Always The Hero is a tender contemporary romance story of overcoming past emotional baggage, insecurities, and personal trust issues in order to get a chance at finding true love.

From the day that Army Veteran/ Sheriff Deputy Matt Knight and Assistant Hotel Manager Lori Bradley meet there is a strong connection and mutual attraction between them. But Matt and Lori both have past emotional baggage along with trust and insecurity issues that stand in the way of the development of their budding romantic relationship.When Matt and Lori team together in the planning of the annual Monarch Festival held in their small coastal town of Butterfly Harbor, their relationship is put to the test, but a sense of community spirit from their families, friends, and neighbors help this couple overcome the obstacles in their way in order to get a chance at finding love.

Author Anna J. Stewart weaves a wonderful tale full of pain, angst, drama, humor, and tender romantic moments that easily draws the reader into Matt and Lori's story. The slow building development of their relationship makes this heartwarming story worth the read, as their connection is put to the test by serious personal issues in their lives. You can't help but feel for both Matt and Lori as they struggle with their past emotional baggage and personal issues, and cheer them on as they embark on a personal journey of discovering love.

Always The Hero has an intriguing cast of characters who are realistic, flawed, and easy to relate to; witty dialogue and engaging interactions; a small coastal town setting rich in description that makes you want to visit; and a compelling storyline that will take you on a hauntingly beautiful journey where you will experience the full gamut of emotions.

If you are looking for a hopeful and heartwarming love story that follows the unexpected journey of two people who learn to let go of their pasts and open themselves up to a healing and loving relationship, then Always The Hero is the story for you!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author/publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by I Am A Reader.

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I’ve come to really enjoy the Harlequin Heartwarming line with it’s sweet and clean stories, many of which are set in small towns. Always the Hero just might top that list of favorites.
I appreciate that Anna J. Stewart’s heroine isn’t your typical runway model/Olympic athlete/movie star sterotype. Nope, Lori Bradley is what I like to consider fluffy. She has some weight as well as some self-confidence issues.
Yet, Matt Knight sees past her outward appearance to Lori’s kindness and good heart. Don’t get me wrong, Matt’s not perfect. He makes some huge mistakes—ones that made me want to shake some sense into the man—but he knows Lori is special.
This was my first visit to Butterfly Harbor and I was welcomed right in to the small town determined to put the past behind it and become something beautiful. Small town politics and a major festival add a fantastic backdrop to this book.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 ( )