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3.61 AVERAGE
3.61 AVERAGE
This was a lighthearted romance book. There was some back trauma that happened off-page/off-book, so please read the author's CW/TW. I breezed through this book - it was fun, had some splashes of tension and romance, and I wanted to know more about the side characters and Vogel Springs. I think some things were a little glossed over in the effort of page space/book length, but overall I think it was a solid book.
Thank you to NetGalley and RupertBossier for the ARC!
Thank you to NetGalley and RupertBossier for the ARC!
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A Cozy Hug in Book Form (with Just Enough Spice to Keep It Interesting)
Okay, Steady Now totally snuck up on me in the best way. Liberty Stowe writes like she’s whispering secrets right into your ear. The story feels small in scope but big on feeling. Think: quiet mornings, messy emotions, and that one scene that makes you stop and go “ouch... but also yes.”
The characters? Real. Relatable. Occasionally made me want to shake them, but in the way you want to shake your best friend when they’re being extra. I especially loved how Stowe doesn’t rush the story it’s a slow burn emotionally, but worth every page.
Why not five stars? A few parts went of track a bit, and I wanted just a bit more oomph in the middle. Still, the vibes? Immaculate. The ending? Satisfying. My heart? Full.
Thank you NetGalley and RupertBossier for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own
Okay, Steady Now totally snuck up on me in the best way. Liberty Stowe writes like she’s whispering secrets right into your ear. The story feels small in scope but big on feeling. Think: quiet mornings, messy emotions, and that one scene that makes you stop and go “ouch... but also yes.”
The characters? Real. Relatable. Occasionally made me want to shake them, but in the way you want to shake your best friend when they’re being extra. I especially loved how Stowe doesn’t rush the story it’s a slow burn emotionally, but worth every page.
Why not five stars? A few parts went of track a bit, and I wanted just a bit more oomph in the middle. Still, the vibes? Immaculate. The ending? Satisfying. My heart? Full.
Thank you NetGalley and RupertBossier for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This was my Camp NetGalley pick so thank you to RupertBossier, Liberty Stowe and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
Steady Now is a dual POV contemporary romance following Wren Baldwin, a runaway rich girl whose Maserati breaks down outside the small town of Vogel Springs, and Hudson Bass, country boy mechanic whose got enough drama in his life without adding a crush on a girl just passing through.
Will their attraction last more than a fling or is everything about to break down, just like Wren’s car?
When I originally read the synopsis, I loved the premise. Small town romance is always my jam especially with a grumpy MMC. And while the book started off strong, I lost interest pretty quickly. The insta love felt forced and the miscommunication trope ran rampant. When everything was finally revealed in the end, it really made no sense for these characters I thought I was reading about. Also with no epilogue I was left feeling like the story didn’t finish and left some unanswered questions.
Overall it was a quick read and I enjoyed the fun side characters but the relationship felt forced and I still feel like these characters don’t know anything about each other. Not one I’ll be recommending.
A cute romance about getting out of your comfort zone, sacrifices, and relationships. The love interest progressed quite fast and parts of the story seemed thrown together but still a cute read. Could see this having a sequel.
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this early!
Wren, in the midst of escaping her problems, breaks down close to the small town of Vogel Springs. Even though she desperately wants to keep running, she has to wait to get her vehicle fixed. While waiting, she ends up meeting the hot mechanic, Hud. But Hud is in a whole whirlwind of his own problems and believes Wren is just a moment away from leaving his life for good.
I initially was excited to read this book, but I ended up desperately wanting more. And it isn't at fault of the author, the book was written smoothly and did answer the basic questions I had a long the way. My problem was the relationship between Wren and Hud. (However, I am sure someone will absolutely eat this up.) A cute small town romance in Texas where Wren is ready to forget her latest mishap and Hud who wasn't seeking a relationship, but desperately craves one from Wren. The downfall? The poor communication between the two and instead getting the information from their friends instead. But of course, not at complete fault. Hud has trust issues and Wren tried to get that information out.
I gave this a 3 just for the fact that it was enjoyable, for the most part, but just in the end wasn't my complete cup of tea. But if you like miscommunication, small town romance with a bit of surprises. You'll love this book.
Wren, in the midst of escaping her problems, breaks down close to the small town of Vogel Springs. Even though she desperately wants to keep running, she has to wait to get her vehicle fixed. While waiting, she ends up meeting the hot mechanic, Hud. But Hud is in a whole whirlwind of his own problems and believes Wren is just a moment away from leaving his life for good.
I initially was excited to read this book, but I ended up desperately wanting more. And it isn't at fault of the author, the book was written smoothly and did answer the basic questions I had a long the way. My problem was the relationship between Wren and Hud. (However, I am sure someone will absolutely eat this up.) A cute small town romance in Texas where Wren is ready to forget her latest mishap and Hud who wasn't seeking a relationship, but desperately craves one from Wren. The downfall? The poor communication between the two and instead getting the information from their friends instead. But of course, not at complete fault. Hud has trust issues and Wren tried to get that information out.
I gave this a 3 just for the fact that it was enjoyable, for the most part, but just in the end wasn't my complete cup of tea. But if you like miscommunication, small town romance with a bit of surprises. You'll love this book.
Unfortunately, this one wasn’t quite the right fit for me. I got about 30% through and found it hard to stay engaged with the pacing and character development. There was this insta-love aspect that I didn’t quite get and the whole scene in the shop kind of threw me off. Seemed like things were about to get super messy and I wasn’t invested in the characters to want to find out where things would go. That said, I can see how fans of small town romance & lots of drama might really enjoy the themes and style (Hud DOES sound super hot). I appreciated the concept and thank the publisher for the ARC!
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Thank you Netgalley for my ARC.
This had so much potential that sadly just fell completely flat. The characters are one-dimensional, the emotional connection between Wren and Hud was nonexistent, and the only thing realistic about it was the corporate greed of VoltEdge.
The writing has inconsistencies, is clunky, and it fosters no emotion. The insta love is truly INSANT in this book and they never have a single deep conversation or truly know anything about each other before becoming completely infatuated with each other. Physical attraction? Lust? Sure. Falling for someone in 4 seconds without even knowing what she does for a living? No. Their connection that just felt so right was completely unbelievable.
One of my least favorite tropes was also over utilized: miscommunication. Except it wasn't even miscommunication, but a complete lack of it. Since they had no meaningful conversations, they barely had ANY dialogue at all, and when they did it was awkward. They made assumptions about each other without speaking. Just talk to each other! You're adults! Ugh.
The pacing was off as well. Everything between the MCs was kept hidden, but even the reader misses out on the characters' backstories. Things finally get revealed toward the end, but by then it's too late, and I was already bored long before they open up. There's no depth, and the story is underdeveloped. I was often confused about what the point was. The ending was also so abrupt after all that non build up to rush the end that I simultaneously thought "that's it?" and "finally."
And if Wren was described as sooo small one more time I felt like I was going to toss my kobo across the room. Her TINY hands. Her TINY waist. Her LITTLE hands around Hud's eggplant. "He's so big in my TINY hand." She's an adorable, TINY human. "She is so SMALL." Please stop, good god. How cliche.
Minor spoiler ahead: If that wasn't enough, I was turned off by how Hud kept referring to the mother of his child as a "bitch" and a "whore." This woman is actually the worst, but that was unnecessary. At least he didn't say it in front of his kid. I had more issues with the writing and diction, but I just cannot go back and look at it again, and I'm sure you get the point.
If this wasn't for Netgalley, I would have DNFed.
This had so much potential that sadly just fell completely flat. The characters are one-dimensional, the emotional connection between Wren and Hud was nonexistent, and the only thing realistic about it was the corporate greed of VoltEdge.
The writing has inconsistencies, is clunky, and it fosters no emotion. The insta love is truly INSANT in this book and they never have a single deep conversation or truly know anything about each other before becoming completely infatuated with each other. Physical attraction? Lust? Sure. Falling for someone in 4 seconds without even knowing what she does for a living? No. Their connection that just felt so right was completely unbelievable.
One of my least favorite tropes was also over utilized: miscommunication. Except it wasn't even miscommunication, but a complete lack of it. Since they had no meaningful conversations, they barely had ANY dialogue at all, and when they did it was awkward. They made assumptions about each other without speaking. Just talk to each other! You're adults! Ugh.
The pacing was off as well. Everything between the MCs was kept hidden, but even the reader misses out on the characters' backstories. Things finally get revealed toward the end, but by then it's too late, and I was already bored long before they open up. There's no depth, and the story is underdeveloped. I was often confused about what the point was. The ending was also so abrupt after all that non build up to rush the end that I simultaneously thought "that's it?" and "finally."
And if Wren was described as sooo small one more time I felt like I was going to toss my kobo across the room. Her TINY hands. Her TINY waist. Her LITTLE hands around Hud's eggplant. "He's so big in my TINY hand." She's an adorable, TINY human. "She is so SMALL." Please stop, good god. How cliche.
Minor spoiler ahead: If that wasn't enough, I was turned off by how Hud kept referring to the mother of his child as a "bitch" and a "whore." This woman is actually the worst, but that was unnecessary. At least he didn't say it in front of his kid. I had more issues with the writing and diction, but I just cannot go back and look at it again, and I'm sure you get the point.
If this wasn't for Netgalley, I would have DNFed.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Alcohol
Minor: Addiction, Drug use, Car accident, Death of parent
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Steady Now by Liberty Stowe was just... not good. The characters' motivations were iffy, the character development made no sense, both of the main characters' priorities were all scrambled, the writing was terrible, and the romance was the absolute worst part of it all.
I'm giving it a little grace and not dropping the rating all the way down to one star because with better execution, the premise could have worked quite well. Rich girl running from heartbreak and disappointment gets stranded in a charming, tiny, rural Texas town, where she meets the gruff mechanic trying to keep his head above water between battling his ex for custody of their kid and trying to keep a greedy, evil corporation from stealing his family's land. It's a Hallmark movie plot if I've ever heard one.
But, again, the execution failed at every single step.
Here's a quote from the 74% point:
I'm giving it a little grace and not dropping the rating all the way down to one star because with better execution, the premise could have worked quite well. Rich girl running from heartbreak and disappointment gets stranded in a charming, tiny, rural Texas town, where she meets the gruff mechanic trying to keep his head above water between battling his ex for custody of their kid and trying to keep a greedy, evil corporation from stealing his family's land. It's a Hallmark movie plot if I've ever heard one.
But, again, the execution failed at every single step.
Here's a quote from the 74% point:
We've never spoken about his private life or anything substantial.
And that was the romance plot in a nutshell. Wren and Hud DID NOT TALK. There was nothing to their relationship except the physical part. He refused to let her in, would not open up to her on anything—even if his life depended on it—but then went in search of her when he wanted sex. Awful, awful way to write a romantic male lead. It made him so unlikable.
Worst part is, beneath the hard-to-understand dialogues and clunky, off-putting prose, I could kinda see what the book was trying to do. It's just that it failed spectacularly.
Hud was supposed to be wary and closed off because he'd been screwed over once before. But his backstory could have been built so much better to explain his abandonment issues, tendency to not rely on other people emotionally, and fear of opening up and being vulnerable.
Similarly, Wren's motivations were also butchered. Dropping a few mentions of how she had a tense relationship with her dad was not enough to justify her actions and behavior by a long shot. The strain and emotional toll should have been shown to us in stark detail. And by that same token, her reasons for being on the run should have been what the book actually opened on instead of dragging out the reveal until nearly the end of the novel.
Show me why I should root and cheer for this spoiled rich girl. Show me what hurt her so badly to send her fleeing from her father and his law firm. Give me something solid to grasp onto. But there was nothing. 70% of her personality was "runs away from her problems", and yet we only really saw a single instance of this, which was not explained until it really didn't even matter anymore. Alternatively, Wren could have been the girl who strained to meet her father's ridiculous expectations, but always fell short. The girl starved for affection and connection, who put on a flirty, happy facade but was hurting deeply underneath. The pretty girl who was profoundly insecure because she'd never been enough. The girl could never take anything at face value because she'd been born and raised in a world of two-faced people.
It would have been so sweet to see that cautious girl finding community and affection in a small town setting, and connecting to an equally damaged man in a way that allowed them both to heal and fall in love. Instead, we got a bellicose "meet-cute" that felt beyond forced, story flow that was so bad it wrecked the relationship development, and a couple that had zero chemistry and didn't connect on a single level.
The "romance", with its painful lack of communication and annoying pining, was easily the least satisfying and most frustrating part of this book. With the confusing, convoluted thing about the company wanting to steal Hud's family land from under him being a close second. That could have been such a solid sublot, but again, the execution crashed and burned.
I feel like I've already ranted too much, but I can't not mention the emoji-heavy text convos. One, books are largely a monochromatic space; tiny colored drawings don't belong there because you can barely make them out. But two, how old were these characters supposed to be? 14? What adult human being texts like that?
Steady Now had the makings of a cozy, heartwarming Hallmark-style romance, but fumbled the ball at every turn. The premise sounded like a winner, but the awkward prose, flat characters, and a romance that felt more like a fling than a love story just didn’t deliver. Wren and Hud’s lack of real connection, paired with poorly crafted and explained motivations and a messy corporate subplot, left me frustrated. It gets 2 stars because the idea had potential, but the execution was a total miss. If you’re craving a small-town romance with heart, you’ll be better off looking elsewhere.
**I received an e-ARC of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
✨ARC Read✨
I actually really loved this book! Wren is on the run from the mess in her life when her Maserati breaks down in the small town of Vogel Springs. She gets a tow to the town mechanic, Hud. He’s tall, he’s broody, and he’s carrying a ton of baggage.
I just loved these two characters! Instant spark. 🔥 Wren was sweet and easygoing but guarded. Hud was just as guarded and grumpy on the outside but a total teddy bear on the inside.
There were a couple of fun twists in the plot, and the story overall was great! It had tension, witty banter, good heat 🔥, and some really funny scenes. The side characters were great too! There were a few spots where the writing could have been a little tighter, and the ending felt a bit rushed—I wanted just a little more. But overall, I loved this book.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
🚜 small-town romance
☀️ grumpy x sunshine
🏠 forced proximity
🚗 broody mechanic
Thank you, NetGalley, for this really fun read!
I actually really loved this book! Wren is on the run from the mess in her life when her Maserati breaks down in the small town of Vogel Springs. She gets a tow to the town mechanic, Hud. He’s tall, he’s broody, and he’s carrying a ton of baggage.
I just loved these two characters! Instant spark. 🔥 Wren was sweet and easygoing but guarded. Hud was just as guarded and grumpy on the outside but a total teddy bear on the inside.
There were a couple of fun twists in the plot, and the story overall was great! It had tension, witty banter, good heat 🔥, and some really funny scenes. The side characters were great too! There were a few spots where the writing could have been a little tighter, and the ending felt a bit rushed—I wanted just a little more. But overall, I loved this book.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
🚜 small-town romance
☀️ grumpy x sunshine
🏠 forced proximity
🚗 broody mechanic
Thank you, NetGalley, for this really fun read!