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More than Fiction: Misty Springs Book 1

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Turbulent. That’s the best way to describe the gut-wrenching jolts and jerks that have wrecked Sophia Carlson’s life. Walking away from her cheating fiancé meant losing everything. Now, she’s rebuilding from scratch, leaning on her fiercely loyal, highly opinionated, and overly involved friends. When a new publishing branch opens in Misty Springs, she dares to hope this is her fresh start.

The problem? Corbin Buescher.

The sharp-edged executive sees this branch as his final test before claiming the CEO title. He’s spent years shutting out distractions, and Sophia is nothing if not a distraction. She’s bold, unpredictable, and far too tempting for a man who thrives on control.

Boundaries blur, lines shift, and the more their paths intertwine, the harder it is to deny what’s building between them. With everything on the line, will they risk it all for the one thing that might be worth it?

366 pages, Paperback

Published September 2, 2025

21 people are currently reading
120 people want to read

About the author

Juniper Nicole

1 book24 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
Profile Image for Maci-Bookishlyeverafter.
30 reviews6 followers
October 14, 2025
More Than Fiction by Juniper Nicole officially cemented her as one of my new favorite authors. This book completely pulled me in - you know those reads where you’re like, “just one more chapter” and suddenly it’s 15 chapters later and you’re still glued to the pages? Yeah, that was me.

The characters were AMAZING … not just the main ones (who I absolutely adored), but the side characters too. Everyone felt real and added something special to the story. There were so many moments that had me literally laughing out loud, squealing, rolling my eyes in the best way, and even clutching the book like, “nooo, why are you doing this to me?!” 😂

It’s got all the ups and downs you want in a good romance - emotional, funny, and so full of heart. If you’re a fan of Abby Jimenez or those books that make you feel every emotion along the way, you’re going to love this one.

Truly, I have nothing negative to say. It’s one of my five-star reads of the year, and I’m just so glad I got to experience it. I’ll definitely be picking up whatever Juniper Nicole writes next.
Profile Image for Nicole Bach.
4 reviews
August 31, 2025
Very well written! I was able to snag a copy prior to the release at a local book store, am so happy I was able to get a copy. Definitely some spice, but not too much! The story has so many twists and turns it keeps you drawn in the entire time! I never lost interest and was barely able to put the book down! Finished in two days. Can’t wait for the next one in the series to come out!!
Profile Image for Renee.
84 reviews
July 30, 2025
What a fun read! If you like fun romance, a book that smacks a bit of Fifty Shades of Gray without the BDSM or overwhelming amounts of sex, this is your book. Yeah, there’s some sex, but it’s well written and not the main focus of the story. Instead, it helps build the passion between Corbin and Sophia. I cared about them and their relationship. There were some great plot twists at the end, too. Even the peripheral characters were engaging and important to the story. Overall I had a ton of fun reading this book. It was refreshing, perfect summer read!
Profile Image for Twinkle.butt.reads.
283 reviews16 followers
July 21, 2025
Okay, buckle up, buttercup! 🌶️ If you’re looking for a read that’s got more sizzle than a jalapeño on a hot grill, you need to dive into “Misty Springs Romance: Book One.”
Our queen of chaos, fresh off a breakup and dealing with life’s punches. She’s got that “I’m trying my best, don’t judge me” vibe, and honestly? Relatable AF.
The NYC hotshot who thinks her charming small town is a “crap town.” Oh, honey, no he didn’t! 💅 Their first meeting is less “meet-cute” and more “meet-me-in-the-ring,” and the sparks? They’re flying like a fireworks display.
Enemies-to-lovers, but make it spicy. Every eye-roll, every snarky comment, just cranks up the tension. You’ll be fanning yourself wondering when they’re finally gonna kiss (and then some 😉).
Sophia’s friends are ride-or-die, Corbin’s assistant, Andi, is the queen of calling him out, and Misty Springs itself is basically a character. Plus, it’s not all fluff – there are some real-life struggles woven in (check those trigger warnings for verbal abuse, physical altercations, drinking, loss, etc.).
Basically, if you’re into delicious banter, undeniable chemistry, and a small town that’ll steal your heart (even if a certain COO thinks it’s “crap”), this one’s for you. Get ready to blush! 🔥
Profile Image for Brooke  Davis.
48 reviews16 followers
August 15, 2025
Okay… this book was SO much fun. The tension? Perfect. That slow-burn, banter-y kind of tension that makes you want to scream at the characters? Yeah, that. I was grinning like an idiot half the time, giggling to myself like a total weirdo (no regrets), and the spice🌶️? Spot. On. Just the right amount to make me blush, without taking away from the plot or the characters. The pacing kept me sucked in, the chemistry was off the charts, and it hit that sweet spot between swoony, spicy, and laugh-out-loud. If you want a book that makes your heart race, gives you butterflies, and leaves you grinning, this one’s it.
Profile Image for Alejandra Wolbert.
10 reviews1 follower
August 19, 2025
I absolutely LOVED this book! I did not want to put it down. And I want MORE! I finished it in a day and a half—if I didn’t have to work I would have finished it in a day. So addicting.

I related to the FMC’s inner dialogue it was so funny. The banter between friends and the angst between FMC and MMC — fantastic!

The spice .. oh the spice between FMC and MMC — chefs kiss. I loved every single moment of this book. I cannot recommend it enough.

I loved the development of the plot too. Over all a 5 star read! I’ll definitely be looking for more Juniper Nicole books!
Profile Image for Emilee Davis.
1 review
August 7, 2025
From the first page, More Than Fiction had me hooked—Corbin and Sophia are two brilliantly crafted characters who leap off the page with charm, complexity, and undeniable chemistry.

They start off on anything but the right foot—bristling tension, sharp banter, and the kind of misunderstandings that make you want to scream at the pages (in the best way). But as the story unfolds, so does their depth. Their flaws make them real, their growth both together and as individuals makes them admirable, and their connection? Utterly magnetic. Every moment they share—whether fiery or tender—feels earned and electric.

The writing is effortlessly immersive. It’s the kind of prose that doesn’t draw attention to itself, but instead wraps you up in it—elegant, witty, and emotionally sharp. The dialogue sparkles, the pacing is pitch-perfect, and the story is laced with just the right amount of spice: tasteful yet intense, adding emotional weight to every encounter rather than distracting from it.

What truly impressed me was the balance—between tension and resolution, between heat and heart, and between plot twists and character development. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, the author threw in a curveball that left me breathless. Every twist made sense, but none of them were predictable. It kept me constantly guessing while staying invested in the people at its core. Corbin and Sophia always left me wanting more. Whether they were fighting, flirting, or falling in love, I couldn’t get enough.

I also loved the theme of friendship throughout the book and how having the right people in your corner can often times leave you more rich than money ever could. Sophia and her “Scooby Gang” of friends stood out to me in more ways than one and made a lasting impact on me as a reader as well as the other characters in the story.

This book is feel good, and easy going. It’s a must read for all of my book loving friends now. If you’re a fan of romance with real emotional stakes, unforgettable characters, and great writing, do yourself a favor and pick this one up. You won’t regret it!
Profile Image for C_C.
179 reviews4 followers
September 1, 2025
ARC Review

"More Than Fiction"

by Juniper Nicole Juniper Nicole

Tropes:
❤️‍🔥 Slow Burn
🏡 Small Town Romance
🕰️ Age Gap (5 years)


First of all, congratulations on your debut novel. You wrote a great first one. I can anticipate wonderful things ahead of you, for sure. Truth to be told, I would never have guessed this/you was/were a first time author if I didn't know.

Sophia is so beautifully written. A young, hardworking, gorgeous woman. She struggles to thrive and to deserve her HEA. And she does ❤️
Corbin is a great male character. Although he is an assh0le (hey, Sophia's words, not mine 🤭), you can tell he is going to be special.

And there they go, after their love and their forever together.

I loved your writing, Juniper. We can feel us there in Misty Springs and connect with the characters. The side characters are amazing too. And the details, so many details 💗.


Thank you to the author for this beautiful ARC.


---


these are some of my favorite quotes:


The air buzzed with a charged sort of quiet, like the seconds before a summer storm.

His eyes snapped up as if reading my mind - they bore into me and mined out every salacious thought.

My friends always said I was an open book. My face told an entire story on its own.

All thoughts evaporated the moment his fingers gently traced up my exposed spine, leaving goosebumps in their wake.

This kiss felt like a promise - a promise I was desperate for him to keep.

He tasted like whiskey and mint and fulfilled fantasies.

“I don’t want to. God, I can’t even begin to tell you how much I don’t want to.”

“You know,” she began, her voice soft but steady, “it’s not the tribulations in life that define you. It’s how you continue to live your life in spite of them."

I wanted her with every fiber of my being.

“You’re f*cking beautiful, Sophia.”

“I could savor you forever.”

Profile Image for Alexis Lyons.
4 reviews
August 7, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! It immediately had me hooked and I could not put it down! I spent every single spare second I had reading this book just so I could keep reading and find out more. The story flowed so well. When I first downloaded this on my kindle and seen that it had over 400 pages I thought this is going to take me forever to read, but that was definitely not the case. I am a pharmacy student and I am on rotations so I do not have much spare time but don’t you worry I made time each day to read as much as I could because I was dying to know what would happen next. I read the whole entirety of my lunch breaks and as much as I could once I got home, it was just too good to put down!

I loved the tension in this book, it was just enough to keep me on the edge of my seat but not make me anxious lol. I loved Corbin and Sophia together and the amount of spice in this book was perfect in my opinion! They had such good natural banter without being cringey. This book has an amazing story that truly made me feel like I was sitting and watching everything pan out in front of me.

I am someone who really only wants to read feel good books that have a happy ending and this book definitely falls into that category and honestly I was a little sad when I finished it because I just wanted to keep being a part of their lives if that makes sense. I definitely would recommend this book!
Profile Image for Maddie.
2 reviews2 followers
August 6, 2025
Amazing, absolutely amazing. I was excited for a cozy and comforting romance, and I was given just that and so much more. The storyline had me laughing, blushing and clutching my kindle.

Sophia and Corbin have quite the entertaining meet cute, but start off on the wrong foot. Then, of course they can’t stop running into each other. He’s the grumpy COO of his grandfathers corporation, which is opening a publishing branch in Sophia’s hometown. She is starting her life over and aspires to work in publishing. (Could the setup to this juicy drama be any more perfect?) Against his initial wishes, Sophia is hired to work for Corbin’s publishing company. Arguments are had, snarky comments are exchanged, but ultimately the sparks start flying. The two of them have to ward off toxic exes and conspiring coworkers. They do it all with the support and love from their close knit friend group and family.

This book is very well written and easy to follow. It’s the perfect read to kick back on the couch with. It has the perfect spice to plot ratio, and you’re going to wish their story never ends.
4 reviews
July 23, 2025
This book has it all, an amazing cast of characters, enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, small town charm & romance. Oh, and SPICE! In, More than Fiction, you are following two main characters. Sophia, who just walked away from her cheating ex and is struggling to stay afloat and Corbin, the super wealthy executive who wants nothing to with any distractions...

Sooooo of course their worlds end up colliding together. While the book has many of the stereotypical romance tropes the author managed to make it feel like you were reading those tropes for the first time. Each character in this book is fully fleshed out including the town which is a character in itself. I absolutely LOVED the group of friends in this book. Every. Single. One.

Juniper Nicole's writing is fast past, filled with so much heart and emotion, you will be left wanting it to never end. She is definitely one to look out for!!
Profile Image for Alicia Wood.
338 reviews10 followers
August 6, 2025
Omg this was a fantastic read! Giggling to literally laughing out loud to kicking my feet! This book just made me happy throughout the whole thing!

Sophia is one shy, yet bad **s girl and you really can’t help but love her! Shes dealing with her POS of an ex, holding down two jobs, and a chance encounter in first class really sets this whole thing in motion!

Corbin - rich, COO of a company built by his grandfather. Living in both his grandfathers and father’s shadow while everyone waiting to see who he turns out more like. His sweet as pie gram gets him to open up a branch in Misty Springs where she’s from. He drags his feet not wanting anything to do with that away from his New York life…that is until he meets Sophia!

The side characters are amazing as well! Each has a depth to them and not just thrown in Willy nilly! This book got pretty spicy! 2.5 🌶️ for me! I can’t wait to see what book 2 has in store for us!
Profile Image for Rae Harding.
12 reviews1 follower
August 2, 2025
I was lucky enough to read an ARC of More Than Fiction by Juniper Nicole. I must confess. I do not usually pick up romance novels. But I often enjoy romantic subplots in the genres I normally read, so I thought I would give it a go. I was not disappointed. Juniper has crafted a well-formulated plot that hits all the right notes of forbidden love, irresistible attraction, and overcoming obstacles that separate the characters from what they want. Told in dual POV, this is an “opposites attract” in all the best ways: comfort vs. couture, country mouse vs. city mouse, straight-and-narrow vs. road-less-traveled. I can totally see an adaptation of this to film. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, pacing, writing style, banter, and spice level in this book. I highly recommend More Than Fiction to romance readers and encourage anyone dipping their toes in the genre to start here as well.
2 reviews1 follower
August 18, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! From start to finish, it had the perfect blend of heart, tension, and humor. The characters felt layered and real with just the right balance of flaws and strengths to make me care about what happened to them. The storyline pulled me in and kept me hooked—every chapter gave me a reason to keep turning the pages. I especially appreciated the way the themes were woven together so naturally; they made me think without ever feeling forced. Beyond the plot, the writing itself was crisp, vivid, sharp, and witty. This is one of those rare books that lingers in your mind long after you’ve finished. I’ll be recommending it to all my reader-friends, and I am looking forward to the next book from Juniper Nicole:)
Profile Image for Cassi Sweet.
16 reviews
July 27, 2025
This was such a cute read! It held me from page 1 and did not release
me until "The End".

The first 85% is such a cute and easy read! And as a short chaper lover in books, this one takes the cake! The flow is perfect and doesn't drag or skip. The last 15% of this book takes you on a whirlwind of emotions and ends perfectly!

The plot: Fantastic
The banter: Adorable
The spice: 🥵
The ride: Buckle up buttercup!

I am so greatful for the opportunity to have gotten to get and ARC of this book and will definitely be getting a shelf trophy!
1 review
July 31, 2025
What a debut!! More Than Fiction is a captivating, feel-good romance about a big-city guy and a small-town girl who find unexpected love. Juniper brings the story to life with relatable characters, genuine relationships, and a storyline that keeps you hooked from the start.

There’s a perfect mix of spice, heartfelt loyalty, and true friendship—plus plenty of laugh-out-loud moments that make it even more fun to read. Warm, witty, and impossible to put down, this debut is a total gem!

I’m looking forward to more books from Juniper!!
Profile Image for Sara Morley.
1 review
August 5, 2025
If you’re looking for your next summer beach read or a cozy romance to read by the fire, look no further! Sophia, a small town girl down on her luck, meets Corbin, a high powered New York executive, and what starts as just catching his eye at the airport quickly develops into unexpectedly running into him at every turn. Follow them through their journey as they navigate their will they, wont they dynamic. You’ll not only fall in love with them, but also all the supporting characters and the small town of Misty Springs.
Profile Image for Sharee Kendall.
65 reviews10 followers
August 10, 2025
This book was an adorable rom com with spice….I loved Corbin & Sophia. The banter in this book with all of the characters was perfect. It’s been a while since I’ve actually finished a book….this one had me hooked and I didn’t want to put it down. The ending is a HEA for everyone that loves it! It has some small twists in the book which worked really well. It had you really pulling for Corbin and Sophia. The way the other characters were involved in this book made me want to know their stories as well!
Profile Image for Mary.
301 reviews1 follower
August 30, 2025
I randomly came across this author on TikTok one day and then was able to snag an ARC in exchange for a review and let me tell you- I was NOT disappointed!!

This book is so cute and has a little bit of everything. I loved the cozy vibes of the Hallmark-esque small town, the broody rich guy from New York, and the hometown sweetheart with a heart of gold. I was kicking my feet at the witty banter and the spicy scenes were a 10/10.

I’m so glad I stumbled across this author and will definitely be continuing the series once more books are released.
Profile Image for Tonya.
6 reviews
August 3, 2025
The story of Sophia and Corbin is chef’s kiss! I absolutely loved it. This story has the right amount a spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️with a great story line. This book has a little bit of everything; humor, spice, intrigue and character development. Watching the FMC grow was inspiring and the support of the friend group was refreshing. I hope there are additional stories with some of the friends. Juniper Nicole nailed it❤️
1 review
July 20, 2025
I received an ARC copy from a new to me author. I devoured this book in less than 24 hours. I love in a book when two people are so attracted to each other but stuff gets in the way. The build up was beautifully done and you just knew when the FMC and the MMC finally got together, it was going to be explosive. Would definitely recommend this book to my fellow readers. Well done, Juniper.
Profile Image for Alisa Moore.
23 reviews5 followers
July 22, 2025
10 stars!!!! I loved this story so so so much! It will definitely be read again and again by me. The way it had me kicking my feet and twirling my hair reading about Corbin and Sophia! Butterflies in my stomach and holding my breath moments throughout this story! I will be recommending this left and right to all the book besties!! READ IT!!
1 review
August 15, 2025
If you love forbidden work place romance, chosen families, and a touch of suspense, then More Than Fiction is the book for you.
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Sophia and Corbin's story. It was fun to see the personalities of all of Sophia's crew develop and see hints of possible future match ups.

Bonus: I was told there would be a spicy office scene, and boy oh boy, was there!
Profile Image for Bailey.
1 review
August 16, 2025
What a premier! I would never have guessed this was a first time author. So well written! This book was such a joy to read. Sophia is written in such a relatable way which just sucks you right in. Juniper takes the time to make you love every character of this charming small town. I can not wait to see who book 2 is about!
1 review1 follower
August 19, 2025
I absolutely LOVED this book. When I wasn’t reading it, I was thinking about it and I MISSED the characters. Slow-burns, unexpected twists and turns, the meaning of true friendship, and of course some spice. I will definitely be reading this again and can’t wait to see what’s next for this author!!!!
1 review
August 30, 2025
This book was such a fun read - I flew through it during vacation (perfect beach read!). The chemistry between the main characters was electric, and the steamy romance kept me hooked from the very beginning. Seeing how the love story slowly unraveled was both emotional and addictive, and it made me root for the characters every step of the way. Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Kristen.
11 reviews
October 12, 2025
Story was very cute; Ioved the banter. I loved the character development. Really loved the dynamic between the characters - the friendship and sense of protection over the female main character both from her terrible ex and her rich boss. You want to be part of their friend group. You want to protect her too!
1 review
November 17, 2025
Came for the characters- stayed for the romantic tension.

I was instantly sucked in by the sparky characters - I was 4 chapters deep before I even realized what happened. The witty banter and suspenseful chemistry is so fun- I caught myself literally laughing out loud at times. You won’t want to put this down and will be sad when you get tos the end. Eagerly awaiting a book #2!
11 reviews
August 13, 2025
The first chapter in the book, I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about the book. I kept reading and it was so hard to put the book down. I LOVE all of the characters and enjoyed reading every word! Definitely a must read!
Profile Image for stories.and.sips93.
27 reviews6 followers
August 17, 2025
Misty Springs is a place I want to visit! I loved the main characters and their banter, and the side characters were interesting enough to be more than an afterthought to the main story. The pop culture references were so fun, and I look forward to jumping back into this world in the future!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews

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