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Lost and Found in Wallowpine #1
The Burns We Carry
Once burnt, twice shy...
Shay Davis is desperate for a fresh start — not just for her, but for the new life growing inside of her. But when she arrives in the quiet mountain town of Wallowpine, Arizona, the cold, unforgiving forest ranger who pulls her over seems intent on running strangers out of town.
Hoping never to run into Officer Brooks Graham again, Shay cautiously carves out a place for herself in Wallowpine with the help of her elderly landlords and the decidedly friendlier neighbors, Levi and Nolan — Brooks’s brothers. Despite their best efforts to dodge each other, small-town life lets no heart go into hiding, and with every fresh baked banana bread loaf and dizzyingly beautiful hike, Shay and Brooks’s walls crumble just a little further.
But Shay has never truly believed in happily ever after — because no matter how convincing it seems, experience has taught her there can only be one outcome: loss. So, the only thing to do with new bridges is burn them before they burn you...
Shay Davis is desperate for a fresh start — not just for her, but for the new life growing inside of her. But when she arrives in the quiet mountain town of Wallowpine, Arizona, the cold, unforgiving forest ranger who pulls her over seems intent on running strangers out of town.
Hoping never to run into Officer Brooks Graham again, Shay cautiously carves out a place for herself in Wallowpine with the help of her elderly landlords and the decidedly friendlier neighbors, Levi and Nolan — Brooks’s brothers. Despite their best efforts to dodge each other, small-town life lets no heart go into hiding, and with every fresh baked banana bread loaf and dizzyingly beautiful hike, Shay and Brooks’s walls crumble just a little further.
But Shay has never truly believed in happily ever after — because no matter how convincing it seems, experience has taught her there can only be one outcome: loss. So, the only thing to do with new bridges is burn them before they burn you...
422 pages, Paperback
Published December 21, 2023
126 people are currently reading
3149 people want to read
About the author
Marae Good
3 books230 followersMarae Good was born and raised in Arizona, where she currently lives with her
husband, two daughters and their sassy Yorkshire Terrier, Butter. After an episode of
crippling depression forced Marae to reevaluate her priorities, she found herself
returning to an old habit: reading. Mesmerized by the worlds she could escape to,
Marae started creating her own. When she’s
not writing, Marae loves to dance with her littles, run and hike in the mountains, or
stay up far too late bingeing TV shows (most likely Vampire Diaries or Gilmore Girls).
husband, two daughters and their sassy Yorkshire Terrier, Butter. After an episode of
crippling depression forced Marae to reevaluate her priorities, she found herself
returning to an old habit: reading. Mesmerized by the worlds she could escape to,
Marae started creating her own. When she’s
not writing, Marae loves to dance with her littles, run and hike in the mountains, or
stay up far too late bingeing TV shows (most likely Vampire Diaries or Gilmore Girls).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 363 reviews
June 17, 2023
10/10 would recommend. Loved writing it as much as I did reading it. Would absolutely marry a Graham brother. I think this should count as ten books towards my reading challenge because I swear I’ve read it as least 100x.
I think I’m funny but it’s okay if you don’t 😂💜
I think I’m funny but it’s okay if you don’t 😂💜
dnf
June 14, 2024DNF @ 54%
I really couldn’t stand the H☹️ he was so mean
I really couldn’t stand the H☹️ he was so mean
September 8, 2024
she’s pregnant but he’s not the dad 😭 HITS EVERY SINGLE TIME (3.75⭐️)
February 16, 2025
✩‧₊ 3.5 stars ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
･ ｡ﾟ☆:The Burns We Carry *.☽ .*:☆ﾟ
☾⋆⁺₊🎧✩°｡ 0:32 ──♡───── 3:47 ☾⋆⁺₊🎧✩°｡
🎶 All along there was some.Invisible string. Tying you to me? 🎶
Brooks Graham (H) doesn’t like the new girl in town and doesn’t understand why she is always around his brothers. Shay (h) wants a new start since she left her ex after he didn’t want to be a part of her baby’s life; forutnrely, she finds the Graham brothers who welcome her in, well, besides Brooks.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: THOUGHTS*.☽ .*:☆ﾟ. ───
Brooks saw Shay on the first night and made her enemy #1 because she was a city girl, and he felt like she was intruding or didn’t treat the small-town aspect as something serious. He judged her a lot and didn’t give her a chance; it took a lot of interaction between them for Brooks to let his guard down and not feel like Shay would abandon him at every step. I wouldn’t say I liked that he never gave her a chance and forbade her from being near his brother because he thought she was a bad person when she was really trying to start over with her baby. This entire time, she is pregnant, and no one knows, but Brooks is making her life slightly harder than it needs to be.
He acted like his brothers were children and couldn’t make their own decisions. It was unfair of Brooks not to give her a chance when all she wanted was to be a genuine part of their life, and she was making an effort with Brooks because Nolan and Levi were important to her. At this point, I didn’t like Brooks because he was being an asshole to someone who didn’t deserve it. She was kind to him and didn’t want to trap him like he thought she would. It’s a shame that it took her pushing and trying to get to know him for Brooks to give her a chance. He even went too far and offered her money so she could leave town because he genuinely believed that was all she was there for. It was not until she rejected the money that his perception of her shifted.
I understand that he apologized and felt bad for his reactions towards her, but he truly couldn’t get away with a simple apology. It was good that he reflected on what he did and was apologetic, but it’s not right that he treated her badly just because of something he went through as a kid. I do think he deserved some therapy so he could deal with his abandonment tissues and process that not everyone was out to get him. However, I felt this was a step toward a shift in Brooks's attitude and the beginning of a more gentle relationship with Brooks and Shay.
There was a breakthrough in the relationship; Brooks has been kinder, and now she tells him she is pregnant, and he treats her poorly. Nolan and Levi never change their attitudes toward her; instead, they give her a place to stay, but Brooks doesn’t want something to do with her. At some point, Nolan has to come to her defense because Brooks accused her of trapping them with the raby again and Brooks tossed her aside when they were about to be intimate. Nolan was always going to be Shay’s #1 defender.
HER FRIEND. Nolan is my favorite person, and this man deserves the world. I can’t wait to read his book because I can guarantee he will be a great love interest who treats his girl right. He always knew what to say, and he was so kind to Shay and never asked for something in return. He is a protector.
My feelings for Brooks are complicated because he genuinely felt terrible every time he fucked up, but he fucked up A LOT, so in the end, I couldn't decide if I loved him or not. Ultimately, he made an effort to be a part of Shay's life and wanted to be a father figure for her baby. He attempted to learn about pregnancy so he could better support her, but often, it was difficult to forget about his past actions. However, I don't want to judge him based on that alone, so Brooks really did try. He wasn’t my favorite but the story was cute and I liked that Shay got her family in the end.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: FOUND FAMILY*.☽ .*:☆ﾟ. ───
All the brothers are different, but Nolan and Levi have a special place in my heart. Even when Brooks was being an asshole and didn’t want Shay around them, they made sure she knew she had their support. They never had an ulterior motive behind their kindness; they genuinely cared for her like a sister and treated her like family from the moment she got to town. I’m genuinely in love with the friendships in this book, which I enjoyed the most. I could feel the wholesome energy from beginning to start, and these boys cared about family more than anything. They were willing to help Shay, even if she wasn’t involved with Brooks, and their being in her life was not conditional to her being with their brother. Nolan was the comedic relief brother with a backstory waiting to be developed, and Levi was the gentle, sweet brother who cared about people and would do anything to keep his loved ones safe. They both have such big hearts, and they would never abandon Shay, even when it gets tough.
Brooks had some idea that Shay wanted to trap his brothers, and he was just an asshole for a really long time. He assumed that she was a city girl who would run away when she got bored of the small-town life, and he was highly projecting his mommy and abandonment issues. Meanwhile, Shay was attempting to get a new start because her ex didn’t want to be a family with her. Nolan and Levi made her a part of her family, and Brooks didn’t like that; of course, things changed eventually, but the Graham brothers always appreciated Shay. I enjoyed the book more because of Nolan and Levi and how well their friendships developed; indeed, they were a found family.
Her banana bread was terrible, and Nolan still ate it because he didn’t want to make her feel bad. That’s her family, for real. I can go on and on with examples of how much these brothers cared for her; they even nicknamed her child and were so invested in the baby and making sure she was safe. If nothing had happened between Shay and Brooks, I would have been fine with it because Nolan and Levi were so sweet to her.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: OVERALL *.☽ .*:☆ﾟ. ──
I initially thought this was a reverse harem because of Nolan and Levi's involvement, but the found family aspect was so cute. Brooks could have done better because there were a handful of moments when he was happy.
･ ｡ﾟ☆:The Burns We Carry *.☽ .*:☆ﾟ
☾⋆⁺₊🎧✩°｡ 0:32 ──♡───── 3:47 ☾⋆⁺₊🎧✩°｡
🎶 All along there was some.Invisible string. Tying you to me? 🎶
Brooks Graham (H) doesn’t like the new girl in town and doesn’t understand why she is always around his brothers. Shay (h) wants a new start since she left her ex after he didn’t want to be a part of her baby’s life; forutnrely, she finds the Graham brothers who welcome her in, well, besides Brooks.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: THOUGHTS*.☽ .*:☆ﾟ. ───
“I’m going to need you to walk a straight line for me, ma’am.”
“What?” I squeaked, my cheeks burning. “I’m not—I’m not drunk. I don’t even drink.”
He raised a dark brow. “Or I can take you back to the station.”
Brooks saw Shay on the first night and made her enemy #1 because she was a city girl, and he felt like she was intruding or didn’t treat the small-town aspect as something serious. He judged her a lot and didn’t give her a chance; it took a lot of interaction between them for Brooks to let his guard down and not feel like Shay would abandon him at every step. I wouldn’t say I liked that he never gave her a chance and forbade her from being near his brother because he thought she was a bad person when she was really trying to start over with her baby. This entire time, she is pregnant, and no one knows, but Brooks is making her life slightly harder than it needs to be.
“I’m going to give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you’re lonely and mean well. I wanted to say something this morning, but I didn’t want to embarrass you in front of them.” He hooked his hands on his pockets. “But leave us alone, okay? We don’t have time for you.”
He acted like his brothers were children and couldn’t make their own decisions. It was unfair of Brooks not to give her a chance when all she wanted was to be a genuine part of their life, and she was making an effort with Brooks because Nolan and Levi were important to her. At this point, I didn’t like Brooks because he was being an asshole to someone who didn’t deserve it. She was kind to him and didn’t want to trap him like he thought she would. It’s a shame that it took her pushing and trying to get to know him for Brooks to give her a chance. He even went too far and offered her money so she could leave town because he genuinely believed that was all she was there for. It was not until she rejected the money that his perception of her shifted.
“Nothing about how I treated you is okay. What I did to you was wrong. I hate that you’d even try to excuse my behavior. You don’t deserve that. Not from me or anyone else.”
“Why?” I asked, focusing on his hand palming my knee. “Why did you want me to stay away so bad? What did I do?”
“You did nothing.” His voice was low and rough, lined with regret. “What I do, how I react—that’s on me. But I was being honest. You scare me, Shay,” he repeated, his throat bobbing. “I don’t know if you know this, but my mom left us when I was ten.”
I understand that he apologized and felt bad for his reactions towards her, but he truly couldn’t get away with a simple apology. It was good that he reflected on what he did and was apologetic, but it’s not right that he treated her badly just because of something he went through as a kid. I do think he deserved some therapy so he could deal with his abandonment tissues and process that not everyone was out to get him. However, I felt this was a step toward a shift in Brooks's attitude and the beginning of a more gentle relationship with Brooks and Shay.
“We’re done. I don’t want anything to do with you.”
“You don’t mean that.”
“Please listen to me. It’s not what you’re thinking.”
There was a breakthrough in the relationship; Brooks has been kinder, and now she tells him she is pregnant, and he treats her poorly. Nolan and Levi never change their attitudes toward her; instead, they give her a place to stay, but Brooks doesn’t want something to do with her. At some point, Nolan has to come to her defense because Brooks accused her of trapping them with the raby again and Brooks tossed her aside when they were about to be intimate. Nolan was always going to be Shay’s #1 defender.
“I don’t care if Shay’s having one baby or four—she is my friend. I’ll be damned if I let you push her out of our lives. And I’ll tell you this—our little brother is furious at you right now. So I’d choose your choices carefully.”
HER FRIEND. Nolan is my favorite person, and this man deserves the world. I can’t wait to read his book because I can guarantee he will be a great love interest who treats his girl right. He always knew what to say, and he was so kind to Shay and never asked for something in return. He is a protector.
“If I could take it back, I would. I would do anything to never see the hurt I saw on your face that night. And while I know it’s my fault, and I deserve it—I hate that you can’t trust me. That I have to beg my brothers to tell me how you and Tater are doing, because you trusted me once with your baby and I blew it.”
My feelings for Brooks are complicated because he genuinely felt terrible every time he fucked up, but he fucked up A LOT, so in the end, I couldn't decide if I loved him or not. Ultimately, he made an effort to be a part of Shay's life and wanted to be a father figure for her baby. He attempted to learn about pregnancy so he could better support her, but often, it was difficult to forget about his past actions. However, I don't want to judge him based on that alone, so Brooks really did try. He wasn’t my favorite but the story was cute and I liked that Shay got her family in the end.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: FOUND FAMILY*.☽ .*:☆ﾟ. ───
“Hmm . . . so you’re the one we’re supposed to steer far away from. I’m Nolan.”
He stuck out a hand, both his arms clad in tattoos. “Levi.”
His words had barely settled before a new, deep voice said, “You’re in my spot.”
All the brothers are different, but Nolan and Levi have a special place in my heart. Even when Brooks was being an asshole and didn’t want Shay around them, they made sure she knew she had their support. They never had an ulterior motive behind their kindness; they genuinely cared for her like a sister and treated her like family from the moment she got to town. I’m genuinely in love with the friendships in this book, which I enjoyed the most. I could feel the wholesome energy from beginning to start, and these boys cared about family more than anything. They were willing to help Shay, even if she wasn’t involved with Brooks, and their being in her life was not conditional to her being with their brother. Nolan was the comedic relief brother with a backstory waiting to be developed, and Levi was the gentle, sweet brother who cared about people and would do anything to keep his loved ones safe. They both have such big hearts, and they would never abandon Shay, even when it gets tough.
As I rose I heard the store door open, and Nolan called out, “I saw the whole thing, Shay. We can go right to the police station and report that Brooks tried to run you over.”
“Don’t give her any ideas. I’m sure she’d jump at the first chance she’d get to take a man for everything he’s worth.”
“Pretty sure that requires you to be worth something.”
Brooks had some idea that Shay wanted to trap his brothers, and he was just an asshole for a really long time. He assumed that she was a city girl who would run away when she got bored of the small-town life, and he was highly projecting his mommy and abandonment issues. Meanwhile, Shay was attempting to get a new start because her ex didn’t want to be a family with her. Nolan and Levi made her a part of her family, and Brooks didn’t like that; of course, things changed eventually, but the Graham brothers always appreciated Shay. I enjoyed the book more because of Nolan and Levi and how well their friendships developed; indeed, they were a found family.
“Liked it?” Nolan put a hand over his bare chest. “I loved it.”
Brooks raised a dark brow. “Why don’t you have another slice then?”
“Fine—but I demand my brothers have a slice right now. It’s too damn good not to share.”
Her banana bread was terrible, and Nolan still ate it because he didn’t want to make her feel bad. That’s her family, for real. I can go on and on with examples of how much these brothers cared for her; they even nicknamed her child and were so invested in the baby and making sure she was safe. If nothing had happened between Shay and Brooks, I would have been fine with it because Nolan and Levi were so sweet to her.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: OVERALL *.☽ .*:☆ﾟ. ──
I initially thought this was a reverse harem because of Nolan and Levi's involvement, but the found family aspect was so cute. Brooks could have done better because there were a handful of moments when he was happy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2023
If you’ve been looking for a book that feels like a warm hug, look no further. These characters overcome a lot of trauma in the time we get to spend with them. There is so much growth and healing and hope for the future. And the absolutely SWOONY brothers help, too. 😉
Shay is one of my favorite FMCs of all time. I think she is strong, funny, loving, protective, and resilient. She’s far more forgiving than I could ever hope to be, but I don’t see this as a weakness—her heart is so big and open, and after everything she has been through, she could’ve chosen to close herself off to the world. But she didn’t. 🩶
Now, my man Brooks… 😂 Brooks and I are still on the road to forgiveness. 😂 I have a hard time forgiving people and when mean ole brooks came for my girl Shay multiple times it just stuck. 😂 I do think he worked hard to make up for his mistakes and will continue doing that for the years to come. 🩶
AND. THAT. EPILOGUE. 😩 I was lucky enough to beta read this book, but the epilogue wasn’t included. I am so glad I got to read it with fresh eyes. Eyes that did get a little wet by the final page. 🥹🩶
If you’re waiting to read this book, stop. Just do it. Fall in love with the Graham brothers, Wallowpine, and our leading lady Shay. You won’t be disappointed. 🩶
Shay is one of my favorite FMCs of all time. I think she is strong, funny, loving, protective, and resilient. She’s far more forgiving than I could ever hope to be, but I don’t see this as a weakness—her heart is so big and open, and after everything she has been through, she could’ve chosen to close herself off to the world. But she didn’t. 🩶
Now, my man Brooks… 😂 Brooks and I are still on the road to forgiveness. 😂 I have a hard time forgiving people and when mean ole brooks came for my girl Shay multiple times it just stuck. 😂 I do think he worked hard to make up for his mistakes and will continue doing that for the years to come. 🩶
AND. THAT. EPILOGUE. 😩 I was lucky enough to beta read this book, but the epilogue wasn’t included. I am so glad I got to read it with fresh eyes. Eyes that did get a little wet by the final page. 🥹🩶
If you’re waiting to read this book, stop. Just do it. Fall in love with the Graham brothers, Wallowpine, and our leading lady Shay. You won’t be disappointed. 🩶
July 27, 2023
Updated review:
The Burns We Carry by @maraegood.writes is a definite 4.5/5✨ from me holy moly 😭!
I AM A PUDDLE of cheesy (but also) peanut butter happiness! My eyes hurt from crying but I’m the best possible way!
This book is full of heart. So SO much heart it overflows on its pages 🤍but it also has hard moments, the hardships of life & what it means to truly heal! To allow others to HELP us heal & gosh if the Graham Brothers aren’t absolutely everything!
I loved Shay, Brooks, Nolan, LEVI (especially Levi) & just all of Wallowpine & heavens my heart is just full 🤍✨
Also—I feel like this book will forever hold a special place in my heart & I think Marae knows why 😭🤍✨
ONE OF MY TOP ANTICIPATED READS THIS YEAR I CANT FREAKING WAIT.
The Burns We Carry by @maraegood.writes is a definite 4.5/5✨ from me holy moly 😭!
I AM A PUDDLE of cheesy (but also) peanut butter happiness! My eyes hurt from crying but I’m the best possible way!
This book is full of heart. So SO much heart it overflows on its pages 🤍but it also has hard moments, the hardships of life & what it means to truly heal! To allow others to HELP us heal & gosh if the Graham Brothers aren’t absolutely everything!
I loved Shay, Brooks, Nolan, LEVI (especially Levi) & just all of Wallowpine & heavens my heart is just full 🤍✨
Also—I feel like this book will forever hold a special place in my heart & I think Marae knows why 😭🤍✨
ONE OF MY TOP ANTICIPATED READS THIS YEAR I CANT FREAKING WAIT.
February 27, 2025
2.75⭐️ It had potential, but that potential was completely wasted.
The main problem was that the story was only told from Shay‘s pov, we didn’t get Brook‘s side of the story until the Epilogue, which was too late in my opinion. It felt like an important part of the story was missing.
Also, being constantly in Shay‘s head was soooo TEDIOUS!!! I couldn’t stand it anymore. Like girl, stfu for a second and stop with all the whining and crying already! We get it, you have issues. 😒
Look, I sympathized with her, I really did, she had a very hard life. She has been neglected, abused and disappointed by the very people who were supposed to love and care for her. So I get where all that trauma came from…but deaaaaaar me, I couldn’t take her whining anymore. On and on she went….repeating the same thing over and over.
The first kiss and their supposed feelings for each other were so out of the blue! Like they’ve only seen each other a couple of times at that point and they weren’t even friends to be honest with you. So how did they go from reluctant acquaintance to passionate „lovers“? I didn’t get it.
In conclusion, I was disappointed it wasn’t the 5 star read I thought it would be. But….🤷🏼♀️
The main problem was that the story was only told from Shay‘s pov, we didn’t get Brook‘s side of the story until the Epilogue, which was too late in my opinion. It felt like an important part of the story was missing.
Also, being constantly in Shay‘s head was soooo TEDIOUS!!! I couldn’t stand it anymore. Like girl, stfu for a second and stop with all the whining and crying already! We get it, you have issues. 😒
Look, I sympathized with her, I really did, she had a very hard life. She has been neglected, abused and disappointed by the very people who were supposed to love and care for her. So I get where all that trauma came from…but deaaaaaar me, I couldn’t take her whining anymore. On and on she went….repeating the same thing over and over.
The first kiss and their supposed feelings for each other were so out of the blue! Like they’ve only seen each other a couple of times at that point and they weren’t even friends to be honest with you. So how did they go from reluctant acquaintance to passionate „lovers“? I didn’t get it.
In conclusion, I was disappointed it wasn’t the 5 star read I thought it would be. But….🤷🏼♀️
October 16, 2024
A 5 star read!!!
This book was everything I could've ever imagined. My heart ached for Shay, but I loved the woman she grew to be and omg Brooks upon introduction, I thought, "What an asshole," he gave me a whiplash half the time but I grew to love him. Omg Levi and Nolan are the cutest I love their relationship with Shay and Tater. I love that Shay got a Found Family.
So if you're looking for a book with second chances, Found Family and just healing this is the book for you.
This book was everything I could've ever imagined. My heart ached for Shay, but I loved the woman she grew to be and omg Brooks upon introduction, I thought, "What an asshole," he gave me a whiplash half the time but I grew to love him. Omg Levi and Nolan are the cutest I love their relationship with Shay and Tater. I love that Shay got a Found Family.
So if you're looking for a book with second chances, Found Family and just healing this is the book for you.
July 15, 2024
Finally enjoyed a book in so long, but after the third act breakup if I was the H I would've throw her to the wolves, she annoyed me so fucking much🤷
November 10, 2023
The Burns We Carry
First off I really didn’t like the analogy of “burns” and how they referred to this several times in the book. I’ve never ever heard this phrase before and it felt so forced every time the characters would mention the burns they carried or burning relationships.
The things I did like:
- found family trope
- the Graham brothers
- Jacob and Wren (especially Wren)
- Cash
Things I didn’t like:
- way too long
- too much inner dialogue that was repetitive (Shay droned on and on and on about being independent and woe is me because of my childhood and I won’t be like my mom)
- Brooks’ was straight up an a-hole and for a terrible reason (he thought she was like his mom?! So any girl was a threat to him and his brothers?)
- the constant one step forward ten steps back between what and brooks’ relationship
- Shay’s character made choices that were super contradictory to who she was meant to be
- I absolutely hated how she left Brooks at the hospital and said she didn’t want to be apart of his family (it was just so unbelievable, I mean she promised she’d never leave and then after one conversation with her ex she purposefully hurts Brooks to push him away and then says well I “burned” that relationship, and then was expecting him or his brothers to just show up and find her in California?!?!)
Okay clearly I have some unresolved feelings despite the epilogue being somewhat redeeming from two stars to three.
First off I really didn’t like the analogy of “burns” and how they referred to this several times in the book. I’ve never ever heard this phrase before and it felt so forced every time the characters would mention the burns they carried or burning relationships.
The things I did like:
- found family trope
- the Graham brothers
- Jacob and Wren (especially Wren)
- Cash
Things I didn’t like:
- way too long
- too much inner dialogue that was repetitive (Shay droned on and on and on about being independent and woe is me because of my childhood and I won’t be like my mom)
- Brooks’ was straight up an a-hole and for a terrible reason (he thought she was like his mom?! So any girl was a threat to him and his brothers?)
- the constant one step forward ten steps back between what and brooks’ relationship
- Shay’s character made choices that were super contradictory to who she was meant to be
- I absolutely hated how she left Brooks at the hospital and said she didn’t want to be apart of his family (it was just so unbelievable, I mean she promised she’d never leave and then after one conversation with her ex she purposefully hurts Brooks to push him away and then says well I “burned” that relationship, and then was expecting him or his brothers to just show up and find her in California?!?!)
Okay clearly I have some unresolved feelings despite the epilogue being somewhat redeeming from two stars to three.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2025
• 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧'𝐭 𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐚 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲. 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐝 •
Oh, how this book hurt my soul 😭 I could tell as soon as I started reading that this was gonna be a good book, a book that would tear me apart…in a good way. And oh, how true that proved to be! This book made me feel so many emotions, which is a sure sign of an excellent story!
My heart hurt so much for Shay! After all she had been through, she just wanted people to accept her, to love her, to be her friend. What she got instead was Brooks Graham, the most stubborn and infuriating man alive. Hurt people hurt people…and that’s exactly what he did, unintentionally of course. He didn’t mean to make life harder for Shay; he simply didn’t understand her and all she’d been through. All he could see was his own abandonment issues.
Watching these two deal with their hurts made me want to sob for them, but it made the healing process that much more beautiful. Watching Brooks slowly soften around Shay had my heart absolutely melting into a puddle. He was so kind and gentle and patient with her…until he made me so absolutely livid!! The pure anger and frustration I felt towards that man 😤 Thank goodness he finally got his act together!
Levi and Nolan made my heart so happy! They were the sweetest sweethearts ever and I love how they instantly befriended Shay even if Brooks was being a pain. The banana bread scene had me cracking up 🤭 Those two were there for Shay through thick and thin, the constant friends she needed in her life.
I loved the relationships that Shay built with Wren and Layne. Friendships like those last a lifetime! I love that they were able to be there to help her through her healing process ♥️
Top Moments:
🌲 Getting pulled over
🌲 Swapping vehicles w/ Jake
🌲 Delivering banana bread
🌲 Dancing w/ Nolan
🌲 Driving lessons w/ Brooks
🌲 He gave her flowers 🥹
🌲 “Stay.”
🌲 Peanut butter sandwiches
🌲 Scattering ashes
🌲 Thanksgiving food fight
🌲 The ring pop
Content notes:
•some mild language
•fade to black
Oh, how this book hurt my soul 😭 I could tell as soon as I started reading that this was gonna be a good book, a book that would tear me apart…in a good way. And oh, how true that proved to be! This book made me feel so many emotions, which is a sure sign of an excellent story!
My heart hurt so much for Shay! After all she had been through, she just wanted people to accept her, to love her, to be her friend. What she got instead was Brooks Graham, the most stubborn and infuriating man alive. Hurt people hurt people…and that’s exactly what he did, unintentionally of course. He didn’t mean to make life harder for Shay; he simply didn’t understand her and all she’d been through. All he could see was his own abandonment issues.
Watching these two deal with their hurts made me want to sob for them, but it made the healing process that much more beautiful. Watching Brooks slowly soften around Shay had my heart absolutely melting into a puddle. He was so kind and gentle and patient with her…until he made me so absolutely livid!! The pure anger and frustration I felt towards that man 😤 Thank goodness he finally got his act together!
Levi and Nolan made my heart so happy! They were the sweetest sweethearts ever and I love how they instantly befriended Shay even if Brooks was being a pain. The banana bread scene had me cracking up 🤭 Those two were there for Shay through thick and thin, the constant friends she needed in her life.
I loved the relationships that Shay built with Wren and Layne. Friendships like those last a lifetime! I love that they were able to be there to help her through her healing process ♥️
Top Moments:
🌲 Getting pulled over
🌲 Swapping vehicles w/ Jake
🌲 Delivering banana bread
🌲 Dancing w/ Nolan
🌲 Driving lessons w/ Brooks
🌲 He gave her flowers 🥹
🌲 “Stay.”
🌲 Peanut butter sandwiches
🌲 Scattering ashes
🌲 Thanksgiving food fight
🌲 The ring pop
Content notes:
•some mild language
•fade to black
July 7, 2023
I was so lucky to have received an ARC of this book from the lovely Marae and I can’t begin to tell you how excited I was because I absolutely love her writing! I will read everything she publishes!
This book was an emotional rollercoaster and I hope this isn’t a spoiler but I was crying, like full blown sobbing and I don’t usually cry like that from books but even though it had my emotions all over the place, this book felt like a big, warm cozy hug. I loved the setting (who doesn’t love small towns?) and the found family is next level amazing! Some of the best found family I’ve read! Marae you write so beautifully and I can’t help but love the characters you bring to life with your pen (typed most likely haha)
I definitely need more books about Brooks, shay and tater… but i also need books from the POV of Nolan and Levi so can we make that happen? No pressure hahaha oh and I loved cash so much!
Seriously guys you will fall in love with wallowpine!
This book was an emotional rollercoaster and I hope this isn’t a spoiler but I was crying, like full blown sobbing and I don’t usually cry like that from books but even though it had my emotions all over the place, this book felt like a big, warm cozy hug. I loved the setting (who doesn’t love small towns?) and the found family is next level amazing! Some of the best found family I’ve read! Marae you write so beautifully and I can’t help but love the characters you bring to life with your pen (typed most likely haha)
I definitely need more books about Brooks, shay and tater… but i also need books from the POV of Nolan and Levi so can we make that happen? No pressure hahaha oh and I loved cash so much!
Seriously guys you will fall in love with wallowpine!
July 4, 2023
ARC Review - 3.5 ⭐️
Virgin River meets Three Men and a Baby!
A small town, contemporary romance with grumpy/sunshine vibes, an enemies to lovers plot, and enough heart to bring you to tears. The characters were well developed and I genuinely felt invested in getting to know them. And let me just say… THE GRAHAM BROTHERS. 🥵🙌🏻🥹
This is an easy, emotional yet still feel-good novel for the romance reader who enjoys stories of starting over, found family, and finding home.
You can tell a lot of personal heart was put into this story by the writer - that’s what makes it so compelling and relatable, whether you’ve been through these situations or not.
TW: Loss of a loved one, domestic abuse (verbal and physical - not firsthand), childhood trauma and abandonment.
Virgin River meets Three Men and a Baby!
A small town, contemporary romance with grumpy/sunshine vibes, an enemies to lovers plot, and enough heart to bring you to tears. The characters were well developed and I genuinely felt invested in getting to know them. And let me just say… THE GRAHAM BROTHERS. 🥵🙌🏻🥹
This is an easy, emotional yet still feel-good novel for the romance reader who enjoys stories of starting over, found family, and finding home.
You can tell a lot of personal heart was put into this story by the writer - that’s what makes it so compelling and relatable, whether you’ve been through these situations or not.
TW: Loss of a loved one, domestic abuse (verbal and physical - not firsthand), childhood trauma and abandonment.
Read
January 24, 2024I’m so honored that I was chosen to be an ARC reader for this book, and incredibly happy that it was my first ARC! ☺️ Thank you Marae for trusting me with your book! Now, on to the review!!
Up until recently, I’ve never really been a contemporary romance girlie, but I’m glad I’ve decided to give it a shot, because I’ve found so many great ones, and The Burns We Carry is one of the best ones I’ve read so far. I’m obsessed with this book, so I have a lot to say in an attempt to do it justice 😂
TLDR: Brooks and Shay are amazing, Levi and Nolan are the best friends, go read this book so you can laugh, cry, smile, sob and feel all the emotions 💜
Shay is such a beautiful and powerful character, and she feels so real. I’ve never been in a situation similar to hers, but I do know other women that have, and the feelings and emotions she felt while trying to move on and heal were very similar to those women’s stories. I loved the depth to her character, her story.
The Graham brothers depicted a different kind of loss and hurt. Their dynamic and relationship is beautiful and again, real. The way they always show they care about each other 🥹 Levi and Nolan are amazing friends to Shay, and I loved their friendship just as much as the romance.
Brooks is amazingly grumpy 😂 I really enjoyed getting to learn about him bit by bit as he opened up to Shay. And their relationship was beautiful, but realistic. Both Brooks and Shay were dealing with their own problems and healing, so their relationship wasn’t always pretty. There’s mistakes, steps backward, and it’s so amazingly written.
I felt EVERYTHING throughout this book- I laughed, smiled, sobbed, put the book down to just stare out of disbelief.
Also, big shoutout to my boyfriend for holding me and bringing me tissues while I sobbed over this book 😂 he’s not gonna see this, but he already knows I appreciate him for it.
Tropes:
* Grumpy x Sunshine
* Found family
* Healing from grief/loss
* Single pregnant mother
* Slow burn
TLDR: Brooks and Shay are amazing, Levi and Nolan are the best friends, go read this book so you can laugh, cry, smile, sob and feel all the emotions 💜
Shay is such a beautiful and powerful character, and she feels so real. I’ve never been in a situation similar to hers, but I do know other women that have, and the feelings and emotions she felt while trying to move on and heal were very similar to those women’s stories. I loved the depth to her character, her story.
The Graham brothers depicted a different kind of loss and hurt. Their dynamic and relationship is beautiful and again, real. The way they always show they care about each other 🥹 Levi and Nolan are amazing friends to Shay, and I loved their friendship just as much as the romance.
Brooks is amazingly grumpy 😂 I really enjoyed getting to learn about him bit by bit as he opened up to Shay. And their relationship was beautiful, but realistic. Both Brooks and Shay were dealing with their own problems and healing, so their relationship wasn’t always pretty. There’s mistakes, steps backward, and it’s so amazingly written.
I felt EVERYTHING throughout this book- I laughed, smiled, sobbed, put the book down to just stare out of disbelief.
Also, big shoutout to my boyfriend for holding me and bringing me tissues while I sobbed over this book 😂 he’s not gonna see this, but he already knows I appreciate him for it.
Tropes:
* Grumpy x Sunshine
* Found family
* Healing from grief/loss
* Single pregnant mother
* Slow burn
December 15, 2023
4.5 ✨
I can tell you exactly why I didn’t rate this 5 stars and that’s bc it pissed me off multiple times, I guess it’s good when books make you feel things but idk personally I don’t like feeling pissed off.
I’m also not a fan of third act break ups. I can understand why it was done in this book, there was method to the madness, and it was well written, but I just, I hate it.
Otherwise, overall the book was well written and the plot / side characters were enjoyable. It’s accidental pregnancy trope which I know is hit or miss with some people but the male mc is not the dad, so it’s not what you’d expect.
You didn’t have to do wren like that though.
I can tell you exactly why I didn’t rate this 5 stars and that’s bc it pissed me off multiple times, I guess it’s good when books make you feel things but idk personally I don’t like feeling pissed off.
I’m also not a fan of third act break ups. I can understand why it was done in this book, there was method to the madness, and it was well written, but I just, I hate it.
Otherwise, overall the book was well written and the plot / side characters were enjoyable. It’s accidental pregnancy trope which I know is hit or miss with some people but the male mc is not the dad, so it’s not what you’d expect.
You didn’t have to do wren like that though.
July 11, 2023
This is a book I didn’t know I needed to read. I LOVE the characters! Their experiences are believable and authentic, their pain and struggle is so tangible, and the hope and love they find is so so beautiful. Highly recommend this one! I’m off to read it again 😂
February 29, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sometimes I read a romance book and know without a doubt that the author was called to write romance — that’s the case here. Marae’s calling is romance.
I want to squeeze this book to my chest and bear hug it. I’ve never loved a contemporary romance book as much as I’ve loved this one. Easy 5⭐️ read. This book is one of my top favorite all time reads — and I can see myself rereading it yearly.
I saw people on here complaining about this story being long winded. I disagree. I enjoyed the entire book. Not once did I feel bored. I actually felt like this is a faster paced book. Shay’s story is very heavy. There is a lot of necessary information to absorb to understand who Shay is and why she is the way she is.
I think it was a wise decision for Marae to litter this book with humor to lighten the load of heavy emotions. I found myself laughing and crying throughout the whole book.
Found Family is my favorite trope of all time. This book is 100% a great Found Family story. 😭 If you love reading about a character moving to a small town and becoming close with the local people then this is your story.
I’m sad to move on from this book. I loved every single character. I feel attached. Invested. I don’t want to move on.
Normally I don’t like the Grumpy/Sunshine trope but it worked well for me in this one. Did not make me angry. I felt the trauma both MMC and MFC had explained their reactions to each other throughout the story. I loved Brooks’ character. Grumpy mountain man worked for me in this story!
This has been my first Unplanned Pregnancy trope. I know everyone on Bookstagram loathes this one ☝🏼 and I’m like…. I’m not sure why because I love it.
If anything, I wish the book would have been more 🌶️ spicy. There are intimate scenes but they tend to be more mellow. I would have preferred more details. But that’s my personal preference. 🥵
I did find myself (as I’m sure 100% of the other readers did) annoyed with a decision Shay makes. But the book does so well at wrapping up this story. I didn’t dock any stars ⭐️— still found myself crying and loving it. Rip my heart out and piece it back together again. 🪡
This felt like Virgin River meets Gilmore Girls. ♥️
The three brothers loving this baby. Like just take my heart.
Best Read Ever. 😭
Sometimes I read a romance book and know without a doubt that the author was called to write romance — that’s the case here. Marae’s calling is romance.
I want to squeeze this book to my chest and bear hug it. I’ve never loved a contemporary romance book as much as I’ve loved this one. Easy 5⭐️ read. This book is one of my top favorite all time reads — and I can see myself rereading it yearly.
I saw people on here complaining about this story being long winded. I disagree. I enjoyed the entire book. Not once did I feel bored. I actually felt like this is a faster paced book. Shay’s story is very heavy. There is a lot of necessary information to absorb to understand who Shay is and why she is the way she is.
I think it was a wise decision for Marae to litter this book with humor to lighten the load of heavy emotions. I found myself laughing and crying throughout the whole book.
Found Family is my favorite trope of all time. This book is 100% a great Found Family story. 😭 If you love reading about a character moving to a small town and becoming close with the local people then this is your story.
I’m sad to move on from this book. I loved every single character. I feel attached. Invested. I don’t want to move on.
Normally I don’t like the Grumpy/Sunshine trope but it worked well for me in this one. Did not make me angry. I felt the trauma both MMC and MFC had explained their reactions to each other throughout the story. I loved Brooks’ character. Grumpy mountain man worked for me in this story!
This has been my first Unplanned Pregnancy trope. I know everyone on Bookstagram loathes this one ☝🏼 and I’m like…. I’m not sure why because I love it.
If anything, I wish the book would have been more 🌶️ spicy. There are intimate scenes but they tend to be more mellow. I would have preferred more details. But that’s my personal preference. 🥵
I did find myself (as I’m sure 100% of the other readers did) annoyed with a decision Shay makes. But the book does so well at wrapping up this story. I didn’t dock any stars ⭐️— still found myself crying and loving it. Rip my heart out and piece it back together again. 🪡
This felt like Virgin River meets Gilmore Girls. ♥️
The three brothers loving this baby. Like just take my heart.
Best Read Ever. 😭
March 15, 2024
ALL THE FEELINGS!
This book made me cry uncontrollably, laugh, and at times made me extremely mad. I struggled with the rating as I had a hard time getting over the aspect that upset me most (I’ll include a spoiler waaaaaay down at the bottom for those who want it). The fact is I read as a way to get away from the real world and its struggles. Yet the books I love most make me intensely feel things when I don’t wanna feel! Serious internal battle 😂
All in all, especially for an indie author with few titles under her belt - this book deserves its due credit and a full 5 ⭐️!
The character development in this book was absolutely fantastic 👌 and the storyline sucked me in and kept me rooting for an HEA! Such an unusual yet beautiful take on the grumpy sunshine trope. I 100% agree with the other reviewer who said it was like Virgin River crossed with 3 Men And A Baby. The Graham brothers are literally everything 🥹❤️ The only thing that could have made this book better was a dual POV with Brooks. I would’ve loved to read more of his thoughts/feelings.
Extremely good choice on the author for a cover revamp. I LOVEEEE the new cover, and as much as we try not to judge a book by it’s cover - it’s literally one of the main reasons I picked up this book. Randomly stumbling across this book on KU, it was exactly what I needed to read at exactly the right time.
I literally CANNOT wait for the next books to come out and read Levi & Nolan’s stories. Especially Nolan! Total swoon moment every time he called Shay “darlin”. 😍 In the meantime, I’ll be stalking the author’s Insta impatiently waiting for info on the next book. Just kidding! Although, there may be some silent prayers to the book gods on getting an ARC 🤞
Very much looking forward to future books from this must-read indie author!
4.5 ⭐️ rounded UP! *As promised… see below for a small spoiler that explains my 1/2 star dock*
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YOU REBEL YOU! 😂
Okay, so the part that literally made me fuming mad. I HATE third act break-ups! UGH! My heart is fragile. Don’t do this to me after 300+ pages and falling completely IN LOVE with these characters! I can’t handle it. I was wanting to throw my kindle! Shay don’t be stupid. You have the PERFECT man! I get the method to the madness on why the author did this, but it did take some joy away from the HEA because I was still sooooo upset.
This book made me cry uncontrollably, laugh, and at times made me extremely mad. I struggled with the rating as I had a hard time getting over the aspect that upset me most (I’ll include a spoiler waaaaaay down at the bottom for those who want it). The fact is I read as a way to get away from the real world and its struggles. Yet the books I love most make me intensely feel things when I don’t wanna feel! Serious internal battle 😂
All in all, especially for an indie author with few titles under her belt - this book deserves its due credit and a full 5 ⭐️!
The character development in this book was absolutely fantastic 👌 and the storyline sucked me in and kept me rooting for an HEA! Such an unusual yet beautiful take on the grumpy sunshine trope. I 100% agree with the other reviewer who said it was like Virgin River crossed with 3 Men And A Baby. The Graham brothers are literally everything 🥹❤️ The only thing that could have made this book better was a dual POV with Brooks. I would’ve loved to read more of his thoughts/feelings.
Extremely good choice on the author for a cover revamp. I LOVEEEE the new cover, and as much as we try not to judge a book by it’s cover - it’s literally one of the main reasons I picked up this book. Randomly stumbling across this book on KU, it was exactly what I needed to read at exactly the right time.
I literally CANNOT wait for the next books to come out and read Levi & Nolan’s stories. Especially Nolan! Total swoon moment every time he called Shay “darlin”. 😍 In the meantime, I’ll be stalking the author’s Insta impatiently waiting for info on the next book. Just kidding! Although, there may be some silent prayers to the book gods on getting an ARC 🤞
Very much looking forward to future books from this must-read indie author!
4.5 ⭐️ rounded UP! *As promised… see below for a small spoiler that explains my 1/2 star dock*
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YOU REBEL YOU! 😂
Okay, so the part that literally made me fuming mad. I HATE third act break-ups! UGH! My heart is fragile. Don’t do this to me after 300+ pages and falling completely IN LOVE with these characters! I can’t handle it. I was wanting to throw my kindle! Shay don’t be stupid. You have the PERFECT man! I get the method to the madness on why the author did this, but it did take some joy away from the HEA because I was still sooooo upset.
June 20, 2023
ALL THE STARS!!
I just absolutely loved this book. It was heartbreaking, yet so beautiful. Shay’s journey working through her trauma and starting over was so well written. At times I definitely wanted to shake her a bit, but at the same time, I can’t even imagine the things she went through and how hard that would be to trust again.
The setting was perfection and I could clearly picture this small mountain town in Arizona. I love the forced proximity of it and all the residents who took Shay in and helped her.
THE GRAHAM BROTHERS. Oh man, I loved Brooks, Nolan, and Levi. Their friendship and love was next level. They truly take care of Shay and are incredibly sweet and understanding despite her hesitations to accept help.
The romance was everything. I loved all of their sweet little moments together and the small things Brooks does for her.
Just ALL THE FEELS. I laughed. I cried. I swooned. You NEED this book in your life.
Content: Fade to black, a little bit of language
I just absolutely loved this book. It was heartbreaking, yet so beautiful. Shay’s journey working through her trauma and starting over was so well written. At times I definitely wanted to shake her a bit, but at the same time, I can’t even imagine the things she went through and how hard that would be to trust again.
The setting was perfection and I could clearly picture this small mountain town in Arizona. I love the forced proximity of it and all the residents who took Shay in and helped her.
THE GRAHAM BROTHERS. Oh man, I loved Brooks, Nolan, and Levi. Their friendship and love was next level. They truly take care of Shay and are incredibly sweet and understanding despite her hesitations to accept help.
The romance was everything. I loved all of their sweet little moments together and the small things Brooks does for her.
Just ALL THE FEELS. I laughed. I cried. I swooned. You NEED this book in your life.
Content: Fade to black, a little bit of language
December 18, 2024
This is a tough one for me because I LOVED the beginning of this book. It 100% had five star potential but unfortunately it went downhill for me.
My biggest complaint with this book was that it was far too long. There were so many scenes with Shay and Brooks having their “I want to trust you but I can’t” type of conversations that it was exhausting. That coupled with the third act breakup almost completely ruined the book for me. This book could have accomplished everything it wanted to in a hundred pages less.
What did save the book for was Shay’s relationships with Brooks’s brothers. I loved their friendship and it was definitely a highlight of the book. I also liked the small town aspect of the book and I wish we could have gotten more of that.
My biggest complaint with this book was that it was far too long. There were so many scenes with Shay and Brooks having their “I want to trust you but I can’t” type of conversations that it was exhausting. That coupled with the third act breakup almost completely ruined the book for me. This book could have accomplished everything it wanted to in a hundred pages less.
What did save the book for was Shay’s relationships with Brooks’s brothers. I loved their friendship and it was definitely a highlight of the book. I also liked the small town aspect of the book and I wish we could have gotten more of that.
June 18, 2023
This was such a new and in-depth take on the grumpy sunshine trope. The traumas the characters worked to overcome and the weaknesses they strived to fight through were really well written. I loved the sass of Shay and her unwavering love for the baby.
The Graham brothers were a hilarious, lovable and loyal trio. I hope we get a book about Nolan or Levi, too! Brooks has a tiny piece of my heart for how he dealt with every twist and turn.
This story was such a fabulous example of bravery amid sadness and fear, all ultimately fueled by love. ❤️
The Graham brothers were a hilarious, lovable and loyal trio. I hope we get a book about Nolan or Levi, too! Brooks has a tiny piece of my heart for how he dealt with every twist and turn.
This story was such a fabulous example of bravery amid sadness and fear, all ultimately fueled by love. ❤️
July 5, 2023
Loved this one!!! I laughed, swooned, and cried a lot!!! This is a book that will put you in your feelings and have you rooting for Shay and Brooks! Overall great book and would definitely recommend to anyone who likes sweet and sad romances that follow a person’s journey to healing after emotional and moving toward physical abuse.
Potential spoiler:
The only thing I didn’t like was a the third act breakup. I had a hard time seeing why that was the option that was chosen and it made want to call Shay up and talk some sense into her! But I am not a mom and wasn’t in her situation so that may have been why I didn’t understand. Still enjoyed the book thoroughly.
Potential spoiler:
The only thing I didn’t like was a the third act breakup. I had a hard time seeing why that was the option that was chosen and it made want to call Shay up and talk some sense into her! But I am not a mom and wasn’t in her situation so that may have been why I didn’t understand. Still enjoyed the book thoroughly.
June 28, 2023
4.5 stars. This story was all the feels! I cried, I laughed, I swooned. And the characters have really stayed with me in the days since reading.
Found family. Single mom. Grumpy / sunshine.
Shay’s journey was so brutal and completely beautiful. Watching her grow and learn to trust again was everything.
The Graham brothers were the stars of the show for me! Brooks was the best grumpy cinnamon roll.
Levi and Nolan were the sweetest! I can’t wait for their books
Thank you to Marae for the chance to read an advanced copy. I can’t wait for everyone to get their hands on it.
Found family. Single mom. Grumpy / sunshine.
Shay’s journey was so brutal and completely beautiful. Watching her grow and learn to trust again was everything.
The Graham brothers were the stars of the show for me! Brooks was the best grumpy cinnamon roll.
Levi and Nolan were the sweetest! I can’t wait for their books
Thank you to Marae for the chance to read an advanced copy. I can’t wait for everyone to get their hands on it.
June 25, 2023
What a sweet book! If you know me you know I love a small town story - whether it’s a romance or a thriller, I love how small towns tend to feel like their own character rather than just a backdrop. I want to go to Wallowpine. In another universe, I’m already there.
I immediately liked Shay. While I have very little in common with her in terms of life experiences, I still found her incredibly relatable and easy to root for. The Graham brothers were an absolute treat. Levi is so sweet and loyal. Nolan is a shameless flirt with a heart of gold. And Brooks… I have a hard time with grumpy male characters because often times they’re just jerks for no reason. However, Brooks was so well balanced. And as the story progresses and he and Shay break down walls together, a really lovely relationship between two hurting people is formed. The conflict in this story felt real. At times I found myself getting frustrated at both Shay and Brooks while simultaneously completely understanding why things were happening the way they were. Their willingness to be so open and vulnerable with each other was admirable and the way they could both admit when they were wrong was refreshing.
The supporting cast of Wren, Jack, and Elle was also delightful. They all added such a fullness to the story and I’m really grateful for the ways their characters played their parts and offered guidance.
Thank you so much @maraegood.writes for allowing me to be a part of your ARC team. This book is so special and I am so excited to go back to Wallowpine for Nolan and Levi (and to check in on Brooks and Shay and Tater, of course).
The Burns We Carry will be available on July 11 ✨
I immediately liked Shay. While I have very little in common with her in terms of life experiences, I still found her incredibly relatable and easy to root for. The Graham brothers were an absolute treat. Levi is so sweet and loyal. Nolan is a shameless flirt with a heart of gold. And Brooks… I have a hard time with grumpy male characters because often times they’re just jerks for no reason. However, Brooks was so well balanced. And as the story progresses and he and Shay break down walls together, a really lovely relationship between two hurting people is formed. The conflict in this story felt real. At times I found myself getting frustrated at both Shay and Brooks while simultaneously completely understanding why things were happening the way they were. Their willingness to be so open and vulnerable with each other was admirable and the way they could both admit when they were wrong was refreshing.
The supporting cast of Wren, Jack, and Elle was also delightful. They all added such a fullness to the story and I’m really grateful for the ways their characters played their parts and offered guidance.
Thank you so much @maraegood.writes for allowing me to be a part of your ARC team. This book is so special and I am so excited to go back to Wallowpine for Nolan and Levi (and to check in on Brooks and Shay and Tater, of course).
The Burns We Carry will be available on July 11 ✨
July 3, 2023
First of all, thank you Marae so much for letting me be on your ARC team for The Burns We Carry!
If you want to travel to a small mountain town in
Arizona and fall in love with 3 individual brothers then
I think this is the book for you. I was honestly
immediately hooked on these characters and their
story. I loved getting to know Shay and the Graham
brothers and I can't wait to reread and do it all again.
I could talk all day about swooning over Brooks,
Nolan, and Levi. BUT what I really want to touch
on is how much I loved Marae's depiction of Shay's
pregnancy and her becoming a mother. I loved Shay's
complete willingness to become a mother while also
showing her worries about it, especially in her
situation of leaving an abusive relationship. As a
mother myself, everything about her joy and sadness
and anxiety about motherhood felt so real and I really
appreciated that.
This book had a perfect level of spice for me. It
had all the tension, pining, and longing kisses without
being overly descriptive. I'll read books with more or
less spice, but this one really my ideal of right in the
middle.
It was such an honor to be an ARC reader for this
book! Go pick up The Burns We Carry when it
releases July 11th!
If you want to travel to a small mountain town in
Arizona and fall in love with 3 individual brothers then
I think this is the book for you. I was honestly
immediately hooked on these characters and their
story. I loved getting to know Shay and the Graham
brothers and I can't wait to reread and do it all again.
I could talk all day about swooning over Brooks,
Nolan, and Levi. BUT what I really want to touch
on is how much I loved Marae's depiction of Shay's
pregnancy and her becoming a mother. I loved Shay's
complete willingness to become a mother while also
showing her worries about it, especially in her
situation of leaving an abusive relationship. As a
mother myself, everything about her joy and sadness
and anxiety about motherhood felt so real and I really
appreciated that.
This book had a perfect level of spice for me. It
had all the tension, pining, and longing kisses without
being overly descriptive. I'll read books with more or
less spice, but this one really my ideal of right in the
middle.
It was such an honor to be an ARC reader for this
book! Go pick up The Burns We Carry when it
releases July 11th!
March 1, 2024
I wanted to like this but when you refer to an unborn child as “Tater”, I’m out. Honestly really did not like Shay as the MC and the way she leaves the hospital towards the end was so jarring and unnecessary. Too corny, too long. Bummed !!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2024
DNF at 40%
This book started out interesting and then took a nosedive! It could have been an amazing slow burn but the plot got so convoluted and the main characters became ridiculous. Throwing in almost every romance trope and not in an organic way of plotting a story.
This book started out interesting and then took a nosedive! It could have been an amazing slow burn but the plot got so convoluted and the main characters became ridiculous. Throwing in almost every romance trope and not in an organic way of plotting a story.
October 29, 2023
Dnf @ 55%
July 10, 2023
This contemporary romance is different than the others I have read. Though I typically read a plethora of fantasy books, I will occasionally dabble in contemporary romance or romantic comedy books to break up the many realms I tend to travel around.
There are quite a few comedic moments throughout this story with witty banter, shameless flirting, and some meddling Wallowpine locals, but this romance tackles some tough, deep issues head on. There are a few trigger warnings in the beginning of the book so that the reader can be prepared of the material going into the book.
The characters are what make this story. Shay is our female main character and is brave, courageous, witty, intelligent, but also shy, scared, and intimidated. She is the perfect picture of doing something even if you are scared. Our amazing Graham brothers trio adds an interesting mix into our main male character slots…though do NOT be fooled into thinking this is a why choose/reverse harem story because it’s not. I love the representation that you can have friends of the opposite sex who want to take care of you as a friend (though one definitely is more romantically involved with Shay). Brooks, Nolan, and Levi have the sibling unity but definitely stand out as their own characters and personalities.
Though some of the decisions made by the characters were a bit frustrating, honestly it made them so real and so human. Nobody is perfect…not even Brooks, our main hero. The Burns We Carry title applies to each and every character because they have all been burned in the past by different people and situations and though they think they’ve hidden or dealt with those burns, old wounds tend to reappear.
This book I think is the definition of a hurt/comfort book. As the reader I experienced the highs, lows, and plateaus along with the characters and I regret nothing. Sometimes it got a little too real in reminding me of the type of found family relationships I wish I had, but overall it was an enjoyable book.
You may like this book if you like:
🔥Small town settings/romances
🔥Found family
🔥Second chance romance
🔥Characters so human you wish they were real
🔥Swoony characters
🔥Grumpy/sunshine dynamic
🔥Animal companion
🔥Heavy kissing/closed door romance
Side effects of reading this book may include but are not limited too:
- Wanting a German shepherd named Cash
- The desire to move to a small mountain town
- Intense cravings for banana bread and peanut butter and butter sandwiches
- Finding someone to teach you how to drive a stick shift 😏
- and on a more serious note…you may be confronted with your own burns and realize what’s holding you back from what you want in life.
** I’m so appreciative that the author gifted me with an ARC of this book. These views and opinions are my own. **
There are quite a few comedic moments throughout this story with witty banter, shameless flirting, and some meddling Wallowpine locals, but this romance tackles some tough, deep issues head on. There are a few trigger warnings in the beginning of the book so that the reader can be prepared of the material going into the book.
The characters are what make this story. Shay is our female main character and is brave, courageous, witty, intelligent, but also shy, scared, and intimidated. She is the perfect picture of doing something even if you are scared. Our amazing Graham brothers trio adds an interesting mix into our main male character slots…though do NOT be fooled into thinking this is a why choose/reverse harem story because it’s not. I love the representation that you can have friends of the opposite sex who want to take care of you as a friend (though one definitely is more romantically involved with Shay). Brooks, Nolan, and Levi have the sibling unity but definitely stand out as their own characters and personalities.
Though some of the decisions made by the characters were a bit frustrating, honestly it made them so real and so human. Nobody is perfect…not even Brooks, our main hero. The Burns We Carry title applies to each and every character because they have all been burned in the past by different people and situations and though they think they’ve hidden or dealt with those burns, old wounds tend to reappear.
This book I think is the definition of a hurt/comfort book. As the reader I experienced the highs, lows, and plateaus along with the characters and I regret nothing. Sometimes it got a little too real in reminding me of the type of found family relationships I wish I had, but overall it was an enjoyable book.
You may like this book if you like:
🔥Small town settings/romances
🔥Found family
🔥Second chance romance
🔥Characters so human you wish they were real
🔥Swoony characters
🔥Grumpy/sunshine dynamic
🔥Animal companion
🔥Heavy kissing/closed door romance
Side effects of reading this book may include but are not limited too:
- Wanting a German shepherd named Cash
- The desire to move to a small mountain town
- Intense cravings for banana bread and peanut butter and butter sandwiches
- Finding someone to teach you how to drive a stick shift 😏
- and on a more serious note…you may be confronted with your own burns and realize what’s holding you back from what you want in life.
** I’m so appreciative that the author gifted me with an ARC of this book. These views and opinions are my own. **
July 23, 2023
I wanted to support this debut romance author! I love her IG page, her creativity, and energy… she’s made me smile so many times! I wasn’t sure what to expect from this story, but am a sucker for all the things touched on in the blurb.
Welp, Marae Good… I will read anything you write! You have a my full “reader heart” and trust, and VIP entrance down my TBR red carpet.”
This book was beautiful. BE-UUUUU-TIII-FUL. A mix of characters, each with their own growth, that they find together.
WHAT I LOVED:
💕 I swoon at Shay. I grew up in my early years with a single mother, and watching Shay’s journey into motherhood made me appreciate my mother even more. She also began as a “victim,” but gave strength to those around her. Plus, her sass and internal dialogue had me giggling.
💕 The Three Men and a Baby vibes. They each brought their own love and light to Shay, and her relationship with all 3 brothers was mutual in support and understanding. *PLEASE TELL ME THEY EACH GET A STORY!*
💕 The emotions this pulled from me. I was PISSSSSED at one point. Almost to the point that I didn’t think it could be redeemed. And Marae was able to remind me that people are human, and deserve forgiveness.
FAVORITE QUOTES:
💕 “Thanks for ruining my fun. I was about to break his wiener with my bike.”
💕 “How blind and naive I’d been, not wanting to see how my wings were clipped. I knew better now. Letting someone take care of you was a weakness, a way to give up on your freedom.
💕 “Empty. The words that had once flowed easy and strong, nearly brimming over, were gone. My ability to write, a piece of my soul that had offered refuge and peace, had withered away.”
💕 “I thought he might understand. Might know what it was like to be nearly spent, to know that there might come a day when you woke up and realized you had nothing more give.”
💕 “I had no experience with deer, but I imagined Brooks was similar—they both spooked easily.
I have so many more quotes highlighted, but I have to stop someone where… read this book and find what parts touch your heart. I promise there is something here that will poke at you.
Welp, Marae Good… I will read anything you write! You have a my full “reader heart” and trust, and VIP entrance down my TBR red carpet.”
This book was beautiful. BE-UUUUU-TIII-FUL. A mix of characters, each with their own growth, that they find together.
WHAT I LOVED:
💕 I swoon at Shay. I grew up in my early years with a single mother, and watching Shay’s journey into motherhood made me appreciate my mother even more. She also began as a “victim,” but gave strength to those around her. Plus, her sass and internal dialogue had me giggling.
💕 The Three Men and a Baby vibes. They each brought their own love and light to Shay, and her relationship with all 3 brothers was mutual in support and understanding. *PLEASE TELL ME THEY EACH GET A STORY!*
💕 The emotions this pulled from me. I was PISSSSSED at one point. Almost to the point that I didn’t think it could be redeemed. And Marae was able to remind me that people are human, and deserve forgiveness.
FAVORITE QUOTES:
💕 “Thanks for ruining my fun. I was about to break his wiener with my bike.”
💕 “How blind and naive I’d been, not wanting to see how my wings were clipped. I knew better now. Letting someone take care of you was a weakness, a way to give up on your freedom.
💕 “Empty. The words that had once flowed easy and strong, nearly brimming over, were gone. My ability to write, a piece of my soul that had offered refuge and peace, had withered away.”
💕 “I thought he might understand. Might know what it was like to be nearly spent, to know that there might come a day when you woke up and realized you had nothing more give.”
💕 “I had no experience with deer, but I imagined Brooks was similar—they both spooked easily.
I have so many more quotes highlighted, but I have to stop someone where… read this book and find what parts touch your heart. I promise there is something here that will poke at you.
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