Maggie Maxwell is part of a tiny community that has become like family to her, until her landlady’s grandson comes to town with the idea that she is out to scam his grandmother. Sparks fly high between Maggie and the handsome Carter Beauchamp.Maggie discovers that Carter won’t hesitate to act when she takes a risk that could be dangerous to her, and this sets off new sparks of attraction between … attraction between the two.
But Carter is struggling with his feelings for Maggie and can’t decide what he wants. When someone begins to tamper with her business and home, the risk to her wellbeing escalates quickly. Maggie is abducted by a mysterious stranger, and Carter races to rescue her, but will it be too late for the two of them?
Publisher’s Note: This steamy romantic mystery contains elements of power exchange, it is intended for mature readers.
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I grew up in a town a lot like this, and it rang true. It’s sort of an enemies-to-lovers situation, complete with jealousy over a misunderstanding, but the author got us past it… and boy, did they ever make up! My only problem was wanting all the food Maggie made. Warning: this book may be hazardous to your diet. Steamy and spanky – what’s not to like?
LIVING IN SMALLTOWN AMERICA
I enjoyed this book by a new author, Ms. Kat Carrington that had that hometown feel that you get in a small town. The story has a delightful cast of characters, plenty of friendly comraderies, a touch of mystery and suspense, and a sweet new relationship forming. With the addition of Maggie’s new bakery, The Artful Oven into the artsy-craftsy part of town, it adds to the charm that is all part of Boone, Indiana.
“We have a pretty special community here in Boone, I think. In most towns, this would be a gift shop and a bakery. Here, Maggie and GG have created part of the life of our town. We’re not just a street full of businesses; we’re a street full of neighbors and friends. We can count on each other, and we support each other.”
The story will have Carter Beauchamp coming into town to check on his grandmother, GG with the assumption that the new tenant lady, Maggie, was taking advantage of her, thinking she was an easy mark. He is full of attitude and accusations that are all unfounded. But it doesn’t take long to realize that Maggie isn’t out to harm GG, and if anything, she is a beloved member of the Boone community.
What happens when strange things start happening in both Maggie and GG’s businesses? Things come up missing or moved? Then someone is now causing issues at Maggie’s home? Getting a shelter dog, Beck gives Maggie a touch of security, but then someone takes things further, trashing her business right before a major event. Who is out to hurt Maggie and why?
“Maggie, this town loves you. You’re part of the Boone family, and the family pulls together. There are no thanks necessary. You’re one of us, Maggie.”
“I want you all to know how much I appreciate everything you did today and how much I love every one of you. You turned something terrible into a day that I’ll treasure every time I think of it. You’re the best!”
The plot will have the good, the bad, with the ugly of some people. It will have a grandson who cares enough about his grandmother to make sure she is ok and not being taken advantage of, even if he is a bit harsh how he deals with Maggie. It will have Maggie, a woman who has never had family finally finding that in the people in Boone. It will have genuine friendships, protectiveness by the men towards the women, and a sweet love story.
The relationship between Carter and Maggie isn’t insta-love and develops over time, starting with him being negative and then wanting to protect her. He is jealous of another man, who is more a brother to her, and slowly he sees that. He is shocked by her admission of love, and it scares him, even when everyone else can see that they love each other. With his caring, he takes things seriously, like her being in the building alone and leaving the door unlocked. While there are several spanking scenes, there are also several intimacy scenes that are not overly explicit. It is a story full of emotions that had me laughing and crying happy tears. Yes, definitely an author I look forward to reading again.
This is an incredibly well written book. The characters are realistic and well rounded. The story line is well developed and easy to follow. The story itself is interesting and a very fun read! It’s hard to believe this is the author’s first book!