Member Reviews
A very quick read… I tended to skim a lot of it to get to the gist of the story rather than reading the whole of the backgrounds, and the angst.
Cute book and concept. Was a little halmarky for me but sold story. I would check out more from this author
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This is a good book. The two main characters are True and Xavier. True is the manager of Northern Exposure, the bar in Moose Falls. It is owned by Xavier’s grandmother. Xavier is an ex NFL player. He comes to Moose Falls to see his grandmother, whom he has seen in twenty years. She ask Xavier and his two brothers to come and learn about her cider company. They have to stay for a year. There is an attraction between True and Xavier. They start dating and fall in love.
‘Falling for Alaska’ by Belle Calhoune is sweet soft romance story. ‘Falling for Alaska’ is book 1 in this series that follows the oldest Stone brother, Xavier and the town Tavern manager, True. There is some tension between the two as they learn to navigate what they want from this relationship and their goals in life. The book starts off with a stipulation of a one year contract between the Stone brothers and their grandmother Hattie, who owns Yukon Cider there in Moose Falls, Alaska. In this first book you will read and learn about each of the charters over a three month span. The author, Belle, did a wonderful job closing out Xavier’s story and prepping the next book to continue in their one year contract with Hattie.
Thank you NetGalley, Forever, and Belle Calhoune for an eARC book of ‘Falling for Alaska’
This heartwarming novel delivers a delightful winter escape. The author expertly crafts a cast of characters, each with their own unique family dynamic. These supportive networks provide a strong foundation for the characters to navigate the sparks and challenges that life throws their way. The strong sense of community creates a sense of comfort and growth, making it a perfect read for cozy winter nights.
Unfortunately, ""Falling for Alaska" was just not it for me. As a fan of both the enemies-to-lovers trope and small town romances I was excited to read this, but after a few chapters in, I've come to the decision to DNF this book.
While I was genuinely excited to read about True and Xavier's romance, especially with it being set in small-town. Moose Falls, Alaska, I couldn't get into it. I got hooked in the first chapter when True and Xavier first met at the diner, but then I had troubles connecting with the characters as the book went on. I might pick this up again in the future if I'm looking for more small town romance books, but unfortunately for now, I will be DNFing it.
This is a sweet and clean romance that I just had to read since it takes place in Alaska. I enjoyed the story between Xavier and True and I know I'll be back for more because I have to find out what happens to his brothers! I also loved Hattie, the Stone brothers' grandma and her cider business. Can't wait to see what happens next!
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.
Publication date: 26 March 2024
This was a very sweet romance. The characters were all likable. It was a good premise although some of just didn’t ring true. But overall an enjoyable and quick read..
True works at Northern Exposure in Moose Falls, AK. Xavier, the x football player, and his three brothers moved to Moose Falls for one year to learn about their grandma's cider business. After one year, they can sell the business. True and Xavier think each other are attractive at first sight.
This book did not work for me because of the repetitive language and no lead up to the romance.
Belle Calhoun has written a beautiful romance novel in Falling For Alaska that is sweet, emotional and beautiful. She has built genuine, realistic, intentional characters who touch your heart and make you cheer for them.
Xavier and his two younger brothers have moved back to Moose Falls Alaska at the request of his grandmother as part of an inheritance deal. As such he must work at the family cidery and pub with his estranged father and brothers. Xavier is not a rural Alaska kinda guy and he isn't getting along with anyone.
True Everett is the cidery and pub manager who has been hoping to buy the business once her boss retires but the brothers/grandsons coming to town will ruin her plans. She is not pleasant until she starts to learn more about Xavier and then she only hopes that her future, her dreams aren't dashed.
A cute, small town romance filled with forgiveness and second chances. Xavier Stone and his 2 younger brothers have returned to Moose Falls, Alaska at the request of their estranged grandmother who has failing health. They are to work with their estranged father at their grandmother’s famous cidery and pub, Northern Exposure for one year to inherit the cidery and pub.
True Everett is the manager of Northern Exposure and has been hoping to own it one day. Sparks start when True and Xavier meet for the first time at the pub.
This is a soft romance with room for forgiveness among family and also newfound love for Alaska. There is no spice.
Thanks to NetGalley, Forever, and Grand Central Publishing for this eARC. Falling for Alaska is out now.
The story is as beautiful as the cover. Loved the small town setting. I loved the characters. Quick read that I wished wouldn't end!
loved this romance and how the characters were able to figure things out and find their way to love. Loved the friends .
This is a *Must Read* book. If you think the cover is beautifully, wait until you read the story inside. It's a beautifully written story set in a small town that has wonderful characters and just the right amount of emotions to make it a wonderful read. This book was a wonderful read and I look forward to the next book in this series.
I received a complimentary copy from Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
this book had a cute storyline and a good “return to my hometown after decades away” kinda romance plot. the characters had decent chemistry but i think the writing was a bit choppy at times like there were undeveloped plotlines or random tidbits included that didn’t match the vibe of the story. i absolutely loooooved Hattie. there are some great messages hidden in this book about the importance of seizing the day, familial reconciliation & learning to trust others again after being burned. overall a decent read!
(2.5 stars rounded up)
Falling for Alaska by Belle Calhoune is the first book in the new contemporary romance Moose Falls, Alaska series. This first book in the Moose Falls series is a sweet, small town, enemies to lovers romance that is told from both points of view of the main couple.
The Stone brothers return to Moose Falls, Alaska to help their ailing grandmother, whom they haven't stayed in touch with. Xavier is hesitant about returning, especially when he views the contract given. True runs the local tavern that is owned by Xavier's grandmother. I really liked both characters and appreciated True being a strong personality. There is just the right amount of tension in the relationship between Xavier and True. I loved seeing their growth together and as individuals throughout the book. I look forward to continuing this series with the other two Stone brothers.
Not only is the cover so stunning but this story is just as amazing! I truly enjoyed the small town essence in this book it was cozy and everything that I needed. This story was just so well written and it held my attention and that is something I love in a book. Overall I recommend!
Falling for Alaska by Belle Calhoun is a sweet romance that is the first book in the Moose Falls, Alaska series. Xavier, Caleb, and Landon Stone come back to Moose Falls, Alaska after being gone for 20 years. Their Grandma Hattie invites them back to learn how to run her business and possibly take over as she is dying. This story introduces the family and we follow Xavier and True Everette as they navigate a romantic relationship.
True and Xavier are two people who have had to grow up fast and are not strangers to hardship. I enjoyed watching their love story, watching them change, and appreciated the satisfying ending. The author did a great job of weaving the theme of reconciliation through the story. I was intrigued that Grandma Hattie was facilitating healing and forgiveness in her family. I look forward to learning more about the family in the next books in the series and more time in Moose Falls, Alaska.
I enjoyed the banter, romance and redemptive theme of Falling for Alaska by Belle Calhoun. I highly recommend this sweet romance.
I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review.
Belle Calhoune sets the beautiful stage of Moose Falls, Alaska with her latest, Falling for Alaska. With all the charm and beauty of this small town romance, she pens a captivating novel of love, forgiveness and second chances that will leave you feeling good.
Former pro-football player Xavier Stone returns to his hometown reluctantly, tasked with helping his grandmother's cider company and gastro pub. Yet, he finds himself facing not only the challenges of running the family business but also confronting his past and strained relationships with his family. Enter True Everett, the determined and spirited owner of the restaurant managed by Xavier's grandmother. Sparks fly between Xavier and True, but their initial animosity threatens to derail any chance of romance.
As the book progresses with this enemies to lovers theme, they tread through their differences and confront their own insecurities, leading us towards a beautiful journey filled with heartwarming moments and swoon-worthy romance hea..
There are so many things to love about this book but most striking is the imagery throughout the book that places the reader right in this beautiful town. The setting that is created adds to the charm and character of not only the book but is giving you such a comforting feeling throughout.
Beyond the beautiful setting are the wonderful characters. There is such depth and richness to them, the obstacles that have weighed down their lives brought them together but their vulnerability and insecurities make them relatable. Xavier's struggle to reconcile with his past dealing with a father who abandoned him and a his ex that left him at the worst of his life made it hard for him to trust. True, who after losing her parents sacrificed her life to raise her brother, is doing everything to protect what she has built for them with fear that she will lose everything.
These two independent struggles give you something to root for. Not just the journey for them finding their destiny but the second chance to find the joy and happiness that they seemed to have been robbed from.
In addition to them, we are blessed with the wonderful relationship between Xavier and his brothers.The fun banter and their loving relationship adds to the charm. His grandmother creates some sassy moments that will make you smile. And the cute moments between Tru and her brother will make you laugh and your heart smile for the love she has for him.
Overall, this is another wonderful book to add to the small town romance pile that you plan to read if you haven’t already. This has all the charm of a great storyline, wonderful characters that will love, and a gorgeous setting. Not sure about the details about the second book other than it looks like it will be out in the fall.
This book left a lot to be desired for me. It felt predictable and anti climatic. I love a cheesy romance, but this felt almost too cheesy. Almost a little cringy. I did like that the main characters, True and Xavier, worked through their own issues together and Calhoune did that by them thinking it through. Over all this book is not for me, but that is okay!