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Faircloud #4
Where We First Fell
A slow-burn friends-to-lovers story about coming home, healing old wounds, and realizing the love you’ve always needed has been right beside you all along. After a betrayal that shattered her heart, Ellie Cassidy fled Faircloud, Texas, hoping time away would provide her the clarity she couldn’t find in the confines of her small hometown. When the noise of the past finally quiets, she makes the hardest choice of to return. Coming home means facing the whispers, the stares, and the weight of old wounds. Faircloud has a way of testing her, and soon Ellie finds herself questioning everything all over again, especially her heart. The only steady thing in her world? Logan Walker. Her childhood best friend. Her fiercest protector. The boy who’s quietly loved her for years and the man she’s never stopped leaning on. Logan has always stood by Ellie, even when it meant standing in the shadows. But when she needs an escape, he offers her more than just a shoulder—he offers a road trip, a chance to breathe, and maybe something she never dared hope for, a new chance at love. As miles pass and secrets unravel, Ellie and Logan discover that sometimes, the love you’ve been searching for has been beside you all along, and the path back home leads straight into the arms you’ve always belonged in.
379 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 21, 2026
About the author
M. Hartley
9 books232 followersM. Hartley is a hopeless romantic with a passion for crafting heartfelt stories about small-town charm and rugged fictional cowboys (with big hearts and big…) When she’s not writing, while drinking a glass of sweet red wine, she can be found doting on her beloved dog, Hank, or indulging in her absurd Swedish Fish addiction. Dedicated to making readers fall head over heels for romance, M. Hartley believes there’s nothing better than a love story that lingers long after the last page is turned.
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August 23, 2026
“The biggest lesson I learned was to surround myself with people who loved me without conditions. Build my village. Protect it fiercely.”
on repeat 𝄞 ࿐♬ 𓍢ִ🎧ྀི ᯓ ♪ˎˊ˗
“ᴀʟᴡᴀʏs ʙᴇᴇɴ ʏᴏᴜ” x ᴋᴇᴇɴᴀɴ ᴛᴇ
0:41 ──♥──────── 3:01
Where We First Fell is a smalltown, friends to lovers romance about Ellie returning home after heartbreak and finding herself drawn closer to the childhood best friend who has always been there for her. With a road trip, old wounds, and a very slowburn romance, it’s all about finding your way back to yourself... and maybe to someone who has been beside you all along.
Okay so this was cute. Definitely a little heavier than I expected in some places, but there was still that cozy small-town charm that made it easy to settle into. That being said… I have to confess something: I DID NOT REALIZE THIS WAS BOOK FOUR. and honestly, I think that explains a lot of my reading experience
I really struggled with feeling fully connected to the world and the people around Ellie and Logan. I kept getting the sense that there was history and emotional groundwork I probably would have understood much better if I had read the previous books. I liked these characters, but I don’t think I had enough of their backstory to become as emotionally invested as I wanted to be. So if you’re starting this series from the beginning, I can absolutely see this hitting differently
Logan was easily my favorite part. That man was SO devoted. 🥹 The way he cared for Ellie, supported her, and consistently showed up for her was just… yes. Give me a man who quietly loves you and would apparently cross several states about it. The road trip was probably my favorite part because I loved watching them slowly get closer and Ellie begin to realize that maybe there was something more between them. The slow burn was sweet, even if I sometimes wished it would hurry up just a little😂
I did struggle with Ellie at times because some of her choices had me staring at the page like, girl… please use your brain. But I really loved the found family aspect. Their friends were incredibly supportive, and seeing them surrounded by people who genuinely cared about them was such a high point for me.
Overall this was a cute, easy smalltown romance with a sweet friends to lovers setup, but it wasn’t quite as memorable for me as I hoped. I think reading the series in order would have made a huge difference, though, and I’d definitely recommend this to anyone who already loves the Faircloud world 💕
favorite quotes ↓
“Ellie Cassidy was the kind of woman a man didn’t just want… she was the kind you waited for, the kind you chose every time, even in silence.”
“I let myself feel because maybe that’s what healing actually is. Perhaps it is letting the dam break and allowing the flood to carry you somewhere new.”
“Love doesn’t rush. It waits. It listens. It fights quietly, day after day, in the small moments that matter most.”
things to know about the book ↓
💐 friends → lovers
💐 slow burn
💐 road trip
💐 forced proximity
💐 he’s always loved her
💐 dual POV
swearing: yes
spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
→ chapters: 23, 32, 35, 38, 41, 45
Thank you NetGalley, publisher & author for this arc in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
─────────
・❥・⁀➷ 𝕡𝕣𝕖-𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕
august 23rd- friends to lovers but make it slowburn??? yes please. and ofc im reading because it's in my home state 🤠
on repeat 𝄞 ࿐♬ 𓍢ִ🎧ྀི ᯓ ♪ˎˊ˗
“ᴀʟᴡᴀʏs ʙᴇᴇɴ ʏᴏᴜ” x ᴋᴇᴇɴᴀɴ ᴛᴇ
0:41 ──♥──────── 3:01
Where We First Fell is a smalltown, friends to lovers romance about Ellie returning home after heartbreak and finding herself drawn closer to the childhood best friend who has always been there for her. With a road trip, old wounds, and a very slowburn romance, it’s all about finding your way back to yourself... and maybe to someone who has been beside you all along.
Okay so this was cute. Definitely a little heavier than I expected in some places, but there was still that cozy small-town charm that made it easy to settle into. That being said… I have to confess something: I DID NOT REALIZE THIS WAS BOOK FOUR. and honestly, I think that explains a lot of my reading experience
I really struggled with feeling fully connected to the world and the people around Ellie and Logan. I kept getting the sense that there was history and emotional groundwork I probably would have understood much better if I had read the previous books. I liked these characters, but I don’t think I had enough of their backstory to become as emotionally invested as I wanted to be. So if you’re starting this series from the beginning, I can absolutely see this hitting differently
Logan was easily my favorite part. That man was SO devoted. 🥹 The way he cared for Ellie, supported her, and consistently showed up for her was just… yes. Give me a man who quietly loves you and would apparently cross several states about it. The road trip was probably my favorite part because I loved watching them slowly get closer and Ellie begin to realize that maybe there was something more between them. The slow burn was sweet, even if I sometimes wished it would hurry up just a little😂
I did struggle with Ellie at times because some of her choices had me staring at the page like, girl… please use your brain. But I really loved the found family aspect. Their friends were incredibly supportive, and seeing them surrounded by people who genuinely cared about them was such a high point for me.
Overall this was a cute, easy smalltown romance with a sweet friends to lovers setup, but it wasn’t quite as memorable for me as I hoped. I think reading the series in order would have made a huge difference, though, and I’d definitely recommend this to anyone who already loves the Faircloud world 💕
favorite quotes ↓
“Ellie Cassidy was the kind of woman a man didn’t just want… she was the kind you waited for, the kind you chose every time, even in silence.”
“I let myself feel because maybe that’s what healing actually is. Perhaps it is letting the dam break and allowing the flood to carry you somewhere new.”
“Love doesn’t rush. It waits. It listens. It fights quietly, day after day, in the small moments that matter most.”
things to know about the book ↓
💐 friends → lovers
💐 slow burn
💐 road trip
💐 forced proximity
💐 he’s always loved her
💐 dual POV
swearing: yes
spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
→ chapters: 23, 32, 35, 38, 41, 45
Thank you NetGalley, publisher & author for this arc in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
─────────
・❥・⁀➷ 𝕡𝕣𝕖-𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕
august 23rd- friends to lovers but make it slowburn??? yes please. and ofc im reading because it's in my home state 🤠
July 30, 2026
This is a Friends to Lovers Cowboy Romance, and this is the fourth book in the Faircloud series. I have read the first three books in this series before picking up this book. I read this book by listening to the audiobook, and I really enjoyed this audiobook. I enjoyed this book and this series, but I do think you can read this book as a standalone without any problems. If you choose to read this book as a standalone you just will not know the backstory of some of the secondary characters in this book. I loved the main characters in this book, and I have been waiting for Ellie's story. Ellie showed up near the end of the first book in this series. I got pulled into this story, and I was sitting on the edge of my set wanting for the two main characters to just get together. I found the romance cute but a little slow moving. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
August 11, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was the perfect ending to the series! I have completely fallen in love with all of these characters and the little town of Faircloud, Texas, and saying goodbye to them honestly hurts a little.
Getting to see Ellie come home and, after everything she’s been through, finally find her purpose was honestly everything I needed. Watching her figure out what she wanted and where she belonged made my heart so happy. And then there’s Logan… seeing him finally get the girl? PERFECTION. 🥹❤️
M. Hartley does such an incredible job of pulling you into the story and making you feel like you’re part of this little community. You can’t help but become invested in these characters and their lives. Faircloud feels like one of those fictional places you wish you could actually visit, and I’m genuinely going to miss it.
This book has the perfect mix of sweet moments, spicy moments, found family, and all the small-town feels. More than anything, it feels like a warm hug from beginning to end.
Faircloud, Texas, you will be missed. But I have a feeling I’ll be coming back for a reread. 💕
This book was the perfect ending to the series! I have completely fallen in love with all of these characters and the little town of Faircloud, Texas, and saying goodbye to them honestly hurts a little.
Getting to see Ellie come home and, after everything she’s been through, finally find her purpose was honestly everything I needed. Watching her figure out what she wanted and where she belonged made my heart so happy. And then there’s Logan… seeing him finally get the girl? PERFECTION. 🥹❤️
M. Hartley does such an incredible job of pulling you into the story and making you feel like you’re part of this little community. You can’t help but become invested in these characters and their lives. Faircloud feels like one of those fictional places you wish you could actually visit, and I’m genuinely going to miss it.
This book has the perfect mix of sweet moments, spicy moments, found family, and all the small-town feels. More than anything, it feels like a warm hug from beginning to end.
Faircloud, Texas, you will be missed. But I have a feeling I’ll be coming back for a reread. 💕
July 31, 2026
5 ⭐️
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the arc.
⋆˙⟡ tropes ⟡˙⋆
🌵 small town
🚙 road trip
💍 it’s always been you
🛏️ one bed
🍸 found family
🖤 secret tattoo
🤠 cowboy romance
💚 childhood best friends
⋆˙⟡ thoughts ⟡˙⋆
another five star read from my girl. i’m sad this was the end, it’s so bittersweet. i love this little found family in fair cloud. 🥺
ellie and logan are everything. this mans is a YEARNER, a PROTECTOR, a SUPPORTIVE GENTLEMAN. he was so patient (he’s been in love with her forever but didn’t want to pressure her). their chemistry felt so raw, especially because they were childhood best friends to lovers. i also love ellie and how she found herself again. she’s a sweetie who deserves the world. i miss them already.
this also focuses on ellie’s journey of finding herself which was so beautiful to see throughout the entire story. alsoooo logan supporting her every step of the way was so sweet. he respected her and took care of her without pushing her. miles on the other hand 🙄 (we dislike him!!!!).
⋆˙⟡ synopsis ⟡˙⋆
after a betrayal that shattered her heart, ellie fled faircloud, hoping time away would provide her clarity. when the noise of the past finally quiets, she makes the hardest choice of all, to return. the only steady thing in her world is logan, her childhood best friend (the boy who’s quietly loved her for years and the man she’s never stopped leaning on). he has always stood by her, even when it meant standing in the shadows. but when she needs an escape, he offers a road trip, a chance to breathe, and maybe something she never dared hope for, a new chance at love.
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the arc.
⋆˙⟡ tropes ⟡˙⋆
🌵 small town
🚙 road trip
💍 it’s always been you
🛏️ one bed
🍸 found family
🖤 secret tattoo
🤠 cowboy romance
💚 childhood best friends
⋆˙⟡ thoughts ⟡˙⋆
another five star read from my girl. i’m sad this was the end, it’s so bittersweet. i love this little found family in fair cloud. 🥺
ellie and logan are everything. this mans is a YEARNER, a PROTECTOR, a SUPPORTIVE GENTLEMAN. he was so patient (he’s been in love with her forever but didn’t want to pressure her). their chemistry felt so raw, especially because they were childhood best friends to lovers. i also love ellie and how she found herself again. she’s a sweetie who deserves the world. i miss them already.
this also focuses on ellie’s journey of finding herself which was so beautiful to see throughout the entire story. alsoooo logan supporting her every step of the way was so sweet. he respected her and took care of her without pushing her. miles on the other hand 🙄 (we dislike him!!!!).
⋆˙⟡ synopsis ⟡˙⋆
after a betrayal that shattered her heart, ellie fled faircloud, hoping time away would provide her clarity. when the noise of the past finally quiets, she makes the hardest choice of all, to return. the only steady thing in her world is logan, her childhood best friend (the boy who’s quietly loved her for years and the man she’s never stopped leaning on). he has always stood by her, even when it meant standing in the shadows. but when she needs an escape, he offers a road trip, a chance to breathe, and maybe something she never dared hope for, a new chance at love.
July 30, 2026
My favorite Faircloud book BY FAR!!!!!! This book left me in shambles and I'm still thinking about these two. M Hartley absolutely NAILED the childhood friends-to-lovers in Where We First Fell, and I think the road trip and forced proximity made this romance even sweeter. I loved that Logan fell first (and harder) and the pining & yearning this man does is *chefs kiss*
Seeing Ellie and Logan's friendship grow through this book and slowly turn into this beautiful romance was so fulfilling. I think Logan being this unwavering and steady person in Ellie's life, but never acting on any of the feelings he had, really added depth to, not just his character but also the emotional side to the relationship. Ellie needs that support and strength that Logan provides in this book, and I was happy to see them come together and find this sweet romance with each other.
I am a sucker for tension and yearning and this book brought the heat. The spice, when it finally hit, was also so satisfying and the care that M Hartley puts into these scenes was magnificent.
This was such a heartfelt, emotional story with all the best tropes in it. It broke me in two and stitched me back together and gave me a big ol smooch to seal the deal. I will highly recommend not only this book, but this entire series to my small-town romance fans who love found family and the sweetest couples!
Seeing Ellie and Logan's friendship grow through this book and slowly turn into this beautiful romance was so fulfilling. I think Logan being this unwavering and steady person in Ellie's life, but never acting on any of the feelings he had, really added depth to, not just his character but also the emotional side to the relationship. Ellie needs that support and strength that Logan provides in this book, and I was happy to see them come together and find this sweet romance with each other.
I am a sucker for tension and yearning and this book brought the heat. The spice, when it finally hit, was also so satisfying and the care that M Hartley puts into these scenes was magnificent.
This was such a heartfelt, emotional story with all the best tropes in it. It broke me in two and stitched me back together and gave me a big ol smooch to seal the deal. I will highly recommend not only this book, but this entire series to my small-town romance fans who love found family and the sweetest couples!
July 30, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Where We First Fell easily became one of my favorite books I’ve read this year. This was my first time reading anything in the Faircloud series, and now I’m completely obsessed. I already know I’ll be going back to read the first three books because if they’re anything like this one, I’m in for a treat.
Ellie and Logan completely stole my heart. Ellie felt so real, and I loved watching her grow throughout the story. Logan was everything I want in a book boyfriend—kind, patient, supportive, and just genuinely good. Their friendship slowly blossoming into something more felt so authentic that I couldn’t help but fall in love with them right alongside each other.
What really made this book stand out was the emotion. It made me smile, made my heart ache, and had me completely invested from beginning to end. The found-family dynamic and the friendships added so much warmth to the story, making Faircloud feel like a place I’d love to visit again.
The audiobook was fantastic. The narrators captured Ellie and Logan’s emotions beautifully and made every heartfelt moment hit even harder. Their performances added so much depth to an already emotional story.
If you’re looking for a heartfelt friends-to-lovers romance with incredible characters, plenty of emotion, and a story that stays with you long after it ends, I can’t recommend this one enough. I absolutely loved it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Where We First Fell easily became one of my favorite books I’ve read this year. This was my first time reading anything in the Faircloud series, and now I’m completely obsessed. I already know I’ll be going back to read the first three books because if they’re anything like this one, I’m in for a treat.
Ellie and Logan completely stole my heart. Ellie felt so real, and I loved watching her grow throughout the story. Logan was everything I want in a book boyfriend—kind, patient, supportive, and just genuinely good. Their friendship slowly blossoming into something more felt so authentic that I couldn’t help but fall in love with them right alongside each other.
What really made this book stand out was the emotion. It made me smile, made my heart ache, and had me completely invested from beginning to end. The found-family dynamic and the friendships added so much warmth to the story, making Faircloud feel like a place I’d love to visit again.
The audiobook was fantastic. The narrators captured Ellie and Logan’s emotions beautifully and made every heartfelt moment hit even harder. Their performances added so much depth to an already emotional story.
If you’re looking for a heartfelt friends-to-lovers romance with incredible characters, plenty of emotion, and a story that stays with you long after it ends, I can’t recommend this one enough. I absolutely loved it.
July 14, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the audio ARC
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Where We First Fell was the perfect finale to my time in Faircloud, and without a doubt my favorite book in the series. M. Hartley absolutely nailed the slow burn, friends to lovers romance, and I was completely invested in Ellie and Logan from beginning to end.
There is just something so special about childhood best friends realizing they’ve been each other’s person all along. Watching Ellie heal from her past while Logan quietly loved and supported her every step of the way made this story incredibly emotional and heartwarming. Their chemistry felt natural, their journey was beautiful, and I found myself smiling through so many moments.
The audiobook made an already amazing story even better. I loved the dual narration, and having separate narrators for Ellie and Logan brought so much life and emotion to their characters. They captured every heartfelt moment perfectly and made it impossible to stop listening.
This entire Faircloud series has been such a wonderful read, but Where We First Fell easily became my favorite. If you love small town romance, childhood best friends, slow burn love stories, healing after heartbreak, and outstanding dual narration, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Where We First Fell was the perfect finale to my time in Faircloud, and without a doubt my favorite book in the series. M. Hartley absolutely nailed the slow burn, friends to lovers romance, and I was completely invested in Ellie and Logan from beginning to end.
There is just something so special about childhood best friends realizing they’ve been each other’s person all along. Watching Ellie heal from her past while Logan quietly loved and supported her every step of the way made this story incredibly emotional and heartwarming. Their chemistry felt natural, their journey was beautiful, and I found myself smiling through so many moments.
The audiobook made an already amazing story even better. I loved the dual narration, and having separate narrators for Ellie and Logan brought so much life and emotion to their characters. They captured every heartfelt moment perfectly and made it impossible to stop listening.
This entire Faircloud series has been such a wonderful read, but Where We First Fell easily became my favorite. If you love small town romance, childhood best friends, slow burn love stories, healing after heartbreak, and outstanding dual narration, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
July 28, 2026
I had the pleasure of receiving this as an e-ARC and voluntarily will be giving my honest review. This was a sweet romance book with all the feelings! Had me laughing out loud! Loved the road trip aspect of the book. Love a good road trip! Their chemistry was spot on!!
“A slow-burn friends-to-lovers story about coming home, healing old wounds, and realizing the love you’ve always needed has been right beside you all along.”
“A slow-burn friends-to-lovers story about coming home, healing old wounds, and realizing the love you’ve always needed has been right beside you all along.”
August 14, 2026
I will live and die on the hill that a friends to lovers book just SLAPS EVERY SINGLE TIME. If you throw in the fact they were CHILDHOOD BESTFRIENDS- DONE. I AM SO FAR GONE I WILL NEVER RECOVER.
Logan and Ellie set the bar for falling in love in every single stage of their lives. When Ellie leaves Faircloud to out run the whispers and drama of a failed relationship Logan never gave up on her. He called, he showed up, he was always a constant in her life. Now that Ellie is back in town it's like no time has passed between the two.
The way the author wrote both Ellie and Logans characters was with love and grace for who they were. Ellie needed someone to show up for her. She needed to know she was worth it... not because Logan told her she was but because he let her find her way alone. He truly gave her strength without even knowing it. The way Logan loves Ellie is a love that could withstand all obstacles they face and it is truly so special to me.
The angst of them finally confessing their feelings was written so genuinely. It felt honest and real like neither of them could survive without the other in their lives no matter what that relationship looked like- but we were all rooting for the HEA and for the string to finally SNAP.
This book was my favorite of the Faircloud Series, and it is one of my favorite reads of the year!! I am so happy she saved these two for the end. I don't think we could have ended the series any better.
Logan and Ellie set the bar for falling in love in every single stage of their lives. When Ellie leaves Faircloud to out run the whispers and drama of a failed relationship Logan never gave up on her. He called, he showed up, he was always a constant in her life. Now that Ellie is back in town it's like no time has passed between the two.
The way the author wrote both Ellie and Logans characters was with love and grace for who they were. Ellie needed someone to show up for her. She needed to know she was worth it... not because Logan told her she was but because he let her find her way alone. He truly gave her strength without even knowing it. The way Logan loves Ellie is a love that could withstand all obstacles they face and it is truly so special to me.
The angst of them finally confessing their feelings was written so genuinely. It felt honest and real like neither of them could survive without the other in their lives no matter what that relationship looked like- but we were all rooting for the HEA and for the string to finally SNAP.
This book was my favorite of the Faircloud Series, and it is one of my favorite reads of the year!! I am so happy she saved these two for the end. I don't think we could have ended the series any better.
July 16, 2026
Where We First Fell was the perfect ending for the Faircloud series. We finally get Ellie’s story. Logan and Ellie’s HEA was completely worth it.
The chemistry between Ellie and Logan was beautifully captured. For fifteen years Logan has been pining for his best friend Ellie. I mean who doesn’t love a MMC who’s head over boots for his love!?
This book was a perfect example of a childhood friends to lovers! I enjoyed reading it so much. If you’re looking for a friends to lovers, character and emotionally driven, small town romance this is the book for you! That epilogue was a good ending to this series.
Thank you to M.Hartley, Page & Vine and NetGalley for the arc!
Tropes:
💚 friends to lovers
💚 found family
💚 secret tattoo
💚 road trip
💚 yearning
It was roots. It was promises kept. It was the future. And I was ready for all of it—with him.
He taught me that love doesn’t rush. It waits. It listens. It fights quietly, day after day, in the small moments that matter most.
The chemistry between Ellie and Logan was beautifully captured. For fifteen years Logan has been pining for his best friend Ellie. I mean who doesn’t love a MMC who’s head over boots for his love!?
This book was a perfect example of a childhood friends to lovers! I enjoyed reading it so much. If you’re looking for a friends to lovers, character and emotionally driven, small town romance this is the book for you! That epilogue was a good ending to this series.
Thank you to M.Hartley, Page & Vine and NetGalley for the arc!
Tropes:
💚 friends to lovers
💚 found family
💚 secret tattoo
💚 road trip
💚 yearning
It was roots. It was promises kept. It was the future. And I was ready for all of it—with him.
He taught me that love doesn’t rush. It waits. It listens. It fights quietly, day after day, in the small moments that matter most.
September 9, 2026
Sweet and pretty good. Make sure you check your triggers. Also Logan is perfection. I did wish there was more to the whole running Miles out of town/ consequences for that but otherwise I really enjoyed this one.
July 19, 2026
Where We First Fell is the 4th book in the Faircloud series from M. Hartley. This 4 star read had all the best tropes from one bed, brothers best friend, he falls first and so much more. Logan was an amazing MMC. The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars is because Ellie made too many dumb choices in regard to a toxic situation. She annoyed me because it took her way too long to learn her lesson. I think a lot of other people will actually appreciate that part of the book, I just didn’t. Overall, I liked the story a lot. I listened to this as an audiobook and the narrator was fantastic! I highly recommend the audiobook.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC audiobook.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC audiobook.
August 2, 2026
What a beautiful way to end the Faircloud series! 🥹
Logan was the SWEETEST, most thoughtful character. I loved how he was protective but not in a broody man type a way, but in the best way that Ellie needed at the time. Seriously a true gentleman. He was literally down for anything as long as Ellie was with him and that childhood friends to lovers really built up nicely throughout the story.
Ellie’s journey to finding herself again was SO heart breakingly beautiful. She really never let the bad stuff dull her shine and watching her let her walls come down with Logan was my favorite part.
I loved all the little cameos from the characters in the previous books. It really feels like one big happy found family and those are my top favorite stories. The epilogue really pulled the entire series together and as sad as I am that their stories are over, I’m so excited for what M. Hartley has up her sleeve next! 😍
Logan was the SWEETEST, most thoughtful character. I loved how he was protective but not in a broody man type a way, but in the best way that Ellie needed at the time. Seriously a true gentleman. He was literally down for anything as long as Ellie was with him and that childhood friends to lovers really built up nicely throughout the story.
Ellie’s journey to finding herself again was SO heart breakingly beautiful. She really never let the bad stuff dull her shine and watching her let her walls come down with Logan was my favorite part.
I loved all the little cameos from the characters in the previous books. It really feels like one big happy found family and those are my top favorite stories. The epilogue really pulled the entire series together and as sad as I am that their stories are over, I’m so excited for what M. Hartley has up her sleeve next! 😍
August 7, 2026
Okayyyy this one kinda let me down. Honestly Ellie drove me crazy. Like absolutely insane and I was over her by the end. Logan was amazing but I felt it was unnecessary to keep mentioning him sleeping with other girls in the past while Ellie was only with one other guy. There’s was like four times and all of them were mentioned while Ellie and Logan were messing around with each other like Logan was going down on Ellie and she though “I don’t want to think about where he learned how to be this good” and then after they had sex for the first time Ellie asked Logan if all the other girls got the same treatment. It was gross to me considering Ellie had been with one guy and that was it. And that one guy had never gone down on Ellie and after she told Logan that his reply was “it’s my favorite thing to do” like please stop mentioning you’ve done this with other people obviously a lot considering it’s your favorite thing to do as your activity going down on a girl whose never had this done before. I also just hate when it’s the whole I’ve loved you since I was eight but I’ve slept around thing and no Logan isn’t a playboy which makes it more confusing as to why it kept getting mentioned. This is probably literally nothing to most people I just didn’t like it. We kept going from Logan professing his love to his sexual activities with other girls being mentioned the next chapter. But I was to say this again HE ISNT A PLAYBOY AND THERE IS NO OWD AT ALL and he’s very much into Ellie and only Ellie. But not because he def didn’t wait for her which is fine if it’s not mentioned like it was. It just never makes sense me to why authors write the book like she’s the only girl he’s ever been in love with, he’s loved her since he was 8… but he sleeps with other girls. Like what? Idk clearly I haven’t decided how I feel yet because at the same time Logan was so devoted to Ellie and only her so it’s confusing
Also I live in a small town and girl why were you so insane about what everyone else thought about you. People in your town are always going to be saying something about someone just ignore omg. This girl literally let it dictate her life multiple times like Jesus
And I’m sorry but who goes to a man’s house she barely knows after he got violent with her like two days ago to friend zone him Ellie didn’t even tell anyone she was going that was so stupid. Her not wanting to be talk of the town after her high school sweetheart but yet she thought it was a good idea to get involved with her the new city boy no one liked? Babe I think that’s going to make you the talk of the town again. Here comes the stares and whispers that made you run away the first time. Ugh she just got on my nerves.
Another thing I didn’t love was how I read all about Ellie’s struggles literally four times like when she explained everything to Logan, then when he explained it all to the guys, then when Ellie explained it all to the girls, then when Ellie talked to her mom.
And I know your probably like Jesus why did this girl give this book 4 stars if she didn’t like it but I did like it. I liked how much Logan loved Ellie and how he was always there. I just didn’t like Ellie didn’t notice it until it was convenient for her. Honestly my 4 stars and for Logan and the rest of the characters from the other books.
Idk if this is the end of this series but if it is I would love to see a novella or something set in the future to see if aspen ever had kids or how their lives ended up!!
Also I live in a small town and girl why were you so insane about what everyone else thought about you. People in your town are always going to be saying something about someone just ignore omg. This girl literally let it dictate her life multiple times like Jesus
And I’m sorry but who goes to a man’s house she barely knows after he got violent with her like two days ago to friend zone him Ellie didn’t even tell anyone she was going that was so stupid. Her not wanting to be talk of the town after her high school sweetheart but yet she thought it was a good idea to get involved with her the new city boy no one liked? Babe I think that’s going to make you the talk of the town again. Here comes the stares and whispers that made you run away the first time. Ugh she just got on my nerves.
Another thing I didn’t love was how I read all about Ellie’s struggles literally four times like when she explained everything to Logan, then when he explained it all to the guys, then when Ellie explained it all to the girls, then when Ellie talked to her mom.
And I know your probably like Jesus why did this girl give this book 4 stars if she didn’t like it but I did like it. I liked how much Logan loved Ellie and how he was always there. I just didn’t like Ellie didn’t notice it until it was convenient for her. Honestly my 4 stars and for Logan and the rest of the characters from the other books.
Idk if this is the end of this series but if it is I would love to see a novella or something set in the future to see if aspen ever had kids or how their lives ended up!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2026
✨ALC Review✨ - 4.25 ⭐️
This is my second book by this author. I thought the first one was alright, but this one was really good and had so many sweet moments. 🥹
Logan is sooooo down bad for Ellie, and I was absolutely eating it up.
“There wasn’t a universe where I say no to her. Not now, not ever… If Ellie Cassidy asked, I showed up. No hesitation.”
Sir. 😭😭
I love a man who is completely, hopelessly devoted to his woman, and Logan was exactly that. He doesn’t just want Ellie—he chooses her over and over again. The way he talks about her had me swooning:
“Ellie Cassidy was the kind of woman a man didn’t just want, she was the kind you waited for, the kind you chose every time, even in silence.”
And then:
“I didn’t need the beach, I didn’t need the view when I had her.”
HELLO????? 🥹
I also loved all the little things he did to make her feel special. The tattoo so that a piece of her would always be with him? The surprise picnic? Him telling her she deserves to feel special? Ughhhh. I love when a man isn’t afraid to show a woman how loved and cherished she is.
“Do you know what it’s like to be truly loved, Ace? To be cherished? Wanted? Needed more than air itself? Let me be the one to show you.”
EXCUSE ME????? 😭😭😭
What made Logan’s devotion even sweeter to me is that although he’s been in love with Ellie for years, his friendship with her isn’t conditional on her loving him back. If she didn’t feel the same way, he would still be her friend and still show up for her. I really appreciated that because it made his love feel genuine rather than like he was just waiting around for his chance to finally get her.
I also really enjoyed the road trip! I love a good road trip in a romance, and this one sounded like such a fun adventure. It gave them a chance to spend time together and created so many opportunities for those sweet little moments I loved.
Not everyone was as lovable, though. Miles is a doucheeeee. “Don’t I get a little somethin’ for taking you out?” Barffffff. 🤢
The audiobook was also really well done. Both narrators did a great job, and I especially loved how Reagan softened her voice almost to a whisper during the really tender moments. It added so much to those scenes and made them feel even more intimate. There were a few times when she used that softer voice where I didn’t think it quite fit the context, but overall, I really enjoyed her narration.
The was only one small thing I didn’t agree with in the story. Bear with me, I know this might sound crazy but I know it in my bones to be true. You’re telling me that logan isn’t the kind of man to give a warning when he’s about to cum so she can decide if she wants to pull away. There’s just no possible way that’s true. He’s the kind of man that would be begging her to pop off because he can’t stop it. It just fits his character so perfectly.
Overall, this was such a sweet, feel-good romance with a hero who completely won me over. Logan’s devotion, the road trip, all of the thoughtful little things he did for Ellie, and the way he genuinely wanted her to feel loved and cherished made this such a lovely read. This author definitely redeemed herself for me after my more lukewarm feelings about the first book, and now I’m excited to see what else she has to offer.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for letting me listen to this one early.
This is my second book by this author. I thought the first one was alright, but this one was really good and had so many sweet moments. 🥹
Logan is sooooo down bad for Ellie, and I was absolutely eating it up.
“There wasn’t a universe where I say no to her. Not now, not ever… If Ellie Cassidy asked, I showed up. No hesitation.”
Sir. 😭😭
I love a man who is completely, hopelessly devoted to his woman, and Logan was exactly that. He doesn’t just want Ellie—he chooses her over and over again. The way he talks about her had me swooning:
“Ellie Cassidy was the kind of woman a man didn’t just want, she was the kind you waited for, the kind you chose every time, even in silence.”
And then:
“I didn’t need the beach, I didn’t need the view when I had her.”
HELLO????? 🥹
I also loved all the little things he did to make her feel special. The tattoo so that a piece of her would always be with him? The surprise picnic? Him telling her she deserves to feel special? Ughhhh. I love when a man isn’t afraid to show a woman how loved and cherished she is.
“Do you know what it’s like to be truly loved, Ace? To be cherished? Wanted? Needed more than air itself? Let me be the one to show you.”
EXCUSE ME????? 😭😭😭
What made Logan’s devotion even sweeter to me is that although he’s been in love with Ellie for years, his friendship with her isn’t conditional on her loving him back. If she didn’t feel the same way, he would still be her friend and still show up for her. I really appreciated that because it made his love feel genuine rather than like he was just waiting around for his chance to finally get her.
I also really enjoyed the road trip! I love a good road trip in a romance, and this one sounded like such a fun adventure. It gave them a chance to spend time together and created so many opportunities for those sweet little moments I loved.
Not everyone was as lovable, though. Miles is a doucheeeee. “Don’t I get a little somethin’ for taking you out?” Barffffff. 🤢
The audiobook was also really well done. Both narrators did a great job, and I especially loved how Reagan softened her voice almost to a whisper during the really tender moments. It added so much to those scenes and made them feel even more intimate. There were a few times when she used that softer voice where I didn’t think it quite fit the context, but overall, I really enjoyed her narration.
The was only one small thing I didn’t agree with in the story. Bear with me, I know this might sound crazy but I know it in my bones to be true. You’re telling me that logan isn’t the kind of man to give a warning when he’s about to cum so she can decide if she wants to pull away. There’s just no possible way that’s true. He’s the kind of man that would be begging her to pop off because he can’t stop it. It just fits his character so perfectly.
Overall, this was such a sweet, feel-good romance with a hero who completely won me over. Logan’s devotion, the road trip, all of the thoughtful little things he did for Ellie, and the way he genuinely wanted her to feel loved and cherished made this such a lovely read. This author definitely redeemed herself for me after my more lukewarm feelings about the first book, and now I’m excited to see what else she has to offer.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for letting me listen to this one early.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
🚨 SPOILER ALERT: READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!
I am giving Where We First Fell by M. Hartley a magnificent, chart-topping 5-star review! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Move over Book 2, there is a brand-new favorite in town! This book completely swept me off my feet and delivered an absolute masterclass in romantic yearning straight to my headphones.
ARC Disclosure: Thank you so much to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing an early digital review copy (eARC) of this incredible book! All thoughts, hot takes, and obsessed reflections shared in this review are entirely my own.
The Review
Where We First Fell is an absolute masterpiece of a contemporary romance. As the fourth installment in the Faircloud series, M. Hartley delivers a story that manages to achieve the impossible: dethroning Book 2 (Rhodes and Theo's story), which up until now was my absolute gold standard favorite of the entire series! Never did I think I would have to move Rhodes and Theo down to the number two spot, but after finishing this book, I simply had to.
While the books in this series can technically be read as standalones, I strongly and highly recommend reading them in order. The overarching narrative features such a beautifully interconnected world that reading out of sequence will give you major spoilers on the main couples from the previous books. The heart of this story lies in its beautiful depiction of community; all the couples form a massive, fiercely loyal group of friends who represent the absolute best of real and chosen family supporting each other no matter what. It is a fantastic, deeply emotional story that completely stole my heart.
The Good
Everything about this book is stunning, but the absolute highlight is the flawless execution of the friends-to-lovers trope. The yearning is so intense, the slow burn is so agonizingly delicious, and the emotional payoff is incredibly spectacular.
Our main characters are utterly superb. Our main male protagonist, Logan, is a top-tier book boyfriend in every sense of the word, and our female protagonist, Ellie, is incredibly compelling and wonderfully written. Honestly, it's not just one element—it's the entire book. The plot transitions beautifully, the banter is top-notch, and the deep, foundational history between Logan and Ellie makes their eventual romance feel earned on every single level.
The Not So Good
Absolutely nothing! It is an flawless romance that sets a brand-new high bar for the entire series.
🎧 AUDIOBOOK SPECIAL SECTION
For my fellow audio lovers, the audiobook edition of Where We First Fell is an absolute must-listen! The narrators deliver a superb performance, perfectly capturing Logan's quiet pining and Ellie's vibrant personality. The pacing of the delivery is exceptionally well done, allowing the emotional weight of the slow burn to really breathe without ever slowing down the momentum of the plot. It is a stunning, high-quality production that elevates an already perfect story
I am giving Where We First Fell by M. Hartley a magnificent, chart-topping 5-star review! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Move over Book 2, there is a brand-new favorite in town! This book completely swept me off my feet and delivered an absolute masterclass in romantic yearning straight to my headphones.
ARC Disclosure: Thank you so much to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing an early digital review copy (eARC) of this incredible book! All thoughts, hot takes, and obsessed reflections shared in this review are entirely my own.
The Review
Where We First Fell is an absolute masterpiece of a contemporary romance. As the fourth installment in the Faircloud series, M. Hartley delivers a story that manages to achieve the impossible: dethroning Book 2 (Rhodes and Theo's story), which up until now was my absolute gold standard favorite of the entire series! Never did I think I would have to move Rhodes and Theo down to the number two spot, but after finishing this book, I simply had to.
While the books in this series can technically be read as standalones, I strongly and highly recommend reading them in order. The overarching narrative features such a beautifully interconnected world that reading out of sequence will give you major spoilers on the main couples from the previous books. The heart of this story lies in its beautiful depiction of community; all the couples form a massive, fiercely loyal group of friends who represent the absolute best of real and chosen family supporting each other no matter what. It is a fantastic, deeply emotional story that completely stole my heart.
The Good
Everything about this book is stunning, but the absolute highlight is the flawless execution of the friends-to-lovers trope. The yearning is so intense, the slow burn is so agonizingly delicious, and the emotional payoff is incredibly spectacular.
Our main characters are utterly superb. Our main male protagonist, Logan, is a top-tier book boyfriend in every sense of the word, and our female protagonist, Ellie, is incredibly compelling and wonderfully written. Honestly, it's not just one element—it's the entire book. The plot transitions beautifully, the banter is top-notch, and the deep, foundational history between Logan and Ellie makes their eventual romance feel earned on every single level.
The Not So Good
Absolutely nothing! It is an flawless romance that sets a brand-new high bar for the entire series.
🎧 AUDIOBOOK SPECIAL SECTION
For my fellow audio lovers, the audiobook edition of Where We First Fell is an absolute must-listen! The narrators deliver a superb performance, perfectly capturing Logan's quiet pining and Ellie's vibrant personality. The pacing of the delivery is exceptionally well done, allowing the emotional weight of the slow burn to really breathe without ever slowing down the momentum of the plot. It is a stunning, high-quality production that elevates an already perfect story
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC REVIEW
Thank you so much to M. Harley, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op | Page & Vine for this ARC!
Where We First Fell is the fourth and final book in the fair cloud series by M. Hartley. The series follows a group of friends in a small town in Texas as they navigate adult life, expectations and love. It's always sad to say goodbye to a beloved series but when the last book is as good as this it makes it a little easier! I have been waiting for Ellie and Logan's story since the very first indication that Logan had a crush on her, way back in book one, and it didn’t disappoint!
This was one of the best slow burn, friends to lovers romances I have read! Logan Walker has been in love with Ellie Cassidy for years. He knows it, his friends know it and the only person who hasn't any indication of his feelings is Ellie herself. I just loved Logan so much. He was Ellie’s biggest defender and supporter. Nothing he did came with an ulterior motive, he was never acting in a way that suggested he was only helping so that she would return his affections. If anything he tried to hide them because he was so worried of losing Ellie again.
Ellie left town following pretty bad break up and has only recently returned. While she was gone she cut contact with her old life as much as possible, meaning she only ever had the odd conversation with her parents and brother. I really enjoyed following Ellie on her healing journey. At the beginning of the book her self-confidence was low and she was very worried about how she was perceived by the town. It took her a while but with the help of Logan and her friends she found her footing and rediscovered who she was.
The road trip element of this book was a lot of fun. It really highlighted how Logan and Ellie have quite different interest and personalities but they balance each other out SO well. One thing I really liked was that even when they were away from town, their dynamic didn’t really change. They didn't exist in a bubble and leave the reader worried about how it would work when they got back to real life, they were just themselves the whole time and that's why I love their relationship so much. There was some pretty good laugh out loud moments that balanced some of the more serious topics that were discussed.
There was a really nice quote in the book, when Ellie said “We didn't fall in love, we grew into it.” I think that sums them up perfectly. Ellie and Logan always been there for each other, there's always been something simmering under the surface but it took time and various life experiences for them to reach a point where they were both open to having these feelings and giving this relationship a chance.
Thank you so much to M. Harley, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op | Page & Vine for this ARC!
Where We First Fell is the fourth and final book in the fair cloud series by M. Hartley. The series follows a group of friends in a small town in Texas as they navigate adult life, expectations and love. It's always sad to say goodbye to a beloved series but when the last book is as good as this it makes it a little easier! I have been waiting for Ellie and Logan's story since the very first indication that Logan had a crush on her, way back in book one, and it didn’t disappoint!
This was one of the best slow burn, friends to lovers romances I have read! Logan Walker has been in love with Ellie Cassidy for years. He knows it, his friends know it and the only person who hasn't any indication of his feelings is Ellie herself. I just loved Logan so much. He was Ellie’s biggest defender and supporter. Nothing he did came with an ulterior motive, he was never acting in a way that suggested he was only helping so that she would return his affections. If anything he tried to hide them because he was so worried of losing Ellie again.
Ellie left town following pretty bad break up and has only recently returned. While she was gone she cut contact with her old life as much as possible, meaning she only ever had the odd conversation with her parents and brother. I really enjoyed following Ellie on her healing journey. At the beginning of the book her self-confidence was low and she was very worried about how she was perceived by the town. It took her a while but with the help of Logan and her friends she found her footing and rediscovered who she was.
The road trip element of this book was a lot of fun. It really highlighted how Logan and Ellie have quite different interest and personalities but they balance each other out SO well. One thing I really liked was that even when they were away from town, their dynamic didn’t really change. They didn't exist in a bubble and leave the reader worried about how it would work when they got back to real life, they were just themselves the whole time and that's why I love their relationship so much. There was some pretty good laugh out loud moments that balanced some of the more serious topics that were discussed.
There was a really nice quote in the book, when Ellie said “We didn't fall in love, we grew into it.” I think that sums them up perfectly. Ellie and Logan always been there for each other, there's always been something simmering under the surface but it took time and various life experiences for them to reach a point where they were both open to having these feelings and giving this relationship a chance.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5/5 ⭐ rounded up
"He was everything."
I love that so many people love this book!
Ellie Cassidy returns home, still broken, with unresolved emotional damage. She quickly seeks distraction with the neighbor she's been beefing with. It was cute and I had hope until my anxiety went through the roof and slimy Miles ended up on my triggers list (see below). But that's fine because readers have had flashbacks of how Logan Walker, her long time best friend, has always pinned after her, and he's still here, hoping she will turn to him one of these days. The faithful sweetheart saves the day and readers get a cute road trip montage as a reward for enduring Miles' crimes.
It's on the road trip that the red flags, for me, continued. Does Ellie only feel "love" and "value" when she's giving men sexual attention? Those scenes made me feel uncomfortable more than excited for them. Then, 85% in, she freaks out when something she boastfully says will occur happens exactly as she said it. Hartley tried to explain it away as a sort of trauma response, but it felt like awkward/forced "heart work" and "character development" to add turmoil to the third act. She's fine with attention one minute and panicking from it the next? There was no consistency or explanation for the variance.
Trigger/Spoiler: During Logan and Ellie's spicy scenes, there's language that hints toward nonconsensual acts and positions of vulnerability. It's a little creepy for me, personally, for a woman who was almost just sexually assaulted, definitely physically abused, to say she's 'at another man's mercy' less than a week later when they only just entered the physical side of the friendship. I get they've been best friends forever, but it's obvious she jumps into third and fourth base from a position of immaturity and vulnerability instead of power and stability. Ellie goes on to say "But I knew I was his and he was mine, we didn't need labels." ... Those are labels. I'm worried she doesn't think she's worth defining the relationship... That Ellie is afraid of embarrassment a "break up" would once again cause her in this small town. Once again proving she's not in an emotionally stable place to enter into such a physical relationship. Gah, anyone else?
Troupes: return home, dual POV, protective/respectful MMC, found family, slow burn, friends to lovers, road trip, "It Was Always You", HEA
Spice: 5/5 🌶️
Gore: 1/5 🩸
Language: 2/5 👀
Triggers: abuse, assault and battery, minimal rape kink during consensual sex scenes
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for this ARC!
"He was everything."
I love that so many people love this book!
Ellie Cassidy returns home, still broken, with unresolved emotional damage. She quickly seeks distraction with the neighbor she's been beefing with. It was cute and I had hope until my anxiety went through the roof and slimy Miles ended up on my triggers list (see below). But that's fine because readers have had flashbacks of how Logan Walker, her long time best friend, has always pinned after her, and he's still here, hoping she will turn to him one of these days. The faithful sweetheart saves the day and readers get a cute road trip montage as a reward for enduring Miles' crimes.
It's on the road trip that the red flags, for me, continued. Does Ellie only feel "love" and "value" when she's giving men sexual attention? Those scenes made me feel uncomfortable more than excited for them. Then, 85% in, she freaks out when something she boastfully says will occur happens exactly as she said it. Hartley tried to explain it away as a sort of trauma response, but it felt like awkward/forced "heart work" and "character development" to add turmoil to the third act. She's fine with attention one minute and panicking from it the next? There was no consistency or explanation for the variance.
Trigger/Spoiler: During Logan and Ellie's spicy scenes, there's language that hints toward nonconsensual acts and positions of vulnerability. It's a little creepy for me, personally, for a woman who was almost just sexually assaulted, definitely physically abused, to say she's 'at another man's mercy' less than a week later when they only just entered the physical side of the friendship. I get they've been best friends forever, but it's obvious she jumps into third and fourth base from a position of immaturity and vulnerability instead of power and stability. Ellie goes on to say "But I knew I was his and he was mine, we didn't need labels." ... Those are labels. I'm worried she doesn't think she's worth defining the relationship... That Ellie is afraid of embarrassment a "break up" would once again cause her in this small town. Once again proving she's not in an emotionally stable place to enter into such a physical relationship. Gah, anyone else?
Troupes: return home, dual POV, protective/respectful MMC, found family, slow burn, friends to lovers, road trip, "It Was Always You", HEA
Spice: 5/5 🌶️
Gore: 1/5 🩸
Language: 2/5 👀
Triggers: abuse, assault and battery, minimal rape kink during consensual sex scenes
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
“We didn’t fall in love, we grew into it.”
Where We First Fell is a tender, quietly powerful story about healing, rediscovering your worth, and realizing that sometimes the person meant for you has been standing beside you all along. Logan and Ellie have been inseparable since childhood, the kind of best friends who feel stitched into each other’s lives. Logan has loved her for years—deeply, steadfastly, and in silence—watching from the sidelines as she chased dreams, made mistakes, and lived a life he never wanted to interrupt.
When Ellie returns home, bruised emotionally and hollowed out by a relationship that broke more than just her heart, she’s adrift. She doesn’t trust her instincts, doesn’t trust her choices, and certainly doesn’t trust herself. Logan steps in with this gentle, unwavering presence, offering her safety without smothering her, support without expectation, and patience that feels almost sacred. He becomes the quiet place where she can fall apart and slowly rebuild.
And Logan… my heart absolutely melted for him. He’s the kind of hero who loves with his whole heart—soft, attentive, endlessly kind. He puts Ellie first in every way, even when it costs him. His tenderness is breathtaking, but when he finally lets the dam break and speaks his truth? Whew. That man may be gentle, but he is not shy about his desire. The emotional restraint snaps, and suddenly you’re looking at a hero who has been holding back a very filthy mouth for a very long time.
“You empower me, whether you realize it or not. And that’s the kind of love I never thought I’d have. You don’t ask me to change. You remind me I am already enough, someone I’ve always been.”
Ellie’s journey is messy and human. She flounders, she doubts, she makes choices that made me want to reach into the book and shake her a little. But watching her slowly reclaim herself—watching her learn to trust her heart again—was genuinely beautiful. Her growth feels earned, and her healing feels hopeful.
This was my first book by this author, and I was struck by how heartfelt and beautifully written it was. The emotional beats land with sincerity, the characters feel lived in, and the story carries a quiet poignancy that stays with you. I’m absolutely planning to go back and read the rest of the series because if they’re anything like this one, I’m in for something special.
Where We First Fell is a tender, quietly powerful story about healing, rediscovering your worth, and realizing that sometimes the person meant for you has been standing beside you all along. Logan and Ellie have been inseparable since childhood, the kind of best friends who feel stitched into each other’s lives. Logan has loved her for years—deeply, steadfastly, and in silence—watching from the sidelines as she chased dreams, made mistakes, and lived a life he never wanted to interrupt.
When Ellie returns home, bruised emotionally and hollowed out by a relationship that broke more than just her heart, she’s adrift. She doesn’t trust her instincts, doesn’t trust her choices, and certainly doesn’t trust herself. Logan steps in with this gentle, unwavering presence, offering her safety without smothering her, support without expectation, and patience that feels almost sacred. He becomes the quiet place where she can fall apart and slowly rebuild.
And Logan… my heart absolutely melted for him. He’s the kind of hero who loves with his whole heart—soft, attentive, endlessly kind. He puts Ellie first in every way, even when it costs him. His tenderness is breathtaking, but when he finally lets the dam break and speaks his truth? Whew. That man may be gentle, but he is not shy about his desire. The emotional restraint snaps, and suddenly you’re looking at a hero who has been holding back a very filthy mouth for a very long time.
“You empower me, whether you realize it or not. And that’s the kind of love I never thought I’d have. You don’t ask me to change. You remind me I am already enough, someone I’ve always been.”
Ellie’s journey is messy and human. She flounders, she doubts, she makes choices that made me want to reach into the book and shake her a little. But watching her slowly reclaim herself—watching her learn to trust her heart again—was genuinely beautiful. Her growth feels earned, and her healing feels hopeful.
This was my first book by this author, and I was struck by how heartfelt and beautifully written it was. The emotional beats land with sincerity, the characters feel lived in, and the story carries a quiet poignancy that stays with you. I’m absolutely planning to go back and read the rest of the series because if they’re anything like this one, I’m in for something special.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Where We First Fell feels like the final goodbye you are not quite ready for, especially after being so invested in the Faircloud series from the very beginning. This book wraps up the series in such a heartfelt, emotional way, and Logan and Ellie’s story was absolutely worth the wait.
This is a friends to lovers, found family, long time yearning, road trip romance with all the soft emotional tension that comes from two people who have always known each other a little too well and are heavy in longing . Logan and Ellie already have that built-in history, which makes everything between them feel easy in the best way. Their connection does not need to be forced or rushed. It is steady, familiar, and full of those small moments where you can tell they have always been each other’s person, even before they admitted it was more.
Logan truly is the definition of patience and devotion. Fifteen years of loving someone quietly and consistently is no small thing, and he carries that longing with such sincerity. He is steady in a way Ellie desperately needs, never overwhelming her, just showing up exactly as he is for her just as she is. And Ellie’s story is just as impactful in the opposite way. She is trying to rebuild herself after heartbreak and toxic love, dealing with that constant inner voice that makes you question your own worth. That emotional struggle felt incredibly real and hit hard at times.
Together, they balance each other so naturally. Ellie brings spontaneity and vulnerability, while Logan is grounding and calm. Their relationship does not feel like a sudden switch from friends to lovers, it feels like something that was always there finally being allowed to breathe. The emotion is impactful because you understand how much history sits behind every moment between them. The road trip setting, the quiet tension, the years of unspoken feelings, it all comes together into a romance that feels soft but incredibly layered.
By the end, this really does feel like the perfect closing chapter for Faircloud. Emotional, nostalgic, a little bittersweet, and full of heart in a way that stays with you after the last page.
What to expect:
Friends to Lovers
Found Family
Long Time Yearning
Second Chance
Road Trip
Emotional Healing
Small Town
Slow Burn
Deep Character History
This is a friends to lovers, found family, long time yearning, road trip romance with all the soft emotional tension that comes from two people who have always known each other a little too well and are heavy in longing . Logan and Ellie already have that built-in history, which makes everything between them feel easy in the best way. Their connection does not need to be forced or rushed. It is steady, familiar, and full of those small moments where you can tell they have always been each other’s person, even before they admitted it was more.
Logan truly is the definition of patience and devotion. Fifteen years of loving someone quietly and consistently is no small thing, and he carries that longing with such sincerity. He is steady in a way Ellie desperately needs, never overwhelming her, just showing up exactly as he is for her just as she is. And Ellie’s story is just as impactful in the opposite way. She is trying to rebuild herself after heartbreak and toxic love, dealing with that constant inner voice that makes you question your own worth. That emotional struggle felt incredibly real and hit hard at times.
Together, they balance each other so naturally. Ellie brings spontaneity and vulnerability, while Logan is grounding and calm. Their relationship does not feel like a sudden switch from friends to lovers, it feels like something that was always there finally being allowed to breathe. The emotion is impactful because you understand how much history sits behind every moment between them. The road trip setting, the quiet tension, the years of unspoken feelings, it all comes together into a romance that feels soft but incredibly layered.
By the end, this really does feel like the perfect closing chapter for Faircloud. Emotional, nostalgic, a little bittersweet, and full of heart in a way that stays with you after the last page.
What to expect:
Friends to Lovers
Found Family
Long Time Yearning
Second Chance
Road Trip
Emotional Healing
Small Town
Slow Burn
Deep Character History
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Where We First Fell by M. Hartley, narrated brilliantly by Tristan Warden and Reagan West, is an emotional, character-driven romance that perfectly captures the heartache and beauty of first love. At its core, the story explores the lasting impact of the choices we make when we are young, grounded in a powerful sense of nostalgia and the complex weight of a shared history.
The narrative follows Ellie Cassidy, who flees her small hometown of Faircloud, Texas, after a devastating betrayal. When she finally decides to return, she is forced to face the whispers and old wounds she left behind. Throughout this journey, the only constant in her world is Logan Walker, her childhood best friend and fiercest protector. Logan has loved Ellie from the shadows for years, and when she needs an escape, he offers her more than just a shoulder to lean on; he provides a road trip, a chance to breathe, and the possibility of a new beginning.
The pacing of the book is intentionally slow and reflective, spending significant time exploring the characters' thoughts, memories, and unresolved feelings. While it occasionally lingers in the past, this depth makes the eventual emotional payoff feel earned. Every conversation and glance between Ellie and Logan carries the weight of fifteen years of friendship, loyalty, and intimacy, making their bond feel incredibly authentic. It is a true “it’s always been you” romance that beautifully illustrates how the love you’ve been searching for is often the one that has been right beside you all along.
This is a heartfelt second-chance, friends-to-lovers story about coming home and healing. While it can be read as a standalone, the experience is even more rewarding if you start with the first book in the series to fully appreciate the depth of their connection. If you are a sucker for childhood best friends, years of pining, and an emotional journey that will have you feeling everything all at once, Where We First Fell is an absolute must-add to your reading list.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The narrative follows Ellie Cassidy, who flees her small hometown of Faircloud, Texas, after a devastating betrayal. When she finally decides to return, she is forced to face the whispers and old wounds she left behind. Throughout this journey, the only constant in her world is Logan Walker, her childhood best friend and fiercest protector. Logan has loved Ellie from the shadows for years, and when she needs an escape, he offers her more than just a shoulder to lean on; he provides a road trip, a chance to breathe, and the possibility of a new beginning.
The pacing of the book is intentionally slow and reflective, spending significant time exploring the characters' thoughts, memories, and unresolved feelings. While it occasionally lingers in the past, this depth makes the eventual emotional payoff feel earned. Every conversation and glance between Ellie and Logan carries the weight of fifteen years of friendship, loyalty, and intimacy, making their bond feel incredibly authentic. It is a true “it’s always been you” romance that beautifully illustrates how the love you’ve been searching for is often the one that has been right beside you all along.
This is a heartfelt second-chance, friends-to-lovers story about coming home and healing. While it can be read as a standalone, the experience is even more rewarding if you start with the first book in the series to fully appreciate the depth of their connection. If you are a sucker for childhood best friends, years of pining, and an emotional journey that will have you feeling everything all at once, Where We First Fell is an absolute must-add to your reading list.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Ellie Cassidy left Faircloud with one thing in mind... to get as far away from that gossip-driven little town as possible. Being humiliated in front of the whole town, then having them give her looks of pity every time she bumped into one of them was almost worse than the break-up itself. She just needed to get away and heal in peace...
Where We First Fell is a beautifully penned story of taking chances, healing after heartbreak, friendship, family, and finding the courage to let love in again. After suffering the worst parts of love gone wrong Ellie is not really willing to take a chance on it again. The heartbreak she still carries reminds her everyday what happens when you trust someone with your heart and they mistreat it.
Returning to Faircloud comes with lots of reservation and fear. What if the stares and whispers start up again? What if nothing has changed and the hurt comes back again full force? It's something that has her rattled and stressed and wanting to turn tail and leave town again. Good thing she has a good friend waiting to welcome her home. Logan has been a steady anchor for her since the day she left and she knows he'll make her transition back home easier too. But what happens when she starts seeing her friend in a different light? What happens when his supportive hugs start to feel like something more? She can't go down that road with him...right?
This story absolutely broke my heart and found a way to mend it perfectly by the time the last page found me. These two were pure perfection, their slow burn fall tortured in all the right ways and left an unshakable smile on my face. I loved watching Ellie find her footing again and find the courage to let love in again after such a devastating first round. It was all so beautiful to watch unfold, my heart is still feeling all the feels! By far one of my favorite romances that I've read this year! Highly recommend!!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
Where We First Fell is a beautifully penned story of taking chances, healing after heartbreak, friendship, family, and finding the courage to let love in again. After suffering the worst parts of love gone wrong Ellie is not really willing to take a chance on it again. The heartbreak she still carries reminds her everyday what happens when you trust someone with your heart and they mistreat it.
Returning to Faircloud comes with lots of reservation and fear. What if the stares and whispers start up again? What if nothing has changed and the hurt comes back again full force? It's something that has her rattled and stressed and wanting to turn tail and leave town again. Good thing she has a good friend waiting to welcome her home. Logan has been a steady anchor for her since the day she left and she knows he'll make her transition back home easier too. But what happens when she starts seeing her friend in a different light? What happens when his supportive hugs start to feel like something more? She can't go down that road with him...right?
This story absolutely broke my heart and found a way to mend it perfectly by the time the last page found me. These two were pure perfection, their slow burn fall tortured in all the right ways and left an unshakable smile on my face. I loved watching Ellie find her footing again and find the courage to let love in again after such a devastating first round. It was all so beautiful to watch unfold, my heart is still feeling all the feels! By far one of my favorite romances that I've read this year! Highly recommend!!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really enjoyed listening to this book. It was such a good slow burn that included a secret tattoo, yearning, found family, one bed, and Ellie and Logan are childhood best friends who grew up in a small town. The narrators, Tristan Warden and Reagan West, were perfect as Ellie and Logan. I loved that they had accents and it just brought the characters to life.
I really liked Ellie and listening to her growth throughout the book. She was such a sweet person and I loved her friendship with the other characters in the series. I loved her friendship with Logan and how it was so solid throughout this whole book. He was her person and I was so happy when she realized that they were always meant to be.
Logan was everything. He was sweet, thoughtful, caring, protective, just all the things an MMC should be. I loved how he was always there for Ellie, even when it wasn’t in the best of situations. He always had her back and never pushed her towards or away from anything. I was also so happy when he told her how he truly felt about her.
These two had the most perfect childhood friends to lovers story. They were meant to be and I just knew it from the very beginning. The way they were there for one another and just how they knew what the other needed was perfection. I loved that they went on a road trip together and there were just so many cute moments throughout. It was also great to listen to both, Ellie and Logan, in their friend groups discussing their relationships. I loved when Ellie was finally ready to open up to them.
Overall, I loved this book and would definitely recommend it! I loved the ending of this one and getting a small glimpse into the future of these characters. I am so sad this series is over, but it’s one that worth the read.
Thank you M. Hartley, Dreamscape Media, and Page and Vine for the ALC and ARC for an honest review!
I really liked Ellie and listening to her growth throughout the book. She was such a sweet person and I loved her friendship with the other characters in the series. I loved her friendship with Logan and how it was so solid throughout this whole book. He was her person and I was so happy when she realized that they were always meant to be.
Logan was everything. He was sweet, thoughtful, caring, protective, just all the things an MMC should be. I loved how he was always there for Ellie, even when it wasn’t in the best of situations. He always had her back and never pushed her towards or away from anything. I was also so happy when he told her how he truly felt about her.
These two had the most perfect childhood friends to lovers story. They were meant to be and I just knew it from the very beginning. The way they were there for one another and just how they knew what the other needed was perfection. I loved that they went on a road trip together and there were just so many cute moments throughout. It was also great to listen to both, Ellie and Logan, in their friend groups discussing their relationships. I loved when Ellie was finally ready to open up to them.
Overall, I loved this book and would definitely recommend it! I loved the ending of this one and getting a small glimpse into the future of these characters. I am so sad this series is over, but it’s one that worth the read.
Thank you M. Hartley, Dreamscape Media, and Page and Vine for the ALC and ARC for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 Stars!
Where We First Fell was a bittersweet, but mostly sweet, conclusion to the Faircloud series by M. Hartley. This is Ellie and Logan's friends-to-lovers, "it's always been you" story, with a little brother's best friend, small-town drama, and a road trip that changes everything.
Maybe it's because I'm the youngest of my siblings and the friend of the group in real life, just like Ellie, but I found myself relating to her more than any other FMC in Faircloud. That anxiety and paranoia that everyone knows your business and is talking about you is something I struggle with too, and it made Ellie's decision to leave Faircloud feel incredibly understandable.
Watching her heal within the safety of a loving relationship was such a beautiful thing. I do wish some of that healing had been explored a little more on the page, especially regarding her neighbor. That's where the missing half star comes from. Even so, you can tell there's a lot of emotional work happening between Ellie and Logan behind the scenes, and I appreciated that the relationship gave her the space to grow.
Logan was an absolutely perfect match for Ellie. Between the secret tattoo and over a decade of yearning, I couldn't even want him for myself because he was so completely and hopelessly in love with her. The audiobook narrator for Logan's chapters was SPECTACULAR. He captured Logan's essence so perfectly that it made me realize something had been missing from some of the previous MMC narrations without me even noticing it.
The series epilogue was incredibly special, giving every couple the perfect send-off while still pulling on my heartstrings. The very last line of the book made me tear up, which feels like the perfect ending to such a wonderful series.
Congratulations to M. Hartley on wrapping up Faircloud so beautifully!
Where We First Fell was a bittersweet, but mostly sweet, conclusion to the Faircloud series by M. Hartley. This is Ellie and Logan's friends-to-lovers, "it's always been you" story, with a little brother's best friend, small-town drama, and a road trip that changes everything.
Maybe it's because I'm the youngest of my siblings and the friend of the group in real life, just like Ellie, but I found myself relating to her more than any other FMC in Faircloud. That anxiety and paranoia that everyone knows your business and is talking about you is something I struggle with too, and it made Ellie's decision to leave Faircloud feel incredibly understandable.
Watching her heal within the safety of a loving relationship was such a beautiful thing. I do wish some of that healing had been explored a little more on the page, especially regarding her neighbor. That's where the missing half star comes from. Even so, you can tell there's a lot of emotional work happening between Ellie and Logan behind the scenes, and I appreciated that the relationship gave her the space to grow.
Logan was an absolutely perfect match for Ellie. Between the secret tattoo and over a decade of yearning, I couldn't even want him for myself because he was so completely and hopelessly in love with her. The audiobook narrator for Logan's chapters was SPECTACULAR. He captured Logan's essence so perfectly that it made me realize something had been missing from some of the previous MMC narrations without me even noticing it.
The series epilogue was incredibly special, giving every couple the perfect send-off while still pulling on my heartstrings. The very last line of the book made me tear up, which feels like the perfect ending to such a wonderful series.
Congratulations to M. Hartley on wrapping up Faircloud so beautifully!
July 31, 2026
The story was okay, the audiobook was good
Storyline and execution: 3-3.5ish
Audio performance: 4
🚨 there is a (imo) serious TW you should not skip but I’m putting it at the end of my review 🚨
Audio duration: 11,5h
Dual narration by: Reagan West and Tristan Warden
Listening speed: 2.0x (2.5x for the couple of last chapters)
This was a good low-stakes, background audiobook for me. I fear if I picked it up in different time, I might have struggled more, but I listened to the first half on a plane when my eyes were too tired to read, and the second half doing household chores.
It’s not bad by any means, more of a case “not for me”. It was simply okay to my liking. Nothing made me super frustrated or anything, but it also didn’t get me hooked.
The MMC is brother’s best friend and best friend to our FMC, in love with her for years. Which begs the question why didn’t he try his chances sooner?
The first 40-maybe even 50% is laying out the background and the FMC going on a date with a new guy in town. It made me a bit confused. The proper romance storyline, the one between the main characters, only takes place in the second half.
It’s very well written in terms of “is it really a standalone”. But otherwise it was just okay and lacked some magical element to get me invested.
Very small town vibes, not a cowboy romance but with a little bit of western vibes. He’s got a secret tattoo for her. Found family. It’s always been you. Best friends to lovers. Round trip. With some spicy scenes ;)
There were no trigger warnings in the audiobook (I got NetGalley ALC) but I believe there are in the ebook/paperback or on author’s website.
🚨🚨🚨 there is SA happening on page 🚨🚨🚨
Thank you Dreamscape Media for the ALC
While I don’t think I will be reading more of this series, I recommend it for big time small town lovers 😉
Storyline and execution: 3-3.5ish
Audio performance: 4
🚨 there is a (imo) serious TW you should not skip but I’m putting it at the end of my review 🚨
Audio duration: 11,5h
Dual narration by: Reagan West and Tristan Warden
Listening speed: 2.0x (2.5x for the couple of last chapters)
This was a good low-stakes, background audiobook for me. I fear if I picked it up in different time, I might have struggled more, but I listened to the first half on a plane when my eyes were too tired to read, and the second half doing household chores.
It’s not bad by any means, more of a case “not for me”. It was simply okay to my liking. Nothing made me super frustrated or anything, but it also didn’t get me hooked.
The MMC is brother’s best friend and best friend to our FMC, in love with her for years. Which begs the question why didn’t he try his chances sooner?
The first 40-maybe even 50% is laying out the background and the FMC going on a date with a new guy in town. It made me a bit confused. The proper romance storyline, the one between the main characters, only takes place in the second half.
It’s very well written in terms of “is it really a standalone”. But otherwise it was just okay and lacked some magical element to get me invested.
Very small town vibes, not a cowboy romance but with a little bit of western vibes. He’s got a secret tattoo for her. Found family. It’s always been you. Best friends to lovers. Round trip. With some spicy scenes ;)
There were no trigger warnings in the audiobook (I got NetGalley ALC) but I believe there are in the ebook/paperback or on author’s website.
🚨🚨🚨 there is SA happening on page 🚨🚨🚨
Thank you Dreamscape Media for the ALC
While I don’t think I will be reading more of this series, I recommend it for big time small town lovers 😉
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First of all, I would like to thank NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book as an ARC reader!
I couldn't wait to read Logan's story because, from the previous book, he seemed like such a yearning character, and I felt so bad for him and Ellie. It turned out that I was right. He is the definition of the perfect yearner—a loving, caring, and incredibly patient man. He is understanding and always shows the people he loves how much he cares about them. The little notes he collected about Ellie were so cute! I loved that he always put Ellie first. He would do anything for her! He is also very mature when it comes to his feelings, and he knows just how deeply he loves Ellie. He might honestly be the most patient character I've ever read about... I mean, waiting for someone for more than 15 years? Are you kidding me?? That's literally my dream! Overall, I wish everyone had a Logan in their life because we all deserve someone like him.
Ellie is such a sweet FMC. First of all, I would like to mention how brave she is! She goes through tremendous personal growth throughout the book, finds herself, and also finds love. I know it can be hard to trust people—especially men—again, but she finds a way. I also think it's completely understandable what she's going through and why she's uncertain about her feelings at first.
I liked that the slow burn was really slow, but not too slow. It definitely built the tension between the two main characters. Then, when the spice finally happened, it came at the perfect time! It was spicy, detailed, and really enjoyable to read.
One of my favourite lines from the book is:
"You were my reminder, my one constant in life. You were my friend, my person."
I couldn't wait to read Logan's story because, from the previous book, he seemed like such a yearning character, and I felt so bad for him and Ellie. It turned out that I was right. He is the definition of the perfect yearner—a loving, caring, and incredibly patient man. He is understanding and always shows the people he loves how much he cares about them. The little notes he collected about Ellie were so cute! I loved that he always put Ellie first. He would do anything for her! He is also very mature when it comes to his feelings, and he knows just how deeply he loves Ellie. He might honestly be the most patient character I've ever read about... I mean, waiting for someone for more than 15 years? Are you kidding me?? That's literally my dream! Overall, I wish everyone had a Logan in their life because we all deserve someone like him.
Ellie is such a sweet FMC. First of all, I would like to mention how brave she is! She goes through tremendous personal growth throughout the book, finds herself, and also finds love. I know it can be hard to trust people—especially men—again, but she finds a way. I also think it's completely understandable what she's going through and why she's uncertain about her feelings at first.
I liked that the slow burn was really slow, but not too slow. It definitely built the tension between the two main characters. Then, when the spice finally happened, it came at the perfect time! It was spicy, detailed, and really enjoyable to read.
One of my favourite lines from the book is:
"You were my reminder, my one constant in life. You were my friend, my person."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️3
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the ALC, in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is my second book by M. Hartley, and I enjoyed the last book I read. So I was excited for Logan and Ellie’s story because of all the little hints about them. So I was definitely super excited to start this book.
Even though Friends-to-lovers isn’t usually my favorite trope, I was very excited to see how that story would work because of the long history between Logan and Ellie.
My favorite part of this book was Logan’s constant devotion to Ellie. It was so obvious that he cared about her so deeply, and I loved how patient and never forced Ellie to be with him and he was just very was supportive throughout their friendship.
My main problem with this book is that I feel like this book was dragging on for a while, and I spent a large portion of the book waiting for something to happen between Logan and Ellie. While I enjoyed the buildup between them at first, I felt like it started to drag. By the time they finally got together, it happened so late in the book that everything afterward felt rushed.
Personally, I would have preferred for Logan and Ellie to get together much earlier so we could actually watch them navigate being a couple instead. I just felt like the last few chapters there was a lot going on for such little time.
As for the audiobook I really enjoyed it. The narrators did an excellent job bringing the characters to life, and their performances helped me stay engaged during the slower sections of the story.
Overall even though I had issues with some part of this book. I still had a good time listening enjoyed it and will definitely continue reading more books by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the ALC, in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is my second book by M. Hartley, and I enjoyed the last book I read. So I was excited for Logan and Ellie’s story because of all the little hints about them. So I was definitely super excited to start this book.
Even though Friends-to-lovers isn’t usually my favorite trope, I was very excited to see how that story would work because of the long history between Logan and Ellie.
My favorite part of this book was Logan’s constant devotion to Ellie. It was so obvious that he cared about her so deeply, and I loved how patient and never forced Ellie to be with him and he was just very was supportive throughout their friendship.
My main problem with this book is that I feel like this book was dragging on for a while, and I spent a large portion of the book waiting for something to happen between Logan and Ellie. While I enjoyed the buildup between them at first, I felt like it started to drag. By the time they finally got together, it happened so late in the book that everything afterward felt rushed.
Personally, I would have preferred for Logan and Ellie to get together much earlier so we could actually watch them navigate being a couple instead. I just felt like the last few chapters there was a lot going on for such little time.
As for the audiobook I really enjoyed it. The narrators did an excellent job bringing the characters to life, and their performances helped me stay engaged during the slower sections of the story.
Overall even though I had issues with some part of this book. I still had a good time listening enjoyed it and will definitely continue reading more books by this author.
July 25, 2026
Where We First Fell was my first M. Hartley book, & I really enjoyed it. Coming into the final book of a series can be intimidating, but this truly worked as an interconnected standalone. I loved getting to meet the other couples without ever feeling like I was missing key pieces of their stories.
Logan & Ellie had such an easy chemistry that made their friends-to-lovers romance feel believable from the very beginning. Logan is the kind of MMC that's impossible not to root for. He's patient, dependable, & has quietly loved Ellie for years without ever expecting anything in return. More than anything, I appreciated that he supported her healing instead of trying to fix her. He simply showed up for her when she needed him most.
Ellie's journey back to herself was the heart of this story. Watching her rebuild her confidence after a toxic relationship felt genuine, & I liked that her growth wasn't rushed. Combined with the road trip, small-town setting, & years of shared history between them, their relationship developed at a pace that felt natural.
Listening to the audiobook, Tristan Warden & Reagen West both did a great job bringing Logan & Ellie to life. Their performances added warmth to the quieter moments & made it easy to settle into Logan & Ellie's story.
This was a heartfelt, character-driven romance that was easy to get invested in. I'm really glad this was my introduction to M. Hartley's writing, & it definitely left me curious to go back & experience the rest of the Faircloud series from the beginning.
💕 Friends to Lovers
🚗 Road Trip
💋 15 years of Yearning
🏡 Small Town
❤️🩹 Emotional Healing
🔥 Slow Burn
🫶 Found Family
✌🏻 Dual POV in Dual Narration
Logan & Ellie had such an easy chemistry that made their friends-to-lovers romance feel believable from the very beginning. Logan is the kind of MMC that's impossible not to root for. He's patient, dependable, & has quietly loved Ellie for years without ever expecting anything in return. More than anything, I appreciated that he supported her healing instead of trying to fix her. He simply showed up for her when she needed him most.
Ellie's journey back to herself was the heart of this story. Watching her rebuild her confidence after a toxic relationship felt genuine, & I liked that her growth wasn't rushed. Combined with the road trip, small-town setting, & years of shared history between them, their relationship developed at a pace that felt natural.
Listening to the audiobook, Tristan Warden & Reagen West both did a great job bringing Logan & Ellie to life. Their performances added warmth to the quieter moments & made it easy to settle into Logan & Ellie's story.
This was a heartfelt, character-driven romance that was easy to get invested in. I'm really glad this was my introduction to M. Hartley's writing, & it definitely left me curious to go back & experience the rest of the Faircloud series from the beginning.
💕 Friends to Lovers
🚗 Road Trip
💋 15 years of Yearning
🏡 Small Town
❤️🩹 Emotional Healing
🔥 Slow Burn
🫶 Found Family
✌🏻 Dual POV in Dual Narration
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Where We First Fell is the fourth book in M.Hartley's Faircloud series. A slowburn, friends to lovers, cowboy romance!
I was so excited when I got the chance to read another M.Hartley book early! I had read one of her Christmas novella's last year, and loved it. This experience was a bit different, though.
I recommend not reading this as a standalone, as I did. If you were introduced to these characters in the previous books of the series, I see how you would fall in love with this book. For me, it made for a boring, unengaging read. These characters were probably built up very well in previous books, so we didn't get much of a meaningful backstory for their book. Which was odd, but I get it. All I knew was that they were childhood best friends who grew up in a small town.
I did love the slow burn of their romance, and the tension between Logan and Ellie. The yearning was everything, but it comes to a point.
I had a big problem with the pacing of this book. Most of the scenes were never ending, and unsatisfying. I kept thinking something significant was going to happen, between Logan and Ellie, and it ended up being mediocre. The build up was great, but I feel like it went down hill about 30% in. By the time they finally got together, it was SO rushed. Emotional whiplash.
The narrators, Tristan Warden and Reagan West, were great for Ellie and Logan. The narrators even spoke in an accent, which I thought was a really nice touch for their characters.
If I didn't have the audiobook, I don't think I would've gotten through this read.
Thank you, NetGalley, for this ALC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
I was so excited when I got the chance to read another M.Hartley book early! I had read one of her Christmas novella's last year, and loved it. This experience was a bit different, though.
I recommend not reading this as a standalone, as I did. If you were introduced to these characters in the previous books of the series, I see how you would fall in love with this book. For me, it made for a boring, unengaging read. These characters were probably built up very well in previous books, so we didn't get much of a meaningful backstory for their book. Which was odd, but I get it. All I knew was that they were childhood best friends who grew up in a small town.
I did love the slow burn of their romance, and the tension between Logan and Ellie. The yearning was everything, but it comes to a point.
I had a big problem with the pacing of this book. Most of the scenes were never ending, and unsatisfying. I kept thinking something significant was going to happen, between Logan and Ellie, and it ended up being mediocre. The build up was great, but I feel like it went down hill about 30% in. By the time they finally got together, it was SO rushed. Emotional whiplash.
The narrators, Tristan Warden and Reagan West, were great for Ellie and Logan. The narrators even spoke in an accent, which I thought was a really nice touch for their characters.
If I didn't have the audiobook, I don't think I would've gotten through this read.
Thank you, NetGalley, for this ALC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
• ARC REVIEW •
• WHERE WE FIRST FELL: M.HARTLEY •
• ELLIE & LOGAN•
•⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️•
First and foremost I want to thank Page & Vine and Netgalley for my ARC copy. Where we First Fell is the last book in the Faircloud series and it is such a bitter sweet moment! I have loved this series from the start and have been hooked ever since. Logan and Ellies story has been very highly anticipated for me and it didn't disappoint!
- Friends to Lovers
- Found Family
- Secret Tattoo
- Road Trip
- Yearning
I loved watching their relationship bloom, the chemistry of Logan and Ellie and the emotional connection. It felt natural and easy. I loved that they were friends first. It made their connection even more special to me. They knew special things about each other, and most of all, they trusted each other. I loved that they both thought about each others feelings, always put each other first.
Logan, the man that you are! I can't imagine longing after your love for 15 years! What a trooper, but in the end it was so worth it! He was so patient and just want Ellie needed.
Ellie's story has been one I have been waiting to read about, and oh my I felt for her! The stuff she had been through, her struggles was so heart breaking.
I absolutely loved seeing the past characters. Watching their own stories continue in the little snippets we got was so special. And made the ending of the series so special as well
This book really was the perfect ending to a perfect series. I will forever be in love with it and am so proud of M.Hartley for her work.
• WHERE WE FIRST FELL: M.HARTLEY •
• ELLIE & LOGAN•
•⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️•
First and foremost I want to thank Page & Vine and Netgalley for my ARC copy. Where we First Fell is the last book in the Faircloud series and it is such a bitter sweet moment! I have loved this series from the start and have been hooked ever since. Logan and Ellies story has been very highly anticipated for me and it didn't disappoint!
- Friends to Lovers
- Found Family
- Secret Tattoo
- Road Trip
- Yearning
I loved watching their relationship bloom, the chemistry of Logan and Ellie and the emotional connection. It felt natural and easy. I loved that they were friends first. It made their connection even more special to me. They knew special things about each other, and most of all, they trusted each other. I loved that they both thought about each others feelings, always put each other first.
Logan, the man that you are! I can't imagine longing after your love for 15 years! What a trooper, but in the end it was so worth it! He was so patient and just want Ellie needed.
Ellie's story has been one I have been waiting to read about, and oh my I felt for her! The stuff she had been through, her struggles was so heart breaking.
I absolutely loved seeing the past characters. Watching their own stories continue in the little snippets we got was so special. And made the ending of the series so special as well
This book really was the perfect ending to a perfect series. I will forever be in love with it and am so proud of M.Hartley for her work.
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