⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5
🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️/5

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The two things that made me pick up this book.
1.) Lucy Score wrote it so, automatically add to cart.
2.) It’s described as Gilmore Girls meets Schitts Creek. I LOVED Gilmore Girls when I was younger (I have a different take as an adult, but that’s another story…) so I knew this would be good. And everyone says Schitts Creek is hysterical so…If you loved the Knockemout or Blue Moon series, this is very much on brand for her. Small town romance, chaotic townies, sharp humor, and just the right amount of steam.
Hazel is basically running straight into a midlife crisis and somehow ends up in Story Lake after getting tricked into buying a house that has been… “upgraded” by AI (and by upgraded, I mean absolutely not what she thought she was getting). She’s hoping the move will spark inspiration for her next book, but unfortunately her absolute shit weasel of an ex-husband seems to have stolen all of her creative juju.
Story Lake itself completely steals the show. This is one of those small towns that feels like a character in its own right. It’s full of opinions, drama, gossip, and people who absolutely have nothing better to do than involve themselves in everyone else’s business. The locals are colorful, over-the-top, and hysterical in the best way. As someone who grew up in a small town, I can confidently say… yes, all of this nonsense absolutely happens.
And then there’s the animals. Lucy Score always delivers here, and Goose the eagle might be my favorite “pet” yet. The animals have just as much personality as the humans, and somehow they always end up being part of the chaos.
I listened to this on audio, and I was so excited to see Sebastian York and Lila Winters back for this series. They are two of my absolute favorite narrators, and they completely brought the story to life. Their delivery made the banter sharper, the tension stronger, and the emotional moments hit even harder.
The banter is fun, witty, and full of tension, and while I’d call this kind of enemies-to-lovers-ish, it’s really more of that delicious, slow-burn tension Lucy does so well. Don’t be fooled by the pretty cover, this is another red hot read.
Her best friend Zoey was another standout for me. She’s loveable, fierce, and exactly the kind of friend you want in your corner! She’s equal parts supportive and chaotic. You can already tell she’s being set up for her own story, and I will absolutely be here for it.
This was such a fun read. I was literally laughing out loud at points (which is always awkward when other people are around). If you’re looking for a small town romance with humor, heart, and heat, this is a must-read.
Another plus, this book is available on KU!! On sale now, you can grab your copy here.
