Footnote

Busy Bean #9

by Alexa Gregory

A moving second-chance romance where hope can turn history into a footnote.

Sasha Covey needs a rewrite. Or a really big eraser. Her past doesn’t belong in the life she’s trying to rebuild. Her future—and her recovery—depend on a fresh start. Moving to Colebury seems like the perfect test until Penley Brooks waltzes into the Busy Bean. The handsome veterinarian is just as charming as when she fell for him a decade ago. Memories come flooding back, and their connection is as potent as ever.

Trouble is, Sasha has good reason to keep her distance. Her recovery is still new, and the single dad has wounds of his own. After years of being an afterthought, Penley’s goals are finally within reach. As much as she aches to reconnect, Sasha won’t stand in the way of his dreams.

Somehow, that all melts away whenever she’s with Penley. Together, dreaming is a little easier.

But dreams don’t always survive in the real world. Not when the past comes knocking.

Footnote is a standalone small-town romance set in the World of True North.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Audiobook, Second Chance Romance, Second Chance, Fiction, Mental Health

308 pages, Paperback

Published September 12, 2021

Reviews

[✰ Bianca ✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sasha + Penley

When Sasha was 14 she was hopelessly in love with 16 year old Penley. Their parents were dating so they lived together for a while, but then Sasha disappeared out of Pen's life.
Now ten years later, they're both back in Colebury, Vermont. He's the town vet and a divorced single dad. And she's jobbing at the Busy Bean, while she's getting ready to go back to psych school after being gone for a year due to her illness.
And she's still hopelessly crushing on the hot vet!

LET THE FUN TIMES BEGIN! 🤣

═════════════════




Well .. that was adorable. But!
I just don't like romances where the hero or heroine is sick. I just hate that. Doesn't matter if it's cancer or heart or addiction.. I don't want that in my cute romances!
But I still liked reading this. It was so cute and adorable and sweet and nerdy with their word games! And with all the adorable animals and Pen's son.
It was a really cute romance with some very hard parts.

I so wouldn't mind seeing this whole world on Netflix one day!

FOOTNOTE was an adorable + sweet + heartbreaking second-chance love story! Run to your nearest amazon for your own Penley - he'll be sold out in no time!


💜 💜

[ItaPixie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Footnote is a love story packed with all the feels that will break your heart and put it back together again.

Sasha and Penley got their second chance at love thanks to a fateful encounter at the Busy Bean.

Penley is Coulbury vet, he is divorced and he has a cute son. Sasha has taken a sabbatical and now she lives with her mother and her new boyfriend in Coulbury to test her resolution to not allow her eating disorder to take control of her mind and body again. They lived together years before when their parents were a couple but a day Penley found that Sasha was gone, so now he is determined to not lose her again.

These two characters burrow their way into my soul, they were so nice, frail and nerd enough to conquer me. I've empathized with them during their hard times, and I've cheered them when they finally find the right balance in their relationship.

I appreciated how the author didn't embellished the heroine's illness, her writing, was at times, brutal and hurtful but relatable conveying the message.

Sometimes Love is not enough, but to be there for your loved ones and support them during their darkest times is the best you can do for the both of you.

Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.

[Wendy'sThoughts · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Understanding Your Personal Pain Stars
* * * Possible Triggering Issues
Over the years, I have learned so much about many serious issues while reading romance. I happen to think authors using the genre of romance to highlight issues confronted in our Real Life is a strong way to educate. In my mind, if a story can open the eyes, minds, and hearts to any number of illnesses, physical and/or mental, then it has done its job.

Alexa Gregory alerted her readers, Footnote, had special meaning to her as it mirrored part of her experience with her own issues of eating. She suggested those who may be going through ED issues might need to wait to read this as she had no desire to trigger. By sharing this warning, she gave them the ability to make up their own minds.

We are presented with a story of two people who both had a history of pain as children. Each had lost a parent due to illness and how it impacted them. They were teens and became close friends, understanding each other, and in a moment a kiss happened.

Unfortunately, right after that, our girl, Sasha, was ripped from the only home she knew, with the mom moving them away. This left our fella, Penley confused and hurt.

Years go by, each carrying feelings for the other, but with no way to act on them. Now, Sasha is back and so is Penley. He is a vet, has a son, and coming back here was due to the mother's job. Penley loves his kid and would live anywhere to be close to him.

Sasha is temporarily working at the Busy Bean. She has taken a year off from getting her graduate degree to straight with her recovery. She is going to counseling, thinks by being in this specific environment is the ultimate test of her strength and resolve. Living with her mother would be the challenge as every trigger would be tested. This was the plan.

Both of these past friends never expected to see each other. When it happens at the Busy Bean, all bets are off. All the old feelings start to brew. Eventually, they talk, share what has been going on and the friendship is right back where it was...with the undercurrent for maybe more.

Sasha has been open with Penley, sharing her past, which was good, as Penley truly cares for Sasha. For a new beginning, both are trying to be there for each other.

What does happen is the pull of triggers and past habits Sasha has had, the ones she has been fighting so hard. Instead of confronting them and working through it with Penley, she runs. In the end, the strength of their love saves the day.

This book works to highlight all the ups and downs of dealing with these types of issues. It shows there will be victories and sometimes lows but if the people who matter support you then things can always go forward. Patience with others and yourself is key.

The phrase write what you know has been advice given to those who wish to tell a story. I think this author was very brave to do this and hopefully, those who may have others dealing with something like these characters found this helpful.

Sweetheart (Busy Bean #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Cowboy (Busy Bean #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Cakewalk (Busy Bean #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Friendzoned (Busy Bean #4)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Studfinder (Busy Bean #5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Doubletalk (Busy Bean #6)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Sidetracked (Busy Bean #7)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Fireproof (Busy Bean #8)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Footnote (Busy Bean #9)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Afterglow (Busy Bean #10)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
April 29, 2021
Under The Umbrella Of Sarina Bowen's Heart Eyes Press. The Busy Bean Series is about Small Town Romance, Steamy Times, and Lots of Heart.

Sweetheart (Busy Bean #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Cowboy (Busy Bean #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Cakewalk (Busy Bean #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Friendzoned (Busy Bean #4)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Studfinder (Busy Bean #5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Doubletalk (Busy Bean #6)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Sidetracked (Busy Bean #7)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Fireproof (Busy Bean #8)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Footnote (Busy Bean #9)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Afterglow (Busy Bean #10)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...


For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are enough reviews out there that give you the gist of this story so I’m going to go in a different direction and talk about how this story made me feel because that’s just as important as knowing what happens in a story.

I’ve thought about this for a few days on and off and the best feeling I have for you that encompasses the journey as a whole is, happy. That simple. Just happy. Were there times I ugly cried and felt Sasha’s struggle deep in my soul? Yes, but I was still happy. Were there times I wanted to reach into my kindle and give both Sasha and Penley a bear-hug to end all hugs because, life? Yup, and yet I was still happy.

As you’ve figured out by all the reviews you’ve read, Sasha has some circumstances she is trying to survive and learn to live with and Penley has his own set of circumstances that he brings to the table. Together, on the surface, it looks like a whole lot of circumstances to handle in order to sustain a HEA, and that would be a realistic viewpoint, but what is also realistic is writing two characters that enhance each other, help each other, make each other better, support each other and are willing to sacrifice for each other and be there for each other. That’s what Alexa Gregory wrote, and it made me happy. It made me hope. It made me believe. I couldn’t have asked for more :)

I don’t have any experience with Sasha’s circumstances, but I know the author does as she made a note in the book, and it showed in the respectful and realistic manner this story unfolded. Alexa put herself out there when she made that note and I appreciate and thank her for taking such a difficult subject and incorporating it into a romance fiction story that could help anyone who finds themselves in such circumstances to believe.

Okay kids, that’s all you get, now go do the thing,k …



Amazon: https://geni.us/FootnoteAmazon
Apple: https://geni.us/FootnoteApple
Kobo: https://geni.us/FootnoteKobo
Nook: https://geni.us/FootnoteNook
Google: https://geni.us/FootnoteGoogle

[Crystal Stafford · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a VERY emotional story. I was pretty floored with the characters as well as the subject matter and details in which we were given. Book # 9 in the Busy Bean World and I was so impressed with this new to me author, Alexa Gregory with not just the storyline but also the way her writing made me feel. The characters were phenomenal and one of my favorite things about this book. Basically two soul mates meeting again after over a decade long gap and the stars seem to finally be aligning until something tries to take them out at the knees.

I adored both Sasha and Penley. Our strong and capable heroine was truly someone I would call a friend and a real survivor. Sasha is in Vermont, living in Colebury and working as a new barista at the Busy Bean. She is taking a break from getting her PhD and finishing school to focus on her health and recovery from her Eating Disorder. Sasha does not shy away from being honest about her illness and truly wants to conquer her own future by proving once and for all that she is better. To do that she needs to put herself to the test by returning to live with her neglectful drunk of a mother who really only cares about the revolving door of men in her life rather than her only child. This alone would be enough to diminish anyone's mental health, but add in Sasha's ED and she really has her work cut out for her. I would for sure say these two things alone are clear indications that for anyone that has ED and/or abandonment triggers this would not be the best book for them. I do not but the author for sure put my emotions through the wringer. She put a lot of detail into explaining Sasha's illness and she didn't shy away from them but also told them in a way that could easily be digested. Gregory did a great job in this area and I commend her. Sasha is also very attached to her best friend Jenny and her surrogate parents and tends to be a loner and is a book worm at heart. She loves to learn and always challengers herself and is really a kind, quiet soul. I loved her and so does our incredible hero Penley.

Penley really could not be more perfect, seriously I want him for myself! Single dad to the cutest little pirate and the Colebury town Veterinarian. He is smart and sweet and patient and easygoing. But he also has a fear of the people he loves leaving him just like his other did when she lost her fight to cancer. He may put on a happy and brave face but inside he wishes he could fix everyone and everything and sometimes feels broken when he can't and covers that with his funny jokester side. He and Sasha have a history and that history is revisited when they meet again in Colebury at The Busy Bean Café. Sasha's and Penley's parents where together when they were teenagers and then it was wrong for them to feel anything other than sibling love for one another. They fought it but had a strong bond and loved being together and just existing with the one person who seemed to understand the other. Eventually they couldn't fight their connection and one kiss changed everything and then the next day Sasha was gone. Penley never ever got over her disappearance and now that he has her so close again he will stop at nothing until her has her.

Their love story is sweet and heartwarming. They have such an amazing connection and their word games are so special and really showcases their relationship. Penley quickly opens his home and heart to Sasha and soon they are spending every moment they can together, just like when they were in high school. This is such a slow burn I wanted to cry sometimes but it was written in a way that the love just flew off the pages and into my chest. It was an emotional rollercoaster and there was not one moment where I didn't feel consumed by their story. Everything they say and do for each other is special. The inevitable fall was so heartbreaking but the healing and realization of both characters was really well written and paced perfectly. Penley's declarations of love to Sasha were epic and those words literally wrapped around my heart and squeezed over and over again. It really is just a special love story.

Footnote was written beautifully, was very informative and heavy in the swooning department. The title is PERFCT and the characters are ones that will stay with me a long long time. I tend to want tons of intimacy and lots of detail in my romance readings and even though I didn't get that with Footnote I still think this was an excellent story with so much potential for more for the supporting characters! I defiantly recommend.

[Ruthie Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~

This is the ninth book in this multi-author series based in Sarina Bowen's True North world. I have read many of them, and really enjoy catching up with old friends, and reading about new loves.

This is a really interesting story, with quite an important issue which really is at the centre of the plot. Sasha has an eating disorder. One which has caused her to suspend her academic studies and move to where her mother is living. Her mother is, without doubt a significant factor in her illness, and this move is her testing herself.

She starts working at the Busy Bean to keep busy, and give her some money, and more importantly a place to go away from her mother's home. By complete coincidence, she meets her teenage crush, and son of one of her mother's boyfriends, Penley ... the Colebury vet.

Faithful readers are well aware of the lovely single Dad, who deserves some love in his life, and I was so happy that he was going to get his HEA. That his intended is the one who got away all those years ago, and that she has a secret illness is a difficult combination, but he knows that it will be worth the effort.

I definitely recommend this book to you - it deals with a number of difficult issues, but at its heart is a delicious love story.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a tough one to read, due to the issues that both Sasha and Penley were dealing with, more so Sasha. I thought the author did a good job of describing how despite knowing what was going on the grip that Sasha's disease had on her and how giving in to it really messed with her head and how hard it was to reach out for help. It didn't help that Sasha's issues made Penley's flare up, causing him to put his head in the sand, like an ostrich, when he clued in on what was going on.

If you took these issues away, these two were super cute. I loved that they had a history, loved that both of them thought good things about the history and were excited for this second chance. Even the way that they geeked out was cute. Both were excited about the good things in the other's life.

It took a bit at the end and things were iffy, but they were able to work past their issues to get to the good parts. You can tell they have a solid footing and ways to deal with any flare ups that could happen and are excited to be together, as it should be.

[Laetitia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wasn't a fan of this book, there was a lot going on and it took me a while to get into the story. Sasha and Penley briefly lived together as teens when their parents dated and they both had a major crush on each other. Now a decade later, both Sasha and Penley find themselves living in Colebury, Vermont. Sasha works at the Busy Bean Café and Penley is a vet in town. It felt like I was reading mostly about Sasha and Penley's problems more than their romance. She had an eating disorder and he had issues with his son and trying to be a good father. There was a lot of inner dialogue and they were always afraid to speak the truth or their mind around each other. The main important thing in a good relationship is communication and they weren't doing that. They both issues that they needed to deal with before being together, because they had a lot baggage. Penley was an ass to Sasha when she was at her lowest. This book wasn't my favorite.

[Luna Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice read, not the best one in the busy bean series still it was okay. We have a vet who is a single dad trying to get better custody arrangement of his son and a single barista who is relapsing from bulimia.

Sasha never had a stable childhood, she moved from one house to other as her mom chamged
Boyfriends. One such boyfriend was Penley's dad, Penley was charmed by Sasha who outsmarted him even though she was two grades younger.

They had word games, inside jokes and became fast friends, but the one time they tried to take it further she disappeared from his life for ten years.Now they have lot of catching up to do.

Her eating disorder, his aversion to facing problems head on, lack of effective communication etc get them to a difficult spot. This book has a HEA i loved the support system Sasha has it was so endearing.

It helped a lot to understand about the mental illnesses and who can say no to a book with a sad puppy on its cover so it was a nice read.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

DNF @ 10%

I was listening to the audiobook and everything is wonderful - I believe that I would otherwise enjoy this book (as I have liked all the True North spin offs so far)… but the h’s eating disorder, spoken about frankly, too closely resembles mine. And I just can’t revisit that at this stressful time of year.

[Maida · Rating 3 out of 5]

Talented writer, but too many typos. Needs a more competent editor.

3.5/5 stars

[Jen Blum-Tatara]

CW: Eating disorder

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too many issues not enough romance for me.

[Hijinx Abound · Rating 2 out of 5]

There was so much potential in this story. However, there was way too much inner dialogue and almost manic-ness.

[Arielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

I always love a good second chance romance, especially when the couple knew each other and had a deep connection when they were younger. At the very beginning of this book, we catch a glimpse of young Penley and Sasha. His dad was dating her mom and they lived together for a short period of time. It was clear that the two had a strong bond, especially when Penley opted to stay in with Sasha to watch movies instead of attending a Halloween party with his girlfriend.

Flash forward a bunch of years and Sasha deferred a year of school to deal with some health issues, (she has dealt with bulimia for some time) is now in recovery and living back in Colebury with her mom and another Step, and working at Busy Bean. As luck and a slight change in routine would have it, Penley walks in to get his daily coffee during of her shifts and BAM. It's almost like no time had passed.

Only it did. Penley now is divorced with a six year old boy and Sasha has been really through the ringer lately dealing with her illness and the dark space she had been in before her best friend's family helped her get out of it. Regardless of all that, the two can't stay away from one another and it's very evident that the strong connection they once shared NEVER went away.

I really did love how these two interacted. Like they just couldn't help but be close and touch even while they were dealing with their own issues at different times. I think the only reason I didn't rate this higher is because there were parts of this that were emotionally hard to read. I am SO glad that so many different illnesses and disabilities are now being portrayed in romances because, well, that's real-fucking-life. Sometimes though, when I want to read a romance it's because I want pure, uncomplicated fluff that isn't going to hurt me lol. Do I know it's unrealistic in the highest sense? Yes. But I still want it anyway. Despite that though, this truly was a great story and I was so happy when these two finally got their HEA together.


Huge thanks to Heart Eyes Press for allowing me to read this eARC in exchange for my honest review!♥

For more of my reviews, please visit:

[Kimberly / Love Notes Book Blog · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 stars. This was an okay read for me. Footnote is Sasha and Penley's story. The two of them met in high school when their parents were dating and living together. When their parents broke up, Sasha's mother moved them out of town and they didn't see each other again. Now, Sashsa is back in town staying with her mother, who has moved back, and trying to deal with a serious issue, an eating disorder, so that she can get back on track to go back to college soon. She is working at the Busy Bean and is shocked to meet Penley again. He is now a veterinarian and single dad. The two still feel a connection between them and an attraction that they never truly acted on as teens. They become friends and begin a relationship, despite Sasha's misgivings because of her ED. She eventually sees she needs help and can't handle her problem on her own. But the relationship works out in the end.

This was a pretty good story. I enjoyed Sasha and Penley's shared history. The book was a little slow moving and I didn't feel much chemistry between the couple. They were only okay characters for me. I did feel like the big conflict between the couple was silly and didn't make sense. Sasha's eating disorder did not equate to Penley losing his mother to cancer as a child. Her losing a ferrett in the house did not equal her possibly losing his kid somehow in the future. . Still, I was happy the couple was able to reconnect and fall in love. They really needed each other and made a good match. The conflict wrapped up a little too close to the end and I wanted to see them together for longer, happy and healing. I was a little disappointed that they only had an HFN and long distance relationship with no solid commitments.

Overall, though this was not a bad story. I did feel the love between Sasha and Penley. I just found it pretty heavy and angsty at the end. Still, I enjoyed it in general and found it entertaining for the most part. I am really enjoying the Busy Bean series though and look forward to more from it in the future.

*arc provided in exchange for an honest review*

[WycEd Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check out our full post for FOOTNOTE on Wicked Reads, which includes an excerpt.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the ninth book in this multi-author series based in Sarina Bowen's True North world. I have read many of them, and really enjoy catching up with old friends and reading about new loves.

This is a really interesting story, with quite an important issue which really is at the centre of the plot. Sasha has an eating disorder. One which has caused her to suspend her academic studies and move to where her mother is living. Her mother is, without doubt, a significant factor in her illness, and this move is her testing herself.

She starts working at the Busy Bean to keep busy and give her some money and, more importantly, a place to go away from her mother's home. By complete coincidence, she meets her teenage crush and son of one of her mother's boyfriends, Penley, the Colebury vet.

Faithful readers are well aware of the lovely single dad, who deserves some love in his life, and I was so happy that he was going to get his happily ever after. That his intended is the one who got away all those years ago and that she has a secret illness is a difficult combination, but he knows that it will be worth the effort.

I definitely recommend this book to you – it deals with a number of difficult issues, but at its heart is a delicious love story.

Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

[Claudia Fosca Stahl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Footnote is the 9th book in the Busy Bean series, set in Sarina Bowen’s World of True North, but it’s a complete standalone and can be read by itself.

Footnote is a deeply emotional story that centers around two childhood friends who find each other again after eleven years. There’s an undeniable connection between them that survived their time apart and that’s only heightened by their incendiary chemistry. But they are both going through some things that make a relationship between them not a great idea. The problem is, they can’t—and don’t really want to—stay away from each other.

Sasha is taking a year off school to get better from her eating disorder. She’s staying with her mother in Colebury, and working as a barista at the Busy Bean, to test herself. But she wasn’t expecting to run into Penley, the only boy who has ever truly seen her.

Penley is a hunky single father and a vet. He’s a great guy. He wants to get joined custody of his adorable six year old son Henry, but he’s not very good with imposing rules. This is why he’s having trouble with Laurie, his ex and the mother of his son. Finding Sasha again was not part of his plans, but plans change. It will be up to him to find a way to make things work.

Footnote is a very special story. It is highly emotional and very introspective. Neither Sasha nor Penley are very talkative people. But you can feel their chemistry through the pages. Their friendship, their love for each other, their chemistry are almost tangible. I loved the way they almost tried to stay friends but couldn’t. How their relationship evolves, even though their lack of communication almost killed me. They are both lovely people and you can’t help but feel for them. And wish they can make it work.

Sasha is hiding part of herself from Penley because she’s ashamed of her illness, and of herself. Penley is afraid of rocking the boat. He’s scared of pain and loss, so he avoids everything that can potentially hurt him. I liked the way they both realize some things about themselves that allowed them to heal and grow as individuals and as a couple.

There’s lots to take from this story. It’s a beautifully written, sweet and emotional love story that melted my heart. There are also nerdy word games, a sticky note lovefest, an adorable kitten, puppies, and a troublemaking ferret. Footnote is definitely a great addition to the Busy Bean series and the World of True North.

[Phoenix · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book's title comes from both Penley and Sasha feeling like they were afterthoughts or footnotes in their single parents' lives - his parents were madly in love but she died of leukemia young and his dad couldn't deal, and while there was no discussion of whether Sasha's parents were wild for each other, her father died in a car accident and her mom has been flitting from one relationship to the next, resulting in Sasha becoming bulimic at the age of 10 to get some sense of control over her life.
I generally enjoyed this debut from Gregory, who herself is in recovery from bulimia/disordered eating so the internal monologues are particularly real, but I felt like the book came to a rather abrupt end that didn't feel particularly satisfying because I don't feel like Pen or Sasha have really dealt with their issues. They have one big fight because Pen finally confronts Sasha about her relapse which he'd been willfully ignoring because he can't handle difficult conversations resulting in their third act breakup, and then they get back together after he joins a support group for people who love someone with eating disorders and he suddenly understands and is supportive in her recovery. This is a couple who will have to choose to be together and work on their issues every day.

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A second chance romance that tests our main characters in new ways. Sasha and Penley have known one another since they were teens. They a little over a year together before Sasha was gone. Their lives may have moved on but neither forgot the other or the one kiss that would stay with them always. Now a little over ten years later, their paths cross once more and this time neither are willing to let the other go, even when the other parts of themselves argue that it is the best choice. For Sasha, she returns to Colebury to test herself. She has struggled a long time with an eating disorder and is finally on the right track to getting healthy. She tests herself by staying with her, well, awful mother who goes through men like shoes. Sasha thinks if she can make it through the awful words of her own mother, then she can handle anything. What she doesn't expect is to see Penley, the only man she has ever loved. Penley is working on his career as a vet and convincing his ex to give him more time with their young son. But when he sees Sasha working at the Busy Bean, all the feelings and memories of her coming rushing back. It'll take everything he has to not let her go again but to also face the fear of losing her from her health issue. Sasha and Penley's journeys in this story are long, hard, real, and so fantastic. Their character development separate and together has you rooting for them to succeed and face their fears and challenges so they can just be happy and live their lives. A fantastic story that handles such hard topics wonderfully. A wonderful addition to this series!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[KristieReadsBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I say this with each of these books…I love the Busy Bean series and the wonderful characters we get to meet. I. This book Sasha and Penley are on a mission for their best life. They have a past…they knew each other many years ago and had crushes on each other but they were not living in an ideal situation to make those feelings know. 10 years later they reconnect, start spending time together, light each other’s fire…but there is some heavy baggage following them.

I love the authors bring in complicated, damaged characters into this series novels because it’s real life. Although some of these stories are hard to read and relate to they give me an understanding of what others have been through or are going through. In reality, we all have things we are carrying around and maybe this story (and other Busy Beam stories) will lift someone out of darkness and help them.

Alexa does a beautiful job bring these characters to life and telling their story. Also the surrounding cast of characters are one of my favorites from any series I’ve read.

I requested an arc and I am leaving my honest review.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, so very, very intelligent Sasha, who's been in love with Penley since her early teens, but had to disappear on him because her mom is...not the best mom ever had a lot to deal with. Sadly, she tried to do it on her own even though she KNEW the road to recovery started with a strong support system. Seeing as how her mom is not supportive in the slightest, this is problematic for Sasha.

Throw in how she doesn't want to derail Penley's dreams after running into him again, and the lady has a lot to deal with.

As for Penley, he has a good life with a good kid and a job that's going places. Just about the only thing he isn't stellar at is facing Sasha's disorder. Between the two of them, they ignore the things they should be handling as they fall into a relationship. Which, as you might guess, makes things a little bumpy down the road.

Toxic family, found family, a sweet ball of fluff, and two people figuring things out after a few well-placed conversations from others. *thumbs up*

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal

[Reading to Escape · Rating 3 out of 5]

**3.5 Stars**

Footnote is book nine in the Busy Bean series but can be read as a complete standalone. It is a second chance romance involving Penley and Sasha who knew each other as teenagers when they briefly lived together when their parents were dating, and have now reconnected as adults.

I genuinely liked Penley and Sasha as characters and I loved that they reconnected after having a connection earlier in life. I liked that they had a fun game that was unique to them. I enjoyed all of the animals in the story and how much Penley wanted to be a good dad.

I think the author did a wonderful job tackling a very real and very difficult issue and she did it well and accurately. I only struggled somewhat in that I felt like it might have really overtaken the whole focus of the book. Although this is an extremely important issue, for me it maybe brought about too much heaviness that I wasn't quite looking for. The book was well written and I highly enjoyed the characters and I would definitely like to read some more of the author's work in the future.

[Shan ~A~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sasha Covey and Penley Brooks

Sasha had a crush on Penley when they were younger and that hasn't changed. It's been 11 years since they last saw each other and now they are living in the same town.

Unbeknownst to Sasha Penley felt the same, but she and her mom up and disappeared without a real goodbye.

Now they're together again and decide to give this thing a go. Penley is a single dad, and Sasha is dealing with the effects of her illness.

This story packed a bit of an emotional punch, more than I was anticipating. Alexa did a great job writing about someone who suffers from an eating disorder, and I thought she did well with the triggers that Sasha dealt with on the outside while trying to fight her inner demons.

And let me tell you, when Pen made a comment about her disease not being real when he was upset, I wanted to kick his ass. After all the goodness of this story, I didn't think his comment was dealt with properly after the fact. He should have been on his hands and knees begging and atoning for that one statement alone.

[Kate H · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the World of True North that Sarina Bowen has created so I was beyond thrilled to find out that other authors would be writing books set in this world. This is my first time reading a book by Alexa Gregory but it will not be my last as I really enjoyed her book. The Busy Bean series has been a fun addition to the Truth North world and this edition was no exception.

Second chance stories are great and this one was no exception. Sasha and Penley were wonderful characters who I was quickly invested in. I am not a huge fan of children in my romance books so for me this was a 4 not a 5 star read but that is just personal preference.

I am very excited to read more books that take place in the World of True North as I know there will be several by a variety of authors coming out in the Busy Bean series as well as other other spinoff series. This is a relatable place with characters you truly care for and want to see a happy outcome given to.

[Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Footnote is Alexa Gregory's contribution to the multi author Busy Bean series. This whole small town series is read as a standalone.

Sasha and Penley are likeable characters who are fascinating to read about. I enjoy their layers and the way they come together.

Sasha and Penley once knew each other. Their parents used to date and their friendship ended quickly. I love the glimpses into their pasts and the way everything evolved from there.

This is a story with an eating disorder. I appreciate the way it's written and infused into the storyline.

This is a story with family issues galore. Let's just say that Sasha's mom is a peach.

This is a story with plenty of layers and a lot of character growth. I enjoy that both characters know to work on themselves.

Footnote is a great addition to this small town universe. Alexa Gregory brings plenty of warmth to this second chance romance.

[Tommysgirl1015 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional love story

Sasha and Penley's love story was an amazing tale. I knew nothing about eating disorders before I read this book. I won't claim to know everything about them now but I at least have a better understanding of them. The characters were well written. I enjoyed the character growth that both of them go through. I felt like I was inside both of their heads while reading this detailed story. The insight into how the brain of a person with an eating disorder works was truly enlightening. I related to the daily battles she went through. Sasha was such a strong and determined character. I loved her tenacious spirit. Penley's character couldn't get more perfect for me. Who wouldn't want to be with a hot vet who has a soft spot for animals? He was a typical male with his ostrich like tendency of sticking his head in the sand and pretending everything is fine. Another excellent book by Alexa Gregory!

[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sasha has been battling a long-time illness and believes that the only way to prove to herself that she is recovering is by returning to the place and the person who had a large part in what happened. She has taken a one-year hiatus from her life and is working at the Busy Bean when Penley comes back into her life.

Penley and Sasha shared a special relationship as teenagers until life tore them apart. Not only is he the town vet but he is going through a difficult time as he tries to be there for his son. The feelings between them haven’t diminished over time but with both of them having so much going on in their lives they are in for a bumpy ride.

Both Penley and Sasha still bear the emotional scars of their past which causes some turmoil, but they are so supportive of each other as they fight for their second chance.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note: An ARC was provided by Heart Eyes Press.

Oh, wow. This book... Gah! There was angst, and it was kind of angst that had my heart clenching in my chest more than once. Alexa Gregory, who is another new-to-me author I've come across in Sarina Bowen's World of True North book universe, had my emotions on overdrive, and that's a good thing because it meant I was emotionally invested in her story, Footnote. This is a second-chance romance and Sasha Covey and Penley Brooks certainly had to earn that happily-ever-after of theirs. There were moments where I found myself wishing I could give these main characters a hug, but I so appreciated the journey they were on, making that HEA even more meaningful. This was definitely one of my favorite reads in the Busy Bean series, and it receives five stars.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re a big second chances lover, Footnote, by Alexa Gregory is for you! It’s Book #9 in the Busy Bean Series, set in the town of Colebury VT and in Sarina Bowen’s True North World.

I really loved Sasha … she’s flawed, raw, honest, and determined to make her way back to psych school and recover from her illness. Penley (Penn) is a divorced dad trying to keep everything together … a precocious son who needs more time from him, a super demanding ex wife, and a busy vet practice.

This is a super creative story, which tackles tough subjects in a straightforward and super endearing way. Sasha really spoke to me!

If you’re looking for a great second chance story, look no further!

I received an ARC. This is my honest review.