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What Happens at the Lake
When life took an unexpected turn, I decided to get out of New York for a while. What better place to go than the idyllic small town my father spoke about so fondly when I was growing up? Laurel Lake held the title America’s Friendliest Town for seventeen years running, and friendly was just what I needed right now.
Unfortunately, friendly wasn’t the welcome I got when I arrived.
Instead, I got Fox Cassidy. My tall, dark, and burly neighbor, who grunted at me instead of saying hello.
Okay, so I might’ve had his mailbox in my hands the first time we met. And it might’ve been a little crushed after removing it from under my tire. And I might’ve needed his help breaking into the place I was staying in after the key broke off in the lock. But still…he didn’t have to be so grumpy.
As time went on though, I started to notice things about Fox other than his glares. Like how he watched me when he thought I wasn’t looking, or how fire ignited in his eyes whenever we bickered. Though I was in Laurel Lake to escape my problems, not create new ones. And getting involved with a man like Fox screamed trouble, even if he was gorgeous and unlike any man I’d ever met.
But alas, problem seemed to be my middle name this year. So why not have some fun while I was here for the summer? It seemed like a good plan. At least until it was time to go home…
They say what happens at the lake, stays at the lake. But it’s not so easy to walk away when what stays behind…is your heart.
Unfortunately, friendly wasn’t the welcome I got when I arrived.
Instead, I got Fox Cassidy. My tall, dark, and burly neighbor, who grunted at me instead of saying hello.
Okay, so I might’ve had his mailbox in my hands the first time we met. And it might’ve been a little crushed after removing it from under my tire. And I might’ve needed his help breaking into the place I was staying in after the key broke off in the lock. But still…he didn’t have to be so grumpy.
As time went on though, I started to notice things about Fox other than his glares. Like how he watched me when he thought I wasn’t looking, or how fire ignited in his eyes whenever we bickered. Though I was in Laurel Lake to escape my problems, not create new ones. And getting involved with a man like Fox screamed trouble, even if he was gorgeous and unlike any man I’d ever met.
But alas, problem seemed to be my middle name this year. So why not have some fun while I was here for the summer? It seemed like a good plan. At least until it was time to go home…
They say what happens at the lake, stays at the lake. But it’s not so easy to walk away when what stays behind…is your heart.
355 pages, Paperback
First published January 15, 2024
476 people are currently reading
18.3k people want to read
About the author
Vi Keeland
126 books33.5k followersVi Keeland is a #1 New York Times, #1 Wall Street Journal, and
USA Today
Bestselling author. With millions of books sold, her titles have appeared in over one hundred Bestseller lists and are currently translated in twenty-six languages. She resides in New York with her husband and their three children where she is living out her own happily ever after with the boy she met at age six.
Stop by and meet Vi in her private reader group on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/ViKee...
Stop by and meet Vi in her private reader group on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/ViKee...
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January 5, 2024
MY REVIEW AND OTHERS can also be found on my blog: ╰┈➤KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS
❀ 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐒 𝐀𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐋𝐀𝐊𝐄 ❀ Is a full length small town romance book by Vi Keeland. Spoken in 'dual perspectives.'
This author astounds me time and time again, everything she writes is beyond unique and this one right here was no different. As soon as I started it I was pulled in, giggling like a woman unhinged and loving this small town life I was thrown into, wrapped up in the feels like a favourite blanket in winter.
Josie Preston is getting out of the rat race of New York and her job and taking some much needed time out in a small quaint town of Laurel Lake, which held the title America’s Friendliest Town for seventeen years running.
Like the series 'Cheers' where everyone knows your name, everyone also knows your business, this is where her father was born and bred, and spoke fondly of this place, she'd inherited his property fifteen years ago due to his passing and this is the first time she's been here.
Not even seconds later after arriving at her destination she reverses over her neighbours letterbox.
Ex hockey player to construction owner Fox Cassidy was a jerk from the get go, even though his first encounter with his new neighbour had ruffled his feathers he was raised right and even helped her enter the premises via a window after the key had snapped in the key hole when she tried to enter. This will definitely not be the first time Fox comes to the rescue to help Josie out.
Taking that first look at the fixer upper that is in need of a complete overhaul is definitely not something she was prepared for as the real estate agent mentioned it just needed a bit of sprucing up but surely a few Youtube videos will help?
The township on more than one occasion had a hand in throwing these two together, it was hilarious the lengths some would go. These two were perfection
Shelved as 'dnf'
January 15, 2024DNF at 20%. ANOTHER dead ex trope?? What is with this author and loving the dead wife/gf trope?? Come on. It’s so ridiculous at this point 🤦🏻♀️. Almost every book she writes has this trope. And then we get past chapters of the relationship with the dead partner? Ugh! Not for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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January 17, 2024
Update:
I actually didn’t hate this story. Dead ex with superior chemistry and all…
*************************
I swore I was never reading anything by this author again yet here I am adding this to my tbr 🤡
I actually didn’t hate this story. Dead ex with superior chemistry and all…
*************************
I swore I was never reading anything by this author again yet here I am adding this to my tbr 🤡
January 20, 2024
Dead ex trope aside, this book was missing something. I may not always like VK's books but she's really good at writting chemistry and banter, questionable characters decisions or not.🙄
In what happens at the lake i just couldn't find that spark between the main characters that kept me interested in their story. I was bored with both of them.
The h is this sunshine-y person who went through some difficult time with her job and found her fiance cheating on her so she packs her bags and moves to her father's hometown which she never visited but always heard amazing things about. She also inherited her father's old house so that is how she meets the H or Fox, he's her grumpy next door neighbour. This supposed to be grumpy/sunshine but fox was plain mean and rude. i really hated how he was so rude and miserable to everyone around him, his coworkers, the h, even his mother.🙄
The meet cute was also not very memorable, maybe i'm used to VK always interesting and unique first time meet so when Josie run over his mailbox with her car and then she saw shirtless Fox and the instant lust took over i kinda checked out.😂
And when i read the whole past chapter how Fox meet his dead fiance and their meet cute was so much better i kinda wished she was his h 😐🥲 also i feel like there were a lot more past ch with his dead ex than in her previous books (yeah vi really loves the dead ex trope😂) and sometimes they took me out of his relationship with the h. i was more invested in his problems with the dead ex.😂
one thing about the dead fiance was that fox wasn't that much hung up on her more like hung up on her death and him blaming himself so ofc that third act break up at the end was absurd🙄 fox really was a dumbass sometimes and josie was the idiot who forgave him so fast, she deserved more groveling.
Which brings me to the whole storyline or lack of. maybe bc mostly of VK's books are all set in big cities and they mostly revolve around workplace romance and drama but this being set in a small town didn't have any direction? Like what was the plot? the house renovation? it was all over the place, nothing special happened and maybe that's why i was so bored and fox and josie barely had any chemisty, even the secondary characters were mediocre.
daisy the duck was the cutest tho.
In what happens at the lake i just couldn't find that spark between the main characters that kept me interested in their story. I was bored with both of them.
The h is this sunshine-y person who went through some difficult time with her job and found her fiance cheating on her so she packs her bags and moves to her father's hometown which she never visited but always heard amazing things about. She also inherited her father's old house so that is how she meets the H or Fox, he's her grumpy next door neighbour. This supposed to be grumpy/sunshine but fox was plain mean and rude. i really hated how he was so rude and miserable to everyone around him, his coworkers, the h, even his mother.🙄
The meet cute was also not very memorable, maybe i'm used to VK always interesting and unique first time meet so when Josie run over his mailbox with her car and then she saw shirtless Fox and the instant lust took over i kinda checked out.😂
And when i read the whole past chapter how Fox meet his dead fiance and their meet cute was so much better i kinda wished she was his h 😐🥲 also i feel like there were a lot more past ch with his dead ex than in her previous books (yeah vi really loves the dead ex trope😂) and sometimes they took me out of his relationship with the h. i was more invested in his problems with the dead ex.😂
one thing about the dead fiance was that fox wasn't that much hung up on her more like hung up on her death and him blaming himself so ofc that third act break up at the end was absurd🙄 fox really was a dumbass sometimes and josie was the idiot who forgave him so fast, she deserved more groveling.
Which brings me to the whole storyline or lack of. maybe bc mostly of VK's books are all set in big cities and they mostly revolve around workplace romance and drama but this being set in a small town didn't have any direction? Like what was the plot? the house renovation? it was all over the place, nothing special happened and maybe that's why i was so bored and fox and josie barely had any chemisty, even the secondary characters were mediocre.
daisy the duck was the cutest tho.
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January 14, 2024DNF: Silly me, thinking this would be the one without dead ex drama. If anything, she took it further than usual. The sample was great, so I had high hopes, but... nope.
February 1, 2024
ALL THE STARS!!!!!!!𝗞𝗖𝗕𝗥 𝗟𝗟𝗖 𝗪𝗔𝗦 𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗬 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗦𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗧𝗢 𝗣𝗢𝗦𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪. 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗜𝗦 𝗔 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗟 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗔𝗡 𝗔𝗗. I have to tell you about THE best book. I laughed and cried, and I’m still grinning like a loon two weeks after hitting the last page. What Happens at the Lake by Vi Keeland is EVERYTHING. This small-town romance is packed with the feels, fun, and Fox! He is such a grump, and Josie is pure sunshine. If WHATL wasn’t releasing on 1/15, it would be on my Best of 2023 list. I have a book hangover today in all the best ways. I loved this book so much that I reread it.
January 16, 2024
5 Stars!
(ARC provided by author)
Josie Preston is a scientist living in New York whose life suddenly begins to unravel. She decides she needs a break from big city life and heads to the small town her parents grew up in. When she was a child Laurel Lake had always seemed like this mythical, magical place. She inherited a house there fifteen years ago when her father away, but still hadn't been. This was the perfect opportunity to finally see the town her dad loved so much. Laurel Lake was known for being friendly, but when she arrives the first person she encounters is her new neighbor Fox Cassidy. She doesn't make the best first impression when she accidentally runs over his mailbox, but she's determined to make friends, relax and forget her troubles. Fox is absolutely gorgeous, but not a people person. He enjoys his peace and quiet, and soon Josie also grows to love the serenity and slower pace of Laurel Lake. She feels connected to the community and is healing while finding herself again. When new feelings develop that complicate everything, will she return home after her leave of absence or will she find a reason to stay?
What Happens at the Lake by Vi Keeland is a sexy, standalone, small town, ex hockey player, neighbors, grumpy/sunshine, friends to lovers romance full of emotion, fabulous banter, explosive chemistry and beautiful connections. I couldn't get enough of this couple and this story! Just fantastic!!! <333
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CSBJPFHW?...
(ARC provided by author)
Josie Preston is a scientist living in New York whose life suddenly begins to unravel. She decides she needs a break from big city life and heads to the small town her parents grew up in. When she was a child Laurel Lake had always seemed like this mythical, magical place. She inherited a house there fifteen years ago when her father away, but still hadn't been. This was the perfect opportunity to finally see the town her dad loved so much. Laurel Lake was known for being friendly, but when she arrives the first person she encounters is her new neighbor Fox Cassidy. She doesn't make the best first impression when she accidentally runs over his mailbox, but she's determined to make friends, relax and forget her troubles. Fox is absolutely gorgeous, but not a people person. He enjoys his peace and quiet, and soon Josie also grows to love the serenity and slower pace of Laurel Lake. She feels connected to the community and is healing while finding herself again. When new feelings develop that complicate everything, will she return home after her leave of absence or will she find a reason to stay?
What Happens at the Lake by Vi Keeland is a sexy, standalone, small town, ex hockey player, neighbors, grumpy/sunshine, friends to lovers romance full of emotion, fabulous banter, explosive chemistry and beautiful connections. I couldn't get enough of this couple and this story! Just fantastic!!! <333
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CSBJPFHW?...
January 2, 2024
I absolutely loved this book!!
Fox is a grumpy ex hockey player living in Laurel Lake, a small town where everyone knows you and your business, which is a hoot throughout this book.
Josie needs a break from her hectic career in New York and decides to come stay at her father’s house (he left it for her) in Laurel Lake. When she meets her grumpy Paul Bunyan neighbor, she’s intrigued.
I love how their relationship starts with Fox coming to Josie’s rescue many times. Plus all the nosy people in Laurel Lake is quite hilarious but also endearing, the fact they are helping getting Fox and Josie together.
I highly recommend this book.
Fox is a grumpy ex hockey player living in Laurel Lake, a small town where everyone knows you and your business, which is a hoot throughout this book.
Josie needs a break from her hectic career in New York and decides to come stay at her father’s house (he left it for her) in Laurel Lake. When she meets her grumpy Paul Bunyan neighbor, she’s intrigued.
I love how their relationship starts with Fox coming to Josie’s rescue many times. Plus all the nosy people in Laurel Lake is quite hilarious but also endearing, the fact they are helping getting Fox and Josie together.
I highly recommend this book.
January 30, 2024
Contains minor spoilers!
Laurel Lake, despite being my personal hell, serves as an idyllic setting for this book. The residents embody every stereotype of small-town interference and gossip, weaving humor into the storyline in both entertaining and overwhelming ways. Amidst the laughs, the story explores intense and emotional themes, striking a delicate balance that resonated with me, despite some minor and major drawbacks.
The FMC, Josie, emerges as a resilient heroine, grappling with her own past while tackling the challenges of her present. Despite her struggles, her unwavering determination and compassion shine through, adding depth to the story. While the book deftly navigates themes of love, loss, and personal growth, it doesn't shy away from portraying the complexities of mental health. Josie's journey is both relatable and poignant, enhanced by the poignant symbolism of the postcards she discovers.
For me, she turned out to be the anchor of this book. Josie's refusal to yield to Fox's grumpy demeanor is admirable, especially since he crosses the line into rudeness every so often and displays a less-than-stellar attitude toward both her and his employees. I appreciated the way his complex past was unveiled throughout the plot. But while his history with Evie was rather captivating, it also overshadowed the budding relationship with Josie. The sparks between them are evident, but I found myself questioning whether their connection was sufficiently explored. In hindsight, I was more invested in his relationship with Evie than in his evolving relationship with Josie.
So, despite some sweet and intimate moments, I could not feel the depth of their connection. Certain chapters, including their date night and first intimate encounter, left me rather unsettled. And it felt like their relationships started oscillating between moments of spark and massive frustration.
At some point, I couldn’t understand why Josie would continue to go back to someone who ran so hot and cold. And even though, for the very first time, I could fully understand the reason for a third-act-breakup, the resolution felt underwhelming. I am not convinced that Fox groveled appropriately, and it felt like he was only giving her the bare minimum. I initially thought that the postcards, which played such a significant role in Josie's narrative, would have been utilized here, but Fox apparently is no man of grand gestures.
In the end, despite the charming small-town charm and Josie's tenacity providing moments of warmth and humor, the overpowering influence of past relationships and the ambiguity of Fox's character had a negative impact on the overall reading experience. Despite its shortcomings, the book remains a compelling exploration of love, forgiveness, and the complexities of human relationships. It just left too much potential untapped. I'm somewhere between 3.25-3.5 stars.
Laurel Lake, despite being my personal hell, serves as an idyllic setting for this book. The residents embody every stereotype of small-town interference and gossip, weaving humor into the storyline in both entertaining and overwhelming ways. Amidst the laughs, the story explores intense and emotional themes, striking a delicate balance that resonated with me, despite some minor and major drawbacks.
The FMC, Josie, emerges as a resilient heroine, grappling with her own past while tackling the challenges of her present. Despite her struggles, her unwavering determination and compassion shine through, adding depth to the story. While the book deftly navigates themes of love, loss, and personal growth, it doesn't shy away from portraying the complexities of mental health. Josie's journey is both relatable and poignant, enhanced by the poignant symbolism of the postcards she discovers.
For me, she turned out to be the anchor of this book. Josie's refusal to yield to Fox's grumpy demeanor is admirable, especially since he crosses the line into rudeness every so often and displays a less-than-stellar attitude toward both her and his employees. I appreciated the way his complex past was unveiled throughout the plot. But while his history with Evie was rather captivating, it also overshadowed the budding relationship with Josie. The sparks between them are evident, but I found myself questioning whether their connection was sufficiently explored. In hindsight, I was more invested in his relationship with Evie than in his evolving relationship with Josie.
So, despite some sweet and intimate moments, I could not feel the depth of their connection. Certain chapters, including their date night and first intimate encounter, left me rather unsettled. And it felt like their relationships started oscillating between moments of spark and massive frustration.
At some point, I couldn’t understand why Josie would continue to go back to someone who ran so hot and cold. And even though, for the very first time, I could fully understand the reason for a third-act-breakup, the resolution felt underwhelming. I am not convinced that Fox groveled appropriately, and it felt like he was only giving her the bare minimum. I initially thought that the postcards, which played such a significant role in Josie's narrative, would have been utilized here, but Fox apparently is no man of grand gestures.
In the end, despite the charming small-town charm and Josie's tenacity providing moments of warmth and humor, the overpowering influence of past relationships and the ambiguity of Fox's character had a negative impact on the overall reading experience. Despite its shortcomings, the book remains a compelling exploration of love, forgiveness, and the complexities of human relationships. It just left too much potential untapped. I'm somewhere between 3.25-3.5 stars.
January 21, 2024
An absolute must read.
This, right here is why I love this genre. When author gives you such a wonderful story that has a reader involved and invested in the characters.
This one though really struck me with its subject matter, it was written beautifully, with compassion.
Our leads, Josie and Fox, are both dealing with tragedy from their pasts, but finding each other is just what they needed for the healing to start.
It moved at a fast pace, keeping me invested. The town, I loved. I could definitely live there, the characters who live there are nosy, in your business, and the gossip train is definitely alive and well in Laurel Lake.
Everyone had a story, they definitely had an opinion on Fox and Josie’s budding romance.
It all came together beautifully. Heat factor was off the charts. The chemistry sizzling. The laughter was solid gold. And that ending? Pure romance.
It’s a yes from me.
This, right here is why I love this genre. When author gives you such a wonderful story that has a reader involved and invested in the characters.
This one though really struck me with its subject matter, it was written beautifully, with compassion.
Our leads, Josie and Fox, are both dealing with tragedy from their pasts, but finding each other is just what they needed for the healing to start.
It moved at a fast pace, keeping me invested. The town, I loved. I could definitely live there, the characters who live there are nosy, in your business, and the gossip train is definitely alive and well in Laurel Lake.
Everyone had a story, they definitely had an opinion on Fox and Josie’s budding romance.
It all came together beautifully. Heat factor was off the charts. The chemistry sizzling. The laughter was solid gold. And that ending? Pure romance.
It’s a yes from me.
January 26, 2024
5 Stars
I always love a good Vi Keeland romance.
Lots of grumpy Romcom in this book.
Josie inherits a dilapidated house in the small town of Laurel Lake. She had no idea it needed so much work.
She meets her neighbour Fox by accidentally running over his mailbox.
From there, they become frenimies. Lots of sarcastic banter with a good story.
Vi Keelands books are always just the right length. No 800+ pages here. That's why I enjoy them so much.
I highly recommend reading this 😊
I always love a good Vi Keeland romance.
Lots of grumpy Romcom in this book.
Josie inherits a dilapidated house in the small town of Laurel Lake. She had no idea it needed so much work.
She meets her neighbour Fox by accidentally running over his mailbox.
From there, they become frenimies. Lots of sarcastic banter with a good story.
Vi Keelands books are always just the right length. No 800+ pages here. That's why I enjoy them so much.
I highly recommend reading this 😊
January 31, 2024
3.5 ☆
January 7, 2024
This book was amazing!!!!!
I freaking LOVED Josie’s character SO MUCH. She was so funny and down to earth, that best friend you’d be lucky to have. And Fox? That sexy, broody piece of man candy. Yum. He was all tough on the outside but truly a softy at heart. A hot gentle giant, if you will. Loved him just as much as I did Josie.
I absolutely loved the small lake town and all the side characters. This book was a VIBE and I was all in.
A must-read and a top 2024 fave!
I freaking LOVED Josie’s character SO MUCH. She was so funny and down to earth, that best friend you’d be lucky to have. And Fox? That sexy, broody piece of man candy. Yum. He was all tough on the outside but truly a softy at heart. A hot gentle giant, if you will. Loved him just as much as I did Josie.
I absolutely loved the small lake town and all the side characters. This book was a VIBE and I was all in.
A must-read and a top 2024 fave!
January 21, 2024
4.5 Enjoyable Stars
January 16, 2024
dnf at 89%
Had I read this on KU, I would have dnf’ed a lot sooner. But I paid for this one, so I tried to make myself finish it. I have loved some of Vi Keeland’s books before and this is two of my favorite tropes, (small town/grumpy/sunshine) so I took a chance. Nothing about this book worked for me though.
There is absolutely zero chemistry or tension between the MC’s. By the time they got together at 50%, I didn’t care at all. I felt absolutely nothing for this couple. When the third act break up happened—again, I just didn’t care and I thought why finish this? I didn’t even care enough to find out what happened with Fox and his ex that made him break up with Josie. It was supposed to be a big reveal at the end and it didn’t even matter to me.
Had I read this on KU, I would have dnf’ed a lot sooner. But I paid for this one, so I tried to make myself finish it. I have loved some of Vi Keeland’s books before and this is two of my favorite tropes, (small town/grumpy/sunshine) so I took a chance. Nothing about this book worked for me though.
There is absolutely zero chemistry or tension between the MC’s. By the time they got together at 50%, I didn’t care at all. I felt absolutely nothing for this couple. When the third act break up happened—again, I just didn’t care and I thought why finish this? I didn’t even care enough to find out what happened with Fox and his ex that made him break up with Josie. It was supposed to be a big reveal at the end and it didn’t even matter to me.
January 17, 2024
4.5 stars. Really liked this one! This was such a surprise because I'd sidelined this author's books for a while. Each one lately was just the same ole, same ole. Sigh.
Took a chance because this book just sounded different. And it was! Don't get me wrong, VK still pulls the standard "blow up/breakup" right around the 80% mark as usual. But I actually enjoyed this book, and its HEA was perfect. It's a small town romance (my favorite) between a grumpy retired hockey player, Fox, and a research PhD, Josie, on hiatus. Loved them both.The town is full of lovable, well-meaning busy bodies, and there's a wounded duck involved. LOL! Made me think of some of my favorite Lucy Score books.
I also love the fact that VK keeps her signature eye candy cover models on her books. 👏 And this guy is a winner 😉. So glad she hasn't joined so many other authors in either changing old covers and/or making new ones those boringly blah hand drawn cartoon like covers. 😴
This book was just a plus all around from start to finish. Hope you enjoy it too. Happy Reading!
Took a chance because this book just sounded different. And it was! Don't get me wrong, VK still pulls the standard "blow up/breakup" right around the 80% mark as usual. But I actually enjoyed this book, and its HEA was perfect. It's a small town romance (my favorite) between a grumpy retired hockey player, Fox, and a research PhD, Josie, on hiatus. Loved them both.The town is full of lovable, well-meaning busy bodies, and there's a wounded duck involved. LOL! Made me think of some of my favorite Lucy Score books.
I also love the fact that VK keeps her signature eye candy cover models on her books. 👏 And this guy is a winner 😉. So glad she hasn't joined so many other authors in either changing old covers and/or making new ones those boringly blah hand drawn cartoon like covers. 😴
This book was just a plus all around from start to finish. Hope you enjoy it too. Happy Reading!
January 14, 2024
This book… this freaking author. Vi Keeland? You cannot write a bad book! I have been waiting for this book and as always, Vi did not disappoint!
I went into this book knowing it was going to be another masterpiece, every book she writes is and this was no different.
In What Happens at the Lake you have Fox Cassidy, a grumpy, deliciously sexy hero who is an ex-hockey player turn construction worker and then you have his new neighbour Josie Preston, a quirky, fun and down-to-earth beautiful woman that is seeking a break from her crazy hectic life in the city of New York.. So she decides to come and stay at the house her father left for her in Laurel Lake and that’s when she meets the grumpy, sinfully sexy Fox. From the moment Fox meets Josie. He can’t stop thinking about her and his world is turned upside down, he can’t help but be drawn to her witty, quirky, fun and loving personality.
The chemistry between the two of them is undeniable and I could not help but fall in love with them both as the book progressed. Unfortunately, though, both Fox and Josie have baggage that they are holding on to and have to work through but as they do, they get to know each other more and I think it only makes them stronger.
The two of them are so opposite from each other but they came together so perfectly and it was so fun to read! This book had me all up in my feels one minute, laughing another minute and then swooning in another. It was such an incredible read! I expected nothing less from Vi Keelend. She’s a master at her craft. I know I’m going to be stuck with a massive book hangover after reading this!
I highly recommend reading this! You will not be disappointed!!
5+ STARS!
I went into this book knowing it was going to be another masterpiece, every book she writes is and this was no different.
In What Happens at the Lake you have Fox Cassidy, a grumpy, deliciously sexy hero who is an ex-hockey player turn construction worker and then you have his new neighbour Josie Preston, a quirky, fun and down-to-earth beautiful woman that is seeking a break from her crazy hectic life in the city of New York.. So she decides to come and stay at the house her father left for her in Laurel Lake and that’s when she meets the grumpy, sinfully sexy Fox. From the moment Fox meets Josie. He can’t stop thinking about her and his world is turned upside down, he can’t help but be drawn to her witty, quirky, fun and loving personality.
The chemistry between the two of them is undeniable and I could not help but fall in love with them both as the book progressed. Unfortunately, though, both Fox and Josie have baggage that they are holding on to and have to work through but as they do, they get to know each other more and I think it only makes them stronger.
The two of them are so opposite from each other but they came together so perfectly and it was so fun to read! This book had me all up in my feels one minute, laughing another minute and then swooning in another. It was such an incredible read! I expected nothing less from Vi Keelend. She’s a master at her craft. I know I’m going to be stuck with a massive book hangover after reading this!
I highly recommend reading this! You will not be disappointed!!
5+ STARS!
January 14, 2024
2024 started off with a bang - This book has set a high benchmark for 2024.
This is a book about a town that knows everyone's business before you know your own. You will enjoy how this town plays a part in this rocky road to romance as it goes from sad and funny and all the emotional feelings in between.
I loved how this town, and its people have history - especially when it comes to (Josie's dad and Fox's mum) Throw in a duck name Daisy (which it should be Donald) and you a know you are in for a five-star read.
I was lucky enough to get an arc of this book from Give Me Books PR and Vi Keeland for an honest review.
This is a book about a town that knows everyone's business before you know your own. You will enjoy how this town plays a part in this rocky road to romance as it goes from sad and funny and all the emotional feelings in between.
I loved how this town, and its people have history - especially when it comes to (Josie's dad and Fox's mum) Throw in a duck name Daisy (which it should be Donald) and you a know you are in for a five-star read.
I was lucky enough to get an arc of this book from Give Me Books PR and Vi Keeland for an honest review.
March 10, 2025
- Какво се случи край езерото?
- Буквално - нищо интересно!
Този път с нищо не успя да ме впечатли Ви Кийланд. Нито историята беше нещо кой знае какво, нито усетих силна емоция, нито нещо конкретно прикова вниманието ми. Общо взето - равно от начало до край (дори драмата в края преди да се съберат завинаги беше изсмукана от пръстите и по никакъв начин не ме трогна.)
Историята разказва за претърпялата нервен срив доктор на науките, учен или изследовател (не знам как да я нарека) Джоузи, която за да се справи с психичните си проблеми отива на село (малко градче, в което всички жители се познават и са крайно дружелюбни, но и пъхащи си непрекъснато носа в чуждите работи). За учен от такъв ранг, Джоузи ми беше крайно нереалистичен образ - наивна, лековерна, добричка и на моменти доста инфантилна.
Неин съсед е бившият хокеист, сега строителен предприемач Фокс Касиди, който уж е начумерен, недружелюбен и изобщо мразещ хората и светските, любезни разговори, но непрекъснато тича и си предлага услугите да помогне в ремонтите на дребничката съседка. Освен това непрекъснато ръмжи насреща ѝ и се държи като неандерталец.
Та въпросните две особи започват уж неангажиращ секс, а когато нещата задълбават към връзка, Фокс се плаши и зарязва жената, защото не може да превъзмогне, че вече е губил човек, когото е обичал и не иска да повтаря същото.
Ами накрая все пак се събират и край на историята!
Да, книгата ще се хареса на романтично настроените четящи, но за тези които търсят нещо повече ще бъде скучна. А след това много бързо ще бъде и забравена. Смятам все пак да ѝ оставя 3*.
- Буквално - нищо интересно!
Този път с нищо не успя да ме впечатли Ви Кийланд. Нито историята беше нещо кой знае какво, нито усетих силна емоция, нито нещо конкретно прикова вниманието ми. Общо взето - равно от начало до край (дори драмата в края преди да се съберат завинаги беше изсмукана от пръстите и по никакъв начин не ме трогна.)
Историята разказва за претърпялата нервен срив доктор на науките, учен или изследовател (не знам как да я нарека) Джоузи, която за да се справи с психичните си проблеми отива на село (малко градче, в което всички жители се познават и са крайно дружелюбни, но и пъхащи си непрекъснато носа в чуждите работи). За учен от такъв ранг, Джоузи ми беше крайно нереалистичен образ - наивна, лековерна, добричка и на моменти доста инфантилна.
Неин съсед е бившият хокеист, сега строителен предприемач Фокс Касиди, който уж е начумерен, недружелюбен и изобщо мразещ хората и светските, любезни разговори, но непрекъснато тича и си предлага услугите да помогне в ремонтите на дребничката съседка. Освен това непрекъснато ръмжи насреща ѝ и се държи като неандерталец.
Та въпросните две особи започват уж неангажиращ секс, а когато нещата задълбават към връзка, Фокс се плаши и зарязва жената, защото не може да превъзмогне, че вече е губил човек, когото е обичал и не иска да повтаря същото.
Ами накрая все пак се събират и край на историята!
Да, книгата ще се хареса на романтично настроените четящи, но за тези които търсят нещо повече ще бъде скучна. А след това много бързо ще бъде и забравена. Смятам все пак да ѝ оставя 3*.
January 10, 2024
5 STARS! 🌠
Vi Keeland is well versed when it comes to pulling her readers in and submerging them fully with her words. What Happens at the Lake had me laughing from the very first page!! My heart was content with the small lakeside town and the grumpy behemoth neighbor, aka Paul Bunyan, who said so little but yet so much at the same time.
From the moment Fox Cassidy meets Josie Preston, his world is completely turned on its axis. He can't help but be drawn to her sunny demeanor, like a moth to a flame.
This book was a top-tier grumpy x sunshine novel with all the growly banter, sizzling chemistry, and nosy neighbors knowing all the town's business. Oh, and we can't forget about Daisy, the male duck 🤭.
Overall, this story was just so wholesome with lots of feels, sweet moments, loss/healing, sexy times, and everything in between. Just take me back to Laurel Lake, "America's Friendliest Town", already, please! I highly recommend you read all of Vi Keeland's books 💜.
________________________
ARC REVIEW
RELEASE DATE: JANUARY 15TH 🎉
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*
Vi Keeland is well versed when it comes to pulling her readers in and submerging them fully with her words. What Happens at the Lake had me laughing from the very first page!! My heart was content with the small lakeside town and the grumpy behemoth neighbor, aka Paul Bunyan, who said so little but yet so much at the same time.
From the moment Fox Cassidy meets Josie Preston, his world is completely turned on its axis. He can't help but be drawn to her sunny demeanor, like a moth to a flame.
This book was a top-tier grumpy x sunshine novel with all the growly banter, sizzling chemistry, and nosy neighbors knowing all the town's business. Oh, and we can't forget about Daisy, the male duck 🤭.
Overall, this story was just so wholesome with lots of feels, sweet moments, loss/healing, sexy times, and everything in between. Just take me back to Laurel Lake, "America's Friendliest Town", already, please! I highly recommend you read all of Vi Keeland's books 💜.
________________________
ARC REVIEW
RELEASE DATE: JANUARY 15TH 🎉
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*
January 16, 2024
A steamy, dual POV, smalltown neighbor romance between a grumpy ex-hockey player turned contractor and a young woman recovering from a breakup and a clinical stay for depression who comes to town to renovate a family cottage and turn it into a rental.
This book had such emotional depth and tackled some really tough subject matter, from having an alcoholic partner, losing a loved one to drunk driving, cheating and depression. Despite that though, I am a sucker for a hurting grumpy hero who is secretly a softie.
It was also GREAT on audio narrated by two favs: Sebastian York and Andi Ardnt. Recommended for fans of authors like Lucy Score and Helena Hunting.
Steam level: open door
This book had such emotional depth and tackled some really tough subject matter, from having an alcoholic partner, losing a loved one to drunk driving, cheating and depression. Despite that though, I am a sucker for a hurting grumpy hero who is secretly a softie.
It was also GREAT on audio narrated by two favs: Sebastian York and Andi Ardnt. Recommended for fans of authors like Lucy Score and Helena Hunting.
Steam level: open door
January 23, 2024
As always, Vi Keeland delivered another book that captivated my attention. I could not put the book down and devoured What Happens at the Lake in one sitting. Josie was a breath of fresh air and when she arrived in the small town of Laurel Lake, Fox Cassidy was thrown for a loop.
From the moment Fox laid eyes on Josie, he knew he needed to keep his distance and stay away from her. Despite knowing he isn't good for Josie, he always finds himself in her presence.
When tempers flare, sparks will fly, especially when they agree to enjoy this temporary arrangement between the two of them.
Will they develop feelings for each other?
Can they enjoy a no-strings-attached relationship?
Will one of them want more than the other is willing to give?
Will what happens at the lake, stay at the lake?
This small-town romance is a MUST READ. I can never get enough of Vi Keeland's books. I know going in, I will always fall hard for her heroes, even when they are a broody SOB like Fox Cassidy. Beneath Fox's hard exterior, lay a man with a heart of gold that just needed the right person to love him.
From the moment Fox laid eyes on Josie, he knew he needed to keep his distance and stay away from her. Despite knowing he isn't good for Josie, he always finds himself in her presence.
When tempers flare, sparks will fly, especially when they agree to enjoy this temporary arrangement between the two of them.
Will they develop feelings for each other?
Can they enjoy a no-strings-attached relationship?
Will one of them want more than the other is willing to give?
Will what happens at the lake, stay at the lake?
This small-town romance is a MUST READ. I can never get enough of Vi Keeland's books. I know going in, I will always fall hard for her heroes, even when they are a broody SOB like Fox Cassidy. Beneath Fox's hard exterior, lay a man with a heart of gold that just needed the right person to love him.
January 24, 2024
Simply magical!
This is how you start the new year - with this read!! This author has never shied away from introducing relevant and important topics in her novels, and this read is no exception to that. She does it with grace, humility, empathy, and understanding. The relationship between the two main characters, Josie and Fox is incredible – swoon worthy, sexy, engaging and it has everything you would want and need.
This is an amazing page-turner, and the storyline is fantastic; multifaceted, inspiring, emotional, and intriguing. It will leave you all the feels and leave you laughing, crying, revelling in every page, just as you would expect from Vi. This book completely sizzles!! Truly, one of the best and most fun reads of the year!
This is how you start the new year - with this read!! This author has never shied away from introducing relevant and important topics in her novels, and this read is no exception to that. She does it with grace, humility, empathy, and understanding. The relationship between the two main characters, Josie and Fox is incredible – swoon worthy, sexy, engaging and it has everything you would want and need.
This is an amazing page-turner, and the storyline is fantastic; multifaceted, inspiring, emotional, and intriguing. It will leave you all the feels and leave you laughing, crying, revelling in every page, just as you would expect from Vi. This book completely sizzles!! Truly, one of the best and most fun reads of the year!
January 24, 2024
Did I read a different book than everyone else on Goodreads?
What Happens at the Lake follows Josie as she goes to Laurel Lake after a mental health crisis to renovate a property she inherited. Once there, she meets her grumpy neighbour, Fox, and sparks were supposed to fly.
What Happens at the Lake is a grumpy x sunshine romance. Unfortunately, this trope isn’t for me. The sunshine character usually comes off as childlike making the whole relationship uncomfortable to read. What Happens at the Lake is no exception.
Fox doesn’t have much of a personality beyond the emotional baggage he carries and his grunts. Josie is the basic definition of a sunshine character in this trope. So much so, that I couldn’t take her, her profession, or her mental health crisis seriously. What was the point of giving her that kind of backstory and only addressing it once?
Josie and Fox’s first sex scene was cringeworthy due in part to Josie’s childlike vibe. Also, there’s a moment when Josie is marveling at the size of Fox’s penis then asks something along the lines of “can I touch it?” and Fox replies “that’s kind of the point”.
Fox’s emotional baggage includes a dead fiancée. Their meet cute and overall chemistry had more tension than him and Josie in the few chapters that were included.
Overall, What Happens at the Lake is a grumpy x sunshine romance that packs too much emotional baggage that is never dealt with in any meaningful or significant way.
What Happens at the Lake follows Josie as she goes to Laurel Lake after a mental health crisis to renovate a property she inherited. Once there, she meets her grumpy neighbour, Fox, and sparks were supposed to fly.
What Happens at the Lake is a grumpy x sunshine romance. Unfortunately, this trope isn’t for me. The sunshine character usually comes off as childlike making the whole relationship uncomfortable to read. What Happens at the Lake is no exception.
Fox doesn’t have much of a personality beyond the emotional baggage he carries and his grunts. Josie is the basic definition of a sunshine character in this trope. So much so, that I couldn’t take her, her profession, or her mental health crisis seriously. What was the point of giving her that kind of backstory and only addressing it once?
Josie and Fox’s first sex scene was cringeworthy due in part to Josie’s childlike vibe. Also, there’s a moment when Josie is marveling at the size of Fox’s penis then asks something along the lines of “can I touch it?” and Fox replies “that’s kind of the point”.
Fox’s emotional baggage includes a dead fiancée. Their meet cute and overall chemistry had more tension than him and Josie in the few chapters that were included.
Overall, What Happens at the Lake is a grumpy x sunshine romance that packs too much emotional baggage that is never dealt with in any meaningful or significant way.
January 18, 2024
The characters are fuckin stupid.
The third act break up is fuckin stupid.
The reconciliation is fuckin stupid.
The MMC was too much of a wishy washy garbage to ever amount to a redemption on the third act.
The FMC was too much of a pathetic doormat that tooo whatever crumbs the asshole have her considering she was “healing” from another asshole. Yup I think she has a type.
The third act break up is fuckin stupid.
The reconciliation is fuckin stupid.
The MMC was too much of a wishy washy garbage to ever amount to a redemption on the third act.
The FMC was too much of a pathetic doormat that tooo whatever crumbs the asshole have her considering she was “healing” from another asshole. Yup I think she has a type.
January 17, 2024
What Happens at the Lake is a small town, grumpy sunshine, forced proximity (neighbors) romance! It had been a while since I read a book from this author, but this one was a really nice one to jump into!
After spending time in a mental health facility after a mental breakdown from her high-stress job, Josie decides to head to Laurel Lake, her dad’s hometown that he talked about often as the friendliest town. She inherited his lake house there 15 years ago and is parking at her place for the first time when she accidentally crashes into the neighbor’s mailbox. Things get worse when she tries to apologize and return it and the owner is very grumpy. Fox is the grump next door neighbor, a former hockey player who started his own contractor business after an injury put him out of the game. He is both annoyed, and pulled towards his new neighbor Josie. He does eventually start helping her remodel her house and things quickly go from there of them skirting around their chemistry!
I love a grumpy sunshine pairing, especially in a small town where everyone knows everyone’s business and spreads it around. Josie was a scientist for a pharmaceutical company and developed new medicines for cancer treatments. I liked her chemistry with Fox, how she writes and collects Christmas cards, and her kind of adopting a wild duck. This was a bit long at times and included some plots I wasn’t as invested in, but I did really like the couple!
I received an ARC from the author, all thoughts in this review are my own!
CW: alcoholism, substance abuse, death of loved ones
After spending time in a mental health facility after a mental breakdown from her high-stress job, Josie decides to head to Laurel Lake, her dad’s hometown that he talked about often as the friendliest town. She inherited his lake house there 15 years ago and is parking at her place for the first time when she accidentally crashes into the neighbor’s mailbox. Things get worse when she tries to apologize and return it and the owner is very grumpy. Fox is the grump next door neighbor, a former hockey player who started his own contractor business after an injury put him out of the game. He is both annoyed, and pulled towards his new neighbor Josie. He does eventually start helping her remodel her house and things quickly go from there of them skirting around their chemistry!
I love a grumpy sunshine pairing, especially in a small town where everyone knows everyone’s business and spreads it around. Josie was a scientist for a pharmaceutical company and developed new medicines for cancer treatments. I liked her chemistry with Fox, how she writes and collects Christmas cards, and her kind of adopting a wild duck. This was a bit long at times and included some plots I wasn’t as invested in, but I did really like the couple!
I received an ARC from the author, all thoughts in this review are my own!
CW: alcoholism, substance abuse, death of loved ones
January 1, 2024
When Josie Preston decides to get away to the small quaint town of laurel lake where her father was from, she didn’t expect a rude neighbor! One thing he was though was nice to look at! Fox Cassidy didn’t have the best introduction to his new neighbor Josie but he couldn’t stop thinking of the little accident prone spitfire. Can a misunderstanding between neighbors become something more? From the very first page you will enjoy this fun, grumpy/sunshine romance. Lots of laughs, touching moments and a certain “ahem” tension between these two that jumps off the pages. I could not stop smiling every time these two interacted. Such a beautifully touching, feel good romance with an emotional twist! I loved Fox and Josie together and I hope you fall for them too! This was so good I couldn’t put it down and
forgot to eat lunch lol. It has everything from laughs to heartfelt moments and some serious topics woven within. My heart hurts for all Fox has been through and I just want to give him a hug. First Top Read of the year! Told in dual POV
📸 Teaser Collage by Miss Petite Brunette Book Blog
forgot to eat lunch lol. It has everything from laughs to heartfelt moments and some serious topics woven within. My heart hurts for all Fox has been through and I just want to give him a hug. First Top Read of the year! Told in dual POV
📸 Teaser Collage by Miss Petite Brunette Book Blog
February 25, 2024
please give me my time back
January 24, 2024
“you’re a coconut”
I absolutely love Fox and Josie. I was pulled in from the first words. Fox is grumpy. Josie is having a bad life and trying to get some “me time”. Together, they were perfect. Josie had to chip away at Fox’s rough and grumpy exterior, but once she did she found the sweeter side of Fox.
I loved the relationship between a Fox and Josie. They were hilarious, sweet, funny, exhausting…all of it in one great book! This story will tug at your heart strings and you will start rooting for them and for Josie to stay in this little community.
I absolutely love Fox and Josie. I was pulled in from the first words. Fox is grumpy. Josie is having a bad life and trying to get some “me time”. Together, they were perfect. Josie had to chip away at Fox’s rough and grumpy exterior, but once she did she found the sweeter side of Fox.
I loved the relationship between a Fox and Josie. They were hilarious, sweet, funny, exhausting…all of it in one great book! This story will tug at your heart strings and you will start rooting for them and for Josie to stay in this little community.
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