What’s the fun in playing it safe?
Rachel Grabinski is no stranger to setbacks, but she never stays down for long. When she catches her boyfriend in bed with another woman, her sunny and optimistic nature is sorely tried. Jumping into another relationship is the last thing on her mind.On the surface, successful, smooth-talking Dixon Carlyle is every woman’s dream man. But Dixon’s past holds … optimistic nature is sorely tried. Jumping into another relationship is the last thing on her mind.
On the surface, successful, smooth-talking Dixon Carlyle is every woman’s dream man. But Dixon’s past holds secrets, ones that could derail the life he’s been building in Hazel Green. For years he’s kept his heart safe…but that was before Rachel’s sweet nature crept under his defenses.
It’s not the right time for love for two people with wounded hearts. And trust doesn’t come easy when you’ve been burned before. The safest thing for Rachel and Dixon would be to walk away now…
But what’s the fun in playing it safe?
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I was so excited to read and find out more about Rachel Grabinski. She helped raise her younger siblings, and runs the local food bank. She’s such a sweetheart, but not lucky in the love area.
Rachel goes to visit her boyfriend who’s away at a conference, and walks in on him with another woman. Everyone has been trying to get Rachel away from Marc. When she’s leaving the hotel, she runs into Dixon Carlyle. Dixon doesn’t want to leave Rachel alone, and they agree to go out for dinner.
The relationship between Rachel and Dixon starts to grow, but Dixon has some secrets of his own. Plus Marc tries to come back into the picture.
It’s one thing to want to change to be with the one you want, instead of trying to find a way to prove that you’ll change. Big difference between Dixon and Marc.
“I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.”
Love visiting Hazel Green and this is no exception. Rachel is coming out of a bad relationship when she meets Dixon. Dixon is trying to build a new life in Hazel Green but now his secrets might derail their relationship.
Two wounded hearts that will unite to one with the help of this small town community of wonderful friendships. For the love of animals!! Loved catching up with previous characters. A sweet clean romance.
This is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone. I read through my kindle unlimited.
I am really enjoying the Hazel Green series. Dixon runs into Rachel after she gets her heart broken and kindly wants to help her feel better. As the get to know each other, they grow feelings for one another. He has secrets and big problems he is afraid to share with her, and that hurts her. This could be steamy, but the bedroom door is closed. Very enjoyable, always a pleasure to read one of Cindy Kirk’s romances.
“I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.”
One & Only You is the third in the Hazel Green Book series but can also be read as a stand alone novel. This is a story of correcting past wrongs and learning to trust in love, family and friends. Rachel has just gotten out of a bad relationship and now struggles with trust in regards to her feelings. Dixon is fighting for the freedom from his past and also has trust issues. Their relationship begins as friendship and grows with each meeting but insecurities threaten when secrets are revealed. This is a sweet, lovable story with a little danger and angst. I loved the development of the characters and the progression of the story which flowed easily. A well-written story that was difficult to put down.
I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher but all thoughts and feelings are my own.
A chance meeting, when life throws one more hurdle in her way, gives Rachel an opportunity to discover her heart’s desire. But more importantly, meeting and getting to know Dixon provides her with a chance to finally value and trust herself.
And for Dixon, running into an acquaintance, gives him a reason to stop running. For him, settling in one place and letting anyone know the real him is a life-threatening decision. But falling in love, earning Rachel’s trust, and rebuilding a relationship with his sister, makes it worth the journey to become the man he always dreamed of being.
This is an endearing story of righting wrongs, learning to love yourself, and finding the one right person in the universe who helps you want to be a better, stronger person with enough room to accept love and trust.
As usual, Kirk leads her characters on a sensuous, loving, and often risky journey to find their happily-after-ever with support of friends, family, and Hazel Green’s supportive community. A great ending to the Hazel Green series.
I was given an ARC of this book for an open and honest review.
There is a reason masses of readers flock to their favorite ereaders each time Cindy Kirk releases a new story. You won’t want to miss out on ONE AND ONLY YOU. It’ll tickle every romance bone in your body. It certainly did mine!!!
I love Rachel & Dixon! This was one of my favorite Hazel Green stories. The path to true love for them was not easy. They had challenges to overcome including her possessive ex boyfriend who couldn’t take a hint & Dixon’s past. Rachel had always seemed like she was a bit of a doormat & afraid to be alone. I’m glad she grew a backbone & stood up for herself.
Dixon Carlyle runs into his sister’s friend Rachel Grabinski in the Palmer House Hotel lobby. Dixon realizes that something or someone has upset Rachel. He reaches out to Rachel and takes her out for an early dinner. Rachel finds Dixon easy to talk to and a good listener. She confides to Dixon that she came to the city to surprise her boyfriend; only she was the one surprised as he was in bed with another woman.
I loved the pairing of Rachel and Dixon—it’s a perfect opposites attract romance. Rachel’s back story showed that she had strength and patience; she raised her brothers and sisters after her parents died. She enjoys her job as the volunteer coordinator at the Hazel Green Food Bank-she believes in its mission. I adored Dixon in his sister Nell’s story; One Step Away. Dixon is a charming businessman-and he’s got secrets—big secrets.
Cindy Kirk does a fabulous job with the Marc-Rachel-Dixon triangle. Marc believes he can win Rachel back by lying and manipulating. This tactic has worked in the past and he presses forward to win her back. Rachel is sweet and way too trusting—I loved how her character developed in this novel. She became confident as her friendship with Dixon evolved. Dixon’s past is complicated and past actions may be catching up with him. I loved that he wanted to change-and be a better person when he fell in love with Rachel. Is he ready to confront his past actions and risk losing Rachel?
The conclusion to the novel has several unexpected twists. Nell’s conversation with Rachel was perfectly written—it hits all the high notes—and it resonates with Rachel. I loved that the author put a lot of obstacles in these characters path—she didn’t make it easy for them.
Rachel and Dixon’s story is emotional—it’s full of family history and complicated relationships. Their story is about building a relationship based on trust; and there is passion between this couple—all of the elements of a fabulous read!
I enjoyed this book. I really liked Dixon. Rachel, not as much. There was no way she could compare Dixon to Marc. Even Rachel acknowledged that she was treated much better by Dixon. I guess I felt like she had a sense of self righteousness in all her goodness that made her a bit unlikable.
I was glad she stood up to Marc. I did have to question why she was so quick to believe Marc of all people. I understand she had trust issues, but her decision to trust him at that particular time was questionable.
Maybe I missed something along the way. If the town knew how crappy Nell’s childhood was, and they knew Dixon was her younger brother, wouldn’t it stand to reason that his childhood was also crappy?
Dixon was a really nice guy. Even with all of his baggage, he was a better person than Marc. Marc seemed to be threatening and dangerous. I can’t imagine Hazel Green has seen or heard the end of him.
This was an entertaining, sweet, romantic read about love, trust, loyalty, honesty, trauma, and survival.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I love Hazel Green! What a fun town!
“One & Only You” was a great story. I was so glad to see Rachel interested in someone other than Marc. He just didn’t seem right for her. Getting to know Dixon was such a nice surprise. After all he had been through as a child, he has a very big heart. As Rachel and Dixon’s relationship developed, trust became an issue for both of them. Trust is important in any relationship. I love the how Rachel and Dixon handle their relationship even when trust and hope seemed lost. The “Hazel Green” series has the most unique characters, and I love them all!
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.
4.5 Stars
This is the third book in the Hazel Green series by Cindy Kirk and it centers around Rachel Grabinski and Dixon Carlyle. Rachel is a great person, she helped raise her siblings after her parents died, she works at a food bank and she volunteers for civic projects. She has been dating Marc, a self obsessed narcissist, when she catches him with another woman. As she leaves Marc, she runs into Dixon and their friendship begins. Dixon is Nell’s brother from book two. Nell and Dixon were raised by a sociopath who abused them both physically and emotionally (and involved them in her crimes). Dixon has started a new life, but his past threatens to upend everything. Dixon and Rachel are a sweet couple, and I loved how their relationship grew. The only thing that bothered me was the ending seemed a bit abrupt. I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.
Rachel feels like she finally has a future after raising her younger siblings following her parents’ death and ending an oppressive relationship. Dixon is haunted by a past that may tear any future he has apart. Will the attraction they have be enough? I often feel like a broken record when I review Cindy Kirk’s books. Her characters are multifaceted, her plot lines are well thought out and not predictable. She builds settings with minor characters who grab your attention wanting more and more and more. Her Hazel Green series is a winner…when is the next installment? Soon, I hope. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and I am willingly giving this review.
Having received an advanced reader copy to review, I was excited to read this third installment in the Hazel Green series and it didn’t disappoint! I was thrilled to say goodbye to Marc and loved the story that blossomed between Rachel and Dixon. I was even a little sad when the story ended, I wished it could have gone on a little farther and not ended so abruptly. But alas all books must have an ending!
When faced with a harsh reality about her current relationship, Rachel is heartbroken. It was that day, at the perfect time, she ran into her close friend Nell’s brother, Dixon. Dixon helped Rachel through a tough time and was always there to protect her. Unfortunately, Rachel didn’t know about the baggage from Dixon’s past and the obstacles that would bring. I was concerned that the two seemed to be falling in love so quickly after her relationship with Marc ended. However, their love was sincere and would lead to a genuine, strong relationship in the end. As always, Cindy did not disappoint in the story and I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys sweet romance and happy endings. I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily giving you my opinion.
Hazel Green series is truly fun and wonderful. The characters rich and often with a tinge of something a bit spicy or different. I love Rachel and Dixon. Dixon’s mother reminds me of the mother of one of my cousins, selfish, hurtful and a big user. I wanted to wrap my arms around him and his sister and says its OK other people love you and can be trusted. So I guess if I am wanting to speak to a character, the book touched me big time. Ok thats all the spoiler stuff you get from me. Read the book its great. The series is so worth your time. Cindy Kirk knows how to write to reach your brain and your heart…go for it!
I really enjoyed this small town romance. Rachel and Dixon are coming from opposite directions and need to learn to trust each other. That doesn’t come easy as Rachel doesn’t trust herself and Dixon doesn’t trust other people as he’s hiding his past. When they both realize that they have the real thing they work together to get their happily ever after. I wish there had been a little more explanation of Dixon dealing with his past, but I loved how Rachel said she’d stand by him and wait no matter what it took. A very satisfying ending. I received an advanced reader’s copy from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving this review.
Book 3 of the Hazel Green Series.
Rachel wants to surprise her boyfriend. She get surprised when she catches him half clothed with another woman in his hotel room. Rachel dumps him, but he won’t take no for an answer. Dixon is the brother of Nell from the previous book. He and Rachel’s friend think Marc is a narcissist who turns fights back on Rachel, and makes her think it was her fault. Dixon and Rachel start dating while trying to fend off Marc. Dixon and Nell’s birth Mother, who they refer to as Gloria is in jail from a previous charge that Dixon had a hand in. Gloria was abusive, and a con women. She is trying to get Dixon to take the fall. Unfortunately we don’t see any of the trial, but in the epilogue we find out that Gloria went to prison, so Nell and Dixon are safe.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Again Cindy Kirk has a light and easy summer read. I enjoy reading her books as they leave me with pleasant thoughts and have me imagining my own fairytale.
I received an Advanced Reader’s Copy from the Publisher!
This is the third story set in the small town of Hazel Green. In this story, we read about Rachel Grabinski, who runs the food bank, and Dixon Carlyle who is the brother to Nell (a main character in the second book of this series, One Step Away). Rachel and Dixon have been acquaintances for a while but run into each other when Rachel finally realizes her longtime boyfriend is really a jerk. As the attraction builds between Rachel and Dixon, more details about their pasts are revealed (Nell and Dixon certainly were not raised in a ‘normal’ environment). They have their personal ups and downs while we are treated to the events leading up to Nell and Leo’s wedding as well as the typical Hazel Green events the town loves to enjoy.
Author Cindy Kirk is a wizard at creating a small-town environment with a unique cast of characters. While her Good Hope series is my favorite setting, Hazel Green has its unique touches that make it a nice place to visit over and over. One of the methods Cindy employs to make Hazel Green unique is the townspeople’s penchant for dressing up in certain eras. It adds an element of fun to the setting and helps keep the town unique. I highly recommend this book and this series. I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.
Another great read in the series. Rachel gets out of relationship with Marc, who is manipulative, and starts one with Dixon who is the brother of her best friend Nell. She knows Dixon has secrets and it takes a toll on their relationship. Figuring out who to trust and how to make a relationship work is key to their HEA.