Those Two Words

Sutton Bay #1

by Ronnie Mathews

Patrick Sadler spent most of his life quietly loving his childhood best friend, Johanna. Six years later, the one night they spent together before she walked away with his heart is a memory he revisits often. Or as often as he can between raising his daughter and running the family restaurant. That was until she moved back to their small town in coastal New England. Not only do they have to work together in the hopes of saving the restaurant, but he’s now left wondering why her once bright smile has been dimmed. And will he ever know the reason she left?


Johanna Thomas always knew she would return home when she was ready, because that’s where she left her heart. Walking away from Patrick wasn’t easy, but she knew it was for the best. Now back in town, she wants to prove to herself and Patrick that she deserves to be here. He isn’t the same man he was before, but it’s hard not to fall for this version when she sees the love he has for his little girl.


They try to put the past behind them and work together as friends. But how can they, when old feelings have never disappeared, and they still look at each other like that? Is this their second chance, or has too much time and heartbreak happened for them to make it work?


Those Two Words is book #1 in the Sutton Bay series. A series of interconnected standalone stories set in coastal New England, with lots of feelings, swoon and spice!

Genres: Romance, Second Chance, Friends To Lovers, Small Town Romance, Forced Proximity, Second Chance Romance, Contemporary Romance

362 pages, Paperback

Published August 22, 2024

About the author

Ronnie Mathews is an Indie Romance Author, who lives in North England with her husband and their black Labrador, Jake. She loves to write small town, swoon-worthy stories with lots of feels and plenty of delicious spice. If she isn't writing or reading, you'll find her in the kitchen or out with friends and family trying to balance being an ambivert!

Reviews

[Fairuz ᥫ᭡. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book felt like a comforting hug on a tough day—packed with emotions, heartbreak, and just the right amount of spice. For a debut, Ronnie Mathews really impressed with Those Two Words. Patrick and Johanna’s story had me deep in my feelings, and I wasn’t quite prepared for the emotional ride it took me on. A childhood friends-to-lovers romance mixed with a single dad storyline? I’m usually skeptical about reading second-chance books with a single parent, and this was my first one, but Ronnie did it perfectly! 💕

✧ Second Chance Romance ✨
✧ Small Town Romance
✧ Single Dad
✧ Childhood Friends to Lovers 💞
✧ Mutual Pining 😍
✧ Family-Owned Business 🥘
✧ Mental Health Representation
✧ Only One Bed
✧ It’s Always Been You 💘
✧ Caretaking Scene 🥺
✧ Slow Burn + Spicy 🔥
✧ He Braids Her Hair
✧ Spicy Pool Lessons
✧ He Kisses Her Freckles 😘
✧ Teeth. Lips. Tongues. 💋

Patrick Sadler, our endearing single dad, is trying to piece his life together after being heartbroken by his childhood best friend, Johanna. Six years after she left, she’s back in their small coastal town of Sutton Bay, and things get messy—though in a good way. The tension, unresolved feelings, and heartbreak were all so palpable as they worked together to save the family restaurant. The sparks between them were undeniable.

Johanna’s struggle with anxiety and mental health was portrayed so genuinely. I found myself really rooting for her. Ronnie handled these topics delicately, making them feel authentic and relatable rather than forced. It hit me right in the heart.

The chemistry between Patrick and Johanna? Definitely a slow burn that had me frustrated—in a good way. When they finally gave in, it was everything. That spicy pool lesson and the way Patrick braids her hair? I couldn’t handle it. This is the kind of romance that restores your faith in true love. 🥰

Patrick was the perfect gentleman throughout—patient, kind, and understanding. He didn’t make a single wrong move, and that made him all the more swoon-worthy.

This book was an emotional journey from start to finish. I loved the small-town vibe, the family dynamics, and the slow healing of old wounds. If you’re into second-chance romances with mental health representation, Those Two Words is worth a read. 💛

Content Warnings (CW):
- Sudden death of a parent (off-page)
- Discussion of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and depression
- Discussion of panic attacks
- One on-page panic attack

Can’t wait to see what Ronnie has in store for us next! 💖

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
📖 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐛𝐲 𝐑𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐰𝐬

"𝘎𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦, 𝘗𝘢𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘬. 𝘎𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨." "𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘐'𝘷𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶."

🧩 This debut novel by 𝐑𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐰𝐬 was so freaking good! I am seriously in awe of her writing, character development and world building. The little town she created and all of the characters she filled it with just made for such a delight to read. Childhood friends to lovers is such a sweet trope and this one was full of so many great flashbacks that just melted my heart.

Patrick is a single dad and bar manager to his family’s restaurant, Our Place. When his mother and other co-owner George tell him the restaurant is in danger of closing he is shocked. To try to turn things around, they hired a restaurant manager who happens to be Patrick’s childhood love and the woman who broke his heart 6 years ago.

Johanna knew coming home was going to be hard, she hurt a lot of people when she left but none more than Patrick. He makes it very clear he doesn’t want her there and doesn’t need her help. Johanna has secrets and it’s time for them to come out.

Johanna suffers from anxiety throughout this book and I felt like it was really well addressed! TW: Panic Attacks.

Johanna and Patrick were so good together. Patrick definitely had moments where he did the wrong thing but he’s human. This was a slow burn but once they got together their natural chemistry was so good!

“𝘛𝘦𝘦𝘵𝘩. 𝘓𝘪𝘱𝘴. 𝘛𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘶𝘦𝘴. 𝘞𝘦 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘬𝘪𝘴𝘴 𝘪𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘰. 𝘐𝘵'𝘴 𝘢 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨.“

I am beyond ready for more books in this series! All of the siblings and side characters were so intriguing and I can’t wait for them to get their HEA!

If you love second chance romance stories with all the sweet childhood friends to lovers vibes, go add 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐛𝐲 𝐑𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐰𝐬, to your TBR today!

“𝘐'𝘮 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴.”

𝘛𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘴:
🫶🏼 𝘊𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘍𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴
💕 𝘚𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦
🎀 𝘚𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘦 𝘋𝘢𝘥
✨ 𝘔𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩 𝘙𝘦𝘱 (𝘢𝘯𝘹𝘪𝘦𝘵𝘺)
💋 𝘕𝘰 3𝘳𝘥 𝘈𝘤𝘵 𝘉𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬𝘶𝘱
🏡 𝘚𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘛𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘙𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦
❤️‍🔥 𝘚𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘉𝘶𝘳𝘯 + 𝘚𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘺
🥹 𝘏𝘦 𝘉𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘥𝘴 𝘏𝘦𝘳 𝘏𝘢𝘪𝘳
💛 “𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘈𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘉𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘠𝘰𝘶.”

[Abby (booksinthefreetime) · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

♾️/5 ⭐️
2.5/5 🌶️

I AM BLOWN AWAY!!!

If I have one book that I would recommend to you to read this year, it would be this!!❤️

I wish I could go back and re read this for the first time again. Patrick and Johanna’s story is so beautiful but so heartbreaking. I wanted to jump inside this book and just hug them both!🥲

I’m such a sucker for childhood best friends to lovers and throw in the single dad trope and I’m hooked 😍 Patrick is the ultimate family man and puts so much of his heart into his work and raising his daughter. I connected so much with these characters instantly and it made me fall more in love with this story. Johanna is one of those FMC I will never forget. She’s had so much pain and grief in her life and I loved how you get to see how she grows and works through it all with the help of her family and Patrick.

I really enjoyed reading the flashbacks from Patrick and Johanna’s childhood, they have such a strong connection that progressed into the most beautiful love story.

Warning: the spicy scenes in this book are SO DANG HOT….Let’s just say I was not expecting the dirty things coming out of Patrick’s mouth 🥵 and the truck scene….🔥

If you love…

-Childhood Best Friends to Lovers
-Small Town
-Single Dad
-No Third Act Breakup
-Close Proximity
-Second Chance


READ THIS BOOK!!!

Thank you Ronnie for the ARC! You have outdone your self with this book!! Hoping we get to read Booth and Graham’s story!!😊

[Hannah Bird · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ronnie has created a romantic, cozy, thoughtful love story set in beautiful Maine, USA and I’m so lucky I got to read it early!

Patrick and Jo have known each other their whole lives, and while they’ve always held a candle for one another, heartbreak over the death of Patrick’s father and Jo’s mother tore them apart six years ago.

Now, the family restaurant is in distress, bringing Jo back to the town where it all began.

This story had all the second chance sweetness, the nostalgia of childhood friends to lovers, and the sexiest of single girl dads. It not only had this beautiful love story, but also a depth in highlighting how hard it is to live with an anxiety disorder. It releases in August, and I promise you don’t want to miss it!

[abby :) · Rating 4 out of 5]

we’ll go with a four star but it could be 3.75…

this is a book i put on my most anticipated releases of 2024 list and i have no idea why. i don’t remember finding in or writing it down, i honestly had no idea what it was until i downloaded it yesterday. had i know this was an angsty, childhood friends to lovers, second chance romance, i would’ve picked it up much sooner! the tropes were done sooooo well and i loved the coastal maine setting!!

patrick and jo were just the sweetest and i loved seeing their relationship mend. the flashbacks we got made me feel so much, they were put in at the perfect times and i just fell in love with the story. there was tension and cuteness and a single dad, i was in heaven. there also was no third act breakup which i liked but there was some heavy miscommunication which wasn’t the best. also the two of them share a family restaurant and the whole story with that just felt wrapped up too quickly and i thought more would come from it.

overall i had a great time and for a debut i thought the representation was done so well. i would put a content warning for on page panic attacks though. can’t wait to read about graham and quinn!!!

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5!?

from the start of this book all the way to the end this book pulled me and captivated me. the “it’s always been you” trope does it for me EVERY SINGLE TIME. i felt so much reading this book, the vulnerability, the love and the sentiment behind the characters and the bond and small town feeling i just loved it all. i’m a mess finishing the book, between the talking about their parents, the puzzle references A MESS. i love patrick and johanna’s relationship, it was beautiful- the way they were each others since the beginning, the way that love never left even after she left??? i just loved this book, the anxiety rep made me feel seen because it’s such a scary thing to go through and knowing johanna’s struggle with it hit deep.

I CANT WAIT FOR QUINN AND GRAHAM. im their number one cheerleader. ALSO? BOOTH? YEAH MY MAN MY MAN.

[Britt; footnotes+whimsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a debut novel that takes place in a small New England town with tropes of childhood best friends, second chance romance, single dad, no third act break-up, and mental health rep.

It took me 6 days to read this book, which is a long time for me. I struggled to want to keep reading and I think it was because I was having a hard time connecting to the MC’s and the reasons of the past. I felt more connected to the side characters.

**SPOILERS BELOW**
I commend the FMC for putting her mental health first and seeking professional help then wanting to work on herself, but I truly did not agree with most of her other actions in the far past (21st birthday night!?), recent past (leaving without a word and ghosting your best friend of 20+ years after you hooked up for the first time and right after he lost his dad!?) and the present (not telling him the truth!?).

But what truly bugged me the most was towards the end at around 92-93% when the MMC gets some rough news, he reacts without thinking and shows true emotions and feelings that he is then made to feel like he shouldn’t have done and he made a mistake. Um, no, he is allowed, just like everyone else in this story, to have valid feelings and express emotions. I got the impression that he should be suppressing his own feelings/emotions to make sure the FMC is ok. Again, no. Him bottling things up is not the answer. Then for her to disappear and turn off her phone for the stupidest reason (which she doesn’t seem to recognize how that could be a triggering event to the MMC since she left 6 years ago) I was so frustrated.

Perhaps I should’ve just soft DNF’d it and came back when I was in a different mood, but I didn’t and this was the result 🙈

[Haylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

♾️⭐️{infinite}
🌶️🌶️🌶️{3}

⚠️𝙲𝙰𝚄𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽⚠️ you may find plates sexy after reading this. You’ve been warned. The way this book simultaneously broke me and healed me at the same time was incredible 🥹🥹 I felt so seen by Johanna and would really love my own Patrick please and thank you. To all of my small-town loving smut queens, y’all are gonna love Daddy Pat 😏 trust me 🫡 And, a moment for Lottie 🥹🥹 love that little girl. And her playing match maker is my new favorite thing 😂

This one follows the story of Johanna and single-dad Patrick, childhood friends who haven’t spoken since Jo moved away about 6 years ago very suddenly. Patrick stayed and was managing their family restaurant, but it begins to struggle. His mom and Jo’s dad come up with a last ditch plan to help try to save the restaurant, and convince Jo to move back home, much to Patrick’s surprise and dismay. Enter lots of forced proximity and mutual pining 🙃

𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭 𝓲𝓯 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮:
🦞single dad
🧩second chance
🦞mental health rep
🧩mutual pining
🦞small town
🧩no third-act breakup

𝓕𝓪𝓿𝓸𝓻𝓲𝓽𝓮 𝓺𝓾𝓸𝓽𝓮𝓼:

“𝘞𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘢 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘤𝘳𝘺 𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯. 𝘏𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘺, 𝘴𝘢𝘥, 𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘳𝘺, 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘥—𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘪𝘵. 𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩𝘺. 𝘋𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘢𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘰𝘶𝘵.”

“𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘰𝘬𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘰𝘬𝘢𝘺.”

“𝘖𝘩, 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘢 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦.”

“𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘦’𝘳𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳. 𝘞𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘭 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵.”

“𝘗𝘢𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘭𝘶𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘰𝘵. 𝘗𝘢𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭 𝘥𝘢𝘥 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘵-𝘤𝘪𝘳𝘤𝘶𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯. 𝘐’𝘮 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘺 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘷𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘨𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘸.”

“𝘗𝘢𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘚𝘢𝘥𝘭𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘰𝘯 𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦. 𝘔𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘺 𝘣𝘢𝘺.”

[Jess • bestiebookshelf_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED THIS! So I don't know what is with these debut authors getting me to fall in love with tropes that I don't tend to gravitate to! I really enjoyed this; Ronnie's writing style was super easy to read and I am so excited to explore more of Sutton Bay and these characters as the series progresses!

𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩: small coastal town, childhood friends to lovers, second chance, single Dad, work place, close proximity, mental health representation

This book follows Patrick and Johanna who grew up together, and have always been each other's (unofficially) but heartbreak over the death of Patrick's father and Johanna's mother (on separate occasions) tore them apart six years ago. Johanna returns to Sutton Bay at the plea of her father to help save the co-owned family restaurant.

There is so much to love about this book. The setting, the banter, the quips! The characters are extremely well written, they are likeable and they're realistic. I loved that Patrick gave Johanna the time and space she needed when she returned to Sutton Bay and they were able to rekindle things from where they left off. The mental health representation was written SO WELL and I really commend Ronnie for fleshing this out but not shying away from the reality of what it is like to have anxiety. I really loved Johanna's growth throughout this story; she really worked so hard on herself.

"𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙚. 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙚, 𝙅𝙤𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙣𝙖, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪'𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚".

I loved the banter between Patrick and his brothers, and I'm excited to see who is getting a book next. This book was full of that wonderful nostalgia you get when your read a childhood friends to lovers / second chance romance and I tell you what, when the puzzle pieces click into place. I was a puddle. This one definitely made my little swoony heart happy and I enjoyed it so much!

Thank you for the ARC, Ronnie! Cannot wait to follow the rest of your author journey!

[Brittany Vezer · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off…. This is Ronnie’s DEBUT novel and you’d never know!!

This story beautifully discussed mental health struggles and it felt so real.

This is a second chance, single dad romance about Patrick and Johanna who grew up together. Their families owned a restaurant together. Loss of parents had them apart for a few years with no real understanding between the two. Johanna moved away and hasn’t been home until her father calls and asks for help with the restaurant.

Patrick’s daughter MELTED my heart, and the PUZZLE. I can’t even out into words the connections that come together.

Thank you for the arc, life got a little crazy! But this was just what I needed to escape a little 🫶🏼

5 (all the stars) ⭐️ 3 🌶️

Small town • childhood friends • second chance • single dad • mental health rep • no 3rd act breakup

[KJ Pointer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a debut novel! I was so proud of myself I didn’t cry until like 94% in. This is one of my favourite second chance romances I’ve ever read and I was gripped from start to finish. I really resonated with Jo and the way her mental health has been affected by grief, it was really well written and no details went unmissed. It’s a slow burn but the spice is perfection when you get to it and did I mention Patrick is a single dad? Enough said!

[Wren · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

Grab yourself a box of tissues before you start this one because it will cause you emotional damage.

I was blown away with this debut romance from Ronnie!!! There is something so special in this book. Characters that draw you in, angst, heat and tension, beautifully done mental health rep, and a slight cliffhanger on a subplot that leaves you wanting the next book!

Jo and Patrick deserve the world, and after the difficult time life has given them, I’m so glad they finally can have their happily ever after in each other.

[Kelly | Booksnbackdrops · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this so much?? Went in blind and am so glad I gave it a chance 🫶🏻

[Caroline Rohem · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

I devoured this book in a day. Johanna and Patrick are incredible characters. Johanna is a strong woman despite everything she’s been through. Patrick is the perfect example of a man in love, who only breathes when the heroine is near.

Their reconnection was done perfectly, and I think Ronnie managed to introduce more serious themes without making it too heavy for the reader, yet still being informative.

I’ll definitely read more of what she writes.

[Pageturner · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wow do I hate a book where you don’t know the reason for why someone left and it’s constantly eluded to for the whole book. Also I kind of hate second chances when there was not really a reason for them.

Patrick has been in love with Johanna since they were kids and frankly everyone could see this so I am not sure why she couldn’t. They stayed in the friend zone until one night then the following morning Patrick’s father had an accident and died. Johanna left town with no warning 3 weeks after Patrick’s father’s death and hasn’t been back for 6 years.

Johanna had been in love with Patrick since their prom ( not sure on age) however she was suffering with anxiety and depression and she left for a few weeks to try and sort this however unbeknownst to her Patrick went to see her and saw her hugging another man he jumped to a conclusion got drunk and slept with another woman and this resulted in a child. Johanna found out about this and couldn’t return to town to see Patrick with another woman and a child so stayed away.

When Johanna came back Patrick was hurt still and did treat her a little badly however I kind of got that however hiding their relationship was pointless and it made me feel like he wasn’t that serious about letting her back into his life he wasn’t using her as an escape.

[Aimee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This charming small-town, second-chance romance featuring a single dad is perfect for anyone seeking a lighthearted and spicy read.

The story revolves around two childhood friends, Johanna and Patrick, who have grown apart. After six years, Johanna returns to Sutton Bay to assist the distant Patrick in saving his father's legacy. Although Patrick isn't thrilled about her return, he realizes he can't avoid her forever, especially since they must collaborate once again.

Oh my, this book was absolutely adorable! For a debut novel, it was fantastic and just what I needed. A big thank you to Ronnie for the advance copy! I can’t wait to see what’s next for the residents of Sutton Bay! 🤎

[Catarina Vieira | umlivroduplicado · Rating 5 out of 5]

"It's okay to not be okay."

If someone had told me this was a debut novel after I finished it, I would’ve laughed in disbelief.
Because there’s no way a debut should feel this soul-shatteringly beautiful, this heartbreakingly honest, this complete. Ronnie’s writing isn't just good—it's spellbinding. Every sentence pulled me deeper, every chapter held me hostage, and by the end, I was completely undone.

Patrick and Johanna… my heart. These two aren’t just characters—they feel like real people who walked into my life, grabbed my heart with both hands, and refused to let go. Their story, centered around one of my favorite tropes—childhood best friends—hit me like a tidal wave. It was tender, aching, nostalgic, and so deeply emotional that I found myself crying just because I felt so much.

There were scenes in this book that cracked me wide open. Moments so raw, so personal, especially around mental health, that I had to pause just to breathe. It felt like reading someone’s diary—private, honest, and so incredibly real. Ronnie wrote those moments with a truthfulness that left me reeling. It was beautiful. It was brave.

And Johanna... God, Johanna. She is everything. I saw myself in her fears, in her dreams, in that quiet battle of trying to step out of comfort and into courage. Watching her grow, stumble, and love with her whole heart? It was healing. It was inspiring. Her acceptance of Patrick’s world, her quiet strength... I just want to hug her and never let go.

And Patrick. Sweet, gentle, complicated Patrick. The way he loved Johanna—from a distance, from the shadows, even when he thought he shouldn’t... it destroyed me. The softness in him, the loyalty, the way his heart was always hers even when his mind wasn’t ready. I adored every bit of him.

I loved everything about this book. The lyrical writing. The vivid setting. The heartwarming family dynamics. The small-town magic. And Lottie—our sweet little star—who added so much warmth and light.

This book didn't just give me a story—it gave me a whole experience. One I’ll carry with me. One I want to scream about from rooftops.
So yes, I will be that person who tries to force everyone I know to read this book. And I won’t even be sorry about it.

[Megan Amaral · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

This book was 100% worth the wait. I knew this would be special when a reel from the author graced my Instagram. I immediately saved the reels, knowing I would pick this up when it was released.

Even though this story had the basic second chance romance troupes, you could tell the author brought their connection to this story, telling a story about love, mental health, and, ultimately, the love of a family.

Even though I couldn't put this book down and spent many nights going to bed at late hours trying to read more, this book was almost perfect for me. It had everything I love in a romance book, and we got to meet and fall in love with the people in their lives, which makes me excited to read how each of them fall in love. But it also had some small "ugh" moments for me as well... but not enough for me to drop my review too much. I loved the memory flashbacks, as we got a glimpse into both Patrick and Johanna's past, but I didn't love how they were placed in the book. They made sense in their placement in the book overall, but it didn't feel as fluid as I wanted it to be, and honestly, I skimmed a couple of them, trying to get back to the present.

I also loved the ending - it was simple and very adorable to Patrick and Johanna's story. What I didn't like though, was that the climax of this story was Johanna finally telling Patrick why she had left. And I guess it didn't quite make sense to me that at 30% of the book, Patrick witnesses and takes care of Johanna in the middle of a panic attack, which jumpstarts their friendship. Then we get the rest of the book of them working, fitting back into one another's life, and having sex, but no real talking.

Maybe I just don't understand Johanna's mindset, living with a panic attack disorder, and I never will. This is why I want to give this book the benefit of the doubt, and fully accept and love it. Because at the end of the day, Those Two Words transported me into this family that was so full of love and watched two childhood friends come back to one another and fall in love with each other a second time.

[Briana Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review ✨

First I would like to say a big thank you to Ronnie for letting me be apart of this ARC Team!

Rate: 5/5⭐️
Spice: 1.5/5🌶️

What to expect when reading Those Two Words;
-Small Town
-Second Chance
-Friends to Lovers
-No 3rd Act
-Single Dad
-Mental Health Rep

Okay this made me emotional and I don’t know what emotion caused my watery eyes but I loved it all the same.

Best friends that’s what Patrick & Johanna always thoughts they would be and eventually hopefully more. When the weight of the world came crashing down on Johanna the best thing to do was leave. What a wonderful journey not just for the main characters but even the side ones. Johanna’s journey and growth was truly inspiring. I will some of my favorite side characters are Quinn and Booth!

If you want a story that will pull at your heart strings this is definitely for you!

Fav Line: “I think my lungs are gonna fall out of my butt” & “Oh, to be a plate”

Make sure you get the book when it releases on August 22nd🩶
#bookstagram #romance #review

[Stephanie Hubenak · Rating 4 out of 5]

This, my friends, is how you write a debut!
First Person
Dual POV

This book was so sweet and everything my small town loving heart needed. There was spice and swoon and representation that was done so beautifully, it made me cry. Watching these two find their way back to each other was just stunning.

What you'll get:
- Second Chance
- Childhood friends to lovers to strangers to lovers
- Mental health representation
- Single dad

Ronnie, congrats my friend. I am so so so proud of you. You have absolutely made it!

[Nia Schofield · Rating 5 out of 5]

REVIEW!

Well, what an absolutely beautiful debut novel by the amazing @author.ronniemathews

I have been looking forward to this book for ages, and my goodness this did not disappoint.

The prologue 🥹

Johanna and Patrick's story is one of beauty, loss and trauma. It is told in such a beautifully descriptive way you feel like you are feeling this story along with them.

Johanna is a character that has been through so much and it tells us that we can hide our emotions on the surface and really struggle behind closed doors. Patrick is definitely a naughty boy with a dirty streak🥵

It's a slow burn, but the story allows you to really get to know each character and their backstory and really learn what makes them tick.


Also, can we just take a second to appreciate lottie as one of the sweetest kids in the world, I love her.

Overall, it was an absolutely stunning book, well written and one I would highly recommend. I cannot wait for book 2 😍

Thank you again to @author.ronniemathews for the arc copy.

[Allison McLoughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was selected to receive the ARC of this book. Very cute read. I liked that there was no true 3rd act breakup. I definitely want to read the next brother’s story coming up but for now Patrick and Johanna were a cute story to read about their struggles, miscommunication and how they came back together.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story, it’s hard to put into words how this book made me feel but Ronnie knocked it out of the park with her debut novel. I loved it!

[Lauraelreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book so much! For a debut novel aswell??? Amazing! I loved the characters and the setting. It’s a place you really could imagine yourself walking down the main road or taking in the beautiful scenery. The mental health rep was written beautifully and a refreshing PoV. It sent a really positive message!
I’m totally in love with lottie and of course Booth, I’m waiting for his book! 👀
Book two is out now and I’ve downloaded immediately!!

Second chance
Childhood friends to lovers
Small town
Single dad
Spicy
Mental health rep

[Libraryat44 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fab debut novel. This doesn't read like a debut at all.

This book will give you all the feels, the mental health rep has been portrayed perfectly. I connected so much with Jo and her anxiety. Patrick Sadler is just a sweetheart but man I was not prepared for his mouth. The pool table scene and the truck 👀🔥Loved all the flashback scenes we got too.

When Ronnie first said she was writing this she said she wanted to make me cry and she succeeded. There were so many little scenes I had tears and so many emotional moments that pulled at the heart strings.

I loved the side characters, Booth is my absolute fave and I can't wait for his book! This book will make you want to move to Maine. It's such a fab debut and I have a feeling it will only get better from here.

[Joana (joanasbookshelf) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have no other words to describe this book except it felt like a warm hug. Those Two Words is just beautifully written and I’m so glad I decided to pre-order the book when Ronnie announced it on Instagram. I honestly can’t believe this a debut novel because it was just so good. Patrick’s and Johanna’s story is absolutely beautifully. This is a book about love, friendship, grief and so much more. Their story is filled with sweet moments but also lots of spicy ones.

Everything in this book was perfection. The story, the characters, the small town ambience, everything was beautifully done. I cried, I swooned, I laughed and then cried again. I’m just amazed on how perfect this book was and I’m already counting the days for the second book in the series.

If you haven’t read this book, consider this your official sign.

read this book if you love:
small town
childhood friends to lovers
second chance
single dad
mental health rep

[Jodes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bloody love a second chance x friends to lovers romance and this one ticked all the boxes. Add in the single dad trope and I was completely sold.

I loved Patrick and Johanna’s story, it was a beautiful rollercoaster of emotions, incredible mental health rep and at the base of it all the purest love.

Ronnie’a writing was great, you could feel how much had gone into this book, she captivated me from page one and I was desperate to know how the story unfolds.

I can’t wait to read more of this series, I can tell I’m going to love it.

✿ small town
✿ no third act break-up
✿ mental health rep
✿ second chance
✿ single dad

Rating: 4/5 ✨

[Mary Kate · Rating 1 out of 5]

No, thank you.

I just can't with this book. It was just not good. I tried, I did, but everything was dragged out. The excuses were lame and iced coffee was mentioned way too many times.

[Lucy Tonks (the invisible life of a reader) · Rating 2 out of 5]

i absolutely loved the way anxiety was portrayed but aside from this factor i just wasn't the intended audience

ty to the author for an arc!

[cakecoffeeandbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!
I was absolutely blown away by this book, and still can’t believe it is the author’s debut! She is definitely one to watch!

A stunningly beautiful, at times heartbreaking story. It takes an awful lot to make me cry, but this did it.

Johanna and Patrick’s story is full of real, raw emotions. Johanna’s character is so relatable for anyone who has ever suffered with any kind of anxiety, and I could just feel everything she went through as it was described, almost as though I’d been there and seen it myself. The writing is beautiful, the story telling is excellent and keeps you engaged throughout.

Johanna and Patrick grew up together, have been best friends since childhood and their parents owned a restaurant together. Johanna left Sutton Bay 6 years ago, and Patrick had no idea why. But now she’s back to help their families save the restaurant and there are a lot of words left unsaid, insecurities and broken hearts to be mended.

Patrick is a single dad and his daughter Lottie is adorable. I loved seeing her relationship with Jo blossom, and it was so great that her mom never caused any drama and was so supportive of Patrick and Jo. It felt like something we rarely see in single parent romances!

One of my favourite parts of the story was the jigsaw puzzle (IYKYK) 😭🧩

You can really tell how much love and care has been poured into this book. We sometimes see new authors rushing out releases whereas this author has clearly taken her time to write this properly and thoroughly. It is well edited, without plot holes and beautifully written.

Huge thank you to the author and Netgalley for this arc in exchange for my honest review. Any chance we can have Quinn and Graham next?! Please?!