Bo is a stand-up guy who made mistakes in his past and is now spending his life helping others who find themselves in a similar situation - working with other ex-cons to transition from prison to regular life. It’s not easy but his no-nonsense attitude and occasional tough love helps.

Bo was one of my favorites from book 1 - his steady presence and Southern boy charm makes him a heart-stealer. Having him do something as fanciful as falling for someone at first sight is a hoot, but Joy proves to be a good choice as she is just as giving and big-hearted as he is. She volunteers her time teaching adults to read and is ready to look to the heart of people, not just what you see on the surface.

My biggest complaint with this book is that I would have loved for Joy and Bo to spend more time together. I found them delightful as a couple and would have enjoyed seeing their relationship develop and deepen. But that’s the romance reader in me - maybe this one would fall more towards women’s fiction as the author does a good job of letting us into the characters' lives and thoughts.

The Rumors in Ross County series so far has given us two slow burn, clean stories about ex-cons and the women who stole their hearts. There’s a little suspense and tension at the end to keep us on our toes but at its heart Sycamore Circle is all about Bo & Joy falling in love.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**