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In the Light of Day: Welcome to Hidden Valley

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In the Light of Day is the final book in the Welcome to Hidden Valley Series. In it, we learn how Nova and Ace first met and follow the ups and downs toward their happy ever after.

Full blurb coming soon.

350 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 2, 2025

63 people are currently reading
248 people want to read

About the author

K. Wish

5 books55 followers
A lover of all things romance, K. Wish is a mum by day and a romance writer by night. She enjoys writing small town settings with protector males; but where the female lead ultimately becomes her own hero. Living in majestic New Zealand she has the perfect inspiration for the fictional world she creates and the many characters she wants to share.

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5 stars
114 (43%)
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115 (43%)
3 stars
24 (9%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Dahné  "anotherbookchick".
199 reviews7 followers
April 5, 2025
4.5 so round up!

I knew going into this book I was going to love it because I friggin loved the first 2. I was 100% not let down - K wish knows how to write a story and hook you in!

This book just like the other 2 was so easy to read but keeps you wanting to read and smash through it!

This story is the perfect ending to this hidden valley series. It's got the darkest background story but with the most beautiful story back to the light.

Ace is delicious & Nova is a sassy queen. Their banter is amazing. Their relationship is inspiring & K wish just simply knocked it out the park again!

Can't wait to see what's coming next from her!
Profile Image for Ashley Salcedo.
458 reviews7 followers
April 22, 2025
I'm writing this through the tears I am still crying because WHAT THE FUUUUU**KK.

Seriously. WHAT. THE. FU***K. I am speachless.


Just kidding, I HAVE WORDS.


This book was such a rollercoaster of emotions. I think the thing I am most sad about is that our time in Hidden Valley has come to an end.

Ace and Nova were everything. Both coming together in time of need. Both from broken pasts. Both just absolutely perfect for each other.

I was hooked from the beginning and couldn't put it down. This was the type of book I literally pulled out to read at a red light BECAUSE IT WAS SO GOOD. The banter between them was great. The slow burn was even greater. The patience and care Ace had was even greater. I laughed so hard during parts, but I also cried so hard during certain parts. The emotions were flowing.

(PLEASE CHECK THE TRIGGER WARNINGS!!! This book is very well written, but it can be too much for some with specific triggers. Please make sure you know what you are diving into before reading.)

I remember reading book one and being absolutely crushed. Then reading book two I was heartbroken. Now I finish book three and I am devastated, but in the best possible way.

Every one needs a man like Ace, Dante, or Porter in their life. The protectiveness and love they have for their women is swoon worthy. Honestly, I dare you to read this series and tell me which one is better. I bet you can't because they are all THAT GOOD.

Such a great book, such a great series. THANK YOU K. WISH. This series is one of my absolute favs and I am so so so thankful you gave me the opportunity to arc read all of them. I will be over here crying for the foreseeable future, but its fine. I'M FINE.
Profile Image for Lakinloveslit.
443 reviews10 followers
April 18, 2025
The third and final instalment in the Hidden Valley series and what a beautiful story to round out the trilogy. I’ve been so excited for Ace and Nova’s story and it didn’t disappoint!

Firstly I will say check the trigger warnings with this one as it deals with some tough topics. We learn about Nova’s past and how her and Ace came to be as close as they are and why he’s always with her. We flash back to Nova at 18 and learn about the horrors she went through to become who she is now, and I’ve gotta say I just love her even more for being so strong. She’s such a warm and loving person it’s incredible to see her thrive in spite of her past. Ace has been a fave of mine ever since the tampon buying in book one (which honestly still has me cackling even thinking about it) and the touch her and die vibes were 11/10. Even though he’s tough and will do anything to keep Nova safe, he’s also a big softy at heart and so so loyal. He and Nova’s relationship was just so sweet to read about and I absolutely love them for each other.

As always, it was great to catch up with Mila and Dante and Charlie and Porter and I just adore the found family aspects to this series. While I am sad to be done with this series, I cannot wait to see what Kelly writes next! Huge thank you to K. Wish for this ARC - I loved it 🥰
Profile Image for Katie Campbell.
35 reviews5 followers
March 28, 2025
Such a roller coaster of emotions! I love a fast paced read that keeps me on the edge of my seat! The stakes are so high and descriptive at the beginning that I felt like I was there holding Nova’s hand through her trauma 💔 Ace’s gentleness & protectiveness is everything you want in a MMC 🙌🏼 - I read this as a standalone and loved it, but I will absolutely going back to read the others 🫶🏼
Profile Image for Sam Robbins Wyllie.
50 reviews1 follower
March 30, 2025
An absolutely delicious slow burn romance that had me kicking my feet and crossing my legs! The tension between the MC's was thick and steamy as hell. K Wish has done a phenomenal job balancing the darker storyline and FMC Nova's trauma with well placed comedic relief from golden retriever simp Ace.

Pop off Queen, can't wait to see what you write next!
Profile Image for Mel Rose.
30 reviews5 followers
February 15, 2025
Disgustingly good.

These characters have me in a chokehold. I sobbed, I was anxious, I was giddy, I swooned, I laughed, I felt all the things!

This story was also sooooo captivating I really felt like I was in the story with the MC’s which at times was not a good thing… Iykyk :(

This is one of those books I will forever think about.

Also the growth in the writing!!!!!!! Pop off queen 👏🏼
Profile Image for Lucy.
876 reviews15 followers
April 27, 2025
I know I'm in the minority with this book but here I am. This wasn't poorly written by any means. The characters were very well portrayed and I did like both Ace and Nova. My issue really comes with some of the over the top, exaggerated behavior that I just couldn't get behind. Some of the time jumping was also off-putting.

First, the prologue is set several years before all of Nova's trauma begins. It didn't fit right. It honestly felt like so much of the story was kind of spoiled for me just by having the prologue like that. (I did not read the first 2 books and because I didn't read the synopsis, I had no way of knowing this was the 3rd book in a series. Although they do seem like interconnected standalone books.) So honestly, I think the prologue would have fit better if it was actually before Chapter 20, which is when Present time starts.

Then, we have the issue with Ace being so far over the top that he becomes a walking felony. The amount of times this guy just shoots a firearm at people (sometimes aiming and hitting them, and sometimes just aiming near them) is insane. If he was placed on emergency leave from the military for a psychotic break, why does he have so much access to firearms? This psychotic break resulted in killing someone (they deserved it but where was the investigation?) I don't know. I don't know gun laws and the military and all that. It just seemed ridiculous. Especially considering what he does with said guns outside of the military. Some of his dialogue was a little goofy. Particularly the first night that they consummate their marriage fully. He sounded like a horny 14 year old and not a grown man.

Anyway, maybe I'm just being picky. Like I said, I really did like the characters. I just could suspend belief that much I guess.
Profile Image for Sarah-Rose.
17 reviews5 followers
April 5, 2025
This was the final instalment of the Hidden Valley books. These can be read as stand alone though as each one is on a different couple from the same small town. I had read the first book but not book 2 and still knew what was going on and enjoyed this book.

I was lucky to be gifted this copy as an ARC from KWish and Wow! What a beautiful book it is!

It’s spicy- a lot spicer than I was expecting tbh and there’s a slow burn situation going on and a lot of build up to what is ultimately such a great ending! This book hooked me from the start and I ended up staying up way past my bedtime to finish it 😅

I can’t say too much more without spoilers but if you love romances with a MMC who is a protector, is gentle, sweet and are looking for a new book boyfriend then Ace is for you and you should read this book!

Please check the trigger warnings first as there’s some heavy trauma related content around kidnapping and abuse that might not be every bodies cup of tea.

A solid 4 stars from me 🥰
Profile Image for Claudia Di Pasquale.
10 reviews
September 24, 2025
I knew I was going to love this book because I loved the first two, and boy, was I right!! THIS BOOK WAS EVERYTHING! Ace and Nova were everything! 5/5!✨️ All the stars!!!

I had been waiting for their story since book 1, and honestly, theirs was the perfect way to end the Hidden Valley series! This series progressively got darker, and their tragic and traumatic pasts left me absolutely heartbroken. I can confirm I have cried in all 3 books😭 But they were also so wholesome and healing!❤️‍🩹

Ace and Nova came together in a time of need and never, not once, let each other down. Their love and devotion for one another were just beautiful and inspiring. They are one of those couples where you just KNOW they are truly soulmates.

I friggin' LOVED Ace with all my heart! He was the perfect combination of a big, silly teddy bear and the most protective, dangerous, no-nonsense man. He was so selfless, nurturing, and patient. He always put Nova's needs first and never gave her any reason to doubt him. And Nova - she was so incredible, STRONG, sassy, and brave. She overcame so much, and I'm just so in awe of her. I loved them both so much!🩷🥹

Their banter was also top-tier! I laughed so hard in parts but sobbed in others. The author does a fantastic job of balancing sweet, loving moments, hilarious moments, and downright depressing and suspenseful moments. (With this being said, please check the trigger warnings before diving in!!)

I was hooked right from the beginning - not just from the start of this book, but this whole series! Dante & Mila, Charlie & Porter, and Ace & Nova all have a piece of my heart! This series has officially become a top all-time favourite of mine, and I can't recommend it enough!!😍

Thank you, K. Wish, for writing such amazing, emotional stories and beautiful characters!🩷

Tropes:
❄️ Small town romantic suspense
❄️ Traumatic pasts
❄️ Friends-to-lovers
❄️ Slow burn
❄️ Banter
❄️ Ex-military MMC
❄️ Touch her & die
❄️ "use me, take what you need"
❄️ "my wife"
❄️ Found family
❄️ Dual POV

Favourite Quotes:
✨️"I promise, darlin'. It's you and me against the world, forever."✨️

✨️"Every version of you is mine. Mine to cry with. Mine to laugh with. Mine to love. Just like I am to you. All of me is yours"✨️

✨️"Ours is a love story written in the light of day and nothing will stop me from the life I deserve with the man I love."✨️
Profile Image for Kelsey.
192 reviews8 followers
April 4, 2025
"I can't help but smile at him, knowing that even if I could change something about him I wouldn't.
He's perfect.
He's mine."


I was lucky to receive an ARC of K. Wish's newest book, In the Light of Day (the final book in the Welcome to Hidden Valley series). It follows the story of Nova and Ace.

I was excited to be back in the Hidden Valley world.

I have not so patiently been waiting for Nova and Ace's story. Since meeting them in the previous books, I have wanted to know more about their backstories.

Let me tell you, K. Wish does not disappoint with this book!

I was not prepared for learning about Nova's backstory. There were moments when I had to put the book down because it was hard to read. She went through absolute hell, and my heart broke for her so many times. How much pain and suffering can one person endure? I am in awe of Nova's strength, especially after everything she has endured.

Ace was everything you could want in a book boyfriend. I loved how protective and possessive he was, but underneath that tough guy exterior is a man who is kind, caring, has a heart of gold, and has the patience of a saint. The way he was there for Nova and knew what she needed without her having to say anything made me fall in love with him.

I loved the way K. Wish writes about found family. The friendships between Mila, Dante, Charlie, Porter, Nova, Ace, and Seth are everything. Everyone deserves to have a friend/s like them in their lives.

It is bittersweet knowing this is the end of the Welcome to Hidden Valley series, but I can not wait to read what K. Wish comes out with next!

Thank you so much to K. Wish for this ARC 🖤
Profile Image for Stephanie.
52 reviews1 follower
April 6, 2025
I was so lucky to receive a copy of this as an ARC, so thank you to the author for that!

This book honestly is so hard for me to review because it was so good and I don't want to say too much without spoiling 😅

This book is the third in the series Welcome to Hidden Valley, however can absolutely be read as a standalone. This books gives us insight in to how our MCs, Nova and Ace, meet, and their rollercoaster of a journey together.

This book went from 0 - 100 very very quickly in term of triggers which I actually loved as I love a fast paced book, and it hooks you in almost immediately and leaves you hanging out for that happily every after.

This story touches on some intense themes (always read your trigger warnings!), but as you read along you realise how some of these things have shaped our main characters and their future together.

This story overall is a happy one, with a happy ending (yes and that kind of happy ending too 🌶️). The spice was honestly off the charts, right up until the very end. There are huge elements of touch her and ☠️ in this, and Ace is sometimes hilariously and over dramatically protective (babe put the 🔫 down it’s okay).

If you like:

- Banter
- Traumatic Past
- Use me, take what you need
- Found Family
- Friends to Lovers
- Ex Military

then I definitely recommend! I’ll be reading the rest of the series asap!

Thank you again to the lovely K. Wish for the arc!
Profile Image for Deanie.
805 reviews21 followers
March 18, 2025
The way I feel absolutely feral over this book is insane!! I have enjoyed each and every one of the Hidden Valley series but there was just something in this one that hit all the right spots for me. I listened to it with the text-to-speech option and it was the most relaxing evening I’ve had in a long time!

Nova and Ace were perfect. I loved how protective he was of Nova and how much love he had for from the moment they found each other. Nova overcame so much in the years since she was taken and escaped and it’s clear their relationship was a part of that.

The humour in this book had me cackling at time. Man juice, baby batter, and Ace being Team Jacob made me lose it and added to the whole vibe. Add in what the girls talk about in girls night and the toys in suitcase and I was way too amused.

Special shoutout for warm fuzzy vibes has to go to Seth and Martha. The way they cared for and took Nova in was beautiful and it broke my heart that Martha passed swag early but I’m so glad they had so many years together. Seth was an incredible dad to her, and a badass protector in his own right, and it make me want to give him a big old hug.

I have no idea what’s next for K Wish but I cannot wait to be a part of it! She has this way of writing intense emotional romances mixed with dark, delicious suspense and I have a feeling whatever she tries next will be golden!
Profile Image for Ash.
207 reviews2 followers
April 3, 2025
K. Wish delivers a slow burn romance with strong emotional depth. The tension between Nova and Ace was intense, and their relationship felt natural and well-earned. The balance between Nova’s trauma and Ace’s light hearted energy worked well, making for a compelling read. The ending was INSANE!! I had a bad feeling throughout the book that something bad was going to happen but wow I was blown away!!

This book took me through a mix of emotions. Ace’s devotion to Nova was touching, and her journey of healing was powerful. The humour added a nice contrast, and some moments had me laughing out loud. The found family aspect was also a highlight, with Seth and Martha providing warmth and support when Nova needed it most. I absolutely loved the side characters and I am so eager to read the rest of this series to meet them properly!

It is an emotional but rewarding read with love, healing, and well-placed comedic moments. I appreciate the chance to read this ARC and cannot wait to pick up more books by K. Wish. Thank you to the author for this story <3

Read if you're a fan of
🙌🏼Small Town
🙌🏼Romantic Suspense
🙌🏼Protective MMC
🙌🏼Tragic Backstories
🙌🏼No Third Act Breakup
🙌🏼Friends To Lover
Profile Image for Kimreviewsbooks .
159 reviews1 follower
March 26, 2025
I was lucky enough to be provided an ARC for my honest review - so here it is!

5 stars. 5 freakn stars!

When I read KOA I sobbed like a hungry newborn, and I have been searching for a book that would help me get those feelings again. I cried at the start and the end. Kelly has done such a bloody good job!

Having met Nova and Ace in book one, knowing there was chemistry but having mystery about it, are they a thing? are they just really touchy-feely friends? Like all good romance books, there is a happy ending but damn getting there hurt my heart. Watching someone lose their childhood innocence, knowing it happens in real life, was gut-wrenching. I wanted to hold baby Nova and protect her. And along came Ace. Who was in the right place at the right time.

Ace is the definition of golden retriever and boy was I here for it! My partner calls me "my love" and "love" all the time so the terms of endearment really made my heart flutter. Ace and Nova were my most anticipated couple of the series so I very much enjoyed this.

Kelly, I have one question. Who hurt you to write such heart hurting books!?
Profile Image for Nasi.
226 reviews13 followers
April 4, 2025
Since the first book i was so curious about Nova's story, i knew something happened to her and with this book all of my questions are answered and it was heartbreaking.

Ace and Nova are definitely everything. They found each other on the time when they needed. Both come from a broken past and it couldn't be more perfect. They are meant to be together just perfect for each other. The way how Ace was patience and caring toward Nova was swoon worthy.

Each book the stories and characters gettin better and better. Its so good written that i was hooked up on Ace and Nova's story from the beginning and it was a roller-coaster of emotions. Ace is not different from Porter and Dante. He is caring, protective and like his friends he loves his women with his whole hearts.

Before starting with the reading please check the trigger warnings.

Another great Series comes to an end and i can't wait to read more from K. Wish.
Profile Image for Tamara.
127 reviews2 followers
March 1, 2025
It feels so bittersweet that Hidden Valley has come to an end but what a perfect end it was.

I've been hanging out for Nova and Ace's story and it did not disappoint.

I wasn't fully prepared for Nova's backstory and knowing her beautiful personality from the previous two books made it extra hard to read.

Ace was his goofy, kind, caring self and he consistently gave me the giggles throughout the book.

Although this book may be the darkest of the three, it's simultaneously the mushie-ist 🤣 the romance, the swoony moments, the communication...everything was chef's kiss.

I am so scared I'm going to accidentally spoil something so I'll leave my review here 🫢 please take note of the trigger warnings prior to reading this book. There is a very heavy storyline within.
Profile Image for Aleshia Chalklen.
132 reviews3 followers
March 22, 2025
There are so many things to process and share about the experience that was reading Ace and Nova's story.....

This final installment is full of love, strength, hardships and a huge amount of our main characters overcoming some really hard dark shit. A book will always own my heart if it makes me feel something and this book definitely did that.

I would be lying if I said I didn't feel deeply connected to Nova and some of her inner thought processes which may or may not have resulted in some tears.... And then Ace, what can I say other than that man is literally everything you could ever want in a man.

If you love interconnected standalones and HEAs then please pick up all of the books in the Hidden Valley series
Profile Image for anasladylit.
102 reviews
May 10, 2025
In the Light of Day isn’t the easiest story to read and deals with heavy topics (check trigger warnings) - but it’s one that deserves to be read.

K.Wish’s writing had me highlighting line after line…once I could remove my hand from my mouth that is (sometimes from laughter and other times in shock/awe of the spice).

Ace and Nova are absolutely perfect for each other and I love them both.

I think I need to go do a reread of the entire series while I wait impatiently for K.Wish’s next book.

P.S - the authors note at the end….I definitely didn’t cry 🤥
Profile Image for Lara-Kate.
81 reviews
March 11, 2025
In the Light of Day!
It's out in April and the third book in the series!

Hidden Valley series is one you need to read! Head into some dark themes, strong protectors, characters that are relatable and endearing with a close knit town.

This is going to be a series I read and re-read, soaking it all in.

Such a great end to the series, I had a 'what the' moment I'm still recovering from. Ace and Nova have such a powerful story. I loved this!

#kwishauthor #hiddenvalleyseries
31 reviews1 follower
March 21, 2025
I cried, laughed & swooned. Nova & Ace are just so damn adorable. The dildo prank had me busting out laughing 😂 Ace is the sweetest & most patient MMC I have ever read. I loved their banter! The way they go back & forth with funny or witty remarks is hilarious!! Ace is so sweet, protective & possessive of Nova. The smut was spicy! This was such a sweet story! Nova over coming her trauma & stronger person after everything she endured was amazing!
Profile Image for Alice Lyons.
28 reviews2 followers
March 27, 2025
I can‘t even begin to put this into words.. but i‘m sure gonna try. Loved it! There is not much more to say. Make sure tissues are close by.. and also don‘t start reading this at night.. it gets you hooked so fast and then you can‘t put it down. So 10/10 can recommend. The first two books are hreat too. So an all in all amazing series.

I received this book as an arc and i am leaving this review voluntarily. Big thank you to the author.
Profile Image for Becka | Bookishbeck_.
61 reviews7 followers
April 3, 2025
The Welcome to Hidden Valley series has been an emotional, unforgettable ride, but In the Light of Day was truly the book I had been waiting for. From the very first two books, I knew Ace and Nova were going to be my favorites, and they absolutely did not disappoint.

Nova’s backstory caught me completely off guard, but it only made me love her more. She is the definition of strength and resilience, a character who carries so much weight yet never lets it break her. And Ace? Oh. My. God. He is next-level protector material—the kind of man who just knows. He understands Nova in a way that goes beyond words, always anticipating exactly what she needs before she ever has to say it. Their connection is effortless, deep, and undeniable. They were truly made for each other, and their story had me in my feelings the entire time.

I’m so grateful I got to ARC read all three books in this series, and I can’t wait to see what K. Wish does next!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Profile Image for Lauren Ploughman.
107 reviews
October 6, 2025
From book 1 I knew that this couple would be my undoing! Their whole relationship and friendship completely broke me. Novas back story was heartbreaking and I had tears in my eyes for 30% of this book. It had the right about of love, banter and heartbreak. Ace is by far my favourite MMC of the series, I mean who can resist a golden retriever man who at the same time will kill a bitch for you !! Protective man for the win !!
Profile Image for Emma.
35 reviews
March 22, 2025
Ace & Nova + 🤍Martha

“Come on darlin', you’re pretty cute when you giggle”

Beautiful well written book that brought aspects from the previous 2 books into view, creating a fully rounded love story.

Seth’s epilogue was the perfect way to end the Hidden Valley Series 🥰

“because ours was a love written in the light of day.”

Reading while listening to the chapter songs on repeat was so good, especially during chapter 24 😭

“Sometimes family is who we choose and not made by the blood we share.”

*ARC reader*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Yenphuong Huynh.
202 reviews
October 7, 2025
3/5 ⭐️

This was actually pretty good. I liked this more than the other two. I loved how we got so much more of Seth in this one! Oh and his pov for the extended chapter? God my heart couldn’t take all that happiness and joy! I simply melted.
Profile Image for Joanna Teresa.
127 reviews
October 22, 2025
This one surprised me!

Easily my favorite from this series! Ace is the king of patience. He's sweet, understanding and lethal.

The love that everyone has for eachother is so sweet 🥹
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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