The Sheriff Gets His Girl

Crimson Creek #2

by Jane Poller

After a relationship gone bad, Maryanne runs back to Texas to find the fun girl she used to be. But one wild night with childhood friend Gunner quickly turns into more than just fun.

Straight laced Gunner has worked hard to become sheriff of his hometown. To protect and serve goes beyond just a job when it comes to Maryanne though. He's kept her at arms length for years, but now this firecracker's kiss keeps drawing him back.

When a one-night stand leads to more--including a baby--will these friends turned lovers let their opposing natures and the chaos of their hometown and her ex drive a permanent wedge between them and their growing family?

467 pages, ebook

First published September 1, 2021

About the author

Jane Poller read her way through middle school, and she swore someday she’d be an author. Romance books got her through countless life changes… moves, degrees, having kids, deployments, teaching high school, international living, health coaching, running a wellness business, homeschooling, and more.
She finally gave in to the characters in her head demanding their stories be told. The Crimson Creek series is a contemporary steamy small-town romance set in a fictional town in Texas.
Speaking of, she lives in Texas with her middle school sweetheart. He’s her real-life hero, Army veteran, and the inspiration for her stories. When she’s not doing all the things, she’s reading and writing. Or arguing with her characters, who refuse to do what she wants.
But that’s par for the course, since she’s currently raising teenagers and two dogs. Those reviews really brighten her day and are much appreciated.

Reviews

[CYNDY · Rating 4 out of 5]

*****4 Stars*****
This is the second book in the series that I have read, and I enjoyed it. I’m definitely going back to read more; I love how I did not feel lost reading this out of order. The chemistry between Maryanne and Gunner is so good and they got their second chance.
*****ARC from Book Sprout for review*****

[Debbie Orazi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a steamy small town romance.

I enjoyed this story and the characters. Would recommend.

Maryanne Martin is a curvy, extroverted bakery owner who moved to Crimson Creek after a bad relationship. She has flirted outrageously with Deputy Williams for two years. He was her high school crush and first kiss.

Deputy Gunner Williams is stoic, cool, aloof and a protector to his core. Even as a teenager he looked out for his family and friends' well being. After serving in the Marines he has become even more committed to protecting everyone in his community and plans to run for sheriff. He and his four brothers have a band and okay at the Electric Cowboy every weekend.

Maryanne and Gunner have a one night stand at Halloween and become friends with benefits. She becomes pregnant and he moves in with her. He has a difficult time deciding how he feels about her, talking about his feelings and balancing running for sheriff. They end up getting married while in Colorado testifying against her exboyfriend. They eventually get a handle on their feelings when her life is endangered while she goes into labor. They get their HEA.

[Sarah Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

"You're... stuck with me?" Her heart felt like it was being chiseled slowly, each pound of her heart the hammer driving a deeper crack into her soul. He raked a hand over his face and clenched his jaw.
"That's not what I meant, Maryanne."
She held up a hand, fighting back angry tears. "No, I get it. I promised you wouldn't be distracted with a relationship, which is why I'm just your baby mama. But we're going to f@cking raise this kid, Gunner. I'd like us to at least be friends through this whole mess, so we're going to go upstairs and drink some hot chocolate to warm up, and talk like friends. Got it?"

Ahhh! Why doesn't she stick it to him. He gives off so many mixed signals and says the stupidest things, all the while she just rolls with it. She can show a strong side but takes whatever slice he sees fit throw her way. Then there are times I could just squeeze them and squish them for being so darn cute!

Overall, not a bad story line, just a little frustrating at times.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maryanne has had a crush on Gunner for almost all of her life. Only spending time in Crimson Creek during the summers with her grandma. One summer they shared a soul shaking kiss. But Gunner got back together with his ex-girlfriend not long after that night. Then he left for the Marines. Maryanne goes to culinary school in Colorado. So, when she decides to move to Crimson Creek and open a bakery the first familiar face, she sees is Gunner. She relentlessly flirts with Gunner every morning when he stops in the bakery. But he never even bats an eye. Gunner does notice Maryanne. He thinks she is just a big flirt and flirts with everyone. When they decide to one night of fun. Will that all it will be?
This was a great book! From the storyline to the characters. Don’t forget about the steamy scenes. It had everything. I absolutely loved it! This was my first book by Jane and it won’t be my last!

[Caroline Burt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book I've read by the author and this one didn't disappoint either! Although this one is earlier in the series than the last one I read, it didn't deter me from enjoying it. Gunner and Maryanne's story will send you on an emotional rollercoaster and you'll be trying to figure out how long it'll take for Gunner to come to his senses. They're meant to be together, but will he really let others opinions stand in the way of their forever happiness?...
I need to read the rest of this series!!!.

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

[Annie Charme · Rating 5 out of 5]

If steamy small town romance is your jam... You will love Gunner & Marryanne...

I loved this story. I hadn't read book 1 but this reads as a stand alone as well as part of the Crimson Creek series. I fell in love with all the characters and found myself wanting to read the brothers and friends stories so I'm looking forward to those.
In this book so much happens, Jane really brings the characters to life and I was laughing out loud in parts as well as tearing up in other parts. A real emotional roller-coaster. You won't be disappointed.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maryanne moves to Crimson Creek to open a bakery and the sight of Gunner takes her breath away. They had a kiss a long time ago but it did not go further. She heavily flirts with him but he thinks that is just the way she is with everyone. Finally the skyrockets ignite and their relationship speeds ahead. Loved the characters, their chemistry and personalities. The storyline was at a good pace, with drama, fun times, surprises, entertaining situations and a great ending.

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

[Danee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 from the Crimson Creek. I already loved part 1 and was curious if part 2 was the same and yes I think so I also enjoyed the story of Maryanne and Gunner. With their story you can dream away, there is some drama but also a great attraction and chemistry between them. This is a page turner and highly recommended.

I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Jenni Bara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The story had so many twists it kept me turning the pages unable to put the book down! Gunner was such a well-developed character and his internal struggles made me feel for him. Maryanne was so much fun. I loved her. and seeing them finally get their happily ever after was perfect. Cant wait for the next one!

[Emily Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding Each Other . . .

A bad breakup has Maryanne heading to Crimson Creek to start over. Running into Gunner, a childhood friend who is now the sexy Sheriff, she flirts with him until he finally gives in and they share a wild night together. However, she ends up pregnant. Will they choose to fight to stay with each other? Or will they let others drive them apart?

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in this incredible series, and this is Maryanne and Gunner’s story.
This is a well written easy to read story, with family, friendships, emotions, humor, witty banter, romance, and love, which leads to an entertaining and steamy page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cassie Hollenbeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book two was so good! I loved every character that was in this book, well except one 😉. I love how we learned more about each of the characters in this one. Thank you so much for the arc! I cannot wait for the next one!

[BusyM3 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book two in this series Crimson Creek. This is the journey of Gunner and Maryanne. They fit well together and they have great chemistry. This is their journey to their happily ever after. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.

I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kimberly Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gunner and Maryanne’s story is a fun and steamy read! I loved reading how wild child Maryanne helped to loosen up the strait-laced cop, seeing how they both evolve individually and together.

[Michelle Frater · Rating 4 out of 5]

While there’s a certain element of realism in this story showcasing the difficulties couples face in finding the right balance in their relationship, there’s also a lot of avoidable angst as both refused to admit their feelings for each other. Gunner is often so hot and cold that it’s surprising Maryanne was determined to pursue a future together given his unpredictable behavior, devouring her one minute and ghosting her the next. Some parts of the story seemed a bit repetitive too, like the constant references to how Gunner smelled! Furthermore, Gunner and Maryanne’s internal dialogue was quite frustrating at times, as all I wanted was for them to say what they were thinking out loud and avoid all the unnecessary drama. But not to be too negative, there were some magical and funny moments too. The episode involving Maryanne’s “special” brownies was hilarious and one that Gunner was unlikely to forget. Maryanne was a real firecracker and life with her would certainly never be boring, plus she made Gunner a warmer, less rigid man. So, in short, this is the perfect read for those who love both the euphoric highs and angsty lows of romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.