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A Welkins Ridge Romance #3
Pride & Joyce
Joyce, the owner of the Flying Saucer Café, has had a crush on her brother's best friend since she was a kid, but she's always assumed that playboy Hunter isn't one for commitment.
Hunter has had a crush on his best friend's little sister since they were in high school, but he's always assumed a nice girl like Joyce wouldn't want anything to do with a bad boy like him.
Everything changes when a drunken one-night stand results in Joyce getting pregnant.
You know what they say about assumptions…
Hunter has had a crush on his best friend's little sister since they were in high school, but he's always assumed a nice girl like Joyce wouldn't want anything to do with a bad boy like him.
Everything changes when a drunken one-night stand results in Joyce getting pregnant.
You know what they say about assumptions…
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 28, 2023
6 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
Thea Dawson
17 books133 followersWorld traveler, vegetarian, salsa dancer, film fanatic, lover of happy endings. In an alternate steampunk universe, Thea travels by dirigible and gets in sword fights with dashing villains.
In this one, she lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband/salsa partner, three antic children, and an agenda-driven cat. She writes at the intersection of sweet and steamy, and hopes her stories will melt your heart and brighten your day.
In this one, she lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband/salsa partner, three antic children, and an agenda-driven cat. She writes at the intersection of sweet and steamy, and hopes her stories will melt your heart and brighten your day.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
March 10, 2023
After ending a four-year relationship with her boyfriend over fertility issues, Joyce goes out drinking with her girls only to be left alone with her brother's best friend Hunter who tries to cheer her up by talking, food, and lots of drinking. The two end up having a drunken one-night stand that results in Joyce getting pregnant. Both have secretly had crushes on each other for years but due to non-communication and awkward bumbling on both parts they both think neither wants the other. Friends, family, and work life also get in the way, but the truth and more feelings come out when tragedy strikes, and Joyce moves in with Hunter. But Hunter has a secret that threatens what they are building on.
Don't worry there is a sweet HEA and Joyce and Hunter come out stronger, and better on the other side of all their woes.
Don't worry there is a sweet HEA and Joyce and Hunter come out stronger, and better on the other side of all their woes.
May 24, 2023
4 stars
This series is quickly becoming one of my favorites. TBE characters are all eccentric and fun. There is nothing two-dimensional in the quirkiness of this little town and the various roads they take to get to their happily ever after.
This series is quickly becoming one of my favorites. TBE characters are all eccentric and fun. There is nothing two-dimensional in the quirkiness of this little town and the various roads they take to get to their happily ever after.
March 9, 2023
PRIDE & JOYCE By Thea Dawson
Joyce, the owner of the Flying Saucer Café, has had a crush on her brother's best friend since she was a kid, but she's always assumed that playboy Hunter isn't one for commitment.
Hunter has had a crush on his best friend's little sister since they were in high school, but he's always assumed a nice girl like Joyce wouldn't want anything to do with a bad boy like him.
Everything changes when a drunken one-night stand results in Joyce getting pregnant.
😊What i liked -
✔ Brother's Best Friend/Small Town/One Night Stand.
✔ I was team Hunter in this one. He is a lawyer who strives to be on top of things and is extremely grateful for what he has been given in life. He is a strong, caring and head on his shoulder kinda guy.
✔ I was 50/50 over Joyce. Yes i think she is strong and ambitious but that is her weakness as well.
✔ I loved the side characters as well. (not all though)
✔ This one is an easy, light (somewhat), emotional read.
🤔What could have been better -
✔ I wasn't a big fan of Joyce's parents and definitely of her sis-in-law. (what a specimen)
✔ Towards the second half of the book I felt the story rushing a bit.
📚Who Should read :
👶Beginners
💝Romance Lovers
💕One Night Stand Romance
🏡👶Small Town Romance
📈My Rating : 3/5
Thank You, Thea Dawson, for a copy.
Joyce, the owner of the Flying Saucer Café, has had a crush on her brother's best friend since she was a kid, but she's always assumed that playboy Hunter isn't one for commitment.
Hunter has had a crush on his best friend's little sister since they were in high school, but he's always assumed a nice girl like Joyce wouldn't want anything to do with a bad boy like him.
Everything changes when a drunken one-night stand results in Joyce getting pregnant.
😊What i liked -
✔ Brother's Best Friend/Small Town/One Night Stand.
✔ I was team Hunter in this one. He is a lawyer who strives to be on top of things and is extremely grateful for what he has been given in life. He is a strong, caring and head on his shoulder kinda guy.
✔ I was 50/50 over Joyce. Yes i think she is strong and ambitious but that is her weakness as well.
✔ I loved the side characters as well. (not all though)
✔ This one is an easy, light (somewhat), emotional read.
🤔What could have been better -
✔ I wasn't a big fan of Joyce's parents and definitely of her sis-in-law. (what a specimen)
✔ Towards the second half of the book I felt the story rushing a bit.
📚Who Should read :
👶Beginners
💝Romance Lovers
💕One Night Stand Romance
🏡👶Small Town Romance
📈My Rating : 3/5
Thank You, Thea Dawson, for a copy.
March 9, 2023
Joyce and Hunter's Story . . .
Joyce and Hunter seem to belong to the “club” where you don’t tell the object of your desire how you feel but hope he or she will guess. Joyce has always had a crush on Hunter from back in their childhood days. He was her brother’s best friend, so they saw each other often. Hunter was happy to play the field and assumed Joyce would have no interest in him. Then life made the decision for them when they had too much to drink and moved on to a one-night-stand leading to pregnancy. (Not that it’s any of their business, but…) how will her brother and other family members react to the pregnancy? How will Hunter respond when he had never wanted children? Will Joyce be happy with what this pregnancy leads to?
There are some other nasty road bumps along their way to figuring out a future, but they have plenty to deal with without the legal hassles. The best lesson to learn is to communicate and to not try hiding what will soon become obvious. Stand up for what you want and make your own decisions about your life. They may not always work out right, but they are yours to learn from.
Joyce and Hunter seem to belong to the “club” where you don’t tell the object of your desire how you feel but hope he or she will guess. Joyce has always had a crush on Hunter from back in their childhood days. He was her brother’s best friend, so they saw each other often. Hunter was happy to play the field and assumed Joyce would have no interest in him. Then life made the decision for them when they had too much to drink and moved on to a one-night-stand leading to pregnancy. (Not that it’s any of their business, but…) how will her brother and other family members react to the pregnancy? How will Hunter respond when he had never wanted children? Will Joyce be happy with what this pregnancy leads to?
There are some other nasty road bumps along their way to figuring out a future, but they have plenty to deal with without the legal hassles. The best lesson to learn is to communicate and to not try hiding what will soon become obvious. Stand up for what you want and make your own decisions about your life. They may not always work out right, but they are yours to learn from.
February 24, 2023
This is a fun and mostly light-hearted opposites attract story which hits the accidental pregnancy and brother's best friend tropes. Joyce is the quirky owner of the Flying Saucer Cafe. Hunter is a lawyer, set on making himself a success in order to prove to the small town that he has overcome his horrible childhood. When Hunter crashes a girls night gone wrong and tries to cheer up a newly single Joyce, one thing leads to another and they both drunkenly act on long-simmering desire which results in an unexpected pregnancy - a somewhat happy event for Joyce and everything Hunter never wanted. When a new entity threatens her livelihood, Joyce has to figure out how to juggle new pregnancy symptoms and keeping her business safe and Hunter has to decide if what he has always thought he wanted is what he actually wants.
The story is well written and enjoyable, easily read in a few hours. I love that other characters from the series continue to pop in and take part. I love Joyce's strength and persistence in living life her own way and all that is the Flying Saucer Cafe!
The story is well written and enjoyable, easily read in a few hours. I love that other characters from the series continue to pop in and take part. I love Joyce's strength and persistence in living life her own way and all that is the Flying Saucer Cafe!
March 4, 2023
I struggled with this one. Maybe I needed to read the previous books first. I didn't dislike either character. I disliked the fact that they indulged in behavior that I find irritating in ANY book.
Joyce and Hunter had a serious problem with an inability to communicate what they thought or felt. Both of them made assumptions. I also did not like the way Noah and his parents treated Hunter after finding out he was the father of Joyce's baby. Part of the story that I would have found interesting was diminished for me because of the irritating behavior. Other than that, it was a pretty predictable read. A 3.5 Star read.
I still believe it was a decent read and probably pretty good for anyone that didn't have the same issue as me. I would recommend you read it and form your own opinion.
They ultimately reached their HEA and the reader was even provided with a chapter that followed them a year down the road. SCORE!! Always a plus in my book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book received via Booksprout.
Joyce and Hunter had a serious problem with an inability to communicate what they thought or felt. Both of them made assumptions. I also did not like the way Noah and his parents treated Hunter after finding out he was the father of Joyce's baby. Part of the story that I would have found interesting was diminished for me because of the irritating behavior. Other than that, it was a pretty predictable read. A 3.5 Star read.
I still believe it was a decent read and probably pretty good for anyone that didn't have the same issue as me. I would recommend you read it and form your own opinion.
They ultimately reached their HEA and the reader was even provided with a chapter that followed them a year down the road. SCORE!! Always a plus in my book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book received via Booksprout.
February 28, 2023
What a fun, lighthearted read from Ms Dawson….I immediately connected with the writing and the characters as we get to know the tattooed pixie Joyce and suit wearing lawyer Hunter.
This story has some really poignant moments which had my chest aching for both of these somewhat misunderstood characters….Hunter has had to fight hard for everything in his life….he has a heart of pure gold, something he tries to hide behind his woolfish grin and free spirited guise.
Joyce has always had a crush on him but has never been brave enough to tell him.
These two find themselves in the most unlikely of situations and suddenly they have to start being honest with each other…..not something they are particularly good at!
Loved this and all the people in it…with a beautiful epilogue …I want to know more…will Hunter manage to negotiate what he wants…..looking forward to the next visit to this quirky town!
This story has some really poignant moments which had my chest aching for both of these somewhat misunderstood characters….Hunter has had to fight hard for everything in his life….he has a heart of pure gold, something he tries to hide behind his woolfish grin and free spirited guise.
Joyce has always had a crush on him but has never been brave enough to tell him.
These two find themselves in the most unlikely of situations and suddenly they have to start being honest with each other…..not something they are particularly good at!
Loved this and all the people in it…with a beautiful epilogue …I want to know more…will Hunter manage to negotiate what he wants…..looking forward to the next visit to this quirky town!
February 24, 2023
A funny and cozy read . Hunter and Joyce have been friends for the last 15 years since he is her brothers best friend . The night after she broke up with with her boyfriend of 4 years they meet at a bar he tries to chear her up . They end up both drunk and having sex . Joyce after having some problems with fertility she finally gets pregnant . When Hunter learns that he will be a father he just runs . After the way he had grow up with an absent father who will show up couple times in the year and been really poor he had swear never have children of his own . But his feeling for Joyce and the baby won his pride . What will happen when his private life and his work life are in conflict ? Which one will he whose ?.
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.
March 8, 2023
This is the third book in the A Welkins Ridge Romance Series but can be read as a standalone. If you've read any of the other books you'll recognize some of the characters. Joyce and Hunter had a secret crush on each other since childhood. They meet up after a girls night out that went off the rails and they end up drinking too much and sleeping together. Well I guess you can imagine what comes next, two lines on a positive pregnancy test. She's excited because she didn't think she could get pregnant. He's not happy as he didn't want children because of his troubled childhood. Some drama, angst, family issues and lots of communication issues. Some issues and kinks with his law firm add to the angst. It was a good story for the most part but will keep your interest. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 7, 2023
3 stars 3 steamy kisses
arc copy review
book #3 in the Welkins Ridge Romance series
opposites attract, best friends little sister, brothers best friend, one-night stand, surprise pregnancy, Pride and Prejudice retelling, small town romance, troubled past, lawyer
I didn't feel the chemistry between these two main characters. I thought that the book still functioned well enough that I would have liked to have read a bit more of spice though that could be just my preference. I'm not a fan of miscommunication and some of the tension within the story felt dragged out for me since they could have been resolved easily. I did like how the author paid attention to certain details, especially since this is book #3 in the series.
arc copy review
book #3 in the Welkins Ridge Romance series
opposites attract, best friends little sister, brothers best friend, one-night stand, surprise pregnancy, Pride and Prejudice retelling, small town romance, troubled past, lawyer
I didn't feel the chemistry between these two main characters. I thought that the book still functioned well enough that I would have liked to have read a bit more of spice though that could be just my preference. I'm not a fan of miscommunication and some of the tension within the story felt dragged out for me since they could have been resolved easily. I did like how the author paid attention to certain details, especially since this is book #3 in the series.
March 8, 2023
I was sooo excited to finally read Joyce and Hunter's story after seeing how they goad each other in the last two books and finally after one break up and a one night stand things are about to really change for both of them. Joyce is one heck of a woman who wants to make her own way in the world and bucks what her parents expect of her which can also be a hazard when it comes to her and Hunter. Both she and Hunter have stuff to work through not only between them but also about their careers.
We get plenty of laughs, frustrations along with a bit of heartbreak (especially how Hunter was treated after the family dinner) as well as some danger and romance and most of all a HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
We get plenty of laughs, frustrations along with a bit of heartbreak (especially how Hunter was treated after the family dinner) as well as some danger and romance and most of all a HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 27, 2023
So lovely to be back in Welkins Ridge. Hunter had a difficult childhood and had been supported along the way by his best friend, Noah and his family. Noah's sister, Joyce crushed on Hunter but always bickered with him to cover it up. When she breaks up with her boyfriend she ends up drinking in a bar with Hunter. At the end of the night they end up in bed together. Complications arise both personally and professionally as lawyer Hunter's law firm present him and Joyce with an impossible dilemma. Really looking forward to Blaze's story next.
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.
March 4, 2023
Hunter and Joyce probably shouldn’t have gotten drunk and slept together after she broke up with her boyfriend but then she wouldn’t be expecting a baby she thought she would never have. Still their relationship is complicated with his poor dating track record, family history, trying to hide their relationship where she felt like he was ashamed of her and that his law firm is representing the company trying to put her out of business. It was awful how low that firm would go to get what they wanted. It gave lawyers even more of a bad name. But it was sweet how Hunter took care of Joyce and her grumpy cat.
March 11, 2023
This is Book 3 in A Welkins Ridge Romance Series and my first read by this author, and I must say that I quite enjoyed the storyline and characters. It is a lighthearted romance between Joyce and her brother's best friend Hunter. Their sizzling chemistry and strong connection are undeniable as they navigate the bumpy road to their forever after. What starts out as a one night stand turns into something more. It is a sweet love story with drama and steam, humor and charm, sexual tension and chemistry, and engaging secondary characters to keep the reader interested. Entertaining standalone book.
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.
March 5, 2023
Solid 4 1/2 stars. I've been reading this series and this book might be my favorite of the 3. I love Joyce! She's always been a great character that we all new deserved better than Brandon. Hunter had some depth, one we heard about his past, his insecurities, he needed some Joy in his life! The grand gesture was just about as grand as you can get, i enjoyed this story a lot, looking forward to the next book
March 7, 2023
Pride and Joyce is an excellent new book. Thea Dawson has written a story that balances the emotional with humor and fun. Joyce and Hunter have their own pasts/issues to face, not to mention a baby on the way. I thought they each found good growth as individuals in addition to the development of their relationship.
This series is shaping up to be one of my favorites from Thea!
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
This series is shaping up to be one of my favorites from Thea!
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
March 8, 2023
I loved this story from beginning to end, the situation between Joyce and Hunter was complicated, each one had their reservations about being in a relationship, and to top it off everyone seemed to disagree with them being together. But they were joined by a baby and that was already something very important. The plot is good, the development, the characters and above all together makes this reading entertaining.
March 10, 2023
This is yet another wonderful read from Thea Dawson. Like all her books I couldn't put it down and read it in one sitting. It is cleverly written, and the story keeps you hooked. I don't want to give away any spoilers but if you love any of the other books in this series you will love this one too, and if you haven't read any of the others you can read this one and then go back and read the others.
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.
April 9, 2023
This is the third book in this series, and this is Hunter and Joyce’s story. Joyce has had a crush on her brother’s best friend since childhood, never knowing he felt the same. The chemistry between these two is combustible and undeniable. This is a well written story which has humor, witty banter, challenges, and love, which leads to a fun, steamy, entertaining, and light-hearted page turner.
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.
February 23, 2023
This is an awesome small town/romantic comedy.. I loved it! It is sweet, steamy, and fun-to-read.. Really cute characters..
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.
March 2, 2023
Good read! And funny!
I seriously cracked up during their Round 2.
They are definitely opposites but make each other perfect.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I seriously cracked up during their Round 2.
They are definitely opposites but make each other perfect.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 16, 2023
This is book three in the Welkins Ridge Romance Series. This story is an small town steamy fun lawyer and a cafe owner in love romance. This story is sweet and entertaining.
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.
March 17, 2023
I enjoyed this story of unrequited live blossoming into a relationship. Three was a lot in this story but I could not put ot down. There was fun and honor too. A great story.
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.
March 9, 2023
Love the juxtaposition of these two characters. Fun, light and engaging, this is an ideal book to get lost in for a few hours.
April 7, 2023
4.5stars.
April 8, 2023
Fun read
I enjoyed reading this story. It was both creative and entertaining. Thank you for sharing with your readers. I will be reading more of your stories.
I enjoyed reading this story. It was both creative and entertaining. Thank you for sharing with your readers. I will be reading more of your stories.
February 10, 2024
Enjoyed this story
December 30, 2024
2.5 / 5
I wanted to enjoy this more, but it was so riddled with typos and grammatical errors that I was frustrated and distracted.
I wanted to enjoy this more, but it was so riddled with typos and grammatical errors that I was frustrated and distracted.
March 6, 2023
Sooo good! I love this series, and Joyce and Hunter were super sweet protagonists. Neat plot twists, fun dialogue, and steam too. What’s not to love?! Highly recommend!
April 24, 2025
It was a very funny rom-com that I thoroughly enjoyed. A frenemies to lovers story that kept me involved throughout the book. I loved it!.
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.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews