Caliber

The Everyday Heroes World

by Kimberly Reese

Kimberly Reese’s Caliber is an emotional, slow-burn, contemporary friends-to-lovers romance written in K. Bromberg’s Everyday Heroes Worlds project.

Stay quiet. Stay safe. Stay strong.

Raising my son in picture-perfect Sunnyville is the fresh start I always prayed for but never thought we’d get. Each day that passes makes it a little easier to breathe, but I’m worried about falling into old patterns when I meet the newest police officer in town.

Southern charmer Smith Layne’s ready smile and good looks remind me all too well of my late husband, so I try to keep him at arm’s length. The last thing I need is another lapse in judgment, but little by little, he chips away at my reservations and rekindles my desire. I’ve never felt more seen, and it terrifies me in a way I’m not sure I’m ready for.

Be patient. Be present. Be a better man.

Single mother Willow Ashford is everything I typically avoid. She’s unassuming, isn't the love-’em-and-leave-’em type, and comes as a package deal. Even so, her sad eyes and hidden fire draw me in and make me rethink my stance on relationships.

I left Starwood to pursue a new career, but every moment with her offers a glimpse of something I never thought I’d want. She’s been hurt before and is rightfully wary, so I’ll show my caliber through words and actions. I want to promise her forever, I just need to prove myself first.

Genres: Slow Burn, Friends To Lovers, Steamy, Contemporary

268 pages, Paperback

Published November 27, 2022

About the author

Kimberly Reese is a romantic at heart who can't resist a timeless love story. A dedicated word nerd, she writes contemporary and new adult (NA) romance that promises to deliver swoon-worthy, steamy temptation to your fingertips.

She hails from the Philippines, left part of her heart in Japan, and is currently avoiding the sun in Arizona. When she isn't reading or writing, you can catch her juggling grad school and cello practice, daydreaming about food and travel, or spending time with her family and pack of dogs.

Reviews

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willow hasn’t always made the best choices when it comes to the men in her life but it has given her Barrie, the son she adores. She has relocated to Sunnyville to distance herself from the past but she never expected an innocent and thoughtful call by her son would bring Smith to her door.

Smith was enchanted by Willow from their first meeting and her son was no different. Although he doesn’t know her past he has a feeling of what it entailed so when fate keeps throwing them together he is determined to show her that he is different from any man she has ever known.

Smith is so understanding and allows Willow to set the pace as he shows her with every thought and action that allowing him into her life isn’t a mistake but meant to be.

[Kelly G (Now Accepting Book Boyfriend Applications) · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨A TOP READ OF 2022 ✨

Smith's story was EVERYTHING I didn't realize I needed! Smith and Willow were fun, and serious and most of all.... patient! Smith was so freaking swoony that I felt heart flutters now and then while reading. This single mother, survivor of domestic abuse was so much stronger than she was giving her credit for.... and she just needed that little nudge from Smith to help her realize it! I really LOVE that Smith went home for the wedding of his sister..... I LOVED being there for Mac and Lawson's wedding and getting so revisit some of my favorite characters!

It may have taken her a bit, but Kimberly Reese packed a punch with this book and I am 100% here for it and anything else she throws our way. She showed her talent in a totally new way with the way she wrote Willow, and the emotion that came through the pages when she came clean about her past. POWERFUL! It took my breath away and had tears filling my eyes! For this.... and may other reasons.... I give this book 5 stars and put it right on my top reads of 2022 list!

Story 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Swoon 😍😍😍😍😍
Angst 💔💔💔💔

[Toni Benton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smith & Willow’s relationship is everything. I felt a little dumb, because it took me a minute to realize who Smith was…I knew he was familiar. But forgive me, it’s been a minute since I read Sin & Cider. I absolutely adored the cameos of Mac & Lawson, as well as Langley & Cade (can’t wait for more there). Anyway, back to Caliber!

Willow is one of those characters that grabs you from the start & takes over your emotions to make you feel the depths of everything she’s gone through. She’s had a challenging adulthood consisting of domestic violence and has built impenetrable walls to be able to cope with life. Her son, Barrie, is her only safe haven and the brightest light in her world of darkness. Even though they’ve started over in a new town, old habits & reflexes die hard. When Smith responds to a welfare check at her home after a spoof call, he sees the signs, but just wants to make her feel safe.

Smith is the ultimate boy next door. He’s got that sweet southern charm, the patience of a saint, and enough care to know that Willow just needs someone she can rely on. He is so sweet with her, just offering friendship, as he can sense another lonely soul in her. His relationship with Barrie blossoms from the beginning & the way he very obviously adores this little boy just melted my heart.

Smith & Willow’s relationship took time, but as she found that he was different than her past, she also found that she couldn’t resist him. His patience, slowness, and need to ask for permission just showed her right then that this man was superior and worth her time. In true Kimberly Reese fashion, their moments of passion were hot! There were setbacks…because of course there were…and they broke me a little. But Smith’s perseverance….gah…that man is perfect!

All in all, this story was well worth the wait. I love the relationship these three share & I loved the banter & comradery between Smith & his coworkers as well as Willow & her mom friends.

[Stephanie Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smith and Willow are everything I expected from a Kimberly Reese couple. I was excited for this one after loving Mac&Lawson’s story in Sin & Cider. I HIGHLY recommend picking that one up, too.

This story has DV triggers as forewarned by the author. It is mostly off book, but there are some lead-up scenes that are due the warning. But here’s what I truly respect- Kimberly Reese did an amazing job writing this subject and Willows character with grace. Willow was a victim, but she is not weak.

Smith could have deemed the situation too complicated, or just too much - I’d say most probably would. But his steadfastness and quiet strength help Willow recognize she was safe, and gave her the time to heal. He is the best kind of human. He is the epitome showing with actions what most people only say but don’t do.

Barrett is a doll, and a lucky little kid. While he knew his daddy wasn’t nice, he was spared the worst. And Smith shows him what it means to be a real man.

Enjoy Caliber, and see for yourself why falling in love with Smith is an easy thing to do.

[Flavs is Mrs David Gandy♥~♥’ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.50 Stars

Oh my… I was totally infatuated with this story. Willow and Smith were so amazing to get to know 😊

Willow didn’t have a good marriage. But nobody knew it, then her husband died and she and her little boys were alone. She moved to another town and started over. And then her son dialed 911 one day, to help his mom because she was sad. Enter Officer Smith Layne 😊 But can she trust herself with these new feelings? What if he turned out to be just like the previous one…

Oh man if you ever wanted a perfect book boyfriend then Smith Layne is your man. He was totally swoon worthy book boyfriend. His new to town and from the moment he met Willow he couldn’t get her out of his mind 😊 He had patience and determination to get her to trust him and to make her fall in love with him.

This story was amazing to read, I totally got lost in their story. This was my first story by this author and I was hooked. Emotion, some heartache, an adorable little boy and an determined quiet alpha male makes for a great story 😊

Read on behalf of
Fay’s Corner

[Cynthia Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willow and her son Barrie after the death of her husband move to a new town to start over, but she is trying to get past what she had to endure in the past. Smith a cop, sweet, and meets Willow when her son calls 911 for happy meal. From there they see each other everywhere and start out as friends but when they get into the heavy stuff she is scared and needs to find herself. Will she be able to live with what has happen to her? Will she be able to open her heart and see herself in anew light? Will they become more than friends? This book grabbed a hold of me right from the start didn't let go. The author weaves a story that pulls every emotion out and will have you in tears thur some, laughing at others. I was enthralled and wanted so much more and I can twait to read what this author has next.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is part of the Everyday Heroes World. It is the first book by Kimberly that I have read. I really enjoyed this book. Willow and her son, Barrie are new to Sunnywood. So is Smith. They meet when Barrie makes a 911 call. Smith responds and helps the boy realize that what he wanted while well intentioned wasn’t actually a reason to call 911. Smith knows right away something has happened to Willow. He wants to spend more time with the two. He doesn’t understand why he feels such a connection to Willow. Willow doesn’t want to make the same mistake again. She is learning to trust her instincts again. She is still healing from her ex. Smith takes her completely by surprise. He may be the best thing that happens to her though. He helps her see she isn’t that same person anymore. That what happened to her wasn’t her fault. This book was a wonderful read. The characters pull you in. This book does involve DV so if that is a trigger for you, you may want to skip this book. Kimberly did a fantastic job with this book. I look forward to reading more books by Kimberly in the future.

[Lisa Hemming · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starting over was important to Willow because it would allow her to get over the pain and agony she endured at the hands of her late husband. She felt safe in her new home but she kept to herself and hadn’t made many friends. Her son Barrett was the light of her life and when he tried to cheer her up one day, a knight in shining armor came to her door who would change her life forever. Smith loved his job as a police officer and when he was dispatched to Willow’s home, he hoped that this would be the first of many visits. Her beauty and shyness called to him but he also saw sadness and fear in her eyes. Fortunately for both of them, they kept bumping into each other around town which to me, was a sign that they were meant to be together. Willow wasn’t looking for romance and she had a hard time trusting anyone, but Smith never pushed her, and she was relieved she could finally share her past with someone. Smith was patient and loving with her son and sometimes she thought he was too good to be true! He was the perfect boyfriend because he was kind, thoughtful and always put Willow and Barrett first. Ms. Reese’s characters are honest and emotional and aren’t afraid to shed a tear when things get to be too much. In the end, it was up to Willow to leave her past behind and take a chance on love so she could have the life she truly deserved.

[Anita _booktoread · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was beautiful!

Kimberley had me from the prologue with this book. I struggled to put it down for the entire length. The amount of compassion, love and support that Kimberly injected into this novel was perfect. She didn’t gloss over the horrors of DV but showcased them in an understanding way. She also showed that these people need to be their own heroes to be able to find their own way in life again. **chef’s kiss**
Smith had the most amount of patience and understanding that we could ever hope for in a man. While he did get ahead of himself there near the beginning he was reminded that it’s it about him and he was able to set himself right.

I loved this book and I hope that we can get some more from Ms Reese again.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional book:

This was one very real and beautifully written book that focuses on a dark subject to where there is light at the tunnel and everything will work out for the better. Smith and Willows love story will have you grabbing the tissue box , laughing and feeling her pain for what she went through and also thinking her son is just way to cute and love the happy meals.. Such an intense and also spicy , wishful moments where we could have a Smith in our lives 😉 This one will have you reading non stop from page one, it will be very hard to put down. Hopefully will be more coming ? This author never disappoints her readers , just simply Beautiful. This book was reviewed by a Book Loving Vixen ..

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willow is a single mom who moves for a fresh start with her son and is a survivor of domestic abuse. Smith is the new police officer in town, and when he is despatched to Willow’s home, he instantly recognizes the signs of what she has endured. Smith is charming and swoony, and he is patient and kind, and when he and Willow keep crossing paths in town a friendship begins. Can these two move on from friends / lovers? This is a beautifully written emotional roller coaster, which is a slow burn, with family, friendships, angst, trust, healing, challenges, passion, and love, which leads to a fun and steamy page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Danielle Robbins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caliber was an emotional and slow burning friends to lovers story. Single mother Willow Ashford and her son move to Sunnyville for a fresh start after the death of her abusive husband. Smith Layne left his southern hometown to pursue a career in Sunnyville. Neither Willow or Smith were looking for love or romance but eventually found it with each other. I loved how patient and understanding Smith was with Willow and also his relationship with Barrie was cute. He was a really great guy. Willow was sweet and a great mom. I loved the chemistry between these two. They were perfect for each other!!

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an amazing read. As heart meltingly beautiful as it is sharply poignant, Willow and Smith's romance will definitely give your heart a workout. The burn is slow, the sweetness lush and the emotions intense as this skillfully crafted and powerfully engaging story tugs fiercely at your heartstrings. For some readers, myself included, this book may be hard to read at times due to a dark but very important subject that this book addresses. So, you should definitely pay attention to the trigger warning. I am electing to post a candid review.

[Allison Steelman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caliber was such a sweet, emotional read. Smith a small town cop, meets Willow a single mom with a dark past. Smith has that southern charm, that makes every lady swoon, and he is the perfect gentlemen. Willow, ever so cautious around men, especially men who are cops, can't help falling for the handsome, charming southerner. Her demons ever lurking at the surface, her and Smith have to battle, the love they feel growing, and the past she can't seem to shake. Will love conquer all? Or will Willow's demons win?

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
This was such a good book. It has plenty of feels and it brought out all the emotions out of me. What Willow went through broke my heart. Willow and her son so deserve someone like Smith in their lives. Boy did Smith make me swoon big time in this one. He knows how to treat a woman the Southern gentleman way. This book also brings the heat. Smith and Willow have burning hot chemistry that lights up the pages. Little Barrie is a little cutie. His hero worship of Smith is adorable. This a must read!

[Lorna Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written book about learning to live life after trauma . Learning to trust again.
Willow has been through hell but she starting a new life with her very cute son in a new town.
She really isnt living though until Smith comes along. -he has bags of southern charm , very patient and hot but he is a police officer . Can she trust him.
This book is a great read , a very emotional small town romance read with plenty of chemistry thrown in.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a minute to place Smith but then I realized whose brother he is. Apples probably should have clued me in sooner. I loved the progression of his and Willow's story. She's very skittish after a very abusive marriage. He didn't expect to find himself drawn to someone who definitely isn't a casual fun time. Both of them find themselves going outside of their comfort zones. But in the end they find their hea.

[Brandy Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Caliber by Kimberly Reese I was drawn from the first page I didn't want to put my reader down . This is part of The everyday Heroes world it can be read as a standalone you will run into some characters here and there . I can't wait to read what's to come for the author and of these amazing stories .

[Kymberly Dingman · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a come back book. I need a Smith in my life. I love love love the what he gets alpha with Willow. The way he is with her given what her and her son have been through. I cant scream loud enough about how amazing this book was. I wish I could give more stars!

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

all the feels

This hero was SO SWOONY. This book was heart wrenching and sweet at the same time. If you want a read about a single mom putting herself back together this is THE ONE

[Katerina · Rating 4 out of 5]

🍎❤️

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars