Overall Grade: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Tropes: single parent (mom); slow burn; forced proximity; small-town romance; insta-attraction; wounded hero; found family
Allie Winters’s A Mountain Divides Us, book 2 of her A Crescent Pass series, is exponentially stronger than book 1 of the series. From the outset, Winters has crafted a clear chemistry between Kristen, a single mom of twins, and Eli, an unexpected visitor turned roommate. Through her careful characterization, Winters has created Kristen as a woman who feels as though she can only count on herself to provide for and raise her children. While she has a strong family, Kristen believes people will disappoint and leave her, this having been taught to her through the deaths of her father and husband. As such, Winters has infused her with a stubbornness in the face of Eli.
From the moment they meet, it’s clear that Eli and Kristen are drawn to each other, and Winters takes the span of much of A Mountain Divides Us to bring the together. Overall, her romance is sweet with small helping of spice…eventually.
I enjoyed this book more than book 1 which I thought had some issues with development, and A Mountain Divides Us has more story development on the front end, as she builds her slo- burn romance. However, once Eli and Kristen figure their “ish” out, it drops off quickly, and the story comes to a quick end. Yes, there is the promise of an HEA, but I thought it could have had more story development after they realize they can be together. It’s a bit too neat.
I found Allie Winters’s A Mountain Divides Us to be a sweet romance. Kristen’s struggles did have a tendency to become frustrating, but Winters’s character development of Eli balances that struggle. In fact, Eli is a huge reason to read this book. If you’re a fan of small-town romance, you will like this book.
In love and romance,
Professor A
Professor Romance 