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Higher Ground
She shouldn't want to stay. He doesn't want to convince her to go.
Under the threat of widespread flooding, Emory Mayfield must put her dreams of leaving Gardner Creek on hold and evacuate her tiny cottage. But in a town where everyone knows her name but no one says hello, there's only one dry place left for her to go. And the only thing worse than being flooded in with her ex-boyfriend's dad is falling for him.
In his mid-forties, Byron Gardner knows his time on the farm is limited. But he doesn't like change any more than he likes feeling lonely in his big, empty farmhouse. Until that change is Emory, brightening his life and warming his bed.
Temptation is rising faster than the floodwaters, and staying dry might end up costing Emory everything.
Higher Ground is a contemporary romance set in a small Australian town. It's a story of forbidden, all-consuming love, following your dreams, and making tough choices.
Under the threat of widespread flooding, Emory Mayfield must put her dreams of leaving Gardner Creek on hold and evacuate her tiny cottage. But in a town where everyone knows her name but no one says hello, there's only one dry place left for her to go. And the only thing worse than being flooded in with her ex-boyfriend's dad is falling for him.
In his mid-forties, Byron Gardner knows his time on the farm is limited. But he doesn't like change any more than he likes feeling lonely in his big, empty farmhouse. Until that change is Emory, brightening his life and warming his bed.
Temptation is rising faster than the floodwaters, and staying dry might end up costing Emory everything.
Higher Ground is a contemporary romance set in a small Australian town. It's a story of forbidden, all-consuming love, following your dreams, and making tough choices.
- GenresForced Proximity
336 pages, Paperback
Published October 20, 2025
12 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Devon May
8 books63 followersWhen she was 10, Santa brought Devon a “how to write a book” journal. Publishing her debut novel more than 20 years later, she’s glad it finally got put to use.
Devon May resides in Melbourne, Australia with her husband and the two tiny humans who call her mum. When she isn’t breaking up fights, she enjoys books that either break her heart, or turn her on. She carries her emotional support Kindle everywhere, drinks far too much coffee and will never be caught without a hair tie on her wrist.
Devon May resides in Melbourne, Australia with her husband and the two tiny humans who call her mum. When she isn’t breaking up fights, she enjoys books that either break her heart, or turn her on. She carries her emotional support Kindle everywhere, drinks far too much coffee and will never be caught without a hair tie on her wrist.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
October 9, 2025
I loved this grumpy/sunshine age gap small town romance! It worms it's way right into your heart. I didn't know I liked the whole ex boyfriends dad trope until this book and boy do I ever. The forbidden aspect paired with the chemistry between Emory and Byron was delicious. Not to mention how much of a total softie Byron is behind the tough exterior. I love their little family, it's so heart warming.
October 14, 2025
ARC REVIEW- HIGHER GROUND
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Tropes:
💚Small Town
💚Ex BF's Dad
💚Single Mom
💚Forced Proximity
💚Forbidden Relationship
___________________
Thanks to Devon May and Love Notes PR for the ARC! I received an advance copy of the book and am leaving an honest review. All opinions are my own.
___________________
This book hooked me in by the tropes and had me signing up. Single mom? ✅ Age Gap? ✅ Ex BF's dad? ✅✅ And it was made all the better by being set in Australia, I was so excited for this one. I had read one book previously by Devon May and had high hopes.
This book follows Emory and her son Clayton, preparing for flooding in rural Australia. She is being evicted by her douchebag ex and Clayton's father Jaxon, from their cottage. With really nowhere else to go, she ends up staying with her ex boyfriend's dad Byron in his farmhouse, away from flood waters. Oh and btw, Byron is her son Clayton's GRANDFATHER.
At times the book was very slow paced and other times it seemed to kind of rush through scenes. The spice was nice, it didn't overpower the story. But I kind of felt like the entire time, Emory was in lust with Byron, whereas Byron was in LOVE from page 1 and had been panting after her for years. He put his feelings on the backburner because of all the drama with Emory and his son, his sole focus being on his grandson.
I really enjoyed Byron and Clayton's relationship and how special it was to see. Byron was the father figure in Clayton's life and you can tell just how much they adored each other. Byron loved that little boy with all his being and it was lovely to see.
In this book, Byron is 45 years old. The way he is portrayed, he makes it sound like he's on death's door. There is about a 19/20 year age gap between him and Emory. Both full fleshed adults and able to make choices about who they want to be with. I had a hard time with how Byron was thinking about himself and how much he had to offer Emory. Some people don't even become parents until their mid 40s! So I had a hard time understanding that.
Also, the miscommunication in this book took me out of it quite a bit. Like, just have a conversation you guys. Emory is about to graduate and need to move to the city for a marketing job and she just assumes that her and Byron have no future because she needs to move out of the small town. I can understand the need for tension in the third act but at times, the need for them to just have an adult conversation and TALK TO EACH OTHER took me completely out of the story.
All that being said, I did enjoy parts of this story. There were a few aspects of the story I had a hard time connecting with and I had to suspend my disbelief for other parts. And I had to forget a lot of the time that Emory was falling in love with her son's grandfather, even if he was hot as sin and only 45. It was just kind of ick to me and it may have coloured my thoughts. Overall, a kind of meh story for me unfortunately.
If you enjoy forbidden relationship with a decent age gap, forced proximity and a man who falls head over heels, this could be the story for you!
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Tropes:
💚Small Town
💚Ex BF's Dad
💚Single Mom
💚Forced Proximity
💚Forbidden Relationship
___________________
Thanks to Devon May and Love Notes PR for the ARC! I received an advance copy of the book and am leaving an honest review. All opinions are my own.
___________________
This book hooked me in by the tropes and had me signing up. Single mom? ✅ Age Gap? ✅ Ex BF's dad? ✅✅ And it was made all the better by being set in Australia, I was so excited for this one. I had read one book previously by Devon May and had high hopes.
This book follows Emory and her son Clayton, preparing for flooding in rural Australia. She is being evicted by her douchebag ex and Clayton's father Jaxon, from their cottage. With really nowhere else to go, she ends up staying with her ex boyfriend's dad Byron in his farmhouse, away from flood waters. Oh and btw, Byron is her son Clayton's GRANDFATHER.
At times the book was very slow paced and other times it seemed to kind of rush through scenes. The spice was nice, it didn't overpower the story. But I kind of felt like the entire time, Emory was in lust with Byron, whereas Byron was in LOVE from page 1 and had been panting after her for years. He put his feelings on the backburner because of all the drama with Emory and his son, his sole focus being on his grandson.
I really enjoyed Byron and Clayton's relationship and how special it was to see. Byron was the father figure in Clayton's life and you can tell just how much they adored each other. Byron loved that little boy with all his being and it was lovely to see.
In this book, Byron is 45 years old. The way he is portrayed, he makes it sound like he's on death's door. There is about a 19/20 year age gap between him and Emory. Both full fleshed adults and able to make choices about who they want to be with. I had a hard time with how Byron was thinking about himself and how much he had to offer Emory. Some people don't even become parents until their mid 40s! So I had a hard time understanding that.
Also, the miscommunication in this book took me out of it quite a bit. Like, just have a conversation you guys. Emory is about to graduate and need to move to the city for a marketing job and she just assumes that her and Byron have no future because she needs to move out of the small town. I can understand the need for tension in the third act but at times, the need for them to just have an adult conversation and TALK TO EACH OTHER took me completely out of the story.
All that being said, I did enjoy parts of this story. There were a few aspects of the story I had a hard time connecting with and I had to suspend my disbelief for other parts. And I had to forget a lot of the time that Emory was falling in love with her son's grandfather, even if he was hot as sin and only 45. It was just kind of ick to me and it may have coloured my thoughts. Overall, a kind of meh story for me unfortunately.
If you enjoy forbidden relationship with a decent age gap, forced proximity and a man who falls head over heels, this could be the story for you!
October 26, 2025
ARC review
3.75 stars
There was so much to enjoy with this book. Whilst I hoped for more conversation between MC’s throughout the book, it wrapped up beautifully and I was very happy with the conflict resolution.
I appreciated many aspects of this story, specifically:
> The single mum aspect and how difficult it can be to rely on people even if they are willing to help
> Friendship in all forms, even between father & son
> The unpredictable nature of Australian storms
> Descriptive language, I could imagine majority of situations or conversations
This was my first Devon May book but I’ll definitely be reading more.
3.75 stars
There was so much to enjoy with this book. Whilst I hoped for more conversation between MC’s throughout the book, it wrapped up beautifully and I was very happy with the conflict resolution.
I appreciated many aspects of this story, specifically:
> The single mum aspect and how difficult it can be to rely on people even if they are willing to help
> Friendship in all forms, even between father & son
> The unpredictable nature of Australian storms
> Descriptive language, I could imagine majority of situations or conversations
This was my first Devon May book but I’ll definitely be reading more.
October 25, 2025
Another spicy read with all the feels from Devon May.
October 9, 2025
Thank you for allowing me to read this arc copy.
I was a bit skeptical at first but being my first arc read it grew on me.
I'm a sucker for farm/cowboy romances lately and this hit home.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️
Emory and Byron's story was worth reading. The grumpy farmer definitely won me over especially with how he treated hls grandson.
I was batting for Byron from the beginning.
I would love to see a book about Mya and Tucker. There feels like there is definitely a story there to tell. 🤭
I was a bit skeptical at first but being my first arc read it grew on me.
I'm a sucker for farm/cowboy romances lately and this hit home.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️
Emory and Byron's story was worth reading. The grumpy farmer definitely won me over especially with how he treated hls grandson.
I was batting for Byron from the beginning.
I would love to see a book about Mya and Tucker. There feels like there is definitely a story there to tell. 🤭
November 23, 2025
Not my usual tropes but I wasn't going to miss out on Devon May entering her small town romance era!
Read if you like:
- forbidden romance
- ex-boyfriend's dad
- small town
- grumpy farmer
- spicy times
Read if you like:
- forbidden romance
- ex-boyfriend's dad
- small town
- grumpy farmer
- spicy times
October 21, 2025
This was a good read. I enjoyed the characters and the direction of the storyline. I absolutely loved little Clayton, he was so cute and such a joy to read about. The tension between Emory and Byron was brewing thanks to the forced proximity, and you could really feel it through the pages.
That being said, I do have a few things I want to mention, more personal preferences as a realistic reader. To start, it’s written in third person, which I don’t usually mind, but since I only read a few third-person books a year, it tends to throw me for a loop when I do.
Moving on, Byron has two sons his younger son Tucker, who’s around 20, and his older son Jaxson the one who ran off during Emory’s pregnancy. From the start, Tucker was very aware of his dad’s feelings for Emory and seemed fine with it. Honestly, I just found it odd that he was okay with his father pursuing Emory and so open with discussing it with him.
I also struggled a bit with the conclusion. For someone who grew up, lived, and breathed that farm, such a drastic change at the end didn’t make much sense to me.
There was also a line that made me laugh:
“She’d always imagined sex with Byron would be fucking amazing, but this? This was extraordinary. This was more.”
At this point, they hadn’t actually had sex yet, they were just about to. Up to that moment, they’d only engaged in sexual activity, so the line felt a little misplaced.
Lastly, I found it hard to believe that the man who left you while you were pregnant, and who wanted to take back the cottage, suddenly returns to town after three years and you just happen to run into him at the supermarket during a quick stock-up before the flood. But when you get back to the farm, you don’t even mention to Byron that his estranged son is in town? That feels like something you definitely wouldn’t forget. This happens around the 30% mark, and it isn’t brought up again until past 70%. And when Byron finally finds out through Tucker and confronts Emory, her response is I forgot Honestly, that’s impossible it would’ve been on her mind.
Overall, I enjoyed the direction of the story and the characters for the most part, but there were just a few things I wish had played out differently.
Genre/Type: Adult Romance 18+
APK: Audiobook ALC
Pages: 328
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Series or Standalone: Standalone
Tropes or Themes: Small Town, Forbidden, Age Gap, Ex Boyfriends Dad, Cowboy Single Mum, Forced Proximity, Family Drama, Third Person, Sexual Content and Dirty Talk.
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Fable | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
That being said, I do have a few things I want to mention, more personal preferences as a realistic reader. To start, it’s written in third person, which I don’t usually mind, but since I only read a few third-person books a year, it tends to throw me for a loop when I do.
Moving on, Byron has two sons his younger son Tucker, who’s around 20, and his older son Jaxson the one who ran off during Emory’s pregnancy. From the start, Tucker was very aware of his dad’s feelings for Emory and seemed fine with it. Honestly, I just found it odd that he was okay with his father pursuing Emory and so open with discussing it with him.
I also struggled a bit with the conclusion. For someone who grew up, lived, and breathed that farm, such a drastic change at the end didn’t make much sense to me.
There was also a line that made me laugh:
“She’d always imagined sex with Byron would be fucking amazing, but this? This was extraordinary. This was more.”
At this point, they hadn’t actually had sex yet, they were just about to. Up to that moment, they’d only engaged in sexual activity, so the line felt a little misplaced.
Lastly, I found it hard to believe that the man who left you while you were pregnant, and who wanted to take back the cottage, suddenly returns to town after three years and you just happen to run into him at the supermarket during a quick stock-up before the flood. But when you get back to the farm, you don’t even mention to Byron that his estranged son is in town? That feels like something you definitely wouldn’t forget. This happens around the 30% mark, and it isn’t brought up again until past 70%. And when Byron finally finds out through Tucker and confronts Emory, her response is I forgot Honestly, that’s impossible it would’ve been on her mind.
Overall, I enjoyed the direction of the story and the characters for the most part, but there were just a few things I wish had played out differently.
Genre/Type: Adult Romance 18+
APK: Audiobook ALC
Pages: 328
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Series or Standalone: Standalone
Tropes or Themes: Small Town, Forbidden, Age Gap, Ex Boyfriends Dad, Cowboy Single Mum, Forced Proximity, Family Drama, Third Person, Sexual Content and Dirty Talk.
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Fable | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
October 20, 2025
Higher Ground by Devon May
Thoughts: I enjoyed this cowboy small town romance! I was hooked from the very beginning, and the story felt unique compared to other small town romances I have read. I loved Emory and Byron as the MC’s, their chemistry was immaculate! I also really enjoyed Byron and Clayton’s relationship! I loved that Higher Ground was set in Australia! If you enjoy small town romance with the tropes listed below you should definitely add Higher Ground to your tbr!
Tropes:
🤠 Cowboy MMC
👩🏻 Single Mum
💕 Small Town Romance
🔥 Forced Proximity
❣️ Ex-Boyfriend’s Dad
🫶🏻 Age Gap
Thank you Love Notes PR & Devon May for gifting me the ARC of Higher Ground in exchange for an honest review!
Synopsis: She shouldn’t want to stay. He doesn’t want to convince her to go. Under the threat of widespread flooding, Emory Mayfield must put her dreams of leaving Gardner Creek on hold and evacuate her tiny cottage. But in a town where everyone knows her name but no one says hello, there’s only one dry place left for her to go. And the only thing worse than being flooded in with her ex-boyfriend’s dad is falling for him. In his mid-forties, Byron Gardner knows his time on the farm is limited. But he doesn’t like change any more than he likes feeling lonely in his big, empty farmhouse. Until that change is Emory, brightening his life and warming his bed. Temptation is rising faster than the floodwaters, and staying dry might end up costing Emory everything.
Please check the content/trigger warnings prior to reading this book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thoughts: I enjoyed this cowboy small town romance! I was hooked from the very beginning, and the story felt unique compared to other small town romances I have read. I loved Emory and Byron as the MC’s, their chemistry was immaculate! I also really enjoyed Byron and Clayton’s relationship! I loved that Higher Ground was set in Australia! If you enjoy small town romance with the tropes listed below you should definitely add Higher Ground to your tbr!
Tropes:
🤠 Cowboy MMC
👩🏻 Single Mum
💕 Small Town Romance
🔥 Forced Proximity
❣️ Ex-Boyfriend’s Dad
🫶🏻 Age Gap
Thank you Love Notes PR & Devon May for gifting me the ARC of Higher Ground in exchange for an honest review!
Synopsis: She shouldn’t want to stay. He doesn’t want to convince her to go. Under the threat of widespread flooding, Emory Mayfield must put her dreams of leaving Gardner Creek on hold and evacuate her tiny cottage. But in a town where everyone knows her name but no one says hello, there’s only one dry place left for her to go. And the only thing worse than being flooded in with her ex-boyfriend’s dad is falling for him. In his mid-forties, Byron Gardner knows his time on the farm is limited. But he doesn’t like change any more than he likes feeling lonely in his big, empty farmhouse. Until that change is Emory, brightening his life and warming his bed. Temptation is rising faster than the floodwaters, and staying dry might end up costing Emory everything.
Please check the content/trigger warnings prior to reading this book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 21, 2025
Devon May’s latest book is here!
When flood threatens single mum Emory’s rural cottage, she and her young son must head to higher ground, taking shelter with Byron, her ex’s dad. Byron’s a grumpy, middle aged farmer, disappointed with his son for skipping out on Emory & Clayton and fully committed to being there for them in any way he can.
Emory’s already got a crush on Byron and Byron’s feelings developed long ago. When the two are forced to live together the tension is so intense it’s nearly suffocating. Will they give in to temptation? And with Emory planning to leave the small town she’s so unwelcome in, is there even a future where they can be together?
The forbidden love/ ex’s dad trope might have you thinking of Byron as a grumpy alpha male - and he is, but in a different way. The man is a huge softie. I don’t think I’ve read a more self sacrificing MMC this year. Considerate and willing to step in the moment Emory or little Clayton need him, he’s a devoted grandfather who also completely worships the boy’s mother (in and out of the bedroom 🔥).
There’s a ton of introspection, especially at the start, and it really had the tension mounting while giving huge insight and emotional heft to the characters.
Emory is absolutely at sea when she first arrives at Byron’s house and she’s clearly frazzled by her feelings for Byron while figuring out the future for her and Clayton. There were points I absolutely cringed for Emory and her misadventures. The shared wall! IYKYK - girl, what were you thinking?!?
This tale of spicy forbidden love in small town, rural Australia is a sensational read. Emotional and sexy with a side of taboo, Devon May has nailed this Aussie romance!
Thank you Devon May and Loves Notes PR for sending me a digital copy for review.
When flood threatens single mum Emory’s rural cottage, she and her young son must head to higher ground, taking shelter with Byron, her ex’s dad. Byron’s a grumpy, middle aged farmer, disappointed with his son for skipping out on Emory & Clayton and fully committed to being there for them in any way he can.
Emory’s already got a crush on Byron and Byron’s feelings developed long ago. When the two are forced to live together the tension is so intense it’s nearly suffocating. Will they give in to temptation? And with Emory planning to leave the small town she’s so unwelcome in, is there even a future where they can be together?
The forbidden love/ ex’s dad trope might have you thinking of Byron as a grumpy alpha male - and he is, but in a different way. The man is a huge softie. I don’t think I’ve read a more self sacrificing MMC this year. Considerate and willing to step in the moment Emory or little Clayton need him, he’s a devoted grandfather who also completely worships the boy’s mother (in and out of the bedroom 🔥).
There’s a ton of introspection, especially at the start, and it really had the tension mounting while giving huge insight and emotional heft to the characters.
Emory is absolutely at sea when she first arrives at Byron’s house and she’s clearly frazzled by her feelings for Byron while figuring out the future for her and Clayton. There were points I absolutely cringed for Emory and her misadventures. The shared wall! IYKYK - girl, what were you thinking?!?
This tale of spicy forbidden love in small town, rural Australia is a sensational read. Emotional and sexy with a side of taboo, Devon May has nailed this Aussie romance!
Thank you Devon May and Loves Notes PR for sending me a digital copy for review.
October 11, 2025
This is a sweet story, yet has plenty of drama and depth in the plot and characters. I was a little worried it'd just be a sappy, basic love story, but I was pleasantly surprised!
I think the author does a great job "keeping it real" because the situation is anything but easy. It would have been an easy story to skim over the tougher parts, keeping it vague and still have a complete story.
I LOVE the relationships between Emory and Mya and I REALLY LOVE the relationship between Byron and Tucker!
I appreciate how it was written to show a parent with an estranged relationship with his son; the thoughts that went through his mind were genuine and Byron wasn't being written as just a sappy cad making excuses for either of them.
I love the flip in "traditional" sacrificing (and accepting it as what is actually desired by the character doing the sacrificing) that you expect would happen and normally does in other stories.
I love the humor and found many situations absolutely hilarious!
While the story is complete and well rounded I feel as if the epilogue was rushed and bit too vague. I wish we were given just a little bit more as to how the last 5 years went and how the estranged relationships and final dynamics of father, son and grandpa came to.
I think the author does a great job "keeping it real" because the situation is anything but easy. It would have been an easy story to skim over the tougher parts, keeping it vague and still have a complete story.
I LOVE the relationships between Emory and Mya and I REALLY LOVE the relationship between Byron and Tucker!
I appreciate how it was written to show a parent with an estranged relationship with his son; the thoughts that went through his mind were genuine and Byron wasn't being written as just a sappy cad making excuses for either of them.
I love the flip in "traditional" sacrificing (and accepting it as what is actually desired by the character doing the sacrificing) that you expect would happen and normally does in other stories.
I love the humor and found many situations absolutely hilarious!
While the story is complete and well rounded I feel as if the epilogue was rushed and bit too vague. I wish we were given just a little bit more as to how the last 5 years went and how the estranged relationships and final dynamics of father, son and grandpa came to.
October 9, 2025
When Emory takes shelter with her ex-boyfriend’s dad, who’s also her son’s granddad, during a flood warning, you know it’s going to get interesting.
It took a little time for the story to fully draw me in, but once it did, I was all in. I just found myself wishing for more direct interactions between Emory and Byron, rather than so much time spent in their thoughts.
But Byron? Quiet, steady, and totally swoon-worthy. And yes, he cooks.
Also… Betty, absolutely stole my heart.
If you love:
✨ Grumpy farmers
✨ Strong single mums
✨ Forced proximity
✨ Age gap romance
✨ Ex-boyfriend’s dad trope
✨ A little bit of spice
Then Higher Ground needs to be on your TBR!
It took a little time for the story to fully draw me in, but once it did, I was all in. I just found myself wishing for more direct interactions between Emory and Byron, rather than so much time spent in their thoughts.
But Byron? Quiet, steady, and totally swoon-worthy. And yes, he cooks.
Also… Betty, absolutely stole my heart.
If you love:
✨ Grumpy farmers
✨ Strong single mums
✨ Forced proximity
✨ Age gap romance
✨ Ex-boyfriend’s dad trope
✨ A little bit of spice
Then Higher Ground needs to be on your TBR!
October 19, 2025
Thank you to Love Notes PR and Devon May for the ARC of Higher Ground.
Aussie small town romance that takes you by surprise! The forbidden romance paired with a single, motivated mum was done really well. I like the way the conflict was handled and how Byron wasn’t prepared to give up in fighting for what he wanted.
It was really wholesome to see the relationship flourish between Byron and Clayton.
If you’re a fan of spicy small town romance, with an age gap and a man who makes you breakfast, I’d highly recommend picking this up!!
Aussie small town romance that takes you by surprise! The forbidden romance paired with a single, motivated mum was done really well. I like the way the conflict was handled and how Byron wasn’t prepared to give up in fighting for what he wanted.
It was really wholesome to see the relationship flourish between Byron and Clayton.
If you’re a fan of spicy small town romance, with an age gap and a man who makes you breakfast, I’d highly recommend picking this up!!
October 25, 2025
A wonderful spicy read for anyone who enjoys age gap, close proximity, cowboy romances! 🌶️🤠
Emory, a single mother to her four year old son Clayton, knows she needs to move to the city if she has any hopes of progressing her career.
Byron, Clayton’s grandfather, is 45. He’s watched and longed for Emory for years, but know it could never work between them.
Then a flood rushes through their small town, cutting off the bridge, leaving Byron and Emory in close quarters.
❤️🎉❤️
Wow the spice in this novel is OFF THE CHARTS HOT. Devon I did not know your game, I’m so impressed.
Emory, a single mother to her four year old son Clayton, knows she needs to move to the city if she has any hopes of progressing her career.
Byron, Clayton’s grandfather, is 45. He’s watched and longed for Emory for years, but know it could never work between them.
Then a flood rushes through their small town, cutting off the bridge, leaving Byron and Emory in close quarters.
❤️🎉❤️
Wow the spice in this novel is OFF THE CHARTS HOT. Devon I did not know your game, I’m so impressed.
September 29, 2025
All I'm gonna say is Papa Byron can get it! A grumpy farmer who helps his son's ex girlfriend and "grandson" move into his place when there's a massive flood coming, but they both have feelings for each other that have been kept quiet until they're in the same house 👀 what could possibly go wrong, or should I say right?!
this book was perfect! it's swoony, it's sexy (pool table IYKYK) and when you have true love you fight for it, no matter what!
And the candles?!?!?!? 😍😍😍😍😍😍
this book was perfect! it's swoony, it's sexy (pool table IYKYK) and when you have true love you fight for it, no matter what!
And the candles?!?!?!? 😍😍😍😍😍😍
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2025
Set in rural Australia in the town of Garder Creek, Higher Ground is a spicy, small town romance featuring broody farmer, Byron and a single mum Emory.
📖 Emory and her son Clayton are being evicted by her looser ex-boyfriend and also preparing to evacuate as the town goes under flood warning. With nowhere to go she ends up staying with Byron, who is her ex-boyfriend’s dad and Clayton’s grandfather.
The forced proximity during the flood means the feelings the two have for each other comes to the surface. He definitely falls first and hard, but the large age gap between the two has them trying to resist each other…cue the slow burn 🔥
✨ Overall this was an enjoyable read and will appeal to lovers of:
✨ Forbidden romance
✨ Age gap
✨ Ex-Boyfriend’s dad
✨ Forced proximity
✨ Cowboy/farmer romance
✨ Open door spice
✨ Single mum
However, given I’m the same age as Byron is in this book, his character was portrayed as much older, so I couldn’t connect with that part of the story as a result.
Thank you to the author and LoveNotes PR for a digital copy to read and honestly review.
📖 Emory and her son Clayton are being evicted by her looser ex-boyfriend and also preparing to evacuate as the town goes under flood warning. With nowhere to go she ends up staying with Byron, who is her ex-boyfriend’s dad and Clayton’s grandfather.
The forced proximity during the flood means the feelings the two have for each other comes to the surface. He definitely falls first and hard, but the large age gap between the two has them trying to resist each other…cue the slow burn 🔥
✨ Overall this was an enjoyable read and will appeal to lovers of:
✨ Forbidden romance
✨ Age gap
✨ Ex-Boyfriend’s dad
✨ Forced proximity
✨ Cowboy/farmer romance
✨ Open door spice
✨ Single mum
However, given I’m the same age as Byron is in this book, his character was portrayed as much older, so I couldn’t connect with that part of the story as a result.
Thank you to the author and LoveNotes PR for a digital copy to read and honestly review.
October 21, 2025
I devoured this book, which I was lucky enough to recieve an arc of. I love an age gap, and the slow burn to sizzling hot was electric. The characters were real and had more depth than most, and I was audibly giggling and reading out loud while kicking my feet like a little girl. Did I figure out the ending? Yes…did I care…absolutely not!!
It was funny and sweet and tender and romantic and hot. In all the right ratios. Im completely in love with the MMC, and I felt every single emotion of the FMC.
Stunning book and well worth the read.
It was funny and sweet and tender and romantic and hot. In all the right ratios. Im completely in love with the MMC, and I felt every single emotion of the FMC.
Stunning book and well worth the read.
October 26, 2025
ARC Review
This is my first book I’ve read of Devon May and her writing is beautiful. The flow of the story was great some slow moments but all in all was a great read and I’d recommend it to all romance lovers.
This story follows Emory and Byron and their love for one another, the chemistry between the pair is unreal and I’m so glad they both got their happy ending.
This book has an easy read plot with a great amount of spice. I fell in love with the characters and the story from the first chapter.
This is my first book I’ve read of Devon May and her writing is beautiful. The flow of the story was great some slow moments but all in all was a great read and I’d recommend it to all romance lovers.
This story follows Emory and Byron and their love for one another, the chemistry between the pair is unreal and I’m so glad they both got their happy ending.
This book has an easy read plot with a great amount of spice. I fell in love with the characters and the story from the first chapter.
October 5, 2025
This was my first ARC and I’m super grateful - thank you! If you like the ex boyfriend’s dad trope, as well as a grumpy/sunshine pair this could definitely be a book for you!
October 17, 2025
Ex’s dad and small town are two of my favourite tropes, add in forced proximity and I was so excited to read this. Unfortunately though this fell flat for me. The characters were one dimensional and I found they didn’t have much individual personality. The main characters barely communicated or spent much time together throughout the book even though they were in a house together with barely anything else going on for weeks on end. Due to this lack of communication and aspects that are needed for relationships to grow, I found it hard to believe in their relationship. It took me long to read the book as there wasn’t a lot going on and I found it boring.
That all being said the writing itself was good, the story was well paced and well thought out! I needed more depth to the characters, relationship, and storyline to really hook me in and feel a connection to the characters and their love story.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a review.
That all being said the writing itself was good, the story was well paced and well thought out! I needed more depth to the characters, relationship, and storyline to really hook me in and feel a connection to the characters and their love story.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a review.
October 16, 2025
I want to start off by saying thank you to Devon and Love Notes PR for the opportunity to be an ARC reader (which is my first time!)
When I first came across Devon and Higher Ground on TikTok I knew I needed to read it! Literally has all my favourite tropes especially for a nice little cozy read.
✅ Ex’s dad
✅ Age gap
✅ Cowboy/farmer
✅ Single mom
YES PLEASE!
I really enjoyed the story! I especially enjoyed Byron! I felt he was in tune with himself and his feelings (which you don’t see often in books), so I throughly enjoyed that. He gave me vibes of a character that should be in an Elsie Silver book just with how mature he was and his vibe and I loved it!
My biggest and only issue with it is that each chapter was broken up into different POV between Byron and Emory, but it was written in third person. That is just a personal issue not at all content issue as I struggle reading in third person POV as it can be harder to get into the story. So there was a few times I had to pause and read something else and go back to it.
Overall:
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️.5
🌶️ 🌶️
If you’re looking for a cozy read this is it!
When I first came across Devon and Higher Ground on TikTok I knew I needed to read it! Literally has all my favourite tropes especially for a nice little cozy read.
✅ Ex’s dad
✅ Age gap
✅ Cowboy/farmer
✅ Single mom
YES PLEASE!
I really enjoyed the story! I especially enjoyed Byron! I felt he was in tune with himself and his feelings (which you don’t see often in books), so I throughly enjoyed that. He gave me vibes of a character that should be in an Elsie Silver book just with how mature he was and his vibe and I loved it!
My biggest and only issue with it is that each chapter was broken up into different POV between Byron and Emory, but it was written in third person. That is just a personal issue not at all content issue as I struggle reading in third person POV as it can be harder to get into the story. So there was a few times I had to pause and read something else and go back to it.
Overall:
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️.5
🌶️ 🌶️
If you’re looking for a cozy read this is it!
October 15, 2025
Thank you to LoveNotes PR and author Devon May for the ARC of Higher Ground!
I gave this book 3.25 ⭐️ — overall, it was a good read that had me turning pages and definitely delivered on the spice and emotional drama.
Let’s be honest: the ex-boyfriend’s dad trope is going to do it for me every time, and this book did not disappoint in that department. Byron was an incredibly sexy MMC; mature, grounded, and magnetic. His dynamic with Emory had just the right mix of forbidden tension and emotional depth.
That said, I did struggle a bit with Emory’s character. While I understood her inner turmoil and the complicated situation she was navigating, there were moments where it felt like she was more focused on herself than those around her — especially her son. I found myself wishing for a bit more emotional awareness and balance from her as the story progressed.
Some of the writing and word choices also pulled me out of the narrative here and there, but I’m chalking a lot of that up to cultural differences — the author is Australian and I’m American, so that could definitely explain it.
I gave this book 3.25 ⭐️ — overall, it was a good read that had me turning pages and definitely delivered on the spice and emotional drama.
Let’s be honest: the ex-boyfriend’s dad trope is going to do it for me every time, and this book did not disappoint in that department. Byron was an incredibly sexy MMC; mature, grounded, and magnetic. His dynamic with Emory had just the right mix of forbidden tension and emotional depth.
That said, I did struggle a bit with Emory’s character. While I understood her inner turmoil and the complicated situation she was navigating, there were moments where it felt like she was more focused on herself than those around her — especially her son. I found myself wishing for a bit more emotional awareness and balance from her as the story progressed.
Some of the writing and word choices also pulled me out of the narrative here and there, but I’m chalking a lot of that up to cultural differences — the author is Australian and I’m American, so that could definitely explain it.
October 20, 2025
Ex boyfriend’s dad is one of my favorite tropes. I loved the forbidden aspect and angst that came from Emory and Byron’s particular situation. Forced proximity adds to the heat and anticipation. This book was well written and I enjoyed it. Definitely the happy ending I wanted!
October 28, 2025
small town and ex-boyfriends dad, say less. it’s an easy read, some really sweet and cute moments with Clayton and Betty the cow. I was rooting for Byron the whole time. The miscommunication did my head in (as it always does) and I felt like the flood could have been a bit more hectic. But I enjoy hectic 😂
🐮 ex-boyfriends dad
🐮 grumpy / sunshine
🐮 age gap
🐮 dual POV
🐮 forced proximity
𝗔𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗡𝗢𝗪
Thank you SO much to @lovenotes.pr & @booksbydevonmay for an early copy in exchange for an honest review 🤍
🐮 ex-boyfriends dad
🐮 grumpy / sunshine
🐮 age gap
🐮 dual POV
🐮 forced proximity
𝗔𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗡𝗢𝗪
Thank you SO much to @lovenotes.pr & @booksbydevonmay for an early copy in exchange for an honest review 🤍
October 23, 2025
THIS BOOK WAS AMAZING!
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this book before it hit shelves and boy oh boy was I blessed!
The slow burn and tension *chefs kiss*!
The passion - “Urgh! Frothing!”
This book had me giggling into my pillow at midnight, and twirling my hair whilst butterflies fluttered in my heart as I read it!
10/10 Devon, my QUEEN!! You did it again and spoilt us with another good read!!
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this book before it hit shelves and boy oh boy was I blessed!
The slow burn and tension *chefs kiss*!
The passion - “Urgh! Frothing!”
This book had me giggling into my pillow at midnight, and twirling my hair whilst butterflies fluttered in my heart as I read it!
10/10 Devon, my QUEEN!! You did it again and spoilt us with another good read!!
October 17, 2025
I was super excited about this book! I mean, ex boyfriends dad, age gap, forced proximity, forbidden romance... plus he's a grumpy cowboy? Say less 🙌🏼
"ʏᴏᴜ'ʀᴇ ᴛʜɪꜱ ɢʀᴜᴍᴘʏ ᴏʟᴅ ꜰᴀʀᴍᴇʀ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴀ ʟɪᴛᴛʟᴇ ᴇxᴛʀᴀ ꜱᴀʟᴛ ɪɴ ʜɪꜱ ʜᴀɪʀ, ʙᴜᴛ ᴀʀᴍꜱ ᴏꜰ ꜱᴛᴇᴇʟ, ᴇʏᴇꜱ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ꜱᴇᴇ ᴍʏ ꜱᴏᴜʟ, ᴀɴᴅ ɪᴛ'ꜱ ʟɪᴋᴇ ɪ'ᴍ ᴛʜᴇ ᴏɴʟʏ ᴏɴᴇ ᴡʜᴏ ɢᴇᴛꜱ ᴛᴏ ꜱᴇᴇ ʏᴏᴜʀ ꜱᴏꜰᴛ ꜱɪᴅᴇ. ɪ'ᴍ ᴛʜᴇ ᴏɴʟʏ ᴏɴᴇ ᴡʜᴏ ɢᴇᴛꜱ ᴄᴀɴᴅʟᴇꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ʙʀᴇᴀᴋꜰᴀꜱᴛ ᴇᴠᴇʀʏ ᴍᴏʀɴɪɴɢ. ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴘᴀʀᴛ ᴏꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ɪꜱ ᴀʟʟ ꜰᴏʀ ᴍᴇ."
Such a cute little read, and I absolutely LOVE that is is based in Australia! There were a few parts that were a bit jumpy for me and felt rushed, while some others felt a little slow didn't add much to the story but it was a fun read overall 🤍
"ʏᴏᴜ'ʀᴇ ᴛʜɪꜱ ɢʀᴜᴍᴘʏ ᴏʟᴅ ꜰᴀʀᴍᴇʀ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴀ ʟɪᴛᴛʟᴇ ᴇxᴛʀᴀ ꜱᴀʟᴛ ɪɴ ʜɪꜱ ʜᴀɪʀ, ʙᴜᴛ ᴀʀᴍꜱ ᴏꜰ ꜱᴛᴇᴇʟ, ᴇʏᴇꜱ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ꜱᴇᴇ ᴍʏ ꜱᴏᴜʟ, ᴀɴᴅ ɪᴛ'ꜱ ʟɪᴋᴇ ɪ'ᴍ ᴛʜᴇ ᴏɴʟʏ ᴏɴᴇ ᴡʜᴏ ɢᴇᴛꜱ ᴛᴏ ꜱᴇᴇ ʏᴏᴜʀ ꜱᴏꜰᴛ ꜱɪᴅᴇ. ɪ'ᴍ ᴛʜᴇ ᴏɴʟʏ ᴏɴᴇ ᴡʜᴏ ɢᴇᴛꜱ ᴄᴀɴᴅʟᴇꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ʙʀᴇᴀᴋꜰᴀꜱᴛ ᴇᴠᴇʀʏ ᴍᴏʀɴɪɴɢ. ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴘᴀʀᴛ ᴏꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ɪꜱ ᴀʟʟ ꜰᴏʀ ᴍᴇ."
Such a cute little read, and I absolutely LOVE that is is based in Australia! There were a few parts that were a bit jumpy for me and felt rushed, while some others felt a little slow didn't add much to the story but it was a fun read overall 🤍
November 2, 2025
If you're looking for a small town romance that's super emotional and character-driven (but also plenty swoony and spicy), Higher Ground will tick all your boxes!
November 5, 2025
Great small town cowboy romance. I loved the characters and enjoyed watching Emory growth.
Thanks to the author and Love Notes pr for the ARC book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thanks to the author and Love Notes pr for the ARC book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 13, 2025
Higher Ground is a book that follows Emory & Byron. This book contains tropes like Single Mum, Ex-Boyfriend’s Dad, and Small Town.
I did quite enjoy the whole plot and storyline throughout this book, I do love me a good single mum/dad trope in a book, and adding in a bit of forbidden love into the mix? Perfect!
I personally did feel like parts were quite quick for me, I do love a good angsty, build up but it was still enjoyable. This book did take me a little to get through, one of my longer ones, as I kept putting it down. It really did hook me in the beginning and then I began to struggle, but it was still an enjoyable read.
I loved getting to read the small snippets into the relationship Byron had formed with Emory’s son, Clayton. That was gorgeous and I do love those sorts of moments and scenes.
I did quite enjoy the whole plot and storyline throughout this book, I do love me a good single mum/dad trope in a book, and adding in a bit of forbidden love into the mix? Perfect!
I personally did feel like parts were quite quick for me, I do love a good angsty, build up but it was still enjoyable. This book did take me a little to get through, one of my longer ones, as I kept putting it down. It really did hook me in the beginning and then I began to struggle, but it was still an enjoyable read.
I loved getting to read the small snippets into the relationship Byron had formed with Emory’s son, Clayton. That was gorgeous and I do love those sorts of moments and scenes.
October 18, 2025
When I read ex's dad I was like sign me up but it just didn't hit the spot for me
October 14, 2025
ARC Review 💌
This book by Devon May has it all:
❤️🔥Age gap
❤️🔥Forced proximity
❤️🔥Small town
❤️🔥Forbidden romance
❤️🔥Cowboy MMC
I loved reading a romance set in country Australia!
If you love a heartfelt slow burn with an irresistible cowboy MMC, check out Higher Ground.
Releasing 20th Oct 2025.
This book by Devon May has it all:
❤️🔥Age gap
❤️🔥Forced proximity
❤️🔥Small town
❤️🔥Forbidden romance
❤️🔥Cowboy MMC
I loved reading a romance set in country Australia!
If you love a heartfelt slow burn with an irresistible cowboy MMC, check out Higher Ground.
Releasing 20th Oct 2025.
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