I really enjoyed this one as a cute fake lovers to real lovers story. I loved the easy chemistry that Becky and Steve have. I felt that the miscommunication at the end of the story was a little convenient as I feel that it could have been solved pretty quickly. The epilogue is sweet with a happy ending even if Beckys son is Steves brother Jack's son.

Thank you to Entangled Publishing for a copy for and honest review.

Marriage of Convenience is one of my favorite historical romance tropes but one that rarely works for me in contemporary. This one works, not so much because of circumstances but due to the characters themselves. Becky's sweet little boy needs surgery and she is truly out of options. She's a good mom, raising her son on her own and doing the best she can while also helping her mother and younger sister. Then there's Steve who is being pressured by his campaign manager to present a happily married candidate to voters in order to win the election he needs to help underserved mothers. He really is a good guy, with his heart, and priorities, in the right place.

I enjoyed Becky and Steve. The chemistry between them is immediately apparent, and I found myself rooting for them from the get-go, but what I most enjoyed was the solid friendship they formed before allowing deeper feelings to enter the picture. Steve's relationship with Byron, Becky's young son is so sweet. I loved that he fell just as hard for Byron as he did for his mom. But, there are some significant obstacles in their path to happiness.

I appreciated that the author didn't make this a triangle story and instead focused on the primary couple. From the beginning, Steve was on Becky's side, even after he discovered the secret she's been forced to keep. I loved how he stood up for her, and with her, even when she made it difficult to do so, and how they discovered, together, what was most important in their lives.

One aspect of the story that I had a hard time believing was the change of attitude from Steve's family in the Epilogue. I can understand the author wanting to tie everything up with a nice, happily-ever-after bow but to ask me to believe the abrupt turnaround from people who were truly horrible throughout most of the book was a stretch. That aside, however, I finished the book confident that Steve, Becky, and their family were headed for a life of love, happiness, and no secrets, in their small town.

I loved this sweet read with such a strong, single mom and a sweet, make things right man. I adored Becky, she's an amazing mom, with such an adorable son, Byron. Steve has a good heart and I enjoyed how their relationship grew. The story flowed, kept me involved, and loving every minute. It's a must read!

This is the first book that I have read by Elsie Davis so I wasn't sure what to expect. I read the synopsis and felt this book pull me in and knew that I had to give it a chance. Man, am I glad that I did! Becky is a single mother desperate to find a way to pay for an operation that her son needs. She knows that she can't ask her son's father as he has made it clear that he would not help. When she runs into a handsome stranger, she didn't realize how much her life would change.

Steve is back in town to help the local Cattleman's Association and is heading to meet his father for lunch when he runs into the most beautiful woman he has ever seen. When fate lands her in his path again, he knows he has to get to know her. When he asks her to marry him in order to help his career and her to pay for her son's surgery, the last thing he expects is to lose his heart to her. However, the more he is around her and her son, the more he wants everything that he never thought he would.

This book was such a sweet read. I loved Becky's strength and how she would do whatever had to be done in order to care for her son. She was such a strong character and I loved seeing her get her HEA. Steve helped to prove that not all men were bad and he would always keep his promises. They were both perfect for each other. I truly enjoyed this book and I'm sure it is one I will come back and read again.

I really struggled with this story. I didn't enjoy it. I had a hard time with the characters in it.. I actually was not able to connect with it and did not finish the whole book. I apologize.

A very cute story. I loved the integrity both Steve and Becky had, as well as their protective care of her son, Byron. Byron is so stinking cute, very well mannered and sweet. I loved how they got to know each other and even though they had little doubts, still believed the other to be good. I liked the way it turned out. As well as some characters becoming more human.

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

‘Small Town, Big Secrets‘, the second title in the ‘Trinity River‘ series is the type of romance that gets my emotions all riled up and swinging from happy to sad to totally frustrated and angry with some people. It’s not easy to keep secrets in a small town, I lived in one for decades so I speak from experience – but, it is possible. And for this couple, Becky is holding onto a firecracker of a secret. I enjoy the possibilities of the marriage of convenience trope. Will they fall, can they see how right they are for each other or will they simply ignore the feelings growing between them? That is certainly true for Becky and Steve. Each has a valid reason for agreeing to a marriage of convenience, after all, each gets exactly what they need and desire most. Yet when emotions get involved, and the truth comes to the surface, those tender emotions developing are going to have to fight to keep Steve and Becky from walking away from each other – something neither really wants to happen, despite outward appearances.

I completely fell in love with a little charmer named Bryon, Becky’s son. And the scenes between Bryon and Steve are some of my favorites in this story. Unfortunately, there are also some nasty pieces of work here as well. I’ll never understand why some people act as they do, and it was this part of the story that earned my anger at people and events. Watching Becky, Steve, and Bryon begin to form a family, to get that chance for a real happy ever after was a delight to watch unfold. Yes, there are potholes and huge craters along the way and I enjoyed the journey immensely.

I didn’t read the first story in this series, ‘Back in the Rancher’s Arms‘ before this review – and I really didn’t need to for I followed along in this small town just fine. But I will go back and pick it up for I enjoy this new-to-me author’s storytelling voice – and I’d like more. If you love a good marriage of convenience romance, if watching a small child bind the hearts of two adults even closer, and you like seeing wrongs righted then you’d enjoy ‘Small Town, Big Secrets‘.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from Entangled Publishing via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

This book is nothing short of adorable! The characters are super easy to love and connect with. It was exactly what I needed to read right now.

Becky has been raising her son, Byron, alone for the last 4 years. His father blackmailed her into keeping quiet about his identity and wants nothing to with Byron. Then Byron has a medical issue come up that Becky can't afford and she turns to the deadbeat dad for help. No dice.

Steve shows up in town just in time to run smack dab into Becky when she finds out she can't afford to help her son. He isn't here for love. He's here to win the election and become the youngest DA in the state of Texas. But something about Becky just keeps poking around in his brain and he's determined to help her with Byron.

Low and behold, he offers to marry her. Wait what 😳 yep! He'll get his poll ratings up by looking like a family man and Becky will get Byron's surgery paid for. Win, win, right? Right up until the secrets start coming out. Then they both have some tough choices to make...

So super cute! Not to mention it touches briefly on adoption which is so genuine. AND they adopt a puppy for a shelter. That's a sure fire way right into my heart ❤

Becky lives in Riverbend, Texas, a small town just outside Houston. She has a five-year-old son, Byron, who needs surgery and is not sure how to pay for it since she makes her living working at a local restaurant as a server.

Steve is a wealthy lawyer living in Houston. He is running for the DA's office and is in town visiting his mother and doing some research for the Cattlemen's Association to find out who is behind foreclosing on the local ranchers and farmers so big money investors can buy up the land. His campaign manager tells him he needs to find a wife to appeal to more voters and increase his poll numbers.

Becky and Steve meet when they bump into each other on the sidewalk in town and Becky smashes her peanut butter and jelly sandwich all over him during the collision. Steve sees Becky again a few minutes later when he eats lunch at the restaurant Becky serves at. Steve likes Becky and when he finds out about her son's surgery he cooks up a deal. He talks Becky into marrying him for a year so his poll numbers will go up and in return, he will pay for Byron's surgery.

They both have a secret they are not sharing with each other. Will their plan really work or will they both end up devastated by the unveiling of their secrets?

I really enjoyed reading this story. The main characters were easy to relate to and were very likable. Steve's family made great antagonists because they were so harsh and unfeeling. I also liked that the story had a tug-of-war feeling to it. It made the story more interesting because you never knew what was going to happen next or if the deal Becky and Steve had was going to work out.

The story of Becky and Steve.

She needs money to help pay for hospital tratment for her son, he needs a wife to make him look like a family man and help him win an election. The complication is the fact that they soon start to have real feelings in their fake relationship, and a secret about the identity of her son's father. Will they be able to have a future together?

While this sweet romance as a quick and easy read for me, I found the plot a bit uninspired. Steve was a bit of a stiff in both his interactions it’s Becky, as well as her son Byron. Byron was adorable and Becky was fine as the hardworking mom. But the difference in their social status is a device that is overused often in marriage of convenience storylines.
The writing was fine and after discovering this was part of a series, I didn’t feel like I was missing anything. But the lack of chemistry between the leads really put a damper on my enjoyment of the book.

Small Town, Big Secrets is the first book I remember reading written by Elsie Davis. It certainly is the first in this small-town series that I have read. The is pure contemporary romance with a mother in distress over the cost of her child’s surgery. In walks, maybe runs into her is a better description, is the knight in shinning armor. From there drama, angst and family members coming into play.

This marriage of convenience story is an enjoyable read, taking my mind off life today while reading about someone whose problems can be solved by the end of the book. It is well-written, though the beginning restaurant scene was more fantasy then realistic. I see someone like Steve Parker being polite and kind but not so interested in the server where he is having lunch. Still for an afternoon read I was taken to a place where love does win out for political minded well as for the everyday person.

An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Small Town, Big Secrets by new to me author Elsie Davis, is a well-written book that I enjoyed immensely. It is a clean romance that kept me engaged from start to finish. This is the second book from the Trinity River series and it can be read as a standalone.

Becky McAllister is 23, a waitress, and a single mom to her five-year-old son. With the exception of bumping into her ex, she loves living in the small town that she grew up in. Money is always tight and now her son needs a hernia operation. Her wealthy ex is beyond wicked, and he has never acknowledged their child or paid any child support. In fact, blackmail is his preferred method of communication.

Steve Parker is an attorney with a heart of gold. It is unfortunate that both his parents and his brother are the complete opposite. Steve's need to help others has led him to run for the local District Attorney's office. Unfortunately, his single status does not poll well with the voters. He needs a wife to in order to appear settled. Running into Becky and proposing a marriage of convenience will help both of them. Becky agrees to marry Steve in exchange for medical care for her son. However, Becky's past may be too difficult a situation for them to overcome. Luckily, once they are completely honest with each other, their happily ever after can begin to thrive.

I truly liked this novel, and the developing love connection between Becky and Steve was delightful and flirty. I immediately connected with both of them as individuals and as a couple. The secondary characters were unique in their own right, which added a lot of interest to the present happenings. Overall, this is a terrific read and I can't wait for the next book in the series.

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

I never know what I’m going to get with a book when the storyline is marriage of convince. This book however was super adorable I loved Bryon his personality really shined through. I had a love/dislike with Steve at first he comes off as everyone should just love me no matter what, but he grew on me really quick and the author did a good job and showing his heart but still making him a fighter. Oh my Becky is a fighter and my heart truly just broke for her sometimes in the book, she knows what she wants and will stop at nothing to get it when it comes to Bryon. This is a first book for me by this author and I want to much more. Such a good read and I like that the author kept it a clean read.

A sweet romance between single mother Becky and Steve, a lawyer who is trying to be elected a District Attorney.

She needs help paying for her son's surgery and he needs a relationship and marriage to appeal to the voters. Though they can help each other out their lives were already entwined in ways that make things difficult.

Becky's son Byron was adorable and the time he spent with Steve was really cute. Those scenes were some of my favorite in the book.

At times it felt like there were a few too many story threads happening at once. However, I did you end up enjoying the book and things wrapped up nicely.

I have to thank NetGalley, Entangled Publishing, and Elsie Davis, for giving me the opportunity to read this book. It was such a sweet read.

Ok so Becky is a single mother, trying to make ends meet, in a small town. Which is a sweet small town, a town where they help one another, which is amazing. Her son is in need of surgery and together with her mother they are working hard to save up for that, she needs all the help she can get, and it’s coming to the point that she needs to finally get in touch with her sons father to help, but that’s another issue all together.

Becky got involved with a young man with a rich family, and unfortunately that man will do anything to keep their relationship and the little boy a secret. Until she meets Steve, and everything changes.

Steve was exactly what she needed. Not only was he successful but he was caring and understanding, and he will do anything to help her. Even if he knew her biggest secret ever, and this secret is huge enough to ruin families, he was right there with her through it all, and even helped her fight.

The ending was one of my favorite parts. 💚💚💚

Small Town, Big Secrets is the second book in the Trinity River series, but it was perfectly fine as a stand-alone. I’ve never read any books by this author, but I fell in love with the small town of Trinity Rivers. If you enjoy reading series of small towns this is a must-read series. I loved the characters and the heartwarming feel of the town.
Becky McAllister had given up her dreams when she discovered she was pregnant. Her son, Byron became her world and when he needed an operation, she is willing to do anything to get it done. Even contacting Jack Parker, Byron’s dad for the money for the operation. Jack had blackmailed her into not telling anyone he was Bryon’s dad and she had kept that promise but she needed help. When Steve offers her a deal that will pay for his surgery, she thought her heart was safe and they could make a short marriage work.
Steve Parker was hoping to win the election for the local DA position. He dreamed of becoming an advocate for those in need. To win the election he needs a wife to help raise his poll ratings. He returns to his hometown of Trinity River to investigate some of his father, Judge Parker dealings. Meeting Becky and learning she is trying to contact his brother intrigues Steve. He offers her a deal when he hears she needs money for her son’s operation. He needs a wife and she needs better insurance so them getting married seemed like a good decision. He never planned on developing feelings for Becky and Byron or wanting to be part of their lives.

A very sweet romance that takes place in a small town. There are two main families and one is wealthy while one is struggling to make ends meet.

The writing creates the small town environment and you can sense the power the Parker family has from the beginning. Byron is an adorable firecracker of a boy and is instrumental to showing how love and family can be. The chemistry, goals and dreams that Steve and Becky share are sweet and captivating. The ending has a HEA and I enjoyed how the family dynamics worked throughout the story!

Thank you for the chance to read this book and share my opinions!

When Becky found herself pregnant as a teenager, she was willing to give up her dreams for the future for the sake of her son Byron even though she had no financial or emotional support from the baby’s father. When her son needs surgery and she can’t afford the deductible she is struggling to determine her next move.

Steve comes from an affluent lifestyle and is determined to become the youngest DA. The only problem is that the voters would prefer that he was in a committed relationship rather than being single. He and Becky had an immediate connection and they might just be the solution to each other’s problems as long as their hearts don’t get involved.

Becky is strong and independent, but the secrecy of her son’s father is having an impact on her present while Steve develops feelings for both mother and son and faces a life decision of his own.

A sweet and endearing story. Becky is a single mother in a small town. She has kept the name of the dad a secret the entire time. For medical reasons she may need to change that. Steve is an attorney who has lived with wealth all his life. This has not made his life easier. These two literally run into each other and a friendship is formed. The author shows how secrets can be destructive even when we believe we are keeping them for good reasons. They usually erode trust in each other and it’s only when they are brought to light that the happiness they seek can be achieved.