Highest Point

The Hastings #3

by Kels Stone, Denise Stone

A daring mountaineer helps a ballerina on a mission to train for a winner-takes-all competition in the Alaskan wilderness in this sports romance.


Alec Hastings

I had a plan for everything. Gear lists, weather patterns, mountain routes down to the mile.

But nothing prepared me for the moment I watched my best friend fall into the abyss.

After Finn’s accident, I walked away from the mountains to fix up the abandoned lodge we bought as teenagers so he has a safe place to recover. The man who sold us the place is gone, but his granddaughter, Clementine, is here, and she needs a partner to enter a high-stakes wilderness competition with a cash prize she’s desperate to win.

She knows design. I know survival. So we strike a She helps me finish the lodge, I help her win.

This year, the annual competition is bigger than ever, so we start training—hard. While I had my doubts initially, Clementine doesn’t quit, even when she should. I’ve summited K2 and Everest, but I’ve never encountered anything like her. She’s too young, too sunlit, too…everything.

And the longer we work together, the harder it is to pretend this partnership, and my time in Alaska, is temporary.



Clementine Lennox

Newly promoted principal dancer with the New York City Ballet.

That’s what was meant to happen.

Instead, I packed up my dreams and fled to the remote town where I spent my childhood summers. The only goal I have now is paying off the mountain of debt that followed me across the country.

My solution? Winning Wild Trails—with the help of legendary mountaineer Alec Hastings.

Alec is enigmatic and intense, and though he pushes me to the brink, he’s always there to catch me. His faith in me makes me feel like I still matter…like I’m not a failure.

With each milestone I achieve, I prove to myself that I’m more than the sum of my broken dreams—and that I’m allowed to choose myself. And I might have to. Because Alec has always chased the next adventure, and with the clock ticking on our agreement, I have a feeling he’ll be gone when the seasons change.

Highest Point is the third book in The Hastings series, a collection of interconnected standalone sports romances about the Hastings siblings, scions of sports royalty.

Genres: Sports Romance

Kindle Edition

Expected publication November 5, 2025

About the author

Impactful Love Stories

Kels & Denise are authors, best friends, and the definition of the found family trope. The pair bonded over their love for romance and turned all their late-night chats into writing together. Their enjoyment for storytelling morphed into writing impactful love stories.

@authorkelsdenisestone
kelsdenisestone.com/kdstone

For exclusive bonus content: www.patreon.com/authorkelsdenisestone

Reviews

[jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

spectacular give me 15 of them right now. confessions of a shopaholic if rebecca bloomwood seriously cut herself off and went to live in alaska. this WAS SO MUCH FUN! i seriously could not read this fast enough!!!
kels and denise’s writing is so beloved by me!! i was HOOKED from the first page (might just be the craziest first page we’ve ever gotten from them….) and in a chokehold every second following that. i am loving this series so much! k and d are seriously in their own league when it comes to sports romances i mean who else is writing sports romance about fencing and mountain climbing (sorry cameron i love you but you just play soccer)????

adored every page of this! clem and alex were so perfection and i just could not get enough of them… literally reading the epilogue praying that there was going to be a bonus epilogue too… they are very serious to me!!!! LOVE a stubborn girl that drives the man MAD! love a man that LOVES being driven mad by his girl! their chemistry was crazy…. guys…… chapter 43…. write that down. make a note. anywaysss! tldr: these two had some crazy chemistry and i was addicted to it!!!!

love love love all the side characters in this one too! especially my hastings gang <3 cannot wait to see what’s next for them!!!! ezra and hazel next???? please please please please pleaseeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[daphne · Rating 4 out of 5]

“𝐀𝐥𝐞𝐜 𝐇𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐲 𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐭𝐡 𝐈 𝐬𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐈’𝐝 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝. 𝐈 𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐚𝐠𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬—𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐬, 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐮𝐦𝐬, 𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐫-𝐜𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐞𝐜𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐬𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐰𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐮𝐩 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐥𝐞𝐜’𝐬 𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐬.”

No Kels & Denise Stone book has ever led me astray. As someone who dances ballet herself, I love that Clementine is a ballerina (I love reading about ballet lol). Do I know anything about mountain climbing? Absolutely not. Was I invested regardless? Yes, I loved Alec (and Finn’s) mountain climbing shenanigans ™. Something I adore about The Hastings’ Series is the found family aspect, it just never misses. Big fan, I cannot wait for the next one!

the vibes ™:
- grumpy x sunshine
- ballerina x mountainclimber
- found family
- small town
- competing together
- the cutest dog

🩰🩵✨⛰️

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, @authorkelsdenisestone and @valentine_pr_ for the gifted advanced copy of book three in what is rapidly becoming one of my all-time romance series!

Famous professional mountain climbers Alec Hastings and his best friend Finn finally achieved their audacious goal of summiting K2 when disaster struck. Now Alec is repairing the old Alaskan lodge he and Finn bought ages ago as a place Finn can come to rehab and retire. What he doesn’t expect to find in Alaska is Clementine Lennox - and, honestly, Clementine doesn’t expect to be there either. She assumed she’d finally get promoted to principle in the NYC ballet. Instead, she’s quit the ballet, is drowning in debt and living with her grandmother, helping take care of the lodge her grandparents used to own. But when she learns about a wilderness adventure contest with a 20K prize, she sees a lifeline to get her out of debt. Begrudgingly, Alec agrees to partner with her. She can keep the prize money if they win, as long as she helps make the lodge livable for Finn.

I adored Alec and Clementine - they had that magnetic push/pull that is just so fun to watch unfold in a romance novel. They both come with recently acquired (and significant) baggage, and the wilderness adventure contest is such a fun mechanism for them to grow, discover, and connect. And it is a small town in Alaska with a quirky grandma and an adorable puppy. Come on.

This is the 3rd book in the series and if you are a sports romance fan, I must insist you read the whole series (although they can be read alone/out of order). These books are just that perfect combination of bold sports-theme stories interwoven with characters seeking themselves, a deep appreciation for putting in the mental health work, and spicy relationships where you love and root for each character independently and together. I’ve said this before, if you loved Chloe Liese’s Bergman series, you get those same glorious vibes but in a completely unique way here. These books are so much fun and I cannot wait to see which Hastings sibling is the focus of book 4 - I will be 100% there for it.

[Kimberlyyyreads]

OH IM THERE.

[Kiarra-Lee Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so ready 🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️

[Danny Kearl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Valentine PR for this ARC.

Highest Point is the third book in The Hastings Series — and my very first by Kels Stone — but it certainly won’t be my last. From the very first page, I was swept away.

This story was utterly beautiful — tender, poetic, and full of moments that linger like an echo. Kels Stone writes with a quiet kind of magic, the kind that seeps under your skin and stays there.

At its core, this is the story of two souls—Clementine, a ballerina who has lost her spark, and Alec, a climber weighed down by grief—each searching for solid ground.

Clementine has spent years dancing for everyone but herself, the dream that once fueled her now dimmed by exhaustion and disappointment. When she’s passed over for principal yet again, the pressure becomes unbearable. Drowning in debt and doubt, she returns to Alaska—to her grandmother’s house and the wild silence she hopes might help her heal.

Alec, fresh from summiting K2 and surviving the tragedy that followed, carries guilt like a second skin. His best friend, Finn, is fighting to reclaim his life after the climb that nearly cost it. Lost and hollowed by grief, Alec retreats to Alaska too, determined to restore the old lodge he and Finn once dreamed of turning into a haven.

And there—amid snow-capped peaks and quiet forests—Alec meets Clementine. The woman who has unknowingly returned to her grandfather’s lodge.

Their connection begins gently—two strangers offering each other fragments of comfort. Friendship blooms, then trust. And slowly, breathtakingly, something deeper takes root. Alec and Clementine’s sexual chemistry and dynamic together was unmatched. I loved watching them thrive as their feelings grew. All of Alec’s strength and all of Clementine’s flexibility made for moments that were as fun as they were passionate.

This is a slow burn in the truest, most romantic sense—filled with soft touches, lingering glances, and the kind of emotional intimacy that builds like a sunrise.

Clementine’s journey toward rediscovering her strength and rewriting her future made my heart ache, and Alec’s search for peace and belonging was just as moving. Together, they find not just love, but a home—in each other, in the mountains, and in the quiet after the storm.

Highest Point is a story of resilience, healing, and the breathtaking beauty of finding love when you least expect it. I adored every word, and I can’t wait to return to The Hastings family and experience more of Kels Stone’s exquisite storytelling.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ★★★★★
𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: November 5 2025
𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪:

Stunning, breathtaking and incredible all at the same time. This book completely stole my heart, Kels & Denise Stone have done it again, folks! Not once have they disappointed me. They’re literally an automatic author read for me, I don’t even need to see the blurb anymore…I just know I’m about to dive into something that feels like a warm hug.

From the minute I started this book I fell in love with these two strong willed and feisty characters. Clementine and Alec were perfect. I loved the whole plot of the book, it was amazing and kept me on my toes wanting to read everything. I honestly couldn’t put the book down. Every page had me feeling something, whether it was laughter, tension, or that beautiful ache that comes when two people try so hard not to fall for each other, but can’t help it anyway.

Clementine, my god, she is hilarious. Her humor lit up every scene she was in. There’s something so magnetic about her, she’s chaotic in the most endearing way, but also strong, determined, and vulnerable. I wish I could give her the tightest hug. Watching her fight for herself, for her dreams, and for her place in the world made me tear up more than once.

And Alec, my favorite grumpy mountain man…I love him. There’s something about the way he carries so much quiet intensity while still being so deeply caring. The way he’s protective over Clementine isn’t overbearing; it’s gentle, steady, and filled with respect. He doesn’t try to fix her, he just stands beside her and believes in her. And that, to me, is romance at its highest point ;)

The slow burn between them? Torture in the best possible way. The whole time I was yelling “KISS KISS KISS” (in my head, obviously). The tension, the longing, the push and pull, it was all so beautifully done. I could feel every heartbeat, every hesitation, every unspoken word between them.

I also have to mention Alec and Finn’s friendship, I loved it. Their banter, their loyalty, their quiet understanding of each other. Not gonna lie, I thought they were gonna be a couple for a second (and honestly? I wouldn’t have complained).

Kels & Denise Stone have such a special way of writing characters who feel like real people…flawed, fierce, and full of heart.

Five stars. Would sell my soul for this book.

Huge thank you to Kels & Denise Stone and ValentinePR for the ARC.

𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦: Age gap, ballerina fmc/mountain climber mmc, grumpy/sunshine, small town romance, opposite attract

[lucialeelibros · Rating 5 out of 5]

e-ARC review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐✨💗!!!!!!

thank you Valentine PR and Kels Stone, Denise Stone 💗❤️!!!


When I first started this book, I had so many doubts. It was my first time reading a story about a mountaineer, and honestly, I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did. The whole idea instantly caught my attention and that cover? Absolutely stunning.

I fell in love with the relationship between Alec and Clementina. Alec is that classic grumpy, quiet, strong man with a few emotional scars, but I don’t blame him at all. I probably would’ve been the same. Clementina, on the other hand, is young, brave, funny, and fiercely independent, yet she also has her own things to heal. What I loved most is how they complemented each other perfectly.

At its core, this story is an adventure, a journey Clementina takes to heal, and Alec decides to join her. From the training to learning about the gear, the preparation, and everything in between—it was all beautifully written. I also loved how vividly the author described Alaska. I’ve never been there, but while reading, I could almost feel the cold air and the strength of the mountains. One of the things I loved the most is how Alec proves to himself that he can do it. That he’s not his trauma. That he can face it and quiet those little voices we all have in our heads. This story beautifully represents mental health from both sides, because Clementina has her own struggles too—those little habits and fears that we all tend to hide behind a smile. But she reaches that moment when everything clicks, when she realizes she needs to make a change.

Together, they dive into this big adventure: climbing, training, kayaking, adopting the cutest dog ever, reconnecting with friends and family… it’s a journey of growth, love, and healing. Even though this was my first book from these authors, I ended up completely in love. Now I can’t wait to read the other two books.

If you’re thinking about picking this one up, do it. The age gap is soft—he’s 33 and she’s 24—but it doesn’t feel heavy at all. The spice is so good, with that touch of slow burn, the flirting, the tension, the glances, the subtle touches that make you melt. Alec is the perfect book boyfriend, and Clementina is so lucky to have him.

[Julia P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tropes:
~ Grumpy and Sunshine
~ Opposite Attract
~ One tend only 🙈
~ Age Gap

6 stars all the wayyyy 🤭and this is definitely my favourite book of The Hastings Series. This book was so much fun to read and it had me giggling and squealing throughout the whole story🫠

Alec Hastings is a grumpy adventurous climber who is trying to settle down after his best friend got into an accident. He’s fixing the lodge for Finn so he could recover but when he gets there, Alec meets a beautiful ballerina with red hair. Clementine is a talented ballerina who running is away from New York and her debt. She wants to participate in a competition to win the price money in order to figure out her financial situation, and Alec is the only person to help her 🤭

Clementine is a free spirit who does whatever she wants and Alec is the opposite, he has lists and plans carefully planned for himself. But once Clementine crashes into life unexpectedly everything seems to fall off track and is slowly breaking the walls he had built up. Alec tries so hard to not get affected by Clem’s personality but it’s impossible, and he find himself waiting for her after her shift and helping her get ready for the competition. Clementine helps Alec understand that whatever happened to Finn it wasn’t his fault and that he needs to move on instead of hurting his own feelings.

There were so many scenes that had me blushing and giggling because they were so freaking good. I cannot say much about these scenes but you will be able to read it soon; however, I can say that the “tend scene”, “Clem showing Alec her ballet dance scene”, and “the concert hall scene” will have you sweat 🥵

A huge thanks to Valentine PR and Kels and Denise Stone for the ARC. Highest Point is coming out November 5th, 2025.

[Isabella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh to run away from my life as a ballerina and fall in love with a hot mountain climber. Sigh.

This book was everything and more. Kels and Denise brought their signature banter and atmospheric writing, which was especially appreciated considering the gorgeous Alaskan setting. I felt like I was on the trails with Alec and Clementine.

The characters are perfect. They have amazing character development, and I love love LOVE the emotional conversations throughout the book. You can see how each character works through their respective trauma or issue with some help from their partner. They complement each other like peanut butter and jelly. And of course I was so happy to see the previous couples and the remaining uncoupled Hastings. I can't wait to see whose book is next!!

The romance is 5 stars. No surprise there considering it's a Kels & Denise Stone book. As I previously mentioned, each character has something to work through, and that shines through the romance. On top of the emotional conversations and breakthroughs, there's banter and support and spice and cheesy lines and the kind of quiet comfort that only exists in that special kind of love. Good luck, topping them with the rest of the series.

I cannot recommend Highest Point enough, and I am so grateful for the chance to read it early.

Thank you to the authors for my copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Madison Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review
5⭐️

Just as I predicted, I will be dreaming about Alec and his veiny hands for the foreseeable future.

Talk about a swoon worthy man, Alec Hastings is officially one of my favorite book men. This man was grumpy, bossy, protective, a little delusional, and way too hot for his own good. But who doesn’t love a man who’s a little delusional about his feelings.🤭 For example: “Shades of orange in Clementine’s hair: nine. Not that I’m counting”

Not only is Alec a new favorite character, but so is Clem. Clementine Lennox was relatable in so many ways and I absolutely loved her. I mean when she said, “Being nervous is like ninety percent of my personality” I just knew I was going to like her.

Alec and Clem were so perfect, from the banter all the way to the emotional moments. If this one quote doesn’t explain them perfectly I don’t know what does, “I grimace. She grins. Always the opposite.”


This book was so amazing and I cannot wait for the rest of the Hastings siblings. (Let it be known that I knew Alec would be my favorite brother from the start. I call dibs, and I will put up a fight.)

Thank you so much to @authorkelsdenisestone and @valentine_pr_ for the opportunity to receive this arc.

[Samantha Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book might be my favourite of the series so far!! When I tell you that I loved it, is an understatement. This book just makes you feel all warm and giddy and makes your heart feel full! Like I couldn’t ask for more because I just loved it!

I adore Clementine! She is so deserving of all the best in life and I love how much she pushes herself to grow into a person that is more herself. She understands that she needs more out of life that she had and fights to grow into that person. I just love her to pieces!

Alec is a mountain grump! But I absolutely loved how he grew as a person as well. He takes steps to better himself and open himself up to more than just the next mountain. He grows in a way that allows his life to have more love in it. I also love the sassy banter between him and Clem.

This book just made my year. I absolutely adored it and cannot wait for more of this world. This is a must read and I bet you’ll fall in love with Clem and Alec just like me!

[Chey · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You're my favorite adventure."

First, thank you Valentine PR and Kels Stone, Denise Stone for a chance to read this book early!

This may be my favorite book from this series and Alec may be my favorite Hasting sibling... Grumpy, quiet, with a few scars, emotional and physical? My favorite.

This book started off pulling my heart strings and honestly it pulled me in right away. Getting to see Alec's journey, from the start and not just being told about it, I believe made it feel so much deeper. Saying that, Alec and Clem together? Perfect. The bickering, the hots for each other, and the adventures and strength that they learned from each other was entertaining and wonderful to see.

If you are looking for a book with:
- grumpy x sunshine
- ballerina x mountain climber
- found family
- small town
- competing together
- the cutest dog

I would highly recommend Highest Point.

[Monal (Reading.Wth.Monal) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 🌟

This book was freaking amazing. So lucky I got to read the ARC.

This one is definitely my favourite in the series so far. I cannot wait for the next book to come out. The chemistry and the story between Alec and Clem was amazing. I would’ve been just as happy only reading the first half of the book without reading about them actually getting together. Only pining for each other. It was that good.

Also, why do I feel like a little bit of this book was inspired by Confessions of a Shopaholic? Like Clem is auburn like Isla Fisher. And she has a spending problem. Like Isla’s character in the movie.

Whether or not it’s related, I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait for it to come out so others can read it.

[Brynley Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨Found family
✨Grumpy mountain man & sunshine ballerina
✨Age gap
✨Opposites attract
✨Mental health rep
✨🌶️🌶️.5

I am absolutely OBSESSED with this series. Every Hasting sibling has me SHOOK to my core & swooning in such an embarrassing manner. Clementine & Alec were such a delight to fall in love with. The definition of grumpy x sunshine with such a beautiful & heartfelt friendship (Also the slowest burn that will have your toes curling🥵)! I LOVED Finn & Alec's friendship & the family they created for themselves. No notes, 10/10 read💕

Huge thanks to Valentine PR & Kels & Denise Stone for an ARC 🫶🏼

[Kayden Storm · Rating 5 out of 5]

10s, 10s, and more 10s i have no words rn but ill post a full review soon