In a love story interrupted by tragedy, Morgan Trimble and Drew Hunter-Davidson once shared a passionate connection. But fifteen years ago, a life-altering event shattered their hopes for what-could-have-been and sent shockwaves through the Trimble family.
Morgan, once destined for a bright future, now finds herself trapped in a cycle of guilt and self-destruction, haunted by the past. Drew, too, struggles to find meaning in a loveless marriage, merely existing for the sake of her son and the family surrounding her.
When Morgan bravely decides she’s ready to come home, everything hangs in the balance. Will the old flames still burn between them after all this time? Can Drew summon the courage to break free from her loveless marriage and pursue her true desires? And will Morgan find the strength to forgive herself?
In the first installment of the Trimble Triplets Trilogy, time is both adversary and ally. Through glimpses into the past, Drew and Morgan's journey unfolds, revealing the power of healing and the hope for a future where love can truly conquer all.
As Drew and Morgan confront the ghosts of their shared history, they must summon newfound courage to confront the truths they've long avoided. Can a series of heartfelt letters bridge the chasm between past regrets and present longing? For a second chance at love, time must first heal all wounds. Amidst the echoes of past mistakes, they can only hope that this time, love will finally come full circle.
Kellan lives in the deep south with her wife and a cadre of kids and pets. She enjoys the finer things in life like quality dark roast coffees, ice-cold lagers, and world peace (in that order). You can often find her listening to an audiobook while heavy metal blasts on Spotify and a scary movie plays on TV (hello ADHD), or just trying to catch some downtime (napping) from her crazy, busy, wonderful life.
Don’t Circle Or by Kellan McKight is a second chance, small town romance that will break your heart before putting it back together.
Morgan and Drew were secret high school lovers. To everyone else, including Morgan’s twin sister and Drew’s best friend Melora, they barely tolerated each other. Morgan has always been out and proud. Drew is firmly in the closet due to her strict and sometimes violent, religious upbringing. She openly dates a boy in the hopes that no one discovers her sexuality. At the age of eighteen and after a life altering event, Morgan struggles to forgive her part in, she runs away. For 15 years Morgan has relied on drugs and alcohol to keep the guilt from consuming her. Then after one particularly low day, she takes a step on the road to recovery, and bravely asks her twin sister for help. Now she’s back in her home town, and back in Drew’s orbit. Drew hasn’t had it easy either. In a loveless marriage, bringing up her son while dealing with depression, she has struggled to see the light on occasions.
With so much past hurt and guilt can Morgan and Drew rekindle their past flame? And was that flame ever really blown out?
To say this book is angsty is an understatement! My god did it put me through the wringer and I loved every minute of it.
This is one of those stories where every decision from the past, no matter how small it seems had an effect on the present. I found myself questioning ‘if only they’d done this or if only they’d said that’ but as the saying goes hindsight is 20/20 and you can’t change the past. There are a lot of connected circles in this story. From people to decisions, and even places. It’s never ending. It brings truth to the fact that a circle is a symbol of unity, even if that unity isn’t always peaceful.
Everything that happened to Morgan and Drew, every choice they made ended up trapped in a spiral. For 15 years it span out of control- think of an unstable, wobbling, spinning top, so you can’t see or make sense of the pretty pattern. Then one day someone tries to get it to spin more smoothly, which has the effect to cause more people to do the same. It’s not easy, but eventually with a few false starts the unbreakable circle is visible, and something that was once unbearable and confusing to look at, is suddenly beautiful and mesmerising. That is this book.
I went through so many emotions while reading. I’m not ashamed to admit that I had to have a few breaks and at one stage I didn’t realise I was crying until I couldn’t see the words. I got lost in the love and tragedy. It’s messy, raw and real- like life sometimes is. I actually finished this two days ago but I’ve had to sit with it for a while in order to be able to write down my thoughts.
The characters are well developed and have life changing arcs that are amazing to witness. I couldn’t help but love them both and I wanted to wrap them up in a warm hug. You get the two MCs but you also get prominent side characters in the form of Melora and Maddox, who are Morgan’s sisters and play a big role in this book. There’s also Drew’s son Reilly who is a delightful kid that owned my heart throughout the story.
It’s a beautiful tale of love, betrayal, friendships and family ties. It’s not an easy read but it is so worth it.
This is the first in a series but ends in a way that it can be read as a standalone. I on the other hand can not wait to read book two. I want more of the Trimble sisters and all that entails.
"Don't Circle Or" is a moving and heartwarming story that explores the complexities of family dynamics, personal growth, and the enduring power of love. The story skillfully weaves together the lives of its diverse characters, each on a journey of redemption, forgiveness, and self-discovery. The strength of this story lies in its ability to evoke a wide range of emotions, from moments of heartfelt reconciliation to instances of genuine humor. The diverse relationships portrayed and the exploration of one's sexual identity, contribute to a rich and inclusive story.
The central theme of redemption is handled with depth and sensitivity, showcasing the characters' growth and transformation over time. The bonds between family members, both biological and chosen, form the emotional backbone of the story, creating a resonant and relatable experience for readers.
"Don't Circle Or" is not just a story; it's a celebration of love, forgiveness, and the enduring strength of familial connections. The humor, emotional depth, and diverse representation make it a captivating read that will resonate with a wide audience.
Don't Circle Or is an incredibly moving and heartbreaking story that truly tugs at the heartstrings. Story revolves around Morgan and Drew, who, after experiencing a deep and meaningful connection during their teenage years, find their lives irrevocably changed by a tragic event that occurred fifteen years prior. Story delves into heavy themes such as addiction, homophobia, and family abuse, and I couldn't help but feel a whirlwind of emotions as I read through their journey.
First line made me smile, then straight into story set up. Barriers a plenty. Wow what a prologue! You knew….. could feel it coming but shocked when it did. Chapter one is totally different in tone and place, it is amazing how I felt so bad for a character I’ve just met. I read the chapter quickly because I hoped she would out of that situation and the last sentence of the chapter gave me the hope I was looking for. There were sections of the book I was actually quite tense, some sections I kept thinking the lovers would be caught and they weren’t. Then when I didn’t expect it, they were. That and the subsequent 3 chapters were quite taut. The book flicks between the past and the present and I enjoyed both especially as further in to the novel it all comes together and there are really no wasted events. This felt like a fresh novel. I got really in to it. Is also finally understood the title!
Morgan and Drew shared a connection until an event changed both their lives forever. Both of them now struggle with the lives they have, and upon Morgan returning home and suddenly having Drew back in her life, the past is catching up with them. They both have a lot of decisions to make and chances they could take if what they once had still exists.
Loved this! Firstly, the title really intrigued me and once you read the story it all clicks and makes the story all the more special. It was clever how we were introduced to Morgan and Drew, then exploration continued throughout the story between the past and the present. I really hadn’t expected any of what I learned about them and their connection from how they’d behaved around each other when Morgan first ran into Drew again. Their story was such a special one, roots in the past responsible for the emotional turmoil they were going through now.
Despite everything that had happened, especially with Morgan’s triplet sisters, I was surprised by how they all reacted and handled things as Morgan and Drew started picking up the pieces of what they’d left in the past. Everyone had their own interpretation of events, and it was especially interesting to get their reactions as part of the story too, as really all angles were covered. My heart broke so much for Drew, because early on in the story she was painted in a not so nice light because of past actions, especially where Morgan was concerned, but as with all great romance stories there was so much unknown by those who’d gotten hurt. When we finally learned everything about Drew’s past, I empathised and completely understood why she’d made the decisions she did. As a younger woman she really had been in a situation no one would want to find themselves in, and tried to protect everyone, including herself, so I just hoped now Morgan would appreciate that and make different choices than the ones she had to leave years ago without the full picture.
A great start to the Trimble Triplets Series, exploring the complexities of friendship, identity, and relationships at any age. Really looking forward to more of this series!
Kellan McKnight’s storytelling ability far surpasses even my high expectations. Don’t Circle Or is a dramatic second-chance romance that tore my heart to shreds and then put it back together before I even realized it. The first scene, a scene from the past that sets up the trajectory for the rest of the book, pulled me in, squeezed me so tight, and left me breathless. Needless to say, after reading those pages, I was hooked. McKnight uses a dual timeline most impressively, as all of the events of the past connect with the present. And as the story grows deeper, so do the connections between the past and present.
McKnight uses symbolism in a way that I had to stop multiple times to reread because I was in awe of the connections I was being led to make. She also uses figurative language that enhances the impact of emotions conveyed through the narrative. The dialogue flows naturally, is believable, and is real.
Don’t Circle Or is a story that resonated so deeply with me. It’s a story about honesty, forgiveness, redemption, and, at its core, hope. It’s heartbreakingly real, yet also heartwarming at the same time. The story shows that the choices you make can change the course of others’ lives forever because your choices affect more than just you. This is a story about growing, learning, communicating, and atoning. It’s about being honest and leaning into vulnerability so that you can live fully and completely. I was captivated from the first page, and I’m hanging on the edge of my seat awaiting the arrival of book two!
Consider me annoyed: excellent story but in 2 ‘halves’ spead evenly across the book, going backwards and forwards, 15 years ago and now. Prologue, yes, before I’d even started reading, gave the ending of the 15 years ago story, even though half the book was dedicated to that story. Why not just do: Beginning, middle, end. Take my advice: skip the 2008 entries and just read the present day stuff.
Another amazing book by Kellan McKnight, the MCs go through so much. However it shows how first love really can last even after so many years apart and the different paths they took all through one event. This is a sad, but sweet HEA book. I can't wait to read the next two books this will be a great series. I highly recommend it!!!.
I don't think I've read a book that pulled at my heart strings as quickly as this one did. I kept feeling my chest tightening in those first few chapters and I was hooked. I love second chance romances and this one had me in my feels. It was sweet, emotional, fun to read, and I didn't want to put it down. (If you have any triggers, please read the TWs)
This is the 2nd book I've read by this author. Although I'm an avid reader, I don't usually write reviews on the books that I read. However, this author continues to impress me with the depth of her characters, & their stories. Can't wait til book 2 comes out!
First, I absolutely loved Kellan McKnight’s first book, A Perfect Fit. When I finished it, I knew she would become one of my must read authors. It was one of my favorites of last year. The writing was fantastic, the characters thoughtfully and fully developed. The dialogue witty and believable. With that book in mind, Don’t Circle Or was both what I expected and not at all what I expected. Expected as in McKnight knows how to weave a story with fully fleshed out characters. Unexpected as this was such a heavy book compared to her debut. Within the first few chapters my heart was aching for the main characters. The slow, deliberate unfolding of the story of Morgan and Drew is just so devastatingly beautiful. Every defeat. Every victory. Every sigh. Every smile. I was right there with those two. This one is going to stick with me for a long time. I honestly cannot wait to see what McKnight has in store for us with the remaining two books in this trilogy… and beyond. But I am here for it.
I didn't expect the beginning to be so intense and I was hooked from the first line. The second book by Kellan McKnight is just as full of interesting characters as the first book, but in this story something tragic happens to Morgan Trimble and Drew Hunter as teenagers and their young, exciting but secret Love takes a dramatic and negative turn and changes everything. The story jumps back and forth between present and the past. It's told piece by piece how Drew and Morgan fell in love and lost everything. At the same time, they are gradually getting closer to each other in the present. I don't want to reveal any more about the story… It is wonderfully and emotionally written. It had me teary a few times… There's a great happy ending, which made me extremly happy 😍 and the little insight into the second book of the „Trimble Triplets Trilogy“ has already made me impatient. I would love to know what will happen to Melora and who she will meet! Well, the anticipation of it is nice too 😉
"Don't Circle Or" by Kellan McKnight is a love story embedded in gritty life stories. Main characters Morgan and Drew are young lovers. They have plans and dreams but life gets in the way. Life for both girls becomes a struggle. Morgan spirals and struggles for years with addiction, while Drew endures a loveless marriage and depression.
Sounds depressing, doesn't it? But this is a story of recovery and redemption. They rise above. This is not a fluffy romance by any means. It is a true-to-life chronicle of two women in love who make their mistakes as teenagers then conquer the resulting demons.
You can't help but be drawn in by the characters. You feel their pain, and you will be pulling for them to really find each other again. It's a tough journey but well worth the trip.
This book is amazing. The storyline and character development was top notch. I just couldn't put it down. It was so good I was in book mourning. I can't wait to read the next one. I would highly recommend this book and author.
I don’t even know where to start! This book is so breathtaking. The emotions my heart went through was unbelievable. I couldn’t put it down. The character development is amazing and you end up feeling like you really know Morgan and Drew. If you loved Kellan’s first book, A Perfect Fit, you should absolutely read this one.
This is an absolute masterpiece! The characters are excellently written, they’re flawed and imperfect and it’s so easy to relate to them and their stories. This is a fantastic book that deals with serious issues. The brilliant way Kellan structured sucked me right in! I cannot wait for the next one!
Don't Circle Or is a tale of redemption and coming full circle. The story begins with heartbreak followed by a life-altering accident that upheaved the equilibrium of the Trimble family and as well as for Drew Hunter-Davidson. The author then takes her readers on a roller-coaster ride of past and present to establish that nothing is as powerful as time. Time acts as both the destroyer and the healer.
At its core, the story portrays common tropes like enemies-to-lovers, second chance romance, and childhood romance. The crafty storytelling aspect of this romance makes it an endearing tale of two lovers whose unwavering love undergoes numerous trials but emerges victorious in the end.
Morgan Trimble is a larger-than-life character. She is a passionate lover, a doting elder sister, and, most importantly, a brave person who transforms into a timid, guilt-ridden human being rapidly spiraling downward. Drew Hunter, on the other hand, is also a passionate lover, a loyal friend, but lacks the courage to accept her relationship with Morgan. She is a complex character, knowing what and who she wants but unable to gather the courage to come out.
This is an angsty love story where guilt plays a major role. Morgan's guilt takes her on an abysmally downward journey, leading her to succumb to substance usage. To make matters worse, Morgan serves as a catalyst to Sierra's unfortunate demise, adding to her monumental guilt. Drew also bears her share of misery, squarely blaming herself for the Trimble family debacle and Morgan's mental state. At certain points in the storyline, I felt a bit angry with her, somewhat believing she was indeed responsible for the accident. Both characters undergo significant changes over time, eventually leading them to a happy ending.
The story also showcases how the same characters behave differently in almost identical situations from the past. Throughout the story, readers will experience a sense of déjà vu.
The intimate scenes between the two lovers are written with great passion and authenticity. The way Morgan handles Drew in their early years feels raw and genuine. Drew's patience and unwavering dedication to Morgan later on is a testament to their deep love for each other. One of the standout moments is when Drew asks Morgan to be her first, revealing her vulnerable side as she offers herself completely to Morgan in every sense. The depth of emotion and connection between the two main characters in this scene is exceptional.
Don't Circle Or masterfully deepens the emotional connections between its characters, drawing the readers into a world where every feeling is vividly experienced. The story meticulously portrays the intricate web of emotions that bind the characters together, from the rawness of heartbreak to the complexities of guilt and the unwavering dedication of love. The intimate scenes are not merely displays of passion but rather moments that resonate with profound emotional depth, laying bare the characters' vulnerabilities and forging an unbreakable bond between them. This emotional richness creates an immersive experience, allowing readers to truly feel the depth of the characters' love, pain, and eventual triumph, making Don't Circle Or a poignant and unforgettable romance.
Before finishing, a spoiler alert: this is indeed a tear-jerker, so keep your tissue box handy. There were times I found myself crying without even realizing it, and let me tell you, it is a bad cry, uncontrollably bad...
Wowee! This one easily slid into my favorites list for many relistens to come. I’m so thankful I got a chance to listen to this audiobook, read wonderfully by Sadie Provost, who gave it just the right touch of gentleness but also power that brought this novel to life.
This book was a rollercoaster ride from the get go! We are dropped right away into a heartbreaking scene that was only made worse by an event that sets the stage for the rest of the novel (and I imagine its ripple effect will continue to be felt throughout the rest of the trilogy). The end of the prologue felt like the moment in a movie where the title fades onto the screen followed shortly by a whole new set, mood, and timeline as the ‘real’ story begins.
Kellan trusts her audience’s intelligence; her writing allows context clues to speak for themselves, not needing to over-explain or describe a scene to death. The blend of natural conversation and subtle body language gives each interaction the quiet gravity they deserve. And every moment flows so well into each other, especially the timeline shifts. Every glimpse into the past is a piece in the puzzle that informs the present day character’s behaviors.
I appreciated the raw look at heavier topics. It gave our character’s choice’s weight, when I may normally have otherwise been frustrated with their decisions. Morgan and Drew are not perfect, in either timeline. But especially in their teens, the fear they had seemed insurmountable. It was satisfying to watch them overcome what they couldn’t in the past. These two are definitely soulmates. They just needed time to work through hardships, but they were inevitable.
There’s just so much to love in this book. So many tropes I adore (second chance, chosen family, overcoming trauma, and more). And I’m especially excited because this is not the last we will see of these characters. We’ve already been set up to love the other two sisters, and I can’t wait to get to read their own unique stories!
If you are looking for an intricately woven story about forgiveness, resilience, and hope, that is absolutely chock-full of sweet little moments, then this is the one for you!
Enemies to lovers - femme/femme(ish) - dual pov - 3rd person - dual timelines
CW: Substance abuse, substance related death, physical abuse, verbal abuse, religious trauma, homophobia, sort-of forced marriage, car accident.
(Advanced listeners copy review for the audiobook)
Kellan McKnight Don't Circle Or (The Trimble Triplets Trilogy Book 1) Favorite quote you are perfectly imperfect. Your love can fill in all the cracks.
This is a heartfelt tale that delves into profound issues. Morgan and Drew had a deep connection in their youth, but circumstances beyond their control, including familial and religious pressures, tore them apart. Presently, Morgan is grappling with a harrowing battle against substance abuse, succumbing to the destructive allure of drugs and alcohol. Witnessing individuals surrender to their pain and lose their sense of identity is truly disheartening. However, amidst the darkness, there is a glimmer of hope as Morgan seeks help to reclaim her life with the support of her devoted twin sister.
The narrative follows the intertwined journeys of two shattered souls, each burdened by their unique anguish. Morgan battles her addiction, while Drew navigates the depths of her depression and endures a loveless marriage, clinging to her love for her son as her sole anchor. Evelyn, a mother figure to the girls, becomes a beacon of solace, offering them peace, truth, and healing during their darkest hours.
Reilly, a central figure in the story, illuminates the narrative with his presence. Morgan's dedication to helping him excel in his soccer game reveals the depth of her love for both Drew and Reilly.
Melora, driven by her love for Morgan, yearns to restore their sisterly bond. This multi-layered tale is steeped in pain, particularly within the lives of the main characters. Melora and Morgan, along with their families, bear the weight of the domino effect caused by Drew's father, ultimately altering the course of everyone's lives.
As a first-time reader of this author, I was captivated by this gripping story from start to finish. I eagerly anticipate delving into more works by this talented writer, hoping for further exploration of these characters and their journeys. I extend my gratitude to the author for providing me with an advanced copy of the book. For those interested, the book will be available on Amazon starting March 12th - a definite must-read.
Initially, I thought this would be a book about overcoming addiction. And although that was an essential part of the subplot, the main story was about communication breakdown and the errors in perception that result. Oh and of course, a very beautiful love story :)
The story begins with MC Morgan, currently living a sad and desperate existence as a drug addict but at that point in her life where she has reached the ugly rock bottom and wants to change and heal the wounds of the past that led her onto this path. As a teen, 15 years ago, reeling from a broken heart, she inadvertently caused a car accident that resulted in her younger sibling being injured and rejecting her. The sense of guilt and loss led her to her current life of addiction.
The story then progresses as Morgan returns to her hometown to live with her twin sister who is instrumental in supporting her through her sobriety. However, she soon runs into the woman who broke her heart all those years ago and has to deal with the rest of her family who have all been injured in some way or another from her actions.
The story jumps between the present, tracing Morgan's interactions with her ex-lover and her reuniting with her family, and the past leading up to the accident. The author uses this method very successfully to give the reader the background story and to set up the different character's points of view. It's cohesive storytelling at its best and adds the depth that the plot needs to keep the reader interested.
Added to this are very robust characters that the author has made so convincingly real, especially those of Morgan, Drew, and Reilly. The adage that characters create a story is so significantly apt with 'Don't Circle Or' as they are so convincingly written, relevant, and enmeshed with the plot.
From the very gritty first pages to the very end, I couldn't put this book down. It is a true winner and one the author should be thoroughly proud of. And I can't wait for the next book to see how Lor copes at her big night out at Ice Queen!!!
Emotional and heart wrenching but ultimately inspirational!
A star athlete and gifted musician in high school, Morgan Trimble has spent her entire adult life self-medicating in the aftermath of a tragedy that destroyed her world at the age of 18. After hitting rock bottom, she drags herself up and enlists the help of her twin sister, Melora, with a promise to get clean after all these years. Melora's best friend and Morgan's ostensibly enemy, but actually her secret high school lover, Drew has spent the interim years as a surrogate sister and daughter to the Trimble family. Morgan's eminent arrival home is the impetus Drew needs to extract herself from her loveless marriage to the father of her son and finally go after the love of her life. Unbeknownst to everyone around her, nearly everything in Drew's life is a nod to the life she so desperately wanted with Morgan.
While the spark between Morgan and Drew ignites almost immediately upon Morgan's return to their home town, their intricately woven story unravels slowly illuminating threads that allow the reader to see the broader tapestry hidden from the characters. The story jumps back and forth between the past and present, and from Morgan and Drew's POV adding layers and complexities, upping the angst and completely engulfing the reader in their world. The actions of the past are inescapably linked to the present. The trials that Morgan faces as she painfully and continually pulls against the incessant grasp of addiction hell is reverberated by her family and her love. The characters and their pain are so authentic and relatable that you can't help but become invested in them and their future.
Don't Circle Or technically falls into the enemies to lovers, return to hometown, second chance romance tropes but the author's ability to inject such poignant realism raises it above these traditional classifications. This is an emotionally heart wrenching rollercoaster that doesn't hold back any of the angst or hide the ugliness of addiction. But ultimately, it is a story of redemption and forgiveness that ever so gradually pieces your broken heart back together.
I quite naively decided to read this book on a plane. Was I bawling from my center aisle seat? Yes. Yes, I was. Wiping my face raw with the stretched out cuffs of my sweatshirt while trying to hide my sniffles within the confines of my hoodie? Yes, that too. Do I regret it for even a millisecond? I definitely do NOT! I cannot recommend this book enough. It's sits in the top 3 of my favorite books of this year. I absolutely LOVED it!
Make sure you have some tissues ready for this must read.
PS - The meaning behind the title, while initially a bit of a head scratcher, is revealed early on and is supported by many little, hidden bits of info that reinforce the overall meaning of the book.
“This is our church. This tree is our reverend,” she said, motioning toward the great willow’s trunk. She then picked up their cell phones and their car keys and lined them up on either side of them. “Look, we have witnesses now. I’ll swear before the sun and the moon that I will love you until the end of my days, and I’ll do it this very second if that is what you need from me. Just don’t go.”
Morgan and Drew are frenmies turn secret lovers pulled apart by tragedy and then set on a path of redemption in a well crafted story of lost love, forgiveness, addiction, depression, recovery and strength. You find yourself truly fighting for the characters growth and being excited for their progress along with them. Kellan McKnight's writing about addiction was so visceral that she either knows someone in the battle or researched it well because as someone who works in the field I had to take a second to put the book down and walk away because it was so *real*. This book is my current Roman Empire, I've been thinking about it daily since I finished it, and recommending it to anyone I think will give it a shot because it's definitely worth the read, even if Sapphic love stories aren't usually your jam.
Probably a good sign that I finished this book and was grumpy it wasn’t longer, because I wasn’t ready to walk away from these characters yet? They were that good.
The storytelling was excellent I thought, with kind of a first pass through crucial events up front, but then so much more revealed over the course of the book, both to the reader and to other characters, which changed all our minds about certain people and why things came out the way they did. There were happy parts and sad parts and scary parts and wonderful parts… it covered the whole spectrum. I was rooting for Morgan and Drew the whole time of course, even when it didn’t seem like a given that there wasn’t going to be a lot of damage along the way.
There were a couple loose ends that I guess normally would have bothered me, but since this looks to be the start of a trilogy, hopefully we’ll get to them in time. Definitely looking forward to the next two books!
I really enjoyed this one! It covered some extremely difficult subjects but I think Kellan did an amazing job at writing this story. I love a second chance romance and this one is a tough one, you can totally see from both FMC’s POV’s why they ended up where they did. There was so many things that happened along the way that threw them off track and away from each other. But throughout it all, it was so nice to see how they both tried to recover from past traumas and find their way back to each other again. Very well done! Highly recommend. The audiobook narrator, Sadie Provost did a fantastic job at portraying the characters emotions.
Potential triggers to be aware of: Depression/Anxiety, Alcohol and substance misuse, CA, Religious Beliefs.
Written in first person with 2x POVs. Dual timelines, single parent, second chance, mental health rep, found family, return to hometown. 3x Spicy Scenes.
Fifteen years ago, Morgan and Drew were passionately in love, only to be separated by family and tragedy.
Now, Morgan is finally trying to recover and come home, but is she ready to face a married Drew and child?
Can they find their connection again, or is the past too much to bear?
Review: Morgan hits rock bottom, and she hits it HARD. So just a heads up for that. I also felt bad for both Sierra and Patrick, both of whom are caught I'm the crossfire of the situation..
I do wonder why Drew never told Mel what happened that night. I assume she felt guilty but.... seems weird.
The flashbacks to Morgan and Drew getting together in school are sweet.
And Reilly is a lovely kid.
I figured the third sister would not be happy, and I was right
Good wrap up, good resolution and I'm looking forward to book two!
This book had everything going for it in the beginning. A catchy premise, interesting characters, good conflict.
It kinda went downhill quick after the first few chapters, mostly because of the dialog. Why do none of the characters like to use contractions?? Every conversation felt stilted. They always over explained everything in a way that no one does naturally, like the characters are aware of what each other are going to say at all times and they're trying to head it off. It's really immersion breaking. No one speaks the way these characters do.
For a second chance romance, the characters get back together WAY too fast as well. It was jarring considering everything going on.
Also, Morgan deserves better than Drew. The fact that Drew thinks she has any leg to stand on at any point in this story is absolutely wild to me.
Tragedy, guilt, addiction, family lost, pain, misunderstanding, new beginnings… a second chance at love. Don’t Circle Or encompasses all of the above and more.
As Morgan and Drew learn to accept their individual pasts, and the consequences of their own personal choices, they reconnect once again. Will their love for each other and forgiveness be enough to overcome the tragedy that broke them apart? Will they be able to give their hearts a second chance at love?
This is the first book in the Trimble Triplets Trilogy. It is such a beautifully written novel that pulls you immediately into the lives of Morgan and Drew. The way the author has captured all of the emotions and feelings of the characters – both highs and lows – that would go along with such topics dealt with in this story is just incredible.
We follow the main characters through parallel storylines which always seems to connect both views perfectly! This is done so amazingly well by the author.
I can’t recommend this book highly enough and look forward to book number two in the trilogy!
Every once in a while, I come across a book that is so wonderful, it pains me to put it down when I have to attend to real life matters. "Don't Circle Or" is one of those books. I found myself engrossed in this first tale from the Trimble Triplets Trilogy from start to finish. It starts with a heart being broken, followed by a tragic accident that will change several lives forever. The author deals with several heavy issues within the story—homophobia, abuse, drug addiction—and does so with amazing deftness. While reading this book, there were several times I found myself laughing, tearing up, or raging against the unfairness of life that can occur. This beautiful story of second chances, both at love and life, is one I won't soon forget!
I am not sure why but I just didn’t love Drew. I didn’t hate her, but at the same time, I felt she just did what she wanted when she wanted. Morgan needed time to focus on herself and regain her confidence/self worth. I feel like Drew just wanted her to jump right back in. Also, ugh, the Patrick of it all just pissed me off. I understand it was hard and there was a lot of pressure from her parents but Morgan put up with a lot of BS. I am glad Morgan had the support of her family, Drew, and Drew’s son. I just wish we were able to see her putting herself first a little bit more before jumping in to a whole new family. It was nice reading about the past. The beginning broke my heart for Morgan. Poor Sierra. I am looking forward to reading Melora’s story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.