First things first, A+ for the cover. Seriously, in an oversaturated genre, a good cover is a breath of fresh air, and this one takes the cake.
I think the 3 stars are mainly a me thing. Like, I didn't hate it but it also wasn't that interesting.
There are LOADS of books who have the exact same plotline. The couple who had different aspirations, extra seasoning if one of them was/is an jerk, the emotional reunion, the second chance trope; it was done before. The only way you can make s cliche stand out is by writing exceptional or unforgettable characters. Hudson and Dakota simply weren't.
Hudson was too a**hole for my liking, and Dakota was really bland. I didn't hate them, but I was over them by the end of the book.
With books, romance specially, they need to leave an impact.
Other readers may like it, but sadly, it wasn't for me.
*I received an ARC of this book through netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

This was a very good romance by new-to-me author Amy Clipston. I look forward to reading more of her work! I thought that this novel had more depth than the average romances, and enjoyed being swept away into a very likeable heroine's life! Highly recommended for those who are looking for their next romance!

Dakota and Hudson had been high school sweethearts and planning on marriage until they broke up 7 years ago. Now he is back in town, and the sparks are still there. Both have pride and stubborn issues to work through for their HEA, but luckily with the help of family and friends they do. Really liked this one and found it hard to put down, even though at times I wanted to shake them both. Would highly recommend.

I am confident when I read a book by Amy Clipson it will be a heartfelt, clean romance. My favorites! Her books have loveable and unforgettable characters that stay with me long after the last page is turned.
Dakota broke off her engagement from her high school sweetheart when Hudson’s plan for the future didn’t coincide with hers. He was determined to head to New York, get a great job and make a lot of money. Dakota wanted to have a home and a family in their small hometown of Flowering Grove. Both ended up with a broken heart and denied the love they still felt for one another. Hudson goes off to New York where he is successful, and Dakota make a good life for herself in their hometown.
Seven years go by, and Dakota, still single is the proud owner of the Fairytale Bridal Shop in her hometown, helping brides plan their special day. She loves her work, however, is struggling with the business end of owing a business, especially when problems come up like leaky pipes.
Hudson, handsome, and wealthy from the sale of his software company in New York, and also single finds himself back in his hometown because of the upcoming wedding of his baby sister, Layla. He is determined to talk her out of getting married, citing numerous reasons, such as she is too young at age 23, and neither she nor her fiancé make nearly enough money. Hudson is already paying for the wedding, and when he offers to buy them a house, he totally offends his future brother in-law.
There are many twists and turns as this heartfelt, yet charming story progresses. New information comes to light as Hudson and Dakota develop somewhat of a friendship, questioning what caused their breakup to begin with.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions and comments are my own.

A sweet love story about longing, regret and miscommunication, “With This Ring”, by Amy Clipston, features two stubborn people fighting the dormant attraction and feelings still there despite the years.
I loved the yearning and longing in the novel and how the author portrayed the deep feelings, emotions and bonds still existing between Hudson and Dakota despite the separation.
The stubbornness is irritating in Hudson particularly when it comes along with a need to control her sister’s life.
His insistence and meddling come from a good place but make him really annoying. These flaws also make Hudson a realistic, engaging character.
And he’s such a caring, giving person that you tend to forgive him.
Dakota is a great heroine, too. She’s overwhelmed by her business responsibilities and trying to juggle everything by herself while also engaging in family and community activities.
The rekindling of the romance between Hudson and Dakota is heartwarming. There is a lot of miscommunication and misunderstanding, and real communication between both was delayed almost until the end.
I enjoyed watching them become aware of their feelings and the fact they never got over each other as if no time had passed. The sweetness, warmth and ache of the process is very well written.
The secondary characters are wonderful, too. There’s a lot of involvement from them in the story and sometimes I wouldn’t mind having more about the romantic couple instead. I was curious, though, about sweet Aunt Truddy’s past…
I also liked the atmosphere and setting of Flowering Grove.
A very enjoyable, well-written story!

I really enjoyed WITH THIS RING by AMY CLIPSTON. It is a romance novel with depth, in which we see misunderstandings, snobbery, stubbornness and the need to control, as Hudson Garrity comes back to his hometown to try and stop his younger sister Layla from marrying Shane Simpson, who he feels is not good enough for her……
Dakota Jamison, who broke up with Hudson seven years ago breaking both of their hearts, is shattered when he moves into an air bnb next door to her. She has started a bridal boutique in Flowering Grove and is providing the clothes for the wedding. When she is about to lose her business and her house, she realizes that she is just as stubborn as Hudson. Will the two of them get together or will he run away from his problems as he usually does?
I highly recommend With This Ring to anyone who enjoys a good romance.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Thomas Nelson. The opinions in this rebiew are completely my own.

I received this book as an arc in exchange for an honest review. In all honesty, I thought this book was well written, but I didn’t feel as much as I wish I would have. Overall good book though!

The writting style of this book was very hard to follow at times. The story seemed to drag at times.