If You Adore Me

Sugar Maple #2

by Ciara Knight, Angela Dawe (Narrator)

Raised by her abuelo after Stella Frasier’s parents abandoned her in search of fame, she struggles to keep her auto repair shop open in honor of the one man who kept her safe. Her only option to keep her business afloat is to embrace the life she despises when fame-monger Knox Brevard strolls into her town with the promise of endless customers. All she has to do is sell her soul to the internet producer, a price she vows never to pay until an eviction notice is posted on her garage door.

Knox Brevard hides from real emotional connections after he failed to protect the woman he loved from a suicide bomber in Iraqi. Becoming an internet sensation allows him the ability to maintain superficial relationships until he meets a strong, independent woman that refuses him. With a television producer offering to take his show to a new level, he has to convince Stella Frasier that the show is her only option. The problem is, she’ll only agree if he proves himself worthy by opening his heart and sharing his truth. A truth that leaves him hopeless and lost.

Can two people heal from their pasts to achieve their dreams and open their hearts to each other?

Audible Audio

First published August 11, 2020

About the author

Ciara Knight is a USA Today bestselling and Maggie Award-winning author of heartwarming romance.

Her popular sweet romance series, Sweetwater County (rated for all audiences and enjoyed by over a million readers), is a small-town romance full of family trials, friendly competition, and community love.

Reviews

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit of advice: don't come into a series on the second book. I struggled a tiny bit at the beginning because some of it just seemed hard to follow. I had totally missed that this was the second book in a series (mom brain).

Don't let that bit of advice make you think it wasn't worth reading because it was. I was impressed by how the struggle of the two protagonists, Knox and Stella, was portrayed. Being able to watch their personal struggles like a fly on the wall is always intriguing and slightly enjoyable (more than it should be).

Stella is barely hanging on by a thread running a garage and Knox is trying to keep his internet career going. Stella has no interest in doing a show about her garage despite it helping bring interest to her small town. Knox needs the show to expand his career. Both Stella and Knox have some deep hurts in their past and they get to discover the road to healing and growth together even while not always on the same page. The town of Sugar Maple is full of wonderful people to love on these two and it seems like a town anyone could love!

I usually read explicitly Christian fiction but this was a pleasant clean romance. I would recommend this and would recommend the whole series.

I received an ARC on Netgalley but give my honest review freely.

[Vikki Vaught · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
Thanks go to the author and Net-Galley for the complimentary copy of If You Adore Me by Ciara Knight for the purpose of reading and reviewing. My opinions are my own, and no one has influenced me.

If You Adore Me is set in a small rural town in Tennessee and has a lovely array of supporting characters. At first, I had trouble getting into this book, but then I discovered it’s the second book in the series, so I continued reading, and I’m so glad I did. The story started coming together for me. As with other Ciara Knight novels, this book has warmth and shows the advantages of living in a small town.

Stella Frasier’s character does fit the mold of most heroines in romance novels. To say she’s unique is an understate. At first I wasn’t sure I would like her, but I soon discovered she’s a great character with many facets to her personality. I identified with her concerns over in having a relationship with the hero after what happened when they knew each other in the past.

Knox Brevard is a great hero with many of the characteristics I adore, and just his good looks. His character has plenty of depth, and I could understand his need to hold his emotions in check because of the trauma from his past. I enjoyed his baby steps in opening up to Stella, and his willingness to accept Stella as the independent woman and not try to change her. He’s exactly the right guy for her.

The romance between the hero has plenty of trials to overcome, but most of them are external and that worked for me. The emotional connection is strong and satisfying. I truly wanted them to find their happy ending!

If you like small town romances with a great cast of characters and an emotionally charged plot, then you with love If You Adore Me as much as I did. It had been a while since I had read one of Ms. Knight’s heartwarming novels, and this one is a fine example of why I enjoy her books. Happy reading!

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review
A tortured hero and an original, out-of-the norm heroine meet and clash in “If You Adore Me”, by Ciara Knight (Author Collective 20), in an apparent “opposites attract” trope romance which later proves to be more about an encounter between two damaged people.
An improbable couple and two improbable protagonists, Knox and Stella both come with lots of baggage; underneath their public personae they have a lot in common and they’re both wary and not looking for love.
Going from military to internet celebrity, Knox is a bit arrogant and conceited; even if he’s a broken man, distant, closed-off and haunted by his past, he becomes more likeable and less distant when he softens towards Stella and begins to trust.
“Abrasive but intriguing”, Stella challenges guarded Knox and is a refreshing female character.
It’s a quick, enjoyable read, in a small town setting and with a group of sometimes meddling friends that I thought stole away from the hero and heroine.
I found the main characters’ development a bit schematic, and perhaps because of it didn’t care much for the “wounded, vulnerable” hero.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Netgalley ♥️ Carissa and drew have become very close. Carissa's baking segment was a hit. Knox lost a woman he loved in Iraq which haunts him.the next segment is Stella's car shop. I thought Stella could be tough and fair but annoying sometimes.stella and Knox could be frustrating but I enjoyed their story.

[Petrenia Etheridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore this book! It's a must read in the series. I actually like it better than the first and highly recommend both. I couldn't put it down and can't wait for the next one.

[Jan Niblock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this second book in the Maple Sugar series, there are 5 girls in the Fabulous Five and I am hoping that each will get their time in a book. This one is about Stella who is the girl who has struggled her entire life and was out to prove that she is strong and does not need help from anyone. Her mother disserted her when she was young and her father ended up in jail. She was raised by her grandparents and learned how to restore old classic automobiles.

Knox comes to town to continue the internet series that is being shot in Maple Sugar. Drew, his partner, and Lori, their assistant, are both in town with him. He cannot wait to get out of this town, he cannot keep busy enough in Maple Sugar to stop his memories from crippling him.

Both Stella and Knox have a huge secret that they have been carrying around. Neither of them has told anyone about it and keep it secret which is also hurting them emotionally. Stella is the girl who dresses in boot, coveralls and grease not Knox’s type in the least. He is the big shot internet star who comes across as a player who always has a beautiful decked out lady on his arm. Forced to work together, who would have thought that they could even endure each other for that long.

This book was hard to put down and the last chapters brought the tension of the story to a very strong climax. This series is just as enjoyable as the Sweetwater County series by the same author.

[Tamra Delasalle Padgett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this small town in Tennessee, Sugar Maple is my kind of place. Its small, beautiful, everyone knows everyone and a person can feel safe living here. Stella loves her home, having her auto mechanic business and being close to her memories. Her past haunts her and keeps her from moving forward in her life but one day she will have to face it all and decide if she truly wants happiness. Knox is in Sugar Maple to try and restore his celebrity status after his last fiasco so he will be highlighting local businesses and the owners, which are the fabulous five girls from high school. Knox has such a tragic past that he likes to keep hidden along with keeping his heart closed off. Knox and Stella spending time together will be good for them both but will they be ok to risk their hearts to each other? Grab your copy today to find out if their past can be overcame or will they stay closed off and live in the past. Ciara Knight is a favorite of mine and her stories always know how to move your heart.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't like Knox in If You Love Me. He had an attitude, seemed full of himself, and wanted nothing to do with small town Sugar Maple. But I didn't realize that like Stella he was putting up walls to keep himself from being hurt again. Stella has a chip on her shoulder most of the book and refuses to accept help even if it means losing her grandfather's auto repair shop. I thought it was cool that she was passionate about restoring old cars. I can't imaging going through what Stella and Knox did. I would be an emotional wreck too. Her friends reveal more about themselves and I'm looking forward to their stories. The elders are still funny, but don't play as big a part in this one. This was a clean small town romance with funny, romantic, suspenseful, and emotional moments.

[Doni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book.
Another good book in the series.
It's a heartfelt, moving & intriguing
romance.
Stella, has a wall around her heart,
protecting it. She owns the garage
in town. She does restoration work
on classic cars.
Knox, is not sure what he is still doing
in Sugar Maple. He is suppose to film
the rest of the segments of the town busineses for his show.
Stella's garage is next. But she's totally
against it. Knox, asks her to join him
for dinner to discuss the show.
What they both discover is that the other person isn't who they thought they were.
Through it all, their futures are at risk.
I loved from the first page to the last!!

[Penny Leidecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in the Sugar Maple series and I loved it even more than Carissa and Drew’s book. In this book we learn what the big secret Stella has been keeping from her friends Is and we learn why Knox appears to be such a player. I highly recommend this series and especially this book. This can be read as a stand-alone, but I suggest reading book one, so you can learn about all the ladies in the Fabulous Five.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley and this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written small town romance with strong characters and an entertaining story line. The author does a great job building the story and pulled me in with all the emotions and humor throughout. She had me glued to the pages with the suspense as well as the romance. She brings the story to life with her detailed and descriptive writing and paints her scenes vividly. The story flows fluidly and is a great read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Kirstie Ibrahim · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's a lot going on in this fast paced clean small town romance. Stella has a secret that she's kept from her best friends for most of her life. Knox also has a secret he's been keeping from his past. Can the two of them learn to trust again? With a close knit small town community and a group of best friends to help them anything is possible. An entertaining read with a slight twist at the end with a little bit of suspense.

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like to try new to me authors and see if I find a new favorite. I liked the suspense and story of If You Adore Me and even the small town of Sugar Maple and all its characters. I just need more than a clean, wholesome romance to read more from her. If you love Christian Romance and PG-13 rated books, this series is for you. Start with book one though, I was a little lost with the backstory of a few characters having just started in book 2.

[Tonya Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Facing your fears

Stella is the woman that will fix a car repair any engine and help anyone but she hides it cause of her past and what her father did when she was younger. When her garage was evicted she knew the only way to save it was enter Knox's internet special.
Knox has always thought stella was unique and smart but when she reveled secrets he knew she was the strongest person, even stronger than the woman that gives him nightmares every night.

[Sherri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute romance proving opposites attract. I loved the story of Knox and Stella. I would highly recommend it.

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will pull hard on your heartstrings and evoke a variety of emotions. The characters and their story are definitely fascinating and captivating. While this book features a romance, it also highlights the close relationships of people in a small town. The gossip, the friendships, the squabbles and the unwavering support they give each other.

Stella, a mechanic who loves to restore old classic cars, is used to keeping her emotions and insecurities to herself. Being abandoned by her mother and having a troubled addict for a father made Stella very wary of trusting and loving other people. With her loving grandparents gone, she is desperately trying to save the garage that has become her home and her whole life. She may be grumbly and rather standoffish, but she also has a giant heart and is a loyal friend. Knox is an internet celebrity who has come to Sugar Maple to film his show and spotlight the quirky town and it’s citizens. He has a reputation as a player, but he has demons that haunt him along with PTSD. Hoping to take his show to TV, he must follow a producer’s dictates about whom to interview next. Stella is to be his next interviewee, but they definitely don’t get along. They strike sparks off each other and it isn’t too long before both they realize the wounded souls each of them is trying to hide. Relationships are not easy to build when two people are fighting their own demons and insecurities, afraid to trust that the other won’t flee in disgust when they are revealed. Further strain on their still tender relationship comes when a spectre from her past reappears to taunt and torment Stella. Will they learn to open themselves up to love, to trust? Is a happily ever after in the cards for them?

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

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in A Sugar Maple Series and it is Stella and Knox's story. Knox has his own business filming different segment for his show in Sugar Maple and the next one is Stella's garage not that he is looking forward to doing this one but he want to get everything sorted so that he can return to L.A. and his life. Stella ran the garage in Sugar Maple and loved restoring vintage cars it was were she was at her happiest with the grease and oil but now she was on the brink of loosing it as she can't pay her bills unless she does the filming with Knox for his show which is something that she really didn't want to do as she hated being in the limelight. Knox was intrigued by Stella not only was she beautiful, sassy, high spirited and prickly she was also loyal and he wanted to know more about her as she was guarded. Stella and Knox have great chemistry between them but they both have trust issues that they need to overcome and have both been through so much tragedy in there lives but how will it all end. I really loved this book with all its twists and turns along with emotional situations that have you turning the pages to see what would happen and I loved the characters and storyline and I couldn't put this book down as it pulled you in right from the first page. Ciara Knight is an amazing author and writer and I definitely recommend you read this book,series and others books by her and you will not be disappointed.

[mrsswiftnibpagewhisperer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stella has been raised by her dear grandparents after her parents abandoned her. With only the auto repair shop to her grandfather’s memory, she has been struggling to keep it afloat. With income barely trickling, she is far behind her rent payments too. Her only option in front of her is the one she detests and is just not ready to embrace the new change. She never wants that one memory and one person from her past to resurface ever. But what when exactly the same thing happens?

Knox is a famous and handsome Internet producer who comes to Sugar Maple town. Known to have his way with women always, Knox finds it a struggle to get Stella to be on the show. His charm and fame just doesn’t seem to do the trick and magic this time. Is it going to work on Stella?

What is it that Stella has protected so long?
Does Knox win over Stella?
Can the Auto Repair Shop be saved?
Does Stella finally open her heart to Knox?
Rating – 3.5/5 Stars

Recommendation – Moderately High

Conclusion,

This romance story between Stella and Knox captures your heart in a very sweet manner. The struggle that both face – Stella with her secrets and Knox with his emotions from the past is portrayed well. The characters and the plot keep the page turning from the beginning. I enjoyed this charming book.

Trigger Warnings – Nil

P.S: Thank You #Netgalley for this ecopy.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Knight has provided a well-written, beautiful story in this second installment of the Sugar Maple series. You want to make sure you read Book 1 first, or you might struggle just a bit. Besides, you don't want to miss out on the beginning of a great series, right? This story is about Knox and Stella. Both characters were portrayed exceptionally well and were very realistic in how they deal with the struggles of their respective careers and everything else going on in their lives. Both had some issues to overcome before allowing themselves to open their hearts to love and I enjoyed following them on that journey. I love small town stories and the feeling of family and warmth that comes with them. This one fits the bill with a great set of characters and a emotionally charged, heartwarming story. I would definitely recommend!

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

[Beverly Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two of four of the A Sugar Maple Novel series by Ciara Knight. This author can write books that will pull at your heartstrings. I cannot wait to see if she writes more on the Fabulous Five.

Stella's history will definitely get you in the feels. She is raised by her grandfather after her father is sent to prison and her mother leaves her. She runs an auto repair shop and is amazing at restoring cars.

Knox is a internet sensation who has an offer to take his show to a new level. He only has to convince Stella that her only option is to do the show.

They both hide from real commitment. What will happen when they are forced to work together?

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

[Charmaine Nouwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

If You Adore Me by Ciara Knight is an emotional,touching,sweet and intriguing small town romance story of Knox and Stella..A former military,a TV producer and a chip in his shoulder..A Mechanic/Auto repair shop owner,a strong woman who only known hardship since she was young when her mother abandon her and her father went to jail. the only silver lining in her life is her grandparents who raised her and the love to restore old classic cars.when her business is failing and she need money to pay her debts and the only solution is the big man himself but can she do it,can she accept the TV producer offering? read it to find out!

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

[k2148 · Rating 3 out of 5]

If You Adore Me (Sugar Maple #2). By Ciara Knight. 2020. (ARC eBook).

Happily ever afters are happening in Sugar Maple, but visitor and producer Knox Brevard is in town to produce a successful series featuring local businesses and owners; not to fall in love with the tough as nails local mechanic, Stella Frasier. Stella is equally as adamant that her and Knox will never happen. Overall, If You Adore Me is an enjoyable opposites-attract romance set in small town with close friends, even closer frenemies, and wiley senior citizens.

*Author Collective 20 ARC via NetGalley

[Patty Duplechin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stella is running a garage where she worked with her abuelo. Knox is trying to get his career back on track. Stella doesn’t want anything to do with the handsome, egotistical Knox but she is struggling to make ends meet. Between the two of them can they help each other? Will they push each other away? Stella is struggling with her past. Her friends doesn’t even know. Her father comes back and she realizes that she needs to stand up to him. Knox wants to be there for her, being he was in the military. Will they work together or will they walk away. Love this story. Ciara does it again. Sugar Mapke sounds like a town you would love to live in. I know I do.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this 2nd story in Sugar Maple. Stella was a little harder than her friends, but her life had been harder. Little by little, her story comes out and it just breaks your heart. Knox really liked her, but she thought she wasn't good enough for him. I like how the town wraps their arms and hearts around their own and these girls are learning more about each other and being more friendly. Hopefully they will become the friends they once were. They have a good start. The story had romance, some drama and lasting friendships. Lovely story

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

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another delightful visit to Sugar Maple. This is a wonderful small town with great characters. I love the elders! This is Stella and Knox's story. She is the tough, auto mechanic who doesn't need anyone. He's the fame whore who is running from a painful past. When they run into each other and need to work together all bets are off. Can either of them let themselves be vulnerable enough to make a relationship work? Will their pasts come back to haunt them? It really is a lovely story and I'm enjoying getting to know this town and the residents.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[KL Cassanello · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stella is struggling to keep her garage open. Knox comes to town, wanting to do a reality show based around her garage, promising fame and fortune to her, but also for Sugar Maple. It's a beautiful small town, a safe place to live, full of interesting people and deep friendships, but also full of gossip. I missed the first book in this series, and was lost for a while. But I hate to quit on a book, and eventually figured it out. It's a very sweet story, and I was rooting for Stella and Knox to overcome their insecurities and head for their happy ending.

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

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

She has been left by her parents so they could find fame and she looked after the garage, She is trying so hard to keep it running when he appears with an offer to help. She is not sure as it feels she is selling soul but when an eviction letter. Now she has no real choice but he must open up about himself. Would he be able to do that? Can she find the good in him? Will she become a star? Follow them to see where you are taken

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

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A love story involving two difficult and very personal characters who are attracted by their similarity and their pain. A relatable story as it could happen to anyone and anywhere in the world. Everything gets resolved with the intervention of the community who helps not only the main characters by also others who are suffering from a mental condition. In a subtle way, the story calls attention to the dangers of unattended mental issues, which can cause deep problems to families and communities.

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

[Karren Hodgkins · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found the friendship circle and the culture of this village very endearing. However, I struggled with the extreme personalities of the lead characters. They came across as one-dimensional, so sadly I really couldn't get this one so found myself skimming in order to confirm just how it would end.

With thanks to #NetGalley, Author Collective 20 and the author for my free advanced reader copy to review in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Debra Floyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stella and her automotive shop is supposed to be the next installment on the series of Sugar Maple by Knox. Stella doesn’t want to do the segment.

Stella finds herself liking Knox but won’t admit it. She keeps running from her past. Knox is having the same problem.

Will they do the segment and can they keep from falling in love. Will they get beyond their past to make it work.

This is a must read book.