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Library Love Notes #4

Written in the Margins

He has a reputation in town. She's determined to give him his second chance.Adelaide Ramsay is a Beaver Creek darling. She’s distantly related to the town’s founders, has a tragic past that was once town gossip, and found success as historical fiction author. The town is happy to claim her as one of their best. But behind her smile is a woman who overcompensates with bright colours and endless hobbies, always feeling like she’s a little too much for anything real.

When Zander Browning gets invited to Beaver Creek’s Festival of Local Authors, he’s anxious to return to his hometown. The first fifteen years of his life were spent in town before everything blew up. He tells himself he’s content being alone and deserves it for what he did in the past. But behind his stony exterior is a man yearning for someone to finally love him. Through a stroke of fate, Adelaide is the first person Zander sees at the event, which they spend flirting through books.

Adelaide’s sunshine-y personality breaks through Zander’s grey skies. They see each other. But a storm is brewing in town that might just break them apart.

Written in the Margins is part of the Library Love Notes series, featuring open-door, small-town romances set in the fictional cozy town of Beaver Creek, Ontario.

230 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 16, 2026

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About the author

Madeline Nixon

35 books68 followers
Madeline Nixon has been a dog walker, a nanny, a baker, a shoe saleswoman, a chocolatier, and an editor, but the title she’s most fond of is author. She writes books with swoony romance and spooky ghost stories. Sometimes, she publishes a combination of the two. She is also included in several romance anthologies.. When she’s not writing, you can find her hunting ghosts, planning elaborate theme parties, and baking new recipes. She lives in a suburb outside of Toronto.

Find her on Instagram, Threads, TikTok @markedwithanm!

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5 stars
28 (29%)
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56 (58%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
Profile Image for Hilary.
316 reviews14 followers
June 5, 2026
4.5 stars
I’ve not read a book where the FMC dates a MMC who has a ‘criminal’ past and I really enjoyed this! I love how she stuck to her gut and stood up for herself mostly as well as the MMC
Definitely recommend
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Madeline Nixon.
Author 35 books68 followers
May 10, 2026
Hi! I wrote this book and I just did my final read through, so I’m adding it to my shelf for the year. Written in the Margins is one of my favourite love stories I’ve had the pleasure of writing so far. I hope you love Adelaide and Zander as much as I do.

A little warning for anyone reading: this book deals with with things like child and domestic abuse (off-page, though recounted), grief, abandonment, foster care, incarceration, and assault, and contains explicit sexual content. Take care of yourself.
Profile Image for BorderBrewBooks.
53 reviews
June 16, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Written in the Margins (Book #4)

This book reminded me of an intense tug-of-war competition, with the matchups being:

Characters versus Characters

Characters versus Beaver Creek

Characters versus their own emotions

Here we have two authors from the same hometown, both with a past they want to forget. Adelaide is a town favourite with a tragic story of parental abandonment at a young age. Zander is the bad boy the town doesn’t want to see back in Beaver Creek after his past actions landed him in jail over ten years ago. The town goes into full protection mode for Adelaide when they see her falling for the dark, broody author whom no one else wants around.

Adelaide and Zander are very different, but both have suffered severe hardships. They truly understand each other and know exactly what they need to heal and move forward. Thankfully Peggy—also known as Gran to Zander—is firmly in their corner and refuses to let the town destroy this blossoming love.

If you have read my previous reviews, you already know I am loving The Library Love Notes series, and I highly recommend it. For all my fellow Canadians, these books will truly make you feel right at home—poutines and all!
Profile Image for PrettyLadyMaine Writes.
195 reviews5 followers
June 6, 2026
Ugh I don’t want this story to end thank you for the ARC.

Adelaide and Zander met at an author event they were both late to. After Adelaide walked straight into him then suddenly fell.

Zander is reading one of Adelaide books he is almost finished with the book he wants to get her other books

Zander opened up to his gran about Adelaide but he feels his past will push Adelaide away like it has done everyone else. Zander decide to dive in by writing her a love note.

Adelaide cousin told her that Zander is a criminal all the research she does for a living but she never looked him up. Adelaide keeps getting warnings to stay away from Zander but their pull is too strong. So instead she text Zander that they need to talk.

Zander was worried he would loose her forever after he opened up. He told her more than anyone knew. Him and his mother was abused by his father. And one day Zander blacked out in a middle of a fight he kept trying to walk away from. Dude has never been the same since. Instead of running away Adelaide asked if she could kiss him.

I am hoping for a part 2 I want to read more about the “silliest goose”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Destiny | _readingwithdee_.
115 reviews28 followers
June 25, 2026
Tropes:
🪿Bad Boy x Good Girl
☀️Small Town
🤍Healing Together
🪿Author x Author
☀️Found Family
🤍Canadian Setting

Written in the Margins is the fourth book in the Library Love Notes series, which are all written by different Canadian authors. The series continues to flourish and make me swoon over the characters in the small town of Beaver Creek.

Zander is a former bad boy with a traumatic and troubled past which landed him with a criminal record. Fast forwarding to now, he’s a successful author living with the judgment of others and guilt from his past. I truly despised how he was treated in some situations, he deserved the happy ending after everything he went through. This man was literally a walking green flag! SWEETEST EVER.

Adelaide is also an author with the kindest heart and ability to listen to others before judging them. I loved seeing these amazing qualities within a character. She is just beautiful inside and out.

I really enjoyed their story. It was very plot driven, a little spicy and sprinkled with hidden messages. I’m really looking forward to continuing the series.
Profile Image for Monika Kozlowski.
377 reviews2 followers
May 23, 2026
Sadly this is a No for me. Too much spice .

I have loved every other thing I’ve read by Madeline , this was not for me .
Profile Image for Julie.
431 reviews19 followers
June 18, 2026
4.5 stars

I really enjoyed this romance! It was a great read, I loved the characters, and I really appreciated that there was no third act break up! It used other plot lines instead for the climax. Which is honestly so refreshing to have in a romance novel.
I had read another book by this author, and both are so well done. Definitely looking forward to reading more romance from Nixon!

TW: sexual content, cursing, emotional abuse, panic attacks/ disorders, forced instutionalization, abandonment, child abuse (not on page), domestic abuse (recounted), drug abuse (recounted), physical abuse (recounted), gaslighting, pregnancy
Profile Image for Any.
8 reviews
June 26, 2026
Published on June 16th, 2026
320 pages
I read the digital edition
Back Cover
He has a reputation in town. She's determined to give him his second chance.Adelaide Ramsay is a Beaver Creek darling. She’s distantly related to the town’s founders, has a tragic past that was once town gossip, and found success as historical fiction author. The town is happy to claim her as one of their best. But behind her smile is a woman who overcompensates with bright colours and endless hobbies, always feeling like she’s a little too much for anything real.

When Zander Browning gets invited to Beaver Creek’s Festival of Local Authors, he’s anxious to return to his hometown. The first fifteen years of his life were spent in town before everything blew up. He tells himself he’s content being alone and deserves it for what he did in the past. But behind his stony exterior is a man yearning for someone to finally love him. Through a stroke of fate, Adelaide is the first person Zander sees at the event, which they spend flirting through books.

Adelaide’s sunshine-y personality breaks through Zander’s grey skies. They see each other. But a storm is brewing in town that might just break them apart.

Written in the Margins is part of the Library Love Notes series, featuring open-door, small-town romances set in the fictional cozy town of Beaver Creek, Ontario.

My review

This is the first novel I read by this author. I liked her short story in Mistletoe Moments, however it was great to discover her in a full novel. You don’t have to read it during the summer, nor the rest of the books from the series. It was cool to feel that I lived the same thing as Adelaide. I’m residing near from Ottawa, but I love small-town life, and these novels always have a special place in my heart.
My favorite character is Adelaide, not only because we do the same job, unfortunately, I could never write an historical romance. I don’t have enough patience to do enough research to make it believable. I admire her, she doesn’t care what the town thinks about her. In the beginning, everyone sees her like the golden child because she’s a well-known author, but they don’t agree with her decisions for her love life. They all used the excuse of we want to protect you, which I don’t agree, since if you care about someone, you’ll accept the choice the person made.

I can’t tell you much about Zander, but it’s one of the most surprising characters I met this year. The writer turned him into a way I didn’t see it coming. It’s worth to be patient and keep reading until the end, just for that reason.

The thing I liked the most about the story is the mention of Gilmore Girls. I have to admit it looks a lot like the Rory-Jess situation when everyone has something to say about their relationship without giving them a chance. I also enjoy the City Council, I never went to one in real life, but I was able the feel the Gilmore Girls vibes. In the end, I’m crossing my fingers that I live with something like Adelaide and meet my soul mate at a book event.

Profile Image for Dhawy Febrianti.
57 reviews2 followers
May 29, 2026
Review of an advance copy received from author

Yay! I love Zander and Adelaide as much as the author does! These two have too much sweetness to share through every moment they spend together. Flirting through books sounds like a strong start that only authors know how to pull off. Yes, they’re both authors, connected through Beaver Creek’s local author festival thanks to the library.

Of all their cute moments together, I think Zander’s acts of service are top-tier once he stops drowning in worries about his reputation in town. There’s one moment where something happens and he literally sweeps Adelaide off her feet, carrying her and taking care of her. That scene stays with me because it makes me think this guy is the real hero when he is needed. It’s cute!

And Adelaide? Her acceptance is such a heart-warmer. She has a creative mind and hands that stay busy with all kinds of hobbies besides her full-time author job. But the cutest thing is that those hobbies never make her too busy to defend Zander in her power, or to pull him out of all endless regrets and feelings of unworthiness.

I especially love Adelaide’s decision to hear about Zander’s criminal history from Zander himself instead of listening to the judgments floating around town. Could it have something to do with her job as a historical fiction author? Being a historical fiction author means searching for the most legitimate and authentic sources possible, right? Maybe that’s why she chooses to hear the story from the source itself. I don’t know hahaha. I’m just making theories.

I also like it how we have Willow, Adelaide’s cousin, even though her role doesn’t hit too hard. She antagonizes Zander all the time, just like many people in town who want him to be gone from Beaver Creek. All because of a crime he committed thirteen years ago. But the thing is, he hasn’t done anything bad for ten years since his release from jail. Instead, he works hard, becomes a successful thriller author, and attends therapy for his mental recovery.

One last thing to add to this review?

This is such a light and sweet page-turner that makes you read with a smile and finish with goosebumps and happy tears. And speaking of goosebumps, you’ll definitely get some from one magical moment where Zander’s lovers and haters end up in the same room, all speaking their minds. That scene is powerful in the most unexpected way.
Profile Image for Rebecca Hill.
953 reviews11 followers
June 14, 2026
Written in the Margins is a good girl/bad boy, small town romance. It is also part of the Library Love Notes series, a series of open-door, small-town romances set in the fictional cozy town of Beaver Creek, Ontario. This book features Adelaide Ramsay and Zander Browning.

Adelaide and Zander are both from Beaver Creek, and both authors. They meet at a literary event when Adelaide is running late, and ends up getting a little assistance from Zander. The two instantly connect. They exchange books during the event, and Zander later reaches out to Adelaide on social media to let her know how much he enjoyed her novel.

The two start to message regularly, and even meet up with Zander comes to town to see his grandmother. They like one another, but unfortunately there are some hurdles to overcome. Zander is persona non grata in Beaver Creek. He left when he was 15, but the town did not forget him, and many do not forgive him for his past actions.

When Adelaide starts to hear rumblings about Zander, she chooses to speak to him directly and let him recount his story. While she endured some challenges during her childhood, she was not prepared for what she learned from Zander. While Zander was certain that was the end of their budding relationship, Aurora is adamant that she knows who he is today, and that he should not be punished for his past. Together they have an uphill battle to convince the town that he belongs.

I enjoyed this heartwarming story and its lovely characters. Adelaide is a strong, determined, and fiercely loyal woman. Zander is a man who lives with past trauma and guilt, but still has a huge, loving heart. I appreciated how Adelaide did not allow his past, or public pressure, to affect her opinion and how she stood her ground even against those closest to her. Zander's thoughtfulness and consideration were beautiful to "see" in action. He took the time to really listen and see Aurora, and be present for her.

I would definitely recommend checking out this story, however be warned that there are some trigger warnings which should be considered before delving in.
Profile Image for Yugie Caroline.
419 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 14, 2026
What moved me most about this story is the fact that it was all about finding someone who is able to truly see you - your past, the mistakes you've made then and are still profoundly ashamed of - and still accept you wholly in spite of that. She accepts you not because she downplays the bad things you've done, but because she can see how you've paid for those mistakes and continue every day to make amends and be a better man. I think we all need someone like this in our corner, and what a world of difference indeed that one person can make in one's life.

My heart went all out for Zander, the MMC, in this story. Imagine being a successful author, having several well-received books in one's name and having experienced several book tours and talks, yet still be plagued by self-doubt. He's done something he's seriously regretted more than a decade ago, and in spite of having atoned for those sins, there are people who continue to judge him for those sins and don't care one bit to look beyond his past. Because of that, it's almost ingrained in him that no one can truly forgive him and more so, love him.

That is why the FMC, Adelaide, was such an amazing character in this story. She had been the one to truly prove to him that he is still a good man in spite of what he did all those years ago. I kept waiting for Adelaide to eventually change her mind about him at some point. But no, she stayed fully loyal and committed to him. He had earned her trust, and in return she would not abandon him in the face of social rejection. Again, we really need someone like that by our side, and like it did for Zander, it made standing up taller so much easier in spite of threats of ostracism from others.

Lastly, I enjoyed the various pop culture references made in this book: Patrick Star, One Direction, Twilight Saga, and the Gilmore Girls. I loved how they neatly popped up here and there that added to the overall lightness and likeability of this book. I truly had a wonderful time reading it.

I'm thankful to have been a recipient of a free review copy of this book. I offer this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Shimmer_Sassy_Girl.
22 reviews
June 16, 2026
Beautifully written & charming.

Rate 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice 3.5 🔥🔥🔥💋

We follow two authors, Adelaide & Zander, who meet at a book event and hit it off. Zander is enthralled & Adelaide can’t help being herself with him. Completely opposite of each other but they fit PERFECTLY.

Zander carries childhood trauma which leads him astray. One night he makes a mistake that haunts him over the years. Although he has evolved into a better version of himself, he can’t shake off the guilt of his past mistake. Stuck in the past. His life is one big rain cloud until Adelaide shines her light on him. With her witty remarks and zest for life, she beams brightly whenever Zander is near.

Their story is heart-warming, sincere and effing cute. I mean, the way they meet?! I love it so much. And how they joke and banter with each other. It feels so effortless - their interactions naturally drew me in. It has a magnetic charm to it -from how their love story develops to the descriptive writing to the aweee moments AND lets not forget the spice!

THEEEEY Spicy! Zander & Adelaide! Good for you! I applaud your fiery moments😉. Soooo captivating and intense. The intensity got to me for a second - I blushed, and yes, I drooled a bit. I had to walk away for a second. To recollect myself from the spiciness of it all. The burn is gooood. It’s a slow burn romance with a great build up. I mean, I had gleeful “eeeeeeeeeee” moments with this book - from swatting the air to praising the characters and blushing with amusement. 😊

Written in the Margins has me swooning in delight. It’s charismatic, playful and such an entertaining read. I’m so glad this book came into my life - I love a book that makes me grin like a fool! 😄🥰

Thank you to the author for this ARC. ✨💖

👀Bad boy x good girl
📚Multi-author shared-world series
☀️Summer vibes
🏡Small town
🥰Found family
📚Author x author
👗But Daddy I Love Him vibes
❤️‍🩹Healing together
🇨🇦 Canadian setting
🦮 A golden retriever named Lucy
Profile Image for Melissa Corday.
379 reviews12 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 30, 2026
Thank you author Madeline Nixon for providing this eARC for review! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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Readers, if you're looking for a small town romance where the main characters have a Rory and Jess vibe (but less toxic, because this Jess doesn't tease or antagonize this Rory), you can stop looking. It's here.

Written in the Margins is chock-full of small town quirks, nosy neighbors, meddling family (for good and evil), "grandma" hobbies like baking and crochet, town meetings with overbearing council members, cute holiday festivals, an unending need for "little sweet treats", a lovable golden retriever, and all the warm summer feel-goods.

I loved the mental health representation as well, as the MMC worked to reconcile that his past mistakes do not define what kind of person he is, and as the FMC worked through her complicated relationships with some of her family members. Despite dealing with some content that could have been heavy, I feel like the author kept the tone light without negating the gravity of the past choices.

Madeline Nixon has a way of writing that is reminiscent of the TV show that helped inspire her main characters. The dialogue is lively and punchy, and the pop culture references are plentiful. The "No, this is Patrick," reference made this millennial laugh out loud. Other readers may be annoyed or feel like it breaks their immersion, but I found it just plain fun.
Profile Image for Tiffany ✨️ Bergamot Book Reviews.
694 reviews25 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 12, 2026
4.5 stars rounded up

I absolutely LOVED this novel. Like, full on, devastating attached to these adorable characters. Adelaide is chaotic, wonderful sunshine. She brings colour everywhere she goes - in her wardrobe, her effervescent personality, and her writing. Zander is a heavy raincloud of a human. He has a sad past that turned dreadful, and he's been unable to forgive himself and allow himself any sliver of happiness. He can't hold back from Adelaide's contagious joy, and together they find companionship and love that will have you kicking up your heels and swooning.

Every single chapter from Zander's POV was so deeply romantic. He saw Adelaide in her purest form and he cherished every single smile and laugh and strike of light against her hair. He adored her from her big heart to her tiny freckles and I was absolutely obsessed with seeing how deeply he wanted to be in her orbit, but didn't believe he deserved it.

Adelaide was wild And joyful and had the kindest heart. I love that she saw Zander for who he was now - not for the choices he made in the past - and that she was willing to stand ten toes down for a man who loved her exactly as she is, and encouraged her to be fully her unrestrained and unique self. Her learning how to break out of the small towns' and her families, perception of her was perfect, and I loved how everyone came together in the end to accept a misfit with a checkered past into the fold, as long as it kept her happy.

All in all, this was the perfect swoony little romance, that'll have you wishing there was more.

*****

I was sent a complimentary advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you to the author for sending this my way!
Profile Image for Lottie Pickering.
278 reviews
June 27, 2026
⭐⭐ 3.5/5 stars ⭐⭐

Beaver Creek, you've done it again. This series continues to deliver the kind of cosy small-town energy that makes you want to pack a bag and move there immediately, and the Canadian setting is doing so much work, honestly. It's vivid and warm and exactly the kind of place you want to get lost in.

Adelaide is an absolute delight. A history nerd with a backbone? Sign me up. She's feisty, she's protective of others, and she absolutely does not need the town swooping in to make her decisions for her. When everyone starts whispering warnings about Zander, she listens, considers, and then does exactly what she wants anyway. Refreshing doesn't even cover it.

And Zander... okay, look. I'll be honest, "reformed criminal" is not a trope I usually rush towards. There's a sliding scale, and where someone lands on it matters enormously to whether I'm rooting for them or side-eyeing every page. Zander lands in the right place. He did what he did, he owned it, he did the work, and the remorse feels genuine rather than performative. I found myself rooting for him more than I expected to, which is its own kind of achievement.

The Gilmore Girls mention genuinely made me laugh out loud, not least because the Rory and Jess vibes are absolutely there and I cannot believe it took someone pointing it out for me to clock it. Chaotic reader with good taste meets misunderstood bad boy? Yeah, that tracks.

A really enjoyable return to Beaver Creek. Roll on the next one.

Thank you to Madeline Nixon for providing this ARC of Written in the Margins in exchange for my review.
Profile Image for Laurie • The Baking Bookworm.
1,916 reviews528 followers
August 2, 2026
Written in the Margins is part of the fourth book in the Library Love Notes romance series written by various authors.

This is a small-town romance with (surprisingly spicier than expected) scenes where the town's bad boy meets the town's good girl and the townsfolk, who are a very nosy and opinionated bunch and aren't afraid to give their two cents. The series is set in the fictional Ontario small-town of Beaver Creek and with our main characters both being authors who meet at an author event, there's the added bonus of Canadian book nerd joy!!

The main couple: Love isn't always easy. Both Zander and Addie have their own trauma/loss to deal with which muddies the romance waters. I liked Zander and found his past was interesting (if a bit darker than expected) and I was rooting for him right away. He's damaged with a past but he did the crime, did the time and now just wants to start over ... if only the town would let him. And despite the 'reformed felon' not being on my romance bingo card, with him it totally works.

Addie was the town sweetheart and she was ... fine if a bit predictable and bland. We're told she's sweet but I came away wanting more from her character.

This is sweet small-town read that dives right into the relationship (insta-love alert) and spicy scenes, but brings in deeper/darker themes (abuse, trauma, violence) for some depth and a couple you'll root for as they battle their demons and the pushy townspeople who have a lot of preconceived ideas and prejudices.
Profile Image for Liz.
2,327 reviews10 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 12, 2026
An emotional story of fighting for what's right.

Adelaide Ramsay is a successful historical fiction author and the town darling. Zander Browning returns to Beaver Creek for their Festival of Local Authors. His past leaves him feeling guilty and punishing himself. When Adelaide's sunshine meets his grumpy, sparking might fly.

Honestly, this story is less about the romance and more about Adelaide and Zander both learning that they're worth fighting for and figuring out how to do that together. Their romance is cute and supportive, but the most emotional part is all about Adelaide realizing she can stand up for herself and Zander realizing that he doesn't need to punish himself for a 13-year-old mistake.

I do wish the romance was slightly more front-and-center and we got a bit more of the charming parts of small town Beaver Creek, but I understand that it wasn't the main purpose of this particular story. I hope a future epilogue can show Adelaide and Zander working at the library together!

Overall, if you're ready for an emotional small town story, I definitely recommend giving this one a read. It's going to pull at your heart strings.

Thank you to the author for providing an advanced copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Tanya.
849 reviews42 followers
June 17, 2026
Written in the Margins, by Madeline Nixon, is book four of the Library Love Notes. It is an open-door, second-chance, small-town romance set in the cozy town of Beaver Creek, Ontario.

The story follows Adelaide, a local historical fiction author, and Zander, a visiting thriller writer with a troubled past. Their journey begins with a chance encounter at a library event, sparking an immediate and intense attraction. As things progress, they must face external judgment from the townspeople and internal struggles, such as Adelaide confronting the shadows of her mother’s sudden departure when she was a child and Zander’s criminal record.

When Zander faces the risk of being ostracized because of his past, Adelaide serves as his anchor, fiercely defending his character. Together, they challenge the community’s perceptions. Zander and Adelaide’s relationship serves as a catalyst for mutual healing and solace by bonding through writing and their love of storytelling. The story is heartfelt and shows the importance of choosing one’s own path and not conforming.

Thanks to Madeline Nixon for gifting me an eARC of Written in the Margins. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
11 reviews
June 30, 2026
I read this as an Advanced Readers Copy. If Goodreads would let me it, it’d be a 3.5⭐️

I enjoyed this book but it took me a lot longer to finish than the previous three. However, I don’t know if this is down to the book or me being in a reading slump the last couple of weeks.

Like the others, this was a nice comfy read and I enjoyed it. I didn’t love this one as much as some of the others. It was well written and flowed nicely but it didn’t grab me as much as the others.

I loved Zander, I thought he was great. I found Addie a bit annoying though and I was waiting the entire book for her to grow a back bone against Willow. I find the small town thing where everyone has an opinion quite jarring at this point as well. The main characters are always affected by this and their whole character developments are breaking away from the norm of the town or what people’s opinions are.

I would recommend this but it just wasn’t my favourite compared to the others I’ve read.

Thanks again for the ARC, as always it is greatly appreciated!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Aleksandra.
1,428 reviews13 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 22, 2026
Written in the Margins by Madeline Nixon was such an emotional and heartfelt small-town romance. Addie and Zander’s connection felt genuine from the start, and I loved how their shared experiences with abandonment and painful childhoods gave their relationship so much depth. Their chemistry was sweet, tender, and full of those quiet moments that make you root for two characters immediately.
The town gossip and lingering prejudices added just enough tension without taking away from the warmth of the story, and watching Addie slowly break through Zander’s walls was incredibly satisfying. Madeline Nixon’s writing style flows beautifully, balancing emotional vulnerability with cozy small-town charm. Honestly, my biggest complaint is that I wanted more time with these characters because I flew through this book way too fast.
A touching story about healing, second chances, and finding someone who truly sees you — with plenty of bookish charm along the way.
Profile Image for Nickole.
1,655 reviews13 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 28, 2026
Rcvd an ARC from the author.

We meet author Adelaide aka Addie who is running late to a book fair in her home town....late because of a beaver on the road. We meet Zander, another author who is at the book fair and they have a cute-meet about each other's book. The whole town knows that Addiss mother left and Zander went to prison many years ago and the town won't let him forget. Addie wants to come to her own conclusions about Zander. He told her what happened and she read his book. Addie is tired of her ex, her cousin and her father for making judgemental comments about Zander. Zander has always had his Grandma in his corner and she steps up when the town wants to ban him from Beaver Creek. Addie will also not tolerate the cruelty of people based on actions of a young adult...they are in this together.
3,472 reviews34 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 10, 2026
This story is dual POV, well written, and an emotionally charged, small town, “bad” boy/good girl, contemporary romance between Addie (Adelaide), the female historical fiction author lead, and Zander, the male thriller author lead. I enjoyed the emotional support the lead characters provided for each other, as well as Zander’s “emotional support” dog. I enjoyed Addie’s refusal to accept other people’s judgements and her determination that people assess Zander based on current behaviour, not historical. I enjoyed Zander’s laughing acceptance of Addie as she was, not desiring changes or pushing for alterations. I enjoyed the building relationship and the steamy moments. I enjoyed Zander’s grandmother and Addie’s best friend. I enjoyed the confident ending.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
22 reviews
June 12, 2026
ARC Review
I adored this book! I loved the Glossary of Canadianisms at the start of the book. It’s amazing to celebrate and see the things that make Canada special in literature. I also loved the inclusion of references to things such as Gilmore Girls and Twilight. Addie is a wonderful character. She is full of sunshine and creativity. She was exactly who she was in the book which is nice to see. I want to be a little more like Adelaide. Zander was also wonderful. He is self aware and mindful to the people around him. His struggles with anxiety were represented well. The characters together balanced each other out and you could feel the love they had for each other.
Written in the Margins is the fourth book in the Library Love Notes series. Each book is written by a different Canadian Indie author and set in the fictional town of Beaver Creek, Ontario.
Profile Image for Serena.
259 reviews1 follower
June 16, 2026
I’d first like to thank the author for the advanced copy of this, the 4th book in the Beaver Creek collaboration series.

I was a bit apprehensive at first, as the series has been a bit of a hit or miss for me so far, but I was pleasantly surprised by Written in the Margins!

A small town romance between two authors, all the bookish vibes in this story had me hooked and I just loved both of our main characters.

Adelaide is a very strong, very loyal, quirky FMC who knows what she likes and doesn’t feel guilty for it (I envy her outfits and her granny hobbies 🥰). Our MMC Zander is also very loyal, however having gone through a traumatic childhood, one incident leads to a lifetime of guilt and shame which results in him having a hard time coming to terms with the fact he still deserves love.

These two are just so cute and I loved every second of this small town romance! 🥰
Profile Image for Aimee.
64 reviews1 follower
August 16, 2026
A book with no third act breakup is almost an instant 5 stars and this time, the story did such a beautiful job at finding tension in just the right way!

I absolutely LOVED Adelaide! Not only was she sweet and loving but I adored her muchness. Seeing her embrace her expressiveness and creativity made for such a great character and beautiful read!

Sander, that gentle, and kind soul was paying for his parents faults for so long. I adored him learning that not only he deserved love but that he is allowed to grow from his mistakes. They don't define who he is as an adult.

Lucy the dog and Peggy were the perfect side characters in this story providing the perfect characters to ease tension!

Thank you so much Madeline Nixon for this advance copy of the story. This series has been such a joy to read and I cannot wait to read more of your work!
Profile Image for Sarah Reapz.
171 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 23, 2026
Definitely had gilmore girl vibes which I absolutely love as I'm a team Jess fan for Rory especially when the town folk where interfering with this relationship in this book for the first time in this series I hated the small towns ignorance and nosiness in someone's relationship.

I absolutely loved Adelaide's and Zanders meet-cute there was so much chemistry, flirting and passion for their work.
Adelaide is so understanding I loved her character so much she's so lovable, bright as sunshine in the darkness of Zanders grey life they just work so well together.

I loved this fourth book in the Library Love Notes series. Yearning, healing and many swoon worthy moments to make you love these characters so much.
Plus a beautiful golden doggy who really stole the show really 😆
Profile Image for Carleigh boose.
64 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 11, 2026
ARC Review

This book was fantastic I had no idea how much I needed a story about two authors falling this hard for each other.

One of my favorite things was how quickly we learn why Zander has such a bad reputation. The author doesn’t drag it out, and it really helps build the story and deepen his character right from the start.

This book had the perfect mix of tension, romance, and genuinely funny moments. It kept me hooked the entire time and always wanting more.

Addie was such a strong FMC, I loved how fiercely protective she is and how she’ll go toe-to-toe with anyone who hurts the people she loves.

I’m honestly shocked this is my first time reading Madeline Nixon, but it definitely won’t be my last.
Profile Image for Angel Tartaglia.
68 reviews1 follower
June 18, 2026
The beginning had me giggling with her getting to the library and squeaking when Adelaide and Zander had their first meeting. I love that they are both authours in different genre.

Zander is such a cute older male. I mean this in the sense he’s whip for Adelaide right off the bat but tries to deny it. What makes him prefect is the fact he spoils his old girl (Luca the old puppo). The doggo is such a good girl and deserves all the loving and treats. Deep down he’s such a romantic boy with how he thinks about Adelaide. He has the cutest smiles.

Adelaide is such a quirky beaver creek darling. I love her thought process and how she thinks. I also like she’s head on and flirts right off of the bat. A lady knows what she wants. She is so head on with him. Like… girl me too— I’ll be making bold moves if a man was cute like him and shows interest in me as well.

I love how Zander Gran Gran push for romance. 😂

I feel like the town is too harsh on Zander, acting like he can’t change or redeem himself (due to gossip). I do love the development between Zander and Adelaide. Ugh I can’t decide if I want to fight willow or just side eye. However, I’m not to mad because what willow cause was a serious conversation between Zander and Adelaide, about his past. This was a good thing to me because it clear the air early on and Adelaide heard it from the true source and not gossip (which tend to twist things). I love how Adelaide is a ray of sunshine for Zander yanking him into a world of colour. I love how his impact on the community and how Adelaide helps him show everyone he changed, which save him.

The spice was spicing! The ending was so cute!

Willow is like my least favourite character in this book.

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jaqueline Doldersum.
100 reviews7 followers
June 29, 2026
This is book four in the Library Love Notes series.
Adelaide and Zander meet at a festival for locals authors. And they have a click right away.
I loved seeing their relation blossom. From texting untill their first date.
But Zander has a great dark secret, from his past. He is afraid to tell Adelaide.
Scarred she will run away.
I love how Adelaide becomes more into her self. With her brite and sparkly personality. Not afraid to let people see, who she is and what she likes.
See how Zander is dealing with his past. Coming from a shy person. Who hides from people. Affraid of what they say. Becoming someone, Adelaide always knew who he was. And that you never should judge someone by his cover.
Profile Image for Michaela.
274 reviews27 followers
July 1, 2026
At a local author event, Adelaide the historical fiction writer and Zander the thriller writer meet and it seems like the live at first sight characters always talk about in books. Cue flirting author style and adorable writing dates. But Zander's past has a habit of ruining everything and he fears his budding romance with Adelaide and life in Beaver Creek will be no different.

The flirting and banter was super cute and who doesn't love am adorable dog?! I was super mad at the town for not listening to Adelaide and for blindly judging Zander but Madeline Nixon made sure to take care of them. Also, love Zander's grandma because as you've probably figured out by now, I'm also a sucker for a badass grandma character.
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