Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Since You

Rate this book
Brinley Ackers is running from a relationship she no longer understands. She hopes to escape in a small town where nobody knows her, and no one will ask questions. The last thing she wants to do is spend a night at a bar, even though her friend insists it's what she needs. An unexpected encounter with the head of security gives her more than she bargained for.
Curiosity draws Callum Finley toward Brinley, even though he's suffered too much in his past to be even remotely open to dating. After experiencing Brinley’s sharp tongue, Callum does his best to ignore the fascination pulling him toward the fiery brunette. But Brinley is in town trying to get lost, and the more she drinks, the more she wonders if a night with Callum is exactly what she needs. When Callum discovers she’s new in town with nowhere to stay, he does what he does best and goes into rescue mode, offering her his extra room.
The more time they spend with each other, the more attraction blurs the line between friendship and love. With Brinley’s dangerous present, and Callum’s fear of the past, will they be able to overcome the obstacles threatening their future, or will it end in tears?

297 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 30, 2023

18 people are currently reading
108 people want to read

About the author

Sarah Hill

7 books59 followers
SARAH HILL, lives in Idaho with her husband, 3 dogs and cat. When she isn't feeding, playing or doctoring one of her fur babies, you can find her watching a chick flick or favorite Hallmark movie, hanging with family and friends, reading or taking pictures (because photos are important!) Some of her favorite things include the world of Harry Potter, Mexican food, camping, playing pranks, laughing and kissing her husband.

Sarah continues to listen to the characters who find her and whisper their stories in her ear and plans to get their stories out to the world.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
47 (46%)
4 stars
41 (40%)
3 stars
11 (10%)
2 stars
2 (1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
Profile Image for Jeanna.
137 reviews
June 30, 2023
Let me start by stating I read about 100 books a year. Most of those are some form of romance. So when I was given an ARC of Since You, I had lots of books to compare it to. Let me tell you, Sarah Hill blew me away with this storyline!!
- Small town romance ✔️
-Slow burn ✔️
-Forced Proximity ✔️
-And just enough🌶🌶✔️

I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS STORY! I started reading it in the morning and couldn't put it down all day. It's now way past my bedtime, but I just had to finish it. I loved Callum so much. There's just something about a good ol small town cowboy(not cowboy) to make me swoon. I loved his relationships with his sisters so much. He was just such a genuinely good guy in this story.

Can we talk about his silo house?? I had to Google it because I had never heard of it. I want a Silo house so bad now! Maybe a story for Tristan next??

Overall, I would give this book a 4.5⭐️ rating, but I chose to round up to 5 ⭐️. There was some grammatical errors and a couple sentences that didn't quite flow correctly. Easy fixes, and that's why I rated it on Goodreads as 5⭐️ because the author can fix those for future publishings. Thank you Sarah for letting me be one of your first readers for this amazing story!
Profile Image for Julia Noack.
390 reviews8 followers
June 24, 2023
4.5⭐️ If Lucy Score & Nicholas Sparks had a baby under a Hallmark sign, this would be it. I loved the small-town, country music feel and could truly visualize the whole story & setting. I loved Callum, his house, his family, and his personal growth journey.

Now bring me a (non) cowboy & build me a silo house.
2 reviews
June 9, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I had been waiting for Sarah to write another book just because I can relate to the areas she writes about so well and it helps me getore into the story line. "Since You" drew me in and I couldn't put it down, I finished it in 2 days. I could almost see the characters she was describing and could really feel the emotions. I have to admit, I shed a few tears at one point. Another great job Sarah.
Profile Image for alondraaaa (:.
21 reviews
July 1, 2023
I was so grateful to have to the opportunity to receive an ARC for Since You by Sarah Hill. 🥰💗

I love me a good Small Town Romance and this book gave all of that! The not-so-meet cute from Brinley and Callum was amusing. 😂😂 I think Callum definitely learned his lesson on what not to do when meeting ladies at a bar who are clearly not having the best of times 😂 Brinley is a force of nature in this book. She definitely held her own in the beginning of the book, but that kind of disappears as you continue the book due to personal circumstances with her ex-boyfriend.

I really enjoyed the found family in this book with Callum's family and friends. Tristen was hilarious and uplifting in this book which is helpful because Since You does speak on deep and dark subjects. I think my favorite character in this book was Maddie. She is just a lovable and positive gal who loves what she does and wears her heart on her sleeve. She feels like a warm hug 🥰💗 Overall, I enjoyed Brinley and Callum's relationship in this book, they were cute and can definitely sense their attraction for each other. Callum allowing Brinley to stay at one of his guest houses and always making a habit of her feeling included and not isolated was sweet 😭 He is a natural protector and always wants to help 💗💗

Although this is not a 5 star read for me, I am super particular about rating books that I have read. There was a couple of grammatical errors, but not entirely of an issue for me. My only reason for the giving it a 4 star rating, is I wished there was a little more with the Lee situation. I felt that having him be aggressive with Brinley and controlling was a bit out of nowhere. I think there just needed to be more of a connection of why he became this way. That was really my only biggest issue with this book.

Overall, enjoyed this book! Definitely would recommend this book for anyone who loves a small town romance book! 🥰💗
Profile Image for Bruce Spydar.
Author 11 books39 followers
July 21, 2023
Top of the Hill!
Since You is the fourth book I’ve read from Sarah Hill and I think this was the best so far. Not only did she bring her undoubted skill for small-town sweet romance, but this time she added a little tabasco for a delicious extra kick.
The main characters, Brinley and Callum, are well matched, and each brings their own baggage that forms the framework for a great story. The intense (and sometimes tense) attraction between them is complemented by a supporting cast whose amusing banter lightens the mood ... I particularly liked Maddie, and could certainly imagine paying to hear her sing.
If you enjoy sweet romance, Sarah Hill is one for your list. If you also like a sprinkle of tabasco, then put Since You at the top!
Profile Image for JennShesBooked.
604 reviews68 followers
August 22, 2023
I absolutely devoured every page of this book. Brinley, Callum and the whole Emmett crew will forever live in my head, rent free. Except Lee. Lee can go straight to hell.

A small town, forced proximity, slow burn romance, this book was a delicious build up to two people finally giving in to what they deserve. I loved watching the healing journey they both went on individually in order to be able to submit themselves to one another and be genuinely happy. Not to mention, the steamy parts were *chefs kiss*.

Brinley was a firecracker and I adored her character. I loved how she didn’t back down from what she wanted, and she spoke what was on her mind. She was strong and fierce, and I admired her confidence. There is something really refreshing about having our female MC not take no for an answer, and her being the one to essentially heal the male MC. The role reversal was done so well.

Romance fans! I highly recommend you pick this one up, I absolutely loved it.
Profile Image for Michelle Madrid.
335 reviews8 followers
July 11, 2023
I received an ARC of Since You in exchange for an honest review. I adore Sarah Hill and was appreciative to have been shared her latest.

Normally, small town country vibes are not necessary something I gravitate to, but I had a fun time reading Callum’s and Brinley’s story.

Enjoying characters is important for me to remain engaged in a novel and I really liked Callum’s POV being even keeled and learning more about where he comes from added to my commitment to see this through.

Super cute and look forward to diving into some of her other books. ❤️
Profile Image for Megan Styles.
Author 4 books24 followers
July 25, 2023
Since You by Sarah Hill was a delight of a book. An easy read where it was fun to fly through a good story. Reading romance is something I go into knowing I’m not going to find the meaning of life within it and I’m reading it as a comfort genre. The story is Brinley and Callum was exactly that: an enjoyable book that put a cute smile on my face after I finished reading :)
3 reviews
Read
June 12, 2023
I truly enjoyed this new book by Sarah Hill. I have read her previous writings and enjoyed those, as well. 'Since You' adds some 'steaminess' to the story, but delicately, not unappealing to read at all. One feels the Characters, both sides of this romance and it leaves one wanting to read more!!! Once started, I could not put it down! I just had to know what happens next and was not disappointed. I hope Hallmark picks it as 'movie material' and runs with it.

Great read, great story. I will keep watching for more books from this author. Sarah, you have my following,,,YOU GO GIRL and keep wtiting!!
JoAnn Watkins
1,512 reviews21 followers
July 16, 2023
Callum isn't open to dating due to being hurt in the past but when Brinley stumbles into town, he can't help being intrigued. The more he gets to know her, the more he likes her. But Brinley herself has her own dangerous past. Can the two overcome the past to build a future?

This was such a beautiful love story. Callum had so much heart being the caring guy that he was. I loved how he helped Brinley and his relationship with his sisters was amazing. And with Brinley's past, I was 100% rooting for her happy ending. The chemistry was evident between the two main characters and I loved the slow burn that developed between the two. I can't wait to pick up more from this author - she's definitely one to keep an eye out for!

Thank you so much to the author for a complimentary copy of your book - it was such a pleasure to read.
Profile Image for Christina Saumty.
4 reviews1 follower
June 12, 2023
I received this book as an ARC, and loved it! I had taken a break from romance books and it was the perfect welcome back. I laughed and cried right along with the characters. I love how relatable they were and how realistic their struggles and problems were. I loved all the cozy small town vibes. I loved the family dynamics and the humor. I highly recommend.
25 reviews1 follower
June 10, 2023
This was such a fun read! I’m not usually a small town romance kind of girl but this one won me over. The story flowed well, the romance was sweet, and the characters were likable and real. The slow burn chemistry between the main characters was great and I loved that it was dual POV.
I will definitely be reading more from Sarah Hill in the future!
Profile Image for Chiara DIY Reads .
29 reviews16 followers
July 10, 2023
I really enjoyed reading this book! From start to finish I was wrapped up in the storyline. I was in a 6 month book slump before reading this and this book really turned my love for reading right back on! The plot was engaging the entire read. You’ll love this book!
Profile Image for Hope (bookedwithhope).
589 reviews
July 10, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this country, small town romance.

Callum-not-a-cowboy Finley is not a relationship man. He’s spent the last 8 years of his life walling off his emotions and blocking out the past. But when a beautiful stranger in need of rescue comes to town, Callum can’t quite resist the pull.

Brinley is running away from the man she thought she loved when he was caught cheating. She’s never been one for country music and cowboys, but the handsome man with the piercing green eyes might just be the one to turn her head.

Full of secrets, vulnerability, and love, Since You is a tale of learning to put yourself first and accepting what you deserve. It shows that we don’t get to decide when love comes knocking on our door—we just have to be brave enough to answer its call.
Profile Image for Lindsey Schachter.
122 reviews
June 30, 2023
Sarah Hill is back with another captivating indie romance novel that will delight fans of the genre. This book is perfect for those who enjoy small-town Midwestern vibes, instant love connections, the damsel-in-distress and protector dynamic, characters with dark pasts and emotional scars, and heartwarming relationships among close-knit family and friends.

In "Since You," we meet Brinley Ackers, who decides to leave Boise behind after discovering that her five-year relationship was built on lies. Meanwhile, Callum Finley is content running a bar in his hometown alongside his best friend Tristen, embracing the bachelor lifestyle as he tries to bury the haunting memories of his past. Fate intervenes when Brinley and Callum cross paths at his bar, sparking an undeniable chemistry between them. Despite their reservations, they find it increasingly difficult to resist their growing attraction. As time goes on, it becomes clear that their respective secrets are on the verge of catching up to them. Together, they must confront their pasts and find a way to move forward. But will their journey lead them to a shared future?

Hill skillfully weaves a tale of romance and redemption, drawing readers into the lives of Brinley and Callum. The chemistry between the two is palpable, and their individual struggles add depth and complexity to their characters. While the plot is predictable at times, the author's engaging writing style keeps the reader invested in the story. Hill excels at creating a sense of place, immersing readers in the charm and atmosphere of a small Midwestern town, with just the right amount of spice.

"Since You" is an enjoyable read for fans of contemporary romance. With its blend of passion, emotional depth, and a dash of suspense, this book will leave readers eagerly turning the pages.
Profile Image for Libby.
85 reviews
July 7, 2023
Book Review💫
Title: Since You
Author: Sarah Hill
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶🌶/5

So as this is a pretty new book, I am going to try my very best to do a spoiler free review so that it doesn't get ruined for anyone that may want to read!! Since You is my first ever small town romance book read and that has had me excited as I do have a few small town romance series on my TBR that I have been hesitant to get into just because I wasn't sure if I'd like them. However, I was hooked from the start!!! The chemistry between Brinley and Callum is less of a spicy, "I wanna rip your clothes off" and more of a "I wanna protect you and be around you as much as possible" and I loved it. (Also just a quick side mention but THE SILO HOUSE!!!! How bloody cool, I literally haven't stopped going on about it to my boyfriend, he thinks I'm mad!!🤣) I also love the whole crazy ex boyfriend vibe as well, women are so often painted as the crazy ones, it's nice for the shoe to be on the other foot sometimes!!

Over all I've rated this book 4/5, with one star deduction just because I am into having more spicy spice but that doesn't mean it wasn't good! Slow burns and love making still make a good book even better and this didn't fail to impress!!

Also, Sarah is so great and I can't wait to see what else she puts out in the future and I want to thank her for allowing me to be on her ARC team!💖
Profile Image for Dawn.
289 reviews3 followers
June 29, 2023
Since You is a forced-proximity contemporary romance with a bit of suspense. Brinley is on the run from her relationship of 5 years and is hiding out in a small town about 30 miles from where she used to live. Her best friend drags her out to a country bar to lift her spirits but she's not having any fun. Even though he's not at all interested in dating, Callum's interest is piqued when he sees Brinley at the bar, so he goes over to strike up a conversation only to be totally shot down by Brinley. But as she sits there drinking and stewing a bit over her situation, she wonders if time with Callum is just what she needs. But then it's her turn to be shot down by Callum.

Eventually Callum finds out that Brinley doesn't have anywhere to stay and offers her one of his spare guest houses until she's back on her feet. Taking care of and saving everyone else are what Callum does best. I appreciated how much time you got to see the main characters together, whether it was at Callum's house or at his bar or while Brinley was meeting his siblings. It was also fun having this set in a country bar that also hosted concerts, because you got to peek a bit behind the scenes of what running something like that might entail. And I did really love Callum's sisters and they way they teased him, especially in front of Brinley. Also, I was completely fascinated by Callum's home and his ability to construct all sorts of things for his house!

Ultimately, you get to follow as Callum lets down his walls for Brinley to share his dark past and then watch Brinley (and Callum) deal with her current reality and danger. The journey is not without its bumps along the way.

Sarah Hill is a new-to-me author and I'm looking forward to checking out her other books. Thank you to her for the advanced copy. Since You releases tomorrow and will be available on Kindle Unlimited.

TW: Domestic violence, drug use (in the past, not with main characters), death of a loved one (in the past)
Profile Image for Lilimomlovesbooks.
255 reviews4 followers
June 30, 2023
Since You by Sarah Hill is a small town romance about a girl tryings to get away from her ex and a guy with a savior's complex and a complicated past.

This was my first book of Sarah's and the first romance (with only two people in the relationship 😁) I've read in a while and I have quite enjoyed it. The story flows well and the characters are likeable, at least the ones you're supposed to like 😀

The plot revolves around Brinley, who escaped a threatening ex and Callum, who finds her in a dire situation and reluctantly helps her by having her move into his guesthouse. Quite reluctantly actually, because Callum doesn't do relationships - at all, no matter what kind. Of course, we all know how forced proximity romances go, so... 😁

It's not quite a five star read for me, as I would've liked more background about the threatening ex and why he was so threatening all of the sudden, but still an enjoyable read that I can definitely recommend! Thank you for the opportunity, Sarah!
Profile Image for WeLoveBigBooksAndWeCannotLie.
580 reviews29 followers
August 24, 2023
Do you like small town romances?💕
Since You by Sarah Hill checks all the boxes for an endearing small-town romance!
Brinley is hiding from her aggressive ex-boyfriend in a small town, where he likely will never find her, she runs into the charming but, a little broken, bar owner, Callum.
Callum has been running from love since a major tragedy tore him apart years ago. Brinley is absolutely not ready for anything romantic, but after they meet, they find themselves drawn towards each other.
When Callum finds out Brinley has been living out of her car, he insists on having her stay at his guest house. His family is everything Brinley needed to help heal her broken heart.
I just adored this sweet story and couldn’t put it down once I started it!
Thank you so much @authorsarahhill for this gifted copy!
Since You published earlier this year, and you can purchase this on our Amazon storefront!🧜🏼‍♀️🌺
Profile Image for Sarah Jane.
313 reviews49 followers
June 14, 2023
I’m a regularly ARC reader, a Beta Reader, and copy editor. Reading for indie authors is my favorite and an absolute privilege. Sarah was kind enough to provide me with an ARC copy for a honest review.

I’m giving Since You 3 stars.

I enjoyed the storyline over all. It had the right amount of angst, slow burn, and spice. The storyline was really good and well thought out. I always enjoy a tragic backstory, especially when it comes to the MMC. However, I really didn’t connect with either main character. I had a difficult time with Brinley from the first interaction with her, and Callum was just a little flat for me.
I also felt like the story could benefit from some heavy self-editing to thin out the unnecessary information and allow for better flow. Some parts of the story felt like an info dump and Brinkley’s inner monologue tended to jump around, causing some clarity issues for me. The story could have fit in 300–maybe even less—pages as opposed to 400+.
Profile Image for Aerin.
107 reviews3 followers
July 15, 2023
bar owning, m&m stealing, cowboy (only on weekends) with a grief stricken heart + girl on the run who can experience every emotion in the span of one night and likes to organize her candy into color charts + silos that were converted into a house + country music = sappy, emotional rollercoaster, sweet love story

i loved how much both callum and brinley evolved during this book. one going from guarded and scared to aggressively distant to big dummy lovey. the other going from paranoid, anxious, flighty to confident and relaxed once she found her home in the place she least expected it. callum had me wanting to chuck my phone across the room but once he got his self together the ending was adorable… pocketknife included lol

i can totally see this being a hallmark movie!

tropes: small town romance, forced proximity

amazing debut novel! thank you for the opportunity to be an arc reader! will definitely be back for more 🤠
Profile Image for Janet Olson.
Author 6 books17 followers
June 25, 2023
This is no ordinary Hill!

Callum had no clue what he was getting into when he stole Brinley's M&M. And so begins the journey of two souls in need of a partner... whether they know it or not. Is it all roses and sunshine from there? Not at all, because these two have secrets in their past. And do we get those secrets up front? Nope. Hill makes us turn page by delicous page for page for them. Add in the suspense of Brinley's psycho ex-boyfriend and you will be hunting for answers. Also, I wouldn't be surprised if silo homes become a vacation destination after reading Since You; I know it's on my list, just like this slow burn romance should be on yours!
Profile Image for Lark _thebookchamber.
561 reviews66 followers
July 2, 2023
Sarah Hill is a new to me author but after reading this I cannot wait to read more of her work.

I loved the characters in Since You so much. Brinley and Callum are relatable as they deal with some heavier emotional topics such as losing a loved one, domestic violence, and dealing with guilt/blame. I loved getting to watch their friendship and relationship grow, even while they didn’t know how to deal with their feelings right away. I was able to laugh, smile, and cry with this book which makes it a winner for me. If it doesn’t pull my heart strings I don’t want it 😉
I also enjoyed the small town aspect and really enjoyed all of the side characters in this story as well!

Thank you Sarah for sending me an ARC to read and review!
Profile Image for Torrina.
110 reviews
July 4, 2023
Pure Magic!

I absolutely loved Since You. Brinley is a beautiful but fractured young woman that is easy to relate to for any woman that’s experienced the heartbreak of betrayal - by both one’s significant other, but even more so of yourself when you realize you hurt over something you shouldn’t have settled for in the beginning. Callum is a good man, but is unwilling to share his heart as he is afraid to engage in the risk of true love. While their love story isn’t one of an ideal start or a fairytale, they build something much better as they learn what it is to truly love another.
Profile Image for Kayla.
74 reviews5 followers
June 25, 2023
I want to start off by saying this book is so so cute! The first few pages I was unsure but dang nabbit- this book drew me in.

I love that the characters were so relatable and Callums relationship with his sisters….. pure gold! Chefs Kiss!

I definitely craved some M&Ms after this book- it was so sweet (pun intended 😉)

It you like small town romances, slow burn, and forced proximity with just the right amount of spice- I would recommend this book!

Thank you so much for reaching out and providing me with an arc! I throughly enjoyed your book- I cannot wait for your next one!
Profile Image for Heather Finch.
17 reviews
June 30, 2023
5/5 ⭐️
2.5/5 🌶️

🤍 Small town romance
🤍 Slow burn
🤍 Forced proximity
🤍 Mental health awareness
🤍 Country music and dancing

Lucy Score meets Mia Sheridan. 😍
I’m obsessed with how this story plays out and the absolute emotional rollercoaster Sarah puts you through.

Brinley and Callum have that undeniable connection from the start. If two people were destined to be together it’s them. Callum is struggling with PTSD and anxiety from his traumatic past. While Brinley is struggling with her abusive ex boyfriend. These two help each other in the most unexpected way and bring each other into the light.

Now I will say that END!! I was NOT expecting it and I don’t think I’ve been so anxious to read these next page of a romance book. But I loved every second of it.

I loved this book so much and really hope Sarah gives us more stories about the characters in this book?! (Maybe Maddie and Kenny’s or Heather’s) 😍😍


TW:
Substance abuse, Death, Domestic violence, Assault
Profile Image for Mackenzie Warren.
31 reviews7 followers
June 30, 2023
I LOVED THIS BOOK! 4.5⭐️/5

First off I loved the vibe this book had, the small town romance, country music, the bar. I felt like I could see the entire place as I read. The beginning had me hooked and I found myself wanting to pick up this book any chance I got. Callum and Brinley were so adorable together and had amazing communication which I love to see in a romance book 👏🏽👏🏽 I loved being able to see the growth in the characters. Overall, this story was really amazing and definitely worth the read!!

💗💗💗💗
Profile Image for Christine Moore.
923 reviews32 followers
June 30, 2023
I read this book last night in one sitting after I was just going to read a few chapters and go to bed early! Well that didn’t happen!!!

Brinley is running away from a terrible relationship and runs into the bar Callum owns. Callum offers her a place to stay. Callum has a dark past and Brinley is running away from a dangerous man. I enjoyed how they got to know each other and helped each other.

I absolutely loved all the characters (except one) and Callum and his relationships with his sisters!

This was definitely a 5⭐️ read for me as it drew me in and I couldn’t put it down!
Profile Image for Nicole.
718 reviews11 followers
July 30, 2023
I LOVED Brinley and Callum’s small-town romance! It was sweet, it was spicy, it was just downright good fun.

The MCs are struggling with their pasts and it catching up to them, but their ability to work through them together is even more attractive. It’s not miscommunication, just needing time to work through things mentally. The tension is so worth it..the moments they give in to each other are just unbelievably steamy! Definitely recommend this one!
Profile Image for Raven Lowery.
Author 2 books1 follower
June 24, 2023
This is a great small town, country romance with a little spice. Both main characters are working through past traumas while getting to know each other. This story is full of interesting characters and Hallmark movie vibes!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.