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Home at the Mountain: A Fake Dating, Friends to Lovers Romance
Picking up the pieces, one heartbeat at a time.
Layla Matthews is fighting hard for a fresh start after surviving the divorce from hell. A new town, a new job, even a new house–but no new lovers for her, ever. Her heart would never withstand another break-up. But it’s not like she’s all alone. She has her best friend, Gabe, whom she’s hired to renovate her house.
Gabe Rossi has a problem. Now that his sisters have found their ‘forever loves,’ his mother is doubling down on her matchmaking efforts to find him a date to the Whitespell Gala. Only Gabe’s not interested in bringing just anyone. It’s hard to admit, but he’s in love with his longtime friend Layla.
When Layla and Gabe hatch the plan to pretend date, it seems like the perfect solution–Gabe has a date to the Gala and Layla has someone to show her around town. But as they spend more and more time together, their feelings grow beyond the platonic relationship they’ve always had. The lines between what’s real and fake blur. Is Gabe willing to risk their friendship to tell Layla how he feels? Will Layla be able to open her heart after it was shattered? And then there’s Gabe’s family, who have welcomed Layla as their own, making this whole fake dating plan messier than they thought.
The second book in the Whitespell series, Home at the Mountain, is a fake dating, friends to lovers romance set in a small Pacific Northwest town. There’s a home renovation, fun family banter, and summertime adventure in the mountains of Oregon. Dual POV with open door spice and a guaranteed happy ending!
Layla Matthews is fighting hard for a fresh start after surviving the divorce from hell. A new town, a new job, even a new house–but no new lovers for her, ever. Her heart would never withstand another break-up. But it’s not like she’s all alone. She has her best friend, Gabe, whom she’s hired to renovate her house.
Gabe Rossi has a problem. Now that his sisters have found their ‘forever loves,’ his mother is doubling down on her matchmaking efforts to find him a date to the Whitespell Gala. Only Gabe’s not interested in bringing just anyone. It’s hard to admit, but he’s in love with his longtime friend Layla.
When Layla and Gabe hatch the plan to pretend date, it seems like the perfect solution–Gabe has a date to the Gala and Layla has someone to show her around town. But as they spend more and more time together, their feelings grow beyond the platonic relationship they’ve always had. The lines between what’s real and fake blur. Is Gabe willing to risk their friendship to tell Layla how he feels? Will Layla be able to open her heart after it was shattered? And then there’s Gabe’s family, who have welcomed Layla as their own, making this whole fake dating plan messier than they thought.
The second book in the Whitespell series, Home at the Mountain, is a fake dating, friends to lovers romance set in a small Pacific Northwest town. There’s a home renovation, fun family banter, and summertime adventure in the mountains of Oregon. Dual POV with open door spice and a guaranteed happy ending!
- GenresRomance
206 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 24, 2025
16 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 22, 2025
I love a friends to lovers romance and this one is a great one. Layla and Gabe have been friends for years, but she has no idea that his feelings go deeper than just friendship. He certainly couldn’t tell her while she was married and now that she has gone through a nasty divorce, he is not about to blurt out his feelings. He did convince her to come to his home town and he is eager to help her settle in and find some peace. Gabe’s mother is determined to see him settled after his sisters have their “ones”. Her matchmaking efforts are in full force, especially with the Whitespell Gala coming up. Fortunately, Layla agrees to be his date, though neither could have guessed that this and working together renovating her new home would lead their relationship in a new direction. They just have to open their eyes and their hearts, and be brave enough to reveal their love to each other.
I love how supportive Gabe is, how he knows when she needs someone to lean on, to make her laugh and listen when she needs to let it all out. When Layla is struggling to rebuild her life and her self-confidence, Gabe is there to encourage her and to bring a little light into the situation. He hides his feelings very well, but hopes he won’t have to keep doing so. His close-knit family is funny, gregarious and welcoming, just what Layla needs. They are very happy at the thought of Gabe and Layla being together. I must confess that I love how competitive his family is when it comes to playing games, and the smack talk and teasing involved. It reminds me of my own family. It takes a beat, but Layla finally realizes that her feelings for Gabe go beyond just friendship. The good guy, the life’s mate she deserves has been right in front of her for years and Gabe’s patience and devotion finally get rewarded.
This very enjoyable and entertaining book has my full recommendation.
I love how supportive Gabe is, how he knows when she needs someone to lean on, to make her laugh and listen when she needs to let it all out. When Layla is struggling to rebuild her life and her self-confidence, Gabe is there to encourage her and to bring a little light into the situation. He hides his feelings very well, but hopes he won’t have to keep doing so. His close-knit family is funny, gregarious and welcoming, just what Layla needs. They are very happy at the thought of Gabe and Layla being together. I must confess that I love how competitive his family is when it comes to playing games, and the smack talk and teasing involved. It reminds me of my own family. It takes a beat, but Layla finally realizes that her feelings for Gabe go beyond just friendship. The good guy, the life’s mate she deserves has been right in front of her for years and Gabe’s patience and devotion finally get rewarded.
This very enjoyable and entertaining book has my full recommendation.
April 8, 2025
Home on the Mountain is book two of the Whitespell series. This is the third book I’ve read by Laney Lockett, and she is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors, and she is a queen in the Small-Town Romance department. She is definitely going on my “if I see a book by her, I’m grabbing it” list! I absolutely loved book one in this series and had been patiently, impatiently waiting for book two. Every time I read one of her books, she makes you feel like you are part of the story. This is a fake dating, friends to lovers story and it is absolutely amazing. Layla had one heck of a divorce, and she wants a new start. Gabe is being pressured by his parents because his sisters have all found the loves of their life. They have been friends for a long time and Gabe is in love with Layla. I fell in love with both of these characters. I love the story line and feel like I want to move to this small town after reading the first two books of this series. I cannot wait to read what Laney has up next!
As always be mindful of trigger warnings, what I like you may not.
Happy Reading!
As always be mindful of trigger warnings, what I like you may not.
Happy Reading!
March 17, 2025
"Picking up the pieces, one heartbeat at a time."
This is my second time reading a book by Laney lockett and it did not disappoint at all. Once I started I couldn't stop. I was hooked from start to finish. It's such a crazy ride with hilarious moments, open door scenes, fake dating and family fun. The characters, storyline and plot where wonderfully written by Laney, she made me feel like I was apart of their world and family. It's action packed.
Layla and Gabe have been friends for a long time, he's always had feelings for her. She's going through terrible divorce and broken heart. And she's needs a new start. Gabe convinces her to move to white spell and she does. New start, new home , new job and maybe a new love.
Gabes family is pressuring him to find someone, specially to bring to the gala but he doesn't want just anyone he wants Layla. So they come up with a plan to fake date a win win for both. But as they spend more time together feelings grow deeper. Will they get a hea, or will everything shatter?!
Grab the book and find out!! Highly recommend.
This is my second time reading a book by Laney lockett and it did not disappoint at all. Once I started I couldn't stop. I was hooked from start to finish. It's such a crazy ride with hilarious moments, open door scenes, fake dating and family fun. The characters, storyline and plot where wonderfully written by Laney, she made me feel like I was apart of their world and family. It's action packed.
Layla and Gabe have been friends for a long time, he's always had feelings for her. She's going through terrible divorce and broken heart. And she's needs a new start. Gabe convinces her to move to white spell and she does. New start, new home , new job and maybe a new love.
Gabes family is pressuring him to find someone, specially to bring to the gala but he doesn't want just anyone he wants Layla. So they come up with a plan to fake date a win win for both. But as they spend more time together feelings grow deeper. Will they get a hea, or will everything shatter?!
Grab the book and find out!! Highly recommend.
July 6, 2025
This was such a lovely continuation of the Whitespell series. Gabe and Layla have been best friends since they met at math club in college. After a messy divorce, she takes Gabe’s suggestion and moves to Whitespell to start over. When Gabe’s meddling mom tries to match him up with a coworker for the annual gala, Gabe and Layla decide to fake date in order to get his mom off his back. Gabe’s been harboring feelings for Layla since college and what starts off as fake only solidifies how much he cares for her. But will she return his feelings?
This is such a cozy, low angst read. Both characters are very likable and have not only a solid foundation from their years of friendship, but also a lot of chemistry. I also loved the scenes between Layla and Gabe’s family. It was very heartwarming to see how well she fit into the fold. I’ve really enjoyed the books in this series and look forward to Dom’s book next!
This is such a cozy, low angst read. Both characters are very likable and have not only a solid foundation from their years of friendship, but also a lot of chemistry. I also loved the scenes between Layla and Gabe’s family. It was very heartwarming to see how well she fit into the fold. I’ve really enjoyed the books in this series and look forward to Dom’s book next!
April 29, 2025
I can't say enough good things about this book. I really liked Gabe and Layla.
Meeting in college and becoming friends then being able to keep that friendship for years is an accomplishment. Even when they didn't live in the same town, they figured out a way to see each other as often as they could.
Gabe is a total sweetheart and all around good guy. He helps everyone and is close to his family.
Layla is sweet and strong. She fits in with Gabe's family really well. They all love her and she loves them too.
I wasn't really a fan of Layla's mom. She tried to tell Layla what to do instead of listening to her and letting her make her own decisions. Making Layla second guess herself was wrong.
As always Laney wrote a sweet and heartfelt story about overcoming challenges and figuring out what truly makes Gabe and Layla happy.
5⭐
2🌶
Meeting in college and becoming friends then being able to keep that friendship for years is an accomplishment. Even when they didn't live in the same town, they figured out a way to see each other as often as they could.
Gabe is a total sweetheart and all around good guy. He helps everyone and is close to his family.
Layla is sweet and strong. She fits in with Gabe's family really well. They all love her and she loves them too.
I wasn't really a fan of Layla's mom. She tried to tell Layla what to do instead of listening to her and letting her make her own decisions. Making Layla second guess herself was wrong.
As always Laney wrote a sweet and heartfelt story about overcoming challenges and figuring out what truly makes Gabe and Layla happy.
5⭐
2🌶
March 21, 2025
Home At The Mountain is book two of the Whitespell Series.
Layla and Gabe are friends and have been for quite awhile. So when they Gabe needs to get his mother off his back, it makes sense for him to turn to Layla. They agree to pretend to date so everyone can leave them alone and let them work through their own things. However, as time goes on and they spend even more time together, Layla realizes what she has been missing and wanting in her life has been in front of her the whole time.
It was a very enjoyable story about waiting for the right moment to lay your heart on the line and taking a chance on having your forever.
Layla and Gabe are friends and have been for quite awhile. So when they Gabe needs to get his mother off his back, it makes sense for him to turn to Layla. They agree to pretend to date so everyone can leave them alone and let them work through their own things. However, as time goes on and they spend even more time together, Layla realizes what she has been missing and wanting in her life has been in front of her the whole time.
It was a very enjoyable story about waiting for the right moment to lay your heart on the line and taking a chance on having your forever.
March 17, 2025
Arc review 📝
4.5 ⭐️
1.5 🌶️
Gabe and Layla had a beautiful friendship for the last 15 years.
After a terrible divorce Gabe convinces Layla to move to Whitespell and start over.
Though this was a quick read, i was still able to connect with both Gabe and Layla. Gabe is such a cinnamon roll kind of guy with an amazing family!
I think I yelled at the book a few times, because COME ON Layla! How didn’t you realize this man was head over heels in love with YOU! lol
I loved the beautiful descriptions of Oregon, I’ve never been to the PNW but the way this book and the previous described this place, makes me want to visit.
The best part of the book is when the Rossi’s have family dinners and you get to read about all the yummy food 😂 I seriously drooled. But it’s also so lovely to see their family dynamics 💜 There was maybe 1 open door spice scene and a good amount of sexual banter
Overall, home at the mountain was a great read! Worth reading 🖤
4.5 ⭐️
1.5 🌶️
Gabe and Layla had a beautiful friendship for the last 15 years.
After a terrible divorce Gabe convinces Layla to move to Whitespell and start over.
Though this was a quick read, i was still able to connect with both Gabe and Layla. Gabe is such a cinnamon roll kind of guy with an amazing family!
I think I yelled at the book a few times, because COME ON Layla! How didn’t you realize this man was head over heels in love with YOU! lol
I loved the beautiful descriptions of Oregon, I’ve never been to the PNW but the way this book and the previous described this place, makes me want to visit.
The best part of the book is when the Rossi’s have family dinners and you get to read about all the yummy food 😂 I seriously drooled. But it’s also so lovely to see their family dynamics 💜 There was maybe 1 open door spice scene and a good amount of sexual banter
Overall, home at the mountain was a great read! Worth reading 🖤
March 26, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. I haven't read other books by this author before but I'm excited to check out others.
I love friends to lovers and fake dating, and this was a great one. I hated every time I had to put it down! I loved the other family members, and the descriptive writing made me feel like I was there with them. I'm ready for camping trips, ikea runs and family dinners.
Highly recommend this one and I can't wait for Dominic's story next.
I love friends to lovers and fake dating, and this was a great one. I hated every time I had to put it down! I loved the other family members, and the descriptive writing made me feel like I was there with them. I'm ready for camping trips, ikea runs and family dinners.
Highly recommend this one and I can't wait for Dominic's story next.
March 26, 2025
Layla has been through it and her friend convinces her to start over in Whitespell. Now this is a fantastic story of friends to lovers who fake date... all while the friend, Gabe, is secretly in love with her... how she misses this with all the things he does for her.. I have no clue. The family dinners and the lake, the help with her reno and more, omg, the period car package and chinese.. this man is chef's kiss!!!
April 8, 2025
Omg I love Laney so freaking much. I’m normally a dark romance reader but her characters are so well written that I read this book in one sitting.
Layla has always been friends with Gabe, but when they decide to “fake date” they both find out they have true feeling for each other. I don’t usually go for the whole fake dating trope but this book made me second guess that. It was very clear that they belonged together. I can’t wait to read what Laney writes next.
Layla has always been friends with Gabe, but when they decide to “fake date” they both find out they have true feeling for each other. I don’t usually go for the whole fake dating trope but this book made me second guess that. It was very clear that they belonged together. I can’t wait to read what Laney writes next.
January 20, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
This was a sweet small town romance. However they spend the ENTIRE book gaslighting themselves and that’s just too dang much. I get that they’ve been friends forever. We love a friends to lovers moment. But to fake date and refuse to accept or discuss your feelings isn’t 30+yr old behavior.
I am happy they got their happily ever after. I did want that for them. And the other Rossi siblings.
🌶️🌶️
This was a sweet small town romance. However they spend the ENTIRE book gaslighting themselves and that’s just too dang much. I get that they’ve been friends forever. We love a friends to lovers moment. But to fake date and refuse to accept or discuss your feelings isn’t 30+yr old behavior.
I am happy they got their happily ever after. I did want that for them. And the other Rossi siblings.
March 27, 2025
Home at the mountain
I want to live in this small town it is so cute and fun. I loved the fake dating and the tension between the two characters. I really enjoyed the journey and the shenanigans that they got into together. I can't wait for the next sibling's book!
I want to live in this small town it is so cute and fun. I loved the fake dating and the tension between the two characters. I really enjoyed the journey and the shenanigans that they got into together. I can't wait for the next sibling's book!
March 27, 2025
Gabe’s long time friend is moving to his home town. Layla wants a fresh start after her divorce. Gabe and Layla hatch a plan to fake date so he could get his mother off his back and Layla could stay single. Fake dating is become messy because the feeling that Gabe and Layla have towards each is something that they didn’t expect. Must read this wonderful friends to lovers romance!
April 11, 2025
This is the second in the Whitespell series but it can totally be read as a standalone.
Gabe and Layla have been best friends since college. Gabe has always had feelings for Layla but couldn’t do anything about it since she was married. Now, Layla is fresh off a brutal divorce and moving to Whitespell!
Gabe is the best friend/boyfriend a girl could ask for, and the whole Rossi family are the most kindhearted and generous people. Found family is a big motive in the story.
If you love:
📚Very low angst, cozy romance
📚Small town
📚Friends to lovers
📚Fake dating
📚He falls first
📚Found family
📚Breathtaking views and delicious food
… then you will love Home At The Mountain!
Gabe and Layla have been best friends since college. Gabe has always had feelings for Layla but couldn’t do anything about it since she was married. Now, Layla is fresh off a brutal divorce and moving to Whitespell!
Gabe is the best friend/boyfriend a girl could ask for, and the whole Rossi family are the most kindhearted and generous people. Found family is a big motive in the story.
If you love:
📚Very low angst, cozy romance
📚Small town
📚Friends to lovers
📚Fake dating
📚He falls first
📚Found family
📚Breathtaking views and delicious food
… then you will love Home At The Mountain!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews