Head Over Heels In Love

by Mariah Ankenman

Catching a woman breaking into his car was not the way Ace Jackson wanted to start his day. Finding out she's the new hire at his family's distillery is even worse. Sure, she said she mistook his car for her's, but there's something about Millie he doesn't trust. Too bad all his siblings vetoed his vote. What's the point of being the oldest if you don't get to be in charge?

Millie Danes told the grumpy Adonis she wasn't breaking into his car, but did he believe her? No! The guy has a stick up his butt bigger than the pine trees gracing the Rocky Mountains. Unfortunately, he's her new boss or she'd try and see if she could melt that icy exterior. But she has more on the line than a job, she needs funds to start her dream. Her very own aerial studio.

When a theft is discovered at work, Ace enlists Millie's help as a spy in exchange for the money to build her dream. Their tentative truce becomes complicated when desires fan the flames of temptation. In the battle of love, who will fall

233 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 8, 2025

About the author

Bestselling author Mariah Ankenman lives in the beautiful Rocky Mountains with her two rambunctious children and loving spouse who is her own personal spell checker when her dyslexia gets the best of her.

Mariah loves to lose herself in a world of words. Her favorite thing about writing is when she can make someone’s day a little brighter with one of her books. To learn more about Mariah and her books follow her on social media or sign up for her newsletter.

Reviews

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always knew there’d be a lot more going on behind the quiet stoicism of the eldest Jackson brother, but even my wildest imaginings didn’t scratch the surface of what this book showed us. Millie was exactly the kind of chaos I don’t know if any of us (other than the author) realized Ace needed in his life. While he helped her to find a little bit of extra stability, she shook him to his very foundations; teaching him that it’s okay to be the one that needs to lean on others once in a while. The snark and sass between this pair was absolutely top notch, and I adored watching them spar their way to Forever. I hate that this book closes out the last Jackson sibling, because I am in no way prepared to let go of these characters.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley.

[Lola · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a delightful mix of heart and humor! Ace is the classic eldest brother serious, responsible, and all about order. Millie, on the other hand, is pure sunshine, so when se sees her, he knows he's in trouble.
She works at Ace’s family distillery, and i loved that his entire family absolutely adored her.

Watching these two opposites navigate working together wasso fun but what really won me over was how deeply emotional their bond becomes.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Head Over Heels in Love by Mariah Ankenman, book four in the Jackson Family Distillery series, is a humorous, heartwarming, and deeply emotional opposite attract romance that explores the challenges of being the eldest, needing to be in charge, and not wanting to ask anyone for help; especially after the death of a parent.

From the moment Ace Jackson met Millie Danes not only did sparks fly but so did his temper. When Millie walks into the bar, applying for job, Ace knew his life was about to change; forever. Ace carries the weight of the world, or at least the Jackson family, on his shoulders; ever since the death of their father. He believed that since he was the oldest, even if only by minutes to his twin BJ, he needed to be the one to take care of everyone and everything. Millie is the opposite of Ace. She has traveled the world as a circus performer while waitressing to help save funds for her dream; her very own aerial studio. Working together, sparks fly every time these two are near. When Ace discovered a discrepancy in the accounts, he asks Millie to keep an eye out in exchange for the money to build her dream. As these two team up things heat up, especially as they spend more time together. With family support and a huge dose of humility, Ace finally realizes he does not need to do everything alone; that being a team can be beneficial.

Ms. Ankenman wrote a humorous, charming, heartfelt, and endearing romance that I could not put down and should not be missed. I laughed, teared up and smiled throughout the book. Ace and Millie were perfect for each other; warming my heart watching their love and growth. This is an emotional tale rich with attraction, chemistry, clever banter, humor, and a wonderful cast of secondary characters, helping these two get the love and future they deserve.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
#NetGallery #mariahankenman #headoverheelsinlove #acejackson

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved the grumpy-sunshine characters of Ace and Millie. Ace had a tough exterior and seemed to always be the in-charge and grump of the family, but he had a really soft and caring side underneath all that bluster. And Millie...well, she was definitely a character. I can't say that I've ever read a book where a FMC was a former circus performer or was wanting to open an aerial studio. So kudos to the author for making this a unique character, complete with blue hair. I loved watching them fight the insane chemistry that was obvious to anyone with eyes and then giving into a relationship, although a secret one for most of the book. There is a typical 3rd Act Breakup in this one, but it only lasts a few days before they kiss and make up.

Although I enjoyed the book, I felt as though we really only got to know Ace and Millie at a surface level. I would have liked to dig deeper into who they were as persons and what made them that way. I also would have enjoyed an epilogue. The book ends quickly after they kiss and make up and say 'I love you' without a further look into their lives as a couple out in the open now. With this being what I assume is the final book in the series, I think that was needed to bring some finality to the series and the book.

This was the first book by this author that I've read and I think I'll be looking into reading more of her books in the future. This is book 4 in the series, but it can be read as a standalone.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ace is a man who has required routine and control so from his first meeting with Millie he knew that she was trouble. A misunderstanding doesn’t get them off to the best start however when a problem arises he knows that she is the best way to try and solve it. The only problem with that plan is spending time with her forces him to see that there is so much more to life than the way he has been living it.

Millie has dreams for the future and working at Ace’s family bar is just a stepping stone to get there. She and Ace couldn’t me more different, but he has also offered her an opportunity to achieve her dream. What was supposed to be a simple assignment turns into more when she realizes that there is so much more to Ace than first appears.

Ace and Millie were so delightful together as she knows exactly what to do or say to get a rise out of him and he gives as good as he gets. Although they had a few challenges along the way they ultimately bring out the best in each other.

[Bella · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pleasant and charming story that continues the spirit of the previous books in the series, celebrating the bonds of family and friendship and the importance of their support. Ace and Millie couldn’t be more different, yet it’s likely this very contrast that draws them together and shapes their relationship—one they must keep secret because of events that happened at work. A sweet, heartwarming read that’s sure to bring a smile to your face.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for NetGalley.