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Small Town Protectors #11

To Catch A Player

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I’m capable, not cute. Practical, not precious. Yet I have it bad for a gorgeous Detective. I knew better. Really. A player like Jackson was bad news for a Small Town girl like me. Still, I couldn’t quite resist his smoldering, intimate glances. Worse… I’ve succumbed once already. And I have NO intention of repeating that mistake, thank you very much. If only I could just convince myself of that... Yeah, I messed things up the first time round. Now the sexy little Chef that heats my blood is wary. I don’t blame her. But I’ll be damned if I let her ignore this sizzling attraction between us. The Town matchmakers have me and Reese in their sights. And this gives me a second chance to make things right. But am I too late? I seem to have a rival… ♥Each story in the Small Town Protectors Series is a steamy STANDALONE romance with a feel-good HEA.

Paperback

Published May 16, 2022

1159 people are currently reading
175 people want to read

About the author

Piper Sullivan

130 books531 followers
Piper Sullivan is an old school romantic who enjoys reading romantic stories as much as she enjoys writing them.
She spends her time day-dreaming of dashing heroes and the feisty women they love.

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5 stars
312 (43%)
4 stars
227 (31%)
3 stars
138 (19%)
2 stars
32 (4%)
1 star
7 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
Profile Image for Tammy.
9,118 reviews48 followers
April 4, 2020
Reese and Jackson shared a hot night a year ago and he was gone before she woke up. Now they are thrown together for a cook off competition. What will happen when sparks begin to fly between them. Fast-paced read with loads of drama, steam and suspense. Great characters with hot chemistry. I liked it.
Profile Image for lisa jung.
5,238 reviews43 followers
April 22, 2020
Bbq sauce

She's a small town chef who owns a bbq restaurant and makes killer sauce. But her eye is on the town deceive her bbq competition partner in crime. Cute book with great characters and Yum bbq sauce . Need recipes.
Profile Image for Gale Albright.
2,864 reviews20 followers
May 17, 2020
I enjoy these Hometown Hero’s stories so much. This book continues the saga of Tulip and all its couples. It’s a really wonderful story of two rather insecure people finding each other.
8 reviews
April 16, 2020
Meh.

2.5-3.0 rating
This book had potential. It felt like a hallmark movie but occasionally rated r. I simply did not care for the characters and their actions. Jackson was clueless several times which can be frustrating and irritating. But I felt like Reese was just too closed minded. She felt that whatever scenario she thought was right and did not let Jackson explain anything. She was also wishy washy I know to build angst and to develop the story she couldn’t have just given him the cold shoulder the entire book but she just flipped from hating him to loving him but never really trusting him. Some of the things they said towards the end of the book was questionable like why end up together if you don’t really trust the person? I felt like I didn’t really get to know the characters. This is also my first time reading a book in this series.
28 reviews25 followers
April 21, 2020
Eh it was alright. I liked the characters okay enough. I think Reese forgave Jackson way to fast in my opinion. And the blurb mentioned Jackson having a rival? No one tried to take her away. The only other male in her life was her best friend Rafe and he shouldn’t count as one. She mentioned very early on in the book that they were strictly just friends. So there’s that. I probably won’t read any other books that may be in this series.
Profile Image for Renata Gill.
1,359 reviews10 followers
April 7, 2020
I have to laugh every time i see a new book come out from Piper Sullivan especially if it one of the small town heroes that has been targeted by the towns matchmakers.... there is no way escaping them when they set their sight on one of the single heros and in this book its Detective Jacksons turn.... i know that i can expect an entertaining book that will have me hooked from page one..
Jackson wasnt happy when the towns photographer chased him down but once he heard that he had to assist Reese he was all for it..
He wants answers from the chef...why is she avoiding him and giving him the cold shoulder after they spent one steamy night a year ago together!!??.....it will take a lot of persuading to get the love shy Reese to fall in love with him...but he can do it as he is persistent and stubborn....and he will get a little help from all the meddlers in town....
Profile Image for Melanie Milburn.
1,216 reviews6 followers
May 11, 2020
The Hometown Heroes series is winding down and in this next to last book, we have Reese and Jackson. And a heap ton of barbecue!
Reese and Jackson had a memorable knight about a year ago, but Jackson disappeared without a word before Reese woke up. Since then she’s given him the cold shoulder and he’s not sure why. She doesn’t want to be deserted again in her life. She was orphaned and now her beloved Aunt Bette doesn’t remember her. The few boyfriends she’s had have ended up moving on without her as well. Jackson was the straw that broke her camel’s back. Too bad her body betrays her whenever he gets close.
Jackson’s not sure just what he did to make Reese hate him, but he’s determined to get back into her good graces, and other things. How lucky for him that he gets partnered with her for the big barbecue competitions as part of his HH duties. But will he ever learn from his mistakes?
4,142 reviews25 followers
March 30, 2020
Simple and cute
It’s a tender, cute story, but ultimately a little too cute for me. The characters are sympathetic, kind, also quite cute in their arguments, the main part of which is about unspoken stories in the past. I thought that because of Jackson's work, there would be more twists, but that is not the case, even if it affects the relationship of the two heroes.
Jackson, a policeman, is attracted to Reese who is a chef, and they have already slept together 1 year ago, but he left without waking her and had disappeared for several weeks. He tried to contact her but she always carefully avoided him afterwards. But they have to work together for charity, and it brings them together again.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
209 reviews3 followers
June 8, 2020
Dreadful, simply dreadful.

This book was poorly written. My major issue was the switching POV. The chapter would be titled Reece, and suddenly we were being given Jacksons’ POV. Reece was unlikable. They spend one night together, Jackson leaves without explanation (douche move), so Reece makes the decision not to call out Jackson about his actions. So in one breath, we're being shown Reece as a competent and smart businesswoman, but she spends a year ignoring the guy. The conflict was confected and unbelievable. I kept reading this story as I'm starting to write romance, and this book was a lesson in how not to write fiction. That’s why I give it two stars. The second one because it taught me so much. Self-publishing has a lot to answer for!
3 reviews
April 3, 2020
Loved this book!

I love this whole series of Hometown Heroes! This book kept me coming back for more, it flowed nicely and I enjoyed that it brought in some of the previous characters. The meddling match makers always make me laugh at their actions and outrageous comments. The main characters of this story were sweet and real. Reese was a strong independent women, but she had her insecurities like most women do, and it felt realistic to how most omen feel. Jackson was strong, but willing to go the distance owning up to his mistakes and making it right. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good romance story.
102 reviews
June 11, 2020
Town of Tulip

This story is about a small town called Tulip. You know how it is in a small town. Every one knows everyone. Reese was a sweet little chef learning everything about cooking from her aunt Bette. She is orphaned and Bette was basically her only family. She has the best barbecue around. Enter Jackson, police detective extraordinaire. Charming and handsome. Not so good traits at times as you will find in the story. There was great banter between these two. The town people were so much fun. It made me feel like I lived in Tulip. This is a sweet story about a town, it's quirky people and two lovers finding their way in this story of love.
Profile Image for Debra.
3,449 reviews13 followers
April 24, 2020
To Catch A Player

This second chance romance is set in a small town where everyone is in your business, social and private. These two people had a one night stand a year ago. But ever since that night she has ignored him. And he is just trying to figure out why. With the help of the town's matchmaker this book is riddled with innuendo and lots of laughter. She is trying to run a business and compete in nearby areas with her own secret recipes for BBQ. He is a local police transfer. Trying to out step the local match makers. What happens next is the rest of the story.
1,747 reviews10 followers
March 30, 2020
Another in the hometown heroes series sees Reese fall for Jackson. Even though Jackson is not a true hometown hero he steps up to help out. Reese and Jackson have a history and when they are thrown together for a cook off they are forced to face the mistakes they have made and accept their feelings for each other. This book like the rest of the series is sweet and steamy and full of small town fun.
Profile Image for Tammy.
271 reviews
April 17, 2020
So disappointing. I loved Tyson and Ginger's story and was hoping for the same romance, suspense and mystery in Reece and Jackson's but it was not like that. Sure there was romance but there was no suspense and no mystery. I was totally disappointed. But if you aren't looking for suspense and mystery and enjoy a no problem, no misunderstanding romance this is it for you. There was a misunderstanding but even that wasn't interesting.
Profile Image for Anne in VA.
1,285 reviews17 followers
April 27, 2020
I made a deal with myself after the first few pages. When I finally get to the part where I learn why Reese is pissed at Jackson and it makes sense, I'll keep reading, because I got the sense it was setting me up for something dumb... and I was right. You don't really find out what happens until about 50%, but it's not really explained well. You don't get flashbacks and it's all real vague, to the point that it just leaves me annoyed and frustrated.
Profile Image for Cassie Brooker.
252 reviews1 follower
June 28, 2020
Good Story

This book seemed to go on forever with the two main characters which turned me off. I love the characters but it just took too long for them to get to the point.

I do love that there was food and BBQ sauces involved, a great way to feed people. I like food.

Overall this book was beautiful and great, just a little to long for me. I plan to read the rest of the series and see what happens.
Profile Image for Janet Simmons.
730 reviews2 followers
April 28, 2022
Reese owns a small town BBQ restaurant. Jackson is a Detective on the Special Task Forces that are combined with the Frds. Reese and Jackson had hooked up a year ago but it didn't end well so no one in town knows about it. Now it's time for the big cook off Championships, and the town Matchmakers see Jackson and Reese as a likely match up as a couple. Little do they know
I really enjoyed reading this book. It can be read as a standalone easy read
Profile Image for Janet.
662 reviews2 followers
April 12, 2020
A good romance

Just let me say Jackson was pretty clueless throughout the book, that being said, he had his redeeming qualities. Reese wasn't exactly easy date material herself. Their ups and downs had steamy moments, fun, excitement, and get a grip already times I wanted to smack them both.

I did enjoy the book and recommend it to readers.
Profile Image for Carol.
3,469 reviews3 followers
April 12, 2020
To Catch A Player

So Romantic! Full of sexy banter, back and forth, neither talks about the why, just ignoring the topic. Reese is so stubborn, and Jackson pushes her buttons, a type of fore play 😍, so to speak, LOL. With all they are they are destined to be together. Enjoy their story, ❤️Beautiful, they are fun to follow.🎈
Profile Image for ☆ susan ☆.
391 reviews2 followers
April 13, 2020
Well. That was an hour of wasted time. This book was so boring. I didn’t understand the attraction between Jackson and Reese at all. Jackson was an asshole I would absolutely loathe to be around with and Reese was such a freaking doormat, you might as well stomp on her face.

The book also ends at 85% on my Kindle. The rest are just previews of other books I didn’t bother to skim through.
142 reviews1 follower
April 27, 2020
Only one book left!

I am in love with this series!
The hometown heroes are just awesome.
Something for everyone with enemies to lovers, best friend`s sibling, and so many sub-genres that you won't get bored.
And I dont intend too! I plan on re-reading the whole series again once the final book comes out.
998 reviews
May 6, 2020
Okay A Player

The story has a good premise but I just felt like something was missing. I did not get the attraction of the main Hero and there was never an explanation of why he messed up the second time. It was like there was an important piece cut out of the book. The love connection seemed pretty superficial. Not Piper's best but an okay read.
Profile Image for Paige Whitecotton.
2,489 reviews9 followers
August 16, 2021
Awwwwwe.

This was such a sweet and funny second chance. I loved the good detective. He was determined and that was good because he could definitely screw things up. Piper can write a stubborn, hurt, girl let me tell you. Reese was a spit fire who could put someone in their place when needed. Loved it.
Profile Image for Merry Jelks-Emmanuel.
12.1k reviews148 followers
March 5, 2024
BBQ is not the only thing sizzling in Tulip! Jackson once had the BBQ queen until he messed it up. Reese has closed up her heart after experiencing heartbreak. Now Jackson wants a second chance. The town already has them paired off and married but will Jackson get a second chance for a happily ever after? I voluntarily agreed to receive an ARC of this book for an honest review.
5,984 reviews25 followers
March 31, 2020
Reese needed to be with Rafe.
Hands down, they are a much, much better match.
Not Jackson, the player that’s already tapped that and messed up. He had no chemistry with Reese.

Reese deserved a great guy like Rafe.

What I liked. Reese and Rafe.
Good writing.
Cute town.

Recommend.
2,724 reviews18 followers
April 2, 2020
Cookin

Reese and Jackson have been dancing around each other for a while. But he made a mistake and she is unwilling to forgive.
A little meddling, a lot of chemistry and heat in and out of the kitchen make this a good read.
Profile Image for Shannon.
4,067 reviews30 followers
April 5, 2020
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.

I absolutely love this quirky little town, the meddling old ladies and the hometown heroes. I really liked Reese, sweet and stubborn. Jackson had to work a bit harder to get into my good graces. Wonderful story.
1,163 reviews
April 5, 2020
Detective And Chef

Jackson has two roles he’s filling in this book, detective and sous chef for Reese, the BBQ master. It definitely gets hot and steamy in the kitchen! I received an advanced copy for my honest review. However, I also purchased a copy.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
19.6k reviews248 followers
April 8, 2020
Great story+!!

Reese and Jackson's story is a sweet and entertaining read. I was enthralled throughout this addictive page turner, and I highly recommend for all readers. I look forward to reading more from this talented author.
Profile Image for S.
569 reviews
April 8, 2020
The matchmakers of Tulip strike again! This time we get the story of Jackson, town detective and Reese, barbeque extraordinaire and restaurant owner.

Just when they thought the past would determine their future they discover friendship and love like no other.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews

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