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Small Town Bachelors #1

The Bachelor's Wife

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She’s going to lose everything – unless she takes his help.

A year ago, Rose Sallow became a widow and a single mom to twins. A few days ago, she found out she no longer owns her business, and it’s being sold. Rose has always been a fighter, so when a man from her past, Grayson Chance, comes back into her life, she thinks she might have the opportunity to save her business.

He’s going to lose it all…unless he can convince her to help him.

After he grew up in foster care, Grayson is home to settle his mom’s affairs. Apparently, his mother wasn’t done settling his. He needs his fiancée to move into the house. The only problem…there is no fiancée. He once knew Rose, and after he hears about her business and sees pictures of her adorable twins, he thinks this fake relationship plan will work.

The more time Rose and Grayson spend together, the more his feelings for her grow. Though he's sworn not to have kids, he sure does like hers. Every day, it’s easier for Rose to play the role of his fake fiancée – but time is running out all while their feelings are ramping up.

Will they be able to face their feelings before it’s too late?

169 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2022

214 people are currently reading
170 people want to read

About the author

Susan Warner

77 books106 followers
Susan Warner was born in New Bern, North Carolina. These days she lives in the melting pot of the United States, New York. She writes about sweet small-town romance as a way to remember her roots. She has been blessed with four grown children and a man who cares about her enough to understand when the voices start-up in her head, it’s time for her to go to work.
She originally started telling stories to her kids to benefit from learning about country values even though they weren’t raised there. As time went on, she found others who wanted to hear her stories. Stories that believe in the goodness of people, the sanctity of love, and understand that forgiveness and compassion make us better human beings.
When Susan isn’t writing, she reads voraciously, volunteers to help the homeless and animals when she can, and is eternally trying to get the gauge right in her knitting.

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5 stars
160 (46%)
4 stars
94 (27%)
3 stars
47 (13%)
2 stars
31 (8%)
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15 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
Profile Image for Ashley Martinez (ilovebooksandstuffblog).
3,122 reviews92 followers
November 19, 2022
The Bachelor’s Wife

The story was okay for me. A sweet little small town romance but I had a difficult time getting through the story with all the editing errors throughout.
169 reviews6 followers
November 5, 2022
I liked the idea behind the book, and the story was actually fairly decent. It's a lot of technical things I had a problem with. If those were cleaned up it would have gotten a much higher rating, but as it is. I barely got through it. I did finish it though, so it's not the worst book I've ever read.

To begin with, there were a lot of typos, missing words, switched words. I almost thought it was originally in a different language and something was lost in translation. If most of those were fixed, it would be much easier to read.

However, there were a few other issues as well. The pacing was off. Everything happened quickly and it wasn't developed enough. Honestly, I was a bit confused about the story because it didn't have a natural flow, it seemed to be choppy and jump quickly without really showing how things came to be. We didn't see much of the characters thought processes. I didn't really feel anything toward them. There wasn't much to them, and what was there didn't feel developed.

The dialogue didn't have a natural flow. Some statements didn't make much sense, or I felt they were out of place. Something wasn't right, it didn't sound like a real conversation to me.

Everything combined kind of made the book completely unbelievable. Especially with how fast everything came to pass. I just didn't buy into the instant love. It didn't make sense to me. I also didn't really see where feelings started to shift in them. Even the conflicts seemed to come out of nowhere and make no sense. I think that also goes back to the lack of development. The reader needed to see more of the internal struggle they were dealing with, and really understand their thoughts and where they were coming from.

I feel bad giving such a low rating because I do think if it had been done differently I actually would have really liked it. I do see potential for liking other books from this author, the epilogue where we get to see more about the character of the next book was really good. It showed some great writing that I felt the rest of the book lacked. Maybe this book was just too rushed and wasn't given the time it needed to make it great. I don't really know, but this one is definitely not one I can recommend. I'm sure there are other books by this author that are probably much better than this one. The writing from the epilogue is what I really wish the whole book had been like. Hopefully that will continue into the next book.
Profile Image for **Elle**Bee**Double U**.
2,207 reviews24 followers
November 27, 2022
Rose Sallow is a single mother to twin girls after losing her husband.
Before his death her husband and her started a cleaning company in the hopes to leave something behind for their children.
However, after his death she learns secrets about her husband that now put the company she's been building and working so hard to keep up with.
Grayson Chance has come back to Inheritance Bay to settle his mother's affairs after her death. But in order to inherit what his adoptive mother has left him he must be married. This is obviously a problem because he's no longer in a relationship, and his ex-fiance has made it known she doesn't want a family nor wishes to live in a small time like Inheritance Bay.
To help each other out, Grayson suggest a compromise. He'll give Rose the money needed to save her business if she will act as his fiance with the lawyer to gain his inheritance. As we all know, feelings become involved with these two, but neither is willing to admit it. For Rose her reluctance is understandable, she has twin girls who only just lost their father and her, her husband a year ago. Grayson still believes that their situation is temporary. And given his history he refuses to risk the feelings and wellbeing of Rose's daughters.

This story overall I would give it a solid 3 stars. I can't stand a wishy washy woman. She seemed to be more confused for her feeings for Grayson as if this was her first serious relationship.
But I had to knock a star off because I just can't get over all the grammatical errors. Usually I'm not one to knock a story down them because I'm not some English professor or anything, but when there is just so many that I can't even understand a whole section of the story I read, then yes I have to say something about it. There were times that characters were talking but then all of a sudden they were alone as if there weren't 2 characters just having a conversation. When I can't stay lost in the story because the glaring mistakes it just takes away my enjoyment of the book.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.8k reviews362 followers
October 23, 2022
Grayson and Rose . . .

Rose Sallow became a widow, and now she would lose her business when she found out her husband had borrowed a very large sum of money from Jonathan Castle to get the business started. The amount was the entire value of the business now. She couldn’t possibly buy him out.

Grayson Chance is also having a problem. When his mom dies, he is in immediate need of a fake fiancée to proceed with his inheritance. He had already talked about it with his other brothers, and they had agreed he could have the house and keep the foster care program running there if he wanted to. For Grayson, this wasn’t just a house. It had been a safe haven. But he needs a fiancée now to meet the terms of the Will. The lawyer gave him the key to the house, but said he would not sign over the deed until he met Grayson’s fiancée and was convinced they would be getting married. It was too soon after his mom’s death for a wedding, but it was a requirement. Grayson had broken up with his girlfriend Sheila, so he decided to ask Rose if she would agree to be his pretend fiancée. He was willing to pay Rose.

Being with Grayson, the engagement started to feel very real and comfortable. Could she trust him? He already loves her twin daughters, Hannah and Anna. Will they decide to make the marriage real? Or will Sheila’s return mess up all of their plans?
100 reviews
January 22, 2025
Sadly, i didnt like this book as much as I had hoped.
Lots of grammatical errors and mistakes with past and present tense. Missing letters here and there or strangely constructed sentences. Also some switching between 1st and 3rd person narration

Then there is the rest of the story.
It kind of falls flat. I felt no connection whatsoever between the mc's, i mostly dislike stories with kids in them and this was no exception. At one moment the kids are all that matters, and the next moment it's like they didn't exist at all. Also the kids talk weirdly adult-like for being like 6 years old.
Conversations in general felt very forced, bit of he said, she said, he said and then suddenly switching to writing about the conversation instead of narrating the conversation
Also a few fifty shades of grey vibes, he's a rich guy, he was adopted, now has trust issues, etc etc

Also the last chapter reads like the intro to the next story and then there is an epilogue that is the actual intro to the next story, which is set at an earlier time than that last chapter. Very strange.
Profile Image for Kath.
920 reviews10 followers
October 19, 2022
A fun, fast paced at time story with laughter and happiness. A sweet, kind and very handsome young man who was a foster child for years before adopted by Patti Chance and became one of the Chance Boys was heartbroken after his Mom's going home. Patti loved all of her boys, but Grayson was the youngest and first to come to the reading of the will.

He could have the foster home and keep it as a foster home, which he wanted to to, but there was a stipulation, he had to get married soon. At first he didn't want that pushed onto him, but after thinking about it he decided he'd do and find a young lady who'd be interested in pretending to be his fiance'. Grayson believes he is set up with someone, but in walks Rose Sallow, and he is immediately drawn to her beauty and honesty. From is the rollercoaster of ups and downs with Rose and Grayson and throw in the mix Rose's twin daughters, Hannah and Anna, and let the fun begin.
2 reviews1 follower
October 8, 2022
Author needs to get her story straight

I usually don't review books for editing errors, because I know it's easy to miss little mistakes, but this book has so many, it was her to read. Then I found some errors in keeping the story straight, I can't even finish this. Here is the example of why i stopped dressing this: On page 133 Grayson tells Rose: "I’m not going to be able to do the fake fiancé thing or see you. It’s for the best." The author then says this is a public breakup, which I agree that it was a breakup.
And then on page 134, the next day, Grayson is surprised that Rose wants to give his ring back and he is surprised that after their 'little disagreement' (where Grayson broke up with her) that she wants to be total strangers. Is he schizophrenic?
1,643 reviews15 followers
October 15, 2022
Grayson Chance was a bachelor who wanted the home he lived in with his foster mom. Then he found out he had to have a wife to inherit it. His girlfriend had bailed on him and he ran into Rose. She had a cleaning business that she owned with her deceased husband (she thought). She also had twin 5 year olds that were outrageously cute. She agreed to be his fake fiance. He met the girls and was enchanted with them. He thought he didn't want a family, but learned he really did. The characters were all very good (with the exception of Johnathan) and I enjoyed reading the story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
243 reviews6 followers
November 24, 2022
Really enjoyed Rose and Grayson's story. Love small town romances. Grayson has to see his foster mom's lawyer because she left him her house. He didn't see what was coming through in order to get the house he has to produce his fiance Wich he no longer has. Rose is a window and trying to keep hers and her late husband's dreams come true to keep the cleaning company they started. She gets a visit from her husband college friend who tells her that the company is not fully her's and they have to sell it because he needs the money. Can Grayson and Rose help each other without any consequences. Hmm
Profile Image for Barbara Tobey.
3,007 reviews86 followers
October 23, 2022
Sweet small town romance. Lots of typos that I hope have been found and changed prior to publication. I received a copy of the book via Booksprout. I am voluntarily reviewing it. The characters were easy to care about and I eagerly desired their happily ever after. While I enjoy reading a book series, this one felt incomplete for a first romance. I want one couple to get their happy ending and then move on to another in the next book. Didn't feel as if that was quite as accomplished as it could have been.
10.8k reviews125 followers
October 26, 2022
I've read a lot of books written by Susan Warner; she is one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the first book in the Small Town Bachelors Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Rose & Grayson; she’s a recent widow and finds out that she is also losing her business; he’s a bachelor that came home to settle his mom’s affairs but finds out that his fiancé must move into the house with him so he convinces Rose to pretend to be his fiancé.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
95 reviews2 followers
November 3, 2022
This is the first book in the Small Town Bachelors. It is a standalone book. The characters are endearing in this enjoyable story. Grayson wants to inherit his mother's home but she put a stipulation in the will that he must be married. As his engagement has ended he needs a new fiancee. Enter Rose, a young widow with twins, who has just found out that her husband had borrowed money to start their business and the loan is due. Will she play the role of fiancee to save her business?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Laura.
527 reviews4 followers
November 11, 2022
Two people have lost or are losing something that is special to them. When Grayson Chance loses the only mother he has ever have and Rose Sallow lost her husband and is losing her business. Grayson needs a wife to inherit his mother's home, and Rose needs to find a way to pay off a loan that her husband had gotten and now is due. She agrees to be his pretend fiancé while she will be able to help her business. But they never thought that they would be drawn together becoming closer, what will happen to them.
957 reviews14 followers
November 17, 2022
I love small town romances and the characters in this story did not disappoint. The bachelor Grayson's back story is heart warming. Rose ( a widow with twin daughters) and her two friends make up the trio of life and provide the best moments in the book. Grayson and Rose have a fake engagement since each need something from the other. Their engagement leads to a sweet, complicated love story but I had a hard time really getting invested in it. It read forced and unnatural to me. The epilogue was interesting and I'll have to try the next book.
1,923 reviews8 followers
October 15, 2022
She is busy running the business her husband and her started, with the help of friends. He is back in town to claim his house that was left to him, however to that he needs to be married. She needs money to buy out a private Invester in her business that she did not even know existed. Can they work together to get what they both want, or will feelings get in the way?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,264 reviews10 followers
October 23, 2022
This was a wonderful story of saving each other. Rose lost her husband and is now about to loose her business. Grayson needs to get married or loose his inheritance. They decide to fake dating and he agrees to pay her loan and so she can save her business. Wjat happe s when fake turns real and they develop feelings for each other and him her girls. Will he be there savior or theor demose?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,419 reviews19 followers
November 3, 2022
This book by Susan Warner is the fake fiancé romance between Rosa, a widowed mother and business owner which is failing, and Grayson, who hires her to be his fake fiancé in order to gain his inheritance. The book is a fast but enjoyable read with great characters, emotional ups and downs, wonderful twin girls, and a fantastic journey to finding true love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
918 reviews3 followers
January 5, 2023
Either written ir edited by a 3rd grader

I admit, as a teacher, and for almost 20 years a teacher of English as a Second Language, I am a grammar nerd. But the way this book floated between past and present tensejust put me off. On top of that, simple words were misused, or else the errors were due to copyediting or proofreading errors. In short, although the premise and characters were interesting, I found this book unreadable.
4,540 reviews38 followers
October 2, 2022
The Bachelor's Wife is a clean, heartwarming, small town romance for Rose and Grayson. I love Rose's work ethic and Grayson's "foster kid makes good" background. There are issues to overcome and hurdles to leap, but I was well entertained during my time with these two characters. Rose's twins are adorable. I highly recommend this well written book.
Profile Image for Vickie Lane.
44 reviews
October 20, 2022
I really enjoyed the story but…

I really enjoyed the story and loved the characters, however, whoever did the editing and proofreading did the author a terrible injustice. So many typos, grammatical errors, etc made the book itself very difficult to wade through. Like I said, the story of the characters was great but the written word not so much.
3,352 reviews18 followers
Read
October 23, 2022
Susan has done it again with a wonderful story filled with romance, laughter, and pure enjoyment. The characters are realistic and easy to get to know. The story flows smoothly and holds your attention til the end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lucia Valenzuela.
2,024 reviews11 followers
October 23, 2022
Good clean small town romance. Grayson is thrown for a loop with the conditions in his mother’s will. His relationship with Rose is tumultuous. The twins are adorable, especially Hannah. I enjoyed reading this.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Diana.
711 reviews6 followers
November 1, 2022
Apparently, I got an updated version. After reading a different book and leaving a review that suggested the author needed a better proof reader, this was a welcome change. Just a couple of typos in an otherwise good story. This author has some good stories to tell, I will be glad to read updated versions of what she has to offer.
Profile Image for Marilyn LaTona.
57 reviews
November 3, 2022
Not quite a five

I liked both Rose and Grayson. I just wish there was a little more story about falling in love. Seemed a little rushed at the end. There should be more than just physical attraction and a few brief conversations. The conversations between Portia and Rose were great. Just needed a little more meat in the sandwich.
Profile Image for Sydney Hopke.
1,382 reviews18 followers
November 14, 2022
This was a sweet romance. He needed a fiancé to get his mom's home after she passes and by chance met her and asked if she'd like to help. She wasn't looking for a romance after losing her husband, was just raising her girls and running her business. Their story is sweet and funny, with little kids, friends and family that pop in along the way.
Profile Image for Breen.
1,554 reviews
November 16, 2022
“I ABSOLUTELY LOVE FAKE RELATIONSHIPS. If I can choose one trope as my fav would be this one!!! Grayson and Rose’s story was absolutely perfect and I loved everything about them. It’s funny how a choice can change this forever so my advice is enjoy the ride and fall in love with their story just as I did. All the stars!!”
Profile Image for Laurel .
1,364 reviews5 followers
January 12, 2025
This started out as a cute clean read. Good characters, and plot. I just found the communication skills between the main characters, extremely lacking. In just what seemed like a few weeks, they went from hate to future marriage. The ending of this book was way too abrupt. This is a book you can either read for a few minutes then put down. Or read in one seating.
2,237 reviews3 followers
October 4, 2022
ebook

She’s a widow that finds out her husband lost their business and she has to sell what’s left and he needs a fake fiancé. A pair made I’m heaven, the fake turns to real which scares them both. But love can’t be denied.
Profile Image for MommyO.
375 reviews
October 15, 2022
This was a fun read that was enjoyable and heartwarming at the same time. I’m looking forward to reading more in this series!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
213 reviews1 follower
October 16, 2022
FIRST BOOK IN A NEW SERIES
A NICE SMALL TOWN ROMANCE
GREAT STORY AND CHARACTERS
LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT BOOK.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews

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