The Ripple Effect is a single POV fake engagement romance. Grumpy physician Stellar, who reluctantly left hospital work on bad terms, has a chance to return to medicine after a year-long absence in the form of camp physician for The Love Boat. It would mean working with a one-night-stand she ghosted, perpetually cheery psychologist Lyle “McHuge” McHugh. When his single status calls into question the efficacy of his wilderness relationship, the two fake an engagement.

I was pleased to get an ARC of this book because I loved Maggie North’s debut, where both characters were introduced as side-characters. This was very much an opposites attract romance, with Stellar being wound tight with anger and disappointment, while McHuge is very even-tempered and a deliberately calming presence. The two worked well together, and their journey was relatable. Not my usual light Rom-Co,m but Maggie North is definitely one I’ll continue reading!


Read dates: 05/25/2025- 05/26/2025
Goodreads review: 05/26/2025
Instagram review: 05/30/2025
Blog review: 06/17/2025

Although we’ve already met some of this cast of characters in Rules for Second Chances, this can be read as a stand-alone. (But I highly recommend reading both!)

Stellar is such a hard nut to crack but once you do she’s one of the most loyal, caring people. Someone you definitely want in your corner. The perfect half for the lovable teddy bear McHugh (aka McHuge) who has a tendency to put others before himself.

Similar to Rules For Second Chances, I found this to be a more raw, deep romance than I’ve read lately. But don’t read that as this being stuffy, there were still plenty of light and humorous moments.

P.S. Definitely make sure you join Maggie North’s mailing list so you can get access to her deleted scenes. They are 🔥

Read if you love:
❤️ Fake engagement
🌈 LQBTQ rep
🏔️ Nature

Thank you SMP and Netgalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Loved it and would highly enjoy recommend for any library collection. Diversity in any collection is a must and this would add to it.

I tried so hard to get into this, even paging through a few chapters in case it improved for me but I just could not. Everything was a transaction to the main character and it was really hard to get past. It felt like every interaction was the same in a negative manner and I had a really hard time getting into the story. The romance was too minimal and slow-burn to make up for the fact that it was just kind of boring and frustrating for me. I know a lot of people liked it but I just could not get into it.

I've discovered that I don't really vibe with FMCs who have a chip on their shoulder. It was tough for me to relate to Stellar, and honestly, I think this book was a little too hippie dippy for me, lol. I just didn't find either of the MCs all that relatable, so I didn't connect with the story as much as I wanted to.

There were some funny parts, and the concept is interesting, but it just didn’t hit the way I was hoping.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and SMP for sending me an advanced copy for review!

3.5/5 I read this author’s Rules for Second Chances last year and enjoyed it. I liked Stellar’s character and was excited to read her story. She was messy and complicated. She had a big heart, but at times she was very closed off and abrasive. The way she held so tightly to her anger, pushed Lyle away, and focused so much on who owed who what was off putting. At times, her narrative took me out of the story. Lyle was smart, kind, and patient. I enjoyed watching his gentleness and solidness soften her. I loved the way they seemed to fit each other perfectly and how they came to truly understand each other and what the other needed. I think it would’ve added more to their story if it had been dual POV. I caught myself wondering what Lyle was thinking when Stellar clocked a certain expression. The setting was so well described that I felt like I was there with Stellar and Lyle. There was more focus on the white water/adventure experience than then couples therapy, so it made the Love Boat plot line a bit one dimensional. The ending felt abrupt, and while it did wrap things up and leave you with an idea of what was to come for the characters, it left a lingering unfinished feeling for me.

This may be my favorite new release of 2025 thus far!

I loved Lyle in Maggie's first book and was so excited to learn that he would receive his own story. I love how much of the characters' backstories we are given. This author excels at character building while leaving us grasping for clearer details. The story of each lead had me feeling for them and the traumas they would have to overcome in order to truly let the other in.

This story is one of family, friendship, adventure, love, and above all else, forgiveness. Stellar must learn to forgive others, forgive herself, and trust the intentions of those around her.

Have you ever read a book... that made you so sad and so seen because the MC is you on page?? cause wow... this book is me. the way Stellar couldn't trust, or let anyone in.. and the way she kept people at an arms length because she didn't want to owe anyone anything and as a result couldn't accept help, or a partner, or a friend, because of her past.

and lyle??? the quiet man who won't show his anger. seeming all zen all the time. but eventually is able to learn to emote his anger, while Stellar learns to let people inside her walls... it was brilliant.

and to top it off, the storyline? the side characters were all so fun, and important to how things between the two main characters played out! on top of the journey Stellar and Lyle were on, the book also touched on heavier topics by incorporating them into the side characters to remind us that life, and stories, aren't perfect. that bad things happen.. that sometimes we just have to try to let people in, accept help, and learn to live with the people we have around us.

I don't think I've come across a Maggi North book that I haven't liked, but The Ripple Effect is hands down my favorite.

Lyle and Stellar's are both pretty complex character's, both with a lot of baggage, and their character growth (especially Stellar's) throughout the book was *chef's kiss*.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for this ARC.

I enjoyed 'Rules for Second Chances' but I LOVED "The Ripple Effect."

This is Maggie North at her best- the writing is beautiful and the story is compelling. I wanted to book a trip to Canada for a whitewater rafting trip STAT! (even though I am not a huge fan of the outdoors)

I really enjoyed Stellar's character growth and her uncompromising personality. And the fake dating? PERFECTION.
The emotional and physical journey you go on during this story is well won and worth it. I enjoyed McHuge's unflinching calmness and how he always stayed true to himself and his work. I definitely wanted to receive a hug from him and simultaneously be on the receiving end of his kind words and treatment. This was a wonderful second chance, believe in yourself story.

This is a fun, entertaining read. Lyle and Stellar are intriguing, complex, wounded, strong, vulnerable, relatable, interesting, complicated, dynamic, entertaining characters. I love the character growth – especially Stellar’s – throughout the course of the story. The romance is fun to read. The secondary characters added to the fabric of the story and my enjoyment. The story is easy to read and get into.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

My second Maggie North book, and definitely won't be my last! She writes her characters so brilliantly. The words she uses in every sentences absolutely captivates me, to the point where I want to put life on hold until I finish every last word. Fabulous writing...fabulous character development....and fabulous ending! I love characters who overcome something negative that happened in their life--taking charge, finding their person and turning the negative into fuel for a win!

(I received a complimentary ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you Netgalley, St. Martin's Press and Maggie North)

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Griffin and NetGalley for this E-Arc. All opinions are my own.

I had so much fun reading this book. I used the Ripple Effect as a palate cleanser between other books I was reading and it should have been the main course!

We have Stellar- burnt out doctor, struggling to figure out what's next after her career has hit a major road bump. Then we have Mchuge, a psychologist with a novel idea for a new type of relationship therapy who needs a camp medic/rescue paddler. The problem? They had a one-night stand that didn't end in the best of terms the year prior. Together they must work together to make sure that the venture gets off the ground and succeeds while fighting against problems in camp, bitter ex-colleagues and their past.

I thought it was great, the character building we see not only with the main protagonists but also with their campers was heartwarming. I especially appreciated how multi-faceted Stellar's growth was as she had to deal with so many things in her past to get to her happy ending. I will say I considered this book a slow burn light spice book which made the relationship building much more satisfying. I appreciated both MCs working through their issues together and creating a wonderful partnership.

This was my first book by Mx. North and I am so looking forward to reading the previous book which I did not realized existed (this book can definitely be read as a standalone).

This book was wonderful, as it felt like the author was writing while watching Stellar and McHuge. They are trying to build a business of adventure, rafting, and things don't go according to plans. There are setbacks, hope, discovering things about themselves, and fighting through, not to give up. The changes that took place in them, was what I really enjoyed. The writing is so good that as I read, my brain was showing me the movie.
I received an ARC from St. Martin's Griffin through NetGalley.

Oof, I gave up on this one four pages in. The main character refuses to take a jacket from the handsome man because she's afraid of taking stuff from people and owing them like her dad. So much to unpack here and nothing I can handle for another three hundred pages. Dnf sadly.

Thoroughly enjoyed this easy read! Character building was wonderful and Maggie North’s writing was done so well and it allowed me to immerse myself into the setting and visualize the characters as if I was watching tv or movie. I don’t normally gravitate towards Grumpy/Sunshine books, but I am happy I was given opportunity to read this book! It’s definitely worth the read. It was giving summer camping vibes and Im here for it! I found myself mentally highlighting favorite quotes multiple times! One of those quotes was
“You don’t have to be perfect to deserve love, Stellar”
Overall I am thankful to netgalley for allowing me to read this book and I am ready to read more of Maggie North’s work!

really well written, sizzling romance with a great pair of MCs and a nice setting. Maggie North does it again, as her previous book is just as fantastic as this one. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

This book is hands down five stars. Centred on Stellar, a doctor who has experienced trauma in many shapes and forms throughout her life - we watch her team up with former one-night-stand Lyle "McHuge" as he starts up his outdoor whitewater therapy business.

The book goes through the necessary emotional journey necessary for Stellar to heal herself, and fall in love with the ever deserving, kind, patient and wonderful Lyle...who has quietly and patiently loved her and waited for her to come to terms with her trauma and allow herself to love him back.

The cast of characters, incredibly beautiful setting and plot were top notch. I loved this book thoroughly and can't recommend it enough.

many thanks to SMP, NetGalley and Maggie North for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the earc in exchange for an honest review.

I made it 15% before deciding to DND this book. I really thought I'd love this book but it just wasn't working out for me. I feel like the FMC was all over the place and didn't connect with her. The premise was good but the characters for me, didn't do it.

Even though I didn't care for this book, I think it will definitely work out for others!

This book covers some really heavy topics with such care! More than a romance for sure!

One night stand turns into a second chance romance…

They both have past regrets and some trauma. She is a grumpy MD and he brings the sunshine as a psychologist. They work together to build a relationship retreat called the Love Boat. It’s kinda glamping with white water rafting and therapy all rolled into one!

He is just perfection and breaks down her walls brick by brick!
I really enjoyed it!

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this as an ARC!