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Alpine Ridge #1
Tough Love
NOW AN AMAZON INTERNATIONAL BESTELLER*
“A sweet, sexy read with two compelling lovers.” — Kirkus Reviews
From award-winning and international best-selling author Melanie A. Smith comes a standalone steamy contemporary romance about life choices, love, and finding yourself in between.
Sometimes you need a bit of tough love to get where you’re supposed to be …
Mia Anderson has been living a life that was chosen for her. But her impending thirtieth birthday is the wake-up call she needed to stop wasting time on all the wrong pursuits. Just as she’s figuring out what she wants to do about it, her beloved grandmother falls ill and Mia drops everything to be with her. What she didn’t expect to find in her grandmother’s tiny mountain town is the courage to quit working for her father, supplied by a little tough love from her Gran. Now faced with an uncertain future, the last thing on her mind is finding love.
Nate Edwards is living a solitary life deep in the Cascade Mountains of Washington. He’s content, or at least he thinks he is — until the granddaughter of a good friend shows up and he starts having feelings he thought he’d never have again. But Mia’s future isn’t in Alpine Ridge, so acting on it would lead to nothing but heartbreak. Still, their connection is undeniable and circumstances continue to push them together, despite their resistance. Will Mia stick to her decision to carve her own path? And if she does, will it be with Nate? Or is he doomed to an isolated life?
*Amazon Canada #12 in contemporary romance; #82 in Kindle store 6/8/21; Amazon Australia #21 in contemporary romance; #71 in Kindle store 6/9/21; Amazon UK #76 in contemporary romance fiction 6/9/21
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About the author
Melanie A. Smith
27 books298 followersMelanie A. Smith is an award-winning, international best-selling author of steamy romance with smart, self-sufficient heroines and strong, swoony book boyfriends with hearts of gold. A former engineer turned stay-at-home mom and author, when Melanie is not lost in the world of books you’ll find her spending time with her husband and son, crafting, or cross-stitching.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
January 26, 2021
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Hello abs! Tough Love will introduce you to Mia and Nate. Both have given up on love and just want to live their best life. Not sure why since Mia is barely 30 and Nate is a handsome man but whatever. At one point in their lives, they had a lightbulb moment where they realized that they hate their job. And I mean HATE their job.
So when Mia and Nate meet one another - well, let's just call it Fate. When it's actually all do to Mia's wonderful Gran. Man, I loved Gran. She was a spitfire and I love how she stood up to Mia's horrible parents. Holy crap, they are completely self centered assholes who don't deserve Mia or their other daughter. They deserve to rot in hell (just saying).
Back to Mia and Nate. They try really hard to conceal their feelings for one another but anyone with eyes can see the chemistry and spark from a different planet. So it didn't take long for things to heat up between them. Unfortunately, that just means the drama comes hard and fast as well.
I'm not going to lie. I wanted to throat punch the both of them for acting stupid. It frustrated me and I'm sure it will frustrate other people. Thankfully they somehow get their heads removed from their asses and they found a way back to one another.
The ending was cute though.
Hello abs! Tough Love will introduce you to Mia and Nate. Both have given up on love and just want to live their best life. Not sure why since Mia is barely 30 and Nate is a handsome man but whatever. At one point in their lives, they had a lightbulb moment where they realized that they hate their job. And I mean HATE their job.
So when Mia and Nate meet one another - well, let's just call it Fate. When it's actually all do to Mia's wonderful Gran. Man, I loved Gran. She was a spitfire and I love how she stood up to Mia's horrible parents. Holy crap, they are completely self centered assholes who don't deserve Mia or their other daughter. They deserve to rot in hell (just saying).
Back to Mia and Nate. They try really hard to conceal their feelings for one another but anyone with eyes can see the chemistry and spark from a different planet. So it didn't take long for things to heat up between them. Unfortunately, that just means the drama comes hard and fast as well.
I'm not going to lie. I wanted to throat punch the both of them for acting stupid. It frustrated me and I'm sure it will frustrate other people. Thankfully they somehow get their heads removed from their asses and they found a way back to one another.
The ending was cute though.
April 24, 2025
My Rating - 4.25/5
Mia was a divorce lawyer in her father's farm but she wasn't happy with her choice of life. She wanted to get away for a while thus the vacation with her bestfriend. It didn't last though as her grandmother, Dorothy fell sick and her mom called her to take care of her gran because she's too busy to take care of her own mother. Turned out Mia's gran had lymphoma. Nate lived in the same town as Dorothy and he adored her. Nate was a doctor but retired as stuff happened in his past. He finally met Mia, the granddaughter Dorothy talked so fondly about. They both started having feelings for each other but life happened. Because Mia was jobless, no parental support, her gran was dying and her life was a mess. But Nate tried to support her as much as he could with having his own problems to deal with. Then tragedy happened along with some misunderstanding and feelings got hurt but at the end they both realized their mistakes, got their shit together and finally confessed their feelings rather than hiding it.
My Feelings -
Quotes -
-“It’s the journey, child. The journey of finding yourself, what you want, that’s worth it. Not the places you’ll see, or the men that will woo you, though those experiences are priceless too. If you’re not living a life that’s true to yourself just because it’s easier, then you’re simply not living. So. Now that you’ve realized what’s been going on, even if you don’t quit and move out, by the time you come see me again, I want you to have done something. Even if it’s small. Something that puts you back in the driver’s seat of your own life. Do you understand?”
-“Can’t get anything past you. The Nate thing is a bump. The real life-shaker is this shit with your family. Until you face it, you’re going to be stuck in a mindfuck. You’re taking out your frustration on Nate. At worst, he slept with you knowing you weren’t totally sober and are in a bad place in your life. Give the guy a break. You are pretty irresistible.”
-Because I hope someday you realize that you needed to go through this painful time to shape who you will become.
-Being true to yourself and not letting anyone get in your way is the toughest love there is — self love.
-“You have what it takes to do whatever you put your mind to. Don’t ever think anything different.”
-Being wrong feels good.
Damn! I liked this book a lot. I mean it! It's an inspirational book.
Mia was a divorce lawyer in her father's farm but she wasn't happy with her choice of life. She wanted to get away for a while thus the vacation with her bestfriend. It didn't last though as her grandmother, Dorothy fell sick and her mom called her to take care of her gran because she's too busy to take care of her own mother. Turned out Mia's gran had lymphoma. Nate lived in the same town as Dorothy and he adored her. Nate was a doctor but retired as stuff happened in his past. He finally met Mia, the granddaughter Dorothy talked so fondly about. They both started having feelings for each other but life happened. Because Mia was jobless, no parental support, her gran was dying and her life was a mess. But Nate tried to support her as much as he could with having his own problems to deal with. Then tragedy happened along with some misunderstanding and feelings got hurt but at the end they both realized their mistakes, got their shit together and finally confessed their feelings rather than hiding it.
My Feelings -
Quotes -
-“It’s the journey, child. The journey of finding yourself, what you want, that’s worth it. Not the places you’ll see, or the men that will woo you, though those experiences are priceless too. If you’re not living a life that’s true to yourself just because it’s easier, then you’re simply not living. So. Now that you’ve realized what’s been going on, even if you don’t quit and move out, by the time you come see me again, I want you to have done something. Even if it’s small. Something that puts you back in the driver’s seat of your own life. Do you understand?”
-“Can’t get anything past you. The Nate thing is a bump. The real life-shaker is this shit with your family. Until you face it, you’re going to be stuck in a mindfuck. You’re taking out your frustration on Nate. At worst, he slept with you knowing you weren’t totally sober and are in a bad place in your life. Give the guy a break. You are pretty irresistible.”
-Because I hope someday you realize that you needed to go through this painful time to shape who you will become.
-Being true to yourself and not letting anyone get in your way is the toughest love there is — self love.
-“You have what it takes to do whatever you put your mind to. Don’t ever think anything different.”
-Being wrong feels good.
Damn! I liked this book a lot. I mean it! It's an inspirational book.
January 12, 2021
It is no secret that I adore this author’s words, but this book... WOW.
I may have shed a few tears because the emotion in this book is real.
Mia’s story is one that shows what can happen when you finally follow your heart.
Nate’s story is one that shows you need to let go of the past and start living in the moment.
And Dorothy, oh Dorothy... she was amazing! One of those characters that will forever stay with you because she’s got fire. I loved her!
An incredibly touching story, and a must read for 2021!
Five amazing stars!
I may have shed a few tears because the emotion in this book is real.
Mia’s story is one that shows what can happen when you finally follow your heart.
Nate’s story is one that shows you need to let go of the past and start living in the moment.
And Dorothy, oh Dorothy... she was amazing! One of those characters that will forever stay with you because she’s got fire. I loved her!
An incredibly touching story, and a must read for 2021!
Five amazing stars!
January 27, 2021
I'm so happy I discovered this! The abs definitely drew me in, but the story was sweet and fun and kept me entertained. The main characters Mia and Nate have so much in common and I was pushing for them to be together from the start. Both were a bit isolated from other people and needed someone who understood what they were going through. They also bond over their love of Mia's grandmother, who may be one of the best gran's ever!
Mia is a bit all over the place emotionally. She's just decided to quit her job at her dad's law firm and her parents do not take it well. They're incredibly selfish people and I was glad that Mia distanced herself from them. Her grandmother is great and encourages her to pursue other interests, including getting her with Nate. Nate is a retired doctor from L.A., now living in a small town. He's interested in Mia immediately and I loved watching them get closer.
There are a couple sad moments in this, but overall it's a fun story about doing what you're passionate about and not holding back. I'll definitely be checking out other books from this author!
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Mia is a bit all over the place emotionally. She's just decided to quit her job at her dad's law firm and her parents do not take it well. They're incredibly selfish people and I was glad that Mia distanced herself from them. Her grandmother is great and encourages her to pursue other interests, including getting her with Nate. Nate is a retired doctor from L.A., now living in a small town. He's interested in Mia immediately and I loved watching them get closer.
There are a couple sad moments in this, but overall it's a fun story about doing what you're passionate about and not holding back. I'll definitely be checking out other books from this author!
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 5, 2021
Another searing book from Melanie A. Smith.
Why?
Because this story hurt. And then it healed. The exploration of family, of your path, is raw and relatable. This book captures the weight we feel on our shoulders and how badly we want to LET GO so we can find our clear path. I loved Mia for her struggle to carry that weight, and then finally shake the SHOULDs.
And Nate. A book boyfriend full of secrets and pain (and sexy as sin.) An excellent judge of character, a selfless man trying to do what's right, Nate is a damn dream.
As is the romance that slowly blossoms between them. Honestly, despite the billionaires and mafia kings and rockstars of the romance world, a quiet love story like this is my ideal fantasy. Just me and the man I'm meant to be with falling in love in the woods while the world goes on by.
Just gorgeous.
Why?
Because this story hurt. And then it healed. The exploration of family, of your path, is raw and relatable. This book captures the weight we feel on our shoulders and how badly we want to LET GO so we can find our clear path. I loved Mia for her struggle to carry that weight, and then finally shake the SHOULDs.
And Nate. A book boyfriend full of secrets and pain (and sexy as sin.) An excellent judge of character, a selfless man trying to do what's right, Nate is a damn dream.
As is the romance that slowly blossoms between them. Honestly, despite the billionaires and mafia kings and rockstars of the romance world, a quiet love story like this is my ideal fantasy. Just me and the man I'm meant to be with falling in love in the woods while the world goes on by.
Just gorgeous.
February 6, 2021
Wow! I am speechless. I am not sure if my review will do justice to this book.
This author once again did not disappoint.
Seriously, this book covers all emotions from humour, smouldering chemistry, to hate (I know that it is a strong word but it was the only nice thing I could say about Mia's parents in this review) frustration, loss/heartbreak, finding yourself to finally finding love.
Warning - Please have tissues handy.
My heart swelled knowing that Mia had a fantastic relationship with her grandmother Dorothy.
Nate - you have a heart of gold.
I can see why Dorothy loved Mia and Nate as they both have similar demons to deal with and why she guided them in the way she did.
Get comfortable with a drink of your choice and don't forget the tissues because when you start reading this book you will not want to put it down.
If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would have.
I was given a ARC of this book for an honest review.
This author once again did not disappoint.
Seriously, this book covers all emotions from humour, smouldering chemistry, to hate (I know that it is a strong word but it was the only nice thing I could say about Mia's parents in this review) frustration, loss/heartbreak, finding yourself to finally finding love.
Warning - Please have tissues handy.
My heart swelled knowing that Mia had a fantastic relationship with her grandmother Dorothy.
Nate - you have a heart of gold.
I can see why Dorothy loved Mia and Nate as they both have similar demons to deal with and why she guided them in the way she did.
Get comfortable with a drink of your choice and don't forget the tissues because when you start reading this book you will not want to put it down.
If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would have.
I was given a ARC of this book for an honest review.
January 5, 2021
Wow! Lot of emotions and inner struggles going on. The closeness with grandma her biggest source unconditional love and support. There’s even romance to make you smile.
January 17, 2021
4.5 stars
Once again, Melaine delivers a great romance.
This is a story about finding yourself.
Mia, following her father's footsteps, became a lawyer at her father's firm. But with her thirtieth birthday looming, she realises it may not be her dream, but the one her father created for her.
She sets out on a journey to find herself, and with a little help from her (amazing) grandma, and a hunky (early-retired) doctor named Nate, she finds more than she bargained for. At times, I found Mia to be almost childish with her behaviour towards Nate, but Melanie did a great job at showing growth in her character, which made me love her more than I originally had.
This story was one of growth and acceptance. Independence and strength. Loyalty and (tough) love.
Melaine is one of my favourite go-to authors when I need a light romance read I can immerse myself in. Tough Love was just what I needed to distract me from my everyday life. Also, there are some yummy sounding dishes and deserts mentioned that I am dying to taste. Lol!
Once again, Melaine delivers a great romance.
This is a story about finding yourself.
Mia, following her father's footsteps, became a lawyer at her father's firm. But with her thirtieth birthday looming, she realises it may not be her dream, but the one her father created for her.
She sets out on a journey to find herself, and with a little help from her (amazing) grandma, and a hunky (early-retired) doctor named Nate, she finds more than she bargained for. At times, I found Mia to be almost childish with her behaviour towards Nate, but Melanie did a great job at showing growth in her character, which made me love her more than I originally had.
This story was one of growth and acceptance. Independence and strength. Loyalty and (tough) love.
Melaine is one of my favourite go-to authors when I need a light romance read I can immerse myself in. Tough Love was just what I needed to distract me from my everyday life. Also, there are some yummy sounding dishes and deserts mentioned that I am dying to taste. Lol!
February 10, 2021
Tough Love made me laugh and cry. So much of the emotion in this book resonated with me. The desire to please others that you somehow forget who you are. Feeling lost and unsure of your life's purpose or direction. Being burned so many times by those closest to you that you fear letting anyone in. Waking up one day and wondering what you are even doing with your life...
At times Mia was so lost, while others she was consumed by her anger and confusion. Her stubbornness and her inability to go after the life she wanted hurt my heart, but I absolutely loved seeing her grow and take a stand.
Then there is Nate. If I'm being honest here...I'm a little bit in love with Nate. He is patient and strong. Caring and protective. But behind all of that is a man with a past who is afraid to step into the light and truly live. A man who hides himself away and is more alone than he seems.
Gran. My favorite character in this book. A matchmaker and a hopeful romantic, Gran is the grandmother we all need in our lives. She believes in tough love. Something we all need once in a while.
So much of Tough Love is a reminder that tomorrow isn't guaranteed; it is never too late to start living; and sometimes...we need a little push to get to where we are supposed to be.
Definitely recommend this one!
At times Mia was so lost, while others she was consumed by her anger and confusion. Her stubbornness and her inability to go after the life she wanted hurt my heart, but I absolutely loved seeing her grow and take a stand.
Then there is Nate. If I'm being honest here...I'm a little bit in love with Nate. He is patient and strong. Caring and protective. But behind all of that is a man with a past who is afraid to step into the light and truly live. A man who hides himself away and is more alone than he seems.
Gran. My favorite character in this book. A matchmaker and a hopeful romantic, Gran is the grandmother we all need in our lives. She believes in tough love. Something we all need once in a while.
So much of Tough Love is a reminder that tomorrow isn't guaranteed; it is never too late to start living; and sometimes...we need a little push to get to where we are supposed to be.
Definitely recommend this one!
July 17, 2021
Mia is a lawyer, working for her father just as he has always wanted. However she is starting to realise that it is not what she has ever wanted. When her Gran becomes ill she quickly rushes to help care for her where she meets one of her Gran’s friends Nate who understands the pain of living someone else’s dream. Hopefully a little tough love can point them both in the right direction.
I loved reading this book. I was so hooked that I couldn’t put it down and read it in one sitting. The story moved at just the right pace, the Mia, her Gran and Nate were flawed but likeable and relatable and their relationships with each other were so authentic. I felt a whole range of very strong emotions as I read this book. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for other books from Melanie Smith.
I received a free copy of this book from Voracious Readers in exchange for an honest review
I loved reading this book. I was so hooked that I couldn’t put it down and read it in one sitting. The story moved at just the right pace, the Mia, her Gran and Nate were flawed but likeable and relatable and their relationships with each other were so authentic. I felt a whole range of very strong emotions as I read this book. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for other books from Melanie Smith.
I received a free copy of this book from Voracious Readers in exchange for an honest review
January 17, 2021
How to you live life when you realize you’ve been living it for everyone but yourself? Mia is the dutiful daughter but being a lawyer wasn’t her dream. Crazy family and when her gran is sick nothing will stop her from taking care of her.
Nate lives alone by choice. He helps his neighbor but when he meets her granddaughter things change. Life is never easy and love is Tough. Both have quite a journey they have to face, but can they do it together ?
It was a good story and I cried I’m not afraid to admit. I enjoyed it and loved Nate a lot!
Nate lives alone by choice. He helps his neighbor but when he meets her granddaughter things change. Life is never easy and love is Tough. Both have quite a journey they have to face, but can they do it together ?
It was a good story and I cried I’m not afraid to admit. I enjoyed it and loved Nate a lot!
January 7, 2021
This is a quick, enjoyable read. I thought it was going to be all steamy romance, but there was way more to it. I love it when there is a witty and caring grandma involved! If you are in need of a HEA, with a bit of dysfunctional family thrown in....and muscles of course, this is a good one!
July 5, 2021
When starting to read this book I thought it was slow going, however I persevered and I absolutely loved it. It triggered so many emotions and some of it I can relate to. I would highly recommend, would definitely like to read more by Melanie. A Smith.
February 1, 2021
I couldn't put this book down. And I made chocolate avocado mousse because of it, so it's a win all the way around.
May 29, 2021
Melanie A. Smith delivers a small town romance full of grief, love, and meddling grandmothers.
Thank you to Melanie A. Smith and Voracious Readers Only for gifting me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Right off the bat I loved the small-town feel and forced close proximity between Nate and Mia. The premise was the perfect combination of tropes, but I felt that the cover doesn't properly convey this. For me, the cover doesn't represent the emotional tone of the novel and might be deterring ideal readers.
"This was a woman who has been denying her fire and it was starting to burn her alive from the inside out."
Smith's characters were strongly developed and each one distinctive. The chemistry between Nate and Mia was undeniable and irresistible. My heart broke for them with every turn of the plot. But watching their growth and eventual vulnerability made it all worthwhile.
I adored Mia's relationship with her Gran and it struck me right where it hurts. Every twist and uncovered secret had me squealing. All in all, Dorothy was the star of the novel. Everyone deserves a gran like her.
Smith beautifully executed dual pov. The way she played Nate and Mia's ignorance off each other had me wanting to scream - but in the best possible way.
Despite my adoration for Tough Love, I did find the initial chapters to be longwinded and slightly repetitive. But once the story picked up I was completely enthralled and stayed up all night to finish it.
"I can't possibly fathom a universe where I deserve you."
Tough Love shattered my heart and then glued it back together. It was a beautiful novel of grief and taking control of your life, with the perfect amount of wit.
I cannot recommend this enough to those in need of an emotional read and are happy to get their heartbroken. But don't worry, you can trust Smith to patch you back up with a swoony HEA.
Thank you to Melanie A. Smith and Voracious Readers Only for gifting me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Right off the bat I loved the small-town feel and forced close proximity between Nate and Mia. The premise was the perfect combination of tropes, but I felt that the cover doesn't properly convey this. For me, the cover doesn't represent the emotional tone of the novel and might be deterring ideal readers.
"This was a woman who has been denying her fire and it was starting to burn her alive from the inside out."
Smith's characters were strongly developed and each one distinctive. The chemistry between Nate and Mia was undeniable and irresistible. My heart broke for them with every turn of the plot. But watching their growth and eventual vulnerability made it all worthwhile.
I adored Mia's relationship with her Gran and it struck me right where it hurts. Every twist and uncovered secret had me squealing. All in all, Dorothy was the star of the novel. Everyone deserves a gran like her.
Smith beautifully executed dual pov. The way she played Nate and Mia's ignorance off each other had me wanting to scream - but in the best possible way.
Despite my adoration for Tough Love, I did find the initial chapters to be longwinded and slightly repetitive. But once the story picked up I was completely enthralled and stayed up all night to finish it.
"I can't possibly fathom a universe where I deserve you."
Tough Love shattered my heart and then glued it back together. It was a beautiful novel of grief and taking control of your life, with the perfect amount of wit.
I cannot recommend this enough to those in need of an emotional read and are happy to get their heartbroken. But don't worry, you can trust Smith to patch you back up with a swoony HEA.
March 6, 2021
⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
As with every other book by Melanie A. Smith, I absolutely adored it. She has a way with world building and character building that makes you feel as though these people are real.
I felt Mias pain and anger with her Dad ( and her mother) with his misconceptions about how she should live her life and continue being a divorce lawyer at his firm. That's essentially what he "groomed" her to be.
I feel her huge huge amount of love for her Gran, the only person in her life who ever understood her.
Nate is a retired doctor who has become a close friend to Gran ( Also known as Dot/Dorothy) has been looking in on her and been a confident to him and he to her.
While Mia visits Gran for a bit, she slowly starts to fall for Nate, and he for her, but bc of their pasts, at first they both hesitate.
There are a lot of sad, complicated and frustrating moments, but also a lot of happy ones as well that help both Mia and Nate decide what they want to do with their lives.
I would like to thank the author Melanie A Smith for an advanced copy as part of her ARC team, in exchange for an honest review.
Beautiful story and as always needed some kleenex handy lol.
As with every other book by Melanie A. Smith, I absolutely adored it. She has a way with world building and character building that makes you feel as though these people are real.
I felt Mias pain and anger with her Dad ( and her mother) with his misconceptions about how she should live her life and continue being a divorce lawyer at his firm. That's essentially what he "groomed" her to be.
I feel her huge huge amount of love for her Gran, the only person in her life who ever understood her.
Nate is a retired doctor who has become a close friend to Gran ( Also known as Dot/Dorothy) has been looking in on her and been a confident to him and he to her.
While Mia visits Gran for a bit, she slowly starts to fall for Nate, and he for her, but bc of their pasts, at first they both hesitate.
There are a lot of sad, complicated and frustrating moments, but also a lot of happy ones as well that help both Mia and Nate decide what they want to do with their lives.
I would like to thank the author Melanie A Smith for an advanced copy as part of her ARC team, in exchange for an honest review.
Beautiful story and as always needed some kleenex handy lol.
June 4, 2021
This book gave me all the sentimental feels. My best friend was my grandmother and I had the honour, like Mia in this book, to look after her while she was sick with cancer. Luckily, unlike Mia, my family were decent people, not self-absorbed a**holes.
I really liked this book, not only for Mia’s relationship with her Gran but for her romance with Nate. The fact that it was slow-burn worked well as an Insta-love vibe would have seemed fake. This way it was the right amount of romance with the right amount of steam. There is a moment where dub-con is brought up after a particular encounter but this is quickly quashed.
Fans of small-town romances should pick this book up. It is one of the better ones I’ve read.
I received a free copy for an honest review.
I really liked this book, not only for Mia’s relationship with her Gran but for her romance with Nate. The fact that it was slow-burn worked well as an Insta-love vibe would have seemed fake. This way it was the right amount of romance with the right amount of steam. There is a moment where dub-con is brought up after a particular encounter but this is quickly quashed.
Fans of small-town romances should pick this book up. It is one of the better ones I’ve read.
I received a free copy for an honest review.
February 7, 2021
Another fantastic romance from Melanie A. Smith. It’s the humorous, emotional, sexy and sweet book I expected. Mia and Nate go through personal challenges and fight through grief. I loved seeing them grow through these battles.
Mia goes to the small town her grandmother lives in to help out. She and Nate meet as he’s a friend of her grandmother and has been helping her. The two get off to an awkward start and I found that really sweet going forward. There’s definitely drama and heartbreaking moments and it affects both MCs and makes them even more interesting. And best of all Nate wears grey sweatpants a lot which makes him sexy as anything in my mind!
Mia goes to the small town her grandmother lives in to help out. She and Nate meet as he’s a friend of her grandmother and has been helping her. The two get off to an awkward start and I found that really sweet going forward. There’s definitely drama and heartbreaking moments and it affects both MCs and makes them even more interesting. And best of all Nate wears grey sweatpants a lot which makes him sexy as anything in my mind!
March 2, 2021
I read this book in a day. It was such an easy read and interesting enough for me to want to keep reading.
Mia has been living the life her parents wanted for her but realizes she isn't happy and needs to change. When her grandmother falls ill, she decides to quit her job in order to care for her grandmother. Nate has also been living his life according to others and has no idea what he wants. He his elderly friend falls ill and leads him to meeting Mia. the two start to form a friendship that eventually turns into more both both of them are nervous to admit their feelings.
*this was sent to me via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Mia has been living the life her parents wanted for her but realizes she isn't happy and needs to change. When her grandmother falls ill, she decides to quit her job in order to care for her grandmother. Nate has also been living his life according to others and has no idea what he wants. He his elderly friend falls ill and leads him to meeting Mia. the two start to form a friendship that eventually turns into more both both of them are nervous to admit their feelings.
*this was sent to me via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
March 9, 2021
I'm giving this one a 3.5 stars (though rounding to 4 for Goodreads)! Quick cute, emotional read. Just not exactly what I was expecting/looking for at the time.
*Editing to say that in no way was it the books fault! I was just looking for something in particular at the time I picked up this book and it wasn't exactly what I was looking for but it was still a really cute small-town read! The Grandmother in this story both gave me light and loss in a realistic way! As I just recently lost my grandma, this book was both simultaneously heartwarming and hard to read!
*Editing to say that in no way was it the books fault! I was just looking for something in particular at the time I picked up this book and it wasn't exactly what I was looking for but it was still a really cute small-town read! The Grandmother in this story both gave me light and loss in a realistic way! As I just recently lost my grandma, this book was both simultaneously heartwarming and hard to read!
January 26, 2021
Received ARC for honest review
This is a story about people pleasing Mia (keeping self absorbed parents happy) and Nate (still have questions about him. Needed a bit more history about him)
The most interesting character is Dot/Dorothy, Mia's grandmother. It was an okay story that does tug at your emotions. There were moments where Mia and Nate were aggravating as hell, and you wanted to smack the both of them.
Overall it was a good hearted read
This is a story about people pleasing Mia (keeping self absorbed parents happy) and Nate (still have questions about him. Needed a bit more history about him)
The most interesting character is Dot/Dorothy, Mia's grandmother. It was an okay story that does tug at your emotions. There were moments where Mia and Nate were aggravating as hell, and you wanted to smack the both of them.
Overall it was a good hearted read
February 4, 2021
Another perfect book by Melanie. Is strongly recommended to have tissue with you because this book has everything you can ask for. A lot of emotion and heartbreaking. Mia and Nate are the perfect couple and you will fall in love them. 4.5 stars
June 17, 2021
A sweet romantic read. I loved Mia and Nate, but i have to say Mia's grandma was my favourite! I will br reading more by Melanie Smith.
February 12, 2021
I cannot express how much I loved Nate and Mia but if I'm really being honest Gram’s stole the show from beginning to end. Ugh, my heart. I was never close to either one of my grandmothers and the entire time reading, I would find myself wishing for I had a grandma like Dorothy. She was equal parts fairy godmother sprinkling a little fairy dust here and tough love their and evil genius matchmaker, doing everything possible to get these two together because she knew how perfect they would be together.
Mia is the dutiful daughter living the life her parents have told her to live. Of course, it isn’t until her 30th birthday comes knocking on her door that she finally realizes she hasn’t been living her true life and well she’s had enough of being her parents doormat. THANK GOD!!
"If you're not living a life that's true to yourself just because it's easier, then you're simply not living." And dammit Gram's I couldn't agree with you more!
Gram's might have pushed Nate into Mia's life but Nate couldn't have prepared himself for the reaction he would have to her. His retired, broken heart hasn't ached for another in a long time but one look at Mia and he's unhinged.
Thanks to some tough love and COMMUNICATION, Nate and Mia were able to forge a connection so deep that it overcame tragedy, time and doubt. They learned how to love, how to live, and how to not only be true to each other but themselves.
** This was my first ever book by Melanie A. Smith and let me just say BRAVO. I'm hooked and cannot wait to read her other books, who am I kidding, I have already started!
Happy reading!
Mia is the dutiful daughter living the life her parents have told her to live. Of course, it isn’t until her 30th birthday comes knocking on her door that she finally realizes she hasn’t been living her true life and well she’s had enough of being her parents doormat. THANK GOD!!
"If you're not living a life that's true to yourself just because it's easier, then you're simply not living." And dammit Gram's I couldn't agree with you more!
Gram's might have pushed Nate into Mia's life but Nate couldn't have prepared himself for the reaction he would have to her. His retired, broken heart hasn't ached for another in a long time but one look at Mia and he's unhinged.
Thanks to some tough love and COMMUNICATION, Nate and Mia were able to forge a connection so deep that it overcame tragedy, time and doubt. They learned how to love, how to live, and how to not only be true to each other but themselves.
** This was my first ever book by Melanie A. Smith and let me just say BRAVO. I'm hooked and cannot wait to read her other books, who am I kidding, I have already started!
Happy reading!
February 20, 2021
Delightfully Steamy Romance with a Incredible Character Arcs
This book is my favorite of Melanie’s (so far). It proves she has the ability to take a heartbreaking situation and turn it into one of the most poignant, meaningful stories you could ever read. Tough Love is all that and more.
Mia is struggling. She doesn’t know what she wants out of life — until now, she’s just done what everyone expects of her. RELATABLE.
Until her family calls her away from a rare vacation to stay with Gran after she goes to the hospital for a minor issue. Yeah, family issues galore.
But she loves Gran, so she stays, and realizes there’s more in her Gran’s mountain town than she first thought. Here she meets Nate, one of Gran’s close friends who also happens to be easy on the eyes. And have a whole host of issues himself.
I loved this story so much. Nate and Mia deny their attraction to each other for so long, and though slow burns sometimes frustrate me, this one felt JUST RIGHT. And let me tell you — the payoff was worth it.
Yet this book had so many more layers. The complexity of Mia’s journey to finding herself. Nate learning what he really wants out of life. Gran’s adorable meddling (some you can probably guess, and some I didn’t even see coming).
This book combines incredible writing with a hefty dose of steam and both heartbreaking and heartwarming journeys to finding the courage to step into who we really are and what we really want out of life.
Get ready to cry, swoon, and consider your own life choices with this book that deserves way more than the five stars I can give it. Well. Done.
This book is my favorite of Melanie’s (so far). It proves she has the ability to take a heartbreaking situation and turn it into one of the most poignant, meaningful stories you could ever read. Tough Love is all that and more.
Mia is struggling. She doesn’t know what she wants out of life — until now, she’s just done what everyone expects of her. RELATABLE.
Until her family calls her away from a rare vacation to stay with Gran after she goes to the hospital for a minor issue. Yeah, family issues galore.
But she loves Gran, so she stays, and realizes there’s more in her Gran’s mountain town than she first thought. Here she meets Nate, one of Gran’s close friends who also happens to be easy on the eyes. And have a whole host of issues himself.
I loved this story so much. Nate and Mia deny their attraction to each other for so long, and though slow burns sometimes frustrate me, this one felt JUST RIGHT. And let me tell you — the payoff was worth it.
Yet this book had so many more layers. The complexity of Mia’s journey to finding herself. Nate learning what he really wants out of life. Gran’s adorable meddling (some you can probably guess, and some I didn’t even see coming).
This book combines incredible writing with a hefty dose of steam and both heartbreaking and heartwarming journeys to finding the courage to step into who we really are and what we really want out of life.
Get ready to cry, swoon, and consider your own life choices with this book that deserves way more than the five stars I can give it. Well. Done.
January 31, 2021
Mia is a divorce attorney who’s been working for her father ever since qualifying. She’s finally booked a holiday with her best friend to Hawaii for a week, her first holiday in 8 years and she even had to fight for that.
When she was out for drinks with Jo, she realised that she’s almost 30 years old and she’s wasted her 20’s. She’s worked in an uninspiring job that she really doesn’t like, all so she’s not rocking the boat. When she stays with her gran who she hasn’t seen nearly enough of, the night before she flies out, to ensure her father doesn’t send her on holiday with work to do, she shares her realisations. Her gran is over the moon that her granddaughter has finally realised that she is unhappy and come to her senses.
But while Mia’s away, a friend of her gran who has been taking care of her, has to drive her to the hospital as he’s concerned about her health. He cottons on that she’s been putting an act to her family.
When her mother rings her to let her know what’s happened, Mia is on the first flight out of Hawaii.
When she realises that her grans health is in fact more serious Nate is there to support them both. But can Nate let his guard down enough to realise than Mia is exactly who he’s been waiting for and vice versa....
This was a well written and thoroughly enjoyable book.
There were plenty of tears involved during the ups and downs of Mia and Nates new journey and gran was an amazing character. Brilliant. Absolutely loved it.
When she was out for drinks with Jo, she realised that she’s almost 30 years old and she’s wasted her 20’s. She’s worked in an uninspiring job that she really doesn’t like, all so she’s not rocking the boat. When she stays with her gran who she hasn’t seen nearly enough of, the night before she flies out, to ensure her father doesn’t send her on holiday with work to do, she shares her realisations. Her gran is over the moon that her granddaughter has finally realised that she is unhappy and come to her senses.
But while Mia’s away, a friend of her gran who has been taking care of her, has to drive her to the hospital as he’s concerned about her health. He cottons on that she’s been putting an act to her family.
When her mother rings her to let her know what’s happened, Mia is on the first flight out of Hawaii.
When she realises that her grans health is in fact more serious Nate is there to support them both. But can Nate let his guard down enough to realise than Mia is exactly who he’s been waiting for and vice versa....
This was a well written and thoroughly enjoyable book.
There were plenty of tears involved during the ups and downs of Mia and Nates new journey and gran was an amazing character. Brilliant. Absolutely loved it.
June 7, 2021
Melanie A. Smith has officially done it again. This book was one I wished I could have passed out at my daughter’s graduation to her friends as a warning that you are not obligated to do life according to your parents or a significant other. If they can’t love you for your choices, screw them. This is basically the situation Mia and Nate both find themselves in. Mia’s working obscene hours as a lawyer at her father’s firm, always pleasing daddy with an inability to say no. It’s taken an act of Congress to get a 5 day vacation in the time she’s been there. Nate is off the grid, in Alpine Ridge being the ever present surrogate grandson to Mia’s grandmother. As a former doctor, he knows that the 82 year old isn’t doing as well as she should be. So an unexpected trip to the ER, and the octogenarians daughter and Son in law showing up demanding Mia com back has Gran reeling with anger. However, Mia’s parents always get their way and have her back ASAP. Mia stays indefinitely to care for her Gran, she’s attempting to devise a plan and still working on “homework” when she should be working on Nate. Grans illness is more serious than anticipated, Mia gets a backbone where her parents are concerned, but this forced proximity with Nate is whew Chile, something to dissect. Don’t fret, Gran has that all under control - right? This book, an amazing look at self reflection, love, the desire to be loves, loss, and facing your fears.💜💜💜💜💜
January 25, 2021
*Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC of this book to read for review*
This book is about Nate and Mia. Both of whom are brought together by Mia's grandmother. Nate, because he lives in the same town and has taken the elderly woman on as a friend and someone to watch over. And Mia because when her grandmother gets ill, she quits her stressful job to go stay with her for a time.
The grandmother is pretty happy about this, as she is really hoping her favorite handy-man could officially become a grandson to her, if she can get these two stubborn children together.
Nate has a dark past, Mia has been unsatisfied in her life and is looking to make a change. It is a tale I have read before, and I have read it done better.
Being completely honest, I was pretty bored by it all. It was hard to get myself through it and I ended up skimming a lot near the end. I couldn't keep my focus on it.
This was a generic contemporary romance and it is perfectly pleasant. It just wasn't for me.
3 stars.
This book is about Nate and Mia. Both of whom are brought together by Mia's grandmother. Nate, because he lives in the same town and has taken the elderly woman on as a friend and someone to watch over. And Mia because when her grandmother gets ill, she quits her stressful job to go stay with her for a time.
The grandmother is pretty happy about this, as she is really hoping her favorite handy-man could officially become a grandson to her, if she can get these two stubborn children together.
Nate has a dark past, Mia has been unsatisfied in her life and is looking to make a change. It is a tale I have read before, and I have read it done better.
Being completely honest, I was pretty bored by it all. It was hard to get myself through it and I ended up skimming a lot near the end. I couldn't keep my focus on it.
This was a generic contemporary romance and it is perfectly pleasant. It just wasn't for me.
3 stars.
February 13, 2021
Melanie has become an author whose books I buy immediately when they come out. I don't even read the blurbs, lol, because I just know I'm going to love it, whether she's writing about hospitals or real-estate brokers or magical realism romance. :)))) I love her strong heroines, who are always SO full of heart, (and brains!), and her alpha heroes who are drool-worthy leaders, but not a$$h*les. Seriously, the big names in romance should be taking notes from this woman! ::throws confetti::
This particular novel is a small town romance set in rural Washington State, and let me say y'all better bring your tissues! Mia lands in a little hamlet in the Cascades, taking care of her feisty grandmother, figuring out her life (and baking. LOTS of baking! This book will make you HUNGRY!) The scenery ain't bad, and neither is Nate, the ridiculously buff ex-doctor who has adopted her Grandma. Ms. Smith weaves this tale with characters that feel so real they could step right off the page into your living room. And that would be awesome, because I totally want to be Mia's friend.😁 And, I want some of that huckleberry pie!😂🥧
This particular novel is a small town romance set in rural Washington State, and let me say y'all better bring your tissues! Mia lands in a little hamlet in the Cascades, taking care of her feisty grandmother, figuring out her life (and baking. LOTS of baking! This book will make you HUNGRY!) The scenery ain't bad, and neither is Nate, the ridiculously buff ex-doctor who has adopted her Grandma. Ms. Smith weaves this tale with characters that feel so real they could step right off the page into your living room. And that would be awesome, because I totally want to be Mia's friend.😁 And, I want some of that huckleberry pie!😂🥧
February 4, 2021
This is a well written book with strong characters and an emotional story line. The author does a fantastic job bringing all the feels in this heartbreaking story. She paints her scenes perfectly giving the story a realistic feel. She pulls you into the story with her detailed writing , showing the characters and what they're experiencing. It's a story of healing after the pain of loss and of finding love. The chemistry between Mia and Nate is strong and hot. I was glued to the pages reading their story. Loved it!! Well done!!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
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