#AllRhodesLeadHere is a rewarding, slow-building strangers-to-friends-to-lovers romance set in a small town in Colorado.

Aurora De La Torre (Ora) returns to Pagosa Springs where she lived as a child—a place that is associated with both wonderful and terrible childhood memories. She is starting over after a long-term relationship with her well known musician boyfriend ends very badly. She plans to stay in Pagosa for a month, perhaps longer if she likes it, and has rented an inexpensive studio apartment online. Her stay gets off to a rough start when she finds out upon arriving that the owner’s teen-aged son was the one who rented it to her, without his father’s knowledge or permission.

The owner, Tobias Rhodes, is former Navy officer who retired and became a fish and game warden to be able to spend more time with his son, Amos. Rhodes is a serious, introverted grump to Aurora’s extroverted, chatty sunshine. He is not interested in having a tenant but eventually agrees to let Ora stay only for a month but does not want to have anything to do with her.

The two eventually strike up a friendship, which is jump started by the fact that Ora ends up taking Amos to the hospital when he has appendicitis and his dad is unavailable while working. The relationship between Ora and Rhodes grows during hikes, movie nights and Oro’s support for Amos’ musical gifts.

Rhodes, Ora and Amos are all appealing characters and while I appreciated the gradual unfurling of the relationships between them all, the “slow burn” seemed a little too slow and somewhat repetitive. I truly enjoyed meeting these characters and their friends, but would have enjoyed their journey even more if it had been less drawn out.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #ReadAvon for the ARC.

I do think it’s possible to write a 600+ page romance novel and maintain that it is only a romance novel but I think Marianne Zapata was bridging the territory between romance and chick-lit here with this one. All Rhodes Leads Here is an even split between the MCs slowest of slow burns with the Rhodes in question but also her re-connection to her deceased mother.

This book is a step away from the sports romance Marianna Zapata seems to be more known for, leaning much more heavily into the “city girl in a rural hometown” trope instead. And this focuses almost excessively on the outdoorsy, reconnecting with her roots aspect of this. I think I would have been a little more understanding of this if it didn’t create multiple occasions where the women goes on a solo hike only to be rescued by the male lead. This could have happened only once and established the exact same dynamic between the couple, and not made her seem like damsel three times over. As someone who hikes often, her pulling this on a five mile trail was a bit… questionable.

For some reason, this book gave me slight author self-insert vibes. I think it was because the main character was a highly successful writer in her field with no recognition due to her being a ghostwriter for widely recognized celebrities. Marianna Zapata is arguably one of the most successful indie authors but by nature of being an indie author has not historically gotten the accolades other equally as successful traditionally published authors will.

One thing this author will do is write realistic dialogue, and of the other two books I read by her she absolutely fleshed out her side characters the most here. I’m glad to see this kind of romance getting an official publication with a traditional publishing house and while I don’t think this will stick with me as one of the best Marianna Zapata’s, I don’t regret following all 600 pages.

Thank you to the publisher Avon for providing an e-ARC via NetGalley for an honest review.

I had a fun time reading this but is was not my favorite by this author. It had the usual slow-burn, age-gap, single dad (kinda), and hiking. I was entertained and flew through this book; however, I was also annoyed by some of the decisions the main female character made. I was equally rooting for her choices and cringing at her some of her decisions.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the gifted copy!

Overall, I enjoyed All Rhodes Lead Here and finished the book in less than 48 hours. I loved the setting, friendships, and main characters. It was a cute romance read. I'll admit, I was a bit thrown off by the cover - especially Rhodes illustration. That does not look like how he's depicted in the book, at all.

Mariana Zapata is the queen of a slow burn romance book. Sometimes a slow burn book can be annoying but in this book it works and makes sense for these characters. I felt like I got to watch them grow as individuals and then together as a couple.

In All Rhodes Lead Here we meet Aurora and Tobias Rhodes. The book is told from the perspective of Aurora. Aurora is relatable and down to earth. I literally want to be her best friend. She is relatable because she isn't perfect but she strives to be the best version of herself she can be. She cries a lot (same), talks a lot, but she shows so much compassion for others and looks at things in a positive way. Tobias Rhodes is grumpy and hard to read. As he develops in the book, he shows his feelings in simple ways such as touch, nicknames. and being protective of Aurora. His words and actions are so heartwarming and had me smiling.

I love a MMC who shows through is actions how he feels about the FMC. Rhodes says "You can show people they matter better by what you do than what you say." He totally embodied that quote! I loved the small acts that he did to show his feelings towards Aurora. His small acts were appreciated and understood by Aurora.

I really enjoyed this book and even though it was long, the plot had me totally engaged and rooting for the characters. I also enjoyed the side characters and the relationship between Aurora and Amos.

Read this book if you like:
* a slow burn
* little spice
* grumpy sunshine
* small town romance
* found family
* single dad
* age gap

This is my third book by Mariana Zapata and it won't be my last.
This book will be released on January 30, 2024.

Thank you NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for an advanced e-copy of this book. I voluntarily read it and gave an honest review.

Here is my review on Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5840987023. I will also be reviewing on Amazon.

I received an ARC for the re-release of 𝘼𝙡𝙡 𝙍𝙝𝙤𝙙𝙚𝙨 𝙇𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙚 by Mariana Zapata. Let me tell you, I ate this book up 👏🏼 I loved every minute of this book. It’s a 𝓈𝓁𝑜𝓌 𝒷𝓊𝓇𝓃 ❤️‍🔥 So prepare yourself for that. While this is a romance book it also explores themes of loss, and grief. It’s truly a beautiful story. I don’t even have the words to fully express how much I loved this one. Easily my new favorite from the author. Five star read for me!

After separating with her partner of fourteen years, Aurora De La Torre goes to Pagosa, Colorado. The only place she ever considered home, and the place of her mother’s disappearance. Upon arrival Aurora discovers that she's an unexpected and unwanted tenant. Always optimistic, Aurora attempts to charm the handsome landlord and while he doesn't seem to be warming to her, she has no plans to leave town.

Tropes:
❤️‍🔥 Slow Burn
👤 Single Dad
🗓️ Age Gap
🏘️ Small Town
☀️ Grumpy x Sunshine

This is being re-released on January 30, 2024. Highly recommend this slow burn 📖

I have read a couple of MZ books and have mostly enjoyed them however this one was just okay to me. The beginning was so incredibly repetitive it was painful and some of the dialogue was so insane and childish almost? I also hated the pet names??? Angel face okay fine but Buddy like Buddy the Elf is actually nuts. Also Aurora saying she flirts with everyone and included children in that statement and then also her trying to get Amos to hug her all the time was slightly a lot off putting to me. I did however enjoy her friendship with Clara and I liked the pacing of the relationship between Aurora and Rhodes. Overall, not my favorite but not the worst.

While his explanation is cute, I would backflip over a cliff if a man ever called me “buddy.” Like genuinely would rather eat the bottom of a ravine than have that nickname.

But that’s beside the point.
After her marriage comes to an ugly end, Aurora packs her bags into her car and moves back to her hometown. She’s looking to start over and fate makes that happen in the form of a quaint garage apartment becoming available for rent exactly when she needs it. It’s right off the main house so she’s practically sharing the space, but it’ll still be the perfect temporary landing ground. As she’s happily assessing the space and smiling about her grand new adventure, her hulking landlord bursts in wondering how the hell she got into his house. Wait—what?!??

So apparently, grumpy landlord did NOT put his garage apartment up for rent... Which is unfortunate because Aurora has definitely already exchanged money for the place. When her landlord’s son confesses to put the apartment up for rent behind the dad’s back, Aurora knows she’s in trouble (and why he’s so mad at her). The simple fact is, Rhodes wants her out, but she’s not above begging him to stay.

I’ve been putting off reading this book because of the reviews, but when I saw it on NetGalley I knew it was a sign to take the plunge and I have no regrets. Idk how people could not enjoy it??? I immediately fell in love with Aurora and if sleep hadn’t claimed my body, I would have finished this in one sitting. She’s a hot mess, but in the best way. Her little quips and one liners had me laughing out loud, and I genuinely had such a fun time reading. As with all of Mariana’s books, this one is a delicious slow burn and the tension between these two is incredible. With every little touch and prolonged brooding eye contact I was screaming like a banshee. It’s so obvious that the grump is falling for her, but Aurora is so painfully oblivious!

I loved the slow progression as Aurora wiggled her way into their hearts. It starts with tentative waves and short conversations, and evolved into so much more. Even as she becomes a big part of the boy’s lives, she can’t see the way she’s changed Rhodes and his son for the better. Despite knowing that the characters were obviously endgame, I still found myself cheering them on and giggling at every interaction.

To say that I simply liked this book would be an understatement. I FLEW through it at an alarming pace. It’s just such an easy read. The pacing is superb and the storyline was so sweet, and it had every thing I love. “Who did this to you?”, one bed, single dad, grumpy x sunshine all barely scratch the surface of what this book has to offer. It had all the best tropes wrapped up in a neat little bow, and I cannot wait to buy a copy for my trophy shelf!

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon / Harper Voyager for the eARC! I’m so excited about the adorable updated cover for the rerelease and the bonus content was cute as heck! I’m over the moon for Mariana’s book journey and can’t wait to continue supporting her.

Mariana Zapata is the queen of slow burn! I’ve yet to read a book of hers I didn’t love. This is no exception. I love how both Tobias and Ora have to break down their misconceptions about things and about each other to be able to move beyond distrust, and then friendship. Love this book!

Hoooo, boy. Did I read this entire book in 24 hours? Yes. Do I regret it? No.

Do I think this book is good? Not really.

First off, why did the author mention peeing SO MUCH? I realize that a part of the plot late in the book relies on the fact that Aurora needs to use a gas station bathroom, but there was a way to do that without constantly, weirdly, mentioning urinating.

Also, Ora mentioning that she's not a pervert in relation to Amos several times made me very uncomfortable - a "she protests too much" situation, if you will. Most people don't mention the fact that they aren't a child predator.

The author mentions an editor in her acknowledgments, but uhm... I didn't see it. There was way too much repetition, and not in an artistic-choice kind of way, but in a "the author liked the idea so she put it in a few places to see where it fit best but someone forgot to edit it out" kind of way. Things also "passed in a blur" way too many times - there are other ways to describe (or better yet SHOW) the passage of time.

I loved the outdoorsy stuff and Ora returning to her roots to feel connected to her mother, although ***SPOILER*** I was frustrated that we didn't find out what actually happened to Ora's mom. Like, they found her remains but didn't do an autopsy? I wanted an answer to how she died.

I think the idea of Ora and Rhodes together is very cute, and I love a slow burn. I like the side characters, and I'm super interested in Yuki and Clara.

Despite this book's many flaws, I kept reading it and I ultimately enjoyed the experience. However, I don't know if I can actually recommend this book to someone since the quality of the writing leaves something to be desired.

Rhodes and his son, Amos, live on their own in Colorado, in a city that is familiar to Aurora. Following a breakup she decides to escape her life and go back to Colorado where her mom would take her hiking, renting a garage apartment belonging to the broody Rhodes. When Rhodes realizes Amos rented it out without permission he isn't pleased. However, as Aurora and Amos become friendly, Rhodes starts to see Aurora differently.

This story was beautiful!! I absolutely loved every minute reading it and didn't want it to end. I just loved Rhodes' love for his son and then how he develops feelings for Aurora as she navigates her new life. So many inspirational quotes and sayings about growth and love spoke to me as well. I feel like Rhodes and Aurora's relationship and her relationship with his son is wonderful! I just felt the story flowed so effortlessly, allowing their relationship to unfold page after page. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone looking for a romance that isn't forced or unnatural, no instalove here. It was amazing to read a realistic portrayal of a man and woman getting to know each other and realizing their true feelings! And what Rhodes says about Aurora to her ex is just priceless! I can't say enough things about this book. Just read it! Loved it!

Thanks to NetGalley, Miranda Zapata, and Avon and Harper Voyager for allowing me to read this ARC!

This novel is a beautifully crafted novel that resonates with the universal themes of love, healing, and the indomitable spirit of the human heart. This is a compelling and emotionally resonant story that will linger in the hearts of readers long after the final page is turned. This is a tale of rediscovery, second chances, and the enduring echoes of love that shape our lives. Highly recommended for those seeking a poignant and uplifting read.

No one is gonna write a grumpy single dad who lives in the mountains like Mariana Zapata. I’m normally not one who likes slow burns but something about the way she writes them has me eating them up every time. Aurora just got out of a long relationship and is in town to get answers about her mom. She ends up renting a room from none other than Tobias Rhodes 🤭 of course there’s a mix up aka due to his son Amos. I loved this book. Tobias has to be one of my favorite if not my absolute favorite MZ man. I will recommend this book to anyone who will listen.
5/5 ⭐️

“I’m fine not being the first person she’s ever loved because I know I’m going to be the last”.

What a Breathtaking book!

I took the weekend to slowly savor Mariana Zapata's newest release. This book was so good for my soul. MZ is really well known for her slow burn romances. This one is still a slow burn, and the build up is beyond perfect.

“People cried over endings, but sometimes you had to cry over new beginnings. I wouldn’t forget what I’d left. But I was going to be excited—at least as much as I could be—about this start and however it would end.”

Aurora is the absolute sunshine to grumpy Tobias Rhodes. Their dynamic helps this story really take root in your heart. And Amos, he might be my favorite side character. Grief and growth are major components to this book, your heart will be aching for these characters.

“Grief was the final way we had to tell our loved ones that they’d impacted our lives.”

TW: loss of a parent

What a slow burn of a story. Sometimes I don’t like those types of book but Mariana did a great job in making it not become so boring. She is so detailed in her writing I feel like I’m apart of the book.

This is my first of Mariana's books, and I loved it! The burn was slooooow and so good. I'm a big fan of slow burns and tension, and this delivered on both fronts! My only critique is that I usually enjoy more than one POV, but that's just my preference. Overall I really enjoyed their chemistry and the storyline.

I really tried. I gave it a few chapters but this is so boring. I know MZ is slow burn. I loved The Wall of Winnipeg. But this is incredibly slow and dragging, just a few chapters in. I don't think I have it in me to keep going.

If slowburn had a name, it would be Mariana Zapata. This was a fantastic romance with such an extraordinary slow burn that I couldn’t put it down until the burn, started to warm up. Can’t wait to read more of this authors work.

A great slow burn, grumpy meets sunshine romance! Throw in a HOT silver fox dad, a woman with past and present trauma, the Colorado outdoors, and country music and you have an engaging read that I couldn’t wait to see the way it ended.

Mandy Harris
Angel Wings Bookstore

Usually I’m not for slow burns but Mariana Zapata always proves me wrong with her books! I always enjoy them! The character development in this book is amazing! Running to the store to get a physical copy!