Small Town Hero

Brothers of Paradise #4

by Olivia Hayle

My new boss is my best friend’s older brother and the golden boy of Paradise Shores. Me? I'm the misfit single mom who never wanted to fit in...

Being forced to move back to my hometown after a decade away is embarrassing, but I’ll do anything to protect my little girl. I’ll even wait tables at the elite Yacht Club… now owned by the boy I once had a huge crush on. He’s grown up and claimed his rightful place as King of Paradise Shores.

Parker Marchand was a star athlete and professional sailor who never looked at me twice. He’s strong and steady, everything my abusive ex wasn't, but I'm a struggling single mom and professional screw-up. What could we possibly have in common?

But Parker doesn't believe in no win situations. He wants to be my knight in shining armor. His plan: Charm my daughter. Take me sailing. Out to dinner...and into his bed. Make me forget everyone but him.

The man I’ve always wanted is within reach, but I've been burned too many times to trust again. Parker has a brilliant future and I’m running from my past.

Everyone knows knights in shining armor aren't real, and I’m too old to believe in fairy tales. Even if Parker is making it hard not to...

Genres: Romance, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Small Town Romance, Workplace Romance, Second Chance

Unknown Binding

First published May 20, 2022

About the author

Hi there! I'm Olivia.
I write romance with billionaire heroes (despite never having met one in person). They're strong, ambitious, they don't need love... until they meet the women who change their minds.

I love witty banter, smart heroines, big cities and perfectly tailored suits. You'll find all four in every one of my books! 💜

➡ Explore the bonus content: https://oliviahayle.com/bonus-content
➡ Visit https://oliviahayle.com

READING ORDER
You can read any of the books as standalones, because each book follows a new couple. But if you ask me? This is my personal preference...

The Connovan Chronicles
- Best Enemies Forever
- The Perfect Mistake
- One Wrong Move

New York Billionaires
- Think Outside the Boss
- Saved by the Boss
- Say Yes to the Boss
- A Ticking Time Boss
- Suite on the Boss
- 12 Days of Bossmas

Seattle Billionaires
- Billion Dollar Enemy
- Billion Dollar Beast
- Billion Dollar Catch
- Billion Dollar Fiancé

Brothers of Paradise
- Dark Eyed Devil
- Ice Cold Boss
- Red Hot Rebel
- Small Town Hero

Standalones
- Arrogant Boss
- Look But Don't Touch
- The Billionaire Scrooge Next Door
- How to Honeymoon Alone

Reviews

[mica · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️


te amo libro de romance con un protagonista masculino tierno, hot y cero tóxico


(la vara quedó en el mismísimo infierno chicas)

[Andréa · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Sweet stars

I enjoyed Parker and Jamie’s story. Not having read the previous books in the series I probably spoiled myself but never mind.

I appreciated Parker’s patience with Jamie and the care he took with both her and Emma.

Nice characters, good plot and satisfying ending.

[Mora · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved it! I cried so much, it was just too cute and totally perfect.

I haven't read the other books in the series, so I obviously spoiled it for myself, but honestly, I don't even care

[Lola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paradise Found

I am a huge fan of Olivia Hayle’s stories and the characters existing within them and this story is no different. In this final book in the Paradise Brothers series both the main characters are given their chance at happiness.
Parker seems to have a head start after leaving his big city job and taking over the Paradise Shores yacht club. Jamie’s path to happiness is a little less direct.
The story deals with the aftermath of suffering psychological abuse from a partner. Olivia deals with the issues of shame, guilt, self-doubt and social isolation with sensitive care.
The slow build-up of the relationship between Parker and Jamie is lovely and yet there is this underlying tension of waiting for her past to come calling. And when it does the scene is both gut wrenching and fist pumping awesome.
Ultimately, the love and support Jamie receives from Parker and old friends allows her to see a clear path to the happiness she and her daughter deserve.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and have voluntarily written this review.

[Camila Latorre · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️
Me gustó, entretenido y es una lectura rápida para pasar el rato

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. The story of Jamie and Parker is really sweet and heartwarming. I loved the development of their relationship. Yes, it was a bit slow but I feel like the build-up and the pace really worked. I loved how Parker really encouraged and support Jamie after how her ex had casted doubts in herself. And the ending was really heartwarming, the scene between Emma and Parker.

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is part of the Brothers of Paradise Series. You'll love Jamie and Parker's story and it'll grab your attention right at the beginning. Emotional and heartwarming as Parker helps Jamie rebuild her self esteem. He's the owner of the local Yacht club and a really good guy. He's also the older brother of Jamie's best friend. She returned home to Paradise Shores with her daughter after escaping her abusive marriage. She's so closed off because of her previous spouse but Parker is determined to win her over. It cute how he wins the heart of her young daughter first and builds the trust. A great book that's hard to put down. The characters are complex and likable. A great book that was a joy to read. I read a free book via Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.

[clemen't · Rating 5 out of 5]

aayyyyshdldkffnnxnc que tierno fue esto bastaaa, nunca me esperé que un libro con este tipo de portadas fuera a ser tan TIERNO, o sea, en realidad tuvo de todo pero es una historia DE VERDAD y por lo general siento que los libros con portadas así (ustedes entienden a qué me refiero) son como super planos (??) en cuanto a las tramas y eso pero este noooo aaaa fue muy lindo🥹
(otro libro que leí en un día, muy desempleada yo)

[Cali Jewel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This returning home to my hometown to get back on my feet again journey is a highly entertaining read from beginning to end. Emotionally thrilling, action packed and exciting adventure filled with witty and engaging charters, heart racing twists and undeniable passion.

[ReadingInThe6ix · Rating 4 out of 5]

Olivia Hayle is such a reliable author.

I enjoyed this. I thought it was well written, the story flowed well, their was chemistry between the leads. It really had everything needed to be successful, which it was.

[Jezabel Nightingale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another OH winner! I still think Henry is my favourite brother, but Parker is now a close second! A slow burn, but so worth it in the end. Beautiful portrayal of emotional abuse too.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5✨

[Bridget]

dnf @ 57%

[Maryim Hamadi · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars! It was a simple summer romance.

[Clarky · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a small town. Don't quite understand how he is a hero? It was cute though, I did join the series in the middle so little parts I was like "oh okay?" but that is on me

[Maria (Ri) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

This was a pleasant surprise. I enjoyed the rapport between the characters. I was able to relate to Jamie in many ways. I'm glad she got Parker to help her battle her demons.

I look forward to whatever this author has in store for her readers next.

[Crazychriss889 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely
Like that the hero gives the heroine time.
Love little Emma. Precious girl.

I also love how their past with each other was dealt with. They both argued a lot but liked each other deep down and there was the possibility for more, for sure, but both only thought about it and never acted on their crush. I liked that we get some glimpses into their past that it wasn't glossed over.

The glimpse into their future was no less perfect.

[Magali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good second chance
It's a beautiful simple romance between Jamie who returns to her childhood city, a little ashamed after years of absences and depreciations by her ex-husband, but who will rebuild herself, especially with Parker, the brother of her best friend, who accompanies her, highlights her. Their story is tender, hot and simple
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book

[Bojana's Library ❤ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 ⭐️
And once again, I'm in love with another book boyfriend LMAO
Once I've seen one of the bookstagram accounts I follow recommending this book and it said "single mom trope" - I was sold!!!

[Ni_kii · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favourite of the series

CW - domestic abuse, psychological abuse

In all honesty, I’ve adored this series but this may be my favourite by Olivia Hayle yet.

This review is a bit spoilery - you’ve been warned!

Jamie comes back to Paradise with her daughter to start afresh. After leaving her abusive husband, she comes back home, unsure of who she is anymore but unwilling to continue to subject her daughter to life in such a home.

Parker is the brother that is routed is Paradise. When he finds that Jamie has started work in his restaurant, he knows then and there that he gets a second chance to woo his teenaged crush. But Jamie isn’t the teenager that left all those years ago. She has emotional wounds that are still raw, still leaving her untrusting of her own worth. What she finds is that Parker isn’t the teenager she left behind either and the man has very much made up his mind when it comes to her …

Firstly, I will say that this book has its tough moments. Jamie’s abuse at the hands of her husband is very well written and the resulting emotional damage is handled with respect and realism. It is not shied away from and there are on page scenes - Her husband is a complete horror show. I adored watching Jamie heal.

Jamie is a wonderful FMC. She reaches her limit with her abuser when he starts to use his emotional manipulation on their daughter. She comes back to Paradise with no plan other than starting again; her bravery and strength is the core part of her character that I loved.

She starts the book with no foundations, having had them all stripped away. With the support of all the other characters in the book she starts to build up her strength; whether is it physical strength with Parker during their workouts or emotional strength with Lily, the first person she admits her abuse to outside of her family, she changes over the course of the book. Her journey is at the centre of the book and I’ll admit it made me cry.

This book is absolutely amazing and I have bought it (yes, off KU). Parker may be one of my favourite heroes and he was perfect for this.

I don’t know what I expected from Parker. In the other books, he was always the baby of the family and seemed to be a joker more than anything else. But that isn’t the man we see in these books; this Parker is responsible, loyal and completely wonderful. This Parker is the affectionate, patient man who allows Jamie’s the space to come to him when she’s ready, never allowing her to think he doesn’t adore her, whilst never pressuring her into feeling the same. This Parker is the man who becomes such a safe harbour, she is able to admit when the toxic voices take over, smothering her in self-doubt. I loved him.

Tropes-wise, we have siblings best-friend (Jamie is Lily’s BFF), found family (the scenes with Emma were absolutely adorable), second-chance romance and boss-employee romance.

You can read this romance as a stand-alone and I think you should read it; It’s perfect.

[Mariana Baran · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you grow up together sometimes level playing field isn’t to be expected these two are no different Jamie grew up with Parker, he was her brother’s best friend, but life sometimes throw things at you, or should I say people who don’t have your best interest at heart. Jamie is back home with nothing to show but a beautiful baby girl after leaving her father who took, then took more leaving only a shell of the women she was when she met him. So, arriving home feeling like a beat-up ugly duckling and hoping to find herself and stand on her own two feet the problem is when she left, she stop communicating with her best friend Lily hoping for forgiveness upon arriving she got a job working at the Paradise Shore sailing club as a waitress only to find out her boss is none other than her brother’s best friend, the one she crushed on all of her teenage years, oh and Lily’s brother 😊 yep can’t you see the adventure they will embark on already. Parker sexy as all get out sunkissed boss/brother wealthy man who women flock to never expecting to see the women that caught his eye growing up bot she was his little sister’s best friend the one girl who would stand up to him, put him in his place, and argue with him like nobody’s business always making him come up with ways just to get a raise out of her, today she works for him as a waitress however, she isn’t the same girl because this person is broken and all he wants to do fix what the loser broke thus bringing back his carefree friend. The attraction is insanely intense, and the magnetic pull can’t be ignored and so the adventures of working together, getting to know each other on an adult level throw in her daughter with her own issues but is it enough for her considering what the last man did to her, will she give him a chance to make it right to show her that real men exist, will her ex. come after her or his daughter, and will she get that HEA with her small town hero?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jamie Moraine is running from her past and also running into her past. She was the wild child that was always up for an adventure. However, life has gone from exciting to exhausting. In order to create a better life for both her and her daughter, she finds herself back in her home town of Paradise Shores waiting tables at the Yacht Club. However, she is unaware that the new owner of the Yacht Club is Parker Marchand, her (former) best friend’s brother.
Jamie has not spoken to anyone, besides her mother, from Paradise Shores for years. Partly because of her own insecurities, but mostly because of an abusive relationship. She lost herself and all of her support along the way. But now back in a place she once called home, she finds that she is still welcome and loved. Parker was the “Golden Boy” in Jamie's eyes but he does not see himself the same. Once a lawyer in Boston, he has returned home to Paradise Shores to run the Yacht Club and spend more time sailing. The Marchands are a very successful family and Parker often feels as if his parents believe he is squarderning his potential. When he finds out that Jamie is one of his new employees, he is intrigued and willing to help her in any way he can.
Jamie has a lot of trauma to overcome, she truly lost who she was as a person and must rediscover it. She was willing to admit that she did not have a good reason for cutting off all communication from her best friend, Lily and therefore all of the Marchand family. As she spends more time with Parker, she rediscovers herself and begins to believe in her value. A lesson he has had to learn as well. I like that things that could have caused miscommunication between Parker and Jamie were not stumbling blocks for them. They talked about the hard stuff and supported one other. This book read well as a standalone, as I have not read any of the other books in the series. I feel if you have read the others, this one does give a nice conclusion and confirmation of everyone's HEAs.

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once I started reading Small Town Hero by Olivia Hayle I knew I was going to enjoy reading this book. I found that it had a lot of tropes that I love so it checked a lot of boxes for me in that regard. It was best friend's older brother, escaping an emotionally abusive partner, single mother, quasi second chance romance, and boss-employee. So it really checked a lot of boxes for tropes.
When Jamie left Paradise Shores after high school she didn't know what she was going to do with her life, she just knew that she wanted to rebel from the life she grew up in. After being gone for years, becoming a mother, and stuck in an emotionally abusive relationship during that time she has realized her life in Paradise Shores wasn't that bad. In an effort to make a better life for her and her daughter Jamie decided to move back home and live with her mother. While her life isn't what she wanted for her life she's going to make the best of it for them both. But when she starts her first day as a waitress at the local yatch club she wasn't expecting her boss to be her best friend, Lily, from high school's older brother, Parker. While she still loved Lily long ago she let her go because she couldn't face Lily with the decisions that she had made in her life. Having to work for Parker is seriously testing her decision to stay in Paradise Shores, because she isn't sure she can face her past decisions, especially letting Lily go. As Jamie and Parker start to work together feels that Jamie didn't realize she had towards Parker begin to grow...
Parker is shocked to see his sister's best friend working at his restaurant, and as soon as he sees her he can tell she's hiding something or from someone. Determined to make Jamie feel safe he soon starts to have the feelings he had while they were in high school again but he can tell she isn't ready for a relationship. But as time goes on he can see Jamie warming up to him, and he can't help but also love her little girl just as much as he does Jamie...

[Desert Lumens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hayle did a phenomenal job here. I really must say that I enjoyed Jamie and Parker’s book. Before I begin my review I must warn though that there may be some triggers for some people. I for one have seen this most of my teenage life. My brother was like lee, except that not only was he verbally abusive he was physically abusive with his women. Even now to this day he beats women. He’s scum, plain and simple. It’s probably one of the reasons I’m a protector and crush males like this. Sighs, onto the review. To sum things up Jamie is a single mom on the run from an abusive relationship and she finds herself back at home in Paradise Shores where she grew up. This small town is home to the very affluent, including our past and present main characters the Marchand siblings. She’s there to start over and she luckily lands a job at her old high school summer gig, the Yacht club. She’s trying to keep her head down and lay low…..not wanting anyone in town to know she’s back, especially waiting tables. But little does she know that her very best friends older brother (by a year) is the brand new owner of the Yacht club. Enter Parker. I really loved Parker’s character. He’s very chivalrous and he cares very much about Jamie, even right off the bat and you can tell he has feelings for her. Jamie is very confused, rightfully so. She’s a battered woman. She’s kind of a husk of her former self and Parker sees there is something different about her. The way she carries herself. She’s different, the fire she once had has dimmed and he wants to stoke those flames. Hayles world building is beyond excellent. She knows how to intrigue her readers and she knows exactly how to pull her readers in. This story hit close to home in so many ways. Not only with my own story but with friends that I know and care about as well. I’m glad we get to see old friends in this book, true to Hayle she always has cameo appearances. I love Lily so much. She’s such a nosey one but I love her. I’m glad there wasn’t much parental drama in this book, ole Michael can be something else. This book was very well written and I’m sad actually that it ended. I was hoping that the new chef would get a book to be honest. 🤣 to keep the story going. I was hoping a cousin would come along 😂. I will definitely miss this family. I can’t wait to see what Hayle comes up with next. This grumpy bear 🐻 gave this book 5 sail boats ⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️and 2 of Emma’s cookies 🍪 🍪.

I received this book as an ARC from booksprout.com for my honest and unbiased review

[Momo [Serial Romance Reader] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Truly enjoyed this book! The Marchand siblings and their respective partners and children were adorable together. I loved how the siblings were loyal to each other and to people important to each of them. In this series, the only book I haven't read is the first one, but I still enjoyed seeing Hayden and Lily's parts. Lily and Jamie's reconnection even made me tear up because they just had that love between them that stood amidst the years they spent apart and how they remained each other's best friend despite all that.

I enjoyed how Parker and Jamie started reconnecting as friends. I loved how they didn't immediately dive in to love or even lust with each other and instead formed trust and friendship again between them first. I just thought it was really necessary with Jamie's circumstance.

Parker was downright amazing. The way he interacts with Emma every single time gets me. He's just everything you know?? I have 0 complaints when it comes to him. He's kind, loyal, patient, and just AMAZING. I loved how he treated Jamie and Emma, and each of his loved one tbh. I felt happy for what Jamie found again once she came back in Paradise Shores. For all the things she've been through, she deserved the family she came back to. She was a strong woman and a wonderful mother to Emma. I liked how she can be playful at times too, giving a glimpse of herself when they were young.

Overall, I enjoyed this series and the family they were able to build together have grown on me. I also saw a family tree from the author's newsletter where the names of the kids each of the couples had were revealed. I just wished I just saw all of them in the story because I'm a sucker for soft happy endings like that. Lol.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Steam Level: 🔥🔥🔥

[Alissa (Taylor's Version) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 🌟

This is the last book of the Paradise Shore series and I'm a bit sad, since I really enjoyed the whole series.
I loved the summery, light feeling of it . It was romantic and sexy at the same time with likable characters.
"Small Town Hero" was Parker's story and I enjoyed it. It was a cute light read and transported me to Paradise Shore immediately.
It was also amazing to meet all the brothers and their girlfriends/wives again. Especially Rhys and Ivy -who are my favourite couple in the series. It had a few very cute scenes in it, especially the swimming in the lake scene! 😍
I also really liked that their relationship wasn't rushed and it developed over time. Although, I personally think the chemistry between Parker and Jamie could've been more prominent from the beginning, because in the first 100 or so pages, they gave me more of a friends kinda vibe instead of people who were attracted in a sexual way to each other. I don't know if that was on purpose from the author, but to me the transition of friends to lovers was too rushed. It was like the author hit a switch and they were suddenly attracted to each other. In hindsight I know it was probably because Jamie came out of an abusive relationship and therefore didn't think about dating right away...
The love scenes though were very sexy and cute ! I really loved reading them! 😄
Last but not least, the whole last third was simply too rushed for me
There was so much happening in such a short amount of pages. I would've loved if the book got some fe more extra pages, especially since a few things were also heavier topics like : Parker getting lost at sea while sailing, the father of her child coming back etc.

All in all I enjoyed it though and am sad that the series ends now 🥺.

[Sasa03 · Rating 5 out of 5]

„Small Town Hero“ wurde von Olivia Hayle geschrieben. Es handelt sich dabei um den vierten und damit abschließenden Band ihrer Paradise Brothers Reihe. Die einzelnen Bände können unabhängig voneinander gelesen werden. In diesem Band wird die Geschichte von Parker und Jamie erzählt.
Das Cover passt optisch perfekt in die Reihe. Der Schreibstil ist locker und flüssig gehalten, wodurch ich problemlos der Handlung folgen konnte. Erzählt wird dabei abwechselnd aus den Perspektiven von Jamie und Parker.
Jamie ist hingebungsvolle Mutter einer kleinen Tochter Emma. Sie kehrt nach Jahren an den Ort ihrer Kindheit zurück. Kontakt zu Freunden und Bekannten hatte sie in den letzten Jahren nicht. Umso klarer wird, dass die ein oder andere Konfrontation mit der Rückkehr auf sie wartet. Aus der starken und kämpferischen jungen Frau ist eine zurückhaltende und bedachte Frau geworden. Das fällt auch Parker Marchand, dem Bruder ihrer damaligen besten Freundin, auf. Er nimmt sich vor, die alte Jamie aus ihrem Versteck zu locken. Was unweigerlich dazu führt, dass sie mehr Zeit miteinander verbringen und sich näherkommen. Die Chemie zwischen ihnen stimmt von Anfang an. Auch wenn es Jamie Parker nicht einfach macht, schafft er es irgendwann zu ihr durchzudringen. Könnte vielleicht auch daran liegen, dass sie schon in ihrer Kindheit für ihn geschwärmt hat.
Mir hat die Dynamik zwischen Beiden sehr gut gefallen. Auch als die Vergangenheit an die Tür klopft, halten sie zusammen und sind füreinander da.
Die Geschichte konnte mich von Anfang bis Ende abholen und hat einen schönen Abschluss der Reihe gebildet.

[Nicole Aufderheide · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Small Town Hero" ist der vierte und damit leider auch schon letzte Teil der "The Paradise Brothers" Reihe. Jeder Teil kann vollkommen unabhängig voneinander gelesen werden, jede Geschichte ist abgeschlossen. Wie es aber bei Geschwistern so ist, es gibt immer ein Wiedersehen.



Ich habe mich in diesen zauberhaften Ort und in diese tolle Geschwister schon mit dem ersten Teil regelrecht verliebt. Trotzdem muss ich leider gestehen, das dieses Buch, nach dem ersten Teil, erst die zweite Geschichte dieser Reihe ist die ich gelesen habe. Obwohl... das ist ja auch ganz gut, denn so habe ich noch zwei Geschichten auf die ich mich freuen darf und ich hoffe sie so schnell wie möglich zu lesen.



Das ich das Setting liebe, brauche ich wohl nicht extra zu erwähnen und auf Parker und seine Geschichte habe ich mich schon sehr gefreut. Jamie hat mit ihm aber auch den perfekten Partner bekommen. Nachdem was sie mit ihrem Ex mitmachen musste hat sie einfach den Besten an ihrer Seite verdient und es mit Parker auch bekommen. Hach ja 😍😍 so schön.



Der Schreibstil hat mir wieder sehr gut gefallen. Er ist fesselnd, bildhaft und wieder so mitreißend. Ich freue mich jetzt schon auf alles was da noch kommen wird. Dankeschön das ich es lesen durfte.



Nachdem Jamie sich von ihrem Freund getrennt hat, kommt sie zurück nach Paradise Shore, obwohl sie eigentlich nie zurückkehren wollte. Schnell bekommt sie einen Job als Bedienung im Yacht Club, doch als sie erfährt wer dort der neue Eigentümer ist, möchte sie am liebsten alles wieder hinwerfen. Parker ist nicht nur der Bruder ihrer besten Freundin, sie war auch in ihn verliebt, auch wenn er das nie wusste...

[Maureen · Rating 3 out of 5]

In ‘Small Town Hero’ we meet Jamie and Parker. Jamie returns to her hometown after being away for more than ten years. Her life is definitely very different than what she thought it would be like. And she is definitely feeling a bit embarrassed. But Jamie has her young daughter to thing off, and she will do anything to make sure her daughter has a great life. When Jamie meets Parker again, her best-friends older brother, she instantly feels drawn to him. Parker definitely doesn’t seem to judge Jamie for her mistakes, and soon she finds herself spending more time with him. But Jamie isn’t the same girl she used to be, and her past definitely makes it hard for her to trust.

Overall ‘Small Town Hero’ was a very fun read. The two main characters Jamie and Parker where fun to get to know. I enjoyed their little banters, their shared history and the fun interactions they had. And their chemistry was definitely something I could feel. I loved reading how Jamie and Parker slowly grew closer to one another. And their where definitely a few steamy moments.

But at one moment in this book, it felt like things where moving a bit to slow for my taste. And I found myself losing interest a bit. I definitely had to tell myself to keep going. And luckily for me it got better again after a while. And in the end I’m definitely glad I kept on going.

The small town of Paradise Shores was definitely one my favorite things about this read. I loved reading about the sailing, and the small town life. And the author also did a great job writing about how Jamie got away from a toxic relationship. Sometimes it feels like a toxic relationship in books, is only being portraited as someone being physically hurt. But there are so many other ways of abusing a person. I’m glad the author showed this in this book.

Next to being mostly a fun read, ‘Small Town Hero’ made me curious about the other books by Olivia Hayle. Throughout this read we get some hints about other characters storylines, and although I didn’t feel like I missed important stuff.. It definitely made me wonder.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh man, what can I say? It was amazing. Unexpectedly so. I didn’t really like Parker when reading this series but when I began his book, I realized I didn’t even know him. He’s wonderful, just a heads up! And Jamie… I’ve been curious about her since Lily’s book. Glad to hear her story as well, even if it was painfully sad, but the growth in her character was amazing and felt fulfilled.

I don’t usually read stories where there is a kid involved— and not really because I don’t like kids, I actually love a good pregnancy trope (surprisingly)!— but sometimes when kids are involved it can feel cringy. Olivia Hayle is not one of those authors. Emma was a fun character and I felt like she fit in very well with the story!

This one has to be my favorite next to Rhys’ and Ivy’s book. I felt like the growth you can see in this book compared to the start of the series is very evident. Reading Parker’s and Jamie’s story reminded me of the current releases from Olivia, where her writing and story telling is matured and has a lot of growth.

I’m telling you right here and right now— don’t sleep on Olivia Hayle. I’ve been reading all her work after first being introduced to her by How to Honeymoon Alone. She is a wonderful writer! One of my favorites for sure. Read her work!!

I also have to add, I am sad to see Paradise leaving my reading realm. It had brought me such a calm and a taste of summer in these cold winter months. Makes me want to read more books with beach town settings!