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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.
349 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 6, 2025
2 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 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.
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
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💗
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.
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.
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!
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 2, 2025
This is Maddy Harris debut and it’s so good. I really liked that we would know the day we were on as we read the book. These two didn’t realize how much love they had for each other but Mac & MJ made it work by reconciling & falling into old habits.
Mac has whispers/rumors about him in the small town, he knew he wouldn’t leave but he wouldn’t dare tell MJ and she chooses him over her career. He’s the opposite of what she needs… so he thinks.
MJ is the perfect daughter that is going to be the next one in charge of their family’s law firm. She’s been away for college and goes home for a bit. There she rekindles her friendship with Mac and learns a lot that she’s missed in the few years she’s been out of his life.
I’m excited for the rest of the town and the books. Seeing the friendship they have as a group and seeing their romance will definitely be read.
Mac has whispers/rumors about him in the small town, he knew he wouldn’t leave but he wouldn’t dare tell MJ and she chooses him over her career. He’s the opposite of what she needs… so he thinks.
MJ is the perfect daughter that is going to be the next one in charge of their family’s law firm. She’s been away for college and goes home for a bit. There she rekindles her friendship with Mac and learns a lot that she’s missed in the few years she’s been out of his life.
I’m excited for the rest of the town and the books. Seeing the friendship they have as a group and seeing their romance will definitely be read.
June 3, 2025
If you’re looking for that lifelong, close-knit group of friends back in their hometown for the summer vibes, look no further! While Jumping In is a romance at its core, what drew me in the most is the group as a whole. They truly embody the found family vibes with so much love for each other, without afraid to tease and give each other shit either!
The romance itself is sweet and tender and I loved being able to alpha AND beta read to experience Mac and MJ’s story come together. I’m so proud of my friend Maddy and all the work she put into bringing her dream to reality!
This is no small feat and she deserves all the love and respect for putting her heart and soul into something and seeing it through! If you’re looking for a new author to follow along on their journey, Maddy is one of the sweetest!
The romance itself is sweet and tender and I loved being able to alpha AND beta read to experience Mac and MJ’s story come together. I’m so proud of my friend Maddy and all the work she put into bringing her dream to reality!
This is no small feat and she deserves all the love and respect for putting her heart and soul into something and seeing it through! If you’re looking for a new author to follow along on their journey, Maddy is one of the sweetest!
June 7, 2025
I love the connection that MJ and Mac had. They had history, having known each other since they were seven years old. They made it through the years as best friends until high school then things changed. MJ went away to college, putting even more distance between them. Now she’s back in the small town, and there’s an undeniable attraction between the main characters that everyone in town is gossiping about. The only problem is he is the town bad boy, and they didn’t exactly leave things as friends went MJ went away to college.
Mac is a good guy, and I enjoyed how we came around try to be MJ’s friend again. But only friends because he was convinced that she will want to leave their small town again. Mac has a lot on his plate, and I loved that MJ was strong and stayed determined to be there for him, and to be honest with her parents about her future.
My favorite part was when he set up the tent for them by the creek.
If you like a strong FMC mixed with small town and destined love, add this to your TBR today.
Mac is a good guy, and I enjoyed how we came around try to be MJ’s friend again. But only friends because he was convinced that she will want to leave their small town again. Mac has a lot on his plate, and I loved that MJ was strong and stayed determined to be there for him, and to be honest with her parents about her future.
My favorite part was when he set up the tent for them by the creek.
If you like a strong FMC mixed with small town and destined love, add this to your TBR today.
June 17, 2025
Jumping In by Maddy Harris is a great small town romance where you want to finish the book as soon as you start reading it. Our FMC, MJ is returning to her small town after going to college to study law. She runs into Mac who was her best friend but they stropped speaking for some reason that happened. MJ finds out Mac is supposed to have robbed a store and now MJ wants to help Mac because that doesn't sound anything like her friend from when she was younger. Of course the more time MJ and Mac spend together the more they start to become more than friends and pursue a real relationship with each other, if they won't let what happened years ago get in the way when they were younger. The spice was good in this book and also all the scenes between MJ and Mac were great.
If you want to know exactly what, read the book!
Country Mama rating: 5 out of 5 hearts
If you want to know exactly what, read the book!
Country Mama rating: 5 out of 5 hearts
June 24, 2025
***Marking this review for possible spoilers.***
First off, thank you for the opportunity to get an autographed book and the goodies that came with it.
The character development and learning their back stories was very smooth. The introduction part when they were very young was an excellent foundation to the main characters - Mac and MJ. I certainly enjoyed learning about Mac and MJ, the Dream Team, how they were all a tight knit of friendship, and also the area that the story is written around. It was straight to the point, smooth read. It’s a cute and sweet love story, and also has some spicy moments towards the middle-ish and the end. A very nice dip into the heat.
I’m very excited to read more books in the future. It was certainly worth every minute I got a chance to read it.
First off, thank you for the opportunity to get an autographed book and the goodies that came with it.
The character development and learning their back stories was very smooth. The introduction part when they were very young was an excellent foundation to the main characters - Mac and MJ. I certainly enjoyed learning about Mac and MJ, the Dream Team, how they were all a tight knit of friendship, and also the area that the story is written around. It was straight to the point, smooth read. It’s a cute and sweet love story, and also has some spicy moments towards the middle-ish and the end. A very nice dip into the heat.
I’m very excited to read more books in the future. It was certainly worth every minute I got a chance to read it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2025
This is the story of FMC MJ and MMC Mac. MJ has retuned to her hometown from law school and while there runs into her former best friend, Mac. Their run in is awkward to say the least. Maddy doesn’t know why they sopped being friends. One thing leads to another, and Maddy finds out her dad is representing Mac on a robbery charge. This is not the actions of the boy she remembers. Maddy helps keep her old friend out of jail. There’s a bit of intrigue surrounding Mac. He is misunderstood and spends a lot of time in his head. The two estranged friends find their way back to each other. Their love story feels real and emotional. This was a solid story.
Tropes
🌺Childhood Friends to More
🖤Second Chance Romance
🌺Bad Boy MMC
🖤Golden Girl FMC
🌺Found Family
🖤Summer Vibes
🌺Coming Home
Tropes
🌺Childhood Friends to More
🖤Second Chance Romance
🌺Bad Boy MMC
🖤Golden Girl FMC
🌺Found Family
🖤Summer Vibes
🌺Coming Home
June 4, 2025
ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
If you’re looking for the perfect summer read then get ready to “Jump In”! Maddy debuts a spectacular summer romance— strong, blazing, and spicy.
If I could describe “Jumping In” with some tropes they would be:
☀️summertime
🩷dual pov
☀️small town
🩷bad boy x good girl
☀️second chance
🩷childhood best friends
This was a quick read for me because I was invested from be beginning. Mac and MJ’s connection is undeniably heartwarming! The characters growth throughout the story is captivating. The friend group is a great touch that brings the story together. I can’t wait to read more of the series!💖
I wanted to give a big thank you to Maddy Harris and Happily Booked PR for the ARC copy!🫶🏼
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
If you’re looking for the perfect summer read then get ready to “Jump In”! Maddy debuts a spectacular summer romance— strong, blazing, and spicy.
If I could describe “Jumping In” with some tropes they would be:
☀️summertime
🩷dual pov
☀️small town
🩷bad boy x good girl
☀️second chance
🩷childhood best friends
This was a quick read for me because I was invested from be beginning. Mac and MJ’s connection is undeniably heartwarming! The characters growth throughout the story is captivating. The friend group is a great touch that brings the story together. I can’t wait to read more of the series!💖
I wanted to give a big thank you to Maddy Harris and Happily Booked PR for the ARC copy!🫶🏼
June 17, 2025
What to expect:
💌childhood friends to strangers to lovers
🌊bad boy x good girl
💌second chance
🌊small town
💌found family
🌊summer romance
Looking for a second chance small town romance? This book is perfect! MJ is back home after being away at college for law and now figuring out what she wants for her future. While she is back home she reconnects with friends and runs into her childhood best friend/love who she lost touch with. I love reading a dual POV of a rekindled relationship. Not only did I love the main characters but I also enjoyed reading about their friend group!! So many good things happening in this book!
I absolutely ate up MJ and Mac leaving notes and exchanging books! The Taylor swift references! Mac really does out MJ first and he has my heart! And the epilogue! 😍
💌childhood friends to strangers to lovers
🌊bad boy x good girl
💌second chance
🌊small town
💌found family
🌊summer romance
Looking for a second chance small town romance? This book is perfect! MJ is back home after being away at college for law and now figuring out what she wants for her future. While she is back home she reconnects with friends and runs into her childhood best friend/love who she lost touch with. I love reading a dual POV of a rekindled relationship. Not only did I love the main characters but I also enjoyed reading about their friend group!! So many good things happening in this book!
I absolutely ate up MJ and Mac leaving notes and exchanging books! The Taylor swift references! Mac really does out MJ first and he has my heart! And the epilogue! 😍
May 31, 2025
If you are a sucker for a good romance, then this is the book for you.
It has a few raunchy romance parts.
This book switches back and forth between the main characters -Mac & MJ- point of views which I love.
The characters are ex-best friends turned lovers. It's also giving bad boy/good girl vibes.
Honestly, I couldn't book the book down because I wanted to know what would happen next. Not that everything was super interesting in the book, but because I was so invested in the characters relationship and I needed to see how it played out. I can see this turning into a movie. I think it's adorable.
It has a few raunchy romance parts.
This book switches back and forth between the main characters -Mac & MJ- point of views which I love.
The characters are ex-best friends turned lovers. It's also giving bad boy/good girl vibes.
Honestly, I couldn't book the book down because I wanted to know what would happen next. Not that everything was super interesting in the book, but because I was so invested in the characters relationship and I needed to see how it played out. I can see this turning into a movie. I think it's adorable.
June 3, 2025
4.5 stars!
If you’re looking for your next summer read- choose this one! MJ and Mac have such a sweet relationship and I absolutely adored their connection. The friend group is great, the town is a small gossip rumor mill, and the romance is heartwarming. I love how MJ finally took control of her life and Mac always put her needs above his own. I absolutely adore “it’s always been you” and that’s exactly what I got from Mac and MJ. The connection between the end of the story back to the beginning had me wanting to jump right back in!
Thank you Maddy and HappilyBookedPR for this advanced reader’s copy!
If you’re looking for your next summer read- choose this one! MJ and Mac have such a sweet relationship and I absolutely adored their connection. The friend group is great, the town is a small gossip rumor mill, and the romance is heartwarming. I love how MJ finally took control of her life and Mac always put her needs above his own. I absolutely adore “it’s always been you” and that’s exactly what I got from Mac and MJ. The connection between the end of the story back to the beginning had me wanting to jump right back in!
Thank you Maddy and HappilyBookedPR for this advanced reader’s copy!
June 6, 2025
“I want to be your everything, because you’re already mine.”
4⭐️ 2🌶️
- small town
- found family
- childhood friends
- bad boy x good girl
- they annotate books for each other ✍🏼
Six year ago, MJ graduated high school and left her small hometown to go start law school with the intention of eventually taking over her father’s law firm. But even though she left, she was always leaving part of herself behind because of what was still left unsaid with her childhood crush, Mac. And while MJ has her secrets, Mac has quite a few of his own, too…
Now that she’s back home for the summer and helping her dad with Mac’s legal case, they both have some secrets hidden away deep within themselves that it’s time to let free. Will admitting their truths bring them back together or will it push them further apart?
Thank you so much to Maddy and HappilyBookedPR for the ARC!
4⭐️ 2🌶️
- small town
- found family
- childhood friends
- bad boy x good girl
- they annotate books for each other ✍🏼
Six year ago, MJ graduated high school and left her small hometown to go start law school with the intention of eventually taking over her father’s law firm. But even though she left, she was always leaving part of herself behind because of what was still left unsaid with her childhood crush, Mac. And while MJ has her secrets, Mac has quite a few of his own, too…
Now that she’s back home for the summer and helping her dad with Mac’s legal case, they both have some secrets hidden away deep within themselves that it’s time to let free. Will admitting their truths bring them back together or will it push them further apart?
Thank you so much to Maddy and HappilyBookedPR for the ARC!
June 4, 2025
“Will she counting to play it safe? Or will she finally be Jumping In with her heart first”
I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest opinion! I throughly enjoyed the fun emotional rollercoaster this book took me on. MJ comes home on summer break and ends up seeing her childhood crush Mac again. MJ is known as the good girl in her town and Mac is known as the bad boy but the two of them have an amazing connection! I can’t wait to read more of Maddy Harris’s books and see where the Dream team takes us!
#childhoodfriends #badboyxgoodgirl #secondchance #smalltown #foundfamily #summerromance #happilyhookedpr #maddyharris
June 10, 2025
Jumping in is book one in Heart First series.
I really loved reading this small town, second chance, friends to lovers romance. I think this book really hits close to home for me personally so bonus points lol...
Mac is dealing with personal problems, and running his fathers shop. AJ went away to collage but returned questioning if she really wants to follow her fathers footsteps.
This is the first book I've read from this author and I can't wait to read more! I think she did a fantastic job with the storyline it flowed well, and held my attention. I really enjoyed all of the characters from the main characters, friends, and even the parents.
I really loved reading this small town, second chance, friends to lovers romance. I think this book really hits close to home for me personally so bonus points lol...
Mac is dealing with personal problems, and running his fathers shop. AJ went away to collage but returned questioning if she really wants to follow her fathers footsteps.
This is the first book I've read from this author and I can't wait to read more! I think she did a fantastic job with the storyline it flowed well, and held my attention. I really enjoyed all of the characters from the main characters, friends, and even the parents.
June 13, 2025
What an absolutely sweet and satisfying read! Jumping In perfectly captures that tender pull between friendship and something more — and MJ and Mac’s story is both heartwarming and swoon-worthy. I loved the small-town setting, the genuine banter, and the way the characters felt like people you’ve known forever. Their slow-burn, friends-to-lovers romance had me smiling, rooting for them, and flipping pages late into the night. It’s the kind of book that makes you nostalgic for summer nights, childhood bonds, and the magic of second chances. Maddy Harris has a fresh, emotional voice, and I can't wait to see where she takes this series next!
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