This story is book # 3, in the Checkerberry Inn series. This book can be read as a standalone novel. For reader enjoyment and understanding, I recommend reading the series in order.

Maddie is in desperate need of some help at work, and a date to an event. They may not go together, but the need for both is increasing. There is a possibility of hope on these fronts, as long as she plays it right.

Cole is desperate for work to fulfill his dream. He can help Maddie find a date. They both have pasts and an attraction gaining heat. Just a leap of faith keeping on track.

This was a cute, and sweet, and definitely clean romance. My only issue is that I am not big on women who have insecurities rule their lives. This was a twist on the love triangle trope, but handled in a clever way.


***This ARC copy was given in exchange for an honest review by Netgalley and its publishers.

Her Unexpected Hero was without a doubt the perfect blend of super sweet romance, small town meddling fun and a little drama threw in to keep things even more interesting.
Our passionate and quarrelsome heroine Maddie is a genius in the chef department but somewhat lacking when it comes to social interaction with the opposite of sex which is where the real fun begins in Her Unexpected Hero.
I found her to be an alluring mixture of quick-tempered, comical, sweet, confident yet oh so insecure. She is a whirlwind in charge of a kitchen but skittish, shy and incredibly unsure of how to just bask in the intelligence, kindness and success that she has accumulated over the years. Her size and how she perceives her attractiveness seems to hinder her without her even realising it until Cole comes storming into her life and shows her how amazing she truly is.

'"That's where you're wrong, Madds," he said softly. "Don't you see? Cole fell for you because of who you were, not anyone you were trying to be..."'

It was their interactions with one another that had me turning the page so rapidly, immersing myself in their exchanges, the slow burn agony of waiting for that first kiss, that stunning realisation of the insurmountable feelings involved. Cole was an absolute sweetheart. He is the epitome of what a hero should be. His life has been a difficult and arduous one, with serious wrongs done to him, fights fought that he should never have had to endure alone and yet somehow through it all he has emerged as this witty, intelligent, hard and honest working man with a heart bigger than Texas.

'He'd wanted a taste of those lips the first time he saw her, this spring after playing his first Sunday service here. She's set a breadbasket on the table before him and offered a warm smile. Only months later did he realise how rare that smile was freely given by the endearingly snarky chef. What prompted him to be on the receiving end of her good graces that day he may never know, only that it's been the start of a silly crush.'

Kyra Jacobs has given readers a darling of a romance. Between the sparkling and engaging dialogue from all characters, the wonderful small town atmosphere she has managed to capture and the tension filled love story that sizzles and erupts on our pages, Her Unexpected Hero is a first class no-angst delight of a book. I haven't had the opportunity to read the other books in this series, which in no way detracts from the enjoyment of this one as they are all stand alone novels, but I'll definitely be one-clicking those books today.

“You are 100 percent real in a world full of imposters and fakes, and I think that makes you absolutely perfect.”

If sweet, clean, quick romance is your jam, then you need to add Her Unexpected Hero to your TBR. It's a solid read, an enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours, and fun in that feel good, heart-happy way.

This is actually the first book I've read by Kyra Jacobs, and though the third in a series, it's also a pretty charming introduction to her writing. The pacing was on-point and the words flowed into a story that definitely kept me invested. Not only that, the addition of some unexpected reactions and genuinely likable characters made it that much more enjoyable.

I perhaps didn't get *quite* as connected to Maddie as I might have liked, despite sympathizing with her insecurities, but I loved how she interacted with—and fell for—Cole. Because COLE, you guys. He's such a lovely book boyfriend—a little bit damaged and broody, hard-working and, my favorite, kinda swoony. Added bonus—he's a musician with a bad boy reputation and a good, if hidden, heart. If that doesn't make you all tingly, then… IDK, I'm sorry.

I would have loved for Her Unexpected Hero to be a touch longer, to have added a little something more to the end, but, on the whole, it was a very easy, very cute, very likable read. One that'll leave you feeling good and definitely one you should add to your TBR for a lazy Saturday afternoon binge read.

“It’s been so long since anyone has looked at me without judgment in their eyes.”

~ 3.5 Scarecrow STARS ~

What a sweet easy read. I enjoyed the characters and the town and had no trouble reading this as a standalone even though its the 3rd in a series. It did leave me wanting to read the other books too though. The chemistry between them was good and the story was well written.

This book takes place in the Checkerberry Inn series but you do not have to have read the previous books to enjoy this one. There is minimal cursing (no f-bombs) and the heat level is sweet, without any on-screen sex. If those two things turn you off, you do not have to worry about them with this book.

This was my first Kyra Jacobs book and I enjoyed it so much that I have put the Checkerberry Inn series on my to be read list. I thought that Cole's backstory was really great; it was interesting and realistic without being over the top. I loved his grandfather and the connection they had. I thought that Maddie was incredibly relatable (sometimes heartbreakingly so) and was the kind of character that I would be friends with if I ran into her outside of her kitchen. It was so easy to root for these two to find their happily ever after. I also enjoy the little suspense theme that was weaved in to this one. I thought that it was perfectly done, being just enough to add to the story without overwhelming it or taking away from the main plot.

If you like a clean, sweet book that is easy to get sucked in to from the start, you will love this book. I would highly recommend this one to anyone who enjoys a sweet romance between two unlikely but perfectly matched people.

I requested and was granted an ARC of this book via the publisher and NetGalley. I was under no obligation to write this review, I did so because the book was fabulous.

Ms. Jacobs lightens the mood and lifts up the heart with a simple tale of love and laughter. Sometimes less is more and Checkerberry is as small town as they come. It's nice to visit a place where the love is abundant, the gossip is flowing and the romance is sweet. Her Unexpected Hero proved to be a very special treat.

Another amazing story in the Checkerberry Inn series! Fascinating characters and a well written story made this book quite enjoyable. Maddie Frye, the Inn's hilarious chef, and Cole Granville make a cute couple although that's not how they start out. As part of a deal they make Cole is suppose to be helping Maddie with her dating prowess. She needs to find a date for the town dance. It's hard for him to do when he wants her for himself!

A light fun story that I highly recommend.

5☆
I will post a link to my review on Amazon when the book goes live.

Cole is a good guy who has had a hard life because of his mom’s actions. You immediately feel for Cole when you find out his circumstances. Maddie is a protagonist we can all relate to if you’ve ever had an insecurities and let’s face it, who hasn’t? Together they are trying to get Maddie a date with the cute laundry guy but soon things change and Cole and Maddie are falling in love. Of course, what’s a romance without some angst? You can’t help but root for these two flawed characters who deserve their happily ever after!

4 1/2 out of 5 stars

Another charming Checkerberry Inn novel. I enjoyed the first two books in Ms. Jacobs’ series, so I was anticipating the same enjoyment with Her Unexpected Hero. However, I am glad to say this one was even better than the two previous. The story follows Checkerberry Inn’s local chef Maddie and her new dish washing hire Cole. Maddie has a lack of self confidence, yet in the kitchen is a spitfire. Cole has a dark past and doesn’t believe he’ll ever get a fresh start. When these two characters came together it was perfect chemistry. Cole is one of the sweetest male leads I’ve read in any Bliss book. My only critique would be I wished for a more detailed epilogue. Considering this is the last book in the series I wanted a little more of all of the previous and current characters happily ever after.

Recommended for anyone who wants a clean heartwarming romance all about second chances.

I received an ARC, courtesy of Entangled Publishing and NetGalley. All reviews are my personal thoughts and opinions.

DNF @ 40%. Sadly on this occasion I won't be leaving a review as these characters aren't working out for me.

A wonderfully written military romance about broken people who find their missing piece. This book will captivate romance readers and become beloved.

It's a well-written story. I loved Cole. He is often misjudged, but in fact he is a great guy, an honest person, and just someone trying to outrun his past. Maddie was a little difficult to like for me. I really don't like to read about insecure woman. I prefer my heroines to be strong, independent, and sure of themselves. Although her characters fits the story so as I got to know her better I started to like her. They're both perfect for each other, chemistry between them is amazing. Overall this book is a goodread.