No Egrets

by Susan Renee

I’m just the guy with the goat.

I keep to myself and have ever since I moved to Tuft Swallow. I have no interest in making friends. I came here to escape my life, not fill it with nosy neighbors who want to know everything about me.

Is it lonely? Yeah. It is.
But after more than ten years, I’m used this punishment.
I get by just fine.

That is, until a complete stranger shows up at my front door, soaking wet and lost.
Paige Starling.
She’s like a feral pigeon. Docile. Curious. And not afraid of a stranger.

The more I see her, or spend time in her presence, the more I’m attracted to her. Her sense of humor, her compassion for others, her genuine smile, and her proclivity for finding herself in compromising situations reminds me of the life I once had. The life I’ve grieved for years.

Paige is the breath of fresh air I’ve been longing for.
She’s my pigeon. I know it in my soul.

But she’s only in town for the summer, which means if I have any hope of a future with her,
I have to let her in. I have to share my past, forgive myself, and be willing to let go and move forward.

I can’t lose her.
I won’t.
No Egrets.
I can do this.
I think…

276 pages, Paperback

Published July 30, 2024

About the author

International Best Selling author, Susan Renee, wants to live in a world where paint doesn't smell, book boyfriends are real, and everything is covered in glitter. An indie romance author, Susan has written about everything from tacos to tow-trucks, loves writing romantic comedies but also enjoys creating an emotional angsty story from time to time. She lives in Ohio with her husband, kids, two dogs and a cat. Susan holds a Bachelor and Masters Degree in Music Education and a self-awarded Doctorate in Sass and Sarcasm. She enjoys laughing at memes, speaking in GIFs and spending an entire day jumping down the TikTok rabbit hole. When she's not writing or playing the role of Mom, her favorite activity is doing the Care Bear stare with her closest friends.

Reviews

[Kimberley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved returning to Tuft Swallow with No Egrets and was patiently waiting and hoping Winston’s hot dad got a book. Brannon, the infamous dad of Winston the town’s friendly goat, makes several appearances in some of the other books in the Tuft Swallow series so it feels like we already know a small part about him. This story shows the true side to him and his past breaks your heart and I loved that he overcomes this to move forward when Paige moves into town. Their chemistry was instant and Brannon was just so caring. I really enjoyed this one and the whole Tuft Swallow series.

[Amber Pickerill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bran has been grieving his sister for years, when Paige comes into his life it's like a gift from his sister.
They have found their pigeon!
Fall in love all over with this grumpy/sunshine couple.

[Echo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really love the characters of Tuft Swallow. This book was another great story in the series and I enjoyed finding another new to me author that did a wonderful job in creating a story about two characters who I was excited to see how their love played out.

[Minnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐|2🌶|12%🌶frequency

I've only read one other book in this series so far. But I know, the whole town loves grumpy 'Winston's Hot Dad' 😁 Yes, he is grumpy and very introverted, but he cares a lot about the townsfolk.

Winston is very special in this town. Everyone knows him. And not just know him, he is the most important person, hm 🤔 can you say that when it's a goat? Ok, he is the most important living being in town 😁 He is the mascot of the cornhole team, but he has another role too 😎

And he is the reason why Paige was standing in front of Bran's door at night and completely soaked 🙈 Yeah, that's Winston...

The two are so cute. I'm talking about Bran and Paige 😉 It's definitely love at first sight for Bran, but not less for Paige 🥰
But for Bran, it's not that easy to open up. He's still grieving 😭 No, he isn't a widower. Still, his grief is so strong.

Paige is the complete opposite of Bran. She can't stop talking. She is a real sunshine. And she is open with everyone. And yes, the people of Tuft Swallow love her instantly too 😊

I love this small town of Tuft Swallow and all its residents. They are funny 🤣 and the T*t P€€p€rs. 🙈 This town is crazy about birds and cornhole. And I mean really crazy about both!

This was the first book I read by this author, and I'll read more if I come around them 😁


Follow me on IG for more
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[T Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

**TISSUE ALERT **
HEA
Standalone, interconnected characters
Rom-Com
Tuft Swallow series, multi-author

*over 18 readers only *

Trigger/ Content warnings
Death of sister
Flashbacks to car wreck
Survivor's Guilt
Public Acts
IUD issues

Paige/Pidge (mfc)
Winston's Hot Dad/ Brannon/ Bran (mmc)

Series characters and things to watch for
Winston (town goat, mayor)
Tit Peepers (town gossips)
Nosy Pecker (town's unofficial paper)
Judy (Dirty Hookers leader)


Paige is in town to cover the antique store for her aunt and uncle while they vacation. One her very first night, before even making it to their house, she almost runs over Winston. When she walks him home, she encounters Winston's owner. (His name has been unknown throughout the whole series. ) He doesn't talk much, if at all. His backstory is tragic. She isn't staying in town long, but the attraction between them cannot be ignored. Especially when he actually, finally, talks to her. What will happen when her aunt and uncle come back home? Will she stay or go?

I enjoyed the whole series, but this book was my favorite. I laughed, cried, cussed, and laughed some more. I loved how the whole series starts page one, word one, exactly the same. The last chapter was so *chef's kiss*, and honestly, don't read it in public. Especially page 233.

[Halle Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book and I leave this review voluntarily.
This book was amazing! I’m currently catching up on my arcs and this lovely book was one of them and I’m so sad I didn’t read this book sooner because it’s simply a chef’s kiss. From the beginning you get the sense that something tragically happened in Bran’s life and it had to do with his sister and it immediately breaks my heart to know that he lost her and he blames himself even though it was out of his control. He barely talks to anyone in the small town he’s moved to and they only call him Winston’s( his goat, who is mayor btw lol) hot dad. That remains true until Paige or as he likes to call her pigeon comes into his life soaking wet and bringing his goat back home safely despite said goat causing her to almost hit him and runs her off the road. The chemistry between this is almost instant and you see Bran coming out his shell around her because in a way based on the fact that her humor and quick wittedness reminds him a little of his sister and he starts falling for her. I won’t say anymore because I’ve already said too much, but I’d like to welcome you to Tuft Falls, where an old goat is mayor and you get an exclusive chapter from him lol. Enjoy reading!!

[Lindsey Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

No Egrets is a part of the Tufts Swallow world…a collection of several different books about various couples within the town, each written by a different author. While they are all connected and we see many of the characters throughout most of the books, each book is a standalone

Paige is adorably awkward, a boss babe in the antique world and oh so relatable to women everywhere.

Bran is the EPITOME of grumpy sunshine. I mean, Callie calls him Crankshaft because he’s the cranky town mechanic. He comes off as moody and barely speaks to anyone, hell everyone in town just calls him Winston’s dad because no one actually knows his name.

The chemistry between these two is SO good. While it seems like no one knows the real Bran, he is immediately smitten by Paige when she comes to town. We see a side of him we never knew (if you read the other books in the collection). He is one of my FAVORITE new book boyfriends. His character development through the story is so freaking good too.
Susan did it again with this one. We got the fun spice and the absolutely hilarious moments and banter throughout the book. I was wiping away tears at times from laughing so hard!!
I’ve been a huge fan of Susan’s for so long and have yet to read a book of hers that I don’t absolutely love but I think this one might just be my favorite!!

[Angela Hodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally The Story of Winston’s Hot Daddy

No Egrets by Susan Renee was a funny, spicy and sometimes heartbreaking story but it was the perfect wrap up to the Tuft Swallow series.

When Paige rolls into town and narrowly avoids hitting Winston while it’s pouring down rain, she meets Winston’s hot Daddy, Bran and they instantly have chemistry although their exchange is a little awkward. While she’s in Tuft Swallow she will be running her aunt and uncle’s antique shop right across the street from Bran’s auto shop and living in their house right across from Bran’s house, giving her and Bran lots of opportunities to bump into each other.

In this story, we learn why Bran is so quiet and reserved, why he has Winston and why he keeps to himself. His story is quite heartbreaking and sad. I love that Paige brings warmth, sunshine and happiness to Bran, he needed someone to pull him from his grief and funk.

I enjoyed this book as well as the whole Tuft Swallow series, I’m going to miss all the bird puns, the gossip of the tit peepers in the Nosey Pecker, and all the wonderful characters along the way. I recommend this spicy rom-com with a HEA

[Jordan Fiest · Rating 5 out of 5]

No Eggrets is the final book in the multiauthor series Tuft Swallow.

I have been waiting for this book from day one. We finally get to see the story of Winston's Hot Daddy. We finally get to put a name to the character. I absolutely adored everything about him. He seemed initially in the other books to just be a grumpy character, but there are so many layers to him. We get to see why he acts the way he does and why he doesn't say a lot. It was kind of a tragic story and I was glad Paige was able to bring it out of him. I just loved how comfortable he felt around Paige and was able to be his true self and heal from his past.

I will say after reading this book, I will look at pigeons completely differently. There is a great meaning behind them and you'll have to read the story to find out what that is.

This was a bittersweet ending to such an amazing series, but it ended on the best note. This is a town I will be revisiting often and getting to relive these stories over and over again.

[Brandi Sylvester · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited for Winston's Hot Dads story, and it did not disappoint. The story behind Bran's quietness, is heartbreaking. I'm so glad that Paige showed up and was able to get him to open up. They needed each other at this point in their lives. Paige comes to Tuft Swallow to run her aunt and uncle's antique store, everyone in her family has an antique store that they run in little towns and she is waiting for her turn. Bran is the town mechanic and he feels like he needs to make sure everyone's car is safe to drive, which all stems from his past that very few people know about. Paige comes to town one rainy night and almost hits Winston, where her car then gets stuck in the mud and she has to walk to her aunt and uncle's house for the night. Bran comes to her rescue and returns her car to the house in the middle of the night. I love how they just keep running into each other and how Paige can open Bran up.

[readingromancehea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paige is driving over to her aunt and uncle's antique shop to watch over it while they're on vacation. While on her way there she almost hits a goat. She doesn't want anything to happen to this goat so she walks him to who she thinks is his owner's house. This is the beginning of what some would call love at first sight but it's more than that, it's fate.

I didn't like how Bran calls Paige *Pigeon* at first but once I knew the meaning why it grew on me. It's cute how Bran wanted to talk to Paige but didn't know how. Paige is quite chatty, especially when she's nervous. Bran wanting to make sure everyone's tires are filled makes me smile and want to cry at the same time. When someone goes through a traumatic event it changes them. When Paige and Bran stare at each other I need to fan myself. The ending was great!

I really like this. It's so sweet and heartbreaking. I laughed and cried. Susan always knows what we need. I can't wait to see what else she comes up with.

[MaryBeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book finally lets us know who Winston's Hot Daddy really is. He's sweet and strong and terribly sad. And he actually has a name, Bran. He's been a loner for years because of a traumatic past and the feeling that he doesn't deserve to be happy. Most of the town has never heard him speak or even know his name, hence the moniker Winston's Hot Daddy.

Then Paige comes to Tuft Swallow and he begins to open up to her. He speaks to her and even told her his name. But she is only in town temporarily until her aunt and uncle return to town.

This book was steamy and fun and and heartfelt. I grew attached to the characters and couldn't read it fast enough. I've said it in the past and I will say it again...I wasn't expecting much from this series when I picked it up. I hadn't heard of several of the authors and I thought the titles were incredibly stupid. But wow, I am so glad I read this series. The interconnected characters and the quirky town drew me in and each book got better than the last.

I'm glad that Winston's Hot Daddy finally got his own story and his happy ending.

These books are best read in order but you it's not one continuing story.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

7 books from 7 authors for 1 series…and it was AMAZING!
Having Susan Renee finish the last was just the cherry on top!

We finally get Winston’s Hot Daddy’s story! And ooooh….it was tasty! I love that we learn there is so much more to him than just the grunting auto mechanic. The reason he is the way he is.

And delightful Paige. The ray of light that he needed. We finally find out his real name. That we hear him speak words…and we get all his 🌶️🌶️🌶️ words **swoon**!!! (I had to drink a lot of water to cool down in some of the chapters - and I’m not mad about it at all!) Their romance is one for the books.

Tuft Swallow will always have a special place in my heart. I look forward to revisiting there time and time again. I will forever need the Nosy Pecker, Mayor Winston, cornhole, and the Tit Peepers in my life.

📖: ARC team

[Betsy Chapman · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚: No Egrets by Susan Renee


Tropes:
👉 Small Town
👉 Forced Proximity
👉 Grumpy/Sunshine


TWs 😟: Past Trauma, Parental rejection


Main Takeaway 🏹: I’m so sad this series is over!


Synopsis 📜: Paige is running her Aunt and Uncle's antique shop in Tuft Swallow for the summer while they travel. When she arrives she makes quite the impression on the local grump and his goat. Winston’s Hot Daddy proves to be the best thing to ever happen to Paige and she wakes up a part of him that he thought was long since dead.


Personal Thoughts 🤔: Winston’s Hot Daddy was so worth the wait! For a man of few words, he sure has a way of getting Paige’s engine revving if you know what I mean! 😉 I loved the way these two interact with each other from the start and finally learning Bran’s backstory was heartbreaking and made me want to wrap him in a hug and never let go!

[Amy Zayas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the final book in the Tuft Swallow series and did they save the best for last or what? I loved this story about Winston's HOT DADDY. So, if you don't know Winston is a goat- and the mayor of the town. He gets into everybody's business because he's a goat. If you've never been around a goat you won't get it. But goats really are a**holes and Winston's Hot Dad would agree.
No Egrets follows the love story of new in town, Paige Starling & strong silent Winston's Hot Daddy- Bran Finch. She's only supposed to be in Tuft Swallow for the summer running her aunt and uncle's shop, but after she meets Bran, she wants to stay. He treats her like the true queen that she is. And Paige is Bran's pigeon- his mate for life- she's able to break down the walls he's built up around himself after suffering trauma years ago. Read it, you won't egret it.

[ReadonReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being back in Tuft Swallows is always a fun time and this one was absolutely incredible. Paige and Bran’s story is emotionally beautiful and full of heart. When Paige first comes to town she captivates Bran’s attention when she returns his goat, Winston to him, but Bran is a very quiet stoic guy so she has no clue. Bran keeps everything about him close to the vest but Paige has him wanting to be more for her. Paige falls in love with this town and when things become more with Bran will she be willing to stay or leave while finding her next direction in life? Bran carries the weight of his past on his shoulders and it broke my heart with all the pain he had been through, but watching him open up to Paige was incredibly beautiful and I loved every second of it. I hate this is the end of the series but what a way for it to end!!!!!

[Aleana · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say that this is one of my top 5 books I have read, is an understatement! I friggin loved this book from start to finish. I could not put it down if I tried. Knowing that I as a reader I would finally get to read Winston’s hot dads’ story from the tuft swallow series as the conclusion for the Tuft swallow books, had me giddy; I was 💀 to know what was his story.
But this book blow it out of the water. Not only was the romance sooo good, sweet, tender, swon worthy, and hot and spicy but the way it was written is pure gold. This book is fire 🔥🔥🔥🔥12/10 absolutely recommend!
I couldn’t get enough seriously❤️
My jaw dropped so many times and the tears kept coming not only for the emotional parts but from laughing so hard at the jokes and one liners and the scenes and the … let’s just say It is a fantastic book, one I could see reading again and again 👏👏👏

[L · Rating 4 out of 5]

The last book in the Tuft Swallow series and we finally learn Winston’s Hot Daddy’s name!! Paige comes into town for the summer to take care of her aunt and uncle’s antique store while they’re out of town. Of course Winston is in the middle of the road and makes her drive into town a lot more eventful. She walks Winston to the next closest house which is his and she encounters Winston’s Hot Daddy who somehow falls in love with her right then without realizing it. Spending the summer getting to know each other they fall in love, Bran comes out of his shell, and most importantly the rest of the town finally learns his name!

This was such a fun wrap up of the series. Great spice and all the puns and goats and gossip that we come to know and love in Tuft Swallow. Lovely conclusion. I want 30 more books from Tuft Swallow.

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winston’s hot dad and the sunshine neighbor are something to say!

No Egrets was a fun story that made me laugh but dang it, Susan, also made me cry!

With your fun loving neighbor Paige just trying to show her parents she can make it in the antique world better the rest of them. To Winston’s Sexy Dad Bran just trying to make it day to day. And when the two meet sparks fly, mud too. Bran fights it, Paige stays away thinking she annoys him, til finally they stop fighting and let things happen as they should.

It has the feels! It’s the steams and always with a Susan Renee novel, it has it fair share of laughs, especially to make for those cries. And as always you get your happily ever after. It was a great and something that couldn’t ask more from this author!!!

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am SO glad we FINALLY get to know Winston's Dad... There is SO much to learn about him, and Paige is the perfect FMC to help us meet him.

Be aware of content/trigger warnings, specifically loss (memory of the loss described on page), survivors guilt and trauma. But these topics are dealt with so well! The emotions are intense, but closed out in a fabulous way that truly helps the characters (and the reader) reach their HEA.

I loved the banter, and I enjoyed seeing the characters from the previous books in the series being pulled in, and I loved learning the story behind Winston...

A truly fabulous and fun but intense read...

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dee Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goat Dad gets his story
It’s sad to see the end of the Tuft Swallow series, I will surely miss the bird puns, humour and romance this little town provided.
No Egrets tells the second chance at life story of Bran - the mysterious man with a goat.
Bran has an emotional backstory that is heartbreaking. He must work through his pain so he can open up and try to find love with the woman who instantly stole his heart.
Paige is a ray of sunshine and the perfect partner for Bran, she lights his gloom and softens his edges.
This is a fun, witty and steamy romance with a perfect balance of emotion and a wonderful HEA.
Farewell Tuft Swallow, I promise to return for a re-read soon.

[Angelica Andersson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to live in Tuft Swallow, seems to be a good place to be at. In this one we do meet Winston's dad. Now who is Winston, he is the goat that has been like a red thread through the Turf Swallow series.

Winston's dad is a quiet man that likes to keep to himself but he also has a backstory that will make your heart break. Yes this is a good book and it has a heartwarming feeling but sometimes you need a sad story go into something amazing.

This is one of my favorite authors cause she knows how to make you laugh and at the same time cry. This is an amazing read and I do hope that you will get to meet Winston's dad.

[Ashley Guzman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pidge and Winston's hot dad are so cute!! This was a quick easy read. As with all Susan Renee's books the writing is so smooth I start reading and don't realize I've finished the whole book in a few hours! These 2 characters have chemistry right from the beginning! Paiges cute quirks seem to break through the hard shell Bran portrays to the world and they quickly fall for each other. The barn scene, oh my god, so good. There was just enough conflict to give the story depth. I laughed out loud quiet a few times also. Overall a great read!

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous finale to this series set in Tuft Swallow. Winston the goat's hot daddy finally gets a name, Bran, and meets his match when Paige comes to town to look after the local antique store for her aunt and uncle for the summer. Some hilarious goat moments along with some emotional baggage that Bran has to work through as he finds Paige irresistible. The couple soon engage in a hot and steamy relationship. However, Paige struggles to think of a way for them to be together after her aunt and uncle return.

[Foxx Writer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Final fantastic book in the Swift Hollow Series doesn't disappoint in it's hilarity, spice, and romance! we finally get to hear all about Winston's Hot Daddy as he finds his own everlasting love! when i tell you that there where times when i was gasping for air after laughing so hard... or gasping for air because the scenes where so hot, let me tell you, it was STEAMING up in here! Getting to see what makes Winston's hot daddy tick was just as great as getting to see him get the happily ever after he fully deserved! plus, there's LOTS of mentions of Winston, and who can resist that?!

[Carissa Riggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s hard not to fall in love with a book that sports an old goat as town mayor! And yes, I mean a real goat. But add to that the sheer perfection that is the laugh out loud relationship that Bran and Paige share. Each chapter brought a different adventure and I loved how Paige brought Bran out of his shell and helped him heal from his self inflicted trauma. I also loved how he managed her chaos so well. They really were the perfect match.

If you’re looking for a book that will make you laugh and swoon as well as touch your heart, here’s your sign. This book will be perfect for you!

[Mandy Sadler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winston’s Hot Dad!!! Yes!! Finally!!!! Absolutely did not disappoint!! The greatest ending to this series!!! Finding out his name and the fact all my assumptions about him were not only right but so much better!!! Seriously who doesn’t love a big, grumpy, hot, cinnamon roll?!?!?!? And Paige!!! Yes!! I love her and her not stop talking and awkward situations that seem to always happen!! I laughed and swooned and laughed some more! Such a great book!!

[randi reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

We finally get Winston’s Hot Dad’s story and name! And it is such a great story to wrap up the crazy world that is Tuft Swallow. You get all the bird puns and innuendos plus the wonderful humor, swoons, and spice you expect from Susan Renee. Winston’s Hot Dad, you have to read to get the name 😉, does not disappoint. You must read this humorous, feel good romance. I promise it will be a pheasant experience 😏

[Nikki Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the sweetest love story I’ve ever read! Winston’s hot dad (aka Bran) is an amazing character in so many ways - he’s an onion with many layers. Pidge (aka Paige) is that clumsy friend that you just love because she’s so adorable. Their love story is one we all could hope for in life. As always, Susan Renee knocked it out the park with this one. If you aren’t reading ALL of Susan Renee’s books you’re missing out! Seriously, read them all!!!

[Julie's Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the final book in the Tuft Swallow series and one of my favorites. The 6 prior books have teased us with the mystery of Winston's Hot Daddy. Well this book answers all of our questions as Paige brings Bran out of his shell and transforms him into someone everyone wants to know. There are plenty of puns, laughs and a few tears as we read towards their HEA.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.