A Country Kind of Love

Huckleberry Ridge Romance #1

by K.T. Raine

After single mom and reporter, CeCe Bixby, has her name leaked in connection with a dangerously controversial story, she and her young son flee 400 miles from Boise to small town Huckleberry Ridge, Idaho for a fresh start.

But life’s never simple, and CeCe is dismayed to find her troubles have followed her. Help may come in the form of her handsome, state-trooper landlord, Shane Wickham, and his surprisingly supportive family. But does she dare share the truth with him?

Genres: Romance, Clean Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance

182 pages, ebook

Published March 6, 2022

About the author

Love a good, clean, happy ever after as much as me? Then hop on over to my site at http://www.ktraineromance.com and grab your free copy of my short story "Twice a Fool," by signing up for my monthly Dog-gone Short and Sweet Update. It is indeed short and sweet and always contains a pic of a dog guaranteed to make you smile.

My favorite stories involve spunky, sweet heroines and strong, swoon-worthy guys who aren't afraid to take charge ... oh, and a dog in the mix never hurt either. So those are the type of books I write!

I live in the beautiful mountains of North Idaho--inspiration for my Huckleberry Ridge Romance series--with my hubby of 30 years and our adorable Beagle mix Stella.

When I'm not reading or plotting my next novel, I enjoy gardening, hiking, and soaking in my hot tub during the cold months. I do housework when I must and laundry when we run out of clean underwear. If you want to know more, visit my website or reach out to me directly at kt@ktraineromance.com. I promise to answer.

Be sure to follow me on BookBub:
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/k-t-r...

Happy reading!

Reviews

[Robin Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the previous book I read by this author (HOLDING OUT FOR SPECIAL), so I was excited to see this one available on BookSirens. I requested it immediately, and then I forced myself to finish the books I was already reading before starting this one. It was worth the wait.

The story opens with CeCe and her ten year old son, Cody, arriving in Huckleberry Ridge, where they are moving into a rented duplex. We quickly learn that CeCe is running from something, but we don’t know who or what. Cody is not thrilled about the move, but CeCe is hopeful that they can have a good life in this small town. She’s a little nonplussed when she meets her landlord, Shane, and realizes that he is a cop, and that he lives in the other half of the duplex. At least he’s nice to look at!

Shane has his own baggage. He’s a widow, still missing his wife and gently wallowing in guilt over her death. He’s attracted to CeCe, but as far as a relationship, he’s a bit in stasis. Meanwhile, his son, Dillon, and Cody become best buds right away.

When I reviewed HOLDING OUT FOR SPECIAL, I wrote “This is a breezy, fun and heartwarming story, with well written characters…”. I hate to repeat myself, but that description also fits this book perfectly. I loved CeCe, and I really loved Shane. A law enforcement hero is one of my catnips. While fear has driven CeCe to move 400 miles across the state, she is still strong and resourceful, determined to protect her son and create a good life for him, for both of them. Looking out his window shortly after CeCe arrives, Shane sees her look at her phone and can tell from her body language that she’s upset or afraid. He doesn’t know if she’s in danger, or if she’s on the run, but his protective instincts come out. When her car has a flat tire, he wants to hurry over and help her change it, but he forces himself to stand on his porch with his coffee, strike up some conversation, and wait for her to ask for his help.

Did she know how to change a tire? Based on the majority of stranded female motorists he stopped to help, the odds were about 80/20 against her. It was actually one of the most rewarding parts of his job, the look of relief on a woman’s face when he pulled up in the Tahoe, something about the uniform eliciting trust. It was a lot more satisfying than busting bad guys.

I mean, who wouldn’t love Shane?! I enjoyed watching them get to know each other, and how happy Cody seemed as he hung out with Dillon instead of staying inside with video games, and how Shane’s family, who all live right there in the same little area, welcomed CeCe and Cody into their community. Oh, and CeCe sitting on her back porch talking over the fence to Shane’s sheep!

A sweet, sometimes emotional, story that kept me enthralled from beginning to end. I hope there will be many more books in the Huckleberry Ridge series.

*I received a free copy of this book from the author via BookSirens and have voluntarily reviewed it*

[Becky Burciaga · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Country Kind of Love K. T. Raine’s first book in her Huckleberry Ridge Romance series is a charming, sweet, and clean romance. A tension subplot interwoven through the story, kept the story intriguing and the pages turning. The resolution of CeCe’s torment was completely surprising and so very satisfying in its unexpectedness.

Subtle and perfectly timed humor and banter lent a lighthearted inclination to the growing romance between Shane and CeCe…their HEA journey was endearing as was the relationship between each of their sons Dillion and Cody. I’m definitely looking forward to the next installment in the series.

This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

[Barbara Tobey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. A short, sweet, clean romance with a hint of mystery. The story kept me intrigued and engaged. Young boys and sheep added to the tale. I am eager to read more by this author. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley.

[Adpa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book. It is like wearing your favorite pajamas and a cup of hot chocolate. I read to "escape" and this was a perfect book for me what with the stressful times happening in the world. It was an easy, comfortable story; well-written and swoon worthy.
This is the first book I have read by K T Raine, but it won't be the last. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy sweet, wholesome romance.
I received a free copy of the book and this is my honest review.

[Sharon Grow · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a truly delightful and enjoyable romance with just a hint of suspense. CC Bixby Roberts’ husband left her for a younger woman and she has moved to Huckleberry Ridge, Idaho with her son Cody. Will she feel safe in the duplex she is renting from widower and Idaho State Trooper Shane Wickham and his young son? She has been receiving threatening texts dealing with her previous job and had hoped that moving 400 miles away would stop the texts. Shane’s parents and brothers live in the area and she begins to relax and enjoy the welcoming country life. What will they learn when Shane investigates the continuing threats? There is a slow growing attraction between them, but is there too much baggage from their pasts? I am hoping her friend Penny will have her own story. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

[Roberta aka Bobbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable, fast-paced romance with suspense. Who is sending threatening texts to CeCe? And would her neighbor/landlord/state trooper keep her safe? If so, at what cost? These are some of the questions you'll find answers to by reading A Country Kind of Love by K.T. Raines.

This book is suitable for older teens and adults.

I was given an ARC of this book from BookSirens. This review is my honest opinion and thoughts, given voluntarily. I deducted one star because "God" was used a few times for other than talking about religion.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Country Kind of Love is Book 1 in A Huckleberry Ridge Romance by K T Raine. I enjoyed this romantic suspense story. CeCe moved across Idaho to the smaller town of Huckleberry. Her new landlord and next door neighbor is State Trooper Shane Wickham. I thought that K T Rains wrote such a sweet romance with realistic characters. Shane is a widower with a son, Dillon, the same age as CeCe's son, Cody. I thought that the mystery of the threatening text with the who and why was good. I liked this family and can't wait to read Book 2. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Molly Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had very high hopes for this book because it hit all my favorites: single dad, small town, romance, with a dash of mystery. However, I was left disappointed. CeCe is a single mom who moves 400 miles away from the city she knows to a small town known for its huckleberry crop. The home that she rents just so happens to be owned by the sheriff, not to mention he is also her neighbor AND has a son the same age as hers. Both kids hit it off and there is an odd chemistry between CeCe and her neighbor, Shane. There is potential in the plot, as the reason to why Cece moved to this small town is slowly revealed. But when it is revealed? The book feels rushed to end. Shane and Cece, although they have chemistry, both have baggage, and their interactions are very mundane and forced feeling. The dialogue between CeCe, the main female character, and her son in the first chapter is painful to get through but gets better as the book goes on. Even though minor characters (Shane's brothers) were introduced briefly throughout the book and are probably the main characters of other books in this series, I won't be reading.

[Diane Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best ever story !

I so enjoyed this book. There were no editing errors, no excess words to take up space, written with maturity and knowledge. Enjoyed the characters and the continued adventures. Never left my interest . I liked the special family ties. I look forward to the next book. The author is great!

[Birgit · Rating 3 out of 5]

a bit unrealistic, but cute

[Stacy Alesi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book on Netgalley, home to digital review copies of books for librarians (and maybe booksellers?) and I have been finding more and more self-published books on there, which is kinda cool – why shouldn’t indie authors get reviewed by librarians? Indie authors can be hit or miss for me. If a book isn’t edited, it is usually strikingly apparent within a few pages, but the ones I’ve read lately haven’t had that issue. This is a good example. A traditional editor would probably have pushed for more pages – this falls into the very short book or possibly even a novella territory, but it is so well done I didn’t even notice.

CeCe is on the run and we don’t find out why for quite a while. She’s a protective single mom of a ten-year-old boy, and her new landlord is Shane, a state trooper. The chemistry between them is apparent right at the outset. And best of all, Shane has a son the same age as Cody, and they become fast friends.

While CeCe thinks he is married, turns out Shane is widowed, and at such a young age. He has a lot of baggage that you would think goes along with that. But CeCe has her baggage, too. While she is definitely afraid of something or someone, it takes Shane a while to coax it out of her. Meanwhile, a true friendship is formed that leads to something much deeper.

This was a sweet, heartwarming romance. The suspense took a back seat to the romance, but it added a bit of tension which I enjoyed. Sometimes you just want to read something light and entertaining to escape the horrors of the news cycle – especially this week. So thank you, K.T. Raine, for that little window of fun when I needed it most.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing it.

This author is new to me. I totally enjoyed reading this book. The book is a start to a new series. It is written in my favorite dual POV format.

CeCe Bixby uproots her life and that of her son's to move 400 miles from Boise, ID to a small town closer to the Canadian border of Huckleberry Ridge. Her son is not happy with the move and makes her life a little more difficult at the moment. Her new neighbor that she shares a duplex with also happens to be her landlord as well as a member of the Idaho State Police.

Shane Wickham, is a widower, who also has a son the same age as CeCe's. Shane is so full of guilty that he just denies the spark of attraction that he feels around his new neighbor and tenant.

These two are a delightful pair. They don't have an easy time of it. CeCe is running from something mysterious. She is receiving threatening messages. She is also dealing with the recent loss of her father and her son's rebellious attitude.

This is a clean second chance romance with just a few kissing scenes. I look forward to more in this series as well as the author.

[Shilo Goodson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read. I loved the interaction between CeCe and Shane. It felt genuine and sweet. The whole community are people you're going to really enjoy reading about. I really liked that CeCe and Shane suffered the loss of a spouse in different ways. Often in books the divorced find each other, or the widow and widower find each other. It was good to have a mix of the two.

This is a mostly clean book. There are a few instances of taking the Lord's name in vain, which was a bit surprising, but other than that, there's no bad language. There's no violence or sexual content.

There are a few grammar issues throughout the book, but otherwise it's a really great book.

I got a free ARC on this book from BookSirens, and I left a voluntary review.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved A Country Kind of Love! It is a short and sweet, clean romance with just enough mystery to keep you turning the pages. It also mentions my favourite things ever a dog. I also came to love the sheep and their names are adorable. Ceecee is a awesome protagonist and it was great getting to know her story. I loved how quickly the two young boys developed a relationship, it really is a reminder of how simple and easy life can be if you let it. The characters are all lovely and it is a easy and quick read. Beautiful escapism.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Suze82 · Rating 5 out of 5]

necessities and second chances
Some things can´t be undone and the best you can do is to keep damage to a limit and try to avoid making the same mistake in the future. So when your life is threatened and you start over in a new place, of course you have secrets to keep, but we all know that keeping secrets does not go well in a working relationship. Shane, CeCe and her son Cody are such wonderful characters and I suffered with them until they finally found a solution to the dilemma they had to face.

[Bonny Rambarran · Rating 5 out of 5]

She moves into a new area with her son trusting they will now be safe
And then they meet the landlord. And his son. Fortunately the boys get along very well. Also fortunate that the landlord is a police officer (and VERY good looking!). Suspense galore and an amazing love story — what else do you want? I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.

[Yinka A · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think for the most part it was believable and I liked the twists and background to both characters. It gave the them depth.

The book gave me the impression of a “clean romance” but there were a couple of incidents that took that away from the lead character and some choice of words that I personally don’t care for when reading a clean romance novel. I Other than that I throughly enjoyed all other aspects and how their relationship developed.

A satisfying ending.

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written romantic suspense book. I loved the small town setting. The characters and story line were realistic and I loved the attraction between CeCe and Shane. Both have a lot of baggage to work thru to be together. It was fun to read how their 2 son’s became fast friends. This is an easy read and very enjoyable. I’m ready for the next book.

[Ellen Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cece is raising her son Cody on her own. She decides they need a new start so moves them to Huckleberry Ridge, Idaho. She meets her state trooper landlord Shane who is a single dad. Cute Romance with just a little suspense to make it interesting.

I was given this advanced copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

CeCe had to make some changes in her life, moving, starting a new job and meeting new people in Huckleberry Ridge was her plan. Getting to know her landlord and neighbor, solving some problems and making friends with some sheep was the benefits of the move. I enjoyed this entertaining book and the interesting characters. I look forward to reading more about the residents of Huckleberry Ridge.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a wonderful read and I finished it in one sitting!

My favorite books are ones about single parents and this one hit the spot.

I found the characters relatable and the story heartwarming.

This is Book 1 in the Huckleberry Ridge Romance Series and can be read as a standalone.

I received an ARC courtesy of BookSirens and this is my voluntary review.

[Ann Leatherman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shane and CeCe are single parents with a 10 year old son for each of them. When they meet the two boys hit it off right away. The parents have some things to work through, but come together at the end. I was surprised to get an ARC offer as this is not a new book, but I am glad I did. This is my honest review.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful calm read. When Cece arrived at her new home, she was tired and having to keep an 11 year old boy happy driving across states was a bit challenging. However arriving at their destination, she was intrigued by her neighbour and the friendliness of the whole Wickham family.
Although this is a clean romance, be aware that there is blasphemy.

[Pascale’s*ARC,Unwind,Read,Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book thinking it would be a clean romantic suspense. It very loosely fits that description, although the “suspense” is so mild it really doesn’t suit the description. There is some swearing in it, nothing major. I liked the story even though it wasn’t the genre I was looking for.

[Mary Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

The unexpected move

This was a nice small town romance between a state trooper and his next door neighbor. She was leaving the city to get away from nasty phone calls. He was a still getting over losing his wife 3 years ago. A good clean read!

[Laurel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice clean second chance romance for two nice people with children. There is a touch of mystery, and lots of unexplored emotions each must work through. In order to be able to trust themselves before they can move on.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Country Kind of Love

When she moved in to a new location she was uncomfortable that her neighbor was a cop. But she soon discovered he could quickly become a best friend. Enjoy the journey!

[Steph Spone · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started this book and really liked Cece and Cody... single mom and her son.  They are moving 400 miles away. They move in next to Shane...a police officer,  with a son also.  The boys get along well and go to the same school.  This was heartwarming and peaceful read. 

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not Christian fiction, but clean, curse free, and a great read. Loved the characters, especially the two 10 year olds, Cody and Dillon. They make the whole series more entertaining

[MA Bower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

A pleasant story, this romance book is entertaining. The two little boys quickly become close friends. Both main characters have broken hearts, but all works out.