“What am I, then?” “You’re mine.”

4.5 ⭐️
.5 🌶️

what a sweet, swoony, small-town romance filled with heart-warming friendships, forced proximity, and the sweetest single-dad dynamic I’ve ever read about! this was such a cozy, engaging, easy read that made me fall in love with all the characters in Fontana Ridge.

the story follows Wren, a fun-loving, go-with-the-flow type of girl who has sunk all her money into renovating a cabin by the mountains. To say she’s stressed is an understatement, so when she impulsively signs up for an anonymous dating app and creates a friendly bond with a stranger, he becomes a bright spot on her cloudy days. When she discovers that stranger is none other than Holden, her longtime grumpy neighbour with a six-year old daughter… well things get complicated. feelings develop, walls are broken down, and holden quickly realizes that Wren is the one he didn’t know he was looking for all this time.

I absolutely LOVED this book! it had all the best parts of a romance book, without the drama of a third-act breakup or something intense happening between the couple. Sometimes you need just a heartfelt love story with some low-stakes and that’s what this book was! I loved that there was a natural, gradual pacing from dislike, to sort’ve friends, to friends, to more. June felt like the perfect buffer to their relationship and added a lot of sweet, tender moments between her and Wren. I loved how great of a dad Holden was and how he always put June first. the friendship bracelets were one of my favourite parts of the story. something so small like that played such a significant role in the development of the story and the characters, so clever!

This was truly such a delight to read. thank you Victory Editing, NetGalley, and Madison Wright for the ARC! I highly recommend you read this if you’re looking for a low-stakes, cozy, heartfelt romance!

read if you like:
🎀 small-town romance
🎀 single dad with TATTOOS!!!
🎀 forced proximity
🎀 hilarious banter
🎀 grumpy x sunshine
🎀 slow-burn with no spice (but lots of tension)

Off the Beaten Path by Madison Wright releases January 26th (mark your calendars) on amazon and KU!

Have you ever read a book that made you cry tears of cuteness?

Because this book did exactly that! This was the cutest romance book ever! It has all the tropes that I adore, Single Dad, Grumpy/Sunshine!

I loved this book right from the start and fell in love with the characters, I will definitely be reading more books by this Author!

I am obsessed with this books. I love the characters, the banter, everything. I would classify it as dislike to lovers, they are neighbours who do little things to annoy each other, but when Wren needs a new contractor for cabin, Holden steps up. And in turn Wren steps up for Holden and his daughter June.

I can't say enough good things about this book. Except that if Findley and Grey don't get their own book I will be very disappointed!!!

This is clean, so no spice, but the romance and the banter and the interactions were so good that I didn't miss it at all!!

5 stars
0 spice

Thank you to Netgalley, Victory Editing, and the author for an advance copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for giving me the arc in exchange for honest feedback.

This small town romance was just as adorable and beautiful as the cover.

This small town has all the usual players, local coffee shop, the gossipy ladies spreading everything like wildfire, and town support. I write about the town because honestly, the town was a main character in this book. The town shined and showed up when it needed to and performed beautifully.

The chemistry between Wren and Holden was adorable to see and watch unfold on page. And a single dad willing to do just about anything for a daughter that is just the cutest thing in this world and probably a new favorite trope to read.

The story is a quick read and perfect for a snowy wintery day when yo have nowhere to go.

I will note here, and it didn't bother me but I know there are those who are particular about this, there wasn't any on page spice. There is plenty of tension, there is kissing, and touching but not on page "scenes". I didn't even realize that was the case until I finished the book and was like, OH! there wasn't any on page spice. The storyline carries itself and the romance kept me enthralled. But I know there are those who when reading romance need to have on page. So I wanted to give a heads up.

But at the end of day, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and think you will to.

💜 Small town
💜 Single dad
💜 Enemies to Friends to Lovers
💜 Grumpy x sunshine
💜 Forced proximity

I loved every second of this book! It was such a cozy, heart warming, feel good read that had me smiling the entire time.

I adored the slow build and growth of Wren and Holdens friendship to relationship. Their chemistry and banter was perfection. Wrens love for Holdens daughter June was beyond cute. I loved the little found family they created.

The small town banter, gossip and side characters were so fun and a joy to read.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

This is such a sweet, fun, and heartwarming romance. Wren and Holden are the epitome of grumpy/sunshine and I loved the way their relationship develops overtime. Holden as a sexy man-bun sporting single dad is an absolute dream, and he’s a total cinnamon roll! Wren is such a sweetheart and I loved how she was with June.

All around I loved the plot, conflicts, and everything about this story. It was an incredibly easy read and one I’d definitely recommend.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Thank you to Netgalley and Madison Wright for this ARC!

Read if you like:
-grumpy x sunshine
-small town romance
-single dad romance
-fake dating(ish)
-no third act break up

Where to even begin with this wonderful cozy read! This gave me all the Lorelei Gilmore and Luke vibes and had me swooning at every moment. Wren and Holden had such a beautiful story filled with so much hope and comfort that had me giggling and kicking my feet. Not to mention the sweet moments of June and Wren together that were enough to make my heart burst.
I enjoyed the bantering moments between Wren and Holden and their ability to keep each other on their toes.
I appreciate Madison Wright so much for her ability to write such simple, sweet, romantic books with no smut, just pure joy and happiness.

My new favorite from indie romance author Madison Wright!! This was a beautiful, feel-good grumpy/sunshine, single dad, dual POV small town romance between contractor Holden and his bubbly red-headed neighbor, Wren.

The two find themselves unknowingly becoming friends through the town's dating app only to discover they've slowly become the first person each turns to at the end of the day and the person neither knew they wanted or needed.

I loved Holden's daughter June/Junebug, and how great Wren was with her. I loved that there was no third act breakup and that this book just felt like one big hug!! Many thanks to NetGalley and the author for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

Steam level: kissing only

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for allowing me access to the E-arc.

This was such a beautiful love story. The romance just leaves me speechless. Wren is a strong and bubbly character. Holden is a kind and supportive male love interest. He is such a good dad to his little girl, June. Holden and June are trying to deal with the fact that his ex-wife/ her mom left them. June wants her mom to be around more but she is caught up in her own life. Holden's family is very supportive of him and his little girl. The small-town vibes just bring it home even more.


I would highly recommend it! If you love a single dad trope and small-town vibes. This romance is for you!

This book is perfect if you love grumpy/sunshine, small town romance, and cozy romance aesthetic. If you love one or all of these things I highly recommend you read Off the Beaten Path.

4.5 stars

This was so incredibly sweet and adorable.
I adored both main characters from the start. Their chemistry was palpable and it felt real.
I like the relationship between Holden and his daughter who by the way, it's one of the cutest kids I've ever read! I adored June Bug!
Also I loveeee (although I was scared) how the third act conflict resolved. Thankfully Madison did it amazing and without any cliché!
This is my favorite book from Madison Wright for everything. From the plot to the characters to the town life... it was fantastic. And now I can't wait for everyone to read it!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

3 Stars Off the Beaten Path by Madison Wright is a small town, grumpy/sunshine, single parent, enemies to friends to lovers, closed door romance. Wren Daniels can’t believe that the man she’s become friends with through an anonymous dating app is her grumpy next door neighbor, Holden Blankenship, who can barely tolerate Wren’s sunny presence and small hijinx. Holden offers to help her renovate a house flip and though she continues to get under his skin, Holden can’t ignore how she continues to show up for him in a way that his ex-wife and daughter’s mother never has.

This was a pretty simple and easy read, with low-angst. I liked how the MCs became friends first, which built a solid foundation for their later relationship. They understood each other well and gave space for the other person to be themself.

I loved this book. A very sweet, cozy read. And this cover is gorgeous.

Wren and Holden (and June) were so sweet and perfect. I loved how the anonymous texting started their friendship, meanwhile Wren loved riling Holden up as his neighbor. They were so sweet together. Wren gave Holden space and a safe place to open up. He gave her stability and support. They had great chemistry even without having any steamy scenes. They gave me butterflies. When he made her a fire and a grilled cheese?! The tension during the pool scene 🫠

The small town mountain vibes were perfect. I loved the ending so much.

Single dad
Forced proximity - neighbors
Annoyance-to-lovers
Small town
Tattooed MMC with long hair
A little bit of fun banter
No third act break up

I’ve read all of Madison’s books and will continue to do so!

Thank you Madison Wright and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was adorable! Anytime there is single dad + enemies to lovers, I am all in!

I also loved that they were neighbors because I am alllll about the forced proximity! The relationship between Wren and June was everything 🥹

“It makes me want to do it, kiss her and see if she tastes like the strawberry wine she was drinking at the table. I’ve never been a fan of wine, especially not fruity wines, but I think I’d like it on her.”

3.5 ⭐️
.5 🌶️

Such a swoony, low angst book!

Wren is a literal ray of sunshine and Holden is a brooding grump. As a single dad who is a contractor, he has little time for anything but his adorable daughter and his business.

Of course then his sister signs him up for a dating app & much to his chagrin, he actually finds a woman he enjoys talking to - until he finds out that woman is none other than his infuriating neighbor Wren.

I loved the progression of this book! From somewhat friends to actual friends, these two are constantly annoying each other & the banter was hilarious! Then feelings start to get involved, Holden gets scared, but Wren keeps showing up for him & his daughter regardless. It isn’t long before Holden realizes how much light Wren brings into his life .

This was truly just a sweet, light read that had emotional depth without any high stakes heavy angst. Such a perfect, cozy read!

Read if you like:
- Dating App Meet Cute
- Grumpy x Sunshine
-Single Dad x Girl Next Door
- Slow Burn/zero spice
- Small Town Romance

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my free eARC of this story in exchange for my honest review!

✨ grumpy x sunshine
✨ small town
✨ single dad
✨ neighbors
✨ dislike to friends to lovers

I adored this story. While it started out slow for me I was instantly taken with both Wren and Holden. Holden and Wren have been neighbors for years and Wren loves to make Holden more grouchy. But when they find out they’ve been anonymous messaging buddy for months Holden starts to see more of Wren and in a different light. Holden has been burned in the past and all he wants to do is give his daughter the best he can. But the more he gets from Wren the more he can’t stay away from her.

June was such a fun and lively character that helped bring out the best parts of Holden. He was such a fantastic dad who loved with his entire heart. I love watching him slowly open up to Wren and the possibility to love again. Wren has been down on her luck giving her all into this cabin and having Holden help and be so patient. Wren smoothes out Holden rough edges and gives him someone to rely on and trust when he’s not sure he can do that again.

I adored this small town and all the side characters we got to meet along the way. I can’t wait to continue this series and as I know every book will be fantastic.

4.25/5⭐️

4.5 ⭐
A heartwarming light read that's filled with all the fluff you could need
I was surprised just how much I enjoyed this book, especially with how short it was but it didn't take anything away from the story.
The characters are adorable and the storyline was solid
The only negative was that I wanted more 😂
If you need a cozy small town romance with low stakes and no real angst, this is your book 🥰
Thankyou for the ARC Maddison Wright, exited to read more from you

📖 𝙊𝙛𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘽𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙣 𝙋𝙖𝙩𝙝 𝙗𝙮 𝙈𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙤𝙣 𝙒𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩

“𝘞𝘳𝘦𝘯 𝘋𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘦𝘭𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯𝘧𝘢𝘭𝘭, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘥𝘢𝘮𝘯 𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘭, 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘦'𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘸𝘢𝘺.“

Wren is a ray of sunshine to her whole town. She has a kind heart and is adored by everyone except her neighbor, Holden. She has a tendency to jump head first into situations without really planning them out first. She decided to sink her entire saving into a run down mountain cabin because she wants to turn it into a rental property. When her contractor has to back out of the project, the unlikeliest man comes to her aid.

Holden is a contractor trying to figure out how to provide his daughter June with everything she needs after her mother abandoned them to live in Paris. He has closed his heart to everyone except his family and doesn’t plan on opening it again anytime soon. His neighbor drives him crazy, constantly trying to push his buttons. Little does he know, the woman he unwilling became friends with on a dating app, is none other than his annoying neighbor. When he sees her upset, he can’t help but to try to help her out.

I devoured this book! Right off the bat, their relationship was hilarious. The push and pull and all the pranks were priceless. You could feel the sexual tension off of them and it was great. This is a slow burn story with zero spice past kissing! Usually I enjoy a spicy book, but I honestly enjoyed this book without it!

Holden’s relationship with June was so precious and swoon inducing. When he calls her June Bug, I melt. June needs to be protected at all costs. I loved how Wren develops a connection with June.

Overall this was a great story! I can’t wait for more stories in this series. I definitely feel like I could support a friends to lovers/brother’s best friend relationship between Finley and Grey! 🤞🏼

Tropes:
📱 Dating App Meet Cute
☀️ Grumpy x Sunshine
🏡 Single Dad x Girl Next Door
🔥 Slow Burn/zero spice
💞 Small Town Romance

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my free eARC of this story in exchange for my honest review. Off the Beaten Path will be available on January 26th! 🫶🏼

“𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘚𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘯 𝘚𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦-𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘮𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘤𝘩, 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘳, 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘸𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘰𝘯𝘦.“

Thanks to Victory Editing Net Galley Co-op and Net Galley for this advanced copy.

This was such a sweet story! I was excited for this book from the author’s social media promo, and this book did not disappoint! Holden and Wren were both pure, and their love for June really shone as the basis of their relationship. I enjoyed the idea that they were friends before, in the You’ve Got Mail type trope, and if anything I think this could have lasted longer throughout. There was also a minor fake dating theme, which I would have liked to see stretch longer. Overall, that’s my only takeaway: I wanted more! Which in this case, is a very good thing. I also appreciate the storyline with Mia. This is the way coparenting is supposed to go!!

Madison Wright always gives us heartwarming, sweet romances and Off the Beaten Path did not disappoint. Wren and Holden have such a fun, grumpy-sunshine dynamic and their banter had me laughing throughout the book. There was so many things I loved about this book: the forced proximity for home renovations, 'feuding' neighbors, the adorable daughter, and our main couple's relationship journey.

I am so excited to be back into the world that Madison Wright created for us in her Nashville series! Off the Beaten Path is book 1 of her new The Mountains are Calling series, which is set in the small town in North Carolina (that you may recognize from her other series). I'm so looking forward to the remaining books and the characters we will get to meet!

You'll enjoy Off the Beaten Path if you enjoy:
❅ Grumpy/Sunshine
❅ Forced proximity
❅ Single parent
❅ Small town
❅ Fake dating (a little bit!)

Thank you to NetGalley and Madison Wright for the eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.


Star Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice Rating:
0 / 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶