Caroline was back in Petal to solve the mystery of her mother’s death. It has been something that has haunted her for years and knowing her father was wrongly convicted was something that has fueled the need to search for answers. As she gets closer to the truth will she be able to stay out of danger? Lauren Dane did an excellent job of enticing her reader to search for the details on how an innocent man could have been so wrongly convicted.

Caroline and Royal's story was good though the mystery was kind of meh. I hated Caroline's grandparents. Overall, the book was okay? I love Dane's other work but this book was just so so for me. I do love Polly Chase always and forever but overall, not my favorite.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy.

This was a good story, but not one that I would re-read. I especially liked Caroline and her determination. Some of her family stuff just seemed a little too repetitive. It was a quick read.

I was so very impressed with the heroine in Lauren Dane’s latest Petal, Georgia book because it takes a lot of grit and determination to rise above a family tragedy and return to the scene of the crime and Caroline is fearless when it comes to solving the mystery of her mother’s death. Now that her father has passed away in prison nothing is going to stand in the way of her finding her mother’s killer and clearing her father’s name. Caroline’s maternal grandparents still live in Petal and have raised her two younger siblings since that tragic night but they hate her father and do everything they can to stop Caroline from discovering the truth. I have a lot of admiration for Royal, the hero in the story because he’s strong and supportive of Caroline’s search for the truth and he introduces her to his friends and they make her welcome. This book has everything I look for in a great read with interesting characters, plenty of romance and plenty of suspense to keep me intrigued. I read an early copy of this book through NetGalley and all opinions expressed in my voluntary review are completely my own.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars
M/F Romance

Caroline is a headstrong, independent, intelligent, and beautiful woman. She loves her job and knows how to get things done. When she returns to her hometown, a town that rejected her harshly, she knows that she's in for a fight. However, her siblings and their relationship depend on her being close to them. And while she isn't quite sure she's ready to toe the line with her grandparents, she knows that something will have to happen.

Royal is a cowboy who loves his ranch. When his dad decided to spend more time away from it, Royal took up the reins and went in a new direction. One that has been profitable and fulfilling. When he sees Caroline back in town, he can't help but be attracted to her. However, Royal's love life has been a little lacking and despite his ex and him being great friends, Royal will have to decide if he's really over his ex and ready for a new relationship.

The whole gang is back together with this one and they don't disappoint. This story has a ton of mystery going on, some bigotry, and a lot of love. I really enjoyed watching this mystery unfold. It kept me up late into the night because I wanted to see how it would end.

Watching Caroline and Royal find their groove was enjoyable, but seeing Caroline's family relationships unfold was truly eye opening. I wanted to spit on her grandma on more than one occasion and still hold a grudge, despite the book being over. It was sweet, spicy, scary at times, and all around fantastic!

Potential Triggers: Murder, Attempted Murder, Stalking


Mary Jo – ☆☆☆☆
This book is a great addition to the series. We get to see old friends as well as get to know more about Caroline and Royal.

The past has a way of impacting the present in more ways than one. Caroline's maternal grandparents are a piece of work. They are mean spirited and woefully condescending.

Royal's family is much more accepting and Caroline only wishes her family could be more like his.

After all is said and done, Caroline and Royal have to figure out if their lives will mesh after all the danger is over.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the third in this series, and follows life in Petal – a community that Dane fans will be very familiar with, but most especially Polly Chase! I would recommend that you read them in order, to fully understand the dynamics – particularly of Royal's past with Anne.

Caroline Mendoza is a woman with principles, and a deep need to prove that her father was innocent of killing her mother. She has qualified as a lawyer, and even though her father has died, she needs to come back to Petal, find the evidence to help her case, and reconnect with her younger siblings. This all brings trouble to her door, and clearly there is little appetite in Petal to find the truth. Luckily her employer is Edward Chase and family, and their support is extremely valuable.

There is, however, one really bright part to her life and that is Royal Watson. He was her schoolgirl crush, but he is now very much interested back and does everything he can to help her settle back in town and make friends. Unfortunately, his very long time on and off again girlfriend, Anne, is not that keen to see him moving on, and makes his life very difficult – oh, you will be staggered at the lengths she will go. Any fan will know that she has been stringing him along for years and years, and in spite of her sisters trying to persuade her to commit, she just couldn't. So Royal has every right to move on, and as he gets to know Caroline, he feels more for her than he ever did before. I love how Caroline is such a strong character and perfectly capable of standing up for herself, but how she is even stronger to allow Royal in and let him support her.

I love these stories, and this one had a really good plot about the uncovering of the real criminal, and about how people react to events and become so entrenched in their views – to the detriment of themselves and others. It was good to catch up with the wider community, as well as finally gave Royal the chance to get his happily ever after.

Caroline Mendoza has returned to Petal to prove her father's innocence and reconnect with her siblings. She doesn't expect the road to be smooth and fully expects bumps. Some of those obstacles are steeped in ignorance and small town issues.
When she gets much more than she bargained for in Royal Watson. He's more than tall, charming and handsome, at his core he's a protector. Yes he comes with baggage, but who doesn't. And when Caroline is threatened Royal is the first one stepping in front of the danger.
Sit back and enjoy the ride.

Another great story in the city of Petal. Loved royal. Did not get how they forgave Anne, but this was a great story! Cant wait for the next story in the series.

2 stars
I just could not get into this book. Maybe it was because I was on a long road trip, but this book was a struggle for me.

Originally three stars in 2014. Upgraded to 3.5 in 2019.

For some reason I was expecting this to be a novella that's why when I read this and it felt too long, I gave it three stars. After this revision, I like it a little bit better because I know what to expect now and I appreciate Caro and Royal's characterization more. I also appreciate the supportive friendships and the welcome presence of familiar characters from the Chase books. This time, I understand Anne better and I like the shift in her attitude after Caro showed her strength. Yay for mature adults acting their age.

I still don't like the lengthy dialogues, the heinous grandmother, the weak grandfather and sister, and the lame reveal of the real killer.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin/Carina Press for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. Caroline's life changes forever when her dad is accused of killing her mom. she becomes an attorney to help him. She is On a crusade to find the real killer. Her grandparents are horrible!! WTHeck!! Her sisters boyfriend is a dweeb, and she is being stalked and very few people believe her! Made me a little sad but the vines between Royal and Caroline are good. 4 stars.

Count on Me is the third stand-alone novel in the Petal, Georgia series by Lauren Dane. When the time came to pick up the book and read it, I wasn't 100% sure about it and as I kept reading I realized I was wrong. The story is good and it kept me entertained. The best part of the book was Caroline's efforts to prove that her father was innocent. The romance was also good, but the mystery was the most engaging. The dynamics on Caroline's side of the family changed a lot and for most of the book, I was hoping that her sister would realize what a douche she was dating. I loved Shep though and I hope that one day we will get his book.

After quite some time, I got to read about a heroine who is not waiting for others to save her and instead she does everything she can to get what she wants which in our case was justice for her father. To be 100% honest I wasn't aware that she was mixed raced until it was mentioned that her father wasn't white and I was finally clued in. Since she looks more like her father, I would have liked to see to model on the cover with darker skin. The non-white aspect of the story gave it even more depth and I liked that.

Royal is true to his name. He was always there for Caroline and he supported her in her cause. He wasn't on the spotlight as much as his lady was, but he had a steady presence and he was one of the few people on Caroline's side and that made their relationship worth even more.

I would recommend the book and if you haven't read the previous books, there is no need to do that and you can just read this one as stand-alone.

3.5 stars!

Count on Me is the third in the Petal, Georgia series. This is a re-published edition.

I enjoyed this book, it had a hint of mystery to it mixed with a sweet romance.

Caroline is back in her home town on the sole mission of proving her father did not commit the crime he had been accused of for many years. She’s decided her life to this cause, has even become a lawyer.
With many people in town put off by her pursuit, it makes things quite difficult for her.

I really liked Caroline, she had a strong personality and admirable determination.

When she bumps into her old high school crush - Royal - who has only gotten even more hot with age; the sparks fly and the two hit it off right away.

Royal was the best match her. He was kind-hearted and supportive along the way. They worked well together.

As I mentioned this book is part of a series, but can be read as a standalone.
That being said, I did feel like there were a lot of side characters who I needed to keep track off and quite honestly, sometimes I lost track and didn’t care because I just lost interest in them.

I mostly liked this story, though it did feel dragged out at times. All in all, good read.

This is a re-release with refreshing and updating by the author. Lauren Dane offers readers a solid romance with a well written murder mystery attached. I appreciated that she was able to kept the balance and not overlap the suspenseful moments with sex/romance. The passion factor in her books is high, and Count On Me has plenty of sensual interludes. If you're looking for a well balanced, light, sexy read, Count On Me would fit the bill. It's part of a series but would stand alone.
I received my copy through NetGalley under no obligation.

What a wonderful story! I loved Royal and Caroline from the beginning to the end if the book, both as individuals and as a couple. Their journey to find their happy ending kinda reminded me of the intensity of the first two books in the Chase brother's series. This book had a mystery to solve, some violence towards Caroline, strong female lead, hot loving, intense connections to one another. I loved how it all came together. Royal was so supportive and protective of Caroline, loving her with a great passion. And Caroline was a perfect fit for Royal. She understood his feelings for his ranching, pitched in to help, and found herself leaning on him, which she never had anyone before. Their relationship was so heartwarming. I love getting a glimpse into the other characters, including the Chase brother's and parents as well as the Murphy's. I have loved all books in the Chase and Petal Georgia series and look forward to more of them!

I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher through Netgalley.

It is always great to visit Petal. Caroline has such a sense of family that she wanted to get closer to her siblings. I think that is why the Chases embraced her into their fold. Royal is a hometown hottie that everyone wanted, including Caroline. Thankfully, the author doesn’t take forever to get the two together. I love their love story. Prejudice of every kind is still out there. Love is love. It knows no bounds.

I really enjoyed this one even if life had a way of trying to put all kinds of road blocks in my way of reading it. Caroline Mendoza has finally come home to Petal, Georgia, after being away, pushed away, after her mother's murder and her father being accused and convicted of the murder and sent to prison where he died. She grew up convinced of his innocence and became a lawyer and now it looks like they might finally have some traction to finding the actual killer. Although along the way she has picked up a stalker. She also has caught the eye of Royal Watson and he likes what he sees. These two have explosive chemistry and Royal starts out as laid back but when his woman is threatened he is alpha through and through and it is H-O-T. All the supporting cast of Petal characters come out to play and make for interesting side lines and even the side story with Anne is enough to raise an eyebrow but Caro handles it as a good Southern woman lawyer should and it is spectacular. I wish life had left me alone because I could have spent a wonderful afternoon reading this one and probably give it 5 stars but reading it in spurts brought me down to 4.5 but I highly recommend it. I would deem it standalone if you choose and not be lost.

**Received this ARC for review from the publisher from NetGalley**

From a rather intense relationship drama to what seems like an impossible to solve legal drama this novel covers a lot of life, living, loving, and growing, trouble, and drama.
I absolutely adore the Chase brothers series and this spinoff to Petal, Georgia has been a great, entertaining addition to the original one.
Royal Watson might be the most honorable, loyal, affectionate, amazing book boyfriend ever, I mean, he is all that and so much more. Just truly a one of a kind man that was easy to admire, trust, and fall for. And I can't think of a better match to Royal than the sassy, smart, sweet, caring, reliable, steadfast Caroline Mendoza. These two were like the two halves of the whole, they completed each other, were there for each other, and the name of their story, Count On Me, was perfect for them. I loved their love story. I loved the passion between them, the fun, the difficult things they went through, and the way they dealt with the jealous ex (who drove me nuts, really not a fan of her, but Caroline was the Queen dealing with her).
I found the legal aspect of the story intriguing, and the suspense and threat were intense.
So there is a lot I liked, enjoyed, and even adored in the tale, yet there were some aspects that I had a really difficult time to understand, and thus not the five Spoons score for the book. See, in my mind, the people in Petal were petty and just weird to chastise someone for a difference of opinion. And it went so much further than just that, there was violence involved. Now, this might be a cultural thing, but what kind of people do that?! For real?! It all seemed to be based on racist hate, and how deep the venom runs in the society, even within a family. And as such, showing that in the community, the author did a stellar job of it. But as a reader who reads to escape the crazy in the world, this aspect of the tale really got me down.
So first there was the ex who just caused unnecessary drama, and then there were the crazy people that turned on one of their own, and after all the research and drama and disturbance, the ending to the murder case was a bit too easy in my mind. I expected fireworks, and maybe it was my expectations that failed not the story, yet here we are...
So. This is difficult because while I absolutely loved some aspects of the story, there were others that made me want to quit reading it, yet the desire to find out more kept me going.
Do I want to read more of the series? Yes.
Can I recommend the series and this book? Yes.
I just want you to be aware that there might be some issues and events in the story that can cause serious irritation and even sadness on the way to the happily ever after...
Royal and Caroline, despite all the hate, difficulties, and obstacles you had to go through to find peace and serenity into your life, I loved your love story and cheered you all the way.
~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side

Count on Me by Lauren Dane is book Three in the Petal, Georgia Series. This is the story of Royal Watson and Caroline Mendoza. I have read previous books but feel you could make this a standalone book if you wish to do so.
Caroline left Petal Georgia when she was around 16 to go live with her other family members after her father was found guilty of killing her mother. Caroline went on to become a lawyer to come back someday to clear her father's name and reconnect with her family there.
Caroline also reconnects with Royal who was a high school crush that of course didn't go anywhere. Royal is sweet and caring guy who although has been coming and going into a relationship feels something different with Caroline.
Enjoyed their story and also the side mystery.

This was the best Petal book by far. It was thrilling book that I couldn't put down until I finished it.

Royal and Caroline were great characters that were well rounded, and it was refreshing that they didn't have the normal drama that usually follows the Chase and Petal series.

This was an incredibly emotional ride. There were parts that made me so mad, parts that made me happy, laugh, and parts that made me so sad because I know things like that still happen in today's world.

Bravo Lauren Dane, you have created a story that is fantastic and realistic, and I'm sure your fans will be talking about this one for a very long time!

Caroline is a strong woman, she is a successful lawyer, she is not afraid to keep trying to find her mom's real killer. Royal Watson, is not a new character and we saw him in previous books in the series since he dated Anne Murphy for many years. I loved how they supported each other and had each other's backs. Caro dealt with Anne, Royal's ex, perfectly. This book was complex and inspiring, watching Caroline fight for her beliefs and proving her father's innocence.
The storyline was fascinating and the characters are captivating