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Hill Country Heart #2
Scarlet Fever
Alex Stewart has been roped into playing wedding co-ordinator for his older brother Ethan’s, wedding; and nothing is going right today. And to make matters worse, he gets off on the wrong foot with the bride’s smokin’ hot sister! Before he knows it, Alex is suffering from a raging case of Scarlet Fever, and is determined to claim this woman for his very own, even if it means giving up his life. Scarlet is making one last trip to see her sister get married, and to experience a little bit of normal life. After setting eyes on her too-gorgeous soon-to-be brother-in-law, Scarlet decides that Alex is way out of her league, and strikes off Number 1 from her bucket list. When Alex finds her list, and discovers the secret she is hiding from everyone, he is determined to help her anyway he can. Can he break through her stubborn pride and make her see that she deserves a life? Preferably with him!
164 pages, Paperback
First published November 10, 2010
About the author
Sable Hunter
98 books1,359 followersSable Hunter is a New York Times, USA Today bestselling author of over 60 books in 11 series. She writes sexy contemporary stories full of emotion and suspense. Her focus is mainly cowboy and novels set in Louisiana with a hint of the supernatural. Sable writes what she likes to read and enjoys putting her fantasies on paper. Her books are emotional tales where the heroine is faced with challenges. Her aim is to write a story that will make you laugh, cry and swoon. If she can wring those emotions from a reader, she has done her job. Sable resides in Austin, Texas with her two dogs. Passionate about all animals, she has been known to charm creatures from a one ton bull to a family of raccoons. For fun, Sable haunts cemeteries and battlefields armed with night-vision cameras and digital recorders hunting proof that love survives beyond the grave. Welcome to her world of magic, alpha heroes, sexy cowboys and hot, steamy to-die-for sex. Step into the shoes of her heroines and escape to places where right prevails, love conquers all and holding out for a hero is not an impossible dream.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 25, 2015
Absolutely loved this book! Alex was definitely book-boyfriend material.
Whenever I read this story, I always felt for Scarlet and almost cried for her! She was so strong and independent that she didn't share her problem with her sister. She endured everything in her life, including people in her hometown called her church mouse behind her back, her poor health, and her poverty. Although she did her best to give her sister her dream wedding, such as sew her weeding dress and baked her wedding cake, etc., without considering her own financial difficulties.
Scarlet forgave him immediately, which made me like her more. However, didn't judge Alex yet, he turned out to be Scarlet's real hero! He was so sweet and strong-willed that he not only helped Scarlet achieve some items on her bucket list, but also gave her more, more than she imagined! He fell in love with her! Don't worry, there was a HEA!
Really love this story! Although many heroines in Sable Hunter's books had certain illnesses, I loved Scarlet the most! Alex also topped the other heroes!
Whenever I read this story, I always felt for Scarlet and almost cried for her! She was so strong and independent that she didn't share her problem with her sister. She endured everything in her life, including people in her hometown called her church mouse behind her back, her poor health, and her poverty. Although she did her best to give her sister her dream wedding, such as sew her weeding dress and baked her wedding cake, etc., without considering her own financial difficulties.
Scarlet forgave him immediately, which made me like her more. However, didn't judge Alex yet, he turned out to be Scarlet's real hero! He was so sweet and strong-willed that he not only helped Scarlet achieve some items on her bucket list, but also gave her more, more than she imagined! He fell in love with her! Don't worry, there was a HEA!
Really love this story! Although many heroines in Sable Hunter's books had certain illnesses, I loved Scarlet the most! Alex also topped the other heroes!
January 4, 2016
Be prepared for a heroine that can bake ,sew ,sing,cook,makes her own tapestries,works 2 full time jobs ,and oh yes,she is in need of a kidney transplant.
If you are in the mood for super sweet with a dash of angst,this is the book for you.Definately a " mood" book to be sure.
The hero is a doll once he sees the errors of his way.
If you are in the mood for super sweet with a dash of angst,this is the book for you.Definately a " mood" book to be sure.
The hero is a doll once he sees the errors of his way.
February 17, 2016
This was better than the first one. I didn't have to skim. I did get annoyed. Scarlet was perfect. She cooked, baked, made her sister's wedding gown, not to mention the bridesmaids' dresses, made the wedding cake, made gifts, baked Alex a birthday cake and lots more all in 10 days and sick the whole time. I would have told them all to go to hell. She's a likable person but was easily taken advantage of.
Alex was wonderful. Once they got past their initial meeting he was so good to her. It was a good sweet read.
Alex was wonderful. Once they got past their initial meeting he was so good to her. It was a good sweet read.
July 30, 2014
I fell for Alex in Book 1, as he was so protective and supportive of Lise, his brother’s girlfriend. Lise truly valued Alex’s friendship and was excited to have him meet her younger sister, Scarlet.
Alex certainly does not make a good first impression on Scarlet, as his harmful words really were unsettling for the sweet and very innocent Scarlet. Alex’s actions were out of character for him, and he tries very hard to make it up to Scarlet. Since Scarlet is such a kindhearted woman, she forgives him. Of course, it didn't hurt, that Alex happened to be the sexist man Scarlet had ever seen.
Their relationship develops extremely quickly and within a matter of days they are in love. So much so, Alex is willing to give his life and plus his life savings for Scarlet. Their lightning fast love affair is not all that believable. I also had issues with Lise’s character. She came across rather selfish in this story, which was nothing like the Lise from Book 1. The Stewart Brothers continued to be there for each other, which is extremely attractive.
The story had some very tender moments and also hot action between the sheets. The author also include some intrigue which was unexpected. The ending was rushed, which is a pet peeve of mine.
Over-all 3.5 Stars.
Alex certainly does not make a good first impression on Scarlet, as his harmful words really were unsettling for the sweet and very innocent Scarlet. Alex’s actions were out of character for him, and he tries very hard to make it up to Scarlet. Since Scarlet is such a kindhearted woman, she forgives him. Of course, it didn't hurt, that Alex happened to be the sexist man Scarlet had ever seen.
Their relationship develops extremely quickly and within a matter of days they are in love. So much so, Alex is willing to give his life and plus his life savings for Scarlet. Their lightning fast love affair is not all that believable. I also had issues with Lise’s character. She came across rather selfish in this story, which was nothing like the Lise from Book 1. The Stewart Brothers continued to be there for each other, which is extremely attractive.
The story had some very tender moments and also hot action between the sheets. The author also include some intrigue which was unexpected. The ending was rushed, which is a pet peeve of mine.
Over-all 3.5 Stars.
July 20, 2012
This is one of the best so far by Sable. I found this book had taken me on an emotional roller coaster. At one point (rehearsal wedding scene) I had to put the book down to regroup the scene was very emotional. This story is about the second brother, Alex and Annalise's sister, Scarlet. They had a connection that could not be denied. Scarlet saw her life as hopeless and coming to an end and wanted to make sure her sister had the wedding dress she always dreamed of. Little did she know that her life was just about to begin when to arrived at The Lost Maples B&B. This story was a beautiful story this was, so passionate and real. The emotions each character showed and each battle they struggled through was described so well you could really imagine it happening right before your eyes. I have enjoyed reading Sable's work and will look forward to reading more of her stories.
June 13, 2016
Good story, a little corny but hey it was sweet. I enjoyed most of it. It was just what I had come to expect from this author. Passion and insta-lust-love.
Recommend for the most part.
Only thing that bothered me was how rushed the ending was and how fast the chapters are written with very little explanation on the comings and going. It the writing itself that was the problem and not the story. The story was solid. What about closure? Just a few lines and that it. You are to infer that everything is Ok and that she is better?
3 star read.
Recommend for the most part.
Only thing that bothered me was how rushed the ending was and how fast the chapters are written with very little explanation on the comings and going. It the writing itself that was the problem and not the story. The story was solid. What about closure? Just a few lines and that it. You are to infer that everything is Ok and that she is better?
3 star read.
September 18, 2012
First Posted on Romancing the Book's blog
Reviewed by Sarah L.
Review Copy Provided by the Publisher
Having enjoyed previous stories by Sable Hunter in the past, I looked forward to reading Scarlet Fever. Although I had not read book 1 in the Hill Country Heart series, I easily picked up this story and followed along nicely. I would like to read book 1 however as from little comments throughout this story, it sounds like it would be a story I would greatly enjoy.
At first I wasn’t quite sure what to think of Alex. When Scarlet first happens upon him in the beginning of story, he was a total jerk and I know he tried to make amends but he was brutal. He did quickly redeem himself though. I liked getting to know Scarlet but it was sometimes over the top the way everyone dumped on her and she let them. It was great the way Alex spoke up on Scarlet’s behalf and took charge. It was also very nice that he was determined to make her share her secret. Honestly, I never really did understand why she was determined to bear the burden alone.
Overall, Scarlet Fever was a very enjoyable story that I experienced a wide range of emotions while reading. I look forward to reading more from Sable Hunter in the future.
Reviewed by Sarah L.
Review Copy Provided by the Publisher
Having enjoyed previous stories by Sable Hunter in the past, I looked forward to reading Scarlet Fever. Although I had not read book 1 in the Hill Country Heart series, I easily picked up this story and followed along nicely. I would like to read book 1 however as from little comments throughout this story, it sounds like it would be a story I would greatly enjoy.
At first I wasn’t quite sure what to think of Alex. When Scarlet first happens upon him in the beginning of story, he was a total jerk and I know he tried to make amends but he was brutal. He did quickly redeem himself though. I liked getting to know Scarlet but it was sometimes over the top the way everyone dumped on her and she let them. It was great the way Alex spoke up on Scarlet’s behalf and took charge. It was also very nice that he was determined to make her share her secret. Honestly, I never really did understand why she was determined to bear the burden alone.
Overall, Scarlet Fever was a very enjoyable story that I experienced a wide range of emotions while reading. I look forward to reading more from Sable Hunter in the future.
February 6, 2016
It took me over a month to finish this story...
Actually, this is a super sweet, romantic story, where Alex is very adorable, and scarlet is a strong and independent woman for everything she went through..
I really really want to give more stars than what I gave to it, but, I couldn't enjoy in the middle of the story as much as in the beginning (I very much enjoyed reading from the beginning until at 60 % of story. After that part, I felt this plot going mundane. That's why I stagnated in this part for over a month before continuing it again until the end.
But maybe it is just me who feels that. I won't blame this story anyway, and I will blame my mood, because recently I feel not in the mood to read a fluffy, and super sweet story (usually I really love this genre so much), that's why this story a bit failed me...
Overall, I highly recommend this story for everyone who loves a fluffy, supersweet, romantic, and heart-wrenching story :)
Actually, this is a super sweet, romantic story, where Alex is very adorable, and scarlet is a strong and independent woman for everything she went through..
I really really want to give more stars than what I gave to it, but, I couldn't enjoy in the middle of the story as much as in the beginning (I very much enjoyed reading from the beginning until at 60 % of story. After that part, I felt this plot going mundane. That's why I stagnated in this part for over a month before continuing it again until the end.
But maybe it is just me who feels that. I won't blame this story anyway, and I will blame my mood, because recently I feel not in the mood to read a fluffy, and super sweet story (usually I really love this genre so much), that's why this story a bit failed me...
Overall, I highly recommend this story for everyone who loves a fluffy, supersweet, romantic, and heart-wrenching story :)
March 14, 2014
Scarlet just got to the Inn and heard Alex
talking on the phone saying he was unsure and he didn't
want to take Scarlet out sight seeing .. Scarlet Didn't know what to
do about Alex .. Scarlet had a big heart and forgave Alex for what
he said and she had the time of her life Until she told Alex about
her health problem , then Alex did the unthinkable thing to help Scarlet.
This was an excellent read .. Can't wait to read Bobby
talking on the phone saying he was unsure and he didn't
want to take Scarlet out sight seeing .. Scarlet Didn't know what to
do about Alex .. Scarlet had a big heart and forgave Alex for what
he said and she had the time of her life Until she told Alex about
her health problem , then Alex did the unthinkable thing to help Scarlet.
This was an excellent read .. Can't wait to read Bobby
June 6, 2013
Scarlet Fever is the second book of Sable Hunter's Hill Country Heart series. What a captivating and heartwrenching love story! Alex' love for Scarlet is unconditional and endless. I guess that's what happens when you're having a case of the Scarlet Fever. A well-written story packed with emotional ups and downs, you can't help but be entranced by Alex' and Scarlet's journey to finding their happy ever after.
May 15, 2012
Loved it! It was a sweet, amazing read and I'm definitely going back for more ;)
March 29, 2018
Hit the Spot with Swoony, Syrupy Goodness
I loved reading this book. Even being aware that it has the plot of a Hallmark movie, even believing that Scarlet's backstory was so unbalanced to the negative, and even recognizing that there were too many coincidental match ups between the leads ("You're a Civil War enthusiast? Me too!" "My company needs a wind farm planner right this minute. That was your college major? How perfect!"), I still loved reading it.
For me, Scarlet Fever was the right book at the right time. I needed a cleansing cry, a huge helping of romance and steam, and renewed faith that (1) there are good and true people in the world; and (2) sometimes things work out better than you hope. I got it all in Scarlet Fever.
I loved reading this book. Even being aware that it has the plot of a Hallmark movie, even believing that Scarlet's backstory was so unbalanced to the negative, and even recognizing that there were too many coincidental match ups between the leads ("You're a Civil War enthusiast? Me too!" "My company needs a wind farm planner right this minute. That was your college major? How perfect!"), I still loved reading it.
For me, Scarlet Fever was the right book at the right time. I needed a cleansing cry, a huge helping of romance and steam, and renewed faith that (1) there are good and true people in the world; and (2) sometimes things work out better than you hope. I got it all in Scarlet Fever.
February 17, 2018
Tender in Spite of Contrivance
Scarlet is sweet and good to the point of inducing cavities in passers-by, but she's different and therefore shunned. All she wants is a trip to her sister's wedding that's worthy of a bucket list, but her future brother-in-law factors more into those plans, than is wise.
It's tropish; the underdog that no one can see is beautiful besides the hero. But all the same, the dialogue brought tears at multiple points, for sweet words that cannot help but to melt the romantic heart.
Scarlet is sweet and good to the point of inducing cavities in passers-by, but she's different and therefore shunned. All she wants is a trip to her sister's wedding that's worthy of a bucket list, but her future brother-in-law factors more into those plans, than is wise.
It's tropish; the underdog that no one can see is beautiful besides the hero. But all the same, the dialogue brought tears at multiple points, for sweet words that cannot help but to melt the romantic heart.
September 16, 2021
Love me tender
Scarlet has no self esteem and is living a difficult life. When she goes to her sister's wedding she meets Alex, brother of the groom. He screws up when they meet but he's instantly enthralled by her. Scarlet isn't sure if it's real or a joke.
Great character development and tugging on the heat strings as well as steamy lust.
Scarlet has no self esteem and is living a difficult life. When she goes to her sister's wedding she meets Alex, brother of the groom. He screws up when they meet but he's instantly enthralled by her. Scarlet isn't sure if it's real or a joke.
Great character development and tugging on the heat strings as well as steamy lust.
February 10, 2020
Loved!
Amazing book. That's all I can say really. So dang good from start to finish. Written superbly well also. The character's so in love it's amazing I wished it went on forevermore.
Amazing book. That's all I can say really. So dang good from start to finish. Written superbly well also. The character's so in love it's amazing I wished it went on forevermore.
February 26, 2022
Whew!
What a wonderful whirlwind romance. This story was a fast moving some times nail biter and I really enjoyed reading Alex and Scarlet happy ever after. Would recommend this series and this author. Bobby story next.
What a wonderful whirlwind romance. This story was a fast moving some times nail biter and I really enjoyed reading Alex and Scarlet happy ever after. Would recommend this series and this author. Bobby story next.
Shelved as 'did-not-finish'
June 10, 2019This one is soooo OTT it’s hilarious!
February 28, 2017
"Scarlet Fever" (Hill Country Hearts Book 2) by Sable Hunter is a great read. I loved Alex and Scarlet's story. This is a great follow up to "Unchained Melody" (Hill Country Hearts Book 1). This story is packed with emotion, passion, romance, drama, happily ever afters, family, new beginnings, and more. I can't wait to see what happens next in this series! Highly recommend to all fans of romance, family, and series.
December 24, 2018
Ok, this book is just ridiculously saccharine and over the top dramatic. The heroine is a martyr to such an absurd degree that I laughed multiple times. There were also several silly things: There was an overheard insult, several Misunderstandings, and so much delicate vulnerability in the heroine that the book reminds me of an 80s historical romance. It's absurd and I LOVED IT. The heroine is such a ball of self-consciousness and insecurity and unresolved trauma - exactly my guilty pleasure favored trope in books! She is so convinced she is plain despite being gorgeous that I allowed her a spot on the "plain heroine" shelf due to her angst. I skimmed over some of the epic-level cheeseball lovey romance parts, but this is gonna get 3.5 stars for its caricature-like portrayal of my favorite tropes. Speaking of, #1 in this series looks like it might be right up my alley as well!
July 17, 2016
Scarlet Fever is the second book in the Hill County Heart series and a great addition. This book is about Alex Stewart, brother to Ethan Stewart, and we were introduced to him in Unchained Melody and Scarlet Evans, who is sister to Annalise who is getting ready to marry Ethan. Scarlet takes a trip to the The Lost Maples bed & breakfast to attend the wedding of her sister, and possibly be able to mark some items off of her bucket list while she is there. Upon her arrival she overhears Alex on a phone call with his brother, and I have to say he not only put his foot in his big mouth, he put both feet in. I felt so sorry for what Scarlet overheard, but I also felt sorry for Alex, who really felt bad about the circumstances. With her heart of gold Scarlet forgives Alex, and while getting to know one another he stumbles across her bucket list, and what he finds out scares him to death, and leaves him wondering what he can do to help. Seems Scarlet is seriously ill, and has no plans of telling her sister, but at the same time Alex has a few plans of his own.
I recommend this book to any romance lover, it is filled with passion, romance, steamy sex and family. Alex is fantastic and no one works harder than Scarlet. Five glowing stars for this one.
I recommend this book to any romance lover, it is filled with passion, romance, steamy sex and family. Alex is fantastic and no one works harder than Scarlet. Five glowing stars for this one.
February 9, 2016
Scarlet Fever-Hill Country Heart by Sable Hunter tore at my heart strings. This is the second book in this series it follows behind Unchained Melody so you should read that first so you know the background on these two characters. You have this beautiful sweet woman that will do anything for anyone and never complain about it because she feels that she is a burden to the people she loves. Then you have Alex who is a strong sexy man that loves woman and would love to have what his brother is getting with his soon to be wife. Scarlet has been hiding the truth from her sister about her condition which is sad that she feels she can’t tell anyone the truth because she feels she deserves this to happen. Scarlet is such a strong individual but I loved that fact that Alex was able to show her that it okay to except help from the people who love you and the ones that love you the most would lay down their lives for you. I am absolutely loving this series and can’t wait to see what happens next there have been some very interesting twist and turns with these characters.
May 31, 2013
Another heart stopping book by the amazing Sable Hunter... Just love this Girl and her books.. What to say without spoiling for others.. I laughed.. I cried.. had my heart in my mouth on more than one occasion...Alex is my New book boyfriend.. he is a hunk .. gentle.. thoughtful.. caring and so in love with Scarlet he would die for her.. who would not like a guy like that?? Scarlet is in love with him .. but cannot accept the ever after as she has a secret she is keeping from everyone..
You have to read this book to find out her secret.. I recommend this book 100%
You have to read this book to find out her secret.. I recommend this book 100%
May 3, 2016
Scarlet is beautiful (but she thinks she is ugly) she can cook, sew beautiful dresses, is good to everyone, is sick and almost dying but not telling anyone etc. etc.
It is so unrealistic and Scarlet is such a Mary Sue. She and the Hero fall in love immediately and as soon as he finds out she is dying (but still working her ass off to afford her medicine) he wants to save her. I understand the story will appeal to romantics, but I also did not really like the writing style.
The stories of the 3 brothers intertwine, so you also read about them while it is only a short book.
It is so unrealistic and Scarlet is such a Mary Sue. She and the Hero fall in love immediately and as soon as he finds out she is dying (but still working her ass off to afford her medicine) he wants to save her. I understand the story will appeal to romantics, but I also did not really like the writing style.
The stories of the 3 brothers intertwine, so you also read about them while it is only a short book.
July 5, 2012
What a great story this was! I really enjoyed this one. I think Sable Hunter hit it out of the park with this story. There was the right amount of romance, mystery, and sex. Did I say sex? You have to read to almost the very last page to find out if everything that you hope is going to happen for the character is going to come true. I couldn't put the book down, I sat and read it all in one day. A great read!
July 18, 2016
I read it because it was suggested by Goodreads and i was on a lookout for virgin heroines (don't ask me why). So, not going into too many details, It was a nice read, overall. Not very well paced, if you ask me, and a little anti climatic to say the least. I mean, the big reveal about her problems was just thrown in at random and the same goes for ALex's big problem solving step. Nice, but not too nice
April 30, 2015
Mixed feelings on this one. I loved the cheesy insta-love between the two main characters. Love stories that bring awareness to organ donation. BUT... the book ended at like 67%. Totally felt cheated. I could have read more and was expecting more.
August 4, 2012
Nice follow up book...Loved Scarlet and Alex story...
October 16, 2013
Loved this story & the way it unfolded
June 20, 2013
What a great second book in the Hill Country Heart series. Alex and Scarlet's story is lovely.
April 16, 2014
5 Stars for Sable!
Romance, action, family, pain and finally happiness. This story has heart. One more book in this series to go. This book will not disappoint Sable Hunter fans
Romance, action, family, pain and finally happiness. This story has heart. One more book in this series to go. This book will not disappoint Sable Hunter fans
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews