The Soldier Gets His Girl

Crimson Creek #1

by Jane Poller

Single mom Cindy doesn't have time for a relationship. Between soccer practice, school events, and work, she's holding on by a thread. All she wants is to spend more time with her kids before they grow up.

Andy didn't expect a forced medical retirement from the Army to send him back to his little Texas hometown. When he lands back in the hospital, he finds one hot mama making the rounds.

Cindy doesn't need the added work of a relationship, and Andy comes with his own set of family problems. Can they work through the obstacles together or will it tear them apart?

Steamy small town romance. All the heat (for mature 18+ audiences only).

Genres: Romance, Military Fiction, Contemporary, Amazon, Contemporary Romance

442 pages, Paperback

First published May 15, 2021

About the author

Jane Poller read her way through middle school, and she swore someday she’d be an author. Romance books got her through countless life changes… moves, degrees, having kids, deployments, teaching high school, international living, health coaching, running a wellness business, homeschooling, and more.
She finally gave in to the characters in her head demanding their stories be told. The Crimson Creek series is a contemporary steamy small-town romance set in a fictional town in Texas.
Speaking of, she lives in Texas with her middle school sweetheart. He’s her real-life hero, Army veteran, and the inspiration for her stories. When she’s not doing all the things, she’s reading and writing. Or arguing with her characters, who refuse to do what she wants.
But that’s par for the course, since she’s currently raising teenagers and two dogs. Those reviews really brighten her day and are much appreciated.

Reviews

[Maria]

FREE today (March 23, 2026) on Amazon.

[Gia Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story about Andy and Cindy was a fabulous read! I have a thing for small town romances and Jane Poller brought it. I couldn't get enough of it. I loved it! I can't wait for the next book!

[Nadine Ruiter · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 22%, wasn’t interesting or motivating, bit boring actually

[Frances O'Sullivan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Has potential, but the poor editing, spelling errors and pacing lets it down.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

‘The Soldier Gets His Girl’ is an easy and enjoyable small-town romance read. I liked both Cindy and Andy from the beginning and was interested in seeing how their romance would unfold. The secondary characters were also interesting and added to the plot, especially the children. It became a little hard to put down and I’ll be reading the next one of the series at some point.

[S Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ex Army Disabled Veteran Andy and single mother Cindy meet when he is in the ER at the hospital where she works. They have an instant connection and run into one another again and the attraction is still there. Andy is being smothered by his Aunt Suzie who means well, but buts into his life a little to much for an almost 30 yr old man. Cindy is a hardworking mom who works 2 jobs to support her family and has help with her childcare for her 3 children from her mother and sister as they are a really tight knit family. Cindy hasn't had the best of luck with her 2 exe's so she is really wary as well as scared to trust her gut with starting something with Andy when he expresses interest in dating her.
I loved this couple and how normal they were, Andy coming to grips with being an amputee as well as how being in crowds makes him anxious but being around Cindy and her family calms him. Andy would have been a lifer in the Army if not for his accident, but now realizes he is alone and lonely and wants a family. His Aunt throws up some roadblocks with his relationship with Cindy and Andy also discovers he has a new member of his family as well. This couple fits and blends so well and I couldn't put this romance down! As this is a series starter, I can't wait to read about their friends who were awesome supporting characters and will try to find love as well in their small town.

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

[Dee Her · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cindy meets Andy while working the weekend shift at the hospital. The retired soldier has just returned to town after being medically discharged with an amputation after an IED explosion while on deployment. Andy has lost his life’s purpose when he lost his foot and struggles to not only deal with how to live as a civilian but what to do with himself, his life and his future. Cindy, on the other hand, is a single mother working non stop as a nurse on the weekends and physical therapist assistant during the week. She’s a caretaker in all ways, oftentimes trying to solve problems that aren’t hers to solve. They are drawn to each other in every way, fighting for love even as their biggest challenge comes from the family who loves them most.
What I enjoyed most about this story is how true the hero and heroine are. Cindy was a woman who had her first child as a teenager and then married a man who betrayed her trust and her children. She’s just working to provide everything her children need putting her own needs on the back burner. Andy is also just as broken. Their blended family took defective pieces and connected them into a masterpiece. Their individual brokenness is what was needed for their puzzle pieces to fit. Without it, their story would never have happened.

[Amy V · Rating 3 out of 5]

First off the bat, I do not love 3rd person. I almost gave up on the first page once I realised this but I hate leaving things unfinished. I probably should have previewed to check, whoops.

That being said, I have read 3rd person before and I found this one particularly tricky. There was a chapter that started with Andy by name and then mentioned "she" but we didn't know who the she was until a paragraph later. It made me reread the first sentences to see if I missed it. There was actually a few times where I read up to try and remember which she we were talking about. So I didn't love that part. Some scenes had to many she's in it and I just got plain lost.

The story itself was cute, a perfect hallmark movie if you're into that thing. Steam was lovely and not overused, I love how much she let loose when she could. There were some sad things in this story but it was written very light, for a soldier who survived something that killed his team mates, it was actually VERY not dark. I think I might have liked a bit more trauma or drama involved maybe, it was very easily fixed. Throw in a returning daddy or some more temporary heart break and it would have been a more satisfying redemption.

Overall I'm giving it a 3 starts because it just wasn't enough oomf in the story for me to get over the faults I felt came out in the she/he narrative confusion.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really pulled into this small town story of Cindy and Andy. Cindy is a busy single mom and nurse.She doesn't have time for a relationship until she meets Andy at the hospital, a wounded Warrior, who got medical retirement from the army because of an injury. Cindy doesn't need the added work of a relationship, and Andy comes with his own set of family problems.

There is a contemporary romance between an Army Vet and a health care professional. Andy and Cindy will both steal your heart. The author also shows the up's and down's in Cindy and Andy's relationship which makes us think that can they work through the obstacles together or will it tear them apart?

The characters are incredible and the plot is exhilarating. The language used is Lucid and flowy. I am waiting to read it's next part. This book is a wonderful romance story. If you are looking for a contemporary romance, then you should read this book.

[Michelle Frater · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love stories where the main characters have faced difficult moments in their lives to find their deserved HEA in the end. That is certainly the case in the heart-warming story of Cindy and Andy. Both characters are well-written, coming to life before your eyes. Cindy’s close family ties and devotion to her kids will melt your heart, while Andy’s patience, love and determination to be part of that family brought a smile to my face. My one and only criticism would be that I wanted to see a grand finale with a big wedding with all their family and friends!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Danee · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful story this was, we follow Andy and Cindy, they meet each other when he ends up in the emergency room because he is in pain due to a kidney stone and sees Cindy there who is his nurse. Both have their own baggage. She is a single mother of three and, just like Andy, has been through a lot and has suffered quite a bit of trauma. It was nice to read how they both have feelings for each other, but had to overcome many twists and turns together and with patience and love they go to health together. Highly recommended to read.

I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Texas seems to be hot girls, hot guys and hot weather. There's single mom Cindy with three boys, her sister Maryanne, and don't forget Suzie who thought she knew all that was going on around town. If Aunt Suzie didn't know the facts of gossip, she made it up. The storyline was fun at time and otherwise, heartbreaking. Cindy worked seven days a week at two jobs to barely get by; with the help of her sister and Mom, the boys were cared for. Meanwhile, Andy was home from military service, wounded mind and body. There is a lot going on within the pages of this book that was definitely more small-town activity with a touch of love is in the air.

[Bette Stanek · Rating 3 out of 5]

First time author for me. These characters, Andy and Cindy, could be your next-door neighbors. They’ve had it rough. Andy received an honorable discharge from the Army after an injury. Cindy is a single mom raising three boys. Her story is a long one. They meet in the local hospital after Andy is admitted as a patient. Things progress from there. You have a meddling, bossy aunt. You have three adorable boys and one adorable little girl (who has a big surprise). There is small-town charm with busybodies galore. A lot is going on, but that’s everyday life. The story is enjoyable, but there is nothing out of the ordinary.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Solider Gets His Girl was an amazing read. This story makes you fall in love with the characters and toot for them throughout the whole book.
Cindy is a single mom of three when she moves back to her hometown. Andy is soldier that is returning home from the army. These two meet and sparks instantly start to fly. Will others keep them apart or will their love be stronger than all?
This book is an easy read story that you don’t want to stop reading. Highly recommend to anyone that wants a great feel good story.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cindy is a nurse who also helps with physical therapy, divorced and has three kids. Andy has come home with a medical discharge due to an amputation from an IED. They meet at the hospital and keep crossing paths as sparks fly. You start rooting for them early on as doubts fire up from their surrounding families. These two understand what the other is going through and it pulls them closer. Loved the characters and the storyline has a lot of entertaining situations and steamy moments. Great ending.

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

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cindy is a single mom of three. She works hard to keep everything together. Andy is ex-military who was discharged after being injured on deployment, now is struggling with direction. They meet when Andy ends up the in ER. The chemistry sets off sparks, and their connection grows stronger as they spend more time together, but not all is happy for them.

Good emotional story that takes you on a whirlwind romance as they navigate live, family and their hearts.

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

[Mg Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Soldier Gets His Girl was a sweet and heartfelt story of strength resilience and letting go of the past and living in the present with strong relatable and likeable character's will say there are moments when it's hard to follow the plot and there's a disconnected feeling throughout the storyline.

I received a advance readers copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Didi · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5-4*

A story that will tug at your heartstrings as you root for their HEA. An easy to read small town romance with a damaged soldier and a strong single mom. Sparks fly and they face many obstacles to their growing relationship. I loved the feeling of two parts becoming a whole as they find strength in each other. Great ending.

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

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first in a new series, and this is single mom Cindy, and army veteran Andy’s story.
This is a well written easy to read, emotional roller coaster, with family, friendships, challenges, twists, and turns, engaging and realistic characters, trust, and love, which leads to an entertaining, tragic, and steamy addictive page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jane Poller delivers a story that’s equal parts heartwarming and toe-curling. Cindy is the kind of heroine you root for instantly, hardworking, fiery, and real. Andy? Let’s just say if confidence were a crime, he’d be serving life without parole… and I’d still visit him.

The banter crackles, the chemistry sizzles, and the emotional beats hit just right. If you love romances that make you grin, swoon, and maybe fan yourself a little, The Soldier Gets His Girl is your next guilty pleasure.

[Ramona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming

Cindy and Andy meet in the ER, he's there for a kidney stone, she's his nurse. Sparks fly, but she's been through a lot and has 3 kids. He's recovering from a disability discharge and a partial amputation. Can they work through all these roadblocks to make a life together? So sweet and sexy. Andy is patient and loving and determined.

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cindy is a single mom working two jobs to take care of her kids. Andy is home after being medically discharged due to amputation from the service. The two have so much to deal with. Can they work through their issues to find their way to each other? This was a sweet story and great kick off to a series.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steamy, Sweet, and Perfectly Real
This small-town romance delivers heat, heart, and relatable struggles in equal measure. Cindy and Andy’s chemistry is undeniable, but what truly shines is their emotional journey through family, healing, and second chances. Sexy, sincere, and satisfying, it’s a feel-good love story with just the right amount of spice.

[Kat Sharp · Rating 3 out of 5]

The reason that I gave it the rating I did is because some of the scenarios didn't seem realistic like even if this was a scene in fantasy it wouldn't make sense. the writing style was a little bit off
But overall it was a good story and I did love the characters and how accurate some of their personal inner turmoils were to the type of character they were.

[Bonnie Poirier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book. Jane has written a fantastic book full of wonderful characters that you want to know more about.
I love Cindy and Andy, their romance weaves through trials and joy.
You won’t be able to put this down.
I can’t wait for book 2!

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good small town/contemporary romance.. I liked it.. It is steamy and emotional, with great characters..

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

[BusyM3 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good start to this series Crimson Creek. This is a new author for me and I am looking forward to reading more. The story is easy to follow and read. The characters are likeable and have a great connection.

I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[M19arta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cindy is a hard-working, single mother of three boys with a not-so-pleasant relationship history. The last thing she's looking for is a man, and that's when a sexy, wounded veteran comes into her life. The attraction between the couple is palpable.
This was a very enjoyable read!.

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

[Cassie Hollenbeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved these characters from start to finish! I loved the storyline and the development of the characters! I can’t wait to see where book two goes! Thank you so much for the arc! I can’t wait to see what you write next!

[Marilyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book.

Really loved the relationship between Andy and the kids. Andy and Cindy were great together. Just and all around good romance. All their friends were also great making this a funny loving story.