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Small Town Dreams #2
All Roads Lead to You
A grumpy wilderness guide who just wants to be left alone.
A cheerful jewelry designer determined to get him to open up.
A breathtaking New Zealand town that inspires second chances.
An unlikely love that won't be denied.
Brightwater Valley, New Zealand, is beautiful, rugged, and home to those who seek adventure. Finn Kelly loves everything about guiding wilderness hikes, except the part where he has to interact with people every day. But when sunny jewelry designer Bethany Grant moves into town and involves herself in every aspect of his life, he wonders what it might be like if he let in some of her light...
A cheerful jewelry designer determined to get him to open up.
A breathtaking New Zealand town that inspires second chances.
An unlikely love that won't be denied.
Brightwater Valley, New Zealand, is beautiful, rugged, and home to those who seek adventure. Finn Kelly loves everything about guiding wilderness hikes, except the part where he has to interact with people every day. But when sunny jewelry designer Bethany Grant moves into town and involves herself in every aspect of his life, he wonders what it might be like if he let in some of her light...
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 29, 2022
17 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
About the author
Jackie Ashenden
498 books977 followersJackie has been writing fiction since she was eleven years old. Mild mannered fantasy/SF/pseudo-literary writer by day, obsessive romance writer by night, she used to balance her writing with the more serious job of librarianship until a chance meeting with another romance writer prompted her to throw off the shackles of her day job and devote herself to the true love of her heart – writing romance. She particularly likes to write dark, emotional stories with alpha heroes who've just got the world to their liking only to have it blown wide apart by their kick-ass heroines.
She lives in Auckland, New Zealand with her husband, the inimitable Dr Jax, two kids, two cats and some guppies (possibly dead guppies by the time you read this). When she's not torturing alpha males and their stroppy heroines, she can be found drinking chocolate martinis, reading anything she can lay her hands on, posting random crap on her blog, or being forced to go mountain biking with her husband.
She lives in Auckland, New Zealand with her husband, the inimitable Dr Jax, two kids, two cats and some guppies (possibly dead guppies by the time you read this). When she's not torturing alpha males and their stroppy heroines, she can be found drinking chocolate martinis, reading anything she can lay her hands on, posting random crap on her blog, or being forced to go mountain biking with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
September 12, 2022
Bethany Grant moves to remote Brightwater Valley in New Zealand South Island, and she wants a fresh start. Beth is from Deep River in Alaska, she’s used to living close to nature and she’s not a city person. Two friends traveled with her to NZ, Isabella Montgomery and Indigo Jameson, and they plan to open a gallery. Beth designs and makes jewellery and they also want to sell an elusive local artists paintings in Brightwater Dreams.
Everywhere Beth goes, she bumps into Finn Kelly, he, his brother Chase and friend Levi King own Pure Adventure NZ. They take people on outdoor experiences, and everything from, hiking, hunting, fishing, kayaking and horse riding. Beth thinks she’s done something to annoy Finn, he never seems happy to see her and looks down right grumpy when he does.
Finn lost his wife five years ago to cancer, he doesn’t feel like being friendly, and for some reason he’s irritated by Beth’s presence in town. She gets under his skin, and the sparks fly between Beth and Finn.
I received a copy of All Roads Lead to You by Jackie Ashenden from Edelweiss and Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review and it’s the second book in the Small Town Dreams series. Both main characters have been hurt in the past, Beth is ready to fall in love again and she just needs to convince a very stubborn Finn that it’s time for him to open up his heart. It’s a story about living in a small town, fresh starts, breaking down walls, with sizzling chemistry and a rocky road to romance. I like that the narrative includes familiar local characters, their businesses and places in Brightwater. I highly recommend the first two books in the trilogy, Find Your Way Home, and All Roads Lead to You, and four and a half stars from me.
Everywhere Beth goes, she bumps into Finn Kelly, he, his brother Chase and friend Levi King own Pure Adventure NZ. They take people on outdoor experiences, and everything from, hiking, hunting, fishing, kayaking and horse riding. Beth thinks she’s done something to annoy Finn, he never seems happy to see her and looks down right grumpy when he does.
Finn lost his wife five years ago to cancer, he doesn’t feel like being friendly, and for some reason he’s irritated by Beth’s presence in town. She gets under his skin, and the sparks fly between Beth and Finn.
I received a copy of All Roads Lead to You by Jackie Ashenden from Edelweiss and Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review and it’s the second book in the Small Town Dreams series. Both main characters have been hurt in the past, Beth is ready to fall in love again and she just needs to convince a very stubborn Finn that it’s time for him to open up his heart. It’s a story about living in a small town, fresh starts, breaking down walls, with sizzling chemistry and a rocky road to romance. I like that the narrative includes familiar local characters, their businesses and places in Brightwater. I highly recommend the first two books in the trilogy, Find Your Way Home, and All Roads Lead to You, and four and a half stars from me.
November 9, 2022
This book really gets into some tough topics including grief and depression.
This book really gets into learning to love again after loss and letting down protective walls. After recently losing my mother, I could really relate to the characters in this book. My heart broke hearing how Fin was struggling getting close to anyone after losing his wife to Cancer and how Beth struggled with post partum depression with lack of family support.
Even through their challenges, I loved how Finn and Beth really saw eachother through the rough exterior and protective cheerfulness. Their connection and obstacles made this book an enthralling romance to read. Plus the New Zealand setting was perfect and the quirky cast of friends gave the tough topics some light relief. I'd love hearing more about the Indigo and Levi saga.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.
This book really gets into learning to love again after loss and letting down protective walls. After recently losing my mother, I could really relate to the characters in this book. My heart broke hearing how Fin was struggling getting close to anyone after losing his wife to Cancer and how Beth struggled with post partum depression with lack of family support.
Even through their challenges, I loved how Finn and Beth really saw eachother through the rough exterior and protective cheerfulness. Their connection and obstacles made this book an enthralling romance to read. Plus the New Zealand setting was perfect and the quirky cast of friends gave the tough topics some light relief. I'd love hearing more about the Indigo and Levi saga.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.
April 7, 2023
The second in.a series but can easily be read as a stand alone. Three friends move to a small town in New Zealand wanting to increase tourism and Beth is hoping to sell her handmade jewelry. Beth Grant wants to leave her sad past in Alaska and puts on a sunny disposition for everyone. Finn Kelly love’s guiding tourists in the wilderness and working with his Brother Chase. (Chase was the romantic lead in the first book.). Finn is grumpy to everyone, especially Beth.
This should be a grumpy vs. sunshine troupe but you don’t get to see it in action only hear that’s how Finn has treated Beth. Instead this is an accidental pregnancy story. After they give into their attraction for one night Beth finds herself pregnant. This is difficult for her because of her past (I won’t spoil it). Finn on the other hand jumps into an alpha male that I didn’t like. Everything all of a sudden has to be his way. It is fine he wants to make sure she is cared for. But they live in a small town, she has a roommate that is a friend but no he insists that she move in with him. Even small things such as he over rides her in like she wants to wait a couple of months to tell people but he insists they tell everyone now. It is ridiculous. Then he has major issues because she is in his house where he had the perfect marriage with the perfect love of his life. He insists on everything his way and then I’m suppose to feel bad for his trauma. Even his small grand gesture at the end with the out door tub felt cringy because he could love her there because his wife didn’t like it.
I’m still giving this three stars as the setting is great and I like Beth. I didn’t realize how much Finn bugged me till I started writing this review. If you like strong alphas that you will enjoy this more than I did. Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This should be a grumpy vs. sunshine troupe but you don’t get to see it in action only hear that’s how Finn has treated Beth. Instead this is an accidental pregnancy story. After they give into their attraction for one night Beth finds herself pregnant. This is difficult for her because of her past (I won’t spoil it). Finn on the other hand jumps into an alpha male that I didn’t like. Everything all of a sudden has to be his way. It is fine he wants to make sure she is cared for. But they live in a small town, she has a roommate that is a friend but no he insists that she move in with him. Even small things such as he over rides her in like she wants to wait a couple of months to tell people but he insists they tell everyone now. It is ridiculous. Then he has major issues because she is in his house where he had the perfect marriage with the perfect love of his life. He insists on everything his way and then I’m suppose to feel bad for his trauma. Even his small grand gesture at the end with the out door tub felt cringy because he could love her there because his wife didn’t like it.
I’m still giving this three stars as the setting is great and I like Beth. I didn’t realize how much Finn bugged me till I started writing this review. If you like strong alphas that you will enjoy this more than I did. Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 1, 2022
All Roads Lead To You was a wonderful read. It was sweet and sexy. It also dealt with grief and loss and finding the courage to love again. I enjoyed it. I loved Beth and Finn’s journey and I’m definitely looking forward to reading the next book in the series as well as the previous one. I definitely recommend it.
Copy provided by publisher through Net Galley
Copy provided by publisher through Net Galley
November 21, 2022
3 ⭐️
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for a review. All Roads Lead to You comes out November 26th! 💌
This story was cute and I liked the way it dealt with some heavy topics, such as grief and the loss of a loved one (check TW’s on this one). I thought, however, that this was kinda insta-lovey and that made me vibe with the characters a lot less.
It’s a recommendation for people who love very quick romance reads that do deal with some heavy topics. Not suited for those who don’t appreciate an intensely fast enemies-to-lovers trope.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for a review. All Roads Lead to You comes out November 26th! 💌
This story was cute and I liked the way it dealt with some heavy topics, such as grief and the loss of a loved one (check TW’s on this one). I thought, however, that this was kinda insta-lovey and that made me vibe with the characters a lot less.
It’s a recommendation for people who love very quick romance reads that do deal with some heavy topics. Not suited for those who don’t appreciate an intensely fast enemies-to-lovers trope.
April 13, 2023
Dustin picked this out for me and I can’t help but think he picked it for a reason…such a good book about grief, loss, and loving again ❤️
September 3, 2022
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Another story in the engaging “Small Town Dreams” series, “All Roads Lead to You”, by Jackie Ashenden (Sourcebooks Casablanca), features characters going from apparent animosity to attraction, and a fascinating grumpy hero with a very intense inner life.
As usual with Jackie Ashenden you are fully invested in the characters, their relations and interactions, and in the beautiful, unique setting of the very small town of Brightwater Valley (New Zeland).
A brooding hero still dealing with deep grief over the loss of his wife, Finn is as handsome and sexy as grumpy. I liked how the author portrayed his still aching soul and the fracture between past and present.
I also loved the intensity and generosity, the depiction of desire and intimacy, the chemistry (“that raw, crackling electricity” between Finn and Beth, and the blending of all this with humor.
I felt enigmatic, isolated Finn was more interesting than open Finn and the obsession with Sheri was a bit exaggerated for my taste (and lasting until the end).
Of course any reserves about his character are mitigated with the hero’s sense of honor, fierce protectiveness and honesty.
Ashenden excels in portraying the impenetrable, wounded hero who so very slowly opens to the healing that comes with love.
I also liked to watch the process through which grumpiness is replaced with sweetness and gentleness and devastation with happiness. The fact the alpha, dark hero is so capable of affection is heartwarming.
Beth is also dealing with her kind of loss, but seems more adapted to it than Finn.
I liked meeting again other characters from the series and watching the interaction between Chase and Finn. The side characters, the sense of community, the animals all make for an enjoyable read. I’m eager to read the next installment and curious to watch how this series will turn.
Another story in the engaging “Small Town Dreams” series, “All Roads Lead to You”, by Jackie Ashenden (Sourcebooks Casablanca), features characters going from apparent animosity to attraction, and a fascinating grumpy hero with a very intense inner life.
As usual with Jackie Ashenden you are fully invested in the characters, their relations and interactions, and in the beautiful, unique setting of the very small town of Brightwater Valley (New Zeland).
A brooding hero still dealing with deep grief over the loss of his wife, Finn is as handsome and sexy as grumpy. I liked how the author portrayed his still aching soul and the fracture between past and present.
I also loved the intensity and generosity, the depiction of desire and intimacy, the chemistry (“that raw, crackling electricity” between Finn and Beth, and the blending of all this with humor.
I felt enigmatic, isolated Finn was more interesting than open Finn and the obsession with Sheri was a bit exaggerated for my taste (and lasting until the end).
Of course any reserves about his character are mitigated with the hero’s sense of honor, fierce protectiveness and honesty.
Ashenden excels in portraying the impenetrable, wounded hero who so very slowly opens to the healing that comes with love.
I also liked to watch the process through which grumpiness is replaced with sweetness and gentleness and devastation with happiness. The fact the alpha, dark hero is so capable of affection is heartwarming.
Beth is also dealing with her kind of loss, but seems more adapted to it than Finn.
I liked meeting again other characters from the series and watching the interaction between Chase and Finn. The side characters, the sense of community, the animals all make for an enjoyable read. I’m eager to read the next installment and curious to watch how this series will turn.
October 24, 2022
Ahhh! I’m so excited to review this book because I feel like so many of you will love this book as much as I have 🥰😍 As a lot of you know one of my favourite book series ever is the ‘Simple Wild’ series by K.A Tucker, and I have been searching for a book with similarities since. 😌
‘All Roads Lead to You‘ by Jackie Ashenden caught my eye as I was scrolling on NetGalley which I don’t really use much as I don’t have a kindle or iPad etc. so it’s not the greatest to read ebooks on my small phone screen but this synopsis caught my eye! ☺️
I feel like it’s the Australian/New Zealand version of ‘The Simple Wild’ series in a way as it’s set in New Zealand and shares a lot of our cultural sayings and norms. I loved how the ‘grumpy vs sunshine’ trope played out in this story and it was such a fun slow burn romance! There was just so much to love in this story - the slow burn romance like I’ve mentioned, spice 🔥😉, the scenery, the cultural similarities, and the many other characters with complex personalities that I grew to love. 🤍
I also loved how this story dove into the main character Beth and Finn’s lives so much, I’m so sad that I’ll have to wait for the next book to see what happens next in their lives 😅
‘All Roads Lead to You’ is released on the 29th of November, I can’t wait to see what you all think of this one 😁
Thank you to NetGalley for my eBook in exchange for a review.
Also, side note: the photo in the background is mine ☺️
‘All Roads Lead to You‘ by Jackie Ashenden caught my eye as I was scrolling on NetGalley which I don’t really use much as I don’t have a kindle or iPad etc. so it’s not the greatest to read ebooks on my small phone screen but this synopsis caught my eye! ☺️
I feel like it’s the Australian/New Zealand version of ‘The Simple Wild’ series in a way as it’s set in New Zealand and shares a lot of our cultural sayings and norms. I loved how the ‘grumpy vs sunshine’ trope played out in this story and it was such a fun slow burn romance! There was just so much to love in this story - the slow burn romance like I’ve mentioned, spice 🔥😉, the scenery, the cultural similarities, and the many other characters with complex personalities that I grew to love. 🤍
I also loved how this story dove into the main character Beth and Finn’s lives so much, I’m so sad that I’ll have to wait for the next book to see what happens next in their lives 😅
‘All Roads Lead to You’ is released on the 29th of November, I can’t wait to see what you all think of this one 😁
Thank you to NetGalley for my eBook in exchange for a review.
Also, side note: the photo in the background is mine ☺️
November 12, 2022
A huge thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca for my complimentary copy and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
This is my first book by the author and I look forward to reading more books by the author. The book is set in New Zealand . This is a grumpy sunshine romance perfect for fans of second chance romances that follows a wilderness guide and a jewelry designer, It's an incredible romance that shows the beauty of loving after loss, loving after heartbreak and the beauty of new love and the beauty of laughter. I loved the characters, the setting and the pace of the book.
This is my first book by the author and I look forward to reading more books by the author. The book is set in New Zealand . This is a grumpy sunshine romance perfect for fans of second chance romances that follows a wilderness guide and a jewelry designer, It's an incredible romance that shows the beauty of loving after loss, loving after heartbreak and the beauty of new love and the beauty of laughter. I loved the characters, the setting and the pace of the book.
August 30, 2022
This was an overall good read. The second book in the series, it had all the things that made "Find Your Way Home" so special. The writing was great, the characters well developed and overall the premise itself was engaging. I did struggle to remain interested at certain points and it did feel a bit slow.
Overall though, this was a good read. Thank you to the publisher for kindly providing me with an ARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Overall though, this was a good read. Thank you to the publisher for kindly providing me with an ARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
January 17, 2023
I was excited for a female lead with my own name in a contemporary romance, but then my least favorite trope showed up and the MMC was too pushy/demanding for my taste. This romance would be great for someone who likes a more stubborn/controlling male lead. I liked the first book in this series, so I think this book was just an anomaly for me. I received an early reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 20, 2022
I received an ARC of, All Roads Lead to You, by Jackie Ashendan. Opposites attract in this fun novel set in New Zealand. Beth and Finn are different as night and day. This was an ok book in a great location.
July 31, 2023
Pretty rocky love story but lots of love and healing. I'm enjoying the series immensely and look forward to the conclusion
January 2, 2026
I felt like I was reading the same thing over and over. It was boring, but not terrible enough to stop reading
November 16, 2022
This is the second book in the Brightwater Valley series, focused on Beth and Finn's story.
Beth and Finn have both endured loss in their lives. Finn loses himself in work, giving tours around the New Zealand outback. Beth funneled hers into her handmade, custom jewelry. Beth and her two friends Izzy and Indigo arrived in Brightwater Valley, part of a sister-town program with Deep River, Alaska. Izzy quickly found her forever-after with Chase, Finn's brother. Indigo remains stubbornly not attracted to Levi, their best friend.
I thought this was a wonderful story about the power of love, learning to fight past the fear and open yourself up to possibilities. When you do, beautiful things (and sometimes babies!) happen!
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.
Beth and Finn have both endured loss in their lives. Finn loses himself in work, giving tours around the New Zealand outback. Beth funneled hers into her handmade, custom jewelry. Beth and her two friends Izzy and Indigo arrived in Brightwater Valley, part of a sister-town program with Deep River, Alaska. Izzy quickly found her forever-after with Chase, Finn's brother. Indigo remains stubbornly not attracted to Levi, their best friend.
I thought this was a wonderful story about the power of love, learning to fight past the fear and open yourself up to possibilities. When you do, beautiful things (and sometimes babies!) happen!
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.
November 13, 2022
Leave it to Jackie Ashenden to bring some of her Deep River series to her home in New Zealand and to the tiny town of Brightwater Valley, in this second novel in her Small Town Dreams series. Beth, Izzy and Indigo came halfway around the world for a new start, and their arrival and their plan to set up a local gallery featuring their own arts and crafts, as well as those created by the native population was, at first, met with annoyance and scorn by some, but these are 3 feisty ladies, who, when they meet the 3 handsome men who own and operate Pure Adventure NZ, Chase, Finn and Levi, are in for the adventures of their lives. This novel gets off to a rather slow start, which is the only reason for my 4.5- rather than 5-star rating.
This novel is Finn and Beth's story, and it contains some triggers--the loss of a baby, postpartum depression, the end of a relationship, the death of a beloved spouse, and the depth of grief and grieving felt by both characters. Beth wanted out of Deep River because, after the death of her premature baby girl, and its father, she felt like the entire Alaskan town viewed her as "poor, pathetic Beth." She'd decided that by getting a fresh start where no one knew her, she could adopt a ray of sunshine persona and move on from her loss. It's Finn who somehow manages to see past her sunny smiles and chipper attitude to the real woman who's hiding behind them.
Five years earlier, Finn lost his beloved wife, his first and only love, Sophia, and has never stopped grieving her loss--cutting off his emotions, and becoming a stoic, silent, curmudgeon of a man, who is charming to his outdoor adventure clients, but who avoids almost all other contact and conversation--but his attraction to Beth is both immediate and unwanted. Beth's attraction to Finn is also immediate, but trusting another man with her heart is also problematic, but that's about to change for both characters.
I truly enjoyed this novel, and plan to look up every bird and flower mentioned in it, but it was Ms. Ashenden's message about moving on from grief and loss and starting over that really hit home for this reader. It's not an easy subject to center a romance novel around and it was handled with so much grace and understanding that it was impossible not to apply the lessons within it to one's own life and losses. Kudos to Ms. Ashenden for yet another truly heartbreaking and heartwarming read.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions stated are my own.
This novel is Finn and Beth's story, and it contains some triggers--the loss of a baby, postpartum depression, the end of a relationship, the death of a beloved spouse, and the depth of grief and grieving felt by both characters. Beth wanted out of Deep River because, after the death of her premature baby girl, and its father, she felt like the entire Alaskan town viewed her as "poor, pathetic Beth." She'd decided that by getting a fresh start where no one knew her, she could adopt a ray of sunshine persona and move on from her loss. It's Finn who somehow manages to see past her sunny smiles and chipper attitude to the real woman who's hiding behind them.
Five years earlier, Finn lost his beloved wife, his first and only love, Sophia, and has never stopped grieving her loss--cutting off his emotions, and becoming a stoic, silent, curmudgeon of a man, who is charming to his outdoor adventure clients, but who avoids almost all other contact and conversation--but his attraction to Beth is both immediate and unwanted. Beth's attraction to Finn is also immediate, but trusting another man with her heart is also problematic, but that's about to change for both characters.
I truly enjoyed this novel, and plan to look up every bird and flower mentioned in it, but it was Ms. Ashenden's message about moving on from grief and loss and starting over that really hit home for this reader. It's not an easy subject to center a romance novel around and it was handled with so much grace and understanding that it was impossible not to apply the lessons within it to one's own life and losses. Kudos to Ms. Ashenden for yet another truly heartbreaking and heartwarming read.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions stated are my own.
December 10, 2022
3.75stars- ALL ROADS LEAD TO YOU is the second instalment in Jackie Ashenden’s contemporary, adult SMALL TOWN DREAMS erotic, romance series-a spin off from the author’s ALASKA HOMECOMING SERIES. This is Kiwi wilderness guide Finn Kelly, and American jewelry designer Bethany ‘Beth’ Grant’s story line. ALL ROADS LEAD TO YOU can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.
SOME BACKGROUND: In the wake of failures and disappointments back home, best friends and Americans Izzy, Indigo and Bethany head to New Zealand to start a new business venture in Brightwater Valley, a small town that is slowly dying without some much needed help from start up entrepreneurs.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Finn and Beth) ALL ROADS LEAD TO YOU follows the building but acrimonious relationship between Finn Kelly and Beth Grant. Finn Kelly works as a wilderness tour guide in Brightwater Valley, New Zealand but Finn struggles with demons from the past, demons of which he is unable to let go. Beth Grant’ s attraction to Finn Kelly is immediate but Finn wants nothing to do with our story line heroine, and refuses to accept her bubbly personality is honest or real. A one-night stand with Finn forces Beth to reconsider the future, a future that is about to change for them both but as Finn continues to struggle with the past, Beth quickly realizes she may be heading into the future alone. What ensues is the building but heart breaking relationship between Beth and Finn, and the potential fall-out as Finn refuses to fall in love, or let Bethany Grant into his heart.
The relationship between Beth and Finn begins acrimoniously as Beth doesn’t understand what she has done wrong. Finn is grumpy, stand offish, and rude, forcing Beth to confront our story line hero. Both Finn and Beth battle with heartbreaking losses from the past but Finn refuses to move on, destroying Beth in the process. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.
We are reintroduced to Izzy and Chase (Find Your Way Home), Levi; baker Bill Preston, and rancher /horse farm owner Clint. Levi and Indigo’s story is next.
ALL ROADS LEAD TO YOU is a story of grief and loss, acceptance and understanding, love and letting go. The premise is emotional and heart breaking; the romance is affectionate and considerate; the characters are interesting but Finn Kelly is broken and lost.
www.thereadingcafe.com
SOME BACKGROUND: In the wake of failures and disappointments back home, best friends and Americans Izzy, Indigo and Bethany head to New Zealand to start a new business venture in Brightwater Valley, a small town that is slowly dying without some much needed help from start up entrepreneurs.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Finn and Beth) ALL ROADS LEAD TO YOU follows the building but acrimonious relationship between Finn Kelly and Beth Grant. Finn Kelly works as a wilderness tour guide in Brightwater Valley, New Zealand but Finn struggles with demons from the past, demons of which he is unable to let go. Beth Grant’ s attraction to Finn Kelly is immediate but Finn wants nothing to do with our story line heroine, and refuses to accept her bubbly personality is honest or real. A one-night stand with Finn forces Beth to reconsider the future, a future that is about to change for them both but as Finn continues to struggle with the past, Beth quickly realizes she may be heading into the future alone. What ensues is the building but heart breaking relationship between Beth and Finn, and the potential fall-out as Finn refuses to fall in love, or let Bethany Grant into his heart.
The relationship between Beth and Finn begins acrimoniously as Beth doesn’t understand what she has done wrong. Finn is grumpy, stand offish, and rude, forcing Beth to confront our story line hero. Both Finn and Beth battle with heartbreaking losses from the past but Finn refuses to move on, destroying Beth in the process. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.
We are reintroduced to Izzy and Chase (Find Your Way Home), Levi; baker Bill Preston, and rancher /horse farm owner Clint. Levi and Indigo’s story is next.
ALL ROADS LEAD TO YOU is a story of grief and loss, acceptance and understanding, love and letting go. The premise is emotional and heart breaking; the romance is affectionate and considerate; the characters are interesting but Finn Kelly is broken and lost.
www.thereadingcafe.com
August 16, 2022
As an ardent fan of this author already, grabbing this ARC offered by NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca was a complete “no-brainer” when it was available. I jumped at the chance to read the second book (in a series I had already fell in love with) set in Brightwater, NZ.
If this author (and/or series) is new to you, you are in for a treat!
Set in the wild, beautiful landscape of New Zealand, these characters are ready to give you hours of enjoyment. Without spoiling your read, I will share that these pages pulled several different emotions from me: happiness, empathy, sadness, frustration, anger, and joy – just to name a few. And this is exactly why this author is one of my favorites! She makes it so easy to connect with her characters.
While I have never been a visitor to NZ, the details of the scenery, animals and landscapes described certainly transported me there, and I felt as if I were walking next to these characters. The writing allows you to feel as if you are invited into the character, to hear and feel the inner-most workings of their hearts and minds.
Finn and Beth have really tragic histories, but it was simple to connect with their struggles, and their efforts to hold themselves together, and continue on. Beth’s strength and intent to overcome her past is admirable and handled with care by this author. Finn is everything we want him to be, given his past, and is a grumpy guy who deserves to be loved. I sincerely enjoyed revisiting the town of Brightwater, and this conclusion was exactly what I had hoped it would be - for everyone!
I strongly recommend reading this in the correct reading order in the series to have the best reading experience. If you haven’t experienced this author’s Alaska Homecoming series (beginning with Come Home to Deep River), I recommend you also read that series. While this storyline is not a direct continuance of that series, it certainly helps complete the narratives and compliments this story.
I am sad to be at the end of my time with these characters! I cannot stress strongly enough how skilled this author is, in crafting worlds and characters I wish were real. I highly recommend reading more from her catalog of entertaining, easy-to-read and easy-to-love works. I am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
If this author (and/or series) is new to you, you are in for a treat!
Set in the wild, beautiful landscape of New Zealand, these characters are ready to give you hours of enjoyment. Without spoiling your read, I will share that these pages pulled several different emotions from me: happiness, empathy, sadness, frustration, anger, and joy – just to name a few. And this is exactly why this author is one of my favorites! She makes it so easy to connect with her characters.
While I have never been a visitor to NZ, the details of the scenery, animals and landscapes described certainly transported me there, and I felt as if I were walking next to these characters. The writing allows you to feel as if you are invited into the character, to hear and feel the inner-most workings of their hearts and minds.
Finn and Beth have really tragic histories, but it was simple to connect with their struggles, and their efforts to hold themselves together, and continue on. Beth’s strength and intent to overcome her past is admirable and handled with care by this author. Finn is everything we want him to be, given his past, and is a grumpy guy who deserves to be loved. I sincerely enjoyed revisiting the town of Brightwater, and this conclusion was exactly what I had hoped it would be - for everyone!
I strongly recommend reading this in the correct reading order in the series to have the best reading experience. If you haven’t experienced this author’s Alaska Homecoming series (beginning with Come Home to Deep River), I recommend you also read that series. While this storyline is not a direct continuance of that series, it certainly helps complete the narratives and compliments this story.
I am sad to be at the end of my time with these characters! I cannot stress strongly enough how skilled this author is, in crafting worlds and characters I wish were real. I highly recommend reading more from her catalog of entertaining, easy-to-read and easy-to-love works. I am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
August 14, 2022
Bethany Grant moves across the world, to Bridgewater, NZ, in order to get away from her past and make a new life for herself. While almost everyone around her is drawn in by her cheery personality, there’s one man in town who she can't seem to connect with. Finn Kelly is a brooding widower with no need for Beth's perky attitude. In spite of his best efforts to avoid her, they come to an understanding and Finn begins to see the real Beth underneath her sunshiny exterior.
All Roads Lead to You is a grumpy/sunshine romance with a great blend of sweet and spicy. This is the second book in the Small Town Dreams series set in Bridgewater, New Zealand. It can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the first book, Find Your Way Home, to better understand some of the context and characters’ histories.
This book is very fast paced. While the characters have only known each other for a short amount of time, “circumstances” throw the main characters together very early on in the plot. Although there are some small conflicts here and there, everything is smoothed over quickly. My only issue with the book is how quickly everything plays out. There are only a couple months between Beth arriving in Bridgewater to the start of this book and this book happens over the period of a few weeks. It’s not instalove but it could be considered instalust.
I read and enjoyed the first book in this series and had high hopes for this second installment. While one of the tropes used to get the MCs together is not my favorite, the author does a good job smoothing everything over. I appreciate the caring way in which the author writes about Beth’s past and how it affects the way she feels and acts throughout the book.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series. I hope Indigo and Levi’s story is next.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca!
All Roads Lead to You is a grumpy/sunshine romance with a great blend of sweet and spicy. This is the second book in the Small Town Dreams series set in Bridgewater, New Zealand. It can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the first book, Find Your Way Home, to better understand some of the context and characters’ histories.
This book is very fast paced. While the characters have only known each other for a short amount of time, “circumstances” throw the main characters together very early on in the plot. Although there are some small conflicts here and there, everything is smoothed over quickly. My only issue with the book is how quickly everything plays out. There are only a couple months between Beth arriving in Bridgewater to the start of this book and this book happens over the period of a few weeks. It’s not instalove but it could be considered instalust.
I read and enjoyed the first book in this series and had high hopes for this second installment. While one of the tropes used to get the MCs together is not my favorite, the author does a good job smoothing everything over. I appreciate the caring way in which the author writes about Beth’s past and how it affects the way she feels and acts throughout the book.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series. I hope Indigo and Levi’s story is next.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca!
November 23, 2022
New Zealand wilderness paradise can't counterbalance angst and heartburn😨
3-3.5🌟 stars
I chose this story largely thanks to its New Zealand setting and the grumpy vs. sunny romance. It's got deeper emotional issues that come to the surface, loss and grief and despair, but also small-town community and great descriptions of South Island landscapes.
What did not really work for me? Lengthy internal dialogues, mostly in the mind of grieving widower Finn who can't see a reason to let new love in to his life five years after his wife's death to cancer. I think less of this static cogitating and a shorter overall story as a result would have kept my interest more. I expected a one-day read and it took me almost three times that long because I just found Finn too "my way or the highway" "I can never love again" "don't try to get too close" with Beth, a new girl in town who has taken a very different path to handling grief and depression. Taking breaks was necessary to reset my interest in the outcome. I kept thinking there might be some really gigantic reveal of a major reason for his attitude but, no, it never materialized.
This is part of a series but I have not read the first romance involving Finn's brother Chase and Izzy, Beth's business partner and fellow Alaskan transplant. Would I be interested in reading the other books in the series? Yes; the setting's great, the secondary character involvement good and the writing's fine (when it's not stuck in someone's brain for too long).
Thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
3-3.5🌟 stars
I chose this story largely thanks to its New Zealand setting and the grumpy vs. sunny romance. It's got deeper emotional issues that come to the surface, loss and grief and despair, but also small-town community and great descriptions of South Island landscapes.
What did not really work for me? Lengthy internal dialogues, mostly in the mind of grieving widower Finn who can't see a reason to let new love in to his life five years after his wife's death to cancer. I think less of this static cogitating and a shorter overall story as a result would have kept my interest more. I expected a one-day read and it took me almost three times that long because I just found Finn too "my way or the highway" "I can never love again" "don't try to get too close" with Beth, a new girl in town who has taken a very different path to handling grief and depression. Taking breaks was necessary to reset my interest in the outcome. I kept thinking there might be some really gigantic reveal of a major reason for his attitude but, no, it never materialized.
This is part of a series but I have not read the first romance involving Finn's brother Chase and Izzy, Beth's business partner and fellow Alaskan transplant. Would I be interested in reading the other books in the series? Yes; the setting's great, the secondary character involvement good and the writing's fine (when it's not stuck in someone's brain for too long).
Thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
November 21, 2022
Ready to take a chance again ...
Bethany and Finn are at odds and neither one understands why. Of course, it's because Finn can't accept his attraction to her (or anyone, since his wife died five years ago) so he's rude and dismissive hoping that'll keep her at arms' length. Eventually, though, they realize that their mutual attraction has no hope of a lasting connection (because they each are still dealing with a significant loss) and therefore the only solution is a quick and dirty one night stand.
Do you see where this is going? Of course. Cue the "oops" and now Finn is determined to take charge and force whatever he has to in order to make his family work the way he thinks it should. Beth is trying to hang on for the ride but she's got her own issues to deal with, still, and despite Finn's caveman approach she knows he's still dealing with his own truckload of grief.
What follows is a truly heartwarming story of how each of these two delve deep into their hearts to find the healing they need, and find it together. The beauty of a story like this isn't in the suspense, it's in knowing that it's all going to work out so there's emotional safety in riding along for the journey.
It's a breathtakingly beautiful story of how these two hurting people find the courage and fortitude to choose healing and start a wonderful new life together. It's everything that I read romance for, splendidly written and filled with unforgettable characters and everlasting hope. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Bethany and Finn are at odds and neither one understands why. Of course, it's because Finn can't accept his attraction to her (or anyone, since his wife died five years ago) so he's rude and dismissive hoping that'll keep her at arms' length. Eventually, though, they realize that their mutual attraction has no hope of a lasting connection (because they each are still dealing with a significant loss) and therefore the only solution is a quick and dirty one night stand.
Do you see where this is going? Of course. Cue the "oops" and now Finn is determined to take charge and force whatever he has to in order to make his family work the way he thinks it should. Beth is trying to hang on for the ride but she's got her own issues to deal with, still, and despite Finn's caveman approach she knows he's still dealing with his own truckload of grief.
What follows is a truly heartwarming story of how each of these two delve deep into their hearts to find the healing they need, and find it together. The beauty of a story like this isn't in the suspense, it's in knowing that it's all going to work out so there's emotional safety in riding along for the journey.
It's a breathtakingly beautiful story of how these two hurting people find the courage and fortitude to choose healing and start a wonderful new life together. It's everything that I read romance for, splendidly written and filled with unforgettable characters and everlasting hope. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
December 11, 2022
"Alternatively … I’d settle for proof that Finn Kelly knows how to smile. “
" I know how to smile. I just don’t smile at you. “
I loved this book! The characters are amazing and the story always gets to me! Beth and Finn are adorable! I love how Beth tries so hard to get Finn to talk to her. Finn is a loner and it’s always quiet. It was funny Reading how he would try to run away from Beth and yet fail every time. No matter how hard he tried to resist her in the end he couldn’t. I was actually happy to see that Beth and Finn actually end up together earlier on in the book than I expected. We get more scenes with them together! I loved though how much Beth and Finn communicated with each other. They had some complications with their relationship and yet Finn was always making sure that they were on the same page. Whenever something was bothering Beth, Finn would get her to talk to him. Finn has a hard few years with his wife passing. He doesn’t want to love another woman. That made for some hard talks with beth and it took a while for him to work past that. I love that in the end they are able to work through their challenges! This book features some amazing supportive friends! This is the second book in the series but can totally be read as a standalone. The first book features Finn’s brother and I cannot wait to read the third book featuring Finn’s playboy friend and Beth’s shy friend!
Read if you like:
3rd person dual POVs
Small town romance
New Zealand romance
Grumpy hero
Opposites attract
Open door romance
Forced proximity
" I know how to smile. I just don’t smile at you. “
I loved this book! The characters are amazing and the story always gets to me! Beth and Finn are adorable! I love how Beth tries so hard to get Finn to talk to her. Finn is a loner and it’s always quiet. It was funny Reading how he would try to run away from Beth and yet fail every time. No matter how hard he tried to resist her in the end he couldn’t. I was actually happy to see that Beth and Finn actually end up together earlier on in the book than I expected. We get more scenes with them together! I loved though how much Beth and Finn communicated with each other. They had some complications with their relationship and yet Finn was always making sure that they were on the same page. Whenever something was bothering Beth, Finn would get her to talk to him. Finn has a hard few years with his wife passing. He doesn’t want to love another woman. That made for some hard talks with beth and it took a while for him to work past that. I love that in the end they are able to work through their challenges! This book features some amazing supportive friends! This is the second book in the series but can totally be read as a standalone. The first book features Finn’s brother and I cannot wait to read the third book featuring Finn’s playboy friend and Beth’s shy friend!
Read if you like:
3rd person dual POVs
Small town romance
New Zealand romance
Grumpy hero
Opposites attract
Open door romance
Forced proximity
August 21, 2022
All Roads Lead to You by Jackie Ashenden is the second book in the Small Town Dreams Series set in New Zealand. This is Beth and Finn’s story.
Beth moved to New Zealand to start over and to become her best self. She is a jewelry designer and that was such a unique job and I really liked to see it. Beth is a warm and kindhearted person, and you can only like her.
Finn is a wilderness guide who doesn’t like to interact with people and rather stays by himself. He is very grumpy, and most people understand the message to leave him alone. Except for Beth who asks for his help once and doesn’t leave him alone afterwards. This does him good because after the death of his wife he never expected to find love again.
Beth and Finn are a perfect example of the grumpy sunshine trope and that in combination with the beautiful setting in New Zealand was amazing. But then something happened, and it changed their whole dynamic. Only now Finn started to care for Beth and was fussing over her. This felt ingenuine to me and I questioned it. Was he just not doing it because he felt responsible or because he truly loved her? This resulted in me not fully believing in the romance.
Overall, if you like small town romances, definitely check this book out. 3 stars.
(ARC kindly provided in exchange for a review.)
Beth moved to New Zealand to start over and to become her best self. She is a jewelry designer and that was such a unique job and I really liked to see it. Beth is a warm and kindhearted person, and you can only like her.
Finn is a wilderness guide who doesn’t like to interact with people and rather stays by himself. He is very grumpy, and most people understand the message to leave him alone. Except for Beth who asks for his help once and doesn’t leave him alone afterwards. This does him good because after the death of his wife he never expected to find love again.
Beth and Finn are a perfect example of the grumpy sunshine trope and that in combination with the beautiful setting in New Zealand was amazing. But then something happened, and it changed their whole dynamic. Only now Finn started to care for Beth and was fussing over her. This felt ingenuine to me and I questioned it. Was he just not doing it because he felt responsible or because he truly loved her? This resulted in me not fully believing in the romance.
Overall, if you like small town romances, definitely check this book out. 3 stars.
(ARC kindly provided in exchange for a review.)
November 27, 2022
All Roads Lead To You is the second book in the Small Town Dreams series set in Brightwater Valley, New Zealand. I highly recommend reading the books in order, they have slight overlap and the previous book will give you insight into the characters. Each book follows one of the women who came to town and the man they were meant to meet.
Finn Kelly is content with his life, he enjoys his work with his brother and loves his town. Some might call him grumpy or brooding, but he can live with that. He's not looking for anything more as he's closed himself off from that potential years ago So although he's not perhaps happy, he's not willing to rock the boat, until Beth comes to the valley. She is sunshine and happiness and everything that Finn has told himself he doesn't want.
Beth had come to New Zealand to start fresh, she's putting the past behind her and is choosing happiness. She's excited about the new venture and watching the small town grow. There's only one issue, Finn. He doesn't seem to like her and she's determined to find out why and hopefully make him smile. She's not prepared for how project make Finn smile is going to impact her and reopen the past for both of them.
Finn Kelly is content with his life, he enjoys his work with his brother and loves his town. Some might call him grumpy or brooding, but he can live with that. He's not looking for anything more as he's closed himself off from that potential years ago So although he's not perhaps happy, he's not willing to rock the boat, until Beth comes to the valley. She is sunshine and happiness and everything that Finn has told himself he doesn't want.
Beth had come to New Zealand to start fresh, she's putting the past behind her and is choosing happiness. She's excited about the new venture and watching the small town grow. There's only one issue, Finn. He doesn't seem to like her and she's determined to find out why and hopefully make him smile. She's not prepared for how project make Finn smile is going to impact her and reopen the past for both of them.
November 12, 2022
All Roads Lead to You is the second book in the New Zealand series that is the sister series of the Alaska series by Jackie Ashenden. Two wounded souls who have suffered losses in their lives. Finn Kelly handles his losses by refusing to talk about it or engage in any unnecessary conversation for that matter. On the other hand, Alaskan transplant Bethany Grant uses the fake-it-till-you-make-it-sunny-smile to cover her sadness. Both need healing, recovery, and a second chance. This story is such a pleasure to read as they go on their journey to do exactly that.
Finn is definitely grumpy but he is also observant. He sees through Bethany’s fake cheerfulness wanting to know the real person. I liked them both. The landscape setting containing the town is magnificent so it is the perfect place for characters to find a new beginning overcoming their grief, giving themselves a chance to love again. Wonderful romance for all contemporary romance readers.
An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Finn is definitely grumpy but he is also observant. He sees through Bethany’s fake cheerfulness wanting to know the real person. I liked them both. The landscape setting containing the town is magnificent so it is the perfect place for characters to find a new beginning overcoming their grief, giving themselves a chance to love again. Wonderful romance for all contemporary romance readers.
An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 12, 2022
Enemies to lovers, grumpy x sunshine, a heartwarming read
All roads lead to you is a sweet and heartwarming read. I absolutely loved the way everything was described so vividly that I could picture it. I loved the characters and their arc and the fact that we got to know a about their family background and childhood as well because it helped me understand the characters better and connect to them.
This is a small town romance which deals beautifully with grief and loss. You get engrossed with Beth and Finn’s story and want then both to be happy after everything they have been through.
It is also a Dual POV book which makes it even better because see the characters and their thinking up close and personal.
I loved the relationships between all the characters. This book is part of a series and I have not read the first one but I am definitely going to read it now and I am excited to read Izzy and Levi’s story too.
This book will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy and…hopeful, it’s like a warm hug. I definitely recommend reading it.
My rating-4/5
All roads lead to you is a sweet and heartwarming read. I absolutely loved the way everything was described so vividly that I could picture it. I loved the characters and their arc and the fact that we got to know a about their family background and childhood as well because it helped me understand the characters better and connect to them.
This is a small town romance which deals beautifully with grief and loss. You get engrossed with Beth and Finn’s story and want then both to be happy after everything they have been through.
It is also a Dual POV book which makes it even better because see the characters and their thinking up close and personal.
I loved the relationships between all the characters. This book is part of a series and I have not read the first one but I am definitely going to read it now and I am excited to read Izzy and Levi’s story too.
This book will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy and…hopeful, it’s like a warm hug. I definitely recommend reading it.
My rating-4/5
September 19, 2022
Bethany Grant moved from her hometown of Deep River, Alaska to Brightwater Valley in New Zealand South Island six weeks ago along with her friends Izzy Montgomery and Indigo Jameson.
She’s here to find new markets for her jewelry design and to reconnect with herself. Also, Bethany alongside Indigo and Izzy is about to open Brightwater Dreams, an art gallery.
Bethany has managed to make friends with just about everyone except a guy named Finn Kelly. He always seems distant and acts cold towards Bethany. But that doesn’t deter her.
Finn Kelly enjoys guiding wilderness hikes, except for the part where he has to interact with people every day. But outgoing Bethany is hoping to fix him and proceeds to involve herself in every aspect of his life. Will Finn give Bethany a chance?
A cozy romance in a beautiful rugged setting. The characters are likable and relatable and the story moved along well. Would recommend.
Thank you to Jackie Ashenden, NetGalley, and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the arc of this book.
She’s here to find new markets for her jewelry design and to reconnect with herself. Also, Bethany alongside Indigo and Izzy is about to open Brightwater Dreams, an art gallery.
Bethany has managed to make friends with just about everyone except a guy named Finn Kelly. He always seems distant and acts cold towards Bethany. But that doesn’t deter her.
Finn Kelly enjoys guiding wilderness hikes, except for the part where he has to interact with people every day. But outgoing Bethany is hoping to fix him and proceeds to involve herself in every aspect of his life. Will Finn give Bethany a chance?
A cozy romance in a beautiful rugged setting. The characters are likable and relatable and the story moved along well. Would recommend.
Thank you to Jackie Ashenden, NetGalley, and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the arc of this book.
November 20, 2022
Beth moved to New Zealand to create the perfect happy life she craved and to get away from her past trauma.
Finn is a widower, he lost his wife 5 years ago and still feels that pain everyday. So when bright and smily Beth makes it her mission to have Finn be nice to her, they both end up with more than they bargained for.
Redemption, grief, love, new found family and friendship. That’s what you’ll find in All the roads lead to you. I really enjoyed Beth and Finn’s story, I felt for them and really wanted them to resolve both their past so hey can be together.
The writing is good, you could almost feel yourself in New Zealand and the internal dialogue of both MC are giving the readers a first row seat to their fears, expectations and hopes.
This is the second book of the series and can easily be read as a standalone.
I recommend this book to readers who likes:
Second chance at love
Grumpy/Sunshine
Mild spice
Surprised pregnancy
Thank you Netgalley , Sourcebook Casablanca and Jackie Ashenden for the ARC. This is my honest review.
Finn is a widower, he lost his wife 5 years ago and still feels that pain everyday. So when bright and smily Beth makes it her mission to have Finn be nice to her, they both end up with more than they bargained for.
Redemption, grief, love, new found family and friendship. That’s what you’ll find in All the roads lead to you. I really enjoyed Beth and Finn’s story, I felt for them and really wanted them to resolve both their past so hey can be together.
The writing is good, you could almost feel yourself in New Zealand and the internal dialogue of both MC are giving the readers a first row seat to their fears, expectations and hopes.
This is the second book of the series and can easily be read as a standalone.
I recommend this book to readers who likes:
Second chance at love
Grumpy/Sunshine
Mild spice
Surprised pregnancy
Thank you Netgalley , Sourcebook Casablanca and Jackie Ashenden for the ARC. This is my honest review.
September 14, 2022
All Roads Lead to You by Jackie Ashenden.
I had never heard of Jackie Ashenden until I stumbled upon this ARC on NetGalley. I was inspired to give her book a go based on the fact it was set in New Zealand, a location I have been to many times.
This is book two in the series, although I didn’t think I missed anything by not having read the first one.
This is a classic opposites attract trope, and while I did finish it, I wouldn’t pick it up again. In some parts, the book felt very rushed, and despite a very brief mention of the traumatic events that the main characters experienced, it wasn’t delved into, leaving the characters lacking dimension which meant that I found it hard to connect or engage with them. The pacing was a lot slower than I was used to in a romance novel, and there were some typos, but all books have those, even ones professionally published.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I had never heard of Jackie Ashenden until I stumbled upon this ARC on NetGalley. I was inspired to give her book a go based on the fact it was set in New Zealand, a location I have been to many times.
This is book two in the series, although I didn’t think I missed anything by not having read the first one.
This is a classic opposites attract trope, and while I did finish it, I wouldn’t pick it up again. In some parts, the book felt very rushed, and despite a very brief mention of the traumatic events that the main characters experienced, it wasn’t delved into, leaving the characters lacking dimension which meant that I found it hard to connect or engage with them. The pacing was a lot slower than I was used to in a romance novel, and there were some typos, but all books have those, even ones professionally published.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 28, 2023
I love that this book was set in New Zealand. This is the second book in the series and follows the relationship between Beth and Finn.
Beth is originally from Alaska but has moved to New Zealand to save this small town by opening a gallery.
Finn has been grumpy to her since she moved into town but is really just trying to deny his attraction to her as he lost his wife 5 years early. Beth is also hiding from her past life. After a one night stand leads to pregnancy, the two move into together to try to figure out a plan together as friends.
This is very much the grumpy/sunshine trope. Both characters have suffered some deep grief which impacts their actions.
It's an enjoyable read and I look forward to the next book in the series.
Thanks to Netgalley.com and Source Books Casablanca for my complimentary eARC copy.
Beth is originally from Alaska but has moved to New Zealand to save this small town by opening a gallery.
Finn has been grumpy to her since she moved into town but is really just trying to deny his attraction to her as he lost his wife 5 years early. Beth is also hiding from her past life. After a one night stand leads to pregnancy, the two move into together to try to figure out a plan together as friends.
This is very much the grumpy/sunshine trope. Both characters have suffered some deep grief which impacts their actions.
It's an enjoyable read and I look forward to the next book in the series.
Thanks to Netgalley.com and Source Books Casablanca for my complimentary eARC copy.
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