Well I missed the first book in this series, but I was looking for a light romance to read and picked this one up. Janice Maynard is a new author for me, but she has published quite a few books, most with a four-star rating, so I was fairly sure I would enjoy this one, and I did.

Description:
Two lives spent searching. One summer to never forget.

Life in Blossom Branch hasn’t always been sweet for Leah Marks. Growing up in the shadow of her overachieving siblings, the shy psychology grad has struggled to find her own place in the world. So when she inherits a long-forgotten summer camp, Leah sees an opportunity to help other kids who are struggling—and maybe find happiness for herself.

Her plan takes an unexpected turn, however, after a scorching encounter with the local fire chief, Lucas Carter. He’s brave, he’s kind…and he’s not quite ready to settle down. Leah is drawn to the rugged firefighter—but she fears she’ll be burned if she gets too close.

Still, Leah and Lucas can’t help but fall harder for each other, until the ill-fated uncertainty of their future can no longer be ignored. As another sizzling summer unfolds in Blossom Branch, will they both finally find the home—and the love—they’ve been searching for?

Bonus novella!

Ice cream store owner Ginny Black is so close to getting her happily-ever-after, she can practically taste it. And then she learns she's pregnant. So when her dream guy, a successful local woodworker, asks her to move in with him, is it because it’s the right thing to do...or because he loves her?

My Thoughts:
This was easy to jump into as a stand alone. I enjoyed Leah's struggle to find her place in her family and earn their respect. Turning the camp into a viable enterprise was quite and accomplishment. The hot firefighter was a good character and the ups and downs of the romance kept my attention. I liked the interactions both Leah and Lucas had with the campers and felt they were portraying good role models for them. The bonus novella at the end was an added treat. I recommend this to anyone who likes a light romance for escape.

Thanks to Canary Street Press through Netgalley for an advance copy.

One Sweet Southern Summer
Book 2 in the Blossom Branch Series
By Janice Maynard

Leah Marks, psychology grad has been overlooked and over shadowed by the members of her family. After receiving an unexpected inheritance, Leah decides to open a summer camp for troubled children. Leah wants them to feel accepted and loved, something she never really felt with her family, but trouble arrives with the first batch of campers.
Responding to a deliberately set fire in the kitchen, Lucas Carter the Fire Chief is immediately attracted to Leah. Although the attraction is mutual neither has the time or inclination for a relationship. After all Leah has a new camp full of children to take care of and Lucas is busy as fire chief. Due to his past Lucas has no intention of settling down with anybody. Leah, shy and insecure doesn’t think she stands a chance with Lucas. Regardless the two are drawn together and they bring out the best in each other.
Leaving is all he knows and staying with Leah is terrifying to Lucas but can he live without her? Their journey is such a joy to read and experience that I didn’t want the book to end. This book is the perfect addition to the Blossom Branch series! Grab your copy of One Sweet Southern Summer!

This is a good book. The two main characters are Leah and Lucas. Leah runs a summer camp. Lucas is a chief of the fire department. They meet when there is a fire at the summer camp. There is an instant attraction. Lucas ask Leah out on a date, she turns him down. He figures that he will try to be friends with her first. They start dating. They fall in love.

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing, Canary Street Press, and NetGalley for an Advanced copy of this book.

I loved returning to Blossom Branch for this second book in the series! I really appreciate how three-dimensional Janice Maynard's characters are, and it's wonderful to have characters who are more representative of real people rather than impossible figureheads. One of my favorite thing about this series is that it's not *just* about the romance (while I unabashedly enjoy that part), but it presents a story of becoming self-sufficient women in their own right who can stand on their own two feet - the gentlemen at their side is a delicious bonus.

A wonderful read, and one that I'll definitely recommend to other romance lovers!

Every return to Blossom Branch is heartwarming! Janice Maynard weaves sweet and sinful together beautifully! Leah is on a mission and she happens upon Lucas in an unsuspecting way and they end up being such a satisfying combination! She's sweet and innocent, he's wickedly sexy ... and together they make the pages fly by with delight! I loved every minute of their story and can't wait for a return trip to Blossom Branch.

I highly recommend this emotional journey that is equal parts sweet and sassy and sexy temptation to anyone who enjoys a small town romance with lots of angst.

ONE SWEET SOUTHERN SUMMER – Janice Maynard
Blossom Branch, Book 2
Canary Street Press
ISBN: 978-1335523068
April 23, 2024
Contemporary Romance

Blossom Branch, Georgia – Present Day

Leah Marks grew up feeling like the underachiever in her family, so when she inherits a summer camp, she jumps at the chance to help disadvantaged youths. The first group of kids had barely arrived when a fire broke out in the kitchen area. The firemen put out the fire, which was set by one of the kids, and it’s a hunky fireman who talks to Leah about the fire. His name is Lucas Carter, and it turns out that not only is he the fire chief, but he knows a lot about troubled youths as he was in foster care. Leah accepts his offer of teaching fire safety at the summer camp. Lucas also wants to date Leah, but she keeps turning him down—until she can no longer say no. Neither is looking for a long-term relationship, so there is nothing wrong with enjoying each other’s company. But their relationship is complicated by their past feelings about love and privacy. Each wants to do their best for the other, but they still want to keep love out of their relationship.

ONE SWEET SOUTHERN SUMMER is an entertaining and intriguing tale, though there are a lot of ups and downs to their burgeoning romance. While Leah makes it clear that she doesn’t have time for relationships and Lucas says they can have a no-commitment one, she still turns him down…again and again. She has poured her heart and soul into the summer camp. Yet again, her family is not interested in her successes. Lucas turns out to be good for Leah. They enjoy each other’s company, and he helps her get over her feelings of inadequacy when it comes to sex. They are soon enjoying each other’s company. Lucas has his own issues. He felt abandoned by his mother after he was left in foster care. A promise to return by his mother never materialized. Leah has had one big relationship, but it ended when the guy told her that he wasn’t interested in marrying her. One can then understand their reluctance for commitment, though they will help each other without question.

Blossom Branch is a small town outside Atlanta and practically everyone knows one another. Leah’s beloved aunt left her not only the summer camp but a mansion in town. At first, Lucas feels like he is not good enough for Leah, but she soon dissuades him from that notion. They go together like apple pie and ice cream. Yet, they still balk at going beyond their sweet summer fling. Can they change their minds? Will something happen to put a wrench on their romance? If you love sizzling contemporary romances that will leave you feeling good as you sip an icy cold drink, then you won’t want to miss the latest from Janice Maynard, ONE SWEET SOUTHERN SUMMER.

Patti Fischer
Romance Reviews Today

Thank you Canary Street Press, HTP Books, HTP Hive for my #gifted copy of One Sweet Southern Summer!

𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐒𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐲𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐝
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟑, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

One Sweet Southern Summer is such a charming read! Leah always felt like she was living in the shadows of her siblings, but when she inherits a summer camp, she feels like it’s her time to shine and develops a plan to help kids who are struggling find their own happiness. Her plans take a turn when she has a chance encounter with the fire chief, Lucas. While he is brave and kind, he also has some baggage of his own, with a rough childhood as a foster child. Can the two find the love they’ve been searching for with one another?

This was such a sweet and feel good story. I love when two people that are perfect for one another find each other in the most perfect way. I loved the writing style and felt like this one flowed so well! This is such a cozy read and perfect for the summer! You are going to want to add this one to your beach bag!

Posted on Goodreads on April 18, 2024: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/144922955?ref=nav_profile_l
**Posted on Instagram - Full Review- on or around April 23, 2024: http://www.instagram.com/nobookmark_noproblem
**Posted on Amazon on April 23, 2024
**-will post on designated date

Thank you to Net Galley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for allowing me to experience the ARC of this story. This book was sweet and cozy. There was not very much drama within the story; it was just enough to keep me wanting. I did feel like the main characters connected pretty quickly. but it wasn't off putting to me. Leah quickly finds her confidence in friendship with the steamy fire that is Lucas. I found that I really connected with Leah's character. Overall this is a story that I enjoyed from start to end.

The premise of this story was promising, featuring Leah who is opening a camp for foster children using an inheritance from her aunt, and Lucas who used to be a foster child and now works as a firefighter. The two cross paths and things smolder between them as the story evolves.

This book was a cute summer romance, but not particularly a favourite. There were a few things I didn't like about it, mainly how repetitive it was, how some of the dialogue was written and I found the intimate scenes to be a little insufferable. There was honestly no real conflict in this novel. I found the long, drawn out drama of the relationship to be lacking and a little bit ridiculous.

I did like the parts of the story about the camp, and about Leah's increased confidence in herself. Overall, it's worth the read if you come across it.

I really wanted to like this one. The premise was fantastic and I thought that Leah was such a sweet character, but it was difficult for me to get past Lucas's inability to take no for an answer throughout this story. In some ways, it felt like Leah was coerced into some of the things she did throughout the plot. 2.5/5

One of those books that I really, really wanted to work for me, but it did not. The writing is good and the story seemed to glow well however. I think this is one of those It's not you, it's me scenarios! Will check out more of the author.

Leah Marks has moved back to Blossom Branch and started a summer camp for children who need consistency and who are struggling in their everyday life. She has always been a very shy in a family of brothers and parents who strive for perfection and she feels like she is an under achiever in her family. This project will help to show them just what she is made of. It is something that will fulfill a dream for her. With the help of friends and a good team she will make her mark. That is until their is a fire and the camp and she meets Fire Chief Lucas Carter. He is like no one Leah has met. He is brave and a risk taker, something she never saw herself wanting in a man, but she soon gets to know him and the attraction to each other is something she can't fight, even though he wants a relationship with an expirery date. Can she show him that is lone wolf life can be made for two or more. Can love be all they need.
I loved this pair. They were each unique in their careers, but both in the business of helping people and they both had good hearts. It was a book that had me right from the start and the story kept me turning the pages to the finish.
There was a lovely bonus story too. A lovely story set in Blossom Branch.
Both books are worth the read and I can't wait for the next Blossom Branch book.

Loved reading this book and series. Thie series is very addictive. Looking forward to more books in this series. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did

Leah has opened a summer camp for troubled youth and Lucas is a firefighter. Both have their own personal struggles and issues to deal with but helping others is important to them. Together they face their challenges while healing from their problems.

I read this book in less than a day. I could not put it down. Leah and Lucas come from very different backgrounds and are both strong-minded individuals. Leah struggles to find herself as she feels her family doesn't take her seriously as they see her still as the baby of the family. After a mutual break up with her boyfriend, she shifts her focus to putting all of her energy into running a camp with the inheritance she received from her late aunt. Leah meets Chief Lucas Carter when he receives a call to come to the camp. They slowly lower their guard through their blossoming friendship, forcing each other to confront their deeply rooted vulnerabilities. I'm not sure if I wasn't ready for the story to end from being so engrossed in the characters or it ended abruptly. Either way, I hope there is a book 3 in the future to return back to Blossom Branch.

Leah and Lucas are characters that are easy to relate to. Leah comes from a loving family, but has baggage from feeling overlooked and not good enough in a family of high achievers. Lucas was raised in foster care and has baggage from being in the system without a family. But the two paired together are able to help each other overcome this baggage. Both characters are always striving to help others in their life choices, which is admirable. This book was a fast read and I enjoyed it.

I loved this book! I will definitely recommend it. Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

I fell in love with Lucas and Leah. The only reason this wasn't a 5 star was because of their attitudes - Leah is in her late 20s and complaining about being given an inheritance and having successful older brothers while 33 year old Lucas pushes her away because he doesn't know his biological background (genetics testing is a thing nowadays). Leah also kept bringing up her weight but the cover and description of her doesn't add up to her worries. Also you're telling me after a years long dry spell you were able to be going at it like rabbits multiple times in one night? I also didn't like the abrupt ending.

This was a sweet (no pun intended) love story. The character development was well done and you really felt like you knew the characters. I enjoyed this light read.

Leah is the youngest of four children. Her brothers are all successful and handsome, they make her parents proud. Leah wants her parents to be proud of her also. She has inherited land and a home from her aunt, and she decides to create a camp for underprivileged middle school students. On the first night she is awakened by a fire in the kitchen and swept off her feet by Lucas, the fire chief. Lucas was placed on a church step when he was a baby and lived in foster homes until he was eighteen. He does not believe he could ever settle down and is not worthy of Leah. He has his time filled with duties at the fire station and she is consumed with running the camp. I really liked this story. Leah’s two psychology degrees shed a lot on how the students were doing and what kept Lucas from staying put for very long. The camp had several creative activities and meant so much to the campers. Great love story and wonderful characters!