I broke my promise to her once. I won’t make that mistake again. Cross my heart… Fiona was my first love. She was everything to me. And I broke her heart.
But that was a long time ago. Now, my military career is over. I’m back in our small town, running my family’s inn, hoping for a second chance with the one that got away.
Too bad Fiona no longer believes in second chances. Or love.
Getting snowed in together only made everything more complicated. Because our chemistry?
Hotter than ever.
I’m falling deeper in love with her by the day, and I have no idea where she stands.
I have one last shot to win back the love of my life, to prove to her that I’m in this for the happily ever after.
Lea Coll is a USA Today bestselling author who writes sweet and sexy happily ever afters. She worked as a trial attorney for over ten years. Now she stays home with her three children, plotting stories while fetching snacks and running them back and forth to activities. She enjoys the freedom of writing romance after years of legal writing.
She grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania and currently resides in Maryland with her family. For new releases, sneak peaks, and updates check out Lea's website and sign up for my newsletter. Shop: https://leacollbooks.com Website: https://www.leacoll.com
Lea Coll ist eine Bestsellerautorin von sexy Liebesromanen mit Happy-End-Garantie. Sie arbeitete über zehn Jahre lang als Prozessanwältin. Inzwischen lebt sie mit ihrer Familie in den USA und genießt nach Jahren als Juristin die Freiheit, sich völlig dem Schreiben widmen zu können. Lea Colls prickelnde Geschichten entstehen, während sie sich um die Aktivitäten ihrer drei Kinder und deren Snacks kümmert.
Wenn du mehr über mich und meine Bücher erfahren möchtest, besuche mich auf meiner Website: https://www.leacoll.com/deutsch.
Aiden and Fiona start off The Callaway Series. Aiden is Heath Monroe's best Friend if you read the Monroe Brothers, if not that's okay but if you enjoyed this emotional second chance romance you will definitely want to give it a read. Fiona was Aiden's first love and vice versa, they had a plan or at least Fiona thought they did but Aiden disregarded it when he enlisted and left her behind. Can these two long lost loves, learn to trust in each other again, to forgive the past and create a future together. Get ready for an emotional ride and some big heartfelt apologies, with the help of friends, found family and a small town. I have voluntarily left this review.
This was far, far too long with a lot of repetition. So much rehashing of feelings over and over and way too much talk about renovations and the Inn.
It’s also the first in a series but doesn’t feel like it. There are big holes like why the two families are feuding and won’t socialise together. Seemed really petty, particularly when one of the couples is from each family. They don’t seem like a very nice group of people. Made it to 75% before DNF; I just didn’t care anymore.
Él sentía que no se merecía a Fiona y decidió terminar con ella.
Ella lo perdonó muy rápido. Además no fue justo que ella estuviera dispuesta a cambiar su vida por Aiden, pero él no estaba dispuesto a seguirla y fue necesario que alguien le dijera que estaba siendo un tonto por dejarla ir (otra vez) para que viera que podía irse con ella a cualquier lugar.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Fiona will make you adore her. She’s nowhere near as confident and put together as she’d have people believe, but she knows she also can’t show any weakness. Not to coworkers. Not to friends. Not to family. And definitely not to the guy who broke her heart and is now standing in front of her. But that wall she’s built is less granite and more paper when it comes to many things. She misses her family but thinks she doesn’t belong. She doesn’t want to love Aiden anymore but absolutely does. Is the chance worth possibly shattering her heart though?
Aiden is going through it also. He’s trying to find himself. He wishes he hadn’t lost the one he loved most. And he still lacks confidence in his worth. But he does know that Fiona needs more than the life she’s built for herself, even if showing h that means breaking his own heart in the process. Or maybe someone else will do that for them.
These two have a hard road back to forgiveness, but they talk it out. They need that foundation to set and harden up. And when one lets fears blurt out angry words that destroy fragile souls, a grovel is necessary. And convincing someone that they are worth it. Luckily, that plan has a lot of help in forming, so get ready for some big apologies that are really meant, a big love that never died, and a family I like more every time we get to be around them.
I was quite disappointed with this book. It is written in the first person, which I don't like in books in general. A lot of repetition, mistakes in names, and the interesting parts were very rushed. I couldn't wait to finish it and not in a good way.
I was excited to find out about this new series! I am all about second chances, and we get that, but I fell in love with Fiona. She is so real and flawed; what she projects is not what she feels. I can relate to her, her baggage, her dreams and her fears.
Fiona and Aiden dated in high school, but he left for the military right after school. He felt he was not good enough. But now he is back, and those 10 years apart have changed them both. Mistakes were made years ago; will they repeat themselves?
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
A follow-on series: Even though this was the first book of the series, it felt as if I was playing catch up as there were quite a few cross over characters from another series (Monroe Brothers). It seemed as if the author just jumped into this story without taking any time to set the scene and no mention was even made of the location. Despite this, it was still a sweet, second chance romance novel. Fiona and Aiden made a cute couple and I enjoyed seeing them eventually find their way back together. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the first book in the Calloway Brothers series and is the story of Fiona Calloway and Aidan Matthews. Aidan is Marley’s older brother and Heath’s BFF and Fiona is Daphne’s older sister who has just returned to town after being gone for 10 years. This is a second chance story about teen age sweethearts that fell apart when they were young which affected their outlooks on relationships and specifically, love. They both left town, him to go into the military and her to go to college, and never came home again.
Fiona is one of the older Calloway kids who was devastated by her mother’s death and then again when Aidan broke things off with her. She left town and never came home again and even though she has made a very good life for herself, she’s not nearly as confident as people would believe. She is too proud to show her weaknesses, especially to Aidan and her family. Aidan has more demons than anyone knows, except for maybe his sister Marley, which is why he chose to leave town and go into the military. Thinking that the military could turn him into a man and give him purpose was his reasoning for leaving Fiona as a young man. Unfortunately, he didn’t share any of the real reasons why he was leaving her, he just left. Aidan is still trying to find himself and find confidence in the man that he is today.
Miscommunication was the key to much of their issues as kids and even again as adults. They are working hard to try things again and to do better this time but there are many past hurts and miscommunication that they still can’t get past. While their connection is still strong there is so much resentment on Fiona’s part and insecurity on Aidan’s part, that the road to their HEA is a tough one.
I have been critical in previous reviews about Emmett’s grumpy attitude and how he was so difficult to like, so I was truly surprised at his helpfulness with Aidan in this story. Helping Aidan pull his head out of his a$$ and figure himself out with a pure heart was really nice to see.
I loved this story and their connection. They might not know how much to trust one another but their physical connection is strong. Their bodies know that the love is still there, their minds and hearts just need to hop on board.
I can’t wait to learn more about the Calloways and read their stories. This was a great start! I realize that Teddy’s story isn’t the next one, but I can’t wait for his. Something tells me that he’s in for a big surprise for what his future will hold! I can’t wait to see!
Fiona and Aiden dated in high school. They kept their relationship a secret, as Aiden's family life was less than wonderful and he felt as though he wasn't good enough for Fiona, who came from a happy and well-adjusted family. After school, Aiden joined the military, leaving the love of his life behind. Since then, Fiona went to school, started a career and lost her mother to illness. Her professional and personal baggage made her less than willing to return home for any length of time. The loss of her mother hit hard, and she struggles to deal with the memories in her family home.
Having faced a career setback as well as a breakup, Fiona comes home for an extended visit for the first time in years. She's wary of spending time in her family home and of seeing Aiden after so many years.
When they were teens, Aiden and Fiona had an intense relationship. However, both needed to do some growing up and growing into themselves. Now as adults, they rebuild a friendship and professional relationship before anything else evolves. Fiona has grown into an accomplished and savvy hotelier while Aiden still feels like he's trying to find his feet while running his sister's Bed and Breakfast. They realize that their feelings for each other never really went away as their relationship turns into something much more intimate.
Aiden has a bit of a self-esteem issue, having been raised by self-centered and uncaring parents. He still struggles to see his own worth and accomplishments. He does know that he wants to pursue Fiona as an adult, however, despite his problems with feeling worthy of her. He is a loving and hardworking man. He respects Fiona for her intelligence, drive and caring nature. He does let his self-doubt drive some less than stellar behavior, pushing Fiona away. While some of Aiden's treatment of Fiona is a bit off-putting, he works hard to redeem himself and proves to be a nuanced male lead character.
Fiona, for her part, does some soul-searching while she is home with her family. For the first time in years, she is asking what she really wants to do in her life and with whom she wants to spend her time. Fiona's reconnect with her family is a very sweet storyline within the book. She comes to terms with her mother's loss and gets to know her family again in new ways as her brothers are now all adults. She knows her own worth and refuses to settle for less than appropriate treatment from those around her. She is a strong female lead who is willing to give her past love another chance but is willing to stand up for herself in the face of poor treatment. I really liked how relatable her character was.
Four stars for this second chance romance.
This is an honest, voluntary review of an ARC of the story.
This is the first book in a new series, The Calloways, though readers may have met many of the characters in the Monroe Brothers series of books. Aiden, now retired from the military, has come back to town to help his sister Marley (who is now engaged to Aiden’s best friend Heath Monroe) renovate and run the inn that used to belong to their late grandmother. His childhood memories centre around the inn, his neglectful and abusive parents, the bullying he endured and the girl who claimed his heart.
Aiden and Fiona were teenage sweethearts who saw each other in secret until he surprised her by enlisting and set the dreams they had made together aside. Now, well over decade later, Fiona is back in town over the holidays to visit her family and is staying at the local inn once owned by Aiden’s grandparents. She never expected to find Aiden, the only man she has ever loved, behind the reception desk. Her heart is unsure whether she should stay or leave, but when she is given the opportunity, she is excited to help in the renovations of the old movie theatre in the basement of the inn.
I loved that the inn they both enjoyed exploring and frequenting as children gives them an opportunity to work together, reconnect and learn more about who the other is now. It’s like an extra special gift given to them by his grandmother who loved them both. Of course the Christmas holidays have their own magic and add extra romance. Everyone around them now is rooting for Aiden and Fiona to become a couple again and to build a happily ever after like so many of have recently. Fiona and Aiden just have to let go of the past, their own fears and doubts, and reach for each other, for love.
This is another book I will enjoy reading again. I would happily recommend this book to anyone who loves romance with a bit of steam and angst.
When Aiden left for the military it wasn't their time to be together. Now that Fiona is back for a visit his feelings for her are stronger than before. But will she give him a chance since he broke her heart years ago. Spending time together now feelings are starting to come alive again for her. But she is so afraid he will break her heart and leave her like he did years ago. Their love for each other is still there but will Fiona come back home for good and finally get her happily ever after with Aiden. Could this be their second chance at love and forever. They say love is always on time. Maybe this is finally their time. Aiden turned down Fiona’s proposal years ago because he didn't want her giving up her dreams. He never stopped loving her. Although he loved her he always felt he wasn't good enough. He would always feel like trailer trash like his mother always said he was. He felt he would never be worthy of Fiona. He thought when he joined the military he would be but he still doesn't feel worthy of someone like her. He thought he was protecting her by rejecting her. He was doing that now also. Instead of letting her make her own decision of being with him he made that decision for her. Which was a mistake he made all those years ago but never realized. Will Aiden realize that any successful relationship must have communication to work. Or will he lose the love of his life a second and final time. Will he realize what a good man he is or will he let his past ruin his future. Will the love that has never died be enough for him to realize Fiona is his only one and forever is waiting for him. All he has to do is see the man he has become. A man worthy of Fiona’s love.
This was an enjoyable book to start off the new series and brings us the story of Aiden and Fiona. For context, Aiden is the sister of Marley who recently inherited the Matthews Inn (and is marrying into the Monroe's) and Fiona Calloway, Daphne's older sister (who is marrying Cole Monroe.). Although the books are all standalone, it is helpful to have read the previous books in the series' that Ms. Coll has written as you get more of the backstory. But on to Aiden and Fiona's story.
When Aiden sees his teenage sweetheart walking into Matthew's Inn, he can't believe that he may get a second chance with her. Fiona, has been passed over for promotion at work, and the job given to her now ex boyfriend, so she has come home to spend time with her family over the holidays. It has been years since she was home, so she decides to stay at the Inn instead of with her dad. Given the opportunity to experience the old Inn, Fiona's creative juice flow with all the wonderful restorations and improvements she and Aiden could make to it. Working in close proximity with Aiden, Fiona's feelings are growing and when the two get stranded together in a snowstorm, the chemistry between them ignites.
I love the characters in this story, to see old friends and get to know new ones. The pace of the story was exactly right, with both Fiona and Aiden moving tentatively, cognizant of past mix ups, and hurts, and hopeful for the future. The love for family, togetherness and the rekindling of old feelings bring this story of hope, distrust, broken promises and first love to a beautiful conclusion.
Cross My Heart is a heartwarming and emotional military romance that follows the story of Callie Calloway and her high school sweetheart, Nate Hawkins. After years apart, Callie and Nate reconnect when Nate returns to their small town as a wounded Marine veteran.
What I loved most about this book was the authentic portrayal of the challenges military families face. Coll does an excellent job capturing the difficulty of reintegrating into civilian life after combat and the toll it takes on relationships. The emotional journey of Callie and Nate as they navigate their rekindled romance while Nate heals from both physical and mental wounds felt genuine and relatable.
The small-town setting and cast of supporting characters added warmth and charm to the story. Callie's close-knit family and Nate's loyal friends provided a strong support system that rooted for the couple's happily ever after. The pacing was well-balanced, with the right mix of tender moments, steamy romance, and heartfelt conversations.
While the plot was a bit predictable at times, the characters were so likable that it didn't detract from my overall enjoyment of the book. Callie and Nate's chemistry was palpable, and their love story was both swoony and inspiring.
Cross My Heart is a lovely, emotional read that will tug at your heartstrings. If you're a fan of military romance or second-chance love stories, I highly recommend giving this book a try. Lea Coll has crafted a moving tale about the power of love to heal even the deepest wounds.
Cross My Heart by Lea Coll, book one in the Calloway Brothers series, is a wonderful, heartwarming, healing, second chance love story. After being passed over for a promotion, Fiona Calloway decided to come home for the holidays, spend some time with her family and figure out her next steps in life. Booking a room the inn where her ex used to live she was then forced to meet face to face with a past that broke her.
Aiden Matthews has been taking care of the inn with his sister Marley since returning home from his last deployment. He is busy and enjoying being close to his sister again, but still feels something is missing from his life; until fate intervened and brought someone from his past on his doorstep.
Running into each other again, after all these years stirs up a lot of mixed feelings. The connection remains, as does the chemistry between them, but there is a lot of resentment and unfinished business to get through before they can forgive and move forward. Fiona and Aidan not only have a second chance before them as they put their past behind them but really need to decide what they truly want out of life. It is also about healing and understanding that you must believe in and love yourself before you can love anyone else. It was an inspirational story full of self doubt and shame, yet needing to put the past behind you in order to plan an amazing future with the person you truly belong with.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Cross My Heart es el primer libro de la serie The Calloways y comenzo muy bien. No pude dejar de leerlo, los personajes principales acá son Fiona y Aiden, dos personas que tienen un gran pasado pero tambien tienen grandes heridas que provienen de allí. Por cuestiones del destino vuelven a encontrarse y parecería que nada cambio entre ellos.
Esta historia me encantó, fue adictiva, ligera, tener el punto de vista de ambos sirvió un monton para darle dinamismo y tambien para poder comprender a los personajes. Todo super romantico, tambien pudimos ver como había cierto crecimiento en los personajes PERO...llegando al final sentí que todo esto se desmoronaba y me encontré apagando el kindle y diciendo 'esto es ridículo'. No quiero spoilear y contar qué pasa y porque mi respuesta fue esta... pero senti que todo lo que se habia trabajado a lo largo del libro se echaba a perder solo para generar un poco de drama. No era necesario, realmente no lo era. Se podrían haber generado conflictos y dramas con muchas otras cosas. Ahi me costo mucho terminar (y eso que estaba muy muy muy cerca del final) y tambien senti que la manera en que se resolvía era muy risueña.
Una pena, porque estaba para darle 4 estrellas. Sin embargo, quiero seguir leyendo a la autora! Quiero saber que otras historias tiene para mostrarme. Es lo primero que leo de ella y siento que piensa muy bien sus personajes y sus historias.
This is a spinoff series from The Monroe Brothers series. In this book we get to know Aiden who is the brother of Marley from Reviving Hearts. He’s no longer in the military and is basically trying to get his life together and figure it all out. We also get to know more about Fiona, the eldest sibling of Daphne from Forbidden Flame. She has just been passed over for a promotion for someone with less experience and time at the company. Not only does she feel under appreciated, she’s now a bit lost and questioning if she should look for another job at a company that will recognize her value. Their story started many years ago when they secretly dated when Fiona was still in high school. But with his broken home life, he decided to commit to the military, leaving Fiona heartbroken. Can a winter storm and a family inn’s renovation help these two find forgiveness and possibly help them realize that you never really get over your first love? This was really enjoyable and it had a really good storyline. I’ll admit that Aiden frustrated me a couple of times, but he pulled it out in the end. I loved Fiona! She was more vulnerable that what she projected. I loved that we got to see a few milestones for some of the characters from the previous books/series!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest opinion.
A tender second chance romance which is equally heartwarming as passionate a new must read series for 2024.
In Cross My Heart,” the first book in Lea Coll’s captivating new series, The Calloway Brothers, readers are beckoned once more into the enchanting, snow globe-like world she deftly fashioned in her previous series, The Monroe Brothers.
Set in a small town, this story promises another unforgettable romantic journey, this time revolving around a new set of brothers. At its core lies a tender second chance romance between Fiona Calloway and Aiden, whose young love was shattered when he left for the military, breaking Fiona’s heart. Now, years later, Aiden runs the inn where their paths cross again, igniting sparks of passion against a backdrop of second chances and forgiveness.
As Fiona returns to town for the holidays, old wounds resurface amidst the allure of the newly restored inn and the nostalgic charm of a renovation of an old cinema. Ms Coll masterfully intertwines themes of love, redemption, and self-discovery, crafting a heartwarming yet at times gut-wrenching, sizzling-hot story that leaves readers eagerly turning the pages. “Cross My Heart” is a testament to Lea Coll’s talent for crafting rich, unique romances that resonate deeply, making it an essential read for romance enthusiasts everywhere.
What a beautiful start to Ms. Coll's new series, The Calloways. I loved being back with the Calloways and the Monroes. Cross My Heart is a second-chance romance that is heart-warming, emotional and brilliantly written. The storyline is well-written, relatable, easy to get engrossed in and will have you hooked right from the start. Fiona Calloway is the oldest Calloway and is back home after 10 years. Seeing the man who broke her heart was something that she knew would happen but unsure of how she would feel. Adian had been her high school sweetheart and she thought he was the one she would be with forever. Adian's family did not show love and caring to their children. Adian left for the military and broke the heart of the only woman he had ever loved. Will being at the Inn together see the flames that once were there ignite? Fiona offers to help around the Inn and in doing so she is now working closely with Adian. Will his flirting and showing Fiona that she is the one for him? When all hell breaks loose, hearts are broken all over again. I loved how patient Adian was and how he did everything he could to show her and tell her that she has been and always will be the only one for him. I cannot wait to see what the next installment in this series holds for us.
Aiden and Fiona back together after all these years and what a sweet reunion it is. Fiona was passed over for a promotion at work which prompted her to come home for a visit. After booking into the inn where her ex used to live she was then forced to meet face to face with a past that broke her.
Aiden has been taking care of the inn with his sister Marley since returning home from deployment. He is busy and enjoying being close to his sister again. He still feels as if something is missing from his life. That is until fate intervened and brought a blast from his past on his doorstep.
This book is about healing and understanding that you must have faith in yourself before you can love anyone else. It was an inspirational story full of self doubt and shame. These two characters have wonderful chemistry and they fit together perfectly.
As the story continues the feud between the Monroes and the Calloways starts to even out. I believe in the next couple books it will become nonexistent. I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait to see who is next. Maybe cute Jamison.
Second Chance? This is the first book in a spinoff from the previous series of the Calloways so there are familiar people in this book. Aiden and Fiona were secret high school sweethearts but broke up when Aiden decided to join the military and refused Fiona's offer of marrying him. He has always had a feeling that he wasn't good enough for Fiona and thought the military would help him. Fiona is coming home on leave from her job after being passed over for a promotion. She also just broke up with her boyfriend who got the job instead of her. Now she has a lot to think about. Marley, Aiden's sister, wants to renovate the family inn. Fiona is loving doing this. Aiden and Fiona grow closer as they work together. They talk about what happened before and Aiden says that he will work on talking to Fiona. This proves harder to do than what Aiden thinks. Will he be able to keep Fiona or has he messed up one time too many? I liked seeing the previous couples and how things have progressed with them. I'm looking forward to more books in this series. I received an early copy of the book to read and review. I'm leaving my honest review.
Fiona returns home for Christmas. Several years have passed and the passing of her mother deterred, combinedvwith college and work commitments. Having booked into the inn, she encounters Aiden, now part owner and her high school sweetheart. Aiden surprised to see her, but excited. He joined the military at 19 and left Fiona, despite promising not to and rejected her proposal. Each have regrets and guilts..her for family, her disappointment at being passed over for promotion, her indecision as to what to do next. His is due to his difficult upbringing and toxic parents, his belief in not being worthy and still in love with Fiona. Working together towards renovating the inn's basement brings out Fiona's ideas for marketing and her knowledge within hotel management. Despite their shared past, issues and feelings, each are standoffish as they protect their own position clouded by past events. Aiden's reactions can be disruptive for a relationship and Fiona's behaviour is due to mistrust. Will they be able to rekindle their romance and settle with each other, or will there be too much hurt and go their separate ways.
Fiona hasn’t been home in a long, long time .. So when she doesn’t get the promotion, she thought she deserved she decided it was time to make a visit. Did she know that her first love had also gone home. Aiden retired from the military, and went home to help his sister Melody run in after his grandmother passed away. He didn’t think that he would run into Fiona and she didn’t think she would run into him. But I guess fate is fate.
Except when promises are broken then maybe hearts get broken too ?? Aiden thought he was doing the right thing all those years ago by turning down Fiona’s proposal because she would have gone anywhere for him BUT he was too smart for her and knew he was doing the right thing by making her see college was it for her NOT him .. at that time in there life !
Can he win her back and make her see the real truth while restoring the cinema, bowling alley and his grandmothers legend with his sister ??
This was an amazing story of love, heartbreaks and the TRUTH !! I turned it page by page and sucked was sucked in word for word !! Can’t even sit for more of the Calloways !!
This is start of new series of Calloways. Nobody really knew Aidan and Fiona dated during high school and they kept it a secret. When she lost her mother, she couldn't cope with loss of her mother so she relied on Aidan but when he enlisted and refused her proposal, she moved away and rarely visited her family. She worked tirelessly until she was denied a promotion and now she is back at Aidan's grandmother's inn in town. Aidan is determined to win Fiona over before she leaves. His inn needs renovation and she is the one with vision and he really needs her ideas and her in his life. Fiona wasn't sure if she could give into second chance. She was hurt the first time and she wasn't sure if she could face another one plus she is not sure if she is willing to change her job. They will have to overcome past so they can give each other another chance. Story moved pretty quickly and this seems interconnected with other series. I think reading those might help understand dynamic of other characters. I wish Aidan would grovel more before she give in again. I did enjoy the HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Aiden Matthews has adjusted to running the family inn, with his sister Marley, and leaving his military career behind. He often thinks of Fiona Calloway, his first love and the woman he had hoped to marry. Breaking up with her when he enlisted was the hardest thing he had ever done, but with his family history, he never felt he was good enough for her. He is shocked when Fiona checks into the inn and all his feelings, for her, come rushing back. She is on vacation from her high-pressure hotel job in Chicago and planned to spend the holidays with her family…and contemplate her next move, career wise. With her hotel experience, Marley encourages Fiona to help, at the inn, with the restoration of the theatre area. Fiona agrees as this gives her purpose and time to spend with Aiden, who she has never forgotten. Is there a chance that this time they can make it work or will the old insecurities rise up and ruin their chance at love once again? A truly lovely and heartwarming romance! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
Fiona is at a crossroads - she has been running from her family trying to escape the grief of her mother’s death and the end of her high school romance with Aiden, throwing herself into her job. But when she does not get the promotion she expected, she takes a break, returning home for the holidays to remember all the things she missed about her family and small town. Aiden has a new mission - after leaving the military he is helping his sister revitalize the family inn. But now he has a second mission - win Fiona back. These two characters have made mistakes in the past, decisions made as young adults that had a big ripple effect on their lives. I like how they are committed to rebuilding what they lost, with each other and with their families.
I have read the first book in this series and liked it a lot. This series builds off the Monroe Brothers series so they are great to read in order but this would also work as a stand alone.
5 Star Review Cross My Heart (The Calloway’s #1) by Lea Coll
When I heard that Lea Coll had a new series releasing, I was excited. If Cross My Heart is anything to go by then she has a winning series on her hands. This is Fiona and Aiden’s second chance at love story and it wis one that will draw you in and quickly grab your attention.
I enjoy Ms. Coll’s writing style; she is one of the best in the small-town genre in my opinion. I was totally invested in their story, and I loved how she brought out the softer side of Aiden. Now that Aiden has returned home from his military service, he is focused on convincing Fion to take another chance with him.
When fate traps them together thanks to a snowstorm, he will do whatever it takes. I really like these characters, separately and together. Fiona I could easily see as a friend, and I really felt for her. Aiden has been through a lot. If these two can make peace with the past, then they have a real chance at a future together. This book is a little gem and I loved everything about it.
Fiona and Aiden have a past that's not a pretty one. He broke her when they were 19 and it's been years since they were back together to their home town. Being in his presence is not easy for Fiona. She came back because she needed a break from her life but what she found proved to be better than what she ever expected.
Aiden broke her heart and left for the military. He was doing what he thought was right but it cost him. He lived but he was missing a piece of him. With Fiona coming home and staying in his Inn, he finally has a chance to make things right.
But happiness doesn't come easily and when he pushes her away one last time, he needs to think long and hard how he's going to make sure she forgives him one last time and spends the rest of her life with him by her side.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
Cross My Heart by- Lea Coll. Omg you guys I loved this first book tot his new series and I couldn’t be more excited because hello who doesn’t enjoy a new series. This is Fiona and Aiden’s book and it’s a second chance romance which I absolutely love and enjoy this trope. Definitely my top favorite love the history and the redemption part of these books. Once you get started on this book you will learn fast just how automatically you get totally invested in their story. I mean if you are a fan of this author then I think you may have been a bit already invested in this family thanks a to her prior books. The only thing is that now we get to know them deeper which we always love I know I do. I truly did love this book and love that we are getting to know this family even more can’t wait to get more from this series for sure. Grab this book and start the series it’s definitely going to be another great one for sure. Highly recommend.