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Juniper View #1

Under Juniper Skies

Not yet published
Expected 11 Mar 26
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I’m here to start a new life, not fall for the handsome, grumpy single dad sheriff.

When I left my old life for a fresh start in a small mountain town, I didn’t expect to begin the new chapter with a run-in with the hot, growly local sheriff. I’ve had enough of beautiful men setting fire to my life, thanks very much.

While I try to settle in, slim housing options result in me living above said sheriff’s garage. Perfect. I’ll keep my head down and stay out of his way—not easy when we’re living side by side.

He’s suspicious of me and, frankly, rude despite his reputation as a war hero and doting single dad. I can’t reconcile the man I’ve met with the stories I keep hearing around town about how generous and kind he is.

Until he apologizes and changes everything. He still sticks his foot in his mouth, but he’s good-hearted and he’s giving me something I’ve been chasing—a safe place.

I could resist him when he was judging me and needlessly gruff, but I’m not sure I can keep my distance when he’s being more than neighborly. He helps me find my wayward cat, then invites me for cocoa with his daughters, and before I know it I’m seeing past the badge and right to the heart of him.

This fresh start is taking an unexpected turn. After so long living in the smog of my old life, I’m finally breathing deep in these clear mountain skies… until I’m reminded why I ran in the first place.

356 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication March 11, 2026

2 people are currently reading
36 people want to read

About the author

Claire Cain

45 books279 followers

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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
Profile Image for Ella B.
83 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 20, 2026
I loved Sam and Grant's story, full of so many tender moments, and found family.

This was a slow burn in the first half, Sam being new to Juniper View and on a run from her past life. Is hesitant to trust Grant and the towns citizens. I loved watching her gain her confidence and self-esteem back. Her journey to discovering herself was inspiring and real.

Grant is a grump, at first, he is fiercely protective of his little girls and his family. Adding the stress of being the town sheriff, he takes on too much guilt and worries. I love how Sam slowly shows him how to let go of the need to control and worries he loves to hold on to.

Their growing relationship was tentative at first, full of uncertainty and trepidation. But once they made the choice to be together it was pure chemistry. So many tender and loving moments, but also vulnerable ones. There is a slight suspense element that is wrapped up pretty neatly and fell flat for me.

However, I will always recommend Claire Cain and if you are new to her wonderful writing, start with the Veterans of Silver Ridge series. You will not be disappointed.

🔥 Heat level: Fade-to-black, heavy make outs
🫢 Language: mild language used throughout
40 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 20, 2026
Possible trigger warning: This book contains mild reference to domestic violence, parental neglect and traumatic loss of close friends. It is a “fade to black” romance and has occasional swear words.

Under Juniper Skies is Book 1 of Claire Cain’s latest series. Juniper View is a small town, not far from “Silverton” a small-town ski resort in Utah. It is a dual POV book, meaning the reader is privy to the inner thoughts of both main characters.

Here in “Juniper View” we meet “Sam” and “Grant”.

Grant has become the local sheriff, kind of by default, but his character makes him perfect for the job. He's a strong, silent type, who is constantly trying to do the right thing. He’s also a single parent after close friends of his were killed in an accident. Their two young daughters became his afterwards which led to his retiring from the Army and moving back to Juniper View.

Sam is in search of a new beginning. She’s been working for over a year to extricate herself from her old life in LA and an abusive ex-husband. She’s grown up scratching her way out of difficult situations and is hoping she and Mr. Bingley, her cat, will finally be able to find a quiet, peaceful life here in Juniper View – as soon as she can get the tire changed on her junker car that went flat just outside of said destination.

Now you KNOW Grant shows up to help, right? But Sam has trust issues and insists on changing her own tire with as little help as possible from "the man who looks more like the movie version of a hot cop, rather than a small-town law enforcement officer". Eventually, she makes it to Juniper View, and her new life is now underway.

Need I mention their romance is fire? They’re both so careful, for good reason because of things they’ve endured prior, his young kids, etc., but their mutual attraction and friendship grows and eventually there’s no denying it.

These characters are expertly developed. The pacing is just right, and we become well acquainted with the new town and some of its shops, and proprietors. A few of the characters we’ve already met in the Veterans of Silver Ridge series make an appearance briefly. (Claire’s books are always written in such a way that they can stand alone, but you’re seriously missing out if you stop at just one. Just sayin’. 😉) Grant’s siblings and side-character stories are just aching to be told!

I can’t wait for the next one!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Sarah Shelton.
112 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 7, 2026
4.5 stars

I was so excited to dive into this arc for Claire’s newest series & let me say, I’m invested already!

Juniper View is so welcoming, and I enjoyed the happenings of the fictional small town! The Ryan family is just the best. Sam had been through it, and she definitely needed a fresh start after her rough past. I loved how May & the rest of her family folded her into their lovely chaos. Evie’s appearance and friendship with Sam made the story that much sweeter, and I’m anticipating big things for her journey as well. 🫶🏻

I really liked Sheriff Ryan in Anything for You, but I didn’t anticipate his backstory. Grant had layers for sure. His initial reactions to Sam & her presence led to a lot of foot-in-mouth moments. He couldn’t seem to get on right footing with her. Thankfully, time & his actions/words showed his protective inner softie. He was just adorable with his daughters. Also, Grant’s respect for Sam’s choice for timing in their relationship spoke volumes, and I appreciated this about him so much.
The mutual pining was just so good. Their physical connection was just chemistry for days, and their emotional connection only solidified their love as time went on. They were super into each other, and it was obvious to everyone around them too. 🤭

I’m invested in this family, this town, and the stories I know were alluded to for the Ryan siblings. Man, I’m SO PUMPED for Declan’s story after reading that bonus epilogue. 🤩

Thanks for the ARC, Claire!! All thoughts are my own. :)

CW: This is a fade-to-black romance with passionate makeouts and some language & innuendo. There’s mention of grief, loss of loved ones, and emotional/physical abuse.
Profile Image for Randi Sampson.
1,807 reviews100 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 21, 2026
Claire Cain has very quickly become a must-read author for me... and this book is the perfect example as to why. A super protective former military single dad serving as sheriff. A woman running from her difficult past and starting over. A small town and a beautiful family that I can't help but be drawn into and want to see more of. Grant and Sam's story had so much to love... and I certainly did just that! From their awkward meet cute, I just couldn't get enough of these two. There was a great chemistry, of course (seriously, those kisses!) but it was really the tenderness and vulnerability between them that made their romance that much more beautiful. This story touched on some difficult subjects like abuse, but there was such a beautiful sense of healing and finding home as well. I loved meeting all of the Ryan family and the people of Juniper View and cannot wait to see what is going to happen next in the series. If you love protective heroes and emotional romance, this is one you won't want to miss!

Under Juniper Skies is a closed-door romance with fade to black and some minor innuendo and language throughout.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
32 reviews
Read
February 23, 2026
I have already fallen in love with Juniper View and the Ryan family. Grant is the town sheriff raising two little girls with the help of his family. I never would have guessed how many layers Sheriff Ryan had before I read his story. His protectiveness of his family definitely caused a lot foot in mouth moments at the beginning. Sam came along with her baggage just trying to have a fresh start. Grant's willingness to help out someone in need and Sam's distrust of men makes for an interesting start. The Ryan family was so welcoming to Sam. The slow burn as they learn to trust and love each other makes for a great read. I'm so excited for this series.
6 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 24, 2026
Review of ARC

I did not think it would be possible to love another series as much as the Veterans of Silver Ridge, and yet, I love it more already! It was very easy for me to enter the world of Juniper View and fall in love with these characters and community.

Sam has gone through a lot in her life, and she is ready for a fresh start away from her emotionally abusive ex. Grant is a single dad of 2 adorable girls, and did I forget to mention, he is also the sheriff?

Once they both figure out their feelings for each other (which is not a long drawn out misunderstanding by the way), Sam decides she needs to find herself outside of a relationship and heal more before she can start anything with Grant. The yearning that he felt left me with butterflies, and he is so patient with wanting her to be ready. Of course, there is a happily ever after!


I laughed, shed a tear, and overall was so happy by the end of this book. The pacing and timing for their love felt great. I am so excited for the next installment in this series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Nati.
3,001 reviews17 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 22, 2026
Clair's characters are guman, with struggles, fears, doubts and are easy to relate to. Sam is new in town, trying ro buld a new life after divircing her abusive ex-husband. Grant is the sheriff, ex military, and a single dad to two precious girls, after his best friends death made him their guardian. Can Sam and Grant find their way to each others hearts? Add a really great family, a wonderful town and the magic is served in Juniper View. Looking forward to read Declan and Evie's story.
310 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 14, 2026
I enjoyed this first book in a new series. The featured characters, Grant and Sam, are well matched right down to their self doubts. I wanted to shake them at times to stop the cycle! The story is a fulfilling tale that end in happily ever after, just the way I like it. I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Rachael.
274 reviews
February 25, 2026
ARC reader! 4.5 stars
I absolutely love Claire Cain's writing style, characters, storylines. This is another fantastic, strong female, he falls first, grumpy male book. A perfect fade to black. Claire introduces us to a new family, in a new city, yet her series, overlap, and other characters make cameos. Can’t wait for this entire series!
Profile Image for 🧸🎀Tiff (honeydukesbooks).
620 reviews50 followers
February 23, 2026
omg I am obsessed with Claire Cane’s writing. how she writes a romance story is beyond compare! Grant & Sam had me laughing, swooning, & kicking my feet! this one hooked me in from the very beginning & had me not wanting to put it down, I loved every minute of it!
Profile Image for Marianne.
7,280 reviews87 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 11, 2026
Excellent small town/grumpy protector romance! I liked it so much. Sweet, emotional, and very romantic. Love the single dad sheriff!
Profile Image for Heather.
195 reviews16 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 19, 2026
It was so fun to get into a new Claire Cain series and yet also catch quick glimpses of familiar faces from previous series! I love that Claire’s series are often about families - either found, or in this case, traditional. I enjoyed the family dinners and already can’t wait to read the other siblings’ books.

I really liked the premise of this book - Sam starting over after leaving an abusive ex-husband and moving into the garage apartment of the grumpy town sheriff who is a single dad.

This book was fade to black and I found it a bit more focused on the characters’ physical relationship than the author’s previous books.

I received a complimentary copy from the author.
Profile Image for Lindsey IG: BookishlyLindsey.
79 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 27, 2026
Sam, poor Sam—your heart breaks for her. She has fled a heartbreaking situation and is trying to hide and start over in a small town. Grant, the town sheriff, is suspicious of Sam, and when she shows up on his property looking to rent the apartment above his garage, he’s ready for some answers.

This fade-to-black, slow-burn romance draws you in with your curiosity about Sam, but you stay for the small town and the Grant family. I was expecting a bit more suspense and action toward the end and was left wishing for more.

This is Book 1 in a new series by Claire Cain. I loved the town and all the new characters we’re introduced to.
🤬 minor
😘 fade to black
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews

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