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Keeping their hands off each other was never part of the plan… but neither was falling this hard.


Rescuing Mia Hansen from the middle of a field during a storm is my job. I’m a conservation officer, not a hero. And definitely not a guy who goes looking for trouble. At least not anymore. I have a past, but I’m a rule-follower now. And I especially don’t need the kind of trouble that comes with a sweet smile, killer curves, and a library card.  

But Mia is definitely going to be a problem for me. The irresistible, late-night-fantasy kind.  

Because she’s also the daughter of the only man in this town I don’t like and can’t trust. Getting involved with her would be a mistake. A reckless, hot, completely unforgettable mistake.  

She keeps finding reasons for us to bump into each other. And I keep letting it happen. Call me what you want--but when she’s grinning like she knows exactly how to unravel me, I’m not walking away.  

Now we’re sneaking around like we’re starring in her dirty fanfic--which, of course, I read. Multiple times.  

We said this would be short-term. Just fun. No strings. But Mia’s wiggled her way past my defenses, and I’m starting to think the biggest danger isn’t her dad finding out…  

It’s falling for the one woman I should have stayed away from.

277 pages, ebook

Published June 17, 2025

99 people are currently reading
72 people want to read

About the author

Erin Nicholas

151 books3,818 followers
Erin Nicholas is the New York Times bestselling author of over sixty sexy contemporary romances. Her stories have been described as toe-curling, enchanting, steamy and fun.

She lives in the Midwest with her husband who only wants to read the sex scenes in her books, her kids who will never read the sex scenes in her books, and family and friends who say they’re shocked by the sex scenes in her books (yeah, right!).


You can find Erin on the web at www.ErinNicholas.com, on Instagram at ErinNicholasBooks, Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ErinNicholas... and on BookBub at https://www.bookbub.com/profile/erin-...

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5 stars
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72 (24%)
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Tammy Moldovan.
1,987 reviews26 followers
June 20, 2025
Loving loudly and quietly

I loved, loved Mia and David’s forbidden, opposites attract romance of all the things. It just made me so happy to read about these two kind of dorky, real and relatable humans who are dealing with the messy parts of life while trying to overcome all their insecurities and painful pasts. And oh the feelings I was feeling right along with them. The internal dialogues of both characters were so relatable, heartwarming, and hysterical which is what leads to the big feels. Mia is the librarian in small town Sapphire Falls. She also writes spicy fan fiction in her off hours. David is a Game and Parks officer in town and he’s committed to being a rule follower. Unfortunately, as a youth, he was a rule breaker and had a lot of interactions with Mia’s father, Scott, the town’s cop. So David continues to avoid Scott and knows little of Mia until he rescues her from a field during a storm. The chemistry and attraction between them is undeniable and overwhelming but so is the strong connection between them partially due to parallels in the lives. The complication of Scott requires sneaking around to have “not dates”. Despite the complications their HEA is inevitable and included all the best things - sweet moments, spice, snort worthy laughs, supportive friends and families, a quirky gossipy small town, baggage unpacking, and all the heart squeezing love. As always, Erin Nicholas makes a romance so much deeper than spicy spice and swoons and she got us there with witty dialogue, three dimensional characters who grow, and an engaging storyline. I am excited to read more in this series and getting to visit so many of the original characters.

PS - I loved the sneaky reference to the HotCakes series which of course is a fantastic romcom series too.
1,366 reviews
December 27, 2025
Always great to be back in Sapphire Falls and this time we get Mia Hansen and David Bennett’s story. I enjoyed the shenanigans Mia came up with to be with David and some had me chuckling. David was a much more serious character so it was fun to see him loosen up and steam up the pages with Mia. Looking forward to more stories in the Sapphire Falls Next Generation series.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
912 reviews27 followers
October 15, 2025
Making it Up by Erin Nicholas is a feel-good, laugh-out-loud, and deeply heartwarming small-town romance set in the beloved Sapphire Falls, NE. This second book in the "next generation" series features a forbidden, opposites-attract romance that will completely enthrall readers.

David Hargrove, the local Game and Parks officer, is committed to being a rule-follower after a "bad boy" past filled with run-ins with the town cop. When a storm rolls in, it’s his job to rescue Mia Hansen from a field. Mia is the sweet, dorky small-town librarian with killer curves, a sweet smile, and a sideline writing spicy fan fiction. She’s instantly irresistible to David, but she’s also the daughter of Scott Hansen, the one man in town David can’t stand and doesn't trust. David knows getting involved with Mia would be a reckless, unforgettable mistake, but the undeniable chemistry and strong connection between them make him powerless to resist.

Despite the complications stemming from David's past with her father, Mia is determined and creative, constantly finding reasons for their paths to cross. David quickly gives in to the attraction, and they find themselves sneaking around like they’re starring in her dirty fanfic—which, of course, David has read multiple times. Their internal dialogue is both hysterically funny and deeply relatable as they navigate their insecurities and messy pasts. Mia’s unexpected boldness and David’s commitment to winning her over create an intense, hot, and fun steam perfect for their story.

As always, Erin Nicholas delivers a romance that is much deeper than just spice and swoons. Making it Up is filled with sweet moments, snort-worthy laughs, supportive friends and family, and the charming gossip of a small town. The inevitable happily-ever-after includes all the best things, like David finally earning the respect of Mia's father and both characters unpacking their emotional baggage. This book is a wonderful escape and a testament to the fact that the person who broke your heart might just be the person meant to fix it.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,674 reviews43 followers
August 22, 2025
3.5 stars
Let me begin this review by stating I suspect more readers will enjoy this story more than I did. Not that I didn't enjoy it at all. I just had some serious trouble sticking with it for much of it before I really got into it.
I think I read the original Sapphire Falls series but I can’t swear to it. I read so many books and my memory being what it is now, I’m not sure. I am sure I haven’t read the first book in this new Sapphire Falls second generation series. If I’m being totally honest, this book just didn’t grab me for much of it. It was basically the Mia character that kept me reading it until the story started to really interest me. The main protagonists David and Mia were delightful. Well at least Mia was. The David character despite his strong points that had Mia attracted to him, was for me not nearly as likable. His unwillingness to accept his attraction to Mia because of his relationship with her father even though he and Mia were now thirty-something adults, and his over the top reformed bad boy, now OCD rule follower character, I just found annoying as hell. But Mia was so adorable, clever and sexy, that after she finally wore down David’s resistance, having to practically throw herself at him, I found it to be a very sweet and funny rom.-com. with an all important H.E.A. Again due mostly to Mia. My other minor problem with this story as (it has been in other books by this author) was her writing style. There are times her prose reminds me of reading Fun With Dick and Jane when I was first learning to read. Not that I expect many (most?) of you reading this review to get that reference. Let’s just say there are times dialogue sounds like she’s writing for someone with below a sixth grade reading level. It’s not so much what her characters are saying as the way they say it.
Anyway, bottom line, this story has very likable characters, warm small town, big family feels, laughable moments and a fair amount of sexy times.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
757 reviews9 followers
July 7, 2025
Pure Sapphire Falls heaven

I love being in Sapphire Falls, NE. Erin Nicholas, one of the few one-click authors for me, brought us back to Sapphire Falls with the next generation of fantastic characters. Making it Up is the second book in the next generation series, and as much as I loved Jefferson (Make Her Mine), David is Kindle-melting hot. David is the local Game and Parks officer, and although he has a bad boy past, he is a stickler for the rules. When he finds Mia Hansen in the middle of a field with a tornado bearing down, he’s definitely a rule follower. He and Mia have an instant connection, and when he realizes she’s Officer Scott Hansen’s daughter, he wants to stay away, but somehow just can’t. He has a past with Mia’s dad, and he knows this won’t end well, so they shouldn’t even start.

Ms. Nicholas writes the kind of feel-good, put-a-smile-on-your-face, laugh-out-loud, emotional stories that I become totally enthralled with. Her characters are full of love, warmth, and awesome banter. The steam between David and Mia is hot, fun, and perfect for their story. It’s wonderful to see their parents again, as the original SF stories are among my favorites. And if you’ve read the Hot Cakes series, the references to Grant, and a certain club will make you snort-laugh. I can’t wait to see who is up next.
Profile Image for Kimhe Rockchicks.
1,458 reviews61 followers
June 22, 2025

If you are not a fan of Erin Nicholas Sapphire Falls you
need to get your hands on the original series to really understand and enjoy this next generation as it revolves around the romances of the kids. Making It Up is the second book in the next generation of Sapphire Falls and is the romance between sweet good girl Librarian Mia Hansen and sexy bad boy Parks and Wildlife Officer David Bennett. Their parents are Piper and Scott Hansen and Tucker and Delaney Bennett. I highly recommend reading the original to understand the dynamics of everybody.

Oh Erin, I adore Sapphire Falls so much it is one of my favourite series and getting this next gen just makes me so happy. Mia and David's story was so much fun to read. I loved how far Mia went to snag the Bad Boy, David had no chance of resisting. The banter was hilarious, chemistry off the charts and their definitely were plenty of panty melting moments. It was so good escaping to Sapphire Falls catching up with the townsfolk. Why would you want to be anywhere else. This fictional world of Erins is magical.

By the way the character art in a couple of chapters was hot!!!! I am super excited for so much more from this place.

Bring it on!!
Profile Image for J Lundsten.
967 reviews39 followers
June 18, 2025
This is the second book in the Sapphire Falls next generation series.

Mia is the town librarian. She is also Scott & Peyton's daughter. When she is caught out in a storm, she is rescued by none other than David, Sapphire Fall's bad boy (well, he was a teen at least). There's a lot of chemistry between these two and quiet, innocent Mia turns out to be not so quiet. Or innocent. Because once she sets her sights on David, he didn't stand a chance!

This is a really fun story with lots of heat, some fun cameos, and a lot of laughs.

Erin Nicholas books just make me smile and this one was no exception! Looking forward to reading more about Sapphire Falls!
Profile Image for Julie.
319 reviews6 followers
July 2, 2025
Small towns are so much fun! The first chapter of this book had me chuckling, smiling and eagerly turning the pages to see what would happen next with David and Mia. These two had so much in common and easily connected on so many levels it was an easy, light hearted read in all the best ways. David really didn't want to like Mia but he just couldn't resist her at all and the ways Mia created for them to meet were so cute. I also loved how David and Scott mended their relationship and David got the acceptance and respect from Scott he always craved. This was a much needed escape and the perfect summer read.
758 reviews
June 21, 2025
I really enjoyed Mia and David’s story. David wants to keep people safe, but he had a wild side growing up. Mia is a librarian and when she gets stuck in a field, David finds and rescues her. They discover they are attracted to each other, but the issue is that David and Mia’s father do not get along. I loved how they both understood each other and why they have the personalities they do. I also enjoyed seeing all of the previous characters from Sapphire Falls. This is a very easy reading book that drew me in with some steam.
Profile Image for Jackie.
161 reviews1 follower
August 4, 2025
another good addition to the series

Lovely book. Mia is the sister of Harlow from the first book. David doesn’t really like Mia”s dad for various reasons. It becomes apparent that there were a few crossed wires and it all works out in the end. Story develops nicely and I always love a good epilogue. It is lovely catching up with the Sapphire Falls gang and Scott and Peyton, Mia’s mum and dad, were always one of my favourite couples from the first generation of books.

I look forward to publication of more books in this series, hopefully!

Profile Image for Annette.
251 reviews3 followers
July 11, 2025
I love how David tries to fight this and Mia.....

But this quiet, unassuming librarian is having none of that. Do game wardens carry handcuffs?? Asking for a friend. And that earring! A hint of the bad boy still lurking in David. And little miss sweet Mia has her own secrets. Fan fiction, anyone? Sex club??
This book brings us back to Sapphire Falls and it makes me want to read all the stories again since these here are the next generation. And I can't wait for all their
500 reviews2 followers
July 22, 2025
Terrific Journey Home

Sapphire Falls is where I first met Erin Nicholas as an author. This return to that quirky, bucolic wonderland of a community is like coming home. The story of Mia and David, mixed with the previous generation of characters is divine. Racy special sexy times mixed with overcoming past hurts and histories combined with finding out what's up with this eccentric town with a new generation. Truly entertaining.
Profile Image for Patti.
1,460 reviews10 followers
July 10, 2025
Revisit Sapphire Falls and fall in love with your favourite residents!! I could not wait to dive into this book and meet Scott and Peyton's daughter Mia and Tucker and Delaney's son David!! These two made me chuckle and laugh out loud!! I loved this book and highly recommend you grab this book and enjoy this fabulous love story!!
724 reviews6 followers
July 11, 2025
Sweet and sexy

Fun and inventive romp through Sapphire Falls. David and Mia are adorable together and it’s a delightful frolic with warm family interactions and a tight knit network of friends and townspeople.
Profile Image for Susie.
2 reviews4 followers
July 25, 2025
Smiles All the Way

This book made me smile all the way through. David and Miss are perfect! Catching up on the couples from before as parents is such great closure and adds to the happiness factor.
Profile Image for Isha Coleman.
8,990 reviews173 followers
October 22, 2025
Heat, hijinks and heart. Making it Up breaks all the rules when it comes to romance. From deep feeling to over the top humor and under the radar romance, David and Mia are the sweetest escape. Nicholas tickles the senses and captures the heart, all in one setting.
Profile Image for Feija.
1,146 reviews
July 12, 2025
4.5/5 ⭐️ I really really liked this book!!!!!
1,637 reviews7 followers
August 4, 2025
Really loved this book. Great characters.❤️
574 reviews
November 25, 2025
I couldn’t get thru the second chapter. Too much “talking to themselves” vs a conversation.
Profile Image for Jackie Wright.
6,544 reviews135 followers
December 5, 2025
Making It Up is David and Mia’s entertaining and heartwarming story set in Sapphire Falls. It’s book two in Sapphire Falls Next Generation Series and I loved everything about this book from the witty banter to the characters who I adored.
Mia is the town librarian and when she gets stuck in a field it’s David who comes to her rescue problem is their families don’t get along and that’s been ingrained n them since children. So will David and Mia put their family history behind them…….
This is a well written, entertaining and engaging story that I quickly became invested in.
Profile Image for Tamara.
406 reviews
December 7, 2025
Another wonderful return to Sapphire Falls with the Next Generation.

This time we have Mia, adopted foster daughter of Scott (cop) & Peyton (wild child) and David, one of Delaney's nephews that she and Tucker adopted after her sister died.

Unique story with both the hero and heroine being adoptees. David being the former wild child with run ins while growing up with Mia's Dad.

Loved Mia's not date dates: deer blind, bonfire (which David made into a not date) and skinny dipping. So much fun!

Great read! Can't wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Quinn Fforde.
3,296 reviews15 followers
October 28, 2025
David and Mia are great characters. We knew them as children in their parents' books, but now they are grown and starting a new relationship. They have a lot in common due to the difficulties of their childhoods. Chapter 13 is one of the best chapters I have ever read. Lots of fun and heart in this one.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews

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