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Stonecut County #1
Hitting the Wall
She's not a secret. She's a second chance.
Shay
Six years ago, the good, upstanding men of Stonecut County ran me off. I took a secret with me. An inconvenient truth they wanted buried.
Actions have consequences. Their perfect golden boy maybe wasn't so perfect after all.
When life hands me one too many lemons, I'm forced to go back, and in Stonecut, nothing ever changes.
Kellum Wall is still golden. I'm still unwanted. And being swayed by his cocksure smile will most certainly ruin my life all over again.
Kellum
I believe there are still good men left in this world, and I strive to be one. I was raised to live by a code. God and country. Protect and serve.
I always do the right thing, even when it's hard--and yet, somehow, I've made an unforgivable mistake.
I want what I lost. The woman, the child, the white picket fence. But it's not gonna come easy.
Shay's a survivor. She doesn't believe in happy ever after, and earning her trust might be the hardest thing I've ever done.
She's got my heart in her hands, though, and this time--I'm not letting her slip through my fingers.
Hitting the Wall is a steamy, small town romance featuring a secret baby and a second chance at love. It is the first book in the Stonecut County series. It is intended only for adult listeners.
HEA guaranteed.
Shay
Six years ago, the good, upstanding men of Stonecut County ran me off. I took a secret with me. An inconvenient truth they wanted buried.
Actions have consequences. Their perfect golden boy maybe wasn't so perfect after all.
When life hands me one too many lemons, I'm forced to go back, and in Stonecut, nothing ever changes.
Kellum Wall is still golden. I'm still unwanted. And being swayed by his cocksure smile will most certainly ruin my life all over again.
Kellum
I believe there are still good men left in this world, and I strive to be one. I was raised to live by a code. God and country. Protect and serve.
I always do the right thing, even when it's hard--and yet, somehow, I've made an unforgivable mistake.
I want what I lost. The woman, the child, the white picket fence. But it's not gonna come easy.
Shay's a survivor. She doesn't believe in happy ever after, and earning her trust might be the hardest thing I've ever done.
She's got my heart in her hands, though, and this time--I'm not letting her slip through my fingers.
Hitting the Wall is a steamy, small town romance featuring a secret baby and a second chance at love. It is the first book in the Stonecut County series. It is intended only for adult listeners.
HEA guaranteed.
437 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 12, 2021
1075 people are currently reading
3408 people want to read
About the author
Cate C. Wells
28 books2,945 followersCATE C. WELLS writes gut-wrenching paranormal and contemporary romance. Whatever the world, readers can expect character-driven stories that are raw, real, and emotionally satisfying. Cate's into messy love, flaws, long roads to redemption, grace, and happy ever after, in fiction and in life.
As well as books, Cate has collected a husband, two daughters, and a cat along the way. She lives in Baltimore when she’s not out exploring with the family.
Want a heads up on new releases and bonus content? Sign up for Cate's newsletter at catecwells.com
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As well as books, Cate has collected a husband, two daughters, and a cat along the way. She lives in Baltimore when she’s not out exploring with the family.
Want a heads up on new releases and bonus content? Sign up for Cate's newsletter at catecwells.com
Facebook: @catecwells
IG: @authorcatecwells
TT: @authorcatecwells
Threads: @authorcatecwells
Bookbub: @catecwells
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 782 reviews
February 20, 2021
4.5
By now, I should probably stop being surprised when a book’s cover is so completely and absolutely mismatched when considering the content. But, of course, once again I was surprised.
This is probably the best and one of the more realistic approaches to “I had a kid and didn’t tell the father” type of plot. It does this book a disservice to only describe it in terms of that trope. I think this is one of those stories where even people who hate that trope could like it.
Now that I got that out of the way, first thing I have to say is that I loved the writing.It was my thing (yeah, that’s the best way my brilliant, sleep deprived mind can do to describe it).
I’d say the main goal of the book is to portray the vast gap between the wealthy and the poor. How the meaning of choice takes a different connotation when you have money and resources. How choosing ignorance and living in denial in regards to individual privilege is akin to being part of the problem and having a well meaning attitude won’t win anyone any “good guy” awards because at the end of the day, you have to pick a side, you have to admit the world is not black or white, it’s grey, a lot of grey and that is where intentions get blurry and people get away with a lot.
Okay, so, following my philosophical meanderings above, this story is about a young girl who had a lot of bad luck in life. She finally catches a break, by going to live with her grandfather, when bad luck strikes again and after an impulsive encounter with an older guy who is basically royalty in that small town (comes from a rich, old family who owns the town) she gets pregnant - her being 17 at the time. The rumour mill is hard at work and soon his family finds out. Them being the fixers that they are, give her a choice: get gone, or gramps loses his job and house (the grandfather worked for that family his entire life and lived in their housing). That’s a lot for a 17 year old but she survives for 7 years (was it?) until out of necessity she has to return to the small town because she has nowhere to live but her grandfathers old house.
That summarises the beginning of the story. This book was truly so well written because you can’t not be angry and sad and frustrated at the injustice of not having a voice worth hearing or believing, unless millions line your pockets.
The book wasn’t melodramatic or over the top unbelievable, it was quietly reproachful of a lot of things. Labels being one of them, of turning a blind trusting eye one too many times and also probably most important is the fact that if you don’t actively try to make a difference, you are part of the problem no matter how much of a good guy you think you are. - that’s the hero’s problem
I don’t know if this review came off as informative as it was vague, but I think the story was solid and I ate up every word.
In regards to the romance, I think it was sweet and believable and another thing to mention is that I believe the author did a great job writing about a child with autism.
Glad I picked this book up and I think I’d like to read the rest of the books if it becomes a series.
By now, I should probably stop being surprised when a book’s cover is so completely and absolutely mismatched when considering the content. But, of course, once again I was surprised.
This is probably the best and one of the more realistic approaches to “I had a kid and didn’t tell the father” type of plot. It does this book a disservice to only describe it in terms of that trope. I think this is one of those stories where even people who hate that trope could like it.
Now that I got that out of the way, first thing I have to say is that I loved the writing.It was my thing (yeah, that’s the best way my brilliant, sleep deprived mind can do to describe it).
I’d say the main goal of the book is to portray the vast gap between the wealthy and the poor. How the meaning of choice takes a different connotation when you have money and resources. How choosing ignorance and living in denial in regards to individual privilege is akin to being part of the problem and having a well meaning attitude won’t win anyone any “good guy” awards because at the end of the day, you have to pick a side, you have to admit the world is not black or white, it’s grey, a lot of grey and that is where intentions get blurry and people get away with a lot.
Okay, so, following my philosophical meanderings above, this story is about a young girl who had a lot of bad luck in life. She finally catches a break, by going to live with her grandfather, when bad luck strikes again and after an impulsive encounter with an older guy who is basically royalty in that small town (comes from a rich, old family who owns the town) she gets pregnant - her being 17 at the time. The rumour mill is hard at work and soon his family finds out. Them being the fixers that they are, give her a choice: get gone, or gramps loses his job and house (the grandfather worked for that family his entire life and lived in their housing). That’s a lot for a 17 year old but she survives for 7 years (was it?) until out of necessity she has to return to the small town because she has nowhere to live but her grandfathers old house.
That summarises the beginning of the story. This book was truly so well written because you can’t not be angry and sad and frustrated at the injustice of not having a voice worth hearing or believing, unless millions line your pockets.
The book wasn’t melodramatic or over the top unbelievable, it was quietly reproachful of a lot of things. Labels being one of them, of turning a blind trusting eye one too many times and also probably most important is the fact that if you don’t actively try to make a difference, you are part of the problem no matter how much of a good guy you think you are. - that’s the hero’s problem
I don’t know if this review came off as informative as it was vague, but I think the story was solid and I ate up every word.
In regards to the romance, I think it was sweet and believable and another thing to mention is that I believe the author did a great job writing about a child with autism.
Glad I picked this book up and I think I’d like to read the rest of the books if it becomes a series.
February 14, 2023
2.5 stars. What the fuck was that ending? What a total BS way to end this story - I took off a full star for the abrupt ending alone. I know the author will continue this story in future books about this family, but wow, the way she ended this pissed me off. She barely bothered wrapping up the issues with this couple, it was two pages of "everything's fine now".
So this book is about Kellum and Shay. They had a ONS seven years ago, the condom breaks, Shay gets pregnant. When she tried to reach out to Kellum he hung up on her because he was already back together with his on-again, off-again girlfriend. He's 24 and a cop, she's 17 - he has ALL THE POWER. She gets run out of town by his father, his uncle, and the Sheriff. They keep the news that he may be a father to themselves, and Kellum doesn't find out about Mia (their daughter) until seven years later. Shay comes back to town because she's desperate, has no money, and the only place to stay is her grandfather's old trailer, which sits empty after he died. Kellum sees them and immediately knows that Mia is his daughter, he remembers Shay from their ONS, and he is angry that he has missed so much of her life. Spoiler alert: it's his fault.
Here's what I liked about the story:
Ms. Wells is a talented writer, she does a good job telling the story. She keeps the plot moving along, and kept me hooked while reading. I also really liked the heroine, her decisions and her reactions made sense in regards to what she was dealing with. I liked Mia, the daughter. She has autism, and I loved the way she was portrayed, her behavior was realistic, and also how much a part of the story she was. She wasn't brushed aside (like kids sometimes are in romance books) but was a main part of the story - as it should be when a couple has a kid.
Here's what I thought was shit:
1. The hero - He's this "good guy" but he's not really all that great. In my eyes, he went from ok, to weak AF, to a half-assed attempt at redemption. He is at fault for what Shay and Mia went through for 7 years. He had sex with a 17 year old and never bothered to even follow back up with her. He says he thought about her all of those years. But he still got back together with his G/F THE SAME NIGHT. He married the OW, he still went along with what everyone wanted. He finally realizes his mistakes by the end, but you know what? Too little, too late for me. He can't undo those years of hardship for Shay or Mia, and the fact that Shay even wanted to be with him at all made me question her sanity. She should have moved on with someone worthy of her years before she was reunited with poor excuse for a hero.
2. The hero's marriage. He marries this girl because he thinks he's supposed to. They are civil with each other after divorcing- even though she was physically, emotionally, and financially abusive to him. She didn't love him or respect him while they were together, and she's still trying to control him in his book by getting him to do what she wants. By the end, even Shay thinks she's not so bad. WHAT THE EVER LOVING FUCK IS THAT????? She was a MONSTER. And he just allowed her to go on being one, and STAYED FRIENDS WITH HER. WHAT THE FUCK CATE C. WELLS???????? HOW IS THIS OK, EVER? Basically, it's ok for women to abuse men? Cool, yep. Makes perfect sense to me. 😡🤯🤡🤡
3. The evil uncle and the bad sheriff. Both basically caricatures of bad guys. They do a piss-poor job of hiding their evil intent, but the hero is too brain-dead to realize it.
4. The heroine is celibate for those 7 years between ONS and reunion. And she was a virgin before that. Um what?? If this story had been about a man struggling with his single child. 1. let's be real, he wouldn't have been struggling as much and 2. he wouldn't have been celibate. Once again, the woman is somehow only a good person if she keeps those legs closed. *Insert EYE ROLL here* It's a good thing that all those times she was presumed to be a whore/slut/etc. weren't true....because if she HAD let another man touch her, everyone would have been justified to call her those names, right?? RIGHT?
5. THAT ENDING. Oh my god. Like I already said above. That was a sorry excuse for an ending. All the issues got half-assed and sorta wrapped up within about 5 pages, most of those being the epilogue. I especially feel that the author left the hero's redemption for too late in the book. All he did was confront his uncle and then, bam, the end. He punches him, he walks away, nothing really happens, he's "investigating" now. The MCs are in love and getting married. And all of the parts that could have been good, happened off page. 🙄🙄
I am going to read the next book in this series, but tbh, idk if I should. I just want to see how this story progresses - although now I have almost no expectations.
SWE probably. Heroine is a virgin when she has the ONS with the hero, she stays celibate after birthing his baby. Hero meanwhile, gets back together with his on-again, off-again girlfriend THE SAME NIGHT that he took the heroine's virginity and knocked her up. He ends up married to her, and divorced 2 years before the H&h are reunited. He is celibate since his divorce. They are separated for 7 years. Once they are reunited, there's no OM drama, some OW drama from the H's ex who it seems will always be a part of their lives (why??), no scenes with OM/OW, no cheating.
So this book is about Kellum and Shay. They had a ONS seven years ago, the condom breaks, Shay gets pregnant. When she tried to reach out to Kellum he hung up on her because he was already back together with his on-again, off-again girlfriend. He's 24 and a cop, she's 17 - he has ALL THE POWER. She gets run out of town by his father, his uncle, and the Sheriff. They keep the news that he may be a father to themselves, and Kellum doesn't find out about Mia (their daughter) until seven years later. Shay comes back to town because she's desperate, has no money, and the only place to stay is her grandfather's old trailer, which sits empty after he died. Kellum sees them and immediately knows that Mia is his daughter, he remembers Shay from their ONS, and he is angry that he has missed so much of her life. Spoiler alert: it's his fault.
Here's what I liked about the story:
Ms. Wells is a talented writer, she does a good job telling the story. She keeps the plot moving along, and kept me hooked while reading. I also really liked the heroine, her decisions and her reactions made sense in regards to what she was dealing with. I liked Mia, the daughter. She has autism, and I loved the way she was portrayed, her behavior was realistic, and also how much a part of the story she was. She wasn't brushed aside (like kids sometimes are in romance books) but was a main part of the story - as it should be when a couple has a kid.
Here's what I thought was shit:
1. The hero - He's this "good guy" but he's not really all that great. In my eyes, he went from ok, to weak AF, to a half-assed attempt at redemption. He is at fault for what Shay and Mia went through for 7 years. He had sex with a 17 year old and never bothered to even follow back up with her. He says he thought about her all of those years. But he still got back together with his G/F THE SAME NIGHT. He married the OW, he still went along with what everyone wanted. He finally realizes his mistakes by the end, but you know what? Too little, too late for me. He can't undo those years of hardship for Shay or Mia, and the fact that Shay even wanted to be with him at all made me question her sanity. She should have moved on with someone worthy of her years before she was reunited with poor excuse for a hero.
2. The hero's marriage. He marries this girl because he thinks he's supposed to. They are civil with each other after divorcing- even though she was physically, emotionally, and financially abusive to him. She didn't love him or respect him while they were together, and she's still trying to control him in his book by getting him to do what she wants. By the end, even Shay thinks she's not so bad. WHAT THE EVER LOVING FUCK IS THAT????? She was a MONSTER. And he just allowed her to go on being one, and STAYED FRIENDS WITH HER. WHAT THE FUCK CATE C. WELLS???????? HOW IS THIS OK, EVER? Basically, it's ok for women to abuse men? Cool, yep. Makes perfect sense to me. 😡🤯🤡🤡
3. The evil uncle and the bad sheriff. Both basically caricatures of bad guys. They do a piss-poor job of hiding their evil intent, but the hero is too brain-dead to realize it.
4. The heroine is celibate for those 7 years between ONS and reunion. And she was a virgin before that. Um what?? If this story had been about a man struggling with his single child. 1. let's be real, he wouldn't have been struggling as much and 2. he wouldn't have been celibate. Once again, the woman is somehow only a good person if she keeps those legs closed. *Insert EYE ROLL here* It's a good thing that all those times she was presumed to be a whore/slut/etc. weren't true....because if she HAD let another man touch her, everyone would have been justified to call her those names, right?? RIGHT?
5. THAT ENDING. Oh my god. Like I already said above. That was a sorry excuse for an ending. All the issues got half-assed and sorta wrapped up within about 5 pages, most of those being the epilogue. I especially feel that the author left the hero's redemption for too late in the book. All he did was confront his uncle and then, bam, the end. He punches him, he walks away, nothing really happens, he's "investigating" now. The MCs are in love and getting married. And all of the parts that could have been good, happened off page. 🙄🙄
I am going to read the next book in this series, but tbh, idk if I should. I just want to see how this story progresses - although now I have almost no expectations.
SWE probably. Heroine is a virgin when she has the ONS with the hero, she stays celibate after birthing his baby. Hero meanwhile, gets back together with his on-again, off-again girlfriend THE SAME NIGHT that he took the heroine's virginity and knocked her up. He ends up married to her, and divorced 2 years before the H&h are reunited. He is celibate since his divorce. They are separated for 7 years. Once they are reunited, there's no OM drama, some OW drama from the H's ex who it seems will always be a part of their lives (why??), no scenes with OM/OW, no cheating.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2022
4 Stars
After discovering and loving THIS book by this author, but having less than stellar luck with her shifter series, I was determined to keep trying until I found another hit.
So I was excited to try another of her series.
And happily, this was a winner for me.
I'm a sucker for forced proximity situations in my romance and this had that AND a secret baby. So really, it was like a minor Christmas morning-like romance scenario for me here, folks.
I really liked Shay (and that name, by the way) and how her and Kellum's re-connection played out. I will say that Kellum's naivete annoyed me a bit at times, but I did like him overall. Also, the ending was super abrupt.
In general though, I really enjoyed this and will definitely re-read it. I also already have book two queued up in my kindle.
After discovering and loving THIS book by this author, but having less than stellar luck with her shifter series, I was determined to keep trying until I found another hit.
So I was excited to try another of her series.
And happily, this was a winner for me.
I'm a sucker for forced proximity situations in my romance and this had that AND a secret baby. So really, it was like a minor Christmas morning-like romance scenario for me here, folks.
I really liked Shay (and that name, by the way) and how her and Kellum's re-connection played out. I will say that Kellum's naivete annoyed me a bit at times, but I did like him overall. Also, the ending was super abrupt.
In general though, I really enjoyed this and will definitely re-read it. I also already have book two queued up in my kindle.
March 24, 2024
5 I’d Hang the Moon for Her Stars ⭐
~Second Read and it only got better!~
I feel like whatever I write won’t do this book justice. Hitting the Wall was such a beautiful, emotional romance done extremely well. And really, I’m beginning to think I shouldn’t expect anything else by this author. This is how second chance romances are written.
It’s like the entirety of the world is women’s responsibility, and when we hold everything together, we’re not strong, we’re suckers. We’re letting men take advantage.
Forever fighting. Shay Crowley may come from rough beginnings but the moment she was handed her daughter at 17 years old, it dawned on her. She was a mama, alone and responsible for a child. Shay may have gotten pregnant by the golden boy of Stonecut County, but its clear this parenting gig is a solo one. Yet it all changes when she returns to the town she was run off from.
My child was walking along the highway in plastic shoes, hauling laundry in ninety-eight-degree heat. Whatever led to this, I made the wrong call. I missed something.
When the moment of truth slaps you in the face, there’s no escaping everything you’ve messed up. Deputy Sheriff Kellum Wall is content living in a small town where he’s lived all his life. His family are founding members and life is grand. Except learning he fathered a child and the ramifications of that one stolen evening; nothing will be the same again.
Although this is a slow burn romance, there is so much to experience and feel. The disparity between rich and poor and the lengths people go to will keep Shay and Kellum apart. But more importantly it’s about a parents’ love for their child. You see their daughter Mia is different, autistic. It’s the challenges you face wanting to give your child a ‘normal’ life. However, the moment Kellum re-enters their lives, these girls no longer need to fight alone.
It feels like family. Overnight. Sudden and strange and new and impossible. And it feels so fragile, and so completely right.
I spent the first half of the book wanting to sob, and the second mooning over newfound love. Both Shay and Kellum were standout. Where Shay was a warrior, Kellum was a little gullible but he was kind and genuine. There was no doubt it was meant to end well even if their struggles felt insurmountable at times. But hardship makes the reward that much sweeter.
~Second Read and it only got better!~
I feel like whatever I write won’t do this book justice. Hitting the Wall was such a beautiful, emotional romance done extremely well. And really, I’m beginning to think I shouldn’t expect anything else by this author. This is how second chance romances are written.
It’s like the entirety of the world is women’s responsibility, and when we hold everything together, we’re not strong, we’re suckers. We’re letting men take advantage.
Forever fighting. Shay Crowley may come from rough beginnings but the moment she was handed her daughter at 17 years old, it dawned on her. She was a mama, alone and responsible for a child. Shay may have gotten pregnant by the golden boy of Stonecut County, but its clear this parenting gig is a solo one. Yet it all changes when she returns to the town she was run off from.
My child was walking along the highway in plastic shoes, hauling laundry in ninety-eight-degree heat. Whatever led to this, I made the wrong call. I missed something.
When the moment of truth slaps you in the face, there’s no escaping everything you’ve messed up. Deputy Sheriff Kellum Wall is content living in a small town where he’s lived all his life. His family are founding members and life is grand. Except learning he fathered a child and the ramifications of that one stolen evening; nothing will be the same again.
Although this is a slow burn romance, there is so much to experience and feel. The disparity between rich and poor and the lengths people go to will keep Shay and Kellum apart. But more importantly it’s about a parents’ love for their child. You see their daughter Mia is different, autistic. It’s the challenges you face wanting to give your child a ‘normal’ life. However, the moment Kellum re-enters their lives, these girls no longer need to fight alone.
It feels like family. Overnight. Sudden and strange and new and impossible. And it feels so fragile, and so completely right.
I spent the first half of the book wanting to sob, and the second mooning over newfound love. Both Shay and Kellum were standout. Where Shay was a warrior, Kellum was a little gullible but he was kind and genuine. There was no doubt it was meant to end well even if their struggles felt insurmountable at times. But hardship makes the reward that much sweeter.
November 15, 2021
i don’t think ive read a book where the hero is THIS fucking dumb😭
not in the cute golden retriever himbo kinda way... like in the “someone get this man new brain cells for Christmas ASAP” kinda way. Kellum is if “but–but... he can’t have sexually assaulted her bcos i know he’s not like that” was a person.
and we’re just gonna ignore the scene where Shay tries to leave and Kellum lunges at her, grabbing her arm and dragging her about while she screams for him to let go, before falling on the floor and tasting blood in her mouth... 🚩🚩🚩
so him being portrayed as the town’s perfect golden boy was nauseating.
not in the cute golden retriever himbo kinda way... like in the “someone get this man new brain cells for Christmas ASAP” kinda way. Kellum is if “but–but... he can’t have sexually assaulted her bcos i know he’s not like that” was a person.
and we’re just gonna ignore the scene where Shay tries to leave and Kellum lunges at her, grabbing her arm and dragging her about while she screams for him to let go, before falling on the floor and tasting blood in her mouth... 🚩🚩🚩
so him being portrayed as the town’s perfect golden boy was nauseating.
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May 18, 2021
3.5
Ending felt rushed.
Heroine had massive trust issues (understandably so) but at some point it became annoying. I would have liked to see more moments between the two of them after they hash things out.
Safety:
Ending felt rushed.
Heroine had massive trust issues (understandably so) but at some point it became annoying. I would have liked to see more moments between the two of them after they hash things out.
Safety:
October 9, 2024
5 Stars
Reread: Oct. 2024
Second time around, 'Hitting the Wall' knocked it out of the park. Interesting, since I'm an even more impatient reader these days. So, how is it that this time I didn't feel the story dragged? All I know is that I LOVED Shay, Kellum and Mia. They deserve 5 Stars. The story felt more emotional, more moving. Maybe it's a mood thing, but whatever the reason, I will definitely be revisiting this book in the future. (changing rating from 4 to 5 Stars)
√ Different Social Classes--heroine is from the wrong side of the tracks
√ Age Gap
√ Secret Baby
√ Slow Burn
√ Small Town Romance--in the mountains (I love this setting)
I'm a sucker for the secret baby trope, but it's hard finding one that completely satisfies me, that checks off all my boxes. Look, I really do need more babies to be a secret LOL
I found 'Hitting the Wall' while raiding a goodreads friend's shelf. I'm glad I've found a circle of friends on this site that also enjoys this trope. Anyway, she wrote a great review for this book that I'll share here: Giorgia ~ Reads's Reviews
My thoughts:
There's lots about this book that I enjoyed. The plot of the story hooked me. The hero, Kellum, continually captured my attention. I loved his immediate protectiveness towards the heroine, Shay, and the daughter he didn't know about, Mia; that alone made it worth turning the pages for. And he was the town's (Stonecut) deputy sheriff--Swoon, I love a man in uniform. The portrayal of Mia's autism was very well written. As a former educator, I completely understood Shay's frustration with the bureaucracies of the public school system. Of course, my favorite parts of the story were the angsty ones; they were gripping. When he discovers he has a kid...OMG-OMG-OMG!!
Now for the bummer stuff:
I thought it dragged. Too many unnecessary descriptions. Almost like there was a word count goal that needed to be met, or maybe the author would get sidetracked, I don't know. That goes for some of the interactions between the main characters and the secondary ones. For instance, the ones with the two ladies who worked at the police station brought nothing to the story. I would have preferred interactions between Shay, Mia and the hero's family (specifically, his brothers and father). After all the angst with Shay feeling she'd never be accepted by his family, I wanted to see them all warm up to each other. There were a few scenes with his mother and only one with his sister which I really enjoyed. And my final gripe: the ending felt abrupt. I mean, with all the extensively detailed descriptions about nothing important, why not give the reader a more elaborate conclusion? And not a speedy HEA.
Regardless, this was a good book. I'm definitely reading the next books in the series. I need to see more of Shay, Mia, and Kellum. See how Shay and Mia blossom under Kellum's love and protection. They deserved the security of a loving family.
Reread: Oct. 2024
Second time around, 'Hitting the Wall' knocked it out of the park. Interesting, since I'm an even more impatient reader these days. So, how is it that this time I didn't feel the story dragged? All I know is that I LOVED Shay, Kellum and Mia. They deserve 5 Stars. The story felt more emotional, more moving. Maybe it's a mood thing, but whatever the reason, I will definitely be revisiting this book in the future. (changing rating from 4 to 5 Stars)
√ Different Social Classes--heroine is from the wrong side of the tracks
√ Age Gap
√ Secret Baby
√ Slow Burn
√ Small Town Romance--in the mountains (I love this setting)
I'm a sucker for the secret baby trope, but it's hard finding one that completely satisfies me, that checks off all my boxes. Look, I really do need more babies to be a secret LOL
I found 'Hitting the Wall' while raiding a goodreads friend's shelf. I'm glad I've found a circle of friends on this site that also enjoys this trope. Anyway, she wrote a great review for this book that I'll share here: Giorgia ~ Reads's Reviews
My thoughts:
There's lots about this book that I enjoyed. The plot of the story hooked me. The hero, Kellum, continually captured my attention. I loved his immediate protectiveness towards the heroine, Shay, and the daughter he didn't know about, Mia; that alone made it worth turning the pages for. And he was the town's (Stonecut) deputy sheriff--Swoon, I love a man in uniform. The portrayal of Mia's autism was very well written. As a former educator, I completely understood Shay's frustration with the bureaucracies of the public school system. Of course, my favorite parts of the story were the angsty ones; they were gripping. When he discovers he has a kid...OMG-OMG-OMG!!
Now for the bummer stuff:
I thought it dragged. Too many unnecessary descriptions. Almost like there was a word count goal that needed to be met, or maybe the author would get sidetracked, I don't know. That goes for some of the interactions between the main characters and the secondary ones. For instance, the ones with the two ladies who worked at the police station brought nothing to the story. I would have preferred interactions between Shay, Mia and the hero's family (specifically, his brothers and father). After all the angst with Shay feeling she'd never be accepted by his family, I wanted to see them all warm up to each other. There were a few scenes with his mother and only one with his sister which I really enjoyed. And my final gripe: the ending felt abrupt. I mean, with all the extensively detailed descriptions about nothing important, why not give the reader a more elaborate conclusion? And not a speedy HEA.
Regardless, this was a good book. I'm definitely reading the next books in the series. I need to see more of Shay, Mia, and Kellum. See how Shay and Mia blossom under Kellum's love and protection. They deserved the security of a loving family.
January 28, 2022
The underlying message is, The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
On the surface this is a KU typical abandoned heroine with a secret baby in a judgmental small town with a touch of suspense. Usually a a book I would run from, or at least read and not review.
Cate Wells does a great job with this though. The H and h have a one night stand that results in, yes a baby, but first a rumor that the town’s golden boy was seen slumming around with the heroine. The opening scene has the very young heroine confronted by three of the town’s powerful men where she’s given the option to leave or else. Creepy and effective.
The heroine ends up back in the small town hoping to stay under wraps. Her daughter is autistic and the h just wants to live her life. It all changes when the hero sees her and recognizes how much the little girl looks like his sister. He’s mad but reasonable given they had a one night stand. He had no idea she was pregnant or run off in the first place.
The H is a nice guy but dumber than dirt. Ex quarterback and now deputy, he’s unable to grasp that there are forces at work in the town and close to him that railroaded the heroine and almost ended his child just six years previously. As the heroine and hero grow closer, her frustration increases that he just doesn’t get it and she and her daughter are still at risk from the hierarchy.
There are layers of tension between the heroine and the bad guys as well as threats, and I thought Wells did a great job creating interesting characters. The small town dynamics where there is a reigning elite that controls people with innuendo, subtle threats while getting away with what they want was believable in this case without being too heavy handed or as cartoonish as some books can portray.
Off to read the next one about his jerk of a brother.
On the surface this is a KU typical abandoned heroine with a secret baby in a judgmental small town with a touch of suspense. Usually a a book I would run from, or at least read and not review.
Cate Wells does a great job with this though. The H and h have a one night stand that results in, yes a baby, but first a rumor that the town’s golden boy was seen slumming around with the heroine. The opening scene has the very young heroine confronted by three of the town’s powerful men where she’s given the option to leave or else. Creepy and effective.
The heroine ends up back in the small town hoping to stay under wraps. Her daughter is autistic and the h just wants to live her life. It all changes when the hero sees her and recognizes how much the little girl looks like his sister. He’s mad but reasonable given they had a one night stand. He had no idea she was pregnant or run off in the first place.
The H is a nice guy but dumber than dirt. Ex quarterback and now deputy, he’s unable to grasp that there are forces at work in the town and close to him that railroaded the heroine and almost ended his child just six years previously. As the heroine and hero grow closer, her frustration increases that he just doesn’t get it and she and her daughter are still at risk from the hierarchy.
There are layers of tension between the heroine and the bad guys as well as threats, and I thought Wells did a great job creating interesting characters. The small town dynamics where there is a reigning elite that controls people with innuendo, subtle threats while getting away with what they want was believable in this case without being too heavy handed or as cartoonish as some books can portray.
Off to read the next one about his jerk of a brother.
February 12, 2021
I enjoyed this book so much. Those who follow my reviews know I don't normally give 5 stars.
One of the best secret baby stories I've read.
The writing was so good.
It starts with the prologue which has the heroine pregnant.
The circumstances are a bit vague.
We jump 6/7 years in a couple of chapters and the Hero and heroine meets again and he realises it's his daughter.
The daughter is amazing. She has her issues and it is handles so sensitively.
Loads of angst.
Guilt over not being there for the heroine.
During the separation the Hero gets married and divorced.
Small ex drama from his ex-wife but no interest in getting back with him.
Spoiler....
The Hero is in an on/off relationship with his girlfriend, they split up, he thinks for good.
He meets the heroine. They feel an instant connection, are both drunk have sex, uncharacteristic for both of them.
Circumstances lead to them going their separate ways.
His girlfriend wants to get back together so they do and eventually marry.
Meanwhile the Hero's family and friends pressure the heroine to leave town.
The Hero is from a very influential family and the heroine is akin to trailer trash in their eyes.
She has to return 7 years later due to circumstances.
Just to clarify.
The Hero is a bit ashamed of his actions that night. He lost control, got swept away by his attraction to the heroine and that isn't something he is used to.
He thinks she's from out of town and feels that as he was drunk he thought in his mind it was better than it actually was.
He used a condom so doesn't realize pregnancy could be an issue.
He's never told about the town rumors or that they made her leave.
She's 17 when it happens, underage but he thought she was older and she didn't correct him.
During the separation the Hero is married then divorced but not with anyone after the divorce.
The heroine messed about with a few men but didn't have sex with anyone else.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
Breadcrumbs dropped for future books in series.
And possible enemy thread to run through the series.
HEA.
Epilogue.
One of the best secret baby stories I've read.
The writing was so good.
It starts with the prologue which has the heroine pregnant.
The circumstances are a bit vague.
We jump 6/7 years in a couple of chapters and the Hero and heroine meets again and he realises it's his daughter.
The daughter is amazing. She has her issues and it is handles so sensitively.
Loads of angst.
Guilt over not being there for the heroine.
During the separation the Hero gets married and divorced.
Small ex drama from his ex-wife but no interest in getting back with him.
Spoiler....
The Hero is in an on/off relationship with his girlfriend, they split up, he thinks for good.
He meets the heroine. They feel an instant connection, are both drunk have sex, uncharacteristic for both of them.
Circumstances lead to them going their separate ways.
His girlfriend wants to get back together so they do and eventually marry.
Meanwhile the Hero's family and friends pressure the heroine to leave town.
The Hero is from a very influential family and the heroine is akin to trailer trash in their eyes.
She has to return 7 years later due to circumstances.
Just to clarify.
The Hero is a bit ashamed of his actions that night. He lost control, got swept away by his attraction to the heroine and that isn't something he is used to.
He thinks she's from out of town and feels that as he was drunk he thought in his mind it was better than it actually was.
He used a condom so doesn't realize pregnancy could be an issue.
He's never told about the town rumors or that they made her leave.
She's 17 when it happens, underage but he thought she was older and she didn't correct him.
During the separation the Hero is married then divorced but not with anyone after the divorce.
The heroine messed about with a few men but didn't have sex with anyone else.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
Breadcrumbs dropped for future books in series.
And possible enemy thread to run through the series.
HEA.
Epilogue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2022
*4.25* I read this authors "rejected mates" books and loved them, so I thought I'd give this one a try. After finishing this one, I can say for sure that this author writes amazingly excellent heroes. They are alpha and sexy, but also flawed.
I'm never a fan of the second chance hidden pregnancy trope, but this one was done really well. (And praise the book gods, the H wasn't a manwhore!!!) It's the former high school star quarterback and the poor girl from the trailer park, but it worked.
Shay's character growth from a 17-year-old girl all alone in the world, to a mama bear with a fierce protective side was perfect. I really like that the author didn't pretty up her history, she was a high school dropout and she never went back to finish her education. Despite all the odds against her, she was a beautiful mother, and isn't that the most important thing in the whole world?
There were some lovely social commentaries about the way our world treats women in this situation.
When she gets pregnant, it’s the woman’s fault. When the man doesn’t stick around, it’s because of her: she picked badly, or she couldn’t keep him. If she has trouble making ends meet, well, she made her bed, didn’t she? It’s like the entirety of the world is women’s responsibility...
I also liked the portrayal of wealth gap. How easy it is to dismiss the struggles of some when you're living up on a hill in your big fancy house, so far removed from reality.
Children in stories can be hit or miss but Mia was written SO WELL. Anyone who's worked with, lived with or been around an autistic child can tell this character was so authentic. It added such a beautiful layer to the story.
My two complaints:
I hate to even say this, but Kellum came off a little stupid. His "glass is always half full" attitude was really refreshing for a police officer, but it also came off like he was super naïve about the realities of life and those around him committing crimes.
What was with that super quick wrapped up ending?
I'm never a fan of the second chance hidden pregnancy trope, but this one was done really well. (And praise the book gods, the H wasn't a manwhore!!!) It's the former high school star quarterback and the poor girl from the trailer park, but it worked.
Shay's character growth from a 17-year-old girl all alone in the world, to a mama bear with a fierce protective side was perfect. I really like that the author didn't pretty up her history, she was a high school dropout and she never went back to finish her education. Despite all the odds against her, she was a beautiful mother, and isn't that the most important thing in the whole world?
There were some lovely social commentaries about the way our world treats women in this situation.
When she gets pregnant, it’s the woman’s fault. When the man doesn’t stick around, it’s because of her: she picked badly, or she couldn’t keep him. If she has trouble making ends meet, well, she made her bed, didn’t she? It’s like the entirety of the world is women’s responsibility...
I also liked the portrayal of wealth gap. How easy it is to dismiss the struggles of some when you're living up on a hill in your big fancy house, so far removed from reality.
Children in stories can be hit or miss but Mia was written SO WELL. Anyone who's worked with, lived with or been around an autistic child can tell this character was so authentic. It added such a beautiful layer to the story.
My two complaints:
I hate to even say this, but Kellum came off a little stupid. His "glass is always half full" attitude was really refreshing for a police officer, but it also came off like he was super naïve about the realities of life and those around him committing crimes.
What was with that super quick wrapped up ending?
June 19, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
''I'd hang the moon for her''
Safety warnings:
- H 24 (30) / h 17 (23)
- No cheating
- No OM drama
- OW drama
- Blackmail/threats
- Mention of domestic abuse
- Mention of s*xual assault
- HFN
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
The only reason this did not get a higher rating was because of the abrupt ending and the way the MMC was so naive about people closest to him and what truly was going on in his town.
We meet Shay who is 17 and is being basically interrogated by 3 grown ass rick and powerful men. Who are they? The father, the uncle, and the sheriff of the town all there for one man and one rumor: Kellum.
You see Kellum and Shay slept together at a bonfire where they were both drunk and Shay's friend had told people she was her cousin and nobody knew she was underage, especially Kellum. Shay lost her virginity that night in the dark, against a tree and Kellum was too drunk to know. He left her by the river when his friends needed his help and he didn't go back so Shay left, embarrassed and sad.
So, you see, the rumor is that Shay is pregnant with Kellum's baby but that would RUIN his career and life (he is a police officer, and he is with his high school sweetheart that everyone loves and wants him to marry). They basically make Shay LIE about the fact Kellum is the father let alone that she is pregnant. She leaves town the next day and spends the next 6 years raising her daughter.
Shay barely has decent family to support her, her grandfather basically never cares enough to make things right, her mother is the worst and dates men who mean Shay harm.
Fast forward to 6 years later, we have Kellum who is now divorced (2 years ago) and Shay is desperate to move out of the town she lives in because of the abuse her daughter is suffering at school (her daughter is autistic and the kid hurting her is also special needs, but the school won’t do anything to prevent it).
Shay moves back and Kellum sees her and his daughter and QUICKLY like 20% of the book? he finds out he has a daughter and yeah, he is naive to say the least when Shay reveals the three men who visited her.
She tried to tell Kellum about being pregnant when it happened, but he picked up the phone and then hung up/blocked her because his girlfriend wanted him to.
Kellum, however, admits he never stopped thinking about that night and wishes he had done things right by her and regrets how he handled himself that night or how he handled things with her afterwards. You can see he is remorseful and that he was basically unhappy being everyone’s lapdog and doing what was EXPECTED of him. Shay was the first and last thing she chose for himself.
Oh another thing is that he has been celibate for two years (ever since his divorce).
We also find out that his ex-wife was physically/emotionally abusive. She threw something at him that caused stitches .....it was an odd thing to have happened but then make her seem NORMAL and friendly?
Obviously there is a lot of drama about Shay's pregnancy that was hidden and their daughter but his family (mom/dad/brother/sister) or all mostly accepting but it’s the UNCLE who is the evil prick and refuses for Shay to find any peace and offers her money or he will either destroy her life by making her look like a drug abuser, child abuser or basically kill her. He owns the town and is a rich fucked up dude who has too much power.
The resolution with the uncle came literally at 99% of the book and then it just had a few more scenes then ended? We don’t really get him facing justice as I think that might be in the book with Kellum’s sister. We also find out that the uncle likes to sexually assault girls and then force them out of town with threats and NDAs. Gross.
I needed something MORE and I do not plan on reading the other books concerning this family to get a clear HEA.
''I'd hang the moon for her''
Safety warnings:
- H 24 (30) / h 17 (23)
- No cheating
- No OM drama
- OW drama
- Blackmail/threats
- Mention of domestic abuse
- Mention of s*xual assault
- HFN
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
The only reason this did not get a higher rating was because of the abrupt ending and the way the MMC was so naive about people closest to him and what truly was going on in his town.
We meet Shay who is 17 and is being basically interrogated by 3 grown ass rick and powerful men. Who are they? The father, the uncle, and the sheriff of the town all there for one man and one rumor: Kellum.
You see Kellum and Shay slept together at a bonfire where they were both drunk and Shay's friend had told people she was her cousin and nobody knew she was underage, especially Kellum. Shay lost her virginity that night in the dark, against a tree and Kellum was too drunk to know. He left her by the river when his friends needed his help and he didn't go back so Shay left, embarrassed and sad.
So, you see, the rumor is that Shay is pregnant with Kellum's baby but that would RUIN his career and life (he is a police officer, and he is with his high school sweetheart that everyone loves and wants him to marry). They basically make Shay LIE about the fact Kellum is the father let alone that she is pregnant. She leaves town the next day and spends the next 6 years raising her daughter.
Shay barely has decent family to support her, her grandfather basically never cares enough to make things right, her mother is the worst and dates men who mean Shay harm.
Fast forward to 6 years later, we have Kellum who is now divorced (2 years ago) and Shay is desperate to move out of the town she lives in because of the abuse her daughter is suffering at school (her daughter is autistic and the kid hurting her is also special needs, but the school won’t do anything to prevent it).
Shay moves back and Kellum sees her and his daughter and QUICKLY like 20% of the book? he finds out he has a daughter and yeah, he is naive to say the least when Shay reveals the three men who visited her.
She tried to tell Kellum about being pregnant when it happened, but he picked up the phone and then hung up/blocked her because his girlfriend wanted him to.
Kellum, however, admits he never stopped thinking about that night and wishes he had done things right by her and regrets how he handled himself that night or how he handled things with her afterwards. You can see he is remorseful and that he was basically unhappy being everyone’s lapdog and doing what was EXPECTED of him. Shay was the first and last thing she chose for himself.
Oh another thing is that he has been celibate for two years (ever since his divorce).
We also find out that his ex-wife was physically/emotionally abusive. She threw something at him that caused stitches .....it was an odd thing to have happened but then make her seem NORMAL and friendly?
Obviously there is a lot of drama about Shay's pregnancy that was hidden and their daughter but his family (mom/dad/brother/sister) or all mostly accepting but it’s the UNCLE who is the evil prick and refuses for Shay to find any peace and offers her money or he will either destroy her life by making her look like a drug abuser, child abuser or basically kill her. He owns the town and is a rich fucked up dude who has too much power.
The resolution with the uncle came literally at 99% of the book and then it just had a few more scenes then ended? We don’t really get him facing justice as I think that might be in the book with Kellum’s sister. We also find out that the uncle likes to sexually assault girls and then force them out of town with threats and NDAs. Gross.
I needed something MORE and I do not plan on reading the other books concerning this family to get a clear HEA.
December 1, 2021
This poor sod.
Blind as the proverbial bat.
Strangely self-confident despite being the only person in this small town who is completely oblivious to the shenanigans going on around him.
When he’s not under his parents’ thumbs, it’s his wife who rules him.
And realisation sinks in so s l o w l y.
I must agree:
“… Means you’re thick in the head.”
But he grovels nicely and they make it just fine.
Their story as she so succinctly puts it:
“We’d fucked, the condom broke, and I called him out of nowhere a few months later, and he cut me off and hung up on me. And then he comes across Mia and I on the road, and he’s bowled over. Completely mind blown that he’s got a kid.”
Blind as the proverbial bat.
Strangely self-confident despite being the only person in this small town who is completely oblivious to the shenanigans going on around him.
When he’s not under his parents’ thumbs, it’s his wife who rules him.
And realisation sinks in so s l o w l y.
I must agree:
“… Means you’re thick in the head.”
But he grovels nicely and they make it just fine.
Their story as she so succinctly puts it:
“We’d fucked, the condom broke, and I called him out of nowhere a few months later, and he cut me off and hung up on me. And then he comes across Mia and I on the road, and he’s bowled over. Completely mind blown that he’s got a kid.”
September 26, 2025
I honestly don’t know how I feel about this yet, but I’ll gather my thoughts and write the review soon.
pre-read
I ended up reading the second book first, the third book second, and now I’m finally reading the first book in the series. Hopefully, like the other two, this one won’t disappoint me either!
pre-read
I ended up reading the second book first, the third book second, and now I’m finally reading the first book in the series. Hopefully, like the other two, this one won’t disappoint me either!
May 19, 2022
In general, I liked it, the only thing confused was the blurred end, but judging from other reviews, this pair appears in other books as secondary and they are doing well. There is a drama, after one night with the heroine, the hero is obliged to marry OW, but he gets divorced and observes celibacy for several years before meeting the heroine again. I don't like it at all when my characters have sex with others after their first sex. But for a male character, I can forgive if there was a long period of separation and there were also certain circumstances. In this book, the hero was not in love with the heroine at the time of their night together and 7 years passed after her. For some, this option will not work, for me personally, it would not work if the heroine was also with someone else. And to be indignant about the fact that the heroine was celibate is not very correct. If you are not satisfied with this option, make certain notes for yourself and find a book to your liking. But to be indignant towards the author and put one star, just for the sake of the fact that it is not written according to your security standards, is very selfish. Don't forget you are not the only reader in this world.
P.S. 7 years of celibacy for a woman is not the limit even in real life. There are many factors, and we women are more circumspect in repeating our mistakes. The heroine had one night, which led her not only to the bad, but also to the good. It also matters that she was a virgin, was drunk that night and lost control. Of course, she became more circumspect and distrustful. She is trying to survive in this world and has devoted herself to her child, who requires appropriate attention. It is more difficult for her to cross this threshold, give up control and trust a man.
P.S. 7 years of celibacy for a woman is not the limit even in real life. There are many factors, and we women are more circumspect in repeating our mistakes. The heroine had one night, which led her not only to the bad, but also to the good. It also matters that she was a virgin, was drunk that night and lost control. Of course, she became more circumspect and distrustful. She is trying to survive in this world and has devoted herself to her child, who requires appropriate attention. It is more difficult for her to cross this threshold, give up control and trust a man.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2021
I struggled to put this book down all day. I was looking for a good second chance angst feast and this met so much of the criteria.
The h had a great strength of character. She’d been given a raw deal in life and was not a quitter.
The H was charming and an amiable character.
We learn that the h (from a poor background and staying with her grandfather (who worked for H’s family) in his trailer) and H (his family and their money run the town) had a tryst at a bonfire when she was 17 and he was 20+. He had assumed she was older. The tryst was out of character for him and I never really bought it-especially leaving her almost immediately after to help out a friend.
h falls pregnant and rumours are spread about this. h is confronted by the H’s father, uncle and the sheriff. She is strongly encouraged to leave town. We later find out the father believed (or really want to believe) that it was purely a rumour that she was pregnant and the uncle later gave her $200 to “get rid of it”.
6 years later we meet the h, who is doing her best to raise her daughter, who displays strong signs of being on the autism spectrum. h is coming up against a brick wall when she is belittled at her daughter’s school where they would rather dismiss her concerns about the issues her daughter is facing.
Months pass.
h decides to head back to H’s town and move into her dead grandfather’s trailer. She hopes to enrol her daughter into a better school.
The H sees h and her daughter walking along the highway as he is driving his deputy sheriff cruiser and immediately recognises that the daughter is the spitting image of his sister (and who we find out is also on the spectrum). After seeing their living conditions, h and daughter move in with H and she explains how she’d been run out of town. We learn that H is a very loyal and honest guy but a little blind to the ways of his family and how classist the town is.
The H works hard to win over h and to earn her trust as well as bonding well with his daughter.
The h has continued run ins with H’s uncle, whilst the rest of the family would like to get to know h and their niece and granddaughter. We see how blind others are in the ways of the town and family. H’s sister isn’t. We learn in one scene that she has been observing the family for a long time and knows who she can’t trust and mostly who she can trust. Some, she is on the fence about.
I really enjoyed the beginning and middle of the story. There was a great development of story and of the characters. I was disappointed at the abrupt ending. I assume there’s more to come in the rest of the series but this book deserved more than what it got. Being part of a series shouldn’t be an excuse for a chapter and a tiny epilogue for to be the ending of an otherwise great book.
The h had a great strength of character. She’d been given a raw deal in life and was not a quitter.
The H was charming and an amiable character.
We learn that the h (from a poor background and staying with her grandfather (who worked for H’s family) in his trailer) and H (his family and their money run the town) had a tryst at a bonfire when she was 17 and he was 20+. He had assumed she was older. The tryst was out of character for him and I never really bought it-especially leaving her almost immediately after to help out a friend.
h falls pregnant and rumours are spread about this. h is confronted by the H’s father, uncle and the sheriff. She is strongly encouraged to leave town. We later find out the father believed (or really want to believe) that it was purely a rumour that she was pregnant and the uncle later gave her $200 to “get rid of it”.
6 years later we meet the h, who is doing her best to raise her daughter, who displays strong signs of being on the autism spectrum. h is coming up against a brick wall when she is belittled at her daughter’s school where they would rather dismiss her concerns about the issues her daughter is facing.
Months pass.
h decides to head back to H’s town and move into her dead grandfather’s trailer. She hopes to enrol her daughter into a better school.
The H sees h and her daughter walking along the highway as he is driving his deputy sheriff cruiser and immediately recognises that the daughter is the spitting image of his sister (and who we find out is also on the spectrum). After seeing their living conditions, h and daughter move in with H and she explains how she’d been run out of town. We learn that H is a very loyal and honest guy but a little blind to the ways of his family and how classist the town is.
The H works hard to win over h and to earn her trust as well as bonding well with his daughter.
The h has continued run ins with H’s uncle, whilst the rest of the family would like to get to know h and their niece and granddaughter. We see how blind others are in the ways of the town and family. H’s sister isn’t. We learn in one scene that she has been observing the family for a long time and knows who she can’t trust and mostly who she can trust. Some, she is on the fence about.
I really enjoyed the beginning and middle of the story. There was a great development of story and of the characters. I was disappointed at the abrupt ending. I assume there’s more to come in the rest of the series but this book deserved more than what it got. Being part of a series shouldn’t be an excuse for a chapter and a tiny epilogue for to be the ending of an otherwise great book.
May 25, 2021
Look, I like a secret baby book and I can't deny it anymore, so when everyone running off to read the psychopath romance, I was like, but this other book, tho. Anyway, the writing is really strong; it feels mature and grounded in ways I wasn't expecting. The author has a very compelling voice, and the first half of the book is really solid if you can ignore that the hero is a cop and they live in an (seemingly) idyllic small town in which I suspect everyone is probably a white supremacist. And to give credit where is due, the book does try to dismantle some of the tropes about small town America so pervasive in contemporary romance and to show that reality isn't as idyllic. But it does it in ways that feel half-baked and leaves lots of loose threads that I assume will be addressed in further books, but it makes this one end in a rushed and confused note that doesn't match the tone of the rest of the story, not to mention that there is no comeuppance to the mustache-twirling villain. I also have no idea who the next book is about because all the potential sequel-bait characters are kind of awful, and the one that isn't terrible reads like a stereotype of a person with autism (the disability rep is also all over the place).
Finally, in this book cum is a verb and I am a strictly a….. come person, ahem.
CW: this book has lots of gun-loving people and hunters and graphic descriptions of hunting; an infant is endangered in a way I found deeply upsetting and completely unnecessary, the baby is ultimately fine but wtf.
Finally, in this book cum is a verb and I am a strictly a….. come person, ahem.
CW: this book has lots of gun-loving people and hunters and graphic descriptions of hunting; an infant is endangered in a way I found deeply upsetting and completely unnecessary, the baby is ultimately fine but wtf.
August 15, 2022
Few books infuriated me like this one did. The entire book, from start to finish. Because honestly? It freaking tracks. Another instance of rich, white men and poor women being treated like shit and sexual assault victims basically being called trailer trash whores. Grrrr. I digress.
Shay lost her virginity in a drunken haze of poor decisions at an adult party to Kellum, the town’s golden boy and newly appointed deputy. Who not only didn’t know she was 17, but also didn’t know that she got pregnant, thanks to his powerful father, his powerful uncle, and the town Sheriff running her out of town with $200 and a secret.
Life isn’t easy for Shay and her daughter Mia, who struggles with Autism. Shay is an amazing mother and when she comes back to town secretly, Deputy Kellum Wall has the shock of this life. This book did a lot of things so well. Shay’s inner dialogue and self-reasoning is spot on. So is Mia’s autism and Kellum’s BLIND earnestness, it was so realistic and raw.
But I have a huge problem with the rushed ending. There were A LOT of lose ends to tie up and a ton of wrongs to right. I get that this will fill over into the next book, but Shay really deserved more than this conclusion gave. I don’t like the whole “read the next book to see how things end up” and feel kind of resentful for it.
Shay lost her virginity in a drunken haze of poor decisions at an adult party to Kellum, the town’s golden boy and newly appointed deputy. Who not only didn’t know she was 17, but also didn’t know that she got pregnant, thanks to his powerful father, his powerful uncle, and the town Sheriff running her out of town with $200 and a secret.
Life isn’t easy for Shay and her daughter Mia, who struggles with Autism. Shay is an amazing mother and when she comes back to town secretly, Deputy Kellum Wall has the shock of this life. This book did a lot of things so well. Shay’s inner dialogue and self-reasoning is spot on. So is Mia’s autism and Kellum’s BLIND earnestness, it was so realistic and raw.
But I have a huge problem with the rushed ending. There were A LOT of lose ends to tie up and a ton of wrongs to right. I get that this will fill over into the next book, but Shay really deserved more than this conclusion gave. I don’t like the whole “read the next book to see how things end up” and feel kind of resentful for it.
February 23, 2021
I enjoyed this book but....
I know why is there always a but?
For me it was too long. I found myself skimming several times.
Shay was hard work. She’s done a brilliant job raising Mia but I found her exhausting.
Also Kellum was just too wishy washy for me. I know, I know he’s a nice guy. But he was too nice and everyone took advantage.
My favourite character after Mia of course was Dina. I really wanted more of her.
May 19, 2022
4 stars
I like the story although yeah, some things could have been done differently, better.
Like speeding things a bit at the end.
While reading this book, SEP's Dream a Little Dream comes to mind more than once.
Not the story, but some elements and setting are similar -- the poor-poor but scrappy and tigress-protective mother, a vulnerable child, small town with small-minded people and big secrets, the money/track divide, the pervasive heat and sweat, being low on money and food.
That book has angst that I totally dig. This one is milder by comparison.
I like the story although yeah, some things could have been done differently, better.
Like speeding things a bit at the end.
While reading this book, SEP's Dream a Little Dream comes to mind more than once.
Not the story, but some elements and setting are similar -- the poor-poor but scrappy and tigress-protective mother, a vulnerable child, small town with small-minded people and big secrets, the money/track divide, the pervasive heat and sweat, being low on money and food.
That book has angst that I totally dig. This one is milder by comparison.
November 14, 2023
Re-read 11-11-2023 Just as awesome of a read as the first time. I got to love this story all over again.
I'm quickly falling in love with this author. I recently read her rejected mate story
, and I adored her phenomenal storytelling, so I immediately DL'd a couple more of her stories. And this story did not disappoint!! It was absolute....
I loved Shay. I felt her heartbreak as this young girl was bullied out of her town and away from her family by evil assholes who thought she was beneath them. Shay fled her town and skated by the best she could, raising her young daughter by herself for years with very little money and very little hope.
Kellum was a total sweetie. He tried to see the best in everyone, and pretty much saw everyone close to him through rose colored glasses. I expected Kellum to hate Shay for not telling him about his newly discovered 6 year old daughter, but he accepted what had been done to Shay quite easily and moved their family forward from there. Kellum was the perfect Hero, sweet and caring and especially patient with his adorable little daughter.
I enjoyed every second of this couple's journey together, working through trust issues and discovering happiness with each other. I adored the slow burn romance between these two. The few times they came together were more sensual than sexual, but these moments were still super hot none the less.
I totally recommend this story to anyone who enjoys misjudged heroine stories, that come along with a nice little bit of angsty goodness.
I'm quickly falling in love with this author. I recently read her rejected mate story
, and I adored her phenomenal storytelling, so I immediately DL'd a couple more of her stories. And this story did not disappoint!! It was absolute....I loved Shay. I felt her heartbreak as this young girl was bullied out of her town and away from her family by evil assholes who thought she was beneath them. Shay fled her town and skated by the best she could, raising her young daughter by herself for years with very little money and very little hope.
Kellum was a total sweetie. He tried to see the best in everyone, and pretty much saw everyone close to him through rose colored glasses. I expected Kellum to hate Shay for not telling him about his newly discovered 6 year old daughter, but he accepted what had been done to Shay quite easily and moved their family forward from there. Kellum was the perfect Hero, sweet and caring and especially patient with his adorable little daughter.
I enjoyed every second of this couple's journey together, working through trust issues and discovering happiness with each other. I adored the slow burn romance between these two. The few times they came together were more sensual than sexual, but these moments were still super hot none the less.
I totally recommend this story to anyone who enjoys misjudged heroine stories, that come along with a nice little bit of angsty goodness.
October 2, 2022
This was a long suffering eye-roll.
The hero didn’t deserve to be called one. He was an idiot, simple as that. This wasn't a man in charge, he also wasn't merely naïve. To put it simply he was dumb.
Hard to say anything wrong about a heroine trying to stay on her feet but also for all the grit she shows you wanna shake her some so she starts getting shit done her-fucking-self. I hated how blindly and easily she relied on a MMC who was all talk and no action.
The autism rep was also questionable.
Strangely I kept reading and didn't hate the story as a whole. I guess I ended up dissatisfied with the lack of proper care for the heroine and the quickly wrapped drama in the end. Shay deserved better than this.
The hero didn’t deserve to be called one. He was an idiot, simple as that. This wasn't a man in charge, he also wasn't merely naïve. To put it simply he was dumb.
Hard to say anything wrong about a heroine trying to stay on her feet but also for all the grit she shows you wanna shake her some so she starts getting shit done her-fucking-self. I hated how blindly and easily she relied on a MMC who was all talk and no action.
The autism rep was also questionable.
Strangely I kept reading and didn't hate the story as a whole. I guess I ended up dissatisfied with the lack of proper care for the heroine and the quickly wrapped drama in the end. Shay deserved better than this.
February 14, 2024
Rich guy Cop unknowingly has sex with minor and his rich family runs the pregnant teen out of town. Classism at its finest.
February 16, 2022
This was good I don’t read that many straight contemporary’s and this then has two of my least favourite tropes second chance and secret baby. I gave it a chance mostly because of the author and I’m so glad I did as I really enjoyed myself. I’ve actually been reading a few second chance romances recently and maybe I need to rethink my book choices because they’ve all surprisingly delivered for me.
So this one was actually quite deep lots of emotion and soul searching it showcased that thinking you're a good guy and doing the right thing doesn’t necessarily mean that you fully are and that description definitely fits Kellun Wall to a tee. He’s the town golden boy from a prominent family and also a local deputy. His whole future is mapped out before him and he’s not one for stepping outside the box or over questioning the motivations of others.
Shay Crowder is from the other side of the tracks she lives in a trailer with her grandpa on the wrong side of town. she has few prospects little money and a disinterested mother. After a drunken hook-up at a party a young Shay finds herself unexpectedly pregnant consequentially she is then threatened and run out of town by Kellen’s powerful family.
Six years later and circumstances force Shay back to town shes hoping to lie low until she can save enough money to move on but she didn’t expect to again run into Kellun and for him to instantly do the maths and realise that Mia is his child.
So straight off Kellun wants Shay and Mia in his life he had no idea that she was expecting and that he was the father and he realises straight off that he is partially to blame for the current circumstances. Kellun is basically a solid guy maybe a bit too straightforward he seems to walk around wearing blinkers only seeing the best in everyone and what he wants to see. never reading between the lines and even with all current evidence to the contrary and he’s definitely livid that’s for sure he still wants to move forward assigning motives of protection and excuses for his family’s behaviour that are just not there.
He’s also ashamed by his own past actions he honestly believed Shay was older than seventeen and to be fair to him you can understand why he would come to that conclusion (he was 24 to her 17). But he then ghosted and blocked her after their initial encounter so he definitely has a lot to making up to do. Shay is used to relying on herself so the fact that Kellun wants to step in and assist her with everything is overwhelming and she certainly doesn’t trust him not to suddenly have a change of heart and abandon them.
Her daughter Mia is on the spectrum so Shay definitely doesn’t have things easy but she copes brilliantly is a good mother and protective mama bear. I did think Mia was portrayed excellently. Here. I myself have a son on the spectrum so this was something that definitely resounded with me.
It's also not all plain sailing in regards to being back in Kellun’s life. Shay finds herself still with enemies that want her gone and they will stop at nothing to achieve their objectives. To further complicate things Kellun refuses to look too much beneath the surface taking everything and everyone on face value until he’s finally forced to choose a side.
This is slow burn at its best and Kellun is very genuine about his intentions to do right by Shay and his daughter. This had chemistry but it felt stripped back and this concentrated more on reestablishing trust and building foundations. The emerging family dynamic and romance was warm and sweet but very believable. Lots of guilt and inner angst but a really well written feel-good contemporary romance that is so much more than what it first seems. I absolutely recommend reading this.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
April 18, 2022
Reread 2/22/2022
There are not so subtle messages in this book, evil men prevail because good ones choose to ignore it.
I need to start by saying I like this book, but I like it because of the strength of the heroine. Life has dealt her a really crappy hand, but she and her daughter survive, she’s an amazing mother. She smart, she recognizes that life is filled with evil and she needs to protect herself and her daughter.
On the reread, I’m disappointed with the hero. He’s a good man, loving and protecting but so clueless.
For the bulk of the story, he’s just a good old boy, living the assumption that if it’s family, it has to be good. Family = Good. Can someone be this naïve? Can someone be this oblivious to what is going on around him?
In the end he steps up and does the right thing for the right reasons, but it feels a little too late. The evil is an overarching story plot that continues into other books, but it takes him too long to take off the rose colored glasses and see the truth around him. The confrontation at the end of the story comes too late. I’m assuming it’s because of the overarching subplot, but his reality check came too late in the story for me.
4, the author can write and suck you into a story, stars.
There are not so subtle messages in this book, evil men prevail because good ones choose to ignore it.
I need to start by saying I like this book, but I like it because of the strength of the heroine. Life has dealt her a really crappy hand, but she and her daughter survive, she’s an amazing mother. She smart, she recognizes that life is filled with evil and she needs to protect herself and her daughter.
On the reread, I’m disappointed with the hero. He’s a good man, loving and protecting but so clueless.
For the bulk of the story, he’s just a good old boy, living the assumption that if it’s family, it has to be good. Family = Good. Can someone be this naïve? Can someone be this oblivious to what is going on around him?
In the end he steps up and does the right thing for the right reasons, but it feels a little too late. The evil is an overarching story plot that continues into other books, but it takes him too long to take off the rose colored glasses and see the truth around him. The confrontation at the end of the story comes too late. I’m assuming it’s because of the overarching subplot, but his reality check came too late in the story for me.
4, the author can write and suck you into a story, stars.
November 12, 2022
**2.5 Stars**
I’ve read quite a few books from this author and sadly this one missed the mark for me. I like the small town and single parent trope so I was excited to read it. For some reason I just wasn’t feeling the chemistry or connection between Shay and Kellan. Also as the story progressed I started to loose interest. Not much happened and I also needed more dialogue between the two MC’s.
Kellan’s brother Cash got a good introduction so I might give his book a try. So even though this wasn’t a winner it won’t deter me from reading more from this author.
2.5 Stars
I’ve read quite a few books from this author and sadly this one missed the mark for me. I like the small town and single parent trope so I was excited to read it. For some reason I just wasn’t feeling the chemistry or connection between Shay and Kellan. Also as the story progressed I started to loose interest. Not much happened and I also needed more dialogue between the two MC’s.
Kellan’s brother Cash got a good introduction so I might give his book a try. So even though this wasn’t a winner it won’t deter me from reading more from this author.
2.5 Stars
February 4, 2022
3.5 Stars
There was a tone to this book that was a surprise and a welcome one. A romance read, but also one that shows what can happen when people are oblivious, willfully ignorant of what is happening. That being said I didn't feel the villains got everything they deserved and wanted those who had turned a blind eye or been oblivious (but shouldn't have been) to get a verbal lashing.
The male lead was a bit meh.
Potential Triggers:
Acquired via KU.
There was a tone to this book that was a surprise and a welcome one. A romance read, but also one that shows what can happen when people are oblivious, willfully ignorant of what is happening. That being said I didn't feel the villains got everything they deserved and wanted those who had turned a blind eye or been oblivious (but shouldn't have been) to get a verbal lashing.
The male lead was a bit meh.
Potential Triggers:
Acquired via KU.
August 17, 2022
Did I find a new favorite author?
November 23, 2022
Another huge winner for me from this author! Kellum's character arc was perfection. 😍😍
March 1, 2022
2.85 ☄️
love the writing but this one left me feeling like i read so much for not a lot. and whats with dimwitted kellom whose head was begging for a good hit to the wall the whole book? how did he even pass & get the hero role? someone better get me the manager stat
why 3 stars then if not even the romance worked for me? like i said cate c wells is one of the rare gem author out there who can actually write, and its just enjoyable, her story. if not for her weakasfuckk so called hero, insta like/love & book length, she might make it to my fav author spot #nopromises
love the writing but this one left me feeling like i read so much for not a lot. and whats with dimwitted kellom whose head was begging for a good hit to the wall the whole book? how did he even pass & get the hero role? someone better get me the manager stat
why 3 stars then if not even the romance worked for me? like i said cate c wells is one of the rare gem author out there who can actually write, and its just enjoyable, her story. if not for her weakasfuckk so called hero, insta like/love & book length, she might make it to my fav author spot #nopromises
December 22, 2021
Gosh! The H is really dumb for a cop (lost one star there). But I like the way he loves the h and their daughter.
Loved the way Shay (h) was protective and loved her daughter. It touched my heart whenever Mia (her daughter) would string full sentences or used new words and Shay would file that in her mental repository. I liked it that the h was strong.
Loved the way Shay (h) was protective and loved her daughter. It touched my heart whenever Mia (her daughter) would string full sentences or used new words and Shay would file that in her mental repository. I liked it that the h was strong.
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