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Small Town Stilettos: a modern marriage of convenience
Aunt Eleanor fully intends to arrange a marriage for me from beyond the grave—and to my childhood sweetheart, no less.
...She doesn’t seem to have considered the fact that I might actually be falling for my OTHER childhood best friend!
But her inheritance is the only chance I have to make my dream a reality: to create a fashion line for bodies like mine. I would almost be willing to give up that dream, if Aunt Eleanor hadn’t stipulated in her will that my inheritance will go to my cruel cousin unless I get married to a man I barely know.
There’s no way around it: a modern marriage of convenience is my only option. Now I just have to convince my “intended” that this is a good idea...
***
Big city fashion designer Margaret "Peggy" Malcolm never dreamed she'd return to the tiny hometown she escaped from 20 years earlier. But when her aunt dies, it’s up to Margaret to handle everything with the estate... and it turns out to have an unusual stipulation: Margaret must marry her childhood sweetheart, Logan Finley, in order to access her inheritance.
Things get even more complicated when another old flame of hers comes strolling into town…
***Small Town Stilettos is a friends to lovers, second chance, small town romantic comedy, love triangle, modern marriage of convenience—and there's only one bed***
BOOK RELEASE DAY: Tues. July 25
...She doesn’t seem to have considered the fact that I might actually be falling for my OTHER childhood best friend!
But her inheritance is the only chance I have to make my dream a reality: to create a fashion line for bodies like mine. I would almost be willing to give up that dream, if Aunt Eleanor hadn’t stipulated in her will that my inheritance will go to my cruel cousin unless I get married to a man I barely know.
There’s no way around it: a modern marriage of convenience is my only option. Now I just have to convince my “intended” that this is a good idea...
***
Big city fashion designer Margaret "Peggy" Malcolm never dreamed she'd return to the tiny hometown she escaped from 20 years earlier. But when her aunt dies, it’s up to Margaret to handle everything with the estate... and it turns out to have an unusual stipulation: Margaret must marry her childhood sweetheart, Logan Finley, in order to access her inheritance.
Things get even more complicated when another old flame of hers comes strolling into town…
***Small Town Stilettos is a friends to lovers, second chance, small town romantic comedy, love triangle, modern marriage of convenience—and there's only one bed***
BOOK RELEASE DAY: Tues. July 25
- GenresRomance
Unknown Binding
Published July 25, 2023
1 person is currently reading
1752 people want to read
About the author
Sagan Morrow
13 books31 followersSagan Morrow writes unconventional contemporary romantic comedies featuring alternative relationships, positive portrayal of polyamory and positive female friendships, cinnamon roll heroes, and sassy, ambitious, independent heroines.
She is a hobbyist burlesque dancer and identifies as polyamorous and pansexual. Tune into the Indie Author Weekly podcast to get the behind-the-scenes scoop about her writing journey.
Sagan has a degree in Rhetoric, Writing and Communications, with over a decade of experience as a freelance writer. Originally from Winnipeg, Sagan now lives in Kamloops, Canada.
When she isn’t writing romance novels, Sagan teaches online courses and coaches other solopreneurs as they build their intrapersonal skills and grow their own successful businesses (especially through her signature program, Productivity Powerhouse, and through 1:1 life coaching sessions). She specializes in anti-hustle productivity and work/life balance for multi-passionate creatives.
Connect with Sagan on Twitter & Instagram: @Saganlives
She is a hobbyist burlesque dancer and identifies as polyamorous and pansexual. Tune into the Indie Author Weekly podcast to get the behind-the-scenes scoop about her writing journey.
Sagan has a degree in Rhetoric, Writing and Communications, with over a decade of experience as a freelance writer. Originally from Winnipeg, Sagan now lives in Kamloops, Canada.
When she isn’t writing romance novels, Sagan teaches online courses and coaches other solopreneurs as they build their intrapersonal skills and grow their own successful businesses (especially through her signature program, Productivity Powerhouse, and through 1:1 life coaching sessions). She specializes in anti-hustle productivity and work/life balance for multi-passionate creatives.
Connect with Sagan on Twitter & Instagram: @Saganlives
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
July 16, 2023
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Spice: 🌶️/5
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪🧪
Plot: 5/5
Series: NA
Place: Fort Edwin, BC, Canada
Tropes: Marriage Of Convenience, Rom Com, Polyamory, Love Triangle, Friends To Lovers, One Bed, Close Proximity, Second Chance Romance, Small Town, Closed Door Romance
TW: Grief, Death of a parent, death in family
Main Characters: Margaret (Peggy) & Logan (Finn) & Matthew
STS was an absolute gem to read. I loved our plus size heroine, who she was and what she represented within the story. I appreciated how hard she was willing to work to make not only her relationships but her goals a success. While I appreciate how she wasnt a fan of monogamy, she was determined to not give an inch, although she wanted Logan ro give a couple of miles. She wanted to be able to do what she wanted without a thought of what he wanted or needed. Until it was too late, and I feel like to a point she was just placating him enough to get what she wanted.
Logan was an absolute sweetheart. I would have loved to see more of Logans personality throughout the book. He was tauted as a romantic, but there was nothing to suggest he was other than what people said. I wamted to see what made him a romantic, what made Margaret fall for him beyond how easy it was for them to fall into a routine. It was great to see how willing Logan was to compromise on many things, and not on everything. I was hoping he would have been more involved within STS since he put up his portion of money. Which is another thing thay bothered me. Margaret asking for his half to put towards STS. But nothing to return the investment back to him.
Even though I really like Margaret I feel like she was too selfish about some things. She refused to compromise until push came to shove. But it wasnt an easy compromise. I really hope with the next novel we get to see more of Logan & Margaret and Matthew.
I received a complimentary copy via the author and Booksprout. All opinions are my own, honest and voluntary.
Spice: 🌶️/5
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪🧪
Plot: 5/5
Series: NA
Place: Fort Edwin, BC, Canada
Tropes: Marriage Of Convenience, Rom Com, Polyamory, Love Triangle, Friends To Lovers, One Bed, Close Proximity, Second Chance Romance, Small Town, Closed Door Romance
TW: Grief, Death of a parent, death in family
Main Characters: Margaret (Peggy) & Logan (Finn) & Matthew
STS was an absolute gem to read. I loved our plus size heroine, who she was and what she represented within the story. I appreciated how hard she was willing to work to make not only her relationships but her goals a success. While I appreciate how she wasnt a fan of monogamy, she was determined to not give an inch, although she wanted Logan ro give a couple of miles. She wanted to be able to do what she wanted without a thought of what he wanted or needed. Until it was too late, and I feel like to a point she was just placating him enough to get what she wanted.
Logan was an absolute sweetheart. I would have loved to see more of Logans personality throughout the book. He was tauted as a romantic, but there was nothing to suggest he was other than what people said. I wamted to see what made him a romantic, what made Margaret fall for him beyond how easy it was for them to fall into a routine. It was great to see how willing Logan was to compromise on many things, and not on everything. I was hoping he would have been more involved within STS since he put up his portion of money. Which is another thing thay bothered me. Margaret asking for his half to put towards STS. But nothing to return the investment back to him.
Even though I really like Margaret I feel like she was too selfish about some things. She refused to compromise until push came to shove. But it wasnt an easy compromise. I really hope with the next novel we get to see more of Logan & Margaret and Matthew.
I received a complimentary copy via the author and Booksprout. All opinions are my own, honest and voluntary.
Currently reading
June 6, 2023THREE TEASER EXCERPTS from Small Town Stilettos...
Teaser Excerpt from Chapter 1: Day 1 of Getting Sucked Back Into My Hometown
“Remind me again. How the hell did I end up back here?” I asked, phone clutched in one hand as I teetered on the rotting doorstep of my temporary home for the next few weeks.
“Out of the goodness of your heart,” my best friend Rachel answered flippantly, her voice sounding tinny and distant through the speakerphone. “Come on, Margaret! Fort Edwin can’t be that bad.”
I shifted my gaze away from the busted door frame of the shabby motel-style apartment, and looked up at the roof with its missing shingles and rusting eavestrough.
“It’s worse,” I told her dramatically—which only made her laugh, the traitor.
“You should take advantage of the situation. View it as an opportunity. You might find that you enjoy hiking and kayaking and living in the great outdoors. Don’t knock it til you give it a real chance,” Rachel encouraged.
I made a face, then remembered that she couldn’t see my expression. “When have you ever known me to be the outdoorsy type?”
“That’s my point. You need to try new things and embrace the adventurous life,” Rachel said as I fiddled with the key in the lock. I tucked my phone into the crook of my arm, jiggling the door where it was jammed against the frame.
“I try—new things—all the time!” I panted, pushing harder against the door, until it suddenly swung forward, making me stumble in my high heels, my shiny pink suitcase groaning in protest as I tripped over the threshold.
Nothing ominous about that...
***
Teaser Excerpt from Chapter 5: Day 20 and Oh God, I'm Really Going Through With This
I spent the rest of the day crafting a speech and figuring out how I would break the news to him, so when we met at Aunt Eleanor’s estate on Sunday morning, I felt well-prepared and confident.
“Logan, there’s something we need to talk about. Let’s sit down in the drawing room.” That’s how I was planning to launch the conversation, anyway… but, as with my prepared speech for Arnold, my careful preparations went out the window pretty much immediately.
What I actually blurted out to Logan, before he had a chance to so much as greet me, was, “Logan, I need you to marry me.”
I mean, why do I even bother with all my careful planning and rehearsing speeches, if I’m not going to follow through on them? Honestly. What a waste of my Saturday night.
He laughed, thinking I was joking. I waited for his laughter to dwindle down to an uncomfortable, panicked chortle.
“I was going to ease you into it,” I told him, rather unhelpfully, since it was after the fact. But it’s the thought that counts, right?
***
Teaser Excerpt from Chapter 7: Day 39 of My Never-Ending Sentence
“Now, it’s not my place,” Arnold said, as though he hadn’t been all up in my business since I arrived in Fort Edwin, “but word has gotten around town that you spend quite a bit of time with Matthew Blaine.”
Oh, for goodness sake. What a ridiculously small town this was.
“Maybe people around town shouldn’t gossip so much,” I suggested.
He didn’t seem perturbed by the accusation. “I’m just saying, it’s come up several times in the town’s Facebook group.”
“No,” I exclaimed, “you can’t be serious. The town has its own Facebook group?”
“Of course. It’s the fastest way to resolve issues and spread the news. You see a rogue bear wandering the streets, you pop it in the Facebook group. If a stray dog wanders into your yard, 10 to one someone in the group knows who it belongs to. There’s an incident on the highway, everyone’s alerted immediately to avoid it.”
“...A new girl shows up in town, you get your daily dish of gossip about her,” I finished wryly.
Arnold shrugged. “It was a big deal when you first arrived. You were the talk of the town. Several posts were made about you, in fact.”
“What?” I demanded in horror.
“You’re lucky it was a busy news week,” he said cheerfully. “Otherwise, you might have made front page of the local paper.”
***
Stay tuned for more teasers and details in the coming weeks! Add this book to your Want To Read list so you don't miss out.
Teaser Excerpt from Chapter 1: Day 1 of Getting Sucked Back Into My Hometown
“Remind me again. How the hell did I end up back here?” I asked, phone clutched in one hand as I teetered on the rotting doorstep of my temporary home for the next few weeks.
“Out of the goodness of your heart,” my best friend Rachel answered flippantly, her voice sounding tinny and distant through the speakerphone. “Come on, Margaret! Fort Edwin can’t be that bad.”
I shifted my gaze away from the busted door frame of the shabby motel-style apartment, and looked up at the roof with its missing shingles and rusting eavestrough.
“It’s worse,” I told her dramatically—which only made her laugh, the traitor.
“You should take advantage of the situation. View it as an opportunity. You might find that you enjoy hiking and kayaking and living in the great outdoors. Don’t knock it til you give it a real chance,” Rachel encouraged.
I made a face, then remembered that she couldn’t see my expression. “When have you ever known me to be the outdoorsy type?”
“That’s my point. You need to try new things and embrace the adventurous life,” Rachel said as I fiddled with the key in the lock. I tucked my phone into the crook of my arm, jiggling the door where it was jammed against the frame.
“I try—new things—all the time!” I panted, pushing harder against the door, until it suddenly swung forward, making me stumble in my high heels, my shiny pink suitcase groaning in protest as I tripped over the threshold.
Nothing ominous about that...
***
Teaser Excerpt from Chapter 5: Day 20 and Oh God, I'm Really Going Through With This
I spent the rest of the day crafting a speech and figuring out how I would break the news to him, so when we met at Aunt Eleanor’s estate on Sunday morning, I felt well-prepared and confident.
“Logan, there’s something we need to talk about. Let’s sit down in the drawing room.” That’s how I was planning to launch the conversation, anyway… but, as with my prepared speech for Arnold, my careful preparations went out the window pretty much immediately.
What I actually blurted out to Logan, before he had a chance to so much as greet me, was, “Logan, I need you to marry me.”
I mean, why do I even bother with all my careful planning and rehearsing speeches, if I’m not going to follow through on them? Honestly. What a waste of my Saturday night.
He laughed, thinking I was joking. I waited for his laughter to dwindle down to an uncomfortable, panicked chortle.
“I was going to ease you into it,” I told him, rather unhelpfully, since it was after the fact. But it’s the thought that counts, right?
***
Teaser Excerpt from Chapter 7: Day 39 of My Never-Ending Sentence
“Now, it’s not my place,” Arnold said, as though he hadn’t been all up in my business since I arrived in Fort Edwin, “but word has gotten around town that you spend quite a bit of time with Matthew Blaine.”
Oh, for goodness sake. What a ridiculously small town this was.
“Maybe people around town shouldn’t gossip so much,” I suggested.
He didn’t seem perturbed by the accusation. “I’m just saying, it’s come up several times in the town’s Facebook group.”
“No,” I exclaimed, “you can’t be serious. The town has its own Facebook group?”
“Of course. It’s the fastest way to resolve issues and spread the news. You see a rogue bear wandering the streets, you pop it in the Facebook group. If a stray dog wanders into your yard, 10 to one someone in the group knows who it belongs to. There’s an incident on the highway, everyone’s alerted immediately to avoid it.”
“...A new girl shows up in town, you get your daily dish of gossip about her,” I finished wryly.
Arnold shrugged. “It was a big deal when you first arrived. You were the talk of the town. Several posts were made about you, in fact.”
“What?” I demanded in horror.
“You’re lucky it was a busy news week,” he said cheerfully. “Otherwise, you might have made front page of the local paper.”
***
Stay tuned for more teasers and details in the coming weeks! Add this book to your Want To Read list so you don't miss out.
December 30, 2023
I really enjoyed this book! The writing style was funny and light, very easy to read. I finished the whole book in one sitting. The chemistry between the characters was fantastic (hello... two men vying for her attention?? Amazing). I almost wish we could've delved into that more and added some 🌶. I would've read and loved this even more if it was double the pages! I also REALLY enjoyed that there was a playlist that was long enough to span the entire book if you read it in one sitting. Such a creative idea and the playlists vibes were wonderful and well thought out for the book's plot.
I enjoyed the main character. However, she did read as a bit selfish around the middle point. She's still relatable though! And it doesn't make her unlikable. She's just a girl boss doing what she needs to do to be happy and successful. Slay! Also, I'm really enjoying the plus sized representation in a RomCom setting. Men are just automatically lusting after her without question, and that's really how it should be. It's just a simple fact in the book, and there's no stress over it or second thoughts. Which I absolutely love.
I liked the business idea, and as a plus sized person who's originally from a small town, I'm begging that someone make this a real business 😍
The end was so short and slightly abrupt, but it definitely makes me want to read the sequel! Can't wait to devour that in one sitting, too.
If you are a fan of RomCom's and are interested in polyamorous dynamics/the potential for polyamory I would definitely recommend this book!
I enjoyed the main character. However, she did read as a bit selfish around the middle point. She's still relatable though! And it doesn't make her unlikable. She's just a girl boss doing what she needs to do to be happy and successful. Slay! Also, I'm really enjoying the plus sized representation in a RomCom setting. Men are just automatically lusting after her without question, and that's really how it should be. It's just a simple fact in the book, and there's no stress over it or second thoughts. Which I absolutely love.
I liked the business idea, and as a plus sized person who's originally from a small town, I'm begging that someone make this a real business 😍
The end was so short and slightly abrupt, but it definitely makes me want to read the sequel! Can't wait to devour that in one sitting, too.
If you are a fan of RomCom's and are interested in polyamorous dynamics/the potential for polyamory I would definitely recommend this book!
July 9, 2023
Margaret (aka Peggy) left her home in Fort Edwin 20 years previously, and settled into life in the big city.
Logan (aka Finn) and Margaret were childhood sweethearts, but hadn’t seen each other for years, until her Aunt Eleanor passed away, and bequeathed almost her entire estate to Margaret with one condition attached - to marry Logan.
Margaret had planned to spend as little time as possible back in Fort Edwin, but she hadn’t figured in the time it would take to sort and pack up her Aunt’s belongings.
Matthew, another childhood friend, had returned home from the city after losing his job, and Margaret and he became casual lovers, much to Logan’s displeasure.
There is interference from a cousin planning to contest the will, as well as Margaret’s discontent in returning to her Small Town life.
I enjoyed reading this story, which was well plotted, with believable, but not always likeable, characters. The ups and downs of the relationships between Margaret, Logan, and Matthew kept me interested, and wondering what would happen next.
I’ll have to wait for Book 2 in the series, though, to find out if Margaret & Logan get their “happy ever after”.
I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
Logan (aka Finn) and Margaret were childhood sweethearts, but hadn’t seen each other for years, until her Aunt Eleanor passed away, and bequeathed almost her entire estate to Margaret with one condition attached - to marry Logan.
Margaret had planned to spend as little time as possible back in Fort Edwin, but she hadn’t figured in the time it would take to sort and pack up her Aunt’s belongings.
Matthew, another childhood friend, had returned home from the city after losing his job, and Margaret and he became casual lovers, much to Logan’s displeasure.
There is interference from a cousin planning to contest the will, as well as Margaret’s discontent in returning to her Small Town life.
I enjoyed reading this story, which was well plotted, with believable, but not always likeable, characters. The ups and downs of the relationships between Margaret, Logan, and Matthew kept me interested, and wondering what would happen next.
I’ll have to wait for Book 2 in the series, though, to find out if Margaret & Logan get their “happy ever after”.
I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
July 18, 2023
Margaret/Peggy is a non monogamous kind of girl and when she has to return to her tiny hometown to deal with her aunts estate she meets her two childhood BFF's Logan and Matthew again. Logan is the small town boy and Matthew is in her situation of big city lover forced to return to a small town only his is job related. She starts relationships with both men even after finding out about her aunts condition to receive her inheritance, she needs to marry Logan or neither of them receive the inheritance.
I will admit I spent about half of this story not loving the FMC because she kept withholding info from Logan but sharing it with Matthew instead. But I did like both guys and eventually she got her shit together enough to stop annoying me and by the end I was rooting for her. I did go into this thinking it was a standalone when it's not which is good as there is so much more to the story we need to know. I also loved the cameo's by the ladies from the polyamorous passions series.
Also there is a scene in here where the FMC makes her no kids views very clear that I absolutely loved.
I received this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I will admit I spent about half of this story not loving the FMC because she kept withholding info from Logan but sharing it with Matthew instead. But I did like both guys and eventually she got her shit together enough to stop annoying me and by the end I was rooting for her. I did go into this thinking it was a standalone when it's not which is good as there is so much more to the story we need to know. I also loved the cameo's by the ladies from the polyamorous passions series.
Also there is a scene in here where the FMC makes her no kids views very clear that I absolutely loved.
I received this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
June 21, 2023
I was lucky to get this as an ARC copy this is my own honest opinion and review of it. Peggy, Logan and Matthew get up is the same small town until Peggy left aged 13. Jump 20 years her aunt dies and leaves her estate to Peggy, although now Margaret has grown into a new person who is happier living in the city, while Logan is still living in the same small town and enjoys the benefits of small town life. This book deals with topics of dealing with grief, friendship and relationships. While not everyone can be open and honest about feelings this book tries and succeeds in addressing ideas about monogamy and love. I found myself actually understanding how not everyone lives by the same ideals. I loved the characters and found myself rooting for them. As this is the first in a series I look forward to seeing what unfolds in future books. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.
July 8, 2023
I received a digital ARC of this book. This is my first time reading this author. Peggy, who now goes by Margaret, is forced back to her childhood hometown after her aunt passes away. She thinks she’ll only be there a few days to deal with her Aunt’s will and belongings. But, when she gets to the lawyer’s office to go over her Aunt’s will he drops a bombshell. There’s a stipulation in her aunt’s will about her inheritance and if she doesn’t follow it then her Aunt’s horrible cousin will receive it instead. I don’t want to give any spoilers. You will enjoy this roller coaster ride as Margaret deals with the small town she group up in, reuniting with her 2 guy bff’s, and meeting new people as she decides what to do about her inheritance. This book also leaves a cliffhanger that is promised to continue in the sequel. I look forward to reading the rest of the story when it comes out.
June 25, 2023
A great introductory book to why choose trope for me. Sagan’s writing and books always include real characters, small town feel, and empowerment. I 10/10 recommend picking up this book.
July 16, 2023
Margaret is a city girl through and through. When her aunt dies and she has to go to the small town she ran from, to handle her estate she is out of her comfort zone.
When she visits her aunt's estate, it brings back all of the memories and it gets hard to keep grief at bay.
And then there is Logan. He took care of her aunt all those years, caring for her and her house, making sure she was comfortable and had all that she needed. And he also gets half of the inheritance. BUT, they only get it if they marry, otherwise, it all goes to a horrible cousin. So there is really no choice to make.
But the plot thickens when she also likes Michael, her other childhood best friend.
It's a cute, fun romance story. It's the kind that makes you giggle and swoon though. And it's best to read while also looking at the lake or sea. :)
received from the author, all thoughts and opinions are my own
When she visits her aunt's estate, it brings back all of the memories and it gets hard to keep grief at bay.
And then there is Logan. He took care of her aunt all those years, caring for her and her house, making sure she was comfortable and had all that she needed. And he also gets half of the inheritance. BUT, they only get it if they marry, otherwise, it all goes to a horrible cousin. So there is really no choice to make.
But the plot thickens when she also likes Michael, her other childhood best friend.
It's a cute, fun romance story. It's the kind that makes you giggle and swoon though. And it's best to read while also looking at the lake or sea. :)
received from the author, all thoughts and opinions are my own
July 20, 2023
I was excited when I started this book, because it talks about polyamory without being a rh and that's a first for me.
I didn't really feel it was too much of a love triangle, because in the end the FMC doesn't have to choose between her two suitors, the choice comes naturally when she has to marry one and the other leaves.
I wasn't convinced by the polyamory theme either. In this kind of relationship, one suspects that communication is the key, and here FMC is selfish and doesn't communicate at all.
I didn't really feel any chemistry between the characters; Luke and Peggy are too different from each other, and Peggy and Matthew are far too similar. There's no balance.
I didn't know this was going to be a series and I don't think I'd read the sequel, because I didn't like the way the story unfolded.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I didn't really feel it was too much of a love triangle, because in the end the FMC doesn't have to choose between her two suitors, the choice comes naturally when she has to marry one and the other leaves.
I wasn't convinced by the polyamory theme either. In this kind of relationship, one suspects that communication is the key, and here FMC is selfish and doesn't communicate at all.
I didn't really feel any chemistry between the characters; Luke and Peggy are too different from each other, and Peggy and Matthew are far too similar. There's no balance.
I didn't know this was going to be a series and I don't think I'd read the sequel, because I didn't like the way the story unfolded.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 21, 2023
The Stipulation . . .
Margaret Malcolm (“Peggy”) had to come back to Fort Edwin to handle her Great Aunt Eleanor’s estate when she died. She prefers life in the big city over this small town. She quickly finds that Aunt Eleanor’s Will has put her in an uncomfortable situation. There is a stipulation included in the Will that Peggy’s inheritance depends on her marrying her childhood sweetheart, Logan Finley. Peggy was hoping to use her inheritance to finance her dream of creating a designer line of clothing for the larger body type. But when she realized that not marrying Logan meant the money would go to her nasty cousin, she needed to think about this more seriously.
In the meantime, her childhood best friend Matthew Blaine has also shown up and she and Matthew start casually going out together. Peggy is not the type to stick with one guy. With her cousin Charity watching her, however, she and Matthew agree to stop dating, but it doesn’t seem that Charity believes her, judging by the smirk on her face. How was she going to deal with this? Peggy, Logan, and Matthew had grown up together and were always together as friends. Could Peggy just pick Logan and get married? What about Matthew? Was there any sensible solution for how to handle this dilemma? And how would they resolve their difference of opinion when she and Logan moved in together but she slept with someone else when she visited the city? Logan, a very traditional man, expects their relationship to be exclusive. But Peggy is very independent and thinks she is free to sleep around whenever she wants to; cheating is no big deal to her because she has always done it. Is she ready to walk away yet? Is she willing to change her unconventional habits? Is it worth hurting Logan to do things her way?
So far, I don’t like Peggy’s attitude at all. I can’t imagine marriage settling her down into the commitment that kind of relationship demands. Logan is a sweetheart. Even Matthew is a decent guy willing to walk away rather than make things awkward. She is like neither one of them and they deserve much better.
Margaret Malcolm (“Peggy”) had to come back to Fort Edwin to handle her Great Aunt Eleanor’s estate when she died. She prefers life in the big city over this small town. She quickly finds that Aunt Eleanor’s Will has put her in an uncomfortable situation. There is a stipulation included in the Will that Peggy’s inheritance depends on her marrying her childhood sweetheart, Logan Finley. Peggy was hoping to use her inheritance to finance her dream of creating a designer line of clothing for the larger body type. But when she realized that not marrying Logan meant the money would go to her nasty cousin, she needed to think about this more seriously.
In the meantime, her childhood best friend Matthew Blaine has also shown up and she and Matthew start casually going out together. Peggy is not the type to stick with one guy. With her cousin Charity watching her, however, she and Matthew agree to stop dating, but it doesn’t seem that Charity believes her, judging by the smirk on her face. How was she going to deal with this? Peggy, Logan, and Matthew had grown up together and were always together as friends. Could Peggy just pick Logan and get married? What about Matthew? Was there any sensible solution for how to handle this dilemma? And how would they resolve their difference of opinion when she and Logan moved in together but she slept with someone else when she visited the city? Logan, a very traditional man, expects their relationship to be exclusive. But Peggy is very independent and thinks she is free to sleep around whenever she wants to; cheating is no big deal to her because she has always done it. Is she ready to walk away yet? Is she willing to change her unconventional habits? Is it worth hurting Logan to do things her way?
So far, I don’t like Peggy’s attitude at all. I can’t imagine marriage settling her down into the commitment that kind of relationship demands. Logan is a sweetheart. Even Matthew is a decent guy willing to walk away rather than make things awkward. She is like neither one of them and they deserve much better.
July 19, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Small Town Stilettos: a modern marriage of convenience by Sagan Morrow is a second chance marriage of convenience romance that has a fat representation.
While in one way Small Town Stilettos: a modern marriage of convenience with a few twists including with a love triangle thrown that turns into a Polyamorous relationship.
While the story does have the normal tropes for this type of romance novel and it executed them fairly well the book was said to have fat representation, which in the typical meaning of a romance novel is that the main character is overweight while the love interests are not with one being described as having abs.
For me if novels are said to have a representation of a specific group then it has to be more than just a token character even if that person is the lead, with the representation of that individual done well.
As for the two love interests in the story apart from one loving the city life while the other wants to live in the city, there seemed very little to distinguish between the two of them making them almost forgettable apart from their preferences.
As for the main character Peggy/Margaret while she was not overly annoying to read about and see the world through her eyes. The one thing that got to me was at the start when Sagan Morrow was showing that she was a fashion designer.
Which was when she was describing where she was staging the colours of the rooms it was stated in the same way more than once. While I know that writers have to develop the character in the reader's eyes, this does not need to be done in the same way that it would make a good drinking game.
Having said that, Small Town Stilettos: a modern marriage of convenience by Sagan Morrow is an enjoyable romance set around a Polyamorous relationship
Small Town Stilettos: a modern marriage of convenience by Sagan Morrow is a second chance marriage of convenience romance that has a fat representation.
While in one way Small Town Stilettos: a modern marriage of convenience with a few twists including with a love triangle thrown that turns into a Polyamorous relationship.
While the story does have the normal tropes for this type of romance novel and it executed them fairly well the book was said to have fat representation, which in the typical meaning of a romance novel is that the main character is overweight while the love interests are not with one being described as having abs.
For me if novels are said to have a representation of a specific group then it has to be more than just a token character even if that person is the lead, with the representation of that individual done well.
As for the two love interests in the story apart from one loving the city life while the other wants to live in the city, there seemed very little to distinguish between the two of them making them almost forgettable apart from their preferences.
As for the main character Peggy/Margaret while she was not overly annoying to read about and see the world through her eyes. The one thing that got to me was at the start when Sagan Morrow was showing that she was a fashion designer.
Which was when she was describing where she was staging the colours of the rooms it was stated in the same way more than once. While I know that writers have to develop the character in the reader's eyes, this does not need to be done in the same way that it would make a good drinking game.
Having said that, Small Town Stilettos: a modern marriage of convenience by Sagan Morrow is an enjoyable romance set around a Polyamorous relationship
June 24, 2023
A clean romance involving grief, friendships, relationships and a marriage of convenience. Margaret (Peggy) is back in the small town she left to deal with the estate of her late Aunt (Eleanor). Not happy to be away from her exciting city life, she reconnects with old friends and makes some new ones. Logan is the town Mr. Fix-It and took care of Eleanor and her house over the last several years. He is small town life and a childhood friend of Peggy’s. A stipulation in the will has left them a choice that neither saw coming – marriage or lost inheritance. Will they be able to compromise on their differences, especially when Michael, the 3rd in their little trio seems like a better fit? The story started out slow and then felt rushed toward the end until I realized that this is not a standalone first in series but is the beginning and meant to be a continuation. The story deals with some tough topics like loss and monogamy but I didn’t enjoy the constant reminder of the dislike of small towns by Peggy. Understandably, they are not for everyone and in the end, she discovered a way to make a dream of hers come true and money from them. And no, I don’t live in a small town. I don’t generally read series until completed because I read too much to remember most characters. I also don’t see myself continuing with this series as I didn’t like the way the story was progressing and the flimsy emotional connection between characters. I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
July 3, 2023
As a fan of this Morrow, I knew I would like this before I started reading. She writes complex characters who are strong, assertive, and unafraid to communicate their desires. Margaret is such a woman. She knows what she wants and goes after it. But she is a city girl through and through, and doesn't love being back in her hometown. But she needs to take care of her aunt Eleanor's estate, and there's the little matter of the marriage stipulation in Eleanor's will.
Margaret is the opposite of me in some aspects, as I live in Vermont, and we accept that there will be abundant wildlife and bugs. (Though being highly allergic to mosquitos, I can understand why she's anti-bug.) I also love hiking and camping, and Margaret thinks sleeping in a bare-bones cabin is too much roughing it. But she's funny. Both she and Logan are, and I laughed a lot.
"You've never been conned into a forced marriage by your dead relative before? Weird."
I love how descriptive the town is. I could picture being in Eleanor's house or the cabin in the woods. I was kayaking right alongside them. I've lived in both large cities and small towns, and both have merit. Margaret is definitely learning to see that as well. I'm excited to see what the future holds for her because her fashion line shows great promise. So does her marriage to Logan. This was such a fun read. Morrow's writing draws you in and keeps you reading—nicely done!
Margaret is the opposite of me in some aspects, as I live in Vermont, and we accept that there will be abundant wildlife and bugs. (Though being highly allergic to mosquitos, I can understand why she's anti-bug.) I also love hiking and camping, and Margaret thinks sleeping in a bare-bones cabin is too much roughing it. But she's funny. Both she and Logan are, and I laughed a lot.
"You've never been conned into a forced marriage by your dead relative before? Weird."
I love how descriptive the town is. I could picture being in Eleanor's house or the cabin in the woods. I was kayaking right alongside them. I've lived in both large cities and small towns, and both have merit. Margaret is definitely learning to see that as well. I'm excited to see what the future holds for her because her fashion line shows great promise. So does her marriage to Logan. This was such a fun read. Morrow's writing draws you in and keeps you reading—nicely done!
July 22, 2023
Logan or Matthew - Decisions, Decisions - From stumbling on a lynx at the doorstep of her temporary home, to being encouraged to use bear spray when walking around town, Margaret (please don't call her Peggy) has more adventure than she ever wanted. And that is in the first couple of days of being thrust back into her own personal He** on Earth. Her hometown.
She's there to settle her aunt's estate, with the will mandating that Margaret wed a specific man. How is she supposed to marry a guy she hasn't seen in two decades? Especially when there's another candidate for her attention. A clean romance with a nod toward the naughty deeds about an unapologetically independent, sensually free plump woman who has to choose between marrying her deceased aunt's choice or forfeiting her substantial estate. What's a girl to do?
This is the first tale I have read by this author and I was quite pleased. Margaret might not be a size 0 but her self-confidence has her men flocking to her likes bees to a flower. She knows what she wants and isn't afraid to go after it. So Logan and Matthew need to look out, because Margaret's got her eyes on them. To have that be one's toughest decision. Then again, why choose?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
She's there to settle her aunt's estate, with the will mandating that Margaret wed a specific man. How is she supposed to marry a guy she hasn't seen in two decades? Especially when there's another candidate for her attention. A clean romance with a nod toward the naughty deeds about an unapologetically independent, sensually free plump woman who has to choose between marrying her deceased aunt's choice or forfeiting her substantial estate. What's a girl to do?
This is the first tale I have read by this author and I was quite pleased. Margaret might not be a size 0 but her self-confidence has her men flocking to her likes bees to a flower. She knows what she wants and isn't afraid to go after it. So Logan and Matthew need to look out, because Margaret's got her eyes on them. To have that be one's toughest decision. Then again, why choose?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 28, 2023
Small Town Stilettos sounded quirky from the start, and it was. I loved the plot and the fact Margaret "Peggy" Malcolm was a fashion designer. Fashion is a passion of mine.
Margaret has reinvented herself in the city and she never thought she'd return to her old town, Fort Edward. I liked her chance meeting with Matthew.
Her aunt's passing is why she's back in the small town. Her aunt wanted her to marry her childhood sweetheart, but she has other plans for love...
Very atmospheric and realistic. Margaret had a great personality. She's someone to root for.
There's a real city vs small town subplot going on. The book was very vivid and I liked the image of her aunt's home vs the apartment Margaret was in.
Seeing people and places she has not seen in two decades, being back "home", wondering where home really is...
Having to manage her aunt's estate and also move on. Love and who to marry? Accept her aunt's inheritance or not? She has so many choices to make.
I was hooked on this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Margaret has reinvented herself in the city and she never thought she'd return to her old town, Fort Edward. I liked her chance meeting with Matthew.
Her aunt's passing is why she's back in the small town. Her aunt wanted her to marry her childhood sweetheart, but she has other plans for love...
Very atmospheric and realistic. Margaret had a great personality. She's someone to root for.
There's a real city vs small town subplot going on. The book was very vivid and I liked the image of her aunt's home vs the apartment Margaret was in.
Seeing people and places she has not seen in two decades, being back "home", wondering where home really is...
Having to manage her aunt's estate and also move on. Love and who to marry? Accept her aunt's inheritance or not? She has so many choices to make.
I was hooked on this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 19, 2023
When Peggy's aunt Eleanor passed away she'll be able to get her inheritance when she marries her childhood sweetheart Logan. She wants to use her inheritance to realise her dream of starting her clothingline. There are unfortunately 2 factors that could ruin it. 1. Her Mother's cousin Charity, whom is hellbound on getting a bit of the inheritance and 2. Peggy's growing attraction to Matthew, her other childhood best friend. Will Peggy and Logan overcome the challenges of her aunt's will's demand?
This novella was cute, but it kinda threw me off when Peggy although she's planning to marry someone, she still sleeps with others without beforehand discussing this with her fiancé/husband Logan. In fact she shares a lot with Matthew but witholds it from Logan, which is unfair imo. Both Logan and Peggy are complete opposites, but even then they will try to make a long-distancerelationship work. Even though one of them wants to be polyaramous but the other doesn't. Nevertheless, I did enjoy the quick story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This novella was cute, but it kinda threw me off when Peggy although she's planning to marry someone, she still sleeps with others without beforehand discussing this with her fiancé/husband Logan. In fact she shares a lot with Matthew but witholds it from Logan, which is unfair imo. Both Logan and Peggy are complete opposites, but even then they will try to make a long-distancerelationship work. Even though one of them wants to be polyaramous but the other doesn't. Nevertheless, I did enjoy the quick story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 15, 2023
What a read and a cliffhanger too! I really enjoyed it but need to know if our main characters find their HEA?!? So, main character Margaret (aka Peggy) left her small town for big city life and now years later her aunt has passed and left most everything to her with one contingency...marry Logan (aka Finn) her childhood friend. Also, Matthew, another childhood friend returns from the big city after losing his job. Add to the love triangle happening with these three is a begrudged cousin who plans to challenge the will and Margaret discontent with small town life. I love how the author is able to pull all this into one read that is smooth flowing and captivating, with the perfect balance of sweet, steam, emotional ups and downs and all the rest. Relatable characters make you vested in the outcome and have you giving advise (hopefully silently or you'll get some off looks from those around you). I can't wait for book 2 to see if we get our HEA!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 6, 2023
Spoiler...I had not read anything by this author before and won a free copy. (Thank you to Goodreads and the author/publisher for providing a copy. All thoughts and reviews are my own)
All that to say, I did not realize this book would have a polygamous plot. That's just not my thing.
BUT, I could have looked past it had the main character just not been a horrible person. I felt SO bad for the two male characters who had the awful task of dealing with her.
Margaret (who was called Peggy, as a child) finds out her recently deceased aunt has left her an estate....with one stipulation. She must marry her childhood friend/sweetheart. If she does not comply, everything will go to a cousin that Margaret detests & that treated her & her mom horribly. So, of course, she marries so she can get the money & fulfill her fashonista dreams. But will this marriage of convenience last? You'll have to wait for book 2 to come out to get that answer.
Hopefully Margaret/Peggy won't be as annoying in that one.
All that to say, I did not realize this book would have a polygamous plot. That's just not my thing.
BUT, I could have looked past it had the main character just not been a horrible person. I felt SO bad for the two male characters who had the awful task of dealing with her.
Margaret (who was called Peggy, as a child) finds out her recently deceased aunt has left her an estate....with one stipulation. She must marry her childhood friend/sweetheart. If she does not comply, everything will go to a cousin that Margaret detests & that treated her & her mom horribly. So, of course, she marries so she can get the money & fulfill her fashonista dreams. But will this marriage of convenience last? You'll have to wait for book 2 to come out to get that answer.
Hopefully Margaret/Peggy won't be as annoying in that one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2023
This is a fun story about a city girl forced to go back to her hometown... and stay there. You follow her path as she faces closing down her beloved aunt's home, mourning her in the process, and creating something new from it.
She reunites with her childhood friends, and fun and romantic times. I like the way they face challenges and adapt to change. There are also two female friends - one her bff from the city, another new from the town, so it feels well-rounded.
There is just one thing I didn't like... I'll be careful to not spoil... there is something she doesn't wnat, and that is respectable, but I felt some of her comments were in bad taste. I understand it is part of her carefree personality, but to me they came across as insensitive.
I really like how the author managed to give a sense of closure, however you still want to know more and I am looking forward to the sequel.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
She reunites with her childhood friends, and fun and romantic times. I like the way they face challenges and adapt to change. There are also two female friends - one her bff from the city, another new from the town, so it feels well-rounded.
There is just one thing I didn't like... I'll be careful to not spoil... there is something she doesn't wnat, and that is respectable, but I felt some of her comments were in bad taste. I understand it is part of her carefree personality, but to me they came across as insensitive.
I really like how the author managed to give a sense of closure, however you still want to know more and I am looking forward to the sequel.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 5, 2023
It all started with the death of great aunt Eleanor. Now Margaret "Peggy" Malcolm is back at Fort Edwin. Some instructions on the will are funny - Fort Edwin is a small town, and Eleanor is a well-known prankster. But to get her inheritance, a nice sum, Margaret has to marry.
Not just any man: her childhood friend/ sweetheart.
Logan has been Great Aunt Eleanor's helper since Margaret fled Fort Edwin, never intending to return. But the threat of the money going to Charity, not an organization, but to her mom's mean and petty cousin, encourages Margaret to try harder.
You have a city slicker on one hand, and a traditional person on another... I mean Margaret has only 1 option to marry, but she has 2 love interest. If that does not intrigue you to read on, how about Margaret's struggles to find herself as she negotiates life?
Not just any man: her childhood friend/ sweetheart.
Logan has been Great Aunt Eleanor's helper since Margaret fled Fort Edwin, never intending to return. But the threat of the money going to Charity, not an organization, but to her mom's mean and petty cousin, encourages Margaret to try harder.
You have a city slicker on one hand, and a traditional person on another... I mean Margaret has only 1 option to marry, but she has 2 love interest. If that does not intrigue you to read on, how about Margaret's struggles to find herself as she negotiates life?
August 3, 2023
Small town/big city romance! If you enjoy Hallmark movies, this book is for you! Margaret (Peggy) enjoys her life in the big city and has no desire to find herself back in the small town she grew up in. Then her Aunt passed away and leaves her estate (located in the small town) to Margaret, with one stipulation…she must get married. To someone who doesn’t agree with monogamous relationships, this is a nightmare. She jumps into a marriage of convenience, not convinced it will work, only to find out it might be exactly what she needs.
Loved this book and looking forward to reading the next one!
Loved this book and looking forward to reading the next one!
August 24, 2023
Two men and Peggy
Peggy goes home to clear out her aunt's home after she died. The town she grew up in is small and rural and she would prefer to stay in the city. She runs into 2 boys that she hung out with when she lived in the town. Her aunt has put in her will that she must marry one of her friends to inherit her money. She is not a marrying type of woman. She is a city girl, but wants to design clothes for the small town woman. The story keeps referencing that she is a larger woman and she doesn't want to be monogamous at all. I felt like the story was more focused on these two issues.
Peggy goes home to clear out her aunt's home after she died. The town she grew up in is small and rural and she would prefer to stay in the city. She runs into 2 boys that she hung out with when she lived in the town. Her aunt has put in her will that she must marry one of her friends to inherit her money. She is not a marrying type of woman. She is a city girl, but wants to design clothes for the small town woman. The story keeps referencing that she is a larger woman and she doesn't want to be monogamous at all. I felt like the story was more focused on these two issues.
July 29, 2023
This was a great story, I loved the characters and the storyline although it took me a couple of chapters to truly get into the story. But just as I was pulled in and anxiously awaiting to find out how the story ends it stops with waiting to find out in the sequel. I love sequels but I wish this story came to a close and another starts in the sequel.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 20, 2023
The really good point of this story is it show a really different point of view in relationships from a femal point of view. The bad point is that it make her appear quiet selfish and self-centred in my opinion.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 20, 2023
I love a rom com. This one is a lot of fun, dead auntie trying to dictate her nieces life from beyond the grave. Childhood friends, a love triangle and an inheritance to claim. This is a lot of fun, a very entertaining read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 2, 2023
Blah, the characters were boring, the storyline was repetitive, and the author wrote as if they didn't tell us previously in the book, the same information multiple times. It is a pet peeve of mine, an author who thinks their audience is so dumb, they need to repeat things over and over again. If you like this author and their writing style then you might like this book.
July 20, 2023
Love the return to hometown story and the great guys that help Margaret feel welcome. Makes for a wonderful story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 28, 2023
I enjoyed Peggy’s book. It was quite interesting and very entertaining. Quite the predicament she’s in. Am voluntarily leaving my review.
June 28, 2023
Margaret, or Penny as many of the residents of Fort Edwin remember her is back in the town she grew up in but left as a young teen, her mother hoping they could make a better life in the city. She has made a good life for herself, working in fashion, doing a job she loves and hoping one day to set up her own line. For now she is in Fort Edwin to sort out the estate of her recently deceased and much-loved great aunt Eleanor. Little does she know what lies ahead.
Matthew is an old childhood friend she, quite literally, bumps into on the street and after a strained initial hello a week of texting and a lovely dinner bring them back to enjoying a familiar closeness.
Logan is her one time childhood boyfriend and now, it transpires, the caretaker of her great aunts property, in fact he has been caretaker for a number of years only her great aunt referred to him as Finn so Margaret never connected the dots.
So far so good only Margaret soon learns that her Eleanor may have left her everything but with a condition. She has to marry. Within 160 days. Logan. Logan doesn't yet know and she thinks she is still in love with him whilst also beginning to fall for Matthew. Then there are the lovely people of the town who welcome her with open arms...
What can a girl do? Maybe she can tell Logan all, tell Matthew all, marry Logan and then convince him that monogamy is not all it is cracked up to be?
Sagan Morrow has written the most fabulous romantic comedy of errors. It's a beautiful, funny, emotional, clever and has a HEA cliffhanger. The dialogue is brilliant, we get character development, back story and present day all blended into one. It is simply brilliant and I for one can't wait to hear what is going to happen next for Margaret, Logan and Matthew and I have a feeling Margaret's best friend Rachel may feature a little more too...
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Matthew is an old childhood friend she, quite literally, bumps into on the street and after a strained initial hello a week of texting and a lovely dinner bring them back to enjoying a familiar closeness.
Logan is her one time childhood boyfriend and now, it transpires, the caretaker of her great aunts property, in fact he has been caretaker for a number of years only her great aunt referred to him as Finn so Margaret never connected the dots.
So far so good only Margaret soon learns that her Eleanor may have left her everything but with a condition. She has to marry. Within 160 days. Logan. Logan doesn't yet know and she thinks she is still in love with him whilst also beginning to fall for Matthew. Then there are the lovely people of the town who welcome her with open arms...
What can a girl do? Maybe she can tell Logan all, tell Matthew all, marry Logan and then convince him that monogamy is not all it is cracked up to be?
Sagan Morrow has written the most fabulous romantic comedy of errors. It's a beautiful, funny, emotional, clever and has a HEA cliffhanger. The dialogue is brilliant, we get character development, back story and present day all blended into one. It is simply brilliant and I for one can't wait to hear what is going to happen next for Margaret, Logan and Matthew and I have a feeling Margaret's best friend Rachel may feature a little more too...
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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