Beehives and Broken Heroes

Harvest Ranch Romance #12

by Ellie Thornton

His upright nature will teach her to love again.

Her fiery spirit will bring him back to life.

Allie Ward is swearing off men for good. She’s had it with their lying, thieving, and cheating ways. What she needs to focus on is bettering herself and her business.

But the studly, new investor to her “Sticky and Sweet” honey company, Brandon Carroll, keeps getting in her head. He’s not like the guys she’s dated before. He’s reserved, tough, hard to rile, and surprisingly flirty when she least expects it. She’s torn between wanting to hide from him, and wanting to kiss the life out of him. But, she’ll do neither because she’s a professional . . . and done with men.

Ex-military police officer, Brandon Carroll falls fast for Allie Ward. With her open, crazy, and vivacious zest for life, she’s exactly what he needs to mend his broken heart. But when a ghost from his past rears its sinister head, Brandon will have more than a gorgeous, fighting redhead to deal with. By law, he must keep the mounting dangers stamped “top secret” from her.

But Allie isn’t going to tolerate secrets. In fighting to keep his past from her, he just might lose her for good.

Genres: Romance

255 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 5, 2021

About the author

Ellie Thornton is an award-winning author who has been writing since she could lift a pencil and making up stories even longer than that.

For years she worked part-time jobs so she would always have time to write, read, and travel. Some of her favorite filler jobs include working as an editor, at a nursery (flowers not children,) as a driving instructor (not as harrowing as one might think,) writing a blog called Confessions of a Property Manager, and being a ghost tour guide.

She loves mysteries (reading and writing them) and especially enjoys the ones with sweet romance involved. Her "Reboot Mystery Series," (Previously known as "The Contemporary Reboot Series,") is a mystery series that takes classics like "Pride and Prejudice," "The Count of Monte Cristo," "Jane Eyre," and "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" puts them in a modern setting and adds a murder mystery and a love story that builds from one book to the next. (Not an easy feat!)

She's currently super into honey and beeswax and everything bee related as she is writing a book for Gelato Publishing's Halloween Sweet Romance Series, "Pumpkins and Proposals." Her main character is a beekeeper and owns a business that's all about honey, and beeswax related products. And again, because she loves a good mystery, you'll also find some intrigue there too.

She also writes a writing, editing, and marketing blog for authors under the name Emily Clark called Write of Passages.

If she's not at her computer, you can typically find her reading, listening to podcasts, at the local library, in her garden, in her kitchen, or with her sister and her sister's kids.

Reviews

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, Clean, and Suspenseful

It always seems like you meet someone when you swear you're done looking, and that's just what happened to Allie. Brandon and Allie had an instantaneously clash of chemistry that was fun to watch this sweet romance unfold.

Both Brandon and Allie are fun characters. The random friends that appeared were entertaining too, especially the sneak attacks. While there's also a reason for why people do what they do, Brandon and Allie each had a flaw that didn't sit well with me, so it's a good thing they're both so likable--that made it easier to overlook those minor annoyances.

Harvest Ranch is a great small town and I would have loved to see more of it and its residents in this story, but I loved the mix of romance and danger. The kernels of suspense hinted at more and I loved how everything came together, popping the characters into the middle of a perilous situation. But I must say, that ending was the butter drizzled on top--sweet perfection!

Content: mild romance; mild moments of peril

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A-hah! Now I know where the concept of Black Ops Tag was introduced to Harvest Ranch. I’ve read about these characters from further forward in the series and I’m very glad to have read how Allie and Brandon first came together. It hurt my heart to watch Allie trying to pretzel herself into being someone she wasn’t because that’s who she thought she was supposed to be. I’m so grateful for the lessons she learned from that endeavor, and happiest that one of her takeaways was that she couldn’t be her best self by being someone she’s not. Brandon may have just raised the bar again on my standards for book boyfriends. He’s sweet, alpha, and protective, with a slightly tragic backstory that just made me want to hug him. I loved this pair together. There’s also a small part of me that’s grumpy the story is over. I guess I’ll just have to hang on for more B.O.T.s to come.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.

[Shanna Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Springtime in Harvest is becoming my favorite of all time. A fiery redhead Allie, runs Sticky and Sweet while swearing off men. That is until Brandon, an ex military man who invests in their business.

This had been the best out of the Harvest Ranch Series (sorry to my previous favorite, His Small Town Fresh Start) but Allie was even more of my sassy attitude I love than Swayzie was. Everything about this story was beautiful, swoony, and heart racing. I found myself wishing I could skip everything all day just so I could sit and read. There is so much chemistry between Allie and Brandon that I couldn't help but smile and get butterflies.

This is a love story I will love forever and always.

[Pamela Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this beautifully written Harvest Ranch romance that had relatable characters, humor, a bit of suspense, small town charm and sweet romance between Brandon Carroll, ex-military police who recently moved to Harvest Ranch and Allie Ward who owns Sticky and Sweet Honey Company with her twin, Jo. This multi-author series has not disappointed whatsoever and I have even added some authors to my auto-buy list. If you enjoy smartly written contemporary romance that you can't put down, don't miss "Beehives and Broken Heroes" by Ellie Thornton. I received an advance reader copy of this book from Gelato Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review. I also purchased a copy to read again.

[Brandy Hatchel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Allie and Brandon's story. Brandon showed up in Harvest Ranch, VA just in time to help save Allie's family farm from being sold to many people. But, not only that, he also helps save her and her sisters business. Brandon is running from his family and some of his past. Allie is trying to better herself after years of serial dating and a horribly failed engagement.
After promising to just be friends, Brandon saves the day so many times. Why can't Allie see how great he is and will she trust herself to allow her heart to try again?
Someone from Brandon's past is trying to make Brandon pay. Will he be able to save the day and his heart?
This was a great book! I enjoyed it thoroughly. I also enjoy all the books in the Harvest Ranch series.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book. But my review and my opinions are my own that I gladly give.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Allie's sister is getting married, she is trying to be supportive, but is sad they can't have their double wedding. She has been burned more than once by lying, cheating men. After hearing an old story of her dad she becomes even more of a cynic. Brandon her friend and an investor in her company is trying to get through her walls. She finally lets him in. But after his past comes to town for revenge he lies to her to protect her, she does not take it well. After some struggles and hardships they find some common ground. This was an enjoyable read, loved that we got to here Allie's story after reading Jo's.

I was given an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed in the review are my own, and were given voluntarily.

[Sunshinemeg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yay for Allie! I fell in love with Allie's spunky personality and her flair of emotions earlier in the series. I'm so glad she gets her story told!!! She is so fun loving and whatever she does, she puts all her emotion into it. Brandon is amazing and kind to everyone. I love his desire to belong, to help and to protect. I so wanted these two to click when we met them. I love this so much! I can't even share my favorite parts, it will spoil it!!! I love how so much comes together for them individually, but also their family. I love seeing the Harvest Ranch people and how it all is so good. There is a bit of suspense along with the humor, love and all around fun.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by Ellie Thornton and I truly enjoyed reading it! The story is set in a charming small town and the characters are fun and relatable. The storyline is the perfect mix of a cute love story and a bit of action.
I finished this book in about two days as it’s a nice easy read - perfect for a calm Sunday afternoon. This book is part of a series (though they can stand on their own) and I’ll definitely read the other books as well!

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

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of the Spring Flings and Engagement Rings a well written story, this is Allie Ward and Ex-military police officer, Brandon Carroll's story. We also get to see more of her sister Jocelyn Ward and Cash Evans as they plan there marriage. There is suspense, drama, danger, kidnapping, and love. I enjoyed reading this story. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bonnie Theel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harvest Ranch seems to attract strangers for different reasons. Once they are there, they find a reason to stay. The reason is they fall in love with one of the residents of the town. This story has a lot of action in it. Once you start reading, you won't want to put the book down.

I received an ARC, and this is my honest opinion.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!
I love reading a book where there's someone who speaks their mind. In this book, it would be Allie. I loved her enthusiasm and fiestiness!
Brandon was a lot quieter, but his heart shined through.
Awesome book!
I highly recommend it!

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allie is on a man break until she meets Brandon. Brandon is the kind of guy every girl wants, sweet, thoughtful, generous with his time. She tries to fight it but he is the whole package. This story was so fun to read and so hard to put down.

[Connie Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Wow! What a great story! A beautiful addition to the series. Sweet and yet adventurous exciting twists and turns. Had to stay up late to finish the book. Excellent character consistency with the series and just a joy to read.

[Lori R · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had it all. Wonderful characters, suspense, romance, and it was set in the small town of Harvest Ranch.

I really liked the feisty, stubborn, red-headed, Allie who had a twin sister named Jo. It was fun watching Allie eat her words. She had just sworn off men and immediately met Brandon, an ex-military police, wrestling with his own problems, as he started a new life in Harvest Ranch.

I really enjoyd the romance between the two and the suspense had me quickly reading the pages. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Cecly Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Allie is my hero.
This is another wonderful, suspense novel that leaves the reader wanting more in the series.
The characters are drawn from people that are relatable and Allie is my hero and her relationship with the quieter Brandon is perfect for the budding romance.
Once more family and love play out in this novel, which is part of a series celebrating love and family.

[Nati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Allie is done with men. But Brandon seems to be perfect for her. Can he put roots in Harvest Ranch and help Allie trust her heart again? Sweet love story.

[The Swoony Awards]

Nominated for a 2021 Swoony Award, to vote click here: https://tinyurl.com/y593ce67

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a quick read that I enjoyed. Allie has sworn off men but Brandon keeps getting her attention. Soon she discovers that she doesn't want to keep Brandon at arms length. He's ex-military and has some secrets and they might put Allie in danger. There is some excitement toward the end of the book and it's not your usual storyline. Ellie Thornton is a new author to me but I'll look for more of her books to read. I received a free copy with nothing expected in return. I'm leaving my honest review.

[Alison Ramsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite Allie’s quickness to misjudge Brandon’s actions, this is a really good story with a mix of blossoming romance, angst, life threatening action and heroic rescue. Really enjoyed it the suspense in this story and it is a delightful addition to the Harvest Ranch series.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beehives and Broken Heroes is the eleventh book in Ellie Thornton’s Harvest Ranch Romance series. It is a sweet opposites-attract romantic comedy which takes place in a small town in Virginia. This book should be read immediately following Honeycombs and Homecomings; most of the other books in the Harvest Ranch Romance series can be read as stand-alones.
Allie Ward was introduced in Honeycombs and Homecomings as Jo’s identical twin sister and the “free-spirited, irresponsible one.” Allie’s fiancé, Tony, had gambling debts and siphoned money from their family business, Sticky and Sweet Honey Company. The men who Tony owed money to kidnapped Allie, but they treated her well because she charmed them. Now Allie is done with men and trying to turn over a new leaf.
Brandon Carroll was also introduced in Honeycombs and Homecomings as a man who recently left the military after a tragedy and bought the Ward’s family farm. He has money and purchases David Ward’s handmade heirloom furniture from a store in town. He’s struggling to build a new life for himself and invests in the Sticky and Sweet Honey Company. He is very attracted to Allie but knows that she’s the complete opposite of him.
While Allie is “off” men, she’s also attracted to Brandon. They fall fast for each other, but then a ghost from Brandon’s past reappears. Brandon can’t tell Allie what’s going on due to military secrets, and Allie has trust issues after her ordeal with Tony. The reader knows that they will eventually find their happy ending, but it’s quite a bumpy ride.
Allie was not my favorite character after reading Honeycombs and Homecomings because she caused heartache for her twin sister, Jo. However the author wrote Allie in such a way that she redeemed herself and became the heroine of Beehives and Broken Heroes, worthy of the love and admiration from Brandon. Brandon is a true hero, with realistic PTSD from his lengthy military service. Both of these stories are more emotional and have more serious tones than the later Black Ops Tag stories.
I had previously read and reviewed all of the books in the Black Ops Tag: Harvest Ranch Wedding series co-written with Lucy McConnell, which include the books Andy, Chris, Joseph, and Pete. Jo, Cash, Allie, and Brandon appeared in all of those books, because Brandon was a teammate of the Black Ops Tag military group prior to his retirement.
I received an advance review copy (ARC) from BookSirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Priscila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beehives and Broken Heroes was such a sweet, laugh-out-loud kind of read, and I enjoyed every minute of it! I loved getting to know Allie and Brandon (as well as Jo and Cash, since I haven't read their story from the previous book), and it was a lot of fun! Allie is definitely a breath of fresh air, and I loved how deeply she feels things, and how protective she is with her family and friends. I loved her passion for life, and how perfect for her is Brandon. And speaking of, where does one find a Brandon? #AskingForAFriend He's not only dreamy and swoony, but he's also perfectly imperfect as the "broken hero" part of the title alludes to. There are some issues he has to work on from his past, but he's definitely on the mend and is not afraid of hard work (plus, he's ex-military, so there are definitely #skills involved). Seriously, the chemistry between these two was addicting and I definitely looked forward to their next encounter. 🍿 Oh, and once they start dating? It becomes all the more fun and romantic. 😊

Of course, let's not forget that there's some suspense going on courtesy of someone from Brandon's past who was imprisoned for arson but is now loose and back for revenge. On this note, the last third of the book had me hooked to it, and I definitely enjoyed all the chasing scenes, as well as seeing all of Allie's training getting put into action.

Overall, this is a perfectly sweet romantic suspense that is packed with funny, LOL moments, swoony scenes, and hold-your-breath action. Even though this book is part of a series, it definitely stands on its own. I'm looking forward to reading more books from this author in this series. :) ~ 4.5 stars

PS: If you think you could use more of Allie and Brando, be sure to get the author's offer of "Surprising Brandon". It truly ties things off in a beautiful way.

Content:
Language: None per se, but there are plenty of alternatives to the real thing (crapola, dang, dadgummit, and even the acronym "sweet honey iced tea" #iykyk)

[Elaine Coghlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beehives and Broken Heros ~Spring Flings and Engagement Rings~ Part of The Harvest Ranch Series #11 By Ellie Thornton

Publisher Description
His upright nature will teach her to love again. Her fiery spirit will bring him back to life.

The Harvest Ranch series is made up of various authors, however, I'm only reviewing books from Ellie Thornton at present. This is because I have read her Black Op Tag series which the main characters appear in both series.

Here we have Allie Ward and Brandon Carroll, Allie is staying away from men for good due to her lying, thieving cheating ex. Brandon is an ex-military police officer with a broken heart. Can the two heal their past relationships and form a new happier one?

I found this to be written brilliantly with characters that you fall in love with from the very first page. I also enjoyed the back story of Allie and Brandon, as I read in a later series of how their current lives are turning out.
I highly recommend this book to all. I will be re-reading the Black Op Tag series again after I have read their backgrounds in the Harvest Ranch Series.

Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packed, Easy-to-read, Entertaining, Great world building, Original, Page-turner, Romantic, Realistic, and Wonderful characters

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this sweet story. It was fun seeing Brandon and Allie gradually come together as a couple. I liked them both as main characters. Allie was a forthright and emotionally open book, although she was trying to be more like her controlled sister. Brandon was reserved but such a kind and great guy. He had to work to overcome Allie’s resistance after her previous bad experience. I really liked that, although certain parts of the relationship moved very fast, most of the story was carried out over several months. I enjoy seeing feelings and relationships build over time in stories. Thanks to Brandon’s prior military career, there is an element of suspense to the story which adds some extra interest and intensity to the plot. It made the stakes a little higher. I liked all the quotes at the beginning of the chapters. A little tie-in to Allie’s efforts at self-improvement and podcast consumption. This book connects to other books and series, and there is obviously a fair bit of carryover, but it reads fine as a standalone. This is a clean story with no harsh language.

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

[Patty Duplechin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allie and Brandon are wonderful characters. I enjoyed reading their story. Allie Ward is tired of lying, cheating men. No more. She’ll just stick to her business, Sticky and Sweet honey company. When she meets the new investor, she thinks he’s different from other guys. He’s tough, quiet and reserved. But she’s done with guys. Ex-military police officer, Brandon Carroll falls hard for Allie. He loves how she’s open, silly and has a zest for life. Can she be the one to heal his broken heart? Can he convince her that he’s the man for her? When something from his past rears it’s ugly head, he will have a fight on his hands, and not just the gorgeous red-head. Can the two let the past go? Will she finally allow that handsome Brandon into her life and heart. The two have chemistry that’s off the chart. Will his past ruin his future? Will she allow her past ruin what she could have with Brandon? I was rooting for this couple. Worth the read. I received this book for my honest review. I give it voluntarily.

[Sonya Wasden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allie and her twin sister, Jo, lost their dad recently and had to sell their beloved home and farm. Brandon Carroll, ex-military police, bought the farm and invested in their honey shop in the small town of Harvest Ranch. Brandon is older but Allie is attracted to him. He is her opposite. He is more reserved and she is flighty and vivacious and sometimes crazy. Brandon is attracted to her crazy, vivacious personality. They drive each other crazy but there is a spark there that they have never felt before.

This book has it all. There is cheating, kidnapping, flirting, swooning kisses and a happy ending. The story is clean and wholesome and fun to read. I don't believe I have read a book by this author before but I look forward to more if they are as fun to read as this one is.

I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.

[Narci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jo’s twin Allie swore off men after her ex cheated on her and she found out about her father, however the hot new guy isn’t making it easy. Ex-military Police/business owner and investor Brandon has been smitten since the moment he laid eyes on one of the twins when he bought their house and plans to make her his. This is a cute, fun and wonderful story with a bit of drama, suspense and threats that will keep you wanting more. I love the chemistry between Brandon and Allie and the others within the story. Brandon soon becomes an important part of Harvest Ranch so when danger from his past threatens, he will do all he can to make sure everyone is safe, especially the twins. However, we are left with a bit of intrigue and wondering what happened with B.O.T. I loved reading about Jo and Cash again, as well as a few others and I can´t wait to read what happens between Zoey and Hunter

[Danelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the Harvest Ranch series. Especially when it overlaps this authors other favorite series, the BOTS guys. These military buddies make wonderful characters. And their annual BOTS shenanigans are entertaining. Allie was born and raised Harvest Ranch and the other half of the local honey company. That is until Brandon becomes and investor and the bower of Allie’s family ranch. Allie is the perfect match for Brandon. Their story is well written and entertaining. I love how the author weaves many of her other characters seamlessly into her books. This chapter is no different. You can’t go wrong picking up this one. And you won’t want to put it down. Looking forward to many more books from this series and author. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book in the Harvest Ranch series. It follows the events of Honeycombs and Homecomings, telling how Allie picked herself up and found love again, (even though she was determined not to).

Allie is so great - dramatic, but also straightforward. Her thought process is fascinating. And there is fantastic chemistry between her and Brandon, who is very solid. They both have some past relationship baggage to work though, and a great asset of Harvest Ranch is the community that supports them. I adore these characters!

There is a good balance of funny, sweet, and intense situations. A fast, fun read.

I received a free copy of this book, and this is my voluntary review. Looking forward to more of Harvest Ranch!

[Noreen Hussain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not wait to read Brandon and Allie's story from harvest ranch after reading Jo,Allie's twins story in honeycombs and homecomings.
Brandon has moved to Harvest Ranch and when he meets Allie there is an instant attraction to her.Allie has sworn off men after her Fiancè nearly ruined their business.
She realises she is attracted to Brandon and tries to avoid him as much as she can,but ends up helping him on his farm and realises she cannot stay away from him.
When a danger from Brandon's past reappears and he knows he has to protect her but cannot tell her anything.
Will he end up losing her over his past or will she be able to forgive him?
I really enjoyed their sweet love story🥰.

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

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 12 in the multi author Harvest Ranch Romance series and can be read as a standalone. So, I've read some of Thornton's other books that are a spin off of this series and I love that I get the explanation of where the Black Ops Tag came from as well as getting the beginnings of Allie and Brandon who I absolutely adore! These characters jump off the pages and are so relatable. I love Allie's sass and Brandon's protectiveness. A well written, sweet romance with danger, suspense and some humor as well. Captivating storyline that flows smoothly with everything you could want in a sweet romance. I can't wait for more from Thornton - She does it best!

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