The Soulmate Theory

by Sarah A. Bailey

Carter Edwards has always been a go-with-the-flow type of guy. Except when it comes to Penelope Mason: his childhood neighbor, and the only girl he's ever fallen in love with. When he finally gathers the courage to make his life-long love for Penelope known, he finds that she's already chosen a future for herself- one without him in it. Penelope Mason is a planner by nature. She'd do just about anything to secure the future she imagined for herself, including leaving behind the boy she never planned on falling for. But at twenty-three, that future blows up in her face when she's expelled by her prestigious university and forced to move back in with her parents. Things only seem to get worse for Penelope when Carter re-enters her life unexpectedly. She forces herself to keep him at arms-length in attempt to stop him from learning the truth of her past five years. Yet, Penelope can't ignore the realization that the one person who always made her feel most herself has walked back into her life at the time she needs him most. Carter won't give up so easily on his second chance with the girl of his dreams. But is Penelope's past, and her looming secrets, too hard to overcome? In this heartwarming second-chance romance, two childhood friends find themselves pondering fate, coincidence, and maybe even... the existence of soulmates?

Genres: Romance, Second Chance, Contemporary Romance, Friends To Lovers, Small Town Romance, Forced Proximity, Slow Burn

436 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2023

About the author

Sarah 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.

Reviews

[Donna Weber ( Recuperating from Surgery) · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Soulmates are the person who inspires us to become the best version of ourselves, regardless of where they fit into it. Even when it means letting someone go when they need to find themselves. When they need to live without us"

[Sabrina Eagleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I AM OBSESSED 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
This book is like a love saviour - she did not miss the ball on this one 🥺
I loved every single part of the book, I don’t even have one bad thing to say about it!! I loved the characters, the friends to lovers and how WELL Sarah spoke about Penelope’s trauma - none of it would of been easy and the way she explained everything was so well done so absolute hats off to her.
As always, I liveeee for dual POV, to see all sides of stories and learn about the inner workings of both Penelope and Carter makes it even better - I loved the small glimpses into Macie as well - and her realisations around never letting someone dull your sparkle because that’s SO important!!
I just know that Sarah is gonna slaaaay every other book she brings out because if this is what they’re gonna be like then forever sign me up!!!
A massive 5 stars to this 🌟
Also a massive thank you to Sarah for letting me be one of her ARC readers! Very privileged 🤍

[Rachel Fuller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay first off, her name is Penelope!! I’ve always been obsessed with that name so right off the bat this was off to a good start. I received this as an ARC and I was not disappointed. This story was a little different than the other romances I’ve read. There was no huge, debilitating, life changing event that got in the way. The couple had a huge challenge to overcome but it was different in the sense that no one necessarily truly betrayed the other. I did at times find myself struggling to get through the story due to the lack of drama. But seriously this was such a cute story! I found myself annoyed, happy, jealous, sobbing. This gave me allll the feels. If you’re looking for a cute, easy read this is it!

[Emily Tudor · Rating 5 out of 5]

if sarah has a million fans, i’m one of them. if sarah has one hundred fans, i’m one of them. if sarah has ten fans, im one of them. if sarah has one fan, it’s me. if sarah has no fans, ive died.

this book will be cemented in my ♡ for a long time.

♾️🩶

[Tori Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I read Sarah’s new book coming out in May (Heathen & Honeysuckle) and immediately closed that book and went to download her debut novel. It took me a day to read it and I need to read book 2 ASAP!

I was nervous because I realized it wasn’t dual timeline for a second chance. While that’s not a deal breaker for me, I was just thinking “man, I love dual timeline” and that’s what H&H is. But I was like “okay, Sarah’s writing is worth it and you know it.”

Within the first few chapters I was hooked and could not close the book. Dual timeline forgotten.

By chapter 27 I was sobbing hysterically and couldn’t control it. Sarah knows she’ll be receiving my next therapy bill.

Every second of this book is magical and I’m mad at myself to taking so long to read it. Everything Sarah writes is going to be gold.

There’s something even more special to me about this book… I have a thing about soulmates. The funny thing is when I read H&H and reviewed it, I talked about how I don’t think I believe in soulmates but they made me believe in them for a moment. And then I go and read this book and am confronted by an FMC who might literally be me in the relationship sense. Questioning what soulmates may be, the different theories, having someone with you who believes in it for you. I was very emotional through this story.

Macie was an amazing best friend and I cannot wait to read her book next.

You’ll like this book if you like
✨ Second chance
✨ One bed
✨ Childhood friends
✨ Forced proximity
✨ He fell first & harder
✨ Soulmate theories

Please look up TW before diving into this book 💗 protect your peace, sister!🤘🏻

4.5⭐️ | 2.5🌶️

[Caitlyn Kautz · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

Thank you so much Sarah for the ARC opportunity!

5/5 Stars and if I could rate it more I would!

The Soulmate Theory is a beautifully written story that has quickly become one of my top reads of the year. As a photographer who lived on the Oregon coast for the past few years, I found myself deeply connected to the narrative and descriptions of the setting. Carter's description of what he thinks heaven is like and its comparison to the beauty of Oregon and the Pacific Northwest truly captivated me.

The love between Carter and Penelope is portrayed in such a sweet way and their connection is so genuine. They were childhood neighbors and friends and after what seems like a lifetime they find each other again as coworkers in a school setting. Carter doesn't give up on Penelope and continues to chase after the love of his life.

Throughout the story we are kept in suspense, trying to unravel the mystery surrounding what happened to Penelope. The way in which this unfolds is done perfectly.

The Soulmate Theory is a beautiful story that I highly recommend picking up and would be a perfect Summer read, Sarah's writing is a work of art. It was released today so make sure to get yourself a copy because it's seriously such a good one!

The book also comes with a playlist and is another perfect addition to my summer.

So excited for Sarah's next book that releases in November!

[Luise · Rating 2 out of 5]

If this is what soulmates are I don’t think I want it.
Seriously where was the chemistry between Penelope and Carter and why exactly are they supposed to be soulmates.

[Ivy b · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute read!!

I had the opportunity to read this as and ARC, and ugh can I just say I love carter? I love that he’s just such a free spirit, so calm yet willing to put someone in their place when out of line.

I just love when childhood friendships turn into something more in adulthood, the bond / connection is just so special and I just loved reading about these two

[Sav | SavtheBookish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carter and Penelope were childhood neighbors until she left… after he kissed her one night. They didn’t talk for years until he shows up as her new coworker, who shares an office with her LOL

I really enjoyed this one. The secrets that Penelope has to hide were shocking, Carter is literally a gold retriever boy that will do anything for her even after she left years ago.

If you love:
-slow burn ish
-childhood friends to lovers
-second chance
-“it will only ever be you”

4.5/5 stars
1.5/5 spice

[Macie Cummings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too cute and so fun. I loved it. And I’m so excited to read more about Macie obviously

[Breakfast In Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

“𝚂𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚜 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚘𝚗 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚒𝚗𝚜𝚙𝚒𝚛𝚎𝚜 𝚞𝚜 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚜𝚝 𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚘𝚏 𝚘𝚞𝚛𝚜𝚎𝚕𝚟𝚎𝚜, 𝚛𝚎𝚐𝚊𝚛𝚍𝚕𝚎𝚜𝚜 𝚘𝚏 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚢 𝚏𝚒𝚝 𝚒𝚗𝚝𝚘 𝚒𝚝. 𝙴𝚟𝚎𝚗 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚒𝚝 𝚖𝚎𝚊𝚗𝚜 𝚕𝚎𝚝𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚐𝚘 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚢 𝚗𝚎𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚖𝚜𝚎𝚕𝚟𝚎𝚜. 𝚆𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚢 𝚗𝚎𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚕𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚞𝚜”

ARC Review for @sarahbaileyauthor s The Soulmate Theory, available June 20th! I love this book so much I want to shout it to everyone I know!

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️.5/5
🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️.5/5

My on-brand review (NO SPOILERS)
- Let me start off by saying this might have been a love story, but the plot was original and parts of this story were so creative I absolutely loved every second, monologue and lesson learned
- Penelope is clearly traumatized from an event that happened while she was at Oxford, we try to figure out what happened through the whole book, and the way the truth unfolds is not ideal, but definitely a plot twist.
- Throughout the whole book Penelope is punishing herself for a mistake, and I genuinely thought she made a big one, but when you realize/hear what the reality of the situation was, you will see how trauma can truly effect a human
- Carter, something about BBF’s named Connor … chefs kiss
- His easy going demeanor, his smile, and his outlook on life were exactly what Penelope needed
- I’ve also never read a book with a Hawaiian MC and really enjoyed it, I think more Hawaiian characters are in my future
- Childhood crushes aren’t really my jam, but I loved this pining situation - they truly never disconnected
- My favorite favorite part of this book though, is the back and forth on soulmate theories, this isn’t a spoiler but the creative way Sarah wrote Penelope’s hypothesis really blew me away
- We read so often, it’s hard when the books don’t exactly surprise you. But TST truly truly was written wonderfully and surprised me.
- I do love a happy ending, and this did not disappoint. I will 200% be adding this to my physical shelf once it is released on June 20th!!

[Ashley ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️

I loved the concept of the book and the topics relating around soulmates. Other than that, this book kinda of dragged a lot. Some of the chapters were excruciatingly long for my preference (20-30 pages sometimes). So it made it tough for me to concentrate. There were some sweet moments. Penelope gradually began to annoy me at some point. However, I adored Carter and thought he was super sweet and patient with Penelope.

I read H&H first (and loved it) and decided to read her two first books. Her writing surely did improve because this storyline did not pull me in at all. I wanted to finish the book but never felt eager to pick it up. Do what you will with that information. But overall, this was a decent read but not a memorable one. Looking forward to reading The Fate Philosophy!

[Sydney Watts · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 🌟

PLOT:
Penelope and Carter have known each other since they were 9 years old, when Penelope moved in next door with her foster family. They grew up together and became close friends, until going their separate ways after high school. Penelope went to Oxford University in London and Carter moved to Hawaii, but not before they finally share a kiss that they both can’t stop thinking about. 5 years later, they haven’t seen each other since their moment together at their graduation party, until they both end up back in their hometown teaching at the same school. Their reuniting is beautiful and painful as they both have unresolved feelings for one another and has you begging the question - do you believe in soulmates?

“I think I’ll be falling in love with her until the day I die. Maybe even after.”

This book was absolutely adorable and such a beautiful love story! It was dual pov, childhood friends to lovers, reverse grumpy sunshine, slow burn, and with amazing spice - what else could you ask for?

“I’d wait this whole lifetime for you if it meant I could have you in the next one”

The 2 main characters I immediately fell in love with.
Carter left me speechless. He has golden retriever, cinnamon roll energy, while also being super protective, and possessive of Pep - he was absolutely everything and gave the best of both worlds. He truly loved and cared for her his whole life and every time it got to his pov my heart was completely melting.
Penelope’s character I found very relatable, so had an extra soft spot for her. Her backstory was heartbreaking and everything she had to go through that gets revealed throughout the book will have your heart breaking. She deserves the absolute world and it’s so beautiful to see her grow and discover her self worth, both on her own, and with the help of Carter.

Thank you Sarah Bailey for sending this arc and for sharing the beautiful story of Pep & Carter! I am completely in awe and so excited for what’s to come from you in the future🫶🏻 The Soulmate Theory is the PERFECT summer romance and will be available June 20th on KU and paperback! Make sure to check it out, I promise you you won’t be disappointed💗🌊🌞♾️

[Karli | BooksWithKarli · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Before, I was her atmosphere—her protector. She was my shooting star.”

I absolutely LOVED this book.

The idea of soulmates has always been something that intrigued me and I love the way Penelope and Carter defined what soulmates were to them.

This was such a beautiful love story with the friends to lovers trope and I enjoyed every minute of it. From the start you could really feel the love between Penelope and Carter. From a stollen kiss in the pantry at their graduation party to the first time they see each other again five years later.

They were inevitable. And once they realized that, their love story truly got to begin.

I highly recommend this book.

Some of the tropes you’ll find.

✨ Friends to lovers
✨ Duel POV
✨ Forced Proximity

Please do yourself a favor and READ THIS BOOK!

Thank you Sarah for the ARC. 🩵

[c ও · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always thought I knew what soulmates were in books, however after this book I quickly realized I was wrong.

This book was just absolutely beautiful. Learning about the different theories of soulmates and seeing what a strong bond Carter and Penelope have was just too good. Tbh I could hardly put the book down, the writing style was amazing but also the storyline captivated me.
Carter's love for Penelope is just pure and genuine, he would do anything for her and to see that they are each others persoan was so beautiful
All in all the book itself contains so many beautiful quotes and has quickly become one of my favorite books.

"It had been about 12 seconds since he’d been back in my life and I was already feeling things.."

[Madilynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Sarah for the opportunity to read this as an ARC! As a friends-to-lovers girly, I’m always a sucker for stories like this. I enjoyed the progression of Penelope & Carter’s relationship & their dynamic throughout the book- definitely your classic rom-com. I will say that there is a third act breakup that I WISH had gone differently (because we all know how I feel about third act breakups) but otherwise found this to be a pretty easy, sweet read:) The Soulmate Theory releases June 20th, so keep an eye out for it!

(cw’s include mentions of quid pro quo/grooming in a college setting)

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I had to sum this story up in one word it would be BEAUTIFUL! The way Sarah wrote this is just so beautiful and speaks right to your heart.
Love the childhood friends-to-lovers dynamic between Penelope and Carter and how Penelope's traumas were handled. 100% recommend.

“The first time you smiled at me like that we were nine. I fell in love with you at nine years old and not a goddamn thing has changed since then, Pep. None of it. I loved you then, and I love you now.”

-Childhood friends to lovers
-Second Chance
-Tattooed Hawaiian Surfer
-Deep connections
-Slow Burn
-One bed
-Open door spice
-It's always been you

[Janelle Gianakopoulos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok this was the first book I read of Sarah A Bailey and WOW I loved it. When I tell you I inhaled it, I am not lying.
Plot: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Spice: 3/5 (I read some extra smutty smut so maybe don’t listen to this one)
Also Pep is the cutest nickname ever.

[Kelsey Pfaff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was privileged to get a ARC 💕
Such a sweet story about second chances! Friends to lovers.

Can’t wait for release day for everyone else to enjoy this book!

[keds · Rating 5 out of 5]

god i love carter and penelope. also wish i could just give penelope the biggest hug

[Madi Winkler · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️ loved it, but also friends to lovers will never be my fav

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Soulmate Theory - ARC Review

You guys!!! This book! Perfection!
Literally stayed up until 3:15 finishing it.

So apparently I have a thing for cinnamon roll/golden retriever men who take care and PROTECT their woman because this book had me melting. I could not get enough.

I felt a connection to Penelope. Sweet, load girl just so desperately wanted to be loved but never felt worthy. Penelope’s story brought me to tears more than once. She had a lot to work through. Years of trauma and mindset to relearn. But Carter helped her every step of the way being as gentle and caring as can be.

Top 3 lines -
1. I wanted—needed—to feel loved. -Penelope
2. The instinct to protect her, to care for her, to have her need me. -Carter
3. Our souls are whole all on their own. Soulmates are two just souls who complement each other– that make each other better. -Penelope

Bonus quote - “‘One is loved because one is loved. No reason is needed for loving,’” - The Alchemist

The depth of both main characters was beautifully written. Loved the mental health rep, too!

And always, do not forget to check trigger warnings!

[sierra · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

thank u sarah for letting me have an ARC of this book 🤍

this was honestly such a cute story. carter is every girl's dream, mine included. i love how even tho there was a little conflict it got resolved almost immediately and neither party really made excuses for their actions. carter & pep's relationship felt like one of the most realistic relationships i have read ab and i just loved everything ab it. 🫶🏼✨🤍

i will definitely be reading future releases from this author!!

[Calleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

carter + penelope
🌶️🌶️/5

standalone | Oregon | second chance | childhood friends to lovers | neighbors | fate | coincidence | soulmates | photographer x artist | high school teachers | he calls her Pep | she was adopted | REO Speedwagon’s Can’t Fight This Feeling🎵 | he drives as a 1975 Kentucky blue Bronco | annotations from The Alchemist by Paula Coelho | sun/tides & moon/stars | HEA🌅

>>After high school graduation, these two fated souls moved to opposite ends of the earth - Carter in Hawaii with his mom and Penelope to England for graduate school - but they were always connected. Can I just say that I love a man that lets his woman BE?! Carter helped Penelope feel bold, brave, fearless, and carefree after five years of loneliness and despair. James and Marshall get a big EFF YOU from me because holy hell those men are toxic af. I loved their theories on soulmates and how SAB incorporated relatable thoughts about romance novels and our every day lives. The way Carter pined for Penelope while she let fear hold her back caused me so much angst. I wanted to scream LET HIM IN! TELL HIM! Penelope had this notion that she has to earn the love she's given, but Carter wouldn't stand for it and I was rooting for him to break down Pen's walls every chapter. And because I'm a zodiac lover....let's dive into their sign energy. Both Penelope and Carter’s signs complement each other beautifully! While Penelope’s Virgo nature may make her cautious and hesitant, Carter’s Libra energy brings a sense of ease and balance, helping her feel supported and confident. Together, they embody the qualities of a thoughtful, harmonious, and destined connection. True soulmates. Another great read by SAB!

[Rachel Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so grateful to have gotten an ARC of this book!!

I absolutely adored all of the characters and getting to read about their journeys.

This was such a unique friends to lovers because both of the characters never fell out of love with each other which allowed another layer of depth to be added to the story.

Carter and Penelope had their own journeys to find themselves. Penelope’s journey was difficult, but I enjoyed watching her figure out how she was affected by certain things in her life, and seeing her learn how to love herself through it all.

Carter was such a great guy to read about. He was very supportive and always did his best to show Penelope that she was deserving of love.

I absolutely adored this book and the topics that were discussed were handled super well.

I can’t wait for this book to be released so that everyone else can read it and enjoy it as much as I did!

[Katelyn Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ohhhhh, what to say about this book?
I want to preface this by saying that I am horrible at reviews. Okay, here goes...
I was given an ARC of this book for an honest review, and my honest opinion is that I loved it! I got lost in it and could feel my heart breaking and soaring right along with the main characters. A wonderfully fantastic book for readers who like:
-friends to lovers
-he falls first
-beachy small town second chance open-door romance (and when I say open, I mean wide open.)
-mental health rep
-past trauma
-dual POV
-slow burn
I will say that there are some mature themes explored in this book so trigger warning.
Last thing, I really would love a man just like Carter!

[Fatma · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I had the wonderful opportunity to be an ARC reader in exchange for a review.

I don't know how else to describe this book other than amazing! I love a good slow burn and friends-to- lover romance and this book deliveried!

Penelope is the adopted daughter to Carter's neighbors. As soon as Carter sees Penelope at the age of 9 it's love at first sight. Of course he doesn't recognize that it's love.

5 years after having their first kiss (high school graduation party) and going their own ways, both Penelope and Carter end up back home in Oregon. Penelope is a very shy and introverted individual and with the traumatic events that occured during her undergrad years in England that results in her being expelled Oxford, pushes her more into her own world of insecurities.

Penelope believes that she must prove herself constantly and must earn the love of her family. Later in the book, she sees the love that her siblings have for her and she accepts the love finally!

When she meets Carter again after years, she's just starting to heal herself, but still blames herself for the events in England and hides the truth from him thinking he'd judge her. Later on when Carter finds out the truth he is hurt that Penelope hid the truth from him and tells her he needs time to process this new information. By the time he realizes his mistake Penelope left for California. Carter does go after Penelope, wins her back and shows her that his love for her in unconditional and they truly are Soulmates.

One of the non romance aspects of this book that I loved was that both Penelope and Carter don't feel they are needed or wanted by their families. They think the affection they receive from their families dur to obligation. Penelope's siblings show her this isn't true with a pretty big gesture, while Carter sees this with just a sentence from his father. I love this because it shows both Penelope and Carter's characters. Penelope needs more firm reassurances(gestures), while Carter is more laid back & doesn't need big gestures to know that he's loved.

This is so much more than just a romance novel, but of growth and healing. I cried often while reading, but it was the most beautiful thing I've ever read!

[Razzle Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

📚ARC REVIEW📚

The Soulmate Theory by Sarah A. Bailey

Thank you to the author for a copy of this to read and review!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/3
Genres: contemporary romance
Tropes: second chance romance, girl next door, one bed, sworn off love, childhood friends

Penelope moves back to her hometown after getting rejected from graduate school in the UK. She begrudgingly takes a teaching aide job at the local middle school to fill a gap year before (hopefully) getting accepted to graduate school in the US.

Carter moves back to his hometown from Hawaii to teach photography (at the same middle school) to save some money before continuing his travels.

Penelope gets offered a “promotion” to take over art classes as a substitute, and realizes she’ll be sharing the same classroom as Carter. This isn’t a meet cute, because Penelope and Carter have know each other since childhood. And haven’t spoken since they kissed at a graduation party 5 years ago.

Throughout the story, Carter and Penelope relive memories from their childhood and discuss what caused them to not speak for 5 years. They missed their chance 5 years ago; will they get a second chance at romance?

This story is a dual POV between Carter and Penelope.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I think the storyline has a unique take on some fairly common tropes (girl next door/childhood friends). Both Penelope and Carter were fun characters, and definitely gave a bit of a “black cat gf and golden retriever bf” vibe. The slow unveiling of what actually caused Penelope to leave the UK was really intriguing; it definitely was interesting piecing it together, since the reader had to separate the truth from the lies she told her family and friends.

I did have some issues. I felt that the pace overall was kind of slow; there were a lot of details and descriptions that didn’t feel necessary. I enjoyed the dual POV, but there were multiple spots where details were repeated (once by Penelope, then again by Carter) which definitely added to the pace feeling slow. In the beginning, it felt like a lot of names were thrown in without full introductions, which made it a bit confusing and hard to keep track of who is who. It was made harder by the dual POV I think, because Carter and Penelope had different names for some of the people (like their parents).

My biggest issue, however, is Carter and Penelope’s dynamic in general. They said they went on a ton of family vacations together, lived next door, spent a ton of time together, but then said they weren’t really friends. They somehow fell in love with each other as children regardless, but then don’t talk for 5 years? That just doesn’t seem believable to me. Carter, as well, is irritatingly possessive of Penelope, which also doesn’t add up with him not trying to talk to her for 5 years. The author tried to put details into their backstories that would explain why they would go this long without talking but it didn’t fully add up in my opinion; if you can get past this detail, you’ll probably enjoy this book, but the plot falls apart if you don’t believe this scenario.

I did enjoy this book overall; if you’re a fan of second-chance romance, you will also likely enjoy this book.

[Natasha Deen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartwarming and sweet.

This is the first book from Sarah A Bailey and I must say I feel in love with her characters especially Carter.

Carter and Penelope or Pep as he so fondly called her were childhood friends who were also neighbors.They both loved each other since they were children but never explored or admitted their feelings for each other until their graduation party where they shared a soul searing kiss. However, they each went their separate ways after this kiss until they were back home and thrown together after 5 years of not seeing each other.

I adored Carter. He made my heart soar with how strongly he felt for Penelope, His love for her was unwavering, and he never stopped loving her even when they were miles apart. Carter was supportive, caring and protective of her not to mention that he was a hot sexy flirty surfer that turned up the heat in the bedroom!

My heart broke for Penelope because it was obvious she was struggling with past trauma and issues that she had not dealt with. It made me emotional how she was so hard on herself, feeling that she was undeserving of love from Carter or her family. Her past experience caused her confidence to falter and to hold herself back from really living her life which was so sad.

However, Carter was the light she needed to help her realise that she was worthy of love and happiness. He showed her how to live life, be carefree, discover new things, and be happy in the moment . He helped her rise above the hurt and sadness that she was drowning in. He kept her grounded in a way that she was able to breathe and work through her stifling emotions.

Carter and Penelope fit perfectly together. Carter's love for her was all encompassing he loved her for who she was, who she became, he loved her in spite of her past, and her mistakes. Penelope love for Carter made him feel needed and wanted.They helped each other be the best version of themselves. They were two souls that complemented each other.

Sarah A Bailey wrote an emotional and heartwarming book with very lovable characters and lines that had me swooning. The reason I did not give this a 5 star rating was because I personally thought that Cater and Pep had too much inner monologues that was a bit repetitive. Other than that I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait for her next book!

[Dalene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

Carter Edwards has been in love with Penelope Mason since he was a kid. The night of their high school graduation party he kisses her before she leaves to Europe. 5 years later they both end up working at the school they went to growing up. And both Carter and Penelope still have very strong feelings for each other. The issue is? Penelope was kicked out of Oxford and she isn't telling anyone the complete truth, including Carter.

This book was a slow burn, but in a way. The tension these two characters feel is undeniably. Carter is so in love with Penelope it's unreal. I dream of having my own Carter one day. And Penelope? I really liked her as a character. She went through something at Oxford that changed her but she still is a great person even though she hasn't had the best life. I just love that Carter doesn't care about her past and instead accepts her. He is amazing!

This was a debut book for Sarah A. Bailey but I can totally see her becoming a big name, especially if she keeps writing books like this. Look at those quotes! The girl has the words to say. She also has great character development. Overall a great book and I can't wait for more books from Bailey.

Some of my favorite quotes:
"I began to think there may be a certain relief that may come with putting it all on the table, knowing there would be no real consequences. Except that it may break my heart. Rupture my soul. Punch me in the stomach, karate chop my throat, wipe me out".

"I knew just then that she would ruin me, and I looked forward to it".

"I think I'll be falling in love with her until the day I die. Maybe even after".

"Sometimes people shut their own book before make it to the end because they've lost all hope that they'd get a happy one".