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Hike, Hike, Baby

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From the romance author of The Culture Blind Series comes a laugh out loud comedy about finding love, finding yourself, and finding your future...

Yasmine

Pause, take a breath, and glisten...

That's the better way to phrase Yasmine Brown sweating to death on her first hike, which is, obviously her punishment for being too cheap or too stubborn to buy the outdoor-loving woman she calls her best friend a stupid gift.

Most people are willing to accept her famous baked desserts as the perfect present. After all, she is an internationally renowned pastry chef.

Unfortunately, that trick doesn't work when your best friend is also your employee.

One little trek to make the birthday brat happy won't kill her, right?

Sutton

Halt, take a sip, oh no, she's slippin'...

One minute Sutton Thisleton is having a drink, and the next he's helping the most gorgeous woman he's ever crossed paths with out of the small hole she fell into.

Most people wouldn't see this as the right opportunity to grab a date. They also wouldn't wander from city to city because the wind seemed to shift them another direction one random afternoon.

Good thing he's never been most people.

One assisted hop back to the vixen's vehicle won't completely change his life, right?

What will happen when these two opposite worlds continuously collide?

Will they find a way to create a sweet, long lasting treat together, or will it end with one of them being told to take a permanent hike?

286 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 23, 2019

342 people are currently reading
291 people want to read

About the author

Xavier Neal

132 books2,258 followers
I'm USA TODAY Bestselling Romance Author who has published over ninety works to date.

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The Gamble (Romantic Comedy) - https://amzn.to/2uf4ZFw

Part of The List (Contemporary Romance) - https://amzn.to/2udYwuz

Walking Away (Contemporary Ménage Romance) - https://amzn.to/2pAOEGf

Can’t Match This (Romantic Comedy) - https://amzn.to/2XapsVw

Hike, Hike Baby (Romantic Comedy) - https://amzn.to/32QqyJJ

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Sleigh Bride (Holiday Romantic Comedy)- https://amzn.to/3nOfJ4L

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Community Reviews

5 stars
125 (41%)
4 stars
96 (32%)
3 stars
57 (19%)
2 stars
13 (4%)
1 star
8 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
Profile Image for Teresa Lara.
3,484 reviews53 followers
July 20, 2019
This book had all the feels grabbed my heart
Yasmine and Sutton rocked my world
Funny intense emotional broken beautiful heart stopping love story
Need more
Profile Image for Jenn Allen.
3,262 reviews46 followers
July 22, 2019
I loved every minute of this book. This is a true journey, of inner worth, life and love. This is a bit different than the usual and that grabbed me and kept me pulled in so deep I didn't want it to end. It's a switching of the roles. Yasmine is dedicated to her business, structured in life, and loyal to her friends and family. Sutton is a free spirit with an amazing heart that goes where the wind takes him. I connected deeply with Yasmine on a personal level, the way she uses humor to cover her insecurities and doubts. I loved how their story progressed with heart touching moments and bits of humor. It's a must read.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for TOwens.
313 reviews2 followers
July 26, 2019
I’ve read MANY of Xavier Neal‘s books over the years and NEVER thought anyone could come close to stealing my heart from Logan”Unbreakable” Kellar..... But Sutton almost did😮. He came thisclose to doing it. Definitely adding this one to my Xavier Neal collection 💗.
Profile Image for Kori Dicken.
537 reviews12 followers
July 21, 2019
Comical rom com! Great
Chemistry between the main characters Yasmine and Sutton. If you are a fan of Xavier’s other work, there are many mentions and cameos of characters from other
Books.
Great storyline, highly enjoyed it!
Profile Image for TheSassyNerdBlog.
1,100 reviews435 followers
July 21, 2019
This is my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it. I had heard good things about Xavier's work, I can now see why people fall victim to the characters and fall in love with them. The author has a way of pulling you in with her words. It was from page one that I was sucked into this plot. I loved the main heroine in this but god damn did I want to slap her at times. But in saying that, I felt I could relate to her, to her insecurities, her struggles, and the hero? Well, he's.. different? Not my normal type of male that I normally read about, he is very free-spirited,... I think that's one way to sum him up. Different, yet I still enjoyed his personality and he certainly had me intrigued and when it came to both of them together, I was a little addicted and curious to find out where the author would take this couple. It was every but normal, which I loved. It had me laughing, shaking my head in frustration and my eyes bugging out of my head, throughout the book. It was a good book, and I highly recommend it.

The authors' ability to bring so much detail to these characters was awesome, and I found I could easily relax and read this, it flowed so well!

4 1/2 stars!

445 reviews4 followers
July 20, 2019
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I loved this book. The heroine, Yasmine, was someone I loved and hated at the same time. She just felt so real to me. She had some of the same insecurities as me and she reacts to so many things the same way I would lol. She was just so frustrating at times but I totally understood some of the things she did. Sutton, her beau, was the same. He is someone I would call a free spirit. He lets signs and the same universe dictate his life. I loved how he was all about not having to try to be normal but do what feels right for you. But there were plenty of times where I face palmed at the things he said. This was a great romance and honestly a great guide for how to approach life. Keep it up Miss Neal!
Profile Image for Heather andrews.
9,520 reviews162 followers
July 18, 2019
Sutton can compromise to make his girl happy, "the desire in her voice is hard to deny. “All right.” Yasmine’s brown stare soars back upward. “We can host a game night.” She squeals in glee. “But I get to pick the games.” I liked this book, it wasn't one of my favorites by this author but it also wasn't bad. I liked the characters enough, but I just had trouble connecting with them.
Profile Image for Nancy  L Thompson.
2,158 reviews15 followers
August 3, 2019
Not Really Sure About This Book

This book was very hard for me to get into. It just wasn't the "usual" story line I'm use to from this author. I'm not saying that change isn't a good thing, it's just it took me way too long before I could really comprehend this books meaning. I only continued reading because I love Ms Neal's usual style of writing and I'm still a fan
Profile Image for Gladys.
14k reviews163 followers
July 23, 2019
This is one of those books that will steal your heart, make you laugh, have you swooning and make you shed a tear or two along the way. Yasmine and Sutton's romance was witty, clever, sweet, steamy, cute and funny. It is a feel good read that is sure to produce an effervescent effect on your heart and bring brightness to your day. That is not to say that this couple has no hurdles to overcome on the way to a HEA because trust me, they do. Drama, different lifestyles and mindsets, baggage from the past and insecurities all cause complications for the pair. Yasmine was such a relatable character. She is a successful business owner, living with some body image issues, has a major "type A" personality and is a great lover of polka dots. Sassy, quirky and often sarcastic, I thought she was just marvelous!! Sutton was her polar opposite in so many ways. He is a big hearted, free spirited, fun loving, vagabond that believes in dancing to your own drummer, living in the moment, going where the fates take you and free love (at least until he meets "The One"). I found this book simply delightful and I loved how both characters grew and learned to compromise along the way. This is my truthful voluntary review.
Profile Image for Andrea Turner.
300 reviews19 followers
October 29, 2025
This book hits you with all the feels! Yasmin is the ambitious woman that can never find time for herself. He company means everything to her, it’s what she is passionate about. She is just living day to day.
Sutton is this crazy wild spirit, he just lets life take him on a journey cause he knows that’s where he is suppose to be, and this man is sexy!! These two meet in an unpredictable way, and fate has everything planned for them. This story is about life’s journey. Forget about your past, live in the present, and the the future guide you. Both of them work so hard on becoming one entity, especially Yasmin! Sutton teaches her to let go and to find beauty in ones self, and I freaking adored that. We all need someone like Sutton in our lives. His positive vibes could really help this world out! Thank you Xavier for giving us this one of a kind journey!!
Profile Image for Tammi.
2,177 reviews30 followers
July 31, 2019
I really enjoyed this book!
I have never read a book with a hero like Sutton. He was a free spirit, hippie-like and simple swoonworthy! He spoke his mind and let his heart lead the way.
Then you have Yasmine they are the most unlikely pair yet so perfect. She is a workaholic with self esteem issues and lots of insecurities.
He is the calm to her crazy. He shows her the simple way he leads his life and helps her find the beautiful person she is. It made me melt.
She calmed his wandering traveling ways by giving his heart a home and he showed her how let herself fly.
And their sexual chemistry? It was OFF THE CHARTS!!
A fun, romantic, steamy story!
Profile Image for Kbsblogging and reviews .
360 reviews16 followers
July 23, 2019
Hike, hike baby this is my second book ive by Xavier Neal and its certainly won't be my last.
I loved everything about this book.
I was hooked from the very beginning.
I loved the characters.
Sutton and yasmine were good gether.
Yasmine goes on her first hike to please her best friend because its her best friend's birthday.
She slips into a hole and the rest is history.
I highly recommend this book you won't be disappointed.

Profile Image for Becky Ballenger.
664 reviews19 followers
July 23, 2019
Yasmine and Sutton were perfect!!!!! I loved this book!!!! Xavier Neal’s characters are always real, down to earth people! I’ve not read a book yet from her where I thought “this wouldn’t happen” or “that’s not right”!!!! I love reading her work. She is a brilliant author!!!! This book was definitely a top summer read!!!!!
Profile Image for Mariana Lee.
672 reviews18 followers
July 26, 2019
Another great ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ romantic comedy by the very talented Xavier. I loved this book Sutton and Yasmine are great characters, incredible chemistry and brilliant banter. This story is sweet, fresh, hot and totally captivating. Great holiday read!
Profile Image for Alison Chewning.
732 reviews5 followers
July 24, 2019
I really enjoyed reading this book. Good characters and enjoyable storyline.
Profile Image for Savannah- Quad Motherin' Book Readin' Diva.
230 reviews34 followers
June 10, 2022
Everything about this book is awkward.
How he speaks.
How she relates to him.
The inexplicable insta-love.
Their interactions literally leave me wondering how and why these two would ever tolerate each other and I never did find out.

2 stars because its edited well and ...well, thats it. I'm just irritated by it.
Profile Image for Alison.
483 reviews27 followers
July 25, 2019
5 Sweetly, Romantic, Free Spirited, Hot Stars!!!

I was given this book in turn for an honest review.

I love diving into a Xavier Neal book, her writing always fills me with happiness, and optimism about life; Hike, Hike Baby is no different. I was chuckling throughout and my heart was swelling with love for Yasmin and Sutton. They were like chalk and cheese, yet so perfect for each other.

Sutton brought out Yasmin’s spontaneity, he helped her to build herself up and he wasn’t afraid to push her to live outside her limits. Yasmin gave Sutton something he had long since decided was no longer on the path for him, she showed him there could be more to life even when you decide to lay some roots.

There story is about building yourself up, living for the moment, embracing the things life has to offer and learning to compromise within a relationship. Together they were a force to be reckoned with and I loved them both equally.

This story isn’t so much about the drama, as so much about life, living life, loving life, finding the other half of your soul and embracing the future together as one. Learning to forget the past and have confidence in the moment, that the path you are following is the right one, it has meaning, it has a reason it’s sending you on this journey and about building a relationship built upon honesty and trust.

If you enjoy Romantic Comedy’s that are about a couple and their journey, this book is for you. I promise you will not be disappointed.
Profile Image for Julia Gerard.
694 reviews9 followers
July 25, 2019
How not to find your "ONE"? Fall into his hands on a hike! Ok well maybe that's the way to do it! So first off {I don't read blurbs etc.} I thought this book was about football, uhm yeah, no! Yasmine seriously needs a life, she's all about and only about her work. So the Shaws yeah those Shaws take her out for a a day, and she falls for the man of her dreams, yeah no not that easy. But she did fall and a Hottie stopped to help her, man bun and all! He's from the magical land of Doctenn. Every word out of his mouth makes his Little Bunny forget everything! Like she lives for work, that she's too tall, that she's curvy. All the things by the way he loves! Sutton is very honest and free, but he likes what he likes and says so! I loved this story! Well I like everything from Xavier! It was real, funny. and sweet!
345 reviews
August 14, 2019
I usually enjoy stories Xavier Neal but not this one! No plot, no character development, no chemistry between the characters. It seems the writers thought their feeble attempts a witty banter and cute nicknames would carry the day. They were wrong. This is the summary of the book: cute, successful but insecure baker is hiking with her friends, baker hates hiking and anything that takes her out of her comfort zone, baker stumbles and falls into a hole to be helped up by a very handsome guy. The handsome guy is a nomad, hippy type guy living to collect experiences as he runs away from commitment any sort. SPOILER: It is instant lust, love, marriages, kids. I could not have care any less about Little Bunny (the baker heroine) and Fortune Cookie (handsome commitment phobe) and could not wait to reach the end of this book. Sorry, I can't recommend this book.
79 reviews9 followers
July 24, 2019
I loved this book so much. Yasmine's character spoke to my soul so much. I have/had the same insecurities she has. Being to tall, not small, never feeling dainty or wanted. And to see her flourish and find love and happiness is such an inspiration!! And Sutton! All I can say is I'll take one! So sweet, loving and honest! This is probably the most relatable stories I've ever read by Xavier and all I can say is, Thank You! For showing heroines in all shapes and sizes. I recommend this all day, every day! Amazing read!
Profile Image for Brandy Goodman.
350 reviews9 followers
August 1, 2019
Loved it. Two complete opposite personalities but with so much passion and love. From the first moment they meet you fall in love with each of them differently and then together as a couple. Amazing.

Merged review:

Loved it. Two complete opposite personalities but with so much passion and love. From the first moment they meet, you fall in love with each of them differently and then together as a couple. Amazing.
108 reviews2 followers
July 25, 2019
This book will hook you from the beginning! It's funny, romantic and down to earth. These two work so well together and yet they are the complete opposite of each other. This book has such a down to earth spiritual feel to it you'll feel better after reading it.
934 reviews8 followers
July 30, 2019
Opposites attraction

Sutton and Yasmine were as different as night and day, but were drawn to each other. Sutton helped Yasmine to truly accept who she was and to love herself. Such a fun and sweet story.
180 reviews3 followers
July 31, 2019
Wonderful

I absolutely loved this book. I need a Sutton in my life. I loved the dynamics between these characters. I was hooked from the first chapter and couldn't put it down. This couple really balanced each other out and it was touching and at times hilarious. A great read.
Profile Image for Cherryl.
2,164 reviews1 follower
January 30, 2020
Love is everything, including for one's self

The day Yasmine Brown became Sutton Thistleton's Little Bunny, was the day that changed her life forever, and his too. Sutton taught her how to live for herself and not be just a slave to her business, to trust her soul and spirit and follow it. Sutton became her Fortune Cookie, that helped her to experience life to the fullest. Sutton came to understand that she was who his life of wanderlust was preparing him for. He had to experience his heartbreak in order to move forward, closer to his Little Bunny. With all of the confidence, Yasmine was growing into, she still had her insecurities when it came to Sutton's ex. it was that encounter than helped Sutton to realize that he could not stomach living a day without his Little Bunny, finally nailed her down. They passed on their love of self and life on to the next generation. Forrest was taught that no matter his skin color, size, or hair texture, he is loved and worthy of that love.

This story was a detailed examination about one woman's ideal self and how she developed and opened her philosophical idea of self and love due to her accidental meeting of the love of her life. This deep philosophical story also showed how a man's wanderlust came to an end with meeting that one woman who was made just for him. Even though they were so different racially and culturally, they learned how to celebrate those differences and revel in them and learn from each other. This book was very different from what I'm used to reading and was more cerebral than I'm accustomed to. It was still enjoyable and thought-provoking all the same.
Profile Image for Crazy for Books (Stephanie).
1,916 reviews234 followers
September 19, 2023
3.5 Life Lesson Stars...

I really liked this one for the lessons that were in it. I loved Sutton's view on life and how he viewed things, i.e. “I can’t control how other people treat me, only how I treat them.” And basically letting the universe speak to you and to actually take the time to listen. Being yourself and telling your truth at all times. Loved it.

That being said, I didn't give it more stars because, though I got that Yasmine was insecure because of her size, I didn't like how negative she was when trying new things. I mean, she was a downer almost all the time. Like going to the festival where his brother was playing. She had plenty of time to acclimate to the fact that she was going to be hearing music she wasn't overly familiar with. She didn't even want to attempt to dance. I didn't like that.

Then there were a few really hilarious moments. This is my first time reading this author. I'm willing to read more, especially if she puts the "Must Love" series on audio.
Profile Image for Veronica Ticker.
901 reviews63 followers
May 9, 2020
(audiobook) In one word, delightful! It was funny, sweet, sexy, insightful, full of body positivity. The narrators were both excellent.

You get a black tall curvy girl who’s full of insecurity but lives her dreams with a pastry shop, and a blond demi-god who sees beauty in everything and can’t stay in one place forever because he wants to visit the world. And you get the beautiful story of how they find each other and they learn to compromise to make their relationship work.

It’s a mature story. The major problems they encounter come from themselves, and they just have to grow up and change their way of seeing things. All of that with a lot of humor and a touch of sexy.

I also enjoyed the author’s way with words--I read some words that I’m not used seeing in romance novels (or any novel, actually). It’s both witty and poetic. I really loved some of her sentences.

I waited a long time to hear/listen to this one, and I wasn’t disappointed.


Quickie

Series: standalone

Hashtags: #romcom #opposites attract #interracial romance #curvy girl #instalove

Triggers: suggestion of underage sex (in the past)

Main couple: Yasmine Brown & Sutton Thistleton

Hotness: 5/5

Romance: 5/5

+ Sutton’s free spirit and his way of seeing the world

- some side characters were more annoying than interesting
Profile Image for Steph's Romance Book Talk.
2,870 reviews1,400 followers
March 8, 2022
4.25 Stars / 3.5 Steam Fans

Video review available in Week 7: Feb 13 – Feb 19, 2022, total weekly book reviews on Steph's Romance Book Talk Patreon.

For other bookish content, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
Profile Image for Sabrina Thompson.
198 reviews21 followers
July 25, 2019
This book is a standalone.

"Hike Hike Baby" is a romcom full of heart and human truths. It is chock full of emotions and love.

We first meet Yasmine in "Must Love Logs". She is the owner of Yasmine's Yummies with an affinity for polka dots.

Sutton is a world traveler with a love of different cultures. He is a glorified hippie with an old soul.

Separately, on paper these two do not match but when a chance encounter happens both their lives are thrown for a loop. Sutton is very much guided by his vibes and the ethos while Yasmine thrives in order and structure. Their relationship quickly progresses into soul mate status with each one learning new things from the other. Their chemistry was on fire and undeniable.

I loved how Ms. Neal wrote these characters. Two opposites in all aspects of life come together to balance each other out. Sutton and Yasmine are written real and raw. The obstacles they face are one's most people face in the beginning stages of a relationship. Honesty, insecurities and compromise are main themes throughout this story. Their relationship felt genuine. Through parts of this book, I could identify with Yasmine, which is something I always love in a book.

Ms. Neal has a penchant for writing timely and relevant stories and this book was perfect. It was peppered with pop culture references and cameo's from other characters in different series. As usual, the side characters were just as intriguing as the main characters.

If you're looking for an upbeat, heartwarming and quick read, get this book!

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