Abby went from pretty much having it all then down on her luck. But fortunately for her she ended up inheriting a home but finds its in disrepair. Oh also that a guy is apparently living on the property. Now with the help of the guy Hunter she can see if theres a way to get the house repaired so that she can be on her way but it seems this town and Hunter might change everything for her, for the better.

So I'm always a sucker for the enemies to lovers trope and this was perfect for me. I loved seeing that push and pull between the two and both give as much as they gave. Really I enjoyed it and it wasn't where they would bring eachother down in a negative way, clearly they weren't a fan of one another and had to learn to deal with that issue. There was also the whole issues of selling the property when others around and in town didn't want that house sold because everyone was such a tight knit community. Abby really didn't know her great-aunt and had no ties and it was interesting seeing everyone input on the whole situation clearly everyone looked out for one another, and on the plus side she got to learn a bit more about her family member while being around. I loved the whole opposites attract things going on with the two as well. Abby was so bubbly and kind, Hunter was kinda a loner and gruff and it was fun watching them interact and seeing that attraction between the two. Such an enjoyable read, I pretty much binge read it though it was just so easy to fall into this book.

Complementary copy given for honest review and opinion from Netgalley.
This was a precious romantic comedy. I enjoyed the entire book with the comedy and hot guys. I would give this to anyone that loves a good, clean romance.

Summer on Honeysuckle Ridge by Debbie Mason is a fun and fabulous book. I was highly entertained by this story of a fish out of water heroine, Abby, who inherits a ramshackle home in North Carolina that she needs to fix up while sharing the property with an annoying yet gorgeous former soldier named Hunter. Abby is a bit precious as the novel begins, but she is a wonderful heroine who will make you laugh, cry and rejoice for her triumphs. Her growth arc over the course of the book is so inspiring, as is her romance with Hunter. I love small-town romances and opposites attract romances. Add in the fact that I was able to laugh out loud while reading this book! This one is a keeper!

Welcome to Honeysuckle Ridge! This first story of the Highland Falls series is fun and full of adventure. Debbie Mason gives us a great cast of quirky characters that make the town special. We meet Abby, who came to Honeysuckle Ridge, because her divorce left her homeless, and her Great Aunt left her a house in her will. Hunter lives in the barn on the property and is a recluse. Sparks fly when the meet and realize that they will be neighbors. Abby and Hunter are both dealing with personal issues that draw the reader in. Their relationship is full of ups and downs, while they work through their lives. The community adds another dimension to the story, that shows what small town America is really like. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to returning to Honeysuckle Ridge for the next Highland Falls book. A special thank you to Hachette Book Group, Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra

Summer on Honeysuckle Ridge is the first book in the new series, Highland Falls, by Debbie Mason. I am sure I have said this before, but so that it is crystal clear – I love Ms. Mason’s writing! This new series is a wonderfully easy-to-read romance novel.

I found the depth and breadth of the main characters well developed. The characters are quirky, which in my mind makes them more realistic. Abby Everhart is a city girl… leaving the city behind (at least temporarily) to prepare her inheritance for a quick sale and return to LA where she belongs. Little does she know that her inheritance – Honeysuckle Farms – is in serious need of some TLC. She is also not aware that half the property has been left to Hunter MacKenzie – a hunky and curmudgeonly man who wants nothing less than to be left alone.

The story begins with city girl Abby, dressed as a city girl, being driven to her inheritance. Little does Abby know the true state of Honeysuckle Farm. Meanwhile, Hunter is also unaware that his “home” is also partly owned by a city gal. Boy was he in for a surprise.

This small town story is filled with wonderful characters (LOVED the men in kilts or Abby’s half-sisters) whom exemplify the true meaning of family (blood and otherwise), and that the small town folks of Highland Falls stand together.

I quite enjoyed Abby’s role as a social influencer to get the hype out about the Highland Games. Throughout the story, Abby came up with really unique and interesting ways for helping people in town achieve their goals. However, the path to success for Abby is frequently NOT easy… and at times the way some of her schemes worked out were chuckle worthy to say the least. If there ever was an accident prone individual – it was Abby. Abby with a big heart, who means well and really truly is a good person. Abby who was shafted by her ex-husband and lawyer.

Now Hunter MacKenzie is an interesting character. Very socially withdrawn, much to the consternation of his family. You can certainly gather from Hunter’s reaction to Abby on the property that interesting times are going to be had. And when he could not get her to leave immediately…you just knew it was going to be a heat filled roller coaster ride J. Hunter feels deeply, when he let’s himself open up…but that will take a lot for that to happen as his time in the military left him with some mighty big emotional wounds that he needs to deal with so that they can heal.

As Abby and Hunter get to know each other better, the heat most certainly begins to rise, but I think more importantly, the attraction goes to a deeper level without either of them realizing it has:

“He hadn’t missed her slip about them having a nice moment watching the deer together or the way she’d smiled up at him. Both her comment and that smile worried him. But more concerning (and disconcerting) than her reaction was his own. Instead of being ticked that he’d have to put up with her for at least another six weeks, he apparently was completely okay with it, because he’d had no reaction at all.”

Or when Hunter came to realize that Abby was a woman he could truly get involved with:

“She didn’t stop moving or talking or thinking or planning. She was…He settled on exhausting instead of a half dozen other adjectives that popped into his head. Some like adorable, fascinating, and sweet that had him questioning his own sanity again.”

Aside from the purely romantic side to the story (along with the hot men in kilts – did I mention them already?), we also are told of many town folks back story, which I feel adds to the complexity of each of the characters. Without wanting to spoil the read for you, just remember that not everyone is as they seem. And of course, this sets the reader up nicely for the continuation of this series.

Summer on Honeysuckle Ridge is what I have come to expect from a book by Debbie Mason, a wonderful piece of romantic fiction. I was fully engulfed in the storyline, loved the characters and their dog’s and had a lovely number of hours being entertained in a most enjoyable fashion. I would like to say – I think with the correct actors, this could make a very funny, romantic and heart-warming movie! Maybe even a series once the continuation of the series is written J I will wait with baited breath for the second installment of the Highland Falls series, Christmas on Reindeer Road.

*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*

USA Today best-selling author Debbie Mason launches a brand new series set in the delightful North Carolina town of Highland Falls with Summer on Honeysuckle Ridge, a fun and feel-good contemporary romance which is simply irresistible!

Abby Everhart was a woman who once had the world at her feet: she was one of social media’s most popular and most followed influencers, was married to a rich and successful businessman and lived in a beautiful mansion. But in just a few months, Abby went from living the high life in the lap of luxury to divorced, destitute and sleeping in her car. Abby might have suffered a couple of setbacks, but she is not about to let this get her down or deter her from her plans to climb back up to the top – and as luck would have it, fate has presented her with the perfect opportunity to get her back on her feet. When she learns that her estranged Great Aunt Liz has left her Honeysuckle Ridge, her homestead in the small town of Highland Falls, Abby is imagining a charming and cozy rural retreat which she can spruce up and sell for a fortune. However, Abby soon realises that far from being a picturesque hideaway, Honeysuckle Ridge has fallen to rack and ruin and is in desperate need of repair – and the shocks just keep on coming when she discovers that there is already somebody living on her property who might just be the sexiest man she has ever clapped eyes on!

Former Delta Force soldier Hunter McKenzie has faced his fair share of heartache, sadness and despair. Since his return from the front line where he endured the most painful of losses, Hunter has barely left Honeysuckle Ridge and prefers to keep his friends and family at bay while spending days on end in his shed carving wooden animals with only his constant companion, his dog, Wolf, by his side. Hunter cannot imagine ever letting anyone else close or ever leaving the home which has come to mean the world to him – so he is absolutely furious when Abby Everhart totters into his life in her ridiculous high heels and announces that she plans to sell Honeysuckle Ridge! Hunter is not about to let her sell the homestead out from under him and he is certainly not going to do anything to help her fix up his home for her to sell it to the highest bidder. But for the first time in a very long while, Hunter feels alive and although he sometimes finds Abby infuriating, annoying and far too chirpy first thing in the morning, he cannot deny the fact that he has started to develop feelings for her.

As Abby and Hunter begin to spend more and more time together, their feelings for one another intensify. But while Hunter’s life is in Highland Falls, Abby has made it perfectly clear that she still plans to sell up and head back to LA, even if with each passing day the thought of leaving the place she has started to call home behind her breaks her heart…

Will Abby and Hunter find a way to be together? Or will they let this unexpected chance at happiness slip through their fingers?

Debbie Mason’s Summer on Honeysuckle Ridge is a lovely read that had me laughing out loud from page one and kept me engrossed, entertained and completely riveted until the very last full stop. A delightful, tender, poignant and hilarious tale about second chances, new beginnings and finding the courage to take a leap of faith, Summer on Honeysuckle Ridge is a wonderful book that will touch the heart and make readers roar with laughter on plenty of occasions.

Contemporary romance fans looking for a book full of charm, heart and laughter will certainly not want to miss Debbie Mason’s latest novel, Summer on Honeysuckle Ridge!

I am already in love with this series, and it’s only just begun. ‘Summer on Honeysuckle Ridge‘ brings two very unlikely people together in a push-pull, enemies to friends to lovers type of trope – but mostly it’s two people who are wounded in different ways finding their way back into a full life because of one property and the sparks that ignite off of each other whenever they’re in the same space.

Let’s be frank. Abby can be annoying. She’s been done so wrong that her trust issues are through the roof. She’s a chatterbox when nervous, she’s a bit of a klutz, and she just wants to sell this run-down house she’s inherited and go back to prove to her ex what a gem he let go. Great plan, except life, doesn’t happen that way and Hunter will play a huge part in changing her mind.

My heart broke over Hunter. He’s been through so much yet, this city girl with her chatter and her anger is so tempting. Sparks fly between them and maybe they are exactly what the other needs to get back into life again. It’s going to take some work, even if being with Abby is the easiest thing he’s ever done, he has to convince her to stay, to trust him enough to stay. Watching them work their way through the potholes of life, trust each other enough to fall in love was such a delightful journey.

Sure, there’s a bit of world-building. It’s the first story in a series so I expect that but I wasn’t overwhelmed, in fact, I was definitely charmed by this quirky small-town, by characters who are so realistic and believable. The ‘Highland Falls‘ series is off to a great start with a romance that tugged on my heartstrings, made me smile, and introduced so many new characters, dogs included, into my life – I’m definitely looking forward to a return visit soon.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

I truly enjoyed this book. Well written, well developed characters. This book is the perfect small town romance but oh so much more. I laughed, I cried and I cheered. The main character with her perseverance and determination really touched my heart. Well worth the time you will spend reading.

Loved it! This is a wonderful heartwarming romance that touched my heart as well as my funny bone. Complete opposites, Abby and Hunter are two characters you can't help but cheer for. The story has a slow easy pace and all the characters are well developed. Some of the secondary characters should give us some fun future stories. I for one can't wait. I definitely recommend this one.

For any Outlander fan, looking for a modern day, small town, Scottish themed read, check out Summer on Honeysuckle Ridge by Debbie Mason.

Highland Falls, North Carolina beams with all things Scottish. It is picturesque until Abby comes stomping into town. Abby and Hunter meet under less than ideal circumstances and instantly get off on the wrong foot. Both have their beloved dogs but have very different views on how to handle them. What the other person doesn’t know is that both of them have had some hard tragedies in life. I found Abby to be a bit exhausting at times with all of her banter. I thought her character transformation was great though. Hunter was a very steady, constant, and misunderstood man.

I did get slightly confused about the family situations, at times. I found it dragged a little from about 35-50% of the way through. In the beginning and second half of the book, I could not put down. I would have also liked to have seen more of the journal excerpts. Given the writing throughout the book on how each character thought about the other, I thought it would get steamier than it did. I enjoyed where the romance stayed.

Mason created very vivid and complex characters and wrote beautifully the whole way through. I felt both the plot and the characters were strong in this novel. If you enjoy lighter romances, all things Scottish, and small towns, this is a great book for you.

I received an electronic advanced reader copy from Forever (Grand Central Publishing.) All opinions are 100% my own.

Thank you to Netgalley and Forever for the complimentary e-arc of this title.

Summer on Honeysuckle Ridge by Debbie Mason is a fun and action packed small town romance that would make a perfect beach read.

This story follows former YouTube influencer Abby Everhart as she tries to renovate an old rundown farmhouse she inherited from her aunt. In the process she meets Hunter MacKenzie, a military veteran hiding from the world, and sparks fly.

What I loved about the book:

- I loved watching the interaction between the two main characters. Abby is such an effervescent force. She made me laugh with extroverted charm, schemes, and perpetually positive attitude. I also loved Hunter with his grumpy, hermit ways and how he slowly comes to terms with the many losses he's had in life.
- A town made up of a zany cast of characters. From secret societies based around Outlander to kilt wearing highlanders, this book was just a lot of fun.
- Well meaning family members that you can't help but love
- Quick paced action that makes the book hard to put down

If the book had a drawback I think it is that the ending wrapped up pretty quickly. It was satisfying, the ends just got tied up rather suddenly.

Overall I loved the book and can't wait to revisit this group again in future books.

The start of Debbie Mason’s new series set in Highland Falls has one of my favorite heroines of the year. Abby is sweet and silly, and not without her challenges. I thought things fell apart a bit towards the end, but still well worth the read.

What a good book! The writing is solid, the world building intriguing and the characters endearing. This is my first read from this author but definitely won't be my last. Nice sweet romance and the Highlander backdrop added something special.

Summer on Honeysuckle Ridge is absolutely delightful! I don't remember the last time a book made me smile and laugh so much. Abby is so endearing and cute. I couldn't help but cheer for her and her neverending optimism. Hunter is masculine, a bit brooding, and totally hot! I knew from the moment they met that sparks would fly. Speaking of which falling into a pond is a super fun meet cute lol. There were several amazing secondary characters as well and I am super excited to read more about Highland Falls and it's residents. Summer on Honeysuckle Ridge has me under it's fairy magic for sure! Another enchanting story from my favorite author. Highly recommended for all contemporary romance fans.

I loved this book! I don't believe I've read this author before but I'm glad I found her. This was a wonderful romance that left me in happy tears. There was some mystery, lots of laughs, and a few angry moments where you felt bad for all of the crap that people piled on Abby. Abby is so sweet and lovable and the perfect match for the gruff, HOT Hunter. I love the setting of the Highlands of NC. They always seem so otherwordly and beautiful when reading about them. I really enjoyed the relationships between the different groups of women too. I can't wait to read more about Highland Falls.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher and voluntarily chose to review it.

Debbie Mason was a new author for me, so I wasn't sure what to expect. Summer on Honeysuckle Ridge turned out to be a fun summer read. I grew to love the characters and was reluctant to say goodbye to them at the end of the book. Fortunately this is the first in her new Highland Falls series, so I look forward to revisiting them in the future. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy to read in exchange for my honest opinion.

Summer on Honeysuckle Ridge was so good! I loved Hunter's gruff demeanor, and Abby was adorable. She's accident-prone and chatters nonstop, which drives Hunter crazy. The time they spent together was amusing and I thoroughly enjoyed their story. I can't wait for the next Highland Falls book, and I hope that it includes a visit to Honeysuckle Farm so that I can get an update on Abby and Hunter!

Summer on Honeysuckle Ridge was a wonderful start to Debbie Mason's new series. She writes some of the best small-town romances with entertaining characters and interesting stories.

Abby is down on her luck when she finds out she has inherited a house in the small town of Highland Falls. She didn't realize, though, that the barn and land were given to Hunter, a local who has been living there like a recluse.

I loved these two from the very beginning. They are three-dimensional characters who were very well written. She's positive and outgoing to his gruff and solitary nature. Sunshiny heroines and grumpy heroes are one of my favorite tropes and this fit the bill perfectly.

The plot is a great mix of romance, humor, and a little drama. There were a few different sub-plots, but they didn't slow the pace of the book at all. They fit in well with Hunter and Abby's story while hinting at things to come later in the series.

There's a lot of charm to Highland Falls and a number of secondary characters I can't wait to learn more about in future books.

Light feel-good romance

I have enjoyed several Debbie Mason romances in the past and this one is a typical example. Mostly lighthearted, but with a few themes that cause reflection -- greed vs charity, guilt (earned vs unearned), the meaning of fame and fortune. Definitely worth a read when you are looking for relaxation. Other reviewers have synopsized the plot and characters, so I will mainly just comment.

Two things about the book bother me, so I have given it 4 stars. Firstly, the copperhead snake incident is misleading. These snakes are venomous and the bites can be lethal; I still have a few aftereffects from a snake bite 50 years ago. I think it is irresponsible to make light of these snake bites, I am afraid people will lose their caution around them. Secondly, as an older lady, I am a bit uncomfortable with the monetization of social media, it seems like fools gold to me, but the plot uses this as one of the ways the heroine can earn big bucks...

Thank you to the publisher who lent me a time-constrained e-arc via Netgalley. This review is optional and my own opinion.

Debbie Mason has created another delightful series for her readers, with Summer on Honeysuckle Ridge. In this story we meet Abby Everhart, a woman who has lost just about everything and has just discovered that she has inherited her great-aunt's homestead. Newly divorced and unemployed, so this could not have come at a better time for her. She certainly doesn't want to live in the quaint little town. All Abby plans on doing is to fix up the house, put it on the market, and return to L.A. and get her life and career back on track.

Enter one ex-Delta Force soldier - Hunter MacKenzie. The very homestead Abby has inherited and plans to sell is his home. Having suffered much during his time at war, Hunter at least needs to have his home. When he discovers who Abby is and what her plans are, his irritation shines through time and again. Meanwhile, he is rather drawn to Abby on a visceral level and she herself has similar feelings towards him.

As I read this story, I felt two words fit Hunter - broody hero. Cranky as could be, but his transformation was handled well. Abby had a different effect on me as a reader. She was clumsy, had a very difficult past and this endeared me to her. As I read this book it was interesting to see the dynamic between Abby and Hunter. It was almost a hate to love story, so to read through the pages of the book enabled me to watch the relationship evolve.

Meanwhile, other characters were a part of this story, and I love that! Knowing that some of them will be around in future books in this series - Abby's stepsisters, Mason's brother and cousins - the possibilities are endless, and so this makes this book the start of what is sure to be an excellent series.Therefore, I am eager to read the next book in this series, Christmas on Reindeer Road, due for release in September.

Many thanks to Forever and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.