Katie Marshall lives a quiet life on her family ranch in Marietta, Montana. One of her ideas to expand business at the working ranch was to build cabins and invite people to stay and learn things on the ranch. A bachelor party with a group of men from Seattle brings a former Marietta-native, Hunter Richardson.

Hunter was a bit of a rebel as a young person and fled their small town as quick as he could after high school graduation. He never forgot Katie from drama class, so seeing her grown up makes him realize that is still attracted to her. One kiss turns the spark of attraction into an inferno.

Is the week enough time for these two to get things under control? Or is this more than a fling? Read and find out!

4 out of 5 stars.

I received an advanced copy from the author, publisher and NetGalley; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.

Thank you for the chance to review this book, however, unfortunately, I was unable to read and review this title before it was archived.

This was a cute and sweet contemporary romance read for me. High Tech guys ends up on a ranch in the middle of nowhere. He does t know what to with with himself with no wifi. He meets a rancher girl.

It is a sweet opposites attract story.

3.5 out of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this book. It would get 4 stars if it wasn't so rushed towards the end. I really like that you can read these as standalones and not as a strict series. I really enjoyed Hunter as a character. His backstory was quite interesting, although expected. He is a computer coder who creates video games and is a lefty ( like me). Katie is a sweet girl from Montana who works on a ranch and really loves the country and the city life is not for her. Whereas Hunter is from Montana, the same small town that Katie is from, he lives in Seattle and runs his fairly new company with great success. Hunter's 'friend' Lance, who is a total tool, is having a bachelor party and Hunter is his best man. Hunter chooses the Marshall Ranch for Lance's bachelor party. Katie, a girl Hunter had a crush on in highschool, runs the Marshall Ranch and it is clear that there is some chemistry there. Overall I really enjoyed this book. It was a nice fluffy contemporary.

Katie Marshall was the hometown girl from Marietta, Montana. She had always lived in Marietta and she would never leave. She helped manage her family's farm with her brother, Wyatt. During the summer they rented out cabins and ran a sort of "dude ranch" experience for city people looking to get back to nature and unplug from the world.

Hunter Richardson had grown up in Marietta but couldn't wait to get away from the place that had caused so much grief for him. He had grown up on the wrong side of the tracks and had gotten into trouble when he was younger. After moving to Seattle to go to school, he started his own gaming company which was very successful. Now, he was back in Marietta for a bachelor party he was hosting for his friend, Lance and Lance's cousin, Dan. He didn't really like Lance but they had been roommates in college and he felt obligated to do this for him. He saw that the Marshall's had a cowboy ranch experience and that is what Lance chose; in Marietta, Montana. That meant going home for him. And he was so not looking forward to that!

That was until he saw Katie. She had always been the one that had been kind to him but they had nothing common. Now, he could see her interest and he wanted more from her than just a friendship but he was sure that could never happen. Or could it?

I really like the Katie and Hunter's story. I hated Lance, though. He was a class A jerk who had no idea what a committed relationship meant. I didn't care for the descriptive sex scenes. I don't need all the details to feel the chemistry in a well-written book.

I was given an arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The high school crush all grown up plot made me very happy.  Even though Hunter and Katie didn’t know each other very well then there was something between them and when they meet again as adults it develops into something a bit … well, more  :) 

Hunter hasn’t been home in a long time – his childhood isn’t exactly something he wants to revisit.  He didn’t really fit into the small Montana community growing up and really couldn’t wait to get out.  But, given the chance, he finds it hard to pass up the chance to see Katie again.  He may be an adult but there is still a part of him that is still that boy.  

Katie tried living away from home but it wasn’t for her and Marietta is where she belongs.  When an old face appears again, spending a week at her ranch, the attraction proves impossible to ignore.  She knows he’s leaving but she can't resist the geeky, sexy man who is a genius with computers and looks oh-so-good in boots & a hat. 

Time spent with Katie at the Marshall ranch gives Hunter a chance to look at his past with adult eyes and decide what will really make him happy.

(I haven’t read the first book in this series (surprise!) but I don’t know that it really mattered.  There may have been a bit more development of the sibling relationship and how they’ve dealt with their father’s death but I felt that Stevens does a good job of giving her readers a complete and satisfying stand-alone story.)

This is not my first Shelli Stevens book, but it's been a long time since I read her; my first book of hers was Negligee Behavior , which I really enjoyed! Unfortunately, Falling for the Hometown Girl definitely fell short of that. There was nothing really wrong with it ... but there was also nothing really super right about it.

Summary. Modern-day Marietta, Montana
Katie Marshall runs her family ranch with her oldest brother and during the summer, they open it to groups and parties and rent out the six cabins they had built. When the book starts, Katie is getting ready to greet the guests of the week, which is a 3-person bachelor party. Little does she know that one of the members is Hunter Richardson, who is now a big techie (he's a gamer and has a very successful company) in Seattle, but is originally from Marietta and was just a few years above her in school.

Hunter left Marietta for college and basically never came back. He's visited his family a couple of times, but has no desire to be reminded of his unhappy youth, growing up in a small-town where he was viewed as a weird, computer, nerd introvert and was picked on and bullied. He still remembers Katie Marshall, who was always quick with a smile for him and very friendly—one of the only people at school who was. She's just as pretty as he remembers and there's definitely sexual tension between them as soon as he arrives.

Despite an annoying and rude groom-to-be, Hunter's uneasiness being back in Marietta, and the fact that Katie is kind of dating the local deputy, the chemistry between them can't be ignored. He's leaving in a week though, so what possible future is there for them? Is it worth it to just take advantage of this week together, knowing that they have no future together?

What I Liked. I really liked Hunter and it was a nice change to have a hero who was introverted, and kind of shy and awkward. Of course he's good-looking and has a rockin' body—#eyeroll—but hey, whatever, the rest made for a nice change (though see section below). The conflict in the romance was also an interesting one, because it's a very real one nowadays that couple's face, whether it's their jobs being in different locations, or just different preferences and lifestyles, like this, etc. Stevens kind of dealt with it well, though I have to say she gave herself an easy out that didn't make either character have to work too hard to get it all settled. A little too neat and easy, but that was the least of my complaints. I liked Katie's brothers; they both added some humor and the relationship between the siblings was very sweet.

What I Didn't Like. The entire story had a feeling of inconsistency, from some of the plotlines/ploys to the characters behaviors and feelings; several things made no sense. A bachelor party of only 3 people? Lance is an asshole and yes, he apparently liked the idea of going to a ranch, but that doesn't at all fit with his character (hence why he ends up hating it when he's there). Hunter is aware that girls hit on him and find him attractive, but is still supposed to be a little awkward, and these moments of super confidence with Katie didn't fall in line with him at other times. Stevens also throws in this characteristic of his of taking everything literally ... but it appears like halfway through, is mentioned a couple token times, and then not again; seems like an interesting character quirk that the author accidentally forgot (frequently). Katie's reaction to Hunter and her attraction to him were also confusing and didn't seem very clear to me (but not in the sense that she was unclear and the author was successfully portraying that to us ... it was just confusing).

Bottom Line. Story had promise, and I like the kind-of-bad-boy-(but-more-outcast-boy) comes back to town and gets the local good girl plotline, but it didn't really deliver, it felt too rushed, the entire relationship happens within less than a week but—no spoiler here—they end up together for the long-term, and I just couldn't get super into it. Wasn't horrible, but honestly, I don't know that I would recommend it (due to the "too many books, too little time" rule).

*This review is of an ARC provided by Net Galley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Sweet and touching, Falling for the Hometown Girl is a lovely story. Set in Marietta Montana, this story brings computer nerd Hunter Richardson back to town for a reunion with Katie Marshall, the girl he's dreamed about for years. With likeable and believable characters and a plot that had me hooked, from the start, this story kept me turning the pages. I loved Katie, I loved Hunter and I loved this story.

This is an adorable romance between the man who was from "the wrong side of the tracks" and the all-American small town girl. I want to read the other books in the series for sure!

You can take the boy out of Marietta, but eventually the man will return. Hunter had shaken the dust of Marietta, Montana off of his shoes long ago for the trendy city streets of Seattle. He’d always been the nerd, the geek, the kid picked on for either his perceived bad boy rep or for his non-cowboy ways. He loved gaming and creating games more than sitting in a saddle – even though that was far away from the reality his family could afford. He’d left this small town, made his fortune in his chosen field and never looked back. Except maybe for a few fond memories and to force himself to visit his parents. Why he’d thought this Ranching Cowboy bachelor party was a good idea now escaped him. But he was here… and so was Katie.

Katie was a country girl through to her golden heart. She’d tried the big city for college, but it wasn’t her and she happily returned home to her family ranch. Now the ranch was profitable, in the off season they rented out the cabins for get-away vacations. She was content. Or so she thought until Hunter returned to town. Oh, he’d been a rebellious kid back then, and they’d only had one class together but he was the local boy who made good in the tech field. The man he’d grown into was quite a different story though. While his idea of a bachelor party vacation for a groom who was more than a bit of a jerk seemed above the line, it was his money to spend. She wasn’t counting on the attraction, or the memories that having Hunter back would bring… for more than just herself. It was simply too good to be true, something had to go wrong – and unfortunately, she was right.

Katie and Hunter’s romance is definitely a slow burn, building until they finally give in to the attraction. When it blows up in their faces because of the past that happy ending is put into question. I enjoyed their story, it’s a reunion, a discovery and dealing with painful memories and events. Something that is never easy. It’s always fun to catch up with past couples, and seeing Wyatt and Claire again was fun for me.

If you’re in the mood for a fun Romance, with a bit of the past sticking around to cause some troubles and a very likable, relatable couple then Falling For The Hometown Girl is a story that you’d enjoy. I’d recommend this one for any Romance reader who enjoys a solid story, interesting characters and has a love for small town and all they bring to the story.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

Katie and Hunter's story was a sweet and sexy romance that kept me intrigued all the way to the end. I loved the back story of Katie and Hunter and how they knew each other in their younger years but Katie never knew that Hunter always had his eye on her. I always have a soft place in my heart for a good "on the ranch" story and this one certainly delivers all the feels. Their passion was well written with just the right amount of angst and drama. Thought it was a little weird that Hunter came up for this bachelor party with a group of guys he didn't even really like. They played out a bit differently then I thought it would and kept me a little confused even though the author does try to explain their relationship. Overall, a fun, quick, and sexy romance!

A fun sweet read for a perfect lazy afternoon. Katie, "the girl next door" runs a ranch when she books a bachelor party from Seattle. She soon finds out that "the bad boy from town", Hunter is part of this party. After Hunter left town a few years ago, he now become a successful software tycoon. Hunter, has always had a certain liking to Katie, and now is the time to act upon his feelings. Will Katie open her heart or still play it safe? Soon there will be fireworks in the sky and not just for Fourth of July.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story of finding love and opening your heart. I loved how Hunter, gave Cal and other kids like him a second chance in Marietta. Coming home, cane be good.

FALLING FOR THE HOMETOWN GIRL is a fun and flirty read that is perfect for lounging on the beach this summer. Nice blend of romance and discovering your future by examining your past. Katie Marshall enjoys running her family ranch and making guest feel welcome. When a blast from the past, Hunter Richardson, comes to stay with two friends for a bachelor party, she finds herself drawn to him. Hunter has spent the past several years trying to forget the girl he longed for from afar and his troubled past. Readers will enjoy watching the characters grow and develop. Definitely recommend.

I loved this romance. The book is well written with a super great plot and believable characters. I also enjoyed the Montana ranch setting.

A cute book, but the story line wasn't as developed as it could have been.

I enjoyed reading Falling For The Hometown Girl in a lukewarm sort of way. Yes, it contained all of the elements of a contemporary romance, and the chemistry between the characters is there, but there was just not enough action – and I am not talking about the type that happens between the sheets.

This novel seemed like a formula novel – the typical parental misunderstanding, the normal small town boy made it big time, and game back home, to fall in love with small town girl from his past. It has everything that it is supposed to have, expect anything special.

It was not one of those books that I could not wait to find out what will happens next because I kind of already knew. It did not grab me in the way, that I wanted to come back to it, despite the tasks I had to accomplish – no, it was just there, and I went back to it, without much enthusiasm, like a cup of herbal tea, that is okay tasting and good for me, but makes me think that I would rather drink the strong cup of coffee instead. I was waiting and hoping for a strong cup of coffee kind of book, or at least a twist somewhere within the pages, that would make me go – okay, now you really got my attention.

Instead, I continued to nod at the story line, while looking forward to the next book on my TBR list.

This book review has been posted on my book blog http://withinthepagesofabook.com/book-review-falling-for-the-hometown-girl-by-shelli-stevens-a-contemporary-romance

I was so pleasantly surprised by this romance novel. It’s the second in a series but I hadn’t read the first one and don’t think I missed anything much. I do, however, want to go back and read the first one! This is a really sweet story of a man who returns to his hometown and connects with the girl he couldn’t forget from high school. Nothing earth shattering about the story but I think Shelli Stevens really excelled at the characters and the sense of place in this one. It gave this book that something special that made it stand out to me. I really liked Katie and Hunter. There was something very sweet about their relationship and how their story comes together. I loved learning about the ranch that the story takes place on and the peripheral characters were really well done. All in all, I really liked this one and can’t wait to go back and read the first in the series. Definitely recommend to those of you who love a good romance!

Katie Marshall owns a cattle ranch with her brother. They rent out the cabins in the summer for extra income. Katie is the quintessential girl next door. She is sweet, kind, easy going while taking no crap from the male guests and liked by everyone.
Hunter Richardson grew up in the same small town. He was not popular, a gamer and an introvert. He was even bullied because he was different. He left for college and never returned. He became a millionaire developing games and runs his own company.
Hunter books a bachelor party at the Marshall ranch. He has always had a soft spot for Katie because she was always nice to him. Katie doesn’t recognize him because he has grown from a gangly teen into a very good looking, muscled man. While Katie was always nice to him, her brother Cal was not, making his life miserable. A fact he does not disclose to Katie.
Katie is casually dating Jim, the deputy of the town, but is drawn to Hunter. She kisses Hunter a few times before she breaks up with Jim. Hunter and Katie decide on a one week fling because her life is in Marietta while his is in Seattle.
I was disappointed with Hunter’s character in his pursuit of Katie. Having been the victim of small town mentality he was pushing Katie awfully hard to have an affair. He knew the gossip it would stir up and what it could do to Katie’s reputation. He does somewhat make up for it by apologizing for his part in deceiving Katie about his issues with Cal and setting up classes/opportunities for kids who are like he was in high school. Not to mention his surprise for her at the end! Loved it.
Hunter struggled with coming back to his hometown. We watch him make peace with the town and his parents while finding his place.
I did not read the first book in the series and easily read this one as a standalone.

This was a quick read that was action packed. Hunter and Katie were the typical star crossed lovers that finally see the light. There was just enough steaminess to make it interesting without taking away from the story.

Falling for the Hometown Girl could also be titled Falling for the Cowgirl. I liked the change in the roles as well as the characters. Shelli Stevens has written a fun and touching story concerning Hunter Richardson and Katie Marshall. Even though is no past romance, both went to the Marietta high school with Hunter being a few years older. It is a coming home story for Hunter.

The characters are engaging while being different. It makes for an entertaining read to see how they fit together once the attraction is acknowledged. Much of their backgrounds come in to play providing some surprises. It is an amusing read but also one with depth as the past catches up with the present. This story just goes to show the present doesn’t have to repeat the past.