Once We Met

Brandywood #3

by Annabelle McCormack

For years, Avery Moretti has envisioned getting married at the Serendipity Lake Lodge in Brandywood, Maryland. It's her home away from home, the vacation spot where her family has been coming for decades. But when she arrives two weeks before her wedding to finalize the details, she's met with a huge the Serendipity is under new ownership and construction and her planned wedding isn't on the books. And the worst part? The new owner is the first guy she ever fell for—and never quite got over. Buying the Serendipity was supposed to be Dan Klein's "fresh start" after leaving the police force. Things seem to be going pretty well until Avery arrives at his doorstep. Now he's tasked with trying to make the lodge work for Avery's wedding, a job he doesn't relish. After all, Avery broke his heart, and badly. Plus he's never really forgiven what happened that summer so long ago, so why can't he help the desire to help her anyway? As Avery and Dan face one disaster after another trying to salvage her wedding, unresolved feelings seem to be simmering to the surface once again. But some things are better left in the past—aren't they?

A contemporary romance with steamy, open door romance and tear-jerking moments about second chance love, Once We Met is the third book in the Brandywood Small Town Romance Series. emotional abuse, strong language

Genres: Romance, Second Chance, Fiction

394 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 11, 2023

About the author

Annabelle McCormack writes historical romantic fiction, fantasy romance, and contemporary romance packed with sprawling adventures, epic love, and soulmates who just can’t stay away from each other (even when the world is falling apart). If there’s a sweeping love story with high stakes and deep emotions, she’s probably writing it—or at least dreaming about it while chasing down her next cup of coffee.

When she’s not wrangling words, she’s wrangling five home-schooled kids, a couple of dogs, and an unreasonable amount of books in Maryland. If life had more hours (and less laundry), she’d be traveling, painting, or becoming a professional pastry chef. For now, she’s content with baking, reading, lifting heavy things at the gym, and plotting her next great escape—er, novel.

Follow her adventures (both literary and domestic) on Instagram, or sign up for her newsletter at her website!

Reviews

[Danielle B · Rating 4 out of 5]

ONCE WE MET is the third book in the Brandywood series, but can also be read as a stand-alone. I love a book that makes me laugh and smile and that's exactly what this one did. From the beginning, I felt bad for Avery as everything she had planned for her wedding to Bryan was not working out. However, with Dan's help, she was still trying to make it happen. As she spent time with Dan, she began to reflect on their past together and rethink about if Bryan was really the right person for her. I became invested and couldn't wait to see how it would end. I highly recommend adding this sweet romance to your collection.

Many thanks to Annabelle McCormick for my gifted copy.

This review will be shared to my Instagram (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.

[Kims.reading.nook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avery will never forget the last holiday she spent with her parents at the Serendipity Inn in Brandywood 12 years ago. She may only have been 18, but her whirlwind romance with Dan Klein forever changed her life.

Now, she's returning to the Inn for the first time to prepare for her wedding in two weeks. But to her horror, she discovers that the old owner passed away several months ago and the new owner is none other than her first love Dan. Her reservation seems to have been lost... and he's midway through a renovation.

Dan can't believe that Avery is standing in front of him again. The week they spent together was the best of his life, but lead to devastating consequences for him. The Inn has no furniture, is missing walls and the garden is a mess, but he can't say no to the woman he once shared everything with. Together, and with the help of their family and friends, can they bring the Inn back to life in time for the wedding? Or will fate have other plans...

Thank you to Author @annabellemccormack & @booksirens for providing me with book 3 of the Brandywood Small Town Romance series. I genuinely can't remember the last time I devoured a series like this and felt as invested in the characters. I am SO glad that Dan got the chance to overcome the man we met in book 1. To see him as a loving family man and understand his history better made me so happy (and his passion for Avery throughout the dual timeline was 🔥).

I can't wait for book 4 in the series, Until Forever Ends, to publish on the 14th of November 2023 ❤

[Kristi C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won Once We Met in the Goodreads book giveaways, and I was so excited! I am so thankful to Goodreads and Annabelle McCormack for the free book and opportunity to be exposed to a new author and book series.

This was another winner in the Brandywood Small Town Romance series, and I loved the storyline and characters. I enjoyed how the book flowed, switching from past to now, not to mention a fun epilogue. Once We Met is the third book, and although it could be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading books one and two (All This Time and I’ll Carry You) first. It helps to know the characters and storylines when they are referenced and gives more depth to the books. Plus, they are all wonderful reads, and I can’t wait for the fourth installment, set to be released in November 2023.

I was so attached to the characters and was completely engrossed, laughing and tearing up throughout the book, along with cringing at times with some characters.

Annabelle McCormack is a talented author and very personable. I am definitely going to explore her other books as well.

*I received this book as a free giveaway, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*

[Em (semi-hiatus) · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had to fight off yawns, and the MCs had zero chemistry.

[Patricia Baxes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Other than being about 20 chapters too long, this was a pretty good read. The storyline was pretty darn interesting; the characters were alright; the plot twists and turns resulted in a darn good lead into the ending; and the HEA was really great. This was a good read, just way too long. 🫤 (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and really liked the ending!) ❤️

[ChloeElizabethReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

DAN KLEIN !!!! i adore you !!

4.25⭐️

[Mary Jackson _TheMaryReader · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love second chance romances and love the way the whole series pulls you in and you can't stop reading. This book can be read as a standalone but why would you the whole series is good. I love the lime green cover it just screams summer read.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.

[Di · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I started reading this story, I couldn't put it down. I read the book in one day. This author is an awesome writer. I cannot wait to read more of their books. Keep up the great work. You should definitely read this book.

[Love_booksforlife Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once We Met by Annabelle McCormack

-second chance
-small town
-series of interconnected books
-two timelines

Avery met Dan years ago while on vacation at a lakeside lodge and feel in love but circumstances pulled them apart. Now, Avery is back at the lodge for her wedding not realizing Dan is the new owner.

I adore this series so much. Brandywood is one of my favorite escapes. This installment is my favorite so far. Dan was always in the background of the other novels but he’s finally front and center. My whole opinion of him quickly changed. I absolutely adore him. His and Avery’s love story is such a good second chance story! They are clearly meant to be. I can’t wait to continue with this series.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a journey I love them

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Brandywood Small Town Romance series. Each book is a stand alone featuring a different couple but you do get glimpses of past characters. I definitely recommend reading the whole series - they were all 5 stars for me!!

Avery is happily engaged, at least she thinks so, but when she returns to Brandywood and finds her wedding venue closed, she is reunited with her first love, Dan. I love a second chance romance, and this one did not disappoint! I loved the flashbacks and Avery’s supportive best friend. And seeing Avery realize that she deserved better than her current situation was awesome!

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite in the Brandywood series so far! I liked the complexity of the storyline and that I couldn’t completely predict what was going to happen. As a reader, I loved it - there was so much “mess” that I wondered how the characters would work their way through it and back to each other. The dual timelines worked well for this story. Another fantastic read by author Annabelle McCormack!

I received an advance review copy for free via the author and BookSirens and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rajiv · Rating 4 out of 5]

[Blog]::[Youtube]::[Twitter]::[Instagram]::[Pinterest]::[Bloglovin]

[image error]

This series has been entertaining from the beginning, and “Once We Met” is a lovely addition. The emotional tension between Dan and Avery is evident as they revisit their past and try to navigate their present. Their connection is undeniable from the beginning, and their chemistry is palpable. The author wrote the characters also well as individuals, as we see the conflicts that shape Avery’s life, showing her struggles with her parents’ actions and their impact on her relationships and self-esteem. I also loved Dan for his conflicting emotions about Avery and how he hopes he doesn’t turn out like his father. The supporting characters, such as Erika, Warren, and Corbin, add depth and warmth to the narrative, providing unwavering support to the couple. Similarly, Bryan’s attitude, Melissa’s hostility, and the mishaps at the Serendipity Lodge create tension and keep me engaged.

I also adored how the author touched on the emotions. The story portrays trust, loyalty, and taking responsibility for one’s actions. Moreover, it was cute how the author toggled between the various timelines of their past to see how it changed them. It is heartwarming to see how their connection has endured over the years and how fate has brought them back together. Moreover, the lighthearted and adventurous moments, such as the raccoon and bikini incident and the poison ivy mishap, provide comic relief and balance out the more emotional aspects of the story. I was also surprised by the rather exciting climax towards the end, which added a touch of thrilling adventure to the tale. This book will surely make you smile once you finish reading it.

In conclusion, “Once We Met” is a delightful and engaging read, perfect for anyone who enjoys a heartwarming and adventurous romance.

[Rhyann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ARC!

Welp, there goes a piece of my heart. Ngl, this story broke a little piece of me. Having read other stories by Annabelle McCormack, I knew from the get-go that the angst factor in this story would probably eat me alive. But, I also knew that I would fall in love with the characters!

Avery is the proverbial rich-girl FMC. She lives the high life, with her cardiologist(?) fiancé, graphic designer job and seemingly-perfect-everything. But, we find out pretty quickly, that just like the rest of us mere mortals, she, too, has a "one-that-got-away".

Dan. Sweet, patient, kind, Dan. He might be my favorite MMC of this series so far. Avery was his first love, but the consequences of their short, but intense relationship have left him a shell of the man that he could've become, and a seemingly a little lost.

Avery and Dan first fell in love one Summer when they were 18. Despite being from opposite sides of the tracks, they were drawn to each other and fell in love in the span of a few days.

Of course, the week that they spent together ended in disaster, crushing Avery, destroying Dan's future and tearing them apart forever... Or so they thought.

It's twelve years later that Avery decides to get married at a quaint little lodge, only to find out that Dan is the new owner of the place. And the sparks that existed twelve years ago spring back to life almost instantly.

I won't give too much away, but Dan acknowledges his feelings for her almost instantly. Despite the fact that she supposedly destroyed his future and friendships with a single lie, he just can't see her as the enemy. Avery is a lot more hesitant, mistaking her attraction to him as nerves about getting the lodge ready in time for the wedding.

Now, I absolutely detest the misunderstanding/misinformation trope. But, in this case, it worked out pretty well, because it ended up making Avery's parents the real antagonists of the story, and happened at no fault of the MCs.

This story had so many realistic ups and downs, and while I was impatient about Avery taking forever to acknowledge her feelings for Dan, my heart hurt for her. She didn't deserve to bear the brunt of the hurt that her parents had caused. They were the absolute worst. And even though the author tried to make them somewhat redeemable in the end, I couldn't be convinced.

4 ⭐️

NOTE: ARC received in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a heartwarming romance story that takes place at the beautiful Serendipity Lake Lodge in Brandywood, Maryland. The novel follows the story of Avery Moretti and Dan Klein, two former lovers who are reunited when Avery returns to the lodge to finalize the details of her dream wedding. However, their reunion is far from what they both expected, as the lodge is under new ownership and undergoing major renovations, and Avery's wedding is not even on the books. Avery has always dreamt of getting married at the Serendipity Lake Lodge, as it holds a special place in her heart and has been her family's vacation spot for years. But with the new owner being none other than her first love, Dan, things become complicated and emotions from the past resurface. Dan, who left his job as a police officer to start fresh, is now faced with the task of making the lodge work for Avery's wedding. He is still bitter about the way their relationship ended and is reluctant to help her, but the chemistry between them is undeniable.
As Avery and Dan work together to salvage her wedding plans, old feelings start to resurface, and they are forced to confront the unresolved issues from their past. The author does a fantastic job of portraying the complex emotions and tension between the two characters, making the reader feel invested in their story. The chemistry between Avery and Dan is palpable, and their interactions are both heartwarming and heart-wrenching.
One of the things I loved about this book is the setting. The Serendipity Lake Lodge is described in such vivid detail that it becomes a character in itself. The picturesque backdrop of the lodge adds an enchanting element to the story and makes it even more romantic. The author's writing style is captivating and engaging, making it hard to put the book down. This is a story about second chances, forgiveness, and the power of true love. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good romance novel with a beautiful setting and well-developed characters.

[Jxn · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Annabelle McCormack's captivating novel, "Once We Met," readers are transported to the serene landscapes of Brandywood, Maryland, and introduced to a charming cast of characters entangled in a web of love, loss, and second chances. At the heart of the story lies Avery Moretti, a young woman whose dream of a perfect wedding at the Serendipity Lake Lodge turns into a nightmare when she discovers that the venue has been sold and her plans are in jeopardy. Fate takes an unexpected turn when she encounters Dan Klein, the new owner and the man who once held her heart. Dan, a former police officer seeking a fresh start, finds himself caught between his lingering resentment towards Avery and a lingering desire to help her salvage her wedding. As they navigate one disaster after another in their quest to make Avery's dream a reality, unresolved emotions resurface, challenging their ability to move forward. The story delves into the complexities of relationships, forgiveness, and the enduring power of love amidst the backdrop of a picturesque lake lodge. McCormack's writing is both heartfelt and humorous, capturing the nuances of human emotions with sensitivity and wit. Her characters are relatable and well-developed, allowing readers to connect with their struggles and triumphs. The author's vivid descriptions of the Serendipity Lake Lodge and the surrounding countryside transport readers to a place of tranquility and beauty, creating an immersive experience. "Once We Met" is more than just a love story; it's a journey of self-discovery and healing. Through Avery and Dan's experiences, readers are reminded of the importance of letting go of past hurts, embracing second chances, and finding the courage to love again. With its engaging plot, endearing characters, and thought-provoking themes, Annabelle McCormack's novel is a delightful read that will leave readers feeling uplifted and inspired. Whether you're a fan of romantic comedies, heartwarming stories, or simply great storytelling, "Once We Met" is a book that should not be missed.

[Elizabeth Wall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Annabelle McCormmack, Victory Editing and NetGalley for an advanced copy of “Once We Met” for an honest review.

This was an entertaining book about two people who met and had a one week whirlwind romance at 18 with fallout that affected them (and others) 12 years later when they meet up again.

Avery Moretti is determined to have her fairytale wedding at Serendipity Lodge, a place she and her family visited every summer since she was small. Dan is an ex-cop and new owner of the dilapidated Serendipity Lodge. Through some miscommunication, Dan was never told of Avery’s reservations for the two weeks and also was stunned when she showed up after 12 years. She was equally thrown for a loop. The Avery he once knew has been supplanted by a fearful and controlled woman due to her fiancé.

The story delved into issues of friendship, trauma, parental relationships, first love, and how a controlling person/people can create lasting damage.

I think the book had a ton of promise. The main issue for me was twofold: 1) I just didn’t feel the chemistry between the two main characters, and 2)there was a disproportionate telling to showing and that may be why I didn’t feel the chemistry.

I think this could be edited into a much tighter book, with less of Avery going back and forth in her head over the same things multiple times. We know she is torn and that her justification of her fiancé’s behavior is due to her mother’s over-controlling of Avery. I think it was overdone and more subtly would have had a great impact-at least with me.

However, this is just one reader’s opinion. All the other reviews I see are very positive and so I am in the minority with my review. I have not read any of her other books that take place in this story’s universe so maybe if I had, it would have landed better with me.

[Melissa (Nissa_the.bookworm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
🌈 love a happy ending
💔 never got over your first love
⛰️ got married in the mountains
❌ have ever had to make a hard decision

• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓

For years, Avery Moretti has envisioned getting married at the Serendipity Lake Lodge in Brandywood, Maryland. It's her home away from home, the vacation spot where her family has been coming for decades. But when she arrives two weeks before her wedding to finalize the details, she's met with a huge shock: the Serendipity is under new ownership and construction and her planned wedding isn't on the books. And the worst part? The new owner is the first guy she ever fell for—and never quite got over.

Buying the Serendipity was supposed to be Dan Klein's "fresh start" after leaving the police force. Things seem to be going pretty well until Avery arrives at his doorstep. Now he's tasked with trying to make the lodge work for Avery's wedding, a job he doesn't relish. After all, Avery broke his heart, and badly. Plus he's never really forgiven what happened that summer so long ago, so why can't he resist the desire to help her anyway?

As Avery and Dan face one disaster after another trying to salvage her wedding, unresolved feelings seem to be simmering to the surface once again. But some things are better left in the past—aren't they?

• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒

This was such a cute romcom, perfectly balanced with sweet and funny scenes. I could relate to Avery’s character too, especially if I found myself in such a situation. Unfortunately, Bryan simply wasn’t right for Avery. While I wasn’t really surprised with how things ended, I loved the build up and the journey to the destination! I highly recommend if you love to read romcoms!

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore the small town of Brandywood that Annabelle McCormack has created. And with every novel she fans the flames of romance for someone in this cozy lakeshore town.

Dan Klein has taken some hard knocks in life, with family and with women - especially for his first love, Avery Moretti. Having recently gone through another bad breakup, Dan purchased the Serenity Lake Lodge, where he worked as a teen. The very same place he met and fell for Avery.

Avery is about to be married, and her dream is to be married at the Serenity Lake Lodge. When she arrives she is alarmed to find it is under construction… but is completely shocked to find Dan now owns it - and her heart is not sure what to do.

This is a fantastic second chance, first love romance. I loved how Dan and Avery’s teenage storyline was woven in so we understood what happened to tear them apart. My heart went out to Dan; I remembered the family stuff he went through in the previous books and now he’s put through the wringer by these women too. You just want to hug him! He even works so hard to get the lodge in order to make Avery’s wedding perfect, although they both clearly are feeling something stirring.

This book sheds some light on controlling and emotionally abusive partners, which I thought was well done. I enjoyed being on the streets of Brandywood, with the shops, diner, and all the faces I now recognize, and watching Dan and Avery find their way back to each other. I can’t wait for the next book to see whose turn it is to fall in love.

Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @annabellemccormack for a spot on tour and a gifted book.

[Melissa Biggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the first two books in the series, I am surprised that this one has me rooting for Dan Klein. In the first book, he is so awful to Sam and Garrett that I hated him. In the next book, I got over hating him and at least saw he was trying to do the right thing and was a good brother to Jen. This book gave so much insight into why Dan acted the way he didn’t in the past and made you root for him to succeed in his attempt to improve himself. The only thing I wished we got on Dan’s road to being a better man was I wish we got a conversation between Jen and Dan over who is the family screw-up because I think I would have done both some good.

Avery is a little spoiled and clueless which is somehow a good match for Dan. Her biggest struggle is trying to figure out what she actually wants and not what others are projecting onto her. I was so glad she was able to figure out who she was and that Dan was one of the few people that let her be herself without trying to push her to be someone else.

I loved the last chapter! It was cute to see it was always him! I also like how the three different times of the story were weaved together well and made the story stronger showing how Avery and Dan got to where they were.

The only thing I wished is for more steamy scenes between Dan and Avery

The Brandywood series is truly about realizing the love that is right in front of you and past mistakes aren’t what define you.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Karla · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 stars
2/5 spice

Second chance romance in a small town setting... the perfect recipe for some drama to happen and sparks to rekindle...

Tropes:
Second chance romance
Forbidden romance
Small town
First love

I loved how we got the different timelines, not just from when Avery and Dan first met but also how things developed with Avery and her fiance, Bryan...(booooo Bryan) But that additional timeline really gave you a sense of how deeply Avery got sucked into the toxic relationship she was in. It's never easy for me to see an FMC put up with a controlling and selfish relationship because it is triggering... but when she finally sees the light, it is soooo rewarding.

But enough about Bryan (boooo Bryan)

Can I just say that I'm so happy the author gave Dan a redeeming story. I swear I really hated him in the first book of the series, but I'm glad he had his moment. He grew and learned from his mistakes. He owned up to his terrible behavior and worked hard to make up for it and be better. And for him to finally get his HEA with the girl who got away...*chefs kiss*

Overall, it is a great second chance romance that delivers in those deep emotions with a first love. Highly recommend for fans of small town romance and a redeeming character arc for the MMC.

Trigger/Content warnings:
Toxic relationship, gaslighting, emotional abuse, controlling parents, miscommunication, sexual content, underage drinking, kidnapping, infidelity (not among MCs)

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you @annabellemccormack and @suzyapprovedbooktours for the #gifted book.

I love a small town romance. The only problem with small towns is that everyone knows your business.

Dan has a past as a bully. After his latest breakup he decided he needed a change. He quit the police force and purchased the Serendipity Lodge. The Lodge has been vacant for several months and is in need of major repair.

Avery has dreamed of having her wedding at Serendipity Lodge. Her family vacationed there every summer. When she arrives two weeks before her wedding, not only is the Lodge under construction, but she finds it is owned by her first true love.

The lodge is a disaster, the caterer, has cancelled and Avery’s mom shows up early. Whats worse is all those unresolved feelings for Dan are returning.

I enjoyed this second chance romance. Even though the breakup with Avery 12 years ago broke his heart, Dan wanted to do everything to make her wedding perfect. I like that the author took us back 12 years to see what happened the first time Avery and Dan met. Avery’s friend Erica was fun and she knew how to handle Avery’s overbearing mother. This is the third book in the Brandywood Small Town Romance but can be read as a stand alone. I am looking forward to reading the first two books.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avery. If you look up people pleaser in the dictionary you'll see her picture. She's spent her entire life being who others want her to be. That's why Brandywood's Serendipity Lodge is so special, it's her favourite vacation spot & the only place she's every felt herself.

Dan. He's one of Brandywood's finest in men in blue, until his ex ruins his name causing him to quit the force. Now jobless he buys the Serendipity Lodge where he worked as a teen. The beautiful farmhouse lodge is set on the outskirts of town, making it the perfect place to retreat.

Years ago, when they were both 18, they met at the Serendipity. They spent one amazing week falling hard & fast. But one-night leads to mistakes that changes the course of their lives.

Twelve years later Avery returns to find Dan is the new owner of her wedding venue, the Serendipity. They try to keep their distance, but like years before they're drawn to each other. The more time they spend together the more she realizes it's time to stop people pleasing & finally start making choices that make her happy. Is her pending marriage really what she wants or just what's expected of her?

This was my first Annabelle McCormick read & I absolutely LOVED it. It's second chance romance done right. I never felt bad for Avery's fiancé, I was too busy routing for her & Dan. It's dual POV, which I love, but also dual timeline. The flashbacks are so well done & kept me hooked. Each chapter works toward what tore them apart & with each one I realized it wasn't going to be what I expected. It was even better because damn, Dan is so much more selfless than I thought. There's also an amazing slow burn and we see a quick love triangle when the fiancé actually shows up for the wedding.

If you like second chance, smalltown, slow burns you'll wanna read this one. And while you're at it add the rest of the series to your TBR, because I know I am.

Thanks #netgalley for the DRC.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avery had always dreamed of having her wedding at the Serendipity in Brandywood after spending a week each summer of her life there. It was one place that always felt like home. What she didn't expect on this trip was to run into Dan Klein and have the Setendipity to be in shambles.

Dan bought the Serendipity after the previous owner passed away and as a fresh start after feeling like nothing he did was ever good enough. Coming face to face with Avery, his first love, after 18 years and her demanding that her wedding is supposed to be held there in 2 weeks was not what he was picturing.

They both put in the time (along with friends and family) and get the Serendipity wedding ready, but along the way, they learn things about themselves and each other. They still have amazing chemistry, but Avery is getting married. It seems it's too little too late…

I was not sure I was going to like this book. Dan just came across as such a nasty man, I wasn't sure he had any redeeming qualities and then this book flipped everything I thought about him. Dan and Avery were just the best! I can't wait for more from Brandywood.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily providing my review.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Book 3 in the Brandywood Small Town Romance series. I enjoyed the previous books in the series and this one was also a lovely read. Avery has her heart set on getting married at Serendipity Lake Lodge. She has so many happy childhood memories in that place. But when she visits the lodge to check on the final details, she finds out it is undergoing construction and under new management. Her wedding isn't even on the schedule, and to top things off, the new owner is none other than her old flame who she never quite got over, Dan Klein.

Dan bought Serendipity for a fresh start. He never expected to cross paths with Avery again, and seeing her brought back all that old pain and hurt. But he can't help himself, and despite the sour taste in his mouth, he tries to help her salvage her wedding. But along the way, they both realize that their old fee6never quite went away.

This was a beautifully written second chance romance that will pull at your heartstrings. The story flowed smoothly and the characters were well-developed. I enjoyed the story and am glad to have had the opportunity to read it. I received a complimentary copy from BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dan, former cop, now owner of the Serendipity, a Lodge in need of a good repair and has already started the renovations. Avery has always dreamt about getting married there, and the place has been booked for a long time.

Dan has been present in the three books of the series, and he's evolved so much, from unbearable cop in the first one, passing through trying to become a better person in the second one and finally showing he's not bad at all in his story. I liked him (although I had to forget how petty he was when the series started).

Avery is just drifting, she got herself in a bad relationship without realising it, unfortunately It is quite normal. I liked how she rediscovered herself.

Dan and Avery have a story, that is being told paralell to the current one. I enjoyed reading their teenager relationship.

Although this one also had its drama, it felt most of the time as a light slow burn second chance book. I enjoyed It a lot, and the epilogue was perfect, It left me with a huge satisfied grin, and I love finishing a book like that.

I am enjoying a lot the Brandywood series, now just waiting for the next one!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Chelsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy these Brandywood reads! This novel follows the story of Dan Klein and an unexpected guest from his past who is about to turn his summer plans upside down. Avery has always wanted to get married at the Serendipity Lake Lodge, following the tradition of the women in her family but plans go horribly wrong when she shows up two weeks before the wedding to find out that it is under new management, under repair and has had no upkeep for months and her wedding booking is no where to be found in the calendar. I don't think anything more could go wrong with a wedding, except that the new owner is her ex. A first true love and she has two weeks to figure things out or decide that the signs are trying to tell her something. I really enjoyed Dan & Avery's story and I liked how the author also gave us the history of them two to bring it all together in the end. This can be read as a standalone but I highly suggest reading the other two, as those characters are also a part of this story. Thank you to the author for the free novel and to Suzy Approved Book Tours for the invite, I look forward to the next Brandywood read! This review is of my own opinion and accord.

[Debbie Rozier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third romance set in the small town of Brandywood, Maryland. I’ve read the other two books, but this can be read as a stand alone.

I will say Dan, who is one of the main characters in this book, shows up in the other books in the series and he is not presented as a great guy. I was glad Dan got his own story and I felt bad for disliking him so much in the other books.

This is a second chance romance that dives deep into how emotional control in relationships can subtlety yet drastically change a person.

Avery is the other main character in this book. The Serendipity Lake Lodge holds many memories for her as she came here every summer for family vacation.

Avery has chosen the lodge as her wedding venue. When she flies from California thinking she will just finish up a few wedding details, she finds the lodge being renovated by the new owner Dan Klein.

Dan and Avery had a very intense relationship the summer before high school senior year and they haven’t seen each other since.

Dan agrees to get the lodge fixed up for Avery to have her dream wedding, but will that old spark they had twelve years ago disrupt everything?

This book has a medium spice level. I love this book and this series because it makes me swoon, smile, and think about hard relationship elements all at the same time.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆
Avery is a book illustrator whose about to get married at the Serendipity where she spent her childhood summers. When she arrives two weeks before the wedding, she finds out old Mr Harrison has passed away and the new owner is renovating the property. It’s in no state to host a wedding, but even more shocking is that the new owner is Dan Klein who she met at the resort as a teenager and fell in love with.

𝗠𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
This is book three in the small town Brandywood series, and while the stories are connected, I think they work as standalone stories as well. This deeply emotional story delves into themes of self worth, controlling relationships and the freedom to be our true selves and not our family DNA only. As an 18 year old, Avery was at a terrible point in her life when she met Dan, and his strong support held her up. He’s holding things together and making sure the Serendipity property is ready for Avery, despite his feelings for her and the past hurt he feels.

Read an eARC copy courtesy of Booksirens and the author
My rating 4/5 - ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a hard time getting into this one. It took me a couple times trying to read the first chapter to get through it. I know it's book 3 in a series of stand-alones and I have not read the other books, so I read this as a complete stand alone. I don't think not reading the first two books hindered my reading in any way. The book did feel really long. That might have been part of the challenge for me to get through it. It was worth it in the end once everything got tied up and resolved, so I would definitely say that it was worth the read. I do feel that I wasn't too in the mood for a second-chance romance read, so I would probably enjoy this more at a different time. I'm going to put this book on my re-read list and hopefully my second read through is more enjoyable. I really wanted to get into this, but I just wasn't feeling it. I felt like all the back and forth and mess made things jumbled for me as I read, but maybe on a second read - I'll be more involved in it and feel more immersed versus trying to just get past the mess to the resolution.