I Will Always Love You (Maybe)

Meet Cute in Minnesota #3

by Dana Hawkins

What’s worse than regretting a one-night stand? Being snowed in with her.

Since losing her wife six years ago, Colby has perfected the hermit lifestyle: secluded Minnesota cabin, golden retriever, weekly cupcake run. Zero complications. Until a chaotic, pink-haired vet tech arrives for a house call and—in one reckless moment—Colby lets someone in.

It was supposed to be one night. Then the blizzard hit.

Josie is a serial hobbyist who’s perfected the art of avoiding rejection. Pilates, painting, pickleball—anything but feelings. So being trapped in a cabin with no distractions and a gorgeous woman who clearly regrets last night? Personal nightmare.

But a lot can happen in a week. Stolen glances turn into lingering eye contact. Awkward silences become late-night conversations. And when the snow stops, both of them have to face the question they’ve been avoiding: what if the biggest risk isn’t opening your heart to someone, it’s letting her walk away when the roads finally clear?

A tender and emotional romance about finding love when (and where) you’re absolutely not looking for it. Perfect for fans of Ashley Herring Blake, Casey McQuiston.

Genres: Romance, Lesbian, LGBT, Fiction

285 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 12, 2026

About the author

Dana Hawkins is a contemporary romance author of fun and sparkly stories. When not searching the country for the perfect cup of piping hot Americano, she spends her time chasing her kids and rewatching ’90s movies. After living for twenty years in Seattle, she recently trekked back to her hometown in Minnesota. She is a huge romance-genre book nerd and borderline obsessed with happy-ever-afters.

Reviews

[Jess Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read as an ARC from NetGalley to be published in February 2026

God how I love a forced proximity trope and how I loveeeeee a little gay romance story. I ate this book uppppp, read in literally one sitting and yup. Loved it

Honestly, this could have been written in a very cringe cliche way as the plot kind of sets us up for that. However what we received was two very complicated humans working through their own traumas and coming out of it as better individuals. This was completely different to other forced proximity books I have read and I say that as 100% a good thing.

I found that although the characters bonded and came together, the growth they had alone made the joining even more impactful. I genuinely have not enjoyed a rom com like this in a long time

As someone from the queer community I have found that queer romances come off corny and very stereotypical but this was an outlier. This book felt extremely gender neutral and I adored that the gender identity’s weren’t the main driving force of the romance, but instead complimented the way to two women loved.

Highly, highly, highly recommend. I feel very seen.

[Raluca Matara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book brought tears to my eyes from the first chapter, and it kept going. It has heart, depth, and it makes you want to keep reading even after you're done. Such a beautiful story about a second chance at life, unexpected connections, and a one-night stand to forever.

I truly appreciated the way Josie goes through her buried emotions and suppressed trauma, how she grows and finds herself and that thing she's missing. I adored Kona, the best dog ever! And Colby is just a sweetheart. She's been through so much and still has so much to give!

Dana Hawkins' writing pulls you in and grips you tight. A heartwarming story about grief in all forms.

[Mar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've already loved the previous two books in the Meet Cute in Minnesota series, but this one is by far my favorite.
I mean, who doesn't love a forced proximity trope.... and a cute dog? (Kona!!!!!)
Even though the characters from book 1&2 are being mentioned here, this can be read as a standalone, but if you want the full picture you should not hesitate to read the entire series.

The books explores themes of grief and loss, and shows how each character copes with it in different ways. I would say its beautifully handled but if you are sensitive to this topic please read with caution.

Meet Colby a woman who lives isolated and withdrawn from the world after the loss of her wife 6 years ago and her complete opposite Josie a vet tech who has an uncontrollable hunger for adventure and cant sit still. After a regrettable one night stand and a blizzard hitting town they get snowed in together and are forced to navigate through this unintentional proximity, their buried grief and the lingering attraction.

If you are a lover of just the right amount of angst, this book is definitely for you.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

[Gigi Agarwal · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars

I Will Always Love You (Maybe) by Dana Hawkins is a heartfelt, emotional read that leans into vulnerability, second chances, and the messy realities of love. The characters feel authentic and deeply human, with flaws that make their journey believable and relatable. I especially appreciated the emotional depth and the way the author explores communication, timing, and unresolved feelings.

The pacing is steady, with moments that really tug at the heart and others that invite quiet reflection. While a few parts felt slightly predictable, the emotional payoff made it worthwhile. Overall, this was a warm, thoughtful romance that left me feeling tender and satisfied — a lovely read for anyone who enjoys emotionally driven love stories with depth rather than just drama.

ARC provided by the author — thank you for trusting me with this story 💕

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to enjoy this one more but the characters felt flat to me. I didn’t connect with the book in the way I thought I would but I do believe it was more of a me issue rather than an issue with the material itself. I’ve enjoyed her other books and I would recommend giving this one the chance.

Thanks to NetGallery and the publisher for this Arc in exchange for my honest review.

[Larareads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

26 BOOKS IN 2026 CHALLENGE: 1/26

This is my first Dana Hawkins book and I loved it!!! I was literally crying and swooning in every page... every good emotion and I had it while reading this book!
Sooo good I could have read another 200 pages... I actually cried when it was over. It's been more than 16 hours since I finished it and I can't stop thinking about Colby and Josie and Kona!!!

[Tia Dedijer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn't have received the arc for "I Will Always Love You (Maybe)" at a better time - snowed in, cosied up, with a warm cup of cinnamon-spiced tea in my hands. If I were searching for a more appropriate book to match my mood and my circumstance, I couldn't have possibly landed on a more appropriate one. This work felt like walking into your childhood home for the holidays, stepping through the door with your limbs half frozen, feeling the gush of hot air hit your face and fog up your glasses, and everything is so familiar, welcoming, but heavy.

This is a sapphic romance novel centred around two women dealing with the aftermath of their own grief in their unique, yet equally relatable ways, when their paths intersect and have them stuck together, forced to deal with and process it all. I have to say I am biased towards a good "forced proximity" trope, as watching two individuals interact in a scenario where they can't get away from one another, no matter how much they do or don't want to, creates the perfect ground for plot, character and romance development.

The pacing in "I Will Always Love You (Maybe)" is, for the most part, perfect. Slipping back and forth between "this is happening right now" and "this is a memory I need to recall", giving every crucial moment its rightful spotlight. As the book progresses, we have enough time to get introduced to the characters and their personalities, seeing them in the world without being told all about them, then moving into the stuck-together yearning, guilt, tension and romance with just enough drag that it feels natural and thoughtful and has you desperate for things to progress further. I wish that, by the end of the work, we had more time to sit in the consequences of the climax (spoiler-free), as things seemed to blow up, tense, resolve and come down within a span of 30 pages. Aside from that, the plot flowed organically, keeping you captivated and engaged. I read the book in its entirety over 2 days, never really wanting to put it down until I was done with it.

Here's what worked: the writing style was comforting, palatable, like a conversation with a close friend, easy to follow, understand and digest without being too simple or straightforward. It was precise, colloquial, but still very stimulating, descriptive and kind toward the reader. The characters themselves felt human, layered and real, just vivid enough that you can anticipate certain behaviours from them, not because they are predictable, but written so they are welcoming to get to know. They were alive, their stories and backgrounds felt intentional, their spaces and occupations and friendships and interests felt fitting and in line with who we knew them to be, rounding out this individual into a whole, creating their vibe, aesthetic and imprint in their respective world. Dana Hawkins touched on the themes she brought up in her work so gently, yet very honestly, sort of holding your hand while showing you the raw reality behind these very real-world, soul-crushing experiences people go through every day. I appreciated how she didn't shy away from showing the "ugly" side of mourning, and the maybe irrational and deeply private ways in which we deal with loss that often feel almost shameful and inappropriate. The book was well structured as well; the way in which the chapters moved, and the plot progression, made sense and weren't at any point confusing or questionable at all. The atmosphere was consistent, and the emotional impact of every interaction was appropriate and, again, intentional. At no point did I wonder "why am I reading this", "what is the purpose of this conversation" or "was this necessary".

What didn't work, for me personally, was the dual POV. This, however, is a personal preference. There was no issue with the writing itself; it is just my opinion that being in the head of both characters, especially in romance novels, takes away from the tension we are aiming to build with wondering if the other person feels the same way, and how they view everything that is happening between them and the other character. The extra suspense of not always knowing immediately what everyone is thinking and feeling adds greatly towards the actual romance feeling natural and real. Other than that, as I've mentioned above, I wish the last part of the book was a bit longer, giving us more insight into the actual happenings after the climax, the thoughts, feelings, hopes and fears, dragging it out a bit more as it probably seemed to drag in time to our characters as well.

All in all, I did genuinely really like this book. It gave me just what I was looking for during these holidays, and had me thinking about some themes and questions brought up about love, relationships, settling and honesty, that I wish to discuss eagerly with people in my personal life as well. I already recommended this work to my friends and loved ones, who will be reading it upon release in February, so I can talk about it with them without spoiling the beautiful work. I've heard only the best things about Dana's writing, and this work met and exceeded my expectations.

I'd recommend this book to anyone looking for some cosy, sapphic yearning, the cutest dog on the planet, and gut-wrenching revelations about letting things go and moving on.

As a final thought, I will note my appreciation to the author for not making coming out and queerness in that way, a focal point of her work. I believe it is necessary for the members of the LGBTQ+ community to read works where queerness is represented as accepted and normalised in that world and where no shame is being drawn around love and wanting to be loved.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC.

When I saw this was available, I sprinted to my laptop to request it, because Dana Hawkins has rapidly become one of my favourite romance authors this past year. I had high hopes for this book, and it did not disappoint at all.

Colby and Josie are two flawed – but extremely lovable – leads. Colby is struggling after the death of her wife six years earlier; Josie has been throwing herself into new relationships, new hobbies, new hair colours, new friendships in a desperate attempt to find herself. When they meet in some less than ideal circumstances (Colby’s dog comes to the vet Josie works at for surgery) they don’t make a great impression on one another. But then, Colby’s dog needs antibiotics – and Josie drives out into the country to deliver them.

Then the snowstorm hits.

Colby and Josie certainly have a tough journey toward their happily ever after, but it’s worth every minute. In this series, each book has been better than the last, but this one is almost perfect. I love books that aren’t afraid to be tropey, but even more so I love books that aren’t afraid to be emotionally honest. Josie and Colby have some very real, very raw hurt they’re both carrying, and watching them work out how to exist together was genuinely such an enjoyable experience.
I did think the third act breakup was a bit contrived, but it was necessary to uphold the narrative’s previous promises. I sat there, scrolling from one page to the next, begging these two characters to sort their relationship out and allow themselves to enjoy the happiness and love they so sorely deserved.

Also, something I appreciated so much about this book was the full circle moments for the rest of the series – we get updates on Frankie and Morgan as well as Zoey and Quinn throughout the course of the story, and not in a way that undermined or drew from Josie and Colby’s story. And, a certain mystery gets solved that I wasn’t even expecting a resolution to – but you’ll have to read for yourself to find out what it is!

I would recommend this book to anyone who finds themselves wishing for stories that feel like tradition romcom films. It follows every beat perfectly – the meet cute (or not so cute), the troublesome situation the leads find themselves in, a montage of good times, the third act breakup, and then, blessedly, the grand gesture that gets them back together.

I’m sad to leave the world of Spring Harbors behind, but I am so excited for Dana Hawkins’s next novel. I think I’ll read anything and everything she writes.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colby Jackson lives a secluded life in a Spring Harbors, Minnesota, cabin following the unexpected death of her wife, Amelia, six years ago. Colby hasn't had a relationship since then and barely speaks to anyone when she visits town. Colby has a golden retriever, Kona, whom she loves dearly. Kona needs a CCL procedure to repair some ligament damage. Colby elects to stay at the vet office for the multi hour procedure where she meets pink haired vet tech, Josie. Josie is a serial relationship junkie who is trying to avoid this scenario moving forward. So, Josie tries to fill her hours outside of work with as many hobbies and activities as possible. Josie is also trying to forget some painful childhood memories of her father who left her mother and her five siblings while she was young. Meanwhile, at the vet office Colby unexpectedly blows up at Josie while the CCL procedure is ongoing. This reaction is tied to Amelia's sudden death, but Josie has no idea about the reason behind Colby's behavior. Josie tries her best to calm Colby and assure her that Kona's procedure is going well. Once the procedure is complete, Josie helps Colby take Kona home and even delivers antibiotics to Colby for Kona a day or so later. Josie then becomes trapped with Colby at her cabin for over five days when a terrible snowstorm arrives. Both of their lives take substantial turns during the time that they are trapped together.

I thoroughly enjoyed both of these characters and the vulnerability that they demonstrated throughout this story. Overall, I thought Colby and Josie displayed good communication with each other with the exception of the topic that drew them apart for a period of time near the end of the story. There was also a lot of emotional depth to this story that had me crying multiple times throughout the book. I'd highly recommend this read to others interested in a book full of hope for the future and personal vulnerability. 4.5 stars

I received an ARC from Storm Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

Rating: 4.5 / 5 Stars

Meet Colby: a woman who handled her wife’s untimely passing by going full hermit-mode in a Minnesota cabin. Her current roommates are a dog named Kona and the ghosts of her past. Naturally, the woman hiding in the woods is also secretly hosting a wildly popular love advice podcast.

Enter Josie, a vet tech with a heart of gold and a tendency to U-Haul her way into relationships at Mach speed. The conflict? She hates Colby’s podcast. The meet-cute? A routine CCL surgery for the dog. Nothing says "romance" like anesthesia and Elizabethan collars.



As a card-carrying introvert and obsessive dog mom, I was sold almost immediately. Colby’s devotion to Kona? I felt that in my soul. If my dog sneezes weird, I’m ready to call the authorities. The chemistry between Colby and Josie was excellent, and the "forced proximity" trope hit all the right notes without feeling contrived.

I liked Josie, but her arc needed a little more marinating. She seemingly cures lifelong trauma by taking a walk, screaming, and... moving on. If only it were that easy!

Also, the inevitable "Third Act Breakup" dragged. Once Josie finds out Colby’s dramatic secret identity, her reaction felt like overkill. We all know the romance formula by now; we know they’re going to be fine. Let’s speed up the groveling and get to the happy ending, please.

"In a court of law, is lying by omission a crime? I should probably google this."

Overall, this was a really enjoyable read. Great chemistry, excellent dog content, and all the cozy cabin vibes you could want.

"Thank you for being there with me while I hung on to you, but I'm ready now." All the feels.

Side Note on the Title: I’m assuming the title is referencing Colby loving her late wife forever? If so, the author might want to delete the word "Maybe." It makes the sentiment sound a tad heartless. Just a thought!

[Ayten · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75

Thank you, NetGalley, for giving me an ARC for my honest review.

I Will Always Love You (Maybe) by Dana Hawkins was such a fun and easy book to get through. It's one of those reads you can pick up and fly through without even realising how much time has passed. The writing is light, engaging, and perfect if you're in the mood for a romance that doesn't feel heavy but still hits emotionally when it needs to.

The forced proximity trope works really well in this story. It never feels awkward or forced just for the sake of the plot. Instead, it naturally pushes the characters together and creates great tension, banter, and moments that let their relationships grow. Watching them be stuck together and slowly let their guards down was one of the best parts of the book.

I also loved how the characters didn't magically fix everything just by falling in love. They actually had to face their own insecurities and personal issues first before moving forward, which made their growth feel realistic and satisfying. Their emotional journeys added depth to the romance and made their connection feel earned rather than rushed.

The balance between humour and emotion was also very rewarding that we got to see throughout the book. There are plenty of moments that will make you laugh, but they're mixed in with more heartfelt, emotional scenes that pull at you just enough. It takes you through a whole range of emotions without ever feeling overwhelming.

Overall, I Will Always Love You (Maybe) is a great pick if you're looking for a casual, feel-good romance with solid character growth, a well-done forced proximity trope, and just the right mix of laughs and emotional moments.

[Andrea (looseleftlesbian) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

4.5 Stars! It is always so sad to read a book where the spouse has passed away. I think the author did an amazing job navigating this and you could really feel Colby’s grief. I usually don’t like first person POV that much, but I do think that it was well done in I Will Always Love You (Maybe) and was needed in order for the the reader to truly understand the two MCs inner thoughts. I have not read the other two books in this universe, but I definitely want to now that I have read this. You don’t have to have read the other two, but I do believe it would have been cool to know exactly who the characters were referencing when they did reference a character from another book.

The way Dana is able to build a relationship between the two MCs without side characters and it just being them two stranded together(with the adorable Kona, of course) is genius. I wasn’t sure how she would do it and I wasn’t sure how believable it would be to build their relationship to something real in such a short amount of time. But she is able to do so and it doesn’t feel like it’s insta-love.

Both MCs are so gentle and understanding with each other, especially when it comes to their traumas. It was so wholesome to read and as corny as it might sound, it made me feel so happy and warm inside lol. Which is why I knew the third act breakup was going to break my heart. But it made sense. I don’t want to give anything away, but the reaction to what caused the breakup was warranted, especially after how vulnerable the MCs were with each other.

As an epilogue girl, I loved that there was an epilogue and that it was a year into the future. I would have liked a little bit more in terms of if Colby reconnected with her family, hearing Leo’s opinion on it all, etc. But I do realize that this story was mostly just the two of them, without a whole lot of side characters to develop the story, so that does make sense. I would just like a little more in the epilogue. I absolutely adored this story! I am so glad I was able to read the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[SJARR ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have had the pleasure of reading early copies of the entire “Meet cute in Minnesota” series, and I have enjoyed each of the books! This one included.

This story in particular was really heavy for me.
I always think the death of a spouse is without a doubt the most difficult thing to read in romance novels- and there is a big focus on that here.
For that reason, I would say that that I didn’t love this one AS much as I loved the last two (I still had a nice time reading it).
But it really had nothing to do with the quality of the book, or the writing, just the deep and sad emotional factor.

Colby and Josie felt like a very likable set of main characters to me.
I feel like in most stories, someone has to bother me just a little bit. (or there at least has to be one MC that I like less than the other). But honestly, here, that really didn’t happen.
Nobody was annoying, and I didn’t find anybody to be overly problematic or toxic either. (there is some lying, but it doesn’t come from a place of malice or manipulation).
These seem to be just two genuinely decent people, with a fair amount of emotional maturity and compassion for others.

Also, I have to point out the whole “snowed in” thing, because I love that. It is one of my favorite things to read actually.
It really creates such a mood, and that forced proximity is just everything and more.

Bonus points for the inclusion of the dog, Kona. (The real main character here)
I think this alone would make people excited to read it, because you can’t really go wrong with cute animals being part of the plot.

Random Note: I am laughing at the fact that not once, did anybody have the idea that you can just wear normal clothes in the water.

Overall, it's a good book. And it acts as a standalone if you haven't read the first two.
So I think you should read it.

Thank you to Netgalley, Storm Publishing and author Dana Hawkins, for providing me with the eARC of “I Will Always Love You (Maybe), in exchange for my honest review!
Publication date: February 12, 2026

[Stuffl · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 ⭐

This novel was so sweet, tender, and heartwarming. I literally melted. After reading the second part of the series, I couldn't wait to read the book about the mysterious Colby. I was so excited to find out her story and the reason why she lives like a hermit. The fact that she lost her wife was handled very delicately, which I thought was very nice. The grief was really authentic and felt very real.

Josie was simply wonderful. So chaotic in her head and searching for the one thing that fulfills her. Or is it just a place and a person?

I think we can all agree that the golden retriever, Kona, was the secret star of this romance. She was just adorable, and I would have loved to scratch her behind the ear.

I liked the tender and cautious development of the relationship. And I'm a sucker for “snowed in a house” tropes. It brought so much tension and attraction between Colby and Josie. The chemistry was top-notch! Apart from that, I loved that the forced proximity meant the couple were absolutely at the center of the action. The supporting characters had few appearances, so Colby and Josie had a lot of screen time. I loved it!

Unfortunately, the 3 Breakup Act conflict was very predictable, but that didn't stop me from suffering along with the two of them.

All in all, a lovely cozy book that I really enjoyed, and I'm already looking forward to more books by Dana Hawkins.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

[Stephieloohoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC copy for my honest review.

I devoured this book in one sitting. I love the way Dana writes. It’s so clever, fluid, and witty. She always has an amazing balance of comedy and emotion (& I’ve definitely choked up/cried in Meet Cute in MN 2&3). This book did something to me; it pulled at something deep within me and I really enjoyed it.

Josie is also go go go to avoid being alone with her thoughts to deal with trauma in her life. She constantly feels lost or like she’s missing something—a feeling I can wholly relate to. But she needs to. She needs to sit with herself and sort out some trauma and hurt and accept things and move on. It’s beautiful to see her finally be able to do so, and with the help of Colby. She’s stronger than she realizes and it’s great to see her own that.

Colby suffers from ptsd and the trauma of losing her wife. She shuts everyone out and doesn’t interact with anyone (except her weekly visits to see Zoey-yay Zoey!). She’s forced into a situation where she literally has to let Josie in bc of a winter storm. It’s amazing to see her sort through new feelings whilst dealing with the guilt of Amelia. Sitting down and sorting through Colby’s feelings with Colby (as a reader) is tough. It made me cry and it’s beautiful the way Dana evoked that out of me. Realizing that enough is enough and she’s okay-that letting Amelia go is okay, was something I thought I was prepared for but whoo, man.

The way Colby and Josie are together is SO sweet, kind, gentle, and understanding and I freaking love it.

Also, we get to hear from Zoey and about how she and Quinn are doing and it’s great that there’s no animosity with Zoey and Colby in regard to Josie.

Ultimately, this ended/wrapped up the way I thought it would and this story was nearly perfect imo. It can be a little heavy; there is explicit discussions and conversations of Colby’s wife dying and the abandonment that Josie experienced, so some might need a lighter read after, but this story is so worth the read.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a beautiful story! 4.5 stars!!

First, thank you Storm Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me to read this arc to review. My opinions are my own.

We follow both Colby and Josie as they meet and have a one-night stand but are then snowed in together at Colby's house and that's not all. The more they have to spend time together, the more they fall for each other, but does the other feel it too, and what will happen when the snow gets cleared?
All I can tell you without spoiling is that Kona is a cute little golden doggie!

Let's start with the writing. The writing was excellent, it was easy to read and nice to follow and the pacing was very consistent throughout the entire story.

The characters? Love them! Both are fleshed out, real characters who have their flaws but are aware and working on them, they feel, they live and they grow.
Colby is an introverted dog mom who's not handling having her doggo in surgery well at all, but she's also a very hot flannel-wearing and amazing cooking woman.

Josie is a huge animal-loving, keep my schedule as busy as possible badass who's really worried if she can survive being snowed in without a full schedule to keep her busy.

And then we have Kona! An absolute cutie patotie!

This is the first time I read a book from Dana Hawkins and I'm hooked. I absolutely loved this book and the way the story is told. Reading about two people healing themselves slowly and rediscovering who they are was beautiful to read, and I cried many times and smiled and laughed. I really enjoyed this book, I struggled to put it down and stick to my schedule!

My only critique is that it ended a little too abruptly for me. I wanted a little bit more of them slowly adapting to life together and follow it for a little longer, but I am glad it was talked about in the epilogue, which made me really happy. But yes, a solid, well written, fun and a little emotional story that I can fully recommend.

[Elena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

3.75/5

This was so cute and cozy! It barely ever snows where I live but while reading this it did snow and that made this snowed-in romance all the better. Colby and Josie are two great characters that both have tragic backstories. While I cannot judge the loss of a spouse myself, I thought it was a wonderful depiction of the grief and outlets of dealing with it. I also enjoyed Josie's backstory but would have liked to go more in depth there. Though I guess that is part of the reality of life that you don't always get the closure you want because not every why has a satisfying answer.

I have one major gripe with this book though, that being the third act conflict. I knew it was coming but I kept hoping it would be something different or maybe, for a twist, a non-issue after all. But alas it was what I feared it would be and I didn't care for it at all. I feel like both characters' reactions were unrealistic. I kept trying to picture how I would have acted in either of their shoes and honestly I felt like from both sides it was not that big of a deal? Or at least something that can be discussed and not immediately going no contact over. But it did get resolved quite quickly and didn't drag on so all in all it was still a very enjoyable read (and bonus points for Kona obviously).

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down! When I read the scene between Josie and Colby in the last book I was praying that the next one would be about them and this book absolutely delivered!

Was I expecting to cry as much during this book...no. Did this also feel like the perfect way to conclude this series..absolutely!

I love the journey that both Colby and Josie took during this book and how connected you felt to both of their stories. It perfectly captured the (sometimes scary) feeling of falling for someone again while also dealing with grief and loss and how you move forward in your life without people who played such a big role in making you the person that you are today.

Both the MCs felt like they were running in their own way from the things that have happened to them in the past but the journey of both of them finally finding their reasons to stand still and embrace the present was so beautiful.

I have honestly loved every single book in this series and while the other two were a bit more lighthearted, I think this one is the best in the series.

Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for sending me an advanced copy! I can't wait to see what comes next.

[Tzia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say, this was the right book at the right time for me. You know how sometimes a book kind of gives you a hug and re-sets you? This was one of those. I haven't read this author or series before but it absolutely doesn't matter, you can read this as a standalone and miss out on nothing.

The book focuses on two characters - Josie; a vet tech who's charging through life searching for her missing piece, and Colby; a solitary podcaster who lost her wife suddenly six years ago. Of course I should also mention Kona the bestest best dog whose medical needs bring the two together, and who like most dogs stops her humans from spiralling.

The way these who women find one another and come together is lovely, and above all very relateable and human. Nothing about this relationship feels false or like it's just a convenient plot point; it's very genuine and a points fragile. I think most readers will relate to one or both of them as individuals too. Josie is struggling but not necessarily understanding why, searching for something which will make her feel complete but not knowing what it is or where to find it. Colby is a great representation of how grief can change and affect a person in unexpected ways, and how healing can only come when you're ready.

This was super sweet, well thought out and very gentle - also surprisingly poignant at points, which I really loved.

- Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for granting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review -

[Krista H · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in a series of interconnected standalones, and even without having read the first two, I didn’t feel like I was missing any essential background to fully enjoy this sapphic romance. Josie and Colby are brought together when Colby’s golden retriever needs routine surgery (and yes—the dog is fine!). A stressful encounter rooted in Colby’s past trauma brings the two women closer, with Josie helping to de-escalate the situation.

Their connection deepens when they find themselves snowed in together at Colby’s remote Minnesota cabin, creating a classic forced-proximity scenario. Both women navigate the resulting awkwardness with remarkable tenderness and care, and they truly bring out the best in one another. While I’m not usually a fan of third-act breakups, I appreciated how thoughtfully this one was handled. Colby’s hesitation to share deeply personal secrets with someone she barely knows feels believable, and Josie’s sense of betrayal is equally palpable.

The accountability and mutual acceptance they show while working through the conflict is something I don’t often see done so well. I’ll definitely be seeking out the other books in this series.

Thanks to #NetGalley and Storm publishing for the ARC

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I adored The Ex Effect. I still need to read Any Girl But You. There was something magical about this book. It's been difficult for me to reread romance after my breakup. This book repaired a part of me. I was so engrossed with their story that I didn't overanalyze anything while reading it. Colby and Josie's story was beautiful and raw. They felt like real people. Those are the romances that stick with me the most. While I didn't love the fact that Colby was hiding something from Josie, Dana Hawkins helped the reader to see Colby's point of view. The third act breakup made sense considering the situation. I can't wait to read more from Dana Hawkins, especially Any Girl But You. I highly recommend this book! TW, there is a dog that needs surgery, but the dog recovers well. It is noted at the beginning of the book. But it did trigger me. I cried a lot in that scene. Protect your peace.

Thank you to NetGalley, Dana Hawkins, and Storm Publishing for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Jessica Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

**I was gifted an early copy of this book, but the opinions are my own.

This is absolutely my favorite Dana Hawkins book to date. If I had to guess, 85-ish% of this book takes place during a storm with only the two main characters and the dog. I'm not a writer, but it seems like making a fully, WELL developed story without any secondary characters or plot points to bounce off of would be extremely difficult and Dana knocked it out of the park. The feelings this story evoked were visceral. I was swooning, I was crying, just all the emotions, I had them. Dana took two characters who had so much emotional trauma for such different reasons and gave them both beautiful character arcs and individual development. I think often it's easy to really grow one character, but the other tends to stagnate, but that was not the case with this book. The imagery and the internal dialogue for the characters was so good. I honestly can not say enough good things about this book. I felt so connected to these characters. Dana is such a good author and I can't wait to read the next thing.

[Nia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the incredible depth with which Colby loved and still loves, even though she's convinced it could never be possible again after her late wife.
After Amelia‘s death, she moved to Minnesota, to a remote area, and lives alone with her golden retriever, Kona.
Kona was more or less forced upon her so she wouldn't be alone, but after just a few days, she considers Kona her whole world.
She's used to routine, peace, and her own company.
Now Kona has to go for a routine procedure, and that's anything but easy for Colby, because she no longer believes in routine procedures.
No one can convince her otherwise.
Danger is ever-present and can take Kona away from her in an instant.
Nerves are frayed, and only the sweet, blonde-and-pink-haired Josie, whom she's met before, can offer a tiny bit of distraction. But not really!
From a very tense situation, a tentative and fragile friendship develops. I was deeply touched by the tender moments between the two of them at the beginning.
Josie knows instinctively that she has to be very careful around Colby. She is like a rare animal and she has to be gentle and kind.
Beyond that, she doesn't know much about her but want to know everything,
No one really knows, and Colby protects her privacy like a state secret.
Because she has one, a big one, and fate has a lot in store for these two.
It's a forced proximity love story and a gentle and sweet one.
Because from the very beginning, there's attraction and chemistry crackling between them, and it's beautifully portrayed.
Thanks to Storm Publishing and Dana Hawkins for the ARC from NetGalley!

[Alix · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.💫

My thoughts:

🥹🥹😭😭😭 someone body sedate me! All this was just so cute and heart-warming! This was just emotional whiplash, in the best way possible. Had me gasping, teary-eyed and cheering for everyone to get a happy ending.

Colby, OMG! All the pain she must’ve been feeling since her wife died and just going through her day to day. I wanted to cry so much for her. But I’m glad she had Kona (the dog) cause IDK how she’d be functioning without that precious baby. I can barely function when Goose is mad at me because I moved and disturbed her sleeping spot. Then Josie! The unresolved trauma! Girl I get it, been there kinda still dealing with it. But I understood her so much and could easily just see what she meant about trying so many things to just fill a void.

I loved the personal development they both had throughout the story. Like yes! Sometimes all you need is time away from everything to release some of that trauma. I’m so glad this has a HEA cause if it didn’t I’d be curled up in a ball crying over how much Colby, Josie, and Kona deserved better!

I loved this, and I think it’s another book for my faves of 2026.

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC!

[Curiously Bookish · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cozy, emotionally grounded read. A snowed-in cabin romance is one of my favorite setups, and this book really delivers on the tension and slow-burn connection. Colby’s quiet grief and carefully controlled life contrast beautifully with Josie’s chaotic, avoidance-fueled energy, and watching them slowly peel back each other’s defenses over the course of the week was deeply satisfying.

I especially appreciated that the story focused more on emotional intimacy than smut—there’s just enough heat to keep things interesting without overpowering the character development. The forced proximity, awkward moments, and late-night conversations felt natural and well-paced, and the romance built in a way that felt earned. A sweet, heartfelt story about grief, risk, and choosing connection when it’s easier to hide. Perfect for readers who love tender tension and cozy winter romances.

[En · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chaotic vet tech meets calm hermit in I Will Always Love You (Maybe).

This felt like a week-long therapy session where the characters are forced to face their demons after years of struggle, while being stuck in a luxurious cabin with a hot tub. Why does it take so long for them to untangle the mess finally? Idk, but somehow the story remains compelling, and I was rooting for both of them to work through the mess. And dang, Kona is one cute fictional golden.

Even though it starts as a physical attraction of sorts, I appreciate how Colby and Josie gradually reveal their layers of protection, allowing us to watch them develop along the way.

If you like a romance with forced proximity that doesn’t involve bickering, just two mutually attracted people finding their way to each other’s hearts, I Will Always Love You (Maybe) is a cozy read that should be on your TBR.

[Miranda Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, where do I even begin? I went into this story not knowing what to expect, and by the end I was teary-eyed and genuinely happy. Both characters are carrying their own forms of trauma, and watching their lives intersect when they least expect it made their journey even more powerful.

I loved the angst and the longing for each other mixed with guilt, hesitation, and uncertainty about what comes next. It beautifully shows how deep their connection is long before anything physical happens.

Seeing them grow and evolve into new versions of themselves, while finding peace in where they ultimately land, was emotional and incredibly impactful. I love love, and this book is a perfect reminder of what can happen when you allow yourself to open up again after loss, trauma, and years of building walls. A must-read.

[lorna♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my fourth book by Dana, and I loved it just as much as the rest of her work. I might even say this one is my favorite. The book tells the story of two women.

On one side, we have Colby, who has been mourning her late wife, Amelia, for the last six years, choosing a life of solitude with her gorgeous dog, Kona. After losing Amelia, Colby moved to another city to live by herself, and during her healing process she started a podcast that eventually became a huge success and her entire career. Then we have Josie, an active and bright woman who works as a vet at the town clinic. Josie is trying to find herself after being abandoned by her father when she was twelve. The feeling of not being enough follows her into all her relationships and decisions, especially with her ex, Zoey.

This is a story about healing, self‑discovery, and, most of all, second chances. Boith Josie and Colby find in each other that both deserve a second chance to love something and been loved by someone.

I loved the relationship between Colby and Josie. It was intense, pure, and beautifully innocent.
I would totally recommend this book.

Thank you NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and Dana Hawkins for this ARC.

[Chiara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a digital arc from the publisher via netgalley.
This was a perfect start to my 2026 reading year. Reading about Colby and Josy being snowed in while experiencing one of the heaviest snowfall in northern Germany in years was a wonderful experience. I was drawn to the book by the really pretty cover (a golden retriever and a woman with pastel pink hair - what more to want?) and this did not disappoint in the slightest.
I loved the way Colbys grief was handled. While I can't come close to truly understanding the pain of losing your wife (fortunately!), I felt like the pain of moving on with your life after losing someone close to your heart was perfectly captured.
The setting was lovely, I always love a cute small town with a fantastic bakery (I want these pistachio cupcakes) and Colbys house sounded absolutely perfect. It was a little bit hard for me to deal with the frustration of the secrets being kept and the missing communication during the main conflict of the book. However I felt like the love story between these two felt very authentic and relatable.
I read this without reading the other books in the interconnected stand-alone series "Meet Cute in Minnesota", which was perfectly fine - however I'm ready to dive into book 1 and 2 immediately.

[Beth Dennison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really like a hug in a book, yes there are some very emotional topics, conversations and thoughts but the writing makes you feel okay while you’re reading about them.

From the moment that Colby shouted at Josie in the vets reception I knew that their friendship/relationship was going to be great. Josie was not deterred from approaching Colby and it really paid off!

They were both such adorable well written characters and they both went on such a journey within themselves as well as together, I found myself nearly shouting at the book for them to just kiss already when the tension was being built up when they were snowed in.

Really loved this book and will definitely be reading more of the meet cute in Minnesota series!