3.5 stars

Thank you to Dreamscape Media for the advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book is set in the same universe as Archer's Voice. Archer and Bree do appear in this, which I enjoyed. Then, we had Travis Hale's story. Now, we have good guy, rich boy, Gage Buchanan's story. This can definitely be read and enjoyed as a standalone, though.

Gage and Rory meet in her small town one night and have what they think is a one-night stand. Their banter was fun. They end up meeting later in his hometown when she is on a search for her biological father. I didn't like or need the slight ICK factor possibility that the author created between them after they already had their steamy time. Otherwise, the rating would have been higher as I enjoyed the rest of the story.

The narration was good, too. The narrators are Maeve York and Benjamin Sands. Both voices fit the characters well.


READING PROGRESS

Absolutely awful VO quality. The quality of the actual recording is very robotic, but the male narrators in particularly is just the least sexy voice, it is so far from the casting of the book character. You DESTROY these ROMANCE books with poorly thought through casting, the female narrator is ok still robotic, but the male is just badly cast, and its UNLISTENABLE - I like this author I actually would hav wanted to read this but the audio narration was awful. That said the first chapter or two I listened to was below average and failed to get me in, and I tried and persisted multiple times. DO BETTER!l

I love Mia’s writing style and this was no exception! I really enjoyed this story and the connection it had to Archer & Travis. This was such a good dual narrated audiobook that was wonderful story about finding one’s self.

Archer’s Voice & Travis are two of my fav books ever, and I was so happy to return to Pelion Lake!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

💭 overall thoughts:
I loved that this was a combo of romance + a mystery to solve, and that we got to see so many familiar faces 🥰

MCs:
This felt like a story about passions vs. obligations - Rory & Gage are both trying to figure out what they themselves really want, even though that has always been shadowed over what’s expected of them, or what they THINK is expected of them.

Having this in common, they are the perfect match. They helped each other see that they could be so much more, if they wanted to.

📖 story:
After a one night stand neither can stop thinking about, Rory & Gage are brought back together to solve the mystery of who, and where, Rory’s father is.

I loved that this brought them into proximity, and gave them an excuse to spend time together, while denying their feelings that just couldn’t be.

🤍side characters:
I loved that we got to see quite a bit of Archer/Bree & Travis/Haven, and get a little update on their lives.

🎙️ audio thoughts:
Both narrators did a FANTASTIC job at bringing the characters to life! I generally struggle when I only have an audio version of a book, yet I was so captivated by this one 😍

tropes + topics:
1️⃣ one night stand
🤩 insta-connection
🚫 forbidden
🌎 different worlds
🐢 slow burn
🌳 small town
💞 dual 1st person pov

Thank you to Dreamscape Media for the ALC. All opinions are my own.

Really enjoyed this book! I will have to go back and read the first two. The characters and story was beautiful.

4/5 stars ⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for an advanced audio-copy of Falling for Gage in exchange for an honest review.

Gage and Rory are two individuals who cross paths after a passionate one-night stand, each believing they will never encounter each other again. Gage, a man who meticulously adheres to the rules, finds himself perplexed when Rory unexpectedly reappears in his hometown as an art appraiser. Driven by curiosity and suspicion, Gage seeks to uncover her true intentions. Rory, carrying the legacy of her late mother, embarks on a quest to locate her long-lost father, armed only with a journal and a sketch. As fate would have it, their paths intertwine once more, setting the stage for a journey of self-discovery and unexpected connections. Mia Sheridan crafts a captivating tale in "Falling for Gage," a standalone novel that resonates with warmth and heartfelt emotions. While the narrative may occasionally slow its pace, the overall reading experience is both enjoyable and satisfying. The audiobook, narrated by Maeve York and Benjamin Sands, breathes life into the characters, enhancing the emotional depth of the story. This was a solid 4.4 Stars!

❤️ Small town romance
❤️ Tension
❤️ Fun banter
❤️ Side of mystery
❤️ Set in the same world as Archer's Voice

Although this can be read as a standalone, if you haven't read Archer's Voice - Go and read that now!!

This was enjoyable, it's a light and easy read and the characters are likeable.
Archer's Voice will forever have my heart and it was nice to be in that world again and see familiar characters.

I listened to the audiobook, which is in dual narration and the actors did a great job!

The reason why it's a 3 star is because I wasn't a huge fan of the mystery subplot and how that played out. This isn't exactly a spoiler, but stop reading now if you like to go into books blind!!

I felt uncomfortable when there was a possibility that Gage and Rory could be siblings and yet the tension was still burning strong, so that ruined quite a lot of their moments together.

Rory and Gage thought their one-night fling would be a distant memory, but fate had a different plan. After discovering a clue about her biological father in her late mother's diary, Rory poses as an art appraiser to dig deeper. But when their paths unexpectedly cross again, sparks reignite, complicating Rory's quest for answers about her past.

This is my first Mia Sheridan book and I dove in without knowing what to expect, and I ended up pleasantly surprised! Now I'm eager to delve into more of her Pelion Lake tales. While this story is a standalone, I have a feeling that reading "Archer's Voice" first might have deepened my connection to this small town vibe. Sheridan's storytelling is a perfect blend of cozy, humorous, slow-building tension, with some heartfelt moments about love, friendship, and family. Although the beginning took its time to unfold, and the subplot felt a bit like a daytime drama (reminded me of 'teleseryes'), the mystery surrounding the Rory's parentage added a compelling layer. I was particularly impressed by how flawlessly the characters were brought to life, especially considering my usual pickiness with audiobook narrators. Both narrators managed to draw me in and keep me engaged throughout the book.

Content warning: grief, death of animal, unknown parent, 🌶️🌶️ scenes

Publication date: Apr 23 2024

Thank you to Mia Sheridan, Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for my advanced audio copy.

What keeps someone as seemingly perfect as Gage Buchanan single after all these years? Even he seems unsure of the answer. Perhaps he hasn't yet met the right person, or maybe his dedication to his career has kept him from pursuing deeper connections. Alternatively, could it be that Gage isn't as flawless as everyone believes him to be?

I initially approached this audiobook thinking it was a standalone, only to later discover it's part of a series. While I found the story engaging on its own merits, some reviewers argue that it gains added depth when considered within the broader series context.

Despite my high expectations, the book fell short of delivering the emotional resonance I anticipated. I admired the novel approach of featuring older protagonists in a romance, yet found their actions often at odds with their age and maturity. Rory, for instance, wavered between wise dialogue and adolescent tendencies, while Gage's prim demeanor felt somewhat overdone. Their intimate moments seemed to clash with Gage's established character. Although both characters supported each other's personal growth, the emotional connection between Rory and Gage lacked the depth I was hoping for. As their relationship evolved through different phases, my emotional engagement with their journey remained disappointingly static.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to explore this title.

4.5 stars
I went into this book totally blind, so I had no idea what to expect. What I got was a sweet and spicy romance with a little bit of mystery. I always love when a romance book has another aspect to it, so I really enjoyed the mystery.
We have a dual POV between Rory and Gage. Gage happens upon the bar that Rory works at and her uncle owns when he and his friends break down. Their chemistry is immediate. They have some great banter and then a wild night. What they both think is going to be a one night stand since they live hours apart, goes out the window when Rory shows up in Gage's house claiming to be an art appraiser. Rory does not know who her father is. She has found clues that lead her to Calliope, so she travels there and stays with a friend who owns an art gallery because her father painted beautiful paintings. She's hoping to find more paintings there and discover his identity. But Gage knows who she really is. Is he going to expose her, or help her?
I really liked both Rory and Gage. They are similar, yet different. They both feel an extreme level of duty to their families for different reasons and understand each other well. But Rory wants so much out of life and Gage just wants to do what his father has planned for him. They have great banter and great chemistry. The side characters fit in well with the story and were easy to remember. I especially liked Gage's sister Lexi.
Rory finding her father really pulled this plot through for me. It was more at the forefront, but the romance was also very prevalent. I was so interested to see if they were going to figure out who her father was. The romance was steamy, but not with overly long scenes. It felt very real to the pace of the story and was not over done. There was a third act breakup which I usually don't like, but this one makes it feel super expected as the whole time Rory needs to go back to the bar once her uncle's boat gets fixed and Gage is moving to London to open a branch of his father's company. It fit in well with what I was expecting from the plot. What happens after that was really perfect in my opinion. It was realistic and sweet and wrapped things up really nicely.
There were 2 narrators, one female for Rory and a male for Gage. I love having 2 narrators with 2 POVs especially between a male and female. It makes their stories stand out from each other and easy to follow. Both narrators were great. They brought the story to life and made it easy to imagine in my head while listening.

My first book by this author and certainly not my last.

I really liked the writing style and the characters. There's a lot of tenderness between Rory and Gage, right from their first meeting and despite the hardships that separate them.

It was a very sweet story, despite the omnipresent angst.

I also really liked the ending.

"Falling for Gage" was my delightful introduction to Mia Sheridan's captivating storytelling. It's safe to say that I'm hooked and eagerly anticipating diving into more books from the Lake Pelion universe.

The experience of reading this book was like watching a movie unfold in my mind—the scene-setting and character development were so vivid.

And the chemistry between the main characters was electric! Rory quickly became a character I was rooting for, wishing for her to find her well-deserved happily ever after.

However, I must confess, the whole sibling aspect (iykyk) felt a bit overdone and, dare I say, killed the mood momentarily.

But despite this minor hiccup, the narration was an absolute highlight. The voices of the narrators complemented each other flawlessly, elevating the story to a whole new level.

All in all, "Falling for Gage" was an immensely enjoyable listen, and Mia Sheridan has certainly earned herself a permanent spot on my must-read list.

Thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media and Mia Sheridan for letting me enjoy this ALC!

Before I tell you now much I enjoyed this story, I must say that the narration was fantastic. The narrators really made this story come to life for me and I thought they were the perfect voices for these wonderful characters.

Now, about the story. Ms. Sheridan has done it again! Anyone who knows me understands my deep love for Archer Hale and my he-caught-me-off-guard love for Travis Hale...so going back into this series was a joy for me. And, I can tell you that I've found another story (and another man) to love in this world that Ms. Sheridan has created.

Gage, who we've met before in the previous books, gets his own story told here. He's a tightly buttoned up type of guy who is perfect...perfect career, perfect life, perfect everything. But, in reality, he's only doing it to please others and not really doing what would make him happy. Enter Rory. She's smart and sassy. Their encounter was only supposed to be a one night stand but turns out to be so much more. I loved their interactions, their banter and their chemistry...but most of all, I loved how she challenged him to push his own boundaries and to care about and focus on his dreams. Rory was battling her own obstacles but in her feisty way she pushed him to be more present and to live his life to the fullest. This couple is a wonderful addition to this series. This book had all the feels but also felt light-hearted and fun. I don't know how she does it but Ms. Sheridan had the Midas touch when it comes to writing wonderful couples, sweet and sexy romcoms, and books I want to read over and over again! Can't wait to see what she's going to send our way next!

Thank you @dreamscape_media for the early access to this ALC & introducing me to @miasheridan . I loved this book so much & can’t wait to read her backlist!

🎧𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐈 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐲!

Review in emojis: 🎱🥵🧑‍🍳🥧🦀🖼️💙🩵

🩵Gage “Ivy League” & Aurora (Rory) “Cakes” are the best! 🥰 This book is so far the best I’ve read this year. Let’s just say this book is a mood and I devoured it happily/greedily!

🥵Rory works at her family-owned bar in the small town of Mud Gulch when a couple of men that are obviously not locals come in. They look like fraternity brothers and are soaking wet from the rain outside.

🎱It is by chance that Gage and his friends are stranded nearby as their car is in need of repair. What starts out as a night of food/drinks, some witty banter between the two MCs (covert flirting) - ends with a hot fling that neither Gage nor Rory can forget.

🖼️This is a story of opposites attract, found family, insta-lust(love), with a little bit of mystery. The mystery involved in the book was so much fun to read about and I enjoyed going on the journey with Rory.

💋I don’t want to say too much to avoid spoilers and I think it would be better to just read it for yourself the first time!

💙I’m new to author Mia Sheridan’s work but OMG Archer’s Voice & Travis will be on my list to read asap! I didn’t realize they were connected but this book can be read as standalone!

Overall: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Plotline: 4.5/5
Audiobook: 4.5/5

Romance: 4/5
Spice Factor: 2
Themes: 4.5/5
Writing: 4/5
Enjoyment Factor: 4/5
Review: I adore this small town, and returning to Pelion was a treat! Rory and Gage were an electric couple on the page. There was another invigorating mystery to follow, and while it was not easily predicated, I was enthralled with Gage and Rory roaming about with their farce. I did find that this felt similar to other Mia Sheridan books, but it didn't feel much different. I do love all the connections to the rest of the beloved Pelion residents. The romance was quite simple and did begin with Insta-lust, but as they were a one-night stand, I didn't have a problem with it. The audiobook had two narrators, which added to the experience. It was a phenomenal performance.

I was so excited to receive this ALC, because I absolutely loved Archer's Voice when I read it a couple years ago. I was looking forward to being enthralled by a gripping and emotional plot, and swept off my feet by a swoony romance. But unfortunately this audiobook just didn't do it for me. Gage and Rory were likable enough and I loved how their story started at Cakes and Ale. But after their first encounter, the rest of their story just fell flat for me and I DNFd at around 50% when I realized I'd still have to listen for 5 more hours to get to the end and wasn't captivated enough to push through.
Thank you for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.

WOW is all I can say. It's taken me a bit to find any words to talk about this book.

I read Archer's Voice a long time ago and I don't remember all of the details of the story, but I remember that it was such a moving story. I didn't know that there was a book 2 in that world, so I was thrilled to see book 3!

Ms. Sheridan does an insanely good job of wrapping you up in a world where the characters become your friends and you FEEL everything they feel. My heart HURT for so much of this book. For all of the rules that Gage puts upon himself. For the way that Rory always felt like she was missing a piece of her because she lost her mom young and didn't know her dad. When these two meet you feel like their souls connect on a different level.

I loved the humor that was written into the story and the lighter side of things along with the mystery that they work to solve.

This story though is all about the feels. My heart just ached and part of me didn't want to keep going because I hurt for them but then I didn't want the story to end either. The crocodile tears were real with this one, but it was so worth it. Amazing story! Now I have to go back and read Travis' story!

I listened to the audio and the narrators were great! I felt so much emotion from them and fed off of that emotion. I didn't want to stop listening because I needed to know they found their way to one another. I absolutely loved it!

Tropes:
ONS turned forced proximity
Opposites attract
Fate brings them back together
She’s looking for her birth father and ends up in his town

“We were different, we had to be. But even to witness it knocked the breath from my lungs. Over and over and over. Time slowed, the crowd faded, the noise was a buzz in the background of my mind. It was only her. And God, but she was the most wildly beautiful woman I'd ever known.”

I really enjoyed this audiobook. The narrators did a great job keeping me engaged throughout the story. It was a bit of a slow burn but it was worth it in the end. I was rooting for Rory and Gage the whole time and I think the author tied everything up really well in the end. The dual POV was great as well.

Check this out if you enjoy:
-Small Town
-Secret Identity
-One Night stand
-Romance with Mystery mixed in
-Rich vs Poor
-Finding yourself

Thank you to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for this ARC.

When Gage Buchanan walks into her family’s restaurant, he is exactly the kind of guy that Rory Casteel does not want: shiny, rich, and traveling with his Ivy League friends. The antagonism between the two turns into foreplay, however, and when Gage shows up after closing time, the two feel an intense connection. Surely it’s just a one-night stand, though, right? They’re from two different worlds.

Fast forward to Rory finding a clue to her father’s identity and following it to a town three hours away. And who does she find there? Gage, of course. She has unknowingly stumbled onto his home turf.

This is my first Mia Sheridan book, but I understand now why Archer’s Voice has such a high number of ratings and reviews. (I need to go back and read that, by the way.)

I was hooked by this rich-boy-falls-for-the-girl-from-the-wrong-side-of-the-tracks setup. That trope can easily become clichéd, but you can feel the real connection between Gage and Rory in the book.

I liked the mystery hook—that she ended up crossing paths with him because of something unrelated to their hookup; how he is the one that is chasing after her; and how, by spending time together, they both find where they truly belong. Both are used to sacrificing their own needs for what they see as the good of their families. Through their time together, they both grow and find another, more fulfilling way to live.

I absolutely adored the found family aspect of this one.

And the heat between these two characters is off-the-charts.

Many of the high society characters feel more like caricatures, but that didn’t really detract from my enjoyment of the story.

I enjoyed the dual narration by Maeve York and Benjamin Sands and consumed the book in less than two days. The narrators were well-cast for this story.

I received an advance copy of the audiobook from Dreamscape Media and NetGalley. All review opinions are my own.