In High Lonesome, where gossip moves faster than a free beer at happy hour, one tiny secret might just derail a ten-year-old relationship pact.
Yeah, the pact was the last hope of a heartbroken eighteen-year-old who’d been unceremoniously dumped by Rory I’m-giving-you-your-freedom Kelley. She said I needed to ‘spread my wings,’ but spoiler alert: all I ever wanted was her.
So I agreed to her wild idea—if we’re both still single by her 28th birthday, we’d give it another go. And now? Now Rory’s back in town for our high school reunion, her big 2-8 is around the corner, and I’ve got my shot.
The problem? My own little secret. The kind that could take our second chance and blow it all to pieces. And if Rory finds out, I’ll have to say goodbye to her all over again...
This time, for good.
Fans of Meghan Quinn, Lucy Score, and Claire Kingsley, grab your snacks, settle in, and get ready for Book 1 in the High Lonesome series—a laugh-out-loud, steamy, small-town romance that’s ten years in the making.
Kate crafts fast-paced, spicy contemporary romance and romantic comedy. Growing up as one of five kids, she mastered the art of escaping into fictional worlds, often by "borrowing" her mom’s Nora Roberts books. These days, when she's not busy creating her own swoon-worthy tales, she's devouring Meghan Quinn and Elsie Silver novels like they're the hottest gossip at a family reunion.
When she's not embroiling her characters in yet another laugh-out-loud disaster, you can usually find her surrounded by animals or with her nose buried in a spicy read. Her pets behave as if they're the real brains behind her stories, but Kate remains unconvinced—though she admits they do have a knack for comedic timing.
Follow Kate on social media and sign up for her newsletter to hear Ollie’s life advice and book reviews. Disclaimer: Ollie is a German Shepherd. His judgment is questionable. Kate strongly advises against following his advice—unless you’re a dog, in which case, bark away.
Shout out to Kate for choosing me to get an ARC of this read. It was my very 1st ever ARC and it was so fun.
A fun little spicy, 2nd chance rom-com 3.5⭐️ 3🌶
Scene: small mountain town in Colorado ❤️ which I absolutely loved because mountains have my heart always
Plot: 10 year high-school reunion in this little town.
Characters: MFC Rory kind of a mess. Everything is blowing up for her. She can't keep a boyfriend, lost her job, roomate moves out, vehicle is on the fritz. She is sure it's all karma from breaking her high school boyfriends heart all those years ago.
MMC Nate overall good all American guy, stayed in the town after graduation. Is a police officer and the most eligible bachelor in town who hasn't found love since Rory unexpectedly ended what he was sure was a solid forever almost a decade ago.
Overall: Character development is good. Scene building very well done. Spice is nice. I'm hoping to be picked to read book 2!
I received an ARC of this book and boy oh boy am I so glad I got to read this book and didn’t have to wait until 2025.
This book gave me the cozy Hallmark vibes the whole way through. I loved the way we didn’t have to bumble through too much awkwardness and just got to soak in the comfortable relationship. It felt so real that two people who had known each other forever could just step back into friendship and slowly approach the romance side of things.
And that ending????? Please Kate we need book two ASAP.
I absolutely loved this first book in the High Lonesome Series that Kate has created!! Think Small Town, Second Chance, Fake Dating - I know, right!!! All 3 great tropes to bring an amazing adventure to page!
I found myself laughing so many times, sitting on the edge of my seat with the angsty plot twists, swooning over the 2 MC’s and just loving the overall storyline!
She did such a great job creating this universe where you could almost see it playing out as a tv series. Even the detail to the side characters, the small town setting and the dog’s POV’s, she left nothing undone. And I really enjoyed the attention she gave to every detail.
I would 100% recommend grabbing a copy of Not Mine To Take!! You can’t go wrong with anything Kate writes!!
I was honored to be an early alpha reader- and this is my honest voluntary review.
I just finished reading, or should we say devouring, Not Mine to Take by Kate Campfield, in 24 hours. As a mom of 3 it is rare I finish a book in a week let alone a day! This witty and realistic small town second chance romance was a well written and addictive read. The inclusion of pet points of view was the absolute cherry on top and added humor and a little bit of whimsy to the read while feeling very real. I am a sucker for a story I can immerse myself in. I found myself throughout relating to many characters. I saw myself and my best friend as Rory and Allie multiple times. I could feel Nate’s love but also something lurking under the surface giving him dimension. I fell in love with Rory and Nate’s relationship. It felt really, not too easy but also not fraught with unbelievable complications. I absolutely adored all the side characters, they all brought something to the story. I was drawn to Lawton and want more of his story. I loved diving into Rory’s story with her parents. I loved getting to know the good and bad from past relationships. This story truly has it all and is weaved together masterfully.
I read frequently and most authors do a combination of telling and showing a story. What I mean is at times they tell key characteristics so you are feeling, doing, accomplishing so you see the character through the authors eyes and sometimes they show you with senses, what the character sees, tastes, touches, how they move, what is happening inside them emotionally. My favorite books and authors primarily show the world through the characters eyes so it is easy to sink into the world and live within the characters. The author is a master at showing this. I found myself walking through the streets of Hi-low, getting into the mind of Rory, of Nate, of Ollie, and even Spam. I felt what I imagine they felt. This led to me devouring this book. Readers who enjoy small town romance, marriage pact, friends to lovers, forced proximity, fake relationships, and second chance romance will enjoy this book. Give it a try it will leave you begging for more.
“Can only be behind if we’re all on the same road, kiddo. This road is yours to travel, and yours alone. You’re right where you’re supposed to be.” 🩵
I was completely swept away by the charm of High Lonesome and the undeniable chemistry between Nate and Rory. This is one of those books that just wraps you up in a warm, comforting hug, even as it tugs at your emotions. I'm a sucker for a good second-chance romance, and Kate Campfield delivered in spades. Nate and Rory's history is so palpable, you can practically feel the weight of their past decisions and the longing that still simmers between them. The way Kate Campfield weaves their shared history into the present narrative is masterful. It's not just about rekindling old flames; it's about two people grappling with their past mistakes and finding the courage to try again. Their dynamic is just 👌🏻. The tension, the longing, the sweet moments of connection – it's all so beautifully done. It's not just a fluffy romance; it's a story about forgiveness, healing, and finding your place in the world. The characters are flawed, real, and utterly human. You feel their pain, their joy, and their uncertainty.
That ending tho! Kate Campfield, how could you leave us hanging like that? I was absolutely reeling by the time I turned the final page. That cliffhanger has me absolutely desperate for the next book. I need to know what happens next! I need to know if Nate and Rory get their happily ever after. I need to return to High Lonesome now... 💛
I really enjoyed this book. It was a cute easy read. The characters were fun and I loved the POV from Nate’s dog Ollie.
I do wish Nate’s personality was a little more well rounded other than being a small town cop and being in love with Rory, but I do love an obsessed MMC. I do feel like he forgave Rory too easily, which made the romance a little more rushed. This would’ve been perfect for a slow burn as they relearned the older versions of each other.
As for Rory, I totally relate with feeling a little lost and it knowing where you’re supposed to be. I love that she came home, but I do wish we saw more of her family since they all lived in the same town. We have one scene with her parents and a few mentions of an older brother but he is not a character in the book.
Overall I enjoyed the book and will read the second.
I was lucky enough to be selected as an ARC reader. Thank you to Kate for the opportunity.
This is my third time reading for Kate Campfield and she's quickly becoming a favorite! Her characters are so loveable and believable! I literally want to be their friends! I can throw myself right into her storylines and am always a little sad when the story ends - but not this time because there's a Book TWO! I can't wait to read it. Book One had such a cute story and was quick-paced. I had a hard time putting it down.
Disclaimer - I received a free copy of this book for an advanced reader copy review and am voluntarily leaving a review -- HOWEVER - I also purchased a copy of book one AND book two (I know I'll love another book by this author!) to share with my reader friends! Making more Kate Campfield fans!.
Thank you Kate for letting me read this early. I am so hooked!!!
Love this sweet story the whole HS sweethearts finding each other again 10 years later! Beautiful!!! Love the Storey line really loved the characters. Nate and Rory are the best! Such a sweet romance story with some spice thrown in! Also love the Ollie chapters! Can’t wait for book 2!!!! I’m a fan!
One of my favorite reads this year! So cute and best of all based in a small CO town and with puppy chapters?! What’s better than that? Oldly enough character names the same as my mom and sister had me laughing at how much I could really relate to it! Loved it and CANT WAIT for more! Definitely recommend it!
This is a great heartwarming, romcom, reminding us all that it’s never too late for a second chance with the one you’re meant for. I am ready to move to the mountains after this read! Thanks for choosing me as an ARC reader! Anxiously awaiting book number 2!
I absolutely loved this book! It grabbed me right away at the beginning and kept me hooked throughout the entire book to where I didn’t want to put it down. Anxiously awaiting the second book!! Great read and would recommend to anyone!
Loved this book. The chemistry between Rory and Nate is so good. But the unexpected favorite was Mandy… I feel like we all need a Mandy in our life. But. The epilogue?!? I already need the next book. Can’t even wait to find out what’s next.
I received an advanced copy of this book and I’m so glad I did! It’s such a cute, small town second chance romance. It was a quick and easy page turner that keeps you guessing at why they broke and ends on a cliff hanger. I can’t wait for Book 2!
I was lucky to get my hands on an advanced copy of “Not Mine To Keep” but this review is my honest opinion.
This was my first book I’ve read from Kate Campfield but I definitely plan on reading more! This story had me hooked right away when I read that Rory was living in Denver because I’m originally from Denver and can also relate to the her struggle to find the place where she feels she belongs.
The story follows Rory as she tries to figure out what her future holds after dealing with a breakup and job loss and returns to her home town with her newly adopted dog for her high school reunion. While there she reconnects with her high school boyfriend Nate (whose heart she broke on the day of their graduation) and his police dog. The humor, spicy scenes, and the POV from the dog hooked me and the end has me anxious to read more. Their story feels a bit like a hallmark movie (which I love) but I would love to know more about Nate but maybe his story will be explored more in the second book.
Overall I enjoyed reading “Not Mine To Take” and will be counting down the days until the second book in the series comes out.
I want to thank Kate for the opportunity to receive an ARC copy of this book.
I loved this book, it was a quick read with lovable characters and even more lovable dogs. The story moved quickly, and tugs at all the heart strings! The ending is killing me tho, and now I cannot wait for the second book to be released!
Not me patiently waiting for the next book. I really loved this little rom-com. A hot mess of an FMC, a quirky small town, and dogs - need I say more. Rory is the perfect amount of sunshine and chaotic, it made her so relatable. This book is perfect for anyone loving small town romances, parts of it reminded me or a classic hallmark of going back home after a long time and seeing that old flame but this was so much more. This was comical, fun, and spicy. I'd recommend it to anyone that likes contemporary romance, animals, and a more relatable FMC. Usually I'm a little iffy on contemporary romance since all the female characters seem so alike but Rory was a breath of fresh air compared to that. Would read again, would bite my nails down waiting for the next.
So this is my first book from Kate Campfield which I got an an ARC. This is not my normal type of selection, but it was a cute book!
Rating: 3.8 stars Spice: 2 peppers
This is a second-chance romance set in a small town in Colorado.
The premise of the book is the FMC (Rory) broke up with her HS sweetheart (Nate) because she feels like he wants more than the little town they grew up in and she doesn't want to hold him back when they go to college. 10 years later and it's time for their HS reunion.
Nate is now a police officer in the small town while Rory can't seem to find her footing in Denver. So now with 2 weeks to her reunion, she loses her boyfriend, job and housing all in 48 hours. So what happens when she comes back home?
The remainder of the story is really about realizing that: 1. It's never too late to go home again 2. Communication is always key 3. Sometimes you can meet your soulmate in HS 4. Secrets destroy everything
All in all it was a good book. The 1 thing I would have liked changed: I wasn't really a fan of the chapters from the dog's perspective (that's a me thing) it doesn't kill the story, I just don't think it adds.
This book was very cute with just a hint of spice. I loved the characters and Ollie’s chapters were a fun add! High school sweethearts find each other again but that ending? Leaves me wanting more!!! This was an ARC for me and my first for this author. I truly enjoyed it. It was light and fun and I thought it moved along well. I am very excited for the next one. I guess I’ll have to wait. 😉
My first ARC! Thank you very much to Kate and her team! Okay, I am a long-time reader, and this is my first Kate Campfield book. I tend toward the rom-come genre as an escape from the stresses of life, and this book was exactly what I needed after a busy few days of drowning in pre-holiday madness. Not Mine to Take is a small-town second-chance romance featuring Rory, Nate, and their dogs, Spam and Ollie. Nate is your classic small-town hero- local boy joins the local police force and spends his days comforting the townspeople in their darkest hours in the rare occasion that occurs, and the rest of the time his patrolling includes visiting lonely old ladies and rescuing kittens from trees. He and his trusty police K9 Ollie live in Nate’s childhood home. He has everything he needs, except the one who got away- Rory. Rory is your classic character who bolts after graduation, directly after breaking Nate’s heart, and spends her days trying to live up to some impossible standard that she has built up in her mind- to please her parents and match her brother’s success. Her life begins to unravel in the first chapter as she takes hit after hit in a two-day span (the descriptions of the dog and cat poop/pee almost sent me for a barf bag by the way) when lo and behold, she gets a post card in the mail for her 10-year-reunion- back home, where she’s avoided for the better part of ten years. The book shows Rory’s journey of returning home, and more importantly returning to herself- learning to find her authenticity and having some actual fun along the way. There’s a bit of a forced proximity vibe going on when she ends up having no where else to stay other than with Nate- who despite having his heart broken all those years ago, receives her and her crazy-ass scraggly dog Spam with open arms. Nate and Rory have a lot to sort out, and they do so with the help of Nate’s friends in the force, two well-meaning meddling old ladies, Rory’s bff who also left Hi-Lo, her parents, her old employer, and an old classmate that Rory reconnects with. While I was reading this book, which I devoured in two days, I got major Blue Moon (Lucy Score) vibes, which was one of the first romance series that sucked me in. The style of writing reminds me of Abby Jimenez or Meghan Quinn- funny as hell with a bit of spice mixed in. The only negative-ish thing I have to say is, I would have loved it to be a little longer and have a bit more angst between Nate and Rory. He actually was the SWEETEST guy ever, and it almost made things too easy. I get that the focus was really on Rory and her journey, but that could have spiced it up a little. I was actually shocked when the book ended on a cliff-hanger! AHHH! I need book 2 ASAP now!
Remember how we decided to try again if we were both single when we turned twenty-eight?
Rory Kelley works at an animal shelter where she can really identify with the animals that no one seems to want to adopt. She's bonded with Spam, a tiny, high-energy dog that has been returned to the shelter every time he's been adopted. So, when budget cuts ended her job, she adopted Sam and headed to HiLo for the reunion.
Every boyfriend she's had since college has dumped her. The latest one, Finn, just did it by text. It's always been, "You're a wonderful girl, but this just isn't working for me."
She was raised in the small town of High Lonesome, AKA HiLo. She just received a flyer about her ten-year reunion being held in two weeks. She's not sure if she wants to attend. If she did, it would mean running into Yvonne, the self-appointed queen (and mean girl) of their graduating class, and her crew, along with Nate Patterson, the boy she broke up with just before graduation. He had planned to become a cop in a big city. Instead, he went away to train but returned home to serve as a canine officer with his dog, Ollie, in HiLo.
Allie, her best friend since they were ten, has called to chat about the reunion. They had bonded while both worked for Mandy, the owner of Lonesome Acres, a local stable, mucking stalls and doing chores in exchange for riding lessons. Allie had been a late bloomer. To most, she was hidden behind her acne, glasses, bad hair, thrift store clothing by choice, and wild schemes, like setting chickens loose in the school to get out of a test. Now she lives in Chicago and works as an event planner at a PR firm.
Nate has never loved anyone other than Rory. He's dated occasionally, but he's never been serious about anyone else.
When Rory arrived in town, she'd planned on staying at her parents' home while they were on a cruise. However, she couldn't find the spare key. Her brother, Dylan, is remodeling his home and doesn't have room for her. When she shows up on Nate's doorstep, he informs her that he'll only be her date for the reunion if she stays with him.
Being accustomed to Ollie, a superbly trained dog, both Nate and Ollie are appalled with Spam's behavior. Ollie has some definite opinions about both Rory and her little dog, too. Realizing how much Nate loves Rory convinces Ollie that he can love her, too, despite that tiny rat of a dog with her. Besides, ya gotta love someone who'll sneak ya treats!
I received an ARC of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
Reunited and it feels so good - The first page of this book grabbed me and it never let go. Rory's life is a bit of a dumpster fire (she falls into dog yuck (ew and LOL)) and getting worse by the second. No man, no job, no home. A trip to her hometown for her 10-year high school reunion is her chosen diversion from her current problems. But Nate will be there, the man she walked away from so long ago. For his own good, of course. Not because she wasn't madly in teenage love. But one overheard conversation between her parents convinced her she and Nate were not meant to be. Winding up staying with him in exchange for his escort to the reunion (his requirement) is the last thing she expected, but that's the way her life is going.
Nate is ecstatic that Rory's back in HiLo. She's the one he's been missing, waiting for all these years. As she and her incorrigible little pooch Spam make themselves at home in his house, they nestle deep into his heart. He loves Rory, the realization that he can't let her go never clearer than when he comes close to losing her. But there is a fly in the ointment even in HiLo, as one of the high school mean girls dropped a data point into Rory's lap that could change everything for the reunited lovers. Did Nate stack the deck to fulfill the pact he and Rory made? The tale ends on a HEA turned HFN that I am looking forward to seeing played out in the next book.
This is a great story, the main characters relatable and likeable. The chemistry between Nate and Rory simmers as they become reacquainted, turning into an inferno when they take the plunge into each other's arms. Their canine companions are a delight, Ollie the only one who can wrangle Spam with any success. Their friends are a caring bunch who offer sage advice to the MCs as they try to work out their budding new relationship. HiLo looks like it'll be a great place to visit, its residents ripe for love with their perfect matches.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
While this is one of my favorite romance tropes, this one was a miss for me. I thought this started off strong, but it got progressively harder for me to stick with it. This book is well written from a technical standpoint, and I really like the author’s voice (so much that I would love to read some more of her work). The pacing is nice. The story has funny moments. I think I’m just the wrong audience for this specific story. I didn't really connect with any of it, unfortunately. I thought Nate’s attitude toward Spam (Rory's adoptive dog) was a little off-putting from the get-go, despite Spam’s quirks. It made him a little unlikable for me. And I never truly connected with Rory. Also: the book description made me believe that this book was about the two coming back together because of the marriage pact (which I found intriguing), but I don't think either of them even mention it to the other until halfway(ish) through the book, and that particularly storyline doesn't get much attention afterward. That specific storyline (which I was most looking forward to based on the description) just fell flat for me since it had little to do with the events driving the plot. And did I just... miss the "one tiny secret" that was supposed to throw everything off track? I'm guessing that's what the epilogue alludes to, but again, the description made me think this would be a major pot of the plot of this book. Lastly, I knew this was the first in a series, but I guess I didn’t realize that the trajectory of their romance would remain unresolved in the end of this first book. I think there is certainly an audience for this book, but it wasn’t for me.
My Favorite Thing: • I cackled at the line, “If she asks you about the scone, just tell her it was delicious.”
I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to Young Cowboy Publishing and Netgalley for an opportunity to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
"Can only be behind if we're all on the same road, kiddo. This road is yours to travel, and yours alone. You're right where you're supposed to be."
I was lucky enough to be chosen to receive an arc of this book, so thank you to Kate!
I am in the arc group for Kate, and I was so jealous of everyone getting to read this book as soon as they did. I wasn't able to dive into it like most, but boy am I glad I chose it as my first read of 2025.
The book follows Rory & Nate and their love story. Having dated previously in high school and breaking up just before college, they are brought together again when it is time for their high school reunion. Rory is hesitant to fall for him because she believes that she has bad karma from breaking up with him, when neither of them really wanted to be a part. She carries it with her through the years and is put to the test when their chemistry comes to light.
She is torn about staying back in her home town or going back to Denver after their reunion. As it nears the end of the books I thought it was safe to say they will be back together and she'll be staying home and not returning to Denver, the book ends with a twist and poor Rory is unsure of what is going to happen.
This book had me laughing with Rory's wit and humor. Crying because of knowing what it feels like to not feel you are in the place you are supposed to be in at the time. And smiling because little points in the story reminded me of myself and my husbands relationship. I love when books can be consumed in a day and then leave you thinking about them hours later. To be honest, this was my first book by Kate, but it definitely will not be my last. You've made a fan out of me, and I can't wait to see what happens next for Rory and Nate! Oh, and I am SO glad Ollie and Spam are best of friends! :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I’ve never read a book where the beloved canine had his opinions conveyed to the reader. Smart addition on the author’s part. This story is about two high school sweethearts that are still struggling 10 years after their graduation day break up. Rori and Nate were high school sweethearts who broke up on graduation day. Rori wanted her freedom and Nate wanted Rori, so Nate comes up with a plan that if they are still unattached by the time Rori turns 28 they would give their relationship a second chance. What transpires is literary entertainment at its best.
The MFC is Rori, she is a down on her luck 27, soon to be 28 year old. She decides to accept the invitation to her 10 year reunion. She hasn’t been back home in 10 years because she heard her old sweetheart was back in town. So she has major anxiety about going back home, especially since she lost another boyfriend, job, roommate, and her apartment in the space of roughly 48 hours. So like all down on her luck girls do, she adopts a last chance dog named, Spam. How cute is that name!
The MMC is Nate. The confident, alpha male on the outside while on the inside still nursing his broken heart. He is a canine police officer who has an opinionated partner named Ollie. Nate is surprised when he hears that Rori will be back in town for their class reunion. His heart was shattered when, out of the blue, Rori breaks up with him. He is still wondering what went wrong.
This is a heart warming, feel good, Hallmark worthy, story of second chances in a small town. Now there is not a whole lot I can say about the ending…. because it is a major cliff hanger. So now we have to wait for book two to find out if these two second chance sweethearts find their happily ever after.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Woohoo, what a wild ride this book was! I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect with this one - a cute, small town, second chance romance??? Absolutely! Add in a FMC that has had her life turn into one huge hot mess and a super swoon-worthy MMC that still lives in the town they grew up in and is a police officer with a K-9 partner, Ollie. Rory makes a choice to break up with Nate at Graduation thinking it would be best for Nate and his future. Ten years later and Rory returns home after her latest boyfriend breaks up with her, she losses her job and becomes homeless. Bringing her rescue dog, Spam, with her, they end up staying with Nate until the reunion. For the most part, they have great communication and their connection is still there and is a strong as ever. It’s clear they never got over each other. Rory is frustrating in terms that everyone but her can see that she belongs back in High Lonesome with people who love her and a job that has been her dream with the perfect partner in her life. Even though we know Nate is hiding something, I was rooting for him all the way. A dash of spice is a great addition and the surprise ending leaves me wanting the next book so badly!! Fantastically written and beautifully executed that keeps you completely invested in all the highs, lows, funny, romantic and touching moments throughout. I will say my absolute favourite part is POV chapters from Ollie. It is the cherry on top of this wonderful story! Perfect start to this series. No real triggers worry about, but know that this is a HFN book and the story will continue in the next book so you need to read in order.
It's funny and quippy. The opening is quite unique and I already feel for Rory on the first chapter. Rory is going through a lot and the author writes that well but she can be a bit immature/overly dramatic at times (probably part of her character development as this will be a series). The old boyfriend, Nate fell first and obviously still loves Rory, its super cute how much he wants her back, but did he go to far in the past? Nate's dog Ollie gets his own voice through the story and that's something I've never read, I enjoyed the perspective! This book leaves you wanting more, immediately. A few characters are a little repetitive.
Spoiler Alert ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................The synopsis mentions a secret, you don't get to know what that is in this book. Massive cliffhanger. ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
If you’re looking for a heartfelt second-chance romance set in a town full of quirky charm and cozy vibes—think Gilmore Girls with a touch of slow-burn spice—Not Mine to Take by Kate Campfield is exactly what you need on your nightstand.
The story follows Rory, a big-hearted, slightly chaotic woman whose life has just unraveled. When she returns home to High Lonesome, Colorado, for her high school reunion, she’s thrust back into the orbit of Nate—her first love, and the one she never truly got over. The chemistry is still there, but so are the questions, regrets, and unspoken truths that tore them apart a decade ago.
High Lonesome is more than a backdrop—it’s a character in itself. With its gossip-prone locals, lovingly nosy neighbors, and cozy mountain-town energy, it sets the perfect stage for a story about rediscovery, vulnerability, and love that never really went away. The cast of side characters adds texture and wit, from Rory’s wise (and very Lorelai-like) mother to Nate’s trusty K9 partner, Ollie, who even lends his own charming point of view in a few scenes.
Campfield strikes a beautiful balance between humor and heartache, weaving in tropes like forced proximity, fake dating, and emotional healing without ever feeling cliché. And while readers might wish for just a little more depth in Nate’s character arc, the emotional payoff and cliffhanger ending make this book hard to put down—and even harder to forget.
Not Mine to Take is a feel-good, curl-up-with-a-cup-of-coffee kind of novel that reminds us all that sometimes love doesn’t come around just once—and that going home might be the best way to find yourself again.
This book was so unexpectedly good, Not Mine To Take is the first book in the High Lonesome series, and I can't wait to read more books from this series. The book follows Rory who it seems everything goes wrong for her, nothing ever lands in her favour and now it's her high school reunion after leaving her small town 10 years ago as well as her boyfriend at the time. Nate (said past boyfriend) still lives in town, so when Rory is put in quite a dilemma in her life, he opens up his home for her.
I love a second chance romance, and Kate did this one so well. I loved the characters' personalities so much and reading from their perspectives was so good just to get an insight on hoe they truly feel and whether they make their feelings clear enough or just how long it would take the other character to realise hints from them. I particularly love the fact that we had a few chapters from Nate's K9 Ollie, like getting a dogs perspective was so funny, and I just wanted more from his perspective.
There was definitely a lot for these characters to work through not only with themselves but also with external people that may have had an influence on them before. I love how they were pushed together after all the time apart, and once Rory opened her heart to the possibility of being happy again and with Nate. The author definitely had been on my toes with so much of the plot, but it was definitely enjoyable. This book was so good and definitely worth the read!!
Not Mine to Take is such feel good cozy escape from reality! If you’re tired of romance books spanning 600 pages of the same arguments and fluff, look no further, Kate Campfield has cured the problem!
We meet Rory, who is a 27 year old Denver transplant that works at an animal shelter. (Trigger warning, there is mention of euthanasia threatened due to budget cuts here, and while I’m usually okay reading about just about anything, doggies are my kryptonite!). We learn very early on that Rory has “the one the got away” looming in the back of her mind, as she goes through one struggle after another in the span of just a few days. Rory gets an invitation to her ten year high school reunion, and that spurs events that lead her back to her hometown, where her ex, Nate, currently resides.
We have the typical small town characters, the coffee shop owner, the token mean girls who peaked in high school, the buddies to the MMC (can we say spinoff?) and of course, the puppy dogs! We even get a few chapters from Ollie the K-9 unit’s point of view!!
I loved this book, I thought it was a fun, quick, entertaining read, that got to the point! I don’t need all the fluff, and the hours of sitting here wanting to smack the FMC for miscommunication, etc. Rory is delightful and Nate is a dreamboat. What more could you ask for? I’m ready for book 2, and I insist that we get some chapters from Spam’s point of view!!