And Then I Saw You.

by A.L. Fox

Carter did not know his life was missing much. And then he saw her. Kris did not think her life could really get better. Until she found him. Neither of them knows much about what they are doing. All they know is this; they want to figure it out together. Whether it be in rain or shine, through the good and bad… they want it. Whatever it may be. But for Kris, feelings from the past might just get in her way of what she thinks she does not deserve. Carter will not let that happen, though, knowing exactly what kind of love she deserves in the end.

Genres: Romance, Plus Size, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Second Chance

267 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 16, 2024

About the author

A. L. Fox is a self-publishing indie author, though she feels weird calling herself the "a" word. She spends her days with her two small children and her farmer husband. She enjoys 70 degree weather and rain, Starbucks and Target, and laughing. A. L. Fox was born and raised in the Midwest and likes to think her writing will reach who it needs to. She plans to continue to create but has no real, big goals while doing so. She's thankful everyday for the chance to do this whole thing.
Her main goal: bring joy to others.

Reviews

[kileigh✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️ Rounded up!

“A life without you would be like a life without the sun. Without its warmth and light. That is what you are Kris. You are my warmth, my light."

Typical insta love story!
Insta love isn’t my favorite, but this book was well done! It’s very different from her book “I Wish”. I fucking loved that one. A.L. Fox explained that this was supposed to be a palate cleanser from her more deeper books, and I agree. This is a light read, while still touching on some heavy topics, but they weren’t as in depth as she’s proven she can be.

While being an “insta love” story, her FMC, Kris, was still complex and relatable. I would’ve loved to see more of her MMC, because I honestly thought he was pretty bland. His personality was Kris, and the fact that he was a dad. If you take Carter for what he is, he’s TOTALLY swoon worthy!

“She is gorgeous. Her light blue jeans hug her curvy butt and hips, giving me a good view of just how much there is to hold on to.”

What I thought was a liiiiiittle annoying was the fact that Kris and Carter told each other “I love you” like, twice in a chapter… Sometimes more. I GET IT! “Insta love” and all, but jesus…

I did have a good time reading this, and I’m glad A.L. Fox had a great time writing it!

Quotes I loved:

"I'll buy you a hundred bookcases if it makes you this happy, sweetheart."

“The curl of her hair and the curve of her ass, I would drop to my knees now and worship her if it meant she would just tell me her name.”

“I hope that one day you won’t doubt when someone tells you you’re beautiful.”

“I would have waited my whole life for you to show up on my front porch.”






⋆✴︎˚｡┈pre-read┈ ｡ﾟ✴︎⋆
Reading back to back A.L. Fox books because I’m literally obsessed, and I can’t stop thinking about the first book I read by her! “I Wish” was a fucking sob fest!

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ rounded up for Goodreads.

Wow, this book was SO fun to read. But also made me cry a lot, soooo. 🤣 I’m not usually into instant-love romance books, but A.L. Fox did this one right. I found myself swooning, giggling, and rooting for the couple the entire time. You will absolutely fall for the two MCs and all of the side characters.

Read if you like books with playlists, dual POV, instant-love, farm daddies, men who buy their women bookshelves, a plus size FMC, when you know you know, Nebraska football, and small town vibes.

I loved Kris and Carter. They are both embarrassing ramblers and I love them for it - it made them quite sweet and endearing. Their over-the-top cute dynamic just melted me. They were little cheese balls with each other, but in the same breath they were open and honest and communicated - gold stars! Carter pined and waited for this woman and damn, he knows how to declare love and give Kris a monologue. He also hears her anxieties and does an excellent job of caring for her in the midst of them and NOT telling her she’s crazy. We love a man who can listen. 👏🏼

A.L. Fox also handled some delicate topics really well. Her description of Kris’ fears and anxieties in the wake of a number of miscarriages felt real and raw. She opens up in the acknowledgements about her own miscarriage and I could tell she put a lot of herself into Kris’ heart. The reality of a blended family is a huge part of the plot, and I could just tell the interactions were written by a mom. It felt real and really made my heart soar.

She also portrayed Kris as a size 20 gal, who I strongly identified with. There are certain insecurities plus-size women can carry in a world made for straight sized women and she had Kris express those honestly and realistically. I just super appreciated that.

I had one frustration with our FMC, though. Kris, a woman with anxiety (ummm can relate), had a hard time really settling into the good and was always waiting for the other shoe to drop. Her reaction to when something went wrong really made me so mad. I don’t want to spoil anything, but gosh dang it, Kris!!

And finally, authors who give us an epilogue YEARS into the future have a special place in my heart. Thank youuuuuuuu for making years burst out of my eyeballs. And a huge thank you to A.L. Fox for an eARC in exchange for my honest thoughts. ❤️❤️

Quick Details:
Out on 1.16.24 - preorder now!
CW: Divorce, infertility, and miscarriage.
🔥 Closed door.

[Jenah Riggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love love. I have now read ATISY twice and I loved it just as much the 2nd time as I did the first. It’s cheesy, happy, cutesy but everything I love in a fictional love story! Carter and Kris are so sweet together. Their instant attraction, and the way they mold their lives together is just perfect. If you don’t bawl during the epilogue I don’t know if we can be friends. Both times reading it I had tears streaming down my face. Happy tears to be specific!

[Kirsten Van Hooland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed, loved and adored the heck out of this book! It deals very well with a sensitive subject! I am absolutely amazed by how the author makes such masterpieces!
If you’re looking for a fluffy romance with amazing characters, an even more amazing relationship between them and just a fun and heartswelling story, this is your sign!
5⭐️

[Erika R · Rating 5 out of 5]

A. L. Fox promised cheesy, rom-com vibes, small town romance (my fav), cinnamon roll MMC and she delivered it all!!! I was so into the book that I didn’t want to finish reading it 🥲

If you’re looking for a quick read that is super funny this is the one!!

Carter is the sweetest and Kris is the super strong women that can (and I hope does) inspire all of us 🥰

The epilogue had me quite emotional 🥹 and it was the perfect end for all of them.

4.5 ⭐️ rounded up

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y'ALL. I FLIPPING LOVED THIS BOOK!

I have a mad crush on Carter - he is literally my dream man, everything I've ever pictured and wanted. I love that he knew there was something special right off the bat about Kris. It gives me hope and makes me feel like it could actually happen to me, being a curvy woman. This story took partial place in my home state of Nebraska so getting snippets of my favorite places and things was
*chefs kiss*.

AND A PLAYLIST. HECK YES! Music helps exasperate my feelings and having a list of songs to coincide with the story was A GIFT. Literally.

If you love books that make you feel all the feels, is a closed door romance, and has a cinnamon roll cowboy MMC and curvy strong FMC…RUN TO PREORDER NOW!

This is my first ARC review, I'm so grateful for the opportunity A.L. Fox!

[Amber Bender · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE ULTIMATE GOLDEN RETRIEVER. THE BEST CINNAMON ROLL. CARTER. 🥹💖
I was and AM obsessed with ATISY!!!!!!

A.L. Fox just gave me the ultimate comfort read. A warm hug. A hot coffee with a fuzzy blanket. Dancing in the rain. That long hug from a friend. SO MUCH HAPPINESS.

Happy happy happy tears. Please please PLEASE read this. A.L. Fox deserves all of the love 💕

[DG. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cheesy? Check.
Insta-love? Check.
Quick Read? Check.
Closed Door Spice? Check.

I was given the opportunity to both alpha & beta read this book. 4.5 stars, rounded up for GR.

A.L Fox does it again! This was a quick, cutesy read and what I like to call a palate cleanser. I'm a dark romance girly, and I dislike insta-love but if that is your jam, you're in the right place. Carter and Kris are the cutesttttttt. And we love a single dad who is a great co-parent.

10/10 recommend.

[Brea Lamb · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful swoon-worthy romance full of acceptance, self-love, healing, and hope 🖤

[Katie ᥫ᭡. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartwarming & cozy read! 🥹💖

I absolutely adore A.L. Fox! She crafts a swoon-worthy character in Carter, like where can I buy him? Amazon Prime?! 🛒 Kris is beyond beautiful and loved seeing her bloom into herself and radiate confidence 🌸.

The instalove was 👨🏻‍🍳💋🤌🏼

I laughed, kicked my feet, and shed happy tears—it's like a cozy Hallmark movie. Petition for a film adaptation, anyone? 🍿✨

A must read - perfect for any season of the year 🙌🏼

[Katinka Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love a Farm daddy😏🥰
What a beautiful read! A cute, instant Love, super cheesy easy breezy read. A great palette cleanser.

SPOILER: my favourite part and made me lol when we all thought she was at the farm and he was at her door. Got me good.

[Kirsty ( kirstysbooked ) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book so much! It was the perfect feel good swoon worthy romance that ticks ever box. I found myself sobbing at the end, so obsessed with this book that I never wanted it to end. The characters and their stories are so special, and this book has so much more to it than just a romance. It is the best escapism of a truly beautiful story and one of the best Rom-Coms that I have read in a long time. I cannot recommend it enough.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I took a little break from all my holiday reads to read this ARC and it was just what I needed to “cleanse my palate”. This was a quick read full of all that cheesy rom com goodness that you want in a book!

Carter basically falls in love at first sight with Kris when he sees her at a concert. He took a chance to shoot his shot, but unfortunately she was married at the time. He told her if she ever found herself single again, to find him, so he gave her his name, location and age.

Fast forward to 5 years later and now Kris is divorced. She remembers Carter from their brief interaction all those years ago and decided to seek him out. I’m sure you can guess what happens from there 😬

Despite the insta-love romance, this book also dealt with some heavier topics including divorce, infertility, and miscarriage. I thought the author did a great job at portraying these very real and raw emotions. I also loved the honest communication between Kris and Carter. They truly had a great relationship. Another thing I loved was that the epilogue was set several years in the future! It’s always so nice to see what the characters are up to after all that time.

Overall, this was a fun and enjoyable read. Thank you to A.L. Fox for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review!

[Christina Ganesh ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a super cheesy, feel-good, quick but cute read.. this the book for you! I absolutely LOVED following Kris & Carters story. This book gave me ALL the feels ✨ goosebumps, jaw dropping, butterflies & all. Loved the farm daddy vibes, didn’t know I needed my own farm daddy til I met Carter & I feel like I related so much to Kris, it’s crazy! One thing I REALLY appreciated was that the epilogue is set 15 years in the future. Overall this was such a great read! Most def recommend♥️

[Rachel Hodgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a super cute read and was happy to see that it featured North Dakota (where I was born). It had all the cheesy rom-com insta love features while being super heartwarming. Closed door spice!

[Lena Duke · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, can I just say Carter is amazing. Everything about him is perfect. He’s attentive, he’s supportive, he goes after what he wants, he’s a farm daddy, and he’s a single dad! *𝐬𝐰𝐨𝐨𝐧* Like seriously, the best book boyfriend ever.

Then there’s Kris. Who’s also amazing, even if she doesn’t think so. I loved her personality and the relationship she has with her brother. She’s curvy and beautiful and strong. Ugh. Love her.

Their love story is so much more than I’ll ever be able to put into words. When you know, you know. I absolutely adored the time they had together and the progress Carter made with Kris about her self worth and how beautiful she is.

I think the most precious character, though, is Cameron. Ugh, my heart. He’s such a sweet little boy.

Not to mention the playlist. 🫶🏻

Or the prologue! That absolutely tugged on my heartstrings.

Seriously, this is a need. Such a beautiful, cheesy story.

“Give it to me, sweetheart—the worry. I want it. Let me hear it, please.” Carter, you smooth talking beauty, you.

Huge huge thanks to @authoralfox for not only trusting me to beta read but also ARC read. I enjoyed every part of this process and she’s such an amazing person.

[Kimberley · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC BOOK REVIEW

Thank you so much, Amber, for an ARC of your book. It was an absolute dream to read. I was so excited to start this one, and it did not disappoint in the slightest. I'm not a big fan of clean romances usually, but to me, having spice in this book really did not matter due to how much is encaptured me from the very first page.

And Then I Saw You follows the perspectives of Kris and Carter aka Farm Daddy (love that name for him, it's just so true). They meet at a concert where Carter approaches her to ask if she is single as all he sees is the most beautiful woman in his eyes and his future wife, but unfortunately Kris is married (unhappily but still married) so even because of this Carter gives her his name and where he lives.

The book then flips to 5 years down the line, where Kris is now single and takes the plunge to finally go and find Carter. Oh my god, his reaction when he saw her was the sweetest thing ever - absolute swoon! Things immediately hit it off between them, and I loved their banter between each other and just how sweet they are together overall. And then the fact Carter is a single dad with a nearly 3 year old just made it all so much better, his child was the cutest thing ever and I loved Carter's relationship with his son and also his sons mother is also pretty cool and ends up being besties with Kris.

Kris had been through a number of hardships through her life, and that did show through how insecure and easy to scare away from certain things in the book. Luckily, Carter helped her through all of that to be the best person she is. I just loved this book so much, and I can't wait to see what the author will do next!

[Cass Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hurt me in the best way.

A.L. Fox came out swinging with the good feels in this book. It makes you smile, cry, and even kick your feet and giggle! I always rate my books by how much it made me feel and this book made me feel all of the feels. It really is just a sweet hug of a book.

That epilogue though. 💛

I was lucky enough to beta read for A.L. Fox and I'm happy to report that I want to read anything she writes forever.

[Emily Keesee · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book over 5 stars; it would get a solid 10 from me.

A.L. Fox did it again. She wrote the perfect farm daddy, and I love everything about this little crew. I am so beyond proud of you for finishing your second book, and I can’t wait to read the other hundred that you write.

Kris & Carter, my hearts yours always.

[MoreThanAPrettyCover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness 😍😭🥰🥹🙃 I cried (happy tears), I tingled, I giggled. All the feels and it was beautiful!

Kris was such a sweet FMC with so much self doubt that it was amazing watching her journey to finding herself. Her worries were so relatable and real. Carter, oh Carter 🥰 the best cinnamon roll, the most supportive man.

I really enjoyed reading this book after reading A.L. Fox's first book, I'll Never Be. She can definitely write a dreamy MMC and relatable FMCs. She's also showing diversity with characters she's can develop from teens to 30s and they're beautiful.

There is a trigger warning of fertility issues and miscarriage. Which I know can be a sensitive subject so please be aware!

[Britani Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cutest instalove story that is also relatable. It made me laugh, it made me smile, it also made me a little teary eyed as I could relate to some of the heartbreak Kris goes through. Also highly recommend listening to the songs that go along with each chapter. I love A.L. Fox for making this book a whole experience. ♥️

[Rewriting My Stars✨📖 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.8/ 5 🌟

“YOU NEED ME TO TELL YOU THAT I LOVE YOU MORE THAN I HAVE EVER LOVED ANYONE OR ANYTHING IN MY ENTIRE LIFE? THAT THE KIND OF LOVE I HAVE FOR OUR SON IS NECK AND NECK WITH THE KIND OF LOVE I HAVE FOR YOU? YOU NEED THE MOON, KRIS?” I shake my head and take her face in my hands, forcing her to look at me. “OPEN YOUR EYES, HONEY. LOOK AT ME.” She does. “FUCK THE MOON, I’LL GET YOU THE SUN. ALL YOU’D NEED TO DO IS ASK AND ITS YOURS. A LIFE WITHOUT YOU WOULD BE LIKE A LIFE WITHOUT THE SUN. WITHOUT ITS WARMTH AND LIGHT. THAT IS WHAT YOU ARE KRIS. YOU ARE MY WARMTH, MY LIGHT.”-CARTER 🌙☀️❤️🫠

Okayyy ladies let’s talk Carter… because this man🥵 Holy smokes was he a complete smoke show! Hes the whole package! 📦
His character is just one of those characters you can’t help but fall madly in love with! He just was so well written and I loved that he loved kris with every fiber of his being! He wore his heart completely on his sleeve the whole way through! Not only is he one fine, hard working cowboy that wants more than anything to take care of kris but he is also one hell of a loving father! See where I’m going with this? That’s right this man was…tough, sensitive, loving, caring, emotionally intelligent, a great father, a great friend, and an even better soulmate. Even with all of Kris’s insecurities he comforted her, he listened, he reassured her of his love for her! In other words Carter is a DREAM!!!!🫠❤️

Kris and Carter meet in such unconventional circumstances. Kris goes looking for him 5 years later and boom the relationship starts instantly. Hence why I said it all happens so fast🙃 I loved kris as a character too but I was a little more conflicted with her as a character. I’m not sure what it was that made me feel that way exactly but it honestly could be just the realism aspect again ruining her likability for me.🤷🏻‍♀️

I struggled so hard with rating this book though guys because it does get so cute towards the end. It’s more of an insta love/ unconventional meet cute type book. I’m just very used to enjoying more realistic romance novels. Don’t get me wrong this did end up being such a cute cozy read and had SOME realistic qualities, but I couldn’t get over the repetitive parts of it or the fast pace meet/ relationship portion! Just felt very rushed in the beginning! If you enjoy realism when you read romance novels I wouldn’t jump into this one to quickly but if your looking for a cute cozy insta love/ insta relationship type read then this would be right up your alley!💖 Even better with a cozy blanket and a nice cup of coffee!
☕️

🌙Tropes☀️
🌸Insta-Love
🌸Boy chases girl
🌸Girl chases boy
🌸Meet-cute


⚠️Triggers⚠️
🤍Infertility
🤍Miscarriages
🤍Unhappy Marriage/Divorce

[J. M. ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

And Then I Saw You is a story about ordinary people living extraordinary moments, letting life happen around them, and falling in love along the way. I need more books just like it.

These days, the book world is filled with stories of grandeur, where everyone's a mob boss or a millionaire and professional sports contracts are being passed out at every turn. And trust me – I enjoy those stories (and the escape they provide) just as much as the next person! I read them and write them and I believe all stories should be told for the many different reading palettes out there.

But sometimes, it's easy to forget about the stories of people just like us. The people we brush shoulders with at Walmart, who are filling their tanks at the pump next to ours, or sitting a few rows up at a concert we're attending. Everyone has a story and they're all grand when you take a closer look. And that's exactly what this book is.

Carter and Kris felt like my friends. They were relatable and sweet, hardworking and driven. They had troubles and trials and pieces they didn't like sharing with the world. Their love story was quiet and lovely and emotional. I loved every bit of it. ❤️

[Susie Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

And Then I Saw You is a super cheesy romance in the best way!!
Even with some heavier topics it was still fun and cheesy, I was laughing and smirking the whole time.

FMC is a curvy woman with spunk and anxiety.
MMC is the biggest he falls first cinnamon roll.

He falls first fast and hard
Insta-love
Small town
Mental health rep
Blended family rep
*Infertility, miscarriage (ALFox handled this topic with such love and care.) & divorce.
🔥Closed door romance.

I literally messaged A.L. Fox asking who she knew that worked on agriculture or groceries stores. For context my husband has worked in the grocery industry since he was 16, he worked his way up and now’s sells produce all over the US. I love that she included not only blue collar jobs but also the white collar jobs that are involved in blue collar industries ( Kris working as a web designer for a grocery store)

Publication date: January 16th.
Available in paperback, digitally, and via Kindle Unlimited on that date.

Thank you @authoralfox for gifting me this ARC copy
This review is my honest review ❤️

[Chelsea (thatbookishteach) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another A.L. book that had me in tears, but it all wrapped up in the best/sweetest way.
Carter is literally a dream man, and I can only dream of ever having a man be that head over heels for me from first sight.
I truly adored he and Kris together, and the bond Kris formed with Carter’s son Cameron was what I dream of for my daughter to have one day if mom ever gets a man 🤣❤️
Thank you so much A.L. For writing this sweet and hopeful story, it was just what I needed ❤️

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️


Es un instalove, super cursi, y lo disfrute.




Spoilers ⚠️ ⚠️

Carter se enamoró de Kris a primera vista, pero ella estaba casada, entonces él le da su dirección y le dice que si alguna vez está soltera lo busque. Y así empieza su historia.

No hay infidelidad.

Carter siempre la tuvo en su mente y corazón.

No quiero dar muchos spoilers y sólo diré que me gustó la unión de su familia, sobre todo la amistad entre Kris y Sadie, y obviamente la relación de Kris con Cameron ❤️.

[BookishInTheHeartland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carter & Kris

Tropes:
• Insta Love
• Single Dad
• Character Growth

Thoughts: It's love at first sight for Carter the first time he sees Kris and he walks up to tell her only to find out she's married. Fast forward five years and Kris's life has changed drastically and Kris shows up on the steps of a man she couldn't forget. This is the most genuinely realistic book of small town life in Nebraska/Kansas I have ever read. Everything from the consolidated school districts, chicken fried steak, checking cattle and planning your life around farm/ranch life. It almost felt like I was reading a story about one of my neighbors. Two things I really, really LOVED: the Midwestern realism and realistic portrayal of farm/ranch life.

(Dual POV & Fade to Black/Innuendo)
*TW for Infertility
*Language

[Meg Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a sweet and easy read! 🥰 I love Carter!

[Kaitlyn Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my heart . Such a sweet story about a man who believes in love at first sight . True love does exist and i am team Carter 🩷

[Brittany · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was cute and a fast read, but the whole insta love thing was weird to me. I’m not dissing the concept because I know it exists, just this book had everything happen so fast. It did touch on some touchy subjects, but still. An okay read