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.

This book was everything I wanted: emotional, immersive, and completely addictive. Set in a beautiful mountain wilderness, complete with river views, forest trails, and fireside moments. It had the kind of setting you can feel as you read.

The romance? Absolute perfection. He’s a calm psychologist and she’s a burnt out physician. It’s opposites attract with true golden retriever /black cat energy, plus some of my favorite tropes: coworkers, fake engagement, only one tent, close proximity, and a former one-night stand. The chemistry is off the charts, but it’s not just about the sparks. This story has so much depth. The emotional growth, the thoughtful conversations, and the way the characters navigate connection and vulnerability felt so real and relatable.

There’s also a gentle thread of mystery and corporate espionage that adds just the right amount of intrigue, and the sweetest dog who steals every scene. Honestly, every piece of this story worked for me. I read it in a day and loved every second.

If you’re looking for a romance that’s swoony, soul-stirring, and set in a gorgeous mountain retreat, you need this book in your life.

When you read a lot of romance and you come across a Maggie North book, it's sort of like sifting through a jewelry booth at a flea market.

All the costume jewelry and beaded stuff is all sparkly and pretty, and you love it and enjoy wearing it...and then suddenly you come across a genuine diamond. And it's so much BETTER than everything else there that even though you'd been enjoying those too, you're suddenly stopped in your tracks by the sheer brilliance of how many facets one jewel can contain and how bright a real jewel truly can shine.

THAT'S why writing this review is basically impossible.

I can try to break down why BOTH her books have snagged me as something truly remarkable amongst the very competitive and well-written amongst what is getting published today in the romance genre--and friends, it is more competitive and more well-written than it's ever been in history. (And I will attempt to explain this, below. If you stick around for the whole thing, there's a secret insider tip at the bottom.)

Tl;dr version: READ THIS BOOK. McHuge will be your favorite book boyfriend of all of 2025, no contest.

Okay, so if you've stuck around here for the long version, I think the reason I like Maggie North books is the following: emotional honesty and authenticity, nuanced characters written with respect and intelligence, HOT sex (the tent scene. I may never get over the tent scene), outdoor wilderness settings written by someone who has clearly camped a ton and not just googled about it, and BELIEVABLE not-stupid conflicts.

Without getting too deep in writing-nerd territory, I love the way North does misbeliefs. Instead of a character having a stupid and obviously false belief (aka "I've been hurt before so I should never date again.") her characters have something to teach each other. They're both a little right and a little wrong, and you see exactly why they've drawn the beliefs they have--and they weren't even wrong to do it! I love that the real thing that broke Stellar's heart was that she was betrayed by her own dreams--by the career in medicine she loved above all. She's not just afraid to fall in love with a person, she's afraid to fall in love with another JOB. And darn it, she ends up doing both! (Sidenote on misbeliefs: when you get to the origin scene of why McHuge is the way he is, it will punch you in the emotional solar plexus. Oh my stars, just run out and buy some double stuffed Oreos right now, girl, because you are gonna need them.)

To me, this is an author writing her characters with RESPECT. They're not idiots. They've learned hard lessons from their past and those lessons weren't wrong--but they still have more to learn from each other. And yes, they are working on a relationship building canoe course for the whole book. But the author does it so slyly that you don't realize until like 70% of the way through that the MC's are following the same arc of the curriculum they are teaching. It's not obvious. It feels utterly natural, never contrived, and to be honest with you? That's all I actually WANT in a book.

Okay, I also want emotions of every type so deep they scrape against your ribs a little, and we got that too. Plus, the sex is so hot, when it finally shows up, that it may have injured me a little? Because it has SUCH emotional depth that every touch hits even deeper.

Extra Credit Secret Insider Tip:

If you've read this whole, long-ass gushing review, you deserve a treat, so I'm going to give you one: you can actually read McHuge and Stellar's one night stand, that takes place a year before the book starts. It's cut out of the book but Maggie shared it on her Substack newsletter! And it is SOOOO not a deleted scene, it is an absolute must read.

First, because it is MAGMA HOT, wait no, I didn't mean to say that. Mostly because it gives you a deep understanding of the characters and changes the way you see their every interaction at the start of the book. I read this scene before I read the book and it made me hurt SO HARD for both characters that I could hardly stand it. If you trust me--and you should--go to Maggie's Substack and grab that deleted scene and read it before you even read the book. It will increase your enjoyment of the characters by at least 15%, and considering it was already a six stars out of 5 read for me?? That's a pretty great score. Also, it is absolutely volcanically hot, so there's that.

This was unfortunately a DNF for me. I thought I was really going to get into this, the summary sounded great but the first (yes, the first) chapter gave me the ick and I could get past it. As soon as I read "McHuge" the book was a no for me. I know that's probably super petty but I can't with it. Two stars because I do feel like it's probably a fine story, just not one for me.

The Ripple Effect is a soft, emotionally rich romance with a slow burn that truly pays off. The gruff, guarded heroine and Lyle, the big, sweet, and nurturing hero, make for a compelling and heartwarming match. The wilderness setting adds tension, and the clever ending—told through a third party—beautifully ties their journey together. A tender, unique love story worth reading.

This was a sweet summer romance. I loved the reverse of the male character being soft, sweet, open and communicative, and the female character being hard, tough, prickly and closed off. Lyle “McHuge” McHugh is a psychologist and adventure guide trying to start up The Love Boat company offering couples therapy and outdoor adventure spirts camp all rolled into one. When he gets some tough criticism of the flaws of the place he tries to get Stellar to come be camp medic/doctor on the trip… and his fake fiance. As the two navigate this fake relationship and their actual past things get messy, and the fake and real start to blend together. I loved the flip of the guy bring the open willing participant, and the therapy and nature theme. It was a sweet story that made for a fun summer read. This book read fine as a stand alone, but was also fun for readers of “Rules of Second Chances” to catch up with some past characters! I received an ARC, and this was my honest review.

Stellar Byrd may think she's running from her past...but somehow she's running headfirst into it at the same time. As the new physician for The Love Boat, a program that helps couples learn how to work better together through whitewater rafting adventures, she has to work hand in hand with the one-night-stand she could never forget, Lyle McHugh. And then she had the bright idea to fake their engagement to make the whole operation seem more legit....but how will they handle the chaos of camp when their own feelings get involved?

What really worked for me in this book was how it's about two people really learning how to give up and let go - Stellar needs to learn how to trust and forgive, McHuge needs to learn how to stop giving every part of himself away and take some some of what he's given. There's a little too much plot happening at times to give the relationship its due, but overall this is two adult individuals healing and it's pretty beautiful.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review!

The Ripple Effect might appear like a romcom based on the cover, but it isn’t that, or at least not mostly that…
If you’re looking for extra spice, it’s also not that. Rather, it’s a second chance romance happening while other relationships are also being built, adjusted, or ended. As a psych student and nature lover, who enjoys some woo woo in my life, but is decidedly practical in most things, I enjoyed this story about relationships overall.

Thanks @netgalley @stmartinspress @youhadmeathea and @maggienorthauthor for the chance to read Maggie's next book, The Ripple Effect. It releases on June 17th.

This might be the best grumpy/sunshine romance I've ever read because Maggie takes such care to show that often those personas don't tell the full story of a person. This is a deeply emotional book, where Maggie expertly examines trauma and how our past molds and changes us. She's created two of the most complex and endearing characters who will have you rooting for their hard-earned HEA.

Stellar is a burned-out (and just plain burned) ER doctor who reluctantly agrees to be the camp physician for psychologist McHuge's new wilderness-based relationship therapy startup. Things got complicated after a one-night stand the previous year, but they agree to keep things professional during the summer until they have to fake being engaged to salvage the camp's reputation. Spending all that time pretending turns their one hot hookup into something much more complicated.

Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Tropes: Tropes: one night stand to lovers, fake engagement, black cat/golden retriever, cinnamon roll MMC, forced proximity
hurt/comfort
found family
workplace romance

Heartfelt, hilarious, and sneakily wise

The Ripple Effect took a moment to pull me in after a slightly confusing prologue, but once I was settled, I really enjoyed Stellar and Lyle’s story. After a one-night stand a year ago, Stellar has been avoiding Lyle, no easy feat since they keep crossing paths through mutual friends. Now she’s working as his camp doctor at The Love Boat, and their fake engagement to save the startup makes for plenty of awkward, slow-burn tension.

Stellar is grappling with post-pandemic burnout after an unceremonious exit from her ER physician job and is now trying to make ends meet with side gigs. You’ll find yourself getting angry on her behalf—she’s tough, guarded, and fiercely real. I love her tattoos. Lyle (aka McHuge) is a quietly loving presence whose sunshiney psychologist energy contrasts perfectly with Stellar’s. Their romance is messy, earned, and grounded in doing the emotional work.

While I did wish we had at least a chapter from Lyle’s POV, his physical cues and dialogue carry a lot of weight, but getting inside his head would have been the icing on this cake. I wanted to crawl into his negative space and get one of those big McHuge hugs.

The camp setting, complete with canoeing, glamping, sing-alongs, and quirky guests, is a fun backdrop. What stood out most, though, were Stellar’s tentative, prickly first interactions with her half-sister Sloane. Their uneasy start slowly gives way to a growing bond that adds unexpected depth and warmth, balancing the emotional tension between Stellar and Lyle.

It took me a little while to get fully comfortable with the story, but once I did, I enjoyed it a lot. This was my first Maggie North but definitely not my last—I already have Rules for Second Chances on my Kindle.

If you like slow burns, fake engagements, and characters who are willing to put in the work to heal and grow, this one’s worth your time.

Ripple Effect Book Review 🦇

What's the most adventurous thing you've ever done?❓

Burned-out former ER doc Stellar J Byrd can solve any crisis except her own life. But with her financial prospects dwindling, she begrudgingly takes a job as a camp physician at The Love Boat, an unspeakably touchy-feely relationship therapy startup. Why begrudgingly? Her new boss, Lyle “McHuge” McHugh, is also the sunshiny psychologist she’s masterfully avoided since their disastrous hookup last year. Stellar plans to dodge his pathological generosity, but when scathing article puts McHuge's romantic credibility into question, a fake engagement is the only way to salvage the camp’s crumbling public image. It’s strictly business...but the more closely they work together, the more Stellar realizes her feelings for McHuge are anything but professional. With competitors hard on their heels and trade secrets at stake, can they find a way to marry his softness with her steel to build a business–and a love–that will last past summer’s end? 🦇

I was pulled into a messy, unrelenting riptide of emotions with this one, and honestly, I can't stop thinking about it (the relationship, obviously...not McHuge's arms or anything). I'm here for grumpy "little star" Stellar with all her damage vs sunshine, GIANT cinnamon bun McHuge. My bi heart is crushing on both, STILL. this book was full of healing, words of wisdom, and that heartwarming kinda love you want in every romance. Let's break it down. 💜

Characters (4/5): I empathize with Stellar in every way. Keeping a checks-and-balances tally for every relationship, to ensure "fairness," isn't healthy, but it IS a survival technique. Meanwhile, McHuge has obviously undergone a LOT of character growth OFF the page, making him emotionally prepared to navigate Stellar's turbulent waves that could easily mean capsizing. I would have LOVED McHuge's POV, but it's Stellar who needs to undergo all the growth, to be ready and open for a relationship. The bi and pan rep was natural, perfectly in tune with the characters. I do wish we'd learned a little more about each character as well. ✨

Plot and Pacing (5/5): This story starts with a seemingly calm eddy before gradually sweeping you into Class 3 waters. In other words, the pacing is consistent, maintaining consistency until the end. ✨

World-Building (4/5): I felt like I was breathing in Canada's scenic, outdoor beauty on every page. The descriptions are well done and naturally placed. ✨

Romance (5/5): The characters are so well balanced from the very beginning (McHuge's literally offering the shirt off his back, Stellar keeping track of every give and take). Every dialogue between them is captivating because you can't help but root for them. Yes, this is a fake dating (engagement) romance, but it never feels like the trope is there for the SAKE of a trope. I do wish we'd seen stronger flashbacks from their one time together, though. ✨

Mystery/Suspense (4/5): I was pleasantly shocked--it's been YEARS since a romance took me by surprise. I LOVED the story's examination of how "while underlings may fall, powerful men--especially powerful white men--often get "forgiven," and how Stellar and McHuge's experiences mirrored one another. Even the epilogue, an article written about the couple and their company, was a stunning surprise and perfect ending to this story. ✨

Tone/Prose (3/5): There are a few sentences that don't quite fit or work, a few moments that feel like awkward time jumps. Beyond that, the prose is Enthralling; Stellar's voice is strong, proud, and just a little bit stubborn, exactly as she is. ✨

🦇 Recommended

The Vibes ✨
one night stand / second chance romance 🌊
forced proximity / workplace romance 🌊
fake dating / engagement 🌊
grumpy vs sunshine 🌊
queer romance / bi and pan rep 🏳‍🌈
only one tent 🌊
part of a duo 🌊
self-discovery 🌊
patient love / he falls first 🌊

🦇 Major thanks to the author and publisher for providing an ARC of this book via Netgalley. 🥰 This does not affect my opinion regarding the book. #RippleEffect

Quotes 💬
Crises are when you discover who you are— when you get to choose who you want to be.

"Being different is a gift I give people, Stellar. I make a space for them to be as weird as they want to be in a world where it’s safer to be ordinary.”

“Pan,” he supplies. “And poly. But I don’t know if I’ll look for a polycule again. You know, your identity evolves over time, and sometimes you can’t predict where it’s going until you get there.”

I want a heart that won’t scuff after meeting a steel-toe boot, not one soft enough to hold an impression of Lyle’s fingerprint.

If we were two halves of a broken bone, an orthopedic surgeon would call us “anatomic”— perfectly aligned. One day, they’ll have to look hard to know the bone was ever fractured.

There is a beauty in something that has been broken and lovingly repaired.

“I waited a year for her. I would have waited the rest of my life for her.”

A promising setup, but the story is ultimately too slow and a little dull. I really enjoyed meeting Stellar and McHuge in Rules for Second Chances and was excited to read a story centered on the two of them. However, I didn't feel that invested in their pairing and like in North's previous novel, there were way too many other elements and subplots that kept taking my attention away from the unfolding romance. I also wouldn't call myself an outdoorsy person, so that aspect off the book failed to engage me. While I appreciated the excellent writing that touches on multiple weighty topics here, North's tales just may not be for me.

I loved this story that follows characters from Maggie North's first book. I knew this was going to be a good one from the start as I was loving the nature part and I loved the slow burn of the fake engagement. There were so many parts of this book that tugged at my heart and I hope it does for other readers as well. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin for a chance to read this book early in exchange for an honest review.

“I waited a year for her. I would have waited the rest of my life for her.”


I love a fun romance in the woods or at a camp, especially in the summer, and this book delivers!

Stellar and Lyle’s budding relationship had me kicking my feet and tearing up. They’re genuinely so cute and I was obsessed with their story. Every new detail that I learned as the book progressed was so fun (and sometimes sad). It really kept me invested.

Near the end, I couldn’t put this book down. I ended up reading the last third of the book in one sitting and the book hangover started as soon as I finished.

Thank you so much to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this ARC! I loved reading it!

The 3 stars is just for neutrality.

I dnfed.

I thought the premise sounded fun
Grumpy/sunshine
Workplace romance
Kind of second chance more like hookup with no intentions of continuing with some later force proximity.

I just could not get into it at all.
I stopped at 17% not even a little bit curious to see how this plays out. The fmc is incredibly annoying; pick me energy with very weird transactional views of every relationship. Maybe if it was dual pov. Like some pining maybe could have saved this?

Bored. Moving on.

Thanks to netgalley and st martins press for the eARC.

This was a beautiful second novel by Maggie North. Full of self-discovery and patient love, set in the scenic wilderness with a cast of side characters who added so much to the story, this was a great read.

Stellar and McHuge/Lyle already have a *history* when the time comes that The Love Boat, McHuge and Tobin’s adventure marriage/relationship counseling retreat, needs a physician and safety back up on staff. Stellar ghosted McHuge after a one night stand, and as the history that shaped her and specific past events that taught her to protect herself are revealed throughout the book, it made sense why she would run from the emotions someone like McHuge could inspire in her.

Stellar and McHuge were complete opposites in how they presented themselves to the world, but deep down they were far more alike in how deeply they cared about things that were important to them. As Stellar began to let her guard down, the two of them essentially became a perfect balance for one another. Stellar helped remind McHuge that it’s ok to fight back when necessary, and McHuge helped Stellar realize she didn’t need to fight quite so hard all the time and didn’t need to fight against the people who simply wanted to care for her and have her back.

To touch more on the secondary characters and their importance, each person attending the retreat had their own role in shaping the story. With family looking for connection to partners not there for what it may seem (in more than one way), they all had an impact on Stellar and McHuge.

There were some internal struggles and feelings with Stellar that got lost in translation for me at times, but once I figured out what she was grappling with and how that was trying to be expressed I was often moved by her. I look forward to reading more from Maggie North. Thank you to St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Ripple Effect was a decent read. Maggie North's writing was strong and relatable. I enjoyed the way the author developed the main characters, Stellar and Lyle. I felt like I had a good understanding of their characters. Going into this book, I didn't realize it was featuring characters from Rules for Second Chances. It's sort of weird that information wasn't mentioned on NetGalley or Goodreads. Regardless, I remembered the gist of the first book and didn't struggle following along. Stellar was a layered and flawed character. She understandably had a lot of baggage from her career and family history. It was satisfying to watch her character develop through the course of the story. She grew on me over time. At first, I wasn't sure what to make of her. I liked that Maggie highlighted post-pandemic burnout through Stellar's character. I also didn't know what to make of Lyle at first. I wasn't the biggest fan of his nickname, McHuge. I didn't really care for his hippy dippy persona at the beginning of the book. The first scene with Lyle and Stellar was a little cringey. Lyle felt very different than the usual MMC's we see in mainstream romances. I had mixed feelings about his character. On one hand, it was refreshing to read something different, but on the other hand, it was harder for me to connect with him. I liked how Stellar and Lyle's relationship developed. The setting and camp therapy aspect of the story were fun and unique. The side characters were okay. I wish there were more scenes with Sloane and Stellar. That storyline fell a little short. I enjoyed Lori and Mitch and wasn't surprised by the twist. The article epilogue was cute, and I enjoyed the third-party perspective. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin for the ARC.

I just read The Ripple Effect by Maggie North, and it completely pulled me in. The mix of romance, time shifts, and that whole what-if vibe had me thinking about every little choice we make. It’s one of those books that’s both heartwarming and heartbreaking in the best way.

Maggie North has quickly become a go to author for me yall! I LOVED this book. I always get nervous when the first book in a series is a 5 star for me because the bar has now been set HIGH. But this one checked all of the boxes for me as well. I was excited to see everything unfold between Stellar and McHuge. And I was absolutely NOT disappointed. These characters in this setting and the build-up were SUPERB! I have found myself reading a lot of one night stands turned more which is what this was. I loved that Stellar ghosted McHuge because she was terrified of the feelings he brought out in her. I loved how cool, calm and collected he was when she asked him for a job. And how he basically acted like he was unaffected by her presence. I loved how Stellar was so loyal and committed to a cause or person once she let you in. And even though she acted like her and McHugh's night together didn't mean a lot, he was now part of her inner circle. I loved the little added fake engagement in this, and how genuine McHugh wanted things to work for Stellar even if they didn't involve him. I loved the setting- an outdoor camp that paired as a romance retreat for couples. I loved the side characters. I loved how much Stellar FELT about everything despite acting like she couldn't give any additional cares in the world. I also loved how she got more than her love happily ever after.

Stellar is putting aside her pride to ask Lyle McHugh for a job for the summer. They had an EPIC night together last year that seriously freaked her out, and so she did what she always does when things mean to much she ran. But here she is asking that man, the man who reached out a few times to see if they could try something, for a summer job. She is in job purgatory due to a situation at work where she was standing up for the right things and it backfired. Of course Lyle being himself extends the job to her. The problem is that there are people sniffing around this love retreat wondering how the main man running it can be a guru of love if he isn't even in a relationship. Cue Stellar proposing to Lyle after they agreed to keep everything lowkey between them. And now she finds herself having to play a couple around the guests. Having to let him touch her and remind her how good it was between them. Having to set ground rules between them so the lines don't get too blurred. But how can they not when they have to share a tent which basically means sharing a bed. And how can she not acknowledge her feelings for this man who has such a big heart and just wants to help people. She can't fight it any longer when they reconnect. It is like coming home. It is so natural between them. So they are now not faking it but still kind of faking it. But then when their secret comes to light, the whole camp is in jeopardy. And Lyle does what he does best, he puts himself in the line of fire. So Stellar has to remind him what it means to be in her inner circle. She has to show him how much he means to her the same way he has been doing with her.

I really like the way Maggie writes. It is so relatable and beautiful. I felt so much reading this book. I was enraged when everything came out about Stellar's job. I felt a sense of kin when reading about the different seasons that friendships go through. I felt hope when reading about her feelings for Lyle. And Lyle was SUCH a patient man. He was just the sweetest. He treated her like a wild animal- trying to make her come to heel but also under her own terms and not to change her but so he could support her and stand by her side. These two were absolutely wonderful! I can't recommend this one or the first book enough if you haven't read them. Definitely a great summer time read :)

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

I appreciate the opportunity to read this title, but unfortunately it didn’t quite capture my interest. While the premise was promising, I found it difficult to stay engaged. That said, I’m sure it will find its audience with readers who connect more strongly with the writing style or pacing.