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Harbour Village #1
I Wish I Knew Then
🧨 Second Chance
🏡 Small Town
🌶 Spicy
Riley Dixon è il primo ragazzo che abbia mai amato.
L’ultimo di cui avrei dovuto fidarmi.
Dieci. Gli anni che sono passati da quando Riley Dixon mi ha spezzato il cuore.
Sette. I giorni che dovremo trascorrere insieme, dato che è il testimone dello sposo al matrimonio della mia migliore amica.
Sei. Gli zero nel suo conto corrente. A quanto pare adesso è un miliardario che si è fatto da solo.
Una. La frase più famosa della nonna.
Perché ormai è chiaro che aveva ragione se fai qualcosa di nascosto, prima o poi verrà alla luce.
***ROMANZO AUTOCONCLUSIVO***
🏡 Small Town
🌶 Spicy
Riley Dixon è il primo ragazzo che abbia mai amato.
L’ultimo di cui avrei dovuto fidarmi.
Dieci. Gli anni che sono passati da quando Riley Dixon mi ha spezzato il cuore.
Sette. I giorni che dovremo trascorrere insieme, dato che è il testimone dello sposo al matrimonio della mia migliore amica.
Sei. Gli zero nel suo conto corrente. A quanto pare adesso è un miliardario che si è fatto da solo.
Una. La frase più famosa della nonna.
Perché ormai è chiaro che aveva ragione se fai qualcosa di nascosto, prima o poi verrà alla luce.
***ROMANZO AUTOCONCLUSIVO***
360 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 20, 2023
1871 people are currently reading
13641 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Peterson
44 books5,020 followersJessica Peterson writes romance with heat, humor, and heart. Heroes with hot accents are her specialty. When she’s not writing, she can be found bellying up to a bar in the south’s best restaurants with her husband Ben, reading books with her adorable daughters Gracie and Madeline, or snuggling up with her 70-pound lap dog, Martha.
A Carolina girl at heart, she fantasizes about splitting her time between Charleston and Asheville, but currently lives in Charlotte, NC.
A Carolina girl at heart, she fantasizes about splitting her time between Charleston and Asheville, but currently lives in Charlotte, NC.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 645 reviews
October 13, 2023
This book was really promising at first. The first 1/4 of the book, I just knew it was gonna be a 5 star book… but then it wasn’t. It got really spicy and dirty, which is fine, but it lacked plot. I felt like I was reading porn without a plot. I got super bored & kept waiting for it to get better, but it just ruined the whole storyline for me.
And the spicy scenes were a little much. It also bothered me that he kept calling her princess & almost talking to her in a way a father would. I hate when books do this. Not everybody has that kink or daddy issues, so when its nonstop, it gets really old. I was cringing at points.
This could’ve been so good, but I feel like the author was trying so hard to make it super spicy that she forgot about the romance and plot.
Sad this one didn’t turn out to be as enjoyable as I thought it would be.
And the spicy scenes were a little much. It also bothered me that he kept calling her princess & almost talking to her in a way a father would. I hate when books do this. Not everybody has that kink or daddy issues, so when its nonstop, it gets really old. I was cringing at points.
This could’ve been so good, but I feel like the author was trying so hard to make it super spicy that she forgot about the romance and plot.
Sad this one didn’t turn out to be as enjoyable as I thought it would be.
March 30, 2025
*EDIT* - I’ve gone on to read Cash and discovered too many similarities in style and content (even something’s that felt like copy and paste) to forgive. This isn’t the author for me.
Original Review:
I love me some raunch. Just look at some of the titles I’ve read. But I need story, too, otherwise it’s just porn and if I wanted porn I have tons of better options on my Kindle.
The story at first was sweet. Teenage star crossed lovers. That first great heartbreak. The ache of longing. A forbidden romance between a rich girl and a boy from the wrong side of town.
*SIGH*
I love a good second chance romance based on this kind of beginning. And it was headed down that road until the sex. Once these two reconnected and “reconnected” *eyebrow waggle* - and this happened pretty early on - they didn’t stop. They bonked like rabbits. To the point the baser story became background noise.
It went from one sex scene to another, sprinkled with some moderate storytelling and plot. Which bugged me mostly because the writing, from a technical standpoint, was decent. It didn’t need all the fevered humping in each chapter. For god’s sake, let these characters heal from all the chafing!
Look, I get what the author was trying to do. But it muddled the story to the point the sex was such a distraction I was skimming those scenes to get to the actual story. If she’d taken out three of those sex scenes and focused the story on developing the relationship, this would be a whole star higher.
Original Review:
I love me some raunch. Just look at some of the titles I’ve read. But I need story, too, otherwise it’s just porn and if I wanted porn I have tons of better options on my Kindle.
The story at first was sweet. Teenage star crossed lovers. That first great heartbreak. The ache of longing. A forbidden romance between a rich girl and a boy from the wrong side of town.
*SIGH*
I love a good second chance romance based on this kind of beginning. And it was headed down that road until the sex. Once these two reconnected and “reconnected” *eyebrow waggle* - and this happened pretty early on - they didn’t stop. They bonked like rabbits. To the point the baser story became background noise.
It went from one sex scene to another, sprinkled with some moderate storytelling and plot. Which bugged me mostly because the writing, from a technical standpoint, was decent. It didn’t need all the fevered humping in each chapter. For god’s sake, let these characters heal from all the chafing!
Look, I get what the author was trying to do. But it muddled the story to the point the sex was such a distraction I was skimming those scenes to get to the actual story. If she’d taken out three of those sex scenes and focused the story on developing the relationship, this would be a whole star higher.
November 12, 2023
2.5 🌟
if you read the first half of this book and the second half separately, you would not know it was from the same book.
seriously.
at first, it started out great. i was excited, intrigued, and ready to dive into what i thought was gonna be a 4/5 star read.
spoiler: it wasn't.
somewhere along the 40% mark, everything started spiralling and going down.
the moment the 2 MCs (riley and Lu) saw each other again, all hopes of a plot or an actual storyline went out the window cause the only thing that was happening was them humping each other. i wish i was kidding.
At some point, i was literally skimming through the pages, HOPING AND PRAYING for something to happen. yet nothing did.
and when something *barely* happened, it was the most predictable, overused storyline.
this is the second book i read by this author, and i started sensing this "trend" in her writing. maybe it's just me, but it's just not my cup of tea. sorry.
if you read the first half of this book and the second half separately, you would not know it was from the same book.
seriously.
at first, it started out great. i was excited, intrigued, and ready to dive into what i thought was gonna be a 4/5 star read.
spoiler: it wasn't.
somewhere along the 40% mark, everything started spiralling and going down.
the moment the 2 MCs (riley and Lu) saw each other again, all hopes of a plot or an actual storyline went out the window cause the only thing that was happening was them humping each other. i wish i was kidding.
At some point, i was literally skimming through the pages, HOPING AND PRAYING for something to happen. yet nothing did.
and when something *barely* happened, it was the most predictable, overused storyline.
this is the second book i read by this author, and i started sensing this "trend" in her writing. maybe it's just me, but it's just not my cup of tea. sorry.
October 12, 2023
Rating: 4 stars ⭐️
Tropes:
enemies to lovers 🔥
forced proximity ✨
second chance ❤️
small town 🏘️
This was an incredible second chance, small town romance!
I was really surprised by this author. The story was really well written and it was also emotional, which I loved.
It’s the first book in her new "The Harbour Village" series and I can’t wait to read the second story about Maren and Tuck! ❤️
I suggest to go in blind to have the best reading experience.
Riley and Lu’s story is definitely worth the read! 🫶🏻
Thank you to Valentine PR, Jessica Peterson and the publisher for providing me with this copy. All opinions are my own.
Tropes:
enemies to lovers 🔥
forced proximity ✨
second chance ❤️
small town 🏘️
This was an incredible second chance, small town romance!
I was really surprised by this author. The story was really well written and it was also emotional, which I loved.
It’s the first book in her new "The Harbour Village" series and I can’t wait to read the second story about Maren and Tuck! ❤️
I suggest to go in blind to have the best reading experience.
Riley and Lu’s story is definitely worth the read! 🫶🏻
Thank you to Valentine PR, Jessica Peterson and the publisher for providing me with this copy. All opinions are my own.
September 25, 2023
This was such an amazing start to a new series, if you like swoony small town stories with a Southern twist this was sooo good. Lu and Riley fell hard and fast for each other one summer when they were teenagers until summer came to an end and Riley dumped Lu without warning. Fast forward ten years and she’s back in town for her friend’s wedding and Riley is the best man. So a great set up with second chance, a little bit of enemies to lovers and of course some small town charm. The setting was so beautiful and well described and I loved the inclusion of so much delicious sounding food making every about Bald Head Island just feel so idyllic. Lu was a fantastic heroine but Riley was the ultimate book boyfriend, he’s patient and super sweet yet determined to win Lu back and goes out of his way to make her feel comfortable and safe. Their connection is undeniable and their chemistry was insanely hot, this was one sexy read. Adored it and I’m gonna need book two asap after that final chapter
January 22, 2024
This book really has a lot of 5 star reviews. Are they all ARC reviews? I can’t always trust those.
I’m at 46%, first sex scene just happened and I have a whole lotta issues with the up until now point. Many unanswered questions, and also things that just irritate me.
1. He calls her Lu because that is what she went by when they dated 10 years ago. She keeps telling him to call her Louise b/c that is what she goes by now. He ignored that request and keeps calling her Lu saying ‘You will always be Lu to me.’ -this is so disrespectful. If you can’t even call a woman by the name she prefers, do you really deserve redemption? I mean you aren’t even respecting the simple request of what to call her. This is a pet peeve of mine when reading a book.
2. The H broke up with the h after dating for 3 months over text and said he cheated on her. He would not answer her texts or calls. This is disrespectful instance #2. Why did he get to call the shots and not let her get closure or talk it out? Why could he date her all summer but she leaves and he can’t date her because they might be found out? She’s at college though…
2a. He tells her he didn’t cheat on her. She doesn’t ask for proof. Someone tells me they cheated? I want proof it didn’t happen. Especially after she was cheated on again. Spoiler alert: if a parent or grandparent tells you to stay away? Do you really listen in the long run, or do you still try to communicate and work it out?
3. Ummm, he steals her ideas and recipes and creates a restaurant. Might be ok if he actually deeded the thing to her? Why wouldn’t he consult her when he created restaurant to see if age would be interested in hearing it and he would be a silent investor? If he REALLY cared for her LIKE he says he does, wouldn’t he do that?
So much disrespect going on here. I don’t know that I could get over this and there really being no grovel, or her making him grovel has made me lose interest.
She’s wishy washy and just falls into his bed because he’s a hot boy richer than her now. I mean she even said no kissing and then she kisses him in the first smut scene. WTF. Grow a backbone.
First part was somewhat entertaining, but I don’t really know if the coward deserved redemption; because that’s what he was. If he’d cared about her, he would have communicated and had discussions somewhere in those 10 years…
I’m at 46%, first sex scene just happened and I have a whole lotta issues with the up until now point. Many unanswered questions, and also things that just irritate me.
1. He calls her Lu because that is what she went by when they dated 10 years ago. She keeps telling him to call her Louise b/c that is what she goes by now. He ignored that request and keeps calling her Lu saying ‘You will always be Lu to me.’ -this is so disrespectful. If you can’t even call a woman by the name she prefers, do you really deserve redemption? I mean you aren’t even respecting the simple request of what to call her. This is a pet peeve of mine when reading a book.
2. The H broke up with the h after dating for 3 months over text and said he cheated on her. He would not answer her texts or calls. This is disrespectful instance #2. Why did he get to call the shots and not let her get closure or talk it out? Why could he date her all summer but she leaves and he can’t date her because they might be found out? She’s at college though…
2a. He tells her he didn’t cheat on her. She doesn’t ask for proof. Someone tells me they cheated? I want proof it didn’t happen. Especially after she was cheated on again. Spoiler alert: if a parent or grandparent tells you to stay away? Do you really listen in the long run, or do you still try to communicate and work it out?
3. Ummm, he steals her ideas and recipes and creates a restaurant. Might be ok if he actually deeded the thing to her? Why wouldn’t he consult her when he created restaurant to see if age would be interested in hearing it and he would be a silent investor? If he REALLY cared for her LIKE he says he does, wouldn’t he do that?
So much disrespect going on here. I don’t know that I could get over this and there really being no grovel, or her making him grovel has made me lose interest.
She’s wishy washy and just falls into his bed because he’s a hot boy richer than her now. I mean she even said no kissing and then she kisses him in the first smut scene. WTF. Grow a backbone.
First part was somewhat entertaining, but I don’t really know if the coward deserved redemption; because that’s what he was. If he’d cared about her, he would have communicated and had discussions somewhere in those 10 years…
May 14, 2024
Riley Dixon is perfection! I Wish I Knew Then by Jessica Peterson was a sweet and swoony small-town second-chance romance that completely stole my heart from start to finish. As a fellow North Carolina girlie, I love that Jessica sets her books here. This time we travel to the North Carolina coast to Bald Head Island, a small, cozy island where everybody knows everybody. Riley and Lu’s journey to HEA is full of revealing secrets, learning to fall in love again, heartfelt moments, finding your passion, and the SPICE! I loved Lu’s tenacity, and strength to stand her ground, finally give in to her desires, and go after what she truly wanted in life. Riley Dixon is one dreamy, selfless, and charismatic lover. His willingness to always put Lu first made my heart melt. (Swoon!) Plus, the pent-up longing and sexual tension between these two after being separated for ten years is HOT and explosive when they give in to temptation.
Overall, I loved this book. If you are a fan of a small-town second chance romance with a hot hunky hero trying to prove his worth, a brave heroine who finally decides to go after her dreams, carefree coastal life, a best friend’s wedding, steamy yacht times, sharing your love, Dolly Parton, a golden retriever named Tom, all the delicious southern cuisine, cookbook ambitions, beach spice, and a HEA that will sail away with your heart, then you will love Riley and Lu’s story. I always look forward to more from Jessica Peterson.
✨ Audio Review ✨
Riley Dixon is even more perfection in audio! I Wish I Knew Then by Jessica Peterson was a sweet and swoony small-town second-chance romance that completely stole my heart from start to finish. Charlotte North and Austin Stone perform this audiobook in dual narration, and both fully embody their characters. (which made this NC girlie happy.) Charlotte’s raspy southern drawl was just the right voice to capture Lu’s sassy, determined, and feisty demeanor. Austine Stone is a new to me narrator. I loved his warm, rich southern tone that captured Riley’s charismatic, loving, and selfless persona so handsomely. Plus, both narrators conveyed Lu and Riley’s pent-up longing and explosive sexual tension that will burn up your earbuds. It’s HOT!
Overall, I loved this book. If you are a fan of a small-town second chance romance with a hot hunky hero trying to prove his worth, a brave heroine who finally decides to go after her dreams, carefree coastal life, a best friend’s wedding, steamy yacht times, sharing your love, Dolly Parton, a golden retriever named Tom, all the delicious southern cuisine, cookbook ambitions, beach spice, and a HEA that will sail away with your heart, then you will love Riley and Lu’s story. I always look forward to more from Jessica Peterson.
✨ Audio Review ✨
Riley Dixon is even more perfection in audio! I Wish I Knew Then by Jessica Peterson was a sweet and swoony small-town second-chance romance that completely stole my heart from start to finish. Charlotte North and Austin Stone perform this audiobook in dual narration, and both fully embody their characters. (which made this NC girlie happy.) Charlotte’s raspy southern drawl was just the right voice to capture Lu’s sassy, determined, and feisty demeanor. Austine Stone is a new to me narrator. I loved his warm, rich southern tone that captured Riley’s charismatic, loving, and selfless persona so handsomely. Plus, both narrators conveyed Lu and Riley’s pent-up longing and explosive sexual tension that will burn up your earbuds. It’s HOT!
October 5, 2023
My first book by Jessica and I am hooked!! I Wish I Knew Then is the start of her newest series, Harbor Village, and a perfect book for new readers to Jessica.
I don't even know where to start this review. The characters, the town, the writing – it was all so perfect.
I want to live in Harbor Village and have all these characters be my neighbors. I love their camaraderie, their appreciation for one another and the all-around support they have. GAH!! I loved it all.
Riley and Lu met one summer when Riley's mom worked for Lu's family. They are from completely different backgrounds and yet that did not stop them from falling in love with one another. Bad decisions are made and it's ten years before they meet again, unexpectedly. But the flames and chemistry are still there and burning hot!!
Jessica truly knows how to write a slow burn that is blazing hot! I could not get enough of Riley and Lu. These two have a lot to work through but sometimes love does conquer all. And let me know tell, these two do not hold back on when it comes to one another in so many ways. The spice is WOW!!
I loved, loved this story. I loved Riley and Lu's love and I loved their passion for one another. And I absolutely adore this town and it's inhabitants. I cannot wait to read more from this series.
I don't even know where to start this review. The characters, the town, the writing – it was all so perfect.
I want to live in Harbor Village and have all these characters be my neighbors. I love their camaraderie, their appreciation for one another and the all-around support they have. GAH!! I loved it all.
Riley and Lu met one summer when Riley's mom worked for Lu's family. They are from completely different backgrounds and yet that did not stop them from falling in love with one another. Bad decisions are made and it's ten years before they meet again, unexpectedly. But the flames and chemistry are still there and burning hot!!
Jessica truly knows how to write a slow burn that is blazing hot! I could not get enough of Riley and Lu. These two have a lot to work through but sometimes love does conquer all. And let me know tell, these two do not hold back on when it comes to one another in so many ways. The spice is WOW!!
I loved, loved this story. I loved Riley and Lu's love and I loved their passion for one another. And I absolutely adore this town and it's inhabitants. I cannot wait to read more from this series.
July 9, 2024
I Wish I Knew Then by Jessica Peterson 🌅
I had the best time with this book! The setting was so much fun with it being in a coastal small town. I adored how the second chance aspect of this played out and I wasn't expecting how spicy this book was going to get, but absolutely not complaining about that! I need a Riley Dixon in my life.
Lu and Riley had dated one summer when they were eighteen and were each others first everything. When the end of the summer came and Riley unexpectedly broke up with Lu over a text message she was heart broken. Since the summer was spent at her grandparents house in a small coastal town, she has avoided going back to help not bring up memories. When she returns to be the maid of honor in her best friends wedding she had plans of doing what she needed, seeing her family, and getting out of there. She didn't expect to see Riley the second she got off the ferry and definitely didn't expect Riley to be the best man. Riley continue to surprise her when she realizes he is so intertwined with the town. He's connected with everyone and even owns some buildings. As they are forced to spend a week together for the wedding, they have long overdue conversations about why their relationship ended the way it did and whether anything can happen between them in the future.
This book is perfect for when you are in the mood for a relatively low stakes, high spice romance. My man Riley was prepared to grovel to win Lu back. I won't spoil what he does, but he sure had me swooning with what he did. There was so much pent up tension between them that as soon as they spent a short period of time alone together she has an "oh crap" sort of moment realizing that she can't resist him and hold the grudge. The chemistry between them was hot and we get plenty of spicy moments to savor it.
I am absolutely hooked on this series and can't wait to read more.
❤️ second chance romance
💵 millionaire / billionaire
🌊 coastal small town
👥 forced proximity
🐶 includes a dog
dual POV
5/5 stars ⭐️
3/5 spice level 🌶️
I had the best time with this book! The setting was so much fun with it being in a coastal small town. I adored how the second chance aspect of this played out and I wasn't expecting how spicy this book was going to get, but absolutely not complaining about that! I need a Riley Dixon in my life.
Lu and Riley had dated one summer when they were eighteen and were each others first everything. When the end of the summer came and Riley unexpectedly broke up with Lu over a text message she was heart broken. Since the summer was spent at her grandparents house in a small coastal town, she has avoided going back to help not bring up memories. When she returns to be the maid of honor in her best friends wedding she had plans of doing what she needed, seeing her family, and getting out of there. She didn't expect to see Riley the second she got off the ferry and definitely didn't expect Riley to be the best man. Riley continue to surprise her when she realizes he is so intertwined with the town. He's connected with everyone and even owns some buildings. As they are forced to spend a week together for the wedding, they have long overdue conversations about why their relationship ended the way it did and whether anything can happen between them in the future.
This book is perfect for when you are in the mood for a relatively low stakes, high spice romance. My man Riley was prepared to grovel to win Lu back. I won't spoil what he does, but he sure had me swooning with what he did. There was so much pent up tension between them that as soon as they spent a short period of time alone together she has an "oh crap" sort of moment realizing that she can't resist him and hold the grudge. The chemistry between them was hot and we get plenty of spicy moments to savor it.
I am absolutely hooked on this series and can't wait to read more.
❤️ second chance romance
💵 millionaire / billionaire
🌊 coastal small town
👥 forced proximity
🐶 includes a dog
dual POV
5/5 stars ⭐️
3/5 spice level 🌶️
March 29, 2025
no plot and boring as hell … it’s basically just smut. they were together before 50% of the book and it was like ok now what ????
May 8, 2024
listened to this on audio and had so much fun the narrators did such a good job!!
this book is SO cute!! the perfect summer romance with found family and second chance vibes! also the setting was perfect i literally want to spend my summers on bald head island, it had all the summer vibes & cutest aesthetic
in the beginning lu & riley had SO much tension. there was a lot of history between them and a lot of hurt feelings but also undeniable chemistry and attraction. i loved seeing riley shake things up for lu and help her feel comfortable in her own skin again. he kept her dreams alive even when she had forgotten them.
once things heated up boy didn’t get spicy! i loved the balance of spice and plot and felt like these characters truly cared so deeply about each other!
so looking forward to reading books 2 & 3 and continuing the series!
this book is SO cute!! the perfect summer romance with found family and second chance vibes! also the setting was perfect i literally want to spend my summers on bald head island, it had all the summer vibes & cutest aesthetic
in the beginning lu & riley had SO much tension. there was a lot of history between them and a lot of hurt feelings but also undeniable chemistry and attraction. i loved seeing riley shake things up for lu and help her feel comfortable in her own skin again. he kept her dreams alive even when she had forgotten them.
once things heated up boy didn’t get spicy! i loved the balance of spice and plot and felt like these characters truly cared so deeply about each other!
so looking forward to reading books 2 & 3 and continuing the series!
October 5, 2023
If I could I would give this book more than 5 stars. This story hooked me from the very start and it was hard to put down.
I could feel the love between Lu and Riley and when I see that years later Lu is nursing a broken heart from someone other than Riley my heart sank. I couldn’t understand how these two were not still together. Jessica set this story up though in a perfect way because we get our answer not too long after and the reunion between Riley and Lu had me laughing but holding on to hope that the love was still there.
I was smitten with the fact that fate brought these two together and I loved that Riley wasted no time is letting Lu know that he messed up before and he wasn’t going to do that again.
Riley is one heck of a book boyfriend because this man pulled out all the stops. The way he loved Lu and encouraged her but also….the way he controlled her in the bedroom whew I was a flustered hot mess but I loved every word.
This has got to be one of my fave couples that Jessica has written. I couldn’t get enough of these two and can’t wait to see more of them hopefully in future books.
I could feel the love between Lu and Riley and when I see that years later Lu is nursing a broken heart from someone other than Riley my heart sank. I couldn’t understand how these two were not still together. Jessica set this story up though in a perfect way because we get our answer not too long after and the reunion between Riley and Lu had me laughing but holding on to hope that the love was still there.
I was smitten with the fact that fate brought these two together and I loved that Riley wasted no time is letting Lu know that he messed up before and he wasn’t going to do that again.
Riley is one heck of a book boyfriend because this man pulled out all the stops. The way he loved Lu and encouraged her but also….the way he controlled her in the bedroom whew I was a flustered hot mess but I loved every word.
This has got to be one of my fave couples that Jessica has written. I couldn’t get enough of these two and can’t wait to see more of them hopefully in future books.
October 31, 2023
5🌟 2.5🌶️
I was not expecting to love this as much as I did! But I was very pleasantly surprised!
A second chance romance done perfectly. I loved all of the characters! Including the side characters, who I’m excited to see get there own book.
Riley just from the jump has it so bad for Lu, he never got over her. Never moved on. You find out so much about what he’s done in the time they’ve been apart, and it just makes your heart ache for him. He’s always supported Lu and her dreams and he stopped at nothing to help her achieve them, even when they weren’t together. Their banter and chemistry was so good! Plus the spicy scenes were so hot. 🥵
Lu was a great fmc! Man does that chick have a backbone lol. She is not afraid to speak her mind and tell Riley off. What I loved most about those moments, was that Riley knew how to handle her. He knew what she needed, and he always did.
I can’t say a whole lot about the plot without giving away the goodies and secrets that are sprinkled in throughout the book. You find these things out along the journey of the book and it just adds so much to the whole story of Riley and Lu. But just know, this book is so worth your time.
I was not expecting to love this as much as I did! But I was very pleasantly surprised!
A second chance romance done perfectly. I loved all of the characters! Including the side characters, who I’m excited to see get there own book.
Riley just from the jump has it so bad for Lu, he never got over her. Never moved on. You find out so much about what he’s done in the time they’ve been apart, and it just makes your heart ache for him. He’s always supported Lu and her dreams and he stopped at nothing to help her achieve them, even when they weren’t together. Their banter and chemistry was so good! Plus the spicy scenes were so hot. 🥵
Lu was a great fmc! Man does that chick have a backbone lol. She is not afraid to speak her mind and tell Riley off. What I loved most about those moments, was that Riley knew how to handle her. He knew what she needed, and he always did.
I can’t say a whole lot about the plot without giving away the goodies and secrets that are sprinkled in throughout the book. You find these things out along the journey of the book and it just adds so much to the whole story of Riley and Lu. But just know, this book is so worth your time.
October 31, 2023
A steamy swoony southern kinda love story
This delightful new series from Jessica Peterson, Harbour Village, begins with I Wish I Knew Then. If I didn’t already know and love Jessica’s writing, I would definitely read this book just because the cover is so beautiful (yes, I can’t help but pick books by their covers, and wine from their labels).
This book, and Riley and Lu’s love, is romantic, beautiful, and inevitable. They are magic together. Steamy and swoony. Le sigh… Young lovers torn apart, but seeing each other again for a wedding they are both in, makes the ten years they’ve been apart disappear.
Riley, a self-made billionaire, is now King of Harbour Village, if not Bald Island (a real place that Peterson obviously loves so much it makes me want to visit). Lu hasn’t been back to her family summer home since their breakup, but it’s like they never parted and they are powerless to resist each other. Riley has always loved Lu, and his gentleness with her (everywhere but in the bedroom) makes my marshmallow heart absolutely melt.
I loved the kindness of their characters, their love of food and of each other (obviously!) and how Lu (Louise) especially, moves back into her skin again after being someone she’s not for her entire life, except for the one summer they were together.
I also really appreciate how their drama is resolved. No need for a big break up when you’re powerless to resist the love of your life. Instead, there is grace and space allowed for Lu to trust Riley is her one true love. Riley is sure in his love (always has been), but as hard as it is, he recognizes Lu needs to fully embrace who she was becoming, but left behind when they were torn apart.
I loved this book! I’m so glad I got to be a part of Jessica Peterson’s ARC team and I hope you love this book as much as I did.
This delightful new series from Jessica Peterson, Harbour Village, begins with I Wish I Knew Then. If I didn’t already know and love Jessica’s writing, I would definitely read this book just because the cover is so beautiful (yes, I can’t help but pick books by their covers, and wine from their labels).
This book, and Riley and Lu’s love, is romantic, beautiful, and inevitable. They are magic together. Steamy and swoony. Le sigh… Young lovers torn apart, but seeing each other again for a wedding they are both in, makes the ten years they’ve been apart disappear.
Riley, a self-made billionaire, is now King of Harbour Village, if not Bald Island (a real place that Peterson obviously loves so much it makes me want to visit). Lu hasn’t been back to her family summer home since their breakup, but it’s like they never parted and they are powerless to resist each other. Riley has always loved Lu, and his gentleness with her (everywhere but in the bedroom) makes my marshmallow heart absolutely melt.
I loved the kindness of their characters, their love of food and of each other (obviously!) and how Lu (Louise) especially, moves back into her skin again after being someone she’s not for her entire life, except for the one summer they were together.
I also really appreciate how their drama is resolved. No need for a big break up when you’re powerless to resist the love of your life. Instead, there is grace and space allowed for Lu to trust Riley is her one true love. Riley is sure in his love (always has been), but as hard as it is, he recognizes Lu needs to fully embrace who she was becoming, but left behind when they were torn apart.
I loved this book! I’m so glad I got to be a part of Jessica Peterson’s ARC team and I hope you love this book as much as I did.
August 27, 2023
4.25 rounding up!!! I had so much fun reading this one! Lu and Riley are so tender but also so hot like damn! I’ll post more closer to release day!!
October 8, 2023
Excuse me while I swoon extra hard. And sweat profusely, as it was also extra hot. Not sure I buy everything in this romance, but I loved the couple and their relationship.
It’s second chance, and that’s where my main problem is. It’s been ten years since Riley broke up with Louise, and he’s loved her ever since, and even tried to win her back… while sleeping with other girls. Don’t get me wrong, I can totally believe it, but it’s still a thing I read often in romance that makes me wince. Personal peeve.
Setting this aside, I enjoyed their story. I loved how they give each other purpose–she’s the reason why he did everything he did, and he offers her to make her dreams come true. And it was already the case at eighteen. They were made for each other, but life, and people, got in the way. The fact that they acknowledge the time they wasted not being together, and that they hold people accountable, was nice too. You don’t mess with Lu and Riley.
And the chemistry! They were hot and dirty together. It wasn’t full on kinky, but nothing vanilla between them either. As they do with every other aspects of their life, Riley and Lu push each other to try new things, to accept who they are and what they want, and are so comfortable with each other that they feel no shame. It might be the sexiest book this author wrote.
Also, the setting was great. They reunite during their friends’ wedding, so it was super romantic. Every moment of the celebration is another opportunity to show the other who they’ve become. Okay, especially Riley, who’s out to win Lu back. By helping the bride and groom, he shows Lu how reliable and generous he is. Far from the image he left her with when he broke up with her. Well done, Riley.
The small town atmosphere was absolutely delicious. It was an essential element of the story. Riley kind of built the community; they all come together when needed; they’re welcoming and friendly. There’s no outsider on Bald Head Island. And there aren’t many secrets either.
It was a great first installment in a new series. And as many hints were given at the content of the next books, I can’t wait!
Quickie
- Series: Harbor Village #1 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #small town romance #second chance romance #billionaire romance
- Triggers: mention of alcohol abuse, mention of depression, cheating
- Main couple: Louise Gibbes & Riley Dixon
- Hotness: 5/5
- Romance: 4/5
- + the chemistry was OFF THE CHARTS
- – I can’t buy the I’ve loved you for ten years but slept with other people mindset
It’s second chance, and that’s where my main problem is. It’s been ten years since Riley broke up with Louise, and he’s loved her ever since, and even tried to win her back… while sleeping with other girls. Don’t get me wrong, I can totally believe it, but it’s still a thing I read often in romance that makes me wince. Personal peeve.
Setting this aside, I enjoyed their story. I loved how they give each other purpose–she’s the reason why he did everything he did, and he offers her to make her dreams come true. And it was already the case at eighteen. They were made for each other, but life, and people, got in the way. The fact that they acknowledge the time they wasted not being together, and that they hold people accountable, was nice too. You don’t mess with Lu and Riley.
And the chemistry! They were hot and dirty together. It wasn’t full on kinky, but nothing vanilla between them either. As they do with every other aspects of their life, Riley and Lu push each other to try new things, to accept who they are and what they want, and are so comfortable with each other that they feel no shame. It might be the sexiest book this author wrote.
Also, the setting was great. They reunite during their friends’ wedding, so it was super romantic. Every moment of the celebration is another opportunity to show the other who they’ve become. Okay, especially Riley, who’s out to win Lu back. By helping the bride and groom, he shows Lu how reliable and generous he is. Far from the image he left her with when he broke up with her. Well done, Riley.
The small town atmosphere was absolutely delicious. It was an essential element of the story. Riley kind of built the community; they all come together when needed; they’re welcoming and friendly. There’s no outsider on Bald Head Island. And there aren’t many secrets either.
It was a great first installment in a new series. And as many hints were given at the content of the next books, I can’t wait!
Quickie
- Series: Harbor Village #1 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #small town romance #second chance romance #billionaire romance
- Triggers: mention of alcohol abuse, mention of depression, cheating
- Main couple: Louise Gibbes & Riley Dixon
- Hotness: 5/5
- Romance: 4/5
- + the chemistry was OFF THE CHARTS
- – I can’t buy the I’ve loved you for ten years but slept with other people mindset
September 28, 2023
The swoon factor for this new series was turned up for this series and I’m all about it! “I Wish I Knew Then” is a swoony, steamy and emotional second chance romance and I’m so in love with the Harbor Village series.
It’s been 10 years since Lu has been back in Harbor Village where she would spend the summer with her cousins and grandparents. But the last time she was there, her heart was broken by the boy who thought he wasn’t good enough for her. Riley Dixon has been working to better his life while still living in Harbor Village. Lu is back to be at her best friend’s wedding and Riley is the best man. There are a lot of unresolved feelings and a strong connection between them.
This was such a steamy and amazing start to the new series. I loved the tension between Lu and Riley after they first met in person again. Both were hurt from their summer together and both had to work at what those feelings mean when they are back in the same area together. Lu is smart and independent but had been living behind a wall in other life after college. I love that she was able to come back to Harbor Village and find her happy again. And Riley, man on man, he is a dream. He made something of himself not only for Lu but for him. And he was not afraid to fight for Lu once she came back. The steamy scenes were turned up a notch on the steamy scale and I was living for them. Riley had always been Lu’s biggest supporter and it shined throughout the story. Lu’s Aunt Lady was hilarious and I loved her in this book. The ending was so good and I can’t wait for the next book.
It’s been 10 years since Lu has been back in Harbor Village where she would spend the summer with her cousins and grandparents. But the last time she was there, her heart was broken by the boy who thought he wasn’t good enough for her. Riley Dixon has been working to better his life while still living in Harbor Village. Lu is back to be at her best friend’s wedding and Riley is the best man. There are a lot of unresolved feelings and a strong connection between them.
This was such a steamy and amazing start to the new series. I loved the tension between Lu and Riley after they first met in person again. Both were hurt from their summer together and both had to work at what those feelings mean when they are back in the same area together. Lu is smart and independent but had been living behind a wall in other life after college. I love that she was able to come back to Harbor Village and find her happy again. And Riley, man on man, he is a dream. He made something of himself not only for Lu but for him. And he was not afraid to fight for Lu once she came back. The steamy scenes were turned up a notch on the steamy scale and I was living for them. Riley had always been Lu’s biggest supporter and it shined throughout the story. Lu’s Aunt Lady was hilarious and I loved her in this book. The ending was so good and I can’t wait for the next book.
October 5, 2023
If you’re in the mood for a sweet low angst warm hug filled book, this is the one for you. Welcome to Bald Head Island and their summer residents. This is a great escape with a crazy cast of characters and second chance romance between Lu and Riley. Lu is back on the island after 10 years for her BFFs shotgun wedding and Riley is the one that got away and has worked hard to become a better more successful man. I took one star away because there is a particular spicy scene that just felt, forced? Like it didn’t belong. But other than that this book was lovely and I can want to meet Tuck and Maren.
~Paige💜
~Paige💜
November 8, 2024
I am such a sucker for second chance, and I absolutely loved this one!! Harbor Village is a new favorite small town of mine, I loved the descriptive writing and atmosphere Jessica created, the characters, and everything else that came along with them. Riley and Lu are absolutely adorable, and the rekindling of their relationship, and the enemies to lovers vibes, were incredible.
Austin Stone performing as Riley made the character even more swoonworthy if that’s possible. I love listening to Austin, he’s one of my favorites! And Charlotte North embodied everything I would envision Lu to be. Their southern tones together were the perfect pair!! I’m so excited to listen to them in the next one!
Austin Stone performing as Riley made the character even more swoonworthy if that’s possible. I love listening to Austin, he’s one of my favorites! And Charlotte North embodied everything I would envision Lu to be. Their southern tones together were the perfect pair!! I’m so excited to listen to them in the next one!
December 19, 2023
Sorry, it started really good but after the main couple reconnected, everything went downhill, I mean everything became a sex scene and that was really boring after a while, they forgot about the background story, and even the lengthy descriptions from the wedding were tiresome.
January 23, 2024
I wish I knew before I started this book how cringe and terrible the writing would be. I did not finish this one. It's poorly written porn.
Don't get me wrong, I love spicy smut. But I prefer my smut to have a decent storyline. This ain't it.
Don't get me wrong, I love spicy smut. But I prefer my smut to have a decent storyline. This ain't it.
October 31, 2023
Rating: ☆☆☆☆ Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
Angst: 💔💔💔
Cliffhanger? ❌️
Do I recommend it? ✔️
Tropes: Contemporary romance, boy falls first, boy obsessed, city girl/country boy, enemies to lovers, first love, forbidden romance, opposite sides of the track, opposites attract, second chance, small town
Louise's grandmother has a saying: what’s done in the dark always comes to light, especially in small towns with big secrets. And Lu was hiding the biggest secret of them all. Every summer she spent growing up at her grandparents’ coastal estate was the same. There were the same cousins, same chaos, and the same long golf cart rides along the beach. But everything changed the summer she turned eighteen, when her grandparents’ new housekeeper moved in with her son, Riley. With his big personality and head-turning looks, he was the local heartthrob. They fell in love instantly. Riley was her first everything. First love. First time. And her first heartbreak when he dumped her at the end of the summer. Ten years later, she's back on the island for her best friend’s wedding as her maid of honor. Who’s the first person she literally stumbles into? Riley Dixon. Even worse? He’s the groom’s best man and a self-made billionaire to boot. Being forced to spend an entire week together for wedding festivities quickly leads to more, including hot hate sex, late nights of sneaking out, and unexpected revelations. The boy she knew a decade ago is gone, and the hate becomes something else entirely. And she begins to wonder if Riley is hiding some secrets of his own.
As soon as I saw where the setting for this book was taking place, I jumped at the chance to read it. I grew up on the coast of North Carolina. Riley and Lu's journey was everything I love about second chance romance. My heart ached for the pain each one endured, but I understood the anger as well. But fate will have its way. This author knows how to write an emotional story that I felt with every beat of my heart. There were moments when I struggled to maintain my attention, but in the end, I was happy I stuck it out. I definitely recommend giving this read a try. This is my honest opinion, freely given.
Angst: 💔💔💔
Cliffhanger? ❌️
Do I recommend it? ✔️
Tropes: Contemporary romance, boy falls first, boy obsessed, city girl/country boy, enemies to lovers, first love, forbidden romance, opposite sides of the track, opposites attract, second chance, small town
Louise's grandmother has a saying: what’s done in the dark always comes to light, especially in small towns with big secrets. And Lu was hiding the biggest secret of them all. Every summer she spent growing up at her grandparents’ coastal estate was the same. There were the same cousins, same chaos, and the same long golf cart rides along the beach. But everything changed the summer she turned eighteen, when her grandparents’ new housekeeper moved in with her son, Riley. With his big personality and head-turning looks, he was the local heartthrob. They fell in love instantly. Riley was her first everything. First love. First time. And her first heartbreak when he dumped her at the end of the summer. Ten years later, she's back on the island for her best friend’s wedding as her maid of honor. Who’s the first person she literally stumbles into? Riley Dixon. Even worse? He’s the groom’s best man and a self-made billionaire to boot. Being forced to spend an entire week together for wedding festivities quickly leads to more, including hot hate sex, late nights of sneaking out, and unexpected revelations. The boy she knew a decade ago is gone, and the hate becomes something else entirely. And she begins to wonder if Riley is hiding some secrets of his own.
As soon as I saw where the setting for this book was taking place, I jumped at the chance to read it. I grew up on the coast of North Carolina. Riley and Lu's journey was everything I love about second chance romance. My heart ached for the pain each one endured, but I understood the anger as well. But fate will have its way. This author knows how to write an emotional story that I felt with every beat of my heart. There were moments when I struggled to maintain my attention, but in the end, I was happy I stuck it out. I definitely recommend giving this read a try. This is my honest opinion, freely given.
January 1, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ & 🌶️🌶️.5
Once again Jessica Peterson did not disappoint!! I usually don’t like second chance romances but this was so wholesome I couldn’t put it down. It was such a fun read!!
As a reader you could tell even during their “dislike” stage they deeply cared for each other. A lot of second chance romances you start off when they see each other for the first time in awhile but in this book I really liked how we got to see their “before” and meet them before they went their separate ways. I also loved how everything was resolved and it wasn’t drawn out over the span of the entire book.
Tropes:
Second Chance
Lovers to dislike to lovers
Small Town
Low Angst
Once again Jessica Peterson did not disappoint!! I usually don’t like second chance romances but this was so wholesome I couldn’t put it down. It was such a fun read!!
As a reader you could tell even during their “dislike” stage they deeply cared for each other. A lot of second chance romances you start off when they see each other for the first time in awhile but in this book I really liked how we got to see their “before” and meet them before they went their separate ways. I also loved how everything was resolved and it wasn’t drawn out over the span of the entire book.
Tropes:
Second Chance
Lovers to dislike to lovers
Small Town
Low Angst
November 28, 2023
A great start to a new series, if you like swoon worthy men, small town, second chance romances. The local is Bald Head, a small island town off the coast of North Carolina.
As with all small towns, there are no secrets, well maybe some secrets. It is not known how many knew of Riley and Lu’s love as teenagers, but we are all present as Riley tries to right his wrongs. The two are Best Man, and Maid of Honor for a friends wedding, as the two navigate their time together, learn of their lives the last ten years, and dreams.
I am looking forward to enjoying more books in this series.
As with all small towns, there are no secrets, well maybe some secrets. It is not known how many knew of Riley and Lu’s love as teenagers, but we are all present as Riley tries to right his wrongs. The two are Best Man, and Maid of Honor for a friends wedding, as the two navigate their time together, learn of their lives the last ten years, and dreams.
I am looking forward to enjoying more books in this series.
July 6, 2025
4.25⭐️ Lou and Riley have a summer romance that unfortunately end. Many years later they reunite at their best friend’s wedding. This was a fun quick second chance romance. I absolutely loved Riley and how generous he can be to everyone around him. Lou was a fun FMC and I was happy to see an actual true third act complication that actually made sense to the story and not random. If you love a spicy second chance romance this is the book for you.
September 29, 2024
So I liked it but I read her book Cash first and there were some copy and pasted lines from this book lol so a lot of it felt like the same story but different setting. I preferred the storyline in Cash better
September 19, 2024
DNF at 50%, was so bored and didn’t feel any connection with the characters.
Also my first time to dnf a book 🥲 I had high hopes for this but didn’t feel like it was worth finishing.
Also my first time to dnf a book 🥲 I had high hopes for this but didn’t feel like it was worth finishing.
Read
October 7, 2024DNF
Lu and Riley were just two little horn dogs.
The plot got lost on the way, and everything felt predictable and rushed.
Reading smut in a southern accent was fun tho
Lu and Riley were just two little horn dogs.
The plot got lost on the way, and everything felt predictable and rushed.
Reading smut in a southern accent was fun tho
May 8, 2024
Thank you Valentine PR for my gifted review copy. This is my first book by this author & I can’t wait to read more. This book is steamy, sweet and so wonderful! I’m a sucker for a small town series especially set in the south & throw in a second chance romance & I’m hooked. The narration is so good - Charlotte North & Austin Stone bring Lu & Riley to life. There’s no stopping me- starting book 2!!
January 7, 2025
honestly I loved the vibes cannot lie, super fast paced read
a bit insta lovey like damnnnn lu and riley rlly just got back like that? but hey they got history who am I to judge
a bit insta lovey like damnnnn lu and riley rlly just got back like that? but hey they got history who am I to judge
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