From the Ground Up

The Foundation #1

by Caitlin Klassen

Ellie Elm loves her job, country music, and the taste of tequila. She hates thunderstorms and mice. But most of all she hates how much her rival Scott Woods gets under her skin. He’s arrogant, rude, and his eyes are the most infuriating shade of blue she’s ever seen

When the opportunity to participate on a home renovation show arises, Ellie is excited at the chance to showcase her work and hopefully, expand her business. That is until she learns that she’s going to co-host the show with Scott Woods. But as the project progresses, Ellie and Scott find themselves doing a lot more than just putting up drywall, painting trim, and picking out cabinets. In fact, the more time they spend together, Ellie has to face the maybe she and Scott work better as a team.

Will Ellie and Scott continue to butt heads and destroy their chance at success? Or will they learn to work together to create the foundation for what they’ve both wanted all along . . . love.

Genres: Forced Proximity, Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary, Small Town Romance, Adult, Romance

294 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 20, 2023

About the author

Caitlin Klassen is a Contemporary Romance Writer from a small town in Southern Ontario, Canada.

Caitlin enjoys writing books that include representation of real life topics such as infertility, chronic illness, abuse, mental illness, neurodivergence and beyond.

When she isn’t writing, you can find her having kitchen dance parties with her family, reading books or baking cookies. But most of the time, you can find her drinking a cup of tea while mentally crafting her latest writing inspiration.

You'll enjoy her work if you're looking for novels that ground you and make you feel seen, while also pulling at your heart strings.


Find the author on Instagram/Threads & Tiktok: @authorcaitlinklassen

Reviews

[Anastasia ｼ · Rating 5 out of 5]

╭ ✦ •
│ ⊹ 𝟻 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚜 ⊹
╰ ✦ •

wait this was actually so cute

The way I devoured this!! I loved the banter and their chemistry!
I loved the home renovation aspect of this and seeing their budding romance grow!!

Definitely one of my fav couples

I wish this had Scott’s pov tho ;(
I feel like besides their ‘rivalry’/banter there wasn’t major tension


────── ✧ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ♡ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ✧ ──────

⊹ 𝔀𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓽 ⊹
❥rivals to lovers
❥found family
❥a little spice
❥small town
❥slow burn
❥grumpy x sunshine

_________________________________
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬:
From the Ground Up | Review
Build Me Up | Review
Change Me Up | Review
Fix Me Up | Review

𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐌𝐞 𝐎𝐮𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬
You Used To Love Me | Review
Don't Forget To Love Me | Review

────── ✧ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ♡ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ✧ ──────

Blog ಇ StoryGraph ಇ Instagram ಇ Twitter ಇ Facebook

[Jill (readinginpjs)]

DNF @7% - I just can't.

I don't love the FMC, but I'd be willing to give her more time.
It's how the MMC behaves in their flashback "meet cute" that just immediately turned me off and I just have no desire for this HEA.

It's in the first 7% so not REALLY a spoiler, but I'll hide it anyway.


she says: "Wow, okay. Everyone was right. You are a massive dick."
and HE SAYS: "Ha, cute. Although you are right about the massive dick. Call me if you ever want to blow it."

IF YOU WANT TO BLOW IT?! wtf
this is their FIRST meeting.
no thank you.

__________
⋆*･ﾟ:⋆*･ﾟ➳❥ pre-read

buddy reading 🥰 all I know is home renovations, reality tv & rivals - sign me up! 🛠️

reading more Canadian authors this month 🇨🇦

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can I move to the south now?

As soon as I started reading From The Ground Up I craved the country, building things, being outdoors. As infuriating as Scott may be, him and Ellie are a marvelous blend of fiesty folks!

Caitlin has created a perfect world for small-town romance lovers to giggle, swoon, and sigh with frustration at Ellie and Scott as they navigate deciding whether they hate each other or love each other. Which will it be? You'll have to read to find out!

It is so easy to get pulled into the story and dream about working on houses, blasting country music on a country road, and finding someone to infuriate in the loveliest of ways.

They are surrounded by a fantastic group of friends and coworkers that will have you flying through it, asking whose love story do I get to enjoy next?

I highly recommend giving this a read! This is Caitlin's second novel, and it proves she is not a one trick pony, her stories are unique, profound, emotional, and above all, feel so real! You won't regret joining Ellie and Scott to see if their rivalry will persist, or if they'll build this love... From The Ground Up?

[rianne ✧˖° rianne.reads.books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Step into the lively world of "From the Ground Up" by indie author Caitlin Klassen and prepare to be wowed. Set in the vibrant city of Nashville, this book introduces us to Ellie Elm and Scott Woods, two rival house flippers whose paths keep crossing in the most unexpected ways. This story follows the antics of Ellie and Scott as their professional rivalry takes an unanticipated turn when they find themselves co-starring in an HGTV-style house-flipping show.

This book features a somewhat-slow-burn, some mild spice, and a true rivals-to-lovers storyline with all the crushing and pining you could want. Scott, with his grumpy and stubborn exterior hiding a heart of gold, is the perfect foil to Ellie's energetic and selfless nature. Their chemistry leaps off the pages, drawing readers into their (sometimes literal) dance of push and pull. But it's not just Ellie and Scott who steal the show. There is clearly skillful characterization that brings a diverse cast of supporting characters to life, each adding depth to the story. From quirky coworkers like Wyatt and Grant to meddling friends like Jewels, every character feels fleshed out and essential, making the world feel incredibly real and immersive.

With all the witty banter and heartwarming moments, Klassen crafts a story that will have you laughing, swooning, and maybe even shedding a tear or two. It's a feel-good read that leaves you with a warm and fuzzy feeling long after you've turned the final page. If you're a romance fan who loves a good rivalry this book is for you. So grab a copy, settle in, and prepare to fall head over heels for Ellie, Scott, and the enchanting world of "From The Ground Up".

Thank you to Caitlin Klassen for providing me with an ARC of this wonderful book!

[Kelli Scheiern-White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a good book! No third act breakup, he fell first and fell harder, and the laughs just don’t stop! Need a light hearted funny romance? This book is for you!

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW
This book was so cute! Scott and Ellie had great chemistry and the will they/wont they angst was so good. While some of the dialogue was a smidge cheesy, it was overall very good. The concert and the Ferris wheel will live in my brain forever. I’d love to see the side characters be developed a bit more in the next ones in the series!

[Sabrina | thebookishspot · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ARC Review✨

⭐⭐⭐⭐ for From the Ground Up by Caitlin Klassen

What an adorable romcom this turned out to be! Told from the FMC's POV, Ellie, this book felt like a warm, comforting hug, with NO third-act breakup. Scott was a bit of a jackass at first, but only because he secretly pined for Ellie and had his head too far up his ass to actually tell her how he felt, but he turns into a total sweetheart with her and I loved that. 

This was a slowburn (and I mean slowwww), but ultimately it pays off and the HEA is worth the wait. The found family aspect was great, I loved the side characters and can't wait to read their stories next, as this is the beginning of a series!

I felt like this was a good introduction into this world, and hope we get to explore it more in depth with the next book. Scott and Ellie had great chemistry, and the flirting and banter between them was entertaining and lively. Also being trapped by a storm together? New microtrope obsession unlocked. 🤭

The spice in this is very mild, so if you're more of a closed-door reader don't let this deter you; you could easily skim those parts and still get to read this charming story.

Thank you to @authorcaitlinklassen for a copy in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.

[Jessie Renaud · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this book! I couldn't put it down!
Ellie and Scott are such lovable characters and I couldn't get enough of them! The tension between the two of them was insane! This book had all the things I love, small town romance, enemies to lovers, found family, forced proximity, and one bed trop!
I loved meeting all the characters and watching their relationships grow with eachother. I couldnt stop reading, I just had to know what was going to happen. It was such a fun and lovable book!
I can't wait for the next one!

[A Plot to Be Desired · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️.5

A sweet book centred around one woman in construction - a rarity so it seems - and her enormous crush on her rival.

What could possibly go wrong when a TV opportunity requires them both to work together???

Scott is a dreamy country guy, Ellie is a feisty girl who takes no shit from any, especially Scott.

I thoroughly enjoy the passion she holds for her friends, more than any other relationship in her life. It’s a friendship group you’ll grow accustomed to throughout the series, it’s enough to make you feel warm and gooey.

There is spice, but it isn’t hugely detailed and in some scenarios feels a little closed doorish.
It’s a cute start to a series that feels like a small town romance in a big city.

[claireesbookshelf · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5⭐️ this was cute and quick and the thought was there BUT I think they’d break up or get divorced sorry. If he was gonna be that mean and cause them to not like each other he (a) needed to have a better reason or (b) should’ve had his own pov throughout the book (c) gotten over himself earlier on and not been such a jerk

[Brittany Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute enemies to lovers book!!!

I loved the home renovation part so much as an HGTV addict!!!

[books.books.books · Rating 5 out of 5]

My gosh… this book was BINGEABLE and INCREDIBLE!!
This author transports you into the world, I could picture everybody and everything so vividly.
I loved the tension between Scott and Ellie, the will they won’t they slow burn made me squeal and turn the page wanting to know more!
There were way too many moments that I was like “this is my favorite part”… and then BAM another moment showed up.
I could write seventeen paragraphs about the things I loved in this book.
This is the first book in a 4 part series and the author did a great job of weaselling the sub characters in without being “too much”. I am so excited to read the rest of the series!
Caitlin Klassen may have just become my first “instant read/buy” indie author.
*ARC review

[Lisa Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Caitlin Klassen! Her story of Ellie and Scott is very well done! The cute moment, the funny moments, the tense moments, and everything in between! It's the type of book that's hard to put down. You need to know what happens next. Caitlin also did a good job introducing other characters that will have their own story told. She gives you just enough about them, that you can't wait to read it when it comes out! This is the second book I've read by this author, and I can't wait to read what she writes next!!

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW* FTGU crushed it for an enemies to lovers romance! I absolutely love that Ellie is a fierce female in a male dominated industry, it’s no wonder Scott is infatuated with her. I want to be her when I grow up!

Because this was a slooooow burn , I would have selfishly loved a bit more spice to make it EXTRA worth the build up, but I do see improvements in this area since her first book TWKOT.

With that being said, I would say spice is a happy medium and if mild spice or closed door is your thing then FTGU is still a book you should read!!

I can’t wait to read all about the friends and side characters in FTGU in the next books!!

[Ioana Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

...

[Madeline Elsinga · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was honored to be a beta and eARC reader for From the Ground Up by Caitlin Klassen! I loved seeing the little changes made from the beta to the finished version, I loved it even more which I didn’t think was possible 🥹😍

Grant is “just” a side character but I would go to bat for him! He was such a well rounded character-very protective older brother, bad boy exterior with a softie heart vibes. All the side characters were well developed and had their own unique personalities- instead of just being in the background to serve the plot/MCs-which is something I always crave in a book, and was well executed here! I loved the friendships Ellie had (making me even more excited for their books).

I adored the banter and chemistry between Scott and Ellie!! They’re complicated and vulnerable and have fantastic growth throughout the book. I kept picturing Scott in cowboy boots with a southern accent saying “darlin’” 🥰

Even though it’s from Ellie’s POV we still get to see Scott fall in love with her which was amazing!
Giggling kicking my feet as we watch Scott and Ellie pretend they don’t like each other. It is frustratingly sloooooow burn (I loved and hated it, it was torture but oh so sweet in the end).

Aside from the romance, I also enjoyed the beautiful descriptions of the houses and renovations! As someone who also likes home renovation shows, this book does a wonderful job of describing how the work gets done. I felt like I could visualize the houses without there being too much overly descriptive detail; it struck a perfect balance.

Love love love, I could devour Klassen’s books and had to physically pull myself away to hydrate 😂 I laughed so loud I scared my cat, gave myself a headache because I couldn’t be bothered to pull myself away from the book, and cried happy tears throughout the novel ❤️ I can’t wait to continue the series and watch these beloved characters get their own romances!!

Spice: 🌶️ (1.5/3) (open door, some graphic descriptions but not too heavy on the smũt and the scenes aren’t pages long)

Tropes: forced proximity, rivals to lovers, slow burn, grumpy x sunshine

TW/CW: sexual content, domestic violence, death (brief mention)

[rogue_reads_romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the Ground Up is book one of the Foundation Series and I cannot wait for book two! To be completely honest, this romance is much sweeter than my usual read. I’m a very diverse romance reader and I can honestly say that I’ve never read a romance novel like this before. Hallmark meets HCTV is the best way for me to describe it. I was not disappointed in this mash up! Tropes: MF, small town, enemies to lovers, rivals, angst, banter, sassy FMC, stubborn MMC, babygirl, HEA. I did not observe any notable triggers in this read. If you’re interested in reading more about my rating scale and why I’m giving this book FIVE STARS and ONE SPICE, please read on!

When I read, I am interested in the point of view (POV), the plot, and the spice. I prefer dual POV, I don’t want a predictable or bland plot, and I like my books spicy!

This story is told in first-person, multiple POV, by the FMC (Ellie) and MMC (Scott). Ellie is such a great FMC. She is strong, feisty, and capable. Scott (MMC) doesn’t stand a chance! Although Scott is stubborn, he is never cruel to Ellie, and I appreciate that. Another words, although they are rivals and there is tension, the MMC isn’t a bully or unnecessarily mean to the FMC. They are civil enemies, per say.

I’m not going to elaborate on the plot because I feel like the blurb paints the perfect picture. I didn’t find the plot predictable but there was A LOT of angst! Somehow there was angst but it didn’t annoy me. Typically I get irritated when I’m waiting for the main characters to make a move, but this is such a good story, that I didn’t focus on that. Also, I have to give a nod to Cailtin’s attention to detail. I create aesthetic boards while I read to help me visualize the creator’s world and there was no shortage of images in this story to help me see the scenes. I love that so much!!

Lastly, I gave this a 1/5 on the spice scale. The spice isn’t closed-door, but there isn’t an excessive amount of detail – if you’re a spicy book reader – you know what I mean. Please don’t let this deter you – I love spicy books, and the spice here is appropriately paced to the story.

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so much fun! I went in expecting a cute, low-stakes romcom and got exactly that so I'm happy. From the Ground Up follows Ellie, a confident, capable woman working in construction (yes!! more of this please), and Scott, her longtime rival-turned-love-interest with just enough golden retriever energy buried under a grumpy exterior to make the dynamic really fun.

What really worked for me here was how comforting and cozy the whole story felt, kind of like watching your favourite romcom on a rainy day. There’s no third-act breakup (bless), and while Scott starts out a little prickly (okay, more than a little, honestly it sometimes put me off), it all makes sense once you see where he’s coming from. His evolution into a total sweetheart is super satisfying.

This story also had some standout moments that just made me really enjoy my time like Ellie’s group of friends, the small-town vibes, the renovation reality TV subplot (how fun!!), and the overall message of building something, whether it’s a house or a relationship, from the ground up. Plus, I loved the representation of women in trades, it was refreshing and it's long overdue.

If you’re into slow burns, rivals-to-lovers, mild spice, and small-town romances with a strong sense of community and a cast of side characters you’ll want more of, this one’s definitely worth picking up. A few parts were a bit predictable and I did raise an eyebrow at how long Scott held on to his grudge, but all in all, it’s a super sweet start to what looks like a fun new series. I’ll be grabbing the next book for sure!

[Kaitlyn | readwithkaittt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by Caitlin and it won't be my last!

Scott and Ellie were just *chef's kiss* the perfect amount of banter, the perfect amount of spice, and the perfect amount of friendship.

I really like the synopsis of this book, which is why it captured my attention and I was lucky enough to win a signed copy from Caitlin!

Scott and Ellie are both house flippers who hate each other and whose styles are completely different which is why they're the most sought after flippers in their town. When an opportunity presents itself to flip a cottage together, how can they say no? It's the perfect way to gain more business and turn these enemies into lovers ;).

I'm am a SUCKER for supportive friends and family, and this book has loads of that! I really loved the dynamic between all the characters and loved that Ellie was a badass FMC who could handle anyone. Loved the representation of women working in the trades! It's not often represented enough, but I think Caitlin did a wonderful job of showcasing that.

Scott and Ellie were literally the perfect enemies to lovers, the banter, the looks, the miscommunication (I'm normally not a lover of miscommunication but I do think it really helped their whole enemies to lovers vibe).

If you're looking to read a low spice, enemies to lovers, small town, strong FMC, flippers turned reality TV stars, then this is the book for you!

[Megan Wigney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes you pick a book up and struggle to get into it. This is not one of those times! This book has only been out a short time, and I've already read it twice!

From the second you start reading this book, you are drawn right into the HGTV reno world. Caitlin has such a way with words, describing every little detail of each reno project, that you can fully imagine what the house would actually look like if it existed. Part of me kept reading just to see how each of the houses turned out.

The other part of me kept reading to find out how the rivalry between Ellie and Scott progressed and eventually became a love story. There is something about the way that Caitlin writes her characters that is so relatable. There were so many times that I would catch myself thinking "I would respond the same way, with the same exact words as Ellie" in some of the scenes. And I wanted to meet Scott; just dive into the book and see & experience things from Ellie's perspective *shhh, don't tell my husband!*
There was something so addictive and alluring about the push and pull between Ellie and Scott, the builds in tension, the interruptions and the eventual connection between them.

I may have already read the book twice already but I feel a third read coming on soon!
And then I wait, impatiently, for the next book this summer!

[Logan McCormick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was this a work of literary art? No.
Were there grammar and punctuation errors? Yes.
Was the story unique? No, BUT…
The story was so stinking precious none-the-less.

Ellie and Scott had the silliest banter and there were plenty of conversations that kept me giggling. I appreciate a good HGTV love-story because let’s face it, HGTV is the elite television network and having a home renovation show as part of the plot drew me in until the very last page.

You get to meet so many characters with all memorable names and character attributes which is exciting since this is a series from this author. I believe the next book coming is Wyatt and Whitney and I am so stoked to read!

The story was predictable, but not in a way where you were bored. To be truthful, I never was! From the fair, to the concerts, to the lake, to the bar, to the television show, to the tornado, to it all— I loved the story and romance that played out.

If you are looking for spice, this one has little but it works! Yes, the characters are romantic and intimate but I didn’t find myself blushing during those scenes. It was enough spice to help set the scene for the relationship that progresses.

I recommend this book for those who need an easy-going, rom-com and enjoy an enemies-to-lovers, close-proximity trope!

[Melanie Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

“It’s easy Scott. All you have to do is build. From the ground up.”

I haven’t read very many house renovation/house flipping books, so I was excited to pick FROM THE GROUND UP by @authorcaitlinklassen !!


My country music loving self was ecstatic to read about alllll the country music vibes (and a Brett young concert?! 😍) found within this book! I mean, the playlists at the beginning of the book had me hooked!

At first, I wasn’t too sure about Scott- his first interaction with Ellie, was not….memorable (or it was, but not in a good way). That really paved the way for how both of them interact with each other. They are rivals. Ellie thinks he hates her, so snd hates him too. Even tho she is attracted to him. Nothing is good to come of it right? Even if they end up at a concert together and he gets jealous and then dances with her and *almost* kisses her… and then have to spend a weekend together at their friends cottage and have to share a bed… nothing is going to happen!! (Spoiler alert- things happen but it takes AWHILE cause Scott is… well stupid 😆)

I really liked how Ellie owned her own house flipping business!! We need more women in these types of roles!! Scott comes across like a douche bag, and yea he is, but once he finally allows himself to fell his feelings for Ellie, he is a big softie (“So now to finally have you— I might just die and go to heaven right now.” ) Scott and Ellie have to work together on a house flipping job for a new tv show, so even tho they “hate” each other, they have to pretend for the show that they don’t. I love their banter and their fighting! (Perhaps their “fighting” is foreplay?! 😏 haha). When these two finally give in to their feelings for each other, they are both 🔥🔥 and 🥰🥰 together.

I also loved their friends/work group. And Ellie’s best friend being the best kind of meddler haha! I am really looking forward to the next books in this Series to get more from this friend group that is supportive and so fun!

[Msmomo73 · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the Ground up by Caitlin Klassen
Genre: Rivals to Lovers, Grumpy/Sunshine
I really enjoyed this fun rivals to lovers book. The premise of two competing house flippers keep crossing paths when they both are offered the opportunity of a lifetime, but they will have to learn to work together. Their banter and slow burn to find love was intoxicating and I couldn’t put this down.

Ellie was a fantastic FMC that was strong and kind and lovable through and through. I loved that we got to see a female character that is outside the “normal” profession, and she was the boss of a house flipping and interior design company. I do enjoy the grumpy/sunshine sub-trope and she was the perfect mix of sunshine and tough girl.

Scott was a perfect contrast to Ellie’s sunshine. He was grumpy, but once you learn why, you love him even more. The chemistry and banter between the two of them was a chef’s kiss. It was so good that I was laughing out loud at it. I was so drawn into their story that I didn’t want it to end.

Not only were the main characters written so well, the side characters were wonderful too. Lots of banter between them and I am looking forward to some of the stories that will be coming about some of them. Klassen did a fantastic job setting up for the next books in the series and I can’t wait to read them. This was a fun and quick read for me.

I was provided an ARC copy of From the Ground Up in return for my honest review.

[TheBookDragon.Jessi · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the Ground Up is a sweet, corny at times (in all the good ways), relatable contemporary romance novel that stars Ellie Elm and Scott Woods, two rivals in the house renovating industry.

Scott and Ellie, who love country music, have far more in common than either of them care to admit, and have the most fantastic job! - I always loved watching house renovation shows, and this was like the life behind the scenes of the show hosts!

This novel had me giddy, a bit emotional, smiling from ear to ear, and laughing some other times! I love the friendships, genuine banter, and being a fun person in your mid-20s. It is thoroughly enjoyable! I appreciate that there is no 3rd act breakup, and the spice, was just the right amount.

I loved this cozy quick read, romantic and inspired by country songs! The author added a playlist in the book that you can listen along to - Every time a song was mentioned I played it and honestly, it boosted the experience.

I cannot wait to read Build Me Up as part of the ARC Team VERY SOON, which features Whitney, one of Ellies best friends, and let me tell you guys, she needs good things coming to her, she deserves it! I resonate with Whitney.

[Michaela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever picked up a book just because of the title? From the Ground Up by Dan + Shay is one of my favourite songs (it will be played at my wedding) so when I saw Caitlin Klassen advertising her new book with the same name, I knew I had to apply for an ARC.

From the Group Up (The Foundation series Book 1) lived up to its namesake. I'd been in a bit of a slump and was procrastinating reading anything but as soon as I started I was hooked. Like Ellie, I love watching anything on the HGTV channel. Unlike Ellie, I have no skill to back it up. And I certainly don't know what I'd do if I was offered my own TV reno show on the condition I work with my rival contractor.

The tension between Ellie and Scott on and off camera was perfect and when you read it, I'm pretty sure you'll see like everyone else in their life that maybe they don't hate each other as much as they seem to. From the moment she kicked his butt at the Fair game, I wanted them to quit wasting time and just start dating but the buildup was the best part. I especially loved the concert scene because if it's where I think it is in Nashville, I've been there and country concerts are spectacular. The perfect place to fall in love!

Caitlin's supporting characters are great and I loved them as much as I love the MCs themselves. So looking forward to the rest of the series where we get to see more of them all!

[Aussie · Rating 5 out of 5]

- I love the dedication "This one is for the girlies who love men with piercing blue eyes and pickup trucks. Stay hydrated my friends."
- this just made me laugh ". “Ha, cute. Although you are right about the massive dick. Call me if you ever want to blow it.”"
- can't stop laughing at this sentence "your pinkie—since they’re probably about the same size,” I say looking down at his pants. I"

This stroy was so cute and adorable ! i love how there was home renovations aspects of this story and watching their budding romance romance just grow!!

this couple is in my favourite couple group. I love how Caitlin has created such a perfect world for the small town romance lovers that they can gigle, swoon and sigh with some frustration ..

i adore how Ellie and Scott ouldnt decide whether they hate each other or love each other...... which will it be ?!? No spoilers sorry lol

i am currrently reading book 2 as i had to book 3 on pause so i can cath up on the serie but i am loving it so much !

[Nicola Altbookishmama · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was another new romance genre/trope for me.. A house flipping romance! As someone with a background of construction in my family I wasn't sure how I'd feel about this one but since it was written by someone with actual experience I love how authentic it was without overwhelming with construction jargon. The relationship between the MMC and FMC was so rocky at the beginning I wasn't sure how they where ever going to make it work. But I thoroughly enjoyed the fact it wasn't a super slow burn. We got lots of hot little tidbits to keep us going through the tumultuous roller-coaster. And there was SO MUCH c*ockblocking 😅😅 I also love Dan + Shay and lots of the other music mentioned so I loved the way the songs were woven into their relationship. Also there was a lot of background building for other characters so I'm excited to read the other books. Never a dull moment. I definitely had a good cry too. Now I need to read the next one.

[Hannah Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to receive an ARC of this book and read a plot/storyline so unique. I’ve never read (or heard) of a book about rival house flippers who are offered the opportunity to be on a reality TV show with the stipulation that they join forces and work together to complete projects. It wasn’t just the unique plot line that pulled me in from the start… I loved the two main characters equally (but for much different reasons), AND the side characters were also amazing!
Ellie Elm is a strong, sassy, independent, and vivacious woman. I love her gusto, determination, and work ethic. She has done so much for herself in her career at such a young age- but there’s one person who knows how to put a damper on everything for her… Scott Woods. They’ve been infuriating each other since the day they met, and they’re not sure they know how to navigate their relationship any other way… no matter how attracted they are to one another.
Scott Woods is undoubtedly a grump, and a rude jerk… but really only to Ellie. At first, I thought I was going to hate him… but honestly, by the end of the book you can’t help but love him. He doesn’t always have the best justification for his actions… but seeing him grow through the book and eventually open up/share with Ellie what happened was beautiful. Not to mention the banter/tension between these two were off the CHARTS sizzling!
This book had so many side characters and staff that worked for both Ellie and Scott, and I loved one more than the next. I can’t wait to read some of their stories in future books of this series!! The found family that has been created through this cast of characters is so heart warming! This book did talk about a few things that could possibly be triggering to some (sexual language/situations, abuse), but if you can handle it- I HIGHLY suggest reading this book, you won’t regret it! I also love the humor in this book… the last paragraph had me literally snort/laughing, it was the best way to end this read! Besides… how can any book go wrong with Ferris wheels and fireworks, country music concert/line dancing, a wholeeee lot of tequila, and a little blue giraffe named George?!

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am obsessed with this series already and I've only read book one!! My heart was so happy from page one when the author gave a Spotify Playlist with Ellie and Scott's favourite songs!! They just happen to be some of my favourite songs too so I knew I was in for one amazing romance story, and I was right! This is a rivals to lovers, grumpy vs sunshine, forced proximity, slow burn story with so much funny banter, sweet moments and spice! Ellie is a ray of sunshine, sass and a bad ass business women. I loved every interaction she had between friends, coworkers and clients but especially with Scott. Their tension radiates off them to everyone who knows them, which makes their banter not only funny but also eye roll worthy at some points because you know it's the only way they can express what they are feeling without jumping each other on the construction site! Scott is a one hell of a sexy grump, amazing boss and deep down a super caring sweetheart to the ones he loves! I absolutely loved how he was with Ellie, asshole competitor and all! You could tell his love for her right from the start, especially during the, country concert, ferris wheel, storms and cliff jumping. The only thing I wish was that it was dual pov to hear his side of it all too! The side characters were also amazing. They added so much to their story but also revealing bits and pieces about themselves as an intro to the rest of the series! This is an absolute must read for every romance lover! I can't wait for book two but also the rest of the series! This one is on KU!

[nerdy.bibliomaniac · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this as part of my preparation to read the ARC for the third book in this series. (So pumped!)

I really enjoyed this one! Super cute, nice flow of plot, main and side characters alike were fabulous!

I loved Klassen’s decision to make this story based around two home builders that owned their own businesses and were always butting heads when it came to trying to get projects for themselves. Opportunity to be part of a home building show is presented to both the FMC and MMC to work together on with their crews. As they work on their first project together…true feelings finally come to the surface and their rivalry continues but a romantic relationship also takes shape.

Banter, snark, mutual respect, and admiration for one another. Adorable. Gah. You need some cute in your day, give this one a read!