Where I Belong

by Elyse Kelly

84 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 16, 2026

About the author

Just a true southern girl, reading and writing books, asking you to love me! My books are contemporary romances, all with HEAs and no cliffhangers!

💘 NEWSLETTER: https://geni.us/_ElyseKellyNewsletter
💘 AMAZON: https://geni.us/ElyseKelly
💘 BOOKBUB: https://geni.us/ElyseKellyBookBub
💘 GOODREADS: https://geni.us/ElyseKellyGoodreads
💘 TIKTOK: https://geni.us/ElyseKellyTiktok
💘 INSTAGRAM: https://geni.us/ElyseKellyInstagram
💘 TWITTER: https://geni.us/ElyseKellyTwitter
💘 FACEBOOK: https://geni.us/ElyseKellyFacebook
💘 SMUT ARMY: https://geni.us/ElyseKellySmutArmy
💘 SMUT BRIGADE: https://geni.us/SmutBridageSignUp

Reviews

[Chandra Luna]

Where I Belong by Elyse Kelly is a heartfelt small-town romance about rediscovering your dreams, embracing second chances, and finding the courage to build a life that truly feels like your own. With a charming Southern setting, a swoon-worthy police officer, and a community full of memorable personalities, this story is as comforting as a glass of sweet tea on a front porch.

Mia returns to Maple Ridge hoping to catch her breath after realizing the carefully planned life she's been chasing no longer feels like the future she wants. Her journey of questioning expectations, stepping away from outside pressures, and discovering what truly makes her happy is easy to connect with. Watching her learn to choose her own path instead of the one others planned for her gives the story a satisfying sense of growth.

Jace Stevens is everything you'd hope for in a small-town hero. Kind, dependable, and completely devoted once he realizes what Mia means to him, he's been carrying feelings for her far longer than either of them admits. Their reunion is filled with playful humor, sweet memories, and undeniable chemistry that grows naturally as they spend more time together. I especially loved how Jace encouraged Mia to pursue her passion for writing, believing in her dreams even when she struggled to believe in them herself.

The town of Maple Ridge adds so much personality to the story. From nosy neighbors to hilarious moments involving Miss Hattie, the community creates the warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes small-town romances so enjoyable. The friendships, family bonds, and everyday interactions make Maple Ridge feel like a place readers will want to visit again.

If you enjoy friends-to-lovers romances, second chances, charming small towns, supportive communities, protective police officers, and stories about finding the courage to follow your own dreams, Where I Belong is a wonderful read. It's a sweet, uplifting romance that reminds us home isn't always the place you planned to end up—sometimes it's the place where you're finally free to become the person you were meant to be.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lynn Sell]

Mia comes back to Maple Ridge to see her Nana and get a break from her professional life in Atlanta. She is questioning her life and how she has been living it to meet the approval of her mother and how she doesn’t want to wind up like her boss. As she is speeding through town looking for her grandmother, she is pulled over by a police officer and she hilariously states about the first thing she sees about him on her Bluetooth. She meets Jace who lets her know he hears what she said. The two of them have met in the past when she would visit her grandmother and now Jace lives next door. With the time Mia spends in town, she realizes she is in love with Jace. Through laughter and intimate moments, Mia and Jace know that they want forever with each other. This swoon worthy book had me laughing especially at the antics of Miss Hattie. I loved that Mia was able to finally admitted that she wanted to write and that Jace was there to encourage that for her as well as help with “educational purposes. I admired her for chases her dreams and got the support she had with Jace.

[The Dragon Den Book Blog]

Review of Where I Belong by Elyse Kelly
* * * * *
A super sweet novella where a young crush gets a second chance while our FMC goes to find herself, and get the happiness she deserves.

Mia runs from her high pressure job, expectations and mediocre single life to the one place she knows she can get support and find some resolution. Rushing all the way to Maple Ridge after a wake up call, she tries to find solace with her grandmother - a spunky other woman who is way more active than her granddaughter. She didn't expect the face of Jace, her childhood crush, to be the first person she sees when she rocks up into down.
Butterlies are fluttering around her stomach and the connection between them is electric.
However, she needs to find out where she belongs in this world? Back in the corporate world her parents demand she be in, here in a place she can call home with a man she loves...and may just love her back?

Thumbs up for Elyse Kelly on another great little spicy sweetness of a read.

[Tiffany Hill]

**Childhood Crushes!**

"Where I Belong" is the second book in the Maple Ridge series. Mia realized she hadn’t been living the life she truly dreamed of, and she knew she needed to return to her grandmother’s home. However, running into her childhood crush, Jace, the moment she arrived in town was unexpected.

I loved how Jace has no intention of letting Mia slip away; he agrees to help her find Miss Hattie. As Mia takes the time to reevaluate her life over the next few weeks and consider what she genuinely wants to do next, Jace consistently shows up for her. He encourages her to follow her dreams and teaches her what it means to live for herself rather than for others.

I especially enjoyed the fact that both Mia and Jace had crushes on each other when they were younger, and now they finally have the chance to explore their true feelings as adults, making for some very spicy moments. I completely fell in love with Miss Hattie and her mischief; she definitely deserves her own special short story!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Paige]

This was a super cute novella about learning to follow your dreams, standing up for your own lives and a little bit of second chances. Mia was forced into the perfect life by her mother, always living for her dreams and not her own. Jace was a small town police officer who has secretly loved her since they were kids, and vice versa. I loved how it was all pretty instant, their chemistry was great and the banter was adorable. I also LOVED Mia's grandmother, she was a hoot! A little bit of a third act breakup, but it was solved within hours and I love that they both communicated so well about it. I do feel like the ending was rushed and we didn't get the full story. I would have loved to have seen what happened with her relationship with her mom for example. No cheating or OM/OW drama, dual POV, HEA and a steamy epilogue 2 years in the future. Looking forward to whatever is next for Maple Ridge!

[Kari Hansen]

Mia has been focused on advancing her career until she receives some news that has her questioning that choice. Needing some time she decides to head to Maple Ridge so that she can spend some time with Nana who has always been her source of reason. When she is stopped by Jace, a police officer, after a humorous interaction he decides to save her from herself by escorting her.

Jace has had feeling for Mia from a while based on her previous visits to town. He hasn’t pursued her because her life is in the city and his life is in a small town but now that she is back for a little while he is determined to show her that this is where she belongs.

Mia finds herself living a life that others want for her and not one that will make her happy and Jace is willing to support whatever future she wants as long as it includes him.

[Rainbowlovesbooks]

Where I Belong is a small town instalove romance focusing on Mia and Jace. Both know each other from the times Mia visited her Grandma in Maple Ridge, and when the opportunity to spend time together presents itself they both jump at the chance.

What to expect
💜 Instalove
💜 Dual POV
💜 Small Town Romance
💜 Police Officer MMC
💜 FMC Figuring Out Her Life
💜 Long Term Mutual Pining
💜 Steamy Scenes
💜 City Girl x Country Boy
💜 Opposites Attract
💜 HEAs

Short 5 star read, that is perfect for some bedtime reading. Elyse knows how to write a steamy scene and an alpha MMC. Can't wait for the next one.

[Arlene M]

Mia is an executive in Atlanta in finance and management.
Monica is Mia’s friend.
Jace Steven’s is her high school crush.

4.5 stars

Mia comes back to maple Ridge after a co worker tells her about her divorce and sacrifice she made to the job.
Mia visits her Grandmother to get her head on straight
And not just do what her family wants her to do.
She does some soul searching and decides her next step is going forward.
Jace and Mia have an attraction and chemistry from high school with a slow burn to explosive.
Can Jace convince her to stay in Maple Ridge with him?
Can Jace and Mia have a Happily Ever After?

This book has of emotions.

Good Job. Elyse Kelly !!!!!!!?!

[Lisa Parker]

Mia/Boots has done everything her mother had wanted but when her co-worker is getting a divorce some of the things she said hit home with her. She decides to head to Maple Ridge to see her grandmother. When she is pulled over for speeding she is faced with the one man she always had a crush on, Officer Jace Stevens. Jace has always had eyes for her and hopes he get her stay. Things heat up real quick between them and she is happy for the first time. A phone call from her mother puts her in a tailspin and thinking about going back to the city and leaving Jace behind. Nana tells her she should follow her heart.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Johanna]

Book 2 of Maple Ridge. Can be read as a standalone.

'But if I make the wrong decision, will I miss my chance with the one man I’ve always wanted?
I’m not so sure Jace Stevens is willing to let me go that easily. And I know in my heart I really don’t want him to.'

The characters were very appealing and likeable and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was solidly drawn and impressive. All in all a great addition to the series. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ljay]

Awww...this was sappy and sweet. I loved that Jace and Mia always had a secret thing for each other. Well, that switch flipped because they sure decided it was time to do something about that!

Two very likable characters in a close-knit town that got to know Mia again, and liked the idea of them both together.

Nothing complicated here. A lovely match in these two.

Enjoyed it very much.

Oh, and Miss Hattie is a trip!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Aleksandra]

Where I Belong by Elyse Kelly is a heartwarming small-town romance filled with second chances, laughter, and plenty of swoon-worthy moments. Mia's journey of rediscovering her dreams felt genuine and inspiring, while Jace is the kind, supportive hero every romance reader hopes for. Their friends-to-lovers chemistry develops beautifully, and the charming Maple Ridge community—especially the unforgettable Miss Hattie—adds warmth and humor to every page. Sweet, emotional, and uplifting, this is a feel-good romance that left me smiling from beginning to end. A well-deserved 5-star read!

[Michelle]

Mia needed a break from everything, so she heads back to her hometown and Nana in Maple Ridge to escape the big city of Atlanta. While there, she runs into childhood friend and crush Jace, and their reuniting has her rethinking her life in Atlanta. This is a fun read, and I especially loved the small town quirky characters and the sweet journey of love that Mia and Jace go on. Where I Belong is book two and a great addition to the Maple Ridge series, and I can't wait to read the rest of the series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Liberty Munson]

A short spicy read that's perfect for a quick romance fix. Mia realizes that she's on a career path that she doesn’t like, panics, and runs to her grandma for help. On the way, she is pulled over for speeding by Jace who has had a crush on her for years. Over the next few weeks, they get to know each other better and fall a little harder. With an overbearing mother and the desire for her mother's approval adding some tension to the decision to stay or go, this novella hits the right notes.

[Fran]

Jace a police officer has loved Mia for years. When she comes back to Maple Ridge he stops her for speeding. He finally has his chance to prove what they can have together. Fast paced instalove steamy romance. It’s well written with great in depth characters. This author knows how to write great instalove steamy stories with great happy endings.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a revie

[Didi]

Elyse Kelly always provides me a quick and sizzling read the hooks me from the start.
Mia has come to visit her Nana in Maple Ridge to escape her city life. Loved the meet-cute reunion with childhood friend Jace. And my goodness, Nana had me cracking up with her zealous lifestyle. Loved their sweet love journey that had the perfect blend of heat, humor, and heart.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angee Owens]

A short fast paced read featuring Mia and Jace. Mia comes to Maple Ridge to see her Nana and take a break from her life in Atlanta. The first thing she does when she comes back to town is get pulled over by a police officer. In walks Jace. She knows him. He lives next to her Nana. They start spending time together and end up with their HEA. The story is cute. The MCs are good together. As she is trying to figure out her life, Jace is right there to support her. Great short story.

[Jenifer]

A quick and steamy romance that has the heroine running from her perfect life and finding one that's even better. And Jace is a steamy officer who takes his role of serve and protect seriously. Miss Hattie (Mia's nana) in this story is an absolute hoot! And her steamy bonus scene has given me new life goals to be like her when I'm older.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenia Tortora]

Mia had an epiphany that sent her running to her grandmother but instead got pulled over by her childhood crush Jace. He’s not a boy anymore and he’s not letting her go without a fight. Mia is sassy and fun with a penchant for being his naughty inspiration. Loved it and I loved the way things came together to give them the life they both deserve.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Wood]

A sweet, quick read from Elyse, well written as always. This time Mia and Jase get their HEA, and I am so happy, as they are great match for each other. I also liked that she is a POC, as this is a change from the ‘norm’ of most romance books, and I’m all for it, let there be more ethnicities included in the genre.
I was gifted a free ARC of this book by Elyse, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mylene Williams]

Mia has been living her life for her parents. She is at a cross roads and turns to her Nana in Maple Ridge. Here Mia finds just what she needs but is she too scared to go after what she really wants. Good quick easy read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jacqueline]

Enjoyed reading this short , warm, spicy read from Elyse Kelly. Jace and Mia’s story was sexy and interesting to read,Mia is trying to figure out what she wants from like and Jace has always had an interest in her,really like that it was a non complicated story and really loved Mia’s grandmother made me want more of her.sweet read. Received a free copy for honest review

[Amanda Ricchio]

After a come to Jesus moment at work Mia heads to Maple Ridge to visit Nana, but finds Jace pulling her over. Childhood crushes get the chance at steamy fruition. A spicy summer short read perfect with a glass of sweet tea!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Colinda Trienekens]

Where I Belong was such a sweet and heart warming small-town romance.
I loved Mia’s journey of discovering what she truly wanted in life, and Jace was the perfect supportive hero.
Their chemistry, the funny moments, and Miss Hattie made this story impossible to put down. A swoon-worthy romance full of laughter, love, and all the cozy small-town vibes!

[Kandiemarie]

Book two of Maple Ridge series is an easy, sweet and heartfelt second chance romance. Well developed characters and an amazing plot. I enjoyed reading this and look forward to reading more from Elyse Kelly. Highly recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[James M.]

Spicy sweetness

For a shorter book, the story brings up the problem of trying to fulfill someone else’s wishes for you instead of following your heart. Then there are the really good spicy parts between Mia and Jace that help Mia make her decision! 😉The story was well written and easy to follow.

[Donna McEachran]

Cute short story about Mia, running from a life she never wanted, and Jace, Maple Ridge police officer. He has loved Mia since they were kids but she lives in Atlanta. Can he persuade her to stay and pursue her dreams? I really liked Jace and his dedication.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nicole M]

At a point in her life where she realizes maybe she doesnt really want everything she thought she wanted, Mia returns to the smalltown her grandmother lives in and runs into her childhood crush and current local law man, Jace. Jace, who had a crush on Mia as kids as well, falls hard and fast for her and I love it when the guys are all in. Mia is now in a spot of figuring out what she wants her life to look like, what her mother wants her life to look like and what to do next. Parts of this story hit my heart hard because I remember similar journeys in my 20s. I definitely didnt get her ending though 🤣.

[Lilian]

This was a fun and quick read with a good mix of spice and sweetness. I loved how Jace was direct in letting Mia know that he was interested in her, and not just for now, but forever.

Mia’s grandma was such a fun side character too. You definitely don’t want to miss out on her bonus chapter!

[Amanda M]

This is a well rounded romance with lovely characters. Loved the small town vibes. And the storyline was amazing. An engaging, quick read that I enjoyed reading. A must read for those that like a friends to lovers, second chance romance with just the right amount of spice and witty banter.