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Never Too Far #2

Beneath the Desert Sun

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Faith

Graduating from college is bittersweet. I’ve accomplished my dreams, obtained my teaching degree, and am ready to find my dream job. However, I never realized how difficult or stressful it would be to find a position.

That’s why I jump at the chance to visit Chad, one of my best friends, on base in California.

It was meant to be two weeks of catching up and putting all thoughts of job hunting out of my mind. Little did I know those two weeks would change my life and alter the course we were both on.

Chad

The day she agrees to join me in California is one of the happiest days of my life. Having her with me gives me the taste of home I’ve been craving, but deep down, it’s more than that. She’s important to me, more than just my friend, and my closest friend’s twin sister.

Spending my nights with her has done nothing but reinforce this feeling I get when I’m with her. I know we said we’d keep things light, but she’s making it so damn hard not to want more.

Then I get stationed overseas. Everything changes in the blink of an eye, and I’m not just talking about our jobs or the fact we’re suddenly thousands of miles apart. Call it fate or destiny or just pure luck, but it’s beneath the desert sun that finally our future becomes clear.

Kindle Edition

Published July 30, 2024

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About the author

Kaylee Ryan

103 books6,551 followers
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kaylee Ryan has earned the affectionate title of “Queen of Swoon” from her devoted readers. With over sixty romance novels to her name, Kaylee has built a beloved catalog of heartfelt stories that celebrate love in all its tender, emotional, and undeniably swoony forms. Her signature blend of charm, chemistry, and genuine happily-ever-afters has captivated readers around the world.

When she’s not crafting new love stories or dreaming up her next unforgettable couple, Kaylee can usually be found with a book in hand, fueling her creativity as a lifelong reader. She cherishes the time spent with her family and friends, embracing the moments that inspire the heart of her stories.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
Profile Image for Julie Booklover.
2,474 reviews101 followers
July 27, 2024
4.5 stars

I loved Chad and Faith’s story. This one hit so close to home, the friends to lovers, the civilian and the soldier, the feelings, the loneliness of deployments, all of it. It is so well written, and I have known many whose story this could be. As a child, sister, and spouse of the military, the worst is saying goodbye for deployment.

The emotions are real, but the rollercoaster is worth the ride. Chad and Faith’s decision to be friends despite the attraction, allowed for a wonderful story, and I was sad to have it end.

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
1,021 reviews20 followers
July 31, 2024
I would like to thank Give Me Books Promotions, @kaylee_ryan_author and @laceyblackwrites for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Beneath the Desert Sun is the second book in the Never Too Far series by Lacey Black and Kaylee Ryan. This is the story of Chad and Faith. For those who have read the first book in this series, Chad is Ford’s best friend and Shayne’s cousin. Faith is Ford’s twin sister and Shayne’s best friend. This book begins when Chad was transferred to a new Army base in California and Shayne, having graduated from college, was trying to find her first job and was frustrated with the lack of offers to teach kindergarten near to home. Chad invited her to visit him in California for a few weeks in order to clear her head. That two weeks changed the course of their lives, and Chad’s deployment overseas brought clarity to the direction for their futures. This was a really sweet, emotional military romance story. I don’t mean a romantic suspense military romance, but a story about the very real challenges of relationships for members of the military. Chad and Faith had their start in Beneath the Fallen Stars, but decided to remain friends with the belief that a relationship would happen if it was meant to. I loved both these characters and I loved the way they loved each other. I think that they had a solid foundation since they had at least a year of friendship under their belt. I thought that the support systems they built for themselves was indicative of military families I have known. It was a little overdone for my taste, but I think it’s ok because many people fixate on what they are missing. I never had to go so long without seeing my husband, so I don’t have that perspective, and cannot know exactly how I would feel. All in all it was an enjoyable, sappy romance and I would recommend it to readers that enjoy the anxiety of a sappy romance with tons of passion without the need to ugly cry.
139 reviews2 followers
August 1, 2024
at least it was free

Faith and Chad met in book 1 (I assume because I haven’t actually read it) and decide they’ll just be friends while Chad is in the military. Faith goes to visit him in California after graduating and while there, Chad finds out he’s getting deployed. Chad asks Faith to marry her so they can get military housing and she’ll get benefits if anything happens to him. Also, Faith is an idiot who applied for a job without realizing it was in California so she miraculously has a job to go with her new life.

I got so sick of these two constantly calling each other “husband” and “wife”. It was also pretty repetitive with the “I miss you”, “I wish I was home”, “I’m always with you” statements. Anyway despite these two being married and telling each other that they love each other, Faith thinks they’re just married as friends and Chad will call it off once his deployment is over. Multiple people tell her that Chad loves her and she continues to argue that it’s just as friends.

I skipped over all the bonus letters at the end because I was over these two.
Profile Image for Tina Buchberger Oase.
169 reviews7 followers
August 5, 2024
Lacey Black and Kaylee Ryan have written another fantastic story.
Beneath the Desert Sun will make you smile, cry, and smile again.
Chad and Faith have been friends for a long time and they each loved each other. Neither have said that they love loved the other.
Faith is a teacher who has been looking for a class to work in. She agrees to take some time off and go visit Chad. Chad is in the military and gets called for deployment while Faith is visiting. She agrees to marry him before he leaves so if anything happens to him while he is gone she would be taken care of. She agrees to set up his home and he agrees to be there for her and support her.
What will happen once he returns? Will their relationship survive?
Profile Image for Nana Pickrell.
683 reviews10 followers
September 23, 2024
Kaylee and Lacey creates a world in their stories that I'm always excited to dive into. They never fail in their ability to engage a reader from start to finish. Great writing, intriguing story, just couldn't put it down! It's a page turner type of book that you can spend your night awake to finish it knowing the next day that it's worth every sleepless minute.
Profile Image for Heather Edwards .
842 reviews9 followers
August 21, 2024
I didn't like this as much as I thought I would. I think this book just wasn't for me, and that's okay. I hope others enjoy it.
821 reviews24 followers
July 24, 2024
I absolutely LOVED Beneath the Desert Sun, second book in the Never Too Far series co-written by Kaylee Ryan and Lacey Black! I loved every moment on every page of Beneath the Desert Sun, and it was impossible to put it down. I have not read many books that are co-written by two authors, and I am sometimes concerned about the flow of the story, but all I can say is that Kaylee Ryan and Lacey Black did an incredible job in writing Beneath the Desert Sun. They did not disappoint their readers with Beneath the Desert Sun and have delivered an incredible love story filled with everything that I love in a love story. I love that they write the stories that I love to read. Who does not love hot sexy men, who make you swoon, strong females, loving families, and friends, who always support one another, and wonderful characters? Beneath the Desert Sun is a marriage of convenience love story between Chad Anthony, soldier in the U.S. Army and his best friend, Ford Gregory’s twin sister, Faith Gregory, recent elementary education college graduate. Faith and Chad originally meet when Ford and Chase were on leave from the Army the prior year. After spending time together Faith and Chad decided not to pursue a relationship, to be friends, and believe that what’s meant to be will find a way. Chad decided to reenlist in the Army and was informed that he would be relocated to Fort Cavazos in Texas, but upon arriving there he learned that he was promoted to corporal and was being sent to Fort Irwin in California. Faith has her heart set on being a kindergarten teacher. She has not been able to find her perfect job near home. Chad invites her out to spend time with him in California at his expense. As they spent time together Chad learns that he is being deployed for four to six months. While in California, Faith applied for a kindergarten teaching position that she found on social media, believing the position was in Ohio. She gets offered an interview and Chad encourages her to go to the interview. Faith loves the school and the administration and is offered the job after interviewing. Chad wants Faith to accept the position, and he offers her a solution, marry him, the day before his deployment. He applies for housing for married couples on the base. He wants to have someone to return home to following his deployment. Neither one of them has admitted their feelings for each other, they believe that they are just best friends. Faith agrees to marry Chad so that she can accept her dream teaching job. I love everything that Chad does to make their wedding perfect, including having their families fly to California for the wedding and getting rings and flowers for the ceremony. I love everything that Chad did to take care of Faith before he goes away and that their families help Faith set up their home. I love the letters that they write to one another during Chad’s deployment. I especially love collection drive of drawings from the students, snacks, and personal supplies that Faith, her school, and Hannah, Chad’s teammate, Erik’s wife organize for Chad and Erik’s units as well as other units. I love that Faith’s box to Chad included wedding pictures. I love that they call either other “husband” and “wife”. Faith and Chad’s relationship changes throughout his deployment, I love all the things that Faith does for Chad to let him know that she loves him without using words. I love the chemistry between Faith and Chad and their love story. I love the secrets that each one shares with one another, especially when Faith shared the story about her elementary school teacher’s son. I love that Chad surprises Faith by coming home early from his deployment before Christmas. A surprise plot twist brings them closer and helps them admit their real feeling for one another. I love the letters that they write to one another while they are apart and how they feel closer to one another when Chad is beneath the desert sun. I love all the changes that Faith and Chad make in their life to have a life with each other. My favorite part are the epilogues that are told from both Faith and Chad’s perspective and that they go beyond the happily ever after. I love the surprise that is revealed in Faith’s epilogue and that Chad’s epilogue takes place five years later, and all the life changes that were revealed. I especially love the bonus material that contain the some of the letters that Faith and Chad wrote to one another. The conversations between Faith and Chad them flow so easily, with innuendos and playful banter, and Chad constantly flirting. I love the ending of their love story. I love how Kaylee Ryan and Lacey Black managed to create the "perfect" heroine, who is a strong, sassy woman on her own, to balance out the sexy, swoon worthy man. One of my favorite parts of her books is how the title of the book is incorporated into the love story. Kaylee Ryan and Lacey Black have given their readers an incredible book with incredible characters and have proven that they are amazing storytellers. I really enjoy how the story is written in the first person from the perspective of the main characters. I love knowing what the main characters are thinking and feeling. Beneath the Desert Sun is filled with all those things that I have come to love and expect in a love story, especially the poignant and bittersweet moments that filled this page turner. Kaylee Ryan and Lacey Black create such wonderful and memorable characters with Beneath the Desert Sun. I love Faith and Chad’s story and the descriptions of the California and the desert settings. I love the characters and the family dynamic in Beneath the Desert Sun, the characters feel like family and friends. I enjoyed all the interactions between the families, especially their teasing that made me laugh. I loved catching up with Shayne and Ford. Beneath the Desert Sun was a wonderful love story. I highly recommend this love story. Cannot wait to read the other books in the series. I received an advanced copy from the author.
202 reviews
June 14, 2026
This book was really good. I love a good friend to lovers' trope; it makes my heart happy. This book will bring tears to your eyes, but in a good way. I love a good military man and especially a romance that involves one. I love the storyline. The romance is one out of a fairytale. This book will definitely give you hope if you're single. I have read one book by Kaylee Ryan and a book by Lacey Black and I loved them, when they collaborate on one, they are a force to be reconned with, I highly recommend these authors together or separate. This book is a fast, easy, slow burn that will have you hooked.
Profile Image for A-reader.
1,598 reviews60 followers
August 9, 2024
My reviews always contain spoilers, I write them so I can remember the story.

4.25/5 stars

Enjoyed this book despite being frustrated by the two main characters.

We met Faith and Chad in Beneath the Fallen Stars, the story for Faith’s twin brother Ford, and Shayne, Chad’s cousin sister.

There was definitely attraction between the two in the previous book, but they decide to be friends and leave them getting together up to chance. Not sure why because they both pined for each other, both were in love with the other, and both were faithful. So why leave it to chance, why not go for it? Chad felt guilt asking for Faith to wait for him while he’s deployed, not sure what her reasoning is. She at one point even tells another character she doesn’t know why they put the brakes on their budding romance.
When Faith can’t find her dream job as a kindergarten teacher she shares her feelings with Chad who invites her to California where he is stationed. (He was originally supposed to report to Texas but when he arrived there he was immediately sent to California. The family including Faith had said their tearful goodbyes and she had written him a sweet letter too.)
She agrees to coming out to see him for two weeks. They had in the past shared a bed with lots of kissing and cuddles but nothing more. This time there are orgasms and a 69 scene, yet these two keep saying they are just friends. Who has an intimate 69 with just a friend?
Faith applies for a job thinking it’s for a position back home in Ohio but turns out it’s for the town she’s staying at in California. Chad urges her to accept it and to marry him so she has a place to stay. Because she loves him she accepts and they get married. I thought it was sweet that he arranged for both their families to be there for their quick wedding. They have their first time together after the wedding and the next morning he leaves on his deployment. Her support system is great and she has a new friend, Hannah a fellow unit member’s wife on base she becomes close to.
They share sweet letters back and forth and as a surprise she asks the principal at her school if her class can “adopt” her husband’s unit and other grades “adopt” units across the different branches. Her class sends letters and drawing and lots of goodies. With Hannah’s help they get the whole community involved. The scene where his whole unit video calls her class to thank them for the care packages and the students lead the Pledge of Allegiance was very moving.
Their phone sex scene was hot, they are definitely missing each other. Faith is still saying they are friends but they both readily saying I love you to each other, but she keeps thinking it’s as friends. (Serious eye roll)
His deployment ends a little early and he gets to surprise her before Christmas. They finally talk and confess not just I love you but I’m IN love with you. Finally!!!
Fast forward to March at Ford and Shayne’s wedding, Chad can tell Faith is hiding something. She tells him she’s pregnant but wants to keep it a secret since this is Shayne’s big day. But Her twin and Shayne follow them outside and reveal they are pregnant too. Epilogue five years later, retired from the military, Chad is a police officer in Ohio, they have two kids and Faith is still a kindergarten teacher, and is pregnant again.
There was a bonus chapter of more of their letters to each other, they were great, funny, and sweet.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jennifer Leigh (jenjenbookfan).
1,589 reviews31 followers
July 29, 2024
𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐭 𝐒𝐮𝐧 is the 2nd book in the Never Too Far Series by Kaylee Ryan and Lacey Black, featuring an entertaining brother’s best friend, marriage of convenience, military romance for Chad and Faith. They met when Chad came home with her brother from their last deployment, and they found an instant connection. However, Chad intended to re-enlist, so he didn’t want to pursue more than friendship with all the potential risk in his job. Now that she’s navigating a stressful job search, a spin of the moment invitation from Chad to visit him is exactly what she needed. Feelings deepen and sparks fly as they spend time together, until the dreaded call comes that Chad is being deployed overseas. Circumstances line up that give Chad the opening he needs to give Chad everything he wants. He convinces Faith to marry him “temporarily,” while fully planning to never let her go!!

Oh my heart!!🥰 This author duo continues to knock it out of the park! It’s no secret how much I love my military romances, but this one made me cry happy tears. You’ll know when you get to the scene. The authenticity of the emotion and the experience was top notch, honestly. The way these ladies used letters, care packages, text messages and even video calls to show the ways military couples strive to maintain their connection kept me riveted to the pages and my heart engaged. I’ve loved Chad and Faith since 𝘉𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘴, and watching them fall in love was a blast! Their spicy chemistry brings plenty of heat!!🔥🔥 There’s also a great found family vibe as Faith finds her footing as a military wife and kindergarten teacher, with help from Hannah, a fellow spouse, as well as Chad’s bond with the guys in his new unit. If you want a low drama romance with plenty of emotion that will give you all the feels, give this book a chance!!

I received a ARC for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶

#BeneaththeDesertSun #KayleeRyan #LaceyBlack #NeverTooFar #brothersbestfriend #smalltownromance #military #marriageofconvenience #FoundFamily
Profile Image for Katie.
579 reviews24 followers
July 30, 2024
4/5 Stars
2/5 Spice

This is the first book in the series I read and I absolutely devoured it in one sitting. As a Military Spouse I actually really enjoyed reading this book. The emotions that these characters went through during a long distance relationship/friendship was so real and raw. The feelings Chad and Faith had before the deployment brought back so many memories to me of my spouse when he was deploying and they hit the nail on the head with what both Chad and Faith felt.

I love how they showed both Chad being deployed and what he was going through and showing us the letters that faith wrote to him and how they kept him going and bringing comfort to him. It is also sad but a reality that other service members don’t always receive letters or care packages so I appreciated that being showcased but also how Chad’s wife Faith worked with the community for packages for his unit.

Faith I absolutely adored her and I loved how she had so much strength. I felt like I was going through the feelings and motions with her during Chads deployment. Faith being a brand new military wife with her husband deployed and starting a new career in a new state with no family it all hit home personally for me. I really loved her friendship with Hannah. It shows how quickly other military spouses become family to you instantly.

Kaylee and Lacey did an amazing job truly showcasing these relationships and the feelings and emotions that service members and spouses go through.

I need to go back and read the 1st book but I can’t wait for more from these two talented writers.

Thank you Kaylee and Lacey for the ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Pam.
98 reviews
July 30, 2024
Wow! I didn’t want this book to end. I adored Chad and Faith and their friendship to lovers connection. And as a military spouse myself of 27 years, I will say Kaylee & Lacey got this one right. All the feelings of deployment and time away. And then the excitement of a return and the fears of all of the above. This was so well written.

Chad is active duty military soldier. Faith is his best friend’s sister. They met and became fast friends in the first book of this series Beneath the Fallen Stars. And this book starts they are good friends who both would love to be more but have agreed to stay friends because their lives are not on the same path. Faith just graduated as an elementary school teacher and is looking to teach kindergarten. And Chad is PCSing to a new duty station much further away than he even expected.

They plan a quick two week trip for Faith to come visit him before she takes a new job. And life happens. I don’t want to spoil the plot but trust me this book has all the feels. It’s definitely a happily ever after kind of book. But if you haven’t lived with or loved a military Soldier you will get a glimpse into all the emotions that go into leaving behind the ones you love and the fears involved. This is written so well. And I wanted to just keep reading more and more of their life’s and hated to see the book end! Loved the extra epilogues and the added bonus material!!!

Thanks Kaylee and Lacey for taking the time to get the emotions right and writing it so well!
Profile Image for Shelly.
Author 3 books40 followers
July 30, 2024
As the wife of a veteran and the mother of a solider, I absolutely love when a book can bring all the emotions to the surface – from the good to the hard, this book is absolutely an amazing tribute to the military life. I had to go back and do a re-read on the first book to prepare for the mindset of where the second book would take me and although it can be read as a standalone, you get so much more from the series if you read them both and in order.

Faith’s recent graduation and the realization of job hunting in the world is daunting. But I love how her instafriendship with Chad provides the perfect opportunity for her to put her stress on the back burner and take a moment to simply breathe. She knows that what she wants out of life and what Chad is currently living/working couldn’t go anywhere — until it does.

I love how everything aligns for them to make their deepest desire come true while so far apart. While Faith is holding down the front at home, she takes her role as a military wife to a new level when she gets the community involved in spreading the love for those deployed. Prepare for the tears as heartwarming moments like that will shake up your heart. We get to see a friendship grow and develop through their words despite the miles apart, confirming that their love is deep, true, and definitely one for the books!

Absolutely LOVE how fluidly these two write together. Their writing style is similar, yet different enough to bring a beautiful collaboration that you won’t be able to put down!
Profile Image for Laurenreadingrecs .
682 reviews43 followers
July 16, 2024
4.5 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫

Tropes:
💙military hero
🩶best friends sister
💙friends to lovers
🩶marriage of convenience
💙dual pov
🩶letter writing

I always love a good military romance and this one is definitely no exception. Kaylee n Lacey definitely hit the mark with this one. This is Finally Chad and Faiths turn. This is book 2 in the Never too far series.

Our Fmc, Faith is the twin sister of Ford. We met Ford in the previous book. Chad is Fords best friend, they met while both were in the military, although Ford has since left. Chad is great friends with Faith, although he secretly loves her.

The FMC, Faith is in Ohio trying to find a teaching job and living with her brother and his fiancé. Chad invites her down to California to regroup. She’s secretly in love with Chad and doesn’t know how to tell him.

While in California, Chad gets deployment news and Faith gets her dream job offer… in California. Chad doesn’t want to leave..he wants to be there with Faith and support and take care of her. The only way he can think of doing that is to marry her so she gets benefits, and he can convince her to take the job and stay… but will she agree to his plan? What happens when he returns?

The connection that these two characters have is completely amazing and their love and affection just grows from friendship to a deep love. The text and letters these two shared, I thought made what they shared sweeter and just added depth to this story.
Another great bit from these two gals.
Profile Image for Red Cheeks Reads.
2,306 reviews372 followers
July 30, 2024
5 SMOOCHES

Lacey Black and Kaylee Ryan's Beneath the Desert Sun was a heartwarming friends-to-lovers romance that beautifully blends the elements of the brother's best friend, small-town and military tropes. The novel centers around Chad, a protective and swoon-worthy soldier in the Army, and Faith, a fresh out of college, soon-to-be elementary teacher. The two have shared a close friendship that’s teetered on the cusp of becoming more for years. Black and Ryan’s collaborative storytelling skills shine as evidenced by the emotionally engaging narrative they’ve crafted. The chemistry between Chad and Faith is positively palpable, and their interactions are filled with witty banter and a deep, underlying affection that evolves into something more profound.

Black and Ryan expertly balanced the romantic tension with the challenges and realities of military life, adding depth and authenticity to the story. The way their romance slowly builds during Chad’s deployment was one of my favorite parts of the story. Beneath the Desert Sun was a testament to the enduring power of friendship and love. A touching, heartfelt and uplifting love story about two people discovering that sometimes, the best things in life are the ones that were there all along. Five smooches from me for Beneath the Desert Sun by Lacey Black and Kaylee Ryan!
~Danielle Palumbo
Profile Image for Jessica .
1,069 reviews23 followers
August 1, 2024
I love Chad and Faith who first met when Chad came home with her brother from their last deployment. Chad was re-enlisting and didn't want to start anything so they decided it was best to just be friends and let fate decide what would happen when he got out of the service even though they the chemistry was there and the pull to each other was strong.

Faith was stressing over a job, her dream job teaching kindergarten but she was getting nowhere on that front. Chad invited her to come visit him in California where is based at to relax and think about her options. During her visit there he got notice that he was being deployed and couldn't bear the thought of her being left behind and not taken care of, she had applied for a job, her dream job of teaching kindergarten, got the call for an interview not realizing the job was in California where Chad lived, so he proposed a short term marriage and get married right away even though he was in love with her. She would be able to take her dream job if it was offered and have his military benefits if she was to say yes.

Will she say yes to this marriage of convenience? Will they both be able to tell each other that they are in love with each other and finally be together?

Kaylee Ryan and Lacey Black know how to pull their readers in to their amazing stories and are great co-writers. One Click this book today!
Profile Image for Rachel Pickle.
150 reviews3 followers
August 7, 2024
Book Two by Kaylee Ryan & Lacey Black is Beneath the Desert Sun. In this story we get to see the developing relationship between Chad and Faith. If you have read the first book of the series Beneath the Fallen stars you will remember that Chad is Ford’s best friend, while Faith is Ford’s twin sister. The book starts when we find out that Chad was transferred to a new Army base in California and Faith is looking for her first job out of college and is looking to teach Kindergarten. After a trip to visit California both Chad and Faith's lives are changed. I think this book could really resonate with a large number of people. It was a really emotional military romance story. This was a really sweet, emotional military romance story. One thing I really love about both Kaylee & Lacey's writing style is that you really feel like you are a part of the story and immersed into the book's world! I think anyone who has been in a military type of relationship or knows someone who has can relate to this book!
Profile Image for ReadaholicDeb.
863 reviews25 followers
July 30, 2024
4.5

I found it impossible to put this one day. This was an incredible and sweet love story. The emotions of deployment were real and I found myself reading with apprehension and anticipation for their HEA. I loved the way everything unfolded.

Chad and Faith are friends with deep feelings for each other. With his military career, they decided to remain only friends. After receiving a promotion and being transferred to California, Chad invites Faith to visit. Their feelings deepen and when Chad receives notice that he’s being deployed, he proposes marriage as a way to provide and care for her while he’s away.

This low-drama romance is probably one of the swooniest books I’ve read in a while. The way Chad and Faith’s relationship and the way they care for each other was phenomenal. Their chemistry was off the charts. Chad has top-notch golden retriever energy, he’s affectionate, caring, protective, and the definition of unconditional love and devotion. Between letters, phone calls, care packages, text messages, and video calls this book had my entire heart.

🪖military romance
🪖friends to lovers
🪖brother’s best friend
🪖marriage of convenience
🪖open door spice
🪖first person, dual POV
🪖interconnected standalone
Profile Image for S Celeste.
799 reviews41 followers
July 31, 2024
If you love a good friends to lovers, marriage of convenience, military romance, this is the story for you. You meet Chad and Faith in Book 1 of this Series (Beneath the Fallen Stars) and you instantly want to ship them. This books picks up about 14 months after they first meet and they have formed a close friendship since Chad was still in the military and Faith was finishing college. This book finds Chad in transition and be is being stationed even farther way from Faith. Since Faith is still looking for her dream job as a Kindergarten teacher, Chad asks her to come visit him at his new base in California for two weeks. Neither of them realize that spending this time together will change their lives.

I loved this book and was excited to read it after meeting both Chad and Faith in the first book. This is a super cute story about two friends who can’t quite seem to get on the same page until everything starts to align. This books was a swooned read that was made better by being sprinkled with letters they write to each other while Chad is deployed. I very much recommend this book if you want a feel good read and has the perfect HEA. Book 1 is also a great read so be sure to check out Beneath the Fallen Stars too if you haven’t already.
2,486 reviews59 followers
August 1, 2024
I loved, loved, loved Chad and Faith's story so much! It was full of heart and lots of emotions, and beautifully captured the loneliness from the perspective of both characters during Chad's deployment.

Faith's twin brother, Ford, is Chad's best friend, and they first met when the guys were on leave. But because Chad was reenlisting, he didn't want to pursue anything with Faith. About a year later, Faith is looking for a job as a teacher and takes Chad up on his invitation to go hang out with him in California. While she's there, Faith gets an unexpected job offer, and Chad suggests she marry him so she can stay in on-base housing in Cali and accept the job.

Even though they are just friends at that point, Chad went above and beyond to create the picture-perfect wedding for Faith. The romance between these two characters really grows during Chad's deployment, as they write letters to each other, opening their hearts, sharing their secrets, and falling in love.

Beneath The Desert Sun was such a *real* story. It gave me all the feels, and I thought it was so well-written by co-authors Kaylee Ryan and Lacey Black. Now, I need to go back and read the first book in this series!

I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
Profile Image for lowkeyreader.
5,716 reviews53 followers
August 3, 2024
Beneath the Desert Sun by Kaylee Ryan and Lacey Black is a captivating addition to the contemporary romance genre, following the emotional journey of Chad and Faith as they transition from best friends to lovers. The authors skillfully weave themes of friendship, love, and personal growth, creating a story that resonates with me.

The character development is particularly commendable. Chad and Faith are relatable and well-crafted, making their struggles and triumphs feel authentic. The chemistry between them is palpable, and their journey is both heartwarming and realistic. The small-town setting adds a charming backdrop that enhances the story's intimacy.

While the plot follows familiar romantic tropes, the authors manage to inject fresh elements that keep the narrative engaging. The pacing is generally smooth, though there are moments where the story could benefit from a tighter focus to maintain momentum.

Overall, Beneath the Desert Sun is a delightful read that balances emotional depth with lighthearted moments. It’s a perfect choice for fans of contemporary romance looking for a heartfelt story about love and friendship. I would rate it 4 out of 5 stars for its engaging characters and emotional resonance.
Profile Image for Mags.
3,168 reviews38 followers
August 8, 2024
4.5⭐

Kaylee Ryan and Lacey Black once again combine brilliantly to deliver a military romance full of feels.

As Chad Anthony best friend of Ford (from Beneath the Fallen Stars) creates a bond and friendship with Ford's twin sister Faith. But as Chad is re-enlisting in the army any feelings the pair may have for each other are firmly held in check.

Until Chad is transferred to California and Faith struggling to find the job of her dreams agrees to go and visit for two weeks.

Two weeks that change their lives forever.

As the pair start to get closer, even though they long ago agreed friendship is best. But then Chad is informed he's going overseas, just as Faith is offered the job of her dreams...in California and so in a moment of clarity Chad asks her to marry him.

And she says yes.

And so the pair are married and Chad leaves, happy that the woman he adores is now his wife. But Faith still isn't sure Chad's feelings are real; and as the pair spend months apart communicating mostly through letters their love and feelings grow.

And with so much love and affection between the pair and a romance that develops from a beautiful friendship. This was a delightful read. That I absolutely devoured and one I would happily recommend to all.
Profile Image for XxReading_MaMaXx.
44 reviews2 followers
March 19, 2026
4.5 🌟
Such a heavy warming emotional roller coaster one that hit VERY close to home 💓
Profile Image for Jacquie.
610 reviews3 followers
July 25, 2024
Another AMAZING book by this TOP FAVE Duo!!! Beneath the Desert Sun is the second book in Kaylee Ryan and Lacey Black's Never Too Far series, focusing on Faith and Chad. We meet them in book one, Beneath the Fallen Stars. Let me say that Ms Ryan and Ms Black did NOT disappoint! This one is a friends-to-lovers, marriage of convenience romance that BLEW ME AWAY! It is filled to the brim with so much emotion, heat and heart! I could NOT put it down!

The incredible connection between Faith and Chad LEAPT off the page. When Faith finishes her college courses, she moves in with her brother Ford and his fiancée while looking for a job as a kindergarten teacher. Things aren't going as well as she'd hoped and when Chad suggests she visit him in California for a couple of weeks, Faith (who has secretly fallen in love with her best friend) jumps at the chance! This is the trip that changed their lives forever!

Faith and Chad's story was an emotional roller coaster ride with a few twists and turns and I loved every single minute of it!!! This series is shaping up to be one of my FAVES!!!! I can't wait for the next book!




Profile Image for Stephanie Crews.
624 reviews2 followers
July 28, 2024
In Beneath the Desert Sun, the dynamic writing duo of Kaylee Ryan and Lacey Black crafts a captivating romance that sweeps readers away to the heart of the desert. With their combined storytelling prowess, Ryan and Black deliver a novel that skillfully blends intense emotions, compelling characters.
The story follows the journey of a recent college graduate, who, after achieving her long-sought teaching degree, finds herself facing the daunting reality of job hunting. To escape the stress and seek solace, she accepts an invitation to visit her best friend Chad, who is stationed in California. What begins as a two-week respite soon evolves into a pivotal experience that changes both their lives in unforeseen ways.

Beneath the Desert Sun is a beautifully crafted romance that captures the essence of finding love amidst life’s uncertainties. Kaylee Ryan and Lacey Black have created a story that is both poignant and uplifting, with characters whose experiences and emotions resonate deeply. The novel’s blend of heartfelt romance and the transformative power of destiny makes it a must-read for fans of contemporary romance.
Profile Image for Kamila Mykhailiuk.
1,449 reviews12 followers
July 30, 2024
Wow! I absolutely loved this book. Amazing characters and wonderful plot. Very beautifully written and easy to read.

Chase Anthony is an Army soldier. While his best friend, Ford didn’t renew his contract to continue his job, Chase did and now he is forced to relocate to California. Chase met Faith when he was visiting Ford’s family with him on their leave over fourteen months ago. They instantly fell for each other. But with his job and her last year of college, they decided to leave it to fate. Even though Faith is Ford’s twin sister, he is okay with their relationship, he knows that Chase is a good man.

Faith finished college and now she tries to find her dream job as a kindergarten teacher. She has a few offers but they’re of it. Chase invites Faith to visit him in California for two weeks. She agrees and their time together starts. They spend amazing time together up until he is forced to deploy oversees. I loved their relationship and chemistry. They were made for each other.

Overall I loved this book very much. If you’re looking for a friends to lovers, army romance then you’re going to love it.
Profile Image for Meredith.
730 reviews15 followers
July 30, 2024
Beneath the Desert Sun
Author- Kaylee Ryan and Lacey Black
Series- Never Too Far Series Book 2
Rating- 4.25 Stars out of 5
Genres- Contemporary Romance
Tropes- Military Romance, Best Friend's Sister, Best Friends to Lovers,
Main Characters- Faith and Chad
Spice Level- 1/5
HEA

Lacey Black and Kaylee Ryan truly have a knack for writing books, both as individual writers and together. I found Beneath the Desert Sun to be a sweet romance. There weren't really any huge conflicts, no big break ups, just a sweet romance with a happy ending. Yeah there were misunderstandings, but they literally lasted like a page and a half.
I will say the thing that made me really appreciate this book the most is even though it's a best friend's sister romance, the brother DID NOT CARE that they were together! FINALLY! I enjoy a best friend's sibling romance, but it always irks me when the brother is just completely up in arms about them dating. Like they're your best friend, why aren't they good enough for your sibling. So to have a romance with the brother not caring, and even being happy about them being together is just so refreshing, I really appreciated it.
Profile Image for Samantha (Millennial Life Crisis Bookshelf).
1,445 reviews25 followers
August 14, 2024
So excited for the continuation of this series! After loving the first book, I was so excited Lacey and Kaylee continued with these characters and gave us Faith and Chad falling in love. These two meet through their families – Faith’s brother and Chad served together. While Faith’s brother has found the love of his life in Chad’s cousin and got out, Chad reenlisted and refuses to ask Faith to wait for him. Faith graduates college and looks for a job, but isn’t finding much, so when Chad’s base gets moved and he invites her to visit, she jumps at the chance, and through fate, she ends up finding the perfect job while there…except the job is there and not near her home. With Chad being the protective guy he is, he offers Faith some security for a risky move – to take the job and marry him so that she has housing and support in town, especially when he gets news that he’s being deployed. This was such a sweet story, and I loved how realistic it was with the component of the deployment. I hope that these two continue in this book world and give us more of these types of stories!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Read.Review.Repeat Blog.
6,037 reviews101 followers
August 18, 2024
"In Beneath the Desert Sun, the dynamic writing duo of Kaylee Ryan and Lacey Black crafts a captivating romance that sweeps readers away to the heart of the desert. With their combined storytelling prowess, Ryan and Black deliver a novel that skillfully blends intense emotions, compelling characters.
The story follows the journey of a recent college graduate, who, after achieving her long-sought teaching degree, finds herself facing the daunting reality of job hunting. To escape the stress and seek solace, she accepts an invitation to visit her best friend Chad, who is stationed in California. What begins as a two-week respite soon evolves into a pivotal experience that changes both their lives in unforeseen ways.

Beneath the Desert Sun is a beautifully crafted romance that captures the essence of finding love amidst life’s uncertainties. Kaylee Ryan and Lacey Black have created a story that is both poignant and uplifting, with characters whose experiences and emotions resonate deeply. The novel’s blend of heartfelt romance and the transformative power of destiny makes it a must-read for fans of contemporary romance." ~Stephanie

Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews