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Heartlight Falls: A Love Story Between the Lines
She's chasing a story.
He's chasing the truth.
Neither expects mystery and legend to get personal.
When podcast host Ivy Bloom and her co-host roast a bestselling author’s painfully awkward love scene, the clip goes viral overnight.
The author, grumpy, reclusive mystery writer Porter Shaw, would rather disappear than relive it. But his publisher has a different idea.
Forced into a joint promotion in Porter's hometown of Valentine Falls, Ivy and Porter strike an uneasy she’ll help him write the romance his story lacks, and he’ll give her access to the town’s legendary Heartlight Falls, a local legend wrapped in myth, grief, and unfinished truth. Neither expects to uncover clues to an unsolved cold case, a mystery that has haunted Porter and the town of Valentine Falls for fifteen years.
As attraction deepens and secrets surface, Ivy and Porter discover that some mysteries don't just demand to be told... They demand to be felt.
A grumpy-meets-sunshine, slow-burn small-town romance where legend, loss, and love collide, and every truth has a heartbeat.
Closed-door lots of steam, no spice.
He's chasing the truth.
Neither expects mystery and legend to get personal.
When podcast host Ivy Bloom and her co-host roast a bestselling author’s painfully awkward love scene, the clip goes viral overnight.
The author, grumpy, reclusive mystery writer Porter Shaw, would rather disappear than relive it. But his publisher has a different idea.
Forced into a joint promotion in Porter's hometown of Valentine Falls, Ivy and Porter strike an uneasy she’ll help him write the romance his story lacks, and he’ll give her access to the town’s legendary Heartlight Falls, a local legend wrapped in myth, grief, and unfinished truth. Neither expects to uncover clues to an unsolved cold case, a mystery that has haunted Porter and the town of Valentine Falls for fifteen years.
As attraction deepens and secrets surface, Ivy and Porter discover that some mysteries don't just demand to be told... They demand to be felt.
A grumpy-meets-sunshine, slow-burn small-town romance where legend, loss, and love collide, and every truth has a heartbeat.
Closed-door lots of steam, no spice.
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 3, 2026
About the author
Melinda R. Morgan
10 books60 followersVisit Melinda's author website:
http://www.melindarmorgan.com
I am a mother of four adult children, stepmom to five adult children, and grandma to 20 grandchildren. I LOVE Coke Zero (seriously LOVE it!) and peanut M&M's. I spent five years as a single mom when my children were all very young.
That was then. This is now. I have been married to the love of my life since 2002, I have a BS in Liberal Studies, a teaching license, and an MS in Education and Administration. In 2016, Ron and I relocated to Utah, where I am continuing my 25+ years in education. I have taught high school, elementary school, and middle school; and believe it or not, I am most at home with those crazy, insane middle schoolers! Tweens and Teens! Would someone give me an "Amen" please?
Recently, I have begun a new romantic comedy series, and who knew I would love writing in this genre so much?
Besides my day job, I am also a classically trained pianist. Music is a huge part of who I am and how I express some of my deepest emotions. I also enjoy kayaking, taking long walks, and hanging out with my children and grandchildren.
I write in order to connect with others--soul to soul, heart to heart. I listen to and perform music in order to connect with and ignite creative energy. I like to put it this way:
Music puts me in touch with my emotions. Words, put my emotions in touch with my readers.
n book one of An Unlikely Romance, I get to combine my enjoyment of kayaking with my addiction to romance. I hope you will love reading the series as much as I love writing it.
http://www.melindarmorgan.com
I am a mother of four adult children, stepmom to five adult children, and grandma to 20 grandchildren. I LOVE Coke Zero (seriously LOVE it!) and peanut M&M's. I spent five years as a single mom when my children were all very young.
That was then. This is now. I have been married to the love of my life since 2002, I have a BS in Liberal Studies, a teaching license, and an MS in Education and Administration. In 2016, Ron and I relocated to Utah, where I am continuing my 25+ years in education. I have taught high school, elementary school, and middle school; and believe it or not, I am most at home with those crazy, insane middle schoolers! Tweens and Teens! Would someone give me an "Amen" please?
Recently, I have begun a new romantic comedy series, and who knew I would love writing in this genre so much?
Besides my day job, I am also a classically trained pianist. Music is a huge part of who I am and how I express some of my deepest emotions. I also enjoy kayaking, taking long walks, and hanging out with my children and grandchildren.
I write in order to connect with others--soul to soul, heart to heart. I listen to and perform music in order to connect with and ignite creative energy. I like to put it this way:
Music puts me in touch with my emotions. Words, put my emotions in touch with my readers.
n book one of An Unlikely Romance, I get to combine my enjoyment of kayaking with my addiction to romance. I hope you will love reading the series as much as I love writing it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
March 4, 2026
ARC Review:
I loved the friendship between Ivy and Cash.
Ivy and Cash have a podcast that roast authors who write awful romances. I was literally cracking up so much with the things they were saying on their podcast. 🤭
Loved the slow burn relationship between Ivy and Porter. Swoon!!! 🫶🏻
This book was my fave from this series.
Melinda has become one of my favorite authors for clean, funny and relatable closed door romance.
I loved the friendship between Ivy and Cash.
Ivy and Cash have a podcast that roast authors who write awful romances. I was literally cracking up so much with the things they were saying on their podcast. 🤭
Loved the slow burn relationship between Ivy and Porter. Swoon!!! 🫶🏻
This book was my fave from this series.
Melinda has become one of my favorite authors for clean, funny and relatable closed door romance.
March 3, 2026
5/5
Genre: Closed -door Romance
🚨TW: mentions of car accident, loss of love one, grief
🚨CW: hot kisses
Favourite Moments
🎤 They first met.
🎤 The podcast. (can’t spoil it)
🎤 Them working together to rewrite his story which are romance scenes (can’t spoil it)
🎤 Moments with Cash (can’t spoil it)
🎤 At the Valentine Falls’ waterfall. (can’t spoil it)
🎤 Them finding out the riddles and cracking what it means with missing girl’s journal (can’t spoil it)
🎤 Them bickering, teasing and flirting with each other.
🎤 Them opening up to each other.
(lots more)
Swoony Moments
🎤 He cares for her.
🎤 He loves her and her voice.
🎤 He shows his vulnerable side to her.
🎤 He is willing to let her help with his stories.
🎤 He also help her with the cold case mystery which he had been trying to find out about.
Synopsis:
Ivy
A podcast narrator who is co-host with her friend Cash who roast a disastrous love scene live on air. She wanted to be an investigative reporter but because she wants to be freelance too that is a no go.
Porter
A crime mystery writer who is struggling with writing love scenes though he is not really into wtiting romance but more to mystery however the company that he is sign with wants him to write something that sells.
He is not happy with the podcast that he got roasted and his publishers felt that it is good that it became viral and it will definitely get profits. And Ivy and her friend Cash were called to go to Valetine Falls to interview the writer. He doesn’t want to be known and Ivy smells a story to uncover and the mystery of Valentine Falls about to be revealed with the riddles and a diary, along with the story of the missing girl who is missing for 15 years which break Porter so much. They are going work together; she will be helping him with rewrite his romance part of the story and then him helping her to find the mystery of the place. Are they going to get along? Will they able to solve the cold case mystery? Read Heartlight Falls to find out.
Review:
Love this story very much. It really made me cry. Love that they didn’t give up in investigating the case of the missing girl and also love that though at first, they both don’t see eye to eye but eventually he gives in and realised he needed help for the romance scenes of the book.
But poor Porter he is not into writing romance scenes but because his publisher insisted, he had no choice because readers want love romance but the romance that the readers want is too steamy which he felt uncomfortable to write. Love that Ivy told him that he doesn’t have to force himself to write what he doesn’t like. And love that she made him realised that he actually knows how to write romance just need someone to help him that’s all.
They both got closer as they rewrite the scenes together and ever since then they became friends and also love that they open up to each other and also be there for each other. They both have traumas in the past and together they go through it together. Their bickering, teasing and flirting are just so entertaining.
Love how the story is like you get to investigate together with the characters with all the riddles and also the missing girl’s diary that has sketches of pictures to link to the mystery. And what you find out you will never expect it. It is both heart-wrenching and also touching at the same time.
Her friend Cash is kind of a scene stealer. He is a great friend and also, he is overprotective like a brother. Love that he also helping and supporting Ivy in her decision because they are a team and him teasing them are just so fun to watch and really hope that Melinda will write him his happily ever after.
Can’t spoil too much of the story you will have to read it to find out.
P.S Wish that I have a talent of doing podcast like Ivy and Cash. It will be so much fun.
This the 3rd book of Valentine Falls Series. It is a multi-author series written by 3 amazing authors.
I was gifted complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own. Thank you, @melinda.r.morgan for the ARC!
You can purchase this book on Amazon and it’s available on KU.
Genre: Closed -door Romance
🚨TW: mentions of car accident, loss of love one, grief
🚨CW: hot kisses
Favourite Moments
🎤 They first met.
🎤 The podcast. (can’t spoil it)
🎤 Them working together to rewrite his story which are romance scenes (can’t spoil it)
🎤 Moments with Cash (can’t spoil it)
🎤 At the Valentine Falls’ waterfall. (can’t spoil it)
🎤 Them finding out the riddles and cracking what it means with missing girl’s journal (can’t spoil it)
🎤 Them bickering, teasing and flirting with each other.
🎤 Them opening up to each other.
(lots more)
Swoony Moments
🎤 He cares for her.
🎤 He loves her and her voice.
🎤 He shows his vulnerable side to her.
🎤 He is willing to let her help with his stories.
🎤 He also help her with the cold case mystery which he had been trying to find out about.
Synopsis:
Ivy
A podcast narrator who is co-host with her friend Cash who roast a disastrous love scene live on air. She wanted to be an investigative reporter but because she wants to be freelance too that is a no go.
Porter
A crime mystery writer who is struggling with writing love scenes though he is not really into wtiting romance but more to mystery however the company that he is sign with wants him to write something that sells.
He is not happy with the podcast that he got roasted and his publishers felt that it is good that it became viral and it will definitely get profits. And Ivy and her friend Cash were called to go to Valetine Falls to interview the writer. He doesn’t want to be known and Ivy smells a story to uncover and the mystery of Valentine Falls about to be revealed with the riddles and a diary, along with the story of the missing girl who is missing for 15 years which break Porter so much. They are going work together; she will be helping him with rewrite his romance part of the story and then him helping her to find the mystery of the place. Are they going to get along? Will they able to solve the cold case mystery? Read Heartlight Falls to find out.
Review:
Love this story very much. It really made me cry. Love that they didn’t give up in investigating the case of the missing girl and also love that though at first, they both don’t see eye to eye but eventually he gives in and realised he needed help for the romance scenes of the book.
But poor Porter he is not into writing romance scenes but because his publisher insisted, he had no choice because readers want love romance but the romance that the readers want is too steamy which he felt uncomfortable to write. Love that Ivy told him that he doesn’t have to force himself to write what he doesn’t like. And love that she made him realised that he actually knows how to write romance just need someone to help him that’s all.
They both got closer as they rewrite the scenes together and ever since then they became friends and also love that they open up to each other and also be there for each other. They both have traumas in the past and together they go through it together. Their bickering, teasing and flirting are just so entertaining.
Love how the story is like you get to investigate together with the characters with all the riddles and also the missing girl’s diary that has sketches of pictures to link to the mystery. And what you find out you will never expect it. It is both heart-wrenching and also touching at the same time.
Her friend Cash is kind of a scene stealer. He is a great friend and also, he is overprotective like a brother. Love that he also helping and supporting Ivy in her decision because they are a team and him teasing them are just so fun to watch and really hope that Melinda will write him his happily ever after.
Can’t spoil too much of the story you will have to read it to find out.
P.S Wish that I have a talent of doing podcast like Ivy and Cash. It will be so much fun.
This the 3rd book of Valentine Falls Series. It is a multi-author series written by 3 amazing authors.
I was gifted complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own. Thank you, @melinda.r.morgan for the ARC!
You can purchase this book on Amazon and it’s available on KU.
March 1, 2026
This story completely surprised me in the best way. It opened with sharp banter and laugh-out-loud moments that gave it that classic rom-com charm, but as the pages turned, the emotional depth hit hard. By the end, I was misty-eyed more than once.
The tension between Ivy and Porter was beautifully layered, especially with the long-standing mystery that’s haunted him and the Falls for years. What starts off light and playful slowly unfolds into something tender, healing, and deeply moving.
There’s no spice here, but honestly? It didn’t need it. The kisses, the quiet moments, and the way their love grew felt authentic and swoon-worthy. It’s the kind of romance that makes you close the book and think, I want a love like that.
The tension between Ivy and Porter was beautifully layered, especially with the long-standing mystery that’s haunted him and the Falls for years. What starts off light and playful slowly unfolds into something tender, healing, and deeply moving.
There’s no spice here, but honestly? It didn’t need it. The kisses, the quiet moments, and the way their love grew felt authentic and swoon-worthy. It’s the kind of romance that makes you close the book and think, I want a love like that.
February 27, 2026
ARC Review:
The last book in the Valentine Falls series was so good. I love a good mystery and this story pulled mystery components as well as romance and a compelling story. Porter and Ivy could not be more different but they work as a team so well. Her friend Cash provides the comedic relief that’s needed when situations get tense or heavy.
The story allows the readers to work alongside Ivy and Porter to solve a cold case while also trying to work and discover who the hidden author is of the stories that Cash and Ivy have been poking fun at giving them immediate fame and recognition. I also think the story shows just how frustrating major industries can be when everyone wants their hand in the pot. This story shows love, friendship, morals, integrity, and fighting for justice while protecting the things that remain so near and dear.
The last book in the Valentine Falls series was so good. I love a good mystery and this story pulled mystery components as well as romance and a compelling story. Porter and Ivy could not be more different but they work as a team so well. Her friend Cash provides the comedic relief that’s needed when situations get tense or heavy.
The story allows the readers to work alongside Ivy and Porter to solve a cold case while also trying to work and discover who the hidden author is of the stories that Cash and Ivy have been poking fun at giving them immediate fame and recognition. I also think the story shows just how frustrating major industries can be when everyone wants their hand in the pot. This story shows love, friendship, morals, integrity, and fighting for justice while protecting the things that remain so near and dear.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’ve loved Melinda’s writing for a while now, and Heartlight Falls was no exception. What a beautiful story about conversation and connection, friendship and support, a hand that doesn’t pull away, and the kind of healing that lets you actually start again. (And let’s not forget the pinky touches and those ever-swoony rewrites… IYKYK.)
Cash, Ivy, and Porter are such strong characters. They each bring so much depth to the story, and together they create that found-family dynamic you just want to step into and stay awhile. The town of Valentine Falls is beautiful in so many ways...it feels cozy and layered. I’d go back there in a heartbeat.
🍋 Small Town Mystery
🍋 Dual Pov
🍋 Flirty Texts & Banter
🍋 Grumpy/Sunshine
🍋 Slowburn + Closed Door Romance
Cash, Ivy, and Porter are such strong characters. They each bring so much depth to the story, and together they create that found-family dynamic you just want to step into and stay awhile. The town of Valentine Falls is beautiful in so many ways...it feels cozy and layered. I’d go back there in a heartbeat.
🍋 Small Town Mystery
🍋 Dual Pov
🍋 Flirty Texts & Banter
🍋 Grumpy/Sunshine
🍋 Slowburn + Closed Door Romance
March 9, 2026
Emotionally fulfilling. This book deals with death & loss, friendship, work relationships, how to manage & stand up for yourself, how to heal… A beautiful story with a healing journey for everyone.
May 17, 2026
ARC REVIEW! 🥳
Let it be known! This book contains all the things I love… Grumpy x Sunshine, Forced Proximity, Slow Burn Romance, Small Town, and Mystery 😍
If you’re looking for a closed-door romance with the swooniest kisses without any of the spice, your next read just might be “Heartlight Falls”!
Starting off, Ivy and her podcast co-host, Cash, were such a great duo! The way they bounced off each other and had verbal spars was great fun! They reminded me of my own friendship with my cousin… Like the older brother I never had! And Cash, once he knew Ivy had a thing towards our MMC, Porter, was both protective and teasing 😂 (Because what brother DOESN’T tease when they find out you have a crush? 🤦♀️)
Porter, a very grumpy author who carries the weight of guilt from a disappearance 15 years prior… Man, my heart went out to him! You could feel the weight so keenly, it felt like it was pushing against me as well.
I loved getting to see their enemies-to-lovers-ish relationship meld into more. They were both attracted to each other from the get-go, Porter not-so-willing to admit it 😂 haha.
But Ivy’s sunshiny personality and ability to read between the lines… the words unsaid… completely broke down the walls he had built over the years.
And I don’t know if “Rewrite” is a regular trope (I didn’t know what it was going into the book) but… holy moly! Once you get to the “Rewrite” scene… 🤭 YOU WILL KNOW!!!! AND LOVE IT!
All in all, t’was a very nice read filled with yearning, mystery, and humor! If you enjoy the following tropes, go ahead and add this to your TBR List!
🎙️Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️&1/2
🎙️Cursing/Swearing: Mild — 2 d***, 2 h***, & 1 a** — along with a mention of a “crude gesture”.
🎙️Romance: Kisses only — Quite a few get passionate (mild description of French kiss). One scene of kissing on the bed, but nothing inappropriate!
🎙️Tropes: Slow Burn | Small Town | GrumpyxSunshine | Forced Proximity | Fun Banter | Dual POV |
Let it be known! This book contains all the things I love… Grumpy x Sunshine, Forced Proximity, Slow Burn Romance, Small Town, and Mystery 😍
If you’re looking for a closed-door romance with the swooniest kisses without any of the spice, your next read just might be “Heartlight Falls”!
Starting off, Ivy and her podcast co-host, Cash, were such a great duo! The way they bounced off each other and had verbal spars was great fun! They reminded me of my own friendship with my cousin… Like the older brother I never had! And Cash, once he knew Ivy had a thing towards our MMC, Porter, was both protective and teasing 😂 (Because what brother DOESN’T tease when they find out you have a crush? 🤦♀️)
Porter, a very grumpy author who carries the weight of guilt from a disappearance 15 years prior… Man, my heart went out to him! You could feel the weight so keenly, it felt like it was pushing against me as well.
I loved getting to see their enemies-to-lovers-ish relationship meld into more. They were both attracted to each other from the get-go, Porter not-so-willing to admit it 😂 haha.
But Ivy’s sunshiny personality and ability to read between the lines… the words unsaid… completely broke down the walls he had built over the years.
And I don’t know if “Rewrite” is a regular trope (I didn’t know what it was going into the book) but… holy moly! Once you get to the “Rewrite” scene… 🤭 YOU WILL KNOW!!!! AND LOVE IT!
All in all, t’was a very nice read filled with yearning, mystery, and humor! If you enjoy the following tropes, go ahead and add this to your TBR List!
🎙️Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️&1/2
🎙️Cursing/Swearing: Mild — 2 d***, 2 h***, & 1 a** — along with a mention of a “crude gesture”.
🎙️Romance: Kisses only — Quite a few get passionate (mild description of French kiss). One scene of kissing on the bed, but nothing inappropriate!
🎙️Tropes: Slow Burn | Small Town | GrumpyxSunshine | Forced Proximity | Fun Banter | Dual POV |
Review of advance copy received from Author
Heartlight Falls by Melinda Morgan is the perfect blend of rom-com sparkle and emotional mystery—and I absolutely loved it.
The enemies-to-friends-to-more tension between Porter and Ivy is handled so beautifully. Their banter has bite, but underneath it there’s chemistry simmering from the very start. Porter’s attraction to Ivy is immediate and undeniable, which makes the gradual softening between them even more satisfying to watch unfold.
I especially loved Ivy’s character arc. She begins sharp and snarky, protective of herself and her image, but over time we see her growth in such a meaningful way. Watching her shift from defensiveness to using her platform for something genuinely good was both satisfying and inspiring. She’s flawed, layered, and ultimately someone you can really root for.
Porter, meanwhile, carries a deeper emotional weight. The mystery surrounding the missing girl adds poignancy and depth to the story, exploring grief and unresolved pain in a way that feels authentic—particularly through Porter’s perspective. The emotional threads woven into the investigation elevate this from a light rom-com into something with real heart.
And Valentine Falls? Completely irresistible. There’s a whimsical beauty to the setting that makes you want to pack a bag and move there immediately. It’s charming without feeling twee, magical without losing its grounding in real emotion.
if you love small-town romance with sharp banter, simmering chemistry, and a mystery that adds emotional depth, Heartlight Falls is such a compelling read.
The enemies-to-friends-to-more tension between Porter and Ivy is handled so beautifully. Their banter has bite, but underneath it there’s chemistry simmering from the very start. Porter’s attraction to Ivy is immediate and undeniable, which makes the gradual softening between them even more satisfying to watch unfold.
I especially loved Ivy’s character arc. She begins sharp and snarky, protective of herself and her image, but over time we see her growth in such a meaningful way. Watching her shift from defensiveness to using her platform for something genuinely good was both satisfying and inspiring. She’s flawed, layered, and ultimately someone you can really root for.
Porter, meanwhile, carries a deeper emotional weight. The mystery surrounding the missing girl adds poignancy and depth to the story, exploring grief and unresolved pain in a way that feels authentic—particularly through Porter’s perspective. The emotional threads woven into the investigation elevate this from a light rom-com into something with real heart.
And Valentine Falls? Completely irresistible. There’s a whimsical beauty to the setting that makes you want to pack a bag and move there immediately. It’s charming without feeling twee, magical without losing its grounding in real emotion.
if you love small-town romance with sharp banter, simmering chemistry, and a mystery that adds emotional depth, Heartlight Falls is such a compelling read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow, such a touching story! This was my first book by Melinda, and I'm so glad that I was introduced to her through the Valentine Falls series. I was privileged to receive an ARC of Heartlight Falls, a story of small-town mystery, love, loss, and healing. It was funny, beautiful, and more emotionally gripping than I expected.
I got lost in this story because I enjoyed the characters so much. I felt their emotions strongly, often pausing to process everything fully. I loved the gradual connection between Ivy and Porter, which allowed for a deep dive into their hidden pain, vulnerabilities, and hopes like unwrapping a gift with careful consideration. The slow burn romance was perfectly timed, given the tragedies in the past that impacted who they were and what they shared with others. If their romance had developed faster, it would have felt rushed and disrespectful to the serious issues.
Cash was loveable as a supporting character. Ivy's partner in crime helped provide comic relief, but he wasn't restricted to that. I appreciated that Cash's steady support, love, and care for Ivy were a great example of the beauty of close friendships. His story is one that I'd love to read next from Melinda.
By the end, the Valentine/Heartlight Falls also became another beloved character, not merely a location of legend and mystery. I loved this story and it will stay with me for a long time.
I got lost in this story because I enjoyed the characters so much. I felt their emotions strongly, often pausing to process everything fully. I loved the gradual connection between Ivy and Porter, which allowed for a deep dive into their hidden pain, vulnerabilities, and hopes like unwrapping a gift with careful consideration. The slow burn romance was perfectly timed, given the tragedies in the past that impacted who they were and what they shared with others. If their romance had developed faster, it would have felt rushed and disrespectful to the serious issues.
Cash was loveable as a supporting character. Ivy's partner in crime helped provide comic relief, but he wasn't restricted to that. I appreciated that Cash's steady support, love, and care for Ivy were a great example of the beauty of close friendships. His story is one that I'd love to read next from Melinda.
By the end, the Valentine/Heartlight Falls also became another beloved character, not merely a location of legend and mystery. I loved this story and it will stay with me for a long time.
March 6, 2026
Heartlight Falls
A novelist backed into a corner, made to write something he's not comfortable with. A podcaster who sees the humour in the words she's paid to read.
These are two people who never should have met but fate had other plans. A missing girl, a mysterious mystery writer and a local legend combine to give us a riveting story. I love Melinda's work and this story hits all the right notes for me.
You've got swoony romance, giddy humour, past trauma, mystery, a great setting and amazing characters that all combine to give you a wonderful story that keeps you engaged the entire time.
Valentine Falls is brought to life so beautifully in this story, you learn more about the people, their pasts and the local legend that sustains it. The writing makes you feel like relocating and settling in, to get to know the people who reside there. If Melinda or indeed Sophie and Wendy (who wrote the other two books in this series. Check out my previous posts for those reviews) ever decide to return to Valentine Falls, all I can say is sign me up.
A thoroughly enjoyable read with a solid 4 stars from me.
A novelist backed into a corner, made to write something he's not comfortable with. A podcaster who sees the humour in the words she's paid to read.
These are two people who never should have met but fate had other plans. A missing girl, a mysterious mystery writer and a local legend combine to give us a riveting story. I love Melinda's work and this story hits all the right notes for me.
You've got swoony romance, giddy humour, past trauma, mystery, a great setting and amazing characters that all combine to give you a wonderful story that keeps you engaged the entire time.
Valentine Falls is brought to life so beautifully in this story, you learn more about the people, their pasts and the local legend that sustains it. The writing makes you feel like relocating and settling in, to get to know the people who reside there. If Melinda or indeed Sophie and Wendy (who wrote the other two books in this series. Check out my previous posts for those reviews) ever decide to return to Valentine Falls, all I can say is sign me up.
A thoroughly enjoyable read with a solid 4 stars from me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This story was full of emotions with just enough suspense to keep the mystery lurking at the edges; not taking over the story, but still demanding attention!
Porter and Ivy were a very unique couple. On the outside, it seems that they should have absolutely nothing in common. And yet, the fit together seamlessly. I loved the way they were both determined to show up for each other and show the other that they were worthy of trust. That this new relationship was worth taking a chance.
The mystery of Gina's disappearance just tugged at my heart the entire novel. No spoilers, I promise, but I will say to read with tissues at the ready because there were definitely tears shed while reading this story.
All in all, I enjoyed the whole Valentine Falls Series immensely! All three books were beautifully crafted and I enjoyed every minute of my reading them!
Porter and Ivy were a very unique couple. On the outside, it seems that they should have absolutely nothing in common. And yet, the fit together seamlessly. I loved the way they were both determined to show up for each other and show the other that they were worthy of trust. That this new relationship was worth taking a chance.
The mystery of Gina's disappearance just tugged at my heart the entire novel. No spoilers, I promise, but I will say to read with tissues at the ready because there were definitely tears shed while reading this story.
All in all, I enjoyed the whole Valentine Falls Series immensely! All three books were beautifully crafted and I enjoyed every minute of my reading them!
March 17, 2026
If yall know me you know I LOVE Melinda Morgan books. And this one was absolutely fantastic 💙 the setting, the legends and mystery, and the characters were all so vivid 🏞️ I was so invested from page one to the end! Bravo! 👏🏻
Ivy. My gosh she is FUNNY 😂 I love how determined she is in everything, honest, and sticks to her morals 💖 she is such a solid character and I would want to be best friends with her IRL. Her internal monologue was AMAZING 😂
Porter. This man is GRUMPY 👏🏻 I was absolutely dying over HIS internal monologue as well 😂 the guilt he carries broke my heart and I loved watching him heal ❤️🩹 and him falling for Ivy? PEAK entertainment 😂
The banter, the tension, the humor 🔥 everything. And the raw emotion from the tragic mystery had he crying on my plane ride him 😭 ✈️ highly recommend this book!
⚠️ CW: minor swears, innuendo, intense cold case plot, steamy makeouts ⚠️
Ivy. My gosh she is FUNNY 😂 I love how determined she is in everything, honest, and sticks to her morals 💖 she is such a solid character and I would want to be best friends with her IRL. Her internal monologue was AMAZING 😂
Porter. This man is GRUMPY 👏🏻 I was absolutely dying over HIS internal monologue as well 😂 the guilt he carries broke my heart and I loved watching him heal ❤️🩹 and him falling for Ivy? PEAK entertainment 😂
The banter, the tension, the humor 🔥 everything. And the raw emotion from the tragic mystery had he crying on my plane ride him 😭 ✈️ highly recommend this book!
⚠️ CW: minor swears, innuendo, intense cold case plot, steamy makeouts ⚠️
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was hooked from page one and stayed up way too late reading it because I couldn't put it down. Romance, Comedy and Mystery all rolled in to one fabulous book! I absolutely LOVED everything about it! Everything was woven together perfectly like a favorite blanket. I giggled and I shed some tears (yes, I'm that girl lol) and I will definitely be getting me a shelf trophy for this one!
Thank you Melinda for picking me to be an ARC reader for you again!!
Thank you Melinda for picking me to be an ARC reader for you again!!
March 27, 2026
This was one of those books I didn’t rush… I savoured it. The kind you stretch out over a few days because you’re not ready to leave just yet.
Heartlight Falls as a setting felt alive in that quietly magical way. Every character, even those orbiting in the background, added texture and purpose. And Cash? Sir. The almost-boyfriend energy that never quite tipped into romance but instead settled into fiercely loyal, sarcastic, emotional support human? Elite. Absolute green flag behaviour… we love to see it.
Ivy is essentially sunshine with a spine of steel. Her journey from self-protection to stepping fully into her voice and influence felt genuinely meaningful rather than performative. She’s hopeful, yes, but not naive… and that balance made her growth hit harder.
Now Porter… emotionally repressed, guilt-ridden, carrying years of pain like it’s part of his personality? Delicious. Watching him unravel through that enemies-to-friends-to-something-more tension with Ivy was deeply satisfying. The push and pull had weight, and when he finally let himself soften and feel out loud… it landed. Hard. Also, a man willing to take notes and rewrite himself when it comes to intimacy and connection? Immediate literary heartthrob status. No notes. Well… except the ones he’s already taking.
The folklore woven through the falls added this lovely layer of mystery and myth, with different interpretations that kept it feeling fresh rather than predictable. Honestly, I’d book a one-way ticket to Heartlight Falls tomorrow just to wander and see if the magic sticks.
Overall, this was emotive, character-driven, and quietly enchanting… the kind of story that doesn’t shout for attention but earns it anyway.
Thank you Melinda R. Morgan for providing this ARC of Heartlight Falls in exchange for my review.
Heartlight Falls as a setting felt alive in that quietly magical way. Every character, even those orbiting in the background, added texture and purpose. And Cash? Sir. The almost-boyfriend energy that never quite tipped into romance but instead settled into fiercely loyal, sarcastic, emotional support human? Elite. Absolute green flag behaviour… we love to see it.
Ivy is essentially sunshine with a spine of steel. Her journey from self-protection to stepping fully into her voice and influence felt genuinely meaningful rather than performative. She’s hopeful, yes, but not naive… and that balance made her growth hit harder.
Now Porter… emotionally repressed, guilt-ridden, carrying years of pain like it’s part of his personality? Delicious. Watching him unravel through that enemies-to-friends-to-something-more tension with Ivy was deeply satisfying. The push and pull had weight, and when he finally let himself soften and feel out loud… it landed. Hard. Also, a man willing to take notes and rewrite himself when it comes to intimacy and connection? Immediate literary heartthrob status. No notes. Well… except the ones he’s already taking.
The folklore woven through the falls added this lovely layer of mystery and myth, with different interpretations that kept it feeling fresh rather than predictable. Honestly, I’d book a one-way ticket to Heartlight Falls tomorrow just to wander and see if the magic sticks.
Overall, this was emotive, character-driven, and quietly enchanting… the kind of story that doesn’t shout for attention but earns it anyway.
Thank you Melinda R. Morgan for providing this ARC of Heartlight Falls in exchange for my review.
March 3, 2026
I would highly recommend this book. I feel this is Melinda’s best book yet. The story was engaging and interesting, the characters were lovely and had good dialogue, and it gave me a lot of emotions!
March 3, 2026
The last book in the multi author series was full of mystery & witty dialogue. Ivy & Cash make fun of a book on their podcast & when it goes viral they are sent to Valentine Falls to try to find out who the author is, but find mystery instead.
March 28, 2026
Heartlight Falls by Melinda Morgan
Genre: Closeddoor Romance
🚨TW: mentions of car accident, loss of love one, grief
🚨CW: passionate kisses (not too graphic)
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🧭 Slow Burn
🏘️Small Town
⛅️Grumpy x Sunshine
💕Forced Proximity
🎧Fun Banter
🎙️Dual POV
Heartlight Falls is the third book in the Valentine Falls series. I have to tell you right now this was my favorite book out of the series. Everything about this book. The writing, the banter, the slow burn, the story, really just everything about it.
Two of my favorite quotes were:
“Rewrite!” (You need to read it to understand it!)
“His characters have the emotional chemistry of two breadsticks. And don’t get me started on that pen name.”
I don’t want to spoil it. This is a must read.
Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this in advance.
All reviews and opinions are my own.
Genre: Closeddoor Romance
🚨TW: mentions of car accident, loss of love one, grief
🚨CW: passionate kisses (not too graphic)
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🧭 Slow Burn
🏘️Small Town
⛅️Grumpy x Sunshine
💕Forced Proximity
🎧Fun Banter
🎙️Dual POV
Heartlight Falls is the third book in the Valentine Falls series. I have to tell you right now this was my favorite book out of the series. Everything about this book. The writing, the banter, the slow burn, the story, really just everything about it.
Two of my favorite quotes were:
“Rewrite!” (You need to read it to understand it!)
“His characters have the emotional chemistry of two breadsticks. And don’t get me started on that pen name.”
I don’t want to spoil it. This is a must read.
Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this in advance.
All reviews and opinions are my own.
March 4, 2026
* arc review
* grumpy x sunshine
* small town
* slow burn
* mystery element
* forced proximity
if you’re a fan of a closed-door romance but with a mystery element added in, i’d recommend this one! it has all the small town vibes! the banter is top tier >>
* grumpy x sunshine
* small town
* slow burn
* mystery element
* forced proximity
if you’re a fan of a closed-door romance but with a mystery element added in, i’d recommend this one! it has all the small town vibes! the banter is top tier >>
March 13, 2026
4,5 stars rounded to 5
Heartlight Falls is the last of three books in the multiauthor series Valentine Falls.
This book combines tropes such as grumpy sunshine, enemies to lovers and hidden identity (which is one of my favorites).
It was a surprisingly intriguing story and I can confidently say that I haven’t read any book with a similar plot. While the rewriting scenes added humor and connection to the story, the mystery part was what fascinated me the most and it was actually really heartbreaking. Also I appreciated that the Falls themselves were really important to the characters and plot of this story.
I really liked Ivy, but I’m not a fan of mocking other people - no matter how bad their writing is or how ridiculously they behave - especially not in such a public way. So I was a bit conflicted about her to be honest, but I really enjoyed the developing relationship between her and Porter.
This book addresses a lot of topics - like the pressure on authors to include spice in romance books, continuing on while grieving a missing person, standing up for what you believe in to name a few - without being overloaded.
It’s a wonderful mix between funny and emotional moments and I was surprised by how much I liked it.
My only complaint is probably that this book, although being a kisses only romance, seems to be very casual about relationships in general and physical intimacy. As someone who reads clean romances only not only because I’m personally more comfortable with it but also because of my convictions, this was close to crossing a line a time or two for me.
What is missing a bit for me in this series as a whole is the connection between the books. It’s the Valentine Falls of course, but there are no character crossovers (if I haven’t missed them), the stories are quite different and even the Falls themselves seem to be different or play a different role (it’s only really part of the story in this one I would say). So I don’t really know what connects these books other than the wonderful covers (I love the blue - turquoise color scheme) and the odd mention of the Falls and their magic. This might be a petty complaint and I didn’t let it influence my ratings, (especially not in this case, because the Falls are a major part of the plot in this book) but I personally do prefer if multiauthor series are connected through something - a common theme, recurring characters or in this case if the Valentine Falls would have been of equal importance in all three books.
* Thank you to the author for letting me read an advanced copy of this book. I leave this review voluntarily and the expressed opinions are my own.
Heartlight Falls is the last of three books in the multiauthor series Valentine Falls.
This book combines tropes such as grumpy sunshine, enemies to lovers and hidden identity (which is one of my favorites).
It was a surprisingly intriguing story and I can confidently say that I haven’t read any book with a similar plot. While the rewriting scenes added humor and connection to the story, the mystery part was what fascinated me the most and it was actually really heartbreaking. Also I appreciated that the Falls themselves were really important to the characters and plot of this story.
I really liked Ivy, but I’m not a fan of mocking other people - no matter how bad their writing is or how ridiculously they behave - especially not in such a public way. So I was a bit conflicted about her to be honest, but I really enjoyed the developing relationship between her and Porter.
This book addresses a lot of topics - like the pressure on authors to include spice in romance books, continuing on while grieving a missing person, standing up for what you believe in to name a few - without being overloaded.
It’s a wonderful mix between funny and emotional moments and I was surprised by how much I liked it.
My only complaint is probably that this book, although being a kisses only romance, seems to be very casual about relationships in general and physical intimacy. As someone who reads clean romances only not only because I’m personally more comfortable with it but also because of my convictions, this was close to crossing a line a time or two for me.
What is missing a bit for me in this series as a whole is the connection between the books. It’s the Valentine Falls of course, but there are no character crossovers (if I haven’t missed them), the stories are quite different and even the Falls themselves seem to be different or play a different role (it’s only really part of the story in this one I would say). So I don’t really know what connects these books other than the wonderful covers (I love the blue - turquoise color scheme) and the odd mention of the Falls and their magic. This might be a petty complaint and I didn’t let it influence my ratings, (especially not in this case, because the Falls are a major part of the plot in this book) but I personally do prefer if multiauthor series are connected through something - a common theme, recurring characters or in this case if the Valentine Falls would have been of equal importance in all three books.
* Thank you to the author for letting me read an advanced copy of this book. I leave this review voluntarily and the expressed opinions are my own.
March 3, 2026
Ivy Bloom and Cash Underwood have a podcast where they “take the drama out of dramatization”. They basically narrate books, and more often than not, give them the Mystery Science Theater 3000 treatment. One episode goes viral when they talk about a book by one Hawthorn Halloway, who apparently has no idea how to write any kind of affection or romance in his best-selling Detective Dunmore novels.
This leads to the publishing company sending Ivy and Cash to the reclusive writer’s home town of Valentine Falls, in order to ride that wave, because there’s no such thing as bad publicity, right?
When Ivy meets Porter, a grumpy man who comes out to help her and Cash after they locked their keys in their rental, she feels a connection. Little does she know that he’s going to be a big part of her life.
I’m going to tell you right now that this book absolutely destroyed me in the best way. Devastatingly beautiful, this.
It’s not just a love story, and it’s not just about a writer trying to figure out how to write compelling closed-door romance scenes. This is a small town, and when one is wounded, all are.
Like the Detective Dunmore novels, there is a cold case to be solved. It is so quietly and expertly introduced that I didn’t realize it was going to be a big part of the story until I was halfway through the book. As I am not a spoilsport, I will give no information about this mystery. You’ll just have to read the book.
This the first time I’ve read this author, and I can confidently say now that I would read anything she writes. She crafts a mystery that keeps you guessing without making you feel dumb. She rewards you for going the distance. She sucks you in with the quiet moments, as well as the big ones. In short, read this book. It is more than just a love story or a mystery; it’s a beautiful book about finding who you really are, and what you stand for.
This leads to the publishing company sending Ivy and Cash to the reclusive writer’s home town of Valentine Falls, in order to ride that wave, because there’s no such thing as bad publicity, right?
When Ivy meets Porter, a grumpy man who comes out to help her and Cash after they locked their keys in their rental, she feels a connection. Little does she know that he’s going to be a big part of her life.
I’m going to tell you right now that this book absolutely destroyed me in the best way. Devastatingly beautiful, this.
It’s not just a love story, and it’s not just about a writer trying to figure out how to write compelling closed-door romance scenes. This is a small town, and when one is wounded, all are.
Like the Detective Dunmore novels, there is a cold case to be solved. It is so quietly and expertly introduced that I didn’t realize it was going to be a big part of the story until I was halfway through the book. As I am not a spoilsport, I will give no information about this mystery. You’ll just have to read the book.
This the first time I’ve read this author, and I can confidently say now that I would read anything she writes. She crafts a mystery that keeps you guessing without making you feel dumb. She rewards you for going the distance. She sucks you in with the quiet moments, as well as the big ones. In short, read this book. It is more than just a love story or a mystery; it’s a beautiful book about finding who you really are, and what you stand for.
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you are looking for a book that will suck you in, keep your attention, and have you staying up way to late to finish - this is the one for you!
This book is part of the Valentine Falls series. It can be read as a standalone, but you'll want to check out all of the books in the series.
In this book we get a small town, a legend, a mystery, a cold case, character banter, and a slow burn romance. I was quickly pulled into the story as Ivy and Parker learn to work together and ultimately solve the mystery. While their relationship starts on shaky ground, I loved their interactions and how their relationship evolved. Ivy has a sunshine personality and loves to investigate stories. While Parker starts out as a grump, I think he turns into a sweet protective MMC.
I also loved Cash as a secondary side character and would love to see his story told.
This was my first read by Melinda Morgan, but I look forward to reading more of her works.
I received an advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Quotes:
"Hope is a stupid, brutal thing..."
"It's okay if you're not okay."
"You just show up. Not perfectly. Not with answers. Or pretty words. Just...real."
"Sometimes, you find a miracle where you least expect it. Other times, the miracle finds you."
"...miracles don't always arrive the way we expect."
"Light isn't something you stumble upon by luck. It isn't a legend waiting at the end of the trail. It's something you choose. Again and again and again."
"Some stories don't end at all. They simply change direction - and carry you with them."
This book is part of the Valentine Falls series. It can be read as a standalone, but you'll want to check out all of the books in the series.
In this book we get a small town, a legend, a mystery, a cold case, character banter, and a slow burn romance. I was quickly pulled into the story as Ivy and Parker learn to work together and ultimately solve the mystery. While their relationship starts on shaky ground, I loved their interactions and how their relationship evolved. Ivy has a sunshine personality and loves to investigate stories. While Parker starts out as a grump, I think he turns into a sweet protective MMC.
I also loved Cash as a secondary side character and would love to see his story told.
This was my first read by Melinda Morgan, but I look forward to reading more of her works.
I received an advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Quotes:
"Hope is a stupid, brutal thing..."
"It's okay if you're not okay."
"You just show up. Not perfectly. Not with answers. Or pretty words. Just...real."
"Sometimes, you find a miracle where you least expect it. Other times, the miracle finds you."
"...miracles don't always arrive the way we expect."
"Light isn't something you stumble upon by luck. It isn't a legend waiting at the end of the trail. It's something you choose. Again and again and again."
"Some stories don't end at all. They simply change direction - and carry you with them."
Review of advance copy received from Author
Heartlight Falls is the third book in the Valentine Falls series, and it had me laughing, but also left me feeling dejected and then hopeful.
At the beginning, we are introduced to Ivy Bloom and her friend and co-host, Cash Underwood, conducting a podcast that trashes the works of authors. Their most recent roasting leads them to Valentine Falls to uncover the identity of the mystery author, Hawthorn Halloway and interview him.
To document their arrival in town, they take a selfie in front of the Welcome to Valentine Falls sign, only to find out they are locked out of the car with the engine still running. A man with a scowl that steals Ivy's breath comes to their aid.
Ivy has the drive for hard-nosed reporting, which eventually leads her to the man behind the detective mysteries, Porter Shaw, the angry man who helped her and Cash on their arrival in town.
To get closer to him, she offers to help him rewrite his cringeworthy love scenes. Ivy soon learns there’s more to Porter than a brooding, sexy author; he’s a man searching for truth in the 15-year-old cold case of his missing high school friend, Gina Ellsworth.
I found the book had me laughing, especially when Cash was in the scene. He provided the comic relief, which was needed to break up the heaviness of Gina’s disappearance and the romantic yearning between Ivy and Porter.
This book offers mystery, romance and at times comedy. Towards the end, I felt despair in knowing the truth, but love brightened my heart. Melinda wrote an incredibly heartfelt story that I’ll remember for a long time.
At the beginning, we are introduced to Ivy Bloom and her friend and co-host, Cash Underwood, conducting a podcast that trashes the works of authors. Their most recent roasting leads them to Valentine Falls to uncover the identity of the mystery author, Hawthorn Halloway and interview him.
To document their arrival in town, they take a selfie in front of the Welcome to Valentine Falls sign, only to find out they are locked out of the car with the engine still running. A man with a scowl that steals Ivy's breath comes to their aid.
Ivy has the drive for hard-nosed reporting, which eventually leads her to the man behind the detective mysteries, Porter Shaw, the angry man who helped her and Cash on their arrival in town.
To get closer to him, she offers to help him rewrite his cringeworthy love scenes. Ivy soon learns there’s more to Porter than a brooding, sexy author; he’s a man searching for truth in the 15-year-old cold case of his missing high school friend, Gina Ellsworth.
I found the book had me laughing, especially when Cash was in the scene. He provided the comic relief, which was needed to break up the heaviness of Gina’s disappearance and the romantic yearning between Ivy and Porter.
This book offers mystery, romance and at times comedy. Towards the end, I felt despair in knowing the truth, but love brightened my heart. Melinda wrote an incredibly heartfelt story that I’ll remember for a long time.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am a member of the ARC team for this series. This is book 3.
We meet Ivy and Cash, they are podcasters who talk about books. They are talking about the latest book in a series by a reclusive author and are not being very complementary regarding the romance scenes.
When they are sent to Valentines Falls by their producers and the publicity team for the author, they discover more than they bargained for. There is a mystery surrounding the falls that Ivy wants to uncover. When she discovers that the reclusive author, is Porter, the man that came and helped herself and Cash on their first day in town, she agrees to help him write the romance and he will help her with learning more about the legend of the falls. However, both may find more than they bargained for.
I really enjoyed this book the more it went on. I did find the roasting of the book not nice and didn’t particularly like Ivy and Cash to begin with. I liked Porter and could empathise with him both about his book and the town mystery. Ivy started to grow on my as she grew up in many ways. She found her empathy and began to take ownership of what the podcast was about and the way it was put together. Cash really cares for Ivy but as a brother and wants to protect her. He too grew in the story and stood up for both Ivy and Porter when needed.
I am hoping there will be more books in this series and that we also get to catch up with all the characters from the series so far.
We meet Ivy and Cash, they are podcasters who talk about books. They are talking about the latest book in a series by a reclusive author and are not being very complementary regarding the romance scenes.
When they are sent to Valentines Falls by their producers and the publicity team for the author, they discover more than they bargained for. There is a mystery surrounding the falls that Ivy wants to uncover. When she discovers that the reclusive author, is Porter, the man that came and helped herself and Cash on their first day in town, she agrees to help him write the romance and he will help her with learning more about the legend of the falls. However, both may find more than they bargained for.
I really enjoyed this book the more it went on. I did find the roasting of the book not nice and didn’t particularly like Ivy and Cash to begin with. I liked Porter and could empathise with him both about his book and the town mystery. Ivy started to grow on my as she grew up in many ways. She found her empathy and began to take ownership of what the podcast was about and the way it was put together. Cash really cares for Ivy but as a brother and wants to protect her. He too grew in the story and stood up for both Ivy and Porter when needed.
I am hoping there will be more books in this series and that we also get to catch up with all the characters from the series so far.
Review of advance copy received from Author
“She doesn’t know me, not really. And yet…she sees me.”
“She’s reading me exactly right. Seeing beyond the page-in the space between the lines.”
Have you ever wanted to just be seen? Heartlight Falls is the third stand alone in the Valentine Falls trilogy, and this rom com is about being seen. Porter, Ivy, and Cash, the main characters, will draw you in and are characters in whom you will become invested. The interaction among these characters is filled with witty banter.
In addition to the swoony interactions and witty banter between Porter, the MMC, and Ivy, the FMC, the plot is engaging and features suspense revolving around an unsolved cold case in Porter’s hometown.
I highly recommend Heartlight Falls. I received an ARC copy for an honest review and the thoughts are mine.
“She’s reading me exactly right. Seeing beyond the page-in the space between the lines.”
Have you ever wanted to just be seen? Heartlight Falls is the third stand alone in the Valentine Falls trilogy, and this rom com is about being seen. Porter, Ivy, and Cash, the main characters, will draw you in and are characters in whom you will become invested. The interaction among these characters is filled with witty banter.
In addition to the swoony interactions and witty banter between Porter, the MMC, and Ivy, the FMC, the plot is engaging and features suspense revolving around an unsolved cold case in Porter’s hometown.
I highly recommend Heartlight Falls. I received an ARC copy for an honest review and the thoughts are mine.
March 10, 2026
I was pulled into this book from page 1. The clear solid friendship between Case and Ivy as they do their narration podcast starts the book off strong. They have a history that is only hinted at in the book, adding some intriguing moments (because there are clearly some friends to lovers vibes).
But the real power of this book is the when they get to Valentine Falls and meet Porter... Porter who is full of secrets and mystery and cannot write a romance scene to save his life. Ivy and Porter have instant chemistry; but his walls are high, and he is carrying the guilt of a close friend's death. This mystery and tension carry the book to the well earned conclusion.
A slow burn with grumpy/sunshine vibes, a mystery, hidden identities, and best friend banter that makes for a book that's hard to put down.
But the real power of this book is the when they get to Valentine Falls and meet Porter... Porter who is full of secrets and mystery and cannot write a romance scene to save his life. Ivy and Porter have instant chemistry; but his walls are high, and he is carrying the guilt of a close friend's death. This mystery and tension carry the book to the well earned conclusion.
A slow burn with grumpy/sunshine vibes, a mystery, hidden identities, and best friend banter that makes for a book that's hard to put down.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Not a genre I typically read, but read as a favor to preview. In short, I was impressed by the characters, the mystery, the setting, and the intricate plot. The more I got into the book, the more I cared for the main characters. Each had depth and surprising strength when needed. The mystery was consuming (Enough about that...read it yourself and you will see!) The setting was very believable. The author imprints it in your mind as you follow along, and the best of all was the plot! Everything connects. Everything makes sense and the climax is heart pounding! I highly recommend this book to readers of all levels. Each will get something enjoyable from it, and will surely search for more from the author.
March 8, 2026
Have you ever read a book that absolutely wrecked you in all the right ways? That was this book for me. This is a new author to me and I’m just amazed at the perfect writing that was in this book. You could read the back of the book for the blurb, so I just wanted to say the emotion and depth of the characters was Chefs kiss. There was a lot of grief in this book but the author handled it with such gentleness, tenderness and compassion. This is literally one of the best books I’ve read, and I’ve read a lot! I am definitely going to check out what else this author has written. The redemption was top notch! Also, there was a lot of humor and bantering back and forth between 2 of the main characters. It was great! This book just had everything I needed in a mystery romance.
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you’re in the mood for a romantic comedy or a mystery, Heartlight Falls is the book for you. It’s an incredibly engaging read that keeps you hooked from beginning to end.
Ivy, a podcast host, and Porter, a grumpy mystery writer, are forced to team up when they’re roped into solving a mystery. As they work together, sparks fly and simmer beneath the surface, creating an unexpected chemistry between them.
The book is a clean read with only kisses, and it’s a great way to escape into a world of romance and intrigue.
Thank you, Melinda, for sending me an ARC copy of this book.
March 6, 2026
Porter and Ivy
I podcaster who roasts books…
An author who is currently getting roasted…
What could go wrong?
It evolves into a ‘real life’ mystery… Trying to solve a missing person case, while Ivy and fellow podcaster Cash try to find out who the mysterious author is.
Full of humour, some crude, some cruel, suspense, a mystery, a growing relationship and a bit of tension. This surprised me with how emotional some scenes were… that moment where the mystery was solved was a little heartbreaking, but so heartfelt.
This was sweet, I enjoyed it.
I podcaster who roasts books…
An author who is currently getting roasted…
What could go wrong?
It evolves into a ‘real life’ mystery… Trying to solve a missing person case, while Ivy and fellow podcaster Cash try to find out who the mysterious author is.
Full of humour, some crude, some cruel, suspense, a mystery, a growing relationship and a bit of tension. This surprised me with how emotional some scenes were… that moment where the mystery was solved was a little heartbreaking, but so heartfelt.
This was sweet, I enjoyed it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely loved this book!! I was sucked in from page one, which is crazy for me because I am not a romance girlie, so that says a lot! The friendship between Ivy and Cash is just amazing, I got a lot of laughs out of them. The way they banter and have fun but also are always there for each other no matter what! Then theres Porter!!! I absolutely loved reading his POV and how he saw Ivy. I laughed and cried and all of that. This is an absolute yes for me!!!
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