Genesis inherits a farm from her great uncle, which she is totally unprepared to run. To make matters worse, her farm is located next to Jaxson’s property. Jaxson and Genesis shared an intense one-night stand, which was a mistake.

Jaxson is now grown up and raising his child. He is still handsome, but there is too much between them. It doesn’t stop them from reconnecting and sharing in that same chemistry. The question is, are they willing to go through the struggles of being together?

The story starts off promising, but halfway through, it loses a lot of its spark. The characters are mostly okay but the chemistry is just lacking. Genesis continually pushes back on Jaxson because of family drama. It is understandable, but the connection with her and the other characters in her family is not fully fleshed out, so I didn’t really understand the real issue of being with Jaxson. I found myself skimming through the book, which is something I really hate.

The author’s writing style is really jumbled and took me out of the story. She transitions between time and scenes very awkwardly. I had a very hard time following or understanding how we got to that point. The author could have closed out a scene first before going to the next to make the transition smoother.

Overall, this may not have been the story for me it can work for those who want an easy and quick romance.

~ Samantha

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. It was wonderful!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Romance for my ARC of Stuck in the Country with You!

Overall, I give this book 3.5 stars. It was a cute romance that was enjoyable to read, but lacked in places in the plot.

Genesis, the main character, suddenly finds herself jobless and the new owner of a farm, thanks to the loss of her great Uncle Cyrus and the chagrin of his children and grandchildren. To add the cherry on top, her new neighbor in the country is none other than Jaxson King, the football star who broke her heart.

I loved the storyline around the will, being a wills and trust attorney but the ending didn't wrap up in a satisfying way. I felt there was a lot of build up without reward.

The storyline also jumped around a lot, which made it hard to keep up with the timeline. The dialogue was also hard to follow at times. The best thing about the book was Jaxson King. He was an unexpected hero.

If you are looking for a quick read and an entertaining romance, I would recommend this book.

So cute and a quick read. I would recommend this to romance readers or those getting into romance. Also I love a good second chance romance and small town one too.

I really loved the concept and the small towness of it all.

And that it was a sneaky second chance. I appreciate that we got to explore all the family mess that is classic for small town. Especially because it's all under a microscope and everyone is in everyones business.

It was really nice on this journey with Genesis. As a city girl, who was kind of forced to come to country and deal with some real administrative adult stuff, it always intrigues me when people and the way that there estates are handled. Watching her evolve and grow into herself was a good time.

The romance between Genesis and Jaxon was really lovely, and I enjoyed that.

For anyone looking for some small town Black romance, this was a good time.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin for an e-copy.

3/5 stars
2/5 spice

Tropes:
Second chance romance
Former NFL player MMC
City girl
Found family
Dual POV

This was an Ok read for me, but only because I felt that there were pockets of the story that felt rushed and underdeveloped. I really wanted to be invested in the story, and I was in some moments. I think for a romance, it fell flat, but as a self-discovery story, it could've been great. Genesis' story could've been the central plot, while the romance was the background/subplot. These aren't dislikable characters, but I just wasn't invested in their romance together. Plus, I disliked the way the spice was written... probably could've been a fade to black or closed door (this coming from someone who LOVES open door spice).

This was my first book from this author. I might check out her work again in the future, but her style might not be for me.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Romance for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and offered voluntarily.

Moving on from trauma dating 10 years is difficult, but adding grief and a chance to restart to your life? Insane, and Genesis did just that when she came back to Holy Mound and met Jaxson. Beautiful story how letting go of your assumptions can work in your favor and you can have so much more than you’ve ever dreamed of.

2.75/3 ⭐️

Overall, I left this book just feeling like I wanted more, but not necessarily in a good way. It was a fun story line set in small town and i loved the idea. A farm is left to the FMC who is the niece of the late farm owner and his children and immediate family are very mad about it. She ends up visiting the farm and falling in love with small town / rural living and uplifts her life to move back.

I really enjoyed the main characters and their growth/stories but I feel like there wasn’t enough build up and angst… It felt very unfinished and I just wanted more.

It was a character driven story, which is fine, but it left a lot to be desired. I wanted more of the characters and their stories, weather that be their back stories or their future.

Overall, it wasn’t awful but it just felt incomplete to me.

"Stuck in the Country with You" grabbed my attention right from the start with its stunning cover. I LOVED THE COLOR SCHEME!! I was expecting a charming, lighthearted romance with a bit of country flair, but I found that the story didn’t quite deliver on that front. Despite the premise of inheriting a farm, the farm itself didn’t play a major role in the plot.

The biggest issue for me was how passive the protagonist, Genesis, felt throughout the story. It seemed like events unfolded around her, but she didn’t take much control of her own journey. Additionally, the resolution came too quickly, with little emotional payoff. Though it was a quick and easy read, I found parts of the story to be rushed or incomplete, leaving me wanting more in terms of both the plot and Genesis’s personal growth.

This story combines small-town romance and second chances, with a Hallmark movie vibe and a touch of Fixer Upper. While it had its sweet moments I do recommend this book to readers! Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Romance for giving me the opportunity to read Stuck in the Country with You early in exchange for an honest review. Unfortunately, this story fell flat for me. I can see others enjoying the characters, the story, and the length, but it just did not work for me. The story felt hollow, and I struggled to connect much with the main characters' thoughts and feelings. This is not uncommon for me when it comes to shorter novels or novellas. I think this story could have benefitted from being longer and diving deeper into the main characters and developing their relationship. Even in romance, I like to see the conflicts and resolutions mirror real life more. The conflicts in Stuck in the Country with You seemed to be superficial and resolved too easily. The conflicts themselves were interesting to me and had so much potential to really dig into themes of ego, family dynamics, and repairing relationships. Lastly, some of the language used in the explicit scenes was off-putting to me. The euphemisms for genitals were not words I would think many would find sexy and are more in line with slang that is used to humorous as opposed to arousing (meat, nuts, hot box, etc.). I appreciate the use of terms beyond the same three or four that are often overused in explicit scenes, but these terms took me out of the story because they did not fit in with the tone of the scene.

I’ve only read one of Day’s books previously, but I saw this one come up and the blurb had me hooked! I had to get it in my hands, and was lucky enough to be able to get a copy.

Genesis (Gen) inherited her uncle’s farm, so the big city girl moved to the countryside, and now was fighting legal battles with her cousins who felt that they were due, but Gen spent the time with him and had the relationship, while they were never close with their family.

Gen immediately discovers that her new neighbor Jaxson is the fine man that she had a single, incredible night with a decade ago (and her brother’s rival!) - who has grown up into an extremely finer gentleman and father. He’s there to help figure out farm life, navigate other problems… oh, and happy revisit that thing they once did. Again, and again…

A great and quick read, which is very steamy, not too angsty, but does have a lot of family drama. There’s a fun side-project that I enjoyed reading, too! Definitely a recommendation from me. I can’t wait to read more of her titles!

Thank you to NetGalley and Afterglow Books by Harlequin for an early reader copy. This is my honest feedback.

Stuck in the Country with You by Zuri Day is such a fun and heartwarming small-town romance. The story follows Genesis Washington, a city girl who inherits her great-uncle’s farm, only to discover her next-door neighbor is Jaxson King, her old flame from ten years ago. Sparks fly as Genesis learns to navigate rural life, deal with family drama, and confront her lingering feelings for Jaxson. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the mix of humor and heartfelt moments makes their relationship a joy to watch unfold.

Genesis’s struggles on the farm and with her family make her relatable, while Jaxson’s steady and determined presence adds depth to their dynamic. I loved how their banter and tender moments brought out the best in each other. The small-town setting and colorful supporting characters made the story even more charming. If you enjoy second-chance romances with a lot of heart, this book is an easy, feel-good read.

Overall: 4.25/5
Spice level: 2.5/5
Tropes: neighbors to lovers, one night stand, second chance, miscommunication

This was a new to me author, and I'm glad I took the chance! The story does involve a level of grief between the main characters as they reconnect due to the death of some close to them. The FMC's great uncle and the MMC's neighbor.

Genesis and Jaxson had great chemistry, and I loved how once he realized how he remembered her, he was all in to help or just be there for her.

They had a great spark, but I didn't blame Genesis for being hesitant to reignite something with him after what happened following their one night stand years prior.

There was some good character development and lovable characters within the story.

Overall, I'd definitely be interested in reading more from Zuri Day.

Ten years after a regrettable one-night stand with her brother’s rival Jaxson, Genesis inherits a farm next door to him. Their undeniable attraction reignites, forcing Genesis to confront her complicated past and question her current relationship.

This is a cute story. I like Genesis and Jaxson. Her family challenges are resolved rather abruptly. The novel is written in dual first-person POV with no indication when the POV character changes, which makes it difficult to follow. Because of the confusion I experienced, I can’t recommend this book to others, even though I would otherwise.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

STUCK IN THE COUNTRY WITH YOU – Zuri Day
Harlequin Afterglow
ISBN: 978-1-335-57489-3
December 24, 2024
Romantic Comedy

Holy Mound, Tennessee – Present Day

Ten years ago, Genesis Washington ended up in a one-night stand with Jaxson King. The night became an embarrassment after learning that Jax was responsible for her brother’s broken arm—and the end of his football dreams, plus bedding her was part of a bet. Gen has never forgiven Jax, though luckily, they don’t run in the same circles as he is now a famous ex-football player while she is…well…just someone. But while meeting with the relatives of her favorite uncle after his death, Gen runs into Jax and learns he was her uncle’s next-door neighbor and a good friend. She figures she will never see him again, but at the reading of her uncle's will, she learns that she has inherited his farm. With no job and no money, the farm comes at a good time. However, her uncle’s sons aren’t happy. And it turns out that Jax is willing to help her at the farm. What should she do?

Gen is conflicted a lot in STUCK IN THE COUNTRY WITH YOU and feels like her past is catching up with her. Jax turns out to not be the bad boy she thought he was all those years ago. Her brother lied about what happened with the broken arm and the bet. Despite that, Jax is a handsome man and women flock to him. Gen doesn’t want to be another notch on his bedpost. However, he turns out to be a good friend because he was helpful to her late uncle. Add in that her cousins are angry over not inheriting the farm, which they wanted to sell and pocket the money. At first, Gen agrees with them, but after the way they treat her, as though she stole their inheritance, she decides to dig in. Relocating to Holy Mound is a good plan. But can she make the repairs on the farm without going deeper into debt?

The attraction between Gen and Jax still sizzles after all these years. She should resist him, but she can’t. He proves to be invaluable and appears to be a nice guy. The more they get to know each other, the more she trusts him. Is Gen falling in love with Jax? STUCK IN THE COUNTRY WITH YOU is an intriguing read about a couple with a shared past. She is so angry with him at first that she ends up in a predicament where she ultimately has to rely on Jax to help her. His past is a bit messy, while hers is filled with missed opportunities and bad luck. Will their second time around be the lucky charm for a future together? Find out the answer by picking up a copy of STUCK IN THE COUNTRY WITH YOU.

Patti Fischer
Romance Reviews Today

This was just a cozy book. It felt so nice to read it. Very cozy. Very cute. I don't have a lot say.

Stuck in the Country with You by Zuri Day was an entertaining read. In this story we meet Genesis Washington, who has inherited her great-uncle’s farm only to learn the next-door neighbor is none other than Jaxson King, a one-night stand that was amazing, however misunderstanding that caused a rift with her family. Fast forward ten years and now Genesis finds she still finds Jax attractive and from Jax’s actions, his interests are just as explosive. With Genesis’ cousins contesting her great-uncle’s wishes, she not having a steady stream of income and now fighting her feelings for Jax, Genesis does know who she can trust

Zuri Day has always been a great storyteller that will have readers feeling a certain way about the characters. Genesis characteristics were that of a woman wanting to experience familial love and was not receiving that with her mom or brother. She sought solace with Uncle Cyrus and formed a bond with him, but deep-down Genesis struggled to feel love from her family. Cyrus’s sons, once learning of the inheritance, showed their true colors and treated Genesis badly. With Jax, Genesis couldn’t help but fall for him but was waiting for the other “shoe” to drop. Jax’s character displayed a man who knew what he wanted and went after it. Being an ex-athlete with a past scandal, Jax was determined to right the wrongs he felt he was unjustly accused. He also knew that one time with Genesis ten years ago was not something special and upon seeing her again years later, he knew she was the one for him. As Genesis navigates the ins and outs of farm life, Jax offers his assistance and ultimately his heart. Overall, Stuck in the Country with You was a nice read.

A fun and charming little romance that sometimes trips over its own premise, Stuck in the Country With You is a cute second chance romance laden with sexual tension and a spited center. Zuri Day’s talent shines and makes the tropes ring new and fresh, but it’s not an entirely perfect book.

Genesis Washington made the mistake of having sex with her brother’s rival while mid-rebound from her ex. The great sex wasn’t worth their shared family drama, and as a result she hasn’t seen Jaxson King in ten years.

Until, that is, she inherits a farm from her beloved Great Uncle Cyrus and Jaxson happens to be her next-door neighbor. When Jaxson offers to help the out-of-her-depth Genesis acclimate to country life, they get closer. She leans upon the existence of her long-distance situationship, and Jaxson doesn’t help her complicated romantic life one iota. But is Jaxson worth all of the trouble getting back together with him might bring?

The answer to that one is ‘Yes’, for Genesis and the reader. Zuri Day has a great grasp of what it’s like to adapt to country living and Stuck in the Country With You throws in a slow-burn romance with a complicated history that’s rooting for.

Jaxson is a delight of a hero; grounded and sunny to Genesis’ sharp and biting. I really liked the contrast between the two of them and the way the romance comes about.

There is a bit of an age gap between them, which might some readers might not like, but they’re fully grown adults enjoying themselves, and it’s easy to get into the slow-moving heat of it all.

I did have to deduct some points from the final grade because the main conflict feels a little forced and creaky. But the end result is a fun and solid romance. Stuck in the Country With You is bright, romantic and funny – a really enjoyable cozy romance.

I found myself surprised that I did not enjoy this book as much as I anticipated. Honestly, I felt like our FMC was a little insufferable and out MMC was putting up with some unfair situations. There were some moments where I would lost in the story and be laughing and enjoying myself and then soemthing woudl happen that was so off the cuff or unbelieveable that it would throw me out of the story. That happened like 2 or three times. It made it hard for me to stay focused on the story. I did not hate this book, but I definately like there was something left to be desired. For that I feel like it's a right down the middle for me at 3 stars.

Good fences make good neighbors—except when a scorching shared past makes things complicated—in this delightful city-meets-country romance from Zuri Day.

She’s packing her bags—and her baggage.

Ten years ago, Genesis Washington made a very poor decision. At the time, it seemed great. Fantastic. Explosive. But the truth is, your one-night rebound should never be your younger brother’s rival. And he definitely shouldn’t be someone who allegedly only slept with you to gain the upper hand—even if the sex was amazing.

Now Genesis is blindsided when the farm she’s inherited just happens to be right next door to Jaxson King, the regrettable one-night stand she’s still painfully attracted to. This man has aged like the finest of wines, and what’s worse, he’s now a thoughtful and responsible father. Good thing Genesis has a (*cough* long-distance *cough*) boyfriend. Well, sort of. It’s complicated.

Jaxson and his hotness should be easy enough to ignore. But when city-girl Genesis discovers there’s a serious learning curve to her humble new home, it’s Jaxson who’s there to lend a very skilled helping hand. With every problem that arises, Jaxson is seemingly making all the right moves—both on the farm and when things heat up behind closed doors. But, surely, that doesn’t mean he’s right for Genesis, does it?

My take:
I don't wish to give away the plot, but the book's blurb suggests a lighter tone than the narrative delivers. Indeed, Genesis comes into an inheritance, yet it's fraught with conflict, and Jaxson's unexpected assistance is pivotal. The book unfolds rapidly—be it the inheritance, the rekindling of ties between Jaxson and Genesis, or the culmination. Personally, I yearned for more depth. The narrative has solid potential but seems limited by a set formula and length constraints. For those seeking a quaint romance with a dash of spice, this may satisfy. However, I found myself desiring a bit more room for the story to unfold. Generously, I've given it three stars.