What do you think?
Rate this book
Holly River #1
Fallin' Tides
Gilmore Girls meets The Notebook in this small town romance with heart, humor, and heat.
Colt Mitchell was a charity case, taken in by the prominent Sinclair family to keep their star quarterback son on track. After three years under their roof, Colt traded in his broken background for the Marines, dead set on leaving Holly River for good.
Alice Sinclair was a dreamer, growing up in a house that worshipped trophies. Colt, her brother’s best friend, was the only one who truly saw her. When he left, Alice flooded his mailbox with hope—letters he devoured, but rarely answered.
Until the last one arrived.
Now Colt Mitchell is back. And the kid sister he remembers is gone. In her place is a woman on a mission. Alice has three months to turn her childhood home into the bookshop of her dreams, or lose it forever. And Colt’s hellbent on ensuring that happens, because when Colt was deployed, Alice’s letters saved him. And now he’s come home to repay the favor.
But as the two race to finish renovations by the Fall Festival, and the heat between them rises, Colt realizes that the one woman who’s entirely off limits…is the exact one he wants.
Colt Mitchell was a charity case, taken in by the prominent Sinclair family to keep their star quarterback son on track. After three years under their roof, Colt traded in his broken background for the Marines, dead set on leaving Holly River for good.
Alice Sinclair was a dreamer, growing up in a house that worshipped trophies. Colt, her brother’s best friend, was the only one who truly saw her. When he left, Alice flooded his mailbox with hope—letters he devoured, but rarely answered.
Until the last one arrived.
Now Colt Mitchell is back. And the kid sister he remembers is gone. In her place is a woman on a mission. Alice has three months to turn her childhood home into the bookshop of her dreams, or lose it forever. And Colt’s hellbent on ensuring that happens, because when Colt was deployed, Alice’s letters saved him. And now he’s come home to repay the favor.
But as the two race to finish renovations by the Fall Festival, and the heat between them rises, Colt realizes that the one woman who’s entirely off limits…is the exact one he wants.
416 pages, Paperback
First published August 25, 2026
About the author
Tori Ford
2 books151 followersTori Ford is the author of the Holly River series. She also authored nine young adult novels under the name Victoria Scott. Her books have received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Kirkus, and have been translated and sold in over a dozen countries. Tori's bestselling title, Fire & Flood, is currently an Amazon Teachers' Pick. Her work has been featured by USA Today, BuzzFeed, and Good Morning Texas. Tori live in Dallas and is represented by Eva Scalzo. Find her online at @heytoriford.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 362 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Fallin' Tides is the first book in the Holly River series written by Tori Ford. Fallin' Tides was emotional, beautiful, wholesome, inspiring, gut wrenching, raw, pure, and heart breaking. Tori, girl, I'm so proud of you, this was such a beautiful debut novel. Your powerful story telling made me drown in tears, your words sucker punched my heart, but please let me know where I should send my therapy bill because after reading this book I was emotionally drained to my core. I mainly wanted to read this book because of that gorgeous cover, but since I was in my cowboy era and I saw this was a cowboy romance, I knew I had to get my hands on it immediately. Tori, you definitely didn't disappoint with this beautiful book, you made me cry, you made me smile, you made me swoon, you made me laugh, and you made me angry, but most importantly please keep these books coming. I absolutely love characters that are imperfect because they seem more real and you find a deeper connection with them because they make you feel like you aren't alone. Fallin' Tides is perfect for people who loved The Notebook written by Nicholas Sparks. I absolutely love and adore Nicholas Sparks, so when I saw this book was compared to The Notebook, I gasped. If you love imperfect characters, heart touching moments, hilarious banter, and emotional moments, then y'all better mark your calendars for August 25th, 2026 because you won't want to miss out on such a beautiful book. And I might bully you if I don't see this on everyone's want to read shelves.
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND WHITE ROCK BOOKS FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!!
ᥫ᭡🍓ᴺᴼᵂ ᴾᴸᴬᵞᴵᴺᴳ : I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womackᥫ᭡🍓
0:56 ───|──────4:55
TRIGGER WARNING'S
~Alcoholism~
~Family Estrangement~
~Military Death~ (off page)
~Strong Language~
~Explicit Sex~
"❣️🍋Glimore Girls for life, my little lemon❣️🍋".
"💓🥀Dreams are the only things worth holding onto💓🥀".
"🖤🤞I love you. I will love you 'til the day I die🖤🤞".
"💝😭Everyone is struggling with things behind closed doors, even if it doesn't look that way on the outside💝😭".
"❤️Let's fucking go, kid❤️".
"☁️🦋Someplace where dreams come true☁️🦋".
"💘🔮Chasing a dream is messy, the progress nonlinear, and the self doubt merciless💘🔮".
Alice Sinclair is twenty-two years old and she works at The Buttermilk Cafe where she spends her morning's slinging hash browns, so she can make ends meet. Alice's family moved their family HVAC business to Louisiana, but Alice stayed behind in her childhood home in Holly River, Texas. Alice wants to turn her childhood home into a bookshop, it's been a dream of hers ever since she was a little girl, in order to meet her opening day date, Alice needs to meet building safe guidelines, so along the way Alice faces setbacks and frustrations which then turns into insurmountable challenges that she soon later overcomes. Alice is hopeful, resilient, and happy, but she's such an inspiring young woman. Alice's faithfulness to those she cares about was deeply touching and so beautiful. In Holly River, Texas, Alice has two best friends Maggie and June, and their friendship was truly the best, I love witnessing women supporting women and being a girls girl. Maggie is the proud owner of Pardon My Garden, and June is the proud owner of Humble Pie. Alice has three hens named Pickles, Mabel, and Dixie, I loved these cute little hens, I just wanted to hold them and coo to them when they made their special appearances. As a young girl, Alice was a very athletic and talented tennis player, she always wanted the approval from her strict parents, but Colt- her childhood best friend was the only person who actually listened to Alice and always gave her encouragement when her battles became tough. As a people pleaser, Alice was such a relatable character, there's nothing more you want to do than appease those around you because you don't want to disappoint them especially when they expect the best out of you. I just wanted to reach into my kindle and give Alice the biggest most comforting hug because this woman truly broke my heart when she talked about her childhood.
Colt Mitchell is twenty-seven years old and a hero who steps in when people are in trouble. Colt is back in Holly River, Texas and sharing some tender loving care for his childhood home after his mom died and his plans to sells his mom's house. Colt had a rough childhood, his dad took off in the middle of the night leaving behind his wife, his two sons, and a broken down truck without a note, just an unfinished bird house he had promised to build for Colt's birthday. Colt is also Alice's brother Grant's best friend and he was also Alice's parents honorary second son, Colt lived with the Sinclair's for three years before joining the military where he became a Marine. The military gave Colt a new perspective- people are shit and evil exists. Colt traded adolescent uncertainty for quiet confidence. Colt planned to leave Holly River behind for good, but now he's back as a soon to be carpenter. While living with the Sinclair's, Colt was the only person who could get Grant to care about school. After a devastating shoulder injury, Colt decided not to reenlist in the military- hence why he's back in Holly River, Texas. In the military, Colt saw things no one should have to carry, his men and friends were killed in friendly fire, but during his deployments birds became his safe haven. Colt is such a cinnamon roll hero, he makes Alice feel seen and protected when she has no one else in her corner. Colt also has a secret love for chilled watermelon. I couldn't help but root for Colt, he had a horrible childhood, but he never let them define him, instead he grew up and became an independent hero.
Alice and Colt first met when Colt was sixteen years old and Alice was eleven years old, their first time meeting was when Alice caught Colt eating her chicken nuggets for dinner after a tennis game earned her a third place ribbon. All Alice wanted was her chicken nuggets, but since that day these two have been the best of friends. When Colt was nineteen years old and Alice was fourteen years old, Colt left for the military. Alice wrote Colt letters for eight years while he was gone, but Colt only wrote a few back. Despite only hearing from Colt a few times, Alice's letters helped him over eight years and three deployments, but she hasn't heard from Colt in over three years when Colt shows up at the town bar in Holly River one night, Colt and Alice gave each other the biggest hug which left the biggest smile on my face. Alice's letters were designed to keep Colt's head above water even though Alice was struggling with her own shit and drowning in life, but secretly they helped Colt more than Alice ever knew. Colt always saw Alice as a little sister, there was never supposed to be any attraction between the two of them, but Alice is the woman who stayed when everyone else left and that made Colt grow feelings for her. Despite going through so much together, Colt is the type of man who wants to run and Alice is the type of girl who wants to plant roots. I absolutely loved watching Colt support and encourage Alice to build her very own bookshop, this man truly had me swooning, we love love love a supportive man. Now that they are reunited in Holly River, Colt and Alice are chasing dreams and laughing until they can't breathe. I absolutely love these two damaged souls, their comeback was truly so beautiful to witness. Colt and Alice were just two young kids with rough childhoods, and now they are the most inspiring adults chasing their dreams and being their best versions of themselves.
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND WHITE ROCK BOOKS FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!!
ᥫ᭡🍓ᴺᴼᵂ ᴾᴸᴬᵞᴵᴺᴳ : I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womackᥫ᭡🍓
0:56 ───|──────4:55
TRIGGER WARNING'S
~Alcoholism~
~Family Estrangement~
~Military Death~ (off page)
~Strong Language~
~Explicit Sex~
"❣️🍋Glimore Girls for life, my little lemon❣️🍋".
"💓🥀Dreams are the only things worth holding onto💓🥀".
"🖤🤞I love you. I will love you 'til the day I die🖤🤞".
"💝😭Everyone is struggling with things behind closed doors, even if it doesn't look that way on the outside💝😭".
"❤️Let's fucking go, kid❤️".
"☁️🦋Someplace where dreams come true☁️🦋".
"💘🔮Chasing a dream is messy, the progress nonlinear, and the self doubt merciless💘🔮".
Alice Sinclair is twenty-two years old and she works at The Buttermilk Cafe where she spends her morning's slinging hash browns, so she can make ends meet. Alice's family moved their family HVAC business to Louisiana, but Alice stayed behind in her childhood home in Holly River, Texas. Alice wants to turn her childhood home into a bookshop, it's been a dream of hers ever since she was a little girl, in order to meet her opening day date, Alice needs to meet building safe guidelines, so along the way Alice faces setbacks and frustrations which then turns into insurmountable challenges that she soon later overcomes. Alice is hopeful, resilient, and happy, but she's such an inspiring young woman. Alice's faithfulness to those she cares about was deeply touching and so beautiful. In Holly River, Texas, Alice has two best friends Maggie and June, and their friendship was truly the best, I love witnessing women supporting women and being a girls girl. Maggie is the proud owner of Pardon My Garden, and June is the proud owner of Humble Pie. Alice has three hens named Pickles, Mabel, and Dixie, I loved these cute little hens, I just wanted to hold them and coo to them when they made their special appearances. As a young girl, Alice was a very athletic and talented tennis player, she always wanted the approval from her strict parents, but Colt- her childhood best friend was the only person who actually listened to Alice and always gave her encouragement when her battles became tough. As a people pleaser, Alice was such a relatable character, there's nothing more you want to do than appease those around you because you don't want to disappoint them especially when they expect the best out of you. I just wanted to reach into my kindle and give Alice the biggest most comforting hug because this woman truly broke my heart when she talked about her childhood.
Colt Mitchell is twenty-seven years old and a hero who steps in when people are in trouble. Colt is back in Holly River, Texas and sharing some tender loving care for his childhood home after his mom died and his plans to sells his mom's house. Colt had a rough childhood, his dad took off in the middle of the night leaving behind his wife, his two sons, and a broken down truck without a note, just an unfinished bird house he had promised to build for Colt's birthday. Colt is also Alice's brother Grant's best friend and he was also Alice's parents honorary second son, Colt lived with the Sinclair's for three years before joining the military where he became a Marine. The military gave Colt a new perspective- people are shit and evil exists. Colt traded adolescent uncertainty for quiet confidence. Colt planned to leave Holly River behind for good, but now he's back as a soon to be carpenter. While living with the Sinclair's, Colt was the only person who could get Grant to care about school. After a devastating shoulder injury, Colt decided not to reenlist in the military- hence why he's back in Holly River, Texas. In the military, Colt saw things no one should have to carry, his men and friends were killed in friendly fire, but during his deployments birds became his safe haven. Colt is such a cinnamon roll hero, he makes Alice feel seen and protected when she has no one else in her corner. Colt also has a secret love for chilled watermelon. I couldn't help but root for Colt, he had a horrible childhood, but he never let them define him, instead he grew up and became an independent hero.
Alice and Colt first met when Colt was sixteen years old and Alice was eleven years old, their first time meeting was when Alice caught Colt eating her chicken nuggets for dinner after a tennis game earned her a third place ribbon. All Alice wanted was her chicken nuggets, but since that day these two have been the best of friends. When Colt was nineteen years old and Alice was fourteen years old, Colt left for the military. Alice wrote Colt letters for eight years while he was gone, but Colt only wrote a few back. Despite only hearing from Colt a few times, Alice's letters helped him over eight years and three deployments, but she hasn't heard from Colt in over three years when Colt shows up at the town bar in Holly River one night, Colt and Alice gave each other the biggest hug which left the biggest smile on my face. Alice's letters were designed to keep Colt's head above water even though Alice was struggling with her own shit and drowning in life, but secretly they helped Colt more than Alice ever knew. Colt always saw Alice as a little sister, there was never supposed to be any attraction between the two of them, but Alice is the woman who stayed when everyone else left and that made Colt grow feelings for her. Despite going through so much together, Colt is the type of man who wants to run and Alice is the type of girl who wants to plant roots. I absolutely loved watching Colt support and encourage Alice to build her very own bookshop, this man truly had me swooning, we love love love a supportive man. Now that they are reunited in Holly River, Colt and Alice are chasing dreams and laughing until they can't breathe. I absolutely love these two damaged souls, their comeback was truly so beautiful to witness. Colt and Alice were just two young kids with rough childhoods, and now they are the most inspiring adults chasing their dreams and being their best versions of themselves.
August 26, 2026
“I want our life. I want you. As you are now. And as you will be. That’s what I want. Just you, with me.”
on repeat 𝄞 ࿐♬ 𓍢ִ🎧ྀི ᯓ ♪ˎˊ˗
“ᴍᴀᴋɪɴɢ ᴍᴇᴍᴏʀɪᴇs ᴏꜰ ᴜs” x ᴋᴇɪᴛʜ ᴜʀʙᴀɴ
0:56 ──♥───────── 3:56
This is a sweet, emotional brother’s best friend romance about Alice and Colt, whose lives have been intertwined for years before they find their way back to each other. 🫶🏼
I love a good brother’s best friend story, and this one was genuinely so cute. Alice completely stole my heart with how loyal, loving, and encouraging she was toward everyone around her. I especially loved watching her slowly learn to believe in herself more, with Colt constantly reminding her that she is valued and worthy. And the fact that she sent him letters for EIGHT YEARS even when he stopped responding???😭 I LOVEDDD getting those little glimpses into their letters and seeing their connection grow through them
The dual timeline was another favorite for me. Getting to see pieces of their childhood alongside the present made their relationship feel more layered and gave me a better understanding of where everything started.
And Colt!!! My heart hurt for everything he endured while he was enlisted, especially because he genuinely didn’t think he had anything to offer Alice. Meanwhile, he immediately wanted to support her dream of opening a bookstore and was willing to help however he could, even when he didn’t want to stay in town 😭😭😭 PLEASEEEE. so sweet!!!
I also adored Alice’s friendships, especially Maggie. The support and bonds between the characters were such a warm part of the story, and I loved seeing them show up for each other. Minus Travis. i hate that man. moving on 😐
My one struggle was that the attraction between Alice and Colt felt very physical very quickly. I found myself wanting more of the softer, sweeter moments between them instead of constantly having their thoughts circle back to kissing or sex or attraction 😭😭 the second half definitely got better with the softer moments
Overall, this was such a sweet and emotional read with characters who genuinely cared about each other. The letters, friendships, emotional growth, and Colt being completely gone for Alice made this an easy four stars for me!! 💗
favorite quotes ↓
“If someone does come along and sees her half undressed, I’ll handle it calmly. By blinding them.”
“Alice Sinclair sticks to things when they’re important to her. I know, because I have eight years’ worth of her letters.”
“Bad things happen. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t good in the world.”
“You look at me like I’m something you don’t deserve. But you are worthy of me, Colt Mitchell.” She’s silent for a beat. “You are worthy of so much. Much more than you’ve been handed.”
“I would live in your backyard if it meant staying near you. I would sleep in the chicken coop.”
“But as long as Alice still wanted me? Well, the entire planet could drop out from beneath my feet and I’d still grin.”
things to know about the book ↓
🌊 brother’s best friend
🌊 ex-Marine
🌊 dual timeline
🌊 childhood connection
🌊 letters
🌊 smalltown romance
🌊 supportive friendships
🌊 dual POV
swearing: yes
spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
→ chapters: 18, 22, 26, 28, 37
Thank you BookSirens & author for this arc in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
─────────
・❥・⁀➷ 𝕡𝕣𝕖-𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕
august 24th- now that ive extended my submission date twice... i should probably actually start this 😭
on repeat 𝄞 ࿐♬ 𓍢ִ🎧ྀི ᯓ ♪ˎˊ˗
“ᴍᴀᴋɪɴɢ ᴍᴇᴍᴏʀɪᴇs ᴏꜰ ᴜs” x ᴋᴇɪᴛʜ ᴜʀʙᴀɴ
0:56 ──♥───────── 3:56
This is a sweet, emotional brother’s best friend romance about Alice and Colt, whose lives have been intertwined for years before they find their way back to each other. 🫶🏼
I love a good brother’s best friend story, and this one was genuinely so cute. Alice completely stole my heart with how loyal, loving, and encouraging she was toward everyone around her. I especially loved watching her slowly learn to believe in herself more, with Colt constantly reminding her that she is valued and worthy. And the fact that she sent him letters for EIGHT YEARS even when he stopped responding???😭 I LOVEDDD getting those little glimpses into their letters and seeing their connection grow through them
The dual timeline was another favorite for me. Getting to see pieces of their childhood alongside the present made their relationship feel more layered and gave me a better understanding of where everything started.
And Colt!!! My heart hurt for everything he endured while he was enlisted, especially because he genuinely didn’t think he had anything to offer Alice. Meanwhile, he immediately wanted to support her dream of opening a bookstore and was willing to help however he could, even when he didn’t want to stay in town 😭😭😭 PLEASEEEE. so sweet!!!
I also adored Alice’s friendships, especially Maggie. The support and bonds between the characters were such a warm part of the story, and I loved seeing them show up for each other. Minus Travis. i hate that man. moving on 😐
My one struggle was that the attraction between Alice and Colt felt very physical very quickly. I found myself wanting more of the softer, sweeter moments between them instead of constantly having their thoughts circle back to kissing or sex or attraction 😭😭 the second half definitely got better with the softer moments
Overall, this was such a sweet and emotional read with characters who genuinely cared about each other. The letters, friendships, emotional growth, and Colt being completely gone for Alice made this an easy four stars for me!! 💗
favorite quotes ↓
“If someone does come along and sees her half undressed, I’ll handle it calmly. By blinding them.”
“Alice Sinclair sticks to things when they’re important to her. I know, because I have eight years’ worth of her letters.”
“Bad things happen. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t good in the world.”
“You look at me like I’m something you don’t deserve. But you are worthy of me, Colt Mitchell.” She’s silent for a beat. “You are worthy of so much. Much more than you’ve been handed.”
“I would live in your backyard if it meant staying near you. I would sleep in the chicken coop.”
“But as long as Alice still wanted me? Well, the entire planet could drop out from beneath my feet and I’d still grin.”
things to know about the book ↓
🌊 brother’s best friend
🌊 ex-Marine
🌊 dual timeline
🌊 childhood connection
🌊 letters
🌊 smalltown romance
🌊 supportive friendships
🌊 dual POV
swearing: yes
spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
→ chapters: 18, 22, 26, 28, 37
Thank you BookSirens & author for this arc in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
─────────
・❥・⁀➷ 𝕡𝕣𝕖-𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕
august 24th- now that ive extended my submission date twice... i should probably actually start this 😭
July 31, 2026
Thank you to White Rock books & NetGalley for an ARC of this book, in exchange for my honest opinion.
“Anywhere you are, Alice Sinclair, that’s where I’ll be.”
The minute I saw this being marketed as Gilmore Girls/Nicholas Sparks coded story, I RANNNNN and I am so happy I did because this book was everything!!!
Colt & Alice loved each other so deeply, even though their love story wasn’t the easiest. It was raw, emotional, and gut wrenching at times but worth going through all of it with them, to see their happily ever after.
Them building the bookstore together was seriously what us romance book girlies dream about. The yearninggggg that Colt felt for Alice, even from afar was top tier! I also truly loved all the side characters in this book and cannot wait to see what book will come next because I loved this fictional town so much!!
If you’re looking for a Small Town Romance, with Grumpy/Sunshine, that’s full of raw emotions, and an epic love story you have to pick this one up! I am already counting down for book 2!
“Anywhere you are, Alice Sinclair, that’s where I’ll be.”
The minute I saw this being marketed as Gilmore Girls/Nicholas Sparks coded story, I RANNNNN and I am so happy I did because this book was everything!!!
Colt & Alice loved each other so deeply, even though their love story wasn’t the easiest. It was raw, emotional, and gut wrenching at times but worth going through all of it with them, to see their happily ever after.
Them building the bookstore together was seriously what us romance book girlies dream about. The yearninggggg that Colt felt for Alice, even from afar was top tier! I also truly loved all the side characters in this book and cannot wait to see what book will come next because I loved this fictional town so much!!
If you’re looking for a Small Town Romance, with Grumpy/Sunshine, that’s full of raw emotions, and an epic love story you have to pick this one up! I am already counting down for book 2!
Review of advance copy
Me gustaron mucho los capítulos del pasado, en ellos se puede ver como es que empezó su relación y no hablo de una relación amorosa, si no de como forjaron su amistad.
August 10, 2026
The coziest small town vibes here, perfect to pick up anytime between now and November! This book has multiple POV, a good amount of (but not too many) flashback chapters, and past letters that make you fall in love with these characters. I very much look forward to continuing this series and diving back into the Holly River world! Lovers of romcoms will be happy to read this story.
Thank you to the author for the gifted arc
Thank you to the author for the gifted arc
July 14, 2026
I was unprepared for how much I was going to fall in love with the characters and town of Holly River! I love a book with a quirky small town and this one was perfect. The fall vibes and overall town aesthetic + small businesses gave me all the best cozy vibes.
Colt and Alice’s story was so special because they were both a little broken, a little sad, and so, so deserving of finding home and love. The mutual longing? SO WELL DONE!
“I want you more than I’ve ever wanted anything. I burn for you, Alice. I dream about touching you every second of every day.”
Colt has spent years chasing the feeling of belonging and he knew in his heart that he would always find that not in place, but in a person.
“You are everything I never allowed myself to want.”
Alice has spent her life trying to live up to her family’s expectations while denying herself her dreams. It took Colt believing in her for her to finally reach for them.
This entire book felt like the epitome of going home. It was nostalgic, and hopeful and so WARM.
“Colt Mitchell kisses me like he’s starving, like he waited far too long to feed himself and now he’s insatiable.”
This slow burn had me ITCHING for them to give in, but when they did? It was straight FIRE.
“There are no words. Just the two of us, an empty house, and the truth settling into my bones—that I would burn the world to the ground for the woman at my feet. And that even when Alice Sinclair is on her knees, she f***ing owns me.”
This book set up a bunch of side characters that I am keeping all my fingers and toes crossed for them to get books! I definitely have a theory about book 2’s couple! 🤭❤️🔥
If small town romances are your JAM, you definitely need to pick up this new story by Tori Ford!
Tropes:
🤭 Brother’s Best Friend
🫶🏼 Friends to Lovers
🍷 Age Gap (5yrs)
👊🏼 Ex Marine
💖 Then & Now Timeline
❤️🩹 Broken Boy & Sad Girl
❤️🔥 He Recreates Her Books
🔥 Slow Burn + Spice
🍂 Small Town In Fall
Colt and Alice’s story was so special because they were both a little broken, a little sad, and so, so deserving of finding home and love. The mutual longing? SO WELL DONE!
“I want you more than I’ve ever wanted anything. I burn for you, Alice. I dream about touching you every second of every day.”
Colt has spent years chasing the feeling of belonging and he knew in his heart that he would always find that not in place, but in a person.
“You are everything I never allowed myself to want.”
Alice has spent her life trying to live up to her family’s expectations while denying herself her dreams. It took Colt believing in her for her to finally reach for them.
This entire book felt like the epitome of going home. It was nostalgic, and hopeful and so WARM.
“Colt Mitchell kisses me like he’s starving, like he waited far too long to feed himself and now he’s insatiable.”
This slow burn had me ITCHING for them to give in, but when they did? It was straight FIRE.
“There are no words. Just the two of us, an empty house, and the truth settling into my bones—that I would burn the world to the ground for the woman at my feet. And that even when Alice Sinclair is on her knees, she f***ing owns me.”
This book set up a bunch of side characters that I am keeping all my fingers and toes crossed for them to get books! I definitely have a theory about book 2’s couple! 🤭❤️🔥
If small town romances are your JAM, you definitely need to pick up this new story by Tori Ford!
Tropes:
🤭 Brother’s Best Friend
🫶🏼 Friends to Lovers
🍷 Age Gap (5yrs)
👊🏼 Ex Marine
💖 Then & Now Timeline
❤️🩹 Broken Boy & Sad Girl
❤️🔥 He Recreates Her Books
🔥 Slow Burn + Spice
🍂 Small Town In Fall
August 28, 2026
Though this was a 3 star for me, it was a good intro to a new world and a new series. I could tell this was a debut novel. There was some inconsistencies in the story timeline for me, and I felt a little disconnected to the characters. I did like Colt & Alice and enjoyed watching them get out of their own way to be able to be together. I think what held this together for me was the fact that it was a brother's best friend which is a trope I do in fact LOVE. I liked the small town setting and the found family that Alice experienced considering her relationship with her family was on the rocks. I REALLY liked that when Colt was deployed, she wrote to him all the time. I liked how their relationship blossomed- it felt a little clunky at first. I didn't feel their chemistry right away but the more time they spent together, and the more she tried to hide her crush, the more I felt it. I loved how much Colt supported her and wanted her to succeed. I really liked him standing up for her in front of her family. I felt like the story got a little side tracked for me once they were together- the spice felt a little discombobulated. I also felt like the timeline got a little off track with some details but overall I enjoyed when they finally realized they could stop putting an end date on their romance and acknowledge they wanted more.
Alice has always been the type to cast a net with her dream and hope it works out. This is how she has ended up in the town she grew up with while her family has moved to the city. This is how she has convinced herself she can flip her childhood home into a bookstore. But that is just a dream. Then her real dream moves back home- Colt. Her brother's best friend growing up. The boy who was around all the time. Who made her feel things she didn't understand, and then enlisted and basically ghosted her. He is back and offering to help her accomplish her dream. She agrees but tells herself she won't fall back into her crush with him. She just won't. He is moving anyways once he sells his mom's home. But sometimes she catches him looking at her for longer than would be considered normal. And the longer she is around him, the harder it is to deny that there is something between them. And when he starts to open up to her more about his past, she feels herself falling. How can she not when he is supporting her as much as he is. When he is not making her feel dumb for chasing her dream. So she lays it on the line and is ecstatic when he shows interest too. They can just do whatever this is until he leaves. But the longer that goes on the more she realizes that she doesn't want him to leave. And after he stands up to her family for her, she knows he is her forever. She just hopes he sees it too.
Colt can't believe he is back home. Really the home he knows as home is not where his mom lived. Where his mom died. Where he left so he could regroup and join the military. His home was his best friend's. That family took him in. Treated him like family. All except Alice- his best friend's little sister. Colt and Alice ended up forming a friendship of sorts. She wrote to him all the time while he was deployed but could never send the letters. He never wanted to pop her bubble of happiness that he felt in her letters. And now he has to see her after not talking to her for years. He has to act like he doesn't realize how much she has grown into a beautiful woman. A woman who still has dreams. And Colt finds himself wanting to help Alice with those dreams. He offers to help her get the bookshop ready. He will still work on selling his mom's house and leaving but while he is here he will be at her service. It seems he didn't think this through because he has to be around her all the time. He has to try to ignore this spark between them. He has to remind himself that he is leaving, but really he has no plans to go anywhere. Maybe he could stay? Maybe he could make something of himself here. Maybe if he stopped lying to himself he could open the door for him and Alice. Which is what he finally does, and it's like everything clicks for him. He understands she is a little hesitant at first, but he knows from the beginning this means more than it should. So when her family comes to town and points fingers and questions the dream and them, Colt stands up for her. He realizes even more so how much he wants this, and now he has to prove it to everyone.
This was a good intro to a new world. I liked the side characters a lot. I feel like they added the perfect amount of quirkiness to the story itself, and I am looking forward to watching everyone pair up. Colt's brother was a bit of a hot mess but again I find myself intrigued. I wanted more from this one than I got which was why it was 3 stars for me. I do plan on trying the next book before calling it quits on the series though.
Thank you to Tori for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Alice has always been the type to cast a net with her dream and hope it works out. This is how she has ended up in the town she grew up with while her family has moved to the city. This is how she has convinced herself she can flip her childhood home into a bookstore. But that is just a dream. Then her real dream moves back home- Colt. Her brother's best friend growing up. The boy who was around all the time. Who made her feel things she didn't understand, and then enlisted and basically ghosted her. He is back and offering to help her accomplish her dream. She agrees but tells herself she won't fall back into her crush with him. She just won't. He is moving anyways once he sells his mom's home. But sometimes she catches him looking at her for longer than would be considered normal. And the longer she is around him, the harder it is to deny that there is something between them. And when he starts to open up to her more about his past, she feels herself falling. How can she not when he is supporting her as much as he is. When he is not making her feel dumb for chasing her dream. So she lays it on the line and is ecstatic when he shows interest too. They can just do whatever this is until he leaves. But the longer that goes on the more she realizes that she doesn't want him to leave. And after he stands up to her family for her, she knows he is her forever. She just hopes he sees it too.
Colt can't believe he is back home. Really the home he knows as home is not where his mom lived. Where his mom died. Where he left so he could regroup and join the military. His home was his best friend's. That family took him in. Treated him like family. All except Alice- his best friend's little sister. Colt and Alice ended up forming a friendship of sorts. She wrote to him all the time while he was deployed but could never send the letters. He never wanted to pop her bubble of happiness that he felt in her letters. And now he has to see her after not talking to her for years. He has to act like he doesn't realize how much she has grown into a beautiful woman. A woman who still has dreams. And Colt finds himself wanting to help Alice with those dreams. He offers to help her get the bookshop ready. He will still work on selling his mom's house and leaving but while he is here he will be at her service. It seems he didn't think this through because he has to be around her all the time. He has to try to ignore this spark between them. He has to remind himself that he is leaving, but really he has no plans to go anywhere. Maybe he could stay? Maybe he could make something of himself here. Maybe if he stopped lying to himself he could open the door for him and Alice. Which is what he finally does, and it's like everything clicks for him. He understands she is a little hesitant at first, but he knows from the beginning this means more than it should. So when her family comes to town and points fingers and questions the dream and them, Colt stands up for her. He realizes even more so how much he wants this, and now he has to prove it to everyone.
This was a good intro to a new world. I liked the side characters a lot. I feel like they added the perfect amount of quirkiness to the story itself, and I am looking forward to watching everyone pair up. Colt's brother was a bit of a hot mess but again I find myself intrigued. I wanted more from this one than I got which was why it was 3 stars for me. I do plan on trying the next book before calling it quits on the series though.
Thank you to Tori for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
July 31, 2026
Fallin’ Tides Review
⭐️Rating: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Brb…currently packing my bags to move to Holly River 🧳
Wow, to say I was blown away by this beautiful story is an understatement!!!🥹 I read this book in under 24 hours because I could not put it down!
I absolutely love the genuine friendship that blossomed with Colt and Alice when they were young (although at first it wasn’t such an easy start).
One of my favorite parts were the letters 🥹😩 oh, my heart. Alice kept the line of communication open throughout his entire deployment! Alice was the one the held Colt together while he was away. I love how Tori Ford gave us a glimpse into those letters and into their past when they were young🥹
Her builds her a BOOKSHOP!!! Ahhh well he helps her bring her dreams to life and it’s so beautiful 🥹
It was so beautiful to see Alice grow into the woman she is and chase her dreams as equally as it was to see Colt feel worthy enough of not only her love but her family and friends love.
The side characters! OH, they have my heart! I can’t wait to see what the future brings for them!
If you love Gilmore Girls and The Notebook then you’ll definitely love Fallin’ Tides!
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC!
⭐️Rating: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Brb…currently packing my bags to move to Holly River 🧳
Wow, to say I was blown away by this beautiful story is an understatement!!!🥹 I read this book in under 24 hours because I could not put it down!
I absolutely love the genuine friendship that blossomed with Colt and Alice when they were young (although at first it wasn’t such an easy start).
One of my favorite parts were the letters 🥹😩 oh, my heart. Alice kept the line of communication open throughout his entire deployment! Alice was the one the held Colt together while he was away. I love how Tori Ford gave us a glimpse into those letters and into their past when they were young🥹
Her builds her a BOOKSHOP!!! Ahhh well he helps her bring her dreams to life and it’s so beautiful 🥹
It was so beautiful to see Alice grow into the woman she is and chase her dreams as equally as it was to see Colt feel worthy enough of not only her love but her family and friends love.
The side characters! OH, they have my heart! I can’t wait to see what the future brings for them!
If you love Gilmore Girls and The Notebook then you’ll definitely love Fallin’ Tides!
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC!
August 28, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I love a good small town romance, and Fallin’ Tides gave me so much of what I love about them.
While this isn’t technically a second chance romance, Alice and Colt have so much history that it almost has that same feeling. They know and understand each other on such a deep level, and I loved watching a friendship that had lasted through the years grow into something more as they matured, found themselves, and eventually found their way back to each other. Their connection felt so genuine, and the yearning and Colt’s absolute devotion to Alice made it even better.
I also loved the found family and the whole Holly River community. Give me local business owners, quirky small town residents, everyone knowing everyone’s business, and one person we can all collectively despise. Looking at you, Travis.
My only real complaint was that Colt sometimes related things back to his military experience through metaphors and comparisons a little too often. As a military brat, I completely understand how that can happen when that world has been such a huge part of someone’s life, but as a reader it started to feel a little repetitive.
Overall, this was such an enjoyable start to the Holly River series. I’m already attached to this town and its people, and I can't wait for book 2!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I love a good small town romance, and Fallin’ Tides gave me so much of what I love about them.
While this isn’t technically a second chance romance, Alice and Colt have so much history that it almost has that same feeling. They know and understand each other on such a deep level, and I loved watching a friendship that had lasted through the years grow into something more as they matured, found themselves, and eventually found their way back to each other. Their connection felt so genuine, and the yearning and Colt’s absolute devotion to Alice made it even better.
I also loved the found family and the whole Holly River community. Give me local business owners, quirky small town residents, everyone knowing everyone’s business, and one person we can all collectively despise. Looking at you, Travis.
My only real complaint was that Colt sometimes related things back to his military experience through metaphors and comparisons a little too often. As a military brat, I completely understand how that can happen when that world has been such a huge part of someone’s life, but as a reader it started to feel a little repetitive.
Overall, this was such an enjoyable start to the Holly River series. I’m already attached to this town and its people, and I can't wait for book 2!
August 23, 2026
Rating~ 4.5 rounded up
I was obsessed with Colt and Alice’s story. Colt is best friends with Alice’s brother. He’s back in town just to sell his old home and can’t wait to leave Holly River in the rearview mirror… until he sees Alice again. As their paths keep crossing, Colt begins to realize that leaving town might not be as easy as he thought.
I really liked Alice’s character. I could appreciate how hard it was for her to make her own path in life and the vulnerability that comes with starting a new business. I loved the flashbacks to her letters with Colt. You could see their bond change over the years in such a beautiful way. Alice was always consistent, and I loved that for Colt.
Colt was such an emotional character. He has a troubled family life and experienced traumatic events during his time in the military. I could empathize with his feelings of self doubt. I absolutely loved his POV chapters. I can understand why he was cautious about crossing the line with his best friend’s little sister, but seriously, this man yearned in the best way!
The moments of intimacy were so hot! I was literally glued to this book! Colt was a starved man, and I was living for it!
The ending was a wild ride! At times, I felt so bad for them while also championing their successes. The last quarter of this book was straight fire!
Thank you to NetGalley and White Rock Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I was obsessed with Colt and Alice’s story. Colt is best friends with Alice’s brother. He’s back in town just to sell his old home and can’t wait to leave Holly River in the rearview mirror… until he sees Alice again. As their paths keep crossing, Colt begins to realize that leaving town might not be as easy as he thought.
I really liked Alice’s character. I could appreciate how hard it was for her to make her own path in life and the vulnerability that comes with starting a new business. I loved the flashbacks to her letters with Colt. You could see their bond change over the years in such a beautiful way. Alice was always consistent, and I loved that for Colt.
Colt was such an emotional character. He has a troubled family life and experienced traumatic events during his time in the military. I could empathize with his feelings of self doubt. I absolutely loved his POV chapters. I can understand why he was cautious about crossing the line with his best friend’s little sister, but seriously, this man yearned in the best way!
The moments of intimacy were so hot! I was literally glued to this book! Colt was a starved man, and I was living for it!
The ending was a wild ride! At times, I felt so bad for them while also championing their successes. The last quarter of this book was straight fire!
Thank you to NetGalley and White Rock Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
June 25, 2026
Cozy small-town vibes, a charming bookstore, brother’s best friend, and a romance that feels inevitable. 📚🌊 Alice was easily my favorite part of this book. I loved watching her grow into herself, chase her dream of opening a bookstore, and learn to trust herself and her community. The friendships were just as lovely as the romance, and I flew through this in a day.
That said… I wanted the book to treat Colt’s mental health with the same care it treated Alice’s journey. I would have loved to see his healing come from therapy and the people around him alongside the romance, rather than feeling like love alone was enough. That kept this at a 3.5-star read for me, rounded up to 4. 💙
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
That said… I wanted the book to treat Colt’s mental health with the same care it treated Alice’s journey. I would have loved to see his healing come from therapy and the people around him alongside the romance, rather than feeling like love alone was enough. That kept this at a 3.5-star read for me, rounded up to 4. 💙
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 4, 2026
ARC Review
Fallin’ Tides
Small Town
Brother’s Best Friend
Grumpy x Sunshine
Friends to Lovers
Military MMC
Fall Vibes
Fallin’ Tides is Tori Ford’s first adult novel but her years of writing experience [YA] were evident from the first page. I instantly fell in love with her writing style. It was so easy to get lost in Colt and Alice’s story.
“You always look at the world in perfect lighting, Alice. I envy that.”
I truly enjoyed every page of this book. I cheered for Alice and Colt individually long before cheering for their HEA. The flashbacks to their childhood added so much to the story and I could not stop reading. Tori does a wonderful job balancing cute and cozy while tackling some tougher topics.
If you are in the mood for a cozy small town, second chance romance with lovable characters and a chicken named Pickles, you should grab Fallin’ Tides when it releases 08.25.26
Huge thanks to Tori for allowing me to read an ARC of Fallin’ Tides.
Fallin’ Tides
Small Town
Brother’s Best Friend
Grumpy x Sunshine
Friends to Lovers
Military MMC
Fall Vibes
Fallin’ Tides is Tori Ford’s first adult novel but her years of writing experience [YA] were evident from the first page. I instantly fell in love with her writing style. It was so easy to get lost in Colt and Alice’s story.
“You always look at the world in perfect lighting, Alice. I envy that.”
I truly enjoyed every page of this book. I cheered for Alice and Colt individually long before cheering for their HEA. The flashbacks to their childhood added so much to the story and I could not stop reading. Tori does a wonderful job balancing cute and cozy while tackling some tougher topics.
If you are in the mood for a cozy small town, second chance romance with lovable characters and a chicken named Pickles, you should grab Fallin’ Tides when it releases 08.25.26
Huge thanks to Tori for allowing me to read an ARC of Fallin’ Tides.
Did Not Finish
August 5, 2026C’est malheureusement un DNF pour moi 🥲
J’ai trouvé que la romance allait BEAUCOUP trop vite, je n’ai pas su m’intéresser aux personnages. Je préfère les slow burn donc forcément, ça n’a pas matché avec moi …
Merci à NetGalley pour ce sp numérique 🫶🏻
J’ai trouvé que la romance allait BEAUCOUP trop vite, je n’ai pas su m’intéresser aux personnages. Je préfère les slow burn donc forcément, ça n’a pas matché avec moi …
Merci à NetGalley pour ce sp numérique 🫶🏻
July 28, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Tori Ford for the opportunity to read this ARC 🥰
God where do I even start?! I absolutely LOVED this book and I couldn't stop reading.
I'd like to start with saying that Alice is one strong woman, constantly looking for support and reassurance that she never fully gets and she still keeps going. Following her dreams and starting her own bookshop and, not without obstacles ofcourse, making a great success out of it.
Then there is Colt, her support, her rock, the one who constantly supports her throughout it all and making her believe in herself. And vice versa because without Alice there would not be this strong version of Colt because his life has absolutely not been the easiest.
Yeah these two are absolutely made for each other and they deserved their happy ending 🥰
Also... June, Dalton.....? 😏🤭 and... Maggie, Grant? Warren? 🤔 looks like I need to come back to Holly River.
God where do I even start?! I absolutely LOVED this book and I couldn't stop reading.
I'd like to start with saying that Alice is one strong woman, constantly looking for support and reassurance that she never fully gets and she still keeps going. Following her dreams and starting her own bookshop and, not without obstacles ofcourse, making a great success out of it.
Then there is Colt, her support, her rock, the one who constantly supports her throughout it all and making her believe in herself. And vice versa because without Alice there would not be this strong version of Colt because his life has absolutely not been the easiest.
Yeah these two are absolutely made for each other and they deserved their happy ending 🥰
Also... June, Dalton.....? 😏🤭 and... Maggie, Grant? Warren? 🤔 looks like I need to come back to Holly River.
August 24, 2026
Such a sweet and heartwarming read. And talk about the perfect fall vibes🧡
This one was dang cute!! A story of childhood friends turned lovers, with glorious tension and heartfelt moments that brought tears to my eyes.
The hand written letters between Colt and Alice were such a beautiful addition in this story. I loved that we got an extra glimpse into their minds while they were separated for & years. And the flashbacks? Tears… so many tears.
Alice’s character was a ray of sunshine and such an optimist. No matter the bad that might have happened in her life she only focused on the good. Her view of the world was a breath of fresh air. But she wasn’t without her flaws. She did a good job selling herself short and not believing in herself… until a grumpy soldier finally came home to remind her just how special she was.
Colt’s story broke my heart. He came from a messed up home that did a number on his self worth. He joined the military to find himself and create something that was his own. All the while he was gone he thought of HER. She was the light he needed to see through the dark days and her letters kept him going.
This was a slow burn but the journey to Colt & Alice finally giving into their chemistry was one of healing and big revelations. They kept choosing each other when others had continued to leave them behind.
If you’re looking for a sweet and cozy read as the weather starts to cool down this one would be PERFECT🧡
4⭐️1.5🌶️
This one was dang cute!! A story of childhood friends turned lovers, with glorious tension and heartfelt moments that brought tears to my eyes.
The hand written letters between Colt and Alice were such a beautiful addition in this story. I loved that we got an extra glimpse into their minds while they were separated for & years. And the flashbacks? Tears… so many tears.
Alice’s character was a ray of sunshine and such an optimist. No matter the bad that might have happened in her life she only focused on the good. Her view of the world was a breath of fresh air. But she wasn’t without her flaws. She did a good job selling herself short and not believing in herself… until a grumpy soldier finally came home to remind her just how special she was.
Colt’s story broke my heart. He came from a messed up home that did a number on his self worth. He joined the military to find himself and create something that was his own. All the while he was gone he thought of HER. She was the light he needed to see through the dark days and her letters kept him going.
This was a slow burn but the journey to Colt & Alice finally giving into their chemistry was one of healing and big revelations. They kept choosing each other when others had continued to leave them behind.
If you’re looking for a sweet and cozy read as the weather starts to cool down this one would be PERFECT🧡
4⭐️1.5🌶️
July 25, 2026
Alice is back in Holly River with big hopes and dreams. She wants to turn her childhood home into a bookshop. Colt, her brother’s best friend whom she has known since she was 11 comes back into town after a stint in the marines. Both of them have changed, but their connection in adulthood is instant. Colt offers to help Alice get the bookshop up and running, and the rest is history.
Listen. I am not a small town lover. Books with small towns tend to be too cheesy for me or don’t hit the mark the way I’m hoping. I had resigned myself to think that that trope just was not for me.
Enter, Fallin’ Tides. I cannot put into words how much I loved this story. I am truly shocked that a small town finally won me over.
It was adorable and hot without being too much or cheesy. The characters, especially Alice and Colt were so lovable and loving and I rooted for them every step of the way. Their history and friendship was beautifully explored, and it made me even more invested in the two of them as adults.
The small town aspect was perfect. So many endearing side characters in Holly River, especially Frank who had me laughing out loud several times.
There’s humor, there’s heart, there’s sweet and sizzling romance. I loved every second.
Listen. I am not a small town lover. Books with small towns tend to be too cheesy for me or don’t hit the mark the way I’m hoping. I had resigned myself to think that that trope just was not for me.
Enter, Fallin’ Tides. I cannot put into words how much I loved this story. I am truly shocked that a small town finally won me over.
It was adorable and hot without being too much or cheesy. The characters, especially Alice and Colt were so lovable and loving and I rooted for them every step of the way. Their history and friendship was beautifully explored, and it made me even more invested in the two of them as adults.
The small town aspect was perfect. So many endearing side characters in Holly River, especially Frank who had me laughing out loud several times.
There’s humor, there’s heart, there’s sweet and sizzling romance. I loved every second.
July 1, 2026
✩5
✦What to Expect✦
•Small town
•Brother’s best friend
•Friends to lovers
•Military MMC
•Grumpy x Sunshine
✦Characters✦
•Alice Sinclair
•Colt Mitchell
✦Fav Quotes✦
“Colt,”
“I’ve got you, baby,”
Colt Mitchell kisses me like he’s starving, like he waited far too long to feed himself and now he’s insatiable.
“You look at me like I’m something you don’t deserve. But you are worthy of me, Colt Mitchell.”
“Alice,”
“I could never leave you.”
“You are my home.”
“You are everything I never allowed myself to want.”
“Anywhere you are, Alice Sinclair, that’s where I’ll be.”
Colt is my forever.
✦Thoughts✦
So dang cute!!!! I will always eat up a small town romance and this one was so good! The cozy fall vibes?! I am so here for it!
Colt and Alice are so good together and I loved seeing their friendship turn into more over time. Alice is a girl after my own heart wanting to open a bookstore, also her friendship group. I loveeddd June and Maggie!
Colt!!! A down bad ex marine?! Yesssss please! He was just so perfect and protective, I loved it!
I am so excited for the next book!
June & Dalton 👀👀
•ARC Read•
✦ Bookish links to follow ✦
Bookstagram • Goodreads • BookBub • Storygraph • Fable
✦What to Expect✦
•Small town
•Brother’s best friend
•Friends to lovers
•Military MMC
•Grumpy x Sunshine
✦Characters✦
•Alice Sinclair
•Colt Mitchell
✦Fav Quotes✦
“Colt,”
“I’ve got you, baby,”
Colt Mitchell kisses me like he’s starving, like he waited far too long to feed himself and now he’s insatiable.
“You look at me like I’m something you don’t deserve. But you are worthy of me, Colt Mitchell.”
“Alice,”
“I could never leave you.”
“You are my home.”
“You are everything I never allowed myself to want.”
“Anywhere you are, Alice Sinclair, that’s where I’ll be.”
Colt is my forever.
✦Thoughts✦
So dang cute!!!! I will always eat up a small town romance and this one was so good! The cozy fall vibes?! I am so here for it!
Colt and Alice are so good together and I loved seeing their friendship turn into more over time. Alice is a girl after my own heart wanting to open a bookstore, also her friendship group. I loveeddd June and Maggie!
Colt!!! A down bad ex marine?! Yesssss please! He was just so perfect and protective, I loved it!
I am so excited for the next book!
June & Dalton 👀👀
•ARC Read•
✦ Bookish links to follow ✦
Bookstagram • Goodreads • BookBub • Storygraph • Fable
July 25, 2026
Colt (27) returns to his small Texas hometown planning to sell his mom's house and leave again, while Alice (22) is determined to save her childhood home by turning it into the bookshop she's always dreamed of. Working side by side brings them closer than ever, and what starts as helping each other soon becomes something neither of them can ignore.
I really loved this one. The small town fall aesthetic was everything I wanted, and the bookshop storyline completely won me over. The characters felt real, and Colt's quiet yearning had my heart from start to finish. I also loved that this was about more than just the romance. It's about chasing a dream, finding the courage to build the life you want, and learning to believe you're worthy of it. The writing was beautiful, and there were so many lines I found myself rereading just because they were written so well. There's definitely spice, but it never overshadows the story, which I really appreciated.
Thank you Tori Ford and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book.
Format: eBook 📖
I really loved this one. The small town fall aesthetic was everything I wanted, and the bookshop storyline completely won me over. The characters felt real, and Colt's quiet yearning had my heart from start to finish. I also loved that this was about more than just the romance. It's about chasing a dream, finding the courage to build the life you want, and learning to believe you're worthy of it. The writing was beautiful, and there were so many lines I found myself rereading just because they were written so well. There's definitely spice, but it never overshadows the story, which I really appreciated.
Thank you Tori Ford and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book.
Format: eBook 📖
August 7, 2026
Small town vibes and friends to lovers with a charming bookstore with a loveable characters all in one book. I loved Colt and Alice’s relationship their friendship grew into more while making Alice’s dream come true.
I loved the friendship between Alice and her friends June and Maggie their bond felt genuine and full of beautiful moments.
This book felt like autumn vibes a book you pick while drinking a cinnamon coffee.🧡
I loved the friendship between Alice and her friends June and Maggie their bond felt genuine and full of beautiful moments.
This book felt like autumn vibes a book you pick while drinking a cinnamon coffee.🧡
Did Not Finish
August 11, 2026Well…I feel like IM a marine after reading 52% pages of this.
First, thank you to NetGalley and the author for the early copy.
I liked the cover and the premise, so I applied with high hopes. And maybe it’s on me, fooled by the cover, to believe the inside would match those expectations. Sadly, I was disappointed and couldn’t force myself to get past the 52% mark.
The characters were flat and one dimensional. Alice was a tennis player turned chicken whisperer with a side hustle as future bookstore owner? The flashbacks were useless and I truly felt so disconnected to her. I kept wondering how old she was, could have been 18 or 30 cause her actions were all over the place.
And our marine Colt, he had things that could make his character arc good, but ended up just being “facts”. He was a marine, did I mention it? I didn’t think so. His friendship to Grant, was at the forefront of his mind when it came to Alice even after years of losing contact with him…but not with Alice…right right. Marine boy felt mild sexual attraction to Alice, but I found no chemistry or deeper feelings than “her ass looks good in them jeans”.
I have to add, some side characters were great (Maggie ily) and other truly made me dislike the story even more (oh Grant pls jump off the fucking roof). Hopefully they don’t get paired together…
Sadly, it was predictable. I could see what was coming a mile away, and that could have been fine if at least the main couple had any tension or something but to my disappointment it didn’t.
Again, thank you for the chance to arc read, but it wasn’t a match.
First, thank you to NetGalley and the author for the early copy.
I liked the cover and the premise, so I applied with high hopes. And maybe it’s on me, fooled by the cover, to believe the inside would match those expectations. Sadly, I was disappointed and couldn’t force myself to get past the 52% mark.
The characters were flat and one dimensional. Alice was a tennis player turned chicken whisperer with a side hustle as future bookstore owner? The flashbacks were useless and I truly felt so disconnected to her. I kept wondering how old she was, could have been 18 or 30 cause her actions were all over the place.
And our marine Colt, he had things that could make his character arc good, but ended up just being “facts”. He was a marine, did I mention it? I didn’t think so. His friendship to Grant, was at the forefront of his mind when it came to Alice even after years of losing contact with him…but not with Alice…right right. Marine boy felt mild sexual attraction to Alice, but I found no chemistry or deeper feelings than “her ass looks good in them jeans”.
I have to add, some side characters were great (Maggie ily) and other truly made me dislike the story even more (oh Grant pls jump off the fucking roof). Hopefully they don’t get paired together…
Sadly, it was predictable. I could see what was coming a mile away, and that could have been fine if at least the main couple had any tension or something but to my disappointment it didn’t.
Again, thank you for the chance to arc read, but it wasn’t a match.
July 21, 2026
I was scrolling through NetGalley when I came across this book, and I was hoping and praying I'd get approved to read it! The cover immediately caught my eye, but the description completely sold me.
Alice and Colt were so cute, but Alice absolutely stole the show for me. Her personality was everything and more! I loved seeing the flashbacks and watching both characters grow into themselves while learning to love each other despite the trauma they'd experienced. I'm also a total sucker for a small town romance, so this was right up my alley.
The side characters were just as amazing, and I cannot wait for the next book. Maggie and Warren?? I love a broody older brother, so sign me up! And I'm really hoping we get Dalton and June's story too ahhh!
Thank you, NetGalley and Tori Ford, for the opportunity to read this ARC!
Alice and Colt were so cute, but Alice absolutely stole the show for me. Her personality was everything and more! I loved seeing the flashbacks and watching both characters grow into themselves while learning to love each other despite the trauma they'd experienced. I'm also a total sucker for a small town romance, so this was right up my alley.
The side characters were just as amazing, and I cannot wait for the next book. Maggie and Warren?? I love a broody older brother, so sign me up! And I'm really hoping we get Dalton and June's story too ahhh!
Thank you, NetGalley and Tori Ford, for the opportunity to read this ARC!
July 6, 2026
Small town, friends to lovers and a cozy little bookstore all wrapped in one book, with a sprinkle of spice. I absolutely loved the vibe that Holly River gives off and I wish I could visit!
Alice’s character dynamic was perfection- she over came her fear and followed her dreams of opening a bookstore. With the support from her friends and Colt she was able to follow her dream and watch it come alive.
I felt that Colt’s character arc fell a bit flat for me. He went through so much in his lifetime I wish there was more on his healing journey and rebuilding his life instead of love healing all.
This book was amazing and I can’t wait for the next book to come out!
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and Tori Ford for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a review.
Alice’s character dynamic was perfection- she over came her fear and followed her dreams of opening a bookstore. With the support from her friends and Colt she was able to follow her dream and watch it come alive.
I felt that Colt’s character arc fell a bit flat for me. He went through so much in his lifetime I wish there was more on his healing journey and rebuilding his life instead of love healing all.
This book was amazing and I can’t wait for the next book to come out!
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and Tori Ford for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a review.
Read
August 11, 2026Thank you so much to NetGalley and White Rock Books for giving me the opportunity to do an ARC review of Fallin’ Tides!
You guys, this book was so cute! Gilmore Girls and all the small town vibes was perfection for me! The banter between the two main characters was top notch. The tension and chemistry was spot on. The fact they are creating and building a bookstore for the FMC is even better! Who wouldn’t love to create their dream with your older brothers hot best friend?!?! And a bookstore at that! Sign me up!
This is book 1 of the series. I cannot wait for book 2 to come out and to continue to read more about Holly River! If I could, I would move there and become friends with Alice! Who wouldn’t love becoming best friends with a bookstore owner 💜💜
August 25, 2026
✨ARC review✨
the way i ate this book up! it was such a fun read with the best fall vibes! Colt and Alice were so sweet and i loved getting a glimpse of their history 🥹
Colt and Alice go back to high school before Colt joined the military, but during that time Alice consistently wrote to him to ensure he always had someone in his corner, although Colt stopped responding after awhile. fast forward 10 years and Colt is back in his hometown and runs into Alice. they strike up a deal for him to help make her dream come true by turning her home into a bookstore!
you get yearning, forced proximity, the best side characters and a love story that is a little bit heartbreaking but in the end, the most beautiful journey to their happy ever after 😭 this is absolutely a pick you need to pick up cause you will fallin’ love so fast 🫶🏼
the way i ate this book up! it was such a fun read with the best fall vibes! Colt and Alice were so sweet and i loved getting a glimpse of their history 🥹
Colt and Alice go back to high school before Colt joined the military, but during that time Alice consistently wrote to him to ensure he always had someone in his corner, although Colt stopped responding after awhile. fast forward 10 years and Colt is back in his hometown and runs into Alice. they strike up a deal for him to help make her dream come true by turning her home into a bookstore!
you get yearning, forced proximity, the best side characters and a love story that is a little bit heartbreaking but in the end, the most beautiful journey to their happy ever after 😭 this is absolutely a pick you need to pick up cause you will fallin’ love so fast 🫶🏼
August 14, 2026
This review and more can be found on my Bookstagram & Booktok @ Ambeeandink!
Thank you so much to Tori Ford for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Tropes:
🧡 Military MMC
💛 Brother's Best Friend
🧡 Dual POV
💛 Grumpy x Sunshine
🧡 Friends to Lovers
Rating:
5 ⭐
3🌶️ (That Kitchen Scene 😮💨)
I finished this book the other night and I am still so emotional about it. Tori Ford does a really great job at packing quite a punch in her writing. Alice and Colt were so in love with each other the entire book, it is so clearly seen from the moment She spots Colt when he is back in town. Their story is anything but easy, its messy and hard, full of pain and what they each interpret as their own short comings.
I am always a sucker for a smalltown romance and the town of Holly River sucked me in. As much as I love Alice and Colt, Tori made she that we were also able to fall in love with the side characters as well. Alice’s best friends June and Maggie were another favorite part of this book for me. I especially love books with girl power. Maggie reminded me a lot of me, girly pop is unhinged in all the best ways and my fingers are crossed that Burnin’ Tides is about her finding her own happily ever after! Even an honorable mention for Frank! Every scene with him cracked me up, I am sure we’ll get more of his commentary in the next Holly River book!
I can yap about Fallin’ Tides all day, Colt and how he blames himself for his teams death with he was still in the marines, how he feels so unworthy of Alice and her love. How Alice shows him that he is already worthy how he is and that this version of him is enough for her. I also liked being able to see Alice fall into the woman she is meant to be and not what her parents were trying to shape her to be, Alice is living all the book girlies dreams by building a book store with the man of her dreams.
Overall, Fallin’ Tides was such a sweet, spicy, and feel good read that will have you experiencing every emotion. Alice and Colt’s love will both break your heart and then put it right back together again!
Thank you so much to Tori Ford for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Tropes:
🧡 Military MMC
💛 Brother's Best Friend
🧡 Dual POV
💛 Grumpy x Sunshine
🧡 Friends to Lovers
Rating:
5 ⭐
3🌶️ (That Kitchen Scene 😮💨)
I finished this book the other night and I am still so emotional about it. Tori Ford does a really great job at packing quite a punch in her writing. Alice and Colt were so in love with each other the entire book, it is so clearly seen from the moment She spots Colt when he is back in town. Their story is anything but easy, its messy and hard, full of pain and what they each interpret as their own short comings.
I am always a sucker for a smalltown romance and the town of Holly River sucked me in. As much as I love Alice and Colt, Tori made she that we were also able to fall in love with the side characters as well. Alice’s best friends June and Maggie were another favorite part of this book for me. I especially love books with girl power. Maggie reminded me a lot of me, girly pop is unhinged in all the best ways and my fingers are crossed that Burnin’ Tides is about her finding her own happily ever after! Even an honorable mention for Frank! Every scene with him cracked me up, I am sure we’ll get more of his commentary in the next Holly River book!
I can yap about Fallin’ Tides all day, Colt and how he blames himself for his teams death with he was still in the marines, how he feels so unworthy of Alice and her love. How Alice shows him that he is already worthy how he is and that this version of him is enough for her. I also liked being able to see Alice fall into the woman she is meant to be and not what her parents were trying to shape her to be, Alice is living all the book girlies dreams by building a book store with the man of her dreams.
Overall, Fallin’ Tides was such a sweet, spicy, and feel good read that will have you experiencing every emotion. Alice and Colt’s love will both break your heart and then put it right back together again!
August 23, 2026
This was such a pleasant surprise! I went into Fallin’ Tides not really knowing what to expect, and I ended up absolutely loving it.
The small-town vibes made this book feel so cozy and fun, but there was also so much emotion and depth woven into the story. One of the first things I fell in love with was the friendship between Alice, June, and Maggie. Their relationship was giving me all of my favorite found family vibes, and I loved seeing the way they showed up for each other throughout the book.
And then, of course, we have Colt. 🫠 I loved everything about him. Getting to see where he came from and learning more about his home life added such an emotional layer to his character. My heart hurt for him at times, especially seeing everything he was dealing with at home with his mom. It made me love and understand him that much more.
I also loved Alice’s storyline. As book lovers, don’t we all secretly dream about opening our own bookstore someday… or is that just me? 😂 Getting to experience that process alongside her and watch her work toward making that dream a reality was so much fun. But her story wasn’t all cozy bookstore moments either. There was a lot of depth surrounding her family dynamics, and I found myself really resonating with a lot of the feelings June expressed as well.
Overall, Fallin’ Tides gave me the cozy small-town romance I wanted while also having characters and relationships with enough depth to really make me feel something. Such a perfect mix of friendship, found family, romance, emotion, and chasing your dreams.
Definitely add this one to your fall romance reading list! 🍂📚🤎
The small-town vibes made this book feel so cozy and fun, but there was also so much emotion and depth woven into the story. One of the first things I fell in love with was the friendship between Alice, June, and Maggie. Their relationship was giving me all of my favorite found family vibes, and I loved seeing the way they showed up for each other throughout the book.
And then, of course, we have Colt. 🫠 I loved everything about him. Getting to see where he came from and learning more about his home life added such an emotional layer to his character. My heart hurt for him at times, especially seeing everything he was dealing with at home with his mom. It made me love and understand him that much more.
I also loved Alice’s storyline. As book lovers, don’t we all secretly dream about opening our own bookstore someday… or is that just me? 😂 Getting to experience that process alongside her and watch her work toward making that dream a reality was so much fun. But her story wasn’t all cozy bookstore moments either. There was a lot of depth surrounding her family dynamics, and I found myself really resonating with a lot of the feelings June expressed as well.
Overall, Fallin’ Tides gave me the cozy small-town romance I wanted while also having characters and relationships with enough depth to really make me feel something. Such a perfect mix of friendship, found family, romance, emotion, and chasing your dreams.
Definitely add this one to your fall romance reading list! 🍂📚🤎
July 18, 2026
There's something undeniably comforting about a small-town romance, and Fallin' Tides was exactly that. With a cozy setting, lovable characters, and plenty of heart, it was an easy book to settle into.
My favourite part of the novel was undoubtedly the characters. I loved how supportive Colt was of Alice's dream of opening her own bookstore. Rather than trying to solve her problems, he encouraged her to believe in herself and chase the future she wanted. It did feel like Colt's obvious PTSD was a little unexplored by comparison.
Sometimes while reading it felt like it wasn't quite sure which story it wanted to tell. A developing romance after 8 years apart, then the focus would shift almost entirely to Alice's journey of opening the bookstore and proving to herself—and her parents—that she was capable of building the life she wanted. Neither storyline was weak, but the transitions between them sometimes made the pacing feel uneven for me. Just as the romance would begin to build momentum, the focus would move elsewhere before returning again. I wanted to spend a little more time with them as individuals and as a couple, allowing some of the quieter emotional moments to breathe.
That said, Fallin' Tides is still a genuinely enjoyable small-town romance. Between the Fall-time atmosphere, charming Holly River community with its found-family feel, I'd happily read the next instalment.
My favourite part of the novel was undoubtedly the characters. I loved how supportive Colt was of Alice's dream of opening her own bookstore. Rather than trying to solve her problems, he encouraged her to believe in herself and chase the future she wanted. It did feel like Colt's obvious PTSD was a little unexplored by comparison.
Sometimes while reading it felt like it wasn't quite sure which story it wanted to tell. A developing romance after 8 years apart, then the focus would shift almost entirely to Alice's journey of opening the bookstore and proving to herself—and her parents—that she was capable of building the life she wanted. Neither storyline was weak, but the transitions between them sometimes made the pacing feel uneven for me. Just as the romance would begin to build momentum, the focus would move elsewhere before returning again. I wanted to spend a little more time with them as individuals and as a couple, allowing some of the quieter emotional moments to breathe.
That said, Fallin' Tides is still a genuinely enjoyable small-town romance. Between the Fall-time atmosphere, charming Holly River community with its found-family feel, I'd happily read the next instalment.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Sometimes you don’t need a book that’s going to emotionally wreck you. Sometimes you just need one that makes you smile…and consume your entire Sunday afternoon. I literally read this book in one sitting. Once I started, I had to know how it ended!
Thank you to Netgalley & Tori Ford for the opportunity to read an ARC of Fallin’ Tides. (All thoughts are my own.)
Fallin’ Tides is such a fun, feel good read. It follows Alice as she returns to her small hometown of Holly River, where she’s reunited with Colt, her brother’s best friend. The brother’s best friend trope absolutely delivered, and there was just enough plot and angst to keep me invested without ever feeling too heavy. The small town, her best friends & the townspeople definitely gave me Gilmore girls vibes. And yes…there’s plenty of romance. ❤️
If you’re in the mood for a sweet romance that’s easy to get lost in and leaves you smiling by the final page, I’d definitely recommend this one.
I already can’t wait to return to Holly River for the next book in the series!
Thank you to Netgalley & Tori Ford for the opportunity to read an ARC of Fallin’ Tides. (All thoughts are my own.)
Fallin’ Tides is such a fun, feel good read. It follows Alice as she returns to her small hometown of Holly River, where she’s reunited with Colt, her brother’s best friend. The brother’s best friend trope absolutely delivered, and there was just enough plot and angst to keep me invested without ever feeling too heavy. The small town, her best friends & the townspeople definitely gave me Gilmore girls vibes. And yes…there’s plenty of romance. ❤️
If you’re in the mood for a sweet romance that’s easy to get lost in and leaves you smiling by the final page, I’d definitely recommend this one.
I already can’t wait to return to Holly River for the next book in the series!
July 3, 2026
5 easy stars!
This book was everything and more in my opinion! I loved everything about this book. The small town and atmosphere, the friendships shown throughout, and of course the love between the two main characters.
I loved Alice so much! She had a dream and a plan and she made it happen (with some help). She was trying so hard to show everyone, especially herself, that she could succeed with her dream of owning a bookstore. And Colt was there with her every step of the way.
And boy did I love Colt! He had a rough childhood and grew up and made the choice to go into the Marines. He came back to Holly River to sell his mother’s house, but sees Alice… and decides to do anything he can to help her with her dream.
Their love grew throughout the book. I loved getting to read some of the letters Alice sent him when he was in the Marines, and the few letters he sent back to her. There were so many sweet moments throughout between them, and I love that they got their happy ending.
Thank you so much Tori Ford for this ARC! I can’t wait for everyone to read this book!
This book was everything and more in my opinion! I loved everything about this book. The small town and atmosphere, the friendships shown throughout, and of course the love between the two main characters.
I loved Alice so much! She had a dream and a plan and she made it happen (with some help). She was trying so hard to show everyone, especially herself, that she could succeed with her dream of owning a bookstore. And Colt was there with her every step of the way.
And boy did I love Colt! He had a rough childhood and grew up and made the choice to go into the Marines. He came back to Holly River to sell his mother’s house, but sees Alice… and decides to do anything he can to help her with her dream.
Their love grew throughout the book. I loved getting to read some of the letters Alice sent him when he was in the Marines, and the few letters he sent back to her. There were so many sweet moments throughout between them, and I love that they got their happy ending.
Thank you so much Tori Ford for this ARC! I can’t wait for everyone to read this book!
July 18, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and White Rock Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I’m not sure I’d describe this as Gilmore Girls meets The Notebook, especially the Gilmore Girls comparison. Alice’s family dynamics felt much more distant and disconnected than the close-knit, quirky relationships that define Stars Hollow.
That said, this is a feel-good love story about two people who grew up in very different worlds. Circumstances bring them back to their hometown, where they find each other again and are forced to confront old wounds, lingering emotional baggage, and the possibility of building the future they once imagined together.
I enjoyed this book. It was an easy, comforting read with a cozy small-town atmosphere that makes it a perfect choice for the upcoming fall season. If you’re looking for a heartwarming second-chance romance to curl up with on a crisp autumn day, this one is worth picking up.
I’m not sure I’d describe this as Gilmore Girls meets The Notebook, especially the Gilmore Girls comparison. Alice’s family dynamics felt much more distant and disconnected than the close-knit, quirky relationships that define Stars Hollow.
That said, this is a feel-good love story about two people who grew up in very different worlds. Circumstances bring them back to their hometown, where they find each other again and are forced to confront old wounds, lingering emotional baggage, and the possibility of building the future they once imagined together.
I enjoyed this book. It was an easy, comforting read with a cozy small-town atmosphere that makes it a perfect choice for the upcoming fall season. If you’re looking for a heartwarming second-chance romance to curl up with on a crisp autumn day, this one is worth picking up.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 362 reviews