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Welcome to Windhaven #1
Stopped
In the quaint town of Windhaven, where autumn leaves blanket the streets, and the air is crisp with possibility, two estranged childhood friends find their way back to each other.
With his heart set on becoming the town supervisor, Elijah returns home with dreams of bettering the community. But beneath his confident exterior lies a decade-old hurt stemming from a friendship that ended too soon. William, now the town’s steadfast sheriff, wears the badge of duty, but beneath it all, he harbors the same pain—and the same love—that once bonded them together.
As Elijah campaigns to win over Windhaven, he must first confront the past he left behind and the man who still holds a piece of his heart. Amid cozy coffee shops and golden-hued landscapes, Elijah and William navigate the complexities of their rekindled connection, the town’s gossip, and their own personal obstacles.
In a story woven with the warmth of old friendships and the promise of new beginnings, Elijah and William discover that sometimes, love needs a second chance to truly flourish. STOPPED is a heartfelt tale of reconciliation, passion, and the timeless beauty of autumn in a small town.
With his heart set on becoming the town supervisor, Elijah returns home with dreams of bettering the community. But beneath his confident exterior lies a decade-old hurt stemming from a friendship that ended too soon. William, now the town’s steadfast sheriff, wears the badge of duty, but beneath it all, he harbors the same pain—and the same love—that once bonded them together.
As Elijah campaigns to win over Windhaven, he must first confront the past he left behind and the man who still holds a piece of his heart. Amid cozy coffee shops and golden-hued landscapes, Elijah and William navigate the complexities of their rekindled connection, the town’s gossip, and their own personal obstacles.
In a story woven with the warmth of old friendships and the promise of new beginnings, Elijah and William discover that sometimes, love needs a second chance to truly flourish. STOPPED is a heartfelt tale of reconciliation, passion, and the timeless beauty of autumn in a small town.
186 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 9, 2024
About the author
Jay Leigh
18 books97 followersJay Leigh is an author (duh) as well as a voracious reader of primarily M/M romance novels filled with all sorts of goodies like action, suspense, emotions, and spice. Lots of spice.
Plot twist: It’s actually just three mischievous raccoons in a trench coat fueled by levels of caffeine known to cause cancer in the state of California. Good thing they live in New York!
Plot twist: It’s actually just three mischievous raccoons in a trench coat fueled by levels of caffeine known to cause cancer in the state of California. Good thing they live in New York!
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October 16, 2025
RATING 4.5 STARS
Stopped is book one in the Welcome to Windhaven series by Jay Leigh. I previously read Havoc For The Holidays which also takes place in this wonderful small town and I knew immediately that I had to also read both of the books in this little series as well. I can’t get enough of this lovely town and it’s wonderful residents! This is a friends to enemies to lovers romance that made me swoon so much.
Elijah Thompson is twenty six years old. He grew up in Windhaven but went away for college and then work for a few years. He’s back now, and the town supervisor has suddenly announced that he is retiring. Elijah is more than qualified for the position and has so many ideas for the town he loves. So he had a wild and crazy idea to run for office! The only thorn in Elijah’s side is a certain sheriff that seems to love pulling him over and driving him crazy.
William Doherty is one of two officers that serve Windhaven. Technically they are employed by the county but they only work in Windhaven and have a little office in the basement of the town hall. He has also grown up in Windhaven.
Elijah and William have a history. When they were kids, they were best friends, inseparable. Until something happened that ended their friendship overnight. It’s been ten years and William has been sorry every single day of those years for what happened. With Elijah back, he has tried to get the courage to apologize so many times but he can never get the words out. Because he wants his friend back. In truth, he wants more than his friend back. He’s never stopped caring for Elijah and he wants so much more than friendship from him. Oh the pining!!
“It had always been him and only him for me.”
At the same time as these two are trying to navigate a truce and new beginning between them, not only is Elijah running a campaign, William is also going through some trying times. The new connection between them is very fragile and both are trying too hard to be careful of it.
This was such a sweet, wonderful story. I looked back over my review for Havoc For The Holidays and it seems I felt exactly the same way when I read that one. I adore this little town. Now I can’t wait to read the last Windhaven book, Spooked.
Stopped is book one in the Welcome to Windhaven series by Jay Leigh. I previously read Havoc For The Holidays which also takes place in this wonderful small town and I knew immediately that I had to also read both of the books in this little series as well. I can’t get enough of this lovely town and it’s wonderful residents! This is a friends to enemies to lovers romance that made me swoon so much.
Elijah Thompson is twenty six years old. He grew up in Windhaven but went away for college and then work for a few years. He’s back now, and the town supervisor has suddenly announced that he is retiring. Elijah is more than qualified for the position and has so many ideas for the town he loves. So he had a wild and crazy idea to run for office! The only thorn in Elijah’s side is a certain sheriff that seems to love pulling him over and driving him crazy.
William Doherty is one of two officers that serve Windhaven. Technically they are employed by the county but they only work in Windhaven and have a little office in the basement of the town hall. He has also grown up in Windhaven.
Elijah and William have a history. When they were kids, they were best friends, inseparable. Until something happened that ended their friendship overnight. It’s been ten years and William has been sorry every single day of those years for what happened. With Elijah back, he has tried to get the courage to apologize so many times but he can never get the words out. Because he wants his friend back. In truth, he wants more than his friend back. He’s never stopped caring for Elijah and he wants so much more than friendship from him. Oh the pining!!
“It had always been him and only him for me.”
At the same time as these two are trying to navigate a truce and new beginning between them, not only is Elijah running a campaign, William is also going through some trying times. The new connection between them is very fragile and both are trying too hard to be careful of it.
This was such a sweet, wonderful story. I looked back over my review for Havoc For The Holidays and it seems I felt exactly the same way when I read that one. I adore this little town. Now I can’t wait to read the last Windhaven book, Spooked.
September 7, 2024
Such a beautiful story! It's amazing how that many emotions can be shown in a short novella 🥹
It's perfect for a cozy autumn day, when you want a beautiful second chance story and all the swoon 🥹 It truly warmed my heart -- I totally can see myself coming back to it like to some annual tradition 🍂
It's perfect for a cozy autumn day, when you want a beautiful second chance story and all the swoon 🥹 It truly warmed my heart -- I totally can see myself coming back to it like to some annual tradition 🍂
September 26, 2024
This was not great, unfortunately. I was not interested in the campaigning (though that's a personal dislike) and I really didn't get the relationship development here.
- Will and EJ are best friends and kiss in high school, but William freaks out (why? Because of his father? Because his mother just died? Because he's afraid to be out? Don't know.) and they stop all communication.
- Will almost immediately regrets his behavior, but takes ten (TEN) years to apologise and try again.
- Elijah has been mad for those ten years, but almost immediately they're in a relationship.
- Something bad happens and instead of William asking Elijah to help out/support him, he stops talking to Elijah for days. His best friend visits him to support him, but that guy tells Elijah it's better to leave William alone. Umm, why? And why didn't Will just call and ask for help, or even to tell Elijah what he's dealing with?
- William finally shows up at Elijah's door for comfort and to say he's sorry for shutting Elijah out, but that idiot has the bright idea to suggest a pause in their relationship, because they're both busy. Will walks out, Elijah regrets his stupid behavior, but Will again doesn't answer his phone for days.
- They make up, Elijah wins the stupid election, the end.
See, I don't believe for a second these guys are going to make it. No communication about anything and they put themselves first every time something happens (Elijah takes everything as a personal slight and Will just runs off and stops talking). Meh.
- Will and EJ are best friends and kiss in high school, but William freaks out (why? Because of his father? Because his mother just died? Because he's afraid to be out? Don't know.) and they stop all communication.
- Will almost immediately regrets his behavior, but takes ten (TEN) years to apologise and try again.
- Elijah has been mad for those ten years, but almost immediately they're in a relationship.
- Something bad happens and instead of William asking Elijah to help out/support him, he stops talking to Elijah for days. His best friend visits him to support him, but that guy tells Elijah it's better to leave William alone. Umm, why? And why didn't Will just call and ask for help, or even to tell Elijah what he's dealing with?
- William finally shows up at Elijah's door for comfort and to say he's sorry for shutting Elijah out, but that idiot has the bright idea to suggest a pause in their relationship, because they're both busy. Will walks out, Elijah regrets his stupid behavior, but Will again doesn't answer his phone for days.
- They make up, Elijah wins the stupid election, the end.
See, I don't believe for a second these guys are going to make it. No communication about anything and they put themselves first every time something happens (Elijah takes everything as a personal slight and Will just runs off and stops talking). Meh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2024
Yesterday was one of those chilly rainy days that feel so much like fall, and so it felt like the perfect evening to start this book. And since it was novella length and I enjoyed the hell out of it, also the perfect evening to *finish* it
Elijah has just decided to run for replacement town supervisor and Will is a local sheriff. They’re both 26, and although not currently friends their history goes back quite a way to when they were more than.
Ten years ago, in high school, they got caught in a kiss behind the bleachers, and Will humiliated and devastated Elijah by acting like it was one sided and he would never have welcomed *that*
In the years since, Elijah has been busy trying to pretend they don’t live in the same small town, and Will? Well, he’s been *meaning* to find a way to make amends but instead it keeps coming out in ways like ‘hey fix your break lights or I’m going to ticket you’ … so close.
But it seems Will has finally worked up the nerve and Elijah is realizing he’ll need the support of the department if he does get this town supervisor job, so it’s the perfect time to clear the air and hopefully move forward
Pretty sure the author is incapable of writing a book that doesn’t hit me in my feels at least once or twice. The sadness of time lost that EJ and Will never get back. Will’s struggles caring for his father with his progressing early onset dementia. The difficulty that adds to a very newly rebuilt relationship. Dang feelings. All over the place.
There’s apologizing, some important communication - love to see that! - and even though they both initially said they wanted to be friends again it can’t stop there.
When they do get together, there’s fireworks that’ll make you think it’s the Fourth of July and not early fall - swoons to steamy to 🎆
This one has great fall vibes, a small close knit town setting, and second chances for love.
Both MCs have wonderful friend groups, and you *know* I like friends that are basically family. So Much! There’s one character that is just so incredibly punchable, but that gives the good guys someone to rally against.
Looking forward to more from this small town group!
Elijah has just decided to run for replacement town supervisor and Will is a local sheriff. They’re both 26, and although not currently friends their history goes back quite a way to when they were more than.
Ten years ago, in high school, they got caught in a kiss behind the bleachers, and Will humiliated and devastated Elijah by acting like it was one sided and he would never have welcomed *that*
In the years since, Elijah has been busy trying to pretend they don’t live in the same small town, and Will? Well, he’s been *meaning* to find a way to make amends but instead it keeps coming out in ways like ‘hey fix your break lights or I’m going to ticket you’ … so close.
But it seems Will has finally worked up the nerve and Elijah is realizing he’ll need the support of the department if he does get this town supervisor job, so it’s the perfect time to clear the air and hopefully move forward
Pretty sure the author is incapable of writing a book that doesn’t hit me in my feels at least once or twice. The sadness of time lost that EJ and Will never get back. Will’s struggles caring for his father with his progressing early onset dementia. The difficulty that adds to a very newly rebuilt relationship. Dang feelings. All over the place.
There’s apologizing, some important communication - love to see that! - and even though they both initially said they wanted to be friends again it can’t stop there.
When they do get together, there’s fireworks that’ll make you think it’s the Fourth of July and not early fall - swoons to steamy to 🎆
This one has great fall vibes, a small close knit town setting, and second chances for love.
Both MCs have wonderful friend groups, and you *know* I like friends that are basically family. So Much! There’s one character that is just so incredibly punchable, but that gives the good guys someone to rally against.
Looking forward to more from this small town group!
September 8, 2024
A must-read for anyone who believes in the power of rekindled love and small-town magic.
Don't let the length of this book fool you. There is so much packed into this emotional journey of two people getting their second chance at love. I absolutely adore the entire cast of characters we met in Windhaven. Elijah and William have an amazing group of friends who love and support them. I can't wait to meet more of the residents of Windhaven.
Elijah and William don't have an easy road. They have a history that spans 10 years and a lot of hurt feelings. But once they are both on the same page and being to understand what caused their hurt so many years ago. They go all in and will fight to make it work. Their story is definitely not all sweet moments but I loved watching their journey together. I had many moments that brought tears to my eyes, both happy and a few sad.
If you are looking for sweet moments, fall vibes with small-town romance, then this one is definitely for you. Don't worry this sweet story also has all the spice. Stopped set the perfect background for so many possibilities for this group of friends. I can't wait to see what happens next.
I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Don't let the length of this book fool you. There is so much packed into this emotional journey of two people getting their second chance at love. I absolutely adore the entire cast of characters we met in Windhaven. Elijah and William have an amazing group of friends who love and support them. I can't wait to meet more of the residents of Windhaven.
Elijah and William don't have an easy road. They have a history that spans 10 years and a lot of hurt feelings. But once they are both on the same page and being to understand what caused their hurt so many years ago. They go all in and will fight to make it work. Their story is definitely not all sweet moments but I loved watching their journey together. I had many moments that brought tears to my eyes, both happy and a few sad.
If you are looking for sweet moments, fall vibes with small-town romance, then this one is definitely for you. Don't worry this sweet story also has all the spice. Stopped set the perfect background for so many possibilities for this group of friends. I can't wait to see what happens next.
I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 30, 2024
2.5 stars. Got this for free.
So, I’m torn. On one hand, I absolutely hate reading about cops (unless it’s corrupt cops getting their shit handed to them), and this is a very cop-friendly story. I also wish there’d been more angst or tension for a longer amount of time, and I could’ve done without the inclusion of the political speech. He could’ve just had some line that said he made his speech then left the podium. The author made a lot of similar choices, including very mundane things that most authors would leave out.
On the other hand, this was cozy and well written, and I like the small town in fall vibes. It’s a simple book, but it’s well written and has likable characters. It really is a shame that it got boring before the halfway point. And this is a novella. I just had to skim the last half.
So, I’m torn. On one hand, I absolutely hate reading about cops (unless it’s corrupt cops getting their shit handed to them), and this is a very cop-friendly story. I also wish there’d been more angst or tension for a longer amount of time, and I could’ve done without the inclusion of the political speech. He could’ve just had some line that said he made his speech then left the podium. The author made a lot of similar choices, including very mundane things that most authors would leave out.
On the other hand, this was cozy and well written, and I like the small town in fall vibes. It’s a simple book, but it’s well written and has likable characters. It really is a shame that it got boring before the halfway point. And this is a novella. I just had to skim the last half.
September 9, 2024
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A cute second-chance small-town romance. With all the sweetness and tension of two best friends who fell out years ago. Now unable to avoid each other in such a small town, and with Elijah running for election, it may be a chance to heal old wounds. Especially once they realize their bond and affection are just as strong as they once were.
There’s plenty of other lovely town folk and one douche, as well as a very touching narrative involving William’s father.
A quick cosy read perfect for the start of pumpkin spice season!
A cute second-chance small-town romance. With all the sweetness and tension of two best friends who fell out years ago. Now unable to avoid each other in such a small town, and with Elijah running for election, it may be a chance to heal old wounds. Especially once they realize their bond and affection are just as strong as they once were.
There’s plenty of other lovely town folk and one douche, as well as a very touching narrative involving William’s father.
A quick cosy read perfect for the start of pumpkin spice season!
November 2, 2025
Oh boy this book was a bit of a rollercoaster ride for me. The miscommunications, the stubbornness, the back and forth, and flat out refusal to just TALK to each other drove me nutty. I mean, yay, they worked it out in the end, but dang that would’ve been so much easier if they had opened their mouths and talked. Had some honesty. The lack of communication made it feel like their relationship was based on sex and a history 10 years in the past. It didn’t feel like they built anything new or with more solid foundation. Ugh.
September 14, 2024
3.5 stars
This was a nice novella and the start of a new small town series.
I liked the character, William and Elijah and I think they're a good match. Unfortunately, despite their feelings for each other were genuine, there was too much lack of communication between them and that frustrated me quite a bit.
All the friends are great and I'm certain going to keep reading this series.
This was a nice novella and the start of a new small town series.
I liked the character, William and Elijah and I think they're a good match. Unfortunately, despite their feelings for each other were genuine, there was too much lack of communication between them and that frustrated me quite a bit.
All the friends are great and I'm certain going to keep reading this series.
September 9, 2024
Sweet Second Chances
This is such a sweet novella with a beautiful story of a second chance for Will and Elijah. I enjoyed it right from the start and I loved their happily ever after.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
This is such a sweet novella with a beautiful story of a second chance for Will and Elijah. I enjoyed it right from the start and I loved their happily ever after.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
September 14, 2024
Absolutely adorable story. I can’t wait for the next installment to come out.
November 9, 2024
book review
This was such a cute fast paced read. I absolutely loved it. I also love that it was a second chance romance.
This was such a cute fast paced read. I absolutely loved it. I also love that it was a second chance romance.
November 9, 2024
This was such a cute fast paced read. I absolutely loved it. I also love that it was a second chance romance.
December 6, 2024
Love it!!!!
September 18, 2026
Loved this read!
Such a great read with spice. So happy for the persistent. First read from this author but so glad I gave it a try!
Such a great read with spice. So happy for the persistent. First read from this author but so glad I gave it a try!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews