⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Delightfully Entertaining with Sizzling Chemistry!
Steady Now by Liberty Stowe is an absolute gem of a small-town, slow-burn romance that had me hooked from the moment Wren’s Maserati broke down in the middle of nowhere.

Wren, the rich and oblivious socialite, finds herself stranded and in desperate need of help—enter Hud, the broody and undeniably sexy local mechanic. From the moment these two meet, sparks fly in the most delicious way. Their chemistry was chef’s kiss, and the way their relationship unfolded had me bingeing this book in record time.

The writing is sharp, funny, and thoroughly entertaining. I lost count of how many times I laughed out loud. The characters—especially Wren and Hud—were so well-developed, and their interactions felt natural, heartfelt, and hilarious.

While I did have some formatting issues with the ARC (my Kindle and iPhone didn’t love the layout, but it read much better in the NetGalley app), that had absolutely nothing to do with the story itself. I can’t wait to grab a finished copy and proudly add it to my shelf!

Thank you to Liberty Stowe, and NetGalley for this advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. I genuinely adored this one!

I Absolutely love small town romances and this one didnt disappoint 🥰 I loved the spice and the way the author portrayed the emotions with words. 💕 I felt everything. 🥹

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC (my first!)💖

I went into this book excited and with an open mind since I'm just starting to branch out into the small-town romance subgenre. I'm a sucker for a rich girl/simple guy trope, and the overall premise sounded super cute. However, I struggled getting through this particular book sadly.

The insta-love trope isn't for me, especially when the two main characters barely had a full and direct conversation the entire book. There was no lead up or context, so the insta-love (and possessiveness) was confusing and seemed a bit forced. There wasn't much of a chance to even attempt a will they-won't they.

The backstory for the FMC, Wren, tried to come off as mysterious and alluded to a toxic family background, but those details were also lacking, even when a bit more light was shed on it at the very end of the book, which also was confusing and came off as forced. Overall, I think the depth of the characters was lacking, and I didn't love the stereotyping of Wren's gay best friend, Anderson.

There was some spice (🌶️🌶️🌶️/5), which I always appreciate! This might just be me, but the physical logistics of a couple scenes were hard to imagine were physically possible. They felt awkward and took out of the moment.

Overall, I love a fluffy, swoon-worthy romance with silly tropes, but this particular book and cast of characters seemed a bit too misguided and lacking depth. I struggled to get through it, and even considered emailing NetGalley to DNF at a couple points. But I wanted to commit to completing my first ARC review. If I had just randomly picked this up on my own, I wouldn't have finished.

If someone told me that this was Ms. Stowe’s first novel I wouldn’t have believed them. Steady now is the quintessential slow burn romance. Although low key frustrating at times, I liked the push and pull between Wren and Hud. Throw in some ex drama, a land grab subplot, and a hilarious bestie in Anderson (not to mention some of the background characters like Martha and Cal) and the town of Vogel Springs and you have all the best ingredients for a great story. I really am looking forward to more from this author.

I loved everything about this book. The small town romance, the tension, Wren and Hud's stories and how they collide. I really enjoyed Wren's character strengthening throughout this book, and Hud is such a sweet heart with a fiery side. It was a fall-fast type of romance but with so much more to the story as you continue reading, so much background to each of them. But it made it all the better for when the love truly hit.
The author did a great job with immersing you into this small town, and made you love it and the characters as you read. It will give you all of the emotions while reading, so buckle up!
I did wish it didn't end so abruptly without an epilogue, but it was such a fantastic book with the story coming full circle!

Tropes:
-grumpy sunshine
-instalust
-small town romance
-forced proximity
-single dad
-mmc and fmc in late 20s/early 30s

This was a slow burn small‑town romance that was filled with warmth, humor and family drama.
It definitely got steamier than I was expecting (just a little FYI incase you’re into less detailed spiciness), but the emotional depth between Wren and Hud still carried the story. That said, I can see how fans of spicier romance will appreciate it.
I enjoyed the small‑town vibe and found it easy to fall in love with so many of the side characters as well. The town of Vogel Springs also filled me with nostalgia and reminded me of a little town I used to live in back in the Texas Hill Country.

Liberty Stowe's debut novel, Steady Now, is a heartfelt small-town romance about two people from vastly different worlds who find each other unexpectedly. Wren Baldwin, a wealthy woman running from her past, finds herself stranded in Vogel Springs, Texas, after her luxury car breaks down. There, she meets Hudson Bass, a hardworking mechanic and single father struggling with his own personal battles. Despite their different backgrounds, a powerful connection forms between them, forcing them to confront their fears about love and second chances.

Told from both Wren's and Hudson's points of view, the story masterfully develops a slow-burn romance. I particularly enjoyed how the forced proximity of Wren being stuck in town felt genuine and paved the way for some truly heartwarming found family moments. The exploration of the friendships (Wren's supportive bond with Anderson and Hudson's lifelong camaraderie with Cal) adds a wonderful layer of depth to the story.

If you're a fan of compelling characters, emotional journeys, and a satisfying slow burn, I highly recommend giving Steady Now a read.

Thank you to Rupert Bossier for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. This is my honest opinion but just one opinion, you should read this book and judge it by yourself]

Sadly this one is not for me.
The plot seemed pretty great, the tropes are usually the ones I love but I couldn’t connect with the characters nor the development of the story. Both MC seemed to me a bit unbereable (sorry), too cliche, too plain. The sudden atraction between them is very forced and I’ve been the whole reading waiting for that magical moment when I could fall in love with them. Sadly it didn’t happen.
Sometimes I felt the writer didn’t know what to tell, the story navigates through a lot of situations that divert your atention and at some point the love story felt secondary.
I don’t think it a bad reading, simply it’s not for me

This was a spicy small-town romance that I couldn’t wait to get my hands on, thanks to the intriguing book blurb. There was an air of mystery surrounding what had happened to Wren—what could make her high-tail it out of town and never want to look back? And then there was the brooding mechanic, Hud. I needed to know what his deal was, too.

I loved the setting of the small town—it reminded me of a place near my home, the kind of town you’d miss in the blink of an eye. The characters felt true to that environment; they either knew everyone’s business or were somehow involved in it.

The story started at a great pace, but somewhere along the way, it began to feel rushed and somewhat pieced together. While I understand it’s a small town, it felt a little too convenient that the main characters always seemed to know exactly when the other was having a meltdown. It gave off slight stalker vibes I wasn’t expecting.

There wasn’t very strong character development. Wren and Hud had an intense attraction from the start, and off they went with little to no getting to know each other or growth in their relationship—it was mostly a string of public sexual rendezvous that brought them together.

Overall, Steady Now was a typical small-town romance with some unexpectedly spicy scenes, making it a fun read.

Thank you Liberty Stowe, RupertBossier, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book!

Wren & Hud's story was so fun! The banter was on point as well as the writing style and the pace of the plot.

This was a super fun romance read!
Wren finds herself in Vogel Springs when her Maserati breaks down on the side of the road. This brings Wren into Hud’s orbit and his mechanic shop. Although there is definitely some sexual tension brewing between the two main characters, they do tend to butt heads a lot.
I did find some parts of the story pretty predictable but overall it was very enjoyable and entertaining!
Wren and Huds have an interesting dynamic but overall I found a lot of there conversations to be witty and also charming.

Small town romance
Mechanic romance
Slow burn 🔥

Make sure to check your trigger warnings!
Thank you NetGalley for the E-ARC

Virgin River takes on small town Texas! When Wren’s Maserati broke down in middle of nowhere Vogel Springs, she had no idea love was in the air. Enters Hud, the town’s hunky mechanic.
This is a slow burn romance but boy oh boy does it get spicy! If you love a cozy romance with a little bit of drama, you will fall in love with charming Vogel Springs and its cast of tight knit characters. I’m rooting for part 2 of Wren and Hud’s story in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley and RupertBossier for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5 stars, rounded up)
Steady Now by Liberty Stowe is a slow-burn country romance that totally swept me up. From the very first chapter, I was hooked—Wren and Hud’s story is the kind of charming, small-town love that makes your heart ache in the best way.

The pacing is just right for a summer read: gentle, a little nostalgic, and full of quiet emotional moments that build into something beautiful. The tension simmers, and the chemistry feels earned.

If you love long drives, meaningful glances, and a romance that unfolds like golden hour on a back road—this one’s for you. A cozy, heartfelt escape. 🤍

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book had the perfect Hallmark-y small town romance vibes and I loved it!!! Even the side characters were amazing!!
At times through the middle it started to feel a bit long/drawn out (but that also might just be because I'm a slow reader lol)
Seriously though such a perfect summer read!!!
Thank you to @netgalley and @authorlibertystowe for the ARC!!! 💕

Steady Now was my first book by Liberty Stowe. I enjoyed Wren and Hud's story. Once I got into it, it was a good read. I really enjoyed the relationship she had with her best friend.

This was a feel good small town romance that was a quick and enjoyable read. The story took off quick but I still felt connected to the main characters and was rooting for them throughout! The supporting characters stole the show at some points and made the story that much more heart warming. There were a few plot points/backstories that could have been developed a little more so the impact bigger, but overall it was a fun easy read! Would recommend!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
* Grumpy x sunshine
* Small town romance
* Single dad
* Found family

Thank you to NetGalley, Liberty Stowe, and RupertBossier for this eARC!

This small town romance is a great summer read, in such an idyllic setting of a place! Vogel Springs is exactly what Wren needed: found family, a place she belongs, and a man that would love her so unconditionally.

Their attraction was so immediate, and I really liked having the dual POV to see how much they both can’t deny each other. I like that it’s a slow burn, as their chemistry was fiery and steamy once they give in to their desire. It took a while to get there, but all that angst and tension builds up to make worth the wait! 🔥

I also really liked the pacing of this story. It took its time to explain both their pasts and how it affects them, and their relationship. It kept me invested in them as characters and as a couple. And all the other friends and family added to the enjoyment of reading this and the tension between Wren and Hud. Especially how they all pull through to support Hud and Wren. This made their HEA so satisfying by the end!!

Overall I enjoyed this book; however, there were some aspects that felt a little bit lost. The concept was novel and the premises quite cute. I like the way that the relationship relationships developed through the book but for me it felt like there were too many plots intertwined. This book would’ve been better if they’ve been less plot points to delve into enter.

I would definitely recommend this book, but I can’t call it a masterpiece.

The spice was definitely well seasoned and added to the book nicely.

Steady Now is the book to read this summer for lovers of small town romance! I loved Hud and Wren individually and together in this! The characters jump off the page and as we got to learn more about them I couldn’t put the book down. Set in a small town in Texas, Steady Now gives us all the cozy small town vibes shows like Gilmore Girls and Hart of Dixie give me. Everyone knows everyone and is always there to lend a helping hand. The romance was a slow burn and the pay off was so worth it! There was sexual tension, comfortability, and love between Hud and Wren that was so apparent in every interaction they had. I would love to see more from this small town and its charming characters!!

Steady Now is a small town romance that takes place in Vogel Springs. The story is engaging and the characters are so well crafted and written. Wren stumbles upon the small town when her car breaks down and only place that has a mechanic close enough to her location is Vogel Springs. Hud has lived in Vogel Springs his whole life and under the gruff no nonsense exterior is the man who people love and care about. What was supposed to be a quick(ish) repair takes longer and soon Wren is finding more about the town of Vogel Springs and Hud.

It’s rare for me to not get irritated by small town romances despite enjoying them but this one definitely hits the spot. I loved this because regardless of how small Vogel Springs is and how tight-knit the community is, everyone still just does their thing. No one is unnecessarily pushy or nosy and the care the community has for one another is evident. Wren and Hud’s evolution is so beautiful and fun to read. The presence and influence they have in each other’s lives is just what the other needs.

If you want a sweet small town romance with the most wonderful group of found family then I highly recommend this one. I didn’t think I’d be adding to the book boyfriend list but…here we are.

Thank you to NetGalley and Liberty Stowe for the gifted ARC! All opinions are my own.