Out of the Woods

The Mountains Are Calling #3

by Madison Wright

A small-town backcountry hiking guide and a travel nurse become reluctant roommates and fight their growing connection before his contract—and their time together—comes to an end in this cozy, slow-burn, small town romance.

• backcountry hiking guide x travel nurse
• forced proximity/roommates
• slow burn, cozy romance
• found family
• small mountain town
• closed door
• fall in the mountains

Stevie Lynch has never wanted to leave Fontana Ridge.

The Smoky Mountains are her home, her livelihood, and the one place she’s always felt steady. Guiding backcountry tours is the only thing she’s completely sure of, even if the rest of her life feels a little less certain. The last thing she needs is her routine disrupted, especially by a temporary roommate.

Jack Sullivan doesn’t stay anywhere long.

As a travel nurse, he moves from contract to contract, keeping his life simple and uncomplicated. It works for him. No roots. No expectations. No reason to get attached. But when a housing mix-up lands him renting a room in Stevie’s house, simple suddenly feels a lot more complicated.

Living together was never part of the plan.

Between early mornings, shared dinners, and long conversations after work, what begins as convenience slowly turns into friendship and something much harder to ignore. The more time they spend under the same roof, the more their carefully guarded boundaries begin to blur.

Jack has an end date.
Stevie has never wanted to leave.

But sometimes the best paths aren’t the ones you map out—they’re the ones you find when you least expect it.

Genres: Romance

Paperback

Published May 15, 2026

About the author

Madison Wright is a hopeless romantic living her own happily ever after in Nashville. After falling in love with reading at a young age, she always dreamed of becoming an author. She writes romances that feel cozy and always feature a happily-ever-after.

She's a big fan of sunshine, pastries, and any book with a love story. When she's not reading or writing, she can be found exploring her city with her husband and dog.

To keep up to date, follow on socials @authormadisonwright, join her newsletter, or go to her website www.authormadisonwright.com.

Reviews

[Gosia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an easy and quick read!

I liked how they slowly progressed in their relation, it was the opposite of insta-love or lust. From strangers to roommates to then friends and finally to love but quite far in the plot (just a heads up ;)). It was refreshing and very mature for both of them to “follow the order of things”. Even when they felt the pull, then didn’t go for the fling type of relationship but stayed friends, were there for each other, then dealt with their respective “obstacles” (let’s call it that) and only THEN went for relationship.

What is an equivalent of coming of age but when you’re 30? Finding yourself? Re-finding yourself?
Both Stevie and Jack had their own things to deal with. Jack needed to deal with grief and being able to stop running and coming back to his hometown, and Stevie needed to learn how to not be needed and not to help others (even loved ones) constantly while forgetting about her own needs.

While the story touches tough(er)
themes, it was still rather easy and light read for me. There are moments hitting you in the feels but it’s not overwhelming for the whole of reading time.

It’s nothing spicy! Closed door/maybe a bit of fade to black. Most of the books I read are spicy but I liked that this one had zero such content, it wasn’t needed here ;).

I only read this book, I didn’t know it’s part of the series, but I can confirm it 100% works as a standalone.

Overall it was a wholesome and cute romance with some pretty realistic life situations (mainly all the family stuff).

Bonus points for lack of forced nicknames.
Extra bonus points for the not-Jack bit. It made giggle each time Stevie called Jack some other J-name.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for eARC.

~~couple of my highlights~~
“You have a tendency to give more of yourself than is good for you”

“I’ve always fancied myself independent, in need of no one. And there have been plenty of times when that’s felt lonely, especially more frequently in the last few months and years. But I’ve never truly felt alone. Until now. It’s frightening.”

“I think I’d go for a hike.”
“Don’t you do that for work?”
“But I never get to do it for fun anymore. I used to hike all the time, but I don’t know the last time I went out for fun.”
“Then let’s go for a hike.”

ok I believe I have more but apparently my kindle app didn’t sync properly

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute gem. Out of the Woods is the coziest romance I've read in ages.

Jack and Stevie's story can only be described as a warm hug. They are truly two of the most tender hearted characters, both going through so much in an attempt to figure out who they are and who they want to become.

I loved every second of their story and can't recommend it enough.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the advanced reader's copy.

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stevie ama la tranquilidad de vivir sola en medio del bosque, hasta que una tormenta destruye su casa, la cual construyó con sus propias manos y se ve obligada a aceptar ayuda cuando menos quiere hacerlo. Con una conmoción, demasiadas responsabilidades familiares sobre los hombros y ningún lugar al que ir, termina compartiendo una cabaña con Jack, el enfermero que la atendió en el hospital y el mismo hombre que parece decidido a meterse bajo su piel.

Jack está acostumbrado a irse antes de encariñarse con cualquier lugar o persona, pero Fontana Ridge empieza a sentirse como un hogar desde que Stevie apareció empapada en su puerta una noche de tormenta. Ella es reservada, terca y experta en fingir que puede con todo ella sola.

Mientras el otoño cubre las montañas y la convivencia los obliga a acercarse más de lo esperado, Stevie comienza a darse cuenta de que algunas personas pueden convertirse en hogar cuando todo lo demás parece derrumbarse. Pero abrirle espacio a alguien también significa enfrentar heridas que llevan años

Entre lluvias, montañas, noches de películas, bailes a media noche y secretos que ninguno quiere admitir en voz alta, ambos descubren que hay conexiones imposibles de ignorar.
_________


Es un romance slow burn, así que sean pacientes. Tanto como Stevie como Jack no quieren enamorarse (cada uno por diferentes situaciones) por lo que intentan mantener su relación en amistad aunque les es imposible no enamorarse.


Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Ecem Esen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out of the Woods was such a cozy and comforting small-town romance. The story has a really quiet, heartfelt feel to it, and I ended up getting completely invested in Stevie and Jack’s relationship.

I loved the Smoky Mountain setting and the slower pace of the romance. The forced proximity/roommates trope worked really well here because their connection developed naturally through shared routines, conversations, and everyday moments instead of instant attraction taking over the story. It made their relationship feel genuine and believable.

Stevie and Jack balanced each other nicely too. Stevie’s attachment to her hometown and stable life contrasted well with Jack’s temporary lifestyle as a travel nurse, and that underlying tension added emotional weight to the romance. I especially liked how both characters felt mature and grounded, with realistic fears and priorities.

The found family and small-town aspects added a lot of warmth to the story, and the closed-door romance still managed to feel emotional and satisfying without needing explicit scenes.

Overall, this was a sweet, slow-burn romance with strong emotional depth, lovable characters, and a beautiful mountain-town atmosphere. If you enjoy cozy romances with forced proximity, emotional slow burns, and characters finding home in unexpected places, this is definitely worth reading.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Pam Fitzsimmons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stevie Lynch is a hiking guide in the town she has lived in her whole life. She once dreamed of a life of traveling and discovering new places but found herself staying home to help her family and never left. Jack is a traveling nurse who spends his life constantly moving to different places for work and never returning to the place he grew up. The two meet when a storm causes them to cross paths first at the hospital and again when they become unexpected roommates. They bond and form a friendship that could be more.

This was an adorable book and my first by Madison Wright. I've seen her books all over but never had a chance to read one. I loved the slow burn connection between Stevie and Jack. They both help each other in so many ways. This is a closed door romance, so perfect for fans of that! Definite must read and now I feel like I want to go back and read the earlier books in the series. The characters reoccur in this one (although it can be read completely as a stand alone!)

[Maria | Marias Book Recs · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Out of the Woods” by Madison Wright 💚

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I love everything Madison Wright writes!!!! and this Fontana Ridge series has been so neat and dear to me I’m so sad to see it end, but I am left so happy, warm, cozy, and in love with this cozy town and all its beautiful people 🥹

stevie and jack are so incredibly perfect for one another!!! I just love their chemistry and banter and their sweet, tender love for one another. it’s so special seeing them grow close to each other in ways no one else ever has and being able to see and love each other in the best way the other needs. and of course this story is hilarious!!! the deep, tender moments are perfectly matched by the wit and humor, it’s just the most perfect romcom!!!

I just love Fontana Ridge and I was so happy to see all my favorite characters again in this last one, seeing them all live their happily ever after warmed my heart like nothing else. I have loved this series so much and hope everyone reads them and falls in love with them too 🥹🫶

[ertisakalaci · Rating 4 out of 5]

- - 𝐎𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐬 𝐛𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭
𝑇𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑠:
✰ 𝑠𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑡𝑜𝑤𝑛
✰ 𝑟𝑜𝑜𝑚𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑠
✰ 𝑐𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑒 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑥𝑖𝑚𝑖𝑡𝑦
✰ 𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑤𝑏𝑢𝑟𝑛

This book was such a breath of fresh air! We don’t get slowburn that often anymore but Madison Wright keeps delivering it to us.

This was a fun and sweet read. I loved the progression from strangers to friends and then lovers between the two main characters Stevie and Jack.
As of the characters, they are both so lovely and easy to fall for. You couldn’t help but want the best for them. Especially I saw parts of myself in Stevie’s journey and that’s always special.

Overall I highly recommend. It’s a delight among the small town romance genre!

*arc kindly provided in exchange of an honest review

[LP · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.

This was just as lovely as the others in this series. Stevie showed real growth throughout the story, and she and Jack were perfect for each other. I loved how she called him a different "J" name every time she saw him - that was really funny. It's a slow burn, friends to lovers story, with the "lovers' part completely off page. If you're looking for spice, this is not for you. If you're looking for a beautifully written story, you must read this (and the whole series!). Fontana Ridge, you've captured my heart.

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

A deliciously cosy, slow burn romance set in a small mountain town. Stevie and Jack are two lost souls who end up as non-planned room mates and we follow their relationship as they help each other find themselves, and hopefully each other.

I enjoyed watching their friendship grow, how they settled into day to day life with each other. It was also lovely to have both POV's. I felt for both of them and their own struggles.

The book feels like a nice cup of tea and cosy place to read.

Thank you for the ARC. I will have to read the rest now as it's only upon completing this one did I realize it was part of a series!

[Jenah Riggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

♾️ stars. Instead of a soulmate, this is my soul book. I felt so deeply connected to Stevie (fmc) in a way that so rarely happens for me with book characters. There is so much beauty in this story; small town charm, the outdoors & nature, friendships, grief, family relationships, and finding the people who really truly see you. I’ll never get over this book and how it made me feel. It’s easily the most emotional I’ve ever gotten over a book and I can also easily see this being my top read of 2026.

[Tinaj Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written in First Person
Dual POV
Small Town Romance
Friends to Lovers
Available on Kindle Unlimited

Book 3 of The Mountains Are Calling series but can be read as a stand alone.

I quickly fell in love with Stevie and Jack! Their story had me wishing I could put life on hold until I finished their story. Stevie is a back country hiking guide for her Uncle’s company in North Carolina. Jack is a traveling nurse. I loved the banter between them. Both Stevie and Jack are stuck in life and find themselves on a journey to move forward. This is a closed door HEA.

[Bethany C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love love loved this!!!!! Forced proximity, roommates, friends to lovers, slow burn, literally everything I could want in a romance!!!!! The pacing of this book was so well done and I loved the family dynamics explored as well as the emotional depth in both characters. I didn’t want to put it down!!! I also loved that the mmc was a travel nurse! It reminded me of just for the summer and I just love a doctor/nurse in a book! A new fave by Madison for sure

Thank you to Netgalley and heartbreaker pr for the arc!!!

[Jen Deezy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Madison Wright just doesn't miss & this one is well worth the wait for Stevie's story! If you have ever dreamed of living in the woods (bonus points if you've dreamt of living in an airstream) this book is for you!! Acauaintances to roommates to more - it is so perfect how the transition happens & it was so lovely to fall in love with both of them :) highly recommended if you like slow burn closed door romance - this one was wonderful & had so much growth for our two main characters too! Adored it!

Huge thanks to Netgalley for the arc - all thoughts & opinions are my own.

[Jasmine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reviewed through NetGalley

I enjoyed the pacing of the book, with the characters
This can be enjoyed as a stand alone - but the pace and character building was good
Also, I felt the idea of cabin and the setting was beautiful

BUT:

I did feel as if it was a cosy romance, I did not get 'hooked' but I did enjoy the characters
I loved the fact he was a male nurse - but also appreciated her benefits

It did not 'wow' me, but definitely enjoyed picking it up

[Madeline Gill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet romance read, Stevie and Jack meeting first in a hospital room and then their relationship developing into what is first a beautiful friendship and then into more. It was amazing to read and made me happy.

I loved the importance of mental health in this book and the support Stevie and Jack give each other. I also loved Jack’s insistence to be there for Stevie in whatever way he could.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved that Jack was a nurse and I thought the cabin / forced proximity situation was cute. It was a slooooooow burn though… a bit too slow in my opinion and a bit repetitive. Not a ton happened. I didn’t feel like I was excited to keep turning the pages. I thought the drama with Stevie’s parents also felt a bit contrived so it didn’t add to her emotional depth in the way I wanted. Overall, it was fine, but rather forgettable IMO.

[McKenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

NOTHING could have prepared me for one last trip to Fontana Ridge😭

Stevie and Jack were EVERYTHING I could’ve wanted and more. The banter, the stolen glances, the TENSION— I was absolutely obsessed with them!!!

I loved getting little glimpses of Wren&Holden and Finley&Grey, I’ve missed them so very much🥹

OOTW is a gut punch in the best way. You won’t regret reading it.

[Emily Arriola · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Out Of The Woods! This felt like such a cozy read and I loved every minute of it! I loved Jack and Stevie so much and how they were able to grow separately to be the best they could for each other!

Thank you to Madison Wright and Victory Editing for this ARC! All opinions are my own.

[Madison Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

now on netgalley!

[Juliana Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

spectacular give me 14 of em