Sap & Secrets by Daphne Elliot Series: Maplewood #1
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Nine months ago, I had one perfect, reckless night with Jasper Lawrence, the tall, tattooed firefighter who made me feel fearless. I told myself it was a mistake I’d never repeat.
Then he finds me at the Maple Festival… in labor with our surprise baby.
The best part? I had no idea I was pregnant.
Now Jasper is everywhere. The two of us stumble through new parenthood together. And he doesn’t just step up, he moves in. Almost. He pitches a tent in my backyard and sleeps outside so he’s never far away from us. He’s a shirtless, helpful menace who cooks, cleans, and cuddles our son. He makes me feel safe, seen, and wanted. And I hate how much I love it.
Every time I shove him away, he shows back up, golden retriever energy and all, with coffee and pastries in tow, ready to carry the baby, the groceries, and occasionally me.
I came to Maplewood, Vermont, to discover my independence. But it’s hard to keep my distance when the town’s been shaken by danger, the scars from my past refuse to stay buried, and the firefighter I should absolutely avoid keeps setting my world on fire.
Turns out the biggest threat to me in America’s most charming small town might be the man who won’t stop rescuing me.
Author’s Note: Sap & Secrets is a small-town romance featuring a curvy black cat, a tattooed golden retriever, and a (very cute) surprise baby. If you enjoy acts of service, small-town shenanigans, and maple syrup madness, you will not be disappointed.
Series Note: Welcome to Maplewood, Vermont. America’s Most Charming Small Town has some dark, sticky secrets. Come for the maple syrup, festivals, and cheese wars; stay for swoon.
I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Review
Sap and Secrets blends grumpy–sunshine romance, small-town charm, and a quietly simmering murder mystery into a story that feels both cozy and compulsively readable. It sounds like a lot on paper, but Daphne Elliott balances every element beautifully.
The opening immediately pulls you in with a surprise baby reveal at the Maple Festival — a moment that would already be life-altering on its own — only to layer in the shock of a murder unfolding in the same town. The emotional chaos is perfectly paced and sets the tone for a story where personal upheaval and community secrets intertwine.
Evie is a deeply compelling heroine. She’s the grump of the pair, shaped by years of emotional neglect and cruelty from her family — particularly her father, whose words left scars that still influence how she sees herself. Her fear of abandonment and her instinct to keep people at arm’s length feel painfully real. Watching her slowly rebuild her life and sense of worth in a new town is both heartbreaking and hopeful.
And then there’s Jasper — absolute golden-retriever, cinnamon-roll perfection. A firefighter who also works on his family’s farm (which may or may not be tied to the mystery), Jasper steps up the moment he learns he’s a father. He respects Evie’s boundaries, sleeping in a tent outside so he can be close without overwhelming her, sending her coffee every morning, and showing up every single time she needs him. His patience, steadiness, and quiet devotion to both Evie and baby Vincent make him impossible not to love. Their relationship unfolds slowly and realistically, with trust built moment by moment rather than rushed or idealized.
One of the standout aspects of this book is its thoughtful representation. Daphne Elliott continues to write plus-size heroines with depth and dignity, and the inclusion of PCOS and PTSD is handled with care and authenticity. It never feels performative — just honest, human, and meaningful.
I devoured this book. It’s heartfelt, cozy, emotionally layered, and threaded with just enough mystery to keep the pages turning. If this is the tone for the rest of the series, I am more than ready to keep coming back to this town.
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