After twenty-four years of marriage, I'm starting over. A colorless condo and a cat I never wanted, an empty existence that reminds me of everything I've lost. Work keeps me tethered to reality, but it's the distance from my teenage boys that haunts me the most. Agreeing to keep a custody agreement out of the courts is a decision I regret every day, especially now, as I haven’t seen them in almost a year.
Enter Charlize Campbell.
She’s the last distraction I need, one my boys encourage. A tiny blonde with a mouth like a trucker, and a lifetime of hard-earned strength to back it up. I've known her family for years, but I’ve never truly seen her. Until now.
The pull between us is undeniable. But when strange, menacing signs begin to appear, I can’t ignore the gut feeling that someone wants her gone—and I'm the only one who seems to take the threat seriously. The deeper I get into her world, the clearer it becomes she’s tangled up in a dangerous turf war that could cost her everything.
This series just keeps outdoing itself. It’s hands-down one of the best second-gen romantic suspense series I’ve read. Erin is truly the queen of blending steam, suspense, and swoony feels.
✨ Divorced single dad ✨ FMC who’s been in love with him since she was 10 ✨ #GirlBoss energy ✨ Meddling stepmom ✨ Found family ✨ Chronic migraine rep ✨ Protective MMC and FMC ✨ Oh, and a stalker. Because why not?
Dan’s life is in a holding pattern: missing his kids, trying to rebuild after a messy divorce, and feeling stuck. Then Charlie shows up with her sass, strength, and a concrete truck, and absolutely wrecks his world—in the best way.
Charlie, freshly handed the reins to her family's company (after nine older brothers pass—yes, NINE), is trying to prove she can run the show like she's always wanted. She's also been carrying a quiet torch for Dan since childhood. When she steps in as his +1, it’s game over. Dan is hooked.
But life isn’t all cute kids and stolen glances. Between Charlie’s debilitating migraines, the sketchy things happening at the quarry, and the mystery stalker leaving matches on her windshield, this girl is having a no-good, very bad week (month? year?). The suspense is suspensing and I was fully hooked trying to piece it all together.
Dan and Charlie are both fiercely protective of each other and it’s so soft and swoony. We get more of Levi (YES), meet Linc (petition for at least a novella, please!), and see the infamous Benson family dynamic in full force. Also, Donna? That woman is a mastermind. She’s the glue, the fixer, and probably low-key runs the universe.
Massive thanks to Erin for letting me continue on your ARC team. You’ve created a world and characters I never want to leave. Now about Ben and Levi’s books...
Dan x Charlie ✨ divorced father of two ✨ age gap ✨ “it was always you” ✨ found family ✨ she’s at risk of being unalived
TLDR: Hot af divorced dad has an epiphany and ends up falling for the woman who’s been in love with him since childhood. They make a cute ass blended family where he brings two teenage boys plus a sassy cat & she brings the world’s friendliest dog. There are lots of yummy dinners.
In more detail . . . I want to be part of the Benson family SO. FREAKING. BAD. Can I just pop on over to Minnesota and visit the family farm? Is it possible for Donna to add one more place setting at the table for me? Would it be too much to ask for a backstage pass into the dramatic chaos that paves the way to their happily ever afters? This book 1000% hit for me!
Charlize “Charlie” Campbell has had heart eyes for Dan Benson since the ripe age of 10. Thirty plus years later, she still carries a torch for the divorced dad of two teenage boys. After a business related run-in where Charlie reveals herself as the new head of her family’s concrete company, Dan’s eyes are opened and he begins to see her in a different light. And daaaaaamn, does he notice her. 🔥
I love how protective Dan and Charlie are of each other! Also how obsessed they are with each other. 😍 Usually insta love stories are not my cup of tea, but I suppose when you’re on that second chance path you can move as quickly as you want to. 💘
Special shout out for the chronic migraine rep. As someone who often survives on rescue meds, I could relate to a T. 🫡
Finally, I’ll be taking signatures for a petition to get Linc the bodyguard a book. You know it’s always the quiet ones . . . 😉
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to @erinfitzgeraldwrites for the generously gifted e-book!
The second installment in the Colton Creek series centers on another captivating member of the Benson family. Dan, having endured a painful separation from his wife and the loss of his children and home, has dedicated himself entirely to his job. That is until he crosses paths with the vivacious Charlie, sparking an undeniable attraction. As they grow closer, unusual events unfold, prompting the Benson brothers and their family to rally together to protect her.
Erin has once again masterfully drawn us into a richly woven narrative filled with compelling characters. The women in this story are assertive, independent, and fiercely spirited, while the Benson brothers bring humor and charm to every page. Their witty banter is not just entertaining; it showcases the deep affection and loyalty that runs through their bond. Strengths and flaws coexist within this close-knit family, making them relatable and endearing.
Donna, their well-meaning stepmother, adds a delightful touch with her endearing meddling, always steering her boys toward happiness. Ben Benson shines with his humor and big heart, and I can't help but root for him and Levi to discover their own paths to love. Additionally, revisiting Judah and Beckett from Book 1, *We All Fall Down*, as they await the arrival of their baby, adds a sweet layer of continuity to the series.
If you’re a fan of romantic suspense wrapped in the warmth of a loving family dynamic, this book is an absolute must-read. Mark your calendars for its release on May 6, 2025!
Erin is the queen of romantic suspense. The suspense was killing me. The banter between the benson brothers cracks me up. Dan is a divorced single dad after his wife runs away with his best friend. He owns his construction business. In comes Charlie, who runs her family’s cement business. The chemistry soars as someone starts sabotaging her business. What will happen? Thank you Erin for having me on your beta team
I love the Benson family! I would love to be able to sit at their table during family dinner nights!
Charlie has had her eyes set on Dan since she was young. Now all grown up and the head of her family’s concrete company, Dan sees her in a different way and he has his eyes set on her.
Dan was so focused on work and only work until Charlie made him start seeing life in a different way again. It was like Dan starting living again! Charlie was content with her life but with Dan around now she was able to start doing different things now. I love how protective and obsessed Charlie and Dan are of each other.
Ya gotta love those Benson boys! Seriously, they make me giggle every time. I swear, I didn’t think Erin FitzGerald could surpass her Wolf Mountain Ranchers Series, but the Colson Creek Series has stolen my heart. I was totally captivated by Dan and Charlie’s incredible love story, packed with laughter, heartwarming moments, and just the right amount of suspense.
From the moment I met Charlie Campbell on page one, I was hooked! She’s the fierce, hard-working owner of her family’s concrete business, and trust me, she won’t let anyone push her around. Her witty banter with Ben is just fantastic, and it had me chuckling throughout the book. But what really pulls at your heartstrings is Charlie’s long-standing crush on the quiet, serious Dan Benson. Poor girl thinks he’ll never see her as the capable adult she is, and boy, is she in for a surprise!
When the Benson boys fall, they fall hard and Dan is no exception. He was married for many years and things took a turn for the worse when his clueless ex-wife left him for his unapologetically bad best friend, taking their son far away. Dan was living a quiet and lonesome life until the vibrant Charlie comes crashing in. Her persistence and undeniable chemistry ignited a spark Dan thought he’d lost forever. The moment he steps up to protect her when she’s threatened? Talk about swoon-worthy! My favorite part was when she made him blush. You go girl!
Erin FitzGerald has such a beautiful knack for family dynamics, and her tribute to all the momma bears, especially to Donna, is spot on. She truly becomes a mother figure not just to her own stepchildren, but to everyone within the Benson clan, friends included. What I adore is how Donna’s intuition and motherly meddling play a huge role in their lives. And let’s not forget Erik, the wise patriarch, always there with his pearls of wisdom. The camaraderie between the brothers and their spouses is downright hilarious, making you feel right at home within this wonderfully chaotic family that would do anything for each other. Ben’s story is going to be a hoot!
If you’re thinking about diving into book #2 of the Colson Creek Series, I highly recommend it! But to really soak in all that this fantastic family has to offer, start from the beginning or even circle back to the Wolf Mountain Ranchers Series where you can catch up with sister Ashley’s riveting story. Erin’s ability to weave the intricacies of family life, sprinkled with both heartbreak and joy, is simply irresistible. Take it from me, you have to give Erin FitzGerald’s works a try, they just keep getting better and better!
Another round, another big win! This book got me hooked, and I couldn't put it down until the very last word. It was that good! Erin creates real life characters with real life problems and surroundings and this makes me fall in love with her stories even more.
I like the that vibe of what you see is what you get in both main characters. The raw honesty in them! Both main characters are driven, fierce and workaholics, but always with the tought of having better lifes and for the love of their work. Is admirable to read about someone who truly loves something so much that they fight tooth and nails to get it and to make it succed. Their passion is palpable through out the story and they reallh have a lot of chemistry on top of everything.
Charlie comes from a large family, but has been a little drown in all that chaos. She manages to by out her father's business (the one she loves) and is content with her life (except fot those bloody migranes, of course). Dan has had his rug pulled from his feet sometime close to a year before this story starts, and in trying to put himself back together with time. When he meets Charlie he is attracted but would never guess they would end up together. We see them interact more and more and fall and trust each other over time. In addiction to romance we have some mistery and also, so when Charlie gets in danger we see Dan get into protective mode (not that she needs it! She can take good care of herself. But.. sometimes it also feels good to rely on someone for support, and he he is really good at keeping her steady!
Besides the main ones, lets just take a little time to talk about some of those side ones... All the Benson brothers are perfectly flawed and that gives them just the perfect amount of personality they need to complement their traits. Their interactions and banter is just plain funny and caring and we can see the affection between that group in every word. Then Donna.. I think she was the glue that kept that family holding together and still is in some ways. She meddles in ways that don't everbear them and is just always there as a mother should be!
This book felt like a warm hug. With a touch of suspense. A perfect combination. And once again, Erin pulls us into a story page 1. Because damn, Charlie has a mouth on her! You go girl! Dan Benson never had a chance.
Here is book 2 in the Colson Creek Series and the Benson family is back and as entertaining as ever. The brothers’ text chain is such glorious fun. The best nicknames ever! We have “dickwrinkle” and “dickdrips.” (𝒿𝓊𝓈𝓉 𝓉𝑜 𝓃𝒶𝓂𝑒 𝓉𝓌𝑜 𝑜𝒻 𝓂𝓎 𝒻𝒶𝓋𝑜𝓇𝒾𝓉𝑒𝓈.) Yes they act like 12 year old boys sometimes but you can’t help but love them. Erin writes the most adorable animals and the ones here are wonderful additions to the family. And Dad Benson and his wife, Donna? We should all be so lucky to have that kind of devotion to family in our lives.
Dan Benson is a contractor, orecently divorced, and truly one hot mess. He misses his two teen boys. He misses the family life he thought would last forever. Work is all he has now. Then he sees Charlie Campbell mouth off to him and something changes for him. That tightness in his chest? It may just be his heart beating again.
Charlie Campbell is definitely a favorite female character of mine. She has 9 older brothers but not one of them want to run Campbell Concrete. She does. A gorgeous, tiny woman pouring concrete? Yea, she’s pretty awesome. And she’s crushed on older Dan Benson since she was a 10 year old kid and he never knew she even existed. Until now. And when Charlie and her business are threatened? Protective Dan Benson won’t stand for that. Get ready to swoon.
This is a couple you’re going to love immediately and root for. Hard. A small town romance that will make you smile. A lot. With a tough, but kind, ball of fire FMC that so deserves her HEA. A tortured, broken hero who absolutely deserves his.
Thank you to author Erin FitzGerald for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. __________________________________________ If there's one thing Erin nails every single time, it's serving up a second-chance romance that's dripping with banter, sprinkled with suspense, and finished with a dash (okay, a whole spoonful) of spice. And let me tell you—Charlie and Dan's story? Chef's kiss.
Charlie knew she wanted Dan since she was 10 years old—and honestly, who are we to argue with a woman who knows what she wants and can run a business like a boss? She’s fierce, flirty, and absolutely unforgettable. And Dan? Oh, sweet, complicated Dan. After taking a detour through heartbreak and betrayal (ugh, his wife and best friend—double yikes), he finally opens his eyes to the woman who’s been right in front of him all along. And Charlie? She’s not exactly the type to let him waste any more time - She takes control. Thank goodness!
Their chemistry? Off. The. Charts. The banter? Top tier. The tension? Practically a third character. Erin doesn’t just write romance—she crafts it, layering in just enough suspense to keep you guessing while you’re fanning yourself from all the steam.
And the side characters? Donna, with her nosy brilliance, and Ben, the king of well-timed one-liners, added the perfect flavor to an already delicious story. Honestly, I need Benjamin and Levi’s stories yesterday.
Also, the age gap? We love a bold dynamic. The spice? Let’s just say I’m still blushing.
Erin has done it again. If you love your romance with heart, heat, and a whole lot of sass, this is your next must-read. Go forth and fall in love, my friends.
I’m going to start off with this; if you haven’t read a book by Erin FitzGerald you’re seriously missing out!! This is the second book in her new Colson Creek series and it’s shaping up to be my favorite series from Erin yet!
Charlie and Dan are the main characters in this one. Dan’s entire world crashed around him when his wife left him and took their two sons to the other side of the country; he’s spent the last year working nonstop to fill the lonely void in his life. Charlie is a tiny spitfire of a woman who’s been successfully running her family cement and quarry business all while dealing with a chronic health condition. After a past heartbreak she’s all but given up on the dream of a white picket fence and happy ending; that is until she runs back into Dan Benson who’s been her dream man since she was ten years old. These two were such a great couple; their chemistry was off the charts and their love for one another was so easy and angst free. That’s not to say there wasn’t some suspense and drama in the plot though because there definitely was! I loved Charlie so much; I’m such a sucker for a fiery take no sh*t FMC. We got to meet Dan in the first book of the series and back then he was my least favorite Benson brother; I definitely can’t say that anymore because Dan won me over with his humor and dirty mouth!
This was such a good read! It’s so easy to fall in love with all the members of the Benson family; I absolutely adore them all and cannot wait to see whose story is next. Thank you so much to the author for giving the opportunity to read this one early!!
At almost 50 years old, Dan Benson is starting over. After his wife of 24 years moves across the country with their two boys, Dan is left to figure out what's next. He’s moved out of his dream home into a condo he doesn’t want and spends all of his time working to keep himself busy. The last thing Dan needs is another person to distract him, but after a chance encounter with a mystery woman driving the cement truck for his latest job, he can’t think straight.
Charlize Campbell fights tooth and nail to be taken seriously as the owner of Campbell Concrete. Being the only sibling interested in taking over the business from her father, Charlie has to work harder and faster to prove herself. When one of her guys calls in sick, and she has to jump into the cement truck to stay on schedule, Charlie is put face to face with her childhood crush, Dan Benson. What Charlie doesn’t expect is for Dan to finally see her for the woman she is.
Erin Fitzgerald has continued the Colson Creek series perfectly with this novel. I was drawn to Dan and Charlie from page one, and could not put this novel down. Combining romance and suspense, I found myself surprised by the twists and turns of the storyline. I loved the chemistry between Dan and Charlie - it was so genuine. You could feel the family bond in every meal they shared and how Donna was willing to take Charlie under her wing. It was exciting to catch up with the Benson clan and see how things have (and haven’t) changed since book one, We All Fall Down, came out earlier this year.
I am eagerly awaiting the next books in the Colson Creek series as we watch the remaining Benson brothers find their paths through life.
I hate that again it took me forever and a day to finish this book because this series has only arrived when I am in a reading slump. Thankfully, that did not stop me from being able to see just how amazing this book is!
I can say that by far my favorite part of this book (and series thus far) is Donna's meddling. She clearly cares about her boys and making sure they are safe, happy, and loved. She just uses methods that are wildly entertaining to read about. I cannot wait to see where her meddling takes the rest of the series! I also loved just how involved the other brothers are in this story. I just hope to see Ashley pop up again at some point down the line.
At the beginning of this one, it truly was giving me similar vibes to her other book Something Lost. It was a favorite of mine so you know I was incredibly invested for that reason. Reading this series thus far has truly felt like coming home.
Once again, Erin demonstrated that she is a master at blending in thrilling elements to her romances. Seeing her shine with this again has been fantastic. I was truly on the edge of my seat with tears brimming in my eyes at the climax of the story.
This book does contain open-door spice. That said, those scenes can be skipped without missing too much plot.
Overall, I highly recommend this book and series. You've done it again, Erin, just as I knew you would! I'm telling you, once you fall in love with these characters, they are in your heart forever.
I received this book as an ARC from the author. My review is honest and voluntary.
Dan and Charlie’s story is a wonderful and insightful second chance at love story. As a recently divorced father of two teenage boys, Dan is not looking for love or another relationship. After her own disastrous relationship, Charlie is not looking to add a man to her already busy and stressful life. There was a time when she had a crush on Dan, but he never even noticed her. Dan sure is noticing her now though. Her sass and mouthy attitude on his job site caught his notice. So did her figure and the sparks they generated when he shook her hand after he clued in to the fact that she is the one in charge at Campbell Concrete. She agrees to go to a business dinner with him in order to help him avoid a woman who can only be described as predatory. From there, their relationship slowly evolves into something much more personal and nothing like their previous relationships. There is plenty of hot chemistry, flirting, laughter, and battle of wits at times as they learn the different sides of each other. As it turns out, Ben and Charlie are perfect for each other. They encourage and support each other as well as step up to protect each other when necessary. The Bensons, Dan’s family, are happy to welcome Charlie into it. Their close bond, endless teasing and prodding, as well as their unconditional support are enviable and make this book and series enjoyable to read.
I always enjoy reading books from Erin. All her books thus far have been great! I love the stories she creates and am always drawn and pulled right in. I have been so grateful yet again to have received another ARC.
This is book 2 of this series and I cannot decide which one I love more. I loved book 1 but I also loved this one just as much. I loved the overall story of this one a lot . It is kind of enemies to lovers and like the first book both characters come from hurtful pasts and find their healing and soulmates. Like book 1 this one has a bit of mystery too. I felt it was the same plot but different details. (Example: characters from a broken past start to fall in love with each other and then something unexpected and mysterious happens , then a tragedy with a happy ending).
I loved both characters Dan was so hot and a muscular buff, caring man and Charlize had a spicy sassy side and was a bad ass boss. I loved the enemies to lovers / small town and how they knew each other in the past. Without going too much into detail and spoiling everything I just loved how their love story came to. I did not understand much about the concrete business though even though my husband literally works in concrete IRL lol so those parts were a bit hit or miss for me.
All and all I think this book was a great read and I can’t wait for the next stories! Can’t wait to read about Levi and Ben!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 is the 2nd book in the Colson Creek series by Erin FitzGerald, featuring a single dad, heroine in danger, romantic suspense story for Dan and Charlie that you don’t want to miss! They’ve both been unlucky in love, and they’re old enough to know special when they see it, so when their work throws them together, the fuse was lit! I loved that Charlie finally got her chance with the man she has loved since she was young, and Dan found a woman who will truly love him! Dan and Charlie had great banter and chemistry throughout, along with real emotion and honesty. As the suspense ramped up with the danger lurking, I was totally enamored with the twists! The Benson family was back and more entertaining than ever, bringing that top notch found family vibe that I’ve come to expect from this author! We’re only two brothers in, and I love them all so much! Dan as a dad is guaranteed to have you swooning, and the way Charlie fit in with them was beyond sweet! And yes, I’m that reader that melts when the pets are so beautifully folded into the story like family!🥰 I can’t wait to watch the next Benson brother fall!! I also hope Linc gets a story, because he was amazing!!
I received an ARC for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶🌶🌶
I’m absolutely in love with the Benson family and the Colson Creek series, who knew quiet Dan Benson was going to steal my heart??
I was pretty Levi was going to be easily my favourite Benson brother with maybe some competition from Ben but hello Dan?? He quietly came and stole my heart with his swoon worthy little acts of care, and him thinking he’s not enough! The way he obviously wanted to do the best for his boys and was willing to make sure he finally got hen back!
Charlie was the black cat you absolutely have to love! She’s so strong and independent, the one girl in the family and the only one that wants the family business so she’s on that constant battle of not needing to be a man to be successful! I loved how she showed Dan he truly was enough even if he had stopped believing it, and it was a joy to watch her independent walls crumble for the golden retriever that was Dan Benson!
Brett and Sadie truly stole the show, I loved how they perfectly mirrored the opposite of their owners!Trent and Connor were so sweet, and they obviously wanted nothing more than their dad to be happy, I loved how easily they embraced Charlie too!
I love some romantic suspense, and Erin absolutely nailed it! I literally stayed up to keep reading because I needed to know how it was going to go!
Two people who have had failed relationships, come together in this must read! He’s a single dad of two, she’s taken over her dad’s concrete company. Dan has been married and his wife left him. Why? Wait til you find out. Charlie dates a man until she found out something interesting about his life. Wait til you hear what that was!
It seems one of the two has had a thing for the other for quite some time. Which one, Charlie or Dan? I feel like Charlie and Dan’s relationship really started taking shape when Dan took care of Charlie at an event they went to. She got headaches frequently and one came on. Dan helped her through it and made sure she was ok. This book was filled with a mystery also. Who was torturing Charlie and doing mysterious things? When you find out who it was, you will be shocked. I know I was, but I had a feeling early on who it could be. The chemistry and the way Charlie was with Dan’s kids made my heart happy. They were perfect for each other. When a certain something happened, I had a gut feeling Dan and Charlie were end game. In the end, this book made me not want it to end! It was definitely a page turner!
I am loving the Benson family!!! These brothers are some of my favorites, their banter is top tier! I was so excited to get into Dan’s story. He’s so precious, and I just wanted him to find his happiness after learning of his divorce. And Charlie was perfect for him! I loved their ‘first’ meeting and then Dan going to see her boss.. aka her 🤭
These two warmed my heart so much. And when Dan’s kids came back for the summer and how easily Charlie welcomed them.. it was exactly what I wanted for Dan! Charlie is a strong FMC, and I loved how she let Dan in. I felt so connected to her and the migraine rep that this story had! From someone who also suffers from chronic migraines, I know how debilitating they can be. It’s so hard to describe to someone who hasn’t experienced it, and I felt so seen with Charlie 👏🏼
I cannot wait for what’s to come from the Benson brothers!! I just know the others are going to be a handful 🤭
💛 Single Dad 💛 Age Gap 💛 Romantic Suspense 💛 Found Family 💛 Chronic Migraine Rep 💛 Cinnamon Roll x Black Cat
The Greatest Of These by Erin Fitzgerald Available now in paperback and on Kindle Unlimited!
Erin, thank you, always, for having me here 🥰 love ya, woman! 🩷
Welcome back to Colson Creek! The Benson brothers are behaving exactly as you’d expect them to - meaning they’re not 😅
Dan (not Daniel) Benson is putting his life back together, one day at a time. Divorced, half a country away from his kids,
Enter Charlie Campbell. Fiercely independent (one might even say stubborn), protective as hell, and trying to keep her family concrete business out of the wrong hands.
What happens when Dan realizes he may be able to open his heart again, and Charlie finds out that people really can show up for you if you let them?
I LOVED these two! The “it’s always been you” vibe 😍 Their connection from the beginning made it clear there’d be plenty of chemistry & banter 😍 What I WASN’T expecting, was to tear up at 2 words: “Night, Mom.” 😭
The Benson family has me fully invested, and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for Ben & Levi! (Also, would not be mad at all if you felt inspired to give us a Donna & Erik prequel 😅)
This book is the second installment in the Colson Creek series and follows Dan Benson and Charlie Campbell. As all of Erins books, the characters meet later in life, around their midforties and get a second chance of love. This is something that I really love with her books.
Tropes: * Single dad * It was always you * Chronic illness * NO third act break up * Midlife second chance * Low angst * Suspense
I loved that both Dan and Charlie early on are on the same page and just takes it from there. They both know what they want and they feel very in tune with each other and the other one’s needs.
I also enjoyed that this book don’t take place in the corporate world, instead Charlie is head of a construction company and Dan comes from a dairy farm, where a big portion of the book takes place.
Something specific for this series is the banter amongst the Benson brothers, it’s unhinged and hilarious, but it shows so much love in the family and a fierce loyalty that sounds and feels amazing.
And as in her previous books, there is a bit of suspense, which just gives the story a whole new dimension.
Dan is still reeling from a divorce and having his two teenage sons uprooted and moved across the country where he hasn’t seen them in a year. Charlie has taken over her father’s cement business and is trying her best to make it a success, but the odds seem stacked against her.
Charlie has had a crush on Dan since she was 10 years old. He barely knows she exists. That’s about to change. After an incident at one of Dan’s construction sites, he’s set on complaining to the cement company’s owner. He’s sure in for a surprise!
As Charlie and Dan get to know each other, feelings develop. Charlie helps Dan with his sons when they come to visit for the summer and Dan and his brothers helps Charlie when it’s discovered that someone is trying to sabotage her business.
An enjoyable story about betrayal, second chances, family dynamics, and new beginnings. My only complaint is the language.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Greatest of These by Erin FitzGerald is the second book in the Colson Creek Series. Dan Colson is down on everything. After his wife filed for divorce and took his children across the country, he just does not seem himself until one morning he has a run in with a woman running a cement truck. He cannot get this firecracker of a woman out of his mind. He decides to go back to the company and lodge a complaint to her boss, Charles. Well, it so happens to turn out that Charles is a woman Charlize Campbell, Charlie, and she owns and runs the business.
Charlie has been in love with Dan since she was ten years old but also isn’t sure she deserves him. But with the push of Dan’s stepmom, Donna, she starts to see it. These two have amazing chemistry but someone is trying to steal from Charlie and is making threats to her. Can these two overcome the dangers?
I loved Charlie and Dan. Dan was such a loyal man and Charlie was a woman who knew what she wanted. They had great chemistry and I loved seeing more of the Colson family. The family dinners felt like warm hugs. The mystery of this book kept me guessing and had me reading quickly to figure out what happens next. Overall, this was a great book in the series, and I think my favorite so far. But I cannot wait for the next two books!
The Greatest of These is book 2 in the Colson Creek series. Charlie has had a crush on Dan since she was 10. But due to their age gap, he never noticed her. Now, he's a newly divorced single dad and after a little run in with her, all of a sudden she has his attention. This one is most definitely a slow burn. It takes a while to get where they're going but once they get there, it's perfect. I love Charlie! She's a strong female and a definite firecracker. Dan and Charlie had some great banter and there was definitely some swoony moments too. I love the Benson's strong family dynamic and all the meals around the dinner table. It just makes me feel all warm and cozy inside. I loved the suspense aspect of the book. I found myself question what was going to happen and I was definitely surprised! Can't wait for the next one.
What to expect: 🩵Divorced, Single Dad 🤍Age Gap 🩵Small Town 🤍Romantic Suspense 🩵No 3rd Act Break Up
This one releases May 6! Thank you to Erin FitzGerald for this ARC.
Let me tell you something about Mr. Dan (not Daniel) Benson... He is HOT AF!!
4.5 stars rounded right up to 5 stars for goodreads!
The second book in the Colson Creek series features Dan Benson, a guy who has lost his family (ex-wife and children) to his best friend, lost his beautiful house he built, and is focusing on his career, and Charlize (Charlie) Campbell, the ultimate GIRL BOSS, who has taken over the family concrete business after her NINE older brothers pass up the opportunity.
I literally fell in love with Charlie on the very first page. She is sassy, a total babe, and seriously so hilarious. Dan took some warming up to for me, just like his personality lol!
My absolute favorite scene had my jaw on the floor when Dan pulls up to Charlie's house for the first time. I was SHOOKETH.
As always, Erin writes 10/10 characters and story lines. Definitely check this one out!!
Another great romantic suspense in this Colson Creek Series. This one is Dan Benson and Charlie Campbell. With a seven year gap between these two. It has always been Dan for Charlie and she comes in full of Sass and a real ball buster when she is contracted for a cement job with his construction company. These two are both workaholics but when you find happiness and joy you make time for the things that matter. They completed each other and were what the other needed for a second chance with love. They both healed something being together and Charlie is instrumental in keeping the little Benson family together after the forced separation from his sons. As always I love Donna and her kind of intervention at bringing things about for the boys. The brotherly banter and large family gatherings we always get.
I really loved the first book in this series and have come to love the whole Benson family and loving the brothers stories as they find love.
This book is so so good. Dan is a big cinnamon roll and hurt from his failed marriage and Charlie is a feisty independent lady who has adored Dan since childhood. No spoilers but I just loved the slow sweet burn of their relationship. This book is well paced and a great story as always runs alongside the romantic drama which I really got hooked into. This book made me smile and warmed my heart. I can not wait for Ben and Levi’s stories to come. Gorgeous book which can be read standalone - hot all the small town, family feels and the banter between brothers is so funny. A cracking read
I received an ARC of this book. These are my views and given voluntarily.
The Greatest of These is the second romance book in the Colson Creek series. After a failed marriage, Dan is finally ready to move on. Charlie is the perfect person to do that with, but he sticks his foot in it the first time they reconnect. It’s not long before the attraction between them is undeniable. Will this be exactly what they’ve been looking for or end in disaster?
I enjoyed the first book in this series and was excited to see Dan’s story and wasn’t disappointed. This book pulled me in from the beginning and I couldn’t wait to see how it all played out. I enjoyed the added element of drama and mystery along with the typical romance. Charlie was a great strong female lead and I thought she was perfect for Dan. This book was a really good second chance at love, later in life romance I I’m glad I read it. I look forward to seeing what comes next for this series!
I flew through this second instalment of the Colson Creek series. The Benson brothers are back and this time the focus is on Dan. After his wife left him for his so called best friend, taking his two sons with him, Dan has thrown himself into work. What he has never realised is that he has always been Charlie Campbell’s crush and when they end up connecting over a work issue there is definitely an instant attraction…… What I love about Erin’s books is that they are easy to follow, totally pull you in, have plenty of eye candy plus some very steamy scenes! The other thing is that the main characters are all slightly older and the relationships are never straight forward with the drama being very fast paced! Seriously can’t wait for book 3!!!
Those Benson Boys make me want to clutch my imaginary pearls hahaha who am I kidding, I've read enough of Erin's books to know the spice is always phenomenal.
Let me introduce you to Dan and Charlie, Charlie is a strong independent, boss woman in a man's world, been in love with the same man since she was 10, that brings us to Dan, the man Charlie has loved since she was 10, divorced, parent to humans and cat. This is their love story, filled with banner, spice, a protective MMC, no third act break up and "it's always been you"
Colsons Creek is my comfort place, I could live there and happily watch all these characters lives unfold.
Every time I get a new story from Erin I think… “this is my new favorite” this woman knows how to write an amazing story! I’m completely obsessed with this story right now too! Not only does Dan touch me a little a deeper due to his name matching my hubby’s but even personality wise I saw so many similarities so I’m obviously head over heels and have added to my book boyfriend collection. Charlie.. man she is such a spitfire but at the same time has so much heart you just fall in love with her! Can she be my new best friend?!? There is also so much of the whole Benson family in here and I loved every minute with the bunch. The plot to this kept me at the edge of my seat and the steam was steaming! Loved every minute of this book!!