Xavier Stone and True Everett meet when he returns to Alaska to fulfill his grandmothers wishes to inherit her legacy. True manages the tavern and is kind of salty that the long lost grandsons will be inheriting something she wants to buy from form Hattie stone, the grandmother. A ghost pepper wings challenge just sets the stage for the first challenge between Xavier and True.

When the other brothers show up, and then their absentee father returns to town, Xavier feels the real heat of his grandmothers dying wishes.

While working through the challenges of learning Hattie’s business, True and Xavier forms bonds that almost break… but family members force Xavier to see that True is good and not using him like his past relationships.

There’s a happy ending in this sweet romance.

Welcome to Moose Falls Alaska. True Everett has lived in this small Alaskan town her whole life. After losing her parents in a tragic accident, True’s whole life changed. She is now raising her young brother and managing Northern Exposure, the towns restaurant and pub. She loves her life and is hoping to one day own the pub. When her dear elderly friend and mentor Hattie becomes terminally ill, she summons her three grandsons back home to Moose Falls. When they arrive True’s whole world is about to change.

Exavier Stone has not been back to Moose Falls since he was a child, when his mother took him and his two brothers, leaving their father to make a new life. When his grandmother asks if Exavier and his brothers to come work and live in town learning to run her Cider Company so they can inherit it when she passes, they are quite hesitant. Since his NFL career is over, he feels he has no choice but to accept her offer. When he arrives the first person, he meets is True, and they get off to a rocky start. Soon things shift and they become friends. Will Exavier and True find what they have both been looking for in this small Alaskan town?

This novel is the first in a new series for Belle Calhoune. She brings together family and friends in a small town in her own unique way of telling a wonderful story. I love the characters and especially Hattie who is just too much fun. I look forward to reading the next book in the series to see if the other two brothers can find love in Alaska. Thank you to the author, Forever ( Grand Central Publishing) and Netgalley for my advanced readers copy which I read and reviewed voluntarily. Come meet the wonderful folks of Moose Falls, you will love them.

I knew I wanted to read Falling for Alaska from the moment I laid eyes on that gorgeous cover, and honestly I wished I could live right there in said cover, if such a thing were possible. The next best thing though is letting Belle Calhoune take me on a visit to Moose Falls through the magic of fiction – and this charming introduction to such a quaint town makes me want to return as soon as possible! I loved Hattie Stone, especially her joie de vivre even in the face of a terminal illness and her desire to see her broken family restored while she still has time. This spirited grandmother is the kind of anchoring character I love to see in a series, and although I have a feeling she will eventually break my heart in future books I’m enjoying my time with her in the interim.

“And with those simple words, True made him feel that he could do anything. Leap tall buildings in a single bound. Climb Mount Everest. Dunk on LeBron James. Eat all his lima beans.”

While we get to know all three of Hattie’s grandsons in Falling for Alaska, the focus is primarily on the oldest, Xavier – a former NFL player who struggles to reconcile the happy memories coming back to him in Moose Falls with the long-held hurt of abandonment that has heretofore tainted them. Enter True, the warm and friendly manager of his grandmother’s tavern, a woman who also knows parental absence (though on a decidedly different level than Xavier) and is raising her precocious little brother Jaylen alone. There is instant heat between Xavier and True (and not just from the ghost peppers), and their romance is sweet & swoony & a little sassy (which I love). My absolute favorite scenes in this book though are the ones between True and Jaylen. They have such an endearing and affirming sibling relationship, and Jaylen’s sense of humor had me cracking up!

Bottom Line: Falling for Alaska may kick off a brand new series and story world for this author, but thanks to Belle Calhoune’s solid sense of place and character development skills you feel right at home from the very beginning. The necessary establishing details and character backstories are woven seamlessly into the engaging narrative, making us care immediately about these Stone brothers, their feisty grandmother, True and her little brother Jaylen, and a host of other supporting characters – all without bogging the reader down with information dumps that slow down some series starters. I very much enjoyed the author’s writing voice, the swoonilicious romance, and all of the delightful & diverse characters, making me eager to continue the series and see who gets to fall in love next!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

Get ready for a sweet little romance set in rural Alaska between one of the prodigal grandsons of the town's matriarch and the spunky local restaurant owner. While they clash, there are also smoldering looks and sizzles between True and Xavier. Nothing offense, just a good old-fashioned small town romance to enjoy. A quick read, I enjoyed it in an afternoon. I can see this as part of a series where at least two more stories to cover the other brothers finding love. Many thanks to #netgalley #fallingforalaska #bellecalhoune for the opportunity to read this book.

This book dropped me right into Moose Falls. I loved the small town setting. This book was a little bit sweeter of a book than I’m used to, but I did enjoy it! This book had good character growth and chemistry between True and Xavier. It was well written with good conflict. This was a new author for me and I’d definitely read the next one. Huge thanks to Forever and Netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book.

Not gonna lie, I fell in love with the cover first! Then the setting , Alaska – I lived there for 2 years and it will always hold a special place in my heart.

This story follows Xavier & True, both of them faced obstacles growing up that wasn’t easy. Xavier and his 2 brothers return to Moose Falls to help their ailing grandmother run the family business, but there are conditions…staying in Moose Falls for a year, working with their very absent father

I loved watching the relationship between Xavier & True develop, their chemistry, creating new memories and their individual growth. Their romance was incredibly sweet and the family element of this book was such an important part of the storyline and I just adored it . There were so MANY wonderful aspects of this book ; choosing happiness, family ,rebuilding relationships , not running away from difficult things, all of that and so much more truly made me just LOVE this book . It was a true inspiration.

I loved the characters, the storyline, the location and best of all it gave me a chance to read a beautiful book by an author that was new to me . I will definitely be reading more of her backlist

Thank you @readforeverpub& @netgalley for a copy of this e-arc.

This story was like a nice warm hug on a cold winter's day. I was immediately transported to Moose Falls, Alaska where everyone knows everyone.

True Everett is a hard worker who is wholly focused on two things in her life. One is doing her best to properly manage Northern Exposure, the tavern where she is employed. Secondly, she wants to raise her brother in a good home environment and give him her best. She has been raising her brother since her parents' death six years ago. He is her world. Her mentor is the owner of the tavern, Hattie Stone. True's dream is to buy the tavern from Hattie. Hattie is terminally ill and wants nothing more than reunite with her grandsons who left with their mother many years ago. She also wants to repair their relationship with their father.

When the Stone boys come to town, everyone knows they are present. One is an ex-NFL player, another a reality television star and the other one is a science nerd. Xavier a/k/a The Storm on the football field is a commanding presence in the room. He is immediately drawn to True. When he challenges her hot wings contest, she gets the last laugh. So begins a flirtation.

You have plenty of swoony moments and some witty moments as well. Grandma Hattie was my favorite character. She knew she was unwell, but she was still living life to its fullest. She had such a loving and giving spirit. This is a charming love story in an intoxicating setting that will leave an impression on your heart. Reading this book made me want to visit Alaska in all its beauty. Romance lovers will devour this book.

Thank you to Forever Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving my review voluntarily.

Falling for Alaska is the first book in the Moose Falls series by Belle Calhoune, and I can’t wait to be back. There are a lot of characters, all of whom have their own stories, and all have such depth. Several stories are interweaved throughout as we learn how things in the character’s past have shaped their lives and futures. But make no mistake—we’re only scratching the surface.

There is a good flow to the story, as the prologue sets the stage for how Xavier and his brothers’ lives move forward after they leave Alaska with their mom. But when they return twenty years later at their grandmother’s request after being estranged for many years, the story really takes off.

This book focuses on True and Xavier and has many emotions as they learn how to communicate and own their feelings.

The descriptions of Alaska, its businesses, people, and homes transported me there. True’s tour for Xavier of her favorite places was heartwarming and enlightening. I loved the inclusion of True’s brother, who adds another layer to the story but shows us their bond as she’s raised him since the death of their parents.

Xavier’s brothers, grandmother, and dad take the story to another level, rich with camaraderie, understanding, friendship, and love. The story has some closure, but it ended abruptly. I can’t wait to return to this small town and see how their lives turn out and how their relationships strengthen.

Falling for Alaska is rich with descriptions of small-town living and familial relationships. Sit back in front of the fireplace as you get to know each character and their role in the story!

I rated the book 4.5 stars but rounded to 5 stars here and on other sites.

Cute and cozy! Definitely pick this up if you want to experience a small-town hate-to-love romance.

Thank you Netgalley and publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Falling for Alaska Review
Thank you so much to @netgalley and @readforeverpub for this eARC! This sweet romance book comes out this Tuesday, so be sure to check it out!

I have read Calhoune’s work before and loved it, so I was super hype to read her next book. I find the romance genre to be quite white, so I love reading more diverse authors in the genre! Calhoune writes such beautiful Black love stories that are just full of so much joy and brilliance! I love books where characters just are. Their looks are just their looks and the stories aren’t revolving around it, which is so great. When I read romance, I just want a happy ending and a predictable love story to escape into, and this one is no exception.

I loved True and Xavier for their determination and fighting spirit. They both have big dreams and they go after them with their whole hearts. Both our main characters have been burned in the past, but that isn’t used to overdramatize the book, which I personally appreciate. I love emotionally mature characters and these ones were just that!

I loved the setting of a small town in Alaska and the sense of community within the story. I am a huge snow fan, so being in a snowy winter place was lovely.

This book isn’t overly dramatic and I actually really enjoyed just reading two people falling in love.

Overall, I loved this book and will always highly recommend Calhoune’s books. Black love and joy needs so much more representation in the romance genre, in my opinion, and books in general too.

A story set in Alaska with a strong female character, count me in. The Stone brothers return to Moose Falls Alaska to help their ailing grandmother who they haven't been in touch in years. Xavier is hesitant to be back to see their father since the mom and her brothers moved to Arizona when they were kids. True runs the local tavern that is owned by the Xavier's grandmother. The two are instantly attracted to each other and starts doing things together and both had to grow up way too soon and have a lot in common. I enjoyed seeing both of their growth journey. The romance was sweet and I look forward to reading about the other 2 brothers' story.

Thank you @readforeverpub @netgalley for a copy of this book.

The Stone brothers have been away from the birth homeland in Moose Falls Alaska for twenty years. Xavier is the oldest of the Stone brothers and a former NFL player for the Arizona Cardinals loses his career to an injury and his fiancé to his best friend. Caleb the middle brother was somewhat of a reality star when his career took a wrong turn. Landon is the younger brother and a scientist who was fired from his position for being accused of falsifying data. At the request of their dying grandmother Hattie who owns the local bar Northern Exposure and Yukon Cider the trio of brothers along with their estranged father Red returns to Moose Falls Alaska. The Stone brothers could use a change of scenery returning to Moose Falls. True is a native of Moose Falls and after the death of her parents she is the sole provider and guardian of her younger brother Jaylen who is a child prodigy and a big fan of the former NFL superstar Xavier Stone known as the Storm. True is the Manager of Northern Exposure handling the day-to-day operations. When the Stone brothers return to Alaska everyone is happy to see the trio. There is a bittersweet reunion with their father Red with the foursome keeping their distance. Hattie has stipulations set in place for Xavier, Caleb and Landon they must stay in Moose Falls for one year and make amends with their father Red. After they spend a year in Moose Falls the trio can sell Northern Exposure and Yukon Cider if they choose to. For True and Xavier there is an instant attraction. As True and Xavier are moving forward with their romantic relationship there are obstacles in their way with them both being hurt in previously relationships and having trust issues. Xavier is dealing with wanting to get back into the NFL limelight as a commentator. Misunderstanding occur and Xavier and True must find their way back to each other.

As the story continues secrets are revealed and the brothers are learning the reason for the disconnect from their father Red. With Caleb and Landon, the two younger Stone brothers I hope that Belle Calhoune writes a book about them.

I received an ARC via NetGalley and Forever Grand Central Publishing Forever I am leaving my review voluntarily.

Former pro-football player Xavier returns to his Alaskan hometown to help run his grandmother’s cider company and gastro pub. Dealing with family issues and confronting his past, Xavier clashes with True, the woman managing his grandmother’s restaurant. Though determined not to let Xavier jeopardize her dreams, True comes to see a different side of him. Will Xavier’s true self win over True’s heart?

This heartwarming small-town romance has a loveable cast of characters. The story is engrossing from start to finish. Xavier and True have challenges, but they work to build a future together.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

I am so glad that I chose to finish “Falling For Alaska”! It took me a while to get into the story. Once I did though, I couldn’t stop reading because I needed to know if Xavier and True were going to end up together or if their struggles from their past were going to push them apart. This reminds me of a Hallmark movie (and needs to become one for sure), and I love how Belle Calhoune creates a simple small town romance with characters that almost all readers can connect to at least one. I will be recommending this book to my book club when it is published and most definitely will be reading it again.

Rating: 3.5 ⭐️
Pub Date: March 26, 2024
How I Read It:📱

Synopsis
True runs the local tavern, Northern Exposure, and it’s her dream to one day own it, but famous football player Xavier has just arrived to Moose Falls, a small Alaskan town, and he’s the owner’s Grandson. Xavier has been given the choice to either take over operations of his grandmother’s businesses or sell them. Can True get along with Xavier? Will he crush her dreams of one day owning the tavern? Has all her hard work and commitment been for nothing? Can she somehow convince the owner Hattie to sell the tavern to her?

My Thoughts
This was a cute book that deals with family issues, past trauma, and feel good moments where friends and family come together for somebody they love. The book takes place in cold and picturesque Alaska, mostly in a tavern, but incorporates fun aspects of Alaska such as ice skating and mushing.

Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a quick feel good read based in a small town (think Hallmark Movie), this is a very sweet story that’s worth a read. It will bring a few smiles to your face!

Of Note
📝 If you’re looking for a clean love story, there’s no spice, so it’s a good choice.
📝 Deals with death / terminal illness.

Tropes & Themes
💛 Small Town Romance
💛 Family Drama
💛 Famous Athlete / Small Town Girl

Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing), and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book!

This is likely a case that it’s the reader not the book. I’m not sure what I hoping for when I said yes to reading “Falling for Alaska.” Like others have mentioned, it’s a ready-made Hallmark movie. Those are not typically the genre of books I enjoy, hence my first comment. There wasn’t much character development. Some of the choices and behaviors of the characters were maddening.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
Falling for Alaska is the first in Belle Calhoune’s new small-town romance series, Moose Falls, Alaska. As anticipated, there’s nice cozy community vibes, and I can’t wait to get to know the town and its people more in future books. And while I haven’t been to Alaska before, I loved getting a feel for the setting through the book.
The leads embody fairly standard archetypes of small-town vs. big-city, but Calhoune imbues them with her own charm. True has had to take on a lot of responsibilities, raising her younger brother since her parents died six years ago, and she’s very no-nonsense and practical. I admired her for her professional drive, wanting to take ownership of Northern Exposure after years of hard work. Xavier, meanwhile, is from Moose Falls, and left to pursue a career in the NFL, only to come back to assist his terminally ill grandmother and brothers (plus, unbeknownst to them, their estranged father) to help with his grandmother’s cider company and gastro pub.
Both leads have compelling arcs, navigating their different family situations, not to mention baggage from issues in previous relationships. While the situation at the outset means they start off butting heads, they end up bonding over their shared experiences as older siblings. While their respective trust issues do play a role in causing drama, especially on his part, with him being unsure if he can trust her due to his status as an NFL player, the romance comes together in a sweet way.
This was a sweet, heartwarming read, and I’d recommend it to readers looking for a low-steam small-town romance.

Falling for Alaska was such a cute book! This is my first read from Belle Calhoune and I will definitely be reading more of her books. Falling for Alaska is about a lady named True who lives in Moose Falls Alaska and she works at a tavern in town that is really important to her. She ends up falling for a man named Xavier who ends up coming back to the town with with two other brothers. The town is also where they grew up as well. During the story, you learn about both of their families and how True and Xavier were raised and the hardships they both went through. Xavier's grandmother has a terminal illness and is not doing very well. It is a beautifully written story about love, laughter, family and what really matters in life. True also takes care of her younger brother who absolutely loves Xavier and looks up to him because he is a famous sports player. Just learning about Alaska and imagining the scenery was absolutely beautiful! I would definitely recommend this book as it is a light read and it will make you laugh in some areas of the book.

A sweet story about two damaged people who want the same thing- a tavern owned by Xavier's grandmother Hattie. True has been managing it and wants to buy it but Xavier, along with his brothers, has come back to Moose Falls. He's a former football player who never expected to be in this position or to fall for True. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This might be a a little trope-y and Hallmark movie like but it's a light enjoyable read with good characters.

✨ Publication date: March 26, 2024✨

Falling for Alaska is a closed door romance and the first in a new series by Belle Calhoune.

Xavier Stone left Moose Falls Alaska as a child. His mother packed up Xavier and his two younger brothers and fled the unhappy marriage she was stuck in. After relocating to Arizona, Xavier thought he would never set foot in Alaska again.

After a concussion injury that ended his professional football career and engagement, Xavier jumps at the chance to reunite with his grandmother, the matriarch of the Stone family and creator of Yukon Cider. After a terminal illness diagnosis, she calls her grandsons home to take over the family business.

True Everett is the bar manager of Northern Exposure, a sister of Yukon Cider. True’s dream is to eventually own the bar but when Xavier Stone the hotshot football player comes to town to claim his inheritance, she’s not as impressed as everyone else in Moose Falls.

As True and Xavier get to know each other, they experience definite chemistry. Both of them have experienced immense loss and have trust issues. Can they see beyond their past hurst or will they come together to heal and create a future.

This was a cute closed door romance. I liked Xavier and True’s connection and loved the Alaskan backdrop. This is a 3.5 star for me and I’ll be picking up the rest of the series when it becomes available!!

Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

#NetGalley #bellecalhoune #fallingforAlaska