Welcome to Amoresville, a small mountain town founded on love and filled with colorful characters.
Orion spends his days among the trees with no one but his dog, Spruce, to keep him company. Well, Spruce and millions of followers that love to watch him chop wood on the internet. Orion is determined to keep his side-gig as a content creator secret from his friends and family in Amoresville. So, the self-imposed seclusion in his mountain-top cabin works just fine for him. Most the time. Or it did, until an ear-splitting scream cuts through the silence to turn his world upside down.
The cabin Brigid found online looks nothing like the pictures. Nothing like the dreams she’s had for herself, her son, and the witchy shop she plans to open in the nearby town of Amoresville. But she doesn’t have much choice but to make do. But a terrifying encounter of the eight-legged variety has her running for the door and right into the arms of her annoyingly handsome, and helpful, neighbor.
Orion can’t help but feel immediately drawn to the witch next door. The feeling is not mutual for Brigid. Can they manage to see past their painful pasts long enough to grow roots together?
If you're craving a small-town romance that feels like a warm hug on a crisp fall day, Up the Wrong Tree is perfect.
Brigid, a single mom and witchy shop owner, moves to Amoresville for a fresh start and meets her grumpy-but-sweet neighbor across the pond. Their first encounter is a total disaster, but watching them slowly open up to each other is so heartwarming.
I loved that Brigid’s interest in magic and all things mystical is truly part of who she is, not just a quirky detail. She's strong, grounded, and knows her boundaries. And Orion? Total softie under that rugged exterior - his backstory, loyalty, and bond with his dog Spruce just make him impossible not to love.
The town is charming, the characters are lovable, and I can't wait to see who gets their story next.
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Many thanks to Brandy Ayers and Hayling Bookstorm Ltd. for providing this Advanced Reader Copy. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. ✨
The second book in the Welcome to Amoresville series, Up The Wrong Tree by Brandy Ayers is a steamy small town romance. It was such a fun read that I will 100% be going back to read the first novel in the series Pumpkin To Talk About.
I Ain't Gotta Knock On Wood 🪵 Our MMC, Orion, lives in a mountain-top cabin with his three legged dog, Spruce - a drive away from the small town of Amoresville. Oh, and he has millions of online followers... Thanks to his secret gig as a content creator, his dedicated fanbase loves watching him chop wood and then some 😉, but he never reveals his face. I thought this was such a fun way to kick off the story and showed a different side to Orion who presents as a very serious and recluse lumberjack / former marine, who hides away in the mountains. As they say, don't judge a book by its cover because Orion may look like he could kill someone, but is a total cinnamon roll - especially when it comes to his new neighbour, Brigid. The way he goes out of his way to take care of her and her crumbling cabin is so heartwarming, even if it does annoy her to no end. He falls first, and falls even harder as the book progresses.
Must Be The Season Of The Witch ✨️ Single mom, Brigid, is on a mission to not only start over after a terrible past relationship, but to finally open the witchy shop of her dreams in Amoresville. She is a self-described "atheopagen" who is a "general garden variety magic practitioner". I liked that it was a different portrayal of a witch in a book where it focused more on the crystal and metaphysical aspects, as well as the charging of energies. Brigid was giving me total Sally Owen vibes from Practical Magic as a single mom trying to open a witchy shop in a small town. She kept her cards close to her heart after heartbreak and her priority was always her son, which is similar to Sally's story in the film. Must Love (Three Legged) Dogs 🐕 One thing that will always get me with books is an animal sidekick. In this case, it's Spruce, who is Orion's three legged rescue dog 🐾. If you know me, I have two rescue dogs, so I instantly fell in love with Spruce, much like Mica 😊. I loved how Spruce was just the best boy and always stuck to Orion's side. I also loved how patient and protective he was of Mica, who was always over the moon to see the dog.
Full Moons And Steamier Than A Hot Cup Of Tea ♨️ If you're into steamy book scenes, you're in the right place. I don't want to give away too much, but there's a scene under a full moon with crystals that was 🥵. I can't even put it into words, so that emoji will have to do! When the book was described as a spicy contemporary romance, it wasn't kidding. There are several spicy moments that will definitely leave readers fully satisfied. I mean, a witch AND a sexy lumberjack? C'mon!!!
Black Cat x Golden Retriever Vibes 🐈⬛️ If you love the black cat and golden retriever vibes, this book will definitely deliver. Brigid is determined to do things on her own, especially after giving up her dreams and life in a past controlling relationship. I loved her dedication to her baby, Mica, and despite the past negativity around her pregnancy, she knew that Mica was always her light in her darkest moments. I also loved that Orion clearly had a lot of respect for Brigid and had strong desires to help her in any way he could. Even when she heavily protested his assistance, he would secretly fix things around her cabin while she was sleeping or away. I definitely could feel the chemistry between the two of them, beyond the steamy moments, which made their quick connection believable throughout the story.
Overall, Up The Wrong Tree was entertaining, had the right amount of spice and romance, and interesting main characters. I recommend this read to anyone who loves a quick small town read with a dash of witchy vibes. If you love handy lumberjacks, then this one is definitely for you as well! I give Up The Wrong Tree a 4.2 out of 5 stars ⭐️.
Up the Wrong Tree by Brady Ayers Welcome to Amoresville book 2 Releases 10/21!
Thank you to Hayling Bookstorm Ltd and Brandy for entrusting me with an early copy!
Dual POV, modern witch FMC, marine turned thirst trap influencer MMC, single mom, cinnamon roll MMC, he falls first and hard, the bestest boy dog sidekick, found family, neighbor romance, both are book lovers, mine, he keeps fixing her place, secrets, family legacy
Brigid has sworn off men. The only male she needs in her life is her sweet baby and she doesn't need anyone else to rely on. Wanting to get away from the city and expand her online witchy shop to a brick and mortar building, she moves to Amoresville. She has been following the little town for several years now and all the signs pointed her in this direction. When Orion first meets his new neighbor across the pond, he is instantly attracted to her. And of course he sticks his foot in his mouth. While at first he tries to avoid her while sneakily fixing things on the run down cabin, he is enjoying having someone else up in the remote mountain area he lives in. Soon he can't imagine life without her. Can he win her over when her trust in men is so broken?
I really enjoyed coming back to Amoresville! It is such a cute town and we got to revisit some amazing characters from last book as well as meet some new ones. I loved how quickly Brigid found a new support system and started making a new home. Orion was so sweet and reminded me of a certain real life wood splitting influencer! 😍 I think I already know the couple for the next book and I'm excited to return to Amoresville soon!
Up The Wrong Tree is a great fall weather read- it’s dual POV, takes place in a small town filled with likable characters, and the main characters are *simply the best*.
Brigid first learned of the town of Amoresville from an influencer she follows and felt a pull in her heart telling her it was home. After having her son, she decides to embark on her journey- initially renting a cabin outside of town sight unseen (unfortunately).
When Orion hears an earsplitting shriek from the abandoned cabin across the pond from his home, he runs over to investigate- he didn’t expect to get all but tackled by a mostly naked, gorgeous, woman. He’s immediately smitten, which apparently renders him an idiot as he also immediately puts his feet in his mouth and leaves Brigid with a terrible first impression of who he really is.
The way Brigid shared her story, held her own, and established boundaries was honestly something we could all likely learn from. I love that her being interested in the metaphysical wasn’t just a throwaway “quirk” but something that was essential to her character. Learning about Orion’s history and reasons for joining the military, and how that framed his adult life, was really meaningful. I love his relationship with Spruce (his dog) and the depth of his interest in Brigid. Their relationship moves quickly but not in a way that felt forced.
This wasn’t a five star for me as I don’t see myself going in for a reread, however I’m glad that I pushed forward and finished this book as it was quite cute. I’m looking forward to the next installment!
Thank you to Hayling Bookstorm LTD and Brandy Ayer’s for this ARC!
A Big Thank you to Hayling BookStorm Ltd. & Brandy Ayer’s for the ARC Copy of Up The Wrong Tree! I read this book & felt it ALL! I absolutely LOVED Brigid & Orion’s Story! They each had a past and came from completely different backgrounds. But Meshed so well in the end! I enjoyed the Dual POV! I adored the Small Town of Amoresville. I enjoyed the cozy town, the great characters (except the Mayor)! I almost felt like I was watching a Hallmark movie! lol Up the wrong tree had me giggling, smiling, feeling like I should close my eyes (iykyk), happy, sad! I loved how Brigid was a newbie but everyone was so welcoming and helpful to her and her sweet baby boy! Motherhood isn’t for the weak and she made that known and stood her ground! She didn’t take well to all the help at first, loved how she started opening up and let people help! I loved the relationship Brigid & Orion’s Mom created! Orion, Orion, Orion…. The Mystery faceless TikTok sensation! (Or so he thought) He is literally the definition of the perfect Man! Haha Poor Guy fell head over heels so hard & fast! Loved how he respected her but also made sure she knew he was there for her! Perfect Fall Cozy with some Cinnamon Spice Read!
Fitting right in. This is book 2 of the Welcome to Amoresville series and follows Orion’s story. Orion being discharged from the Marines finds himself back in Amoresville living on family land he inherited on the top of a mountain. Secluded up there chopping wood for his furniture business he has inadvertently become a hit on social media along with his three legged dog. Brigid and her son leave the city life and head to a cabin at the top of a mountain in Amoresville to start afresh. There is an instant connection between the two until Orion puts his foot in his mouth and has Brigid disliking him for his comments. Can she get past her initial impression as she glimpses his softer side? Will he win over mother and son and be truly happy? This is a really enjoyable steamy romance where the male lead character falls first, taking a bit of time for the female lead to also get to that stage. Such a great storyline and I loved that a lot of book one’s characters appeared again in this story. I’m looking forward to reading more in this series.
Amoresville ! What a great sounding town and no surprise it’s where love is to be found . Brandy Ayers has written this book well ,it’s swell and so easy to immerse yourself in . Up the Wrong Tree . Mercy me it’s such a great story and holy moly that hot ex Marine recluse with his dog Spruce phew 😮💨 Who could resist this absolute bliss . It’s about a modern witch who has an itch to open a witchy shop for her and her young son . She meets a dog could Spruce who along with his owner Orion chop wood who comes ahem to her rescue in a delightful way when an eight legged creature causes dismay. Him and his three legged dog have become an internet sensation with the chopping of logs. He’s handsome ,he’s helpful and she can’t help sighing a gulp full of air but things happen and she’s like don’t go there . So does he get a chance to make amends and make her more than friends to him ? Read and found out ,but I can tell you this for nought, it’s not grim . It’s a delightful steamy story ,so read it you ought.
The first book was amazing. But an absolute golden retriever MMC, trying to convince the grumpy jaded FMC to let him take care of her??
Oh. My. GODDDDDDD..
Orion was the standard for which all MMC’s will be judged from here on out. Actual perfection.
Orion is a reclusive mountain lumberjack, bound and determined to keep his thirst trap videos from the town. He’s perfectly content living his best life on his mountain property with only his dog, Spruce, as his companion.
That is, until, the dilapidated cabin on the edge of his property suddenly becomes inhabited. And much to his surprise, it is a gorgeous witchy queen and her adorable baby that have just arrived in town.
Welcome to Amoresville, a mountain town filled with eclectic and eccentric people in a town founded off love and two people getting it on.
Huge thanks to the author, Brandy Ayers and Hayling Storm Ltd for the ARC.
This is my official petition for the next book asap!
Than you to Haylingbookstorm LTD and Brandy Ayers for this ARC for my honest review. 3.5 🌶️ I had so much fun coming back to Amoresville. This book brings such a fun story with interesting back stories for all of the characters. The spice is definitely steamy!! All of the Halstead siblings have such different backgrounds to what they bring to the family and I’ve just be savoring up all of the growth each sibling has gone through. Between June from Book 1 and Brigid (FMC) I loved Brigid backstory and personality the best! Brandy Ayers did an awesome job of showing Brigid’s witchy side with a full on Full Moon s** ritual! I’ve been looking for a witchy story line that is more real than reading a witchy fantasy book. I highly recommend you add this book to your TBR list!
Orion works at his cabin tucked away in a forest where he has a bit of a secret, he makes thirts traps for social media. He also makes beautiful woodworked pieces of furniture and every day house items. Brigid is a witchy new mom that picked up and left her old life. She felt a strong pull that she couldn't ignore. After both Orion and Brigid first met, he was hooked. Yes, she was a mom, and most men would run at that realization, but Orion is different. See how their story unfolds and develops. It's definitely worth the read! I'm hoping that theres more to read in the future too!
Another entertaining Amoresville book. This time it is Orion and Brigid's story. Orion is a bit of a loner living in a mountain cabin with his secret Influencer life. When Brigid, a witch, moves into the cabin adjacent to his land with her 9 month old son his world is upended. He feels and instant attraction and connection, but keeps putting his foot in his mouth. Can he convince this fiercely independent witch that he is a good guy and give him a chance? I really enjoyed this story and how these two get together. This book is fun, sexy and easy to read and I would definitely recommend. I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Welcome back to Amoresville! We were so right about Orion Halsted being the hot lumberjack chopping wood from those videos! Let’s meet up at Romancing the Bean cafe later for the latest gossip about him and his new neighbor. I heard she may be a witch! Orion and Brigid’s story is book two in the Welcome to Amoresville series and it brought all the laughs, rumors and love you would hope to find in any small town.
“My girl, my kid, and my dog. The words parade across my mind before I can stop them. Only one of those things is true, but damn do I want to earn the other two as well.”
Le sigh….Orion Halsted has all the golden retriever, green flag, hot boyfriend energy…
I loved this book! It has fun fall vibes when a witch moves next door to a reserved mountain man. Their relationship is so cute and he is definitely giving golden retriever vibes. While our FMC is a little black witchy cat. This was book two in the Welcome to Amoresville series and I’ve loved them both!
Thank you for letting me be on the ARC team for this one!
Ayers delivers again with another cute and emotional romance perfect for the fall. We've got a lumbersnack and a curvy single mom alone together on the mountainside where they, quite literally, fall into each other. Shout out to Spruce, love live book puppies!
A very spicy romance in the mountains of Pennsylvania . A single mom meets a very svelte lumberjack! I loved the humor, the spice, the ending!a great read for anytime of the year.