Good Directions by Magan Vernon
POV: Dual 1st Person
3rd ACT BREAK-UP: No
TROPES: Small Town; Fish out of Water; Single Dad-Guardian; Slow Burn
SERIES: Standalone
RELEASE DATE: February 28, 2025
PoP: 75%
If you love a fish out of water story with all the charm and depth of a well-written small-town romance, then Good Directions is a must-read. Small-town charm, family, and two characters who have to navigate their lives to find the future they deserve.
Hadley’s journey is one of resilience and rediscovery. She’s fallen from grace in the most public of ways—her father’s arrest shattering the privileged world she once knew. But instead of wallowing, she adapts. Thrown into small-town life, Hadley isn’t just out of her element; she’s practically on another planet. Her Xanadu loving heart isn’t sure what to make of this small town life, but watching her stumble, learn, and ultimately thrive made her so incredibly easy to root for.
And then there’s Jesse. This man is the definition of a selfless hero. He gave up everything—his dreams, his plans, his sense of self—to raise his nieces. He’s a guy who puts everyone else first, even when it costs him. So much so that he is somewhat stuck in a rut without purpose. But Hadley shakes things up for him in the best way possible. Their chemistry crackles from the start, a mix of reluctant attraction and undeniable pull.
What I loved most about Good Directions is how it balances the lighthearted moments with the emotional beats. There’s warmth and humor, but also struggles—family obligations, second chances, and finding your place in a world that looks nothing like what you imagined. The supporting cast adds richness without stealing the spotlight.This book is a heartfelt, slow-burn romance that delivers all the swoons and all the feels. If you love small-town romance and fish out of water this one belongs on your TBR.
