Thank you to @risingactionpublishingco and @Netgalley for the ARC of What Happens in Idaho by Bonnie Jo Pierson. This is my honest opinion. I read this as an ebook and realized that I am so used to audiobooks and how the narrator’s voice sets the tone. When I started this book I wondered what is this book? Serious? A romance? A rom-com? I couldn’t sense what was ahead. And does the title make you think it's going to be "what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas" style fun, yet in Idaho? FYI It was not a rom-com.

Liliana and Blake have a fun (well, to me as an onlooker and not a participant) meet-cute, but look further and this book is DEEP. Our characters have PASTS. They have PRESENTS. Heartbreak is in all of it. We hope they have easy and happy futures. This is not a shiny happy people holding hands type of a book. (Throwback to the band REM.) There was a lot of trauma- check trigger warnings if you prefer to be warned! I would also stay away from reading reviews because I read a pretty huge spoiler!

I never totally vibed with the main characters or them as a couple but it was a promising debut. I can see people who like a more meaningful, heart-wrenching romance liking this book. It isn’t light! I will be curious who the narrator will be for this read and what their voice, tone and affect will be.

Great line: “Crying hangovers are very much comparable to real ones, except without the fun of the night before” Please note that this quote may be subject to change or removal in the final version, although I hope it stays!

This book publishes July 16, 2024.

4/5 stars
Door: fade to black
Location: Southern Idaho

I struggled to like the characters in this book. The story was too predictable and lacking in substance.

A good debut novel. It had a nice mix of romance, laughs, and eye rolling moments while also having degree of heartbreak, hurt and sadness in the nail characters' past. There's also issues that each character struggles in deal with. Neither side is looking for romance, not even a 1 or 2 week fling, so how are they going to deal with it when they might be falling for each other. It was an enjoyable summer read.
I received an ARC copy from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

not the book for me. I just couldn’t connect with the characters and it was very predictable from the beginning so I skimmed a lot of it.

Grab a box of tissues and enjoy. A sweet romance. Family issues. Many problems which are revealed in the book's blurb. Be aware of them prior to reading the book in case any are triggers for you. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

As someone who lives in Idaho, I love books that give my little state attention. I did make myself a little crazy trying to figure out exactly where in Idaho the book was set, All that aside, I really enjoyed this story, It had conflict, it had charm, it had growth. What more could a girl want?

Liliana and Blake had great chemistry even as they were rubbing each other wrong. It was an almost enemies to lovers trope that was a delight to read. It had small town charm and felt like a hallmark movie in the best ways. Liliana is a doctor that has an estranged relationship with her mom. She had to come home because of her father's will and ended up running into a bit of trouble.

Long story short and not to give anything away, I loved the story and it was a well done debut. The Idahoan in me had.a couple of questions, but nothing enough to detract from the story overall,

I received an early copy through netgalley and this is my honest review

Bonnie Jo Pierson's "What Happens in Idaho" is a beautifully crafted tale that seamlessly weaves together themes of love, loss, and the unexpected forms healing can take. This novel, set against the charming and picturesque backdrop of Clear Springs, Idaho, is a heartfelt contemporary romance that will resonate deeply with fans of Nicholas Sparks and Jojo Moyes.

The story follows Dr. Liliana Chase, a trauma surgeon whose life has been marked by profound personal loss—the death of her husband and baby girl. Despite her professional success, Lili's heart remains broken and her spirit haunted by her past. Her return to Clear Springs, Idaho, after seven years is intended to be brief, but fate intervenes when she swerves to avoid a cow and ends up stranded in a potato field.

Enter Blake Richardson, a rugged mechanic and devoted single father, who becomes an unexpected source of support and comfort for Lili. Blake, wary of love after his ex-wife left him, initially sees Lili as just another big-city doctor. However, their interactions soon reveal a deeper connection, drawing them closer in ways neither anticipated.

Pierson skillfully develops the chemistry between Lili and Blake, allowing it to unfold naturally and with authenticity. Blake's genuine and fun-loving personality stands in stark contrast to Lili's guarded and grief-stricken demeanor, creating a dynamic interplay that is both touching and engaging. Their journey is not without obstacles, as they must confront a painful secret that links Blake to the tragedy in Lili's past.

The novel's setting in small-town Idaho adds a layer of warmth and familiarity, grounding the characters in a community that is as endearing as it is integral to their healing process. Pierson's descriptive prose brings Clear Springs to life, making it a character in its own right and a perfect backdrop for this tale of rediscovery and second chances.

"What Happens in Idaho" is more than just a romance; it is a poignant exploration of how individuals cope with grief and the ways in which new beginnings can emerge from the shadows of loss. Lili's journey from heartbreak to hope is inspiring, and Blake's own struggles with vulnerability and trust add depth to his character, making their eventual union all the more satisfying.

In summary, Bonnie Jo Pierson's "What Happens in Idaho" is a must-read for anyone who enjoys emotionally rich, character-driven stories that celebrate the resilience of the human spirit. It is a touching reminder that love can find us when we least expect it, and that healing often comes from the most surprising places. This novel is sure to leave a lasting impression on its readers, reaffirming the power of love to mend even the most shattered hearts.

Absolutely loved What Happens in Idaho!! It is so hard to believe this is a debut novel! This book was so much more than I expected- so much heart, and such a beautiful look at grief, guilt, and what it means to open yourself back up to love again. I feel truly honored that I got to read this gem of a book early and be part of its start!! Gosh I love reading ARCs. what Happens in Idaho should definitely be on your romance TBR!

What Happens in Idaho by Bonnie Jo Pierson 🌾🌻💛

I specially picked this book to read on my Idaho 🤠vacation. Being set in Southern Idaho, I resonated with the idea and setting described in this novel. I love a small town romance, and the appearance of many involved characters.

I really appreciated the deep care and consideration that went into discussions of grief and healing after grief. I feel it was handled really well. ♥️🥺

Lili really had her full circle moment in coping with grief and finding sunshine ☀️ on the other side which I am thankful for.

I would have loved to see Reneé and Lili have a more meaningful reunion, as I feel the two were just at odds until they weren’t 👯‍♀️

I am very happy with the ending of this story and the character development.

Tropes:
☀️ grief
☀️ small town romance
☀️ single dad (girl dad)
☀️ reconnecting with lost family

I'll be honest, I struggled to finish this one. The chemistry was there between Lili and Blake! And I definitely understood why she struggled with loving and being lived again. It had all the right things, the execution just didn't work super great for me. I found myself forgetting that I was reading this one. I do feel like I'll remember certain aspects of it, though.

Thank you Netgalley for my advanced copy!

Thanks to NetGalley and Rising Action Publishing Co for an ARC of this novel for an honest review.

As an Idaho girl I was excited to read a book that takes place in Idaho. I enjoyed this romance of a woman and a single dad. They had a really funny first meeting in the beginning of the book that grabbed by attention immediately. It had funny moments but also serious ones. It talked about grief and the difficulty of loosing a spouse and a child. Also dealing with trauma from a parent. I feel the author did well with hard topics and the importance of communication and being able to move forward. Overall enjoyed this story.

⚠️Trigger warnings: grief, cancer, death of a child, car accident
I was really excited to read this book but unfortunately it wasn’t for me. I could not connect with the characters, the only character that I ‘liked’ was Maddie and the story felt rushed.
Thank you Netgalley and Rising Action Publishing for this arc

unfortunately i couldn’t connect with the characters on this one but i absolutely loved the setting!
i believe this is also the authors debut novel - it was very well written for a debut and i’d love to see what other work is in store!

Magnificent setting and an excellent set of characters. I liked this first novel from Pierson. It was an easy read, and I devoured it! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

I loved this book!! The Idaho setting was beautiful!! The romance and chemistry between these characters was absolutely amazing! Such a wonderful debut novel!

A sweet, closed-door romance that balances humor and depth. I appreciated the autism rep and navigation of complicated themes in a romcom. Recommended for readers of wholesome romance.

8/10

This book was not what I expected although I do think it was beautiful. It’s a story about grief and forgiveness. You could really feel for the FMC. Lili has a tragic past and a rocky relationship with her mom. Her mom convinces her to come out and visit her in Idaho. As she is nearing the town a cow is in the middle of the road. She is forced off the road and is stuck in the mud. Blake happens to be driving by and helps her. Blake also has a tragic past and is raising his young daughter who has autism. This story has all the feels. It’s about 2 people with heartbreaking pasts coming together.

#netgalley #netgalleyreads #netgalleyreviewer #netgalleyreview #netgalleyarc #netgalleyreader #arc #advancedreaderscopy #advancedreadercopy #whathappensinidaho

Thank you Rising Action Publishing Co. and Netgalley for the copy in exchange for my honest review!

Idaho... an interesting setting for a romance, which is part of what intrigued me initially.

We get the small-town setting every good romance has, we get the traumatized educated newcomer FMC, and the sexy single dad townie MMC - we need SOME uniqueness here, please! It had a lot of heartfelt moments, but many of the events felt forced rather than organic. This is a debut novel, and it shows a lot of promise, so I'm hopeful about her next book!

An amazing debut novel . Liliana has lost eight years ago her husband and her 2 year daughter when they where hit by a car and she still is grieving . She is a trauma surgeon and is visiting her mother after 8 years because she told her that she has to give her something from her dead father . Few miles away from home she has a car accident thanks to a cow and the person who happens to help her is the handsome mechanic Blake . Blake is a single father to a six year daughter Maddie and also helps Liliana mother whenever she needs him . While she waits for her car to be fixed she spent time with Blake and she starts to fall for both him and his daughter . Blake is struggling with his feelings for Lili because of the secret he keeps from her . When she finally learn his secret will she give him a chance ?
I received this book from netgalley and the publicer as an ARC . Thank you . All thoughts and opinions are my own .

This one just never fully clicked for me. I couldn't make myself fall in love with the characters (except Maddie, she was perfect) Blake & Lili were both a little too flawed for me, They needed to communicate earlier. Also Lili's relationship with her mother felt unrealistic. If she hated her that much, fly home or get a hotel or something. I liked the deeper plot of Lili's loss and how Blake felt connected, but I feel like that conversation should have come a lot earlier in the book. I think there is someone out there who this book could be their new favorite, I'm just not that person.