Starting Over at Blueberry Creek: Includes a bonus novella

Annie Rains

Feb 2020 · Sold by Forever

About this ebook

USA Today bestselling author Annie Rains welcomes you back to Sweetwater Springs, North Carolina, with a charming friends-to-lovers story between a sexy fireman and the beautiful woman who mends his heart.
Firefighter Luke Marini moved to the small town of Sweetwater Springs with the highest of hopes - new town, new job, and new neighbors who know nothing of his past. And that's just how he wants to keep it. But it's nearly impossible when the gorgeous brunette next door decides to be the neighborhood welcome wagon. She's sugar, spice, and everything nice - but getting close to someone again is playing with fire.

Brenna McConnell put college on hold to raise her little sister. Now that Eve is grown, Brenna is ready to leave Blueberry Creek and finish what she started. Moving on isn't easy, however, when her gruff new neighbor gives Eve a dangerous firefighting job. And yet, even as Brenna is telling him off for putting her sister in harm's way, she can't deny the sizzling chemistry between them. She put her dreams on hold once. Is she willing to make that sacrifice again for a chance at forever?

Includes the bonus novella "Sealed With a Kiss" by Melinda Curtis!

Ratings and reviews

3.5 Stars I have loved all of the books in this series but this one wasn't one of my favorites. These characters reminded me more of NA than adults with careers and responsibilities. I hated Eve for so much of the book that I wanted her to stop showing up. I love this small town and I want to see the HEA of some of the other characters that have been introduced.

**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review** Starting Over at Blueberry Creek is the fourth book in the Sweetwater Springs series, but this was my first Annie Rains book. I can confidently say it will definitely not be my last! I really enjoyed the slow burn friends to lovers romance and her style of writing. Brenna McConnell is doing her best to adapt to where she is in her life now. Years earlier her life was put on hold due to the death of her parents. She returned home to care for her younger sister, Eve, but now that Eve has turned 18 and is technically an adult, Brenna is having trouble just being her sister again. Luke Marini is doing what he's always wanted to, working as a firefighter, but he's also trying to start over. He's moved into a new house, working at the firehouse and just trying to live his life. One thing he's not up for is talking about his past. For him, that's something he'd prefer to leave right where it is. When Brenna decides to introduce herself to her new neighbor, who happens to be Luke, she wasn't expecting the sparks that flew between them. While they spend time together, they agree that things shouldn't progress past friendship, but is that really what is going to happen?! There are outside complications that cause some trouble for the couple as well. This was a wonderful small-town romance that had everything you'd want. Great small businesses, wonderful townsfolk and there's always some drama! I enjoyed both Luke and Brenna's characters. They were flawed, real and relateable which only added to the story for me. I'm looking forward to more from this author!

Luke bought the little house on Blueberry Creek when he moved over to join the Sweetwater Springs Fire Department. He’s been there working hard at his job, staying removed from the neighbors, and generally just keeping his head down. Involvement, whether of the friendship or romantic kind just isn’t for him, and his relocation to Sweetwater Springs was partly egged on by a relationship and living situation that ended badly. Now he’s the proud owner of a rather burn-marked but cheerful rescued dog, and a traumatic past. Brenna has spent the past years, since her parents were killed in a roadside accident, raising her little sister, while keeping her mother’s business, A Taste of Heaven, going. With only one year left to get her degree and dream job of teacher, she’s hoping that Eve will take some interest in any one of the multitude of college brochures and information she’s been collecting, and give up her attitude and dream of becoming a firefighter. She’s noticed the new neighbor, spoken few words to him, but thinks that it’s the right time to deliver a box of “welcome’ doughnuts, a tradition she inherited from her mother, and one she won’t give up. If you’re paying attention: you’ll know that Brenna and Luke are destined for couple hood – and that her struggles with her sister Eve, her own dreams to teach, and all of the associated dangers with firefighting, as well as cuteness from rescued animals will be found here. But the progression of Luke and Brenna’s relationship is only part of the magic here. Rains has an amazing way of making you a part of the story and community -highlighting friendships, issues, community and that small-town vibe where everyone “knows” everyone else, and for the most part are there to support, cheer on and even protect one another, even as they welcome in the newcomers who ‘prove’ their worth. With returning moments in a place that has come to be familiar, and favorites from earlier series in offering friendship, advice, laughs and some serious fun, the story is loaded with the sense that Sweetwater Springs is a place of hope, healing and love – and you never want to leave. If you’ve never read an Annie Rains title – grab them now. I’ve read her books since her debut in 2015 – and have yet to have a title that doesn’t leave me smiling – after it all ends. I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

About the author

Annie Rains is a USA Today bestselling contemporary romance author who writes small town love stories set in fictional places in her home state of North Carolina. When Annie isn't writing, she's living out her own happily ever after with her husband and three children.