Zack Maynard likes to keep things simple in his small town: he runs his care home for the elderly, spends his evenings at his brother’s bar and climbs the hills and peaks of his area. His life is going just fine until Severton’s newest resident opens her hotel, steals his builders, complicates his Christmas and makes him crave more than just her baking.
Sorrell Slater thought she’d be starting her hotel with a husband; instead she’s in a new town, with a new business and trying to start a new life as a single woman, and she isn’t entirely sure she can do it. However, Severton isn’t a place that lets anyone struggle on their own, and Zack is more than happy to be her tour guide, making sure that both their Christmases sparkle. And as much as she tries to keep him in the friend zone, his persistent charm keeps ploughing through her barriers, right towards her heart.
But Severton is a town of secrets, ones that have been buried beneath the caves and peaks of the area. As independent as she’s become, this time Sorrell might just need Zack’s help to escape something deadlier than she thought a small town could hide.
Sleighed is the first book in the Severton Search & Rescue Series.
So, within the first chapter, I knew that Sleighed was going to be an interesting read. I didn't know if I should laugh at Zack or slap him upside the head. In the end, I chose to laugh at him, admire Sorrell and truly like both of these characters. But, nothing beat Jake throughout this story. He was hysterical. Now, don't get me wrong, this is Zack and Sorrell's love story, but, Jake added the laughter and took the drama down a notch. But, the story ended up being a mix of love and laughter, a little bit of suspense and a whole lot of smiles.
Zack and Sorrell started off on the wrong foot but slowly started to understand each other. As she started meeting the people of Severton, she started understanding why Zack came back and just what this little town has to offer. She also saw something in Zack that she never saw in another man … just how much he cares about family, friends, the elderly and her … he'll do anything for her, to protect her and to make her see that she belongs there, with him, forever.
Sleighed was an interesting story. I was a little thrown off with some of the “English” euphemisms. I also didn't feel that the story was a fluid as it could have been. But, the characters that Ms. Dyer wrote were wonderful. Zack, once he got over his dilemma, was quite charming and sweet. Sorrell was gracious and wonderful throughout the story. All the Maynard men were actually very nice … well, Scott was an enigma but I am sure we will hear more about him later. Then there were the girls, I guess we will find out about Ryana next and the feud between Scott and Keren should be interesting. The children were so cute and Grans and her posse were the life of the party. I'm looking forward to reading more about the residents of Severton. And, hoping that the Alpaca's are still wondering around wrecking havoc.
By the way, there is a free bonus Epilogue at the end of the book that is a must read. And, that's when I shed the tear.
This was such a great, I loved all the characters they had such great personalities that you get to know as the book goes and can't wait to learn even more about them in the next book. Zack is not impressed when his workers walk off the job he has them doing to build an extension to go work another one at the old care home thats being turned into a hotel. He lets Sorrell know about his displeasure and the fact she is ruining the residents at the care homes Xmas but also can't help but realise she is one pretty lady. Sorrell has been through a lot in the last few months and now not only is she doing up a hotel but also trying to fit in to the new small town she has moved to well at least until the hotel is up and running then shes selling it. Then there is Jake, Scott, Rayha and Keren whose banter and friendship (well most of them are friends lol) shows you how great small town living could be and makes you want to move there are meet them. The way Zack and Sorrell slowly get to know each other is great and feels so natural, there is hesitation, not wanting to get involved, mutual attraction and plenty of people happy to give them a helping hand in seeing whats in front of them. I can not wait to see what happens in the next book of this amazing wee town including what mischief the alpacas get up to next!
Annie Dyer is one of my go to authors. Smart, funny writing and well developed primary and secondary characters is why she tops my list of favorite authors. If you have read her books, you know that she seamlessly navigates both contemporary romance and crime fiction. Unlike the Callaghan Green series which is set in the bustling metropolis of London, this new series, Severton Search and Rescue, is set in the fictional small mountain town of Severton. Severton is not only steeped in tradition, but also filled with secrets. Book one, we are introduced to many of the residents of Severton, one of them being Zack Maynard. Zack runs a home for the elderly and enjoys the familiarity that comes from living in Severton. He has a reputation for being a grump and his grumpy side shines through when he meets Sorrell Slater, the American women who is opening the new hotel in town. Not only has she stolen his workers, but she is trying his patience.
Sorrell Slater never intended to be a hotelier. However circumstances brought her to this charming mountain town and she has her mind set on making a go of it. When sexy, swoony, grumpy pants Zack, barrels into her life, will she put the ghost from her past aside and let Zack into her heart? Set against a stunning, small town, mountain backdrop, Sleighed, pulled me in and didn't let go until the last page. I am looking forward to delving deeper into this delightfully intriguing series in books to come.
This read like a sweet Hallmark book, with the perfect amount of naughty, I adored it. Sorrell is fresh out of an engagement, thank goodness, and is starting over in a little town where she is opening up a hotel. Zack has grown up there and runs the nursing home. He and his family are also apart of the search and rescue team. These two meet when she takes some of his builders for a bit and he confronts her.
There are a lot of fun shenanigans with his family, his cousin Jake and his alpacas🤣...I can’t even. And of course all the nosy, but loving towns people. This was a safe read, no ow, they run into her ex, but she handles it. She is really hesitant since she dodged a a bad engagement, but he is crazy about her. These two really are sweet, with a nice slow burn. Once these two get together, they have some real heat. Along with the fun shenanigans, there is also a little mystery/suspense too, which I really liked. There is an epilogue and an hea. If you’d rather read a Hallmark movie...congratulations, this is the book for you...you’re welcome.
*I received an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. *
A brilliant new series, away from the flash and rush of London, in a beautiful town near Torn Cairn. Zack and Sorrell might be perfect for each other if they can keep from killing each other.
Zack finds out someone is building onto an old Hall after she steals his builders, offering 50%more than they're being paid if they can finish before Christmas.
Sorrell finds an angry Zack on her doorstep berating her for filching his builders. The builders he needed to have his Care home hall finished by Christmas. At first she only finds him slightly annoying, but later might have started plotting his death when she thought he kept back a set of keys to the Hall. Turns out he was only trying to return the set Sadie Grace stole because they were flashy and pretty.
After all this they finally get down to figuring out what they each want, and that the other might be able to provide.
Meeting the Maynard family, fun characters like Gran, and Keren, this book feels like coming back home to a place I've long forgotten. Sorrell and Zack are sweet, and gentle, and oh so steamy together, but is Sorrell wanting a new relationship after the last disaster she was mixed up with?
As the book moves along Annie Dyer inserts a mystery about a girl named Callie, and then things twist and turn from there, leading to an ending I never expected.
I can't wait to see who couples up in the next in the Severton series, Stirred.
It was so good that I read it twice... in a row, and couldn't get enough. The town, the people, the story are all positively charming. The entire community is quirky and lovely and sets the scene for a warmhearted, funny, and sexy Christmas. Out of all of the Maynard clan, Zack is the grumpy brother with a heart of gold. When Sorrell moves to town and unknowingly puts a wrench in his Christmas plans, he prepares for war. Sparks do collide, but in a way that neither of them expected or was prepared for. I absolutely loved this book. I am thrilled that it is book one in the Silverton Search and Rescue series. It will be so hard to wait to find out more about the zany characters that make up the town of Silverton. I am hoping that Jake and the alpaca's stories are next!
I loved this story right from the start. I mean it pulls you in right from the very first page and has you reading wanting to know what is going to happen next. I love small town stories because you get this feeling of being at home and making friends for a lifetime. In this story that is what you get and so much more. The group of friends that Zack has is amazing.
Zack is living his life working and having fun with his friends when one day a new resident comes to town and changes everything for him. Since he is not used to change at first he is not happy but then he decides to help out the new resident and it does help that she is beautiful.
Sorrell is a new resident in Severton getting ready to run a hotel. She is newly single and she is not sure if she can run the hotel by herself but then she meets Zack and everything changes for her. He helps her out and shows her around the town and makes her feel at home.
As these two navigate through their differences they start to build a friendship that turns into something so much more. This is a must read series and I need book two like ASAP!
This is a fabulous start to Annie Dyer's new series. The story is set in a small town in Northern England. Sorrell is supposed to be opening a hotel in an old manor with her fiancé, but they break up. What is she to do when she has already spent so much money? Go on and open it without him of course, she doesn't need a man. She poaches Zach's worker to complete her project when they were supposed to be working on his care facility. What is he to do but go over and freak out on her, he needs it done by Christmas. Hilarity is the end result. Did I mention there are alpacas? Super cute alpacas? There are.
Annie Dyer is a talent like no other! I love the town of Severton and all its inhabitants! Zack and Sorell’s story is beautiful and unique and a slow burn that is worth the time! This story was also filled with some interesting information too!
When you choose to read this new series do it with an open heart as it is not like others Annie has written and I enjoyed it all the more that it stands on it’s own merits! I can’t imagine if you haven loved other works of Annie that you won’t love this one!
WOW......what a story! I love Annie's writing and the Callaghan family is one of my favorites so when she announced a new series I was beyond excited to read it. It's such a great story that reminds you that life doesn't always go according to plan but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Sorrel (I love her name) finds herself with an ex-fiance and a hotel and Zack finds himself without workers to finish his addition but life has a way of working out in ways we can't always plan. One thing that I especially loved about this book was the traditions and the description of the scenery....it made me want to travel there and see them with my own eyes. Annie never ceases to amaze me with her writing abilities and she always leaves me wanting her next book.
4.5 Stars..... Sleighed is the first of several books in the Severton Search and Rescue series. Delightfully, this is also my first experience with this author. I actually came across this book last year during the holidays. As with several other Christmas romances, I added it to my ever growing TBR. I tried very hard to read all the books I added for the holidays but sadly life got in the way hence why Sleighed was one of my first holiday reads of this year.
I loved it! This book was very well written with angst, suspense, plenty of heat and a cast of amazing, complex, entertaining secondary characters. The only negative issue I had was all the English terms and euphemisms. Sadly, though understandably, I was thrown off my reading flow a few times trying to figure out the meanings. No worries though, all is good. Because I enjoyed this book so much, there was no way I would pass up reading the next two books in the series. Proudly, I can say, that by the time I finished reading book three, I had enough of an understanding to truly enjoy the books without hesitating.
Since the blurb gives you great insight as to the premise I won't repeat any of that. However, I will tell you there is a suspense/danger aspect that continues throughout the series. While each book resolves with the current dangers, there are greater and more dangerous elements that unfold. At the time of this review, I have already read the next two books in the series. There will be at least two more books with the potential for more should the author choose to continue. As I mentioned earlier, there are many secondary characters to choose from. I am very excited for book four and will definitely be stalking the author so I don't miss the release.
Zack and Sorrell...... As the blurb infers, these two get off to a rocky start but it isn't long before Zack realizes Sorrell is special. And while Sorrell is intrigued and attracted to Zack, she is not looking for a relationship at this point in her life. The slow burn begins..... First, they become friends and then more. Zack was not only gorgeous and protective, he was a gentleman. Sorrell was a great character as well. Her generous and caring heart were a huge part of her personality. Both were amazing characters!
The author gives us both perspectives which made this book an even greater enjoyment. This book takes place during the Christmas holidays. With a small town feel, loyal and protective citizens, this book was special for me. In addition to all the Christmas traditions, there were Pagan traditions too. The Pagan traditions, in particular, were delightful and even educational as they engaged and enthralled me further with the story.
I highly recommend this book. I won't even have to tell you to read the series because I'm sure that after you read Sleighed, you'll be eager for the others.
This is my honest and unbiased review. Thank you for taking the time to read it. :)
Sleighed is one of the neatest books I’ve read in a while... one of the best holiday reads you could get your hands on!
Books don’t have to have the hardcore hero and the needy or whiny heroine! So I loved this because as one of the hero’s brother’s described Sorrell, she is ‘Brains, Gorgeous, Classy’... Zach Maynard in all his glory, rained goodness on her despite their first meet after she stole his builders... as she said, with them two, ‘it was extreme irritation at first sight’ lol
BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN. This was my first read of Annie Dyer and will definitely be waiting for the next one up (Scott’s book is going to be crazy)!!! DEFINITELY ONE-CLICK THIS. Meet the Maynard Madness. They are such awesome bunch to read about. Loved the progress of this story. Loved that there wasn’t any unnecessary drama in it!!
Be sure to get this. It will not only give you a Christmassy feeling, but for sure the spirit of love, family and all good things we could hope for!!! Loved this AD. Opted for an arc of this and happy to have given this a chance because I know it’s only going to give me more and more goodness!!! Bring on the rest of the Maynards!!!
I’ll be the first to admit that novels centered around Christmas at this time of year are my total jam. But, Dyer ups the game by the depiction of her secondary cast as well as the main characters, Zack & Sorrell. I want all their stories! I certainly want more of that heat.
It’s all here in Sleighed, a quaint English village steeped in tradition and delicious shenanigans, a Search & Rescue team to cheer on, and a mystery that engages. Annie Dyer’s ‘game on’ with Sleighed, bring on Stirred, I can’t wait!
This is the first book I've read by this author, bit the cover instantly attracted me to the book. I love small town romances. This was as I expected. It was light, fluffy, and full of christmas traditions. There was a few things I would have liked tied up with Lena, but I'm hoping she either gets a book or it's explained in further books. However, this is a feeling good book. It hooks you in instantly with the naughty alpacas that had me smiling throughout the book. If you like a contemporary romance then this is the book for you.
I am obsessed with Annie’s Callaghan series so no surprise that this book is outstanding! I Love Sorell and Zach so much! Love I have fallen hard for the town of Severton and need to know all about! I love Gran and all their Holiday traditions! A crazy cast of characters helps make this story perfect. It also doesn’t hurt that Zach and Sorell and steamy hot like your fav cup of hot cocoa
Really great start to a new series from an author that's an auto-1 click for me. I'm a sucker for a rowdy big family, small town romance. Can't wait for book 2 to see which Maynard family member falls in loveable HEA.
A wonderful story filled with love and Christmas. The countryside is a major star in this story, the mountains, the caves and small town atmosphere. Reading about two lovely people finding their hea is delightful. Reading about the renovation of an old hotel also kept me entertained. The cast of characters were quirky and fun. The family and extended family lends itself to a nice long series. I hope we get that because this was truly good reading.
Sleighed (Severton Search and Rescue Book 1) by Annie Dyer This was for me was an OK read. 2 stars. In theory the story line, the setting, the characters and the plot should have made for a terrific book. In reality this one did not work for me, this book would benefit from a good editor and a decent proof reader. There were quite a few instances where the missing words in a sentence would jolt me out of the story. A good editor would have pointed out the various areas in this book where the author could have made the story more engaging instead of pages of rambling fluff, that did not do anything to the overall story. For example the appearance of the ex did nothing to enhance the story. I realise the author was setting the scene for future books in this series and the tie in for all books is the search and rescue crew and there had to be a search and rescue scene in this book. But it really was a non event. The blurb says this is a friends to lovers story line......the result is explicit sex scenes in the soft porn genre with crude language. Read at your own risk. Not an author I will read again. Note: it lists the editor by name. why then were there so many errors and missing words in this kindle version is a mystery to me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The first in a series, introduces Zack and Sorrell, along with interesting secondary characters, residents of a mountain village near Manchester. Sorrell has been dumped a few months before her wedding after investing in an old manor that she thought she was going to renovate with her ex into a hotel. Zack, the manager of an elderly care facility, is fixing up the new building in time for Christmas dinner, only to find she’s hired his work crew away. After getting off to a rocky start, Sorrell offers her dining room for the senior’s dinner, and she and Zack learn how much better compromising is. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more in the series.
Well ok they're alpacas but that didn't flow so well off the tongue.
I had such fun reading this book.
The romance was a slow build, she was on the rebound, he was being careful and the anticipation was delicious.
The Christmas element made this a winner for me and it's set locally so I was constantly picturing places I know while reading. It is expertly described.
I love the people in the town, their interactions and can't wait to read more.
Annie, I think you'll find your family are happy for you to ignore them while you write book two, I'm sure they'll be as happy as us to find out what develops in book two ;)
Not sure why I never reviewed this book until now, it's my 3rd time reading it. I loved being in Severton, the writing made me feel like I was apart of this snowy small town and all it's quirks just had me wishing it was a real place. Zack and Sorrell have a great meet-cute, that left me giggling. And their relationship was a nice slow burn. Getting to know all the Severton residents was a plus to this amazing love story.
I absolutely loved this book and am looking forward to the next in this series... everything this author writes is GOLD!!! A very easy read and extremely hard to put down!!! Amazing story line, great characters, supense, love, family, etc. I love Sorell and Zach's story and cannot wait to find out what is going on with Scott and Keren...
Sleighed is story of Zack and Sorrell set in the small town of Severton. It is the first book of the series and we meet all the wonderful residents of this town by the side of mountain. I love reading small town romances and it was even more special because it is set in background of traditional Christmas celebrations. Zack is one of the famous Maynard brothers who runs a senior citizen care centre called Sunrise. His plan for having a new ballroom up and running by Christmas is destroyed when Sorrell moves into town and starts renovating the old manor house into a boutique hotel. Their first encounter was full of bitterness and threat from Zack. But gradually they start to know about each other more. Sorrell is trapped with the huge task of making the hotel up and running by her good-for-nothing Ex fiance who left her just before wedding. As Sorrell is recovering from her broken heart and facing her insecurities, Zack slowly makes his way inside her heart.
The beauty of the story is the detailing. The town is full of so many interesting characters. Take for example Gran at post office who makes other people buy her scarf so that she can keep on experimenting with her Gin distillery and who know everything going on in the town! The story describes so many funny and totally enjoyable Christmas traditions. I love how their love progressed with the love and support of all the residents! I could literally see the River of Fire, the mud race, the scarecrow competition, the town decorated with lights, the small homely pubs, the hikes through mountain and the residents in my mind's eyes! I was totally engrossed in it. I love how the story talks about human bonding, family values, neighbour love and community support! This is getting so rare now. The story reminds us about the simple yet most important joys of our lives in true Christmas spirit. I loved each and every character. And can't wait to read about Alex, Jake, Scott, Karen and Rayah's story later!
Annie Dyer is such a talented author, with a highly original writing style that really keeps me laughing with her colorful characters every story that I read. And Sleighed is absolutely no exception. Our hero is Zack Maynard, who is a bit serious, as he likes to keep things simple in his small town. He runs his elderly care home, and then spends his nights at his brother's bar. It's all working very well for him until a newcomer upsets the status quo when she takes his builders for her hotel, messing up his Christmas, and to add fuel to the fire, she's nice to boot. He feels a connection to her, and craves her baked goods. In Severton, they don't let anyone struggle on their own, so he starts spending time with Sorrell, and even though she's determined to keep him in the friend zone, Sorrell & Zack are feeling the mutual attraction that is getting harder to deny. Oh let me tell you, though it's a natural progression, there are sparks that are lighting up the sky. And there's such a great cast of secondaries that I wish were my friends in real life, as I was falling in love with all of them myself & want to move there! Not to mention, they were adding some noisiness, and so much humor to the mix as well. And the tiny humans, OMG, they were almost stealing the show for me. Oh, and there was some serious twists, that were allowing me to drop those mean f-bombs as well, so yeah, this story had it all, and I couldn't have loved it anymore if I wanted to, so I want more of this series immediately! And that's all that I'm giving away! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
This was my first Annie Dyer book, and it left me wondering why it took me so long to check her out. I really enjoyed this book. It had holiday feels, romance, and a dash of suspense, but my favorite part was definitely the characters. I fell in love with each and every one of them!
This book takes place in Severton, an adorable, quirky town full of amazing characters. The sense of community, family, and love in this town was my very favorite part. Not only were the main characters interesting, this group of friends and family had me laughing and eager to read stories about each and every character! And the alpacas were the icing on the cake.
This book focused on Zack and Sorrell. They were adorable. Zack knows what he wants early on, and he works hard to show Sorrell the potential they hold. However, their chemistry is off the charts, and avoiding temptation is nearly unbearable. Sorrell is a bit more reluctant even though she feels the pull to Zack as well, but she has good reason to protect her heart. Watching Sorrell fall in love with the community as a whole as she falls for Zack is adorable, and I fell right along with her. The traditions, quirky characters, and close knit community were perfect! I also loved the action added in with the search and rescue team!
This book also opened up so many possibilities for future books. I definitely need books for each of Zack’s family and friends, but there was also a touch of mystery at the end that I definitely need to know more about. I can’t wait to see what Ms. Dyer comes up with next (Rayah and Jonny pretty please?), because I definitely plan to read it.
Had this sitting on my Kindle for a while now and decided to go for it. My first read from Annie Dyer and a good start. We meet Sorrell and Zack. Zack is in the process of finishing his Care Home when someone buys the old premises and poached all his builders leaving him unable to get completed. He decides to confront the new guy who turns out to be a petite red head. Sorrell and Zack get of to an unconventional start but eventually become friends and more. With the odd interruption from Sorrell's ex a few snow drifts here and there and a band of mischievous alpachas we start to enjoy this book and all it's many characters. It's clear that there will be a 2nd and 3rd book as there are a couple of other stories that need explored. Areas could have been expanded like the ex turning up, he was dealt with far too easily for my liking and we could have had more fun with that. Otherwise a good read with a twist of 2.
*I received an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review*
Annie has become one of my favourite authors and this new book from her new series does not disappoint! This new series is set in the small fictional town of Severton and kicks of with Zack and Sorell. Zack is from Severton and runs a care home which is getting some work done until someone steals his builders! Enter Sorell who has just moved to the area, bought the old care home and is transforming it into a hotel with the help of Zack's builders. They don't get off to a good start. In this first book you will also be introduced to the rest of the Maynard family and the Severton residents and just from reading this first book I can already tell that Jake is going to be a favourite of mine! Loved Zack and Sorell and I can't wait for the next book in the series Stirred.