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The Heartwood Series #1
Love on Call
I dumped my toxic ex on national television—but I’ll be in the clear if this grumpy, small-town doctor makes a convincing boyfriend … big “if”.
Ally
Heartwood is the perfect escape. Well, almost perfect. My new boss, Dr. Mason Landry, is territorial, irritable—and inconsiderately hot. But after the living hell of reality TV, a small-town doctor isn’t going to intimidate me.
Then my ex-fiancé waltzes into town and suddenly, I’m fake dating my new boss in a desperate attempt to stand my ground…
To my surprise, Mason agrees to a fake relationship—with tight boundaries and a one-week limit, of course. Which is fine until my past outstays its welcome.
Mason
Ally Wells is a pain in my ass. First, she waltzes into the clinic like she owns the place. Second, she ropes me into being her fake boyfriend the minute her smarmy ex shows up in town. And third, I can’t stop thinking about her.
I would be thrilled if she left town tomorrow, if she wasn’t the only thing that might save my clinic from financial ruin.
But our lovey-dovey act isn’t the only lie I’ve been telling—and as Ally slowly chips away at my tough exterior, I have to grapple with the idea of a life beyond the clinic walls.
Love on Call is the first interconnected standalone in the Heartwood Series, with a guaranteed happily ever after!
Ally
Heartwood is the perfect escape. Well, almost perfect. My new boss, Dr. Mason Landry, is territorial, irritable—and inconsiderately hot. But after the living hell of reality TV, a small-town doctor isn’t going to intimidate me.
Then my ex-fiancé waltzes into town and suddenly, I’m fake dating my new boss in a desperate attempt to stand my ground…
To my surprise, Mason agrees to a fake relationship—with tight boundaries and a one-week limit, of course. Which is fine until my past outstays its welcome.
Mason
Ally Wells is a pain in my ass. First, she waltzes into the clinic like she owns the place. Second, she ropes me into being her fake boyfriend the minute her smarmy ex shows up in town. And third, I can’t stop thinking about her.
I would be thrilled if she left town tomorrow, if she wasn’t the only thing that might save my clinic from financial ruin.
But our lovey-dovey act isn’t the only lie I’ve been telling—and as Ally slowly chips away at my tough exterior, I have to grapple with the idea of a life beyond the clinic walls.
Love on Call is the first interconnected standalone in the Heartwood Series, with a guaranteed happily ever after!
382 pages, Paperback
Published August 15, 2024
79 people are currently reading
734 people want to read
About the author
Meg Riley
4 books70 followersHi! I'm Meg Riley. I'm a Canadian author of small town romance novels set in the heart of the Rocky Mountains! My stories are steamy, spicy, and cute - all of the best flavours of smut!
I live in Calgary, Alberta with my husband and my dog. Writing is currently my side gig - I am a nurse as my day (and night!) job and I feel very lucky to have a job where I can care for others and meet so many interesting humans that inspire me.
Thanks for joining my community of romance readers! I am so happy you're here.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
April 22, 2025
2.5 ⭐️ A Canadian small town romance with fake dating, grumpy x sunshine vibes, and a setting that felt familiar. But even with all that going for it… this one dragged for me.
The writing was fine, easy enough to read and nothing that threw me off, but I just didn’t feel pulled in. I had zero motivation to pick this up once I put it down, which is rare for me with romance. It took me weeks to finish, and at one point I forgot I was even reading it.
───────୨ৎ───────
tropes
♥ small town
♥ friends to lovers
♥ workplace
♥ fake dating
♥ found family
───────୨ৎ───────
✧° Mason was meant to be the grump, but honestly? He just read as straight-up rude most of the time. And Ally… existed. I usually love a good grumpy x sunshine dynamic, but when the grump crosses into 'actually kind of a jerk' territory, I’m out. Mason had a full-blown saviour complex paired with a habit of keeping unnecessary secrets, and Ally was such a chronic people pleaser it drove me bananas. She let people walk all over her for reasons I genuinely couldn’t wrap my head around half the time.
I didn’t connect with either of them, and their chemistry didn’t click for me. I kept waiting for something to happen to make me actually root for them; tension, banter, longing… anything?! But nope. Never got there.
───────୨ৎ───────
what was missing
✳ lack of emotional pull
✳ no drive to pick it back up
✳ underwhelming execution of the fake dating trope
✳ not a grump, just an asshole
✳ frustrating character traits
✳ no real sense of growth
✳ no chemistry
✳ predictable plot points
───────୨ৎ───────
The fake dating setup had potential, but it never really hit the emotional highs I was looking for. It barely showed up outside of recurring ex-boyfriend situations, which always seemed to appear at the most predictable, eye roll worthy of times.
That said, I did love the Canadian-ness of it all. The small town setting felt familiar in the best way and I appreciated the quiet nods to the culture and environment. I’ll keep going with the series, this one just wasn’t for me.
───────୨ৎ───────
favourite quotes
☾ "Now, Honeybee, I’m all yours."
☾ "I’m not angry with you, Honeybee. Never with you... You are the most important person in the world to me."
───────୨ৎ───────
⊹ love on call: ⟶ 2.5 ⭐️
⊹ the boyfriend boycott: ⟶ tbr
The writing was fine, easy enough to read and nothing that threw me off, but I just didn’t feel pulled in. I had zero motivation to pick this up once I put it down, which is rare for me with romance. It took me weeks to finish, and at one point I forgot I was even reading it.
───────୨ৎ───────
tropes
♥ small town
♥ friends to lovers
♥ workplace
♥ fake dating
♥ found family
───────୨ৎ───────
✧° Mason was meant to be the grump, but honestly? He just read as straight-up rude most of the time. And Ally… existed. I usually love a good grumpy x sunshine dynamic, but when the grump crosses into 'actually kind of a jerk' territory, I’m out. Mason had a full-blown saviour complex paired with a habit of keeping unnecessary secrets, and Ally was such a chronic people pleaser it drove me bananas. She let people walk all over her for reasons I genuinely couldn’t wrap my head around half the time.
I didn’t connect with either of them, and their chemistry didn’t click for me. I kept waiting for something to happen to make me actually root for them; tension, banter, longing… anything?! But nope. Never got there.
───────୨ৎ───────
what was missing
✳ lack of emotional pull
✳ no drive to pick it back up
✳ underwhelming execution of the fake dating trope
✳ not a grump, just an asshole
✳ frustrating character traits
✳ no real sense of growth
✳ no chemistry
✳ predictable plot points
───────୨ৎ───────
The fake dating setup had potential, but it never really hit the emotional highs I was looking for. It barely showed up outside of recurring ex-boyfriend situations, which always seemed to appear at the most predictable, eye roll worthy of times.
That said, I did love the Canadian-ness of it all. The small town setting felt familiar in the best way and I appreciated the quiet nods to the culture and environment. I’ll keep going with the series, this one just wasn’t for me.
───────୨ৎ───────
favourite quotes
☾ "Now, Honeybee, I’m all yours."
☾ "I’m not angry with you, Honeybee. Never with you... You are the most important person in the world to me."
───────୨ৎ───────
⊹ love on call: ⟶ 2.5 ⭐️
⊹ the boyfriend boycott: ⟶ tbr
August 22, 2025
This was not what I wanted it to be and I'm upset about it.
March 27, 2025
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
After leaving her career as a Labour and Delivery nurse to go on a dating reality show that ended up with a broken engagement on live television, Ally is done with being in the spotlight. She decides to start over again and move to work as a nurse in a small town clinic.
Of course, things wouldn't be so easy for her, because her new boss – Mason – is not happy with the newly hired help on top of all the troubles he's dealing with after his father's death. But the situation gets worse when Ally's ex-fiacée, Nate, finds her, and she gets Mason into a fake relationship to make Nate go away.
I lost count of how many times I had to physically close the laptop, take a deep breath, and stare at the wall before I continued reading (out of context quote at the end so you can understand my pain). So buckle up.
If you’re planning to read this for the fake dating, I’m sorry to be the bearer of the bad news. This was rarely mentioned throughout the book. The characters hardly acknowledge the relationship and it feels like it was just thrown there and forgotten in the corner.
Let’s officially start with Mason.
Supposedly the grumpy guy with a rough personality and a hidden heart of gold. But I don’t think that’s what really happened at all and he just comes out as annoying.
In one of their first interactions, Mason goes with Ally to show her where she’ll be staying during her time in town. Until that point, he was still kinda holding onto that grumpy personality but all of a sudden, he just threw a sex joke and it felt so out of character.
Ally is a lukewarm character. She was alright, a little dumb sometimes but alright. I have no comments for her.
Plot-wise, things felt a little all over the place, especially when you realize that everything in the book happened within - months.
Right at the start, when Ally is trying to meet new people in the town she decides to go to the bar that coincidentally is hosting a trivia night, and you will never guess the theme. Reality shows! What else could it be? Not only that but when one of the questions mentions the reality show she was in, the ex-fiancée comes through the door to confront her.
Look, I get it. It’s supposed to be a surprise effect, the “he's right behind me, isn't he?" and the hook for the fake dating but it’s just anticlimactic and too easy.
Speaking about him, let’s briefly talk about the ex-fiancé, Nate. That man's only job was to be a ghost wandering in that town and to just show up conveniently in the worst moments just to stir things up when they were starting to get too boring.
This was a fast read, I'll give you that, but definitely not for me.
--here's your quote (spoiler??):
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
🫥 🫥 🫥 🫥
After leaving her career as a Labour and Delivery nurse to go on a dating reality show that ended up with a broken engagement on live television, Ally is done with being in the spotlight. She decides to start over again and move to work as a nurse in a small town clinic.
Of course, things wouldn't be so easy for her, because her new boss – Mason – is not happy with the newly hired help on top of all the troubles he's dealing with after his father's death. But the situation gets worse when Ally's ex-fiacée, Nate, finds her, and she gets Mason into a fake relationship to make Nate go away.
I lost count of how many times I had to physically close the laptop, take a deep breath, and stare at the wall before I continued reading (out of context quote at the end so you can understand my pain). So buckle up.
If you’re planning to read this for the fake dating, I’m sorry to be the bearer of the bad news. This was rarely mentioned throughout the book. The characters hardly acknowledge the relationship and it feels like it was just thrown there and forgotten in the corner.
Let’s officially start with Mason.
Supposedly the grumpy guy with a rough personality and a hidden heart of gold. But I don’t think that’s what really happened at all and he just comes out as annoying.
In one of their first interactions, Mason goes with Ally to show her where she’ll be staying during her time in town. Until that point, he was still kinda holding onto that grumpy personality but all of a sudden, he just threw a sex joke and it felt so out of character.
Ally is a lukewarm character. She was alright, a little dumb sometimes but alright. I have no comments for her.
Plot-wise, things felt a little all over the place, especially when you realize that everything in the book happened within - months.
Right at the start, when Ally is trying to meet new people in the town she decides to go to the bar that coincidentally is hosting a trivia night, and you will never guess the theme. Reality shows! What else could it be? Not only that but when one of the questions mentions the reality show she was in, the ex-fiancée comes through the door to confront her.
Look, I get it. It’s supposed to be a surprise effect, the “he's right behind me, isn't he?" and the hook for the fake dating but it’s just anticlimactic and too easy.
Speaking about him, let’s briefly talk about the ex-fiancé, Nate. That man's only job was to be a ghost wandering in that town and to just show up conveniently in the worst moments just to stir things up when they were starting to get too boring.
This was a fast read, I'll give you that, but definitely not for me.
--here's your quote (spoiler??):
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
🫥 🫥 🫥 🫥
August 16, 2024
Former/current nurse/former reality tv star meets small town doctor. Say less! I will actually say less because I do not want to spoil anything. My favorite character is definitely Ally, though all of them have a place in my heart….except Nate. I can relate so much to Ally because we are both people pleasers and everything she overcomes and how she overcomes it is just so relatable and it honestly felt like I was partially reading about my own life. This book is my new favorite of the year so far solely because of how close to home this touches. My favorite part of the book was definitely the middle fingers…you’ll see why it made me laugh so much and I’m laughing just thinking about it now. I can’t wait for you all to meet Ally and Mason and see how much they grow. Available for preorder on Amazon :)
August 5, 2024
This is such a cute story! Awesome vacation book, an easy read with lots of laughs, believable plot line, beautiful setting, this Canadian author really shows off the beauty of Alberta in this book! I love the author’s sense of humour and she doesn’t miss a beat in her character development. The book is sweet and funny and you will likely read it start to finish in a week. 10/10 recommend.
September 17, 2024
Este hombre tendría que ser estudiado por científicos, su BIPOLARIDAD no es normal. Primero es súper grosero, después ve su ropa interior y DE LA NADA le coquetea. Después le dice que no puede haber nada entre ellos, ella le dice que él ni siquiera es su tipo y entonces él se ofende y le pregunta que si es muy poco para ella… ¡AMIGO, VE A TERAPIA! Rescato la portada, que es preciosa y el personaje de Winnie, pero esto está muy MAL DESARROLLADO.
August 20, 2024
3 ⭐️
2 🌶️
Honestly, a solid first book, characters are cute, the story was interesting, like love me a grumpy x sunshine and some forced proximity.
I enjoyed the pacing in this book, I felt like it was really consistent, I was never bored. I loved the side characters.
I feel a second book in my bones and I’m ready for it.
10/10 for Canadian content.
My only critique is that I wanted more!
Thank you for eARC
2 🌶️
Honestly, a solid first book, characters are cute, the story was interesting, like love me a grumpy x sunshine and some forced proximity.
I enjoyed the pacing in this book, I felt like it was really consistent, I was never bored. I loved the side characters.
I feel a second book in my bones and I’m ready for it.
10/10 for Canadian content.
My only critique is that I wanted more!
Thank you for eARC
April 1, 2025
So sorrryyyy but noo...
Read
August 8, 2024This book gives off Hart of Dixie vibes when Ally who is looking to restart her nursing career moves to Heartwood from Vancouver. Mason is drowning in the responsibility of running Heartwood’s clinic and the last thing the grumpy doctor thinks he needs is an uppity nurse distracting him. But when her egotistical fiancé shows up to try and reconcile, it doesn’t take a lot of arm-twisting for Mason to agree to be her fake boyfriend.
The instant attraction that Mason feels for Ally is at odds due to the fact that he is her boss and his belief that his only priority should be his medical practice. Both he and Ally go back and forth about whether they should give in to their attraction.
The hook of escaping the reality show engagement and their meet-hate was well done. And you’ll swoon whenever Mason calls Ally Honeybee. There is also a scene where Mason plays with a patient’s granddaughter that was adorable.
Favorite quotes:
The instant attraction that Mason feels for Ally is at odds due to the fact that he is her boss and his belief that his only priority should be his medical practice. Both he and Ally go back and forth about whether they should give in to their attraction.
The hook of escaping the reality show engagement and their meet-hate was well done. And you’ll swoon whenever Mason calls Ally Honeybee. There is also a scene where Mason plays with a patient’s granddaughter that was adorable.
Favorite quotes:
“Anyone who drinks their coffee black seems to possess some kind of moral superiority complex.”
“Now, Honeybee, I’m all yours. I’m at your mercy. Do what you want with me, Ally Wells. Do your worst.”
May 21, 2025
3.75 for me (this is a good review) Love on call is such a sweet heartwarming read along with a few bumps on the way I won’t say to much because of spoilers 🤭 I must say I loved a lot of things about this book especially MMC not because of who he is but because of why the way he is Mason Landry is the oldest sibling of three so there’s 4 of them (four brothers) and his character stood out to me and I can relate to him very much! I love how he wants to save his father clinic but I love how he was so closed off then over time he started to warm up to Ally technically he had no choice haha also may I add he’s a doctor and he’s obsessed with flannel shirts and he is a protective boyfriend for sure!! now let’s move on to Ally her character was such a joy to read and her development come so far throughout the book and I was really happy for Ally she is a ray of sunshine may I add to she’s a nurse 🥰 oh my the friendship between Ally and her best friend Spencer it was heart warming and so sweet they are literally like sisters also Heartwood the small town was everything and everyone is there for each other I can’t wait to read the next book! I’d recommend if you want a sweet and spicy read because the spice was wow 😫
Quotes I loved:
"Sometimes you have to do the hard thing, or else you end up sacrificing so much of yourself to make others happy."
“I mean it, Honeybee. I will ruin him the second he does anything to you."
"You're the first person in a long time to walk into my life and make me feel less alone, Ally. You're the first person who hasn't pitied me for the life I've given up for this clinic. Who hasn't either lectured me or praised me for working myself to the bone and then just stood back to watch as I drown."
"I want you. Mason Landry. Not Dr. Mason Landry. Just you,"
“From now on, the only person I'm on call for 24/7, is Ally Wells.”
Tropes:
🩺 Grumpy x sunshine
💜 Workplace (Doctor x nurse)
🩺 Small town romance
💜 Found family
🩺 Fake dating
Quotes I loved:
"Sometimes you have to do the hard thing, or else you end up sacrificing so much of yourself to make others happy."
“I mean it, Honeybee. I will ruin him the second he does anything to you."
"You're the first person in a long time to walk into my life and make me feel less alone, Ally. You're the first person who hasn't pitied me for the life I've given up for this clinic. Who hasn't either lectured me or praised me for working myself to the bone and then just stood back to watch as I drown."
"I want you. Mason Landry. Not Dr. Mason Landry. Just you,"
“From now on, the only person I'm on call for 24/7, is Ally Wells.”
Tropes:
🩺 Grumpy x sunshine
💜 Workplace (Doctor x nurse)
🩺 Small town romance
💜 Found family
🩺 Fake dating
October 8, 2025
DNF'd
There's nothing really bad about it, I was trying to read something easy to cleanse my pallette. The writing is good, and the story, and the world building.
But it was just not keeping me interested. It's a cute small town setting, and the romance is between the town dr and new nurse.
One of my dislikes in a book is miscommunication. Things that could easily be fixed by simply talking.
I skim over sentences when they are involved. it happens often in here, and I found myself skimming a lot. Which then made me not interested.
Plus the FMC is a bit inconsistent. She claims to not like confrontation, but shes constantly confronting her boss. And she does to her ex fiance, but she acts more weak. But always says she never confronts anyone. I found her a bit annoying. And they didnt really connect. Like there's attraction but no connection. And the Mmc was a bit of an asshole. not a grump but an ass at times.
But the story was good and I loved the small time vibes and the people. I just couldn't continue and I know I wont return to it. I will still check the others in the series out as ive heard theyre good with better romance.
There's nothing really bad about it, I was trying to read something easy to cleanse my pallette. The writing is good, and the story, and the world building.
But it was just not keeping me interested. It's a cute small town setting, and the romance is between the town dr and new nurse.
One of my dislikes in a book is miscommunication. Things that could easily be fixed by simply talking.
I skim over sentences when they are involved. it happens often in here, and I found myself skimming a lot. Which then made me not interested.
Plus the FMC is a bit inconsistent. She claims to not like confrontation, but shes constantly confronting her boss. And she does to her ex fiance, but she acts more weak. But always says she never confronts anyone. I found her a bit annoying. And they didnt really connect. Like there's attraction but no connection. And the Mmc was a bit of an asshole. not a grump but an ass at times.
But the story was good and I loved the small time vibes and the people. I just couldn't continue and I know I wont return to it. I will still check the others in the series out as ive heard theyre good with better romance.
February 17, 2025
3.5☆
Small town doctor meets labour & delivery nurse fresh out of a breakup from a man she met on a dating show. After her break up, Ally needs a fresh start and to dive back into nursing - she takes a job at a clinic in the small town of Heartwood. The quaint community is not the only thing she falls in love with, and it was a sweet and spicy little romance! Ally’s awful ex Nate shows up in Heartwood and disrupts her peace, and I loved seeing the protective side of Dr. Mason Landry come out. We love a grumpy x sunshine and fake dating situation. As a healthcare worker myself, I loved the medical situations and dialogue relating to my personal “world” and it being set in the Rocky Mountains hit close to home for this Northern BC gal.❣️🩺
Small town doctor meets labour & delivery nurse fresh out of a breakup from a man she met on a dating show. After her break up, Ally needs a fresh start and to dive back into nursing - she takes a job at a clinic in the small town of Heartwood. The quaint community is not the only thing she falls in love with, and it was a sweet and spicy little romance! Ally’s awful ex Nate shows up in Heartwood and disrupts her peace, and I loved seeing the protective side of Dr. Mason Landry come out. We love a grumpy x sunshine and fake dating situation. As a healthcare worker myself, I loved the medical situations and dialogue relating to my personal “world” and it being set in the Rocky Mountains hit close to home for this Northern BC gal.❣️🩺
August 20, 2024
First off, love that Meg is a Canadian author and the storyline takes place in Canada!
I couldn’t put down the book, I needed to know what was going to happen. The characters development in the book was great. Felt like I was really getting to know them.
Mason, I wanted to yell at you but then just wanted to hug you. I do love a grumpy man. Ally, is such a sweetheart and enjoy that she loved being in a small town.
The banter was amazing. The side characters were good. I can’t wait for her next book!
I couldn’t put down the book, I needed to know what was going to happen. The characters development in the book was great. Felt like I was really getting to know them.
Mason, I wanted to yell at you but then just wanted to hug you. I do love a grumpy man. Ally, is such a sweetheart and enjoy that she loved being in a small town.
The banter was amazing. The side characters were good. I can’t wait for her next book!
April 22, 2025
Cute easy read. Grump vs sunshine trope
August 10, 2024
I caught myself just happily grinning while I was reading this book as it was SO enjoyable. It's a total don't want to stop and put it down, binge-able book!
Meg wrote with enough detail that you could picture yourself in this small town amongst the people of Heartwood. Characters that grab your attention all while being relatable. You just can't wait to get back there for book two!
It's a fun light read that should be on anyone's TBR list!
Meg wrote with enough detail that you could picture yourself in this small town amongst the people of Heartwood. Characters that grab your attention all while being relatable. You just can't wait to get back there for book two!
It's a fun light read that should be on anyone's TBR list!
September 16, 2024
This book wasn’t it. I’m sorry, but the whole thing felt very under developed. The plot had many errors and felt extremely rushed. A story should build the characters and plot, make you feel immersed into the world you’re reading and root for the characters. You should feel the love blossom naturally between the two main characters. But this book didn’t have that. First, Ally and Mason were hard to like. I felt like we were dealing with the same issues the entire book with no actual resolve. And their love was too fast paced for me to even enjoy— and very back and forth. Like decide what you want already! Why are we having the same argument over and over?? I felt like I was still reading the beginning of the book at the end. I nearly DNF the book multiple times, but felt like I’ve gotten far enough that I needed to just finish it. Was hard for me to digest.
I do think this author has promise. I just think this book needed more time to develop and be read through over and over again to caught any errors or plot holes that didn’t make sense. Also, so many side characters who I felt like we didn’t get to know! This book was less organic in plot development and read more of what the author wanted you to feel, which felt forced and tiring.
I do think this author has promise. I just think this book needed more time to develop and be read through over and over again to caught any errors or plot holes that didn’t make sense. Also, so many side characters who I felt like we didn’t get to know! This book was less organic in plot development and read more of what the author wanted you to feel, which felt forced and tiring.
January 16, 2026
First of all, I'm gonna admit that the book cover is actually what attracted me in the first place, because it's so stunning💫💫
As for the story itself, I'm so sorry, but I really couldn't stand Mason for most of the book, even though he gets slightly better toward the end. Ally is sweet, a little bit too accepting, but she deserved to be treated better. I sympathised with her everytime Mason said or did mean things. It's so unnecessary. The way I would've just not bothered with him is way too many times😶🌫️
The story had real potential, but unfortunately Mason's character screamed "needs therapy", and I'm glad that nearing the end of the story, Ally mentioned him going to one. It's the right choice and for the best for everyone, really.
I truly wish he wasn't as annoying, because I can see myself enjoying this book if the MMC hadn't been so insufferable. Ironically, this made me far more interested in the side characters like Spencer, Grady, Hudson, and Jett, who all sounded much more compelling to me 🤷🏻♀️💁🏻♀️
That said, I’m willing to give the other books in the series a chance, mainly because I’m curious about those side characters and hoping for a better MMC experience next time🤞🏻
As for the story itself, I'm so sorry, but I really couldn't stand Mason for most of the book, even though he gets slightly better toward the end. Ally is sweet, a little bit too accepting, but she deserved to be treated better. I sympathised with her everytime Mason said or did mean things. It's so unnecessary. The way I would've just not bothered with him is way too many times😶🌫️
The story had real potential, but unfortunately Mason's character screamed "needs therapy", and I'm glad that nearing the end of the story, Ally mentioned him going to one. It's the right choice and for the best for everyone, really.
I truly wish he wasn't as annoying, because I can see myself enjoying this book if the MMC hadn't been so insufferable. Ironically, this made me far more interested in the side characters like Spencer, Grady, Hudson, and Jett, who all sounded much more compelling to me 🤷🏻♀️💁🏻♀️
That said, I’m willing to give the other books in the series a chance, mainly because I’m curious about those side characters and hoping for a better MMC experience next time🤞🏻
October 9, 2024
1,5⭐️ but I’m too disappointed to round it up.
I was looking forward to a Hart of Dixie/Virgin River inspired book but I really struggled with this one. The plot made no sense and it seemed like so much was happening while nothing was getting developed.
Ally was bland and Masson very judgmental. I couldn’t bring myself to care for either of them.
I didn’t like how Masson kept the clinic’s problems from Ally. He claimed he wanted her to stay (full 180 from when she got there), but wouldn’t let her in even though she was organizing the event that could save it. He really was doing less than the bare minimum the whole time. There was a literal medical emergency and he told her not to come help him. As if she’s not the only other medical professional in town??
If you’re hopping for a fake dating story this isn’t it. There was no reason for her ex to be in town and the fake dating was mentioned way more than it was done. I get that authors like certain tropes and want to put them in their books, but if it does nothing to move the story forward it can be cut.
I might give a chance to the second book whenever it’s released, but I’m not holding my breath for it.
I was looking forward to a Hart of Dixie/Virgin River inspired book but I really struggled with this one. The plot made no sense and it seemed like so much was happening while nothing was getting developed.
Ally was bland and Masson very judgmental. I couldn’t bring myself to care for either of them.
I didn’t like how Masson kept the clinic’s problems from Ally. He claimed he wanted her to stay (full 180 from when she got there), but wouldn’t let her in even though she was organizing the event that could save it. He really was doing less than the bare minimum the whole time. There was a literal medical emergency and he told her not to come help him. As if she’s not the only other medical professional in town??
If you’re hopping for a fake dating story this isn’t it. There was no reason for her ex to be in town and the fake dating was mentioned way more than it was done. I get that authors like certain tropes and want to put them in their books, but if it does nothing to move the story forward it can be cut.
I might give a chance to the second book whenever it’s released, but I’m not holding my breath for it.
August 8, 2024
Thank you to Meg Riley for this ARC! The cover is gorgeoussss.
Ate this up in basically one sitting.
Super quick and easy read. Cute small town romance that just makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. Some deeper topics explored as well which resonated with me and I felt like it was dealt with respectfully. Writing and plot was engaging and all characters were quite well developed - I got a good sense of all the side characters which makes me excited to read the rest of the series! I also especially love the female friendships represented in this book, it's so wholesome.
There were moments where I just wanted to reach out and shake both the main leads to get out of their heads because they were doing senseless things but it was part of the overarching plot line. But I'm glad to say that they did get over it and displayed admirable character growth by the end of the book. The people pleaser in me was feeling called out too lol.
Would read again, as well as the rest of the series.
Overall rating: 4/5
Ate this up in basically one sitting.
Super quick and easy read. Cute small town romance that just makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. Some deeper topics explored as well which resonated with me and I felt like it was dealt with respectfully. Writing and plot was engaging and all characters were quite well developed - I got a good sense of all the side characters which makes me excited to read the rest of the series! I also especially love the female friendships represented in this book, it's so wholesome.
There were moments where I just wanted to reach out and shake both the main leads to get out of their heads because they were doing senseless things but it was part of the overarching plot line. But I'm glad to say that they did get over it and displayed admirable character growth by the end of the book. The people pleaser in me was feeling called out too lol.
Would read again, as well as the rest of the series.
Overall rating: 4/5
August 18, 2024
I received a ARC from the author and I wanna thank her for it.
Now for the review:
This is a debut novel but I have to say, it was really good for a first book. It had everything, comedy, romance, family, friendship, emotions, scenarios, dialogues, all of it.
Ally was a people pleaser and that hadn't done anything to help her in her life. She wanted more but didn't how to ask for it. When she arrived in Heartwood she began to slowly change and Mason was a major part of it. He showed that it was ok to stand up for yourself and to demand what you want.
Mason was so hurt that he couldn't see anything in front of him. Ally woke him up again. She made him see that there was a life outside of his work.
They both helped each other to achive their goals and manage to have their HEA in the end too.
They complemented each other and I loved them together.
I honestly can't wait to read more from these series
Now for the review:
This is a debut novel but I have to say, it was really good for a first book. It had everything, comedy, romance, family, friendship, emotions, scenarios, dialogues, all of it.
Ally was a people pleaser and that hadn't done anything to help her in her life. She wanted more but didn't how to ask for it. When she arrived in Heartwood she began to slowly change and Mason was a major part of it. He showed that it was ok to stand up for yourself and to demand what you want.
Mason was so hurt that he couldn't see anything in front of him. Ally woke him up again. She made him see that there was a life outside of his work.
They both helped each other to achive their goals and manage to have their HEA in the end too.
They complemented each other and I loved them together.
I honestly can't wait to read more from these series
October 6, 2024
So cute!
This was a really cute new book from a new author. I look forward to the rest of the series!
Ally is running from her city life in Vancouver. She finds herself in the spotlight with a farse of an engagement and needs to get away. All she wants is a fresh start and to reconnect with who she really is as an individual. Mason is the grumpy overworked doctor at a rural clinic in the Canadian mountains. When Ally accepts a nursing position in this charming little town, Ally and Mason need to learn how to not only work together, but figure out how to manage their growing attraction—especially when Ally’s ex shows up to get her back.
This story is a bit of a slow burn, but I love it. This story was sweet with a good dose of spice. I also really enjoyed the side characters. We meet Mason’s brothers, as well as a couple of Ally’s friends(from home, as well as new friends she makes in town) , and I cannot wait for their stories as this series continues!
This was a really cute new book from a new author. I look forward to the rest of the series!
Ally is running from her city life in Vancouver. She finds herself in the spotlight with a farse of an engagement and needs to get away. All she wants is a fresh start and to reconnect with who she really is as an individual. Mason is the grumpy overworked doctor at a rural clinic in the Canadian mountains. When Ally accepts a nursing position in this charming little town, Ally and Mason need to learn how to not only work together, but figure out how to manage their growing attraction—especially when Ally’s ex shows up to get her back.
This story is a bit of a slow burn, but I love it. This story was sweet with a good dose of spice. I also really enjoyed the side characters. We meet Mason’s brothers, as well as a couple of Ally’s friends(from home, as well as new friends she makes in town) , and I cannot wait for their stories as this series continues!
August 13, 2024
For a debut novel, Love on Call was amazing! I loved Ally and Mason together and how even though they had their own struggles and disliked each other in the beginning, they were able to come together in order to “save” the clinic! They bonded over treating patients and doing what they love! And what’s better than getting to do that together!
It was such a cute, small town romance novel that was a quick read and easy to follow along. The writing was great and not cringey at all. I also loved the side characters and can’t wait to read more about them in future books! I definitely need an entire book about Poppy and how she’s a true girl boss running 2 stores!! Despite that, I think I picked up on who the next book may be about (Spencer x Grady 👀). Keeping my fingers crossed!!
If you love small town romances, enemies to lovers, fake dating, only one bed, and doctor x nurse, you will love this one!! 💗
Love on Call releases on August 20 on Kindle Unlimited and in paperback, so be sure to check it out! Thank you so much @megrileyauthor for providing me with an advanced copy! 😊
It was such a cute, small town romance novel that was a quick read and easy to follow along. The writing was great and not cringey at all. I also loved the side characters and can’t wait to read more about them in future books! I definitely need an entire book about Poppy and how she’s a true girl boss running 2 stores!! Despite that, I think I picked up on who the next book may be about (Spencer x Grady 👀). Keeping my fingers crossed!!
If you love small town romances, enemies to lovers, fake dating, only one bed, and doctor x nurse, you will love this one!! 💗
Love on Call releases on August 20 on Kindle Unlimited and in paperback, so be sure to check it out! Thank you so much @megrileyauthor for providing me with an advanced copy! 😊
November 12, 2024
This book definitely gave small town/hallmark vibes! It was a fairly easy read, short chapters which I love & 2 POV’s! I love seeing other POV’s in romance novels 🤌
I liked the tropes that were used in the book, especially the fake dating - but I just wish there was more of it prevalent. The fake dating fell somewhat flat for me because although it was mentioned, I feel like it didn’t last long enough & it wasn’t executed how I typically would imagine fake dating would be compared to other books that include that!
Additionally, the FMC’s ex whom she tried getting away from came in at every moment it seemed like. Moved to small town, he went. FMC went to a bar, he came. Trivia night, he came. Just every place the FMC went to he always seemed to be there, I feel like if it was just maybe once or twice that would’ve sufficed it enough!
I liked the tropes that were used in the book, especially the fake dating - but I just wish there was more of it prevalent. The fake dating fell somewhat flat for me because although it was mentioned, I feel like it didn’t last long enough & it wasn’t executed how I typically would imagine fake dating would be compared to other books that include that!
Additionally, the FMC’s ex whom she tried getting away from came in at every moment it seemed like. Moved to small town, he went. FMC went to a bar, he came. Trivia night, he came. Just every place the FMC went to he always seemed to be there, I feel like if it was just maybe once or twice that would’ve sufficed it enough!
February 19, 2025
After dumping her fiancé on TV she leaves Vancouver to start over & go back to her nursing career in a small town. This reminded me a little of Virgin River with the “meeting the doc & talking about joining his practice without knowing it’s him thing.” Except she ends up fake dating her boss when the Jerk of an ex rolls into town not taking no for an answer. It doesn’t take long for the fake dating to not be so fake anymore though.
They both had a lot of stuff they needed to work on. Ally’s people pleaser tendencies and fear of confrontation….Noah’s PTSD and not being willing to ask anyone for help.
This wasn’t a short book/novella but I still walked away from it wanting more. I hate to be that person that’s always saying “give me more” but with Ally & Noah I really did want more from them. I know we’ll see them again later in the series but it just doesn’t feel like enough! 😂
They both had a lot of stuff they needed to work on. Ally’s people pleaser tendencies and fear of confrontation….Noah’s PTSD and not being willing to ask anyone for help.
This wasn’t a short book/novella but I still walked away from it wanting more. I hate to be that person that’s always saying “give me more” but with Ally & Noah I really did want more from them. I know we’ll see them again later in the series but it just doesn’t feel like enough! 😂
August 23, 2024
Unfortunately, this was not the book for me 🙈 I wanted to like this book because I really liked the tropes, however I felt like it fell a little flat for me. I did not like the MMC; he was supposed to be grumpy but he just felt rude and I feel like his attitude changed sometimes out of nowhere, like telling inappropriate jokes out of the blue. I liked the FMC, she was kind but a little naive and I would have liked to see a bit more growth from her. The story felt a little all over the place for me, despite having some good parts, and I think that’s due to the pacing of the story, which felt really quick. I enjoyed the small town that this story took place in, and some of the character that this book introduced! This was a cute story, however, it was not for me!
3⭐️
3⭐️
August 27, 2024
First of all, a shout to all Canadian authors out there. We see you and appreciate you!
This was just an ok read for me. There were a few things plot wise that were somewhat not realistic enough to convince me... here are a few examples: her ex shows up in town and basically does nothing for a month to wait around for her to "come to her senses"? She organizes a fund raiser and boom, the government throws money at the clinic, enough to hire 2 nurses?
The whole fake dating appeal didn't really fly the way it was written... Mason was not that dreamy, and I even found him extremely annoying sometimes.
Spicy wise, I would give it 🌶🌶.
I am curious to find out what will happen with her friend on the next one, though...
This was just an ok read for me. There were a few things plot wise that were somewhat not realistic enough to convince me... here are a few examples: her ex shows up in town and basically does nothing for a month to wait around for her to "come to her senses"? She organizes a fund raiser and boom, the government throws money at the clinic, enough to hire 2 nurses?
The whole fake dating appeal didn't really fly the way it was written... Mason was not that dreamy, and I even found him extremely annoying sometimes.
Spicy wise, I would give it 🌶🌶.
I am curious to find out what will happen with her friend on the next one, though...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2025
Love on Call is book 1 in the interconnected standalone Heartwood series. I read Boyfriend Boycott and The Ex Project first before this one and I have to say these are true standalones, you can read in any order without spoilers!
After Ally dumps her fiance on national television, she runs away to Heartwood, a small town in the Canadian Rockies. Her new boss Dr. Mason Landry doesn’t want her there, he’s grumpy, irritable and majorly stubborn. When her ex-fiance suddenly shows up in Heartwood she finds it difficult to stand up to him so she ropes Mason into being her fake boyfriend. Surprisingly he goes along with the ruse but what started as a fake relationship soon turns into something unexpected. This book was such a cute read!
After Ally dumps her fiance on national television, she runs away to Heartwood, a small town in the Canadian Rockies. Her new boss Dr. Mason Landry doesn’t want her there, he’s grumpy, irritable and majorly stubborn. When her ex-fiance suddenly shows up in Heartwood she finds it difficult to stand up to him so she ropes Mason into being her fake boyfriend. Surprisingly he goes along with the ruse but what started as a fake relationship soon turns into something unexpected. This book was such a cute read!
August 27, 2024
This was such a cute read! The characters were flawed and I loved that because it felt extremely realistic. I enjoyed the fact that there was a lot going on, and that the story never slowed down anywhere. There were times I wanted to punch Mason in the face, but then he got it together and got his girl. Ally was such a strong girlie but I loved that she could break down with her bestie and that she was her safe space! I loved the Canadian setting especially as a girl who moved from BC to Alberta!
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
February 25, 2025
I didn’t love this book, but I didn’t hate it. It gave off Hart of Dixie vibes and I LOVED that show! I enjoyed the story line and still was rooting for Ally and Mason. I just struggled with the immature writing. Mason was a really immature character. When a character is supposed to be a doctor, I expect them to be more mature, but he wasn’t. His grumpiness was a turn off. The spice was more so because I swear they fantasized about it more than actually doing anything.
**I wouldn’t recommend it, but if you want a quick read that gives you Hart of Dixie vibes, go for it.
**I wouldn’t recommend it, but if you want a quick read that gives you Hart of Dixie vibes, go for it.
November 10, 2025
RATING: 2.5 stars
Ally and Mason were just... ok.
I didn't really find that there was anything surprising in this book since it was going down the same path of all fake-dating-trope books so.
Mason had a bit of a god complex and the reasoning to why he was working himself to the bone for the clinic seemed a bit immature. Your dad had the clinic and none of your brothers took it so you did and now you are drowning in it. Not really a substantial reason for it.
Ally was ok until she had to open her mouth to talk to her manager or ex. Then all of a sudden, she was pudding but with Mason, she was portrayed as a outspoken confident woman. I don't understand what avenue the author was going for.
I can't say I connected with either characters or their almost non existent chemistry. I really wanted to finish the book asap because I was a bit bored by 75%.
Ally and Mason were just... ok.
I didn't really find that there was anything surprising in this book since it was going down the same path of all fake-dating-trope books so.
Mason had a bit of a god complex and the reasoning to why he was working himself to the bone for the clinic seemed a bit immature. Your dad had the clinic and none of your brothers took it so you did and now you are drowning in it. Not really a substantial reason for it.
Ally was ok until she had to open her mouth to talk to her manager or ex. Then all of a sudden, she was pudding but with Mason, she was portrayed as a outspoken confident woman. I don't understand what avenue the author was going for.
I can't say I connected with either characters or their almost non existent chemistry. I really wanted to finish the book asap because I was a bit bored by 75%.
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