The Ripple Effect by Maggie North: Review

I was first introduced to this author’s work last year with her book Rules for Second Chances. There were some love/hate moments in that one, but overall, I fell for it.

This upcoming release sounded like a different type of story and I’m excited to share my thoughts with you below.

The Ripple Effect by Maggie NorthPublisher: ‎ St. Martin’s Griffin
Pub Date: June 17, 2025
ISBN-13: ‎ 978-1250910134

Burned-out former ER doc Stellar J Byrd can solve any crisis except her own life. But with her financial prospects dwindling, she’d do anything to stay in her beloved, pricey wilderness town―even take a job as a camp physician at The Love Boat, an unspeakably touchy-feely relationship therapy startup. If there are sing-alongs, she’s calling in sick.

What’s worse? Her boss is Lyle “McHuge” McHugh, the sunshiny psychologist she’s masterfully avoided since their disastrous hookup last year. Hardheaded relationship scorekeeper Stellar plans to dodge his pathological generosity from now until September, but after a scathing article puts McHuge’s romantic credibility into question, a fake engagement is the only way to salvage the camp’s crumbling public image.

It’s strictly business . . . but the more closely they work together, the more Stellar realizes her feelings for McHuge are anything but professional. With competitors hard on their heels and trade secrets at stake, they must find a way to marry his softness with her steel to build a business–and a love–that will last past summer’s end . . .

The Ripple Effect by Maggie North Review

I love when authors create a story with a really big guy as a main character. Like bulky, strong, muscular, and tall. I don’t know why other than maybe that’s just my type. But I love the interaction between the characters when you just have the super big guy.

Usually, they are depicted as super sweet, soft, emotional, nurturing people, and generally misunderstood.

The male main character in this particular story is exactly as I described, which is a perfect offset for the female lead who is very complex and afraid of her own feelings. She is tense, and healing, and we all feel it.

There are so many complexities about this girl that it’s difficult to explain them. But rest assured, the growing development between these two is so sweet. I love how they interact together—soft, swoony, and afraid of their feelings.

The author dives in deep with the nuances and intense descriptive areas of the story. North makes everything come alive. The ending for me is the best part as a third party explains the relationship and it is so sweet and romantic. What a clever way to detail everything we experienced firsthand.

The Ripple Effect was not what I expected in several ways. I was surprised but came away with huge emotional happiness for these two. The tension melts away and their romance blossoms. Wonderful!

4 STARS!!

Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free ebook so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.