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Kirby Falls #1
Take It or Leaf It
๐๐ฒ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐บ๐ผ๐๐ ๐น๐ถ๐ธ๐ฒ๐น๐ ๐๐ผ ๐๐๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐ฑ๐ผ๐ฒ๐๐ปโ๐ ๐บ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ป ๐ฎ๐ป๐๐๐ต๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ป ๐๐ผ๐ ๐๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐ธ๐ฒ ๐ผ๐๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฐ๐ผ๐บ๐ฒ ๐ฐ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐น๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ต๐ผ๐บ๐ฒ.
William Clark IV never anticipated being back in his hometown. At least, not until he had a long and successful career as a pitcher in the major leagues. He couldnโt have foreseen his career-ending injury right out of the gate or the painful return to his familyโs apple farm in rural North Carolina.
What started as an effort to get back on his feet turned into nearly a decade of going with the flow. Now the grumpy farmer is stuck in a resentful rut. Heโs bitter and bearded, and baseball is a sore spot that never stops aching--not when his well-meaning neighbors keep reminding him of everything he lost.
๐ฆ๐ต๐ฒโ๐ ๐ณ๐ฎ๐น๐น๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ถ๐ป ๐น๐ผ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ถ๐๐ต ๐ต๐ถ๐ ๐ต๐ผ๐บ๐ฒ๐๐ผ๐๐ป, ๐ผ๐ป๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐ฝ๐ฝ๐น๐ฒ ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ฑ๐ผ๐๐ด๐ต๐ป๐๐ ๐ฎ๐ ๐ฎ ๐๐ถ๐บ๐ฒ.
Becca Kernsy never expected to fall in love with a town. To be fair, sheโd never had much luck with men either. But the tiny hamlet of Kirby Falls completely blindsides this city girl and makes her ache for something sheโs never had before: a place to belong. The residents are quirky and lovable. The setting is picturesque perfection. And it doesnโt hurt that she keeps running into Will Clark and his faithful dog.
Getting a reluctant smile out of the handsome farmer becomes her favorite pastime. But pretty soon, her innocent crush gets out of hand. Becca ignores the looming expiration date on her trip down south, and like a helpless cliche, she finds herself falling hard for the man she met on vacation.
๐๐โ๐ ๐ด๐ผ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ผ ๐๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐ป ๐ผ๐๐๐๐ถ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ผ ๐ต๐ฒ๐น๐ฝ ๐ต๐ถ๐บ ๐ณ๐ถ๐ด๐๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ผ๐๐ ๐ต๐ผ๐ ๐๐ผ ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐น๐ผ๐ป๐ด.
Through small-town adventures and increasingly friendly outings, Will starts to remember the hometown he once loved. The only missing piece is the tourist whoโs headed back to the city at the end of her stay. The one packing up and taking his heart on a six-hundred-mile journey home.
๐๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ฌ #1 ๐ช๐ฏ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐๐ช๐ณ๐ฃ๐บ ๐๐ข๐ญ๐ญ๐ด ๐ด๐ฎ๐ข๐ญ๐ญ-๐ต๐ฐ๐ธ๐ฏ ๐ค๐ฐ๐ฏ๐ต๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฐ๐ณ๐ข๐ณ๐บ ๐ด๐ฆ๐ณ๐ช๐ฆ๐ด ๐ง๐ฐ๐ญ๐ญ๐ฐ๐ธ๐ด ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐ด๐ต๐ฆ๐ข๐ฎ๐บ ๐ณ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ข๐ฏ๐ค๐ฆ ๐ฃ๐ฆ๐ต๐ธ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฏ ๐ข ๐จ๐ณ๐ถ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐บ ๐ง๐ฐ๐ณ๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ณ ๐ฑ๐ณ๐ฐ๐ง๐ฆ๐ด๐ด๐ช๐ฐ๐ฏ๐ข๐ญ ๐ข๐ต๐ฉ๐ญ๐ฆ๐ต๐ฆ ๐ข๐ฏ๐ฅ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐ด๐ถ๐ฏ๐ด๐ฉ๐ช๐ฏ๐ฆ๐บ ๐ต๐ฐ๐ถ๐ณ๐ช๐ด๐ต ๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐ค๐ข๐ฏโ๐ต ๐ด๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฎ ๐ต๐ฐ ๐ณ๐ฆ๐ด๐ช๐ด๐ต. โ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐ฆ ๐๐ต ๐ฐ๐ณ ๐๐ฆ๐ข๐ง ๐๐ตโ ๐ช๐ด ๐ข ๐ง๐ถ๐ญ๐ญ-๐ญ๐ฆ๐ฏ๐จ๐ต๐ฉ ๐ณ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ข๐ฏ๐ต๐ช๐ค ๐ค๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ฅ๐บ ๐ง๐ช๐ญ๐ญ๐ฆ๐ฅ ๐ธ๐ช๐ต๐ฉ ๐ฉ๐ถ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ณ, ๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ข๐ต, ๐ข๐ฏ๐ฅ ๐ข ๐จ๐ถ๐ข๐ณ๐ข๐ฏ๐ต๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฅ ๐ฉ๐ข๐ฑ๐ฑ๐ช๐ญ๐บ ๐ฆ๐ท๐ฆ๐ณ ๐ข๐ง๐ต๐ฆ๐ณ.
William Clark IV never anticipated being back in his hometown. At least, not until he had a long and successful career as a pitcher in the major leagues. He couldnโt have foreseen his career-ending injury right out of the gate or the painful return to his familyโs apple farm in rural North Carolina.
What started as an effort to get back on his feet turned into nearly a decade of going with the flow. Now the grumpy farmer is stuck in a resentful rut. Heโs bitter and bearded, and baseball is a sore spot that never stops aching--not when his well-meaning neighbors keep reminding him of everything he lost.
๐ฆ๐ต๐ฒโ๐ ๐ณ๐ฎ๐น๐น๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ถ๐ป ๐น๐ผ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ถ๐๐ต ๐ต๐ถ๐ ๐ต๐ผ๐บ๐ฒ๐๐ผ๐๐ป, ๐ผ๐ป๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐ฝ๐ฝ๐น๐ฒ ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ฑ๐ผ๐๐ด๐ต๐ป๐๐ ๐ฎ๐ ๐ฎ ๐๐ถ๐บ๐ฒ.
Becca Kernsy never expected to fall in love with a town. To be fair, sheโd never had much luck with men either. But the tiny hamlet of Kirby Falls completely blindsides this city girl and makes her ache for something sheโs never had before: a place to belong. The residents are quirky and lovable. The setting is picturesque perfection. And it doesnโt hurt that she keeps running into Will Clark and his faithful dog.
Getting a reluctant smile out of the handsome farmer becomes her favorite pastime. But pretty soon, her innocent crush gets out of hand. Becca ignores the looming expiration date on her trip down south, and like a helpless cliche, she finds herself falling hard for the man she met on vacation.
๐๐โ๐ ๐ด๐ผ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ผ ๐๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐ป ๐ผ๐๐๐๐ถ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ผ ๐ต๐ฒ๐น๐ฝ ๐ต๐ถ๐บ ๐ณ๐ถ๐ด๐๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ผ๐๐ ๐ต๐ผ๐ ๐๐ผ ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐น๐ผ๐ป๐ด.
Through small-town adventures and increasingly friendly outings, Will starts to remember the hometown he once loved. The only missing piece is the tourist whoโs headed back to the city at the end of her stay. The one packing up and taking his heart on a six-hundred-mile journey home.
๐๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ฌ #1 ๐ช๐ฏ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐๐ช๐ณ๐ฃ๐บ ๐๐ข๐ญ๐ญ๐ด ๐ด๐ฎ๐ข๐ญ๐ญ-๐ต๐ฐ๐ธ๐ฏ ๐ค๐ฐ๐ฏ๐ต๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฐ๐ณ๐ข๐ณ๐บ ๐ด๐ฆ๐ณ๐ช๐ฆ๐ด ๐ง๐ฐ๐ญ๐ญ๐ฐ๐ธ๐ด ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐ด๐ต๐ฆ๐ข๐ฎ๐บ ๐ณ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ข๐ฏ๐ค๐ฆ ๐ฃ๐ฆ๐ต๐ธ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฏ ๐ข ๐จ๐ณ๐ถ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐บ ๐ง๐ฐ๐ณ๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ณ ๐ฑ๐ณ๐ฐ๐ง๐ฆ๐ด๐ด๐ช๐ฐ๐ฏ๐ข๐ญ ๐ข๐ต๐ฉ๐ญ๐ฆ๐ต๐ฆ ๐ข๐ฏ๐ฅ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐ด๐ถ๐ฏ๐ด๐ฉ๐ช๐ฏ๐ฆ๐บ ๐ต๐ฐ๐ถ๐ณ๐ช๐ด๐ต ๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐ค๐ข๐ฏโ๐ต ๐ด๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฎ ๐ต๐ฐ ๐ณ๐ฆ๐ด๐ช๐ด๐ต. โ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐ฆ ๐๐ต ๐ฐ๐ณ ๐๐ฆ๐ข๐ง ๐๐ตโ ๐ช๐ด ๐ข ๐ง๐ถ๐ญ๐ญ-๐ญ๐ฆ๐ฏ๐จ๐ต๐ฉ ๐ณ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ข๐ฏ๐ต๐ช๐ค ๐ค๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ฅ๐บ ๐ง๐ช๐ญ๐ญ๐ฆ๐ฅ ๐ธ๐ช๐ต๐ฉ ๐ฉ๐ถ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ณ, ๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ข๐ต, ๐ข๐ฏ๐ฅ ๐ข ๐จ๐ถ๐ข๐ณ๐ข๐ฏ๐ต๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฅ ๐ฉ๐ข๐ฑ๐ฑ๐ช๐ญ๐บ ๐ฆ๐ท๐ฆ๐ณ ๐ข๐ง๐ต๐ฆ๐ณ.
First published August 20, 2024
About the author
Laney Hatcher
14 books271 followersSign up for my newsletter: https://bit.ly/3SbXg2v
Laney Hatcher is a firm believer that there is a spreadsheet for every occasion and pie is always the answer. She is an author of stories both old and new where the HEAs are always guaranteed. Often too practical for her own good, Laney enjoys her life in the southern United States with her husband, children, and incredibly entitled cat.
Laney Hatcher is a firm believer that there is a spreadsheet for every occasion and pie is always the answer. She is an author of stories both old and new where the HEAs are always guaranteed. Often too practical for her own good, Laney enjoys her life in the southern United States with her husband, children, and incredibly entitled cat.
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November 12, 2024
If you haven't checked out Take It or Leaf It, I've got you covered...
๐ Rival Apple Farms
๐ก Small Town Shenanigans
๐งข Grumpy Hero
๐ป Sunshine Softie Heroine
๐ณ Meet Cute Disaster
๐ถ A Sassy Sidekick
๐ฅ Slow Burn Spice
Take It or Leaf It IS LIVE!
https://geni.us/TIOLI-FB
Check out the Kirby Falls series!
Love 'Em or Leaf 'Em (Book #0.5) is FREE: https://geni.us/LEOLE-LH
August 4, 2024
I received an ARC from the author today.
I loved this book. Will was a treat. I look forward to the next book in this series. And the bonus scene was perfect.
I loved this book. Will was a treat. I look forward to the next book in this series. And the bonus scene was perfect.
August 14, 2024
โจ PRINCEMAN REVIEW โจ
๐ Will is back at home following his career ending injury. He's living at the family farm, helping out, but not without a cloud over his head. All that changes when a sunshiny 'leafer' inserts herself into everything Kirby Falls has to offer. Becca never expected to fall in love with rural North Carolina. Needing a break from everything in Detroit, she heads to Kirby Falls for a quiet escape. There she gets more than she could have ever imagined.
What I ๐ค:
๐ Small Farm Town
โ๏ธ Grumpy X Sunshine
๐ป Digital Book Cover Creator
โพ๏ธ Retired Pitcher
๐ Found Family
๐ต Ms. Maggie-Best Mom Ever
๐ Carl-Grumpy, Lovable Dog
๐ณ Hilarious Meet Cute
๐ฅ Slow Burn
2๏ธโฃ Duel POV
๐ฅ Emotional Punch
This book was EVERYTHING a perfect romance needs. Right away, you're sucked into the beautiful town of Kirby Falls. I wanted nothing more than to pack my bags and head to North Carolina. The absolute best part was the PEOPLE in this book. I wish I knew them in real life. The romance between Will and Becca was believable. It's a romance that starts with attraction but takes time to develop, especially since these two both had emotional scars they were working through. My heart really went out for Becca because neglect from parents is something you can never totally overcome-no matter how hard you try. Will on the other hand is trying to cope with a future he never envisioned. He has a tiny taste of his dreams, only to be taken away. I loved watching them come together, and also heal separately too.
Prince's Rating: โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ
Steaminess: ๐ฅ๐ฅ (Couple of Scenes W/O all the details)
๐ Rural, North Carolina
Read if โก๏ธ: You love sweet, small town romances.
Read ๐ : Fall ๐
CW โ ๏ธ: Abuse/Neglect, Drugs, Incarceration, Unhealthy Sibling Relationships, Serious Injury. Death of Loved One (Off-Page)
This is THE FALL GO TO BOOK I will recommend to everyone. You will laugh so hard-like when Will & Becca meet, or when she's wearing the Lightning Bug Mascot. ๐ You will cry. And, you will swoon-and not just from the romance, but from the friendships and family these two make within their town. I loved this book so much, and I can't wait to read Book 2 coming out in December.
๐ Thank you so much to Laney Hacher for a digital advanced reader's copy of this book. This story was everything I wanted and more.
๐ Will is back at home following his career ending injury. He's living at the family farm, helping out, but not without a cloud over his head. All that changes when a sunshiny 'leafer' inserts herself into everything Kirby Falls has to offer. Becca never expected to fall in love with rural North Carolina. Needing a break from everything in Detroit, she heads to Kirby Falls for a quiet escape. There she gets more than she could have ever imagined.
What I ๐ค:
๐ Small Farm Town
โ๏ธ Grumpy X Sunshine
๐ป Digital Book Cover Creator
โพ๏ธ Retired Pitcher
๐ Found Family
๐ต Ms. Maggie-Best Mom Ever
๐ Carl-Grumpy, Lovable Dog
๐ณ Hilarious Meet Cute
๐ฅ Slow Burn
2๏ธโฃ Duel POV
๐ฅ Emotional Punch
This book was EVERYTHING a perfect romance needs. Right away, you're sucked into the beautiful town of Kirby Falls. I wanted nothing more than to pack my bags and head to North Carolina. The absolute best part was the PEOPLE in this book. I wish I knew them in real life. The romance between Will and Becca was believable. It's a romance that starts with attraction but takes time to develop, especially since these two both had emotional scars they were working through. My heart really went out for Becca because neglect from parents is something you can never totally overcome-no matter how hard you try. Will on the other hand is trying to cope with a future he never envisioned. He has a tiny taste of his dreams, only to be taken away. I loved watching them come together, and also heal separately too.
Prince's Rating: โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ
Steaminess: ๐ฅ๐ฅ (Couple of Scenes W/O all the details)
๐ Rural, North Carolina
Read if โก๏ธ: You love sweet, small town romances.
Read ๐ : Fall ๐
CW โ ๏ธ: Abuse/Neglect, Drugs, Incarceration, Unhealthy Sibling Relationships, Serious Injury. Death of Loved One (Off-Page)
This is THE FALL GO TO BOOK I will recommend to everyone. You will laugh so hard-like when Will & Becca meet, or when she's wearing the Lightning Bug Mascot. ๐ You will cry. And, you will swoon-and not just from the romance, but from the friendships and family these two make within their town. I loved this book so much, and I can't wait to read Book 2 coming out in December.
๐ Thank you so much to Laney Hacher for a digital advanced reader's copy of this book. This story was everything I wanted and more.
August 20, 2024
4.5 โญ๏ธs! Take it or Leaf it is the definitive small town romance with a bustling farm, meddling friends, town festivals and a huge nosy family of people who love you.
Becca is a big city girl who is used to living in isolation, even when with her family. On a whim, she comes to Kirby Falls for an extended vacation and finds where she truly belongs. If only she could cut ties with her needy, troublesome family.
Grumpy Will Clark hates tourists, even though they are his livelihood. To be honest, Will barely puts up with anyone, except his family and his dog. But the pretty new tourist who works from his momโs bake shop definitely catches his eye.
Given her upbringing, or lack thereof, Becca is an unexpected ray of sunshine. With the support of family and friends galore, Will is not. Will would very much like to remain unbothered. Becca immerses herself in all things Kirby Falls and is everywhere that Will turns. It is fun how these two dance around each other not quite sure if the other is interested or not.
I loved how Becca brought Will back to life and forced him to see all the good things around him. This is definitely a slow burn, but these two have such amazing chemistry and some very fun spicy scenes. I feel like everyone in town is in on the matchmaking between these two!
Becca learns from the Clarks what real family is like. People that always have your back and love you through thick and thin, not only when you give them money.
I loved the prequel to this story with Jordan and Chloeโs romance in Love โEm or Leaf โEm and I canโt wait to see whose HEA next!!
Becca is a big city girl who is used to living in isolation, even when with her family. On a whim, she comes to Kirby Falls for an extended vacation and finds where she truly belongs. If only she could cut ties with her needy, troublesome family.
Grumpy Will Clark hates tourists, even though they are his livelihood. To be honest, Will barely puts up with anyone, except his family and his dog. But the pretty new tourist who works from his momโs bake shop definitely catches his eye.
Given her upbringing, or lack thereof, Becca is an unexpected ray of sunshine. With the support of family and friends galore, Will is not. Will would very much like to remain unbothered. Becca immerses herself in all things Kirby Falls and is everywhere that Will turns. It is fun how these two dance around each other not quite sure if the other is interested or not.
I loved how Becca brought Will back to life and forced him to see all the good things around him. This is definitely a slow burn, but these two have such amazing chemistry and some very fun spicy scenes. I feel like everyone in town is in on the matchmaking between these two!
Becca learns from the Clarks what real family is like. People that always have your back and love you through thick and thin, not only when you give them money.
I loved the prequel to this story with Jordan and Chloeโs romance in Love โEm or Leaf โEm and I canโt wait to see whose HEA next!!
August 14, 2024
Somehow, this book has not only met, but completely exceeded my expectations. Laney Hatcher can freaking write relationship development.
This is the first of a new series: Kirby Falls! Hatcher released a novella for this (Love it or Leaf It) earlier this year and I have been absolutely FERAL waiting for this. And it warms my heart to tell you that it has so thoroughly exceeded my sky high expectations!!!! WILL AND BECCA I LOVE YOU!
What I loved: The small town atmosphere, the DETAILS, the slow burn, the friendship and connection and care that they form, the way that this family SHOWS UP for Becca, the (very well done) third act breakup that didnโt feel out of place, the APPLE TREE FARM, the FREAKING DOG, the meet cute, the FAMILY dynamics, I could go ON FOR DAYS
What I didnโt love: NOTHING. NO NOTES, LANEY!
This is the first of a new series: Kirby Falls! Hatcher released a novella for this (Love it or Leaf It) earlier this year and I have been absolutely FERAL waiting for this. And it warms my heart to tell you that it has so thoroughly exceeded my sky high expectations!!!! WILL AND BECCA I LOVE YOU!
What I loved: The small town atmosphere, the DETAILS, the slow burn, the friendship and connection and care that they form, the way that this family SHOWS UP for Becca, the (very well done) third act breakup that didnโt feel out of place, the APPLE TREE FARM, the FREAKING DOG, the meet cute, the FAMILY dynamics, I could go ON FOR DAYS
What I didnโt love: NOTHING. NO NOTES, LANEY!
August 4, 2024
I am so grateful to get this as an ARC! I am personally obsessed with Kirby Falls! Not just cause I am a NC girl and hubby and I have talked about moving to the mountains eventually. Funnily enough, my family goes to an apple orchard every year in September/October so I love the feelings that this story gives me. I love the grumpy sunshine aspect. Becca and Will are perfect and I love how they came together and really got to know each other. I normally am not o fan of slow burn romance, but this was so worth it! The love and passion of these characters is so enamoring and beautiful. I love how they overcome so much together and learn from each other as well. I highly recommend this book to everyone!
August 5, 2024
Wonderful start to a new small town series!
I loved this contemporary romance by Laney Hatcher โ itโs set in a fictional town of Kirby Falls, where the slow burn romance between Will and Becca give definite Gilmore Girls Luke and Lorelei vibes! Becca is a ray of sunshine wrapped in a rainbow and Will is the ultimate cinnamon roll. I laughed out loud, got all the feels, and loved seeing clues laid out for whatโs coming next in the series. There is a part with a mascot that had me cackling and looking up furry kink (which I recommend you donโt do), and had me rethinking that Carl really may be an appropriate name for a dog. I also now crave all the Fall apple things including this found family in Kirby Falls. I canโt wait to go back!
I loved this contemporary romance by Laney Hatcher โ itโs set in a fictional town of Kirby Falls, where the slow burn romance between Will and Becca give definite Gilmore Girls Luke and Lorelei vibes! Becca is a ray of sunshine wrapped in a rainbow and Will is the ultimate cinnamon roll. I laughed out loud, got all the feels, and loved seeing clues laid out for whatโs coming next in the series. There is a part with a mascot that had me cackling and looking up furry kink (which I recommend you donโt do), and had me rethinking that Carl really may be an appropriate name for a dog. I also now crave all the Fall apple things including this found family in Kirby Falls. I canโt wait to go back!
July 11, 2024
I was lucky enough to beta read this delightful contemporary romance debut from Laney Hatcher.
I can confidently say that slow-burn, small town romance lovers will be blown away by this amazing story!
I love Kirby Falls, I need to adopt Carl, and Iโve been craving apple everything since I finished the book.
I can confidently say that slow-burn, small town romance lovers will be blown away by this amazing story!
I love Kirby Falls, I need to adopt Carl, and Iโve been craving apple everything since I finished the book.
August 22, 2024
ARC REVIEW
This book has me officially ready for fall yโall ๐โ๏ธ๐ป๐โค๏ธ
I love a small town romance. And Kirby Falls was the perfect small town for Becca and Willโs romance. So much charm. Lovely townfolks. And the perfect sense of small town community.
Becca is absolutely the sweetest and I will protect her at all costs ๐ซถ๐ป๐ซถ๐ป๐ซถ๐ป Sheโs one of my favorite FMCs Iโve ever read. I loved that after coming from a broken family in Detroit, she found love and acceptance in Kirby Falls. And as Becca was falling in love with the town, Will was falling in love with her
I loved the opposites attract between Will and Becca. Willโs been grumpy for a long time after his career in baseball ended. Becca was absolute sunshine that brought him back to life. I loved the scenes where Will was afraid of people coming up to him to talk about his failure of a baseball career when in reality they just wanted to gush over Becca and how wonderfully she fit into their town. She was his breath of fresh air. And thereโs plenty of backwards hat action ๐ฎโ๐จ
This is the perfect small town romance for cuddling up on the couch with an apple cider. Itโs low angst, a slow burn, and just a lovely, relaxing read to escape into. There are so many characters Iโm excited to learn more about and Iโm looking forward to the rest of the Kirby Falls series!
Rating: 5/5 โญ๏ธ
Heat: 2/5 ๐ถ๏ธ
Thank you so much Laney Hatcher for this beautiful ARC and PR Box!
This book has me officially ready for fall yโall ๐โ๏ธ๐ป๐โค๏ธ
I love a small town romance. And Kirby Falls was the perfect small town for Becca and Willโs romance. So much charm. Lovely townfolks. And the perfect sense of small town community.
Becca is absolutely the sweetest and I will protect her at all costs ๐ซถ๐ป๐ซถ๐ป๐ซถ๐ป Sheโs one of my favorite FMCs Iโve ever read. I loved that after coming from a broken family in Detroit, she found love and acceptance in Kirby Falls. And as Becca was falling in love with the town, Will was falling in love with her
I loved the opposites attract between Will and Becca. Willโs been grumpy for a long time after his career in baseball ended. Becca was absolute sunshine that brought him back to life. I loved the scenes where Will was afraid of people coming up to him to talk about his failure of a baseball career when in reality they just wanted to gush over Becca and how wonderfully she fit into their town. She was his breath of fresh air. And thereโs plenty of backwards hat action ๐ฎโ๐จ
This is the perfect small town romance for cuddling up on the couch with an apple cider. Itโs low angst, a slow burn, and just a lovely, relaxing read to escape into. There are so many characters Iโm excited to learn more about and Iโm looking forward to the rest of the Kirby Falls series!
Rating: 5/5 โญ๏ธ
Heat: 2/5 ๐ถ๏ธ
Thank you so much Laney Hatcher for this beautiful ARC and PR Box!
August 21, 2024
4.5/5 stars!!
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of Take It or Leaf It by Laney Hatcher. This is the first book in her Kirby Falls series featuring the story of Becca, a city girl from Detroit, and Will, an ex-pro-athlete that moved back to his hometown after a baseball career ending injury.
Things I loved about this book:
- Beccaโs personality!! This girl is walking SUNSHINE! Her love and devotion to the people of Kirby Falls was beautiful and inspiring.
- Will (aka lumberSNACK)โs backwards hat moments ๐
- Carl & how obsessed he is with Becca ๐พ๐ซถ๐ผ
- Will looking for four leaf clovers for Becca ๐ฅน๐
- ALL of the apple orchard & fall vibes!!
- The seasonal cranberry cider named โDo You Have to Let It Linger Berryโ โผ๏ธ
Tropes:
- grumpyXsunshine
- meet cute fail
- touristXlocal
- small town
- found family
- city girlXcountry boy
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of Take It or Leaf It by Laney Hatcher. This is the first book in her Kirby Falls series featuring the story of Becca, a city girl from Detroit, and Will, an ex-pro-athlete that moved back to his hometown after a baseball career ending injury.
Things I loved about this book:
- Beccaโs personality!! This girl is walking SUNSHINE! Her love and devotion to the people of Kirby Falls was beautiful and inspiring.
- Will (aka lumberSNACK)โs backwards hat moments ๐
- Carl & how obsessed he is with Becca ๐พ๐ซถ๐ผ
- Will looking for four leaf clovers for Becca ๐ฅน๐
- ALL of the apple orchard & fall vibes!!
- The seasonal cranberry cider named โDo You Have to Let It Linger Berryโ โผ๏ธ
Tropes:
- grumpyXsunshine
- meet cute fail
- touristXlocal
- small town
- found family
- city girlXcountry boy
August 20, 2024
A slow-burn, small-town romance thatโs perfect for fall. Laney Hatcher does a wonderful job of not only developing a cast of sweet and charming characters, but also creating a rich setting, one which totally immerses the reader. You can practically taste the crisp apple cider and feel the brisk mountain air. Really fun read, and canโt wait to continue the series!
August 19, 2024
What a fantastic start to a new small town series!
Becca is a leafer. She finds herself in Kirby Falls taking time away from the issues at home and immersing herself in the small town life. She finds solace in the local family run apple orchard and helping people in town. Her happiness and sunshine disposition draws everyone in the town to her, and she feels welcomed for the first time in her life. Even Will's dog Carl has fallen in love with her, but his owner? He is the epitome of a grumpy farmer and Becca cannot help but develop a crush on him.
Will is wary of Becca. She is sunlight and he cannot help but feel drawn to her, but she is a tourist who will be leaving at some point in the future. He may be grumpy, but underneath there is so much more heart that he has hidden from the world. And this man? He is everything I love in a grumpy farmer.
This slow burn romance is fantastic. I loved seeing Becca and Will dance around each other, and see how they fought and then gave into their attraction for each other. From the tender moments to the acts of kindness and service, I swooned with Becca as Will showed her time and time again that he was interested and wanted her. I wish Kirby Falls was real because I want to take a stroll down their streets and enjoy the Trivia nights that Becca and Will spent their time at.
Thank you so much to Laney for the early copy of Take It or Leaf It! I am excited to see where the next adventures in Kirby Falls will go!
Tropes:
Small Town
New to Town/tourist
Grumpy Sunshine
Found Family
Becca is a leafer. She finds herself in Kirby Falls taking time away from the issues at home and immersing herself in the small town life. She finds solace in the local family run apple orchard and helping people in town. Her happiness and sunshine disposition draws everyone in the town to her, and she feels welcomed for the first time in her life. Even Will's dog Carl has fallen in love with her, but his owner? He is the epitome of a grumpy farmer and Becca cannot help but develop a crush on him.
Will is wary of Becca. She is sunlight and he cannot help but feel drawn to her, but she is a tourist who will be leaving at some point in the future. He may be grumpy, but underneath there is so much more heart that he has hidden from the world. And this man? He is everything I love in a grumpy farmer.
This slow burn romance is fantastic. I loved seeing Becca and Will dance around each other, and see how they fought and then gave into their attraction for each other. From the tender moments to the acts of kindness and service, I swooned with Becca as Will showed her time and time again that he was interested and wanted her. I wish Kirby Falls was real because I want to take a stroll down their streets and enjoy the Trivia nights that Becca and Will spent their time at.
Thank you so much to Laney for the early copy of Take It or Leaf It! I am excited to see where the next adventures in Kirby Falls will go!
Tropes:
Small Town
New to Town/tourist
Grumpy Sunshine
Found Family
August 20, 2024
I have read all of Laneyโs books and both of these feel like a big hug. I love Kirby Falls - the setting, the townspeople and all the antics.
Love โem or Leaf โem is a fun novella the introduces us to the town of Kirby Falls and Chloe and Jordan. They are forever remains to be but the timing didnโt quite work out. They have a hard fought but beautiful love story that will make you laugh, smile and swoon.
We are introduced to a few other characters they will be in the series.
Take It or Leaf It We are back at Kirby Falls with a new couple - Will and Becca. Their initial meeting is unique and really funny. Will was a precious baseball player, was injured and came back to town to help the family business. He is not content but wants to help his family. Heโs a bit gruff and grumpy but deep down is a good man. He just needs to get past some baggage and find a good woman to love him.
Becca is temporary in town taking a Brest from City life and a big loss - her good friend Mrs. Walterโs. Her job is a mystery to many but itโs fun to see how people guess what she doesโฆespecially Will. She has an Amazon heart and is looking for a family to love her the way she deserves to be loved.
Will and Becca are so much fun. They clash a bit at first and Will keeps his distanceโฆbut he continues to be drawn to her. The special things he does for her is so sweet. The banter, flirty and fun conversations begin to expand into bigger feelings.
Willโs parents and friends are so welcoming, kind and perfect for Becca. They give her the family she needs and deserves.
Love โem or Leaf โem is a fun novella the introduces us to the town of Kirby Falls and Chloe and Jordan. They are forever remains to be but the timing didnโt quite work out. They have a hard fought but beautiful love story that will make you laugh, smile and swoon.
We are introduced to a few other characters they will be in the series.
Take It or Leaf It We are back at Kirby Falls with a new couple - Will and Becca. Their initial meeting is unique and really funny. Will was a precious baseball player, was injured and came back to town to help the family business. He is not content but wants to help his family. Heโs a bit gruff and grumpy but deep down is a good man. He just needs to get past some baggage and find a good woman to love him.
Becca is temporary in town taking a Brest from City life and a big loss - her good friend Mrs. Walterโs. Her job is a mystery to many but itโs fun to see how people guess what she doesโฆespecially Will. She has an Amazon heart and is looking for a family to love her the way she deserves to be loved.
Will and Becca are so much fun. They clash a bit at first and Will keeps his distanceโฆbut he continues to be drawn to her. The special things he does for her is so sweet. The banter, flirty and fun conversations begin to expand into bigger feelings.
Willโs parents and friends are so welcoming, kind and perfect for Becca. They give her the family she needs and deserves.
August 21, 2024
Laney Hatcher is my new queen of small town spicy heartfelt romance.
I ADORED this book. I stayed up late and read in the middle of the night, devouring every word. I found Becca wonderful - almost too perfect. She was sweet and kind and showed depth in her actions. I loved how her friendships and relationships with people around Kirby Falls was depicted throughout the book, and how the focus was really on found/chosen family for her.
Will, sweet grumpy cinnamon roll Will. Will, who would do anything for Becca - wore his heart on his sleeve, acts of service, kind but somehow stuck in his grumpiness. I loved how his heart KNEW Becca was right for him. I loved his friendship with Jordan, and his extended family.
All in all, I found this book so well written. The love story was well developed, it was funny and wholesome, sweet and SPICY and really, just made me want to curl up under a blanket and read.
Many thanks to Laney Hatcher for the ARC in exchange for my honest reviews.
I ADORED this book. I stayed up late and read in the middle of the night, devouring every word. I found Becca wonderful - almost too perfect. She was sweet and kind and showed depth in her actions. I loved how her friendships and relationships with people around Kirby Falls was depicted throughout the book, and how the focus was really on found/chosen family for her.
Will, sweet grumpy cinnamon roll Will. Will, who would do anything for Becca - wore his heart on his sleeve, acts of service, kind but somehow stuck in his grumpiness. I loved how his heart KNEW Becca was right for him. I loved his friendship with Jordan, and his extended family.
All in all, I found this book so well written. The love story was well developed, it was funny and wholesome, sweet and SPICY and really, just made me want to curl up under a blanket and read.
Many thanks to Laney Hatcher for the ARC in exchange for my honest reviews.
August 20, 2024
Iโm so happy I got a chance to read Laney Hatcherโs entrance into modern romance with her newest book. Take it or Leaf it. I was a huge fan of her historical romance series about the Bartholomew family and her London Ladies Embroidery series for Smartypants romance. Her latest book is her entry into modern romance and like everything she writes it was absolutely delightful. Her newest series focuses on the town of Kirby Falls, North Carolina and weโre introduced to Becca and Will, our ultimate grumpy/sunshine couple. Iโve told all of my Kindle Unlimited girl is to go out and add this to their list. and donโt forget to follow her newsletter so you can get a free novella that introduces Kirby Falls.
Thank you to the author for the ARC and exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the author for the ARC and exchange for an honest review.
August 19, 2024
I donโt know what to say. Will and Beccaโs story was packed with friends-to-lovers goodness, sweet, steamy, funny, and sad. The struggles and baggage they each had to overcome seemed insurmountable to them and seeing the outcome was beautiful.
August 11, 2024
I want to stay in Kirby Falls. *Happy sigh* I adore this setting and cast of characters.
"You are . . . home to me. The same way this place is home. It may have taken me time to see it, but I feel it in my bones. Have felt it every time I look at you."
Will is a grumpy sweetheart and Becca puts her whole heart into everything she does. I love how she's finding a place where she feels loved and how her enthusiasm opens Will's eyes to everything he's loved about his home but closed himself off to. And their slow burn is so good! Sweet, caring, supportive, and a little steamy.
A brilliant cast of characters, an idyllic small town, swoony romance and touches of emotional drama will leave your heart full and eagerly anticipating more of this new series from Laney Hatcher.
If you haven't already, be sure to check out the stand alone prequel novella Love 'em or Leaf 'em.
"You are . . . home to me. The same way this place is home. It may have taken me time to see it, but I feel it in my bones. Have felt it every time I look at you."
Will is a grumpy sweetheart and Becca puts her whole heart into everything she does. I love how she's finding a place where she feels loved and how her enthusiasm opens Will's eyes to everything he's loved about his home but closed himself off to. And their slow burn is so good! Sweet, caring, supportive, and a little steamy.
A brilliant cast of characters, an idyllic small town, swoony romance and touches of emotional drama will leave your heart full and eagerly anticipating more of this new series from Laney Hatcher.
If you haven't already, be sure to check out the stand alone prequel novella Love 'em or Leaf 'em.
October 12, 2024
2.5
This was a nice, easy romance between two hardworking, nice people. There were some funny moments, moments that were full of heart, and some romantic scenes too. I liked both the hero and the heroine and appreciated the "hometown" feel of this book.
That said, I was kinda bored at times. I felt like things happened in the book, but yet nothing really happened. It seemed overly wordy to me and I think the book could have been 100 pages shorter and still produced the same aspects that made this book enjoyable.
My reading mood has been all over the place, so I feel bad rating this book a little lower. But, it just didn't work 100% for me.
Reading Challenge 2024
Month: October Letters: S/T
This was a nice, easy romance between two hardworking, nice people. There were some funny moments, moments that were full of heart, and some romantic scenes too. I liked both the hero and the heroine and appreciated the "hometown" feel of this book.
That said, I was kinda bored at times. I felt like things happened in the book, but yet nothing really happened. It seemed overly wordy to me and I think the book could have been 100 pages shorter and still produced the same aspects that made this book enjoyable.
My reading mood has been all over the place, so I feel bad rating this book a little lower. But, it just didn't work 100% for me.
Reading Challenge 2024
Month: October Letters: S/T
August 20, 2024
Love, Love, LOVED!! This small town, grumpy sunshine book was perfect!! Their is just something about a small town grump that finds the sunshine girl to be so adorable he canโt help smile when all he wants to do is sign in irritation.
This book is just swoon worthy! The build up to the slow burn was great! It was just sweet but also had substance. Both Will and Becca are working through some real trauma and they find each other just in time to work through it together. The rest of the side characters are hilarious and entertaining.
I canโt wait to be back at Kirby Falls with the next book!
This book is just swoon worthy! The build up to the slow burn was great! It was just sweet but also had substance. Both Will and Becca are working through some real trauma and they find each other just in time to work through it together. The rest of the side characters are hilarious and entertaining.
I canโt wait to be back at Kirby Falls with the next book!
October 10, 2024
This book gave me all the best vibes of time in the NC Smokey Mountains. I pictured Bryson City, a place we like to escape to often as tourists. I loved the coziness of this book with the small mountain town, farm, Fall festivals and so much found family. Will and Becca were so precious, each with their own issues, but so good together and the little things they do for one another (like Will leaving Becca four leaf clovers) are heartwarming. I was frustrated with the third act break-up, but the end made up for it. I need Mac's book and can't wait to visit this small town of Kirby Falls in the next book!
September 1, 2024
A great starting to a very promising new series!! Laney Hatcher normally writes historical romance, but her new contemporary romance is also top shelf material!
If you want to dip your toes in check out the prequel novella Love 'em or Leaf 'em to get to know Jordan and Chloe.
Or just start with a bang with Becca and Will with this book! Becca is a ray of sunshine and tourist which arrived in Kirby Falls for a few weeks of getaway, but the soon falls in love with the small town and all her residents. And particularly with the grumpy ex athlete Will and his dog Clark who contrary to his owner will not fight it and fall in love with her straight away.
If you are into fall, adorable small towns with Gilmore Girls vibes (yes Will is grumpy and adorable like Luke and a doer) then dive in!
If you want to dip your toes in check out the prequel novella Love 'em or Leaf 'em to get to know Jordan and Chloe.
Or just start with a bang with Becca and Will with this book! Becca is a ray of sunshine and tourist which arrived in Kirby Falls for a few weeks of getaway, but the soon falls in love with the small town and all her residents. And particularly with the grumpy ex athlete Will and his dog Clark who contrary to his owner will not fight it and fall in love with her straight away.
If you are into fall, adorable small towns with Gilmore Girls vibes (yes Will is grumpy and adorable like Luke and a doer) then dive in!
September 30, 2024
This was a freaking delight! From their adorably funny meet cute to their sweet HEA I was completely smitten with Becca and Will's romance. I adored the way these two loved each other for exactly who they were. There was such a warmth to their relationship, and goodness the charm they had...even if they expressed it in different ways. It did feel a little agonizing waiting for them to get out of their own way but ultimately their happily ever after was so satisfying.
I also have to shout-out my love for the small town and fun cast of characters, especially Will's dog Carl. I can't wait to read more in this series.
I also have to shout-out my love for the small town and fun cast of characters, especially Will's dog Carl. I can't wait to read more in this series.
September 8, 2024
Rating: โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโจ (0-5)
Steam: ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ (0-5) Open Door
What Iโm Starry-Eyed Over:
๐คฉ Grumpy/sunshine and country boy/city girl.
๐คฉ MCs to totally fall in love withโheโs an injured/retired pro-baseball player and sheโs a graphic design artist. Heโs lost and disheartened. Sheโs had a traumatic childhood and a hard family. I love how they view each other as the resilient humans they are.
๐คฉ The oak tree meet-cute is fantastic!
๐คฉ Beccaโs table outside the bake shop at Grandpappyโs Farm. When Will gives her a seat cushion! Awe!
๐คฉ All the fall vibes!
๐คฉ Beautiful small-town descriptionsโtake me to Kirby falls, SC for some cider at the Firefly.
๐คฉ Also, may I please stay at the tiny house in the mountains of Kirby Falls?!
๐คฉ I just love to be immersed in the setting and plot and, wow, does this story make me feel like an apple orchard tourist just people watching my heart out!
๐คฉ The unwanted secret pining and crushing.
๐คฉ Slooooow burn to that amazing first stormy kiss.
๐คฉ Deep longing (oh my heart) and then found family, love, and home.
๐คฉ That whole tender sleeping bag movie watching scene. Oh, the feelsโsuch strong desire and yearning.
๐คฉ The nods to romance books, book clubs, and book cover designs/designers! I laughed so hard about the monster romance discussion.
๐คฉ Carl, Willโs dog, and his unconditional love but, also, his infatuation with Becca.
๐คฉ Laugh-out-loud friend texts.
๐คฉ Sunflower fields, corn mazes, and four-leaf clovers.
What Iโm Wishing/Dizzy About:
๐ซ Iโm not sure I believed the โjust go to sleepโ when they both have such raging hormones.
๐ซ I really needed them to have an HEA steamy moment in the new library at Willโs house.
Steam: ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ (0-5) Open Door
What Iโm Starry-Eyed Over:
๐คฉ Grumpy/sunshine and country boy/city girl.
๐คฉ MCs to totally fall in love withโheโs an injured/retired pro-baseball player and sheโs a graphic design artist. Heโs lost and disheartened. Sheโs had a traumatic childhood and a hard family. I love how they view each other as the resilient humans they are.
๐คฉ The oak tree meet-cute is fantastic!
๐คฉ Beccaโs table outside the bake shop at Grandpappyโs Farm. When Will gives her a seat cushion! Awe!
๐คฉ All the fall vibes!
๐คฉ Beautiful small-town descriptionsโtake me to Kirby falls, SC for some cider at the Firefly.
๐คฉ Also, may I please stay at the tiny house in the mountains of Kirby Falls?!
๐คฉ I just love to be immersed in the setting and plot and, wow, does this story make me feel like an apple orchard tourist just people watching my heart out!
๐คฉ The unwanted secret pining and crushing.
๐คฉ Slooooow burn to that amazing first stormy kiss.
๐คฉ Deep longing (oh my heart) and then found family, love, and home.
๐คฉ That whole tender sleeping bag movie watching scene. Oh, the feelsโsuch strong desire and yearning.
๐คฉ The nods to romance books, book clubs, and book cover designs/designers! I laughed so hard about the monster romance discussion.
๐คฉ Carl, Willโs dog, and his unconditional love but, also, his infatuation with Becca.
๐คฉ Laugh-out-loud friend texts.
๐คฉ Sunflower fields, corn mazes, and four-leaf clovers.
What Iโm Wishing/Dizzy About:
๐ซ Iโm not sure I believed the โjust go to sleepโ when they both have such raging hormones.
๐ซ I really needed them to have an HEA steamy moment in the new library at Willโs house.
August 20, 2024
I have read all of Laneyโs books and both of these feel like a big hug. I love Kirby Falls - the setting, the townspeople and all the antics.
Love โem or Leaf โem is a fun novella the introduces us to the town of Kirby Falls and Chloe and Jordan. They are forever remains to be but the timing didnโt quite work out. They have a hard fought but beautiful love story that will make you laugh, smile and swoon.
We are introduced to a few other characters they will be in the series.
Take It or Leaf It We are back at Kirby Falls with a new couple - Will and Becca. Their initial meeting is unique and really funny. Will was a precious baseball player, was injured and came back to town to help the family business. He is not content but wants to help his family. Heโs a bit gruff and grumpy but deep down is a good man. He just needs to get past some baggage and find a good woman to love him.
Becca is temporary in town taking a Brest from City life and a big loss - her good friend Mrs. Walterโs. Her job is a mystery to many but itโs fun to see how people guess what she doesโฆespecially Will. She has an Amazon heart and is looking for a family to love her the way she deserves to be loved.
Will and Becca are so much fun. They clash a bit at first and Will keeps his distanceโฆbut he continues to be drawn to her. The special things he does for her is so sweet. The banter, flirty and fun conversations begin to expand into bigger feelings.
Willโs parents and friends are so welcoming, kind and perfect for Becca. They give her the family she needs and deserves.
Love โem or Leaf โem is a fun novella the introduces us to the town of Kirby Falls and Chloe and Jordan. They are forever remains to be but the timing didnโt quite work out. They have a hard fought but beautiful love story that will make you laugh, smile and swoon.
We are introduced to a few other characters they will be in the series.
Take It or Leaf It We are back at Kirby Falls with a new couple - Will and Becca. Their initial meeting is unique and really funny. Will was a precious baseball player, was injured and came back to town to help the family business. He is not content but wants to help his family. Heโs a bit gruff and grumpy but deep down is a good man. He just needs to get past some baggage and find a good woman to love him.
Becca is temporary in town taking a Brest from City life and a big loss - her good friend Mrs. Walterโs. Her job is a mystery to many but itโs fun to see how people guess what she doesโฆespecially Will. She has an Amazon heart and is looking for a family to love her the way she deserves to be loved.
Will and Becca are so much fun. They clash a bit at first and Will keeps his distanceโฆbut he continues to be drawn to her. The special things he does for her is so sweet. The banter, flirty and fun conversations begin to expand into bigger feelings.
Willโs parents and friends are so welcoming, kind and perfect for Becca. They give her the family she needs and deserves.
August 21, 2024
โNo matter where we go or where we end up, Iโll be your home as long as youโll let me.โ
Take It or Leaf It is Laney Hatcherโs first full-length contemporary romance and it is a swoony triumph! This small-town, grumpy/sunshine romance will leave you aching for crisp autumn evenings, fall festivals, and cinnamon rolls the size of your face! If Laney doesnโt melt your heart with Becca & Willโs love story, sheโs sure to tempt your tastebuds with all the foodie delights Kirby Falls has to offer! Will Clark was living his dream playing professional baseball until an injury forced him into early retirement. Back home in Kirby Falls and stuck in a rut, the last thing he expects is an effusive tourist to knock him out of his slump. Becca Kernsy left her city home and toxic family to search for better. When a hottie lumbersnack finds her hanging around on his familyโs farm, itโs all she can do to keep from falling head over heels. Will is standoffish grump and Becca oozes charisma; together these two opposites have undeniable chemistry! As a black cat, I donโt always love a golden retriever FMC, but I adore Becca! Fate brought her to Kirby Falls, a little mama meddling extended her stay, and the loving charm of a brooding farmer (and the entire town) help her find her forever home. Laneyโs storytelling is lovely, the spice is spicing, and the small-town, cozy heartwarming setting is elite.
4.5/5โญ๏ธ ๐ถ๏ธ.5 โพ๏ธ๐ซ
Take It or Leaf It is Laney Hatcherโs first full-length contemporary romance and it is a swoony triumph! This small-town, grumpy/sunshine romance will leave you aching for crisp autumn evenings, fall festivals, and cinnamon rolls the size of your face! If Laney doesnโt melt your heart with Becca & Willโs love story, sheโs sure to tempt your tastebuds with all the foodie delights Kirby Falls has to offer! Will Clark was living his dream playing professional baseball until an injury forced him into early retirement. Back home in Kirby Falls and stuck in a rut, the last thing he expects is an effusive tourist to knock him out of his slump. Becca Kernsy left her city home and toxic family to search for better. When a hottie lumbersnack finds her hanging around on his familyโs farm, itโs all she can do to keep from falling head over heels. Will is standoffish grump and Becca oozes charisma; together these two opposites have undeniable chemistry! As a black cat, I donโt always love a golden retriever FMC, but I adore Becca! Fate brought her to Kirby Falls, a little mama meddling extended her stay, and the loving charm of a brooding farmer (and the entire town) help her find her forever home. Laneyโs storytelling is lovely, the spice is spicing, and the small-town, cozy heartwarming setting is elite.
4.5/5โญ๏ธ ๐ถ๏ธ.5 โพ๏ธ๐ซ
August 22, 2024
โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ
๐Small Town Romance
๐Grumpy/Sunshine
๐City Girl/Small Town Boy
๐Secret Cinnamon Roll MMC
๐Bookish FMC
๐Cozy Fall Vibes
๐Big Fun Family
๐Found Family
๐Grouchy but Super Lovable Dog
Laney Hatcherโs new book Take It or Leaf It just came out and it is perfection! It includes all of my favorite things: a quirky and fun small town, a complex but ray of sunshine FMC, and a MMC who is grumpy on the outside but a soft gooey cinnamon roll on the inside (just like his dog!). Couple those things with cozy fall vibes and I couldnโt put this book down! I love how Laney Hatcher was not afraid to dive into Beccaโs troubled family dynamics and how those impacted her relationship with Will as well as her relationship with herself. Willโs own struggle with his self-identity after a failed pro-baseball career added an extra layer of interest that made his character extremely relatable. These complexities added such a beautiful depth to Becca and Willโs relationship. That depth made me root for them not only as a couple but as individuals as well. From their first meeting while Becca was stuck in a tree to the very end of the story, I was enamored not just with their love story but with the entire town of Kirby Falls. I think you will be too! So grab an apple cider, pretend it isnโt 100 degrees outside and spend some time with Becca, Will, and their quirky small town! Then let me know how much you loved them too!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2024
โI wanted you before I even knew you. I was aching for something in my life, and there you were, dropped down in my oak tree.โ
Where do I even begin when reviewing this book? Shall I talk about the well-developed characters? (They feel like people I could encounter in my own neighborhood.) Perhaps I should start with the vivid descriptions that instantly transport readers to a North Carolina fall? (Iโm not sure Iโve ever read quite such a love letter to autumn.) Maybe I should begin with the swoon-worthy dialogue? (Seriously, some of the things this man-of-few-words says.) Or perhaps itโs the caramel-apple sweet moments between this grumpy hero and sunshine heroine? (So many cheesy-grin-inducing scenes.) All of these elements contribute to a true joy of a book.
Itโs hard to pen a spoiler-free review. From Will and Beccaโs one-of-a-kind meetcute to the declarations of love in the final pages, and all of the finding-where-you-belong moments in between, this slow-burn, small-town romance is a win.
Where do I even begin when reviewing this book? Shall I talk about the well-developed characters? (They feel like people I could encounter in my own neighborhood.) Perhaps I should start with the vivid descriptions that instantly transport readers to a North Carolina fall? (Iโm not sure Iโve ever read quite such a love letter to autumn.) Maybe I should begin with the swoon-worthy dialogue? (Seriously, some of the things this man-of-few-words says.) Or perhaps itโs the caramel-apple sweet moments between this grumpy hero and sunshine heroine? (So many cheesy-grin-inducing scenes.) All of these elements contribute to a true joy of a book.
Itโs hard to pen a spoiler-free review. From Will and Beccaโs one-of-a-kind meetcute to the declarations of love in the final pages, and all of the finding-where-you-belong moments in between, this slow-burn, small-town romance is a win.
August 19, 2024
Kirby Falls is my new favorite small town. I want to drink cider at Firefly, shoot the apple cannon at Grandpappyโs Farm, and hike through the Blue Ridge Mountains. Itโs no wonder that Becca Kernsy finds herself falling in love with the town and the people who live there.
Becca has lived in Detriot her whole life and is excited to experience everything that small town life has to offer. She finds herself in a precarious situation that leads to one of my favorite meet cutes of all time.
Will Clark is the town grump. He does his job at his familyโs apple farm and limits his social interactions as much as possible. He has no intention of talking to the tourist who has been hanging around the Orchard Bake Shop for weeks until he finds her need of a rescue. Will is completely charmed by Beccaโs sweetness and finds himself unable to avoid being pulled into her orbit.
These two show each other what family and community can be as they move from being friends into something more. There are so many heartfelt moments between them that I would be spoiling the book if I started listing off my favorites. I will say that I am so happy the bearded backwards hat wearing former baseball player found his pageant waving sunshine girl. I love them; they have been added to my Book Boyfriend and Girl Crush lists!
The cast of characters in this series has me so excited for more stories. I cannot wait to go back to Kirby Falls. Thank you so much to Laney for sending me this ARC.
Becca has lived in Detriot her whole life and is excited to experience everything that small town life has to offer. She finds herself in a precarious situation that leads to one of my favorite meet cutes of all time.
Will Clark is the town grump. He does his job at his familyโs apple farm and limits his social interactions as much as possible. He has no intention of talking to the tourist who has been hanging around the Orchard Bake Shop for weeks until he finds her need of a rescue. Will is completely charmed by Beccaโs sweetness and finds himself unable to avoid being pulled into her orbit.
These two show each other what family and community can be as they move from being friends into something more. There are so many heartfelt moments between them that I would be spoiling the book if I started listing off my favorites. I will say that I am so happy the bearded backwards hat wearing former baseball player found his pageant waving sunshine girl. I love them; they have been added to my Book Boyfriend and Girl Crush lists!
The cast of characters in this series has me so excited for more stories. I cannot wait to go back to Kirby Falls. Thank you so much to Laney for sending me this ARC.
August 20, 2024
POV: Dual
Spice: ๐ถ๏ธ ๐ถ๏ธ ๐ถ๏ธ
This book feels like getting a hug while you hold a warm cup of apple cider in front of a fireplace on a brisk fall evening. Itโs like all the best parts of a hallmark movie but with some spice sprinkled in, and I wish I could live in a town like Kirby Falls!
Becca and Will just might be the sweetest, heart squeezing couple Iโve ever read. I wouldnโt say there was instant chemistry in their case, but a slow burn, friends to lovers that really focuses on the friends aspect first. Becca falls in love with a town and a guy in this book, while she helps Will appreciate what he already has (and making him fall head over boots for her in the meantime). Sheโs the epitomy of sunshine even though sheโs had a rough life, and heโs technically a grump but a softy deep down.
With a rescue dog, found family that meddles, and small town autumn goodness, this book is Laney Hatcher at her best and is setting up for an amazing new series!
Spice: ๐ถ๏ธ ๐ถ๏ธ ๐ถ๏ธ
This book feels like getting a hug while you hold a warm cup of apple cider in front of a fireplace on a brisk fall evening. Itโs like all the best parts of a hallmark movie but with some spice sprinkled in, and I wish I could live in a town like Kirby Falls!
Becca and Will just might be the sweetest, heart squeezing couple Iโve ever read. I wouldnโt say there was instant chemistry in their case, but a slow burn, friends to lovers that really focuses on the friends aspect first. Becca falls in love with a town and a guy in this book, while she helps Will appreciate what he already has (and making him fall head over boots for her in the meantime). Sheโs the epitomy of sunshine even though sheโs had a rough life, and heโs technically a grump but a softy deep down.
With a rescue dog, found family that meddles, and small town autumn goodness, this book is Laney Hatcher at her best and is setting up for an amazing new series!
August 20, 2024
This is a lovely small town, slow burn. Itโs also grumpy sunshine, found family. Will and Becca have quite the first meeting. It will have you laughing. They actually have a few weird meet ups. I loved it. I loved how Becca just fit in. How she found joy in the new town. I loved how everyone made her feel welcome. I loved how the grumpy Will just couldnโt stay away. I loved how this book was all things fall. You will fall in love with Kirby Falls, the people and Will and Becca.
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