Andee's life long dream has been to open a bakery. Ever since she can remember, she's wanted to bring joy to people through pastries. Finally, she finds the perfect spot for her bakery. It's on the cutest Main Street she's ever seen in a small mountain town called Silverthorne. When she goes home to tell her husband she found it, she finds him in bed with his receptionist. It couldn't be a more perfect time to escape to a mountain town and chase her dream like her life depends on it.
Dennis works in his grandmother's market in the small town of Silverthorne. It isn't a glamorous living but he can't dream of abandoning the woman who has done so much for him. What he really wants to do is open a food truck, but his ex-girlfriend always made him feel stupid for the idea so he pretends he doesn't want it anymore. He mans the store, each day seemingly the same. Until the night he meets Andee. She's new in town and stunning. He quickly learns that he can't predict what she'll say and their interactions light something in him that hasn't been lit in years. Will their flirty connections turn into something more?
I received an ARC copy of Check Me Out from the author, and I’m so glad I did because this small-town romance was exactly the kind of heartfelt story I needed right now.
Characters & Chemistry Andee and Dennis felt incredibly believable as leads, especially because they’re both in their 30s. As someone in my late 30s heading into my 40s, their stories felt much more relatable than the typical twenty-something romance arcs I often see. Andee’s growth after her divorce; finding herself again and chasing her dream; was everything I wanted from her journey. Dennis’s hesitation and eventual push to follow his own dreams felt equally authentic for a man who’s been stuck in the same routine for over a decade. Their romance builds slowly but beautifully, showing that two people can be on different paths that eventually merge into something meaningful.
Plot & Conflict The obstacles they face; old relationships resurfacing, miscommunication rooted in past habits; were realistic for their stage in life. Andee’s discovery of her husband’s betrayal and her decision to start fresh in Silverthorne felt raw, natural, and emotionally earned. While some plot beats were predictable, it never took away from the overall charm. In fact, it made the story feel even cozier, like slipping into a romance I could trust to deliver.
Setting & Atmosphere Silverthorne is the epitome of a cozy small town where everyone knows everyone, and I loved how the bakery and food truck dreams wove into the romance. The food theme didn’t just add flavor, it became the natural starting point for Andee and Dennis’s connection, making their bond feel grounded and heartfelt.
Writing Style & Voice Megan Whiting’s dialogue has a slightly clunky quality, but in the best way. It doesn’t read like a polished script; it reads like real conversations, the kind of banter and awkward pauses I’ve had myself. That authenticity is why I love her writing. The mix of humor and heart also felt seamless, I laughed at moments that reminded me of things I’ve said with my wife, and I was moved when the story leaned into deeper emotions.
Themes & Depth The book explores betrayal, self-acceptance, fresh starts, and the importance of finding your voice. These themes were handled with care, especially in Andee’s healing process and Dennis’s step toward finally claiming his dream.
Ending & Overall Satisfaction The story wraps up with a satisfying HEA that felt fully earned. The third-act breakup; something I usually don’t love; was actually handled well, tying back to both characters’ past wounds and reinforcing the growth they needed to get to their happy ending. My only wish was for more time with some of the side characters, especially Scarlett and Missy, who I’d love to see get stories of their own.
Final Thoughts Check Me Out is a cozy, heartfelt romance perfect for anyone who loves small-town settings, second chances, and a touch of light trauma resolved with hope and love. It’s warm, relatable, and leaves you rooting for the characters as if they were your neighbors.
Favorite Quote:
"He was drinking me in like someone in the desert for weeks without water."
So Stinkin’ Cute! I loved this book! The way it was written made me want to move to a small town, to just drop everything and start fresh. The way the scenery of the town was described, it made me wish it was fall and that I was snugged up under a blanket with a mug of something warm to sip on. I now want to go antiquing and to buy an apron.
I truly appreciated that both Andee & Dennis had lived a little. They both had been able to grow and learn more about themselves, even if Dennis did need a push or 20 from Gran & Missy. Gran! Man, I loved Gran’s character!
Awkward and goofy are the only words I can think of to describe Andee in the best of ways. Her giddiness was contagious, and I found myself laughing often. The chemistry between Andee and Dennis was amazing. Their flirtatious ways without even trying were great. I loved Dennis’s patience and the way he accepted Andee just as she was. Watching them fall in love the way that they did was so heartfelt.
I can honestly say I would read this again. Fingers crossed this is just part one of a series!
🍂 This book was absolutely adorable! I loved the small-town vibes and I truly believe Andee + Dennis were made for each other 💕 Their love story was so real, so raw, and so relatable and everything just clicked between them, and I couldn’t stop rooting for them.
Scarlett, Mia, Kenzie, and Lydia were the perfect best-friend group, adding so much warmth and joy. Andee’s mom? Hilarious and witty, I adored her! And Missy?? I would love to see her get her own story (with a few cameos from Andee + Dennis, please 👀).
I also loved how both characters got to chase their dreams while being surrounded by so much support. This story gave me all the cozy fall vibes and I am HERE for it 🍁✨
Huge thank you to Megan for letting me be a part of your ARC team and for writing such a heartfelt, swoony story 🤍
If you are looking for a feet kicking while smiling like a dork while reading book this is the one. I loved everything about this book, from the characters and their growth to the storyline pace. I appreciated the dual pov and the switching between the two was done effortlessly and at the right times.
The scenery/town is descripted so beautiful i almost started packing my bags to move to Silverthorne, honestly i am a sucker for idilic small towns and they way the author described all the details i felt like i was walking down the street with Andee.
The support characters all added to the story and honestly i would love if the author writes some of their stories especially Jonathan and Mia. Andee and Dennis relationship develops beautifully and realisticly i especially loved the bit of banter.
I love everything about this! It was so cute and funny and everything I needed in a book! I love that that even though it feels like the end and is a sad angry time that Andee turned it into something amazing and finally decided to follow her passion. Even at 32 she never gave up even with her worthless ex husband. I also loveeeee Dennis he is the perfect book boyfriend! They found each other when they weren’t even looking and I think they bring out the best in each other and even with a rough moment they make it through! It’s the perfect rom com and the spicy scenes are top notch!! 🔥 I love the bedroom side of Dennis and him bringing out the sexy side of Andee
* I am an ARC reader!!! This is also my second romance book ever reading!*
Boy did this book have me so gitty. Andee with her personality and her awkwardness/quirkiness I felt in my soul 😭😂 I am so awkward especially meeting new people!
Her interactions with Dennis (especially the first) had me kicking my feet and giggling because YES GIRL SAME I make comments just like these two do to people and it just felt so realistic! All of the people surrounding Andee and caring for her are the funniest group of friends like yes please we love supportive friends! And her mom!! Absolutely adored this book!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book was an adorable rom-com with lots of sexy banter and innuendo, but it also had a lot of depth. Both MCs are coming out of long term failed relationships/marriage and you get to see as they help each other find their strength and power again. So it's part cute story (with silly moments and fun tv/movie references that all the millennials will get) and part deep romance about two damaged souls learning to open their hearts. Definitely one for the TBR!
Read this as an ARC and it was fabulous! It was a very relatable, cute rom com. It was an easy read and would love to see if there will be any spin offs of the other characters. Highly recommend!!
This was such a cute small town romance! I fell in love with Andee and Dennis right away—they’re both so easy to root for and you can feel the chemistry between them from the start.
What really made this book shine for me were the side characters. Andee’s mom is the ultimate supportive mom, always there for her. Dennis’s grandmother and sister cracked me up but also had so much heart. Andee’s friend group is exactly the kind of girlfriends you want in your life—supportive, fun, and truly caring. Honestly, every single side character left me wishing for their own story!
If you love cozy, heartfelt romances with a strong sense of family and friendship, this is definitely one to pick up. It’s warm, funny, and full of love in all the best ways.
This book was absolutely adorable! I adored the cozy small-town vibes, and Andee and Dennis were truly made for each other. Their love story felt so real and relatable. Everything just clicked between them, and I couldn’t stop rooting for their happily ever after.
Scarlett, Mia, Kenzie, and Lydia made the perfect best-friend group, bringing so much warmth and joy to the story. I want to join Midnight movies and margaritas! They were exactly the kind of side characters you want to see in a romance.
I especially loved how both Andee and Dennis were able to chase their dreams while being surrounded by such unwavering support. My heart is so full seeing them get the ending they deserved!