The story centers around Knox, a charming but somewhat scattered farmer who’s been quietly in love with his best friend Andie since high school. Andie, a single mom of twin boys, definitely feels the same way—but she’s also mature and grounded, and she needs Knox to show he’s serious before she lets him into her (and her boys’) life in a deeper way.

This isn’t just a light romance; it’s also a story about growth. Knox’s journey toward emotional maturity is heartfelt and believable. He leans on his supportive grandparents, gets wisdom from quirky townsfolk, and begins to see that in order to have the future he dreams of—with Andie—he needs to be someone she and her kids can rely on. Watching him figure that out, bit by bit, is a true highlight.

Andie’s support system is another standout. Her sister Mel and a close circle of friends offer both levity and wisdom throughout, creating a strong sense of community in Sugar Maple Farms. One side character in particular—Maya, the local baker and aspiring romance author—promises a fun continuation to the series, and I’m definitely looking forward to her story next.

This is a sweet, comforting romance about two long-time friends finally finding the courage and stability to be more. With its lovable characters, small-town warmth, and an undercurrent of emotional growth, this story delivers the kind of cozy read that’s perfect for a lazy weekend.

** ARC REVIEW **

Something about friends to lovers gets my heart strings every time, Knox is such a down bad guy, who has known the love is their since young where Andie is a planner something about them figuring out the path makes sense

Love this book, had so much fun with this one! I can’t wait to read more books from this author! This had so much fun, small town feeling read! A great book for summer, and a good binge worthy read!!!!

This is a very sweet best friends-to-more story featuring Knox, a farmer that has been in love with his best friend since high school, and Andie, a single mom of twin boys. Andie loves him too but Knox has to grow up and show a little bit of responsibility before she takes his feelings seriously. There’s a lot of hiking, coffee, and horses in this story. Knox is also a line-dancing instructor for seniors, which is a lot of fun. His grandparents have a big role in the story, and it’s so sweet the way he cares for them. They-along with some of the other folks in town-help Knox realize that he needs to settle down a bit and commit to the future he wants so he can feel stability. Andie’s sister Mel is in the story as well as a couple of Andie friends, and I like the supportive community she has around her. The baker in town, Maya, seems to be the focus of the next book and I’m eager to read her story as she is writing a romance book.

My only quibble with this story is the confusion of where this book falls in the Sugar Maple Farms series. NetGalley lists this book as the first book where Goodreads lists this book as the second in the series. This author does have another previously published book featuring Angie’s sister Mel, but I’m confused about whether it’s technically part of this series or not. I chose to read this when I saw on NetGalley that it begins a series; I always prefer to start series at the beginning. But if I had known there is another book previous to this one, I would have read that one first. It doesn’t change how I feel about the story-I really enjoyed it. But it’s just annoying when this happens, when there isn’t clarity about order of books in a series.

I enjoyed Andi and Knox's story. Becoming a family was a wonderful thing to read. I liked how he took to mentoring and fatherhood for both boys.

The era for cowboys, farmers, and rustic men is here, and this one is the dream guy! I could not put this book down. It was so incredibly sweet! Loved every page.