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New River Gorge(ous)
Dr. Beckett Whistler was left at the altar four years ago.
Now, he doesn’t do love.
Brooke Bastion is convinced she’s met every eligible young man in Michigan—and none of them were the right fit. So when her grandma June needs help after ankle surgery, Brooke jumps at the chance for a change of scenery. Settling into her new life in West Virginia, Brooke quickly learns that June has plans for Brooke and the attractive, but grumpy, doctor who lives next door.
Beckett doesn’t quite know how to handle his neighbors—the local busybody with a not-so-subtle interest in his love life, and her granddaughter, a woman with a take-charge personality and pink hair.
After a little meddling from June and a late night emergency room visit, sparks fly between grumpy Beckett and sunny Brooke. The only problem? Beckett’s vindictive ex-fiancée has decided she wants him back, and she doesn’t care who is caught in the crossfire.
Only one thing’s for certain- love is a choice, and they’ll both have to fight for it.
New River Gorge(ous) is a kisses only romantic comedy set in New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia. It has Christian themes, and is the first of the National Parks Romcom Series by Olivia Hope McCarthy.
Now, he doesn’t do love.
Brooke Bastion is convinced she’s met every eligible young man in Michigan—and none of them were the right fit. So when her grandma June needs help after ankle surgery, Brooke jumps at the chance for a change of scenery. Settling into her new life in West Virginia, Brooke quickly learns that June has plans for Brooke and the attractive, but grumpy, doctor who lives next door.
Beckett doesn’t quite know how to handle his neighbors—the local busybody with a not-so-subtle interest in his love life, and her granddaughter, a woman with a take-charge personality and pink hair.
After a little meddling from June and a late night emergency room visit, sparks fly between grumpy Beckett and sunny Brooke. The only problem? Beckett’s vindictive ex-fiancée has decided she wants him back, and she doesn’t care who is caught in the crossfire.
Only one thing’s for certain- love is a choice, and they’ll both have to fight for it.
New River Gorge(ous) is a kisses only romantic comedy set in New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia. It has Christian themes, and is the first of the National Parks Romcom Series by Olivia Hope McCarthy.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 5, 2025
11 people are currently reading
210 people want to read
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October 17, 2025Cute, Clean romcom
Meemaw steals the show. :)
Meemaw steals the show. :)
July 31, 2025
This story took hold of me in a vice grip and did not let me go until I had finished it- and that’s not something that usually happens for me with romcom/contemporary romance stories! I got a few chapters from the end, checked my progress on my kindle and was shocked to see how close to the end I was!
I really appreciated Brooke’s storyline/where she was coming from as very relatable and appreciated how the author handled it.
The character of June was like your meddlesome grandma, your sassy grandpa, and Granny Clampet all rolled into one. Definitely a new favorite fictional character for sure!
*I received an ARC of this incredibly enjoyable book.
I really appreciated Brooke’s storyline/where she was coming from as very relatable and appreciated how the author handled it.
The character of June was like your meddlesome grandma, your sassy grandpa, and Granny Clampet all rolled into one. Definitely a new favorite fictional character for sure!
*I received an ARC of this incredibly enjoyable book.
August 16, 2025
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review and I’m sorry to say that my honest review is that it isn’t very good. I quit reading at 80% because I just couldn’t take it anymore. I actually really liked the beginning when I thought we were getting a fun grumpy- sunshine girl next door story. But the baggage these character were carrying was large and in charge…. until it wasn’t. The 180 degree turn from “I can’t date you” to “let’s get married” gave me some serious whiplash as their relationship “development” consisted of awkward, quiet car rides. The FMC actually admits that she knows exactly two things about his past after she’s already said “I love you” and has basically agreed to marry the MMC. The characters were not well developed and very inconsistent- except for Meemaw who was consistently annoying. Her hijinks were funny at first but then they just became repetitive, annoying, and downright embarrassing. From the title I was expecting a national park book but there was unfortunately no sense of place in this novel. The scenes jumped all over the place. I got the sense that I hadn’t read some first book in this series when new characters were introduced in a way that felt like I should already know them, but unless I am very wrong, that isn’t the case. I did appreciate the Christian aspect of this story. I like romcoms that incorporate faith. I see that there are other great reviews of this book so some people like it but I just can’t recommend it.
September 21, 2025
Cute
A quick, sweet romance with very light faith elements. It was a perfect read for a relaxing Sunday afternoon. Recommended for those who love sweet contemporary romances.
A quick, sweet romance with very light faith elements. It was a perfect read for a relaxing Sunday afternoon. Recommended for those who love sweet contemporary romances.
September 5, 2025
I received an ARC for an honest review.
Struggling single-girl Brooke moves to WV to stay with her accident-prone grandmother, “Meemaw”. Meemaw’s next door neighbor, Beck, is an ER physician who routinely helps when Meemaw gets into a scrape. He instantly takes to Brooke’s, though she needs time to warm up to him. Insecurities about their pasts are quickly forgotten as they fall fast and hard for each other.
This book has a lot of potential, but it needs a bit of editing. The main characters have a lot of baggage that makes them unique and interesting. I love the mental health aspects of Brooke’s character.
There are a lot of side characters that flit in and out of the story helping the main characters develop. And there are some very cute scenes.
Unfortunately, I had issues with this book telling me about the characters instead of showing me through their dialogue and actions. There is a lot of “I am ____, so I ____…” and question and answer, like “Should I be? No. Am I doing it anyway? Yes” is used repeatedly by both characters. There points of view have a similar style. They do not have their own voices.
I also found the Meemaw POV unnecessary. She was a squirrely character, but nothing from her POV couldn’t have been explained by the mains.
This is a great effort, it just felt a bit unpolished.
Struggling single-girl Brooke moves to WV to stay with her accident-prone grandmother, “Meemaw”. Meemaw’s next door neighbor, Beck, is an ER physician who routinely helps when Meemaw gets into a scrape. He instantly takes to Brooke’s, though she needs time to warm up to him. Insecurities about their pasts are quickly forgotten as they fall fast and hard for each other.
This book has a lot of potential, but it needs a bit of editing. The main characters have a lot of baggage that makes them unique and interesting. I love the mental health aspects of Brooke’s character.
There are a lot of side characters that flit in and out of the story helping the main characters develop. And there are some very cute scenes.
Unfortunately, I had issues with this book telling me about the characters instead of showing me through their dialogue and actions. There is a lot of “I am ____, so I ____…” and question and answer, like “Should I be? No. Am I doing it anyway? Yes” is used repeatedly by both characters. There points of view have a similar style. They do not have their own voices.
I also found the Meemaw POV unnecessary. She was a squirrely character, but nothing from her POV couldn’t have been explained by the mains.
This is a great effort, it just felt a bit unpolished.
September 5, 2025
No spice 🌶️ no language 🤬 so much swoon!
Let me start by saying that I read Superior Hearts first and then I jumped into this one right after! I had the best time reading New River Gorge(ous). I love the setting of this book and it honestly made me feel like I was there with them! 💗
Meemaw has to be one of my top fav characters of all time! She’s so sweet and wise and I just wanted a hug from her! Did I tear up while reading her POV? Yes! Did I also crack up? YEP!
Brook has a special place in my heart, she wants to be loved and cared for truly. She wants her happily ever after, and Dr. Beckett wants nothing of the sort after his last relationship. Enter toxic ex. 👀 the one character I didn’t like!
I’m giving this one 5 🌟 here’s why:
- memorable story
- no spice
- no language
- well written
- made me giggle and cry
- FAITH THEMES!! ✨
- June aka Meemaw
Let me start by saying that I read Superior Hearts first and then I jumped into this one right after! I had the best time reading New River Gorge(ous). I love the setting of this book and it honestly made me feel like I was there with them! 💗
Meemaw has to be one of my top fav characters of all time! She’s so sweet and wise and I just wanted a hug from her! Did I tear up while reading her POV? Yes! Did I also crack up? YEP!
Brook has a special place in my heart, she wants to be loved and cared for truly. She wants her happily ever after, and Dr. Beckett wants nothing of the sort after his last relationship. Enter toxic ex. 👀 the one character I didn’t like!
I’m giving this one 5 🌟 here’s why:
- memorable story
- no spice
- no language
- well written
- made me giggle and cry
- FAITH THEMES!! ✨
- June aka Meemaw
August 12, 2025
There’s just something about a book with a meddling granny. 🤭 Meemaw does a very very good of covering every aspect of the meddling granny role.
Beck and Brooke’s story is one of learning to trust, for both main characters. And for Meewmaw it’s about learning to step back and let love take its course.
So many fun adventures occur in this story, and I loved getting to see Conner and Paige again! I feel like there might need to be a story for Logan and Ben as well 🤭
Thank you, Olivia, so much for my ARC copy!
Beck and Brooke’s story is one of learning to trust, for both main characters. And for Meewmaw it’s about learning to step back and let love take its course.
So many fun adventures occur in this story, and I loved getting to see Conner and Paige again! I feel like there might need to be a story for Logan and Ben as well 🤭
Thank you, Olivia, so much for my ARC copy!
July 26, 2025
This book has it all! I just adored Brooke (great name!) and Beck. Meemaw's antics had me laughing nonstop. This book is full of real, imperfect characters who are so relatable and will have you rooting for them. There are so many side characters I hope will get a story in the future. Off to read everything else this author has written.
kisses only, no language, brief references to religion (Catholic , Baptist, and Methodist. No discussion of dogma, though)
Trigger warnings are listed at the beginning and are accurate.
kisses only, no language, brief references to religion (Catholic , Baptist, and Methodist. No discussion of dogma, though)
Trigger warnings are listed at the beginning and are accurate.
August 1, 2025
So thankful to be an ARC reader for this book!! After two months in a book rut, and couldn’t get myself to pick up a book this one got me out of a rut & was beautifully written! So many themes in the book that I related to. I wish we would’ve gotten a little more storyline, but it was still good❤️ A huge bonus is that I got to talk to the author in her messages throughout the book! Memaw is fun and quirky! Brooke is sweet.
I would say more 3.5
I would say more 3.5
August 9, 2025
Great clean romantic comedy with real relatable issues. I appreciated that the setting is a real place that I’ve been many times! This made the book so much fun to read. I absolutely loved that the author not only added a meddling grandparent to the story but gave us chapters from her point of view. The Meemaw chapters are GOLD! I love how much the main characters grow throughout this book and how they help each other to overcome their issues and be their best selves. I do think the storyline could have been developed a little more in certain areas which is why I gave it 4 stars. All in all I really enjoyed Brooke and Beck’s love story.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
August 8, 2025
This review is based on an ARC I received in exchange for an honest opinion. New River Gorge(ous) was such a fun and light-hearted read. It had me laughing out loud several times. The characters were super relatable and had great depth. I instantly fell in love with Brooke and Beck’s love story, which doesn’t always happen for me with this genre. I wish I could read this book for the first time again! I will definitely be reading more by Olivia Hope McCarthy.
July 31, 2025
I loved this book so much!! I’m so thankful to have been chosen to be an ARC reader! I can’t wait for it to release and everyone can read it!! Beck and Brooke are the sweetest, cutest couple ever! I just love them! I love the faith themes! It’s so sweet how Beck fell first and was so confused with his feelings, he’s so sweet! I love how she helped bring out his true self after everything he went through. I love how he was exactly the type of guy she needed and wanted in her life! I love how they pray over each other, especially when he asked God if she was the right one for him. June is my favorite!! She’s hilarious!! I had tears in my eyes from laughing so hard!🤣 the twin’s secret language is so funny! I read 77% of this book in 5 hours yesterday and fell asleep reading so you know it’s good!! I literally couldn’t put it down!!🌷✨
Can’t wait for it to release!!
Release date: Sep 5
Spice: closed door
Language: none
Rating: ⭐️5
Can’t wait for it to release!!
Release date: Sep 5
Spice: closed door
Language: none
Rating: ⭐️5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2025
This was such a cute book! I was initially drawn to it because it uses a National Park as the setting, and my fiancé and I love traveling to National Parks! It reads like a Hallmark movie, but not as formulaic or cheesy as those have a tendency of being. Meemaw... she's trouble! This is a great choice when you are looking for a book that is light and sweet and makes you feel good. It is not filled with tension, spicy scenes, or major arguments. Having just read a 1.5 star book, I really appreciated this one. It is a quick read - I think my Kindle said that at my reading speed it would take about 3.5 hours to complete, but I found myself at 70% and wanting to speed through the rest of it because I was enjoying it so much and wanted to know what happened next. So, I did the illogical thing and put the book down for the evening, so that I could pick it back up again in the morning and savor the story a little longer.
There are mentions of faith and religion in the book, but they are not done in a heavy-handed way and really felt like it was just a part of who the characters were, instead of subtle evangelization. I think that part was dealt with very well.
There were three POVs used in this story: Brooke's, Beck's, and a third-person narrator who told the reader what Meemaw was up to. It is a unique storytelling choice, but I feel that it added a layer of humorous-ominous suspense to the book. "Uh-oh! What is Meemaw going to do now?!"
The events of this book occur in the same world as Olivia McCarthy's other book, Superior Hearts, and the main characters of that story, Paige and Connor, make an appearance in this story. I don't think it is necessary to read Superior Hearts first, but I would probably recommend it because it will give a lot more context to the scenes they are in.
I was given the opportunity to read an ARC of this book by the author. It is due to be published September 5, 2025. I wasn't paid for my review, but I do highly recommend that everyone give this book a read! I will be encouraging all of my book club friends to pick it up!
Also, now I need to go white water rafting.... Thanks, Olivia!
There are mentions of faith and religion in the book, but they are not done in a heavy-handed way and really felt like it was just a part of who the characters were, instead of subtle evangelization. I think that part was dealt with very well.
There were three POVs used in this story: Brooke's, Beck's, and a third-person narrator who told the reader what Meemaw was up to. It is a unique storytelling choice, but I feel that it added a layer of humorous-ominous suspense to the book. "Uh-oh! What is Meemaw going to do now?!"
The events of this book occur in the same world as Olivia McCarthy's other book, Superior Hearts, and the main characters of that story, Paige and Connor, make an appearance in this story. I don't think it is necessary to read Superior Hearts first, but I would probably recommend it because it will give a lot more context to the scenes they are in.
I was given the opportunity to read an ARC of this book by the author. It is due to be published September 5, 2025. I wasn't paid for my review, but I do highly recommend that everyone give this book a read! I will be encouraging all of my book club friends to pick it up!
Also, now I need to go white water rafting.... Thanks, Olivia!
July 30, 2025
Filled with humor, relatable characters, the breathtaking scenery of New River Gorge National Park, themes of faith and relying on each other, and an adorable romance, Olivia Hope McCarthy's newest novel is impossible to put down! I received an ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review, and I absolutely flew through the story. I really liked Brooke when I first met her in Olivia's book Superior Hearts: Summer, so I was really excited to read her story!
The main characters were fantastic and so real to life. Brooke's struggle with finding a guy who'd be a good fit for her take-charge personality was really relatable. Dr. Beckett Whistler--Beck for short--definitely caught her off guard by being different, and I liked how he was able to slowly open up to her. (I always appreciate a doctor MMC, too!) Brooke's feisty grandma, with her occasional heartfelt advice, was fantastic! And I enjoyed seeing Brooke's twin Matt again and see them work through their sibling relationship. It was fun to have Paige and Connor from Superior Hearts make another appearance, also!
The faith theme was really compelling and felt so natural to the story. One of my favorite lines was some advice from grandma June to Brooke: "Brooke, if God can make even the rocks this beautiful, then why are you worried? He’ll make your life far more beautiful than you can imagine.
Hard times, pain, and suffering are all true. But so is beauty, truth, and goodness." Olivia McCarthy does a beautiful job showing both hard times and happy times through the lens of faith, always with realism and a dash of humor. I highly recommend this book!
The main characters were fantastic and so real to life. Brooke's struggle with finding a guy who'd be a good fit for her take-charge personality was really relatable. Dr. Beckett Whistler--Beck for short--definitely caught her off guard by being different, and I liked how he was able to slowly open up to her. (I always appreciate a doctor MMC, too!) Brooke's feisty grandma, with her occasional heartfelt advice, was fantastic! And I enjoyed seeing Brooke's twin Matt again and see them work through their sibling relationship. It was fun to have Paige and Connor from Superior Hearts make another appearance, also!
The faith theme was really compelling and felt so natural to the story. One of my favorite lines was some advice from grandma June to Brooke: "Brooke, if God can make even the rocks this beautiful, then why are you worried? He’ll make your life far more beautiful than you can imagine.
Hard times, pain, and suffering are all true. But so is beauty, truth, and goodness." Olivia McCarthy does a beautiful job showing both hard times and happy times through the lens of faith, always with realism and a dash of humor. I highly recommend this book!
August 10, 2025
If I had to sum up why I enjoyed this book so much with just one word, that word would simply be... Meemaw. I'm always a sucker for a good meddling grandparent and Meemaw has meddling down to an art... along with all her other crazy antics too. (But she also offers some wise advice throughout too.) Truly, it was impossible not to love her character. Even my 11-year-old was cracking up when I shared those Meemaw moments, leaving her asking for updates while I read! More Meemaw, please! As much as I loved her, I did love Brooke and Beck nearly as much as well. Beck seems like a bit of a grump at first, but as we get to know him, we see there is more to him than that gruffer exterior. Theirs was quick romance, but it worked so well for them, and I loved seeing their growth throughout the story. I also very much appreciated the trichotillomania representation in Brooke's character. This is something that my son struggles with (and myself to a much lesser degree), but not something that I have ever seen represented in a book prior to this one! This was such a sweet romance. It was the first book that I'd read from the author, but it has me looking forward to reading more.
New River Gorge(ous) is a closed-door romance with kisses only, no language and faith themes.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
New River Gorge(ous) is a closed-door romance with kisses only, no language and faith themes.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
August 21, 2025
I had happy tears after I finished this book!! Olivia McCarthy, thank you for this book! I giggled, got mad, got sad, related, and felt seen through the FMC!
Brooke, the FMC, is an outgoing, fun-filled lady who has not had the best of luck with dating.
Beck, the MMC, is a grumpy doctor who is closed off to relationships.
The way that these two meet had me laughing! I appreciate the way Brooke expresses her struggles with dating and her insecurities; but also doesn’t let them rule her life. I love the way Beck expresses his struggles with why he’s such a grump. But when they meet, the connection feels real. They truly see each other for who they are as individuals. It’s like puzzle pieces that finally meet and realize how well they fit together. I loved every bit of this story! And now I have added New River Gorge to places I need to go see!!!
Thank you so much Olivia McCarthy for giving me the opportunity to be part of your ARC Team!!! I am excited for y’all to meet Brooke and Beck!!
Brooke, the FMC, is an outgoing, fun-filled lady who has not had the best of luck with dating.
Beck, the MMC, is a grumpy doctor who is closed off to relationships.
The way that these two meet had me laughing! I appreciate the way Brooke expresses her struggles with dating and her insecurities; but also doesn’t let them rule her life. I love the way Beck expresses his struggles with why he’s such a grump. But when they meet, the connection feels real. They truly see each other for who they are as individuals. It’s like puzzle pieces that finally meet and realize how well they fit together. I loved every bit of this story! And now I have added New River Gorge to places I need to go see!!!
Thank you so much Olivia McCarthy for giving me the opportunity to be part of your ARC Team!!! I am excited for y’all to meet Brooke and Beck!!
August 28, 2025
I'm really glad I applied for the ARC and Thanks to Olivia for sending it to me. I'm so reading more of her works.
Okay, now… can we talk about how Brooke’s Meemaw might just be the real star of “New River Gorge(ous)”? 😂 Always meddling (with love, of course), she pushes Brooke out of her “all the wrong guys in Michigan” rut and straight into an adventure in West Virginia’s stunning New River Gorge. Between the swoony, kisses-only romance and Meemaw’s hilarious matchmaking, this book is equal parts cozy, chaotic, and so heartwarming.
About Beck, he's just such a sweet and gentle guy, exactly what Brooke needed and wanted in her life and absolutely loved how she stood by him and brought out his true self back, after what he went through!
Love all the side characters, they are just loveable. But June(Meemaw) will be my favourite character, I often had to clutch my stomach cracking up at June's(Meemaw) antiques and the twin's secret language was just so damn funny! 🤣
If you love rom-coms with nosy grandmas, scenic escapes, and plenty of laughs—this one’s for you! 🌿💕
Okay, now… can we talk about how Brooke’s Meemaw might just be the real star of “New River Gorge(ous)”? 😂 Always meddling (with love, of course), she pushes Brooke out of her “all the wrong guys in Michigan” rut and straight into an adventure in West Virginia’s stunning New River Gorge. Between the swoony, kisses-only romance and Meemaw’s hilarious matchmaking, this book is equal parts cozy, chaotic, and so heartwarming.
About Beck, he's just such a sweet and gentle guy, exactly what Brooke needed and wanted in her life and absolutely loved how she stood by him and brought out his true self back, after what he went through!
Love all the side characters, they are just loveable. But June(Meemaw) will be my favourite character, I often had to clutch my stomach cracking up at June's(Meemaw) antiques and the twin's secret language was just so damn funny! 🤣
If you love rom-coms with nosy grandmas, scenic escapes, and plenty of laughs—this one’s for you! 🌿💕
August 7, 2025
This was ridiculously funny and cute! And was very much a binge able book. I can attest to that as I stayed up past midnight finishing it.🤪
Meemaws antics had me laughing, she’s a hoot.! 🤣 Brooke and Beck’s romance was sweet.! They had me chuckling multiple times and swooning some others😆🫶🏼 and although I’m not a huge fan of insta love….more like insta meet-date-love-engaged in this one🤣🤣🤣 I still thought it was great.
I loved seeing the relationship and banter between Brooke and her twin- I thought it was hilarious. The entire raft seen was so funny to read🤣
If you’re a fan of cute, sweet, and swoony romance with faith themes, and a mischievous grandma, you’ll love this😉❤️ 3.75⭐️
(I received this as an e-ARC. All opinions are my own.
Meemaws antics had me laughing, she’s a hoot.! 🤣 Brooke and Beck’s romance was sweet.! They had me chuckling multiple times and swooning some others😆🫶🏼 and although I’m not a huge fan of insta love….more like insta meet-date-love-engaged in this one🤣🤣🤣 I still thought it was great.
I loved seeing the relationship and banter between Brooke and her twin- I thought it was hilarious. The entire raft seen was so funny to read🤣
If you’re a fan of cute, sweet, and swoony romance with faith themes, and a mischievous grandma, you’ll love this😉❤️ 3.75⭐️
(I received this as an e-ARC. All opinions are my own.
August 5, 2025
I was only 13 chapters in and I have all the feels! 😍🥰🤣🥹 As if I’m in each characters shoes! I didn’t want this to end!! It was so cute!! 🥰 The relationships. 🤌🏼 The banter. Didn’t like the ex lol. Meemaw is adorable she reminds me so much of my grandma lol
I can’t wait to read more of her books!!
🌉 grumpy x sunshine
🩵 small town
🌉 twin
🩵 banter
🌉 small town
🩵 meemaw is a hoot lol
🌉 clean Christian romance
🫑/5 clean closed door
⚠️ she gives a brief trigger warning, main character has trichotillomania (yes I didn’t know what this was until I looked it up 🫣) only a few mentions.
**This ARC was given to me by the author, this is my own honest and unbiased review.
I can’t wait to read more of her books!!
🌉 grumpy x sunshine
🩵 small town
🌉 twin
🩵 banter
🌉 small town
🩵 meemaw is a hoot lol
🌉 clean Christian romance
🫑/5 clean closed door
⚠️ she gives a brief trigger warning, main character has trichotillomania (yes I didn’t know what this was until I looked it up 🫣) only a few mentions.
**This ARC was given to me by the author, this is my own honest and unbiased review.
August 8, 2025
4.75 ⭐️
this was such a sweet read! i’ve been in a little bit of a romcom slump lately, but this one pulled me right back in. it gave small town, sunshiney vibes with a touch of adventure.
the romance was fast-paced in that swoony, swept-off-your-feet way, and it was refreshing to read something that was clean and full of emotional tugs! i loved the subtle faith elements, the focus on family, and how much warmth was woven through every relationship — her twin brother, her meemaw 🥹, the found family, and just the whole town.
i especially loved the reminder that love doesn’t require perfection. that showing up, sticking with people, and growing alongside them matters most. i’ll definitely be reading more from this author! 💛
this was such a sweet read! i’ve been in a little bit of a romcom slump lately, but this one pulled me right back in. it gave small town, sunshiney vibes with a touch of adventure.
the romance was fast-paced in that swoony, swept-off-your-feet way, and it was refreshing to read something that was clean and full of emotional tugs! i loved the subtle faith elements, the focus on family, and how much warmth was woven through every relationship — her twin brother, her meemaw 🥹, the found family, and just the whole town.
i especially loved the reminder that love doesn’t require perfection. that showing up, sticking with people, and growing alongside them matters most. i’ll definitely be reading more from this author! 💛
August 8, 2025
✨“and when he catches my eye, it’s the unbridled joy in his gaze that has me feeling like I’m about to go over a Class V rapid.”✨
New River Gorge(ous) is a sweet, funny, character driven romcom. I'm so glad to have received an ARC of this book, as it helped me out of a long reading slump!
Brooke and Beckett have great chemistry, and the quirky cast of characters really carry this story well. It's not an overly plot heavy story, but it's full of sweet moments and humor. I personally thought Meemaw June stole the show!
The story is at its best in act 3, and (without spoiling anything😋) the white water rafting scenes were so much fun.
New River Gorge(ous) is a sweet, funny, character driven romcom. I'm so glad to have received an ARC of this book, as it helped me out of a long reading slump!
Brooke and Beckett have great chemistry, and the quirky cast of characters really carry this story well. It's not an overly plot heavy story, but it's full of sweet moments and humor. I personally thought Meemaw June stole the show!
The story is at its best in act 3, and (without spoiling anything😋) the white water rafting scenes were so much fun.
September 5, 2025
This was a sweet, lighthearted read. Fun main characters, a gorgeous setting, a meddling old lady in everyone’s business. A very clean and wholesome romance. There were points that felt almost too clean and wholesome. Any conflict is short-lived and resolved quickly, robbing the book of its teeth. But sometimes you need something a little hallmark-y.
Overall, this was a fun roadtrip read that was easy and engaging. It’s overtly Christian, which I knew going in. I was actually surprised though, since the characters didn’t really talk about their beliefs. They just prayed fairly frequently.
Overall a solid 4/5. Would watch a movie of this with my husband before bed.
Overall, this was a fun roadtrip read that was easy and engaging. It’s overtly Christian, which I knew going in. I was actually surprised though, since the characters didn’t really talk about their beliefs. They just prayed fairly frequently.
Overall a solid 4/5. Would watch a movie of this with my husband before bed.
August 24, 2025
I am sucker for a good romcom …. Grumpy vs Sunshine… he fell first which is swoon worthy!! Dr Beck turned away from love and then Brooke came in and tore down all his walls!! They are so cute together and I love every bit of it!! I am hoping we get another story line from Logan or Ben or even Matt with Melanie or Paige and Connor. There are so many great friends in this book that would be great to read more about. The only thing I didn’t like about this book is that it felt a little rushed especially the ending but I couldn’t put it down! I cannot wait to read more from this author.
September 2, 2025
It is my first time reading author Olivia Hope McCarthy. What a great romance story. It is filled with second chances, hope, determination, and so much growth. I especially appreciated how the author managed sensitive topics such as anxiety, depression, dealing with unmet goals and dreams, and how men’s lives can be impacted by broken relationships just like us ladies. The side characters are hilarious, especially Meemaw. I want to be like her when I grow older. I will definitely read it again.
August 23, 2025
A rom-com with kisses only. I loved the banter between the grumpy doctor Beckett and the sunshine Brooke. Grandma June is my favorite character and her antics, her meddling are on another level. The whole book is nice and a light read but somehow, FOR ME, it didn't have that extra spark that makes me give it 5 stars. Again this is a me problem and it has nothing to do with the quality of the book, whose writing was impeccable.
Thank you for the eArc copy
Thank you for the eArc copy
September 4, 2025
3.75 🌟
Thanku to the author for an early copy!
Olivias one of my fave authors and I've loved every one of her books she's been putting out, this was a really quick fun read. ♡
I loved meemaws pov, thought that was unique and she was so unhinged lolll I loved it.
Though these are clean and wholesome they still have deeper issues they are dealing with which I really appreciate. Cant wait to see what she comes out with next!
Thanku to the author for an early copy!
Olivias one of my fave authors and I've loved every one of her books she's been putting out, this was a really quick fun read. ♡
I loved meemaws pov, thought that was unique and she was so unhinged lolll I loved it.
Though these are clean and wholesome they still have deeper issues they are dealing with which I really appreciate. Cant wait to see what she comes out with next!
September 9, 2025
It was honestly such a cozy and fun read, great palate cleanser and I'll definitely keep Olivia McCarthy on my "watch" list and buy her future books. The MMC was swoon-worthy and the FMC was relatable and had a great personality, as a big lover of national parks (I live in Utah) it was so cool reading a romance set within these parameters. MY FAVORITE part was the fact that is was closed-door romance, so no spice, but trust me, it had yearning lol I'm excited to get the physical copy.
September 24, 2025
I really wanted to like this book
I felt like the emotional aspects were forced and not really discussed. Very surface level and thus it felt cheesy. I was about 60% done and was ready to give it up. I did finish but skimmed pages as it was redundant. I wouldn’t recommend but if you are looking for a quick paced easy you know what will happen at every turn then this is a good fit. No spice and only kisses
I felt like the emotional aspects were forced and not really discussed. Very surface level and thus it felt cheesy. I was about 60% done and was ready to give it up. I did finish but skimmed pages as it was redundant. I wouldn’t recommend but if you are looking for a quick paced easy you know what will happen at every turn then this is a good fit. No spice and only kisses
August 9, 2025
I loved everything about this book. I thought it was written very well. I loved the characters. I couldn’t put it down. It was a real page turner. I am looking forward to reading more books by this author. I would recommend this book. This book comes out on September 5th. I received arc copy arc copy of this book from the author. I give this book 10 stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 12, 2025
This was such a cute, funny rom com! I loved how although they were opposites, Brooke and Beck complemented each other so well! I loved Meemaw and her sassy humor! The story was fun and had the perfect amount of humor and the sweetest kisses. Overall, I loved this book!
Romance: Sweet Kisses
Language: None
Christian Element: Mentions of church and faith
Romance: Sweet Kisses
Language: None
Christian Element: Mentions of church and faith
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