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Stuck in the Country with You: A Spicy Small Town Western Romance
Good fences make good neighbors—except when a scorching shared past makes things complicated—in this delightful city-meets-country romance from Zuri Day.
She’s packing her bags—and her baggage.
Ten years ago, Genesis Washington made a very poor decision. At the time, it seemed great. Fantastic. Explosive. But the truth is, your one-night rebound should never be your younger brother’s rival. And he definitely shouldn’t be someone who allegedly only slept with you to gain the upper hand—even if the sex was amazing.
Now Genesis is blindsided when the farm she’s inherited just happens to be right next door to Jaxson King, the regrettable one-night stand she’s still painfully attracted to. This man has aged like the finest of wines, and what’s worse, he’s now a thoughtful and responsible father. Good thing Genesis has a (*cough* long-distance *cough*) boyfriend. Well, sort of. It’s complicated.
Jaxson and his hotness should be easy enough to ignore. But when city-girl Genesis discovers there’s a serious learning curve to her humble new home, it’s Jaxson who’s there to lend a very skilled helping hand. With every problem that arises, Jaxson is seemingly making all the right moves—both on the farm and when things heat up behind closed doors. But, surely, that doesn’t mean he’s right for Genesis, does it?
From showing up to glowing up, the characters in Afterglow Books are on the path to leading their best lives and finding sizzling romance along the way. Don’t miss any of these other fun titles�
Frenemy Fix-Up by Yahrah St. John
The Devil in Blue Jeans by Stacey Kennedy
Out of Office by A.H. Cunningham
Church Girl by Naima Simone
She’s packing her bags—and her baggage.
Ten years ago, Genesis Washington made a very poor decision. At the time, it seemed great. Fantastic. Explosive. But the truth is, your one-night rebound should never be your younger brother’s rival. And he definitely shouldn’t be someone who allegedly only slept with you to gain the upper hand—even if the sex was amazing.
Now Genesis is blindsided when the farm she’s inherited just happens to be right next door to Jaxson King, the regrettable one-night stand she’s still painfully attracted to. This man has aged like the finest of wines, and what’s worse, he’s now a thoughtful and responsible father. Good thing Genesis has a (*cough* long-distance *cough*) boyfriend. Well, sort of. It’s complicated.
Jaxson and his hotness should be easy enough to ignore. But when city-girl Genesis discovers there’s a serious learning curve to her humble new home, it’s Jaxson who’s there to lend a very skilled helping hand. With every problem that arises, Jaxson is seemingly making all the right moves—both on the farm and when things heat up behind closed doors. But, surely, that doesn’t mean he’s right for Genesis, does it?
From showing up to glowing up, the characters in Afterglow Books are on the path to leading their best lives and finding sizzling romance along the way. Don’t miss any of these other fun titles�
Frenemy Fix-Up by Yahrah St. John
The Devil in Blue Jeans by Stacey Kennedy
Out of Office by A.H. Cunningham
Church Girl by Naima Simone
261 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 24, 2024
51 people are currently reading
6,035 people want to read
About the author
Zuri Day
96books254followersZuri Day is a hopeful romantic. She believes in happy endings, half-full glasses and dreams coming true. That's why she's thrilled to be a contributing writer to this genre...one of her favorites!
Zuri doesn't remember exactly how old she was when she picked up her first romance novel, but she does remember it was love at first sight. "It was probably a Harlequin," she recalled during a recent interview. "And it thankfully took me away from a fairly dull and routine existence growing up in a small Kansas town."
Things aren't dull and routine anymore. Zuri now resides in Los Angeles with her family and when she isn't writing loves to travel the world, cook vegetarian food, work out, watch sports, attend concerts and theatre and enjoy the simple things in life.
"Many people have given up on love, much less romance," Zuri says. "I'm hoping that somehow, through the love-filled pages of my romance novels, I can ignite the reader's desire to believe again. Because everything is possible, when we believe..."
Zuri doesn't remember exactly how old she was when she picked up her first romance novel, but she does remember it was love at first sight. "It was probably a Harlequin," she recalled during a recent interview. "And it thankfully took me away from a fairly dull and routine existence growing up in a small Kansas town."
Things aren't dull and routine anymore. Zuri now resides in Los Angeles with her family and when she isn't writing loves to travel the world, cook vegetarian food, work out, watch sports, attend concerts and theatre and enjoy the simple things in life.
"Many people have given up on love, much less romance," Zuri says. "I'm hoping that somehow, through the love-filled pages of my romance novels, I can ignite the reader's desire to believe again. Because everything is possible, when we believe..."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
September 2, 2024
Rating: 3.5
*ARC read- thank you to Harlequin Romance and the author for the opportunity to read this early*
I was in small town romance mood when I requested Stuck in the Country with you. I think the plot was what intrigued me the most. I love the idea of her neighbor being a past partner and her arriving to the farm after living in Memphis her whole life. However, this story left me a little wanting. Wanting more scenes of Genesis running the farm or learning how to. Another thing I noticed is the story switches perspective and settings within the chapter randomly. I noticed this in scenes where they are on the phone one minute and then fishing the next. I sometimes had to go back and confirm where they were and when we jumped ahead. Between paragraphs and between dialogue I think the formatting could be restructured to help the reader better know what’s going on. My last thing was the speed and which they catch feelings for each other(…again). The intimate moments between Genesis and Jaxson felt very rushed which in turn left me very unmoved by these “spicy moments�. Sadly, this happened for all the spicy scenes for me. Then the sneaking around bit threw me off because I’m like—we all are adults here, what are we hiding a relationship for. Just my opinion, I know others might like the instant attraction, but I wanted more of a getting to know each other again before getting into bed. That and I wanted more confidence in their relationship if it was going to move quickly. I just wanted more life on the farm with Genesis and for her to maybe stand up to her “family� and their antics.
*ARC read- thank you to Harlequin Romance and the author for the opportunity to read this early*
I was in small town romance mood when I requested Stuck in the Country with you. I think the plot was what intrigued me the most. I love the idea of her neighbor being a past partner and her arriving to the farm after living in Memphis her whole life. However, this story left me a little wanting. Wanting more scenes of Genesis running the farm or learning how to. Another thing I noticed is the story switches perspective and settings within the chapter randomly. I noticed this in scenes where they are on the phone one minute and then fishing the next. I sometimes had to go back and confirm where they were and when we jumped ahead. Between paragraphs and between dialogue I think the formatting could be restructured to help the reader better know what’s going on. My last thing was the speed and which they catch feelings for each other(…again). The intimate moments between Genesis and Jaxson felt very rushed which in turn left me very unmoved by these “spicy moments�. Sadly, this happened for all the spicy scenes for me. Then the sneaking around bit threw me off because I’m like—we all are adults here, what are we hiding a relationship for. Just my opinion, I know others might like the instant attraction, but I wanted more of a getting to know each other again before getting into bed. That and I wanted more confidence in their relationship if it was going to move quickly. I just wanted more life on the farm with Genesis and for her to maybe stand up to her “family� and their antics.
September 9, 2024
Disclaimer: I received a free advance review copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. (Releases December 24, 2024)
Before I begin my review, I just want to say that giving 1 star pained me immensely because, as a writer myself, I know how vulnerable you have to be to share your writing with the world. I am, however, very honest in my reviews of the things I read. I do also want to make sure anyone who reads this review understands that this review is colored by my own personal tastes in narrative, plot, and character development.
When originally requesting to read the arc of Stuck in the Country with You by Zuri Day, I was hoping for a cute country romance novel that would take me a day or two to read. Unfortunately, it took me much longer than anticipated to read because I was consistently frustrated. The premise of a second chance romance many years after the first encounter was enticing, but the execution fell flat for me. A lot of the background, feelings and motives of characters, were force-fed to the reader rather than shown through actions. Additionally, Genesis's family drama being the reason why the romance didn't work the first time and why she was hesitant this time around to act on her attraction to Jaxson just did not feel much like a hindrance to me. I mean, it could have been a hindrance if the family drama was more on the page rather than things mentioned like afterthoughts or because the plot needed them in the moment. I just didn't buy it, the stakes did not feel high enough, and, therefore, I just did not care about it.
Another thing that made this a difficult read for me was the transition between scenes within chapters. They were sometimes hard to follow and could be days, weeks, or months in the future with no visual cue on the page that a switch was occurring and the previous scene often ended in a way that felt unfinished. Admittedly, the visual cue being missing on the page could be due to the fact that this is an arc and final formating has not been done. Still, a lot of scenes just felt unfinished and randomly ended before we were whisked to some other moment in time/place. While I don't think every scene has to end perfectly, if the scene feels unfinished to me, it is usually because something is missing to make the scene important to the overall story. And please don't get me wrong, I can tolerate some fluff in a romance novel, but that's not what was happening here.
Considering this is a romance novel, I will touch on the romance between Genesis and Jaxson. Honestly, I just didn't believe it. I'm not saying that these two characters could not possibly be together or love each other, but I was not invested in their romance. Genesis resisting the beginning due to Jaxson being the center of her immediate family drama could have been a very interesting dilemma, but we got no real connection to her family in the book. So upsetting/losing her family or losing a man she was attracted to, but could not stand just did not seem like a big deal to me. The problems standing in their way just did not feel like problems because we're not shown the actual stakes. Yes, they're told to us, but that's not what makes story compelling. We need to see it and that just wasn't done in this book.
Ultimately, I personally would not recommend this book. It seems like the version that was shared as an arc is a really early version that needs more rounds of edits before publication.
Before I begin my review, I just want to say that giving 1 star pained me immensely because, as a writer myself, I know how vulnerable you have to be to share your writing with the world. I am, however, very honest in my reviews of the things I read. I do also want to make sure anyone who reads this review understands that this review is colored by my own personal tastes in narrative, plot, and character development.
When originally requesting to read the arc of Stuck in the Country with You by Zuri Day, I was hoping for a cute country romance novel that would take me a day or two to read. Unfortunately, it took me much longer than anticipated to read because I was consistently frustrated. The premise of a second chance romance many years after the first encounter was enticing, but the execution fell flat for me. A lot of the background, feelings and motives of characters, were force-fed to the reader rather than shown through actions. Additionally, Genesis's family drama being the reason why the romance didn't work the first time and why she was hesitant this time around to act on her attraction to Jaxson just did not feel much like a hindrance to me. I mean, it could have been a hindrance if the family drama was more on the page rather than things mentioned like afterthoughts or because the plot needed them in the moment. I just didn't buy it, the stakes did not feel high enough, and, therefore, I just did not care about it.
Another thing that made this a difficult read for me was the transition between scenes within chapters. They were sometimes hard to follow and could be days, weeks, or months in the future with no visual cue on the page that a switch was occurring and the previous scene often ended in a way that felt unfinished. Admittedly, the visual cue being missing on the page could be due to the fact that this is an arc and final formating has not been done. Still, a lot of scenes just felt unfinished and randomly ended before we were whisked to some other moment in time/place. While I don't think every scene has to end perfectly, if the scene feels unfinished to me, it is usually because something is missing to make the scene important to the overall story. And please don't get me wrong, I can tolerate some fluff in a romance novel, but that's not what was happening here.
Considering this is a romance novel, I will touch on the romance between Genesis and Jaxson. Honestly, I just didn't believe it. I'm not saying that these two characters could not possibly be together or love each other, but I was not invested in their romance. Genesis resisting the beginning due to Jaxson being the center of her immediate family drama could have been a very interesting dilemma, but we got no real connection to her family in the book. So upsetting/losing her family or losing a man she was attracted to, but could not stand just did not seem like a big deal to me. The problems standing in their way just did not feel like problems because we're not shown the actual stakes. Yes, they're told to us, but that's not what makes story compelling. We need to see it and that just wasn't done in this book.
Ultimately, I personally would not recommend this book. It seems like the version that was shared as an arc is a really early version that needs more rounds of edits before publication.
September 4, 2024
Stuck in the Country with You by Zuri Day is a delight. From the moment I met Genesis Washington, I was hooked. Ten years after a mistake that left her with plenty of regrets, Genesis finds herself face-to-face with her past—and he's aged like a fine wine. The tension between Genesis and Jaxson King is electric, and their chemistry is undeniable, even as they try to navigate the baggage of their history. Their journey is one that many of us can relate to, making their story all the more engaging.
Zuri Day masterfully crafts a story full of heart, humor that will make you chuckle, and heat. Genesis, with her city-girl ways, is endearingly out of her depth when she inherits a farm next to Jaxson's. The challenges she faces are real, and Jaxson's steady presence as he helps her out, both on the farm and in more personal moments, makes for a compelling read. The humour in their interactions adds a delightful layer to the story, keeping you entertained.
Jaxson is also a standout—a responsible, thoughtful father who's grown over the years. Their banter, tension, and the sizzling moments behind closed doors kept me glued to the pages. The authenticity of their connection made this story shine for me. The sizzling moments between them add an intriguing element to the story, keeping you on the edge of your seat.
This book is a perfect blend of romance, humour, and heart, with characters who feel real and relatable. Their struggles and triumphs, which mirror our own, will resonate with you, making it a book you won't be able to put down!
Zuri Day masterfully crafts a story full of heart, humor that will make you chuckle, and heat. Genesis, with her city-girl ways, is endearingly out of her depth when she inherits a farm next to Jaxson's. The challenges she faces are real, and Jaxson's steady presence as he helps her out, both on the farm and in more personal moments, makes for a compelling read. The humour in their interactions adds a delightful layer to the story, keeping you entertained.
Jaxson is also a standout—a responsible, thoughtful father who's grown over the years. Their banter, tension, and the sizzling moments behind closed doors kept me glued to the pages. The authenticity of their connection made this story shine for me. The sizzling moments between them add an intriguing element to the story, keeping you on the edge of your seat.
This book is a perfect blend of romance, humour, and heart, with characters who feel real and relatable. Their struggles and triumphs, which mirror our own, will resonate with you, making it a book you won't be able to put down!
December 30, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Romance for giving me the opportunity to read Stuck in the Country with You early in exchange for an honest review. Unfortunately, this story fell flat for me. I can see others enjoying the characters, the story, and the length, but it just did not work for me. The story felt hollow, and I struggled to connect much with the main characters' thoughts and feelings. This is not uncommon for me when it comes to shorter novels or novellas. I think this story could have benefitted from being longer and diving deeper into the main characters and developing their relationship. Even in romance, I like to see the conflicts and resolutions mirror real life more. The conflicts in Stuck in the Country with You seemed to be superficial and resolved too easily. The conflicts themselves were interesting to me and had so much potential to really dig into themes of ego, family dynamics, and repairing relationships. Lastly, some of the language used in the explicit scenes was off-putting to me. The euphemisms for genitals were not words I would think many would find sexy and are more in line with slang that is used to humorous as opposed to arousing (meat, nuts, hot box, etc.). I appreciate the use of terms beyond the same three or four that are often overused in explicit scenes, but these terms took me out of the story because they did not fit in with the tone of the scene.
January 3, 2025
2.75/3 ⭐️
Overall, I left this book just feeling like I wanted more, but not necessarily in a good way. It was a fun story line set in small town and i loved the idea. A farm is left to the FMC who is the niece of the late farm owner and his children and immediate family are very mad about it. She ends up visiting the farm and falling in love with small town / rural living and uplifts her life to move back.
I really enjoyed the main characters and their growth/stories but I feel like there wasn’t enough build up and angst� It felt very unfinished and I just wanted more.
It was a character driven story, which is fine, but it left a lot to be desired. I wanted more of the characters and their stories, weather that be their back stories or their future.
Overall, it wasn’t awful but it just felt incomplete to me.
Overall, I left this book just feeling like I wanted more, but not necessarily in a good way. It was a fun story line set in small town and i loved the idea. A farm is left to the FMC who is the niece of the late farm owner and his children and immediate family are very mad about it. She ends up visiting the farm and falling in love with small town / rural living and uplifts her life to move back.
I really enjoyed the main characters and their growth/stories but I feel like there wasn’t enough build up and angst� It felt very unfinished and I just wanted more.
It was a character driven story, which is fine, but it left a lot to be desired. I wanted more of the characters and their stories, weather that be their back stories or their future.
Overall, it wasn’t awful but it just felt incomplete to me.
January 5, 2025
3/5 stars
2/5 spice
Tropes:
Second chance romance
Former NFL player MMC
City girl
Found family
Dual POV
This was an Ok read for me, but only because I felt that there were pockets of the story that felt rushed and underdeveloped. I really wanted to be invested in the story, and I was in some moments. I think for a romance, it fell flat, but as a self-discovery story, it could've been great. Genesis' story could've been the central plot, while the romance was the background/subplot. These aren't dislikable characters, but I just wasn't invested in their romance together. Plus, I disliked the way the spice was written... probably could've been a fade to black or closed door (this coming from someone who LOVES open door spice).
This was my first book from this author. I might check out her work again in the future, but her style might not be for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Romance for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and offered voluntarily.
2/5 spice
Tropes:
Second chance romance
Former NFL player MMC
City girl
Found family
Dual POV
This was an Ok read for me, but only because I felt that there were pockets of the story that felt rushed and underdeveloped. I really wanted to be invested in the story, and I was in some moments. I think for a romance, it fell flat, but as a self-discovery story, it could've been great. Genesis' story could've been the central plot, while the romance was the background/subplot. These aren't dislikable characters, but I just wasn't invested in their romance together. Plus, I disliked the way the spice was written... probably could've been a fade to black or closed door (this coming from someone who LOVES open door spice).
This was my first book from this author. I might check out her work again in the future, but her style might not be for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Romance for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and offered voluntarily.
Shelved as 'dnf'
March 4, 2025I don't know the exact percent or page number because I already returned the book, but I did dnf this one.
No but why at like 40 pages in has it been mentioned three times already that the FMC is UNRECOGNIZABLE because she lost weight and got contacts. Is this She's All That?
“My mind wasn’t on yesteryear when Clarence introduced us. Plus, you’ve changed. Your...� Knowing how sensitive women were about weight, he continued with care. �...hairstyle is different. And you used to wear glasses, right?�
Like why??
Also, the fact that when they hooked up 'ten years ago' she was 23 and he was only 18 and still in high school??? Not for me.
No but why at like 40 pages in has it been mentioned three times already that the FMC is UNRECOGNIZABLE because she lost weight and got contacts. Is this She's All That?
“My mind wasn’t on yesteryear when Clarence introduced us. Plus, you’ve changed. Your...� Knowing how sensitive women were about weight, he continued with care. �...hairstyle is different. And you used to wear glasses, right?�
Like why??
Also, the fact that when they hooked up 'ten years ago' she was 23 and he was only 18 and still in high school??? Not for me.
September 10, 2024
---
🌾💖 **Stuck in the Country with You** by Zuri Day 💖🌾
*A heartfelt small-town romance that blends city life with the charm of the countryside.*
🌟� **Review:** ✨�
*Stuck in the Country with You* by Zuri Day is a delightful romance that takes readers on a journey from bustling city life to the peaceful charm of a small town. The story follows two characters from vastly different worlds who are thrown together in the countryside, where sparks fly, misunderstandings unfold, and love takes root.
The heroine, a high-powered city professional, is out of her element in the country, and her banter with the laid-back, charming local hero is a highlight of the book. Zuri Day creates a story full of laughter, heart, and steamy chemistry. The slow-burn romance is perfectly paced, allowing the characters to grow individually and together as they navigate their differences and unexpected feelings.
Day’s writing beautifully captures the magic of small towns and the transformative power of love, making this book an enjoyable and comforting read.
---
🌟 **Highlights:** 🌟
- **City Girl Meets Country Boy**: A classic trope with fresh charm, bringing two contrasting worlds together.
- **Witty Banter**: The playful back-and-forth between the leads keeps the story lively and engaging.
- **Small-Town Vibes**: The detailed setting adds warmth and depth to the romance, making you fall in love with the town as much as the characters.
---
💌 **Favorite Quote:**
*"Sometimes, the best way to find yourself is to get completely lost—especially in someone else's heart."* - A beautiful sentiment capturing the story's theme of self-discovery through love.
---
🌟 **Rating:** 🌟
⭐️⭐️⭐️
---
*Stuck in the Country with You* is a sweet, funny, and heartfelt romance that will leave you with a smile. Zuri Day crafts a wonderful story that combines opposites-attract chemistry with small-town charm, making it a perfect escape for romance fans.
See more reviews at:
---
*I received this book through NetGalley as an ARC reader. This will not in any way affect my thoughts or opinions on the book.*
🌾💖 **Stuck in the Country with You** by Zuri Day 💖🌾
*A heartfelt small-town romance that blends city life with the charm of the countryside.*
🌟� **Review:** ✨�
*Stuck in the Country with You* by Zuri Day is a delightful romance that takes readers on a journey from bustling city life to the peaceful charm of a small town. The story follows two characters from vastly different worlds who are thrown together in the countryside, where sparks fly, misunderstandings unfold, and love takes root.
The heroine, a high-powered city professional, is out of her element in the country, and her banter with the laid-back, charming local hero is a highlight of the book. Zuri Day creates a story full of laughter, heart, and steamy chemistry. The slow-burn romance is perfectly paced, allowing the characters to grow individually and together as they navigate their differences and unexpected feelings.
Day’s writing beautifully captures the magic of small towns and the transformative power of love, making this book an enjoyable and comforting read.
---
🌟 **Highlights:** 🌟
- **City Girl Meets Country Boy**: A classic trope with fresh charm, bringing two contrasting worlds together.
- **Witty Banter**: The playful back-and-forth between the leads keeps the story lively and engaging.
- **Small-Town Vibes**: The detailed setting adds warmth and depth to the romance, making you fall in love with the town as much as the characters.
---
💌 **Favorite Quote:**
*"Sometimes, the best way to find yourself is to get completely lost—especially in someone else's heart."* - A beautiful sentiment capturing the story's theme of self-discovery through love.
---
🌟 **Rating:** 🌟
⭐️⭐️⭐️
---
*Stuck in the Country with You* is a sweet, funny, and heartfelt romance that will leave you with a smile. Zuri Day crafts a wonderful story that combines opposites-attract chemistry with small-town charm, making it a perfect escape for romance fans.
See more reviews at:
---
*I received this book through NetGalley as an ARC reader. This will not in any way affect my thoughts or opinions on the book.*
December 21, 2024
Stuck in the Country with You by Zuri Day was an entertaining read. In this story we meet Genesis Washington, who has inherited her great-uncle’s farm only to learn the next-door neighbor is none other than Jaxson King, a one-night stand that was amazing, however misunderstanding that caused a rift with her family. Fast forward ten years and now Genesis finds she still finds Jax attractive and from Jax’s actions, his interests are just as explosive. With Genesis� cousins contesting her great-uncle’s wishes, she not having a steady stream of income and now fighting her feelings for Jax, Genesis does know who she can trust
Zuri Day has always been a great storyteller that will have readers feeling a certain way about the characters. Genesis characteristics were that of a woman wanting to experience familial love and was not receiving that with her mom or brother. She sought solace with Uncle Cyrus and formed a bond with him, but deep-down Genesis struggled to feel love from her family. Cyrus’s sons, once learning of the inheritance, showed their true colors and treated Genesis badly. With Jax, Genesis couldn’t help but fall for him but was waiting for the other “shoe� to drop. Jax’s character displayed a man who knew what he wanted and went after it. Being an ex-athlete with a past scandal, Jax was determined to right the wrongs he felt he was unjustly accused. He also knew that one time with Genesis ten years ago was not something special and upon seeing her again years later, he knew she was the one for him. As Genesis navigates the ins and outs of farm life, Jax offers his assistance and ultimately his heart. Overall, Stuck in the Country with You was a nice read.
Note: I received an advance copy from Netgalley
Zuri Day has always been a great storyteller that will have readers feeling a certain way about the characters. Genesis characteristics were that of a woman wanting to experience familial love and was not receiving that with her mom or brother. She sought solace with Uncle Cyrus and formed a bond with him, but deep-down Genesis struggled to feel love from her family. Cyrus’s sons, once learning of the inheritance, showed their true colors and treated Genesis badly. With Jax, Genesis couldn’t help but fall for him but was waiting for the other “shoe� to drop. Jax’s character displayed a man who knew what he wanted and went after it. Being an ex-athlete with a past scandal, Jax was determined to right the wrongs he felt he was unjustly accused. He also knew that one time with Genesis ten years ago was not something special and upon seeing her again years later, he knew she was the one for him. As Genesis navigates the ins and outs of farm life, Jax offers his assistance and ultimately his heart. Overall, Stuck in the Country with You was a nice read.
Note: I received an advance copy from Netgalley
February 3, 2025
I'm grateful to @harlequinbooks and @harlequinpublicityteam
for having me on this bookstagram tour, and for the gifted copy of the book.
The opinions on this post are of my own.
..
Release Date: December 24, 2024 🎄
Genre: Fiction, Romance
Tropes: enemies to lovers, brother's rival, country romance, second chance, starting afresh.
Sub tropes: Damsel in distress, rebound, emotional tension between protagonists.
Genesis is almost at the rock bottom of her life when she finds out that she's inherited a farm, which happens to be just next door to Jaxon - an unforgettable, regrettable chapter from her past.
The sudden inheritance brings a lot for Genesis to sort out -
- Differences with her extended family, who feel she is incoherent in taking up an abode at the farm.
- Coming to peace with her distorted and dysfunctional emotional relationships
- Align herself financially in a way that she doesn't have to overstress
and, above all .. to find herself!
Her new humble country abode grants her a lot of chaos at first, but then becomes the most important part of her existence. She goes through a learning curve while adjusting to her new life, and with her long lost object of affection, i.e. Jaxon.
The story follows a crisp, third person narrative, and is a perfect addition to your holiday reads. I read it in one go. A perfect enjoyable light weekend read, if you're looking for one. It has the aura of a sweet Christmas/Holiday movie to it, with some pinches of spice wherever and whenever required. 😉
I also love the beautiful cover.
The book's narrative also has the themes of healing, being able to trust again, believing in oneself in its undercurrent which are strong points of the story.
for having me on this bookstagram tour, and for the gifted copy of the book.
The opinions on this post are of my own.
..
Release Date: December 24, 2024 🎄
Genre: Fiction, Romance
Tropes: enemies to lovers, brother's rival, country romance, second chance, starting afresh.
Sub tropes: Damsel in distress, rebound, emotional tension between protagonists.
Genesis is almost at the rock bottom of her life when she finds out that she's inherited a farm, which happens to be just next door to Jaxon - an unforgettable, regrettable chapter from her past.
The sudden inheritance brings a lot for Genesis to sort out -
- Differences with her extended family, who feel she is incoherent in taking up an abode at the farm.
- Coming to peace with her distorted and dysfunctional emotional relationships
- Align herself financially in a way that she doesn't have to overstress
and, above all .. to find herself!
Her new humble country abode grants her a lot of chaos at first, but then becomes the most important part of her existence. She goes through a learning curve while adjusting to her new life, and with her long lost object of affection, i.e. Jaxon.
The story follows a crisp, third person narrative, and is a perfect addition to your holiday reads. I read it in one go. A perfect enjoyable light weekend read, if you're looking for one. It has the aura of a sweet Christmas/Holiday movie to it, with some pinches of spice wherever and whenever required. 😉
I also love the beautiful cover.
The book's narrative also has the themes of healing, being able to trust again, believing in oneself in its undercurrent which are strong points of the story.
December 28, 2024
Zuri Day’s Stuck in the Country with You offers a heartwarming premise with a classic “opposites attract� romance set against the charm of a rural backdrop. While it’s an easy, feel-good read, it doesn’t quite break new ground, leaving a mixed impression overall.
🚨 Spoilers Ahead! 🚨
The story follows Genesis, a city girl down on her luck, who unexpectedly inherits her great-uncle’s farm. Along the way, she reconnects with family, navigates rural life, and butts heads (and eventually locks lips) with Jaxson King, a former pro football player turned farmer. The chemistry between Genesis and Jaxson has its moments, but their relationship often feels rushed, with some conflicts resolving too conveniently.
The rural setting is charming, and Day’s descriptions of life on the farm add a cozy, atmospheric touch. However, the story leans heavily on tropes, from the big-city girl struggling to adapt to country life to the rugged yet sensitive love interest with a mysterious past. While enjoyable, it doesn’t offer much in the way of surprises.
The moment when Jaxson helps rescue Genesis’s great-uncle’s dog, Nipsey, showcases his softer, more compassionate side.
“Sometimes life gives you roots when all you’re looking for is wings.�
Though the book is predictable, the themes of family, healing, and finding love in unexpected places make it a cozy read. If you enjoy light-hearted romance with a touch of Southern charm, Stuck in the Country with You is worth checking out, but don’t expect it to stray far from the formula.
#StuckInTheCountry #ZuriDay #RomanceReads #OppositesAttract #FeelGoodFiction
🚨 Spoilers Ahead! 🚨
The story follows Genesis, a city girl down on her luck, who unexpectedly inherits her great-uncle’s farm. Along the way, she reconnects with family, navigates rural life, and butts heads (and eventually locks lips) with Jaxson King, a former pro football player turned farmer. The chemistry between Genesis and Jaxson has its moments, but their relationship often feels rushed, with some conflicts resolving too conveniently.
The rural setting is charming, and Day’s descriptions of life on the farm add a cozy, atmospheric touch. However, the story leans heavily on tropes, from the big-city girl struggling to adapt to country life to the rugged yet sensitive love interest with a mysterious past. While enjoyable, it doesn’t offer much in the way of surprises.
The moment when Jaxson helps rescue Genesis’s great-uncle’s dog, Nipsey, showcases his softer, more compassionate side.
“Sometimes life gives you roots when all you’re looking for is wings.�
Though the book is predictable, the themes of family, healing, and finding love in unexpected places make it a cozy read. If you enjoy light-hearted romance with a touch of Southern charm, Stuck in the Country with You is worth checking out, but don’t expect it to stray far from the formula.
#StuckInTheCountry #ZuriDay #RomanceReads #OppositesAttract #FeelGoodFiction
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2024
Genesis, the grumpy heroine of this novel, inherits a farm in a quaint Tennessee town following the death of her great-uncle Cyrus. Despite their deep bond, the inheritance sparks a flurry of complications, primarily because Cyrus had biological children who believe the farm rightfully belongs to them. Loyalty to her late uncle drives Genesis to honor his wishes and resist selling the property, despite the mounting pressure.
Cyrus, the neighboring landowner and a key figure in the story, has been closely connected with Uncle Cyrus since moving to Tennessee. The relationship between Cyrus and Genesis is fraught with tension due to a past misunderstanding—Genesis harbors the belief that Cyrus had pursued her only to provoke her older brother. This unresolved history adds another layer of complexity to their interactions as they navigate the challenges of the inheritance and their own turbulent emotions
I cannot rate this book above three stars because I have issues with how the book was wrapped up. I truly do not like stories or authors that dictate what happens instead of actually writing, and showing what happens. Outside of my issues with the conclusion of the book, the general writing of this story is bland & not engaging. The same could be said for the sex scenes, there is no passion coming off the pages between these two characters. Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Cyrus, the neighboring landowner and a key figure in the story, has been closely connected with Uncle Cyrus since moving to Tennessee. The relationship between Cyrus and Genesis is fraught with tension due to a past misunderstanding—Genesis harbors the belief that Cyrus had pursued her only to provoke her older brother. This unresolved history adds another layer of complexity to their interactions as they navigate the challenges of the inheritance and their own turbulent emotions
I cannot rate this book above three stars because I have issues with how the book was wrapped up. I truly do not like stories or authors that dictate what happens instead of actually writing, and showing what happens. Outside of my issues with the conclusion of the book, the general writing of this story is bland & not engaging. The same could be said for the sex scenes, there is no passion coming off the pages between these two characters. Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 6, 2024
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Afterglow Books by Harlequin, and author for the ARC for a review. I am not sure how I feel about this one! I will say the premise and the cover, instantly drew me in! I feel like there was so much potential between Jaxson and Genesis's history, city girl meets country neighbor, grumpy x sunshine, but sometimes the story felt like a report rather than getting to experience things with the characters. There were parts that were funny and made me laugh, and other parts, where I was like please be serious. I really enjoyed the characters, especially the side characters like Miss Hazel and two jealous and childish uncles.
I really liked Jaxson's character, like that was a good man, Savannah! He was steadfast and patient, even when Genesis did not deserve it! I did like the chemistry between him and Gen, but sometimes there are times where, Genesis is so grumpy it is unbearable over some family drama, that's not even hers to own. I also feel like the pacing is ALL over the place, sometimes it's like months of gaps between situations. I also feel at times like how the age gap was discussed was GROSS - like "oh he was in high school, but so mature," made me want to barf.
I wanted to like this so much, but it fell a little short of my expectations. I think that it could work for some people as a quick and easy read! Probably really good as an audiobook too.
I really liked Jaxson's character, like that was a good man, Savannah! He was steadfast and patient, even when Genesis did not deserve it! I did like the chemistry between him and Gen, but sometimes there are times where, Genesis is so grumpy it is unbearable over some family drama, that's not even hers to own. I also feel like the pacing is ALL over the place, sometimes it's like months of gaps between situations. I also feel at times like how the age gap was discussed was GROSS - like "oh he was in high school, but so mature," made me want to barf.
I wanted to like this so much, but it fell a little short of my expectations. I think that it could work for some people as a quick and easy read! Probably really good as an audiobook too.
March 5, 2025
In this second-chance romance, which began ten years ago, Genesis Washington unknowingly had an unforgettable rebound with her younger brother’s rival, Jaxson King.
Now, after inheriting a relative’s farm—right next door to Jaxson—Genesis finds herself face-to-face with the past. The chemistry between them is still undeniable� and frustrating. She wants to hold onto her resentment, but Jaxson has grown into a compassionate and supportive man, offering her kindness as she navigates grief and unexpected life changes.
This is a feel-good story about miscommunication, lost love, and forgiveness. The banter between Genesis and Jaxson is light and fun, and their heavier conversations are handled with care and emotional depth. Jaxson is a solid MMC, but I found myself a bit frustrated at times—Genesis seemed overly forgiving and accommodating toward family members who clearly wronged her, yet she was much harder on Jaxson. While I understand character flaws and the need for “save-the-cat� moments, it was difficult to believe she would have so much patience for those working against her at every turn.
Despite this, the story kept my attention, and the romance had plenty of heart. Fans of second-chance love stories with forced proximity and emotional growth will enjoy this one!
Now, after inheriting a relative’s farm—right next door to Jaxson—Genesis finds herself face-to-face with the past. The chemistry between them is still undeniable� and frustrating. She wants to hold onto her resentment, but Jaxson has grown into a compassionate and supportive man, offering her kindness as she navigates grief and unexpected life changes.
This is a feel-good story about miscommunication, lost love, and forgiveness. The banter between Genesis and Jaxson is light and fun, and their heavier conversations are handled with care and emotional depth. Jaxson is a solid MMC, but I found myself a bit frustrated at times—Genesis seemed overly forgiving and accommodating toward family members who clearly wronged her, yet she was much harder on Jaxson. While I understand character flaws and the need for “save-the-cat� moments, it was difficult to believe she would have so much patience for those working against her at every turn.
Despite this, the story kept my attention, and the romance had plenty of heart. Fans of second-chance love stories with forced proximity and emotional growth will enjoy this one!
October 8, 2024
The cover is absolutely gorgeous and caught my attention right away.
Based on the cover and the description, I thought this would be a lighthearted romance with country shenanigans. For a book about a woman who inherits the farm, there is very little done with the farm. It's sweet, it's breezy, it's perfectly fine.
I will say, the most frustrating aspect is that everything happens TO the main character. She's a bystander in her own life and that never changes. I would have liked to see more action from her in general. The resolution also came way too quickly and with no real payoff.
My biggest complaint however is the really baffling choice to have their first romantic encounter when she was 23 and he was 18 and in HIGH SCHOOL. But don't worry, it's okay because he was a mature 18??? It's not a good look if the genders are reserved and it's not a good look to this. It makes even less sense as it has NOTHING to do with the plot. Ick for the sake of nothing.
Thank you to Harlequin and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Based on the cover and the description, I thought this would be a lighthearted romance with country shenanigans. For a book about a woman who inherits the farm, there is very little done with the farm. It's sweet, it's breezy, it's perfectly fine.
I will say, the most frustrating aspect is that everything happens TO the main character. She's a bystander in her own life and that never changes. I would have liked to see more action from her in general. The resolution also came way too quickly and with no real payoff.
My biggest complaint however is the really baffling choice to have their first romantic encounter when she was 23 and he was 18 and in HIGH SCHOOL. But don't worry, it's okay because he was a mature 18??? It's not a good look if the genders are reserved and it's not a good look to this. It makes even less sense as it has NOTHING to do with the plot. Ick for the sake of nothing.
Thank you to Harlequin and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 11, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Romance for my ARC of Stuck in the Country with You!
Overall, I give this book 3.5 stars. It was a cute romance that was enjoyable to read, but lacked in places in the plot.
Genesis, the main character, suddenly finds herself jobless and the new owner of a farm, thanks to the loss of her great Uncle Cyrus and the chagrin of his children and grandchildren. To add the cherry on top, her new neighbor in the country is none other than Jaxson King, the football star who broke her heart.
I loved the storyline around the will, being a wills and trust attorney but the ending didn't wrap up in a satisfying way. I felt there was a lot of build up without reward.
The storyline also jumped around a lot, which made it hard to keep up with the timeline. The dialogue was also hard to follow at times. The best thing about the book was Jaxson King. He was an unexpected hero.
If you are looking for a quick read and an entertaining romance, I would recommend this book.
Overall, I give this book 3.5 stars. It was a cute romance that was enjoyable to read, but lacked in places in the plot.
Genesis, the main character, suddenly finds herself jobless and the new owner of a farm, thanks to the loss of her great Uncle Cyrus and the chagrin of his children and grandchildren. To add the cherry on top, her new neighbor in the country is none other than Jaxson King, the football star who broke her heart.
I loved the storyline around the will, being a wills and trust attorney but the ending didn't wrap up in a satisfying way. I felt there was a lot of build up without reward.
The storyline also jumped around a lot, which made it hard to keep up with the timeline. The dialogue was also hard to follow at times. The best thing about the book was Jaxson King. He was an unexpected hero.
If you are looking for a quick read and an entertaining romance, I would recommend this book.
November 10, 2024
Stuck in the country with you caught my attention with the cute book cover and summary. Genesis, suprised by the decision, inherits her greatuncle’s farmhouse. Given the light of this news, she has to deal with several factors including her ungrateful cousins wanting rights to the house, life going downhill, and to top it all off reuniting with her one night stand from 10 years ago who is now her next door neighbor Jaxson. Past dramas and old plus new feelings resurface, Genesis has to maneuver it all. This was a quick read but I did feel like parts of the story were unfinished or rushed. It left me wondering and wanting more of the story to complete plus to see more growth and development from the main character, Genesis. This book is a mix of small town romance with second chance, like a Hallmark movie with a big splash of Fixer Upper.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 30, 2024
I loved the idea and concept of this book, but I felt there was so much missing in the execution of it.
There was a lot of potential in this story. City girl who has to move the country, neighbor she has a *history* with, family drama. It all sounds like major entertainment. However, I had a hard time feeling any sort of deep investment in Genesis. Jaxson, or their relationship. I think the downfall for me was that so much of the story was told rather than shown. There were pages and pages between dialogue at times that were full of ‘this happened, they did this, this conversation happened� rather than actually experiencing those things with the characters. There were so many interesting dynamics and histories at play in the story and I wish I could have felt more involved with it all.
Thank you to NetGalley and Afterglow Books by Harlequin for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
There was a lot of potential in this story. City girl who has to move the country, neighbor she has a *history* with, family drama. It all sounds like major entertainment. However, I had a hard time feeling any sort of deep investment in Genesis. Jaxson, or their relationship. I think the downfall for me was that so much of the story was told rather than shown. There were pages and pages between dialogue at times that were full of ‘this happened, they did this, this conversation happened� rather than actually experiencing those things with the characters. There were so many interesting dynamics and histories at play in the story and I wish I could have felt more involved with it all.
Thank you to NetGalley and Afterglow Books by Harlequin for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 25, 2024
Stuck in the Country with You by Zuri Day is such a fun and heartwarming small-town romance. The story follows Genesis Washington, a city girl who inherits her great-uncle’s farm, only to discover her next-door neighbor is Jaxson King, her old flame from ten years ago. Sparks fly as Genesis learns to navigate rural life, deal with family drama, and confront her lingering feelings for Jaxson. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the mix of humor and heartfelt moments makes their relationship a joy to watch unfold.
Genesis’s struggles on the farm and with her family make her relatable, while Jaxson’s steady and determined presence adds depth to their dynamic. I loved how their banter and tender moments brought out the best in each other. The small-town setting and colorful supporting characters made the story even more charming. If you enjoy second-chance romances with a lot of heart, this book is an easy, feel-good read.
Genesis’s struggles on the farm and with her family make her relatable, while Jaxson’s steady and determined presence adds depth to their dynamic. I loved how their banter and tender moments brought out the best in each other. The small-town setting and colorful supporting characters made the story even more charming. If you enjoy second-chance romances with a lot of heart, this book is an easy, feel-good read.
December 29, 2024
I’ve only read one of Day’s books previously, but I saw this one come up and the blurb had me hooked! I had to get it in my hands, and was lucky enough to be able to get a copy.
Genesis (Gen) inherited her uncle’s farm, so the big city girl moved to the countryside, and now was fighting legal battles with her cousins who felt that they were due, but Gen spent the time with him and had the relationship, while they were never close with their family.
Gen immediately discovers that her new neighbor Jaxson is the fine man that she had a single, incredible night with a decade ago (and her brother’s rival!) - who has grown up into an extremely finer gentleman and father. He’s there to help figure out farm life, navigate other problems� oh, and happy revisit that thing they once did. Again, and again�
A great and quick read, which is very steamy, not too angsty, but does have a lot of family drama. There’s a fun side-project that I enjoyed reading, too! Definitely a recommendation from me. I can’t wait to read more of her titles!
Thank you to NetGalley and Afterglow Books by Harlequin for an early reader copy. This is my honest feedback.
Genesis (Gen) inherited her uncle’s farm, so the big city girl moved to the countryside, and now was fighting legal battles with her cousins who felt that they were due, but Gen spent the time with him and had the relationship, while they were never close with their family.
Gen immediately discovers that her new neighbor Jaxson is the fine man that she had a single, incredible night with a decade ago (and her brother’s rival!) - who has grown up into an extremely finer gentleman and father. He’s there to help figure out farm life, navigate other problems� oh, and happy revisit that thing they once did. Again, and again�
A great and quick read, which is very steamy, not too angsty, but does have a lot of family drama. There’s a fun side-project that I enjoyed reading, too! Definitely a recommendation from me. I can’t wait to read more of her titles!
Thank you to NetGalley and Afterglow Books by Harlequin for an early reader copy. This is my honest feedback.
January 21, 2025
Genesis had an entire of a mess to deal with. Her mother's lack of showing love, her lieing brother Hank, her conniving cousins, and her friend who owed her money. Plus the fact that she doubted herself & past choices. I didn't know if she would ever see the day of light.
I loved Jaxson's energy. He had regrets about decisions from his past but was trying to make better decisions and keep people out of his business. Building a better life for himself, after football.He wasn't about causing attention to himself, but he knew, without a doubt, that Genesis was who he wanted. He was patient, helpful, and sometimes too kind to Genesis.
The story didn't flow as smoothly as I would have liked, in my opinion. It seemingly went from one situation jumping into the next, like an entire part was missing. I'm like, what happened?
The story had good bones but needed more development. It was not a bad read, and I did enjoy it.
I loved Jaxson's energy. He had regrets about decisions from his past but was trying to make better decisions and keep people out of his business. Building a better life for himself, after football.He wasn't about causing attention to himself, but he knew, without a doubt, that Genesis was who he wanted. He was patient, helpful, and sometimes too kind to Genesis.
The story didn't flow as smoothly as I would have liked, in my opinion. It seemingly went from one situation jumping into the next, like an entire part was missing. I'm like, what happened?
The story had good bones but needed more development. It was not a bad read, and I did enjoy it.
November 20, 2024
This one left me feeling...meh. There’s no way it should have taken me so long to read it given its length, but there just wasn't any incentive to go back to it other than I *had* to read it for review. The MCs' chemistry was pretty blah, the reasons for their animosity felt forced, and their age gap when they first slept together? Just ick (he was 18 and she was 23. He didn't know her age at the time, but she did). Also-- are we seriously supposed to believe a hot shot high school football player is really that considerate a lover? I find it hard to believe, but maybe that's just my personal bias.
The pacing felt really uneven too. Odd gaps of time between chapters and even in the middle of chapters... why?
It felt like maybe some of the other couples in the book might have their own stories as well, but I'm really not at all tempted to even find out.
Rating: 3 stars / C-
The pacing felt really uneven too. Odd gaps of time between chapters and even in the middle of chapters... why?
It felt like maybe some of the other couples in the book might have their own stories as well, but I'm really not at all tempted to even find out.
Rating: 3 stars / C-
December 4, 2024
A heartfelt love story with big characters and even bigger romance. When Genesis inherits her uncles farm the last thing she expects if for her one night stand in high school to be her neighbour. How will she navigate this new situation? Throw in some jealous cousins who think the farm should be there and will do anything to get it back. Can Genesis fulfil her late uncles wishes without falling back to old habits? Or will it be different this time?
I really liked the plot and storyline of this books. The characters were simply divine and had great depth about them. I do however feel that the pace of the book sometimes pulled it back a bit. In the middle it seemed to slow down quite a bit. When the tiny homes were brought in the face picked back up again and I loved it. I really look forward to reading this author again and seeing what great new stories they have
I really liked the plot and storyline of this books. The characters were simply divine and had great depth about them. I do however feel that the pace of the book sometimes pulled it back a bit. In the middle it seemed to slow down quite a bit. When the tiny homes were brought in the face picked back up again and I loved it. I really look forward to reading this author again and seeing what great new stories they have
December 26, 2024
Overall: 4.25/5
Spice level: 2.5/5
Tropes: neighbors to lovers, one night stand, second chance, miscommunication
This was a new to me author, and I'm glad I took the chance! The story does involve a level of grief between the main characters as they reconnect due to the death of some close to them. The FMC's great uncle and the MMC's neighbor.
Genesis and Jaxson had great chemistry, and I loved how once he realized how he remembered her, he was all in to help or just be there for her.
They had a great spark, but I didn't blame Genesis for being hesitant to reignite something with him after what happened following their one night stand years prior.
There was some good character development and lovable characters within the story.
Overall, I'd definitely be interested in reading more from Zuri Day.
Spice level: 2.5/5
Tropes: neighbors to lovers, one night stand, second chance, miscommunication
This was a new to me author, and I'm glad I took the chance! The story does involve a level of grief between the main characters as they reconnect due to the death of some close to them. The FMC's great uncle and the MMC's neighbor.
Genesis and Jaxson had great chemistry, and I loved how once he realized how he remembered her, he was all in to help or just be there for her.
They had a great spark, but I didn't blame Genesis for being hesitant to reignite something with him after what happened following their one night stand years prior.
There was some good character development and lovable characters within the story.
Overall, I'd definitely be interested in reading more from Zuri Day.
November 10, 2024
I'm a fan of Zuri Day and have read several of her books, which I thoroughly enjoyed. However, this book did not quite measure up to the others I've read. While there was passion, the drama between the main characters seemed to overwhelm it. This was most evident with the female lead Genesis. She still wanted to hold on to a grudge against Jaxson while being physically intimate with him!!! It became tiresome, especially once it becomes clear that her grudge is based on a lie.
I finished the book but was not impressed with or bowled over by it. But it will not keep me from reading more of Zuri Day's writing because I realize not every book will be a home run.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin-Romance for this advanced copy, which I voluntarily read and reviewed.
I finished the book but was not impressed with or bowled over by it. But it will not keep me from reading more of Zuri Day's writing because I realize not every book will be a home run.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin-Romance for this advanced copy, which I voluntarily read and reviewed.
November 20, 2024
I didn't love it but I also didn't hate it.
It started off as a cozy read but ended up being cringey, making me want to skip it.
The small town where everyone know everyone and is part of their business, I like that. There is something about towns like that that just feel good.
There is spice, parts of it are nicely done while other parts add to the cringe.
Jaxson and Genesis, I like them but I wish there was more to them. There is a history, a back story, family drama. I want more.
I read this as an arc so the editing issues and typos were expected, I wanted to note that as this is not a contributing factor to my rating.
*Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Publishing for the chance to read this arc
It started off as a cozy read but ended up being cringey, making me want to skip it.
The small town where everyone know everyone and is part of their business, I like that. There is something about towns like that that just feel good.
There is spice, parts of it are nicely done while other parts add to the cringe.
Jaxson and Genesis, I like them but I wish there was more to them. There is a history, a back story, family drama. I want more.
I read this as an arc so the editing issues and typos were expected, I wanted to note that as this is not a contributing factor to my rating.
*Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Publishing for the chance to read this arc
December 15, 2024
Thanks to Netgalley for generously providing me with an advanced reader copy, for which I shall give my honest opinion:
I don't wish to give away the plot, but the book's blurb suggests a lighter tone than the narrative delivers. Indeed, Genesis comes into an inheritance, yet it's fraught with conflict, and Jaxson's unexpected assistance is pivotal. The book unfolds rapidly—be it the inheritance, the rekindling of ties between Jaxson and Genesis, or the culmination. Personally, I yearned for more depth. The narrative has solid potential but seems limited by a set formula and length constraints. For those seeking a quaint romance with a dash of spice, this may satisfy. However, I found myself desiring a bit more room for the story to unfold. Generously, I've given it three stars
I don't wish to give away the plot, but the book's blurb suggests a lighter tone than the narrative delivers. Indeed, Genesis comes into an inheritance, yet it's fraught with conflict, and Jaxson's unexpected assistance is pivotal. The book unfolds rapidly—be it the inheritance, the rekindling of ties between Jaxson and Genesis, or the culmination. Personally, I yearned for more depth. The narrative has solid potential but seems limited by a set formula and length constraints. For those seeking a quaint romance with a dash of spice, this may satisfy. However, I found myself desiring a bit more room for the story to unfold. Generously, I've given it three stars
February 15, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
This story worked great as a palate cleanser. The emotional relationship between the main characters could have been more fleshed out. One moment, the fmc was letting her guard down for the first time, and in the next, they were in a full-fledged relationship.
The story offers a dual perspective, but the switch seemed to happen within chapters and between paragraphs. This sometimes led to confusion and took me out of the flow because I had to check back whether I had missed something, only to find out that it was just the way the story was set up.
This is a character driven story, and unfortunately, a lot more seemed to happen off the page, and we were told after the fact. As a result, while I found the characters sympathetic, I didn't love them.
This story worked great as a palate cleanser. The emotional relationship between the main characters could have been more fleshed out. One moment, the fmc was letting her guard down for the first time, and in the next, they were in a full-fledged relationship.
The story offers a dual perspective, but the switch seemed to happen within chapters and between paragraphs. This sometimes led to confusion and took me out of the flow because I had to check back whether I had missed something, only to find out that it was just the way the story was set up.
This is a character driven story, and unfortunately, a lot more seemed to happen off the page, and we were told after the fact. As a result, while I found the characters sympathetic, I didn't love them.
September 2, 2024
Arc review. ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 I enjoyed this but I’m not a huge fan of second chance love tropes but if that’s your bread and butter then you will love this book. Now if you are a small town love kind of person I think you will love this book. I did enjoy the chemistry of the characters but would’ve preferred if they got to know each other again more, then started falling head over heels haha. I guess that comes with the instant love of second chance romance with them already knowing each other. Cowboy romance is very popular right now and if that’s what you are currently reading. I highly recommend this book. It was so cute. Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for this opportunity.
October 13, 2024
Thank you to Harlequin Romance and NetGalley for the advance reader copy of Stuck in the Country with You by Zuri Day.
Years ago, Genesis and Jaxson had a one night stand. Present day, these two are reunited following the death of her Uncle Cyrus. Circumstances bring Genesis and Jaxson back together again. The two learn the attraction is still there, but Genesis must still navigate the fact that Jaxson is her younger brother’s rival.
I couldn’t resist this premise when I requested an ARC of this book. Stuck in the Country with You was a quick and easy read. This would be a book to check out for anyone interested in a small town, second chance romance.
Years ago, Genesis and Jaxson had a one night stand. Present day, these two are reunited following the death of her Uncle Cyrus. Circumstances bring Genesis and Jaxson back together again. The two learn the attraction is still there, but Genesis must still navigate the fact that Jaxson is her younger brother’s rival.
I couldn’t resist this premise when I requested an ARC of this book. Stuck in the Country with You was a quick and easy read. This would be a book to check out for anyone interested in a small town, second chance romance.
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