3.5 stars

I thought this was a cute, small-town romance. The main characters were easy to connect with

Hi, friends. This book was so important to me in a lot of ways, and I hope you love Wren and Holden as much as I do. They’re cozy and tender and they were an absolute joy to write. Welcome to Fontana Ridge! 🤎

You can expect:
• grumpy/sunshine
• single dad
• you’ve got mail
• forced proximity
• a little splash of fake dating
• nicknames
• small town charm
• no third act breakup

“Off the Beaten Path” is a cozy short book for the hard days in real life. Wholesome and heartwarming story, single dad meets his online love interest in person, but it turns out that the woman he was falling was actually his noisy neighbor.

The writing style is fast-paced, detailed but yet interesting. Madison Wright knows how to capture your attention. Once open, you can finish the book in just a few hours.

The characters are well written with a past, not experienced toxic traumas but have their demons and fears.
Wren is a ball of sunshine, not-so-desperate-for-love, but deep down craving it, she is likeable, sassy and caring.
Holden is almost the exact opposite, grumpy dad with cheerful daughter trying to do his best in life.

The relationship between them is well developed, first enemies but slowing moving to lovers, they grow up the childish behaviour and become more aware of their feelings. The dynamic is good and so fun to read about.

The story itself was cute and peaceful, there was not a major dramatic moment which I liked. Sometimes we need a story full of coziness and happy fallings in loves. This is THAT story. The perfect read if you need a splash of good feelings and warms hugs.

It’s good to be mentioned, that although the story is light-hearted, Wright puts the attention on some good topics to think about - falling in love with online person, parenting, divorce and loneliness.

To sum up, “Off the Beaten Path” is the perfect read, if you need a reminder that good things can still happen in life. But you have work with your grumpy (and handsome) neighbour first

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.5

Off the Beaten path is a sweet, wholesome, small town mountain romance. Holden is a protective cinnamon roll single dad and is just slightly gruff and grumpy. Wren is full of childlike wonder, positive, and a ray of sunshine. June is so vibrant, seemingly wise beyond her years. The way their lives intertwine is so cozy and heart warming and they truly become a found family.

The neighbours/rivals to lovers dynamic had me hooked - forced proximity hello! We had some fake dating and I loved there being no 3rd act breakup but that what happens instead kept the momentum going forward. At times I felt the pace stalled but I still loved this story personally. Madison Wright’s writing is descriptive and transportive. They wrote fabulous chemistry and tension while keeping everything on page clean. I was swooning for sure!

I'm so charmed! What an adorable, feel-good, ultra cozy romance! Fair warning- this is a closed door romance, but I was in the mood for something light and sweet and lower spice, and this one ticked all the boxes. Heartfelt, endearing, and really delightful- the mountains are indeed calling! This was a swoony treat.

Madison Wright is a new to me author, and truly the cover first called me to Off the Beaten Path. But I'm so glad I took a chance. Single dad, forced proximity, grumpy sunshine, wintery small town vibes, and a really tender love story. An online meet-cute paired with a cabin renovation finally introduces Wren to her grumpy, growly bear neighbor- the same guy she's been chatting with online, single dad Holden. Holden has slow been recovering from the baggage of his failed marriage, so he's not initially the most amiable of guys. But his friendship, that starts platonically online, with Wren seems to be the balm he needs to open his heart up again, and a really sweet and charming connection develops between them.

I'm perpetually in my single dad era, and Holden is by far one of the most dreamy. He may have some rough edges at first, but he's really a teddy bear under his growl. He's such a wonderful dad to daughter June- and I found their relationship to be one of the highlights of the book and was so adorable. And he's all bearded and tatted- I mean MEOW. He's also so wonderful with Wren too, and how she started to fit into Holden and June's world. The emotional connection develops slowly and thoughtfully, the burn is slow, the spice off page, but I still felt this in my toes. AH the kissing- sometimes when you take away the spice the small moments have all the more impact.

I really loved this sweet story and am excited to check out more from this author and the series!


🧡 Single Dad
🧡 Close Proximity/Neighbors
🧡Mistaken identity/online connection
🧡Grumpy x Sunshine
🧡Wintery, Cozy Vibes
🧡Closed Door Romance
🧡Adorable little girl
🧡Small town
🧡Stellar kissing

I absolutely adored this book! Perfect small town swoon worthy romance. The setting and the characters were so endearing, I just wanted to read more and more of their lives, I really would recommend this one, and will be sharing far and wide. This is an author to watch, I think Madison could become an autobuy author for me!
Thank you for the Arc in return for an honest review.

This was quite a sweet, feel-good, small town romance between a guarded single father and his quirky nextdoor neighbor who's just trying to find her footing. I enjoyed the charming small town/mountain setting and the ensemble of well-crafted side characters adds depth to the story,

It's cozy and full of plenty of grumpy/sunshine banter. And if you're looking for a story that avoids the third act break up, it's a great choice



Thank you to NetGalley and Madison Wright for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

I absolutely adored this book! A sweet little romance with swoon worthy characters and a great story line! I can't wait to read more books by this author in the future!

Off the Beaten Path by Madison Wright. Wren Daniels' life is a whirlwind of chaos. Between a demanding job and a renovation project that's spiraling out of control, she's drowning in stress. Her only solace is an anonymous online connection she's been building over the past four months. But when she discovers the man behind the messages is none other than her standoffish neighbor, Holden Blankenship, her world is turned upside down. Holden, too, is surprised by the revelation. After losing his wife, he's carefully rebuilt his life, putting his daughter and family first. The anonymous friendship he's developed online has been a unexpected bright spot, but now that he knows it's his frustrating neighbor, he's thrown into turmoil. As Wren and Holden navigate the awkwardness of their newfound connection, they begin to realize there's more to each other than they first thought. Wren's resilience and determination chip away at Holden's carefully constructed walls, while Holden's quiet strength and unwavering support become a lifeline for Wren. Amidst the chaos of their lives, they find themselves drawn together, blurring the lines between friendship and something more profound. But with the weight of the past and the uncertainty of the future looming over them, can their newfound connection withstand the challenges that lie ahead? Madison Wright's "Off the Beaten Path" is a heartwarming and humorous romance that explores the complexities of love, friendship, and second chances. Its relatable characters, engaging plot, and witty dialogue make it a perfect read for anyone looking for a heartwarming and uplifting escape.

Thank you so much @authormadisonwright and @netgalley for an advance copy of this book!

❤️ 𝙈𝙮 𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 ❤️
This book is soooo perfect! I was so excited to see Madison starting a new series, after reading her book in the fall. This book gets me in all the feels! Single dad is one of my new favorite book tropes and this leading grumpy man fills the role so nicely!

Holden and his daughter June live next door to Wren, and Wren always gets under Holdens skin. She loves seeing him riled up and enjoys doing small things to get a reaction. Holden has been closed off since his divorce 4 years ago, and his number one priority is his daughter June.

When Wren has an issue with a cabin she has been renovating, Holden jumps in to comfort her and help her out. These two work together and grow closer and it’s oh so sweet! Add in sweet and sassy June to the mix, and it’s a winning combination. I love a sassy child in a single dad book, it makes it fun to see the challenges the parents have and the love that they also have for their kid!

This book is such a sweet one to read, I recommend running to pick it up! I’m definitely excited for more future books in this series!!

🔥 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚:
❤️ Single Dad
❤️ Grumpy/sunshine
❤️ Neighbors to Lovers
❤️ Fun Banter
❤️ Adorable 6 year olds
❤️ Dating Apps
❤️ Small Town Romance

This book had all my favourite tropes! Grumpy x sunshine, small town romance and a little fake dating, this was such an enjoyable read and I loved how their relationship developed, being anonymous penpals, neighbours and then dating. The writing style was really engaging and it was such a sweet book to read, I'd definitely recommend it.

"Off the Beaten Path" by Madison Wright is a delightful feel-good read that immerses readers in the charm of a small mountain town romance, celebrating the magic found in the simplicity of life's little moments. From subtle smiles to heartfelt gestures, the story beautifully unfolds as the close-knit community comes together to support one of their own.

This book quickly became a comforting escape for me. Rather than racing through its pages, I savored each moment, finding joy in the special details that added depth to the narrative. The slower pace of the story perfectly complements the small-town atmosphere, allowing the romance to unfold organically without feeling rushed. The tenderness of the romance and the blossoming friendship between two neighbors, initially driving each other crazy but discovering an incredible connection, kept my heart engaged throughout.

Holden, the stoic mountain man with a nurturing side, shines as the epitome of a devoted father and a reliable anchor for those he cares about. Wren, the independent dreamer, adds a dynamic touch to the narrative as she strives to bring her aspirations to life. The development of their relationship is heartwarming, as they navigate trust and reliance during challenging moments. I sincerely appreciated that during each challenging moment, Wren and Holden became closer, stronger, their relationship solidifying.

The ensemble of well-crafted side characters adds depth to the story, leaving readers eager to explore their tales in future installments of the series. "Off the Beaten Path" by Madison Wright is a captivating journey into the heart of a small town, where love, friendship, and the beauty of life's simple pleasures intertwine to create a truly enchanting romance.

Thank you to NetGalley and Madison Wright for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

It's been a week since I finished this and my heart still aches thinking about how much I loved this book.

Off The Beaten Track follows Wren and Holden, neighbours who haven't always seen eye to eye. But when Wren's contractor has to back out of fixing up her cabin in time for the tourist season, Holden agrees to step in to take the reins on the project. The more they spend time together, the more they fall in love. And Holden's relationship with his daughter is so sugary sweet that I need a dentist appointment.

The more romance I read, the more I realise I don't need conflict in my life so the lack of third act breakup made my heart soar. There was no deception, no secrets - just pure love. I am just infatuated. This is such a tender romance and I need all the recommendations I can get for books like this.

Tropes
↠ Single Dad
↠ Opposites Attract
↠ Small Town Romance
↠ Grumpy x Sunshine
↠ Closed Door
↠ No Third Act Breakup

I cannot wait to see which characters we get to learn about in this ongoing series.

Thanks to Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

🌲Review - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5🌲

📗Off the Beaten Path by Madison Wright
🗓️Pub date: 1/26/24 (out now!)

“You’re like our little spot off the beaten path. You have to work to find it, but when you do, it’s breathtaking.”

Wren Daniels has recently purchased a cabin she plans on renovating so she can rent it out. She has a strict timeline of when she needs it done since she used all of her savings to purchase and fix it up. But her contractor just backed out from helping her so she needs to find someone else ASAP.

Holden Blankenship is a single dad who works as a contractor and is also Wren’s grumpy next door neighbor. Ever since his wife left him a few years ago, his sister has been putting him on different dating apps. Finally having some time to himself in the evening, Holden reaches out to his mystery friend on the dating app. Little does he know, that mysterious friend is his annoying neighbor, Wren.

Both are shocked once they figure out they’ve been messaging each other almost every night for 4 months. But they’ll be spending more time together since Holden offered to help Wren with her cabin since she needs a contractor. What Holden doesn’t expect is for Wren to help him as well when it comes to breaking down his defenses.

I thought this story was so cute. Holden and Wren’s banter was so perfect and they had great chemistry. And Holden’s relationship with his daughter is adorable and Wren is such a perfect addition to their family.

✨Read if you like:
🌲Dual POV
🌲Single dad
🌲No third act breakup
🌲Grumpy x sunshine
🌲Small town romance
🌲Fake dating

Thank you Victory Editing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

That was such a sweet and wholesome read! I adored Junie, she's such a cutie! I absolutely loved the writing style and will definitely check out more by this author in the future.

Unfortunately, I didn't feel much of a connection to the characters. It's a slow burn but I still hope we got more of a build up, especially when it comes to their penpal days.

What to expect:
- small town
- single dad
- grumpy x sunshine
- neighbors
- anonymous penpals
- dislike to love
- no 3rd act break up
- dual pov

It's been a week since I finished this and my heart still aches thinking about how much I loved this book.

Off The Beaten Track follows Wren and Holden, neighbours who haven't always seen eye to eye. But when Wren's contractor has to back out of fixing up her cabin in time for the tourist season, Holden agrees to step in to take the reins on the project. The more they spend time together, the more they fall in love. And Holden's relationship with his daughter is so sugary sweet that I need a dentist appointment.

The more romance I read, the more I realise I don't need conflict in my life so the lack of third act breakup made my heart soar. There was no deception, no secrets - just pure love. I am just infatuated. This is such a tender romance and I need all the recommendations I can get for books like this.

Tropes
↠ Single Dad
↠ Opposites Attract
↠ Small Town Romance
↠ Grumpy x Sunshine
↠ Closed Door
↠ No Third Act Breakup

I cannot wait to see which characters we get to learn about in this ongoing series.

Thanks to Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a cute small town romance! I fell in love with Wren and Holden's neighborly banter turned friendship to lovers. I loved how sweet Holden was even though he was "tough" to people who didn't really know him. It was so nice to see their friendship grow and change. I loved how both Holden and Wren opened up to each other and were always there for the other when they needed it most.

4 stars

I was so excited to receive this book as an eARC on Netgalley (thank you!), because I had really high hopes for it.
Not only does it tell the story of two people who fall in love on an app without knowing that they are neighbors in real life, it also has the single dad trope, is a small town romance, is kind of grumpy x sunshine, has fake dating and many other promising tropes and qualities.
All of this could've been soooo good.
Unfortunately, it wasn't for me. The writing wasn't very good in my opinion, the characters and whole story felt a little surface-level. The anonymous-chatting-plotline and the grumpy-sunshine got resolved way too quickly. I didn't connect to any of the characters and June annoyed me to no end cause her whole character just revolved about her addiction to sweets.

It had a lot of potential and I got through it very quickly, could feel some of the chemistry between the main characters.

Because of the rating I will not post this review on websites other than Goodreads.

Wren Daniels is in over her head. Between organizing a charity auction and trying to renovate a cabin she can't afford, she's barely keeping her head above water. The only bright spot: her new best friend she met on an anonymous dating app four months ago. That is, until she discovers he's the last person she would've expected - her grumpy next-door neighbor.

Holden Blankenship likes life just he way it is - just him and his daughter. After his wife left him, he's spent years working to put his life back together. His daughter is the light of his world, his family, and a surprising new anonymous friend. But when his new pal turns out to be his neighbor who drives him nuts, he's not sure what to make of it. Especially when her contractor backs out of her cabin renovation last minute and he finds himself offering his help. Now Wren is getting under his skin in a completely different way and turning all his carefully laid plans upside down.

As Wren continues to show up for Holden, and he keeps proving to her that he's not actually as standoffish as he seems, the lines between friendship and more start to blur. Their relationship may have had an unusual start, but some of the best things in life are just a little off the beaten path.

This was the most adorable small, mountain town romance! Between the grumpy tattooed single dad, the cute-as-a-button little girl, and the bubbly ray of sunshine red-headed neighbor, this cast was impossible not to fall in love with. This was a feel-good love story without any spice, just a tender bond forming between Holden and Wren, and little June being the cutest little addition. This was my first book I've read by Madison Wright, and I absolutely adored her writing style and will be getting my hands on all her books from here on out!

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for a chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This book is an absolute gem! I was completely captivated by the dynamic between the grumpy and sunshine personalities of the characters and the intricacies of the plot that enveloped them. What struck me the most was the pacing of the story—it was just right, never feeling rushed or bogged down by unnecessary drama. The fact that the characters were mature adults who could communicate effectively, despite their personal struggles, added a layer of realism that I appreciated.

When I heard the premise—single dad, forced proximity, enemies-to-lovers—I couldn't hit the "sign me up" button fast enough! These are some of my favorite tropes, and the way they were expertly woven together in this story was pure magic.