What do you think?
Rate this book
Baby, It's You
You might discover that some places are worth saving and some people are worth the risk.
Olive has spent years managing Whiskey Jane’s- a local dive bar tucked in the Tennessee mountains, famous for its strong drinks, wild theme nights and walls covered in written memories. It might not technically be her bar, but it’s her home.
When Jane, the bar’s elderly owner, is no longer able to run it, and her absentee son Tripp decides to show up with a plan to sell it off, Olive knows she must think fast.
In walks Hunter, a skateboarding filmmaker with a YouTube channel and an eye for a good story. What starts as an awkward first encounter leads to an unexpected partnership as they hatch a plan to work as a pair and save the bar. Together, they uncover decades of love, loss, and unforgettable nights.
In the process of saving a place full of memories, they might just create their own.
Olive has spent years managing Whiskey Jane’s- a local dive bar tucked in the Tennessee mountains, famous for its strong drinks, wild theme nights and walls covered in written memories. It might not technically be her bar, but it’s her home.
When Jane, the bar’s elderly owner, is no longer able to run it, and her absentee son Tripp decides to show up with a plan to sell it off, Olive knows she must think fast.
In walks Hunter, a skateboarding filmmaker with a YouTube channel and an eye for a good story. What starts as an awkward first encounter leads to an unexpected partnership as they hatch a plan to work as a pair and save the bar. Together, they uncover decades of love, loss, and unforgettable nights.
In the process of saving a place full of memories, they might just create their own.
Kindle Edition
Published July 30, 2025
35 people are currently reading
2844 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
July 19, 2025
My first ARC book
YOU GUYS NEED TO READ THIS BOOK!
It's been a long time since I read a romance novel, and this one is a page-turner. This easy read offers a range of emotions, including laughter, tears, motivation, and depression. Each character has their own strength and story to tell. Childhood trauma, avoidance, longing, carefreeness, and love—you name it.
I also didn't realise how quickly I read it, as I am a mood reader.
Thank you, author and publisher, for providing me the opportunity to read the advanced reader copy of your wonderful book; I can't wait for the second.
The author also included a playlist for readers to listen to, so I felt like I was inside the novel lol.
YOU GUYS NEED TO READ THIS BOOK!
It's been a long time since I read a romance novel, and this one is a page-turner. This easy read offers a range of emotions, including laughter, tears, motivation, and depression. Each character has their own strength and story to tell. Childhood trauma, avoidance, longing, carefreeness, and love—you name it.
I also didn't realise how quickly I read it, as I am a mood reader.
Thank you, author and publisher, for providing me the opportunity to read the advanced reader copy of your wonderful book; I can't wait for the second.
The author also included a playlist for readers to listen to, so I felt like I was inside the novel lol.
November 13, 2025
This was such a refreshing, feel good read!
Nicole Mikell did such a great job at creating characters that were so obviously meant to be together.
Olive was such a relatable fmc. She swore off love due to her traumatic past, because she didn’t think she deserved it. She was afraid that if she left someone in, that they would eventually leave.
“I’m trying to convince myself that it doesn’t scare the crap out of me that I might never know what it feels like to kiss your lips.”
Hunter was able to prove her wrong. He’s such a swoon worthy mmc. Similar to Olive, Hunter was never the type of guy to give his heart up easily. While his “bros” were sleeping around, he kept to himself, longing for a deeper connection.
This book is very character driven, and what I loved the most was the fact that they were both on individual journeys of self discovery and healing! Their individual experiences through loss and grief is what kept me hooked, and turning the page. It was beautiful to see them heal, and become someone worthy enough of the other’s time and effort!
“Olive, don’t you understand? I would wait a lifetime for you.”
📷He falls first
📷Slow burn
📷Black cat FMC
📷Golden retriever MMC
📷Dual POV
📷Found family
📷Loss/Grief
Nicole Mikell did such a great job at creating characters that were so obviously meant to be together.
Olive was such a relatable fmc. She swore off love due to her traumatic past, because she didn’t think she deserved it. She was afraid that if she left someone in, that they would eventually leave.
“I’m trying to convince myself that it doesn’t scare the crap out of me that I might never know what it feels like to kiss your lips.”
Hunter was able to prove her wrong. He’s such a swoon worthy mmc. Similar to Olive, Hunter was never the type of guy to give his heart up easily. While his “bros” were sleeping around, he kept to himself, longing for a deeper connection.
This book is very character driven, and what I loved the most was the fact that they were both on individual journeys of self discovery and healing! Their individual experiences through loss and grief is what kept me hooked, and turning the page. It was beautiful to see them heal, and become someone worthy enough of the other’s time and effort!
“Olive, don’t you understand? I would wait a lifetime for you.”
📷He falls first
📷Slow burn
📷Black cat FMC
📷Golden retriever MMC
📷Dual POV
📷Found family
📷Loss/Grief
July 1, 2025
This book was hilarious, adventurous and definitely tugged on the heart strings. I will be recommending to friends and family. This one’s good for the soul!
September 23, 2025
5⭐️ ┇ Bookstagram ┇ BookTok
Wow! This was really good! I loved the characters and the plot so much! This was so much more than just a romance. It has depth. In the characters and the story.
Hunter was absolutely amazing and just perfect for Olive. He is so incredibly thoughtful!
Olive, oh poor Olive! I feel so much for her and so happy that she finally got everything she wanted in the end!
I laughed. I cried. This gave me butterflies.
I mean, that epilogue!! Looking forward to continuing this series!!
‧₊˚✧𝓦𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓽✧˚₊‧
➳❥ Small Town Romance
➳❥ Found Family
➳❥ Golden Retriever MMC
➳❥ She Swore off Love
➳❥ Slow Burn
➳❥ Loss/Grief
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ 𝓕𝓪𝓿 𝓠𝓾𝓸𝓽𝓮𝓼
“𝐖𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐨 𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐰𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭.”—OMG SAME!!
“𝐇𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐦𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐦𝐞 𝐚 𝐜𝐮𝐩 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐞𝐚 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫.”
“𝐈'𝐦 𝐭𝐫𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐦𝐲𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬𝐧'𝐭 𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐩 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐦𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐬.”
"𝐎𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞, 𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝? 𝐈 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐭 𝐚 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮.”
“𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞.”
Wow! This was really good! I loved the characters and the plot so much! This was so much more than just a romance. It has depth. In the characters and the story.
Hunter was absolutely amazing and just perfect for Olive. He is so incredibly thoughtful!
Olive, oh poor Olive! I feel so much for her and so happy that she finally got everything she wanted in the end!
I laughed. I cried. This gave me butterflies.
I mean, that epilogue!! Looking forward to continuing this series!!
‧₊˚✧𝓦𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓽✧˚₊‧
➳❥ Small Town Romance
➳❥ Found Family
➳❥ Golden Retriever MMC
➳❥ She Swore off Love
➳❥ Slow Burn
➳❥ Loss/Grief
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ 𝓕𝓪𝓿 𝓠𝓾𝓸𝓽𝓮𝓼
“𝐖𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐨 𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐰𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭.”—OMG SAME!!
“𝐇𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐦𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐦𝐞 𝐚 𝐜𝐮𝐩 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐞𝐚 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫.”
“𝐈'𝐦 𝐭𝐫𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐦𝐲𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬𝐧'𝐭 𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐩 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐦𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐬.”
"𝐎𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞, 𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝? 𝐈 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐭 𝐚 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮.”
“𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞.”
January 22, 2026
Okay; this is my first read by Nicole, and I love it.
It’s a high PG-13 (because of language and steamy scenes near the end).
Oh man!
So good!
I will share trigger warnings, but no spoilers!
TW: parent abandonment, narcisstic boss, alcohol addiction, death and grieving a parent and struggling with new love in a relationship.
Best lines: “He stands right above me now, leaning over me. “I like you,” he whispers. “I love you,” I boldly say back, never breaking his eye contact.”
“Sleepwalk” by Santo & Johnny behind us, and I look at Hunter quickly. “This is my favorite song, my comfort song,” I say in a faint voice, shocked. “I know,” he says and pushes a strand of hair behind my ear.”
“I channel my inner Gomez Addams and take her hand, dramatically bowing towards her as I sing. Her eyes grow even bigger than normal as I maintain eye contact with her and bring my lips close to her hand. Then, I gently kiss the top of it, my lips barely making contact.
🫠🫠🤭🤭 it’s the Gomez Adam moment for me.
It’s a high PG-13 (because of language and steamy scenes near the end).
Oh man!
So good!
I will share trigger warnings, but no spoilers!
TW: parent abandonment, narcisstic boss, alcohol addiction, death and grieving a parent and struggling with new love in a relationship.
Best lines: “He stands right above me now, leaning over me. “I like you,” he whispers. “I love you,” I boldly say back, never breaking his eye contact.”
“Sleepwalk” by Santo & Johnny behind us, and I look at Hunter quickly. “This is my favorite song, my comfort song,” I say in a faint voice, shocked. “I know,” he says and pushes a strand of hair behind my ear.”
“I channel my inner Gomez Addams and take her hand, dramatically bowing towards her as I sing. Her eyes grow even bigger than normal as I maintain eye contact with her and bring my lips close to her hand. Then, I gently kiss the top of it, my lips barely making contact.
🫠🫠🤭🤭 it’s the Gomez Adam moment for me.
July 1, 2025
I loved the characters of this book. They seemed so real and the chemistry was organic. I loved the side plot with the bar and how it connected our two main characters. I hope some of the other characters get books because I’m not ready to let these people go. The perfect summer romance read.
August 8, 2025
OMG this book genuinely made me laugh out loud and tear up. I loved it. Jane is an icon, Johnny is hilarious and I can’t stop thinking about Old Fart. LOL
August 12, 2025
I’m a fantasy girl through and through but I loved this! It was funny, had adventure… you need to read it
July 25, 2025
ARC reader here 🙋♀️ Some of my favorite tropes are here (small town romance and found family) which made me enjoy this book a LOT. I had all sort of emotions while reading it and I enjoyed the humor here.
Also, as someone who loves to listen to playlist for the vibes of the books I’m reading, the playlist provided by the author made the experience 100 times better 🎧💚
Also, as someone who loves to listen to playlist for the vibes of the books I’m reading, the playlist provided by the author made the experience 100 times better 🎧💚
July 12, 2025
This was a fun little read. I like this! It was sad but also so fun! I loved the banter in this book, really enjoyable. Can’t wait for Ivy’s book!!
September 20, 2025
“If only she knew how much I actually think about her. Every time something happens to me, I think, I wish Olive was here. I know it's wrong, it’s a complete overstep. She's not mine to have, but damn I wish she was.”
Jeez. What did you put in this Nicole!?! I laughed and cried SOOO much 😭
And at one point I was laughing through my tears. This was such a wonderful book. I’ll need 15 of them just like it. THANK YOU.
My man Hunter is such a sweet golden retriever MC and I love him so much for it! He’s truly perfect for Olive. Even though Olive swears off love like it’s a plague, she knew something was different about Hunter from their very first interaction. As they work together to try to save the bar “Whiskey Jane’s” the history of the bar is entwined into their past as well.
Will Olive finally let herself be happy and feel true love? Is Hunter willing to wait? These are the ultimate questions.
With tropes like
🌸He falls first and HARD
🐝Slow burn
🌸Black cat FMC
🐝Golden retriever MMC
🌸Dual POV
🐝Found family
Jeez. What did you put in this Nicole!?! I laughed and cried SOOO much 😭
And at one point I was laughing through my tears. This was such a wonderful book. I’ll need 15 of them just like it. THANK YOU.
My man Hunter is such a sweet golden retriever MC and I love him so much for it! He’s truly perfect for Olive. Even though Olive swears off love like it’s a plague, she knew something was different about Hunter from their very first interaction. As they work together to try to save the bar “Whiskey Jane’s” the history of the bar is entwined into their past as well.
Will Olive finally let herself be happy and feel true love? Is Hunter willing to wait? These are the ultimate questions.
With tropes like
🌸He falls first and HARD
🐝Slow burn
🌸Black cat FMC
🐝Golden retriever MMC
🌸Dual POV
🐝Found family
February 13, 2026
Book Review
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Baby, it’s you! Was so fun to read! I love the way Nicole captures you and makes you feel like you are part of the story! She really knows how to make you laugh and cry in the right parts of the book! I love her writing style!
Olive and Hunter were so cute! I knew they would end up falling for each other. Although, Olive went through a traumatic childhood Hunter was always supportive in a very nurturing way that Olive realized she needed.
Jane took a chance on Olive and Olive grew to love Jane like a mother. I cried when Olive felt like she lost the only mother figure she had in her life. Jane was such a good person and gave everything to everyone no matter what.
My favorite quote from the book was when Hunter told Olive “she could eat a bag of farts every day around him!” I laughed so hard!
If you haven’t read any of Nicole Mikell’s books you are missing out! This was book 1 in the Clairesville series! Book 2 Can’t Hurry Love was an amazing read too!
Thank you Nicole Mikell for doing a free download day for this book on Amazon.
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Baby, it’s you! Was so fun to read! I love the way Nicole captures you and makes you feel like you are part of the story! She really knows how to make you laugh and cry in the right parts of the book! I love her writing style!
Olive and Hunter were so cute! I knew they would end up falling for each other. Although, Olive went through a traumatic childhood Hunter was always supportive in a very nurturing way that Olive realized she needed.
Jane took a chance on Olive and Olive grew to love Jane like a mother. I cried when Olive felt like she lost the only mother figure she had in her life. Jane was such a good person and gave everything to everyone no matter what.
My favorite quote from the book was when Hunter told Olive “she could eat a bag of farts every day around him!” I laughed so hard!
If you haven’t read any of Nicole Mikell’s books you are missing out! This was book 1 in the Clairesville series! Book 2 Can’t Hurry Love was an amazing read too!
Thank you Nicole Mikell for doing a free download day for this book on Amazon.
October 5, 2025
This book gets an extra boost because Nicole is an amazing author and person who deserves all the love. But even without her personality boost, I’d give it a good rating.
You know the feeling you get after watching a studio ghibli movie? That sort of warm feeling? Yeah this has that.
It touches hard topics but only gently so you don’t feel like your spines coming out of your ass just from reading about it. It gives you a relationship with some bumps but no toxicity that has you questioning if it’s actually worth shipping.
If you want some convoluted angst filled fiction, it’s not that. But that doesn’t mean it ain’t good.
I applaud Nicole for being able to write something fluffy but not too saccharine and meaningful but not a slog. I will be happy to read another book from her, even if she was stranger to me. Please add this to your TBR, it is worth it!
You know the feeling you get after watching a studio ghibli movie? That sort of warm feeling? Yeah this has that.
It touches hard topics but only gently so you don’t feel like your spines coming out of your ass just from reading about it. It gives you a relationship with some bumps but no toxicity that has you questioning if it’s actually worth shipping.
If you want some convoluted angst filled fiction, it’s not that. But that doesn’t mean it ain’t good.
I applaud Nicole for being able to write something fluffy but not too saccharine and meaningful but not a slog. I will be happy to read another book from her, even if she was stranger to me. Please add this to your TBR, it is worth it!
July 22, 2025
I had the wonderful opportunity to read this ARC. I am obsessed with this book. This book truly made me feel every emotion possible. All of the characters were so relatable. I loved Hunter and Olive’s chemistry. It really jumped off the page. I loved the community of this book. Every character felt so real. I also loved reading about Olive and Ivy’s friendship and I look forward to reading her story! Easy 5 ⭐️’s.
August 29, 2025
Wow!! This one was such a pleasant surprise!! Everything about it was captivating & thought provoking & let’s be real some parts made me wipe some tears away!!
Beautifully written and a strong emotional connection to those in the book.
I personally* loved the details of personal aesthetics from the characters throughout and loveeeeeeed having a playlist that is similar to my own, felt even stronger. I can’t wait for the next one 🖤
Absolutely recommending this one to my book lovers!!
Beautifully written and a strong emotional connection to those in the book.
I personally* loved the details of personal aesthetics from the characters throughout and loveeeeeeed having a playlist that is similar to my own, felt even stronger. I can’t wait for the next one 🖤
Absolutely recommending this one to my book lovers!!
July 1, 2025
Absolutely loved this book
July 9, 2025
This book was so freaking adorable! It made me laugh, and cry, and the ending left me wanting more! I want a love like Olive and Hunter's 🥰 I can't wait to read Ivy's story next!
September 20, 2025
I laughed, I CRIED, I can’t wait for the second book!
September 13, 2025
I loved this debut novel by Nicole Mikell. While it looks like a romance, there is so much more depth and sub plots than I expected. I quickly became obsessed with the authenticity of the bar patrons and learning their stories. Olive is deeply guarded and learning her backstory and how it affects her approach to relationships was getting to know the character as you would a friend, layer by layer.
Hunter is marketed as your next book boyfriend and that’s not wrong. Don’t be fooled by the curls and the sweet disposition, he’s passionate in all the right moments and you’re rooting for him as much as Olive.
Can’t wait for the next one in this series!
Hunter is marketed as your next book boyfriend and that’s not wrong. Don’t be fooled by the curls and the sweet disposition, he’s passionate in all the right moments and you’re rooting for him as much as Olive.
Can’t wait for the next one in this series!
January 24, 2026
Such a great read. I fell in love with the characters. Olive was so relatable and I loved Hunter for her. Highly recommend!
October 12, 2025
You know that feeling when you start a book “just to peek at the first chapter” and suddenly it’s 2 a.m., your tea’s gone cold, and you’re fully crazy about two fictional people who can’t communicate to save their lives? Yeah. That was me with Baby, It’s You.
From page one, Nicole hits that perfect blend of small-town charm. There’s something about her writing that feels cinematic, she builds this world that smells like coffee and nostalgia and heartbreak recovery, where everyone knows everyone and secrets are just waiting to explode.
Our fmc (my girl!) is witty, messy, overthinking everything while pretending she’s fine, which makes her one of the most relatable leads I’ve read in a while. She has this best-friend energy that makes you want to root for her even when you’re mentally screaming “NO, DO NOT TEXT HIM.” You feel her growth, her fear, her tiny victories. She’s the kind of FMC that makes you reflect on your own “should-I-have-said-that” moments at 3 a.m.
And then there’s him. The love interest. The man who walks in like a hurricane in a leather jacket and ruins your emotional stability for the next 300 pages. He’s that blend of grumpy but soft, emotionally constipated but so obviously in love it hurts. I alternated between wanting to throw my Kindle at him and wanting to wrap him in a blanket burrito until he admitted his feelings.
The chemistry and banter? 10/10, would read again just for the verbal sparring alone.
Nicole also doesn’t shy away from heavier themes: grief, forgiveness, and finding your own happiness after loss.
The supporting cast deserves love too, funny, meddling, chaotic in the best way. The side friendships, the found-family vibes, the little moments of comfort sprinkled between the angst, all of it made the story feel layered and cozy. It’s not just a love story; it’s about choosing love again after everything that’s broken you.
By the time I closed the book, I felt like I’d lived a whole emotional lifetime, and honestly? I loved that.
Final Thoughts:
If you’re into:
- small-town slow burns
- emotional healing arcs
- snarky banter and soft redemption
- second-chances that actually feel earned
Then Baby, It’s You will absolutely own your heart for a few days. It’s the kind of romance that sticks. <33
From page one, Nicole hits that perfect blend of small-town charm. There’s something about her writing that feels cinematic, she builds this world that smells like coffee and nostalgia and heartbreak recovery, where everyone knows everyone and secrets are just waiting to explode.
Our fmc (my girl!) is witty, messy, overthinking everything while pretending she’s fine, which makes her one of the most relatable leads I’ve read in a while. She has this best-friend energy that makes you want to root for her even when you’re mentally screaming “NO, DO NOT TEXT HIM.” You feel her growth, her fear, her tiny victories. She’s the kind of FMC that makes you reflect on your own “should-I-have-said-that” moments at 3 a.m.
And then there’s him. The love interest. The man who walks in like a hurricane in a leather jacket and ruins your emotional stability for the next 300 pages. He’s that blend of grumpy but soft, emotionally constipated but so obviously in love it hurts. I alternated between wanting to throw my Kindle at him and wanting to wrap him in a blanket burrito until he admitted his feelings.
The chemistry and banter? 10/10, would read again just for the verbal sparring alone.
Nicole also doesn’t shy away from heavier themes: grief, forgiveness, and finding your own happiness after loss.
The supporting cast deserves love too, funny, meddling, chaotic in the best way. The side friendships, the found-family vibes, the little moments of comfort sprinkled between the angst, all of it made the story feel layered and cozy. It’s not just a love story; it’s about choosing love again after everything that’s broken you.
By the time I closed the book, I felt like I’d lived a whole emotional lifetime, and honestly? I loved that.
Final Thoughts:
If you’re into:
- small-town slow burns
- emotional healing arcs
- snarky banter and soft redemption
- second-chances that actually feel earned
Then Baby, It’s You will absolutely own your heart for a few days. It’s the kind of romance that sticks. <33
July 7, 2025
This book was an absolute delight—heartwarming, cozy, and packed with charm. While the romance between Olive and Hunter is at the center, it’s the rich world around them that makes this story shine.
Olive has poured her heart into Whiskey Jane’s, a local bar that feels more like home than anywhere else. She’s been keeping it running ever since the owner—who she sees as a second mother—fell ill. The bar is covered in stories, literally. From bathroom stalls to main walls, patrons have used Sharpies to leave memories and messages—moments frozen in time.
But everything is at risk when the owner’s estranged son, who never valued the bar or his parents, suddenly shows up claiming ownership. Cold, disconnected, and money-driven, he plans to sell—no matter how much it means to the community. All of his struggling with the loss of Jane and Seymour the owners of the bar were more like her parents and now she might have to deal with losing the bar.
That’s when Hunter enters the picture. A successful videographer and YouTuber known for his skate and action videos, he sees something special in Olive. When she shares her heartbreak over the bar, he offers to help. Together, they begin collecting stories from the people whose lives have been shaped by Whiskey Jane’s—capturing memories, voices, and the magic written on the walls.
Their love story is a beautiful, slow burn—tender, emotional, and full of tension. There’s very little spice, but the connection between them *sizzles* with every scene. You’ll root for them both as they navigate grief, fear, and the hope of something more.
We’re also introduced to a strong supporting cast—Olive’s best friend Ivy, Hunter’s close circle of friends—and I already can’t wait for their stories too.
This story truly takes you on a journey—not just of love, but of legacy, community, and holding onto what matters most. It felt like being wrapped in a warm hug, with the perfect soundtrack playing in the background. The plot was original and the characters were so rich! You’ll close the last page feeling full of heart and happiness.
Olive has poured her heart into Whiskey Jane’s, a local bar that feels more like home than anywhere else. She’s been keeping it running ever since the owner—who she sees as a second mother—fell ill. The bar is covered in stories, literally. From bathroom stalls to main walls, patrons have used Sharpies to leave memories and messages—moments frozen in time.
But everything is at risk when the owner’s estranged son, who never valued the bar or his parents, suddenly shows up claiming ownership. Cold, disconnected, and money-driven, he plans to sell—no matter how much it means to the community. All of his struggling with the loss of Jane and Seymour the owners of the bar were more like her parents and now she might have to deal with losing the bar.
That’s when Hunter enters the picture. A successful videographer and YouTuber known for his skate and action videos, he sees something special in Olive. When she shares her heartbreak over the bar, he offers to help. Together, they begin collecting stories from the people whose lives have been shaped by Whiskey Jane’s—capturing memories, voices, and the magic written on the walls.
Their love story is a beautiful, slow burn—tender, emotional, and full of tension. There’s very little spice, but the connection between them *sizzles* with every scene. You’ll root for them both as they navigate grief, fear, and the hope of something more.
We’re also introduced to a strong supporting cast—Olive’s best friend Ivy, Hunter’s close circle of friends—and I already can’t wait for their stories too.
This story truly takes you on a journey—not just of love, but of legacy, community, and holding onto what matters most. It felt like being wrapped in a warm hug, with the perfect soundtrack playing in the background. The plot was original and the characters were so rich! You’ll close the last page feeling full of heart and happiness.
July 21, 2025
*Thank you to the author, Nicole Mikell for providing with E-ARC in exchange for an honest review*
There are so many emotions that are going through me right now. This book made me feel every emotion felt by the main characters, Olive and Hunter. I loved both of those characters, even though I didn't always agree with Olive's choices. I adored their connection, and I liked how it took time to develop; it felt realistic. All the characters were realistic, and that was one of the things I admired about this book. There were only a few characters I didn't like, but that was because they were difficult to like; especially Tripp, if it were me, I would have lost patience long ago. I was rooting for Olive and Hunter, hoping that their plan would be enough to save Whiskey Jane's.
I adored the community, particularly at Whiskey Jane's, and how they looked out for one another. When Hunter and Olive interviewed others, I enjoyed hearing about their experiences with Whiskey Jane's and how it affected them. I fell in love with the bar after listening to their stories. I was rooting from the moment I found out what Tripp intended to do with the bar. I liked how it was told from both Olive's and Hunter's perspectives, giving us a glimpse of each character and forming a connection with both. It was clear that Hunter fell first for Olive. I was rooting for two of them all through the book.
I adored the friendship between Ivy and Olive. It reminded me of myself and my close friends. The two of them had a true friendship. The character development in this book was outstanding, particularly for Olive. She changed in so many ways from the beginning of the book. I'm so glad I got to read this book. I'm excited to read Ivy's story in 20206. I highly recommend checking this book out!
There are so many emotions that are going through me right now. This book made me feel every emotion felt by the main characters, Olive and Hunter. I loved both of those characters, even though I didn't always agree with Olive's choices. I adored their connection, and I liked how it took time to develop; it felt realistic. All the characters were realistic, and that was one of the things I admired about this book. There were only a few characters I didn't like, but that was because they were difficult to like; especially Tripp, if it were me, I would have lost patience long ago. I was rooting for Olive and Hunter, hoping that their plan would be enough to save Whiskey Jane's.
I adored the community, particularly at Whiskey Jane's, and how they looked out for one another. When Hunter and Olive interviewed others, I enjoyed hearing about their experiences with Whiskey Jane's and how it affected them. I fell in love with the bar after listening to their stories. I was rooting from the moment I found out what Tripp intended to do with the bar. I liked how it was told from both Olive's and Hunter's perspectives, giving us a glimpse of each character and forming a connection with both. It was clear that Hunter fell first for Olive. I was rooting for two of them all through the book.
I adored the friendship between Ivy and Olive. It reminded me of myself and my close friends. The two of them had a true friendship. The character development in this book was outstanding, particularly for Olive. She changed in so many ways from the beginning of the book. I'm so glad I got to read this book. I'm excited to read Ivy's story in 20206. I highly recommend checking this book out!
September 29, 2025
2.5 ⭐️
There were moments in this book that almost worked for me — sweet, emotional beats that showed real potential — but unfortunately, they were buried under too much juvenile humor and a story that just dragged by the end. I am not against juvenile humor in YA but if I am thinkings there’s 🌶️ coming, I don’t enjoy the immature banter.
The Tennessee setting was charming (that’s where I am from), and I genuinely liked Jane and Seymour’s storyline. Their history had warmth and heart, and I wish more of the book had carried that same tone. I also genuinely liked Hunter and Olive initially. There were definitely cute moments between them like when he brought her flowers for Jane, that gave me a glimpse of what could’ve been a touching romance.
But overall, I struggled. The endless music references, skateboarding details, and potty humor made it hard to fully connect with the characters.
Ultimately, the humor just wasn’t it for me. Calling beef jerky a “bag of farts,” the trucks nickname, undercutting sweet moments with awkward jokes, or having emotional scenes turn weird (like the mom asking if they wanted to smoke weed) made it impossible to stay in the feelings of the story. By the time we had random confrontation with Wes at 94% of the book and the ending just draggggging on, I was uninvested.
There’s a good story somewhere in here — it just gets lost in the noise.
⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️ depending on your tolerance for goofy humor in your romances. I wanted more emotion and more depth that didn’t use humor immediately after.
There were moments in this book that almost worked for me — sweet, emotional beats that showed real potential — but unfortunately, they were buried under too much juvenile humor and a story that just dragged by the end. I am not against juvenile humor in YA but if I am thinkings there’s 🌶️ coming, I don’t enjoy the immature banter.
The Tennessee setting was charming (that’s where I am from), and I genuinely liked Jane and Seymour’s storyline. Their history had warmth and heart, and I wish more of the book had carried that same tone. I also genuinely liked Hunter and Olive initially. There were definitely cute moments between them like when he brought her flowers for Jane, that gave me a glimpse of what could’ve been a touching romance.
But overall, I struggled. The endless music references, skateboarding details, and potty humor made it hard to fully connect with the characters.
Ultimately, the humor just wasn’t it for me. Calling beef jerky a “bag of farts,” the trucks nickname, undercutting sweet moments with awkward jokes, or having emotional scenes turn weird (like the mom asking if they wanted to smoke weed) made it impossible to stay in the feelings of the story. By the time we had random confrontation with Wes at 94% of the book and the ending just draggggging on, I was uninvested.
There’s a good story somewhere in here — it just gets lost in the noise.
⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️ depending on your tolerance for goofy humor in your romances. I wanted more emotion and more depth that didn’t use humor immediately after.
September 29, 2025
Dear Readers,
Filed today: Baby, It’s You by Nicole Mikell, proof that sometimes the fiercest battles are fought not on grand stages, but in the dim glow of a beloved local bar.
Word travels fast through the Tennessee mountains: Whiskey Jane’s, the town’s well-worn dive with walls lined in memories, is in peril. Olive—devoted caretaker and reluctant heroine—has poured her heart into keeping the taps flowing, only to face the threat of a sale by the absentee heir. Enter Hunter, a skateboarding filmmaker with a camera in hand and a knack for disrupting the ordinary. What begins as an awkward encounter quickly evolves into a partnership that has tongues wagging: can this unlikely pair save a legacy… or will they create one of their own?
As for my thoughts: this story was light, sweet, and engaging. I read it in less than a day, turning the pages easily and enjoying the ride. Olive and Hunter’s partnership had charm, and the backdrop of the bar gave the narrative heart. While it may not be the sort of tale that lingers long after you’ve turned the last page, it was undeniably enjoyable in the moment. It's a cozy kind of comfort read that I’d gladly recommend to friends looking for a gentle, feel-good romance.
Rating: ⭐️ 3.5 / 5
Spice: 🌶️ 1 / 5 (closed-door romance)
Until the next chapter,
Lady TBR 💌
Filed today: Baby, It’s You by Nicole Mikell, proof that sometimes the fiercest battles are fought not on grand stages, but in the dim glow of a beloved local bar.
Word travels fast through the Tennessee mountains: Whiskey Jane’s, the town’s well-worn dive with walls lined in memories, is in peril. Olive—devoted caretaker and reluctant heroine—has poured her heart into keeping the taps flowing, only to face the threat of a sale by the absentee heir. Enter Hunter, a skateboarding filmmaker with a camera in hand and a knack for disrupting the ordinary. What begins as an awkward encounter quickly evolves into a partnership that has tongues wagging: can this unlikely pair save a legacy… or will they create one of their own?
As for my thoughts: this story was light, sweet, and engaging. I read it in less than a day, turning the pages easily and enjoying the ride. Olive and Hunter’s partnership had charm, and the backdrop of the bar gave the narrative heart. While it may not be the sort of tale that lingers long after you’ve turned the last page, it was undeniably enjoyable in the moment. It's a cozy kind of comfort read that I’d gladly recommend to friends looking for a gentle, feel-good romance.
Rating: ⭐️ 3.5 / 5
Spice: 🌶️ 1 / 5 (closed-door romance)
Until the next chapter,
Lady TBR 💌
October 13, 2025
Baby, it’s you- By Nicole Mikell
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really enjoyed reading this book, Baby it’s you. I loved the songs that were mentioned throughout. The atmosphere with the setting of the book suited the plot perfectly and did not feel disjointed at all. I liked how the characters were a bit older as I haven’t read a romance of the characters being adults for a little while, so this was really refreshing. I felt that I read this book in a really good time for me as I really enjoyed it. It was something that I could pick up and put down seamlessly. I knew exactly where I was and I was just super excited to get to read it again which is a great way for me to mark to how much I loved this book. I felt that the character development of the female main character was strong. I liked how she went from someone who relied on herself and trusted little to no one, to having to open her mind and pay attention to what the MMC was doing for her. I like the fact that she represented some mental issues that some people go through daily such as feelings depression or being alone.
On a whole this was an amazing book for anyone who wants an easy romance that they can just pick up and read. Maybe a book that carries a bit of flavour that makes this world seem a bit more real. This is something that I love to see; especially in small town romances and I felt that this book carried that perfectly.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really enjoyed reading this book, Baby it’s you. I loved the songs that were mentioned throughout. The atmosphere with the setting of the book suited the plot perfectly and did not feel disjointed at all. I liked how the characters were a bit older as I haven’t read a romance of the characters being adults for a little while, so this was really refreshing. I felt that I read this book in a really good time for me as I really enjoyed it. It was something that I could pick up and put down seamlessly. I knew exactly where I was and I was just super excited to get to read it again which is a great way for me to mark to how much I loved this book. I felt that the character development of the female main character was strong. I liked how she went from someone who relied on herself and trusted little to no one, to having to open her mind and pay attention to what the MMC was doing for her. I like the fact that she represented some mental issues that some people go through daily such as feelings depression or being alone.
On a whole this was an amazing book for anyone who wants an easy romance that they can just pick up and read. Maybe a book that carries a bit of flavour that makes this world seem a bit more real. This is something that I love to see; especially in small town romances and I felt that this book carried that perfectly.
July 10, 2025
📚 Book Review 📚
Release date: July 30, 2025
Nicole Mikell's Baby, It’s You proved to be a captivating read, and I quickly became invested in the characters. This book is perfect for readers seeking a story that will raise a wide range of emotions. Olive's story began when she walked into Whiskey Jane's at eighteen, searching for purpose. Seymour and Jane, the owners, took her under their wing, teaching her valuable life skills. As the years passed, the situation changed dramatically: Seymour passed away, Jane's health declined, and Tripp, their son, appeared, claiming ownership of Whiskey Jane's. The bar's future, which Olive managed, was threatened. Hunter, a YouTube filmmaker, proposed helping Olive raise funds to save the bar by interviewing the individuals who wrote on the walls to hear their stories and how Whiskey Jane’s changed their lives. The partnership between Olive, who struggles with abandonment issues, and Hunter, who carries family guilt, raises several questions. What will be the outcome of their joint effort to save the bar? Read to learn about Jane's profound impact on her community.
Thank you, Nicole Mikell, for the advance review copy. I look forward to Ivy's story in 2026. Excellent work!
Release date: July 30, 2025
Nicole Mikell's Baby, It’s You proved to be a captivating read, and I quickly became invested in the characters. This book is perfect for readers seeking a story that will raise a wide range of emotions. Olive's story began when she walked into Whiskey Jane's at eighteen, searching for purpose. Seymour and Jane, the owners, took her under their wing, teaching her valuable life skills. As the years passed, the situation changed dramatically: Seymour passed away, Jane's health declined, and Tripp, their son, appeared, claiming ownership of Whiskey Jane's. The bar's future, which Olive managed, was threatened. Hunter, a YouTube filmmaker, proposed helping Olive raise funds to save the bar by interviewing the individuals who wrote on the walls to hear their stories and how Whiskey Jane’s changed their lives. The partnership between Olive, who struggles with abandonment issues, and Hunter, who carries family guilt, raises several questions. What will be the outcome of their joint effort to save the bar? Read to learn about Jane's profound impact on her community.
Thank you, Nicole Mikell, for the advance review copy. I look forward to Ivy's story in 2026. Excellent work!
January 14, 2026
Baby, It’s You is a dual POV slow burn, low spice romance with a black cat FMC, Golden Retriever MMC, in a small-town setting with Whiskey Jane’s bar as the storyline point of focus. There are themes of grief, loss, trauma and healing which weave their way throughout and add emotional depth.
Triggers:
● Trauma
● Loss of a loved one
● Alcoholism
Tropes:
● He falls first
● Slow burn
● Black cat FMC
● Golden retriever MMC
● Dual POV
● Found family
Thoughts: The moment I saw my favorite Lao Tzu quote at the beginning, "Being deeply loved gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.", I was hooked.
I absolutely loved the FMC Olive, MMC Hunter, the regulars at Whiskey Jane’s, and the fun, dive-bar ambiance of the establishment itself.
While there is a blossoming romance between Olive and Hunter, that aspect was a drop in the bucket compared to the tapestry of life captured on the walls of the bar, and the way those moments in time were interwoven. This is a love story, but about Whiskey Jane herself and the profound impact she had upon the community. If the storyline didn't include a romance between main characters this would still be a compelling, emotional, and heartfelt novel. The slow burn between Olive and Hunter is simply icing on the cake!
Triggers:
● Trauma
● Loss of a loved one
● Alcoholism
Tropes:
● He falls first
● Slow burn
● Black cat FMC
● Golden retriever MMC
● Dual POV
● Found family
Thoughts: The moment I saw my favorite Lao Tzu quote at the beginning, "Being deeply loved gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.", I was hooked.
I absolutely loved the FMC Olive, MMC Hunter, the regulars at Whiskey Jane’s, and the fun, dive-bar ambiance of the establishment itself.
While there is a blossoming romance between Olive and Hunter, that aspect was a drop in the bucket compared to the tapestry of life captured on the walls of the bar, and the way those moments in time were interwoven. This is a love story, but about Whiskey Jane herself and the profound impact she had upon the community. If the storyline didn't include a romance between main characters this would still be a compelling, emotional, and heartfelt novel. The slow burn between Olive and Hunter is simply icing on the cake!
February 3, 2026
I didn’t take a ton of notes while reading this, but I highlighted constantly, which honestly tells me everything I need to know.
This book just feels like the perfect, classic romance.
It’s small town, workplace vibes. Olivia and Hunter are working together, and through that you don’t just get their relationship, you get the town’s history, the bar’s history, and everyone’s personal lives layered in. The side characters and side stories actually add something instead of feeling like filler, which made the world feel really full and lived in.
What really worked for me was how real the characters felt. Their thoughts, their inner monologue, their little jokes and quips, it all felt very modern and very millennial/Gen Z coded in the best way. I found myself highlighting lines constantly because the humor and observations felt so natural and relatable.
There’s also no unnecessary drama. The conflict feels grounded and believable, not manufactured just to drag the plot out. It’s balanced, cozy, and easy to read without ever feeling boring.
I laughed a lot. I smiled a lot. And I genuinely rooted for them the whole time. I recently read an Ali Hazelwood romance that had similar setup, but this one felt stronger and more universally appealing. It’s lighter spice/closed door, so it really leans into the emotional connection.
This is 100% a comfort read. A Valentine’s Day read. A “get me out of a slump” read. If you’re new to romance, start here. If you already love romance, still read it. If you just want something quick, warm, and entertaining, this is it.
This book just feels like the perfect, classic romance.
It’s small town, workplace vibes. Olivia and Hunter are working together, and through that you don’t just get their relationship, you get the town’s history, the bar’s history, and everyone’s personal lives layered in. The side characters and side stories actually add something instead of feeling like filler, which made the world feel really full and lived in.
What really worked for me was how real the characters felt. Their thoughts, their inner monologue, their little jokes and quips, it all felt very modern and very millennial/Gen Z coded in the best way. I found myself highlighting lines constantly because the humor and observations felt so natural and relatable.
There’s also no unnecessary drama. The conflict feels grounded and believable, not manufactured just to drag the plot out. It’s balanced, cozy, and easy to read without ever feeling boring.
I laughed a lot. I smiled a lot. And I genuinely rooted for them the whole time. I recently read an Ali Hazelwood romance that had similar setup, but this one felt stronger and more universally appealing. It’s lighter spice/closed door, so it really leans into the emotional connection.
This is 100% a comfort read. A Valentine’s Day read. A “get me out of a slump” read. If you’re new to romance, start here. If you already love romance, still read it. If you just want something quick, warm, and entertaining, this is it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews