What do you think?
Rate this book
Clementine Creek #2
Making it Country
What happens when a big city girl crashes into your small town - and your truck?
Nothing good. Especially when she looks like Isla Andrews.
Being in prison changes a man.
Being in prison for something you didn’t do – no really – that’s something that’s hard to shake.
But paying for someone else’s sins every day since? It’s something that’s branded on my soul.
That’s why I live and breathe according to a plan.
It’s simple – just like my life.
My family comes first.
I can’t afford distractions.
But one look at Isla Andrews and I know she’s about to destroy my carefully crafted existence.
And my resolve.
We’re from two different worlds.
She’s temptation wrapped in a sophisticated package with sky-high heels.
I’m small-town country with work boots and grease under my nails.
But I can’t stay away.
My need to dominate her, possess her, has me spiraling out of control.
I should’ve walked away, but nothing has ever felt so right.
But one moment in time, one misstep threatens everything I’ve worked so hard to maintain.
My livelihood, my freedom, my family – are all at stake.
And still, none of it compares to watching Isla walk out of my life.
Am I willing to risk it all on my City Girl?
Nothing good. Especially when she looks like Isla Andrews.
Being in prison changes a man.
Being in prison for something you didn’t do – no really – that’s something that’s hard to shake.
But paying for someone else’s sins every day since? It’s something that’s branded on my soul.
That’s why I live and breathe according to a plan.
It’s simple – just like my life.
My family comes first.
I can’t afford distractions.
But one look at Isla Andrews and I know she’s about to destroy my carefully crafted existence.
And my resolve.
We’re from two different worlds.
She’s temptation wrapped in a sophisticated package with sky-high heels.
I’m small-town country with work boots and grease under my nails.
But I can’t stay away.
My need to dominate her, possess her, has me spiraling out of control.
I should’ve walked away, but nothing has ever felt so right.
But one moment in time, one misstep threatens everything I’ve worked so hard to maintain.
My livelihood, my freedom, my family – are all at stake.
And still, none of it compares to watching Isla walk out of my life.
Am I willing to risk it all on my City Girl?
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 6, 2022
122 people are currently reading
753 people want to read
About the author
Alexandra Hale
30 books500 followersAlexandra Hale is a small town girl living with her family in Upstate New York. She routinely runs on caffeine, dry shampoo and thrives on procrastination.
A romance lover and reading enthusiast, Alexandra finally began putting pen to paper shortly after graduating college. An unobtainable dream has slowly become a reality with the love and support of her friends and family and the romance community.
She currently writes steamy, small town romance with a dash of lighthearted fun and happily ever afters that will make you swoon.
A romance lover and reading enthusiast, Alexandra finally began putting pen to paper shortly after graduating college. An unobtainable dream has slowly become a reality with the love and support of her friends and family and the romance community.
She currently writes steamy, small town romance with a dash of lighthearted fun and happily ever afters that will make you swoon.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
November 26, 2022
Ohhhh I couldn’t wait for this book! I’ve been itching to read Hank’s story! And it did not disappoint. Growly and grumpy but also so sweet and just him. And Isla, she’s a firecracker and I freaking love her! Together these two are a force to be reckoned with. I’m so glad I had this book to read on my way home from vacation today! Devoured isn’t even the right word! But man, I LOVED it!!
August 7, 2023
A cute romance based in a small town in the US.
City girl Isla stumbles across Clementine Creek on a road trip to self discovery.
This grumpy/sunshine book had me pleasantly reading it all in one go.
Isla is adamant to break Hanks walls down and with the explosions that happened it was hard to put down.
City girl Isla stumbles across Clementine Creek on a road trip to self discovery.
This grumpy/sunshine book had me pleasantly reading it all in one go.
Isla is adamant to break Hanks walls down and with the explosions that happened it was hard to put down.
May 19, 2023
This is book two in the Clementine Creek series, but can be read as a stand alone.
Ok Alexandra - I thought Back In The Country had me in my feels, I was not prepared for Making It Country. Thank you for making a FMC that I felt so connected to. I honestly cried by chapter two because I just felt so seen by her life experiences. ❤️ but I’m a crier - I cry over everything 🤣 so take that with a grain of salt.
This story follows Hank Thayer, and his small-town troubled past and then the moment that city-girl Isla literally crashes right into his world. Their love is raw and real and just such an authentic portrayal of two people that have each built up a life of coping mechanisms (for very different reasons) finally peeling back each complex layer of themselves. As we see them shedding those skins the story ebbs and flows in equally swoony and heart wrenching moments as they grow individually and together. As they each realize that maybe they don’t need someone to save or fix them but just to really see them for who they are and love them for just that.
And every time Hank says “city girl” 🥵
Of course there is the big hug of the Thayer family threaded throughout. Mama Thayer 🥰 always doing and being the absolute most, ughhh my love for her. We get many peeks of Waylon Thayer and his girl Marlee from book one of the series, and dang Waylon’s “baby girl”s still make me 🥵. And Marlee is a freaking hilarious addition to this story - this girl and her eggs. Otto and Case, Rhea, Victor…so many Thayers to love. And I cannot get enough of them. ❤️
Ok Alexandra - I thought Back In The Country had me in my feels, I was not prepared for Making It Country. Thank you for making a FMC that I felt so connected to. I honestly cried by chapter two because I just felt so seen by her life experiences. ❤️ but I’m a crier - I cry over everything 🤣 so take that with a grain of salt.
This story follows Hank Thayer, and his small-town troubled past and then the moment that city-girl Isla literally crashes right into his world. Their love is raw and real and just such an authentic portrayal of two people that have each built up a life of coping mechanisms (for very different reasons) finally peeling back each complex layer of themselves. As we see them shedding those skins the story ebbs and flows in equally swoony and heart wrenching moments as they grow individually and together. As they each realize that maybe they don’t need someone to save or fix them but just to really see them for who they are and love them for just that.
And every time Hank says “city girl” 🥵
Of course there is the big hug of the Thayer family threaded throughout. Mama Thayer 🥰 always doing and being the absolute most, ughhh my love for her. We get many peeks of Waylon Thayer and his girl Marlee from book one of the series, and dang Waylon’s “baby girl”s still make me 🥵. And Marlee is a freaking hilarious addition to this story - this girl and her eggs. Otto and Case, Rhea, Victor…so many Thayers to love. And I cannot get enough of them. ❤️
December 13, 2022
"𝘐'𝘮 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘧*𝘤𝘬 𝘶𝘱 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯, 𝘯𝘰 𝘥𝘰𝘶𝘣𝘵 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘐'𝘭𝘭 𝘤𝘭𝘢𝘸 𝘮𝘺 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶."
...
Welcome back to Clementine Creek y'all!
I have been waiting to dive into Hank's book for months now and Hale did not disappoint when she paired up our rugged country boy Hank with his opposite city girl, Isla!
This is only Hale's second novel and she came with the spice and all of the intensity in this one!
Hank was introduced in book one (but you can totally read this one as a standalone if you feel like it, but really.. read book one as well), as one of the Thayer brothers. He's broody, and the three years he spent in prison puts a little bit of roughness in this country boy.
When the ultimate power house city girl, Isla, strides into town Hank's world is immediately tilted on it's axis.
This two had me laughing and crying and everything in between (hello spicy scenes!), which ended in me flying through the pages!
We do get a bit more into Waylon and Marlee's story in this one in here so if you're missing them from book one, don't fret! Along with those two, we get more of the rest of the Family!! I'm just throwing it out there, I need more Sorren in my life! 😉
I couldn't put this one down, and I'll be not so patiently waiting for book three!
...
Welcome back to Clementine Creek y'all!
I have been waiting to dive into Hank's book for months now and Hale did not disappoint when she paired up our rugged country boy Hank with his opposite city girl, Isla!
This is only Hale's second novel and she came with the spice and all of the intensity in this one!
Hank was introduced in book one (but you can totally read this one as a standalone if you feel like it, but really.. read book one as well), as one of the Thayer brothers. He's broody, and the three years he spent in prison puts a little bit of roughness in this country boy.
When the ultimate power house city girl, Isla, strides into town Hank's world is immediately tilted on it's axis.
This two had me laughing and crying and everything in between (hello spicy scenes!), which ended in me flying through the pages!
We do get a bit more into Waylon and Marlee's story in this one in here so if you're missing them from book one, don't fret! Along with those two, we get more of the rest of the Family!! I'm just throwing it out there, I need more Sorren in my life! 😉
I couldn't put this one down, and I'll be not so patiently waiting for book three!
Want to read
July 29, 2023 🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/29/2023)! 🎁
June 13, 2023
Isla has always been a big city girl. Working in the corporate world with her father that she doesn't have the best relationship with has burnt her out. Deciding to take some time off, Isla finds herself in a small country town called Clementine Creek. She quickly makes herself some friends that offer her a cottage to stay in for the duration of her visit. Upon her arrival to said cottage, Isla literally crashes into Hank's truck which also crashes her into Hank's life. City Girl meets Country Boy... Hank has some history... he's been in prison and recently released. He's a grump but would do anything for the ones he loves, especially his mama. So, when she tells him to be nice to the little beautiful ray of sunshine that's come (literally) crashing into their lives, he obliges to an extent... but Hank is focused and he can’t have anyone disrupting his plans, including Isla.
LOVE. THIS. BOOK. I literally cannot say enough good things about this book. Alexandra Hale's characters are so real and down to earth. Making it Country is told in the dual POVs of Hank and Isla.
If you like grumpy, broody, sexy, growly, long-haired, bearded, muscular country men... HANK THAYER IS FOR YOU. The banter between Hank and Isla is top notch, and I so enjoyed the relationship that Hank has with his sister-in-law Marlee. The family relationship Hank has with his family is so wonderful to read. I love that he would do anything for his family - especially Mama Thayer.
This book will give you a total HankOVER when you're done reading it. The spice is top notch... you'll want to save that for you "Hank bank" later.
Thank you so much Alexandra for allowing me to be a part of you ARC team for this title. I cannot wait for book 3 in the Clementine Creek series!
LOVE. THIS. BOOK. I literally cannot say enough good things about this book. Alexandra Hale's characters are so real and down to earth. Making it Country is told in the dual POVs of Hank and Isla.
If you like grumpy, broody, sexy, growly, long-haired, bearded, muscular country men... HANK THAYER IS FOR YOU. The banter between Hank and Isla is top notch, and I so enjoyed the relationship that Hank has with his sister-in-law Marlee. The family relationship Hank has with his family is so wonderful to read. I love that he would do anything for his family - especially Mama Thayer.
This book will give you a total HankOVER when you're done reading it. The spice is top notch... you'll want to save that for you "Hank bank" later.
Thank you so much Alexandra for allowing me to be a part of you ARC team for this title. I cannot wait for book 3 in the Clementine Creek series!
May 16, 2023
This book makes me want to live in a small town, specifically Clementine Creek.
Hank recently did time in prison and is just trying to live a simple life. That all changes when "City Girl", Isla, crashes into Clemetine Creek by way of crashing into Hank's truck.
I loved this book with my whole heart. There is balance to every aspect.
Author, Alexandra Hale's, characters just feel real. They are relatable because of their carefully crafted backstories full of highs and lows. You understand how their experiences shaped who they are today, while they are still able to accept growth and not let those experiences define them. Each, of course, in their own way and time.
Isla is a strong badass without being bitchy.
Hank is a grump with a soft center he knows but doesn't want it to show through his tough exterior.
Making it Country is told through dual POVs of Isla and our main man Hank. It is full of sexual tension and spice to boot!
The range of emotions these characters have, along with the presence of a family with layers and depth, makes Making it Country not just a romance of two people. It is a romance of family hardships and heart.
Not to mention Waylon and Marlee, from Back to the Country, make way more than a cameo and I AM HERE FOR IT!
Get ready for a hilarious egg scene, sexy silly humor: "it likes you" "hank bank",
and reading a book that will "walk beside you" with meaningful small gestures through the help of the amazing Emerson.
Thank you so much for my ARC copy. I could not put this book down!
Hank recently did time in prison and is just trying to live a simple life. That all changes when "City Girl", Isla, crashes into Clemetine Creek by way of crashing into Hank's truck.
I loved this book with my whole heart. There is balance to every aspect.
Author, Alexandra Hale's, characters just feel real. They are relatable because of their carefully crafted backstories full of highs and lows. You understand how their experiences shaped who they are today, while they are still able to accept growth and not let those experiences define them. Each, of course, in their own way and time.
Isla is a strong badass without being bitchy.
Hank is a grump with a soft center he knows but doesn't want it to show through his tough exterior.
Making it Country is told through dual POVs of Isla and our main man Hank. It is full of sexual tension and spice to boot!
The range of emotions these characters have, along with the presence of a family with layers and depth, makes Making it Country not just a romance of two people. It is a romance of family hardships and heart.
Not to mention Waylon and Marlee, from Back to the Country, make way more than a cameo and I AM HERE FOR IT!
Get ready for a hilarious egg scene, sexy silly humor: "it likes you" "hank bank",
and reading a book that will "walk beside you" with meaningful small gestures through the help of the amazing Emerson.
Thank you so much for my ARC copy. I could not put this book down!
December 8, 2022
"Just remember, a king only bows before his queen"
This is the second book in the Clementine Creek Series. This is a standalone, but reading Back in The Country will give you an introduction to a lot of the characters including Hank.
Hank is incredibly grumpy, and broody and he cooks too. He also spent 3 years in jail, which adds a bad boy element to his country boy character. He is trying to overcome his past and put it behind him, but it seems he can't seem to get out from under it. The last thing he needs is someone new in town to turn his world upside down.
Isla comes to Clementine Creek to escape the pressure of her everyday corporate life. She wants to relax and figure out her priorities. She is immediately welcomed into town by the Thayer family and given a place to stay right next door to Hank. The two meet when Isla quite literally crashes into Hank's parked truck 😂. Sparks fly immediately between the two of them, even if Hank doesn't want them too.
Isla's character was strong and I really liked her, she put up with Hank's grumpiness and even enjoyed it which was fun to read. Hank didn't know what to do with Isla most of the time which was also fun to read. And when the two of them crash together it is incredibly spicy🥵🥵!
This book was fun and angsty and spicy, all of the things. It's a perfect small town romance and I LOVE a grumpy main character and Hank is perfection! Do yourself a favor and add this to your TBR!
*Grumpy/Sunshine
*Small town romance
*Strong female character
*Strong family
*Dual POV
*Spicy
This is the second book in the Clementine Creek Series. This is a standalone, but reading Back in The Country will give you an introduction to a lot of the characters including Hank.
Hank is incredibly grumpy, and broody and he cooks too. He also spent 3 years in jail, which adds a bad boy element to his country boy character. He is trying to overcome his past and put it behind him, but it seems he can't seem to get out from under it. The last thing he needs is someone new in town to turn his world upside down.
Isla comes to Clementine Creek to escape the pressure of her everyday corporate life. She wants to relax and figure out her priorities. She is immediately welcomed into town by the Thayer family and given a place to stay right next door to Hank. The two meet when Isla quite literally crashes into Hank's parked truck 😂. Sparks fly immediately between the two of them, even if Hank doesn't want them too.
Isla's character was strong and I really liked her, she put up with Hank's grumpiness and even enjoyed it which was fun to read. Hank didn't know what to do with Isla most of the time which was also fun to read. And when the two of them crash together it is incredibly spicy🥵🥵!
This book was fun and angsty and spicy, all of the things. It's a perfect small town romance and I LOVE a grumpy main character and Hank is perfection! Do yourself a favor and add this to your TBR!
*Grumpy/Sunshine
*Small town romance
*Strong female character
*Strong family
*Dual POV
*Spicy
December 4, 2022
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Swoon: 😍😍😍
This was my first experience reading Alexandra Hale, if I'm being honest I should have read the first in the Clementine Creek series. It would allow you to have a more in-depth understanding of some of the characters...well at least the Thayer family. That being said the chemistry between Isla and Hank is undeniable and once you get your bearings with the support characters it's a wonderful story.
Isla has put her city life on hold, she needs a break. She decides on Clementine Creek (because of the name...my type of gal) and immediately is surrounded by friendly and caring people. She quickly befriends the Thayer's and the second she sets her eyes on Hank the connection is instant.
Hank is the oldest sibling of the Thayer family and has his past demons that continue to try to drag him down. But the second he sees Isla he knows he is in trouble, she brings up feelings he never thought he could allow himself to have. The physical connection is a no brainer but the emotional connection is what's holding them back.
Trust could go a long way for them both...and it's uncertain if Hank can fully let someone in. Will he finally let Isla all the way in? Or will he risk losing the one person who truly sees him.
If you like a grumpy MMC, a FMC trying to find her sunshine side and a bunch of small town shenanigans this is the book for you!
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Swoon: 😍😍😍
This was my first experience reading Alexandra Hale, if I'm being honest I should have read the first in the Clementine Creek series. It would allow you to have a more in-depth understanding of some of the characters...well at least the Thayer family. That being said the chemistry between Isla and Hank is undeniable and once you get your bearings with the support characters it's a wonderful story.
Isla has put her city life on hold, she needs a break. She decides on Clementine Creek (because of the name...my type of gal) and immediately is surrounded by friendly and caring people. She quickly befriends the Thayer's and the second she sets her eyes on Hank the connection is instant.
Hank is the oldest sibling of the Thayer family and has his past demons that continue to try to drag him down. But the second he sees Isla he knows he is in trouble, she brings up feelings he never thought he could allow himself to have. The physical connection is a no brainer but the emotional connection is what's holding them back.
Trust could go a long way for them both...and it's uncertain if Hank can fully let someone in. Will he finally let Isla all the way in? Or will he risk losing the one person who truly sees him.
If you like a grumpy MMC, a FMC trying to find her sunshine side and a bunch of small town shenanigans this is the book for you!
December 13, 2022
Making It Country by Alexandra Hale
5/5 stars
Y’all. Y’all. Sometimes you find a book and series that is written to feel like you have come home, and this series is it. Clementine Creek is the place to be and it is so good to be back.
Isla!! Listen, I love the leading ladies that Alexandra writes and I loved her spunk and how well she fit Hank! I love her relationship with the other ladies and Hank’s family. Nothing i love more than a female heroine that can be herself while falling in love.
Hank! MY MAN. The true oldest sibling. I loved how steadfast his character was in the story and just how he delt with the situation he was given. I loved how fast he fell for Isla and just him.
The Thayer family always add their love and flare and I love seeing all the family dynamics and how much they added to the story. I felt like I was watching a movie and thoroughly enjoyed this book. Well done, Alexandra. I can’t wait to come back to Clementine Creek with a new couple in the background.
Check out this amazing book starting with Waylon and Marlee’s story in Back to the Country and this book on December 6! Preorder now on Kindle and Kindle Unlimited. This book is not to miss! X
#hankandisla #makingitcountry #alexandrahale #grumpysunshine #oppositesattract #steamyromance #smalltownromance #bigcitygalandsmalltownman #clementinecreek #romancebooks #contemoraryromance #preetreveiews #kindlebooks #kindleunlimited
5/5 stars
Y’all. Y’all. Sometimes you find a book and series that is written to feel like you have come home, and this series is it. Clementine Creek is the place to be and it is so good to be back.
Isla!! Listen, I love the leading ladies that Alexandra writes and I loved her spunk and how well she fit Hank! I love her relationship with the other ladies and Hank’s family. Nothing i love more than a female heroine that can be herself while falling in love.
Hank! MY MAN. The true oldest sibling. I loved how steadfast his character was in the story and just how he delt with the situation he was given. I loved how fast he fell for Isla and just him.
The Thayer family always add their love and flare and I love seeing all the family dynamics and how much they added to the story. I felt like I was watching a movie and thoroughly enjoyed this book. Well done, Alexandra. I can’t wait to come back to Clementine Creek with a new couple in the background.
Check out this amazing book starting with Waylon and Marlee’s story in Back to the Country and this book on December 6! Preorder now on Kindle and Kindle Unlimited. This book is not to miss! X
#hankandisla #makingitcountry #alexandrahale #grumpysunshine #oppositesattract #steamyromance #smalltownromance #bigcitygalandsmalltownman #clementinecreek #romancebooks #contemoraryromance #preetreveiews #kindlebooks #kindleunlimited
February 18, 2023
Edited 2/18/23 Bonus epilogue earned a fifth shining star! Make sure you find the bonus epilogue when you’re done! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Thank you @alexandrahaleauthor for the chance to read an eARC of the second book in your Clementine Creek series. It’s such an honor to read it and give a candid review of my thoughts.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (0-5)
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 (0-5) Some outdoor fun. And they like it a little rough.
What I’m Starry-Eyed Over:
🤩 The spunky friendship between Isla & Rhea (Hank’s sister).
🤩 The meet cute!
🤩 Grumpy-sunshine/Opposites attract & such fantastic banter and tension!
🤩 Steamy hotness—Hank has some pent-up emotions he’s trying to get out and deal with. Isla encourages him to work it out through her as he needs.
🤩 Hank is good with his hands. He’s a mechanic and a baker. I want to go to The Poppy Seed so badly and eat some of Hank’s bread. Mmmmm. Somebody needs to read this and post a #breadandread post!
🤩 I love a little added suspense from the small-town antics.
🤩 Great side characters—the Thayer family and Isla’s friend Emerson are such good people and so fun and funny.
🤩 Found home. Found family.
🤩 RAOK—I’m a fan!
🤩 The sneaky glimpse at who might get the next Clementine Creek story.
What I’m Wishing/Dizzy About:
💫 I’m greedy for that steamy physical connection after the drama. The end was super sweet but Hank and Isla did not usually play sweet.
Thank you @alexandrahaleauthor for the chance to read an eARC of the second book in your Clementine Creek series. It’s such an honor to read it and give a candid review of my thoughts.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (0-5)
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 (0-5) Some outdoor fun. And they like it a little rough.
What I’m Starry-Eyed Over:
🤩 The spunky friendship between Isla & Rhea (Hank’s sister).
🤩 The meet cute!
🤩 Grumpy-sunshine/Opposites attract & such fantastic banter and tension!
🤩 Steamy hotness—Hank has some pent-up emotions he’s trying to get out and deal with. Isla encourages him to work it out through her as he needs.
🤩 Hank is good with his hands. He’s a mechanic and a baker. I want to go to The Poppy Seed so badly and eat some of Hank’s bread. Mmmmm. Somebody needs to read this and post a #breadandread post!
🤩 I love a little added suspense from the small-town antics.
🤩 Great side characters—the Thayer family and Isla’s friend Emerson are such good people and so fun and funny.
🤩 Found home. Found family.
🤩 RAOK—I’m a fan!
🤩 The sneaky glimpse at who might get the next Clementine Creek story.
What I’m Wishing/Dizzy About:
💫 I’m greedy for that steamy physical connection after the drama. The end was super sweet but Hank and Isla did not usually play sweet.
December 6, 2022
After getting out of prison for a crime he didn’t commit Hank is determined to love and protect his family for standing by him through everything. However, he still has secrets and I felt like he struggled to not only forgive himself but to move on.
Isla lands in town to escape for a while and ends up being offered a place to stay on Hanks family property. My hell this woman was hilarious! She is strong-willed, speaks her mind and exactly who Hand needed in his life.
Both MCs are incredibly strong individually but put them together and they are on fire. The heat and chemistry between them was so perfect it made this book literally impossible for me to put down. I was in love with Isla’s character and how she tried to do so much for everyone especially Hank. She never backed down or let him push her away and her persistence was everything in his healing. It was beautiful seeing Hank find himself again and to see that he could have what he deserved. He was seriously so reserved yet sexy I won’t forget about his character for a long time.
Making it Country is book 2 in Alexandra’s Clementine Creek series. While it can be read as a stand-a-lone I highly recommend reading book 1, Back in the country first. Trust me, if you love amazing, steamy, small town romance books you will not be disappointed.
Isla lands in town to escape for a while and ends up being offered a place to stay on Hanks family property. My hell this woman was hilarious! She is strong-willed, speaks her mind and exactly who Hand needed in his life.
Both MCs are incredibly strong individually but put them together and they are on fire. The heat and chemistry between them was so perfect it made this book literally impossible for me to put down. I was in love with Isla’s character and how she tried to do so much for everyone especially Hank. She never backed down or let him push her away and her persistence was everything in his healing. It was beautiful seeing Hank find himself again and to see that he could have what he deserved. He was seriously so reserved yet sexy I won’t forget about his character for a long time.
Making it Country is book 2 in Alexandra’s Clementine Creek series. While it can be read as a stand-a-lone I highly recommend reading book 1, Back in the country first. Trust me, if you love amazing, steamy, small town romance books you will not be disappointed.
December 8, 2022
Hank and Isla
This was a book that left me with a smile on my face. It was low angst, high heat, and lots of small town feels. It was enemies-to-lovers, opposites attract, and grumpy/sunshine all rolled up into one feel good read.
Hank and Isla’s relationship moved pretty quickly, but it worked for them. Isla literally crashed into Hank’s life and changed everything for him. Isla chooses Clementine Creek on a whim and finds everything she didn’t know her life was missing. She had a high profile job at her father’s business, but was unfulfilled with the shallow life she was living. Hank is just a mechanic trying to move on from a past he didn’t deserve while shouldering the guilt on his own. Isla sees right through his grumpy exterior and makes it her mission to get under his skin.
I loved how Isla forced Hank to see her and didn’t let his grumpy exterior push him away. Isla had Hank on his toes from their initial meeting, never quite knowing what to do with his “City Girl”. I loved their banter and their ability to recognize when they’d made a mistake. Both Hank and Isla acknowledged their mistakes to each other and their open communication made their very new relationship seem like they’d known each other for years instead of weeks.
This was the perfect feel-good read full of family, laughter, and the healing power of love.
This was a book that left me with a smile on my face. It was low angst, high heat, and lots of small town feels. It was enemies-to-lovers, opposites attract, and grumpy/sunshine all rolled up into one feel good read.
Hank and Isla’s relationship moved pretty quickly, but it worked for them. Isla literally crashed into Hank’s life and changed everything for him. Isla chooses Clementine Creek on a whim and finds everything she didn’t know her life was missing. She had a high profile job at her father’s business, but was unfulfilled with the shallow life she was living. Hank is just a mechanic trying to move on from a past he didn’t deserve while shouldering the guilt on his own. Isla sees right through his grumpy exterior and makes it her mission to get under his skin.
I loved how Isla forced Hank to see her and didn’t let his grumpy exterior push him away. Isla had Hank on his toes from their initial meeting, never quite knowing what to do with his “City Girl”. I loved their banter and their ability to recognize when they’d made a mistake. Both Hank and Isla acknowledged their mistakes to each other and their open communication made their very new relationship seem like they’d known each other for years instead of weeks.
This was the perfect feel-good read full of family, laughter, and the healing power of love.
December 6, 2022
This was my first read of Alexandra Hale and I'm hooked.
Hank Thayer has settled with his life as a mechanic in the town of Clementine Creek. As a recently paroled inmate fir a crime he didn't commit, he already has too much on his plate.
That is, until a dark haired beauty crashes into the back of his PARKED pickup. With one look at the white Mercedes, it's a no-brainer to see she's not small town. Just what he doesn't need.
Isla Andrews is burned out with city life. Chicago has ran her into the ground. While out on a drive to clear her head, On a whim, she takes the off ramp for Clementine Creek, Tennessee. As soon as she hits the city limits, the town welcomes her with open arms. Could this be what she's been missing in her life?
Meeting the Thayer family is showing her what real family love is supposed to look like. Now if only she could break down the walls of the hot as Tennessee whiskey man who is gonna fight tooth and nail to resist her charms.
These two bring the Heat, y'all! The tension is boiling and the emotional impact will leave you needing a cold shower. Ms. Hale is showing she knows how to write sassy women and dirty talkin' country men. This book deserves all the stars!!! I need more Thayer men and more Clementine Creek!
Hank Thayer has settled with his life as a mechanic in the town of Clementine Creek. As a recently paroled inmate fir a crime he didn't commit, he already has too much on his plate.
That is, until a dark haired beauty crashes into the back of his PARKED pickup. With one look at the white Mercedes, it's a no-brainer to see she's not small town. Just what he doesn't need.
Isla Andrews is burned out with city life. Chicago has ran her into the ground. While out on a drive to clear her head, On a whim, she takes the off ramp for Clementine Creek, Tennessee. As soon as she hits the city limits, the town welcomes her with open arms. Could this be what she's been missing in her life?
Meeting the Thayer family is showing her what real family love is supposed to look like. Now if only she could break down the walls of the hot as Tennessee whiskey man who is gonna fight tooth and nail to resist her charms.
These two bring the Heat, y'all! The tension is boiling and the emotional impact will leave you needing a cold shower. Ms. Hale is showing she knows how to write sassy women and dirty talkin' country men. This book deserves all the stars!!! I need more Thayer men and more Clementine Creek!
December 15, 2022
If you love a broody MMC this book is for you! Hank is (understandably!) closed off to everyone, after being sent to prison for a crime he didn’t commit, even hiding some of his bigger problems from his amazing family. Isla comes in and flips his world upside down. He seems surprised to find himself confiding in her, and letting her break through all his walls. He really is a gentle giant and is such a gentleman!! I love that we got another STRONG FMC in book two of Clementine Creek, too! Isla is a FORCE. She will not back down from anything, but does let Hank take care of her. These two are 🔥 FIRE. I also loved how the town and family opened their arms to Isla and were so welcoming literally from the minute she drove into town. There is so much depth of the storyline in this one, as we see Hank and Isla open up to each other, as Hank fights to clear his name (and Isla steps in and fights for him too!), and as Isla works through her own family issues, too. This one was another five stars and I can’t wait for book THREE!
August 11, 2024
Alexandra Hale takes us back to Clementine Creek and I couldn’t be happier to be with the Thayer family again.
I have been looking forward to Hank’s story and it was more than I could have hoped for. He’s growly, broody and closed off but underneath all that he’s protective and loyal to those he loves. Isla has a huge, generous heart. She is strong and sassy and comes out swinging, not only for herself but those she cares about. (Can everyone say ‘life goals’?!) While Hank and Isla are opposites with their grumpy/sunshine and city girl/country boy, at the heart of it they are also so very much alike.
Life, or rather someone, has dealt Hank a bad hand and he’s been hurting and guarded for a long time. I absolutely loved seeing Isla break through that tough outer layer and love him for who he is. Their journey is fast, intense and steamy but it fits so well with who they are. These two love big and they love hard.
Clementine Creek feels like home and the whole extended Thayer family are people you would love to call friend or family. I can’t wait for the rest of the series.
I have been looking forward to Hank’s story and it was more than I could have hoped for. He’s growly, broody and closed off but underneath all that he’s protective and loyal to those he loves. Isla has a huge, generous heart. She is strong and sassy and comes out swinging, not only for herself but those she cares about. (Can everyone say ‘life goals’?!) While Hank and Isla are opposites with their grumpy/sunshine and city girl/country boy, at the heart of it they are also so very much alike.
Life, or rather someone, has dealt Hank a bad hand and he’s been hurting and guarded for a long time. I absolutely loved seeing Isla break through that tough outer layer and love him for who he is. Their journey is fast, intense and steamy but it fits so well with who they are. These two love big and they love hard.
Clementine Creek feels like home and the whole extended Thayer family are people you would love to call friend or family. I can’t wait for the rest of the series.
November 27, 2022
My Review 💋💋💋💋💋
I absolutely loved this story!!! City girl meets country boy an turns his would inside out when she literally crashes into him.
One is running from the life she didn’t want to be apart of anymore and the other is just getting by with the life he thinks he’s suppose to have.
Hank thinks that the life he sees his brother Waylon living will never come to him because of choices he made when he was younger.
Isla went looking for a change, finding this little town she didn’t realize what she needed all along was just a place to belong.
I absolutely love this family so much an the way the pulled her into the fold without question or wanting anything in return.
Isla is such a strong female lead an it’s great to see that she puts Hank in his place an tells him just what she wants am to expect of him.
Definitely put this one on your TBR for enemies to loves/forever proximity. Can’t wait to see which brother will be next.
I absolutely loved this story!!! City girl meets country boy an turns his would inside out when she literally crashes into him.
One is running from the life she didn’t want to be apart of anymore and the other is just getting by with the life he thinks he’s suppose to have.
Hank thinks that the life he sees his brother Waylon living will never come to him because of choices he made when he was younger.
Isla went looking for a change, finding this little town she didn’t realize what she needed all along was just a place to belong.
I absolutely love this family so much an the way the pulled her into the fold without question or wanting anything in return.
Isla is such a strong female lead an it’s great to see that she puts Hank in his place an tells him just what she wants am to expect of him.
Definitely put this one on your TBR for enemies to loves/forever proximity. Can’t wait to see which brother will be next.
December 11, 2022
“He’s nothing I thought I’d ever want, but he’s absolutely everything I need”.
Oh my, can Alexandra Hale write small-town romance. I inhaled this book in a day. It was the perfect blend of angst, banter, brooding, and steam! I was also such a fan of the cute little nicknames in this book.
Opposites attract here with Miss Sunshine (my nickname for her), AKA Isla, literally crashing into Hank. She makes it her mission to get him to like her and she is formidable. Hank is gloriously grumpy and in true HEA fashion, he never really stood a chance. Take all my stars Hank, they’re forever yours!
This is the second book in the Clementine Creek series and the rest of the series cannot come out soon enough. Yes I missed book number one and yes I’ll be rectifying that very soon! Congrats to the author for creating the perfect little small-town with such likeable characters.
Oh my, can Alexandra Hale write small-town romance. I inhaled this book in a day. It was the perfect blend of angst, banter, brooding, and steam! I was also such a fan of the cute little nicknames in this book.
Opposites attract here with Miss Sunshine (my nickname for her), AKA Isla, literally crashing into Hank. She makes it her mission to get him to like her and she is formidable. Hank is gloriously grumpy and in true HEA fashion, he never really stood a chance. Take all my stars Hank, they’re forever yours!
This is the second book in the Clementine Creek series and the rest of the series cannot come out soon enough. Yes I missed book number one and yes I’ll be rectifying that very soon! Congrats to the author for creating the perfect little small-town with such likeable characters.
December 5, 2022
I love everything about this series so far and couldn’t wait to read more. This wonderful family took one look at Isla and knew she needed them, the small town, from beginning to end I was hooked.
I was so excited to read about Hank after reading Back in the Country. The mystery surrounding his past and his grumpy but sweet exterior drew me in. I loved watching him accept and then take what he deserves.
Isla, she’s kind of starting over and figuring out what she wants in life. Her kindness was unmatchable and she couldn’t have settled in a better place. I loved that’s she knew what she wanted and just waited for it.
This was the perfect mix of sweet small town and spicy and I can not wait for more.
I was so excited to read about Hank after reading Back in the Country. The mystery surrounding his past and his grumpy but sweet exterior drew me in. I loved watching him accept and then take what he deserves.
Isla, she’s kind of starting over and figuring out what she wants in life. Her kindness was unmatchable and she couldn’t have settled in a better place. I loved that’s she knew what she wanted and just waited for it.
This was the perfect mix of sweet small town and spicy and I can not wait for more.
December 7, 2022
Hank and Isla are so steamy together!
Making it Country is a fun, steamy, heart-filled story. I loved Hank’s grumpy attitude with Isla’s take-no-crap personality. The two were just fire together! Grumpy and Sunshine, Country Boy and City Girl, Opposites Attract.
This is the second book in the Clementine Creek series from Alexandra Hale. And the Thayer family is my new large family series obsession. Every character in this book needs their own story. I love all of the family interactions, especially the way the take Isla in when she needs them, and how they rally around Hank even when he is pushing them away.
If you love small town romance you definitely need to spend some time in Clementine Creek.
Making it Country is a fun, steamy, heart-filled story. I loved Hank’s grumpy attitude with Isla’s take-no-crap personality. The two were just fire together! Grumpy and Sunshine, Country Boy and City Girl, Opposites Attract.
This is the second book in the Clementine Creek series from Alexandra Hale. And the Thayer family is my new large family series obsession. Every character in this book needs their own story. I love all of the family interactions, especially the way the take Isla in when she needs them, and how they rally around Hank even when he is pushing them away.
If you love small town romance you definitely need to spend some time in Clementine Creek.
March 23, 2023
Hank and Isla.
Country and City.
The bread to her chowdah.
I thought I loved Waylon...until I met Hank. I love these two together. I love their story.
I have so many favorite moments in this book.
“He gave you oral over a winning soup spoon. If that’s not love, I don’t know what is.”
"It was rather filthy in a gentlemanly sort of way."
"Hank isn’t an a$$hole even though he sometimes lets people believe it. He’s simply a man who is shielding himself from the world."
"I have no problem spending the rest of my life on my knees for you.”
Clementine Creek is small town romance gold, and Alexandra Hale is my favorite gold miner.
FIVE WHOLE STARS...plus a bonus epilogue.
Country and City.
The bread to her chowdah.
I thought I loved Waylon...until I met Hank. I love these two together. I love their story.
I have so many favorite moments in this book.
“He gave you oral over a winning soup spoon. If that’s not love, I don’t know what is.”
"It was rather filthy in a gentlemanly sort of way."
"Hank isn’t an a$$hole even though he sometimes lets people believe it. He’s simply a man who is shielding himself from the world."
"I have no problem spending the rest of my life on my knees for you.”
Clementine Creek is small town romance gold, and Alexandra Hale is my favorite gold miner.
FIVE WHOLE STARS...plus a bonus epilogue.
November 27, 2022
WOW!!!
What do you get when you have two strong MCs from different worlds? 5 alarm chilli all the way!
This story was electrifying and I loved Hank and Isla so much! She’s a big-hearted, relentless queen and he’s the sexy, strong, sensitive alpha-hole she deserves.
The chemistry in this book was visceral. The story was one of undeniable strength and was told so beautifully that I am unashamed to say that tears were shed (don’t worry though, not too many). The characters were my favorite.
This story is spicy, heart-warming and impossible to put down!
What do you get when you have two strong MCs from different worlds? 5 alarm chilli all the way!
This story was electrifying and I loved Hank and Isla so much! She’s a big-hearted, relentless queen and he’s the sexy, strong, sensitive alpha-hole she deserves.
The chemistry in this book was visceral. The story was one of undeniable strength and was told so beautifully that I am unashamed to say that tears were shed (don’t worry though, not too many). The characters were my favorite.
This story is spicy, heart-warming and impossible to put down!
December 11, 2022
Making it Country is probably my favorite of the two though. I love a grumpy, broody main male character. Especially when the female main character is fiercely independent and dishes right back out what is handed to her, Isla is that. Hank was so intriguing to me in Back in the Country I was so excited when I saw the second book was his book. Isla is a force to be reckoned with. The banter between them was amazing. I laughed many times. The sexual tension between them was just as intense. This book is my favorite out of the two for sure!
December 7, 2022
Oh my the heat between these two could start a forest fire. I loved Hank in Back in the Country and couldn’t wait for his book. And boy I didn’t see him falling for the city girl with so much love to give in ways no one in Clemson creek understands. But they love her anyway. Isla sweeps in and steals everyone’s heart. esp Hank. Watching them get their happily ever after was the best. Can’t wait for book three!
December 7, 2022
“Making it Country” by Alexandra Hale is the second book in her Clementine Creek series, and it follows the story of Hank Thayer, a grumpy (and sexy) mechanic.
I devoured this one. I couldn’t put it down. It made me laugh, cry, and everything in between. Isla is a badass, and I want to be her when I grow up 🤭
Rating :
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
Favorite Quote :
“I’m going to fuck up again, no doubt about it, but I’ll claw my way through hell to deserve you.”
I devoured this one. I couldn’t put it down. It made me laugh, cry, and everything in between. Isla is a badass, and I want to be her when I grow up 🤭
Rating :
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
Favorite Quote :
“I’m going to fuck up again, no doubt about it, but I’ll claw my way through hell to deserve you.”
January 6, 2023
Hank and Isla have such fantastic chemistry that you can feel the steam coming off of the pages. Isla is independent, strong minded, and is a get it done kind of person…needless to say she takes the small town by storm when she rolls in. She was the perfect heroine for Hank who is tormented and broody and oh so lovable! I can’t wait to return to this small town soon!
December 3, 2022
Making it country was amazing. I loved Hank in book 1 and I absolutely loved getting to know more about him in this book. Isla came crashing into his life literally and she is amazing for him. She brings out the best in him and I love it. I enjoyed reading the book and watching their love thrive!
December 8, 2022
Love these two!
I loved Hank and Isla! Great small town story. This whole family is amazing. Love the quirky side characters in this town. They add to the story! Can’t wait to read visit the town again in the next book!
I loved Hank and Isla! Great small town story. This whole family is amazing. Love the quirky side characters in this town. They add to the story! Can’t wait to read visit the town again in the next book!
December 1, 2022
This book is an amazing small town boy, city girl romance that will keep you turning the pages! I wish Clementine Creek was a real place because I would be on a plane in a heartbeat!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews