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Falling For My Orchard Enemy: A Sweet Small Town Forced Proximity Romance
149 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 20, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 20, 2026
Saving the Orchard and the Future . . .
Married for 8 years, Sloane Mackenzie's husband has died in an accident, leaving her to continue handling their apple orchard which has requirements that cannot be ignored or delayed. Grief, bankruptcy, and panic attacks still need to be dealt with, of course, but the orchard comes first. Friends tried to warn Sloane what was about to come her way, but she didn't want to hear it right now... a bad decision. After struggling before sunrise to barely manage placing a crate of 70 pounds of applies on a top shelf -- putting the crate on her own head since the pulley system was jammed -- she feels the table she is precariously standing on wobble then dump her backwards. Before she lands on the concrete, strong hands catch her in the air. She recognizes the face of the stranger who has been following her all over town and she suspects he is the man she has been trying to avoid. He identifies himself as Beckett Calloway ("Beck"), Jamie’s best friend from college days. Jamie had asked Beck to come here if anything ever happened to him. Beck hands her the paperwork where a valid agreement signed by Jamie grants Beckett Calloway forty percent ownership of Mackenzie Orchard in exchange for capital investment and an operational partnership. She has her lawyer review it. But it bothers her that Jaime never mentioned Beck's name even once. Could there be more secrets he never told her about? Then her lawyer reveals that Beckett did pay $50,000 to Jaime to pay for equipment, renovation, and the orchard's future. And Jaime used it on personal debts, credit cards, poker losses, and a few other upsetting expenses. With a foreclosure notice in her back pocket, there is nothing further that Sloane can do. Beck Calloway moves in during this critical harvest where she is risking everything. Will working together increase their awareness of each other? Can they rescue the orchard with a productive season? Or is Beck hiding something that might still have the power to change everything?
Married for 8 years, Sloane Mackenzie's husband has died in an accident, leaving her to continue handling their apple orchard which has requirements that cannot be ignored or delayed. Grief, bankruptcy, and panic attacks still need to be dealt with, of course, but the orchard comes first. Friends tried to warn Sloane what was about to come her way, but she didn't want to hear it right now... a bad decision. After struggling before sunrise to barely manage placing a crate of 70 pounds of applies on a top shelf -- putting the crate on her own head since the pulley system was jammed -- she feels the table she is precariously standing on wobble then dump her backwards. Before she lands on the concrete, strong hands catch her in the air. She recognizes the face of the stranger who has been following her all over town and she suspects he is the man she has been trying to avoid. He identifies himself as Beckett Calloway ("Beck"), Jamie’s best friend from college days. Jamie had asked Beck to come here if anything ever happened to him. Beck hands her the paperwork where a valid agreement signed by Jamie grants Beckett Calloway forty percent ownership of Mackenzie Orchard in exchange for capital investment and an operational partnership. She has her lawyer review it. But it bothers her that Jaime never mentioned Beck's name even once. Could there be more secrets he never told her about? Then her lawyer reveals that Beckett did pay $50,000 to Jaime to pay for equipment, renovation, and the orchard's future. And Jaime used it on personal debts, credit cards, poker losses, and a few other upsetting expenses. With a foreclosure notice in her back pocket, there is nothing further that Sloane can do. Beck Calloway moves in during this critical harvest where she is risking everything. Will working together increase their awareness of each other? Can they rescue the orchard with a productive season? Or is Beck hiding something that might still have the power to change everything?
June 25, 2026
Falling for my Orchard Enemy is a second chance at love that started ten years ago. When Beck shows up at Mackenzie Orchard with a manila folder holding 40% ownership of the orchard she has worked alone for the last two years. She lost her fireman husband saving a family two years ago that stopped her from leaving him. Jamie her husband had got into an awful lot of debt gambling that Sloane didn’t know about. She just felt like the eight year marriage was over and she had the papers already signed to give him but, it never had been the right time before he died. Now she has been the grieving widow of the town’s hero when she was carrying the knowledge that she would have already been gone if she had gave him the papers.
Beck tells her the reason he has 40% interest in the orchard is that Jamie and he were friends in college and they had not been in touch with each other after college until about 18 months before he died when he called to see if he could get money for improvements to the orchard business before he lost it. Beck gave him $50,000 for 40% of the operation. He just was giving Sloane time to get over losing Jamie before he showed up. Beck had been in love with Sloane back in college before he introduced her to Jamie. Ten years later he still is in love with Sloane and moves to the orchard to help make the harvest give as much as it can to prevent the pending foreclosure due in five weeks. Beck jumps in and with his help there is a chance they can avoid foreclosure. But will their hearts be able to handle the entire story of what went on ten years ago or why Jamie sold the share of the orchard behind Sloane’s back?
Beck tells her the reason he has 40% interest in the orchard is that Jamie and he were friends in college and they had not been in touch with each other after college until about 18 months before he died when he called to see if he could get money for improvements to the orchard business before he lost it. Beck gave him $50,000 for 40% of the operation. He just was giving Sloane time to get over losing Jamie before he showed up. Beck had been in love with Sloane back in college before he introduced her to Jamie. Ten years later he still is in love with Sloane and moves to the orchard to help make the harvest give as much as it can to prevent the pending foreclosure due in five weeks. Beck jumps in and with his help there is a chance they can avoid foreclosure. But will their hearts be able to handle the entire story of what went on ten years ago or why Jamie sold the share of the orchard behind Sloane’s back?
June 20, 2026
This author layers her stories with deeper meanings that make each book a journey of discovery. In this case the evolution of a family orchard harvest resembles the evolution of Sloane as she discovers secrets kept by her late husband.
Beck met Sloane first a decade before and has loved her ever since. He stepped back as his best friend Jamie pursued her. He purchased 40% of Sloane’s family orchard when Jamie asked for capital unbeknownst to Sloane. This results in the forced proximity aspect of this story when he arrives to claim his interest as she is facing foreclosure.
Beck accepts the room in the barn and quietly helps Sloane in ways she didn’t know she needed. Each of them grapples with their secrets and the guilt until they find the strength to face them.
I love the detailed descriptions of the orchard that made it so easy to visualize. I respect both Sloane and Beck. Her for the determination to keep her family legacy and him for stepping aside due to friendship but showing up when needed most.
I am looking forward to the last member of the Willowbrook Widows Club meeting her match.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Beck met Sloane first a decade before and has loved her ever since. He stepped back as his best friend Jamie pursued her. He purchased 40% of Sloane’s family orchard when Jamie asked for capital unbeknownst to Sloane. This results in the forced proximity aspect of this story when he arrives to claim his interest as she is facing foreclosure.
Beck accepts the room in the barn and quietly helps Sloane in ways she didn’t know she needed. Each of them grapples with their secrets and the guilt until they find the strength to face them.
I love the detailed descriptions of the orchard that made it so easy to visualize. I respect both Sloane and Beck. Her for the determination to keep her family legacy and him for stepping aside due to friendship but showing up when needed most.
I am looking forward to the last member of the Willowbrook Widows Club meeting her match.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 30, 2026
Well-Written but Emotionally Stunted: It’s Just Okay
For a book that is objectively well-written, it sure does induce a high amount of unnecessary anxiety.
While the depiction of grief is understandable, the plot hinge of a husband stupid enough to hide massive financial secrets from his wife is a tough pill to swallow. Trust issues are a logical byproduct of that kind of betrayal, but Sloane’s defense mechanism of choice—pushing everyone away and being outright unpleasant to even her own support system—makes her incredibly difficult to root for.
Then there is Beck, who seems entirely hopeless. Walking away from the college love of your life to let your best friend have her is one thing. Cutting off communication entirely, only to resurface when asked to help with an orchard, is another. Let’s not even dwell on the sheer audacity of what Jaime actually did with the money Beck gave him; it’s a level of financial mismanagement that drains the romance right out of the room.
Ultimately, whenever the characters start to approach any genuine emotional depth, the author yanks the leash to force the plot forward. If you’re waiting for a satisfying romantic payoff, lower your expectations: instead of a hard-earned "I love you," we are forced to settle for a lukewarm "Stay."
For a book that is objectively well-written, it sure does induce a high amount of unnecessary anxiety.
While the depiction of grief is understandable, the plot hinge of a husband stupid enough to hide massive financial secrets from his wife is a tough pill to swallow. Trust issues are a logical byproduct of that kind of betrayal, but Sloane’s defense mechanism of choice—pushing everyone away and being outright unpleasant to even her own support system—makes her incredibly difficult to root for.
Then there is Beck, who seems entirely hopeless. Walking away from the college love of your life to let your best friend have her is one thing. Cutting off communication entirely, only to resurface when asked to help with an orchard, is another. Let’s not even dwell on the sheer audacity of what Jaime actually did with the money Beck gave him; it’s a level of financial mismanagement that drains the romance right out of the room.
Ultimately, whenever the characters start to approach any genuine emotional depth, the author yanks the leash to force the plot forward. If you’re waiting for a satisfying romantic payoff, lower your expectations: instead of a hard-earned "I love you," we are forced to settle for a lukewarm "Stay."
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of an advance reader copy received from the author.
This is a sweet second chance story about Sloane and Beck.
They initially met at a party when in college 10 years ago. But Beck's friend Jamie managed to steal Sloane's heart and Beck was man enough to just walk away even though it made him unhappy.
But two years ago Jamie's secrets were tearing apart his marriage to Sloane. Those secrets were ruining the orchard they owned and Sloane thought she knew enough to warrant leaving Jamie.
But now Beck is at her door with a Manila folder saying he owns 40% of the orchard, but does he actually own Sloane's heart?
I have given four stars, we learn some of the background to how they met in college but I wanted to know more about Jamie and how his secrets were ruining the orchard. I also took a while to get into the story.
Beck is quiet, thoughtful and patient. He has waited 10 years for Sloane.
Sloane is angry and struggling with her guilt.
Can they both see they are perfect together? Can they take a leap of faith and find true happiness?
This is a sweet second chance story about Sloane and Beck.
They initially met at a party when in college 10 years ago. But Beck's friend Jamie managed to steal Sloane's heart and Beck was man enough to just walk away even though it made him unhappy.
But two years ago Jamie's secrets were tearing apart his marriage to Sloane. Those secrets were ruining the orchard they owned and Sloane thought she knew enough to warrant leaving Jamie.
But now Beck is at her door with a Manila folder saying he owns 40% of the orchard, but does he actually own Sloane's heart?
I have given four stars, we learn some of the background to how they met in college but I wanted to know more about Jamie and how his secrets were ruining the orchard. I also took a while to get into the story.
Beck is quiet, thoughtful and patient. He has waited 10 years for Sloane.
Sloane is angry and struggling with her guilt.
Can they both see they are perfect together? Can they take a leap of faith and find true happiness?
July 25, 2026
I felt sorry for Beck Calloway when he let his BFF Jamie steal Sloane away from him at the college party. Then Jamie and Sloane get married and Beck still is left wondering if 10 years ago he should have claimed Sloane for himself. Then Jamie writes to Beck and legally gives him 40% of their apple orchard for $50K to use on tools and upgrades at the orchard. But Jamie uses the $$ to pay off debts. Then as a firefighter Jamie loses his life in a house fire while saving that family. Sloane never told anyone that she had signed separation papers and kept them after Jamie died. Two years later Beck shows up at the orchard with the legal paper granting him 40% of the orchard. He wants to help Sloane save her orchard from foreclosure. He sleeps in the barn loft and she sleeps in the guest room in the farmhouse...For 6 weeks they work side by side picking apples, making cider and preparing for the Festival. When Sloane finds photos and a note to Jamie from Beck in Jamie's office drawer, she faces Beck and asks him Beck to leave for a few days. All will be revealed at the Festival.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sloane is struggling to keep her apple orchard going. She’s strong, independent, and doesn’t like asking for help. When Beckett (Beck) shows up claiming to be her deceased husband’s best friend and is carrying a valid claim for a share of the orchard, Sloane is shocked. She just doesn’t have time to deal with it right now. She’s got to save the orchard. If Beck can help her do that, she’ll give him the chance. The possibility of losing the orchard isn’t the only issue she’s dealing with. She’s been keeping a secret for the past two years.
The forced proximity of having to work with Beck on a daily basis reveals an attraction Sloane wasn’t looking for, but she can sense that Beck is hiding something. Beck’s secret has the power to change their lives forever.
A sweet, clean read full of grief, guilt, secrets, hope, second chances, and new beginnings.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The forced proximity of having to work with Beck on a daily basis reveals an attraction Sloane wasn’t looking for, but she can sense that Beck is hiding something. Beck’s secret has the power to change their lives forever.
A sweet, clean read full of grief, guilt, secrets, hope, second chances, and new beginnings.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 20, 2026
Dialogue as crisp as the apples being harvested
Sloane, working to keep her family orchard afloat by herself since the death of her husband, Jamie, two years previously, is outraged when Beck arrives, claiming 40% ownership of the property.
This is an intuitive novella, burrowing deep into each character’s thoughts, with penetrating dialogue that exposes Sloane and Beck to each other and acute perception by Sloane’s friends of her needs, albeit without knowing her deepest and, to her, most shameful secret.
Although this is a stand-alone story, it would be beneficial to read Books 1 and 2 in the series, if only to learn the backstories and gain understanding of the group who call themselves the Widows of Willowbrook!
I received a free advance copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sloane, working to keep her family orchard afloat by herself since the death of her husband, Jamie, two years previously, is outraged when Beck arrives, claiming 40% ownership of the property.
This is an intuitive novella, burrowing deep into each character’s thoughts, with penetrating dialogue that exposes Sloane and Beck to each other and acute perception by Sloane’s friends of her needs, albeit without knowing her deepest and, to her, most shameful secret.
Although this is a stand-alone story, it would be beneficial to read Books 1 and 2 in the series, if only to learn the backstories and gain understanding of the group who call themselves the Widows of Willowbrook!
I received a free advance copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 22, 2026
I really enjoyed this book! Sloane is an orchard farmer who is trying to keep from going bankrupt. Her husband passed and left it in disarray and she is working hard to keep it afloat. Beck is a sweet guy who was her husband’s best friend. He has been in love with Sloane for a long time, and I loved his interactions with her. He truly wants to help her succeed, even if she doesn’t feel the way he does.
To me, the best part of this book besides the MCs was the side characters. I loved that we see characters like Gemma and Captain come back. The entire town is so supportive of Sloane, and I loved how even the older gentlemen knew how Beck felt before Sloane did. Beck’s sister was also a great addition. I loved how she told him what she thought, and didn’t sugarcoat it. I loved this series! Thank you Violet McBride for the Arc. The views are all my own.
To me, the best part of this book besides the MCs was the side characters. I loved that we see characters like Gemma and Captain come back. The entire town is so supportive of Sloane, and I loved how even the older gentlemen knew how Beck felt before Sloane did. Beck’s sister was also a great addition. I loved how she told him what she thought, and didn’t sugarcoat it. I loved this series! Thank you Violet McBride for the Arc. The views are all my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
“Falling for My Orchard Enemy” by Violet McBride
-A sweet and clean romance with lovable characters and a charming orchard setting. Sloane and Beck have great chemistry, and they grow closer as the story progresses. The story deals with grief, secrets, second chances, and new beginnings. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest feedback.
The small-town feel and the supportive side characters add warmth . Beck and Sloane are easy to like. A heartwarming read with a gentle romance and a happy ending. I highly recommend it.
-A sweet and clean romance with lovable characters and a charming orchard setting. Sloane and Beck have great chemistry, and they grow closer as the story progresses. The story deals with grief, secrets, second chances, and new beginnings. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest feedback.
The small-town feel and the supportive side characters add warmth . Beck and Sloane are easy to like. A heartwarming read with a gentle romance and a happy ending. I highly recommend it.
June 20, 2026
A truly heartwarming story with very likable main characters. Sloane finds Beck irritating at best. She searches for a way to break the agreement he shows her. For him it’s ten years of unrequited love. Really liked the dynamic between them from the first, they have ton of chemistry. Loved the scene when the cider press blew a gasket and they both got covered in apple juice and pulp. I enjoy Violet McBride’s writing style, and know when I pick up one of her books I will not be disappointed. This book was no different, a wonderful way to spend a summer afternoon.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was an awesome read. Beck gets his second chance at love with Sloane. After meeting her first he steps aside to let his best friend Jamie have her. When a disaster hits him, she needed help with the orchard. Both of them stepped up for each other and stayed true to their hearts. This was a clean, sweet and gentle relationship that will pull at your heartstrings and make you feel special. No disappointments whatsoever in this book
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was my first story by this author.
I initially had a hard time getting into the story.
Somewhere in the second chapter things sorted themselves out and it becomes a good story.
A widow of a deceased local hero struggles to keep her apple farm running.
Two years later, a friend of the deceased shows up with papers showing he legally owns 40% of the farm, and is now here to keep the farm from foreclosure.
Developed characters and a decent Sweet Romance.
I initially had a hard time getting into the story.
Somewhere in the second chapter things sorted themselves out and it becomes a good story.
A widow of a deceased local hero struggles to keep her apple farm running.
Two years later, a friend of the deceased shows up with papers showing he legally owns 40% of the farm, and is now here to keep the farm from foreclosure.
Developed characters and a decent Sweet Romance.
June 20, 2026
A very involved story of a widow and a man claiming joint ownership of her orchard. Great characters who have to figure out a way to save Sloane's orchard. Beck, the man claiming part ownership turns out to be very invested in her as well. As for as she is concerned he is an enemy. This author always write in a way that draws one in from the beginning. I loved the romantic interest and the fight they have together. They both have secrets even her dead husband. Great story with a happy ending.
June 24, 2026
Sloane is tired. Tired of trying to keep the family orchard going. Tired of being someone she's not. Tired of life, at times.
Beck has put his life on hold for over ten years. He is finally getting a chance to see what his life would be like if he didn't do something ten years earlier.
Can these two souls find a life they want to live?
This author truly builds her stories with deeper meaning as the story progresses.
Beck has put his life on hold for over ten years. He is finally getting a chance to see what his life would be like if he didn't do something ten years earlier.
Can these two souls find a life they want to live?
This author truly builds her stories with deeper meaning as the story progresses.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another great read from Violet! Gotta say this Seasons of Second Chances series is quickly becoming one of my favorites. Beck and Sloane....... work so well together even when Sloane is trying to not. Love how the other ladies in the group are calling it from the get-go and how Old Tom has insight too! Really enjoyed this 👌!
Thank you Violet and BookSprout for this early read opportunity!
Thank you Violet and BookSprout for this early read opportunity!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This second chance romance really got to my heart. The selfless guy and the stubborn girl. I really understood where she was coming from since I wouldn’t have wanted the help either. I loved this book just like I’ve loved the others from this author. I love how they’re good bite size pallet cleansers. I can’t wait for more.
June 21, 2026
I absolutely loved this book thank you to the author for letting me arc read this one! I loved a forced proximity trope and this one did not disappoint loved the banter between the characters and I can’t wait to read more by this author! I highly recommend this book it’s a very sweet clean romance this one is definitely for you!
June 22, 2026
A lovely gentle read, just right for a relaxing summers day. Although this is the third in the series and there were some references to the previous books none of it took anything away from this book, it read perfectly well as a standalone. I thought it started to wind down to the end quite a bit earlier than I was expecting and that is why I gave it 4* rather than 5*.
June 26, 2026
I was fortunate enough to receive this in advance from the author. This is a small town romance story that I really enjoyed. It is a quick read that made me feel relaxed and not in a hurry to finish. I was able to be in the story and enjoy my time there. If you are looking for a story that you can just be in and enjoy, this is the read for you.
June 24, 2026
Fun read, perfect for Fall. Sweet slow burn. Violet is one of my favorite authors and as usual did not disappoint.
August 4, 2026
Such a beautiful story of love and grief and patience! This is the third book in the Seasons of Second Chances series and I have loved them all!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a lovely read, well written and a great way with words. Sloanes thinking and keeping Becks at arms length. Each detail carefully written.
I really love Violet McBrides books.
I really love Violet McBrides books.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews