Kleinstadtgeheimnisse

Holly Creek #2

by Poppy Dennison, A.D. Ferencz (Translator)

Buch 2 in der Serie - Holly Creek

Jefferson Lee und Zane müssen sich gegenseitig vertrauen, wenn sie die erste Bewährungsprobe ihrer noch jungen Beziehung bestehen wollen.

Jefferson Lee Davis, Holly Creeks neuer Direktor für Stadtmarketing und Veranstaltungsplanung, bereitet sich auf das nächste Großereignis vor: das Rosenfestival. Alles läuft wie geschmiert und er könnte zufrieden sein, wäre da nicht sein Liebesleben. Sheriff Zane Yarbrough, sein Freund und Geliebter, bekommt nämlich seit einiger Zeit geheimnisvolle Anrufe, über die er nicht reden will. Und als wäre das nicht schon genug, um Jefferson Lees Eifersucht am Brodeln zu halten, taucht in ihrem kleinen Städtchen auch noch ein attraktiver Fremder auf. Jefferson Lee will der Sache auf den Grund gehen. Er rekrutiert seine beste Freundin, Clover Crofton, die ihm dabei helfen soll, Zanes Geheimnisse ans Tageslicht zu bringen. Bald stecken die beiden Hobbydetektive bis zum Hals in der Tinte und Jefferson Lees Beziehung zu Zane steht vor ihrer ersten Bewährungsprobe. Zane und Jefferson Lee müssen lernen, einander zu vertrauen, wenn sie eine gemeinsame Zukunft haben wollen. Und auch Clover muss die eine oder andere Lektion verkraften.

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Audiobook, LGBT, Humor

72 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2016

About the author

Add two parts sass and one part sweet and you have Poppy Dennison to T—sweet tea that is. Raised by a gaggle of Southern women who love reading and have backbones of steel, Poppy was brought up to see the best in people but always speak her mind. Mix it all together, like Grandma’s famous cobbler, and you get a sassy, Southern lady with a quick wit and loads of charm, who will soften any blow with “Bless your heart.” Her books reflect her small town roots, are filled with all the comforts of home, and come with side dish of spicy, because that’s the way she likes it.

Reviews

[Ami · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Cute. Quirky. Fun.

Definitely still enjoyed this small town and its residents. Including Mr. Hartman's dog *lol*. Jefferson has a mouth diatribe that entertained the hell out of me. I loved reading his dialogs *lol*.

I really liked the fact that Jefferson and Zane actually talked out their trust issues -- even though it happened AFTER Jefferson and Clover got into trouble (of course). With books that feature same couples throughout, I love to see they progress to the better, and them talking is definitely the step towards a more solid relationship.

But man, that ending. What the hell was that?!? Urgh, book #3 better not be released next year or something O_O

[Tess · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

Aww, there's something so sweet and funny and heartwarming about this series. I don't always like small town stories but Holly Creek is not your typical small town. It's quirky and filled with lots of great characters. Of course my favourites are Jefferson - who is freaking adorable -- and Zane, the sheriff who's oh so perfect for him.

What the heck was with that cliffhanger ending though?!? I guess there's going to be a #3 now, just don't make us wait too long for it!

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fabulous revisit with Jefferson Lee and his hunky cop boyfriend, the good Sheriff Zane, and all the characters from Holly Creek.

Jefferson Lee is busy planning another festival, Zane is busy being the long arm of the law, and both are busy with each other. Except Zane starts hiding some phone calls he's getting, and Jefferson Lee's jealousy flares to light.

I thoroughly enjoyed the story, their antics, the brilliant Southern Charm, and all the people, including Tall, Dark, and Handsome Mr. Stranger who stands no chance, none whatsoever, when Clover sets her sights on him.

Wonderful, giggly fun, with two men hot and heavy in love who both still have a thing or ten to learn, but who are working their way through the murky waters to strengthen their relationship.

And all because they finally really communicate with each other. Who'd have thought?

Seriously, if you loved Dogwood Days, you're not going to want to miss this one!

My only complaint is that it was over much too quickly. I hope the author decides to write us another story from Holly Creek!


** I received a free copy from the publisher. A positive review was not promised in return. **

[Jenni Lea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wait, what? What happened to the rest of the book?

It was cute, what there was of it, but it felt like it ended in the middle of the story.

[Jennifer☠Pher☠ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Is this going to be a trilogy? It feels like it is. I mean, this book totally felt like the middle book. The book where not much really happens except setting up everything for the next book.

That doesn't mean I didn't like it because I did. I have a thing for Jefferson Lee. Like how I have a thing for Jory. He is irresistible to me. He can be however he wants to be and no matter, I'll find him endearing. I mean, I love him. His voice, his presence and his heart and brain.

I just don't know if anything really happened in this book except set up after set up. What did happen wasn't really resolved. Oh, and that ending? My friends, that was a cliffhanger.

So, yeah for more Jefferson Lee but boo for the story itself.

[El Ma · Rating 2 out of 5]

https://elmaliest.wordpress.com/2017/...

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

As excited as I was to be back in Holly Creek with beloved characters and ensuing craziness, I was far more excited to see what Jefferson Lee, his insane best friend, Clover, and his hunky boyfriend, Sheriff Zane, we're getting up to. For you see, anything is possible when Jefferson Lee and Clover are at the helm, and sometimes I'm not sure how much this small town can take.

The ending of the first book in the series left Jefferson as the new Director of Publicity for the town, receiving a pittance of a salary, but it enabled him to stay, to continue his uncle's blog, the Jolly Holly, and of course allowed him to stay with Zane. So, now Jefferson gets to deal with the mayor and the aldermen with all of his ideas for new ways to get tourists to Holly Creek. This is all well and good, except the aldermen have all known Jefferson since he was a baby, and that can bring some discomfort. For Jefferson, at least.

Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews

[Johnny · Rating 4 out of 5]

More of Jefferson Leigh & Clover please! Love this series!

[Sophisticated Lady · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kurz und bündig: Leider wie der Vorgänger zu kurz. Die Geschichte rast nur so dahin, dabei hätte man sehr viel draus machen können. Aber die Geschichte lebt von den sympathischen Protagonisten. Daher drei Sterne.

[Sara]

Spring Fever pretty much picks up where Dogwood Days ended. We have Jefferson Lee and Sheriff Zane in a relationship and Jefferson is now the Director of Publicity for Holly Creek.

The first page of this book had me LOLing in bed because Jefferson cannot let go of the fact that people in this small town have seen his bare butt. Sure, it was as an infant… or so he thinks before he is told he and Zane should close the curtains at night. But wait, I want to see what was going on when those curtains were open because Sheriff Zane has become a dirty talker in this book… mmm hmm. He sure has.

This is much shorter than Dogwood Days was so I will keep my review short.

First, this CANNOT be read as a standalone, don’t even attempt it. You must read the first book before this or nothing and no one will make sense.

That being said, I really adored seeing more of Zane and Jefferson Lee as their relationship progresses. They fell so hard, fast and simple into one another that it was refreshing to see a bit of doubt peek into their bubble of warm and fuzzy and OMG it was hilarious to see Jefferson Lee overreact. Of course, he wouldn’t be himself if he didn’t involve his BFF Clover in on his doubt and once again, the comedy blunders these two manage to get themselves into had me in stitches. They were spot on with Lucy and Ethel sprinkled with a bit of Gladys Kravitz as they tried to scope out the new man in town.

This was again, so much fun. I can’t believe the smile that stayed on my face reading this and I can’t believe that I couldn’t put it down, not even while I made my family dinner.

But um... that end though… okay Ms. Dennison. I am waiting for the next book. You can’t leave it like that and can I just say I hope a certain redhead is there when Jefferson Lee arrives… I kinda need to know more about him. Kay? Thanks.

Spring Fever is a fantastic installment to this series of a quirky small town full of characters that may know your business and gossip behind your back but they do it with the best of intentions and ultimately with love. It's a continuation of the swoon worthy romance between a man in uniform and the smart mouthed bundle of energy that has captured his heart.

[Anita Bianchi · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://bianchianita1971.blogspot.it/2...

È stato uno spasso tornare a Holly Creek e ritrovare tutti i suoi pazzi abitanti, Jefferson Lee e Zane in testa! I due stanno vivendo la loro storia molto intensamente ma, l'arrivo in città di un misterioso personaggio, metterà alla prova la stabilità e la profondità dei loro sentimenti... il tutto in chiave divertente e molto dolce! Jefferson Lee e la sua migliore amica Clover sono un duo combinaguai che stavolta rischia di spingersi un po' troppo oltre, ma per fortuna possono contare su chi ha la testa sulle spalle per venirne fuori. Zane e Jefferson Lee sono una coppia perfetta in quanto a opposti che si attraggono e, tra una fiera da preparare, un comitato da convincere e un uomo da pedinare, in città non c'è mai un attimo di noia!
Ho trovato molto divertente questo secondo capitolo della serie e, anche se la fine arriva un po' troppo velocemente per i miei gusti, ci lascia con delle aspettative interessanti nei confronti degli sviluppi futuri.
Voto: 8

[Anna Zedda · Rating 4 out of 5]

dove sono le mezze stelle quando servono? 4 è troppo 3 è troppo poco. Mi piace un sacco Jefferson Lee e leggere le storie della cittadina è divertente ma il tutto è stato troppo breve e in più visto il finale non si può aspettare chissà quanto per il seguito

[Les Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 sweet fun stars!

Let me start by saying this first thing. I want to live in Holly Creek. I’d move there tomorrow if I could. No joke. I grew up in a small town, and Poppy Dennsion captures that unmistakable small town vibe just about perfectly. That feeling of drinking sweet tea (well, I grew up in the north so it was lemonade not sweet tea) while sitting on the front porch waiting for the fireflies to come out. I grew up with community picnics, summers spent at the baseball field watching Little League, and running around with my friends and playing kick the can until it was too dark to see. Spring Fever (and Dogwood Days, book 1) encompasses all this nostalgia, and then some, while making it feel new and fresh.

I want these people to be my friends. I want Clover to drag me along on one of her zany larks. I want Jefferson Lee to be my BFF and ramble on about who knows what. I want Uncle Sherman to take me under his wing and walk with me around the neighborhood. These people are so richly developed, you can practically smell the roses from Mrs. Beulah’s garden or taste the cooking at Gracie’s diner.

I love the relationships Jefferson Lee has: with his Uncle Sherman, with his bestie Clover, and of course with Zane. These two haven’t been together very long by this point, but boy it sure is fun watching them fall more in love and learn new things about one another. Jefferson Lee with all his neuroses and genuine goodness and Zane with his sense of duty but his complete enjoyment of all the mess that is Jefferson Lee is pure enjoyment. Poppy’s writing is crisp and full of gorgeous imagery and witty banter.

Spring Fever was FUN! Delightful and effervescent and sweet with just enough sexy to make me swoon. If you haven’t started this series yet … DO IT NOW. I’m waiting with baited breath for the next one; I think there’s some good things coming to Holly Creek!

*this review will also be posted on www.diversereader.blogspot.com*

[Aerin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spring Fever picks up roughly where Dogwood Days left off and it's just as amazing as Dogwood Days, maybe even better! But if you have any plans to read this without previously reading Dogwood Days, I'm afraid that's not going to work; Spring Fever has the same cast of charming, funny, crazy, amazing characters as Dogwood Days and the main characters are still Sheriff Zane and Jefferson Leigh.

There's a new guy in town and his name is Troy; you see, Troy is six feet of perfection, a blond hunk of a man who's taking too much of Zane's time. Jefferson Leigh just KNOWS something's up, because Zane is suddenly very secretive, unwilling to talk about Troy, and was seen at Troy's house the night he was supposed to be away on duty. Is Troy someone from Zane's past that is back and wants another shot at Zane? Well have no fear, undercover agents Jefferson Leigh and Clover will get to the bottom of this mystery!

If you've read Dogwood Days you probably remember how hilarious and dangerous Clover and Jefferson Leigh are together. I had a smile on my face the entire time those two plotted and found ways to get in trouble; Clover is just as hilarious as you remember and they're so ridiculously over the top they're downright charming! I want to move over there and move in next to Zane's house because I heard his blinds always stay open and there's plenty of dirty things taking place in that house... like Jefferson Leigh getting fucked against a wall. Holy fuck, I NEED to see that!!!

This short story is brilliantly written, because while I laughed with Clover and Jefferson Leigh, I also felt those icy fingers down my spine when Troy came around. I would say this is almost a cliffhanger because the story ends in such a way that makes it obvious there's more coming up, hopefully soon! Don't worry, Zane and Jefferson Leigh are just fine...

[Risa · Rating 3 out of 5]

In der Fortsetzung von Holly Creek geht es diesmal um Kleinstadtgeheimnisse.

Zur Handlung. Jefferson Lee hat den Job als neuer Direktor für Stadtmarketing erhalten, führt einen erfolgreichen Blog und plant nun einige Verbesserungen des Rosenfestivals. Er wohnt noch immer bei seinem Onkel. Sein Freund Zane hätte es am liebsten, er würde bei ihm einziehen, doch Jefferson hält das für zu früh. Was ihn nicht daran hindert, eifersüchtig zu sein, denn er ist davon überzeugt, dass ihm Zane etwas verheimlicht. Als er ihn dann auch noch bei einer Lüge ertappt, hilft ihm seine beste Freundin Clover dabei, Zane zu bespitzeln.

Vorab, ich habe mich auf die Fortsetzung der Story von Zane und Jefferson samt der sympathischen Kleinstadtbewohner gefreut. Allerdings bin ich im Nachhinein von der Handlung doch etwas enttäuscht. Besonders die Aktion mit Clover, mit der Jefferson in einen fremden Garten eindringt um Zane inkognito zu erwischen, war in meinen Augen ziemlich vorpubertär. Auch von einer Intensivierung der Beziehung von Zane und Jefferson war nicht viel zu spüren. Am schlimmsten war allerdings das abrupte Ende, mitten in einem Handlungsstrang. Wobei noch völlig offen ist, ob es nun eine weitere Fortsetzung geben wird oder nicht. Ich dachte im ersten Moment, da würden im Buch ein paar Seiten fehlen. Fühlte sich für mich jedenfalls so an.

Die Story erhält von mir 3 Sterne und eine Leseempfehlung.

Mein Dank geht an Dreamspinner Press für das erhaltene Rezensionsexemplar.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars I was a little underwhelmed with this, although it isn't my all-time favorite series and I kinda thought we were moving on to Bo and Jefferson's friend. I didn't listen to this directly after Dogwood Days because I needed a break from the sickly sweet southern charm, and that was a good decision. There was still too much empty banter, but she did cut back a little on all the cobbler and sweet tea so that was better.

Overall, there just wasn't much to this. I guess if you liked the first one then this is a sweet and fun little way to re-visit it. It's not that it's bad, I listened to it on my commute and it was a pleasant enough way to pass the time. The narration is still lovely and done well just like with book 1. But again, it's mostly about Jefferson Lee going about his business. There's a stupid miscommunication and ensuing fight, which actually had me extremely riled up! But it was resolved well and I was appropriately assuaged. And I'm glad Clover finally got a bea, I was starting to feel bad for her

But then it ends on an effen CLIFFHANGER! WTF?!?!? On the one hand, it implies we are gonna get a book for Jefferson Lee's fireman friend. But on the other hand, that was SO uncalled for! And unnecessary. We don't actually get any information and there isn't really peril the guy DID say it wasn't too serious of an injury, But still!

Received audio version from the publisher as part of Dogwood Days & Spring Fever anthology in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire

[Tj · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a continuation of Jefferson Lee and Zane's story. It is as quirky and charming as the first book, but it was shorter. It was more like a moment in time from their lives and it ended on a cliffhanger.

This one definitely needed to be longer. It left the reader with a hurried unfinished feeling.

[Sylvie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was short and now I want the next book!!!

[Shelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[**Sognatrice di libri** · Rating 4 out of 5]

Storia breve ma come la precedente molto bella e divertente.

[Romanticamente Fantasy · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Segreti di provincia” è il secondo volume della serie Holly Creek. Nonostante non abbia letto il primo volume, non ho avuto alcun problema a seguire la vicenda narrata.

Impossibile non affezionarsi a Jefferson Lee che, diventato il nuovo responsabile delle pubbliche relazioni si ritrova a gestire l’evento della Fiera delle Rose. È un personaggio che conquista con la sua genuinità, mi ha fatto sorridere vedere Jefferson girare per il paese con delle crocchette da offrire ai cani dei compaesani. Compaesani, per l’appunto, molto impiccioni, sanno tutto di tutti, ma altruisti e sempre pronti a porgere la propria mano per chi ne ha bisogno. L’interagire di Jefferson con loro crea dei siparietti davvero divertenti. Ho trovato molto ironico il rapporto che Jefferson ha con la sua amica Clover, complice di un piano per svelare i segreti dello sceriffo del paese.

Sì, perché Zane Yarbrough, oltre ad essere per l’appunto lo sceriffo, è anche il fidanzato di Jefferson.

La loro è una relazione nata da poco e ha bisogno di tempo per stabilizzarsi, ma delle telefonate misteriose e l’atteggiamento ambiguo di Zane, creano un moto di gelosia e insicurezza in Jeff. A peggiorare la situazione è la presenza di un personaggio misterioso che arriva a Holly Creek.

Così, il nostro Jefferson, si ritroverà a gestire diverse situazioni, dove il piano studiato con Clover gli si ritorcerà contro, mettendo a repentaglio il suo rapporto con Zane. Riuscirà Jefferson a superare le proprie paure verso la sua relazione?

Chi è l’uomo misterioso?

Avrà successo la Fiera delle Rose?

Se volete trovare la risposta a queste domande, non vi resta che leggere questo romanzo, di cui ho apprezzato molto la sua stesura curata, con sfumature ironiche e romantiche.

Purtroppo ho una piccola critica a riguardo: la caratterizzazione dei personaggi. Per quanto mi siano piaciuti credo che sarei stata ancora più entusiasta se fossero stati più di spessore. Ho come avuto l’impressione che l’autrice si fosse fermata solo alla superficie e non sia andata troppo in profondità. Peccato davvero perché ci sono tutte le carte in regola per renderli dei personaggi indimenticabili.

A ogni modo il mio giudizio resta positivo e ne consiglio la lettura.

[Romance and Fantasy for Cosmopolitan Girls · Rating 3 out of 5]

Romance and Fantasy for Cosmopolitan Girls
L’unica nota negativa è che questo libro è troppo breve. Non si fa in tempo ad entrare nel vivo di Holly Creek che tutto finisce e si deve attendere il seguito. Perché di seguito ce ne deve essere almeno un altro vista la fine di questo.


Lo stile frizzante e divertente unito alla spiccata personalità di Jefferson Lee fanno scorrere via la storia fin troppo velocemente e si desidererebbe di poter continuare a ficcare il naso con Clover e a fare piani per la Fiera delle Rose con Jefferson.
Come nel libro precedente, l’intera vicenda è narrata dal pov di Jefferson Lee che arricchisce la narrazione con la sua logodiarrea ed il suo modo di fare vivace. Zane, anche se importante per Jefferson, è qui relegato come personaggio secondario, sullo stesso piano di Clover che è sempre marziale come un sergente istruttore dei marines.
Insomma chi, come me, ha apprezzato “Report di provincia” non potrà assolutamente perdersi questo nuovo capitolo delle avventure di Jefferson Lee e goderne appieno e rammaricarsi che si tratti solo di una sessantina di pagine.

[Feel The Book · Rating 3 out of 5]

Recensione a cura di Milady per Feel The Book

Avete due ore di tempo libero e non sapete come impiegarlo? Siete sdraiate sotto l’ombrellone con il vostro ebook reader e non sapete decidere cosa leggere? Segreti di provincia fa al caso vostro. Un libro, anche se definirlo così forse è un po’ eccessivo visto che è breve, spiritoso e divertente, come lo sono gli abitanti di Holly Creek, giusto per passare il tempo in spensieratezza.

Ne sono protagonisti, come nel primo, Jefferson Lee e Zane che stanno muovendo i primi passi come coppia; tutto sembra procedere per il meglio fino a quando un uomo misterioso di nome Troy irrompe nella loro vita, portando, senza volere, scompiglio. Domande non poste e risposte non date sembrano minare il rapporto tra i due, la fiducia… questa sconosciuta.

Ed è proprio questo il nucleo centrale della storia, imparare a fidarsi l’uno dell’altro, scommettere sul loro amore e vincere; certo Jefferson prima riesce a mettersi nei guai insieme all’amica Clover, ma non tutto è perduto e anche per Clover forse si prospetta una novità. Vi dico subito che il finale è assolutamente imprevisto e lascia con il desiderio di voler leggere subito il seguito, che spero non si faccia attendere molto.

Come ho detto all’inizio, Segreti di provincia è una storia divertente e leggera, purtroppo troppo breve, che lascia tante questioni in sospeso, fatti misteriosi che non vengono spiegati e necessitano di un chiarimento, e quel finale…

Editing recensione a cura di Trevor per Feel The Book

[Valeria DePaula · Rating 4 out of 5]

✔ Letto! Sono ritornata a Holly Creek e sto cercando di averne la cittadinanza. Voglio andare a mangiare da Gracie e conoscere il suo bisnipote Owen, voglio comprare uno dei mobili restaurati da Clover, voglio andare nell'emporio della famiglia Davis e essere la nipote preferita del zio Sherman e vorrei tanto tanto essere una delle Holly Berry.
Ma più di tutto vorrei andare in giro con Jefferson Lee e Clover a combinare casini.😃
Ma principalmente leggere di come va la storia d'amore tra il sexy sceriffo e Jefferson Lee è troppo divertente.
Santa pazienza quella di Zane Yarbrough... ma lui lo ama alla follia.
Ho amato questi piccoli libri, la scrittrice ha promesso altri e starò attaccata a lei come una zecca nella attesa.
Sono divertenti, corti e leggeri, ma vorrei che la scrittrice finisce la serie come ha promesso. E il libro di Trent non doveva uscire nel 2017??
Venite anche voi a una delle feste di Holly Creek, non ve ne pentirete.
Per me è ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

[Kendra T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short but sweet. I enjoyed getting to see the guys a little while after the end of the last book. They had some new couple growing pains, but that made it more realistic. I liked seeing them together and thriving. The ending was a bit of a tease, and I am pretty disappointed to see that Trent's book never materialized.

[Nuvolachecorre · Rating 2 out of 5]

Adoro Poppy, mi piace la serie, ma questa mania di spezzettare quello che dovrebbe essere un solo libro mi indispone parecchio. La storia non fa in tempo a dipanarsi che si interrompe, quindi solo due stelle

[Michela biasca · Rating 4 out of 5]

quattro e mezzo

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

carino come il precedente ma il cliffhanger finale immptivato mi ha fatto scalare di una stella,
peccato.

[Ng · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

A short follow up to the first story.

[Brandielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Definitely would have been 3-4 stars if it didn’t end like that.