Gage (The Barringer Brothers) by Tess Oliver:

4 stars

Summer is on the brink of launching a successful music career, and Gage hopes to trade his dangerous lumberjack work for something safer and more sustainable. Fate, of course, has other plans.

I loved that while this is very much a romance, Ms. Oliver clearly did her homework on what being a lumberjack entails. The work isn’t romanticized — the danger and technical skill are allowed to shine. That realism deepened the world and made Gage’s motivations feel grounded.

Summer lands on her feet at the Raven’s Nest, quickly forming connections while still taking time to find her place. I appreciated that she isn’t instantly best friends with everyone, and that she recognizes she’s happiest performing in smaller venues. Not all talent is meant for the spotlight — and that felt refreshingly honest.

Some elements — Logan and the Ralston crew — felt a little overly familiar, but I went in wanting a few comforting plot guarantees and wasn’t disappointed. The pacing kept me engaged, the real-world details kept me invested, and the romance delivered.

This is a great pick for readers looking for a mid-spice romance with a brawny hero and a sweet heroine learning to stand her ground. A quick, cozy read for when you want to spend the day with a new book boyfriend.