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Emerald Bay #1
Guarded Deputy
What should you do when you accidentally call 911 and a deputy shows up at your apartment? Definitely NOT accuse him of being a stripper.
It never fails that I always get into awkward situations like accusing the deputy at my front door of being a stripper and then asking if he’s going to arrest me when he shows up at school the next day…to pick up his nephew.
Nate seems unamused by my antics, but when we start to work together, we’re forced to spend time with one another.
Between getting stuck in a closet together, secret hallway meetings, and him taking care of me, I catch a glimpse of the man beneath the gruff exterior. And when he shows off his dimples, my heart flutters.
But I need a man who can be fully open with me, and Nate's as guarded as the prison in Alcatraz.
*Guarded Deputy is a steamy and swoony small town romance with a sexy, broody deputy and a sassy teacher.
It never fails that I always get into awkward situations like accusing the deputy at my front door of being a stripper and then asking if he’s going to arrest me when he shows up at school the next day…to pick up his nephew.
Nate seems unamused by my antics, but when we start to work together, we’re forced to spend time with one another.
Between getting stuck in a closet together, secret hallway meetings, and him taking care of me, I catch a glimpse of the man beneath the gruff exterior. And when he shows off his dimples, my heart flutters.
But I need a man who can be fully open with me, and Nate's as guarded as the prison in Alcatraz.
*Guarded Deputy is a steamy and swoony small town romance with a sexy, broody deputy and a sassy teacher.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 9, 2023
177 people are currently reading
911 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
January 30, 2023
4.25 Stars / 2 Steam Fans
A super sweet and funny small-town romance. I loved the romcom feel and the connection between all the characters.
CW: School Resource Officer, Daddy Issues, Possible Conflict of Interest
Video review available in Week 4: Jan 22 – Jan 28, 2023, weekly book reviews on Steph's Romance Book Talk (https://www.youtube.com/@stephsromanc...)
A super sweet and funny small-town romance. I loved the romcom feel and the connection between all the characters.
CW: School Resource Officer, Daddy Issues, Possible Conflict of Interest
Video review available in Week 4: Jan 22 – Jan 28, 2023, weekly book reviews on Steph's Romance Book Talk (https://www.youtube.com/@stephsromanc...)
September 4, 2023
I think… I think Lizzy is me.
Clumsy. No filter.
Literally never thinks before she speaks.
Relatable.
Clumsy. No filter.
Literally never thinks before she speaks.
Relatable.
January 31, 2025
3.5 stars**
February 7, 2023
This one was a quick and fun read. I mean who doesn't love a hit cop falling for a quirky teacher? The slow burn was on point, like I didn't even mind that the first kiss happens way in the second part of the book. I was laughing way too hard to even notice that. I absolutely loved how awkward she was. The nickname he gave her was 100% perfect. And I loved him for not making her feel like she had to change and that she was perfect in his eyes.
I only have one problem with this book and that's that, it should have kept on going and going. I wouldn't have mind it one bit if that was the case.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
I only have one problem with this book and that's that, it should have kept on going and going. I wouldn't have mind it one bit if that was the case.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
February 10, 2023
A new small-town series to love! Lizzy and Nate are enjoyable, from the meet-cute to their HEA. A quick, easy to read rom-com, complete with your quirky side characters. A slow burn with laughs and just the right amount of steam.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
January 13, 2024
Almost DNF.
I found Lizzy’s character annoying/childish. It wasn’t her sunshine attitude. It was her constant whining and she was always giggling. Like pick another adjective, please. I feel like she was melodramatic more often than not.
The whole situation with the dad seemed out of left field/forced/out of place to me.
She calls him “Mr hot deputy” no less than 52627 times and it got old quick.
They’re professing their love for eachother after knowing eachother for like a few weeks or a month? Nothing happened during the story to make me understand how these 2 could be in love.
I found Lizzy’s character annoying/childish. It wasn’t her sunshine attitude. It was her constant whining and she was always giggling. Like pick another adjective, please. I feel like she was melodramatic more often than not.
The whole situation with the dad seemed out of left field/forced/out of place to me.
She calls him “Mr hot deputy” no less than 52627 times and it got old quick.
They’re professing their love for eachother after knowing eachother for like a few weeks or a month? Nothing happened during the story to make me understand how these 2 could be in love.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2023
Cute story but my biggest problem with this story was how much pizza they ate. Seriously there was nothing but pizza pizza pizza.
Dual pov
Neither virgins no history on their pasts
No ow/om drama
No epilogue
Dual pov
Neither virgins no history on their pasts
No ow/om drama
No epilogue
February 9, 2023
Lizzie is a teacher and has a hilarious run in with her small towns new deputy. And after their hilarious meet cute she keeps running into him everywhere, including him being the Uncle of one of her students.
Mr Hot Deputy, Nate moved with his sister and nephew to help them out. He has trouble seeing his worth because of his youth and upbringing. He really is so fun and caring and worth everything.
These two have so much fun banter and encounters until they decide to finally give in to both of their attractions. The town is full of so much character as well. There’s the total small town feel that you feel like reading your a part of.
Also shout out to Fabiola for these amazing stickers to go with the book! They are fantastic and fit all the memories of the story perfect.
Mr Hot Deputy, Nate moved with his sister and nephew to help them out. He has trouble seeing his worth because of his youth and upbringing. He really is so fun and caring and worth everything.
These two have so much fun banter and encounters until they decide to finally give in to both of their attractions. The town is full of so much character as well. There’s the total small town feel that you feel like reading your a part of.
Also shout out to Fabiola for these amazing stickers to go with the book! They are fantastic and fit all the memories of the story perfect.
February 16, 2023
Thank you to Author Fabiola Francisco for my ARC of this book 🤗
Summary: Lizzy had sworn off men and wasn’t looking for love when the handsome new deputy knocks on her door, but situations and feelings change. Especially when said deputy is super attractive, thoughtful, and going to be working in her classroom everyday for the foreseeable future. Accidents seem to follow Lizzy, who claims that Murphy Law was basically created for her, but lucky for Lizzy, Mr. Hot Deputy always seems to be nearby to save her. Together they must decide if they trust enough to let each other in and if falling is a risk worth taking.
Review: I ate this book up! It was so much fun and set a super cute coastal town, and it had some really hilarious situations. I especially enjoyed the crazy situations because I am very much prone to those kinds of things as well, so I felt like I could really relate to Lizzy. The tension was just right and the spice was fabulous! I can’t wait to read more in the Emerald Bay series🤗
Summary: Lizzy had sworn off men and wasn’t looking for love when the handsome new deputy knocks on her door, but situations and feelings change. Especially when said deputy is super attractive, thoughtful, and going to be working in her classroom everyday for the foreseeable future. Accidents seem to follow Lizzy, who claims that Murphy Law was basically created for her, but lucky for Lizzy, Mr. Hot Deputy always seems to be nearby to save her. Together they must decide if they trust enough to let each other in and if falling is a risk worth taking.
Review: I ate this book up! It was so much fun and set a super cute coastal town, and it had some really hilarious situations. I especially enjoyed the crazy situations because I am very much prone to those kinds of things as well, so I felt like I could really relate to Lizzy. The tension was just right and the spice was fabulous! I can’t wait to read more in the Emerald Bay series🤗
February 9, 2023
This was such a cute and adorable read. The couple, Nate and Lizzie, had me all in my feels. Grumpy deputy meets cheery school teacher was refreshing. I adored everything about this romance… the steam was just right, I swooned, I laughed and it’s all set in a small town. Love it!
January 21, 2024
This was a cute premise and I liked the characters. But the writing felt very stilted and the whole story was so rushed. 2.5 stars.
February 9, 2023
3.5 stars!! This was a quick, cute read! I love Lizzy because she sounds like me! If something can go wrong and you make a fool out of yourself, it will go wrong! But the difference for her is that it’s adorable and Nate loves it! Lizzy and Nate are complete opposites but they totally work! This is a great start to this series and I’m excited for more!
~Alexis💜
~Alexis💜
November 11, 2023
Cute story. The main character just seemed a little on the immature side for me. I kept thinking she was younger than she was. I wish there would have been more depth to their story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2023
What happens when your phone accidentally calls 911 - you think the cop is a stripper and it all goes boom from there. But what Lizzy takes from the encounter is a bucket load of embarrassment and a heart filled with emotion. Nate might really be a deputy but the minute he meets Lizzy his life is changed for the better. Watching the grumpy cop and the flighty school teacher fall in love was a joy to read. I am looking forward to more in the series.
February 1, 2025
I wanted to like this, I really did, but this story just didn't connect with me.
It started off great, with Nate showing up after an accidental 9-1-1 call and Lizzie asking if he was a stripper. After that it fell flat for me. I didn't have a strong connection to the characters and never felt invested in their story. I had times where I struggled to pick up the book and wanted to DNF a few times.
It started off great, with Nate showing up after an accidental 9-1-1 call and Lizzie asking if he was a stripper. After that it fell flat for me. I didn't have a strong connection to the characters and never felt invested in their story. I had times where I struggled to pick up the book and wanted to DNF a few times.
July 15, 2024
Dnf 58%. I’m sorry, but I got super bored. There was no real conflict.
February 9, 2023
4.25 Stars! 💗
Having read Ms.Francisco's work many times before i always get so happy whenever i get to pick up another one of her books! Ever since i reached the end of Kneading the Grinch i've been so excited for this book! I picked it up and got right back into the Emerald Bay world! I really enjoyed this story!
Lizzy and Nate's journey pulled me in right from the very get go! Lizzy is a teacher that dials 911 by mistake and it leads to her meeting the new deputy in town, Nate in quite the unforgettable fashion. As these two keep being brought together, can they work together and then go their separate ways? Or can the unexpected lead the love of a lifetime?
From start to finish, this story and it's characters kept me so entertained! I really liked the priceless way Lizzy and Nate were brought into each other's lives. I found Lizzy to be so relatable and i adored her. Nate had me falling for him. I was so glad that i got to dig into both of their minds and get their real. The chemistry between these two was fantastic. I loved how caring both Lizzy and Nate were. I didn't know how these two would tackle everything and that had me turning the pages even more.
Sometimes the universe brings a person into your world that can light it up in ways you never saw coming. That truly showed through Lizzy and Nate's story! It was awesome being back in Emerald Bay and seeing some familiar faces! I thoroughly enjoyed what the other characters brought to the story as well!
With Guarded Deputy, Ms.Francisco has created such a great and entertaining read with heart and feels that kept me glued to my kindle! If you haven't read this author's work yet, please change that this year! Her books stay with me. I can't wait to head back to Emerald Bay with the next installment, Dani's book, Arrogant Neighbor! 💗
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from the author*
Having read Ms.Francisco's work many times before i always get so happy whenever i get to pick up another one of her books! Ever since i reached the end of Kneading the Grinch i've been so excited for this book! I picked it up and got right back into the Emerald Bay world! I really enjoyed this story!
Lizzy and Nate's journey pulled me in right from the very get go! Lizzy is a teacher that dials 911 by mistake and it leads to her meeting the new deputy in town, Nate in quite the unforgettable fashion. As these two keep being brought together, can they work together and then go their separate ways? Or can the unexpected lead the love of a lifetime?
From start to finish, this story and it's characters kept me so entertained! I really liked the priceless way Lizzy and Nate were brought into each other's lives. I found Lizzy to be so relatable and i adored her. Nate had me falling for him. I was so glad that i got to dig into both of their minds and get their real. The chemistry between these two was fantastic. I loved how caring both Lizzy and Nate were. I didn't know how these two would tackle everything and that had me turning the pages even more.
Sometimes the universe brings a person into your world that can light it up in ways you never saw coming. That truly showed through Lizzy and Nate's story! It was awesome being back in Emerald Bay and seeing some familiar faces! I thoroughly enjoyed what the other characters brought to the story as well!
With Guarded Deputy, Ms.Francisco has created such a great and entertaining read with heart and feels that kept me glued to my kindle! If you haven't read this author's work yet, please change that this year! Her books stay with me. I can't wait to head back to Emerald Bay with the next installment, Dani's book, Arrogant Neighbor! 💗
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from the author*
July 2, 2023
First of all - I am 99% sure this is not the first one, I think Francisco's Kneading the Grinch is the first bc the couple was referenced a few times.
I thought this was cute and I enjoyed the cop slash quirky teacher, although personally this book could have been called "Milo Murphy's Law" because basically, everything that can go wrong does go wrong for this poor woman (when she's around Nate).
There were scene changes that could have been more obvious - by that, I mean the scene would shift with no notice that it had shifted until one of the characters says/thinks something that suggests they are no longer where they once were. It made the story sometimes confusing.
I enjoyed the characters, I thought they were set up nicely in the beginning to have room for growth but they... didn't really take it??? Lizzy had mentioned a previous boyfriend hadn't wanted her to take online classes (I think) so it was an issue for her but we never see her doing homework or juggling her job and online classes. I was expecting... more from her, considering this is basically her dream.
And I thought Nate's belief that he would turn out to be his father would become the main point of contention, but after the slow burn ended, he didn't seem to have that issue anymore. He was very hot and cold with her in the beginning, but once they somehow kissed they were in a relationship so you can call it a slow burn but you also can't at the same time. (In my eyes, at least) But the whole thing with Nate's dad appeared and disappeared so fast that it was clearly only put in for plot purposes.
Overall, it was cute and easy. It delivers what I expected, for the most part.
I thought this was cute and I enjoyed the cop slash quirky teacher, although personally this book could have been called "Milo Murphy's Law" because basically, everything that can go wrong does go wrong for this poor woman (when she's around Nate).
There were scene changes that could have been more obvious - by that, I mean the scene would shift with no notice that it had shifted until one of the characters says/thinks something that suggests they are no longer where they once were. It made the story sometimes confusing.
I enjoyed the characters, I thought they were set up nicely in the beginning to have room for growth but they... didn't really take it??? Lizzy had mentioned a previous boyfriend hadn't wanted her to take online classes (I think) so it was an issue for her but we never see her doing homework or juggling her job and online classes. I was expecting... more from her, considering this is basically her dream.
And I thought Nate's belief that he would turn out to be his father would become the main point of contention, but after the slow burn ended, he didn't seem to have that issue anymore. He was very hot and cold with her in the beginning, but once they somehow kissed they were in a relationship so you can call it a slow burn but you also can't at the same time. (In my eyes, at least) But the whole thing with Nate's dad appeared and disappeared so fast that it was clearly only put in for plot purposes.
Overall, it was cute and easy. It delivers what I expected, for the most part.
February 7, 2023
I received a complimentary early release e-book prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is book one in a new series by a new author I had never read before. If you like a quirky town and quirky characters, then you will love this book. It reminded me a lot of Gilmore Girls and Stars Hollow.
This story is about the new deputy in town, Nate and the quirky, accident prone, says anything she is thinking schoolteacher, Lizzie and their road to romance.
Nate is the new deputy in town. He has moved to town with his sister and nephew. He meets trouble when he meets accident prone and word vomiter, Lizzie who happens to be his nephew's teacher, and his police captain's god daughter.
This is a very slow burn romance. Nate tries everything to resist Lizzie but as he ends up working at her school it is very hard for him to avoid her. He feels that she is too good for him and at times this frustrated me so much. I like my male characters to be strong and sexy and at times Nate looked down on himself too much for my liking.
Lizzie does chase Nate which is not my favorite plot device but something Nate needed. She was a really fun character, and she added a lot of humor to the story while Nate was her straight man.
If you enjoy quirky characters and town filled with fun characters and an accident-prone female lead that goes after the guy she crushes on, then you will love this story.
This is book one in a new series by a new author I had never read before. If you like a quirky town and quirky characters, then you will love this book. It reminded me a lot of Gilmore Girls and Stars Hollow.
This story is about the new deputy in town, Nate and the quirky, accident prone, says anything she is thinking schoolteacher, Lizzie and their road to romance.
Nate is the new deputy in town. He has moved to town with his sister and nephew. He meets trouble when he meets accident prone and word vomiter, Lizzie who happens to be his nephew's teacher, and his police captain's god daughter.
This is a very slow burn romance. Nate tries everything to resist Lizzie but as he ends up working at her school it is very hard for him to avoid her. He feels that she is too good for him and at times this frustrated me so much. I like my male characters to be strong and sexy and at times Nate looked down on himself too much for my liking.
Lizzie does chase Nate which is not my favorite plot device but something Nate needed. She was a really fun character, and she added a lot of humor to the story while Nate was her straight man.
If you enjoy quirky characters and town filled with fun characters and an accident-prone female lead that goes after the guy she crushes on, then you will love this story.
January 23, 2023
Guarded Deputy by Fabiola Francisco is book 1 of her new Emerald Bay Series.
We're in a new small town with lots of lovely characters, drama and lots of loooove! Yay!
Lizzy is a cheerful and lively teacher in Emerald Bay. Calling 911 accidentally there's this HOT deputy at her door. Nate thinks there's an emergency, Lizzy thinks he's a stripper who got to the wrong apartment.
Should you really accuse a deputy of being a stripper? Oh oh.
Maybe this wasn't Lizzy's best idea... or was it?
OMG! Thank you so much for this wonderful love story Fabiola Francisco!
I laughed sooooo much! 🤣
Lizzy and I have so much in common! LOL!
She's this friendly, beautiful, but also really chaotic young teacher... and struggling with how to behave properly infront a handsome guy isn't her strength. LOL
Buuut... good thing is that Nate doesn't think she's weird... at all!
Awwww! I don't wanna spoil too much but let me tell you: Lizzy and Nate totally made me laugh and swoon soooo much! I loved their connection and witty banter! Intended or unintended. 😅
And of course who could resist a HOT DEPUTY?! NOT ME! NO WAY! 😍
I fell instantly in love with him!
He's kinda charming, but kinda guarded because of his personal issues... and Aaaaawwwww. I just loved their story.
Absolutely enjoyable! 😍
Aaand I can't wait for more! It's book one of a new series, so I'm ready for it! 😉
We're in a new small town with lots of lovely characters, drama and lots of loooove! Yay!
Lizzy is a cheerful and lively teacher in Emerald Bay. Calling 911 accidentally there's this HOT deputy at her door. Nate thinks there's an emergency, Lizzy thinks he's a stripper who got to the wrong apartment.
Should you really accuse a deputy of being a stripper? Oh oh.
Maybe this wasn't Lizzy's best idea... or was it?
OMG! Thank you so much for this wonderful love story Fabiola Francisco!
I laughed sooooo much! 🤣
Lizzy and I have so much in common! LOL!
She's this friendly, beautiful, but also really chaotic young teacher... and struggling with how to behave properly infront a handsome guy isn't her strength. LOL
Buuut... good thing is that Nate doesn't think she's weird... at all!
Awwww! I don't wanna spoil too much but let me tell you: Lizzy and Nate totally made me laugh and swoon soooo much! I loved their connection and witty banter! Intended or unintended. 😅
And of course who could resist a HOT DEPUTY?! NOT ME! NO WAY! 😍
I fell instantly in love with him!
He's kinda charming, but kinda guarded because of his personal issues... and Aaaaawwwww. I just loved their story.
Absolutely enjoyable! 😍
Aaand I can't wait for more! It's book one of a new series, so I'm ready for it! 😉
February 9, 2023
4.5 Stars-Cute Couple
I see another small town romance series in my future. As a huge fan of the small town genre, Fabiola Francisco is off to a great start with Guarded Deputy. Not only are we introduced to our main characters, but a handful of supporting characters to round out that small town feel.
We meet Nate and Lizzie, him the guarded deputy if you will and she is a first grade teacher at Nate’s nephew’s school. While both characters are written solid, I thought Lizzie’s quirky-ness was a bit over the top at times. Sure she was there to make up for Nate, who was lacking a sense of humor, however at times Lizzie was down right scary with her antics.
As much as this is a small town romance, it’s also an opposites attract. Lizze isn’t lucky in love per say, but she isn’t dead set against it like Nate. He’s easy on the eyes, however his heart is going to be one tough nut for Lizzie to crack. Nate has some pretty heavy baggage from his past that is keeping him from moving forward in any sort of way.
The book is light hearted with a tinge of heavy with Nate’s backstory. These two would make a cute couple if they could get their act together. Like I said, this book is a great start to the series, as we get to know quite a few interesting characters along the way.
Reviewed for Renee Entress’s Blog
I see another small town romance series in my future. As a huge fan of the small town genre, Fabiola Francisco is off to a great start with Guarded Deputy. Not only are we introduced to our main characters, but a handful of supporting characters to round out that small town feel.
We meet Nate and Lizzie, him the guarded deputy if you will and she is a first grade teacher at Nate’s nephew’s school. While both characters are written solid, I thought Lizzie’s quirky-ness was a bit over the top at times. Sure she was there to make up for Nate, who was lacking a sense of humor, however at times Lizzie was down right scary with her antics.
As much as this is a small town romance, it’s also an opposites attract. Lizze isn’t lucky in love per say, but she isn’t dead set against it like Nate. He’s easy on the eyes, however his heart is going to be one tough nut for Lizzie to crack. Nate has some pretty heavy baggage from his past that is keeping him from moving forward in any sort of way.
The book is light hearted with a tinge of heavy with Nate’s backstory. These two would make a cute couple if they could get their act together. Like I said, this book is a great start to the series, as we get to know quite a few interesting characters along the way.
Reviewed for Renee Entress’s Blog
February 9, 2023
I was excited to start this new Fabiola series and it took me right where I like her books to go - an amazing small town with some romance brewing!
Lizzy is a quirky schoolteacher who accidentally and obliviously dials 911. When a hot deputy (Nate) appears at her door, she thinks he's a stripper. And this sets the tone for this one.
Lizzy is out of a relationship and has given up on love. She focuses on her students and her friends and enjoying her life. Nate has recently moved to town, not by choice, but because his sister and nephew need him.
Their encounters throughout the book are both hilarious and sweet. Once she cracks his grumpy shell, Nate has a big heart buried deep. But can they both overcome their pasts to have a future together?
I loved the community "family" in this book and how they show up to support them. Lizzy's friend group is fabulous and I hope some of them are the mains in future installments of this book. Nate's nephew won me over and I love when kids are incoporated well into a book.
Great first book in this new series and now I will be (im)patiently waiting for the next one!
Lizzy is a quirky schoolteacher who accidentally and obliviously dials 911. When a hot deputy (Nate) appears at her door, she thinks he's a stripper. And this sets the tone for this one.
Lizzy is out of a relationship and has given up on love. She focuses on her students and her friends and enjoying her life. Nate has recently moved to town, not by choice, but because his sister and nephew need him.
Their encounters throughout the book are both hilarious and sweet. Once she cracks his grumpy shell, Nate has a big heart buried deep. But can they both overcome their pasts to have a future together?
I loved the community "family" in this book and how they show up to support them. Lizzy's friend group is fabulous and I hope some of them are the mains in future installments of this book. Nate's nephew won me over and I love when kids are incoporated well into a book.
Great first book in this new series and now I will be (im)patiently waiting for the next one!
February 11, 2023
OMG I love this book! I am so happy I read this!! Fabiola Francisco is a great writer. Her characters, her storylines, everything about the small communities she writes about all work to make you want to read more about these people, about the towns.. and fall in love with them all.
Nate is new to town, the brother of another new person in town. He’s a deputy, and he’s guarded. He never lets down his walls.
Lizzy has lived in the town for a long time, and she is not going to date anymore. She’s had relationships with men who keep secrets and don’t let her in,and she doesn’t want that any longer. She’d rather be single.
When she mistakenly calls 911, and Nate shows up at her house, she’s tongue tied, and when he shows up at school the next day, to pick up his nephew, she wonders if he’s there to arrest her… even though she’s done nothing wrong.
This begins the story. And the story gets better and better. It’s a small town, two people who have sworn off relationships, but are attracted to one another.. but may or may not match… You’ll love reading this!! It is such a fun, easy read.
Nate is new to town, the brother of another new person in town. He’s a deputy, and he’s guarded. He never lets down his walls.
Lizzy has lived in the town for a long time, and she is not going to date anymore. She’s had relationships with men who keep secrets and don’t let her in,and she doesn’t want that any longer. She’d rather be single.
When she mistakenly calls 911, and Nate shows up at her house, she’s tongue tied, and when he shows up at school the next day, to pick up his nephew, she wonders if he’s there to arrest her… even though she’s done nothing wrong.
This begins the story. And the story gets better and better. It’s a small town, two people who have sworn off relationships, but are attracted to one another.. but may or may not match… You’ll love reading this!! It is such a fun, easy read.
January 30, 2023
When this author sets out to write incredible stories full of heart, emotions, those insanely hot men leads that have you falling in love, she does NOT disappoint. Every time I pick up a story I fall head over heels with the men she writes and Mr. Hot Deputy Nate has reached Harris level heights (in case you need to know Harris is my obsession from her other series). Nate is the new deputy in town who has some very interesting run ins with Lizzie his nephews teacher. to say their meetings are awkward yet cute would be a huge understatement and I FLOVE every second of it. Lizzie is sweet, hilarious and has a heart of gold she is the complete opposite of Nate. Nate has a lot on his shoulders, a past that haunts him, a grumpy attitude but when it comes to Lizzie she has that something that melts the ice around his heart. This story grabs a hold of your heart and makes you laugh so hard you fall I love with every minute of it!! “She’s like a lighthouse, shimmering her light every so often so I know I’m not too far from the shore.”
June 15, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
I enjoyed this book! I thought it was fun & mostly lighthearted, but also dealt with some heavy topics. I really adored Nate & Lizzie’s chemistry and found myself chanting “kiss, kiss, kiss” a few times because I was SO ready for them to finally be together!
One thing I didn’t love was I felt like some plot points were rushed. It was briefly touched on that Nate’s father abandoned him and his sister when they were kids. Then at the very end, all of a sudden, his dad is attempting to contact him and it starts this side plot of him meeting with his dad and his dad stealing from him & Brooke. To me, it didn’t feel 100% cohesive and felt almost random?
Also, this is marketed as a RomCom and I didn’t find it particularly too funny. I could tell what the funny scenes were supposed to be, but they more felt like an “awkward” scene (not in a bad way - love awkward scenes) vs laugh out loud funny.
All in all, I did enjoy this & recommend if you want a fun read!
I enjoyed this book! I thought it was fun & mostly lighthearted, but also dealt with some heavy topics. I really adored Nate & Lizzie’s chemistry and found myself chanting “kiss, kiss, kiss” a few times because I was SO ready for them to finally be together!
One thing I didn’t love was I felt like some plot points were rushed. It was briefly touched on that Nate’s father abandoned him and his sister when they were kids. Then at the very end, all of a sudden, his dad is attempting to contact him and it starts this side plot of him meeting with his dad and his dad stealing from him & Brooke. To me, it didn’t feel 100% cohesive and felt almost random?
Also, this is marketed as a RomCom and I didn’t find it particularly too funny. I could tell what the funny scenes were supposed to be, but they more felt like an “awkward” scene (not in a bad way - love awkward scenes) vs laugh out loud funny.
All in all, I did enjoy this & recommend if you want a fun read!
February 10, 2023
LOVED AND LAUGHED SO HARD!
When Nate, the grumpy deputy, moves to Emerald Bay with his widowed sister and nephew to help them out, he has no desire for any commitments. So when an awkward schoolteacher accidentally calls 911 in her adorable pajamas and thinks he's a stripper someone sent, well, things couldn't be more embarrassing! When his nephew ends up in her classroom and the Hot New Deputy starts working at the school, these two unlikely candidates as a couple discover there is something there. But Nate keeps blowing hot and cold and confusing and frustrating Lizzy.
These two have a lot to work out with the small town gossip chain, the Sherrif being Lizzy's uncle and godfather as well as Nate's boss, and all the single teachers trying to put their hooks into Nate! I laughed at many moments, the jellyfish, the face painting, and the "old man" playing lazer tag lol! Watching these two figure out their HEA was so enjoyable!
When Nate, the grumpy deputy, moves to Emerald Bay with his widowed sister and nephew to help them out, he has no desire for any commitments. So when an awkward schoolteacher accidentally calls 911 in her adorable pajamas and thinks he's a stripper someone sent, well, things couldn't be more embarrassing! When his nephew ends up in her classroom and the Hot New Deputy starts working at the school, these two unlikely candidates as a couple discover there is something there. But Nate keeps blowing hot and cold and confusing and frustrating Lizzy.
These two have a lot to work out with the small town gossip chain, the Sherrif being Lizzy's uncle and godfather as well as Nate's boss, and all the single teachers trying to put their hooks into Nate! I laughed at many moments, the jellyfish, the face painting, and the "old man" playing lazer tag lol! Watching these two figure out their HEA was so enjoyable!
February 9, 2023
4.5 Stars
This is the first book in the Emerald Bay series. This one had me had at the first sentence of the blurb, but also knowing he was going to be an involved uncle with his nephew. This book has the best sense of humor. I loved Lizzy. Lizzy is the one you can't believe her luck through out this book especially in the presence of Nate. Deputy Nate is one yummy character and I loved how he loves Lizzy exactly the way she is quirks and all. Lizzy is meant to work with kids you can instantly see it's her calling. The group of friends in this one is so friendship goals. I want to be part of the group. Nate along with his sister and nephew pulled on my heartstrings with their back story. They se need to be right where there are in Emerald Bay. The town just pulls them right in with open arms. I'm hooked on this series already and I can't wait for the next book in the series!
This is the first book in the Emerald Bay series. This one had me had at the first sentence of the blurb, but also knowing he was going to be an involved uncle with his nephew. This book has the best sense of humor. I loved Lizzy. Lizzy is the one you can't believe her luck through out this book especially in the presence of Nate. Deputy Nate is one yummy character and I loved how he loves Lizzy exactly the way she is quirks and all. Lizzy is meant to work with kids you can instantly see it's her calling. The group of friends in this one is so friendship goals. I want to be part of the group. Nate along with his sister and nephew pulled on my heartstrings with their back story. They se need to be right where there are in Emerald Bay. The town just pulls them right in with open arms. I'm hooked on this series already and I can't wait for the next book in the series!
February 7, 2023
(ARC REVIEW!)
Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️
Spice level: 🌶️
This was actually a very good book! It is about a deputy who recently moved to a new small town in Florida with his sister and nephew and a teacher who is pretty clumsy and sometimes awkward! It’s a great RomCom to read, there is forced proximity! I mean he has a nephew and they are ADORABLE!! I love that duo!! It’s also very funny! I laughed quite a few times! Only reason why it isn’t a five is because I feel like it needed a little more to the story. There was also a few times where it was a bit confusing but other than it was an amazing book! It is a pretty fast book to read which is nice if you don’t like long books and just want a quick read and want a few laughs!💚
Favorite quotes:
“You’re my cup of coffee.” 🥹
“Mr. Hot (and packing) Deputy.”
Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️
Spice level: 🌶️
This was actually a very good book! It is about a deputy who recently moved to a new small town in Florida with his sister and nephew and a teacher who is pretty clumsy and sometimes awkward! It’s a great RomCom to read, there is forced proximity! I mean he has a nephew and they are ADORABLE!! I love that duo!! It’s also very funny! I laughed quite a few times! Only reason why it isn’t a five is because I feel like it needed a little more to the story. There was also a few times where it was a bit confusing but other than it was an amazing book! It is a pretty fast book to read which is nice if you don’t like long books and just want a quick read and want a few laughs!💚
Favorite quotes:
“You’re my cup of coffee.” 🥹
“Mr. Hot (and packing) Deputy.”
February 8, 2023
Lord this book had me rolling from the start!!! But that's not all, it was also emotional and romantic but most of all funny. And I don't know the last time I actually laughed out loud at a book. So this was really refreshing to read. Lizzy is just so awkward and quirky it was embarrassing at times but you fall so much in love with her. Nate seems so stoic and serious until you get to know him and then you find his fun loving side. And the way he is with Lizzy and Walker makes you fall so hard for him. The only thing is I wanted so much more from this epilogue than what we got. And I know that is just a personal thing but it's how I feel either way. But it was a great read and I highly recommend this book!! 4.5 stars~ By Tina
February 10, 2023
I thank Author Fabiola Francisco for an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving a review. So you know how it feels to text the wrong person or butt dial the last person you want to talk to? Well,Lizzy dials 911 as she's carrying her laundry. Enter hot new deputy Nathan to see if all is well. Although he's grumpy as heck,he makes a lasting impression on Lizzy. As luck would have it, Nathan turns out to be the uncle of her newest student. When Nathan is tasked in leading a program about safety for the kids,they continue to run into each other. Nathan has reservations about getting serious with anyone and Lizzy hadn't planned on dating so soon after a recent breakup. Will this grumpy-sunshine duo get together despite their misgivings? This book was funny,spicy and super cute. A joy to read!
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