Valentine's Day with a Firefighter

Rich & Rugged: A Hawkins Brothers Romance #1

by Ellie Hall

He left his heart in his hometown but will he get a second chance?

Sadie Collins has spent more hours than she'd like to admit rehearsing what she'd say when she came face to face with her ex again.

It is not, "I'm stuck."

After the rescue, her day goes from bad to worse when her boss discovers a glaring error in a project that she was in charge of. Worse, the mistake is mortifying.

Tripp Hawkins returns to Hawk Ridge Hollow after several years to find much is the same in his the quaint village, good friends, and the world-class ski resort owned by his family. Almost everything is the same except the girl he'd once called his sweetheart.

Sadie plans to spend Valentine's Day alone. She has enough responsibility as it is. A romcom plus some chocolate sounds like the perfect date.

Tripp wants nothing more than a second chance with the girl who stole his heart and he'll do anything to win her back.

But it might be too late. Has she moved on? Or did she never let go?

This is the first book in the Rich & Rugged, a Hawkins Brothers Clean Romance series. It's a sweet romance and has a HEA.

Genres: Contemporary, Second Chance, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Firefighters, Novella

97 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2022

About the author

Ellie Hall is a USA Today bestselling author. If only that meant she could wear a tiara and get away with it. ;) She loves puppies, books, and the ocean. Writing sweet romance with lots of firsts and fizzy feels gives her joy. Oh, and chocolate chip cookies are her fave. Ellie believes in dreaming big, working hard, and lazy Sunday afternoons spent with her family and dog in gratitude for God’s grace.

♥

Newsletter: http://bit.ly/EllieHallNL
Website: http://www.elliehallauthor.com
Facebook: http://www/facebook.com/elliehallauthor
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/elliehallauthor

♥

Series and suggested reading order:

The Only Us Sweet Billionaire Series
•these billionaires have everything, but will they find love...?•

1. Only a Date with a Billionaire
2. Only a Kiss with a Billionaire
3. Only a Night with a Billionaire
4. Only Forever with a Billionaire
5. Only Love with a Billionaire
6. Only Christmas with the Billionaire
7. Only New Year with the Billionaire

♥

The Hawkins Family Clean Romance Series

•five brothers, torn apart and the women who help put them back together...•

1. Second Chance in Hawk Ridge Hollow

2. Finding Forever in Hawk Ridge Hollow

3. Resort Getaway with a Bodyguard

4. Going Home to Hawk Ridge Hollow

5. Christmas in Hawk Ridge Hollow

♥

The Blue Bay Beach Reads Romance Series

•a small-town restaurant, a dating dare, and happily ever afters...•

1. Summer with the Marine

2. Summer with the Rock Star

3. Summer with the Billionaire

4. Summer with the Cowboy

5. Summer with the Carpenter

6. Summer with the Doctor

♥

Ritchie Ranch Clean Cowboy Romance Series

•Cowboy hats & kisses with small-town charm•

1. Rustling the Cowboy’s Heart

2. Lassoing the Cowboy’s Heart

3. Trusting the Cowboy’s Heart

4. Kissing the Christmas Cowboy

5. Loving the Cowboy’s Heart

6. Charming the Cowboy’s Heart

7. Saving the Cowboy’s Heart

8. Wrangling the Cowboy’s Heart

♥

Falling into Happily Ever After Rom Com

• Sweet, heartwarming & uplifting romantic comedy

1. An Unwanted Love Story

2. An Unexpected Love Story

3. An Unlikely Love Story

4. An Accidental Love Story

5. An Impossible Love Story

6. An Unconventional Christmas Love Story

♥

Forever Marriage Match

• Five friends have to find true love or else...romcom

1. Dare to Love My Grumpy Boss

2. Dare to Love the Guy Next Door

3. Dare to Love My Fake Husband

4. Dare to Love the Guy I Hate

5. Dare to Love My Best Friend

♥

Home Sweet Home Small Town Romantic Comedy Series

Mr. & Mrs. Fix-It Find Love

Designing Happily Ever After

The DIY Kissing Project

The True Romance Renovation

Extreme Heart Makeover

Building What's Meant to Be

♥

The Costa Brothers Cozy Christmas Comfort Romance Series

Tommy & Merry and the 12 Days of Christmas

Bruno & Gloria and the 5 Golden Rings

Luca & Ivy and the 4 Calling Birds

Gio & Joy and the 3 French Hens

Paulo & Noella and the 2 Turtle Doves

Nico & Hope and the Partridge in the Pear Tree

♥

The Love List Series

The Swoon List

The Not Love List

The Crush List

The Kiss List

The Naughty or Nice List

♥

Love, Laughs, and Mystery in Coco Key

The Romance Situation

The Romance Fiasco

The Romance Game

The Romance Gambit

The Christmas Romance Wish

♥

On the Hunt for Love

The Grump and the Girl Next Door

The Bitter Heir and the Beauty

The Secret Son and the Sweetheart

The Ex Best Friend and the Fake Fiancé

The Best Friend’s Brother and the Brain

Select titles are available in audiobook, paperback, hardcover, and large print formats. Happy reading!♥

Reviews

[Debbie DiFiore · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just didn't hit the spot

I didn't like this story for some reason. As Troop said when he broke out heroines heart, 'it's not you it's me'. That quote totally missed me off. I can't believe she took him back. And he was gone three years and you heard nothing of his actions during that time. Of course she dated but never moved on and it's just not my kind of story. The writing was okay but th plot was 'rinse, lather, repeat'. Just like every other story. It was free to read so thank goodness I didn't have to pay for it and I can give it back. Very clean, just kisses. And honestly a little boring. I almost dnf'd it. Just not for me.

[Donna Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun bite of Valentine's Day sweetness. Two people separated in their past love have an opportunity at a second chance. But nothing worth having comes easy.

4 1/2 stars

[Franki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uplifting and Sweet

I was pulled into this story and tumbled right along with the emotions Sadie faced. This is both a thoughtful and dreamy tale.
As she has gotten older life has thrown hardships her way and she is beginning to believe the narrative of those that would tear her down. Unfortunately, Tripp abandoning her after their years together was the biggest slap in the face of all.
Tripp was immature and threw away his dreams because they would tie him down. In his fear, he chose what looked like freedom. Now that he is older, he realizes what this has cost him.
Can he make up for his mistakes three Valentines Days later, or has that chance already passed?

[Lashonta · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nope.. this is not it.

Had this book not been free I may have returned it. I won’t be reading the series. For starters the book almost felt like it was high school instead of a resort, a fake dating app set up by an assistant who didn’t like you and your boss was in on it? Ummmm okkaayy than Tripp left you 3 years ago because he had the find himself? Because he didn’t want to take his dad money or the family business. The story didn’t have substance.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

Sadie & Tripp has been sweethearts for a long time but then the broke up 3 years prior because he got nervous. She left town and traveled, he became a firefighter. Now she has been back for awhile because her dad needs her and she is working at the resort. He is going to follow his dad's request and take over running the resort, but he needs his true love back.

[Sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook Review:

Narrator: Lorana Hoopes

My Reading Speed: 1.5x

Have I Read The Book Before Listening to the Audio? No

Overall Audio Impression:

I loved getting a chance to go back to Hawk Ridge Hollow with this audiobook! I had a chance to visit while reading Ellie Hall’s Costa Brothers series, but I’m not sure if I had met any of the Hawkins brothers or not in it. I loved getting to know Tripp Hawkins and his hope for a second chance with his sweetheart Sadie during this book though! I loved that it was set around/during the Valentine’s season and that Tripp did his best to use that to try and win Sadie back. I loved that Sadie was torn between the two versions of Tripp she’d known (the one she loved vs the one who broke up with her) when making her decisions about what she wanted. I can’t wait to get to know the rest of the Hawkins brothers!

Favorite Scenes:

first second meeting

fake fake valentine

friends & townspeople hoping they get back together

Reader’s Notes:

a character’s parent passed in a skiing accident (past event – years prior)

a character’s parent has Parkinson’s & they are the parent’s caretaker

[Maria Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

This second chance romance is very Hallmark-esque in nature. I listened to the audiobook, free on YouTube, but didn't really enjoy the narrators interpretation in reading and found myself distracted by it. I probably would have enjoyed the book more overall if I'd read it myself. That is how it goes sometimes though. I saw that other people enjoyed it so it is simply a matter of taste. And for me that was a negative. But in keeping with the Hallmark-esque feel of the book the story is sweet and predictable.

It is a quick and clean read. I am curious about the other brothers and what their deal is. Have to read the rest of the series to find out I guess.

No sex, language or violence

[greenapplemojito · Rating 3 out of 5]

One thing that I have noticed while reading the past few Ellie Hall books is that some to most of the books I picked up had so many editions and versions in different series that it is so hard to keep track or find the books. Another bittersweet thing I noticed was that most of the books of hers that I've read have dual POV but sadly in third person (I am more of a first person person). Like in the case with some of her other books, I found a lack of connect (emotional connect) with the MCs. I wish the storyline was stronger and I could connect with the characters and feel their spark or chemistry better.

[Wren Woodland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can Sadie and Tripp really have a second chance?

When his dad died, with his world crashing down and expectations higher and heavier than he could handle, he left, but in leaving he broke Sadie’s heart. Three years later he’s back and wants to try again but her heart got pulverized the last time and she’s not up to having that happen again. This is the start of the series and the Hawkins brothers all estranged from each other, start coming back home and finding forever relationships and taking up the expectations their father left them. Great story and series, clean.

[Larissa (That Baker That Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Synopsis:
Tripp Hawkins returns to Hawk Ridge Hollow after several Years and this small town is still the same, except his first love Sadie Collins. She’s still hurt after he broke her heart and left.

Includes:
✨Second Chance
✨Small Town
✨Firefighter
✨Billionaire Romance
✨Fake Dating
✨Hallmark Vibes

🌶️Heat Level:
Just (Swoony) Kisses
A few make out sessions
Attraction/Tension:🔥🔥

My Opinion:
This is very cute, fun and fast paced novella, especially if you like hallmark-y romances. This is my first Ellie Hall book and I loved her writing and how the chemistry between them is natural and Sweet.

TW:Parent With Parkinson, Death of a Parent (Past)

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet but not cloying

Enjoyable with good world building. I like that the faith aspect was a normal part of life. I like that there were snippets about the brothers, not too much detail that didn’t matter to this story.
Sadie confused me a little. She is described as a free spirited wanderer, and has been off in Australia and Italy, yet she is then described as more experienced and better qualified for her job.
I sure hope they make hiring some good IT people a priority.

[Michaela | Reading in the Heartland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes in life things happen backwards. Like me starting this series with the fourth and fifth books then returning to the beginning. Learn from my mistakes as thee are questions you won’t get answered in those later books as they are well delved here. That aside and down to this whirlwind, second chance romance. I would have liked for this book to be longer and taken more time as it seemed a bit too much of a whirlwind, but I really did like the characters and their adventures.

[Cindy Cooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, so sweet.

How could they not rekindle their love...I loved this book...Such a sweet renewal of a love they'd thought lost. Money can make things far easier, but only love can make it grow.
Got this book in a mass giveaway. No connection to the author except an appreciation for her writing.

[Mary Garbarino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three years they hadn't seen each other, what n o w?

She had tried to forget him, but was still hopelessly in live with him. She tried to stay and at him. She at least got to tell him off. He wanted to make her understand, so it goes from there. A great story. Don't miss out.

Mary Garnarino

[Aurélie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful story about forgiveness and second chances. I liked that the characters were realistic, knowing that, even after having forgiven, it was not easy to not remember past hurts or expect the future to be easy. It takes a lot of courage to still open oneself up to the person that hurt you in the past.

[Noma Byrne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading this book! She works in a resort and he left her 3 years ago. He's back and wants to make it up to her because he still loves her. I recommend this book to anyone who likes romance books!

[Linda Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Second Chance Love

Three years after her biggest heartbreak, her life changes again. A family secret keeps her busy so the town won’t know. When Tripp shows up her life changes.

[Lorraine Anton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable Read

Sadie and Tripp. Second chances after three years. She worked at the resort. He is the towns firefighter.
He wants to win her back.
Read it!


# 13 2019 BNB Challenge

[Teresa Bertolio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I totally loved this book! Plenty of clean romance, sparks, and flirting:) I loved the chase and the second chances :) The dates were fun and exciting, and the hero didn't ever give up on true love:) I highly recommend this book :) Happy reading!

[Marilyn Burrows · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both had to grow up and that's what happened

Love can make you happy, but it's scary too. Especially when you are young. Real love does not forget its commitment. But to reconcile is pure pleasure, with a lot of forgiveness

[Michelle Kampmeier · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet, clean, quick romantic read. I love second chance romances, and this one did not disappoint! I felt like the beginning was very strong, and I really enjoyed the writing style. Looking forward to reading more of her books!

[Janet Duddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second chance with a Firefighter(Rich & Rugged)A Hawkins Brothers Romance

Glad that Tripp and Kayla finally got back together. Hope there is another book with their wedding and his reconciliation with his brothers.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clean, sweet story. Very short. I hesitated to read this due to some bad reviews but I found that I enjoyed the story and things mentioned in those reviews were not even a blip on my radar. I’m glad I read this and look forward to reading more.

[Alison Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable and Quirky small town romance!

This is such an adorable small town romance that it makes you want to read the rest of the series. If you love miscommunication, heartbreak, and a happy ending then this is for you!

[Ljones · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute Valentine's story

This is a quick read. A cute Valentine's Day story. A book about first loves and second chances and forgiveness.

[Kathryn Munsell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story.

Sadie and Tripp have a history but can they build a future. There are a few rough spots but love comes through.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

Enjoyed this story so much. I could picture the characters and setting vividly. The story portrayed the conquering of real life struggles.

[Dale Lussier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valentines Day with a Firefighter

Liked the storyline and characters in this book. It was short but sweet. Second chances can happen when you least expect them.

[Pat Christie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ebook

They were ready to be married but he broke it off. Now he wants a second chance. But she’s wary, hurt so much the first time, can she try again.

[Thomas Havens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valentine's Day with a Firefighter

This short story has an easy to follow plot and interesting characters. I recommend this book to all lovers of clean, romance stories.