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The Case for Us
Not yet published
Expected 30 Jan 26It's been four years since childhood best friends Kelsi and Dylan last spoke to each other. Now, when their lives are both upended-Kelsi's by a broken engagement, and Dylan's by a near-fatal injury on deployment-they find themselves back in their small, coastal hometown in Virginia. Not knowing the other has returned, they accept positions at the local prosecutor's office and are assigned to prosecute a first-degree murder case together, forcing them to address the past.
Kelsi thought she had moved on from her childhood crush, yet, while working alongside Dylan, she can't help but feel herself falling for him all over again. Dylan isn't sure what happened four years ago that sent Kelsi running from him, but he's never been able to let her memory go. Now, he's determined to get to the bottom of it, especially when he finds out that an officer also has eyes for her.
With missing evidence and less than two months to prepare for the jury trial, the odds are stacked against them. When Kelsi begins to receive anonymous threats demanding she drop the case, she realizes the stakes for her heart-and her life-are higher than ever.
Kelsi thought she had moved on from her childhood crush, yet, while working alongside Dylan, she can't help but feel herself falling for him all over again. Dylan isn't sure what happened four years ago that sent Kelsi running from him, but he's never been able to let her memory go. Now, he's determined to get to the bottom of it, especially when he finds out that an officer also has eyes for her.
With missing evidence and less than two months to prepare for the jury trial, the odds are stacked against them. When Kelsi begins to receive anonymous threats demanding she drop the case, she realizes the stakes for her heart-and her life-are higher than ever.
296 pages, Paperback
Expected publication January 30, 2026
27 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 16, 2025
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for sending me an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was not good. The writing felt underdeveloped and juvenile at times, with the author choosing to tell us about the events that happened (both in the present and in the past) instead of showing them to us. It made no sense. There were scenes where we follow the two main characters as they investigate, they get to an important bit of the case work, the chapter ends, and then the next one just succinctly explains what they discovered, after the fact. How does that makes sense? Narratively, it just makes the book feel like a clumsy first draft that needs so much rewriting and polishing.
As leads, Dylan and Kelsi are unconvincing, underdeveloped, and, honestly, vapid. Their entire falling out is based on seventy five miscommunications that they just never bothered to question or fix. How do people that have been friends for nearly twenty years allow something like that to happen? Their chemistry is non-existent, but that also has to do with the fact that we are just told what happened and what happens, never shown anything convincing.
My biggest grievance, however, is the stance this book took on disability. Having Dylan say to Kelsi that "he's not whole" after his injury and that he isn't the man she remembers was offensive and plainly stupid. He clearly moves around with ease and only has a slight limp along with scar tissue. Saying that he "won't be able to dance with her at their wedding" after having them do THREE different line dances in the beginning of the book was the cherry on top. I get that he went through a traumatic injury and was changed because of it, but there are ways to handle that topic with care and attention and that was clearly not done here.
The case itself was probably the least problematic part of the book. It wasn't interesting, but it made sense in the end, at least.
This book needed a lot more editing. It needed flashbacks that show us the past and more present-time events to make us care about these characters and convince us that they care for each other. It needed polishing and better descriptions and a lot more sensible transitioning, both between scenes and between chapters. As it is, it is not a worthwhile read.
This was not good. The writing felt underdeveloped and juvenile at times, with the author choosing to tell us about the events that happened (both in the present and in the past) instead of showing them to us. It made no sense. There were scenes where we follow the two main characters as they investigate, they get to an important bit of the case work, the chapter ends, and then the next one just succinctly explains what they discovered, after the fact. How does that makes sense? Narratively, it just makes the book feel like a clumsy first draft that needs so much rewriting and polishing.
As leads, Dylan and Kelsi are unconvincing, underdeveloped, and, honestly, vapid. Their entire falling out is based on seventy five miscommunications that they just never bothered to question or fix. How do people that have been friends for nearly twenty years allow something like that to happen? Their chemistry is non-existent, but that also has to do with the fact that we are just told what happened and what happens, never shown anything convincing.
My biggest grievance, however, is the stance this book took on disability. Having Dylan say to Kelsi that "he's not whole" after his injury and that he isn't the man she remembers was offensive and plainly stupid. He clearly moves around with ease and only has a slight limp along with scar tissue. Saying that he "won't be able to dance with her at their wedding" after having them do THREE different line dances in the beginning of the book was the cherry on top. I get that he went through a traumatic injury and was changed because of it, but there are ways to handle that topic with care and attention and that was clearly not done here.
The case itself was probably the least problematic part of the book. It wasn't interesting, but it made sense in the end, at least.
This book needed a lot more editing. It needed flashbacks that show us the past and more present-time events to make us care about these characters and convince us that they care for each other. It needed polishing and better descriptions and a lot more sensible transitioning, both between scenes and between chapters. As it is, it is not a worthwhile read.
November 13, 2025
You guys, I even read during office hours because I didn't want to put this down (don't tell my boss mkay).
Obsessing over:
- The yearning. I kick my feet.
- The true crime investigation. I love.
- The jealousy. I giggle.
- The revelation of the bad guys. I gasp.
- THE MMC STOCKING HIS FRIDGE WITH HER FAVOURITE DRINK AND PLANTING HER FAVOURITE FLOWERS ALL WHILE THEY'RE NOT EVEN TALKING?? I am unwell.
- The end. I cry.
I honestly enjoyed this SO much, 5 stars, no notes.
Pleeeeease tell me we're getting a story for Abby (and Kole) as well???
Obsessing over:
- The yearning. I kick my feet.
- The true crime investigation. I love.
- The jealousy. I giggle.
- The revelation of the bad guys. I gasp.
- THE MMC STOCKING HIS FRIDGE WITH HER FAVOURITE DRINK AND PLANTING HER FAVOURITE FLOWERS ALL WHILE THEY'RE NOT EVEN TALKING?? I am unwell.
- The end. I cry.
I honestly enjoyed this SO much, 5 stars, no notes.
Pleeeeease tell me we're getting a story for Abby (and Kole) as well???
November 19, 2025
At its best, The Case for Us is a simple, binge-worthy book with a captivating blend of romance, suspense, and small-town secrets. Both the language and the emotional beats are quick-paced. There are a couple of particularly memorable moments that truly pull, and the chemistry feels cozy and plausible.
Nevertheless, the narrative doesn't always keep up its pace. While some plot points seem hurried, others drag on for too long. Although intriguing in theory, the conflict could have been more nuanced to truly raise the stakes. Some parts feel more superficial, but there are also brief bursts of excellent storytelling.
Even though it falls short of its full promise, readers who prefer gentle romance with a bit of angst will find it engaging and fulfilling overall. A decent, mediocre book that's perfect for a relaxing weekend, but it won't stay with you long after you put it down.
Thanks to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with the online advanced readers' copy.
Nevertheless, the narrative doesn't always keep up its pace. While some plot points seem hurried, others drag on for too long. Although intriguing in theory, the conflict could have been more nuanced to truly raise the stakes. Some parts feel more superficial, but there are also brief bursts of excellent storytelling.
Even though it falls short of its full promise, readers who prefer gentle romance with a bit of angst will find it engaging and fulfilling overall. A decent, mediocre book that's perfect for a relaxing weekend, but it won't stay with you long after you put it down.
Thanks to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with the online advanced readers' copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I liked the premise of this book right away, especially the main character’s job and the fact that it wasn’t just a romance,there was also a mystery and a case involved. I enjoyed the small-town setting and the overall story, even though I did guess the twist early on.
That said, the writing felt a bit rough at times, and some of the dialogue,especially between Dylan and his friends,was kind of cringey. I was also frustrated by the inconsistency in the main relationship, where the characters seemed sure they were “just friends,” yet the tone sometimes leaned more romantic or sexual, which didn’t always make sense to me. The misunderstanding between the main characters was also annoying.I did appreciate that the romance stayed clean. Overall, this was a good, interesting read,not a new favorite, but still enjoyably, probably because of my reading slump but that's on me,not on book
Thank you to NetGalley for the e-ARC.
That said, the writing felt a bit rough at times, and some of the dialogue,especially between Dylan and his friends,was kind of cringey. I was also frustrated by the inconsistency in the main relationship, where the characters seemed sure they were “just friends,” yet the tone sometimes leaned more romantic or sexual, which didn’t always make sense to me. The misunderstanding between the main characters was also annoying.I did appreciate that the romance stayed clean. Overall, this was a good, interesting read,not a new favorite, but still enjoyably, probably because of my reading slump but that's on me,not on book
Thank you to NetGalley for the e-ARC.
October 17, 2025
First and foremost, thank you to the author for your love of Nancy Drew (from a fellow fan) and for writing this book! Second to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review this ARC! I love balance of romance and suspense, and I feel like this it was done well here. Another favorite of mine is dual point of view. I am sorry but I just have to know what is going on in EVERYONE'S mind. I think it also helped in this story so you could really understand what drove their emotions, decisions, and insecurities. I usually am a huge hater of the miscommunication trope, especially if it is not a young adult book. It drives me nuts when adults do not talk and the author was able to utilize this trope in a way that was not at all irritating. It was able to lend to the plot without the characters being stubborn about it and it made sense with their history. Another reader mentioned the countdown to trial made them more invested and I would have to agree, in the last few days before trial to the day of I was on the edge of my seat reading! With both the plot, the sweet romance, and the well written characters, I was fully invested. I pride myself on catching plot twists and while I was right, I was unsure if I was until the actual twist so that was exciting to be unsure of which direction the story was going in! Although when I verbally yelled out "I knew it!", I realized I had no one to talk to about it since this was an ARC! The only issue I had was in the beginning all of the "him" and "the incident" was getting a little old and I felt like a name or a vague description could have been shared instead of that terminology without ruining things, but it was short lived and probably more of a problem with my impatience than anything else. I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone, especially lovers of romantic suspense! I expect to see a book two with certain side characters and I will be signing up to read that one as well, you will know who!!!!
October 20, 2025
2.5 stars
Thank you to the author and publisher for an e-arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Honestly, I should have DNF'd this book, but it was very short so I persevered. I did not connect or relate to any of the characters in any way, and felt that the plot was kind of rushed. I was interested in the plot, but I wish it was longer and wasn't so rushed.
Thank you to the author and publisher for an e-arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Honestly, I should have DNF'd this book, but it was very short so I persevered. I did not connect or relate to any of the characters in any way, and felt that the plot was kind of rushed. I was interested in the plot, but I wish it was longer and wasn't so rushed.
October 23, 2025
When the Romance is a Slam Dunk, But the Case Is Just... Fine
Okay, so I read The Case for Us, and let's be real: this book is basically two stories wrapped up in one cover. We’ve got the high-stakes legal thriller side, and the deeply entrenched, second-chance romance side. And I can tell you which one I was emotionally invested in, and it wasn't the jury trial.
The core premise is gold-plated romance genius: Kelsi and Dylan, two ex-best friends with four years of unresolved tension, are forced to work side-by-side as prosecutors on a massive first-degree murder case. Dylan is back home recovering, Kelsi is nursing a broken engagement, they're both wounded, and now they're stuck in a small office, co-counseling a case riddled with missing evidence. The forced proximity? The shared professional respect? The desperate pining? It's all fantastic. The professional chemistry really elevates the romantic tension, and I was grinning through most of their awkward office interactions.
Now for the tea—and it's a common issue with this genre blend. The murder mystery and the anonymous threats felt like they were constantly waiting in the hallway while Kelsi and Dylan figured out their feelings. We’re told the legal stakes are high, but the narrative is so focused on the who, what, and why of their separation that the murder case often felt like an afterthought for the first two-thirds of the book.
My biggest, most critical gripe is the pacing of the Miscommunication Trope. The reason Kelsi and Dylan haven't spoken in four years is the main emotional engine, yet the author holds back the reveal until way too late in the game. I was frustrated, not intrigued, by the constant "the incident" and "what happened that night" references. When the secret finally comes out, it feels a little "mid," if I'm being honest. It's a classic example of an off-page miscommunication that just wasn't weighty enough to justify four years of silence, which takes the wind out of their sails right at the climax.
However, the side characters, like Kelsi’s hilarious best friend, and the little romantic gestures, especially the ones that give off total Notebook vibes, make up for the structural flaws. If you are a die-hard fan of friends-to-lovers and second-chance romance, and don't mind a murder plot that mostly serves as a backdrop, you'll still devour this. Just be prepared to wait a long time for those two to finally talk it out.
My Personal Vibe Check: 3.5/5
A genuinely sweet and compelling romance with all the necessary tension, but the legal framework and payoff for the central conflict needed a stronger prosecution.
#TheCaseforUs #NetGalley.
Okay, so I read The Case for Us, and let's be real: this book is basically two stories wrapped up in one cover. We’ve got the high-stakes legal thriller side, and the deeply entrenched, second-chance romance side. And I can tell you which one I was emotionally invested in, and it wasn't the jury trial.
The core premise is gold-plated romance genius: Kelsi and Dylan, two ex-best friends with four years of unresolved tension, are forced to work side-by-side as prosecutors on a massive first-degree murder case. Dylan is back home recovering, Kelsi is nursing a broken engagement, they're both wounded, and now they're stuck in a small office, co-counseling a case riddled with missing evidence. The forced proximity? The shared professional respect? The desperate pining? It's all fantastic. The professional chemistry really elevates the romantic tension, and I was grinning through most of their awkward office interactions.
Now for the tea—and it's a common issue with this genre blend. The murder mystery and the anonymous threats felt like they were constantly waiting in the hallway while Kelsi and Dylan figured out their feelings. We’re told the legal stakes are high, but the narrative is so focused on the who, what, and why of their separation that the murder case often felt like an afterthought for the first two-thirds of the book.
My biggest, most critical gripe is the pacing of the Miscommunication Trope. The reason Kelsi and Dylan haven't spoken in four years is the main emotional engine, yet the author holds back the reveal until way too late in the game. I was frustrated, not intrigued, by the constant "the incident" and "what happened that night" references. When the secret finally comes out, it feels a little "mid," if I'm being honest. It's a classic example of an off-page miscommunication that just wasn't weighty enough to justify four years of silence, which takes the wind out of their sails right at the climax.
However, the side characters, like Kelsi’s hilarious best friend, and the little romantic gestures, especially the ones that give off total Notebook vibes, make up for the structural flaws. If you are a die-hard fan of friends-to-lovers and second-chance romance, and don't mind a murder plot that mostly serves as a backdrop, you'll still devour this. Just be prepared to wait a long time for those two to finally talk it out.
My Personal Vibe Check: 3.5/5
A genuinely sweet and compelling romance with all the necessary tension, but the legal framework and payoff for the central conflict needed a stronger prosecution.
#TheCaseforUs #NetGalley.
dnf
December 3, 2025The book follows Kelsi and Dylan, childhood best friends who haven’t spoken in four years but end up back in their coastal Virginia hometown at the same time. She’s recovering from a broken engagement, he’s healing from a near-fatal injury. Neither one knows the other is back until they both take jobs at the local prosecutor’s office and are assigned to the same case, which finally forces them to face whatever happened between them.
One thing that didn’t work for me was how long the story held back the “incident” that caused their four-year rift. The reveal comes so late that, instead of building suspense, it left me more frustrated than intrigued, and I had a hard time rooting for either character until I knew what actually happened. It was also pretty clear from early on that the whole thing stemmed from a misunderstanding (a trope that’s a personal pet peeve of mine) so waiting until about 65% to get Kelsi’s full side just felt too late. Once I finally did, I understood her reaction, but by then I was already disconnected.
The pacing overall felt uneven, and I never fully connected to the characters. They seemed a bit underdeveloped, and the plot was predictable. Kelsi also tested my patience at times. I get that everyone handles heartbreak differently, and I couldn’t wrap my head around why she wasn’t more upset or at least more cautious after that.
I think some tighter editing and more flashbacks to show their childhood bond would’ve helped, because the present-day relationship needed more emotional foundation. The case they were working on also didn’t grab me the way I expected, so those sections dragged for me.
Overall, this one had more flaws than strengths for my reading taste, but readers who enjoy lighter romances with a touch of angst and a crime-investigation angle might still find it enjoyable.
One thing that didn’t work for me was how long the story held back the “incident” that caused their four-year rift. The reveal comes so late that, instead of building suspense, it left me more frustrated than intrigued, and I had a hard time rooting for either character until I knew what actually happened. It was also pretty clear from early on that the whole thing stemmed from a misunderstanding (a trope that’s a personal pet peeve of mine) so waiting until about 65% to get Kelsi’s full side just felt too late. Once I finally did, I understood her reaction, but by then I was already disconnected.
The pacing overall felt uneven, and I never fully connected to the characters. They seemed a bit underdeveloped, and the plot was predictable. Kelsi also tested my patience at times. I get that everyone handles heartbreak differently, and I couldn’t wrap my head around why she wasn’t more upset or at least more cautious after that.
I think some tighter editing and more flashbacks to show their childhood bond would’ve helped, because the present-day relationship needed more emotional foundation. The case they were working on also didn’t grab me the way I expected, so those sections dragged for me.
Overall, this one had more flaws than strengths for my reading taste, but readers who enjoy lighter romances with a touch of angst and a crime-investigation angle might still find it enjoyable.
November 4, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and Köehler Books for the ARC.
TW: Kidnapping
We start off the book with our main character Kelsi moving back to her hometown after a breakup with her fiancé and being assigned a case with an old childhood friend - Dylan who she had a massive crush on for pretty much most of her life. Kelsi and Dylan have not spoken in 4 years and Kelsi did not know that Dylan had also moved back to their hometown after he was injured in the military. They are assigned a murder case together where there has been prior corruption and this case needs to be finalised after being pushed around for so long. It's a little awkward at first as they are getting used to being near each other again and they start working as a team finding out things that have been missed from the initial investigation.
It did take me a little bit to get into this book partially because the amount of times lasagna is mentioned in the first few chapters made me start researching recipes to make home made lasagna and I feel its a bit of a missed opportunity to not include a lasagna recipe at the end of the book as I would have loved to make one. But once I got over my research, I flied though this book. The kidnapper was a little bit predictable as I never really trusted them since they were introduced but the conclusion of the kidnapping was well done and learning about how the case that they were trialing actually came about and what was missed in the initial investigation was really thought out.
This was a 3.5 star read for me, there were a few things that I really loved like some of the side characters (and the dogs), the second chance friends to lovers and workplace romance but there were some things that I wasn't the biggest fan of like the predictability of the kidnapper, the slow beginning and the little bit of a rush to tie it all up at the end.
TW: Kidnapping
We start off the book with our main character Kelsi moving back to her hometown after a breakup with her fiancé and being assigned a case with an old childhood friend - Dylan who she had a massive crush on for pretty much most of her life. Kelsi and Dylan have not spoken in 4 years and Kelsi did not know that Dylan had also moved back to their hometown after he was injured in the military. They are assigned a murder case together where there has been prior corruption and this case needs to be finalised after being pushed around for so long. It's a little awkward at first as they are getting used to being near each other again and they start working as a team finding out things that have been missed from the initial investigation.
It did take me a little bit to get into this book partially because the amount of times lasagna is mentioned in the first few chapters made me start researching recipes to make home made lasagna and I feel its a bit of a missed opportunity to not include a lasagna recipe at the end of the book as I would have loved to make one. But once I got over my research, I flied though this book. The kidnapper was a little bit predictable as I never really trusted them since they were introduced but the conclusion of the kidnapping was well done and learning about how the case that they were trialing actually came about and what was missed in the initial investigation was really thought out.
This was a 3.5 star read for me, there were a few things that I really loved like some of the side characters (and the dogs), the second chance friends to lovers and workplace romance but there were some things that I wasn't the biggest fan of like the predictability of the kidnapper, the slow beginning and the little bit of a rush to tie it all up at the end.
December 6, 2025
📚The Case for Us
✍🏻Madisson Blake
Blurb:
It's been four years since childhood best friends Kelsi and Dylan last spoke to each other. Now, when their lives are both upended-Kelsi's by a broken engagement, and Dylan's by a near-fatal injury on deployment-they find themselves back in their small, coastal hometown in Virginia. Not knowing the other has returned, they accept positions at the local prosecutor's office and are assigned to prosecute a first-degree murder case together, forcing them to address the past.
Kelsi thought she had moved on from her childhood crush, yet, while working alongside Dylan, she can't help but feel herself falling for him all over again. Dylan isn't sure what happened four years ago that sent Kelsi running from him, but he's never been able to let her memory go. Now, he's determined to get to the bottom of it, especially when he finds out that an officer also has eyes for her.
With missing evidence and less than two months to prepare for the jury trial, the odds are stacked against them. When Kelsi begins to receive anonymous threats demanding she drop the case, she realizes the stakes for her heart-and her life-are higher than ever.
My Thoughts:
The book follows Kelsi and Dylan, childhood best friends who haven’t spoken in four years but end up back in their coastal Virginia hometown at the same time. She’s recovering from a broken engagement, he’s healing from a near-fatal injury. Neither one knows the other is back until they both take jobs at the local prosecutor’s office and are assigned to the same case, which finally forces them to face whatever happened between them.
Thanks NetGalley, Köehler Books and Author Madisson Blake for the advanced copy of "The Case for Us" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#KoehlerBooks
#MadissonBlake
#TheCaseforUs
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✍🏻Madisson Blake
Blurb:
It's been four years since childhood best friends Kelsi and Dylan last spoke to each other. Now, when their lives are both upended-Kelsi's by a broken engagement, and Dylan's by a near-fatal injury on deployment-they find themselves back in their small, coastal hometown in Virginia. Not knowing the other has returned, they accept positions at the local prosecutor's office and are assigned to prosecute a first-degree murder case together, forcing them to address the past.
Kelsi thought she had moved on from her childhood crush, yet, while working alongside Dylan, she can't help but feel herself falling for him all over again. Dylan isn't sure what happened four years ago that sent Kelsi running from him, but he's never been able to let her memory go. Now, he's determined to get to the bottom of it, especially when he finds out that an officer also has eyes for her.
With missing evidence and less than two months to prepare for the jury trial, the odds are stacked against them. When Kelsi begins to receive anonymous threats demanding she drop the case, she realizes the stakes for her heart-and her life-are higher than ever.
My Thoughts:
The book follows Kelsi and Dylan, childhood best friends who haven’t spoken in four years but end up back in their coastal Virginia hometown at the same time. She’s recovering from a broken engagement, he’s healing from a near-fatal injury. Neither one knows the other is back until they both take jobs at the local prosecutor’s office and are assigned to the same case, which finally forces them to face whatever happened between them.
Thanks NetGalley, Köehler Books and Author Madisson Blake for the advanced copy of "The Case for Us" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#KoehlerBooks
#MadissonBlake
#TheCaseforUs
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 5, 2025
The Case for Us is a combination of legal thriller and second-chance romance. Both recently returned to their hometown of Oyster Shoals, childhood friends Kelsi and Dylan have not spoken in four years due to some ‘incident’ that is hinted at but not confronted until quite far into the book. Forced into close proximity as they work together on a complicated murder case, they have no choice but to get on. The suspect in the trial has been interfering in the belief that being rich means he can literally get away with murder, which makes for a tense atmosphere. Each chapter starts with a countdown to the trial date, and this further ramps up the suspense.
The story is told from both Kelsi and Dylan’s point of view meaning that we get insight into what they are both thinking. As characters they are well developed, along with some interesting secondary ones that could possibly be the subjects of future stories.
The pacing of the narrative is affected by the way the miscommunication trope is not addressed until a long way into the story. As Kelsi and Dylan had been so close since early childhood, I did not feel it was believable that they would just cut off all contact, and never address whatever had happened four years previously.
I enjoyed reading this debut novel, and look forward to reading more from this author in the future. Thanks to Koehler Books and NetGalley for a digital copy to review.
December 1, 2025
3.75 stars.
Thank you to netgalley for granting me an e-arc of this book to read and review.
I picked up this book on a friend's recommendation, and immediately I liked the premise and the main character's job and the fact that it wasn't just a romance, there was the case and such going an as well. I guessed the plot twist at the end, and the misunderstanding between the main characters was rather annoying, but I liked the mystery and the main characters and their relationship and the small town and such.
I was in a bit of a reading slump when I read this, which made me enjoy it a bit less, but again, that's because of me, not the book.
A few things that bugged me were the writing, which may be because its not done being edited, and the conversations between Dylan and his friends we a bit cringey. Also I didn't like the way the author didn't seem to be sure what exactly she was going for between the main characters, because sometimes they would be so sure the other one only thought of them as a friend, and then other times it would be kinda sexual, like one of them noticing that the other was attracted to them, which doesn't make sense if they're so sure the other one only thought of them as a friend.
I also appreciated that it was clean.
Overall, good, interesting, clean romance book, not a new favorite, but I liked it nonetheless.
Thank you to netgalley for granting me an e-arc of this book to read and review.
I picked up this book on a friend's recommendation, and immediately I liked the premise and the main character's job and the fact that it wasn't just a romance, there was the case and such going an as well. I guessed the plot twist at the end, and the misunderstanding between the main characters was rather annoying, but I liked the mystery and the main characters and their relationship and the small town and such.
I was in a bit of a reading slump when I read this, which made me enjoy it a bit less, but again, that's because of me, not the book.
A few things that bugged me were the writing, which may be because its not done being edited, and the conversations between Dylan and his friends we a bit cringey. Also I didn't like the way the author didn't seem to be sure what exactly she was going for between the main characters, because sometimes they would be so sure the other one only thought of them as a friend, and then other times it would be kinda sexual, like one of them noticing that the other was attracted to them, which doesn't make sense if they're so sure the other one only thought of them as a friend.
I also appreciated that it was clean.
Overall, good, interesting, clean romance book, not a new favorite, but I liked it nonetheless.
November 16, 2025
Childhood best friends to lovers is my emotional kryptonite, and Madisson Blake knew exactly where to hit me with this one.
The Case for Us follows Kelsi and Dylan, two former inseparable best friends who haven’t spoken in four years which, FYI, is both rude and deeply suspicious.
Naturally, fate (and a murder case) throws them right back into each other’s orbit. And by “orbit,” I mean forced proximity in a prosecutor’s office where all they do is argue, smoulder, and pretend they’re not imagining what the other looks like without clothes.
Kelsi is freshly single, Dylan is freshly injured, and suddenly they’re both back in their small Virginia hometown surrounded by salt air, old memories, and unresolved sexual tension thick enough to spread on toast.
Add in a jealous officer with a crush, missing evidence, anonymous threats, and a murder trial with a two month deadline and you’ve got a legal romantic thriller that feels like The Notebook had a baby with How to Get Away With Murder.
I loved their chemistry. I loved the slow burn ache of “we lost years, but I still choose you.” And yes, I yelled at them multiple times to just TALK TO EACH OTHER.
Twisty, emotional, romantic, and suspenseful.
A perfect “read in one sitting because life can wait” kind of book.
The Case for Us follows Kelsi and Dylan, two former inseparable best friends who haven’t spoken in four years which, FYI, is both rude and deeply suspicious.
Naturally, fate (and a murder case) throws them right back into each other’s orbit. And by “orbit,” I mean forced proximity in a prosecutor’s office where all they do is argue, smoulder, and pretend they’re not imagining what the other looks like without clothes.
Kelsi is freshly single, Dylan is freshly injured, and suddenly they’re both back in their small Virginia hometown surrounded by salt air, old memories, and unresolved sexual tension thick enough to spread on toast.
Add in a jealous officer with a crush, missing evidence, anonymous threats, and a murder trial with a two month deadline and you’ve got a legal romantic thriller that feels like The Notebook had a baby with How to Get Away With Murder.
I loved their chemistry. I loved the slow burn ache of “we lost years, but I still choose you.” And yes, I yelled at them multiple times to just TALK TO EACH OTHER.
Twisty, emotional, romantic, and suspenseful.
A perfect “read in one sitting because life can wait” kind of book.
October 21, 2025
3 ⭐️, rounding to 3.5
Thank you Köehler Books/Netgalley for this ARC!!
A small town, murder mystery (?), romance. I really loved the investigating aspect of this book, being with Dylan and Kelsi as they collect evidence for this case. I think I would give it less of a mystery vibe because we know who committed the crime, it was just how do we prove it. I do appreciate the authenticity to the prosecution/evidence collecting side of the story due to the authors background.
The romance was cute. I found it a bit frustrating at times because we didn’t know the full story behind their initial split after college until almost the end of the book, and when we did find out why, it felt mid to me. I know they were college age when the miscommunication happened but it was a little childish. I did like them in the end together so can’t complain too much. I found myself grinning at some of the banter, and this whole thing really reminded me of Ally and Noah from The Notebook, at times.
Overall, cute and quick. If you like the vibe of a CSI episode with a best friends to lovers thrown in there, this is for you!
Thank you Köehler Books/Netgalley for this ARC!!
A small town, murder mystery (?), romance. I really loved the investigating aspect of this book, being with Dylan and Kelsi as they collect evidence for this case. I think I would give it less of a mystery vibe because we know who committed the crime, it was just how do we prove it. I do appreciate the authenticity to the prosecution/evidence collecting side of the story due to the authors background.
The romance was cute. I found it a bit frustrating at times because we didn’t know the full story behind their initial split after college until almost the end of the book, and when we did find out why, it felt mid to me. I know they were college age when the miscommunication happened but it was a little childish. I did like them in the end together so can’t complain too much. I found myself grinning at some of the banter, and this whole thing really reminded me of Ally and Noah from The Notebook, at times.
Overall, cute and quick. If you like the vibe of a CSI episode with a best friends to lovers thrown in there, this is for you!
November 10, 2025
The Case for Us by Madisson Blake
After her fiancé’s betrayal, Kelsi returns to her small seaside hometown in Virginia, hoping to start over. When she accepts a position at a family friend’s law firm, she doesn’t expect to find herself working alongside Dylan—the boy who once held her heart and hasn’t spoken to her in four years. Their shared past is complicated, but fate isn’t done with them yet.
Still recovering from injuries sustained in Afghanistan, Dylan never expected to cross paths with Kelsi again. Now, forced to work together on a murder case, the two must confront not only buried evidence but buried feelings. As danger closes in, both their hearts—and their lives—hang in the balance.
The Case for Us is a heartfelt second-chance romance wrapped in a touch of mystery and suspense. I loved the chemistry between Kelsi and Dylan and how their emotional growth paralleled the tension of the case.
I rated it 4 out of 5 stars — a great read for fans of emotional, small-town romances with a twist of intrigue.
Trigger Warning: kidnapping and references to murder.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review The Case for Us by Madisson Blake.
After her fiancé’s betrayal, Kelsi returns to her small seaside hometown in Virginia, hoping to start over. When she accepts a position at a family friend’s law firm, she doesn’t expect to find herself working alongside Dylan—the boy who once held her heart and hasn’t spoken to her in four years. Their shared past is complicated, but fate isn’t done with them yet.
Still recovering from injuries sustained in Afghanistan, Dylan never expected to cross paths with Kelsi again. Now, forced to work together on a murder case, the two must confront not only buried evidence but buried feelings. As danger closes in, both their hearts—and their lives—hang in the balance.
The Case for Us is a heartfelt second-chance romance wrapped in a touch of mystery and suspense. I loved the chemistry between Kelsi and Dylan and how their emotional growth paralleled the tension of the case.
I rated it 4 out of 5 stars — a great read for fans of emotional, small-town romances with a twist of intrigue.
Trigger Warning: kidnapping and references to murder.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review The Case for Us by Madisson Blake.
October 20, 2025
3.5 ⭐
I really enjoyed this, it was fun and quick to read. I liked that it was dual POV. The characters were interesting but I wish we had a bit more of the side characters. They felt like they were barely acknowledged at times. It would've been nice to see more of Kelsi and Abby's friendship and same with Dylan and his friends. There were times the characters were repetitively introspective over the past that they already worked through.
The romance was cute and the mystery was fun but at times the mystery aspect felt like an after thought (at least for the first 2/3rds of the book). Overall, I enjoyed the authors writing and only see it improving over time with each book. I saw potential for this to turn into an interconnected series with the focus on Abby and Kole in a second book. If that is what the author intended I'd love to see more of those two.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC.
I really enjoyed this, it was fun and quick to read. I liked that it was dual POV. The characters were interesting but I wish we had a bit more of the side characters. They felt like they were barely acknowledged at times. It would've been nice to see more of Kelsi and Abby's friendship and same with Dylan and his friends. There were times the characters were repetitively introspective over the past that they already worked through.
The romance was cute and the mystery was fun but at times the mystery aspect felt like an after thought (at least for the first 2/3rds of the book). Overall, I enjoyed the authors writing and only see it improving over time with each book. I saw potential for this to turn into an interconnected series with the focus on Abby and Kole in a second book. If that is what the author intended I'd love to see more of those two.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC.
November 3, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC.
This book was a fun quick read. The story was a second chance romance, friends to lovers romance, and a small town cozy muder mystery. I currently enjoy a murder mystery that takes place in the present, that is more focused on detective work and not gory details. This story delivered. I enjoyed the relationship and the romance, but the miscommunication lasted a bit too long for me. Miscommunication can be a great asset to a storyline, but if it drags on too long, I find it unbelievable. The original miscommunication was done well, but they are both older and professional, they should have addressed things sooner. I enjoy it more if the miscommunication is addressed sooner and the relationship rebuilds slowly, over a last minute understanding and instantly the couple is back together. Overall, I found this book enjoyable, the romance believable, and the story easy to read.
This book was a fun quick read. The story was a second chance romance, friends to lovers romance, and a small town cozy muder mystery. I currently enjoy a murder mystery that takes place in the present, that is more focused on detective work and not gory details. This story delivered. I enjoyed the relationship and the romance, but the miscommunication lasted a bit too long for me. Miscommunication can be a great asset to a storyline, but if it drags on too long, I find it unbelievable. The original miscommunication was done well, but they are both older and professional, they should have addressed things sooner. I enjoy it more if the miscommunication is addressed sooner and the relationship rebuilds slowly, over a last minute understanding and instantly the couple is back together. Overall, I found this book enjoyable, the romance believable, and the story easy to read.
October 22, 2025
I loved this book, and I read it in one sitting. I am usually not a fan of the miscommunication trope in books, but since the miscommunication was there from the start between Kelsie and Dylan, it didn't bother me that much, though I would have liked to see that they would have talked it out earlier in the book. I love that Dylan and Kelsie don't deny their feelings but give in to them. The ending was a bit predictable, but I found that actually made me want to read further because you kind of knew what was going to happen but didn't know how it would end. I also loved the part about the house; it gave me *The Notebook* vibes, and I was so excited when Kelsie found out Dylan had bought the house for them, even though they weren't together. Overall, I found this book an easy read, and I loved the mystery bit in there too; it was a nice combination! I would give this book 3,7 stars!
October 24, 2025
3.75 stars
I went into this book mostly blind and was not expecting anything but was somehow still pleasantly surprised. This was a second chance, friends to lovers romance books. Also workplace romance. I love romance books that have a suspenseful subplot, even if I was able to see how it was going to workout from the beginning of the book.
I did like how the FMC and the MMC went back to being friends before pursing any romantic relationship again. I felt like this books required little brain power and was a fun cute read.
I do like when the MC’s jobs are included but are not overly explained, like we can see they are normal humans but also is not putting us in the nitty gritty of what they do everyday.
I went into this book mostly blind and was not expecting anything but was somehow still pleasantly surprised. This was a second chance, friends to lovers romance books. Also workplace romance. I love romance books that have a suspenseful subplot, even if I was able to see how it was going to workout from the beginning of the book.
I did like how the FMC and the MMC went back to being friends before pursing any romantic relationship again. I felt like this books required little brain power and was a fun cute read.
I do like when the MC’s jobs are included but are not overly explained, like we can see they are normal humans but also is not putting us in the nitty gritty of what they do everyday.
October 22, 2025
thank you to netgalley for this book!
i really enjoyed this book. i found it to be a nice combination of a romance and a murder mystery/thriller (which are my favourite genres). i couldn’t put it down and literally finished it in a day. while i like a second chance romance, i didn’t like the miscommunication trope - but that’s a personal preference.
overall, liked it, would read again and would recommend to a friend
i really enjoyed this book. i found it to be a nice combination of a romance and a murder mystery/thriller (which are my favourite genres). i couldn’t put it down and literally finished it in a day. while i like a second chance romance, i didn’t like the miscommunication trope - but that’s a personal preference.
overall, liked it, would read again and would recommend to a friend
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you, NetGalley, for this ARC.
The Case for Us was a cute read, overall. I enjoyed both Kelsi and Dylan together. However, the murder story line felt very underwhelming. Even as Kelsi was being stalked, kidnapped, etc I was just so confused because at no point did I actually feel like she was going to get hurt by this supposed psychopathic murderer. I also feel like there was no real justice served… which was a bit disappointing.
The Case for Us was a cute read, overall. I enjoyed both Kelsi and Dylan together. However, the murder story line felt very underwhelming. Even as Kelsi was being stalked, kidnapped, etc I was just so confused because at no point did I actually feel like she was going to get hurt by this supposed psychopathic murderer. I also feel like there was no real justice served… which was a bit disappointing.
November 10, 2025
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC!
I had high hopes for this book, but I feel like it fell a little flat. I haven't read many books that have combined a love story and prosecutor/murder trial into one story. I really enjoyed the individual stories of Kelsi and Dylan, learning about their journeys after college and how they each got to the point of returning to their home town.
The romance portion of the book was sweet, although annoying at times because the whole friendship/romance breakup with simply due to one tiny miscommunication. I did enjoy the sneaky, matchmaking roles their mom's played though!
The prosecutor/murder trail portion of the book often distracted me. I feel like it was so fast paced and things just constantly worked in their favor so it made it feel a little far fetched for me.
Overall, I enjoyed reading the book. It just wasn't a standout for me!
I had high hopes for this book, but I feel like it fell a little flat. I haven't read many books that have combined a love story and prosecutor/murder trial into one story. I really enjoyed the individual stories of Kelsi and Dylan, learning about their journeys after college and how they each got to the point of returning to their home town.
The romance portion of the book was sweet, although annoying at times because the whole friendship/romance breakup with simply due to one tiny miscommunication. I did enjoy the sneaky, matchmaking roles their mom's played though!
The prosecutor/murder trail portion of the book often distracted me. I feel like it was so fast paced and things just constantly worked in their favor so it made it feel a little far fetched for me.
Overall, I enjoyed reading the book. It just wasn't a standout for me!
November 4, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC for this novel that’s being released in January.
I enjoyed this. The romance was sweet and the added mystery aspect was entertaining. I guessed the plot twist quite early on but was still a good first novel for the author.
I enjoyed this. The romance was sweet and the added mystery aspect was entertaining. I guessed the plot twist quite early on but was still a good first novel for the author.
November 16, 2025
Thanks Netgalley for the ARC!
This book was also just fine. Pretty predictable storyline, though I haven’t read any other books about lawyers, so that was a nice twist. The writing was a little elementary, so I think it would benefit from some editing to make it a little bit more grown up.
This book was also just fine. Pretty predictable storyline, though I haven’t read any other books about lawyers, so that was a nice twist. The writing was a little elementary, so I think it would benefit from some editing to make it a little bit more grown up.
December 8, 2025
Perfect for fans of Legally Blonde and murder mysteries who want to enjoy a light read with a huge touch of romance. There's nothing like an old flame rekindled to grab your attention. The author's legal background also provides the perfect grounding for the courtroom scenes and adds authenticity.
November 9, 2025
A second chance romance between two childhood best friends who had a falling out over a reason that is revealed to the reader toward the end of the book.
I did not expect this to become a romantic suspense novel ! It added an interesting dimension to the story. Overall, it was a fine book.
Some moments were harder to believe considering their profession and training, especially regarding Kelsi’s reaction when faced with the threats and also Dylan’s reaction to certain events.
I also had a hard time connecting with the main characters and their love story. The fact that most of the relationship development happened before the start of the story did not help. I would have appreciated more showing and less telling.
The moms were a great addition and I really enjoyed their (respectful) meddling in their children’s relationship. Their page time was short, but you could tell they cared.
I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I did not expect this to become a romantic suspense novel ! It added an interesting dimension to the story. Overall, it was a fine book.
Some moments were harder to believe considering their profession and training, especially regarding Kelsi’s reaction when faced with the threats and also Dylan’s reaction to certain events.
I also had a hard time connecting with the main characters and their love story. The fact that most of the relationship development happened before the start of the story did not help. I would have appreciated more showing and less telling.
The moms were a great addition and I really enjoyed their (respectful) meddling in their children’s relationship. Their page time was short, but you could tell they cared.
I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 23, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
This book was everything I wanted in a romance and the suspense element to it was an added bonus.
I really liked the FMC and the MMC' relationships and loved how they interacted with each other throughout the book. I loved the drama aspect, and even though you kind of knew what was happening, it didnt take away from the ending and there was one twist I didnt see coming.
Overall, 4 stars for me. It was a great book fo read between others.
This book was everything I wanted in a romance and the suspense element to it was an added bonus.
I really liked the FMC and the MMC' relationships and loved how they interacted with each other throughout the book. I loved the drama aspect, and even though you kind of knew what was happening, it didnt take away from the ending and there was one twist I didnt see coming.
Overall, 4 stars for me. It was a great book fo read between others.
November 25, 2025
After four years of silence, former best friends Kelsi and Dylan are unexpectedly reunited in their small Virginia hometown—both nursing wounds from heartbreak and loss. Kelsi’s fresh off a broken engagement, while Dylan is recovering from a near-fatal injury on deployment. When they’re unexpectedly assigned to co-prosecute a high-profile murder case, old feelings resurface just as danger closes in. With missing evidence, anonymous threats, and unresolved chemistry, Kelsi and Dylan must navigate the truth—in and out of the courtroom—before it’s too late.
Overall, this was a quick, cute read! I went through a Suits phase earlier this year, so the lawyer storyline definitely appealed. I’ll admit I spent way too long overthinking Dylan’s military background—trying to reconcile him being an Army lawyer who mostly handles family cases while also ending up in a war zone (so different from my own perspective of being on a ship).
That said, I appreciated his friendships with his Army buddies, and following all the little clues throughout the case kept me guessing. The ending was definitely wilder than I expected. I did feel that some of the writing around Dylan’s injury didn’t feel as sensitive or nuanced as it could have been—it occasionally made him feel as though he saw himself as “less than,” which pulled me out of the moment.
Thank you to NetGalley and Köehler Books for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Overall, this was a quick, cute read! I went through a Suits phase earlier this year, so the lawyer storyline definitely appealed. I’ll admit I spent way too long overthinking Dylan’s military background—trying to reconcile him being an Army lawyer who mostly handles family cases while also ending up in a war zone (so different from my own perspective of being on a ship).
That said, I appreciated his friendships with his Army buddies, and following all the little clues throughout the case kept me guessing. The ending was definitely wilder than I expected. I did feel that some of the writing around Dylan’s injury didn’t feel as sensitive or nuanced as it could have been—it occasionally made him feel as though he saw himself as “less than,” which pulled me out of the moment.
Thank you to NetGalley and Köehler Books for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
December 2, 2025
I received a free copy of this publication for the purpose of review.
TW
*Kidnapping
Kelsi Cameron never expected to move back home to Oyster Shoals, but after her fiancée cheats on her with another lawyer at their firm she just needs some stability. She also never expected to be reunited with her original flame, Dylan Halloway. They haven't spoken in 4 years, but now they'll have to work together to solve a murder case that's been plagued with corruption and misconduct from the very start. Will they be able to sort through their own feelings while also solving the biggest case Oyster Shoals has seen in decades?
I love a good murder mystery. There's just something instantly compelling about that police procedural formula. Some parts of this story have a very Law and Order feel, and I'm an easy mark for anything that gives me that same feeling. All the parts of the story around the case were my favorites and I really enjoyed seeing Kelsi and Dylan sort through all the pieces to put together their case. It was so fun to see their professional chemistry right alongside their romantic pining. You know you love each other, right?!
My biggest gripe is with the secret of their initial split. You know from the start of the book that Kelsi and Dylan haven't spoken in 4 years, but the book doesn't explain what happened to cause that split until well over 2/3 of the way through the book. It's clear there was some kind of misunderstanding, but the reader doesn't know any of the details. I let out an audible sigh of relief when we finally get the story of what happened and I couldn't help but feel I would have enjoyed the story and their perspectives so much more if I had been able to relate to their side of the story for the whole book.
The side characters in this story really elevated it for me. I loved Dylan's relationship with his veteran friends. We don't see them often as they're not a huge focus, but it's clear from how he talks with and about them that they're very important to him. Kelsi's best friend, Abby, is hilarious, and would make a great main character for a followup book. Kelsi and Dylan's moms are both the exact same type of nosy small town mothers that make me giggle, and you can't help but love them.
Overall I would give this a 3, and recommend with some caveats. Dylan and Kelsi make perfect sense together and it felt so good to watch them reconnect through the story. If you need spice with your romance though this is probably a pass as there isn't any. That part didn't bother me at all but I know the lack of spice will be a turn-off for some. I really did struggle with the secret of their original disconnect, and that was probably the thing I disliked the most. It might not have bothered me as much but it comes up frequently throughout the book and takes a very long time to get resolution. Kelsi and Dylan's professional collaboration served as the perfect catalyst for them to reconnect though, and the murder case they work serves as a perfect backdrop. I very much appreciate the opportunity to read an advanced copy, and I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for future books from Madisson!
TW
*Kidnapping
Kelsi Cameron never expected to move back home to Oyster Shoals, but after her fiancée cheats on her with another lawyer at their firm she just needs some stability. She also never expected to be reunited with her original flame, Dylan Halloway. They haven't spoken in 4 years, but now they'll have to work together to solve a murder case that's been plagued with corruption and misconduct from the very start. Will they be able to sort through their own feelings while also solving the biggest case Oyster Shoals has seen in decades?
I love a good murder mystery. There's just something instantly compelling about that police procedural formula. Some parts of this story have a very Law and Order feel, and I'm an easy mark for anything that gives me that same feeling. All the parts of the story around the case were my favorites and I really enjoyed seeing Kelsi and Dylan sort through all the pieces to put together their case. It was so fun to see their professional chemistry right alongside their romantic pining. You know you love each other, right?!
My biggest gripe is with the secret of their initial split. You know from the start of the book that Kelsi and Dylan haven't spoken in 4 years, but the book doesn't explain what happened to cause that split until well over 2/3 of the way through the book. It's clear there was some kind of misunderstanding, but the reader doesn't know any of the details. I let out an audible sigh of relief when we finally get the story of what happened and I couldn't help but feel I would have enjoyed the story and their perspectives so much more if I had been able to relate to their side of the story for the whole book.
The side characters in this story really elevated it for me. I loved Dylan's relationship with his veteran friends. We don't see them often as they're not a huge focus, but it's clear from how he talks with and about them that they're very important to him. Kelsi's best friend, Abby, is hilarious, and would make a great main character for a followup book. Kelsi and Dylan's moms are both the exact same type of nosy small town mothers that make me giggle, and you can't help but love them.
Overall I would give this a 3, and recommend with some caveats. Dylan and Kelsi make perfect sense together and it felt so good to watch them reconnect through the story. If you need spice with your romance though this is probably a pass as there isn't any. That part didn't bother me at all but I know the lack of spice will be a turn-off for some. I really did struggle with the secret of their original disconnect, and that was probably the thing I disliked the most. It might not have bothered me as much but it comes up frequently throughout the book and takes a very long time to get resolution. Kelsi and Dylan's professional collaboration served as the perfect catalyst for them to reconnect though, and the murder case they work serves as a perfect backdrop. I very much appreciate the opportunity to read an advanced copy, and I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for future books from Madisson!
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