Into the Mountains

Blue Grove Mountain #3

by Kelsey Schulz

She thought she'd never see him again.

He thought he’d already found his forever.

When Charlotte Monroe moved to Blue Grove, Oregon to start a business with her best friend, her past was the last thing she expected to be confronted with. Her ex-rival and ex-lover was once her prince charming. Now, fifteen years later, he's still on her mind and living too close for comfort. Continuing to lie to herself about how over him she really is just got a lot harder.

Elias Waters's only focus since his wife's passing has been his son. But when a stubborn redhead finds her way into his life again, old memories capture his attention. With tensions high from long-past arguments, he can't deny the spark of new feelings right under the surface.

A town full of meddlesome friends and family forcing them to collaborate might just be the blueprint to helping them design a new future.

Genres: Second Chance, Romance, Small Town Romance, Grief, Enemies To Lovers

363 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 18, 2025

About the author

I am an indie author based out of Godfrey, Illinois living with my husband and our two sons. My most recent book, Pictures in Blue; A Blue Grove Mountain Novel is out now and available on Amazon & KU! My first book is the first in a trilogy: Witchhunter: The Realm of the Isles and my second, is a Contemporary Romance standalone, When Fate Steps In. Both are available for purchase on Amazon & for free on Kindle Unlimited. I am currently working on book 2 in the Blue Grove Mountain Series and am hoping to release at the end of the year!

Follow me on Instagram at kelseys.corner.of.books!

Reviews

[Mariah Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review

I wanted to love this one. This book is a second chance romance. Both the FMC & MMC suffer from a life altering loss and have experienced a huge amount of grief.
I couldn’t get into start of the book until once they started going back in time about their old dates. Overall the story was cute. The epilogue was different and felt very rushed.

Thank you love notes PR for the ARC

[Book.ishJulie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, I am very much intimidated to write a review for one of Kelsey Schulz's books! Let's hope I can do some justice to book three in her Blue Grove Mountain series, Into The Mountains.

Here we go!

-content and trigger warnings up front
-book references
-mountainy small town romance
-bisexuality representation
-grief representation
-meddling/fairy Godmother townsfolk
-kitten/cat love for days
-open door steamy scenes
-perfectly fitting character arcs
-People We Meet On Vacation (Emily Henry) vibes

Elias is compassionate, driven, and is the best dad to Ethan! Charlotte is sentimental and spunky and has really come into her own! Both are grieving and finding their footing after losing loved ones; both are so perfectly matched for each other!

And this Epilogue? It felt like a homecoming! All my favourite characters from Blue Grove were there, and it was such a perfect ending to this series! (Also, to say I already miss these characters is an understatement!)

Schulz knocked it out of the park with this one, and I love this story with my whole heart!

Second chance romance, no third act break up, and my favourite of the series - you must pick up Into The Mountains!

Thank you Kelsey Schulz for the complimentary copy to read and review and for letting me DM you as I read!

[Holly Schwartz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the perfect ending to such a sweet series!! I have loved getting to read all of these books and getting to know these characters. Blue Grove is such a special place that Kelsey created and it such a bittersweet feeling to have this be the end!! BUT i think Charlotte and Elias were the perfect ending. I am such a sucker for enemies to lovers banter, and since we met them they have had chemistry and I couldn’t wait to see their happy ending!!

I am also such a HUGE fan of second chances, and finding out that this was a second chance was the best news!! The flashbacks were so good and paring it with the present made everything work so well. I loved how easily they were able to fall back into things?? They realized they COULD and that they could finally move on from their past hurt, and make something new. And they were able to be there for each other to truly move on to the next past in their lives. Charlotte was finally able to have real closure after her parent’s deaths with Elias by her side. And Elias was able to realize he COULD be happy even after his wife’s death. They needed to live the lives they did, but somehow they were simply meant to find their way back together.

And they were truly SO FUN together! They were able to let go and just BE with each other. And not to mention how easily Charlotte and Ethan got along - I loved them SO MUCH!

All of Kelsey’s books centered around loss of a loved one and how different people deal with grief. And this one was both the same, and different. I could tell that Kelsey wrote this one with such a heavy heart, but she still did it so beautifully.

Thank you so much to Kelsey Schulz and Love Notes PR for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Kait · Rating 5 out of 5]

Into the Mountains, Kelsey Schulz’s upcoming novel, was everything I thought it would be and so much more! See author’s note at the beginning if the book for content warnings.

Blue Grove is one of my favorite small towns and it was great to return there for one more story. It was great reconnecting with Avery and Hudson, Sky and Jacob, Fran, Cordie, and Frank. Would it truly be a small town romance without well-meaning, meddling townspeople?

I was so excited when I heard Charlotte was getting her own book and I loved getting to know her more in this story. It was clear she and Elias still had unresolved feelings for each other and watching how they made peace with their past was a great way to start building a future together. Second chance romances have been really hit or miss lately for me and this was definitely a hit!

Of course I can’t write about this book without writing about Ethan. That boy’s negotiating skills are something else. He turned Elias into a cat person in a matter of weeks (if not days) and any moment where he tried to convince his dad that they needed (another) kitten was so funny!

Thank you Kelsey and LoveNotes PR for the eARC! I’m feeling bittersweet this is the last Blue Grove Mountain book, but Charlotte and Elias are such a special couple with a great story!

[Amanda Silver · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Love Notes PR for the ARC! 🧡

This was a second chance romance that involved both MCs healing from tragic loss and grief. Beautiful story watching them fall in love again and heal together.
The ending was a bit underwhelming and slowly paced and I kind of lost interest in the story.



Spoiler:
Also not a huge fan of the epilogue. And I don’t know if the author thought about the timing and years later of the epilogue?? Because after dating for like 2 months they moved in together and very shortly after got engaged so why would they wait 6 years, WHEN THEYRE 40, to have a kid together?? Just felt weird 🤷🏼‍♀️ like the author forgot they were in their mid thirties already.
But I try not to judge books too harshly on the epilogues.

[Beatriz Barros · Rating 4 out of 5]

This small-town romance stole my heart! 🏔️✨ Into the Mountains started as a solid 4-star read, and I absolutely fell for Charlotte & Elias’ second-chance, enemies-to-lovers banter. Top-tier. Him being a single dad? Instant win. Their history? Full of longing & missed chances.

Elias & Ethan’s father-son bond melted me—especially that scene when they find his late wife’s things. 💔 And Charlotte bonding with Ethan? So sweet. Bonus points for a Hobbit-themed party & a first kiss that made me swoon.

No third-act breakup, just an emotional, swoon-worthy romance.

[Loyda Peroza · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 STARS

Charlotte and Elias

I CRIED. My mom and I love The Hobbit and Lord of The Rings, and I'm a fan of Star Wars, too. This romance was different, I was expecting something cute, but it wasn't. Of course, I laughed with every interaction between Charlotte and Elias, and Ethan was cute.

Thanks Love Notes PR and Kelsey Schulz for the ARC.

[Jamie Costa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yess! So good

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

I felt all the emotions reading this book. A slow burn, enemies to lovers with all the right banter.

Into the Mountains tells the story of Charlotte and Eli who were high school rivals with a secret crush. When they finally get their chance freshman year of college, Eli completely ruins it. 15 years later they forced to work together. They both been through hell. Will they finally give each other another chance or will the past tear them apart?

[Charlotte Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished this adorable romance staring Elias & Charlotte 📚 I haven’t read the others in this series but definitely will be 🫶 This book really covers some heavy topics, I felt like the grief and emotion were explored so well and added real depth to the characters.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️

Thank you for the arc copy Love Notes PR

[Less · Rating 4 out of 5]

thank you for the opportunity 🩷

this book made me cry most of the time, I loved the characters growth and dealing with their past and themselves. I found the story very original, the loss of the one who was thought to be his life partner and THE PERSON was touching and losing my parents, facing my fears, and making amends with the past made me cry all the time

although sometimes I had the feeling of missing something and at the beginning I just couldn't connect with the characters and their feelings

[TheHonestReader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Firstly, thank you to Kelsey Schulz and Love Notes PR for the ARC!

I’ll start with saying I haven’t read any other books by Kelsey, that includes the first two books in this series. I didn’t even realise it was a series until I came here to write the review. So, I’m assuming you don’t really need to have read books 1&2 to enjoy this read.

It was cute. Second chance romance, small town, enemies to lovers and single dad trope. If I was giving the spice a rating, I’d say 🌶️🌶️

Did I enjoy the read? Yes. Was it cute and have a HEA? Yes. Was it something that I fell in love with and will rave about? No.

Eli and Charlie dated 15 years ago and he did something horrible and they went their separate ways. I didn’t enjoy finding out exactly what he did, at 65% of the way through. Am I supposed to be vouching for him, or screaming at her to run the other way? When you finally find out what he “did”, it was less than anticlimactic. I don’t actually think what happened was so horrific, you’d just end a relationship and not speak for 15 years. Going on a date was a dare. Sleeping with her and falling for her wasn’t.

Eli moves on and gets married and they have a kid. It’s mentioned at how in love he was with Charlie from the get go but he managed to move on and find the love of his life-again- and live a happy ever after? His wife gets sick and dies, which enables the opportunity for a second chance romance with Charlie. I don’t like that someone had to die for their second chance. It felt barbaric to me.

Once they were together, they were together. I kept waiting for the ball to drop. For something to happen that causes them to rethink this relationship, but it never came. I can’t work out if I liked that it was different to a typical romcom or if I’m disappointed.

The HEA was cute, but also infuriating. It ends with Charlie and Eli hosting a gender reveal that their family and friends have organised/set up with their permission (although slightly bigger than originally expected). Do you find out the gender of their baby? No. Not a cliffhanger of sorts, but felt like an unfinished book.

I applied to be an ARC reader for this book because I’d read the blurb and thought this would be a damn good book. For me, this book has great ideas and concepts but I felt like it missed the mark. Will I read Kelsey’s books in future? Yeah, it wasn’t a disaster. Will I race back now to read book 1&2? Also no.

[Saz1807 · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐
I am thankful for getting the ARC of this, I really liked this book.
Tropes:
Enemies to lovers to enemies to lovers
Second chance romance
One bed(tent)
Workplace romance
Single parent
This was such a cute fluffy romcom it has everything from banter to tension to romance to found family♥️🥹🤭
Charlotte and elias together were so cute.
Also we can't forget Ethan he made everything perfect, and the 6 cats whose name were inspired by the Hobbit, I liked how ethan named them and seeing elias felling in love with cats was so funny and cute♥️😂🐈(sable,hobbles)
Charlotte being scared of birds and the reason being her getting picked by them while she slept in the park had me giggling and also the snake scene when they were rowing the boat had me laughing so hard ethan being scared shitless😂😂. Their banter when they met after 15 years, ethan coming to help her and her telling him that he is her last resort hahaha also the bird shitting on him🤣
The way he swoop her scrunchie and the way he returned it iykyk🥵🤭😂
Ethan giving puppy eyes to elias fir getting all the cats home👀😂
Sky and jacob hudson and avery the way they brought them together and how close this family was, it showed again that not always blood is family sometimes other people become more than family to you♥️😭
The camping trip was so much and it was much needed for both of them to get closure.
The past chapters in between were so perfect to explain the storyline.
The hoodie, the things with pun on them, Charlie's relationship with her parents and her losing them, elias taking her wife's last name after marrying her and founding his family in them, they both coming together and making their relationship better and strong and then realising and making wo realise things everything was so perfect in this book.
I would recommend everyone to read this if you want something fun,light.
(I want to tell more but I will spoil things that's why I controlled myself or I would have written more and definitely spoiled things😂)

[Melanie Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy pub day to INTO THE MOUNTAINS by @kelseys.corner.of.books Charlotte, Elias and Ethan are officially out in the world!

This is the third and final book in the Blue Grove Mountain series, and while I’m sad to see the end of a series I love, Kelsey did an amazing job with this book, this story, and wrapping everything up!

This book tackles some hard topics- grief/death and healing from that, having parents who aren’t nice/good to you, and healing after heartbreak, if you read the author’s note, you know how deeply personal this book is to Kelsey, and it’s very evident throughout the story how much she poured into it. The discussions around losing a loved one and how just a simple word can bring so many memories (good and bad). While I bet it wasn’t easy to write this book, I think it made Charlotte and Elias’ story that much better and more meaningful. It’s my favourite book of the series (and I LOVE the first two!!).

While this book touches on hard topics that might make you sad, it also has plenty of heartwarming, funny and feel good moments. Ethan, Elias’s son provides some much needed comic relief (especially in his quest to adopt alllllllll the cats!!!). I loved seeing the relationship between a Charlotte and Ethan grow, bonding over their love for The Hobbit. I loved the found family aspect, and how much each couple (Hudson& Avery, Sky& Jacob) support and help each other. The whole town too- one of my fav small towns!

Then there’s Charlotte and Elias. I’ve been DYING to know their story since book one!! While I loved learning their backstory, it was also filled with heartache, and the end of their just budding relationship. Elias and Charlotte both grew a lot since their early 20s, and even more ax their present day story progresses. They are now rivals and tasked with working together on the expansion for the get clinic. How do they end up getting along and working together to complete this job? An aptly timed camping trip meant to “bond” (Sky is a mastermind!) the spicy scenes surprised me in the best way and were SO GOOD 🔥🔥

I loved the ending so so much!! Highly recommend reading this series!

[Amelia Lawniczak · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love small-town romance, meddling neighbors, and a second-chance love story filled with heart and humor, Into the Mountains is the perfect read! Kelsey Schulz delivered exactly what I hoped for—and then some.

Returning to Blue Grove felt like coming home. I loved reconnecting with Avery and Hudson, Sky and Jacob, and of course, the ever-entertaining Fran, Cordie, and Frank. But this time, it was Charlotte and Elias who stole the show. Their story had everything—tension, banter, longing, and an undeniable pull that neither of them could resist. Watching them navigate their past heartbreak and find their way back to each other was equal parts emotional and swoon-worthy. I’m picky with second-chance romances, but this one? Absolute perfection.

And then there’s Ethan. Oh, Ethan. That kid is a negotiation genius, and I lived for every moment he tried to con Elias into adopting just one more kitten (as if six wasn’t already too many 😂). His bond with Elias made my heart melt, and his well-timed comedic moments had me laughing out loud.

Speaking of laughter, this book had some top-tier romcom moments! Charlotte’s bird phobia? Her park incident had me giggling. The snake situation on the boat? Comedy gold. And let’s not forget the infamous scrunchie swoop—if you know, you know 👀🔥.

Beyond the humor and romance, Into the Mountains carried a lot of heart. Charlotte’s journey of loss, healing, and finding a new kind of family was so touching. It’s a beautiful reminder that sometimes, the people we choose become the strongest family of all.

I’m bittersweet knowing this is the final Blue Grove Mountain book, but I couldn’t have asked for a better sendoff. Charlotte and Elias’ story was full of love, laughter, and all the cozy small-town vibes I adore. If you’re looking for a fun yet heartfelt romance, this one needs to be on your TBR!

Thank you, Kelsey Schulz and LoveNotes PR, for the eARC! 💙

[Natasha Rain · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review
3 ⭐️ Stars


Charlotte has been worn down by life and loss and she is a damn mess, a very hot mess. Girl, go back to therapy. Work out your issues there instead of taking them out on others, please. Maybe it would help you approach your issues with Elias.

He's clearly different from when you both were barely 20yrs old. Most 20yr olds are MESSY and make so many mistakes. Sure, she's allowed to have feelings about what he did, but give him an opportunity to apologize.

Elias has really gone through it and is trying to do the best he can for his son. The audacity that this man has in some of these scenes is irritating, but it makes him more believable. He might be irritating but this poor man, he gets beaten up on the camping trip.

There is no way a straight cis man would describe a woman's hair the way he does in this novel or understand women's clothing the way he does. His voice seems lost in the author’s.

Some of the writing/language used is a bit clunky and odd and when some chapters end do not make sense. Descriptions are so important, for example, I don’t think Charlotte carries around a whole PC.

This 9 year old talks like he's 16 sometimes 20. I get that kids who have experienced trauma lose their childhood and grow up quicker, but not like this. Also, this kid packed up a whole room... with what boxes? The child in the novel seems to be a second thought.

This definitely needed a line editor. The storyline has potential but at the moment, it's very linear. I don't need a play-by-play of everything going on. Some of these chapters could have been a 3-4 line summary in another chapter.

At this point every writer is using T-Swift music in their books. Please, I'm begging, find a new musician. There are so many musicians.

[Haley | wickedbeebooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kelsey Schulz is back again with a cozy, spicy, funny, and all around delightful read set in Blue Grove!

I’ve been a huge fan of Kelsey’s writing since Pictures in Blue, the first book in the Blue Grove Mountain series, and while this one is technically book 3, it stands completely on its own so incredibly well. This is a second chance romance with a little dash of rivals to lovers. Charlotte and Elias have chemistry that is jumping off the page, both in the current timeline and in flashbacks to their younger years. They’re both also healing from devastating grief, learning to lean on the people who love them, and re-learning how to let romantic love back into their lives. Combine this with cameos from characters we know and love, classic Blue Grove charm, side character antics, spice that will have you fanning yourself, and last but not least, CATS! And we’ve got a romance novel I couldn’t put down.

I particularly adored the emotional journey these two go through in this book. They both have experienced some incredibly losses (a content warning to be aware of), and Kelsey handles this level of grief with such grace, it feels like the reader is healing alongside them. The heaviness of the is also somehow doesn’t draw back from the overall comfort, charm, humor and hijinx of being back in this little mountain town. If you enjoy small mountain towns, single dads, second chances, grief & healing, only one tent, BK Borison, Gilmore Girls vibes, and immaculate found families, you’ll adore this.

Thank you to Kelsey Schulz and Love Notes PR for this eArc!

[Misty (Reds Romance Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlotte Monroe moved to Blue Grove with the hopes of a much needed life reboot. Her and a friend are planning to open a business together and she is excited to get started and embrace this next chapter in her life. What she didn't plan on was running smack dab into her past... a past that she thought she was over and done with.

Into the Mountains is a story of new beginnings, second chances, rekindling lost love and mending hearts. When Charlotte returned to Blue Grove it was meant to be a new beginning for her in the career portion of her life, but what she didn't expect was for it to be a new beginning at love too. Seeing Elias again was something she never planned on happening, she thought their chance at love was over fifteen years ago... but apparently not. Once reunited this pairing learns that there is a lot of love left between them... but also some hurt feelings too. As they sift through the past and realize the possibilities still lingering between them these two find that this second chance is one they should waste.

I really enjoyed this first time read, the story line was engaging and filled with moments that gave my heartstrings a nice little tug, and it came with characters that impossible not to fall for... I loved everything about them! (Especially Ethan!) Highly recommend this one to fans of second chance romances, it's destined to check all of the boxes!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.

[BSB by Juliana Lago · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m very excited because I totally loved the opportunity to read this book by an ARC copy. So I owe a huge thank you to @kelseys.corner.of.books and @lovenotes.pr !

Fifteen years can separate a whole life, but cannot erase a love forever!

Charlie had suffered many losses during her life in a short period between them! So she just run away to starting over and never come back! One of her losses was the breakup with Elias, who moved on after she said he shouldn’t look for her anymore. He finished the college, got married and had a son, but his wife had a breast cancer and died!

After fifteen years Charlotte and Elias were in the same circle of life again, and for worst (or better!) working together in a project!

Will they be able to overcome their differences and live in the same circle of friends, work and family? Will they fall in love with each other again? Or has this love always been there even though life has gone on?

They will discover that INTO THE MOUNTAINS!

If you like romances with:
🏕️ Second chance
🛶 Rivals to lovers
🏕️ Single dad
🛶 Camping
🏕️ Forced proximity
🛶 Dual POV
🏕️ Dual timeline
🛶 Spiceness
You should read this beautiful story! I truly recommend!

✨Do you think is it possible for love to survive after so long?

✨Quote: “Before I let myself question it or overthink it, I wrap my other hand around the back of his neck, pulling him to me and kiss him for the first time in fifteen years, the impact of my body jerking him back onto his right forearm. His other hand slides around my waist, closing the inches we had left between our bodies.”

[Cammie (Bibliolater.alligator)]

Our final step into Blue Grove was one I was very much looking forward to, as I love second chance romance, and this felt like second chance with a twist, as Elias not only moved on but got married, had a child, and is now widowed. Can he have two loves of his life?
Charlotte is battling her own grief after the loss of her parents within just a few weeks of each other, and I felt the aspects of this part of the story were handled with beautiful care. Schulz has been open about her own battles with loss and grief while writing this story, and the personal emotions came through and made this the highlight of the book for me.
Unfortunately, the rest really didn't do much for me one way or another. While I believed Elias and Charlotte had chemistry, I wanted more of their initial connection as young adults, as well as more emotional connection in current day. A lot of physical moments took precedent over times I really wanted to see them talk and connect more on an emotional level. Something about them just didn't click with me. While it was dual PoV, I kept forgetting that the narrator had changed for a few pages, as I didn't feel either of them had a super clear voice.
If you're looking for sweet and spicy, heartfelt stories, Keksey Schulz will take you to Blue Grove and give you just that. The epilogue gave us the wrap up we want for all the couples (esp my favorites from book 1, Avery and Hudson) and will leave you satisfied with everyone's stories.
Thank you to Keksey Schulz and LoveNotes PR for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[NikkiReads365 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second chance romance?
Enemies to lovers?
DUAL TIMELINE?!
Overwhelmingly gut punching moments that left me sobbing at times?

What isn’t there to love about this book?
Kelsey - I have legit NEVER sobbed so much or so hard when reading a book in YEARS. The concept of grief is so ingrained in this narrative in the most beautiful, well done way that I’ve read in a LONG time.

As a lover of this entire series, the writing was on the wall for a book between Charlotte and Elias for some time, and I have been chomping for this storyline, because there was always something deeper and unsaid between these two characters. And what a finale for the Blue Grove books — and that epilogue! UGH. Be still my heart.

Charlotte is my favorite FMC Kelsey has written to date.
Elias is also hands down my favorite MMC Kelsey has written to — their journeys, their losses, and their connection is just everything I didn’t know I needed in a romance book where my heart was shattered in the best way. Charlotte is feisty and Elias is a romantic.

With appearances by Blue Grove favorites - Fran, Hudson, and of course, Frank, this book is an ode to small towns and the beauty of family - both found and otherwise - and for anyone needing an entire series tbat is just so freakin’ well written with quality heart, spice, and wonderful snark and banter, Kelsey won’t let you down, I promise you.

Special thank you to Kelsey for allowing me the honor to journey to Blue Grove one final time 💕

[Eli Rowlands · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was very very cute! Very spicy and well done :) huge thank you to love notes pr and the author for giving me an ARC copy of this book! This books follows Charlotte, a girl who relocates to Blue Grove to start a business with her best friend where she encounters her ex rival Elias, whom she must work together with to on a job where they’re forced to confront lingering feelings for one another.

I thought it was hard to get into at first not having read the other books in the series, but by the end I was fully hooked! Super cute as I said before. The most challenging part for me was feeling connected to characters other than Charlotte and Elias, as well as Ethan (Eli’s son). Speaking of Ethan, MAN I love that kid! Favorite character by far. The ending was perfectly satisfying and I loved the epilogue, I just wish it would’ve given us a touch more as I feel it left off on a cliffhanger and I believe it’s the final book in the series (if I’m wrong and they make a sequel to this or something than I take it all back!). One important lesson was to let yourself grieve however you need whenever you lose a loved one, but don’t push away those that are just trying to be there for you. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and the plot line with all the cats was adorable! Definitely would recommend to a friend.

[Josy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love has it’s own ways of finding you, even if it is fifteen years later. Especially if everyone around you can still see the love between you and your sworn enemy. In a matter of a few months Charlotte goes from being the luckiest girl in the world to hitting a grieving rock bottom that she can’t seem to recover.
Hate and grief mix in a way that seems to be impossible to unwind. But can Elias help her finally accepting the grief and accept the love he and his son have to give?
I devoured this book. It’s a mix of dual POV and Timelines, where we can uncover why Charlotte hates Elias so much, and we can see that he truly regrets his actions. We navigate with them through hate, grief and acceptance with a good amount of banter, friendly rivalry and a few steamy moments.
Kelsey managed to put this double POV and Timeline in a perfectly balanced way, where we get the right scenes and throwbacks at the right time without foreshadowing to much. I also liked to see how everyone griefs in their own way and time, and sometimes, it takes more than a decade to finally close a chapter and move on. A little pet peeve of mine is trying to find the exact line or word of the Title in the Book, which was nicely hidden in the perfect spot.
For me this is definitively a five star read, and I would highly recommend this book.

[TheLisaD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelsey Schulz delivers a heartwarming and hilarious romance in Into the Mountains, making it a standout in the rom-com genre. As a first-time reader of Schulz’s work, I was immediately drawn in by her engaging writing style, well-developed characters, and the effortless chemistry between the leads. This novel strikes the perfect balance between humor, heartfelt moments, and genuine romance.

One of the highlights of the story is the character development. Both main characters feel authentic and well-rounded, making their journey all the more enjoyable to follow. Their chemistry is undeniable, creating a slow-burn romance that keeps you hooked until the very last page. Additionally, the portrayal of the son is a true standout—adorable, realistic, and perfectly written to enhance the story without feeling forced.

Schulz’s ability to craft a feel-good, entertaining romance while still delivering depth and emotional growth makes Into the Mountains an absolute must-read. If you love rom-coms with lovable characters, plenty of charm, and a touch of heartfelt emotion, this book is definitely worth picking up. I can’t wait to read more from this author!

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found Into the Mountains to be a heartfelt read that touched on the aspects of grief against the backdrop of a sweet small-town and the charm that comes along with it.

While I enjoyed the characters and storyline (I love second chance romance), I struggled to fully invest in Charlotte and Elias' relationship. The idea that a short summer fling, followed by fifteen years of separation leading to an immediate rekindling of deep feelings felt somewhat unrealistic—especially considering the significant trauma and grief both characters have endured. The pacing of their reconciliation seemed rushed, and some of their character development felt underexplored. Perhaps if I had read the first two books in the series, I would have had a better understanding of their backstory, which might have made their reunion feel more organic.

Despite these concerns, the novel still delivers an enjoyable second-chance romance filled with heartfelt moments and charming small-town dynamics. Charlotte and Elias’s banter with the added warmth from Elias’s son and his quirky cat obsession brought a delightful touch to the story, providing some much-needed levity amid the heavier emotional themes.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tropes: enemies to lovers, second chance romance, one tent, single dad, dual POV, dual timeline
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Charlotte and Elias were rivals in high school, dated (very) briefly in college, and then didn’t see each other again for 15 years. During those years both suffered tremendous loss, Kelsea really dove into their grief processes in a painful but well written way.

Note: My heart wasn’t prepared for so many strong, sad feelings- please read the author’s note at the start of the book and take care while reading. 🫶🏻

Back to the review: Elias’ son, Ethan, is a damned cute kid- and, while Charlotte and Elias have to work together on a project, Charlotte and Ethan grow close. This closeness helps forge a bond between Charlotte and Elias which, in turn, helps the two tiptoe back into a physical relationship. Contrary to some other reviews I read, I found the speed with which the MCs rekindle their romance was very believable- between the shared grief and the ages they were when initially intimate, I feel that it was not a shock or stretch to think they could fall back together so quickly.

[lei ˚ ༘ ೀ⋆｡˚ · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC book review
★★★.5/5

my first book written by kelsey & let’s say, it may not be my last. so grateful for the opportunity to reading charlotte & elias book early, so thank you to kelsey & lovenotes pr for the arc! 🫶🏽

instantly from the tropes, I knew I needed to read their story. although I haven’t read this series before, I sure do want to get more into the side characters. I absolutely adored charlotte & elias, their story was full of so many heartfelt moments but nothing had prepared me for the heavy topics. this book was filled with so many emotions & everything just felt to real & raw, as usual, always love a good book that portrays real emotions in that way.

I loved the character development in both of the characters. watching this grow into a more positive relationship & just in watching them build up whatever was broken in the past. but also, ethan, oh how I adored his moments & what his character brought to their story, as if he was meant to bring them together. 🥹

again, just a cozy & sweet read. so many amazing moments spreaded throughout the book & just in all so worth picking up. 😌

[Sofi Mascaró · Rating 5 out of 5]

thank you so much to Love Notes tours for gifting me an early copy! all opinions are my own!

i think i'm going to miss this trilogy so much 😭
i really wasn't expecting to fall in love with every single character or even with such a small town, but now i have. i'm going to miss Fran and Cordie's gossip intel, the beautiful Waters family and all these beautiful couples i had the absolute pleasure to read about. i think the reason they felt special were their issues, and Charlotte and Elias were not the exception. they both deal with SO MUCH i just wanted to hug them and tell them it's okey to be sad, that they can learn to be happy into the future. also, this was my very first time reading about A SINGLE DAD, which i really enjoyed because my heart wouldn't stop beating at how much love Elias has for his kid. i believe the smut scenes on this book were waaaay more intense than in the previous ones and i'm so not complaining at all 😎
i can't believe how many second chance romances i've been reading in the past months but i'm so glad i'm giving them a chance so i can finally enjoy these beautiful stories. they will always stay in my heart 💜

[Booked.withb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Into the mountains 🏔️ ❤️🐱

Wow this book really surprised me, by 40% in I truely thought this was a super sweet, cutesy romantic book that hit me in the feels and I was enjoying it. Around 50% in the spice 🥵 kicked in and it became so much more than just a cute romance book, it tackled grief, love, second chances and how to navigate relationships and friendships as an adult. Everything about this book was beautiful, the romance, the gestures, the spice and the storyline, you fall a little in love with both Charlotte & Elias and all the characters along the way.

My favourite quotes:

“Blowing out a long breath, I decide to finally tell the first person I’ve ever told in fifteen years about how I know Elias Hayes”

“The boy who challenged me every single day to be better and smarter than I was, to work harder just so I could beat him”

“It’s from the Hobbit Dad, it’s about time you read it”

“I dug a hole, tossed all the pain and heartbreak down into it and buried it as deep into my soul as I could”

[Maria | Marias Book Recs · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

this is such a lovely, tender story. I love a second chance, single parent story, and these two have had a bumpy, grief filled journey to find each other again.

I love how Charlotte and Elias can’t help but show up and care for each other even when they are still hesitant toward each other. the way Charlotte and Ethan bonded melted my heart, especially as it brings her and Elias closer together.

there is so much love and healing and acceptance in this story. the way Charlotte and Elias find common ground in grief and healing help them reconnect in a more mature, deeper way than they did as their younger selves. this story so beautifully captures the nuance of how life, love, and loss shapes our worldview, relationships, and priorities. it also tenderly holds these deeper, devastating topics in the most loving way.

I loved the family and friendships between the characters we’ve already met and loved in this series, and the new ones we meet and fall in love with. this whole series is filled to the brim with love, tenderness, devotion, and ultimate coziness. 🥹🫶

thank you so much for the ARC!

[Shauna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel beautifully explores the enemies-to-lovers and second-chance romance between Elias and Charlotte, whose connection is filled with tension, growth, and ultimately, healing. As they navigate their complicated history, their relationship deepens through shared grief and an unexpected reconnection.

Charlotte also forms a touching bond with Elias’s son, Ethan, over their mutual love for The Hobbit. Their shared love of literature becomes a safe space, allowing them to express their pain and find comfort in each other.

Elias and Charlotte are both grieving the los, and their journey together is as emotional as it is healing. Their path from past wounds to newfound love is beautifully crafted, making their romance all the more powerful.

The book also includes delightful cultural nods, such as an ode to Parent Trap and a swoon-worthy revelation that Elias watches Bridgerton. Additionally, the conversation about grief and forgiveness is refreshing, adding a deeper emotional resonance to the story.