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Pink Springs #2
Home Town Hero
Juno Folke stands out in Pink Springs, but that hasn’t stopped the whole town from falling in love with her. Well, everyone except the grouchy Sheriff Cooper Cross. Her best friend’s brother is off-limits, but it’s not as if he’s knocking down her door. In such a small town, she can’t help but keep running into him. She just wishes he would stop haunting her fantasies.
Cooper Cross came back to take care of his little sister, but now that she’s moved to the big city and is getting married, it’s time for him to start living a life of his own. Pink Springs is his home and he never plans on leaving, even if the woman that’s driving him crazy hasn’t put down any roots. It’s a bad idea to get involved with someone that could cut and run at any moment, even if that same woman makes his body weak with need. He can’t cage something so wild and free, but could he convince her to stay awhile?
Warning: Book 2 is even better than the one before! But you should absolutely read it and see for yourself! Can this perfect Hometown Hero find his match with the woman that can’t be tamed? You betcha!
Cooper Cross came back to take care of his little sister, but now that she’s moved to the big city and is getting married, it’s time for him to start living a life of his own. Pink Springs is his home and he never plans on leaving, even if the woman that’s driving him crazy hasn’t put down any roots. It’s a bad idea to get involved with someone that could cut and run at any moment, even if that same woman makes his body weak with need. He can’t cage something so wild and free, but could he convince her to stay awhile?
Warning: Book 2 is even better than the one before! But you should absolutely read it and see for yourself! Can this perfect Hometown Hero find his match with the woman that can’t be tamed? You betcha!
83 pages, ebook
First published April 22, 2021
14 people are currently reading
292 people want to read
About the author
Alexa Riley
289 books16.2k followersAlexa Riley is two sassy friends who got together and wrote some dirty books. They are both married moms of two who love football, donuts, and obsessed book heroes.
They specialize in insta-love, over-the-top, sweet, and cheesy love stories that don’t take all year to read. If you want something SAFE, short, and always with a happily ever after, then Alexa Riley is for you!
Feel free to follow us each on twitter @smut_sasshole & @SassNSmut
They specialize in insta-love, over-the-top, sweet, and cheesy love stories that don’t take all year to read. If you want something SAFE, short, and always with a happily ever after, then Alexa Riley is for you!
Feel free to follow us each on twitter @smut_sasshole & @SassNSmut
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
May 16, 2021
This is the prettiest cover from AR ever. Hands down.
I can't stop staring at the girl. 😍
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2.5 stars rounded up.
It has been quite sometimes since I picked up an AR book. I just lost track of their works and then suddenly I saw this cover and I fell in love. It was a quick read, best friend's brother, guy's the sheriff and the girl's a waitress that pined over him.
One critic though. The book never mentioned the girl having a blue hair, instead it was lavender with pink tips. I was bummed since it was the cover that actually won me over. Oh well.
I can't stop staring at the girl. 😍
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2.5 stars rounded up.
It has been quite sometimes since I picked up an AR book. I just lost track of their works and then suddenly I saw this cover and I fell in love. It was a quick read, best friend's brother, guy's the sheriff and the girl's a waitress that pined over him.
One critic though. The book never mentioned the girl having a blue hair, instead it was lavender with pink tips. I was bummed since it was the cover that actually won me over. Oh well.
June 26, 2022
"Home Town Hero" is the story of Juno and Cooper.
The heroine has always crushed on the hero, who is a sheriff and the brother to her best friend. He however, keeps her at arm's length- fearing she would leave the town. She decides to give up on him.. until their undeniable chemistry takes over and they give into their feelings.
Short, sweet with an adorable epilogue.
Safe
3/5
The heroine has always crushed on the hero, who is a sheriff and the brother to her best friend. He however, keeps her at arm's length- fearing she would leave the town. She decides to give up on him.. until their undeniable chemistry takes over and they give into their feelings.
Short, sweet with an adorable epilogue.
Safe
3/5
April 27, 2021
There is nothing that these two release that I don't jump all over. They are the queens of short reads. Alexa Riley can do no wrong for me, ever.
The stories are always super cute, Alpha male leads who love forever and can be a tad possessive but that is what cements it for me. They look at no one else. It's their woman and no one else.
If you haven't discovered Alexa you are missing out.
Its a yes from me.
The stories are always super cute, Alpha male leads who love forever and can be a tad possessive but that is what cements it for me. They look at no one else. It's their woman and no one else.
If you haven't discovered Alexa you are missing out.
Its a yes from me.
April 26, 2021
Fast read!
Dual Virgins!
Best friend’s brother trope!
A little both of push and pull from both the MCs!
Small town romance!😍
Happily Ever After!!!
Safe with no cheating!
Dual Virgins!
Best friend’s brother trope!
A little both of push and pull from both the MCs!
Small town romance!😍
Happily Ever After!!!
Safe with no cheating!
April 25, 2021
i really liked this one! finally after a really long time this author wrote something good as the one's in the past. I loved this couple, i liked how the crush was for months before they act on their feelings, i liked this slow and unusual type of plot from the author . I didn't give the last star only because a few times the author told us than showed us some parts of the story, and i didn't like that, because i wished to be in the moment with the couple you know? i felt left out. We get to have this slow burn written so well and then in the biggest moments unfortunately was off page :(
I still loved it, but *sigh*
I still loved it, but *sigh*
September 9, 2021
3.5 Smutty ✨virgin✨ stars
Ehh 🤷
Ehh 🤷
April 25, 2021
2nd book in the series
Cyrus and Juno story
This was so much better than the 1st book
Again an older man younger woman, both fighting their feelings, he is the Sheriff and she is the girl who dye her hair blue , pink and lavender and have a pierced nose 😊 loved them together they were so adorable
And we have 2 cute epilogues
Next book is the other brother Luca and Selma from the 1st book , excited 👍
Cyrus and Juno story
This was so much better than the 1st book
Again an older man younger woman, both fighting their feelings, he is the Sheriff and she is the girl who dye her hair blue , pink and lavender and have a pierced nose 😊 loved them together they were so adorable
And we have 2 cute epilogues
Next book is the other brother Luca and Selma from the 1st book , excited 👍
November 10, 2021
CHECK TAGS FOR SPOILERS.
The h-
The H
SAFETY-GANG-APPROVED.✔✔
The h-
The H
SAFETY-GANG-APPROVED.✔✔
April 26, 2021
H was too much of an arsehole for me
February 18, 2023
This was disappointing. I was all for Juno at first because she dyed her hair unnatural colors and we don't see that too often, but there wasn't much to her character. She's supposed to come across as a little fiery, and she kind of does in the beginning, but she gave in too easily to Cooper; she didn't truly stand up for herself. Cooper himself seemed wishy-washy when it came to Juno and I wasn't very convinced of his sudden turn-around. He had a realistic reason for not wanting to get involved with Juno because he thought she'd want to live in the city, but he had no basis for this train of thought other than the fact that she used to live in the city. Assumptions being made about the romantic interest can make some good drama in the story, but there needs to be more substance to them. For example, the stupidest assumption I've ever read in a romance book was that the girl assumed the guy was a big player just because he was confident and smiled a lot. I don't get it. How do these sound-of-mind characters manage to jump from point A to point C without any real evidence to make the connection?
Anyway, their first time was basically a fade-to-black, and then when we get an actual sex scene the morning after, it's pretty bland and quick. Unless I'm reading a more PG-13/YA kind of book, skipping over a couple's first time together makes no sense to me. Aside from the scene being hot, I need to see how well the couple works together. I need to be shown that the chemistry is both emotional and physical in order to convince me that the romantic partners involved are right for each other, and the first time they're together is a simple but incredibly powerful tool in showing that.
Anyway, their first time was basically a fade-to-black, and then when we get an actual sex scene the morning after, it's pretty bland and quick. Unless I'm reading a more PG-13/YA kind of book, skipping over a couple's first time together makes no sense to me. Aside from the scene being hot, I need to see how well the couple works together. I need to be shown that the chemistry is both emotional and physical in order to convince me that the romantic partners involved are right for each other, and the first time they're together is a simple but incredibly powerful tool in showing that.
June 26, 2021
First things first; I really like the cover of this book!
Hometown hero is the second book in the ‘’pink springs’’ series. This story is short, fast paced and an enjoyable read. I read this book in one sitting and was satisfied throughout. I found the writing style easy to follow, the characters likeable and the storyline enjoyable. Juno has had a crush on her best friends big brother for a while. Cooper wants Juno but is determined to resist her. Will he ever give in to his feelings for Juno?
The chemistry between Juno and Cooper is clear to see and I loved them together.
I really liked the ending and the epilogue for this story.
The storyline for this book is easy to follow and it is an enjoyable read. I cannot wait for more books from this series.
Hometown hero is the second book in the ‘’pink springs’’ series. This story is short, fast paced and an enjoyable read. I read this book in one sitting and was satisfied throughout. I found the writing style easy to follow, the characters likeable and the storyline enjoyable. Juno has had a crush on her best friends big brother for a while. Cooper wants Juno but is determined to resist her. Will he ever give in to his feelings for Juno?
The chemistry between Juno and Cooper is clear to see and I loved them together.
I really liked the ending and the epilogue for this story.
The storyline for this book is easy to follow and it is an enjoyable read. I cannot wait for more books from this series.
April 25, 2021
1.5 estrellas
May 17, 2021
It was like reading Diana Palmer again...
I don't really understand the thing about using a tracker with your wife or unblocking her phone while she's sleeping. Duuuude.
I don't really understand the thing about using a tracker with your wife or unblocking her phone while she's sleeping. Duuuude.
July 27, 2021
Loved this story
May 29, 2021
How can you mess up so much in 80 pages???
Until halfway through this was okay, I liked it, and then it went to shit. There was so much drama and nonsense in the like 20 pages all compressed that made no sense at all.
The romance was so rushed. They slept together one day and he wants to marry her the following day. WHAT? The age gap was apparently a big factor here, but we never know what age they actually are, so that was confusing.
Also, if the guy you just had sex with, waited till you were asleep to use your finger to open your phone, RUN AWAY. In the prologue, the girl leaves the house and the guy immediately goes to see where she is because he has a TRACKER. Again: WHAT???
I think the story had potential if it had been an actual novel where things were better developed and without the controlling bullshit, so this is a pity.
Not that important but the girl in the cover (who is so pretty btw) has blue hair, but the hair in the story has lavender hair, where in hell is blue and lavender the same color?
Until halfway through this was okay, I liked it, and then it went to shit. There was so much drama and nonsense in the like 20 pages all compressed that made no sense at all.
The romance was so rushed. They slept together one day and he wants to marry her the following day. WHAT? The age gap was apparently a big factor here, but we never know what age they actually are, so that was confusing.
Also, if the guy you just had sex with, waited till you were asleep to use your finger to open your phone, RUN AWAY. In the prologue, the girl leaves the house and the guy immediately goes to see where she is because he has a TRACKER. Again: WHAT???
I think the story had potential if it had been an actual novel where things were better developed and without the controlling bullshit, so this is a pity.
Not that important but the girl in the cover (who is so pretty btw) has blue hair, but the hair in the story has lavender hair, where in hell is blue and lavender the same color?
July 12, 2021
Juno has colored hair and (later) a nose piercing. That makes her weird and different. But Cooper has had a thing for her since they met and kissed a few months ago. Unfortunately, he regretted it and never wanted it to happen again… or so he tells Juno. When he realizes she’s spreading roots in their small town, Cooper struggles to stay away.
Quick and fun read. I just don’t understand specifically why Cooper stayed away, there wasn’t any real reason to. Juno expresses she is definitely interested but won’t chase him. Hero is still possessive and jealous though.
I don’t think I’ll keep this on my shelf to reread because I prefer other Alexa Riley books.
Quick and fun read. I just don’t understand specifically why Cooper stayed away, there wasn’t any real reason to. Juno expresses she is definitely interested but won’t chase him. Hero is still possessive and jealous though.
I don’t think I’ll keep this on my shelf to reread because I prefer other Alexa Riley books.
August 11, 2021
I didn’t hate it. So for a new AR book that’s an improvement. That being said, it was super tame and I didn’t think the H was very likable. None of his reasoning for keeping them apart was believable and he just came across as a selfish dick. And when he finally gave up pushing her away, she didn’t require an explanation or apology just kissed him and then gave him her virginity no questions asked. No idea if he was going to change his mind again. Nope. But again, all the AR books have sucked for the last year so in comparison this was a slight improvement.
November 8, 2024
s h e l v e s :
age gap
alpha
angst
best friend’s brother
cop
enemies to lovers
moves her in
mutual pining
obsessed
ott
ow drama (slight)
possessive
protective
virgin
wife her up
e n d e a r m e n t s :
♥︎ baby
k i n k s :
breast play
dry humping
no condom
tss
e n d i n g :
HEA + babies!
🔥
age gap
alpha
angst
best friend’s brother
cop
enemies to lovers
moves her in
mutual pining
obsessed
ott
ow drama (slight)
possessive
protective
virgin
wife her up
e n d e a r m e n t s :
♥︎ baby
k i n k s :
breast play
dry humping
no condom
tss
e n d i n g :
HEA + babies!
🔥
May 1, 2021
Cooper compares his hours and the demands of his job in the military to his relaxed job as exactly what he needed. He returned prematurely after the death of their father to care for Lux. Despite Luca being older than Lux, he still needed someone to look after him.
Thinking of his recent encounter at lunch (Luca taunting him), whether he should have just left him to the wolves like the dog he is.
Cooper is a fool. Right before Lux left, he shared a ‘moment’ with Juno. He halted because she’s his sister’s best friend, and because he is convinced that she’s not the small-town type. He fears Pink Springs won’t be enough for her.
Juno has remained in town because after her parents died, she wanted stability, somewhere to belong, instead she feels rejected by Cooper.
Juno moved back to the small town of Pink Springs, convinced she was going to hate the isolation after being shuttled between boarding schools and the city, forced into an early school life. Dying together in a car crash, she moved to Pink Springs to live with her grandmother.
Working in a diner, she doesn’t need money. Everything that belonged to her parents went into a trust, including their life insurance. A judge had been overseeing it as her grandmother never accepted her allotment. At eighteen, she inherited it all, making her independently wealthy.
There is a deranged battle axe and a delusional woman that tries to accost Juno...with a gun.
Thinking of his recent encounter at lunch (Luca taunting him), whether he should have just left him to the wolves like the dog he is.
Cooper is a fool. Right before Lux left, he shared a ‘moment’ with Juno. He halted because she’s his sister’s best friend, and because he is convinced that she’s not the small-town type. He fears Pink Springs won’t be enough for her.
Juno has remained in town because after her parents died, she wanted stability, somewhere to belong, instead she feels rejected by Cooper.
Juno moved back to the small town of Pink Springs, convinced she was going to hate the isolation after being shuttled between boarding schools and the city, forced into an early school life. Dying together in a car crash, she moved to Pink Springs to live with her grandmother.
Working in a diner, she doesn’t need money. Everything that belonged to her parents went into a trust, including their life insurance. A judge had been overseeing it as her grandmother never accepted her allotment. At eighteen, she inherited it all, making her independently wealthy.
There is a deranged battle axe and a delusional woman that tries to accost Juno...with a gun.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2021
It’s cute. I really liked Juno, and even though Cooper was an idiot for a while, I really liked him too.
It’s technically instalove, but they’ve loved each other from afar so there’s a bit of a slow burn aspect to it that I really appreciated. As always with AR the timeline is basically lightening speed once things get going.
There’s some OW drama that isn’t actually another woman. She’s a woman who thinks she has a claim, but doesn’t. And a raging psycho on the edge of town. Basically, they’re just devices to move the story along.
I thought it was sweet with a nice steam factor. I’m actually looking forward to the next one. Alexa Riley isn’t as awesome as she/they once was/were, but the books are still entertaining.
It’s technically instalove, but they’ve loved each other from afar so there’s a bit of a slow burn aspect to it that I really appreciated. As always with AR the timeline is basically lightening speed once things get going.
There’s some OW drama that isn’t actually another woman. She’s a woman who thinks she has a claim, but doesn’t. And a raging psycho on the edge of town. Basically, they’re just devices to move the story along.
I thought it was sweet with a nice steam factor. I’m actually looking forward to the next one. Alexa Riley isn’t as awesome as she/they once was/were, but the books are still entertaining.
June 16, 2021
Juno ha estado enamorada de Cooper, el hermano mayor de su mejor amiga y sheriff del pueblo, desde que llegó para vivir con su abuela. El día en que sus sueños parecen hacerse realidad es el mismo día en el que Cooper decide soltar las peores palabras que se pueden decir: ha sido un error. Desde entonces ambos son como el perro y el gato, hasta que Cooper no puede soportar más el pensar en ella con otro hombre.
Me ha gustado hasta creo que más que el primero. Si que es verdad que en este los protagonistas tardan más en estar juntos, no como es normal en estas autoras que suelen juntarlos prácticamente desde el principio. Así que cambiar de esquema también ha estado muy bien. Es perfecto para pasar el ratito o entre lecturas largas como estoy haciendo yo!
Me ha gustado hasta creo que más que el primero. Si que es verdad que en este los protagonistas tardan más en estar juntos, no como es normal en estas autoras que suelen juntarlos prácticamente desde el principio. Así que cambiar de esquema también ha estado muy bien. Es perfecto para pasar el ratito o entre lecturas largas como estoy haciendo yo!
May 19, 2021
Juno moved to Pink Springs when her parents died and was immediately BFF’s with Lux Cross. Sheriff Cooper Cross is protective of Juno but she’s off his dating card because he thinks she’s getting ready to leave town. Wrong, wrong, wrong big guy. Juno had been crushing on Cooper for years but was waiting for him to make a move. Stubborn Cooper tries to avoid Juno but goes to the stalker zone. Things finally take a turn but their happiness threatened and Cooper saves Juno with a taser shot. Scorching, teasing and sweet! Juno and Lux are truly enjoying life now with their guys. I can’t wait for third book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2021
A story your mind gets lost in, where you feel what the characters feel isn't enough to read just once. It's something you want to experience over and over. The love, lust, betrayal, loss everything. A good book can get your heart pumping, your belly dipping, and your body tingling. It's something a person can experience, no matter how many times you read it.
June 1, 2021
No me gusto que la protagonista casi no tiene respeto por ella misma dice que no se va a dejar por Cooper pero a la primera ahí está, igual creo que él se pasó demasiado de posesivo y sentí que era exagerado y no se debe románticas eso, de ahí a lo demás me gusto mucho el salseo de evitarse al inicio y siento que si se hubiera desarrollado más la historia hubiera sido muy buena
May 26, 2025
2.5 stars
Sometimes less is more.
I think I would enjoy more of what AR writes if there wasn't that much of (unecessary) drama thrown into it the 2nd half of their books... most of the time I like how it starts out and then the characters become unhinged and too much drama happening to make it enjoyable.
Sometimes less is more.
I think I would enjoy more of what AR writes if there wasn't that much of (unecessary) drama thrown into it the 2nd half of their books... most of the time I like how it starts out and then the characters become unhinged and too much drama happening to make it enjoyable.
May 6, 2021
3.5✯
°Both virgins
°Swicthing POVs
°OW drama
°No cheating
°Pushing away from the hero
°Intimate scenes only between hero and heroine
°Epilogue: a few months and 5 years later
°Both virgins
°Swicthing POVs
°OW drama
°No cheating
°Pushing away from the hero
°Intimate scenes only between hero and heroine
°Epilogue: a few months and 5 years later
July 17, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this story. I was actually surprised at how tame it was. There was a lot going on that added to the wee bit of drama. But without it, it wouldn’t have lit a fire under his … like it did. It was a fun, crazy, yet sweet read. The epilogues cracked me up!!
October 18, 2024
Juno and Cooper were so cute. And idk why I wasn't expecting their to be an unhinged villain in their cutesy story, there usually is with AR, but I was shocked
December 27, 2025
Juno siempre ha estado enamorada de Cooper, sheriff y mejor amigo de su hermano. Sin embargo, él la mantiene a distancia, temiendo que abandone el pueblo. Ella decide renunciar a él, hasta que su innegable química se impone y se dejan llevar por sus sentimientos.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews