Forest Proximity

Rumors of Cape Georgeana #3

by Elise Haynes

He’s out there somewhere—tall, dark, mysterious, and elusive despite a lifetime of searching.

Stevie Sullivan
It started as a simple bet: Can my friends find the perfect man for me before I can prove that Sasquatch exists? Absolutely not. One of those creatures is mythical, and it isn’t Bigfoot. Unfortunately, what started as a friendly wager has been hijacked by our whole town.

Adam Sandoval
All I want is a quiet life in the woods. Alone. Cue Stevie Sullivan. Between her crazy bet with her friends and her fiery personality, she’s turning my peaceful life upside down. I don’t hate it. I’m a little tired of being mistaken for Sasquatch, though.

One summer, a bazillion blind dates, plus a shirtless forest ranger and a feisty Sasquatch hunter in awfully close proximity? It’s a hairy situation.

Genres: Romance, Clean Romance, Rom Com, Closed Door Romance, Fiction

305 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 4, 2026

Reviews

[Alicia (aliciasalwaysreading)]

I had the privilege of proofreading this one. Y'all, IT IS HILARIOUS. Please do yourself a favor and read it when it comes out!!!

[Holly (IG Hollys_Book_Musings) · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Well, she's my favorite thing in the world, and loving Stevie means I'm all in for all of her, including her harmless delusions."

Forest Proximity by Elise Haynes

Another book added to my favorites list! Favorites of all time, favorite romcom, and favorite Elise book.
Forest Proximity has Forced Proximity, a town betting on love, bigfoot, and an unhinged wild FMC that will have you laughing so hard, you pee your pants. Not to mention a hermit MMC that will just steal your heart. This is seriously Elise's best one yet!

I loved the whole premise of a couple of friends betting that Stevie, the female main character, would have a boyfriend before she found evidence of bigfoot. The blind dates they set Stevie up on seriously had me laughing and cringing so hard. I have been on some similar dates previously (many years ago) and could relate to her experiences.
I related so much to Stevie in that when I dated and was looking for a man to marry, I had really high impossible standards for him, but then when I met the man I knew I would marry, I knew he wasn't perfect, but perfect for me. I loved being able to relate to her that way.

I seriously had such a fun time reading this book, as I do with all of Elise's romcom stories. I highly recommend this one and all of her stories. They are all 5 star books for me!

Content Guide:
Language: none
Sexual Content: Kissing only: mildly passionate kissing
Violence/gore: none
Substance Use: none
Prejudices: none
Religious Content: Characters attend church and mention attending church a few times
Other: Nothing major that I remember

Book Info:
Series: Rumors of Cape Georgeana book 3
Genre: Contemporary Romcom
Romance Level: Kissing only
Release Date: Available now
Publisher: Indie
POV: Dual Third person

Thank you to the author for the review copy. All thoughts are my own.

[Shayla Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forest Proximity
(Rumors of Cape Georgeana, book 3)
by: Elise Haynes
@elisehaynesbooks

••I give 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

~One summer, a bazillion blind dates, plus a shirtless forest ranger and a feisty Sasquatch hunter in awfully close proximity? It’s a hairy situation…

-My friends, when I say a book by @elisehaynesbooks is a delight to read, I am not kidding! Forest Proximity, was no exception! This wonderful story was just what I needed! It had me smiling, swooning, laughing, shaking my head, and made me happy from start to finish! The ability to wonderfully blend such humor with heart into this story had my full attention. Yet it was the unforgettable endearing characters that had my heart melting and swooning. I simply adored the continual mishaps and crazy situations that brought them together! The witty banter, dazzling chemistry, forced proximity, bets, the small town vibes, friendships, and awkward dates had me thoroughly immersed, invested, and enjoying this story completely! Do not miss out on this book, series, or anything Elise writes because each story is so satisfying and worth reading!📚💯🙌🏻

•Content: no language, no violence. Kisses only. Clean!

#forestproximity
#rumorsofcapegeorgeanaseries
#elisehaynesbooks
#allaboutthebestreads

[Haven Hoopes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book!! I didn’t count how many times I laughed while reading but it was a LOT! Forest Proximity was an absolute delight to read. I’m not an outdoorsy person but this one (almost 😉) made me want to go for a hike even if there was no Sasquatch to find.

Also, if you haven’t read any of Elise’s other books I recommend starting with Enemies to Lobsters but don’t stop there! Just binge all her books just like I’m doing right now! 🤩🤪

What you’ll find:
💚 Horrible dates
💚 The bet
💚 Squatch watching
💚 Small town quirks
💚 Nicknames
💚 Meddling friends and family

If you love romcoms then this one is for you!

[Nicole | Nicole's Bookstagram · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been wanting to read one of Elsie’s books for a while now. My book besties are huge fans so my expectations were high going in. Let me tell you, Forest Proximity did not disappoint. I was laughing by page two and the laughs just kept coming. Elsie’s humor is top tier and she will be an auto-buy author for me going forward.

Stevie is fun, quirky, and slightly unhinged. I absolutely loved her! She’s also unapologetically herself and stubborn to a fault. But that’s part of what made her character so delightful and unique.

Adam claims to be awkward but there wasn’t anything awkward about the way he pursued Stevie. He says the sweetest things and I found myself melting a little more each time he opened his mouth. Adam adored Stevie. He was completely smitten with her and found her quirks and oddities endearing, which made me love him even more. Adam’s insistent protectiveness was just icing on the cake.

Stevie and Adam were so cute together. I enjoyed their inner dialogue almost as much as watching them interact. Their uniqueness fit together like a perfect puzzle. I loved their natural chemistry and playful banter. They became one of my new favorite couples.

This book had me grinning from ear to ear, laughing out loud, and shaking my head at the crazy, small town antics. This was such a fun read. Elsie has the best imagination.

I closed this book with a huge smile on my face and immediately added Elsie’s backlist to my TBR. If quirky heroines, green flag heroes, and small-town shenanigans are your thing, do yourself a favor and add this one to your TBR.

✨Includes:✨
Introvert X Extrovert
Secret Dating
He Falls First
Lots Of Banter
Yearning
Quirky Headstrong FMC
Green Flag MMC
Opposites Attract
Protective MMC
Sasquatch
Forced Proximity
Lovable Side Characters
Nicknames
Small Town Shenanigans
Bet Between Friends
Quirky, Over The Top Humor That’s Delightfully Unpredictable
Closed Door
Dual POV


💕Favorites:💕
Carrot cake
Shirtless Adam
Butterballsy!
I am Bigfoot
Queen of the Forest + daisy crowns
Adam’s sister Ruth
Hilarious bad dates
Hypothetical dates + 1 yr anniversary
Kisses + secret boyfriend
First date + geriatric dinner train
Stevie’s parents
The cutest confessions
How much Adam adores Stevie
How perfect they are together
She wears his t-shirt
Final committee meeting
The epilogue


Thank you Elise for the gifted ARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Sarah Shelton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh look…another book I won’t be able to get out of my head!!🤩

Stevie and Adam are just romcom perfection. I knew going into this read that I loved Stevie from the first two books in the series, but I grew to appreciate her that much more. Stevie is delightfully unhinged- funny, witty, headstrong and unapologetically herself. While out and about, she thinks she’s spotted Bigfoot & latches onto this truth to roll with. She falls into a silly bet with her best friends & it soon becomes out of control. Stevie has to learn that it’s okay to make mistakes, embrace to the fact people aren’t perfect, loving them & their mess. I saw a lot of myself in her, so I’ll let that statement speak for itself. 🫣🤣

(Shirtless) Adam is an introvert, closer to plants and animals than people, which is exactly how he likes it. That is, until he encounters Stevie in the woods. Once their worlds finally collide, shenanigans ensue. He is SO sweet, present, and wonderfully protective. When he finally shared his feelings with Stevie, woooooo GIRL. He was SO into her. I LOVED IT. He loved her so well and truly showed up when she needed him. I appreciated him for even more when he stood by Stevie through some hard realizations. He got out of his comfort zone for his lil Carrot Cake. I’m obsessed. 🥹

This book has everything I love about Elise’s books. There’s small town craziness, quirky MCs, deeper moments and a whole lotta love. I probably won’t shut up about it for a while, so I’m open to yap about it with anyone.

CW: This is a closed door romcom with kisses only with no language. There’s mention of getting lost on a hike in a storm, a temperamental turkey, and a many accounts of a shirtless man.🤣

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun read! My husband swears Sasquatch is real and I’m always the non-believer. That made reading this book even more fun. I think my favorite parts were when she went on dates with different men and she explained what was wrong with them 🤣 one of the guys is named Chuck and he is a mess. I loved the whole premise of the story and the characters were so much fun. The romance was sweet and simple. If you want a quick, clean rom-com definitely give this one a read!

[Melmo2610 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the funniest stories I have ever read. I giggled throughout and I love Adam and Stevie! A really fun read!

[Tiffany Farrer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoughly enjoyed this book. It made me smile, cringe and laugh out loud. It was a fun, cozy read and I'm glad I decided to pick this book up.

[Dev G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know if I’ve ever had more fun reading a story. I can’t get over it.

The hilarity that is Stevie. Sweet summer child believes in Bigfoot. She’s passionate, caring, adventurous, quirky, and slightly unhinged according to some, but she’s just the best.

Adam is just trying to preserve the forest and its creatures, staying away from people when Stevie bursts into his life bringing her effervescence and mayhem. So. Much. Mayhem.

These two are so perfect together even though they might seem like opposites. Adam with his gentle nature, sincere kindness, and introverted nature. Stevie with her eccentric adventurous spirit who wholeheartedly believes in Bigfoot. Underneath it all, they’re kindred spirits who find where they belong—with each other.

“I’m nowhere near good enough for you, but I’ve never wanted anything more than this. I’ve never wanted anything more than her, I realize. She’s true north.”

Highlights:
🫈Meet cute
🫈Carrot Cake
🫈Misunderstanding
🫈T-shirts
🫈Squatch Watchers
🫈Daisy crown
🫈Crocs
🫈Turkey
🫈Horrible dates

Favorite Quotes:

“Stevie is exasperating and possibly delusional, though. Plus quirky, hilarious, and kind of a knockout in a woodland sprite sort of way.”

“She might be delusional. She might believe in ten-foot-tall bipedal apes. But so help me, I like Stevie Sullivan.”

I don’t know how Elise writes such humorous and quirky scenes, but this one is filled with them. Do yourself a favor and grab this book now!!

Thank you to Elise Haynes for the copy. All opinions are my own.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun romp through the woods this book was!

Stevie is passionate about Sasquatch and even more so when she finds one in her favorite woods. She is quirky, endearing, entertaining, and loves hiking. She has had great examples of good men and is on the ever ending quest to find the perfect man which is turning out to be more difficult than she expected.

Adam is a quiet, giant, wilderness man. He lives and works alone with the Biddeford Land Trust. The town calls him "shirtless Adam" and he is good with being alone.

Elise is the queen of EPIC meet cutes. Stevie and Adam are no exception. They end up in a whirlwind of hilarious encounters, and misunderstandings. These two were so perfect for each other and I loved reading about their story! The friends medling and matchmaking Stevie was entertaining. The bet got a little tedious and out of hand, but it was from a good place. 😂🫈

Dual pov
Forbidden love
Mutual forest lovers
Lots of Sasquatch
Bet
He takes care of her

Remarks •
No spice - just kisses
No language

Favorite things:
Podcast
Ruth's encouragement
Terrible dates
Crocs
Sasquatch shirts

Favorite quotes:
Can’t chew hot ravioli like a man.

I hope I haven’t ruined his chances at having little Shirtless Babies. It would be tragic not to pass on those genes.

Driving past Shirtless Adam on the highway at fifty miles per hour is one thing. It’s like getting a whiff of chocolate chip cookies in the oven. Sitting next to him with those intense eyes and that enveloping cedarwood scent? With that T- shirt? It’s like diving into a pool of warm, melted chocolate, and I am drowning in it.

It’s like the needle on my compass has been spinning for thirty- four years, and it’s finally found north. Is Stevie my north?

“I’m nowhere near good enough for you, but I’ve never wanted anything more than this.” I’ve never wanted anything more than her, I realize. She’s true north.

I want to claim her, but I know I can’t. Good men don’t claim wild things; they observe with respect and appreciation. And sometimes they nip at their lower lips, just a little bit.

[clean.reads.corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I can't wait to tell everyone I know about this legendary night and both of my mythical creature sightings: Sasquatch and Shirtless Adam. I should start a podcast."

This author's humor, wit, and ability to craft characters and stories that captivate me and stay with me has me continually reaching for her books and carving out a place for them on my shelf of favorites.

This latest book is no exception. Full of humor, wit, memorable and quirky characters, and a romance that will melt your heart.

Fair warning, reading this book is a fully immersive experience. You will swoon, sigh, laugh out loud repeatedly, read way past bedtime, and want to ignore any and all responsibilities until you finish. (And then you'll want to immediately pick it back up and re-read it again!) If you haven't read this author before, be prepared to experience the overwhelming desire to dive into her backlist and read everything she's ever written, you won't be sorry!

Favorite quotes:

"What does Adam do in his downtime? I can't picture him scrolling social media. Does he bench-press downed trees? Oh gosh, I hope so."

"This is me losing my mind over a woman who has already lost her mind, a fact that only came to me as I watched her drive away."

"Spending time with Stevie feels like hanging on to a shooting star-always fiery and way too short-lived. I'm left full of awe, staring after her and hoping for more."

"Adam is peaceful and refreshing, like steady rain on the parched ground of my life. And I've absorbed him greedily."

"Nothing could ever be too much when it comes to you, Stevie Sullivan."

"Perfection is boring. Overrated."

"Being an introvert isn't a disease you need to cure."

"Well, she's my favorite thing in the world, and loving Stevie means I'm all in for all of her, including her harmless delusions."

[sassygirlreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forest Proximity is full of laughs, good friends that only want the best for you, a quirky town and two opposites that when their worlds cross paths you have a perfect romcom!

First, let me start by saying how much I love this series. Now, how much did I love Forest Proximity ... a LOT!!! I adored Stevie with all her wit, humor, and slightly unhinged love of Big Foot. Adam, although more into plants and animals than people, is just the best - his quiet strength, calmness and protectiveness was just what Stevie needs. I loved how he was there for her and how she helped him come out of his shell. They had so many moments that had me laughing out loud. Her sending her group chat about Adam with her friends accidentally to Adam, come on who does that ... Stevie does. They also have some heartfelt conversations and tender moments bringing some realness to the story. Add a wager, lots of bad dates, a town that likes to meddle a little too much, and you have a story that is a must read!!!

Tropes: romantic comedy = quirky small town = mistaken identity = opposites attract = secret dating = forced proximity = he falls first = & sasquatch

My favorite things:
= Stevie's love of Big Foot
= Adam's protectiveness
= The nicknames
= Butterballsy
= "I like you"
= The first kiss
= Geriatric dinner train
= Diner wager board
= Watching for bunnies
= Town hall meetings
= How good Stevie & Adam are together

Favorite quotes:
"Spending time with Stevie feels like hanging onto a shooting star - always fiery and way too short-lived. I'm left full of awe, staring after her and hoping for more."
"The best way to describe Adam is cozy ... He is peaceful and refreshing, like steady rain on the parched ground of my life."

Happy reading!

[Kelsey | kelseys.booknook · Rating 4 out of 5]

🧡 It was so good to be back reading another one of Elise’s books. One thing I can always count on is laughing out loud and I just love that about her stories.

🫈 Also, before I even started reading, the title and blurb had me SO intrigued. My dad is a huge Bigfoot fan.He’s in several Facebook groups dedicated to Bigfoot, and every year we make sure to get him some kind of Bigfoot themed gift. His Bigfoot coffee mug is basically one of his prized possessions. So naturally, I cannot wait to tell him all about this book. Let’s see if I can get him to read a rom-com.

💖 We finally got Stevie’s story, and I was so excited for it! Stevie is the kind of best friend everyone wishes they had, and I was counting down the days to see who she’d end up with. Adam was such a sweet surprise. Tall, quiet, and full of heart. 🫶🏻 We LOVE a kind man 🙌🏼

🔥Their chemistry was sizzling from start to finish , but what I loved most was how naturally they understood each other. There’s something so beautiful about finding someone who fits you even with all your quirks and imperfections. Stevie’s dad said it best.

😂 This book had me laughing out loud more than once , and the town was EXTRA meddling this time around. Seriously, if I could have had a word with some of those townspeople, I would’ve given them a piece of my mind. But their antics did add so much humor to the story. Also I won’t get into the turkey but I have been chased many a times by one…

☀️ Overall, this was such a fun, feel good read and the perfect book to toss in your beach bag this summer.

Thank you to Elise for the gifted copy!

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Rumors of Cape Georgeana series and while it can be read as a standalone, you are going to want to read the full series as the characters crossover.

This book is hilarious! I started laughing out loud on the first page and kept it up throughout the book. There are just so many great moments and nuggets in this book! (Chapter 12! I'm seriously dying!! 😂) Elise Haynes is an amazing writer!

Adam and Stevie are the best! It really makes you wish that they were real so that you could be friends with them. Adam is the perfect shy, often times awkward, introvert and Stevie is the perfect amount of quirky. I loved their banter, the nicknames, and how their relationship progressed.

Make sure you check this book out - you'll thank me later!

I received an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Quotes (many you'll have to read the book to get/understand):
"It's fun having a deranged group of strangers in my corner."

"The kids and me visiting their mom in the asylum."

"There is no world where there's an adequate explanation for the Crocs headlights..."

"Perfection is boring. Overrated."

"Being an introvert isn't a disease you need to cure."

"It's possible to love people despite their imperfections. It's not only possible, but necessary...No matter who you're with, there will come a time when things aren't ideal. But if you're lucky you'll find someone who is perfect for you."

[Cadence · Rating 5 out of 5]

- 1st Person, Dual POV
- Romantic Comedy
- Kisses Only Romance
- Book 3 - Rumors of Cape Georgeana

Elise has very quickly become one of my top must read authors. I love her writing style, humor, relatable and quirky characters, and her beautiful imagination.

I devoured every word of Forest Proximity as quickly as I could, just like I did in the first two books of this series. I seriously love this weird, yet completely awesome little town.

I laughed so much while I also fell in love with Stevie and Adam. Stevie has been my top side character in the other stories, so I was extra excited to have her front and center this time. Adam was adorably awkward and his character resonated deep down in my soul. Stevie's parents and Ruth were fantastic and Kevin was still Kevin.

This was such a fun, yet well rounded story full of adorable moments, beautiful banter, and one terrifying attack turkey!

So I guess what I'm saying is that you should pick up this book if you enjoy wonderful writing along with tomfoolery, shenanigans, thanksgiving dinner fighting back, tyrannical toddlers, cryptids, a town that gets weirder in every story, and men with magnificent earlobes.

You will NOT be disappointed with any of the books in this series.


I received an advanced review copy of this book. This review is my honest opinion and thoughts

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

🫑: kisses only
🤬: none


This book is super duper cute! Continuing on in the quirky town of Cape Georgeana was such a fun ride. This book is light hearted and low-angst, making it the perfect feel-good read.

Stevie marches to the beat of her own drum and I love that! She’s spunky, she’s silly, the type of FMC you enjoy reading about. Adam is a tender-hearted, swoony, giant of a man that you love to root for! He is an introvert with a big heart. He spends his days caring for the nature preserve Stevie grew up roaming around in. These two have very different personalities, but they fit so well together.

Like the previous books of this series, the town residents seem determined to meddle. But this time, Stevie is the one on the receiving end of their misguided efforts. She and Adam find themselves in a crazy predicament, with lots of laughs and mishaps along the way.

I really enjoyed this book and hope you love it too! Elise has such a gift with mixing stories and humor together so well.

[Triniti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three words for you: Butterballsy the turkey. 🦃

In all seriousness(ish) this book was so unique and hilarious. There were moments where I was just laughing through the most ridiculous- but honestly believable-circumstances. It's official now that I love Elisa Haynes writing, and will be reading more. I think that Stevie and Adam also have some actual deep-seated issues,  which are explored a bit in the book while the craziness is going on. It's a good balance of lighthearted chaos and character development. 

Adam is a big (and I meant super tall) softie, and Stevie is a small wildfire (his words not mine). And get this-there's NO THIRD ACT BREAKUP. I was over the moon, because this book is the whole package. There is an amazing supporting cast of characters, most of which are pictured in earlier books. Plus there are meddling small town politics, as always.

All that to say, I would 100% recommend this book, and we need a few more bigfoot romances out there, please and thank you. 💚


💋: kisses only, some very mild innuendo

[Robin Henicksman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stevie is an intelligent women who teaches choir and loves spending time in the woods. She also loves to find any reason to look for big foot. On a hike she finds him. Adam is an introvert who loves being alone, taking care of the preserve and is socially awkward (sometimes). When they both meet in the trail and Adam can’t help trying to keep Stevie safe. Adam unbeknownst helps her trying to find more evidence of big foot. Then with a bet between Stevie’s friends and her goes haywire Stevie and Adams grow closer. But will Stevie and Adams grow closer or will big foot get between them? Read to find out! 😀 🫈🫈🫈

Now that I have told about the book here is the gushing: Forest Proximity is one of my favorites. It has cuteness and swooning. Adam will definitely be your new book boyfriend. I was also laughing out loud literally. It also made me want to spend more time hiking. Literally one of the cutest books ever!!! 🫈

[Shauna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Brief: Stevie caught a video showing a Sasquatch is looming in her favorite forest. Her friends bet her that they could find the perfect man before she finds her real Bigfoot.

The Debrief: @elisehaynesbooks continues to bring smiles to my eyes with every story. Stevie was a bit dramatic and fooling herself that she wasn’t intrigued by Adam. I was totally intrigued. Tall dark and handsome yet so vulnerable. Big fan.

And this quirky town was all wrapped up in the bet and everyone’s business. Hilarious! So many great characters and small town shenanigans. Past characters make this more fun, but this can totally be read alone. Witty. Heartwarming. Swoony. That’s a winning combo folks.

The Rhyme: Stevie might have found something in the forest that has her proof of a Sasquatch believably set. Will she also find her heart walking within its woodlands or will she choose to win the town’s bet?

Highly recommend this series. My own thoughts. Rounding up!

[Chelsea Rapoza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was impatiently waiting for this ARC to hit my mailbox, and it finally arrived. Naturally, I flew through it way too fast and now I just need more Adam and Stevie in my life.

You all know I love an Elise Haynes book (Enemies to Lobsters and Bacon Pancakes were favorites), and this third installment following the Cape Georgiana friend group did not disappoint.

Stevie absolutely stole my heart. I loved her frantic energy, sharp wit, and slightly unhinged tendencies—which, honestly, felt very relatable. You never quite knew what was going to come out of her mouth next, and I was here for all of it.

And then there’s Adam… sweet, sweet Adam. His gruff exterior hiding the ultimate cinnamon-roll center? Perfection. I fell for him immediately.

This book had me cackling (the ghillie suit and Crocs scene—IYKYK), tearing up, and smiling from beginning to end.

If you’re looking for a romance to add to your summer reading list, I highly recommend Forest Proximity. 🌲✨📚

[Regency_Fan_ Michelle RegencyFanMichelleAndMore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one gets all the stars from me.

Stevie Sullivan makes a bet with her friends that she can prove Sasquatch exists before they can find her the perfect man. Obviously, both sides spiral in the best possible way, and the whole town gets pulled into the chaos. Add in Adam Sandoval, a reclusive forest ranger who just wants peace and absolutely does not want to be mistaken for Bigfoot, and you’ve got one hilarious, swoony mess of a summer.

I had so much fun with this book. I laughed out loud, smiled until my cheeks hurt, and yes, there were plenty of swoony moments too. Stevie is chaos in the best way, and Adam is that quiet, broody hero who doesn’t stand a chance against her energy.

I also loved the town and the full cast of characters. Seeing familiar faces and previous couples made it feel even more like coming home to a place I didn’t want to leave.

A few favorite moments had me absolutely cracking up, especially anything involving “shirtless Adam” and Stevie confidently losing her mind in public.

One line that stuck with me (from Adam) was:
“This is me losing my mind over a woman who has already lost her mind…”

Perfectly said.

This is the kind of book you finish and immediately want to reread just to catch everything you missed while laughing the first time. And then you want to talk about it with someone right away.

Highly recommend if you love small town romcoms with humor, heart, and a little bit of wilderness chaos.

[Jessica Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute contemporary rom-com. I didn’t love it nearly as much as book 2, but still found it humorous and mostly engaging.

I enjoyed the first half more than the second, where I started to get a tad bored. There’s only so much Bigfoot one can take, and the FMC is outrageously stubborn and over the top. I also felt the relationship lacked in depth. I liked having the dual POV with Adam (it’s definitely necessary in this one), but both of them seemed superficial in their attraction and feelings, and the “love” happens with little to back it up.

That said, this is a rom-com and it fulfills its primary purpose. It’s light and humorous, and it entertained. The writing has a nice flow and the plot is different. I suspect I would have liked it more if the last one hadn’t been so good and raised my expectations.

Content:
There is no foul language, sex, or violence. The romance is limited to minor ogling and lightly descriptive kisses. There is no real mention of faith or God.

[Katrinalee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished it and my first impressions are :

Perfection! Elise is an amazing author. I love a book I can get immersed in without my pesky editor brain interrupting the experience. This is it. No notes!

This book is the perfect balance of everything. Shy, socially-uncomfortable Adam is melt-worthy. Willing to be brave to get the girl, but most of what he does just comes naturally. Stevie Saoirse Sullivan (such a great name), also known as Carrot Cake, is just the right amount of wacko. (I'll tell you I have a low tolerance for crazy FMCs and Stevie is just fine.) She's smart, clever, and adventurous. My kind of girl. I love them both.

I loved the forest being a major setting of the story. We get plenty of on-page time with Ike & Diana and August & Marlow. Lots of laughs and swoon. It's all just a lot of fun!

[Cherilyn (Cherwhatyouread) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh! This book was gold! I loved Stevie in the other books in this series, so I was super excited to read her story. Stevie finding Bigfoot to her podcast to (shirtless) Adam, this book had me laughing the entire time.

Stevie has a bet going with her friends that she can prove that she found Bigfoot before they can find her a boyfriend. Only problem, Bigfoot is harder to find again and her feelings for Adam. Pretending not to date Adam in order to find Bigfoot first may be more than Stevie bargained for. Adam just wants to date Stevie and not be mistaken for Sasquatch again.

Favorite parts:
-the money pot for the bet
-Adam with the Bigfoot shirt
-the Segway incident
-Butterballsy interactions
-the trail cameras
-Adam’s sister- all her phone calls/visit
-Adam’s nickname for Stevie
-that train date

Favorite Quotes
They aren’t going to find the mythical Good Enough man, but I can find a sasquatch again. Plus, it’ll be fun to prove I’m right. I need to start that podcast. I already have a catchy premise: Can Stevie Sullivan find a sasquatch before her friends find a Good Enough man?

I’ve never wanted anything more than her, I realize. She’s true north.

“Nothing could ever be too much when it comes to you, Stevie Sullivan.”

Adam might not be perfect, but it’s very likely that he’s perfect for me.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a lighthearted romcom that will keep you smiling from beginning to end, this one is worth picking up. 🤍

This story had me laughing out loud more than once, and I loved how fun and easy it was to read. It was the perfect mix of humor, heart, and charming character moments.

And can we talk about the nickname Carrot Cake? 🥹 It might be one of the cutest nicknames I’ve come across in a romance.
Adam completely stole the show for me. Between his protective streak and the way he cared for the people around him, he was impossible not to love. ✨

Overall, this was such a fun, feel-good read that left me with a smile on my face.

✨Small Town
🤍Opposites Attract
✨Hermit MMC
🤍Secret Dating
✨He Falls First
🤍Mistaken Identity🫈

🤬: None
🌶️: Kisses Only
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

[Charity - cleanreads_messyhouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking for a book that will keep you up until 1 am reading because it's so ridiculously swoony? Read this one. I could not put it down. If you like green flag MMCs, you're going to LOVE Adam and Stevie is the perfect mix of chaos and PURE sunshine. I won't spoil the absolute unhinged hilarity of this one but I'll let you know it definitely involves Bigfoot. 😉 FIVE STARS. This one might be my favorite of the series, but I say that every time. Elise Haynes just keeps outdoing herself.

spice: none, kissing only, shirtless man
language: nonee

tropes: forced proximity, secret relationship, small town weirdos, dual pov, green flag mmc
read if you like: unhinged humor, the greenest flag mmcs, small town chaos and characters

[Megan | Reads Alotl Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been anticipating this book and in true Elise fashion, it was hysterical, sweet and soul-searching.
No one is good enough for Stevie, and now, the town is betting on whether she can find Bigfoot before they find her a man. It is absolutely diabolical. Her friends have pushed her far enough that she is determined to win. Adam is the only one who will help her find her bigfoot, but he’s got his own secrets.

Adam and Stevie’s friendship is so odd but absolutely perfect. He falls fast for her and it’s such a fun sweet and secret relationship. You need to get to know him and Butterballsy…

Things I Loved:
Shirtless Adam
Friend Group
Butterballsy
Ruth
Carrot Cake
How unhinged they are
Their playfulness
The Town Bet
Daisy Crowns
How adorable they are

[Kara Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, I was craving a new book by Elise, and of course, it did not disappoint! I had no idea how she would include Bigfoot 🫈 in this story, but I LOVED what she did with it. Stevie is one of Elise’s most unhinged characters, and I enjoyed every minute of her. Adam also won my heart from the moment I met him.

I laughed out loud and found myself smiling as I read. The romance was top-notch, and I’m so thankful that Elise gave me the chance to read and review this book! She’s an auto-buy author for me, and I really hope that if you haven’t read any of her books yet, you’ll give them a try💚💚.

“Yes, she is adorable when she does karate, but she has more than a few screws loose.”

🌲Romcom
🫈Book 3 in Series/Can Standalone
🌲Closed Door
🫈 No Swearing
🌲CW: Nothing Major

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic book by Elise Haynes. I know I am in for some hilarious situations and great characters when I pick up one of her books.
Stevie is an interesting character. She is spunky, loves nature and believes in Bigfoot. She also has a really high bar and doesn't think anyone can live up to her Dad or brothers.
Adam is an introvert. He loves nature and gets overheated quickly, which leads to the nickname Shirtless Adam from the townspeople.
The chemistry is great. The situations are hilarious. The townspeople are as meddlesome as always. A super fun book.