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Fish Out of Water
WHY DATE A MOUNTAIN MAN? Because he knows how to pitch a tent.
When Dahlia Weathersby's sister disappears on what should have been a simple day hike, Dahlia immediately heads deep into the Colorado Rockies to find her. Knowing she'll never survive the mountains alone, she convinces the local hermit—adorably grouchy survival expert Winston Dane—to be her guide. All it takes is a good helping of Dahlia's charm…and just the teeniest bit of blackmail…before she's got all six-foot-something of him wrapped around her finger. But even with her very own mountain man in tow, things aren't going to be easy. There are:
Long hikes through gorgeous wilderness? Check. Bears? Check. A single shared sleeping bag? Check. Enough sparks to set the Rockies ablaze? Check, check, check. With everything the wilderness has to throw at them, it'll take more than charm and some city girl ingenuity to make this trek anything but a disaster waiting to happen…and an adventure she'll never forget.
The Rocky Mountains get unBEARably hot in Katie Ruggle's brand-new romance packed with adventure, action, tall dark & scruffy heroes, and a sense of quirky humor that will be your next perfect escape.
When Dahlia Weathersby's sister disappears on what should have been a simple day hike, Dahlia immediately heads deep into the Colorado Rockies to find her. Knowing she'll never survive the mountains alone, she convinces the local hermit—adorably grouchy survival expert Winston Dane—to be her guide. All it takes is a good helping of Dahlia's charm…and just the teeniest bit of blackmail…before she's got all six-foot-something of him wrapped around her finger. But even with her very own mountain man in tow, things aren't going to be easy. There are:
Long hikes through gorgeous wilderness? Check. Bears? Check. A single shared sleeping bag? Check. Enough sparks to set the Rockies ablaze? Check, check, check. With everything the wilderness has to throw at them, it'll take more than charm and some city girl ingenuity to make this trek anything but a disaster waiting to happen…and an adventure she'll never forget.
The Rocky Mountains get unBEARably hot in Katie Ruggle's brand-new romance packed with adventure, action, tall dark & scruffy heroes, and a sense of quirky humor that will be your next perfect escape.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 13, 2024
133 people are currently reading
7542 people want to read
About the author
Katie Ruggle
21 books1,214 followersA fan of the old adage “write what you know”, Katie Ruggle lived in an off-grid, solar- and wind-powered house in the Rocky Mountains until her family lured her back to Minnesota. When she’s not writing, Katie rides horses, trains her three dogs, cross-country skis (badly) and travels to warm places where she can scuba dive. A graduate of the Police Academy, Katie received her ice-rescue certification and can attest that the reservoirs in the Colorado mountains really are that cold. A fan of anything that makes her feel like a bad-ass, she has trained in Krav Maga, boxing and gymnastics. You can connect with Katie at http://katieruggle.com/, https://www.facebook.com/katieruggleb..., or on Twitter @KatieRuggle
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 720 reviews
March 30, 2024
grumpy but secret softie cinnamon roll hero? ✅
virgin hero who blushes easily? ✅
quirky and lovely and girly heroine?✅
perfect communication?✅
no third act?✅
no owd/omd? ✅
the way this was so soft, so domestic and sweet?? everything this man did for her made me go 🫠🫠🫠
he would make her heart shaped pancakes, watch her with a fascinated look when she does her make up, allow her to do make up on him, listen all her rambling, cook for her…🥹💗🩷🫶🏼💕🥰😋💋😍
and she was so so cute with her quirkiness and her constant rambling and she was so understanding towards him and she was a good sister🥹🩷 it’s one of those books that i love both mmc and fmc so much and it makes the book so much enjoyable. i didn’t skip any moment even the smut was somehow cute and sweet🥹😍
💌"Why are you smiling?"
"Because I love you,"
💌 “I love you too.”
“I know.”
“You know because you’re so lovable?”
“No,” he said, his right eyebrow twisting in a scoffing way. “Because you told me so an hour ago.”
why not 5 stars? lack of epilogue and mystery at the end😔 i didn’t care about that part and skimmed a bit👹
here is the real footage of me and lila reading this book;;;;
thanks to my friends Elizabeth and RLbooks 🫡 i knew if you liked this i would love it too🤭😍
March 28, 2024
I had so much fun reading this book! Thanks to Elizabeth's amazing review (per usual) that prompted me to add this to my TBR. I don't think the humor of this will land with everyone, but it worked for me. Fish Out of Water was hilarious, light, and sometimes unbelievable but in an adorable way. The core of the book has this sweetness to it. Winston (H) is a multi-talented hermit hiding away - he's a former soldier turned instructor turned mystery writer hiding in the wilderness being grumpy. Dahlia (h) is a makeover consultant who's in his small Colorado town after she received an SOS text from her sister. She's all sunshine and loves talking fashion and makeup, but has a lot more depth than you'd expect.
Their meet-cute is pretty unique and the relationship development just hits the ground running. Here's the kind of cute we're working with here people - Winston puts a heart pancake on top of regular pancakes when he cooks Dahlia breakfast after she breaks into his hermity lair to blackmail him into helping find her missing sister. There are these aww-inducing moments from both characters throughout, like him worrying over her eating and complimenting her in unexpected but meaningful ways and her calling him pet names and casually mentioning how amazing he is. Written in third person, single POV of h's (though H's facial expressions felt like their own POV the way the h describes them). No ow/om drama, h was not a virgin (no experience mentioned), and H was a virgin.
In the midst of their investigation, which includes a forced proximity camping trip into the wilderness, these two bond quickly and achieve a lovely sense of emotional intimacy that then leads to physical intimacy (a couple of spicy scenes were incorporated excellently). I enjoyed this so much and it was the perfect read over the last couple of days when I haven't been able to focus as well since it wasn't overly plotty. The suspense stayed at a nice easily consumable level so it didn't get my heart pumping, but still felt serious. We don't know what's going on with Dahlia's sister for most of the book so it's a low hum in the background wondering what they'll find. And throughout their adventure, Winston and Dahlia made my heart swell with happiness. My only wish was for an extended epilogue, the last chapter is a week after the events are resolved and while it's very cute, the ending is HFN and I wanted a bit more (though I love you's are exchanged and you just know that they're going to be happy together forever because Dahlia would never give up someone as amazing as Winston and she's the only one he's ever been comfortable with).
Their meet-cute is pretty unique and the relationship development just hits the ground running. Here's the kind of cute we're working with here people - Winston puts a heart pancake on top of regular pancakes when he cooks Dahlia breakfast after she breaks into his hermity lair to blackmail him into helping find her missing sister. There are these aww-inducing moments from both characters throughout, like him worrying over her eating and complimenting her in unexpected but meaningful ways and her calling him pet names and casually mentioning how amazing he is. Written in third person, single POV of h's (though H's facial expressions felt like their own POV the way the h describes them). No ow/om drama, h was not a virgin (no experience mentioned), and H was a virgin.
In the midst of their investigation, which includes a forced proximity camping trip into the wilderness, these two bond quickly and achieve a lovely sense of emotional intimacy that then leads to physical intimacy (a couple of spicy scenes were incorporated excellently). I enjoyed this so much and it was the perfect read over the last couple of days when I haven't been able to focus as well since it wasn't overly plotty. The suspense stayed at a nice easily consumable level so it didn't get my heart pumping, but still felt serious. We don't know what's going on with Dahlia's sister for most of the book so it's a low hum in the background wondering what they'll find. And throughout their adventure, Winston and Dahlia made my heart swell with happiness. My only wish was for an extended epilogue, the last chapter is a week after the events are resolved and while it's very cute, the ending is HFN and I wanted a bit more (though I love you's are exchanged and you just know that they're going to be happy together forever because Dahlia would never give up someone as amazing as Winston and she's the only one he's ever been comfortable with).
December 20, 2023
Katie Ruggle is one of my favorite authors but this book is a real miss. For one, it's just the exact plot of her book Gone Too Deep but rewritten in single POV to be, seemingly, more accessible to new romance readers
Gone Too Deep is 3rd in a romantic suspense series and one of my top 5 books of all-time, so imagine my surprise when literally this is the same book but worse.
Both books involve city girl needing grumpy, silent outdoor expert's help to find missing family member. They trek through the woods, they eat survival meals, he's concerned about water intake and her clothing, they share a tent and a sleeping bag. He gives her a kiss on the top of her head while sharing said bag when he thinks she's asleep but isn't. They play a game while stuck in said tent during a blizzard that ends in kissing that results in finding out he's a virgin. And I'm not even done with the book yet. Also instead of waiting until everyone is safe to get it on they decide to bang while her sister might be dead or dying? I just-- what? How are you horny and flirting right now?
Like... it was clearly written for people who haven't read Ruggle before and was missing all the charm of her typical books. She eliminated the suspense which is what she's really, really good at and is just giving us a fill-in-the-trope book meant for people who typically prefer women's fiction.
The writing is alright and the heroine is fun but without dual POV you totally lose any connection to the hero. He is entirely forgettable and blah. Just insert-generic-mountain-man-here vibes.
I'm so disappointed & hope this isn't the direction Ruggle continues to go in with her books. Feels like a step backwards from her typically complex and suspenseful reading.
If you haven't read her spectacular Search and Rescue series then drop everything and read that instead.
All in all, I'm a little insulted she thinks her fans are dumb enough not to see that she repurposed an entire book plot of hers for this. Like? What.
Gone Too Deep is 3rd in a romantic suspense series and one of my top 5 books of all-time, so imagine my surprise when literally this is the same book but worse.
Both books involve city girl needing grumpy, silent outdoor expert's help to find missing family member. They trek through the woods, they eat survival meals, he's concerned about water intake and her clothing, they share a tent and a sleeping bag. He gives her a kiss on the top of her head while sharing said bag when he thinks she's asleep but isn't. They play a game while stuck in said tent during a blizzard that ends in kissing that results in finding out he's a virgin. And I'm not even done with the book yet. Also instead of waiting until everyone is safe to get it on they decide to bang while her sister might be dead or dying? I just-- what? How are you horny and flirting right now?
Like... it was clearly written for people who haven't read Ruggle before and was missing all the charm of her typical books. She eliminated the suspense which is what she's really, really good at and is just giving us a fill-in-the-trope book meant for people who typically prefer women's fiction.
The writing is alright and the heroine is fun but without dual POV you totally lose any connection to the hero. He is entirely forgettable and blah. Just insert-generic-mountain-man-here vibes.
I'm so disappointed & hope this isn't the direction Ruggle continues to go in with her books. Feels like a step backwards from her typically complex and suspenseful reading.
If you haven't read her spectacular Search and Rescue series then drop everything and read that instead.
All in all, I'm a little insulted she thinks her fans are dumb enough not to see that she repurposed an entire book plot of hers for this. Like? What.
March 7, 2024
4.5 stars.
What a sadly underrated book! I loved every second of this. I think most of Katie Ruggle’s readers just expect her to write only romantic suspense and didn’t enjoy the change. This book is a lot more easy going and lower on the angst. It’s sweet, funny, and lighter on the drama (although there's still some drama in this book). I absolutely adored it… just as much as I enjoyed books I’ve read by her in the past.
I hope more fans of romcom give this book a shot, it’s so lovely.
I do think the title and cover makes this book seem like it’s about fishing, when it’s not.
Safe
What a sadly underrated book! I loved every second of this. I think most of Katie Ruggle’s readers just expect her to write only romantic suspense and didn’t enjoy the change. This book is a lot more easy going and lower on the angst. It’s sweet, funny, and lighter on the drama (although there's still some drama in this book). I absolutely adored it… just as much as I enjoyed books I’ve read by her in the past.
I hope more fans of romcom give this book a shot, it’s so lovely.
I do think the title and cover makes this book seem like it’s about fishing, when it’s not.
Safe
March 13, 2024
Fish Out of Water by Katie Ruggle
Contemporary romance, romantic comedy. Grumpy sunshine.
When Dahlia Weathersby’s sister sends an emergency “help” text, Dahlia drops everything and heads to the Colorado Rockies to find her. She hires survival expert Winston Dane, after lots of pleading, to help her track down her sister. Dahlia is not a nature girl. Sure it’s pretty, but bears and camping out are not her style. At all. But it’s her sister, so Dahlia will do whatever is necessary to find her. If she and Winston need to share a sleeping bag in the crazy cold weather, well, she’ll just struggle through.
Lots of snow and small town uniqueness for city girl Dahlia. She impresses Winston with her enthusiasm and dedication as well as the rest of the small town. So much snow. As a city person myself, I just shudder to even think about camping out there and traipsing through.
Winston is grumpy and no match for Dahlia and they have a lot of humorous moments together.
It’s a delightful romcom with the two, of course, falling for each other even though their lives are so different. Perhaps that’s just what they needed.
A fun little escape with an unlikely pairing that turns into just what they needed. Adorable.
Contemporary romance, romantic comedy. Grumpy sunshine.
When Dahlia Weathersby’s sister sends an emergency “help” text, Dahlia drops everything and heads to the Colorado Rockies to find her. She hires survival expert Winston Dane, after lots of pleading, to help her track down her sister. Dahlia is not a nature girl. Sure it’s pretty, but bears and camping out are not her style. At all. But it’s her sister, so Dahlia will do whatever is necessary to find her. If she and Winston need to share a sleeping bag in the crazy cold weather, well, she’ll just struggle through.
Lots of snow and small town uniqueness for city girl Dahlia. She impresses Winston with her enthusiasm and dedication as well as the rest of the small town. So much snow. As a city person myself, I just shudder to even think about camping out there and traipsing through.
Winston is grumpy and no match for Dahlia and they have a lot of humorous moments together.
It’s a delightful romcom with the two, of course, falling for each other even though their lives are so different. Perhaps that’s just what they needed.
A fun little escape with an unlikely pairing that turns into just what they needed. Adorable.
February 2, 2024
I have read s few of Katie Ruggle's Romantic-Suspense books and they were okay. I think I was looking for more suspense and her plots were more romance. Anyway, here we are, and "Fish Out of Water" is styled as a Contemporary Romance, with a touch of mystery, after all Dahlia's sister, Rose, is missing and that is the whole reason Dahlia and Winston have hooked up. This is a single POV quirky romance. The cover is a misdirection. There is no lake, no fish and the couple are dressed for summer when the book takes place in a cold, blizzard in Colorado. The title is a tease too as the couple did have two sleeping bags, but only chose to use one. I can't really say I enjoyed it. The set up was cute with Dahlia breaking into Winston's compound, but it all went quickly downhill, or rather uphill as they set out on a two-day hike. Really boring during this bit. Things get hot about midway and the ending, the last 20% of the book was fine. The End.
My thanks to the Publisher and Author for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
My thanks to the Publisher and Author for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
June 30, 2024
I'm usually hesitant to try books that have less than a 3.5 but @RLbooks, @buket, @Elizabeth, and @Tiffany loved it so I'm going to give it a shot.
This was cute.
Sunshine X Grumpy.
Should not write off books with less than 3.5 stars.
This was cute.
Sunshine X Grumpy.
Should not write off books with less than 3.5 stars.
February 19, 2024
This was a fun, light, and sweet book. It was surprisingly light-hearted for a book about a woman searching for her lost sister. This is the rom-com version of "All Rhodes Lead Here" where everything ends well and no one dies. The mystery/suspense definitely takes a back seat to the forced proximity grumpy/sunshine relationship.
I know this won't be for everyone, but I found it pure delight.
The audiobook is fun. Single POV with a single narrator.
The heroine is a little ditzy, but not dumb. Her career is about makeovers and she carries makeup with her on this potentially deadly backpacking trip. However, she makes some good points and it didn’t feel like this is a dumb heroine who needs to do her hair in inappropriate places. As the hero points out, she keeps up and does her share of the work. She’s curious and willing to do what it takes to keep them alive and well. Folks that are looking for an uber-feminine heroine who is not reviled for it, and it is actually celebrated by the hero as a strength, will enjoy this one. Plus, the contents of her makeup bag show up at the end when they triumph over the villains.
The hero is a 32-year old virgin. I wish the heroine wouldn’t have made such a big deal of it, but I really loved that he wasn’t interested in just anyone; she is special. I don’t completely understand how he could go down on her when they’ve been backpacking for days, but kudos to him. He’s a caretaker and I love that. He looks out for her and encourages her and thinks she’s pretty darn awesome. And he tells her so. Even tho he's a man of "few words", he knows how to use the ones he has.
Safety deets
- No third act breakup
- They are together at the end; however, we don’t see ahead. No epilogue.
- No other people. There is a mention of a past boyfriend of the heroine’s, but the hero is a virgin and hasn’t ever really wanted anyone else.
- Some good tent spicy time, but not a ton.
I know this won't be for everyone, but I found it pure delight.
The audiobook is fun. Single POV with a single narrator.
The heroine is a little ditzy, but not dumb. Her career is about makeovers and she carries makeup with her on this potentially deadly backpacking trip. However, she makes some good points and it didn’t feel like this is a dumb heroine who needs to do her hair in inappropriate places. As the hero points out, she keeps up and does her share of the work. She’s curious and willing to do what it takes to keep them alive and well. Folks that are looking for an uber-feminine heroine who is not reviled for it, and it is actually celebrated by the hero as a strength, will enjoy this one. Plus, the contents of her makeup bag show up at the end when they triumph over the villains.
The hero is a 32-year old virgin. I wish the heroine wouldn’t have made such a big deal of it, but I really loved that he wasn’t interested in just anyone; she is special. I don’t completely understand how he could go down on her when they’ve been backpacking for days, but kudos to him. He’s a caretaker and I love that. He looks out for her and encourages her and thinks she’s pretty darn awesome. And he tells her so. Even tho he's a man of "few words", he knows how to use the ones he has.
Safety deets
- No third act breakup
- They are together at the end; however, we don’t see ahead. No epilogue.
- No other people. There is a mention of a past boyfriend of the heroine’s, but the hero is a virgin and hasn’t ever really wanted anyone else.
- Some good tent spicy time, but not a ton.
dnf
March 10, 2025DNF @ 65% for now, maybe forever.
Dahlia gets a coded message from her sister that means she needs rescuing. She hightails it to the mountains to try to find her. She proceeds to hike up the mountain in a snowstorm with a grump named, Winston.
What went wrong for me:
When they are just chilling in their tent and she's putting makeup on him I felt like I was more concerned about her sisters whereabouts than she was.
What to expect:
~ single 3rd person POV
~ Colorado in a snowstorm setting
~ no steamage by 65%, don't know if past that, but there was some tension and the need to snuggle to stay warm
Narration notes:
She was doing a fine job.
Dahlia gets a coded message from her sister that means she needs rescuing. She hightails it to the mountains to try to find her. She proceeds to hike up the mountain in a snowstorm with a grump named, Winston.
What went wrong for me:
When they are just chilling in their tent and she's putting makeup on him I felt like I was more concerned about her sisters whereabouts than she was.
What to expect:
~ single 3rd person POV
~ Colorado in a snowstorm setting
~ no steamage by 65%, don't know if past that, but there was some tension and the need to snuggle to stay warm
Narration notes:
She was doing a fine job.
February 3, 2024
This was a super cute grumpy/sunshine pairing. I thoroughly enjoyed their interactions and you get so much time with them together since they head out into the woods to find Dahlia's sister. The had a bit of suspense to the storyline so not only did the couple keep me entertained but I was also very intrigued to find out what happened to Rose, Dahlia's sister. Fun read!
March 5, 2025
This is an entertaining, well-written, contemporary romance novel. It has a likable female protagonist, vividly described settings, the search for a sister, two surprising twists, and a satisfying conclusion. I listened to the audio book, and the narrator, Ms. Cassandra Myles, does a fine job voicing the characters.
December 11, 2023
Such potential, but literally what the fuck was that?
July 7, 2025
4.5 stars!
Well this was a pleasant surprise considering I DNF the last book I tried from this author. I loved a lot of her stuff but lately I was struggling w her stuff until now….
Daliah’s sister Rose sends her 911 text while she is hiking in Colorado. So it’s Rose to the rescue. Rose being from LA definitely is NOT the nature girl her sister is but she is determined to find and save her if need be.
She very creatively garners the help of the local hottie and hermit Winston to help navigate the forest and find her sister.
‼️Safe Romance
‼️Sweet and swoony moments
‼️Protective hero
‼️Outgoing open h
‼️Medium slow burn
‼️Camping and nature
‼️Survival -ish
‼️One tent 🤭 and sleeping bag
‼️Virgin Hero♥️♥️♥️
♥️These two were soulmates♥️
This was a light, cute and very sweet romance. Both characters are more then meets the eye and both have issues from their past that they have to navigate and move past. What I loved about this is that neither let their past stop them from being together or going for what they wanted. I was so gonna be annoyed if this was gonna be another “I don’t live here so this is temporary” thing. Cause I mean come on this day and age that just isn’t a real issues anymore and I hate when authors use that to create drama. Fortunately here we don’t get that🥳 once questions arise they talk like 🤭…. ADULTS! Shocking I know but I was so happy with how things were handled.
♥️These two are so cute together!
💄There was one scene that lost me a bit when she gave him a man makeup sess. It wasn’t crazy makeup or anything and being a MUA in the entertainment industry I can understand the need for men to have makeup. And it was a very sweet vulnerable moment for the H where he is trusting her while also trying to learn and understand what she likes. BUT I don’t know it was a bit cringe for me.
♥️ Hero:
Winston- 32yrs old ugh he is the sweetest I loved him !!
Super successful author but socially awkward and a hermit.mostly he just isn’t comfortable with people so he keeps to himself he also has some trauma.
I loved how he just felt to comfortable with the h and allowed himself to be vulnerable and open with her.
🦋 Heroine:
Daliah- lives in Cali and is a makeover expert. Had a rough childhood so she is super close to her half sister Rose
She was fun and outgoing she just was so good at pulling the H out of his shell and building trust.
💭 POV:
First person single POV
😡/😍 Angst level:
Low
❤️🔥 Sex & Burn Rate:
73% first everything so slower
But it was a super sweet scene I loved it!!!
🔥🔥🔥🔥
🌓 Push/Pull:
None
☠️ OW/OM Drama:
None
🤮 OW/OM Sex / Fluid or DNA Exchange:
None
🤬 Cheating:
None
👰🏼♀️ Virgins:
h experienced and it’s been 6MO since her BF and she broke up he was cheating she wasn’t upset or pining or anything.
H is a VIRGIN!!!! I loved this ♥️ it made sense for his character for sure being his age and his history I felt like it wasn’t weird or anything (not that it would be for me but some readers might be side eying it) I love when authors are not afraid to give us an inexperienced man. ITA SO REFRESHING TO NOT HAVE A MANWHORE… let me tell you! Give me ALL THE VIRGIN men out there. I’ll read everyone!
⛈️Separation/ 3rd Act Breakup:
None
🎧AUDIO
3.5 stars… this narrator was a bit robotic for me. She did do inflection and changed her voice but it was just robotic. But not enough to keep me from listening.
🌈Epilogue:
Not really but we do get a clear understanding of what their lives will look like. I would have loved one from years later.
🥂HEA:
Yes!
❌My opinion is just that… MY OPINION.❌
I know we all get passionate about our favorite reads and characters but we should respect each opinions a thoughts. ~Thank you
Well this was a pleasant surprise considering I DNF the last book I tried from this author. I loved a lot of her stuff but lately I was struggling w her stuff until now….
Daliah’s sister Rose sends her 911 text while she is hiking in Colorado. So it’s Rose to the rescue. Rose being from LA definitely is NOT the nature girl her sister is but she is determined to find and save her if need be.
She very creatively garners the help of the local hottie and hermit Winston to help navigate the forest and find her sister.
‼️Safe Romance
‼️Sweet and swoony moments
‼️Protective hero
‼️Outgoing open h
‼️Medium slow burn
‼️Camping and nature
‼️Survival -ish
‼️One tent 🤭 and sleeping bag
‼️Virgin Hero♥️♥️♥️
♥️These two were soulmates♥️
This was a light, cute and very sweet romance. Both characters are more then meets the eye and both have issues from their past that they have to navigate and move past. What I loved about this is that neither let their past stop them from being together or going for what they wanted. I was so gonna be annoyed if this was gonna be another “I don’t live here so this is temporary” thing. Cause I mean come on this day and age that just isn’t a real issues anymore and I hate when authors use that to create drama. Fortunately here we don’t get that🥳 once questions arise they talk like 🤭…. ADULTS! Shocking I know but I was so happy with how things were handled.
♥️These two are so cute together!
💄There was one scene that lost me a bit when she gave him a man makeup sess. It wasn’t crazy makeup or anything and being a MUA in the entertainment industry I can understand the need for men to have makeup. And it was a very sweet vulnerable moment for the H where he is trusting her while also trying to learn and understand what she likes. BUT I don’t know it was a bit cringe for me.
♥️ Hero:
Winston- 32yrs old ugh he is the sweetest I loved him !!
Super successful author but socially awkward and a hermit.mostly he just isn’t comfortable with people so he keeps to himself he also has some trauma.
I loved how he just felt to comfortable with the h and allowed himself to be vulnerable and open with her.
🦋 Heroine:
Daliah- lives in Cali and is a makeover expert. Had a rough childhood so she is super close to her half sister Rose
She was fun and outgoing she just was so good at pulling the H out of his shell and building trust.
💭 POV:
First person single POV
😡/😍 Angst level:
Low
❤️🔥 Sex & Burn Rate:
73% first everything so slower
But it was a super sweet scene I loved it!!!
🔥🔥🔥🔥
🌓 Push/Pull:
None
☠️ OW/OM Drama:
None
🤮 OW/OM Sex / Fluid or DNA Exchange:
None
🤬 Cheating:
None
👰🏼♀️ Virgins:
h experienced and it’s been 6MO since her BF and she broke up he was cheating she wasn’t upset or pining or anything.
H is a VIRGIN!!!! I loved this ♥️ it made sense for his character for sure being his age and his history I felt like it wasn’t weird or anything (not that it would be for me but some readers might be side eying it) I love when authors are not afraid to give us an inexperienced man. ITA SO REFRESHING TO NOT HAVE A MANWHORE… let me tell you! Give me ALL THE VIRGIN men out there. I’ll read everyone!
⛈️Separation/ 3rd Act Breakup:
None
🎧AUDIO
3.5 stars… this narrator was a bit robotic for me. She did do inflection and changed her voice but it was just robotic. But not enough to keep me from listening.
🌈Epilogue:
Not really but we do get a clear understanding of what their lives will look like. I would have loved one from years later.
🥂HEA:
Yes!
❌My opinion is just that… MY OPINION.❌
I know we all get passionate about our favorite reads and characters but we should respect each opinions a thoughts. ~Thank you
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2024
2.5-3⭐️
February 7, 2024
One thing about me is that I love books where I have to suspend my disbelief, and this was one of those reads! Fun, fast-paced, and full of hilarious banter, I enjoyed every minute of this, from the meet-cute and wilderness adventure to the HEA.
This book has:
•A meet-cute to end all meet-cutes 🌲
•Grumpy x sunshine AND city girl x small-town guy 🌃
•A shy cinnamon roll hero who writes mystery novels
•Forced proximity and the only one bed (tent in this case) tropes 🏕️
Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars
This book has:
•A meet-cute to end all meet-cutes 🌲
•Grumpy x sunshine AND city girl x small-town guy 🌃
•A shy cinnamon roll hero who writes mystery novels
•Forced proximity and the only one bed (tent in this case) tropes 🏕️
Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars
August 18, 2025
Very sweet and extra quirky! I would also blackmail a recluse into helping me rescue my sister!
4 Stars
2 on the spice scale
4 Stars
2 on the spice scale
February 20, 2024
When I was but 4% into Fish Out of Water, I had a feeling that I wasn’t going to like it. But I decided to give it a chance and keep on reading. This was a mistake on my part. Respectfully and in the nicest way possible, this is one of the worst books I’ve read. This review will contain spoilers, so be aware. But I promise you’ll enjoy this review more than the book.
Rich city girl Dahlia gets a cryptic emergency text from her sister Rose. So she hops in a plane from California to Colorado to find out where her sister has gone. She asks the locals and one informs her that her sister had spoken to the “weird hermit guy, Winston, whose probably not a serial killer” a few days before (I’m paraphrasing here, but this is essentially what was said). So, what does Dahlia do? She jumps a fence and breaks onto Winston’s property, dodges a bunch of traps, and meets a scowling Winston on his front porch. After blackmailing him in the most ridiculous way, Winston agrees to help Dahlia find her sister.
Sure, Dahlia, who has zero hiking experience, zero search and rescue experience, doesn’t like the “creepy forest sounds” is the one who will find her sister. They set off with a map Rose left behind and begin hiking. Despite being “so” worried about her sister, Dahlia spends her time thinking very little about her sister and what could have happened. She makes sure to spend every morning doing her make up with a fresh outdoorsy appropriate look (I love that her passion is makeup and that she helps people find their confidence with it, but this was not the time or place for it).
Winston, who she stills refers yo as the “weird hermit”, and Dahlia get caught in a blizzard. So of course she does his makeup and then they end up sleeping together (Winston, who has never felt connected enough to sleep with anyone before, somehow choses this unhinged girl who black mailed him as the one).
Eventually, they pull apart from each other long enough to go rescue Rose (surprise! She was taken by bad men running a meth lab… in the middle of this forest near a very popular hike…). Dahlia and Winston declare their love for each and live happily ever after.
From a plot that was all over the place, an unlikeable and quite frankly dumb FMC, to bad writing and dialogue, I lost track of how many times I rolled my eyes. Honestly, I wish Winston had been a serial killer because it would have made the ending better (even though I’m convinced they would actually break up a month later).
I received an ALC from the publisher, and this very honest review and thoughts are entirely my own.
Rich city girl Dahlia gets a cryptic emergency text from her sister Rose. So she hops in a plane from California to Colorado to find out where her sister has gone. She asks the locals and one informs her that her sister had spoken to the “weird hermit guy, Winston, whose probably not a serial killer” a few days before (I’m paraphrasing here, but this is essentially what was said). So, what does Dahlia do? She jumps a fence and breaks onto Winston’s property, dodges a bunch of traps, and meets a scowling Winston on his front porch. After blackmailing him in the most ridiculous way, Winston agrees to help Dahlia find her sister.
Sure, Dahlia, who has zero hiking experience, zero search and rescue experience, doesn’t like the “creepy forest sounds” is the one who will find her sister. They set off with a map Rose left behind and begin hiking. Despite being “so” worried about her sister, Dahlia spends her time thinking very little about her sister and what could have happened. She makes sure to spend every morning doing her make up with a fresh outdoorsy appropriate look (I love that her passion is makeup and that she helps people find their confidence with it, but this was not the time or place for it).
Winston, who she stills refers yo as the “weird hermit”, and Dahlia get caught in a blizzard. So of course she does his makeup and then they end up sleeping together (Winston, who has never felt connected enough to sleep with anyone before, somehow choses this unhinged girl who black mailed him as the one).
Eventually, they pull apart from each other long enough to go rescue Rose (surprise! She was taken by bad men running a meth lab… in the middle of this forest near a very popular hike…). Dahlia and Winston declare their love for each and live happily ever after.
From a plot that was all over the place, an unlikeable and quite frankly dumb FMC, to bad writing and dialogue, I lost track of how many times I rolled my eyes. Honestly, I wish Winston had been a serial killer because it would have made the ending better (even though I’m convinced they would actually break up a month later).
I received an ALC from the publisher, and this very honest review and thoughts are entirely my own.
February 7, 2024
I need you all to understand how utterly bonkers this book is before we go any further. I am rating it three stars, yes. But that’s mainly because I laughed so hard while reading. Not for the right reasons, because I don’t think it was intended to be so hilarious. I’m honestly not sure though…feel like we’re being pranked by the author. Maybe this is a test…
This will not be entirely spoiler-free, because I don’t have the spoons to explain how I feel while also shielding you from the truth that is this book.
So we have a young woman who is missing, and her sister goes to a small town in the mountains to look for her. Of course, she brings her entire makeup kit and makes a point to make sure she looks ✨pristine✨ while she is searching for her sister. She finds out this reclusive mountain man may know where she is, and so naturally, she decides the best next step is to pick the lock of his well-fortified home, dodge the many traps in place to keep people out, and then cheerfully greet him when he comes to find out who has broken into his property. Because ringing the bell and politely asking for his help is too easy. No, this needs to be a meet cute of epic proportions.
Now, I was willing to go with this book in all seriousness until this point. The man invites this random strange woman into his home, lets her stay the night, worries she is cold, and makes sure she is comfy cozy. He makes her PANCAKES. With little cut up fruit. And then somehow this crazy lady wraps this seemingly grumpy goose into helping her search for her sister. They head out into the wilderness. One tent trope, anyone? She OF COURSE brings her entire makeup kit with her.
Have I mentioned that up to this point, she has not shown much concern for her sister? I keep forgetting she exists and thinking this woman is just out for a jaunt in the forest. Seriously. She hardly mentions her sister once and shows remarkable calm for someone who is worried their sister might be dead.
And then finally, the coup de grace of this entire escapade. They are snowed inside their tent, and to kill time, she gives him a makeover. Toothbrush? Never mentioned. Deodorant? Who knows. But the woman has the entire Sephora store in her backpack. For FOUR PAGES I read as we get a makeup tutorial. I start to wonder if I am hallucinating.
And don’t get me started on the rescue scene. It’s so unrealistic I am still trying to comprehend it.
**I received a free copy via NetGalley and this is my honest review.**
This will not be entirely spoiler-free, because I don’t have the spoons to explain how I feel while also shielding you from the truth that is this book.
So we have a young woman who is missing, and her sister goes to a small town in the mountains to look for her. Of course, she brings her entire makeup kit and makes a point to make sure she looks ✨pristine✨ while she is searching for her sister. She finds out this reclusive mountain man may know where she is, and so naturally, she decides the best next step is to pick the lock of his well-fortified home, dodge the many traps in place to keep people out, and then cheerfully greet him when he comes to find out who has broken into his property. Because ringing the bell and politely asking for his help is too easy. No, this needs to be a meet cute of epic proportions.
Now, I was willing to go with this book in all seriousness until this point. The man invites this random strange woman into his home, lets her stay the night, worries she is cold, and makes sure she is comfy cozy. He makes her PANCAKES. With little cut up fruit. And then somehow this crazy lady wraps this seemingly grumpy goose into helping her search for her sister. They head out into the wilderness. One tent trope, anyone? She OF COURSE brings her entire makeup kit with her.
Have I mentioned that up to this point, she has not shown much concern for her sister? I keep forgetting she exists and thinking this woman is just out for a jaunt in the forest. Seriously. She hardly mentions her sister once and shows remarkable calm for someone who is worried their sister might be dead.
And then finally, the coup de grace of this entire escapade. They are snowed inside their tent, and to kill time, she gives him a makeover. Toothbrush? Never mentioned. Deodorant? Who knows. But the woman has the entire Sephora store in her backpack. For FOUR PAGES I read as we get a makeup tutorial. I start to wonder if I am hallucinating.
And don’t get me started on the rescue scene. It’s so unrealistic I am still trying to comprehend it.
**I received a free copy via NetGalley and this is my honest review.**
February 11, 2024
Dahlia Weathersby is absolutely hilarious!! The things she comes up with reminded me so much of myself and had me highly amused.
I loved the hermit aspect with Winston Dane. I'm surprised he didn't have a pet to keep him company.
The ending got a bit ridiculous and I definitely wasn't expecting it to go there at all, ha ha ha!!
My thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca for this gifted copy! :)
I loved the hermit aspect with Winston Dane. I'm surprised he didn't have a pet to keep him company.
The ending got a bit ridiculous and I definitely wasn't expecting it to go there at all, ha ha ha!!
My thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca for this gifted copy! :)
February 14, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
Thank you Dreamscape Media and Net Galley for letting me listen to the preview of this cute audiobook.
When Rose disappears and sends a very cryptic SOS message, Dahlia, Rose´s responsible sister, rushes to the police, but no one believes her.
Dahlia and Rose are very united and of course, Dahlia flies to Colorado to the rescue.
Here she meets a grumpy hermit, Winston, who with a series of small blackmail agrees to help her find Rose.
This book was a little unexpected but in a good way. It adds to the typical rom-com vibe some mystery and I wasn´t mad about it. It starts like any other book but from 50% on it adds some spice, mystery, and action.
My favorite character was Winston, whom I found refreshing in his grumpiness and sweetness.
I would have loved to have also his PoV and I have to say that my 3.5 stars are mainly for that.
The voice actress does a wonderful job voicing the curious Dahlia but this book would have been much stronger with Winston's voice in it too.
Thank you Dreamscape Media and Net Galley for letting me listen to the preview of this cute audiobook.
When Rose disappears and sends a very cryptic SOS message, Dahlia, Rose´s responsible sister, rushes to the police, but no one believes her.
Dahlia and Rose are very united and of course, Dahlia flies to Colorado to the rescue.
Here she meets a grumpy hermit, Winston, who with a series of small blackmail agrees to help her find Rose.
This book was a little unexpected but in a good way. It adds to the typical rom-com vibe some mystery and I wasn´t mad about it. It starts like any other book but from 50% on it adds some spice, mystery, and action.
My favorite character was Winston, whom I found refreshing in his grumpiness and sweetness.
I would have loved to have also his PoV and I have to say that my 3.5 stars are mainly for that.
The voice actress does a wonderful job voicing the curious Dahlia but this book would have been much stronger with Winston's voice in it too.
February 18, 2024
Sweet, hot, funny, suspenseful. Love it!
November 27, 2023
My first read by Katie Ruggle, and i enjoyed this a lot. I liked the cover and didn't know what to expect, but this was a well-written, fast-paced rom-com mystery. I liked that there was comedy, romance, and a mystery plot because it complemented the book well. When Dahila's sister goes missing she goes to the mountains to try and find her. She also easily convinces the grumpy local hermit, who had seen her briefly, to go with her and help her find her sister. There's hiking, a wilderness journey with tent setups, only one sleeping bag, chemistry, and clues as they try to find Dahilia's sister. The romance was lovely and though it was an opposite attracts, the main characters complimented each other well. There's a steamy scene in the wilderness and two people trying to stay warm in the cold. The book's ending had a lot of action, and I enjoyed the thrill and how it ended. If you need mystery that's also a fun romance, you should read this! Thanks to the publisher for this arc.
November 29, 2025
I’m not sure if I am in the minority but I found the story so cringy and ridiculous. I am very disappointed because I usually like Katie Ruggle’s books but this one was a miss for me.
June 26, 2024
4/5 🌟
3/5 ❤️🩹
4/5 🥰
2/5 🌶️
3/5 🔎
3/5 😰😱
2/5 🎭😂
3/5 🎭😭
0/5 👻
1/5 🔬
4/5 🔫
2/5 🏥
4/5 ✍🏼
0/5 🥱
⚠️⛔️TRIGGERS:⛔️⚠️
Kidnapping
Sexual Content
Abandonment
Drug Manufacturing
Gun Violence
Medical Content
Medical Trauma
Sexual Harassment
Profanity
Confinement
Fire/Fire Injury
PTSD
Autism (just the impression I got)
Violence
🗯️💬BOOK BLURB:💬🗯️
When Dahlia Weathersby's sister disappears on what should have been a simple day hike, Dahlia immediately heads deep into the Colorado Rockies to find her. Knowing she'll never survive the mountains alone, she convinces the local hermit--adorably grouchy survival expert Winston Dane--to be her guide. All it takes is a good helping of Dahlia's charm...and just the teeniest bit of blackmail...before she's got all six-foot-something of him wrapped around her finger. But even with her very own mountain man in tow, things aren't going to be easy. There are:
With everything the wilderness has to throw at them, it'll take more than charm and some city girl ingenuity to make this trek anything but a disaster waiting to happen...and an adventure she'll never forget.
Why date a mountain man? Because he knows how to pitch a tent.
🌎📖OVERALL REVIEWS📖🌎
Courtesy of Storygraph
COMMUNITY REVIEWS
SUMMARY OF 244 REVIEWS
Moods
adventurous 77%
funny 68%
lighthearted 64%
mysterious 33%
hopeful 18%
emotional 11%
tense 10%
relaxing 8%
challenging 5%
dark 3%
reflective 2%
inspiring 1%
Pace
medium 51%
fast 36%
slow 11%
Plot- or character-driven?
A mix: 53% | Plot: 27% | Character: 19%
Strong character development?
No: 46% | Yes: 36% | It's complicated: 12% | N/A: 4%
Loveable characters?
Yes: 76% | It's complicated: 13% | No: 10%
Diverse cast of characters?
No: 82% | Yes: 10% | N/A: 3% | It's complicated: 2%
Flaws of characters a main focus?
No: 64% | It's complicated: 17% | Yes: 15% | N/A: 2%
Average rating
3.37 ⭐️
🤔🧐🤯MY THOUGHTS:🤯🧐🤔
This book was pretty darn good. I enjoyed it quite a bit. When I say it has a little bit of almost everything, I’m not exaggerating. There is some angst, slow burn romance, a little mystery, quite a bit of action, some spice, humor and of course a bit of drama.
Our MMC is a famous author with a history. So he moves to Colorado and lives mostly as a hermit. Winston is a a very lovable grump that just likes keeping to himself after his past. He was already an introvert but I also believe he may be a high functioning autistic just going by his speech and mannerisms. I don’t know if this was intentional but I loved him. Wins also has a secret that will have your mouth agape. Mine was, anyway.
Our MFC, Dahlia is a bubbly extrovert with no filter! I loved her even more!! She works as a stylist for people. Helping them to get makeovers and dress to reflect a person’s personality.
You wouldn’t think these two would have chemistry, but they do and are perfect for each other! While the book is humorous, It never made me literally lol. It did however, keep a smile on my face win my mouth wasn’t open drawing flies after Winston reveals his secret 😮!! The spice was kept to a minimum and while it was descriptive, it was still handled tastefully, not overdone in the way that every encounter is five pages of detailed information and dirty talk. In fact, you really only hear of 1 or 2 love sessions and it is implied that it was repeated throughout the night. I don’t think it hits that hardcore smut level and certainly not erotica.
The most important take away is how Wins treats Dahl with the utmost respect throughout the entire book. I swear they are couple goals.
I felt like the characters were fleshed out very well and the world building was more than sufficient. I enjoyed the writing style well enough but it is single person POV and I know most of us love duel or multi person POV so we can know what our manly men are thinking.
RATING KEY:
🌟 Stars - based on the overall plot and theme or idea of the book
❤️🩹 Emotions - based on how emotional I got while reading
🥰 Romance - based on how well I got invested in the love story aspect
🌶️ Spice - based on how the sex scenes were portrayed and written as well as the number of sex scenes
🔎 Mystery - based on how well it kept me guessing who, how and why
😰 Scared🫣/Anxious😱 - based on how scared or anxious the book made me while reading
🎭 Comedy😂/Tragedy😭
-based on if I laughed or if there was a tragic event and how it affected me. I will mark the Masks with either a C or T to indicate Comedy or Tragedy
👻 Spooky😵💫/Creepy🧟♀️ -based on if this had any occult or paranormal themes and if those elements creeped me out or gave me anxiety!
🔬 Sci-Fi -based on the Science Fiction in the book as well as the Dystopian elements.
🔫 Action/Thriller -based on if I thought this was more of a spy action type of thriller.
🏥 Medical Content -based on the amount and the accuracy of any medical content or if the book is supposed to be a medical style thriller.
✍🏼 Writing Style -based on if I enjoyed the writing style or not and how the author portrayed the world, characters, concept, plot etc.
🥱 Boredom -based on if I was bored if it held my interest or if I’d rather be doing something else 😴
🙅🏻♀️ DNF -based on if the book is just stupid, boring, childish, overly ridiculous etc.
3/5 ❤️🩹
4/5 🥰
2/5 🌶️
3/5 🔎
3/5 😰😱
2/5 🎭😂
3/5 🎭😭
0/5 👻
1/5 🔬
4/5 🔫
2/5 🏥
4/5 ✍🏼
0/5 🥱
⚠️⛔️TRIGGERS:⛔️⚠️
Kidnapping
Sexual Content
Abandonment
Drug Manufacturing
Gun Violence
Medical Content
Medical Trauma
Sexual Harassment
Profanity
Confinement
Fire/Fire Injury
PTSD
Autism (just the impression I got)
Violence
🗯️💬BOOK BLURB:💬🗯️
When Dahlia Weathersby's sister disappears on what should have been a simple day hike, Dahlia immediately heads deep into the Colorado Rockies to find her. Knowing she'll never survive the mountains alone, she convinces the local hermit--adorably grouchy survival expert Winston Dane--to be her guide. All it takes is a good helping of Dahlia's charm...and just the teeniest bit of blackmail...before she's got all six-foot-something of him wrapped around her finger. But even with her very own mountain man in tow, things aren't going to be easy. There are:
With everything the wilderness has to throw at them, it'll take more than charm and some city girl ingenuity to make this trek anything but a disaster waiting to happen...and an adventure she'll never forget.
Why date a mountain man? Because he knows how to pitch a tent.
🌎📖OVERALL REVIEWS📖🌎
Courtesy of Storygraph
COMMUNITY REVIEWS
SUMMARY OF 244 REVIEWS
Moods
adventurous 77%
funny 68%
lighthearted 64%
mysterious 33%
hopeful 18%
emotional 11%
tense 10%
relaxing 8%
challenging 5%
dark 3%
reflective 2%
inspiring 1%
Pace
medium 51%
fast 36%
slow 11%
Plot- or character-driven?
A mix: 53% | Plot: 27% | Character: 19%
Strong character development?
No: 46% | Yes: 36% | It's complicated: 12% | N/A: 4%
Loveable characters?
Yes: 76% | It's complicated: 13% | No: 10%
Diverse cast of characters?
No: 82% | Yes: 10% | N/A: 3% | It's complicated: 2%
Flaws of characters a main focus?
No: 64% | It's complicated: 17% | Yes: 15% | N/A: 2%
Average rating
3.37 ⭐️
🤔🧐🤯MY THOUGHTS:🤯🧐🤔
This book was pretty darn good. I enjoyed it quite a bit. When I say it has a little bit of almost everything, I’m not exaggerating. There is some angst, slow burn romance, a little mystery, quite a bit of action, some spice, humor and of course a bit of drama.
Our MMC is a famous author with a history. So he moves to Colorado and lives mostly as a hermit. Winston is a a very lovable grump that just likes keeping to himself after his past. He was already an introvert but I also believe he may be a high functioning autistic just going by his speech and mannerisms. I don’t know if this was intentional but I loved him. Wins also has a secret that will have your mouth agape. Mine was, anyway.
Our MFC, Dahlia is a bubbly extrovert with no filter! I loved her even more!! She works as a stylist for people. Helping them to get makeovers and dress to reflect a person’s personality.
You wouldn’t think these two would have chemistry, but they do and are perfect for each other! While the book is humorous, It never made me literally lol. It did however, keep a smile on my face win my mouth wasn’t open drawing flies after Winston reveals his secret 😮!! The spice was kept to a minimum and while it was descriptive, it was still handled tastefully, not overdone in the way that every encounter is five pages of detailed information and dirty talk. In fact, you really only hear of 1 or 2 love sessions and it is implied that it was repeated throughout the night. I don’t think it hits that hardcore smut level and certainly not erotica.
The most important take away is how Wins treats Dahl with the utmost respect throughout the entire book. I swear they are couple goals.
I felt like the characters were fleshed out very well and the world building was more than sufficient. I enjoyed the writing style well enough but it is single person POV and I know most of us love duel or multi person POV so we can know what our manly men are thinking.
RATING KEY:
🌟 Stars - based on the overall plot and theme or idea of the book
❤️🩹 Emotions - based on how emotional I got while reading
🥰 Romance - based on how well I got invested in the love story aspect
🌶️ Spice - based on how the sex scenes were portrayed and written as well as the number of sex scenes
🔎 Mystery - based on how well it kept me guessing who, how and why
😰 Scared🫣/Anxious😱 - based on how scared or anxious the book made me while reading
🎭 Comedy😂/Tragedy😭
-based on if I laughed or if there was a tragic event and how it affected me. I will mark the Masks with either a C or T to indicate Comedy or Tragedy
👻 Spooky😵💫/Creepy🧟♀️ -based on if this had any occult or paranormal themes and if those elements creeped me out or gave me anxiety!
🔬 Sci-Fi -based on the Science Fiction in the book as well as the Dystopian elements.
🔫 Action/Thriller -based on if I thought this was more of a spy action type of thriller.
🏥 Medical Content -based on the amount and the accuracy of any medical content or if the book is supposed to be a medical style thriller.
✍🏼 Writing Style -based on if I enjoyed the writing style or not and how the author portrayed the world, characters, concept, plot etc.
🥱 Boredom -based on if I was bored if it held my interest or if I’d rather be doing something else 😴
🙅🏻♀️ DNF -based on if the book is just stupid, boring, childish, overly ridiculous etc.
January 16, 2024
This was cute! And a romantic suspense, which I was not expecting! It jumps right into action with carefree Dahlia Weathersby searching the Colorado Rockies for her missing sister. Along for the investigative hike is Winston Dane, the local grumpy hermit.
I really liked the development of this romance. These two were true opposites! Dahlia was as chatty as can be, a true sunshine. Winston often only replying with his signature grunt. The teasing-filled dialogue mixed with the treacherous hike (with one tent!) was so entertaining!
I think I had a hard time suspending my disbelief with how oddly untroubled Dahlia was regarding the search for her sister. She is concerned for her well being, yes, but Dahlia packing makeup, skin care items, and nail polish remover for her hike in the wilderness felt a little ridiculous. I liked the positive commentary on makeup and self-confidence, but maybe not in this type of story? It felt a little exaggerated.
But overall if you're looking for a romantic suspense with a fast-paced mystery and lighthearted romance, this was a good time!
(heat level: a couple open-door scenes, moderate to explicit details)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I really liked the development of this romance. These two were true opposites! Dahlia was as chatty as can be, a true sunshine. Winston often only replying with his signature grunt. The teasing-filled dialogue mixed with the treacherous hike (with one tent!) was so entertaining!
I think I had a hard time suspending my disbelief with how oddly untroubled Dahlia was regarding the search for her sister. She is concerned for her well being, yes, but Dahlia packing makeup, skin care items, and nail polish remover for her hike in the wilderness felt a little ridiculous. I liked the positive commentary on makeup and self-confidence, but maybe not in this type of story? It felt a little exaggerated.
But overall if you're looking for a romantic suspense with a fast-paced mystery and lighthearted romance, this was a good time!
(heat level: a couple open-door scenes, moderate to explicit details)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 28, 2025
2.75 ★
when i tell you it took me months to read this book, i mean it. and now that i finished it, i know why. there's a mystery element to the story that i didn't end up caring about and turned out to be more goofy and taking more space than what i could handle 😔. the romance was cute and some moments had me giggling, but that's it. sadly, nothing i have big feelings over or that i'll keep thinking about.
when i tell you it took me months to read this book, i mean it. and now that i finished it, i know why. there's a mystery element to the story that i didn't end up caring about and turned out to be more goofy and taking more space than what i could handle 😔. the romance was cute and some moments had me giggling, but that's it. sadly, nothing i have big feelings over or that i'll keep thinking about.
July 29, 2024
The plot is kinda wild and outlandish but like a good hallmark movie it was super enjoyable. I loved both of the main characters the FMC especially because she’s so witty and funny. This book lost a few stars from me however because the wrapup/ending came faster than my first bf.
February 15, 2024
Dahlia’s sister Rose is her best friend, the one person in her family she can count on. So, when she receives a “911” text from her Dahlia drops everything and flies out to Colorado, her sister’s last known location.
I admired Dahlia’s determination to find her sister, flying in blind after receiving her SOS signal, not knowing what she was up against. Dahlia was perky, silly, and fun, the quintessential “sunshine” to Winston’s “grumpy”. Winston wasn’t all that grumpy, though with a big, mushy, protective heart under a gruff exterior.
Loved all the backpacking/survival bits! The challenging weather and terrain lent a bit of excitement, and the forced proximity made acting on their attraction inevitable! There were some deliciously sexy times!
I enjoyed Katie Ruggle’s romantic suspense, so I was looking forward to Fish Out of Water, described as a “murdery rom-com”. Some parts were a little a beyond belief, like how Winston just agreed to help Dahlia in her search right after meeting her, but I was okay to go along and enjoy the ride. It was a lot of fun, and a lot silly, with a little bit of suspense and danger mixed in.
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy courtesy of Sourcebooks Casablanca. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I admired Dahlia’s determination to find her sister, flying in blind after receiving her SOS signal, not knowing what she was up against. Dahlia was perky, silly, and fun, the quintessential “sunshine” to Winston’s “grumpy”. Winston wasn’t all that grumpy, though with a big, mushy, protective heart under a gruff exterior.
Loved all the backpacking/survival bits! The challenging weather and terrain lent a bit of excitement, and the forced proximity made acting on their attraction inevitable! There were some deliciously sexy times!
I enjoyed Katie Ruggle’s romantic suspense, so I was looking forward to Fish Out of Water, described as a “murdery rom-com”. Some parts were a little a beyond belief, like how Winston just agreed to help Dahlia in her search right after meeting her, but I was okay to go along and enjoy the ride. It was a lot of fun, and a lot silly, with a little bit of suspense and danger mixed in.
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy courtesy of Sourcebooks Casablanca. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 16, 2024
This book is the perfect mix of adventure and emerging romance. Some twists I didn't see coming, some I did but was glad they happened too. It's perfect.
The grumpy-to-sunshine trope is on of my favorite trope. I loved how different Winston and Dahlia are, but how they seemed to be able to read each other almost from the start.
I wasn't really convinced about a relationship forming in so few days, but after reading the book, I completely understand how it could be real.
Dahlia's banter is just the best. I laughed so many times.
It's my first book by Katie Ruggle, but it certainly won't be my last.
TW for breaking and entering, gun violence, blood. Mentions of really bad parenting too.
Many many many thanks to Sourcebooks Casa for he complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The grumpy-to-sunshine trope is on of my favorite trope. I loved how different Winston and Dahlia are, but how they seemed to be able to read each other almost from the start.
I wasn't really convinced about a relationship forming in so few days, but after reading the book, I completely understand how it could be real.
Dahlia's banter is just the best. I laughed so many times.
It's my first book by Katie Ruggle, but it certainly won't be my last.
TW for breaking and entering, gun violence, blood. Mentions of really bad parenting too.
Many many many thanks to Sourcebooks Casa for he complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
July 6, 2024
3.75
this was just such an easy read 🤗
this was just such an easy read 🤗
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