ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Hooked On You
Series: Maple Falls Romance #1
Author: Kathleen Fuller
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Release Date: May 11, 2021
Genre: Contemporary Romance (clean/sweet)

She never wanted to come back. He never wants to leave. The town of Maple Falls has plans for them both.

Riley McAllister is living the dream in New York City . . . if the dream means being a struggling mixed-media artist, part-time food delivery driver, and having a carefully curated social media to hide all of the above. She refuses to admit defeat and move back to small-town Maple Falls, but when her grandmother breaks her leg sliding into third base during a softball game (she was safe, by the way), Riley reluctantly agrees to go home and help the woman who raised her—while secretly hoping she can convince Mimi to sell her house and yarn shop and move in with a good friend. Then Riley can return to her new life in NYC, on her own and for good.

But Mimi has her own plans, which include setting Riley up with local baseball star Hayden Price, who returned to Maple Falls after an injury ended his major league career. Now he works at his father’s hardware store, coaches the church softball team, and worries about the declining town. It’s not the life he dreamed of having.

With a little meddling and a lot of kindness from the town, Hayden and Riley find themselves unexpectedly falling for each other as they discover the true meaning of home.

Welcome to Maple Falls, where everyone knows your name and your business.

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In My Opinion

In Hooked on You, readers are introduced to Riley, Hayden, and more people from the town of Maple Falls.

Riley doesn’t want to return to the town where she grew up but when her grandmother calls and asks her to come home, she can’t refuse. The first person she meets up with upon her return is Hayden, a guy she had a crush on as a teenager but now wants nothing to do with.

I enjoyed my introduction to Maple Falls—especially Riley’s grandmother and the Bosom Buddy squad. The ladies who came alongside Riley also enhanced the story (and I hope they are where this series continues). And Hayden is a genuinely good guy.

Yet, I was left wanting more from Riley as her character wasn’t fully fleshed out. Yes, we know about her mom and some of the challenges growing up but not given many specifics. There is a scene near the end with her grandmother that is too melodramatic for the character and I would have liked more dimension to Riley’s mother.

Overall, if you enjoy angsty small town romance with some drama, this one might be for you.

Disclosure statement:                                          
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.