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 29, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️
What a great book to start off a new series from Ginny Sterling. A Charming Kiss is book 1 in her new series, FATE. If you love sweet romance, swoony kisses, and amazing characters this book is for you. If you loved Ginny’s other series, Flyboys, this book is for you. I didn’t want to stop reading as I was fully invested in our MCs story. I love that Ginny always brings moments in her book that make you laugh, tear up, and sigh happily.
Heidi needs to run away from her life. She needs to start over in every way, but doesn’t know where to go. So she just starts driving. She finds her way to a small town of Fate, but becomes stranded on the road. She is trying to determine what to do when flashing blue lights show up behind her. Their introduction doesn’t go well at all.
Jack isn’t sure why the woman he was pulling over to help has an attitude with him. But she needs help and he is a man of the law, and was raised right, so he does his job. Once the attitude lessens, he finds he rather likes being around Heidi. He is determined to help her find her joy again and bring her back to life. With his impossible to not love grandma by his side, he can’t lose.
Having tie-ins to a previous series, you also get to see past characters. It is the perfect collision of old and new. Watching Heidi and Jack open up to each other and allow the other in, their attraction grows deeper and deeper. As Heidi finds a place to call home, Jack helps her find the person to call home. This story was so romantic!!
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
💚Fresh Start
💋Blind Trust
💚Swoony Kisses
💋He Falls First
💚Small Town Romance
💋Closed Door Romance
What a great book to start off a new series from Ginny Sterling. A Charming Kiss is book 1 in her new series, FATE. If you love sweet romance, swoony kisses, and amazing characters this book is for you. If you loved Ginny’s other series, Flyboys, this book is for you. I didn’t want to stop reading as I was fully invested in our MCs story. I love that Ginny always brings moments in her book that make you laugh, tear up, and sigh happily.
Heidi needs to run away from her life. She needs to start over in every way, but doesn’t know where to go. So she just starts driving. She finds her way to a small town of Fate, but becomes stranded on the road. She is trying to determine what to do when flashing blue lights show up behind her. Their introduction doesn’t go well at all.
Jack isn’t sure why the woman he was pulling over to help has an attitude with him. But she needs help and he is a man of the law, and was raised right, so he does his job. Once the attitude lessens, he finds he rather likes being around Heidi. He is determined to help her find her joy again and bring her back to life. With his impossible to not love grandma by his side, he can’t lose.
Having tie-ins to a previous series, you also get to see past characters. It is the perfect collision of old and new. Watching Heidi and Jack open up to each other and allow the other in, their attraction grows deeper and deeper. As Heidi finds a place to call home, Jack helps her find the person to call home. This story was so romantic!!
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
💚Fresh Start
💋Blind Trust
💚Swoony Kisses
💋He Falls First
💚Small Town Romance
💋Closed Door Romance
Review of advance copy received from Author
OMG I was dying from laughter as soon as I started this book. Jack & Heidi were such fun characters. You will also fall in love with Jacks' grandma! She was a sweetheart and had me laughing! This book will make you laugh out loud, smile like crazy, swooning like a fool and leaving you wanting more!!
Heidi has one heck of a welcome to Fate but Jack and his Grandma will make sure she feels at home in this town. I loved how these two taker her under their wings and help her to see what she was actually missing in life.
Fate is definitely on their side and Ginny will take you on a fun little ride with Jack & Heidi! Plus if you are a Ginny fan and have ever been to Ember Creek, Tyler and Yonder then you will recognize a few some of the pop up characters! I LOVE when we get to reconnect with characters. This is the perfect sweet romance that will make you happy and feel all the love! I HIGHLY recommend this book!
Thank you Ginny Sterling for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion.
Heidi has one heck of a welcome to Fate but Jack and his Grandma will make sure she feels at home in this town. I loved how these two taker her under their wings and help her to see what she was actually missing in life.
Fate is definitely on their side and Ginny will take you on a fun little ride with Jack & Heidi! Plus if you are a Ginny fan and have ever been to Ember Creek, Tyler and Yonder then you will recognize a few some of the pop up characters! I LOVE when we get to reconnect with characters. This is the perfect sweet romance that will make you happy and feel all the love! I HIGHLY recommend this book!
Thank you Ginny Sterling for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion.
May 3, 2026
This was a fun book. I wasn’t sure what to exactly expect but it turned out cute. A Charming Kiss is the first book in Ginny Sterling’s new series, Fate series. The characters were interesting and I wanted to see how they would end up together.
Both Heidi and Jack were unique and truly their own persons. They had to grow on me a bit though. Heidi was running from her past life and just trying to figure things out. Jack was happy where he was but he was looking for a partner. It was interesting to see them interact and fall in love. It was a faced paced book but it fit the characters. Jack came on a bit strong but he was the perfect match for Heidi.
I love how Jack supported Heidi and she could be herself with him. Heidi also brought joy and purpose into Jack’s life. This was a closed door romantic comedy. I would recommend it to those who are looking for a low stress read.
I received a complimentary copy
Both Heidi and Jack were unique and truly their own persons. They had to grow on me a bit though. Heidi was running from her past life and just trying to figure things out. Jack was happy where he was but he was looking for a partner. It was interesting to see them interact and fall in love. It was a faced paced book but it fit the characters. Jack came on a bit strong but he was the perfect match for Heidi.
I love how Jack supported Heidi and she could be herself with him. Heidi also brought joy and purpose into Jack’s life. This was a closed door romantic comedy. I would recommend it to those who are looking for a low stress read.
I received a complimentary copy
April 29, 2026
What a fun series starter from Ginny Sterling! With a little crossover from the beloved Flyboys and Baird Farm, the community of Fate is introduced with a bang! Or, two flat tires and a pile of poo.
The fun thing with small…very small…town is everyone knows everyone and all their business, the personalities are big, distinct, and not likely to change. But with that, there’s sometimes a different level of commitment. That comes into play with our dear Jack and Heidi in A Charming Kiss.
Grab your copy today and be ready for big feelings, a lot of snark, a woman at the end of her rope, an MMC who puts it all on the line, emotional healing, grit, determination, a slower way of living and fresh starts with a big happily ever after at the end.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thoughts and opinions are my own.
The fun thing with small…very small…town is everyone knows everyone and all their business, the personalities are big, distinct, and not likely to change. But with that, there’s sometimes a different level of commitment. That comes into play with our dear Jack and Heidi in A Charming Kiss.
Grab your copy today and be ready for big feelings, a lot of snark, a woman at the end of her rope, an MMC who puts it all on the line, emotional healing, grit, determination, a slower way of living and fresh starts with a big happily ever after at the end.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 ⭐ Ginny Sterling masterfully creates a Mayberry-type small town in Fate, Texas as the backdrop for this he-falls-first (and hard) story.
The roadside meet-cute is hilarious, and the fact that Jack keeps showing up in ways that are small, but impactful was quite the swoon. Heidi was pushed so far out of her comfort zone by the lack of internet and cell coverage, no ATM, poop covered shoe, and a guy who is just being nice because he likes you. I love how Jack and grandma were separately (and together) scheming to get Heidi to stay.
If you're looking for a laugh, a redemptive story, and a man who knows how to treat a woman and his family, this is a hilarious, sweet read!
Thanks to Ginny Sterling and Luna Blooms PR for this ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.
The roadside meet-cute is hilarious, and the fact that Jack keeps showing up in ways that are small, but impactful was quite the swoon. Heidi was pushed so far out of her comfort zone by the lack of internet and cell coverage, no ATM, poop covered shoe, and a guy who is just being nice because he likes you. I love how Jack and grandma were separately (and together) scheming to get Heidi to stay.
If you're looking for a laugh, a redemptive story, and a man who knows how to treat a woman and his family, this is a hilarious, sweet read!
Thanks to Ginny Sterling and Luna Blooms PR for this ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.
April 28, 2026
Nobody does banter like Ginny Sterling! This book had me in stitches from the start. From cow pies to a feisty Mimi, to was laughing and swooning through the whole story! Jack is hysterical, Heidi is so strong, but doesn’t quite know it, and the whole town is full of crazy characters. The happily ever after was so swoons, but I’m a little salty over that cliffhanger ending! I cannot wait to read book two!
April 29, 2026
Can be read as a standalone but does have characters that overlap with her other books.
Ginny mixed multiple genres/tropes with this one.
Opposites attract
Love at first sight for him almost to the level found in most shifter fated mate books.
Cinnamon roll on the outside/ alpha male inside
Trust issues fear of relationships
Confrontational on the outside/ broken on the inside
Can't wait for the next book.
Ginny mixed multiple genres/tropes with this one.
Opposites attract
Love at first sight for him almost to the level found in most shifter fated mate books.
Cinnamon roll on the outside/ alpha male inside
Trust issues fear of relationships
Confrontational on the outside/ broken on the inside
Can't wait for the next book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
New series by Ginny Sterling.
If you’re looking for Flyboys or hot firefighters, this isn’t that. However, if you’re ready for “Redneck” people and a town in the middle of nowhere with Yonder down the road a piece, this is a series for you.
Fun, inspirational story and characters.
*I received this as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.
If you’re looking for Flyboys or hot firefighters, this isn’t that. However, if you’re ready for “Redneck” people and a town in the middle of nowhere with Yonder down the road a piece, this is a series for you.
Fun, inspirational story and characters.
*I received this as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A cute book with the cutest characters in the cutest town! Another great book by Ginny! I was smiling and laughing the entire time. Mimi was a hoot and Jack was such a great character. Heidi was perfect and I loved the stubbornness and sass. The small town was the perfect setting for this story. I’m definitely ready to stay in Fate for a while and meet all the people!
May 5, 2026
Cute
Like all Ginny Sterlings books love comes out of no where and strikes suddenly. I liked Chance but I admit I didn't love the heroine, her I hate this place attitude changed a bit abruptly for me. But for a short cute boy meets girl romance I can't complain much and I'll likely read the next one.
Like all Ginny Sterlings books love comes out of no where and strikes suddenly. I liked Chance but I admit I didn't love the heroine, her I hate this place attitude changed a bit abruptly for me. But for a short cute boy meets girl romance I can't complain much and I'll likely read the next one.
April 28, 2026
Read it in a day
Enjoyable. Ginny is a good storyteller. If you are not old enough to remember life before cell phones be sure to read this book. Looking forward to reading about more of the townsfolk
Enjoyable. Ginny is a good storyteller. If you are not old enough to remember life before cell phones be sure to read this book. Looking forward to reading about more of the townsfolk
May 7, 2026
3.25-3.5☆
This book will be great for you if you're a fan of Hallmark style love stories. While this ended up not being a story for me, as I like more slow burn and this felt more instalove, the story was cute and there were plenty of funny moments. This story has a "typical" small town romance vibe and has some great descriptive details. I did enjoy the story more around the 35-40% mark when the MMC backed off a little on pushing for a relationship and they were able to have real conversations more like friends do.
I did like this quote, as so many can relate:
"I never imagined starting over could be like this... and I never imagined someone like you."
This book will be great for you if you're a fan of Hallmark style love stories. While this ended up not being a story for me, as I like more slow burn and this felt more instalove, the story was cute and there were plenty of funny moments. This story has a "typical" small town romance vibe and has some great descriptive details. I did enjoy the story more around the 35-40% mark when the MMC backed off a little on pushing for a relationship and they were able to have real conversations more like friends do.
I did like this quote, as so many can relate:
"I never imagined starting over could be like this... and I never imagined someone like you."
May 10, 2026
Wow!! What a read.
This is a marvelous read of a small town romance of Jack and Heidi's journey to their happy everafter. The storyline is fantastic and incredible along with very interesting and heartfelt characters. It is also a page turner read.
This is a marvelous read of a small town romance of Jack and Heidi's journey to their happy everafter. The storyline is fantastic and incredible along with very interesting and heartfelt characters. It is also a page turner read.
May 13, 2026
Leave It To Chance
Heidi was stranded in the middle of nowhere. Officer Jack Chance was her rescuer, but she was having none of it nor him. This is the sweetest story of a small town with the best bantering, dialogs, and hilarious flirting.
Heidi was stranded in the middle of nowhere. Officer Jack Chance was her rescuer, but she was having none of it nor him. This is the sweetest story of a small town with the best bantering, dialogs, and hilarious flirting.
May 21, 2026
This is the first book I have read by this author and it won’t be the last. The characters feel like family and you only want to learn more. It made me laugh it made me want to shake some sense into a character it entertained me
Review of advance copy received from Author
Loved it! Super romantic, heartfelt, and so fun-to-read. Adorable characters..
Review of advance copy received from Author
Such a fun start to a new small town romance series! Jack is such a lovely match for Heidi…it was so sweet!
April 29, 2026
10 stars
I would give this book 10 stars if I could!! The sass, the flirting, and sweet snarky Gram make this a winner in my book. I absolutely cannot wait for the next book!
I would give this book 10 stars if I could!! The sass, the flirting, and sweet snarky Gram make this a winner in my book. I absolutely cannot wait for the next book!
April 29, 2026
A very small town vibe. This was a quick read but I really enjoyed it. Our FMC leaves her home town and gets stranded in the small town of Fate, TX. She really gets intertwined in the town, falls in love, loses her job but gains so much. I really enjoyed this.
May 11, 2026
I loved this book and that teaser for book 2 leaves me wanting more . This book shows you that finding the one you are meant to find can be found when you least expect it.
Her life had completely fallen apart and had a different trajectory but maybe god had different plans for her life. Having her car break down in a town called fate and a guy with the last name chance . I wonder if it is a signal . The found family and small knit community makes you feel like you are home. A guy who has true morals on how to treat a lady and sweep her off her feet.
If you like no spice romance than go read on ku
Her life had completely fallen apart and had a different trajectory but maybe god had different plans for her life. Having her car break down in a town called fate and a guy with the last name chance . I wonder if it is a signal . The found family and small knit community makes you feel like you are home. A guy who has true morals on how to treat a lady and sweep her off her feet.
If you like no spice romance than go read on ku
May 12, 2026
Ooh I am absolutely loving this series! What a great way to start it and I love that Fate is close to Yonder and the Flyboys and Ember Creek!
If it’s a small town romance, I am always here for it and all its charm. Heidi ends up stranded in Fate when she gets two flat tires and doesn’t exactly hit it off with Jack, the police officer who rescues her. Their barbs and banter had me rolling on the floor!
Seeing them transition from that to friends and then more was so sweet. Heidi fits right in and Jack’s grandmother and all of her antics, are a hoot! Jack and the entire town really came together and showed Heidi she fit right in with them. I’m looking forward to finding out more about the other residents!
If it’s a small town romance, I am always here for it and all its charm. Heidi ends up stranded in Fate when she gets two flat tires and doesn’t exactly hit it off with Jack, the police officer who rescues her. Their barbs and banter had me rolling on the floor!
Seeing them transition from that to friends and then more was so sweet. Heidi fits right in and Jack’s grandmother and all of her antics, are a hoot! Jack and the entire town really came together and showed Heidi she fit right in with them. I’m looking forward to finding out more about the other residents!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I've been waiting to go to Fate since I saw it mentioned in a previous book, and it's quite the charming town. Heidi and Jack meet in an unexpected, unfortunate way, but with the help of a sweet grandmother, they find their way to a happily ever after. I can't wait to see what happens next in Fate.
Thank you, Ginny, for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you, Ginny, for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely adore Jack & Heidi's fiery, caring, sweet, hopeful, loving ,swoony happily ever after!!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews