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Timber Forge #2
What About Us
They’ve only ever been best friends…until one kiss changes everything.
Hudson
In order to make a better life for my daughter, I leave behind a successful career in a city I love to return to my hometown of Timber Forge, Montana. Finding myself jobless, restless, and unsure of what my future holds, my best friend, Finnley Jameson, offers us a place to stay. She has never expressed wanting anything more with me, but one emotion-fueled kiss six months ago mixed with the close proximity of sharing a home together is the catalyst for feelings that are decidedly more than friendly.
Finnley
My best friend for nearly twenty years, Hudson Hayes, is home. We've never entertained anything more than friendship, but a middle of the night kiss four days before Christmas spins my world on its axis. Now, that one encounter has me questioning everything. He's back in our hometown, living in my house, and turning my life upside down with sweet gestures and one mind-melting proposition. Suddenly, I'm between what is and what could be, powerless to stop my growing feelings. Am I really willing to risk ruining the truest friendship I've ever had, even if it means losing it forever?
*Timber Forge is a series of interconnected standalone small town romances. Each book follows a different couple and can be read on its own, but reading in order gives the full emotional arc of the town and its characters.
Hudson
In order to make a better life for my daughter, I leave behind a successful career in a city I love to return to my hometown of Timber Forge, Montana. Finding myself jobless, restless, and unsure of what my future holds, my best friend, Finnley Jameson, offers us a place to stay. She has never expressed wanting anything more with me, but one emotion-fueled kiss six months ago mixed with the close proximity of sharing a home together is the catalyst for feelings that are decidedly more than friendly.
Finnley
My best friend for nearly twenty years, Hudson Hayes, is home. We've never entertained anything more than friendship, but a middle of the night kiss four days before Christmas spins my world on its axis. Now, that one encounter has me questioning everything. He's back in our hometown, living in my house, and turning my life upside down with sweet gestures and one mind-melting proposition. Suddenly, I'm between what is and what could be, powerless to stop my growing feelings. Am I really willing to risk ruining the truest friendship I've ever had, even if it means losing it forever?
*Timber Forge is a series of interconnected standalone small town romances. Each book follows a different couple and can be read on its own, but reading in order gives the full emotional arc of the town and its characters.
450 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2024
About the author
Madison Noelle
12 books61 followersMadison Noelle writes small-town romance with big feelings, slow burns, and the kind of love stories that sneak up on you and never let go. Whether it’s a broody cowboy, a cinnamon roll single dad, or a big found family that feels real enough to hug, her characters bring all the heart and heat.
If you like emotionally messy characters, banter that bites and softens, and endings that feel like home, you’re in the right place.
When she’s not writing, she’s probably rearranging her bookshelves for the tenth time, overthinking a text, or bribing herself with a new plant or an iced coffee to finish a draft.
If you like emotionally messy characters, banter that bites and softens, and endings that feel like home, you’re in the right place.
When she’s not writing, she’s probably rearranging her bookshelves for the tenth time, overthinking a text, or bribing herself with a new plant or an iced coffee to finish a draft.
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November 20, 2024
📖 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐔𝐬 𝐛𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐍𝐨𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞
“𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘸𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘐 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘶𝘱 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘍𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘭𝘦𝘺. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭 𝘶𝘱𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶,” 𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘺𝘴, 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘺, 𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘴𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘷𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘵𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵. “𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦.” ❤️🔥
The second novel in the Timber Forge series by 𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐍𝐨𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞 absolutely stole my heart. We get glimpses of Hudson and Finnley’s relationship in 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐖𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐔𝐬, and I was so ready to finally read their besties to lovers story!
There was so much absolutely delicious spicy tension in this book that I should have used oven mitts hold my kindle. Literally everyone around them could see how perfect they were for each other, but Hudson and Finn fought it. The friendship between them was so special and they didn’t want to ever lose that.
“𝘋𝘪𝘴𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘮𝘦, 𝘏𝘶𝘥𝘴𝘰𝘯. 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘪𝘵. 𝘐 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘵. 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵, 𝘐 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘪𝘵. 𝘔𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘢 𝘮𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘦. 𝘞𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘬 𝘮𝘦.”
The spice in this book was really too good for words. There’s just something about two friends getting together. That moment when the sweet boy turns into a dirty talking man for his woman, gets me every time.
“𝘏𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘴, 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘺 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭.”
I really liked the fact that both leads had been married before but it was to the wrong person. They were both given a second chance at love and they found it in a person that they had ALWAYS loved.
Finnley is a fiercely independent woman. She’s learned to live her life by doing everything by herself. She never let her diabetes affect her day to day life. When she’s in need, Hudson stepped up.
I love marriage of convenience stories and this one was definitely more of a marriage of necessity. Hudson dove right in to help her.
Hudson is going to go down in my book of the best book boyfriends because this man was the freaking sweetest. His relationship with his daughter was so cute.
If you love besties to lovers stories full of all the mutual pining and steam, you have to add 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐔𝐬 𝐛𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐍𝐨𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞, to your TBR today!
𝘛𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘴:
🫶🏼 𝘉𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘍𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴
💍 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘕𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺
✨ 𝘙𝘰𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴
🎀 𝘚𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘦 𝘋𝘢𝘥
💉 𝘋𝘪𝘢𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘙𝘦𝘱
💞 𝘔𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘭 𝘗𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨
♟️ 𝘚𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘺 𝘊𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘴 ❤️🔥
“𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘸𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘐 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘶𝘱 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘍𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘭𝘦𝘺. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭 𝘶𝘱𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶,” 𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘺𝘴, 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘺, 𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘴𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘷𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘵𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵. “𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦.” ❤️🔥
The second novel in the Timber Forge series by 𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐍𝐨𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞 absolutely stole my heart. We get glimpses of Hudson and Finnley’s relationship in 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐖𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐔𝐬, and I was so ready to finally read their besties to lovers story!
There was so much absolutely delicious spicy tension in this book that I should have used oven mitts hold my kindle. Literally everyone around them could see how perfect they were for each other, but Hudson and Finn fought it. The friendship between them was so special and they didn’t want to ever lose that.
“𝘋𝘪𝘴𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘮𝘦, 𝘏𝘶𝘥𝘴𝘰𝘯. 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘪𝘵. 𝘐 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘵. 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵, 𝘐 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘪𝘵. 𝘔𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘢 𝘮𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘦. 𝘞𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘬 𝘮𝘦.”
The spice in this book was really too good for words. There’s just something about two friends getting together. That moment when the sweet boy turns into a dirty talking man for his woman, gets me every time.
“𝘏𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘴, 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘺 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭.”
I really liked the fact that both leads had been married before but it was to the wrong person. They were both given a second chance at love and they found it in a person that they had ALWAYS loved.
Finnley is a fiercely independent woman. She’s learned to live her life by doing everything by herself. She never let her diabetes affect her day to day life. When she’s in need, Hudson stepped up.
I love marriage of convenience stories and this one was definitely more of a marriage of necessity. Hudson dove right in to help her.
Hudson is going to go down in my book of the best book boyfriends because this man was the freaking sweetest. His relationship with his daughter was so cute.
If you love besties to lovers stories full of all the mutual pining and steam, you have to add 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐔𝐬 𝐛𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐍𝐨𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞, to your TBR today!
𝘛𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘴:
🫶🏼 𝘉𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘍𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴
💍 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘕𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺
✨ 𝘙𝘰𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴
🎀 𝘚𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘦 𝘋𝘢𝘥
💉 𝘋𝘪𝘢𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘙𝘦𝘱
💞 𝘔𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘭 𝘗𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨
♟️ 𝘚𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘺 𝘊𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘴 ❤️🔥
April 2, 2025
pretty girl as a term of endearment will get me EVERY time
October 24, 2024
4/5 stars!
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
First of all, I’d like to thank Madison and her team for giving me the opportunity to ARC this!
I knew going into this by what the tropes were, that I was going to enjoy it. Small town romance, friends to lovers, spice for dayssssssss, etc!
We meet Finnley, our FMC, and honestly her character is so relatable. Independent woman, trying to make it in the world with no support, just a couple of good friends. A girl who’s best friend growing up is Hudson, our MMC. A boy that she’s harbored feelings for years, and wonders if he’s ever felt the same way. One thing leads to another and we find out he too, has been harboring feelings. But I will admit, after a while, I was getting really sick and tired of the “oh I wonder if they feel the same way” emotion. I was beginning to expect it at the end of most scenes.
Then towards the end, while I could relate with the whirlwind of emotions that Finnley was experiencing, I was getting really annoyed and bored with her. I wanted to reach through the screen of my Kindle and shake her. Like “girl! Get it together!” Because honestly, we all need that from time to time in our lives. But once you get past that couple of chapters, it was back to enjoying the ride. Right into a beautiful ending!
I really hope you’ll take the time to enjoy this book like I did!
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
First of all, I’d like to thank Madison and her team for giving me the opportunity to ARC this!
I knew going into this by what the tropes were, that I was going to enjoy it. Small town romance, friends to lovers, spice for dayssssssss, etc!
We meet Finnley, our FMC, and honestly her character is so relatable. Independent woman, trying to make it in the world with no support, just a couple of good friends. A girl who’s best friend growing up is Hudson, our MMC. A boy that she’s harbored feelings for years, and wonders if he’s ever felt the same way. One thing leads to another and we find out he too, has been harboring feelings. But I will admit, after a while, I was getting really sick and tired of the “oh I wonder if they feel the same way” emotion. I was beginning to expect it at the end of most scenes.
Then towards the end, while I could relate with the whirlwind of emotions that Finnley was experiencing, I was getting really annoyed and bored with her. I wanted to reach through the screen of my Kindle and shake her. Like “girl! Get it together!” Because honestly, we all need that from time to time in our lives. But once you get past that couple of chapters, it was back to enjoying the ride. Right into a beautiful ending!
I really hope you’ll take the time to enjoy this book like I did!
October 25, 2024
4.5 🌟 rounded up.
I am blown away by the amount of emotion I experienced while reading this book. Finnley and Hudson were everything. This was a friends to lovers, single dad, small town romance done phenomenally well. It was definitely a slow burn, but once it got hot, it was HOT. Despite the challenges these two faced throughout, they stayed strong in their love and support to each other, even during the third act "conflict" (don't want to necessarily call it a third act break up because they handled it realistically like adults).
I received this book as an ARC and it was my first time reading this author's work. I will most definitely be going back to read Wren and Hank's story.
I am blown away by the amount of emotion I experienced while reading this book. Finnley and Hudson were everything. This was a friends to lovers, single dad, small town romance done phenomenally well. It was definitely a slow burn, but once it got hot, it was HOT. Despite the challenges these two faced throughout, they stayed strong in their love and support to each other, even during the third act "conflict" (don't want to necessarily call it a third act break up because they handled it realistically like adults).
I received this book as an ARC and it was my first time reading this author's work. I will most definitely be going back to read Wren and Hank's story.
November 15, 2024
I read this as an ARC (thank you Madison Noelle!).
I really enjoyed "What About Us". I have not read the first timber forge book, despite this the characters are pretty easy to get a handle on. This book can be read as a standalone although some recurring characters are re-introduced in the middle of the story (presumably mentioned in the first book as Hudson and Hank the MMCs from books 1 and 2 are related).
This is suuuuuch a slow burn. It was a little frustrating in the way that if this was a TV show you'd be yelling at the screen at Finnley and Hudson for being so oblivious. If both of these characters were Sapphic they'd be disaster lesbians.
The storyline is good, a bit of an emotional roller coaster. Finn and Hudson are both loveable. The spicy scenes are pretty well done. I'd say they are pretty vanilla, not a criticism.
Overall I enjoyed the book and got through it pretty quickly. By the end I was definitely invested in Hudson and Finnley. And hating his ex wife lol.
I really enjoyed "What About Us". I have not read the first timber forge book, despite this the characters are pretty easy to get a handle on. This book can be read as a standalone although some recurring characters are re-introduced in the middle of the story (presumably mentioned in the first book as Hudson and Hank the MMCs from books 1 and 2 are related).
This is suuuuuch a slow burn. It was a little frustrating in the way that if this was a TV show you'd be yelling at the screen at Finnley and Hudson for being so oblivious. If both of these characters were Sapphic they'd be disaster lesbians.
The storyline is good, a bit of an emotional roller coaster. Finn and Hudson are both loveable. The spicy scenes are pretty well done. I'd say they are pretty vanilla, not a criticism.
Overall I enjoyed the book and got through it pretty quickly. By the end I was definitely invested in Hudson and Finnley. And hating his ex wife lol.
August 5, 2025
This is certainly one of my favorite Madison Noelle books to date!
I couldn't eat up this fake marriage fast enough, along with the single-dad and friends-to-lovers tropes, I was completely putty.
The plot felt solid and had me flipping pages, and Madison writes spice with so much passion, I just adore her stories.
I couldn't eat up this fake marriage fast enough, along with the single-dad and friends-to-lovers tropes, I was completely putty.
The plot felt solid and had me flipping pages, and Madison writes spice with so much passion, I just adore her stories.
October 28, 2024
What About Us - ARC Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐+
First off, a huge THANK YOU to @authormadisonnoelle for sending me this ARC! I have now had the pleasure of being an ARC reader for both of her books and it has been one of my favorite experiences!
I don't even know where to start other than YOU NEED TO READ THIS.
What About Us is a slow burn, small town, single dad, best friends to lovers, emotional and beautiful book.
Hudson wants to make a better life for his sweet daughter, Paige. To do that he moves from a big city back to Timber Forge to be close to his family and provide the life Paige deserves.
Finnley is Hudson's best friend of seventeen years and she offers them a place to stay. With them living in such close quarters they discover they both have feelings for each other that is more than a friendship. But how will that affect their relationship?
The love Huddy and Finn have for each other you can feel it through the pages. Finn's love for Paige is such a sweet motherly wholesome love.
Huddy and Finn have the best banter, their chemistry is insane but their respect for each other is so beautiful. The way they help each other out in difficult situations was so beautiful.
What About Us tore me apart but then put me back together. Madison is a phenomenal author and leaves nothing unfinished. The character development is perfect, the relationships between everyone is beautiful and the emotions and feelings are so raw and real.
The spice is SPICY 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ !
This book is a MUST read 🥰
Thank you again Madison for allowing me to be an ARC reader. I can't wait for Book #3!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐+
First off, a huge THANK YOU to @authormadisonnoelle for sending me this ARC! I have now had the pleasure of being an ARC reader for both of her books and it has been one of my favorite experiences!
I don't even know where to start other than YOU NEED TO READ THIS.
What About Us is a slow burn, small town, single dad, best friends to lovers, emotional and beautiful book.
Hudson wants to make a better life for his sweet daughter, Paige. To do that he moves from a big city back to Timber Forge to be close to his family and provide the life Paige deserves.
Finnley is Hudson's best friend of seventeen years and she offers them a place to stay. With them living in such close quarters they discover they both have feelings for each other that is more than a friendship. But how will that affect their relationship?
The love Huddy and Finn have for each other you can feel it through the pages. Finn's love for Paige is such a sweet motherly wholesome love.
Huddy and Finn have the best banter, their chemistry is insane but their respect for each other is so beautiful. The way they help each other out in difficult situations was so beautiful.
What About Us tore me apart but then put me back together. Madison is a phenomenal author and leaves nothing unfinished. The character development is perfect, the relationships between everyone is beautiful and the emotions and feelings are so raw and real.
The spice is SPICY 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ !
This book is a MUST read 🥰
Thank you again Madison for allowing me to be an ARC reader. I can't wait for Book #3!
October 16, 2024
♡︎ What About Us ~ ARC ♡︎
by Madison Noelle
✨📚 OMG, I’m obsessed! If you love a friends-to-lovers, small-town romance with all the cozy vibes, this one is for you!
Think: slow-burn chemistry, a swoon-worthy single dad, a marriage of convenience (👀), and allll the witty banter. Plus, there’s that found family trope that just UGH chefs kiss. (We know I’m on my knees for a found family every single time)….also the spice? Idk if I’ll look at chess the same again. 😮💨
Madison really nailed it with this one. It’s sweet, spicy, and gives you ALL the feels. Seriously, if you need a feel-good read with characters that’ll make you laugh, cry, and kick your grubby little feet. This one is for you. Shes out in November. Until then READ. THE. FIRST. ONE. WHILE. YOU. WAIT. This is your public service announcement. 🙂↕️
Until next time Timber Forge. ILY. 🤟
by Madison Noelle
✨📚 OMG, I’m obsessed! If you love a friends-to-lovers, small-town romance with all the cozy vibes, this one is for you!
Think: slow-burn chemistry, a swoon-worthy single dad, a marriage of convenience (👀), and allll the witty banter. Plus, there’s that found family trope that just UGH chefs kiss. (We know I’m on my knees for a found family every single time)….also the spice? Idk if I’ll look at chess the same again. 😮💨
Madison really nailed it with this one. It’s sweet, spicy, and gives you ALL the feels. Seriously, if you need a feel-good read with characters that’ll make you laugh, cry, and kick your grubby little feet. This one is for you. Shes out in November. Until then READ. THE. FIRST. ONE. WHILE. YOU. WAIT. This is your public service announcement. 🙂↕️
Until next time Timber Forge. ILY. 🤟
November 1, 2024
When I tell you, I ate this book up I ate this book up!!! This is going in my top 10 reads for 2024. It is amazing small town best friends to lovers angst pining for each other and Hudson has the filthiest mouth in the world and I ate it up!!! I really do enjoy all the love between Hudson and Finn! Omg I freaking loved so much. This is by far my favorite friends to lovers romance. If I could get more from them, I would love it, but this book is just so near and dear to my heart Madison you knocked this out of the park and I can’t wait to read more from the series. Also the marriage of convenience was chefs MF KISS!!! The epilogues were everything too. I could sit here all day, but I don’t wanna spoil too much but this book is just amazing! Freaking obsessed!
November 23, 2024
Dare I say this is my favorite friends to lovers book?? The banter between Finnley and Hudson was so epic and angsty. It had me laughing out loud and sucked me right in.
Throw in marriage of convenience and their relationship was fantastic. When I read a friends to lovers book, I always want it to have that epic fuck it moment and Madison gave that to us and so much more!
Hudson is a single dad and his big heart just bleeds through the pages. There’s no question to how much he cares for his daughter and Finnley. And Finnley, she is a strong independent woman. But Hudson and his daughter are her family and she would do anything for them! This book gives you heartwarming sweet moments, kisses stolen in the night, forced proximity and a family you can’t help but wish you were a part of.
November 17, 2024
This author is a new discovery for me, and I am absolutely planning to read everything she creates. I received an ARC of this book (Thank you!) and approached it without any prior knowledge. From the very first moment, I fell in love with both the story and its characters. My eagerness for more of these characters has me eagerly anticipating the third book in the series, set to be released in 2025.
The witty banter and references to movies, TV shows, cartoons, and songs resonated with me perfectly. The male main character, Hudson, is truly every girl's dream—a swoon-worthy golden retriever type. I also enjoyed the female main character, Finnley, although I occasionally found myself wanting to tell her to "shut the hell up," just like I would with a close friend (lol).
They have been best friends since high school without ever crossing that line. Both ended up marrying others, and Hudson has a daughter from his previous marriage, but now they find themselves divorced. Finn has diabetes, and Hudson's young daughter collapses and is also diagnosed with diabetes, leading Finn to step in and help. There may have been a kiss that neither of them can stop thinking about. As Hudson returns to Timber Ridge to be closer to family, Finn offers them a place to stay until they find their own home... and that’s where the story begins.
Sweet & Spicy!
The witty banter and references to movies, TV shows, cartoons, and songs resonated with me perfectly. The male main character, Hudson, is truly every girl's dream—a swoon-worthy golden retriever type. I also enjoyed the female main character, Finnley, although I occasionally found myself wanting to tell her to "shut the hell up," just like I would with a close friend (lol).
They have been best friends since high school without ever crossing that line. Both ended up marrying others, and Hudson has a daughter from his previous marriage, but now they find themselves divorced. Finn has diabetes, and Hudson's young daughter collapses and is also diagnosed with diabetes, leading Finn to step in and help. There may have been a kiss that neither of them can stop thinking about. As Hudson returns to Timber Ridge to be closer to family, Finn offers them a place to stay until they find their own home... and that’s where the story begins.
Sweet & Spicy!
November 5, 2024
I'm so obsessed with this series and all the characters. One of the best things about small town cowboy romances is the family dynamic. You feel like you're apart of this big family and get so connected to all the characters.
-Vibes-
🖤best friends to lovers
🖤small town romance
🖤single dad
🖤dual pov
🖤good girl/good boy
🖤marriage of convenience
🖤diabetes rep
🖤found family
🖤spicy
Thank you so much to Madison Noelle for providing and arc
-Vibes-
🖤best friends to lovers
🖤small town romance
🖤single dad
🖤dual pov
🖤good girl/good boy
🖤marriage of convenience
🖤diabetes rep
🖤found family
🖤spicy
Thank you so much to Madison Noelle for providing and arc
November 15, 2024
I need me a Hudson
Hudson is a single dad who has to move back home so he can have more help with his daughter.
Finnley is Hudson’s best friend and offers her house to him and his daughter while he looks for a place to live.
Hudson has been in love with Finnley for years and when the opportunity of helping her out is getting married to her- he jumps at the chance.
This was such a cute book! I have laughed and cried and I just love a good fake marriage romance.
Hudson is a single dad who has to move back home so he can have more help with his daughter.
Finnley is Hudson’s best friend and offers her house to him and his daughter while he looks for a place to live.
Hudson has been in love with Finnley for years and when the opportunity of helping her out is getting married to her- he jumps at the chance.
This was such a cute book! I have laughed and cried and I just love a good fake marriage romance.
November 1, 2024
This book was so damn good, I received an ARC copy, and I was blown away by this indie author..
Full, and much DESERVED review will come tomorrow, I just finished this and need to go to bed as I am exhausted, but wow, I am speechless 😍✨
FULL REVIEW
I want to say thank you the author, Madison Noelle, for the ARC I received of this book, book 2 in her debut series Timber Forges. This book was long, but incredibly worth every second I spent reading and falling in love with these characters and their lives.
I enjoyed the friendship between Finnley and Hudson, their back and forth banter, the way they constantly showed up for one another, and the pure love they clearly held for one another. It hurt hearing them both express inner feelings that they had for one another from within their own respective POVs. But, when the heat started to heat up and the chemistry exploded, I was FED! ✨
Madison Noelle did a fucking fantastic job giving these characters emotional depth, loveable personalities, and real life struggles & issues; it was realistic, but not so much so where you felt like you were back in the real world. And goodness gracious, the mouth on our MMC, Hudson, phew..blow away! 😍
And believe me when I say this, Finnley, she had a filthy mouth that rivaled Hudsons, pure heat, spice, and passion--and I promise I sat up straighter! They love that we watched grow between the two, the way they faced things together with open communications, the 'third act conflict' they experience felt more realistic compared to some romance books and gives us a more satisfying HEA when it came to their growth they had both together and individually.
Do yourself a favour, READ THIS BOOK! For a debut author, she fucking slayed this and then some! I am so happy I took a chance on her, so do yourself a favor and read it because you'll love every damn minute of it! 💘✨
Tropes :
👩🏼🤝👨🏽Friends to Lovers
👨👧Single Dad
💍Marriage of Convenience
🌶️Banter & Open Door Spice
🏠Small Town
👨👩👧Found Family
✨Door Leans & Gray Sweatpants
Again, thank you to the author Madison Noelle for trusting me the ARC of her book, What About Us (Timber Forges series #2)
Full, and much DESERVED review will come tomorrow, I just finished this and need to go to bed as I am exhausted, but wow, I am speechless 😍✨
FULL REVIEW
"You're mine, understand? I'm never letting you go." ... "I love you, Finnley," he murmurs, nuzzling my neck with his nose. "I fucking love you."
I want to say thank you the author, Madison Noelle, for the ARC I received of this book, book 2 in her debut series Timber Forges. This book was long, but incredibly worth every second I spent reading and falling in love with these characters and their lives.
I enjoyed the friendship between Finnley and Hudson, their back and forth banter, the way they constantly showed up for one another, and the pure love they clearly held for one another. It hurt hearing them both express inner feelings that they had for one another from within their own respective POVs. But, when the heat started to heat up and the chemistry exploded, I was FED! ✨
Madison Noelle did a fucking fantastic job giving these characters emotional depth, loveable personalities, and real life struggles & issues; it was realistic, but not so much so where you felt like you were back in the real world. And goodness gracious, the mouth on our MMC, Hudson, phew..blow away! 😍
"I love you too," I say between kisses. "But right now, I need you to fuck me like you don't. I need it hard and messy and I want it now," I plead. "I want to feel you inside me for days. Fuck me, Hudson. Ruin me for anyone else. Make me yours."
And believe me when I say this, Finnley, she had a filthy mouth that rivaled Hudsons, pure heat, spice, and passion--and I promise I sat up straighter! They love that we watched grow between the two, the way they faced things together with open communications, the 'third act conflict' they experience felt more realistic compared to some romance books and gives us a more satisfying HEA when it came to their growth they had both together and individually.
Do yourself a favour, READ THIS BOOK! For a debut author, she fucking slayed this and then some! I am so happy I took a chance on her, so do yourself a favor and read it because you'll love every damn minute of it! 💘✨
Tropes :
👩🏼🤝👨🏽Friends to Lovers
👨👧Single Dad
💍Marriage of Convenience
🌶️Banter & Open Door Spice
🏠Small Town
👨👩👧Found Family
✨Door Leans & Gray Sweatpants
Again, thank you to the author Madison Noelle for trusting me the ARC of her book, What About Us (Timber Forges series #2)
March 27, 2025
YES! JUST FUCKING YES!!!! This deserves more recognition and hype!! This one made me freaking giddy. I was laughing and kicking my legs like a schoolgirl. Pure vibes, amazing writing, very, veeeery good slow burn with even better spice. I want 26383 more of this, thank you!
April 6, 2025
Holy crap!! This book! Hudson and Finnley absolutely stole my heart and I can’t get over this book! It was like there’s crack was crack on it and it’s one of my top reads ever! Loved this o so much!
November 12, 2024
Oh my heart!!! This was such a sweet best friends to lovers, single dad, marriage of convenience. Our MMC Huddy has been in love with his best friend Finn forever even when they both try to deny it. He comes up with the plan to marry her so she can get the Type 1 diabetes medication she needs. They go through so many trials and tribulations trying to stay strictly friends. I enjoyed how real and raw their relationship was. If you like small town, single dad definitely recommend!
November 19, 2024
ARC review
I loved everything about this book. I’m a sucker for best friends to lovers, marriage or convenience and he falls first tropes and this covers it all. I just love Hudson and Finnley together. Hudson is just the best book boyfriend and the way he takes care of finnley even when she keeps refusing is top tier. This book does not disappoint and I loved going back to timber forge definitely a must read.
I loved everything about this book. I’m a sucker for best friends to lovers, marriage or convenience and he falls first tropes and this covers it all. I just love Hudson and Finnley together. Hudson is just the best book boyfriend and the way he takes care of finnley even when she keeps refusing is top tier. This book does not disappoint and I loved going back to timber forge definitely a must read.
August 20, 2024
I had the wonderful opportunity to once again be a beta reader for Madison, and as with When We Were Us, she absolutely delivered.
What About Us was a beautiful, funny, and emotional novel, and coming from somebody who has lived their own friends to lovers arc in real life, she absolutely nailed it. The relationship between Finnley and Hudson, and how it evolves through the book, is wonderfully executed. Every character, down to the tiny side characters feels like they have a real life in Timber Ridge- and speaking of, I'm once more obsessed with the perfect small town Montana setting.
I can't wait to see more people get to read this book and fall in love with Finn and Hudson the way I have ❤️
What About Us was a beautiful, funny, and emotional novel, and coming from somebody who has lived their own friends to lovers arc in real life, she absolutely nailed it. The relationship between Finnley and Hudson, and how it evolves through the book, is wonderfully executed. Every character, down to the tiny side characters feels like they have a real life in Timber Ridge- and speaking of, I'm once more obsessed with the perfect small town Montana setting.
I can't wait to see more people get to read this book and fall in love with Finn and Hudson the way I have ❤️
November 16, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Happy Pub Day!!! A huge thank you to Madison Noelle for the honor of being able to read an ARC of this. Being a part of this journey has been such a blast. 🤎
I truly LOVED this one! It’s been my favorite ARC read so far! The world building and character arcs were amaculate. The obsession Hudson has for Finnley made my heart ache. Timber Forge and the entire Hayes family is something out of a dream. Small town but not too cliché. This novel has got it all, slow burn, pining, spice, banter, friends to lovers, single dad, found family and marriage of convenience. Not to mention diabetes representation! Such a fun and easy read to give you all the feels.
Happy Pub Day!!! A huge thank you to Madison Noelle for the honor of being able to read an ARC of this. Being a part of this journey has been such a blast. 🤎
I truly LOVED this one! It’s been my favorite ARC read so far! The world building and character arcs were amaculate. The obsession Hudson has for Finnley made my heart ache. Timber Forge and the entire Hayes family is something out of a dream. Small town but not too cliché. This novel has got it all, slow burn, pining, spice, banter, friends to lovers, single dad, found family and marriage of convenience. Not to mention diabetes representation! Such a fun and easy read to give you all the feels.
November 20, 2024
Wow! Hudson Hayes has a filthy mouth and Finn was Here. For. It!
After Finn’s best friend, and now single dad, of almost 20 years moves back home to give his daughter a quieter life and more time with family. The only logical temporary solution is to move in with his best friend, who he’s secretly been in love with since he was 17. He can’t stand the thought of moving back into his parent’s house while they look for their own place. A few months ago when Finn was visiting, Hudson in New York he kissed her in a moment of weakness but then never brought it up again with her. Between the close proximity, confusing feelings and Finn stepping in to help with his daughter, the steamy thoughts are steaming.
When Hudson discovers Finn has been keeping a secret about her health after having a big scare, Hudson does what he does best and jumps in to try and take care of her. But, Finn is as stubborn as they get.
Phew! This book was steamy 🥵 I thought Madison brought a lot of spice to When We Were Us, but this one was SO steamy! Lots of very open discussions of sex, sexual history and innuendo.
Tropes:
-Forced Proximity
-Best Friends/ Secret Crush to Lovers
-Single Dad
-Marriage of Convenience
-Small Town Romance
After Finn’s best friend, and now single dad, of almost 20 years moves back home to give his daughter a quieter life and more time with family. The only logical temporary solution is to move in with his best friend, who he’s secretly been in love with since he was 17. He can’t stand the thought of moving back into his parent’s house while they look for their own place. A few months ago when Finn was visiting, Hudson in New York he kissed her in a moment of weakness but then never brought it up again with her. Between the close proximity, confusing feelings and Finn stepping in to help with his daughter, the steamy thoughts are steaming.
“I wish I could pinpoint the exact moment I fell in love with her, but it’s probably accurate to say that it was a slow progression. I denied it for years, hoping it would fade. But that’s the thing about falling in love with someone who’s been your best friend for years—it’s never one thing that makes you fall for them. One day, you wake up and realize that you just… did.”
When Hudson discovers Finn has been keeping a secret about her health after having a big scare, Hudson does what he does best and jumps in to try and take care of her. But, Finn is as stubborn as they get.
Phew! This book was steamy 🥵 I thought Madison brought a lot of spice to When We Were Us, but this one was SO steamy! Lots of very open discussions of sex, sexual history and innuendo.
Tropes:
-Forced Proximity
-Best Friends/ Secret Crush to Lovers
-Single Dad
-Marriage of Convenience
-Small Town Romance
October 22, 2024
Second book of the Timber Forge series. Thank you for this ARC read! This book was so good-I always seem to like book 2 better 😉
This book is *He falls first *single dad*Forced proximity *best friends*Fake marriage
I was so excited to read about Hudson and Finnley. They have such rich personalities and are really fun to read. Throw in some drama, a cute little girl to raise, and some very spicy chapters…viola’! An amazing cowboyish romance. There is always health issues (Finn is type 1 diabetic) which I found interesting…but that seemed to drop off a little in the book and I would have liked more in that.
The epilogues are amazing and I so looking forward to future camps in the next book. Gosh I hope each Hayes kid gets their own book!!
Overall loved loved loved!!!
This book is *He falls first *single dad*Forced proximity *best friends*Fake marriage
I was so excited to read about Hudson and Finnley. They have such rich personalities and are really fun to read. Throw in some drama, a cute little girl to raise, and some very spicy chapters…viola’! An amazing cowboyish romance. There is always health issues (Finn is type 1 diabetic) which I found interesting…but that seemed to drop off a little in the book and I would have liked more in that.
The epilogues are amazing and I so looking forward to future camps in the next book. Gosh I hope each Hayes kid gets their own book!!
Overall loved loved loved!!!
February 11, 2026
4/5 ⭐
2.5/5 🌶️
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐔𝐬 is the second book in the 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞 series and my first read by Madison Noelle.
I went into this expecting a light, easy romance, but it's so much more. Gods, I felt all the feelings here. The author did such a great job with the emotional depth. The way she pulled me in... I was completely immersed, feeling like the FMC's emotions were my own.
What I loved most was how real this story felt. You can genuinely picture these characters in real life. The setting, their actions, and their feelings were so relatable.
The banter between the MCs was absolutely hilarious, I laughed out loud so much!
I also appreciated that the main characters are in their mid-30s. Their mindset and struggles just hit closer to home for me. I was cheering for them the entire time!
Plus, I’m a total sucker for a happy ever after, so I always appreciate authors who include an epilogue - I just need that peek into the future.
I will absolutely be reading the next book! Can't wait to see the dynamic between Hutch and Ginger 🤭
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬/𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭:
• Best friends to lovers
• It's always been you
• Single dad
• Small town
• MCs in their mid 30
• Marriage of necessity
• Diabetes rep
• Dual POV
2.5/5 🌶️
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐔𝐬 is the second book in the 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞 series and my first read by Madison Noelle.
I went into this expecting a light, easy romance, but it's so much more. Gods, I felt all the feelings here. The author did such a great job with the emotional depth. The way she pulled me in... I was completely immersed, feeling like the FMC's emotions were my own.
What I loved most was how real this story felt. You can genuinely picture these characters in real life. The setting, their actions, and their feelings were so relatable.
The banter between the MCs was absolutely hilarious, I laughed out loud so much!
I also appreciated that the main characters are in their mid-30s. Their mindset and struggles just hit closer to home for me. I was cheering for them the entire time!
Plus, I’m a total sucker for a happy ever after, so I always appreciate authors who include an epilogue - I just need that peek into the future.
I will absolutely be reading the next book! Can't wait to see the dynamic between Hutch and Ginger 🤭
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬/𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭:
• Best friends to lovers
• It's always been you
• Single dad
• Small town
• MCs in their mid 30
• Marriage of necessity
• Diabetes rep
• Dual POV
December 29, 2024
urgh
I don’t think there was anything likeable about either of them…. They were both the absolute worst! Book 1 in the series was so good and this was very disappointing!!
I don’t think there was anything likeable about either of them…. They were both the absolute worst! Book 1 in the series was so good and this was very disappointing!!
November 16, 2024
I’m so thankful that I was selected for an arc of this book because it truly blew me away! This book is incredible! This was my introduction to Madison Noelle and to say I’m impressed that this is only her second book is an understatement. You wouldn’t know that she’s a new indie author because it’s SO well written. I honestly couldn’t put it down!
“What About Us” is book two in the Timber Forge series and it had me smiling, swooning, laughing, yelling, kicking my feet, crying… Literally ALL the feels! It can be read as a standalone, but I will definitely be starting book one immediately because I need more!
This book is a small town, single dad, slow burn, best friends to lovers dream. It tells the story of Hudson Hayes and Finnley Jameson, who’ve been best friends since high school. Up until six months ago, they’d never crossed that line. After high school, both of them married different people, Hudson moved to New York with his wife Tristen, they had a daughter named Paige and a few years later, both marriages ended in divorce. One thing was always a solid constant in their lives, though — their friendship. After a serious medical emergency with Hudson’s daughter in New York right before Christmas, Finnley rushes to be by his side to help and it leads to an emotion-fueled kiss that has them both questioning everything.
After the scare with Paige, Hudson decides to make a better life for his daughter, sells his beloved bar and returns to Timber Forge, Montana. Instead of staying with his parents, they move in with Finnley and the close proximity quickly leads to a lot of buried feelings coming to the surface, flirting that teeters on the edge of dangerous and a lot of fear that anything more than friendship could ruin their unbreakable bond.
Something that I could feel from the very first page was the deep love and respect that Hudson and Finnley had for one another. It was evident from the start that they were soulmates; no other friend, love interest, or even family member would ever compare. The evolution of their relationship was so beautiful and at times, it brought tears to my eyes! No matter what, they always showed up for each other and I loved that so much! Once their feelings started to shift towards being more than just friends, the amount of chemistry and passion between the two of them exploded into a raging inferno! They had me sweating and clutching my pearls for dear life — They’re both deliciously filthy, insatiable and not afraid to take what they want!
This book does have a third act conflict, which pissed me off AND broke my heart at the same time, but it made the HEA that much more exciting!
Overall, I loved this book so much and it has hands down become one of my all-time favorite romance reads. I’ve fallen totally in love with Hudson and Finnley and I know the rest of the romance world will too! Madison’s writing is magic, Timber Forge is magic and I can’t wait to read what comes next! There are so many great characters in this book and I know their stories are going to be just as amazing. Madison, you have me as a reader for life!
Favorite Quotes
“𝘐’𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳; 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘮 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦. 𝘐𝘵 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘴 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘶𝘨 𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦. 𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦.”
“𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘦. 𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭.”
“𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘧𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰’𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴 — 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮. 𝘖𝘯𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘺, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘶𝘱 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘻𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵… 𝘥𝘪𝘥.”
“𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘵, 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘶𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘱 𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘮, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘭; 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦. 𝘔𝘪𝘯𝘦.”
“𝘐’𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦. 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥, 𝘐’𝘷𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”
Tropes
♾️ Best friends to lovers
♟️ Small town
♾️ Marriage of convenience
♟️ Single Dad
♾️ My wife
♟️ Diabetes Rep
♾️ Nicknames
♟️ Gray sweatpants (In my world, this is a trope, it’s not up for debate, fight me if you want to! 😂)
🎵 This book also has an amazing playlist on Spotify — You can access it from Madison’s website!
“What About Us” is book two in the Timber Forge series and it had me smiling, swooning, laughing, yelling, kicking my feet, crying… Literally ALL the feels! It can be read as a standalone, but I will definitely be starting book one immediately because I need more!
This book is a small town, single dad, slow burn, best friends to lovers dream. It tells the story of Hudson Hayes and Finnley Jameson, who’ve been best friends since high school. Up until six months ago, they’d never crossed that line. After high school, both of them married different people, Hudson moved to New York with his wife Tristen, they had a daughter named Paige and a few years later, both marriages ended in divorce. One thing was always a solid constant in their lives, though — their friendship. After a serious medical emergency with Hudson’s daughter in New York right before Christmas, Finnley rushes to be by his side to help and it leads to an emotion-fueled kiss that has them both questioning everything.
After the scare with Paige, Hudson decides to make a better life for his daughter, sells his beloved bar and returns to Timber Forge, Montana. Instead of staying with his parents, they move in with Finnley and the close proximity quickly leads to a lot of buried feelings coming to the surface, flirting that teeters on the edge of dangerous and a lot of fear that anything more than friendship could ruin their unbreakable bond.
Something that I could feel from the very first page was the deep love and respect that Hudson and Finnley had for one another. It was evident from the start that they were soulmates; no other friend, love interest, or even family member would ever compare. The evolution of their relationship was so beautiful and at times, it brought tears to my eyes! No matter what, they always showed up for each other and I loved that so much! Once their feelings started to shift towards being more than just friends, the amount of chemistry and passion between the two of them exploded into a raging inferno! They had me sweating and clutching my pearls for dear life — They’re both deliciously filthy, insatiable and not afraid to take what they want!
This book does have a third act conflict, which pissed me off AND broke my heart at the same time, but it made the HEA that much more exciting!
Overall, I loved this book so much and it has hands down become one of my all-time favorite romance reads. I’ve fallen totally in love with Hudson and Finnley and I know the rest of the romance world will too! Madison’s writing is magic, Timber Forge is magic and I can’t wait to read what comes next! There are so many great characters in this book and I know their stories are going to be just as amazing. Madison, you have me as a reader for life!
Favorite Quotes
“𝘐’𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳; 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘮 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦. 𝘐𝘵 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘴 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘶𝘨 𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦. 𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦.”
“𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘦. 𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭.”
“𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘧𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰’𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴 — 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮. 𝘖𝘯𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘺, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘶𝘱 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘻𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵… 𝘥𝘪𝘥.”
“𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘵, 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘶𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘱 𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘮, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘭; 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦. 𝘔𝘪𝘯𝘦.”
“𝘐’𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦. 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥, 𝘐’𝘷𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”
Tropes
♾️ Best friends to lovers
♟️ Small town
♾️ Marriage of convenience
♟️ Single Dad
♾️ My wife
♟️ Diabetes Rep
♾️ Nicknames
♟️ Gray sweatpants (In my world, this is a trope, it’s not up for debate, fight me if you want to! 😂)
🎵 This book also has an amazing playlist on Spotify — You can access it from Madison’s website!
October 26, 2024
What about us 💐 💍
Tropes:
💘 Best Friends to Lovers
🤵♂️👰♀Marriage of Necessity/convience
🏠Roommates
🎀 Single Dad
💉Diabetes Rep
🚜 Small Town
First off, Thank you, Madison, for giving me the opportunity to have an ARC of this book. When I applied for the ARC, I read book 1, When We Where Us, and fell in love with the Hayes Family. Meeting Hudson, Finnley, and Paige in that book, I knew this book was going to be good.
Hudson is moving back home to give his daughter a better life. They move in with his life-long best friend Finnley, whom he has been secretly in love with since high school.
I love a good best friends to lovers trope, but the marriage of convenience trope was a nice surprise, I wasn't expecting that one. I guess I didn't pay attention to the blurb that well, if it mentioned it. What made it better was that they both had been in bad marriages before with the wrong person. I also found it to be a nice touch that Paige also had diabetes because it gave her and Finnley something in common, something to help Paige not feel "different." The slow burn in this one was so hot. Very different type of slow burn from book 1. They did so much without actually doing anything. It was crazy. Then when they exploded.. they were on fire!
"You're mine,understand? I'm never letting you go."
"You're f#%king heaven, Finnley.Made for me. God, I love f#%king you."
The way this story had me so emotional from the beginning, I swear. I cried through probably 3 chapters, and I'm not sure exactly. The gift he gave her though..come on!! I thought that was the perfect thing to give her at the time. And the letter...I was a sobbing mess before I even read the letter.
"There are two reasons I get up every morning, Finnley.That little girl upstairs and you."
I loved how the story showed the reality of being a single parent with the other parent absent. How that messes with the kids, how kids will still hang on to that little thread of hope that the other parent will show up like they should but dont. Then, the parent that has to deal with their constant broken promises after. I felt for all three of them in this situation because poor little Paige just wanted her mom to be there. Hudson was just trying not to upset his child or talk bad about her mom to her. Finnley just wanted to feel wanted due to her abandonment issues from her parents.
Overall, I love how real this story felt. Just like the last book. real life complications/issues and feelings. Nothing sugar coated at all.
10/10 recommend
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶
Tropes:
💘 Best Friends to Lovers
🤵♂️👰♀Marriage of Necessity/convience
🏠Roommates
🎀 Single Dad
💉Diabetes Rep
🚜 Small Town
First off, Thank you, Madison, for giving me the opportunity to have an ARC of this book. When I applied for the ARC, I read book 1, When We Where Us, and fell in love with the Hayes Family. Meeting Hudson, Finnley, and Paige in that book, I knew this book was going to be good.
Hudson is moving back home to give his daughter a better life. They move in with his life-long best friend Finnley, whom he has been secretly in love with since high school.
I love a good best friends to lovers trope, but the marriage of convenience trope was a nice surprise, I wasn't expecting that one. I guess I didn't pay attention to the blurb that well, if it mentioned it. What made it better was that they both had been in bad marriages before with the wrong person. I also found it to be a nice touch that Paige also had diabetes because it gave her and Finnley something in common, something to help Paige not feel "different." The slow burn in this one was so hot. Very different type of slow burn from book 1. They did so much without actually doing anything. It was crazy. Then when they exploded.. they were on fire!
"You're mine,understand? I'm never letting you go."
"You're f#%king heaven, Finnley.Made for me. God, I love f#%king you."
The way this story had me so emotional from the beginning, I swear. I cried through probably 3 chapters, and I'm not sure exactly. The gift he gave her though..come on!! I thought that was the perfect thing to give her at the time. And the letter...I was a sobbing mess before I even read the letter.
"There are two reasons I get up every morning, Finnley.That little girl upstairs and you."
I loved how the story showed the reality of being a single parent with the other parent absent. How that messes with the kids, how kids will still hang on to that little thread of hope that the other parent will show up like they should but dont. Then, the parent that has to deal with their constant broken promises after. I felt for all three of them in this situation because poor little Paige just wanted her mom to be there. Hudson was just trying not to upset his child or talk bad about her mom to her. Finnley just wanted to feel wanted due to her abandonment issues from her parents.
Overall, I love how real this story felt. Just like the last book. real life complications/issues and feelings. Nothing sugar coated at all.
10/10 recommend
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶
November 17, 2024
"This moment means the world to me. And not just because I want to help her. This woman means everything to me. I love her with my whole soul. She’s a part of me. She always has been."
I was lucky to receive an ARC of Madison Noelle's newest book, What About Us (book two in the Timber Forge Series). It follows the story of Finnley and Hudson.
I loved the dedication of this book!
For all the good girls waiting for their very own golden retriever single dad to put you on your knees and tell you to gag on it… This one's for you.
I have not so patiently been waiting to read Finnley and Hudson's story since first meeting them in When We Were Us.
I loved Finnley and Hudson's story and thought they were perfect for each other once they both got their shit together.
I adored Finnley and found her to be a relatable FMC. She is a strong, independent woman who has never been comfortable asking for help, just trying to make her in the world. Finnley's friendship with Hudson is something people dream of, but it is also the perfect foundation to start a life together. How she is with Hudson's daughter just melted my heart. I wanted to shake her a few times in the book and say, "Girl! Get it together before you lose the best damn thing in your life!"
I loved Hudson! My heart broke for him after finding out what his ex-wife did. I can not imagine what that must have been like for him, especially because a child was involved. That man is so far gone for Finnley. He has been in love with her for years. How Hudson was there for her, cared for her, and looked after her was everything. Even though he put my foot in it at times. The mouth on this man is next level 🫠 Where can I get myself a man like Hudson?
It felt like Madison was trying to kill you with the mutual pining and sexual tension that just kept building between them. It was pure torture! But the slow burn was worth it when it finally happened!!
I was not expecting the letter Hudson wrote to Finnley would have made me cry!
The banter between them and the found family aspect in the book was perfect.
I cannot wait to read the next book in the Timber Forge Series!
Thank you so much to Madison Noelle for this ARC 🤍
I was lucky to receive an ARC of Madison Noelle's newest book, What About Us (book two in the Timber Forge Series). It follows the story of Finnley and Hudson.
I loved the dedication of this book!
For all the good girls waiting for their very own golden retriever single dad to put you on your knees and tell you to gag on it… This one's for you.
I have not so patiently been waiting to read Finnley and Hudson's story since first meeting them in When We Were Us.
I loved Finnley and Hudson's story and thought they were perfect for each other once they both got their shit together.
I adored Finnley and found her to be a relatable FMC. She is a strong, independent woman who has never been comfortable asking for help, just trying to make her in the world. Finnley's friendship with Hudson is something people dream of, but it is also the perfect foundation to start a life together. How she is with Hudson's daughter just melted my heart. I wanted to shake her a few times in the book and say, "Girl! Get it together before you lose the best damn thing in your life!"
I loved Hudson! My heart broke for him after finding out what his ex-wife did. I can not imagine what that must have been like for him, especially because a child was involved. That man is so far gone for Finnley. He has been in love with her for years. How Hudson was there for her, cared for her, and looked after her was everything. Even though he put my foot in it at times. The mouth on this man is next level 🫠 Where can I get myself a man like Hudson?
It felt like Madison was trying to kill you with the mutual pining and sexual tension that just kept building between them. It was pure torture! But the slow burn was worth it when it finally happened!!
I was not expecting the letter Hudson wrote to Finnley would have made me cry!
The banter between them and the found family aspect in the book was perfect.
I cannot wait to read the next book in the Timber Forge Series!
Thank you so much to Madison Noelle for this ARC 🤍
October 24, 2024
✨ARC REVIEW✨
tropes ⬇️
🤍small town
👩🏻🤝👨🏽Best Friends to Lovers
😏 “fuck it”
💍 MY WIFE
♟️ spicy chess “playing” 🥵
🤍 single dad
👩🏻🤝👨🏽 Marriage of Convenience
😏 Slow 🌶️ Burn (soooo good, double 🥵🥵)
Hudson and Finnley have been best friends for half their life, always showing up for each other and supporting each other. When Hudson invests in Finnley and buys a B&B for her to manage, he sells his big city life in NYC and moves back to his hometown and into Finnleys condo.
Finnley loves her best friend, but feelings start to brew from a Christmas kiss a few months prior and lines start to get blurred. Finnley opens her home to Hudson (duh, i would too girl 🥴😂) and his daughter until they can get settled back into their normal routine..
Hudson and Finnley decide that maybe friendship isn’t what they want after all these years and sparks ignite 🤩
Buy the book November 15 to find out if their love can last 🤓
HUDSON FREAKING HAYES, lord have mercy…the FILTH that his mouth spews… 😩🥴🥵 GAHD DAMN!? he’s going to live rent in my 🧠 for a long while lol
Finn was relatable and a bad ass, loved her too! although i was mad at her around 90% into the book, IYKYK, if you don’t you will lol but sis pulled it together 😂
i really enjoyed the authors take on the diabetic supply issues that we see at this time. As a healthcare worker by trade, I know the issues that diabetics go through to get their supplies and how a majority of people have issues affording them, the topic was handled with grace and i can appreciate that 👏🏻 also, Paige (Huddys daughter) sharing that same connection/ diagnose with Finn was so sweet! 🤍
all in all, this book / series/ Hayes brother has me in a chokehold.. IMPATIENTLY awaiting the next one, lol 😂sorry Madison but get to writing! I need to see what Hutch has to offer now 😏
BRB- Gotta go learn to play chess 🤪♟️
tropes ⬇️
🤍small town
👩🏻🤝👨🏽Best Friends to Lovers
😏 “fuck it”
💍 MY WIFE
♟️ spicy chess “playing” 🥵
🤍 single dad
👩🏻🤝👨🏽 Marriage of Convenience
😏 Slow 🌶️ Burn (soooo good, double 🥵🥵)
Hudson and Finnley have been best friends for half their life, always showing up for each other and supporting each other. When Hudson invests in Finnley and buys a B&B for her to manage, he sells his big city life in NYC and moves back to his hometown and into Finnleys condo.
Finnley loves her best friend, but feelings start to brew from a Christmas kiss a few months prior and lines start to get blurred. Finnley opens her home to Hudson (duh, i would too girl 🥴😂) and his daughter until they can get settled back into their normal routine..
Hudson and Finnley decide that maybe friendship isn’t what they want after all these years and sparks ignite 🤩
Buy the book November 15 to find out if their love can last 🤓
HUDSON FREAKING HAYES, lord have mercy…the FILTH that his mouth spews… 😩🥴🥵 GAHD DAMN!? he’s going to live rent in my 🧠 for a long while lol
Finn was relatable and a bad ass, loved her too! although i was mad at her around 90% into the book, IYKYK, if you don’t you will lol but sis pulled it together 😂
i really enjoyed the authors take on the diabetic supply issues that we see at this time. As a healthcare worker by trade, I know the issues that diabetics go through to get their supplies and how a majority of people have issues affording them, the topic was handled with grace and i can appreciate that 👏🏻 also, Paige (Huddys daughter) sharing that same connection/ diagnose with Finn was so sweet! 🤍
all in all, this book / series/ Hayes brother has me in a chokehold.. IMPATIENTLY awaiting the next one, lol 😂sorry Madison but get to writing! I need to see what Hutch has to offer now 😏
BRB- Gotta go learn to play chess 🤪♟️
November 17, 2024
Madison Noelle really blew my mind with this story. Obsession is an understatement. You could truly feel the love that Hudson and Finnley had for each other radiating of the page. I was crying, cackling, swooning, kicking my feet, screaming and even wanting to throat punch people. The sexual tension made the slow burn so worth the wait. Once they got a taste of each other, they never stopped. The spice was so incredibly hot. I was fanning myself the whole time.
Finnley is one of the most independent and stubborn FMCs who hates to ask for help. Hudson will do anything he can to help her even though she resists it. He even goes as far as suggesting they get married so she can get the medical supplies she needs. Everyone needs a man like Hudson. He just gives you the warm and fuzzies but also makes you sweat from his deliciously, filthy mouth. I loved seeing the relationship he had with his adorable daughter, Paige. That little girl just made this story that much better. Also the relationship Finnley had with paige will make your heart melt. 🥹
This is the second book in the Timber Forge Series. I HAVE to go back and read Hank and Wren’s story because like I said, I’m completely and utterly obsessed with this one. Even though this book is over 500 pages, it didn’t feel like it. It was a seriously a page turner and I couldn’t get enough of it. I will be impatiently waiting for the next book in the series.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭:
Best Friends to Lovers
Marriage of Convenience
Small Town Romance
Single Dad
Diabetes Rep
Forced Proximity
Thank you so much to Madison Noelle for the ARC🫶🏻
Finnley is one of the most independent and stubborn FMCs who hates to ask for help. Hudson will do anything he can to help her even though she resists it. He even goes as far as suggesting they get married so she can get the medical supplies she needs. Everyone needs a man like Hudson. He just gives you the warm and fuzzies but also makes you sweat from his deliciously, filthy mouth. I loved seeing the relationship he had with his adorable daughter, Paige. That little girl just made this story that much better. Also the relationship Finnley had with paige will make your heart melt. 🥹
This is the second book in the Timber Forge Series. I HAVE to go back and read Hank and Wren’s story because like I said, I’m completely and utterly obsessed with this one. Even though this book is over 500 pages, it didn’t feel like it. It was a seriously a page turner and I couldn’t get enough of it. I will be impatiently waiting for the next book in the series.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭:
Best Friends to Lovers
Marriage of Convenience
Small Town Romance
Single Dad
Diabetes Rep
Forced Proximity
Thank you so much to Madison Noelle for the ARC🫶🏻
November 18, 2024
In full transparency, I am not a fan of slow burns. It's usually really hard to keep my interest/focus. But every once in a while, I find one that restores my faith in the trope. Finley and Hudson's story in "What About Us" was so capitaving and enthralling that it didn't even feel like a slow burn and I was desperate to keep reading to get the full story.
There's something to be said about long-term friendships. Hudson and Finley have been best friends for twenty years and while they have both been married to other people, and Hudson has a little girl who is the center of his universe, their relationship has always been a constant pillar in their lives. Now that they are both divorced and single, and Hudson's back in their home town and living with Finley, they have the opportunity to explore these feelings for the first time.
What gives "What About Us" an edge? Hudson's been in love with Finley for the whole of their friendship. That flame has simmered during their respective marriages and the struggles of parenthood and life in general, but now it's back in full force.
Hudson and Finley are such complex characters with fully developed histories and intact personalities. They have both been through complete hell in their lives. The emotions I felt because of how complete and real the story is, were unparalleled. I was in tears, I was laughing, I was grinning, I was doing spit-takes because of the spice! When you find a book that makes you feel all of that? You can bet your boots it's a keeper.
There's something to be said about long-term friendships. Hudson and Finley have been best friends for twenty years and while they have both been married to other people, and Hudson has a little girl who is the center of his universe, their relationship has always been a constant pillar in their lives. Now that they are both divorced and single, and Hudson's back in their home town and living with Finley, they have the opportunity to explore these feelings for the first time.
What gives "What About Us" an edge? Hudson's been in love with Finley for the whole of their friendship. That flame has simmered during their respective marriages and the struggles of parenthood and life in general, but now it's back in full force.
Hudson and Finley are such complex characters with fully developed histories and intact personalities. They have both been through complete hell in their lives. The emotions I felt because of how complete and real the story is, were unparalleled. I was in tears, I was laughing, I was grinning, I was doing spit-takes because of the spice! When you find a book that makes you feel all of that? You can bet your boots it's a keeper.
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