ARC Review: Once Upon a Time in Dollywood by Ashley Jordan
Romance
Once Upon a Time in Dollywood
Book Info
Released Date: August 5th
Publication: Berkley
Pages: 448
Format: Paperback
“be prepared for a few emotional bumps along the way”
So, I’m just going to say it—I love this book. That being said, I do have some conflicting feelings about it. Don’t get me wrong—I didn’t hate it. In fact, I thoroughly enjoyed it. But there are a few lingering issues, especially toward the end, that left me frustrated. Still, overall, this is a story I genuinely think everyone should read. Just… be prepared for a few emotional bumps along the way.
Let’s start with what I loved—because there’s a lot to love. From the very beginning, I had a strong feeling this was going to be a story that stuck with me. I’m always drawn to characters who are messy and flawed, who are trying to find themselves again after life knocks them down. That’s exactly what we get here.
Eve is deeply struggling, and in an effort to reclaim her sense of self, she decides to isolate herself—leaving behind her family and friends to retreat to her grandmother’s remote cabin, surrounded by nothing but woods and silence. It’s here, in this solitude, that she meets Jamie.
Jamie is dealing with his own wounds, having just come out of a painful custody battle. He’s not looking to fall for anyone—but then Eve shows up. Slowly and quietly, they start to build something together. What begins as a fun, easy connection gradually turns into something more real, more serious. Watching two people, both hesitant to trust again, begin to lower their walls for each other is honestly one of the most satisfying parts of this story.
Eve and Jamie might seem like opposites at first, but they just work. Their chemistry is undeniable, and their moments together felt authentic and heartfelt. They help each other grow, and it’s beautiful to watch.
But now we get to the part that left me conflicted—the ending.
Things start to unravel between Eve and Jamie in a way that just didn’t sit right with me. Up until that point, their communication was growing stronger. They were opening up more, relying on each other. But suddenly, Eve slips back into old habits—shutting down, avoiding real conversations, and pushing Jamie away with excuses rather than honesty.
And honestly, it was frustrating. Jamie has been nothing but open about his feelings. He consistently checks in with Eve, tries to understand what’s going on, and expresses himself clearly. So it makes sense that he finally reaches a breaking point. I couldn’t blame him for walking away from Eve’s repeated coldness and emotional avoidance.
I get that Eve is struggling—but it was tough to watch her lash out and pull away just when things were getting better. I wish we’d gotten more resolution or insight into why she reverted so suddenly. That shift didn’t feel fully earned, and it pulled me out of the story.
In the end, though, despite my frustration, I still think this book is absolutely worth reading. It's a raw, emotional, and honest portrayal of two broken people finding light in each other. It may not be perfect, but it made me feel—and that’s what matters most.
