Runaway Love (Cherry Tree Harbor, 1)

If you love a broody, masculine, grumpy family man, Runaway Love by Melanie Harlow is the book for you! Austin is the ultimate grumpy lover boy, and I am so here for it. He’s rough around the edges, fiercely protective, and secretly soft when it comes to the people he loves — basically everything I want in a broody book boyfriend.Veronica’s journey kicks off in the most dramatic way possible — finding out her fiancé cheated on her on her wedding day. Desperate to escape his overbearing family, she ends up homeless, penniless, and still wearing her wedding dress when she stumbles into a nanny job in the same small town her wedding was supposed to take place. And let me tell you — the sparks fly.This book is packed with some of my absolute favorite tropes:Close proximity (Hello forced living situation!)Boss/Nanny (The tension is so good.)Grumpy/Sunshine (Austin’s grumpiness + Veronica’s warmth = chef’s kiss.)Broody MMC (Austin’s silent pining and protective streak will ruin you.)I adored the slow-burn, the banter, and the undeniable chemistry between these two. Austin’s gruff, no-nonsense attitude paired with his soft, hidden vulnerability? SWOON. Veronica’s resilience and kindness make her such a loveable, relatable FMC.Melanie Harlow nailed it with this one — it’s emotional, steamy, and full of heart. If you’re in the mood for a grumpy family man falling head over heels despite himself, this book is your next must-read.

After reading this I now know why it is sprayed lips on the edges. This was such a heartwarming read. Harlow has become one of my top five favorite authors. On to book two. I can't wait to dive into Hideaway Heart.

This book is so good. It's got all the things that make a Melanie Harlow book an instant favorite. I loved everything about this one. Veronica is sweet and sunshiney, but she isn't helpless and I loved seeing how she stood up for herself and what she needed.Austin's a lovable grump who's secretly a cinnamon roll. He's such an excellent well rounded character and i loved seeing how much he grew and came alive over the course of this book.

So Melanie Harlow is a new to me Author. I was introduced to her writing when she and Corinne Michaels collaborated on a book. I decided to check her out. Not sorry I did. Bought two of her series and started Cherry Tree Hill first.I loved this bookAustin Buckley was a grumpy set in his ways Daddy of twins. At 25 he was told he was going to be a Dad. Not really ready to take on that responsibility but did anyway. You have to understand something about Austin, he always made sure his loved ones/family were happy but he never really did what would make him happy. When his sister Mabel was offered an opportunity of a lifetime to follow her dreams it was going to leave Austin without someone to watch the twins for the summer. She promised him she would find him a Nanny before she left. So lets jump to Veronica Sutton.Veronica was supposed to marry Neil a rather arrogant rich man who promised her mother on her death bed he would take care of Veronica. Yeah that went well when she found out her fiancé was cheating on her with his assistant. How you ask....well he was sexting her but on accident sent the photos to Veronica ON THEIR WEDDING DAY. When Veronica confronted him and told him she wasn't marrying him he wasn't having it. She decided to walk the aisle get all the way to the I Do's and she said I DON'T LOL embarrassing him in front of everyone. When he still wasn't having it and insulted her she quickly high kicked him in the face and ran.Veronica ended up in a little diner in Cherry Tree Hill sat at the counter and ordered herself a burger, fries and a milkshake LOL mind you still in her wedding gown. Everyone was looking at her. She eventually told the entire diner what happened and they instantly feel in love with her. When Mia gave her a flyer for a Nanny of course Veronica jumped at the chance. She met with Mabel who rushed over and set up an interview that day. SOOOOOO when Veronica showed up for the interview, and yes still in her wedding gown you can only imagine how that went. See Mabel hadn't had the chance to let her brother know. Yep she didn't get the job. Austin thought she was a beautiful nut case.This was such a cute love story and I loved everything about these two. Great read, funny read and emotional read. All the feels.

I just couldn't really love it the way I do with many of Melanie's other books. It just didn't feel real enough for me. Veronica's back story was fine, but the way they met never sat right with me. It never felt believable. It was hard to get past.. The wedding dress was just too ridiculous. Maybe if she were 18 and running on pure emotion, but she's 29 and seemed to be fine with her decision.. so why not change? It was just too stupid to get past and not in a funny way. The beginning of the book was great. The opening really hooked me, but that just changed the whole book.. not in a good way. Just my opinion. Sorry. 🫤🤷‍♀️

STOP PUTTING STICKER LABELS ON THE COVER OF BOOKS!! This leaves residue on them!! Not sure if it's the seller or Amazon, but stop it!! Other than that, book in great shape.

I loved how the story kept me entertained. I am absolutely going to read the rest of the books in this series..

Beautiful cover and sprayed edges