The Hero Next Door

Carrie Nichols

Feb 2022 · Small-Town Sweethearts Book 6 · Sold by Harlequin

About this ebook

Love—and kittens—to the rescue!

Olive Downing has big dreams for her Victorian bed-and-breakfast. She doesn’t need her handsome new neighbor pointing out the flaws in her plan. But Cal Pope isn’t the average busybody. The gruff firefighter can be sweet, charming—and the perfect partner for the town fundraiser. Then Cal surprises her with two adorable rescue kittens. Maybe there’s a soft heart underneath his rough exterior that needs rescuing, too…

From Harlequin Special Edition: Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.

Small-Town Sweethearts

Book 1: The Marine's Secret Daughter
Book 2: The Sergeant's Unexpected Family
Book 3: His Unexpected Twins
Book 4: The Scrooge of Loon Lake
Book 5: The Sergeant's Matchmaking Dog
Book 6: The Hero Next Door

Ratings and reviews

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Booksprout and I am voluntarily reviewing it. While this is a part of a series and some of the prior couples make appearances or are mentioned, you don't have to read them to fully understand and enjoy this one. It stands on it's own very nicely. There was a sexy scene here so just a word of caution if you don't like that sort of thing. You can just skip that portion. This story was written in a dual POV format. I really enjoyed that as I really helped me to better understand both characters and their complicated backgrounds. Calf's father run off with other people's money with his much younger secretary while Cal was a teenager. Cal's mother never recovered from the humiliation and depression from this. That shaped Cal into not wanting a wife or children. Olive comes to town after winning a Victorian mansion in a contest. Olive is the complete opposite in her wanting a husband and children to fill the empty house. Olive lost her parents at a young age and was placed into foster care. That also played into Olive's desire for a family. This was a wonderful story of coming to terms with the past and letting things go. They are a part of the past but they don't have to be your future; especially if the right person comes along for the journey.

This is book six in The Small Town Sweethearts Series and it is Olive and Cal's story and it is definitely a must read. Olive grew up in the foster care system after her parent's died when she was eleven and she always wanted a home of her own so when she won a competition to win a B&B in Loon Lake she felt like her dreams had come true even and though it needed a lot of work she was determined to work hard and make it her home. Cal is a firefighter and after what his father did Cal is determined to never do a relationship or commit to anyone. Olive and Cal not only lives by Olive but the also have the same friend's which puts them together quite often and now that they are working on a project together they can't avoid each other but with all the baggage and trust issue's that they both have will they some how start to trust each other and see where it takes them or will they just remain friend's missing out on something special as they are so perfect for each other and both deserve a happy ending. This is the first book that I have read by Carrie Nichols but definitely not the last as it was so well written and I couldn't put it down as it was a real page turner and I can't wait to read more of her books in the future. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Olive Downing and Cal/Calvin Pope the new new fire marshal of Loon Lake, Vermont, become neighbours when he comes back to town. Cal has a lot from his past that he has to overcome if he is going to move forward and so does she. I enjoyed seeing them get a HEA. The story is well written and was well worth reading. This is a new Author to me. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

About the author

Carrie Nichols loves to travel, is addicted to British crime dramas, and knows a Seinfeld quote appropriate for any occasion. She has one tolerant husband, two grown sons, and two critical cats. To her dismay, Carrie's characters--much like her family--often ignore the wisdom and guidance she lovingly offers. She writes stories that contain heart, home, and humor.Website: https://carrienichols.com/