Falling for Alaska by Belle Calhoune is a heartwarming and charming enemies-to-lovers romance set in the picturesque small town of Moose Falls, Alaska. This first book in the Moose Falls series introduces readers to Xavier Stone, a down-on-his-luck former football player, and True Everett, a sassy and determined restaurant owner. The two clash when Xavier returns to town to help manage his grandmother’s cider company and gastro pub, but sparks fly as they go from adversaries to something much more complicated.

Xavier is hoping for a quiet retreat back to his small hometown, but instead finds himself at odds with True, who is fiercely protective of her family business. As the tension between them builds, the story delves into themes of second chances, healing old wounds, and uncovering the layers of both characters. True, who has poured her heart into her restaurant, sees Xavier as a threat to her dreams. But beneath his tough exterior, Xavier is dealing with his own struggles—his strained relationship with his father, the weight of family expectations, and a sense of not truly belonging. As they both confront their pasts and their feelings for each other, the chemistry between them is undeniable.

Calhoune does a wonderful job of capturing the charm of small-town life while giving her characters plenty of emotional depth. Xavier’s vulnerability and True’s strength create a compelling dynamic that makes their journey toward love all the more rewarding. The setting of Moose Falls is cozy and inviting, providing the perfect backdrop for a romance filled with humor, heart, and plenty of steamy tension.

For fans of Brenda Novak and Annie Rains, Falling for Alaska offers the perfect blend of heartfelt emotion and small-town charm. It’s an ideal read for anyone who enjoys a slow-burn romance, family dynamics, and characters who find their happily-ever-after through personal growth and connection. Overall, this book is a delightful escape to a town where love is as unpredictable as the Alaskan weather.

Falling for Alaska is the first book in the Moose Falls, Alaska Series.

And boy, does Belle Calhoune introduce us to the new series with a bang.

It’s small town meets big city, enemies to lovers greatness.

From the first chapter to the last, you are captured in the world of Moose Falls and find yourself invested in the town, the characters, and the journey and road to a happily ever after for Xavier Stone, former pro football player and True Everett who manages the small-town tavern Northern Exposure.

Small Town…
Meet Cute…
Swoon Worthy Moments…

Need I say more?

It is an enjoyable book hangover read with all the feels. Let’s just say Belle Calhoune had me at the meet cute.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

DNF at 25%
I really liked the premise of Falling for Alaska and thought the writing was good and the Hallmark romance vibes were on point, but I had a hard time getting sucked into the story. Though this one was a miss for me, I would try Belle’s writing again.

Thank you to NetGalley, Forever (Grand Central) and Belle Calhoune for an early review copy. These are my honest thoughts.

Belle Calhoune’s latest collaboration with Forever takes readers to the small Alaskan town of Moose Falls, where a fractured family starts to heal.

“Sometimes the hardest thing to do is face down the past.”

Twenty years ago, Xavier Stone left Moose Falls with his mother and two younger brothers (Caleb and Landon) after their parents’ divorce. It was the last time they would see their father. The ensuing years found visits from their paternal grandmother, Hattie, to be sporadic until they stopped altogether. Xavier and his brothers went on to be prosperous and successful until they weren't. Xavier now finds himself jobless, after suffering a career-ending injury on the football field, almost penniless, and without a fiance. The Stone brothers receive a lifeline so to speak when they're contacted by their grandmother with news of an inheritance, but it comes with a catch. Hattie will leave her bustling Alaskan empire which includes a hard cider company and restaurant to the boys, but they each have to agree to move to Alaska for a year and work and get to know the company. If one doesn't agree, they all lose out. There's also the downside that they will have to work with their estranged father, Red.

True Everhart knows heartache and sacrifice. At the age of nineteen, she became the guardian and only family her now nine-year-old brother Jaylan has after the death of their parents. True has worked for Hattie for seven years and is now the manager of Northern Exposure which is part of Hattie's empire. True loves Hattie and views her as a surrogate grandmother. For years, True has been saving for her future and hopes to one day make Hattie an offer to buy Northern Exposure. But True's dreams get crushed and righteous anger rears its ugly head when the Stone brothers return to Moose Falls and in essence are handed the keys to Hattie's empire.

Xavier and True have an instant attraction. But she also wants to have an instant dislike for him, since he stands in the way of her being able to purchase Northern Exposure. It doesn’t matter that she doesn’t actually have the funds to buy the place. Plus, she doesn’t understand why he hasn’t been to Alaska to visit his grandmother.

I loved the Stone brothers. My heart went out to young Xavier who had to take on so much as a child. Over the years, the brothers have drifted apart. I loved watching them reconnect not only with their grandmother but also with each other. I enjoy watching True and Xavier go from enemies to friends to lovers. They each became someone the other could rely on.

I'm looking forward to reading about and watching the other brothers find love. I have a feeling it's not going to be easy for them.

~ Favorite Quotes ~

“Have a little faith in me.”

“There’s nothing you can do to change the past, but the future is yours!”

“There are some things in life you can’t force.”

“It’s not the speed of the train, it’s the destination.”

“The best-laid plans often go astray.”

“People make time for what they want to.”

“Love is what matters most.”

“I believe in you. You’ve got this.”

“Never hide yourself.”

“Sometimes the hardest thing to do is face down the past.”

“Love imprints itself on you.”

“Sometimes life tells us to be still.”

“Love can move mountains.”

“Don’t be sad it’s over. Be glad it happened.”

“I promise you. You’re enough.”

“Dreams are important.”

“I’m enough as I am.”

“I’m still a work in progress.”

A very quick read… I tended to skim a lot of it to get to the gist of the story rather than reading the whole of the backgrounds, and the angst.

Cute book and concept. Was a little halmarky for me but sold story. I would check out more from this author
.

This is a good book. The two main characters are True and Xavier. True is the manager of Northern Exposure, the bar in Moose Falls. It is owned by Xavier’s grandmother. Xavier is an ex NFL player. He comes to Moose Falls to see his grandmother, whom he has seen in twenty years. She ask Xavier and his two brothers to come and learn about her cider company. They have to stay for a year. There is an attraction between True and Xavier. They start dating and fall in love.

‘Falling for Alaska’ by Belle Calhoune is sweet soft romance story. ‘Falling for Alaska’ is book 1 in this series that follows the oldest Stone brother, Xavier and the town Tavern manager, True. There is some tension between the two as they learn to navigate what they want from this relationship and their goals in life. The book starts off with a stipulation of a one year contract between the Stone brothers and their grandmother Hattie, who owns Yukon Cider there in Moose Falls, Alaska. In this first book you will read and learn about each of the charters over a three month span. The author, Belle, did a wonderful job closing out Xavier’s story and prepping the next book to continue in their one year contract with Hattie.

Thank you NetGalley, Forever, and Belle Calhoune for an eARC book of ‘Falling for Alaska’

This heartwarming novel delivers a delightful winter escape. The author expertly crafts a cast of characters, each with their own unique family dynamic. These supportive networks provide a strong foundation for the characters to navigate the sparks and challenges that life throws their way. The strong sense of community creates a sense of comfort and growth, making it a perfect read for cozy winter nights.

Unfortunately, ""Falling for Alaska" was just not it for me. As a fan of both the enemies-to-lovers trope and small town romances I was excited to read this, but after a few chapters in, I've come to the decision to DNF this book.

While I was genuinely excited to read about True and Xavier's romance, especially with it being set in small-town. Moose Falls, Alaska, I couldn't get into it. I got hooked in the first chapter when True and Xavier first met at the diner, but then I had troubles connecting with the characters as the book went on. I might pick this up again in the future if I'm looking for more small town romance books, but unfortunately for now, I will be DNFing it.

This is a sweet and clean romance that I just had to read since it takes place in Alaska. I enjoyed the story between Xavier and True and I know I'll be back for more because I have to find out what happens to his brothers! I also loved Hattie, the Stone brothers' grandma and her cider business. Can't wait to see what happens next!

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publication date: 26 March 2024

This was a very sweet romance. The characters were all likable. It was a good premise although some of just didn’t ring true. But overall an enjoyable and quick read..

True works at Northern Exposure in Moose Falls, AK. Xavier, the x football player, and his three brothers moved to Moose Falls for one year to learn about their grandma's cider business. After one year, they can sell the business. True and Xavier think each other are attractive at first sight.

This book did not work for me because of the repetitive language and no lead up to the romance.

Belle Calhoun has written a beautiful romance novel in Falling For Alaska that is sweet, emotional and beautiful. She has built genuine, realistic, intentional characters who touch your heart and make you cheer for them.

Xavier and his two younger brothers have moved back to Moose Falls Alaska at the request of his grandmother as part of an inheritance deal. As such he must work at the family cidery and pub with his estranged father and brothers. Xavier is not a rural Alaska kinda guy and he isn't getting along with anyone.

True Everett is the cidery and pub manager who has been hoping to buy the business once her boss retires but the brothers/grandsons coming to town will ruin her plans. She is not pleasant until she starts to learn more about Xavier and then she only hopes that her future, her dreams aren't dashed.

A cute, small town romance filled with forgiveness and second chances. Xavier Stone and his 2 younger brothers have returned to Moose Falls, Alaska at the request of their estranged grandmother who has failing health. They are to work with their estranged father at their grandmother’s famous cidery and pub, Northern Exposure for one year to inherit the cidery and pub.

True Everett is the manager of Northern Exposure and has been hoping to own it one day. Sparks start when True and Xavier meet for the first time at the pub.

This is a soft romance with room for forgiveness among family and also newfound love for Alaska. There is no spice.

Thanks to NetGalley, Forever, and Grand Central Publishing for this eARC. Falling for Alaska is out now.

The story is as beautiful as the cover. Loved the small town setting. I loved the characters. Quick read that I wished wouldn't end!

loved this romance and how the characters were able to figure things out and find their way to love. Loved the friends .

This is a *Must Read* book. If you think the cover is beautifully, wait until you read the story inside. It's a beautifully written story set in a small town that has wonderful characters and just the right amount of emotions to make it a wonderful read. This book was a wonderful read and I look forward to the next book in this series.
I received a complimentary copy from Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

this book had a cute storyline and a good “return to my hometown after decades away” kinda romance plot. the characters had decent chemistry but i think the writing was a bit choppy at times like there were undeveloped plotlines or random tidbits included that didn’t match the vibe of the story. i absolutely loooooved Hattie. there are some great messages hidden in this book about the importance of seizing the day, familial reconciliation & learning to trust others again after being burned. overall a decent read!

(2.5 stars rounded up)

Falling for Alaska by Belle Calhoune is the first book in the new contemporary romance Moose Falls, Alaska series. This first book in the Moose Falls series is a sweet, small town, enemies to lovers romance that is told from both points of view of the main couple.

The Stone brothers return to Moose Falls, Alaska to help their ailing grandmother, whom they haven't stayed in touch with. Xavier is hesitant about returning, especially when he views the contract given. True runs the local tavern that is owned by Xavier's grandmother. I really liked both characters and appreciated True being a strong personality. There is just the right amount of tension in the relationship between Xavier and True. I loved seeing their growth together and as individuals throughout the book. I look forward to continuing this series with the other two Stone brothers.