On The Right Path

Tradie Lady #2

by Rian Birch

Things have been heading downhill for Jessica Reaves ever since her best friend—and former housemate—Taylor left to sail around Australia. Living with her boyfriend Adam feels more like looking after a child than a partner, and her waitressing job has her at her limits. With her 30th birthday around the corner, she’s in no mood to celebrate.

Remi Pearce is loving life. Running her women-led building business, she’s making waves in a male-dominated industry. She just needs one more tradie lady to help land a new building contract… until a worksite injury threatens to bring her dreams crashing down.

When Jess serves Remi and her friends one night, Jess is offered the opportunity to leave her job and start an apprenticeship with Remi’s business. But shaking up her life completely could have more flow on effects than she realises. Especially as Jess’ new career builds, so does her feelings for her boss.

Will Remi lead Jess onto the right path, or will she end up lost even further?

Genres: Lesbian, Romance, Queer, Contemporary, LGBT, Audiobook, Lesbian Fiction

328 pages, Paperback

Published August 15, 2025

About the author

Rian Birch writes fun, contemporary sapphic romance. She lives in Adelaide with her wife where she likes to potter in her backyard food forest and cycle to new cafes around the city. Every one of her childhood stories ended with her characters coming home and having a cup of tea. She promises to write new endings for her adult novels.

Reviews

[Diane (IF U'RE PRIVATE, PLEASE SKIP ME!!!) Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars!
A much much better storyline, coupling (Jess & Remi) and enjoyable additional supporting characters in this book #2 of 'Tradie Lady' ongoing series.
Recommended book!

[Sterling Sapphic Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

BABESSSSS - I need to open this review with the most important piece of information first: there is NO Third Act Breakup in this book. None. Zero. Not a single contrived misunderstanding dragging these two women apart right when things get good. I know. I KNOW. Take a moment. Breathe it in. Rian Birch looked at the sapphic romance genre's most exhausting tradition and said absolutely not, and I could not be more grateful.

Right. Now that we've celebrated that, let's talk about the book itself — because On The Right Path absolutely earns its place as a series fav and then some.

Jess Reaves is thirty, underpaid, overworked, and surrounded by people who are taking far more than they are giving. Her waitressing job is draining her dry, her boyfriend is approximately the emotional equivalent of a damp paper bag, and her best friend feels a million miles away. She is running on empty and she knows it. And then Remi Pearce walks into her section — tattooed, competent, quietly magnetic — and offers her something nobody has offered Jess in a very long time: a genuine chance at something new.

What unfolds is a workplace romance that is sweet and sexy in equal measure, anchored by two leads who feel fully, beautifully realized. What I loved most about Rian Birch's writing here is the space she gives both Jess and Remi to grow. This isn't a romance where the characters are simply pulled together by chemistry alone — though the chemistry is absolutely electric, make no mistake. These are two women who evolve. Who make smart emotional choices. Who earn their happiness through genuine development rather than drama and manufactured obstacles. It is so refreshing I wanted to stand up and applaud.

And the steam. Oh, the steam. BABES. The tension on that worksite is a whole entire thing. Rian Birch lets it build and simmer and crackle with a patience that makes the payoff absolutely devastating in the best possible way. When those professional lines finally blur — I was positively giddy. I am not ashamed.

Speaking of headphones — Nina Nikolic's performance is outstanding. She nailed the warmth and wit of this story with such a natural, engaging delivery that I found myself completely lost in Jess and Remi's world. The banter landed perfectly, the emotional beats hit exactly when they needed to, and she brought a real authenticity to the Australian setting that made everything feel grounded and vivid. This is absolutely one to experience in audio.

A huge thank you to Rian for the ALC in exchange for this honest review — and an even bigger thank you for writing a sapphic workplace romance that trusts its characters and its readers enough to let love be uncomplicated. More of this please. So much more of this.
Cannot wait for the next in the Tradie Lady series

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the Right Path is book 2 in the Tradie Lady Series by Rian Birch. It is an interconnected standalone with slight spoilers for the previous novel. I love being back in this world and seeing the ladies forging the way for women in male-dominated fields. The story is rewarding on more than one front.
The pairing at the center of this romance has delicious chemistry and is perfectly matched. A sweet and sexy workplace romance with lovable characters, including a turtle named Ninja, this installment is another hit for me.
I like how the women support one another through big life changes. They are also intelligent women with strong integrity. A great found family, a lovely setting, fun pets, interesting careers, steamy moments, flirty banter, and a happily-ever-after equal five stars.
#tradecareers #womeninmaledominatedfields #foundfamily #turtlepet #Australia #coastaltown #Epilogue #HEA #construction #cabinetmaking #spicy #workplaceromance #startingover #agegap #maincharactersover30 #tradeapprentice #smallbusinessowner #supportivesister #birep
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest opinion.

[Clara Addicted to sapphic books · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first part of the book is more about Jess working up the courage to get out LC the unhappy relationship while ogling Remi from afar. Birch did it realistically and respectfull without turning the boyfriend into a caricatural villain, which waS refreshing. liked the L banter and the attraction, and how the relationship progressed. The massage scene was Lc kiss. waS definitely sweet and angst-free. The age gap JC around ten years is neither an issue nor something they address. I just wish there were a bit more show than tell, and that knew a bit more about Remi beyond the workaholic and generous side. Nevertheless, she is the perfect face for badass women in a field filled with sexism. I enjoyed how the work arc turned out; it was so satistying.
A perfect summer read

[Sapphic Bookshelf]

Rian did it again! I absolutely adored Jess and Remi. Their banter and the easy nature of their connection and chemistry was everything! I also really enjoyed reading about them at work and Remi’s dream to have more female tradies and expanding her business. Also the spice was 🔥

I definitely recommend you check this one out!

[Lexi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rian Birch does it again! I absolutely loved the first book Swept Up in You but I equally if not slightly loved more On the Right Path! The chemistry between Jess and Remi was sizzling hot and adorable all at the same time! Remi is such a kind, caring woman and I wish I had a Remi in my life but I also would love Jess too because she’s funny, caring, and extremely determined to do the best she can whenever possible! I highly highly recommend reading both books in this series because you won’t regret it! Huge thank you to Rian Birch for the ARC copy and giving me the honor of being on the ARC team!

[Gio.reads.sapphic · Rating 5 out of 5]

What's better than an independent, badass woman challenging patriarchy and chauvinism? A whole bunch of them!! And that's exactly what you'll find in this second installment of the Tradie Lady series (can be read as a standalone). Now let's talk about the interesting part, the trope which are:
- slow burn
- age gap
- forced proximity
- attraction at first sight
- hurt/comfort
- almost kiss
- workplace romance
- set down under
- up against a wall sex
- new beginnings
- witty banter
- boss x employee
- asthmatic MC
- pan x lesbian
- kinda femme x femme
If this still hasn't convinced you, let me add that both MCs are tattooed, there's a scene with a spicy back massage, a Galentine's day date and an almost all female cast!

overall it's a 4.5⭐ and 3🔥

TE: Chauvinism - the MC is attracted to another person while being in a relationship - unsupportive parents

[Star · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was SO MUCH FUN!
I had such a great time reading this, and this one was just hit after hit for me.
The characters are fun, relatable, real, and it was so refreshing to see a 30 year old start over in life.
I adore this Tradie Ladies series so much.
And it being an Aussie romance to boot has me flapping happily.

[Siddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jess has worked for Italian restaurant Limone in Adelaide for several years, and has just about had enough of her long hours, low pay, and condescending boss. She feels the same about her boyfriend Adam, and his man-child attitude to her, expecting her to cook, clean, and prepare everything for him while he is gaming.
Remi and her sister Sophie are joint owners of The Lady Builders, a kitchen construction company. But since their recent loss of their apprentice, the duo are looking for a woman to take her place. While on a night out at Limone with a group, they are served by Jess, which is when Remi asks Jess to consider the job of apprentice.
I have read so many sapphic stories of women having top end corporate jobs, wearing the latest fashions, living in luxury. This is so different; Jess and Remi have their own type of style and class.
I loved this book. Down to earth, thoughtful, funny and compassionate writing. Strong, confident and competent women. And tool belts!

[Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars for On the Right Path: Tradie Lady Series, Book 2 (audiobook) by Rian Birch read by Nina Nikolic.

It’s fun for me to listen to a story of someone learning the trades and falling in love as I’m remodeling a house.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Tradie Ladies series and it was sweet, funny and a delightful light read. No angst, no third act break up, just a group of women supporting women in a male dominated industry. Gotta love it.

[Anna Demosi · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was FANTASTIC. i loved every second of it, the tradie ladies was such a fun life path to explore especially because i know simply nothing about it, it was super cool learning along side jess (sorta) and now i kinda wanna build shit😂 i loved the murder party, and all them getting into character, and the way the killer was announced was so funny! remis accident was a “different” way to have the turning point but it worked so well, forcing remi to slow down and see life differently. i literally loved both of their characters separately and together. they had such a sweet relationship from start to finish, and i loved that it wasn’t really a “third act breakup “ but more a mutual agreement that it wasn’t the right time, which is so realistic. then jess taking charge and figuring out a fix for their problem, and seeing her really put her mind to what she cares about. their first date was amazing, i loved them going to a rage room and then the ice cream after and jess telling her about being jealous do taylor, because it’s so realistic to be jealous but happy for friends 🥺 also honorable mention for sophie and jj, loved both of them as side characters and would love to see a book for jj👀 another also, brooke??? next book?? one can hope😭 anyways. PLEASE read this book i fucking loved

edit oh my god how did i forgot NINJA?! the most random pet edition and what a quirky little guy but i loved him😂🐢 jess calling remi donatello bc of it was also so fun

[Lez_be_readin_ya · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A heartwarming, inspiring, and utterly captivating read!"

I knew the moment this book was announced that I had to read it. I loved Book One, and I can honestly say this second book was just as brilliant—if not better. The storyline was wonderful, the connection between Jess and Remi was undeniable, and their chemistry was absolutely top-notch. The plot pulled me in right from the start and kept me hooked all the way through.

One of my favorite parts of this book was the character development. Jess’s journey—from not knowing how to change a light bulb or tell the difference between a Phillips and a flathead screwdriver, to becoming an integral part of the team at The Lady Builders—was so inspiring. That growth made the story all the more special, and I loved every moment of it.

The relationship between Jess and Remi was beautifully written. They were absolutely perfect for each other, and watching their connection deepen was such a delightful experience. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for them—and I’m secretly (not so secretly) hoping for a third book in this amazing series!

Thank you so much, Rian, for the chance to read your incredible book. I’m already looking forward to whatever you bring us next!

Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥🔥🔥

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

[Cherie • bookshelvesandtealeaves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks so much to the author for providing me with an audiobook of this. All thoughts are my own.

This was a great addition to the Tradie Lady series! I really loved Jess and Remi’s relationship and the way it developed and grew over the course of this book.

I really loved Jess’s journey in particular. Feeling stuck, in a rut, unhappy with her job and her relationship, it all just felt very relatable. I loved seeing her come alive as the story progressed and she learned more about herself and what she was capable of.

I also really loved what Remi was building with her all female tradie team and I was so happy to see her dreams fully realised.

A great feel-good Aussie romance.

[Joanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

To be honest, this sequel was my favorite of the three. I couldn’t help it, I just love a good workplace romance with forced proximity and then there was the cutest little side character. 🐢 Unsurprisingly, I finished the book wanting to work as a tradie lady full-time. I highly recommend the whole series, reading them in order isn’t mandatory, but it was fun to meet the next MCs in each previous book.

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

In true author Rian Birch fashion, honesty and raw conversation paved the way for Jess and Remi in On The Right Path, the second book in the Tradie Series.

This book leads with introductions of a lot of character types - terrible bosses, unsupportive partners, misogynistic co-workers - that we all know and probably dislike greatly. Personally I love how Birch gets it all out on the table from the jump and then allows Remi to step in and really show the standard that Jess deserves and vice versa.

In all honesty, Jess and Remi’s connection sneaks up on you a bit - it’s woven into little moments that start to become big moments as you move into the middle chapters and it surprises the reader much like it does Jess which I think is honestly so sweet and endearing to experience. These two women genuinely begin as friends, support for one another. Remi gives Jess the space to process her issues aloud and Jess pushes Remi to look beyond work and make sure she’s happy with the life she has built. Partners elevating one another to their full potential - we love to see it!

Once we hit Chapter 15, buckle up because the tension and spice take you straight to the moon! There’s sexual innuendos, dipping into the danger zone of flirting, close proximity, massages - SHEESH! To quote page 160, “Jess had no notes” and neither did I! If I could experience these scenes again for the first time, I’d thank my lucky stars for the opportunity.

Much like the first book in this series (Swept Up In You), the supporting cast played a significant role in steering the main characters on the right path (pun intended per usual). Jess has Taylor, Sam, Marie and Hayley for honest opinions and little nudges. Remi has her sister Sophie who is the most genuine big sister ever and JJ who’s always ready with some brutal honesty or hilariously sarcastic banter.

While this is a romance and we want to see what happens between Jess and Remi, much like the first book, it’s not lost on the characters or the reader that these women are serious about their careers. It was really inspiring to be able to see Remi’s five year plans evolve and how Jess played a role in that. I also learned so much about trades in these books!

Jess is truly the admirable character in On The Right Path. She tears down her entire life and rebuilds from the ground up both literally and metaphorically! She makes tough decisions to leave her old life behind and dive head first into something unfamiliar, but new and exciting. There were so many moments where I saw myself in Jess’s shoes and it made me truly connect with her. She takes back control of her life, something we could all remember to do for ourselves in this crazy world.

On The Right Path by Rian Birch is a book that sends you on waves of highs and lows, excitement and frustration - but in the end, it all becomes something beautiful. I can’t speak enough about this book and series, it’s incredible so far so get it on your TBR as fast as you can, you won’t regret it!

Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[Fiona Sawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the Right Path is the second book released by Rian Birch and I seriously can’t believe she’s still such a new author. Her writing is fantastic, and I loved this book even more than I loved her first release, Swept Up In You: A Coastal Sapphic Rom-Com (and that saying something given how much I loved the first book).

On the Right Path tells the story of Jessica Reeves and Remi Pearce. Jess is struggling with her waitressing job which she hates and boyfriend who is nothing more than a man-child. She is also missing her best friend and former housemate Taylor who has sailed off on a trip around Australia with her new partner. Meanwhile Remi is running her women-lead building business with her sister Sophie which she absolutely loves. However, they are struggling now that they are down a tradie. They desperately want to secure a large upcoming building contract and desperately need one more female tradie to help them get across the line. Cue the off-the-cuff offer to Jess to join the team as an apprentice, despite Jess having absolutely no background or previous interest in working in the construction industry.

What follows is an incredible journey that shows the power of learning to stand up for yourself and having the confidence to step off the track you’re currently on into the unknown. Throughout the struggles the ladies go through with trying to run their business despite the negative pressure from Jess’s mother and boyfriend and the dirt being thrown at them from the nasty piece of work that is Declan who owns their competition tradie business the two women need to learn to work together. However, Remi has built walls around herself so high that it’s going to take something drastic to bring down her boundaries and let other people in.

I am very grateful to Rian Birch for providing me with an ARC copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily. I'm really hoping that there is more to come in the Tradie Lady Series.

[Jaime Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is book #2 in the series, book #3 for my read-through, and book #1 in my rankings! These ladies completely won me over. From their very first interactions, the chemistry between these two is so natural and genuinely funny. It never feels forced, just two people clicking in a way that beautifully builds into something deeper.

The friends-to-lovers progression is done so well. You really get to see the foundation of support, trust, and real friendship before anything shifts. They show up for each other in ways that feel both loud and quietly meaningful, and create this sense of partnership that feels truly solid.

I really loved how much this story leans into growth and stepping outside your comfort zone. There’s such a strong thread of choosing yourself—taking risks, trying something new, and allowing space to fail and not have everything figured out right away. Watching both characters build confidence in themselves (and in each other) was incredibly satisfying.

Also, the way this book tackles misogyny in a male-dominated field while still keeping the tone hopeful and empowering was one of my favorite parts. Professional Feminine Rage? 100% It’s sharp, it’s real, and it makes every win feel hard-earned.

Overall, this felt warm, empowering, and deeply relatable in so amy ways. It encourages you to take control of your own path, finding your people, and building something—both in life and love—that truly fits.

Favorite Quotes:
"It was nice to be allowed to fail happily, without judgement. To learn from failure, not fear it. Not feel ashamed."

"When change is your choice, it doesn't make it any easier. But it does make it yours. This was her choice. Doing hard things was okay—she'd be okay."

"It felt like coming home. [She] was done fighting; herself, the world, it didn't matter. [She] mattered. Each brush of their lips filled her with happiness until her body tingled."

"They were always there for each other. building each other up in big ways and little ways. In all the ways that mattered. They were a team."

[sapphicliteratureirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚 ARC Review 📚 Thanks to the author for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This well-written, sexy, sapphic Aussie rom-com follows the dual perspectives of Jess and Remi - two women who meet by chance and whose lives change for the better ❤️ It’s packed with a fun plot, brilliant characters, feminist workplace dynamics, and women in toolbelts - what’s not to love?

I appreciated the pacing right from the start. The author dives straight in, with our main characters meeting through a sapphic twist of fate. There's instant chemistry and spark, and a kind gesture and job offer from Remi leads Jess to an exciting new opportunity with The Lady Builders. Watching Jess start to put herself first - finding confidence, passion, and happiness - was a real joy.

As the story unfolds, we follow Jess and Remi in their workplace-induced forced proximity, which blossoms into a friendship full of banter, warmth, and emotional depth. Naturally, that connection starts to tip into something more - a friends-with-benefits kinda situation. That delicious tension of navigating blurred lines between colleagues and lovers is always fun to read 🔥

The author delivers sizzling chemistry, a very hot first kiss, and even hotter 🌶 scenes, complete with sexy, engaging dialogue. I also appreciated the slower burn and the fact that the characters don’t rush things - the question of whether they’d stay friends with benefits or become something more kept me hooked.

Remi, in particular, stole my heart. She’s a gorgeous, kind, thoughtful character who thrives on helping others succeed. A woman who brings fish and chips to share on the beach, talks through life while watching the sunset on a non-date date? Absolute angel. Keeper.

While it’s undoubtedly a sweet and sexy romance, it’s also a story about not settling. I enjoyed following Jess and Remi as they made bold decisions, took brave steps, and built lives that truly made them happy ❤️

[SJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

🏳️‍🌈Rep: Queer FMC w/asthma, Lesbian FMC
Note: Jess is “pan adjacent” but doesn’t like labels - it’s about the person, not the gender.

📝Tropes/Themes: Women Tradies/Blue Collar, Age Gap, Delightfully Aussie, Witty Banter, Hurt/Comfort, Workplace Romance, Starting Over, Female Empowerment

This was my first book by Rian Birch but it definitely will not be my last! On the Right Path was a sweet and sexy sapphic romance that will make you feel all the things! I adored Remi from the start. She is a deeply passionate, bad ass woman with a heart of gold. Her desire for uplifting other women shines through from the very beginning. Yes, she needed a new apprentice and Jess was there. But after witnessing Jess’s interaction with her boss, it was clear Remi’s motivation was compassion, not selfishness. Plus there’s that patchwork tattoo sleeve I absolutely can’t skip mentioning. 😍

Jess also captured my heart very quickly. It was evident how unhappy she was in all aspects of life and how little support she had from the people she should have been able to count on. Starting over can be both exhilarating and terrifying and Rian did an incredible job capturing the full range of Jess’s emotions during this huge life transition. Both Remi and Jess were beautifully complex and messy and felt truly authentic. And don’t even get me started on all that sapphic pining and built up sexual tension! 🥵 What I loved about their chemistry was that it wasn't instantaneous. Sure there was attraction from the start, but the real chemistry and desire kept building each time they interacted and saw each other. And once those embers got fanned, that fire was blazing hot!

Jess and Remi were perfect for each other. They balanced each other out, pushed each other, and supported each other. Even with the complicated boss/employee dynamics they navigated through some sticky situations together quite well all things considered. I loved watching them interact and I’m pretty sure I was smiling like an idiot at my e-reader through most of this book lol.

I also LOVE how Aussie this book was (and proud I knew what pretty much all the Aussie slang meant)! Plus there’s Remi’s adorable pet turtle Ninja, a speakeasy themed murder mystery party, a Scream movie night with an unexpected ending, total “f* the patriarchy” and female empowerment vibes, and so much more to love about this story! I definitely need to go back and read book one now, plus I think there is a third book coming out! Yay for Aussie tradie ladies and sapphic romance!

⚠️TW/CW: misogyny and sexism, sexual content, injury from a fall, semi-toxic relationship (not the MCs), minor sexual harassment, vomit

[Monna · Rating 5 out of 5]

“On the Right Path” is Rian Birch’s second installment in the Tradie Lady Series. “Swept Up In You” was her first offering and it was quite good. That’s where I learned that “tradie” is a tradesman or tradeswoman in Australian slang. These are hardworking ladies; personally I can relate to them much easier than with femme society sapphics with high heels. I much prefer the pink work boots here. Jess and Remi are the main characters, and, like the first book, they have a strong supporting cast of friends. And they need help! Both are going through changes and struggling to a certain extent, just like a lot of us in real life.

Jess is attracted to Remy at their first meeting when she is their server at the restaurant she’s been at for several years. Whether it’s Remy’s self-confident bearing or the tattoos, she gets Jess’s attention from the get-go. Jess is already frustrated by her job; she’s going nowhere and she knows it. Remy, on the other hand, needs an apprentice for the home remodeling company she and her sister Sophie run. She needs a body. Jess needs an escape. Remy plants the seed and our story builds from the ground up. It’s a very nice story too, well-paced, and, as I mentioned earlier, easily relatable. I believe there will be a third book in the series and I’m looking forward to it just as I was looking forward to this one. Rian Birch hasn’t let me down yet, and this story won’t let you down either.

[Minna Perälä · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for providing a free review copy of the book.

4.25 stars.

On the Right Path is second book in the author's Tradie Lady series. I read the first book in May. I was really interested in this second book. I liked the first book just fine but On the Right Path was a lot better! Writing and plotting has really improved.

The main couple in the book worked really well together. There was chemistry and innocent enough flirting from the beginning. I generally don't like if a MC or love interest is in a relationship when the story begins but it was written well in this romance novel. The relationship between Jess and Adam is clearly in trouble from the beginning.

Although On the Right Path is relatively light and easy to read, there are some underlying harder topics like trusting yourself and your own decisions, handling difficult parental relationship, feeling alone in a romantic relationship, and taking a leap of faith and changing careers.

The relationship arc between Jess and Remi is interestingly plotted, refreshingly different in a long time in romances I've recently read. I don't want to spoil but it's not a straight line but has ebbs and flows that feel natural, not forced.

The lenght of the romance, just below 300 pages (Kindle), hits the sweetspot I've learnt to like. There's just enough plots and scenes to make the pacing easy and relatable without including unnecessary fluff.

[Dan Lasco · Rating 4 out of 5]

i genuinely had such a good time reading on the right path. it's one of those books where you go in expecting a cozy sapphic romance, and you get that, but also walk away wanting to completely reevaluate your life and maybe pick up a power tool lol.

the story follows jess, who's stuck in a dead-end job and going through motions, which hit a little too close to home, honestly. when she crosses paths with remi, a no-nonsense tradie and business owner, jess suddenly finds herself on an unexpected new path (apprenticeship included). watching jess slowly rediscover her confidence, purpose, and queerness in a supportive, women-led workspace was not only sweet but actually kind of inspiring. like, i was this close to googling how to become a carpenter. 😭

rian birch has a gift for writing warm, grounded characters who feel like people you'd actually want to hang out with or work with. the dialogue is witty, the romance has great banter, and the setting feels authentic without ever getting bogged down in technical stuff. plus, there's just something really satisfying abt seeing a character grow in both her career and personal life, all while falling in love.

also, full disclosure: i read this while teetering on the edge of burnout in my own job, and now i'm questioning my entire career trajectory. is this a sign?? should i buy a tool belt?? idk. but what i do know is this book made it all seem weirdly possible.

thank you, rian birch, for the e-arc!

[Micca B aka gigglybookgeek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rian knows how to bring the banter, will have you laughing throughout the book, and feeling the heat of the spice. Jess is the focus of this book. We met her as Taylor’s roommate in Swept Up In You. Now Jess is living with her long term boyfriend, Adam. While Adam is focusing on building their future, Jess is focusing on how she feels more like his maid and mother. One day while working more than she expected at the restaurant, a new opportunity presents itself. It just so happens to come from a gorgeous brunette that seems to know what she wants in life. Remi runs her own business, and knows that she wants to make a difference for women in an environment where men are everywhere, and many make women feel inferior and harassed. As Jess is getting ready to turn 30, is she ready to start a new career that will be challenging in more ways than one? What happens when both boss and employee begin to have feelings for each other that they try to hide from each other? Even worse, what happens when an unexpected series of events put the entire path in danger? Grab a pair of pink work boots, some safety gear, and get ready to dive into this hilarious, sizzling, and empowering story.

Thank you to Rian for trusting me to be a part of the Beta team again.

[zagzig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beneath our radiant Souuuuuuthern Cross we toil with hearts and haaaaaaaaaands

Jess is desperately unhappy with her waitress gig (and her relationship), and in sweeps Remi in dire need of an apprentice (and a girlfriend). you'll never believe what happens next. if the first book was about the surprising joy of kissing girls, this one is about the surprising joy of learning a trade. I don't know if becoming an apprentice cabinet maker is quite as enriching as the book presents it, but the author is certainly passionate about trades and female focused entrepreneurship

another low angst instalment, though this book is perhaps a little better at mixing in actual drama. not relationship drama, it's the most cordial and mutual third act breakup I've ever seen ("we can't keep having sex it will get in the way of the trades" "I agree trades are what is most important") but Jess has personal relationships that aren't serving her and Remi has a professional nemesis. but they lean on and show up for each other and eventually they find a way to have both trades and a cool tradie girlfriend

also I'm always here for a book that has a guide to explain that yeah, nah means no and nah, yeah means yes. Australian English is truly a beautiful dialect

[lirissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book one was great, this one was amazing.
I gave the first book 5 stars but unfortunately Goodreads only allows you to give up to five stars so that is what this one is getting too.

This is:
age gap 41 x 29 (30th Birthday within the book)
small town
forced proximity ish
slow burn but with undeniable chemistry
queer normal
queer friend group (a cozy gaming friend group)
set by the sea
unusual pet
part of a series but can be read as a standalone
sapphic romcom

The main characters are Jessica Reaves a pan/bi stuck in a hospitality job who is in a relationship with a man who treats her like a mother, and Remi Pearce a Tradi lady who has dedicated the last few years of her life to her business and work.

I liked how the family dynamics for this book didn't centre around queerness or queer identity but rather about expectations in life and where the characters themselves or those around them thought they should be given their ages/careers right now.

Small town series with recurring characters are my weakness, so getting a glimpse towards the end of the characters in the next book was also exciting.

I can't wait for book 3!!
ALSO loving the new book covers, I will miss the fiery orange look but the characters look amazing.

[Lena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is way overdue. I started the ARC (thanks to the author for it!) in August, but work and life balance got hectic and I wasn't able to read much.

That aside, I finally managed to finish the book and I can honestly say if life hadn't gotten in the way, this book would have been devoured in just a few days!

I enjoyed Jess and Remi's journey together. Especially how Jess turned her life around and basically learned to start from scratch. I could relate to her on so many levels, having gone through a career change in the past myself. Even Jess' family hit too close to home haha.

I loved the dynamics between Jess and Remi, also their relationships with their closest friends. The way their own relationship developed was was so well written. I was worried at some point and wanted to grab them both by the ears and shove some sense into them 🤣

This book was refreshing and extremely pleasant to read! Despite me taking so long to read it, I enjoyed it every time I had a moment to do so.

[Bailey Gilligan · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I love about this book is how empowering it is for the women who will read it. This book takes you on the journey of two independently strong women who end up teaching each other how to take a step back and lean on someone else. Remi is completely devoted to her business that she owns with her sister, The Lady Builders, and is looking for a new apprentice. Jess feels stuck in her life as a waitress and is ready to make some necessary changes if she wants to get unstuck. She’s never changed a lightbulb and couldn’t tell you the difference between screwdrivers but she ends up quitting her job and taking a chance to be a cabinet making apprentice. In this book you’ll find characters learning to set boundaries to prioritize their own happiness, learning to take a step back when the pressure is too much, and learning how to just have fun again and break routine. I couldn’t recommend On the Right Path more! Thank you Rian, for the opportunity to read this ARC! It is such an honor!

[TasmanianQueen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely amazing book! Totally love this women empowering women story. Love, love, love Remi! What a phenomenal character she is. A total badass! Remi and her sister are the owners of a business in a male dominated trade, but they don't let that stop them from being the best of the best and recruiting other women into their field of work. They know it requires taking a chance on someone who doesn't have the work experience, but is willing to give 100% which is exactly what happens when Remi asks Jess if she wants to come work for the Lady Builders. Jess is stuck in a job she no longer likes and decides its time to make some big life changes, so when Remi offers her a job she goes all in. I absolutely love how Jess and Remi's relationship builds and how well they communicate with each other. Just an overall amazing story with good spice.

A big thank you to the author Rian Birch for allowing me the opportunity to read this ARC. This is my honest, voluntary review.

[Brandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rian Birch's "On The Right Path" is a captivating read that masterfully navigates a rollercoaster of emotions. The narrative expertly weaves together moments of intense excitement and frustrating setbacks, keeping the reader perpetually engaged. Birch's storytelling prowess is evident in the way They build suspense and gradually reveals the complexities of the characters and their journeys. What initially appears as a series of disparate highs and lows ultimately coalesces into a profoundly moving and ultimately beautiful whole. The emotional depth and impactful narrative arc make this book, and indeed the entire series (should you choose to continue), a truly unforgettable experience. I wholeheartedly recommend adding it to your reading list immediately; you'll be richly rewarded for doing so.

I received an ARC copy and I’m leaving this review voluntarily