Reviewed by Sadonna

TITLE:  The Rivals of Copper County

SERIES:  Copper County #2

AUTHOR:  May Archer

PUBLISHER:  Self-published

LENGTH:  315 pages

RELEASE DATE:  November 19, 2024

BLURB:

My childhood friend. My biggest rival. The only man I’ve ever wanted.

If there were a prize for the most contented man in Copper County, I’d win it every time. I’ve got my business. My son. My family. My friends… and no romantic prospects, sure, but only because I don’t need any. My life’s great as it is. Seriously. Could not be better. I’m practically bleeding serenity over here.

At least until Jasper Wrigley shows up in Copper County after twenty years–as my son’s temporary hockey coach, no less, though the man could barely lace up his skates back in the day–and throws my carefully ordered life into chaos.

Once upon a time, magnetic, confident Jasper was my best friend and greatest rival, and his summer visits to town were the best part of my year. Our competitions were fierce. Our dares were thrilling. We talked about everything under the sun, and he made me believe in the possibility of a bright, hazy future somewhere just out of reach.

But then he left, and I grew up. Now the last thing I need is Jasper back in my space, provoking me, challenging me, and making me question… freaking everything.

Like whether my life’s as perfect as I claim.
Like whether I’m as straight as I think.
Like whether there might be something better than “contentment” out there for me if I’m brave enough to look for it.
And whether the man who was always my greatest rival… might just be the love of my life.

REVIEW:

Note:  While the “setting” of this story will be familiar to readers of Love in O’Leary and Sunday Brothers series, it totally works as a standalone.  I do think, however, that if you haven’t read those series yet, this story will likely convince you to dive right in 😉

I have been a fan of May Archer’s since I by chance picked up The Gift and I was hooked.   Both of my parents grew up in teeny tiny towns and I spent time at my grandmothers in the small town where my mom grew up throughout my childhood through my 40s when she passed away.   This world seems very familiar to me 😉  I adore the humor and heart in all of these small town romances.

Watt and Jasper are thrown together after being sort of pulled apart 20 years prior after an awkward and surprising kiss.  That they each think they initiated and subsequently ruined their friendship when they never spoke again.  Turns out that both have been operating on incorrect assumptions.  When Jasper shows up in town, Watt is completely thrown.  They are arguing and bickering and betting.  Again.  And then it turns out to be the new history teacher/hockey coach covering for a maternity leave.  Watt’s son is on that team and he’s none to keen on a totally inexperienced person coaching his son (and the other kids) who could potentially be on their way to a scholarship.  Watt has to step in and help right?

Jasper tries to apologize but Watt doesn’t want to accept his peace offerings.  They clear the air.  Sort of. And kiss.  Things go sideways again.  Watt is confused.  Despite his friends trying to help him, he’s not sure what in the hell he’s doing.  When they finally start communicating, things go better.  They try a sort of friends with benefits arrangement since Jasper is only in town “temporarily” to clear up his late great aunt’s estate and get the property ready to sell.  What could go wrong??

This story is sooo lovely.  There were plenty of LOL moments.  These are balanced with the things that have gone wrong in their lives and the things they wish they had done differently.  I loved seeing the quirky characters from previous book in this series and some favorite O’Learians too!  If you love friends to lovers/enemies to lovers/frenemies to lovers and small towns, I think you will love this book.  I can’t wait for the next one.   This is why May Archer is an automatic one-click author for me.  Highly recommended!

RATING:

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