This HaBO is from Layla, who wants to find this contemporary romance:
I’m looking for a book that I think came out within the last two years. It’s a contemporary romance, possibly small town, and I’m pretty positive it’s on KU. I read the first chapter through the author’s newsletter but I cannot remember the author or the title and it’s driving me crazy. I’m subbed to a lot of author newsletters and I delete emails after reading so I can’t just try to find it in my archive.
The main male character was coming (back?) into town and stopped at the bar where he saw the female main character who is working there. The FMC is the sister of some guys he has a feud/rivalry with? I remember the vibe being sort of like a Hatfield/McCoys situation. It’s definitely part of a series and I’m pretty sure the FMC’s brothers were the focus of the previous books. Also pretty sure the first chapter was dual POV.
Details I’m not entirely sure are accurate: there’s a regular and/or an asshole at the bar and he defends her or feels the urge to and he offers her a ride to and from work the next day because of…reasons? Again, this part is the most fuzzy and may be my brain mixing up two different books.
I feel like it was someone along the lines of Melanie Harlow but it’s entirely possible that I’m just making that up.
I know this is a long shot as there are a million books like this out there but if anyone has any ideas, I’d appreciate it!
Can we HaBO?
Maybe Elsie Silver’s Hopeless?
Last book in the Chestnut Srpings series that started with Flawless.
She’s the bartender, her family is from the wrong side of the tracks and town trouble makers, and own the land next door to Hero’s family, constantly getting into fights.
He’s discharged from military after injury, and struggling, so sits at the bar and sees her all grown up, but he gets in an altercation with a bar regular/drunk.
Fun fake engagement plot.
Previous books were HIS brothers.
Perhaps a Penny Reid?
This sounds like Claire Kingsley — maybe Miles brothers or Bailey brothers series? Broken Miles starts out with this basic plot line, but it’s a winery instead of a bar.
Could it be an Alisha Rai?
Sounds like something by Melissa Foster
I’m throwing my hat in thinking that it might be a Sarina Bowen from her True North series.
Following.
One of the Roxie Noir Loveless brothers?
Bountiful by Sarina Bowen. Professional hockey played on vacation comes into her bar. They have a thing, but she doesn’t want to get involved so won’t give him her number. A couple of summers later he comes back and finds he has a daughter. Her brothers are not happy.
I second the possibility of it being one of Claire Kingsley’s series, most likely the Bailey Brothers because they have an ongoing feud with the Haven Brothers (now the MCs of Kingsley’s latest series). Even if Kingsley isn’t the author you’re looking for, I’d recommend giving her books a try.
Can I just say I loved Hopeless! It was my first book by Elsie Silver but not my last. Even if it’s not the HABO, I would highly recommend.
Following for the answer. I have faith in the bitchery.
Following, I need to add a few more books to the TBR pile.
Caitlin Crews’s The Last Real Cowboy?
My first thought was the first book in the Donovan Brothers series (Victoria Dahl) where the FMC runs her brothers’ brewery and the MMC is a detective, but that’s an older series.
Reading through the other suggestions here, I agree that Hopeless (Elsie Silver) sounds like it might be it. (And even if it isn’t, it’s a great series!)
I think this is Rewriting the Stars by Claire Kingsley. It’s the last of the Bailey Brothers who is in love with a Haven. Very Hatfield-McCoys feud vibe. Super series.
@Mallori: YES! THAT’S IT! THANK YOU!
Sorry to keep everyone in suspense, I tried to comment four times already and couldn’t for some reason.
I’ll definitely check out all of the other suggestions! Especially Claire Kingsley, she’s been on list of authors to try for a while now.
Thanks again, everyone!
Lena Hendrix’s Sullivan Family series has similar vibes if you are looking for readalikes.