Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Hello friends! Do I have a book that I think you’re going to LOVE? YES I DO! I recently finished Hero Ever After by Kait Nolan, and I just have to tell you about it. I got my hands on the audiobook through NetGalley, and this one swept me away from the very first beginning.

We meet Alia Gibson, part-time lawyer, part-time author, and all-around superhero of her small town of Gibson Hollow. She’s holding everything together after a devastating flood all while also writing fantasy novels under a secret pen name. When her best friend Blair sneakily signs her up for a fantasy book panel, Alia’s roped into attending in full disguise as her author alter ego. Enter chaos, nerves, and one unforgettable surprise.

Across the country, we’ve got Ramsey Shaw, a football player, hometown boy, and Alia’s twin brother’s best friend, who’s planning his own secret appearance at the same event. He’s cosplaying as Soren, the brooding hero from Kella Harmon’s books (aka Alia’s). What neither of them expects is that moment on stage when Kella enters the stage and Soren comes face-to-face with the familiar-looking author, and Ramsey realizes the truth. As Alia’s asked about her next book and she freezes, her heart races, and in one of the dreamiest “hero saves” I’ve ever listened to, he literally jumps on stage and sweeps her off her feet. How do you reward such a hero? With a kiss of course! Only now Aila knows its Ramsey! Not that either of them admits to knowing the other.

Back in Gibson Hollow, Alia’s trying to dodge internet sleuths determined to reveal her real identity after being swept off stage and she is juggling her town duties as acting Mayor. When Ramsey rolls back into town determined to help, he quietly becomes her anchor by stepping in where she won’t ask for help and reminding her that she deserves care and love, too. Watching their relationship unfold, with its mix of vulnerability, humor, and sizzling chemistry, had me smiling through every chapter.

Kait Nolan delivers such a heartfelt small-town romance filled with warmth, wit, and community spirit. The side characters, Blair, Bodie, and the unforgettable Sassy Patch crew all add so much depth and charm to the novel.

On the audiobook front Amy McFadden and Sean Masters are perfection. Amy gives Alia’s Southern twang the perfect edge of strength and softness, while Sean’s gravelly Ramsey voice? Total #SwoonyMcBroadsword material. Their performances made this story fly even higher. Friends if you aren’t a Sean Masters fan, you will be after listening to this novel.

As this was my first Kait Nolan read, I didn’t know what to expect, but it definitely won’t be my last. Hero Ever After has everything you can want in a romance, humor, heart, and hope, and it’s exactly the kind of story you’ll want to curl up with as the weather turns cool.

Thank you to NetGalley and Take the Leap Publishing for the audiobook and for introducing me to a new author to add to my to-be-read pile.

So to all my friends, grab your copy of Hero Ever After at your favorite bookstore, get cozy with a blanket and a mug of apple cider, and let Alia and Ramsey steal your heart. Until next time, happy reading!