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Sugar Hill Hollow #1
Love Tapped
Willow Alder is a liar.
When she unexpectedly comes home to Sugar Hill Hollow, everyone thinks she’s there to take some time off before she starts veterinary school, but the truth is–she didn’t get in. And how better to prove to everyone and herself that her life isn’t a complete failure than accepting the challenge to revive her family’s shuttered maple syrup store before her brothers officially close it?
Only the situation gets even stickier when Jace Miller walks back into her life. Her older brother’s best friend. The man who was always off-limits, whose gaze always lingered a little too long and who she’s carried a silent, stubborn crush on for years.
He’s back at home after being forced into early retirement by a career-ending injury. Nursing a bruised ego, and with time on his hands, Jace offers to help Willow with her shop in exchange for fixing up the town’s old ice rink.
Their arrangement should be simple, but isn’t. Willow quickly discovers that saving the shop isn’t her biggest problem. It’s falling even harder for the one man she can’t risk wanting. His smoldering eyes and the unspoken heat between them has her questioning everything she thought she knew.
Because in Sugar Hill Hollow, the sweetest things simmer slowly…and some old feelings can never stay buried.
When she unexpectedly comes home to Sugar Hill Hollow, everyone thinks she’s there to take some time off before she starts veterinary school, but the truth is–she didn’t get in. And how better to prove to everyone and herself that her life isn’t a complete failure than accepting the challenge to revive her family’s shuttered maple syrup store before her brothers officially close it?
Only the situation gets even stickier when Jace Miller walks back into her life. Her older brother’s best friend. The man who was always off-limits, whose gaze always lingered a little too long and who she’s carried a silent, stubborn crush on for years.
He’s back at home after being forced into early retirement by a career-ending injury. Nursing a bruised ego, and with time on his hands, Jace offers to help Willow with her shop in exchange for fixing up the town’s old ice rink.
Their arrangement should be simple, but isn’t. Willow quickly discovers that saving the shop isn’t her biggest problem. It’s falling even harder for the one man she can’t risk wanting. His smoldering eyes and the unspoken heat between them has her questioning everything she thought she knew.
Because in Sugar Hill Hollow, the sweetest things simmer slowly…and some old feelings can never stay buried.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 6, 2026
204 people are currently reading
982 people want to read
About the author
Cali Melle
31 books1,340 followersCali Melle is a USA Today Bestselling Author who writes sports romance that will pull at your heartstrings. You can always expect her stories to come fully equipped with heartthrobs and a happy ending, along with some steamy scenes.
In her free time, Cali can usually be found living in a magical, fantasy world with the newest book or fanfic she's reading or freezing at the ice rink while she watches her kids play hockey.
In her free time, Cali can usually be found living in a magical, fantasy world with the newest book or fanfic she's reading or freezing at the ice rink while she watches her kids play hockey.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 384 reviews
January 10, 2026
જ⁀➴ 4 stars
HUGE thank you to Cali Melle and Hambright PR for the free eARC in exchange for an honest review. Love Tapped will be officially published on January 8th, 2026!
🍁 ༄˖°.🍂.ೃ࿔*:･ 🍁 ༄˖°.🍂.ೃ࿔*:･ 🍁 ༄˖°.🍂.ೃ࿔*:･ 🍁 ༄˖°.🍂.ೃ࿔*:･ 🍁 ༄˖°.🍂.ೃ࿔*:･ 🍁
This entire book felt like a cozy, wholesome, warm hug. I was so surprised that I flew through the book in less than 24 hours! I must admit I had my doubts going into reading this story because I was scared that I wouldn't get into it, considering it's January and this takes place during the fall. I think this is a read that anyone can read year-round!
Willow Alder is coming home to her small town of Sugar Hill Hollow. After finding out she didn't get into veterinary school, she comes back home to regroup, move back home with her two older brothers, Noah and Finn, and plan her next moves for her future. Jace Miller, Willow's brother's best friend and her longtime childhood crush, is also returning home to Sugar Hill Hollow to watch over his aunt and uncle's vet clinic while they're on vacation and to nurse the pains of retiring early from the NHL after a career-ending injury leaves him off the ice. Neither of them knows that the other is back in town. When Willow sets out on a mission to reopen her parents' maple syrup business, and Jace partners with his friend to reopen and refurbish the old hockey arena in town, they cross paths again. Jace decides to help Willow remodel the maple syrup store while she helps him with the hockey arena, and no feelings are involved. Totally.
First off, can we address the vibes in this story? I LOVED the small town, autumn vibes of Sugar Hill Hollow. As I said before, I feel like this story can be read year-round because once you take the descriptions of the leaves changing color dispersed throughout the story away, it truly just feels like it could be at any time of year. If you want the full, immersive reading experience, though, I strongly suggest reading it during the fall at night in front of a fire with a grilled cheese sandwich and some tomato soup next to you. (You'll thank me later for the grilled cheese and tomato soup part; I promise it has something to do with the story haha.)
The one thing I love the most about this story the most is how it deals with failure and the fear of failing. Willow and Jace have one thing in common, which is the fact that both of them failed at what they thought they wanted to do. Willow didn't get into vet school, and Jace never had a long career in the NHL. I think the biggest takeaway from this story is that success comes in different forms, and that there's no real vision, definition, or picture of success. Everyone's path is different, and life has a funny way of throwing things at you that you didn't expect. What matters the most is how you deal with the cards life has given you, and I loved seeing Willow and Jace come to find what truly matters to them and what fills their cups. This message resonated so much with me throughout the story, and I related a lot to their sentiments when it comes to failure and finding success afterwards.
I also loved the found family aspect of the story and how close Willow and her brothers are. There's just something about the found family trope in small town romances where everyone is friends with each other and everyone just seems to get along so well, which adds to the wholesome, feel-good vibes of the story. I loved seeing Willow's relationship with her brothers on-page, and it's clear that they're super close and they get along well. I feel like with some other rom-coms I've read, I'll be told that the MC is close with their siblings, but we don't always get to see them interact nearly as much as Willow and her brothers do. I get that most of that is due to Willow moving back into her family home, but it was nice to see that backed up and proven with their interactions, rather than someone just saying it, and then we only get a few interactions with them and their siblings here and there.
Last, but not least, I loved Willow and Jace's relationship. I loved how both of them not only encouraged the other to achieve their goals, but they also helped each other get there. Like, come ON. Jace would literally show up unannounced just to help Willow organize things for opening day. Did she need the help? Not always, but did he want to anyway? Yup. Also, he knows how to cook. Enough said.
If you're looking for a cozy read and don't mind reading a book that takes place in the fall in the dead of winter, PLEASE read this! This was my first Cali Melle book, and this won't be my last. I can't wait to see what the next book in this series has in store for us! (Please let it be about Noah and Natalie, I'm begging you.)
🍁 ༄˖°.🍂.ೃ࿔*:･ 🍁 ༄˖°.🍂.ೃ࿔*:･ 🍁 ༄˖°.🍂.ೃ࿔*:･ 🍁 ༄˖°.🍂.ೃ࿔*:･ 🍁 ༄˖°.🍂.ೃ࿔*:･ 🍁
Trigger/content warnings: sexual content (I'd personally say about a 1.75-2/5 on the spice scale, but please note that this is subjective to everyone's experience and comfort level with spicy scenes in books), recounted sports injury
⋅˚₊‧ ୨ 𝒫𝓇𝑒-𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹: ୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅ In case you haven't heard or don't follow me on my Bookstagram, last week, I got invited to join the Hambright PR influencer squad! They reached out to me and invited me to join, and this is the first ARC I've received from them since joining. Am I reading a fall romance in January? Yes.🍂🍁🎃 Is this also getting published in about *checks watch* 48 hours? Also yes. Am I going to try my absolute hardest to read this before then? Yup.
HUGE thank you to Cali Melle and Hambright PR for the free eARC in exchange for an honest review. Love Tapped will be officially published on January 8th, 2026!
"Because if there's one thing in this life that I won't live without anymore, it's him."
🍁 ༄˖°.🍂.ೃ࿔*:･ 🍁 ༄˖°.🍂.ೃ࿔*:･ 🍁 ༄˖°.🍂.ೃ࿔*:･ 🍁 ༄˖°.🍂.ೃ࿔*:･ 🍁 ༄˖°.🍂.ೃ࿔*:･ 🍁
This entire book felt like a cozy, wholesome, warm hug. I was so surprised that I flew through the book in less than 24 hours! I must admit I had my doubts going into reading this story because I was scared that I wouldn't get into it, considering it's January and this takes place during the fall. I think this is a read that anyone can read year-round!
Willow Alder is coming home to her small town of Sugar Hill Hollow. After finding out she didn't get into veterinary school, she comes back home to regroup, move back home with her two older brothers, Noah and Finn, and plan her next moves for her future. Jace Miller, Willow's brother's best friend and her longtime childhood crush, is also returning home to Sugar Hill Hollow to watch over his aunt and uncle's vet clinic while they're on vacation and to nurse the pains of retiring early from the NHL after a career-ending injury leaves him off the ice. Neither of them knows that the other is back in town. When Willow sets out on a mission to reopen her parents' maple syrup business, and Jace partners with his friend to reopen and refurbish the old hockey arena in town, they cross paths again. Jace decides to help Willow remodel the maple syrup store while she helps him with the hockey arena, and no feelings are involved. Totally.
First off, can we address the vibes in this story? I LOVED the small town, autumn vibes of Sugar Hill Hollow. As I said before, I feel like this story can be read year-round because once you take the descriptions of the leaves changing color dispersed throughout the story away, it truly just feels like it could be at any time of year. If you want the full, immersive reading experience, though, I strongly suggest reading it during the fall at night in front of a fire with a grilled cheese sandwich and some tomato soup next to you. (You'll thank me later for the grilled cheese and tomato soup part; I promise it has something to do with the story haha.)
The one thing I love the most about this story the most is how it deals with failure and the fear of failing. Willow and Jace have one thing in common, which is the fact that both of them failed at what they thought they wanted to do. Willow didn't get into vet school, and Jace never had a long career in the NHL. I think the biggest takeaway from this story is that success comes in different forms, and that there's no real vision, definition, or picture of success. Everyone's path is different, and life has a funny way of throwing things at you that you didn't expect. What matters the most is how you deal with the cards life has given you, and I loved seeing Willow and Jace come to find what truly matters to them and what fills their cups. This message resonated so much with me throughout the story, and I related a lot to their sentiments when it comes to failure and finding success afterwards.
I also loved the found family aspect of the story and how close Willow and her brothers are. There's just something about the found family trope in small town romances where everyone is friends with each other and everyone just seems to get along so well, which adds to the wholesome, feel-good vibes of the story. I loved seeing Willow's relationship with her brothers on-page, and it's clear that they're super close and they get along well. I feel like with some other rom-coms I've read, I'll be told that the MC is close with their siblings, but we don't always get to see them interact nearly as much as Willow and her brothers do. I get that most of that is due to Willow moving back into her family home, but it was nice to see that backed up and proven with their interactions, rather than someone just saying it, and then we only get a few interactions with them and their siblings here and there.
Last, but not least, I loved Willow and Jace's relationship. I loved how both of them not only encouraged the other to achieve their goals, but they also helped each other get there. Like, come ON. Jace would literally show up unannounced just to help Willow organize things for opening day. Did she need the help? Not always, but did he want to anyway? Yup. Also, he knows how to cook. Enough said.
If you're looking for a cozy read and don't mind reading a book that takes place in the fall in the dead of winter, PLEASE read this! This was my first Cali Melle book, and this won't be my last. I can't wait to see what the next book in this series has in store for us! (Please let it be about Noah and Natalie, I'm begging you.)
🍁 ༄˖°.🍂.ೃ࿔*:･ 🍁 ༄˖°.🍂.ೃ࿔*:･ 🍁 ༄˖°.🍂.ೃ࿔*:･ 🍁 ༄˖°.🍂.ೃ࿔*:･ 🍁 ༄˖°.🍂.ೃ࿔*:･ 🍁
Trigger/content warnings: sexual content (I'd personally say about a 1.75-2/5 on the spice scale, but please note that this is subjective to everyone's experience and comfort level with spicy scenes in books), recounted sports injury
⋅˚₊‧ ୨ 𝒫𝓇𝑒-𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹: ୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅ In case you haven't heard or don't follow me on my Bookstagram, last week, I got invited to join the Hambright PR influencer squad! They reached out to me and invited me to join, and this is the first ARC I've received from them since joining. Am I reading a fall romance in January? Yes.🍂🍁🎃 Is this also getting published in about *checks watch* 48 hours? Also yes. Am I going to try my absolute hardest to read this before then? Yup.
December 29, 2025
⊹ ࣪ ˖⌗ ┆ ARC Review - 5 ★
this book feels like a warm,comforting hug. it was kinda slow burn but that’s what made their love story feel realistic and special. there wasn’t any lust between them, just a pure and genuine feeling of love. their relationship and love story were overall very wholesome. there was also a little appearance from mia from 'make your shot' which made the story more interesting. willow’s relationship with her brothers was wholesome and healthy too. they really understood each other and communicated well. the small town setting helped create a cozy atmosphere with kind and supportive people who looked out for each other.
i’m so happy my end of the year reads were all great including this book <3
❥・tropes:
🍁 small town
🧡 brother's best friend
🏘️ returning home
🔥 forced proximity
❤️🔥 mutual pining
🛠️ working together
₊⊹ Thank you to author Cali Melle for the e-ARC!
this book feels like a warm,comforting hug. it was kinda slow burn but that’s what made their love story feel realistic and special. there wasn’t any lust between them, just a pure and genuine feeling of love. their relationship and love story were overall very wholesome. there was also a little appearance from mia from 'make your shot' which made the story more interesting. willow’s relationship with her brothers was wholesome and healthy too. they really understood each other and communicated well. the small town setting helped create a cozy atmosphere with kind and supportive people who looked out for each other.
i’m so happy my end of the year reads were all great including this book <3
❥・tropes:
🍁 small town
🧡 brother's best friend
🏘️ returning home
🔥 forced proximity
❤️🔥 mutual pining
🛠️ working together
₊⊹ Thank you to author Cali Melle for the e-ARC!
January 13, 2026
4.5 Maple-Flavored Stars! Thanks so very much to Hambright PR and Cali Melle for allowing me to ARC Read and Review this sweet concoction!
Love Tapped by Cali Melle absolutely charmed me from start to finish. This book is a perfect example of how to do a slow burn right—the tension builds so naturally that by the time it turns hot and spicy, it feels incredibly earned. And when it does turn up the heat? Whew!! Worth the wait🔥!!!
The brother’s best friend trope is executed beautifully here. The longing, the restraint, the stolen moments, and the emotional push-pull all kept me glued to the page. I loved watching the relationship evolve from familiarity to something deeper, richer, and impossible to ignore.
What really made this story shine, though, were the characters. They’re genuinely lovable, flawed, and easy to root for. The chemistry felt authentic, and the emotional beats landed without feeling overdone. I found myself smiling, swooning, and occasionally yelling at my Kindle in the best way. The Fall theme did not detract from the storyline (this being January), instead, it wrapped me in a cozy little hug! And can we talk about the one-eyed cats? Because honestly, they stole my whole heart. Cute, quirky, and full of personality, they added such a cozy, feel-good layer to the story that tied the characters together in an even more enjoyable 🐾
If you love:
Slow burn that turns deliciously spicy
Brother’s best friend romance
Strong chemistry with emotional payoff
Adorable animal side characters
Sweet maple flavored goodies ;)
…this one is a must-read. Love Tapped is heartfelt, steamy, and endlessly charming, and I can’t wait to read more from Cali Melle. 💕
Love Tapped by Cali Melle absolutely charmed me from start to finish. This book is a perfect example of how to do a slow burn right—the tension builds so naturally that by the time it turns hot and spicy, it feels incredibly earned. And when it does turn up the heat? Whew!! Worth the wait🔥!!!
The brother’s best friend trope is executed beautifully here. The longing, the restraint, the stolen moments, and the emotional push-pull all kept me glued to the page. I loved watching the relationship evolve from familiarity to something deeper, richer, and impossible to ignore.
What really made this story shine, though, were the characters. They’re genuinely lovable, flawed, and easy to root for. The chemistry felt authentic, and the emotional beats landed without feeling overdone. I found myself smiling, swooning, and occasionally yelling at my Kindle in the best way. The Fall theme did not detract from the storyline (this being January), instead, it wrapped me in a cozy little hug! And can we talk about the one-eyed cats? Because honestly, they stole my whole heart. Cute, quirky, and full of personality, they added such a cozy, feel-good layer to the story that tied the characters together in an even more enjoyable 🐾
If you love:
Slow burn that turns deliciously spicy
Brother’s best friend romance
Strong chemistry with emotional payoff
Adorable animal side characters
Sweet maple flavored goodies ;)
…this one is a must-read. Love Tapped is heartfelt, steamy, and endlessly charming, and I can’t wait to read more from Cali Melle. 💕
January 17, 2026
3.25 ⭐ ⊹ 2.5 🌶️ ⊹ 318 📖
⁀➴ Overall: This is a good, spicy, small town romance with a cute childhood friends to lovers trope and lots of mutual pining.
⋆⟢ Tropes + Vibes:
🍁 small town
⛸️ brother’s best friend
🧡 hockey player MMC
🍁 childhood friends to lovers
⛸️ forced proximity
🧡 mutual pining
⁀➴ Bookish Breakdown:
❋ Plot ❋
I thought the plot was very sweet. It’s a great small town romance, where our MCs both move back to their hometown to reconnect. They’ve both always loved each other, even since they were kids. Both of the MCs are dealing with what they consider to be a “failure” in their respective lives related to their career choices/futures. They’re both back in town to start over or rediscover themselves and what they really want. I think this was a great set up to get them back together so that they could grow as individuals and a couple.
I didn’t love how this ended up playing out, as I felt like a lot of conversations between the MCs felt surface level or stilted overall. They didn’t ever really talk about anything real, since they struck up a physical relationship as they continued to pine for one another. They seemed to have all of their major realizations with secondary characters, and I would have loved to see the MCs communicate with each other more to strengthen their relationship
As always, I struggled with the third-act breakup. I really think this could have been avoided in this story, because we could have had more drama with the brother instead of the breakup. I understand why this could have fit, but still didn’t care for it or how long it went on.
❋ Writing ❋
The writing felt very repetitive and a bit immature for me personally. There were a lot of moments where someone would say “nope” or “yep” and there was a comment that they popped the P. There were also a lot of repeat conversations between the characters.
The pacing felt off. Sometimes there would be a full page describing exactly how someone traveled to a place. Generally, I think travel should be mostly skipped unless there’s an important reason to include it. I think the story would have benefitted from being a bit shorter and excluding travel scenes.
There were also unfortunately a lot of typos and grammatical errors, even in the published Kindle Unlimited version of the book. This didn’t prevent me from enjoying the book; I just thought it may be helpful to note in case someone were taking a look for future publishing.
Thank you to Cali Melle and Hambright PR for this promotional copy!
⁀➴ Overall: This is a good, spicy, small town romance with a cute childhood friends to lovers trope and lots of mutual pining.
⋆⟢ Tropes + Vibes:
🍁 small town
⛸️ brother’s best friend
🧡 hockey player MMC
🍁 childhood friends to lovers
⛸️ forced proximity
🧡 mutual pining
⁀➴ Bookish Breakdown:
❋ Plot ❋
I thought the plot was very sweet. It’s a great small town romance, where our MCs both move back to their hometown to reconnect. They’ve both always loved each other, even since they were kids. Both of the MCs are dealing with what they consider to be a “failure” in their respective lives related to their career choices/futures. They’re both back in town to start over or rediscover themselves and what they really want. I think this was a great set up to get them back together so that they could grow as individuals and a couple.
I didn’t love how this ended up playing out, as I felt like a lot of conversations between the MCs felt surface level or stilted overall. They didn’t ever really talk about anything real, since they struck up a physical relationship as they continued to pine for one another. They seemed to have all of their major realizations with secondary characters, and I would have loved to see the MCs communicate with each other more to strengthen their relationship
As always, I struggled with the third-act breakup. I really think this could have been avoided in this story, because we could have had more drama with the brother instead of the breakup. I understand why this could have fit, but still didn’t care for it or how long it went on.
❋ Writing ❋
The writing felt very repetitive and a bit immature for me personally. There were a lot of moments where someone would say “nope” or “yep” and there was a comment that they popped the P. There were also a lot of repeat conversations between the characters.
The pacing felt off. Sometimes there would be a full page describing exactly how someone traveled to a place. Generally, I think travel should be mostly skipped unless there’s an important reason to include it. I think the story would have benefitted from being a bit shorter and excluding travel scenes.
There were also unfortunately a lot of typos and grammatical errors, even in the published Kindle Unlimited version of the book. This didn’t prevent me from enjoying the book; I just thought it may be helpful to note in case someone were taking a look for future publishing.
Thank you to Cali Melle and Hambright PR for this promotional copy!
Review of advance copy received from Author
arc rtc
Review of advance copy
🤎 ᴀʀᴄ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ ʟᴏᴠᴇ ᴛᴀᴘᴘᴇᴅ - ᴄᴀʟɪ ᴍᴇʟʟᴇ 🤎
ᴍʏ ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: ★★★★.5
This was my first encounter with the author’s work, but I already know it won’t be my last. What initially drew me to this story was its description and the themes it explored. I had a feeling it might be a book for me, so I was truly delighted to be given the opportunity to read it early and review it.
I had a wonderful time with this book – I laughed more than once, but there were also moments that genuinely moved me. I can’t wait for the next installments, because I already know they will appeal to me just as much.
The author’s writing style is incredibly pleasant, light, and easy to follow, which made the book a very quick and enjoyable read. She has a remarkable ability to portray the emotions and feelings of the characters, allowing me to connect with them almost instantly and experience everything right alongside them.
The small-town atmosphere completely won me over. It was described so beautifully that I quickly felt as if I were there myself, witnessing everything firsthand.
Willow and Jace are characters I liked from the very beginning. I grew deeply attached to them, and discovering their story was incredibly satisfying. I loved the way their relationship was portrayed – how with each page it became clearer that they were growing more and more important to one another, how they cared for each other, spent time together, and slowly fell in love. They were a tremendous source of support for one another, and even when things became difficult or they made decisions that hurt each other, they always found their way back through honest conversation. Despite their doubts, they knew that in each other’s arms they had found a home and something truly special – something that doesn’t happen very often.
This story stole my heart, and I’m grateful I had the chance to experience it. I can’t wait to read more stories written by this author, as I’m convinced I’ll enjoy them just as much. I wholeheartedly recommend this book – it is truly worth discovering.
ᴍʏ ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: ★★★★.5
This was my first encounter with the author’s work, but I already know it won’t be my last. What initially drew me to this story was its description and the themes it explored. I had a feeling it might be a book for me, so I was truly delighted to be given the opportunity to read it early and review it.
I had a wonderful time with this book – I laughed more than once, but there were also moments that genuinely moved me. I can’t wait for the next installments, because I already know they will appeal to me just as much.
The author’s writing style is incredibly pleasant, light, and easy to follow, which made the book a very quick and enjoyable read. She has a remarkable ability to portray the emotions and feelings of the characters, allowing me to connect with them almost instantly and experience everything right alongside them.
The small-town atmosphere completely won me over. It was described so beautifully that I quickly felt as if I were there myself, witnessing everything firsthand.
Willow and Jace are characters I liked from the very beginning. I grew deeply attached to them, and discovering their story was incredibly satisfying. I loved the way their relationship was portrayed – how with each page it became clearer that they were growing more and more important to one another, how they cared for each other, spent time together, and slowly fell in love. They were a tremendous source of support for one another, and even when things became difficult or they made decisions that hurt each other, they always found their way back through honest conversation. Despite their doubts, they knew that in each other’s arms they had found a home and something truly special – something that doesn’t happen very often.
This story stole my heart, and I’m grateful I had the chance to experience it. I can’t wait to read more stories written by this author, as I’m convinced I’ll enjoy them just as much. I wholeheartedly recommend this book – it is truly worth discovering.
January 11, 2026
3 1/2 ⭐️
This is a sweet little small town romance! This is the story of Jace and Willow. They have been friends since they were young but Willow has always pined for Jace, her older brother’s best friend. After finishing college, Willow returns to her small home town after not being accepted into vet school and re-evaluating what she wants for her life. Jace also returns home after a career-ending injury forces him into early retirement from hockey.
This was a sweet, enjoyable read. The first half was very cozy and then midway some spice kicked in, mixing it up a bit! All of the characters were very likable and there was plenty of angst and yearning to keep me engaged. There wasn’t a whole lot of depth or edge to the characters or the plot but it was still a cute and fun read. The tension between Noah, the older brother, and Jace, because of his relationship with Willow, are handled well and the small town vibe is very wholesome and magical. The setups are nicely made for more books in the series with all of the supporting cast.
Thank you to Hambright PR and the author, Cali Melle for a chance to read an advance copy. I will definitely look for and read more books in the series!
This is a sweet little small town romance! This is the story of Jace and Willow. They have been friends since they were young but Willow has always pined for Jace, her older brother’s best friend. After finishing college, Willow returns to her small home town after not being accepted into vet school and re-evaluating what she wants for her life. Jace also returns home after a career-ending injury forces him into early retirement from hockey.
This was a sweet, enjoyable read. The first half was very cozy and then midway some spice kicked in, mixing it up a bit! All of the characters were very likable and there was plenty of angst and yearning to keep me engaged. There wasn’t a whole lot of depth or edge to the characters or the plot but it was still a cute and fun read. The tension between Noah, the older brother, and Jace, because of his relationship with Willow, are handled well and the small town vibe is very wholesome and magical. The setups are nicely made for more books in the series with all of the supporting cast.
Thank you to Hambright PR and the author, Cali Melle for a chance to read an advance copy. I will definitely look for and read more books in the series!
January 8, 2026
Willow’s back in Sugar Hill Hollow to save her family’s maple syrup shop… and ends up working alongside Jace, her brother’s best friend and longtime crush. 🥹💞 Childhood friends, secret crushes, and that brother’s best friend tension? Totally irresistible.
The slow burn makes their love story feel real and heartfelt, but there are some spicy moments that add just the right amount of heat. 🔥
One of my favorite parts was when Jace called his mom, he’s always worried he’s failed the people he cares about, and seeing him open up and get her encouragement was beautifully written. 💛 Willow’s relationship with her brothers was equally amazing they’re protective but also trust her and let her make her own decisions, never treating her like a little girl. 🏡
Huge thanks to Cali Melle and Hambright PR for the free eARC in exchange for an honest review! 💖
The slow burn makes their love story feel real and heartfelt, but there are some spicy moments that add just the right amount of heat. 🔥
One of my favorite parts was when Jace called his mom, he’s always worried he’s failed the people he cares about, and seeing him open up and get her encouragement was beautifully written. 💛 Willow’s relationship with her brothers was equally amazing they’re protective but also trust her and let her make her own decisions, never treating her like a little girl. 🏡
Huge thanks to Cali Melle and Hambright PR for the free eARC in exchange for an honest review! 💖
January 10, 2026
I had the pleasure of beta reading this book and I absolutely fell in love with this little town. Reading about Sugar Hill Hollow and this amazing cozy town was like stepping into a big warm hug. I can't wait to come back to this place.
I ADORED Jace and Willow. Their story was all the things I love about a brother's best friend romance. The PINING. The YEARNING. Everything was so good. and the tension between these two was off the charts. Some of the spicy scenes had me SWEATING (bathroom scene, iykyk).
I am so excited to see Cali step into the small town romance world and I can't wait to explore more of Sugar Hill Hollow and it's residents!
🏘️ small town
🤫 brother's best friend
💑 friends to lovers
🔒 forced proximity
🔥 mutual pining
I ADORED Jace and Willow. Their story was all the things I love about a brother's best friend romance. The PINING. The YEARNING. Everything was so good. and the tension between these two was off the charts. Some of the spicy scenes had me SWEATING (bathroom scene, iykyk).
I am so excited to see Cali step into the small town romance world and I can't wait to explore more of Sugar Hill Hollow and it's residents!
🏘️ small town
🤫 brother's best friend
💑 friends to lovers
🔒 forced proximity
🔥 mutual pining
January 8, 2026
This book felt like being wrapped up in a warm blanket and you never want to leave. I loved this book so much. I couldn’t put it down from the first chapter I wanted to get to know the characters more deeply and I did. This book didn’t disappoint.
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
January 10, 2026
This was such a sweet book! I’m a little obsessed with Jace and how much he loves Willow is swoon worthy! I definitely recommend!
January 30, 2026
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️
Well hello Cali, I like this new era.
Willow and Jace just stole my heart. Their chemistry was there from moment one, page one and I ate up their connection. I love a good brother’s best friend and the way that the attraction between them lingered. Chef’s kiss.
✨ Small Town
✨ Retired hockey Player
✨ Brother’s Best Friend
✨ Mutual Pining
This was so cute. It was a Wii knead and I could not put it down. I really love that this focuses on Willow and Jace figuring out who they are now that their plans have changed and brought them back to Sugar Hollow.
Ans jace, my little hockey baby. I loved this man with my whole heart. I cannot wait for what is coming next.
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️
Well hello Cali, I like this new era.
Willow and Jace just stole my heart. Their chemistry was there from moment one, page one and I ate up their connection. I love a good brother’s best friend and the way that the attraction between them lingered. Chef’s kiss.
✨ Small Town
✨ Retired hockey Player
✨ Brother’s Best Friend
✨ Mutual Pining
This was so cute. It was a Wii knead and I could not put it down. I really love that this focuses on Willow and Jace figuring out who they are now that their plans have changed and brought them back to Sugar Hollow.
Ans jace, my little hockey baby. I loved this man with my whole heart. I cannot wait for what is coming next.
January 19, 2026
3.50 ⭐️
This was my first Cali’s book. I really expected a little bit more.. It was sweet and cute read. The characters are really likable, the whole small town vibe was there, I really liked the maple syrup farm setting, because I found it original. I didn’t read any other books with maple farm theme. We have town festival, busy preparations for the event, all cute, warm and magical. The beginning was promising and then..
The main thing that was missing for me is chemistry and deeper connection between the characters.. it felt really superficial, even the ‘physical’ part of their relationship..
As people who had feelings for each other since high school, it really needed that depth of emotion and I didn’t get that in this story..
I don’t see the point of their ‘helping each other’ situation, when the store literally served for them to have the reason for any kind of conversation in the book (which seemed so random..), and she didn’t set a foot into the ice rink until epilogue.. i needed more details on store part (and the ice rink..).. it felt like an auxiliary tool or an excuse for any kind of their communication, as the lack of more substantial reasons for interaction between the main characters
There was no depth to the plot and that was what disappointed me the most. The writing was repetitive, and little bit imbalanced. And what personally bothered my eyes is description of someone saying ‘yep’ or ‘nope’ that they popped the P..
But, I must say, I love the found family trope in this book and Willow’s connection with her brothers! Definitely one of my favorite parts!
Anyway, it was really exciting to wait for this book, and thank you Hambright PR, for the arc and the chance to write my honest thoughts about this book!
This was my first Cali’s book. I really expected a little bit more.. It was sweet and cute read. The characters are really likable, the whole small town vibe was there, I really liked the maple syrup farm setting, because I found it original. I didn’t read any other books with maple farm theme. We have town festival, busy preparations for the event, all cute, warm and magical. The beginning was promising and then..
The main thing that was missing for me is chemistry and deeper connection between the characters.. it felt really superficial, even the ‘physical’ part of their relationship..
As people who had feelings for each other since high school, it really needed that depth of emotion and I didn’t get that in this story..
I don’t see the point of their ‘helping each other’ situation, when the store literally served for them to have the reason for any kind of conversation in the book (which seemed so random..), and she didn’t set a foot into the ice rink until epilogue.. i needed more details on store part (and the ice rink..).. it felt like an auxiliary tool or an excuse for any kind of their communication, as the lack of more substantial reasons for interaction between the main characters
There was no depth to the plot and that was what disappointed me the most. The writing was repetitive, and little bit imbalanced. And what personally bothered my eyes is description of someone saying ‘yep’ or ‘nope’ that they popped the P..
But, I must say, I love the found family trope in this book and Willow’s connection with her brothers! Definitely one of my favorite parts!
Anyway, it was really exciting to wait for this book, and thank you Hambright PR, for the arc and the chance to write my honest thoughts about this book!
Review of advance copy received from Revisori indipendenti
What a cozy read Love Tapped was!
It transported me to a small town full of lovable characters, I immediately felt part of the Adlers family, and I adored Jace and Willow's love story. They have such a strong chemistry and the simmering tension between them is palpable! I loved the slow burn of the first half of the book and, by the end of it, I really was ready for them to say "f**k it" and kiss! And the spice was a pretty good mix of sweet and hot. The bathroom scene will always live rent free in my mind.
It transported me to a small town full of lovable characters, I immediately felt part of the Adlers family, and I adored Jace and Willow's love story. They have such a strong chemistry and the simmering tension between them is palpable! I loved the slow burn of the first half of the book and, by the end of it, I really was ready for them to say "f**k it" and kiss! And the spice was a pretty good mix of sweet and hot. The bathroom scene will always live rent free in my mind.
January 14, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Love, Tapped is a heartfelt, cozy small-town romance filled with longing, second chances, and the kind of love that’s been there all along.
Jace and Willow both return to Sugar Hill Hollow carrying disappointment and self-doubt. Willow throws herself into helping her family’s maple business while secretly nursing the pain of being rejected from veterinary school. Jace, no longer able to play professional hockey, comes home feeling lost and unsure of what’s next.
Their connection is beautifully written soft, emotional, and deeply rooted in friendship. The brother’s-best-friend tension and forced proximity made every interaction feel meaningful, and the “it’s always been you” moments melted my heart.
The small-town setting is cozy perfection, and the side characters absolutely shine, setting up what promises to be an incredible series. I already can’t wait to return to Sugar Hill Hollow.
Love, Tapped is a heartfelt, cozy small-town romance filled with longing, second chances, and the kind of love that’s been there all along.
Jace and Willow both return to Sugar Hill Hollow carrying disappointment and self-doubt. Willow throws herself into helping her family’s maple business while secretly nursing the pain of being rejected from veterinary school. Jace, no longer able to play professional hockey, comes home feeling lost and unsure of what’s next.
Their connection is beautifully written soft, emotional, and deeply rooted in friendship. The brother’s-best-friend tension and forced proximity made every interaction feel meaningful, and the “it’s always been you” moments melted my heart.
The small-town setting is cozy perfection, and the side characters absolutely shine, setting up what promises to be an incredible series. I already can’t wait to return to Sugar Hill Hollow.
January 15, 2026
it’s very… immature
the writing is fine but i feel the book was advertised wrong
it’s not a reno forced proximity brothers bestfriend yearning needing wanting book
it’s just a easy brothers best friend where they kinda work on the maple place
but she doesn’t step A SINGLE FOOT into the ice rink until the epilogue
so deal to help eachother my ass
their issues were also so surface level and didn’t feel like they effected the book until the author was like oh yes this is the reason they aren’t together i forgot let me make
sure to bring it up
i feel like i’ve read her books before and liked them but i can’t remember
anyway ill probably read the next one it seems more interesting
the writing is fine but i feel the book was advertised wrong
it’s not a reno forced proximity brothers bestfriend yearning needing wanting book
it’s just a easy brothers best friend where they kinda work on the maple place
but she doesn’t step A SINGLE FOOT into the ice rink until the epilogue
so deal to help eachother my ass
their issues were also so surface level and didn’t feel like they effected the book until the author was like oh yes this is the reason they aren’t together i forgot let me make
sure to bring it up
i feel like i’ve read her books before and liked them but i can’t remember
anyway ill probably read the next one it seems more interesting
January 24, 2026
Arc Review: Love Trapped follows Willow and Jace as they find their way back to themselves and to each other while facing the fear of not being enough.
Willow returns to Sugar Hill Hollow after not getting into a program she desperately wanted, carrying disappointment and self-doubt with her. Back home, she unexpectedly runs into her brother’s best friend, Jace the same boy she’s had a crush on since she was younger.
Jace, an ex–hockey player, is also trying to figure out his next chapter. Struggling with feeling like a failure to his family, he comes back to Sugar Hill Hollow while debating whether to buy a local rink. When he runs into Willow the one person who has always believed in him everything begins to change, no matter how hard he tries to fight it.
This was such a cute, heartfelt read filled with small-town charm, second chances, and quiet emotional growth. I really enjoyed their journey and definitely recommend it for anyone who loves cozy romance with depth. 💖
Willow returns to Sugar Hill Hollow after not getting into a program she desperately wanted, carrying disappointment and self-doubt with her. Back home, she unexpectedly runs into her brother’s best friend, Jace the same boy she’s had a crush on since she was younger.
Jace, an ex–hockey player, is also trying to figure out his next chapter. Struggling with feeling like a failure to his family, he comes back to Sugar Hill Hollow while debating whether to buy a local rink. When he runs into Willow the one person who has always believed in him everything begins to change, no matter how hard he tries to fight it.
This was such a cute, heartfelt read filled with small-town charm, second chances, and quiet emotional growth. I really enjoyed their journey and definitely recommend it for anyone who loves cozy romance with depth. 💖
February 3, 2026
"You're under my skin. When I'm not with you, you're all I seem to think about."
Quick Review --- ⭐⭐⭐ | Just like Maple Syrup, this was a sweet read that satisfied a craving but just a little overindulgent to the point you were sick of it by the end.
Publish Date: January 6, 2026
Publication Order: Sugar Hill Hollow #1 || Book #24 by Author
Format: EBook (Kindle Unlimited)
Page Count: 409
Dates Read: January 24, 2026 - February 2nd, 2026 (9 Days)
Reading Challenge: Year of Goober 2026: January (Sourdough) A New To You Author
Perspective: Dual PoV; Both 1st Person
Tropes:
🍁Small Town Romance
🍁Interconnected Stand-Alone Setting
🍁Low Stakes, High Heart
🍁Brother's Best Friend / "Forbidden" Romance
🍁Friends to Lovers
🍁Mutual Pining
🍁"Forced" Proximity
🍁Acts of Service
🍁Friends with Benefits / Secret Relationship
🍁Always Been You
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (Multiple Open Door Scenes); This book is "deceptively" spicy once the heat gets going. Genuinely, the first 50% or so of the book could have been a clean romance but after the characters get together we get almost back to back to back scenes which shows they can't keep their hands off each other. Then it calms down again to close out the plot. You can almost read this as a clean romance except for maybe one or two callbacks. The spice was fun, we get a little maple syrup action and an almost caught scene as well!
Basic Plot (No Spoilers): Willow Alder returns to her hometown of Sugar Hill Hollow after getting rejected to a Veterinary program and finds her brothers have closed their grandmothers maple syrup store due to time constraints as they run their maple tapping business. She offers to reopen it and they give her a deadline of the town Harvest Festival to relaunch it as a successful business. Jace Miller also returns to the Hollow after an ankle injury forces him into early retirement from the NHL with no prospects. Jace is Willow's older brother Noah's best friend and the two have been crushing on each other since they were teenagers; neither of them knowing of the others feelings. When Jace offers to help Willow with her reopening, the proximity has them both to act on their attraction; their fear of recent failure's pushing them into a no strings attached physical relationship they hide from her brother.
What Drew Me To This Book: I am doing the Year of Goober which is centered around baking this year so I have a little mini challenge to pick books released in the month of the challenge that has something to do with food if I can make the prompt fit and this was perfect! Also, the cover art is gorgeous.
Mental Energy Required: This is a perfect popcorn read; the plot is gentle, the vibes of the small town in autumn are cozy, perfect to curl up with at night after a long day.
What I Liked: I was instantly hooked from the Prologue. We first meet the two when Willow is in high school and you can already tell Jace has fallen hard for her and that is my favorite kind of energy. We get glimpses where both have filed away little things about each other over the years. Everyone around them knows they are in love before they do. The vibe of the small town was immaculate and cozy, this would be a great fall vibe book to curl up by the fire with under a soft blanket. The romance was perfect; we had a third act breakup which is not my favorite trope but this one was very palatable as it didn't involve miscommunication or contrivances. It made sense for the characters.
What I Didn’t Like: Unfortunately, everything was just... too much. Every positive I can think of can immediately be followed with "but then it was done three more times" and it soured some of it. I feel like this book could have done with another one or two rounds of editing and 70-100 pages shaved off and it would have been a four or five star read for me. I think there is a reason most contemporary romances are 320-350 pages long because any more than that and it can get repetitive if you don't have a gripping plot to push things forward. And one of the weaknesses of cozy contemporary romances like this is that the plot is secondary so things need to be wrapped up before the reader gets bored. And I was sad to find I did get a little bored in the middle and towards the end. Jace didn't need to have the same long "but I'm afraid of failing Willow" conversation with three different characters. It really reduced the emotional impact of the conversation he had with his Mom on the phone because he then had the same conversation with two other people and he still had reservations until right before the end (and then Willow had two conversations of her own about the same thing all back to back [to back to back to back]).
Closing Thoughts: All in all, I had a really cozy time with this book and I will definitely be picking up the sequel later this year to continue with this town! If this book is anything to go by I can't wait to see the flour-y shenanigans the next two get up to! I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a low-angst, soft and sweet palette cleanser (bonus if you pick it up in the fall and pair it with a maple butter cookie or put some maple syrup in your coffee!)
Quick Review --- ⭐⭐⭐ | Just like Maple Syrup, this was a sweet read that satisfied a craving but just a little overindulgent to the point you were sick of it by the end.
Publish Date: January 6, 2026
Publication Order: Sugar Hill Hollow #1 || Book #24 by Author
Format: EBook (Kindle Unlimited)
Page Count: 409
Dates Read: January 24, 2026 - February 2nd, 2026 (9 Days)
Reading Challenge: Year of Goober 2026: January (Sourdough) A New To You Author
Perspective: Dual PoV; Both 1st Person
Tropes:
🍁Small Town Romance
🍁Interconnected Stand-Alone Setting
🍁Low Stakes, High Heart
🍁Brother's Best Friend / "Forbidden" Romance
🍁Friends to Lovers
🍁Mutual Pining
🍁"Forced" Proximity
🍁Acts of Service
🍁Friends with Benefits / Secret Relationship
🍁Always Been You
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (Multiple Open Door Scenes); This book is "deceptively" spicy once the heat gets going. Genuinely, the first 50% or so of the book could have been a clean romance but after the characters get together we get almost back to back to back scenes which shows they can't keep their hands off each other. Then it calms down again to close out the plot. You can almost read this as a clean romance except for maybe one or two callbacks. The spice was fun, we get a little maple syrup action and an almost caught scene as well!
Basic Plot (No Spoilers): Willow Alder returns to her hometown of Sugar Hill Hollow after getting rejected to a Veterinary program and finds her brothers have closed their grandmothers maple syrup store due to time constraints as they run their maple tapping business. She offers to reopen it and they give her a deadline of the town Harvest Festival to relaunch it as a successful business. Jace Miller also returns to the Hollow after an ankle injury forces him into early retirement from the NHL with no prospects. Jace is Willow's older brother Noah's best friend and the two have been crushing on each other since they were teenagers; neither of them knowing of the others feelings. When Jace offers to help Willow with her reopening, the proximity has them both to act on their attraction; their fear of recent failure's pushing them into a no strings attached physical relationship they hide from her brother.
What Drew Me To This Book: I am doing the Year of Goober which is centered around baking this year so I have a little mini challenge to pick books released in the month of the challenge that has something to do with food if I can make the prompt fit and this was perfect! Also, the cover art is gorgeous.
Mental Energy Required: This is a perfect popcorn read; the plot is gentle, the vibes of the small town in autumn are cozy, perfect to curl up with at night after a long day.
What I Liked: I was instantly hooked from the Prologue. We first meet the two when Willow is in high school and you can already tell Jace has fallen hard for her and that is my favorite kind of energy. We get glimpses where both have filed away little things about each other over the years. Everyone around them knows they are in love before they do. The vibe of the small town was immaculate and cozy, this would be a great fall vibe book to curl up by the fire with under a soft blanket. The romance was perfect; we had a third act breakup which is not my favorite trope but this one was very palatable as it didn't involve miscommunication or contrivances. It made sense for the characters.
What I Didn’t Like: Unfortunately, everything was just... too much. Every positive I can think of can immediately be followed with "but then it was done three more times" and it soured some of it. I feel like this book could have done with another one or two rounds of editing and 70-100 pages shaved off and it would have been a four or five star read for me. I think there is a reason most contemporary romances are 320-350 pages long because any more than that and it can get repetitive if you don't have a gripping plot to push things forward. And one of the weaknesses of cozy contemporary romances like this is that the plot is secondary so things need to be wrapped up before the reader gets bored. And I was sad to find I did get a little bored in the middle and towards the end. Jace didn't need to have the same long "but I'm afraid of failing Willow" conversation with three different characters. It really reduced the emotional impact of the conversation he had with his Mom on the phone because he then had the same conversation with two other people and he still had reservations until right before the end (and then Willow had two conversations of her own about the same thing all back to back [to back to back to back]).
Closing Thoughts: All in all, I had a really cozy time with this book and I will definitely be picking up the sequel later this year to continue with this town! If this book is anything to go by I can't wait to see the flour-y shenanigans the next two get up to! I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a low-angst, soft and sweet palette cleanser (bonus if you pick it up in the fall and pair it with a maple butter cookie or put some maple syrup in your coffee!)
January 18, 2026
I’ve been craving a sweet, small-town romance, and this totally delivered. If you’re in the market for a cozy brother’s best friend story that involves some spicier forced proximity moments, you'll enjoy this one.
Willow and Jace both find themselves unexpectedly back home, and when fate starts doing its thing, life gets complicated.
The romantic buildup between Willow and Jace is so good! The hesitation, stolen glances, and constant run-ins gave me all the butterflies. Especially since the prologue establishes their feelings before we jump to the present. And the cozy, sweet vibes really shine during their ice rink and store renovations. Watching them work closely together while clearly only thinking about each other was perfect. And when things finally heat up, all that pent-up emotion comes out...which may or may not involve maple syrup. 🤭 A very minor thing for me was that at times the spice didn’t quite feel like it matched some of the sweet, emotional tones from earlier in the book.
This story is told in dual POV, but Jace’s chapters really carried the emotional weight for me. With his forced retirement and constant fear of failure, it felt believable and relatable, as he worries he’s let everyone down. And the evolution of Willow and Jace’s relationship, on top of finding new paths, keeping feelings at an arm's length, and ensuring Willow’s brothers don’t find out about them, kept me so invested in how things would work out.
Overall, it was a cozy, heartfelt romance with a strong slow burn. If you enjoy some spicy with your sweet, friends-to-lovers “it’s always been you” stories, you will love meeting these two in Sugar Hill Hollow. 🙌🏻🍁🍂
Thank you so much to the author and Hambright PR for the eARC.
🏡 Small Town Romance
🤭 Brother’s Best Friend
🐈 She Didn’t Get into Vet School
🏒 He’s a Retired Hockey Player
💞 Stolen Glances and Soft Touches
🤌🏻 Forced Proximity
🎭 Dual POV
🌶️ Sweet + Spicy
Willow and Jace both find themselves unexpectedly back home, and when fate starts doing its thing, life gets complicated.
The romantic buildup between Willow and Jace is so good! The hesitation, stolen glances, and constant run-ins gave me all the butterflies. Especially since the prologue establishes their feelings before we jump to the present. And the cozy, sweet vibes really shine during their ice rink and store renovations. Watching them work closely together while clearly only thinking about each other was perfect. And when things finally heat up, all that pent-up emotion comes out...which may or may not involve maple syrup. 🤭 A very minor thing for me was that at times the spice didn’t quite feel like it matched some of the sweet, emotional tones from earlier in the book.
This story is told in dual POV, but Jace’s chapters really carried the emotional weight for me. With his forced retirement and constant fear of failure, it felt believable and relatable, as he worries he’s let everyone down. And the evolution of Willow and Jace’s relationship, on top of finding new paths, keeping feelings at an arm's length, and ensuring Willow’s brothers don’t find out about them, kept me so invested in how things would work out.
“She scares the hell out of me.”
He chuckles quietly. “You? Scared? This is a first. You don’t even let anyone get close enough for that to be a possibility.”
“It’s not a bad scared,” I explain, the words tumbling from my lips. “It’s just different. Every time I’m around her, I feel like I can’t hide anything. Like she sees me—really sees me—and it’s terrifying.”
Overall, it was a cozy, heartfelt romance with a strong slow burn. If you enjoy some spicy with your sweet, friends-to-lovers “it’s always been you” stories, you will love meeting these two in Sugar Hill Hollow. 🙌🏻🍁🍂
Thank you so much to the author and Hambright PR for the eARC.
🏡 Small Town Romance
🤭 Brother’s Best Friend
🐈 She Didn’t Get into Vet School
🏒 He’s a Retired Hockey Player
💞 Stolen Glances and Soft Touches
🤌🏻 Forced Proximity
🎭 Dual POV
🌶️ Sweet + Spicy
January 9, 2026
Jace and Willow always had eyes for the other without giving themselves away...at least to each other. Imagine always being in love with your brother's bestie, and then suddenly you see the way he's looking at you...and talking to you...and touching you. Le sigh.
I am all for love, chemistry, flirting, sweet nothing's, romance, slow burn, and HEA.
I loved the small town setting, the fact that Willow was working to reopen her Grandma's store, how close she was to her siblings (which btw please tell me Noah is the next book!), Jace's cats, his home, the fall vibes, the food and drinks mentioned, the slow burn, the chemistry between them, the friendships in the story, and more.
The only reason I didn't give five stars was for a little miscommunication. Did it go with the story? Yes. Is it a ME problem and not a book problem? Yes.
🫶🏽 Lines:
You only get one life, so make sure you make the most of it--even if it does throw you a curveball now and again.
That woman drives me batsh** crazy sometimes, but man, I love her. After all these years, I think I love her more than I did before...Well, most days that is.
It really is everyone's first time living. We're all just out here doing our best and trying to figure it out without a handbook.
Falling is that intense, intoxicating, consuming free fall. It's the action that leads to collision. Fallen is the after. It's the slow, simmering contentment that settles deep inside your chest. It's the peace that washes over you after the intoxication. It's the way your soul feels like it's come home, like it's finally found its resting place. 😍
I am all for love, chemistry, flirting, sweet nothing's, romance, slow burn, and HEA.
I loved the small town setting, the fact that Willow was working to reopen her Grandma's store, how close she was to her siblings (which btw please tell me Noah is the next book!), Jace's cats, his home, the fall vibes, the food and drinks mentioned, the slow burn, the chemistry between them, the friendships in the story, and more.
The only reason I didn't give five stars was for a little miscommunication. Did it go with the story? Yes. Is it a ME problem and not a book problem? Yes.
🫶🏽 Lines:
You only get one life, so make sure you make the most of it--even if it does throw you a curveball now and again.
That woman drives me batsh** crazy sometimes, but man, I love her. After all these years, I think I love her more than I did before...Well, most days that is.
It really is everyone's first time living. We're all just out here doing our best and trying to figure it out without a handbook.
Falling is that intense, intoxicating, consuming free fall. It's the action that leads to collision. Fallen is the after. It's the slow, simmering contentment that settles deep inside your chest. It's the peace that washes over you after the intoxication. It's the way your soul feels like it's come home, like it's finally found its resting place. 😍
January 8, 2026
Rating | 3.5 ⭐
After loving Cali’s Aston Archers series, I was really excited to see her start this new one. This was such an easy, feel-good read that gives all the cozy small-town fall vibes you could want. The story felt very immersive, and reading it genuinely made me want to be transported straight into Sugar Hill Hollow.
For the most part, I really liked the progression of Willow and Jace’s relationship. These two give “it’s always been you for me,” and I adored that. The slow-burn pacing was done so well, and I was constantly waiting for the tension to finally snap. I especially loved seeing their friendship reconnect and watching them find comfort in each other after such big changes in their personal lives.
Another thing I really appreciated was Willow’s relationship with her brothers. Their bond is so strong, supportive, and loving, which I found incredibly sweet. I also loved seeing Willow form connections with other people in Sugar Hill Hollow. It really helped build out the town and made the world of this series feel alive and well developed.
My one reservation with this book came once Willow and Jace entered their situationship. Personally, it felt like some of the sweetness from their established friendship was pushed aside in favor of spice. Not that the spice was bad, but I just would’ve loved a few more wholesome moments alongside it.
Overall, I still really enjoyed this and I’m excited to see what comes next in this series.
After loving Cali’s Aston Archers series, I was really excited to see her start this new one. This was such an easy, feel-good read that gives all the cozy small-town fall vibes you could want. The story felt very immersive, and reading it genuinely made me want to be transported straight into Sugar Hill Hollow.
For the most part, I really liked the progression of Willow and Jace’s relationship. These two give “it’s always been you for me,” and I adored that. The slow-burn pacing was done so well, and I was constantly waiting for the tension to finally snap. I especially loved seeing their friendship reconnect and watching them find comfort in each other after such big changes in their personal lives.
Another thing I really appreciated was Willow’s relationship with her brothers. Their bond is so strong, supportive, and loving, which I found incredibly sweet. I also loved seeing Willow form connections with other people in Sugar Hill Hollow. It really helped build out the town and made the world of this series feel alive and well developed.
My one reservation with this book came once Willow and Jace entered their situationship. Personally, it felt like some of the sweetness from their established friendship was pushed aside in favor of spice. Not that the spice was bad, but I just would’ve loved a few more wholesome moments alongside it.
Overall, I still really enjoyed this and I’m excited to see what comes next in this series.
January 7, 2026
First book of 2026 and what a cute one it is!
We’re taken back to a small town, where two people who have been friends forever slowly start wondering if they’re feeling more than friendship for each other. The problem is that they both have fears and troubles they’re struggling with in their own way.
”There’s no comparison between someone else’s situation and your own. The way each person perceives or experiences life is theirs, not yours.”
Jace is such an attentive, caring sweetheart. Not a single bad bone in his body. Willow knows how to get into people’s hearts and is such a kind person. She’s been in love with him forever, but always to scared to act on it, while he’s always been to scared to miss things up with his best friend, who’s also her brother. Yet, I loved the great connections and communication in this story among all the characters. The support they always give everyone around them is truly admirable.
“If you don’t know what you want, if you’re not sure that I’m what you want, or if you’re going to continue to live in your fear of letting me down or failing me, then that’s all it will ever be. And I don’t want that.”
What a perfect small town romance! It gave me all the giggles and butterflies, it had me melting like maple syrup 🍯
”She’s my final destination.”
Thank you so much to Cali Melle for the ARC, I really appreciate it!
We’re taken back to a small town, where two people who have been friends forever slowly start wondering if they’re feeling more than friendship for each other. The problem is that they both have fears and troubles they’re struggling with in their own way.
”There’s no comparison between someone else’s situation and your own. The way each person perceives or experiences life is theirs, not yours.”
Jace is such an attentive, caring sweetheart. Not a single bad bone in his body. Willow knows how to get into people’s hearts and is such a kind person. She’s been in love with him forever, but always to scared to act on it, while he’s always been to scared to miss things up with his best friend, who’s also her brother. Yet, I loved the great connections and communication in this story among all the characters. The support they always give everyone around them is truly admirable.
“If you don’t know what you want, if you’re not sure that I’m what you want, or if you’re going to continue to live in your fear of letting me down or failing me, then that’s all it will ever be. And I don’t want that.”
What a perfect small town romance! It gave me all the giggles and butterflies, it had me melting like maple syrup 🍯
”She’s my final destination.”
Thank you so much to Cali Melle for the ARC, I really appreciate it!
January 28, 2026
Love Tapped by Cali Melle is a contemporary small town romance set in Sugar Hill Hollow that follows Willow Alder as she returns home under the assumption she is taking a break before vet school, but really she did not get in and feels adrift. To prove to herself and her family that she still has worth she attempts to revive her family’s failing maple syrup store before it is permanently shut down by her brothers. Things get complicated when Jace Miller, her older brother’s best friend and the one who was always off limits, returns home after a career‑ending injury and offers to help Willow if she helps him fix the old ice rink. What was meant to be a simple arrangement becomes something tender and electric as old feelings begin to resurface.
Right away, I felt a sweet, hopeful warmth in the way Melle writes Willow’s vulnerability and earnest desire to make something meaningful of her life, and I found myself cheering for the slow, real‑feeling shift between her and Jace as they balanced hope, fear, and second chances. The pacing blends cozy community atmosphere with quiet emotional growth, and themes of healing, self‑worth, and small town connection kept me smiling long after the last page.
Rating: 4 out of 5
A gentle, heartfelt romance that made me feel uplifted and warmly optimistic.
Right away, I felt a sweet, hopeful warmth in the way Melle writes Willow’s vulnerability and earnest desire to make something meaningful of her life, and I found myself cheering for the slow, real‑feeling shift between her and Jace as they balanced hope, fear, and second chances. The pacing blends cozy community atmosphere with quiet emotional growth, and themes of healing, self‑worth, and small town connection kept me smiling long after the last page.
Rating: 4 out of 5
A gentle, heartfelt romance that made me feel uplifted and warmly optimistic.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
“I don’t ever want it back, just so you know.”
“What?"
“My heart.”
A story of hope, persistence, and believing in a vision and in themselves.
This was an easy, feel-good read that kept me turning the pages. While I’m not usually a big fan of the friends-to-lovers trope, it never felt overwhelming here. The progression of Willow and Jace’s relationship was natural and well developed, making their journey believable and engaging.
The story flows smoothly and is easy to follow, with added glimpses into past interactions without ever slowing the pace. Those moments added depth and emotional context without feeling repetitive or heavy-handed.
There’s a steady tension and build-up between Willow and Jace that’s been present since they were younger, and it only intensifies now that they’re working closely and supporting one another. Both characters are held back by fear—of failing, of disappointing the other, and of opening themselves up emotionally—which makes this a true slow-burn romance. When it finally pays off, it hits all the right spots.
I really enjoyed the side characters, especially the Alder brothers, and I’m definitely looking forward to reading more about them in future books.
Thank you Hambright PR for the advance e-copy!
“What?"
“My heart.”
A story of hope, persistence, and believing in a vision and in themselves.
This was an easy, feel-good read that kept me turning the pages. While I’m not usually a big fan of the friends-to-lovers trope, it never felt overwhelming here. The progression of Willow and Jace’s relationship was natural and well developed, making their journey believable and engaging.
The story flows smoothly and is easy to follow, with added glimpses into past interactions without ever slowing the pace. Those moments added depth and emotional context without feeling repetitive or heavy-handed.
There’s a steady tension and build-up between Willow and Jace that’s been present since they were younger, and it only intensifies now that they’re working closely and supporting one another. Both characters are held back by fear—of failing, of disappointing the other, and of opening themselves up emotionally—which makes this a true slow-burn romance. When it finally pays off, it hits all the right spots.
I really enjoyed the side characters, especially the Alder brothers, and I’m definitely looking forward to reading more about them in future books.
Thank you Hambright PR for the advance e-copy!
January 12, 2026
The beautiful small town of Sugar Hill Hollow in Maine is the picturesque setting for this romance, as sweet as maple syrup but spicy as chilli.
Willow is back home to stay with her brothers. She’s told them she’s taking some time off before veterinary school, but in reality, she didn’t get in. Instead, she finds out the family's Maple shop is being closed down, so she offers to give it a new lease of life and reopen it.
Also back in town is retired hockey pro Jace Millar. He’s the best friend of Willow’s older brother, Noah, and the one person Willow has been crushing on since she was a kid. He’s not sure what he wants to do next, so he offers to help Willow renovate the shop.
I loved watching the build-up between Jace and Willow as they edged closer to admitting their feelings for each other. Neither wants to jeopardise their friendship, but they can’t ignore the heat between them. They are also hyper-aware of what would happen if Noah finds out, and neither of them wants to see that happen.
I enjoyed watching how the other characters interacted with the story too; the breakdown of Harrison’s relationship, the interest between Noah and Natalie, and the happiness of Mia and Caleb. I’m interested in what will happen between Noah and Natalie, and also if Finn gets a shot, I’m hoping for more in the series - maybe even a second chance at happiness for Harrison, too.
This was my first book by this author, but I’m positive it will not be the last.
Willow is back home to stay with her brothers. She’s told them she’s taking some time off before veterinary school, but in reality, she didn’t get in. Instead, she finds out the family's Maple shop is being closed down, so she offers to give it a new lease of life and reopen it.
Also back in town is retired hockey pro Jace Millar. He’s the best friend of Willow’s older brother, Noah, and the one person Willow has been crushing on since she was a kid. He’s not sure what he wants to do next, so he offers to help Willow renovate the shop.
I loved watching the build-up between Jace and Willow as they edged closer to admitting their feelings for each other. Neither wants to jeopardise their friendship, but they can’t ignore the heat between them. They are also hyper-aware of what would happen if Noah finds out, and neither of them wants to see that happen.
I enjoyed watching how the other characters interacted with the story too; the breakdown of Harrison’s relationship, the interest between Noah and Natalie, and the happiness of Mia and Caleb. I’m interested in what will happen between Noah and Natalie, and also if Finn gets a shot, I’m hoping for more in the series - maybe even a second chance at happiness for Harrison, too.
This was my first book by this author, but I’m positive it will not be the last.
January 11, 2026
This was my first time reading Cali's work, and I'm so glad I got to experience it.
I really enjoyed the flashbacks that revealed their history, showing Willow's childhood crush and hinting that her feelings may not have been one-sided. There was even a touching moment when Dr Grey and Snoop were revealed to be the two kittens she rescued years ago 😢I had to wipe away a tear.
The story offered plenty of laughs and heartfelt moments. From childhood crushes to slow burn tension, fear of failing and a smidge of forbidden with the Brother's Best Friend trope 🥰.
Set in a small town, this romance highlights strong family ties and Willow's unwavering optimism to save her family's maple store 🍁. It's that same hopeful spirit is what always made her believe in Jace, and helps him take the next step from hockey player to purchasing the local ice-ring.
🍁 Small Town Romance
🍁 Brother’s Best Friend
🍁 Forced Proximity
🍁 Friends to Lovers
Thank you to Cali Melle and Hambright PR for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed the flashbacks that revealed their history, showing Willow's childhood crush and hinting that her feelings may not have been one-sided. There was even a touching moment when Dr Grey and Snoop were revealed to be the two kittens she rescued years ago 😢I had to wipe away a tear.
The story offered plenty of laughs and heartfelt moments. From childhood crushes to slow burn tension, fear of failing and a smidge of forbidden with the Brother's Best Friend trope 🥰.
Set in a small town, this romance highlights strong family ties and Willow's unwavering optimism to save her family's maple store 🍁. It's that same hopeful spirit is what always made her believe in Jace, and helps him take the next step from hockey player to purchasing the local ice-ring.
🍁 Small Town Romance
🍁 Brother’s Best Friend
🍁 Forced Proximity
🍁 Friends to Lovers
Thank you to Cali Melle and Hambright PR for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 5, 2026
This was a great start for a new series! Willow and Jace have known each other forever. They both return home because their lives are at a crossroad. Willow returns home when she doesn’t get accepted into vet school and Jace is back because he was forced to retire from his hockey career. Both of them feel like failures but they are trying to adapt to their new normal in the place where life was just more simple.
Willow decides to rebrand her family’s store and Jace volunteers to help her. Their working together makes them remember how close they were and to act on feeling they’ve never acknowledged. They agree that their situation is temporary but their feelings are not casual. Both of them are afraid to fail and there’s the fact that Jace is her brother’s best friend. Willow and Jace have to realize that they’ve always had a connection and that they were destined for each other.
**I received an advanced copy of this book for free and O am voluntarily leaving this review.**
Willow decides to rebrand her family’s store and Jace volunteers to help her. Their working together makes them remember how close they were and to act on feeling they’ve never acknowledged. They agree that their situation is temporary but their feelings are not casual. Both of them are afraid to fail and there’s the fact that Jace is her brother’s best friend. Willow and Jace have to realize that they’ve always had a connection and that they were destined for each other.
**I received an advanced copy of this book for free and O am voluntarily leaving this review.**
January 8, 2026
Love Tapped by Cali Melle is a super cute small town brothers best friend romance that will have your heart right from the start!
Willow has always had a soft spot for Jace—ever since they were kids—but sometimes the one thing we want most is the one thing we can’t have.
Jace is Willow’s brother Noah’s best friend, and playing with fire is never a good idea… until maybe it is. Years later, Willow returns to her small town to run her family’s generational shop, only to come face-to-face with feelings she thought she’d left behind. Jace, an ex–hockey star forced into early retirement after an injury, has also returned home.
When they reunite, sparks fly in this small-town friends-to-lovers romance filled with sneaking around, spice, and raw emotions.
I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, their growth, and watching their love for each other unfold throughout the story.
Tropes:
Brothers best friend
Small town
Friends to lovers
Willow has always had a soft spot for Jace—ever since they were kids—but sometimes the one thing we want most is the one thing we can’t have.
Jace is Willow’s brother Noah’s best friend, and playing with fire is never a good idea… until maybe it is. Years later, Willow returns to her small town to run her family’s generational shop, only to come face-to-face with feelings she thought she’d left behind. Jace, an ex–hockey star forced into early retirement after an injury, has also returned home.
When they reunite, sparks fly in this small-town friends-to-lovers romance filled with sneaking around, spice, and raw emotions.
I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, their growth, and watching their love for each other unfold throughout the story.
Tropes:
Brothers best friend
Small town
Friends to lovers
December 27, 2025
Jace & Willow
The small town, childhood friends who have always secretly had a crush on each other reunite in this cute romance story
Both of them feeling lost and a bit defeated with life, they find themselves back in their home town where old feelings ignite and the pull towards each other is undeniable
This is everything you love in a brothers best friend story, where the sneaking around and the ‘we shouldn’t do this’ makes the chemistry so much fun
🧡Brothers Best Friend
🧡It’s Always been You
🧡Small town Romance
🧡Friends to Lovers
🧡Mutual Pining
4⭐️ 2.5🌶️
Bonus points for spice scenes, they were well written and worth the build up to get there!
Thankyou to Cali for the arc opportunity 🫶🏻
The small town, childhood friends who have always secretly had a crush on each other reunite in this cute romance story
Both of them feeling lost and a bit defeated with life, they find themselves back in their home town where old feelings ignite and the pull towards each other is undeniable
This is everything you love in a brothers best friend story, where the sneaking around and the ‘we shouldn’t do this’ makes the chemistry so much fun
🧡Brothers Best Friend
🧡It’s Always been You
🧡Small town Romance
🧡Friends to Lovers
🧡Mutual Pining
4⭐️ 2.5🌶️
Bonus points for spice scenes, they were well written and worth the build up to get there!
Thankyou to Cali for the arc opportunity 🫶🏻
January 8, 2026
A romance that delivers a stack of small town charm and a happily ever after. Two floundering souls return to their hometown and find their purpose and love. Willow is determined to prove she isn’t a failure by reviving her grandmother’s maple syrup store. After an injury derails his hockey career, Willow’s brother’s best friend Jace, returns to revive the rundown hockey rink. The two agree to help each with their endeavors, and a romantic relationship builds as well. I appreciated most the vulnerability of both of the characters—although their steamy romance was the whipped topping and added just the right amount of extra sweetness. This was a great start to a new series, I’m excited to go back and visit more of Sugar Hill Hollow.
Thanks to the author for the eARC.
Thanks to the author for the eARC.
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