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Kirby Falls #1
Take It or Leaf It
𝗕𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘃𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗰𝗿𝗮𝘄𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲.
William Clark IV never anticipated being back in his hometown. At least, not until he had a long and successful career as a pitcher in the major leagues. He couldn’t have foreseen his career-ending injury right out of the gate or the painful return to his family’s apple farm in rural North Carolina.
What started as an effort to get back on his feet turned into nearly a decade of going with the flow. Now the grumpy farmer is stuck in a resentful rut. He’s bitter and bearded, and baseball is a sore spot that never stops aching--not when his well-meaning neighbors keep reminding him of everything he lost.
𝗦𝗵𝗲’𝘀 𝗳𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗻, 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝗻𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝘁 𝗮 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲.
Becca Kernsy never expected to fall in love with a town. To be fair, she’d never had much luck with men either. But the tiny hamlet of Kirby Falls completely blindsides this city girl and makes her ache for something she’s never had a place to belong. The residents are quirky and lovable. The setting is picturesque perfection. And it doesn’t hurt that she keeps running into Will Clark and his faithful dog.
Getting a reluctant smile out of the handsome farmer becomes her favorite pastime. But pretty soon, her innocent crush gets out of hand. Becca ignores the looming expiration date on her trip down south, and like a helpless cliche, she finds herself falling hard for the man she met on vacation.
𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗴𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗵𝗶𝗺 𝗳𝗶𝗴𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴.
Through small-town adventures and increasingly friendly outings, Will starts to remember the hometown he once loved. The only missing piece is the tourist who’s headed back to the city at the end of her stay. The one packing up and taking his heart on a six-hundred-mile journey home.
𝘉𝘰𝘰𝘬 #1 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘒𝘪𝘳𝘣𝘺 𝘍𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘴 𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘭-𝘵𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘮𝘺 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘢 𝘨𝘳𝘶𝘮𝘱𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘦𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘧𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘯𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘺 𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯’𝘵 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘮 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘴𝘵. ‘𝘛𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘐𝘵 𝘰𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘧 𝘐𝘵’ 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘧𝘶𝘭...
William Clark IV never anticipated being back in his hometown. At least, not until he had a long and successful career as a pitcher in the major leagues. He couldn’t have foreseen his career-ending injury right out of the gate or the painful return to his family’s apple farm in rural North Carolina.
What started as an effort to get back on his feet turned into nearly a decade of going with the flow. Now the grumpy farmer is stuck in a resentful rut. He’s bitter and bearded, and baseball is a sore spot that never stops aching--not when his well-meaning neighbors keep reminding him of everything he lost.
𝗦𝗵𝗲’𝘀 𝗳𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗻, 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝗻𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝘁 𝗮 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲.
Becca Kernsy never expected to fall in love with a town. To be fair, she’d never had much luck with men either. But the tiny hamlet of Kirby Falls completely blindsides this city girl and makes her ache for something she’s never had a place to belong. The residents are quirky and lovable. The setting is picturesque perfection. And it doesn’t hurt that she keeps running into Will Clark and his faithful dog.
Getting a reluctant smile out of the handsome farmer becomes her favorite pastime. But pretty soon, her innocent crush gets out of hand. Becca ignores the looming expiration date on her trip down south, and like a helpless cliche, she finds herself falling hard for the man she met on vacation.
𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗴𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗵𝗶𝗺 𝗳𝗶𝗴𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴.
Through small-town adventures and increasingly friendly outings, Will starts to remember the hometown he once loved. The only missing piece is the tourist who’s headed back to the city at the end of her stay. The one packing up and taking his heart on a six-hundred-mile journey home.
𝘉𝘰𝘰𝘬 #1 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘒𝘪𝘳𝘣𝘺 𝘍𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘴 𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘭-𝘵𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘮𝘺 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘢 𝘨𝘳𝘶𝘮𝘱𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘦𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘧𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘯𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘺 𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯’𝘵 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘮 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘴𝘵. ‘𝘛𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘐𝘵 𝘰𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘧 𝘐𝘵’ 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘧𝘶𝘭...
Unknown Binding
First published August 20, 2024
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About the author
Laney Hatcher
17 books361 followersSign up for my newsletter: https://bit.ly/3SbXg2v
Laney Hatcher is a firm believer that there is a spreadsheet for every occasion and pie is always the answer. She is an author of stories both old and new where the HEAs are always guaranteed. Often too practical for her own good, Laney enjoys her life in the southern United States with her husband, children, and incredibly entitled cat.
Laney Hatcher is a firm believer that there is a spreadsheet for every occasion and pie is always the answer. She is an author of stories both old and new where the HEAs are always guaranteed. Often too practical for her own good, Laney enjoys her life in the southern United States with her husband, children, and incredibly entitled cat.
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January 4, 2026
A grumpy farmer.
A sunshine tourist.
A meet-cute disaster.
And a sassy, trouble-making dog will have you falling hard for this swoony, spicy, small-town romance.
Read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited
https://geni.us/TIOLI-FB
Check out the Kirby Falls series!
Love 'Em or Leaf 'Em (Book #0.5) is FREE: https://geni.us/LEOLE-LH
January 1, 2025
4.5 stars
Such a perfect fall romance! The heroine is a graphic designer visiting the town because it was in an article for the best places to visit in fall. The hero is a broody ex-baseball player who hates when people bring up the "glory days." He works for his parents' apple farm. The two develop a slow romance and it is the CUTEST! I'm so excited to see what Laney Hatcher brings us next in this small town!!
Such a perfect fall romance! The heroine is a graphic designer visiting the town because it was in an article for the best places to visit in fall. The hero is a broody ex-baseball player who hates when people bring up the "glory days." He works for his parents' apple farm. The two develop a slow romance and it is the CUTEST! I'm so excited to see what Laney Hatcher brings us next in this small town!!
October 10, 2025
Take it or Leaf It is a small town, grumpy x sunshine, slow burn romance with fall and apple farm vibes!
Set in Kirby Falls, North Carolina at an apple farm, Becca and Will first meet when she’s stuck up in a tree on his family’s farm and he helps her down. She grew up in Detroit and had never climbed a tree growing up and thought now that she was visiting the small town was the perfect time to try. Becca left Detroit on a bit of a whim after reading an article online about the best small towns to visit in autumn. She needed to get away after grieving the death of a loved one for the past few years, dealing with complicated family dynamics, and just overall feeling lonely since all of her friends were online. There she’s kind of taken in by Will’s family! She works from the local coffee/bake shop every day (as a graphic designer for indie romance authors covers and marketing) and his mom invites her to stay in a small rental on their property.
This was very slow burn, both in the romance and the story. Slow-moving plot and sweet, very much hallmark small town vibes. There is a lot of inner monologue, tons of decorations and thoughts where I wanted more dialogue and things happening in the story. Overall cute, great fall vibes so I picked it up at the right time, but I wanted a bit more from this.
Set in Kirby Falls, North Carolina at an apple farm, Becca and Will first meet when she’s stuck up in a tree on his family’s farm and he helps her down. She grew up in Detroit and had never climbed a tree growing up and thought now that she was visiting the small town was the perfect time to try. Becca left Detroit on a bit of a whim after reading an article online about the best small towns to visit in autumn. She needed to get away after grieving the death of a loved one for the past few years, dealing with complicated family dynamics, and just overall feeling lonely since all of her friends were online. There she’s kind of taken in by Will’s family! She works from the local coffee/bake shop every day (as a graphic designer for indie romance authors covers and marketing) and his mom invites her to stay in a small rental on their property.
This was very slow burn, both in the romance and the story. Slow-moving plot and sweet, very much hallmark small town vibes. There is a lot of inner monologue, tons of decorations and thoughts where I wanted more dialogue and things happening in the story. Overall cute, great fall vibes so I picked it up at the right time, but I wanted a bit more from this.
August 4, 2024
I received an ARC from the author today.
I loved this book. Will was a treat. I look forward to the next book in this series. And the bonus scene was perfect.
I loved this book. Will was a treat. I look forward to the next book in this series. And the bonus scene was perfect.
August 14, 2024
✨ PRINCEMAN REVIEW ✨
📝 Will is back at home following his career ending injury. He's living at the family farm, helping out, but not without a cloud over his head. All that changes when a sunshiny 'leafer' inserts herself into everything Kirby Falls has to offer. Becca never expected to fall in love with rural North Carolina. Needing a break from everything in Detroit, she heads to Kirby Falls for a quiet escape. There she gets more than she could have ever imagined.
What I 🤍:
🍎 Small Farm Town
☀️ Grumpy X Sunshine
💻 Digital Book Cover Creator
⚾️ Retired Pitcher
💕 Found Family
👵 Ms. Maggie-Best Mom Ever
🐕 Carl-Grumpy, Lovable Dog
🌳 Hilarious Meet Cute
🔥 Slow Burn
2️⃣ Duel POV
🥊 Emotional Punch
This book was EVERYTHING a perfect romance needs. Right away, you're sucked into the beautiful town of Kirby Falls. I wanted nothing more than to pack my bags and head to North Carolina. The absolute best part was the PEOPLE in this book. I wish I knew them in real life. The romance between Will and Becca was believable. It's a romance that starts with attraction but takes time to develop, especially since these two both had emotional scars they were working through. My heart really went out for Becca because neglect from parents is something you can never totally overcome-no matter how hard you try. Will on the other hand is trying to cope with a future he never envisioned. He has a tiny taste of his dreams, only to be taken away. I loved watching them come together, and also heal separately too.
Prince's Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Steaminess: 🔥🔥 (Couple of Scenes W/O all the details)
📍 Rural, North Carolina
Read if ➡️: You love sweet, small town romances.
Read 📅: Fall 🍁
CW ⚠️: Abuse/Neglect, Drugs, Incarceration, Unhealthy Sibling Relationships, Serious Injury. Death of Loved One (Off-Page)
This is THE FALL GO TO BOOK I will recommend to everyone. You will laugh so hard-like when Will & Becca meet, or when she's wearing the Lightning Bug Mascot. 😂 You will cry. And, you will swoon-and not just from the romance, but from the friendships and family these two make within their town. I loved this book so much, and I can't wait to read Book 2 coming out in December.
🙏 Thank you so much to Laney Hacher for a digital advanced reader's copy of this book. This story was everything I wanted and more.
📝 Will is back at home following his career ending injury. He's living at the family farm, helping out, but not without a cloud over his head. All that changes when a sunshiny 'leafer' inserts herself into everything Kirby Falls has to offer. Becca never expected to fall in love with rural North Carolina. Needing a break from everything in Detroit, she heads to Kirby Falls for a quiet escape. There she gets more than she could have ever imagined.
What I 🤍:
🍎 Small Farm Town
☀️ Grumpy X Sunshine
💻 Digital Book Cover Creator
⚾️ Retired Pitcher
💕 Found Family
👵 Ms. Maggie-Best Mom Ever
🐕 Carl-Grumpy, Lovable Dog
🌳 Hilarious Meet Cute
🔥 Slow Burn
2️⃣ Duel POV
🥊 Emotional Punch
This book was EVERYTHING a perfect romance needs. Right away, you're sucked into the beautiful town of Kirby Falls. I wanted nothing more than to pack my bags and head to North Carolina. The absolute best part was the PEOPLE in this book. I wish I knew them in real life. The romance between Will and Becca was believable. It's a romance that starts with attraction but takes time to develop, especially since these two both had emotional scars they were working through. My heart really went out for Becca because neglect from parents is something you can never totally overcome-no matter how hard you try. Will on the other hand is trying to cope with a future he never envisioned. He has a tiny taste of his dreams, only to be taken away. I loved watching them come together, and also heal separately too.
Prince's Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Steaminess: 🔥🔥 (Couple of Scenes W/O all the details)
📍 Rural, North Carolina
Read if ➡️: You love sweet, small town romances.
Read 📅: Fall 🍁
CW ⚠️: Abuse/Neglect, Drugs, Incarceration, Unhealthy Sibling Relationships, Serious Injury. Death of Loved One (Off-Page)
This is THE FALL GO TO BOOK I will recommend to everyone. You will laugh so hard-like when Will & Becca meet, or when she's wearing the Lightning Bug Mascot. 😂 You will cry. And, you will swoon-and not just from the romance, but from the friendships and family these two make within their town. I loved this book so much, and I can't wait to read Book 2 coming out in December.
🙏 Thank you so much to Laney Hacher for a digital advanced reader's copy of this book. This story was everything I wanted and more.
August 20, 2024
4.5 ⭐️s! Take it or Leaf it is the definitive small town romance with a bustling farm, meddling friends, town festivals and a huge nosy family of people who love you.
Becca is a big city girl who is used to living in isolation, even when with her family. On a whim, she comes to Kirby Falls for an extended vacation and finds where she truly belongs. If only she could cut ties with her needy, troublesome family.
Grumpy Will Clark hates tourists, even though they are his livelihood. To be honest, Will barely puts up with anyone, except his family and his dog. But the pretty new tourist who works from his mom’s bake shop definitely catches his eye.
Given her upbringing, or lack thereof, Becca is an unexpected ray of sunshine. With the support of family and friends galore, Will is not. Will would very much like to remain unbothered. Becca immerses herself in all things Kirby Falls and is everywhere that Will turns. It is fun how these two dance around each other not quite sure if the other is interested or not.
I loved how Becca brought Will back to life and forced him to see all the good things around him. This is definitely a slow burn, but these two have such amazing chemistry and some very fun spicy scenes. I feel like everyone in town is in on the matchmaking between these two!
Becca learns from the Clarks what real family is like. People that always have your back and love you through thick and thin, not only when you give them money.
I loved the prequel to this story with Jordan and Chloe’s romance in Love ‘Em or Leaf ‘Em and I can’t wait to see whose HEA next!!
Becca is a big city girl who is used to living in isolation, even when with her family. On a whim, she comes to Kirby Falls for an extended vacation and finds where she truly belongs. If only she could cut ties with her needy, troublesome family.
Grumpy Will Clark hates tourists, even though they are his livelihood. To be honest, Will barely puts up with anyone, except his family and his dog. But the pretty new tourist who works from his mom’s bake shop definitely catches his eye.
Given her upbringing, or lack thereof, Becca is an unexpected ray of sunshine. With the support of family and friends galore, Will is not. Will would very much like to remain unbothered. Becca immerses herself in all things Kirby Falls and is everywhere that Will turns. It is fun how these two dance around each other not quite sure if the other is interested or not.
I loved how Becca brought Will back to life and forced him to see all the good things around him. This is definitely a slow burn, but these two have such amazing chemistry and some very fun spicy scenes. I feel like everyone in town is in on the matchmaking between these two!
Becca learns from the Clarks what real family is like. People that always have your back and love you through thick and thin, not only when you give them money.
I loved the prequel to this story with Jordan and Chloe’s romance in Love ‘Em or Leaf ‘Em and I can’t wait to see whose HEA next!!
August 14, 2024
Somehow, this book has not only met, but completely exceeded my expectations. Laney Hatcher can freaking write relationship development.
This is the first of a new series: Kirby Falls! Hatcher released a novella for this (Love it or Leaf It) earlier this year and I have been absolutely FERAL waiting for this. And it warms my heart to tell you that it has so thoroughly exceeded my sky high expectations!!!! WILL AND BECCA I LOVE YOU!
What I loved: The small town atmosphere, the DETAILS, the slow burn, the friendship and connection and care that they form, the way that this family SHOWS UP for Becca, the (very well done) third act breakup that didn’t feel out of place, the APPLE TREE FARM, the FREAKING DOG, the meet cute, the FAMILY dynamics, I could go ON FOR DAYS
What I didn’t love: NOTHING. NO NOTES, LANEY!
This is the first of a new series: Kirby Falls! Hatcher released a novella for this (Love it or Leaf It) earlier this year and I have been absolutely FERAL waiting for this. And it warms my heart to tell you that it has so thoroughly exceeded my sky high expectations!!!! WILL AND BECCA I LOVE YOU!
What I loved: The small town atmosphere, the DETAILS, the slow burn, the friendship and connection and care that they form, the way that this family SHOWS UP for Becca, the (very well done) third act breakup that didn’t feel out of place, the APPLE TREE FARM, the FREAKING DOG, the meet cute, the FAMILY dynamics, I could go ON FOR DAYS
What I didn’t love: NOTHING. NO NOTES, LANEY!
August 4, 2024
I am so grateful to get this as an ARC! I am personally obsessed with Kirby Falls! Not just cause I am a NC girl and hubby and I have talked about moving to the mountains eventually. Funnily enough, my family goes to an apple orchard every year in September/October so I love the feelings that this story gives me. I love the grumpy sunshine aspect. Becca and Will are perfect and I love how they came together and really got to know each other. I normally am not o fan of slow burn romance, but this was so worth it! The love and passion of these characters is so enamoring and beautiful. I love how they overcome so much together and learn from each other as well. I highly recommend this book to everyone!
August 5, 2024
Wonderful start to a new small town series!
I loved this contemporary romance by Laney Hatcher — it’s set in a fictional town of Kirby Falls, where the slow burn romance between Will and Becca give definite Gilmore Girls Luke and Lorelei vibes! Becca is a ray of sunshine wrapped in a rainbow and Will is the ultimate cinnamon roll. I laughed out loud, got all the feels, and loved seeing clues laid out for what’s coming next in the series. There is a part with a mascot that had me cackling and looking up furry kink (which I recommend you don’t do), and had me rethinking that Carl really may be an appropriate name for a dog. I also now crave all the Fall apple things including this found family in Kirby Falls. I can’t wait to go back!
I loved this contemporary romance by Laney Hatcher — it’s set in a fictional town of Kirby Falls, where the slow burn romance between Will and Becca give definite Gilmore Girls Luke and Lorelei vibes! Becca is a ray of sunshine wrapped in a rainbow and Will is the ultimate cinnamon roll. I laughed out loud, got all the feels, and loved seeing clues laid out for what’s coming next in the series. There is a part with a mascot that had me cackling and looking up furry kink (which I recommend you don’t do), and had me rethinking that Carl really may be an appropriate name for a dog. I also now crave all the Fall apple things including this found family in Kirby Falls. I can’t wait to go back!
July 11, 2024
I was lucky enough to beta read this delightful contemporary romance debut from Laney Hatcher.
I can confidently say that slow-burn, small town romance lovers will be blown away by this amazing story!
I love Kirby Falls, I need to adopt Carl, and I’ve been craving apple everything since I finished the book.
I can confidently say that slow-burn, small town romance lovers will be blown away by this amazing story!
I love Kirby Falls, I need to adopt Carl, and I’ve been craving apple everything since I finished the book.
August 22, 2024
ARC REVIEW
This book has me officially ready for fall y’all 🍂☕️🌻🎃❤️
I love a small town romance. And Kirby Falls was the perfect small town for Becca and Will’s romance. So much charm. Lovely townfolks. And the perfect sense of small town community.
Becca is absolutely the sweetest and I will protect her at all costs 🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻 She’s one of my favorite FMCs I’ve ever read. I loved that after coming from a broken family in Detroit, she found love and acceptance in Kirby Falls. And as Becca was falling in love with the town, Will was falling in love with her
I loved the opposites attract between Will and Becca. Will’s been grumpy for a long time after his career in baseball ended. Becca was absolute sunshine that brought him back to life. I loved the scenes where Will was afraid of people coming up to him to talk about his failure of a baseball career when in reality they just wanted to gush over Becca and how wonderfully she fit into their town. She was his breath of fresh air. And there’s plenty of backwards hat action 😮💨
This is the perfect small town romance for cuddling up on the couch with an apple cider. It’s low angst, a slow burn, and just a lovely, relaxing read to escape into. There are so many characters I’m excited to learn more about and I’m looking forward to the rest of the Kirby Falls series!
Rating: 5/5 ⭐️
Heat: 2/5 🌶️
Thank you so much Laney Hatcher for this beautiful ARC and PR Box!
This book has me officially ready for fall y’all 🍂☕️🌻🎃❤️
I love a small town romance. And Kirby Falls was the perfect small town for Becca and Will’s romance. So much charm. Lovely townfolks. And the perfect sense of small town community.
Becca is absolutely the sweetest and I will protect her at all costs 🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻 She’s one of my favorite FMCs I’ve ever read. I loved that after coming from a broken family in Detroit, she found love and acceptance in Kirby Falls. And as Becca was falling in love with the town, Will was falling in love with her
I loved the opposites attract between Will and Becca. Will’s been grumpy for a long time after his career in baseball ended. Becca was absolute sunshine that brought him back to life. I loved the scenes where Will was afraid of people coming up to him to talk about his failure of a baseball career when in reality they just wanted to gush over Becca and how wonderfully she fit into their town. She was his breath of fresh air. And there’s plenty of backwards hat action 😮💨
This is the perfect small town romance for cuddling up on the couch with an apple cider. It’s low angst, a slow burn, and just a lovely, relaxing read to escape into. There are so many characters I’m excited to learn more about and I’m looking forward to the rest of the Kirby Falls series!
Rating: 5/5 ⭐️
Heat: 2/5 🌶️
Thank you so much Laney Hatcher for this beautiful ARC and PR Box!
August 21, 2024
4.5/5 stars!!
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of Take It or Leaf It by Laney Hatcher. This is the first book in her Kirby Falls series featuring the story of Becca, a city girl from Detroit, and Will, an ex-pro-athlete that moved back to his hometown after a baseball career ending injury.
Things I loved about this book:
- Becca’s personality!! This girl is walking SUNSHINE! Her love and devotion to the people of Kirby Falls was beautiful and inspiring.
- Will (aka lumberSNACK)’s backwards hat moments 😉
- Carl & how obsessed he is with Becca 🐾🫶🏼
- Will looking for four leaf clovers for Becca 🥹🍀
- ALL of the apple orchard & fall vibes!!
- The seasonal cranberry cider named “Do You Have to Let It Linger Berry” ‼️
Tropes:
- grumpyXsunshine
- meet cute fail
- touristXlocal
- small town
- found family
- city girlXcountry boy
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of Take It or Leaf It by Laney Hatcher. This is the first book in her Kirby Falls series featuring the story of Becca, a city girl from Detroit, and Will, an ex-pro-athlete that moved back to his hometown after a baseball career ending injury.
Things I loved about this book:
- Becca’s personality!! This girl is walking SUNSHINE! Her love and devotion to the people of Kirby Falls was beautiful and inspiring.
- Will (aka lumberSNACK)’s backwards hat moments 😉
- Carl & how obsessed he is with Becca 🐾🫶🏼
- Will looking for four leaf clovers for Becca 🥹🍀
- ALL of the apple orchard & fall vibes!!
- The seasonal cranberry cider named “Do You Have to Let It Linger Berry” ‼️
Tropes:
- grumpyXsunshine
- meet cute fail
- touristXlocal
- small town
- found family
- city girlXcountry boy
August 11, 2024
I want to stay in Kirby Falls. *Happy sigh* I adore this setting and cast of characters.
"You are . . . home to me. The same way this place is home. It may have taken me time to see it, but I feel it in my bones. Have felt it every time I look at you."
Will is a grumpy sweetheart and Becca puts her whole heart into everything she does. I love how she's finding a place where she feels loved and how her enthusiasm opens Will's eyes to everything he's loved about his home but closed himself off to. And their slow burn is so good! Sweet, caring, supportive, and a little steamy.
A brilliant cast of characters, an idyllic small town, swoony romance and touches of emotional drama will leave your heart full and eagerly anticipating more of this new series from Laney Hatcher.
If you haven't already, be sure to check out the stand alone prequel novella Love 'em or Leaf 'em.
"You are . . . home to me. The same way this place is home. It may have taken me time to see it, but I feel it in my bones. Have felt it every time I look at you."
Will is a grumpy sweetheart and Becca puts her whole heart into everything she does. I love how she's finding a place where she feels loved and how her enthusiasm opens Will's eyes to everything he's loved about his home but closed himself off to. And their slow burn is so good! Sweet, caring, supportive, and a little steamy.
A brilliant cast of characters, an idyllic small town, swoony romance and touches of emotional drama will leave your heart full and eagerly anticipating more of this new series from Laney Hatcher.
If you haven't already, be sure to check out the stand alone prequel novella Love 'em or Leaf 'em.
September 30, 2024
This was a freaking delight! From their adorably funny meet cute to their sweet HEA I was completely smitten with Becca and Will's romance. I adored the way these two loved each other for exactly who they were. There was such a warmth to their relationship, and goodness the charm they had...even if they expressed it in different ways. It did feel a little agonizing waiting for them to get out of their own way but ultimately their happily ever after was so satisfying.
I also have to shout-out my love for the small town and fun cast of characters, especially Will's dog Carl. I can't wait to read more in this series.
I also have to shout-out my love for the small town and fun cast of characters, especially Will's dog Carl. I can't wait to read more in this series.
October 10, 2024
This book gave me all the best vibes of time in the NC Smokey Mountains. I pictured Bryson City, a place we like to escape to often as tourists. I loved the coziness of this book with the small mountain town, farm, Fall festivals and so much found family. Will and Becca were so precious, each with their own issues, but so good together and the little things they do for one another (like Will leaving Becca four leaf clovers) are heartwarming. I was frustrated with the third act break-up, but the end made up for it. I need Mac's book and can't wait to visit this small town of Kirby Falls in the next book!
August 20, 2024
Love, Love, LOVED!! This small town, grumpy sunshine book was perfect!! Their is just something about a small town grump that finds the sunshine girl to be so adorable he can’t help smile when all he wants to do is sign in irritation.
This book is just swoon worthy! The build up to the slow burn was great! It was just sweet but also had substance. Both Will and Becca are working through some real trauma and they find each other just in time to work through it together. The rest of the side characters are hilarious and entertaining.
I can’t wait to be back at Kirby Falls with the next book!
This book is just swoon worthy! The build up to the slow burn was great! It was just sweet but also had substance. Both Will and Becca are working through some real trauma and they find each other just in time to work through it together. The rest of the side characters are hilarious and entertaining.
I can’t wait to be back at Kirby Falls with the next book!
August 19, 2024
What a fantastic start to a new small town series!
Becca is a leafer. She finds herself in Kirby Falls taking time away from the issues at home and immersing herself in the small town life. She finds solace in the local family run apple orchard and helping people in town. Her happiness and sunshine disposition draws everyone in the town to her, and she feels welcomed for the first time in her life. Even Will's dog Carl has fallen in love with her, but his owner? He is the epitome of a grumpy farmer and Becca cannot help but develop a crush on him.
Will is wary of Becca. She is sunlight and he cannot help but feel drawn to her, but she is a tourist who will be leaving at some point in the future. He may be grumpy, but underneath there is so much more heart that he has hidden from the world. And this man? He is everything I love in a grumpy farmer.
This slow burn romance is fantastic. I loved seeing Becca and Will dance around each other, and see how they fought and then gave into their attraction for each other. From the tender moments to the acts of kindness and service, I swooned with Becca as Will showed her time and time again that he was interested and wanted her. I wish Kirby Falls was real because I want to take a stroll down their streets and enjoy the Trivia nights that Becca and Will spent their time at.
Thank you so much to Laney for the early copy of Take It or Leaf It! I am excited to see where the next adventures in Kirby Falls will go!
Tropes:
Small Town
New to Town/tourist
Grumpy Sunshine
Found Family
Becca is a leafer. She finds herself in Kirby Falls taking time away from the issues at home and immersing herself in the small town life. She finds solace in the local family run apple orchard and helping people in town. Her happiness and sunshine disposition draws everyone in the town to her, and she feels welcomed for the first time in her life. Even Will's dog Carl has fallen in love with her, but his owner? He is the epitome of a grumpy farmer and Becca cannot help but develop a crush on him.
Will is wary of Becca. She is sunlight and he cannot help but feel drawn to her, but she is a tourist who will be leaving at some point in the future. He may be grumpy, but underneath there is so much more heart that he has hidden from the world. And this man? He is everything I love in a grumpy farmer.
This slow burn romance is fantastic. I loved seeing Becca and Will dance around each other, and see how they fought and then gave into their attraction for each other. From the tender moments to the acts of kindness and service, I swooned with Becca as Will showed her time and time again that he was interested and wanted her. I wish Kirby Falls was real because I want to take a stroll down their streets and enjoy the Trivia nights that Becca and Will spent their time at.
Thank you so much to Laney for the early copy of Take It or Leaf It! I am excited to see where the next adventures in Kirby Falls will go!
Tropes:
Small Town
New to Town/tourist
Grumpy Sunshine
Found Family
August 20, 2024
I have read all of Laney’s books and both of these feel like a big hug. I love Kirby Falls - the setting, the townspeople and all the antics.
Love ‘em or Leaf ‘em is a fun novella the introduces us to the town of Kirby Falls and Chloe and Jordan. They are forever remains to be but the timing didn’t quite work out. They have a hard fought but beautiful love story that will make you laugh, smile and swoon.
We are introduced to a few other characters they will be in the series.
Take It or Leaf It We are back at Kirby Falls with a new couple - Will and Becca. Their initial meeting is unique and really funny. Will was a precious baseball player, was injured and came back to town to help the family business. He is not content but wants to help his family. He’s a bit gruff and grumpy but deep down is a good man. He just needs to get past some baggage and find a good woman to love him.
Becca is temporary in town taking a Brest from City life and a big loss - her good friend Mrs. Walter’s. Her job is a mystery to many but it’s fun to see how people guess what she does…especially Will. She has an Amazon heart and is looking for a family to love her the way she deserves to be loved.
Will and Becca are so much fun. They clash a bit at first and Will keeps his distance…but he continues to be drawn to her. The special things he does for her is so sweet. The banter, flirty and fun conversations begin to expand into bigger feelings.
Will’s parents and friends are so welcoming, kind and perfect for Becca. They give her the family she needs and deserves.
Love ‘em or Leaf ‘em is a fun novella the introduces us to the town of Kirby Falls and Chloe and Jordan. They are forever remains to be but the timing didn’t quite work out. They have a hard fought but beautiful love story that will make you laugh, smile and swoon.
We are introduced to a few other characters they will be in the series.
Take It or Leaf It We are back at Kirby Falls with a new couple - Will and Becca. Their initial meeting is unique and really funny. Will was a precious baseball player, was injured and came back to town to help the family business. He is not content but wants to help his family. He’s a bit gruff and grumpy but deep down is a good man. He just needs to get past some baggage and find a good woman to love him.
Becca is temporary in town taking a Brest from City life and a big loss - her good friend Mrs. Walter’s. Her job is a mystery to many but it’s fun to see how people guess what she does…especially Will. She has an Amazon heart and is looking for a family to love her the way she deserves to be loved.
Will and Becca are so much fun. They clash a bit at first and Will keeps his distance…but he continues to be drawn to her. The special things he does for her is so sweet. The banter, flirty and fun conversations begin to expand into bigger feelings.
Will’s parents and friends are so welcoming, kind and perfect for Becca. They give her the family she needs and deserves.
August 21, 2024
Laney Hatcher is my new queen of small town spicy heartfelt romance.
I ADORED this book. I stayed up late and read in the middle of the night, devouring every word. I found Becca wonderful - almost too perfect. She was sweet and kind and showed depth in her actions. I loved how her friendships and relationships with people around Kirby Falls was depicted throughout the book, and how the focus was really on found/chosen family for her.
Will, sweet grumpy cinnamon roll Will. Will, who would do anything for Becca - wore his heart on his sleeve, acts of service, kind but somehow stuck in his grumpiness. I loved how his heart KNEW Becca was right for him. I loved his friendship with Jordan, and his extended family.
All in all, I found this book so well written. The love story was well developed, it was funny and wholesome, sweet and SPICY and really, just made me want to curl up under a blanket and read.
Many thanks to Laney Hatcher for the ARC in exchange for my honest reviews.
I ADORED this book. I stayed up late and read in the middle of the night, devouring every word. I found Becca wonderful - almost too perfect. She was sweet and kind and showed depth in her actions. I loved how her friendships and relationships with people around Kirby Falls was depicted throughout the book, and how the focus was really on found/chosen family for her.
Will, sweet grumpy cinnamon roll Will. Will, who would do anything for Becca - wore his heart on his sleeve, acts of service, kind but somehow stuck in his grumpiness. I loved how his heart KNEW Becca was right for him. I loved his friendship with Jordan, and his extended family.
All in all, I found this book so well written. The love story was well developed, it was funny and wholesome, sweet and SPICY and really, just made me want to curl up under a blanket and read.
Many thanks to Laney Hatcher for the ARC in exchange for my honest reviews.
August 20, 2024
I’m so happy I got a chance to read Laney Hatcher’s entrance into modern romance with her newest book. Take it or Leaf it. I was a huge fan of her historical romance series about the Bartholomew family and her London Ladies Embroidery series for Smartypants romance. Her latest book is her entry into modern romance and like everything she writes it was absolutely delightful. Her newest series focuses on the town of Kirby Falls, North Carolina and we’re introduced to Becca and Will, our ultimate grumpy/sunshine couple. I’ve told all of my Kindle Unlimited girl is to go out and add this to their list. and don’t forget to follow her newsletter so you can get a free novella that introduces Kirby Falls.
Thank you to the author for the ARC and exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the author for the ARC and exchange for an honest review.
August 19, 2024
I don’t know what to say. Will and Becca’s story was packed with friends-to-lovers goodness, sweet, steamy, funny, and sad. The struggles and baggage they each had to overcome seemed insurmountable to them and seeing the outcome was beautiful.
October 12, 2024
2.5
This was a nice, easy romance between two hardworking, nice people. There were some funny moments, moments that were full of heart, and some romantic scenes too. I liked both the hero and the heroine and appreciated the "hometown" feel of this book.
That said, I was kinda bored at times. I felt like things happened in the book, but yet nothing really happened. It seemed overly wordy to me and I think the book could have been 100 pages shorter and still produced the same aspects that made this book enjoyable.
My reading mood has been all over the place, so I feel bad rating this book a little lower. But, it just didn't work 100% for me.
Reading Challenge 2024
Month: October Letters: S/T
This was a nice, easy romance between two hardworking, nice people. There were some funny moments, moments that were full of heart, and some romantic scenes too. I liked both the hero and the heroine and appreciated the "hometown" feel of this book.
That said, I was kinda bored at times. I felt like things happened in the book, but yet nothing really happened. It seemed overly wordy to me and I think the book could have been 100 pages shorter and still produced the same aspects that made this book enjoyable.
My reading mood has been all over the place, so I feel bad rating this book a little lower. But, it just didn't work 100% for me.
Reading Challenge 2024
Month: October Letters: S/T
September 8, 2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (0-5)
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥 (0-5) Open Door
What I’m Starry-Eyed Over:
🤩 Grumpy/sunshine and country boy/city girl.
🤩 MCs to totally fall in love with—he’s an injured/retired pro-baseball player and she’s a graphic design artist. He’s lost and disheartened. She’s had a traumatic childhood and a hard family. I love how they view each other as the resilient humans they are.
🤩 The oak tree meet-cute is fantastic!
🤩 Becca’s table outside the bake shop at Grandpappy’s Farm. When Will gives her a seat cushion! Awe!
🤩 All the fall vibes!
🤩 Beautiful small-town descriptions—take me to Kirby falls, SC for some cider at the Firefly.
🤩 Also, may I please stay at the tiny house in the mountains of Kirby Falls?!
🤩 I just love to be immersed in the setting and plot and, wow, does this story make me feel like an apple orchard tourist just people watching my heart out!
🤩 The unwanted secret pining and crushing.
🤩 Slooooow burn to that amazing first stormy kiss.
🤩 Deep longing (oh my heart) and then found family, love, and home.
🤩 That whole tender sleeping bag movie watching scene. Oh, the feels—such strong desire and yearning.
🤩 The nods to romance books, book clubs, and book cover designs/designers! I laughed so hard about the monster romance discussion.
🤩 Carl, Will’s dog, and his unconditional love but, also, his infatuation with Becca.
🤩 Laugh-out-loud friend texts.
🤩 Sunflower fields, corn mazes, and four-leaf clovers.
What I’m Wishing/Dizzy About:
💫 I’m not sure I believed the “just go to sleep” when they both have such raging hormones.
💫 I really needed them to have an HEA steamy moment in the new library at Will’s house.
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥 (0-5) Open Door
What I’m Starry-Eyed Over:
🤩 Grumpy/sunshine and country boy/city girl.
🤩 MCs to totally fall in love with—he’s an injured/retired pro-baseball player and she’s a graphic design artist. He’s lost and disheartened. She’s had a traumatic childhood and a hard family. I love how they view each other as the resilient humans they are.
🤩 The oak tree meet-cute is fantastic!
🤩 Becca’s table outside the bake shop at Grandpappy’s Farm. When Will gives her a seat cushion! Awe!
🤩 All the fall vibes!
🤩 Beautiful small-town descriptions—take me to Kirby falls, SC for some cider at the Firefly.
🤩 Also, may I please stay at the tiny house in the mountains of Kirby Falls?!
🤩 I just love to be immersed in the setting and plot and, wow, does this story make me feel like an apple orchard tourist just people watching my heart out!
🤩 The unwanted secret pining and crushing.
🤩 Slooooow burn to that amazing first stormy kiss.
🤩 Deep longing (oh my heart) and then found family, love, and home.
🤩 That whole tender sleeping bag movie watching scene. Oh, the feels—such strong desire and yearning.
🤩 The nods to romance books, book clubs, and book cover designs/designers! I laughed so hard about the monster romance discussion.
🤩 Carl, Will’s dog, and his unconditional love but, also, his infatuation with Becca.
🤩 Laugh-out-loud friend texts.
🤩 Sunflower fields, corn mazes, and four-leaf clovers.
What I’m Wishing/Dizzy About:
💫 I’m not sure I believed the “just go to sleep” when they both have such raging hormones.
💫 I really needed them to have an HEA steamy moment in the new library at Will’s house.
August 20, 2024
I have read all of Laney’s books and both of these feel like a big hug. I love Kirby Falls - the setting, the townspeople and all the antics.
Love ‘em or Leaf ‘em is a fun novella the introduces us to the town of Kirby Falls and Chloe and Jordan. They are forever remains to be but the timing didn’t quite work out. They have a hard fought but beautiful love story that will make you laugh, smile and swoon.
We are introduced to a few other characters they will be in the series.
Take It or Leaf It We are back at Kirby Falls with a new couple - Will and Becca. Their initial meeting is unique and really funny. Will was a precious baseball player, was injured and came back to town to help the family business. He is not content but wants to help his family. He’s a bit gruff and grumpy but deep down is a good man. He just needs to get past some baggage and find a good woman to love him.
Becca is temporary in town taking a Brest from City life and a big loss - her good friend Mrs. Walter’s. Her job is a mystery to many but it’s fun to see how people guess what she does…especially Will. She has an Amazon heart and is looking for a family to love her the way she deserves to be loved.
Will and Becca are so much fun. They clash a bit at first and Will keeps his distance…but he continues to be drawn to her. The special things he does for her is so sweet. The banter, flirty and fun conversations begin to expand into bigger feelings.
Will’s parents and friends are so welcoming, kind and perfect for Becca. They give her the family she needs and deserves.
Love ‘em or Leaf ‘em is a fun novella the introduces us to the town of Kirby Falls and Chloe and Jordan. They are forever remains to be but the timing didn’t quite work out. They have a hard fought but beautiful love story that will make you laugh, smile and swoon.
We are introduced to a few other characters they will be in the series.
Take It or Leaf It We are back at Kirby Falls with a new couple - Will and Becca. Their initial meeting is unique and really funny. Will was a precious baseball player, was injured and came back to town to help the family business. He is not content but wants to help his family. He’s a bit gruff and grumpy but deep down is a good man. He just needs to get past some baggage and find a good woman to love him.
Becca is temporary in town taking a Brest from City life and a big loss - her good friend Mrs. Walter’s. Her job is a mystery to many but it’s fun to see how people guess what she does…especially Will. She has an Amazon heart and is looking for a family to love her the way she deserves to be loved.
Will and Becca are so much fun. They clash a bit at first and Will keeps his distance…but he continues to be drawn to her. The special things he does for her is so sweet. The banter, flirty and fun conversations begin to expand into bigger feelings.
Will’s parents and friends are so welcoming, kind and perfect for Becca. They give her the family she needs and deserves.
August 21, 2024
“No matter where we go or where we end up, I’ll be your home as long as you’ll let me.”
Take It or Leaf It is Laney Hatcher’s first full-length contemporary romance and it is a swoony triumph! This small-town, grumpy/sunshine romance will leave you aching for crisp autumn evenings, fall festivals, and cinnamon rolls the size of your face! If Laney doesn’t melt your heart with Becca & Will’s love story, she’s sure to tempt your tastebuds with all the foodie delights Kirby Falls has to offer! Will Clark was living his dream playing professional baseball until an injury forced him into early retirement. Back home in Kirby Falls and stuck in a rut, the last thing he expects is an effusive tourist to knock him out of his slump. Becca Kernsy left her city home and toxic family to search for better. When a hottie lumbersnack finds her hanging around on his family’s farm, it’s all she can do to keep from falling head over heels. Will is standoffish grump and Becca oozes charisma; together these two opposites have undeniable chemistry! As a black cat, I don’t always love a golden retriever FMC, but I adore Becca! Fate brought her to Kirby Falls, a little mama meddling extended her stay, and the loving charm of a brooding farmer (and the entire town) help her find her forever home. Laney’s storytelling is lovely, the spice is spicing, and the small-town, cozy heartwarming setting is elite.
4.5/5⭐️ 🌶️.5 ♾️🫠
Take It or Leaf It is Laney Hatcher’s first full-length contemporary romance and it is a swoony triumph! This small-town, grumpy/sunshine romance will leave you aching for crisp autumn evenings, fall festivals, and cinnamon rolls the size of your face! If Laney doesn’t melt your heart with Becca & Will’s love story, she’s sure to tempt your tastebuds with all the foodie delights Kirby Falls has to offer! Will Clark was living his dream playing professional baseball until an injury forced him into early retirement. Back home in Kirby Falls and stuck in a rut, the last thing he expects is an effusive tourist to knock him out of his slump. Becca Kernsy left her city home and toxic family to search for better. When a hottie lumbersnack finds her hanging around on his family’s farm, it’s all she can do to keep from falling head over heels. Will is standoffish grump and Becca oozes charisma; together these two opposites have undeniable chemistry! As a black cat, I don’t always love a golden retriever FMC, but I adore Becca! Fate brought her to Kirby Falls, a little mama meddling extended her stay, and the loving charm of a brooding farmer (and the entire town) help her find her forever home. Laney’s storytelling is lovely, the spice is spicing, and the small-town, cozy heartwarming setting is elite.
4.5/5⭐️ 🌶️.5 ♾️🫠
August 22, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🍁Small Town Romance
🍁Grumpy/Sunshine
🍁City Girl/Small Town Boy
🍁Secret Cinnamon Roll MMC
🍁Bookish FMC
🍁Cozy Fall Vibes
🍁Big Fun Family
🍁Found Family
🍁Grouchy but Super Lovable Dog
Laney Hatcher’s new book Take It or Leaf It just came out and it is perfection! It includes all of my favorite things: a quirky and fun small town, a complex but ray of sunshine FMC, and a MMC who is grumpy on the outside but a soft gooey cinnamon roll on the inside (just like his dog!). Couple those things with cozy fall vibes and I couldn’t put this book down! I love how Laney Hatcher was not afraid to dive into Becca’s troubled family dynamics and how those impacted her relationship with Will as well as her relationship with herself. Will’s own struggle with his self-identity after a failed pro-baseball career added an extra layer of interest that made his character extremely relatable. These complexities added such a beautiful depth to Becca and Will’s relationship. That depth made me root for them not only as a couple but as individuals as well. From their first meeting while Becca was stuck in a tree to the very end of the story, I was enamored not just with their love story but with the entire town of Kirby Falls. I think you will be too! So grab an apple cider, pretend it isn’t 100 degrees outside and spend some time with Becca, Will, and their quirky small town! Then let me know how much you loved them too!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2025
Slow burn, small town, home run
I can't say enough nice things about this book, but I'll try to highlight the important bits.
First, it's just really well written. One pet peeve I have about multi POV is getting like 4 chapters for one character and the rest from the other. This was a great balance between the two main characters and Will's chapters felt authentic in a way that's hard to achieve for a male POV.
Next, I loved how the story jumped into the action while also easing into the story. Its a slow burn but I didn't scream at the pacing.
And really, I just loved the story. It was a good build with enough side characters to make me excited for the rest of the series but not distracted from the main plot.
I'm a little mad I don't know how Jordan and Chloe got together- I will be searching her back catalog for their book - and every time I read a scene with Pippa, I instinctively pictured Pippa Grant (they have the same energy
!), but it truly was a great read.
10 out of 10 totally recommend 👌
I can't say enough nice things about this book, but I'll try to highlight the important bits.
First, it's just really well written. One pet peeve I have about multi POV is getting like 4 chapters for one character and the rest from the other. This was a great balance between the two main characters and Will's chapters felt authentic in a way that's hard to achieve for a male POV.
Next, I loved how the story jumped into the action while also easing into the story. Its a slow burn but I didn't scream at the pacing.
And really, I just loved the story. It was a good build with enough side characters to make me excited for the rest of the series but not distracted from the main plot.
I'm a little mad I don't know how Jordan and Chloe got together- I will be searching her back catalog for their book - and every time I read a scene with Pippa, I instinctively pictured Pippa Grant (they have the same energy
!), but it truly was a great read.
10 out of 10 totally recommend 👌
August 20, 2024
POV: Dual
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
This book feels like getting a hug while you hold a warm cup of apple cider in front of a fireplace on a brisk fall evening. It’s like all the best parts of a hallmark movie but with some spice sprinkled in, and I wish I could live in a town like Kirby Falls!
Becca and Will just might be the sweetest, heart squeezing couple I’ve ever read. I wouldn’t say there was instant chemistry in their case, but a slow burn, friends to lovers that really focuses on the friends aspect first. Becca falls in love with a town and a guy in this book, while she helps Will appreciate what he already has (and making him fall head over boots for her in the meantime). She’s the epitomy of sunshine even though she’s had a rough life, and he’s technically a grump but a softy deep down.
With a rescue dog, found family that meddles, and small town autumn goodness, this book is Laney Hatcher at her best and is setting up for an amazing new series!
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
This book feels like getting a hug while you hold a warm cup of apple cider in front of a fireplace on a brisk fall evening. It’s like all the best parts of a hallmark movie but with some spice sprinkled in, and I wish I could live in a town like Kirby Falls!
Becca and Will just might be the sweetest, heart squeezing couple I’ve ever read. I wouldn’t say there was instant chemistry in their case, but a slow burn, friends to lovers that really focuses on the friends aspect first. Becca falls in love with a town and a guy in this book, while she helps Will appreciate what he already has (and making him fall head over boots for her in the meantime). She’s the epitomy of sunshine even though she’s had a rough life, and he’s technically a grump but a softy deep down.
With a rescue dog, found family that meddles, and small town autumn goodness, this book is Laney Hatcher at her best and is setting up for an amazing new series!
January 5, 2025
A great starting to a very promising new series!! Laney Hatcher normally writes historical romance, but her new contemporary romance is also top shelf material!
If you want to dip your toes in check out the prequel novella Love 'em or Leaf 'em to get to know Jordan and Chloe.
Or just start with a bang with Becca and Will with this book! Becca is a ray of sunshine and tourist which arrived in Kirby Falls for a few weeks of getaway, but the soon falls in love with the small town and all her residents. And particularly with the grumpy ex athlete Will and his dog Clark who contrary to his owner will not fight it and fall in love with her straight away.
If you are into fall, adorable small towns with Gilmore Girls vibes (yes Will is grumpy and adorable like Luke and a doer) then dive in!
If you want to dip your toes in check out the prequel novella Love 'em or Leaf 'em to get to know Jordan and Chloe.
Or just start with a bang with Becca and Will with this book! Becca is a ray of sunshine and tourist which arrived in Kirby Falls for a few weeks of getaway, but the soon falls in love with the small town and all her residents. And particularly with the grumpy ex athlete Will and his dog Clark who contrary to his owner will not fight it and fall in love with her straight away.
If you are into fall, adorable small towns with Gilmore Girls vibes (yes Will is grumpy and adorable like Luke and a doer) then dive in!
February 9, 2025
4.5
This was such a cute fall romance between a grumpy ex baseball player and a city girl running away from her life in Detroit. I adored Becca. She definitely had a rough life but she has persevered and was thriving in small town Kirby Falls. Will was just mad because his career ended abruptly and came back home even though he didn't really want to. They both needed each other to help each other heal, learn to trust and feel, love and become friends and lovers. This was definitely a sweet romance and loved all the vibes. Will's family and friends took Becca in like she was one of them from the beginning! Ahh just so cute! Definitely recommend picking this one up!
This was such a cute fall romance between a grumpy ex baseball player and a city girl running away from her life in Detroit. I adored Becca. She definitely had a rough life but she has persevered and was thriving in small town Kirby Falls. Will was just mad because his career ended abruptly and came back home even though he didn't really want to. They both needed each other to help each other heal, learn to trust and feel, love and become friends and lovers. This was definitely a sweet romance and loved all the vibes. Will's family and friends took Becca in like she was one of them from the beginning! Ahh just so cute! Definitely recommend picking this one up!
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