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Golden Hour
Not yet published
Expected 26 Mar 26Recently dismissed from the NBA and drowning in secrets, Colson Burke runs to his lake house in search of peace, quiet, and somewhere to hide after his career implodes.
What he gets is Sadie Becker.
Sadie runs the recreation center next door and is relentlessly cheerful and impossible to ignore. She has no problem calling out the grump who moved in beside her… even as she starts to see the hurt he’s trying so hard to keep buried. She knows what it’s like to lose the future you thought was certain.
What begins as irritation turns into a push and pull neither of them planned for—and something neither of them want to lose.
Golden Hour is a grumpy-sunshine sports romance about the things that break us and the people who put us back together.
What he gets is Sadie Becker.
Sadie runs the recreation center next door and is relentlessly cheerful and impossible to ignore. She has no problem calling out the grump who moved in beside her… even as she starts to see the hurt he’s trying so hard to keep buried. She knows what it’s like to lose the future you thought was certain.
What begins as irritation turns into a push and pull neither of them planned for—and something neither of them want to lose.
Golden Hour is a grumpy-sunshine sports romance about the things that break us and the people who put us back together.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 26, 2026
27 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
March 8, 2026
Golden Hour gave me all the feels.
Sunsets, cherries, protection and comfort, a loyal and hilarious best friend, basketball, finding your way back to yourself, small town vibes, a shower that made my knees wobble… I loved it allllll.
Sunsets, cherries, protection and comfort, a loyal and hilarious best friend, basketball, finding your way back to yourself, small town vibes, a shower that made my knees wobble… I loved it allllll.
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March 8, 2026My review will follow soon.
March 6, 2026
ARC Review!
Book: Golden Hour by Rachel LaBerge
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes:
☀️Grumpy x Sunshine
🏀Sports Romance (both are athletes)
☀️Small Town
🏀Slow burn
☀️Spicy
🏀Hurt/Comfort
☀️No third-act breakup
My thoughts:
This book is a reason why grumpy x sunshine will always be one of my favorite romance tropes! The FMC Sadie is one of the most genuine and loving characters I have ever read about. Even with hardships that would bring any person down she does not let those moments define her and continues looking at life with a positive attitude and a beaming smile. She was just what the MMC Colson needed as our guy was going through a lot and forgot how good life could be. His grief and anxiety was portray so well and all Sadie had to do was to be that person in his corner. By seeing her light and her kindness from the very beginning, Colson fell just that much harder.
I love the small town aspect of the story! Golden Harbor is filled with so much love among the locals and for anyone who needed a break from their life (cough, Colson, cough). We see this through Sadies’ friendships and I loved her relationship with her protective best friend who made sure Sadie was not taking any crap from people who tried to dim her light. We also see this through the Rec center where Sadie taught basketball to kids!
Sadie and Colson’s relationship started out slow, but in these slow moments we were able to see the unwavering support the two had for each other. Their small, but intimate moments allowed their relationship to grow stronger and the two knew immediately that they had found the right person.
So when you need a FMC who is literally sunshine and helps a grumpy MMC find himself again, look for the sunset with Golden Harbor!
Book: Golden Hour by Rachel LaBerge
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes:
☀️Grumpy x Sunshine
🏀Sports Romance (both are athletes)
☀️Small Town
🏀Slow burn
☀️Spicy
🏀Hurt/Comfort
☀️No third-act breakup
My thoughts:
This book is a reason why grumpy x sunshine will always be one of my favorite romance tropes! The FMC Sadie is one of the most genuine and loving characters I have ever read about. Even with hardships that would bring any person down she does not let those moments define her and continues looking at life with a positive attitude and a beaming smile. She was just what the MMC Colson needed as our guy was going through a lot and forgot how good life could be. His grief and anxiety was portray so well and all Sadie had to do was to be that person in his corner. By seeing her light and her kindness from the very beginning, Colson fell just that much harder.
I love the small town aspect of the story! Golden Harbor is filled with so much love among the locals and for anyone who needed a break from their life (cough, Colson, cough). We see this through Sadies’ friendships and I loved her relationship with her protective best friend who made sure Sadie was not taking any crap from people who tried to dim her light. We also see this through the Rec center where Sadie taught basketball to kids!
Sadie and Colson’s relationship started out slow, but in these slow moments we were able to see the unwavering support the two had for each other. Their small, but intimate moments allowed their relationship to grow stronger and the two knew immediately that they had found the right person.
So when you need a FMC who is literally sunshine and helps a grumpy MMC find himself again, look for the sunset with Golden Harbor!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was my first book by Rachel and I really enjoyed it! Sadie really was sunshine personified, but she definitely still had her struggles. It was great to see her find herself again during this story after being hurt by her ex. I loved that she made a list of the things she wanted to do during the summer so that she would always remember who she wanted to be and how she wanted to live. It was also great seeing her sunshine ways bring out a new side of Colson. Colson was a bit grumpy at the start of the book because he had also just been through a lot in his life. But, once he met Sadie, it was game over! He still had times when he was a bit down and out, but I loved watching Sadie help him through that. Colson also eventually realized that he was the storm clouds to Sadie’s sunshine, and there couldn’t be one without the other. I loved that Sadie and Colson were both athletes and could bond over their love of basketball. They both had injuries that affected their basketball careers, and while that was hard on them, it was one more thing for them to bond over and bring them closer together. Watching Sadie and Colson get closer and closer during this story was amazing, and I love that when they had a slight hiccup, they talked it through and figured things out together so they could get through it. I’m excited to see if Rachel will give us more from Golden Harbor, and I will definitely be reading more of Rachel’s books in the future!
Thank you, Rachel, for providing me with an ARC!
Thank you, Rachel, for providing me with an ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.75⭐
I'm so sad I didn't like this one more😭 I'd been counting down the days until Golden Hour landed on my kindle, and to have it just not be 100% for me is crushing haha. Buttttt it has Rachel's signature style that I love, so even if it didn't 100% hit I still enjoyed it!
I'm a sucker for Rachel's basketball romances! This is her second, and it's so nostalgic to be reading about this sport when my brothers and I played through grade school. I adored Sadie and Colson! Their banter was the cutest thing ever. And the nickname Colson gives her🥹🥹🥹 my heart just about melted. The storyline was super fun too; having it wrap around the rec center and the kids that played there made me love it even more!
In the end, it just comes down to not every book is for every reader. Either way, Rachel is still a favorite🤭 I am thrilled to have been able to be an early reader for this and I can't wait to see what Rachel writes next!
You'll like this if you like:
📖 grumpy X sunshine
📖 sports romance (basketball)
📖 small town
📖 dual POV
✨TW: this book contains cuss words and topics of grief, death of a parent, anxiety, depression, parental abandonment, sexual content, and cancer.
🎬 Sexual Content: NC-17: detailed and frequent on-page scenes (chp 23-24, 32-33, 36, 50, and 52). Not for under age 18.
🩸Violence: G: no real violence
💬 Language: frequent strong language (including f***); frequent sexual innuendos
I'm so sad I didn't like this one more😭 I'd been counting down the days until Golden Hour landed on my kindle, and to have it just not be 100% for me is crushing haha. Buttttt it has Rachel's signature style that I love, so even if it didn't 100% hit I still enjoyed it!
I'm a sucker for Rachel's basketball romances! This is her second, and it's so nostalgic to be reading about this sport when my brothers and I played through grade school. I adored Sadie and Colson! Their banter was the cutest thing ever. And the nickname Colson gives her🥹🥹🥹 my heart just about melted. The storyline was super fun too; having it wrap around the rec center and the kids that played there made me love it even more!
In the end, it just comes down to not every book is for every reader. Either way, Rachel is still a favorite🤭 I am thrilled to have been able to be an early reader for this and I can't wait to see what Rachel writes next!
You'll like this if you like:
📖 grumpy X sunshine
📖 sports romance (basketball)
📖 small town
📖 dual POV
✨TW: this book contains cuss words and topics of grief, death of a parent, anxiety, depression, parental abandonment, sexual content, and cancer.
🎬 Sexual Content: NC-17: detailed and frequent on-page scenes (chp 23-24, 32-33, 36, 50, and 52). Not for under age 18.
🩸Violence: G: no real violence
💬 Language: frequent strong language (including f***); frequent sexual innuendos
Review of advance copy
Such a cute and heartwarming book! I really loved the dynamic between Colson and Sadie—it’s one of my favorite types of pairings. Colson with his grumpy, guarded attitude and Sadie coming in like a burst of sunshine was such a perfect contrast. Their personalities balanced each other so well, and watching those two energies collide made the story really enjoyable.
Colson starts off very set in his ways, carrying his own struggles and emotional walls, and it was great to see how Sadie slowly works her way into his world. She doesn’t force anything or try to change him outright—she just shows up with her warmth, optimism, and steady support. Her brightness really brings out a softer side of Colson that you can tell has been hidden for a long time.
What I loved most was the journey Colson goes through throughout the book. Seeing him grow, open up, and allow himself to accept the happiness and care that Sadie offers was really touching. Sadie being there for him through it all—supporting him, encouraging him, and believing in him even when he struggles to believe in himself—made their relationship feel genuine and heartfelt.
Together they are absolutely adorable. Their banter, their little moments of connection, and the way their relationship grows over time made this such a fun and comforting read. It’s one of those stories that leaves you smiling because the characters just fit so perfectly together.
Colson starts off very set in his ways, carrying his own struggles and emotional walls, and it was great to see how Sadie slowly works her way into his world. She doesn’t force anything or try to change him outright—she just shows up with her warmth, optimism, and steady support. Her brightness really brings out a softer side of Colson that you can tell has been hidden for a long time.
What I loved most was the journey Colson goes through throughout the book. Seeing him grow, open up, and allow himself to accept the happiness and care that Sadie offers was really touching. Sadie being there for him through it all—supporting him, encouraging him, and believing in him even when he struggles to believe in himself—made their relationship feel genuine and heartfelt.
Together they are absolutely adorable. Their banter, their little moments of connection, and the way their relationship grows over time made this such a fun and comforting read. It’s one of those stories that leaves you smiling because the characters just fit so perfectly together.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Colson is grieving the loss of his mother while also struggling with the fallout from an altercation with his NBA coach. He flees to the town he used to visit with his mom and to the house he bought for her. He’s hoping for a quiet summer where he can continue grieving and hide from the press.
But that doesn’t happen when he meets bubbly, sunshine-filled Sadie. She works at the local rec center in her small town and coaches basketball for kids. She keeps crossing paths with the reclusive Colson. Sadie is well loved in Golden Harbor, Michigan, by her friends, family, and community.
Can Colson continue to hide away in his mom’s house, or will Sadie help him navigate his grief and NBA struggles? Can they protect their hearts over the summer?
Colson and Sadie’s story is beautiful and full of self-discovery and emotional growth. Colson is a true grumpy character, while Sadie radiates sunshine and is the embodiment of warmth and light. This trope was spot on, especially with the mental health representation. I truly grieved with Colson as he reflected on his relationship with his mom. I admired Sadie so much and everything she has overcome in her life—yet she still manages to see the good in so many things and people.
This was a quick, enjoyable read filled with emotion, and I’m excited to read more from Rachel LaBerge!
But that doesn’t happen when he meets bubbly, sunshine-filled Sadie. She works at the local rec center in her small town and coaches basketball for kids. She keeps crossing paths with the reclusive Colson. Sadie is well loved in Golden Harbor, Michigan, by her friends, family, and community.
Can Colson continue to hide away in his mom’s house, or will Sadie help him navigate his grief and NBA struggles? Can they protect their hearts over the summer?
Colson and Sadie’s story is beautiful and full of self-discovery and emotional growth. Colson is a true grumpy character, while Sadie radiates sunshine and is the embodiment of warmth and light. This trope was spot on, especially with the mental health representation. I truly grieved with Colson as he reflected on his relationship with his mom. I admired Sadie so much and everything she has overcome in her life—yet she still manages to see the good in so many things and people.
This was a quick, enjoyable read filled with emotion, and I’m excited to read more from Rachel LaBerge!
March 6, 2026
This was such a sweet sunshine x grumpy romance book set in a small beach town in Michigan. While this book was sweet there was a lot of heavy emotional topics covered including loss of a parent, anxiety and panic attacks. I love how Rachel LaBerge keeps her characters so real.
Colson is reeling from the death of his mother and an altercation on the NBA court that gets him dismissed from his team. He retreats to his mothers beach house in Golden Harbor. He is a perpetual storm cloud with a permanent scowl fixed on his face until he meets Sadie who just happens to own the small rec center next door to him. Sadie hosts a summer program that focuses on basketball and Colson and her paths continue to cross until they are both seeking out each other. Sadie helps bring back Colsons light and he helps Sadie remember what love is all about.
The banter between Colson and Sadie is amazing but the deep conversations about life and their feelings was what made this book perfect. It's refreshing seeing characters who struggle with anxiety and depression and how they are able to overcome those obstacles. Really enjoyed everything about this book.
Favorite Quote:
"My sunshine girl."
Tropes:
-sports romance
-grumpy x sunshine
-small town
-mental health rep
-ARC READ. Thank you to the author for an e-arc of this book for my honest review.
Colson is reeling from the death of his mother and an altercation on the NBA court that gets him dismissed from his team. He retreats to his mothers beach house in Golden Harbor. He is a perpetual storm cloud with a permanent scowl fixed on his face until he meets Sadie who just happens to own the small rec center next door to him. Sadie hosts a summer program that focuses on basketball and Colson and her paths continue to cross until they are both seeking out each other. Sadie helps bring back Colsons light and he helps Sadie remember what love is all about.
The banter between Colson and Sadie is amazing but the deep conversations about life and their feelings was what made this book perfect. It's refreshing seeing characters who struggle with anxiety and depression and how they are able to overcome those obstacles. Really enjoyed everything about this book.
Favorite Quote:
"My sunshine girl."
Tropes:
-sports romance
-grumpy x sunshine
-small town
-mental health rep
-ARC READ. Thank you to the author for an e-arc of this book for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I devoured this book in ONE sitting. This is a new author to me and once I saw the trope list for this book I had to read it.
With that being said, grumpy x sunshine is one of my favorite tropes in romance books. I absolutely loved how it was done in this book. Sometimes the grumpy can border mean or unlikable - but not with Colson. He remained likable and relatable throughout the entire book.
This book did have some heavy topics (death of parent/off page) but it was balanced with some really sweet moments as well.
Sadie was the perfect sunshine to Colson’s grumpy; without being over the top or ditzy. She also let him be who he while continuing to show up for him.
Their relationship was so sweet - and watching Colson’s walls come down around Sadie had me hooked. One of my favorite things in a book is to watching the slow burn pay off.
I also loved that being with Colson wasn’t Sadie’s entire personality. She just didn’t end up being a FMC who drops everything to be with a professional athlete or plays games or tricks to get their attention. I liked that she had her own story and journey through this book.
I will going back and reading everything this author has written and will continue to read what she puts out next.
With that being said, grumpy x sunshine is one of my favorite tropes in romance books. I absolutely loved how it was done in this book. Sometimes the grumpy can border mean or unlikable - but not with Colson. He remained likable and relatable throughout the entire book.
This book did have some heavy topics (death of parent/off page) but it was balanced with some really sweet moments as well.
Sadie was the perfect sunshine to Colson’s grumpy; without being over the top or ditzy. She also let him be who he while continuing to show up for him.
Their relationship was so sweet - and watching Colson’s walls come down around Sadie had me hooked. One of my favorite things in a book is to watching the slow burn pay off.
I also loved that being with Colson wasn’t Sadie’s entire personality. She just didn’t end up being a FMC who drops everything to be with a professional athlete or plays games or tricks to get their attention. I liked that she had her own story and journey through this book.
I will going back and reading everything this author has written and will continue to read what she puts out next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
*Baby, We’ll make it fit.*
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Ahh I loved this. this was a sweet funny spicy sunshine small town girl / basketball camp coach x grumpy pro basketball player. It had such fun lol elements and there was a squealing kicking my feet moment that one of the other characters felt to which I absolutely loved. Both the characters had stories, background and struggles that they were working through. I loved reading about them growing individually and together. Obsessed with their relationship developing and the depth to it. I loved that they both had dreams and wants in life and they worked out how to make them work together, supporting each other through it. One part that stuck out to me which I loved so much was ‘protective without being possessive’ I love when the MMC knows that she has strength that he doesn’t need to go ‘alfa’ and step in, he just needs to let her know she’s not alone, she’s got this and he’s there for here.
KINDA SPOILER enjoyed that there wasn’t a third act breakup.
And then, I continue slowly, ‘he reached for my hand. Just… Took it. Like it made sense”
*Baby, We’ll make it fit.*
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Ahh I loved this. this was a sweet funny spicy sunshine small town girl / basketball camp coach x grumpy pro basketball player. It had such fun lol elements and there was a squealing kicking my feet moment that one of the other characters felt to which I absolutely loved. Both the characters had stories, background and struggles that they were working through. I loved reading about them growing individually and together. Obsessed with their relationship developing and the depth to it. I loved that they both had dreams and wants in life and they worked out how to make them work together, supporting each other through it. One part that stuck out to me which I loved so much was ‘protective without being possessive’ I love when the MMC knows that she has strength that he doesn’t need to go ‘alfa’ and step in, he just needs to let her know she’s not alone, she’s got this and he’s there for here.
KINDA SPOILER enjoyed that there wasn’t a third act breakup.
And then, I continue slowly, ‘he reached for my hand. Just… Took it. Like it made sense”
Review of advance copy received from Author
Colson is grieving the loss of his mother and is also struggling with the fallout from an altercation with his NBA coach. He finds himself in the small town of Golden Harbor in the home he purchased for his mother. Colson is hoping to have a quiet summer where he can continue to grieve and hide from the press. So meeting Sadie was not in his plans.
Sadie works at the local rec center in town and coaches basketball for kids. She meets Colson on his first day when a ball hit his car and made a dent. Sadie has such a bubbly personality. Sadie and Colson keep crossing paths and then they start to get to know each other and get closer.
Colson and Sadie have a story that is filled with self-discovery, personal and emotional self growth. Colson is a true grumpy character and Sadie is letting herself shine. Colson had time to reflect on his relationship with his mom, grieve and think about his past. Sadie has overcome a lot herself. Both these characters showed so much growth on their own and together. They both had positive influences and truly supported each other. I enjoyed the story and character development.
Sadie works at the local rec center in town and coaches basketball for kids. She meets Colson on his first day when a ball hit his car and made a dent. Sadie has such a bubbly personality. Sadie and Colson keep crossing paths and then they start to get to know each other and get closer.
Colson and Sadie have a story that is filled with self-discovery, personal and emotional self growth. Colson is a true grumpy character and Sadie is letting herself shine. Colson had time to reflect on his relationship with his mom, grieve and think about his past. Sadie has overcome a lot herself. Both these characters showed so much growth on their own and together. They both had positive influences and truly supported each other. I enjoyed the story and character development.
Review of advance copy received from Author
as always thank you rachel for letting me arc read!!!
wow this book was so good. i finished it in one sitting because i just couldn’t put it down. golden hour was the perfect grumpy x sunshine book.
colson is an nba player who went away for the summer in hopes to forget what happened that got him released from his contract. sadie is a local who coaches at the rec center next to colson’s house. the last thing colson wanted was to be in the basketball world during his summer but it turns out it was what he needed most.
colson and sadie are the perfect couple not only do they balance each other out perfectly but they are what each other needs.
colson and sadie both learning to heal for their pasts. colson is grieving the loss of his mom & sadie is moving on from her ex. they learn how to heal from their personal traumas and learn to rely and love on each other.
wow this book was so good. i finished it in one sitting because i just couldn’t put it down. golden hour was the perfect grumpy x sunshine book.
colson is an nba player who went away for the summer in hopes to forget what happened that got him released from his contract. sadie is a local who coaches at the rec center next to colson’s house. the last thing colson wanted was to be in the basketball world during his summer but it turns out it was what he needed most.
colson and sadie are the perfect couple not only do they balance each other out perfectly but they are what each other needs.
colson and sadie both learning to heal for their pasts. colson is grieving the loss of his mom & sadie is moving on from her ex. they learn how to heal from their personal traumas and learn to rely and love on each other.
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you love a slow burn, grumpy x sunshine basketball romance, this is the book for you.
Golden Hour by Rachel LaBerge ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This story follows two characters , Sadie and Colson. Both characters faces life altering changes that lead them to Golden Harbor, Michigan. One is running towards what they love and one is running away from what they love.
Can a rec center focused on basketball help these two connect? Can remembering what it felt like to fall in love again with the game help them move past the reasons they’re running ?
Colsons finds a hidden summer list that unlocks some unexpected secrets.
Is Sadie willing to risk her heart after everything that’s happened in past?
Love and basketball…
Do you think Sadie and Colson will make the right calls? Are the stakes worth the risk?
Golden Hour by Rachel LaBerge ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This story follows two characters , Sadie and Colson. Both characters faces life altering changes that lead them to Golden Harbor, Michigan. One is running towards what they love and one is running away from what they love.
Can a rec center focused on basketball help these two connect? Can remembering what it felt like to fall in love again with the game help them move past the reasons they’re running ?
Colsons finds a hidden summer list that unlocks some unexpected secrets.
Is Sadie willing to risk her heart after everything that’s happened in past?
Love and basketball…
Do you think Sadie and Colson will make the right calls? Are the stakes worth the risk?
March 8, 2026
First of all thank you for sending me this ARC!
4.5⭐️
The way this book had me giggling, kicking my feet and screaming was unreal 🤭 This was a sweet sunshine x grumpy romance book. While this book was sweet there was a lot of heavy emotional topics so check your trigger warnings!
In this story we follow Sadie and Colson. They are dealing with life altering changes that lead them to Golden Harbor, Michigan. One is running towards what they love and one is running away from what they love. They help each other bring back the light to their lives.
The banter between both characters will have you cheesing so hard! ❤️🔥🤭 Rachel did a great job a portraying what a real connection between to people should be!! I’m so excited for whatever she writes next!!💗
Tropes:
☀️Grumpy x Sunshine
🏀Sports Romance (both are athletes)
☀️Small Town
🏀Slow burn
☀️Spicy
🏀Hurt/Comfort
☀️No third-act breakup
4.5⭐️
The way this book had me giggling, kicking my feet and screaming was unreal 🤭 This was a sweet sunshine x grumpy romance book. While this book was sweet there was a lot of heavy emotional topics so check your trigger warnings!
In this story we follow Sadie and Colson. They are dealing with life altering changes that lead them to Golden Harbor, Michigan. One is running towards what they love and one is running away from what they love. They help each other bring back the light to their lives.
The banter between both characters will have you cheesing so hard! ❤️🔥🤭 Rachel did a great job a portraying what a real connection between to people should be!! I’m so excited for whatever she writes next!!💗
Tropes:
☀️Grumpy x Sunshine
🏀Sports Romance (both are athletes)
☀️Small Town
🏀Slow burn
☀️Spicy
🏀Hurt/Comfort
☀️No third-act breakup
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you so much Rachel for this ARC!
Colson is a recently injured NBA player grieving his mother. He heads to a small town to recover and try to get back on the court. He meets Sadie, the girl practically radiates sunshine! She coaches local kids basketball and runs a camp. At first, he’s hesitant to help her with the team. Sadie convinces him to help and he starts wanting to be there.
These two have chemistry and it eventually explodes! They support one another unlike previous partners. Even though Colson will have to leave soon, he falls for Sadie!
No unnecessary drama or miscommunication in this one 🏀
Colson is a recently injured NBA player grieving his mother. He heads to a small town to recover and try to get back on the court. He meets Sadie, the girl practically radiates sunshine! She coaches local kids basketball and runs a camp. At first, he’s hesitant to help her with the team. Sadie convinces him to help and he starts wanting to be there.
These two have chemistry and it eventually explodes! They support one another unlike previous partners. Even though Colson will have to leave soon, he falls for Sadie!
No unnecessary drama or miscommunication in this one 🏀
Review of advance copy received from Author
Received an Advanced Reader Copy from Author.
Golden Hour is a story of Sadie and Colson and how they found each other to heal. Colson is trying to come to terms from the loss of his mother and aftermath of a fight with his coach. Sadie is trying to figure out her life after an engagement crashed and burned. It's a journey of self discovery and falling in love with the person that made life brighter after weathering a storm. The balance between emotional moments and spice was perfect. Thank you Rachel and can't wait for the next one.
Golden Hour is a story of Sadie and Colson and how they found each other to heal. Colson is trying to come to terms from the loss of his mother and aftermath of a fight with his coach. Sadie is trying to figure out her life after an engagement crashed and burned. It's a journey of self discovery and falling in love with the person that made life brighter after weathering a storm. The balance between emotional moments and spice was perfect. Thank you Rachel and can't wait for the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Favorite tropes: Grumpy x Sunshine, Sports Romance, Mental Health Rep
What I loved: Relatable brokenness, grief journey, for the love of the game - It's a Rachel Laberge Romance, expect lots of feet kicking, wonderful and colorful word choice, and spicy scenes 🌶️
Rachel, your characters always make me feel seen in a world that just keeps spinning. Thanks for bringing Sadie and Colson to life and for trusting me to alpha read their story. Here's to more sunsets!
Golden Hour releases March 26th. Pre-order from @rachellabergeauthor 🍒🏀🌅
What I loved: Relatable brokenness, grief journey, for the love of the game - It's a Rachel Laberge Romance, expect lots of feet kicking, wonderful and colorful word choice, and spicy scenes 🌶️
Rachel, your characters always make me feel seen in a world that just keeps spinning. Thanks for bringing Sadie and Colson to life and for trusting me to alpha read their story. Here's to more sunsets!
Golden Hour releases March 26th. Pre-order from @rachellabergeauthor 🍒🏀🌅
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved that Sadie could read Colson and knew what he needed without him telling her and that Colson loved that. The slow burn build up was great but when they finally got to their 'moment" I felt like it was a bit rushed. I enjoyed that there was no third act break-up and the fact that Sadie was able to keep Colson from running and helped him work through it what spooked him is why there wasn't one. Colson was also able to be there for Sadie when her past caught up with her gave her strength also. This was a very sweet positive love story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is my first ever read from Rachel.
This was a great story about grief, loneliness, and overcoming obstacles. I related to Colson so much as we went through similar experiences.
I love Sadie’s character and how relatable she is when you find someone attractive and intimidating. I think us girls have all been there in the situations where she first met Colson.
I love how their love for basketball and past experiences helped each other to heal and be better. This is more than a sports romance. It is about looking at the positives through the negatives in your life.
This was a great story about grief, loneliness, and overcoming obstacles. I related to Colson so much as we went through similar experiences.
I love Sadie’s character and how relatable she is when you find someone attractive and intimidating. I think us girls have all been there in the situations where she first met Colson.
I love how their love for basketball and past experiences helped each other to heal and be better. This is more than a sports romance. It is about looking at the positives through the negatives in your life.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Are you kidding me?! I LOVED this story! Honestly, I think this is my favorite book so far by Rachel! We got to meet a strong, sunshine FMC who is learning to be the light again. Then we have the broody, grumpy, NBA star MMC. The two....they are so stinking cute together! We've got Michigan small town vibes (which I love - Michigan native here). I highlighted so much! Let's just say, this one should be added to your TBR!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review of Golden Hour!
Sadie & Colson? PERFECT Grumpy cat meets sunshine tabby, that’s slightly mischievous in all the good ways! 😉
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 5 stars! The writing was wonderful; the story line was even better. By the end of the book, I felt connected to Sadie & what she went through, and also felt so proud with how she came out stronger than she was before!
Sunsets are always beautiful when you have someone to share them with🌄
Sadie & Colson? PERFECT Grumpy cat meets sunshine tabby, that’s slightly mischievous in all the good ways! 😉
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 5 stars! The writing was wonderful; the story line was even better. By the end of the book, I felt connected to Sadie & what she went through, and also felt so proud with how she came out stronger than she was before!
Sunsets are always beautiful when you have someone to share them with🌄
Review of advance copy received from Author
I always know Rachel Laberge is going to give me a feel good book that I can't put down! This was the sweetest story and I loved both of our main characters. The small, sleepy (but cozy) town of Golden Harbour really just added the perfect touch... and some of the town hot spots like the Cherry Pit REALLY took it over the top! I loved the banter and especially loved the grumpy x sunshine characters!!
Thank you to the author for this early advanced copy!!
Thank you to the author for this early advanced copy!!
March 9, 2026
🩷🧡I had no idea Colson and Sadie’s story was going to ring so close to home for me. @rachellabergeauthor always knocks it put of the park for me though, so I shouldn’t have been so surprised.
It’s got all the makings of a cozy summer read with all the mature part and spice too! None of the drama of 3rd act break ups. True adult relationships. Where they have flaws and learn to love each other regardless.
It’s got all the makings of a cozy summer read with all the mature part and spice too! None of the drama of 3rd act break ups. True adult relationships. Where they have flaws and learn to love each other regardless.
March 10, 2026
ARC Review
I really enjoyed Golden Hour. This sports romance had such a cozy small-town feel, and I loved the grumpy/sunshine dynamic between Colson and Sadie. Their chemistry and banter made the story really fun while still having plenty of heartfelt moments.
The writing was warm and immersive, with themes of healing, relationships, and finding your place.
I’d totally hang at The Cherry Pit and The Basement! 🍒
I really enjoyed Golden Hour. This sports romance had such a cozy small-town feel, and I loved the grumpy/sunshine dynamic between Colson and Sadie. Their chemistry and banter made the story really fun while still having plenty of heartfelt moments.
The writing was warm and immersive, with themes of healing, relationships, and finding your place.
I’d totally hang at The Cherry Pit and The Basement! 🍒
Review of advance copy received from Author
I inhaled this book!
✔️safe—both had been in a serious relationship before. She was engaged and he was in a long term but nothing else mentioned about their pasts.
✔️NBA player grumpy MMC who is lowkey a golden retriever
✔️ sunshine FMC but not in an annoying way
✔️ OM drama. Her ex finance comes back and starts some drama but not bc he wants her back. He’s just an idiot.
✔️ small town
✔️safe—both had been in a serious relationship before. She was engaged and he was in a long term but nothing else mentioned about their pasts.
✔️NBA player grumpy MMC who is lowkey a golden retriever
✔️ sunshine FMC but not in an annoying way
✔️ OM drama. Her ex finance comes back and starts some drama but not bc he wants her back. He’s just an idiot.
✔️ small town
March 8, 2026
What a sweet read this was Colson and Sadie are the cutest couple.
Colson is involved in an incident with his nba team and comes to golden harbour where he has a home that he bought for his mother. He comes to hide out and re group and basically sulk. Sadie is not letting that happen and is determined to make him smile
Perfect amount of spice for this kind of book and good storyline
Colson is involved in an incident with his nba team and comes to golden harbour where he has a home that he bought for his mother. He comes to hide out and re group and basically sulk. Sadie is not letting that happen and is determined to make him smile
Perfect amount of spice for this kind of book and good storyline
March 8, 2026
Golden hour was so so good!! Loved everything about it from the start!! I didn’t want it to end. The banter between them is so good!! Just the right amount of space. Nothing better than a small town romance.
~ grumpy x sunshine
~ sports romance
~ small town setting
~ they're both athletes
~ spicy (open door)
~ hurt/comfort
~ mental health rep
~ shower scene do
~ banter
~ grumpy x sunshine
~ sports romance
~ small town setting
~ they're both athletes
~ spicy (open door)
~ hurt/comfort
~ mental health rep
~ shower scene do
~ banter
March 10, 2026
The thing that brought me into this book the most was the scenery Rachel built in this book. I can picture the small beach town, the local spots and this couple walking through town. I couldn’t put this light hearted love story down! My only regret, not reading this book on the beach in Northern Michigan with a glass of wine.
Review of advance copy
This was so cute! Taking a break from the NBA, he brings it back to his roots and where he belongs. Only to have his heart taken along the way and giving them both hope and love on a life they can have together. This was absolutely amazing and so good!
March 7, 2026
Where do I even start, the perfect grumpy basketball player with the lovely sunshine girly that sweep him off his feet. I loved everything about this book, had me hooked from the start. This would be an incredible read for the Summer time romance.
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