Two coworkers. Two difficult pasts. Two hearts drawn together.
Matty Crew does not do change. Sobriety comes first, routine second, and nothing else matters. As a maintenance worker at an addiction rehabilitation facility, Matty works hard, keeps her head down, and avoids thinking too far ahead. She won’t take a wrong step and undo everything she’s fought so hard to rebuild. And she won’t fall in love.
Reese Lloyd thought distance would make the past easier to live with. She never thought that after years of being no contact with her narcissistic mother, it would be her mother’s death that brought her back. With a new job as an addiction counselor, Reese is tasked with cleaning up the rest of her mother’s mess. For Reese’s entire life control is the only thing she had to survive. And now, it’s the one thing she can’t find.
Because desire is undeniable.
As Matty and Reese work together, a slow, unsettling bond builds. With that bond comes healing and the spark of unquenchable attraction.
Yet they believe love is the last thing they deserve. Will they be brave enough to reach for it together?
*Content warnings can be found on the author's website.
Katie Trapp is an indie author from a small town in southern Middle Tennessee who currently resides with her wife, two dogs, and two cats in Kentucky. In 2021, she published her debut novel, An Unexpected Partnership, and has been writing ever since.
Welcome back to Turtle Grove! Thank you to the author for an advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Well. It kind of felt like getting a warm hug just starting this book. That feeling didn’t change throughout the book and now, after finishing, there’s an added giddiness and brightness.
I loved Bette and Kerri, adored Kenny and Zoe, and now Matty and Reese are part of the fam. There are heavy topics and discussions but the overall feelings of the story are cozy and safety. And love. There are so many ways these found family members and support show love and respect towards one another especially but also to others. It’s beautifully written and well paced.
In this book we come back to Turtle Grove Rehabilitation Center to follow Matty and Reese, two women with experience with addiction & recovery. For me it was very interesting to read more about the subject, as I didn't know much about it and had already learned a lot when reading Where Trust Leads Us. The couple is very cute, and it's heartwarming to see them being vulnerable to each other and getting closer because of that. Both had some very lonely lives, and it's nice to see how having support makes them stronger and allow them to face their challenges -- together.
One thing that I always like on Trapp's books is the way she presents characters with different shapes and bodies, and how ALL of them are desirable and loved. It's so refreshing to see that, and this book is no exception!
The book also shows what happens to Bette, Kerrie, Kenny, and Zoe after the end of the first book -- and it's so lovely!! You don't have to read the first book of the series in order to read this one, though, but I would suggest you to do it, so you can enjoy even more this story.
I also encourage you to check the content warnings on the author's website, as there might be some sensitive topics for some people. They were all fine for me, but that might not be the case for everyone.
So if you're looking for a nice reading and is not afraid to follow up stories of addiction and recovery, if you like representation of different body types, if you're curious to see what happened to Bette, Kerrie, and their family, or if you read previous books of the author and liked them, I would strongly suggest you picking up this book! You won't be disappointed!
Katie knocked it outta the park again with the second trip back to Turtle Grove. This books was so good, I didn’t want it to end!
Reese is an addictions counselor that has just moved back to her childhood home after her narcissistic, hoarding, alcoholic mother’s passing. Not only does she have to work through her passing but she’s also left with the job of sorting out the “hoard” while maintaining her new job at Turtle Grove. Matty is a maintenance worker at Turtle Grove and is on her own recovery journey, with 2.5 years under her belt, Matty must deal with a gaslighting and unsupportive family while maintaining her sobriety. Can two people with difficult pasts make each other’s future brighter?
Once again Katie had delivered a heartfelt story about trauma and addiction, and has managed to do it in a way that resonates with the reader, without all the heavy angst that most would use. Her characters are so relatable and loveable that you’d almost want to be friends with them. Reese and Matty stole my heart from the first 10% of this book, I loved their story and their journey together. The book highlights the importance of healthy communication and the rawness that can come from vulnerability and intimacy. I also liked that we got to see more of Kerrie, Bette and Kenny from Where Trust Leads Us.
And last but not least I want to point out that Katie does a wonderful job of not only highlighting plus size bodies and their beauty, but also acknowledges the fact that both Butch and Masc women also like to be touched, and that sometimes that can come with a level of vulnerability that leads to overwhelmed tears. She also does not shy away from the fact that despite someone’s masculine appearance they aren’t afraid to show their softer sides and emotions. As someone who is masc presenting but also cries at everything I appreciate that a lot.
When Love Finds A Way will be released May 19th, but if you can’t wait you can also buy it now direct from the author. I also highly recommend reading Where Trust Leads Us first, it’s not necessary to the story of WLFAW but you won’t regret it.
Things to LOVE: 📚Workplace Romance 🏥Rehab Centre ❤️🩹Recovery Rep ❤️🔥Slow Burn 😻Masc / Femme 🫦Plus Size FMC 💘Found Family
When Love Finds a Way by Katie Trapp is a contemporary workplace romance set in a small town in Tennessee, specifically at an inpatient addiction facility. Matty, a recovering addict, works on the maintenance team for the Turtle Grove Rehabilitation Center. Reese, a newly hired counselor, has returned to her hometown to manage the home of her deceased mother, who struggled with addiction and hoarding. The two experience an immediate attraction, and a relationship grows organically over time as they both overcome their respective trauma and let their guards down. They are both well-developed and lovely characters, exhibiting strength and vulnerability. The supporting found family is also interesting and helpful, but not overly intrusive. I do not consider this a slow-burn romance. I think the timeframe is perfectly reasonable, and the relationship feels natural and believable. Matty and Reese get to know one another both at work and outside the workplace as they grow closer. I enjoyed their tension and intimate moments. They were sweet, steamy, attentive, and caring. Kudos for communication, consent, competency, and body positivity. This novel tackles some heavy topics but remains relatively low in angst. I have a crush on Matty, and When Love Finds a Way is my favorite book by Katie Trapp so far. I give it five stars for writing style, character development, and world-building. It is a solid romance that balances backstories, work responsibilities, satisfying relationship dynamics, realistic expectations, and a plausible happily-ever-after ending. I recommend!
Quoteworthy: “No, baby, you didn’t spoil anything.” Her voice came out soft but firm. “Not one thing. You’re allowed to feel things. You’re allowed to be here with me exactly like this.”
#smalltown #Tennessee #olderMCs #returntohometown #startingover #butchfemme #communication #consent #competency #copingstrategies #bodypositivity #workplaceromance #addiction #thirdactbreakup #cutecat #foundfamily #toxicfamily #HEA I received a review copy from the author. This is my honest opinion.
Another great book from Katie Trapp and a wonderful return to the gang at Turtle Grove Rehabilitation Centre. Matty and Reese were fantastic characters and real examples of living with the consequences of addiction, either your own or another family member. I also loved seeing Bette, Kerrie and Kenny from Where Trust Leads Us: A Sapphic Romance.
Matty is working in maintenance at Turtle Grove and trying to rebuild her life and is dedicated to moving on from her past addiction, despite the lack of support from her family. Reese has returned to her hometown to clean up the mess left behind by her recently deceased, alcoholic, narcissistic hoarder mother and is commencing a new role as a counsellor at Turtle Grove. Coming from different backgrounds and experiences of addiction they realise they have the opportunity to help each other, and it was wonderful to watch them opening up to each other and work their way towards healthy communication and connection.
While the story was, at times, challenging to read given the heavy nature of the topics being covered (including mental illness, addiction and family toxicity) it was a beautiful story of hope and learning to trust. Overall, a beautifully emotional story.
I am grateful to Katie Trapp for providing me with an ARC copy of When Love Finds a Way and am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book hits you hard if you have ever been close to and addict. I personally felt Reese’s pain more than Matty’s, also being a daughter of someone being an alcoholic, and I know this is something that will follow you the rest of your life even though you moved on so many years ago. It is really something that sticks, this feeling that you cannot trust a parent and that you need to put the lid on your feelings to cope. My experience nothing like Reese’s since that was beyond anything I thought was possible, but I could still connect. Matty is also easy to relate to, her struggle to stay clean every day and her very complicated relationship with her grandmother and cousin.
I loved to read how the counsellor Reese with all her baggage connects to the handywoman Matty that is also struggling, just from another perspective. After they can allow opening up about their secrets the perfect setup is happening where Matty helps Reese de-hoard her mother’s house and Reese helps Matty with her GED studies. It soon is very much like dates even though they both deny it and they are so cute together when they take their time to move on since they have both been through so much.
I loved to see a bit more of Kerrie and Kenny from Where Trust Leads Us.
I received a free ARC from the author and leave a review voluntarily.
This is a sweet and difficult love story about two women, each carrying a lot of baggage, who have to find the courage to share it. The past, and very often family, leaves behind a lot of scars and trauma, but sometimes also dependency. That's the case for Matty. She's been sober for about three years, finally. She only managed this because she distanced herself from her family as much as possible. More precisely, from her grandmother and former best friend. She works at Turtle Grove, sticks to her routine to avoid relapsing, and helps out wherever she can. Reese Lloyd is back in her hometown. Her mother, with whom she has no contact because the relationship was toxic, left her a messy house. As revenge, it seems. She's a counselor and has applied for a position at Turtle Grove, which becomes much more interesting when she lays eyes on the attractive, clearly lesbian maintenance woman. Some of this was difficult for me to read because it resonated so closely with certain personal experiences. Particularly cruel moments for both Matty and Reese in their past, but also in the present. I could have strangled the grandmother. Everything develops slowly, but really beautifully. Thank you so much for letting me be part of the ARC team. I enjoyed being back in Turtle Grove, even though they dealt with some difficult topics.
ARC review - I had the luxury of receiving a copy of this book before its publication. These are my own thoughts of the book.
Katie Trapp has done it again! If you love any of her other books, especially the store of Kerrie and Bette in Where Trust Leads Us, you'll love this story with Matty and Reese as well. You'll also get to see Kerrie and Bette and how their storyline progresses. It's a slow burn with just the right amount of spice. If you are looking for a great slow burn with character development throughout, this is one for you.
On a personal note, it took me longer than expected to read this book than others. It had NOTHING to do with the author's writing, it had to do with the context of the book. When you sign up to be an ARC reader, sometimes you don't get a ton of detail about the book first, and I had not read the first book in the series beforehand. This book does take place in and out of a rehabilitation center/program, and for someone whom was the sober partner in love with an addict whom had been in rehab before they met and clean for over 20 years, only for them to fall back into addiction that much longer later; it was hard at parts for me. I'm saying this because if I, who had to end a marriage after decades together, could still enjoy and love this book, you will too.
I was given an ARC copy of When Love Finds a Way by author Katie Trapp. Thank you Katie for the opportunity to be an ARC reader for you again.
If you enjoyed Where Trust Leads Us, then you will enjoy this book as well. When Love Finds a Way returns us to Turtle Grove Rehabilitation Facility where a new hire, Reese Lloyd, has come to start her new job. Reese has come back to town to handle her Mother’s affairs despite the bad memories it brings. Matt Crew works at the rehabilitation center and is also working on staying sober from her addiction. Her family though is not very supportive. Sparks fly when these two meet and a juggling act starts as they learn to not only allow themselves to open up to one another but let the other see one another at their most vulnerable moments.
Yet again Katie has done an amazing job creating characters that are so real and relatable. She has expertly weaved together a story of two characters with their own past trauma and explores their journey in moving beyond their pasts towards a future they never thought they’d have, one of love that they both deserve. I enjoyed how both characters are imperfect and the journey they took together so rewarding to read. I cheered for them both. I also enjoyed being able to see how Bette, Kerrie, and Kenny were all doing without taking away from Reese and Matt’s story.
Matty is such a golden retriever and I love her so much for it! She is so dedicated to her sobriety but her family doesn’t see why she would even try to stay sober and aren’t willing to change.
Reese has WALLS! She moved back to her childhood home to find it filled with empty liquor bottles and junk. She knows she needs help, but doesn’t want to let anyone past the door.
The conversations between Reese and Matty are written so thoughtfully to what they have both been through. Both of them have been torn down by the people that should have built them up, but they both have learned the power of vulnerability through rehab and addictions counselling.
Addiction is the through line for the romance between Matty and Reese and is beautiful and emotional to see how they both are/have been impacted by addiction.
It was nice to see the continuation of Bette and Kerrie’s relationship and how they support Matty and Reese in finding their way towards their own relationship.
I’d recommend this book if you want to read a slow burn romance with kind characters who finding their worth after addiction, overcoming trauma, and find family who truly cares about them.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second book in the Finding love at Turtle Grove series, I didn’t get the chance to read the first book in the series. It wasn’t a problem though as this book can be a standalone. The MCs from the first book are prominent side characters in this book who I quickly fell for and plan to read the first book, once I have the chance. We meet Reese, an addiction counsellor who has just moved back to her home town and started a new job there after the passing of her mother. Matty works in maintenance in the rehab center, she is dealing with her own family drama and getting her life sorted out. These two are instantly attracted to one another. It takes them a little while, they’re both caught up in their own issues before they start spending time getting to know each other. This book covers some heavy topics and issues for both MCs and people around them and the author did a good job in how they were presented in the book. This was a book I didn’t want to put down. I also enjoyed that most of the issues in this book happened around the MCs and not between them, all except one really. There were 2 spicy sences. The main focus was the struggles and growth of the MCs.
"When Love Finds a Way" by Katie Trapp is a beautifully uplifting story that reminds you exactly why romance is such a beloved genre. With warmth, sincerity, and just the right amount of emotional depth, this novel draws you in from the very first page.
Trapp crafts characters who feel genuine and relatable, each carrying their own doubts, past hurts, and hopes for the future. Watching them navigate those challenges on the path to love is both touching and rewarding. The emotional journey is paced perfectly—never rushed, but always engaging—making every moment of connection feel earned and meaningful.
What really stands out is the sense of optimism woven throughout the story. Even in difficult moments, there’s an underlying belief in second chances and the power of love to heal and transform. It’s the kind of book that leaves you feeling lighter, hopeful, and completely satisfied.
If you’re looking for a romance that blends heartfelt emotion with a comforting, feel-good atmosphere, "When Love Finds a Way" is a wonderful choice. It’s a story that lingers long after the final page—and one you’ll be glad you picked up.
Katie’s books are always so good. I love that she is never one to shy away from topics many of us barely acknowledge in our daily lives. For example, body positivity and a big one for this book, addiction. As someone who has also had my own journey with addiction I found this portrayal really accurate and soothing. I’m not saying all the side characters were lovely, kind, and fully supportive. BUT I am saying it felt realistic in a way that still provides hope. Sticking to sobriety is hard, taking a risk in love is hard, and doing both while being afraid you might lose the one thing you worked SO hard to achieve is absolutely terrifying. Katie’s books always feel like a delicate and intricate dance with big topics being handled with so much love. Something I’m always grateful to see more of.
As with any book, check the content warnings if you need to. It’s a really lovely book and the way sobriety was handled felt authentic in a way that is hard to achieve.
I received an ARC but left a review of my own volition.
I enjoyed this book way more than I expected! And yes, I know how terrible that may sound at first, but... truth is this is not my usual tropes and even though the book caught my eye, I wasn't sure. But what a nice surprise it was!
This was a ride, and it felt so very honest along the way, and vulnerable and raw that it was impossible to not get caught up in it. I read it almost in one go and thought about it a lot while not reading it...
What clicked with me was how real it felt, how mundane, how not glamorous... (this really is a compliment, believe me) - just life, with real struggles, of real people, with real feelings and faults and traumas. It was a book about taking a chance at life, it was sweet, and fun, and low angst right in the perfect measure while still dealing with a lot of heavy subjects.
Even though I could not relate personally to what these characters went through, it was a borrowed first hand peak of such life, in a way that just left me unsettled.
I wished for a bit more of Hester though, she feels like she would be a sweet prick...
*** ARC REVIEW *** This was a great book-end to Where Trust Leads Us. The two books make a great pair! I enjoyed Matty and Reese’s story. Much like the previous book, this story takes place at Turtle Grove Rehabilitation center. I think this is a great backdrop because the topic of addiction and some mental illness are addressed in this book, and this allows those subjects to unfurl organically and help shape Matty and Reese’s romance. Found family, healing, and healthy communication are featured in this book, as well as the delicious slow burn as Matty and Reese lean into their desire. I enjoyed that we get reacquainted with Kerrie, Bette, and Kenny. Overall, just a really beautiful story, and even though addiction and parental/caregiver abuse is featured, the story does not feel heavy, in my opinion. Katie Trapp writes stories with such wholesome and relatable characters, and Matty and Reese are delightful.
Matty Crew works maintenance at the addiction recovery center from the author's other book. She was previously addicted to painkillers and weed, but has been sober two years.
Reese Lloyd has come back to town to deal with her inheritance from her hoarder mother, a house filled with junk. She's applying at the same place.
Matty is still in touch with her Granny, who's a addict, and her cousin who got her on weed. She runs into Reese a few times, and agrees to help Reese clean out the house in exchange for her helping her study for her GED.
They have dinner together, then go out on dates. Reese finds herself very attracted to Matty, but worries she might relapse.
Matty has a visit with Gran that goes especially badly, and she's so embarrassed she shuts Reese out. Third act breakup.
Matty realizes she messed up, they talk it out. Various stuff happens, wrap up.
3.5 stars. Good read, good characters
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I absolutely loved returning to Turtle Grove! There’s just something so special about this little world. This story tackles some really heavy topics (addiction, mental illness, toxic family dynamics), but it’s all handled with so much care without rushing or glossing over anything. It was an honest, thoughtful, and deeply emotional read.
The relationship between the two main characters Matty and Reese wasn’t perfect, but it felt genuine and earned. I loved watching them learn how to tackle everything together! Overall though, the found family aspect continues to be one of my favorite parts of this series. This group of characters feels so real and lovable that they honestly feel like my own little family at this point. I loved spending more time with them and seeing how everyone continues to grow. Turtle Grove continues to be a place I never want to leave.
From the moment Katie announced a second book taking place at Turtle Grove, I just knew I had to read it. When Love Finds A Way is phenomenal. It discusses hard topics and how things can shape a person from a young age to adulthood. While they are heavy topics (addiction), they’re necessary and relevant topics. I can relate to both Reese and Matty, especially with some of their past experiences in childhood. It’s difficult having to navigate new things but once you find your footing it gets definitely gets easier which is what both women learn. Being able to watch Matty move past her addiction and obtain her GED, find her soulmate and prosper is heartwarming. Reese being able to come back and work through such intense emotions with her mom and her own disease process is rewarding as well. They’re meant for each other. I truly enjoyed this read so very much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Really liked this book. I liked that it is at Turtle Rehab so we get to revisit old friends and catch up. There are some heavy topics in here like addiction and growing up addiction adjacent but they are handled deftly. Matty is a brave woman working hard on her sobriety. She doesn't have the family support for recovery or a thriving life which is hard to witness. Fortunately, her strength is immense and she has Kerry's support. She is kind and hardworking and has integrity. Reese is hidden away behind lots of protective layers. You wouldbe too if you had been raised by her mom. Together they become a lovely couple that work so well together. Watching them tiptoe together is beautiful. You could read it as a standalone but I felt like it was richer having read Kerry and Bette's story. Such a rich and beautiful story.
Matty was a a maintenance worker at Turtle Grove which we first visited in Where Trust Leads Us. She is a recovering alcoholic and had been sober for over 2 years. Reese returns home to sort out her mother’s house that is filled with empty bottles and rubbish. She gets at job at Turtle Grove as an addiction counsellor. The two meet and a friendship begins. Matty helps Reese. Clear her mums house and in return Reese helps Matty with her studies. This is not a laugh a minute book as it deals with some heavy topics and real life struggles. However it is a story of perseverance and courage, to face your demons head on and overcome them by gradually learning to live and eventually to love. It was fantastic to catch up with Kerrie and Bette from WTLU as well as the star of book 1 Kenny. I received this book as an arc, but my views are my own. Thank you Katie.
Holy smokes Katie Trapp has sunk her teeth into a pile of harsh personal issues in this story. She is treading some serious family relationships that border on severe mental abuse and then the is all the addiction issues too! Despite the heavy material, she has managed to bring two very damaged souls together through growing trust and love. What a skill! It is beautifully written. I admit I shed more than a few tears and finally laughter. I thought that there was no way she could grab my attention like the first of this series, I was wrong! Her writing is sensitive to the issues, the characters are so well developed that the reader is forced to feel along with them. Well done Katie, this is just awesome.
This book was just a pure joy to read. The setting was interesting, the character history was rich, the side characters were charming. The romance felt natural and responsible. Sobriety is treated as the norm in this book. Anyone in recovery who enjoys sapphic romance can enjoy this story. It’s charming, positive and sweet. It doesn’t shy away from tough subjects like unsupportive family and relapse, but it does it in a way that feels rounded and part of a forward journey. Matty is an adorable flirty dork who is beginning her first real and sober romance, Reese is a guarded and jaded trooper with a heart of gold. I love them. And I love them together. To the author, Well done on yet another beautiful story.
When Love Finds a Way has got me all up in my emotions! I loved returning to Turtle Grove for Matty and Reese's story! Both women are dealing with some major internal conflicts involving setting boundaries with family and dealing with the aftermath of a hoarding parent's death.
This is a heavy-hitting and sweet romance with an emphasis on communication and found family. I loved that Kerrie, Bette, and Kenny from Where Trust Leads Us had page time because they're amazing. The body positivity Katie is known for is present here too in such a beautiful way.
Thank you so much to the author for the opportunity to read and review!
This book was so darn good. I love the fact that the characters from Where Trust Leads Us are so prominent in this one as well. The Reference to Hotel boomshell series by Adrian J Smith was epic. This did not have a lot of heavy spice scenes but it did have was just perfect for this book. When Haley made the comment about the tool belt which was morphed into a harness had me smiling but it got better in the next paragraph when she told Reese that Reese needed it cause she probably had cobwebs, that had me laughing. Very highly recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
You absolutely need to read Katie Trapp's 'When Love Finds a Way.' This isn't your average romance; it's a deeply compelling slow-burn set in an inpatient addiction recovery facility in Tennessee. Trapp masterfully explores complex themes like mental health, addiction, and difficult family dynamics, all while weaving in powerful messages about body positivity and the strength of chosen family. It’s an incredibly authentic and emotionally resonant journey that will leave you uplifted and genuinely believing in the power of love.
This is the second book in the series and I totally loved every page of it! It deals with heavy topics such as addiction, abuse and severely dysfunctional families. But it is also a slow burn, heartwarming sweet friends to lovers romance, that is addictive and fantastic! Love the couple, Reese's ice queen with warm heart, Matty's talented but suffering from low esteem, together they make the dreamy happy couple. I can't wait for the next one!
Such a great read. Katie Trapp is becoming an author that I need more of. I was tentative to request this ARC and I liked but didn’t love the previous book based at Turtle Grove Rehab, but this was really good. The storyline was well paced and character development was on point. There were some triggering subjects covered but all well written with care.
Book 2 of the Finding Love at Turtle Grove series by Katie is another great read. Heavy, but great.
We meet Reese and Matty (and get to follow up with Karrie, Kenny and Bette from Where Trust Leads Us). This series covers sobriety and addiction and takes place at a substance abuse rehab center.
Katie has a way with words and world building and this book is fantastic!
I was chosen as an ARC reader for this book . I could tell within the first couple chapters this book wasn’t for me . I did finish reading this book today . It was not my type of book . That doesn’t mean others won’t enjoy it , it was just not my cup of tea
Wow what a phenomenal story, I loved the main characters their connection was written beautifully with so much depth making you feel apart of it all. Their journey to hard in parts but they navigated through it i couldn't put it down definitely must read congratulations