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True North: a Small Town Romance
The first time I laid eyes on North Hastings I fell hard. Unfortunately, the man didn’t know I existed.
Until one night changed everything. At least for me. The problem is, he doesn’t remember the hours we spent in that bar, talking and laughing. Or taking me home with him later that night.
Talk about humiliating.
With my heart smashed to smithereens, I decided it was time to move on from my unrequited crush and try to start fresh. Problem is, I can’t get the man out of my head. And it isn’t just because he rocked my world in those late night hours.
North is holding onto secrets. Secrets that push him to do things that some might consider reckless, but that I call brave.
But while he’s taking on his own demons, the ones from my past are determined to rear their ugly heads. And just as North and I are trying to navigate our way back to each other, those demons are determined to tear us apart.
Until one night changed everything. At least for me. The problem is, he doesn’t remember the hours we spent in that bar, talking and laughing. Or taking me home with him later that night.
Talk about humiliating.
With my heart smashed to smithereens, I decided it was time to move on from my unrequited crush and try to start fresh. Problem is, I can’t get the man out of my head. And it isn’t just because he rocked my world in those late night hours.
North is holding onto secrets. Secrets that push him to do things that some might consider reckless, but that I call brave.
But while he’s taking on his own demons, the ones from my past are determined to rear their ugly heads. And just as North and I are trying to navigate our way back to each other, those demons are determined to tear us apart.
263 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 19, 2026
About the author
Jessica Prince
97 books2,582 followersBorn and raised around Houston, Jessica is a self proclaimed caffeine addict, connoisseur of inexpensive wine, and the worst driver in the state of Texas. In addition to being all of these things, she’s first and foremost a wife and mom.
Growing up, she shared her mom and grandmother’s love of reading. But where they leaned toward murder mysteries, Jessica was obsessed with all things romance.
When she’s not nose deep in her next manuscript, you can usually find her with her kindle in hand.
To be in-the-know before anyone else, follow along on my website, or join my newsletter.
www.authorjessicaprince.com
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/_KJ0n
Connect with me everywhere else:
Facebook: authorjessicaprince
Instagram: @jessprince_writes
Twitter: @JessPrince2013
Growing up, she shared her mom and grandmother’s love of reading. But where they leaned toward murder mysteries, Jessica was obsessed with all things romance.
When she’s not nose deep in her next manuscript, you can usually find her with her kindle in hand.
To be in-the-know before anyone else, follow along on my website, or join my newsletter.
www.authorjessicaprince.com
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/_KJ0n
Connect with me everywhere else:
Facebook: authorjessicaprince
Instagram: @jessprince_writes
Twitter: @JessPrince2013
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 21, 2026
I can’t give it a 5 because I wanted a better grovel but the book is quite romantic, funny and hot
I would have loved a better communication after their night but I was rooting for her, she is a good heroine
The best part of this book is that finally I recognize again this author’s voice! She has always been very sexy and creative but lately she was in a bad place. I really can’t wait for more stories with Rake, that poor girl Angela and Archer!
Sexy, safe and funny book
He is a little idiot after their first night but he was broken by his past
Triggers!!! Rape and siblings death
I would have loved a better communication after their night but I was rooting for her, she is a good heroine
The best part of this book is that finally I recognize again this author’s voice! She has always been very sexy and creative but lately she was in a bad place. I really can’t wait for more stories with Rake, that poor girl Angela and Archer!
Sexy, safe and funny book
He is a little idiot after their first night but he was broken by his past
Triggers!!! Rape and siblings death
October 22, 2026
48 nickels
You know that joke, if I had a nickel for every time this happened, I’d have two nickels, which isn’t a lot, but it’s weird it happened twice. That’s how I felt about this book and the use of brackets. Except instead of two nickels, I’d have 48 (which is a lot). And the only reason I bring it up is that it pulled me out of the story every single time.
It feels as though something has changed with this author’s writing style that rubs me the wrong way. The stories are too short, resolved too quickly and the buildup of the villain is lacking. I hate saying that because I loved the authors earlier work, and while authors grow and change, I hope this one finds the spark that made her past writing so great.
You know that joke, if I had a nickel for every time this happened, I’d have two nickels, which isn’t a lot, but it’s weird it happened twice. That’s how I felt about this book and the use of brackets. Except instead of two nickels, I’d have 48 (which is a lot). And the only reason I bring it up is that it pulled me out of the story every single time.
It feels as though something has changed with this author’s writing style that rubs me the wrong way. The stories are too short, resolved too quickly and the buildup of the villain is lacking. I hate saying that because I loved the authors earlier work, and while authors grow and change, I hope this one finds the spark that made her past writing so great.
October 27, 2026
I loved Iris and North! I have read other novels by this author and really enjoyed them. This novel did not disappoint. I was so excited to jump into this novel and it did not let me down. From the first chapter this novel sucked me in and held on tight. I loved Iris, my heart hurt for her when North didn't remember their night together. She was such a fun character. I loved their chemistry. So good! Once I started reading I couldn't put this novel down. I stayed up most of the night to finish. So worth losing sleep over. I loved watching their walls and defenses come down and find each other. I can hardly wait to see what this author has coming next. Loved it!
October 26, 2026
When you go looking to calm the chaos but find so much more. Will you be able to see the town and your soul too? Trying to protect the town and your heart usually comes at a cost.
October 25, 2026
Iris has had her eyes on North for a while, and I was ready to see if she would finally get her man! But this Ashland romance comes with more than just chemistry—we also get a seriously creepy villain who will leave you with a bad taste in your mouth!
Iris is a strong female character, just like the women we've come to expect in the Ashland series. I love that these women have personalities of their own and aren't afraid to go after what they want!
This is part of a series, but you could definitely read it as a standalone if you wanted to. That said, it's always great getting to catch up with familiar characters from the other Ashland books. Those little appearances make returning to this world even more enjoyable!
The story is told through dual POV, which I always appreciate because I like getting both sides of the story. We get a contemporary romance with a bit of suspense mixed in, and that creepy villain definitely adds another layer to the storyline. We even get a few chapters from his point of view, and let's just say he is NOT someone you want to run into! There is something about getting inside the head of a character like that that makes the story even more unsettling.
No cliffhanger, but I did feel like we were left hanging just a tad. Not enough to ruin the story, but enough to leave me hoping we might get a little more in a future book. I'm keeping my fingers crossed!
I also appreciate that the author includes trigger warnings right at the beginning. Some of the content could be triggering for certain readers, so it's nice to have that heads-up before diving in.
Overall, this was an enjoyable mix of contemporary romance and suspense, with a strong female lead, familiar Ashland faces, and a villain who makes your skin crawl. I enjoyed spending more time in this series, and even though I wanted just a little more closure, I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next!
Another trip to Ashland with romance, suspense, and a villain I'd happily never meet in real life!
Iris is a strong female character, just like the women we've come to expect in the Ashland series. I love that these women have personalities of their own and aren't afraid to go after what they want!
This is part of a series, but you could definitely read it as a standalone if you wanted to. That said, it's always great getting to catch up with familiar characters from the other Ashland books. Those little appearances make returning to this world even more enjoyable!
The story is told through dual POV, which I always appreciate because I like getting both sides of the story. We get a contemporary romance with a bit of suspense mixed in, and that creepy villain definitely adds another layer to the storyline. We even get a few chapters from his point of view, and let's just say he is NOT someone you want to run into! There is something about getting inside the head of a character like that that makes the story even more unsettling.
No cliffhanger, but I did feel like we were left hanging just a tad. Not enough to ruin the story, but enough to leave me hoping we might get a little more in a future book. I'm keeping my fingers crossed!
I also appreciate that the author includes trigger warnings right at the beginning. Some of the content could be triggering for certain readers, so it's nice to have that heads-up before diving in.
Overall, this was an enjoyable mix of contemporary romance and suspense, with a strong female lead, familiar Ashland faces, and a villain who makes your skin crawl. I enjoyed spending more time in this series, and even though I wanted just a little more closure, I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next!
Another trip to Ashland with romance, suspense, and a villain I'd happily never meet in real life!
October 22, 2026
Worth the wait!
North has far more going on than I’d thought he would. I knew he has secrets, but I didn’t realize just what they were. And his mission isn’t a safe one, so it makes sense that he doesn’t want others involved. But he’s also not stupid. Or, not once Archer and Pope both talk some sense into him. And Iris…AND her mother, if I’m honest. Once North accepts that there are people on his side and ready to ride into the fray both for and with him, all bets are off and it’s a go.
I know we aren’t done with the Brady scourge. I know we have more to uncover. But I also know that Iris gives as good as she gets, North deserves a win so much, and Archer is likely going to have some adventures for us to follow, so I shall attempt to wait patiently.
North has far more going on than I’d thought he would. I knew he has secrets, but I didn’t realize just what they were. And his mission isn’t a safe one, so it makes sense that he doesn’t want others involved. But he’s also not stupid. Or, not once Archer and Pope both talk some sense into him. And Iris…AND her mother, if I’m honest. Once North accepts that there are people on his side and ready to ride into the fray both for and with him, all bets are off and it’s a go.
I know we aren’t done with the Brady scourge. I know we have more to uncover. But I also know that Iris gives as good as she gets, North deserves a win so much, and Archer is likely going to have some adventures for us to follow, so I shall attempt to wait patiently.
October 25, 2026
This is the third book in the series. I really liked Iris. I could easily see myself being friends with her. She has such a big heart. I loved her free spirit mom. She is a great character. I felt for North with his backstory, it shaped his path to Ashland. We've seen the corrupt police department through out this series, the question is can North be the catalyst to turn it around. Some really bad apples lead to some hold onto your seat moments. There are some sensitive topics in this one so please check the trigger warnings. Jessica Prince did them with respect and I appreciated the support the characters had. There are several characters I hope are going to get stories in this series. This was a quick read for me, but it was enjoyable one.
October 24, 2026
North
A light version of romantic suspense. A little suspense, a lot of relationship building. These two were so good together, but at first he had crushed her. Archer is the logic he needs and I hope his story is next!
A light version of romantic suspense. A little suspense, a lot of relationship building. These two were so good together, but at first he had crushed her. Archer is the logic he needs and I hope his story is next!
October 22, 2026
Excellent Read
Great book !! I so enjoyed North's story. I love tis series! Definitely will read the next in the series.
Great book !! I so enjoyed North's story. I love tis series! Definitely will read the next in the series.
October 28, 2026
Loved it
I couldn’t get enough of North and Iris. This couple will keep you flipping the pages. This big family of friends will make you love them. I can’t wait for more.
I couldn’t get enough of North and Iris. This couple will keep you flipping the pages. This big family of friends will make you love them. I can’t wait for more.
October 22, 2026
I liked the characters but it was easy to put down. A little too much backstory/storyline drama and not enough time with the characters together. But not a wallbanger
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews