Kit Hartman is a capable interior designer and builder who escapes to Rocky Springs after the cancelation of a hit home renovation show in LA. Completely upending her life, she moves back home, dealing with family in their construction business and using the time to find her feet again. She’s always wanted a dog, and now seems like the perfect time to take on the small scrappy dog from the shelter. Who can resist Olive, a dog with gumption!

Shawn McCoy has put professional and personal dreams on hold to stay and look after family. Now working in the best bakery in town with a culinary award winning sister, Shawn is everyone’s go to gal when they need a hand. So helping Kit train her wayward pet rescue is all part of Shawn’s daily routine.

The dog is a clever way to push the protagonists together. There is a natural chemistry between the main characters, and what I really liked, was the respect they had for one another, including their differences. Both main characters need help in different ways to overcome personal and professional obstacles, and the authors do a lovely job of building a natural romance between them. I also appreciated how learning about the family and the other characters in the book was so easy and how the plotting and characterisations melded together so well. It made it an easy book to read, despite family histrionics, and a delightful way to spend a day during the holidays.

I figured two well-known, prolific queer authors wouldn’t lead me astray, and they didn’t! Even more telling, it is impossible to see the tug and pull of two different authors in the writing. This is a charming book set in small town America, complete with a homecoming and a breaking out, all tied up with a naughty dog. Perfect!

ARC provided by the publisher for an honest review.

I fell in love with the cute cover and Olive, rooted for the characters, had a lot of fun.
A romantic and entertaining novel that I recommend
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

This is a story about Kit Hartman a renovation remodel er. Kit has come back home to a small Colorado town to recover from recent surgery. She’s also lost her job on a TV show on HGTV. She adopts a cute dog who’s a holy terror in her house. Kit seeks out an old HS friend Shawn McCoy who’s a handy woman about town to help her tame her wild new dog. Shawn works with her sister at their family bakery. Shawn has lived in this town her whole life, always helping her family and many townspeople who need favors and help with odd jobs.

I have mixed feelings on this book. In the beginning I thought both women were strong characters, both doing any task that came their way including many traditional male jobs. Then the whole story shifted and both Kit and Shawn showed their true selves and their insecurities. And each seemed to morf sexually into different roles. That confused me, maybe the writing style wasn’t clear in the beginning or maybe it’s me assuming something different than the authors meant.

I did enjoy both dogs, they were cute and added to the story. Both Kit and Shawn’s family were introduced but left me with several plot lines unfinished.

Thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

An easy, cozy yet enjoyable read with well written characters. I loved the open communication between both main characters and that the story was low angst. I recommend.


Thank you Bella Books and NetGalley for this ARC copy.

I really enjoyed this book. It was the second in a series but I had no clue. You didn’t need to read the first and it didn’t have lots of flashback references that made it obvious you missed a book!!
I loved both MC and enjoyed watching them fall in love. I thought Adam was written particularly well - and couldn’t stand him!!
I raced through this book and loved every minute of it.

Another wonderful Rocky Springs story, this time following Shawn and Kit, the sibling and best friend respectively of the leads in Frosted by the Girl Next Door.

This was such a lovely, cosy, gentle read. There’s a proper meet-cute involving dogs (the best kind!) and a bit of instant attraction (not quite insta-love, but definitely insta-crush!) between Kit and Shawn. They were a really balanced, well-matched couple, and they fell into step with each other really quickly.

What I really liked about their story is that most of the intrigue, drama, and unknowns came from their stories as individuals, such as Kit working out her next steps career-wise, and Shawn coming out as non-binary. While they were still figuring out their relationship, it acted more as a through-line than as the main plot itself.

I thought it was really fun to see a lot of the Rocky Springs characters from another perspective! Tara in particular came across very differently, and I really enjoyed seeing the different aspects of these characters. The timeline runs alongside the other book, so it was nice to see plenty of nods and references to the plot of Frosted. This one definitely felt like a companion to Frosted to me, but it would be interesting to see if someone who read them the other way round felt the same way.

Overall this was a really lovely romance story, that added to the world already created in Frosted by the Girl Next Door.

I received a free copy for an honest review.

A really good book. The storyline had me hooked from the beginning. I read book straight through. The main characters were well written and I enjoyed getting to know them, each character had her flaws, but it all worked out well in the end. And any book with animals in is a fun read for me. The support characters were well written and helped to move this story along. This was a second book of a series and hopefully not the last book. I look forward to what's next from these authors. I would definitely recommend this to my friends and family.

A New Leash on Love is the “sister” book to Frosted By The Girl Next door. However this time we get to watch Shawn and Kit fall in love and catch up with their family and friends. I enjoyed this story and the addition of a couple of cute dogs certainly added some extra love to the mix.

Shawn has some issues to work through, issues that they have kept hidden for years with a smile. Kit, is a nice distraction and one Shawn wants more of. Watch them break down emotional walls and find a way to accept each others love. Definitely plenty of chemistry between this pair. At times the story is a little bit repetitive but overall it’s an easy read. Rounded off both books nicely.

Another fab Christmas romance from two great authors.
I loved the pace of the story, the issues that were raised which contributed to the two MC’s having different views in their home town.
How Shawn begun to emerge as her true self and how Kit understood herself more and how her experiences affected her resulting in them both opening up to each other and developing their relationship. The main issue is would they stay, would she go - how could the relationship work. There were also some hot scenes which were tastefully written.
It was lovely to see the story unfold and also how the roles of supporting characters fitted into their story - oh and of course cute dogs!!
A great read. Thanks to Bella Books for the ARC - this is a honest review.

I had just finished reading the first book in the Rocky Springs series when this one became available. I was super excited to go back and encounter some of those same characters through an adjacent story. Clevenger and Rey did a wonderful job of developing all of the characters in this fictional world they created. So going into reading this, I was already familiar with the characters, the vibe of the town, and overall what to generally expect. I liked the relationship development of Kit and Shawn and liked that the hot scenes were even hotter than the first novel. I think this novel had a better ending that fit more with the overall story than the first book did. I really felt for Shawn, being the person that everyone relies on and that no one allows to have their own life. I liked seeing her finally stick up for herself and not let others walk all over her.

If you are looking for a hot WLW romance for the holiday season or to get you through winter, this one definitely fits the bill, especially if you love straps. Fantastic writing in those scenes.

Tis the season folks, the season where it’s not only socially acceptable but highly encourage to wear nothing but comfy cloths all day, listening to nothing but Christmas songs, stuffed myself to death (figuratively) with nothing but hot soup and hot chocolate and read nothing but Christmas themed books.

A new leash on love was exactly what I envisioned it would be, a typical but winning formula - a cozy small-town romance with adorable fur babies, low angst romance between two MC, spry grandparents and unfortunately a misogynist character that had me wishing I could wrangle his certain body parts until he cease to exist in the book but I was just rambling. Kudos to clever wordplay at the title, it had me chuckle because Olive was a maniac when unleashed and unguarded, in fact he nearly mulled our MC Shawn to death (figuratively) when they first met.

All in all it was sweet story but I felt like the pacing could be faster. One thing that had me confused and unsatisfied was the plot between Kit and Adam, I would probably had to re-read back but it seemed the issue was left unresolved? Also I just realized there’s another book set in the same timeline with Tara, well guess I know what’s next on my agenda.

Kit and Shawn are thrown together after Kit returns to her small hometown. Kit is a minor celebrity back home after her appearance as a designer on a home improvement show and hopes to make a go of it at her family's construction business after the show ends. Shawn has never left town and has the same job she had in high school but has become a community fixture, always helping anyone she can. Kit is itching to leave again as soon as she can but Shawn is not interested in the world outside of Rocky Springs.
I enjoyed this one, the characters are nicely written and their storyline well developed. The side characters each add a bit with the exception of Kit's brother Adam who seems very one dimensional to me. I liked their progression and felt like it was a natural lead up to the end if slightly unexciting. They have a few hiccups in their relationship and I think there may have been a couple too many for me. There is also one major plot point that felt unresolved with Kit's dad and brother so I was a bit disappointed not to see that resolved. I liked this story though and would recommend to anyone looking for an upbeat romance with likable characters and a few spicy scenes, it is a quick fun read would be great to curl up with during the holidays.

Love in small-town Colorado
This is another Christmas f/f romance book by Rey / Clevenger set in the small town of Rocky Springs in Colorado.
The two main characters Kit and Shawn first seem to be worlds apart: Kit who left the town to seek a career in LA until she is forced to return home but only temporarily and Shawn, the people-pleaser, who never left town and stayed to help her family and friends. Kit‘s new dog kind of brings them together and their dogs have an immediate friends-affair. The humans - as always - take a bit longer to acknowledge their attraction and to find out that they have a lot in common: both are at a crossroad in their lives. Question is whether they travel the road alone, stop moving at all or - and this is a big challenge - to find a way to travel together. And after years one of them eventually stands to their queer identity which is a good addition to the mix.
Two cute dogs, two main characters who have chemistry and once they give in to it have their attraction heat up their houses and bedrooms make up for a relaxed holiday read.

I received an ARC via netgalley. The review is left voluntarily.

In A New Leash on Love Jaime Clevenger and Aurora Rey bring to light two very different characters, both of whom are at a crossroads in their life and in need of finding their next step. The main difference is that Kit knows that she needs to find out what comes next but Shawn is stuck, thinking she is happy even though she is giving up on her own desires through a need to help everyone around her. The two women had grown up together with Shawn being friends with Kit's brother.

Following the end of the ending of the television show that had been meant to give Kit her big break in California and while recovering from surgery, Kit is forced to return to her mountain hometown of Rocky Springs to stay in the cottage at the back of her parents place while working as an interior designer for her parents' business, alongside her obnoxious brother. She doesn't know what she wants to do next, but she does know that there's no way she wants to stay in Rocky Springs long term.

Meanwhile, Shawn is living in Rocky Springs with her dog, Milo and part owner (alongside her sister) and cashier for the local bakery that specialises in making cupcakes. She thinks she is content with her life and will do anything to help anyone whenever needed. However, in doing so, she has given up on her own dreams including the opportunity to go to college when she was younger. She has no intention of ever leaving Rocky Springs.

The two women are reunited when Kit's newly adopted dog, Olive, escapes her control while walking in the park before bumping into Shawn and sending her coffee flying. When Shawn offers to help train Olive the two women start to spend more time together and a bond quickly forms. However, neither of them knows where any relationship could go given that Kit has no intention of staying in Rocky Springs and Shawn has no intentions of leaving.

With the two women spending more and more time together including Shawn taking Kit on an "I Heart Rocky Springs Tour" to try to convince her that living in the mountain town isn't so bad and Kit starting to plant seeds of an idea that could encourage Shawn to consider leaving town. A roller-coaster of emotion ensues with the two women quickly becoming hot and steamy while also beating down their own internal fears about how any relationship could work long term.

With a bit of Christmas spirit, a little family angst and lots of spice, A New Leash on Love is a wonderful comforting story of new beginnings. A fantastic comfort read for the holiday season that leaves you rooting for the two main characters to find a way to make things work.

I am grateful to Jaime Clevenger and Aurora Rey and the publishers for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily and any opinions are my own.

Jaime Clevenger and Aurora Rey bring warmth, charm, and just the right amount of spice to A New Leash on Love, a holiday romance that centers LGBTQIA+ characters in a small-town setting. With heartfelt moments and relatable dynamics, this story captures the complexities of connection, community, and taking chances on love.

The protagonists, two of the very few openly queer individuals in their quaint hometown, share an instant chemistry that feels authentic and endearing. What starts as casual companionship over the holidays quickly evolves into a deeper connection, as both characters navigate their growing feelings. Their budding romance is peppered with moments of humor, vulnerability, and genuine intimacy, creating a delightful balance between emotional depth and lighthearted fun.

The book shines in its relatability, particularly for readers in the LGBTQIA+ community who might recognize the challenges and joys of finding connection in less-than-diverse environments. The authors’ attention to detail in building the protagonists’ personal struggles and shared moments adds layers to the narrative, making their journey not just romantic but profoundly human.

While the story’s focus is on the romantic journey, the larger question of whether their relationship can thrive beyond the confines of their hometown adds a meaningful tension. This theme resonates with anyone who has grappled with balancing personal growth and romantic commitments, making the story universally appealing.

Clevenger and Rey deliver a cozy, festive romance that is as empowering as it is swoon-worthy. A New Leash on Love is a must-read for fans of holiday romances and LGBTQIA+ stories, offering a sweet reminder of the magic of taking risks for love.

Rocky Springs is the last place Kit Hartman wants to be. But when the home renovation show that was supposed to be her big break gets canceled, she has no choice but to return to the sleepy little mountain town and take a job in the family business. The only good news is that she finally has time to adopt a dog.

Olive might be a perfect dog someday. For now, she’s a naughty handful. And when she knocks down an attractive stranger at the dog park, Kit realizes she’s in over her head. Especially since the stranger is someone she recognizes. Shawn McCoy never expected to run into Kit at the dog park, let alone offer to help train her dog. But helping everyone in Rocky Springs is what Shawn does best—and keeping busy means there’s no time to think about a life or an identity that breaks the mold.

This was a fun holiday romance. I love when Clevenger and Rey team up to bring us new stories! Low angst, warm hearts, and definite chemistry between our duo make for a wonderful read by the fire with a warm cuppa. I really appreciated the NB rep. 5⭐

I received an advanced complimentary digital copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed are my own

Kit Hartman is reluctantly back home as she recovers from losing her Big Break. Her newly adopted dog, Olive, tangles her up in local shop staffer, Shawn McCoy.

Shawn never expected to run into Kit, and finds themselves volunteering to help train the troublesome hound.

(This is set at the same time as Frosted By The Girl Next Door also by them. It'll be interesting seeing how tight the continuity ends up.)

Kit and Shawn are cute, and i like the progression of the flirting to a relationship.

Side note: Tara is a lot more abrasive and unpleasant in this book than the other. Weird.

The plotline around Kit and her shitty brother also was resolved, but in a half assed, off camera way.

3 stars out of 5. It's okay, not as good as the other. And Tara, specifically, felt OOC compared to the other.

Jaime Clevenger and Aurora Rey pair up again delivering two spicy holiday romances. I still fondly remember reading their last pairings, The Mile High City Romances from 2021. Shawn McCoy never left her small hometown of Rocky Springs, Colorado. Shawn at 35 still works in the family bakery just like in high school. Kit Hartman has returned to the town she always wanted to leave. She worked in LA as a designer on a HGTV show till it was canceled. Now she has returned temporarily and is working in her family construction business.

Kit isn’t planning on staying in town and Shawn doesn’t want a fling but a relationship. But the two can’t ignore sparks and chemistry between each other. I like that the story stays in the small town and the focus is on their possible relationship and Shawn coming out as non-binary. I think the story got a little muddled in dealing with Kit’s brother Adam. It’s like the authors couldn’t make up their mind on how big of a villain to make him and still get the ending they wanted. But overall I like the characters and their family relationships.

I love this book and ‘Frosted by the Girl Next Door’ which features a romance for Tara who runs the bakery with Casey are happening at the same time. And it doesn’t matter which book you read first, it is fun to read the other and see where the characters meet up or have overlapping events. Neither book is a spoiler for the other.

Another great book in this world by this pair. Fantastic job by Rey and Clevenger. This basically follows the same timeline as Frosted by the Girl Next door.

Kit Hartman moved back to Rocky Springs after her show got cancelled and to recover from everything. She adopts a dog now that she has time, but still doesn't intend to stay, as she couldn't wait to leave. When she runs into Shawn McCoy, a relationship is the last thing she wants or needs so she thinks a casual thing will work while she's in town.

Shawn McCoy never expected to run into Kit at the dog park, let alone be knocked over but seeing Kit again, all grown up has her glad she did. She never left town after everything and Kit doesn't intend to stay, but Shawn can't resist getting involved with her. Besides Shawn has other ideas and wants her to fall in love with Rocky Springs and her.

It was nice to see Kit and Shawn, especially evolve throughout the book. This was a great, low angst book with finding yourself and pleasing yourself rather than everyone else. I only wish there was a good resolution with Kit's brother, Adam. All that was mentioned was a bookkeeper, that's it.

I would recommend this book most definitely. I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

A wonderful sweet romance by Jamie Clevenger and Aurora Rey.
This duo pairs well together. I have enjoyed all the books they have written together.
This was a low angst, and friends to lovers Christmas season read.
This book did a great job at self care, exploring themselves and growing. The secondary characters were well done, pertinent to the story.
This book runs concurrently with their first book, and I was happy that there weren't any repeat scenes as MCs in both books as sisters working together.
I hope to see more books from this duo in the future, I enjoy their books separately and when they collaborate.