What do you think?
Rate this book
A Lonely Road
After years of running from the past, love is the last thing she thought she’d find.
Nora Cassidy, freelance translator and staunch introvert, wants nothing more than to stay under the radar when she arrives in the quiet town of Spruce Hill, her latest stop as she zigzags across the country in a quest to stay hidden from the ghosts of her past and find a place to call home. Unfortunately, her new neighbor notices her immediately, and none of her usual defenses seem to convince him she’s no good at friendship.
Jake Lincoln keeps himself too busy running a restaurant and renovating his fixer-upper to search for the kind of enduring love his parents found together, but he knows it’s out there and won’t settle for anything less. When his prickly new neighbor moves in, cinnamon roll Jake can’t resist the urge to win her over, especially after it becomes clear that Nora’s nomadic lifestyle has left her in dire need of a friend.
Despite the thorns guarding Nora’s heart, Jake creeps past her defenses with each passing day. There’s no denying Nora can take care of herself, but the closer they get, the more Jake can’t help feeling she’s hiding from something. When a sinister shadow from Nora's past resurfaces, she has nowhere left to turn. Worse, she’s already let Jake in, hurling him into the path of danger.
As Jake and Nora fight to survive, one thing is certain—Nora can run, but she can’t hide.
Nora Cassidy, freelance translator and staunch introvert, wants nothing more than to stay under the radar when she arrives in the quiet town of Spruce Hill, her latest stop as she zigzags across the country in a quest to stay hidden from the ghosts of her past and find a place to call home. Unfortunately, her new neighbor notices her immediately, and none of her usual defenses seem to convince him she’s no good at friendship.
Jake Lincoln keeps himself too busy running a restaurant and renovating his fixer-upper to search for the kind of enduring love his parents found together, but he knows it’s out there and won’t settle for anything less. When his prickly new neighbor moves in, cinnamon roll Jake can’t resist the urge to win her over, especially after it becomes clear that Nora’s nomadic lifestyle has left her in dire need of a friend.
Despite the thorns guarding Nora’s heart, Jake creeps past her defenses with each passing day. There’s no denying Nora can take care of herself, but the closer they get, the more Jake can’t help feeling she’s hiding from something. When a sinister shadow from Nora's past resurfaces, she has nowhere left to turn. Worse, she’s already let Jake in, hurling him into the path of danger.
As Jake and Nora fight to survive, one thing is certain—Nora can run, but she can’t hide.
349 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 2, 2025
40 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Fitzjames
7 books34 followersRachel Fitzjames is the author of a contemporary romantic suspense series set in the fictional town of Spruce Hill, NY. She started writing on her brother’s ancient computer back in the early 90s and never looked back, though her first short story about an underground cat thievery ring was sadly lost. With a degree in geography inspired by wanderlust, Rachel has a keen appreciation for the escape that the romance genre allows. She is a lifelong resident of Western NY and created Spruce Hill in order to give a little bit of home to all of her characters.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
July 2, 2025
First of all, I want to thank the author for the opportunity to read this in advanced of its publication. This was my first book of Fitzjames’ to read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I’m so glad the characters found a happy ending - I was worried for a minute! There was a really good plot and enjoyable characters. I would recommend this book!
July 8, 2025
Book Review: A Lonely Road by Rachel Fitzjames
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
A Lonely Road really took me by surprise. I picked it up expecting a cozy small-town romance with a bit of spice—and while I definitely got that, I didn’t anticipate the gripping thriller element woven into the story. It added an unexpected layer of suspense that kept me turning the pages late into the night.
Nora and Jake are a heartwarming pair, with sweet chemistry and a love story that feels both tender and earned. But what really stood out was the incredible sense of found family that develops around Nora. It’s touching, authentic, and gives the story an emotional depth I wasn’t expecting.
If you're into small-town romances with a twist of danger and mystery, this book is definitely worth the read. And hopefully youll love this book as much as Nora loves Baby❤️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
A Lonely Road really took me by surprise. I picked it up expecting a cozy small-town romance with a bit of spice—and while I definitely got that, I didn’t anticipate the gripping thriller element woven into the story. It added an unexpected layer of suspense that kept me turning the pages late into the night.
Nora and Jake are a heartwarming pair, with sweet chemistry and a love story that feels both tender and earned. But what really stood out was the incredible sense of found family that develops around Nora. It’s touching, authentic, and gives the story an emotional depth I wasn’t expecting.
If you're into small-town romances with a twist of danger and mystery, this book is definitely worth the read. And hopefully youll love this book as much as Nora loves Baby❤️
July 8, 2025
So good! Loved the suspense in it! I was lucky to get and Advance Reader Copy and man this was my first time reading anything from this author and I am so glad I got selected so worth the read!
July 27, 2025
This story took me by surprise.
When I picked it up I was expecting a cozy small-town romance with a bit of spice—and while I got that, I wasn't expecting the gripping thriller elements within the story.
Rachel Fitzjames delivered a slow-burn tension, heartfelt healing, and a hero you can't help but fall hard for. This easily became a five-star read for me and I can't recommend this book enough.
When I picked it up I was expecting a cozy small-town romance with a bit of spice—and while I got that, I wasn't expecting the gripping thriller elements within the story.
Rachel Fitzjames delivered a slow-burn tension, heartfelt healing, and a hero you can't help but fall hard for. This easily became a five-star read for me and I can't recommend this book enough.
July 28, 2025
A Lonely Road is book 2 in the Spruce Hill Series. You can read this book as a standalone. I think the book was written well, and I enjoyed the characters and suspense. The FMC Nora is an Army Brat just trying to find her place in the world and learning to let her guard down around new friends. This book was easy to get into and had some spice. I also feel like there was a hint to a possible 3rd book.
July 9, 2025
✨ Book Review: A Lonely Road by Rachel Fitzjames✨
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
I went into A Lonely Road thinking I’d get a cozy romance with a little tension.. and I did.. but I was not prepared for the emotional depth or the suspenseful twists that crept in. This book walks the line between heartwarming and edge-of-your-seat perfectly.
After years of running, Nora Cassidy is ready to disappear into the quiet charm of Spruce Hill. As a guarded freelance translator with a traumatic past, the last thing she expects is to be noticed, especially by Jake Lincoln - the cinnamon roll next door with a hammer in one hand and hope in the other. 🛠️💛
Jake is everything Nora’s not: warm, open, rooted. He’s also not letting her push him away. As sparks fly and secrets unravel, their connection deepens… until the shadows Nora’s been fleeing finally catch up. And when danger comes knocking, it’s not just her heart on the line - it’s Jake’s life too. 👀
A Lonely Road delivers slow-burn tension, heartfelt healing, and a hero you’ll fall hard for. Jake’s steady warmth perfectly balances Nora’s stormy heart, making this emotional romantic suspense a page-turner with both thrill and tenderness. ❤️🩹 What made this book shine for me was the found family element. Jake’s circle slowly becomes hers. It’s beautiful, emotional, and tender in all the right ways.
Tropes you’ll love:
💗 Grumpy x Sunshine
🔨 Small town
💗 Slow burn
🔨 Found family
💗 Black cat x Golden retriever
🔨 Suspense
If you love protective heroes, found family vibes, and love that heals the deepest wounds, then this one’s for you.
#BookReview #ALonelyRoad #RachelFitzjames #RomanticSuspense #SmallTownRomance #GrumpySunshine #BookstagramRecs #SpruceHillSeries
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
I went into A Lonely Road thinking I’d get a cozy romance with a little tension.. and I did.. but I was not prepared for the emotional depth or the suspenseful twists that crept in. This book walks the line between heartwarming and edge-of-your-seat perfectly.
After years of running, Nora Cassidy is ready to disappear into the quiet charm of Spruce Hill. As a guarded freelance translator with a traumatic past, the last thing she expects is to be noticed, especially by Jake Lincoln - the cinnamon roll next door with a hammer in one hand and hope in the other. 🛠️💛
Jake is everything Nora’s not: warm, open, rooted. He’s also not letting her push him away. As sparks fly and secrets unravel, their connection deepens… until the shadows Nora’s been fleeing finally catch up. And when danger comes knocking, it’s not just her heart on the line - it’s Jake’s life too. 👀
A Lonely Road delivers slow-burn tension, heartfelt healing, and a hero you’ll fall hard for. Jake’s steady warmth perfectly balances Nora’s stormy heart, making this emotional romantic suspense a page-turner with both thrill and tenderness. ❤️🩹 What made this book shine for me was the found family element. Jake’s circle slowly becomes hers. It’s beautiful, emotional, and tender in all the right ways.
Tropes you’ll love:
💗 Grumpy x Sunshine
🔨 Small town
💗 Slow burn
🔨 Found family
💗 Black cat x Golden retriever
🔨 Suspense
If you love protective heroes, found family vibes, and love that heals the deepest wounds, then this one’s for you.
#BookReview #ALonelyRoad #RachelFitzjames #RomanticSuspense #SmallTownRomance #GrumpySunshine #BookstagramRecs #SpruceHillSeries
July 7, 2025
This is the first mixed romance and suspense book I’ve read and I really enjoyed the combination!
A Lonely Road is the second book in the Spruce Hill series but can be read as a standalone which is what I did.
It follows Nora who grew up never settling in one place due to her dad being in the Army, moving into an apartment in Spruce Hill. She’s incredibly introverted and has walls up a mile high but when she meets her new neighbour Jake, he’s instantly smitten and wants to chip away at those walls.
Jake owns a local restaurant where Nora decides so work from and he slowly gets to know her while there. When a drunk man makes an unwanted move on Nora, it’s clear that she has some unresolved issues from her past but will she ever face them and let Jake in?
The first half of the book sets up the romance storyline and throws in a bit of mystery surrounding Nora’s past but when we find out about that, more of the suspense storyline kick in leading up to a dramatic finale.
Although this isn’t the most fast paced book, the story did tick along nicely and had a satisfying conclusion. The characters were all really likeable and I loved the secondary romance storyline between Sam and Casey. I also liked the family dynamics in this book, showing that families are all different and never perfect!
I thought this book was a really enjoyable read and I’ll definitely read the other books in this series!
Thank you to Rachel Fitzjames and Happily Booked pr for the ARC of A Lonely Road 🤍
A Lonely Road is the second book in the Spruce Hill series but can be read as a standalone which is what I did.
It follows Nora who grew up never settling in one place due to her dad being in the Army, moving into an apartment in Spruce Hill. She’s incredibly introverted and has walls up a mile high but when she meets her new neighbour Jake, he’s instantly smitten and wants to chip away at those walls.
Jake owns a local restaurant where Nora decides so work from and he slowly gets to know her while there. When a drunk man makes an unwanted move on Nora, it’s clear that she has some unresolved issues from her past but will she ever face them and let Jake in?
The first half of the book sets up the romance storyline and throws in a bit of mystery surrounding Nora’s past but when we find out about that, more of the suspense storyline kick in leading up to a dramatic finale.
Although this isn’t the most fast paced book, the story did tick along nicely and had a satisfying conclusion. The characters were all really likeable and I loved the secondary romance storyline between Sam and Casey. I also liked the family dynamics in this book, showing that families are all different and never perfect!
I thought this book was a really enjoyable read and I’ll definitely read the other books in this series!
Thank you to Rachel Fitzjames and Happily Booked pr for the ARC of A Lonely Road 🤍
July 5, 2025
Looking for a safe place to call home
Nora an army brat, after years and years of moving around finally ends up in a small town Spruce hills New York.
Next door neighbor Jake and his twin sister Samantha try to make her feel right at home but they can tell she keeps her guards up and seems to be running from something. After several incidents happening in town Nora doesn't know if she'll ever find home.
Final thoughts
Went into this book not being fully familiar with the suspense genre. I felt this book dropped off about halfway through and became filler or monotonous. Sticking out with the book once you got to about 75% through the book, The suspense and action kicked into the book and you were the edge along trying to figure out what would happen next.
In regards to the romance side of the genre, I felt like it would be more of a slow burn to go with the suspense for Jake and Nora but they got together fairly quickly. Unfortunately, I felt the spice was a little dry and flat. There was no doubting that Jake and Nora would end up together in the end. He made her feel safe and understood what she needed. They complimented each other well. The only thing I really felt missing from this story is how exactly ended up there. I felt like there was more of a backstory from her dad that we just didn't see. And it made you curious about the landlord renting out the unit to Nora.
Nora an army brat, after years and years of moving around finally ends up in a small town Spruce hills New York.
Next door neighbor Jake and his twin sister Samantha try to make her feel right at home but they can tell she keeps her guards up and seems to be running from something. After several incidents happening in town Nora doesn't know if she'll ever find home.
Final thoughts
Went into this book not being fully familiar with the suspense genre. I felt this book dropped off about halfway through and became filler or monotonous. Sticking out with the book once you got to about 75% through the book, The suspense and action kicked into the book and you were the edge along trying to figure out what would happen next.
In regards to the romance side of the genre, I felt like it would be more of a slow burn to go with the suspense for Jake and Nora but they got together fairly quickly. Unfortunately, I felt the spice was a little dry and flat. There was no doubting that Jake and Nora would end up together in the end. He made her feel safe and understood what she needed. They complimented each other well. The only thing I really felt missing from this story is how exactly ended up there. I felt like there was more of a backstory from her dad that we just didn't see. And it made you curious about the landlord renting out the unit to Nora.
July 9, 2025
Geez Louise 🥹 my heart aches for Nora and what she has been through. The fact that she tries her damn hardest in this cruel world and her mother is an exception to this rule. Her mother is something else, a huge disappointment for believing another guy than her own daughter! It makes perfect sense why this book is called A Lonely Road bc that’s all Nora knew about. Granted her father still loved her, and was in the picture, he also kept her distance from her. The amount of self esteem that Nora has is almost none and she doesn’t see that she’s such a fierce fmc !!
And it doesn’t take long for Jake to notice that then the first time he sees her. He just knew in his heart and soul that she was different, good different and someone he wanted to get close to. Obviously, he was a gentleman and didn’t want to scare her. Or sound pretentious or obnoxious and knew that being her friend was all that she wanted. And he accepted that! Ugh my heart swoons with how much of a sweet, kind gentleman Jake is.
It’s obvious that Nora is hiding from something and Jake knows that when Nora is ready, she will tell him. He was such a great friend to her ! And his twin sister, Sam is such a joy and a bit of the complete opposite of Jake. But the fact that these two were crushing on her the moment they saw her is so adorable 😍 I cannot wait to read the third book in this series and I think I have a feeling of who the third book is about 🤭
Rating: 5/5
Steamy scenes: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
And it doesn’t take long for Jake to notice that then the first time he sees her. He just knew in his heart and soul that she was different, good different and someone he wanted to get close to. Obviously, he was a gentleman and didn’t want to scare her. Or sound pretentious or obnoxious and knew that being her friend was all that she wanted. And he accepted that! Ugh my heart swoons with how much of a sweet, kind gentleman Jake is.
It’s obvious that Nora is hiding from something and Jake knows that when Nora is ready, she will tell him. He was such a great friend to her ! And his twin sister, Sam is such a joy and a bit of the complete opposite of Jake. But the fact that these two were crushing on her the moment they saw her is so adorable 😍 I cannot wait to read the third book in this series and I think I have a feeling of who the third book is about 🤭
Rating: 5/5
Steamy scenes: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
July 7, 2025
Thank you to Happily Booked PR and Rachel Fitzjames for the opportunity to read and review this book. Despite being book 2 in the Spruce Hill universe, this reads like a stand alone novel.
Nora is a wandering soul who finds herself on her next adventure in Spruce Hill. She hopes to escape a troubled past and find comfort in what is supposed to be a peaceful and idyllic town. She rents an apartment next to town hottie, Jake Lincoln. I’m picturing Jake as one of the Property Brothers meets Ken? But anyway really hot, really tall, gorgeous man.
Despite a very strong attraction — the tension builds and the two end up falling for each other. However, in the background the story of Nora’s past continues. Someone is stalking her; leaving flowers at her door, breaking and entering her apartment, vandalizing her car. Nora confesses that her past is why she has never tied herself down and has kept on the move. Jake knows the only way to get Nora to commit to a long term relationship is by helping her feel safe.
While the story is simple enough and maybe even redundant — Fitzjames’ writing style draws you right in. You keep wanting more. Feeling warm and fuzzy but also a little anxious all at the same time.
Nora is a wandering soul who finds herself on her next adventure in Spruce Hill. She hopes to escape a troubled past and find comfort in what is supposed to be a peaceful and idyllic town. She rents an apartment next to town hottie, Jake Lincoln. I’m picturing Jake as one of the Property Brothers meets Ken? But anyway really hot, really tall, gorgeous man.
Despite a very strong attraction — the tension builds and the two end up falling for each other. However, in the background the story of Nora’s past continues. Someone is stalking her; leaving flowers at her door, breaking and entering her apartment, vandalizing her car. Nora confesses that her past is why she has never tied herself down and has kept on the move. Jake knows the only way to get Nora to commit to a long term relationship is by helping her feel safe.
While the story is simple enough and maybe even redundant — Fitzjames’ writing style draws you right in. You keep wanting more. Feeling warm and fuzzy but also a little anxious all at the same time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2025
“I haven’t seen that kind of sexual tension since—well, ever. Shit, man. She might actually be into you, too. I really expected some kind of unrequited love here, based on your puppy dog eyes when I came in.”
🍻🐈⬛🍻🐈⬛🍻🐈⬛
🐈⬛ black cat/golden retriever
🍻 guy next door
🐈⬛ someone is stalking her
🍻 looking for a place to call home
🐈⬛ friends to lovers
🍻 found family
🍻🐈⬛🍻🐈⬛🍻🐈⬛
The pacing felt a little off to me and Nora just rubbed me the wrong way throughout this book. The book got a little monotonous for me, but I kept going. I can normally knock out a book this length in a few hours, but it did take me a couple of days to get through. BUT, I absolutely loved Jake & his family and they are what ultimately held this up for me.
Nora was truly living on that lonely road, but it was her own doing with pushing everyone away. I get the trauma aspect, but living that way for so long is definitely forced. How quickly Jake & his family were there to lift Nora up was just right.
I do see potential with Rachel's writings and plan to check out more just to see if I'll vibe with those stories better.
3.5 Rounded Up, Overall
Voluntarily reviewed as an ARC. Thank you to HappilyBooked for early access.
🍻🐈⬛🍻🐈⬛🍻🐈⬛
🐈⬛ black cat/golden retriever
🍻 guy next door
🐈⬛ someone is stalking her
🍻 looking for a place to call home
🐈⬛ friends to lovers
🍻 found family
🍻🐈⬛🍻🐈⬛🍻🐈⬛
The pacing felt a little off to me and Nora just rubbed me the wrong way throughout this book. The book got a little monotonous for me, but I kept going. I can normally knock out a book this length in a few hours, but it did take me a couple of days to get through. BUT, I absolutely loved Jake & his family and they are what ultimately held this up for me.
Nora was truly living on that lonely road, but it was her own doing with pushing everyone away. I get the trauma aspect, but living that way for so long is definitely forced. How quickly Jake & his family were there to lift Nora up was just right.
I do see potential with Rachel's writings and plan to check out more just to see if I'll vibe with those stories better.
3.5 Rounded Up, Overall
Voluntarily reviewed as an ARC. Thank you to HappilyBooked for early access.
July 14, 2025
Love, love, LOVE this romance! Seriously, everyone go read this now, right now! It’ll be one of the best decisions you ever make.
A Lonely Road is a hurt x comfort, friends to lovers, black cat x golden retriever, small town, romantic suspense novel featuring Nora and Jake.
No surprise here, I related so much to Nora! I loved how the author really was able to showcase her introverted tendencies, while at the same time making her a strong, capable woman. She’s so incredibly smart and not afraid to fight back, and I can see so many readers absolutely loving her just as much as I did!
Jake is a perfect hero. He’s such a sweetheart and wants to take care of Nora in whatever way she needs him to be there for her. He’s also so quick to acknowledge how tough she is and never lets her go one moment believing she can’t do anything she sets her mind to. I absolutely loved him, and I can’t wait for everyone to read this and fall for him too!
Thank you so much to @rachelfitzjames and @happilybookedpr for my arc! I will be reading so much more from Rachel in the future🥰
A Lonely Road is now available on KU💗
A Lonely Road is a hurt x comfort, friends to lovers, black cat x golden retriever, small town, romantic suspense novel featuring Nora and Jake.
No surprise here, I related so much to Nora! I loved how the author really was able to showcase her introverted tendencies, while at the same time making her a strong, capable woman. She’s so incredibly smart and not afraid to fight back, and I can see so many readers absolutely loving her just as much as I did!
Jake is a perfect hero. He’s such a sweetheart and wants to take care of Nora in whatever way she needs him to be there for her. He’s also so quick to acknowledge how tough she is and never lets her go one moment believing she can’t do anything she sets her mind to. I absolutely loved him, and I can’t wait for everyone to read this and fall for him too!
Thank you so much to @rachelfitzjames and @happilybookedpr for my arc! I will be reading so much more from Rachel in the future🥰
A Lonely Road is now available on KU💗
August 6, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! This is my first book I am reading by Rachel and I was not disappointed.
Nora is our black cat fmc! Nora does not do attachment and when she starts to get the tingle to move on she just packs up her life and goes. Now she is in a new town and looking for somewhere to do her work as a translator and ends up in Jake's restaurant.
Jake is our golden retriever mmc. He is possibly the most steady and patient male character I have read in a long time. He didn't give up on Nora even when she was prickly. Him and his sister run the family restaurant and he does allot on the side.
Jake and Nora form an unlikely friendship after she protected herself at his bar and he helped her get home. As their friendship grows and they get to know each other better Nora gains a stalker. The question is is it from her past or someone else.
I can't wait for you guys to read this book because it is so great. Thank you Rachel and Happily Booked PR for the opportunity to read this book!
Nora is our black cat fmc! Nora does not do attachment and when she starts to get the tingle to move on she just packs up her life and goes. Now she is in a new town and looking for somewhere to do her work as a translator and ends up in Jake's restaurant.
Jake is our golden retriever mmc. He is possibly the most steady and patient male character I have read in a long time. He didn't give up on Nora even when she was prickly. Him and his sister run the family restaurant and he does allot on the side.
Jake and Nora form an unlikely friendship after she protected herself at his bar and he helped her get home. As their friendship grows and they get to know each other better Nora gains a stalker. The question is is it from her past or someone else.
I can't wait for you guys to read this book because it is so great. Thank you Rachel and Happily Booked PR for the opportunity to read this book!
July 5, 2025
Even though it’s the second book in the Spruce Hill series, I had no trouble jumping right in—it works perfectly as a standalone.
The story follows Nora, who’s guarded and a bit closed off when she first arrives in Spruce Hill. She’s been through a lot, and all she wants is a quiet place to start over. Jake is her kind, charming, and incredibly patient neighbour. He was very kind and thoughtful towards Nora. He never pushed, just gave her space and support until she was ready.
Their chemistry was great, but what really stood out to me was the slow build of trust and connection between them. It felt real and earned. The banter between them made me smile.
There’s also a bit of suspense woven in, which gave the romance an extra layer of tension and kept me turning the pages. It didn’t overpower the love story, was well balanced.
I will definitely be checking out the first book in the series, and I’m already looking forward to the next one.
The story follows Nora, who’s guarded and a bit closed off when she first arrives in Spruce Hill. She’s been through a lot, and all she wants is a quiet place to start over. Jake is her kind, charming, and incredibly patient neighbour. He was very kind and thoughtful towards Nora. He never pushed, just gave her space and support until she was ready.
Their chemistry was great, but what really stood out to me was the slow build of trust and connection between them. It felt real and earned. The banter between them made me smile.
There’s also a bit of suspense woven in, which gave the romance an extra layer of tension and kept me turning the pages. It didn’t overpower the love story, was well balanced.
I will definitely be checking out the first book in the series, and I’m already looking forward to the next one.
July 5, 2025
Oh this was a special one. This is a girl on the run who is just looking for safety and peace meets the boy next door who falls for her and pursues her in the absolute sweetest ways! Jake is the sweetest golden retriever, is so patient with her and shows up time after time to reassure and comfort her, never letting her think she’s too much for him . He’s such a darling!
Nora is also a great character who has been dealt a crap hand in life. She meets each challenge head on and refuses to let evil men shape her life in more ways than they have. She blossoms under Jake’s care and they are so sweet together
Vibes: boy next door, flirty/ getting to know you, family restaurant, quite evenings on the couch
Nora is also a great character who has been dealt a crap hand in life. She meets each challenge head on and refuses to let evil men shape her life in more ways than they have. She blossoms under Jake’s care and they are so sweet together
Vibes: boy next door, flirty/ getting to know you, family restaurant, quite evenings on the couch
July 13, 2025
This is the second book in the Spruce Hill series. However, it’s the first one I’ve read by this author.
The story was easy to follow and immerse yourself into. Nora and Jake both likable characters. Nora is introverted, guarded and with a prickly personality. Jake on the other hand is kind, patient, thoughtful and believes in true love.
I enjoyed the slow burn and the pacing I felt was perfect. I loved how their friendship progressed and watching it evolve into more. Could feel the chemistry and tension between the two as well as when her walls were coming down. Loved it!
The added suspense and twist gave an added thriller bonus. I was on the edge of my seat. Couldn’t flip the pages fast enough. Thoroughly enjoyed! I will be going back to red the first one and continue forward!
The story was easy to follow and immerse yourself into. Nora and Jake both likable characters. Nora is introverted, guarded and with a prickly personality. Jake on the other hand is kind, patient, thoughtful and believes in true love.
I enjoyed the slow burn and the pacing I felt was perfect. I loved how their friendship progressed and watching it evolve into more. Could feel the chemistry and tension between the two as well as when her walls were coming down. Loved it!
The added suspense and twist gave an added thriller bonus. I was on the edge of my seat. Couldn’t flip the pages fast enough. Thoroughly enjoyed! I will be going back to red the first one and continue forward!
July 8, 2025
Nora has been living a nomadic, lonely life. When she lands up in a quaint small town, will her neighbor Jake make it feel like home?
This was a good book. There was lots of twists and turns with the action. The side characters helped with the story, but in a small town I expected a few more to pop in. It is the second in a series and since this was an ARC I have not read the first one, but I did not feel lost.
The spice was half and half-some were explicit scenes and others were more fade to black. They had good chemistry-very black cat and golden retriever vibes. Solid small town strangers to lovers with some caretaking/protecting thrown in.
This was a good book. There was lots of twists and turns with the action. The side characters helped with the story, but in a small town I expected a few more to pop in. It is the second in a series and since this was an ARC I have not read the first one, but I did not feel lost.
The spice was half and half-some were explicit scenes and others were more fade to black. They had good chemistry-very black cat and golden retriever vibes. Solid small town strangers to lovers with some caretaking/protecting thrown in.
July 7, 2025
this was my first read by this author ans certainly not my last I absolutely adored this book Nora our fmc is always on the move an army brat who is looking to find her peace , when she enters a small town in New York called Spruce Hill she finds herself pretty legit neighbors who want to be her friend or maybe more ? Jake and his twin sister are too kind but can Nora put her guard down and let them in especially Jake will she let Jake be her safe haven or will she keep her walls up this book was mixed with suspense and romance I loved all the characters ! cute summery read
June 29, 2025
I loved this sweet romance between nora and jake .... i enjoyed watching Nora grow and open up a the story progressed... mixing in a small town romance with a little suspense was the perfect mix .. i read the whole book in a few hours !!! Jake's twin sister sam had me intrigued the whole story too !!! bring on the next one !!! I'm so glad I was fortunate enough to receive an early copy to review ...
July 5, 2025
There’s something special about small-town romantic suspense—and A Lonely Road by Rachel Fitzjames delivers a mix of mystery, tension, and slow-burn chemistry, all wrapped in the cozy, slightly eerie charm of fictional Spruce Hill, NY.
Rachel’s writing pulls you into the heart of this town—its secrets, its people, and its quiet dangers. The characters and the simmering suspense had me turning pages late into the night. It’s moody, atmospheric, and i didn’t want to put down.
Rachel’s writing pulls you into the heart of this town—its secrets, its people, and its quiet dangers. The characters and the simmering suspense had me turning pages late into the night. It’s moody, atmospheric, and i didn’t want to put down.
July 7, 2025
This is my first time reading this series and first. time reading a book from this author.
I won't lie. I definitely enjoyed the book. This was a great book to start with, I feel. Jake and Nora had great chemistry. This did not feel rushed, and Jake 100% earned that trust. I can't wait to see what the next book brings. Perfect quick read and a nice break between those darkromances that I love to read so much.
I won't lie. I definitely enjoyed the book. This was a great book to start with, I feel. Jake and Nora had great chemistry. This did not feel rushed, and Jake 100% earned that trust. I can't wait to see what the next book brings. Perfect quick read and a nice break between those darkromances that I love to read so much.
July 9, 2025
A great romance story with a really sweet chemistry between Nora and Jake.
As well as the romance I found there to be a suspenseful story too, I loved Jake and his family, Nora was harder to connect with at first I think this showed how she grew through the book.
A gorgeous cover on this book too ❤️
#arcreader #outnow #rachelfitzjames #smalltown #guynextdoor #hurtcomfort #friendstolovers #placetocallhome #romance @happilybookedpr
As well as the romance I found there to be a suspenseful story too, I loved Jake and his family, Nora was harder to connect with at first I think this showed how she grew through the book.
A gorgeous cover on this book too ❤️
#arcreader #outnow #rachelfitzjames #smalltown #guynextdoor #hurtcomfort #friendstolovers #placetocallhome #romance @happilybookedpr
August 13, 2025
When introverted Nora arrives in a new small town, she is trying to escape her past. Then she meets Jake, her new neighbor, who really wants to make friends with her. Her guard is up but that doesn't stop him from being there for her. This is a really well written romantic suspense story. I liked the dynamic between Nora and Jake when she began to trust him more. Jake is the loving cinnamon roll type character and I adored him. I look forward to seeing what this author does next.
June 25, 2025
While I didn’t love Nora and Jake as much as I loved Juliet and Henry from the first book, I still loved them and their story. You do not need to read the first book to be able to read this one. I loved the invisible strings that pulled all the characters together. I read it very quickly and kept wanting to pick it up to find out what happens.
The different budding romances that were happening outside of Nora and Jake were a nice added bonus and hopefully we will get to read about those in future books!
The different budding romances that were happening outside of Nora and Jake were a nice added bonus and hopefully we will get to read about those in future books!
June 30, 2025
ARC Review-
I really enjoyed this book! I will say I haven’t read the first in the series (running to do that now!) but you didn’t need to! I didn’t feel like I was missing anything really. I loved Nora and Jake’s love story. I loved the invisible force that kept pushing them together. I also really loved the friend group in this book!
I really enjoyed this book! I will say I haven’t read the first in the series (running to do that now!) but you didn’t need to! I didn’t feel like I was missing anything really. I loved Nora and Jake’s love story. I loved the invisible force that kept pushing them together. I also really loved the friend group in this book!
July 4, 2025
A Lonely Road hits you with emotional resonance and sweeping connection. Rachel Fitzjames brings together strong characters with haunting pasts and fiery chemistry, guiding them through heartbreak to hope. The pacing and emotional beats felt so well-tuned—I was gripped from the very start. I feel honored to have read this one early; it’s a soul-stirring romance I’ll remember for a long time.
July 5, 2025
I loved reading about Nora and Jake’s love story. Given how she came to the small town, very cautious and skittish jumping at small things, I loved seeing her come out of her shell the longer she stayed there. Jake’s patience and the cast of characters in this small town was totally worth the read! This is my first book read from this author and definitely won’t be the last!
June 5, 2025
Book 2 of Spruce Hill brings just as much charm and tension as the first in the series. As Nora's character opens up her heart one crumbling, protective wall at a time, so too does the suspense reveal itself. And Jake's steadfast love is the perfect salve to her claws out demeanor.
June 27, 2025
This book was so good. I couldn’t put it down. Nora and Jake’s love story was so sweet. I fell in love with Jake’s twin sister too. And the part about bonfire bear had me rolling. I gave this book 5 stars. Thank you HappilyBookedPR for the ARC of this book.
June 30, 2025
4 ⭐ 2.5 🌶️
A good pace for when spice kicks in. Not too fast, but not a slow burn. Love the story behind FMCs nickname from her dad. Loved how the romantic relationship develops and the relationships of the MMc and his family.
A good pace for when spice kicks in. Not too fast, but not a slow burn. Love the story behind FMCs nickname from her dad. Loved how the romantic relationship develops and the relationships of the MMc and his family.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews