This is a story of finding love unexpectedly, family ties and loyalties, letting go of the past and being open to new possibilities. It is a sweet, sometimes emotional book with a bit of soul searching. Xavier and True have both had more than enough pain in their pasts and have assumed a burden of responsibility for their siblings. Neither expected the sparks between them or to want more than friendship from each other. Perhaps his grandmother has something more than a reunion with her grandsons in mind.

Xavier left Alaska with his Mom and siblings after his parents divorced. He eventually built a future that supports his siblings, mom and himself as a pro football player. Now he has left his career behind and his life is a bit of a mess. He has been called back to Alaska with his siblings to help his terminally ill grandmother with her businesses. Alaska holds painful memories for him, memories of a broken family and emotional devastation. He doesn’t want to be back, but for his grandmother and family, he will do anything he can to ease their way, even if he does have another secret motive. Getting to spend time with his brothers and grandmother is a good thing though. Xavier didn’t count on working with his estranged father or the winsome True who sparks something deep within him he is not ready to acknowledge.

True has been managing his grandmother’s restaurant with the hope of one day being able to buy it. But that dream seems to be a dead end when Xavier and his siblings show up. She can’t blame Hattie for wanting her life’s work to go to family though. True can see that he doesn’t want to be there, but she can also sense some underlying pain. She is also aware of her attraction to him and does her best to keep it hidden and under control. He and his brothers hold her future in their hands and she is a tad resentful and scared of that fact. Besides, the last thing True needs is a relationship when her life is already far too busy with raising her much younger brother and managing the restaurant. Xavier wouldn’t want an ordinary girl like her anyway, especially one that comes with a child, when he is used to having beautiful women swarm him. She already had her heart broken by her ex and isn’t looking for more heartbreak.

The rest of their story gives readers some insight into their pasts, their rather tangled emotions and inner thoughts. Family dynamics and loyalties play a big part in their story as does Alaska itself. Hattie is quite the character and certainly keeps everyone on their toes. I found this book to be fascinating and entertaining. I am looking forward to reading the books featuring Xavier’s brothers. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good, sweet romance with some angst to make it more interesting.

This was a nice story about changing your circumstances. Xavier had a rough start when he was taken from his hometown in Alaska to grow up miles away. And True had to become an adult overnight to raise her brother when her parents were lost. Both main characters were well developed and it was easy to root for them, even if this felt a little predictable the whole time. I wanted a little bit more substance from the story, maybe more revelations from Hattie, the long lost grandmother. But it was a quick, sweet romance, and if you like a good Hallmark movie, you’ll enjoy this read.

I really loved Falling for Alaska. You could say I fell for it. Haha. I loved reading about the main characters as they tried to navigate issues/life choices that might have kept them apart, but in the end they found a way. I really liked Small Town Alaska and the people who live there. Everyone I've met so far has an interesting story to tell. I'm looking for forward for the next books. I'm assuming we have at least 2 more since Xavier has two younger brothers. I'm hoping we find out more about what happened between their mom and dad. It was definitely a quick read for me and one that brought tears and happy smiles to my face. The characters will really draw you in. It was all in all a beautiful love story. I was given a copy, but all opinions are my very own.

Oof! If you want a cheesy, predictable, (sort of, not really) enemies to lovers, athlete falls for the "no one" girl - this is a book for you! It's a Hallmark movie in book form. I requested this one because my family is from Alaska (Homer and I loved that it was mentioned in the book) so I was partial to it from the beginning, buuut upon starting the book, I knew that it was going to be tough to get through (hence why it took me an entire week to read it). Tons of corny, "hip" terms that I could get past. Was the story cute? Sure. Did I enjoy the characters? Mostly. Would I recommend it to reader friends. Nooo.

Thank you to the author, Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Xavier and True don't meet under the best of circumstances. He and his 2 younger brother's have returned to Alaska after a 20 year lapse because his paternal grandmother is dying. She owns the tavern True manages and True thinks he's there to take over and plays a dirty truck on him.

As the story unfolds the reader discovers Xavier's and True's family histories that have shaped their lives . Can the retired pro football player and the local tavern manager be successful in love? Or will the past affect the future? A wonderful story of truth, love dreams and commitment

Although I received a free ARC eBook from Net Galley and the publisher, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

New series!

Loved the setting, Alaska is a place I would like to visit. Liked the clean, sweet vibe mixed with obvious undertones. Enjoyed Xavier’s brothers and the relationship they shared. The back/forth between True and Xavier helped to build the relationship. Fans of small town, sweet romance will enjoy this book.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book but my opinions are my own.

Falling For Alaska ⭐⭐⭐⭐ by Belle Calhoun
Release Date March 26, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC

3 Brothers return back to Alaska after 20 Years to inherit their grandmother's Cider business. But they must live and work the business for a year before they are able to sell. Which is what they plan to do, as they need the money and want to leave Alaska. Read this sweet love story to find out if they success in selling the business. You will be surprised at the journey.

Book 1 of this new series by Belle excited to read the next book. Hope you are too.

4 stars

Xavier Stone faces a series of tough choices, leaving behind both an ex-girlfriend and a professional football career to heed his grandmother's call in Moose Falls, Alaska. With her diagnosis of terminal cancer, she needs help managing her cider company and gastro pub, where Xavier joins his brothers. Little do they know, their absentee father is also part of the plan. Meanwhile, True Everett, focused on caring for her younger brother since their parents' passing, has no time for distractions, especially from a charming football player. As Xavier navigates his new surroundings, will he succumb to the allure of Alaska? Dive into the story to uncover the answer!

Let me tell you about this gem of a book I stumbled upon! 'Falling for Alaska' ticks all the boxes for a sweet and swoon-worthy read, and bonus points for being a clean romance. Set against the stunning backdrop of Alaska, it's like the icing on the cake for me. Xavier and True's budding romance had me grinning from ear to ear. They just fit together so perfectly! I adored how True helped Xavier discover the beauty of Alaska and create new memories together. Their support for each other's dreams and happiness was heartwarming. And let's not forget the family element woven into the story - it added such depth and warmth. Overall, it was a cute, easy read that left me with a big smile on my face. Plus, the setting in Alaska? Absolutely delightful! It made the whole experience even more enjoyable!

Welcome to Moose Falls, Alaska, home of the famous Yukon Cider…the reason the three Stone brothers have come to town.
Hattie Stone, creator and founder of the company, wants to reconnect with her grandsons. Here for a year, the brothers will learn the business, spend time with their granny…and confront the father who abandoned them decades before.
Xavier Stone is the oldest. A football star not only haunted by the memories of his past, but he’s dealing with recent hits, both physical and emotional.
True Everett manages one of Hattie’s businesses, the local tavern, and dreams of owning it herself someday. She’s a hard worker with a big heart, also raising her young brother since their parents’ deaths seven years ago.
Sparks fly when they meet, but each of their histories has made them build huge walls around their hearts. As they spend time together, is it possible for the walls to be taken down, brick by brick, or is each wall just too cemented from the hurts of the past?
Find out in this amazing new first-in-a-series by author Belle Calhoune! Plus Falling for Alaska has my favorite…an epilogue!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but my opinion is entirely my own.

This book kicked off as possibly the thirstiest thing I have ever read all while not being a spicy book? It was cute and cheesy and low stakes. It was like a sweet Hallmark movie except the leads kept eye-banging each other in almost every scene. True, female MC, works at a tavern that is owned by her dear friend Hattie and that True hopes to own someday. Xavier, male MC, is a has-been football player who is recovering from his career-ending injuries. He also happens to be Hattie’s oldest grandson who, along with his brothers, was summoned to the small town in Alaska they were born in. Hattie has a terminal illness and she wants her grandsons to learn her cider business so they can take it over. True doesn’t know what is the agreement with Hattie and her grandsons for business takeover, Hattie's son Red bailed on the boys when they were little and is the reason they moved away, and every one of them has to play nice and work together while the future of Hattie’s businesses unfold. This is a good book if you like slow plot, flirtatious interactions, respectful dating with (lightly) dirty internal monologue, and family (found and blood) drama.

Oh man. I just came off a series of books situated in Alaska, so I was kind of on that kick, and was more hopeful for this.
This novel, however, was not my style of read. Was quite predictable, with no real depth in anything.

Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and Netgalley for the chance to read this ARC.

Just a wonderful sweet small town romance that has Hallmark movie written all over it.. First of a series of three Stone brothers reconnecting with their former life and their estranged father’s due to the demands of their grandmother. Hattie Stone is a matriarch who is dying and her wishes are to see her grandsons and son reunite. Xavier Stone is the oldest who was a famous NFL player that career ended suddenly due to an injury. Also heartbroken over his fiancée who cheated with his best friend and fellow teammate, plus broke from the life style he was living. Seems like a year away from the drama and being with his brothers was kismet. He left Moose Falls, AK with his mother and brothers when his parents divorced at the age of nine. Now 20 years later the memories he blocked are returning and there are many happy memories, but also lots of questions.
True is manager of Northern Exposure, the local tavern but more on the upside. She also is guardian of her 9 year old brother, both are the joy and soul purpose of her life. Hoping to buy one day the tavern, but Hattie grandsons are coming to town. Will they inherit and sell or would they take over and she is out of a job? Having a chip on her shoulder she plays a mean trick on Xavier, but he isn’t what she expected.
I don’t think I ever laughed so hard at the beginning of a book. I so enjoyed the story and can’t wait to see which brother is next. Thank you NetGalley for this eARC. I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advance Reader Copy of this story. #NetGalley #FallingForAlaska

I enjoyed reading this first story set in Moose Falls, Alaska. The storyline was very intriguing. This story revolves around Xavier Stone, former Pro Footballer, and True Everett, the manager of a popular tavern in Moose Falls. The backstory for the hero includes Xavier’s two brothers, Landon and Caleb, and the childhood trauma that catches up with them in Moose Falls. Taking center stage in this family drama is the Matriarch, Hattie Stone who brings the brothers and their wayward father together.
I enjoyed this story . It was about family and healing, and love. I’m looking forward to reading more stories set in Moose Falls with the remaining brothers, Caleb and Landon. The romantic journey between True and Xavier was heart warming. I recommend FALLING FOR ALASKA for your reading pleasure

This was my first Belle Calhoun book, but it won’t be my last. I loved the story, the relatable characters, and the beautiful Alaskan backdrop. I love the way Calhoun writes!

I’ve loved other books I’ve read by Belle Calhoune, so when I saw she had a new book coming out, I was excited. She writes the sweetest small-town romances. Falling for Alaska is the first book in a new series- Moose Falls, Alaska.

I really enjoyed this cute romance. I loved the small town of Moose Falls and all the great side characters. I loved all the references to beautiful setting of Alaska.

True and Xavier were cute together. They had great banter and I really enjoyed getting to have both characters POV. They were an easy couple to invest in. I liked how they were both able to discover what was most important in their lives.

If you like small town, sweet wholesome romances, then I recommend checking out this book!

Book Review: Falling for Alaska…. Moose Falls Alaska #1
Stars: 4 X 5
Author: Belle Calhoune @bellecalhoune
Publisher: Forever @readforeverpub
Thank you to @netgalley for this ARC.

True Everett lives and works in Alaska. She also manages a small tavern/cafe. True has been caring for her young brother since her parents past. She knows everyone in town and is loved by everyone.

Xavier is a former pro football player. Xavier also took on the male role model for his two younger brothers after his parent’s divorce and his father moved away. For Xavier and his brother they have been called back to Moose Falls to the home of their beloved Grandmother. Unfortunately for the trio their grandma has cancer and she needs help running the family business. Plus she has an ulterior motive as she wants the the boys to get to know their father. Xavier is not happy about being in Alaska but he will do anything for his beloved Grandma.

The moment Xavier walked into True‘s cafe she fell for him but she needed to be cautious as she has had her heart broken in the past. Xavier also noticed True but he is not looking for any relationships as his fiancé broke up with him just before he headed to Alaska and his heart needs to heal. Xavier also doesn’t want to stay in Alaska he want to go back to the lower states. This it going to be hard because True and Xavier’s paths keep crossing but whose wouldn’t in a small town. It is evident there is chemistry between them but will they act upon it?

There is a bit of family drama to navigate and so many complicated relationships exist. True an Xavier will need to learn to trust again and be willing to open the hearts if they want to give this a go. This is going to be a wonderful new series to keep an eye out for and read. Plus I love Alaska!!

#FallingForAlaska #AlaskaAdventures #AlaskaLovers #DiscoverAlaska #ExploreAlaska #AlaskaDreaming #AlaskaBeauty #AlaskaJourney #RomanceReads #BookLoveAffair #SwoonWorthyNovels #LoveStoryTales #HeartfeltReads #book #booknerd #booklover #bookreview #bookstagram #bookrecommendations #bookaddict #FictionalRomance #EpicLoveBooks #AlaskaVibes

This was a good clean romance set in Alaska. When 3 brothers return to Alaska to learn the family business from their estranged dying grandmother, the oldest begins to fall for a local girl. I enjoyed watching them figure out their lives and get the hea.

Falling for Alaska by Belle Calhoune
Don't miss the first trip to Moose Falls, Alaska where a down-on-his-luck football player and a sassy restaurant owner find themselves going from enemies to lovers in this small-town romance — perfect for fans of Brenda Novak and Annie Rains!
A small-town restaurateur and a big city former football player go head-to-head in this heartfelt enemies-to-lovers romance . . .
As the oldest of three brothers, former pro-football player Xavier Stone is no stranger to making tough calls. Like returning to his small hometown of Moose Falls, Alaska to help run his grandmother’s hard cider company and gastro pub. He agrees to keep an open mind, but between working with his estranged father and confronting heavy childhood memories with his brothers, Xavier’s ready to rush back to civilization. Even the stunning woman who runs his grandmother’s restaurant seems to instantly dislike him . . .
True Everett knows better than to let a ridiculously handsome man distract her, especially when it’s the same guy who stands between her and owning Northern Exposure, the tavern she manages. She didn’t pour her soul into the restaurant just for Xavier to swoop in and snatch away her dreams. But amid all the barbs—and, fine . . . all the sparks—flying, True glimpses the man beneath the swagger. That version of Xavier, the real one, might just steal True’s heart.
This is Xavier Stone and grandmother’s story.
This is True Everett’s story.
“Hi there. Can I put in an order over here? The dining area is pretty packed.”
“Of course. What can I get you?” True asked.
“Great. I’ll do a salmon burger with coleslaw and rosemary fries,” he said. “And let me have two Yukon Ciders. Apple crisp and wild berry. Please.”
“Sure thing. The food will be ready in fifteen minutes or so.” She pointed at a spot in the distance. “There’s a spot that just freed up over by the pool table. We’ll bring your drinks right over.”
The moment tall, dark, and handsome walked into Northern Exposure, True Everett’s stomach lurched as if she’d taken a ride on the Tilt-A-Whirl at the carnival. The last time she had gone on that particular thrill ride, True had been twelve years old and eager for excitement. At twenty-eight years old, she knew better than to look for adventure in a good-looking man. Been there, done that. Having her heart smashed into little pieces had taught her a huge life lesson. She was never going down that road again.
I recommend this book.
Falling for Alaska by Belle Calhoune is a 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Belle Calhoune.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

The Stone brothers are returning to Moose Falls after being away for years. When their parents divorced, they left town and never returned. Xavier is the oldest and has lost his career in the NFL due to an injury. His fiancé also left him for his best friend.
True has been running the local tavern and is determined not to get involved with him. The Stone brothers are here due to the declining health of their grandmother. They can inherit her business if they will just live there and work at the cider plant for 1 year. Xavier is smitten with True from the 1st meeting.
Well written and held my attention and can't wait for the next Stone brother's book.

A sweet romance set in small town Alaska. When Xavier and his two brothers come back to Alaska they are told they have to stay a year if they want to inherit the family company. With their lovable grandmother dying with illness, it is hard, plus working with their dad who left the family high and dry. Meeting True (found this name odd, and confusing), sparks fly and a romance is born. Expect stories to come for the other two brothers and look forward to reading them too. Would recommend.