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Ocean Pines #3
The Spring We Ignited
I married the wrong brother, but for the right reasons. My life was a mess when I started working at Hawkins Lobster Shack. Declan Hawkins was a mess too, and he swore marrying would solve both our problems. He wasn't wrong. And I wasn't unhappy. There was love. It was good . . . until it wasn't. Now my marriage is over, and my husband left town, leaving me alone to face the confused and hurt faces of our friends and his family. So, when his brother Finn suggests he become my fake husband so we can take that vacation Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins won, I don't say no. I need a break from the judging eyes of Ocean Pines. Pretending Finn's my husband is playing with fire because my long-buried feelings for him are coming back to life. And I still have secrets to keep. Secrets that aren't mine to share. Secrets that, if revealed, could burn this small town, and any feelings Finn might have for me, to the ground. Contains mature themes.
Audio CD
Published February 28, 2023
19 people are currently reading
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About the author
Victoria Denault
31 books832 followersSign up for Victoria's monthly newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/cexOL9
Victoria Denault loves ocean air, seventies music, strong heroines and flawed heroes. She is a former journalist, stand-up comic and corporate marketing minion. Victoria is a Canadian and former Californian who currently lives in a 225 year-old house with her husband, their Chihuahua Maximus and more spiders than she cares to think about.
Victoria Denault loves ocean air, seventies music, strong heroines and flawed heroes. She is a former journalist, stand-up comic and corporate marketing minion. Victoria is a Canadian and former Californian who currently lives in a 225 year-old house with her husband, their Chihuahua Maximus and more spiders than she cares to think about.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
June 2, 2022
Oh my goodness, I don’t think I can tell you the way this book just lit my heart up. Like, all the way up. I wasn’t expecting it. I didn’t see it coming. And even once I saw it coming, I didn’t know how good it was going to feel in the end.
It was SO good!
Look, there is definitely something about a brother’s ex-wife (or ex-girlfriend) trope that is just a little bit to the right of too taboo for me when it comes to romance. Often I can’t get out of my own head enough to really invest in the story. But I felt like Victoria Denault found a way to make it work. Finn and Nova worked. It was angsty and emotional and sexy as all get-out. And it worked. I loved them together and I felt their conundrum and emotional turmoil, but I also felt the way they cared for each other. And, best of all, because of the way this story was written, I was able to get out of my own way and really buy in and enjoy it.
Furthermore, the Hawkins family collective is just…guh.
I love them so much. And I love, love, LOVE the way their family drama was handled. I loved the way Finn’s relationship with Declan evolved. I loved the way the siblings showed up and rallied around each other. But I think most of all I appreciated the delicate way Declan’s relationship with his parents was handled. There were tears, and sobby little hiccups – but in the end I sat beaming at my Kindle, so happy with the way it all played out. This book was freaking fantastic! If you haven’t met this amazing family yet – what are you waiting for?! ~ Shelly, 5 Stars
It was SO good!
Look, there is definitely something about a brother’s ex-wife (or ex-girlfriend) trope that is just a little bit to the right of too taboo for me when it comes to romance. Often I can’t get out of my own head enough to really invest in the story. But I felt like Victoria Denault found a way to make it work. Finn and Nova worked. It was angsty and emotional and sexy as all get-out. And it worked. I loved them together and I felt their conundrum and emotional turmoil, but I also felt the way they cared for each other. And, best of all, because of the way this story was written, I was able to get out of my own way and really buy in and enjoy it.
Furthermore, the Hawkins family collective is just…guh.
I love them so much. And I love, love, LOVE the way their family drama was handled. I loved the way Finn’s relationship with Declan evolved. I loved the way the siblings showed up and rallied around each other. But I think most of all I appreciated the delicate way Declan’s relationship with his parents was handled. There were tears, and sobby little hiccups – but in the end I sat beaming at my Kindle, so happy with the way it all played out. This book was freaking fantastic! If you haven’t met this amazing family yet – what are you waiting for?! ~ Shelly, 5 Stars
April 30, 2022
✨A TOP READ OF 2022✨
Ahhhh! I was waiting for Nova and Finn's story! Finn is so freaking swoony! And I always thought that Nova deserved better than Declan, because he didn't seem to show her much affection at all! So the fact that he left her was fantastic.....but the way that he left her was cowardly and super messed up knowing how that town is. And while I am sure that it would have been odd to come out and tell your former sister-in-law that you have had feelings for her since before she married your brother.... I am so glad that Finn finally found it in himself to let her know! I love these 2 so much and I can not wait to hear about them having a baby!
Story 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice 🔥🔥🔥
Swoon 😍😍😍😍😍
Angst 💔💔💔
Ahhhh! I was waiting for Nova and Finn's story! Finn is so freaking swoony! And I always thought that Nova deserved better than Declan, because he didn't seem to show her much affection at all! So the fact that he left her was fantastic.....but the way that he left her was cowardly and super messed up knowing how that town is. And while I am sure that it would have been odd to come out and tell your former sister-in-law that you have had feelings for her since before she married your brother.... I am so glad that Finn finally found it in himself to let her know! I love these 2 so much and I can not wait to hear about them having a baby!
Story 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice 🔥🔥🔥
Swoon 😍😍😍😍😍
Angst 💔💔💔
October 2, 2023
I didn't love this as much as I loved the last 2 books in the series. Don't get me wrong, I still love this whole family but the connection just wasn't as strong for me with Nova & Finn.
April 30, 2022
5 PERFECTION STARS!! Oh my....the feels are off the charts in this book. This author knows how to reach in and touch our hearts with her words. You must read this series....it is so good.
April 30, 2022
This series just keeps getting better and better! This is Nova’s story - and what a story it is!
When Nova’s life falls apart she seeks comfort from Finn but finds Declan, someone with secrets of his own. They get married amid promises to love and care for one another and they do - until he doesn’t.
This is the story of Nova learning to find her way as a woman whose husband has left not only her but his family. As her life falls apart can she survive the storm? How can she hang on to the only family she knows as Finn shows her his feelings he has hidden for years - love, attention, affection and pleasure - things that she had been missing for years?
This is a story of sacrifice, love and redemption. It definitely checks all the marks!
Although I was provided an ARC by the author I also bought a copy for my library - it’s that good!
When Nova’s life falls apart she seeks comfort from Finn but finds Declan, someone with secrets of his own. They get married amid promises to love and care for one another and they do - until he doesn’t.
This is the story of Nova learning to find her way as a woman whose husband has left not only her but his family. As her life falls apart can she survive the storm? How can she hang on to the only family she knows as Finn shows her his feelings he has hidden for years - love, attention, affection and pleasure - things that she had been missing for years?
This is a story of sacrifice, love and redemption. It definitely checks all the marks!
Although I was provided an ARC by the author I also bought a copy for my library - it’s that good!
October 20, 2024
4.25/5 ⭐️
July 31, 2023
why was she so fucking obsessed with chickens?
May 1, 2022
At this point, I will read whatever Victoria Denault writes. Seriously. I love her flavor of hockey. She even got me watching F1. And she does small town romance extremely well. So yeah. I want whatever she’s writing.
The Spring We Ignited is the third book in the Ocean Pines series, and it is as good as the previous books. It’s a forbidden love story with a side dish of unrequited love and a dash of scandal thrown in. But just a dash.
I love this series. It keeps surprising me. I love the feel of the town, the Hawkins family, and the way the stories evolve. There’s always something that makes it impossible to put them down. I can’t wait for the next book in the series, and whatever book Victoria is writing next.
The Spring We Ignited is the third book in the Ocean Pines series, and it is as good as the previous books. It’s a forbidden love story with a side dish of unrequited love and a dash of scandal thrown in. But just a dash.
I love this series. It keeps surprising me. I love the feel of the town, the Hawkins family, and the way the stories evolve. There’s always something that makes it impossible to put them down. I can’t wait for the next book in the series, and whatever book Victoria is writing next.
April 27, 2022
This series has been one that I have quickly fallen in love with. This family, the characters and the town all have endeared me to it and I'm always anxious to see what is going on with our favorite Ocean Pines residents!
Nova Hawkins married Declan when both of them were in a position where it made sense and it helped to solve problems for both of them. It wasn't a marriage of convenience, not really, but now that things are ending, both of them have secrets and keeping them from their family and the meddling townsfolk proves to be more difficult than Nova could have ever imagined.
Finn Hawkins is Declan's brother and the man who has had feelings for Nova since he met her years before. Being the man he is, he had no plan to ever reveal his feelings for his sister-in-law, but now that things with his brother have fallen apart, is this the time?
When Nova wins a weekend getaway for "Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins", Finn suggests they play husband and wife and take the trip. With Nova having feelings for Finn too, will they give in? How will it play out with the family?
I always love Victoria Denault's writing. We get fully developed characters and you really feel like you get to know them, which makes the journey that much more enjoyable. I'm very intrigued by how this one ended and what is coming in the next book. I can't wait!!
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title in exchange for an honest review**
Nova Hawkins married Declan when both of them were in a position where it made sense and it helped to solve problems for both of them. It wasn't a marriage of convenience, not really, but now that things are ending, both of them have secrets and keeping them from their family and the meddling townsfolk proves to be more difficult than Nova could have ever imagined.
Finn Hawkins is Declan's brother and the man who has had feelings for Nova since he met her years before. Being the man he is, he had no plan to ever reveal his feelings for his sister-in-law, but now that things with his brother have fallen apart, is this the time?
When Nova wins a weekend getaway for "Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins", Finn suggests they play husband and wife and take the trip. With Nova having feelings for Finn too, will they give in? How will it play out with the family?
I always love Victoria Denault's writing. We get fully developed characters and you really feel like you get to know them, which makes the journey that much more enjoyable. I'm very intrigued by how this one ended and what is coming in the next book. I can't wait!!
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title in exchange for an honest review**
December 17, 2022
4 stars.
Things I Liked:
-how the foundation to Nova and Finn’s relationship was friendship
-that Nova and Finn have always had feelings for each other (even before she married Declan) but that they never acted on it out of respect for Nova’s marriage with Declan
-that Finn refused to let the family drama/complication get in the way of going after what he wanted (to be with Nova)
-that Terra was able to see Finn was in love with Nova
-Declan’s coming out scene and how accepting his entire family was
-finding out that Jake is going to propose to Terra (although I wish we saw the ring shopping scene)
-the epilogue with Finn and the kitten 🥰
Things I Didn’t Like:
-the storyline of Nova’s chickens (I don’t want to hear that a fox killed one and injured the other 🙁)
-that Declan hit Finn before having an actual conversation and finding out what was going on with Finn and Nova
-that Declan left his family (and Nova) with no warning
-I said this in the last book but I’ll say it again - the whole “we paid $200,000 for the car crash and we are now struggling” storyline. None of them seem to be struggling, Declan and Nova had what seemed to be a new and really nice house
Things I Would’ve Liked To See:
-an epilogue further into the future
-seeing more of Nova’s relationship with Javi
-learning more about Nova’s relationship with her father (maybe seeing some phone conversations or video calls)
-seeing the scene where Declan comes out to Nova
Things I Liked:
-how the foundation to Nova and Finn’s relationship was friendship
-that Nova and Finn have always had feelings for each other (even before she married Declan) but that they never acted on it out of respect for Nova’s marriage with Declan
-that Finn refused to let the family drama/complication get in the way of going after what he wanted (to be with Nova)
-that Terra was able to see Finn was in love with Nova
-Declan’s coming out scene and how accepting his entire family was
-finding out that Jake is going to propose to Terra (although I wish we saw the ring shopping scene)
-the epilogue with Finn and the kitten 🥰
Things I Didn’t Like:
-the storyline of Nova’s chickens (I don’t want to hear that a fox killed one and injured the other 🙁)
-that Declan hit Finn before having an actual conversation and finding out what was going on with Finn and Nova
-that Declan left his family (and Nova) with no warning
-I said this in the last book but I’ll say it again - the whole “we paid $200,000 for the car crash and we are now struggling” storyline. None of them seem to be struggling, Declan and Nova had what seemed to be a new and really nice house
Things I Would’ve Liked To See:
-an epilogue further into the future
-seeing more of Nova’s relationship with Javi
-learning more about Nova’s relationship with her father (maybe seeing some phone conversations or video calls)
-seeing the scene where Declan comes out to Nova
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2024
It's been months since Nova's husband, Declan, has left and they are on their way to a divorce. While his family is both outraged and devastated that he left Nova and them, Nova is the only one who truly knows the real reason. When Nova married Declan, they were helping each other. And sure there was love for a bit but deep down both knew it wasn't the forever love. And though Nova is mad that Declan gave her no warning, she understands. Too bad his family doesn't. Especially Finn. Finn who was her crush and best friend before she married Declan, but she couldn't complicate his life and even dare tell him the secrets she kept. She would have tried but when Finn wasn't there, Declan was. But now everything has changed. And those feelings for Finn are making an appearance once more. But a relationship with her ex-brother-in-law? Sounds way too complicated. As for Finn, well, he's been in love with Nova the moment he met her. She was his best friend too and before anything had a chance at happening, suddenly she is married to his brother. So Finn has kept his heart and mouth shut for all these years. Never would be betray or hurt either of them. His feelings may not ever go away but as long as Nova was happy, he could live with that. But now Declan is gone, and soon they find themselves on a weekend getaway alone. Perhaps some secrets will start to be revealed. Loved this one! Totally complicated but getting to that ending everything was making sense and turning out right for all. And I'm really looking forward to the next book! But Finn and Nova were great. They are finally right where they want to be and everyone is getting their chance at happiness. Really liking this series and like I said I can't wait to get Declan's story next.
April 29, 2022
This book was so much better than I thought it be and I thought it was gonna be great! This series has been so emotional so far, and I definitely like the previous books, but this one is by far my favorite!! You see some of the set up in the previous books, which definitely adds to this story. I was really anticipating this one, because I just didn't know what to expect when it came to how it would play out between Nova and Finn. These two were just meant to be together! They were also just such a likable characters--even when they were going to their struggles and dealing with everything else. I felt like the things that were difficult for them were often outside of their control rather than things that they were doing themselves or each other. I also appreciate the different backgrounds of these two, and how they address that they see things from different perspectives. They also listened and educated each other about their own experiences. Nova is just so strong, caring, and loving. She was a wonderful female character. I’ve been really curious about Declan as well from previous books and I was wondering how he was gonna play into this story. I felt like there were some good Easter eggs about his story in this one, and I am really, really hoping that Victoria Denault is going to take it where I think she’s taking it, because sign me the fuck up. Honestly, I just was so emotionally satisfied by this book. And not only do I love this story immensely, I love this freakin' cover!! It is too cute and I can't wait to get my physical copy!
May 1, 2022
Having read the previous books a little while ago it took me a second to remember all the ins and outs of the family and previous dramas but I was definitely excited to read this. I'd had questions about Nova and Declan's relationship when reading the previous books as they just didn't seem to be happy together and these were well and truly answered in the first few chapters of the book with the flashbacks to the early days of their relationship. I was rooting for Finn and Nova throughout as they were so clearly meant for each other but I am now equally looking forward to Declan's story. I am a huge fan of the author as her stories just flow so well and are a delight to read. She always creates interesting characters that you become invested in really quickly, and this read had me tearing up a few times. If you're a fan of well written love stories with engaging characters and all the feels then definitely give this a try. You won't be disappointed.
May 1, 2022
Third time's the charm! Not that the first two books were not good reads; they were, but it's book number three that's my favorite (so far). It was clear from the get-go that any sort of relationship between Nova and Finn was going to come with complications post-separation from Declan. Figuring out what led Declan to leave his family and Ocean Pines wasn't difficult, but having an inkling as to his motivation did not take away from wanting to know if he would come back and how everything would be resolved with regards to Nova and Finn's relationship and Declan's own family ties if he did decide to return home. This had quite a bit of angst, but there were a lot of lighthearted moments to balance everything out quite nicely. Victoria Denault delivers a well-written and lovely five-star read with The Spring We Ignited. Now, the countdown begins for Declan's story!
May 4, 2022
The Ocean Pines series is quickly becoming one of my favorites! Finn and Nova’s story was such a page turner! I read it in one sitting. Declan was already not my favorite so finding out the way he left was a surprise but not. Finally learning the dynamics of their marriage makes so much more sense now. You could tell there was always something missing before.
When Nova and Finn take the getaway that she won, he has to pretend to be her husband. These two finally give in to feelings they had before Nova married Declan. I’ve loved Finn from the very first book and after reading their story, I love him even more. Nova and Finn deserve the best, they deserve each other. But unfortunately, they live in a small town where the gossip mill runs deep.
These two were perfect together and their story put me of edge for a bit. Love this story so much!
When Nova and Finn take the getaway that she won, he has to pretend to be her husband. These two finally give in to feelings they had before Nova married Declan. I’ve loved Finn from the very first book and after reading their story, I love him even more. Nova and Finn deserve the best, they deserve each other. But unfortunately, they live in a small town where the gossip mill runs deep.
These two were perfect together and their story put me of edge for a bit. Love this story so much!
April 26, 2022
There is just something about this series that just makes me feel all the big feels. I have to say that reading the first two books I didn't see this being the route for Finn. But it's so beautiful and perfect.
I was so happy to finally get to see into Declan and Nova's relationship. And to get to see Finn be more than a loveable joker. The growth, the pain, the love, all the emotions through this book, through this family is written with so much sensitivity and depth that I felt like I was a part of it. Like I was going thru this journey with them.
I can't wait for the next book in the series.
I was so happy to finally get to see into Declan and Nova's relationship. And to get to see Finn be more than a loveable joker. The growth, the pain, the love, all the emotions through this book, through this family is written with so much sensitivity and depth that I felt like I was a part of it. Like I was going thru this journey with them.
I can't wait for the next book in the series.
December 14, 2022
I skimmed the first two books of this series and I only read this one more thoroughly because I wanted the backstory on Declan before starting his book.
Declan was quite a large part of this story and it kinda sucks when authors who write predominantly MF books put the MM book at the end of a series. 😢 I honestly don’t know how to rate this, but I’ll settle on a 2.5 for now since it’s right in the middle.
Anyways, I didn't regret reading it. It was actually not bad and I liked Nova and Finn well enough, but I just don't feel that connection or relatability when reading straight romances. That's just me though.
But I'm looking forward to Declan and Abbott's book.
Declan was quite a large part of this story and it kinda sucks when authors who write predominantly MF books put the MM book at the end of a series. 😢 I honestly don’t know how to rate this, but I’ll settle on a 2.5 for now since it’s right in the middle.
Anyways, I didn't regret reading it. It was actually not bad and I liked Nova and Finn well enough, but I just don't feel that connection or relatability when reading straight romances. That's just me though.
But I'm looking forward to Declan and Abbott's book.
May 3, 2022
The Spring We Ignited brought all the feels I love in a book. Nova’s story could have been sad and upsetting. But this woman is courageous, loyal, and strong. She made the best life for her and her brother. Declan helped her when she needed it. Then he left her. Now that she is ready to move on with her life, Finn is ready to move forward with his life too, with her. I loved how they were friends before anything else and their admiration of each other never faded. Their lust and love were worth the wait. Wonderful writing, beautiful characters, and fabulous story.
April 24, 2022
A book by Victoria Denault is a treasure to be discovered. it transports you into the lives of its main subjects. in THE SPRING WE IGNITED she explores the emotions, what a gay person can do before they come out and the people around them. love is the secret. Finn and Nova have a discovery of their explosive love. Interesting and tasteful sex scenes. we can't wait for the conclusion of the series even with plenty of clues.
April 25, 2022
*I received an ARC for an honest review*
Finn and Nova are officially my favorite OP couple! The slow burn and Finns devotion **swwwoooooonnnnn**. As always Victoria Denault provides great characters with wonderful world building, leaving me wishing for the next book (fingers crossed it’s Declan 🤞🏼🤞🏼 But Aspens story better be coming too!!) I couldn’t put the book down and finished it in 24 hours. Bravo to another amazing book.
Finn and Nova are officially my favorite OP couple! The slow burn and Finns devotion **swwwoooooonnnnn**. As always Victoria Denault provides great characters with wonderful world building, leaving me wishing for the next book (fingers crossed it’s Declan 🤞🏼🤞🏼 But Aspens story better be coming too!!) I couldn’t put the book down and finished it in 24 hours. Bravo to another amazing book.
May 2, 2022
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review*
Fabulous. Steamy. Angsty. All descriptors that regularly apply to a book by Victoria Denault. This book is no exception. I've been eagerly awaiting Finn and Nova's story since the first book of the Ocean Pines series. Once again, Denault tackles complicated issues and does so well. I cannot recommend this book, and series, enough!
Fabulous. Steamy. Angsty. All descriptors that regularly apply to a book by Victoria Denault. This book is no exception. I've been eagerly awaiting Finn and Nova's story since the first book of the Ocean Pines series. Once again, Denault tackles complicated issues and does so well. I cannot recommend this book, and series, enough!
December 27, 2024
The book had good themes throughout: if only Finn was at the restaurant that fateful day.
Throughout the book, I figured out the truth to Deck and Nova's marriage. She was stronger than I would have been.
When small town gossip wrecks havoc on reputations and gets in the way of happiness and when family secrets hinder a person's ability to live their life the way they need to- so much heartache could have been prevented if only the truth was stated earlier.
Throughout the book, I figured out the truth to Deck and Nova's marriage. She was stronger than I would have been.
When small town gossip wrecks havoc on reputations and gets in the way of happiness and when family secrets hinder a person's ability to live their life the way they need to- so much heartache could have been prevented if only the truth was stated earlier.
April 28, 2022
I seriously think this is my favorite book in the series! Nova & Finn’s against-all-odds love story has the perfect HEA! There’s something about these characters that just tugs at my heartstrings! I really, really don’t want this series to end!! Thank goodness there’s going to be one more! Don’t miss this whole series-so worth it!!
May 3, 2022
Oh man, I LOVED this book. I've loved seeing bits and pieces of Nova and Finn throughout the series, so I knew I liked them as characters, but their story? It was perfect for them. Their chemistry was off the charts and I just loved their story. I couldn't put it down once I started reading. There is one more book in the series and I can say I'm going to be sad when it ends.
September 21, 2023
I really liked this book so much! I love the small town of Ocean Pines already and I fell in love with all of the characters. I definitely plan to read the other books in the series because I just enjoyed this one so much. The chemistry between Nova and Finn had me weak! This was such a good book.
April 30, 2022
I wish she’d gotten pregnant in the epilogue
ALSO~ when do we get Declan’s (and Abbott’s) book?!
ALSO~ when do we get Declan’s (and Abbott’s) book?!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2022
Love this.
So heart wrenching and felt so real.
I enjoyed Nova, Finn and Declan’s stories.
Cannot wait for next one up
So heart wrenching and felt so real.
I enjoyed Nova, Finn and Declan’s stories.
Cannot wait for next one up
Read
May 5, 2022DNF
I didn't care for the plot. I could see where it was going and lost interest.
I didn't care for the plot. I could see where it was going and lost interest.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews