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In the Dust
It’s a funny thing going home… There are more cows than people in Willow Creek and Dixie doesn’t want to risk her return threatening that balance. She thought she left that tiny Georgia town behind her but a phone call changes everything, sending her right back to her grandpa’s farm for the summer. What her family failed to mention is her first love, and first heartbreak Colton Payne will be there too. Thrown back into her old life, will she reminisce or run away?
258 pages, Paperback
Published November 13, 2021
42 people are currently reading
207 people want to read
About the author
H.L. Swan
14 books293 followersAlso writes under Scarlett Swan.
H.L. Swan is the 2020 People’s Choice Awards winner and Amazon bestselling author of New Adult romance books.
She resides in sunny Georgia with her handsome husband and huggable pup, Maverick. In her free time she loves to travel to state parks.
Stay connected with her on socials!
Instagram: @h.l.swan
Tiktok: @hlswan
https://linktr.ee/Hlswan
H.L. Swan is the 2020 People’s Choice Awards winner and Amazon bestselling author of New Adult romance books.
She resides in sunny Georgia with her handsome husband and huggable pup, Maverick. In her free time she loves to travel to state parks.
Stay connected with her on socials!
Instagram: @h.l.swan
Tiktok: @hlswan
https://linktr.ee/Hlswan
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 16, 2021
Thank you so much to H.L. For sending me the ARC copy of her and K August’s new book ‘in the dust’.
What a story! Takes you through all the emotions from anger to happiness to complete sadness (I won’t spoil it)..absolutely love Colton&Dixie, and how their story turned out. The development of the characters was brilliant and was just such an easy lovely read!
What a story! Takes you through all the emotions from anger to happiness to complete sadness (I won’t spoil it)..absolutely love Colton&Dixie, and how their story turned out. The development of the characters was brilliant and was just such an easy lovely read!
November 11, 2021
This a heartfelt second Chance romance that will definitely have you captivated from the very beginning. Once I started this I couldn’t put it down. I literally read it in like a span of a few hours. This book pulled me in, I was so lost in Colton and Dixie.
I felt so many emotions with this book I laughed, swooned, got mad, but most of all I cried. This book I felt it in my heart. HL Swan and K August this book was fantastic.
I felt so many emotions with this book I laughed, swooned, got mad, but most of all I cried. This book I felt it in my heart. HL Swan and K August this book was fantastic.
November 9, 2021
10 out of 10!! Wow I loved this book so much !! Had me so emotional and I have not experienced that when reading a book as much as I did when reading this one. Just an amazing story !
November 16, 2021
All I can say is wow. “In the Dust” is a mixture between “Sweet Home Alabama” and lifetime movies in the absolute best way possible. Dixie and Colton are former childhood lovers until trials hit them, but something sudden brings her back. Through trials and tribulations comes love and life. I mean, who doesn’t love a good ole country boy? This Tennessean sure does! All I can say without giving to much away is go read the book for yourself and see what we can all collectively agree was a beautiful co-authorship between two awesome ladies! Thanks for bringing Dixie and Colton to life y’all!
November 22, 2021
This book is absolutely beautiful! K. August & H.L. Swan did an amazing job collaborating together to create this story. If you like small-town, second chance romances: you are going to fall in LOVE with Dixie and Colton. Their love story is one for the ages- it's breathtaking & all consuming. This book not only warmed my heart, but brought me to tears as well. My emotions were all over the place, but their story ended with a perfect HEA. I highly recommend this one! You won't be disappointed, I promise.
June 1, 2022
In the dust has completely and unexpected become one of my Favorite books! The collaboration of H.L. Swan and K. August Is perfection! The small town vibes, hardworking country boy and child hood loove vibes is just ahhh chefs kiss! 😘🤌 amazing Job with this book I can't wait to get my paperback ordered!
June 9, 2022
2⭐️
I’m annoyed. This was such a promising story but it fell flat for me. Dixie annoyed me and their instalove right after she broke up with her boyfriend, even before they broke up, bugged me. There was no cheating, almost a kiss but didn’t happen . Rekindling their love should of taken time, with trials and angst. Some parts were a little immature too. I like some parts of the story but I think it could of been developed into something better.
POV: Dual, 1st person (95% from FMC POV).
SERIES or STANDALONE: Standalone.
TROPES: M/F new adult, small town, second chance romance.
SIZE: 216 (last page) Kindle pages.
PLOT: 📚📚📚/5
ROMANCE: ❤️❤️❤️❤️/5
SPICE/STEAM: 🌶.5/5
TRIGGERS: N/A
MY STORY SUMMARY:
Dixie has to return home to help on her family’s farm. She runs into Colton, her childhood sweetheart. Navigating working closely with her ex proves to be difficult and drums up those same feelings from years ago. They get closer and as Dixie discovers she can’t trust some people closest to her she gets even closer to Colton. Farm and family drama and heartache put a strain on things but Colton is determined not to let Dixie go again.
⛔️ My bookshelves can contain spoilers.
I’m annoyed. This was such a promising story but it fell flat for me. Dixie annoyed me and their instalove right after she broke up with her boyfriend, even before they broke up, bugged me. There was no cheating, almost a kiss but didn’t happen . Rekindling their love should of taken time, with trials and angst. Some parts were a little immature too. I like some parts of the story but I think it could of been developed into something better.
POV: Dual, 1st person (95% from FMC POV).
SERIES or STANDALONE: Standalone.
TROPES: M/F new adult, small town, second chance romance.
SIZE: 216 (last page) Kindle pages.
PLOT: 📚📚📚/5
ROMANCE: ❤️❤️❤️❤️/5
SPICE/STEAM: 🌶.5/5
TRIGGERS: N/A
MY STORY SUMMARY:
Dixie has to return home to help on her family’s farm. She runs into Colton, her childhood sweetheart. Navigating working closely with her ex proves to be difficult and drums up those same feelings from years ago. They get closer and as Dixie discovers she can’t trust some people closest to her she gets even closer to Colton. Farm and family drama and heartache put a strain on things but Colton is determined not to let Dixie go again.
⛔️ My bookshelves can contain spoilers.
November 14, 2021
This book had me all in my feelings!!!
Dixie has to leave New York to head home to Geogia to help on the farm. When she gets there, the love of her life and teenage boyfriend that she left behind, Colton, is there helping too. After a rough start between them then finding out her city boy boyfriend betrayed her, she has to decide if she can give their love a second chance.
I was pulled into this book from the very 1st page and read it in one sitting. Colton is freaking dreamy and the chemistry between him and Dixie is undeniable. Some parts felt like a punch to the heart(so many emotions you guys!) then I was laughing, then teary eyed, then swooning. I loved this book so much, HL Swan and K August wrote a FANTASTIC book!!!
Dixie has to leave New York to head home to Geogia to help on the farm. When she gets there, the love of her life and teenage boyfriend that she left behind, Colton, is there helping too. After a rough start between them then finding out her city boy boyfriend betrayed her, she has to decide if she can give their love a second chance.
I was pulled into this book from the very 1st page and read it in one sitting. Colton is freaking dreamy and the chemistry between him and Dixie is undeniable. Some parts felt like a punch to the heart(so many emotions you guys!) then I was laughing, then teary eyed, then swooning. I loved this book so much, HL Swan and K August wrote a FANTASTIC book!!!
November 21, 2021
This story is a testament to the saying “you can always come home” and I felt it through every word I read!
When Dixie gets a call that she needs to come home to the family farm for the summer she is anything but happy about the situation. She left three years ago with a broken heart, full of grief. Can she really return to the place where her past awaits and that is filled with so many memories?
When she arrives home she finds that things aren’t always how you left them. As she gets back into the routine of farm life she also opens her heart back up to her first live, Colton, who happens to work on the family farm. Spending the days working side by side allows them to reconnect!
As her time on the farm goes on, she realizes she was running away from the only love she’s ever know and the only place she felt safe when she left for New York. With the help of her family, Colton proves that their love is just as strong now as it was years ago.
I loved reading this second chance love story! The emotions that come with the idea of redeeming love and making a relationship work are such a rollercoaster! Dixie and Colton take us on their ride and show us how first love really is the ultimate pure love! And I was so happy with how these authors gave this couple the perfect ending to their journey!
When Dixie gets a call that she needs to come home to the family farm for the summer she is anything but happy about the situation. She left three years ago with a broken heart, full of grief. Can she really return to the place where her past awaits and that is filled with so many memories?
When she arrives home she finds that things aren’t always how you left them. As she gets back into the routine of farm life she also opens her heart back up to her first live, Colton, who happens to work on the family farm. Spending the days working side by side allows them to reconnect!
As her time on the farm goes on, she realizes she was running away from the only love she’s ever know and the only place she felt safe when she left for New York. With the help of her family, Colton proves that their love is just as strong now as it was years ago.
I loved reading this second chance love story! The emotions that come with the idea of redeeming love and making a relationship work are such a rollercoaster! Dixie and Colton take us on their ride and show us how first love really is the ultimate pure love! And I was so happy with how these authors gave this couple the perfect ending to their journey!
November 16, 2021
ARC Review
“We don’t mix, Colton Payne. Only fire will come from this.”
This is H.L. Swan’s newest book and a collab with K. August and I LOVE it. Growing up in a small farm town I appreciate this book so much. Given it wasn’t in Georgia and we don’t have cool accents (☹️).
“Where I left my family and the love of my life. Where the dust never actually settles.”
I swear H.L Swan you give me the feels every time. I honestly cannot say enough about your books. I love a good second chance small town romance. My rule of thumb is that if an author can move me to tears in the heartfelt moments then they crushed it. Let me tell you I I got cried reading this book.
“Dream without fear. Love without limits.”
Dixie has been running from her past for 3 years only to be called back to the very place she’s been running from. Upon return the first person she sees is her ex and first love Colton Payne. From there we are taken on a whirlwind of their summer at the farm.
Absolutely loved this book. 💜
5/5⭐️
4/5🔥
“We don’t mix, Colton Payne. Only fire will come from this.”
This is H.L. Swan’s newest book and a collab with K. August and I LOVE it. Growing up in a small farm town I appreciate this book so much. Given it wasn’t in Georgia and we don’t have cool accents (☹️).
“Where I left my family and the love of my life. Where the dust never actually settles.”
I swear H.L Swan you give me the feels every time. I honestly cannot say enough about your books. I love a good second chance small town romance. My rule of thumb is that if an author can move me to tears in the heartfelt moments then they crushed it. Let me tell you I I got cried reading this book.
“Dream without fear. Love without limits.”
Dixie has been running from her past for 3 years only to be called back to the very place she’s been running from. Upon return the first person she sees is her ex and first love Colton Payne. From there we are taken on a whirlwind of their summer at the farm.
Absolutely loved this book. 💜
5/5⭐️
4/5🔥
July 17, 2022
If a book says small-town it’s usually a one click for me and this did not disappoint. I went through feeling all the emotions from “I wanna punch them in the face” to balling my eyes out. Absolutely amazing. The emotions felt so real and sucked me in quickly. I was so anxious to find out what happened. I could. It put it down.
If you like Small-town second change buy this book right now. Trust me.
When Dixie gets a call telling her she needs to come home she doesn’t hesitate. After spending a few years in New York City she now back home in her small town Willow Creek and forced to face her past head on. From her ex boyfriend to her late mothers things she knows this will be difficult. After all she has been avoiding it since she left.
She quickly jumps back into things helping the family farm with the harvest. Old friends she’s missed and reclaiming her beloved horse from her ex who has decided he wants her. A man who she quickly realizes she still has feelings for.
When she’s forced to own her actions on why she left it’s harder than she ever imagined. Just when she thinks that happily ever after may be once again within her reach everything threatens to fall apart once again.
She ran once when things got hard and it will take everything she has not to do so again.
If you like Small-town second change buy this book right now. Trust me.
When Dixie gets a call telling her she needs to come home she doesn’t hesitate. After spending a few years in New York City she now back home in her small town Willow Creek and forced to face her past head on. From her ex boyfriend to her late mothers things she knows this will be difficult. After all she has been avoiding it since she left.
She quickly jumps back into things helping the family farm with the harvest. Old friends she’s missed and reclaiming her beloved horse from her ex who has decided he wants her. A man who she quickly realizes she still has feelings for.
When she’s forced to own her actions on why she left it’s harder than she ever imagined. Just when she thinks that happily ever after may be once again within her reach everything threatens to fall apart once again.
She ran once when things got hard and it will take everything she has not to do so again.
Read
December 23, 2021[did not finish @ 46%] book felt a little, I don't know, lame maybe?
the heroine feels very "flighty"... so she went back to her hometown where her family operates a farm due to her grandpa injuring himself. she was shock to see her first love cum ex-boyfriend working at her family farm. so they kind of play and flirt with each other a bit until the heroin's current boyfriend whom she have been dating for six months showed up to surprise her.
things happen blah blah blah, she found out current boyfriend is cheating on her with his assistant and kick him to the curb. so the first love cum ex-boyfriend tried to console her by taking her out to have fun blah blah blah, the next moment both of them are expressing their love for each with the "i love you".
i'm like "whuttttttttt!!!!!!!??????” the first love cum ex-boyfriend broke her heart therefore she escape to the city, then found out current boyfriend cheat, don't like him anymore and turn back to love ex-boyfriend? what kind of plot is this, like excuseeeee me??
i really couldn't continue because it really feels childish and lame as shit.
the heroine feels very "flighty"... so she went back to her hometown where her family operates a farm due to her grandpa injuring himself. she was shock to see her first love cum ex-boyfriend working at her family farm. so they kind of play and flirt with each other a bit until the heroin's current boyfriend whom she have been dating for six months showed up to surprise her.
things happen blah blah blah, she found out current boyfriend is cheating on her with his assistant and kick him to the curb. so the first love cum ex-boyfriend tried to console her by taking her out to have fun blah blah blah, the next moment both of them are expressing their love for each with the "i love you".
i'm like "whuttttttttt!!!!!!!??????” the first love cum ex-boyfriend broke her heart therefore she escape to the city, then found out current boyfriend cheat, don't like him anymore and turn back to love ex-boyfriend? what kind of plot is this, like excuseeeee me??
i really couldn't continue because it really feels childish and lame as shit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2023
In The Dust
By HL swan and k august
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dixie Norwood is back in her hometown after three years and of course she runs into her high school sweetheart Colton Payne. Although she’s in a six month relationship, Dixie can’t ignore the sparks flying✨
Spoilers👇🏼
I am really starting to love cowboy romance😍 Colton was swoooony let me tell you!! He was sweet and supportive and loved Dixie to the ends of the Earth.
“𝒀𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒔𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆, 𝑫𝒊𝒙𝒊𝒆.”
“𝑾𝒆’𝒓𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒈𝒂𝒔𝒐𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆, 𝑪𝒐𝒍𝒕𝒐𝒏. 𝑰 𝒅𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒊𝒇 𝒘𝒆’𝒍𝒍 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒊𝒕.” “𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒃𝒖𝒓𝒏 𝒎𝒆, 𝒃𝒂𝒃𝒚. 𝑳𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝒐𝒏 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝒊𝒕 𝒃𝒖𝒓𝒏.
Dixie- omg I wanted to go through the book and give her a hug when the fire happened. She was so strong and brave during such a sad time. I loved their family, especially the grandpa😭💕 This book made me sob like a baby at the end, it was so good and a great short read. Another great book with HL Swan😍
By HL swan and k august
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dixie Norwood is back in her hometown after three years and of course she runs into her high school sweetheart Colton Payne. Although she’s in a six month relationship, Dixie can’t ignore the sparks flying✨
Spoilers👇🏼
I am really starting to love cowboy romance😍 Colton was swoooony let me tell you!! He was sweet and supportive and loved Dixie to the ends of the Earth.
“𝒀𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒔𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆, 𝑫𝒊𝒙𝒊𝒆.”
“𝑾𝒆’𝒓𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒈𝒂𝒔𝒐𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆, 𝑪𝒐𝒍𝒕𝒐𝒏. 𝑰 𝒅𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒊𝒇 𝒘𝒆’𝒍𝒍 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒊𝒕.” “𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒃𝒖𝒓𝒏 𝒎𝒆, 𝒃𝒂𝒃𝒚. 𝑳𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝒐𝒏 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝒊𝒕 𝒃𝒖𝒓𝒏.
Dixie- omg I wanted to go through the book and give her a hug when the fire happened. She was so strong and brave during such a sad time. I loved their family, especially the grandpa😭💕 This book made me sob like a baby at the end, it was so good and a great short read. Another great book with HL Swan😍
May 29, 2022
“Dream without fear. Love without limits.”
I will love this book forever and a day.. No forever and three days.
I love all the love there is. Love in all forms. Love for family, friends, animals, surroundings, sweethearts, traditions etc.
I looooove Dixie and Colton. I love how Colton is always so thoughtful and caring around Dixie. All the details! All the “little things”. Loooove all their dates, and their heated moments too (obviously)❤️🔥
“All the men in my family know when I bake it’s because I’m happy”🫶 (can really relate to this, and I did bake for the first time in 6 months after reading this!!😭 It is one of my biggest joys, to bake).
“Things always work out, Dixie May. Always” - Grandpa😭 Wise and loving grandparents are the best❤️💫
This book is so so SO special, and I truly carry it in my heart. I really connected with it, and I honestly cannot get enough of it. I cried, I laughed and my heart is filled with butterflies and “awwww’s”. I love EVERYTHING about it!! H.L. Swan and K. August made a true masterpiece🙏❤️
“And they danced through the sunflowers forever.”🌻♾️
This is officially my first actual review at Goodreads. It makes me a bit nervous. Am I doing it the right way? Am I doing it wrong? Am I being misunderstood? I came to the conclusion that I am doing it MY way, and that will be just as good🫶
I will love this book forever and a day.. No forever and three days.
I love all the love there is. Love in all forms. Love for family, friends, animals, surroundings, sweethearts, traditions etc.
I looooove Dixie and Colton. I love how Colton is always so thoughtful and caring around Dixie. All the details! All the “little things”. Loooove all their dates, and their heated moments too (obviously)❤️🔥
“All the men in my family know when I bake it’s because I’m happy”🫶 (can really relate to this, and I did bake for the first time in 6 months after reading this!!😭 It is one of my biggest joys, to bake).
“Things always work out, Dixie May. Always” - Grandpa😭 Wise and loving grandparents are the best❤️💫
This book is so so SO special, and I truly carry it in my heart. I really connected with it, and I honestly cannot get enough of it. I cried, I laughed and my heart is filled with butterflies and “awwww’s”. I love EVERYTHING about it!! H.L. Swan and K. August made a true masterpiece🙏❤️
“And they danced through the sunflowers forever.”🌻♾️
This is officially my first actual review at Goodreads. It makes me a bit nervous. Am I doing it the right way? Am I doing it wrong? Am I being misunderstood? I came to the conclusion that I am doing it MY way, and that will be just as good🫶
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2022
I honestly feel like this is closely ripping off sweet home Alabama. Colton was a player and as her mom was dying he was with another woman?? And he wonders why she left oh please. Gag me with a spoon. And she comes back, he is hitting all up on her and acting like he cares to find out that he fucked the girl of the week the day before he has a date with Dixie. Then comments "you expect me to change because you came back." No mother fucking she thought you changed cause you eye fucked her and flirt every time she turns around. Dixie is to stupid to live and doesn't value herself. Just blah no I didn't like it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2022
Beautiful
A perfect story with a second chance at love. Captured my attention and had me in awe. I love their story and the way they connected together in everyway. They have always been it, that time apart made sure it was each other they need.
She ran away from her hometown after having her heart wrecked and he, well he had to stay and live past her ghost with reminders of her, of their time together. One call changes it all, forcing her to return and face her ex. Being back brings many emotions to the surface, will she run again or stay?
A perfect story with a second chance at love. Captured my attention and had me in awe. I love their story and the way they connected together in everyway. They have always been it, that time apart made sure it was each other they need.
She ran away from her hometown after having her heart wrecked and he, well he had to stay and live past her ghost with reminders of her, of their time together. One call changes it all, forcing her to return and face her ex. Being back brings many emotions to the surface, will she run again or stay?
November 27, 2022
Sweet country romance
Well written, quick read. This is a story about young love, loss, heartbreak, and the kind of love that's forever. It's a sweet read, if this is what you enjoy then I definitely recommend
Well written, quick read. This is a story about young love, loss, heartbreak, and the kind of love that's forever. It's a sweet read, if this is what you enjoy then I definitely recommend
March 5, 2024
Sweet country romance
Well written, quick read. This is a story about young love, loss, heartbreak, and the kind of love that's forever. It's a sweet read, if this is what you enjoy then I definitely recommend
Well written, quick read. This is a story about young love, loss, heartbreak, and the kind of love that's forever. It's a sweet read, if this is what you enjoy then I definitely recommend
December 10, 2021
This was the perfect small town romance novel. It was so cute! Loved it!
Want to read
June 1, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/1/2022)! 🎁
Currently reading
December 23, 2022page 50 - 12%
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2023
sweet…
Sweet small town, second chance romance. ❤️ Has Sweet Home Alabama vibes! At its core, the book is about true love and family. ❤️
Sweet small town, second chance romance. ❤️ Has Sweet Home Alabama vibes! At its core, the book is about true love and family. ❤️
October 13, 2023
This book went from interesting to worse.
November 24, 2021
Colton and Dixie May! Such a beautiful second chance southern romance. Dixie was living in New York away from her family and the home she’s ever known. She wanted change and excitement and she wanted to escape the pain of losing her mom. But doing so, she left everything behind, including her her high school sweetheart. Until she got a phone call that brought her right back to the place she tried to escape.
I got major sweet home Alabama vibes and absolutely loved watching Dixie and Coltons love story play out. Dixie having to come back to help out on her families farm and and being reminded that home is truly where the heart is.
This book was written so well and I am absolutely obsessed with the cover! It has steamy moments, crying moments and moments where your heart will swoon. A sweet story thats an absolute must read!
I got major sweet home Alabama vibes and absolutely loved watching Dixie and Coltons love story play out. Dixie having to come back to help out on her families farm and and being reminded that home is truly where the heart is.
This book was written so well and I am absolutely obsessed with the cover! It has steamy moments, crying moments and moments where your heart will swoon. A sweet story thats an absolute must read!
October 16, 2023
Such a beautiful story- the love a granddaughter has for her grandad and being reunited with their first love - moving away may feel like the only option but home is where you belong ❤️
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews