Item: Passing Through
Rating: 5
Author: Brian

A Love Story Worth Passing Through

5 out of 5 stars

Some books grab your heart and gently squeeze it, leaving you teary-eyed and smiling all at once. Passing Through is one of those books. From the very first chapter, I was hooked… transported to the lush, towering fir forests of Vancouver Island and immersed in a story that’s equal parts poignant, romantic, and downright magical. Having loved several of Katia Rose’s other works, I went into this one with high expectations, and let me tell you—it did not disappoint.

The characters are an absolute triumph. Emily Rivers, with her fierce determination and aching vulnerability, felt so real to me. Her struggles with balancing grief, responsibility, and her own happiness were perfectly painted by Rose. Then there’s Kim Jefferies—funny, charismatic, and impossible not to root for. Her backstory hit me deep in my core.

Watching these two navigate their undeniable chemistry while fighting their own fears was like watching a beautifully choreographed dance: every step perfectly timed, every misstep heartbreakingly human. The supporting cast, including the Rivers sisters and the ever-present charm of Three Rivers Campground, only added to the magic.

And speaking of magic—can we talk about the setting? Vancouver Island practically leaps off the page (or, in this case, the audiobook). I could practically hear the rustle of the trees and feel the crisp air of the forest as Emily and Kim stumbled their way into love. It’s funny, too, because I have friends who are actually moving to that area, and now I feel like I’ve already been there in spirit. Katia Rose’s descriptions brought it to life in a way that felt both idyllic and grounded, making it the perfect backdrop for this tender, slow-burn romance.

Of course, what really brought this story to life was the narration. Parker Everly and April Doty’s dual narration was pitch-perfect. Both Emily and Kim had distinct voices, full of emotion and nuance, which made it so easy to slip into their perspectives. The seamless back-and-forth between the two narrators felt natural and added depth to an already rich story. It’s not easy to capture the full spectrum of a character’s emotions in an audiobook, but they did it effortlessly, making the story all the more immersive.

Passing Through made me cry happy tears more than once and left me with a warm, fuzzy feeling that lingered long after the final chapter. I also adored the little tease at what might come next—fingers crossed that the rest of this series gets the audiobook treatment because I am so ready. If you’re looking for a heartwarming, soul-soothing romance with relatable characters, stunning scenery, and a perfect blend of humor and heart, this one’s for you.

Katia Rose has done it again, and I can’t wait to see where this series goes next. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go plan a trip to Vancouver Island… or at least dream about it some more.

Book Description:

Nestled in a towering fir forest on British Columbia’s famous Vancouver Island, Three Rivers Campground is calling you to come relax, explore, and maybe even fall in love . . .

Emily Rivers does not have time for love.

Or dating. Or even a one night stand.

As the eldest of the Rivers sisters, she’s too focused on keeping her family’s campground running in the wake of a devastating tragedy to even think about romance.

When Kim Jefferies shows up at the local small town bar looking like a lesbian snack on a stick, Emily writes her off as yet another tourist just passing through-no matter how much the butterflies in her stomach try to tell her otherwise.

Only Kim’s plans of ‘passing through’ fade the second she sees Emily Rivers, despite the fact that the whole point of her soul-searching journey was to stop falling for random women in bars who only lead her to heartbreak.

The last thing they’re looking for is a love story, but with the help of some conniving sisters, an interfering bartender, and the magic of the great outdoors, that might be exactly what Kim and Emily are going to get.

Passing Through by Katia Rose
Narrator: Parker Everly, April Doty
Length: 10 hrs and 33 mins
Series: Three Rivers #1
Published by Tantor Audio on September 23rd 2024
Genres: LesFic/Sapphic Fiction, Slow Burn
Also by this author: Catch and Cradle, The Devil Wears Tartan, This Used to be Easier

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Brian

I’ve loved reading since I was little when my dad would read me Dr. Suess books. Fast-forward a little and I noticed that he was always reading on his lunch breaks at work, and I wondered why.Then, I found a book that took me to another place and time, to another feeling,another sense of “being”.It was the first book that I ever fell in love with, and I’ve been chasing that feeling ever since.