It’s hard to imagine this is a debut novel! I enjoyed this one a lot even though it had some minor glitches! But overall i definitely recommend it for anyone who wants to be entertained!
For starters, both MCs were very interesting. I loved the banter between them and at certain points it was actually funny. There was very good chemistry between them, although I found the insta love a bit too much. But because the book is so smooth, I actually didn’t mind it in the overall storyline.
The mystery/stalker part was done nicely as well. Turns out my guess was wrong, so for that, an extra point goes to the author :)
Supporting characters were also quite interesting especially the daughter and the Chief’s roommate..
My rating is 3.75 rounded up to 4. I really did enjoy this one.
Copy provided from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Secrets in a Small Town by Nicole Stiling is a well-written story about two women who are thrown together because of a stalker. Savannah Castillo, the town manager of Winter Valley is a perfect ice queen character. She must always be in control of everything and everyone around her. The only person she is close to is her seven year old daughter Eliana. When Savannah begins to receive anonymous gifts and messages that gradually become more ominous and threatening, she is forced to ask for help from the one person in town that she really detests. Deputy Chief Mackenzie (Micki) Blake agrees to help Savannah even though the two can barely stand being in the same room together. The two are completely different and mix like oil and water, but they must learn to put that aside and work together to find the stalker before someone is hurt or worse.

This is a very enjoyable read. The characters are well-developed and the dynamics between the two are perfectly written. The pacing of the story is good and kept me interested from the first page to the last. While the reader is given lots of clues to who the stalker might be, the author kept me guessing almost until the last, and even threw in some twists that threw me off the scent for a while. I also loved the humor the author displays throughout the tale. She had my interest from the first sentence and had me chuckling by the second page. Humor helped to keep this book from being a totally scary and nail-biting tale, and made it something you could read and enjoy without having to keep all the lights on in the house.

I really enjoyed this book. I believe this is a debut novel for Ms. Stirling, and she did an excellent job. I will be looking for more from this author.

A gentle, simple, reasonably enjoyable read.

The snark between the characters was enjoyable and funnily enough, one of the best parts of the book. The characters honestly didn't seem perfect for eachother so the very quick transition of their relationship was a bit of a stretch for me.

This was an excellent debut from this new author. Secrets in a Small Town was engaging from the start and continued that way until the end.

The two lead characters, Micki and Savannah, are at odds from the get-go. What seems like a small thing that Savannah blows out of proportion inserts a wedge between the two heads of the town, and develops into an antagonistic relationship. They interact because they have to, but Savannah will go out of her way to avoid Micki at all costs.

Happy go lucky Micki doesn't actively avoid Savannah, but if she has the chance to needle her, she'll take it. I loved the character of Micki in this book. She was funny and sweet and her ability to see through Savannah's bitchiness was really endearing.

The mystery was interesting and plausible. I thought I'd had the suspect pegged but from the halfway point, but oops, I was wrong. I loved the way the whole thing played out.

I do wish the novel was a bit longer, with more scenes between the two mains. But I thoroughly enjoyed this one and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone who enjoys romance, mystery, or a good combination of the two.

Thanks to Netgalley and BSB for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I like fan-fiction and I generally like it just as much when it is altered and published. This has so many markers resembling ‘Once Upon a Time’ that I would be surprised if it didn’t start out as a SwanQueen fic. Winter Valley’s town manager, Savannah Castillo, loves her job but her least favourite part is dealing with Deputy Chief Mackenzie ‘Micki’ Blake. Micki revels in antagonising Savannah although she’s really fond of Savannah’s six-year-old daughter. Savannah is arrogant, cold, rigid and solitary. When she receives some disturbing notes and gifts from an unknown sender the last thing she wants to do is involve Mickie, who she considers incompetent.

The pairing of an ice-queen and a happy-go-lucky woman is a pairing I’m often drawn to and they are, for the most part, well-written in this novel. The parts that I found a little disjointed have to do with the speed and ease with which they get together with not enough engagement between the two them portrayed or alluded to.

The plotline of the stalker was a good one and kept me guessing (incorrectly) until the end. It’s a good read with a fast-paced plot.

Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.

Secrets in a Small Town is the debut novel from Nicole Stiling. It tells the story small town Mayor, Savannah Castillo and Deputy Police Chief, Micki (Mackenzie) Blake who are introduced as two public figures who often have public disagreements. When Savannah starts to receive unsolicited gifts and messages from a stranger, Micki becomes her protector. Slowly they grow closer and Micki melts Savannah ice queen persona. The chemistry between these two characters was intense in a love/hate approach. I also enjoyed the interactions between Savannah's daughter, Eliana, and Micki.

The mystery held me in suspense but I did not pick the correct suspect.

I will be reading more offerings from Nicole Stiling.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books in exchange for an honest review.

This was a great book. I am a first time reader of this author's and I'm happy to say I'll read more of her books if she writes them. Savannah is definitely an Ice Queen. The mystery was carried throughout the book and balanced the romance well. I think based on the circumstances, their quick connection makes sense. I will always be a fan of the "fast to love" couples who then deal with the book's adversities together. This is a definite recommend.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a surprisingly fast and easy read. I loved the characters and the plot, but I couldn't shake off the "SwanQueen" fanfiction vibe it gave me (I am not familiar if it was a fanfiction-turned book). Nevertheless, this book was very fun and it held my attention all throughout it. I loved both Savannah and Mackenzie and I heartily recommend this book.

I liked it in general. but the story was somehow off. The way the relationship developed left me wondering ! I'm not big fan of "I love you" being there so fast. I did not feel the connection between the 2 characters. I don't know, everything was easy and fast. the first chapter was good it had so much potential. I don't know what happened

It's mostly romance not mystery and that did not bother me much since I tend to like romance more

I was giving a free copy in exchange of an honest opinion

#SecretsInASmallTown #NetGalley

Mackenzie Blake is struggling as Deputy Police Chief in the small town of Winter Falls. She loves her job but is constantly met with resistance from town Mayor, Savannah Castillo, who has taken offence to Mackenzie (Mickie) for some reason.

Savannah sees Mickie as someone who doesn’t back down when Savannah thinks she should and challenges her in town meetings, much to Savannah’s chagrin.

But things are about to change. Someone is stalking Savannah. Against her wishes, Savannah’s assistant tells the Deputy Chief about the items and letters Savannah has received. As things escalate, Savannah allows Mickie to stay at her home to protect her and her young daughter until the culprit is found. Eliana, Savannah’s daughter, adores Mickie and knows her mom isn’t a big fan so is reasonably perplexed by the sudden home sharing.

It doesn’t take long for Savannah and Mickie’s mutual disdain to give way to passion, especially when Savannah feels safer with Mickie in the same room and bed.

Their relationship happens swiftly and the one comfort Savannah holds onto is; if they end, she knows Mickie’s relationship with Eliana wont change.

Mickie springs into action when she figures out who the stalker is and rushes to save Savannah.

I really enjoyed this book. The chemistry between Savannah and Mickie is believable and the conclusion is sweet.

This is a read which is so surprisingly easy that it feels much shorter than it is.

Savannah Castillo is an ice queen town manager with definite control issues. Deputy Chief Mackenzie Blake is easy going but ends up having frequent public disagreements with Savannah frequently. Savannah starts getting anonymous gift which turn creepy but she is unwilling to report it to the police because that would involve Micki. However, Savannah’s assistant, Chole, takes it on herself to get the police involved without telling Savannah. But the very first time Micki does a ‘surreptitious’ stakeout of Savannah’s home, Savannah catches her and actually thinks Micki is the one stalking her. But then the hunt for the real stalker starts and Micki moves in with Savannah to make sure nothing happens to Savannah or her cute baby, El.

We liked both the characters, but Savannah just a wee bit more. We also liked that Savannah was a bisexual but there was no major song and dance about it. We enjoyed the relationship, but wish there was more simmering attraction before the first touch. Would’ve made it more believable.

On the whole, this is an easy, enjoyable read.

Yep, that was most definitely a small town in New England that I just read about. Heh. Felt like New England through and through, although, I would have liked a few more 'wickeds' in there.

It's the story of Savannah (and her daughter Eliana) and Mickie. Savannah is the Town Manager of Winter Harbor, Mickie is the Chief of Police. And at first they really really don't like each other, but, when someone starts stalking Savannah, Mickie is on the case. And that brings them much closer and they start not just loving each other, but, understanding one another better as well.

It was a fun book. The characters were all so unique and leapt off the page also. And the plot most definitely kept me guessing.

I received this book via Netgalley thanks to Bold Strokes Books.

This is a mystery, and as with all good mysteries, it's a difficult one to figure out until the last quarter of the book.

Mackenzie "Micki" Blake, Chief of Police in Winter Valley, and Savannah Castillo, Town Manager of Winter Valley have butted heads for awhile, Micki constantly asking Savannah for more money for her police department budget, and Savannah constantly turning her down.

Savannah has begun receiving strange gifts and letters, making her feel uneasy and fearful for her safety and that of her young daughter, Eliana. Strange events and a break-in in her home quickly get the attention of Chief Micki Blake, who finds these occurrences out of the ordinary in her sleepy town. Micki investigates, and in the process, begins to have feelings for Savannah. Micki uses the process of elimination to try and figure out who's been sending these items to Savannah.

A good mystery and a touching love story.

There are actually NO secrets in this small town.

Savannah is an uppity town manager and Micki is the amiable Deputy Chief. These two have not gotten along ever since Micki rolled into town. They continue to challenge each other in town meetings, budget discussions, and personal interactions until someone starts sending unwanted gifts to Savannah and Micki needs to provide protection.

I can't believe this is a debut offering from Nicole Stiling. I thoroughly enjoyed this story from beginning to end.

The main characters had a lot of tension and developed chemistry as they had to spend more time together. I really loved Savannah's little girl Eliana and her dynamic with Micki. They would gang up on Savannah together. Fun banter.

I appreciated the Savannah was bisexual but there was no preaching, explanation, or any huge amount of attention put to it. It was just as is. Refreshing.

I had fun trying to figure out who Savannah's stalker was. I thought I knew. I was wrong.

Everything about this was captivating. The only thing I had an issue with was how snotty Savannah was in the beginning. There was a lot of growth with her character but I wish she would have been a TAD bit more tame to start off.

I recommend this to people who love romance, mystery, girl cops, ice queens, small towns, and the song "You are my Sunshine."

<i> I received an ARC from the publisher for an honest review. </i>

Secrets in a Small Town is a debut novel of Bold Strokes’ new talent and it doesn’t disappoint. The plot involves a stalker after Ice Queen Savannah and ultimately, Police Chief MacKenzie moves in with her to keep her safe. They are rivals to lovers and the story is mixed with suspense, danger, and oftentimes slapstick and ridiculous humor that made it a fun and balanced read at the same time. It’s not overly deep or creepy but it is entertaining and well worth the time spent.

I must say, I was intrigued by Nicole Stiling's "Secrets in a Small Town" when I came across its blurb on BSB. And then the subversively crafted cover had a strange pull on my ever-inquisitive sense of curiosity. I know, another book whose cover played a role in my decision to read it apart from its blurb that obviously interested me primarily because of it sounding like it would be an ice queen trope. I'm always game for ice queen romances in lesfic because I'm forever curious to find out the many ways authors could come up with to thaw an ice queen character in a love story! Heh! What's more, there was a mystery attached to the romance involving a stalker! Crikey! Level of intrigue and curiosity increased, obvs! Anyway, about Stiling, I was curious because I never heard of her before so as usual, I had to find out more which was when I discovered that this book was actually only her first published fiction! Okay, then. So off I went to read it with a sense of anticipation as to how a first-timer would weave this mystery-romance using one of my beloved tropes. Needless to say, I was impressed. It was a light and speedy read for me but I had a lot of fun doing it! To me, it was a great debut effort from Stiling because I really enjoyed her writing style. There's nothing more satisfying than reading constructed wordings that flow smoothly throughout a book, is there? In any case, I'll certainly be checking out Stiling's future stories to see how she manoeuvres and hones in her craft.

Back to this story, first and foremost, I'm a huge sucker for some hard (tough) ice queen characters in lesfic especially when they're properly written and presented. So, I was thrilled to discover that Stiling's resident ice queen in the story, Savannah, the small town's manager, was really a hard case! I loved how Stiling portrayed the level of her aloofness, insensitivity, downright cold, attitude and demeanour against her otherwise stunning-looking appearance. I thought the dichotomy that Stiling displayed in Savannah's character made her, at times, intolerably childish behaviour even more jarring on the surface! This was especially evident whenever Micki, the other MC, was around. It was like Savannah's Jekyll-and-Hyde persona switch was solely triggered by Micki's presence alone! Although, Savannah's caustic ice queen persona was always in place whenever she was around people. But it was like Micki's mere existence alone would turn Savannah into a whole other monster altogether, which was delish to explore!

Speaking of Savannah and Micki, the source of their contentious relationship was interesting. Savannah's ice queen persona was a little different than the other ones I'd encountered in the past because hers was further infused by her utter insecurity about being embarrassed, shamed or perceived as weak in public by people especially those whom she saw as her subordinates. So her defence mechanism would flare up to the max when she felt like she had been made a fool of and would continue on for a very long time. Elephant memory, much? Needless to say, poor Micki found herself constantly "splattered" by Savannah's "venom" whenever they ran into each other! But, interestingly, the way Stiling portrayed Savannah's vitriol toward Micki would subtly translate into this underlining raw, animal magnetism that quietly simmered beneath that cold, disdainful attitude. The more caustic Savannah became, the more I could sense that chemistry, that attraction, growing undeniably, between these two so-called enemies!

Micki's attraction toward Savannah was more straightforward even though she wouldn't be caught dead being found out, obviously! I found myself looking forward to more scenes of Savannah wagging her caustic tongue at Micki because I knew that their hidden attraction toward each other would reach a boiling point, one way or another! To that, I applaud Stiling for deftly creating an atmosphere that was filled with an air of begrudging desire against both Savannah and Micki's own better judgement, particularly the former's, through her astute depiction of Savannah and Micki's inner emotions and psyche, mindset and monologue. I thoroughly enjoyed the utterly prickly banter between Savannah and Micki which Stiling constructed effectively. It was hilarious to discover Savannah’s guilt and regret for crossing the line with her over-zealous abrasiveness with Micki sometimes but then just couldn’t help herself! And these two just couldn't seem to leave each other alone. Both always wanted to upend each other with their retorts! But you know what they say about the thin line between love and hate - both sit on either end of the same intense emotional spectrum! There you have it!

Needless to say, I sure had a lot of fun with them albeit some of Savannah's actions were unreasonably childish, tbh. But it was amusing, nonetheless, just to witness her self-flagellation post-haste and Micki's defiant reactions. And when that pressure cooker finally combusted...! All that pent-up frustration, all that burning desire, all that sexual tension bursting to get out! Won’t spoil it but let’s just say, Stiling brought the described scenario to life! And all that in the midst of Savannah being the target of the mystery stalker and Micki trying to catch them whilst also being Savannah and her seven-year-old kid's live-in bodyguard! FFS! Yeh, talk about complicated, eh? That's what made that scene even more intense, not to mention, rewarding, and effective going forward in their character development and growth, imo. Anyway, their mutual love-hate sentiment (or was it?) quickly turned into a romance but not without bumps and bruises along the way because of their utterly mule-like obstinate characters!

Although, I wish Stiling delved more deeply into Savannah and Micki's respective inner psyches when it came to their emotional journey of falling in love with each other especially when it happened under a less-than romantic circumstance, to say the least, and the fact that they'd been each other's antagonists for years before! Imagine their states of mind when they both realised the truth behind their love-hate relationship catching their unawares, having to reconcile that whilst their physical and emotional intimacy deepened! I also thought there was a missed opportunity in not involving Eliana (Savannah's very astute kid!) more in Savannah and Micki's journey. As for the mystery side of the story, I thought it was sufficient enough for the purpose of advancing the relationship between Savannah and Micki. Don't think too much about whether it was realistic. Just enjoy the ride. I myself had a lot of fun with Stiling's red herrings, list of suspects, nevermind my very own guessing game about who the real perp was, especially when the stalker became more brazen in their threats. And when the cat-and-mouse chase came to a head, I was gratified by Stiling's choice of Savannah's actions vs Micki's. It was satisfying.

All in all, I enjoyed this book and had a blast with the enemies-to-lovers trope, with all the bickering and banters that amplified Savannah's ice queen persona, which only made her thawing so much more fun to read, especially when it was done by the ever-charming and adorbs Micki whom Savannah just couldn't resist falling in love with against all her natural instincts! I was gratified by Stiling's decision to use the dual-POV narrative because I really wanted to explore both perspectives as Savannah and Micki's characters and their complicated relationship developed and grew throughout their journey. So, thank you, Ms. Stiling! Plus, I thought some of the secondary characters whom Stiling introduced were very interesting especially Micki's roomie and Savannah's assistant.

Overall, Stiling did a great job creating enough intrigue and entertainment in the romance and mystery plotlines, nevermind the ice queen/age-gap tropes with a sound, well-grounded writing style, which I liked. The only thing was that I wish she went a little deeper. That said, "Secrets in a Small Town" turned out to be a very pleasant, entertaining and FUN read for me. Clearly a SOLID debut effort from Stiling, imo! I look forward to exploring her future work, that's for sure! Well done and congrats, Ms. Stiling!

*An ARC copy was furnished to me by BSB via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

A really good mystery story. A nice light read but still packed with suspense and even a little romance thrown it. Loved it m. Highly recommended

Secrets in a Small Town was a good start for this new author. The book was a quick, fun read well-balanced with mystery, suspense, drama, and blooming romance. The characters were engaging and the storyline well-written. The author did a nice job of holding the suspense and bouncing from suspect to suspect without giving away the stalker too early in the read. The mystery itself was plausible and the plot was set in a realistic atmosphere. There were a few wrinkles for me but nothing too overwhelming to stop me from reading or enjoying the story, overall. I felt the antagonistic attitude Savannah had towards Micki was a bit much at times, especially since she was trying to help and her abuse of power concerning the necessities Micki required to better the police department and enhance performance were not really warranted, under the circumstances. In a true setting, even if there were animosity, I believe safety, security and the ability to get the job done would outweigh pettiness and holding a grudge. And the only other thing that really stood out for me was that Savannah’s daughter seemed to have disappeared at the end of the book. When everything was wrapped up, I would have thought she would have had the same amount of presence she had in the rest of the read. With those things aside, it was an enjoyable story.

*A thanks for the advanced copy I received thru NetGalley, via the publisher. I am voluntarily providing my honest review; all thoughts and opinions are solely my own.

I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.


This was a great first book of this author and I enjoy read it.

Savannah is the Town manger and she likes everything under control she keeps everyone at arm length which make people in town believes she is a ice queen and if it wasn't for her daughter Eliana you'll think that to as your reading but it's not the case as I see it when she was younger she lost her father and her mother sort of abandon her and she grieves alone which made her put walls up around her heart.

Micki is Deputy Chief in town and she and Savannah doesn't piticularly get along because Micki seems to challenge her but when Savannah starts to recieve gifts that seem harmless at first but things start to feel threatening her assistant Chloe goes behind her back and get Micki involve much to Savannah chagrin.

As Micki and Savannah get to know each other they realize what they thought of each other is true but that didn't stop them for falling for each other flaws and all and as the danger of the stalker grow near will Micki be able to protect Savannah without her feelings cloudy her judgement.

I like the mystery of who the stalker is even though I guess who it was beforehand as the author did give us great suspects I knew two was a red herring and the one I knew was the stalker was true.

I'm looking forward to reading more from this author good first novel.

I love the type of characters that are in this book. I’m a sucker for a stuck up, bossy, in control woman falling in love with the laid back but kind-hearted woman. The tension is usually great and this was no exception.

I liked Savannah’s daughter and the side characters but I would have liked to see and hear from them more. For example, I would have liked to see interactions with Micki & her other two policemen. They sounded interesting.

I also didn’t give it 5 stars because I wish it was longer and I also was left feeling like I wasn’t sure how they fell in love that quickly. Was it the heightened tension from the stalking circumstance? Or were they really that close from enemies to soulmates the whole time? A little more flirty banter from the past would have been nice to see.

Overall, it was a great first book. I would read another from this author again.