Step into the charming world of Cricket Creek, where love blossoms along the banks of a sweet Kentucky river town! LuAnn McLane’s Cricket Creek series, a delightful blend of contemporary romance and small-town warmth, invites readers to a place where heartwarming stories, sassy humor, and second chances reign supreme. Spanning 11 novels, this series captures the essence of Southern life, making it a cozy escape for romance fans craving community and happily-ever-afters.
Cricket Creek, Kentucky, isn’t just a setting—it’s a character in its own right. From quaint shops to lively baseball games, the town buzzes with resilience and charm, drawing readers into tales of love and personal growth. Whether you’re new to romance or a seasoned reader, Cricket Creek’s vibrant stories will steal your heart.
How Cricket Creek Began
LuAnn McLane, a Kentucky native with a flair for Southern storytelling, launched the Cricket Creek series in 2011 with Playing for Keeps. Inspired by her love for small-town life and country music, McLane crafted a fictional river town that mirrors the warmth and quirks of real Kentucky communities. Her goal? To weave sexy, humorous romances that celebrate love across ages and backgrounds, all while showcasing the tight-knit spirit of the South.
McLane’s own experiences—fishing with her husband, savoring local cuisine, and soaking up Kentucky’s culture—infuse Cricket Creek with authenticity. Published by Penguin Random House, the series grew into a fan favorite, earning spots on bestseller lists like USA Today and Barnes & Noble, proving that small-town romance has big-time appeal.
The Heart of Cricket Creek
The Cricket Creek series kicks off with Playing for Keeps, where former baseball star Noah Falcon returns to his hometown, sparking a romance with schoolteacher Olivia Lawson. In Catch of a Lifetime, ex-Major Leaguer Ty McKenna falls for single mom Jessica Robinson, navigating love and past fears. Moonlight Kiss follows city girl Addison Monroe, who finds unexpected romance with skeptic Reid Greenfield while opening a bridal boutique. Wildflower Wedding delivers a double dose of romance, pairing high school crushes and a divorced couple rediscovering love.
At its core, Cricket Creek explores themes of community, resilience, and second chances. McLane’s characters—tomboy cooks, country singers, and retirees—face economic struggles, past heartbreaks, and personal reinvention, all while finding love. The lush Kentucky setting, with its baseball fields and cozy diners, grounds the stories in a vivid sense of place. McLane’s sassy dialogue and heartfelt moments create a style that’s both spicy and sweet, perfect for readers who love romance with a Southern twang.
The series also shines for its inclusivity, featuring romances across generations, from young dreamers to feisty seniors. This diversity, paired with McLane’s knack for crafting three-dimensional characters, makes Cricket Creek a welcoming haven for all.
Why Cricket Creek Resonates
Cricket Creek’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to transport readers to a world where love conquers all, and community lifts everyone up. Fans praise McLane’s authentic portrayal of Southern culture, from catfish-catching to karaoke nights, which resonates with readers craving relatable, feel-good stories. The series’ focus on personal growth and small-town revival mirrors real-world hopes, making it a beacon of optimism in contemporary romance.
Beyond its pages, Cricket Creek has carved a niche in the romance genre, inspiring readers to seek out their own second chances. Its blend of humor, heart, and Southern charm ensures it remains a beloved escape, even for those new to McLane’s work.
- First Book: Playing for Keeps (2011)
- Total Books: 11
- Genre: Contemporary Romance
- Setting: Cricket Creek, Kentucky
Ready to fall in love with Cricket Creek? Grab Playing for Keeps and dive into a world of Southern romance, where every page promises a heartwarming happily-ever-after!