What do you think?
Everly Heath #2
Take a Hike!
Walking boots. Check. Raincoat. Check. Emotional baggage? Check, check, check.
Lydia Williams is used to putting on a smile and saying yes. So, when her friends beg her to join them on a cross-country hiking trip she agrees, even if she'd rather be crying into a pint of ice cream post-breakup. And post-job loss. Yeah, it's been a week.
She's barely got her boots laced when Ren Hunter rocks up, her ex-best friend she's been desperately avoiding since he broke her heart.
Ren knows he made the biggest mistake of his life. He's ready to grovel, but Lydia's walls are higher than any peak they're about to climb. So after his brother-slash-business partner shoots down his dream, he jumps at the chance for a break — and a chance to maybe, finally, win her back.
Lydia is determined to keep her heart zipped up tight. But with days spent walking side by side and nights spent just inches apart, old feelings come creeping back, and in the middle of nowhere, they might just find their way back to each other.
Lydia Williams is used to putting on a smile and saying yes. So, when her friends beg her to join them on a cross-country hiking trip she agrees, even if she'd rather be crying into a pint of ice cream post-breakup. And post-job loss. Yeah, it's been a week.
She's barely got her boots laced when Ren Hunter rocks up, her ex-best friend she's been desperately avoiding since he broke her heart.
Ren knows he made the biggest mistake of his life. He's ready to grovel, but Lydia's walls are higher than any peak they're about to climb. So after his brother-slash-business partner shoots down his dream, he jumps at the chance for a break — and a chance to maybe, finally, win her back.
Lydia is determined to keep her heart zipped up tight. But with days spent walking side by side and nights spent just inches apart, old feelings come creeping back, and in the middle of nowhere, they might just find their way back to each other.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 26, 2026
About the author
Maggie Grant
3 books47 followersMaggie Grant is a neurodivergent writer crafting messy, heartfelt romances about flawed people who fall in love anyway. She lives in the North West of the UK, fuelled by coffee, Gilmore Girls reruns, and the voices in her head.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 25, 2026
Thank you to Bedford Square Publishers and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Those who follow BookSloth’s reviews will know she’s not here to tell you what happens.
BookSloth is here for how it feels.
Why do we read romance at all?
Because it’s not just for the kiss.
It’s not even for the spice (though BookSloth will never turn that down).
We read romance for the promise.
The deeply ingrained, slightly stubborn belief that love—real, steady, patient love—can survive misunderstanding, distance, bad timing, and all the ways we get in our own way.
We read it for the happy ever after.
Take A Hike understands that promise and encapsulates everything a second-chance romance should be. It’s not enough to have chemistry—you need history. Messy, complicated, slightly painful history. You need to believe these two people broke for a reason… and that getting back together isn’t just convenient, but brave.
“I’m tired of being scared. I’m ready to be fearless. With you.”
This line sits at the heart of the story, and everything else—the mountains, the miles, the tent (we will discuss the tent)—orbits around it.
Because Lydia hasn’t just loved Ren. She has loved him quietly her whole life. And when something like that breaks, it doesn’t just hurt, it rewrites how you see everything. It rewrites how you see yourself. It leaves you wondering if you misread everything. If you asked for too much. If you were ever really chosen at all.
Second-chance romance doesn’t deal in fantasy. It deals in memory. In the knowledge of how it felt to be hurt. In the very real possibility that you could be hurt again.
But Lydia and Ren are meant for each other. The whole of Everly Heath knows it.
And the yearning. The whole town is yearning.
This is a full-on yearn-fest. The kind where you’re halfway through a chapter, staring into space, wondering why two fictional people simply don’t get it together already… while also desperately needing them to take all the time they need.
Because this kind of story needs space. It needs time. You cannot sprint through emotional repair. You cannot shortcut trust. You cannot fake the moment where someone decides, Yes, I will risk this again.
Oh, readers, the tent.
A tent is small. A tent is intimate. A tent does not allow for emotional avoidance. You cannot maintain dignified distance when you are, quite literally, zipped into the same space as your unresolved feelings.
But BookSloth would like to raise a small but persistent grievance with the universe.
Why is it that whenever she goes camping, her tent behaves itself? Stays upright. Remains structurally sound. Does not flood, collapse, or in any way force her into the arms of a deeply complicated man with unresolved feelings?
She must, clearly, try harder.
The tent in this story understands its narrative purpose perfectly. And BookSloth couldn’t help but wonder if the moment had a little helping hand from some well-meaning friends. After all, you cannot lie beside someone you have loved—still love—and pretend nothing is happening.
Five stars just for the tent.
But what lingers isn’t just the heat.
It’s the quiet care. The noticing. The way both Lydia and Ren show up for each other, not with grand gestures, but with a kind of attention that says: I see you. I choose you.
Because maybe the happy ever after isn’t about love fixing everything. Maybe it’s about love holding—through doubt, through hesitation, through the quiet fear that you might not quite be enough. Maybe it’s about choosing someone with full awareness of what it costs. And being chosen back.
Take A Hike is the exact emotional cocktail a good slow burn should deliver. It’s full of heart, full of restraint, and full of that soft, deeply human yearning that makes you want to keep turning pages.
Five BookSloths gathered around a perfectly stable tent, wondering where they’re going wrong. 🦥🦥🦥🦥🦥
Those who follow BookSloth’s reviews will know she’s not here to tell you what happens.
BookSloth is here for how it feels.
Why do we read romance at all?
Because it’s not just for the kiss.
It’s not even for the spice (though BookSloth will never turn that down).
We read romance for the promise.
The deeply ingrained, slightly stubborn belief that love—real, steady, patient love—can survive misunderstanding, distance, bad timing, and all the ways we get in our own way.
We read it for the happy ever after.
Take A Hike understands that promise and encapsulates everything a second-chance romance should be. It’s not enough to have chemistry—you need history. Messy, complicated, slightly painful history. You need to believe these two people broke for a reason… and that getting back together isn’t just convenient, but brave.
“I’m tired of being scared. I’m ready to be fearless. With you.”
This line sits at the heart of the story, and everything else—the mountains, the miles, the tent (we will discuss the tent)—orbits around it.
Because Lydia hasn’t just loved Ren. She has loved him quietly her whole life. And when something like that breaks, it doesn’t just hurt, it rewrites how you see everything. It rewrites how you see yourself. It leaves you wondering if you misread everything. If you asked for too much. If you were ever really chosen at all.
Second-chance romance doesn’t deal in fantasy. It deals in memory. In the knowledge of how it felt to be hurt. In the very real possibility that you could be hurt again.
But Lydia and Ren are meant for each other. The whole of Everly Heath knows it.
And the yearning. The whole town is yearning.
This is a full-on yearn-fest. The kind where you’re halfway through a chapter, staring into space, wondering why two fictional people simply don’t get it together already… while also desperately needing them to take all the time they need.
Because this kind of story needs space. It needs time. You cannot sprint through emotional repair. You cannot shortcut trust. You cannot fake the moment where someone decides, Yes, I will risk this again.
Oh, readers, the tent.
A tent is small. A tent is intimate. A tent does not allow for emotional avoidance. You cannot maintain dignified distance when you are, quite literally, zipped into the same space as your unresolved feelings.
But BookSloth would like to raise a small but persistent grievance with the universe.
Why is it that whenever she goes camping, her tent behaves itself? Stays upright. Remains structurally sound. Does not flood, collapse, or in any way force her into the arms of a deeply complicated man with unresolved feelings?
She must, clearly, try harder.
The tent in this story understands its narrative purpose perfectly. And BookSloth couldn’t help but wonder if the moment had a little helping hand from some well-meaning friends. After all, you cannot lie beside someone you have loved—still love—and pretend nothing is happening.
Five stars just for the tent.
But what lingers isn’t just the heat.
It’s the quiet care. The noticing. The way both Lydia and Ren show up for each other, not with grand gestures, but with a kind of attention that says: I see you. I choose you.
Because maybe the happy ever after isn’t about love fixing everything. Maybe it’s about love holding—through doubt, through hesitation, through the quiet fear that you might not quite be enough. Maybe it’s about choosing someone with full awareness of what it costs. And being chosen back.
Take A Hike is the exact emotional cocktail a good slow burn should deliver. It’s full of heart, full of restraint, and full of that soft, deeply human yearning that makes you want to keep turning pages.
Five BookSloths gathered around a perfectly stable tent, wondering where they’re going wrong. 🦥🦥🦥🦥🦥
July 11, 2026
This was such a good read, I practically devoured this within a weekend. I love books like this that are easy to pick up and hard to put down.
I loved Fix Them Up and was eager to read the second book which did not disappoint. It was great being back in Everly Heath with cameos from the towns folk and Kat & Liam, it felt like retuning home which I guess is exactly what Reb was doing.
I loved Lyds & Ren, I honestly could not get enough of them on the page. It's a lovely story that brought a smile to my face, and one of those rare books where the happy ending brought tears of joy.
This series is food for the soul.
Maggie Grant is on my radar and I'll definitely be looking out for more reads from this author.
I loved Fix Them Up and was eager to read the second book which did not disappoint. It was great being back in Everly Heath with cameos from the towns folk and Kat & Liam, it felt like retuning home which I guess is exactly what Reb was doing.
I loved Lyds & Ren, I honestly could not get enough of them on the page. It's a lovely story that brought a smile to my face, and one of those rare books where the happy ending brought tears of joy.
This series is food for the soul.
Maggie Grant is on my radar and I'll definitely be looking out for more reads from this author.
April 28, 2026
review to come
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you so much to NetGalley for sending me this arc!
I absolutely loved Maggie Grant’s first book ‘Fix Them Up’ so I was super excited to return to Everly Heath for Lydia and Ren’s story, and they did not disappoint!
When Lydia’s friends suggest they go on a hiking trip to help take her mind off her recent break up and losing her job, she agrees - because she always does. But she soon regrets it when her ex-best friend, Ren, also turns up for the trip, ready to make up for breaking her heart two years prior. Now they are forced to confront their feelings. Do they work on fixing their friendship, or is it worth the risk for something more?
I’m a sucker for a second chance romance and this one was no exception! I absolutely loved Lydia and Ren reconnecting and falling for each other all over again (although Ren was down BAD from the beginning 🙂↕️).
I really connected with Lydia’s character - her fear of letting people down and her need for everyone to like her were so relatable. I loved seeing her grow in confidence throughout the book, both in her struggles with dyscalculia and realising it was okay to do things for herself, not just other people. (I especially loved when she made Ren WORK on the camping trip, which he did so happily 🤭)
Ren… a man who yearns is a man who earns! In any second chance romance, it is vital that we see some grovelling - and we definitely did! I loved seeing the different layers to Ren; beneath the smooth, cocky exterior, there’s someone struggling with depression and grieving his mum. And his dedication to get Lydia back, in any capacity he could, was so heartwarming. He knew from the beginning what he wanted and he wasn’t ashamed to admit it.
And I, of course, loved jumping back into the town of Everly Heath and all of its nosy, meddling, but kindhearted townsfolk. Such a wholesome and lovable world to dive back into. Can’t wait for the book to come out so everyone else can fall in love with it too 🤍
I absolutely loved Maggie Grant’s first book ‘Fix Them Up’ so I was super excited to return to Everly Heath for Lydia and Ren’s story, and they did not disappoint!
When Lydia’s friends suggest they go on a hiking trip to help take her mind off her recent break up and losing her job, she agrees - because she always does. But she soon regrets it when her ex-best friend, Ren, also turns up for the trip, ready to make up for breaking her heart two years prior. Now they are forced to confront their feelings. Do they work on fixing their friendship, or is it worth the risk for something more?
I’m a sucker for a second chance romance and this one was no exception! I absolutely loved Lydia and Ren reconnecting and falling for each other all over again (although Ren was down BAD from the beginning 🙂↕️).
I really connected with Lydia’s character - her fear of letting people down and her need for everyone to like her were so relatable. I loved seeing her grow in confidence throughout the book, both in her struggles with dyscalculia and realising it was okay to do things for herself, not just other people. (I especially loved when she made Ren WORK on the camping trip, which he did so happily 🤭)
Ren… a man who yearns is a man who earns! In any second chance romance, it is vital that we see some grovelling - and we definitely did! I loved seeing the different layers to Ren; beneath the smooth, cocky exterior, there’s someone struggling with depression and grieving his mum. And his dedication to get Lydia back, in any capacity he could, was so heartwarming. He knew from the beginning what he wanted and he wasn’t ashamed to admit it.
And I, of course, loved jumping back into the town of Everly Heath and all of its nosy, meddling, but kindhearted townsfolk. Such a wholesome and lovable world to dive back into. Can’t wait for the book to come out so everyone else can fall in love with it too 🤍
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
💙 Blurb-
Walking boots. Check. Raincoat. Check. Emotional baggage? Check, check, check.
Lydia Williams is used to putting on a smile and saying yes. So, when her friends beg her to join them on a cross-country hiking trip she agrees, even if she'd rather be crying into a pint of ice cream post-breakup. And post-job loss. Yeah, it's been a week.
She's barely got her boots laced when Ren Hunter rocks up, her ex-best friend she's been desperately avoiding since he broke her heart.
Ren knows he made the biggest mistake of his life. He's ready to grovel, but Lydia's walls are higher than any peak they're about to climb. So after his brother-slash-business partner shoots down his dream, he jumps at the chance for a break — and a chance to maybe, finally, win her back.
Lydia is determined to keep her heart zipped up tight. But with days spent walking side by side and nights spent just inches apart, old feelings come creeping back, and in the middle of nowhere, they might just find their way back to each other.
❤️ Review -
As soon as this landed in my inbox, I started it straight away. I loved the author's debut novel and Take A Hike was no different. The author's writing style has me hooked from the very first page and I kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. There was plenty of content to keep me interested and reading until the end. I loved the characters in the story, especially the main characters Lydia and Ren. I wanted them to have their happy ending. Overall a brilliant novel that I highly recommend to other readers.
💝 Thank you to Bedfordsquare publishers, the author Maggie Grant and Netgalley for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Walking boots. Check. Raincoat. Check. Emotional baggage? Check, check, check.
Lydia Williams is used to putting on a smile and saying yes. So, when her friends beg her to join them on a cross-country hiking trip she agrees, even if she'd rather be crying into a pint of ice cream post-breakup. And post-job loss. Yeah, it's been a week.
She's barely got her boots laced when Ren Hunter rocks up, her ex-best friend she's been desperately avoiding since he broke her heart.
Ren knows he made the biggest mistake of his life. He's ready to grovel, but Lydia's walls are higher than any peak they're about to climb. So after his brother-slash-business partner shoots down his dream, he jumps at the chance for a break — and a chance to maybe, finally, win her back.
Lydia is determined to keep her heart zipped up tight. But with days spent walking side by side and nights spent just inches apart, old feelings come creeping back, and in the middle of nowhere, they might just find their way back to each other.
❤️ Review -
As soon as this landed in my inbox, I started it straight away. I loved the author's debut novel and Take A Hike was no different. The author's writing style has me hooked from the very first page and I kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. There was plenty of content to keep me interested and reading until the end. I loved the characters in the story, especially the main characters Lydia and Ren. I wanted them to have their happy ending. Overall a brilliant novel that I highly recommend to other readers.
💝 Thank you to Bedfordsquare publishers, the author Maggie Grant and Netgalley for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
April 8, 2026
Take a Hike centres around two friends, Lydia and Ren, who have fallen out. There's always been rumours they're soulmates but romance between the two has never quite happened. The pair end up being forced (sort of) into taking part in a hiking trip, making them address the past, and decide whether it's possible to move past it and grow closer again.
I read Take a Hike! shortly after finishing Maggie's first book in the Everly Heath series (Fix Them Up) and I feel that made this all the more enjoyable! The mentions to the known characters and the development of the main characters having met them previously was lovely.
I usually get cringed out by and dislike nicknames within romance books, sometimes they feel forced or a bit awkward but I adored the nickname in Take a hike! I felt like kicking my feet and twiddling my hair every time Ren said it!
I loved the combination of the people pleasing, quieter, sweet woman with the chaotic, loud and assertive man. I felt it was obvious why they were good friends and how they complemented one another. I particularly loved how Ren disliked Lydia's constant helping of other people, putting others way above her own needs and comfort. The characters felt really real and the story felt believable.
Take a hike had a theme around feeling/being seen by others, particularly someone you love, and I thought this was handled so well by Maggie Grant. It was really relatable and well-presented.
I love the British-ness of this series! I love how relatable, and representative it is of people I know. Everly Heath feels like a real place and I hope Maggie will take us back there in another novel! There's a specific couple I hope the next novel will explore too!
I loved the ending overall, everything felt well pulled together and like it was wrapped in a satisfying bow. Although the last few pages had a specific ending that is a personal dislike of mine this didn't ruin my overall enjoyment.
I rated Take a Hike 3.5 stars and I can't wait to see what Maggie will do next!
**Tropes below**
friends to lovers, second chance, forced proximity, (lowkey) enemies to lovers
I read Take a Hike! shortly after finishing Maggie's first book in the Everly Heath series (Fix Them Up) and I feel that made this all the more enjoyable! The mentions to the known characters and the development of the main characters having met them previously was lovely.
I usually get cringed out by and dislike nicknames within romance books, sometimes they feel forced or a bit awkward but I adored the nickname in Take a hike! I felt like kicking my feet and twiddling my hair every time Ren said it!
I loved the combination of the people pleasing, quieter, sweet woman with the chaotic, loud and assertive man. I felt it was obvious why they were good friends and how they complemented one another. I particularly loved how Ren disliked Lydia's constant helping of other people, putting others way above her own needs and comfort. The characters felt really real and the story felt believable.
Take a hike had a theme around feeling/being seen by others, particularly someone you love, and I thought this was handled so well by Maggie Grant. It was really relatable and well-presented.
I love the British-ness of this series! I love how relatable, and representative it is of people I know. Everly Heath feels like a real place and I hope Maggie will take us back there in another novel! There's a specific couple I hope the next novel will explore too!
I loved the ending overall, everything felt well pulled together and like it was wrapped in a satisfying bow. Although the last few pages had a specific ending that is a personal dislike of mine this didn't ruin my overall enjoyment.
I rated Take a Hike 3.5 stars and I can't wait to see what Maggie will do next!
**Tropes below**
friends to lovers, second chance, forced proximity, (lowkey) enemies to lovers
January 26, 2026
4✨
I was really excited to read Take a Hike after loving Fix Them Up last year, and Maggie did not disappoint!
Take a Hike follows Lydia, a PT who has just lost her job and gone through a break up. Persuaded by her friends to go on a hiking trip, she’s hoping to find herself again, until Ren, her ex best friend who broke her heart unexpectedly shows up. Ren is ready to grovel but Lydia’s walls are firmly in place. Can they find their way back to each other?
This was such a fun story! I loved the return of the meddling townsfolk (hilarious and relentless), the hiking ladies and the cameos from Kat and Liam!
Lydia is feeling lost and she never fully got over Ren. I really appreciated the disability rep showing her challenges with dyscalculia and how Ren supports her. I loved her childhood diary excerpts at the start of each chapter, showcasing her friendship development with Ren.
Ren is down bad for Lydia, he returned to Everly Heath to win her back and is desperate to show her how he feels. He was thoughtful, protective, recognised his flaws and wanted to do everything in his power to be the best for Lydia.
The romance was beautifully done - there was tension, chemistry and it felt very realistic, everything made sense and it was paced really nicely.
Overall, this is another brilliant read from Maggie, and I’m loving my time in Everly Heath. I can’t wait to see what she does next.
Thank you Bedford Square Publishers, NetGalley and Maggie Grant for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review. Take a Hike releases 26th March.
I was really excited to read Take a Hike after loving Fix Them Up last year, and Maggie did not disappoint!
Take a Hike follows Lydia, a PT who has just lost her job and gone through a break up. Persuaded by her friends to go on a hiking trip, she’s hoping to find herself again, until Ren, her ex best friend who broke her heart unexpectedly shows up. Ren is ready to grovel but Lydia’s walls are firmly in place. Can they find their way back to each other?
This was such a fun story! I loved the return of the meddling townsfolk (hilarious and relentless), the hiking ladies and the cameos from Kat and Liam!
Lydia is feeling lost and she never fully got over Ren. I really appreciated the disability rep showing her challenges with dyscalculia and how Ren supports her. I loved her childhood diary excerpts at the start of each chapter, showcasing her friendship development with Ren.
Ren is down bad for Lydia, he returned to Everly Heath to win her back and is desperate to show her how he feels. He was thoughtful, protective, recognised his flaws and wanted to do everything in his power to be the best for Lydia.
The romance was beautifully done - there was tension, chemistry and it felt very realistic, everything made sense and it was paced really nicely.
Overall, this is another brilliant read from Maggie, and I’m loving my time in Everly Heath. I can’t wait to see what she does next.
Thank you Bedford Square Publishers, NetGalley and Maggie Grant for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review. Take a Hike releases 26th March.
June 3, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Returning to Everly Heath honestly felt like coming home, and Take a Hike absolutely delivered everything I hoped for in book two of the series.
This series already holds a special place in my heart thanks to its Northern England setting and authentic neurodivergent representation, and Maggie Grant once again captures both beautifully. Being back with the gang was such a joy, and it was wonderful to spend more time in a world and community that feels so warm, familiar and real.
I'm usually not the biggest fan of friends-to-lovers romances, but this book completely won me over. The slow burn was executed perfectly, with so much angst and longing that I found myself both frustrated and completely invested. Watching these characters navigate their feelings had my heart aching in the best way, and every emotional moment felt earned.
Maggie Grant has a talent for creating characters you genuinely care about, and Take a Hike is packed with the kind of emotional tension that keeps you turning pages long into the night. The combination of representation, gorgeous settings, and a romance full of pining made this an easy favourite.
If you loved book one, you won't be disappointed. Everly Heath continues to be a series I'll happily return to again and again. It’s my comfort and my fictional home 🏡
Returning to Everly Heath honestly felt like coming home, and Take a Hike absolutely delivered everything I hoped for in book two of the series.
This series already holds a special place in my heart thanks to its Northern England setting and authentic neurodivergent representation, and Maggie Grant once again captures both beautifully. Being back with the gang was such a joy, and it was wonderful to spend more time in a world and community that feels so warm, familiar and real.
I'm usually not the biggest fan of friends-to-lovers romances, but this book completely won me over. The slow burn was executed perfectly, with so much angst and longing that I found myself both frustrated and completely invested. Watching these characters navigate their feelings had my heart aching in the best way, and every emotional moment felt earned.
Maggie Grant has a talent for creating characters you genuinely care about, and Take a Hike is packed with the kind of emotional tension that keeps you turning pages long into the night. The combination of representation, gorgeous settings, and a romance full of pining made this an easy favourite.
If you loved book one, you won't be disappointed. Everly Heath continues to be a series I'll happily return to again and again. It’s my comfort and my fictional home 🏡
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
It was an absolute joy to be back in Everly Heath among the characters I fell in love with during Fix Them Up! Much like with the first book in the series, Maggie Grant has written a book so full of heart, charm and sizzling banter between the two main characters, alongside beautifully handled disabilities and mental health difficulties that make these characters incredibly relatable.
It's special for me to read stories about Northern characters, which doesn't happen often enough in books these days. It makes me so happy to read about characters who remind me of myself and the people I love; the way we speak, the way we meddle, and our phenomenal small towns. This also goes for the way Maggie writes about disabilities and mental illnesses. They never feel like they have been written into the narrative for no reason; they add to the story and make the characters feel whole.
While I found Ren and Lydia's story frustrating at times, I think that was the point. By the time their HEA came around, I felt they might have faced a little bit too much conflict, bit the love between them was so easy to see.
Take a Hike left me with the cosiest fuzzy feeling, and I feel like this story will stay with me for a while.
It's special for me to read stories about Northern characters, which doesn't happen often enough in books these days. It makes me so happy to read about characters who remind me of myself and the people I love; the way we speak, the way we meddle, and our phenomenal small towns. This also goes for the way Maggie writes about disabilities and mental illnesses. They never feel like they have been written into the narrative for no reason; they add to the story and make the characters feel whole.
While I found Ren and Lydia's story frustrating at times, I think that was the point. By the time their HEA came around, I felt they might have faced a little bit too much conflict, bit the love between them was so easy to see.
Take a Hike left me with the cosiest fuzzy feeling, and I feel like this story will stay with me for a while.
February 23, 2026
Thank you to Maggie, Bedford Square Publishers and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. All thoughts and comments are 100% my own and freely given.
I was a massive fan of Fix Them Up from the days it was The Reno and I’ve been so excited to return to Everly Heath for Ren and Lydia’s story.
What a great time!
Maggie creates these characters in a way where you can’t help but get so attached to them quickly. If I could move the Everly Heath, I would. I have such FOMO for this place and it’s people and it’s not even real.
If you come into Take A Hike having read Fix Them Up, you’re already curious to find out what happened between these two best friends who were so close but if you came in blind, it wouldn’t take you long to be sucked in. The use of the diary pages really helps set the scene on how much these two have been through together and how long they’ve known each other.
This was a well paced, engaging story with more lovable MC’s, a return of some of our previous faves and some new characters who I hope to see more of in the future.
I was a massive fan of Fix Them Up from the days it was The Reno and I’ve been so excited to return to Everly Heath for Ren and Lydia’s story.
What a great time!
Maggie creates these characters in a way where you can’t help but get so attached to them quickly. If I could move the Everly Heath, I would. I have such FOMO for this place and it’s people and it’s not even real.
If you come into Take A Hike having read Fix Them Up, you’re already curious to find out what happened between these two best friends who were so close but if you came in blind, it wouldn’t take you long to be sucked in. The use of the diary pages really helps set the scene on how much these two have been through together and how long they’ve known each other.
This was a well paced, engaging story with more lovable MC’s, a return of some of our previous faves and some new characters who I hope to see more of in the future.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Really enjoyed this second chance romance full of delightful characters, humour and some glorious British backdrops. Lydia and Ren are both multi-layered and intensely relatable: Ren knows how badly he screwed up with his former best friend and is willing to go to considerable lengths to redeem himself, while Lydia, reeling from unexpected upheaval in her life, makes him work hard for his forgiveness. I really liked how she puts her people-pleasing tendencies aside and is absolutely honest with him about how much he hurt her. The chemistry between them is palpable, and the diary entries from Lydia's childhood add history and depth to their long-standing friendship. While the relationship development is very much the predominant driver in the book - and it does pan out in a very satisfying manner - there's also a varied cast of supporting characters, some new and some welcome returnees from the previous book in the series. It all adds up to a truly engaging book which drew me in and had me rooting for Ren and Lydia all the way through.
February 19, 2026
2.5 stars
I absolutely adored Fix Them Up (The Reno) the author’s debut novel; so when I saw her follow up novel, Take a Hike, I was thrilled! And even more so when I got approved for the ARC.
It pains me to say that this novel fell short for me. I didn’t fully believe the reason why they haven’t talked for two years…for a friendship that close and for so long….and the miscommunication throughout was juvenile for adults in their (early) 30’s. I skimmed the diary entries from Lydia’s childhood. The hike seemed to come out of nowhere, and did not interest me at all, especially when the hike was not continuous…?! I was confused with the different settings. Regarding all of the sexual tension and open door scenes, with a friendship as deep as theirs, it felt unnatural and forced to keep the ‘open door romance’ readers engaged. It was too much and distracted from the novel.
I hope this author finds the magic that was her first debut novel.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
I absolutely adored Fix Them Up (The Reno) the author’s debut novel; so when I saw her follow up novel, Take a Hike, I was thrilled! And even more so when I got approved for the ARC.
It pains me to say that this novel fell short for me. I didn’t fully believe the reason why they haven’t talked for two years…for a friendship that close and for so long….and the miscommunication throughout was juvenile for adults in their (early) 30’s. I skimmed the diary entries from Lydia’s childhood. The hike seemed to come out of nowhere, and did not interest me at all, especially when the hike was not continuous…?! I was confused with the different settings. Regarding all of the sexual tension and open door scenes, with a friendship as deep as theirs, it felt unnatural and forced to keep the ‘open door romance’ readers engaged. It was too much and distracted from the novel.
I hope this author finds the magic that was her first debut novel.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
April 19, 2026
✨️ARC✨️
This one had me from the setup alone. Second chance romance, forced proximity and a hiking trip full of emotional baggage? Yes please.
Lydia was so easy to root for. She’s hurting, a bit lost, and trying to hold it all together after everything in her life unravels at once. I really liked how her growth felt steady and believable rather than rushed. Ren on the other hand, had a lot to prove. The grovelling was there, which I appreciated but I did find myself wanting just a little more depth to fully buy into his redemption.
The hiking backdrop worked so well. There’s something about being out in the middle of nowhere that strips everything back, and it really let the tension and lingering feelings shine through. The quiet moments between them hit the hardest.
Overall, a soft, emotional second chance romance with plenty of heart and just enough angst to keep things interesting.
This one had me from the setup alone. Second chance romance, forced proximity and a hiking trip full of emotional baggage? Yes please.
Lydia was so easy to root for. She’s hurting, a bit lost, and trying to hold it all together after everything in her life unravels at once. I really liked how her growth felt steady and believable rather than rushed. Ren on the other hand, had a lot to prove. The grovelling was there, which I appreciated but I did find myself wanting just a little more depth to fully buy into his redemption.
The hiking backdrop worked so well. There’s something about being out in the middle of nowhere that strips everything back, and it really let the tension and lingering feelings shine through. The quiet moments between them hit the hardest.
Overall, a soft, emotional second chance romance with plenty of heart and just enough angst to keep things interesting.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When I saw this novel on Netgalley, I was quite excited as it combines my love for romance novels with one of my research interests, walking. Unfortunately, this fell flat for me in every regard. The walking or hiking anspects aren’t fully explored, the second-chance romance feels rushed and partly unearned, and it mostly focuses on the sexual attraction between the main characters instead of their friendship—even though we are to believe that Ren and Lydia used to be best friends. Just not for me.
April 30, 2026
I absolutely loved this book and read it in a day.
Lydia and Ren's second chance romance is full of all the good things. Miscommunication, banter, longing glances, interfering relatives, flashbacks, a ton of tension and some very British weather!
You get a glimpse into what Liam and Kat are doing from Book 1, but its not essential for you to have read Fix It Up in order to enjoy Take A Hike.
Maggie's writing makes it feel like a friend is talking to you, and for all the UK girlies the references, banter and scenarios are so relatable.
Lydia and Ren's second chance romance is full of all the good things. Miscommunication, banter, longing glances, interfering relatives, flashbacks, a ton of tension and some very British weather!
You get a glimpse into what Liam and Kat are doing from Book 1, but its not essential for you to have read Fix It Up in order to enjoy Take A Hike.
Maggie's writing makes it feel like a friend is talking to you, and for all the UK girlies the references, banter and scenarios are so relatable.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Take a Hike
Rating: 3.5
Maggie Grant has written another delightful second chance romance with a brilliant depiction of neurodiversity.
Focussing on Lydia and Ren, former best friends who have not spoken in two years after a one night fling, hopelessly pining after each other.
Ren decides to go for a grand gesture to win Lydia back, including going on a 3 week womens owning hiking trip.
It was sweet and a bit spicy, and overall a lush read.
Thanks to Netgalley for this ARC!
Rating: 3.5
Maggie Grant has written another delightful second chance romance with a brilliant depiction of neurodiversity.
Focussing on Lydia and Ren, former best friends who have not spoken in two years after a one night fling, hopelessly pining after each other.
Ren decides to go for a grand gesture to win Lydia back, including going on a 3 week womens owning hiking trip.
It was sweet and a bit spicy, and overall a lush read.
Thanks to Netgalley for this ARC!
May 23, 2026
I really wanted to love this book, but because of the narrator I just can't love it. Lydia can't say no, her friends convince her to go on a cross country hiking trip. Her ex best friend Ren shows up and slowly but surely they become closer & closer. I really didn't like the fact that we went back and forth with ages like showing them young and current day. Overall the concept for this book was there but not there kinda just all over the place.
April 4, 2026
What I loved was how much the people around Lydia and Ren care about them. You get the lovely sense of a whole community rooting for these two to sort themselves out, which adds warmth to the story that kept me smiling.
Loved the dual perspective of being inside both Lydia’s and Ren’s heads. I was fully invested!
Loved the dual perspective of being inside both Lydia’s and Ren’s heads. I was fully invested!
July 22, 2026
Loved this one! Zo anders dan de andere romans. Superfijn als sportgirl om te lezen over een sportgirl dat nog enorm zoekende is naar hoe en wat. Heel verrijkend om als leerkracht eventjes in het hoofd te kunnen kruipen van iemand met dyscalculie!
Aanraderrrr!!!
Aanraderrrr!!!
April 12, 2026
Picked this up at Fiction Fest yesterday and finished it today! 4⭐
April 22, 2026
A lovely childhood love story, some steamy scenes and a beautiful thoughtful ending. Would like a follow up
August 5, 2026
I really wanted this to just be so much more.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Definitely my most hotly anticipated book of 2026. I was so excited for the sequel to The Reno/Fix them up and get back to Everly Heath!!!
I absolutely loved Ren and Lydia but my favourite character was Peanut/Peggy who stole the show! It was such a cosy and comfy read and I loved the sneak peak of Kat and Liam, in general this book felt like a warm hug :).
5 thousand stars :)
I absolutely loved Ren and Lydia but my favourite character was Peanut/Peggy who stole the show! It was such a cosy and comfy read and I loved the sneak peak of Kat and Liam, in general this book felt like a warm hug :).
5 thousand stars :)
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