I broke the cardinal rule of reading! I judged a book by its cover. As soon as I laid my eyes on the stunning cover art, I knew I had to read this. I am so happy I did because it was pleasantly delightful.

As a Christian woman who loves reading romances, it can be challenging to find books in this genre. As of late, it has become very popular to add tons of spicy scenes that are explicit to say the least. Madison Wright’s Just Between Us was a sweet, clean romance that is appropriate for all ages.

While I enjoyed reading this, I cannot rate it higher. I feel that Wright is on the precipice of finding her voice. The beginning of the book felt lacking of depth and believability. I understand that it is not appropriate for the manager of a housing complex to date a resident, but all the forced drama and deception seemed a bit contrived.

Luckily, Wright began to win me over about half way through the book. I felt that her writing became increasingly better as the plot and characters were flushed out. I know that this is in large part to her being a fairly new author. I can see her being one of my favorites as she gains both experience and confidence.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Madison Wright for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest feedback!

*This is the second book in a series. As a result, I am willing to post a disclaimer that I might have felt and rated this book differently if I had read Just Us first.

I had no idea what to expect going into this book as it was my first time reading any of Madison Wright's books. All I had to go on was the beautiful cover which is what drew me to request the book to begin with.

That said -- it exceeded my expectations. The tension was so well done. While I couldn't fully grasp how Ellie was simultaneously so stuck on winning her parents approval when they treat her so poorly while simultaneously making bad choices if pleasing her parents is the goal, I enjoyed the ride nonetheless.

I loved Ellie's brothers and their dynamic in face of difficult parents. I loved the small town vibes on Cam's hometown and would love to see more there in a future book.

“𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳.”

I’m not a romance person. Like, at all. In recent years I’ve entertained some Christmas books that have that element but it’s definitely not a genre I reach for. However, for some odd reason, this one caught my attention. Perhaps it’s the cute cover, I don’t know, but the story itself even held my attention all the way through.

You guys… this one is actually cute. Like, really cute. A little bit forbidden romance meets love at first sight meets comedy in a light, nonsteamy, sweet read with dual POV. I enjoyed both Ellie and Cam, as well as their friends Lo and Wes (the first book in this series covers their story but you don’t need to read it first to know what’s going on). Definitely had a cozy autumn feel to it and I’m glad I gave it a chance.

Needless to say, if this a genre you prefer, and especially if you appreciate cleaner love stories, then this is one you should pick up. And if you’re like me where you actively avoid romance anything, this is light enough on that to not make you roll your eyes. I give it 4.5 out of 5.

A cute autumn read with a HEA. Mild forbidden romance as Ellie is the daughter of property owning parents so she is not allowed to date “residents”. It just so happens that a good looking man moves in and romance is ignited. The premise was a little strange and forced for me but the romance between Ellie and Cam is sweet. I really liked all the characters and I can relate to Ellie being scared of her parents reactions but I found her parents really awful and even at the end I couldn’t warm to them. A nice quick read for a cold afternoon with a hot choc!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I dnf’d this book pretty early on (around 20%). I don’t read many small town romance novels set in the states so was interested to read about that narrative but this was a let-down.

I didn’t really understand why Ellie’s parents were so harsh on her. I did sympathise with Ellie about wanting to win her parents approval by working hard even though they aren’t too kind to her.

I just really didn’t feel any chemistry between Cam and Ellie. I know it’s supposed to be a forbidden romance trope which I do enjoy but it didn’t feel like they actually fancied one another. It felt more like lust which is fine but since this book is a small cute small town romance I was expecting cute build up to falling in love not instant I fancy you attraction if I’m honest. I just felt it was too soon for them to be expressing their attraction and likeness to one another.

Overall, this just wasn’t for me as I wasn’t invested in the writing, plot or characters and I just didn’t want to force myself to keep reading when I knew with the way the book was going I would not enjoy it and probably end up skimming it.

This was a sweet, feel good, insta love/forbidden romance between property manager, Ellie and photographer, Camden. Ellie's parents are also her employers and they have strict no-fraternization rules so when Ellie finds herself falling for Cam - the cute stranger she meets in a bar one night who also happens to be her new tenant, things get very complicated.

I enjoyed seeing how Cam and Ellie tried to resist their feelings. I also really liked how unapologetically herself Ellie was and how Cam loved her just as she was (unlike her parents who were always trying to fit Ellie into their idea of who she should be). The found family in this book was excellent and it was fun getting more Lo and Wes cameos.

Recommended for fans of Sarah Adams and Melanie Jacobson or anyone looking for a romance full of laughs, heart and low on steam. Much thanks to NetGalley and the author for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review! The cover for this book was the first thing to catch my eye and gave me the VERY best Fall vibes - another win from artist @inkandlaurel!!

I devoured this one in a day!
Madison's writing just effortlessly pulls you into the story, making you feel right there in the book! I absolutely loved this book and can't wait to read more of the author's books!

*2.5 stars

You can just read the conversation parts to understand its plot because really, there wasn't anything happening. Ellie and Camden had no chemistry for me, which made it hard for me to read this book. The romance was developing way too quickly; the moment they met, they were discussing their "complicated" relationship and how they couldn't be together and it quickly grew old. The plot development was unrealistic, the characters were flat, and Ellie's parents were just horrible and abusive.

Though I believe it had the potential to be a nice small town romance, I unfortunately did not enjoy this book.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review, all opinions are my own.

This book was super cute! I loved how witty the banter was and that we got both main characters POVs. However, I was really hoping for more character development for Ellie and Cam, they both felt very one dimensional to me. I never really felt connected with them as a couple. I also think stronger communication between the two would have helped the story move along. There was a lot of back and fourth between them that I felt could have easily been avoided. Nonetheless, I really liked the authors writing style and I look forward to reading her future works!

Happy Pub Day @authormadisonwright and happy Friday #bookstagram! SUPER happy it is Friday as it has been quite the week in our household as my daughter and I both ended up with bad colds and my husband is working crazy hours doing all the surgeries because year-end deductibles and patients (very understandably) are asking to be fit in. Even with all that I still finished this book in under 24 hours and it was literal perfection for a snuggled in bed while feeling like a pile of garbage comfort read. Camden has the patience of a saint and while Ellie’s decisions made me a little argh, they were also perfectly in line with her character and I could absolutely understand and emphasize with why she made some of the decisions she made. I always feel like that is a trait of a great author - when you don’t see eye-to-eye with the character so you could potentially have a hard time relating but the character has been developed in a way that it feels so authentic in their actions that it doesn’t matter. I also loved that it tied in a little Thanksgiving and Christmas time given I’m all about that this time of year. Just Between Us is out today and on Kindle Unlimited!

I loved that the story began in the first chapter. The meeting between the characters was so cute.
Elli cares about people living in her complex, she’s a good friend but she doesn’t trust herself, unlike Cam who learn quickly what he wants and where he’s going.
The story was sweet but maybe too much back and forth for me. The communication between them was terrible.
A sweet story for the rainy day In the fall :)

Really cute novel, love it , enjoyable, like the dynamics and how it set up.
Both topics addressed on the book .
For Cam lost on his passion and trying to find his place .
For Ellie the feeling that she is not good enough, her parents drive me nuts , love her brothers.
I like how the two MC relationship develop as well.
In resume totally would recommend this book.

This is a cosy, cutesy book. It was slow to get going but it was an okay read, although not much actually happens. There are some great supporting characters that add to the story. Ellie’s parents suck and I struggled with how Ellie let them treat her. She came across as a pushover and it was frustrating. I also couldn’t work out why some of the rules were in place as Ellie was obviously very popular and good at her job. The romance is slow burn and closed door which made it feel like there was a lack of chemistry. I loved Cam’s character though. If you’re looking for something cute and light then this might be one to check out.

I received a copy of the ebook via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

This was apretty good book and I enjoy this book very much the first was so good and second wasn't a disappointment either thanks for letting me read

Just Between Us was a swoony, closed door contemporary romance set in Nashville, Tennessee. Cam is only in town for a few months helping out a friend. The first night in town, he ends up dancing with a stranger and kissing her under the stars. The next day, they realize they’re actually neighbors. Ellie is the manager of his new apartment complex, and the owners have a no fraternization rule.

There’s pining. There’s angst. He takes care of her when she’s sick!! Their love story felt possible and real. There were obstacles—internal and external—and while I wanted to knock some sense into them both, their actions made sense considering their individual personalities and struggles. I appreciated the way Cam spoke truth into Ellie’s life and cared for her in the way she desperately needed to be cared for.

I do wish there had been a bit more resolution with her parents. I felt like her mom, who treated her abominably, got off a little too easy.

Just Between Us is a fun, easy breezy rom-com that I thoroughly enjoyed.

The cover of this book caught my eye. It just screams a perfect fall/winter romance read, and it was. I sat down in my reading chair and spent the afternoon and evening getting lost in Ellie and Camden’s love story. This book is one of those quick and light romance reads and doesn’t require anything from you. You don’t have to use any energy to figure out the plot or characters. There are no big mysteries or issues that you need to think about. You can sit back and enjoy this book in all its romance-y goodness. 

I enjoyed the story. Its pacing is perfect, and I like the direction Madison went with this story. Ellie’s job as a superintendent creates a lot of fun and interesting moments in the book. Madison does a great job at creating swoony moments between Ellie and Camden, especially at the beginning. Their meet-cute moment really just hooked me into the story. They have that sweet meant-to-be chemistry. I loved all the secondary characters. They add a lot of charm and warmth to the story.  

Ellie and Camden are delightful and loveable characters. At the beginning of the book, they both are a little lost and are struggling to figure out what truly would make them happy. You can’t help but cheer these two on as they grow and become the amazing people you know they can be. Their love story is a sweet combination of insta love and forced proximity. Their meet-cute moment at the beginning of the book was perfection and had me swoony a bit. As a couple, they work, and I enjoy their conversations and spending time with them. 

Just Between Us is a cute and delightful romance story.

Thank you, Madison Wright, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Ellie and Cam meet with “alter-personas” and have the night of a lifetime. A night neither wants to forget…that is, until they find out who the other really is. Forbidden from seeing each other, Ellie and Cam navigate this path riddled with rules and expectations, only to come to a crossroads with life altering decisions. Will they choose the path forged for them? Or will they break through expectations and choose themselves…and each other?

I found this read to be kind of slow to start, but once the story got on and the characters had their second “meet cute” it picked up. The dialogue, while cute in some parts, struggled to flow as much as I would have liked - and from what we got in the first book.

All of that said, Just Between Us was the perfect read for me, at the time, because it is light hearted with a touch of emotional throughout. There is a beautiful happily ever after in the end and really, how can you go wrong with that? The parents and manager were written as horrible, horrible people…which was just SO perfect. As much as I hated them, I LOVED how perfectly constructed their characters were. The dad caught in the middle, the misunderstood (kind of) mother, and the jerk of manager *chef’s kiss*.

Ellie is trying to be everything her parents want her to be. She follows them into the family business, gets promoted to manager of The Flats, but still, something is missing.
Cam is a photographer/videographer who decides to go to Nashville to have a break from his demanding clients in Los Angeles.
Cam's friend finds him a short term lease at The Flats.
They connect but how does Ellie manage the expectations of her parents and dating Cam? Will Cam go back to Los Angeles?

This is one of the best stories I have read this year. I mean, I would have liked a little spice but I loved it all the same! I could not recommend this one highly enough! I can't wait to read more from Madison Wright (and if she adds a spice scene, I won't say no 🤭)

When reading this book all I kept thinking was how cozy it was. I loved Wright's writing style. This is my first read from her and I enjoyed it very much. The tropes that were included were so well done in this book!!!dual POV, family business, witty banter, slow burn, forbidden romance, found family. The setting taking place in Nashville was so lovely the details were so well done. I really enjoyed this book and def recommended for those who understand complex family dynamics and toxic parents/family members. Thank You netgalley for allowing me this read this book and give it an honest review

My favorite part was the beginning, the meet between Cam and Ellie. From there it turned to tension. This was a slow romance with tension and no spice. I love the fall vibes it gave off.