309 Wildflower Falls Way

Cherry Falls #9

by Kate Hunt

He’ll do anything to have her.

Wells Powell has never been one to take dating—or life, for that matter—too seriously. If there’s one thing he’s learned from his time as a bartender at the Holidaze Arcade and Bar, it’s that most relationships end badly. What’s the point in dating someone if you’re just setting yourself up for heartbreak? Screw that. He’d rather enjoy life.

Enter Aspen Wright, the owner of the Pine Cone Cafe: she’s smart as a whip, driven, self-reliant…and beautiful beyond belief.

Unfortunately for Wells, she also keeps her guard up all the time.

With any other girl, Wells would shrug it off and move on. But he can’t get Aspen out of his mind. There’s something different about her. Something soul-stirring. And he swears he can see a glimmer of desire in her eyes, too.

But will he actually be able to get her to open up? Or will she be the one his heart forever longs for?

Cherry Falls is filled with returning characters and iconic destinations that will begin to feel like family. When you leave the city and drive into Cherry Falls, it’s like you’ve finally come home.
The cherry on top? Each book delivers a swoon-worthy romance!
So welcome to Cherry Falls, we hope you stay awhile!

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Contemporary

109 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 9, 2021

About the author

Kate Hunt writes short, sweet, steamy romances. (And occasionally longer ones.) Happily ever afters guaranteed.

Reviews

[*CJ* · Rating 2 out of 5]

"309 Wildflower Falls Way" is the story of Aspen and Wells.

A very slow romance in which a bartender and a cafe owner. The first half of the book is spent establishing a friendship, the second half has a slow romance which ends in a nice HEA.

It was an OK read! Both were very inhibited and commitment phobic.

Safe
3/5

[Kanani · Rating 2 out of 5]

He's a bartender. She owns her own diner. They met when he saw her walking along the roadside and stopped to help. She refused his help and he practically had to beg her to let him help. She was very guarded and kept people at a distance. Her character was very immature and fickle. She wanted to be strong and independent, yet she never stood behind her decisions and had to to be constantly reassured. She was attracted to him but she had a hard time letting her guard down, then, when she finally let him in.....she wanted to take a break. It became frustrating. Wells, on the other hand, was caring, thoughtful, patient (more than anyone on this earth would be), tender, honest, passionate and so much more, even his best friends were thoughtful and genuine. This story was frustrating for me, but ended in a happily ever after.

[Oriana Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Wells and Aspen both didn't want a relationship.. so they started out as friends. Well it didn't end like that.😉 This story was sweet, romantic and a bit steamy but made me mad as heck as well. I must honestly say that I didn't like Aspens character🤷‍♀️ How she treated Wells wasn't nice and her behavior was insecure and kind of childish (just my opinion 🤷‍♀️). Not my favorite story but in the end they got their HEA after a long journey to overcome their insecurities.👍👍

[T Van · Rating 3 out of 5]

Go Be By Yourself Then

Something about this couple, just didn’t click. Aspen is sooooo independent, and Wells says he’s skittish, but mostly doesn’t act it. They just didn’t seem to have much chemistry.

[Nikki_Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!! I couldn't put this one down. I absolutely love it!! This was a nice quick, short read.

Wells meets Aspen when her car doesn't start and she's walking he offers her a ride. At first Aspen refuses a ride from Wells but when the sheriff pulls up and knows who he is she thinks he couldn't be that bad. Wells feels a connection to Aspen but he doesn't date. Aspen owns the Pine Cone Cafe and the next day she feels like she needs to repay Wells so she makes him some cookies and take them to his job at Holidaze Arcade & Bar. When Wells asks Aspen out she tells him she doesn't date, so they decide to be just friends and hang out together. They decide to hang out the next day with Wells's best friends, Carter and Miles. They decide to catch a late movie since Aspen will be working late then head to grab a pizza. Wells text Aspen the next day and asks her about hanging out again, with or without Carter and Miles. Wells asks her to hang out at the arcade but then Carter and Miles tell him they have other plans. Aspen isn't good at any of the arcade games, she was home schooled and didn't get out much. Wells helps Aspen take soups she's made to the elder folks of the mountains. The next day Wells drives over to Aspen's cafe, he wants to apologies to her in person for almost kissing her, he tells her they're friends and he doesn't want to mess that up. Aspen makes him a sandwich, when he watches her move around her kitchen. Wells starts to realize he wants more than friendship. So he tells her he can't just be friends anymore, she tells him she has feelings for him too. Wells wants to start a relationship to see where it goes. He tells her he wants to kiss her, so he does. They head to Aspen's apartment, they have sex. Wells stays the night they both want to make sure the incredible sex they had wasn't just a one time thing. Wells and Aspen hang out with Carter and Miles. After a few weeks Aspen starts to get more comfortable about showing her feelings more in public. Over the next few weeks Aspen and Wells spend more time together, she starts to realize she needs him more that she thought. Aspen heads to her dad's to have a talk with him about Wells. Her dad tells her that every relationship is different. On her way home she starts to realize she's become more dependable on Wells. Aspen heads to the bar Wells's works at, she know she needs to talk to him. Aspen tells Wells she needs a break, he tells her he doesn't do breaks. Wells asks her to talk to him, but she tells him she needs some space. Wells tells her that they work through this or they are over, she asks him if he's giving her an ultimatum, he tells her he is. Aspen tells him he just made this pretty clear, she tells him goodbye. When Wells hangs out with Carter and Miles he tells them what happened, then he tells them why he did what he did. They both tell him he should make sure Aspen knows the reasons he did what he did. Aspen misses the call from Wells, he doesn't want to text her he wants to talk to her in person. When she runs into Carter and Miles they tell her she needs to talk to Wells. Later Aspen calls Wells, they talk through some of the things both of them are going through and work them out. Aspen asks Wells if he'll met her at the Wildflower Falls. When Wells arrives he pulls Aspen in for a hug and tells her he's sorry. Aspen tells him she sorry also, Wells tells her he loves her. She tells him she's in love with him also. They begin kissing, Aspen pulls apart and pulls Wells to the path that leads to the falls. They reach the water's edge, Aspen pull off her shirt and asks Wells what's he waiting for. Aspen jumps into the water, Wells dives in right after. One year later, Aspen's father walks her down the aisle to Wells. Six months into their relationship is when Wells proposed to Aspen. They've talked about having kids, both of them want some. They head off to the reception, then soon head to the Cedar Spring Lodge for their honeymoon. With each kiss Aspen feels a raw surge of emotion, she feels loved, accepted, safe, desired, but most of all she feels like she's home.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just realized that the numbers for each book in this series correspond to the date the book is released. 309 = March 9th. Ha!! Okay, I was amused. To the review...

This started out pretty good but I got annoyed at these characters at about 60% in or so. I mean I get that they both “don’t date” and used their hesitation and their past as an excuse to be friends even though they both had feelings for each other. Then they decided to just go for it after thinking about it for 2.5 seconds one night. Then immediately went back to Aspen’s apartment to fuck. But that isn’t even what annoyed me.

It’s that Aspen spent all this time with Wells and then all of a sudden she wants to take a break when she gets overwhelmed and doesn’t even tell him why or explain. I mean of course he’s going to get mad! That shit came out of nowhere... and then he never explained his issue with the whole break thing either. No communication.. geez.

Then they get back together after talking it out and immediately say the I Love You’s right away when they see each other again for the first time. Then a year later they are getting married and they have “great communication.” I mean, I guess good for them that they learned from their mistakes? I dunno.

I’m glad for their HEA and all but mehhhh.

I did enjoy the first half so I’ll still go with 3⭐️

[Jenny Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book with the understanding that I could leave a voluntary and honest review.

In this book we meet Aspen Wright and Wells Powell. Aspen takes herself way to seriously and Wells well he is just a go with the flow kinda guy. Don't get me wrong he will help anyone with anything but what ever happens happens. So when driving back to town one day he sees a woman walking on the side of the road. He stops to make sure she doesn't need help. The thing he isn't prepared for is how with just one look she blows him away and has him thinking things he never has in the past like settling down. Aspen was just enjoying a lazy day away from the café when she realizes it is getting late. Deciding it is time to head back she thins nothing of it until her car won't start. With no other option she knows she has to walk. When a truck pulls up and offers her a ride she is understandably worried about taking a ride from a stranger but there is just something about Wells. Will these two find their HEA or will this just be a stop along the way for them?

Amazing story. Really has you connecting with these characters. I would highly recommend it to anyone one and everyone.

[Suzanne Houser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate Hunt joins the awesome multi-author Cherry Falls Romance series with 309 Wildflower Falls Way, a beautiful friends-to-lovers romance. Wells, a bartender, and Aspen, a cafe owner, have both grown up in Cherry Falls, but with Aspen being a year younger and having been home-schooled, their paths never crossed. Until one evening when Aspen's car breaks down and Wells comes upon her while he's out with his best friends Carter and Miles. Both gun-shy about relationships, when their paths continue to cross they agree to hang out as "just friends". But before long, neither can deny that their feelings run much deeper. The journey is not always smooth, but their story is very real and very sweet - and enough steaminess to heat you up on a cold winter's night. I love how authentic both Wells and Aspen are, and you cannot help but root for them from their meet-cute through to the last page of their story. Another excellent title in an amazing series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. It made me want to cry but I fought it back just so I could finish the story! There are a lot of feels to enjoy as well. The characters were easy to relate to and interesting. Miles and Carter were great friends to both Wells and Aspen. It was enjoyable and entertaining how Wells, Carter, and Miles helped Aspen step out of her comfort zone and then expand it to include friends. Wells and Aspen were attracted to each other immediately, but both of them fought it. Aspen lived a very busy life and felt that she didn't have time for relationships. Wells had been burned before so he didn't want a relationship. They both decided to try being friends which worked out better than either of them expected. There is a little drama/angst but it is resolved well with an amazing thing called...communication! I loved their happy ever after. I recommend reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dawn · Rating 1 out of 5]

That was the worst thing I’ve actually finished in years. Reading it was like watching a slug cross concrete. Boring, and left feeling icky. I will NOT be reading any more from this author. If they contribute to the series any more I will be skipping that bit.

⭐️=barely finished it, not likely to read author again-don’t read.

⭐️⭐️=meh, wasn’t great, also didn’t hate it. Will afford author grace (maybe).

⭐️⭐️⭐️=I liked it, it entertained me, I’ll continue to support this author and would recommend their work.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️=loved it, everyone should read it, I’ll likely reread this book again. I can’t wait to inhale every book this author has gifted us with!!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️=I have an obsession with this story, and reread it often. I have hero worship for this author and read all their stories.

[Syd Springer · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
I thought that this was a great book. I loved Wells and Aspen together. Aspen is very guarded and has kept people at arms length for most of her life. Wells was really sweet and had is own issues with relationships. These two are drawn to each other even though they try to fight their feelings. I loved how patient and tender Wells is with Aspen and how Aspen is willing to step out of comfort zone little by little. These two are really cute together. There is some drama with not understand own feelings and past issues arising but these two are able to talk things through and get a really sweet HEA. I really enjoyed this book and I would recommend it and Ms. Kate as a great author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Cherry Falls romance, can be read as a standalone. Aspen runs her cafe with no time to date. Wells is a bartender with no desire to date. That changes when they meet. They start slow, as friends but how long can they deny how they really feel? Will they take a chance on love? I love this thoughtful romance that explores their realistic reasons why they feel the way that they do. Their friendship proceeds naturally and includes Aspen making other friends as well. Conflicts are handled well with communication and honest emotions. This is a true romance between two people who deserve a happily ever after together. The likable characters make the pages fly by in the sweet and entertaining story!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sabrina Flachsmann · Rating 3 out of 5]

First off, I'm a huge fan of this author but I struggled with this one. I had a real hard time liking either one of these characters. I understand their history played a HUGE part in how these two acted with each other but I felt more frustration with this couple than any other in this series so far. I almost felt like it was YA story and not a story of two adults. I really, really wanted to like this but it's just not my favorite story. I would say it's great to read if you are following the Cherry Falls stories but that's about it for me.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Opasan Ouprie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series with multi authors. This is about Aspen a diner owner and Wells a bartender. This is an insta love with complications. Both of these two are guarded from other people. She’s not trusting and he doesn’t want to get hurt. Wells meets Aspen when she is walking down the road and he asks if she needs help. Aspen being the type she is says no but he keeps on till she gives in. Aspen was kind of hard to let you like as a character. Wells on the other hand he was the perfect guy. With both of these two being how they are can they drop there defenses and let the other in so they can have their HEA?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

So simple. So perfect.

As short and sweet as this story was, I am completely enraptured. I found Aspen to be such a refreshing character. Fiercely independent and strong, I loved reading her POV chapters because her fears and worries with intimacy and dependency are something I can relate to. While there’s no real large conflict, I found that the simplicity of it all was what made the story so memorable. Wells is the perfect half to Aspen. They compliment each other and I felt their chemistry through and through. The way their relationship organically transitioned from friends to lovers was so satisfying and which makes their HEA all the more sweet.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author thru Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review. This is another sweet addition to the Cherry Falls series. Wells and Aspen are two different people who meet and have an instant attraction. They are actually what the other needs in their life. Past experiences and mistrust will put obstacles in their way though. They both have to trust their hearts to find happiness together. I enjoyed their love story

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wells meets Aspen at one of her most embarrassing moments, yet he doesn’t bat an eye, just willing to be helpful. Aspen and Wells both have some unspoken baggage that will leave them as friends unwilling to cross the line into something more. Can these two stay just friends or will their attraction to each other have them pushing their boundaries into much more. Enjoy this friendship that has this couple dealing with their ever growing feelings.

I am voluntarily leaving a review for this book that I received free.

[Trixie · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's not much heart palpitation going on here except for Wells who have been trying to control his feelings for Aspen. I don't like Aspen very much, it seems like she is unsure of herself but kinda thinking about it, that is what we, or some of us, feels when we are at the first stages of a blooming relationship, i.e., unsure. If not for Wells' intense feelings for her, they would not have their own hea.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[lf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet and slow building romance

309 Wildflower Falls Way by Kate Hunt is part of the multi-author A Cherry Falls Romance series. I always love Kate Hunt's books and am really enjoying the little town of Cherry Falls so color me happy when I picked this book up. I enjoyed this slow building romance story between Aspen Wright and Wells Powell. I found their story to be nicely paced and interesting and the characters were both very likeable, if at time frustrating. As always Kate has wonderful writing and story-telling styles which made this a joy to read.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wells is a bartender and Aspen is a café owner. These two are complete opposites in their outlook on life she's serious and he's happy go lucky but they are so perfect for each other. Both have some baggage that comes with them and it makes them uneasy about relationships. This is a quick read and at first I had a hard time getting into the story but once it got going I didn't stop reading until the last page. The writing is good and the hea with an epilogue gave it a good ending. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Mandy Foley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aspen is focused, independent, running her own business and life, but when car troubles leave her stranded she may need to accept help even when she doesn’t want to. Wells is relaxed, fun and loyal, he spots a woman in need of assistance and stops to help, he doesn’t count on feeling an instant attraction. Aspen is barely ready for a friendship, can Wells be patient and wait for Aspen to acknowledge the attraction between them?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Susanne Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another slice of Cherry Falls. I didn’t really like the character Aspen in this book, I could understand her trying to protect herself and be independent but her lack of communication with Wells and her instant judgment of his reaction didn’t sit well with me. However I did like Wells he was a patient and caring guy and loved his friends. The laughter they shared was great and I liked how the guys were the supporting friendship circle which was a great change as it’s usually the female leads girlfriends.

[Lisbeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read that takes place in Cherry Falls, but that did not take away from the story of Aspen and Wells. Their story is a feel good romance as advirtised and I enjoyed their story. I liked that they both had their issues, but were willing to work through them once they actually recognized them! I will looks for more books from this author!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amanda Marlowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aspen is on a day off, she goes for a walk, falls in the water and her car won't start, a great day off. Wells stops to give her a lift but she's very wary and isn't going to accept until the sheriff pulls up and knows him.
Aspen has been homeschooled so is very independent and determined to manage on her own. She's not ready to date. Wells isn't ready to date because of an ex.
A great read from Kate

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[VR Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wells and Aspen meet by chance one day when Aspen's car clunks out. They see each other again and since neither one of them believe in dating they hang out as friends. Their feelings start to grow and when they make a choice to be more than friends, Aspen panics a bit (that kinda irritated me but she got herself together somewhat quickly) - Cute story with some steam thrown in.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rhonda Howell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aspen was raised by her father after her mother died in childbirth. She was homeschooling, did not have many friends, and does not date. Wells had a bad breakup years before so does not date. When he meets Aspan he reconsider his thoughts on the subject. Will theu be able to helpneach other trust and realize their true worth to each other? Great short romance with a HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wells luckily is patient when he and Aspen cross paths and get to know each other. They both have had bad things in their backstories and she is especially wary of starting anything. Trust and true love slowly takes the walls down around their hearts. There are some surprises and twists to keep you on your toes. Well done ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Contina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Meet Cute

This was a really thoughtful friends to lovers relationship. First, I loved the male main character name, Wells. So different and he wasn't the typical handyman take charge guy. Aspen was different too. She didn't have the girl best friend that could help her process life issues. She was home-schooled and missed all the social life activities. Wells had the best buds in this scenario. It was a really good book. 4.5 stars

[Sarah Nielsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as an arc for my honest review review

I really enjoyed reading this story. I felt like there was a clear connection between Aspen and Wells. I liked that they started as friends and the relationship evolved from there. The story was well written but the ending was a bit rushed. But all in all I enjoyed it.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

The latest installment of our friends in the Cherry Falls world is this. Our H is a bartender at the uber-cool arcade/bar and he's sworn off relationships as they end badly. Our h is the owner of the local cafe, who is too independent and business minded to deal with relationships. These two have some issues to work through, so while this was a mostly sweet story that definitely has some swoon and some heat, I really wasn't fond of these people together - not that they were a bad or mismatched couple, but I just couldn't imagine that they'd work through their issues in as short of a book as this is. As with all of the books in the series, they're living up to their promise of feeling like you're returning home and getting an HEA - which y'all know I love.