I enjoyed reading Steady Now by Liberty Stowe. You will fall in love with all the characters. I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely. Happy Reading!

This was my Camp NetGalley pick for July~ I'm giving this 3 stars.
I actually think this was very well structured as a story and paced very well.
It's a modern romance with a big city rich girl x small town blue collar hunky single dad. A hallmark movie.
The romance is basically insta-attraction and insta-like, but not necessarily insta-love. They definitely felt like they were magnets toward each other and it had some medium-burn because they have one "lose all control" moment maybe a third of the way in and then nothing else for a whiiiiile. It was to the point that I was tapping my page turns mumbling "okay when when when"
There was no serious misunderstanding/miscommunication trope. There was a hint of "omg talk to each other!!" but it honestly was just a second because each character's thought processes were logical. They actually arrived at sensible conclusions even in the face of some uncertainty. We love to see it when adults act like adults.
I also loved the setting. It all took place basically at an intersection, but I was really transported there and to the lakeside home, the pool, the diner.

What made me take two stars away is the following, but did not take away from the overall experience much:

One - it's a pretty generic story. Didn't rock my world and it won't stick with me too too long, but still a great time and better than many.

Two - Small miss in dotting all the 'i's in the end :
The masses wanted more details about Connor's mom getting hers >:) (and give us confirmation of full custody - after Connor was returned it's almost like he was forgotten and everything was implied. I can live with implied but it could've been a quick dialogue to confirm).
I genuinely did not understand FMCs beef with her father at all? It wasn't well hinted at and never fully explained. He was written as shrewd, but ended up actually kind of stand up guy? Was the whole gripe that he just never prioritized her and didn't want her to date her co-worker? Oh how awful yes good reason to run away to a new town. *blank stare*
Finally, three - the book needs editing. There are sentences and phrases that are just not grammatically correct and kind of unacceptable in a novel.
"There'as never been a woman who makes me feel the way Wren makes me feel" - a touching moment gone wrong for me since THERE'AS is not a real contraction. Why are we making up words. We already have words you can use. There are also places where there are no commas and also unnecessary commas.
Furthermore, I thought I was going crazy a few times because there is a real case of disjointed writing in places. A thought or event seems to end and a new thought/subject starts, and then a few lines later it references the first event again in a jarring way that feels like I just missed a part or read something that was meant to be edited out. I had to go back to previous sections a few times because I was so confused why we were still discussing something that seemed like it was finished. Like leaving a room and then bursting back in half an hour later shouting "AND ANOTHER THING" when everyone moved on.
It reads like someone is talking at you, not like a novel. Like it's a screenplay or the author did voice-to-text while driving to "write" this. I don't think books should be written in that casual tone. It doesn't translate when you're reading.

Just some things that could've been tidied more with better editing, I think.
That's about it! I enjoyed my time with it and would read more by the author because she sets things up well and writes reasonable people.

I love small town romances and this did not disappoint! I loved how much charm there was in a slow-burn romance and i cannot wait to read more from this author!

Fantastic read!

I got so caught up in this book and couldn't put it down. I got lost in the tiny town Of Vogel Springs and the cast of characters that live there. This story follows Wren and Hudson (Hud) in a small town rich girl local boy will they wont they romance. The support cast of characters are memorable and I would love to see their stories as well. There is a hint of spice, if you are ok with some open door then this will be a great read for you. If you are more of a keep this type of scene off the page then you may want to skip it. I thought it was tastefully done and just the right amount. There were twists and turns that I certainly didn't see coming which drew me in and certainly made me stay up too late because I got so immersed

Arc review
Title: Steady Now
Author: Liberty Stowe
Publisher: RupertBossier
Publication date: 1 August 2025

When Wren’s car breaks down in the middle of nowhere, Vogel Springs, Texas, she meets Hud, a single dad and the only mechanic in town. He has a fixer mentality but ironically can’t seem to fix himself. What follows is a story about two people falling in love while navigating the complexities of adulthood: land lawsuits, child custody battles, and emotional baggage.

The premise pulled me in right away, it was engaging and had a lot of potential. There’s some light flirtation between the two leads, all set against the charming backdrop of a small town that felt warm, cozy, and alive through Wren’s perspective. I really enjoyed the depth added by their individual stories, which gave more dimension to both characters.

That said, I feel like the book tried to do too much at once and lost focus along the way. The romance didn’t quite land for me. There were cute, sweet, and even steamy moments, but stepping back, it felt like Wren and Hud barely knew each other. Their emotional connection didn’t have enough time to fully develop, and what we got felt like insta-love, which isn’t really my thing.

After about 50% into the story, their interactions became minimal as each dealt with their own struggles (especially Hud). I thought the pause in their romance would allow for more natural development, but instead, several chapters passed with little to no interaction between them. Hud’s early protectiveness felt unjustified and, at times, possessive. While he clearly cared for Wren, his actions were often self-centered. The miscommunication between them was frustrating. Just talk to each other! You’re adults. Don’t make assumptions and decisions in your head without even having a conversation.

We also didn’t get enough meaningful insight into Wren’s life before she ran away, and what little we got felt shallow. In contrast, Hud’s backstory was more developed, but the way it wrapped up felt rushed.

And one final note: if Wren, a grown woman, calls her estranged father “daddy” one more time, I will gladly sell my soul to Matilda.

Overall, this is a decent debut. I enjoyed it for what it was: a feel-good and funny novel with cozy vibes and heavier themes sprinkled in. I especially appreciated that it wasn’t just a fluffy romance, instead it touched on real-life issues. I just wish that everything had been more balanced.
This debut has its rough edges, but I'm excited to see Liberty Stowe evolve as an author.

This was a cute and wholesome small town romance. I enjoyed the themes and plot and enjoyed the character growth throughout the book.

Liberty Stowe's "Steady Now" isn't just a book; it's an experience. From the very first page, I was completely swept away, finding myself utterly incapable of putting it down. This is, without a doubt, a genuine page-turner that will keep you engrossed until the final, satisfying word.
Stowe masterfully crafts a narrative that is both deeply moving and incredibly compelling. The characters feel real, complex, and utterly relatable, drawing you into their lives and making you genuinely care about their journeys. You'll root for them, hurt with them, and celebrate their triumphs as if they were your own. The emotional depth woven throughout the story is remarkable, exploring themes of resilience, connection, and the quiet strength found in everyday moments.
The pacing is impeccable, building suspense and emotion with skillful precision. Just when you think you have things figured out, Stowe introduces a twist or a revelation that keeps you turning the pages. The writing itself is beautiful – evocative, sharp, and perfectly attuned to the emotional landscape of the story.
"Steady Now" is more than just a captivating read; it's a testament to the power of human spirit and the profound impact of steady, unwavering support. It's a book that resonates long after you've turned the last page, leaving you with a sense of hope and a renewed appreciation for the quiet heroes in our lives.
If you're looking for a book that will hook you from the start and refuse to let go, one that delivers an emotional punch while remaining utterly uplifting, then "Steady Now" is an absolute must-read. Prepare to clear your schedule, because once you begin, you won't want to stop.
I want to thank the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.

The overall premise sounded intriguing, until I started to read it. This book feels very much like it was written with the use of AI, and if that’s not the case, I apologize for assuming. I say that because the dialogue between characters was so awkward and almost felt robotic. I couldn’t immerse myself into this unfortunately.

This was an easy read and perfect for summer. I would have like to have found out more about the story line. It goes very slow in parts of each chapter. I would not recommend to most friends but have some that would like this kind of easy breezy read I will share the book. I won't post a review socially because of the reasons above. If large parts of some Chapters were removed and the story more involved this book would be 5 stars.

I had the chance to read Steady Now early as part of Camp NetGalley 2025 in exchange for my honest review!

I wasn’t expecting this book to be so spicy but wow, it did not hold back. 🔥
Steady Now is one of those slow-burn small town romances where the chemistry is immediate, but the emotional intimacy takes its time. With Wren and Hudson, you know they were made for each other way before they ever do!

We’ve got “rich girl stumbles into nowhere town” energy, paired with “mysterious hot guy with a past,” and honestly? I was hooked. I finished it within 24 hours! The romance felt believable, the spice was surprisingly bold, and there was a nice balance of emotional growth from both characters that made the story feel more grounded.

It wasn’t a life-changing read, but it was a really solid one, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone looking for something cozy, romantic, and a little bit steamy!

Steady Now is a sweet and charming small-town romance that plays out like a cozy Hallmark movie—in the best way possible. The story follows a high-powered city lawyer who finds herself in a quiet town full of secrets, unexpected challenges, and one irresistible mechanic.

Though the storyline follows a familiar arc, it’s comforting rather than cliché. The characters are likable, the romance has just enough tension to keep the pages turning, and the small-town setting is easy to fall into.

This was a fun, heartwarming read that worked perfectly as a palate cleanser between heavier books. If you’re looking for a low-angst, feel-good romance with a touch of drama, Steady Now delivers.

Small town steamy romance. Wren and Hudson can’t be more different. Their background has nothing in common but their connection is powerfully. Stranded in Vogel Spring with her masseratti, Hudson is the only one mechanic who can repair it. But can he repair more than her car? Will he let her help him with the problems he is facing? The side characters are to die for. Thanks to a NetGalley for the ARC. This is my honest review..

This is a cute and cozy smalltown romance book.
We have Wren and Hud, our main characters, she is passing through town but her car breaksdown and he is the mechanic that helps with the car.
So we have the rich girl and the grumpy not so rich mechanic. There is some spark between them from the start, but they ignore it. Wren is trying to run away from her problems, meanwhile this cute town starts to grow on her.
Hud also has a lot on his mind plus that he has a son and his ex is back in town, plotting something bad.
The story goes smoothly with a lot happening though, that in my opinion it is to much for this story.
The side characters are also very involved in the story, and kind of interesting. Hope the author will write a book about them.
I think the story is a 3.5 ⭐️ and not that spicy.

Give it a try!

I choose this book for Camp Netgalley and this is my honest and only opinion.

I had such a good time reading. A sweet small-town romance with just the right amount of emotional depth and a cast of lovable characters.

⟡ Tropes and Rating ⟡
🏞️ Small Town
💗 Insta Attraction
🔥 Slow Burn
🧸 Single Dad
🚜 Tractor Appreciation (😉)

4/5 ⭐️
2.5/5 🌶️

⟡ Review ⟡
Wren finds herself in a bit of a predicament when her Maserati breaks down outside of the small Texas town of Vogel Springs. Enter Hud, who runs the local car repair shop. He’s fighting a two-front battle to keep his family’s land from corporate takeover and another to gain custody of his son. Sparks fly fast between Wren and Hud but both hit the brakes (for a while) due to their by personal baggage.

This book has all the ingredients of a cute small town romance with quirky locals, cozy vibes, and meddling best friends but it actually dives deeper. Hud’s custody battle and land dispute bring bigger stakes to it.
He’s a solid, good guy, dependable, selfless, and devoted to his son and town. This makes it particularly heartbreaking when part of the community turns against him when he refuses to sell his land.
Wren is initially depicted as the typical “city girl stranded in the country” but is actually much more, kind, sweet and compassionate.
Their chemistry is instant, but their relationship takes time to develop which leaves us with some delicious push-and-pull tension.
The drama with Hud’s ex is handled well. It nicely moves the story along but it never crosses into the territory where Wren is unsure about where Hud stands with her or the ex.

I only with that there was more time spent on Wren and Hud truly getting to know each other. While Hud’s character was fleshed out well and Wren learned a lot about him because she lives in his town, her past, particularly her father and ex, is explained quite late. There was no talk between the main characters about Wren’s life outside of Vogel Springs and Hud had no idea about her backstory until the end, and even her POV chapters don’t give away much.

Thank you Liberty Stowe and NetGalley for the free ARC. All thoughts are my own.

Cute story with lovable characters, and the plot is perfect for a Hallmark-style story. That being said, the backstory of the characters took way too long to be explained, and even then, it left some questions. I like the way the book opened itself up to the possibility of a sequel where additional characters are developed. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Solid 3.5 ✨

There was a lot I loved about this book. It was the perfect mix of romance and small town vibes,

I adored Hud and Wren, and how they found themselves throughout all of the hardships they faced. We really see Wren do a full 180, and become her best self. HUD was a dreamboats, and he fiercely fights for those he loves.

The friendship presented in this book were those that will be around a lifetime.

This book is not super spicy, but it definitely does not lack, and what is there is steamy, #tractor

Spice: 🌶️.5

Tropes:
✨ small town boy meets city girl
✨ friends to lovers

I want to start by saying that I loved the cover of the book, hence why I wanted to read and the description was really good! At the beginning the writing style took me by surprise but I got to 24% when I decided to DNF’ it. The main reason is that the FMC & MMC haven’t known each other for 48 hours and they are already making out. Too insta love for me! Another thing is that the FMC goes “exploring” the town but we are just told she took pictures, nothing else. I feel like we got a barely description of the town, and it’s told it’s a small one yet the FMC goes a whole day exploring it, and again we don’t go with her exploring.
I appreciate the ARC!

I thought that Steady Now was a super cute and fun read! I enjoyed the rich girl meets small town guy vibe. The author did a really great job adding more depth to the rich girl character beyond the typical stereotypes. I liked that the FMC’s backstory was a little vague in the beginning and unraveled over time. Dual POV is also a plus. I enjoyed seeing the MMC work through his own problems. He honestly had a lot going on in his life, but it was great to see him work through everything. While reading on the Kindle, it was a little tough seeing the emojis from the text messages sent between characters. Overall, it was a really good book, and I’m excited to see more from this author!

This was a great palate cleanser. I think I’ve found my new favorite author. I’m hoping a sequel is in the works! The spice was top notch and the will they won’t they was great! I enjoyed this book very much!

First off, thank you very much for this eARC that was generously provided by the publisher and author via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

It seemed like a really fun idea joining in on Camp Netgalley, but being a Kobo reader, my options for joining were very limited. I had high hopes either way, but sadly, I decided to DNF this one at 34%. I tried hanging on and pushing through and hoping it would get better, but just couldn’t do it. The idea of the story was one thing, but the execution was entirely another, and it was too much if a struggle to continue.

This one started out pretty strong. Funny, new small town, romance, etc., but quickly went downhill from there. There was absolutely zero character development. One minute the FMC and MMC hated each other, the next they were literally emotionally in love with each other three days after meeting with almost zero interaction with each other. The pacing was absolutely horrible and I felt whipped around every other paragraph. Lots of sentences seem incomplete or to be missing words, and I very often had to go back and reread them to try and make sense of what was being said. Also, the drama and the problems with other characters seemed unrealistic and forced just to add to the story. Nothing about this book felt realistic or smoothly put together.

Unfortunately, I feel this one still has very major editing and rewriting to be done before publishing, because it absolutely had the potential to be a cute, romantic, small town, love story. But the pacing, the lack of character development, the lack of world building, the lack of coherent sentences, etc etc is really killing the potential.