VBT# Roughing It - Albany Archer

Review: Roughing It - A Trail Creek Novel - Albany Archer - October 2024

As someone who’s always dreamed of living life as an adventure, I couldn’t resist the pull of *Roughing It*, a romance with a dash of outdoor survival and a whole lot of unexpected chemistry. Albany Archer’s story delivers a delightful blend of opposites attract, humor, and heart that had me hooked from the first page. And trust me, it wasn’t just the charm of a city girl paired with a rugged country boy that kept me glued to this book—it was the way the author masterfully crafted a world that felt both wild and familiar.

Let’s talk about Blakely, our city girl protagonist. She’s the kind of person who, on social media, looks like she’s living the perfect life—smooth hair, flawless makeup, and enviable vacations. But the reality is different. When a troll’s comment hits her hard, Blakely decides to trade her high heels for hiking boots, all in the name of proving something—not just to her followers, but to herself. So, she heads off into the wilderness for 30 days, with the goal of boosting her brand and escaping the loneliness that’s become all too real.

Enter Hudson, the grumpy, no-nonsense outdoor guide who’s focused on one thing: his family business. The last thing he wants is to babysit a spoiled social media influencer who doesn’t belong in the wilds of nature. But Hudson’s strong will and even stronger attraction to Blakely leave him torn. The forced proximity and constant banter between these two had me laughing and swooning in equal measure.

*Roughing It* is the kind of book that will make you want to curl up with a hot cup of cocoa (or a glass of wine, no judgment) while you let Blakely and Hudson’s story unfold. The chemistry between them is palpable, and their journey from mutual annoyance to undeniable attraction is a slow burn you’ll love to watch. What I loved most was how the author didn’t just focus on the romance but also gave us a deeper look into both characters’ vulnerabilities. The result is a heartfelt, feel-good read that proves there’s more to love than just physical attraction.

Now, I have to admit, *Roughing It* didn’t just make me laugh or swoon—it also made me reflect on my own life. I’m not one to take risks in the way Blakely does, but there’s something about stepping out of your comfort zone, facing the unknown, and opening your heart that really struck me. *Roughing It* also gave me Hallmark movie vibes and served as a reminder that sometimes the greatest adventure is finding love in the most unexpected places.

If you're looking for a book with a touch of humor, plenty of steamy chemistry, and a lot of heart, *Roughing It* is the perfect pick. I have no doubt Hudson has earned himself a spot on my list of book boyfriends (right next to my forever favorite, Edward Cullen). Plus, that cover? *Swoon*. This book is a total cover crush.

*Roughing It* will leave you laughing, swooning, and maybe even reconsidering your next vacation plans. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it!


Amazon: https://amzn.to/4fBfuVm