Crazy like a Fox

Fox Crossing, Maine #2

by Melinda Metz

Return to the charming mountain town of Fox Crossing, Maine—where nature lovers are welcome, the locals are friendly, and a single glimpse of a legendary fox can change your life forever...

Most people think The Fox is just a folk tale, designed to lure tourists to their quiet little town on the Appalachian Trail. But kindergarten teacher Lillian Smith is hoping the stories of the white-earred, white-pawed vixen—who brings luck and love to those who see her—are all true. After a chance sighting of the fabled fox, Lillian hopes her hiker boyfriend Owen will finally propose. Instead, he publicly dumps her, claiming she’s not adventurous enough. Lillian’s determined to prove him wrong. But she sure could use some of that foxy magic to win him back...

Luckily, Lillian is not alone. She has her good friend Gavin, the local boot camp worker who agrees to help her reinvent herself—even though he thinks she’s fine the way she is. Then there are the townsfolk who also claim to have caught glimpses of The Fox: an offbeat musician with a downbeat career, a not-so-fortunate couple who’ve forgotten just how lucky they are, and a playwright whose life needs a second act. But if the fox legend is true, things always have a way of working out—for those crazy enough to keep believing...

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Magic, Womens Fiction

274 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 30, 2021

About the author

Melinda Metz grew up in San Jose, California. People sometimes ask if she knows the way there. She kinda does, but she has an off-kilter sense of direction, so to be confident of arriving, it's better to consult some kind of navigational device.

Her mother tried to teach her to read in kindergarten, but Melinda had no interest. She also had no interest in learning to write her name. (FYI, when Melinda was in kindergarten it was all about finger-painting, play time, and naps.) Eventually, she mastered both and even majored in English at San Jose State University.

After college, Melinda moved to Manhattan to seek her fortune, which involved learning to identify fruits and vegetables while working at a grocery store,
making $2.73 working backstage for an off-off Broadway play (her part of the box-office profits), and editing books.

Melinda and the lovely and talented Laura J. Burns pretty much became unofficial writing partners when they were editors at the same company. They teamed up to brainstorm story ideas, and at some point their brains fused in some key places. Later they worked on the Roswell High book series, Laura developing and editing the series, Melinda writing.

That series led to Melinda and Laura, now an official writing team, writing two TV pilots, moving to L.A. to work on the Roswell TV show, and briefly living in Toronto while on the writing staff of 1-800-Missing. They both continue to write books, together and separately.

Laura and Melinda's new book, Sanctuary Bay, a YA thriller, is coming out in January 2016. It's set at an ultra-exclusive private school on an island. Once a student is accepted to the school, they must stay until graduation. No visits home, no contact with the outside world at all. Find out why in January!

The first four books in Melinda's new middle-grade mystery series,S.M.A.R.T.S., are out now. The books involve a group of kids in a makerspace club and they all have lots of science info. For all the cool geeks out there!

Melinda lives in Concord, NC with her dog, Scully (yes, she loves the woo-woo so much she named her dog after a kickass X-Files character). She has never regretted learning to read and write her name.

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read]

This is a Women's Fiction/Romance. I have to say I tried to pick this book up three times, and every time I ended up putting it down around 10% because it was not pulling me into it. Today, I decided to try to push myself to read, but Around 25% I was way to bored to keep reading it. The writing style of this book was not for me. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Kensington Publishing Corporation) or author (Melinda Metz) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

[Guylou (Two Dogs and a Book) · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚 Hello Book Friends! CRAZY LIKE A FOX by Melinda Metz is the second book in the Fox Crossing Series. This is a light and fun read. This time around, we read about a young and meek woman who finally discovers who she really is made of after her boyfriend broke up with her. I love the legend of the fox and how this hundred of years old beauty still roam Fox Crossing, Maine, and brings luck to those who see her. The book can be read as a stand-alone, but I recommend you read them in order to discover this beautiful series.

#bookstadog #poodles #poodlestagram #poodlesofinstagram #furbabies #dogsofinstagram #bookstagram #dogsandbooks #bookishlife #bookishlove #bookstagrammer #books #booklover #bookish #bookaholic #reading #readersofinstagram #instaread #ilovebooks #bookishcanadians #canadianbookstagram #bookreviewer #bookcommunity #bibliophile #crazylikeafox #melindametz #penguinrandomhouse #kensingtonbooks #penguincanada #bookreview

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this second instalment 0f a series set in the mountain village of Fox Crossing, Maine by Melinda Metz, primary school teacher Lillian Smith is hoping her boyfriend will propose. Only he doesn't; he dumps her instead. Can she win him back?

The author's characters are very engaging, their presences jumping from the pages especially the supporting cast. By the time I finished reading, I felt I knew them quite well, whilst wanting to meet up with them again. Also who cannot be bewitched by the idea of a fox, when, if sighted, brings good luck, so the folklore suggests you believe? The novel can easily be enjoyed as an individual read as the core of the tale stands alone. Crazy like a Fox is an easy to escapist read about personal growth and self-esteem and a cute romance.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

[Trish · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second in the Fox Crossing series, and I didn’t read the first, but I had no trouble following along. The premise was great but there were a few plot holes and things kept jumping around, it made things a bit confusing. I really didn’t like Lillian. She’s very whiny, I think she’s written a bit too negatively and needy. This is a finished copy and there are quite a few mistakes like using the wrong names for characters. However, I thought it was still a cute read, and a nice break from thrillers. This book would be excellent for fans of small town romance novels.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Meliinda Metz’s Crazy Like a Fox, the 2nd installment in the Fox Crossing, Maine contemporary romance series, this adult contemporary romance is enchanted and mystical about finding love and luck in Northern Maine. After Gavin broke up with his girlfriend Rebecca, he headed to Fox Crossing, Maine and encountered a mystical legendary fox in that small town. If anyone saw this fox, it would bring them luck, love, and perhaps both. He worked at the Boots Barn outlet shop and hung up at the local bar. Lillian Smith went to Fox Crossing to join her boyfriend Owen and befriended people who worked at the local gift shop. Then she met Gavin, a friend she needed the most, while they worked that summer. But after when Owen treated her like dirt, she toughened up to join Gavin’s hiking training course to handle thru-hiking on the Appalachian Trail. While other vacationers waited to see this elusive luck to bring them good fortunes, they bonded and worked together to put on a play and been together from many challenges in life and love. As Gavin helped Lillian regain her confidence and how to be more assertive with men, he worked on figuring out why he had such a rough time with relationships as Lillian dealt with a blow on how Gavin returned to see her after the way he spoken to her like garbage. He stood up to herself and taken charge in her life by doing things she liked alone. By the end of summer, Gavin confessed his feelings for her, though she had to return home to teach her kindergarten class. Would Lillian be ready take a chance with Gavin and see where it goes that winter?

This was a unique and fascinating contemporary romance novel about how people find luck and love by seeing a fox in that small town and how it changed their lives. I cared for Lillian and how she transformed herself with some boot camp classes and letting Gavin be there for her every step of the way. I loved how she cared for her new friends when she worked there and how everyone been there for her when she needed them the most. I adored Gavin and how helped everyone at Fox Crossing in one way or another. If he was a believer in that fox, so am I. I loved the hiking theme in that small Maine town of Fox Crossing that was part of the Appalachian Trail. The theme of the story is you can change your outlook on life without needing a special viewing for a mystical fox.

I liked this contemporary romance. It has some humorous moments to it that made me laugh and smile. It made me feel good in all the right places. I couldn’t find anything to nitpick on. This adult contemporary romance is charming and really enlightening too. I rated this book, four out of five stars for no specific reason. If you love adult contemporary romances with a small dose of humor with non-stop action, plenty of sparks of love, and a heap of romantic drama, Crazy Like as Fox is the must-have on your TBR list this year. This book is recommended for those who read romance novels and watches Hallmark or Netflix movies.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kindergarten teacher Lillian Smith is in Fox Crossing, Maine to meet up with her hiker boyfriend, Owen. She is following him while he hikes the Appalachian Trail, putting together care packages for him and spending time with him in each town along the way. After she sees the fable Fox, she is sure that he is going to propose. She books them dinner in the local restaurant and is shocked when Owen breaks up with her for being a doormat and not being adventurous enough. She is devastated, but thinks if she can change, she will get him back. She enrolls in the local bootcamp to get ready for the trail. While in Fox Crossing, she meets Gavin, the local boot camp worker who agrees to help her reinvent herself--even though he thinks she's fine the way she is. Others in town hoping to catch a glimpse of "The Fox" include a down and out musician, a couple who are trying to change their luck and a local playwright who has writers block. Will they see the fox? Will she bring them what they are looking for?

This was another enjoyable story about love, luck, following your dreams, faith and believing in yourself. Gavin and Lillian had a connection from the start, if they had allowed themselves to see it. I liked watching their feelings toward one another grow, but Lillian was sure that she and Owen would get back together. I wanted her to open her eyes to what he was really like. She was such a people pleaser that I was frustrated with her a few times. I enjoyed all the various characters in this story and how they support one another, even if they are new to town. Gavin was a very thoughtful and caring person, but he didn't trust his own feelings regarding finding the right person for himself. As all the various characters began to open up, look within and at what was around them, they allowed the magic to work to bring them what they were looking for. I like the way the author uses the vixen and her understanding of the strings joining the humans, and their smell to show relationships. This was another sweet story where everyone gets what they need and deserve. Once again, I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Stephanie Cozart. She has a pleasant voice to listen to and made my experience listening to this book enjoyable and entertaining.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5
I think I’ve realized lit/women’s fiction is not for me

[Adrianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Books for this advanced copy.

Crazy Like a Fox is book number 2 in the “Fox Crossing, Maine” series. I didn’t realize this when I first requested the novel, but I quickly learned that not having read the first book didn’t interfere with my understanding of the storyline. However, I suppose I don’t know what connections I did miss by not having read the first one. Either way, I enjoyed this cozy, magical realism, romance. I especially loved the scenes that were told from the foxes point of view, and I adored the Appalachian Trail and hiking backdrop! My only disappointment was that it felt kinda YA-ish, which isn’t always my cup of tea. All of these characters had A LOT of growing up to do.

That said, I do plan to read the rest of the series, and I look forward to learning more about Fox Creek, Maine and the quirky characters of the town.

[Sharon]

Hallmark meets the Appalachian Trail. Other than that, I already forget what it was about.

[Arya Pascall · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lovely read, not to drawn out on the plot, definitely had some relatable moments with the character Lillian.
Crazy Like A Fox wasn't what I felt from the plot, except the last 2 or 3 chapters.

[Kim Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute fun read!! When I saw the Fox on the cover I knew I had to request it!! I mean, I am @foxandbooks...my last name is Fox and there is Fox stuff all over my house, so of course I had to read this!!

In Fox Crossing Maine there is a story about a Fox. It is not your ordinary Fox. According to.lwgend, if you see this Fox then you get good luck. A lot of people are in town to try and see the Fox, like Lillian who is there waiting on her boyfriend Owen. Owen is hiking on the Appalachian Trail and Lillian is waiting for him to get to Fox Crossing. She is hoping once he arrives that he will ask her to marry him, so she is thinking that if she sees the Fox then her engagement will be all but assured!

But of course, things never go as we think they will and that goes for everyone in Fox Crossing! This book is the 2nd book in the series, but it can be read as a stand alone book. 3.5⭐

Thank you to Netgalley, Kensington Books and Melinda Metz for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crazy like a Fox is the second book in the Fox Crossing Series by Melinda Metz. I enjoyed this book that takes place near the Appalachian Trail in Maine. The town leans on the quirky side but friendly too. That is a place that Lillian needs who has such a low self-esteem thanks to some key people in her life. Then there is the fox, some mystery and mystical about that creature that I so enjoy reading.

Boy, was I glad to see Owen go but wasn’t so happy to see him break a sweet wonderful person’s heart such as Lillian’s. However, that is not the heart of the story simply a defining moment to jump start her growth and change. As for Gavin I had reservations, but he managed to grow and change too.

A small-town visit that has such an interesting supporting cast that all the main characters fit right in there. This is a town that I wish was real. Maybe I am not up to the hiking of the rugged trail but I would so enjoy a visit with people there.

An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Monica Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though this was the second book in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone.

Lillian is in a relationship with Owen. She tries very hard to anticipate his needs in every way - but what she thinks is kindness, he sees as her being too passive.

Gavin is a fella who sees women as a challenge, a notch on his bedpost. So why does he play mindgames with his girlfriends?

These are the main characters in this quirky book, but there are some other characters as well who are all part of the rich tapestry that is this story. The Fox, of course, takes centre stage. The whimsical musings that belong to The Fox are interesting in themselves. I happen to like foxes, which is what made me want to read this book in the first place.

Ah, human beings are indeed foolish and overthinking has definitely ruined many a relationship (or budding relationship).

4 stars from me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington.

[Darla Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a return to the small town of Fox Crossing, Maine where the sight of a certain magical Fox can bring you luck and blessings. Lillian is a teacher who's staying in town while her boyfriend hikes the trail. She expects him to propose when he meets her, but he publicly breaks up with her instead. So, she decides to change and win him back. Gavin, who works at the local trail boot camp, helps Lillian along although he believes she's great the way she is. There are plenty of Fox sightings around town to change a lot of lives.

This is the second book in the series and I sincerely hope that there are more to come. I totally enjoyed this well-written book which I read in one sitting as it pulled me in and kept me hooked. The book's about love and luck with a little "magic" thrown in. The characters are wonderful and the charm of small town life is captured. I highly recommend this book. If you read Fox Crossing first, you will get more from this book.

[Patty · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Fox Crossing, Maine, the power of belief is strong. There is a local legend about a 200 year old fox that wanders the woods and the town, and if you catch sight of the fox, that's a symbol of good luck coming your way. Residents can cite multiple times when the legend has come true, and while Lillian is skeptical as a new resident, she slowly starts to accept it.

I thought this book was good, escapism fiction. Besides, in these trying times what's wrong with people believing in something, even if it is just a fox?

Will the fox change her boyfriend's mind? Will Lillian believe so strongly that her life is changed regardless? Read the book to find out!

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crazy Like a Fox is the second book in the Fox Crossing series by Melinda Metz. Fox Crossing, Maine is a charming town along the Appalachian Trail and all who visits are treated like family or a friend. Lillian is finding this out first hand when her boyfriend breaks up with her while on vacation there. The town's legend is that anyone who see 'The Fox' will have good luck. Since Lillian saw the fox will her boyfriend give her another chance? Crazy Like a Fox is a cute and adorable romance. Thanks to author Melinda Metz, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for providing a copy of this book for an honest review.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't give away spoilers in my reviews.
Admittedly I picked up this book at first because I loved the fox photo and the title made me laugh.
I am so glad I picked up this book. It was a clean romance with a main character I could relate to easily. Lillian is a doormat when it comes to love (and probably most of her life, admittedly). Her boyfriend is a jerk and not deserving of her. Lillian is nice. She's kind. She's a kindergarten teacher.
I don't like to give away spoilers. I will say this was like a Kensington cozy without the crime. A sweet small town setting with alot of characters and a clean romance.
I loved the origin of the fox story.

[Booksandcoffeemx · Rating 3 out of 5]

𝘊𝘶𝘵𝘦, 𝘧𝘶𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨!

A small town romance, second chances, fun moments, perfect setting and even a fox, yes it all sounded perfect and it didn’t disappoint. This is the second book in a series and even though I haven’t read the first I had no trouble following the story. A delightful read.

Thank you, Partner BiblioLifestyle Kensington Publishing Corp. for this gifted copy.

Crazy Like a Fox by Melinda Metz released November 30, 2021.

𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦: 𝘙𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦, 𝘊𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘓𝘪𝘵, 𝘚𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘛𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘙𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦, 𝘚𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘙𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦.

https://www.instagram.com/booksandcof...

[Gloria Bailey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book in a Series> Lillian Smith is hoping her boyfriend will propose. She comes to the small town of Fox Crossing in Maine to wait for her boyfriend Owen who is hiking the Appalachian Trail. Lillian is hoping her boyfriend Owen will propose, but instead when he gets to town and they go out to dinner he dumps her. Now she is hoping that a sighting of the special Fox will bring her the luck to have Owen come back and propose to her.

I felt the book started out really slow but it picked up as I went along. Still, I give it a 3 out of 5 points.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was a cute book about a small town called Fox Crossing,Maine.. it is a story about people who cross this unsual fox who has saved peoples lives and given them luck and love..she was saved by a women years ago and every since anyone who saw her seemed to have good luck but I think the moral of this story is you make your own even if you beleive or see this little Vixen doesn't mean things change for you like you think..good story and lots of peoples lives are changed basically for the better..

[Barbara Tobey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an enjoyable story. Slow starting and took a bit to really get into it. I especially appreciated Gavin, so he helped hold my interest. Fox thoughts were weird, but I could skip over those. Interesting to learn more about hiking the Appalachian Trail. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice little "people" book that takes place in Maine. The legend says that if you see the 200 year old fox, your life will change. Interspersed into the story narrative are the thoughts of the wild old fox as she watches the silly humans around her. Four relationships are built and happiness surrounds all.

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet, heartwarming and escapist story. It's well written, enjoyable and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Good world building and storytelling, relatable characters.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Megan Trempe · Rating 1 out of 5]

Mehhh. Ugh no. Disliked the main characters, hated the instalove. Where was the character development... where was the redemption... the fight... I thought the fox was gonna be more playful rather than spiritual.. nope. Wasted 9$ on this one 😜

[Teresa Hathaway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second book in the series. This small town is starting to get crowded. So many people to keep track of. Still worth the read. One more to go - so everyone has to see the fox and figure out what they really want and find it in the next book.

[Amber Page]

Poison-Wildcards-book you can read in a day- small town folk tale sighting of a particular fox brings good luck. Girl dumped by AT hiking future husband, writer blocked and washed up musician all needing luck.

[Ponyst · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish The Fox was around in my life!

People make their own luck. And we have lost our connections, with nature, with each other, with the world.

I really liked this book but gave it 4 stars due to editing mistakes that were really annoying.

[AJP_Bear · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up

[S Vanorse · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF, reads like a 12 year old wrote it for 12 year olds.

[Hope Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOnderful story.