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The Sheriff’s Rescue
She’s home for a few days, but a snowstorm, forbidden attraction, and a smoking hot sheriff have other plans…
As the family outcast, Shelby Shepherd won’t stay in her small hometown of Sandy Point, Georgia one second longer than she has to. Her wealthy and connected family look down on her. But when a rare blizzard shuts down the town, Shelby’s stranded in a ditch. Being rescued by the local sheriff, Wesley Hart, wouldn’t be so bad if he hadn’t starred in all her unrequited high school dreams. Now all grown up, he’s utterly irresistible—and totally irritated by her presence. Too bad the only space in town for Shelby to shelter is his bachelor pad.
Wesley Hart has no time for house guests, especially Shelby—the gorgeous daughter of his nemesis. Shelby’s beauty is only matched by the trouble she brings, but turning her out in the storm is not an option. He’s determined to remain polite, professional, and resist his attraction to her.
But Shelby’s tired of being ignored, and Wesley’s ready to break a few rules. What happens when a fling doesn’t begin to quench their desire?
Forced proximity. Forbidden attraction. Second chances under southern snow. Steamy small-town romance with heart and humor.
As the family outcast, Shelby Shepherd won’t stay in her small hometown of Sandy Point, Georgia one second longer than she has to. Her wealthy and connected family look down on her. But when a rare blizzard shuts down the town, Shelby’s stranded in a ditch. Being rescued by the local sheriff, Wesley Hart, wouldn’t be so bad if he hadn’t starred in all her unrequited high school dreams. Now all grown up, he’s utterly irresistible—and totally irritated by her presence. Too bad the only space in town for Shelby to shelter is his bachelor pad.
Wesley Hart has no time for house guests, especially Shelby—the gorgeous daughter of his nemesis. Shelby’s beauty is only matched by the trouble she brings, but turning her out in the storm is not an option. He’s determined to remain polite, professional, and resist his attraction to her.
But Shelby’s tired of being ignored, and Wesley’s ready to break a few rules. What happens when a fling doesn’t begin to quench their desire?
Forced proximity. Forbidden attraction. Second chances under southern snow. Steamy small-town romance with heart and humor.
205 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 22, 2026
About the author
Stella Holt
16 books108 followersAuthor of your next binge-worthy contemporary romance series, featuring hot alpha heroes and the ambitious women they fall for.
Series Alert:
Small-town steamy in The Southern Hart Brothers series. Follow these four brothers as they uncover family secrets, and fight for love.
Big city swoon in The Legacy of the Maguires series featuring a family of siblings, and six steamy workplace romances.
Each book can be read as a standalone, but you won't want to miss one page of these heartwarming families, all the banter, and steamy romance.
Want to get to know Stella? Most days Stella can be found drinking too much coffee, collecting lipstick she forgets to wear, and baking. Connect with her on socials!
https://www.instagram.com/stellaholtb...
https://www.tiktok.com/@stellaholtbooks
Series Alert:
Small-town steamy in The Southern Hart Brothers series. Follow these four brothers as they uncover family secrets, and fight for love.
Big city swoon in The Legacy of the Maguires series featuring a family of siblings, and six steamy workplace romances.
Each book can be read as a standalone, but you won't want to miss one page of these heartwarming families, all the banter, and steamy romance.
Want to get to know Stella? Most days Stella can be found drinking too much coffee, collecting lipstick she forgets to wear, and baking. Connect with her on socials!
https://www.instagram.com/stellaholtb...
https://www.tiktok.com/@stellaholtbooks
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
January 25, 2026
When Shelby Shepherd gets a call from her beloved Pops she immediately makes her way home to Sandy Point she has not been back for a long time classed as the black sheep of the wealthy Shepherd family she prefers her life in Atlanta. Only thing is the night she arrives a blizzard arrives as well and soon she is being rescued from a ditch by the man who she had a huge crush on while in school deputy sheriff Wesley Hart and he is even better looking now. Shelby soon finds herself staying at Wes’s place and the temperature heats up.
Wes is not happy to have someone invade his space especially the daughter of his arch enemy but Shelby is gorgeous and seems to have a knack for getting herself in trouble surely the feelings he is having for her are only because he has been single for a long time.
It doesn’t take long before neither can ignore the feelings they have but soon a fling is growing and when trouble arises with the Shepherd family Wes is there to help Shelby, and of course his grandmother is eager to push them together.
This is a fabulous story, sensual, emotional, and witty and moving as Shelby shows her strength and stands up to her family and Wes what can I say what a hero, and it appears that this series might not be over, I do hope there is another one. I do highly recommend this one to any lover of a good romance it has everything you would want.
My thanks to Tule Publishing for my digital copy to read and review.
Wes is not happy to have someone invade his space especially the daughter of his arch enemy but Shelby is gorgeous and seems to have a knack for getting herself in trouble surely the feelings he is having for her are only because he has been single for a long time.
It doesn’t take long before neither can ignore the feelings they have but soon a fling is growing and when trouble arises with the Shepherd family Wes is there to help Shelby, and of course his grandmother is eager to push them together.
This is a fabulous story, sensual, emotional, and witty and moving as Shelby shows her strength and stands up to her family and Wes what can I say what a hero, and it appears that this series might not be over, I do hope there is another one. I do highly recommend this one to any lover of a good romance it has everything you would want.
My thanks to Tule Publishing for my digital copy to read and review.
December 17, 2025
I voluntarily read an advanced reader’s copy of this book for an honest opinion.
Another addition to The Southern Hart Brothers series. The Sheriff's Rescue by Stella Holt pulled me in from the first page until the last page. A great storyline. Hopefully we will be getting more books with these characters and in this series.
Another addition to The Southern Hart Brothers series. The Sheriff's Rescue by Stella Holt pulled me in from the first page until the last page. A great storyline. Hopefully we will be getting more books with these characters and in this series.
Review of advance copy
When Shelby decided to go to visit her grandfather she never expected to end up on the side of the road in a ditch in the middle of a snow storm. Getting away after a bad break up this was supposed to be a simple getaway plus see her loveable grandfather. Now she's stuck with a grouchy deputy sheriff, who expects her to stay in a cell for the night. Wes never expected to find a woman in the ditched car, or that she'd end up being the daughter of the mayor. This is a story with so many twists and turns. Between the feelings and understanding they have for each other plus the spicy side can they overcome all the hurdles in the way. This is part of a series although I haven't read the previous books but still throughly enjoyed the book
December 26, 2025
Loved the twists and turns and bit of suspense in this book and I really loved the characters who were so relatable and their story believable.
February 5, 2026
Shelby and Wesley’s first encounter is unexpected. Shelby is our artistic black sheep writer and Wesley is our strong sheriff alpha hero. While one has built a life and career in the small coastal town of Sandy Point, GA, the other one is reluctant to return to the town.
They are forced together and what might have started as physical attraction later becomes something more. They are both reluctant to pursue it and it causes miscommunication. But eventually we get to see their romance bloom.
I liked that we got some interesting secondary characters like Grandpa Shepherd and Grandma Hart. They are there to provide wisdom, love, and support to their grandchildren.
There are some bumps on the road until our MCs can be together, some frustrating, and some sad. Shelby’s family -except for her Grandpa- are a nightmare and I was so glad when she stood up to them and they got what they deserved. Also, Wesley finding out what he wanted and both of them building a life together.
I am a big fan of small town romances and I really enjoyed this one. Thank you Stella Holt and Grey’s promotions for the early copy. This is my honest opinion.
They are forced together and what might have started as physical attraction later becomes something more. They are both reluctant to pursue it and it causes miscommunication. But eventually we get to see their romance bloom.
I liked that we got some interesting secondary characters like Grandpa Shepherd and Grandma Hart. They are there to provide wisdom, love, and support to their grandchildren.
There are some bumps on the road until our MCs can be together, some frustrating, and some sad. Shelby’s family -except for her Grandpa- are a nightmare and I was so glad when she stood up to them and they got what they deserved. Also, Wesley finding out what he wanted and both of them building a life together.
I am a big fan of small town romances and I really enjoyed this one. Thank you Stella Holt and Grey’s promotions for the early copy. This is my honest opinion.
January 9, 2026
How high can tensions get when you’re trapped in a snowstorm with your childhood crush who happens to be the sheriff in town? Wes and Shelby navigate family and political relations in their small hometown in Georgia. Lines can be crossed at any moment.
This book was entirely captivating and I could not put it down. The storyline was cohesive and well-thought out. The story draws you in from the first chapter.
At the core, this story forces characters to face tough decisions, within their personal and familial life’s. Shelby has a tough exterior as well as Wes.
Wes and Shelby’s characters are relatable and share plenty of witty banter. The only reason I couldn’t give it five stars was because the ending was a tad rushed, but necessary. A few more chapters would’ve been helpful to flesh out a few moving parts. BUT the romance was there and well written. The reader is taken on a journey through both POVs and is great at writing emotions and thought processes.
Tropes:
Forbidden love
Forced proximity
Small town second chances
This book was entirely captivating and I could not put it down. The storyline was cohesive and well-thought out. The story draws you in from the first chapter.
At the core, this story forces characters to face tough decisions, within their personal and familial life’s. Shelby has a tough exterior as well as Wes.
Wes and Shelby’s characters are relatable and share plenty of witty banter. The only reason I couldn’t give it five stars was because the ending was a tad rushed, but necessary. A few more chapters would’ve been helpful to flesh out a few moving parts. BUT the romance was there and well written. The reader is taken on a journey through both POVs and is great at writing emotions and thought processes.
Tropes:
Forbidden love
Forced proximity
Small town second chances
January 23, 2026
My first read by this author and I will definitely be reading more! A caring and protective sheriff is up for the task to protect the community, family, friends and the woman stranded in a snowstorm whose family is known in the community but not for the same reasons. The black sheep of the family holds feelings and secrets tight to the chest as she feels alone. Both FMC and MMC fall fast and hard. Each have an issue with communication. Read this book as it is a page tuner and see if family and friendships will help give both an HEA.
January 6, 2026
THE SHERIFF’S RESCUE by Stella Holt
Release Date January 22, 2026
In the authors, blurb this pretty much says it all:
FORCE PROXIMITY. FORBIDDEN ATTRACTION. SECOND CHANCES UNDER SOUTHERN SNOW. STEAMY SMALL TOWN, ROMANCE WITH HEART AND HUMOR.
And the story was every bit as good as that blurb says it is.
This is another book inThe Southern Hart Brothers series.
It’s a great addition to the series definitely kept me reading a definite page turner.
I love the characters of Shelby Shepherd, who has come back to her hometown at the request of her grandfather. And it starts out with her, needing to be rescued by sheriff Wesley Hart. And so the ride begins. Definitely one that you want to put on your TBR pile.
This is part of a series, but can definitely be read as a standalone.
Release Date January 22, 2026
In the authors, blurb this pretty much says it all:
FORCE PROXIMITY. FORBIDDEN ATTRACTION. SECOND CHANCES UNDER SOUTHERN SNOW. STEAMY SMALL TOWN, ROMANCE WITH HEART AND HUMOR.
And the story was every bit as good as that blurb says it is.
This is another book inThe Southern Hart Brothers series.
It’s a great addition to the series definitely kept me reading a definite page turner.
I love the characters of Shelby Shepherd, who has come back to her hometown at the request of her grandfather. And it starts out with her, needing to be rescued by sheriff Wesley Hart. And so the ride begins. Definitely one that you want to put on your TBR pile.
This is part of a series, but can definitely be read as a standalone.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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Shelby's finally come back to her hometown, to see her beloved grandpa. He's the only one in her awful family she'd come back for. Unfortunately, she came at the worst time, weather wise, now her car's stuck and she's wearing entirely ineffectual clothes for a blizzard. Thank God her high school crush, Sheriff Wesley Hart, comes along and rescues her. Being snowed in has their chemistry sizzling, and the forced proximity gives them a chance to indulge. But it's just a little hookup, as she won't be here forever, and he hasn't dated in so long he forgot how. Except Shelby just may be discovering a good reason to stay here now.
This small town had a heck of a lot going on! I like Wes and his family, and Shelby's amazing grandpa, but I have to admit that Shelby bugged me. I get that she had some trauma because of her family, but she was the worst communicator and jumped to conclusions 90% of the time. I felt like Wes could have done a lot better, found someone far more stable and mature enough for a relationship. But aside from Shelby's kinda awful character, I liked the rest of The Sheriff’s Rescue. The chemistry is strong, the bit of suspense is entertaining, and the small town characters are quirky and fun.
ARC provided by Grey's Promotions for an honest review.
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January 23, 2026
The Sheriff’s Rescue is a terrific addition to Stella Holt’s The Southern Hart Brothers series. Book three features Wesley Hart, the oldest of 3 brothers. He is the deputy sheriff of Sandy Point, Georgia. He remained in town after his parents were killed in an accident to help his grandmother raise his brothers. As the book opens, the town is being hit by a rare and terrible blizzard. He discovers a woman trapped in her car after landing in a ditch. As the hotels are full, he brings her to his house to stay the night. Wes learns she is Shelby Shepherd, daughter of the mayor and wealthiest family in town. Shelby tells him she came to visit her grandfather. She has no contact with her parents or her brother as she is treated like the black sheep of the family. Wes was always Shelby’s crush in high school but he wasn’t aware of her feelings.
Shelby and Wes notice the chemistry between them and act on the physical attraction. She stays a couple nights, until the blizzard is over and the roads are clear. She then goes to her grandfather’s house and finds he fell and hurt his hand. She takes him to the hospital and agrees to stay with him until she can find someone to help with his properties and his wellbeing. Her parents and brother insert themselves into the issues and make threats about putting him into a facility. They are only interested in his money. Wes and his brother come over and do some work at Mr. Shepherd’s house to make it safer for him. She and Wes spend time together and their feelings towards each other continue to grow stronger.
Wes takes Shelby on a date and when they get back, they discover her grandfather passed away while he was napping. She is heartbroken and Wes supports her and tries to help her. He directs her to the lawyer for her grandfather. Shelby learns from the lawyer that she is the sole heir of her grandfather. When her family learns this, they make all kinds of threats against her. Her father and brother make such a scene so that Wes has to send them on their way. The whole town comes out to pay respects to Mr. Shepherd at his funeral. Neither Shelby’s father or brother attend and her mother ends up threatening her over her inheritance. Shelby has decided she can’t stay in Sandy Point with her family so hateful to her. Sadly, she doesn’t want to end things with Wes but doesn’t see how it is possible to continue if they are living in different places. So she plans to move back home to Atlanta and will try to get over him.. Wes starts to evaluate his life and what he wants. Shelby has become very important to him and so he questions if he wants to leave his home and move to Atlanta to be with her.
This book is a very romantic and beautiful love story. There is a nice amount of steamy romance between Wes and Shelby. There is a lot of angst as the two consider their feelings for the other as well as the importance of their family and their relationships. There is some suspense when there are some arson fires showing up and the announcement at end of the story. It is a cery well written book that is hard to put down. It is entertaining and enjoyable to read. Stella Holt has given us another amazing story that I rated 5 stars.
I was fortunate to receive this ARC from Tule Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
Shelby and Wes notice the chemistry between them and act on the physical attraction. She stays a couple nights, until the blizzard is over and the roads are clear. She then goes to her grandfather’s house and finds he fell and hurt his hand. She takes him to the hospital and agrees to stay with him until she can find someone to help with his properties and his wellbeing. Her parents and brother insert themselves into the issues and make threats about putting him into a facility. They are only interested in his money. Wes and his brother come over and do some work at Mr. Shepherd’s house to make it safer for him. She and Wes spend time together and their feelings towards each other continue to grow stronger.
Wes takes Shelby on a date and when they get back, they discover her grandfather passed away while he was napping. She is heartbroken and Wes supports her and tries to help her. He directs her to the lawyer for her grandfather. Shelby learns from the lawyer that she is the sole heir of her grandfather. When her family learns this, they make all kinds of threats against her. Her father and brother make such a scene so that Wes has to send them on their way. The whole town comes out to pay respects to Mr. Shepherd at his funeral. Neither Shelby’s father or brother attend and her mother ends up threatening her over her inheritance. Shelby has decided she can’t stay in Sandy Point with her family so hateful to her. Sadly, she doesn’t want to end things with Wes but doesn’t see how it is possible to continue if they are living in different places. So she plans to move back home to Atlanta and will try to get over him.. Wes starts to evaluate his life and what he wants. Shelby has become very important to him and so he questions if he wants to leave his home and move to Atlanta to be with her.
This book is a very romantic and beautiful love story. There is a nice amount of steamy romance between Wes and Shelby. There is a lot of angst as the two consider their feelings for the other as well as the importance of their family and their relationships. There is some suspense when there are some arson fires showing up and the announcement at end of the story. It is a cery well written book that is hard to put down. It is entertaining and enjoyable to read. Stella Holt has given us another amazing story that I rated 5 stars.
I was fortunate to receive this ARC from Tule Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
January 22, 2026
THE SHERIFF’S RESCUE is the third instalment in Stella Holt’s contemporary, adult THE SOUTHERN HART BROTHERS erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on the Hart brothers. This is author Shelby Shepherd, and Sheriff Wesley Hart’s story line. THE SHERIFF’S RESCUE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.
Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Shelby and Wesley) THE SHERIFF’S RESCUE follows Shelby Shepherd’s return to her home town of Sandy Point, Georgia to spend a few days with her elderly grandfather but from the outset nothing goes according to plan-a snow blizzard, an accident, and a rescue by the local sheriff find Shelby Shepherd spending the night with the man with whom she will fall in love.Wesley Hart is struggling with his attraction to a woman who claims to be only in town for a few short days but when a series of seemingly unconnected fires occur just as Wesley announces his plans for the upcoming election, a deeper dive into the possibilities threatens no only our hero but our heroine as well.
The world building focuses on the estranged and dysfunctional family dynamics of the well to do, and politically connected Shepherd family. Shelby previously ran from the town and the family she refuses to acknowledge, a family that will take aim at our story line heroine.
The relationship between Shelby and Wesley begins as a rescue. Shelby was unprepared for the winter weather, and her visit with her grandfather reveals some concerning issues. Falling for the local sheriff was never in the plans but Shelby finds herself falling for a man who is willing to give up everything to follow his heart. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are reintroduced to the Hart siblings including Darl Dalton Hart and Brooke; baseball star Levi Hart and Missy, as well as their grandmother ; Shelby’s grandfather Zeke, as well as Shelby’s insufferable and questionable family-brother Samuel, and father Mayor William Shephard: locals including horse rancher Miranda Sutton, attorney Declan Shaw, and Miles Banks.
THE SHERIFF’S RESCUE is a story of betrayal and madness, greed and jealousy, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is intriguing and captivating; the romance is seductive ; the characters are determined and dynamic.
copy supplied for review
Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Shelby and Wesley) THE SHERIFF’S RESCUE follows Shelby Shepherd’s return to her home town of Sandy Point, Georgia to spend a few days with her elderly grandfather but from the outset nothing goes according to plan-a snow blizzard, an accident, and a rescue by the local sheriff find Shelby Shepherd spending the night with the man with whom she will fall in love.Wesley Hart is struggling with his attraction to a woman who claims to be only in town for a few short days but when a series of seemingly unconnected fires occur just as Wesley announces his plans for the upcoming election, a deeper dive into the possibilities threatens no only our hero but our heroine as well.
The world building focuses on the estranged and dysfunctional family dynamics of the well to do, and politically connected Shepherd family. Shelby previously ran from the town and the family she refuses to acknowledge, a family that will take aim at our story line heroine.
The relationship between Shelby and Wesley begins as a rescue. Shelby was unprepared for the winter weather, and her visit with her grandfather reveals some concerning issues. Falling for the local sheriff was never in the plans but Shelby finds herself falling for a man who is willing to give up everything to follow his heart. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are reintroduced to the Hart siblings including Darl Dalton Hart and Brooke; baseball star Levi Hart and Missy, as well as their grandmother ; Shelby’s grandfather Zeke, as well as Shelby’s insufferable and questionable family-brother Samuel, and father Mayor William Shephard: locals including horse rancher Miranda Sutton, attorney Declan Shaw, and Miles Banks.
THE SHERIFF’S RESCUE is a story of betrayal and madness, greed and jealousy, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is intriguing and captivating; the romance is seductive ; the characters are determined and dynamic.
copy supplied for review
January 26, 2026
I'd like to thank both the author of this book and Greys Promotions for trusting me with an ARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review. I'm beyond grateful for the opportunity you all gave me, despite my ultimate opinion on this.
I am truly sorry, but this book wasn’t it for me at all. I could not, for the life of me, feel the chemistry between the characters, nor really care about them, which is something that has never happened to me before. I knew what I was getting myself into when I signed up for this arc, and I had really high hopes actually, but I didn’t like anything about it.
I appreciate the author’s time and dedication to this book, and in no way am I hating her work or her as a person. This review is solely my opinion, but perhaps other readers love this book, and it was just a me problem.
Everything in this story felt flat, from the descriptions of the different places, to the characters. Everything felt very one dimensional, and repetitive, while at the same time, the story moved fast, with many conversations sometimes not happening, or staying only in the character’s thoughts.
I also found quite a few typing errors, and some grammatical mistakes, mostly in how some sentences and paragraphs were divided. Also, whenever there was a dialogue happening, it felt like reading a play, with no telling about how the characters said some things, like they were just floating voices, if that makes sense. I know it gets repetitive to read “he said”, “she exclaimed”, but in my opinion it adds to the book, it sets the tone of the conversation, and guides us through the things they are not saying but are shown through their body language.
Now, moving onto the characters, I did not like Shelby at all. She seemed whiny, rather than careful with herself, and allergic to communication. I did feel sorry for the way her family treated her, and everything that happened to her, but she was also putting rocks in her way by herself, creating problems with Wes and in her own mind that could have been solvable, had she just spoken. Wesley wasn’t as bad, though I did find it weird how fast he was moving, and how unsure he was with every decision he had to make. Usually I love miscommunication when done well… but this was not the case.
The ending felt rushed, and honestly, I did not like the last plot twist one bit. I also disliked how it felt like only one of the main characters was leaving their life behind and changing completely, and I didn’t find it romantic, or like it made sense at all.
In conclusion, while I do absolutely despise being a hater, I am afraid this book was not for me, and will not continue reading from this author. I’m sure some people will love her writing style, and her characters, but that was not me, and that’s part of the fun of reading, that it’s subjective.
I am truly sorry, but this book wasn’t it for me at all. I could not, for the life of me, feel the chemistry between the characters, nor really care about them, which is something that has never happened to me before. I knew what I was getting myself into when I signed up for this arc, and I had really high hopes actually, but I didn’t like anything about it.
I appreciate the author’s time and dedication to this book, and in no way am I hating her work or her as a person. This review is solely my opinion, but perhaps other readers love this book, and it was just a me problem.
Everything in this story felt flat, from the descriptions of the different places, to the characters. Everything felt very one dimensional, and repetitive, while at the same time, the story moved fast, with many conversations sometimes not happening, or staying only in the character’s thoughts.
I also found quite a few typing errors, and some grammatical mistakes, mostly in how some sentences and paragraphs were divided. Also, whenever there was a dialogue happening, it felt like reading a play, with no telling about how the characters said some things, like they were just floating voices, if that makes sense. I know it gets repetitive to read “he said”, “she exclaimed”, but in my opinion it adds to the book, it sets the tone of the conversation, and guides us through the things they are not saying but are shown through their body language.
Now, moving onto the characters, I did not like Shelby at all. She seemed whiny, rather than careful with herself, and allergic to communication. I did feel sorry for the way her family treated her, and everything that happened to her, but she was also putting rocks in her way by herself, creating problems with Wes and in her own mind that could have been solvable, had she just spoken. Wesley wasn’t as bad, though I did find it weird how fast he was moving, and how unsure he was with every decision he had to make. Usually I love miscommunication when done well… but this was not the case.
The ending felt rushed, and honestly, I did not like the last plot twist one bit. I also disliked how it felt like only one of the main characters was leaving their life behind and changing completely, and I didn’t find it romantic, or like it made sense at all.
In conclusion, while I do absolutely despise being a hater, I am afraid this book was not for me, and will not continue reading from this author. I’m sure some people will love her writing style, and her characters, but that was not me, and that’s part of the fun of reading, that it’s subjective.
January 27, 2026
Thank you Stella Holt and Grey's Promotions for this digital arc. Slight spoilers ahead! I had a fun time reading this book. I liked the whodunit situation that was happening. I also liked the side characters and how much they added to the book. I liked how we saw a growth in Shelby and how she came to an understanding within herself of not letting others get in the way of what she could have. I also love how family centered Wes is. While he does have his own family, I love how every character we meet loves him and he treats them as if they were a part of his family.
I really wish we got to learn more about Shelby and Wes separately from each other. Like I wish we got to know why Shelby's parents were the way they were and learn more about her background. Same with Wes, I wish I had learned more about his parents and had more scenes with him and his brothers to learn more about who he is separate from the relationship. I also wish that there were more conversations in the beginning of the story between the main characters. This is a personal opinion but I hate the "wow, there is just something about them" from the getgo. Like give me more depth. More character depth between the two when they meet that would make me believe it isn't just physical attraction.
I do love how emotionally well-written they are. That is something I loved about this book. They were written in a way that made me believe they were emotionally mature to handle what happens in the book. I didn't mind the miscommunication/noncommunication and that is usually something that makes me so upset. It was written so well into the story that it made sense to me as to why they weren't communicating with each other about what they wanted. ALSO THE ENDING, WHAT THE HECK? Please tell me that's a book in the making because Stella, I will die if this series ends in that kind of cliffhanger. I wish that Wes would have tried out Atlanta, but also it made sense for where they moved because Stella already felt at home there, she just had to overcome the fear of what her family thought.
I really wish we got to learn more about Shelby and Wes separately from each other. Like I wish we got to know why Shelby's parents were the way they were and learn more about her background. Same with Wes, I wish I had learned more about his parents and had more scenes with him and his brothers to learn more about who he is separate from the relationship. I also wish that there were more conversations in the beginning of the story between the main characters. This is a personal opinion but I hate the "wow, there is just something about them" from the getgo. Like give me more depth. More character depth between the two when they meet that would make me believe it isn't just physical attraction.
I do love how emotionally well-written they are. That is something I loved about this book. They were written in a way that made me believe they were emotionally mature to handle what happens in the book. I didn't mind the miscommunication/noncommunication and that is usually something that makes me so upset. It was written so well into the story that it made sense to me as to why they weren't communicating with each other about what they wanted. ALSO THE ENDING, WHAT THE HECK? Please tell me that's a book in the making because Stella, I will die if this series ends in that kind of cliffhanger. I wish that Wes would have tried out Atlanta, but also it made sense for where they moved because Stella already felt at home there, she just had to overcome the fear of what her family thought.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Sheriff’s Rescue (The Southern Hart Brothers, Book 3) by Stella Holt
Snowed in, second-chance sparks, and small-town danger make this one a winner.
The Sheriff’s Rescue delivers exactly what I love in a small-town romance—forced proximity, unresolved history, and emotional depth layered with real stakes. Shelby Shepherd is the family outcast, weighed down by grief, judgment, and years of feeling unwanted. Coming home is already hard enough, but being stranded in a blizzard and rescued by the man who once owned her teenage heart? That’s fate having a sense of humor.
Wesley Hart is the kind of sheriff romance readers swoon over—protective, disciplined, and fighting his attraction every step of the way. The tension between him and Shelby crackles, especially with the added complication of her being the daughter of his longtime nemesis. Watching Wes try to stay professional while everything about Shelby tempts him was incredibly satisfying.
What really elevates this story is the emotional weight. Shelby’s family drama and the sadness tied to a recent loss give her character real depth, making her journey feel raw and honest. On top of that, the mystery of a town arsonist adds suspense and keeps the pacing tight, blending romance and danger seamlessly.
The snowstorm setup, one house situation, and small-town pressure cooker work perfectly here. Wes isn’t just trying to solve a crime—he’s also fighting to convince Shelby that she belongs, that she’s worth choosing, and that Sandy Point (and him) could finally be home.
Warm, emotional, and engaging, The Sheriff’s Rescue balances romance, family conflict, and suspense beautifully. A great addition to the Southern Hart Brothers series and an easy recommendation for fans of small-town sheriffs, second chances, and love found when you least expect it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Snowed in, second-chance sparks, and small-town danger make this one a winner.
The Sheriff’s Rescue delivers exactly what I love in a small-town romance—forced proximity, unresolved history, and emotional depth layered with real stakes. Shelby Shepherd is the family outcast, weighed down by grief, judgment, and years of feeling unwanted. Coming home is already hard enough, but being stranded in a blizzard and rescued by the man who once owned her teenage heart? That’s fate having a sense of humor.
Wesley Hart is the kind of sheriff romance readers swoon over—protective, disciplined, and fighting his attraction every step of the way. The tension between him and Shelby crackles, especially with the added complication of her being the daughter of his longtime nemesis. Watching Wes try to stay professional while everything about Shelby tempts him was incredibly satisfying.
What really elevates this story is the emotional weight. Shelby’s family drama and the sadness tied to a recent loss give her character real depth, making her journey feel raw and honest. On top of that, the mystery of a town arsonist adds suspense and keeps the pacing tight, blending romance and danger seamlessly.
The snowstorm setup, one house situation, and small-town pressure cooker work perfectly here. Wes isn’t just trying to solve a crime—he’s also fighting to convince Shelby that she belongs, that she’s worth choosing, and that Sandy Point (and him) could finally be home.
Warm, emotional, and engaging, The Sheriff’s Rescue balances romance, family conflict, and suspense beautifully. A great addition to the Southern Hart Brothers series and an easy recommendation for fans of small-town sheriffs, second chances, and love found when you least expect it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 26, 2026
A great love story between two people from different backgrounds who went to the same high school but never really saw eachother.
Now, several years later, she finds herself stranded in the middle of nowhere close to her destination but caught in a snowstorm with the mission to see the only relative she ever loved in this family, her Pops or paternal grandfather. Having swerved out of control surrender up in a ditch and is found by the local deputy sheriff. Her teenage infatuation for this former quarterback is back in spades but the cop in question is grumpy and does not remember her. Frankly, why should he as she is definitively not the woman she used to be.
The town is in chaos, having seen this type of storm decades ago. But Wes, the sheriff has prepared for this type of situation and is virtually in charge as the mayor doesn't know nothing about nothing and only got elected through donations and shady associations.
Shelby, the woman in distress that he just picked up in his service truck, is frozen and completely ill dressed for such a weather. She is taken back to the sheriff's office for an incident report and finds herself totally stranded when there is no room at the Inn and the only bed is a cot in a jail cell next to the town's drunk.
Wes has no choice to take her home with him and offer his bed while he sleeps on the couch. Having seen her papers, he knows that she is the mayor's daughter and that she has not been in town for a while. He finds himself in a delicate position as her stay is postponed due to the fact that all traveling has been cancelled so the snow can blow over and the streets be plowed.
The author brilliantly writes about this very current topic where the standing matters even if it hurts your children and that people in power will do anything for money even at the expense of family and friends. A very good read that I highly recommend and rate 5 Stars.
Now, several years later, she finds herself stranded in the middle of nowhere close to her destination but caught in a snowstorm with the mission to see the only relative she ever loved in this family, her Pops or paternal grandfather. Having swerved out of control surrender up in a ditch and is found by the local deputy sheriff. Her teenage infatuation for this former quarterback is back in spades but the cop in question is grumpy and does not remember her. Frankly, why should he as she is definitively not the woman she used to be.
The town is in chaos, having seen this type of storm decades ago. But Wes, the sheriff has prepared for this type of situation and is virtually in charge as the mayor doesn't know nothing about nothing and only got elected through donations and shady associations.
Shelby, the woman in distress that he just picked up in his service truck, is frozen and completely ill dressed for such a weather. She is taken back to the sheriff's office for an incident report and finds herself totally stranded when there is no room at the Inn and the only bed is a cot in a jail cell next to the town's drunk.
Wes has no choice to take her home with him and offer his bed while he sleeps on the couch. Having seen her papers, he knows that she is the mayor's daughter and that she has not been in town for a while. He finds himself in a delicate position as her stay is postponed due to the fact that all traveling has been cancelled so the snow can blow over and the streets be plowed.
The author brilliantly writes about this very current topic where the standing matters even if it hurts your children and that people in power will do anything for money even at the expense of family and friends. A very good read that I highly recommend and rate 5 Stars.
January 23, 2026
I would like to thank the Author and Grey’s Promo for providing me the ARC in exchange of an honest review.
Tropes:
✨Small town
✨Forced Proximity
✨Only one bed
✨Secret Romance
✨Alpha Hero
✨It’s always been you
Shelby Shepherd’s quick trip home to Georgia turns into anything but simple once a snowstorm, a crashed car, and Sheriff Wesley Hart get involved. Caught between her strained, politically powerful family and the town she once ran from, Shelby is forced to confront old wounds while snowed in with the one man she’s never really gotten over. Wesley is steady, protective, and far too willing to risk his own plans when Shelby’s safety and reputation are on the line, and that tension gives the story a nice crackle from the first chapter.
What stands out most is how messy and complicated these families are. The Shepherds and Harts have years of resentment, secrets, and expectations simmering under every conversation, and the book does a good job showing how that pressure shapes both Shelby and Wes without turning the whole thing into pure angst. The small-town setting feels lived in, with familiar faces from earlier Southern Hart Brothers books popping up while still letting this story work on its own if you haven’t read the others.
The romance between Shelby and Wesley builds with real intensity, starting from that snowed-in isolation that traps them together. The attraction sparks fast, yet Stella Holt weaves in heartfelt emotional layers—miscommunications from their past, worries about old patterns resurfacing, and Shelby’s struggle to fit back into a town quick to judge her family’s reputation. The steamy moments stay tasteful and tied to their inner conflicts, never feeling tacked on. Fans of steadfast heroes, tangled family ties, and a hint of storm-fueled drama will find this a quick, satisfying escape.
Tropes:
✨Small town
✨Forced Proximity
✨Only one bed
✨Secret Romance
✨Alpha Hero
✨It’s always been you
Shelby Shepherd’s quick trip home to Georgia turns into anything but simple once a snowstorm, a crashed car, and Sheriff Wesley Hart get involved. Caught between her strained, politically powerful family and the town she once ran from, Shelby is forced to confront old wounds while snowed in with the one man she’s never really gotten over. Wesley is steady, protective, and far too willing to risk his own plans when Shelby’s safety and reputation are on the line, and that tension gives the story a nice crackle from the first chapter.
What stands out most is how messy and complicated these families are. The Shepherds and Harts have years of resentment, secrets, and expectations simmering under every conversation, and the book does a good job showing how that pressure shapes both Shelby and Wes without turning the whole thing into pure angst. The small-town setting feels lived in, with familiar faces from earlier Southern Hart Brothers books popping up while still letting this story work on its own if you haven’t read the others.
The romance between Shelby and Wesley builds with real intensity, starting from that snowed-in isolation that traps them together. The attraction sparks fast, yet Stella Holt weaves in heartfelt emotional layers—miscommunications from their past, worries about old patterns resurfacing, and Shelby’s struggle to fit back into a town quick to judge her family’s reputation. The steamy moments stay tasteful and tied to their inner conflicts, never feeling tacked on. Fans of steadfast heroes, tangled family ties, and a hint of storm-fueled drama will find this a quick, satisfying escape.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Shelby Shepherd broke my heart in the quiet, bruised way. The family outcast. The girl who never quite belonged. Coming home only long enough to remind herself why she left. There is something painfully relatable about her exhaustion with being underestimated and dismissed, and Stella Holt nails that ache without overplaying it.
Then enter Wesley Hart. Sheriff. Grumpy. Controlled. Carrying years of restraint like a badge. This man has been ignoring his feelings for Shelby since high school and somehow thinks proximity will help. Reader, it does not. Watching him unravel inch by inch while trying to be “polite and professional” had me grinning like a menace.
Forced proximity done right is a thing of beauty, and this book understands the assignment. Snowed in. One house. Tension crackling louder than the storm outside. Every look lingers too long. Every touch lands heavy. The attraction simmers, then boils, then absolutely spills over. The spice is steamy without overpowering the story, and the emotional connection makes every moment hit harder.
What really sold me was the emotional undercurrent. Shelby standing up for herself. Wesley realizing that doing the right thing sometimes means choosing happiness. The forbidden edge of their connection only makes the payoff sweeter, especially when second chances come knocking with frostbitten fingers.
Add in Southern charm, small-town gossip energy, heartfelt moments, and a hero who would absolutely wade through a blizzard without hesitation, and you’ve got a romance that hits just right.
The Sheriff Rescue is cozy, sexy, emotional, and wildly satisfying. If you love snowed-in tension, grumpy lawmen with soft centers, and heroines who finally get chosen, this one deserves a top spot on your shelf. ❄️🔥💙
Then enter Wesley Hart. Sheriff. Grumpy. Controlled. Carrying years of restraint like a badge. This man has been ignoring his feelings for Shelby since high school and somehow thinks proximity will help. Reader, it does not. Watching him unravel inch by inch while trying to be “polite and professional” had me grinning like a menace.
Forced proximity done right is a thing of beauty, and this book understands the assignment. Snowed in. One house. Tension crackling louder than the storm outside. Every look lingers too long. Every touch lands heavy. The attraction simmers, then boils, then absolutely spills over. The spice is steamy without overpowering the story, and the emotional connection makes every moment hit harder.
What really sold me was the emotional undercurrent. Shelby standing up for herself. Wesley realizing that doing the right thing sometimes means choosing happiness. The forbidden edge of their connection only makes the payoff sweeter, especially when second chances come knocking with frostbitten fingers.
Add in Southern charm, small-town gossip energy, heartfelt moments, and a hero who would absolutely wade through a blizzard without hesitation, and you’ve got a romance that hits just right.
The Sheriff Rescue is cozy, sexy, emotional, and wildly satisfying. If you love snowed-in tension, grumpy lawmen with soft centers, and heroines who finally get chosen, this one deserves a top spot on your shelf. ❄️🔥💙
February 18, 2026
I ended up flying through The Sheriff’s Rescue in about two hours because once I started, I didn’t want to put it down. Wesley pulled me in right away — his dry humor and sarcastic streak had me laughing early in the book, and there were a few moments that genuinely made me laugh out loud. His personality really stood out, and this is one of the rare romances where I actually connected more with the male lead than the heroine.
Shelby’s emotional journey added a lot of heart to the story. Her insecurities and complicated family background felt realistic, and it was easy to empathize with what she was carrying. I also loved the theme of strong grandparent bonds woven into both main characters’ lives — Mrs. Hart was such a warm presence and brought an extra layer of comfort and depth to the story.
The banter between Wesley and Shelby was fun, their chemistry was definitely on the steamy side, and the pacing made this a very quick, engaging read. That said, I do wish the book had been longer. With their shared history and childhood connection, there was room for more flashbacks and deeper exploration of their pasts, especially regarding their family dynamics and how those experiences shaped who they became.
My biggest hang-up was the epilogue. Instead of fully wrapping up Wesley and Shelby’s future, it felt more like a setup for another story centered on a side character. After the major revelation near the end, I really wanted clearer closure about what happened next for them and what their long-term future looked like. Still, even with that, I enjoyed the story overall and would rate it 4 out of 5 stars. I’m definitely interested in going back to read earlier books in the series and continuing on.
Shelby’s emotional journey added a lot of heart to the story. Her insecurities and complicated family background felt realistic, and it was easy to empathize with what she was carrying. I also loved the theme of strong grandparent bonds woven into both main characters’ lives — Mrs. Hart was such a warm presence and brought an extra layer of comfort and depth to the story.
The banter between Wesley and Shelby was fun, their chemistry was definitely on the steamy side, and the pacing made this a very quick, engaging read. That said, I do wish the book had been longer. With their shared history and childhood connection, there was room for more flashbacks and deeper exploration of their pasts, especially regarding their family dynamics and how those experiences shaped who they became.
My biggest hang-up was the epilogue. Instead of fully wrapping up Wesley and Shelby’s future, it felt more like a setup for another story centered on a side character. After the major revelation near the end, I really wanted clearer closure about what happened next for them and what their long-term future looked like. Still, even with that, I enjoyed the story overall and would rate it 4 out of 5 stars. I’m definitely interested in going back to read earlier books in the series and continuing on.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Wesley Hart is the Sheriff of his small town, the eldest of the Hart brothers and the one who stepped up after their parents were killed in an accident 15 years ago.
The Harts have a long standing bond with the town.
The Shepherd's take pride in being one of the founding families but their attitude is not about service but control. Except for Zeke and his granddaughter Shelby. Zeke has always gone his own way and it's a bit surprising that both his sons are among the elite country club crowd. Shelby was the nerdy book girl at school, a little bit goth and despised by her parents and brother.
When Shelby comes home at the request of her grandfather, she doesn't expect to arrive in a blizzard on this coastal town only four hours from Atlanta.
Stranded in town with her truck in a ditch, she ends up staying with Wes for a couple of nights. Where they managed to get real close before she went off to her grandfather's place once the roads were clear.
There was a lot going on in this story with Shelby's family disfunction and the upcoming Sheriff election and a pyromaniac setting fires around the town.
With Wes being committed to his family and the town and Shelby anxious to escape from her horrible family by returning to Atlanta, it doesn't look like there is an easy outcome for these two.
I did enjoy the story and meeting up with the Hart family again from the earlier stories. The bedroom scenes were spicy btw.
I'm looking forward to the next book as we've had a sneak peek at the protagonists.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The Harts have a long standing bond with the town.
The Shepherd's take pride in being one of the founding families but their attitude is not about service but control. Except for Zeke and his granddaughter Shelby. Zeke has always gone his own way and it's a bit surprising that both his sons are among the elite country club crowd. Shelby was the nerdy book girl at school, a little bit goth and despised by her parents and brother.
When Shelby comes home at the request of her grandfather, she doesn't expect to arrive in a blizzard on this coastal town only four hours from Atlanta.
Stranded in town with her truck in a ditch, she ends up staying with Wes for a couple of nights. Where they managed to get real close before she went off to her grandfather's place once the roads were clear.
There was a lot going on in this story with Shelby's family disfunction and the upcoming Sheriff election and a pyromaniac setting fires around the town.
With Wes being committed to his family and the town and Shelby anxious to escape from her horrible family by returning to Atlanta, it doesn't look like there is an easy outcome for these two.
I did enjoy the story and meeting up with the Hart family again from the earlier stories. The bedroom scenes were spicy btw.
I'm looking forward to the next book as we've had a sneak peek at the protagonists.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 15, 2026
A forced proximity, small town family rivals romance that heats up between Chief Deputy Sheriff Wesley Hart and novelist Shelby Shephard, considered the black sheep of the wealthy Shepherd family, when she suddenly returns to Sandy Point during the worst snowstorm the small Georgia beach town has seen in years and gets stranded but rescued by the Sheriff. She’s in town only because of her grandfather and wants nothing to do with her parents nor sibling who treat her as she doesn’t matter. Sheriff Hart who has no love for the Shepherd family has reluctantly agreed to allow her to stay at his place after the storm closes all the roads and there’s no rooms available. What starts as a grumpy Sheriff with reluctance to the unprepared rich girl soon spirals into an attraction the two can’t deny but they are going to fight misunderstandings, her family and a long distance relationship to find a HEA.
I loved that Sheriff Wes was all grumpy reluctance in the beginning but then it was like a switch got turned and he was all in and Shelby was an easy character to relate with as she struggled with the coldness of her family towards her. The Harts and the other town members added to the interest of the story as did the mystery of the arsons, although I think most will guess correctly as to the culprit. The tease for the next book has me already excited to read it and wondering just who the next couple will be.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved that Sheriff Wes was all grumpy reluctance in the beginning but then it was like a switch got turned and he was all in and Shelby was an easy character to relate with as she struggled with the coldness of her family towards her. The Harts and the other town members added to the interest of the story as did the mystery of the arsons, although I think most will guess correctly as to the culprit. The tease for the next book has me already excited to read it and wondering just who the next couple will be.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Shelby Shepherd has come back to hometown for just a few days at the request of her grandfather. What she didn't anticipate was a freak snowstorm that left her stranded in her car and having to be rescued by the Sheriff Wes Hart. He was not happy to be rescuing a Sheppard, who thought they ran the town. The problem for Shelby was that he was her secret crush and to have him carry her in his arms from her car, well all kind of fantasy's started to make there way into her imagination. After all, she was a famous author, but few in her hometown new that. She left along time ago.
What Wes did not anticipate was to have to have Shelby stay with him for a couple of nights and he started to live a few fantasy's of his own. But like most small towns things don't stay a secret and then when a tragedy happens and her family starts to order her off the property she inherited, Wes becomes more than just her fantasy man, but the man she always wanted in her life.
This series of the Hart Brothers is so wonderful and Wes and Shelby's story is so much more than just two strangers in the night type of relationship. Shelby is strong and funny and loving to those her see he for what she really is and Wes is just so much a hero you can't help but love him. There are lots of those small town moments that make this a book you will want to keep reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What Wes did not anticipate was to have to have Shelby stay with him for a couple of nights and he started to live a few fantasy's of his own. But like most small towns things don't stay a secret and then when a tragedy happens and her family starts to order her off the property she inherited, Wes becomes more than just her fantasy man, but the man she always wanted in her life.
This series of the Hart Brothers is so wonderful and Wes and Shelby's story is so much more than just two strangers in the night type of relationship. Shelby is strong and funny and loving to those her see he for what she really is and Wes is just so much a hero you can't help but love him. There are lots of those small town moments that make this a book you will want to keep reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
Another great addition to the Hart Brothers series. Shelby comes back to Sandy Point to visit her grandfather, but an unexpected blizzard dumping 2 ft of snow wasn’t part of the plan. She skids off the road and ends in a ditch only to be rescued by the Deputy Sheriff Wesley Hart, who she crushed on when in high school. He’s not happy with the city gal who ends up staying at his place because the Inn is full. The blizzard doesn’t let up and she’s his houseguest longer than he wanted. His nemesis, the Mayor and her father, shows up at his place to yell at him for not getting the streets cleaned off. Then he notices his daughter and says nasty things to her. Shelby has always been the black sheep of the family and her father and mother haven’t treated her very nice. She’s never asked for money wanting to make her own way in the world. They think she’s a waitress, but she’s really a very well known author of middle school children’s books . The more time these two spend together the chemistry gets stronger. A fantastic story that keeps you turning page after page from the beginning. At times a emptional read, there’s family drama, an arsonist running wild, a long distance relationship and an uncertainty about feelings. The characters were real and believable. I loved it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 22, 2026
Thanks to Grey Promotions for the e-ARC. Really enjoyed this book.
Hadn't read anything by Stella Holt before, now I'm rushing to read the first two books in this series. Couldn't recommend this book enough. If small town, dislike to lovers, only one bed are your tropes, DON'T MISS THIS BOOK.
The pace is quick, but doesn't miss any important details and you feel like the thought process of the MCs is really well explained. There are a couple of moments that are kind of tough to read, especially when it comes to Shelby's family dynamics, but Wesley's family more than makes up for it, becoming her chosen family.
Their meet cute is, for lack of a better word, truly cute, lol. Their whole evolution as a couple is very entertaining. Because while they're not emotionally constipated, they have their insecurities and work towards communicating to avoid bigger issues.
Again, really recommend this book, all the characters are interesting and fun, the small town is the perfect setting for this love story, because it has so much charm and history. Kind of reminds you Gilmore Girls and how he people of Stars Hollow interact.
Thanks Grey Promotions (You've really outdone yourselves lately with the ARCs!) and the author, this was a very enjoyable read.
Plot:⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
Hadn't read anything by Stella Holt before, now I'm rushing to read the first two books in this series. Couldn't recommend this book enough. If small town, dislike to lovers, only one bed are your tropes, DON'T MISS THIS BOOK.
The pace is quick, but doesn't miss any important details and you feel like the thought process of the MCs is really well explained. There are a couple of moments that are kind of tough to read, especially when it comes to Shelby's family dynamics, but Wesley's family more than makes up for it, becoming her chosen family.
Their meet cute is, for lack of a better word, truly cute, lol. Their whole evolution as a couple is very entertaining. Because while they're not emotionally constipated, they have their insecurities and work towards communicating to avoid bigger issues.
Again, really recommend this book, all the characters are interesting and fun, the small town is the perfect setting for this love story, because it has so much charm and history. Kind of reminds you Gilmore Girls and how he people of Stars Hollow interact.
Thanks Grey Promotions (You've really outdone yourselves lately with the ARCs!) and the author, this was a very enjoyable read.
Plot:⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
February 10, 2026
Thank you so much Grey's Promo and Shella Holt for this ARC for an honest review.
This one had so much potential...but was not my favorite. In my opinion, it was a predictable pallet cleanser read that didn't live up to the tropes advertised. Their romance was quite rushed and unrealistic. Everything moved really fast in terms of them hooking up and all the mixed signals the FMC was giving when she wanted to be treated like more than a hook-up, but then would go and do the complete opposite. The plot was very bland and choppy as well as the drama regarding the "I cannot stay here" long distance piece threating the main characters' relationship which was not a true barrier at all. The FMC, Shelby, was all over the place in terms of what she wanted and it was hard for me to understand how she didn't know the MMC had feelings for her. There was a lot of back and forth doubt about obvious feelings/ideas. She started to play games as well which I did not like to see what the MMC would do/how he would react. I did like Westley (MMC), but he needed more depth. His character is the sheriff, a powerful figure, but I did not get that protective vibe from his character.
Overall, the book read choppy and predictable. With more character depth and plot development, this one could have been a winner. I do plan to, however, read more by Stella Holt in the future.
This one had so much potential...but was not my favorite. In my opinion, it was a predictable pallet cleanser read that didn't live up to the tropes advertised. Their romance was quite rushed and unrealistic. Everything moved really fast in terms of them hooking up and all the mixed signals the FMC was giving when she wanted to be treated like more than a hook-up, but then would go and do the complete opposite. The plot was very bland and choppy as well as the drama regarding the "I cannot stay here" long distance piece threating the main characters' relationship which was not a true barrier at all. The FMC, Shelby, was all over the place in terms of what she wanted and it was hard for me to understand how she didn't know the MMC had feelings for her. There was a lot of back and forth doubt about obvious feelings/ideas. She started to play games as well which I did not like to see what the MMC would do/how he would react. I did like Westley (MMC), but he needed more depth. His character is the sheriff, a powerful figure, but I did not get that protective vibe from his character.
Overall, the book read choppy and predictable. With more character depth and plot development, this one could have been a winner. I do plan to, however, read more by Stella Holt in the future.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
We are back in Sandy Point, Georgia where another Hart brother finds love.
Wesley Hart is the acting sheriff of the town and is always busy helping the constituents especially during an unexpected blizzard.
Meanwhile, Shelby Shepherd, considered the black sheep of her wealth family, left town years ago, developed a successful career and has made a life in Atlanta. But a call from Pops has her driving back. All she hopes is that it will be a short visit so she won’t have to deal with her family.
Totally unprepared to be driving in a blizzard , Shelby’s truck gets stuck in a ditch and who else but the sheriff is her rescuer. The same boy, now man, she crushed on in HS.
What started out as lending a hand, and offering a place to stay to the woman who is not only gorgeous but also the sister of his nemesis, now seems to have Wes questioning his future.
What happens when Shelby’s visit gets complicated by a tragedy? What happens when what was suppose to be a fling, feels like more and the future each had envision changes?
The plot was engaging and the characters likable and well developed.
Another winner in the series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Tule Publishing. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Wesley Hart is the acting sheriff of the town and is always busy helping the constituents especially during an unexpected blizzard.
Meanwhile, Shelby Shepherd, considered the black sheep of her wealth family, left town years ago, developed a successful career and has made a life in Atlanta. But a call from Pops has her driving back. All she hopes is that it will be a short visit so she won’t have to deal with her family.
Totally unprepared to be driving in a blizzard , Shelby’s truck gets stuck in a ditch and who else but the sheriff is her rescuer. The same boy, now man, she crushed on in HS.
What started out as lending a hand, and offering a place to stay to the woman who is not only gorgeous but also the sister of his nemesis, now seems to have Wes questioning his future.
What happens when Shelby’s visit gets complicated by a tragedy? What happens when what was suppose to be a fling, feels like more and the future each had envision changes?
The plot was engaging and the characters likable and well developed.
Another winner in the series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Tule Publishing. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
January 27, 2026
I absolutely loved this book!
The Sheriff’s Rescue by Stella Holt had everything you could want in Cozy small town by the sea, romance, family drama, mystery, Forced proximity, Forbidden attraction, Second chances under southern snow. Steamy small-town romance with heart and humor.
Shelby Shepherd receives a call from her Grandpa and heads home for the first time in years, only to be stranded in a ditch after a Blizzard leaves her stuck. Who comes to her rescue but none other than Wesley Hart, her high school crush, the local Sheriff. When there is no room at the Inn and the town drunk is taking the only cell to be found, there is no other choice but to sleep on his couch, the rest of the story only gets juicier.
Wesley and Shelby had such chemistry together and both had a little bit of trouble communicating what they wanted at first but by the end they got it right.
This is the first book I’ve read by Stella Holt and it definitely will not be the last. This is the third book in the Southern Hart Bothers Series. And I will be reading all of them for sure.
I received this ARC from Grey's Promotions & Stella Holt in exchange for my honest opinion. I’m grateful for the chance to share my experience with others.
The Sheriff’s Rescue by Stella Holt had everything you could want in Cozy small town by the sea, romance, family drama, mystery, Forced proximity, Forbidden attraction, Second chances under southern snow. Steamy small-town romance with heart and humor.
Shelby Shepherd receives a call from her Grandpa and heads home for the first time in years, only to be stranded in a ditch after a Blizzard leaves her stuck. Who comes to her rescue but none other than Wesley Hart, her high school crush, the local Sheriff. When there is no room at the Inn and the town drunk is taking the only cell to be found, there is no other choice but to sleep on his couch, the rest of the story only gets juicier.
Wesley and Shelby had such chemistry together and both had a little bit of trouble communicating what they wanted at first but by the end they got it right.
This is the first book I’ve read by Stella Holt and it definitely will not be the last. This is the third book in the Southern Hart Bothers Series. And I will be reading all of them for sure.
I received this ARC from Grey's Promotions & Stella Holt in exchange for my honest opinion. I’m grateful for the chance to share my experience with others.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I had not read any of the previous books in this series until finding this one. So well worth them!
Shelby is the family's outcast/outsider, the girl that never fit into the money and pretense. She is in town for her grandpa, but on her way out, her car breaks down, and it is Wesley who comes to her rescue. He is not to happy to have to house her, the enemy's daughter, the one he has always want but was always unreachable. Let fate bring them to his place, and start chipping out their defenses. He will quickly learn that she is nothing like her dad, in fact he finds her hurt, pain, and sense of not belonging under her facade and tries to heal it. She starts to see that the boy she coveted in school has grown to a misunderstood man, ruled by his decisions, but vulnerable and protective. Their attraction has survived the time apart and burns up in the passion they share.
THis is a sentiment charged passionate tale of two souls that find themselves under a snowy storm, and quickly find that they are perfect for each other even when they come from different sides of society,.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Shelby is the family's outcast/outsider, the girl that never fit into the money and pretense. She is in town for her grandpa, but on her way out, her car breaks down, and it is Wesley who comes to her rescue. He is not to happy to have to house her, the enemy's daughter, the one he has always want but was always unreachable. Let fate bring them to his place, and start chipping out their defenses. He will quickly learn that she is nothing like her dad, in fact he finds her hurt, pain, and sense of not belonging under her facade and tries to heal it. She starts to see that the boy she coveted in school has grown to a misunderstood man, ruled by his decisions, but vulnerable and protective. Their attraction has survived the time apart and burns up in the passion they share.
THis is a sentiment charged passionate tale of two souls that find themselves under a snowy storm, and quickly find that they are perfect for each other even when they come from different sides of society,.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 24, 2026
Wesley is the deputy sheriff, he rescues a woman from a truck in a snowdrift, turns out she's Shelby Shepherd, there's no love lost between the Shepherds and the Harts! He doesn't know that she had a crush on him in school, she's not sure it ever went away. She's here to stay with her grandfather who called her to come home and help him. She hasn't told her parents she's back as she really doesn't get on with them, she's the black sheep of the family.
Wesley lets her stay with him as there's no way they can attempt to get to her grandfather's house in the storm.
After a couple of days together they realise that they have feelings for each other, Shelby is sure that Wes only wants her for bedroom action but he realises that he wants to go on a date with her, she's the one who is wary as he thinks he might stand as sheriff but her family is anti that and she doesn't want him to lose out because her family has it in for him.
Can they compromise? Will she stay on or go back to Atlanta?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another great read in the Hart brother series from Stella.
Wesley lets her stay with him as there's no way they can attempt to get to her grandfather's house in the storm.
After a couple of days together they realise that they have feelings for each other, Shelby is sure that Wes only wants her for bedroom action but he realises that he wants to go on a date with her, she's the one who is wary as he thinks he might stand as sheriff but her family is anti that and she doesn't want him to lose out because her family has it in for him.
Can they compromise? Will she stay on or go back to Atlanta?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another great read in the Hart brother series from Stella.
January 28, 2026
Let me start off by saying that I did enjoy the story. There was just something about the writing style that resulted in me not being able to become fully invested in it. In particular, parts of the story felt rushed a bit.
Having said that, I like how this is a story about personal growth and owning your worth.
Shelby is the black sheep of her family, but she adores her grandfather and rushes back to her hometown to help him out and take care of him. Unfortunately, she didn't take a rare blizzard into account and finds herself stuck in the snow and being rescued by the deputy sherrif, who happens to be her high school crush.
Wes is annoyed at Shelby's lack of preparedness, but offers her a place to stay during the blizzard nonetheless. Being in close quarters for a few days has some delightful side effects, but they don't get around to talking about what it'll mean after.
In the days that follow, Shelby has to deal with her family and their expectations, while Wes is left wondering if small town life is truly it for him. Both definitely have some soul searching to do, but I like how the story was resolved.
Having said that, I like how this is a story about personal growth and owning your worth.
Shelby is the black sheep of her family, but she adores her grandfather and rushes back to her hometown to help him out and take care of him. Unfortunately, she didn't take a rare blizzard into account and finds herself stuck in the snow and being rescued by the deputy sherrif, who happens to be her high school crush.
Wes is annoyed at Shelby's lack of preparedness, but offers her a place to stay during the blizzard nonetheless. Being in close quarters for a few days has some delightful side effects, but they don't get around to talking about what it'll mean after.
In the days that follow, Shelby has to deal with her family and their expectations, while Wes is left wondering if small town life is truly it for him. Both definitely have some soul searching to do, but I like how the story was resolved.
February 5, 2026
A great story of coming home again and finding happiness you never saw coming.
Shelby is coming home for one reason, and one reason only, to visit her grandfather. She has little to no desire to see her parents or her brother. They don't bother with her, have their own unfounded opinions of her, and have no idea who she really is. When she finds herself unprepared for a freak snow storm, and ends up with her truck in a ditch, the Deputy Sheriff saves her.
Wes did not see Shelby coming. They went to school together, but she is a few years younger than him and he does not remember her at all. She certainly has his attention now though.
This book follows the development of a real relationship between Wes and Shelby. They come together quickly, work through misunderstandings and long distance, suffer a tragedy, make life changing decisions, but come out the other side with their happily ever after. I do feel like the story leaves some things unanswered, and left me wishing for a little more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Shelby is coming home for one reason, and one reason only, to visit her grandfather. She has little to no desire to see her parents or her brother. They don't bother with her, have their own unfounded opinions of her, and have no idea who she really is. When she finds herself unprepared for a freak snow storm, and ends up with her truck in a ditch, the Deputy Sheriff saves her.
Wes did not see Shelby coming. They went to school together, but she is a few years younger than him and he does not remember her at all. She certainly has his attention now though.
This book follows the development of a real relationship between Wes and Shelby. They come together quickly, work through misunderstandings and long distance, suffer a tragedy, make life changing decisions, but come out the other side with their happily ever after. I do feel like the story leaves some things unanswered, and left me wishing for a little more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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