This wasn’t bad, but it honestly wasn’t for me. The main girl really annoyed me throughout the book and I felt like she didn’t grow, which is something I believe is super important.

Off the Beaten Path was my first introduction to Madison's writing and I must admit I was a bit surprised how well I took it in. With new authors on NetGalley you often play the long game, meaning the first few chapters are a bit rocky to read. I felt a bit this way about Wren and Holden's story but persistence was the key, as the small town and the gruff main character were guiding me into a tender and lovely love story.I enjoyed how it wasn't rushed - the pacing provides the perfect cozy fall read type of book for me. I also liked that there was no added drama just for the sake of it! The main characters knew each other passingly as they were neighbours, but started to know each other by chance, online. This element made the book modern with a hint of nostalgic notions of the 90's romcoms!I'd definitely recommend checking it out!

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy! I just couldn't get in the mood for this one, but I do love this author!

I wasn’t a huge fan of this. It was cute for what it was, and would recommend if you’re looking for a cute romance.

This was a super wholesome and cosy read. The characters are incredibly developed, you can’t help but get attached and this must be one of the sweetest grumpy/sunshine romances I’ve ever read. There was no 3rd act drama (in relation to the couple) which I found really refreshing. This is the perfect book for anyone who loves a romance but wants less of the drama.

I absolutely love every single book Madison comes out with, and this one was no different. i absolutely adored this book and how cozy it was. i loved both of the main characters so much and loved their romance. will 100% be reading all her future books and recommend it to so many!

Off the Beaten Path by Madison Wright
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Wren is working on renovating a cabin, while organizing a charity auction, and terrorizing her grumpy next door neighbor. Holden is a single dad to his little girl and is NOT INTERESTED in a relationship right now. So he is really annoyed that his sister signed him up on a dating app.
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What I liked:
-The Grumpy/Sunshine trope was to DIE FOR in this story. Wren cracked me up with her antics and sassy remarks to Holden.
-Add a smidgen of fake dating: YES PLEASE.
-I loved when Wren and June spent time together and Wren did her hair. MY HEART.
-I am not sure I can count the amount of times I teared up at this book. It was full of all the feels, and I loved every minute of it.
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4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 Any fan of rom-coms will want to add this to their list.

Off the Beaten Path by Madison Wright is a beautifully crafted, emotional novel about personal growth, healing, and finding love in unexpected places. The story follows a protagonist on a solo road trip, seeking to escape the weight of the past and discover who they truly are. Wright's writing is evocative and immersive, with a slow-burn romance that develops naturally and a poignant exploration of self-discovery. The setting and secondary characters add depth, and the themes of healing and second chances resonate deeply. A heartfelt and inspiring read that will stay with you long after you’ve finished it. Highly recommended!

4⭐️

Such a cozy read. It’s a small town, forced proximity romance between a single dad and his neighbor.

I had so much fun reading it and the romance was just perfect.

This was my first book to read by author Madison Wrig and likely won't be my last. I can truly say that I enjoy her style of writing. It is a really wonderful and well written rom com. I enjoyed the small-town vibes and grumpy x sunshine dynamic. It would be perfect to cozy up with on a fall or winter day for a quick read, Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc to review. All opinions are my own.

I love these characters and this town with my whole heart. They mean everything to me and are always in my heart and mind. I want to open up the pages and go back to Fontana Ridge over and over again.

I really enjoyed this book! Wright has a writing style that automatically pulls you in and doesn't let you go easily.

Good heavens I could not put this book down, I LOVED IT so MUCH. It's that perfect level of sexy without being spicy. That reallll good sweet spot where gosh dang those kissing scenes were fire. FIRE. And I absolutely adored that this was dual POV. I loved both Holden and Wren. They were this beautiful blend of messy and heartfelt and human. And June? Are you kidding me. Loved her too.
The new little family they built MELTED MY COLD HEART.
And I loved the setting. I'm really into the mountain and woods and all things rainy and foresty. I must go cozy up in my own cabin now. This had the best small town vibes. No overwhelming drama, just some quirky side characters and antics but also how they all came together?! I can't. Like I said, this book got me in the feels good.

Absolutely loved this book! So cozy and romantic. I immediately checked out the author’s other books because it was over way too soon!

What a cozy book! "Off the Beaten Path" by Madison Wright is a heartwarming, sweet romance meant to carry readers through unexpected connections and second chances. Wren Daniels and Holden Blankenship were two amazingly constructed characters that spilled off the page because of how real and deep they are.

These are among the real strengths of this novel: to portray the slow-burning romance between Wren and Holden. The tension and real chemistry built by Wright for these two characters let their relationship unfold organically. Their banter is quick-witted and endearing as one watches them through the minefield of a budding connection.

Besides, all of Wright's depictions of small-town life are threaded with such richness and texture to the narrative that they form a great vivid backdrop for Wren's and Holden's blossoming romance. From cabin renovations steeped in charm to any of the community events, gatherings, or get-togethers, the setting comes alive as it is very inviting to readers.

More than this, however, some very strong themes of friendship, family, and second chances ring quite soundly throughout the novel and give this storyline deeper, more profound emotional resonance. It is heartwarming and inspiring to watch Wren and Holden's journey toward healing their wounds and finding happiness; it leaves an EGA with a hopeful, optimistic feel.

In a nutshell, "Off the Beaten Path" is a sweetly done love story that exudes warmth, is full of humor, and at the same time, poignancy. Madison Wright has woven an intimate tale that will keep readers engaged through and through, making it definitely a must-have read in the collection of any contemporary romance lover.

Well that was everything I needed and more!!! What a sweet romance filled with great tension and a love story I absolutely wanted to root for!!!

This book has my heart, Madison Wright did small town and sunshine x grumpy love story right! We love and adore Wren and Holden, their story has all the tropes, but it all made sense, we got a Sweet and Sunny FMC and a Grumpy and single dad MMC, like what more could we want, but add a mix of fake dating, forced proximity, enemies to lover and slow burn. It was all just so cute. We also got the cutest and sweetest lil girl named June who brought the story of Wren and Holden together in the most perfect way. They had chemistry and tension that left you swooning for more. I can not wait to see what Madison bring to us next, and we are going back and making sure to read all of her books!

Thank you Madison Wright and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this beautiful story.

4 stars! ⭐️

This was SO cute!! The cozy small town vibes were adorable and I was rooting for a happy ending for Wren, Holden & June from the start! Wren’s relationship with June was one of my most favorite parts of this book!

✨ single dad
✨ grumpy sunshine
✨ small town
✨ neighbors
✨ a little bit of fake dating

I’m so looking forward to more of this town & series from Madison Wright!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

*Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

I actually loved this small-town grumpy/sunshine romance. The main characters were fun; though I can see people potentially being annoyed by Wren, with her constantly ribbing Holden and just generally being extremely chipper. But I enjoyed their dynamic and the development of their friendship and consequent relationship.
There was tension without it becoming drama, which I appreciated. And the kid was fun. She seemed to act her age and was in the story the perfect amount for a single parent romance.
Overall, I highly recommend, but particularly for those who like a small town romance, a single dad romance, or a romance without too much drama.

"Mine to protect, mine to cherish, mine to serve, mine to take care of. Mine to love."


so cute and wholesome 🥺🎀

a grumpy single dad and his annoying prankish sunshine neighbour 👩‍❤️‍👨 the vibes are really cozy and I loved the community in the town! the mountain setting was perfect for the characters and might I add that the side characters are all really fun and not "included to fill in the main characters' lives" 🤐 I still wish we saw more of Wren's personal life as in her family etc as we get to see and know a lot of Holden's family (which does make sense)


"You don't have to ask to touch me."


Closed door so don't get your hopes up, when I say wholesome I do mean sweet and nice, there's no spice here though some kissing scenes turn the heat just a little bit up 🤠


"Yeah, Wren, I'd do it.' I'm beginning to wonder I'd there's anything I wouldn't do if she looks at me like that."


[review posted on goodreads]