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Green Valley Heroes #1
Forrest for the Trees
Forrest Winters isn’t just a federal fire marshal; he’s a thorn in Ranger Sierra Betts’s side. The way he swings his big axe, fixes her with his chameleon gray eyes, and talks about his jurisdiction has a way of breaking her concentration. He has a way of showing up everywhere he doesn’t belong, including Greenbrier Ranger Station. And he really needs to quit stealing her bacon bites.
When a series of suspicious fires, an underhanded co-worker, and a cagey Parks Police Chief threaten her job and the park itself, Sierra grudgingly agrees to partner with Forrest. Their side investigation may be her best shot at preventing the framing of an innocent man. But can his firefighting expertise and her detective skills lead them to the real arsonist before Forrest breaks her with his charm?
'Forrest for the Trees' is a full-length contemporary romance, can be read as a standalone and is book #1 in the Green Valley Heroes series, Green Valley Chronicles, Penny Reid Book Universe
When a series of suspicious fires, an underhanded co-worker, and a cagey Parks Police Chief threaten her job and the park itself, Sierra grudgingly agrees to partner with Forrest. Their side investigation may be her best shot at preventing the framing of an innocent man. But can his firefighting expertise and her detective skills lead them to the real arsonist before Forrest breaks her with his charm?
'Forrest for the Trees' is a full-length contemporary romance, can be read as a standalone and is book #1 in the Green Valley Heroes series, Green Valley Chronicles, Penny Reid Book Universe
393 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 28, 2021
707 people are currently reading
7937 people want to read
About the author
Kilby Blades
29 books515 followersKilby Blades is a USA Today Bestselling author of Romance and Women's Fiction. Her debut novel, "Snapdragon", was a HOLT Medallion finalist, a Publisher's Weekly BookLife Prize Semi-Finalist, and an IPPY Award medalist. Kilby was honored with an RSJ Emma Award for Best Debut Author in 2018, and has been lauded by critics for "easing feminism and equality into her novels" (IndieReader) and "writing characters who complement each other like a fine wine does a good meal" (Publisher's Weekly).
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December 4, 2021
RATING 4.5 STARS
Forrest for the Trees is book one in the brand new series, Green Valley Heroes, by Kilby Blades. This is my first book by Kilby. It is part of the Green Valley world in the Penny Reid Book Universe.
Sierra Betts is twenty eight years old. She is a national park ranger at the Greenbrier Ranger Station near the small town of Green Valley, Tennessee. She has been working there for about a year and is working and hoping for an upcoming promotion that she feels like she is more than qualified for. Only not everyone seems to be pleased with her job performance. In fact, most days they seem downright disdainful where it comes to her.
Forrest Winters is a fire marshal. Part of his area includes Sierra’s section. Forrest is everything Sierra is not. He’s constantly joking around, smiling and most of all, doing his best to irritate Sierra. He seems to have an extra strong liking to Sierra’s bacon bites she makes for her office. She definitely does not make them for Forrest but he doesn’t let that bother him!
The air seems to crackle every time Forrest and Sierra are near each other but they deal with it by arguing, poking at each other. Small wild fires have been breaking out in the park recently. The person setting them needs to be caught before one of their fires gets out of control. The park ranger who is assigned to the task of looking into it seems to not be the least bit interested. So Forrest and Sierra decide to team up and do a little investigating themselves. But as they begin working together, it doesn’t take long for all that chemistry to boil over and for their true feelings to become obvious.
I ended up really enjoying this book. If I had to complain about one thing, it would be that there were so many characters that I found myself confused at times. I even paged back a few times to remind myself who someone was. I loved that there was a bit of added suspense in this. And Forrest is so swoony He is all in with Sierra. He took his time, waiting for her to be ready. He knew the intensity of how he felt would scare her off! But when feelings began to be uncovered, he knew he wasn’t going to give up his girl.
The heat level of this was on the lower side but I didn’t mind it at all. Forrest made my heart do that flippy floppy thing more than once and that’s what it’s all about. And I loved Sierra. She was so dedicated. And she didn’t mind breaking a rule or two now and again if it was the right thing to do. Now I’m excited about the next book in the series, Parks and Provocation by Juliette Cross.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Forrest for the Trees is book one in the brand new series, Green Valley Heroes, by Kilby Blades. This is my first book by Kilby. It is part of the Green Valley world in the Penny Reid Book Universe.
Sierra Betts is twenty eight years old. She is a national park ranger at the Greenbrier Ranger Station near the small town of Green Valley, Tennessee. She has been working there for about a year and is working and hoping for an upcoming promotion that she feels like she is more than qualified for. Only not everyone seems to be pleased with her job performance. In fact, most days they seem downright disdainful where it comes to her.
Forrest Winters is a fire marshal. Part of his area includes Sierra’s section. Forrest is everything Sierra is not. He’s constantly joking around, smiling and most of all, doing his best to irritate Sierra. He seems to have an extra strong liking to Sierra’s bacon bites she makes for her office. She definitely does not make them for Forrest but he doesn’t let that bother him!
The air seems to crackle every time Forrest and Sierra are near each other but they deal with it by arguing, poking at each other. Small wild fires have been breaking out in the park recently. The person setting them needs to be caught before one of their fires gets out of control. The park ranger who is assigned to the task of looking into it seems to not be the least bit interested. So Forrest and Sierra decide to team up and do a little investigating themselves. But as they begin working together, it doesn’t take long for all that chemistry to boil over and for their true feelings to become obvious.
I ended up really enjoying this book. If I had to complain about one thing, it would be that there were so many characters that I found myself confused at times. I even paged back a few times to remind myself who someone was. I loved that there was a bit of added suspense in this. And Forrest is so swoony He is all in with Sierra. He took his time, waiting for her to be ready. He knew the intensity of how he felt would scare her off! But when feelings began to be uncovered, he knew he wasn’t going to give up his girl.
The heat level of this was on the lower side but I didn’t mind it at all. Forrest made my heart do that flippy floppy thing more than once and that’s what it’s all about. And I loved Sierra. She was so dedicated. And she didn’t mind breaking a rule or two now and again if it was the right thing to do. Now I’m excited about the next book in the series, Parks and Provocation by Juliette Cross.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
June 30, 2022
When I get into Forrest for the Trees, I do not know what to expect at all. I just picked up the audiobook because it is on my next reading list. Miss Blades takes me by surprise. Her writing style is really good. I am sold.
I am not going to dwell into the synopsis, as it is already provided. The book is romance but with very interesting/ unexpected twist. The blending of romance and suspense is done really nicely. The sexy times are sexy and seductive but not too graphic.
All I can say, I enjoy the book very very much.
4 stars
I am not going to dwell into the synopsis, as it is already provided. The book is romance but with very interesting/ unexpected twist. The blending of romance and suspense is done really nicely. The sexy times are sexy and seductive but not too graphic.
All I can say, I enjoy the book very very much.
4 stars
July 21, 2024
Forrest for the Trees by Kilby Blades
Green Valley Heroes series #1. Contemporary diverse romance. Part of the Penny Reid Universe under this series name.
Ranger Sierra Betts works in a National Park, specifically out of the Greenbrier Ranger Station. When a series of suspicious fires is investigated, Federal Fire Marshall Forrest Winters is a thorn in Sierra’s side by breaking her concentration with his big axe and chameleon gray eyes. Sure, he has the expertise but she’s no newbie and she knows her park. They decide to work together to stop the arsonist. She doesn’t trust all of her coworkers and the Police Chief isn’t helping the situation. Forrest is the best solution plus there may be just a little chemistry there too.
Banter, suspense, and a little lust. A great combo for an arm chair adventure. I loved the respect he gave her with her job as well as his compassion for the teen they helped. Huge shoutout to the HR professional in this one saving the day.
4.5
Green Valley Heroes series #1. Contemporary diverse romance. Part of the Penny Reid Universe under this series name.
Ranger Sierra Betts works in a National Park, specifically out of the Greenbrier Ranger Station. When a series of suspicious fires is investigated, Federal Fire Marshall Forrest Winters is a thorn in Sierra’s side by breaking her concentration with his big axe and chameleon gray eyes. Sure, he has the expertise but she’s no newbie and she knows her park. They decide to work together to stop the arsonist. She doesn’t trust all of her coworkers and the Police Chief isn’t helping the situation. Forrest is the best solution plus there may be just a little chemistry there too.
Banter, suspense, and a little lust. A great combo for an arm chair adventure. I loved the respect he gave her with her job as well as his compassion for the teen they helped. Huge shoutout to the HR professional in this one saving the day.
4.5
Want to read
September 30, 2021
★★NOW IN KU★★
Forrest for the Trees, an all-new slow burn enemies-to-lovers romance from Kilby Blades Author is now up in #KindleUnlimited! You might be interested in this story should you enjoy any of the following…
+slow burn romance
+small town setting
+QUALITY banter
+stellar writing
★★Your copy awaits★★
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3mjGDE7
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3xRkjUh
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2XjDnhh
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/3jYau1N
Audiobook: Coming soon!
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3AKQlTM
★ ★ BLURB ★ ★
Forrest Winters isn’t just a federal fire marshal; he’s a thorn in Ranger Sierra Betts’s side. The way he swings his big axe, fixes her with his chameleon gray eyes, and talks about his jurisdiction has a way of breaking her concentration. He has a way of showing up everywhere he doesn’t belong, including Greenbrier Ranger Station. And he really needs to quit stealing her bacon bites.
When a series of suspicious fires, an underhanded co-worker, and a cagey Parks Police Chief threaten her job and the park itself, Sierra grudgingly agrees to partner with Forrest. Their side investigation may be her best shot at preventing the framing of an innocent man. But can his firefighting expertise and her detective skills lead them to the real arsonist before Forrest breaks her with his charm?
‘Forrest for the Trees’ is a full-length contemporary romance, can be read as a standalone and is book #1 in the Green Valley Heroes series, Green Valley Chronicles, Penny Reid Book Universe
October 5, 2021
Favorite Quotes:
He wasn’t a full-on curmudgeon, but half of one, a right she supposed he’d earned from managing to keep himself alive for so long.
“Please tell me you didn’t name your axe.” “I name all my axes. It makes them feel special.”
Just remember. That “no sex ’til the third date” crap is for people who secretly hate themselves and resent their bodies.
My Review:
Shame on me. I’d never heard of Kilby Blades before picking up this book and I reveled in her clever and original arrangements of words. I fell right into her smooth and easy storytelling and I was quickly invested in her uniquely endearing and quirky characters as well as smirking, sighing, and deathly curious about their exploits and endeavors. I have always enjoyed my visits to Green Valley and haven't found a clunker yet in the Smartypants collective. Forrest for the Trees kicks off a new series and I am totally committed, hooked, enamored, and inquisitive of what will come next. In the meantime, I’ll be perusing Ms. Blades's listing of twenty-one published books. Where have I been?
He wasn’t a full-on curmudgeon, but half of one, a right she supposed he’d earned from managing to keep himself alive for so long.
“Please tell me you didn’t name your axe.” “I name all my axes. It makes them feel special.”
Just remember. That “no sex ’til the third date” crap is for people who secretly hate themselves and resent their bodies.
My Review:
Shame on me. I’d never heard of Kilby Blades before picking up this book and I reveled in her clever and original arrangements of words. I fell right into her smooth and easy storytelling and I was quickly invested in her uniquely endearing and quirky characters as well as smirking, sighing, and deathly curious about their exploits and endeavors. I have always enjoyed my visits to Green Valley and haven't found a clunker yet in the Smartypants collective. Forrest for the Trees kicks off a new series and I am totally committed, hooked, enamored, and inquisitive of what will come next. In the meantime, I’ll be perusing Ms. Blades's listing of twenty-one published books. Where have I been?
January 31, 2022
the first book I read by this author and I really enjoyed it...
definitely a series in pennyverse that I will keep my eye on..
definitely a series in pennyverse that I will keep my eye on..
did-not-finish
July 19, 2023DNF at 20%. It has potential but it's boring.
Partly because the author has too many details that get in the way. Here's a perfect example. She ordered an "Uncle Nearest sidecar" and we get so much description of it.
"Sure enough, it was mere seconds before Joe set down the drink that consisted of simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, and bourbon. The glass—frosty with condensation—held liquid of a hue that proved the drink had been mixed just right. Two wide shavings of orange peel were immersed in the liquid itself, and a long toothpick-skewer with Bing cherries on it lay across the top of the glass."
Partly because the author has too many details that get in the way. Here's a perfect example. She ordered an "Uncle Nearest sidecar" and we get so much description of it.
"Sure enough, it was mere seconds before Joe set down the drink that consisted of simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, and bourbon. The glass—frosty with condensation—held liquid of a hue that proved the drink had been mixed just right. Two wide shavings of orange peel were immersed in the liquid itself, and a long toothpick-skewer with Bing cherries on it lay across the top of the glass."
June 28, 2022
It focused so much on the crime and solving the crime that the romance took a seat back. I enjoyed the characters and the writing though.
August 16, 2021
Forrest for the Trees: Green Valley Heroes #1 by Kilby Blades
‘Forrest wasted no time circling a possessive arm around her waist, as if the night itself would steal her if he didn’t hold on. His beard was soft as it grazed her cheek. But there was something raw and animalistic about the way he avoided her lips at first, nipping her shoulder and inhaling deeply as he ran his nose up the column of her neck.
“Sierra…” he whispered.
Only, it wasn’t really a whisper, except for the fact that it was quiet. It was desperate and hungry and it held an undeniable truth.’
This sensational new treat from author Kilby Blades manages to be an eclectic mixture of everything you could ask for in an exciting and breathtaking new romance series.
A cornucopia of treasures, Forrest for the Trees manages to explore it all, dazzling readers with that enemies-to-lovers banter and spice, invoking a little danger and intrigue and splashing out with a little mystery-solving drama. Throw in a little axe-appreciation, bacon bites obsession and two completely captivating, yet entirely different and dynamic lead characters and you have one spectacularly audacious and standout addition to the Smartypants Romance universe.
Sierra was the personification of ‘badass protagonist’. She was entirely dedicated and loyal, whether that was towards her vocation as a park ranger or in her closely cultivated friendships. Sierra was all in. Although outwardly tough and confident, she possessed a very tender heart and the desire to help everything and everyone around her, earning her that heroine mantle from page one. Selfless and sweet, daring and inspirational, I loved those contrasting sides of her personality. Sierra never deviated from who she was. I loved how smart and sage she was, working diligently and fighting for her position in that world through immense hard work, tenacity and skill. Even when the odds were stacked against her, she persevered. That to me, is a heroine worth reading about.
And even through all of Sierra’s biting and witty to-and-fro interactions with Forrest, you always knew there was something more to all that was being said. An undercurrent of heat and flirtation. There was an affection or fondness evident, even when he was initially just a pain in her ass.
Forrest was an absolute darling of a hero. He had just enough charm and boldness about his personality to be enticing. Walking that thin line between confidence and arrogance but there was nothing conceited about the man. Like Sierra, Forrest had many layers. What you saw on the surface was immaterial to just how romantic, thoughtful and impressive he was on the inside. A hero who walks miles to the Elysian fields to pick wildflowers to impress the heroine? That is certainly the actions of a literary hero any reader can fall in love with very easily, and very quickly. When he’s also someone who pays rapt attention, who listens intently to every word, who notices every nuance and inflection and change in the woman he likes? He’s the very best of heroes who only deserves the very best of heroines. And that’s what we get in Forrest and Sierra. An exquisite slow-burn love story, that sparks and simmers and rages much like the fires within the forests. Individually each protagonist is exceptional, able to carry the story on their own, as a dual point of view? As a couple working in tandem? They’re simply amazing.
Forrest for the Trees was a fascinating, beautifully written slow-burn love story. Packed with impeccable dialogue, alluring characters, both lead and secondary, and an exhilarating and sumptuous storyline. This is one truly spectacular addition to the Green Valley world.
‘Forrest wasted no time circling a possessive arm around her waist, as if the night itself would steal her if he didn’t hold on. His beard was soft as it grazed her cheek. But there was something raw and animalistic about the way he avoided her lips at first, nipping her shoulder and inhaling deeply as he ran his nose up the column of her neck.
“Sierra…” he whispered.
Only, it wasn’t really a whisper, except for the fact that it was quiet. It was desperate and hungry and it held an undeniable truth.’
This sensational new treat from author Kilby Blades manages to be an eclectic mixture of everything you could ask for in an exciting and breathtaking new romance series.
A cornucopia of treasures, Forrest for the Trees manages to explore it all, dazzling readers with that enemies-to-lovers banter and spice, invoking a little danger and intrigue and splashing out with a little mystery-solving drama. Throw in a little axe-appreciation, bacon bites obsession and two completely captivating, yet entirely different and dynamic lead characters and you have one spectacularly audacious and standout addition to the Smartypants Romance universe.
Sierra was the personification of ‘badass protagonist’. She was entirely dedicated and loyal, whether that was towards her vocation as a park ranger or in her closely cultivated friendships. Sierra was all in. Although outwardly tough and confident, she possessed a very tender heart and the desire to help everything and everyone around her, earning her that heroine mantle from page one. Selfless and sweet, daring and inspirational, I loved those contrasting sides of her personality. Sierra never deviated from who she was. I loved how smart and sage she was, working diligently and fighting for her position in that world through immense hard work, tenacity and skill. Even when the odds were stacked against her, she persevered. That to me, is a heroine worth reading about.
And even through all of Sierra’s biting and witty to-and-fro interactions with Forrest, you always knew there was something more to all that was being said. An undercurrent of heat and flirtation. There was an affection or fondness evident, even when he was initially just a pain in her ass.
Forrest was an absolute darling of a hero. He had just enough charm and boldness about his personality to be enticing. Walking that thin line between confidence and arrogance but there was nothing conceited about the man. Like Sierra, Forrest had many layers. What you saw on the surface was immaterial to just how romantic, thoughtful and impressive he was on the inside. A hero who walks miles to the Elysian fields to pick wildflowers to impress the heroine? That is certainly the actions of a literary hero any reader can fall in love with very easily, and very quickly. When he’s also someone who pays rapt attention, who listens intently to every word, who notices every nuance and inflection and change in the woman he likes? He’s the very best of heroes who only deserves the very best of heroines. And that’s what we get in Forrest and Sierra. An exquisite slow-burn love story, that sparks and simmers and rages much like the fires within the forests. Individually each protagonist is exceptional, able to carry the story on their own, as a dual point of view? As a couple working in tandem? They’re simply amazing.
Forrest for the Trees was a fascinating, beautifully written slow-burn love story. Packed with impeccable dialogue, alluring characters, both lead and secondary, and an exhilarating and sumptuous storyline. This is one truly spectacular addition to the Green Valley world.
October 4, 2021
Sierra is a junior ranger working her butt off at the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and hoping for a promotion. But as an African American woman she finds herself running into a wall of good ol' boys and frustrated at every turn.
On the surface Forrest, a Federal Fire Marshal, is one of those good ol' boys and Sierra has put him neatly into the box with all the other white men who are holding her back. But she may have miscalculated.
With a series of fires being set within the national park, Forrest and Sierra team up to catch the arsonist before someone gets killed.
Forrest for the Trees is a charming and entertaining page turner. It is everything I look for in Contemporary Romance, well developed characters, a good story, well written. Kilby Blades gets the balance right. It's perfect.
On the surface Forrest, a Federal Fire Marshal, is one of those good ol' boys and Sierra has put him neatly into the box with all the other white men who are holding her back. But she may have miscalculated.
With a series of fires being set within the national park, Forrest and Sierra team up to catch the arsonist before someone gets killed.
Forrest for the Trees is a charming and entertaining page turner. It is everything I look for in Contemporary Romance, well developed characters, a good story, well written. Kilby Blades gets the balance right. It's perfect.
![Profile Image for laurel [the suspected bibliophile].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1645808644i%2F7494844._UX200_CR0%2C6%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
February 21, 2023
Ya know, despite an absolutely cringe-worthy beginning, this one wormed its way into my heart.
There was, however, a huge obsession with Forrest's...axe.
There was, however, a huge obsession with Forrest's...axe.
October 14, 2021
Hoo-boy! If I were to say I REALLY enjoyed Forrest and Sierra's push and pull of animosity to friendship to something more, I would probably be understating things. Because I REALLY liked how Forrest worked his way under Sierra's skin and how she went from...oh, hey. I don't quite know how to categorize her feelings toward Forrest at first. She said she loathed him and she almost convinced herself of that, but I don't think it was actual loathing. More like, she made a decision about what sort of person he was after their first meeting and then she worked VERY hard to make him fit into that mold. Even though he didn't.
Even though part of her KNEW he didn't. He might have gotten on her bad side by breaking her lucky bear and being a rival football team's fan, but he also had a gentlemanly side and he's invested in his job. He's smart and kind and he carries a big axe. He also likes her cooking. Those bacon bites sure don't last long around him.
When suspicious fires and a lackadaisical investigation have the two of them teaming up to figure out what really happened, (yeah, I'm going to say it) sparks fly. Sierra begins to dismantle her preconceived ideas about Forrest and Forrest gets to see more of the smart, funny women he always suspected was under her glowers and snark. To be honest, he also liked that snark. She wasn't afraid to call him on his actions and that worked for him.
Dangerous conditions (wildfires are nothing to mess with!), long looks, an investigation that's dangerous in itself, office politics of the highest order, steamy kisses (and steamy movie watching), and two people who generate plenty of sparks and heat on their own. Did I like? OH YEAH.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Even though part of her KNEW he didn't. He might have gotten on her bad side by breaking her lucky bear and being a rival football team's fan, but he also had a gentlemanly side and he's invested in his job. He's smart and kind and he carries a big axe. He also likes her cooking. Those bacon bites sure don't last long around him.
When suspicious fires and a lackadaisical investigation have the two of them teaming up to figure out what really happened, (yeah, I'm going to say it) sparks fly. Sierra begins to dismantle her preconceived ideas about Forrest and Forrest gets to see more of the smart, funny women he always suspected was under her glowers and snark. To be honest, he also liked that snark. She wasn't afraid to call him on his actions and that worked for him.
Dangerous conditions (wildfires are nothing to mess with!), long looks, an investigation that's dangerous in itself, office politics of the highest order, steamy kisses (and steamy movie watching), and two people who generate plenty of sparks and heat on their own. Did I like? OH YEAH.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
August 2, 2022
5 Stars
I’ve read several books by this author, but none of them have exceeded my love for her inspired romantic novel, Snapdragon. Until now. I’m not overstating when I say I’m thoroughly impressed and in love with this newest release.
First, KB has settled herself right nicely into the Penny Reid universe. While their writing styles are different, the story arc, pacing, and integration of setting and characters were smoothly accomplished. I can wholly believe these new characters are frequenting the local hotspots and making friends all over Green Valley.
Next, I found this story extremely well developed with a slow-burn romance that was achingly romantic, real, and nicely paced. Many things were going on besides the romance and they were perfectly tied to this couple and their new working relationship. A little mystery, a lovely courtship, and some poignant intersecting storylines round out their love story. I adored these characters from the start. There wasn’t one disappointing moment from either. Their conflict and reactions made sense and their reconciliation was dreamy.
The last thing I want to point out was how this author’s artful writing deftly handled relevant topics concerning misogyny, the good ole boys club mentality, race, and sexuality. I wasn’t simply told about these things in Sierra’s life nor were they presented as obvious agendas. I was shown in creative and thoughtful ways that presented pictures and scenes that effortlessly fit within the narrative.
I can’t get over how much I enjoyed this book, but I’ll stop dithering on before they start sounding like empty platitudes. Just know that Fire Marshall Forrest was a swoon-worthy hero of the highest caliber and Park Ranger Sierra was not only intelligent but overflowing with loveliness. I couldn’t get enough of them and the Green Valley world they inhabit.
October 4, 2021
PUBLICATION DATE: September 28, 2021
This is definitely my favourite books of the year!
I loved the characters!
I loved the writing style of Kilby Blades.
This was the first book I've read from her and it certainly won't be my last!
What a wonderful story and an absolutely great start to a series!
I hope Kilby Blades continues to write with SmartyPants Romance because she friggn nailed it!
I loved the mystery of who was setting the fires, the "good ol' boy" politics and how an African-American woman had to navigate through ALL the blocks that were set up against her.
But, the chemistry and bantering between Forrest and Sierra was wonderfully, so wonderfully written and engaging, I couldn't put this book down until the absolute end.
I love the enemies-to-lovers trope, it's one of my favourites and Ms. Blades brought these characters full-circle to the absolute best ending.
I can't wait to read more from this author and I can't wait to read the next installment in the series!
"An ARC of this book was provided by SmartyPants Romance in exchange for an honest review."
February 1, 2022
This is a new-to-me author that came up when I was looking for 'workplace romance' books. It was also at my local library as an audiobook so score! This was a very nice surprise.
The book takes place in three parts:
The first part is introduces us to the characters mainly -- Sierra, a federal forest park ranger and Forrest, a federal fire marshall. They have a kinda-sorta frenemy relationship where he flirts and needles and she bristles and death-glares him but also kinda eggs his flirting on.
We also meet Sierra's co-workers and find out that she is up for a promotion and her main competition is a man who isn't as competent as she is. But she is 1) new in this posting in the South and 2) she is a black woman in a white male dominated profession and 3) Sierra's main supporter, her boss is expecting a child and is largely working remotely and since her rival and his supporters are boots on the ground he may have a leg up. Hence there is a fair amount workplace tension for her. Added to that to make things worse, there have been a series of fires in her sector that the police won't investigate and she is afraid that the next one will result in catastrophic loss of flora and fauna in the forest.
So this first part reads almost like a procedural-mystery as Sierra and Forrest's main concern is who is setting the fires and how to go about investigating them. If you had asked me to categorize the book at this first third of the book I would have confidently said this book was not a romance per-se nit rather it was a mystery with a dash of suspense and a dash of romance. The fire plot plus learning about fire marshall and park ranger stuff takes center stage here. I was ok with this since I found the workplace stuff very interesting (it was what I was looking for after all) and you don't get a lot of books featuring black forest ranger heroines. And there was enough light romance to satisfy my little romance loving heart, even if it was very light at this point.
But then we get to part two and the romance roars to the fore and takes center stage. The mystery is still happening, they are still investigating the fire. But because they are both doing it on the down-low, we get a bit of a forced-proximity trope happening and Sierra sets aside her half-hearted animosity toward Forrest and they get to know each other as they work together. Here we find out how gone Forrest is over her. We get a lot of his inner dialogue where he plots how to make her aware that he is serious about liking her and wanting her. Sierra really learns about Forrest and finds his charm offensive working on her mightily. And not gonna lie, there is something very sexy about a man who likes to wield an axe. Forrest may be a fire marshall but he also has a bit of a lumberjack vibe going on.
We also learn a bit more about her along with Forrest. Sierra is a bit closed off because of her fish out of water status and being super conscious that she is a black woman amongst a group of good ol' boys mostly. But Forrest challenges her to come out of her shell a bit. He invites her to the standing poker game and to her surprise she realizes she is well liked and well regarded amongst the small circle of first responders.
This second-third of the book is pure romance. And I really basked in their awareness and growing feelings toward each other. I will say that Forrest is a date-genius. The first and second dates he arranges for them made me jealous. What a great book-boyfriend.
The last third, brings it all together. They are a couple, a team and the mystery element, as well as Sierra's workplace problems all comes back to the front to share equal footing with the romance. Things come to a boiling head. A nice action packed final act where the mystery is solved, the workplace stuff has a 'hell yeah' moment, Sierra and Forrest also have a blip in their new romance (well it is a romance and we do need a third act black moment) but that gets resolved wonderfully. Also I liked there was a good bit of LGBTQ+ rep with a supporting character who figures large in the mystery plot.
Finally, we get a fantastic epilogue for our HEA couple.
I enjoyed this a lot. Also the audiobook, dually narrated because Sierra and Forrest each get POVs, was well performed.
The book takes place in three parts:
The first part is introduces us to the characters mainly -- Sierra, a federal forest park ranger and Forrest, a federal fire marshall. They have a kinda-sorta frenemy relationship where he flirts and needles and she bristles and death-glares him but also kinda eggs his flirting on.
We also meet Sierra's co-workers and find out that she is up for a promotion and her main competition is a man who isn't as competent as she is. But she is 1) new in this posting in the South and 2) she is a black woman in a white male dominated profession and 3) Sierra's main supporter, her boss is expecting a child and is largely working remotely and since her rival and his supporters are boots on the ground he may have a leg up. Hence there is a fair amount workplace tension for her. Added to that to make things worse, there have been a series of fires in her sector that the police won't investigate and she is afraid that the next one will result in catastrophic loss of flora and fauna in the forest.
So this first part reads almost like a procedural-mystery as Sierra and Forrest's main concern is who is setting the fires and how to go about investigating them. If you had asked me to categorize the book at this first third of the book I would have confidently said this book was not a romance per-se nit rather it was a mystery with a dash of suspense and a dash of romance. The fire plot plus learning about fire marshall and park ranger stuff takes center stage here. I was ok with this since I found the workplace stuff very interesting (it was what I was looking for after all) and you don't get a lot of books featuring black forest ranger heroines. And there was enough light romance to satisfy my little romance loving heart, even if it was very light at this point.
But then we get to part two and the romance roars to the fore and takes center stage. The mystery is still happening, they are still investigating the fire. But because they are both doing it on the down-low, we get a bit of a forced-proximity trope happening and Sierra sets aside her half-hearted animosity toward Forrest and they get to know each other as they work together. Here we find out how gone Forrest is over her. We get a lot of his inner dialogue where he plots how to make her aware that he is serious about liking her and wanting her. Sierra really learns about Forrest and finds his charm offensive working on her mightily. And not gonna lie, there is something very sexy about a man who likes to wield an axe. Forrest may be a fire marshall but he also has a bit of a lumberjack vibe going on.
We also learn a bit more about her along with Forrest. Sierra is a bit closed off because of her fish out of water status and being super conscious that she is a black woman amongst a group of good ol' boys mostly. But Forrest challenges her to come out of her shell a bit. He invites her to the standing poker game and to her surprise she realizes she is well liked and well regarded amongst the small circle of first responders.
This second-third of the book is pure romance. And I really basked in their awareness and growing feelings toward each other. I will say that Forrest is a date-genius. The first and second dates he arranges for them made me jealous. What a great book-boyfriend.
The last third, brings it all together. They are a couple, a team and the mystery element, as well as Sierra's workplace problems all comes back to the front to share equal footing with the romance. Things come to a boiling head. A nice action packed final act where the mystery is solved, the workplace stuff has a 'hell yeah' moment, Sierra and Forrest also have a blip in their new romance (well it is a romance and we do need a third act black moment) but that gets resolved wonderfully. Also I liked there was a good bit of LGBTQ+ rep with a supporting character who figures large in the mystery plot.
Finally, we get a fantastic epilogue for our HEA couple.
I enjoyed this a lot. Also the audiobook, dually narrated because Sierra and Forrest each get POVs, was well performed.
September 29, 2021
***5 ‘Bacon Bites’ Stars***
Okay. I was not expecting THAT.
That...yeah. That was a great twist…
Add that on to thoroughly enjoying Forrest and Sierra’s enemies to lovers journey and I have to say that this was a fun read. Frustrating at times ~ the eyes did roll and growling happened (though not at the same time amazingly enough) ~ but still a fun read that kept me turning the pages until the very end.
I loved Sierra and Forrest. Sierra is sweet, snarky, determined and composed. I know that sounds odd, but I have to give her credit because (outside of Forrest) she knows how to hold her composure when people and situations don’t sit right with her. Forrest is a good man. He’s also a bit of a scamp at times, but he really just wants to do the right thing and protect those he cares about.
Their journey to their HEA reminded me a lot of two little kids on a playground picking on each other, not because they didn’t like the other person, but because they did and just couldn’t find another way to gain the other’s attention. Most of that was on Forrest, for sure, but there were just lines they wouldn’t allow themselves to cross. But once they did? They were perfectly matched in almost every way and I thoroughly enjoyed watching them become more to each other than they’d ever expected.
This is my first read by the author and I thought it was very well done, especially because a lot does go on in the book and I liked how it all ended up giving me a better understanding of who Forrest and Sierra were and did push both of them to grow as characters. As for the mystery of who the arsonist was, I didn’t guess until the end and that twist in there, did not see that coming either. So, all in all, this was a great read and I’ll definitely be on the lookout for more by this author!
~ Copy provided by SmartyPants Romance & voluntarily reviewed ~
Okay. I was not expecting THAT.
That...yeah. That was a great twist…
Add that on to thoroughly enjoying Forrest and Sierra’s enemies to lovers journey and I have to say that this was a fun read. Frustrating at times ~ the eyes did roll and growling happened (though not at the same time amazingly enough) ~ but still a fun read that kept me turning the pages until the very end.
I loved Sierra and Forrest. Sierra is sweet, snarky, determined and composed. I know that sounds odd, but I have to give her credit because (outside of Forrest) she knows how to hold her composure when people and situations don’t sit right with her. Forrest is a good man. He’s also a bit of a scamp at times, but he really just wants to do the right thing and protect those he cares about.
Their journey to their HEA reminded me a lot of two little kids on a playground picking on each other, not because they didn’t like the other person, but because they did and just couldn’t find another way to gain the other’s attention. Most of that was on Forrest, for sure, but there were just lines they wouldn’t allow themselves to cross. But once they did? They were perfectly matched in almost every way and I thoroughly enjoyed watching them become more to each other than they’d ever expected.
This is my first read by the author and I thought it was very well done, especially because a lot does go on in the book and I liked how it all ended up giving me a better understanding of who Forrest and Sierra were and did push both of them to grow as characters. As for the mystery of who the arsonist was, I didn’t guess until the end and that twist in there, did not see that coming either. So, all in all, this was a great read and I’ll definitely be on the lookout for more by this author!
~ Copy provided by SmartyPants Romance & voluntarily reviewed ~
October 18, 2021
What an absolutely lovely sort of enemies-to-lovers workplace romance!
Sierra is a park ranger, and when her immediate boss goes on bed rest she feels like she needs to prove herself in the midst of all her male coworkers. She takes her job extremely seriously, is tough, competent, and has a strong moral compass.
However, this is challenged when she comes across a kid that is living in the national park, trying to escape from his abusive family.
Forrest is the fire marshal, and although his role is separate from Sierra's, they must work together to figure out the series of fires mysteriously happening on their territory. Initially, Sierra thinks he is just trying to undermine her, but quickly they both realize what a great team they can be.
Sierra and Forrest's romance was delightfully steamy. He was the sunshine and she was the grump and I loved every part of it. Also, the plot itself was interesting and the side characters were just the cherry on top.
Thank you Smartypants Romance for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Grab your copy TODAY!
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3mjGDE7
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3xRkjUh
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2XjDnhh
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/3jYau1N
Audiobook: https://bit.ly/2YyfPG7
Sierra is a park ranger, and when her immediate boss goes on bed rest she feels like she needs to prove herself in the midst of all her male coworkers. She takes her job extremely seriously, is tough, competent, and has a strong moral compass.
However, this is challenged when she comes across a kid that is living in the national park, trying to escape from his abusive family.
Forrest is the fire marshal, and although his role is separate from Sierra's, they must work together to figure out the series of fires mysteriously happening on their territory. Initially, Sierra thinks he is just trying to undermine her, but quickly they both realize what a great team they can be.
Sierra and Forrest's romance was delightfully steamy. He was the sunshine and she was the grump and I loved every part of it. Also, the plot itself was interesting and the side characters were just the cherry on top.
Thank you Smartypants Romance for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Grab your copy TODAY!
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3mjGDE7
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3xRkjUh
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2XjDnhh
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/3jYau1N
Audiobook: https://bit.ly/2YyfPG7
April 8, 2022
3.75*
Enjoyable enemies to lovers romance. I liked the characters and the story it made for an interesting read.
Enjoyable enemies to lovers romance. I liked the characters and the story it made for an interesting read.
Currently reading
July 24, 2023★★NOW AVAILABLE★★
From Smartypants Romance... FORREST FOR THE TREES, my all-new grumpy/sunshine, slow burn, small town romance is coming! This title will release wide on all retailers excluding Amazon on Sept. 28th, 2021. It will be removed from those retailers and be enrolled in Kindle Unlimited on Sept. 30th, 2021. So if you're a non-Amazon reader, be sure to pre-order your copy in advance.
It's now available in Kindle Unlimited, eBook (on Amazon), and audiobook. Get your copy TODAY!
Amazon US: https://bit.ly/kb-fftt-gr
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3xRkjUh
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2XjDnhh
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/3jYau1N
Audible: https://amzn.to/3an5aRj
From Smartypants Romance... FORREST FOR THE TREES, my all-new grumpy/sunshine, slow burn, small town romance is coming! This title will release wide on all retailers excluding Amazon on Sept. 28th, 2021. It will be removed from those retailers and be enrolled in Kindle Unlimited on Sept. 30th, 2021. So if you're a non-Amazon reader, be sure to pre-order your copy in advance.
It's now available in Kindle Unlimited, eBook (on Amazon), and audiobook. Get your copy TODAY!
Amazon US: https://bit.ly/kb-fftt-gr
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3xRkjUh
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2XjDnhh
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/3jYau1N
Audible: https://amzn.to/3an5aRj
September 29, 2021
Forrest for the Trees is a small town story with ties to the Green Valley series. I am a fan of enemies to lovers romances and this story had a bit of that, but Forrest knows what he wants and has the patience to wait it out in this slow burn delight.
It also has a great twist on grumpy/sunshine trope with the heroine the grumpy one!!! It is first in a series and new to me author that I think I’m going to be obsessed with from here on!
“Sierra was selfless at a time when the world was in trouble. It needed people to care. How much she did kicked Forrest right in the feels.”
This book is populated with interesting characters including Sierra’s Bernese mountain dog, Everest :) I loved the office politics mixed with the mystery of who is behind a series of forest fires. Forrest for the Trees is definitely one of my favorite books this year.
-5 Stars!-
It also has a great twist on grumpy/sunshine trope with the heroine the grumpy one!!! It is first in a series and new to me author that I think I’m going to be obsessed with from here on!
“Sierra was selfless at a time when the world was in trouble. It needed people to care. How much she did kicked Forrest right in the feels.”
This book is populated with interesting characters including Sierra’s Bernese mountain dog, Everest :) I loved the office politics mixed with the mystery of who is behind a series of forest fires. Forrest for the Trees is definitely one of my favorite books this year.
-5 Stars!-
September 18, 2022
I REALLY enjoyed revisiting Green Valley in this dual POV, interracial romance between two forest rangers. Full of heart and depth, this was a slow burn, closed door romance with sooooo many swoony moments. Highly recommended and great on audio narrated by Chris Brinkley and Eboni Flowers!!
September 29, 2021
Loved this enemies to lovers, sort of office romance, so much! This is the first book I’ve read by this author and it will not be the last! This book was so well written and researched, I loved all the details that added to the credibility of the storyline.
Sierra is working in the middle of an old boys’ network and her ally, her immediate boss, is out on bed rest. And while Forrest’s work and chain of command is separate from hers, she thinks of him as an adversary too. I mean, he did break her bear figurine with his giant axe handle. Who can blame her?
I loved watching Forrest break down Sierra’s defenses and let him, not only as a trusted colleague but as a romantic partner. It’s a slow burn (no fire pun intended), but it’s worth the wait. Their chemistry is on fire. (I can’t help myself now!)
The mysterious storyline is terrific. I totally did not see that ending coming. But it was super satisfying! Great story overall.
Sierra is working in the middle of an old boys’ network and her ally, her immediate boss, is out on bed rest. And while Forrest’s work and chain of command is separate from hers, she thinks of him as an adversary too. I mean, he did break her bear figurine with his giant axe handle. Who can blame her?
I loved watching Forrest break down Sierra’s defenses and let him, not only as a trusted colleague but as a romantic partner. It’s a slow burn (no fire pun intended), but it’s worth the wait. Their chemistry is on fire. (I can’t help myself now!)
The mysterious storyline is terrific. I totally did not see that ending coming. But it was super satisfying! Great story overall.
February 28, 2024
REVIEW
Score: 2.5/5
POV: Dual
Heat Level: 0-1/5
Tropes: Small Town; Coworkers (sort of); one sided enemies to lovers; he falls first; closed door
So this started off extremely slow to where I was starting to wonder if I was even reading a romance novel. The at about 25% or so things started to turn in a more romance direction and it started picking up. Book became enjoyable then somewhere between 55-60% the book became so slow again and just flat out boring. However I wanted to finish it since I was reading it for a challenge.
Overall this was boring, basically closed door, and will definitely not remember this book in 5 days. The characters were fine, the romance was seriously lacking, and the book was just so damn wordy. Just full of stuff that didn’t matter.
2.5/5
Score: 2.5/5
POV: Dual
Heat Level: 0-1/5
Tropes: Small Town; Coworkers (sort of); one sided enemies to lovers; he falls first; closed door
So this started off extremely slow to where I was starting to wonder if I was even reading a romance novel. The at about 25% or so things started to turn in a more romance direction and it started picking up. Book became enjoyable then somewhere between 55-60% the book became so slow again and just flat out boring. However I wanted to finish it since I was reading it for a challenge.
Overall this was boring, basically closed door, and will definitely not remember this book in 5 days. The characters were fine, the romance was seriously lacking, and the book was just so damn wordy. Just full of stuff that didn’t matter.
2.5/5
Read
June 6, 2022DNF. I'm 150 pages in and pulling the plug on this one. Can't find any interest in the main characters or the story here. I will say I started with Book 2 in this series and it was a 5 star read for me and so very different from this book. Oh well, you win some and lose some.
October 22, 2021
3.5 ☆
Smartypants romance is the best!
Smartypants romance is the best!
October 2, 2021
I loved this story. I’m new to Kilby Blades’s writing, but with a single book, she’s made me a fan. Her other work has moved its way up my TBR.
Forrest for the Trees has many of the elements I love most in a story: a well-written courtship and romance where one party reveals the feelings they’ve long held for the other, a mystery to be solved, a bit of action (well, both kinds of action), a strong heroine and emotionally available hero, enough humor to make me laugh out loud a few times… the list goes on.
This story was also a fun return to Green Valley and Smoky Mountain National Park. While this story can absolutely be enjoyed as a standalone, Blades nicely incorporated several Green Valley characters we haven’t heard from in a while. Her descriptive writing made me feel like I was hiking through the park.
Overall, this one is just a win in my book.
Forrest for the Trees has many of the elements I love most in a story: a well-written courtship and romance where one party reveals the feelings they’ve long held for the other, a mystery to be solved, a bit of action (well, both kinds of action), a strong heroine and emotionally available hero, enough humor to make me laugh out loud a few times… the list goes on.
This story was also a fun return to Green Valley and Smoky Mountain National Park. While this story can absolutely be enjoyed as a standalone, Blades nicely incorporated several Green Valley characters we haven’t heard from in a while. Her descriptive writing made me feel like I was hiking through the park.
Overall, this one is just a win in my book.
September 28, 2021
3.5 stars
Forrest for the Trees by Kilby Blades is the first book in the Green Valley Heroes series and it's part of the Smartypants Romance universe but definitely works as standalone, you don't need any previous knowledge to enjoy it.
Sierra and Forrest are well developed characters and I liked their slow burn romance. I really liked setting of this book and can't to read more of this series.
Forrest for the Trees by Kilby Blades is the first book in the Green Valley Heroes series and it's part of the Smartypants Romance universe but definitely works as standalone, you don't need any previous knowledge to enjoy it.
Sierra and Forrest are well developed characters and I liked their slow burn romance. I really liked setting of this book and can't to read more of this series.
November 15, 2021
I really love this premise. Enemies to Lovers. Or is it. Forrest seems to have had feeling for Sierra for quite a while.
Sierra Betts is a park ranger. Forrest Winters is a Fire Marshall.
Both are really good at their jobs. Sierra has been paying her dues, working and staying in the National Park. She wants a promotion where she gets her own place and works regular hours.
I listened to the audio. I love Chris Brinkley as Forrest and Eboni Flowers as Sierra.
This is told in 3 person POV. Sierra and Forrest's chapters alternate telling the story.
Sierra's pov seems to be the dominate one.
There's a mystery element that brings these two together. A series of suspicious/arson fires has everyone on high alert.
I did get a little confused with the number of characters that work with Forrest and Sierra. They were introduced rather quickly.
I kept guessing at who was the arson? Or if the fires are connected.
Sierra is very compassionate towards a supporting character.
Forrest has strong feels towards Sierra. He's very supportive of her job in a male dominated profession.
The reveal is done very well. The ending was very good.
Sierra Betts is a park ranger. Forrest Winters is a Fire Marshall.
Both are really good at their jobs. Sierra has been paying her dues, working and staying in the National Park. She wants a promotion where she gets her own place and works regular hours.
I listened to the audio. I love Chris Brinkley as Forrest and Eboni Flowers as Sierra.
This is told in 3 person POV. Sierra and Forrest's chapters alternate telling the story.
Sierra's pov seems to be the dominate one.
There's a mystery element that brings these two together. A series of suspicious/arson fires has everyone on high alert.
I did get a little confused with the number of characters that work with Forrest and Sierra. They were introduced rather quickly.
I kept guessing at who was the arson? Or if the fires are connected.
Sierra is very compassionate towards a supporting character.
Forrest has strong feels towards Sierra. He's very supportive of her job in a male dominated profession.
The reveal is done very well. The ending was very good.
August 8, 2025
Oh I had so much fun with this LOL. Forrest was everything and I loved Sierra a lot. I felt like maaaaaybe there were a lot of side character mentions that we didn't necessarily need here though. I wasn't sure if it was to add to the suspect list for the culprit of the fires or if we just were a little generous with our character drops in this but I think we could've narrowed it down quite a bit honestly.
Other than that I had a great time and I can't wait to continue with this series.
Other than that I had a great time and I can't wait to continue with this series.
February 13, 2022
This was beautiful:-)
Also enjoyed the intelligence and the issues it tackled.
Also enjoyed the intelligence and the issues it tackled.
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