Over & Out

Redbeard Cove #3

by Claire Wilder

Three months ago, a dirt bike accident stole my confidence, my beloved ride, and the one thing that made me feel alive. Now I’m going through the motions in my coastal tourist town, totally adrift… and trying not to think about the stranger who pulled me from the wreckage.

But when I stand up to a super rude customer at the beach bar I work at, my life suddenly flips upside-down. Because that customer is Hopper Donnach: Hollywood heartthrob, certified a-hole, and horrifyingly, player of a character who helped me through my darkest moments. And now? He’s my temporary boss.

Hopper is hot-tempered, infuriating, and way too gorgeous for someone who insists on keeping things strictly professional. But under the gruff exterior, I see glimpses of something real. Kindness. Sadness. A secret.

I can’t fall for my boss, not when he has the power to shatter my already fragile heart into smithereens. Not when this forced proximity’s going to end almost as soon as it started.

And especially not when I realize there’s something more familiar about him than a character I fell for on the big screen.

Over & Out is an all-new enemies to lovers romance featuring 'hate to love him', boss-employee, grumpy sunshine, forced proximity and secret identity vibes. It's the third book in the Redbeard Cove smalltown beachside romance series and can be read as a complete standalone.

Genres: Enemies To Lovers, Forced Proximity, Romance, Small Town Romance, Workplace, Workplace Romance

398 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 27, 2025

About the author

USA Today bestselling author of spicy small-town romance featuring

- Relatable women who always support each other
- Strong, sexy wounded men
- A sometimes rocky but always steamy road that always leads to a guaranteed HEA

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Where to find me:

Website: clairewilder.com
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Facebook: facebook.com/clairewilderromance
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Bookbub: bookbub.com/profile/claire-wilder
Amazon: amazon.com/author/clairewilder
TikTok: tiktok.com/@clairewilderbooks
Bonus Material: clairewilder.com/extras

Reviews

[Kate Dash · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ★★★★★

I wanted some steamy story story about celebity boss x employee and i got perfect 𝓱𝓮𝓪𝓵𝓲𝓷𝓰 story
Tropes
♥︎ Grumpy x Sunshine
♥︎ Boss x Employee
♥︎ Secret Identity
♥︎ Celebrity Romance
♥︎ “Rescued me once and now you’re back??”
♥︎ Forced Proximity
♥︎ Enemies (ish) to Lovers
♥︎ Healing from Trauma
♥︎ “You annoy me…but also I’m obsessed with you”
♥︎ Found Family (beach bar edition)
♥︎ Slow Burn with real emotional payoff
I had such a good time with Over & Out. This book gives exactly what it promises — small-town charm, enemies (kinda) to lovers, and a romance that starts with mutual annoyance and slowly turns into something soft and supportive. Chris is everything I want in a romance heroine — stubborn, resilient, and not afraid to throw a verbal punch. And Hopper? Yeah, he starts off as an absolute menace, but the slow reveal of his soft, messy interior got me.

Their banter? Delicious. Their tension? Even better. Yes, some moments felt a little too easy or predictable, and a few decisions (looking at you, Hopper) made me go “…really?” — but I still devoured this in basically one sitting.

Thanks Grey`s Promotion for opportunity to read that ARC in exchange of my honest opinion!

[Rombookfanlove · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

This was an alright read overall. I liked the dynamic/interactions between Hopper and Chris, that really kept me reading. The romance itself is cute. The writing is good. I’m really torn over this book because I did enjoy reading it in some parts - really had the pages turning!- but the overall story itself didn’t quite work for me.

I wasn’t too sure of Hopper. Initially he was really a big baby man-child that I wasn’t sure if I could actually get past it or that he could redeem himself, he’d really need to grow up and take some accountability. He does a little but maybe not enough for me. On the other hand, he does have a big heart and a vulnerable side that kept me engaged and made him a little more endearing.

Chris was great! I liked that she gave back just as much as she got from him and more. Strong and sassy and has been through a lot.

The main underlying conflict/plot just didn’t gel for me - I dunno if maybe the backstory wasn’t built up enough ahead so it just didn’t hit right. Some of the decisions Hopper made in particular just were a little ‘eh’ for me.

I definitely think others could enjoy this much more so please don’t be deterred if it seems like your kind of book! It was definitely an enjoyable read overall. I also liked the prior book a lot, so I do think this author is good! Could just be a bit of an odd one for me this time.

3.5/5 ⭐️ (rounded down to 3 for GR as it just didn’t quite bump to a 4 level for me)

I received an advance copy of the book and have left my honest, influence-free review

[Katie Beasley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am going to give this one a solid 3 stars. This is the first time I have dipped into anything by Claire Wilder, and I was excited to try her out. I just felt like I had a hard time connecting to the characters. I felt like they had more of a connection when they didn't know who they were to each other than after they did. I also got whiplash- I can do a little back and forth. A little regret here and there. But a total ghosting to I can't stop thinking about you- you are the love of my life was a little hard for me to wrap my head around. All that to say this was entertaining. I found myself wanting to follow the story and see how everything wrapped up. I appreciated that there was some depth to the MCs- they had both been through a lot and had different ways of dealing with that trauma. I liked the side characters, and I liked that I didn't feel like I had missed a lot by not reading the first two books in this series. In fact, I am honestly not sure WHO the first two books are about after reading this book.

Chris is on the other side of an injury that is still haunting her nightmares. She so wants to know who her savior was that day, but alas she knows nothing about him. Except for how much he drew her attention for all of those months and then disappeared. Now somehow Chris has been tapped to be a temporary PA for Hooper Donnach- the man who she knows as The Duke. His role in that movie helped her through her injury. But the character does not line up to the man. He is rude and almost demeaning to everyone- not his staff though. He is rough around the edges, but the more time she spends with him the more she realizes his behavior is all to ensure people don't get close to him. He has done all of these things for people but doesn't want credit for it. She can't help but be drawn to him. And when they kiss and she feels her walls have dropped, it feels perfect. But then he ghosts her. He leaves her after she felt vulnerable. And now Chris is kind of enraged. How could he have said those things to her and then just leave? How can he now act like he still cares but not let her in all the way? After a beat, Hooper asks her for more but with walls. He can't tell her everything yet but he will when he is ready. She agrees to that knowing he has been let down before. But then the secret comes out, and she needs space. How could he not tell her that when she has told him so much of her past and her story? She has to decide if she will be able to get over this betrayal and be miserable or trust again and let herself fall.

Hooper is on to the next role and has found himself back in a town that haunts him. He still thinks about the night all those months ago. But he can't show guilt. He has to put on the front of being the jerk actor who cares about no one and nothing. That all changes when Chris becomes his new PA while his current one is out on maternity leave. Chris pushes his buttons. Her ire towards him feels like foreplay. He likes when he gets to see her cheeks turn pink around him. Clearly she is attracted to him but also loathes him. She puts him in line. Holds him accountable, and he finds himself wanting more with her. He has never wanted more with a woman. But there is something special about Chris. So after a while of back and forth, he makes a move. He kisses her and it feels RIGHT. But then she lets him on her past a little bit, and he realizes how their paths have crossed before. She doesn't know about all his dad has put him through and what he could do to her. So out of protection he walks away. It breaks him, but he does it. But he is only a man, and she is the woman of his dreams. Which is how he finds himself asking for forgiveness and another chance. He will tell her everything when he is ready. But then that opportunity is taken away from him, and he is left trying to figure out how to help her understand how much she means to him.

Like I said the pacing felt a little off on this one. I had a hard time connecting with the characters. I am a little hesitant to go back and read the other ones in this series. We shall see how my TBR stacks up.

I do want to thank Grey's Promotions and Claire for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[charisse ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

˗ˏˋ 4 stars ⟡ ݁₊ .

this book was super addictive and fun. once i started it, i literally could not put it down. i loved how chris was such a badass. she was unapologetically bold and strong. and hopper, he was so broody and hot. he's also very compassionate and overall just a very likable character. i loved their banter so much, had me laughing from time to time.

⤷ thank you to the author and luna literary management for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

︶︶︶⊹︶︶︶˗ˋ୨♡୧ˊ˗︶︶︶⊹︶︶︶

₊˚⊹♡ pre-read ♡⊹˚₊ ↴
i got the arc!! am i going to read the first two books now? probably... (i guess lesson of not getting arcs that are in a series is never learnt) lmao

tropes:
🏍️ forced proximity
🎬 workplace romance
🏍️ grumpy x sunshine
🎬 he falls first and hard
🏍️ slow burn
🎬 enemies to lovers
🏍️ found family

[⋆⭒˚｡⋆ZABYYY ⋆⭒˚｡⋆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

⋆. 𐙚 ˚ Pre-read: ⋆. 𐙚 ˚
Got as an ARC read- super excited bc it’s my first ARC!!🤭

Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️- 3 stars
This was a really cute, summer read! It had all the vibes of a small town(ish), dislike to lovers romance that captures all the feels and builds a slight connection to the characters. However, a lot of the time during the book I did find myself growing a little bored so I think it could have moved a lot more fast pace, but not enough for me to dnf or grow annoyed. Whilst this book was nothing special to write home about, it’s good if you want a quick and easy read with a fun plot.

⋆⭒˚｡⋆ Tropes ⋆⭒˚｡⋆
-Dislike to Lovers
-Past accident
-Famous Actor x Personal Assistant
-Found family
-He falls first (and hard)✨

Some of my fav quotes🤗

‘I had the sudden urge to go over there, to drop to my knees and beg her to forgive me for being me’
- HE IS SO DOWN BAD🤭

‘But I barley notice any of that because my eyes land on Chris’
-btw her full name is Christiana- and he is obsessedddd

‘He takes a deep breath “Christ, I fucking leap out of bed in the morning because it’ll be another day where I get to see you. I check my phone every minute when we are not together, just in case you texted and I missed it- and I never fucking miss it, Chris. It doesn’t matter what it is, Im happy to do it because you want me to. To do a movie for you? It would be a privilege, okay?” He looks skyward, his expression pained’
-AHHH he is such a cutie pie

Thank you NetGalley and publishers for giving me an Arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Lynn_G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chris is barely making it as a waitress in her beloved hometown of Redbeard Cove, and aside from time spent with her friends who all seem to be pairing off and starting families, her only true outlet is dirt bike riding. At the beginning of the novel she suffers serious injuries while executing a jump she’d been doing since she was a small child. She’s aided by a mysterious man who spent the prior summer on “her” dirt track each day but never let her see under his helmet.

On her first day back waitressing after a lengthy recovery, Chris waits on a very pregnant woman who happens to be the personal assistant to a very famous and notoriously difficult action movie star. When the star himself appears, hungover and unconscionably rude, Chris gives him the full wrath of her ire, giving him payback for his behavior. Stretching the bounds of anything resembling common sense, the assistant immediately offers Chris an outrageous sum to fill in as PA for three months’ parental leave.

Hopper is currently the mercurial star of the biggest superhero franchise in Hollywood, but his early life had been anything but charmed. Bitter and cynical, as well as bearing the aftermath of tragic life events, he longs to be able to make different career choices but finds his wants often run afoul of some of those in charge of his career. The presence of Chris is a catalyst for him to stretch as an artist and grow exponentially as a person.

I enjoyed the premise of the book, but a lot of the plot devices fell flat. The tragic backstories of both Chris and Hopper were worth exploring, for certain, but the sequence of events leading up to Chris’s hiring to the ways in which she’s suddenly become Hopper’s career guru truly require the suspension of all disbelief. Additionally one person’s banter is another’s corny line, with a great deal of the zingers not landing at all. (Still scratching my head over the whole ‘horny nerd’ exchange, as an example.)

Finally, a big missing piece was spice. Passion was declared but not so much illustrated. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

I received an advance reader copy from Grey’s Promotions, and I’m sharing my honest review.

[India Rain · Rating 4 out of 5]

thank you to claire wilder, netgalley and victory editing for the opportunity to read this early arc. i hope i have done this book justice with my review and i hope other readers enjoy it as much as i did <3

3.75⭐️

<< brief synopsis:
chris is an amateur dirt bike rider who has an accident in front of a man she doesn’t know but claims to hate, she later realises that she knows this man better than she thought she did. hopper is a child actor who is now a major hollywood star who is not only famous for his movie roles but also his bad boy reputation in the media >>

over & out is a slow burn, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, work place romance where he falls first and hard. it’s also a dual pov and all of my favourite tropes so i was immediately interested in this read when i first heard about it.

chris is our main FMC with a super fiery personality and a no BS tolerance which i absolutely LOVED. hopper is our moody and slightly mysterious MMC who is so unbothered about how the world perceives his image until he meets “his dream girl”.

the first couple of chapters really got me engaged with the storyline however it did drop off a little bit in the middle, but i was immediately hooked back in once the characters started connecting the dots of their original meeting. spice wise, there was a bit of spice in this book. However unlike other novels i’ve read, it wasn’t the main focus of the storyline which made the reading experience a lot more enjoyable.

the character growth between both chris and hopper was so refreshing to read as it was realistic and showed the characters most vulnerable sides. there’s a third act breakup towards the end of the book. i’m usually not a huge fan of that trope but i felt it helped with the storyline’s progression and showed the characters overcoming obstacles on their own that further help with their personal development.

all in all this was a really easy read and i’m so glad i decided to pick up this arc as i haven’t read any works by this author before however this won’t be my last claire wilder book. (and yes i will absolutely be reading the rest of the redbeard cove series!!)

[Amilia Poling · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet book!! I loved these two and how their paths were intertwined without them realizing! I loved Chris’s spunk and how she bounced back after her accident! Watching her fight for herself and come back to life through her banter with Hopper was just so amazing! And Hopper was such a sweet character, despite the rumors about him! Seeing him learn and grow and accept the love and support from Chris was just really beautiful!! I really loved how these two were so supportive of each other, even when they at odds! And their journey in growing together felt very real and raw! Plus the side characters we got were a blast!! I loved how they were woven in so beautifully and both MC’s had such solid support systems around them!! Overall this was a great read, and I highly enjoyed it!! 4.75 stars; 3.25 chili peppers

Tropes:
- Boss x Employee
- Secret Identity
- Forced Proximity
- Enemies to Lovers
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Celebrity Romance

[meghin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Over & Out might be the third book in the Redbeard Cove series, but you can dive into it without reading the others first—and trust me, you’ll be hooked! This story blends sweet small-town charm with some seriously deep feels. On the surface, it’s all witty banter and swoony moments, but underneath there’s real heart and some emotional weight that sneaks up on you in the best way.

Hopper is your classic grumpy guy with hidden layers—cool and quiet on the outside, but a total softie once you get to know him. Chris is pure sunshine, always smiling, but secretly dealing with a lot more than she lets on. Watching these two slowly break down each other’s walls and fall hard was such a treat. Their connection is messy, emotional, and real—and their journey to love is unforgettable.

I couldn’t put it down! Big thanks to Claire and the publisher and NetGalley for the early copy. Happy Pub Day!

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

You annoy me… but also I’m obsessed with you.

If you love your romance with a side of sass, simmering tension, and a movie star who falls harder than a stage light during tech rehearsal, Over & Out might just be your next weekend binge.

Tropes:
🎬 Celebrity x Personal Assistant
✨ Enemies to Lovers
🎬 Verbal Sparring as Flirting
✨ Grumpy x Sunshine
🎬 Forced Proximity
✨ Slooow Burn
🎬 He Falls First. Hard.
✨ Small Town Setting
🎬 Celebrity Romance
✨ “Oops, I Accidentally Caught Feelings”
🎬 Found Family

Rating: 🏍️🏍️🏍️ (3⭐️)
T/W: dirt bike accident (on page), body injury (on page), parental death (referenced)

Christiana (Chris) is a sharp-tongued former motocross racer turned waitress who’s recovering from a life-altering accident and unknowingly already crossed paths with her future boss, the broody, impossibly famous Hopper (yes, I know the name is tough but just trust the process). He’s moody, famous, and allergic to accountability, which makes him the perfect chaos storm to blow into her life when Chris is asked to temporarily fill in as his assistant.

They bicker. They banter. They exchange insults that feel suspiciously like foreplay. And then, whoops, feelings. Hopper is a hot mess of movie star meltdown energy, but once he realizes he’s down bad for Chris? He stays down. The grand gestures, the gravelly declarations, the “I leap out of bed because I might get to see you” line? That man is in the trenches.

Was the pacing perfect? No. Did Hopper make me want to scream into a throw pillow at times? Yes. But this story still managed to be a cozy, low-angst treat. While some plot twists didn’t land quite as hard as they could have, the chemistry was strong enough to keep me flipping pages.

I received an ARC copy and wanted to leave an honest review.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Over & Out is the third book in Claire Wilder’s series (which I highly recommend reading in full!), but it absolutely works as a standalone if you’re jumping in here. The story pairs a dirt bike racer and an actor—an unexpected combo, but wow, it really works.

Both main characters come from difficult backgrounds, each facing unique challenges before the story begins. Watching them grow—not only individually but together—was one of the most rewarding parts of this book. Their chemistry is so natural, and the journey they go on is full of heartfelt moments, sweet banter, and just enough tension to keep you turning pages.

This book is a lovely mix of cute, emotional, and uplifting. Claire Wilder has a gift for crafting characters you can root for, and I truly can’t wait to read more from her.

Thank you to the author for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in this impressive series, and this is Hopper and Chris’ story.
Chris is smart, sassy, and feisty, and she has a dirt bike accident, which destroyed her beloved bike and stole her confidence, and when she becomes the assistant to her temporary boss Hopper, who is an infuriating, and hot tempered, Hollywood heartthrob, as well as being the man who pulled her from the wreckage.
This is a well written easy to read, slow burn story, with emotions, angst, secret identity, enemies / lovers, trauma, grumpy / sunshine, opposites attract, forced proximity, tension, humor, witty banter, revelations, combustible chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and tragic, small-town romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Arc review*

Did I realize this was in a series when I requested it? no (ik shame on me) but I would have never known without checking good reads! It can definitely be read as a standalone and follows the couple of Chris and Hopper. Hopper is the most loveable grumpy golden retriever when in love energy I have ever seen but he was also very mature and just and overall likeable character. Chris I do wish we couldve seen more following her history as I felt that it was kind of spaced out but It wasnt like a main point to the point the book wasnt good or anything. But anyway I digress, this book was fun and emotional at points but I loved the couple and story/plot of it! Thank you again for the arc!

[Isabella Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

“𝙄 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙙𝙙𝙚𝙣 𝙪𝙧𝙜𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙜𝙤 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚, 𝙩𝙤 𝙙𝙧𝙤𝙥 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙮 𝙠𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙗𝙚𝙜 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙢𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙗𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙚.”

This is the 3rd book in the Redbeard Cove Series…you do not have to read the previous ones to understand this one. This story was good. It wasn’t my favorite of the series…I had a hard time connecting with the characters…mainly the MMC. It was definitely a good read though…

This story revolves around Chris our FMC and Hooper our MMC. Chris is recovering from an injury…saved by a mysterious stranger one night…she’s sunshine personified and is thrilled when she gets a call for a job to fill in as a PA for Hooper Donnach…the lead actor in the movie she watched all throughout her recovery.

Hooper…he is broody. Grumpy. Kind of an A hole to be honest. I didn’t love him. He seemed like a giant baby. In the words of Sabrina Carpenter…manchild. And yes…I will be using that song in this review because he fits him perfectly. He’s got a saviour complex. Always out helping people but never wants anyone to know he’s helped them…preferring they think he’s a jerk…which literally makes no sense. The reasoning behind it is trauma from his past. Look. I understand. He’s putting a wall up to keep people out…but some of his behaviour is bizarre and just doesn’t make sense.

When Chris and Hooper meet , Chris is let down, realising the man behind the actor isn’t how she hoped and she actually kind of hates him. Same girl same. They go at each other like cats and dogs which is pretty entertaining to read. Eventually these two start to develop feelings for each other. But Chris is just as guarded as Hooper…keeping her guard up around him and not really comfortable opening up. But Hooper reassures her…makes her believe in him and the possibility of what THEY could be…they share a kiss…and it’s everything she wanted and more. She lets her guard down for him…sharing her life. And what does he do THE VERY NEXT DAY? Ghosts her 😖

Listen…there’s nothing this man could ever do to get back in my good graces after that. I get why Chris was so mad. He ghosts her for over a month then comes back waxing poetic about love??? No. Go away. But…this is fiction…so she forgives him. But I personally think there could have been some more grovelling. His reason for ghosting makes no sense. It’s just a mess.

Like I said…it was a good read. Not my favorite of the series, but you guys might love it and I definitely recommend it 🩷

Thank you so much to Claire Wilder and Greys Promo for the opportunity to ARC read this book 🩷

💜Celebrity Romance
⭐️Enemies to Lovers
💜Grumpy x Sunshine
⭐️Boss x Employee
💜Secret Identity
⭐️Forced Proximity
💜Healing From Trauma
⭐️Slow Burn
💜Found Family
⭐️Banter
💜Workplace Romance
⭐️He Falls First & Hard
💜Famous Actor x Personal Assistant
⭐️Hometown Heroine
💜A Hole Hero
⭐️Tension & Pining
💜Secret Past
⭐️Emotional Healing
💜Dual POV
⭐️HEA

[Jessica Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Over & Out is a book that is completely different than what I’ve read recently… slow burn romance? Yes, of course. However, the way Hopper and Chris meet initially (although both don’t know each other at that time) and then years later, running into each other is something out of this world. This book will have you laughing with the banter between Chris and Hopper, it will have you cry when both have to overcome trauma from their past that’s brought back up, and it will have you hoping that they both hold onto each other tighter than ever during their rollercoaster that has changed their relationship completely.

[Confidentlyinthe.clouds Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was cute.
I had the pleasure of ARC reading it but did feel like it dragged on a bit.

[Hannah Benniman · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5🌟 for me!
Thank you Netgalley for this wonderful ARC. This truly has beautiful, kicking your feet, grinning from ear to ear, moments! I knew within the first chapter that I was going to love this book and I did. I really enjoyed the history and grit of both main characters, I love it when a FMC is strong and has respect for herself. Hopper was the perfect grumpy sunshine with a lump of trauma. The found family is beautiful and I’m on my way to download the other books in this series! #overandout #Netgalley

[claireesbookshelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ this was a really fun and quick read! the banter was REALLY DANG GOOD

[b cozy book lounge · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful and heartfelt read! Huge thanks to Claire Wilder and Grey Promotion for the ARC of Over and Out. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment spent with Chris and Hopper — two characters with difficult pasts who find healing and love in the most unexpected ways.
Chris is a ray of sunshine with a fierce spirit. She loves riding her pink dirt bike, Betty, and competes as an amateur rider. During her practice sessions at the track, she keeps noticing a mysterious guy she nicknames “Dirtface.” He comes and goes without a word, always wearing his helmet, and despite never seeing his face, Chris feels drawn to him.
One day, their paths finally collide — literally. In a competitive moment, Chris pushes herself too hard and ends up in a serious accident. “Dirtface” rescues her and calls an ambulance before disappearing once again. The crash leaves her with a serious shoulder injury, sidelining her from riding indefinitely. During her recovery, she finds comfort in watching The Duke and the Daffodil and rereading her favorite romance novels — a welcome escape during a tough time.
Chris also works at a beachside bar, where one day a beautifully dressed, very pregnant woman named Tru walks in. She’s waiting for someone — and when he arrives, he’s rude, grumpy, and impossible. Chris gives him a taste of his own medicine, only to realize later that he’s none other than Hopper, the actor who plays the Duke — her favorite character from her comfort movies.
Tru offers Chris a position working with Hopper, and after some hesitation, she accepts. From the start, Chris and Hopper clash — he’s moody, closed off, and full of attitude. But as time goes on, Chris begins to see the man behind the gruff exterior. Hopper is protective, deeply caring, and loyal to his team. Though the media paints him as difficult and harsh, Chris sees something very different.
Their banter is laugh-out-loud funny, and the chemistry between them is undeniable. As the layers peel back, we get to see two wounded souls slowly healing and learning to trust again. The emotional moments are touching and sometimes tear-jerking, while the romantic scenes will leave you swooning.
I was completely drawn into their journey — rooting for both Chris and Hopper from the very beginning. Their story is full of warmth, humor, heartache, and ultimately, hope. If you’re a fan of small-town romances with grumpy/sunshine dynamics, layered characters, and a slow-burn love story, this book needs to be on your TBR list. Highly recommended!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️

[Sarah Furlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Claire Wilder book and it DID not disappoint!


Dirtface and Bangles.

Oh this book was so good. I laughed out loud more than once in the beginning with Hooper and Chris. Both such wonderful characters.


Chris is back to work after recovering from a motorcycle accident that had her pretty banged up by. Should she be back to work yet, no she should not. But she is being a stubborn woman and is tried if sitting around home. The day she is back to work she meets a lovely woman named Tru who is sunshine and she breakfast pal is some hung over jerk face who riles up Chris and she gives it back to him. Tru makes her an offer she can’t refuse to work with Hopper for a 3 month time frame as she is going out on maternity leave. Chris is really torn what to do as she can’t stand this man. But she eventually does accept and he is well not happy when he finds out Chris is his new assistant. They are like oil and water, because they are so similar but weeks past and Chris finds she doesn’t hate him as much as she thought because she is getting to know him. She is getting to know the true Hopper no one else gets to see and she is truly falling for this man.


Hopper finally figures out who Chris is and Mabel tells him she can’t tell Chris the truth and Mabel knew who she was the whole freaking time! When I got to this part of the book I wanted to scream at Mabel, Hopper wanted todo right by Chris but then freaking Mabel manipulated him into all these scenarios of what his dad would do when he gets wind of this story telling her the truth. So Hopper listens and just goes on and he is the jerk face he was before now that he has to hold this information from Chris.



Finally Hoppers father shows up and releases the secret that Hopper was planning to tell Chris. That he is the one who put her in the hospital. He’s been in love with her before he knew who he was. Swoon. But no there’s always a sad story before the happy ending.

Chris needs time after coming to fronts with this information and that’s what Hooper gives her. Even though it KILLS both of them during thr weeks they are apart. What finally brings them back together is when Hopper does a tell all and tells the whole world about this dream girl he met. God live them, when they get married where they first met. Chris finally finds her calling with the motorcycle business ride like a girl and Hopper finally helps her back on a bike again.

[Courtney|the.bookcourt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Greys Promotions and Claire Wilder for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review. Another heartwarming small town romance with so many of my favourite tropes.

Three months after an accident left her unable to ride, Chris is trying to get back into the swing of things at her serving job when an a-hole of a customer causes her to get a little (a lot) sassy. There’s nothing she hates more than entitled people who think they are owed everything.
Then the a-hole takes off his bedazzled hat and sunglasses and Chris realizes she’s face to face with Hopper, aka the famous actor who plays her movie and book crush, Duke.
Thats when his assistant offers Chris an offer she can’t afford to lose; take over as his assistant while she has her baby and some well deserved time off. She’ll be compensated extremely well and essentially just has to keep him in line. But this forced proximity creates some palpable tension and soon things that have been hidden will come to light, forcing these two to learn not only how to trust each other, but also themselves.

I devoured this book in a single setting and honestly loved every moment of it. As soon as I read the dedication, I knew this was going to be a good one. Add in all my favourite tropes: enemies to lovers, forced proximity, 30+ year old characters, NO miscommunication (just a little secret keeping), he falls first; and boom, I’m in love.
I adored both our main characters. Chris was such a fun girl with her sass and drive. But also her selflessness was so inspiring.
Hopper was truly her perfect match. The banter combined with all the sweet little things he remembers about her (mandarins and shades of pink), had me swooning. The way these two could just pick up on the subtle things the other did was so sweet.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story and will definitely be checking out the rest of the series to hear more about the other couples.

[Libby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, wait - I LOVED this! I freaking ate. this. up. The mix between comedic relief and serious topics was perfect.

Chris (Christine) & Hopper were so fun. I haven’t read the first two books but you can bet I will be now!

Tropes include: Forbidden romance, boss/employee, secret identity, grumpy/sunshine, enemies to lovers, forced proximity

Let’s start with a few things I loved:
• The BANTER 😍
• Dirt biking?? Um yes 🏍️
• Hopper’s self-esteem ✨glow up✨
• The Duke
• No BS 🐂💩
• Over.

We love growth and support. Chris and Hopper made each other better. They both had parental trauma, although both were very different circumstances. They shared in their own time and were so understanding of one another. Even when Hopper messes up, Chris supports him and doesn’t jump to conclusions. Idk if I, as a real human adult, could even do that. It was really refreshing to read.

We REALLY love a third act /problem/, not a third act breakup. Like, okay maturity 👀 And we still got a grand gesture so who can be mad?

Just a side note - Miles and Dolly?? They didn’t even need to be together on page for you to feel the tension 🥵🪭 Cannot wait for their story!

All in all, I also felt like the story just flowed really well. Even with some flashback stuff and not knowing the other characters from previous books, I still felt like I knew what was going on and I never felt like the book was dragging on for the sake of length.

This was my definition of a perfect epilogue. It highlighted their successes individually, and didn’t solely focus on marriage/babies like every epilogue ever.

So so good. A definite summer read.

The Basics:
Actor 🎭 // Waitress/Assistant 👯‍♀️
1st Person Dual POV
Standalone, but 3rd book in the “Redbeard Cove” series
HEA 🖤 + epilogue
🌶️🌶️.5/5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5


Thank you to NetGalley & Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op for the ARC in exchange for an honest review 🤍

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claire Wilder delivers an emotionally rich, beautifully written romance in Over & Out, the third installment of her Redbeard Cove series. This small-town, beachside romance is packed with sharp wit, sizzling chemistry, and a depth of feeling that lingers long after the final page.

Chris’s journey—from loss and uncertainty to healing and rediscovery—feels raw, relatable, and genuinely earned. Her voice is refreshingly real, and Wilder captures her internal struggle with stunning nuance. The trauma of her accident isn’t just backstory—it shapes every decision, every doubt, and every reluctant hope she begins to feel again.

Enter Hopper Donnach: Hollywood heartthrob, rough-around-the-edges boss, and the last person Chris expects to be thrown into close quarters with. What begins as classic enemies-to-lovers banter soon evolves into something deeper, something tender. Hopper’s complexity—his private grief, his hidden kindness—balances beautifully against Chris’s guarded strength. Their connection simmers with slow-burn intensity, and every moment between them feels earned.

Wilder masterfully blends tropes like grumpy-sunshine, boss-employee tension, and secret identity, but it never feels formulaic. Instead, these elements work together to create a romance that’s heartfelt and grounded. And beneath the surface, the emotional subplot involving Hopper’s father adds an extra layer of poignancy that quietly shapes the entire story.

Over & Out is a standout romance—smart, layered, and utterly swoon-worthy. Whether you’re new to Redbeard Cove or a returning fan, this one is not to be missed.

I received this book for free from Grey's Promotions in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

[Fernanda Giovannini · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly relished every moment of this book, which I finished in one go. I realized this would be amazing the moment I saw the dedication. He collapses initially, incorporates all my beloved clichés (enemies to lovers, forced proximity, characters over thirty, and no misunderstandings—just a bit of secret keeping), and voila—I've fallen for him.

Chris's determination and sarcasm made her very enjoyable. Her selflessness, nonetheless, was just as commendable.

She truly was a perfect match for Hopper. I was amazed by the playful exchanges and all the charming details he remembered about her, such as the pink shades and the mandarins. It was quite charming how these two could effortlessly notice each other's subtle signals.

While Over & Out is the third installment in Claire Wilder's series, which I highly recommend completing, it can be enjoyed as a standalone book for newcomers. A dirt bike racer and an actor are teamed up in the storyline, which is an unusual mix, but it functions effectively.

Prior to the beginning of the narrative, both main characters encounter specific struggles due to their tough upbringings. One of the most rewarding elements of this novel was observing their growth, both individually and as a group. Their chemistry is so genuine, and their adventure is packed with sweet moments, charming exchanges, and just the right amount of tension to keep you flipping through the pages.

This book is a lovely mix of warm, uplifting, and charming. Even though Wilder adeptly uses tropes such as secret identity, boss-employee tension, and grumpy-sunshine, it always feels fresh and original. Instead, these elements unite to create a realistic and genuine connection.

[meli ୨ৎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Over & Out by Claire Wilder completely took me by surprise… and I loved every minute of it.

I went into this book expecting a typical enemies-to-lovers story with a cocky celebrity and a sassy FMC — and yes, it delivered that — but it also gave me so much more: emotional depth, vulnerability, hilarious banter, and a slow-burn chemistry that had me hooked.

Chris is such a relatable character. She's witty, messy, full of attitude but also struggling with self-doubt after an accident that completely changed her life. I adored how real her inner dialogue felt — she hides behind humour, but deep down she's scared and figuring herself out. And don't even get me started on Hopper. A grumpy, stubborn, ridiculously attractive movie star with a messy reputation… but there's way more to him than meets the eye. Their dynamic is pure gold: snarky, electric, full of unresolved tension.

What I loved the most? The build-up. The story takes its time — it's not all steam and insta-love, but rather awkward encounters, miscommunication, and slow trust. It felt organic and satisfying when things finally started happening between them.

The small-town setting, the found family vibes, and Chris’s hilarious banter with her friends added so much charm. Plus, the behind-the-scenes celebrity life? Such a fun element that made the book even more addictive.

Only downside? A few parts felt slightly repetitive, especially the internal monologues, and I would’ve loved an epilogue giving us a glimpse further into their happy ending.

But overall? Over & Out was funny, swoony, emotional, and exactly the kind of enemies-to-lovers romance I love to binge. I can’t wait to read more by Claire Wilder!

thanks to the author and Valentine PR for the arc <3

[Rielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A small town, workplace romance between a celebrity and his assistant filled with sassy banter and mouthwatering tension 🔥🥵

⭐ Rating Criteria ⭐

💜 Plot & Writing Style:

I really enjoyed the plot of this story - it flowed so well that everything just came together perfectly. I loved reading Hopper and Chris' romantic development, and with that, their individual character developments as well.

There’s really not much else I have to say about this. One thing I did want though was a better revelation story for their time on the dirt track - I’m a bit disappointed that we just glossed over that, but everything else made up for it.

💜 Characters:

I don’t usually go for books with celebrity characters, but this one’s an exception because I love Claire Wilder. For Hopper’s character, I just loved him - honestly, his respect for women alone makes him such an amazing character. But, I was also really excited to read this because I thought Chris’ character in Give & Take was fun - the second I read her hating on Dirtface, I knew I had to get my hands on her story next.

That little peek into Chris' character in the previous book already gave me enough anticipation on the banter and tension that would be in this book, and it did not fail me at all. I really enjoyed their back and forth, and how that slowly turned into undeniable attraction ❤️

💜 Overall:

I loved Give & Take, so I already knew I would also love this one ⭐ This was a book I'd been highly anticipating as well 😍 I was introduced to Claire's work because I also signed up for an ARC of Give & Take, so I'm very thankful to Claire and Grey's Promotions for giving me an opportunity to share my honest review of the third book in this series ❤️

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️


This book literally had me screaming and kicking my feet!! I have literally never wanted two characters to be together as badly as I wanted Chris and Hopper to be! If you look up the definition of soulmates in the dictionary their names would be in there. I’ve never seen a man fall so hard for his girl. Hopper didn’t even try to open a parachute when he was falling for Chris. He literally just fell face first and I’m pretty sure everyone in Redbeard Cove heard the fall. If Chris didn’t mention how gorgeous he is over and over again I would have thought he broke his face by not even trying to prepare for the landing.

Chris was possibly my favorite part of the book. I love her character and personality so much. She is so unapologetically herself even when she was down in the dumps after her accident. She definitely wasn’t taking any shit for a grumpy asshole at her table, that’s for sure. I also love how she set ground rules for herself and with Hopper and didn’t bend those when she started falling for him. She knows what is important to her and didn’t let her feelings get in the way of her morals and respect for herself and others.

Both Hopper’s and Chris’s backstories were extremely well done and really showed how their childhood shaped them into who they are today, not just with their trauma but also with how they love and treat other people along with themselves. Hopper’s was very interesting to me because it definitely shows how media can influence certain aspects of someone’s life especially if that someone is in the public eye a lot like an actor or singer. The paparazzi and tabloids love to twists truths to make headlines, even if the story is far from what is actually happening. The author does a very good job at covering different subjects in the book and bringing to light situations that some of us have not experienced and others unfortunately have.

I didn’t know that this book was actually the third book in a series, so it can absolutely be read as a stand-alone. However, I will be reading the other two asap! I loved all the characters so much and I can’t wait to read their stories as well!

I was given an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ★★★★
𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪:

I don’t even know where to begin because my heart is still so full from reading it. This book is one of those stories that sinks deep into your soul and stays there long after you’ve turned the last page. It’s beautiful, absolutely beautiful and I’m not ashamed to admit I literally teared up more than once.

Chris and Hopper’s story is everything I love in a romance: raw and emotional. Chris is strong but broken, trying to find her way back to herself after an accident that took more than just her bike, it took a piece of her spirit. And Hopper…He’s gruff, frustrating, and so much more than the Hollywood heartthrob everyone thinks he is.

The way these two collide…first with anger, then with reluctant understanding, and finally with something so tender it made my chest ache, was perfection.

The chemistry between them is undeniable, but what really got me was the way they saw each other. Chris doesn’t fall for the actor or the tough exterior, she sees the man underneath, the one with scars and secrets and a heart he’s terrified to show. And Hopper? He doesn’t just see the girl who survived the accident…he sees the fighter, the fire, the woman who refuses to stay down. Their connection is messy and complicated and so incredibly worth it.

Claire Wilder has a way of writing that pulls you in and makes you feel every heartbeat, every hesitation, every burst of hope.

Huge thanks to Claire Wilder and Luna literary for the ARC. This story was everything I wanted and so much more.

𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦: Celebrity romance, enemies to lovers, actor mmc/personal assistant fmc, workplace romance, boss/employee, forced proximity

[Jess Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)

Over and Out was my first introduction to Claire Wilder and the Redbeard Cove series, and let me just say, it won’t be my last. This heartfelt smalltown romance caught me by surprise in the best way, compelling me to go back and add the previous books in the series to my TBR.

Wilder delivers a beautiful blend of tropes: there's a hint of second chance romance, workplace tension, some delicious enemies to lovers friction, and an underlying journey of healing. The dynamic between the grumpy MMC and the bold, stubborn FMC hooked me from the start. Their mutual annoyance was the perfect spark for the witty, snappy banter that followed. I especially appreciated the FMC’s unapologetic confidence, she was strong, bold, and held her ground in every interaction.

Despite the fiery tension, this story had an undercurrent of softness and healing that gave it real heart. There were genuinely funny moments too, scenes that had me laughing out loud as I vividly pictured them unfolding. I’m someone who naturally sees stories play out in my head like a movie, so when an author can craft a world that’s easy to connect with visually and emotionally, it makes the experience all the more enjoyable.

This was a quick, easy, and satisfying read—a refreshing palate cleanser between my usual darker romances. While everyone rates books differently, for me this is a solid 4/5. Did I enjoy it? Absolutely. Would I recommend it? Yes, especially to readers who enjoy smalltown charm, complex characters, and well balanced romantic tension. Will I read another Claire Wilder book? Without a doubt.

[Tiffany Vasquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y’ALL. THIS BOOK.
I devoured it like it was the last slice of pizza at a girls’ night in—no regrets, no crumbs, just pure bliss.

This was my first Claire Wilder read and let me tell you, I was hooked faster than a gossip at brunch. From the very beginning, I was giggling, gasping, and kicking my feet like a teenager with a crush. The banter? So sharp it could slice through emotional repression. The emotional beats? Had me feeling things, okay? Like, actual emotions. Rude.

Christine (aka Chris) is our firecracker of a FMC—sassy, snarky, and absolutely not here for your BS. She’s a truth-teller with trauma, but baby, she’s got a heart the size of Texas and she’s not afraid to use it. Hopper, on the other hand, is our grumpy MMC with a jawline carved by the gods and the emotional availability of a soggy cactus… until you realize the man is basically a marshmallow in flannel.

These two? Whew. Trauma bonding, spicy tension, repartee Olympics—the whole romantic buffet. And I was THERE for every messy, glorious second of it.

Their banter? GOLD. Their chemistry? Sizzling. Their emotional growth? Chef’s kiss with tears.

Underneath all the sass and sarcasm, they saw each other—and isn’t that what we’re all looking for in life and literature?

Claire Wilder, you’ve got a new fan. Now excuse me while I go stalk your backlist like a feral bookish trash panda in a romance dumpster.

Over & Out (iykyk)