Off the Grid

Average Gents #1

by J.S. Wood

Quinn Green has packed up herself and her daughter to go live in the mountains of Colorado.

While she's excited for this adventure for them, she isn't expecting it to be so much work. Or to have to call on help so soon.

Graham Trevors is an army veteran who now makes his living fixing other peoples problems, house problems that is. Traveling around as a handyman in a small farm town isn't all that exciting, until he gets an inquiry from someone new.

The moment Graham meets Quinn Green is the moment his life changes forever. Through fun times and rough times, these two grow closer as the months pass, then, when one oversteps, the other backs away.

But they won't let that stop them from a happily ever after... right?


Off The Grid is Book 1 in the Average Gents series and is an interconnected standalone. Always a happily ever after.

Genres: Romance, Small Town Romance, Contemporary Romance, Friends To Lovers

285 pages, ebook

Published March 17, 2022

About the author

J.S. Wood is the author of the Average Gents series. After coining the phrase "Nice Guy Romance", she has used this to make a brand for herself to represent the underrated nice guy. Originally from Colorado, she now resides with her husband and children in Wyoming, writing anything that inspiration strikes. Her next series, The Three Rivers Trevors Ranch, is inspired by her horse training upbringing and will bring a slew of 'touch her and ---" cowboys. You can connect with her on Instagram @authorjswood, TikTok, @authorjswood, or her website www.jswoodauthor.com

Reviews

[joni ౨ৎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

𐙚⋆°｡⋆♡ ── 3.85 stars

↪ started jan 17
↪ finished jan 17

this was a cute, fast paced read! gave me the simple romance feels. if you're looking for a single mom romance with sweet relationships between the characters - check this out!!

✧˖°🌼 ⋆｡˚꩜ 𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬
⤷ single mom
⤷ small town
⤷ blue collar mmc
⤷ found family

thank you hambright pr & the author for the chance to read

[TheBookPlatypus · Rating 4 out of 5]

A perfect sweet romance.
This book caught my attention from the very first page. I too took my family out of the city and bought an old farmhouse fixer upper wanting to give my kids the land, freedom, and a slower life.
So the main female character made a joke about the inspection not finding certain things or telling her about specific things, I had to shake my head and just laugh because the exact same thing happened to us! We thought we were getting a minor fixer-upper when we were getting a major fixer-upper because the inspector lied to us and didn’t see certain things that he should’ve easily seen…

Anyway, this book was so freaking cute! Quinn and her daughter Alex moved into an old run down farmhouse in the hopes to fix it up. When it became overwhelming, Quinn decided to hire a handyman. We then meet Graham.

“Something about Quinn and her daughter both tug at heartstrings I didn’t even know still worked. I have no idea what to do about it. But I knew I wasn’t going to sit back and do nothing.”

There’s instant attraction in both sides. Quinn keeps having to call him back to fix one thing after another and Graham is enjoying the repeated calls. He gets to know the daughter Alex and forms a friendship with her and Quinn, the comic relief, can’t help herself but be a flirt.

“I didn’t know how to date a saint but I was absolutely willing to learn if it got me more time with Graham.”

This is a really cute romance about two good people finding each other at the right time and falling in love.

What is also funny to me personally is that the book is called Off the Grid. Because Quinn makes a comment about living off the grid which she’s not- But coming from a major city to the middle of nowhere where things keep falling apart, it probably feels like she is living off the grid. 😂 When our heating broke in February in Michigan, I probably would’ve said the same thing. 😂 and I love it Graham didn’t even have the heart to correct her! 🧡🧡

[Alexandra (alilromanceandthriller) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I needed an more satisfying ending

Idk, maybe I just hate heroines apologizing but I was dissatisfied with how the ending happened. I don’t think Quinn had anything to apologize for and I actually think she should have been angrier and made him work for it more, so to be honest the book just felt really unfulfilling.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a good insta-love romance!

From the small town, to the money pit-esque property that Quinn purchased, to Graham coming to help out, to all the drama, it was absolutely wonderful. The relationship may have been fast moving, but it wasn't without the drama and heartache. These two go through the wringer. Whether it is miscommunication, misunderstanding, or needing to not speak on topics, it didn't matter, it affected the relationship.

Thankfully they work through it all, pull their heads out of their asses, and are able to get that happily ever after they wanted.

Cannot wait for the second book in the Average Gents series. I do hope that JS Wood writes a happily ever after for CT.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quinn and Graham's Story . . .

This is a sweet, enjoyable, small-town romance that will capture the emotions and have the reader cheering for the characters! Quinn Green, who is supremely confident and a very independent woman, has moved with her 8-year-old daughter to the mountains of Colorado without a great deal of pre-planning. It is definitely an exciting way to handle this new beginning, but not necessarily the best path to take. Fortunately for Quinn, Graham Trevors is an incredible traveling handyman who can make life so much easier for her when she runs into the truly difficult fix-up jobs.

Quinn and Graham begin to fall in love. But are they ready to face the first bumps in the road of romance? Or will they walk away when the going gets tough? Is Graham really ready to “take a break” from their relationship rather than talk out the problem and fix it?

[Brittany]

I can't rate this book because I didn't finish it. The potential to be a great read was there, but it felt a bit....young to me. I liked the characters. I liked the setting. I liked the details of the small town and the settings. However....I was not blown away by anything or attached to anyone.

Could be a me thing, and not a book thing though. The MCs had good personalities and I found lines through out that I enjoyed.

🫶🏽 Lines:
Using the line my mother always did with us, if you say you're bored, be prepared to do some chores. It works wonders.

Is this what women mean about men being confusing? Don't worry, we confuse ourselves too.

I push aside my crazy--well, the best I can, I'm not perfect--and venture outside.

You gotta see our chickens! Mom calls them tiny dinosaurs.

Is this why women work out? So they can get sports bras on? So not worth it. 🤣

"It's coffee. It doesn't need to be sugared up to be good." I give him a wide-eyed look. "Umm, yes it does. Otherwise you're drinking bean juice. Who wants bean juice?"

But I was a selfish person. A selfish ho. And I wanted more time with my knight in shining armor.

[Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

TROPES ✨
👩‍👧 Single Parent
🏘️ Small Town
🛠️ Blue Collar Hero
💞 Found Family
🧲 Opposites Attract
😍 He Falls First

Graham isn’t looking for love—he’s just answering a service call to fix an A/C unit at an old farmhouse on the outskirts of town. But everything changes when he meets Quinn, a strong and beautiful single mom, and her adorable daughter, Alex.

What starts as a simple repair quickly turns into undeniable sparks between the hot handyman and the single mom who’s built a quiet life for herself and her child. Their connection is sweet, natural, and full of heart.

Off The Grid is a cute, feel-good romance with small-town charm and found family vibes. It has a lighter, more YA feel, making it a great pick for readers who enjoy soft romance without heavy spice. A cozy, enjoyable read! 💖

#HPROffTheGrid
#JSWood
#hambrightpr

[Harmeen]

DNF - 85%

Why would you say it’s a slow burn when the MCs are already hugging each other at the very first meet and FMC is ready to give a huge amount of money to the MMC at 33% to help him with his ranch ? They were already all lovey-dovey by 50% so idk what the slow burn was. Maybe slow burn is not about romance in this one but about the story because it was moving at a snail’s pace and it was bad. Writing style was amateurish and not engaging at all. I was bored out of my mind. And then the breakup occurred and it was so dumb tbh … Don’t include her in your family and then say you don’t want her to help the said family.

Graham really has that vibe going on where a certain type of men don’t like their women being more rich than them.

[XxnightxowlxX74 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Small Town Romance…

This was a sweet small town friends to lovers story. Quinn decides to move her and her daughter out of the city for a fresh start off the grid. What she didn’t do is visit the property that she bought before moving there and it needs some work. When the AC doesn’t work she calls a local handyman to come take a look. Graham wasn’t looking for a woman let alone one with a kid but once he meets Quinn and Alex he knows he wants to be in their life.
This romcom has its ups and downs but overall was such a feel good story with a HEA.

[Kassie Bates · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ This was cute & sweet.
I will say graham lost a little respect from me how he acted BUT we love a comeback so it’s fine.
I’m such a sucker for a single mom and the man falling in love with them. Calling them “his girls”. Swooooon

[Gladys · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a totally new to me author, but I spotted this book, thought the cover was cute, liked the blurb and decided to give it a read and I'm glad I did. I liked this book a lot. It offered a delightful blend of humor and heart that easily put a smile on my face and had my heart going to mush. I liked Quinn and Graham and found them easy to connect with and relate to. This romance may be very fun, but it also has a strong thread of realism woven through it that makes it hit pretty powerfully as far as the emotions go. I really enjoyed it and definitely want to check out more of this series. I am posting an elective, objective review.

[Heidi Sturgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is not to love about this book? These people had me invested from the first page ! Yes I know we call them characters but they become my people , their story becomes part of my life and I just want to share them with others that’s why they’re my people 😉❣️📕😂

Living on a working farm myself there was so many things I could identify with and just shake my head and laugh and I just love small town stories so I want to be bold and a little cheeky and say thank for this read it feels like it was written just for me and gifted to me by the author 😂🤦‍♀️😜😘😉📕❣️my family thinks I’ve lost the plot but if it makes me happy I’ll just make believe 😜😉

Now back to the task at hand ..,,,


Quinn leaves the city , with her daughter Alex and heads to a small mountain town looking forward to renovating their new home well she’s in for quite a surprise 🤦‍♀️😉😂

Graham , an extra soldier is trying to help his family ranch and uses his talents as a handyman which comes in very “handy” for Quinn 😉

I just fell in love with the idea of Quinn and Graham and what makes Graham even more attractive other than the obvious is the time he takes in building a friendship with Alex , that speaks volumes to me about his character and who he is as a man .

Yes they hit a few bumps in the road but I’m a firm believer that love will always prevail ❣️

I want to keep them to myself but I also want to shout about them from the mountaintops ! A brilliant ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read

[Cath · Rating 4 out of 5]

The main characters in this story are handyman Graham Trevors and single mum and former lawyer Quinn Green, who has moved to the small town of Fall Springs just outside small town of Acton, with her daughter Alex for a better and simpler life. She has bought a rundown farm and is finding out that the farmhouse is a lot more rundown than expected. When the heat gets too much, she has to find someone to fix the air conditioning and ends up with handyman Graham. He is a veteran, injured overseas and came back to a brother CT (Cade) and dad who apparently resented the fact he didn’t come back when his mother died and now hardly talk to him and don’t want him on the family ranch. Even though they are struggling because of his mum’s medical bills before she died, they don’t want his help. He turns up at the farmhouse the same day with his dog Rudy, but finds out he needs parts for the repairs. He needs to order the parts, but one of his military buddies ends up persuading him to drive to his store and have an evening together to catch up. When he gets back, he comes over to do the repairs and Alex joins herself first to Rudy the dog and then Graham, asking him questions non-stop! Graham finds himself captivated by them both and can feel himself enjoying their company. Alex’s dad Jim, still keeps in contact with Alex every day, but the relationship between them didn’t work out. He was a fellow lawyer who she met at work and still her best friend. He is working hard for a promotion, but makes time to see Alex as often as possible.
When Quinn has an accident trying to do some DIY by herself, the only person she can think of to call is Graham. He takes her to the hospital and stays over for a few days to help her out when she can’t mobilise well. Eventually he has to get back to work and the list of jobs waiting for him. He is still trying to get his brother to forgive him, but he isn’t budging. Graham’s father Cal seems to have given up on the joy of running the ranch after his wife’s death. Jim comes for a surprise visit to see Alex and prepare her for his promotion and moving away. Alex is upset with the news, so soon after moving from Denver to this small town and losing all her friends. But it does give Graham and Quinn a chance to have an evening or two together, whilst Alex sends time with her dad before he leaves. The two are solidifying their relationship and spending tie with their friends, as Graham reveals more about his past. He takes here to tour the ranch and she meets his father Cal. When she asks him why they no longer have an autumn festival, Cal speaks to her of his wife and her loss and how hard it was to cope after her death. He decides to have a festival that year, but both his sons have refused to listen when he tried to broach the idea, so he asks Quinn if she could help him organise matters that he would struggle with. He promises to tell CT and Graham nearer the time. Of course this secret ends up blowing up in Quinn’s face and causes a split between the two! As usual, every relationship has its ups and downs and this is a major one, with a break caused by lack of communication and trust! Harsh words are exchanged when hurt and some may not be taken back easily.
Quinn moved to the country to live off grid, but her idea of off grid is not what most might expect! The best thing in the countryside is the hot handyman, a tall, rugged and handsome fella who wants to help her out, but allows her the independence to try and do it all herself, as she wants, and comes along behind to offer help when she will take it! They fit together so perfectly and even her eight year old daughter Alex instantly becomes besotted with his attention and kindness. Their relationship was going along swimmingly, but a hiccup is bound to come up and this one was a doozy! Quinn helped him come back into a closer relationship with his father and brother CT, even at the cost of her own. But where love is concerned, once they realise their errors, communication can surely help to fix the misunderstandings and allow apologies, so that love can shine through in the end. A lovely HEA ending with some realistic road bumps along the way. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

(I received a copy of this book to review)

Trigger Warnings include:
loss of loved ones discussed on page, ex-military PTSD (dangerous events discussed on page), grief, an MC is injured on page (not major, visits hospital), non-life threatening fire (situation involves the mention of the loss of a loved one in a fire), financial insecurities

I love when there’s a “what could go wrong” moment in the first chapter! We were greeted by one, and everything goes right! After moving from the city with her daughter (who I adored!), Quinn is attempting to start over in a cute little fixer-upper. Which is where Graham comes in. That handyman comes over to fix just one thing…and can’t help but feel the need to fix everything. Anything to keep spending time with his girls! Because from the first moment he meets them both, he knows they’re too important to not keep in his life. The three of them, enjoying life in their small town, was so sweet. I loved every second we got with them together. Especially when Graham let that little girl get wrapped around his finger. They are so important to each other, and you can feel the love coming right off the page. Precious! Not so precious, but absolutely enjoyable: Quinn unlocking a kink for Graham. Boy oh boy! Things start to go a little haywire, and there’s a grand gesture…and another. (You can’t have too many of those!) The grand gestures weren’t just for each other, but a love letter to those around them as well.
Because we’re in a small town, we’re surrounded by plenty of love and found family. Plus, Graham’s friends from outside of town are included! The perfect set up for a series!

I was a little put off by the third act. Lack of communication between adults during a very simple misunderstanding or overstep of unknown boundaries is always a little iffy for me. BUT I am happy with how it was resolved. And, I can understand how easily the issue started.

My Favorite Quotes:
• “I want to be amazing for you.”
• “Any time I get with you is worth it.”
• “You’re my f!cking fantasy.”
• “It’s about… doing this together. Because as far into the future as I can see, I see you. Right by my side.”
• “Get in the house. On the bed. Naked.”

7/10 Dirty Birdy
6/10 Friends to Lovers
6/10 Second Chance
8/10 Single Parent
4/10 Slow Burn

[Kristie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first review sent through Hambright PR, and I couldn’t be more excited that it was for Off the Grid by J.S. Wood. I’ve read several of J.S. Wood’s books before, so I went in knowing I was in for something special, and this story absolutely delivered.

Graham is a total sweetheart and had me eating out of the palm of his hand. Watching how deeply he fell for Quinn and her daughter, Alex, was so touching. While he has his own fears and struggles to overcome, what really stood out to me was how he ultimately stepped up, faced them head-on, and showed real growth.

Quinn is a single mom who moves to a run-down farm with her daughter, Alex, determined to build a new life for them. She’s witty, independent, and has such a kind heart. Because she’s determined to do everything on her own, accepting help doesn’t come easily, especially when it comes from Graham.

The instant chemistry between Quinn and Graham was undeniable, but what truly stole my heart was Graham’s bond with Alex. The love, care, and protectiveness he shows her is incredibly heartwarming and added so much depth to the story.

Also, can we talk about how Alex even got broody ol’ CT wrapped around her finger in no time!!

I loved every moment of this book and cannot wait to continue the series to see where it takes me next!

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

No cliffhanger
Standalone though part of a larger series
Told from both POVs

Tropes:
Single Parent
Small Town
Blue Collar Hero
Found Family 
Opposites Attract
He Falls First

Summary:
Quinn and her daughter Alex move to a small town after she realizes city life and the grind of being a lawyer just isn’t worth it anymore.

Looking for a fresh start she buys a fixer upper (read money pit) in a small town. Shirley after moving in though her AC breaks in the dead of summer and she has to call a local repair man for help. Little did she know that repair man was about to shift her world off its axis.

Graham is back in his home town and living on his family’s ranch after being discharged from the Army due to injury. He’s doing what he can to make ends meet while also trying to repair his relationship with his little brother.

He meets Quinn after being called to her house to repair her AC. Their attraction is instant and so was their chemistry but obviously with a child involved they need to take things slow.

My thoughts:
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, but it definitely won’t be the last. This book is a perfect read if you’re looking for low drama book with hints of spice and a super teddy bear of a book boyfriend.

I also loved all that other characters involved as well and can’t wait to read Cade’s book next.

#JSWood
#HPROfftheGrid
#HambrightPR

[Loreina Klevenski · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love small-town romances with heart, grit, and a hero who absolutely falls first, Off the Grid is such a win.

Graham is a blue-collar, work-first kind of man. He's focused on saving the family ranch, keeping his business afloat, and holding his family together. Love isn’t even on his radar… until a handyman call takes him to a broken-down farmhouse and straight into Quinn’s orbit.

Quinn is a single mom just trying to build a peaceful life for herself and her fiery daughter. She’s overwhelmed, starting over, and very much not looking to fall for the tall, bearded handyman standing on her porch. But the chemistry? Immediate. The pull? Unavoidable.

This book delivers all the best tropes:
✨ Single parent (ONE OF MY FAVORITES)
✨ Small town
✨ Blue-collar hero
✨ Found family
✨ Opposites attract
✨ He falls first

What really stood out to me was the emotional grounding. This isn’t just romance for romance’s sake. It’s about rebuilding, choosing love when life feels messy, and finding family in unexpected places. Graham’s quiet devotion and the way he shows up (not just for Quinn, but for her daughter too) absolutely melted me. Alex was a great little side-character!!

Warm, swoony, and heartfelt, Off the Grid is perfect if you want a romance that feels cozy and emotionally satisfying. Highly recommend for small-town romance lovers!

[Karen M · Rating 4 out of 5]

What book couldn’t be adorable with an eight-year old little redhead, her very single curvy Mom and one very attractive handyman. Add one old farmhouse that needs a lot of repairs, a small town where everyone knows pretty much everything that’s going on but everyone is friendly and you have a funny, sexy, romantic story to read.

Quinn has had enough of corporate law and city living and chooses instead to start over again with her daughter, Alex in a town three hours from Denver where Alex’s Dad works and lives. Quinn and Jim had been friends and tried to be more with Alex being the result but they went back to being good friends. Quinn worries about taking Alex away from her father but Alex and Jim both seem to handle it well.

Quinn’s new home and relocating seem to have been a disastrous choice until she calls Graham, the local handyman.

Absolutely cute romance with a few stumbling blocks that ,of course, our couple will survive. I loved the quotes at the beginning of each chapter which was a very enjoyable touch. Nicely written with a child, dog and two very deserving adults. I warn you, you will find yourself rooting for these two.

I won this ebook in a FirstReads giveaway. Thank you to the author, J.S. Woods.

[Zapora · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had some serious issues. The storyline was cute, and even though it was exceedingly simple with very little depth or plot, it could’ve gotten by if the writing was solid. Unfortunately, I was kind of shocked at the quality of the writing and the grammar. It felt extremely juvenile. It’s hard to describe bad writing, but you know it when you read it. Some easy things to point out included the frequent typos and the improper use of commas. SO OFTEN there were commas when really it should’ve been a semi-colon or a period. Some examples below:

“it’s perfectly mused look” - ITS, MUSSED (ch 12)

“I was just wondering around” - WANDERING (ch 12)

“I not at Chris and April” - NOD (ch 51)

“We start with a bang, when Derek mimes a shipwreck and I can’t for the life of me figure out what the hell he’s doing, we each take a shot.” - this is one of many, many examples of terrible sentence structure

“We were working on finding our new normal without the addition of Graham and it hadn’t been easy, what was even harder was our conversation after we’d broken up.” - another one

“I woke up this morning with his arms wrapped around me, I woke up this morning, feeling content and happy. And when he kissed the back of my neck and his hands started wandering.” - sigh

[Flavs is Mrs David Gandy♥~♥’ · Rating 4 out of 5]

These two were such a pleasure reading 😊

Graham Trevors is a retired Army man who now earns his living as a handyman in his hometown. His also trying to repair his relationship with his younger brother who has a bit of an issue with him when his mom died and he couldn’t be there for his family as he would have liked. Being called out to help the new resident of their town fix her aircon basically changes his life. Now his craving for a relationship and being in Quinn and her daughters life for a long time coming…

Quinn Green was a successful lawyer, but that was not what brought her joy. So moving herself and her daughter to a small town in the mountains of Colorado is a new journey for them. But being stuck with a house that’s falling apart, not part of the journey 😊 Meeting Graham Trevors also not part of her plan, but definitely an enjoyable one 😊

This was a cute single mother story. I loved Graham. He was sweet, caring and deliciously sexy. Quinn was feisty and independent and an amazing mother. I loved that she and her ex had a good relationship. Loved that Graham didn’t just fall in love with her but also head over hells for her daughter. An easy read, low on the angst but definitely a good afternoon read 😊

Read on behalf of
Fay’s Corner

[T Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

HEA
Standalone, interconnected characters
Single mom
4th wall breaks

Trigger warnings
Medical debt from ill parent
Death of parent

Characters
Quinn (mfc, single mom, 34)
Alex (daughter, 8)
Graham (mmc, veteran, 31)
Jim (Alex's dad)
Cade (CT, brother of mmc)

Quinn quit her job and moved to a farm with her daughter. Unfortunately, everything kept breaking and she needed a handyman, especially after the AC died. Graham was just trying to save his family's farm, working as a handyman to bring in money. He also really wants to repair his relationship with his brother. The attraction between the two is so perfect. Quinn has the need to be independent and Graham has some issues with his time in the Army, but they are so cute together in their interactions. Jim doesn't cause any major issues, even if he was moving out of the country.
But Quinn has a secret and Graham's not going to like it...

Cute quotes at the top of each chapter. I usually skip reading those if the first few don't grab my attention, but these did. And the dad jokes....absolutely perfect! I also love the few 4th wall breaks thrown in. These characters are relatable and fun. I hope CT gets his story. Amelia needs one as well.

[Emma Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

💚 Blurb-
Graham isn’t looking for love.
As a matter of fact, he’s not looking for anything other than growing his business, helping his father not lose the family ranch and fixing his relationship with his brother.
But when one of his handyman calls leads him to a broken down farmhouse on the edge of town, he finds a curvaceous beauty with an awkward charm that reels him right in.
Quinn is looking for peace.
When she moves out to the country with her spitfire daughter, the adventure begins... with a broken A/C and a sweat that has her desperate for help.
Quinn takes one look at the hot, tall, and bearded handyman on her doorstep and knows she’s in big, big trouble.
🩷 Review -
This was such a cute read. This is the first book that I have read by the author and I will definitely be reading more by them. The story was cute and easy to follow and had a great cast of characters. I loved the place settings in the story and the pacing was just right. I loved Graham and Quinn's chemistry and I wanted them to have the happy ending that they deserved. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to Hambright PR and the author J.S Wood for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[s_bookish_adventures · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review

Thank you to Hambright PR and the author @s.l.scott for the advanced copy of Love and Warner

The Off Grid by J.S. Woods is such a cute, sweet story. I love the dynamic between mom (Quinn) and daughter (Alex). The sassiness on Alex is so cute, it made it fun. Let’s not get started the sparks between Quinn and Graham. The attraction/ chemistry between them was instant, a perfect example of perfect timing with the perfect person. Graham is a total gentleman and a sweetheart he had me swooning, but he also had his naughty side. Quinn is such a strong independent woman and an excellent mother perfect figure to follow. The small-town vibes are everything, I just love when everyone helps everyone. Another thing was the strong friendship figures both main characters had through the story, it just felt right and handy when they needed that friendship advice. Not everything is peaches and cream, there’s family and relationship drama too but at the end everything gets sorted out with understanding and communication. I really enjoyed reading this cozy, fun, love story.
 
Tropes:
🧑‍🧒 Single Parent
🏘️ Small Town
🛠️ Blue Collar Hero
💞 Found Family
🧲 Opposite Attract
😍 He Falls First

[Mel C · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

Dual POV
Single Timeline
Insta-Love
Single Mom x Handyman
Third-Act Breakup
Grief & PTSD

This was such a cute, heartfelt read. I’m usually not an insta-love romance fan, but this one might have changed my mind.

Quinn packs up her daughter and leaves behind her high-powered life as a lawyer, her best friend (daughter’s dad), and the big city in search of a quieter, off-the-grid life. Enter Graham, the handyman who starts out fixing her AC and slowly works his way into her life.

While the romance is sweet, this story is about more than just falling in love. It explores friendship, grief, healing, and repairing complicated family relationships, which gave the book real emotional depth.

I won’t lie, I hated the third-act breakup. Graham was being a big baby. That said, I gave him a pass because grief shows up differently for everyone, and his reaction felt emotionally honest, even if frustrating.

Overall, a warm, emotional romance with heart, growth, and a found-family feel that made it easy to root for these characters.

Thank you Hambright PR amd J.S. Woods

#HPROfftheGrid
#JSWood
#HambrightPR

[Kylynn Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I’m not even gonna lie, I only wanted this one because of the cover and it did not disappoint.

Synopsis:
Quinn is a recently single mom trying to go from big-city life to quiet country living. She buys a house (that should’ve came with a repair man) & tries to give her daughter Alex the best life possible. Graham is a former military man turned handy man in his small town. When the two meet- instant love blossoms and their passion can not be denied.

My Review:

Here’s what I loved- it wasn’t AS spicy as other books. Like I love spice, but this story didn’t really need it and JS Wood knew that. She gave the characters what they needed and it worked out beautifully. The fact that Quinn & her ex co-parent so well? Yes. Love it. I feel like she gave them a relationship that allowed Graham & Quinn to grow and not feel guilt around it. Graham trying to repair his family relationship while building his own family was heartwarming. I can not WAIT to read the next one and see how Cade & Graham continue to grow with each other.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was simply the cutest story, I ate it up.
it was cute, funny, heartwarming, slight tense drama mixed in, but overall it was fun.

Quinn, a lawyer who has had enough of the city life and noise decides its time for change. so her and her 8 year old daughter, Alex, move to a beat down farm house for a new beginning, away from the city noise.
and what a new beginning they get.
like their house not having working ac in the middle of the summer.
so Quinn does what every other person does, calls the repair man.
and just her luck that repair man is Graham Trevors.
Graham's character was fun as well. ex military, now working as the local repair man, and trying to just help save the family ranch. He was just simply sweet.

loved the relationship between him and Quinn, but also Alex. he stepped in so naturally.

I just had a good time read this book.
the ending was everything you expect and more. couldn't get enough.


🫶🏻 thank you J.S. Wood and Hambrightpr for the review copy.

[findingthebook · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quinn has made a drastic change, she’s moved away from the big city and has quit a job that has made her unhappy.
Moving into this new town would bring her a happiness she never knew was possible. She has always been happy, she had her daughter whom she loves but moving brought both of them a happiness that was different then the one they had before.
Graham never knew what living truly was until Quinn and her daughter came into his life, but years of suppressing feelings can impede him and Quinn from living a happy ever after.


I love the dynamic between Quinn, Graham and Alex. They are a cute soon to be family and seeing them bond was super cute. I also loved Alex and her father’s relationship with Quinn, it’s nice to see a healthy coparenting situation something I rarely read, it felt wholesome.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
I really enjoyed this book. My favorite part was the humor. This book brought a lot of joy when I truly needed it. I was laughing from beginning to end. I loved that Quinn and her daughter are making a fresh new beginning with a farmhouse. Quinn and Alex were awesome. I loved their mother daughter relationship. You can tell how close they are. Then you have Graham. Man did he make me swoon several times in this one. I loved the bond he created with Alex. It's so sweet! This book has plenty of heart and feels as well. A lot going on in the Trevors family. They pulled on the heartstrings. This is a book you don't want to miss out on. This was a great kick off to the series and I'm looking forward to more from this series!!

[Booked on Lattes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet and steamy small town romance that I really enjoyed! Quinn is a single mom with a cute (but realistic) 8 year old who moves from the city and finds her HEA “off the grid” with veteran Graham. She is really funny but also adorably awkward, while Graham is dealing with some hard things and is a bit more serious, but I love how she brings out his fun side.

I feel like sometimes with small towns they aren’t always the most welcoming, but I loved how Quinn and her daughter made fast friends who were a really good support group, and we also get so see Grahams hilarious group of friends that I can’t wait to read more about.

Told from dual POV, this book has some tough topics (loss of parent, PTSD) but it is mostly light and and kept me smiling!

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quinn moves to a small town and bought a fixer-upper farmhouse with her daughter, Alex, in the middle of the summer. The first things she needs fixed is her AC so she put in a message to the local handyman.

Graham is a retired vet who moved back home to his family’s property and is now the town’s handyman.

Arriving, both are instantly smitten but attempt to act normal. Alex instantly starts throwing questions at Graham and he takes it like a champ.

After the AC getting fixed, the stove gives out so now Graham has another reason to be at their home.

Over time he slowly molds to their family lifestyle.

Will Quinn get over hurtle and allow herself to fall in love? Will Graham feel like he’s enough for the ladies?

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️

Tropes:
Single Mom
Retired Vet
Forced Proximity
Small Town