Verse to Acclimate

Alpenglow Ridge #2

by Zea Kayleigh Galan

Melody
I am no stranger to loss. I thought that was all life had to offer me…

Until I met my best friend’s brother who showed me how love could heal what’s broken. When I was with him, everything was always better. He understood me. He loved me. I shared more with him than I have with anyone else before.

When I lost the boy who showed me what passion was, I knew I could never love like that again.

I’m different now. I’ve learned to protect myself more fiercely. My life had become a cycle of running from one confrontation to the next so I couldn’t get hurt.

Now, they call him Country Music’s Next Star. Years later, Tyson Abrams has returned to Alpenglow Ridge, if only for a weekend.

I’m forced to choose between forgiving the past and exposing my truth or resisting the connection we’ve always had.

I refuse to give him my heart again.

I might succeed, but he already has all the broken pieces in his grasp.

Tyson

She loved me when no one believed in me.

She was my only supporter who encouraged me to step onto a stage and show the world that my talent was worth hearing. I achieved my dreams and my fame is steadily growing.

How did I repay her? By leaving her lonely and lost.

A fact I carried heavily in my heart when she paid me back in kind.

Years later, I still want Alpenglow Ridge’s sweetheart. Words aren’t enough to make up for the time I lost with her. I intend to prove to her that my heart has always been in her delicate hands.

Returning to my hometown to perform at a friend’s engagement party was not where I expected to see Melody again. When I get a chance to make things right with her—I take it.

The only problem is... Success comes at a price, and my payment is coming due.

389 pages, Paperback

Published September 11, 2024

About the author

Zea is a passionate storyteller who brings romance to life with heartfelt emotion and unforgettable characters. A lifelong lover of love stories, she weaves her background in anthropology into crafting tales where swoon-worthy heroes fall hard for their strong, relatable heroines.

Living in the picturesque mountains of Colorado with her husband, daughter, and a spoiled, posh cat, Zea draws inspiration from her surroundings to create warm, vibrant settings readers want to escape to. When she’s not writing, she’s indulging in her other loves: cooking, hiking, designing clothes, or curling up with a romance novel and a plate of sweets.

Zea is dedicated to connecting with her readers and invites you to join her on this journey of love, laughter, and happily ever afters.

Reviews

[Nadia Latai (Nadiasbookishworld86) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0🌟 🎙👢
Dual Pov
Dual timeline
Small town
Unrequited love
Country music

"I’ve paid my dues. I spent years pining after a woman who was married. Keeping my distance from my home, my family, and my friends. All because I didn’t want to make them uncomfortable when it was clear that I was so easy to replace."

Verse To Acclimate by Zea Kayleigh Galan follows Alpenglow Ridge couple Melody and Tyson, whose relationship is complicated to say the least. On the Rebound from a failed marriage, Melody falls into the arms of Tyson Abrams , a Country music star bound for greatness. Melody has had Tyson's heart for forever , but has been blind to that fact , is this second chance the real thing, or coping with old feelings ? Emotional damage this book fid me in!!!!! 😭😭😭😭😭😭

[What.Nikki.Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

💜small town
💜second chance romance
💜best friends brother
💜country star mmc
💜angst 
💜depression rep
💜first love
💜he falls first
💜emotional 
💜dual pov & timeline. 

The way I ATE this up. Please do not let me delayed review make you think otherwise. I loved this one. This year I have been OBSESSED with he falls first and man did Ty deliver!! Tyson killed me he was absolutely perfect and melted my heart numerous times. He must be protected at all costs. 

This one is a long quote but just trust me... Get your heart squeezed.... 

"Everyone loves sunny days and smiles, baby. But you… you’re not sunny days. You are not this sweet and happy person that you are clinging onto the husk of. This armor you wear to try and fool everyone that you’re okay when you are not. The one he fell for. It doesn’t work on me. I see it. I see you. They may not like the storms and the rain, but I love it. Nothing would grow without rain. It’s a balance. I'm begging you to fight for someone who at least knows you. To see me too.”

Thank you so much for this ARC and for not unfriending me with how late this review is. 

Now everyone run to ku and hit download!

[Mandy’s Spicy Book Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

A slow burn romance story of Melody and Tyson. Melody and Tyson connect early in the book and it’s everything Melody needed to feel better after a break up who also friends with all their friends. Tyson is country music star who is drawn to Melody and when he finally feels he has a shot at Melody after her break up he begins to think he’s just a rebound while she gets on her feet. These two go separate ways through the book only to find themselves accepting timing is everything and will this time be the right time for Melody and Tyson. The story was great but very drawn out. Extremely slow burn for me.

Tropes: slow burn, small town, country singer MMC, best friends brother, dual timeline, he falls first, second chance romance, first love

Rating: 3/5 🌟
Spice: 2/5 🌶️
eARC

[Erin Saulpaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a series. This is the second book in this series. However, this can be read as a standalone. I started this series in the second book, and let me start by telling you this was so good! I will be going back to the first book just to get a better understanding of all the characters. This book had me at the very start and kept me interested until the very end. You could feel the chemistry between the two main characters coming off the pages. I was rooting for Tyson from the beginning.I loved all of the little Easter eggs that were in this book (I love it when a book has a lot of Easter eggs. It just makes reading a little more fun)


This small town romance packs a punch with these emotions. This book focuses on Melody and Tyson's relationship. I love the fact that this is a dual point of view, because we get to see how the person is feeling and thinking (dual point of view is my personal favorite). Tyson is the essence of a Male main character that falls first. Did I mention that Tyson is a country star. Yup, you read that right. That alone made me cerious. There is some spice in here, and it was so good. Very well thought out.

Melody is not your run of the mill FMC. No, she has been through some things, and she deals with chronic depression. It's not often that you find a fmc that is facing some mental health challenges. I found this to be refreshing. With me being an empath, I could feel Melody's pain on the pages. I came close to crying with this one, you guys. Tyson is the type of guy that you can turn to when you need a shoulder to lean on. He is the type of guy who will make you feel safe. Melody didn't have to change anything about herself. Tyson loved all of Melody, including all of her imperfections. Tyson knew she had been through some things, and he took it upon himself to care for her. To protect her from harm. When you go through trauma, you naturally confind in someone who makes you feel safe. I'm so happy that was Tyson. They really are a power couple. He is her rock when he needs to be.

[Jackie Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished *Verse to Acclimate* by Zea Kayleigh Galan and it is a heart-stealing gem that packs all the feels into one beautiful small-town romance. Though it’s the second book in the Alpenglow Ridge series, it works perfectly as a standalone, making it easy to dive into the world of Tyson and Melody without missing a beat.

The chemistry between Tyson, the swoon-worthy country star, and Melody is simply off the charts. From their first encounter, you can feel the sparks flying, and it only intensifies as the story unfolds. The dual point of view adds so much depth, letting us get into both of their heads, and you can’t help but root for them as their emotional rollercoaster of a journey pulls you in.

Zea Kayleigh Galan crafts a second-chance romance with a lot of heart. Tyson and Melody are former flames reunited under that classic "right person, wrong time" vibe. Tyson is the epitome of a man who falls first—and hard—giving this story that sweet dynamic of seeing him go all in while Melody hesitates. Their reunion is filled with passion, nostalgia, and the lingering ache of what could have been.

Expect a bit of spice (and I mean the *good* kind), but what really shines is the emotional depth. Galan doesn’t shy away from the complexities of love, healing, and timing, which makes their happily-ever-after all the more satisfying. If you love small-town romance with a touch of celebrity glitz and a hefty dose of second chances, *Verse to Acclimate* will hit all the right notes!

[Liz Enow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book from Zea Kayleigh Galan and I have been following her when she had just written Saddle with Finesse (which I added on my TBR). I was highly interested in reading her series as I love small town romances/country type of romances but I want to expand and read BIPOC authors and read characters that are diverse (which I don't see a ton of cowboy-esque/country type romances with diverse characters).

⭐️ 4.5 🌶️ 3.5

Verse to Acclimate did not disappoint- I was intrigue from the moment I started this book- I loved that from the beginning of the book- I was on Tyson's side and thinking he was pinning over Melody who was always unobtainable/wanting only a rebound BUT as I continued to read I am on Melody's side for sure. This book really hits hard with the dual timeline- which goes from present timeline and the past when both Tyson and Melody first meet/high school. I was not expecting this book to be so emotional not only with the backstory of Tyson and Melody's relationship but what both characters endured (esp. Melody). Even though Tyson is a good guy and it is clear that they both are good for each other (and bring out the best of each other)- he messed up and Melody had every right to skeptical about their newly formed relationship.

If you like books that are: small town romance, second chance romance, best friend's brother, found family (with an awesome lady squad), country star mmc, he falls first, spicy, and dual pov and timeline. Then I would recommend this book.

[Abby G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to beta & arc read this book and I enjoyed every second of it. I was literally flying through the pages during the beta read. My feelings were all over the place. I loved Ty, then I was frustrated, then I loved him again.

As much as we love a fierce, strong, FMC, you won't find that in Mel (and that's not a bad thing). Mel is a broken soul who's suffered too much due to circumstances completely out of her control. Another thing she can't control... Tyson being her safe haven. Her body and mind are completely at peace when she's with him. When I think of *mental health rep* I will think of this book. Zea wrote Mel's struggles with depression so well. You feel all of her pain seeping from the pages.

Tyson, the boy who had big dreams made it out of his small town and made a name for himself, but Mel has never been far from his mind or heart. The way he loves her is like a living, breathing entity. Loving her for exactly who she is so easy for him. She's never had to pretend to be someone she isn't, she's never had to force a smile, and fake laughter, and he loved her anyway. His protector instincts were a whole VIBE. He is just so perfect for her; no one can love Mel like Ty and it was so beautiful to see.

Verse to Acclimate is book 2 in Zea's Alpenglow Ridge series. I cannot wait to read book 3, the Easter eggs and teasers she gave throughout this book have me super excited for what's to come.

[Samara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really beautiful story with great representation of issues between a few different characters. The romance was sweet and I really enjoyed the backstory between the characters and the way the author showed us how Melody and Tyson got where they are in the present.
This book was well written and flowed nicely.
I do think it had some filler in it here and there that could have gone and the story would have been just as good, but that's just my opinion.

However, I knocked that star off because this book needs trigger warnings, and I wasn't happy with the miscommunication trope, those drive me batty and most readers agree.
The author's graphics tell you (if you see them, which you can't on regular book listings like the Zon, here, BN, etc) there's representation for depression. Which is great. And knowing that I figured there'd be anxiety as well.
However, what you go in not knowing is that a good chunk of this book deals with depression as a result of both parental loss from illness, parental alcohol abuse and the fallout from it, and the MFC's loss of pregnancy resulting in the fallout of a marriage and her depression deepening. MUCH of the depression, anxiety attacks, and seclusion in this book are directly related to pregnancy loss and readers need to be aware of that.

That aside, I would read this author again. But if I had known, I wouldn't have read this book.

[Tasha Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zea had me feeling all the feels with this one!

⭐️ 5/5
🌶️ 3.5/5
📖 Zea Kayleigh Galan

Verse to Acclimate is book 2 of the Alpenglow Ridge series, This book can also be read as a stand alone. I LOVED it, I was gripped from start to finish. Zea my lord you put us through it.... literally every emotion was brought to the surface. The chemistry between Melody and Tyson was palpable from the start, The angsty build up to the spice was perfect.

Loved the dual POV, felt so connected to Mel and Ty. I was hoping and praying Mel would get the HEA she has been through so much and she deserved it, Ty knew what she needed to heal and bring those walls down.

🏘️ If you love small town Romance books - This book is for you
🌶️ If you love spice that hits - This book is for you
🎢 If you want to go on that emotional rollercoaster - This book is for you

Tropes
💟 Small Town Romance
💟 Second Chance Romance
💟 Best Friends Brother
💟 Country Star MMC
💟 First Love
💟 Angst and Spice
💟 Found Family
💟 He Falls First
💟 HEA
💟 Dual Timeline

Thank you for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Allie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Verse to Acclimate is the story of Melody and Tyson. Former flames who went their separate ways and are now getting a second (and third) chance. Right from the start, I really enjoyed the pace of this book. The romance and emotional connection started early in the book and never stopped!

I really enjoyed not only the Dual POV, but the flashback (“then”) chapters. These chapters let the reader get a deeper understanding of the characters and who they are while us to get a better understanding of what led to events in the “present” chapters.

I read the author’s first book (Saddled with Finesse) and was happy to see that the characters from the first book were present. Their stories were well intertwined and didn’t take away from the main characters. I felt the continuation of their stories added to Verse to Acclimate and the main characters.

Verse to Acclimate is small town country romance at it best with the right amount of sweet and spice. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next one!

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

💖Verse to Acclimate💖

💫Verse to Acclimate is everything I needed and more! This second book in the Alpenglow Ridge series can be read as a standalone, but once you dive in, you’ll want the whole series. Melody and Tyson’s chemistry? Off the charts. It’s angsty, emotional, and packed with the kind of slow burn that makes the spice hit just right💫

💗The dual POV had me feeling so connected to both characters. Tyson knows exactly what Mel needs to heal, and their journey together is full of heartbreak, hope, and just the right amount of drama. Plus, if you love small-town vibes, second chances, and best friend’s brother tropes, this one’s got it all.💗

🫶🏻Zea Kayleigh does not play with your emotions; she drags you through every single one in the best way possible. Seriously, I’m still recovering.🫶🏻

⚠️Release date: September 12th⚠️

🏡Small Town Romance
🌺Second Chance Romance
🥰Best Friends Brother
🌾Country Star MMC
👩🏻‍❤️‍👨🏻First Love
❤️‍🔥Angst and Spice
💖Found Family
😘He Falls First
✨HEA
💫Dual Timeline

[Jasmine Atkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Alpenglow Ridge series definitely isn't afraid to tackle real-life struggles, and I love that about it. "Verse to Acclimate" was a rollercoaster of emotions, wasn't it? It had all the drama and steaminess you could ask for. Still, it also delved deep into Mel's emotional journey as she navigated the complexities of grief, attraction, and self-discovery.

Mel's resilience in handling her problems independently while trying to protect her friends was incredibly relatable. And the slow-burn connection with Tyson offered her a sense of comfort and understanding that she desperately needed. It's refreshing to see a romance that acknowledges the messiness of life and relationships, even when there's undeniable chemistry involved.

Please check trigger warnings. There are mentions of miscarriage, depression, anxiety, and violence.

[Bethany Latronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Verse To Acclimate - Zea Kayleigh Galan is a small town - feel good romance. Tyson is a sweet talker, and you can feel the chemistry between him and Sydney through the pages. This book is a best friend's brother to second chance lovers story, and will have you feeling all the things. The story and spice are written really well and I enjoyed certain themes that were touched on, like healing from the past, parental loss, mental health and how you can love the right person at the wrong time, and still have a happily ever after. I loved the dual point of view, because we got to see the story unfold from both Sydney and Tyson's eyes. Absolutely great story!

⭐4/5
🌶️3/5

⭐"There's so much history between us and even more blank holes where he left me broken and empty. Still, I want him."⭐

[Julie R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its been a long time since a book has truly hooked me in very early but this book had me hooked from the very beginning. Honestly if I didn't have to work, I would've read this in one sitting (stupid adult responsibilities lol)

I know my review is SUPER late (its a terrible habit of mine, life gets in the way!)

Melody and Ty's chemistry is palpable, you can feel it through the pages and it only gets better as the story keeps going. This was a great small-town, rockstar, second chance romance. Yes theres spice but the story of these two is SO much deeper than spice, its a heartwarming story and if you need a good happy cry this is it!

This was my first book by Zea and it truly won't be my last!

[Bev B · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a rollercoaster of emotions! Tyson & Melody had this undeniable chemistry and connection right from the start. However, their relationship goes through hurdles for sure! There were times my heart just melted & other times where I either wanted to scream at my kindle or throw it across the room 😆 But you know a book is good when it makes you that passionate with your feelings.

I also loved seeing the OG crew back together from book 1 and the girl gang that’s even stronger than ever!

If you love small town, second chance romance that will make you feel all the feels, then read this book!

[Amanda ✿ · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the feels with this book and such a roller coaster with all the ups and downs. Thank goodness for the HEA and they both deserved it after the growth happening throughout the book. This book also has some really good spice 🥵 and the perfect amount of sweetness for a small town country romance.

Although I didn’t read the first book, Author Zea did a great job because it’s also great as a stand-alone. I enjoyed the dual POV and the flashbacks that really helped pull their story together.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the multi life stage perspectives of this book. Melody and Ty clearly have undeniable chemistry and an unbreakable bond. The way he understands her when no one else sees her hiding her true self is so endearing. At times I felt this book dragged a bit but I did appreciate the way everything came together in the end.

[Jennifer Ervine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tyson and Melody’s story is all about second (and third) chances. I loved the way Tyson was able to anticipate what Melody needed before she even knew herself. The flash backs were done well and highlighted the importance of what was happening now. I found myself a little frustrated with Melody’s friends at times. Good story overall.

[Reanna Dominguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am OBSESSED with Melody and Tyson's story 😍😍

This second-chance, small town romance was everything I needed it to be!

Melody's story was heart breaking and the way Tyson loved her was exactly what she needed. His protector instincts were *chef's kiss*

I highly recommend this series and I cannot wait for the 3rd book to release!

As always check the trigger warnings before reading!

[Lizzy East · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️

I absolutely adored this book. From the first page I was HOOKED, immediately engaged in the storyline. The characters were so dynamic and fun. The slow burn was a big plus for me, as a slow burn girlie. I was so excited for the HEA! If you are a fan of second chance and slow burn 🔥, definitely pick this up!

[ash😈 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me just say, IM OBSESSED!

Hearing Melody’s story absolutely gutted me, makes you understand why she’s so guarded.

Tyson knew he fucked up with her and knew he had to get her back.

Their story has to be my favorite so far💜

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a the second book in the Alpenglow Ridge series. Melody and Tyson's story is a sweet, slow burn. They had great chemistry and it was nice that they got their HEA. This is a good second chance, small town romance.

I received a beta and an arc and this review is my own.

[Emily-Rose Brlevich · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was a great read and I think the romance suited the book great!
Look forward to more by this author

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! It had a bit of a slow start but once I got into it I couldn’t put it down!
4/5⭐️
🌶️🌶️

[Rachel R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have recently been a huge fan of second chance romances and Zea Kayleigh Galan knocked this one out of the park! The emotions. The communication. The character arcs. Everything was so well done; in her second novel, Zea freaking served!

Tyson and Melody have a visceral chemistry and it flows right off the page. Despite their ups and downs they constantly communicate with and respect each other.

My favorite thing about this book was the effectiveness of the dual timeline and POV. The “past” chapters came at the perfect time and were so frustratingly effective. This kept me itching for more. More from the current day and more from the past, I cannot even express how well done this was.

Zea doesn’t mess around when it comes to a significant amount of spice and emotional trauma. These both came in spades and added so much depth to the story in general.

[Vanessa Hilario Mata · Rating 5 out of 5]

New to this author and Verse to Acclimate was an amazing and heart warming book! Melody and Tyson have a past that always brings them back together. Enjoyed reading! A must read!

[Bookish Venturess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great book. I loved having a full story about the beginning and the end of the relationship. This is an amazing second chance story. I love how they worked together in order to achieve their dreams as well as to work through so much emotional baggage.

[Shelby · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

I have just been Introduced to Zea’s books! When I learned that, although an interconnected stand alone, this book was the second in the series I had to start from the beginning!

One thing for sure?!?! Zea is going to put you through every emotion possible. These small town characters have some big and deep background stories! And on top of the romance, I love the suspense/thrill aspect in the plot.

Melody and Tyson are the epitome of right person wrong time! Both of them couldn’t get it together and I was wanting to reach through to grab them and shake some sense into them.

Tropes:
💜small town romance
💜rising country star mmc
💜first loves
💜second chance
💜best friend’s brother
💜dual pov
💜HEA

Thank you so much to Zea for giving me the opportunity to read Verse to Acclimate as an ARC ! I am ready for book 3!!!

[Mrsz_reads13 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Friends to Lovers,second chance Romance. I'm not familiar with Zea's work, and appreciate receiving this Small town Romance. Tyson and Melody were always destined to be. Unfortunately, it took 3 tries to get it right, but with a love so strong, who's counting 😊😉. The characters are relatable, and the spice i😘😘.