Maddie Frye is the Checkerberry Inn’s fiery chef. She is very hard working, snarky, funny, a perfectionist, introverted and independent. She is short and curvy. Maddie was raised by her grandmother who gave her her love of cooking. Maddie took a huge psychological/emotional hit from an ex-boyfriend and has shielded herself from relationships since.

Cole Granville has not had an easy life. He was raised by a mother who cared more about her addictions than him. As a consequence of this, he was in the wrong place at the wrong time and served jail time. His only saving grace has been his grandfather. Once he got out of jail and finished his probation, his grandfather insisted he come live with him to get a fresh start and plant roots. Cole’s dream is to open a music store, give lessons, do repairs, etc. He’s willing to work whatever jobs he can get to save up the money he needs.

Maddie knows Cole’s living with and working for his grandfather as well as and looking for side jobs to earn extra cash. When her kitchen assistant bales on her, and she sees Cole making a delivery at the Inn, she runs out and offers him the job. 

Cole works for his grandfather during the day and Maddie at night. These two strike up a friendship and Maddie confides she needs dating advice/help. She’s sort of met a guy she’d like to get to know better and isn’t sure how to go about it. The more time they spend together, the more Maddie realizes she’s more interested in Cole than cute guy. Cole is interested too but doesn’t think Maddie would ever be interested in him once she knows his background. 

I didn’t really feel the chemistry between these two. I definitely felt a very comfortable friendship. So much going on in their heads. It needed more action less thoughts. In addition, we repeatedly get subjected to both their insecurities. 

This is a clean romance. No sex scenes. We are led to that then sent to the morning after. 

This isn’t a bad read, it just needs more main character and romance development with a faster pace.  

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by the publisher and NetGalley.

I received this ARC copy of this book from NetGallery for an honest review. I give this book 5 stars. I whole heartedly recommend this book. The storyline between Maddie and Cole was well written and starts with them as co-workers at the Checker berry Inn. A must read book.

I love visits to the Checkerberry Inn.  While this is the third book in the series, it can definitely be read as a standalone.

Maddie is the no-nonsense chef for the Checkerberry Inn.  She's talented and confident in the kitchen but when it comes to getting a date, she's anything but that.  When she suddenly needs help in the kitchen and help with her dating life, in walks Cole, the new guy in town who is trying to start over without the black cloud of his past messing up his opportunities.  

Maddie and Cole were perfect for each other: comfortable, connected, and willing to call each other out.  From the moment they began working together, their chemistry was evident and the friendship they built was so sweet.  This book was a quick, cute, heartwarming story.  

*This is my voluntary review of an advanced reader copy*

https://www.amazon.com/review/R25QF2Y6DFMDZC/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

Light-hearted, clean, small town romance that still has heat between a spitfire chef and her sexy new recruit!

Her Unexpected Hero is a light-hearted, clean, small town romance but still has heat between this spitfire chef and her sexy new recruit looking for a fresh start. There is a little bit of drama that keeps things intriguing from start to finish, making this an easy read that can be read in a couple of hours. While this is part of a series it can be read as a standalone (I’ve only read one of the two previous books).

Maddie and Cole, who tell the book through dual perspective, are two sort of misfits with a connection that neither one can ignore as they grow closer. You can’t help but hope these two very likeable and sweet characters, who both have realistic emotions and flaws, will get a HEA because, despite their differences, these two are perfect for each other. The steady development of the relationship allows the reader to clearly see how their relationship is changing.

If you are looking for a fairly light, fast paced, well written, small town romance, definitely give this a try. I liked it.

This was a cute story and I enjoyed it. There were, however, moments where I felt like I really had to push through. Which is why it took 10 days for me to finish when it usually takes me about 2-3 days to finish a book. The main reason I believe, is that the story remains at the same pace throughout. It never really picked up to where I found myself glued to what was going to happen next. I do give the author kudos for keeping the story clean. Descriptive sex scenes aren't necessary for romance stories, so I likes that the author did a scene change, instead of going into the intimate details. 

The side characters were great additions too. They didn't feel like plug-ins for the sake of having characters, but instead contributed to the story. Now, as far as the romance in general between Cole and Maddie, I wasn't quite sold on their chemistry. I definitely felt the friendship between them, but not so much the sizzle that I expect to witness from the MCs I'm following. I think it's because a lot of the attraction was going on in their heads/thougts, so it felt more like I was being told they were attracted to one another, versus being shown. Also, both of their insecurities and doubts were driving me just a wee bit bananas at times. Sometimes I even forgot who's voice I was reading because their complaints started to sound the same... 

I didn't realize that this story is part of a series, so maybe with the other books I'll get to know the characters better? While this one is definitely a stand-alone, I wanted a little more from the story. Not sure what it is exactly, it's hard to put my finger on it, but perhaps if the characters and their romance had been delved into a little deeper or if it had sped up a bit in excitement then I think it could have given me more. I'd like to point out, that while I'm being completely frank, I did enjoy this story.

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.

Her Unexpected Hero (Checkerberry Inn #3) by Kyra Jacobs
• Revenge
    I've read Her Unexpected Engagement~Checkerberry Inn #2 & now Her Unexpected Hero~Checkerberry Inn #3... But now I need to go read Her Unexpected Detour~Checkerberry Inn #1!! I've completely enjoyed the two books I've read so far and look forward to reading more from Kyra. Her stories are full of emotions... Be prepared to laugh (write a bit honestly), but also to shed a few tears... as well as get pretty frustrated (but can't say why, as I don't like to give too much away about the story)! I'm glad Maddie and Cole finally get a chance at a fresh start, but will it truly be their time to take that start and build a for? You'll have to read Her Unexpected Hero to find out. I hope you enjoy this series as much as I have!  I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book via Entangled Publishing through NetGalley for an honest review. 
Favorite Passages ~
• Seems you could take a man out of Texas, but couldn’t take the Texas out of a man…
• “Just work hard and make me proud.”

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.