Sweet Right Here

Lost Story Bookshop #1

by Jenny B. Jones

Twice jilted, I’ve sworn off love forever.
But Miller James might be the one man to change my mind.

Newly un-engaged, I’ve returned to Sugar Creek to the welcoming arms of my family to make a fresh start. While I have a reputation for being unlucky in love, I’ve just scored the career coup of a lifetime—to work at Hope Farms, a therapy ranch for military veterans. The problem? The owner is the arrogantly handsome Miller James. He might be an old friend, but Miller’s all grown up now and made it clear I’m not welcome. I’ve got six months to make my program a success, but it’s hard to help others heal with Miller’s interference—and the return of someone from my past.

Miller’s got some secrets of his own. After a family tragedy rocked his world, the entrepreneurial genius left his first class life behind to open Hope Farms. And maybe everything Miller touches does turn to gold, but when my sisters recruit him in their pursuit of my next Mr. Right, Miller gets a little too involved. The lines are blurring between work and romance, and my boss has ideas that make me question his strategies—and his heart.

Can two broken people mend enough to heal together? Nothing’s fair in love and farming, but can Miller James and I harvest our own happily ever after?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Rom Com, Fiction, Christian Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Clean Romance

370 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2021

About the author

Four-time Carol Award winner Jenny B. Jones writes contemporary romance with wit, sass, and Southern charm. Since writing for both women and teens leaves her with very little free time, she believes in spending her spare hours in meaningful, intellectual pursuits, such as watching E!, going to the movies and inhaling large buckets of popcorn, and writing her name in the dust on her furniture. www.jennybjones.com

Reviews

[Kathy * Bookworm Nation · Rating 4 out of 5]

So good! I really enjoyed this one and had a hard time putting it down. The characters were great, lots of depth and character growth. Loved the super swoony romance, even though Miller totally frustrated me at times that guy sure knows how to redeem himself. Great chemistry between him and Hattie. I liked that this was a little deeper and Hattie really has to work out some issues, but it's balanced with a believable romantic storyline. Ms. Jones is quickly becoming a favorite author.

(I believe this is a part of the Sugar Creek series, but also start a new series called A Lost Story Bookshop)

Content Rated PG
Romance: Clean
Language: None
Violence: None
Other: Lightly touches on PTSD, suicide

[Tejomai (bible_and_books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugh! I don't want the book to end!!
It was such a delight to read, I'm too much into it, I can't help it, it's just so good, it gave me such a needed good time, I was sucked right into it and momentarily forgot my depressing thoughts..it was a rom-com I needed to read and with all my sincere heart I recommend this Toblerone chocolate of Book to you guys!! (one of my fav chocolate )

This is our SWEET FIX!
SWEET RIGHT HERE became my SWEET FIX and gave me a great time.

What do we have here??
🤷‍♀️A kind-hearted, sassy, beautiful, and witty heroine Hattie, who suffered 2 broken engagements and is done with relationships( yup. totally gonna change 😉)
Only when it comes to Miller she loses her calm (stupid stupid sparks can't they shut down deep inside my heart - NOPE! Nada - they can't 😏)
👨‍🔧👨‍💼Miller is a character whom you can't resist, he's not just the Owner of Hope Farms a place for veterans to fight depression, CEO of a major company in SF but also a person who suffers from hidden guilt, who loves his nieces more than the world, who is fighting his attraction with his beautiful worker Hattie, who fights his battles with charm
✨Enough sparks between Hattie & Miller, their entire town wouldn't need a Solar power system for a year!! (Full of SPARKS)
✨ An Ex- CIA grandma and Aunt - they are total bomb characters..just so fun & so so loving
✨Two lovely annoying sisters Rosie and Olivia..they are so realistic and loving, I can relate to them! Olivia reminds me of my big sis so many times 😁
Also, Rosie is setting up a new Book shop 😋📚
Miss you sissy! Can't wait to have all three of us together again
✨ Book Club ppl Book Club!! Hosted by Grandma Sylvia( Need I tell more ? Nah! )
✨ Three words!!
MILLER.PURSUES. HER!!!
✨ A farm where Miller and Hattie work to bring Veterans good and save them from depression
✨ Horse Therapy!! Cue to all animal lovers, it was quite eye-opening how much ppl can benefit from Horse therapy and the simplicity of beauty between the relationship with animals and humans


💜💛You can clearly see how much I enjoyed this read, this is a rom-com full of laughs and heartfelt moments, and importantly this book also made me know the struggles of Veterans even if it's just an ant-sized bit, it was soo so beautiful to see Hattie getting the HEA she well deserves.
I am actually jealous I can't have the real Miller! ( ugh!! It's no secret I have fallen for his charms 😁)

The ENDING! A worthy moment to pause and Aww and fan yourself 😁😆😂
Can't wait to talk about this book, I'm me when you're reading so we can fangirl together 😉

Highly recommended!
Content:Clean Romance, Hot kisses, Mentions of Depression and suicide of a character

[Cara Putman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a sweet treat that had me laughing and sighing. The characters are richly layered and so human. Ernie, the sidekick and Vietnam Vet, might be my favorite character, but I adored Miller and Hattie. There’s such brokenness that ends with sweet hope. And the romance is perfection. Real, sweet, and a hint of spice. Loved this book from page one to the end. Had me laughing out loud the whole way, so basically it’s the perfect read.

[Susan Snodgrass · Rating 5 out of 5]

'You can't trust a dude who doesn't have adequate vowel usage.'

I purely love to lose myself in a Janny B. Jones book. I've been a fan a long time and foresee no change in that status. She does Rom Com to a tee and her wit in the absolute best! I loved this so much-the characters, the plot (really good one) and I just couldn't stop reading till I finished.

Oh! And Sylvie and Frannie are back in fine form! As they always are, of course. I adore those retired, ex-CIA operatives, who still have a trick or two up their sleeves. And there was a secondary character by the name of Ernie that I just fell in love with. He is so precious. If you can call a curmudgeon precious. Well done!

My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book. The opinion here is entirely my own.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️!

This one had the “mojo!” It was hilarious, sarcastic, sigh worthy, tension moments, great main couple and enjoyable side characters. I loved it!!!

[Natalie Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ooh, this one is GOOD!!! I enjoyed reading this story so much. Lots of funny moments that balanced out the more heavier theme throughout. I appreciated that Ms. Jones touches tough subjects with a gentleness and authenticity. I felt like the romance jumped a little at the beginning when the hero seemed dead set against the heroine to the point he's pointed out the time line of her departure and then next chapter he's romantically interested and invested...I think I needed a little more in way of reason for the change. Other than that, the story was super sweet. The CIA grammies are the best but I'd say the standout character in this story is the ranch hand Eddie--hands down the best one liners.

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hmmm… I’m an outlier on this one.

What I liked:

- Funny banter and deadpan humor
- Her dream of him saving her on the desert island was hilarious.
- When they fought at the book store, I was like, “YOU GO, GIRL!” I’m non-confrontational and sensitive to how arguments like this are handled in books, and this was handled PERFECTLY. She kept the high ground (so classy!) but also didn’t let him walk all over her (returned some of his bite, which he deserved).
- Equine Therapy. I actually got teary in one scene with Garret at the beginning of the book and again with Ava later on.


What dragged for me:

- The prevailing theme that the FMC was desperate. All the losers she has dated in her past, the whole bio-dad debacle… she was painted as so pathetic in her personal life, and I felt sorry for her. To some extent, Miller pitied her (understandable and unavoidable) and that doesn’t mix with attraction.

- Confidence is the greatest attractor, so it’s hard to have a FMC that lacks it and doesn’t attempt to hide that fact from anyone.

- Way too much self therapy talk. She needed it, but it was a drag.

- All the above made it hard to feel chemistry.

- Dating her is a huge commitment right off the bat for Miller because if he decides they aren’t compatible, he knows she’ll spiral. That is a lot of pressure for what ought to be just dating to test each other out. It’s like deciding to date her means the same as lifelong commitment. And SHE’S the one balking at dating HIM????

- The MMC was kinda aggravating for the first 60% of the book with sending mixed messages. Since he was definitely not manipulating her to string her along, he just seemed very, very CLUELESS.

- Too much silliness with the overmeddling, annoyingly immature, and awkwardly inappropriate grannies. Yes, they were funny at times.

- It felt long

- Over the top bday party for a 13-yr old (yes, I know I sound nit-picky, but a full-out community carnival was just ridiculous)

- The nonsensical, reeking-of-desperation grand gesture.
“Miller was conducting one of his think tank retreats, phones were put away and he was impossible to reach. So...I’d resorted to drastic measures.”
THEN MAYBE YOU SHOULD PATIENTLY WAIT LIKE A NORMAL PERSON
This woman is next level crazy. I can’t even.


Content- Totally clean with some very chaste kisses.
Format- I read this on KU
Cover- meh

[Rachel McDaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved returning to Sugar Creek in the latest sweet romcom by Jenny B. Jones. The story hooked me from the start, and I was totally snort-laughing before the end of the first chapter. I adored how the humor was delightfully balanced by the sizzling romance. And you guys! The banter! I’m a huge fan of flirty yet smart dialogue, and this book is crammed with all the delicious banter my romance-loving heart could soak in.

What I loved most—besides the romance, of course—is the deeper threads of overcoming regret and crippling insecurity. While this book is lighthearted, the story delicately addressed heavier issues such as PTSD and suicide. I really appreciated the author’s graceful approach to sensitive issues.

All in all, I loved Sweet Right Here and am already looking forward to the next book in this fabulous series.

*I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Toni Shiloh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved everything about this book and can't wait for the next in series.

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it. I love it. I love how Miller is. Just in general. How he is with his nieces, Sylvie, Frannie, Rosie, Olivia, and especially Hattie. I love that Hattie has such a big and forgiving heart. I love that it's faintly a brother's best friend romance. I don't love horses so that aspect is a little wasted on me but I still adore this book.
And her sense of humor is so good and translates so well on the page! If you like to laugh, read this book.
Also, the ending was just too good to be true! Be excited. Order it, read it, love it.

[J.C. · Rating 3 out of 5]

**I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**

I want to start with the disclaimer that I am extremely picky with romance novels and rom coms. I love Jenny B Jones, so I was thrilled when the opportunity arose to advance read her novel. I’m disappointed to report I was not impressed with Sweet Right Here.

First of all, I was able to predict the entire plot from page 7. I actually stopped reading at that point to write out a prediction that turned out to be 95% correct. So engaging with the story was difficult for me because there was no suspense or anticipation. Secondly, the majority of this book consists of descriptions of Hattie’s romantic feelings and descriptions of kissing. This was too much for my taste, and I also disliked that the majority of the romance was built on these electric moments and buzzing feelings, while very little attention was given to the character of the two people. Thirdly, contrary to popular opinion, I did not like Miller. Lastly, this is one of those stories where had the two of them been upfront with each other about their feelings in the beginning, there would be no story, and this annoyed me a little bit. Hattie starts feeling things for Miller as soon as she meets him, and he starts acting affectionate right away, but they don’t admit they like each other until roughly 70% of the way through the book.

Why I didn’t like Miller, the “dreamboat” character of the story: first of all, he touches Hattie way too much for a boy who has not made his intentions clear, and even more so for a boy who has another girl, which Miller does for the first portion of the book. He is constantly sitting close to Hattie, touching her arm, stroking her hair, etc. Hattie responds to this by constantly asking herself if this could mean he likes her, which I found annoying because I don’t think it could have been more obvious, yet Hattie remains in a state of complete oblivion. (He built her a porch swing after she mentioned wanting one. Guys typically don’t do that sort of thing for a girl they don’t care for.)

Furthermore, when he is touching her, Hattie informs us thoroughly of the amount of lust she feels for him in those moments—from the very first time it happens. She then proceeds to be convinced she does not like Miller. I found this much blind contradiction to be a little unrealistic.

And Miller, in my opinion, was not exactly the best fictional guy I’ve read about. Besides the constant touching, he kisses her as part of an “act” to “make her ex jealous” (which, why are you letting him kiss you if you think you don’t like him nor want to date him, Hattie?! Miller, do you have any thought for how this will make Hattie feel?!); when Hattie comes to him on a date that is going bad, he makes fun of her instead of helping her*; he sends Hattie ALONE inside a trailer with her bio-dad who he knows is a sketch character; and he says things like, “You’re going to think about that kiss, just like I thought about the night of the wedding. It’s going to keep you company in your waking hours and occupy you when you should be asleep. You’ll remember my arms around you, my body against yours. The way I kissed you until you forgot all others”. How egotistical IS this man?

There is so little talked about Miller’s character while pages are given to how his touch electrifies Hattie. Of course romantic feelings are great, but they can’t define nor hold together a relationship on their own. Hattie loses all reason when Miller touches her. How that is any better than any other boys she’d gotten involved with? Miller could have been a creep, and she would have let him touch her and kiss her just because he made her feel good. I don’t think the word love was ever mentioned in relation to Hattie to Miller, yet she admits she lusts for him multiple times. How could this ever realistically create a healthy relationship? Yet in these pages, it does, suggesting that to love someone is to lust for them.

Stepping aside from all the romance, I didn’t understand Miller’s aversion to Hattie’s therapy methods (which were incredibly reasonable and psychologically accurate from what I could tell). It felt so forced and unnatural; anyone with common sense would be all for the things Hattie suggested and it made no sense to me that he hated it. It honestly felt more like the author trying to create tension and less like something the character would actually do. I didn’t engage well with Hattie’s struggle with her bio-dad either, though I did really like the discussion on how her stepdad, who adopted her, was her real father at the end of the day.


At the end of the day, I’m realizing I may not have been the target audience for this book after all, because of how picky I am with my rom coms. I do want to add that my issues put aside, this book did still demonstrate good use of language and contained some hilarious dialogue. I do not think Jones' skill in writing declined in this book; I just did not agree with the content. 2.5 stars.

**Miller does eventually come over and help her out, and I do have to give Miller kudos for the story he made up. I mean, if you have to rescue a friend from a bad date, how ELSE would you except to claim they had your triplets?!

[Cait | GoodeyReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

VERY ENJOYABLE.

BLOG || INSTAGRAM

I just really liked this book. I kept thinking that as I turned the pages. The writing brought on this need to catch every word and lean into every nuance of this story. I’m already excited to see what the next book in this series holds.

The banter between Miller and Hattie was perfectly sassy and charming. It’s very much low angst, but high tension. There’s a build to them coming together. A push and pull as Hattie copes with a lot of her past to actually let Miller in. And oh my goodness, don’t we love a man who keeps showing up? THE ANSWER IS YES. I adored Miller and the chemistry these two had together.

I struggled a bit with the plotline involving Hattie’s birth father. I saw the connections towards the end, but during the saga I always wanted to slide by those pages because I was frustrated with the decision making. Luckily it’s not a huge aspect and the other themes in this book were strong and passionate. Lots of focus on mental health, caring for veterans and finding love again. Not to mention, two cute nieces who were a nice added touch.

Great read of reluctant lovers and childhood friends meeting on the same soil again. Lots to love about this one.

Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary romance
- Language: very little
- Romance: make-outs
- Trigger/Content Warnings: parental abandonment, PTSD, suicide (off page, but is a theme throughout), cheating

[iris [updating reviews] · Rating 4 out of 5]

What would it take for me to have a Miller James of my own?🥹

[Jessie Weaver · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is nothing for me like a Jenny B. Jones novel.

I love the quick wit, the charming men, the flustered heroines who are a little wounded and always have a crazy grandmother.

I was a tiny bit worried when I started this one that it felt too much like Engaged in Trouble, Jones's 2017 cozy mystery title. But as I got into it, Hattie's story definitely differentiated itself.

After a broken engagement, Hattie returns to her hometown of Sugar Creek, Arkansas, a place Jones visits in many of her books. She's a renowned equine therapist; prepare for lots of therapy talk and horsey stuff. ;) Running the farm where she works is Miller, one of her brother's best friends and someone Hattie has known since childhood.

But he's all grown up and smoking hot, of course.

What follows is a good (kissing only) romance with growing characters. Hattie confronts the pain of her past when her biological father enters her life again. Miller is haunted by a tragedy. Miller's nieces, 12 and 4, live with him and provide lots of delight throughout the book.

Jones has worked with foster kids and I believe in counseling and it shows. I love how she helps her characters find their way through emotionally.

Jones's signature writing is through witty banter, and my only complaint is that sometimes it feels like all her heroines are interchangeable because of this. They could all be Katie Parker - a little flighty, flat-chested, quick-witted, and don't forget the wild grandma. I've loved Jones's books where she's branched out more from this character, like in I'll Be Yours.

All that said, I'll keep reading her books forever because they are so fun while having a lot of substance.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I am being honest, I had a really hard time rating and writing a review for this book. It is not because it was not a good book. It is because it is not the book I was expecting so I rated it based on my thoughts of the story and not my expectations of what I thought I would be reading. Although there were some lighthearted and comical moments with some quirky characters, it dealt with such heavy issues that I would not define it as a rom com. On one hand, there is a heroine who was abandoned by her father so in turn continues to make bad relationship decisions by choosing men all wrong for her. On the other hand, you have a hero who runs a ranch to help veterans after his own brother in law took his own life after battling PTSD.

I am not really one who addresses lots of trigger warnings in my reviews. However, I felt like with this one I needed to give people a heads up that there are some very serious issues dealt with in this story.

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

“You’re the person I want to sit on the front porch with all my life.”

If you are looking for a SWEET and funny small town romance with surprising depth, you’ve found it RIGHT HERE!! The theme of mental health for Veterans is clearly something the author is passionate about and it came through so much in the book. One of my very favorite things about Bookstagram is discovering new authors!!And seriously, this cover is my catnip 😻

What I loved:
❤️ Miller and Hattie’s individual journeys of self discovery - they both had things to work through before their love for each other could come together.
❤️ The equine assisted therapy for Veterans. I wanted so much more of it!
❤️The side characters: grumpy Ernie, Grandma Sylvie and Aunt Frannie - they were all hilarious and adding so much fun to the story

My only issue with the book was that there were so many side stories and drama happening. It took away from the love story for me.

[Stella · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

[Beauty in the Binding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book! LOL humor, lots of romantic sizzle, and a solid storyline. I've already ordered book two.

[Tasha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hattie was boring and stupid and every single one of her family members was more interesting than her. But it was my fault for reading a book about a horse girl.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so great! I loved so many things about it, from the small town of Sugar Creek, to Hattie, her family and Miller James. So many great things!

I loved Hattie. How one woman can find so many losers was a little crazy! It was so sad how her fiancé dumped her at her almost brother-in-laws funeral. But it did bring good things for Hattie. I loved watching her with Miller’s nieces, especially Ava. Hattie did so much good for her.

Miller is a great guy too. He goes out of his way to do things for Hattie. And the way he cares for his nieces was one of my very favorite things. I really loved the way that he tried to help Hattie with her dating. He tried to tell her which guys she should date and which ones weren’t worth her time.

Hattie’s family really brings the book to life, especially Sylvie. That is her grandma. She is a force! I loved the way she insists on being called Sylvie. She’s just a bit irreverent. And she made me laugh the whole book. I think we all need someone in our lives like her.

This was such a great book! I can’t wait for more.

I was sent an e-copy of Sweet Right Here as a gift from the author. All opinions are my own.

[diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book feels like the tightest of hugs. The most comfortable pair of pajamas. The warmth and coziness of a cup of hot chocolate. It's being surrounded by the best people and knowing that you're exactly where you should be. Sweet Right Here will wrap you up in the BEST feelings and you won't ever want to leave.

This book gave me all the FEELS I could ask for and I love, love, love every bit of it! I don't know how Jenny Jones does it but she does it so well.

I love the Suttons and their meddlesome, big hearts. I love Ernie and his secretly loving, gentle soul. I love Hattie and the way she chooses to see only the best parts in people. And I love perfect, dreamy Miller. (Someone find me a man like him, please. LOL)

All parts sweet, sad, hopeful, beautifully real and honest and heartbreaking and oh so wonderfully gentle and heartfelt... a definite must read!

TW: Abandonment, suicide

I received an ARC from the author to read and review.

[Dana Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Couldn't Put It Down

Sweet Right Here is a super cute, clean romance with tons of humor. I thoroughly enjoyed the fun banter. I will definitely be reading more from this talented author.

[E.A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this book! My review to come.

My rating: 5*

[Dorothy Vandezande · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never get tired of books that make me laugh out loud. The story is full of witty sass and drama and snappy comebacks. Lots of chances to laugh here!

In spite of all the hilarity, the underlying themes of hope, healing and facing your fears come through seamlessly. While I wouldn't call this a book with a lot of depth--it's accurately portrayed as a rom-com--it doesn't require checking your brain at the door.

I absolutely love Grandma Sylvie, and I hope she shows up in many more books. Equal parts outrageous and protective, she's such a far-fetched character that you might roll your eyes if you weren't cracking up at her antics.

I'm bummed that JBJ seems to be trying to reach a more general audience and isn't bringing faith into her books as much anymore. I miss that aspect. However, I was forewarned, and it was better than I expected.

There were two kissing scenes that crossed the line from sweet and romantic to gross and gag-inducing. Spare me.

If you're looking for a fun, light-hearted read, this will be just the book for you. Did I mention it's funny?

[Jenny - Book Sojourner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved. It's more slow-burn than I'm used to, but with so many layers, it was worth it. I loved this whole bunch. And Hattie and Miller were a delightful match. Looking forward to more stories in this family.

[Melmo2610 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one! Hattie was such a relatable character for me due to my own history and I really empathized with her. The story is chock full of humor and don’t even get me started on Miller! A fantastic read!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this super sweet Hallmark-esc rom-com! ALL of the characters were complex, dealing with their own hurt and grief. And the banter, ⭐️perfection⭐️! I think Ernie may have been my favorite! Everything about this book just worked. I can't wait to read #2😍

[Cayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Humorous and heartfelt, Jenny B. Jones never disappoints :).

[Mandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jen Jones is one of my favorite authors, so my reviews are biased but I loved this! The sass, the banter, and of course Sylvie and Frannie never disappoint!

[Lopke · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐

so stinkin' sweeet! story totally surprised me and left me wanting more