Consumable Love

Hopewell River #1

by Madison Gray, Meg McIntyre (editor)

It turns out punching a stranger will get you fired, even if you’re picturing someone else.

When two infuriatingly handsome customers choose the wrong night to charm Raegan Huxley, an explosive outburst leaves her without a paycheck. The only thing worse than losing her bartending gig? Watching her stepsister tie the knot with the ex Raegan should’ve punched instead.

The wedding ends with Raegan intoxicated and in tears. She takes off into the grounds of the venue and stumbles on something unexpected—a letter from 1865 describing the night Civil War troops burned the Lyndhurst Historic Inn to the ground. Risking one more bad decision, she trespasses onto the property for another look, only to be caught by the very person she’d rather avoid: Holland Lyndhurst, the customer who broke up her bar room brawl.

Dealing with Raegan’s irritating attitude is not on Holland’s to-do list, but the correspondence she found unveils new questions about the unexplained fires that dot his family’s painful past. And Raegan’s determined to unravel the century-old mystery behind the letter, even if it means tolerating Holland and his panty-dropping smile.

Surprising even himself, Holland offers Raegan a temporary job. Days together turn into late nights deciphering correspondence, battling emerging feelings, and chasing a legend of lost gold.

Falling for each other is an unforeseen twist. But revisiting the past has Holland questioning...

Is love worth risking if flames could consume it all?

Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2023

About the author

Madison is an author and writer in Asheville, North Carolina. She specializes in writing new adult romance books with epic adventures and a dash of spice. When she's not writing, she enjoys rock climbing, hanging out with her partner and two dogs, spending time outdoors, and drinking lots and lots of coffee.

If you want to connect on social media, join her newsletter, or want to keep up with all the bookish updates, head over to her website!

Instagram: @madisongraytheauthor
TikTok: @madisongraytheauthor

Reviews

[Delani Dietrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely recommending this book to all my book loving friends! This book had me hooked from the start and didn’t lose my attention for a second (any book that does that is a good book!!). Super excited to read more Madison Gray books!

[Kenzie Wilkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked from the moment Raegan found the letter!! I loved reading about Raegan and Holland’s story and seeing both of their growth throughout this book. I also really loved the treasure hunt aspect and did not expect the little twist at the end!
Incredible first book Madison & I can’t wait to see what else you release in the future if the first book is this good!!! 4.5 stars!

[Dishi Gupta · Rating 1 out of 5]

So I tried as much as I could but I couldn't get over the fact that how the author normalised assault....it is clearly written that this friend of the MMC gropes the FMCs ass and that it usually works but she punches him(rightly so) and every man they know is like press charges and later the MMC is like aren't you used to being hit on? I think there is a clear stark difference in being hit on and being assaulted but clearly the author does not know that. The MMC is like this usually happens when the friend is drunk like that and is like this normal.I mean seriously??????? And that is brought again and again and again all just in 71 pages!!!

If you want to write a book about solving mystery around historical places good for you does not mean you need to normalise assault.

[Desiree · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

This book hooked me from the start! I was up until 1am reading and had to force myself to put it down and go to bed. As soon as my alarm went off I could not grab my kindle fast enough to pick up where I left off.

The banter between Raegan (FMC) and Holland (MMC) was so funny and sweet. Both characters were vulnerable and open, which was so refreshing as I feel like I have been reading so many miscommunication troupe books lately. The plot was a perfect balance of the growing love story between the main characters and the mystery they are trying to solve.

Loved it and can’t wait for the next installment in Hopewell River series 💖

[Beth Stiller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Suspense and Intrigue

Madison Grey’s first novel is a perfect blend of mystery and suspense. The twists and turns she created kept the pages turning, and the final twist was a shock.

Recommend for mature audiences only.

[Aspen Christensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars! This book was so cute! Nice job Madison on your debut novel, I can’t wait to chat your ear off about this one and what you have in store for the future. Definitely recommend

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun story that also had a mystery story line too. I always appreciate when there’s more than just a love story.