What do you think?
Rate this book
Blue Collar Romance #2
A Place to Belong
From Alexa Rivers comes an opposites attract romance packed with humor, emotion and a sizzling happily ever after.
Horror author Felicity Bell moves to the charming town of Oak Bend after being shunned from the last place she called home. When she walks in the door of her new rental, she doesn’t expect to find a half-naked man standing in her kitchen. There’s just one problem: Wyatt Dawson seems to think it’s his kitchen. Misunderstandings aside, her new neighbor is lumberjack hot, and his grumpiness only makes her more determined to bring a little joy to his life, even if he’d rather be left alone.
Burned by his past, Wyatt isn’t about to let the cheerful free spirit next door into his heart only for her to crush him when she flits out of town again. But with his well-meaning, matchmaking, mother on the case, these two end up spending far too much time together and things between the unlikely pair quickly heat up. It may be true what they say—opposites do attract, but only if their relationship can survive Wyatt’s interfering ex-girlfriend and Felicity's fear of history repeating itself.
A Place to Belong is part of the Blue Collar Romance series, a multi-author series of standalone novels. Welcome to Oak Bend, where blue-collar hotties work hard and love even harder, especially when it comes to landing their happily ever after.
Horror author Felicity Bell moves to the charming town of Oak Bend after being shunned from the last place she called home. When she walks in the door of her new rental, she doesn’t expect to find a half-naked man standing in her kitchen. There’s just one problem: Wyatt Dawson seems to think it’s his kitchen. Misunderstandings aside, her new neighbor is lumberjack hot, and his grumpiness only makes her more determined to bring a little joy to his life, even if he’d rather be left alone.
Burned by his past, Wyatt isn’t about to let the cheerful free spirit next door into his heart only for her to crush him when she flits out of town again. But with his well-meaning, matchmaking, mother on the case, these two end up spending far too much time together and things between the unlikely pair quickly heat up. It may be true what they say—opposites do attract, but only if their relationship can survive Wyatt’s interfering ex-girlfriend and Felicity's fear of history repeating itself.
A Place to Belong is part of the Blue Collar Romance series, a multi-author series of standalone novels. Welcome to Oak Bend, where blue-collar hotties work hard and love even harder, especially when it comes to landing their happily ever after.
171 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 10, 2021
38 people are currently reading
568 people want to read
About the author
Alexa Rivers
56 books612 followersAlexa Rivers writes about genuine characters living messy, imperfect lives and earning hard-won happily ever afters. Most of her books are set in small towns, and she lives in one of these herself. She shares a house with a neurotic dog and a husband who thinks he’s hilarious.
When she’s not writing, she enjoys traveling, baking, eating too much chocolate, cuddling fluffy animals, drinking excessive amounts of tea, and absorbing herself in fictional worlds.
When she’s not writing, she enjoys traveling, baking, eating too much chocolate, cuddling fluffy animals, drinking excessive amounts of tea, and absorbing herself in fictional worlds.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
September 9, 2021
*ARC received from author in exchange for my honest review. *
Felicity Bell has been moving from place to place her life. First her mother would move her all over for whatever man she was seeing at the time and as she got older, she too started moving. For Felicity, it was because conflict was never her thing and when something would go wrong, she would move to avoid uncomfortable situations. Now, she is tired of moving and wants to settle down in one place, a place that could become her permeant home.
Her first day in Oak Bend she encounters a very naked man in her house but come to find out it is not her house and her neighbors meddling mother had plans for her to meet her son Wyatt. During the confusion she can't help but notice how attractive Wyatt is, but he is also standoffish and doesn't seem to want to be friendly with her. As her first days in Oak Bend unfold the town is very accepting but she can't seem to get past Wyatt's walls that he has built up. Felicity is a horror writer after all, and she doesn't scare easily so she will just keep killing him with kindness.
Wyatt Dawson has been burned in the past and he will never put himself in that position again to get his heartbroken. No matter how attractive his new neighbor is. If he lets her in, then when she decides to leave again, he will be the one left behind shattered while she is off on her next journey. As a brick mason his job is long hours and hard work, but he doesn't mind it but as his days continue on, he notices that Felicity has wormed her way into his stomach with her delicious desserts and is slowly worming he way into his heart.
Can these two put aside their issues and trust that people can change?
Book two in the Blue Collar Romance Series was a beautiful opposites attract romance with a quirky meddling mother and a crazy ex-girlfriend. A Place to Belong had all the small-town charm that I love in a story with serious steam and a heart melting HEA!!
Felicity Bell has been moving from place to place her life. First her mother would move her all over for whatever man she was seeing at the time and as she got older, she too started moving. For Felicity, it was because conflict was never her thing and when something would go wrong, she would move to avoid uncomfortable situations. Now, she is tired of moving and wants to settle down in one place, a place that could become her permeant home.
Her first day in Oak Bend she encounters a very naked man in her house but come to find out it is not her house and her neighbors meddling mother had plans for her to meet her son Wyatt. During the confusion she can't help but notice how attractive Wyatt is, but he is also standoffish and doesn't seem to want to be friendly with her. As her first days in Oak Bend unfold the town is very accepting but she can't seem to get past Wyatt's walls that he has built up. Felicity is a horror writer after all, and she doesn't scare easily so she will just keep killing him with kindness.
Wyatt Dawson has been burned in the past and he will never put himself in that position again to get his heartbroken. No matter how attractive his new neighbor is. If he lets her in, then when she decides to leave again, he will be the one left behind shattered while she is off on her next journey. As a brick mason his job is long hours and hard work, but he doesn't mind it but as his days continue on, he notices that Felicity has wormed her way into his stomach with her delicious desserts and is slowly worming he way into his heart.
Can these two put aside their issues and trust that people can change?
Book two in the Blue Collar Romance Series was a beautiful opposites attract romance with a quirky meddling mother and a crazy ex-girlfriend. A Place to Belong had all the small-town charm that I love in a story with serious steam and a heart melting HEA!!
Read
September 14, 2021A lovely story. Felicity and Wyatt have an interesting meet-cute beginning to say the least. Felicity needs to feel she belongs and be accepted and cared for. Wyatt had an unfortunate and life changing relationship go very bad and as left him a broken and bitter man. Felicity is a writer and specializes in horror books.
This town of Oak Bend is something special and I hope to see more books .. maybe the next one can star the sexy Policeman who had a part in Wyatts nightmare. I know there’s more to his story!
5* book!!
September 12, 2021
Felicity has moved to Oak Bend looking for a fresh start. She has spent her life moving from one place to another. First with her mother and again as an adult. She is very sensitive about the books she writes as she feels that people look at her differently due to the genre. (She writes horror novels.) Wyatt is a brick mason trying to live his life in a small town with a meddling mother.
This was delightful addition to the Blue Collar Romance series. Felicity and Wyatt both have trust issues that make their relationship difficult. I love that they were able to come to an understanding with each other and with their own personal demons.
I am enjoying learning more about Oak Bend. The local diner is highlighted again as is a farm to table restaurant outside town. When new townspeople are introduced, I wonder if they will be the subject of the next book. I will keep reading to see what happens.
A copy of this book was provided for me by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was delightful addition to the Blue Collar Romance series. Felicity and Wyatt both have trust issues that make their relationship difficult. I love that they were able to come to an understanding with each other and with their own personal demons.
I am enjoying learning more about Oak Bend. The local diner is highlighted again as is a farm to table restaurant outside town. When new townspeople are introduced, I wonder if they will be the subject of the next book. I will keep reading to see what happens.
A copy of this book was provided for me by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 6, 2021
This book was fun to read. Felicity was a horror story writer and was looking for a home. She had moved around alot as a kid and was always looking for the perfect place where she would belong. Wyatt was a grump of a man that didn't believe anyone would stay with him. It was fun to watch him open up and fun to watch her know she belonged.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 14, 2021
3.5 Stars! This is a good opposites attract, small town romance. Felicity is a horror author who has been judged by the content of her stories and, as a result, tries a little too hard to get people to like her. Wyatt is a bricklayer and has built the perfect brick wall around his heart to keep himself safe after a bad relationship.
I was a total fan of the nekkid meet-cute! And Felicity and Wyatt certainly had chemistry. But their misunderstanding felt a little childish to me.
This was a fun addition to the Blue Collar Romance world.
I received an advance readers copy of this book and these are my honest opinions.
I was a total fan of the nekkid meet-cute! And Felicity and Wyatt certainly had chemistry. But their misunderstanding felt a little childish to me.
This was a fun addition to the Blue Collar Romance world.
I received an advance readers copy of this book and these are my honest opinions.
September 10, 2021
Ahhh.. A stunning, heart touching sweet ride ahead😍💖
Ahhh... My heart.. This book has made me feel light and filled with warmth and happiness and sweet goodness. I feel so in loveeeee with this right now. Especially with Wyatt and Felicity.
Felicity is new to the small town of Oaks bend but when she goes to her new rental and finds a man already living there, she's in for a pleasant surprise.
Little does she know that she's been set up in a little matchmaking game.
Wyatt is being hurt badly in the past and doesn't trust easily anymore so when he realises his mom is again upto her matchmaking setup, he withdraws, wanting to keep his distance from this sweet, new girl. Especially because she makes his heart sing and makes him feel something after his last nightmare of a relationship.
I loved how Nadine, Wyatt's mom did things, obviously coming from a good place knowing how withdrawn her son had become. It's like a mother's instinct, just knowing things.
I loved the way Felicity is so open and welcoming towards everyone and how the different people involve her in various things. How slowly but steadily she wins over people and does her best to make Oaks bend her home. But she has her own past issues which have driven her many decisions in life, including current change.
Read Read this one for all the feels, the small town camaraderie, falling in love with a grumpy but hot hero and his sweet not taking NO heroine, of sweet meddling mother, and an equally amazing sibling, for seeing Felicity take on and makeing every one who comes across her feel special and of Wyatt and Felicity finding love amidst conquering their past fears and traumas.
Ahhhhh.... I feel oh so amazing right now. I'm so rereading this one. Loved loved this one. 💖💖💖💖💖
Ahhh... My heart.. This book has made me feel light and filled with warmth and happiness and sweet goodness. I feel so in loveeeee with this right now. Especially with Wyatt and Felicity.
Felicity is new to the small town of Oaks bend but when she goes to her new rental and finds a man already living there, she's in for a pleasant surprise.
Little does she know that she's been set up in a little matchmaking game.
Wyatt is being hurt badly in the past and doesn't trust easily anymore so when he realises his mom is again upto her matchmaking setup, he withdraws, wanting to keep his distance from this sweet, new girl. Especially because she makes his heart sing and makes him feel something after his last nightmare of a relationship.
I loved how Nadine, Wyatt's mom did things, obviously coming from a good place knowing how withdrawn her son had become. It's like a mother's instinct, just knowing things.
I loved the way Felicity is so open and welcoming towards everyone and how the different people involve her in various things. How slowly but steadily she wins over people and does her best to make Oaks bend her home. But she has her own past issues which have driven her many decisions in life, including current change.
Read Read this one for all the feels, the small town camaraderie, falling in love with a grumpy but hot hero and his sweet not taking NO heroine, of sweet meddling mother, and an equally amazing sibling, for seeing Felicity take on and makeing every one who comes across her feel special and of Wyatt and Felicity finding love amidst conquering their past fears and traumas.
Ahhhhh.... I feel oh so amazing right now. I'm so rereading this one. Loved loved this one. 💖💖💖💖💖
September 9, 2021
Love love loved this one!!! I don’t think I’ve read from this author but her words spoke for themselves and I couldn’t get enough!!!
Felicity is such a sexy name and although she felt somewhat insecure about fitting in, I really loved her. From her ability to bake to her fantastic job title to the sass towards the end when confronted and then to just her being incredibly lovable, this woman made this entire book!! I had high hopes about her from the beginning and she never disappointed and I just loved her as the book kept going on and she was growing!
Wyatt on the other hand seemed to do the opposite and at times really had me annoyed. I tried and tried to give him the benefit of the doubt but then he would stick his foot in his mouth!! At one moment I had hopes of a different outcome than I thought would happen because I just wasn’t sure he deserved anything.
So I expected a bigger grand gesture but what happened was still great. Just saying I thought something different was going to happen. I really loved this town though and the people and the fact that everyone was so amazing!!!
Felicity is such a sexy name and although she felt somewhat insecure about fitting in, I really loved her. From her ability to bake to her fantastic job title to the sass towards the end when confronted and then to just her being incredibly lovable, this woman made this entire book!! I had high hopes about her from the beginning and she never disappointed and I just loved her as the book kept going on and she was growing!
Wyatt on the other hand seemed to do the opposite and at times really had me annoyed. I tried and tried to give him the benefit of the doubt but then he would stick his foot in his mouth!! At one moment I had hopes of a different outcome than I thought would happen because I just wasn’t sure he deserved anything.
So I expected a bigger grand gesture but what happened was still great. Just saying I thought something different was going to happen. I really loved this town though and the people and the fact that everyone was so amazing!!!
September 14, 2021
4 star Review of A Place To Belong (Blue Collar Romance #2) by Alexa Rivers
It was good to be back in Oak Bend where Felicity Bell has taken up residence. Alexa Rivers is a new author to me and although this was my first book, it will not be my last.
A Place To Belong was witty from the start when the meet cute between Felicity and her new neighbor Wyatt Dawson occurs. Wyatt is not the happiest man she has met and so a determined Felicity decides to bring some fun into his life. Add in an interfering mother (Wyatt’s) and you know that shenanigans will abound.
Both Felicity and Wyatt have been burned in the past and the last thing either of them want is to be hurt again. Wyatt and Felicity could not be more opposite and yet they worked well together. They definitely had chemistry, but there were times they frustrated me. The walls that have been built will take a lot to pull down.
The question is will they be prepared to take a chance on love or are they destined to be alone?
Overall this was a good read and addition to the series.
It was good to be back in Oak Bend where Felicity Bell has taken up residence. Alexa Rivers is a new author to me and although this was my first book, it will not be my last.
A Place To Belong was witty from the start when the meet cute between Felicity and her new neighbor Wyatt Dawson occurs. Wyatt is not the happiest man she has met and so a determined Felicity decides to bring some fun into his life. Add in an interfering mother (Wyatt’s) and you know that shenanigans will abound.
Both Felicity and Wyatt have been burned in the past and the last thing either of them want is to be hurt again. Wyatt and Felicity could not be more opposite and yet they worked well together. They definitely had chemistry, but there were times they frustrated me. The walls that have been built will take a lot to pull down.
The question is will they be prepared to take a chance on love or are they destined to be alone?
Overall this was a good read and addition to the series.
September 6, 2021
A New Life And A New Love -
Felicity was used to moving around a lot, but she just felt at home when she moved to Oak Bend and met Wyatt and his family. Wyatt’s grumpy demeanour seemed to change after Felicity entered into his life and she started spending more time around him. Even though their chemistry was palpable, Wyatt’s matchmaking mum tried everything to get them together and just as they were settling into a relationship, their insecurities became temporary stumbling block on their path to a happily ever after.
Another definite hit produced by the talented Alexa Rivers, for your reading pleasure. Once you start reading it, there is no way you will want to stop until you get to the end. I highly recommend this amazing book.
I received an advanced copy of this book from Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Felicity was used to moving around a lot, but she just felt at home when she moved to Oak Bend and met Wyatt and his family. Wyatt’s grumpy demeanour seemed to change after Felicity entered into his life and she started spending more time around him. Even though their chemistry was palpable, Wyatt’s matchmaking mum tried everything to get them together and just as they were settling into a relationship, their insecurities became temporary stumbling block on their path to a happily ever after.
Another definite hit produced by the talented Alexa Rivers, for your reading pleasure. Once you start reading it, there is no way you will want to stop until you get to the end. I highly recommend this amazing book.
I received an advanced copy of this book from Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 7, 2021
I really enjoyed the opposites attract relationship in this book! Alexia Rivers does a wonderful job from the start with how she has Felicity and Wyatt meet right up to the end of the book. Felicity is a horror author and has been black balled, hated and discarded to the point of up and leaving every town she moves to. Her attempts at being liked almost bite her in the butt Wyatt is a hard working bricklayer. He’s not looking for a woman in his life after catching his last girlfriend breaking his heart. But his mom has different ideas. Great read definitely enjoyed it and recommend it!! I received this advanced readers copy for my honest review.
September 9, 2021
Another winner from Alexa!
I just adore Alexa's stories. Alexa's writing is top notch and I always look forward to a new release. They are filled with people you'd want to be friends with along with a few you don't to keep things interesting and a bit more realistic. Alexa gives us sweet, romantic, funny, sexy stories and this is no exception. I loved Wyatt and Felicity's story which kicked off with the quintessential meet-cute! There were a few bumps in the road but they got there in the end. If only we could all have a Wyatt of our own to come home to! I received an ARC copy.
I just adore Alexa's stories. Alexa's writing is top notch and I always look forward to a new release. They are filled with people you'd want to be friends with along with a few you don't to keep things interesting and a bit more realistic. Alexa gives us sweet, romantic, funny, sexy stories and this is no exception. I loved Wyatt and Felicity's story which kicked off with the quintessential meet-cute! There were a few bumps in the road but they got there in the end. If only we could all have a Wyatt of our own to come home to! I received an ARC copy.
August 31, 2021
I thought this was a very good read. This book offers up a enjoyable combination of emotion, heart, drama, sweetness, cuteness and heat. I thought Felicity and Wyatt were intriguing characters that worked well together. They had great chemistry and I appreciated that they each had some baggage. The opposites attract trope added some effervescence and fun to their story and I found myself feeling quite charmed by this couple. I am electing to post a candid review.
September 8, 2021
Laughter goes a long way when it comes to healing a wounded heart. Through the eyes of two very different people that sport the bruises of life, A Place to Belong reminds the soul how it feels to be happy. Rivers draws emotions into the shadows of vulnerability and the rewards of taking risks. Like a black and white painting in need of a hint of color, Wyatt and Felicity supply the charm that brightens the canvas of love.
September 12, 2021
As a participating author in the #bluecollarromanceseries, I love that I’m finding fun new authors and books to read! Alexa Rivers is a new to me author, but after reading and loving A Place to Belong, I look forward to reading more of her books.
A Place to Belong was a delightful read from the first page. I loved Felicity Bell immediately, from her yearning for a place to belong to the way she noticed every inch of Wyatt Dawson’s body the first time she “accidentally” bumped into him. Wyatt was a perfectly grumpy guy, who had no interest in a relationship, and had no interest in getting to know Felicity better. Or so he told himself.
Watching Felicity work her way into Wyatt’s life—because she’s friendly and open—and Wyatt try so hard to push her away was entertaining. But even more than an entertaining, fun love story, A Place to Belong is a deeper story about the need to find your place in the world and how frightening but necessary it is to have trust in a relationship.
Ms. Rivers’ cast of secondary characters was great; I loved Nadine and Julia, and of course, Marianne. And as much as I loved Ella at the coffee shop making a spot for Felicity to set up shop and work there, I was also a little bit jealous! Oak Bend, Michigan is a fun small town, filled with great shops and restaurants and friendly people, and I loved reading about the town through Ms. Rivers’ eyes. ~Tracy Broemmer, Author of the Contemporary Romance series, The H Books
A Place to Belong was a delightful read from the first page. I loved Felicity Bell immediately, from her yearning for a place to belong to the way she noticed every inch of Wyatt Dawson’s body the first time she “accidentally” bumped into him. Wyatt was a perfectly grumpy guy, who had no interest in a relationship, and had no interest in getting to know Felicity better. Or so he told himself.
Watching Felicity work her way into Wyatt’s life—because she’s friendly and open—and Wyatt try so hard to push her away was entertaining. But even more than an entertaining, fun love story, A Place to Belong is a deeper story about the need to find your place in the world and how frightening but necessary it is to have trust in a relationship.
Ms. Rivers’ cast of secondary characters was great; I loved Nadine and Julia, and of course, Marianne. And as much as I loved Ella at the coffee shop making a spot for Felicity to set up shop and work there, I was also a little bit jealous! Oak Bend, Michigan is a fun small town, filled with great shops and restaurants and friendly people, and I loved reading about the town through Ms. Rivers’ eyes. ~Tracy Broemmer, Author of the Contemporary Romance series, The H Books
September 8, 2021
Alexa Rivers nailed it! The second book in the Blue Collar series is a great one. I loved it from the beginning til the end. The characters of Wyatt and Felicity are great developed. Two wounded people who make the best of it, and end up together at the end.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 13, 2021
3.5/5⭐️
**I received this book as an ARC in return for my honest review**
This was a fun read! Things did move a bit fast for me, I would’ve loved to actually experience more of the moments with the town instead of only reading results, like with the festival.
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥.5
**I received this book as an ARC in return for my honest review**
This was a fun read! Things did move a bit fast for me, I would’ve loved to actually experience more of the moments with the town instead of only reading results, like with the festival.
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥.5
September 15, 2021
Another wonderful story from Alexa! This was sweet, funny and sexy all rolled together. I adore her writing style. It keeps you hooked and entertained from beginning to end.
My attention was grabbed from the start and I couldn't put it down until I was done. I had so much fun getting to know all the "Benders "
My attention was grabbed from the start and I couldn't put it down until I was done. I had so much fun getting to know all the "Benders "
September 14, 2021
Opposites definitely attract in a genuine way. Fast paced, romantic, realistic. First time reading this author an I was highly impressed. Oak Bend reminds me of my small town. Wyatt Dawson is a alpha man in every sense. Felicity was set up from the time she entered the town my his meddling Mother, her new landlord. Felicity Bell is a looker an the word was out about this author who writes gothic. After volunteering to organizing the town Arts Festivals successfully it was on an popping. I loved it, can’t wait to read more.
January 31, 2025
A Place to Belong: An Opposites Attract Romance by Alexa Rivers is the second book in the series Blue Collar Romance. Ms. Rivers gives us a sensitive and inspiring book about two slightly wounded people unexpectedly finding love. One of the elements I am loving so far about this series is that the people live everyday lives….no billionaires, princes, sheiks or psychos! Grumpy and almost reclusive, Wyatt Dawson is understandably suspicious, when beautiful horror writer Felicity Bell, mistakes his home for her new rental. His mother has been throwing ELIGIBLE women his way since he broke up with his long-time AND cheating girlfriend. Wyatt is determined to focus on his job as a brick layer (I don’t think in all the 4 million romance books I have read have I encountered a brick layer!) and ignore the fact that Felicity is charming, sweet, funny, smart and gorgeous. Pretty soon, Wyatt is not able to ignore Felicity, especially when it looks like an unscrupulous man is sniffing around her. But is Felicity here to stay? Felicity is looking for a new start in Oak Bend; she moved quite a bit as a child due to her flighty mother. Unfortunately, the urge to move often did not dissipate when she left home, as soon as she feels uncomfortable or unwanted primarily due to people’s response to her horror stories, she moves to a new place, a new town. Will she be able to find a place to belong in Oak Bend? I really enjoyed this story and loved how the author took us inside to watch their struggles and strength. In addition, this book shows a very amusing sample of opposites attract; I really enjoyed quiet Wyatt’s inner musings about how much Felicity talks! So funny.
October 26, 2021
This ARC was given to me in exchange for a honest review.
It was a sweet and steamy story.
I love how in both this book and the first one of the series the characters are dealing with personal issues and trying to get better. Also, they are pretty self-aware of their own flaws which allows the stories to be straightforward and let me immerse in their lives and romance.
Don't get me wrong I love angst and obvious characters, but it's refreshing to see characters who are pretty much mature and genuinely want to do better.
It was a sweet and steamy story.
I love how in both this book and the first one of the series the characters are dealing with personal issues and trying to get better. Also, they are pretty self-aware of their own flaws which allows the stories to be straightforward and let me immerse in their lives and romance.
Don't get me wrong I love angst and obvious characters, but it's refreshing to see characters who are pretty much mature and genuinely want to do better.
September 11, 2021
Cute story between Felicity and Wyatt! He tried his hardest not to want her, but then a drunk night makes him surrender! I loved that I felt connected to Felicity having moved from place to place.
September 16, 2021
I started out loving this book. Felicity is spunky and feisty and full of spirit. Her internal dialogue is funny. I laughed a lot. Wyatt was gruff and rough around the edges, but a teddy bear when it came down to it.
Felicity has just moved to town after being shunned in her previous home; in fact, she's moved around a lot with her mother and as an adult. Wyatt still resides in his small-town hometown. The two are set up by Wayatt's mother, and it's a funny meet-cute.
The book started so well for me. They were two opposites that felt a pull. The book missed the 5-star mark for me, though. Wyatt was hot and cold. He was never overly mean or cruel, but- c'mon. You're an adult male. You live in a small town where you know gossip runs amok. Tell the ex-girlfriend causing all the drama to flick off. Quit accepting her interference in your life. Stop letting it effect your present circumstances. I wanted him to be stronger and stand up for what he wanted. He's not a young man. He's a grown adult. Act like it more. The ex hurt him, so she should have zero presence in his life. While I admit, that would be hard in a small town, he could have been more aggressive about it.
Felicity's past was a bit wishy-washy. I completely understand being a traveler, a nomad to an extent. I found it hard to wrap around the fact she was shunned so terribly because she was a horror author. While, sure, it could have happened, it seemed more like Felicity overdramatized it. Believable in a horror author, sure. Writing is her life's passion, however. Own that. Tell all nay-sayers to shut up. I understand wanting to move when you aren't wanted in a place, but I also don't think most people would feel so repulsed with a horror author.
I felt the characters acted much more immature than their ages warranted. I truly liked most everything else about them. They were funny and quirky and I'd have either of them as a friend. But I'd smack some sense into both, too. You're an adult- own it. Don't let others make your path so much. You choose your trek- your job, who you allow to interfere in your life, who you allow to impact the most important parts of said life.
The story was funny. All of it, even with some of the immaturity. I would definitely read this author again. I received an ARC for an honest opinion.
Felicity has just moved to town after being shunned in her previous home; in fact, she's moved around a lot with her mother and as an adult. Wyatt still resides in his small-town hometown. The two are set up by Wayatt's mother, and it's a funny meet-cute.
The book started so well for me. They were two opposites that felt a pull. The book missed the 5-star mark for me, though. Wyatt was hot and cold. He was never overly mean or cruel, but- c'mon. You're an adult male. You live in a small town where you know gossip runs amok. Tell the ex-girlfriend causing all the drama to flick off. Quit accepting her interference in your life. Stop letting it effect your present circumstances. I wanted him to be stronger and stand up for what he wanted. He's not a young man. He's a grown adult. Act like it more. The ex hurt him, so she should have zero presence in his life. While I admit, that would be hard in a small town, he could have been more aggressive about it.
Felicity's past was a bit wishy-washy. I completely understand being a traveler, a nomad to an extent. I found it hard to wrap around the fact she was shunned so terribly because she was a horror author. While, sure, it could have happened, it seemed more like Felicity overdramatized it. Believable in a horror author, sure. Writing is her life's passion, however. Own that. Tell all nay-sayers to shut up. I understand wanting to move when you aren't wanted in a place, but I also don't think most people would feel so repulsed with a horror author.
I felt the characters acted much more immature than their ages warranted. I truly liked most everything else about them. They were funny and quirky and I'd have either of them as a friend. But I'd smack some sense into both, too. You're an adult- own it. Don't let others make your path so much. You choose your trek- your job, who you allow to interfere in your life, who you allow to impact the most important parts of said life.
The story was funny. All of it, even with some of the immaturity. I would definitely read this author again. I received an ARC for an honest opinion.
September 15, 2021
This is the second in the Blue Collar Romance series and is about horror writer Felicity and brick mason Wyatt. Felicity has moved around her entire life, always running at the sight of unpleasantness, but has recently moved to the quaint small town of Oak Bend where, of course, she lives right next door to Wyatt. He wants nothing to do with Felicity or any relationship after being cheated on by his ex, but Felicity keeps inserting herself into his life with hopes of helping him find happiness.
Fans of small-town books will love A Place to Belong because it is an idyllic small town with a diner, coffee shop, town square, and nosy/meddling residents. Everyone knows everyone else's business, but these are also the people that will drop everything to help out a neighbor. Felicity appears to fit right in with her constant flow of sunshine and happiness, quite the opposite of Wyatt's constant moodiness, but the reader quickly learns about Felicity's fears and insecurities, as well as, Wyatt's. As far as their sexy scenes these characters had amazing chemistry and I also loved how the author wrote the scenes, making them swoon-worthy yet realistic all at once. But out of the bedroom, I just wasn't convinced.
Which brings me to my criticism...
I was not crazy about how the author developed Felicity and Wyatt's relationship because it felt as if she bugged him and bugged him until he finally decided, "what the hell, I'll kiss her and see if I like it." Both characters had numerous internal conflicts going on at once, but it just seemed that Felicity put all of the effort into the relationship while all Wyatt did is constantly freak out about her moving away.
A Place to Belong has an incredible setting and a wonderful cast of characters. I did enjoy this novel overall, just struggled with some things with the main character. I look forward to the next in this series!
*Thanks to Indie PR for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Fans of small-town books will love A Place to Belong because it is an idyllic small town with a diner, coffee shop, town square, and nosy/meddling residents. Everyone knows everyone else's business, but these are also the people that will drop everything to help out a neighbor. Felicity appears to fit right in with her constant flow of sunshine and happiness, quite the opposite of Wyatt's constant moodiness, but the reader quickly learns about Felicity's fears and insecurities, as well as, Wyatt's. As far as their sexy scenes these characters had amazing chemistry and I also loved how the author wrote the scenes, making them swoon-worthy yet realistic all at once. But out of the bedroom, I just wasn't convinced.
Which brings me to my criticism...
I was not crazy about how the author developed Felicity and Wyatt's relationship because it felt as if she bugged him and bugged him until he finally decided, "what the hell, I'll kiss her and see if I like it." Both characters had numerous internal conflicts going on at once, but it just seemed that Felicity put all of the effort into the relationship while all Wyatt did is constantly freak out about her moving away.
A Place to Belong has an incredible setting and a wonderful cast of characters. I did enjoy this novel overall, just struggled with some things with the main character. I look forward to the next in this series!
*Thanks to Indie PR for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
September 19, 2021
Sweet and steamy small-town romance with tons of emotion!
Felicity has moved to the small town of Oak Bend. She isn’t sure what she is expecting when she walks into the new place that she hopes to call home, but it definitely wasn’t the sexy half-naked man she sees standing in the kitchen! This is the beginning of a journey neither one of them is expecting!!!!
Wyatt has definitely had his share of heartache, and he has no intention of letting anyone into his life, especially the strange woman who is standing in his kitchen. As they talk, they both realize his well-meaning mother is trying to play matchmaker again. Neither of them is falling for it, or that is what they keep telling themselves.
The attraction and pull the two have is undeniable, even from their first meeting, no matter what they tell themselves. Wyatt has made his mind up that he will never let another woman into his life. He can’t handle another heartache. Felicity has never stayed in one place for very long. Her modus operandi is running...never staying in one place long enough to put down roots. Both of them are trying to find, as the title suggests, “a place to belong.” Soon the pull becomes too much to resist. But, will each of them learn to trust the other with their heart?
This book was a sweet and steamy small-town romance, made complete with a charming town and quirky characters, especially Wyatt’s mom...I loved her!!!! I found myself immersed in the town of Oak Bend and with the fall festival Felicity suddenly finds herself in charge of. If you enjoy a quick read with a great setting and great characters, give this book a try. It is Book 2 in the Blue Collar Romance series. I think you will find that you quite like this series!
Felicity has moved to the small town of Oak Bend. She isn’t sure what she is expecting when she walks into the new place that she hopes to call home, but it definitely wasn’t the sexy half-naked man she sees standing in the kitchen! This is the beginning of a journey neither one of them is expecting!!!!
Wyatt has definitely had his share of heartache, and he has no intention of letting anyone into his life, especially the strange woman who is standing in his kitchen. As they talk, they both realize his well-meaning mother is trying to play matchmaker again. Neither of them is falling for it, or that is what they keep telling themselves.
The attraction and pull the two have is undeniable, even from their first meeting, no matter what they tell themselves. Wyatt has made his mind up that he will never let another woman into his life. He can’t handle another heartache. Felicity has never stayed in one place for very long. Her modus operandi is running...never staying in one place long enough to put down roots. Both of them are trying to find, as the title suggests, “a place to belong.” Soon the pull becomes too much to resist. But, will each of them learn to trust the other with their heart?
This book was a sweet and steamy small-town romance, made complete with a charming town and quirky characters, especially Wyatt’s mom...I loved her!!!! I found myself immersed in the town of Oak Bend and with the fall festival Felicity suddenly finds herself in charge of. If you enjoy a quick read with a great setting and great characters, give this book a try. It is Book 2 in the Blue Collar Romance series. I think you will find that you quite like this series!
September 10, 2021
The addition starts with the book cover….yeah…yeah…yeah don’t judge a book by its cover they say ….well we all do it and this one here it is the scratch to your itch or better yet the filling to your oreos! Within the first chapters you get the panoramic view of whom you’re dealing with! This is book is part of the Blue Collar Romance series why just read one when you can start at the beginning and keep reading through the series it won’t be a waste of time. It takes a well meaning mother who wants the best for her son with shenanigans up her sleeve like all mom’s and you get the two of them. Felicity is smart, interesting, has a crazy imagination, is a horror book author, is moving to a new town in hopes of finding a place to call home so arriving at the rental she set up and walking into the find this grumpy, broody and reclusive neighbor. Wyatt the sexy as all get out neighbor who has experienced his share of pain, really doesn’t want to put his heart out there again just for it to broken, so becoming this grumpy and broody man. Wyatt is suspicious when the beautiful writer mistakes his rental for her rental (now how did that happen….again moms, grandmoms, kids will have you chasing your own tail 😊). Needless to say he does everything in his power to focus on his job and not the sexy woman until a suspicious man shows up around her. The chemistry is intense, and the magnetic pull can’t be ignored but is it enough, is Felicity there to stay, will Wyatt realize what he has missed/missing, will he open up giving her a chance, has she found a place to belong, to feel connected to and can they find happiness?
September 14, 2021
Every book lover, enjoys reading a story where the main character is a bookworm themselves, and in this case, a writer too! There's something great about identifying with them, and sharing an interest, that makes you step into their world that much more.
Felicity is the bookworm/writer, and Wyatt is the unexpected, but certainly not unwanted, love interest. He's the broody town guy that's had his heart smashed to smithereens, and pretty much given up on love...with good reason too, considering the back story, but that's for him to share in time. All we have from the start is our gal Felicity trying to make nice with the neighbor after that charged meet-cute scene you read a moment ago. The groundwork for sparks is there, but they've both been hurt and are harboring bad tendencies that neither wish to own up to, making any sort of future, whether short or long term, seem out of reach...almost. Good thing meddling family members know just how to rig the odds in the potential couples favor so as to keep pushing them together...and making it seem like it just happened that way. Sneaky, but in a good way, and trust me, they're SO going to need it with their own self-doubt hanging around, past hurts refusing to budge, and former flames unaccepting of their chosen fate thanks to the choices they made. Yes, I'm talking about YOU, Dawn.
By book's end, you'll be in love with the town, and hoping against hope that these two can pull it together before it's too late. You'll be on the edge of your seat straight til the end, and I must say, it didn't end exactly as I imagined, but it made sense for these two souls.
**ecopy received for review; opinions are my own
Felicity is the bookworm/writer, and Wyatt is the unexpected, but certainly not unwanted, love interest. He's the broody town guy that's had his heart smashed to smithereens, and pretty much given up on love...with good reason too, considering the back story, but that's for him to share in time. All we have from the start is our gal Felicity trying to make nice with the neighbor after that charged meet-cute scene you read a moment ago. The groundwork for sparks is there, but they've both been hurt and are harboring bad tendencies that neither wish to own up to, making any sort of future, whether short or long term, seem out of reach...almost. Good thing meddling family members know just how to rig the odds in the potential couples favor so as to keep pushing them together...and making it seem like it just happened that way. Sneaky, but in a good way, and trust me, they're SO going to need it with their own self-doubt hanging around, past hurts refusing to budge, and former flames unaccepting of their chosen fate thanks to the choices they made. Yes, I'm talking about YOU, Dawn.
By book's end, you'll be in love with the town, and hoping against hope that these two can pull it together before it's too late. You'll be on the edge of your seat straight til the end, and I must say, it didn't end exactly as I imagined, but it made sense for these two souls.
**ecopy received for review; opinions are my own
September 11, 2021
The "Blue Collar Romance" books are a collection of books written by several authors. This one, "A Place to Belong" is the second in the series. When I saw that it was written by Alexa Rivers, I knew that I would like it! I have read many of her books and I have never been disappointed.
This collection of books is refreshing. It seems like everyone is writing about "billionaires" these days. It's nice to be able to read about real people - every day "Joes" who have real problems that we all can relate to.
Wyatt has a meddling mom. Felicity has never felt like she fit in anywhere. They both have issues, but find that they are better together than they are apart. I enjoyed the humor in this story that often came in the form of Wyatt's younger sister, Julia. "What Mom is saying is that he's got his head up his ass, but we hope he'll be removing it soon."! I can just picture a sassy younger sister saying things like that.
There were several typos in the ARC that I read. I'm hoping that they were caught during editing. Other than that, I would recommend reading this book. It's a fairly light read with just a hint of angst between the (H) and the (h). Oak Bend is a cute, small town where everyone knows everyone and nothing goes unnoticed. I look forward to reading the other books in the Blue Collar Romance series.
This collection of books is refreshing. It seems like everyone is writing about "billionaires" these days. It's nice to be able to read about real people - every day "Joes" who have real problems that we all can relate to.
Wyatt has a meddling mom. Felicity has never felt like she fit in anywhere. They both have issues, but find that they are better together than they are apart. I enjoyed the humor in this story that often came in the form of Wyatt's younger sister, Julia. "What Mom is saying is that he's got his head up his ass, but we hope he'll be removing it soon."! I can just picture a sassy younger sister saying things like that.
There were several typos in the ARC that I read. I'm hoping that they were caught during editing. Other than that, I would recommend reading this book. It's a fairly light read with just a hint of angst between the (H) and the (h). Oak Bend is a cute, small town where everyone knows everyone and nothing goes unnoticed. I look forward to reading the other books in the Blue Collar Romance series.
September 16, 2021
A Place to Belong is the first book that I've read by Alexa Riley and I really enjoyed reading it. While it was a quick read that I was able to zoom through, which can be nice I did wish that there was a little more meat to the story. But overall I really enjoyed reading this book.
Horror novelist Felicity Bell has just moved to Oak Bend for a new start. After her friends read her books they started treating her like a freak because they were so twisted. Because of how she was treated Felicity got out of dodge for a new start and she's determine to become part of Oak Bend. So when she arrives at her new rental house and finds a strange naked man inside she doesn't know what to think of the town she has just moved to...
Wyatt Dawson doesn't want a relationship with any one after he found his ex girlfriend cheating on him in their bed. So he definitely does not want his mother meddling in his love life, so when she "accidentally" gives her new tenant the key to his house instead of hers next door he's on to her to matchmaking games. And while Wyatt finds Felicity to be attractive he doesn't want anything to do with her. But the more he tries to push her away and ignore her attempts to become friends the more he wants to pull her close. Can these two move on past their baggage to find that they're better together than apart?
Horror novelist Felicity Bell has just moved to Oak Bend for a new start. After her friends read her books they started treating her like a freak because they were so twisted. Because of how she was treated Felicity got out of dodge for a new start and she's determine to become part of Oak Bend. So when she arrives at her new rental house and finds a strange naked man inside she doesn't know what to think of the town she has just moved to...
Wyatt Dawson doesn't want a relationship with any one after he found his ex girlfriend cheating on him in their bed. So he definitely does not want his mother meddling in his love life, so when she "accidentally" gives her new tenant the key to his house instead of hers next door he's on to her to matchmaking games. And while Wyatt finds Felicity to be attractive he doesn't want anything to do with her. But the more he tries to push her away and ignore her attempts to become friends the more he wants to pull her close. Can these two move on past their baggage to find that they're better together than apart?
September 13, 2021
I received a complimentary copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
This story was a wonderful read. The two leads have been hurt in the past. Those hurts and mistrusts could break up a budding relationship if they could just communicate better and trust more. This is a sexy read that if someone is under 18 should have a parent's guidance or consent.
Wyatt is recovering still 6 months after walking in on long-term girlfriend (Dawn) in bed with a friend of his. Felicity Bell is an author who has been dealt blows by friends after finding out she writes in the horror genre. Felicity is well received in Oak Bend though and everyone loves her. Wyatt is just waiting for something to cause her to leave and break his heart.
There were times that I really wanted to slap Wyatt upside the head over what I could perceive as almost a double-standard. There was one scene that really brought this out in me. I LOVED the ideas and advice from his mother and sister later!
This story is written in a dual POV format. It is this format that shows the emotions and thoughts that the characters are going through that humanized them to me. This author did a fantastic job of keeping me glued to my e-reader. Seeing these two struggle and overcome the past is one that shouldn't be missed.
This story was a wonderful read. The two leads have been hurt in the past. Those hurts and mistrusts could break up a budding relationship if they could just communicate better and trust more. This is a sexy read that if someone is under 18 should have a parent's guidance or consent.
Wyatt is recovering still 6 months after walking in on long-term girlfriend (Dawn) in bed with a friend of his. Felicity Bell is an author who has been dealt blows by friends after finding out she writes in the horror genre. Felicity is well received in Oak Bend though and everyone loves her. Wyatt is just waiting for something to cause her to leave and break his heart.
There were times that I really wanted to slap Wyatt upside the head over what I could perceive as almost a double-standard. There was one scene that really brought this out in me. I LOVED the ideas and advice from his mother and sister later!
This story is written in a dual POV format. It is this format that shows the emotions and thoughts that the characters are going through that humanized them to me. This author did a fantastic job of keeping me glued to my e-reader. Seeing these two struggle and overcome the past is one that shouldn't be missed.
September 11, 2021
Felicity is an author of horror books. Her stories are dark and twisted and she has been harshly judged by her stories. People think someone that writes that kind of stuff must be sick in the head. That’s why she decides to move to Oak Bend. She is going to be completely open about what kind of writer she is so no one will be surprised and judge her. Her mother always ran toward love and Felicity has been running. She has run from people accusing her of being crazy!
Wyatt is the quiet brooding type he has been cheated on by his once fiancé and he will never let himself get into that position again! He doesn’t let anyone get close enough to him to break through the walls he’s built.
Wyatt’s mom has a plan to make Wyatt meet a beautiful woman. She gives the new tenant the wrong address and wrong keys. (Right next door) Felicity meets Wyatt inside his house wrapped in a towel fresh from the shower, but she thinks it’s a squatter in her new house she is renting.
Can his mom’s tricks playing matchmaker work? Can this constant runner settle down?
This is a fun story. I really enjoyed it. I am loving the theme of Oak Bend in the blue collar romance series.
Wyatt is the quiet brooding type he has been cheated on by his once fiancé and he will never let himself get into that position again! He doesn’t let anyone get close enough to him to break through the walls he’s built.
Wyatt’s mom has a plan to make Wyatt meet a beautiful woman. She gives the new tenant the wrong address and wrong keys. (Right next door) Felicity meets Wyatt inside his house wrapped in a towel fresh from the shower, but she thinks it’s a squatter in her new house she is renting.
Can his mom’s tricks playing matchmaker work? Can this constant runner settle down?
This is a fun story. I really enjoyed it. I am loving the theme of Oak Bend in the blue collar romance series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews