Air Force flight surgeon Grayson Clark and NGO worker Lori Rutledge shared a romantic summer full of promise and ultimately heartbreak.

But after his turbulent childhood, Gray’s ill-equipped to offer Lori the security she craves.

Separate is better.

Or so he thinks until they’re paired on a military rescue operation to an overseas orphanage.

When one heart-tugging orphan charms her way into Lori’s life and Grayson’s heart, Lori dares to hope that she and her hometown hero may find a way to forever this time around.

Titles in the Hometown Heroes series include — This Time Around —♥— His North Star —♥— Pretend You’re Mine —♥—

This is an adult 18+ story that may contain language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.

Booksprout ARC

*An earlier draft of this novel was released by Silhouette/Harlequin Books.

Title:  This Time Around
Series:  Hometown Heroes #1
Author:  Catherine Mann
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Published:  November 1, 2022
Publisher:
My Rating:  4 stars

This Time Around begins the Hometown Heroes series with an emotional romance, perhaps a second chance for two people who really do love each other to finally get their issues straight and find a lasting future… if they are brave enough to take some risks.

On the surface, Grayson and Lori should not work as a couple.  She’s looking for the idealistic happily ever after that she’s always dreamed would be her future, he’s not willing to make a commitment beyond the “we’re good right now” kind.  In spite of their strong feelings for each other, it was this divide that pulled them apart.  Now, thanks to a few shenanigans from Grayson’s team they’ll find themselves on a rescue mission – one that will change lives forever, even beyond themselves.

I enjoyed Grayson’s and Lori’s journey to that happy ending, but it certainly was quite a battle to finally get there.  Their bantering exchanges, the issues that they both faced, and the growing love for one little girl will drive not only their romance but their future as well.  As always, the secondary characters bring this world to life – and I’m looking forward to several future stories for this crew.  I had fun in this world of two stubborn people, a second chance to get love right and lasting, as well as an adorable little girl who will steal scenes and hearts easily.  If you love a challenging relationship, some real issues to work through, and the love of a child being a central theme in your romances, then you’ll love This Time Around.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the author or author’s team via Booksprout. The opinions expressed in this review are my own – good, bad, or indifferent.*

Available for the Kindle as this series is currently in KU