Reviews

My favorite book of June!!! Jeff Zentner's novel is a must-read if you enjoy romance with depth. He expertly weaves classic romance elements like second-chance love, small-town charm, and witty banter into a rich, captivating storyline. His writing is so smooth and flawless that you'll find yourself completely immersed, even as he tackles serious topics such as gun violence, alcoholism, and grief. Zentner approaches these topics with sensitivity, healing, and hopefulness rather than the weightiness they often evoke.

I rarely quote books in my reviews, but I love this quote. “Grief is an arsonist, stealing in under cover of dark to reduce you to ashes. You can expect it or not. But you can't prepare for it, and there's no defense. Well, one maybe: self-immolate first.”

I paired the physical book with the audiobook, and I loved both. I don't often read romances from an MMC's POV, so listening to Charlie Thurston narrate the story was a real treat! Thurston perfectly captured Colton's emotional highs and lows and nailed Colton's sass in the dialogue.

Other highlights: delectable food descriptions, Petey the Dog, country music scene, restaurant scenes, realistic look at sobriety

allibroad's review against another edition

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funny fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

a_stylish_bookworm's review against another edition

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funny hopeful medium-paced

Strong character development? Yes

4.0

I don't think that I've read too many romances written by a male. Colton Gentry is down on his luck with a fizzled music career and a broken marriage and moves back to him home town. This story is about Colton's second chance to start over with his career, lost friendship and first love. I enjoyed the flash back to Colton and Luann's relationship and what a strong woman Luann grew up to be. There's so many tender moments between Colton and Luann as well as Colton with Luann's kids.

Charlie Thurston did a great job with the narration.

gabrieyell's review against another edition

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hopeful lighthearted reflective relaxing fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Content Warnings

merlinereads's review

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4.0

I love Jeff Zentner's books because I love the small town vibes. This was different from The Serpent King and In the Wild Light but character development was just as great. I enjoyed the dialogue and maturity of the story.

katieproctorbooks's review against another edition

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5.0

Perfect book. Loved!

paperbackwizard's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

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