readers_sea's reviews
456 reviews

 I liked Alix and Tyler! 

Alix is a ghostwriter struggling to focus at home when her client offers to send her to a secluded ski resort to work on the book. Though uncertain what to expect, she accepts the offer. Her best friend Chloe encourages her to have some fun while there, leading Alix to sign up for ski lessons. Her instructor turns out to be Tyler, a quiet soul who has made the resort his home and found peace in teaching skiing. 

Their first encounter happens in the elevator on their floor, where Alix discovers they're neighbors for her stay. There's an immediate connection between them. When Tyler invites her to take a lesson, Alix finds herself truly relaxing and enjoying herself for the first time in years. This leads to more lessons and meetups. 

Soon they fall into a comfortable rhythm—Alix rediscovers her writing flow, Tyler teaches his lessons, and they spend their free time together. I found myself cheering them on as a couple. Tyler's charm is infectious, and it's delightful to watch Alix balance both fun and professional success. 

While the mystery's resolution was predictable, the journey remained engaging. Both characters showed emotional maturity and depth, and I particularly enjoyed watching their relationship develop through their sweet dates. 

Puffin the cat and Chloe brought wonderful energy as side characters! We also meet Alix's sister Lauren—whom I struggled to warm up to throughout most of the book—and several people from Tyler's past who left me with mixed feelings. 

In the end, this proved to be a cozy and quick read. The characters and the ski resort setting created the perfect winter escape! 

I loved Ridley and Colt so much!

This book follows Ridley, a true crime podcast host, as she arrives in Shady Cove to start a new series about a serial kidnapper/killer who she believes had something to do with her twin sister's disappearance. She chooses Shady Cove because the first victim—who escaped is living there—might provide insights. Ridley hopes that returning to where it all started will help bring closure to other victims' families, as well as to herself and her sister.

Upon arriving, Ridley discovers just how tight-knit and protective this small town is. Though she knows getting on-record interviews will be challenging, she remains determined to seek justice. On her first day in Shady Cove, she encounters the town sheriff, Colt, who she soon realizes is more deeply involved with the case than she initially thought.

As Ridley digs deeper, she uncovers more questions and answers—but also faces increasing danger, with attacks and threats warning her to leave town. These threats only fuel her determination, convincing her she's close to the truth. Meanwhile, Colt begins to see past his first impressions of Ridley and comes to understand her mission. When her camper van is destroyed, his protective instincts kick in, and he insists she stay with him. As Colt learns more about the connections she's uncovered, they join forces to solve the case, developing an enemies-with-benefits relationship along the way.

Ridley was an incredibly strong female main character. I loved her unwavering dedication to justice and how she stayed true to her purpose. Colt made a perfect brooding male lead—I especially appreciated how he could acknowledge his mistakes and work to make things right.

Add in the lovable furry friends—Tater and Bowser—and this book delivered everything I wanted. The balance between romance/spice and mystery/plot was perfectly executed. Each time I thought I had figured something out, the story surprised me with another twist. The reveals were shocking yet made complete sense—I was stunned that I hadn't spotted the culprit!

All in all, I adored these characters and their story. From the mystery and pacing to the small-town setting, everything was absolutely perfect. I wouldn't change a thing about this book!

Easton and Henley were a delight.

From their initial interaction it was evident they would be quite a story. Easton, being all business, immediately underestimates Henley, his boss's daughter, when she is assigned to shadow him. He assumes her position is solely due to her influence. However, he is quickly proven wrong Henley repeatedly demonstrates her value.

Both characters were well-developed, each bringing a unique perspective. Both had their issues and were aware of them, yet their reactions were very human. Their mutual care and compatibility made them easy to root. The exploration of their different layers was thoroughly enjoyable, and they felt real and genuine. Their maturity and to acknowledge their mistakes were commendably portrayed. The workplace setting remained integral to the story, and the book well-paced and balanced.

The new small town of Rosewood River introduced a fresh cast of side characters, and I am eager to see what the rest of the series holds.