Stuck in the country with you

Genesis is stunned to learn that she has inherited her great-uncle Cyrus' farm over his own sons. While she made a point of visiting the man who was always supportive of her, his sons did not. Her uncles meet with her and invite neighbor Jaxson. They want her to sell the farm to Jaxson and split the money with them. She thinks about the one-night stand she had with Jaxson when they were both young, and the rumor that it was just a dare for him. At first, former pro-football player Jaxson doesn't remember Genesis; he just marks her hostility. Nonetheless, he's determined to be her friend, then more. When he helps her after an injury, Genesis warms up to him again and moves to the farm to figure out next steps. Though the story has some abrupt jumps, Day (Sweet Heat, 2019) creates an engaging arc as Genesis finds strength and discovers what she wants for her future in spite of family opposition. The result is a fun rom-com with plenty of warmth and heart.

Perfectly balancing sweetness and steam, the latest from Day (the Eddington Heirs series) finds Genesis Hunter at a crossroads. Her lease is up, her job has been eliminated, and her finances are hanging in the balance as she waits for a return on investment from her ex-boyfriend's flailing business venture. Then her great-uncle Cyrus dies, leaving her his farm in Holy Mound, Tenn. She's not expecting Jaxson King, her one-night stand turned enemy from 10 years ago, to be her new neighbor. Jaxson, a retired pro football player and single father, doesn't recognize Genesis at first, so he doesn't know their first encounter ended in disaster when Genesis learned he was the man who ruined her brother's chances at playing pro ball. Jaxson was close to Cyrus and is eager to show Genesis the ropes of both running a farm and small-town Southern life where neighbors often "do drop in," showing up at one's front door unexpectedly. As old feelings rekindle, Genesis must decide what she truly wants from life. Genesis's family drama and Jaxson's painful past add heartache, which is nicely leavened with heaps of small-town charm and a heartfelt message about the power of love. Readers will be eager for a quick return to Holy Mound. (Dec.)