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Hale Street #7
One and Only
Second-best will never be good enough for her.
Drummer Micah Sullivan lost his music and his dreams when his wife died unexpectedly. In the aftermath, he quit his band and pushed away family and friends. Three years later, he’s opened a music shop and tells himself he’s content trying to make it a hit. What he failed to consider is that success requires connections—including the very ones he turned his back on.
When Sloan McGuire takes a job at a bar as the entertainment manager, she doesn’t expect to run into Micah, whose late wife was her best friend. She can tell he’s still lost in grief, and out of love for her friend, she resolves to help him find peace. What she and Micah find together, though, has the potential to be something more.
Sloan fights the attraction, not only because of their history but because she’s always been second fiddle. To Micah, a solo act seems safer than a duet, but with Sloan, he develops a new appreciation for harmony. Music may be his forte, but can he find the words to convince her she’s his one and only?
Drummer Micah Sullivan lost his music and his dreams when his wife died unexpectedly. In the aftermath, he quit his band and pushed away family and friends. Three years later, he’s opened a music shop and tells himself he’s content trying to make it a hit. What he failed to consider is that success requires connections—including the very ones he turned his back on.
When Sloan McGuire takes a job at a bar as the entertainment manager, she doesn’t expect to run into Micah, whose late wife was her best friend. She can tell he’s still lost in grief, and out of love for her friend, she resolves to help him find peace. What she and Micah find together, though, has the potential to be something more.
Sloan fights the attraction, not only because of their history but because she’s always been second fiddle. To Micah, a solo act seems safer than a duet, but with Sloan, he develops a new appreciation for harmony. Music may be his forte, but can he find the words to convince her she’s his one and only?
276 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2023
27 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
About the author
Amy Knupp
113 books595 followersAmy Knupp is a USA Today Best-Selling author of contemporary romance and a freelance copy editor. She loves words and grammar and meaty, engrossing stories with complex characters.
Amy lives in Wisconsin with her husband, and has two sons, four cats, and a box turtle. She graduated from the University of Kansas with degrees in French and journalism. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, breaking up cat fights, watching college hoops, and annoying her family by correcting their grammar.
Amy lives in Wisconsin with her husband, and has two sons, four cats, and a box turtle. She graduated from the University of Kansas with degrees in French and journalism. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, breaking up cat fights, watching college hoops, and annoying her family by correcting their grammar.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 12, 2017
Original review posted on Sass from the South: http://sassfromthesouth.org/index.php...
Since I had not read any of the other books in the Hale Street series, I was happy to find that I could still easily navigate through the book without feeling too out of the loop from the other couples. I was definitely intrigued by the secondary characters and I think I know have SIX more books to add to my TBR list which I am convinced will never get any shorter.
After reading and absolutely loving Bringing Home the Bad Boy by Jessica Lemmon which has a similar premise (i.e. a woman passes away and her widowed husband and best friend find themselves attracted to each other after a few years have passed), I was excited to see how One and Only would unfold.
Micah and Sloan had a shared love of music as a foundation for their friendship before the sudden death of Deanna. I liked how well the infusion of music into the story made it a more conceivable match what with Micah’s music store and Sloan’s job of providing talent at the local bar on Hale Street. It made sure that these two were thrown together in fun and interesting ways and surrounded by all the aforementioned couples without it seeming forced and too coincidental.
One of my favorite aspects of the book was how well the author was able to make the characters and their decisions so relatable. For instance, after Sloan and Micah’s first kiss…the next day Sloan was certainly reminiscing and was in full admittance to himself that the kiss was pretty mind-blowing…but was very firm that it wouldn’t happen again…until about an hour later when it did! It is the first of many times where these two were human and let their emotions run the show.
Who hasn’t had that moment of thinking, “I’m going to stand my ground and not melt just because he/she has this wicked smile” and then we completely fell off our high horse, got muddy, and loved every second of it…until later when we remembered that we absolutely weren’t going to let it happen again. Like I said, human indeed.
I was certainly a fan of the witty dialogue and adored how Sloan wasn’t afraid to push Micah out of the shell he was determined to hide in and help him find himself again. These two obviously needed each other more than they realized and the character development of both was steady and made it clear that their relationship had great potential.
Overall, Ms. Knupp created a book with relatable and sassy characters who had great chemistry and made the steamy scenes just as passionate as any reader could hope for…and more! I’m excited to see if we will get a chance to read Lena and Ash’s story next!
*E-copy provided by Tasty Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.
Since I had not read any of the other books in the Hale Street series, I was happy to find that I could still easily navigate through the book without feeling too out of the loop from the other couples. I was definitely intrigued by the secondary characters and I think I know have SIX more books to add to my TBR list which I am convinced will never get any shorter.
After reading and absolutely loving Bringing Home the Bad Boy by Jessica Lemmon which has a similar premise (i.e. a woman passes away and her widowed husband and best friend find themselves attracted to each other after a few years have passed), I was excited to see how One and Only would unfold.
Micah and Sloan had a shared love of music as a foundation for their friendship before the sudden death of Deanna. I liked how well the infusion of music into the story made it a more conceivable match what with Micah’s music store and Sloan’s job of providing talent at the local bar on Hale Street. It made sure that these two were thrown together in fun and interesting ways and surrounded by all the aforementioned couples without it seeming forced and too coincidental.
One of my favorite aspects of the book was how well the author was able to make the characters and their decisions so relatable. For instance, after Sloan and Micah’s first kiss…the next day Sloan was certainly reminiscing and was in full admittance to himself that the kiss was pretty mind-blowing…but was very firm that it wouldn’t happen again…until about an hour later when it did! It is the first of many times where these two were human and let their emotions run the show.
Who hasn’t had that moment of thinking, “I’m going to stand my ground and not melt just because he/she has this wicked smile” and then we completely fell off our high horse, got muddy, and loved every second of it…until later when we remembered that we absolutely weren’t going to let it happen again. Like I said, human indeed.
I was certainly a fan of the witty dialogue and adored how Sloan wasn’t afraid to push Micah out of the shell he was determined to hide in and help him find himself again. These two obviously needed each other more than they realized and the character development of both was steady and made it clear that their relationship had great potential.
Overall, Ms. Knupp created a book with relatable and sassy characters who had great chemistry and made the steamy scenes just as passionate as any reader could hope for…and more! I’m excited to see if we will get a chance to read Lena and Ash’s story next!
*E-copy provided by Tasty Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.
March 10, 2017
Micah Sullivan lost his wife too soon, and it's taken a huge toll on him. He's a drummer for a country band, but after his devastating loss, he quit as he lost his music, while also pushing everyone important in his life away. Three years later shows him with his own music store, and reclusive. Sloan McGuire takes a job as an entertainment manager at a bar near his music store, and never thought she would run into her best friend's widow. Now out of love for her lost friend, she decides to try and reconnect with Micah to help him come back to life again. What neither of them expect is the strong connection they have. WOW! This story is full of painful angst that may or may not have brought tears to my eyes. My dramatic girly girl emotions were out to cause chaos, as I physically felt Micah's pain like it was my own. Not to mention Sloan has some emotional baggage of her own. This is the first book that I've read by Amy Knupp, and with her talented & easy writing style, it won't be my last. She really poured out the emotions on the pages, and trust me, these two people will stay in my heart forever. It did take me a bit to really be transported into the story, as it seemed a bit slow at first, but once I got past that, I couldn't turn the pages quickly enough. I wouldn't be opposed to seeing more of these two in the future (hint hint). So with that being said, I have to HIGHLY RECOMMEND everyone read this angst filled goodness that is One and Only!
March 8, 2017
3 stars
The One and Only was an ok read for me. I will explain why it was only ok....
Micah lost his wife and has been living like a person just going through the motions since it happened. He left his and and opened a music shop. He is now living the life of a person in constant mourning.
Unecpetctedly her runs back into Sloan. She was his wife's friend, whom he also became friendly with. He used to look forward to seeing her and talking to her about music. **************************************************************
SPOILER AHEAD!!!!!Then, he realized maybe he was starting to have feelings for Sloan when he was still married to his wife. When his wife dies, he cuts off all ties with her.
From this point on, I could not get into this book. I just could not get over this fact. It would have been a fine story if he fell for Sloan years after his wife's death. But to me it felt a little wrong to do it before.
The One and Only was an ok read for me. I will explain why it was only ok....
Micah lost his wife and has been living like a person just going through the motions since it happened. He left his and and opened a music shop. He is now living the life of a person in constant mourning.
Unecpetctedly her runs back into Sloan. She was his wife's friend, whom he also became friendly with. He used to look forward to seeing her and talking to her about music. **************************************************************
SPOILER AHEAD!!!!!Then, he realized maybe he was starting to have feelings for Sloan when he was still married to his wife. When his wife dies, he cuts off all ties with her.
From this point on, I could not get into this book. I just could not get over this fact. It would have been a fine story if he fell for Sloan years after his wife's death. But to me it felt a little wrong to do it before.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2017
Losing his wife has been hard for Micah Sullivan. He's barely living after quitting the band he played with and now he runs his own music store instead. When he comes face-to-face with Sloan McGuire, his late wife's best friend again, she challenges him to finally deal with his wife's death once and for all and to start enjoying life once more. Will he find it within himself to give love another chance, or will his guilt of circumstances he couldn't prevent in the past stop him from moving on?
Having not read any of the other books of this series, I was glad that this could easily be read as a stand-alone and I've got to say that this story makes me want to read the previous six books, because I really enjoyed the secondary characters. From start to finish, this book was entertaining, fast-paced and a book I wished I'd had the time to read from beginning to end in one sitting. Not only because this story encompasses the second chance romance trope, but because I really enjoyed the main characters and the obstacles they have to face to achieve their happy ever after. Can Micah find a way to let go of his guilt? Can the hero prove to Sloan that she'll always come first? Can Sloan overcome the fact that Micah is her late best friend's husband?
As for the dialogue, I loved every moment the hero and heroine conversed. Sloan isn't afraid to push until she can get Micah to open up about why he's taken a step back from what he really loves -- playing music. Will she convince him to play in a band again? However, the dialogue was also intense too due to the main characters back stories. Sloan has never had anyone put her first, and she's had enough of that. Really, I was cheering for her when she finally spoke up to those she felt did her wrong. Indeed, the heroine is strong, brave and I liked how determined she was to help the hero. He needed to realize that what happened to his wife / her best friend wasn't anyone's fault. That there was nothing anyone could do to save her.
Both the main and secondary characters were fantastic, and it's palpable how much the hero and heroine need each other to heal from the hurts of their pasts. Sloan and Micah have tough decisions to make, and I liked the choices they do end up making such as the hero finally interacting with those he loves again. Because they were the right choices for this couple, if they're going to give happy ever after a shot. The hero has so much more to offer than just working in the music store he owns and Sloan is determined to prove it, even if it means pushing him outside of his comfort zone. Moreover, I felt sorry for him when it comes to the moment where he needs to choose between letting go of the past and embracing the future. Can he let go of the guilt he's felt over not being there for his wife when she died?
Overall, Ms. Knupp has penned a really good read in this book where the strong chemistry between the main characters needed to explored, and eventually spilled over onto the pages in sex scenes filled with exquisite heat and passion that illustrated how good these two are together. The way this story ended had me worried for Micah, because of what happens to Sloan and the painful way it reminds him of the past. Can he overcome his guilt for not being there for another woman he cares about? However, in saying that, I really liked how the hero was determined to win Sloan back and she sort of disrupted his plans by also going after what she wants -- the hero. I would recommend One and Only by Amy Knupp, if you enjoy the friends to lovers trope or second chance romances.
March 8, 2017
This is a wonderfully emotional journey for Micah. He’s been in a holding pattern since his wife died and whether he realizes it or not it could be time to move on. It’s not easy and he fights it every step of the way, which causes some tense moments for readers and for Sloan. But it’s worthwhile and makes for a pretty great HEA ending.
Sloan is a fantastic friend. She pushes when she thinks Micah needs it (and a lot of times when he doesn’t like it) but she’s got great understanding for him as a person, musician, and a widower. Things may get complicated when their hearts start to get involved, but nothing worthy comes too easily.
Knupp keeps things real and has them working through those bumps, both little and big, until they can find a balance that works for both of them. They both have their hang-ups but by talking through things, and sometimes having a little more trouble listening, they are able to work through them all.
(This is my first Hale Street book but I don’t think it really made any kind of difference. There are characters that I’m sure returning readers will be thrilled to see again and it might have helped me understand who everyone was (because it seemed like a lot of names were thrown around that didn’t seem needed). But the story really revolved around Micah and Sloan and Knupp gave you everything you needed to be able to enjoy their romance.)
*** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***
Sloan is a fantastic friend. She pushes when she thinks Micah needs it (and a lot of times when he doesn’t like it) but she’s got great understanding for him as a person, musician, and a widower. Things may get complicated when their hearts start to get involved, but nothing worthy comes too easily.
Knupp keeps things real and has them working through those bumps, both little and big, until they can find a balance that works for both of them. They both have their hang-ups but by talking through things, and sometimes having a little more trouble listening, they are able to work through them all.
(This is my first Hale Street book but I don’t think it really made any kind of difference. There are characters that I’m sure returning readers will be thrilled to see again and it might have helped me understand who everyone was (because it seemed like a lot of names were thrown around that didn’t seem needed). But the story really revolved around Micah and Sloan and Knupp gave you everything you needed to be able to enjoy their romance.)
*** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***
August 18, 2017
It’s been three years since Micah’s wife died and he still hasn’t come to terms with it. He gave up his dream playing in a country band and opened a music store where he plays at night in a soundproof room. He still lives in the house he shared with Deanna and has pretty much become a recluse. Enter Sloan. Sloan was Deanna’s best friend since childhood and a very good friend to Micah, too. She hasn’t seen him since the funeral. She just started a job booking entertainment at Claybornes. Micah and Sloan spot each other at the Halloween party and when Micah ducks out trying to avoid her, Sloan follows him. Sloan can see that Micah is still grieving and does her best to bring him back into the real world. The sparks between these two are palpable. Sloan has her own baggage and I think this helped her to understand Micah. Sloan lightens the dark weight that seems to sit on Micah’s chest and Micah pushes Sloan to confront her demon. I like it that when they have a blow out, it doesn’t carry on for weeks or months. They don’t let it fester for too long, but work to resolve it. This is a feature of all the Hale Street books and it’s really refreshing not to have to yell at my e-reader “Talk to each other!” This was an enjoyable, easy-to-read story for people who love friends-to-lovers stories with a HEA.
I received a free copy of the book and have voluntarily written an honest review.
I received a free copy of the book and have voluntarily written an honest review.
March 8, 2017
I wonder if I’ll ever learn not to elect to read a book that is in the midst of a series without having read any of the previous books! Thankfully this book can be read as a standalone.
I love books that flow smoothly, with dialogue that is easy to follow along with, characters who are easy to like, fleshed out main and secondary characters, and a book that captures my attention so thoroughly, I lose myself in my kindle and don’t surface until I flip the last page (my family is so used to this, that they just set food and drink on my nightstand and leave me be).
I also love second chance romances, though at times I don’t really care for those who end up falling in love with the friend of their ex or deceased spouse. However, I enjoyed reading and watching Micah and Sloan bridge the gap from friends to lovers as they help each other heal from the loss of Micah’s deceased wife, who was also Sloan’s best friend.
The sex scenes are intense and not for the faint of heart.
Overall, I really enjoyed getting to know Micah and Sloan. I plan on going back to read the first six books in this series posthaste!
DISCLAIMER: I requested a review copy so that I could participate in the blog tour. All opinions are 100% my own.
I love books that flow smoothly, with dialogue that is easy to follow along with, characters who are easy to like, fleshed out main and secondary characters, and a book that captures my attention so thoroughly, I lose myself in my kindle and don’t surface until I flip the last page (my family is so used to this, that they just set food and drink on my nightstand and leave me be).
I also love second chance romances, though at times I don’t really care for those who end up falling in love with the friend of their ex or deceased spouse. However, I enjoyed reading and watching Micah and Sloan bridge the gap from friends to lovers as they help each other heal from the loss of Micah’s deceased wife, who was also Sloan’s best friend.
The sex scenes are intense and not for the faint of heart.
Overall, I really enjoyed getting to know Micah and Sloan. I plan on going back to read the first six books in this series posthaste!
DISCLAIMER: I requested a review copy so that I could participate in the blog tour. All opinions are 100% my own.
March 9, 2017
For me there has always been something magical about the city of Nashville, from the live music venues, to the historic homes and hotels, to the fabulous restaurants. It is rare for me to have a book set in this city that does the location justice but One and Only certainly does. The description of the city, as well as the characters, made you feel as if you were standing on the corner of Hale Street with a group of friends going to see a band play at the Clayton. And while it was easy to fall in love with the city, it was equally as easy to fall in love with the characters. I adore Sloan, with her vivacious personality and huge heart. Micah was a bit harder to like, as he was so closed off (understandably) at the beginning of the story. Watching the two of them finally find open themselves to love and happiness again was heartwarming and left me smiling long after I was finished reading. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. This is one that you don't want to miss! I cannot wait to go back and pick up the earlier books in the series. Not having read them prior, in no way detracted from the enjoyment of this story.
March 7, 2017
When Micah lost his wife, he let go of everything else in his life, the people in it, his place in a band, and so much more. Now that he's opened up his own music shop, Micah still wants nothing to do with his former life and just wants to get his business up and running and move on with his life. That is until a blast from the past, his wife's best friend, works to convince him that he can make a go of more than just his new business and that he has nothing to feel guilty about in regards to the death of his wife.
Sloan understands more than Micah wants her to about why he's pushed her away for years and why he appears to want nothing to do with his former life, but Sloan also sees the hidden truth, that Micah isn't as indifferent to his past as he'd like to be. She feels it's sort of her duty to help him move on in life and get back to the life that would make him happy, namely playing in a band again. But there's also something more going on between them, and though neither really want to admit it because of what it could look like to others, a betrayal to Micah's dead wife who was Sloan's best friend, they aren't ready to put a name to the feelings.
As Micah slowly allows his old life to seep back into the present, and decides to give being in a band another chance, he and Sloan grow closer together, not wanting to be in a relationship or cause problems, the two of them come to an arrangement; a friends with benefits sort of arrangement. But nothing is ever as simple as that, and the sparks between these two are simply more than they expected.
One and Only drew me right into the story, understanding the reasons for Micah's behavior and seeing just how deeply Sloan needed to help him; they'd been friends once upon a time after all. I really enjoyed the journey these two took together, how Sloan helped Micah work through his unnecessary guilt and move through his grief. I loved that there was a complexity to each of these characters that colored their thoughts on relationships and lent to the ease of making their arrangement in the first place.
Amy Knupp has created an amazing small town feel with the Hale Street series, pulling you into the story with intriging characters and storylines. Side characters that make you feel like a part of the community, that add to the blossoming love story and grab your attention just as easily as the main characters. I enjoyed the emotions that played out throughout this story, the feelings evoked as I flipped the pages and dove deeper into Micah and Sloan's story and found myself rooting for them to find happiness with each other.
Sloan understands more than Micah wants her to about why he's pushed her away for years and why he appears to want nothing to do with his former life, but Sloan also sees the hidden truth, that Micah isn't as indifferent to his past as he'd like to be. She feels it's sort of her duty to help him move on in life and get back to the life that would make him happy, namely playing in a band again. But there's also something more going on between them, and though neither really want to admit it because of what it could look like to others, a betrayal to Micah's dead wife who was Sloan's best friend, they aren't ready to put a name to the feelings.
As Micah slowly allows his old life to seep back into the present, and decides to give being in a band another chance, he and Sloan grow closer together, not wanting to be in a relationship or cause problems, the two of them come to an arrangement; a friends with benefits sort of arrangement. But nothing is ever as simple as that, and the sparks between these two are simply more than they expected.
One and Only drew me right into the story, understanding the reasons for Micah's behavior and seeing just how deeply Sloan needed to help him; they'd been friends once upon a time after all. I really enjoyed the journey these two took together, how Sloan helped Micah work through his unnecessary guilt and move through his grief. I loved that there was a complexity to each of these characters that colored their thoughts on relationships and lent to the ease of making their arrangement in the first place.
Amy Knupp has created an amazing small town feel with the Hale Street series, pulling you into the story with intriging characters and storylines. Side characters that make you feel like a part of the community, that add to the blossoming love story and grab your attention just as easily as the main characters. I enjoyed the emotions that played out throughout this story, the feelings evoked as I flipped the pages and dove deeper into Micah and Sloan's story and found myself rooting for them to find happiness with each other.
March 18, 2017
This was a refreshing take on the Contemporary Romance novel, being mostly from a male POV and he being the one that truly needs to open his heart to find his way. Often times when stories lean this way, author's tend to make the male lead overbearing, overtly crass, or otherwise draw a line that your typical CR reader doesn't want to cross.
Here, Micah is no doubt a man's man but he was raised right. He may be easy on the eyes (he is) and pleasant to the ears (voice and drumming talent wise), but he also knows how to treat women as more than a trophy or a way to pass the time...in fact, that very insight is what plays into hardening his heart towards a real connection. Sloan is equal parts, beauty, brain, and heart. She's made a name for herself in chosen field, keeps up with friends the best she can, but closer familial connections are harder. She's been hurt by her past, but learned from it and she's not about to let it control her future....funny thing about futures though, the past is in their shadow whether we like it or not. Even though she's stubborn, it's gonna take more than her own backbone to really tell it like it is...too bad we don't know any good guys that love nothing more than great music and the chance to see others at their best. Or do we?
It's a musical walk through the streets of Nashville tinged with the loss and heartbreak the music is known for...but colored by hope, forgiveness, and the possibility of second chances. With friends both old and new to guide them on their way, there's nothing this potential friends-to-couple duo can't do...and we're right in the driver's seat watching it all unfold.
*copy was received for my honest review
Here, Micah is no doubt a man's man but he was raised right. He may be easy on the eyes (he is) and pleasant to the ears (voice and drumming talent wise), but he also knows how to treat women as more than a trophy or a way to pass the time...in fact, that very insight is what plays into hardening his heart towards a real connection. Sloan is equal parts, beauty, brain, and heart. She's made a name for herself in chosen field, keeps up with friends the best she can, but closer familial connections are harder. She's been hurt by her past, but learned from it and she's not about to let it control her future....funny thing about futures though, the past is in their shadow whether we like it or not. Even though she's stubborn, it's gonna take more than her own backbone to really tell it like it is...too bad we don't know any good guys that love nothing more than great music and the chance to see others at their best. Or do we?
It's a musical walk through the streets of Nashville tinged with the loss and heartbreak the music is known for...but colored by hope, forgiveness, and the possibility of second chances. With friends both old and new to guide them on their way, there's nothing this potential friends-to-couple duo can't do...and we're right in the driver's seat watching it all unfold.
*copy was received for my honest review
July 17, 2020
This book was given to me by the author & am giving an honest review. This was the first book that I’ve read by Amy Knupp & will definitely read more.
Micah Sullivan, drummer in a country band, had lost his wife three years ago while he was on tour with the band. He has blamed himself for her loss ever since & as a result has pushed away his family & friends. The other main character, Sloan McGuire, is an entertainment Booker at Claybornes bar. She has known Micah for many years and was close friends with his late wife. Sloan had grown up in a single parent home since the age of 8 with her father & brother when her mother left the family. Since then she has always felt second best in her family & any relationship she has been in.
Sloan & Micah reconnect & encourage to their limits & turn their lives around.
This story was well written with great main & supporting characters which made the story easy to read with No Cliffhanger. I recommend this book to Contemporary Romance readers 18 & over.
March 21, 2017
I loved One and Only by Amy Knupp. This was my first book from this author and I’ll definitely be back for more. One and Only is part of the Hale Street series but can easily be read as a standalone.
Micah made for really interesting reading and watching him struggle to pull himself back from the dark place he is in was compelling. Sloan was just the breath of fresh air this book needed (though I don’t think I can say how much I hated that name – every time I read it it made me think of a burly biker) Anyway I quite liked the pacing of this book, nothing seemed rushed, I don’t think you could ever rush Micah, and the story just unfolded very naturally. There were quite a few humorous interchanges that helped keep the book light and with plenty of happy-sigh moments.
It ticked all my romance book boxes and I’ve already gone out and brought the first three book s in the Hale Street series.
Micah made for really interesting reading and watching him struggle to pull himself back from the dark place he is in was compelling. Sloan was just the breath of fresh air this book needed (though I don’t think I can say how much I hated that name – every time I read it it made me think of a burly biker) Anyway I quite liked the pacing of this book, nothing seemed rushed, I don’t think you could ever rush Micah, and the story just unfolded very naturally. There were quite a few humorous interchanges that helped keep the book light and with plenty of happy-sigh moments.
It ticked all my romance book boxes and I’ve already gone out and brought the first three book s in the Hale Street series.
April 29, 2024
Healing on Hale Street
There must be something magical about Hale Street. The road to healing, even on Hale Street, is neither easy nor without obstacles. This book is a emotional journey, through grief and loss, self-discovery, acceptance, and gradually opening one's self to happiness and love.
Micah is in such pain at the beginning of this book, my heart hurt for him. I loved how Sloan, accidentally ran into him again -- of course on Hale Street -- more than three years after the death of his wife, her best friens. Sloan could see Micah's pain and refused to let him push her away again. She was determined to help him learn to live again, not merely exist.
As they both learn to find support in each other, their emotional scars start to heal and fade, including her scars from the loss of her mother as a young child.
I purchased a copy of this story as part of a series boxset and voluntarily chose to share my review.
There must be something magical about Hale Street. The road to healing, even on Hale Street, is neither easy nor without obstacles. This book is a emotional journey, through grief and loss, self-discovery, acceptance, and gradually opening one's self to happiness and love.
Micah is in such pain at the beginning of this book, my heart hurt for him. I loved how Sloan, accidentally ran into him again -- of course on Hale Street -- more than three years after the death of his wife, her best friens. Sloan could see Micah's pain and refused to let him push her away again. She was determined to help him learn to live again, not merely exist.
As they both learn to find support in each other, their emotional scars start to heal and fade, including her scars from the loss of her mother as a young child.
I purchased a copy of this story as part of a series boxset and voluntarily chose to share my review.
April 10, 2024
The story of Misha and Sloan is a tear jerker in some ways but also a jump up and down and root for them book. Sloan is a hothead with heart, and Misha is a man who lost his wife while he was on the road with his band at the time. He's having a very hard time adjusting to this loss and he quits the band and Sloan tries to help him since she was his wife's BFF. Friends with benefits results until she's hurt and he's on the road with Steel Hearts. So he breaks up with her because he can't handle the similarity. It's an up and down and pull Misha to the surface to face his life. This was my second favorite of the Hale Street Series.
June 26, 2023
Everyone deals with grief in their own way, in their own time, but add in guilt and the struggle is way harder. Sloan has been best friends with Micah’s wife. When she died from a brain aneurism, while he was on tour, they both lost her. He has not forgiven himself for not being there for her, even thought there was nothing he could have done. Sloan helped to pull Micah up and out of his depression. She helped him to put life back into living. Along the way they fall in love. I enjoyed this read.
January 14, 2019
Love Hale Street series
Sloan grew up feeling second to everyone in her life. She takes job at Claybornes and reconnects with her decreased friends husband Micah Sullivan. He is drummer for country band until his wife passed while he was on the road. They end up dating and she convinced him to go back to playing in band. Things happen and he breaks up with her but after a week they both realized they belong together. Thank goodness. Look forward to more from Hale Street.
Sloan grew up feeling second to everyone in her life. She takes job at Claybornes and reconnects with her decreased friends husband Micah Sullivan. He is drummer for country band until his wife passed while he was on the road. They end up dating and she convinced him to go back to playing in band. Things happen and he breaks up with her but after a week they both realized they belong together. Thank goodness. Look forward to more from Hale Street.
September 17, 2017
Another great Hale Street book. This is the third book I've read and it feels like the kind of neighborhood where I'd like to live. This book has romance, insecurities, family and great characters.
May 1, 2022
Hello
Sloane was his wife's best friend Micah develops feelings for her. Can they make it work? Oh this is a interesting book.
Sloane was his wife's best friend Micah develops feelings for her. Can they make it work? Oh this is a interesting book.
January 7, 2023
Likeable characters and a decent story. A few too many side characters at times.
Want to read
March 19, 2023🎁Part of Meet Me at Clayborne's: Hale Street Boxed Set which is FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (3/19/2023)! 🎁
September 16, 2024
4/5 ⭐️ I really liked this book!!
November 25, 2024
Well written, but knew the outcome from the beginning.
March 8, 2017
This is a wonderfully emotional journey for Micah. He’s been in a holding pattern since his wife died and whether he realizes it or not it could be time to move on. It’s not easy and he fights it every step of the way, which causes some tense moments for readers and for Sloan. But it’s worthwhile and makes for a pretty great HEA ending.
Sloan is a fantastic friend. She pushes when she thinks Micah needs it (and a lot of times when he doesn’t like it) but she’s got great understanding for him as a person, musician, and a widower. Things may get complicated when their hearts start to get involved, but nothing worthy comes too easily.
Knupp keeps things real and has them working through those bumps, both little and big, until they can find a balance that works for both of them. They both have their hang-ups but by talking through things, and sometimes having a little more trouble listening, they are able to work through them all.
(This is my first Hale Street book but I don’t think it really made any kind of difference. There are characters that I’m sure returning readers will be thrilled to see again and it might have helped me understand who everyone was (because it seemed like a lot of names were thrown around that didn’t seem needed). But the story really revolved around Micah and Sloan and Knupp gave you everything you needed to be able to enjoy their romance.)
*** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***
Sloan is a fantastic friend. She pushes when she thinks Micah needs it (and a lot of times when he doesn’t like it) but she’s got great understanding for him as a person, musician, and a widower. Things may get complicated when their hearts start to get involved, but nothing worthy comes too easily.
Knupp keeps things real and has them working through those bumps, both little and big, until they can find a balance that works for both of them. They both have their hang-ups but by talking through things, and sometimes having a little more trouble listening, they are able to work through them all.
(This is my first Hale Street book but I don’t think it really made any kind of difference. There are characters that I’m sure returning readers will be thrilled to see again and it might have helped me understand who everyone was (because it seemed like a lot of names were thrown around that didn’t seem needed). But the story really revolved around Micah and Sloan and Knupp gave you everything you needed to be able to enjoy their romance.)
*** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***
March 20, 2017
Omg this book was amazing. This book was a page turning romance that I couldn't stop reading until the end. I had voluntary read and reviewd an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. I would highly reccomend this book.
May 7, 2025
Another easy read. Was able to follow story without having read any others in the series. I liked how it dove into their grief.
August 20, 2017
Micah was the drummer of Secondary Joe until his wife died unexpectedly while he was on the road. He left the band on the brink of stardom and pushed his family and friends away. Three years later he has opened a music store on Hale Street and is hoping to make it a success. Sloan, the best friend of Micah’s wife, is the new entertainment Manager at Clayborne’s on the Corner which isn’t known for its music. When they run into each other, Sloan can tell that Micah is still grieving and makes it her mission to help him. As they rekindle their friendship, sparks fly and they both need to decide if they want something more. Sloan had felt like she was second best her entire life and is afraid that is what she would be to Micah too. Micah feels guilty because he begins to have feelings for Sloan that go beyond just attraction. When Micah gets an opportunity to be in a band again, can he pass it up? Can these two find love together or are they destined to live without one another?
I love the Hale Street books! The characters are so realistic. It is great that all of the characters are intertwined among all of the books. This story tugs at the heartstrings more than some of the others. Micah is a grieving widower and he doesn’t think he will every find love again. He is basically just going through the motions of life until Sloan finds him. These two people are just meant to be together but both of them have to deal with their respective pasts in order to move forward and they are able to help each other to do that. It is a touching and beautiful romance. Absolutely loved it and couldn’t put it down.
I received an ARC of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest review.
I love the Hale Street books! The characters are so realistic. It is great that all of the characters are intertwined among all of the books. This story tugs at the heartstrings more than some of the others. Micah is a grieving widower and he doesn’t think he will every find love again. He is basically just going through the motions of life until Sloan finds him. These two people are just meant to be together but both of them have to deal with their respective pasts in order to move forward and they are able to help each other to do that. It is a touching and beautiful romance. Absolutely loved it and couldn’t put it down.
I received an ARC of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest review.
October 3, 2017
Excellent and enjoyable romance series…Micah lost his wife three years ago and withdrawn from everything except his struggling music store. Sloan, his wife's best friend, appears back in his life like a breath of fresh air. Sloan is the new entertainment manager at Clayborne's bar. Sloan doesn't let Micah wallow in his grief and guilt. Sloan doesn't want to be anyone's second choice, but she puts her heart at risk with Micah. This is an excellent book and series. I enjoy it very much It's nice to revisit Hale Street and catch up on other characters, but all these books can be enjoyed as standalones. I recommend this book and the series.
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