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Jumping In
MJ is tired of playing it safe and being the people pleaser everyone expects her to be.
Following in her father’s footsteps and becoming a lawyer has always been the plan but lately that plan has been feeling more like a death sentence. Home from college, MJ begrudgingly offers to help with the big case the whole town has been buzzing about. Little does she know, her father’s client is none other than her ex-best-friend and childhood crush, Mac.
Mac lost his best friend six years ago and now he’s about to lose even more.
The town bad boy everyone loves to hate is officially on a losing streak but when his ex-best-friend, MJ, returns home from college, his luck just might turn around. Realizing he’s tired of losing, Mac attempts to rekindle his relationship with MJ and stoke it into something more. There’s only one he’s carrying a secret that could make or break the case and MJ’s dad knows it.
Together Mac and MJ must face the secret Mac has been carrying.
Forced to wrangle the truth out of Mac, MJ realizes her feelings haven’t wavered but the hurt from six years ago is still there. With the pain around their past and uncertainty about her future, MJ is afraid to jump into anything serious. But as they spend more time together, MJ’s feelings continue to grow until Mac tells her the truth that could change everything.
With Mac’s secret revealed, will she continue to play it safe? Or will she finally be Jumping In with her Heart First?
Jumping In is a childhood friends to lovers, small-town romance full of friendship, spice and a guaranteed HEA. Jumping In is the first in a series of interconnected standalones set in the fictional town of Oakridge, Arizona all about putting your Heart First.
Following in her father’s footsteps and becoming a lawyer has always been the plan but lately that plan has been feeling more like a death sentence. Home from college, MJ begrudgingly offers to help with the big case the whole town has been buzzing about. Little does she know, her father’s client is none other than her ex-best-friend and childhood crush, Mac.
Mac lost his best friend six years ago and now he’s about to lose even more.
The town bad boy everyone loves to hate is officially on a losing streak but when his ex-best-friend, MJ, returns home from college, his luck just might turn around. Realizing he’s tired of losing, Mac attempts to rekindle his relationship with MJ and stoke it into something more. There’s only one he’s carrying a secret that could make or break the case and MJ’s dad knows it.
Together Mac and MJ must face the secret Mac has been carrying.
Forced to wrangle the truth out of Mac, MJ realizes her feelings haven’t wavered but the hurt from six years ago is still there. With the pain around their past and uncertainty about her future, MJ is afraid to jump into anything serious. But as they spend more time together, MJ’s feelings continue to grow until Mac tells her the truth that could change everything.
With Mac’s secret revealed, will she continue to play it safe? Or will she finally be Jumping In with her Heart First?
Jumping In is a childhood friends to lovers, small-town romance full of friendship, spice and a guaranteed HEA. Jumping In is the first in a series of interconnected standalones set in the fictional town of Oakridge, Arizona all about putting your Heart First.
- GenresRomanceFriends To Lovers
349 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 6, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
May 27, 2025
Oh my god am a lucky! I was lucky enough to be picked to receive a copy of this amazing book to ARC read. Let’s just say I started it yesterday afternoon and finished it today I could not put it down. The small town romance where your best friends are part of your family. The town that still does movies in the park and kids wanting to be taking over family business. This is not only a perfect Summer read if you are someone who likes to read books in the same season but it is a captivating read. Mac and MJ have a love that never stopped it may have started young and life happened they still found their way back to one another! You get to experience so much of Mac and MJ’s life you feel like you got to grow up with them. I will also mention the other main characters need stories I know they are coming but I need them now please.
July 31, 2026
Thank you, Maddy and Happily Booked, for the ARC!
This is a short and sweet book about second chance romance and following your heart or doing what’s expected of you.
MJ is a kind college graduate who is planning to follow in her father’s footsteps to become a lawyer. Mac is the resident bad boy with a heart of gold. These childhood friends drifted away from each other unexpectedly, but when MJ comes back to town the summer after college, they reconnect as she tries to help Mac avoid jail time after being accused of robbery.
While the author does give a short recap of their early friendship and falling out, we don’t get to see a lot of the founding blocks of those years. But we do get the awkward reconnection after MJ comes home. They have some tense moments in the beginning, but they quickly start mending their friendship and rekindling the feelings for each other. The romance between them is so sweet, and they both help to uplift the other while trying to figure out what their futures hold. I adored that they read together and annotate books for the other person. That was such a cute detail 🥹
I loved the friend group, or the Dream Team as they like to call themselves. It’s a solid group and you can tell how much love they have for each other and would do anything to support each other! I would honestly love to join them for a Grill and Chill down at the creek!
Overall, the spice seemed just a little bit repetitive, but I loved everything else and I definitely enjoyed reading it! It was the perfect summertime book!!
This is a short and sweet book about second chance romance and following your heart or doing what’s expected of you.
MJ is a kind college graduate who is planning to follow in her father’s footsteps to become a lawyer. Mac is the resident bad boy with a heart of gold. These childhood friends drifted away from each other unexpectedly, but when MJ comes back to town the summer after college, they reconnect as she tries to help Mac avoid jail time after being accused of robbery.
While the author does give a short recap of their early friendship and falling out, we don’t get to see a lot of the founding blocks of those years. But we do get the awkward reconnection after MJ comes home. They have some tense moments in the beginning, but they quickly start mending their friendship and rekindling the feelings for each other. The romance between them is so sweet, and they both help to uplift the other while trying to figure out what their futures hold. I adored that they read together and annotate books for the other person. That was such a cute detail 🥹
I loved the friend group, or the Dream Team as they like to call themselves. It’s a solid group and you can tell how much love they have for each other and would do anything to support each other! I would honestly love to join them for a Grill and Chill down at the creek!
Overall, the spice seemed just a little bit repetitive, but I loved everything else and I definitely enjoyed reading it! It was the perfect summertime book!!
July 30, 2026
4.5⭐
This was such a cute small town romance! I am a sucker for best friends to lovers 🥰 MJ and Mac were so sweet and I am definitely looking forward to what future books in this series will bring.
This was such a cute small town romance! I am a sucker for best friends to lovers 🥰 MJ and Mac were so sweet and I am definitely looking forward to what future books in this series will bring.
June 7, 2025
I know the author! YOU WROTE THE DAMN BOOK!!! AHHH!
I'm a sucker for so much in this book!
Dyslexia friendly font, font size was great, text message bubbles within the book, spice! I marked ten tabs for spice! I got goosebumps when the prologue and epilogue were tied! I also love when authors tie the title into the book! Chef's kiss!
This is a small town romance, best friends to ex best friends to best friends to lovers
Gilmore girl vibes I legit screamed okay Jess at one point haha
I loved the dream team and their friendship
No miscommunication that was annoying so thank goodness there!
So glad to see such supportive parents with both characters!
I'm so stinking proud of you!!!!!!
I'm a sucker for so much in this book!
Dyslexia friendly font, font size was great, text message bubbles within the book, spice! I marked ten tabs for spice! I got goosebumps when the prologue and epilogue were tied! I also love when authors tie the title into the book! Chef's kiss!
This is a small town romance, best friends to ex best friends to best friends to lovers
Gilmore girl vibes I legit screamed okay Jess at one point haha
I loved the dream team and their friendship
No miscommunication that was annoying so thank goodness there!
So glad to see such supportive parents with both characters!
I'm so stinking proud of you!!!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2025
I’m probably a bit biased because I know the author personally (yes, I am bragging! SHE DID THE DAMN THING!) but I absolutely LOVE this book and if you are a sucker for the little things and small town romance, I know you will too!
June 4, 2025
MJ is returning to her small town after being away studying law in college. She runs into Mac, who used to be her best friend growing up until they were sixteen, when they fell apart for some reason. Things are awkward and she’s confused about why they act so differently from when they were kids. She also finds out that Mac was arrested for robbing a store, which sounds so unlike him. She decides to work with her father, who is Mac’s lawyer, and find a way to keep him out of jail, while also trying to figure out the truth behind it all. While working together, the two ex-best friends get closer and begin to break down their walls that have been up for many years. They begin to fall in love with each other all over again, but this time they actually do something about their feelings. Will MJ find out what’s really going on with Mac? And will she be able to figure out what she truly wants to do with her life? Will Mac finally tell MJ what happened all those years ago when they fell apart? And will he be honest about his feelings?
First, I would like to say thank you to Happily Booked PR and Maddy Harris for letting me be part of the ARC team for Jumping In! I was so excited that I practically began reading as soon as I got my copy.
This book kept me on the edge of my seat for quite a while, wondering what Mac was hiding about the whole being arrested issue. And I also found myself smiling a lot at all the cute moments between him and MJ. And whew! Spice alert! I would give it at least a three and a half on the spicy pepper scale.
I am 100% a Taylor Swift girlie so I loved all the “easter eggs” in the book. IYKYK.
I loved the way the book started by showing us some scenes from when the two main characters were growing up, and how it was from their point of view, so we saw MJ’s view and Mac’s view at different times in their lives. I really enjoy the dual POV thing that some authors use in their books.
I did have one moment where I was questioning things. They say that Mac and MJ were such great friends, always together and hanging out a lot, but then Mac didn’t know about MJ’s older brother’s accident with the rope swing? Wouldn’t he have been there? Or at least heard about it from her after it happened? Or at least found out when the brother stopped joining the friend group at the creek afterwards? It just seems to me like he would have known something.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I’m so happy it was a happy ending! I can’t wait to read more about the Dream Team in the next upcoming books, hopefully soon!
First, I would like to say thank you to Happily Booked PR and Maddy Harris for letting me be part of the ARC team for Jumping In! I was so excited that I practically began reading as soon as I got my copy.
This book kept me on the edge of my seat for quite a while, wondering what Mac was hiding about the whole being arrested issue. And I also found myself smiling a lot at all the cute moments between him and MJ. And whew! Spice alert! I would give it at least a three and a half on the spicy pepper scale.
I am 100% a Taylor Swift girlie so I loved all the “easter eggs” in the book. IYKYK.
I loved the way the book started by showing us some scenes from when the two main characters were growing up, and how it was from their point of view, so we saw MJ’s view and Mac’s view at different times in their lives. I really enjoy the dual POV thing that some authors use in their books.
I did have one moment where I was questioning things. They say that Mac and MJ were such great friends, always together and hanging out a lot, but then Mac didn’t know about MJ’s older brother’s accident with the rope swing? Wouldn’t he have been there? Or at least heard about it from her after it happened? Or at least found out when the brother stopped joining the friend group at the creek afterwards? It just seems to me like he would have known something.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I’m so happy it was a happy ending! I can’t wait to read more about the Dream Team in the next upcoming books, hopefully soon!
June 20, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I love a good coming home story. Some people hear coming home and they assume that means someone is coming back to a town they have avoided until they couldn’t anymore. Even if it’s a town you love, people you aren’t avoiding, coming home can still happen because you discover something is missing when you are there. This is what this story is. Jumping In by Maddy Harris is a wonderful story about rekindling old relationships that are as much a part of you as your own soul. Mix in best friends to more and small town romance and this book has some of my favorite tropes.
MJ is coming home from law school and quickly runs into her childhood best friend. A friend that at the age of 16 their friendship started fading until it was nothing. To say seeing him again is awkward is an understatement. She doesn’t really know what happened, but before she can think about it too long, she finds out her father is representing him after he robbed a store. This is not the boy she grew up with. As she helps her father keep her former best friend out of jail, a lot of the past finds its way to the present. MJ is determined, focused, and intelligent. She is easy to relate and connect to. I loved watching her open up again and truly determine what she wants out of life.
Mac was an intriguing character. He wasn’t cloaked in mystery, but you are definitely kept in the dark about somethings until further into the book. When his former best friend is home again, he isn’t ready for the feelings that come rushing back. He has never felt like he was good enough and has a lot swirling around in that beautiful head of his. I adored Mac with every passing page. He’s misunderstood, but when he lets people in, he is an amazing person. I am a sucker for the town’s bad boy, but has a heart of gold underneath.
Watching these two estranged friends find their way back to friendship and more felt organic the whole way through the book. As their chemistry builds and finally bubbles over, Maddy made their love feel real and full of emotion. As they opened up to each other as adults and learned everything they could about each, their romance became full circle. This story is full of heart and passion and a debut novel that will definitely stick with me
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🌺Childhood Friends to More
🖤Second Chance Romance
🌺Bad Boy MMC
🖤Golden Girl FMC
🌺Found Family
🖤Summer Vibes
🌺Coming Home
I love a good coming home story. Some people hear coming home and they assume that means someone is coming back to a town they have avoided until they couldn’t anymore. Even if it’s a town you love, people you aren’t avoiding, coming home can still happen because you discover something is missing when you are there. This is what this story is. Jumping In by Maddy Harris is a wonderful story about rekindling old relationships that are as much a part of you as your own soul. Mix in best friends to more and small town romance and this book has some of my favorite tropes.
MJ is coming home from law school and quickly runs into her childhood best friend. A friend that at the age of 16 their friendship started fading until it was nothing. To say seeing him again is awkward is an understatement. She doesn’t really know what happened, but before she can think about it too long, she finds out her father is representing him after he robbed a store. This is not the boy she grew up with. As she helps her father keep her former best friend out of jail, a lot of the past finds its way to the present. MJ is determined, focused, and intelligent. She is easy to relate and connect to. I loved watching her open up again and truly determine what she wants out of life.
Mac was an intriguing character. He wasn’t cloaked in mystery, but you are definitely kept in the dark about somethings until further into the book. When his former best friend is home again, he isn’t ready for the feelings that come rushing back. He has never felt like he was good enough and has a lot swirling around in that beautiful head of his. I adored Mac with every passing page. He’s misunderstood, but when he lets people in, he is an amazing person. I am a sucker for the town’s bad boy, but has a heart of gold underneath.
Watching these two estranged friends find their way back to friendship and more felt organic the whole way through the book. As their chemistry builds and finally bubbles over, Maddy made their love feel real and full of emotion. As they opened up to each other as adults and learned everything they could about each, their romance became full circle. This story is full of heart and passion and a debut novel that will definitely stick with me
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🌺Childhood Friends to More
🖤Second Chance Romance
🌺Bad Boy MMC
🖤Golden Girl FMC
🌺Found Family
🖤Summer Vibes
🌺Coming Home
July 18, 2026
I absolutely loved Jumping In! It completely pulled me in from the first few chapters, and before I knew it, I had finished it much faster than I expected because I just couldn't put it down.
Mac and MJ's story was everything I wanted in a small town romance. Watching two childhood best friends navigate through even after years apart was emotional, heartwarming, and so satisfying. Their chemistry felt effortless, and I loved how their relationship slowly rebuilt through trust, shared memories, and the sweetest little moments especially the book annotations, which completely stole my heart.
Mac was such a lovable hero. Beneath his bad-boy reputation was someone incredibly caring and selfless, and it was impossible not to root for him. I also really admired MJ's journey as she figured out what she truly wanted from life instead of simply following the path others had planned for her. Their character growth felt genuine, making their romance even more rewarding.
The small town setting was cozy and charming, with a wonderful found family feel. The Dream Team friendship group added so much warmth and humor to the story, and by the end I was already excited to read everyone else's books. I also appreciated that the drama never felt overdone, and the balance between sweet romance, emotional moments, and just the right amount of spice was perfect.
Overall, this is a heartwarming, nostalgic, and feel good romance filled with second chances, childhood friends to lovers vibes, lovable characters, and a beautiful happily ever after. If you enjoy small town romances with plenty of heart, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Thank you Maddy and Happily Booked PR. Hope my reviews did justice to this book.
Mac and MJ's story was everything I wanted in a small town romance. Watching two childhood best friends navigate through even after years apart was emotional, heartwarming, and so satisfying. Their chemistry felt effortless, and I loved how their relationship slowly rebuilt through trust, shared memories, and the sweetest little moments especially the book annotations, which completely stole my heart.
Mac was such a lovable hero. Beneath his bad-boy reputation was someone incredibly caring and selfless, and it was impossible not to root for him. I also really admired MJ's journey as she figured out what she truly wanted from life instead of simply following the path others had planned for her. Their character growth felt genuine, making their romance even more rewarding.
The small town setting was cozy and charming, with a wonderful found family feel. The Dream Team friendship group added so much warmth and humor to the story, and by the end I was already excited to read everyone else's books. I also appreciated that the drama never felt overdone, and the balance between sweet romance, emotional moments, and just the right amount of spice was perfect.
Overall, this is a heartwarming, nostalgic, and feel good romance filled with second chances, childhood friends to lovers vibes, lovable characters, and a beautiful happily ever after. If you enjoy small town romances with plenty of heart, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Thank you Maddy and Happily Booked PR. Hope my reviews did justice to this book.
July 20, 2026
Thank you to Maddy Harris for providing this ARC of Jumping In in exchange for my review.
⭐⭐ 3.5/5 stars ⭐⭐
Small town romances live rent free in my heart and this one is no exception. There's something about a town where everyone knows everyone (even when that's a curse as much as a blessing) that just gets me every time, and this one nailed it... by the end I felt like I actually knew the whole cast, not just MJ and Mac.
The setting deserves its own paragraph, honestly. That creek! I've never swum in open water like that in my life but the whole idyllic summers-with-family-and-friends vibe had me properly wistful. Someone book me a lake house immediately.
Dual POV done well is such a treat and this was done well... no clunky flashbacks dragging the pace down, it just flowed. MJ, love, you are surrounded by such a supportive family, why are you doubting for a second that they want the best for you? Fellow bookworm, fiercely loyal to her mates, an absolute girl after my own heart.
And Mac. MAC. Standing by your brother even when he's landed himself in proper criminal jeopardy... I get the loyalty, I do, but sir, the risk. And then once he lets MJ back in he's just... a puppy. Utterly gone. No notes, I loved it.
Can we talk about the book stuff? The annotations, reading together in the library, the tent set up... I am not okay. I want someone to annotate books with me and leave me their thoughts, tabs only though, absolutely no writing on the pages, I have limits.
The romance itself delivered, the spice was giving, and let's just say I would not say no to a camping trip after this one.
Bring on book 2, I am ready.
⭐⭐ 3.5/5 stars ⭐⭐
Small town romances live rent free in my heart and this one is no exception. There's something about a town where everyone knows everyone (even when that's a curse as much as a blessing) that just gets me every time, and this one nailed it... by the end I felt like I actually knew the whole cast, not just MJ and Mac.
The setting deserves its own paragraph, honestly. That creek! I've never swum in open water like that in my life but the whole idyllic summers-with-family-and-friends vibe had me properly wistful. Someone book me a lake house immediately.
Dual POV done well is such a treat and this was done well... no clunky flashbacks dragging the pace down, it just flowed. MJ, love, you are surrounded by such a supportive family, why are you doubting for a second that they want the best for you? Fellow bookworm, fiercely loyal to her mates, an absolute girl after my own heart.
And Mac. MAC. Standing by your brother even when he's landed himself in proper criminal jeopardy... I get the loyalty, I do, but sir, the risk. And then once he lets MJ back in he's just... a puppy. Utterly gone. No notes, I loved it.
Can we talk about the book stuff? The annotations, reading together in the library, the tent set up... I am not okay. I want someone to annotate books with me and leave me their thoughts, tabs only though, absolutely no writing on the pages, I have limits.
The romance itself delivered, the spice was giving, and let's just say I would not say no to a camping trip after this one.
Bring on book 2, I am ready.
June 6, 2025
Thank you Happily Booked PR and Maddy Harris for an early copy of this book!
Jumping In by Maddy Harris is an impressive and emotionally resonant start to what promises to be a charming small-town romance series. Set in the fictional Oakridge, Arizona, this story follows MJ, a young woman at a crossroads in life, who’s torn between the safe path laid out for her and the messy, complicated emotions that resurface when she reconnects with her ex-best-friend and childhood crush, Mac.
What really stood out to me was Maitland’s ability to blend heartfelt character development with an engaging romance that didn’t shy away from vulnerability. MJ’s internal struggle—to stop people-pleasing and find her own voice—felt authentic and relatable. Mac, too, is more than just the misunderstood bad boy; his emotional baggage and secret make him a compelling romantic lead.
The chemistry between MJ and Mac builds naturally, and their shared history adds a rich layer of tension and tenderness. While the “big secret” at the heart of the plot is a bit predictable, the emotional payoff is still satisfying.
Maddy Harris writes with confidence and heart. I’m excited to see how the rest of the series unfolds. If you enjoy second chances, small-town settings, and friends-to-lovers romance, Jumping In is a great read!
Looking forward to more from Oakridge!
Jumping In by Maddy Harris is an impressive and emotionally resonant start to what promises to be a charming small-town romance series. Set in the fictional Oakridge, Arizona, this story follows MJ, a young woman at a crossroads in life, who’s torn between the safe path laid out for her and the messy, complicated emotions that resurface when she reconnects with her ex-best-friend and childhood crush, Mac.
What really stood out to me was Maitland’s ability to blend heartfelt character development with an engaging romance that didn’t shy away from vulnerability. MJ’s internal struggle—to stop people-pleasing and find her own voice—felt authentic and relatable. Mac, too, is more than just the misunderstood bad boy; his emotional baggage and secret make him a compelling romantic lead.
The chemistry between MJ and Mac builds naturally, and their shared history adds a rich layer of tension and tenderness. While the “big secret” at the heart of the plot is a bit predictable, the emotional payoff is still satisfying.
Maddy Harris writes with confidence and heart. I’m excited to see how the rest of the series unfolds. If you enjoy second chances, small-town settings, and friends-to-lovers romance, Jumping In is a great read!
Looking forward to more from Oakridge!
June 16, 2025
Wow! I don’t think I even have the words to describe how much I loved this book and what it meant to me.
Jumping In is a small town, second chance, childhood friends to strangers to lovers, bad boy x good girl romance between MJ and Mac.
MJ is such a good person. Even knowing that Mac and his family have a horrible reputation around town, she never holds that against Mac in any way. I really loved that the main conflict for her has nothing to do with Mac, and everything to do with her finding herself and being honest with her parents about what she wants in her life. She’s such a creative and loving person, and I just connected with her so easily, and I think so many other readers will too.
I felt for Mac the whole book and how he’s judged so often for something his family was responsible for. I really understood how he could struggle so much with his self-worth, especially once he realizes he’s still in love with MJ. But despite that, he only ever wants the best for her, even if that doesn’t include him. But don’t worry, once he realizes they’re endgame, he is all in and does not look back, and I freaking loved it! Seriously, please go pick this up and meet your next book boyfriend!
Thank you so much to @maddyharrisauthor and @happilybookedpr for this beautiful arc!
Jumping In is now available on KU💗
Jumping In is a small town, second chance, childhood friends to strangers to lovers, bad boy x good girl romance between MJ and Mac.
MJ is such a good person. Even knowing that Mac and his family have a horrible reputation around town, she never holds that against Mac in any way. I really loved that the main conflict for her has nothing to do with Mac, and everything to do with her finding herself and being honest with her parents about what she wants in her life. She’s such a creative and loving person, and I just connected with her so easily, and I think so many other readers will too.
I felt for Mac the whole book and how he’s judged so often for something his family was responsible for. I really understood how he could struggle so much with his self-worth, especially once he realizes he’s still in love with MJ. But despite that, he only ever wants the best for her, even if that doesn’t include him. But don’t worry, once he realizes they’re endgame, he is all in and does not look back, and I freaking loved it! Seriously, please go pick this up and meet your next book boyfriend!
Thank you so much to @maddyharrisauthor and @happilybookedpr for this beautiful arc!
Jumping In is now available on KU💗
July 28, 2026
Jumping In by Maddy Harris is my second ARC with Happily Booked PR, and it did not disappoint!
The story follows childhood best friends MJ, an aspiring lawyer, and Mac, who stayed behind to run his family business. After growing up together and sharing every summer, life eventually pulled them apart. Years of unspoken yearning later, MJ returns to their small town before heading off to law school—only to find that everything has changed, and Mac is facing an impending trial. Despite Mac’s belief that he doesn't deserve MJ, the pull between them is impossible to ignore.
What I Loved:
The Tropes: Small-town romance + Friends-to-Lovers is one of my absolute favorite combinations, and Maddy Harris delivered.
The Annotation Element: I loved how the author used book annotating as a unique way for characters to express their true feelings—it was such a sweet touch!
The References: I’m not even a Swiftie, but I still thoroughly enjoyed all the Taylor Swift references woven into the story.
As usual, I jumped into this ARC totally blind after reading just the short synopsis, so I was thrilled to find out this is the start of a 3–4 book series! Picking up on the subtle setup for future main characters brought back total high school nostalgic vibes. I can’t wait to see whose story comes next!
The story follows childhood best friends MJ, an aspiring lawyer, and Mac, who stayed behind to run his family business. After growing up together and sharing every summer, life eventually pulled them apart. Years of unspoken yearning later, MJ returns to their small town before heading off to law school—only to find that everything has changed, and Mac is facing an impending trial. Despite Mac’s belief that he doesn't deserve MJ, the pull between them is impossible to ignore.
What I Loved:
The Tropes: Small-town romance + Friends-to-Lovers is one of my absolute favorite combinations, and Maddy Harris delivered.
The Annotation Element: I loved how the author used book annotating as a unique way for characters to express their true feelings—it was such a sweet touch!
The References: I’m not even a Swiftie, but I still thoroughly enjoyed all the Taylor Swift references woven into the story.
As usual, I jumped into this ARC totally blind after reading just the short synopsis, so I was thrilled to find out this is the start of a 3–4 book series! Picking up on the subtle setup for future main characters brought back total high school nostalgic vibes. I can’t wait to see whose story comes next!
July 30, 2026
Jumping In by Maddy Harris is a small-town romance about MJ and Mac (Alexander). MJ has returned home for the summer after college graduation, before she was supposed to head off to law school. Mac is the hometown mechanic who’s been running the auto shop since his dad got sick when he was a teenager. They used to be best friends but they became estranged because neither communicated to the other about what was actually going on with them. Mac is in trouble for robbing the liquor store and her dad is his lawyer. While she helps her dad with his defense, they rekindle their relationship with the help of their amazingly supportive friends. Both her internal struggles with people pleasing and speaking up for herself, and his emotional turmoil, secret, and being so misjudged were completely real and relatable to me. I enjoyed all the TS references in the book. I absolutely loved the fact that they both read books and annotate them and switch, it was so adorable. I did have some questions though. Given that this was a small town and they were such great friends, how did she not know about his dad and his brother? How did he not know about her brother’s accident with the swing over the creek? Overall, this was a cute read, I loved the happy ending, the epilogue was adorable, and I can’t wait to read more about this group of friends.
June 2, 2025
4 Stars – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was so lucky to receive an early copy of Jumping In by Maddy Harris, and oh my heart—what a warm, emotional ride this was. I read it in a single day, completely swept away by the story of MJ and Mac.
Their love is the kind that simmers quietly in the background, even after years apart. From the very start you could feel how deep the connection between MJ and Mac is. They care deeply for one another.
I absolutely loved watching them find their way back—through tension, memories, laughter, and finally… forgiveness. Their reconciliation felt like the softest kind of magic.
This book has all the charm of a small town in summer—sun-soaked days, a tight-knit community, and a found family that makes you wish you could step right into the pages. And the spice? Oh yes, it’s definitely there—and perfectly placed. 🔥
If you’re a fan of:
💌 childhood friends to strangers to lovers
🌊 bad boy x good girl
💌 second chances
🌊 small-town sweetness
💌 found family
🌊 and summer romance bliss…
Jumping In releases on June 6, 2025, and I already can’t wait to return to Oakridge and read more about the rest of the Dream Team. A beautiful, heartfelt and confident debut that will have you hooked from the first few pages.
I was so lucky to receive an early copy of Jumping In by Maddy Harris, and oh my heart—what a warm, emotional ride this was. I read it in a single day, completely swept away by the story of MJ and Mac.
Their love is the kind that simmers quietly in the background, even after years apart. From the very start you could feel how deep the connection between MJ and Mac is. They care deeply for one another.
I absolutely loved watching them find their way back—through tension, memories, laughter, and finally… forgiveness. Their reconciliation felt like the softest kind of magic.
This book has all the charm of a small town in summer—sun-soaked days, a tight-knit community, and a found family that makes you wish you could step right into the pages. And the spice? Oh yes, it’s definitely there—and perfectly placed. 🔥
If you’re a fan of:
💌 childhood friends to strangers to lovers
🌊 bad boy x good girl
💌 second chances
🌊 small-town sweetness
💌 found family
🌊 and summer romance bliss…
Jumping In releases on June 6, 2025, and I already can’t wait to return to Oakridge and read more about the rest of the Dream Team. A beautiful, heartfelt and confident debut that will have you hooked from the first few pages.
July 28, 2026
4.25/5...a really enjoyable small-town romance with plenty of heart, chemistry, and emotional tension. The childhood friends-to-lovers trope is one of my favorites, and watching MJ and Mac find their way back to each other after years of hurt was satisfying. Their history made the romance feel believable, and the slow rebuilding of trust kept me invested. MJ's struggle between following the life everyone expected of her and choosing what truly made her happy added depth to the story. Mac was an easy character to root for despite his reputation, and uncovering the truth behind his secret kept the plot moving. The mix of romance, family dynamics, friendship, and a touch of suspense made it more than just a typical love story.The chemistry between MJ and Mac was undeniable, with just the right amount of spice to complement the emotional connection. Jumping In is a sweet, emotional, and steamy small-town romance that perfectly blends second chances, childhood friendship, and finding the courage to choose your own path. I'm looking forward to returning to Oakridge for the next interconnected standalone.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 16, 2025
This could have been a 5 star (especially with Dr Pepper being MJ’s fave) but I took off a whole star for all the Taylor Swift references and conversations. I don’t love when books make NUMEROUS mentions of current music, trends, technology. Once in a while or sparingly is fine and I can overlook but this was soooo much it really took away from my enjoyment. Not everyone is a “swiftie” or Taylor swift fan so it’s a risk you run when injecting so much of something in your story.
I did absolutely love the story between MJ & Mac. It was a beautiful slowburn & at times heartbreaking. I didn’t love the way the town gossiped and judged, including MJ’s Dad. I get it, you are not supposed to like them so the author succeeded here. I also really enjoyed the friend circle & dynamic and thought they all played their roles in the story. I could have done without the boys gossiping lol but it is what it is. I do wish that MJ & Mac had just talked to each other, I feel like a lot could have been solved by a conversation but then we wouldn’t have a story. Overall this was really good but the whole TS thing did put a damper on it for me.
I did absolutely love the story between MJ & Mac. It was a beautiful slowburn & at times heartbreaking. I didn’t love the way the town gossiped and judged, including MJ’s Dad. I get it, you are not supposed to like them so the author succeeded here. I also really enjoyed the friend circle & dynamic and thought they all played their roles in the story. I could have done without the boys gossiping lol but it is what it is. I do wish that MJ & Mac had just talked to each other, I feel like a lot could have been solved by a conversation but then we wouldn’t have a story. Overall this was really good but the whole TS thing did put a damper on it for me.
July 29, 2026
Happiness and love are the most important things to achieve in our life, Emmalynn and Alexander, childhood best friends were lucky enough to find it on each other.
Alexander sacrificed everything for his family, he stayed behind to take care of his dad and watch over the family business and later on to help his brother.
Alexander “Mac” is the definition of selfless, he always put his love one’s happiness before his own, he realized he was in love with Emmalynn “MJ” when they were kids and he let her go so she could chase her dreams.
His own fears and doubts make him feel that he wasn’t enough for her, she helps him realized that he is everything she needs to be happy.
One of my favorite things about this book is their mutual love for reading books and annotating their own thoughts, sometimes they even used it as a way to ask for dates and to declare their love to each other.
This is a love story about two friends that loved each other deeply, to learned to trust each other, to understand that they both are enough in their own way, to trust that love can conquer all.
Alexander sacrificed everything for his family, he stayed behind to take care of his dad and watch over the family business and later on to help his brother.
Alexander “Mac” is the definition of selfless, he always put his love one’s happiness before his own, he realized he was in love with Emmalynn “MJ” when they were kids and he let her go so she could chase her dreams.
His own fears and doubts make him feel that he wasn’t enough for her, she helps him realized that he is everything she needs to be happy.
One of my favorite things about this book is their mutual love for reading books and annotating their own thoughts, sometimes they even used it as a way to ask for dates and to declare their love to each other.
This is a love story about two friends that loved each other deeply, to learned to trust each other, to understand that they both are enough in their own way, to trust that love can conquer all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2025
This was my first time reading any of Maddy Harris’ work and it definitely won’t be the last. While certain elements of the story were predictable in the same way many romance books are, I still really enjoyed reading along and I finished it in one sitting. Although he is suspected of committing a crime, Mac is the ultimate green flag when it comes to book boyfriends. He takes care of his family and friends and is extremely protective and caring toward MJ. I also really liked MJ and how fiercely she stood up for Mac. She knew the town would be talking about their relationship but pushed past it to be there for him. Even when she learns the truth.
What to expect:
🌊bad boy x good girl
💌second chance
🌊small town
💌found family
🌊summer romance
MJ really represents everyone who has ever had the pressure of family expectations on them. She knows she no longer wants to be a lawyer but she does not want to hurt her family. She also is aware that as the town sweetheart, becoming involved with Mac - who the town all sees as the "bad boy" - will inevitably make people talk. Watching her and Mac navigate their complicated history, the pending legal case against Mac and MJ trying to figure out whether they had a future, made for a great book. MJ and Mac were a great couple and I was rooting for them from the beginning. Looking forward to reading about some of the other people in the town!
Thank you so much to Maddy Harris and Happily Booked PR for an ARC of this story. I really enjoyed this book from start to finish!
What to expect:
🌊bad boy x good girl
💌second chance
🌊small town
💌found family
🌊summer romance
MJ really represents everyone who has ever had the pressure of family expectations on them. She knows she no longer wants to be a lawyer but she does not want to hurt her family. She also is aware that as the town sweetheart, becoming involved with Mac - who the town all sees as the "bad boy" - will inevitably make people talk. Watching her and Mac navigate their complicated history, the pending legal case against Mac and MJ trying to figure out whether they had a future, made for a great book. MJ and Mac were a great couple and I was rooting for them from the beginning. Looking forward to reading about some of the other people in the town!
Thank you so much to Maddy Harris and Happily Booked PR for an ARC of this story. I really enjoyed this book from start to finish!
June 5, 2025
Swifties, this one is for you.
As soon as Maddy told me it was 'seven' brought to life, before it was even a whole book, I was all in.
The small town vibes of Oakridge are my favorite part of the story Maddy is weaving. Spending time there is the perfect way to kick off summer too. It's got all the things that will make you nostalgic for childhood summers: cookouts, sleepovers, movies in the park, and a reunited friend group that will having you falling in love with each and every one of the members.
I loved watching MJ come into her own in this book. We can all relate to finding ourselves at a point in our life where we realize we've somehow lost our way and watching MJ flesh that out on page gave me very vivid flashbacks to my own college years. <3 <3
I had the pleasure of both alpha and beta reading this beauty and it was so much fun to see MJ and Mac come to life on the page. All of the props to Maddy for this sweet, nostalgic summer romance because she nailed every single one of those vibes.
As soon as Maddy told me it was 'seven' brought to life, before it was even a whole book, I was all in.
The small town vibes of Oakridge are my favorite part of the story Maddy is weaving. Spending time there is the perfect way to kick off summer too. It's got all the things that will make you nostalgic for childhood summers: cookouts, sleepovers, movies in the park, and a reunited friend group that will having you falling in love with each and every one of the members.
I loved watching MJ come into her own in this book. We can all relate to finding ourselves at a point in our life where we realize we've somehow lost our way and watching MJ flesh that out on page gave me very vivid flashbacks to my own college years. <3 <3
I had the pleasure of both alpha and beta reading this beauty and it was so much fun to see MJ and Mac come to life on the page. All of the props to Maddy for this sweet, nostalgic summer romance because she nailed every single one of those vibes.
June 6, 2025
I would give this a million stars if I could. This was just the most perfect best friends, second chance romance imaginable. MJ and Mac spent most of their lives harboring secret feelings for each other but neither acted on them so seeing them finally admit to those feelings and fall so deeply in love had me crying tears of joy over and over again. Them annotating books for each other is one of the most romantic things I’ve ever read. I love all of their friends and how supportive everyone is of each other. Mac was so unbelievably romantic and caring and generally just the most amazing guy ever. This book was absolutely loaded with Taylor Swift references and I freaking LOVED every single one of them. The level of spice in this perfectly matched the level of romance. MJ’s birthday and the Fourth of July were some of my favorite chapters. I’ll definitely be rereading this in the future and am really looking forward to reading the rest of the Dream Team’s stories. Extremely satisfying read and I highly recommend it!
I got this as an ARC but all opinions are my own!
I got this as an ARC but all opinions are my own!
July 30, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is my honest review of Jumping In
I just love a second chance romance and it’s even better when they have been pining for each other for years. Childhood friends with a crush is so sweet and always warms my heart to see two characters navigate going from just friends to more.
MJ never forgot or really moved on from Mac and the same can be said about him. His deep insecurities holding him back to not make a move is so sad, but understandable. He felt like she was way above his league.
I loved how they just gravitated towards each other again and how their friends were so supportive the whole time! This seems like a great group of friends and I can’t wait to read about the others!
His legal troubles were so sad, yet it did not deter from their main love story and it all ended well. This is a wholesome second chance romance about two people who were meant to be together and a sign of how life will find a way and lead you back to where you belong.
Thank you Maddy Harris and Happily Booked PR for this ARC
This is my honest review of Jumping In
I just love a second chance romance and it’s even better when they have been pining for each other for years. Childhood friends with a crush is so sweet and always warms my heart to see two characters navigate going from just friends to more.
MJ never forgot or really moved on from Mac and the same can be said about him. His deep insecurities holding him back to not make a move is so sad, but understandable. He felt like she was way above his league.
I loved how they just gravitated towards each other again and how their friends were so supportive the whole time! This seems like a great group of friends and I can’t wait to read about the others!
His legal troubles were so sad, yet it did not deter from their main love story and it all ended well. This is a wholesome second chance romance about two people who were meant to be together and a sign of how life will find a way and lead you back to where you belong.
Thank you Maddy Harris and Happily Booked PR for this ARC
July 31, 2026
I have never read anything by Maddy Harris before, OMG this was fantastic!! This is book one in the Heart First series! MJ (Emma Lynn) Lawrence, is following in her father's footsteps to become a lawyer. Mac and MJ have been best friends since they were small children. Mac was the bad boy everyone loved to hate. MJ left for college, Mac stayed behind in Oakridge Arizona because his father got cancer; and someone had to take over the family's auto repair shop and support the family. Mac's older brother Jake was always in and out of trouble. Shortly before MJ returns home from college, Mac is stopped by police after robbing Henry's liquor store; only cigarettes and beer were stolen! Mac doesn't even smoke! MJ finds out about this after she comes home from college, her father is Mac's lawyer. Is Mac the same guy she knew from growing up, or has he changed? Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Maddy Harris!!!
June 3, 2025
4.75 ⭐️ rounded up to 5 for GR.
3.5 🌶️
Massive thank you to Maddy & Happily Booked PR for sending me an ARC🩵
I absolutely DEVOURED this, as in, I read it in less than 24 hours, which I haven’t done with a book in a while!
I was hooked from the dedication & the playlist alone, never mind the storyline & the characters. I have 100% fallen in love with the Dream Team & Oakridge and CANNOT wait for everyone else to love them too.
What tropes to expect?
🩷Small town romance
💕Found family
🩷Bad boy x good girl
💕Childhood friends to lovers
🩷Grumpy x sunshine
I also got the feeling of “it’s always been you”
This book really reminded me of the move “Endless Love” bad guy x good girl type of vibe & I am here for it as it’s one of my favourite films.
As always my ARC reviews are spoiler free so you’ll just have to pick up the book & find out more.
Jumping In releases 6th June 2025 - available on KU & in paperback.
3.5 🌶️
Massive thank you to Maddy & Happily Booked PR for sending me an ARC🩵
I absolutely DEVOURED this, as in, I read it in less than 24 hours, which I haven’t done with a book in a while!
I was hooked from the dedication & the playlist alone, never mind the storyline & the characters. I have 100% fallen in love with the Dream Team & Oakridge and CANNOT wait for everyone else to love them too.
What tropes to expect?
🩷Small town romance
💕Found family
🩷Bad boy x good girl
💕Childhood friends to lovers
🩷Grumpy x sunshine
I also got the feeling of “it’s always been you”
This book really reminded me of the move “Endless Love” bad guy x good girl type of vibe & I am here for it as it’s one of my favourite films.
As always my ARC reviews are spoiler free so you’ll just have to pick up the book & find out more.
Jumping In releases 6th June 2025 - available on KU & in paperback.
June 6, 2025
We have MJ who is back after college wanting a change in the direction of her life. She does not want to let anyone down but she also does not want to stay the course that her family decided.
While she juggles with what to do with her life and to bring some normalcy back to her life after being gone so long she learns what has happened with her childhood best friend Mac.
They were inseparable growing up till one year he just withdrew and became a stranger within the friends group. He was dealing with a lot family wise and feeling wise and lets just say he did not handle it the way he should have. When he lands in hot water Mj helps him. They fall back into being friends, they annotate books for each other and away go the sparks. This time he does not let anything get in his way of where he wants to be in life. That means being with MJ.
Their chemistry, the spice, the small town vibes it all makes you feel like you are right there with them watching their story unfold.
While she juggles with what to do with her life and to bring some normalcy back to her life after being gone so long she learns what has happened with her childhood best friend Mac.
They were inseparable growing up till one year he just withdrew and became a stranger within the friends group. He was dealing with a lot family wise and feeling wise and lets just say he did not handle it the way he should have. When he lands in hot water Mj helps him. They fall back into being friends, they annotate books for each other and away go the sparks. This time he does not let anything get in his way of where he wants to be in life. That means being with MJ.
Their chemistry, the spice, the small town vibes it all makes you feel like you are right there with them watching their story unfold.
June 7, 2025
***ARC REVIEW***
I loved this book for 75% of it.
The beginning and the middle were great and well written, however, the last portion of the book resolved everything far too quickly and made the first 75% almost seem like a different book.
I wish the court scene was done differently. We spent so much time on the court topic that figuring everything out in like 10 minutes was too fast for me. After the reader learns to love the MMC and the FMC equally, the FMC figures out a way to save the day within a matter of minutes? When her father the professional, the MMC, and all of the MMC’s friends have been working on this case for months? Yeah too speedy for my liking.
All that said. I loved the FMC and her struggle I wish it was flushed out a little more. But it was a good subplot for the FMC. I loved the MMC and his inner turmoil about good vs bad and right vs wrong.
I just wish this book was about 100 pages shorter in the middle and 100 pages longer at the end.
I loved this book for 75% of it.
The beginning and the middle were great and well written, however, the last portion of the book resolved everything far too quickly and made the first 75% almost seem like a different book.
I wish the court scene was done differently. We spent so much time on the court topic that figuring everything out in like 10 minutes was too fast for me. After the reader learns to love the MMC and the FMC equally, the FMC figures out a way to save the day within a matter of minutes? When her father the professional, the MMC, and all of the MMC’s friends have been working on this case for months? Yeah too speedy for my liking.
All that said. I loved the FMC and her struggle I wish it was flushed out a little more. But it was a good subplot for the FMC. I loved the MMC and his inner turmoil about good vs bad and right vs wrong.
I just wish this book was about 100 pages shorter in the middle and 100 pages longer at the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2025
This is Maddy's first book in the Heart First Series, and it is a great start!
The story follows two childhood best friends, MJ and Mac, and how they went from being the best of friends to almost enemies.
The story picks up with MJ returning from College for Summer, whereas Mac has found himself in a spot of bother that MJ's Dad is trying to get him out of...
The two characters, MJ and Mac, are just great. There's real chemistry there, and you're immediately their cheerleader even though both are being a bit stubborn at first.
Mac's story was pretty sad when it's revealed but also admirable and showed you a lot about the character as a whole. MJ has been set on following in her father's footsteps, but I enjoyed reading about how she slowly starts to discover herself.
This is just an all-around, wholesome book and a really lovely read where you romance, small town vibes, and a guaranteed HEA. It's not a heavy book at all and highly enjoyable - highly recommend!
The story follows two childhood best friends, MJ and Mac, and how they went from being the best of friends to almost enemies.
The story picks up with MJ returning from College for Summer, whereas Mac has found himself in a spot of bother that MJ's Dad is trying to get him out of...
The two characters, MJ and Mac, are just great. There's real chemistry there, and you're immediately their cheerleader even though both are being a bit stubborn at first.
Mac's story was pretty sad when it's revealed but also admirable and showed you a lot about the character as a whole. MJ has been set on following in her father's footsteps, but I enjoyed reading about how she slowly starts to discover herself.
This is just an all-around, wholesome book and a really lovely read where you romance, small town vibes, and a guaranteed HEA. It's not a heavy book at all and highly enjoyable - highly recommend!
June 30, 2026
This was a very sweet second chance romance. I loved Mac and MJ. MJ has been in love with Mac since she was 7, they grew up together and were best friends. Once Mac realized MJ was going places bigger than this small town he did what most 16-year-old emotionally suppressed boys do and shut her out.
When she comes back to her hometown for summer after she graduated college, she is reunited with all of her hometown friends. I really loved the description of this town, from the coffee shop, homes and the creek where they would all hang out for BBQs. This book had a homey feel to it. It took a while for Mac to get out of his own way and put his good intentions aside. The characters of this book are in their early 20s so the ability to handle situations and communicate is on par with their age. This book does have some open-door romance scene, and overall, it was a really great book with romance, friendship, loyalty and community. I am looking forward to book 2 Falling In.
When she comes back to her hometown for summer after she graduated college, she is reunited with all of her hometown friends. I really loved the description of this town, from the coffee shop, homes and the creek where they would all hang out for BBQs. This book had a homey feel to it. It took a while for Mac to get out of his own way and put his good intentions aside. The characters of this book are in their early 20s so the ability to handle situations and communicate is on par with their age. This book does have some open-door romance scene, and overall, it was a really great book with romance, friendship, loyalty and community. I am looking forward to book 2 Falling In.
July 17, 2026
Jumping In by Maddy Harris is a heartfelt small-town romance that beautifully blends second chances, childhood friendship, and self-discovery into an emotional and engaging story. In this novel, we are introduced to the FMC MJ and MMC Mac, two former best friends whose paths cross again after years apart, forcing them to confront old wounds, hidden feelings, and the choices that changed their lives. One of the things that I enjoyed about this novel was the small-town setting. It created a warm, welcoming atmosphere while the supporting cast brought humor, friendship, and a strong sense of community to the story. Overall, Jumping In is a sweet, emotional romance with memorable characters, small-town charm, and a satisfying happily-ever-after.
I received an ARC copy from Happily Booked PR. Thank you both for giving me the chance to read this novel and share my honest review of the novel!
I received an ARC copy from Happily Booked PR. Thank you both for giving me the chance to read this novel and share my honest review of the novel!
July 31, 2026
This book completely stole my heart!
I'm a sucker for childhood friends-to-lovers romances, and I loved that MJ and Mac had a shared history before finding their way back to each other in college. They may have drifted apart when they were younger, but it made their reunion feel even more meaningful as they rediscovered the friendship they once had and realized it could become something more.
One of my favorite moments was seeing MJ stand up for Mac when the small town turned against him. Even without knowing the full story, she chose to believe in him. That kind of loyalty made me love her character even more.
The small-town atmosphere was another highlight. Their friends, and their mothers, seemed to know these two were meant for each other long before MJ and Mac figured it out themselves. Watching everyone quietly root for them made their love story even sweeter.
This was such a heartwarming romance filled with loyalty, second chances at friendship, and a community that truly cared about its people. If you enjoy childhood friends reconnecting, friends-to-lovers, college romance, and small-town settings, I highly recommend picking this one up!
I'm a sucker for childhood friends-to-lovers romances, and I loved that MJ and Mac had a shared history before finding their way back to each other in college. They may have drifted apart when they were younger, but it made their reunion feel even more meaningful as they rediscovered the friendship they once had and realized it could become something more.
One of my favorite moments was seeing MJ stand up for Mac when the small town turned against him. Even without knowing the full story, she chose to believe in him. That kind of loyalty made me love her character even more.
The small-town atmosphere was another highlight. Their friends, and their mothers, seemed to know these two were meant for each other long before MJ and Mac figured it out themselves. Watching everyone quietly root for them made their love story even sweeter.
This was such a heartwarming romance filled with loyalty, second chances at friendship, and a community that truly cared about its people. If you enjoy childhood friends reconnecting, friends-to-lovers, college romance, and small-town settings, I highly recommend picking this one up!
July 30, 2026
This was such a sweet and emotional small‑town romance. MJ and Mac’s story was about Childhood best friends who drifted apart, only to reconnect years later, it’s a second‑chance setup. Their chemistry felt natural, and the way they slowly rebuilt trust through shared memories and little gestures made the romance feel so genuine.
I loved all the Taylor Swift references. Mac was such a standout hero. On the surface he has that bad‑boy reputation, but underneath he’s caring, loyal, and deeply protective. MJ has been following a path laid out by others, and seeing her start to figure out what she truly wants for herself was inspiring.
The small‑town setting The cozy atmosphere, the supportive friendships, and the “Dream Team” group gave the book warmth and humour.
The balance of romance, emotion, and just the right amount of spice was perfect. It never felt overdone, and the story stayed heartwarming and hopeful throughout.
I loved all the Taylor Swift references. Mac was such a standout hero. On the surface he has that bad‑boy reputation, but underneath he’s caring, loyal, and deeply protective. MJ has been following a path laid out by others, and seeing her start to figure out what she truly wants for herself was inspiring.
The small‑town setting The cozy atmosphere, the supportive friendships, and the “Dream Team” group gave the book warmth and humour.
The balance of romance, emotion, and just the right amount of spice was perfect. It never felt overdone, and the story stayed heartwarming and hopeful throughout.
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