Steady Now by Liberty Stowe is an emotionally grounded, slow-burn romance that deftly explores the intersection of personal healing and unexpected connection. With beautifully introspective prose, Stowe crafts a tender story of resilience, second chances, and the quiet courage it takes to trust again. The novel centers on two protagonists—each grappling with emotional scars from their past. One is seeking peace in the stillness of a small town, while the other is trying to outrun the noise of a life that never offered stability. Their meeting isn’t explosive or dramatic—instead, it’s gentle, like two drifting souls finally anchoring to something solid.

Can I just say, I need some Hudson Bass in my real life! Way to knock it out of the park, Liberty Stowe. Hud is my new book boyfriend, and I think this may be my favorite Small Town Romance read of the year! The visit to Vogel Springs is a much needed kick off to summer! I love the author's description of this carved out place in the Hill Country of West Texas, as well as how grounded the story stayed between the two main characters and the moving parts of the thriving town. You can't help but escape with the FMC into the locals' arms that are spread wide for her. So much of this read surprised me, touched me and resonated with my own experiences of the ideals of small town living. This is the town you want to escape to... it's the place you want to hang your hat, and the people you want to surround you on your greatest day, and your worst ~

Vogel Springs takes on a character and life of its own just as Wren's is coming together in ways she least expected. I found this book topping my list mid way through, and the ending did not disappoint. The spice is very well done! I will be looking forward to more from liberty Stowe.

I don't often get to say this, and I can't say that I've ever given a Small Town Romance 5 Stars, but Steady Now earned them. There is nothing neglected in this book!

Loved this book from the first three pages!!! It gave off Lucy Score/Claire Kingsley Vibes, and they are two of my favorite rom com authors. I've now added Miss Liberty to that list!!!! The witty banter ( and internal funny thoughts) was 15/10. This gave me the giggles, the snorts, and the swoons. I loved it and will be off to Amazon to see if she has more books to read!!!

Steady now is a beautiful book, after Wren’s Maserati breaks down just outside Vogel Springs it brings her into Hud’s orbit, this is a great slow burn romance full of growth and healing from both their pasts. This is a perfect small town romance.

I really enjoyed reading this small town romance. The characters were layered and I loved Hud & Wren’s relationship. The sexual tension was nicely built and we all love a Byronic hero. Connor & Anderson’s characters brought some much needed comic relief. I found myself really rooting for Wren as she took back her agency and forged herself a new life. I hope we can get more from Cal & Anderson - maybe a book 2?

An easy read in a good way. The characters captivate you and you want to keep reading to find out their past and what will happen for the two main characters.
Set in a small town in Texas, where there is a real sense of that small town vibe (think Gilmore Girls).
This is a slow burn romance book. With some spicy scenes too!

Five stars out of Five Stars. Love the small town feel of this book and the chemistry between the two characters are amazing. The friends/family in this small town reminds me of Gilmore Girls because everyone knows everyone. If you love a book where both characters fall first and steamy as can be this is your book.
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTjnyLp2T/

Steady Now is a beautifully layered romance that quietly pulls you in and holds your heart the whole way through.

Wren is cautious and emotionally closed off when we meet her—understandably so, given her past. But what struck me most was how much strength she carried beneath the surface. Watching her begin to trust, to let herself be seen and loved, was incredibly moving.

Hud, in contrast to his calm and grounded exterior, carries wounds of his own. He’s guarded too—not in the same way as Wren, but you can feel how his past has shaped him. His protectiveness, his hesitation, and the way he slowly opens up added so much depth to his character.

It was truly beautiful to watch both of them—so different, yet so alike in their fears—learn to trust again. Their connection felt genuine and hard-won. Liberty Stowe handled their emotional arcs with such care. The “opposites attract” dynamic wasn’t just a trope here; it was the foundation for real, meaningful growth on both sides.

The drama had weight but never overshadowed the heart of the story. Every moment of tension pushed the characters closer to healing. The pacing of their relationship was just right—slow, intentional, and incredibly satisfying by the time they let themselves fall.

By the end, I felt so deeply invested in Wren and Hud’s journey. This is one of those stories that stays with you—a quiet, powerful reminder of how love can be both a risk and a refuge.

This book is a great summer read. So cute and small town romance. Love the plot twist and characters development throughout this book. You will fall in love with the town and the people in the town. Bubble gum for the brain in the best way possible.

Hats off to my dear friend and fellow author, Liberty Stowe! I believe you have this summer's Small Town Romance on your hands!

Congrats on Hud & Wren! I ate every page up and was desparate for more Vogel Springs, Texas!

You have a true hit my friend!

Raye Murphy

First of all thank you for approving my request!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The authors writing style had me hooked throughout this book.

I didn't want it to end, a book I really couldn't put down.

THANK YOU NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC! Just another fictional town I'd love to move to.

Wren Baldwin is running away when her Maserati has other plans. Stuck in a small town in the middle of nowhere, she finds herself embraced by the diner owner across the street from the surly mechanic who is working on her car.
Hudson "Hud" Bass can't believe he has to work on a Maserati, and is in denial about if he thinks the car or the girl is hotter.
Complete with a custody battle, a legal battle over land, overcoming trauma and obstacles from the past, leaning on friendships - this story was so sweet and wonderful!!

Do you love small town romances with a slow burn? If yes, then this is the book for you!
Liberty Stowe gave us a perfect summer read that gives you the comfy feels of a loving community united together who is considered more family than friends. Wren and Hud are both scared of letting their guard down but learn to be vulnerable and accept help from friends, although some more than others. Their personalities give off grumpy and sunshine and after a good amount of side remarks and banter they come face to face with what they feel for each other. Their best friends Cal and Anderson are hilarious characters who really lift the mood in any situation. Besides the romance and hardships they have to face it is truly a comedy as well, it’s a novel where you will feel the love and frustrations, but you will certainly get a laugh. I could not put this book down towards the end, it is definitely my favorite scenes where there is legal action and keeps it very entertaining! For sure one of my five star reads!
Huge thank you to RupertBossier and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC and share my thoughts!

stay a while if you can and you will most certainly want to. can i come visit too? what a delightful read. full of depth and lightness in all the right places. it had that smiley humour and dry wit woven through it with both the plot and characters. it also had the much deeper bits too and themes of life that could bury a person. and so what do you need in those times. to run? feel it like a lead weight? or run towards and find your people? they might just lighten the load and find your home.
i loved Liberty Stowe's description of the place she created for us. Vogel Springs is one of those small towns you can picture in your own mind. and what a place for Wren to run to. it didn't over do it or become to sacrin a place. it just had that feeling to it. when done well "small town" tagline has a reason for it. and it because of places like this. these thriving but caring little pockets of the world. where if you land in them and get lucky enough to be enveloped by them then they truly are the places to be.
the book brings us Wren who is running away when he car shows her its own plans. she now stuck in this small town in the middle of nowhere. and has to ask the help of the moody mechanic who cant quite believe his luck on both car and owner! although he cant show it, because the "mood" is the cover for so much more that Hudson is dealing with.
as these two come together there is something, something they both can feel with every part of them. but wrong place wrong time is all they can think about. there lives dont match at all. there currently problems will blow them both away from each other. right? right? well yeh, love doesn't work like that honey. and this town doesn't work like that either. as the town bustles about its everyday life both our pair might just be give then people, town and time to heal a bit. live a bit. love a bit. and be steady...steady now.

💕 ✦ 𝒮𝓂𝒶𝓁𝓁 𝒯𝑜𝓌𝓃 ℛ𝑜𝓂𝒶𝓃𝒸𝑒 ℛ𝑒𝒸𝑜𝓂𝓂𝑒𝓃𝒹𝒶𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃 ✦ 💕

𝑆𝑡𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑦 𝑁𝑜𝑤
by Liberty Stowe

Standalone ✦ 384 pages
Publication date: 1 August 2025
*debut*

ARC: @netgalley

𝑆𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑡𝑜𝑤𝑛 𝑟𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒
𝑃𝑙𝑜𝑡 + 𝑟𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒
𝐴𝑑𝑑𝑖𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑢𝑛𝑝𝑢𝑡𝑑𝑜𝑤𝑛𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒
𝑂𝑛𝑒 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 🚜😉
𝑇𝑒𝑥𝑡 𝑚𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑎𝑔𝑒𝑠 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑏𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑒𝑠

Stunning cover and a fabulous debut!!

This was the perfect palate cleanser. I finished this book in one day. I couldn’t put it down. An absolutely irresistible tale with a perfect blend of captivating plot and slow burn romance.

𝐖𝐫𝐞𝐧 is running away from a breakup/life and her car breaks down near this super cute small town of Vogel Springs, TX. She falls in love with the town, finds a purpose in life, finds what makes her happy and maybe even a tall, dark and handsome guy.

𝐇𝐮𝐝 owns a lot of land in Vogel Springs that has been passed down in his family. The last thing he wants to do is sell but this corporation will stop at nothing to fight for it. And, on top of dealing with this legal mess, he is trying to fight for custody of his son. And, on top of that, here comes Wren and her Maserati being towed into his shop in need of repairs. Wren is absolutely hilarious, and it is hard not to like her. Hud is your next book boyfriend. Period.

Liberty Stowe has written an artfully crafted story and created characters that are so raw and real; they are far from perfect, but that makes them human and makes you want to root for them. 𝑆𝑡𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑦 𝑁𝑜𝑤 is a remarkable debut with an unforgettable cast of characters, an intriguing plot, and swoon-worthy romance. Add to your tbr now, you don’t want to miss this one!

✦ Y’all, the tractor scene. 🔥 Chapter 31!
Rating: 4.5/5

This is an ARC review. I want to thank Liberty Stowe and RupertBossier for allowing me the chance to read this book ahead of release day!

Being from Texas, this was a book I was excited to read. This town, I got the full picture of what it looked like and wanted nothing more than to visit it. It was described perfectly as well as the overly friendly vibe of the people from the town drew me in even further.

Wren and Hud met and the banter immediately occurred! I LOVE the banter so much between Wren and Hud. Getting past the tension and the forget it moment the spice was spicin! I don’t know if I’ll look at a tractor the same again. Iykyk. I also happened to really enjoy the best friend’s Cal and Anderson. Both are fiercely loyal to their besties and everyone deserves friends like them.

This was such a good palate cleansing book. It was wholesome with a bit of cursin and spice. I truly enjoyed the writing style and the pace of the plot. Overall, such a good southern love story.

Steady Now.

"Steady Now" by Liberty Stowe is a poignant exploration of grief, love, and human connection. The novel follows the story of a young woman navigating the complexities of relationships and loss. With lyrical prose and nuanced characterization, Stowe masterfully captures the emotional depth of her characters. The writing is evocative, and the storytelling is both powerful and intimate. This novel is a beautiful and thought-provoking read, offering a profound exploration of the human experience. Stowe's debut is a promising start to a literary career, showcasing her talent for crafting compelling stories that linger long after the final page.

This was a hard one to finish for me. Almost until the end, I felt like the characters barely knew each other, and not in a “when you know, you just know” kind of way. I found Hud to be pretty unlikeable especially every time he called a woman a bitch. It really colored everything else he said and did for me.

They liked each other way too fast and over analyzed everything within one day of knowing each other, but actually they’d spent almost no time together and barely talked. Overall, there was far more internal monologue than actual conversation or time spent together.

It was absolutely insane that Anderson just decides to buy a house and start a business in the town his friend broke down in and no one addresses that as strange other than the one time Wren mentions it, but she already knows Anderson so she gets it.

Not to be too nit-picky, but since there were multiple plot points that seemed improbable, I found that they added up to make a pretty unlivable story. How did Anderson put in an offer, close on a house, and get a parade-load of contractors to show up within days of finding out the house exists? It’s so unrealistic I wanted to quit the book before I even got to 50%.

I did not find the storyline compelling that all these small town folk wanted a big company to come take a family’s land to build a factory, even if it was for jobs. A town would never turn on one of their own in favor of some developers like that. Everyone in that town seemed so unlikeable by that point, I didn’t even want Wren to stay. She kept saying it was home and I felt like it was full of some of the worst people I’d ever read about.

All in all, if it weren’t for getting this ARC from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review, I wouldn’t have even finished it.

I truly am a sucker for small-town romance and this was top tier. The build was excellent. The characters were easy to love. I’d love to visit this town. Steady Now was a win for me !

🚗💔💫 Steady Now by Liberty Stowe is a small-town romance dream! 🌾💖 From a broken-down Maserati to a sizzling Texas mechanic, this story is packed with heart, heat, and humor. 🔥

Wren & Hud’s chemistry is off the charts, and Vogel Springs is a place you’ll want to move to ASAP. 🥓🚜 The banter, the longing, and the tender moments totally stole my heart. If you love small-town charm, wounded heroes, and a heroine finding more than she ever expected — 📚✨ grab this book now! You’ll swoon & sigh all the way to the last page. 😍

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley, the Author and Publisher for this ARC of Steady Now!! Such a good book and I could not put it down. I absolutely loved the story of Wren and Hudson. I adored everyone in this group that were involved in Wren and Hudson's life. I really hope that this author writes another book about some of the characters in this book I would read a whole series about these people. 5 star read!!

I loved this book from start to finish. It has so many elements of books that I love.

-Small Town
-Single Dad
-City Girl starting over
-Found Family

Wren and Hud are the ultimate City Girl/Small Town Guy story line. There is so much chemistry, tension, and intensity between these two. They will draw you in and frustrate the hell out of you in the best way.

The supporting characters and their storyline are just as great. Anderson and Cal... adorable. Connor, Hud's son is so sweet and loving. Martha the town mother is just the best.

This book will not disappoint. I really can't wait to read more of Liberty's books.

ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Net Galley and Liberty Stowe.

This is a cute small town romance. Big city girl Wren is in the middle of running away from her problems when her very rare, expensive car breaks down and she is forced to stay in a “one horse town”. She ends up falling in love with the town and the people. She even falls in love with the mechanic that fixes her car who is also a single dad with a complicated ex. There is drama, angst, friendships old and new, and spice all rolled up in this book. He protected her before he even knew her (such a southern gentleman!). There’s so many cute and funny moments with this full cast of characters.

Small-town contemporary romance - Dual POV - Slow burn - Single dad - He falls first - Found Family

This is one of those stories that catch you off guard—with tenderness and emotional intensity. I didn’t expect to like it this much! Or to feel this much. I really didn’t expect it to hit me this hard!


Told in dual POV, the story follows Wren, who is running from a messy breakup and from her controlling father, and Hud, a single dad, stubborn, stoic, and heartbreakingly loyal who seems has given up on love.



The story begins with Wren Baldwin arriving in Vogel Springs, a small Texas town, after her car (a pearl-white 444-horsepower Maserati, basically a UFO in a place like that) breaks down. It's clear from the very beginning that she’s running from something, though we only learn the truth near the end of the book. One thing is for sure: she never expected to meet Hud Bass, a sexy, silent, absolutely irresistible mechanic ready to turn her world upside down.



Hud is the kind of hero who wins you over quietly. One of those men who say little but show everything through their actions. Fixing her car, making sure she has a place to stay in the meantime, standing up for her even when she doesn’t ask. Every gesture makes Wren, and you, fall for him a little more. But yes: he is the one who falls first. Hard.



Their connection is a perfect slow burn: tension-filled silences, meaningful glances, sharp banter and vulnerability. It’s not just physical attraction, although believe me, it’s there (just one word: “tractor”… you’ll know when you get there) but it’s an emotional connection that feels rare and powerful. The kind you root for screaming YEAH!!


Hud is everything I love in a book boyfriend: protective but not possessive, loyal and honest, always quietly showing up for the people he loves. Wren is a heroine I instantly connected with: she’s been through hell, but she still fights for her happiness. She’s afraid but unbreakable. She’s fierce, brave, and she accepts some good challenges.



The town of Vogel Springs is your classic close-knit community where everyone knows your business but somehow it manages to be welcoming, warm, and real—like family. 

The side characters are everything! They step up to support each other, and show that you don’t need grand gestures to help, just the will to show up, with what you have and who you are. Gorgeous!

One of the most beautiful things in this book is the way friendship is portrayed: as a true lifeline. Anderson gives Wren a reason to stay (in the form of a historic infested-house to turn into a B&B). Cal helps Hud see the truth behind Rosalee’s manipulation and how to fight for custody of his son. And together—with Wren—they uncover a long-standing fraud that helps Hud save his land and business. No one is alone. They don’t save each other with superpowers—they save each other with love, loyalty, and grit.



And the title? "Steady Now" it’s not just a phrase, it’s a legacy. Hud’s father used to say it in hard times, Hud tattooed it on his back, and now he says it to Wren when she’s most vulnerable—and to himself, when he needs the strength to keep fighting for the people he loves. Poetry!



So, my only complaint? The cover. This book deserves an illustrated one—preferably featuring a real WHITE Maserati. PLEASE!



⚠️ CW: Custody battle, drug addiction (off-page), controlling parental relationship (off-page), emotional distress from a one-sided relationship (off-page).



Huge thanks to NetGalley and Rupert Bossier for the ARC of this emotional gem.

I'm really surprised. Maybe because this is the first contemporary small town romance that I read in a while (taking a break from romantasy) and I'm really glad I landed on this story.
Wren and Hudson are amazing, with their realistic flaws and all but very likable (even relatable at moments). Not too dramatic, not too plain. Loved their connection (a bit rushed) and how they both navigated their issuse and growth. The right amount of personality for both, no complains there. The story has great side caracter too that make the journey even nicer. Hope this is the start of a series or interconected books because It would be a shame no knowing more about Vogel Springs and their people, or even more about Hud and Wren.
I really enjoyed that beyonce the romance plot, there was something else happening driving the book. The plot wans't JUST the romance, a very nice complement.. I finished this book in one day, I just couldn't put it down, I really needed to know the outcome!|

Anyway, a fast-paced story, emotional but with some spice and with dual POV. What else do we want? Oh yeah, THE TRACTOR. Go read and thank me later, totally worth it.

"Steady" by Liberty Stowe has garnered high praise, and I am pleased to award it a five-star rating. The narrative is captivating. The story follows Wren Baldwin, who seeks respite from her troubles, but her luxury Maserati experiences a breakdown near Vogel Springs, Texas. The closest repair shop is owned by Hudson Bass, a man of intense demeanor and striking appearance. From their initial encounter, the narrative suggests a palpable chemistry between the protagonists. The content is also humorous and engaging.

I’ve just finished this and I’m not entirely convinced the main characters even know each others favourite colour. Just insta love and no substance behind it.

For me it felt like hud was possessive over wren almost immediately despite only knowing her for ~24 hours. Which in itself is major offputting and takes me out of the book. I’m also not a huge fan of when characters hook up so early in the book. Where’s the yearning? The silent pining? Or just generally getting to know each other before they take each others clothes off.

Ultimately this book was not for me!

Steady Now meant so much more than just the title of the book. It was in the moment he helped her, the moment she was brave enough to comfort him, the moment she first looked at his bare back in bed, the moments in his childhood and the moments with his own son.

This was a small town with a grumpy mechanic with a big heart and a few Steady Nows for comfort. I loved it, and i am so glad i picked it up for summer reading. My heart was following the road to their happy ending, and i was a blushing mess when things got spicy.

A gorgeous girl with an equally gorgeous Maseratti finds herself stranded in a small town when her car starts giving her problems. Shouldn't be a problem since they have the best mechanic in town named Hud. Hud has a thing for fixing things, even people.

Its such a cozy town, so of course it has the best dinner you can imagine. I'd die to try one of Martha's blueberry muffins. They're such a simple thing to make, but I'm sure hers are out of this world. I enjoyed how Hud and and Wren's life and personal circles tied together towards the end. I thought the book was well written and I think everything was executed good. Thank you to Netgalley, RupertBossier, and Liberty Stowe for an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion.

Oooh this needs to be a movie! I adored the small-town vibes, the plot twists, and the way it all ties together in the end. Wren and her damsel-in-distress- who-drives-a-Maserati with Hud, the mechanic who we think is going to save the day, but does he or she in the end?! I adored Anderson’s role as the foil, and the father role that Hud plays. The cute small town details from dollar general clothes to the diner where everyone gossips was really well done. Great debut novel!

I really got into this story right from the start, absolutely loved it.
We have Wren running away from life in her Maserati and her car breaking down in that cute small town. She meets Hud; the broody, single dad mechanic who is facing his own problems (fighting for custody of his kid and keeping his land). They both have the most amazing best friends (the texting between them was so fun) and the banter between Wren and Hud had me crying.
Loved the characters, Wren is a sweetheart and Hud is the perfect book boyfriend!
Didn't expect this book to grab me the way it did, but it had me feeling all the feelings and it might be my favourite Small Town Romance this year.

If you're looking for Small town - Single dad - Slow burn - Found family - He falls first - HEA ... Read this one! You won't regret it.

Thanks to Netgalley, RupertBossier and Liberty Stowe for entrusting me with an advanced copy to write an honest review about.

Title- Steady Now
Author - Liberty Stone

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, especially how it delved into multiple perspectives, allowing me to see things from different characters’ points of view. The story follows Wren Baldwin, who’s on the run after a breakup with her boyfriend/colleague, not to mention the strained relationship with her overbearing father. Her journey takes an unexpected turn when her Maserati breaks down on a remote road, leaving her stranded and in desperate need of a bathroom.

The narrative was engaging, with each character adding a unique layer to the plot. The way the book explored their thoughts and motivations kept me hooked from start to finish.

I appreciated the dynamic between Wren and her best friend. I loved how he was always there for her, showing up consistently when she needed him most.

The steamy scene was undeniably intense, and you could feel the chemistry between Wren and Hudson right from the moment they locked eyes. Their connection was instant and electric.

Overall, it's a captivating read that really lets you connect with the characters and their struggles.

Imagine fleeing a bad day, only for your car to break down in a one-stoplight town with no escape in sight. What starts as a frustrating detour quickly turns into something unexpected—and beautiful. At the heart of this story is a quiet, soul-deep connection between two people who meet by chance but find exactly what they didn’t know they were missing: strength, softness, and the kind of love that feels like home.

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

SPICE: 3🌶, RATING: 4⭐️

Steady Now was a spicy, fun, comeback beach read I needed.
Woman comes into town driving a Maserati with nothing but her travel bag and ends up borrowing a charger from the local car maintenance man. The town rallies with her to help her in her time of need while she's stranded waiting for parts to fix her prized possession while the MMC who owns the local car shop feels like his world is falling apart and being taken from him. Neither of them wanting to admit their feelings for each other, they both sit in limbo waiting to see what happens next.

This book has it all. The characters you love, the characters you love to hare, the spice, the romance, the comraderies and small town gossips while a small circle comes together to fight for what they believe is right.
There was nothing I didn't like about the storyline, plot, characters of this book.

I really enjoyed Steady Now. It’s a slow-burn, emotionally rich romance that feels genuine and grounded. The characters’ journeys of healing and trust are beautifully written, with heartfelt moments and subtle humor. The small-town setting adds warmth and charm, making it the perfect escape. If you like thoughtful, character-driven romances with great banter, this one’s worth a read.

This book was very enjoyable and had a lot of heart. I really liked the small town atmosphere, it felt warm and cozy and made me want to keep reading. Wren was a fun main character. I liked how she stayed strong even when things went wrong. She had a good energy and brought a fresh contrast to the calm town. Hud was more quiet and serious, but that worked well with her. Their connection started with sparks but still felt natural and slow at the same time, which I liked. There were some funny moments, especially thanks to Wren’s best friend. The romance was sweet and emotional, with some spicy moments too. I think the chemistry was clear, but not rushed, and I appreciated that.
In general, this was a fun and easy read. Thank you so much to the author and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving a honest review

First of all - beautiful book cover!!!
I knew after reading the book summary that it was the perfect summer book read!

Loved the dual POVs — Wren + Hud was slow burn perfection! I couldn’t put it down. I liked how the book began with a picture and ended with a picture - great touch! I will definitely recommend!!

Where can one get themselves an Anderson?

A heartwarming small-town romance that follows Wren, a wealthy-on-paper woman fleeing her past, who finds herself stranded in Vogel Springs—a charming town where everyone knows everyone, and kindness runs deep. Enter Hudson, a single dad weighed down by the possibility of losing his land, business, and even his son. Despite everything stacked against him, he falls hard for Wren.

Wren is sweet and grounded despite her background, and her chemistry with Hudson brings genuine warmth to the story. The side characters—especially Cal and Anderson—are a delight, and their bond is truly endearing. Rosalie? Let’s just say she got exactly what she deserved.

The novel does leave some questions hanging: What happened to Wren and Hudson? Did he gain full custody of Connor? What became of Anderson and Cal? A final epilogue would have tied it all together beautifully.

Though the pacing occasionally stumbles with a few choppy transitions, Steady Now is a sweet, feel-good summer read with heart. A promising and enjoyable debut.

Loved this book! It’s a quick, easy, and sweet story. Hudson is sweet but gets in his own way. Wren is fierce and learning her value. I really enjoyed the found family aspect of this one. The supporting characters were entertaining and I laughed quite a bit while reading. Definitely recommend for summer reading!

This was my first read by this author and it will not be my last. This book had everything a reader can ask for: beautifully written characters in Wren and Hud, just the right amount of angst, a storyline that I could not put down and then Ms. Stowe added in secondary characters that made me smile. This book should not be missed.

Right from the very beginning this book winds you in and keeps you interested until the very last word. The characters are so endearing that I want to live in Vogel Springs just to see them walking down the road. I adored the slow burn relationship between Wren and Hudson and their wonderful friends who champion them in every aspect of their relationship.

Hudson is such a caring Father and Wren is just so open that I am sure you could read every emotion from her just looking at her face. This is a small town romance with a whole bunch of interesting and faithful people who cheer Hudson and Wren all the way to a happy ending relationship.

The writing is so vivid I can imagine what Vogel House will become and what Hud's garage Bass Pitt Stop actually looks like. And don't get me started on Hud's son Connor, his character is the result of a Father who adores him and parents him with a firm but loving hand in the face of a difficult shared relationship with his Mother Rosalee.

Liberty Stowe writes a wonderful tale that I didn't want to end. Hopefully there will be more books in the future coming from this Author as they will definitely be on my reading list. 5* recommendation from me.

Thanks to Netgalley and Liberty Stowe for the opportunity to read and review this book.

A nice story that has a woman, Wren, breaking down outside of a small town in Texas. Having her car towed to a garage owned by Hudson, who says he can fix it, but it ends up taking longer because of parts. She meets different people and is slowly brought into Hudson’s life with his son and a company that wants to buy his land, which he wants to fight against. Wren and Hudson have a bond, but there is more to each of their stories, and Hudson won’t let her into his life; he is always thinking that she will just leave instead of giving her a chance. An excellent story with wonderful characters

Totally enjoyed the storyline and the characters. Just when things seem to be going right.......they don't. Two totally different worlds collide and make for an awesome story. Laught out loud moments keep the characters real, Glad I snagged this read in #CampNetGalley

I love this book so much!! It has everything from handsome and hunky mechanic, Hud, to sweet and feisty Wren, who arrived in Vogel Springs in a super fast, but broken down, Maserati!! Their chemistry is off the charts, so what could possibly keep them apart? Hud has a scheming baby mama who was back in town to cash in on a big deal that was never going to happen. His son, Connor, was his pride and joy and making the best life for him was of utmost importance. Falling in love with Wren was a bad idea because he knew she would leave his small town as soon as her chariot was fixed.

Vogel Springs has the best homespun diner that was the epicenter for the drama and gossip that kept swirling around the town. Wren’s best friend arrived to check up on her and ended up buying a historic house and falling in love. Maybe the small town life is the way to live because I certainly wanted to move right in and become best friends with everyone. The town fell in love with Wren from the minute she rolled her fancy pink suitcase down the sidewalk. Hud may have a lot on his plate but he vowed to win at all costs when it came to business, and matters of the heart!!

This was a great palate cleanser. I think I’ve found my new favorite author. I’m hoping a sequel is in the works! The spice was top notch and the will they won’t they was great! I enjoyed this book very much!