His Not-So Small Town Girl

Willow Cove #2

by Theresa Paolo

Falling in love was never the problem.

At the request of her boss, Aubrey Allyn heads to Willow Cove, a small town she knows all too well. She plans to get in and get out as soon as possible, but when the man she’s meeting turns out to be her ex, and the love of her life, she needs to figure out how to get him to agree to a feature in her magazine without losing her heart in the process.

After a life filled with ups and downs, Marco Moretti doesn’t surprise easily, until Aubrey shows up on his doorstep, practically begging him to let her magazine feature his custom-made furniture. Knowing all that can come of working with Aubrey is heartache and despair, Marco declines. Unfortunately, Aubrey never could take no for an answer.

As Aubrey tries to convince Marco to jump on the opportunity, their past keeps getting in the way. In order for either to move forward, they will need to stop running and finally face the demons of their past, or risk losing each other forever.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

195 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 10, 2018

About the author

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Short bio:

Romance author, lover of books, 90's pop music and happily ever afters. Writes YA under Tessa Marie.

Long bio:

Theresa Paolo lives in Long Island, NY with her fiancé and their fish. She writes steamy small-town romances with sassy heroines, sexy heroes and feisty townspeople. When she's not writing, she's reading, brewery hopping, or daydreaming. She loves coffee, all things Christmas and fall, and making lists.

She also writes YA romance under Tessa Marie.

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Reviews

[Claire Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am very lucky, in that I get the chance to read a lot of ARCs from some of my favourite authors, and sometimes I will get one from an author I haven’t yet discovered. I was fortunate to receive an arc called Her Forbidden Love Match ( book 1 of the Willow Cove Series) by Theresa Paolo and I fell in love with her writing. Since that book, I have worked my way through her other books, all brilliant, but I was really looking forward to the next book in the Willow Cove Series...and I finally received it yesterday!

This book does not disappoint, we met Marco in the first book, Ella’s older brother, and from the bits we learned about him, it would take someone special to capture his heart. What we didn’t know was his heart belonged to someone already, Aubrey Alley. These two have a lot of history, and I loved the way the author took us back into the past at pivotal points in their relationship, which gives a better understanding of why they behave the way they do.

It was also great to catch up with Ella and Lucas, and Vinnie ( Whom I love...showing that know matter how old you are, your Grandpa can still smack you round the head)

It wasn’t just a love story, it also dealt with the issues both have with their fathers and how those relationships impacted both their lives, forgiveness plays an important role as well, as well as self belief and courage to stand up for what you believe in

I can’t wait for the next book, hoping it will be Enzo’s turn next

Congratulations on a fantastic book

5*****

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aubrey Allyn has been in Willow Cove in eight years, but she’s back in her little fishing home town on a job assignment on the request of her boss.

As Creative Director of Coastal Living Today, She’s supposed to do a feature on Ella’s brother Marco who’s a lobsterman who repurposes old lobster traps into beautiful pieces of furniture.

When Marco isn’t building furniture out of old lobster traps or serving up the best lobster rolls in the state of Maine, he’s out in the open waters, catching lobster.

But Marco has no desire to be featured, which is why Aubrey is here in person to talk him into letting her use his custom designed pieces on the cover of the magazine, plus the publicity this would bring him if he agrees.

Aubrey has no intentions of staying longer than thr duration of the interview and as such she’s planned on doing the interview and leaving immediately.

Turns out they both have history: five years ago, Marco walked out of her life and neither of them looked back.

Will Marco give Aubrey another chance even if it means taking his career to the next level?

Meanwhile Marco’s sister Ella is finally pursing her dream of becoming an interior designer and has even take up her first paid gig designing her elder brother Enzo’s living room.

[Jamie Bee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wasn’t Wild About the Hero

While I have enjoyed other books by this author, this book just didn't quite work for me. The couple has a complex past relationship that wasn’t fully explained early enough to not be confusing at first. There seemed to be a lot of animosity, especially on his part. This resulted in him taking cheap shots at her, which I never like to see a hero in a romantic story do. Their on-again, off-again relationship was certainly complicated, but I didn't find it particularly interesting. In the end, this book just didn't hold my attention as I could not get invested in these characters, especially the hero. Liking the hero, falling for him along with the heroine, is essential for me to enjoy a romance, and that just didn't happen here. There are also a lot of bizarre issues with grammar, punctuation, and usage. I did receive a PDF ARC copy of the book, but these errors persisted in the published version when I checked on Amazon.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com

[Suzaan Jansen van Rensburg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aubrey and Marco loved each other since they were teenagers. But she was from a rich family and he was from the other side of the tracks with a father in jail for drug dealing. They tried to stay together but wanted different things from life, she wanted a career in the city and he wanted to stay in the small town he grew up in. Then one day, five years after he walked away the last time, Aubrey stood at his door not prepared for him to be the person she was pursuing on instruction of her boss. And soon they realized that all the feelings are still there, they never stopped loving each other. But how will things be different this time - she is still a city girl and he the small town boy. Will they be able to make it work this time or will they forever be passing ships in the night? This is a story of first love, of believing you're not good enough, but also of forgiveness.

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

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aubrey is from the big city and her boss asks her to go to Willow Cove a town she knows very well. Marco lives in Willow Cove and makes custom made furniture. Aubrey and Marco have history as they were high school sweethearts and it all ended in heartbreak. Will Aubrey and Marco get a second chance at love or is there too much water under the bridge for them. Wow what a great book and a real page turner and so well written. Theresa Paolo is a brilliant author and i recommend you read this book and others by her as they are worth reading.

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

[SEng · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Aubrey and Marco. Her boss sends her to Willow Cove to get a story and it turns out it’s a story on her ex Marco and the custom furniture he makes. He’s not interested but Aubrey won’t take no for an answer. Can she convince him? Will they be able to deal with their past? I enjoyed this sweet entertaining romance. I received an arc of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Betty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This young couple has had a rocky road to love, and it touched my heart. This emotional story is about finding the strength to overcome the obstacles that keep them apart, the problems with parents and the internal insecurities that have kept them from believing in themselves. It is about a love that is forever.
Although this book is a little steamier than I usually read, it does not spoil the love story.

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

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aubrey and Marco were destined to be together but there were circumstances that kept them apart. There was laughter, sadness, and steamy scenes. I liked this story and would recommend it. This is part of a series and I want to read the next one.

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

[Melissa B · Rating 4 out of 5]

First love, first heartbreak, the boy from the wrong side of town, the rich girl with a father that just doesn't approve and will go to any length to keep them apart. They've been on and off for years but this time is an article about his furniture what's make their pats cross again.

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

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful, easy to love characters that are fun to get to know as you turn the pages reading their story. Their story is an enjoyable read, flows smoothly from page to page and easily captivates you. A perfect summer read.

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

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the Willow Cove series a well written story that held my interest until the end. Aubrey Allyn goes to Willow Cove,and meets her ex Marco Moretti, I enjoyed seeing these two get their happy ending with their second chance. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Opposites attract these two are from different worlds and are not suppose to be together. This is the story of these two coming together to find happiness after being kept apart by parents, life and themselves . This is there journey to make it work after years of loving each other.

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

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this small town girl second chance romance quite a bit. The characters are well developed and engaging and the chemistry is undeniable between the couple no matter how much they fight it. The storyline flowed smoothly from beginning to the end.

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

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book I've read written by Theresa Paolo; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a good small town romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry. The story is an enjoyable sweet romance read.

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

[Ashleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is really well written, has characters that are created with tantalizing depth and captivating story line.

Do yourself a favor and get this one. It is worth every penny.

This review has been voluntarily submitted for your consideration.

[Coco.V]

🎁 Part of Willow Cove Series Bundle: Books 1-2 which is FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (1/28/2023)! 🎁

[Angel Graham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read as part of a box set.

[Beachbaby]

In boxed set - "Willow Cove Series Bundle: Books 1-2"

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been very fortunate to receive a ARC copy of this book, and life being what it is, I got sick and had to wait until I was well enough to dig into it.

My reviews are usually pretty short, but this time I tried something a little different, and while I was reading, I had two post-it notes next to me. What I really enjoyed and what I didn't like so much. The likes post it is a mess of words written quickly so I could go back to my page and is full to the brim with ideas. The dislikes ? Two sentences. You get where this is going.

I am usually a little hesitant to start a series in the middle, but I really shouldn't have been worried. Theresa Paolo always does a great job building her decor, peppering the characters presentations with vivid descriptions of the places they are living in, and I had to stop a few times because the little sea town was stunning and I was ready to spend my life here (I am still ready, Tony if you're single call me). I met Marco and Aubrey, and from the start they are humans. They have flaws, they have a past, they are not the squeaky clean lovers you can easily forget about. These two were real, and even if some details made them a little annoying, I was rooting for them, I was hoping for them to just stop being so stubborn. Another little thing I really loved : they both got to realistically experience the other's life before making any decisions about their future. They are adults and are dealing with everything between them as adults (with a few fights and pettiness along the way). My heart broke when Marco admitted just why he left her, years ago. It rang amazingly true.

What I didn't like (because yes, I feel like I have to be completely honest here). I feel like both of these are pretty personal pet peeves, and if you're okay with that, this book will be a hit for you. I don't like flash backs. I especially don't like flash backs involving teenagers. I don't like teenagers. Sue me.
The hateful rich family trope is not something I enjoy either. To be fair, when you learn just why Aubrey's dad hated Marco to the point of ruining his life, you get why, and how heartbreaking their story is, but the beginning with the rich dad hates poor lover trope ? Not my favorite. Thank God it's finally explained.

So there it is. I read it in two sittings, really enjoyed it, and I'll definitely be on the hunt for more.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

His Not-so Small Town Girl by Theresa Paolo is next in the Willow Cove series and focuses on Marco Morelli, Ella's older brother who is a lobsterman and builds furniture from lobster traps in his spare time. His furniture has caught the eye of the editor of Coastal Living Today magazine and she has sent Creative Director, Aubrey Allyn to sign the elusive furniture maker, Mark. All Aubrey has is an address so imagine her surprise when the door is opened by her on-again/off-again lover, Marco Morelli, who has no plans to do the feature, primarily because it will bring him into contact with Aubrey again.

Marco and Aubrey have been in love since she was 15 years old but they have never been able to make it work. At first, it was her parents; later it was the universe, and the couple's refusal to communicate. His who family knows it: some are happy to see Aubrey; some are not. Then, there's the local sheriff, Reid, who has helped Marco out numerous times over the years, often over trouble Aubrey has had a hand in. Can they make it work this time?

Just as the earlier book in this series, Her Forbidden Love Match, His Not-so Small Town Girls is a pleasant romance, which takes place in Willow Cove, a village in Massachusetts. Willow Cove has all the personalities any small town has and Paolo exploits those stories to their fullest. It is an enjoyable read with well drawn characters and believable scenarios making it a journey rather than an excerpt. I recommend it.

I received a free ARC of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Suzanne Normandeau Legault · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC COPY of this book this week. It’s my first in the Willow Cove series as well as discovering this author. I loved it and will be searching her other books in this series. I love the way this author writes and I will keep reading her books.


This story is heartwarming and captivating. First loves, first heartbreaks, first everything is always unforgettable, especially when you meet your soulmate. Marco and Aubrey are soulmates. Being from different social backgrounds their relationship was compromised from the beginning. Audrey’s father was a rich and powerful man who ruined Marco’s life for being involved with his daughter and Marco’s father was a criminal serving time in jail for drug trafficking. Not exactly a match made in heaven for this beautiful couple. They went through multiple heartaches and ended up separated for eight years. This story will capture your heart ❤️ from the beginning; if you’re a romance lover reader like I am, you must read this book 📖. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

[Stephanie Corbett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fabulous, real-life romance. I didn’t need to suspend reality as everything miraculously fell into perfect alignment, with challenges overcome without effort. This was a fun and exciting read, but also showed a relationship in all it’s gritty ‘glory’ - as small town guy and big city girl experience the real life drama of loving someone who doesn’t necessarily want all the same things that you do, even if they love you with all their heart. And that us before you have to deal with outside forces, like interfering families.

This was a great read, made more accessible by not glossing over the challenges that relationships face. I highly recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a delightful return to Willow Cove and the Moretti family. This book tells us the story of Marco Moretti and Aubrey Allyn. They've been in love since they were teenagers, but neither felt like they were good enough for the other so they were apart more than they were together. Can they finally overcome their insecurities and grab into the love they have? Theirs is an emotional ride, filled with ups and downs, with plenty of tension, laughter, tears, and love. I look forward to the next book in the series.

[Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like savouring a good Wine I slowly savoured this good book. I liked the sound
of Marco from a previous book and was not disappointed by his and Aubrey’s
love story or the richness of their lives in Willow Cove. It was interesting to
read of Aubrey finally shaking off the shackles of her bad memories and
embracing a freer life. The sex scenes are hot and made my toes curl and the
unhappy scenes made me sad. I think the author accomplished her wish to
give us a delightful book.
Linda R.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aubrey and Marco have been on and off for years. He thinks he’s not good enough for her; and he has to stay in Willow Cove. She has to go out into the world to prove to her father she can make it. It takes a while and some heartache to resolve their problems, and I loved the story that finally brought them to the same place.

[Anne Barker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another cute book from Theresa. I like how Marco and Aubrey are so similar and that’s what makes them work. They understand each other and no matter what happens with them, they always find their way back to each other.

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah! An absolute breath of fresh air. Wonderful characters, a lovely premise for the plot, and a great small town setting with all the quirks we expect from our small town romances!