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Pacific Shores #1
Heathen and Honeysuckle
Graham knows nothing new ever happens in the small town of Pacific Shores. That is, until he runs into his new neighbor. Golden haired, honey-eyed, and sharp-tongued, Darby Andrews. The mischievous surfer is immediately smitten with the innocent girl-next-door, and vows to dedicate his summer to bringing out her wild side. As Leo and Darby’s budding friendship turns into a burning love that neither of them could’ve expected, Leo is determined to protect it at all costs. Until he finds the girl of his teenage dreams ran away in the middle of the night without so much as a Darby Andrews is Crestwell, Kansas’s golden child. She’s always been a rule follower, save for one secret summer spent living with her grandmother in California; the consequences of which still haunt her a decade later. Darby’s always done what she was told, including agreeing to marry the man hand-picked by her demanding father. While perfect on paper, Darby knows what love is, and her engagement to Jackson Montague isn’t it. When the boy who’s heart she broke all those years ago shows up on the cusp of her nuptials claiming to have received a letter she never meant to send him, and an offer to run away, Darby’s left with a remain the good girl she’s always been, or become the wild spirit she’s always wished to be.
427 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 7, 2024
About the author
Sarah A. Bailey
4 books146 followersSarah fell in love with reading as a child, starting with the Magic Treehouse Series. She quickly learned that books can take her to all the places she always dreamed of going, and allow her to live endless lifetimes in the one that we are given.
Sarah believes that a good, fluffy romance novel can make even the darkest days a little bit brighter. She believes in love stories readers can root for, the kind that will make even the skeptics believe in all that cheesy stuff like soulmates. She longs to produce stories that readers can pick up, and regardless of what’s weighing them down in life, feel a little lighter when they finish.
Sarah was born in California and raised in Southern Oregon, and still considers herself a Pacific Northwest gal at heart; right down to being a coffee snob, collecting hydro flasks, adamantly believing in Sasquatch, and feeling like rain-drenched forests are a form of therapy. Sarah now resides in North Carolina with her husband, Mike, and their dog-baby, Rue. When she’s not writing, she’s likely reading, and if she’s not reading, odds are she’s out searching for a decent cup of coffee, or a rainy pine forest.
Sarah believes that a good, fluffy romance novel can make even the darkest days a little bit brighter. She believes in love stories readers can root for, the kind that will make even the skeptics believe in all that cheesy stuff like soulmates. She longs to produce stories that readers can pick up, and regardless of what’s weighing them down in life, feel a little lighter when they finish.
Sarah was born in California and raised in Southern Oregon, and still considers herself a Pacific Northwest gal at heart; right down to being a coffee snob, collecting hydro flasks, adamantly believing in Sasquatch, and feeling like rain-drenched forests are a form of therapy. Sarah now resides in North Carolina with her husband, Mike, and their dog-baby, Rue. When she’s not writing, she’s likely reading, and if she’s not reading, odds are she’s out searching for a decent cup of coffee, or a rainy pine forest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 362 reviews
June 23, 2024
4.25 stars.
Apparently this book has ''I've always been yours.'' and ''What letters?'' and it's a second chance romance? *swoons*
I can't say if I will be able to finish this book in one day, but I will try my best. *fingers crossed*
Apparently this book has ''I've always been yours.'' and ''What letters?'' and it's a second chance romance? *swoons*
I can't say if I will be able to finish this book in one day, but I will try my best. *fingers crossed*
July 2, 2024
5/5✨️ 3/5🌶
〰Heathen and Honeysuckle〰️
I’ve seen this one floating around, and after so many of you said this was one of your top reads of the year, I can say that I now see why: Leo and Darby have a magical love. Their story is heartfelt and a rollercoaster of emotions, but much like the ocean, it's also deep, lyrical, profound, endless, and even turbulent.
Their story is told in dual timelines and begins at 17, when Darby's parents ship her off to stay with her grandmother in the small beach town of Pacific Shores for the summer. She meets Leo, and after their adorable intro, she is captivated by the generous man, a surfer with piercing blue eyes. These two go from bff's to more than youthful love, until Darby mysteriously returns to Kansas. Leo is left behind as he makes every effort to get in touch with Darby.
Cut to a decade later, Darby is about to tie the knot, when Leo, shows up with an unexpected letter and a promise, and gives Darby a choice. For her to choose herself and their love or not. Darby holds secrets, heartbreak, and the real reason why she left. Will their love be enough for two broken hearts to be one once again?
Leo throughout this story is a dream, a green flag, at 17, he's a little rebellious, but such an old soul and has experienced so much. He had great communication, and was caring and gentle toward Darby. Leo, now older, even yummier, and a little wiser, is the ideal blend of possessive, modest, amiable, and magnetic. Darby, at 17, is always the sunshine girl, a people pleasure. She's been brought up strict and told to stay in line, but her time in Pacific Shores changes her as she experiences freedom,self-confidence, friendship, and happiness. But now, 10 years later, she finds herself so engulfed in toxicity and manipulation that her spark has been scorched out, her way home was enchanting and heartbreaking.
Darby and Leo story is not only a read you CAN'T miss this summer, but one that’ll make you want to dip your toes in the sand. I can't wait for every book Sarah writes, because this is a GEM and she's made me a fan of hers for life. If you want a book with The Notebook vibes, then just grab your tissues, check your TW, and go fall in love with the Heathen and his honeysuckle.
〰Heathen and Honeysuckle〰️
I’ve seen this one floating around, and after so many of you said this was one of your top reads of the year, I can say that I now see why: Leo and Darby have a magical love. Their story is heartfelt and a rollercoaster of emotions, but much like the ocean, it's also deep, lyrical, profound, endless, and even turbulent.
Their story is told in dual timelines and begins at 17, when Darby's parents ship her off to stay with her grandmother in the small beach town of Pacific Shores for the summer. She meets Leo, and after their adorable intro, she is captivated by the generous man, a surfer with piercing blue eyes. These two go from bff's to more than youthful love, until Darby mysteriously returns to Kansas. Leo is left behind as he makes every effort to get in touch with Darby.
Cut to a decade later, Darby is about to tie the knot, when Leo, shows up with an unexpected letter and a promise, and gives Darby a choice. For her to choose herself and their love or not. Darby holds secrets, heartbreak, and the real reason why she left. Will their love be enough for two broken hearts to be one once again?
Leo throughout this story is a dream, a green flag, at 17, he's a little rebellious, but such an old soul and has experienced so much. He had great communication, and was caring and gentle toward Darby. Leo, now older, even yummier, and a little wiser, is the ideal blend of possessive, modest, amiable, and magnetic. Darby, at 17, is always the sunshine girl, a people pleasure. She's been brought up strict and told to stay in line, but her time in Pacific Shores changes her as she experiences freedom,self-confidence, friendship, and happiness. But now, 10 years later, she finds herself so engulfed in toxicity and manipulation that her spark has been scorched out, her way home was enchanting and heartbreaking.
Darby and Leo story is not only a read you CAN'T miss this summer, but one that’ll make you want to dip your toes in the sand. I can't wait for every book Sarah writes, because this is a GEM and she's made me a fan of hers for life. If you want a book with The Notebook vibes, then just grab your tissues, check your TW, and go fall in love with the Heathen and his honeysuckle.
February 29, 2024
This is my first Sarah Bailey read and oh my gosh ?!?
I have no words. But also.. AHHHHHH! Leo is a fucking heartthrob. And Jackson?! That son of a bitch!
I don’t have anything intellectual to say but this book is so fucking good. I could not put it down. Finished it in 2 days. 😭🩵
I have no words. But also.. AHHHHHH! Leo is a fucking heartthrob. And Jackson?! That son of a bitch!
I don’t have anything intellectual to say but this book is so fucking good. I could not put it down. Finished it in 2 days. 😭🩵
September 15, 2024
♾️⭐️
2🌶️
THIS BOOK WAS A MASTERPIECE!! When I tell you that this is by far my new favorite read of the year… I’m not joking yall!! I love Leo and Darby so much!! This was my first Sarah A. Bailey book and definitely won’t be my last. I can’t wait for wicked & wildflower!! Can October 15th get here any faster 😍
We met Leo & Darby when they are in high school. Darby Andrews is visiting her grandmother in Pacific Shores for the summer. She does have a controlling father & mother that encourages her to stay away from all boys until she is married. She has a purity ring. A summer romance begins and they start to fall in love. Until one day when someone in her family needs her, she abruptly leaves without saying goodbye. 10 years later, it’s now Darby’s wedding day with a man her parents set up to marry. She doesn’t love him and her heart still belongs in Pacific Shores. So when a letter written by Darby ends up in Leo’s hands. He immediately goes to her!!
I am so in love with the second chance trope in this! If you want a good second chance that makes you feel, go pick this book up now! The then & now chapters, all of the missing pieces get put back together in the end! Their love for each other never went away and that’s what warms my heart. Literally she calls me and he comes because she needed him. Can’t get any better than that! I absolutely loved how they helped each other. The way he made her come out of her shell and be the person she was. I love them so much! They will always have a piece of my heart!!
Tropes:
🤍Runaway Bride
💚Second Chance
🤍Dual Timeline
💚Surfer Boy
🤍Summer Romance
💚Good Girl x Bad Boy
🤍Roadtrip
💚Forbidden Romance
2🌶️
THIS BOOK WAS A MASTERPIECE!! When I tell you that this is by far my new favorite read of the year… I’m not joking yall!! I love Leo and Darby so much!! This was my first Sarah A. Bailey book and definitely won’t be my last. I can’t wait for wicked & wildflower!! Can October 15th get here any faster 😍
We met Leo & Darby when they are in high school. Darby Andrews is visiting her grandmother in Pacific Shores for the summer. She does have a controlling father & mother that encourages her to stay away from all boys until she is married. She has a purity ring. A summer romance begins and they start to fall in love. Until one day when someone in her family needs her, she abruptly leaves without saying goodbye. 10 years later, it’s now Darby’s wedding day with a man her parents set up to marry. She doesn’t love him and her heart still belongs in Pacific Shores. So when a letter written by Darby ends up in Leo’s hands. He immediately goes to her!!
I am so in love with the second chance trope in this! If you want a good second chance that makes you feel, go pick this book up now! The then & now chapters, all of the missing pieces get put back together in the end! Their love for each other never went away and that’s what warms my heart. Literally she calls me and he comes because she needed him. Can’t get any better than that! I absolutely loved how they helped each other. The way he made her come out of her shell and be the person she was. I love them so much! They will always have a piece of my heart!!
Tropes:
🤍Runaway Bride
💚Second Chance
🤍Dual Timeline
💚Surfer Boy
🤍Summer Romance
💚Good Girl x Bad Boy
🤍Roadtrip
💚Forbidden Romance
June 6, 2024
4.5 ⭐️, 3 🌶️
firstly thank you so much @sarahabaileyauthor for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. overall I really loved this book! it took me a little bit to get invested and into the story but after like the first 20% I was really loving it. darby and leo was so cute and I loved the alternating timeline with seeing the current story 10 years later and the past story. I loved seeing darby and leo reconnect after 10 years and overall was adorable but also spicy 🤭. leo the man that you are. I def recommend this one and you should definitely read if you love the following tropes:
-good girl x good boy
-small town
-pro surfer
-second chance
-forbidden love
-angsty and emotional
-spicy!! 🌶️
this is now available on kindle unlimited but also available as a paperback!
firstly thank you so much @sarahabaileyauthor for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. overall I really loved this book! it took me a little bit to get invested and into the story but after like the first 20% I was really loving it. darby and leo was so cute and I loved the alternating timeline with seeing the current story 10 years later and the past story. I loved seeing darby and leo reconnect after 10 years and overall was adorable but also spicy 🤭. leo the man that you are. I def recommend this one and you should definitely read if you love the following tropes:
-good girl x good boy
-small town
-pro surfer
-second chance
-forbidden love
-angsty and emotional
-spicy!! 🌶️
this is now available on kindle unlimited but also available as a paperback!
June 10, 2024
When I tell you this is by far my new favorite book of the year... I am not lying.
This dual timeline, second chance romance, has my whole heart.
Darby (Honeysuckle) finds herself being sent to her grandma's house in California for the summer. There are some things going on back home that her parents are trying to hide from her. As she gets settled into her grandma's she finds herself running into a local surfer boy... Heathen, as her grandma called him. Leo Graham. The boy who sweeps her off her feet that summer and who she left heartbroken.
Years, and multiple letters that were never sent, later. Her sister sends one she found to him. Her final letter to the love of her life, that she is not marrying. Darby is set to marry a man she has never loved but the marriage will help her family... until he shows up to help her runaway. Heathen. The boy she has never stopped loving. The boy who promised to always keep her safe.
Listen.... the way I vibed with Darby and all of the things she went through. This book hit so close to home and I loved it so much. If you don't read this you are literally missing our big time. This one will change the chemistry in your brain and I'm not even being dramatic LOL
Tropes
-childhood lovers to strangers to lovers
-runaway bride
-road trip
-secret(ish) tattoos
-their own little language (the hand squeezes *cries*)
-unsent letters
-touch her and d*e
-the MIRROR SCENE
-he f*cks her on the hood of his car after telling off her horrible dad LOL ( i convinced you there right LOL)
infinity/5 stars
2/5 spice
This dual timeline, second chance romance, has my whole heart.
Darby (Honeysuckle) finds herself being sent to her grandma's house in California for the summer. There are some things going on back home that her parents are trying to hide from her. As she gets settled into her grandma's she finds herself running into a local surfer boy... Heathen, as her grandma called him. Leo Graham. The boy who sweeps her off her feet that summer and who she left heartbroken.
Years, and multiple letters that were never sent, later. Her sister sends one she found to him. Her final letter to the love of her life, that she is not marrying. Darby is set to marry a man she has never loved but the marriage will help her family... until he shows up to help her runaway. Heathen. The boy she has never stopped loving. The boy who promised to always keep her safe.
Listen.... the way I vibed with Darby and all of the things she went through. This book hit so close to home and I loved it so much. If you don't read this you are literally missing our big time. This one will change the chemistry in your brain and I'm not even being dramatic LOL
Tropes
-childhood lovers to strangers to lovers
-runaway bride
-road trip
-secret(ish) tattoos
-their own little language (the hand squeezes *cries*)
-unsent letters
-touch her and d*e
-the MIRROR SCENE
-he f*cks her on the hood of his car after telling off her horrible dad LOL ( i convinced you there right LOL)
infinity/5 stars
2/5 spice
July 2, 2024
A 5 star read indeed. Not only is Sarah A Bailey my favorite author, but all these books are just unbelievable. So talented & the characters are so charming. The little tie in at the end with some old friends really made me feel somethin. LOVE THIS BOOK. LOVE THIS AUTHOR. LOVE THESE SERIES.
June 25, 2024
My heart is raw and aching from the sheer amount of love I could feel between these two in pages of ink. I have never highlighted so many passages in a book since Normal People. Sarah, you have the stories, as my old English teacher would say. I am greedily awaiting the next book in the Pacific Shores series! I am not just writing this because I know Sarah personally, this was an insanely well written romance novel. I either hate romances with a passion or adore them and sing their praises, and there is no in-between. I can easily give her all the credit in the world for not only breaking my heart with Leo and Darby, but stitching it back together. Go read this if you have the chance, I beg of you!
Also, I need and Everett love story STAT!
Also, I need and Everett love story STAT!
May 7, 2024
First off this is another good read.
I absolutely loved Darby & Leo🥺🤍
Darby.. I felt bad for her, she felt like she couldn’t disappoint her parents and let them basically control her. She was never truly happy or had any sort of fun.
Leo ohh man he’s just thee absolute sweetest, I loved how he was with Darby & despite her leaving him years ago he still felt so strongly about her.
I am so glad he showed up when she needed him the most and that her sister sent her letter to him (even though Darby just wrote it just to write and never mail it out)
The whole story was super cute it had me tearing, and feeling all awe, and blushing a lot🥹🥹🤍🤍
I have so many fave quotes from this book that I highlighted while reading on my kindle app.
Def recommend this book!
I absolutely loved Darby & Leo🥺🤍
Darby.. I felt bad for her, she felt like she couldn’t disappoint her parents and let them basically control her. She was never truly happy or had any sort of fun.
Leo ohh man he’s just thee absolute sweetest, I loved how he was with Darby & despite her leaving him years ago he still felt so strongly about her.
I am so glad he showed up when she needed him the most and that her sister sent her letter to him (even though Darby just wrote it just to write and never mail it out)
The whole story was super cute it had me tearing, and feeling all awe, and blushing a lot🥹🥹🤍🤍
I have so many fave quotes from this book that I highlighted while reading on my kindle app.
Def recommend this book!
September 11, 2024
SPOILER for a TW later in the review!
I’ve sat on this review for 2 weeks because I couldn’t find the words to describe how much I loved this book. This second chance romance was one of the bests I’ve ever read. this book is THE perfect summer read.
Sarah wrote this book like a poem. It is so descriptive- I could picture every scene so perfectly (which is hard for me to do normally)
I ate up the dual timeline which is shocking since it’s not my fav, but it worked beautifully in this story. I think of one of my favorite parts of this book was watching Darby and Leo as teenagers, falling in love for the first time, Darby getting the space to breath after living under her parents thumb, and feeling safe enough to do have fun with Leo for the summer.
When they made it back to each other ugh their growth together was beautiful watch. I loved it so much. & the spice??? The mirror scene? The car scene? Rent free in my head forever. That mirror scene was probably one of the best things I’ve ever read.🥵🥵
Now on to a personal note that healed me in ways that I didn’t realize I needed healed.
This is a spoilers so don’t read further if you are avoiding spoilers.
The way Leo talked about Darbys miscarriage healed a part of me I never knew I needed healed. I will leave the quote below- but gosh just rereading it again heals me a little more every time. It made my pain during such a dark season of my life feel so validated & I’ll be forever thankful for that.
“You might not have known, but your body did. It began preparing you for this huge thing to happen, something that would alter your chemistry, your instincts, your purpose for the rest of time. That existed inside you, and then suddenly, it didn’t.” She sucks in a swift, shaky breath at that. “That’s always going to have an effect on someone, but I think the miscarriage represented something else for us. It wasn’t just the loss of the pregnancy. It was what you believed was the loss of us. The loss of me.”
Overall this book was absolutely incredible & I look forward to reading book 2 when it comes out 😍
Good girl x bad boy
Surfer mmc
Run away bride
Road trip
Forced proximity
Second Chance
Dual timeline
Summer read
5/5⭐️
2.5/5🥵
I’ve sat on this review for 2 weeks because I couldn’t find the words to describe how much I loved this book. This second chance romance was one of the bests I’ve ever read. this book is THE perfect summer read.
Sarah wrote this book like a poem. It is so descriptive- I could picture every scene so perfectly (which is hard for me to do normally)
I ate up the dual timeline which is shocking since it’s not my fav, but it worked beautifully in this story. I think of one of my favorite parts of this book was watching Darby and Leo as teenagers, falling in love for the first time, Darby getting the space to breath after living under her parents thumb, and feeling safe enough to do have fun with Leo for the summer.
When they made it back to each other ugh their growth together was beautiful watch. I loved it so much. & the spice??? The mirror scene? The car scene? Rent free in my head forever. That mirror scene was probably one of the best things I’ve ever read.🥵🥵
Now on to a personal note that healed me in ways that I didn’t realize I needed healed.
This is a spoilers so don’t read further if you are avoiding spoilers.
The way Leo talked about Darbys miscarriage healed a part of me I never knew I needed healed. I will leave the quote below- but gosh just rereading it again heals me a little more every time. It made my pain during such a dark season of my life feel so validated & I’ll be forever thankful for that.
“You might not have known, but your body did. It began preparing you for this huge thing to happen, something that would alter your chemistry, your instincts, your purpose for the rest of time. That existed inside you, and then suddenly, it didn’t.” She sucks in a swift, shaky breath at that. “That’s always going to have an effect on someone, but I think the miscarriage represented something else for us. It wasn’t just the loss of the pregnancy. It was what you believed was the loss of us. The loss of me.”
Overall this book was absolutely incredible & I look forward to reading book 2 when it comes out 😍
Good girl x bad boy
Surfer mmc
Run away bride
Road trip
Forced proximity
Second Chance
Dual timeline
Summer read
5/5⭐️
2.5/5🥵
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2024
Sarah Bailey, you are a work of art. You are. Your books are too, but the fact that you’re able to write this masterpiece? You are the work of art.
This is my first Sarah book, but I’m literally closing out this review and then going to read her first book. I’ve never been more infatuated with an author. I truly forgot this feeling of loving a book so much that you are jumping around and having large reactions when you’re sitting there alone reading.
Heathen and Honeysuckle is what second chance romances are made of. The then and now chapters, the missing pieces, but the love that never truly goes away. It’s amazing.
Heathen (aka Leo) and Honeysuckle (aka Darby) are truly soulmates. I don’t even know if I believe in soulmates, but they make me believe in them.
After spending a summer whirlwind of a romance together with all the plans to be together forever, a family emergency happens and while Darby has every good intention, they end up spending 10 years apart. And Leo shows up… on her wedding day.
Turns I didn’t see coming, spice that was IMMACULATE, and emotions that had me sobbing into my pillow, I’ll never be the same. I loved this book so much.
You’ll love this book too if you love
✨ second chance romance
✨ surfer boy
✨ dual timeline
✨ “eyes on me”
✨ good girl x bad boy
✨ runaway bride
✨ roadtrip
✨ small beach town
✨ forbidden romance
✨ found family
♾️⭐️ | 3🌶️
This is my first Sarah book, but I’m literally closing out this review and then going to read her first book. I’ve never been more infatuated with an author. I truly forgot this feeling of loving a book so much that you are jumping around and having large reactions when you’re sitting there alone reading.
Heathen and Honeysuckle is what second chance romances are made of. The then and now chapters, the missing pieces, but the love that never truly goes away. It’s amazing.
Heathen (aka Leo) and Honeysuckle (aka Darby) are truly soulmates. I don’t even know if I believe in soulmates, but they make me believe in them.
After spending a summer whirlwind of a romance together with all the plans to be together forever, a family emergency happens and while Darby has every good intention, they end up spending 10 years apart. And Leo shows up… on her wedding day.
Turns I didn’t see coming, spice that was IMMACULATE, and emotions that had me sobbing into my pillow, I’ll never be the same. I loved this book so much.
You’ll love this book too if you love
✨ second chance romance
✨ surfer boy
✨ dual timeline
✨ “eyes on me”
✨ good girl x bad boy
✨ runaway bride
✨ roadtrip
✨ small beach town
✨ forbidden romance
✨ found family
♾️⭐️ | 3🌶️
August 2, 2024
Honestly can’t even put into words how much I loved this book. If you’re a fan of second chance romances THIS IS THE ONE.
This book is very heavy on the dual timelines which I know is not everyone’s thing but I ATE. IT. UP. The tension and angst in each timeline just consumed me and I could not put the book down.
Sarahs writing is so beautiful. The descriptiveness, the depth, and the emotion she elicits from you - ugh it was just perfection! As a very character driven book I was so invested in both Leo and Darby as individuals as well as a couple. It’s just impossible not to root for them. They truly felt like two people meant for one another.
Not only do we get the heartwarming, emotional romance but we get the most delicious spice. The bathroom scene. The mirror scene. The car scene. I CAN’T 🥵 It was the perfect balance of romance and spice.
To say I’m excited for the rest of this series is an understatement. I’ve already fallen in love with the side characters and so invested in their storylines as well.
This book is very heavy on the dual timelines which I know is not everyone’s thing but I ATE. IT. UP. The tension and angst in each timeline just consumed me and I could not put the book down.
Sarahs writing is so beautiful. The descriptiveness, the depth, and the emotion she elicits from you - ugh it was just perfection! As a very character driven book I was so invested in both Leo and Darby as individuals as well as a couple. It’s just impossible not to root for them. They truly felt like two people meant for one another.
Not only do we get the heartwarming, emotional romance but we get the most delicious spice. The bathroom scene. The mirror scene. The car scene. I CAN’T 🥵 It was the perfect balance of romance and spice.
To say I’m excited for the rest of this series is an understatement. I’ve already fallen in love with the side characters and so invested in their storylines as well.
May 6, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
Passionate and Beautiful 🌼
“ Something tells me there would be no point in trying to move on from this because I’d end up searching for you in every place I go. In every person I meet. Aimlessly wandering until I find you again.”
I’m honored that I was able to read this book as an ARC. This is my honest review and I’m excited for this release.
I loved this book! It was beautifully written and detailed. I found myself pausing to admire the dialogue. The concept of a dual timeline was a new and unique reading experience for me. Every other chapter changes from past to present until the timelines converge. I thought it was done tastefully! I enjoyed seeing Leo and Darby fall for one another. Their love was passion-filled and honest. I found myself gushing every time Leo spoke 🥹. This Author has a beautiful way with words and expressions. It had the right amount of spice ✨. The characters, plot, and conflict were balanced perfectly. I enjoyed seeing the different sides of Darby. Her struggles and fears that she faced made me root for her on the sidelines.
Now, I have a couple of reasons why I didn’t give it five stars. I found that in certain parts it did seem to get slightly repetitive.
⚠️‼️ ⚠️‼️ I.E (). ⚠️‼️ ⚠️‼️
I also wanted to see the conversation between Elena and Darby 🥹. These are my opinions. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This one stands out and I'll recommend it always. It's a small-town romance that will capture your heart! I cried a few times 😭 because I did fall in love with Leo, Darby, and the grandma.
Passionate and Beautiful 🌼
“ Something tells me there would be no point in trying to move on from this because I’d end up searching for you in every place I go. In every person I meet. Aimlessly wandering until I find you again.”
I’m honored that I was able to read this book as an ARC. This is my honest review and I’m excited for this release.
I loved this book! It was beautifully written and detailed. I found myself pausing to admire the dialogue. The concept of a dual timeline was a new and unique reading experience for me. Every other chapter changes from past to present until the timelines converge. I thought it was done tastefully! I enjoyed seeing Leo and Darby fall for one another. Their love was passion-filled and honest. I found myself gushing every time Leo spoke 🥹. This Author has a beautiful way with words and expressions. It had the right amount of spice ✨. The characters, plot, and conflict were balanced perfectly. I enjoyed seeing the different sides of Darby. Her struggles and fears that she faced made me root for her on the sidelines.
Now, I have a couple of reasons why I didn’t give it five stars. I found that in certain parts it did seem to get slightly repetitive.
⚠️‼️ ⚠️‼️ I.E (). ⚠️‼️ ⚠️‼️
I also wanted to see the conversation between Elena and Darby 🥹. These are my opinions. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This one stands out and I'll recommend it always. It's a small-town romance that will capture your heart! I cried a few times 😭 because I did fall in love with Leo, Darby, and the grandma.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2024
i wanted to love this but it was a bit too much spice for me & i didnt connect to the characters as i hoped i would :// but im thankful for the ARC tho! and i liked the nicknames and letters!
July 8, 2024
✨ 5/5
First 5✨ book for the month of July! WOW! I had no expectations for this book because it’s my first written by this author but I saw a list of some of the tropes and figured why not. I’m so glad I picked this book up because it’s quickly became a favorite book!
If you’re a fan of Small town Second Chance, forbidden romance with just the right amount of spice… you are going to absolutely LOVE this book too.
Darby was such a good character and complex in her own ways. She was raised a certain way and had expectations to follow but with spending that summer with her grandmother & meeting Leo she realized that being herself and making herself happy is just as good and important as making her family happy and living to their expectations. Her story was so sad and when we finally learn why she left abruptly that summer & what she went through omg I was SOBBING at like 2 in the morning 😭
LEO THE MAN THAT YOU ARE. I mean more men should take notes because WOW for having been dealt some pretty shitty cards he is SUCH a good man. I loved him throughout the entire book, I loved how he was such a voice of reason for Darby when they met that summer and really instilled some good values about herself and how it’s important to live your life for yourself and not for others. When he went to her after TEN years of not seeing/speaking to her after he gets a letter from her about her upcoming wedding…. OMG king! He loved Darby so much and HE DESERVED that happy ending with her.
I absolutely hate her fucking parents, if they have no haters it’s because I’m dead. I had a feeling they made Darby leave because her sister got pregnant and when I saw I was right… I was SICK. Them locking her ass inside the house with no way to communicate with anyone outside is actually insane ?? Pretty much giving her no decision if she wanted to keep the baby or get an abortion … I actually was so glad that Sarah included the “but dads against abortions” because that belief especially amongst men in power is so real and to have Dahlia say that “men in power are against abortion until they need it for their own selfish reasons” 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 YUP Sarah ate that up!
Ohmyfuckinggod when I read that Zach died….. I actually gasped and felt so defeated. Zach & Elena’s crumbs throughout the book were SO good and had me SOOO excited. One night after I read I went on good reads to see if this series had a second book, it does of course and when I read the book description I was SHOCKED Dahlia’s book was next and not Elena’s… after reading about Zach’s death…. It clicked I was SICK.
This book was so fucking good !!! 10/10 recommend!!
First 5✨ book for the month of July! WOW! I had no expectations for this book because it’s my first written by this author but I saw a list of some of the tropes and figured why not. I’m so glad I picked this book up because it’s quickly became a favorite book!
If you’re a fan of Small town Second Chance, forbidden romance with just the right amount of spice… you are going to absolutely LOVE this book too.
Darby was such a good character and complex in her own ways. She was raised a certain way and had expectations to follow but with spending that summer with her grandmother & meeting Leo she realized that being herself and making herself happy is just as good and important as making her family happy and living to their expectations. Her story was so sad and when we finally learn why she left abruptly that summer & what she went through omg I was SOBBING at like 2 in the morning 😭
LEO THE MAN THAT YOU ARE. I mean more men should take notes because WOW for having been dealt some pretty shitty cards he is SUCH a good man. I loved him throughout the entire book, I loved how he was such a voice of reason for Darby when they met that summer and really instilled some good values about herself and how it’s important to live your life for yourself and not for others. When he went to her after TEN years of not seeing/speaking to her after he gets a letter from her about her upcoming wedding…. OMG king! He loved Darby so much and HE DESERVED that happy ending with her.
I absolutely hate her fucking parents, if they have no haters it’s because I’m dead. I had a feeling they made Darby leave because her sister got pregnant and when I saw I was right… I was SICK. Them locking her ass inside the house with no way to communicate with anyone outside is actually insane ?? Pretty much giving her no decision if she wanted to keep the baby or get an abortion … I actually was so glad that Sarah included the “but dads against abortions” because that belief especially amongst men in power is so real and to have Dahlia say that “men in power are against abortion until they need it for their own selfish reasons” 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 YUP Sarah ate that up!
Ohmyfuckinggod when I read that Zach died….. I actually gasped and felt so defeated. Zach & Elena’s crumbs throughout the book were SO good and had me SOOO excited. One night after I read I went on good reads to see if this series had a second book, it does of course and when I read the book description I was SHOCKED Dahlia’s book was next and not Elena’s… after reading about Zach’s death…. It clicked I was SICK.
This book was so fucking good !!! 10/10 recommend!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2024
I am still in shock at the absolute MASTERPIECE of a book I just read. I mean there is not a single miss in this book. Everything about it was literal perfection and I will except 0 criticism from anyone about it.
This was my first Sarah book and it will absolutely NOT be my last. Her writing is some of the most beautiful work I've EVER read and I can't wait to dive into her backlist.
Being in my second chance romance era while reading this, I just have to say that NOBODY does dual timeline writing like Sarah Bailey. I am genuinely in awe at how she can change her writing style and tone to fit the time period of the chapter. The "then" chapters have that teenage dream, infatuation feeling through them. While the "now" chapter are written to show that they have grown up, become adults, and have different struggles of love and loss. I am truly blown away by her ability to toggle back and forth between the different tones so easily and seamlessly.
And the nicknames, don't even get me started. Those are some of the cutest and most creative nicknames I've heard from an author and they are PERFECT together. I love that they embodied their personalities so freaking well. I love the moments that their together, she was his honeysuckle and he was her heathen.
The plot was incredible, the emotion and twist and turns of the book were done beautifully, and the spice that had me SWEATING and reaching for my boyfriend.
I will never be the same after reading a book like this and I hope you all take a chance on Sarah Bailey and these two characters. There are books in your life that you read and haven't finished yet and think to yourself "this book has changed my soul, altered my brain chemistry, and broke and healed pieces of me I didn't know I needed healed." This was one of those books for me. It was an easy 5 stars before I even finished the book - but wrapping it up, I knew this was an infinity star read for me because I'd never be the same and always think about these two.
Also - special shoutout to Tori (@toriannreads) and Moe (@moereadsromance) for "lightly" bullying me into reading this book and meeting these characters. And Sarah Bailey for putting up with my unhingedness in her DMs. LOVE YOU - sorry not sorry LOL.
💚 Second Chance
🌊 Pro Surfer
💚 Dual Timeline
🌊 Found Family
💚 Forbidden Romance
🌊 Roadtrip
💚 Runaway Bride
🌊 Good Girl x Bad Boy
💚 Small Beach Town
🌊 "It's Always Been You"
This was my first Sarah book and it will absolutely NOT be my last. Her writing is some of the most beautiful work I've EVER read and I can't wait to dive into her backlist.
Being in my second chance romance era while reading this, I just have to say that NOBODY does dual timeline writing like Sarah Bailey. I am genuinely in awe at how she can change her writing style and tone to fit the time period of the chapter. The "then" chapters have that teenage dream, infatuation feeling through them. While the "now" chapter are written to show that they have grown up, become adults, and have different struggles of love and loss. I am truly blown away by her ability to toggle back and forth between the different tones so easily and seamlessly.
And the nicknames, don't even get me started. Those are some of the cutest and most creative nicknames I've heard from an author and they are PERFECT together. I love that they embodied their personalities so freaking well. I love the moments that their together, she was his honeysuckle and he was her heathen.
The plot was incredible, the emotion and twist and turns of the book were done beautifully, and the spice that had me SWEATING and reaching for my boyfriend.
I will never be the same after reading a book like this and I hope you all take a chance on Sarah Bailey and these two characters. There are books in your life that you read and haven't finished yet and think to yourself "this book has changed my soul, altered my brain chemistry, and broke and healed pieces of me I didn't know I needed healed." This was one of those books for me. It was an easy 5 stars before I even finished the book - but wrapping it up, I knew this was an infinity star read for me because I'd never be the same and always think about these two.
Also - special shoutout to Tori (@toriannreads) and Moe (@moereadsromance) for "lightly" bullying me into reading this book and meeting these characters. And Sarah Bailey for putting up with my unhingedness in her DMs. LOVE YOU - sorry not sorry LOL.
💚 Second Chance
🌊 Pro Surfer
💚 Dual Timeline
🌊 Found Family
💚 Forbidden Romance
🌊 Roadtrip
💚 Runaway Bride
🌊 Good Girl x Bad Boy
💚 Small Beach Town
🌊 "It's Always Been You"
August 6, 2024
Such a beautiful love story. My heavens.
I felt a strong connection with Darby. Growing up in strict, opinionated, and judgmental households can make it so difficult to find yourself, trust your instincts, and honestly just learn how to live. Reading about Darby’s summer in California was especially poignant because I can relate to what that must have felt like for her: an escape to a safe, non-judgmental place where she could discover who she is, what she believes, and what she wants without the burden of expectations and restrictive religious norms.
Leo is such a wonderful soul. His heart is so pure for someone with the “ghosts,” as he calls them, in his past. While this is all fictional, of course, I am just so glad they found each other when they did. He was everything she needed that summer, and she was everything he needed.
I won’t give any spoilers, but with this being a ✨second chance romance✨ and ✨dual-timeline✨, they spend many years apart after their high school summer together—a whole decade. Watching him pick up her broken pieces and her reclaim the person she was meant to be, all while in the safety of his (hot, surfer man 🥵🤭) arms, made for the best spicy (🌶️🌶️🌶️) summertime (or summer withdrawal) read.
I gave this 4.5 ⭐️. The final chapters had my soul bursting, and I am so excited to read the next one! Thank you Sarah A. Bailey for Heathen and Honeysuckle ♥️
I felt a strong connection with Darby. Growing up in strict, opinionated, and judgmental households can make it so difficult to find yourself, trust your instincts, and honestly just learn how to live. Reading about Darby’s summer in California was especially poignant because I can relate to what that must have felt like for her: an escape to a safe, non-judgmental place where she could discover who she is, what she believes, and what she wants without the burden of expectations and restrictive religious norms.
Leo is such a wonderful soul. His heart is so pure for someone with the “ghosts,” as he calls them, in his past. While this is all fictional, of course, I am just so glad they found each other when they did. He was everything she needed that summer, and she was everything he needed.
I won’t give any spoilers, but with this being a ✨second chance romance✨ and ✨dual-timeline✨, they spend many years apart after their high school summer together—a whole decade. Watching him pick up her broken pieces and her reclaim the person she was meant to be, all while in the safety of his (hot, surfer man 🥵🤭) arms, made for the best spicy (🌶️🌶️🌶️) summertime (or summer withdrawal) read.
I gave this 4.5 ⭐️. The final chapters had my soul bursting, and I am so excited to read the next one! Thank you Sarah A. Bailey for Heathen and Honeysuckle ♥️
August 16, 2024
5⭐️
I am absolutely speechless. This book was so good! If you’re a fan of second chance romance, please read this one!
I immediately knew it was going to be a five star read within the first few chapters. This is my first book from this author and it did not disappoint! The story was perfectly executed—from the pacing and the way she made the dual timelines work.
Leo and Darby are complex characters and have their own demons—or in this case, ghosts and wolves. They lean on one another for comfort which is what ultimately brings them together.
What I loved most about this book is how poetic it was. The writing was just so beautiful but also felt like a stab in the chest, in the best possible way. The love between Leo and Darby felt so deep and profound. You can literally feel the love, the pain and the angst coming off the pages. Like have you ever read a book where the author absolutely convinces you that two characters are quite literally made for each other?
This book gave me similar vibes Elsie Silver (specifically Powerless) and the poetic side gave me similar vibes to Jessa Hastings. I wish this book was talked about more. I highly recommend it because I swear it is so underrated. All of the second chance lovers would totally love this one. Just know it’s a sweet and emotional read.
Also, don’t forget to check content warnings before reading.
Read this if if you like:
— second chance romance
— dual timeline/pov
— it’s always been you
— bad boy x good girl
— runaway bride
I am absolutely speechless. This book was so good! If you’re a fan of second chance romance, please read this one!
I immediately knew it was going to be a five star read within the first few chapters. This is my first book from this author and it did not disappoint! The story was perfectly executed—from the pacing and the way she made the dual timelines work.
Leo and Darby are complex characters and have their own demons—or in this case, ghosts and wolves. They lean on one another for comfort which is what ultimately brings them together.
What I loved most about this book is how poetic it was. The writing was just so beautiful but also felt like a stab in the chest, in the best possible way. The love between Leo and Darby felt so deep and profound. You can literally feel the love, the pain and the angst coming off the pages. Like have you ever read a book where the author absolutely convinces you that two characters are quite literally made for each other?
This book gave me similar vibes Elsie Silver (specifically Powerless) and the poetic side gave me similar vibes to Jessa Hastings. I wish this book was talked about more. I highly recommend it because I swear it is so underrated. All of the second chance lovers would totally love this one. Just know it’s a sweet and emotional read.
Also, don’t forget to check content warnings before reading.
Read this if if you like:
— second chance romance
— dual timeline/pov
— it’s always been you
— bad boy x good girl
— runaway bride
May 10, 2024
Heathen & Honeysuckle
by : Sarah A. Bailey
⭐️���️ ⭐️ ⭐️
genre : romance
The way I DEVOURED THIS BOOK. I’m sorry but who said this book could be so damn cute. I mean the way I SWOONED. I am always a sucker for friends to lovers, second-chance romance, especially with dual pov & dual timeline ☺️ I am already giddy to return to Pacific Shores for book 2 whenever that may be!
anyway here are some main takeaways :
🤍 FOUR SQUEEZES!!!!! My heart. I cannot. The sweetest little gesture.
🤍 the family of friends that Leo and Darby have. I am a sucker for a great friend group.
🤍 DARBY’S GRANDMA!!!! the sweetest soul and I love how she really goes against Darby’s dad (cause he can suck it)!
🤍 the surprise that shall never be named cause I think it’s a big spoiler but the way my jaw hilt the floor and the way I wanted to punch Darby’s dad (can you tell I don’t like him very much)
🤍 LEO FREAKING GRAHM!!! I’m sorry but SIR is just a big ole Golden Retriever AND WE LOVE HIM FOR THAT!
🤍 the nicknames and how it all plays a part in the story and the successes they have as adults 😭
🤍 Darby! I mean she is just a ray of sunshine that is unfortunately dimmed by her parents. I am just so glad Darby was able to shine in Pacific Shores, even if it was only for a summer.
👎🏻 DARBY’S PARENTS!! I’m sorry but locking your daughter up for being pregnant, making your daughter marry a man she doesn’t love for a business deal?! What the heck people!! EVEN WHEN SHE IS AN ADULT! (Leo helped her find her worth but even sometimes he felt a little demanding..)
👎🏻 the ending, mainly because I JUST NEED MORE!!!!!
If you do anything, please make Pacific Shores your home along with me! It’s truly a heartwarming story with some great spice!!!! It’s everything you need in a Rom Com!!!
Thank you @sarahabaileyauthor for the advanced reader copy ! 💕 I cannot wait to revisit Pacific Shores again one day!
tropes :
✌️ second chance
🕰️ dual timeline
👯 friends to lovers
☀️ good girl x bad boy
🏡 small town
💌 “what letters?”
🙅♀️ forbidden first love
👨👩👧 found family
👰♀️ runaway bride
🏄♂️ pro surfer / surfer romance
🚗 road trip
👩❤️👨 “it’s always been you”
🏷️ #heathenandhoneysuckle #sarahabailey #romance #indieauthor #blythesbookstagram #bookish
#bookishpost #bookreview
by : Sarah A. Bailey
⭐️���️ ⭐️ ⭐️
genre : romance
The way I DEVOURED THIS BOOK. I’m sorry but who said this book could be so damn cute. I mean the way I SWOONED. I am always a sucker for friends to lovers, second-chance romance, especially with dual pov & dual timeline ☺️ I am already giddy to return to Pacific Shores for book 2 whenever that may be!
anyway here are some main takeaways :
🤍 FOUR SQUEEZES!!!!! My heart. I cannot. The sweetest little gesture.
🤍 the family of friends that Leo and Darby have. I am a sucker for a great friend group.
🤍 DARBY’S GRANDMA!!!! the sweetest soul and I love how she really goes against Darby’s dad (cause he can suck it)!
🤍 the surprise that shall never be named cause I think it’s a big spoiler but the way my jaw hilt the floor and the way I wanted to punch Darby’s dad (can you tell I don’t like him very much)
🤍 LEO FREAKING GRAHM!!! I’m sorry but SIR is just a big ole Golden Retriever AND WE LOVE HIM FOR THAT!
🤍 the nicknames and how it all plays a part in the story and the successes they have as adults 😭
🤍 Darby! I mean she is just a ray of sunshine that is unfortunately dimmed by her parents. I am just so glad Darby was able to shine in Pacific Shores, even if it was only for a summer.
👎🏻 DARBY’S PARENTS!! I’m sorry but locking your daughter up for being pregnant, making your daughter marry a man she doesn’t love for a business deal?! What the heck people!! EVEN WHEN SHE IS AN ADULT! (Leo helped her find her worth but even sometimes he felt a little demanding..)
👎🏻 the ending, mainly because I JUST NEED MORE!!!!!
If you do anything, please make Pacific Shores your home along with me! It’s truly a heartwarming story with some great spice!!!! It’s everything you need in a Rom Com!!!
Thank you @sarahabaileyauthor for the advanced reader copy ! 💕 I cannot wait to revisit Pacific Shores again one day!
tropes :
✌️ second chance
🕰️ dual timeline
👯 friends to lovers
☀️ good girl x bad boy
🏡 small town
💌 “what letters?”
🙅♀️ forbidden first love
👨👩👧 found family
👰♀️ runaway bride
🏄♂️ pro surfer / surfer romance
🚗 road trip
👩❤️👨 “it’s always been you”
🏷️ #heathenandhoneysuckle #sarahabailey #romance #indieauthor #blythesbookstagram #bookish
#bookishpost #bookreview
October 6, 2024
Darby & Leo 💖 (a) Heathen & (his) Honeysuckle
Ugh this book made me feel ALL of the feels. Told in a then and now timeline dual POV, which one of my faves. Heathen & Honeysuckle is a second chance romance between childhood lovers.
Leo comes to Darby’s rescue on her wedding day to bring her back to the only place that has ever felt like home to her Pacific Shores California, where she fell in love with him during the summer when she was 17 years old.
I am married to the boy I met on the first day of high school, so reading Darby and Leo’s story gave me ALL of those butterfly feelings I felt when I fell in love with my husband. Those first love, first experience kind of moments. Leo is so sweet to Darby and would do anything for her. I love how he encouraged her to find her fearlessness and helped her find who she is.
I also adore Darby and Dahlias relationship as sisters and I am so happy they have each other. I love Dahlia; and I’m currently arc reading her book.
Ugh this book is just so beautifully written and I think one of the cutest love stories I have read this year. I really adored it.
It does touch on some heavy topics so please check trigger warnings and always take care of yourself 💖
Ugh this book made me feel ALL of the feels. Told in a then and now timeline dual POV, which one of my faves. Heathen & Honeysuckle is a second chance romance between childhood lovers.
Leo comes to Darby’s rescue on her wedding day to bring her back to the only place that has ever felt like home to her Pacific Shores California, where she fell in love with him during the summer when she was 17 years old.
I am married to the boy I met on the first day of high school, so reading Darby and Leo’s story gave me ALL of those butterfly feelings I felt when I fell in love with my husband. Those first love, first experience kind of moments. Leo is so sweet to Darby and would do anything for her. I love how he encouraged her to find her fearlessness and helped her find who she is.
I also adore Darby and Dahlias relationship as sisters and I am so happy they have each other. I love Dahlia; and I’m currently arc reading her book.
Ugh this book is just so beautifully written and I think one of the cutest love stories I have read this year. I really adored it.
It does touch on some heavy topics so please check trigger warnings and always take care of yourself 💖
May 7, 2024
4⭐️ / 3🌶
I really enjoyed this! I love a good second chance romance where we get “then” and “now" chapters. This really adds some mystery and tension to the story which I appreciate. I loved Leo and Darby, they were so sweet with each other and it was obvious that their feelings ran deep despite the short time they spent together as teenagers. The way that they supported each other through their tough memories and family troubles was very mature. I felt like the story covered a good amount of time and moved at a pretty consistent pace. The chapters switched off every other with then/now and between Leo’s and Darby’s POV. I liked that we saw both POVs, but switching so frequently could be a little bit confusing. I’d sometimes forget what was happening in the then/now when the time swapped or had to reorient myself in the POV. But this was something I got used to and I didn’t notice it so much when I was reading for a longer stretch of time! Would definitely recommend this to any angsty second chance romance fans!
Thank you so much to Sarah and her team for the eARC🫶🏻
I really enjoyed this! I love a good second chance romance where we get “then” and “now" chapters. This really adds some mystery and tension to the story which I appreciate. I loved Leo and Darby, they were so sweet with each other and it was obvious that their feelings ran deep despite the short time they spent together as teenagers. The way that they supported each other through their tough memories and family troubles was very mature. I felt like the story covered a good amount of time and moved at a pretty consistent pace. The chapters switched off every other with then/now and between Leo’s and Darby’s POV. I liked that we saw both POVs, but switching so frequently could be a little bit confusing. I’d sometimes forget what was happening in the then/now when the time swapped or had to reorient myself in the POV. But this was something I got used to and I didn’t notice it so much when I was reading for a longer stretch of time! Would definitely recommend this to any angsty second chance romance fans!
Thank you so much to Sarah and her team for the eARC🫶🏻
August 5, 2024
⭐️| 2.5-3🌶️
•synopsis•
Good girl Darby meets rebellious/bad boy Leo one summer in Pacific Shores, California while staying with her grandma. They spend the summer together as friends & fall hard for each other as more. They start planning a future together until one night Darby leaves unexpectedly in the middle of the night leaving Leo heartbroken & making every effort to contact Darby until he gives up.
It’s a decade later & Darby’s decision still haunts her. Her heart still belongs to the boy whose heart she broke. Leo receives a letter from Darby days before her wedding to another man, but Darby swears she didn’t send the letter that was never meant to be sent…& now Leo is giving her the out she so desperately craves with the man who stole
her heart all those years ago. Can they get the second chance their love deserves?
read if you like:
🌊second chance
☀️then/now timeline
🌊it’s always been you
☀️”what letters”
🌊secret-ish tattoos
☀️young love to adult reconnection
🌊road trip
My Thoughts 💭
THE second chance romance of all second chance romance books! THIS. THIS IS THE ONE. I am absolutely obsessed, still thinking about Leo & Darby. I will ALWAYS love a second chance/they find their way back to each other love romance. It is quite literally my favorite. You throw in the then/now timeline & I’M INVESTED👏🏼 the tension & angst of this story just had me on edge in the best way! The way this book was the absolute perfect mix of romance, emotion,& spice! I mean it’s a damn trifecta!
You have the innocence of young summer love, then once in a lifetime love, lost love, it’s always been you love, wrapped up with a road trip & a man that is literally the gold standard plus delicious spice—that mirror scene was 🔥🧊🫠
Sarahs writing is captivating! I finished this book in a day…literally couldn’t put it down…& had over 130
highlights😅 honestly Leo is just the damn STANDARD!
I cannot wait for book two in the Pacific Shores series!
•synopsis•
Good girl Darby meets rebellious/bad boy Leo one summer in Pacific Shores, California while staying with her grandma. They spend the summer together as friends & fall hard for each other as more. They start planning a future together until one night Darby leaves unexpectedly in the middle of the night leaving Leo heartbroken & making every effort to contact Darby until he gives up.
It’s a decade later & Darby’s decision still haunts her. Her heart still belongs to the boy whose heart she broke. Leo receives a letter from Darby days before her wedding to another man, but Darby swears she didn’t send the letter that was never meant to be sent…& now Leo is giving her the out she so desperately craves with the man who stole
her heart all those years ago. Can they get the second chance their love deserves?
read if you like:
🌊second chance
☀️then/now timeline
🌊it’s always been you
☀️”what letters”
🌊secret-ish tattoos
☀️young love to adult reconnection
🌊road trip
My Thoughts 💭
THE second chance romance of all second chance romance books! THIS. THIS IS THE ONE. I am absolutely obsessed, still thinking about Leo & Darby. I will ALWAYS love a second chance/they find their way back to each other love romance. It is quite literally my favorite. You throw in the then/now timeline & I’M INVESTED👏🏼 the tension & angst of this story just had me on edge in the best way! The way this book was the absolute perfect mix of romance, emotion,& spice! I mean it’s a damn trifecta!
You have the innocence of young summer love, then once in a lifetime love, lost love, it’s always been you love, wrapped up with a road trip & a man that is literally the gold standard plus delicious spice—that mirror scene was 🔥🧊🫠
Sarahs writing is captivating! I finished this book in a day…literally couldn’t put it down…& had over 130
highlights😅 honestly Leo is just the damn STANDARD!
I cannot wait for book two in the Pacific Shores series!
September 17, 2024
I will simply never recover.
I want to come back and write a full review but that was hands down one of the most beautiful love stories I have ever read. Not only were Leo and Darby meant to be in every way, but the writing was absolutely outstanding.
I have more highlights in this book than any other I’ve read this year and it made me kick my feet like a little girl for so much of it! I’m so in love with their love and I cannot believe I put off reading this for so long.
No one better make me leave Pacific Shores any time soon because .. no.
I want to come back and write a full review but that was hands down one of the most beautiful love stories I have ever read. Not only were Leo and Darby meant to be in every way, but the writing was absolutely outstanding.
I have more highlights in this book than any other I’ve read this year and it made me kick my feet like a little girl for so much of it! I’m so in love with their love and I cannot believe I put off reading this for so long.
No one better make me leave Pacific Shores any time soon because .. no.
June 16, 2024
this book is INFINITY STARS
♾️/⭐️
I LOVED LEO AND DARBY SO MUCH
SARAH. BABE. YOU KILLED THIS ONE!!!!! I am so in love with this story and these characters. Your writing is phenomenal. I could read about them forever🥹
This has everything you could want in a book. Second chance, dual timeline, runaway bride, road trip, one bed, EYES ON ME. Literally everything.
this is one of the best second chance books I have EVER read. It is over 400 pages long but it does not feel like it at all and I would read 400+ more pages of them. I could read about them forever I love them so much
This is my official petition to get daily updates from Leo & Darby and the crew in Pacific Shores🌊
♾️/⭐️
I LOVED LEO AND DARBY SO MUCH
SARAH. BABE. YOU KILLED THIS ONE!!!!! I am so in love with this story and these characters. Your writing is phenomenal. I could read about them forever🥹
This has everything you could want in a book. Second chance, dual timeline, runaway bride, road trip, one bed, EYES ON ME. Literally everything.
this is one of the best second chance books I have EVER read. It is over 400 pages long but it does not feel like it at all and I would read 400+ more pages of them. I could read about them forever I love them so much
This is my official petition to get daily updates from Leo & Darby and the crew in Pacific Shores🌊
May 24, 2024
I loved so much about this story! So many things I love all in one book: a second chance romance, surfing main character, the Pacific Shore beach location, falling in love at the beach, the bad boy vibes, it was always you!
The way the story is told in the dual timelines and from dual point of view. It fills in the pieces of the story slowly as to what happened in past to bring the characters where they are now. You get to know a little bit more about each of the characters as time goes on and fall in love with them as they slowly find their place.
Darby and Leo will always have a special place in my heart!
The way the story is told in the dual timelines and from dual point of view. It fills in the pieces of the story slowly as to what happened in past to bring the characters where they are now. You get to know a little bit more about each of the characters as time goes on and fall in love with them as they slowly find their place.
Darby and Leo will always have a special place in my heart!
June 19, 2024
oh wow i loved this one SO much
if you are looking for a "you came?", "you called" second chance romance... this needs to be your next read
i am so incredibly impressed by sarah's writing, i simply could not put this one down. it is the perfect summer romance if you are looking for a lil angst!!
i just loveeeddd this book, check ur tws friends but def pick this one up!
if you are looking for a "you came?", "you called" second chance romance... this needs to be your next read
i am so incredibly impressed by sarah's writing, i simply could not put this one down. it is the perfect summer romance if you are looking for a lil angst!!
i just loveeeddd this book, check ur tws friends but def pick this one up!
August 18, 2024
This book is super sweet for anyone who enjoys a second chance romance. It does deal with some heavy topics, so please check trigger warnings.
What to know:
Second chance for first loves
Forbidden love
Nicknames
Time jumps
Found family
What to know:
Second chance for first loves
Forbidden love
Nicknames
Time jumps
Found family
September 14, 2024
this is what I need all second chance romance books to be from now on!!!!!
May 12, 2024
Don’t know how it happened but thank you Sarah A. Bailey for allowing me to be a part of your ARC group for this book.
Ah where do I start! H&H satisfied everything I want in a second chance romance:
Dual POV AND Dual timeline.
Just the right amount of angst.
A heartthrob mmc
a strong yet complicated fmc.
And of course SPICE.
I first rated it 3.5 but it gave me 90s nostalgia, I had to bump it up. Teenage would have ate this up.
I will say I wish the story was more fleshed out. Everything happened so fast.
But it was still good. If you wanna read something tooth achingly sweet, read this!
Ah where do I start! H&H satisfied everything I want in a second chance romance:
Dual POV AND Dual timeline.
Just the right amount of angst.
A heartthrob mmc
a strong yet complicated fmc.
And of course SPICE.
I first rated it 3.5 but it gave me 90s nostalgia, I had to bump it up. Teenage would have ate this up.
I will say I wish the story was more fleshed out. Everything happened so fast.
But it was still good. If you wanna read something tooth achingly sweet, read this!
September 15, 2024
a summer book with heart, spice and the most beautiful writing
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