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Kyle Schafer had to grow up fast. Being a daughter of a reluctant mother and an older sister on top of that had practically guaranteed it. When she discovers that the stories her mother told her about her recently deceased grandmother might not be true, she treks to New Orleans to find out the truth about her own history.

Melinda Andrews loves New Orleans. So much so that she runs NOLA Guides, the top tour company in the city, knowing it will be handed to her by the owner and her mentor soon enough. When her unlucky-in-love best friend suggests that they go out so she can meet someone, Melinda sees a woman, who she knows is a tourist, and now, she can’t help but think that she should have said hello.

Ending up in New Orleans with her younger sister, trying to uncover the truth about her family, was never part of Kyle’s plan, but maybe that’s okay because meeting Melinda on a tour and figuring out that there was more to the story than her mother led her to believe might just be worth it.

301 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 2, 2025

287 people are currently reading
191 people want to read

About the author

Nicole Pyland

81 books831 followers
Nicole Pyland is a bestselling author of lesbian romance stand-alone novels and series like Chicago Series, Holiday Series, Royalty Series, Sports Series, and more. Since 2017, she’s published over 60 novels (not including her What Happened After shorts), and more books are on their way.

Nicole grew up in Indiana, studying English & Film and then getting a MS in Behavior Analysis and moving to California, working by day as a Head of Training at a startup. She lives with her wife and their opinionated cat, who spends his evenings helping her write stories by occupying half the chair.

Newsletter: nicolepyland.com/newsletter

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5 stars
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45 (10%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
Profile Image for Aunt Missa.
308 reviews32 followers
July 1, 2025
Super easy read and the beginning of the NOLA series from Nicole Pyland. I enjoyed the New Orleans setting and learning about the Garden District. Kyle and Melinda made a pretty good couple and I’m glad they found each other, even if it was insta-love. Nice seeing Kyle finally have some people have her back was a nice treat. There’s nothing ground breaking here, and I will definitely continue the series.
Profile Image for cloverxheart.
239 reviews15 followers
January 24, 2026
This one is a little bit hard to rate.
When I was in the story I was enjoying it a lot, but I wasn't able to really focus and I felt like I wasn't really in the mood for this at the moment.
Maybe I'll reread it one day.
I also felt like not a lot was happening and I would've like a little more of them spending time with each other.
But I did love the scenes we had.

I also loved how they stood up to Kyle and Jolies mom and told her that she was acting like a horrible mother.
In a lot of other books that isn't really the case and they just stay silent and endure it.
Profile Image for Kexx.
2,362 reviews105 followers
August 16, 2025
Fun book, good story, well worth a read. Read in a day. Expensive series though: £9.99 for book 2. And I assume there are 12! But will continue.
Profile Image for Bree.
80 reviews1 follower
April 11, 2025
Amazing and sweet. I loved the plot and the characters so much. Kyle learns about a family history she never knew existed, including a grandmother she had never even met. What starts as a quick trip to New Orleans to settle an unexpected inheritance turns into something more meaningful.

I really liked how Kyle’s relationship with Melinda developed. The pace of their relationship was kind of fast, but it actually fit well and made sense within the story. There was instant attraction, and the way their connection grew felt genuine and satisfying.

I also really liked the side characters. Everyone had their own distinct personality that added something special to the story, which really shows how well written it was. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
Profile Image for Sarah Tino.
134 reviews4 followers
January 19, 2025
Soooo good!

I am very excited for this series! January was soooo good! Love the NOLA setting which I didn't know much about. It actually makes me want to visit there some day. Highly recommend!
Profile Image for JAYNE.
215 reviews13 followers
January 2, 2025
January, by Nicole Pyland, is a captivating start to the New Orleans Series.

Melinda Andrews, 25, is a tour guide in New Orleans. She loves her job and can’t think of anywhere else she would rather be.

Kyle Schafer, 30, owns a freelance translation business. She’s not had the easiest of starts in life, having to grow up fast. Kyle's grandmother's recent death shocked her. Until now, she never knew she existed and wanting answers to past events, she heads to New Orleans to discover more of the person she knew nothing about.

Kyle and Melinda exchanged a fleeting glance at a bar whilst ordering food. Little did they know they would meet again on one of Melinda’s tours. As both the mystery around Kyle’s grandmother and fondness for Melinda grow, Kyle feels a connection to this bustling place, and all it offers.
Nicole’s depiction of New Orleans immerses you into the quarters and ambience of the city. The character development effortlessly flows, bringing to life two very affable main characters who have instant chemistry. There are also some interesting side characters which I’m looking forward to seeing more of.

I received an ARC for my honest review.
Profile Image for Emé Stölting.
82 reviews15 followers
April 27, 2025
This was an adorable, low stakes romp. I loved the chemistry between the two FMCs (don't get confused, Kyle is a woman) and there is plenty of setup for sequels.

My niggling complaint is that the mom seemed unbelievable. Not that there aren't mothers like that out there, just that when her dialogue came up, it seemed weird and stilted. But - skip that part, you'll have loads of fun with the rest.
Profile Image for Deb.
394 reviews9 followers
September 26, 2025
I loved to meet Kyle and Melinda, some of Nicole Pyland's wonderful new characters in this first book in the New Orleans series. As always, it was a beautiful romance, this time with (a bit of) Kyle's family history as a backdrop. Not much detailed attention was paid to the family story itself, which sometimes raised some questions for me. For example, why not more contact with Grandma's former neighbor? She could certainly have provided a lot of information. But that clearly wasn't the focus of the story. It was actually mainly the reason for ending up in New Orleans. But the love story itself was definitely good enough for 4 stars.
Profile Image for RA Young.
321 reviews6 followers
January 30, 2025
Cute but uneventful

So they meet, like each other, date, sort out the details, and that's it. It's not low angst, it's no angst. They just communicate like adults and everything is fine. There's some minor external obstacles, but nothing impedes their relationship in any way, and all the main characters constantly do exactly what they should do.
On one hand, it's refreshing. It's an easy read with low stakes and likeable characters who don't make you mad. On the other hand...it's not a very interesting story.

Okay, some spoilers ahead (not that there's much to spoil)
I think there needed to be something more. The younger sister could have been much younger, a teen perhaps, which would complicate things enough to get some more plot in there. Or Kyle could have had a job she felt obligated to stay in, or had a more codependent relationship with her horrible mother that she needed to break free of, or just had a more rigid type A oldest daughter syndrome thing going on.

But as it was, she had no reason to go back home, so it was easy for her to just be like "why *not* move to an objectively cool city because I inherited a small fortune and estate there and met the girl of my dreams?"
Kyle's little sister is grown and successfully independent, Kyle is also distant with her mom, has no friends, works remotely, has a rental home she's not attached to, no pets, not even a delicate houseplant that might struggle in a new climate to consider and give her pause. She's got no obligations and knows it. Mel is working her dream job, ready to take over the business from a boss who appreciates her, has a good relationship with her family, has friends and is generally happy with her life and ready for a relationship of it finds her. So when they meet, there's nothing to overcome in order to date other than a friend who kinda thought Kyle was hot but doesn't actually care at all, and 100% ships them. They have like, a few hours where they decide to hold back, then both decide it's worth it and go for it. They date for like, a week, decide they're compatible, consider their options, decide they want to be together. Then when obstacles come, they just say "Nah. Not today, Satan." And go on to collaboratively interior design and plan their future babies in true lesbian fashion after dating for like 2 weeks. And that's essentially it. The entire story.

Even when the mom tried to mess stuff up for them, she actually can't, and they just set boundaries and after testing them in like, two brief conversations, she respects the boundaries and that's done and dusted too.
All that said, it was well written and edited and I enjoyed it well enough. I'll read the next one because I genuinely liked Bridgette and thought she was funny and I love New Orleans, but if it's not more interesting than this one I'll probably put the rest are the very bottom of my TBR list.
Profile Image for Jayden.
55 reviews
December 25, 2024
*Honest Review as part of ARC*

January is the 1st of Nicole Pyland's newest 12 book series. It takes place in New Orleans, Louisiana and follows the love story of Kyle and Melinda.

Mel works as a tour guide and absolutely loves everything about the city. She has connections with various vendors, a few close friends, and a possible future ownership of the company she loves. She lives, eats, and breathes New Orleans basically lol.

Kyle travels to the city with her sister Jodie, originally because they are trying to solve the mystery of 'what happened between their mother and grandmother ' because the latter had recently passed away and they don't believe anything their mother says. Both grew up with a neglectful parent and are wondering if that may be a family trait. Once they arrive, Kyle uncovers the truth, gets an awesome inheritance, and falls in love with the city and a certain tour guide.

Fair warning to anyone interested in reading this book - the story is...a lot. It's good, don't get me wrong but I think it could be classified as: Hurt with comfort or High angst.

The relationship between Kyle and her mother (in my opinion) is the real star of the story and could possibly be triggering for anyone who had been raised in a similar situation - that's how good a job Nicole did in describing the struggles of Kyle and Jodie's childhood, the interactions between the 3 Schafer women (especially that last one towards the end), and Kyle's discovery of the truth. It's raw and feels very real and you hurt with/for Kyle.

The romance part is very sweet/tender and adds some comfort balm to the hurt the family drama causes. Mel and Kyle are very cute together and I was so happy with how it ended.

Although my favorite character is definitely that fortunate teller that they meet (hehe).

All in all: if you can get past the mentions of addiction, child neglect/abuse, and the obvious mental health issues that the Schafer family present - then this book comes highly recommended.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
39 reviews2 followers
January 8, 2025
A new series set in New Orleans.

When I heard that Nicole Pyland was going to be writing a new series with 12 books, I was  really excited about that. Throw in the setting being New Orleans, well, that just made it even better! Even though I’ve never been to New Orleans, there’s just something about the city that has always fascinated me.

I loved the instant connection between Kyle and Melinda and how their attraction grows from a chance meeting to friendship to a relationship. The support and respect these two have for each other is strong and wonderful to see. From how Melinda supported Kyle through her journey and standing up to Kyle’s mom when accidently meeting her. To how Kyle accepted Melinda turning her down for a date, even though it was hard, she respected Melinda’s decision to remain friends.

This story really made me root for Kyle. A woman who has never felt wanted by her mother and, in fact, was blamed for all the wrongs that befell her mother. Yet when she gets to New Orleans and starts delving into the past through her late grandmother’s journals, Kyle soon realises her mom was never truthful about the past and that her grandmother did care and want both Kyle and her younger sister. The journey of finally finding your home, where you belong, and having the support you were missing throughout your life, knowing that you are wanted, that you are enough made this book all the better.

Even though this book was definitely a happily ever after, it wasn’t without some angst and family drama. This book was definitely a great read, and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Cara Ramsey.
Author 2 books5 followers
August 14, 2025
When Kyle's grandmother dies and Kyle hears about it, she's upset that her mother didn't even tell her. But then again, so far as Kyle knew, her grandmother had kicked her mother out when she got pregnant at 16 and abandoned her ever since. But still curious, Kyle goes to New Orleans to look through her grandmother's estate to try to understand why she abandoned her daughter.

Once in New Orleans, she discovers that her grandmother left two houses and a lot of money to Kyle and her sister. Even more stunning, she discovers that her grandmother frequently sent her and her sister cards and money, for holidays, birthdays, and just because. And then she learns that her mother has lied to her for years - she was never kicked out. Her mother ran away because she wanted to drink, do drugs, and sleep around, which was all she did now as an adult.

In the midst of all this turmoil, her sister, Jolie, insists on some sightseeing. After some sightseeing, they end up at a bar, and as a certain woman is leaving, they make eye contact and all Kyle can think about is that gorgeous woman. The next day, while queueing up for another sightseeing tour, Kyle looks up only to see Melinda, the woman from the bar, is now her tour guide.

Thus begins a relationship that tests both Kyle's and Melinda's patience and strength. They both know Kyle is leaving to go back home soon, once the houses are renovated to be used as rental properties. But love, and a certain fortune teller, have other ideas for Kyle and Melinda.

I loved this book!
Profile Image for Jamie (TheRebelliousReader).
7,064 reviews30 followers
January 21, 2026
4 stars. Kyle and her sister, Jolie go to New Orleans to handle their grandmother’s estate and to learn more about her. While there Kyle meets tour guide Melinda and the two hit it off. This was very low angst in that their romance goes off without a hitch. No big drama between them and no third act break up. All of the conflict is external and comes from Kyle and Jolie’s awful mother.

I loved the characters (minus the mom) and the chemistry between Kyle and Melinda was so good and they have a really sweet romance. There’s some spicy moments of course but it definitely wasn’t the spiciest thing I’ve read from this author. Their relationship had great communication and swoon worthy moments. Melinda in particular was my favorite between the two. She took Kyle on a private helicopter tour of the city! HELLO! I love her. And the way that she stood up for Kyle to her mother? S W O O N!

New Orleans felt like a character all on its own and I loved that. Very descriptive and wonderfully detailed.

A very relaxing read and I will for sure be continuing on with this series.

Spice:❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥/❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥
Content Warning:
1,285 reviews
January 5, 2026
Great start to a terrific series!

I really enjoyed this family mystery set in New Orleans. It is a very well written story of two sisters, Kyle and Jolie, who travel to New Orleans when they are notified that they have inherited property and money from a grandmother they had never known. Their mother didn't care for either of them as children so Kyle felt responsible for her younger sister. When they meet local guide, Melinda, she just clicks with Kyle. But the meat of this story is really finding your "true home - is it a place or a person?"

The backstory on the sisters is very intriguing and Melinda's friends make for many interesting books to come in this series. And the setting is just perfect! I'm excited for the next eleven books. Thank you for great storytelling, Nicole!
50 reviews1 follower
January 3, 2025
I love these types of stories. The ones you fly through while reading and get confused when you can’t go to the next page. Then you look down to the bottom of the screen and see that it is because you finished the book, which is completely ok because you know the "world" these characters are in isn't over. It's just getting started. This is the first book in a 12 book series and I am so excited to see what happens. January perfectly sets the scene for the New Orleans series. More specifically about this book, Kyle is an amazing character that you just want to give a hug to and Melinda is exactly the character you want Kyle to meet. You won't regret reading this book or the sleep you might lose while doing so.
305 reviews
January 14, 2025
At first, I thought the book was a little light on substance, but I trust Nicole Pyland to deliver, and I'm glad I stayed with it.

I wanted to murder Kyle and Jolie's mom! What a b***h. She is sooo selfish. Their grandmother sent them money, gifts, and cards, but they never received anything. Mom was too busy conning her daughters out of any money they had.

Kyle and Melinda were great as a couple, and I loved that Jolie finally hammered their mom. She grew up and grew a pair! The description of how the girls were brought up with little to eat and how Kyle, at five years old, ensured Jolie had something to eat, even if she did not. I shed some tears reading that. And all the time, dear old mom was drinking and drugging.
Profile Image for Blanca.
65 reviews
January 4, 2025
First book to the New Orleans series and I have to say, it’s off to a great start. Such a great read! Loved the development in the story. It’s a story about finding true love when you’re not looking for it but also a story about Family and things you go through sometimes with family. I can’t wait where this series takes us. The way the book ends leaves room for so much more. If anyone can create an a amazing world with amazing friends its Nicole Pyland! Loved how you learn about the city. I’ve never been and I’m already thinking it’s somewhere I want to go. Looking forward to learning more about the city and all the great stories yet to come!!
596 reviews5 followers
January 22, 2025
So, hot humid, stinky, and loud are my memories of New Orleans! some things just don’t change, right?

Nicole Pyland, is an awesome writer who not only brings the city to life, she manages to warp my memories into making it a beautiful and interesting place. I mean really, I was there twice for meetings, staying for a week the first time and two the second time. I hated it! Now, I feel a need to try it one more time! The story of Kyle and Melinda is delightful, the characters are full, well rounded and bring life to the city and story. It is a wonderful read. I am looking forward to the next in the series! Buy this book, support the author and tell your friends!
481 reviews2 followers
May 8, 2025
New Orleans

A story about two sister growing up very poor with their mother that only cares about herself. When they find out their Grandma has passed Kyle needs answers to why her mom is the way she is and why her mother was kick out when she was pregnant with her. Jolie her sister gives in to her mother but wants to be strong. When in New Orleans things changed for both of them. Melinda is a native of New Orleans a tour guide that shows people the city she loves. When Kyle and Melinda meet they have the chemistry but can they work it out and what happens to the sisters and their mom now. A great book to read and can wait to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Silvia.
367 reviews9 followers
January 2, 2025
This is a touching story about family, love, and finding yourself, all set in the lively city of New Orleans. Kyle’s search for the truth about her mother’s past is emotional and keeps you hooked. Melinda’s love for her city and her dreams of running a tour company add a fun and relatable side to the story. When Kyle and Melinda meet, their connection feels natural and heartfelt. The book does a great job mixing family drama with a sweet romance, making it an enjoyable and uplifting read, full of charm and heart.
44 reviews
January 2, 2025
New Year - Great Read

Super excited about this upcoming series from Nicole Pyland. The first installment, January, did not disappoint.

Some significant themes in this first installment include uncovering a disappointing family history and new starts. Loved the relationship between the two sisters and of course the love story. Plus, we’re introduced to many characters I’m sure we’ll meet again in the next year.

New Orleans is one of my favorite places. I’m looking forward to seeing how Pyland continues to blend her stories with the city I love.
Profile Image for Michelle.
510 reviews7 followers
March 27, 2025
Amazing Book!

Nicole Pyland has started her New Orleans Series with a wonderful love story. Melinda and Kyle are a swoon worthy romantic couple. Pyland’s description of their making out was so charmingly done. The scene could have ended there and it would have been perfect.

The interaction between Kyle, her sister Jolie, and their mom was a pleasant surprise. Especially, the way Jolie stood up for Kyle and herself. The ending of the story, which was filled with promises, was beautiful.
Profile Image for Geina.
43 reviews
December 27, 2024
An instant connection with just one look. A chance meeting turns to friendship and then dating. Both of the main characters are easy to love and have you rooting for them to stay together. Kyle desperately wants to understand her family and travels to New Orleans to discover her grandmother left her a couple of houses and some money. Melissa lives in New Orleans and no where else would be home for her. They have an instant connection and you can’t help but fall in love with them.
Profile Image for Shannon Cross.
39 reviews
January 3, 2025
It's going to be a very long year...

I've never had the pleasure (or torture) of being at the beginning of a Nicole Pyland series and not being able to instantly "stream" the next book... I literally can't wait now for each month to hit so I can delve straight into the next chapter of the longest series Ms. Pyland has ever written. But as always, I'm sure each story will be just as amazing as the one I just read!
Author 1 book18 followers
January 7, 2025
Sisters Kyle and Jolie find out their maternal Grandmother has died, whom their mother is weirdly evasive about. Taking matters into their own hands, they head to New Orleans to investigate.

Local tour guide Melinda is attracted to Kyle and offers to help out. She wants to ask her out, but is wary about dating a tourist.

Good read. And WOW is the mom awful. I was expecting her to be pretty bad but... geeze.
Profile Image for Milena.
430 reviews
January 10, 2025
I'm glad Ms Nicole likes to surprise us readers with stories that give us endearing characters and big drop backs, like New Orleans. During each tour Melinda took us on, it felt like we were along and could feel the awesome vibes. Kyle and Melinda's story felt very natural and what a way to fall for each other. Enjoy the journey and answers to a mystery that started the whole journey to New Orleans.
Profile Image for Carolyn G. Manuel.
1,070 reviews
February 25, 2025
Family Affair

Kyle Schaffer and her sister have just discovered that they have inherited two houses and a small fortune from the Grandmother their mother had denigrated all their lives. Heading to New Orleans to take on their new situation they find a whole other world. Meeting Melissa, a tour guide and business manager, leads to new dreams and possibilities. A story of sisters, parents and their failings, friends and finding future partners. Love NOLA.
Profile Image for Julie.
51 reviews2 followers
December 22, 2024
I've always been a big fan of the series that Nicole Pyland writes. The new Orleans series is no exception. This book was heartfelt. It tugged right at my heart strings. I can relate to Kyle's life in a lot of ways. After living the younger life she did It makes me happy to know she got her happy ending. Great book!
Profile Image for Ty Lotus.
38 reviews
January 7, 2025
I absolutely loved the story. I really enjoyed the detailed description of New Orleans and how you can feel the connection between the main characters and the city. Kyle and Mel’s story will have you entertained and rooting for them from the meet-cute. I really enjoyed this book and I’m excited to see what will happen in this New Orleans series.
37 reviews
January 10, 2025
Excited to read the upcoming series from Nicole Pyland. I love how cohesive they are. January is the first of 12 books this year and it definitely did not disappoint. I loved reading about Kyle and her sister and the natural relationship between Melinda and Kyle. It was an easy going read that could be picked up and reread multiple times. Looking forward to reading remaining books.
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