What If

Small Town Big Love #1

by Kelly Collins

She's a town icon. He's all business. Will their rivalry bring ruin or romance? Graphic artist Lucy Shoemaker has never known a life outside of Blackwood. And she's determined to show the world why she loves her quaint Colorado hometown. But when a billionaire arrives looking to sell the land, Lucy feels both outrage and an irrepressible attraction…

John Blackwood usually gets what he wants. He never expected that selling the Podunk town would send him directly into a firecracker of a local. John knows that Lucy won't stop causing him problems…but is that why he can't get her off his mind?

With compromise off the table, will John and Lucy's passion disappear along with Blackwood or can they discover love's common ground?

What If… is a standalone contemporary romance with sizzling chemistry. If you like headstrong heroines, small-town drama, and a fresh twist on billionaire boyfriends, then you’ll adore Kelly Collins’ sassy saga.

Buy What If… to negotiate romance today!

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Fiction

246 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 13, 2019

About the author

Kelly Collins is a bestselling, award-winning author of feel-good small-town romance filled with heart, heat, and happily-ever-afters. Her books are perfect for readers who crave heartwarming contemporary love stories, sassy heroines, and slow-burn romances with cinnamon roll heroes you’ll wish were real.

With humor, charm, and emotional depth, Kelly brings to life tight-knit towns, unforgettable characters, and the kind of love that feels like coming home. When she’s not plotting her next happily-ever-after, she’s sipping strong coffee and dreaming up heroes who are tough on the outside and gooey in the middle.

Come for the charm, stay for the swoon—and don’t be surprised if you fall in love with the whole town.

Visit www.authorkellycollins.com to grab a free book and discover your next favorite escape.

Click “Follow” to get updates on new releases, special deals, and exclusive content.

You can learn more about Kelly at www.authorkellycollins.com.

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Reviews

[DJ Sakata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Favorite Quotes:

If sin had a look, he’d be the model.

All her life she’d tried to shove a hundred-pound dream into a ten-pound bag and it never worked.

She thought that whoever had designed the bra should be given an award equivalent to the Nobel Peace Prize. Anything that could make a pair of ordinary breasts extraordinary deserved recognition. A Grammy? An Oscar? A mammogrammy? The booby prize, she thought with a giggle.

The dark room was lit by beer signs and the bright eyes of jealous women.

“Are they hoping money will just fall off you?” She laughed, imagining people following him with cups, hoping for his pockets to empty into them.

My Review:

I always seem to start a new series with an equal measure of hopeful anticipation and trepidation. Will it be too similar, too different, too complicated, or too familiar? Silly me, I should know better by now when it comes to Kelly Collins. Although, the style and tone of What If seemed considerably different from her usual and the main characters were a bit of a challenge for me to warm up to, especial Lucy. Lucy had a difficult personality; she was a childishly impulsive drama llama who was flippant, hot-tempered, testy, and obstinately resistant to change. I did enjoy her feisty sass and smart mouth - takes one to know one. ;)

I also initially had doubts about John, the wealthy and sex on legs Lamborghini driving lothario, who currently holds the lofty position of my current BBF. I was afraid he was playing Lucy to influence her into moving out of her home and business space without fuss to allow his family to sell their holding without issue, and he kind of was and kind of wasn’t. Of course, Lucy’s heated tantrums and behavioral outbursts led to increasingly hotter exchanges and sheet-scorching sensual encounters. The storylines were original, easy to follow, and held my interest despite a considerable amount of conflict and the pervasive angsty uncertainty about the vexing issue of Lucy’s future living situation.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved these characters. I'm taking one star for missing out on secondary characters because they seemed so interesting as well. Maybe they will get their own stories (?).

I love the cover model and he does remind me of John.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/5/2020)! 🎁

[Rebecca Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucy Shoemaker just received the devastating news that she is about to lose her house and business when the owner announces that they are selling off their properties in town to an organization who will turn their small town into a resort destination. But Lucy is not going down without a fight and will do anything to save her place.

John M Blackwood’s family has owned the small town of Blackwood since it’s beginning but now they are looking to get out and move on. They never expected too be against opposition, especially from Lucy who is determined to keep her place at any cost.

How far is Lucy willing to go to save her place?

This was a good book and I enjoyed getting to know the characters.

I thought Lucy was great and very headstrong and she knew what she wanted and was going to stop the sale at all costs. I was curious to learn more about her relationship with Kevin as it was kind of weird but eventually everything fell into place. I thought it was interesting to see Lucy play pool and how she was able to “find herself” while doing it even though she got herself into a few situations that didn’t look like they were going to have happy endings.

I knew right from the moment that Lucy and John met that things would heat up fast and I was right! Yet there was still that underlying problem that I knew would cause issues for them. There were a few issues like the jail scene that were definitely interesting and I really wondered if they would be able to get through everything that was up against them.

One thing I didn’t like was how Lucy would push people away when they didn’t do what she thought they should. I was mad at her with regards to what all happened with Deena and then with some of the stuff with John and her “temper” tantrums.

I thought Maya was just cruel. I know she was hurting from losing her husband but at the same time she really seemed to make herself happy by bringing down people around her.

I really liked everything John went through to prove his love to Lucy even though at times she didn’t deserve it. I understood why he was selling and I was shocked Lucy believed he should change everything just for her and so I was surprised at what John was able to pull off in the end.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

What If is an excellent start to a new series. Lucy and John get off on the wrong foot but soon realize resisting their super HAWT chemistry is impossible. The tension between them over selling the town is always bubbling just under the surface of their relationship and does cause conflict. It is realistic conflict and adds to the story. I mean, when does true love ever run smoothly? I enjoyed watching Lucy grow and mature as the story progressed. She finally came to terms with why she was so against changing Blackwood and/or leaving it. John was a real romantic at heart and pulled off one of the biggest and best romantic gestures I've ever come across. *swoon*

I'm really looking forward to Kevin and Maya's story in the next book of the series.

If you enjoy well-written stories with well-developed characters set in small towns, look no further. Kelly Collins is superb at writing this type of story. I recommend this and all of the rest of her books.

[Becky Claxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a good book. At first, I got a little tired of Lucy not letting go of John’s family selling the town of Blackwood. She wasn’t very nice to John to begin with, but finally agreed to go away for a weekend to talk about the town being sold. I know it had to been hard for her since she grew up with nothing, worked hard for what she has, and always dreamed of living permanently in the old Blackwood homestead. I felt John was very patient and bent over backwards trying to talk to Lucy and help her out. You could feel the sexual tension between the two, so I was glad to see them go further than just friends. I also liked John’s brother Caleb and his sense of humor. I can’t wait to read Maya and Kevin’s love story. I strongly encourage you to read the book. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader’s Copy of the book.

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quick Info
Standalone/Cliffhanger?: Standalone
Part of a Series?: Yes
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Meeting the Characters
John
Lucy
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What happens?
John is a major part of the Blackwood town - his family were founding members of the town. Due to the publicity of the town John wants to sell up and remove their stakes in the town.
Final thoughts
Lucy was a brat
John was creepy
The police officer was strange.
Not sure how this is 4 stars; I'm thinking my 2 are generous. Its a shame because this author's other books seem to be good but this was appalling.
Would I read again?: Nope
Would I read this author again?: After this? Doubtful

[Krisz · Rating 2 out of 5]

I usually love books by Kelly Collins but this time it was different.
I couldn't connect with the characters. I felt I was standing on the sidelines, like the story was a train and I was standing by the tracks not really comprehending what's happening while the train's passing by without me.
Without going into details and ruin it for other readers let's just say this story simply wasn't for me.

[Texas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small Town Big Love Series:
What If #1 - I always enjoy being the spider on the wall with any of Ms. Collins' books and this one is no exception. Already sick for three days, I did not feel like reading any of my ARCs but chose to read this book. After finishing this quickly read, well written, funny story I felt so much better. I love the town, the families and the storylines. There was one character I felt got a bit of damage to his character in the beginning, when he appeared to be a wonderful character. There's sex, which I always skip - I find written sex boring and unnecessary. There's a touch cussing but no vulgar language. To top off the smile and heartwarming feeling I was left with, I got to chain read the next book. No matter how yucky you're feeling, this is the medicine to put a smile on your face and laughter in your belly. I contacted the author to review her books and received this through Booksprout. 5*

Imagine That #2 - Just before my Internet and I crashed for four days, I received this book from one of my favorite authors in this genre. Well written, quickly read and funny, this romance set in a small town filled with loveable and likeable characters, except for that one - he's a predator - and good storylines was a pleasure to read. Please read this series in order, you will enjoy the series so much better, but stand alone is OK too. There is a bit of intrigue and suspense, but plenty of heroes and romance. My favorite character from the previous story gets his shot to shine brighter than before; he's the wonderful character I mentioned in What If. The characters from WI are still there and working together to fix the town and help their friends and families. Another happy, feel good read by an author who always delivers a good story with a twist and plenty of laughter and romance. This is my favorite so far, it's a bit meatier with the intrigue. Sadly, I don't have No Regrets the third book of the series. 5*
Small Town Big Love Series end.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

What If is the first book in the Small Town Big Love series. Lucy meets John for the first time outside of her house, with her cop protector right behind them. Her first impression is about how wonderful he looks, but when she realizes why he’s there, the lust turns to a little hate and a lot of despair. She loves the way her life is right now, and refuses to accept that John and his family are going to change it. But as they get closer to each other, will the half truths and love of home get between them?

This book is good. I kept thinking that one thing was going to happen, or expected Lucy or John to act in a certain way, but Ms. Collins kept surprising me with twists, surprises, and full truths that just blew me away. I really enjoyed reading this book. And it was kind of funny, too, I started reading it, was loving it, and next thing I knew, I was already half way through! I was so sucked into the storyline and what was going to happen next with the town and with Lucy and John! Lucy was brash at times, let her temper get away with her at others, but she was devoted, a hard worker, and passionate! John was a bit of a contradiction at times for me, wanting so hard to make Lucy happy, which I loved, but sometimes was a little unbendable or unwilling to compromise. I loved that their connection was true and strong, but there were occasions that they just couldn’t understand one another. This book felt very realistic, with the unknown of the future, not always being able to change something bad, but still trying to find the positive in life and love! I enjoyed this book and look forward to seeing where this series will go next!

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Opposites attract in this tug-of-war romance. Lucy has worked hard to put her small town on the tourist map, but in doing so she inadvertently attracts the attention of developers who persuade the Blackwood family to sell out. That, in turn, means that Lucy not only loses her business premises but the home she has so lovingly restored and taken care of. John Blackwood is taken aback by Lucy, not only because of his attraction towards her but by her feisty resistance regarding turning her off the property she considers her home. No matter how hard she fights against him, Lucy cannot deny that she wants John every bit as much he obviously wants her. Ultimately, John wins the battle but loses the war and disheartened, Lucy bows out. The story is well written with strong characters and a dynamic attraction between two people from very different backgrounds. It is also a standalone, although one's interest is piqued for further books in this series. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Melissa Whipple · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love when Kelly starts writing a new series. I kinda feel like a kid in a candy store waiting for her to release the series. I feel in my heart that this new series will be a hit. I love the storyline. This book is about John and Lucy. Lucy lives in a town owned and named after John’s family. John comes from money while Lucy works hard for everything she has. John comes into to town to help sell the town. Lucy happens to live in a home owned by his family and it is now going to be sold. Lucy should hate John but instead she falls for him. Lucy loves the home she lives in but with her home being sold and having to move because of John’s family how could she fall for him and want to be with him. Will losing her home and everything she worked so hard for be worth losing if she can still be with John? Will they get their HEA? If this is your first book ever to read by Kelly then you are going to want to read her other ones. You won’t be disappointed!!

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are in Colorado; tall mountains, colorful skies and people who care about each other. Blackwood is an old mining area rich with history but now struggles to survive. The old-time saloon is a meeting place; police that watch over the citizens, one attorney who can assist with legal matters; and, a strong desire of one, Lucy Shoemaker, to keep her community alive with new ideas. The original “owners” of the town, rich from it’s mining heyday, left the town to family who now want to sell to developers.

Generations of Blackwood’s make the decision and the tiny town struggles with certainty. This story is absolutely wonderful as it brings reality about our lives today. This story has romance and heart as Lucy struggles to watch the only home she has known, sold, and where will she go. Historical legacy is alive in this book and I loved every minute of it There are sensual scenes which are well written. I’m a fan of this author as I begin this new series with this book.

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The town of Blackwood is owned by the Blackwoods, but that was about to change. The family had decided to sell the town to a developer and just told the people that they would compensate to those who would louse their homes or offices.
As the compensation is good most people are happy with the deal.
But John Blackwood encounters one person - and he is really interested in her as a woman - who is dead set against the idea of Blackwood, and her home, being sold from under her feet.
A difficult situation to be attracted to each other, when the lines are drawn clearly and one stands on opposite sides.
A well-written book, exploring the ambiguous feelings of hate and love to the same person, of being torn apart within.
Not all serious, but in part with funny situations, it is an interestng read - and entertaining to boot.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucy and John’s relationship started out at odds on opposite sides of the fence. He is selling her house and business along with the rest of the town property his family owns and she is fighting it despite the payout she will receive because of the connection she feels there. They can’t deny their attraction to each other. But there was lack of communications and misunderstandings and he’s rich while she’s poor. Can they overcome their differences to be together? I thought it was cool that she was a pool shark and that John wants to use money from the sale for charity. There was plenty of humor and sexy romance. There is teaser at the end about Kevin, the cop who stalked Lucy for years and John’s widowed self-destructive cousin Maya. He was annoying in the beginning following Lucy and stopping her for over inflated tires, but endeared himself in the end.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

It starts with a meet cute and quickly becomes a comedy of errors. In classic “what’s the worst that could happen?” fashion, Murphy’s Law makes sure that if it can go wrong for Lucy and John it will. John was such a sweetheart. Though, much like the rest of us, he would occasionally make mistakes and was prone to putting his foot in his mouth. Lucy was completely crazy-making to me at times, and some of her mood swings left me dizzy. She and John came from such different backgrounds and I could see where she was coming from a lot of the time, but I was still left gaping at some of her choices. It’s a roller-coaster ride getting to their happily ever after and now I can’t wait to read more about Blackwood.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book from this author and I like her style. This book is about Lucy and John, one who is fighting to keep the town she lives in as is while the other want to sell it so that it can grow and become a location that attracts tourist. I will admit that I was a little disappointed at Lucy’s friendship with the lawyer, but at the end it became clear. The characters had their funny moments and I loved that John was still a man of control when needed. Overall it has a happy ending for the both of them, but now I wonder what will happen with Kevin, the officer/stalker? Will he find his own happy ending without Lucy?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story in the Small Town Big Love Series. What a caring man John Blackwood is once he puts his mind to something he does it. He meets Graphic artist Lucy Shoemaker and decides he wants to get to know her better. When she leaves town because she needs to find out where she belongs now that her home has sold as John wants to sell the town of Blackwood. He wants her back and he wants to surprise her with doing something that he knows will show her how much he loves her. This is a story of a small town and the people that love Lucy, I like reading about the other people in this story as well. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Juliana Ignácio · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another great story from a new Kelly Collins series.
Lucy Shoemaker loves her little Blackwood town, as well as her business and the house where she lives, but when John Blackwood comes to town with the intention of selling it, Lucy will not give up so easily.
The attraction between them is immediate, but in spite of Lucy's resistance, John will do everything he can to make her agree to the sale of the city and to make them understand each other and stay together.
I loved the solution at the end of the story. The characters are great. I'm anxious to the next book in the series.
I highly recommend the reading.

[Georgia · Rating 5 out of 5]

What if by Kelly Collins is a must read! The storyline was engaging and kept my interest as well as the drama, romance, twists and emotional turmoil created tension for the couple. John and Lucy are both strong characters and that made for a well balanced couple. The attraction between the couple simmered along nice as they engaged in a chemistry that was spicy and hot. I enjoyed every page of this book and looking forward to next book by this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucy lives in a small town in a house she loves and with her own office. One day John Blackwood the billionaire and owner of the town tells her she has to move because they are selling. A war is started. Lucy will do everything to keep her house and she wants to hate John but the two of them are very attracted to each other and that is a problem. A sweet small town romance. Exciting and sweet. I loved the chemistry between the two of them and I read it with a smile on my face. I loved it

[Judith Fletcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucy and John

John has come to town to close a deal that means the residents have to move out all be it with a pay off for their trouble. But Lucy doesn't want to move, she's lived in the house for years and regardless of what some family company wants they have a fight on their hands or at least John has. This story is like a push me pull you, that finally ends with Lucy moving out of town. It's a goog read that is funny and sad, but well worth reading.

[Diane · Rating 2 out of 5]

didn’t hate didn’t like

Started off strongly with Lucy seemingly up for the battle with her lawyer Dee however very quickly within a day both fell into the enemy’s beds. Thought she was gonna fight for the town but really neither her or John seemed mature and I didn’t like either of them. Kevin on the other hand seemed to have more personality and was more likeable. First book by this author to disappoint me.

[Cookie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have read other books by this author and enjoyed them. This one not so much. I could not get into the characters and the story almost felt rushed or at the very least not well developed. I actually found myself scanning ahead sometimes because I just wanted the story to be over. I usually hate not finishing a book but while I am almost done with the book I am stopping and returning it because I am so not invested in the romance of Lucy and John I don’t even care how it ends.

[Kelly Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

Kelly has done it again with a brilliant start to a new series. I loved meeting Lucy, John, Deena and Cleb. The push and pull with John and Lucy was heart warming. Even though I wanted to shout at Lucy at times. A definite must read! I can't wait for Maya and Kevin's story!

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely sweet amazing read, not only entertaining with the back and forth between Lucy and John but a story that will sweep you off your feet. I love the beginning of this new series, never disappointed with one of Kelly's books.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

She has lived in the small town all her life and she loves it. He comes to sell the land the town is on and they clash big time. Is it just she to what he wants to do? Can they have an attraction to each other? What are they going to do? What will happen to the town? See what will happen

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shari Tomlinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing amazing 5 sweet stars

I cannot say enough I love Kelly Collins! Her books, her awesome writing, great characters are so amazing.
I got so totally sucked into this book, didn't put it down.
John and Lucy have the opposites attraction that is so over the top melt your heart, swoon worthy sexy!
So looking forward to reading more

[Jacqueline Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

John and Lucy

by Jadamsone

I received this book as ARC for my honest review.I loved it! Kelly Collins knows how to get you to love her characters. I couldn't put this book down. You will love John and Lucy story

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

What If

When you feel like everything you have fought for is lost! Lucy loves the town she lives in, only to learn it is going to be sold to a corporate company, leaving no options. Read on to see what you would do, how Lucy proceeds, feels, and moves on from this. Great story, loved it❤️