What do you think?
Rate this book
The Busiest Place You Know
Grab a cup of coffee, find a spot by the fire, and come along with debut author Allison DeRosia as she takes you to Northern Michigan for this atmospheric small-town romance.
A second chance romance between an author and her editor. Oh, and she just unknowingly moved in next door.
Then, with a fresh book deal and a rough manuscript in hand, Lauren Dorada left teaching behind and moved to Chicago to pursue her writing full time. Her agent even landed her the infamous Rhett Atwood as an editor. Known for being cold and ruthless, Rhett has earned himself a spot on some best-selling projects as well as a spot on most people’s bad sides. Including Lauren’s. With harsh critiques and borderline cruel corrections, Lauren feels like she won’t win. But then something shifts between them. And after many late nights working, she gets a glimpse at Rhett’s softer side, and the two quickly cross the line they drew in the sand.
But then, he left.
Now, it’s been nearly a year since the two have spoken, and her debut novel has been selling better than she could have ever dreamed. With her second manuscript ready for editing, her publisher gives her one condition before he signs her on again.
Rhett Atwood has to be the one to edit it.
So when the opportunity to spend the fall at a cabin in the backwoods of northern Michigan arises, she thinks it’s her perfect escape out of the city for a few months and a way to keep her work with Rhett limited to purely email.
That is, until Rhett is standing on her cabin’s doorstep.
Not only is Rhett staying next door, but he lives there. Can the two put aside what has gone unspoken for the sake of Lauren’s career? Or will what went unsaid be what finally drives them apart for good?
The Busiest Place You Know is a scenery-rich, atmospheric escape that explores what it means to be loved, be seen, and be known.
This dual-timeline story unravels a tangled web of complicated families and tangled feelings.
A second chance romance between an author and her editor. Oh, and she just unknowingly moved in next door.
Then, with a fresh book deal and a rough manuscript in hand, Lauren Dorada left teaching behind and moved to Chicago to pursue her writing full time. Her agent even landed her the infamous Rhett Atwood as an editor. Known for being cold and ruthless, Rhett has earned himself a spot on some best-selling projects as well as a spot on most people’s bad sides. Including Lauren’s. With harsh critiques and borderline cruel corrections, Lauren feels like she won’t win. But then something shifts between them. And after many late nights working, she gets a glimpse at Rhett’s softer side, and the two quickly cross the line they drew in the sand.
But then, he left.
Now, it’s been nearly a year since the two have spoken, and her debut novel has been selling better than she could have ever dreamed. With her second manuscript ready for editing, her publisher gives her one condition before he signs her on again.
Rhett Atwood has to be the one to edit it.
So when the opportunity to spend the fall at a cabin in the backwoods of northern Michigan arises, she thinks it’s her perfect escape out of the city for a few months and a way to keep her work with Rhett limited to purely email.
That is, until Rhett is standing on her cabin’s doorstep.
Not only is Rhett staying next door, but he lives there. Can the two put aside what has gone unspoken for the sake of Lauren’s career? Or will what went unsaid be what finally drives them apart for good?
The Busiest Place You Know is a scenery-rich, atmospheric escape that explores what it means to be loved, be seen, and be known.
This dual-timeline story unravels a tangled web of complicated families and tangled feelings.
- GenresRomance
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 12, 2025
19 people are currently reading
471 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 44 reviews
August 1, 2025
I normally don't read ARCs, but this cover really caught my attention and I know Allison from meeting her at one of my book signings, so I thought I'd give it a chance.
The best way to describe how I feel about this book is that I am not a romance reader, but this book made me understand why people are so passionately into the genre. It was cute, it was frustrating, mildly heartbreaking at times, and the atmosphere was perfect.
If you didn't already love Michigan, you'll want to visit after this book. Her character development was amazing - I closed the book feeling like I know these people. I cannot wait for further books in the series! Well done and hard to believe it's a debut novel.
The best way to describe how I feel about this book is that I am not a romance reader, but this book made me understand why people are so passionately into the genre. It was cute, it was frustrating, mildly heartbreaking at times, and the atmosphere was perfect.
If you didn't already love Michigan, you'll want to visit after this book. Her character development was amazing - I closed the book feeling like I know these people. I cannot wait for further books in the series! Well done and hard to believe it's a debut novel.
July 25, 2025
I am here to tell my fellow romance reader friends that I love this book! Pleeeease read it so we can gush about all the cute parts together!! 😍
It all started when I got an email that I won an ebook ARC as part of an Instagram giveaway. Right away, I was pulled in by the moody vibe and cozy aesthetics, but had no clue I was going to enjoy this book as much as I did!
“The Busiest Place You Know” is an adorable, swoon worthy second-chance romance with a fall time vibe and some of the best romance tropes!! It’s very much in the vein of Emily Henry type books because it also touches on life experiences and deep emotions aside from romantic love. I appreciated all of the emotions and experiences that gave us insight into the FMC, Lauren. They truly made her feel authentic and relatable. I felt a deep connection to her through similar childhood memories. The MMC, Rhett, gets to share some of his pov closer to the end and when I didn’t think I could love him more… I did! ♥️
If you want a stand alone romance that gives you all the feels- please read this one! I laughed, teared up, and air punched several times because even when I saw the writing on the wall, it was still so gratifying to see it all play out!
🍁determined, goal-oriented FMC
🍂soft for her MMC
🍃past/present timeline (flashbacks)
🍁big city & small town settings
🍂full cast of charming side characters
🍃angsty romance with mutual pining
🍁off-the-charts romantic tension 🔥
🍂forced proximity
🍃open door romance
🍁”You came/You called” 🥹
I received this arc via giveaway without any expectations for feedback or review, but I’m happy to give it here! I loved this and will be buying a physical copy for my bookshelf when it comes out in August! Put this fun read on your TBR!!
It all started when I got an email that I won an ebook ARC as part of an Instagram giveaway. Right away, I was pulled in by the moody vibe and cozy aesthetics, but had no clue I was going to enjoy this book as much as I did!
“The Busiest Place You Know” is an adorable, swoon worthy second-chance romance with a fall time vibe and some of the best romance tropes!! It’s very much in the vein of Emily Henry type books because it also touches on life experiences and deep emotions aside from romantic love. I appreciated all of the emotions and experiences that gave us insight into the FMC, Lauren. They truly made her feel authentic and relatable. I felt a deep connection to her through similar childhood memories. The MMC, Rhett, gets to share some of his pov closer to the end and when I didn’t think I could love him more… I did! ♥️
If you want a stand alone romance that gives you all the feels- please read this one! I laughed, teared up, and air punched several times because even when I saw the writing on the wall, it was still so gratifying to see it all play out!
🍁determined, goal-oriented FMC
🍂soft for her MMC
🍃past/present timeline (flashbacks)
🍁big city & small town settings
🍂full cast of charming side characters
🍃angsty romance with mutual pining
🍁off-the-charts romantic tension 🔥
🍂forced proximity
🍃open door romance
🍁”You came/You called” 🥹
I received this arc via giveaway without any expectations for feedback or review, but I’m happy to give it here! I loved this and will be buying a physical copy for my bookshelf when it comes out in August! Put this fun read on your TBR!!
September 2, 2025
This was such a good debut novel! A local MI author with a fictional MI setting. I hope she’s already written Tanner and Hannah’s book because I know I’m gonna eat it up 🤗
August 10, 2025
I’m loved this book so much! I loved living in the world of Lauren and Rhett! I was completely sucked into this story! I loved the descriptive writing, I felt like I really got to know these wonderful characters! I would give it more than 5 stars if I could! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 10, 2025
I can’t say enough about this book! I’m fact, if you’ve seen me in the last few days, I’ve likely told you about the romance I just read and you HAVE to read. This is Allison Derosia’s debut novel and she knocked it out of the park!
I felt like I was sitting in the Midwest watching the leaves fall with her descriptions of both Chicago & Green Branch. The Busiest Place You Know had everything I like in a romance. A little yearning, a lot of tension, enemies to lovers, some back and forth and CHEMISTRY!
Lauren is a writer and Rhett is her famously hard to please editor. There is a lot of will they won’t they happening as they navigate their enemies to lovers romance. Did I mention there is even a little forced proximity going on!?
Rhett and Lauren’s love story was perfect, one of those really good love stories that will give you butterflies. One of the things I loved was the build up, it was quick and didn’t drag on. I think things can get tricky for me with alternating timelines but I liked that that I didn’t get bored or lost. It was part of the story and it was good, it kept your attention.
I’m mad I finished it so quickly because I kept thinking of them the next day and wanted to dive into their world, is that weird? I don’t care!
The Busiest Place on Earth comes out on Tuesday, August 12th! Thank you @allisonlderosia for the digital ARC!! It was wonderful!
If you’re looking for a cozy, fall, feel good read, this is the one! Seriously, I think I might go read it again! 🍁🍁🍂
I felt like I was sitting in the Midwest watching the leaves fall with her descriptions of both Chicago & Green Branch. The Busiest Place You Know had everything I like in a romance. A little yearning, a lot of tension, enemies to lovers, some back and forth and CHEMISTRY!
Lauren is a writer and Rhett is her famously hard to please editor. There is a lot of will they won’t they happening as they navigate their enemies to lovers romance. Did I mention there is even a little forced proximity going on!?
Rhett and Lauren’s love story was perfect, one of those really good love stories that will give you butterflies. One of the things I loved was the build up, it was quick and didn’t drag on. I think things can get tricky for me with alternating timelines but I liked that that I didn’t get bored or lost. It was part of the story and it was good, it kept your attention.
I’m mad I finished it so quickly because I kept thinking of them the next day and wanted to dive into their world, is that weird? I don’t care!
The Busiest Place on Earth comes out on Tuesday, August 12th! Thank you @allisonlderosia for the digital ARC!! It was wonderful!
If you’re looking for a cozy, fall, feel good read, this is the one! Seriously, I think I might go read it again! 🍁🍁🍂
November 15, 2025
I loved this. I enjoyed the characters and the emotion. It wasn’t overly descriptive but pulled you in. I didn’t give it a 5 star because it was predictable and I just don’t love a miscommunication trope but I LOVE a second chance romance. For a debut novel from a local author, I’m so impressed. I love how I felt while reading it and I’m sad it’s over. Can’t wait for the next story.
August 25, 2025
I need this book made into a movie ASAP and for Glen Powell to play Rhett.
OMG OMG OMG!!! I have not fallen in love with a book like this in a longggg time. The author captures the beauty and coziness that is Michigan in such delicate and detailed words. The relationship between Lauren and Rhett is one of the most natural and beautiful ones I have ever read. I don’t care if you are from Michigan or not just please read this book. Your heart will be swooning 🩵
OMG OMG OMG!!! I have not fallen in love with a book like this in a longggg time. The author captures the beauty and coziness that is Michigan in such delicate and detailed words. The relationship between Lauren and Rhett is one of the most natural and beautiful ones I have ever read. I don’t care if you are from Michigan or not just please read this book. Your heart will be swooning 🩵
September 24, 2025
I loved this book. I love the back and forth from present day to the past. It keeps you wanting more with the end of each chapter in the best way. Hoping there is a sequel to this because I’d love to see how things are going in the future!
August 26, 2025
I enjoyed this book, especially because of the settings. I could picture the Michigan fall and cozy fireplace. It made me laugh and cry. I began to really want the characters to resolve their differences and be together.
August 25, 2025
Hands down the best romance book I’ve read in a very long time. I couldn’t put it down. This book will have you feeling all the feels.
August 26, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up because it’s a debut novel! Love the back and forth from present to a year ago, the characters are relatable, and Allison nailed the Michigan vibe.
September 3, 2025
Very cute debut book from a Michigan author!
September 6, 2025
Loved this book! The characters quickly became old friends that I couldn't help but cheer for. The Northern Michigan setting is absolutely perfect. Looking forward to more from this author!
October 17, 2025
I loved this book and couldn’t read it fast enough.
August 27, 2025
This will be the book I pull out every fall with my coziest of blankets, my fall scented candles, my mug of pumpkin spice coffee, and the fire in my fireplace. Allison DeRosia is such a talented author. Her debut novel is a beautiful gift for the senses. She brings the reader into the world of Green Branch gently and now has me researching available cabins for sale in Michigan. The characters are relatable and beautiful, Green Branch itself is such a comforting and gorgeous character that I was quite delighted to get to know. I am quite looking forward to visiting again in the future!
September 23, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Busiest Place You Know is the kind of debut that makes you want to cancel plans, grab a blanket, and stay up way too late just to keep reading. Allison Derosia drops you right into the dreamiest up-north small town—complete with twinkle lights, crisp air, and enough cozy charm to make you start Googling cabins for rent.
This book is basically a rom-com greatest hits album: second chance romance, workplace sparks, forced proximity, dual timelines, small-town gossip—you name it, it’s here, and somehow it all fits together perfectly. The chemistry is delicious, the characters feel like people you’d actually want to be friends with, and the emotional moments sneak up on you in the best way.
Allison’s writing is funny, heartfelt, and so easy to sink into. I laughed, I swooned, and I might have teared up when it was over. If you’re looking for a story that feels like a weekend getaway and a love story rolled into one, this is it.
If this is her first book, I can’t wait to see what Allison writes next. Hopefully about Tanner and Hannah, ooohhh or maybe Sebastian and Gwen?!?! I’m dying to have the next book in my hands!
Here are some of the quotes that stuck out to me the most:
“The “Now Entering Green Branch” sign is my green light at the end of the dock.”
“And if I was one thing, I was irrevocably and unconditionally in love with Lauren Dorada.”
“I guess to be loved is to be known. And to be loved is to be seen in the busiest place you know.”
The Busiest Place You Know is the kind of debut that makes you want to cancel plans, grab a blanket, and stay up way too late just to keep reading. Allison Derosia drops you right into the dreamiest up-north small town—complete with twinkle lights, crisp air, and enough cozy charm to make you start Googling cabins for rent.
This book is basically a rom-com greatest hits album: second chance romance, workplace sparks, forced proximity, dual timelines, small-town gossip—you name it, it’s here, and somehow it all fits together perfectly. The chemistry is delicious, the characters feel like people you’d actually want to be friends with, and the emotional moments sneak up on you in the best way.
Allison’s writing is funny, heartfelt, and so easy to sink into. I laughed, I swooned, and I might have teared up when it was over. If you’re looking for a story that feels like a weekend getaway and a love story rolled into one, this is it.
If this is her first book, I can’t wait to see what Allison writes next. Hopefully about Tanner and Hannah, ooohhh or maybe Sebastian and Gwen?!?! I’m dying to have the next book in my hands!
Here are some of the quotes that stuck out to me the most:
“The “Now Entering Green Branch” sign is my green light at the end of the dock.”
“And if I was one thing, I was irrevocably and unconditionally in love with Lauren Dorada.”
“I guess to be loved is to be known. And to be loved is to be seen in the busiest place you know.”
August 21, 2025
Wow. This book absolutely swept me away. Lauren and Rhett’s story is one of those rare romances that you want to inhale in a single sitting, but at the same time you find yourself slowing down just to savor every word.
I loved how the author wove the settings into the story—the cozy familiarity of Michigan and the vibrant energy of Chicago both felt like characters of their own. The writing is so vivid and emotional that I could picture every moment, from quiet conversations to the big, heart-stopping scenes.
Lauren is such a relatable heroine—strong but vulnerable, easy to root for—and Rhett… well, let’s just say he’s going to live rent-free in my head for a long time. Their chemistry is undeniable, but what really hooked me was the depth of their connection and how real their struggles felt. It wasn’t just fluff or insta-love; it was layered, heartfelt, and so beautifully written.
By the end, I didn’t just read their love story—I felt it. This is the kind of romance that stays with you.
Highly recommend if you’re looking for a book that will make you swoon, ache a little, and believe in love all over again.
I loved how the author wove the settings into the story—the cozy familiarity of Michigan and the vibrant energy of Chicago both felt like characters of their own. The writing is so vivid and emotional that I could picture every moment, from quiet conversations to the big, heart-stopping scenes.
Lauren is such a relatable heroine—strong but vulnerable, easy to root for—and Rhett… well, let’s just say he’s going to live rent-free in my head for a long time. Their chemistry is undeniable, but what really hooked me was the depth of their connection and how real their struggles felt. It wasn’t just fluff or insta-love; it was layered, heartfelt, and so beautifully written.
By the end, I didn’t just read their love story—I felt it. This is the kind of romance that stays with you.
Highly recommend if you’re looking for a book that will make you swoon, ache a little, and believe in love all over again.
August 20, 2025
The Busiest Place You Know is a cozy fall romance that will give you all the feels. Allison Derosia's debut is strong with in-depth characters, relatable situations, and a story full of heart. She isn't afraid to talk about hard things and let those moments really breathe.
I don't want to give anything away but Rhett's POV chapter was absolutely everything.
Love all the personal touches from Michigan that are thrown in there, especially the bit about the bridge to Canada. It's so real and almost all of us have done it, top tier addition.
Looking forward to seeing what's next! The way it's written feels like there could be a couple spin-offs to make this a full series, which I really hope happens.
I don't want to give anything away but Rhett's POV chapter was absolutely everything.
Love all the personal touches from Michigan that are thrown in there, especially the bit about the bridge to Canada. It's so real and almost all of us have done it, top tier addition.
Looking forward to seeing what's next! The way it's written feels like there could be a couple spin-offs to make this a full series, which I really hope happens.
October 9, 2025
Oh. My. God. Actually the best romance book I’ve ever read. Rhett and Lauren are everything to me! This is the coziest Michigan fall book (I mean c’mon the Mac Dunes references!!)
Normally I loathe a miscommunication trope, but the alternating timelines made it so much easier to tolerate (and enjoy!) Chapter 18 is flawless no notes.
Rhett is my new all-time favorite book bf no competition. He is so observant, compassionate, and careful - I felt like I was falling in love with him through the pages!
The found family 😭 actually so sweet and the story of Jo Atwood / the Wells Stevens pen name storyline had my jaw dropped.
Recommend x a million, can’t wait for the story of Hannah and Tanner 😽
“And to be loved is to be seen in the busiest place you know.” 🍁🍂📚✍🏼🍷💍🏡
October 20, 2025
This book is a great debut novel from this author.
I came across Allison's profile on Instagram and the cover caught my eyes: I knew I'd look into it. Not only Allison did a great job in creating an atmosphere on social media but she also delivered in her writing.
I live in Connecticut, so I'm familiar with the beautiful fall season, but I now want to see it in Michigan. The way she created the atmosphere, the character development and the story was great. I enjoyed the dual timeline too.
Some parts of the story touched me, they were deeply emotional, and beautifully written. I may or may not have teary eyes at some point.
Congratulations on your first book, and to everyone else: you still have time to go to Green Ranch ;)
I came across Allison's profile on Instagram and the cover caught my eyes: I knew I'd look into it. Not only Allison did a great job in creating an atmosphere on social media but she also delivered in her writing.
I live in Connecticut, so I'm familiar with the beautiful fall season, but I now want to see it in Michigan. The way she created the atmosphere, the character development and the story was great. I enjoyed the dual timeline too.
Some parts of the story touched me, they were deeply emotional, and beautifully written. I may or may not have teary eyes at some point.
Congratulations on your first book, and to everyone else: you still have time to go to Green Ranch ;)
November 5, 2025
The Busiest Place You Know by Allison Derosia was incredible. I didn’t want to put it down. To say I’m invested in these characters is an understatement. This is not some fluffy romance, not that there is anything wrong with fluffy romance. The main characters in this novel had real depth and I found them and their struggles so relatable. Yes, you get romance but you also really get to know these characters through childhood trauma, family dynamics and history, personal struggles, and grief. This is a MUST read in my opinion. I will also add that Allison is a local author and The Busiest Place You Know is partially set in Northern Michigan, which added extra vibes for me being a MI girl myself. Even the cover of the book is iconic, reminds me of all the cabins I’ve visited “up north”. IYKYK. 🫶🏼
August 27, 2025
Wow I really wasn’t ready for this book. I have been in a reading slump for the past month but this book made me so invested that I was mad when I had to sleep because I couldn’t read the next chapter. Lauren and Rhett’s love story was so cute. I was crying through Multiple chapters and I’m just obsessed.
August 30, 2025
Great Debut!
This book was an amazing debut novel! The story held you captive and pushed you to keep reading, even when you don't have the time 😊 Lauren and Rhett's love story was real. It was authentic, and it left me yearning for another Green Branch book. Hoping to one day see what Hannah and Tanners love story looks like in cozy Northern Michigan 🍁🤎🍂
This book was an amazing debut novel! The story held you captive and pushed you to keep reading, even when you don't have the time 😊 Lauren and Rhett's love story was real. It was authentic, and it left me yearning for another Green Branch book. Hoping to one day see what Hannah and Tanners love story looks like in cozy Northern Michigan 🍁🤎🍂
September 20, 2025
I loved reading The Busiest Place You Know. The characters are relatable and I fell in love with them immediately. Allison did an amazing job having the readers go back and forth from the present to a year in the past. I recommend reading this book and I hope the author writes more books about the other characters in this story. I’m already wanting to know more about their stories.
October 7, 2025
reading this book reminded me a lot of reading the windy city by liz tomforde- it was a really great debut novel that showed the author’s ability to fabricate characters and an overarching story line that kept my interest. I am excited to see where allie goes next, hopefully tanner and hannah’s story!!
October 14, 2025
Wow. This was one of my favorite reads of the year. This was so wholesome. I loved the characters, I loved the setting and I loved the heartbreak. Sweet Rhett was going through it and finding out what we did at the end had me so heartbroken for him. Our sweet sensitive man. I can’t believe this was a debut novel. So good. Can’t wait for more!
November 6, 2025
I just finished the book and LOVED it!!! I kept getting frustrated with the back and forth of Last Fall and Now chapters (in a good way lol) It left me wanting to know what happened next before changing to the previous/next year. And the Rhett's chapter was everything! I loved getting to see inside his head/pov for a bit, even though it was sad. I am hoping for a Hannah/Tanner book soon 💕
August 29, 2025
I loved this book. Read it faster than I’ve read any book in a while. Had me staying up way past my bed time on work nights cause I couldn’t put it down. It was nostalgic of home and spending time up north. I also extra loved that Rhett drove an old red F150.
September 3, 2025
I loved the small town/city romance vibe! I love the way that Rhett was to Lauren and Lauren only!
I loved the fact that Hannah and Tanner got so much time in the book as well without it being overly done. Allison honestly put all of the other characters in the book together well!
I loved the fact that Hannah and Tanner got so much time in the book as well without it being overly done. Allison honestly put all of the other characters in the book together well!
August 23, 2025
Bravo! I loved this story and the fact that it was a debut, has just blown my mind.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews