Rating: 4/5

I wasn't sure I would like this book, but Maggie North has created two beautiful characters in Lyle and Stellar, and I found that I really did enjoy the book. If you enjoyed Rules for Second Chances, then I think you would probably enjoy this book, as well. Of the two, I enjoyed The Ripple Effect slightly more.

What I most appreciated about these characters was Lyle's acceptance of Stellar for exactly who and where she is in her journey. He has an obvious and innate instinct to help and look after her, but in such a respectable, letting her set the pace sort of way. This care is mutual, with Stellar seeming to be a natural caregiver. The development of their care and eventual love for one another came across as natural and I think Maggie North develops these characters and their stories really well.

There were only two minor things about this book that made me rate it 4 versus 5 stars. First, as with the first book by this author, there was a bit much going on with this book. The problem(s) these characters have that bring them together just didn't sell me. And second, and this one is personal to me, specifically, but, I'm not sure how I feel about books that feature the pandemic. I totally respect that real life things, especially traumatic things, that people live through, will inspire and be featured in various types of art including books. Covid is absolutely something that people are still processing and dealing with the physical and mental aftereffects. I get authors using their writing to do that. But I can't fully get into or enjoy books that feature the covid pandemic. I just don't really enjoy contemporary events in new books that I'm reading. Perhaps years or decades from now this won't bother me, but it's like reading a fiction book and having a sitting politician referenced. It's just not what I'm looking from from fiction, let alone romance books right now.

Overall, definitely recommend giving this book a try.

ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for honest review.

This was a fun read that checks so many of my usual boxes yet none of it felt too formulaic or (insert eye roll here). The characters had just the right depth to engage and have me believe in them without weighing me down with back story and their present was just right!

Beautiful scenery, great cast of characters and just the right amount of heat and tension.

I wanted to love this one. I ended up thinking it was just okay. Part of the problem was I didn't buy the relationship retreat thing. I also wasn't convinced enough that they needed to fake this engagement. I also personally did not feel the on page chemistry was that strong.

I loved being back in the wilderness with Lyle McHuge! Stellar and Lyle both have lots of trauma to get past. Stellar feels like she is drifting. She doesn't know what will become of her life and after her best friend has a baby and is moving to a different stage in life, Stellar feels lost. She has tried to keep her distance from Lyle and the feelings he brings out, but she needs a job and he needs help.
She is the doctor for his wilderness venture and the tension is high as they pretend to be engaged for publicity. Throw in a half sister she hasn't really known and there are bound to be a lot of ups and downs.
Stellar knows that Lyle is one of the best humans she knows, but she needs to get past her fear and self loathing (yes, she doesn't think highly of herself at all) and realize we all are what we are and we are doing our best. She also has trouble letting people in, and she comes to realize that you can't live your life relying on only you. If you have people who want to be there for you, let them.
Thanks to St. Martin's, Netgalley and Maggie North for an early copy.

Unlike most reviews (pre-release) you'll find of The Ripple Effect I had no preconceived thoughts on the style of Maggie North's writing. What drew me in was the idea of two doctors of different caliber falling in love in a less than ideal environment. I was not left disappointed.

Our MMC Mchugh, is everything I dream of when I think of big bulky man that makes you think of the smell of a Mahoganey and Teakwood Bath and Body Works Candle. My friends know these are my favorite types and often hear me saying I want my home to smell like a clean lumberjack lives there. If you want a love interest that is the epitome of that candle, then The Ripple Effect is where you will find it.

Stellar is a character that we can all find a little of ourselves in be it in her ability to deny herself love, building her personal walls sky high, or even in her way of doubting herself in her career and family ties.

The Ripple Effect is an easy read perfect for those New Year New Me vibes of January or a casual read in the middle of summer on the beach, or like our characters out by the river.

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martins Giffin for gifting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

*I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

After a one night stand and a year of her life progressively getting worse, Stellar takes a job with McHuge (the other party in the ONS) in an attempt to help her bestie and make some money so she won't have to move. But working in a wilderness, couples' therapy retreat with the man she's been trying to avoid is much tougher than she expected. Pretending to be engaged to boost his credibility probably isn't making it easier.

This book put me through the emotional ringer. Stellar‘s childhood experiences have strained her relationships and her work disaster left her paranoid and burnt out. I totally related to her burnout and feelings of simmering rage - I've been feeling that a lot lately. I loved the way they supported each other, even when they refused to admit they needed the assistance. They were just so sweet!

This is my first book by this author. I thought the premise sounded interesting, so I took a chance. Sadly, it was not for me. I knew it from the prologue. It's a slow read with a single point of view from the FMC. It really needed the MMC's point of view. I didn't feel like I got to know him. He seemed kind of boring.

This really didn't hold my interest.

Read this if you like:

Bisexual FMC
Canadian wilderness
One night stand/Second Chance
Doctor/Psychologist

Thank you to St. Martins Press and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This felt a little slow for me but in a good way. The setting was fantastic and it took some of my favorite tropes (fake engagement, grumpy/sunshine) in a fresh direction.

"The Ripple Effect" by Maggie North captivated me from start to finish. This novel masterfully weaves themes of self-discovery, family, and the complexities of friendships, all set against the backdrop of excellent pacing that keeps you turning the pages eagerly.

What truly stands out are the richly developed characters—each one feels authentic and relatable, breathing life into the story. Maggie North's ability to delve deep into the emotional landscapes of her characters adds a layer of poignancy that resonates long after the last page.

The narrative is both heartfelt and thought-provoking, inviting readers to reflect on their own journeys of finding themselves. The blend of compelling storytelling and emotional depth makes "The Ripple Effect" a book I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who loves stories about personal growth and meaningful connections.

Don't miss out on this beautifully crafted novel. It's a ripple effect you'll want to experience!

Lyle is a psychologist who is starting a couples retreat called the Love Boat, Steller is brought in as an onsite doctor. They end up entering into a fake relationship, to try and quell some bad press, but their attraction and forced proximity is no match for them and they catch feelings.

I didn’t realize this one would be so emotionally beautiful. There is so much to unpack within these pages. Lyle and Stellers story is so heartwarming. Both come from hurtful pasts that they are holding on to. While Lyle is patient and nurturing, Steller is rough edges and closed off. But together they make this beautiful team helping each other grow in the most beautiful way. Showing each other is ok to be vulnerable, it’s ok to be angry, it’s ok to let someone in.

The character development in this was amazing. And I didn’t expect to be so touched by it. There is also a strong LGBTQ rep between both the main characters and the secondary characters, and I really liked how it was portrayed, and it linked their past and present.

If you’re looking for an emotional touching romance, this is a great pick!

This book had everything I love in a rom-com: forced proximity, fake engagement, emotional growth, and a surprisingly poignant take on self-worth and vulnerability, all set in a quirky wilderness retreat full of sing-alongs, therapy sessions, and whitewater canoeing.

I adored the way Maggie North wrote the dynamic between Stellar and Lyle. The chemistry was on point, but what really stood out was how supportive they were of each other. Their relationship wasn’t about “fixing” one another. It was about making space, showing up, and learning how to give without keeping score. I especially appreciated how their physical size difference was woven into the emotional arcs: Lyle’s large frame often made people fear or misjudge him, while Stellar’s smaller stature left her underestimated and overlooked. The story treated this with depth and compassion rather than leaning into stereotype.

Romantic, emotionally satisfying, and just a touch ridiculous in the best way (The Love Boat startup??), this book struck a perfect balance between heart and humor. It also had one of my favorite “grump x sunshine” pairings I’ve read in a while.

Final Thoughts: Full of banter, heart, and slow-burn tension, The Ripple Effect is for anyone who loves their rom-coms with emotional depth and outdoor adventure.

For me, everything about this book was okay. The characters were okay, the storyline was okay, the setting was okay. Nothing wowed me or really pulled me in. I wasn’t really invested in the romance, so I couldn’t get invested in the book as a whole.

I basically read this in one night (read the prologue and one chapter the night before) I stayed up until way too late reading it and that’s okay with me. Lol. We have grumpy Dr Stellar J Byrd (fair once you get her backstory) and sunshine Dr Lyle ”McHuge” McHugh, Babe the dog, an eclectic cast of characters, a fake engagement, and a very interesting week at a marriage retreat. Things get hot, things get cold, there isn’t much spice but the spice that’s there is wonderful. I really had fun reading this book that’s for sure! Thank you Netgalley for the arc!

You know what? 3.5 stars because it was definitely unique! A wilderness-based therapy program, one night stand, forced proximity, STEM girlies, and Bi/Pan rep from the MCs. There was a lot going on but I’d recommend to someone looking for a different setting. I’ve never read about white water rafting in romance before lol. I didn’t really feel the solid connection between the MCs but I enjoyed their individual development throughout the book!

Thank you to the publisher and author for the arc. Ripple effect is published June 17, 2025.

I honestly don’t have much to say about this one beyond it was fine, although I think McHuge is the stupidest nickname.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the chance to read this via gifted eARC. All thoughts are my own and honest.

I really enjoyed this, I think it's the most Canadian romance I've ever read and I had great fun.

Stellar J. Byrd is an absolute mess and who can blame her, she's got several reasons for the walls she's built around her heart. She was difficult to read at first because her grief over losing her career and family came through so strongly. Well-written but kind of brutal until she gets to The Love Boat camp.

Lyle McHugh (or McHuge as he is introduced to us readers lol) is a cinnamon roll whitewater rafting hippie who I adored. I think I would have liked a tiny bit more character development around him, especially concerning the anger he doesn't feel like he can express (not in a way that ever felt threatening, just made me sad to read that he didn't think it was fair to other people if he got rightfully mad). That's part of why Stellar is a good match for him though, she'll get mad enough for both of them if she needs to.

The only thing I didn't love is that the ending was Brent's redemption article. He spent so much of the book being an asshole to his wife and everyone else, I would have preferred hearing from Stellar and McHugh on the podcast or something, instead of wrapping up in a different character's voice and perspective.

Beautiful, angsty, humorous, and tear-jerking.

Though I knew what I was getting myself into as soon as I read the prologue

It’s a beautiful love story to difficult “women”. How we still deserve love even if when we’re sad, happy, and especially angry.

Stellar had every right to be angry at the world because of her experiences

Maggie North delivers again— a touching story that is as much about oneself as it is finding love with someone else, and how no matter your emotional state. We all deserve love

There aren’t many other people who can write neurodivergence as she can. Regardless of where we fall on the spectrum, there are a lot of complexities in navigating relationships with neurodivergencies and she showcases them so meaningfully.

There are a lot of emotions in this book and you’re not ready!

This was such a unique kind of romance, and I think we need more of those in the world.

Thank you St. Martin’s Press for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

✦ tropes & stuff:
💍 fake engagement
🏕 workplace - summer marriage camp
✨ one night stand
🌦 grumpy/sunshine (her/him)
🩺 psychologist & former ER doctor
🔗 forced proximity
🏳️‍🌈 LGBTQ+ rep
🫶🏼 found family
🇨🇦 Canadian author + setting
💖 single 1st person pov

•┈••✦ review ✦••┈•

| ebook | ⭐️: 4.75 | 🌶️: 2.5 |

If you’re looking for a fluffy romcom, this isn’t it - and I mean that in the BEST way.

This is real, and raw, and a love story between two very different, yet also very similar people, each with their own baggage.

Lyle stays soft yet strong, and is afraid to be angry, while Stellar is tough & strong, using her anger as a protective barrier from getting hurt, because she’s afraid.

💭 what I loved about this one:
- how unique and perfectly imperfect both Stellar & Lyle were as MCs, in personality and physically. 
We don’t often see a prickly FMC with an undercut & a hippie giant of an MMC with a soft belly, and it was refreshing for a change!
- Stellar & Lyle both learning to move past their trauma and baggage, while still being real and knowing it’ll never fully go away
- the side characters were a lot of fun, and well developed - I was invested in their stories too!

🙃 what didn’t quite work for me:
- there were some bits where I felt like I was missing something… I imagine those details were in Maggie’s first book, but I didn’t even know they were connected initially (this isn’t listed as a series)

📖 The Ripple Effect by Maggie North
💜: contemporary romance
(mf couple, though I believe both would identify as queer)

I adored this book. The summer camp vibes mixed with relationship building was super fun. I also loved the correlations between the professor and the hospital chief. The last chapter was such a beautiful wrap up to the whole story.

Only complaint and it’s a personal complaint, the names of the characters were not my cup of tea. I completely understand them and their role they played through the story but man, I hated the names.

Stellar J Byrd is a burnt-out former ER physician who can solve any crisis, except the ones occurring in her own life. As her financial prospects are dwindling, she’d do anything to stay in her pricey, yet beloved, wilderness town, including taking a role as camp physician at The Love Boat. The Love Boat is a whitewater canoeing, relationship therapy startup whose founder is Lyle “McHuge” McHugh, a psychologist Stellar has been avoiding since their disastrous hookup a year prior. When McHuge’s credibility is thrown through the ringer, a fake engagement between Stellar and Lyle appears to be the only way to salvage the camp’s public image.

THE RIPPLE EFFECT is North’s sophomore novel, but the first I’ve read by her. I was quickly enamored with her humour, writing style, and the lovely Canadian setting. THE RIPPLE EFFECT is set in a rustic and isolated camp in a pricey wilderness town. I loved the descriptions used, truly highlighting the beauty and love of the wilderness and the outdoors, as well as the rugged Canadian landscape.

The novel is told solely in Stellar’s POV, allowing for a deeper understanding of Stellar as a person. Both Stellar and Lyle are well-written characters whom are relatable and endearing despite their flaws. Stellar and Lyle have had some tough experiences that have shaped who they’ve become, but the growth demonstrated across these pages is tangible as they both learn to shepherd the guests at The Love Boat through their own relationship therapy, which slowly impacts Stellar and Lyle’s own views of themselves and their shared relationship.

As for the romance, it’s one of my favorite tropes. I love how a fake relationship or engagement ebbs slowly between the couple, rippling in and out until something tangible, unforgettable, and inescapable surfaces. It’s beautiful and heartwarming. The ending was just right, hitting all the right notes. A great summertime read!

I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher, St. Martin’s Press, for the opportunity to read this advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review! All opinions expressed are my own.