Staged River

by Heather Grey

This was supposed to be Aspen Arthur’s year. No longer held back by a loser boyfriend or terrible boss, she was well on her way to getting everything she wanted—following her carefully crafted set of rules would ensure it. But one unexpected night and two pink lines later, the year Aspen had envisioned for herself just got a lot more complicated. Becoming a mom is something Aspen has always dreamed of. Unfortunately, that dream now includes a baby daddy she can’t stand.

When Simon Cadwell first met Aspen in high school, he thought there could be something there. But when he sees her again after almost a decade and she doesn’t have a single nice thing to say to him, he knows he screwed up somehow. Getting her pregnant wasn’t part of the plan to win her over, but Simon is always up for a challenge. 

Now that they’re both in Bluefield for the summer, they have a chance to either work out their differences and prepare for parenthood, or let everything they’ve ever wanted slip through their fingers. But Simon isn’t the only one hoping to catch Aspen’s eye this summer, and with the increasing number of missing women plaguing Bluefield, who can really be trusted?


Staged River is a hate-to-love, small-town romantic suspense novel set in the fictional town of Bluefield, Canada.

This story can be read as a standalone but reads best after Inky Water, the first book in the Bluefield Beach series. 

Genres: Suspense, Enemies To Lovers, Forced Proximity, Second Chance, Found Family, Contemporary Romance

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 12, 2024

About the author

Heather is a Canadian author with a passion for romance—and just the right touch of suspense. After years spent in the financial world, she traded in spreadsheets for storylines and now crafts tales that weave love, drama, and a little mystery into every page.

When she’s not writing or dreaming up her next plot twist, you’ll find her curled up with a book, surrounded by her beloved pets, enjoying time with friends, or exploring the outdoors with family.

To stay up to date on Heather's upcoming projects, connect with her on social media @authorheathergrey

Reviews

[georgia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc Review for Staged River by Heather Grey🤍

A big thank you to Heather Grey & Grey’s Promotions for allowing me to be an arc reader for this release & providing me with an advanced reader copy of Staged River in exchange for an honest review! 🤍

Overall Rating: 4.75/5 ⭐️
Spice Rating: 1.75/5 🌶️

After reading Heather’s debut novel Inky Water, I knew immediately I was gonna love this second novel & had the most amazing time in the Bluefield Beach series just as much, if not even more in getting to experience Simon & Aspen’s story! I love Simon & Aspen with my whole heart - maybe even more than I did Jackson & Lillian (those two are my og babies though I’ll love them forever!). With (one-sided-ish) hate to love, they had such good banter & sexual chemistry. I enjoyed getting to see them, past and present, and learn their past story while they were creating their own future + family together - even if it was an accident (still the best thing that ever happened to them!!).

Simon, my man, is a certified lover boy through + through and I want someone just like him in my life!! Like, we absolutely love a man who knows what he wants, can cook & wants to do nothing but provide and care for his little family <3 Simon is the most eager & wholesome surprise baby daddy I’ve ever seen and I adore him for it!!

Not only was the romance & small-town wholesome vibes just immaculate but the suspense - boy, it had me stressing!!! But also had me hanging on the edge of my seat and eager to find out what/who was behind all the suspicious stuff that I just couldn’t put the book down. In that regard, Heather did an amazing job, once again, in combining these two sub-genres and making her reads the absolute best & smoothest storytelling experience. I am a forever fan of Heather Grey.

What to expect in Staged River:
💚 hate to love (one-sided)
💚 forced proximity
💚 small coastal beach town
💚 romantic suspense
💚 one night stand + accidental pregnancy
💚 he falls first & harder
💚 found family

dual pov • open door spice • guaranteed HEA

I received an ARC copy of Staged River and all thoughts & comments on this review are my own!

Staged River Releases November 12th, 2024!

[Reading_with_dani93 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and was so excited to see what was next for us in Bluefield Beach. I enjoyed seeing the characters work together and find themselves while dealing with some unexpected news. Simon was there for Aspen even if she would speak her mind and not make things easy for him. I can't wait to see what is next for us in this series!

[Chey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Heather for the ARC!

Back to one of my favourite small town with characters I adore.

I love Aspen with my whole heart. She is smart, funny and fierce, especially with those she loves. Simon is absolute puppy dog, especially with Aspen. It’s like when she pays attention even if they are going back and forth at each other, he is wailing his tail.

I enjoyed the banter between her and Simon through the first book, it made me laugh but also made me so curious of their history with each other. The way they came together through the book made my heart so happy.

The suspense through the book with the mystery flowers and missing girls added so much to the story and I had a hard time putting it down.

If you are looking for:
- Accidental pregnancy
- Suspense
- Hate to love
- Found family
- Small town

I would definitely recommend checking Staged River out.

[Maryger Chacon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Staged River by Heather Grey, is the second book in the Bluefield Beach Series, Aspen Arthur wants to start the year with changes in her life, so she creates a series of rules that she will follow to get what she wants, the first has to do with her job, which when she got there ten years ago she was excited, but now she is exhausted and bored, her boss never allowed her to make the decisions she wanted and was always micromanaging her and her designs, but she had not left before because she couldn't afford to be without a job, and now thanks to her best friend's boyfriend, she can do it. The second rule is no more men and their lies, she has been dating the same type of men and has realized that this pattern has not worked for her so she hopes to take some time from any relationship until she has her things straight. Added to this is getting a hobby, not breaking the rules and not letting herself be kidnapped, yeah is something crazy but she has her reasons. But New Year's Eve arrived and thanks to a lot of tequila she ended up making a small mistake and three months later, when she is about to start her new life, she finds out something that is going to change her life, and although she is determined to move forward, she must inform the man with whom she had the little fling that he is none other than the one she considers her archenemy. Simon Caldwell is handsome and successful, only after witnessing his cousin's happiness he realizes that he is missing that part of his love life, so he decides to take a few months and move to Bluefield, although he knows that the dating pool in the small town is not very big, he will take that time to focus and be clear about what he is looking for and spend time with his cousin and his family. Only before moving, the girl who has hated him since high school drops a bombshell on him that will change his life. Something that leaves him static and he cannot deny that it excites him a little, this woman has always interested him and caught his attention, but since that encounter at a high school party where everything had gone well for him, she has hated him, something that he doesn't know why. But this will be the perfect opportunity to not only finally know the reason for her hatred, but also to be able to approach her and try to win her over, and to be able to form the family with her that he didn't know he wanted until now. But first they must escape unscathed from a danger that is latent in Bluefield and in which Aspen will end up involved.
I loved this story from beginning to end. This story has the perfect mix of laughter, drama, angst, with a good touch of suspense, passion and love. The characters are charming, Aspen is a force of nature and I loved her lack of filters and unique way of being. Simon is sexy and so charming that he had me swooning from the beginning. I really enjoyed how their story developed and I declare myself an absolute fan of this author, who with this being only her second novel, I already consider her a autobuy author, so whatever book she publishes I will read it no matter what. If you have not had the opportunity to read this series, start with Inky Water so that you get to this story and we can talk about the characters and we can theorize who will be the next story of this small town. I'm just telling you, don't miss the opportunity to read this story, I assure you that you will enjoy it from beginning to end. Totally, Absolutely and Completely Highly Recommended!
*Thanks to Heather Grey and Grey's Promotions for my ARC. I voluntarily leave my honest review*

Staged River de Heather Grey, es el segundo libro de la Serie Bluefield Beach, Aspen Arthur desea comenzar el año con cambios en su vida, por lo que crea una serie de reglas que seguirá para conseguir lo que quiere, la primera tiene que ver con su trabajo, el cual cuando llego allí hace diez años estaba emocionada, pero ahora está agotada y esta aburrida, la que era su jefa nunca le permitió tomar las decisiones que quería y siempre estuvo micro manejándola a ella y sus diseños, pero no se había ido antes porque no podía permitirse estar sin un trabajo, y ahora gracias al novio de su mejor amiga, podrá hacerlo. La segunda regla es no más hombres y sus mentiras, tiene saliendo con el mismo tipo de hombres y se ha dado cuenta que ese patrón no le ha servido por lo que espera tomarse un tiempo de cualquier relación hasta que no tenga sus cosas claras. A esto se unen el conseguirse un pasatiempo, no romper las reglas y no dejarse secuestrar, si algo loca peo ella tiene sus razones. Pero llego la noche de Año Nuevo y gracias a mucho tequila termino cometiendo un pequeño desliz y tres meses después, cuando está a punto de comenzar su nueva vida, se entera de algo que va a cambiar su vida, y aunque está decidida a seguir adelante, deberá informarle a el hombre con quien tuvo el desliz que no es otro que el que considera su archienemigo. Simon Caldwell es guapo y exitoso, solo que luego de ser testigo de la felicidad de su primo se da cuenta que le falta esa parte en su vida sentimental, por lo que decide tomarse unos meses y mudarse a Bluefield, aunque sabe que la piscina de citas en el pequeño pueblo no es muy grande, tomará ese tiempo para centrarse y tener claro lo que busca y pasar tiempo con su primo y su familia. Solo que antes de mudarse la chica que lo odia desde la preparatoria le suelta una bomba que le cambiará la vida. Algo que lo deja estático y no puede negar que le emociona un poco, esta mujer siempre le ha interesado y llamado su atención, pero desde aquel encuentro en aquella fiesta en preparatoria donde para él todo había ido bien, ella le ha odiado cosa que él no sabe por qué. Pero esta será la oportunidad perfecta para no solo saber al fin el motivo de su odio, sino que podrá acercarse a ella y tratar de conquistarla, para poder junto a ella formar la familia que no sabía que deseaba hasta ahora. Pero antes deberán salir ilesos que está latente en Bluefield y en el cual Aspen terminará envuelta.
Me encantó esta historia de principio a fin. Esta historia tiene la mezcla perfecta de risas, drama, angustia, con su buen toque de suspenso, pasión y amor. Los personajes son encantadores, Aspen es una fuerza de la naturaleza y su falta de filtros y manera tan única de ser me encantaron. Simon es sexy y tan encantador que me tenía suspirando desde el principio. Disfrute muchísimo como se desarrollo su historia y me declaro fan absoluta de esta autora, que con esta siendo solo su segunda novela, ya la considero una autora de auto lectura, ósea, libro que publique lo leeré a como de lugar. Si ustedes no han tenido la oportunidad de leer esta serie, comiencen con Inky Water para que lleguen a esta historia y podamos hablar de los personajes y podamos teorizar de quien será la próxima historia de este pequeño pueblo. Solo les digo no pierdan la oportunidad de leer esta historia les aseguro que la disfrutaran de principio a fin. ¡Total, Absoluta y Completamente Altamente Recomendada!
*Gracias a Heather Grey y a Grey's Promotions por mi ARC. Dejo voluntariamente mi reseña honesta*

[Frida · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 ⭐️

Okay, so Staged River by Heather Grey left me feeling... conflicted. On one hand, it had a lot of potential, and I could see the sparks of something genuinely great. But on the other hand, there were moments where I just wanted to reach into the pages and shake the characters. It’s one of those books that you want to love, but it keeps tripping over itself before it gets there.

Let me start with what I enjoyed—Simon. Oh, Simon. I liked this guy a lot. He’s the type of character you want to root for: funny, kind, loyal to his friends, and just an all-around solid guy–who was a bit too perfect. He was so understanding, selfless, and polished that he sometimes didn’t feel real. A little messiness, a flaw or two, would’ve gone a long way to make him relatable. Still, Simon carried this book on his back, and honestly, I felt terrible for him because...

...Aspen, the female lead, just did not work for me. I get what the author was going for—an independent, strong-willed woman who’s been through a few things—but Aspen came across as more rude and bratty than resilient. She spent way too much time judging Simon, accusing him of being a privileged white guy, while never really reflecting on her own privileges or the things she was asking of him.

What really threw me off, though, was Aspen’s reaction to some of the more serious moments in the story. For instance, when the book touched on the missing women in town, it felt like the stakes should have been sky-high. But Aspen’s focus would shift so quickly—one minute, she’s scared for her friends, and the next, she’s daydreaming about Simon’s hair. I mean, what? It felt so tone-deaf, making it hard to take her seriously. I wanted to connect with and understand her, but the way she was written just didn’t let me. Her behaviour gave me constant whiplash!

Another thing I struggled with was the writing style. Heather Grey relies heavily on inner monologues to give backstory, which sounds fine in theory, but in practice, it was just too much. It felt like an info dump every time Aspen and Simon had a thought, and half the time, the information wasn’t even necessary. It slowed the story down so much that I found myself skimming at points, just waiting for something to actually happen.

And let’s talk about the history between Simon and Aspen. The whole “I hate you because of something that happened years ago” trope can work really well—if it’s done right. Here, it was brought up, briefly explained, and then brushed aside with a half-hearted “oops, my bad” resolution. Where was the genuine apology? The meaningful conversation? That payoff would have made their dynamic so much more compelling, but it fell flat instead.

That said, I don’t want to sound like I hated the book because I didn’t! There’s something about the way Heather Grey builds her plots that kept me turning the pages. The small-town setting, the underlying mystery, and Simon’s determination to keep everything together were delightful. I just wish the execution had lived up to the concept.

So, would I recommend Staged River? Maybe. If you’re someone who’s okay with characters that don’t always hit the mark and writing that can feel a little heavy-handed, you might still find a lot to like here. There’s a good story buried under the flaws—it’s just a little harder to dig out than it should be.

I can see Heather Grey’s talent, and I hope she takes the lessons from Staged River and applies them to her next project. There’s a lot of potential here, and I’d be willing to give her another shot. For now, though, this one lands at 2.75 stars. Almost there, but not quite.

*I received an Advance Reader Copy of Staged River in exchange for an honest review. Reading the ARC did not influence my rating or opinions in any way.

[els✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

- a small town, romantic suspense! accidental pregnancy, hate to love, praise k!nk, he falls first, forced proximity, found family!
- Aspen girl, you are a MESS
- Lillian is such a good friend
- i am very much enjoying the jumping of the timelines especially because i was worried we wouldn’t get the baby making scene
- i kind of wanted there to be more tension and build up towards the sex scene but the sex scene was scorching hot
- ah man i love Simon so much already i am so curious as to how he fucked up in high school
- the reunion went pretty well for those two tbh 😂 and i love how excited Simon is
- Simon is so good to her and I am loving all their domestic moments together!!
- hehehe and Simon getting jealous is my everything
- but we all know those flowers are not from who we think they are…
- Aspen meeting the parents is everything!!
- and it is very much heating up between these two and getting so hot
- yes i had a feeling that was what Simon did when they were teenagers but i also have a feeling that it was a misunderstanding
- i kinda love how the suspense part of the story keeps creeping up on you, you sort of forget about it for a minute and then something else happens and it just makes it a bit more creepy
- their first date was PERFECT
- hello full sex scenes i have missed you, they are so hot together
- Simon calling the cops on Sidney was perfect hehe, i wanna know what she did!! did it have to do with Simon?
- Simon having an arch nemesis is so funny to me
- i really hope Sam isn’t the bad guy because i’m really loving this relationship he and Simon have
- the puppy and the shoot and the shower!! oh how i love them so much
- oh my goddddd, Sam you’re breaking my heart babes
- HOW DID I NEVER GUESS THEM?! WHY WAS I SO STUPID
- Simon was right to have an arch nemesis damn
- OH MISS GREY AND YOUR TRICKS
- it’s kinda everything to me that Sam is part of the family now, can he have his own book pls
- sweet love confessions
- and the births were so perfect and i love their names!!
- and PERFECT epilogue!!
- i really enjoyed this!! the found family and small town they all share is perfect and they were just very sweet together
- did we ever find out what the sister did?
- also not sure how i feel about kitten with them lol

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

An accidental pregnancy story where the heroine Aspen actively disliked the hero Simon for something that had happened when they were teens, and she’d held a grudge ever since well it didn’t stopped her from bringing the new year in with a bang with him in more ways than one resulting in a surprise of the nine-month variety. When a new job opportunity takes her to the small town of Bluefield Beach it means moving in with Simon who also works for her new company and they gradually get to know one another for the sake if their baby, the only cloud on the horizon, women are going missing in the town.

This was a new to me author and the second book in the Bluefield Beach series and although the characters from the first book play large roles in Staged River, I don’t feel that too there were any spoilers given away. Overall, there was a strong flow to the writing with the story told partly in flashback to their first meeting and to New Year and the dialogue between the hero and heroine was well written and witty. As for the characters, Simon was perfect hero material, I mean he cooks Italian food from scratch. Aspen, I was a little more on the fence with her character as initially she came across as being a bit harsh and abrasive but as her pregnancy progressed she did seem to mellow. Simon definitely fell first while Aspen was a little slower to get with the program. The secondary characters were all well rounded and I loved Simon’s parents who were desperate to play a major part in their upcoming grandchild’s life and claimed Aspen as their own, something that was missing from her own life as she was estranged from her own parents and sister, the reasons which were a bit vague and lacking in detail so I don’t know if this will be explained in a future book. What I enjoyed most about Staged River though was the suspense element with a plot involving several women going missing lurking in the background and with Aspen seemingly having attracted the attentions of a stalker it ramped up the tension. Definitely an author I’ll be happy to read more from in future.

[Chrissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review/Book recommendation🌸🤰🏻:

Staged River by @Heather Grey

Ratings: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

Topics throughout the book are:
🌸 small town
🤰🏻accidental pregnancy
🌸 romantic suspense
🤰🏻 found family
🌸 Dual POV (Past & Present)
🤰🏻forced proximity

Summary🌸🤰🏻:
Aspen Arthur, 28, is determined to make this year her own by sticking to four rules—one of which is to break free from her toxic ex and leave her draining job at Industrial Design Co. She plans to relocate to Bluefield, Ontario, to work as an interior designer for her best friend Lillian’s boyfriend Jackson. But after a doctor's visit reveals she's pregnant, Aspen's world is turned upside down—especially since the father is Simon Cadwell, the one person she can't stand, after a one-night fling on New Year’s Eve. Simon, who first met Aspen at a high school party and thought they hit it off, is eager to find true love. As tensions rise in Bluefield with several women going missing, Aspen and Simon must navigate their past and decide if they can trust each other—and themselves—while building a future. Can they put their past aside to build a future? Will the case be solved with the missing women? Read to find out!

Book two of the Bluefield Beach Series can be read as a standalone but is best enjoyed after Inky Waters. Heather, a Canadian author, blends romance, suspense, and spice in a way that’s hard to resist. Her books are engaging and easy to read, with just the right amount of drama. I adore Aspen’s strong personality and Simon’s heart—his devotion to learning how to care for Aspen and their baby makes him a total dream. Heather’s books are impossible to put down, offering both sizzling romance and edge-of-your-seat suspense. If you love small-town romance with a twist, this series is for you!

Many thanks to Heather and @greyspromo for providing the another opportunity to receive an ARC in exchange for my honest review!

#RomanticSuspense #ForcedProximity #FoundFamily #HeFallsFirst #SmallTownRomance #AccidentalPregnancy

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Staged River sets the scene of a fun, spicy, and emotional romance with a plot that runs equal parts heartfelt and suspenseful.

This story is lead by Aspen and Simon, who find themselves thrust into expectant parenthood even as their relationship is off to a less than ideal (re)start. At least on Aspen's side.

I'd consider this a one-sided hate-to-love and it was such a delight! I find it absolutely hilarious how begrudgingly attracted Aspen was to Simon; and how eager he always was to please her. It's obvious a miscommunication from their past led them on their separate paths in the present, but what a joy to watch their journeys intertwine once more. I adored Simon's puppy dog nature in always wanting to gain Aspen's approval, and I adored how much she hated her lust-filled need for him. Their forced proximity leads to a truly emotionally engaging love story. Their dialogue was always so biting, witty, and enticing to read through. All in all, I had so much fun with witness the journey of their romance.

There's a suspenseful subplot that cleverly weaves its way in the background throughout the plot, so once it amps up and takes centerstage the reader has been eagerly anticipating it. My heart was in my throat during the tense moments of this reveal, but I must admit there's a moment I expected to see in full that instead cuts away, effectively cooling down too rapidly that thrill. I would have enjoyed seeing it play in full. Nonetheless, the emotions are heightened and it leaves the reader feeling all the more connected with its leads.

I had a pretty good time reading Staged River! If you enjoy a romance that brings bites and laughs, but also enjoy a plot that slow builds into a suspenseful thriller, be sure to pick this one up!

Thank you Grey's Promotions for this complimentary copy, I leave this honest review voluntarily. 3.5

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4 stars*
It's the second book in this series but you can definitely read it as a standalone; although you might enjoy it a bit more when you start at the beginning. This was my first read by the author and I wasn't bothered with this being my first one and not reading in order; it definitely won't be my last one and I'll go back to the start when I can. It was a great, small town romance read with a bit of suspense to it so it definitely grabbed my attention. I enjoyed the banter between Aspen & Simon and how their relationship progressed. A great read!

Aspen has had enough of where her life is going and is going to make some changes. While taking on a new job and hoping to start over in Bluefield, she's in for quite a big surprise that will definitely change her life. As she's adjusting to her new life, she meets Simon again who knows they'll have to move forward from the past. Simon makes her a proposition she can't refuse. Their relationship slowly progresses and changes into something more. There's still a lot to work out but barriers start to crumble between them. Even though there's a lot going on around them, they find themselves on new ground. Will it all work out in the end?...

[mirandas.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

🏡🤰staged river 🤰🏡 by heather grey eARC review time 🥹

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶️🌶️.5/5

You NEED to read if you love...
🤰small town
🏡he falls first
🌸small town
🤰surprise pregnancy
🏡forced proximity
🌸found family
🤰enemies to friends to lovers
🏡HEA

The way that I gobbled this book up so fast. Simon is such a sweetheart and I will be thinking about him for a long time! He was so sweet and gentle with Aspen even when she was totally not into it yet. 🤣 I really felt a connection to these characters as I was reading, you could really see and understand what they were feeling throughout the story...

**This was supposed to be Aspen Arthur's year. No longer held back by a loser boyfriend or terrible boss, she was well on her way to getting everything she wanted - following her carefully crafted set of rules would ensure it. But then one night and two pink lines complicate everything. Becoming a mom is something Aspen has always dreamed of. Unfortunately, that dream now includes a baby daddy she can't stand.
When Simon Cadwell first met Aspen in high school, he thought there could be something there. But when he sees her again after almost a decade and she doesn't have a single nice thing to say to him, he knows he screwed up somehow. Getting her pregnant wasn't part of the plan to win her over, but Simon is always up for a challenge. 
Now that they're both in Bluefield for the summer, they have a chance to either work out their differences and prepare for parenthood, or let everything they've ever wanted slip through their fingers. But Simon isn't the only one hoping to catch Aspen's eye this summer, and with the increasing number of missing women plaguing Bluefield, who can really be trusted?**

🏷️
#stagedriver #simonansaspen #authorheathergrey #greyspromotions #smalltownromance

[drusilla duke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since reading Inky Water, I knew I would enjoy Simon and Aspen's story. Their interactions and chemistry had me excited for their story. When finding that their trope was 'accidental pregnancy' I was excited as it was perfect for their relationship and characteristics. One thing I liked was how even when Aspen realises who the father would be, she's willing to push her feelings aside and work together as parents for their child, showing how mature they were as adults. Simon was the perfect character to have this trope, as his behaviour and actions were always with Apen and his child in consideration. There was the side plot of a mystery, a theme within the town of Bluefield, and I liked how there was that element of solving that crime, but the writing didn't take us away from the romance and the building of their relationship. The characters within Bluefield are ones you can't help but love. The interactions between them make you feel as if they are all family. It was nice to read about characters I had met in the first book, and I can't wait to read about the rest in future books.

Thank you the author and Grey's promotion for giving me a free copy in return for an honest review.

[Briana Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review ✨
First I would like to say a big thank you to Heather for letting me be apart of this ARC Team!
Rate: 7/5⭐️
Spice: 1.5/5🌶️

What to expect when reading Staged River;
-Hate x Love
-Close proximity
-Small town
-Found Family
-Unplanned pregnancy
-Suspense

This has to be one of my favorite unplanned pregnancy books I’ve ever read!!!!! Heather really hit this one out of the park. I loved book one but I might just love this one that much more. The unplanned pregnancy trope came be very hit and miss with me but I LOVED Aspen and Simon’s story, truly. Everyone needs a Simon in their life. I hope my husband is like that whenever we decide to have kids.

There were so many moments in this book when I was happy, giddy, shocked , teary eyed and laughing. I was hocked from beginning to end and honestly would so love more of Aspen and Simon being parents together.

I don’t want to give too much away but this book is seriously a must read!

Fav Quote: “Aspen Arthur is my version of heaven” & “If you love it, then I did. If you don’t then it’s Claire’s”

Make sure you get the book when it releases Nov. 12th💚
#bookstagram #romance #review

[Spicy_bookcorner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to @authorheathergrey for the opportunity to read this book.

This is book 2 in the Bluefield Beach Series (Book 1 is Inky Water, review is a few squares back), and this follows Aspen and Simon, who don’t have the best relationship but have a one night stand. Not long after, Aspen finds out she is pregnant.

I love a pregnancy trope-I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea but I don’t mind it. This book is sooooo good!! I loved Aspen; she says it like she sees it and I like that that about a character. Being pregnant is hard, and I felt like Aspen’s pregnancy was realistic, and how she navigated through her pregnancy was warming.

Now, Simon. What a guy. He knew Aspen like the back of his hand and there times where he knew what and how she was going react to things, and it made me laugh how calculating he was. The way he took on the dad role was just super sweet and I loved watching him grow as a character.

As with the first book, there is a slight mystery to the plot and this one was just as engaging. I honestly wasn’t expecting the outcome, so that was a nice surprise.

All in all, a fab book. I hope there is a book 3 😉

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

[Candace Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ 𝚂𝚙𝚘𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚛𝚜 ✨

𝚃𝚒𝚝𝚕𝚎/𝙰𝚞𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚛:

Staged River - Heather Grey

𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐:

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

𝙼𝚊𝚒𝚗 𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚜:

- Aspen
- Simon

𝚀𝚞𝚘𝚝𝚎𝚜:

"We are probably soulmates. She just doesn’t know that yet."

“You can have anything you want, Aspen. Everything you want.”

"My hardly decorated apartment suddenly seems brighter. There’s more life here now, and I know it’s all Aspen."

𝚂𝚢𝚗𝚘𝚙𝚜𝚒𝚜:

Aspen is pregnant and it's by the one person she can't stand. Simon has always liked Aspen. Once he finds out shes pregnant it's on.

𝚃𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜:

Simon was everything you could ask for. Charming, funny and sooo sweet. Now Aspen that girl had some anger in her. I felt so bad for poor Simon. I will say she had her funny moments where I chuckled. I liked the plot of the story though I felt like the ending was a little fast. I loved the sweet little epilogue though. It felt complete. The spice level was mild but enjoyable.

𝚃𝚛𝚘𝚙𝚎𝚜:

• Enemies to lovers - ish
• Unexpected pregnancy
• Found family
• Suspense
• HEA

𝚂𝚙𝚒𝚌𝚎:

🌶️🌶️/5

𝚂𝚘𝚗𝚐:

The Way That I Am - Abby Powledge

[Storied Conversation · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a sucker for a good unplanned pregnancy plot—it just resonates with me, maybe because I can’t have children myself. And let me tell you, Heather Grey nailed it with this one! This isn’t your typical “we’re suddenly in love because of a baby” or “I don’t want it” story. Instead, Grey delivers a heartfelt, complex romance.

Aspen was totally unprepared for those two pink lines—and even less ready for the father to be Simon, the guy she butts heads with over everything. You know what they say about people who fight too much: they’re either going to kill each other or have a night like Aspen and Simon’s steamy New Year’s Eve. That scene was so intense, I almost felt like I could get pregnant just reading it!

Now they’re trying to figure out co-parenting in a small town, which isn’t easy—especially with a serial killer on the loose. This book packs in both romance and suspense, and I loved every single second of it!

Thank you Grey’s Promotions, Heather Grey, and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions are 100% my own.

[Melissa Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review✨ Thank you so so much Heather Grey and Grey’s Promotions for accepting me as and ARC review and providing me with a digital ARC of Staged River.🥹

Overall rating: 4.25⭐️
Spice: 2/5🌶️

Tropes:
Small town romance
Suspense
Accidental pregnancy
Forced proximity
He falls first
Found family

I adored this book!! Aspen was a hot mess but I loved her so much. lol. Simon is so good to her. Lillian, is definitely someone I’d love to have as a friend. Simon getting jealous was everything 🤭 literally one of my favorite things about a MMC. The suspense was done so well!! I’d forget about it at times and then BAM! Here’s your reminder and your mind is like WHAT🫣🤯 all over again. I really wanna know what Simon did to Aspen in high school that she’s still holding a grudge about.

I haven’t read anything by Heather before, and even though this is the second book in the Bluefield Beach Series, and we meet some characters from the first book; Inky Water, it didn’t give anything away. This book was very well written and flowed effortlessly.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved being back in the small coastal town of Bluefield Beach. This friend group is so special and I love the found family aspect they all have together. And we can’t forget the text threads that you get to see in this series between the characters.

Simon and Aspen are enemies..well let’s just say the “enemies” part is more one sided..**cough cough** I am looking at you Aspen because Simon is the absolute sweetest man with the biggest heart!

When one night together leads to a positive pregnancy test for Aspen she doesn’t expect Simon to be all in and when Simon says he is all in oh boy does this man mean it. Simon shows Aspen how much he wants this baby (and her) not only through his actions but his words. But Aspen has walls built up and she is not an easy egg to crack. We see why Aspen is the way she is and slowly let Simon in and the way these two set aside their differences and communicate with each other is everything.

I honestly adored these two together once Aspen finally let Simon in. We also find out why she hated Simon and let’s just say it was all a misunderstanding and I am so happy these two were able to work through everything.

There is some suspense in this book and it was done well! I had guessed who it was but it was still fun to see how it all played out.

If you love small town, accidental pregnancy, enemies to lovers, forced proximity and found family this book is for you.

Thank you Heather for the ARC of this book

[Kaitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aspen & Simon

5⭐️
2🌶️

✨accidental pregnancy
✨small town
✨he falls first
✨found family
✨forced proximity
✨suspense

I absolutely loved going back to Bluefield, and getting to see its magic with a side of suspense.

Aspen is such a strong independent woman, I’ve loved watching her accept her situation and welcome it with open arms. Her character development is admiring.

Simon is a patient and caring, enemy to friend and eventually lover. I couldn’t help but root for him. I’m talking kicking my feet, cheering him on.

The banter, chemistry and appreciation with and for one another is the perfect amount of small town, and kept me turning the pages to know exactly what was going to happen next.

I love the way @authorheathergrey keeps her readers on edge at the same time as she has us swooning over her characters.

Congrats on your newest book baby, girl! I’m so sad to leave Bluefield and cannot wait to see what you have in store for us next. 🫶🏻

[Liz Enow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited to have the opportunity to read Staged River- this is Heather's second book in the Bluefield Beach Series. I was always intrigued by Inky Water and knew if I had the opportunity to read Inky Water or the next book in her series I will.

If you love you love: hate to love, forced proximity, one night stand, accidental pregnancy, found family, he falls first and harder, small beach town, and romantic suspense then this book may be for you.

What I Loved:

The suspense had me on my toes and kept me intrigued. I'm usually a romance girly but have a level of suspense makes me want to know what will happen.

The chemistry and banter- I love main characters with history and this was true with Aspen and Simon. It was entertaining to watch them develop their relationship and the progress from dislike to lovers.

Simon was such a great guy and he really was attentive to Aspen's needs. Given that this has an accidental pregnancy trope it was great to see him acclimate to the dad role.

I look forward to reading more from Heather!

[Miranda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Do you like it when the guy falls first? How about when the guy has been in love with her for years? Oh, and did you say you love accidentally pregnancy? Is that so? Then Staged Rivers is for you.

In this book you get the back story and evolution of Aspen and Simon’s relationship. From cute flirting when they were young, to immense dislike (from Aspen’s side), to surprise pregnancy, along with a dash of murder. (There is a serial killer in town.)

Simon seemed like the absolute best at everything. Good friend, good worker, good person, and good baby daddy. He just excelled at doing the right thing at the right time. Aspen was a bit hard for me to favor in the beginning. She kinda seemed immature but then, as the book went on, I do felt like she grew into the person Simon should be with and a good mother.

Was Staged River a predictable plot? Yes. But was it cute to read about amazing friendships, fantastic men who love their women, and a growing love? Absolutely!

[Cori Hamm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hello Bluefield Beach! What a fun suspenseful story! Simon and Aspen had great banter and amazing chemistry!

Simon is super sweet. He dove head first into taking care of Aspen while she was pregnant. Setting up their future, without her even realizing it. He knew when to push her and when to back off. I thought it was adorable with how much he wanted to de-stress Aspen’s life and took on tasks she couldn’t handle in the moment.

Aspen drove me nuts in the beginning. Learning so much about his and Aspen’s past gives an insight into her hostility with Simon. However, I felt like she was way dramatic and so hard on him. I was really frustrated with the lack of appreciation from Aspen with everything Simon did for her. I loved how she grew out of that and was able to let go of the negative feelings she was holding onto.

[Ashley Connors · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc Review

Staged River

Closed Proximity
Small Town
Found Family
Unplanned pregnancy
Suspense

Aspen is our FMC she’s strong independent and sick of her same revolving dating scene so she sets a set of rules for the new year but plans change when she has a one night stand with the person she can’t stand the most.

Simon our MMC is Aspens number one enemy and he doesn’t know why and then when New Year’s Eve comes too much tequila they make a truce then Aspen comes telling him she’s pregnant so now he needs to do everything he can to win over Aspen so he can have a family with her.

I really enjoyed this book and couldn’t put it down. I loved the banter between Aspen and Simon. This book also had suspense around the whole story. I can’t recommend this book enough and I can’t wait to see what’s next for the town of Bluefield.

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Staged River by Heather Grey is her second book in the Bluefield Beach series and this one follows Simon and Aspen. I ARC read the first book in the series and when I found out book two would be an accidental pregnancy one I immediately ran to sign up for another ARC.

What I love about Heather’s stories is they are a perfect mix of romance and suspense. You get the romantic plot but there’s always that feeling that something else is going on in the background and really keeps your attention drawn in. Overall, I really enjoyed this one and loved watching Aspen warm up to Simon as he worked hard to win her trust.

What to expect:
Enemies to lovers (one sided)
Accidental pregnancy
Small, coastal town
Romantic suspense
Found family
He falls first and harder
One night stand
Forced proximity

Thank you so much Heather Grey and Grey’s Promotions for the advanced copy.

[Mel Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little bit of romance and a lot of good spice. This book had me hooked from the beginning because I simply loved the FMC. Aspen is a driven alpha female with incredible wit and humor. Her outlook on beige interior design had me cackling because I feel the same.

Simon is such a sweet golden retriever of a man. He is all in from the beginning and full takes his role and responsibilities seriously. I love the connection these two characters form.

While the missing women storyline had promise, it felt slightly disconnected and like a bit of an afterthought. Honestly, I loved the book even without those bits but I did deduct a star for that reason. Overall, I will definitely be reading more from this author.

Thank you to Heather and Grey’s Promotions for this ARC in return for my honest review. My opinions are my own.

[Heather Childers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love an accidental pregnancy trope, so I was excited to read Staged River, and it did not disappoint.

I absolutely loved Simon. He was such a rock for Aspen even when she was fighting it. I always love when the MMC knows he loves the FMC and nothing is going to change his mind or make him doubt his feelings. I also really liked Aspen. She was against a relationship with Simon because not only had he hurt her before, but she had experienced hurt from the people that are supposed to love her more than anyone.

Like I mentioned in my last review, I really like the romantic suspense aspect of the book. I love that it prevents a 3rd act breakup but I love trying to figure out who "the bad guy" is.

I can't wait for book in the next in the series to come out.

Storyline:4
MMC:5
FMC:4
Development of Relationship:4
Conflict:4
Emotional Impact:4
Total Score: 4.17 Stars

[Bookreader B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚🌶🌶

There are sensitive topics discussed in this book so please check before reading.

Stage River is technically a standalone, but I would highly reccomend starting with the Inky Waters first. This was a great romcom with some suspense thrown in!!

Simon and Aspen went to school together, but were never more than friendly towards each other. Aspen had finally been planning out her future with no holds until she spend one night with Simon, who she hates, and 2 pink lines on a test appear. Aspen and Simon were both not ready for this, but are trying to figure out what will happen next.

Heather Grey created a great book with lots of tension and chemistry between the MCs. Throw in some suspense to keep you going and you never know what will be around the corner!

[Lake B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simon and Aspen met at a high school party, but went their separate ways. The story starts years later after the two spend the night together, and Aspen leaves. However, she has to reach back out to Simon, after a positive test. The two are both getting ready to move to the town their best friends are calling home. With the changes they are facing, Simon offers for Aspen to move in with him, so he can be close to her. Their new town is not as peaceful as it seems. It has been a long time since I have read a book that has good character development, like Aspen’s; she started off immature, but grew up quickly by Simon’s side (just like someone else in this story did too). The first kick was absolutely precious, and I love that their best friends were there for it- as they always have been.

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy. These are my thoughts:

After a misunderstanding in high school turned Aspen and Simon into frenemies as adults, they find they’re stuck together on a New Year’s Eve due to a storm. Their chemistry is undeniable, so they call a truce and end up having a one-night-stand. The result, an unexpected pregnancy that will either bring them together or have them co-parenting for the next 18 years.

I really enjoyed this book. Aspen and Simon had chemistry and the banter made me laugh throughout the whole book. I really enjoyed watching them build their relationship and go from frenemies to lovers. Though the surprise pregnancy was what brought them together, the pregnancy wasn’t the main focus of the story - their developing relationship was.

Loved the found family trope - Aspen and Lillian had such a close friendship that they were more like sisters. The men in the group were all supportive and protective - of the women but also of each other.

The lurking danger of the disappearing women in their small town was constant throughout the story and I kept trying to guess who the culprit was.

I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Spice: 2-2.5/5]

[Amanda Crenshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

What was supposed to be Aspen's year, took a quick turn because of two pink lines.

This book, UGH I could go on for hours about it. The friendships, the banter, and the sprinkle of suspense, every second of this book had me captivated.

Aspen and Simon have history, a rocky on at that, at least on one side.

When Simon found out about the baby, he didn't run, didn't hide, he stepped up to be there.

While Aspen wants the year she's dreamed of, Simon has every intent on breaking down those walls and being there for her every step of the way.

I loved the flashbacks, all of the inner thoughts of the characters, the sweet and spicy of it all, and of course the suspenseful aspect of it all. I'm already ready to dive into this one again!