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Cozy in Rocosa #1
The Relationship Remodel
This is not a road trip…this is torture.
Even after earning my eighteen-month sobriety chip, I’m still a walking disaster. Whenever I get my feet under me, life tackles me to the ground, making sure everyone in Rocosa has a front row seat to the Reese Humiliation Show. So imagine my surprise when my brother entrusts me with one of the most important parts of his wedding—organizing the honeymoon.
For once, I’m not going to screw things up. It’s a simple catch an overnight bus to Texas, pick up a vintage RV, drive it back home to Colorado, and renovate it before the wedding. Except life throws one more wrench into the works. My brother’s bossy friend insists on tagging along for the ride. The same man I’ve been too embarrassed to speak to since he saved my life last year.
There’s no sugarcoating it—I’ve found myself in a rut managing my uncle’s sports bar day after day. Desperate for change, I started narrating audiobooks, which has unexpectedly landed me a lucrative voice-acting gig in Los Angeles.
But I refuse to leave until I solve the frustrating puzzle that is Reese Brooks, my ex-friend who can’t spend five minutes in my presence without bolting like I have the plague. Before I finally give up and accept my new job, an opportunity presents itself in the form of a rickety old camper. Maybe one last renovation is what we need to fix our friendship…or whatever this thing is between us.
Even after earning my eighteen-month sobriety chip, I’m still a walking disaster. Whenever I get my feet under me, life tackles me to the ground, making sure everyone in Rocosa has a front row seat to the Reese Humiliation Show. So imagine my surprise when my brother entrusts me with one of the most important parts of his wedding—organizing the honeymoon.
For once, I’m not going to screw things up. It’s a simple catch an overnight bus to Texas, pick up a vintage RV, drive it back home to Colorado, and renovate it before the wedding. Except life throws one more wrench into the works. My brother’s bossy friend insists on tagging along for the ride. The same man I’ve been too embarrassed to speak to since he saved my life last year.
There’s no sugarcoating it—I’ve found myself in a rut managing my uncle’s sports bar day after day. Desperate for change, I started narrating audiobooks, which has unexpectedly landed me a lucrative voice-acting gig in Los Angeles.
But I refuse to leave until I solve the frustrating puzzle that is Reese Brooks, my ex-friend who can’t spend five minutes in my presence without bolting like I have the plague. Before I finally give up and accept my new job, an opportunity presents itself in the form of a rickety old camper. Maybe one last renovation is what we need to fix our friendship…or whatever this thing is between us.
261 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 29, 2025
76 people are currently reading
522 people want to read
About the author
Callie Thomas
8 books311 followers* Write From the Heart *
Callie Thomas is an indie author who loves all things fairy tales—including twisting tales of her own. Her favorite stories have a mix of sweet romance, laughter, and a pinch of magic. When she's not writing, she enjoys playing board games, reading at the beach, and traveling the world with her husband and two boys. Since she can't live at Disney World, you'll find her near the historical battlefields and lush woodlands where her family lives in Fredericksburg, VA. She recently published her first Vella series, A Forest of Stolen Memories & A Sea of Golden Chains, and has more stories on the horizon.
Callie Thomas is an indie author who loves all things fairy tales—including twisting tales of her own. Her favorite stories have a mix of sweet romance, laughter, and a pinch of magic. When she's not writing, she enjoys playing board games, reading at the beach, and traveling the world with her husband and two boys. Since she can't live at Disney World, you'll find her near the historical battlefields and lush woodlands where her family lives in Fredericksburg, VA. She recently published her first Vella series, A Forest of Stolen Memories & A Sea of Golden Chains, and has more stories on the horizon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
January 2, 2026
pre-read: AHHHHHHHHHHHH I WAS HOPING REESE WOULD GET HER OWN BOOK HOW DID I NOT KNOW IT CAME OUT????????????? I NEED ITTTTTTT
(imagine this in a sing songy voice) i gotttt ittttttt
oh my word i loved this book so much. i loved how and boy am i all for it. this book was so sweet between the two of them and i silently screamed thoughout the entire thing because of how cute it was. yall know how it is… 😂
don’t even get me started on the whole audiobook scene on the bus where he’s jealous. 🫣🥰🥰🥰 it was so cuteeeeeeeee
TRISTAN: somebody get me a man like this. he’s so sweet to Reese!! it just melted my 12 am brain when i was reading it. 😜 i love how he just slowly realizes his feelings for her even though really they have been there for years. also the audiobook. once again 💜💜💜💜💜💜
REESE: she makes me so happy because i can read how hard she is struggling to overcome her Alcoholism and even just the tiny thing that become her triggers, that was such an interesting detail to add. overall she is just such a strong character and i just love her 💜
thats all the characters ima do
anyways heres some mumbo jumbo numbers for yall!
spice: 0.8
romance: 5/5 ⭐️
language: none
triggers: the FMC deals with maintaining her sobriety because 18 months ago she was deep into drinking with her abusive ex boyfriend. that is a contstant throughout the story because Tristan is a bartender who has helped her throughout all of her journey.
faith elements: FMC (Reese) rekindles her relationship with God towards the end after not believing how God could let something so bad happen to her Granny. Trisan (MMC) explains that because there is sin in the world, that is why her Granny died all those years ago, and (the book explains this way better because im writing this review the morning after so my brain is still a little foggy from sleep 😭😂) he goes on to say that God still loves her even after she started drinking and that God still wants to love her.
Overall rating 100/5 ⭐️
(imagine this in a sing songy voice) i gotttt ittttttt
oh my word i loved this book so much. i loved how and boy am i all for it. this book was so sweet between the two of them and i silently screamed thoughout the entire thing because of how cute it was. yall know how it is… 😂
don’t even get me started on the whole audiobook scene on the bus where he’s jealous. 🫣🥰🥰🥰 it was so cuteeeeeeeee
TRISTAN: somebody get me a man like this. he’s so sweet to Reese!! it just melted my 12 am brain when i was reading it. 😜 i love how he just slowly realizes his feelings for her even though really they have been there for years. also the audiobook. once again 💜💜💜💜💜💜
REESE: she makes me so happy because i can read how hard she is struggling to overcome her Alcoholism and even just the tiny thing that become her triggers, that was such an interesting detail to add. overall she is just such a strong character and i just love her 💜
thats all the characters ima do
anyways heres some mumbo jumbo numbers for yall!
spice: 0.8
romance: 5/5 ⭐️
language: none
triggers: the FMC deals with maintaining her sobriety because 18 months ago she was deep into drinking with her abusive ex boyfriend. that is a contstant throughout the story because Tristan is a bartender who has helped her throughout all of her journey.
faith elements: FMC (Reese) rekindles her relationship with God towards the end after not believing how God could let something so bad happen to her Granny. Trisan (MMC) explains that because there is sin in the world, that is why her Granny died all those years ago, and (the book explains this way better because im writing this review the morning after so my brain is still a little foggy from sleep 😭😂) he goes on to say that God still loves her even after she started drinking and that God still wants to love her.
Overall rating 100/5 ⭐️
January 13, 2026
ten pocit když člověk čte náhodnou knihu a uprostřed zjistí že to plné známých skvělých postav 🤩
December 29, 2025
These two have been on my mind a lot over the last several months and that’s even before they were a pair, I know I’m not alone in this! Her brother’s epilogue gave us reason to hope and now it’s been paid in full!
Reese is a mid 20s, small town mechanic that everyone can’t help but notice… and she’s sick of it! The town is well-intentioned, but she would rather fight her battles from her past alone! With her brother getting married soon, she must summon the courage to wear more than just the “ugly” bridesmaid’s dress, the smile on her face will be genuine, even if her relationship with others is strained. One of those relationships is with her brother’s best friend, who seems to have a front row seat to all her shortfalls for the past 5 years and to say she enjoys having him buzzing around would be an utter lie!
Tristen is the manager of the bar in town (family business – awkwardly ironic) and loyalist of friends anyone could ever ask for. When he finds out Des has asked that his sister go down to Texas to retrieve an RV he purchased, he finds a way to go too! This trip proves to be a test of his mental, emotional and physical fortitude. This man seems to be superhuman, and his lone kryptonite is Reese Brooks!
Over the course of the trip to Texas and back, things shift, confessions are made and hope is restored! I laughed, cried and felt a sense of peace in so many parts of this book! Even if this story didn’t have my favorite trope at its core, I would have still read this! It’s one of those books, that made me feel seen. We all have our own pasts and sometimes it’s the subtle undercurrents in books that shake us! I eagerly await buying this book as it is the newest entry on my personal favorites! If you know me at all, that’s a big statement! Callie Thomas delivered the hard stuff delicately and the funny stuff in such a way that I felt like I was getting a hug from her! Brilliantly done!
TW: alcoholism/abuse (past)
Reese is a mid 20s, small town mechanic that everyone can’t help but notice… and she’s sick of it! The town is well-intentioned, but she would rather fight her battles from her past alone! With her brother getting married soon, she must summon the courage to wear more than just the “ugly” bridesmaid’s dress, the smile on her face will be genuine, even if her relationship with others is strained. One of those relationships is with her brother’s best friend, who seems to have a front row seat to all her shortfalls for the past 5 years and to say she enjoys having him buzzing around would be an utter lie!
Tristen is the manager of the bar in town (family business – awkwardly ironic) and loyalist of friends anyone could ever ask for. When he finds out Des has asked that his sister go down to Texas to retrieve an RV he purchased, he finds a way to go too! This trip proves to be a test of his mental, emotional and physical fortitude. This man seems to be superhuman, and his lone kryptonite is Reese Brooks!
Over the course of the trip to Texas and back, things shift, confessions are made and hope is restored! I laughed, cried and felt a sense of peace in so many parts of this book! Even if this story didn’t have my favorite trope at its core, I would have still read this! It’s one of those books, that made me feel seen. We all have our own pasts and sometimes it’s the subtle undercurrents in books that shake us! I eagerly await buying this book as it is the newest entry on my personal favorites! If you know me at all, that’s a big statement! Callie Thomas delivered the hard stuff delicately and the funny stuff in such a way that I felt like I was getting a hug from her! Brilliantly done!
TW: alcoholism/abuse (past)
December 28, 2025
Y’all, ever since I read “The Overdue Kiss” by Callie Thomas I’ve been WAITING to get back into the world of Rocosa, Colorado and all of its patrons! So when I received “The relationship remodel” I instantly dived in. This book is closed door with Christian elements set in the exact same location as “the overdue kiss” but it does standalone and doesn’t have to be read in order, In this book we follow Reese (Des’ sister from TOK) and Tristen (Des’ bff) as they embark on a roadtrip journey from rivals to relationship. I enjoyed seeing a woman in a usually male dominated space such as mechanics and seeing Tristen allow her talents to shine without feeling intimidated. The faith elements in this book is one of the best parts,along with seeing Reese deal with the ins and outs of sobriety. I cannot wait to read what this author cooks up next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Road trip to love!
I really enjoyed this clean enemies to friends book! I read the Overdue Kiss back when it came out so remembered some of that story but feel like this can definitely be read on its own. The author has a content warning at the beginning discussing some of the elements of the book and does a great job informing the reader of what to expect. I smashed through the book in 2 days and really enjoyed seeing some of the characters from the Overdue Kiss but liked how it focused on Reese and Tristen. I love the details in the book and the cat themed rv from a lady that never owned a cat! Also interested in the audiobook mentioned in the book and what story Chantelle wrote! I received an ARC from the author but my review is honest and my own opinion.
I really enjoyed this clean enemies to friends book! I read the Overdue Kiss back when it came out so remembered some of that story but feel like this can definitely be read on its own. The author has a content warning at the beginning discussing some of the elements of the book and does a great job informing the reader of what to expect. I smashed through the book in 2 days and really enjoyed seeing some of the characters from the Overdue Kiss but liked how it focused on Reese and Tristen. I love the details in the book and the cat themed rv from a lady that never owned a cat! Also interested in the audiobook mentioned in the book and what story Chantelle wrote! I received an ARC from the author but my review is honest and my own opinion.
December 29, 2025
WOW. This book is epic. Loved it!!!
Tristen is extremely protective of Reese in the swooniest of ways. Melt. My. Heart.
Callie is quickly becoming one of my go to romance authors for her beautiful stories rich in depth and swoon! This one is a must read!!
Protective MMC
Forced Proximity
Mechanic FMC
So Much Banter
Brother's Best Friend
Faith Inspired
Redemption
Nicknames
Thank you Callie for a copy of your book. This is my genuine review.
Tristen is extremely protective of Reese in the swooniest of ways. Melt. My. Heart.
Callie is quickly becoming one of my go to romance authors for her beautiful stories rich in depth and swoon! This one is a must read!!
Protective MMC
Forced Proximity
Mechanic FMC
So Much Banter
Brother's Best Friend
Faith Inspired
Redemption
Nicknames
Thank you Callie for a copy of your book. This is my genuine review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
So good! Loved this one...
December 28, 2025
I have been eagerly waiting for Reese’s story since The Overdue Kiss. Well worth the wait! I loved returning the cozy mountain town of Rocosa. This story was a beautiful tale of seeking God and moving forward from past mistakes. I loved every minute I read of this heartwarming journey. Reese and Tristen’s story was the perfect blend of humor and swoony moments. Reese was an endearing character. I admire her resilience and her redemption journey. Tristen was swoony and I love how he pointed Reese to Christ. They had fantastic chemistry. The romance was closed door with swoony kisses. This book does cover sensitive topics such as grief and alcoholism. Callie did a great job of handling these topics and wrote with care. This book is perfect for those who love forced proximity, roadtrip misadventures, and brother’s best friend stories!
I volunteered to read an ARC copy of the book and all thoughts are my own.
I volunteered to read an ARC copy of the book and all thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Relationship Remodel will have you kicking your feet swooning, to gasping in shock the next second from whiplash.
We love Reese, we love how Tristan helps her see she's so much more than she sees herself.
2 lifelong friends road trip together and start to see each other in a different light.
Be ready to stay up all night reading it!
We love Reese, we love how Tristan helps her see she's so much more than she sees herself.
2 lifelong friends road trip together and start to see each other in a different light.
Be ready to stay up all night reading it!
Read
December 30, 2025This book (the Rocosa series) is some of the best contemporary fiction I've read in a long time! I love how Callie addresses deeper issues, giving a true voice to those struggling with why bad things happen to good people. A hefty dose of swoon and laughter between the main characters keeps this book from dragging down. Definitely a book to reread!
December 28, 2025
Super cute enemies to lovers romcom! Great story line with forced proximity, a snarky FMC, and a bumpy road to healing from past hurts. Loved every minute of it, especially the crazy cat lady details haha
January 4, 2026
Pace: Easy read
Spice Level: None, Just Yearning
Twists in Story Line: no twists, but still a sweet read.
Type: romance, enemy to lovers, Christian.
Spice Level: None, Just Yearning
Twists in Story Line: no twists, but still a sweet read.
Type: romance, enemy to lovers, Christian.
January 9, 2026
3.5 story was a little slow but I really appreciate that faith is at the center of these stories, no foul language, no spice etc.
January 10, 2026
4 stars! Very cute and loved that it was closed door. Great Christian romance!
January 18, 2026
Super sweet romance mixed with faith and a great recovery story. Enjoyed the emotional ride of the main female character.
it's a simple read, but was good for how short the book was!
it's a simple read, but was good for how short the book was!
January 2, 2026
💛🛠️🎧 ARC Review: The Relationship Remodel by Callie Thomas
⭐ 5/5 Stars — a tender, faith-forward small-town romance about sobriety, second chances, rebuilding what was broken from one prayer and one kiss at a time.
🚌 This is not a road trip — it’s a reckoning. Reese Brooks is Rocosa’s favorite cautionary tale, the girl everyone watched fall apart and is now watching try to stand back up. Nearly two years sober, working in oil-stained jeans at Mountain Auto Repair, Reese carries grief, addiction, and shame like extra tools in her pockets. When she’s tasked with restoring a vintage RV for her brother’s honeymoon, she’s determined not to fail again — even if it means surviving an overnight bus ride and a renovation from
🛠️ Enter Tristen Davis — the bane of her existence and the boy who’s always been there. Des’s best friend. The man who calls her Reese’s Cup. The one who’s seen her unconscious, broken, reckless… and still stayed. Gruff, loyal, quietly soft beneath flannel and black t-shirts, Tristen is stuck running his uncle’s business while secretly building a new future as an audiobook narrator. And somehow, the voice Reese falls for in her headphones — “Austin Davis” — is the same man standing beside her in real life.
🎧 Their romance is a slow-burn collision of proximity and restraint. Forced road trips, renovation chaos, screaming-turned-flirting arguments, banana-strawberry shakes, pineapple-and-ham pizza, fairy lights strung between trees. Reese runs when things get hard. Tristen stays — even when it costs him.
💛 If you love: 🛠️ Forced proximity road trips 🎧 Secret identity / voice crush 🧑🤝🧑 Best friend’s sister 🍂 Small-town autumn vibes ✝️ Faith & redemption arcs 🔥 Slow-burn, emotionally charged romance
🌾 Aesthetic Vibe: Golden aspens, string lights at dusk, a beat-up white truck, oil-stained hands, candy nicknames, fruity lip gloss, bus stations at midnight, and a voice that feels like home.
⚠️ Content Warnings: • Addiction & recovery • Past emotional abuse • Grief & loss • Kidnapping (past, referenced) • Faith & spiritual struggle
📖 Final Thoughts: The Relationship Remodel is about choosing to stay when it’s easier to run, loving someone through their mess without trying to control them, and trusting God with the parts of yourself you’re still afraid to face. Reese and Tristen’s story is tender, frustrating, funny, and deeply healing — proof that some things don’t need replacing… just patience, faith, and the courage to try again.
- Elizabeth
🚌 This is not a road trip — it’s a reckoning. Reese Brooks is Rocosa’s favorite cautionary tale, the girl everyone watched fall apart and is now watching try to stand back up. Nearly two years sober, working in oil-stained jeans at Mountain Auto Repair, Reese carries grief, addiction, and shame like extra tools in her pockets. When she’s tasked with restoring a vintage RV for her brother’s honeymoon, she’s determined not to fail again — even if it means surviving an overnight bus ride and a renovation from
🛠️ Enter Tristen Davis — the bane of her existence and the boy who’s always been there. Des’s best friend. The man who calls her Reese’s Cup. The one who’s seen her unconscious, broken, reckless… and still stayed. Gruff, loyal, quietly soft beneath flannel and black t-shirts, Tristen is stuck running his uncle’s business while secretly building a new future as an audiobook narrator. And somehow, the voice Reese falls for in her headphones — “Austin Davis” — is the same man standing beside her in real life.
🎧 Their romance is a slow-burn collision of proximity and restraint. Forced road trips, renovation chaos, screaming-turned-flirting arguments, banana-strawberry shakes, pineapple-and-ham pizza, fairy lights strung between trees. Reese runs when things get hard. Tristen stays — even when it costs him.
💛 If you love: 🛠️ Forced proximity road trips 🎧 Secret identity / voice crush 🧑🤝🧑 Best friend’s sister 🍂 Small-town autumn vibes ✝️ Faith & redemption arcs 🔥 Slow-burn, emotionally charged romance
🌾 Aesthetic Vibe: Golden aspens, string lights at dusk, a beat-up white truck, oil-stained hands, candy nicknames, fruity lip gloss, bus stations at midnight, and a voice that feels like home.
⚠️ Content Warnings: • Addiction & recovery • Past emotional abuse • Grief & loss • Kidnapping (past, referenced) • Faith & spiritual struggle
📖 Final Thoughts: The Relationship Remodel is about choosing to stay when it’s easier to run, loving someone through their mess without trying to control them, and trusting God with the parts of yourself you’re still afraid to face. Reese and Tristen’s story is tender, frustrating, funny, and deeply healing — proof that some things don’t need replacing… just patience, faith, and the courage to try again.
- Elizabeth
January 4, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed this contemporary Christian romance. It tackles hard issues like recovering from addiction, guilt and the struggle to accept the sad things that happen in life; how those challenges and pain can cause us to hide not only ourselves, but from our faith. However, it also addressed how returning to the Lord renews us and covers us in His love and forgiveness.
Reese and Tristen’s tumultuous relationship begins with Reese feeling deep shame that Tristen had a front row seat to many of her most embarrassing moment (thanks to his slightly ironic position as manager of the local bar), and Tristen feeling strong protection and concern towards her, often misconstrued as by Reese as being untrusted by him. It will take a bus trip, a fixer-up RV that springs surprise problems and audiobooks for this couple to see what truly lies between them.
Will they and their way to each other, or will their defences up to protect themselves, will they miss out on the extraordinary gift from God that their relationship could be?
This story is set in the same town as The Overdue Kiss but it is a standalone and can be read without knowing the background of the other characters such as Reese’s brother or his fiancé.
It’s a wonderful blend of swoon-y moments, humour and deep, heartfelt revelations, and forced proximity.
TW - reference to alcoholism/abuse
I received this as an advanced reader copy, all opinions are my own. My thanks to the author for being included in her ARC team.
Reese and Tristen’s tumultuous relationship begins with Reese feeling deep shame that Tristen had a front row seat to many of her most embarrassing moment (thanks to his slightly ironic position as manager of the local bar), and Tristen feeling strong protection and concern towards her, often misconstrued as by Reese as being untrusted by him. It will take a bus trip, a fixer-up RV that springs surprise problems and audiobooks for this couple to see what truly lies between them.
Will they and their way to each other, or will their defences up to protect themselves, will they miss out on the extraordinary gift from God that their relationship could be?
This story is set in the same town as The Overdue Kiss but it is a standalone and can be read without knowing the background of the other characters such as Reese’s brother or his fiancé.
It’s a wonderful blend of swoon-y moments, humour and deep, heartfelt revelations, and forced proximity.
TW - reference to alcoholism/abuse
I received this as an advanced reader copy, all opinions are my own. My thanks to the author for being included in her ARC team.
December 29, 2025
Wow, wow, wow!! Once I started reading The Relationship Remodel by Callie Thomas, it was near impossible to tear myself away. I loved it so much! Simply put, Reece and Tristen made my heart happy.
Without giving any spoilers, I loved how steadfast Tristen was, he never gave up on Reece and just wanted to be there for her. That’s even before he realized his true feelings. But even more than he wanted her for himself, he wanted her whole and restored. Then sweet Reece, my heart hurt for how she viewed herself. That tainted view caused misconceptions in her beliefs on how everyone else viewed her, too. She had so much emotional baggage she had to go through to grow, and Tristen waded through it with her, encouraging her the entire way.
I also loved the encouragement of the side characters. There are some beautiful, deep nuggets to mine through, including this gem-“Yes, I’ve seen your transformation these last months. We’re all so proud of you, sweetie. But I know it’s still a long and hard road, and for some, that road never ends. Our temptations are scars that never truly go away but serve as reminders at how far we’ve come.“
If you are looking for a sweet romance filled with witty banter, tension, sweet kisses and redemption, look no further! Grab your copy of The Relationship Remodel today!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thoughts and opinions are my own.
Without giving any spoilers, I loved how steadfast Tristen was, he never gave up on Reece and just wanted to be there for her. That’s even before he realized his true feelings. But even more than he wanted her for himself, he wanted her whole and restored. Then sweet Reece, my heart hurt for how she viewed herself. That tainted view caused misconceptions in her beliefs on how everyone else viewed her, too. She had so much emotional baggage she had to go through to grow, and Tristen waded through it with her, encouraging her the entire way.
I also loved the encouragement of the side characters. There are some beautiful, deep nuggets to mine through, including this gem-“Yes, I’ve seen your transformation these last months. We’re all so proud of you, sweetie. But I know it’s still a long and hard road, and for some, that road never ends. Our temptations are scars that never truly go away but serve as reminders at how far we’ve come.“
If you are looking for a sweet romance filled with witty banter, tension, sweet kisses and redemption, look no further! Grab your copy of The Relationship Remodel today!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 5, 2026
Returning to Rocosa, Colorado felt like coming home—and The Relationship Remodel completely stole my heart. Reese Brooks is freshly sober, deeply flawed, and trying desperately to prove she’s more than her past. When she’s tasked with renovating a vintage RV for her brother’s wedding, the last person she expects (or wants) along for the ride is Tristen—the man who once saved her life and now can barely stand to be in the same room with her.
What follows is a road trip that’s equal parts uncomfortable, emotional, and transformative. Watching Reese navigate sobriety, self-worth, and healing was incredibly powerful, and Callie Thomas handled her story with so much grace and compassion. I especially loved seeing Reese thrive in a traditionally male-dominated space and having Tristen support her strengths without ever dimming her shine.
The faith elements were beautifully woven throughout, offering depth without feeling heavy-handed, and the slow-burn tension between Reese and Tristen was perfection. Their journey from fractured friendship to something deeper felt earned, tender, and real. This book can absolutely be read as a standalone, but fans of The Overdue Kiss will love revisiting Rocosa and its familiar faces.
This may very well be my favorite Callie Thomas book yet—hope-filled, heartfelt, and deeply moving.
ARC Disclaimer: I received an advance copy for consideration. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
What follows is a road trip that’s equal parts uncomfortable, emotional, and transformative. Watching Reese navigate sobriety, self-worth, and healing was incredibly powerful, and Callie Thomas handled her story with so much grace and compassion. I especially loved seeing Reese thrive in a traditionally male-dominated space and having Tristen support her strengths without ever dimming her shine.
The faith elements were beautifully woven throughout, offering depth without feeling heavy-handed, and the slow-burn tension between Reese and Tristen was perfection. Their journey from fractured friendship to something deeper felt earned, tender, and real. This book can absolutely be read as a standalone, but fans of The Overdue Kiss will love revisiting Rocosa and its familiar faces.
This may very well be my favorite Callie Thomas book yet—hope-filled, heartfelt, and deeply moving.
ARC Disclaimer: I received an advance copy for consideration. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 2, 2026
This is such a wonderful book! I love Callie Thomas's writing style. It's Christian romance without the sermon. The characters are religious and it shows in their every day actions and behaviors.
Reese struggles with returning to church after recovering from alcoholism and Tristan helps her on her journey. There is enemies-to-more tension between Tristan and Reese. Reese is a mechanic and Tristan is the manager of the local bar.
I loved the chemistry between the two, the RV adventures, and I loved the female mechanic representation. I loved the growth and development of the characters and the romance and how much Tristan cares for Reese is sublime.
There are no swears. Alcoholism and alcohol is discussed and mentioned quite a bit but there is never current consumption. There are level 1 kisses only. Present tense, First person, dual POV.
Reese struggles with returning to church after recovering from alcoholism and Tristan helps her on her journey. There is enemies-to-more tension between Tristan and Reese. Reese is a mechanic and Tristan is the manager of the local bar.
I loved the chemistry between the two, the RV adventures, and I loved the female mechanic representation. I loved the growth and development of the characters and the romance and how much Tristan cares for Reese is sublime.
There are no swears. Alcoholism and alcohol is discussed and mentioned quite a bit but there is never current consumption. There are level 1 kisses only. Present tense, First person, dual POV.
January 2, 2026
This was such a delight to read!!!! It was like eating a chocolate covered pretzel. The sweet romance and comedy blended so well with the salty realistic struggles people face.
Reese agrees to pick an RV for her brother. Tristan has been a family friend for ages and decides to tag along. The only problem, they can’t stop arguing….
Highlights:
Truce attempts
All the times Tristan offers Reese food
I love Reese for her stubborn determination and her loyalty. I love how strong she is.
I love Tristan for being thoughtful and protective.
““What was that for?” I ask. “Not that I mind. You’re free to kiss me whenever you want. You’ll have no complaints from me.”
This was an ARC, all thoughts are my own.
Reese agrees to pick an RV for her brother. Tristan has been a family friend for ages and decides to tag along. The only problem, they can’t stop arguing….
Highlights:
Truce attempts
All the times Tristan offers Reese food
I love Reese for her stubborn determination and her loyalty. I love how strong she is.
I love Tristan for being thoughtful and protective.
““What was that for?” I ask. “Not that I mind. You’re free to kiss me whenever you want. You’ll have no complaints from me.”
This was an ARC, all thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Such a fun read containing love/hate relationship, tension, close proximity, road trip, a RV, and renovation project. I enjoyed the chemistry between Tristan and Reece who were secondary characters in The Overdue Kiss. The author took great care handling sensitive topics such as alcoholism, anxiety attacks, and coping with loss in this story. It was great watching Reece's faith journey unfold throughout The Relationship Remodel.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 29, 2025
Reece is a recovering alcoholic, and I really liked how we got to see the ripple effects of addiction - the destroyed self esteem, the impact on those around her, her regrets over past decisions, her fight to stay sober and to not let the triggers win. Tristen wanted to help but she had abandoned their friendship. I loved how Reece came to realise that it wasn't weakness to accept help from others and that that hole inside of her she tried to fill with alcohol could only be filled by returning to God and accepting his help. I received an ARC but this review is my own.
January 9, 2026
4.5 stars
I read this book in one day! The Relationship Remodel is the first book in Callie Thomas’ series, Cozy in Rocosa. However you meet the main characters in The Overdue Kiss. I was so excited to see that Reese and Tristian were getting their own book. They had so much chemistry and I couldn’t wait to read their story.
I love the connection that Tristian and Resse had. They had history but things had gotten rocky between them. Although they fought, they still cared for each other in their own ways. The romance was sweet especially as they worked together to bring Des’ RV home.
I loved the growth that both Trisitan and Resse showed as they spent time together through the book. Resse had been through a lot and she was learning to let others in. It was sweet to read about her trusting Tristian and seeing that she didn’t have to do everything on her own. God was good and in control. Tristan was struggling to figure out life and what he hoped to do. It was cool to read as Trsitian found his path and fell deeper in love with Resse.
This is a must read and a wonderful start to a new series! It was fun to see some old characters and meet new ones. I love the themes of redemption, forgiveness and family that were woven into the book. The Relationship Remodel is a clean Christian contemporary romance.
Book Highlights:
Enemies ish to lovers
Brother’s best friend
Mechanic FMC
Audiobook narrator MMC
Redemption
Forced proximity
Found family
Growth
I received a complimentary copy
I read this book in one day! The Relationship Remodel is the first book in Callie Thomas’ series, Cozy in Rocosa. However you meet the main characters in The Overdue Kiss. I was so excited to see that Reese and Tristian were getting their own book. They had so much chemistry and I couldn’t wait to read their story.
I love the connection that Tristian and Resse had. They had history but things had gotten rocky between them. Although they fought, they still cared for each other in their own ways. The romance was sweet especially as they worked together to bring Des’ RV home.
I loved the growth that both Trisitan and Resse showed as they spent time together through the book. Resse had been through a lot and she was learning to let others in. It was sweet to read about her trusting Tristian and seeing that she didn’t have to do everything on her own. God was good and in control. Tristan was struggling to figure out life and what he hoped to do. It was cool to read as Trsitian found his path and fell deeper in love with Resse.
This is a must read and a wonderful start to a new series! It was fun to see some old characters and meet new ones. I love the themes of redemption, forgiveness and family that were woven into the book. The Relationship Remodel is a clean Christian contemporary romance.
Book Highlights:
Enemies ish to lovers
Brother’s best friend
Mechanic FMC
Audiobook narrator MMC
Redemption
Forced proximity
Found family
Growth
I received a complimentary copy
January 1, 2026
And to wrap up my 2025 reading, I devoured this book! I’ve been looking forward to this story since reading The Overdue Kiss, and it was everything I needed and more. Thomas is a phenomenal author; I absolutely love her voice. It’s so easy to get lost in her stories. The humor, the banter, the romance, the sentimental moments, the faith arc… everything about this story was pure perfection! Excited for more!
January 13, 2026
Engaging and easy to follow along
The book kept me engaged the whole time, has a great storyline. I kept wanting to read the next chapter.
The only thing was the main character Tristan seemed too obsessive and not a normal love over Reese. A little weird he had a picture of her on his computer for his audio books before they started dating. Couple other instances. Just my opinion reading this. I would recommend a friend to read this though
The book kept me engaged the whole time, has a great storyline. I kept wanting to read the next chapter.
The only thing was the main character Tristan seemed too obsessive and not a normal love over Reese. A little weird he had a picture of her on his computer for his audio books before they started dating. Couple other instances. Just my opinion reading this. I would recommend a friend to read this though
January 16, 2026
I love Rocosa and all its characters!
I reread The Overdue Kiss and I’m so happy I did because I was reminded of how much I liked Reese and Tristen in that story.
This is a story of grief, addiction recovery but there was so much hope, love and laughs that it was such an enjoyable quick read.
I loved that Faith and friendship was at the center of this story and their relationship.
You can’t help but root for both of them!!
I reread The Overdue Kiss and I’m so happy I did because I was reminded of how much I liked Reese and Tristen in that story.
This is a story of grief, addiction recovery but there was so much hope, love and laughs that it was such an enjoyable quick read.
I loved that Faith and friendship was at the center of this story and their relationship.
You can’t help but root for both of them!!
January 24, 2026
Reese & Tristan
I really enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between these two.
I didn't read her brothers book before this one and this one did make me want to check it out and see a glimpse into a little bit more of their backstory.
I really enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between these two.
I didn't read her brothers book before this one and this one did make me want to check it out and see a glimpse into a little bit more of their backstory.
January 2, 2026
Ugh I really didn’t like this book or the characters at all
January 8, 2026
swoony kisses, banter, enemies to more, and CR! total win!
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