Received as an arc from NetGalley

What if the only one bed trope involved a hammock? Lucy misses out on her old outdoor ways but after a break-up she decides to go on the couples hiking trip she had planned with her ex. This is where Jonathan the adventure guide comes in.

I really enjoyed reading this one, I found both characters likeable and their banter very enjoyable. For a first time author I was very intrigued. I will definitely be looking into the second book in this series when it's released.

I LOVED this book so much! What an adventure. I appreciated the anxiety representation and how realistic it was. This book made me want to pick up and go on a trip so bad! I felt so immersed in the setting and scenery. Lucy and Jonathan were absolutely PERFECT together. I loved Todd so much too!!

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher, and author for the chance to read this ARC for my honest review.

This is K.L. Parsons debut novel and it was a delight.

What I liked:

-The MMC and the way his anxiety was portrayed. This was an excellent view into anxiety especially surrounding loss and I think the author did a great job.

-dual POV even without being in 1st person. Normally I really only like 1st person POVs but this was done in a way that I barely noticed.

-the freaking location and scenery. I LOVE the PNW as an Alaska human myself and this book makes me wanna go to Leavenworth.

The only thing I didn't really like was that this book did feel like it was dragging on in some places.

Overall, good debut novel and I'll be reading book 2!

I can’t believe this is a debut! KL Parsons has written a wonderful story, with relatable and fun characters, The romance between Lucy and Jonathan developed at the perfect pace and I loved the outdoor setting. I felt like I was on the trip with them, so beautifully was it described. Lucy was funny and Jonathan was gruff and manly but in a cool way. They had to work together to survive and also work through their pasts. Really enjoyable read that I’ll be recommending to everyone. Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this.

Lucy's thirtieth birthday was not a great one. Her boyfriend dumps her and kicks her out of the apartment. On a path to rediscover herself, she heads off to an already paid for a romantic getaway on her own. Jonathan is the owner of an outdoor guiding company, left traumatized after a terrible event 4 years ago, and is Lucys' guide for a hike. They are forced to spend time together when a landslide blocks their path home.

I usually like books where the main characters meet each other relatively on in the novel. However, even though it takes a while for Lucy and Jonathan to actually meet, when they do, it is the best little moment ever. I finished the book in two days, but would have gladly done it in one. The way the story is written is so vivid and detailed, positively portraying the outdoors. It feels like I'm there, seeing and feeling it all. Every event and every conversation seems so important, so genuine, and so real. You will be rooting for them once they meet because they feel so real and relatable.

Lucy is feisty and sassy in a cute way. The way she is afraid to talk back really portrays a strong FMC. Lucy's self-discovery and experience after her break up was encouraging, reminding you to go and experience things on your own, to not be afraid. Her growth was just amazing. Jonathan's growth is also encouraging and real. I love the people that he has in his life, especially his sister. He has a certain charm to him that makes him very likable from the beginning. The characters each go through so much emotional and mental growth.

Such a good story, I really enjoyed it! Lucy and Jonathan are really cute together, and after everything they've been through, both separately and together, you can't help but root for them. And their love for the outdoors is contagious, I would love to go for a nice hike in the mountains now (without the landslide, please). I will be looking forward to the next book in the series.

Huge thank you to the publisher for providing me with this ARC.

This is the debut novel of K.L Parsons, and it's really good! The writing is so on point that I could really picture every moment of the story like a movie.
I really enjoyed the setting in nature. I mean Jonathan is a guide and owner of an outdoor guiding company. Totally refreshing!
This book made me want to go out on a hike, inhale pine and cedar air and bath in a lake.
I hated Brodan from the beginning.
I really liked Lucy and the fact that she decided to standup for herself more and reconnect for her true self.
The tension between her and Jonathan is spot on, and I enjoyed every minute of it.
I gladly recommend. Will definitely read Frankie's story.

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and K.L Parsons for this ARC.

Grumpy x sunshine
One bed-ish

Thank you to NetGalley and K.L. Parsons for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

"Love by a Landslide," K.L. Parsons' debut novel, truly delivers. I was captivated from the very start and couldn't put it down!

Lucy has just turned thirty and finds herself newly single after her boyfriend dumps her on her birthday, leaving her without a place to stay. To make matters worse, she had already paid for a romantic getaway filled with outdoor adventures. With no one to join her, her best friend Todd convinces her to go on the trip alone to rediscover herself.

Jonathan, the owner and guide at Off the Beaten Adventure, sticks to his plans and rules after a traumatic event. But when Lucy arrives, she turns his world upside down.

Lucy and Jonathan set out to hike Mount Stuart, but an unexpected landslide forces them to find an alternate route back to town. During their time together, Jonathan opens up about his past, and both begin to feel the undeniable spark between them. As they navigate the wilderness, they must rely on each other for safety, deepening their connection.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The plot flowed smoothly, especially during the wilderness scenes. Every event felt purposeful, contributing to the growth of both characters. Lucy's transformation into her true self was inspiring, and she stood her ground with Jonathan from the start. Jonathan's journey to confront his trauma was equally compelling. Lucy's humor had me laughing out loud; her jokes were a bright contrast to Jonathan's grumpiness. The "insta-love" trope was well-executed in this case, making for an engaging read.

Love by a Slide by K.L. Parsons
Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Love by a Slide by K.L. Parsons is a refreshing and engaging romantic adventure that combines the thrill of the wilderness with the complexities of human connection. This novel is a delightful mix of romance, self-discovery, and survival that will keep you hooked from the first page to the last.

Overview:

Lucy O’Malley is determined to reinvent herself after a disastrous thirtieth birthday leaves her single and homeless. Setting off to Leavenworth, Washington, for a planned romantic getaway turned solo adventure, she’s ready for some beer, bratwurst, and backpacking. Enter Jonathan Miller, the cautious owner of Off the Beaten Adventures, who is less than thrilled to have an unexpected participant in his meticulously planned excursion.

The initial sparks between Lucy and Jonathan are undeniable, but both are wary of complicating their lives with romance. However, when a freak landslide forces them to navigate the wilderness together, their journey becomes one of survival and self-discovery, with sizzling chemistry simmering beneath the surface.

Characters:

Lucy is a compelling and relatable protagonist. Her journey from a people-pleasing doormat to a confident woman forging her own path is inspiring and heartwarming. Jonathan, with his cautious demeanor and haunted past, provides a perfect foil to Lucy’s newfound spontaneity. Their dynamic is engaging, filled with tension, humor, and genuine moments of connection.

Plot and Themes:

Parsons masterfully blends romance and adventure, creating a plot that is both exciting and emotionally resonant. The survival aspect of the story adds a layer of intensity, making Lucy and Jonathan’s journey through the wilderness as thrilling as it is transformative. Themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the healing power of nature are woven seamlessly into the narrative, enhancing the overall reading experience.

Writing Style:

K.L. Parsons’ writing is vivid and evocative, bringing the rugged beauty of the wilderness to life. The dialogue is sharp and realistic, capturing the evolving relationship between Lucy and Jonathan with authenticity. The pacing is excellent, balancing moments of high tension with quieter, more introspective scenes.

*Love by a Slide* is a captivating and heartfelt romance that will appeal to fans of both romantic fiction and adventure stories. K.L. Parsons has crafted a story that is as emotionally engaging as it is thrilling, with well-drawn characters and a plot that keeps you eagerly turning the pages. Lucy and Jonathan’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the unexpected paths that lead to love.

Highly recommended for readers looking for a romance that offers more than just a love story—this book is an adventure in both the wilderness and the heart. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this fantastic book for review. Happy reading!

Until next time, keep exploring and discovering new stories!

Behind Her Grey Eyes

Fun and refreshing . This was such a good romance . The main characters feel relatable and real. The premises are very interesting and entertaining. Enjoyed immensely

Thank you Netgalley and K.L. Parsons for the arc for an honest review!

Love by a Landslide is K.L. Parson’s debut novel and it does not disappoint. I was hooked from the very beginning and did not want to put it down!

Lucy has just turned thirty, her boyfriend broke up with her — on her birthday and she has been kicked out of the apartment they shared. Not only that, but she had paid for a romantic getaway with outdoor adventures. Since Lucy no longer has anyone to go with, her best friend, Todd, talks her into going along and having some time to rediscover herself.

Jonathan is the owner and guide at Off the Beaten Adventure. After a traumatic event, Jonathan follows the rules and doesn’t stray from what he has planned. That is, until Lucy shows up and changes everything.

Together, Lucy and Jonathan hike up Mount Stuart. However, due to an unexpected landslide, they get rerouted and have to find another way back to town. Spending time together, Jonathan is able to open up to Lucy about his past. After, being together for longer than anticipated, both Lucy and Jonathan begin to embrace the spark they’ve both felt since they first saw each other. Wanting to get home, they have to work together to keep each other safe in the wilderness.

As I mentioned above, I really enjoyed this story. I felt like it flowed well, especially with the events that occurred while Lucy and Jonathan were out in the wilderness. Everything that happened had a purpose. I love that each character really grew from their experience and Lucy became more of who she wanted to be. In the beginning, she didn’t take no for an answer and she didn’t just let Jonathan walk all over her. Jonathan also learned that he needed to work through his trauma. Lucy had me cracking up with her jokes, I literally laughed out loud for a lot of what she said. She was the sunshine to his grumpiness and it was great to read. I don’t mind the “insta-love” as long as it’s written well, and in this case, I thought it was well written.

Lovely romance with spice and steamy scenes. Highly recommend. Nice cover artwork. 5 stars. Thank you for the arc

Thank you NetGalley and KL Parsons for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The cover and title make it seem like a very straightforward rom-com (which I LOVE) but it felt like a bit more than and was a great surprise.

Lucy is turning 30, she is not only stood up by her boyfriend but also dumped and essentially evicted all within 24hrs. This is about a month before a planned hiking trip, which she is talked into going on herself.

Jonathon owns Off the Beaten Adventures and is dealing with guilt and trauma from loosing his wife 4 yrs before. He doesn’t do well with changes or surprises and doesn’t like it when Lucy shows up for a solo hike instead of the scheduled 2 person hike he had planned and prepared for.

On the hike, almost everything that could go wrong does. It wasn’t over the top - mostly nature being nature. It pushes Lucy and Jonathon closer until they cannot ignore their connection.

Dual POV that briefly overlapped to give both perspectives.

I really enjoyed this story and the perspective Lucy and Jonathon each gained. I liked how the grumpy/sunshine was done. It was nice to see a “grumpy” character not be so grumpy he came across as a jerk. Jonathan was quick to apologize and explain when he was too harsh. Lucy was the “sunshine” but not so sweet and optimistic that it was annoying.

I’m excited to read #2 in the series when it comes out!

Love By A Landslide is a fun but intense romantic drama that will keep you obsessively turning pages. Following Lucy through her horrible breakup with her atrocious boyfriend and seeing her regain her confidence, her life and her ability to not just be her own sunshine but somebody else's is absolutely beautiful. I can't wait to read the next book in the series and get to know some of the incidental characters a lot better!

🌈 The Great Outdoors
🌈 Grumpy/Sunshine
🌈 There's only one bed/hammock

🌶🌶🌶/ 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶

This was a solid debut - a contemporary romance with a little spice and adventure.

Lucy decides to take her pre-booked couples hike even though her relationship has ended. Jonathan is her guide and, even though he hadn't planned on taking just one person hiking, she persuades him to take her. Although mishaps occur, Lucy connects with nature in a way she hasn't for years. Jonathan becomes more than her guide as the two rely on each other to get out of some sticky situations.

There's some growth and some healing along with a healthy dose of the great outdoors. I'll feel motivated to embrace nature.

The action made up for some of the cringes I experienced while reading the third act break-up (completely unnecessary in my opinion) and the slightly ridiculous ending.

It will be interesting to see where this series goes.

Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Love by a Landslide by K. L. Parsons
Rating: 4/5
Release Date: 4 June 2024

Lucy O'Malley has had enough of being a pushover. On her thirtieth birthday, after a breakup and eviction, she embarks on a journey of self-reinvention, heading east on Interstate 90 towards Leavenworth, Washington, for a solo adventure filled with beer, bratwurst, and backpacking. Who cares if the Bavarian-themed getaway was initially meant for couples? Unfortunately, her guide isn't too thrilled.

Jonathan Miller, owner of Off the Beaten Adventures in Leavenworth, is meticulous and risk-averse ever since a traumatic incident four years ago. So when a captivating brunette disrupts his carefully planned excursion, he fears it will end in disaster.

Though their attraction is undeniable, Lucy and Jonathan navigate treacherous terrain in their budding relationship. The last thing they want is to complicate matters with a fling. However, when a landslide blocks their route home, their focus shifts to survival. Together, they must navigate the rugged wilderness and make it back to safety, their hearts and bodies intact.

"Love by a Landslide" stands out for its delightful unpredictability. I found myself pleasantly surprised by this book. Each page turn brought fresh surprises, maintaining a thrilling sense of suspense throughout the story.

The vivid descriptions of the hike and the trail immerse readers in the heart of the wilderness alongside Lucy and Jonathan. The author's meticulous writing made me feel as though I was experiencing the journey firsthand, igniting a desire to visit the trail and the charming town they explored.

The characters in this story endure a series of trials, from surviving a landslide to navigating emotional turmoil and embarking on a journey of self-discovery. Amidst facing the elements and working together to return to civilisation, they also grapple with heartache and trauma.

The narrative is so vividly crafted that I felt as though I were trekking alongside the characters. Their witty banter, inner musings, and comedic antics kept me thoroughly entertained; I found myself laughing uncontrollably at times.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed “Love by a Landslide”.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the author, K. L. Parsons, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.

Loved this! Absolutely loved it. I read it in one afternoon. I couldn’t put it down! I loved that we got both Lucy’s and Jonathan’s POV. I love the new Lucy she was trying to make. The take no crap, say no, and find happiness. She deserved it. Jonathan had some baggage and once you read you will understand where he was coming from throughout the story. You could feel the instant spark between the two of them! They set out on an adventure together, that was originally for Lucy and her ex boyfriend. Along the way, many things happen. Although it truly draws them closer to each other. Jon faces his demons and Lucy learns what makes her happy!
This was just great! My first reader for this author! I will definitely read more!

Came for the setting, stayed because of the writing! This lived up to my expectations of a romcom, and it was such a fun, easy read.

This is a fun romance read. I like the characters and the setting and look forward to more in this series!
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for access to this eARC.

i’m gonna start off by saying at this girl was HUNGRY 99.9% of the time she was constantly talking about food and when she was gonna eat next and tbh i kinda get it but every time she brought up breakfast lunch and dinner i couldn’t stop laughing i felt like i was in on some private joke.

this was actually fun to read a little repetitive at parts and a slowish start but when the two mc’s meet the pacing evened out and it was just fun and enjoyable to read.

the writing was great! easy to absorb and understand but also painted a picturesque view of the scenery our two mc’s had a backdrop to which i found really nice. There was parts where the dialogue seemed a little rusty but it wasn’t too big of an issue where i felt like i couldn’t continue reading.

it wàs sorta insta lovey which i don’t really like in books and i wouldn’t really have called jonathan grumpy either. i wish we got more of them out of the forest and hike and more of the aftermath of it as i feel like the days where just too close together to form a connection with each other.

Thank you for NetGalley and the author for sending me the arc