What do you think?
Rate this book
Harmony Lake
Love Story
Love wasn’t on Sam Caldwell’s agenda until a city boy with haunted eyes and no coat crashed into his world.
As a fourth-generation maple farmer in Caldwell Crossing, New Hampshire, Sam is rooted in tradition, family, and a quiet life filled with woodsmoke, laughter, and loyal friends. But everything changes when he finds Ben Marshall half-frozen on the side of the road. Ben is sharp, guarded, and running from his past—yet there’s a pull between them that Sam can’t ignore.
Ben never expected to end up in a snowy New Hampshire town, especially not after losing everything in Boston. Forced to leave his career and reputation behind, he retreats to the one safe place left—his great-aunt Harriet’s home in Caldwell Crossing. But safety doesn’t mean peace, and the last thing he needs is to catch feelings for the grumpy, gentle farmer who rescued him.
As winter thaws and maple flows, so does something deeper between Sam and Ben—trust, laughter, and the terrifying possibility of love. But when Ben’s past threatens to drag him back under, can two men who’ve built walls around their hearts find the courage to create something together?
Love Story features a city boy starting over, a maple farmer rooted in tradition, found family, best friends, early mornings that turn into something more, and the kind of love that feels like coming home.
As a fourth-generation maple farmer in Caldwell Crossing, New Hampshire, Sam is rooted in tradition, family, and a quiet life filled with woodsmoke, laughter, and loyal friends. But everything changes when he finds Ben Marshall half-frozen on the side of the road. Ben is sharp, guarded, and running from his past—yet there’s a pull between them that Sam can’t ignore.
Ben never expected to end up in a snowy New Hampshire town, especially not after losing everything in Boston. Forced to leave his career and reputation behind, he retreats to the one safe place left—his great-aunt Harriet’s home in Caldwell Crossing. But safety doesn’t mean peace, and the last thing he needs is to catch feelings for the grumpy, gentle farmer who rescued him.
As winter thaws and maple flows, so does something deeper between Sam and Ben—trust, laughter, and the terrifying possibility of love. But when Ben’s past threatens to drag him back under, can two men who’ve built walls around their hearts find the courage to create something together?
Love Story features a city boy starting over, a maple farmer rooted in tradition, found family, best friends, early mornings that turn into something more, and the kind of love that feels like coming home.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 5, 2025
252 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
R.J. Scott
307 books2,719 followersRJ Scott writes heartwarming, passionate MM/gay romance stories where every man finds his happily ever after. When not writing, she enjoys reading books, watching movies, spending time with her family, following Formula 1 (Forza Ferrari!), and cheering on the Pittsburgh Penguins. Email her here: rj@rjscott.co.uk
Find RJ here: Amazon | BookBub | Facebook - Also, Never miss a release
Find RJ here: Amazon | BookBub | Facebook - Also, Never miss a release
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
June 2, 2025
A great opening to this small town, best friends all find love series.
RJ knows how to pitch this type of narrative just right and the balance between Ben's reasons for having to leave Boston being an obstacle to his relationship with local boy Sam never got too much.
Sam's a real sweetheart who's been burned by a "city boy" before, so his hesitant steps as he starts to feel things for the guy he rescued from the ditch outside his family's maple farm makes sense.
Seeing them both start to open up to each other, firstly as friends, but then into something that could be special, made me smile, even while there's an element of frustration that Ben has a tendency to look on the negative side.
However, even if everything rapidly develops pretty swiftly with just a couple of time jumps, it's still very satisfying because they really are a perfect match.
I've a feeling the other three books in the series are going to be taking place over the same timeline, as there's hints here when the four best friends meet up
I'm intrigued as to see how that will work as the Epilogue for this book is set just six weeks after the big ending.
#ARC kindly received from the author, I am voluntarily leaving a review.
RJ knows how to pitch this type of narrative just right and the balance between Ben's reasons for having to leave Boston being an obstacle to his relationship with local boy Sam never got too much.
Sam's a real sweetheart who's been burned by a "city boy" before, so his hesitant steps as he starts to feel things for the guy he rescued from the ditch outside his family's maple farm makes sense.
Seeing them both start to open up to each other, firstly as friends, but then into something that could be special, made me smile, even while there's an element of frustration that Ben has a tendency to look on the negative side.
However, even if everything rapidly develops pretty swiftly with just a couple of time jumps, it's still very satisfying because they really are a perfect match.
I've a feeling the other three books in the series are going to be taking place over the same timeline, as there's hints here when the four best friends meet up
I'm intrigued as to see how that will work as the Epilogue for this book is set just six weeks after the big ending.
#ARC kindly received from the author, I am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 3, 2025
This was so freaking sweet. It's very much the kind if cozy romance you go for when life gets hard and you need a bit of a reminder that love prevails and hard times pass. I really liked both Sam and Ben as characters and how their story went.
June 7, 2025
Love Story
is the start of a multi-authors series (second book will be released next week), and I thought it was a GOOD start. Scott is able to build a solid foundation for these lovely four best friends who are going to get their own love story. Each of the man has their own distinct characteristics. I just hope they also stay true in their books 😄
I enjoyed this slow-burn romance between Sam and Ben. There were times I was FRUSTRATED with Ben's unwillingness to TELL everyone about his problems. I WANTED Ben to tell Sam everything; Sam can lend his perfect shoulders for Ben. However, at the same time, Ben indeed signed an NDA and truthfully I don't have enough knowledge in US law to understand what kind of (more) troubles Ben will get if he breaks that NDA.
I guess that was the only big issue I had in this story. Otherwise, I adored Sam and his friends. I liked reading Sam and Ben together. I thought their matchmaking family members were cute!
Now I cannot wait to read the next book. Oh, I really, REALLY HOPE that Phillip will SPOIL Haider ROTTEN. Because that wonderful chocolatier of a human being deserves it.
I enjoyed this slow-burn romance between Sam and Ben. There were times I was FRUSTRATED with Ben's unwillingness to TELL everyone about his problems. I WANTED Ben to tell Sam everything; Sam can lend his perfect shoulders for Ben. However, at the same time, Ben indeed signed an NDA and truthfully I don't have enough knowledge in US law to understand what kind of (more) troubles Ben will get if he breaks that NDA.
I guess that was the only big issue I had in this story. Otherwise, I adored Sam and his friends. I liked reading Sam and Ben together. I thought their matchmaking family members were cute!
Now I cannot wait to read the next book. Oh, I really, REALLY HOPE that Phillip will SPOIL Haider ROTTEN. Because that wonderful chocolatier of a human being deserves it.
June 6, 2025
This is the first in a multi-author series set in a fictional town in New Hampshire, where the winters are long and the maple syrup is freshly cooked to keep you warm.
Sam Caldwell is one of 4 friends in this somewhat sleepy small town of Caldwell Crossing, and he's a 4th generation maple syrup maker. He's not in the market for a long-term romance (famous last words, of course), and he's not expecting to meet his future when he comes upon Ben from Boston, half frozen in his little Prius in a snowy ditch on the outskirts of town.
Ben Marshall, having left Boston hastily with his job and money gone, and his professional reputation in jeopardy, has come to Caldwell Crossing to live with his great-aunt Harriet. His own future is uncertain, and he's also worried about a scathing review he left online that has gone viral and caused a lot of people to be upset with him.
This was really enjoyable. I quite liked how Sam and Ben open up to each other slowly but surely, since trust doesn't come easy to either of them, and how well they were suited for each other. They are obviously from different worlds, and Sam has initial misgivings about dating another "city boy", but he quickly realizes that Ben is nothing like his ex. Ben's legal situation is causing him some anxiety, and he doesn't feel right about pulling Sam and his family into the morass. They are both great characters, multi-faceted and very likable.
I also enjoyed learning about the other 3 friends, who will all get their own books as part of this series. Lots of great banter between friends, but also fierce support for each other and having each other's back. Loved that.
The storyline, though set in what is just a few weeks of maple season, flows quite well and didn't feel rushed. What I did miss is the resolution to the viral review Ben wrote - there were some threats, but I must have missed how that ended. Unless that's still coming in the next book in this series, even though that will be for a different couple. Thankfully, the legal situation does get resolved, and at the end of the book, Sam and Ben are solid and hopeful for the future.
Recommended!
** I received a free copy of this book from its author in exchange for an honest review. **
Sam Caldwell is one of 4 friends in this somewhat sleepy small town of Caldwell Crossing, and he's a 4th generation maple syrup maker. He's not in the market for a long-term romance (famous last words, of course), and he's not expecting to meet his future when he comes upon Ben from Boston, half frozen in his little Prius in a snowy ditch on the outskirts of town.
Ben Marshall, having left Boston hastily with his job and money gone, and his professional reputation in jeopardy, has come to Caldwell Crossing to live with his great-aunt Harriet. His own future is uncertain, and he's also worried about a scathing review he left online that has gone viral and caused a lot of people to be upset with him.
This was really enjoyable. I quite liked how Sam and Ben open up to each other slowly but surely, since trust doesn't come easy to either of them, and how well they were suited for each other. They are obviously from different worlds, and Sam has initial misgivings about dating another "city boy", but he quickly realizes that Ben is nothing like his ex. Ben's legal situation is causing him some anxiety, and he doesn't feel right about pulling Sam and his family into the morass. They are both great characters, multi-faceted and very likable.
I also enjoyed learning about the other 3 friends, who will all get their own books as part of this series. Lots of great banter between friends, but also fierce support for each other and having each other's back. Loved that.
The storyline, though set in what is just a few weeks of maple season, flows quite well and didn't feel rushed. What I did miss is the resolution to the viral review Ben wrote - there were some threats, but I must have missed how that ended. Unless that's still coming in the next book in this series, even though that will be for a different couple. Thankfully, the legal situation does get resolved, and at the end of the book, Sam and Ben are solid and hopeful for the future.
Recommended!
** I received a free copy of this book from its author in exchange for an honest review. **
June 1, 2025
I'm not going to write what this story is about. That's what the blurb is for.
What I will do is tell possible readers of this story, how it made me feel while reading it.
How I couldn't put it down until I was finished.
How Ben made my heart hurt and I was so anxious for him and with him.
That I REALLY wanted to grab Sam and give him the biggest hug for being cheated on in the past. That his gut reaction to Ben was spot on and to not worry, he's a great guy.
I love Sam's friends and would love to "meet " them one day, because they are a hoot!
Four better friends I have yet to meet, aside from my bestie.
So, in a nutshell we have amazing friends, strong attraction turning into love, a great-Aunt and parents who are phenomenal people!
Is there angst? You bet?
Did what Ben was dealing with make me want to hurt someone? Absolutely!
Did I thoroughly enjoy this book? YES!
Is there possibly a bonus story?
Maybeeeeeeee?
A MUST read !
I am now onto the next one in this 4 book series.
100/100
What I will do is tell possible readers of this story, how it made me feel while reading it.
How I couldn't put it down until I was finished.
How Ben made my heart hurt and I was so anxious for him and with him.
That I REALLY wanted to grab Sam and give him the biggest hug for being cheated on in the past. That his gut reaction to Ben was spot on and to not worry, he's a great guy.
I love Sam's friends and would love to "meet " them one day, because they are a hoot!
Four better friends I have yet to meet, aside from my bestie.
So, in a nutshell we have amazing friends, strong attraction turning into love, a great-Aunt and parents who are phenomenal people!
Is there angst? You bet?
Did what Ben was dealing with make me want to hurt someone? Absolutely!
Did I thoroughly enjoy this book? YES!
Is there possibly a bonus story?
Maybeeeeeeee?
A MUST read !
I am now onto the next one in this 4 book series.
100/100
June 6, 2025
A sweet story with a twist, banter between friends and falling in love. I loved Sam and Ben. The book is a Small town, slow burn romance. I enjoyed the book and am looking forward to the other books in the series.
August 26, 2025
The intro was fine, if a little lacking in urgency/sympathy for Ben who'd almost frozen to death in his car. Idk why Sam and his friends treated the situation so casually, as if Sam being a "hero" was a thing to actually make fun of.
I rolled my eyes when Sam said the "idk why, but I couldn't get Ben out of my head" line. I hate when authors use that line without actually giving us the reason for why a character is stuck on another dude. Just say he thought he was attractive or interesting. "Idk why" puts the onus on the readers, but without proper set-up as to why Sam would actually be thinking about Ben, it's a really lazy way of saying "I like Ben but I don't want to say it yet because there's no justification"
Wasn't a fan of having Ben's first day of volunteering be skipped over. I feel like it would've been nice to see how he handled such an unfamiliar job + how it affected his thoughts on the town and his history.
The whole "I can't talk to you because of an NDA" thing felt really blown out of proportion. Yes, Ben signed an NDA but there was absolutely no reason he couldn't give his aunt and Sam a freaking vague answer like: "I'm involved in some legal thing, they may call me back to Boston, I'll do my best to come back" as opposed to literally ghosting Sam. Stupid melodrama for no reason, which was doubly insulting because Ben supposedly cared for Sam but I guess not enough to tell him he was leaving. Even if Ben wanted to spare Sam the media circus from the fallout, telling Sam that he was going wouldn't have gotten in the way of that. I'm fact, how would saying goodbye even do that? He already fucked up by even going to Caldwell Crossing so they'd know he was there. There was literally zero reason for Ben to not say goodbye to someone he supposedly loved.
I also super hated how it was Sam who came after Ben when Ben was the one who left and stopped contacting him. It leaves a bad taste in my mouth when the grand gesture comes from the party that was hurt rather than the one who did the hurting. Ben had so much to answer for with regards to Sam, and him doing literally nothing but still getting an HEA was very annoying.
Why was Ben's meeting with Brad skipped over? Wasn't it being set up as a super tense moment that was what determined Ben's future? And everything he worried about just disappeared without any real climax.
Also wtf was that subplot about Ben's mean book review? Not only did it add nothing to the story, he didn't even follow through with apologizing to the author. I swear if it ends up being a tie in to another book, I'm going to lose it.
TL;DR: Everything up until Sam leaves is fine. Lacking in romance, but at least it wasn't instalove (at first). But after the 70% mark, the story takes a big nosedive into dumb melodrama, instalove, and nothing sandwiches. Ben leaving without telling Sam was so very dumb (see reasons above). Ben and Sam declaring their love for each other was unjustified considering how little time they'd actually spent together. Ben's big life changing meeting with his ex-best friend being skipped over took what little climax could've happened and just poofed it with nothing to fill its place. The story ends up shallow and unsatisfying with how the last 25% play out.
I rolled my eyes when Sam said the "idk why, but I couldn't get Ben out of my head" line. I hate when authors use that line without actually giving us the reason for why a character is stuck on another dude. Just say he thought he was attractive or interesting. "Idk why" puts the onus on the readers, but without proper set-up as to why Sam would actually be thinking about Ben, it's a really lazy way of saying "I like Ben but I don't want to say it yet because there's no justification"
Wasn't a fan of having Ben's first day of volunteering be skipped over. I feel like it would've been nice to see how he handled such an unfamiliar job + how it affected his thoughts on the town and his history.
The whole "I can't talk to you because of an NDA" thing felt really blown out of proportion. Yes, Ben signed an NDA but there was absolutely no reason he couldn't give his aunt and Sam a freaking vague answer like: "I'm involved in some legal thing, they may call me back to Boston, I'll do my best to come back" as opposed to literally ghosting Sam. Stupid melodrama for no reason, which was doubly insulting because Ben supposedly cared for Sam but I guess not enough to tell him he was leaving. Even if Ben wanted to spare Sam the media circus from the fallout, telling Sam that he was going wouldn't have gotten in the way of that. I'm fact, how would saying goodbye even do that? He already fucked up by even going to Caldwell Crossing so they'd know he was there. There was literally zero reason for Ben to not say goodbye to someone he supposedly loved.
I also super hated how it was Sam who came after Ben when Ben was the one who left and stopped contacting him. It leaves a bad taste in my mouth when the grand gesture comes from the party that was hurt rather than the one who did the hurting. Ben had so much to answer for with regards to Sam, and him doing literally nothing but still getting an HEA was very annoying.
Why was Ben's meeting with Brad skipped over? Wasn't it being set up as a super tense moment that was what determined Ben's future? And everything he worried about just disappeared without any real climax.
Also wtf was that subplot about Ben's mean book review? Not only did it add nothing to the story, he didn't even follow through with apologizing to the author. I swear if it ends up being a tie in to another book, I'm going to lose it.
TL;DR: Everything up until Sam leaves is fine. Lacking in romance, but at least it wasn't instalove (at first). But after the 70% mark, the story takes a big nosedive into dumb melodrama, instalove, and nothing sandwiches. Ben leaving without telling Sam was so very dumb (see reasons above). Ben and Sam declaring their love for each other was unjustified considering how little time they'd actually spent together. Ben's big life changing meeting with his ex-best friend being skipped over took what little climax could've happened and just poofed it with nothing to fill its place. The story ends up shallow and unsatisfying with how the last 25% play out.
Read
June 19, 2025DNF’d at 25%
Not feeling it.
Not feeling it.
August 10, 2025
3.5
This was a sweet. Two people lonely in life finding each other and building a home. This a low angst found family sweet story. Full of friendship, town gossip and all the feel good and sweetness one can handle. I loved the friendship. And the love everyone had. The smexy was ok but it was missing a few key items that thru me. I’m hopping future books bring some diversity.
For future:
Dual pov
No cheating or sharing
No om/ow
Vers
Relation before smexy
Needs diversity
This was a sweet. Two people lonely in life finding each other and building a home. This a low angst found family sweet story. Full of friendship, town gossip and all the feel good and sweetness one can handle. I loved the friendship. And the love everyone had. The smexy was ok but it was missing a few key items that thru me. I’m hopping future books bring some diversity.
For future:
Dual pov
No cheating or sharing
No om/ow
Vers
Relation before smexy
Needs diversity
June 6, 2025
What a town created it was lovely!! The people, the friends, the maple trees and the syrup!!! What more could you ask for?? Oh yeah…. Ben and Sam!!! They are sweet and sexy!! Ben just came to town and living with his aunt after running from Boston. But no one knows why!! Sam falls hard for Ben but he doesn’t know if he can trust him, will he stay or go back, will this just be a fling or more???
This story flows so well, very well written and so romantic!
The characters are all amazing, the sweet maple farm and the sugar shack, friends that have your back. I loved the story, getting to know each other, the sweet moments. But holding back on the truth is never good, if Ben goes back to Boston can Sam live without him, even with this huge secret Sam wants a chance with him.
Great story, can’t wait for the next one in this series! Amazing job!!!
This story flows so well, very well written and so romantic!
The characters are all amazing, the sweet maple farm and the sugar shack, friends that have your back. I loved the story, getting to know each other, the sweet moments. But holding back on the truth is never good, if Ben goes back to Boston can Sam live without him, even with this huge secret Sam wants a chance with him.
Great story, can’t wait for the next one in this series! Amazing job!!!
July 22, 2025
It was cute! Reminded me of like a gay Hallmark movie!
June 30, 2025
What a lovely opener to the 4-story multi-author series, Harmony Lake. From Ben's need to escape legal threats to Sam's unexpected chemistry in the middle of his busiest time during syrup season, Love Story has a little of everything. Okay, not everything, there's no sci-fi(although there are a few references to his friends' love of Star Wars which only strengthens my love of the group😉), horror, or apocalyptic threats BUT otherwise a little of everything.
Ben's need to leave Boston spoke to my love of mystery. I won't go into too much of that element, it doesn't play a huge part in a who-done-it sense but we are left wondering what role he'll face in the fraud case he uncovered and watching that play out is perfectly layered into this tale of love and friendship. If you're at all familiar with RJ Scott's work, you know she's all about the HEA, but she also likes to put her characters through a stress-heavy gauntlet. Ben is no different, I couldn't help but want to reach inside my kindle and give him the biggest MamaBear hug possible and tell him to have faith, but we just have to let the characters find it out for themselves.
Sam, well, his heart is still feeling the pain of betrayal from his last boyfriend and has no plans to go after love anytime soon. We all know where that's headed😉. He may be on the threshold of his busiest season in the syrup business but that doesn't mean his heart won't reach out when Ben enters his life. This may be Ben and Sam's romance but I really love the friendship Sam has with Haider, Conor, and Ryan. Their scenes may not be large in quantity but they are high in quality and you can just feel their connections to each other throughout the story.
Putting Ben and Sam together is chemistry on fire, their actual first meeting will be a cute meet story for them to share with their loved ones for years to come. Now it may not have been so cute in the moment, Ben's car going off the road and getting stuck in the snow completely unprepared for the elements and Sam happening on him as he drove home from a night with his buddies, and taking him to the ER, but in the aftermath the cuteness grows. I really loved Ben's discovery of letters Sam's ancestors wrote, that spoke to my love of genealogy and family history, truth is I wouldn't have minded had there been a little more of it but it's a perfect way for the pair to connect beyond Ben's borderline clumsy-magnet ways.
Whether there is enough humor in Ben and Sam's scenes to label it rom-com or dramedy, or flat out as the title says, Love Story, with the humor being more in the friend scenes, whichever way you view it, it's 150% enjoyable. Time may not be on my side at the moment to read Haider, Conor, and Ryan's quest to find love, I do look forward to discovering them as they have already earned a spot on my TBR list.
Ben's need to leave Boston spoke to my love of mystery. I won't go into too much of that element, it doesn't play a huge part in a who-done-it sense but we are left wondering what role he'll face in the fraud case he uncovered and watching that play out is perfectly layered into this tale of love and friendship. If you're at all familiar with RJ Scott's work, you know she's all about the HEA, but she also likes to put her characters through a stress-heavy gauntlet. Ben is no different, I couldn't help but want to reach inside my kindle and give him the biggest MamaBear hug possible and tell him to have faith, but we just have to let the characters find it out for themselves.
Sam, well, his heart is still feeling the pain of betrayal from his last boyfriend and has no plans to go after love anytime soon. We all know where that's headed😉. He may be on the threshold of his busiest season in the syrup business but that doesn't mean his heart won't reach out when Ben enters his life. This may be Ben and Sam's romance but I really love the friendship Sam has with Haider, Conor, and Ryan. Their scenes may not be large in quantity but they are high in quality and you can just feel their connections to each other throughout the story.
Putting Ben and Sam together is chemistry on fire, their actual first meeting will be a cute meet story for them to share with their loved ones for years to come. Now it may not have been so cute in the moment, Ben's car going off the road and getting stuck in the snow completely unprepared for the elements and Sam happening on him as he drove home from a night with his buddies, and taking him to the ER, but in the aftermath the cuteness grows. I really loved Ben's discovery of letters Sam's ancestors wrote, that spoke to my love of genealogy and family history, truth is I wouldn't have minded had there been a little more of it but it's a perfect way for the pair to connect beyond Ben's borderline clumsy-magnet ways.
Whether there is enough humor in Ben and Sam's scenes to label it rom-com or dramedy, or flat out as the title says, Love Story, with the humor being more in the friend scenes, whichever way you view it, it's 150% enjoyable. Time may not be on my side at the moment to read Haider, Conor, and Ryan's quest to find love, I do look forward to discovering them as they have already earned a spot on my TBR list.
October 19, 2025
The Maple Syrup is sweet, and so is the romance; it's wonderful!
This is an emotionally uplifting story with a sad backstory for Ben Marshall, surrounded by NDAs, a conscience, and feelings of betrayal by his former boyfriend. Ben did the right thing, as it turns out, and he also did the right thing by visiting his grand-aunt in the small berg known as Caldwell Crossing.
Author R.J. Scott weaves the love story around the quirky characters that inhabit this place, and the growing attraction Sam Caldwell feels for mysterious Ben. Their chemistry is obvious, and with his childhood friends as a close-knit group, they put their relationship to the test.
It didn’t start smoothly—Ben crashed his car on a snowy road near where Sam lives with his parents on their maple syrup farm. Even his mother, along with Ben's grand-aunt, sees a future for the two men. But Ben's connection to a crime has put his life on hold, along with a looming need to return to Boston for legal reasons. The romance develops as Sam awakens to Ben's attention and their connection deepens, with Sam's mother and Ben's grand aunt conspiring to bring the two together.
During the maple harvesting season, Sam has to dedicate almost all of his time to the work to reduce the collected syrup to that which can be sold. He's surprised when Ben wants to volunteer to work with him, without pay, during this intensive period.
When Sam realizes he's in love, he calls his close-knit circle of three friends—all dedicated to protecting him—especially after suffering through a terrible relationship with his last boyfriend.
While the focus of this book is on Sam and Ben's relationship, it's the strong friendship among Ryan, Haider, and Conor that truly holds everything together. The love these four gay friends share is truly special, and they are key members of Caldwell Crossing.
There is a very happy ending. Having read the first and fourth books in this series, I'm now off to read Number Two, "Love Bites."
I highly recommend this for anyone who loves a romance with a purpose, that warms the heart, and who values lifelong friends who have stayed together since school.
This is an emotionally uplifting story with a sad backstory for Ben Marshall, surrounded by NDAs, a conscience, and feelings of betrayal by his former boyfriend. Ben did the right thing, as it turns out, and he also did the right thing by visiting his grand-aunt in the small berg known as Caldwell Crossing.
Author R.J. Scott weaves the love story around the quirky characters that inhabit this place, and the growing attraction Sam Caldwell feels for mysterious Ben. Their chemistry is obvious, and with his childhood friends as a close-knit group, they put their relationship to the test.
It didn’t start smoothly—Ben crashed his car on a snowy road near where Sam lives with his parents on their maple syrup farm. Even his mother, along with Ben's grand-aunt, sees a future for the two men. But Ben's connection to a crime has put his life on hold, along with a looming need to return to Boston for legal reasons. The romance develops as Sam awakens to Ben's attention and their connection deepens, with Sam's mother and Ben's grand aunt conspiring to bring the two together.
During the maple harvesting season, Sam has to dedicate almost all of his time to the work to reduce the collected syrup to that which can be sold. He's surprised when Ben wants to volunteer to work with him, without pay, during this intensive period.
When Sam realizes he's in love, he calls his close-knit circle of three friends—all dedicated to protecting him—especially after suffering through a terrible relationship with his last boyfriend.
While the focus of this book is on Sam and Ben's relationship, it's the strong friendship among Ryan, Haider, and Conor that truly holds everything together. The love these four gay friends share is truly special, and they are key members of Caldwell Crossing.
There is a very happy ending. Having read the first and fourth books in this series, I'm now off to read Number Two, "Love Bites."
I highly recommend this for anyone who loves a romance with a purpose, that warms the heart, and who values lifelong friends who have stayed together since school.
May 30, 2025
I received a free copy. This review is submitted voluntarily.
Sam is the fifth generation to work the maple farm and is one of four very close friends. Ben has run away from Boston because he was a whistleblower against his employers, who had been embezzling large sums of money from their clients and his lawyer had told him to leave town and make himself scarce. Thus, he fled to Caldwell Crossing and his great aunt’s house. Following the traditional hike from the covered bridge to town to celebrate Haider’s (one of the four) thirtieth birthday, he comes across Ben who has driven into a ditch after being overwhelmed by the snow. Ben is in really bad shape, to the point where Sam takes him to the hospital and then waits so he can drive Ben home to his great aunt’s house. For roughly the first half of the book, they two spend a lot of time courting each other, even while Ben is preoccupied with what he’s facing if he has to return to Boston which he eventually does, seemingly abandoning Sam. They overcome a number of difficulties on their way to a happy ending.
The plot has a fair bit of angst, but for some reason I didn’t find it got in the way of my enjoyment of the story. Both Sam and Ben had been through some tough times, but they deal with them to a greater or lesser extent. It must be said that Ben was in the worse situation of the two. The MCs are delightful and credible. One can see how the relationship develops at a decent pace (as I said, about half the book). The two-POV first-person approach was perfect for this story. The relationship was very warm among the four best friends and the support they give each other was great. The other secondary characters were relatively small in number, but they were all important for plot development. The town of Caldwell Crossing is small, but one doesn’t see many of the other residents, though the gossip mill is extremely efficient. I’m not certain that I could handle such intrusive news spreading.
This is a wonderful book that I can happily recommend.
Sam is the fifth generation to work the maple farm and is one of four very close friends. Ben has run away from Boston because he was a whistleblower against his employers, who had been embezzling large sums of money from their clients and his lawyer had told him to leave town and make himself scarce. Thus, he fled to Caldwell Crossing and his great aunt’s house. Following the traditional hike from the covered bridge to town to celebrate Haider’s (one of the four) thirtieth birthday, he comes across Ben who has driven into a ditch after being overwhelmed by the snow. Ben is in really bad shape, to the point where Sam takes him to the hospital and then waits so he can drive Ben home to his great aunt’s house. For roughly the first half of the book, they two spend a lot of time courting each other, even while Ben is preoccupied with what he’s facing if he has to return to Boston which he eventually does, seemingly abandoning Sam. They overcome a number of difficulties on their way to a happy ending.
The plot has a fair bit of angst, but for some reason I didn’t find it got in the way of my enjoyment of the story. Both Sam and Ben had been through some tough times, but they deal with them to a greater or lesser extent. It must be said that Ben was in the worse situation of the two. The MCs are delightful and credible. One can see how the relationship develops at a decent pace (as I said, about half the book). The two-POV first-person approach was perfect for this story. The relationship was very warm among the four best friends and the support they give each other was great. The other secondary characters were relatively small in number, but they were all important for plot development. The town of Caldwell Crossing is small, but one doesn’t see many of the other residents, though the gossip mill is extremely efficient. I’m not certain that I could handle such intrusive news spreading.
This is a wonderful book that I can happily recommend.
June 8, 2025
Oh be still my heart!
This was exactly what the book title says: a love story.
A wonderful one that I really enjoyed.
But if you know RJ and her books you will suspect that it isn't as easy as it sounds if I say wonderful love story.
It's one with secrets and misunderstandings but at the same time teaches you that love can prevail no matter of the past as well as 'complications' and aftermath from said past.
The love story itself was beautiful. Ben the IT wizz and Sam the maple farmer may seem like they are vastly different but they have the same wishes and hopes for a relationship and I'd say the same values too. For me it felt like those two were needing exactly each other. To watch them find the love they need and yearn for was so heart warming. I was rooting for them hard!
But I really liked all of the characters not only the two MCs so I'm eagerly awaiting the other books about the close knit group of friends.
Oh be still my heart!
This was exactly what the book title says: a love story.
A wonderful one that I really enjoyed.
But if you know RJ and her books you will suspect that it isn't as easy as it sounds if I say wonderful love story.
It's one with secrets and misunderstandings but at the same time teaches you that love can prevail no matter of the past as well as 'complications' and aftermath from said past.
The love story itself was beautiful. Ben the IT wizz and Sam the maple farmer may seem like they are vastly different but they have the same wishes and hopes for a relationship and I'd say the same values too. For me it felt like those two were needing exactly each other. To watch them find the love they need and yearn for was so heart warming. I was rooting for them hard!
But I really liked all of the characters not only the two MCs so I'm eagerly awaiting the other books about the close knit group of friends.
A captivating, well written and rounded read, absolutely worth your time. I really enjoyed it and was enthralled and charmed.
Give it a try yourself!
This was exactly what the book title says: a love story.
A wonderful one that I really enjoyed.
But if you know RJ and her books you will suspect that it isn't as easy as it sounds if I say wonderful love story.
It's one with secrets and misunderstandings but at the same time teaches you that love can prevail no matter of the past as well as 'complications' and aftermath from said past.
The love story itself was beautiful. Ben the IT wizz and Sam the maple farmer may seem like they are vastly different but they have the same wishes and hopes for a relationship and I'd say the same values too. For me it felt like those two were needing exactly each other. To watch them find the love they need and yearn for was so heart warming. I was rooting for them hard!
But I really liked all of the characters not only the two MCs so I'm eagerly awaiting the other books about the close knit group of friends.
Oh be still my heart!
This was exactly what the book title says: a love story.
A wonderful one that I really enjoyed.
But if you know RJ and her books you will suspect that it isn't as easy as it sounds if I say wonderful love story.
It's one with secrets and misunderstandings but at the same time teaches you that love can prevail no matter of the past as well as 'complications' and aftermath from said past.
The love story itself was beautiful. Ben the IT wizz and Sam the maple farmer may seem like they are vastly different but they have the same wishes and hopes for a relationship and I'd say the same values too. For me it felt like those two were needing exactly each other. To watch them find the love they need and yearn for was so heart warming. I was rooting for them hard!
But I really liked all of the characters not only the two MCs so I'm eagerly awaiting the other books about the close knit group of friends.
A captivating, well written and rounded read, absolutely worth your time. I really enjoyed it and was enthralled and charmed.
Give it a try yourself!
July 27, 2025
4,5 hearts
When I heard about this shared universe I was really excited. I love a nice small town series and I am pretty sure these authors can deliver what they promise.
I am a fan of friends or brothers finding their HEA so I was excited to sign up.
One of the things I liked best was the friendship, the cameradie between the four friends and the easy going banter. But more than that, the caring and support you feel.
Miss Scott did a great job setting that senario. You are drawn into their friendship and for me that resulted in wanting to read all of their stories.
The first one is Sam’s story. How he met Ben, how slowly they grew to friends to carefully more.
Ben has his own bagage, there are reasons why he came to stay at his aunt in Caldwell Crossing.
I loved the way their relationship was built. With searching through the history of Sam’s family, opening up possibilities for more when they try to figure out their attraction.
Funny how the friends play their parts in this whole thing. I love that personally, the connection, the friendship.
If I am honest I also have to admit I am not a fan of mothers/aunts and the likes pushing, butting in, so that turned me off a bit , which was a shame because I was invested in the total story. Especially Sam’s mother, who I wanted to shut up quite a few times for some reason.
That being said the writing is what we expect from well known and popular author RJ Scott. The easy way it reads and the flow of this story is wonderful and how the further into the book I got, the more in to it I became for sure!
I felt like I was there tapping the tree’s, walking in the snow and making long days on the farm creating maple magic.
This novel is low angst with a little drama but in general just a lovely small town story about friendship, finding love , finding your own way in life, making the most of what you are given, standing tall, hanging in, and to top it of a wonderful HEA.
Wonderful start to this 4 book series. I am looking forward to book 2 🙂
When I heard about this shared universe I was really excited. I love a nice small town series and I am pretty sure these authors can deliver what they promise.
I am a fan of friends or brothers finding their HEA so I was excited to sign up.
One of the things I liked best was the friendship, the cameradie between the four friends and the easy going banter. But more than that, the caring and support you feel.
Miss Scott did a great job setting that senario. You are drawn into their friendship and for me that resulted in wanting to read all of their stories.
The first one is Sam’s story. How he met Ben, how slowly they grew to friends to carefully more.
Ben has his own bagage, there are reasons why he came to stay at his aunt in Caldwell Crossing.
I loved the way their relationship was built. With searching through the history of Sam’s family, opening up possibilities for more when they try to figure out their attraction.
Funny how the friends play their parts in this whole thing. I love that personally, the connection, the friendship.
If I am honest I also have to admit I am not a fan of mothers/aunts and the likes pushing, butting in, so that turned me off a bit , which was a shame because I was invested in the total story. Especially Sam’s mother, who I wanted to shut up quite a few times for some reason.
That being said the writing is what we expect from well known and popular author RJ Scott. The easy way it reads and the flow of this story is wonderful and how the further into the book I got, the more in to it I became for sure!
I felt like I was there tapping the tree’s, walking in the snow and making long days on the farm creating maple magic.
This novel is low angst with a little drama but in general just a lovely small town story about friendship, finding love , finding your own way in life, making the most of what you are given, standing tall, hanging in, and to top it of a wonderful HEA.
Wonderful start to this 4 book series. I am looking forward to book 2 🙂
June 6, 2025
This was a good start to a four book series, each book written by a different author and all set in a small town in New Hampshire, Caldwell Crossing. Each book will follow one of four best friends, all lovely characters and all very different.
This is Sam’s book. He is a lovely sweet guy who has taken over the running of the family maple syrup farm. Who doesn’t like maple syrup and now I know all the in’s and out’s of just how this liquid gold gets over my pancakes and I was surprised.
Sam rescues Ben when he finds his car has come off the road in the snow just outside the farm. Ben is not equipped for the weather and is coatless and freezing with a bump on his head so Sam takes him to the hospital to get him checked out and can’t help noticing how gorgeous he is, too thin and looking tired but still gets his senses zinging. Ben has left Boston and his flourishing career to stay with his great aunt Harriet, citing burn out as the reason.
There is no doubting their chemistry but Sam was badly burnt by a city slicker before and is wary of letting Ben too close and anyway he will be going back to Boston.
Ben is keeping secrets, big secrets which he would dearly love to share with Sam but signing NDA’s makes that impossible and these secrets are beginning to unsettle Sam which is a shame as they are a good match and want the same things in their future. I loved that Sam had enough faith in their relationship to put his insecurities aside and fight for Ben.
We get some drama, secrets, romance and soul searching, and no small town would be enjoyable without gossip and everyone knowing everybody else’s business and great aunt Harriett and Sam’s mom are the best matchmakers, and we are introduced to four best friends who are always there for each other and have each other’s backs. I liked all four and so I am looking forward to returning to Harmony Lake.
This is Sam’s book. He is a lovely sweet guy who has taken over the running of the family maple syrup farm. Who doesn’t like maple syrup and now I know all the in’s and out’s of just how this liquid gold gets over my pancakes and I was surprised.
Sam rescues Ben when he finds his car has come off the road in the snow just outside the farm. Ben is not equipped for the weather and is coatless and freezing with a bump on his head so Sam takes him to the hospital to get him checked out and can’t help noticing how gorgeous he is, too thin and looking tired but still gets his senses zinging. Ben has left Boston and his flourishing career to stay with his great aunt Harriet, citing burn out as the reason.
There is no doubting their chemistry but Sam was badly burnt by a city slicker before and is wary of letting Ben too close and anyway he will be going back to Boston.
Ben is keeping secrets, big secrets which he would dearly love to share with Sam but signing NDA’s makes that impossible and these secrets are beginning to unsettle Sam which is a shame as they are a good match and want the same things in their future. I loved that Sam had enough faith in their relationship to put his insecurities aside and fight for Ben.
We get some drama, secrets, romance and soul searching, and no small town would be enjoyable without gossip and everyone knowing everybody else’s business and great aunt Harriett and Sam’s mom are the best matchmakers, and we are introduced to four best friends who are always there for each other and have each other’s backs. I liked all four and so I am looking forward to returning to Harmony Lake.
June 7, 2025
Harmony Lake is a new multi-author series set in the small town of Caldwell Crossing, New Hampshire and featuring four lifelong best friends--Sam Caldwell (maple farmer), Haider Gray (chocolatier), Conor Holliston (firefighter), and Ryan Devlin (woodworker), all of whom are twenty-nine, save for Haider who turns thirty at the beginning of this series starter. Love Story is Sam's story, one that he shares with Ben Marshall, a thirty-eight-year-old who's just made his made from Boston after being leaving his job as an IT consultant with an investment firm. But there's more to why Ben has left the big city to stay with his great aunt in Caldwell Crossing. He keeps his secrets close, and as much as he tries, he can't help but want to get close to Sam as well. Then Ben's past comes calling, leaving him with little choice but to deal with the ongoing aftermath of what he left behind. Is this the abrupt end to Sam and Ben's love story, or will they get their happy ending?
I love how this new series involves four best friends who call Caldwell Crossing home and each one's journey to love and forever. Sam is the first one among the friend group to get his shot, and talk about his first meeting with Ben being one that leaves a mark. I wouldn't necessarily describe Ben's past as dark, but there were definitely loose ends back in Boston, and I understood why it wasn't something that he could easily divulge. As far as their connection is concerned, there wasn't any unnecessary complication that these two main characters had to really contend with. However, you know what happens when secrets are being kept. Aside from the romance, I really liked the idea of community and family, and there's no denying that the friendship shared by Sam, Haider, Conor, and Ryan was something that feels strong enough to keep heightened interest in the series going. I'm giving Love Story by RJ Scott four stars.
I love how this new series involves four best friends who call Caldwell Crossing home and each one's journey to love and forever. Sam is the first one among the friend group to get his shot, and talk about his first meeting with Ben being one that leaves a mark. I wouldn't necessarily describe Ben's past as dark, but there were definitely loose ends back in Boston, and I understood why it wasn't something that he could easily divulge. As far as their connection is concerned, there wasn't any unnecessary complication that these two main characters had to really contend with. However, you know what happens when secrets are being kept. Aside from the romance, I really liked the idea of community and family, and there's no denying that the friendship shared by Sam, Haider, Conor, and Ryan was something that feels strong enough to keep heightened interest in the series going. I'm giving Love Story by RJ Scott four stars.
June 3, 2025
Love Story follows Sam, the fifth generation to run his family's maple farm, and Ben, a whistleblower who fled Boston after exposing his employers’ embezzlement. Seeking refuge in Caldwell Crossing at his great aunt’s house, Ben unexpectedly meets Sam when he crashes his car during a snowstorm. Sam rescues him, and from there, their relationship gradually unfolds.
Over the first half of the book, Sam and Ben court each other while Ben grapples with the looming possibility of returning to Boston. His eventual departure leaves Sam feeling abandoned, but despite the angst and challenges, they work through their struggles toward a happy ending. The story strikes a balance between emotional depth and warmth, particularly in the close-knit friendships between Sam and his three best friends. The two-POV, first-person narration allows an intimate look into their journey. While Caldwell Crossing is a small town with an efficient gossip mill, the focus remains on the tightly woven relationships that shape the characters' growth and decisions.
Over the first half of the book, Sam and Ben court each other while Ben grapples with the looming possibility of returning to Boston. His eventual departure leaves Sam feeling abandoned, but despite the angst and challenges, they work through their struggles toward a happy ending. The story strikes a balance between emotional depth and warmth, particularly in the close-knit friendships between Sam and his three best friends. The two-POV, first-person narration allows an intimate look into their journey. While Caldwell Crossing is a small town with an efficient gossip mill, the focus remains on the tightly woven relationships that shape the characters' growth and decisions.
June 4, 2025
★彡 5 𝙎𝙏𝘼𝙍𝙎 彡★
When Sam and Ben first meet it isn’t exactly a meet-cute, it’s more of a meet-rescue because Sam finds Ben slumped in his car where it has gone off the road. Ben is freezing cold and Sam takes him to an Urgent Care to be tended to.
Next throw in a couple of matchmaking relatives (Sam’s mom and Ben’s aunt) and these two don’t stand a chance except that Sam’s life is in Caldwell Crossing and Ben has things he must face and take care of back in Boston.
Love Story is a slow-burn, sweet with mild heat and lots of kisses, story about two guys who didn’t think love was for them because of what happened in their pasts.
I loved reading Sam and Ben’s book and now I’m looking forward to reading the stories about Sam’s best friends. I love all of RJ Scott’s books but this one is really special because it mentions one of the most interesting hotels I’ve ever stayed in (they had Dyson hair dryers in the rooms!).
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
When Sam and Ben first meet it isn’t exactly a meet-cute, it’s more of a meet-rescue because Sam finds Ben slumped in his car where it has gone off the road. Ben is freezing cold and Sam takes him to an Urgent Care to be tended to.
Next throw in a couple of matchmaking relatives (Sam’s mom and Ben’s aunt) and these two don’t stand a chance except that Sam’s life is in Caldwell Crossing and Ben has things he must face and take care of back in Boston.
Love Story is a slow-burn, sweet with mild heat and lots of kisses, story about two guys who didn’t think love was for them because of what happened in their pasts.
I loved reading Sam and Ben’s book and now I’m looking forward to reading the stories about Sam’s best friends. I love all of RJ Scott’s books but this one is really special because it mentions one of the most interesting hotels I’ve ever stayed in (they had Dyson hair dryers in the rooms!).
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
June 4, 2025
Part of a multi-author series (Harmony Lake), but can be read as a standalone. Small town. Found family. Slow burn. Dual POV.
Leaving Boston, Ben is trying to find a safe place to hunker down after his financial/tech job ends in problems, and he needs rescuing by local syrup farmer Sam. Sam’s been burned by a city boy before, but there’s something about Ben that makes Sam want to take another chance at love.
Both Ben and Sam are likable characters, easy going, on the same page with their growing feelings, and finding and hoping that they see the same type of future unfolding between them. This story is full of some matchmaking family members and a super close supportive group of friends (these are the main characters in the other books from the series) helping out. All the angst comes from outside of their relationship, so the romance is sweet and meaningful. Overall a nice start to some deserving small town guys finding love.
Leaving Boston, Ben is trying to find a safe place to hunker down after his financial/tech job ends in problems, and he needs rescuing by local syrup farmer Sam. Sam’s been burned by a city boy before, but there’s something about Ben that makes Sam want to take another chance at love.
Both Ben and Sam are likable characters, easy going, on the same page with their growing feelings, and finding and hoping that they see the same type of future unfolding between them. This story is full of some matchmaking family members and a super close supportive group of friends (these are the main characters in the other books from the series) helping out. All the angst comes from outside of their relationship, so the romance is sweet and meaningful. Overall a nice start to some deserving small town guys finding love.
August 5, 2025
I really wanted to love this story and the small town aspect. Sadly, that wasn't the case. I didn't get any spark between Sam and Ben. There was a lot of backstory that got muddled. Their past relationships were supposedly traumatic to them, but they were kind of an afterthought.
My biggest issue came with the inconsistencies. It's as if the author forgot what she'd written. For example, the tree tapping was at 3, they mentioned it twice. But during Ben's internal monologue, the morning sun was shining on Sam. Another example, they go into the office, which previously was mentioned as being on the main floor, and indoors. However, they are suddenly kissing in the cold. Then they say they should go back down, to join friends. So yeah, there were many instances like this.
It really wasn't a great book.
My biggest issue came with the inconsistencies. It's as if the author forgot what she'd written. For example, the tree tapping was at 3, they mentioned it twice. But during Ben's internal monologue, the morning sun was shining on Sam. Another example, they go into the office, which previously was mentioned as being on the main floor, and indoors. However, they are suddenly kissing in the cold. Then they say they should go back down, to join friends. So yeah, there were many instances like this.
It really wasn't a great book.
June 7, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this first book in a multi-author series about 4 best friends living in a small town. It’s a charming tale of Sam who’s family runs a maple farm and Ben who is in town to escape a stressful situation in Boston. They share an instant attraction but their journey to be together is not an easy one. Both men are overcoming difficult pasts especially Ben who was easy to sympathise with.
The group of friends added a lot of fun banter and I loved the closeness they shared and the support they gave each other. The story is sweet and heartwarming with heat and a little angst, and an intriguing storyline that kept me turning the pages. I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to the rest of the series.
The group of friends added a lot of fun banter and I loved the closeness they shared and the support they gave each other. The story is sweet and heartwarming with heat and a little angst, and an intriguing storyline that kept me turning the pages. I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to the rest of the series.
July 22, 2025
Sweet summer romance
Sam and Ben are a sweet couple. Their romance is pretty low angst. The conflict is Ben is a city boy who has to go back because of a lawsuit, and Sam's last boyfriend was a city boy.
The maple farm and historical tie-ins make for a romantic setting.
The problem is the author rushed. Secondary storylines fizzle or just drop. Ben's backstory is so convoluted that it's confusing, and ultimately makes no sense. The problem with the lawsuit is nonsensical to me, and it's resolved in a strange way.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and plan to read the next in the series.
Sam and Ben are a sweet couple. Their romance is pretty low angst. The conflict is Ben is a city boy who has to go back because of a lawsuit, and Sam's last boyfriend was a city boy.
The maple farm and historical tie-ins make for a romantic setting.
The problem is the author rushed. Secondary storylines fizzle or just drop. Ben's backstory is so convoluted that it's confusing, and ultimately makes no sense. The problem with the lawsuit is nonsensical to me, and it's resolved in a strange way.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and plan to read the next in the series.
August 9, 2025
A great start to this multi-author series about four close friends living in a small town in New Hampshire. The first story introduces us to the four childhood friends all in their late 20's, with a really strong bond between them. Sam lives and works on a farm that produces Maple Syrup. In walks Ben, who has fled Boston to stay with his great aunt. The reasons for Ben coming to Harmony Lake come out slowly throughout the story as Ben and Sam become closer. This is not a suspense story, it is a love story. The pace is easy, with just the right amount of tension throughout to set some stakes. I am looking forward to the next in the series.
August 30, 2025
Ends Well
The angst and internal personal turmoil generated by the legal case in Boston became annoyingly intrusive in what otherwise was a decent story. Ben’s silent dialog with himself mostly undermined his developing relationship and it just felt worn and tiresome. The negative fixation on an online book review was also too much to believe. Ben told no lies, he was just sharp tongued and too honest. Fortunately it was only secondary and, while not resolved at book’s end, was left alone. The book ends as expected, with Ben and Sam committing to each other. The assumption is there will be a HEA.
The angst and internal personal turmoil generated by the legal case in Boston became annoyingly intrusive in what otherwise was a decent story. Ben’s silent dialog with himself mostly undermined his developing relationship and it just felt worn and tiresome. The negative fixation on an online book review was also too much to believe. Ben told no lies, he was just sharp tongued and too honest. Fortunately it was only secondary and, while not resolved at book’s end, was left alone. The book ends as expected, with Ben and Sam committing to each other. The assumption is there will be a HEA.
July 23, 2025
This is a sweet, cosy and drama free start of a small town series about 4 friends.
It's exactly right for a summer holiday break. Sam and Ben are not really looking eye-to-eye but when pushed together are starting to see the attraction.
Sam is cautios as he fears Ben will leave again. Ben needs to see if staying is what he really wnats and needs.
There are hints about the rest of the group and I look forward discovering them as well.
RJ Scott writes great characters and these two are great examples of it.
It's exactly right for a summer holiday break. Sam and Ben are not really looking eye-to-eye but when pushed together are starting to see the attraction.
Sam is cautios as he fears Ben will leave again. Ben needs to see if staying is what he really wnats and needs.
There are hints about the rest of the group and I look forward discovering them as well.
RJ Scott writes great characters and these two are great examples of it.
June 2, 2025
A brilliant start to a new series set in the beautiful small town of Caldwell Crossing and featuring 4 very different but close friends. This is Sam's story, the lovely maple farmer who meets Ben the IT whizz from the city after Ben crashes his car outside Sam's farm. 2 people who are very different but perfect for each other. A bit of drama, a lot of soul searching, the true value of friendship and how a leap of faith can deliver big rewards. Loved it.
June 2, 2025
Welcome to Harmony Lake, where friendship, family and small town connections brings you a wonderful story about finding love when you least expect it. It only takes one crashed car, a boatload of baggage and just the right spark to bring Ben and Sam together. They might not have been ready for love but love was ready for them. RJ Scott once again brings her readers lovable characters and a heart warming story. Cannot wait for more in the series.
June 5, 2025
This is the first book in the multi author Harmony Lake series. It was a great start to the series, introducing the town and the main characters involved in the series. This book had a bit of angst, but I think it really added to the story showing that not all relationships are easy. The characters were great and the setting was fabulous. I loved learning about the maple syrup making process. I can’t wait for the next book in the series to see what happens next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews