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Stranded in Leavenworth #1

Love by a Landslide

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"This well-crafted romance will have readers hooked." Publishers Weekly

SHE WANTS TO FORGE HER OWN PATH. HE PREFERS TO STAY ON THE TRAIL. NEITHER IS READY FOR ROMANCE.

Lucy O’Malley is done being a doormat. After getting dumped and booted from her apartment on her thirtieth birthday, she finds herself on the road to reinvention—or rather, on Interstate 90 headed east toward Leavenworth, Washington, for a little beer, bratwurst, and backpacking. Who cares if the Bavarian-themed “romantic getaway” was originally planned for a couple? Unfortunately, her guide does.

Jonathan Miller owns Off the Beaten Adventures, a successful outdoor guiding company in Leavenworth. Ever since the unthinkable happened on a rafting trip four years ago, Jonathan has erred on the side of caution. He plans meticulously and avoids risk whenever possible. So, when a sexy little brunette shows up and throws a wrench in his carefully laid plans he is convinced the three-day excursion will end in disaster.

The initial attraction is mutual, but Lucy and Jonathan find themselves on rocky terrain, and the last thing either wants is to complicate matters with a fling. But after a freak landslide decimates their only serviceable trail home, sizzling chemistry is the least of their problems. Together, they must cut through the raw wilderness and return safely to civilization with their bodies—and hearts—intact.

341 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 4, 2024

146 people are currently reading
759 people want to read

About the author

K. L. Parsons

4 books36 followers
K. L. Parsons writes swoony, adventure romances set in the Pacific Northwest. When she isn't writing she can be found reading, playing board games, climbing, hiking, and generally exploring the great outdoors. She lives with her husband, son, and doodle mutt, Frank, in the lush PNW.

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5 stars
132 (26%)
4 stars
236 (46%)
3 stars
107 (21%)
2 stars
25 (4%)
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3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
Profile Image for Keri M.
420 reviews39 followers
June 4, 2024
This was such a good romance. Lucy and Jonathan have enough of the nonsense of life, it’s hilarious. The quote that stood out to me was from Lucy’s Mom, she said “If you can’t see the sunshine, be the sunshine”. That really sets the tone of the book. Read this, you won’t be sorry. This was a great debut!!!
Profile Image for Dee.
71 reviews
June 15, 2024
ARC Review.

I just didn't buy this love story at all. The first few chapters were superfluous and it was a bit of a slog to get through.

The grand gesture at the end was cringeworthy and made no sense.
Profile Image for Kirsten | Bookish.kir.
690 reviews321 followers
June 11, 2024
- Debut Novel
- Forced Proximity
- Grumpy X Sunshine
- One Hammock
- Hurt/Comfort
- Third Person POV

Love By A Landslide follows Lucy on her journey to finding herself again after her terrible ex-boyfriend breaks up with her on her birthday and kicks her out of the apartment shortly before they were supposed to take a couples hiking trip together. Jonathan is the guide tasked with leading the backpacking trip. He is meticulous planner with a traumatic past. So when Lucy shows up alone to what he planned out as a group trip…well that’s just the start of their troubles.

This is a super cute debut novel that packs an emotional punch. The author did a fantastic job at describing the scenery in a way that it felt like I was right there with Lucy and Jonathan taking in the beautiful views. Both Lucy and Jonathan have their struggles and I enjoyed their banter and their tension while they both worked together to make it out of the woods.

While I enjoyed the overall story, I was not a fan of the third act break-up or the grand gesture. I wish we would have gotten more details on Lucy and Jonathan after.
Profile Image for Sophie.
286 reviews24 followers
June 6, 2024
This is the debut novel of K.L Parsons, and it's really good! The writing is so on point that I could really picture every moment of the story like a movie.
I really enjoyed the setting in nature. I mean Jonathan is a guide and owner of an outdoor guiding company. Totally refreshing!
This book made me want to go out on a hike, inhale pine and cedar air and bath in a lake.
I hated Brodan from the beginning.
I really liked Lucy and the fact that she decided to standup for herself more and reconnect for her true self.
The tension between her and Jonathan is spot on, and I enjoyed every minute of it.
I gladly recommend. Will definitely read Frankie's story.

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and K.L Parsons for this ARC.

Grumpy x sunshine
One bed-ish
Profile Image for Ellie.
10 reviews1 follower
January 30, 2025
It’s a cute little read if you’re looking for something warm and fuzzy.
Profile Image for Renee.
249 reviews4 followers
June 8, 2024
IF YOU CAN'T SEE THE SUNSHINE, BE THE SUNSHINE!

I loved this book. It was full of heartbreak, grief, angst, guilt, sadness, self-discovery, lust, attraction....

Lucy is an outdoorsy girl stuck in the city with a douche for a boyfriend. She has become less than she was, deflated, and lonely.

Jonathan is an outdoorsy guy with his own tour guide company. He's suffered loss and is dealing with deep guilt from a tragedy in his past.

Lucy and douche are booked for a hike, one he didn't really want to go on. Douche breaks up with Lucy on her birthday....like I said, DOUCHE!!! Buy instead of cancelling the hike, Lucy decides to still go and use this time as a bit of a self-discovery, get back to nature time away.

She's in a bar the night before the hike and locks eyes with a hot guy...the attraction is isn't but that's all it was...until hot guy turns out to be Jonathan, her hike tour guide.

The story that unfolds from here had me laughing, crying, made me angry and sad....and also gave me a few thigh-clenching moments.....

Can they both deal with their pasts to allow them to move forward???

I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review
Profile Image for Nicole Vagra.
6 reviews2 followers
March 9, 2025
Classic romance novel. Lots of twists but good in the end.
Profile Image for Read Watch Crochet.
625 reviews23 followers
January 2, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ (rounded up)

Didn’t realise it was possible to get your heart crushed in less than 2 pages. Though the story as a whole made me feel giddy.

📚 second chance
📚 forced proximity
📚 one bed (hammock)
📚 care when sick
📚 single POV

“She wasn’t cute. She was a liability“

🌶️🌶️🌶️

|Thoughts|
Fell in love with Lucy & Jonathan and their initial attraction and subsequent forced proximity was just perfect (chefs kiss). Was truly the comedy of errors for them as they completed their hike. Really made me miss my Duke of Edinburgh expedition days.

“Being lost wasn’t ideal. But maybe being lost with her wouldn’t be the worst thing.”

Was a solid 5 stars, until the dreaded third act break up. That I truly could have done without. Although, the ‘apology’ was not was I was expecting and was worth it.

“Jonathan thanked his lucky stars for the enchantress before him. He thanked her ex for setting her free. He even thanked that damned landslide for trapping them together. He didn’t deserve this.”

Great debut novel and just wish we got more of them together at the end.

🟢 For more bookish content follow me instagram.com/read_watch_crochet

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Sarah.
178 reviews11 followers
July 24, 2024
Love by a Landslide is an adventurous romance with a touch of rom-com. Recently single, Lucy O'Malley books Jonathan Miller as a hiking guide in Leavenworth, WA. Her hiking skills are a bit rusty, but she falls back into the swing of it until an avalanche leaves their path blocked and extends their hike by a few days.
They are forced to rely on each other for survival, as well as navigate the quickly growing attraction to each other.
This is a great, quick summer read.. as long as you don't have any hikes planned near avalanche zones😅🤣😂. The characters are stubborn and damaged, making them realistic and relatable. The author does mention at the end that this is going to be a series, which is exciting. I'm definitely a series girl! Plus, Lucy's drag Queen BFF, Todd, is hilarious!
Thanks to NetGalley and K.L. Parsons for early access to read Love by a Landslide in exchange for an honest review. This is my first book by this author, but it won't be me last.
Profile Image for Lola.
1,983 reviews275 followers
dnf
June 10, 2024
I received a free copy from the author through Netgalley.

I DNF'd this book at 13%. I really wanted to like this one, I like stories with a focus on nature and I like grumpy sunshine romances. I wanted to give this one a fair shot, but I just got bored. It felt very trope-y and typical. It reminded me of similar books I've read and it had nothing that really stood out to me or wanted to make me keep reading.

The first few chapters are all about showing Lucy in her old relationship which obviously isn't working for them and it just makes me sad to read about how she made herself smaller and adjusted to him while not getting anything in return. And I just don't get why these two stayed together this long as I couldn't see any glimpse of why they were together in the first place. I just wanted to get on with the new romance and it took till this far to just have Lucy arrive at the Leavenworth vacation spot and by then I realized I wasn't invested and didn't want to continue. So decided to DNF this one.
Profile Image for Alona.
97 reviews13 followers
June 6, 2024
Such a good story, I really enjoyed it! Lucy and Jonathan are really cute, and after everything they've been through, both separately and together, you can't help but root for them. And their love for the outdoors is contagious, I would gladly go for a nice hike in the mountains now (without the landslide, please). I will be looking forward to the next book in the series.

Huge thank you to the publisher for providing me with a proof copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Shannai.
595 reviews31 followers
June 14, 2024
3 ⭐️

Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and K. L. Parsons for the e-arc.

This was overall a cute read. I loved the grumpy sunshine, I thought it was done exceptionally well.

I did think it was repetitive in some places, and drawn out with not that much happening, but overall a cute read.

I really like the hiking aspect of the story, too.

Tropes

Grumpy x sunshine
Forced proximity
Mutual pining
Small town
Profile Image for Ana.
50 reviews1 follower
September 27, 2025
I really enjoyed Love by a Landslide! The slow burn romance was sweet and well-paced, and I loved watching the relationship develop naturally A cozy, feel-good read with just the right emotional touch.
Profile Image for Erin.
170 reviews3 followers
Read
August 20, 2025
DNF @ 38% sadly this book was insta lust and just too lusty in general. Being from WA I loved the scenery and the descriptions of Leavenworth, but the relationship itself just wasn't for me.
Profile Image for Maria.
2,994 reviews97 followers
July 2, 2024
I liked the initial premise of the book and the fact that they actually went on a long hike that was described throughout the book. In fact, hiking and camping were prominent themes as the MMC was the owner of the company but as such and an expert in his field, why didn’t he check the forecast. I get not knowing about a little rainstorm but one where a landslide could be triggered? Other than that, the story was cute, if a bit instalove-ish, but otherwise a good distraction.

I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
Profile Image for Chloe Knox.
9 reviews
July 3, 2025
Love the idea of it being in Leavenworth… don’t love the level of cringe disasters that can be packed into one hiking trip.
Profile Image for Mallory Moureau.
468 reviews4 followers
August 12, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and KL Parsons for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The cover and title make it seem like a very straightforward rom-com (which I LOVE) but it felt like a bit more than and was a great surprise.

Lucy is turning 30, she is not only stood up by her boyfriend but also dumped and essentially evicted all within 24hrs. This is about a month before a planned hiking trip, which she is talked into going on herself.

Jonathon owns Off the Beaten Adventures and is dealing with guilt and trauma from loosing his wife 4 yrs before. He doesn’t do well with changes or surprises and doesn’t like it when Lucy shows up for a solo hike instead of the scheduled 2 person hike he had planned and prepared for.

On the hike, almost everything that could go wrong does. It wasn’t over the top - mostly nature being nature. It pushes Lucy and Jonathon closer until they cannot ignore their connection.

Dual POV that briefly overlapped to give both perspectives.

I really enjoyed this story and the perspective Lucy and Jonathon each gained. I liked how the grumpy/sunshine was done. It was nice to see a “grumpy” character not be so grumpy he came across as a jerk. Jonathan was quick to apologize and explain when he was too harsh. Lucy was the “sunshine” but not so sweet and optimistic that it was annoying.

I’m excited to read #2 in the series when it comes out!
Profile Image for Carly Caines.
93 reviews23 followers
March 1, 2025
I just devoured "Love by a Landslide" by K.L. Parsons, and wow, what a fun read! This fresh new release (available since the beginning of June), is a perfect blend of adventure, romance and self-discovery.

Lucy O’Malley is on a mission to reinvent herself after a rough breakup and a milestone birthday. Her destination? The charming, Bavarian-themed Leavenworth, Washington, for some solo beer, bratwurst, and backpacking.
Then there's Jonathan, the cautious owner of Off the Beaten Adventures. He is all about meticulous planning and avoiding risks, so he isn't thrilled about taking Lucy on a one-on-one hiking adventure.

They have an undeniable mutual attraction to each other, but neither is looking for a fling, especially when things get rocky—literally. A freak landslide traps them in the wilderness, and their adventure turns into a fight for survival, complete with sizzling chemistry and heart-pounding moments.

Lucy and Jonathan's journey through the wilderness is packed with tension, both from their predicament and their growing feelings for each other. The dynamic between them is electric, and I couldn't help but root for these two to find their way home (and into each other's hearts haha).

Huge thanks to K.L. Parsons for the advanced readers copy! If you're looking for a fun romance with a side of adventure, this one's for you.
Profile Image for Rachael.
482 reviews21 followers
June 2, 2024

i’m gonna start off by saying at this girl was HUNGRY 99.9% of the time she was constantly talking about food and when she was gonna eat next and tbh i kinda get it but every time she brought up breakfast lunch and dinner i couldn’t stop laughing i felt like i was in on some private joke.

this was actually fun to read a little repetitive at parts and a slowish start but when the two mc’s meet the pacing evened out and it was just fun and enjoyable to read.

the writing was great! easy to absorb and understand but also painted a picturesque view of the scenery our two mc’s had a backdrop to which i found really nice. There was parts where the dialogue seemed a little rusty but it wasn’t too big of an issue where i felt like i couldn’t continue reading.

it wàs sorta insta lovey which i don’t really like in books and i wouldn’t really have called jonathan grumpy either. i wish we got more of them out of the forest and hike and more of the aftermath of it as i feel like the days where just too close together to form a connection with each other.

Thank you for NetGalley and the author for sending me the arc!
Profile Image for Dacey Nolan.
86 reviews1 follower
May 28, 2024
"If you can’t see the sunshine, be the sunshine." This mantra from Lucy's mom sets the tone for "Love by a Landslide," a delightful romance novel that seamlessly blends adventure, humor, and heartfelt moments into a captivating story. Despite facing challenging situations where finding the silver lining seems impossible, Lucy embodies her mother's wisdom, striving to be the light even in the constant downpour that life and Mother Nature throw at her.

The story follows Lucy and Jonathon, whose dynamic is both engaging and relatable. Their witty banter and clear chemistry reminded me of the playful interactions I share with my husband, making their connection feel authentic and endearing. Right from the start, their spark is undeniable, and it kept me eagerly turning the pages, hoping for intimate moments.


One of the most enjoyable aspects of "Love by a Landslide" is its unpredictability. I'm the type of reader who loves to predict plot twists, but this book kept me guessing until the very end. Each turn of the page brought new surprises, maintaining a sense of suspense and excitement throughout the story.

What sets this book apart is its realistic portrayal of flawed characters. Both Lucy and Jonathon are far from perfect, and their imperfections make them more relatable and human. It's refreshing to see characters who are not idealized but rather presented with all their quirks and shortcomings, much like real people.

The vivid descriptions of the hike and the trail itself transported me into the heart of the wilderness alongside Lucy and Jonathon. The author’s detailed writing made me feel as if I was experiencing the journey with them, and I found myself yearning to visit the trail and the quaint town they explored. I truly hope this is based on a real location because it’s definitely going on my travel list.

This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster. I laughed, cried, and even yelled at the characters, hoping they could hear me and make different choices. "Love by a Landslide" is a fun read that immerses you in a world of adventure and romance, making it a perfect escape for anyone who loves the great outdoors and a good love story.

It is a must-read for fans of romantic adventures. It’s packed with charm, surprises, and authentic moments that will leave you smiling long after you’ve turned the last page. If you’re looking for a book that will make you feel like you’re on a thrilling hike with engaging characters and a touch of romance, this is the one for you.
Profile Image for L Powers (Bookish_Mum).
845 reviews30 followers
June 3, 2024
Love by a Landslide by K. L. Parsons
Rating: 4/5
Release Date: 4 June 2024

Lucy O'Malley has had enough of being a pushover. On her thirtieth birthday, after a breakup and eviction, she embarks on a journey of self-reinvention, heading east on Interstate 90 towards Leavenworth, Washington, for a solo adventure filled with beer, bratwurst, and backpacking. Who cares if the Bavarian-themed getaway was initially meant for couples? Unfortunately, her guide isn't too thrilled.

Jonathan Miller, owner of Off the Beaten Adventures in Leavenworth, is meticulous and risk-averse ever since a traumatic incident four years ago. So when a captivating brunette disrupts his carefully planned excursion, he fears it will end in disaster.

Though their attraction is undeniable, Lucy and Jonathan navigate treacherous terrain in their budding relationship. The last thing they want is to complicate matters with a fling. However, when a landslide blocks their route home, their focus shifts to survival. Together, they must navigate the rugged wilderness and make it back to safety, their hearts and bodies intact.

"Love by a Landslide" stands out for its delightful unpredictability. I found myself pleasantly surprised by this book. Each page turn brought fresh surprises, maintaining a thrilling sense of suspense throughout the story.

The vivid descriptions of the hike and the trail immerse readers in the heart of the wilderness alongside Lucy and Jonathan. The author's meticulous writing made me feel as though I was experiencing the journey firsthand, igniting a desire to visit the trail and the charming town they explored.

The characters in this story endure a series of trials, from surviving a landslide to navigating emotional turmoil and embarking on a journey of self-discovery. Amidst facing the elements and working together to return to civilisation, they also grapple with heartache and trauma.

The narrative is so vividly crafted that I felt as though I were trekking alongside the characters. Their witty banter, inner musings, and comedic antics kept me thoroughly entertained; I found myself laughing uncontrollably at times.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed “Love by a Landslide”.


Thank you so much to NetGalley and the author, K. L. Parsons, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.
Profile Image for Nessa’s Book Reviews.
1,420 reviews72 followers
June 12, 2024
Title: Love by a Landslide by K. L. Parsons
Stranded in Leavenworth, Book 1

Release date: June, 4th, 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars

A Delightful Wilderness Romance with Emotional Depth!

"Love by a Landslide" by K. L. Parsons is an enchanting debut novel that takes you on an unforgettable adventure filled with laughter, love, and a touch of danger.

Lucy O’Malley is determined to reinvent herself after a disastrous thirtieth birthday, heading to Leavenworth, Washington, for some much-needed beer, bratwurst, and backpacking. What she doesn't expect is to be paired with the meticulous and risk-averse Jonathan Miller, owner of Off the Beaten Adventures.

Jonathan, still haunted by a past rafting trip gone wrong, is less than thrilled to have his carefully planned excursion thrown into chaos by the spontaneous and spirited Lucy. But as they navigate the rocky terrain, both literally and emotionally, they find themselves irresistibly drawn to each other.

K. L. Parsons masterfully describes the breathtaking scenery, making you feel like you're right there in the wilderness with Lucy and Jonathan. Their chemistry sizzles, and their banter is both charming and poignant. Despite their initial reluctance, the freak landslide that strands them forces them to work together, revealing their vulnerabilities and strengths.

The novel skilfully balances humour and emotion, offering moments that made me laugh, cry, and even blush a little. Lucy and Jonathan's journey is filled with thigh-clenching tension and heartwarming moments that kept me thoroughly engaged. However, while the story is mostly delightful, the third act break-up and grand gesture felt a bit forced. I would have loved more details about their lives post-adventure.

"Love by a Landslide" is a captivating read that blends romance and adventure in a way that keeps you hooked from start to finish.

It's a story about finding love when you least expect it and discovering strength within yourself. If you're looking for a cute, emotional, and adventurous romance, this book is a must-read. Highly recommend!

Thank you to The Author K. L. Parsons & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Kirsten.
260 reviews2 followers
August 15, 2025
I really wanted to like this book based on the setting and Parsons being a local author, but the writing kind of ruined it for me.

This is the debut book for this author and I like her subject matter/setting so I am definitely interested in reading her other 2 books in the hopes that her writing and storytelling grows from here.

I Love:
-I love that it is set in Seattle and Leavenworth, two places I love and can picture in my head.
-Jonathan was quite likeable as a character. It's not often I get to read about a widow without a child as an MMC.
-Towards the end I really was rooting for Jonathan and Lucy as a couple.
-The quote "If you can't see the sunshine, be the sunshine"
-I don't usually like pet names for characters, but I did like that Jonathan called her Sunshine--it really fit the characters and the dynamic.

I Did Not Love:
-The writing seemed a little unpolished. Disjointed plot sometimes, other times just hard to picture/understand the descriptions.
-The gay best friend trope felt shallow even though I enjoyed his character, and the other characters seemed to exist to show growth or further the plot (Lucy's friends, Jonathan's sister, etc).
-The writing suffered a lot from Telling instead of Showing the emotions of the characters and their growth. There was a lot of internal dialogue and repetitive descriptions that could have been taken out without losing any of the book.
-And there was a hefty amount of suspension of disbelief for me--talk of hanging their packs exactly ONCE in the 4 days in the wilderness, absolutely no other mentions of wildlife except the mountain goat, the complete lack of urgency to get to safety amidst their dwindling food supply, Jonathan throwing out his back and then being totally fine laying in a hammock for hours, etc. There were just a few too many for me to fall into the book and ignore them.
-The attraction was insta-love which always feels fake to me (even though at the end I DID end up feeling like they were a good match).
-I also really didn't like how Jonathan's late wife and relationship was portrayed. I with her had a sweet backstory and was just dealing with grief and guilt--we didn't need the passive-aggressive negative dynamics as it didn't really add to his character, in my opinion.
Profile Image for Olivia.
320 reviews36 followers
June 5, 2024
Thank you Netgalley and K.L. Parsons for the arc for an honest review!

Love by a Landslide is K.L. Parson’s debut novel and it does not disappoint. I was hooked from the very beginning and did not want to put it down!

Lucy has just turned thirty, her boyfriend broke up with her — on her birthday and she has been kicked out of the apartment they shared. Not only that, but she had paid for a romantic getaway with outdoor adventures. Since Lucy no longer has anyone to go with, her best friend, Todd, talks her into going along and having some time to rediscover herself.

Jonathan is the owner and guide at Off the Beaten Adventure. After a traumatic event, Jonathan follows the rules and doesn’t stray from what he has planned. That is, until Lucy shows up and changes everything.

Together, Lucy and Jonathan hike up Mount Stuart. However, due to an unexpected landslide, they get rerouted and have to find another way back to town. Spending time together, Jonathan is able to open up to Lucy about his past. After, being together for longer than anticipated, both Lucy and Jonathan begin to embrace the spark they’ve both felt since they first saw each other. Wanting to get home, they have to work together to keep each other safe in the wilderness.

As I mentioned above, I really enjoyed this story. I felt like it flowed well, especially with the events that occurred while Lucy and Jonathan were out in the wilderness. Everything that happened had a purpose. I love that each character really grew from their experience and Lucy became more of who she wanted to be. In the beginning, she didn’t take no for an answer and she didn’t just let Jonathan walk all over her. Jonathan also learned that he needed to work through his trauma. Lucy had me cracking up with her jokes, I literally laughed out loud for a lot of what she said. She was the sunshine to his grumpiness and it was great to read. I don’t mind the “insta-love” as long as it’s written well, and in this case, I thought it was well written.
Profile Image for Patrick Webb.
129 reviews2 followers
August 30, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. A little different from the other romance novels I have read as it wasn't based on a sports or fantasy romance. Will try not to have spoilers in this review, so here it goes.

FMC, Lucy, was originally an outdoorsy girl who wanted to see what "city life" was like and ended up in a horrible relationship where she was always giving of herself with nothing in return. Only one true friend had her back.

MMC, Johnathan, was an outdoorsman who ran an adventure experience business (hiking, camping, whitewater rafting, etc.) who was carrying around emotional baggage from a freak accident that took the life of a loved one.

Lucy booked an adventure with her horrible boyfriend who eventually cancelled on her. She went anyway on the encouragement of her best friend to "find herself." Lucy met Johnathan in the business store as he was to be her guide for the trip. A couple of near-miss disasters led Lisa and Johnathan to rely on each other to survive and return to civilization. Through this survival, a romance developed that was plagued with self-doubt if they were good enough for each other. They did not want their attraction to be based on the aftereffects of surviving traumatic experiences.

Johnathan got cold feet due to another near-miss and thought that ending the budding relationship now would be best for Lucy. Time went by, and both Lucy and Johnathan individually wanted to rekindle and see where the relationship could go, but both were unsure how the other was feeling.

With encouragement, and sort of a bribe, by his sister, Johnathan went to find Lucy to tell her his true feelings and what he has done to help deal with his past since they parted. Of course, they decide to give their once budding relationship another chance.

Like I said, it was refreshing to read a romance novel with the backdrop of the outdoors. Already on the book 2 of this series.
Profile Image for Lauren Curley.
531 reviews10 followers
August 18, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ -5 Stars
🌶🌶 - Spice Level

Jonathan Miller runs his family business Off the Beaten Path, which is an adventure tour guide service. Lucy signed up with his company months ago when she thought he and her ex fiance were going to take a hiking trip. They broke up, but Lucy decides to still go on the trip. Johnathan was planning this as a couples trip, had made all the arrangements, and prepared mentally for all that a couples trip would be only to find out it's just Lucy. He's reluctant to bring just her on the trip, but she's sassy enough to get her Lucy 2.0 life underway.

They encounter rain really early in their hike that turns into a landslide they barely missed getting trapped in. This led to taking a route that had not been mapped. The two end up getting really close due to this experience of a traumatic event while trying to hike out. Close enough that they take advantage of the condom that happens to be in the first aid kit just in case of "emergencies" 😉.

As Jonathan had lost his wife years back to a traumatic event he was a part of, he's definitely the grumpier and worried protector. Lucy definitely poked through his high brick wall around his heart.

I really liked getting to know both characters and seeing them have those shared experiences bonding. The spice was a slow burn with only two sneggsy scenes, but you could feel the chemistry of the couple coming right off the page as they got closer. The couple just fits together like vanilla ice cream and apple pie. If you need a sweet pallete cleanser, this is one I'd recommend.

⚠️ As always, check trigger warnings
Profile Image for Lina.
105 reviews4 followers
June 8, 2024
Lucy's thirtieth birthday was not a great one. Her boyfriend dumps her and kicks her out of the apartment. On a path to rediscover herself, she heads off to an already paid for a romantic getaway on her own. Jonathan is the owner of an outdoor guiding company, left traumatized after a terrible event 4 years ago, and is Lucys' guide for a hike. They are forced to spend time together when a landslide blocks their path home.

I usually like books where the main characters meet eachother relatively on in the novel. However, even though it takes a while for Lucy and Jonathan to actually meet, when they do, it is the best little moment ever. I finished the book in two days, but would have gladly done it in one. The way the story is written is so vivid and detailed, positively portraying the outdoors. It feels like I'm there, seeing and feeling it all. Every event and every conversation seems so important, so genuine, and so real. You will be rooting for them once they meet because they feel so real and relatable.

Lucy is feisty and sassy in a cute way. The way she is unafriad to talk back really portrays a strong FMC. Lucy's self discovery and experience after her break up was encouraging, reminding you to go and experience things on your own, to not be afraid. Her growth was just amazing. Jonathan's growth is also encouraging and real. I love the people that he has in his life, especially his sister. He has a certain charm to him that makes him very likeable from the beginning. The characters each go through so much emotional and mental growth.
Profile Image for Ashley.
3 reviews1 follower
June 6, 2024
K.L. Parsons' debut novel, Love by a Landslide, is a delightful blend of romance, humor, and adventure. From the first page, I was drawn into the story of Lucy, who embarks on a solo hiking trip to reclaim her life after a series of personal setbacks. Jonathan, the cautious owner of Off the Beaten Adventure, has his meticulous plans upended by Lucy's spirited presence. Their journey, complicated by a literal landslide, forces them to navigate both the wilderness and their blossoming feelings for each other.

Parsons shines in crafting relatable and dynamic characters. Lucy's resilience and humor light up the story, while Jonathan's gradual revelation of his vulnerabilities adds depth. Their chemistry is palpable, making their romance both believable and engaging.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Leavenworth, Washington, this novel is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and romance lovers alike. The plot flows seamlessly, with each event contributing to the characters' growth. Lucy's witty remarks add a refreshing layer of humor to the romance.

Love by a Landslide is a heartwarming, fun, and adventurous love story that promises a bright future for Parsons' writing. I eagerly anticipate her next work.
Profile Image for Kate (bookishkenyannerd).
559 reviews2 followers
July 10, 2024
Lucy O’Malley is done being a doormat. After getting dumped and booted from her apartment on her thirtieth birthday, she finds herself on the road to Leavenworth, Washington, for a little beer, bratwurst, and backpacking. Who cares if the Bavarian-themed “romantic getaway” was originally planned for a couple? Unfortunately, her guide and owner of Off the Beaten Adventures Jonathan Miller does.

He saw her as bad news from the get-go and tried to cancel the trip, but she wasn't having it. Their mutual attraction made matters worse. He had sworn off relationships ever since the unthinkable happened on a rafting trip four year before.

Still, he had to follow through with taking her on the trip. When a freak landslide destroyed their only serviceable trail home, they had to figure out how to survive the wilderness and return to civilization intact.

I loved the Pacific Northwest wilderness setting. Their adventure took them through cliffs, beautiful water bodies and scenery. Their path back to safety brought them closer though they had to confront their pasts before they finally got together. Loved that for them!

This was a great debut. Thank you to Netgalley and Publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Gillian.
55 reviews5 followers
July 10, 2024
So I’m a big romance fan and the ones where the main characters are trapped together always get me. Not going to lie, that’s why I first wanted to read this one.

I was surprised that it’s actually so much more than that! Lucy has just gotten out of a relationship that lasted four years, and she spent most of that time trying to fit into his lifestyle and losing herself in the process. She plans a hiking trip for the two of them and when he breaks up with her right before, decides to go it alone.

Her guide is Jonathan, a former thrill seeker who went through a traumatic experience. He’s reluctant to take on a solo hike, but caves (Lucy doesn’t give him a choice!).

I felt like the romance took second stage to Lucy’s journey to reclaim her identity, but that might be my favorite part of the story. I loved Lucy so much and all her small victories felt so important. There’s one scene where she’s alone in the mountains and just has an emotional breakdown, and that felt so monumental for her.

So if you’re looking for an FMC who’s on a journey of rediscovery but with a little bit of romance and spice thrown in, this is your book!
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