Reading in the following order before this book is highly CONTENT This story contains themes of vetran PTSD / suicide that some may possibly find triggering. It is not meant to be gratuitous or malicious in intent but only to lend credibility to the plot. In addition, there's profanity and mature / explicit love scenes.
From their first meeting, awareness sprang between them. Pretending it didn’t exist was impossible. Yet, it didn’t stop Guy Keetoowah-Marquez from coveting the attention of the one woman in the world that he could never have.
The moment Miguel brought Fern home and she met his younger brother, it confirmed what she’d already known. Her marriage had been a mistake. Harboring the guilty feelings and her growing connection to Guy ate Fern alive as she tried valiantly not to fall further from grace and be the best wife possible, given the circumstances.
And then, in a tragic twist of fate, the path to one another was cleared.
Now, Guy has relocated to Baymoor from his beloved Whiskey Row for Fern and their family. They’re building a life together and intend to make things official once and for all.
Join them on this adventure to a happily-ever-after as they deal with outside forces, strengthen their family bond, and learn the power of forgiveness.
D. A. Young is a best-selling author and lover of multilayered adventures. Food, traveling, and music are her passions. You can often find all three in the contemporary escapades she creates.
Don’t get me wrong I have read and loved every single book from this author about the men and women on whiskey row to the couples of Baymoor. I was even glad they made an appearance in this novel but omg I found myself wondering when it was gonna end. I feel Ms young tried to do too much with this one. It seems to drag. In the other stories you got the couple their issue with the side character s being just that on the side. They were apart of the plot and to ME it drug the story way to long I just started to skip wanting it to end. Just had too many other elements for me. So I didn’t enjoy this one like the others. 🤷🏾♀️ couldn’t wait for it to be over
i was so excited about the trip back to Baymoore and to see everyone. I was waiting to here Guy and Ferns story and found-that it was a disappointment. I couldn’t enjoy the story because of all the fucking every other time i thought I was about to learn about the two her we go again having sex.Dam D D when did it start being a story about sex. and not about their relationship ship and the true make i was expecting for them.I wanted to read more about Renee and Travis or Georgina mother and Tom
I was excited to get Fern and Guys story but I got that and more with the appearances of both the Row and Baymoor crews. No spoilers but you spoil your experience if you don’t read both series so you’ll know the nuisances of all of the characters mentioned (especially Sidra, Casey, Darby, Georgie, and Renee, and the spring chickens- crazy and hilarious .) You don’t have to but you wouldn’t be disappointed. In the beginning I wondered why are we going back and forth from present to past moment/memory but as I got more into the book I understood why. This book dealt with some heavy emotions, issues, situations, realizations and revelations. To let it all ride out with the weight of some of the things that happened in the past as well as some of the things happening in the present would be too heavy for the reader to bear. It needed to have all that broken up with good memories past and present. It needed to show the growth, healing, happiness and beauty. This book was masterfully written. It pulled at my heart demanding that it beat hard, loud, fast, palpitated, ached, hurt, relief and felt all the things while my brain reconciled what was being said/written and done to put my heart in such a state.
Fern and Guy and the kids were more than deserving of their HEA. How do you navigate life and love in such an unconventional relationship - you’re in love with your deceased by suicide brothers wife and helping to raise your niece and nephew while some accept and others don’t and make their feelings very known? You do it with care, poise, grace, determination, compassion, forgiveness, love, protection and an idgaf attitude.
I couldn't wait to read this book about Fern and Guy. And baby jack is such a cute. The fact that he has a baby crush is even more cute. And we're not even going to talk about our boy DJ, He is such a trip. The way he con Guy into letting him stay over his house so he can be closer to his crush, had me in tears. lol I really really enjoy reading this book.
Even though this book I enjoy reading this book, it kind of felt like a good bye book. This book kind of felt like an Epilogue for the series. It would've felt like an incredible way to end a series, but I was sadden that this could be the last book of the series. I felt this way the entire way reading this book, It was just some feeling I was having while reading this book. it just kept bringing it out of me, and it made me want to reread the entire series again. lol But as we get closer to the end of the book, it doesn't feel that way anymore, and I ended up feeling so much excitement of the up and coming books.
So I know this review is suppose to be about Fern and Guy, but really I'm more interested in Renee and Tavish. I remember when they were first brought up in a previous book and I remember in that book review, I said I want to read their story. And now Im excited to see them in this book. I love the fact that Tavish is very up front about what he wanted, and Renee brush off gives me a lot of excitement. its usually the best of us that tries to run away from their fate.
I was looking forward to Guy and Fern’s story but jumping around from past to present didn’t work for me. I would have preferred their past story told first then the present. By chapter 3, I was ready to put it on the DNF list but I pushed through. Then the couple got cheesy and a heavy eye roll followed. But I pushed through.
The kids are too mature for their ages. I get they all have traumatic backgrounds but still. Like why aren't the kids, kids? Like they’re not fun. The small ones, from Whiskey Row, are fun toddlers. DJ is already grown enough and he’s a likable character. But to give the other 3 preteens extremely similar character traits were overkill.
The sex scene in Florida is so unrealistic, NO ONE has that type of conversation in the middle of that particular act. No one.
The Thanksgiving phone call, “This is your woman” I literally gagged.
Birdie and Azalea together was a duo I didn’t know I needed. The camaraderie between Alice and Fern towards the end brought a tear to my eye.
There’s an interesting twist at the end.
As much as I enjoy D.A. 's writing and the emotional maturity that her characters have, it was too much in this particular novel. The over eloquent dialogue of each character takes away from any realness and individuality that the character may possess. This causes the characters in Baymoor to all run together.
This layered storyline gives us a back story. The first time Guy and Fern meet. Their beginning love story. It’s a storyline of an undeniable love, friendships, family loyalty, forgiveness, revelations, secrets, redemption and so much more. Guy and Fern were very much aware of each other from the moment they met. Their similar interests, attraction and relaxed easy connection was obvious to their family and friends. After meeting Guy, Fern questioned her marriage. Certain issues that are prevalent among our military men and women and in today’s society was handled with care and diplomacy. We learned what happened between Fern and Miguel. The trauma she experienced and the fight to protect her family. I loved how the characterization of Miguel was twofold. We see what he attempted to put into motion but we also see his honor…the care for his men and his last act… getting retribution for his team. Fern and Guy were meant to be together. There are touching and funny moments….The romantic, humorous proposal with the roses.. Laughing at JoJo and Aiden’s antics, and don’t forget DJ. The Spring Chickens in their pink thigh high trench coats, crashing Guy’s bachelor party, yes..a visual on that one..lol. Settle in to read Guy and Fern’s journey to their HEA.
Talk about a love that is forbidden. Fern and Guy are not what you think of with second chance love. This book touches so much on family hurt and trauma. I love how it’s explained and exposed all at the same time. Most will never know what’s it’s like to me and military family and how they stick with or by there code and own.
This story was so so so good. The ease of the flow of communication and perseverance
While they both fought to keep things where they belong both Fern and Guy kept it at surface and friends levels. Yet the connection and attention they both paid each other could not go unnoticed. Guy was that guy!!!
When you are not loved properly and the family on your side and your husbands side are against you but not knowing he full story. It’s a hard battle to fight but Guy doesn’t have Fern to fight alone and or by her not feeling like he really is in and will drop and do what’s needed to make sure they make it.
Totally enjoyed this read! Loved all the ins and outs and ups and downs. For a moment I didn't think Granny would ever come around and that Farm's mother would give her dad another chance. PTSD is an awful thing to deal with. It broke my heart that Miguel was so far gone that he took his life 😢. Happy that Fern and Guy worked out so well. I need more on Raymond, Tavish, Malachi and all the other single men. Including the back stories on the other married fellas I haven't read about yet. You know too bad real life can't end as well as these books do with their HEAs.
This story was absolutely everything. D.A. Young is a superb writer. She did not disappoint on delivering a truly romantic but realistic story for our beloved Guy Keetoowah-Marquez, aka Pippy or Pip. It has all the feels. I'm excited. I'm happy. I'm pleased. I didn't think any story could best my favorite WR couple, Jack & Noelle, but I was wrong. Guy and Fern's have, almost effortlessly, taken the top spot!!! Ms. Young, thank you, thank you, thank you, for "aiming to please" and "going the distance!" GREAT JOB!!!
Fern & Guy have had a long & winding road to their love. Fern knows heartache & pain. Guy always wanted to do the right thing & stood aside as was right. But once life threw them both for a loop it was only a matter of time before they would find themselves together. The road wasn't easy but it was so worth it. I truly loved reading of the antics of the Whiskey Row crowd mixing it up with the Baymoor crowd. This was a great addition. Can't wait for Renee & Tavish story. Enjoy! 😍
I love that In spite of everything they were there for each other. I love that Fern never stooped to name calling like Franny did. I love that you dealt with the issue of mental health...because most time black, latinex or indigenous people do not speak about it within or outside of family. Thank you for being our champion.
I have this book 5 Stars just like all the others because I love the Whiskey Row family as well as the Baymoor family.
Another fantastic story from a very talented author
I loved this story, the emotional turmoil of Fern and Guy is palpable and jumped off the pages. Hearing the back story of Miguel and Fern's parents, gave the story so much depth. I loved the funny - laugh out loud parts too. An excellent story with sensitive moments and love, loss and new beginnings! I'm looking forward to reading the next instalment from D. A. Young (applause)
Enjoyed catching up with the families and friends of Baymoor and Whiskey Row. Loved the reconciliations even though the journeys to them were painful... Truth really does have the power to make things better, sometimes. It's cute experiencing the developing crushes and relationships between the kids, hey future stories lol. Especially excited for Renee and Tavish's story coming in 2024. Enjoy!
I've been waiting on Guy's story. I love Baymoor but I wasn't ready for Guy to leave Whiskey Row. I understand Franny in some ways but she was really doing to much. It broke my heart to find out what Miguel did and wanted to do. What really gutted me was Miguel's voice mail. Then to find out the things he'd seen and been through. I loved that he knew his brother had a thing for Fern and wanted him to make her happy. This was a great story.💌💌
I enjoyed this! I was like how will this work with Fern being with Guy now. In some ways I understood Guy’s Mom being angry with Fern because one son was deceased and Fern now with her other son. You gotta get into it to understand. It turned out to be eye opening for the family to understand Miguel’s pain dealing with PTSD and all of them including his children finding so much healing in the process.
I was so ready for Guy and Fren's story. It was definitely a twisted road. I love the way the family blended and reconnected. Franny did not want to get on board. To it was nice to hear Miguel's bad story. And the voicemail.... tears. This book will have you laughing, crying, and ooh baby the lights!!! Can't wait for it to come to audible.
I loved Guy and Ferns story. This man has been around it seems like FOREVER. I have been waiting just as long for him to get his HEA, all the other Men of Whiskey Row had theirs and he was there for them all. So glad Fern found a solid home in Baymoor and was able to heal her and the kids. Bravo, bravo, BRAVO.
I really enjoyed this story and the characters were very entertaining. I loved the chemistry between Guy and Fern their love was a tug of war and was smoking hot 🔥! Loved the journey the author takes you on and the drama as well as the romance. I guarantee you will love this book and the rest that this author has written.
I usually really like D.A.Young. Her books are usually a bit grittier. But this was...so sappy. It read as a therapist's session. The characters say all the "right" things. Nobody has trouble expressing their feelings. It was just too "perfect" and an unrealistic read for me. I'm all for an HEA but nobody talks to each as the characters in this book do smh.
This book had all the elements. Drama, suspense and laughing out loud. A few missing words and typo's. Just a shame that these stories are so far apart I forget half the characters and by the time it comes to me the book is half over
DA Young’s books are generally ones that keep me going, but not this one. I feel the plot was weak and the entire story could have been over in a couple of chapters.
This was a multi-planned family reunion of the best kind. So many questions answered. A lot were sad answers, but resolved what needed to be resolved. Love this so much!
I didn’t like Guy’s story. Too much writing could have been condensed. I love DA Young books. This one was boring. The Sullivan Brothers 3 books was good and Holt story was good
As always excellent storytelling with really great characterisation. Loved it had me laughing out loud over the antics at the bachelor party. If you have not read any of this series what are you waiting for? You will be so pleased once you dive in 😊.
3.5 stars- I was excited to read Guy’s story, but was disappointed. He wasn’t the charming, mischievous man we met in Whiskey Row. This Guy was thirsty and a bit of a pushover. It seemed as if his personality was watered down. His mom was a major B#tch!
Goodnstorybwhich brings the series almost full circle. I saw almost because there are still a few people I hope we get to hear about while checking in on the rest of Baymoor and hopefully Whiskey Row.
This book turned my stomach, Guy desperate to fuck his brothers wife and everyone ok with it, Guy desperate for kids to be ok with uncle diddling mommy whenever he wants. Book made me feel sick i'll will never read it again, way too boring
Good story. Good back story for all involved. Great to see and hear from the Row and of course all the Baymoor residences. Can wait to hear the audible versions.