There were a lot of moments in this book that I adored, but unfortunately there were also things that just didn’t work for me. I lived and worked in a resort town (in Alberta, coincidentally only a half hour from the Montana border, so a pretty similar setting to this book!) and the way the characters acted reminded me a lot of how I was when I lived there… except I was 21. So when it was mentioned that the characters are 29 & 33, I was surprised. I’m 31 now, so right between their ages, and it just came off as very immature to me now. I would have understood it more if they were a lot younger than they were, but I guess how I expected 30 year olds to talk and act is different than what I expect from 20 year olds.

While I thought the connection with Trig and Kissie was cute, it felt a bit unbalanced. Trig was so into Kissie that he constantly thought about her and didn’t date anyone in the couple years that they went without seeing each other, meanwhile she had a very serious relationship. And there’s nothing wrong with either of those things, but it is a big difference and because of that, it just made me feel like Trig cared more about Kissie than Kissie cared about Trig.

To be honest, I almost DNF-ed this about halfway through, but decided I wanted to finish it. Kissie wants to have sex with Trig, which obviously he wants because he’s very into her, but they’re pretty drunk. One of the rules is no drunken hook ups so he says no (multiple times) and Kissie continues to try to change his mind. Drunk or not, I hate that. No means no, not ‘change my mind’ and despite her apologizing the next day, that scene really made me not really like Kissie anymore.

All that being said, I’m a sucker for a happy ending and this did deliver on that. Despite the relatively short length of this book, it really did feel well developed. I do wish that the last chapter had an update on Dawn, but that’s just a personal preference. I really did like the setting, and overall I did like Trig, but there were things I didn’t love about the story and I just didn’t really care for Kissie, so this book just wasn’t my favourite.

Thank you to Pinkity Publishing & NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book!

I couldn’t connect with either of the main characters. Their relationship was very insta love. I wasn’t involved enough to care. Cute but just okay.

The 7 Rules of Moving On was a delight from start to finish. The banter is top notch, the sex is steamy, and the characters are sweet and likeable while all on their own path of growth. Jess K Hardy's voice is a perfect mix of sweet and snark--you're laughing along with the characters and rooting for them the whole time. Throw in some Joni Mitchell lyrics and a little big of magic, and this one is a winner for anyone who wants to sit down with something that will give them all the happy butterflies of a feel-good romance.

This would be a cute quick novella especially to get someone out of a reading slump however, I do think it will be dated in a few years. The banter was pretty good. Cute small town, the imaginary of it was beautiful. I did have issues with the consent in this though. He said no because of his own boundaries and her sober rules, she really tried to pressure him into it.

The 7 Rules of Moving On follows Kissie who is on a mission to get over her breakup. She chooses to go to Twin Hearts Montana with her best friend to help get over it. Kissie had her best friend had been to Twin Hearts two years earlier. The first time they were there Kissie meets hot bartender Trig. Kissie left an impression on Trig the first time she was there and Trig couldn't stop thinking about her. Now that Kissie is back again Trig wants to win her over. Soon Trig and Kissie start having feelings for each other. And they have to choose if they want to act upon these feelings.

Thank you, NetGalley, Jess K Hardy, and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ARC of this one. I thought this was a cute romance. However, I felt like the characters were not that developed. It just seemed like everything was a little rushed. I think if the book was longer it would have been better. Because I would have liked a little more background on these characters. But the relationship between Kissie and Trig was cute. But this wasn't a romance book that I would want to read it again. It was cute for what it was and overall a fast read. But It was just lacking more spice and drama for me. But if you want a cute quick romance read then I think you should read this one.

his is a happy, light hearted romance being released on Valentine's Day. In the magical small town of Twin Hearts, Montana, Kissie (Cassandra) Mitchell takes her best friend to visit the Mystic Hot Springs. She is there to help her friend get over a cheating ex. As wingwoman she has lamented rules (she is a rule follower in life) that she must keep. She shares the rules with the Sexy Bartender Trig, while keeping her BFF out of trouble. She also shares a magical kiss. Trig is so smitten that two years later he is still using a jingle she wrote as his ring tone. Fast forward and the girls are back but this time Kissie is broken hearted. When her friend becomes ill Trig offers to be her wingman and he doesn't want to be rebound guy.

This is blazing steamy and a fun quick read. (I couldn't tell how many pages it is on my device.). I loved and laughed at the rules and highlighted them in my copy. I enjoyed both the main characters in this small town romance. They have good banter and good intentions. I am rooting for their HEA. I am not familiar with the author but will look for future books. Thank you to NetGalley and the author for a eARC in exchange for a honest review.

The story
Kissie and her friend Dawn are in Mystic Hot Springs for a visit. Dawn has had a recent breakup and Kissie is her wingwoman. She even has a laminated card with the 7 Rules of Moving On that need to be followed. But the Hot Bartender at the rustic accommodation has caught Kissie’s eye and before she and Dawn leave town, Kissie and Trig have shared just one kiss. Two years later, Kissie has just had a breakup of her own and Dawn brings her back to the small Montana town with its hot springs and Northern Lights and the Hot Bartender is still there. He hasn’t forgotten Kissie in the two years since they met. Will Kissie’s Rules get in the way of her Moving On?

My thoughts
I so enjoyed this sweet, Valentine-themed novella with its magical small town vibe, and two characters whose immediate attraction for each other has you hoping for a HEA! The pair’s best friends Dawn and Ryan are close by to offer support and the town’s inhabitants add bucketloads of interest. After having read a few Valentine’s novella’s in the past few weeks, I appreciate that the shorter length and faster-moving pace really works well for a holiday themed story. This story is entertaining, provides light reading and cute characters! A thumbs up from me 👍

I will be posting my review on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/readingwiththecatlady
Review post date will be: 2/11/2022 (like to post a few days before pub-day)
I have posted this review on Goodreads, see link below

Below is my Review:
I hadn’t heard anything about this book/author before I came across it on NetGalley but when I read the synopsis I loved the concept and requested it. As soon as I was approved I downloaded it and couldn’t put it down.

What I loved:
- The rules, even though they cause some conflict they are good things to remember
- Trig, just all the 😻😻😻
- Friends, Dawn and Ryan are Kissie and Trig’s friends that bring a lot of levity and color to the story telling
- Hallmark movie like story but with spice
- Mystic and Twin Hearts, these places sound amazing and I wish I could visit

This was an adorable story with fun characters and a great romance. I couldn’t put it down and I want to learn about more people in town ASAP. For my friends who love some Hallmark movies and spice….this is the story for you!!

This was a super cute, fun novella. The author managed to give all the characters backstories, motivations, and unique personalities. There was definitely a lot of miscommunication stuff going on but it didn’t bother because the book was so short. There had to be some kind of tension.

This book is perfect if you just want a quick, cute read for Valentine’s Day.

A really quick, fun, lighthearted read for those who are fans of Tessa Bailey. Love the small town vibes and the winter season setting and their meet cute on Vday. I know it’s supposed to be a Vday winter vibes. The characters are so lovable and Trig is sooo sweet - actions AND words. I mean.. come on, the jingle you write as his ringtone for 2 years?! I am definitely smelling another standalone novella exploring the relationship between Ryan and Dawn. Definitely some sparks there!