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!

🧡 Grumpy x sunshine
💙 Single dad
🧡 Slow burn
💙 Found Family



Quotes could change by repub date:

“You got this spark of life that nothing and no one has taken away despite the things that have happened to you, and I don’t understand how you still manage to . . . be you.”

“Because being around you is like being around the sun.” 🥹



This has been out for a while from what i can tell but it’s being rereleased in Jan 2024 with new content and a new cover! I did get this book from NetGalley so thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for letting me read this book!

Aurora or Ora is starting over after seperating from her famous singer partner of 14 years. He kept her as secret and only those closest to them knew who she was to him. He told her to leave and that they were over. She packed her stuff up and started driving cross country and ended up back in her hometown in Colorado. She is renting out the studio above a garage and when she arrives she’s able to use the lock box to get in. After settling in for a few minutes voices are heard coming up the stairs & she thinks that she’s being robbed. Turns out the son of the property owner was secretly going to rent out the apartment while his dad was out of town for a month in order to make money. Tobias Rhodes was extremely angry and reluctant to allow her to stay for the month but when she offered triple he begrudgingly said yes but that she was out after a month.

Aurora started a new job where her old friend works at a sporting goods store and she knows absolutely nothing about the outdoors. Forgetting any knowledge she had 20+ years before when she still lived in Colorado. It. Was. Rough. At the new job

Tobias is a major grump but is especially rude when it comes to his son around Aurora. She’s a stranger so I’m not surprised. She comes home one day to Amos in pain while his dad’s at work as a game warden and has no reception to get his calls. She ends up taking him to the hospital where his uncle meets them when he’s called since his dad still wasn’t getting service. When Tobias arrived he was horrible to Aurora when she probably saved his life.

Each day her sunshine wears his storm clouds away until they finally end up together. Big slow burn here!!

Her nicknames from him are Buddy & Angel and stop the reasoning is the cutest. I can’t wait of you to read that part. 🥹

The romance was beautiful as always by the author. 🥹 can’t wait to read more from her!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for a honest review.

Well…Mariana Zapata is one of my favorite romances authors for a reason. She literally never misses…like ever. This was soooo good!! It had so many of my favorite MZ tropes (age gap, grump x sunshine, forced proximity, pining hero), but it felt very different when compared to her other romances (her sports romances in particular). She was able to uses her familiar tropes and make a completely new and engaging romance, and I’m here for it. I really enjoyed the mountain setting and got a kick out the bait & switch tactic that dropped Aurora into Rhodes’ life. Mariana Zapata is the Queen of Slow Burn…I don’t make the rules, it is what it is. If you haven’t enjoyed MZ’s previous books…then I can’t imagine you’d like this one anymore. But if you are already fan or aren’t sure where to start in her backlist, I definitely recommend picking this up.

Blog Post goes live Dec 29th
Will be featured in monthly wrap-up on Youtube

I assumed, after all the intense hype surrounding All Rhodes Lead Here, that I would eat it up. Just slow burn, angsty goodness. It was everywhere and it seemed everyone loved it! Unfortunately it would I was incorrect. This wasn’t slow-burn, just a true test of my patience.

All Rhodes Lead Here is a single PoV, slow burn romance between a young woman and an older man after she rents the room above his garage from his son. Rhodes, our older man, is unaware of this arrangement and is understandably grouchy about it. Aurora has come to town to hike trails her mother loved before her disappearance, an attempt to reconnect to her spirit and recover after a nasty breakup.

It seems like an excellent pitch! I like the idea, but sadly execution was severely lacking for me. The book opens with Aurora making the comment that’s she’s moving “… to the state no one has heard of”. It’s Colorado folks, everyone has heard of Colorado. I’m betting money that quite a few non-Americans have heard of Colorado. That kind of shallow attempt at being quippy is fairly consistent through the book and really indicates the type of writing and character we have. I also found Aurora’s obsession with Rhodes’ age to be very strange. It was commented on every chapter, at least once if not twice and just… yikes?

Rhodes himself was a bit of a flat, grouchy stereotype for me. That’s perhaps more of a me thing as I tend to dislike single PoV romances for this reason. The love interest never comes across. Most of side characters weren’t exceptionally interesting and I overall was pretty disappointed in this one. I can possibly see how this reads quickly and how someone could enjoy it for a very surface level read, but I can’t say I recommend it.

2.5 Occasionally mentioned Hikes out of 5

Side note - Can we stop with the heroines who are weirdly afraid of bats. It’s a personal pet peeve (as someone who loves them, has a couple tattoos of them) for sure. But honestly. Grow up.