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The Next Chapter
Haley Bronze is a bestselling romance author who’d rather write about love than live it. An anxious introvert, she’s most at peace with a pen in her hand and the sound of the waves outside her cozy cottage in Avalon, New Jersey. But everything changes when she finds a mysterious note tucked inside a special edition of her favorite book.
The trail of notes leads her to Mike Moon, a charming fellow romance writer who’s juggling deadlines and raising his two younger sisters, Maddie and Luna, while his mother sits behind bars for a crime she swears she didn’t commit. When the pair decides to fake-date to satisfy the cryptic demands of whoever is leaving the notes, neither expects to fall into a story of their own.
As they piece together the literary puzzle, Haley starts to open up in ways she never imagined, with Mike helping her step beyond the pages of her carefully structured world. Inspired by the notes, the two decide to co-write their next novel together... but just as they think the story has reached its happily-ever-after, one final message changes everything.
This note may hold the key to clearing Mike’s mother’s name, and it might just write the most important chapter of the one where Haley and Mike have to choose between playing it safe or risking it all for love.
The trail of notes leads her to Mike Moon, a charming fellow romance writer who’s juggling deadlines and raising his two younger sisters, Maddie and Luna, while his mother sits behind bars for a crime she swears she didn’t commit. When the pair decides to fake-date to satisfy the cryptic demands of whoever is leaving the notes, neither expects to fall into a story of their own.
As they piece together the literary puzzle, Haley starts to open up in ways she never imagined, with Mike helping her step beyond the pages of her carefully structured world. Inspired by the notes, the two decide to co-write their next novel together... but just as they think the story has reached its happily-ever-after, one final message changes everything.
This note may hold the key to clearing Mike’s mother’s name, and it might just write the most important chapter of the one where Haley and Mike have to choose between playing it safe or risking it all for love.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 18, 2025
1 person is currently reading
15 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 13, 2025
“There’s a whole team of people who rally around me, lift me up, and offer support. It’s worth more to me than anything.” Cute, feel-good story about family, friendship, and love. I enjoyed the romance and mystery elements!
July 8, 2025
Yes I finished this book in one day and I am not kidding when I says she write crack in her pages her books are like drugs once you start the read you can’t put it down I loved this book so much all the banter and the surprises in it was just amazing I will always read a Leigh jack book no matter what!!!!
July 18, 2025
This is my first Leigh Jack book, but I can tell you it won't be the last. This book has mystery with romance.
I was shocked with the plot twist. highly recommend you read this book.
I was shocked with the plot twist. highly recommend you read this book.
December 27, 2025
Quick and easy read with short chapters (which I love). Good writing, but overall, very predictable. There was an unexpected twist but I found it quite unbelievable, which ruined it for me.
July 23, 2025
A heartfelt, page-turning gem!
The Next Chapter swept me off my feet in the best possible way. From the very first page, I was hooked by Haley Bronze—a lovable, anxious introvert who would rather hide behind her pen than confront messy, real-life feelings. As a fellow romance reader, I instantly connected with her cozy world of words, waves, and solitude… until a mysterious note in her favorite book turns everything upside down.
Enter Mike Moon—an absolute dream of a character. He’s charming, grounded, and juggling more than anyone should have to: writing deadlines, raising his sisters, and fighting to prove his mother’s innocence. The chemistry between Haley and Mike felt authentic and beautifully slow-burn. Their decision to fake-date (yes, please!) quickly blooms into something tender and real, made even more magical by the literary treasure hunt they’re swept into.
The plot had just the right balance of romance, mystery, and emotional depth. I laughed, I swooned, and yes—I cried. The twist with the final note was chef’s kiss and gave the story that extra punch that made me want to flip back to page one and start again.
If you love:
✔️ Fake dating
✔️ Cozy beach towns
✔️ Writers falling in love
✔️ Found family
✔️ A dash of mystery and a lot of heart
...then this book is absolutely for you. Leigh Jack has written a love story that feels both warm and brave, like a comfort read that dares you to hope a little bigger. Highly, highly recommend! 💛
The Next Chapter swept me off my feet in the best possible way. From the very first page, I was hooked by Haley Bronze—a lovable, anxious introvert who would rather hide behind her pen than confront messy, real-life feelings. As a fellow romance reader, I instantly connected with her cozy world of words, waves, and solitude… until a mysterious note in her favorite book turns everything upside down.
Enter Mike Moon—an absolute dream of a character. He’s charming, grounded, and juggling more than anyone should have to: writing deadlines, raising his sisters, and fighting to prove his mother’s innocence. The chemistry between Haley and Mike felt authentic and beautifully slow-burn. Their decision to fake-date (yes, please!) quickly blooms into something tender and real, made even more magical by the literary treasure hunt they’re swept into.
The plot had just the right balance of romance, mystery, and emotional depth. I laughed, I swooned, and yes—I cried. The twist with the final note was chef’s kiss and gave the story that extra punch that made me want to flip back to page one and start again.
If you love:
✔️ Fake dating
✔️ Cozy beach towns
✔️ Writers falling in love
✔️ Found family
✔️ A dash of mystery and a lot of heart
...then this book is absolutely for you. Leigh Jack has written a love story that feels both warm and brave, like a comfort read that dares you to hope a little bigger. Highly, highly recommend! 💛
September 30, 2025
Thank you, @authorleighjack, for the gifted book!
Rundown:
✨️enemies to lovers
✨️romance writers
✨️small town
✨️fake dating
✨️found family
Synopsis ✒️
Haley and Mike are both romance writers who live in the same sea side town but have hardly interacted throughout the years. Haley is too anxious to leave her house after her mom's passing, and Mike is raising his two younger sisters. After finding mysterious notes that bring them together, they decide to fake date to draw out the mysterious match maker. After spending so much time together, they realize how much they admire each other and sparks fly.
Thoughts 💭
This is a cozy, feel-good romance complete with its own mystery. While the twist at the end was crazy, it's still a light beach read you can easily read in a day. This is such a fun concept that Leigh Jack excells at. Her other two books, Shared Hearts and Chasing Hearts, also had some crazy twists in them. While this book is a standalone, it was fun to see the characters in those two books appear in The Next Chapter!
Haley and Mike may have started out as enemies, but that didn't last long. They are adorable and compliment each other so well. Mike is the ultimate golden retriever character who seems to balance it all. Once Haley broke out of her shell, she found all the support she needed from the people in town to Mike and his sisters. I can't wait to see what Leigh Jack has in store next!
Rundown:
✨️enemies to lovers
✨️romance writers
✨️small town
✨️fake dating
✨️found family
Synopsis ✒️
Haley and Mike are both romance writers who live in the same sea side town but have hardly interacted throughout the years. Haley is too anxious to leave her house after her mom's passing, and Mike is raising his two younger sisters. After finding mysterious notes that bring them together, they decide to fake date to draw out the mysterious match maker. After spending so much time together, they realize how much they admire each other and sparks fly.
Thoughts 💭
This is a cozy, feel-good romance complete with its own mystery. While the twist at the end was crazy, it's still a light beach read you can easily read in a day. This is such a fun concept that Leigh Jack excells at. Her other two books, Shared Hearts and Chasing Hearts, also had some crazy twists in them. While this book is a standalone, it was fun to see the characters in those two books appear in The Next Chapter!
Haley and Mike may have started out as enemies, but that didn't last long. They are adorable and compliment each other so well. Mike is the ultimate golden retriever character who seems to balance it all. Once Haley broke out of her shell, she found all the support she needed from the people in town to Mike and his sisters. I can't wait to see what Leigh Jack has in store next!
August 12, 2025
Small town enemies to lovers mystery!
Haley and Mike are both romance authors living in the same beachside town, with the same agent. Haley is an introvert and almost a hermit since her mom died. Mike is gruff and barely speaks to her when they run into each other in the local bookstore. When each start finding notes from a mysterious third party, pushing them together, sparks fly and fake dating scheme ensues. Of course there is chemistry between them but Mike’s life is complicated: his mom is in jail for killing his dad and he’s raising his two younger sisters. But a friendship grows and they can’t keep their hands off each other. But a mysterious someone is still watching and pulling strings. This is a great and quick read, perfect for a lazy weekend or vacation. The HEA pays off!
Haley and Mike are both romance authors living in the same beachside town, with the same agent. Haley is an introvert and almost a hermit since her mom died. Mike is gruff and barely speaks to her when they run into each other in the local bookstore. When each start finding notes from a mysterious third party, pushing them together, sparks fly and fake dating scheme ensues. Of course there is chemistry between them but Mike’s life is complicated: his mom is in jail for killing his dad and he’s raising his two younger sisters. But a friendship grows and they can’t keep their hands off each other. But a mysterious someone is still watching and pulling strings. This is a great and quick read, perfect for a lazy weekend or vacation. The HEA pays off!
July 5, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I just finished The Next Chapter by Leigh Jack and honestly, I devoured it in a day! For a mood reader like me, that’s a big deal. This book feels like curling up with a cozy Hallmark movie — light, warm, and super comforting. Perfect for those lazy days when you just want to sip coffee and get lost in a sweet story.
I really enjoyed meeting new characters who are still connected to Leigh’s previous series. The pacing is quick but never rushed, and the plot twist totally surprised me — just when I thought I had it all figured out, BAM! Leigh’s mix of romance and mystery is always spot on.
If you’re looking for a quick, smooth read with a little bit of everything — romance, mystery, and heart — this one’s for you. Plus, it’s under 300 pages, so it’s a perfect weekend escape!
I just finished The Next Chapter by Leigh Jack and honestly, I devoured it in a day! For a mood reader like me, that’s a big deal. This book feels like curling up with a cozy Hallmark movie — light, warm, and super comforting. Perfect for those lazy days when you just want to sip coffee and get lost in a sweet story.
I really enjoyed meeting new characters who are still connected to Leigh’s previous series. The pacing is quick but never rushed, and the plot twist totally surprised me — just when I thought I had it all figured out, BAM! Leigh’s mix of romance and mystery is always spot on.
If you’re looking for a quick, smooth read with a little bit of everything — romance, mystery, and heart — this one’s for you. Plus, it’s under 300 pages, so it’s a perfect weekend escape!
August 12, 2025
Small town enemies to lovers romance. Haley and Mike are both romance authors living in the same beachside town who share the same agent. Mike is gruff and barely speaks to Haley when they meet by chance in the local bookstore. Haley is a socially awkward introvert whose mother recently died. A mysterious third party is trying to set them up by leaving notes in their favorite books. They team up to figure out who is trying to bring them together, and fake dating scheme ensues. Mike, it turns out has had a crush on Haley forever. But his life is complicated: his mom is in jail for killing his dad and Mike is raising his two younger sisters. But the chemistry is hot and soon the fake dating is real. The HEA is perfect. Loved it.
August 18, 2025
This book surprised me in the best way. I went in expecting a light romance, but it had so much more depth. The mystery element kept me curious, and the emotional side of the story actually hit harder than I thought it would. Leigh Jack’s writing feels easy to read but still layered; I caught myself underlining a few lines because they resonated. I especially liked how the fake-dating trope didn’t feel forced here, it actually made sense for the characters and gave their connection room to breathe. There were moments I laughed, moments that felt quietly tender, and by the end I just wanted a little more reading time. Definitely one of those reads that lingers with you after you close the book. Highly recommend!
August 18, 2025
Leigh Jack has done it again! Three for Three. She’s crafted a story that feels like pure magic on the page. The Next Chapter is a cozy, feel-good blend of romance, friendship, and mystery that pulls you in from the very first sentence and doesn’t let go.
What makes this book so addictive is the way she layers heartfelt emotion with sparkling banter, unexpected twists, and characters you can’t help but root for. The romance unfolds with the perfect balance of warmth and tension, while the mystery thread keeps you eagerly flipping pages late into the night.
Every chapter feels like a comfort read, yet it also dares to surprise you in the best possible ways. And the ending? Classic twist. I highly recommend this!!!!
What makes this book so addictive is the way she layers heartfelt emotion with sparkling banter, unexpected twists, and characters you can’t help but root for. The romance unfolds with the perfect balance of warmth and tension, while the mystery thread keeps you eagerly flipping pages late into the night.
Every chapter feels like a comfort read, yet it also dares to surprise you in the best possible ways. And the ending? Classic twist. I highly recommend this!!!!
July 9, 2025
Holy wow! Awesome third book by Leigh Jack! Though, this was a stand alone novel, I love that the characters from Shared Hearts and Chasing Hearts made an appearance. Jack does a great job mixing romance and mystery. This one had a plot twist that I NEVER saw coming!! I feel like we need a sequel, Ms. Jack! 😉
July 9, 2025
Finished this book in 5 hours! 7pm - 12 am.. who needs sleep right? I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! The twists and turns mixed with the romance. CHEFS KISS! Everything I have read by Leigh Jack, "Shared Hearts" , "Chasing Hearts" and now "The Next Chapter" were all addicting! Absolutely OBSESSED! I cant wait to see whats next!
July 9, 2025
I read this as an arc. This is my first time reading anything by Leigh Jack. I absolutely loved this story. It was fun and flirty then spicy and then mysterious. The characters were simple yet complex. I liked how it was a happily ever after but it also showed life after the main characters got together. Overall a fantastic book
July 18, 2025
The next chapter has romance and mystery and humor! If you love found family, he falls first, fake dating, & beach vibes then you will absolutely love this book. Two romance authors who fake date and work together on solving some mysteries in their lives. The love story was really cute and I loved the Haley’s relationships with the sisters. Would recommend and read again!
August 2, 2025
“It’s scary to chase your dreams,” spoken by Rose a cafe owner and nurse balancing both roles to survive. Actually many of the characters are balancing several roles and dealing with loss. Plus, the real feelings of overthinking and feeling so awkward. There’s some twists and turns. But a fun ending on a couple different levels.
July 9, 2025
What a thrill! 👏🏼
Leigh kept me guessing and on the edge of my seat from the first page to the last of this book. With less than 300 pages, it’s the best sort of escape with romance, mystery and intrigue.
I’ll definitely be reading her other books, and keeping tabs for hopefully a sequel!!
Leigh kept me guessing and on the edge of my seat from the first page to the last of this book. With less than 300 pages, it’s the best sort of escape with romance, mystery and intrigue.
I’ll definitely be reading her other books, and keeping tabs for hopefully a sequel!!
July 16, 2025
What an amazing romance/mystery story. You will not put this book down. It’s a fast read and the twist at the end is mind blowing. The cover art was painted by her husband. So beautiful. It comes out on July 18th.
July 21, 2025
I'M SCREAMING. I'm left in shock. What did I just read?! I couldn't get enough. From mystery to secrets and romance it had all of my favorite things in it. BRB going to read her prior books.
Thanks Leigh for this ARC
Thanks Leigh for this ARC
July 21, 2025
I downloaded this on a whim yesterday, and I read it in one day. I'm not usually a big reader, but I was looking for something to bring to the beach. What a fun story! It was cozy but also had me swooning and falling in love. And the ending?? I'm waiting for more!
July 23, 2025
*I received this as an ARC read/review*
This book started a bit slower for me than I’m accustomed too, but overall once you get to know and learn the characters it all makes perfect sense. It’s extremely well written and and easy perfect weekend read!
This book started a bit slower for me than I’m accustomed too, but overall once you get to know and learn the characters it all makes perfect sense. It’s extremely well written and and easy perfect weekend read!
July 23, 2025
Let me start with Haley. I relate to her in so many ways. I love a relatable FMC!!! Then we have Mike. The way he cares for his siblings? I was drooling. The mystery was fun. That's my favorite part of any book. Mike is officially my new favorite book boyfriend. I'm done for
July 17, 2025
Just finished this and OMG! Another Leigh book that I absolutely devoured and loved!!!! I love the mystery and romance.!!!
July 21, 2025
This book is Leigh's best yet. I couldn't stop reading! Just when I thought I had the mystery figured out, I was SO WRONG.
July 21, 2025
another outstanding book!! I love Leigh's books
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews