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Bluebird Basin
Under the Milky Way: A Bluebird Basin Novella
They came for solitude and found each other instead.
After her son leaves for college and her empty nest feels more like an abandoned tomb, single mom Hannah James escapes to a remote cabin in Balsam Ridge, Montana, hoping solitude, stargazing, and small-town quiet will help her learn how to be alone again. What she doesn’t expect? A gorgeous stranger at her cabin door wearing only a towel.
Single dad Darryn Madigan has been retreating to Balsam Ridge every Labor Day weekend for years after visiting his brother Matthew in Red Falls. He’s there to unplug, reset, and enjoy the peace of an off-grid mountain town. But everything changes when Hannah shows up with heartbreak in her honey-brown eyes, claiming the cabin is supposed to be hers.
When Darryn gives Hannah a very good reason to stay, a vacation gone wrong turns into a steamy, serendipitous connection neither of them planned. But when real life comes calling, they’ll discover that making one perfect weekend last forever takes more than chemistry. It takes courage, honesty, and a little long-distance help all the way from Bluebird Basin.
A steamy, later-in-life, forced proximity, double-booking romance novella perfect for readers who love small-town romance, strangers-to-lovers, cozy settings, over 40 love stories, and adorable dogs.
After her son leaves for college and her empty nest feels more like an abandoned tomb, single mom Hannah James escapes to a remote cabin in Balsam Ridge, Montana, hoping solitude, stargazing, and small-town quiet will help her learn how to be alone again. What she doesn’t expect? A gorgeous stranger at her cabin door wearing only a towel.
Single dad Darryn Madigan has been retreating to Balsam Ridge every Labor Day weekend for years after visiting his brother Matthew in Red Falls. He’s there to unplug, reset, and enjoy the peace of an off-grid mountain town. But everything changes when Hannah shows up with heartbreak in her honey-brown eyes, claiming the cabin is supposed to be hers.
When Darryn gives Hannah a very good reason to stay, a vacation gone wrong turns into a steamy, serendipitous connection neither of them planned. But when real life comes calling, they’ll discover that making one perfect weekend last forever takes more than chemistry. It takes courage, honesty, and a little long-distance help all the way from Bluebird Basin.
A steamy, later-in-life, forced proximity, double-booking romance novella perfect for readers who love small-town romance, strangers-to-lovers, cozy settings, over 40 love stories, and adorable dogs.
154 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 14, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 15, 2026
Idiot that I am, I didn't realise this was the same story that was already in the anthology. Well, almost the same. So I was a bit disappointed. 3.5 stars.
April 19, 2026
This was beautiful. And so nice to revisit this world and its characters who are all just so lovable. Nice to have a shorter novella thrown in the mix. This one brought me to tears and made me laugh and feel, just like all the others. The parts about Hannah processing her son leaving for college were heartbreaking. The parts about Darryn being soft and gentle with her were healing. I absolutely love the older characters who have dialogue and behavior in accordance to their age, with full ranges of emotions, sexuality, and experiences.
*******
He was so slow and careful. And I let myself sink into the luxury of being caressed by someone because they thought I was soft. Because they wanted to touch me when it had been a very long time since anyone else had. So many years since I’d been explored by curious hands like this. I’d almost forgotten how this kind of attention could feel, the significance of lazy fingers trailing over my skin, mapping my curves, learning my shape. The sense that my body could be a place to spend time, something to appreciate, to savor. A cathedral instead of a drive-through. p. 25
I was watching the French toast, but she was watching me. Silently. Shit, maybe it was weird that I cleaned her shoes. Sometimes I went a little too hard on the choreplay. p. 36
He looked at the card, then up at me, then back to the card and read, “In three words or less, what do other people think you’re like? What do you think you’re like? And what are you really like?” p. 75
Spreading my legs apart, flattening onto his belly between them, he said, “You didn’t let me do this before.” He stared between my thighs the way he had our first time together, focused and ravenous. “Can I do it now?” “Yes,” I said while he parted me with his thumbs. “Please.” He hummed, and when he hoisted my hips into the air and licked me, his flat, warm tongue sliding from my perineum all the way to my clit, I fell back onto the bed. It shouldn’t have surprised me that he’d be good at this. He was good at everything. And I don’t know if it was because he knew I was sore, but no man had ever been so soft with me, so slow and patient and sweet. I was being adored, savored, and despite his careful pace, or maybe because of it, I was close before I wanted to be. p. 94
And it felt like we were saying more to each other, admitting more. But then we grew quiet, focused, and I let myself drown in him until his fingers between my legs pushed me back up to the surface. Until I whispered his name as I fractured into a thousand particles of heat and light, a new constellation only he could see. p. 109
“Too good,” he gritted out. “Gotta stop.” Backing out of my mouth, he helped me up to my feet. “I want to be inside you when I come.” I nodded, and he picked me up and carried me to the bed. When he climbed on top of me and tried to settle between my legs, I rolled him over. I needed to be on top tonight. I needed to set the pace. I needed to see his eyes closing and hear his sigh as I held him in place and slid down onto him. “Fuck,” he grunted, digging his fingers into my ass while I started to move. “You’re so good to me.” p. 135
I placed my hand over his heart, which thundered under my palm. This wasn’t going like it had gone in my head. “I am in love with you.” I kissed him softly, sliding up and down his shaft once, twice, punctuating each roll of my hips with “madly, deeply, unbearably in love with you.” Bracing himself with one hand on the bed, he slid the other behind my back, holding me in place as he rocked up into me again, making my eyelids flutter. “I love you too. But what are you trying to say?” This was it. This was where I risked it all. “I want more, Darryn. I want more than weekends with you. I want morning coffee and grocery shopping and doing laundry and cooking dinner. I want long walks and short drives and reading in silence beside you with Joey curled up in my lap. I want to wake up next to you every morning and fall asleep next to you every night. I want to pay bills together and do our taxes and get oil changes and shovel the snow on our sidewalk. I love our adventures, so much. But I want boring too. I want boring, mundane, everyday life with you.” p. 137
*******
He was so slow and careful. And I let myself sink into the luxury of being caressed by someone because they thought I was soft. Because they wanted to touch me when it had been a very long time since anyone else had. So many years since I’d been explored by curious hands like this. I’d almost forgotten how this kind of attention could feel, the significance of lazy fingers trailing over my skin, mapping my curves, learning my shape. The sense that my body could be a place to spend time, something to appreciate, to savor. A cathedral instead of a drive-through. p. 25
I was watching the French toast, but she was watching me. Silently. Shit, maybe it was weird that I cleaned her shoes. Sometimes I went a little too hard on the choreplay. p. 36
He looked at the card, then up at me, then back to the card and read, “In three words or less, what do other people think you’re like? What do you think you’re like? And what are you really like?” p. 75
Spreading my legs apart, flattening onto his belly between them, he said, “You didn’t let me do this before.” He stared between my thighs the way he had our first time together, focused and ravenous. “Can I do it now?” “Yes,” I said while he parted me with his thumbs. “Please.” He hummed, and when he hoisted my hips into the air and licked me, his flat, warm tongue sliding from my perineum all the way to my clit, I fell back onto the bed. It shouldn’t have surprised me that he’d be good at this. He was good at everything. And I don’t know if it was because he knew I was sore, but no man had ever been so soft with me, so slow and patient and sweet. I was being adored, savored, and despite his careful pace, or maybe because of it, I was close before I wanted to be. p. 94
And it felt like we were saying more to each other, admitting more. But then we grew quiet, focused, and I let myself drown in him until his fingers between my legs pushed me back up to the surface. Until I whispered his name as I fractured into a thousand particles of heat and light, a new constellation only he could see. p. 109
“Too good,” he gritted out. “Gotta stop.” Backing out of my mouth, he helped me up to my feet. “I want to be inside you when I come.” I nodded, and he picked me up and carried me to the bed. When he climbed on top of me and tried to settle between my legs, I rolled him over. I needed to be on top tonight. I needed to set the pace. I needed to see his eyes closing and hear his sigh as I held him in place and slid down onto him. “Fuck,” he grunted, digging his fingers into my ass while I started to move. “You’re so good to me.” p. 135
I placed my hand over his heart, which thundered under my palm. This wasn’t going like it had gone in my head. “I am in love with you.” I kissed him softly, sliding up and down his shaft once, twice, punctuating each roll of my hips with “madly, deeply, unbearably in love with you.” Bracing himself with one hand on the bed, he slid the other behind my back, holding me in place as he rocked up into me again, making my eyelids flutter. “I love you too. But what are you trying to say?” This was it. This was where I risked it all. “I want more, Darryn. I want more than weekends with you. I want morning coffee and grocery shopping and doing laundry and cooking dinner. I want long walks and short drives and reading in silence beside you with Joey curled up in my lap. I want to wake up next to you every morning and fall asleep next to you every night. I want to pay bills together and do our taxes and get oil changes and shovel the snow on our sidewalk. I love our adventures, so much. But I want boring too. I want boring, mundane, everyday life with you.” p. 137
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2026
The characters in this novella are exceptionally well-developed, showcasing a blend of wit, humor, emotional depth, and relatability that draws readers into their world. Darryn Madigan stands out as a beautifully crafted character whose charm lies in his ability to infuse humor into even the most challenging situations. His emotional realism is palpable, making it easy for readers to connect with his caring nature and the complexities of his personality. Darryn's journey resonates with anyone who has ever faced personal struggles while trying to maintain a lighthearted outlook on life.
Hannah James, on the other hand, is equally captivating. She embodies a blend of humor and realism that makes her journey not only entertaining but also deeply relatable. Her ability to evoke laughter from readers while navigating her emotional landscape creates a genuine connection. As she faces various obstacles, readers find themselves laughing and empathizing with her experiences, making her character a joy to follow throughout the story.
The side characters in the novella are equally engaging, bringing their own unique flavors of humor and realism to the narrative. Each character adds depth to the story, creating a rich tapestry of interactions that enhance the main plot. Readers become invested in the dynamics between these characters, eagerly anticipating how their stories intertwine with Darryn and Hannah's journey, especially as they root for the central couple to find their way to each other.
The settings of the small town and the cozy cabin, particularly under the enchanting backdrop of starry and rainy nights, are portrayed with vivid detail. These settings not only serve as a picturesque backdrop but also contribute significantly to the overall theme and plot of the story. The immersive descriptions transport readers to a place where they can almost feel the warmth of the cabin and the coolness of the night air, enhancing the emotional weight of the narrative.
The writing style is a delightful blend of humor and emotional depth. It offers readers a rollercoaster of laughter, smiles, steamy moments, and poignant emotional scenes that come together in a beautifully crafted novella. Despite its brevity, the plot is remarkably well-developed. While it may flirt with the concept of insta-love, the connection between Darryn and Hannah feels authentic and compelling. Their relationship unfolds in a way that captures the essence of romance, complete with steamy exchanges and heartfelt moments that resonate deeply with readers.
Moreover, the novella delves into insightful themes such as friendship, the importance of connections, trust, and the nuances of communication. It addresses the challenges of finding a work-life balance in today’s fast-paced world, emphasizing the significance of self-care and family ties. These themes enrich the narrative, providing readers with valuable lessons that extend beyond the romantic storyline.
"Under the Milky Way" by Jess K. Hardy may be a short novella, but it is undeniably packed with a wealth of emotion, love, adventure, and the authenticity of human experiences. It captures the essence of life’s complexities while delivering a heartfelt romance that is sure to resonate with readers. This novella comes highly recommended for romance enthusiasts, particularly those who appreciate stories centered around later-in-life romances, where love finds a way against all odds. The emotional journey of Darryn and Hannah is one that will linger in the minds and hearts of readers long after the last page is turned.
Hannah James, on the other hand, is equally captivating. She embodies a blend of humor and realism that makes her journey not only entertaining but also deeply relatable. Her ability to evoke laughter from readers while navigating her emotional landscape creates a genuine connection. As she faces various obstacles, readers find themselves laughing and empathizing with her experiences, making her character a joy to follow throughout the story.
The side characters in the novella are equally engaging, bringing their own unique flavors of humor and realism to the narrative. Each character adds depth to the story, creating a rich tapestry of interactions that enhance the main plot. Readers become invested in the dynamics between these characters, eagerly anticipating how their stories intertwine with Darryn and Hannah's journey, especially as they root for the central couple to find their way to each other.
The settings of the small town and the cozy cabin, particularly under the enchanting backdrop of starry and rainy nights, are portrayed with vivid detail. These settings not only serve as a picturesque backdrop but also contribute significantly to the overall theme and plot of the story. The immersive descriptions transport readers to a place where they can almost feel the warmth of the cabin and the coolness of the night air, enhancing the emotional weight of the narrative.
The writing style is a delightful blend of humor and emotional depth. It offers readers a rollercoaster of laughter, smiles, steamy moments, and poignant emotional scenes that come together in a beautifully crafted novella. Despite its brevity, the plot is remarkably well-developed. While it may flirt with the concept of insta-love, the connection between Darryn and Hannah feels authentic and compelling. Their relationship unfolds in a way that captures the essence of romance, complete with steamy exchanges and heartfelt moments that resonate deeply with readers.
Moreover, the novella delves into insightful themes such as friendship, the importance of connections, trust, and the nuances of communication. It addresses the challenges of finding a work-life balance in today’s fast-paced world, emphasizing the significance of self-care and family ties. These themes enrich the narrative, providing readers with valuable lessons that extend beyond the romantic storyline.
"Under the Milky Way" by Jess K. Hardy may be a short novella, but it is undeniably packed with a wealth of emotion, love, adventure, and the authenticity of human experiences. It captures the essence of life’s complexities while delivering a heartfelt romance that is sure to resonate with readers. This novella comes highly recommended for romance enthusiasts, particularly those who appreciate stories centered around later-in-life romances, where love finds a way against all odds. The emotional journey of Darryn and Hannah is one that will linger in the minds and hearts of readers long after the last page is turned.
April 18, 2026
There's something about those Madigan men, isn't there? Darryn is a complete sweetheart who tries to rein himself in just so he doesn't scare away the best thing that ever broke down in tears on his porch. Hannah is...well, she's a little bit of an emotional mess (understandably so) and Darryn is just the thing she doesn't know she was looking for.
No lie, that Balsam Ridge magic sure knew what it was doing when it tangled these two together.
So. Darryn is on his annual Balsam Ridge retreat. He's not looking forward to the quiet and solitude maybe as much as he usually is, but a double booked cabin takes care of that. Hannah is everything he ever dreamed of in a woman. She fits him in ways he wasn't expecting. She's heartbroken about her son moving away for college and Darryn is able to help her through that since he's had his own experience with an empty nest.
As for Hannah, she did NOT expect to find a hot man who ticks off all her boxes in the cabin she rented. He's genuine and caring and he REALLY knows how to show a lady a good time. While she thoroughly enjoyed their time together, Hannah tries to be realistic and not get too attached because all great weekend cabin romances must come to an end. Right?
As a romance-adjacent aside: KEV! That man sure knows how to distill relationship problems down to their bare bones and relate it back to those sexy, sexy books he reads. The speakerphone roundtable with him and the other couples was EVERYTHING. *thumbs up*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
No lie, that Balsam Ridge magic sure knew what it was doing when it tangled these two together.
So. Darryn is on his annual Balsam Ridge retreat. He's not looking forward to the quiet and solitude maybe as much as he usually is, but a double booked cabin takes care of that. Hannah is everything he ever dreamed of in a woman. She fits him in ways he wasn't expecting. She's heartbroken about her son moving away for college and Darryn is able to help her through that since he's had his own experience with an empty nest.
As for Hannah, she did NOT expect to find a hot man who ticks off all her boxes in the cabin she rented. He's genuine and caring and he REALLY knows how to show a lady a good time. While she thoroughly enjoyed their time together, Hannah tries to be realistic and not get too attached because all great weekend cabin romances must come to an end. Right?
As a romance-adjacent aside: KEV! That man sure knows how to distill relationship problems down to their bare bones and relate it back to those sexy, sexy books he reads. The speakerphone roundtable with him and the other couples was EVERYTHING. *thumbs up*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
April 15, 2026
God bless Jess K. Hardy for doing the hard work of writing emotionally intelligent and available older MMCs that are hot as f*ck.
Don't ever stop.
Darryn and Hannah's story started as a chapter in The Packing List: A Later in Life Romance Anthology, but gets extended treatment in this novella. Without going into a lot of detail that will spoil things, we get a lot more of the the third act drama and resolution in this version, which was excellent. I especially enjoyed the seven-way (maybe more!) "it takes a village" conversation that helped Darryn figure out what to do to resolve it, and kudos to (insert spoiler here) for being the real MVP.
I was being a little glib up front, but Hardy does a fantastic job of writing older MCs with realistic issues, entering into (mostly) realistic relationships where those issues can cause real problems. Her love stories are so very adult, people may make mistakes initially, but they tend to own them, learn to communicate, and earn their happily ever after.
Don't ever stop.
Darryn and Hannah's story started as a chapter in The Packing List: A Later in Life Romance Anthology, but gets extended treatment in this novella. Without going into a lot of detail that will spoil things, we get a lot more of the the third act drama and resolution in this version, which was excellent. I especially enjoyed the seven-way (maybe more!) "it takes a village" conversation that helped Darryn figure out what to do to resolve it, and kudos to (insert spoiler here) for being the real MVP.
I was being a little glib up front, but Hardy does a fantastic job of writing older MCs with realistic issues, entering into (mostly) realistic relationships where those issues can cause real problems. Her love stories are so very adult, people may make mistakes initially, but they tend to own them, learn to communicate, and earn their happily ever after.
April 23, 2026
A cottage double-booking lands two people in close quarters with exactly who they needed.
A steamy novella with care and support that the empty nesters, divorcees and single parents of older kids can appreciate.
Hannah (46) is not handling her new status as an empty nester well—especially since her kid sped up his departure to slip in some fun before beginning college.
Darryn (49) is the man already in the cottage she rented upon arrival. She may not have run off from him so quickly is she knew that he has been in her shoes.
I really liked them together.
A quick, fun read.
Read the content warnings.
Read if you like:
• Contemporary romance for the over-40 crowd
• Empty nesters
• “I will not be chill about this until I know how it turns out”
• Open door spice
A steamy novella with care and support that the empty nesters, divorcees and single parents of older kids can appreciate.
Hannah (46) is not handling her new status as an empty nester well—especially since her kid sped up his departure to slip in some fun before beginning college.
Darryn (49) is the man already in the cottage she rented upon arrival. She may not have run off from him so quickly is she knew that he has been in her shoes.
I really liked them together.
A quick, fun read.
Read the content warnings.
Read if you like:
• Contemporary romance for the over-40 crowd
• Empty nesters
• “I will not be chill about this until I know how it turns out”
• Open door spice
April 19, 2026
This one was cute. Hannah going through a bad time, has the worst day ever, ends up crossing Darryn's path, does the unexpected and the two of them spend a magical weekend together. From there they leave things, both miserable, wanting more, not sure what that would mean. The call Darryn had with his brother was funny and brought clarity for him. With that push to reach it to Hannah, things change for them. It was nice to see how things ended for these two, they deserved all the happiness they found.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2026
Jess K. Hardy is the queen of Over 40s Who F*ck, and in this fun little novella we get Madigan's younger brother Darryn, who does not disappoint. We also get Hannah, who is dealing with becoming an empty nester, a cute dog, a well-appointed outhouse and Only One Cabin. This one starts with a bang and settles into a sweet (and still hot) love story. They have to figure out if they can take a fling and turn it into the real thing out in the real world.
And she works in a "Will you come to my cottage?" reference ;)
If you haven't made the trip to Blue Bird Basin, take this as your sign.
And she works in a "Will you come to my cottage?" reference ;)
If you haven't made the trip to Blue Bird Basin, take this as your sign.
April 23, 2026
I read a form of this story in The Packing List anthology and loved it. I loved this version of it, too.
I love a book where a couple burns fast and hot like Hannah and Darryn. Add in the melancholy that consumes them because they knew their hookup was just for a long weekend, and I'm a gonner.
The group cameo scene from the other three Bluebird Basin books was also adorable.
This was a solid, hot, and sexy novella!
I love a book where a couple burns fast and hot like Hannah and Darryn. Add in the melancholy that consumes them because they knew their hookup was just for a long weekend, and I'm a gonner.
The group cameo scene from the other three Bluebird Basin books was also adorable.
This was a solid, hot, and sexy novella!
April 16, 2026
Currently reading, but I'm positive I've read this before (even though it just came out two days ago) or something VERY similar.
I DID read it before. A similar version was in an anthology, The Packing List: A Later in Life Romance Anthology, but this version is not as enjoyable for me since there's no relationship (they don't even know each other's names) before they end up in bed.
I DID read it before. A similar version was in an anthology, The Packing List: A Later in Life Romance Anthology, but this version is not as enjoyable for me since there's no relationship (they don't even know each other's names) before they end up in bed.
April 22, 2026
This delightful novella is an expanded version of “Double Booked” from “The Packing List” anthology, told with dual POV. The author incorporates the Blue Basin cast of characters in such a sweet way. Definitely my favourite story of the series!
GenX MMC & FMC ❤️
Cabin in the woods 🌲🌌
Forced proximity 🧩
Open door spice 🔥
GenX MMC & FMC ❤️
Cabin in the woods 🌲🌌
Forced proximity 🧩
Open door spice 🔥
April 28, 2026
This return to Bluebird Basin is just as amazing as the others! You know you loved Madigan, now meet his little brother (still solidly a Gen X) who is also an amazing man. Introducing Hannah, and what can I say to let you know you will love her? She’s becoming an empty nester… with all the emotions that involves. She lets a friend talk her to take a long weekend, alone and remote, so she can feel all the feels, only the cabin is already rented. To Darryn Madigan.
May 3, 2026
I may need to come back and write more later, and I have two kids, not one, but the feelings about kids moving on? I couldn’t relate more if I tried. Probably shouldn’t have read this right after the eldest returned home from freshman year.
And yes, it’s a romance and I’m hung up on the parenting aspect, but this is why I love Romance. Relatable stories with an HEA.
And yes, it’s a romance and I’m hung up on the parenting aspect, but this is why I love Romance. Relatable stories with an HEA.
April 16, 2026
I loved this short story from the anthology The Packing List, and this extended novella was even better! It wasn’t filled with fluff just to make it longer, there was more story and feeling and I just loved Darryn and Hannah and Jess!
April 17, 2026
I enjoyed this one when reading it in "The Packing List" anthology and was curious how much more it would be fleshed out. Honestly, I couldn't tell! But it's a fun novella with a whirlwind sexy romance.
April 24, 2026
This was the sweetest little book. I love that we got to meet one of Madigan's brothers. It makes me worried for when my boys go to college tho. I also loved how Jess got all the bluebird people on a romance conference call 😆
Did Not Finish
April 24, 2026DNF @ 43% this just didn’t work for me. It was a little too forward and I couldn’t get past the instant jump into bed. I did skim to the end with the call to some familiar friends and the epilogue a rather enjoyed those both.
April 26, 2026
4.5*
The way this book had me kicking my feet! I really loved this one from start to finish - the forced proximity of it all was delicious and the chemistry between Hannah and Darryn was just so good. I dearly love this series and everyone in it.
The way this book had me kicking my feet! I really loved this one from start to finish - the forced proximity of it all was delicious and the chemistry between Hannah and Darryn was just so good. I dearly love this series and everyone in it.
April 15, 2026
Short and sweet/spicy and with another Madigan brother- what could be better?! Did not expect to tear up a bit with Hannah’s distress about life once your kid has gone off to college but hey, I did.
April 16, 2026
‘Because while she merely thought she liked me too much, I already knew I liked her too much.’
April 18, 2026
Loved everything about this....except it was a novella :( Wishing this was a full length novel so we could have spent more time with these characters!
April 24, 2026
Meh. I loved the other ones in this series but I really didn’t like Hannah. It just didn’t do it for me.
April 28, 2026
Jess K. Hardy has absolutely done it again! This was a fantastic novella and a wonderful edition to the Bluebird Basin series. I can't wait to reread it.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews