SMALL TOWN BOY (Hickory Hills #3) by Claire Hastings | Cover & Excerpt Reveal
December 14, 2023

SMALL TOWN BOY
Hickory Hills #3
by Claire Hastings
Cover & Excerpt Reveal
Release Date: January 11, 2024
Cover Design: Cover Couture
Photo: TGTRN Photography
Models:
Luke Matthews &
Lizzy Hofweber
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Trope: Opposites attract, fish out of water, he falls first, new girl in town, small-town
Synopsis
Landing my dream job was surprisingly easy. Having to relocate to the small town of Hickory Hills, GA?
Not so much. But I’m a woman on a mission, and nothing is going to get in my way.
Until Noel Keller barges into my life.
As a born-and-bred northerner, I have a lot to learn about southern ways. A fact that is on display every time Noel rescues me from some sort of mishap.
It’s hard to ignore the goosebumps when I hear that smooth southern drawl of his. Especially when he calls me honey.
And don’t even get me started on his athletic build. Or that confident smolder that’s enough to overpower the southern summer heat, secretly fueling all my fantasies.
But none of that matters.
I’m here to do a job.
That’s it.
I’ve been hurt before and am not about to go down that road again.
Except plans have a way of changing.
Even when you try your hardest to push them away.
Add to your TBR List!
Excerpt
“Truth,” I say, keeping it going. I like this. Just the two us of, no one else to butt in.
“Ummmm…”
“Want to know what the girls always ask?” She nods. “They always want to know the last time I went out with someone.”
“Is that a secret?”
I shrug. Shifting on the stump so that I’m facing her, I scoot forward until our knees are touching. It’s a bold move, but after what she just shared, I feel like a barrier has been broken. That maybe I can push it, just a little.
“I don’t tend to kiss and tell. Which is why none of them know that it’s been awhile.”
“How long is awhile?” she asks, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Little over a year.”
I lean in more, resting a hand on her knee. When she doesn’t flinch or push me away, I relax, letting it slide to the inside.
“Me too,” she replies, leaning in and closing the gap even more. She licks her lips, eyes glued to mine. “I mean, the while part. It’s been closer to two for me.”
“Then maybe one of us should dare the other to fix that.”
Bronwyn sucks in a gulp of air, holding it. I can see the flicker in her eyes and know that it’s reflecting the full-on fire in mine. My mind is racing, wondering if her lips taste like the honey her hair reminds me of.
There’s only one way to find out.
I don’t wait for the dare. I push in closer, closing the small space between us. My hand is still on her knee, acting as an anchor, tethering us together. Her sweet scent overwhelms me, all of my brain power gone. My whole body is acting on its own, focusing on finding her lips with mine.
“Hey y’all!”
Fuck…
Pre-order Link
Giveaway
One of Five eARC's for Small Town Boy
a Rafflecopter Giveaway
Other Titles Within this Series

THINKING 'BOUT YOU
Hickory Hills Series #1

WORKIN' ON YOU
Hickory Hills Series #2
About the Author
USA Today Best Selling Claire Hastings is a walking, talking awkward moment. She loves Diet Coke, gummi bears, the beach, and books (obvs). When not reading she can usually be found hanging with friends at a soccer match or grabbing food (although she probably still has a book in her purse). She and her husband live in Atlanta.
Connect with Claire
Website: https://www.clairehastingsauthor.com/
Newsletter: http://bit.ly/3XNAlLZ
Facebook Author Page: https://bit.ly/3k9c2KK
Facebook Reader Group: https://bit.ly/3IcSn4x
Goodreads Author Page: http://bit.ly/3SbG3WR
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3Kndjby
Twitter: https://bit.ly/3XOtYrH
TikTok: http://bit.ly/3IjTMGk
Amazon Author Page: https://bit.ly/3lK9Jhn
Bookbub Author Page:
http://bit.ly/3lV3d7S

KING OF REGRET by Bianca Borell Kings of the Underworld #2 Release Blitz Release Date: January 14, 2026 Cover Design: Tempting Illustrations Genre: Dark Mafia Romance Standalone Tropes: Brother's best friend, forced proximity, grumpy/sunshine, touch her and d!e, forbidden love, jealous/possessive hero, she falls first/he falls harder, celibate hero, tortured heroine, unrequited love, secret relationship, emotional scars

RHYTHM MAN Red Door Series #7 by Dyan Layne Release Blitz Release Date: January 7, 2026 Cover Design: Lori Jackson Design Photo: Michelle Lancaster Model: David B. Genre: Contemporary Romance Standalone Tropes: Age-gap, childhood friend’s little sister, pizza girl meets a rockstar, spicy time in the woods, family drama, no 3rd act breakup

ZIGGY'S VOICE The Wilde Men #2 by Saxon James Cover & Excerpt Reveal Release Date: January 29, 2026 Cover Design: Story Styling Cover Designs Photo: Michelle Lancaster Model: Josh Genre: M/M Romance Standalone Trope: "Friends" to lovers, small town, mutual pining, idiots to lovers, hurt/comfort, possessive MC, pierced MC, mutually clingy








