Between a Fox and a Hard Place

Fox Family #1

by Mary Frame

She’s determined to keep her family home. He won’t let his friend down. Will conflicting interests shatter their chances of happily ever after?

Finley Fox refuses to give up her life’s work. With her family’s cabin rental business at risk of going under, the eldest of five has been laboring for years to care for the property, not to mention her now grown siblings. But when a New York billionaire makes a play for the ailing resort, Finley struggles to resist her attraction to the handsome man sent to secure the deal.

Archer Weston craves stability. With his best buddy since childhood in need of a favor, the lonely businessman heads to the mountains to convince the owner to sell. But his mission hits a hurdle when his heart melts in the presence of the hardworking, beautiful woman.

With debt and sibling drama piling high, Finley fears that leaning on her irresistible guest for support could end in her own heartbreak. But as their relationship grows and intensifies, Archer is caught between his long-term loyalty and his one shot at finding his forever…

Can this unexpected couple keep both their dreams alive?

Between a Fox and a Hard Place is the first book in the Fox Family romantic comedy series. If you like swoon-worthy men, witty dialogue, and enemies-to-lovers antics, then you’ll adore this sweet and steamy tale.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Ebooks, Enemies To Lovers, Fiction, Humor, Contemporary Romance

298 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 3, 2022

About the author

Mary Frame writes romantic comedies with quirky characters, steamy moments, and banter that will make you blush and snort-laugh at the same time. She’s a full time mom with a full time job and has no idea how she manages to write novels, but it probably helps that she's a dedicated introvert. She doesn't enjoy writing about herself in third person, but she does enjoy reading, writing, dancing, and damaging the ear drums of her co-workers when she randomly decides to sing to them.

She LOVES hearing from readers and will not only respond but likely begin stalking them while tossing out hearts and flowers and rainbows! If that doesn't creep you out, e-mail her at: maryframeauthor@gmail.com

www.maryframe.com

Instagram: @maryframeauthor
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorMaryFrame
Bookbub: @MaryFrame

Reviews

[Mary Frame]

Update 3/30/22-- Blurb updated! Cover is forthcoming :) Also waiting on line-edits before final proofread! Release date will be 6/3/2022 and it's available for pre-order everywhere ebooks are sold! For ARC copies, stay in the loop by following my newsletter here: https://sendfox.com/maryframeauthor

I had such a blast writing Finley and Archer's story, I can't wait to release this book and introduce everyone to the Fox family :D

<3
Mary


12/2021: I've been working on an outline for a FIVE BOOK series starting with this one--and y'all I am so excited already :D

The Fox Family series will follow five siblings (4 sisters, 1 brother--because so many series follow only brothers and I'm sorry but GIRL POWER). They lost their youngest sister when she was only 14 -- ten years prior to the start of the first book. Each of the siblings has had slightly differing reactions to this loss/trauma. Each sibling's novel will represent one of the stages of grief--starting with the eldest sister: Finley and bargaining :)

I'm hoping for a release in Spring/Summer 2022 but I haven't booked my editor and my cover designer has me on a cancellation list (welcome to fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants publishing), so I set a pre-order for August to give me a buffer just in cases ;)

For those of you who have read the Imperfect Series, Oliver the billionaire from Imperfectly Delicious will have his own story in this series--but not the first one! He will make a hefty appearance in this book, though, and he's just as eccentric and ornery as ever.

Will update as the story progresses! <3

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story ended up being pretty sweet but it was a painfully average read overall.

[JP · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ for this small town romance. It’s just what I needed today because of all the stressful things going on all around me.
Things I loved:
• the chemistry
• The romance
• Archer (my new book boyfriend)
• HEA
I really enjoyed the side characters and everyone’s back story. I’m excited that there’s going to be more books in this series. It’s got a little bit of steam in case you’re wondering. Would I read another book by this author? Definitely! I highly recommend it.
Thanks Booksirens.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[CassDamm · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ✨

I think I got this free on stuff your kindle day and I’m trying to read through the books I already own on my kindle and this is definitely one of the better ones I’ve read so far… let me tell ya there are some real stinkers though.

It’s just a cute small town romcom. It appears it turns into a series, I think the younger sister is going to get with the billionaire friend of the guy this sister got with. The billionaire had the personality of a stale cracker, so hopefully the author can fix him in the next book.

[Lacey Devane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cute and sexy book!! I loved the characters in the story. Finley and Archer were adorable. I’m looking forward to reading about the other Fox siblings!!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to the Author, publisher and to BookSirens for sending me an eARC!!

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Universal

Finley gave up her dreams to be her younger siblings' caretaker. So she wants to take a moment for herself, something she'll enjoy for herself. Too bad the man she chooses to help her with that is working with the enemy, the man who wants to buy up all the land around her home, and even her own home.

Archer had no idea when Oliver sent him into convincing the "fiend" to sell her home to him that he'd fall in love with her and her large but troublesome family. Now he's enmeshed in their lives and doesn't want to go back to traveling all the time and not putting down roots. Will Finley and family let him stay? Does he want to stay? Permanently?



This is a sweet, mostly clean, story that though mostly lighthearted also has a few heavy subjects like Finley's brother's drinking, and her sister's abusive relationship. I really liked Archer and Finley and her large family and am looking forward to more of this series.

ARC provided by Hidden Gems Books for an honest review.

Graphics from author's Facebook page.

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[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. A sweet romance with fun characters and the perfect amount of spice.

I loved both Finley and Archer and I'm super excited to continue to read the series and the stories that follow the other Fox siblings. I'm especially excited for the next book.

If you love a sweet heart warming romance, with a small town feel, and a gorgeous main man this book is for you. I love the dual POV. It's a little insta lovey but I was totally okay with it because it just fit these two characters so well

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Luisa Baudino · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Finley and Archer! They were delightful and amusing at the same time :)
This series is more serious and has more depth than what you're used to when reading Mary Frame but it is equally delightful and quirky and all you can expect from her! I really liked how these more serious subjects were tackled and honestly after getting a glimpse of the Fox siblings I cannot wait to see each of their own happy endings, and to know what happened between those that are not really on speaking terms!

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
This book was cute and sweet, it just took me a while to get into and didn’t hold my attention very well. There was no thrilling action that made me want to keep reading until the very end! I loved the two main characters and their romance though, we all need an Archer he’s so sweet and caring.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so cute and fun! It's not only a story about romance but a heartwarming story about family and finding people you belong with. I loved Finley and Archer, and their chemistry was perfect. Whilst there is a little bit of spice, it's mostly a sweet and fluffy story between a woman trying to run her family business and the man sent to get her to sell.

I'm very excited to continue this series with the Fox siblings and I hope that we get to see how Finley and Archer's lives progress alongside her siblings. This small-town romance will make you smile, laugh, and get you choked up and it's worth every minute.

However, I wish that the relationship didn't develop as quickly as it did. It's very instant love and my preferences are a little more slow-burn. But I would definitely recommend it.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Margot Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got it as an ARC and was intrigued by the warning about sad/tragic stuff and I thought, should I read it with Covid and war going on, I am reading to take a break from the sad topics of the real world. In the end curiosity and knowing that I loved all the Author’s other books made me start reading. And I finished the same day. I probably should have taken it slower to enjoy it for a longer time. But I was on holiday and just couldn’t stop. I really liked and enjoyed it. There are some tragic parts but the message is to always look on the funny side of things. It is better to laugh than cry and there’s always a solution. I cannot wait for the next book in the series.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Between a Fox and a Hard Place by Mary Frame
Enjoyable read, though the beginning was troubling to me because of the actions of Finley's (h) alcoholic brother and her enabling behavior. Also her Insta-connection with Archer (H) was difficult to believe. BUT, after finishing the book I went back and reread the first few chapters which were much more enjoyable now because I knew the characters better.
Finley rents out cabins on the family property. She's strong, up front and subtly funny, tho embarrassingly needy at times. Jacob, her bro, is a functional alcoholic who makes life difficult for Finley but all anybody does is get sad about it because he has a good reason for wanting to drown out his past. Archer is a very successful business man who rehabs floundering businesses. But he's on scene to get Finley to sell her business to his best friend Oliver, "the evil overlord of doom" (who BTW is a side character from the excellent Imperfect Series). The chemistry is strong between the MCs.
A bright spot was how the bully got his comeuppance.
I received an advance readers copy for my honest review.

[Sarah (Head Stuck In A Book) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Between A Rock And A Hard Place was such a delight to read; I sat and read this within four hours; I couldn't put it down; I loved it!
I really enjoy reading series that are based on siblings who will all end up with their own book and love story.
The family dynamics and heartwrenching history make for an emotional but uplifting story that tugs at the heartstrings; Jacob will break your heart; I can't wait for his book and for him to finally feel at peace and to find happiness.
Finley and Archer have such great chemistry and were great main characters that kept me thoroughly engrossed throughout.
I get quite excited discovering new authors which Mary Frame was to me and to discover her back catalogue as well, while I await book two.

I was sent this book to review from BookSirens; all thoughts are my own.

[casey ♥️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

One thing that really pulled me into reading this is the fact that it is set in a small town. To be honest, I only found out about this book today when I literally typed in, "small town romance" in the search tab of Goodreads. This is the first book that came out in the results and I downloaded it right away.

Small town romances is my weakness, and I couldn't deny the attraction when I saw this book while I was looking for my next read. Who doesn't love the absence of limitations in towns? There's a wide space of greenery and land, everyone knows who you are, people know if you're an outsider, and falling in love with the guy in the rented cabin is like a delicious cherry on top. Funny thing is that, Finley literally called Archer a lumbersnack and I couldn't get it out of my head.

I have to be honest about this though, there's a LOT to unpack in here. The fact that Finley has a huge family, a lot of siblings, limited finances, and what she acknowledges as a responsibility being the oldest in the family, I found things to be chaotic and a little crazy. She lived with her brother Jacob, who has got issues himself. And while I wasn't offered the chance to know how Jacob was doing after the hospital thing, Piper came into picture, along with Mindy, Taylor, Oliver, and Mason. The number of characters in this story is insane that sometimes I forget that Nora is a business partner and not someone involved with Archer on a different level.

I also wasn't given the chance to find out how rich Archer is, or the depth of the situation where Finley and her sisters are involved. Aria wasn't given more parts than I had expected, but there's that little information about her that was eventually unveiled in the story. I guess she was some sort of a side story to a whole lot of different stories in this book plus, I couldn't really point out the main predicament in the story. I'd think it's about selling the land? But there are also pressing issues to look at, like how Finley, Jacob, and their siblings couldn't let go of the property because of their entanglement to it and the memory it serves.

I enjoyed this book so much when I thought it would be too serious on a warm Sunday in my house. I wouldn't tag this as a fluffy book either, but Archer can be considered another fictional boyfriend on my list. I love characters who don't make things complicated for the heroine, and while he almost left the cabin for good, he's still in my good graces when he handled things smoothly when Finley barged in. Honest, fictional guys, they're the best ones and I wouldn't trade it for rude, and frank characters like Oliver, lol. He's the star of the next book though and I hope it gets to live up to my expectations.

When I say that this book has been chaotic, it had really been the most chaotic of all. I didn't even think that the book was about to end when they flew to get Piper and my very thought was, it lacked a few more pages because that one day was a hell lot to unpack (they did get back to New Jersey though and fell asleep in peace after all the crazy shenanigans).

Lastly, I had high hopes for a general update in the epilogue, mostly for Jacob. The guy suffered so much and his last scene wasn't even the nicest, where his relationship with Finley and his sisters are concerned. I believe he deserves a book, I really hope he gets one!

This has been a really nice read! So excited for the next one :)

SPICE LEVEL: Banging like bunnies, a box of condoms that could last for a month, sweet, sweet, kisses and reassurances with a thick rod

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an eARC copy of this book, and I’m so so glad I did. I don’t know that I would’ve taken a gamble on this book on my own and that would’ve been a terrible tragedy.

This book has everything I wanted. Solid writing style, dynamic characters, laugh aloud moments, a couple of moments that had my heart on edge, and that warm, contended feeling of seeing a romantic story develop.

There is a preface from the author warning that there are some difficult topics in the book. I am always a fan of content warnings, especially in romance, because while I can handle most things, I am a mood reader and nothing will sour me more than thinking I’m getting something sweet and instead I get something very upsetting. While none of the content would’ve upset me personally without the preface (it was mostly side plot and not graphic/detailed), I love that the author still gave the reader the information to make their own decision. It’s respectful.

For me, that content noted in the preface is part of what made this book so… real. There is absolutely a place for books where nothing significantly terrible happens to any of the characters, but having had more than my fair share of trouble, even just in the last couple of weeks, sometimes the no-problems characters make me feel a bit envious and bitter. Not exactly romantic. Seeing our main characters, Finley and Archer, have both current and pre-book hardships makes them come alive for me. It’s worth noting that this is true more for Finley than Archer, however. While there are perspective changes between chapters, some from Finley’s point of view, some from Archer, I still came away from it feeling that Finley got a little more fleshed out. Because of how much more we see Finley exist in ways completely unrelated to Archer, it made me wonder if we needed Archer’s POV at all. It wasn’t terrible, he still has depth, I just question if the perspective changes could’ve been used a little more to strengthen Archer’s characterisation.

But again, I cannot emphasise enough how much I loved this book. I was even a bit upset that it ended. The ending itself wasn’t upsetting but it felt a bit rude to make me love the characters and their story and then have audacity to end the book. But I suppose that’s how I feel about all my favourites.

I’ve never read from this author before but I feel suddenly inspired to pick up everything she’s written, and I will be anxiously awaiting the next in this series.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Between A Fox and A Hard Place is a heartwarming story about a woman trying to keep the family business alive for her large family and the fixer sent by the man who is determined to buy her property. Finley basically gave up her own life dreams to become a surrogate parent to her younger siblings. Archer, the fixer, is impressed and captivated as he gets drawn into the family disfunction around Finley , but can he help her or is he just a distraction? Serious problems like alcoholism are highlighted but without drowning the reader in emotional angst. Mary Frame is starting a new series with this book and this reader is totally hooked. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book. Most highly recommend.

[Here4thehea · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book the starts steamy in the first 10% but ends up being the sweetest softest romance is right up my alley!

When Finley Fox throws herself at the new vacationer in one of her cabins, she doesn’t realize he’s one of the many suits who have come through trying to buy her property.

She’s been trying to save her family business for years with the weight of it all on her shoulders never taking a moment of time for herself, but never considering a sale.

Between the failing business and the stress of the other 4 Fox siblings lives, Archer just may be the man she needs; whether it’s for a sale or more.

This book was full of heart, emotion, sadness, joy, hope and just the right amount of spice. I am so excited to continue the fox family as this series goes on!

[EVANGELIA MARAGKOPOULOU · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it from the first page . It is a sweet funny and sexy . She owns some cabins and with the help of the younger brother they manage it but they don 't have any profits and she is struggling . There is a businnesman who wants her property and he sends her people with his offers . The man who is there to do that is very handsome and smart . The sparks between them are flying all over the place but she can 't have feelings because he is the enemy . He suggest to help her with any jobs she has for free and she only have to answer his questions . While working together they cannot resist their feeling and they became a couple . What will he do now ? Will he help his friend or the woman he loves ? I loved all five Fox siblings and I am looking for their own stories .
I received this book from the author and the publisher as an ARC. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Claudia, Cmarie927 · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, I received an ARC of this book and decided to give it a shot. I was unfamiliar with this author but was pleasantly surprised, when I found it very difficult to put this down. There were a few errant commas and formatting issues, but these were easily overlooked. The chapters are designed well, and the story moves along nicely.

Finley and her family have many of the same issues that many people have, and this endeared these characters to me quickly. I appreciated her inability to stop working for her family's well-being. Archer is written as any good book boyfriend should be, and I liked his caring and concern for Finley. This couple is steamy together and their chemistry is good.

This was easy to read and the pages turned themselves. I finished reading this quicker than I wanted to, and the HEA was what I expected, but also what I wanted it to be. I will certainly be reading the next one in this series.

I received my free ARC from Booksirens and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story
Finley Fox lives on the family farm in upstate New York where she is running the cabins she has inherited with her younger brother Jacob. She is fetching him (again) from the local bar when she spots hottie Archer. What she doesn’t know is that Archer has been sent by his childhood friend and billionaire Oliver to convince her to sell the land to him.

My thoughts
The pace of this story is vibey and the story itself is full of heart. Family comes first, and found family is just as important. The Fox family members have all had a rough time, but their love for each other stands out. I love how cool and collected Archer is, even though he also doesn’t have the easiest background. It’s a goodie and so pleased that there will be more books in the series…. I am ready and waiting! 😁😁

I read an eARC copy courtesy of the author and Booksirens.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well blended contemporary romance. I love this writing style and I am impressed as to how everything complimented without overpowering with such a sweet couple's love journey. Enjoyed getting to know them, with comical moments, and a taste of their baggage, with emotional moments, I didn't want it to end and hope to be able to read more about them and the rest of the crew. New to me author does an excellent job with this one. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Negotiator Archer visits Finley's failing cabin rental/family property to convince her to sell. This is a series about the Fox family siblings so there are a lot of sibling interactions, backstories, etc. A fun, short, easy read without much to be remembered and I'm actually more excited for the couple in the next book!

CW: themes of sibling and parent death, grief, and alcoholism (though I'd describe this as a very light version of these themes)

[Alice Bloomfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

This is cute and I enjoyed the start of a family series so future main characters are introduced with a focus on the couple for the next book. They were profiled to the point that it felt like the prologue to their story. The main characters of this book were fun and interesting with some good banter I would have just liked more focus on them.

[Cristina Balaban · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unexpectedly cute!

Very nice main characters and I liked that it didn't really follow the pattern of most romance books: all is good and then some drama happens, they break up and get back together. This wasn't the case here: there were some unexpected events but it only made the relationship even stronger.

[Stephanie Argote · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely fell in love with this book! It was cute, heartwarming, and made me feel all fuzzy inside. Had me blushing from the start and my cheeks hurt from smiling so much. I couldn't put it down! I stayed up all night eating it up, and I don't regret a thing. 10/10 would recommend this book to anyone who will listen.

*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[C.B. Wiant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone loves a loyal male lead. He’s a cinnamon roll, Cinnabon—whatever it’s called— he’s a sweet roll analogy. The words are delicious. Read all the Mary words.

[Em Kinsler · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5? Read it in one flight so that’s gotta count for something.

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

[Hollie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hits the spot of trashy romance books but otherwise, not revolutionary

[Bailey Garfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book was super cute i wasn’t too sure at the beginning but loved the way it evolved! another small town love story vibe