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Northern Lights

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My life was nearly perfect.

21. Grad student. Loving and supportive family. Best friends a girl could ask for. Protégé to the most sought after professor in my field. Perfect, I tell ya.

Then in just one week, everything changed.

Now…

30. Single parent. Living in a new city hours away from home. Best friend in tow. Rejoining academia after ghosting my dreams nearly a decade prior.

Nothing to see here, folks. Don't mind me.

But then he sees me. And he wants me. There's no way I'm traveling that road, again. But, did I really even travel it the first time?

310 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 17, 2023

15 people are currently reading
73 people want to read

About the author

B.J. Hill

2 books11 followers
B.J. Hill wants to live in a world where it doesn't matter if you're a square peg or a round hole; where 'round' is a perfectly-acceptable goal for getting 'in shape'; and where unfiltered and messy life is not only welcomed, but celebrated.

Her books—edgy and heartfelt narratives—explore the depths of human connection, the bittersweet taste of life, the redemptive power of love, and the belief that true strength is often found in vulnerability. They are important to her because they offer a space where passion meets purpose, where characters break and mend, and where readers can find solace in the shared experience of resilience and hope.

Adding to her repertoire, B.J. is also the innovative founder and CEO of JibblyBitz, a company that embraces the vibrancy and authenticity of storytelling. Through JibblyBitz, she aims to extend that connection, crafting a community where stories uplift, challenge, and transform.

She is the sunshine to her grumpy-ish college sweetheart, mom to the three coolest offspring in the world, and devoted subject to her feline royal majesties, Belle and Lucy. When she's not writing stories about her imaginary friends, you can find her reading, using her outside voice at inopportune moments, or being generally awkward (I mean, awesome. Totally awesome).

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5 stars
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30 (37%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Amanda Jenkins | smut.reader.
81 reviews11 followers
May 23, 2024
Fairly certain i cried within the first 10 pages. This book gets you in the FEELS. I haven't read anything quite like this. It really makes you reflect on your own relationships and what you would do different if everything changed within in a split second. It’s like you have tragedy and romance at the same time. The real question is; When are you ready for your new life to be your real life? Until Dexter of course <3

This writing style has got to be one of the most unique, banter heavy and intriguing ways to really bring out Alis’s character and her connection with Dex. I also loved her daughter sunny and best friend skye so much. After all, Alis’s life turned upside down, and it’s years later when Dex joined the picture. Get ready to feel everything. Loved it!
Profile Image for SagebrushBookBabe.
60 reviews3 followers
December 22, 2023
Fantastic, going to be one of my go to rereads

I wish I had the ability to give this book more stars. This is a delightful debut novel from B.J. Hill.

Alis is impacted by a family tragedy none of us should have to face. She goes from being on the cusp of having all of her dreams come true to being redirected down a difficult path. Taking everything in stride Alis buckles down and does the best she can with her new role as a single mom. With her best friend beside her to navigate this new path, Alis makes the decision to move to a new town and return to her beloved world of academia after being away for nine years.

The last thing she expected was to meet a man who captures her interest and even speaks her own language of great literature. Despite the intensity of the spark between Alis and Dexter, echos from the past haunt Alis causing her to reject the idea of anything more than a professional relationship that borderlines friendship. But Dexter is more than willing to do the work to show her how bright she shines and how well the compliment each other on top of the sizzling chemistry.

This story is so authentic I was sucked in before the end of page one. The character were well rounded, interesting and leaped off the page with flying colors. Alis is complex and endearing in her struggles to find her light. Dexter, Sexy Dexy, is amazing. He is perfect when it comes to respecting boundaries and finding the most endearing ways to make his attraction know without overstepping. And the intellectual banter between the two is level ten fire! I also have to add that Alis’ best friend Skye is everything you couldn’t ever want in a bestie. She is hilarious but also has the biggest heart and will do anything for those she loves. I’m really hoping to read her book some day. To top all of this off is Sunny, the spunky nine year old, who bring this entire story together. I loved seeing her relationship with everyone.

I cannot wait to read more form B.J. Hill. Her writing style is addictive.

Profile Image for Fifi.
119 reviews2 followers
May 25, 2024
This was a really nice book to read ❤️. It’s a contemporary romance but it was much more than Dexter & Alis love story. It was Alis story and then the people in her life from her past & present . The book was an emotional read for me especially at the start 🥹had to stop for a bit to process then continued.

I liked that there was a lot of focus on her journey and having to make sacrifices and changes to her life at a time of personal loss and how she grows from that and what changes she had to make along the way. I like when books cover in depth the FMC or MMC so we see what makes their characters the way that they are and the author does this well with Northern Lights.

The twist at the end 😳😲I didn’t see that coming at all .. I was reading the earlier chapters and was wondering why is this part in this book 😅 very nice twist 👏🏽

✨Contemporary romance
✨Work place romance
✨Forced proximity
✨Academia romance
✨Single parent
✨Soul mates
✨MMC who wears glasses
✨MMC speaks French
✨Dual POV
✨Past & Present timelines
✨Slow burn
✨Open door spice

You’ll like this book if you enjoy small town , work place romance , love after trauma .
Do check for all TW as this book covers loss in depth .

This is an ARC review as I was gifted a copy of this book by a pr company . All comments and reviews are of my own opinions and views .
Profile Image for Krissy.
53 reviews1 follower
May 25, 2024
5⭐️
2🌶️

Favorite quote:

“We carried with us the secret knowledge of each other, a moment in time where I imagined Rory became a constellation in DJ's sky, and he became a treasured chapter in my unfolding story.”

Forced Proximity
Single Parent
Academia Romance
Love after Trauma

Northern lights is the debut novel for B.J. Hill. It is dual POV with many time jumps. It shows Alis’ memories ranging from childhood to present. Some of which I didn’t realize would be so significant until near the end of the story. Northern Lights was way more than I was expecting. I went into it only knowing the troupes, so I had no idea what I was in for. Holy moly. I loved it so so much. I was crying in the beginning along with Alis. Throughout the story you experience her healing and finding herself again. Alis has a very supportive family and best friend. Alis, her daughter, and best friend move to a new town for Alis to finish her degree. There she meets Dexter. Dexter was amazing, caring, and so understanding. Just who Alis needed. Northern Lights is about taking chances, healing, and accepting love, even when you think you don’t need it. I loved every minute of this book and I’m excited for more from B.J. Hill.
Profile Image for balayageandbooks.
581 reviews17 followers
August 23, 2025
How this author literally had me in all of my feels in literally pages… hats off to you ma’am!

This book sucked me in so quickly.

The heart break. The loss. The utter devastation.

It broke my heart and then it slowly put it back together.

The second chances. Those stolen glances. The strength it takes for someone to rebuild everything.

I immediately fell in love with the FMC she’s not only incredibly smart, but she’s also incredibly strong. She steps up to the plate in so many ways and honestly just deserves her HEA.

The MMC, is everything you would hope for… plus he can woo you with his French. He falls hard and fast. And don’t we all love those types of stories?!

The banter… y’all the French banter at that. The tension. It’s all AMAZING!

You will be rooting for these two from the start!

And then the Author drops this bomb and I have never happy cried and literally cheered at my kindle like I did with this book!

If you love a good slow burn romance that will have you in all your feels… this is a must read!
Profile Image for gemma.louise.xx.books.
419 reviews6 followers
October 12, 2025
When Alis was 21 she thought she had her future figured out, but in just one week her whole life flipped upside down. Now she’s 30, a single mother, living in a new town, about to restart her Masters after almost a decade, with just her daughter and best friend for support. She meets Dexter in a club on a rare night out but leaves before things really start. She likes him but needs to focus on her studies and her child. But as fate would have it she see’s him again when she least expects it and this time he’s determined to win her over. But when her past collides with her present, can she survive the fallout? And will Dexter still be there when she needs him?

I enjoyed this! It made me cry, made me laugh, made me cry again. There was a bit of back and forth in timelines for a few chapters until we were firmly in the present but honestly? I needed that break from the heartbreak for a few pages! Dexter and Alis’s relationship wasn’t straightforward and easy- it was complicated and messy and just completely realistic tbh! I can’t wait to read the next book!
Profile Image for Jennifer Weatherford.
71 reviews5 followers
May 18, 2024
This book got me out of my slump!!
Alis is a 30 years old woman who battles with her mind due to grief after losing her sister to a drunk driver and becoming a single parent to her niece overnight. She also had a traumatic experience being a TA from her college days.
Flash forward 9 years later and she meets Dexter. He immediately is attracted to her: “Tonight I was the unwilling tagalong of friends on the prowl. The noise, the crowd- it’s all a bit much for me. But then, among the clamor, I spotted you, a beacon in this cacophony. This night was deepest darkness till you appeared and illuminated it all.” She’s attracted to him, but stops herself from letting herself be happy due to her past.
This book had me swooning, laughing, and crying. I would definitely recommend this to everyone.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Troupe: slow burn, academic romance, single mom, forced proximity
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for J.S. Mercier.
Author 11 books128 followers
May 12, 2024
I've been in a reading slump for literally over a year, unable to finish anything I've picked up. I'm generally more of a dark and/or paranormal romance person, but thought a change of pace may get me going again.

I was right.

Alis's pain, strength, and witty personality sucked me in from the first page, and Dexter's determination and devotion stole my heart. I finished this book in less than a day.

I loved being able to dust off my (extremely rusty) French and (slightly less rusty) literary knowledge. I loved the dynamic between Alis and her friends and family, and I loved the walk down memory lane to my own days in academia.

This book with take you through all of the feels - joy, pain/devastation, love, heartbreak, hope, fear, longing... and it's worth every single second.
Profile Image for Erin.
215 reviews12 followers
May 23, 2024
I got this book as an eARC and thoroughly enjoyed it! If you like strong, independent, quick witted FMC’s this book is a great choice! Alis is a single mom, but not your typical single mom. Shes been given guardianship of her niece after her sister and brother in law pass away. It was nice to read a book about a not so typical single mom situation. Even as horrible as the situation was. Dexter was totally swoon worthy with his hot professor sex appeal and intelligence at that. He was so patient with Alis while she was dealing with her grief and new life. They truly fell in love with each other over months and months of being friends and co-workers. This was a SLOOWWWWW burn but all the angst! I hope some of the side characters get their own books in this series!
Profile Image for Nevaeh Gartman.
23 reviews
May 21, 2024
This story was one of a kind. ✨

Alis is a grad student who experiences a family tragedy that flips her life upside down and puts grad school to the side, for the time being.

Fast forward nine years and she is now a single parent and ready to go back to school. Alis, her daughter Sunny, and her best friend Skye, pack up and move to a new city for this venture. Alis doesn’t expect to meet a man at a bar and share a steamy kiss, to then run into him on her first day of classes at her new university. She’s afraid to move forward with him due to events in her past.

There is a fun twist in the end I totally didn’t see coming!🙊

Alis’ internal dialogue was hilarious! She is so funny, quirky, and unapologetically herself.
1,837 reviews24 followers
May 21, 2024
Wow, this novel was so good! This is the first novel I have read by this author and I am so glad I did. From the first few chapters this novel pulled me in. This novel took me on such an emotional ride. Ali has been thru so much and has to work her way thru it to acceptance. I loved Ali and Dexter. I loved Dexter and his determination to show Ali that she is the one. I loved watching them fall in love. I love when a novel is hard to put down because I need to know what is coming next. This novel did exactly that for me. So good! I can't wait to see what this author has coming next.
Profile Image for Erin Stapel.
734 reviews17 followers
May 23, 2024
This book was amazing. Alis who suffers a family tragedy that up and changes her entire life. She had her dreams, and they were so close to coming true when the tragedy his and left her needing to make a choice. Continue to go with her dreams or do what was asked of her and be the guardian of her little niece. She steps into this new role, but little did she know that when she decided to move to a new town, she would meet a man who would capture her heart. Dexter captures her heart/ her interests and shares many similar interests with Alis and compliments her as a partner. While there isn't a lot of spice the writing kept the reader in a trance with feeling a whole slew of emotions. Absolutely phenomenal writing and it was such a great tug at your heart strings book.
Profile Image for K Webz.
1,934 reviews
May 24, 2024
Absolutely loved this story. It is so full of so many emotions and the writing is flawless and pulls you in.

Alis is such a relatable character, as is suffered a loss after a tragedy and is trying to find her way after. When she moves to a new town, along with her daughter and her best friend, she decides to put her life back together. Never thinking she would meet a man like Dexter.

Dexter is such a patient and great about taking his time to show her that he wants her. And he is such the perfect match for her. The chemistry between these two just pours off the pages.

This was my first read by this author and I can’t wait for more.
Profile Image for Caroline Arnoux.
217 reviews2 followers
May 20, 2024
4,5/5

B.J. Hill did a delightful job with this book. I was so excited to finally be able to read this book and it did NOT disappoint at all!

The first few chapters were a little bit slow for me but after a moment it went so well and so many intense emotions that I finished this book in one setting, and I'm so glad I didn't let my first thought stop me from reading this treasure! 😍 The romance was so on point for me and the author did such a good job with the characters. The writing was phenomenal and I'm so thankful for the copy of this baby. Thank you so much 👏🏼
Profile Image for Courtney Tani.
294 reviews15 followers
May 24, 2024
I really enjoyed this read! Alis has gone through so much heartache, I couldn’t even imagine the pain she has been through. I was in tears reading about her loss of her sister and brother in law in the beginning. I loved seeing her develop throughout the book. Dexter was swoon worthy and he was the perfect match for Alis. I loved their banter and connection throughout. Side characters were also great as well! I loved the shocking things that came out of Skye’s mouth and the sassy from Sunny. The only negative I had with the book is I do not know French so I had to keep translating to know what was going on. I would have loved footnotes at the bottom to translate for me. Otherwise I definitely recommend this read for those that love a heartfelt romance.
Profile Image for Melissa Cooke.
895 reviews9 followers
May 25, 2024
B.J. Hill wrote a phenomenal debut novel with Northern Lights. The writing style was so unique and original and had me enjoying every single word. I was felling all the feels early on and really got into Ali's journey from tragedy to finding happiness and love again.

Reading Ali and Dexter's journey to falling in love was magical. I loved how he was steadfast on proving to her that he was it for her, and that they could have an HEA..

When a book gets into my heart like this one did that's how I know it's a keeper!

I can't wait to read more from this author.
1 review
June 5, 2024
GREAT READ!!

My first book by BJ Hill, drew me in right from the start. This story of love, tragedy, devastation, longing and hope, hit all the right marks. Alis, a beautiful soul, struggles to stay strong as she works to find her way back from not one but two deeply crippling events.

I love the characters, Skye, the best friend we all need, Sunny, witty and funny, and Dexter, the perfect man Alis can’t live without.

Great work, BJ Hill. If you love a book that pulls at all your emotions, this is the one!!
Profile Image for Inés  Molina.
518 reviews76 followers
May 24, 2024
“The northern lights don’t exist without the sun. How am I supposed to exist without you?”

This story had my heart in pain with her pain. It was so emotional in the beginning. I love the switching of timelines to 9 years ago, and now when she meets Dexter and moves to a new place. It's a slow burn with so much angst building up, but the patience was worth it. The love was beautiful. I absolutely loved this story.
Profile Image for Jamie Mongillo-Hooker.
450 reviews7 followers
October 3, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/🌶️ Northern Lights by BJ Hill (Natural Wonders #1)

I accidentally read book 2 first, and just knew I needed to go back and read Alis and Dexter's book. 😍 I cannot say enough good things about this book! It pulled on all the feelings. 😂😭😬🤤

💜Recovering from tragedy
⭐Grief/loss
💜Professor x TA
⭐Single mom
💜They speak in French and book quotes
⭐Forbidden romance
💜The YEARNING!!
⭐Amazing female friendships
Profile Image for Katie Barbour.
56 reviews
December 25, 2025
This book just felt like everything I ever wanted in a feel good story about love.

Can Dexter please be real and exist in more than just the world of my book boyfriends? I mean, the man is passionate, alluring, AND he speaks French. 🥵🥵

And Alis is such a relatable woman. She puts others before herself and still has her own goals in life. ❤️❤️

Now I’m off to read more of B.J. Hill’s books!!
Profile Image for Sarah.
196 reviews1 follower
December 1, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. The first couple chapters were slow but after that I was hooked. I really liked the characters - Alis, Dexter, and Skye. I wasnt sure about Tori but from the end it looks like there will be more of a storyline with her in the next book. Overall, this was a fast read and hard to put down and I look forward to reading more from this author.
Profile Image for Between 91.
14 reviews1 follower
January 14, 2026
I came across this author as she was attacking readers and other authors for the alleged use of generative AI. I noticed her post had generative AI, and then I saw her bio also used generative AI. I started to read the story and almost DNF'd immediately as it felt like it was written by generative AI as well. I wouldn't recommend it at all!
Profile Image for Nikki Grant.
Author 15 books50 followers
May 15, 2024
This book was absolutely amazing.

It was definitely a cozy romance story with very little spice but a whole lot of tears, journeys, and finally! moments. I wish there was just a bit more to the end of things but hope we get a peek into their relationship in future books.

567 reviews13 followers
May 24, 2024
I was given the opportunity to read an advanced reader’s copy of this novel and I thoroughly enjoyed this one! This is a novel that has a lot of emotions throughout, and I really resonated with the characters. I really enjoyed the focus on the main character focusing on academia despite being a single parent and having been through some tragic loss.

I found myself cheering on these characters and having a hard time putting this novel down. I did go into this one fairly blind as I had only know the tropes and a rough synopsis. I loved being surprised throughout the novel due to not really having a grasp of what it was about. I will say that I definitely will check out other novels by B. J. Hill in the future.
Profile Image for Gracie Walker.
131 reviews
May 22, 2024
4⭐️

This book was so sweet and such a good read. Healing, love, everything you could ask for in a romance. Its a fun, quick read. Highly recommend!!

If you like…
single parent, academia romance, slow burn, love after trauma…. then read this!
Profile Image for Holli Mahar.
109 reviews
May 24, 2024
This book had me laughing, crying, and swooning! The storyline was excellent. I enjoyed the characters. There is something cathartic about crying while reading a good book.

What to expect:
🔥Forced Proximity
🔥Single Parent
🔥Academia Romance
🔥Love After Trauma
Profile Image for Joy Williams.
1 review
October 30, 2023
This beautiful romantic comedy was beautiful! The writing was phenomenal. The characters were so relatable. Plus I ADORED all of the literary references!
Profile Image for Readingwithdesi .
1,296 reviews39 followers
May 11, 2024
This was a slow burn quick read! I loved the professor/ teacher assistant and they both speak French! I enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to see if there is another book
Profile Image for Jacqueline Fromm.
356 reviews8 followers
May 17, 2024
This is one of those heartwarming, make you cry reads. We have our FMC that takes a step back in her life to step forward when tragedy strikes her family. Years later she returns to her path in life and meets our MMC and boy is he a good one. The plot twist about him near the end is just to perfect for words. If you like a slow burn, real love story this one is for you
Profile Image for Chronicles_of_a_book_princess.
527 reviews6 followers
May 24, 2024
A really good book, something different from the plot and interesting to read. I liked the characters and their story evolves. The characters both worked in an education setting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

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