Should've Said No: A Thistle Bend Novel

Lindsey was laid off from the Smithsonian in Washington D.C. a year ago. Since then she has been living off her savings, which is quickly dwindling. No matter what she tried, she could not find a job. When her great Aunt and Uncle called her with an opportunity for her to open a museum at Thistle Bend, Wildflower Capital of Colorado she took it. However, there is a catch. Unbeknownst to her, there has been a long longstanding feud between the Karlssons and the Crenshaws. The Karlssons accused the Crenshaws of stealing land right from under them, which made them rich. Both families are hoping the research done by Lindsey will reveal the real truth. The first night, Lindsey arrives at the cottage she runs into Carden, the “handyman”. When she finds out the truth about him, she is mortified she asked him to fix her toilet. Carden is a Crenshaw, the most eligible bachelor in Colorado and unknown to him, Lindsey is a Karlsson. Unlike many of the books these days, there is not insta love fall in to bed immediately. While their relationship builds slowly and is solid, I did not feel that sizzling chemistry between the two. The revel of the truth for the feud was well written. This is one of those books I consider “cute” and light reading. It was quick, easy to read, flowed easily and had a solid story line. There is not a lot of inner turmoil or drama. If you are looking for a light, clean read then this is for you.

This is the first in a new series from this author and what a great start it is!! We are introduced to Thistle Bend, Colorado. A quaint small town filled with all the quirky characters you would expect to find, a couple of century long feuding families, and a town newcomer that is inevitably thrown in the middle. In this case Lindsey Simms is the newcomer and setting up the towns new museum is her job. Since the history of this town includes the land deal turn feud she has to get this part right! No one knows that she's actually distantly related to one of the families. Carden Crenshaw is one of the towns favorite sons and definitely on the other side of the feud lines. Their attraction could lead to nothing but trouble but sometimes you just have to follow the facts and your heart! This one is very well written, has great characters, and really starts the series out with a winner. I highly recommend it.

Tracy March is off to a wonderful start with her new Thistle Bend series. Should've Said No takes a years old feud and adds fuel to the fire. Lindsey is a woman who wants to move past decades old mess of her family. Too bad it is not proving to be as easy as she expected it. With such a high profile family Carden seeks escape from his responsibilities. How he does that is by getting his hands dirty, literally. Each enjoys the peace of not dealing with family drama. A storm is headed in their direction. I received an ARC of Should've Said No in exchange for an honest review. Carden and Lindsey are thrust into a situation that family loyalty and secret scandals has allowed to escalate. It's not their fight but choices have to made. Forbidden fruit is always the biggest draw.