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The Lost Letters #1
Through the Flames
It was only supposed to be a quick trip to my find out why the police needed to interview me and get back to my daughter.
Enter Noah James. My high school sweetheart and the man who shattered every dream I had with his refusal to acknowledge our baby girl. He had me fooled with his sexy smile and smooth charm. I swore I’d never let myself be fooled again.
But, one night of grief at Donna’s Bar led to my world crumbling at my feet. It only took a couple of hours to realize the things I thought I knew were false. The people I trusted most had been keeping too many secrets to count.
And those secrets might prove to be fatal.
I tried everything to stop loving Lilly Gallagher.
She was my best friend, the love of my life, and the one I thought I’d spend forever with.
When she left town without saying goodbye, I thought I’d never recover. But I managed to move forward and build a decent life in our hometown.
At least, I thought it was, until she returned, destroying the illusion of happiness I’d created.
And with her arrival came a truth too hard to comprehend. I had a daughter I knew nothing about.
Lies taken to the grave have a way of coming back around. Little did I know, the truth would put everyone I love in danger.
Enter Noah James. My high school sweetheart and the man who shattered every dream I had with his refusal to acknowledge our baby girl. He had me fooled with his sexy smile and smooth charm. I swore I’d never let myself be fooled again.
But, one night of grief at Donna’s Bar led to my world crumbling at my feet. It only took a couple of hours to realize the things I thought I knew were false. The people I trusted most had been keeping too many secrets to count.
And those secrets might prove to be fatal.
I tried everything to stop loving Lilly Gallagher.
She was my best friend, the love of my life, and the one I thought I’d spend forever with.
When she left town without saying goodbye, I thought I’d never recover. But I managed to move forward and build a decent life in our hometown.
At least, I thought it was, until she returned, destroying the illusion of happiness I’d created.
And with her arrival came a truth too hard to comprehend. I had a daughter I knew nothing about.
Lies taken to the grave have a way of coming back around. Little did I know, the truth would put everyone I love in danger.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 31, 2025
309 people are currently reading
324 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
March 17, 2025
Firefighter Romance
Small Town
Second Chance
High School Sweethearts
Family Secrets
Autism Rep
The Lost Letters Series
Sonoma is a small town that holds painful memories, many including her high school sweetheart, Noah. They had planned a life together after graduation but that all went up in smoke when Lilly left town - pregnant and without a word. With family secrets buried and danger closing in, Lilly and Noah will have to walk through the flames for a shot at a second chance.
My thoughts:
Noah and Lily together were phenomenal. The hard feelings and unfinished business were clear from the start. I loved that so much was revealed so early in the book. It allowed me to fall in love with Noah and Lily and cheer for their HEA from the start. Noah is perfection. His love for Lilly never wavered and he has the tattoo to prove it. The patience and love he showed their daughter and that went into building a relationship at her pace was so heartwarming. Shelby writes suspense so well; I was reading at record speed! Through the Flames is a quick and fast paced romantic suspense packed with fantastic tropes and heart pounding moments.
Small Town
Second Chance
High School Sweethearts
Family Secrets
Autism Rep
The Lost Letters Series
Sonoma is a small town that holds painful memories, many including her high school sweetheart, Noah. They had planned a life together after graduation but that all went up in smoke when Lilly left town - pregnant and without a word. With family secrets buried and danger closing in, Lilly and Noah will have to walk through the flames for a shot at a second chance.
My thoughts:
Noah and Lily together were phenomenal. The hard feelings and unfinished business were clear from the start. I loved that so much was revealed so early in the book. It allowed me to fall in love with Noah and Lily and cheer for their HEA from the start. Noah is perfection. His love for Lilly never wavered and he has the tattoo to prove it. The patience and love he showed their daughter and that went into building a relationship at her pace was so heartwarming. Shelby writes suspense so well; I was reading at record speed! Through the Flames is a quick and fast paced romantic suspense packed with fantastic tropes and heart pounding moments.
June 28, 2025
Noah 🧎♀️🥵😍
I enjoyed this 2nd chance romance and enjoyed all of the characters, and I absolutely adore Nellie.
Spice 🌶
I enjoyed this 2nd chance romance and enjoyed all of the characters, and I absolutely adore Nellie.
Spice 🌶
February 7, 2025
4.5 stars
I love a good second generation book, and this story is done well. If you are interested in the backstory, read “Breathing Her Fire.” You do not need to, but it is also another good story.
We are back in Sonoma, North Carolina; it has been a few years. Lilly has returned, secrets and lies revealed, could she and Noah have a second chance? Add in a touch of suspense just to keep us guessing.
I enjoyed my return to Sonoma and look forward to the next visit.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
I love a good second generation book, and this story is done well. If you are interested in the backstory, read “Breathing Her Fire.” You do not need to, but it is also another good story.
We are back in Sonoma, North Carolina; it has been a few years. Lilly has returned, secrets and lies revealed, could she and Noah have a second chance? Add in a touch of suspense just to keep us guessing.
I enjoyed my return to Sonoma and look forward to the next visit.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
January 31, 2025
Through the Flames: A Small Town, Secret Baby Romance (The Lost Letters Book 1) by Shelby Gunter
This is a friends to lovers second chance secret pregnancy romance with a dash of suspense.
This is the first book of a second generation series from Shelby Gunter’s Sonoma series. This book can be standalone, but it is a treat to see the previous main characters as parents.
Lily and Noah were high school sweethearts until Lily left town without a word and came back to town 8 years later. Lily was pregnant with Noah’s child when she left town, and Noah had no idea. Noah then must navigate the past with Lily and get to know his daughter. The suspense comes in when the reasons the brought Lily to town is not what it seems.
Noah and Lily did a great job moving forward from the past they can’t fix. Noah is too nice, accepting his daughter right away. If someone came to me after 8 years saying their child is mine I would request a DNA test. But that is me being too cynical. Noah was a great father from the start. I loved the whole “I was meant for you” vibe between Noah and Lily and how easily Lily, Noah, and Nellie have become a family. I also loved the letters throughout the book.
The beginning moved a bit fast for me with Lily and Noah going from 8 years hating each other to sleeping with each other right away. It was hot, but gave me a bit of whiplash. The suspense was completely intriguing and unexpected. I also hope Cassie can find love someday. I recommend if looking for a second chance romance. This is a good romance with a bit of spice and suspense.
I was honored to receive an ARC
This is a friends to lovers second chance secret pregnancy romance with a dash of suspense.
This is the first book of a second generation series from Shelby Gunter’s Sonoma series. This book can be standalone, but it is a treat to see the previous main characters as parents.
Lily and Noah were high school sweethearts until Lily left town without a word and came back to town 8 years later. Lily was pregnant with Noah’s child when she left town, and Noah had no idea. Noah then must navigate the past with Lily and get to know his daughter. The suspense comes in when the reasons the brought Lily to town is not what it seems.
Noah and Lily did a great job moving forward from the past they can’t fix. Noah is too nice, accepting his daughter right away. If someone came to me after 8 years saying their child is mine I would request a DNA test. But that is me being too cynical. Noah was a great father from the start. I loved the whole “I was meant for you” vibe between Noah and Lily and how easily Lily, Noah, and Nellie have become a family. I also loved the letters throughout the book.
The beginning moved a bit fast for me with Lily and Noah going from 8 years hating each other to sleeping with each other right away. It was hot, but gave me a bit of whiplash. The suspense was completely intriguing and unexpected. I also hope Cassie can find love someday. I recommend if looking for a second chance romance. This is a good romance with a bit of spice and suspense.
I was honored to receive an ARC
February 3, 2025
Well, Well, Well.......
Didn't this emotional second chance romance wreak havoc on my emotions.
Lilly and Noah were high school sweethearts who had their future together all planned out.
Until, a series of events destroyed what they had. Lilly disappeared from town without a trace and Noah was left both confused and heartbroken.
Years later, Lilly has no choice but to return to her small hometown.
While she was hoping to avoid Noah, that was always going to be impossible.
What do you get when you mix a bar, a game of pool and a bet? Some serious sizzling chemistry and one hot night.
Then.... Lilly and Noah must face reality... all the hurt, heartbreak and secrets.
Including Nellie, the sweet daughter Noah didn't even know existed.
ohh.... Noah and Lilly's journey had me going through it all....
I swooned, got frustrated, felt angry, I smiled, I laughed, I cried, I held my breath through the sprinkling of suspense, and finally I felt happy when this little family got the HEA they deserved.
Noah - the man that you are slayed my heart.... The way he always loved Lilly, the letters he wrote her over the years, the way he instantly loved and formed a relationship with his daughter and the relationships he has with his family. Honestly swoooooonnnnnnn!!!!
Lilly - this strong momma bear heroine had me feeling all the feels. Some of her decisions had me like aahhh but at the same time I understood. Then my heart broke for her when secrets were revealed.
I absolutely loved that her and Nellie were blessed with the most wonderful found family.
With a hint of what's to come for 'Lottie' I can't wait for the next book in the series.
Didn't this emotional second chance romance wreak havoc on my emotions.
Lilly and Noah were high school sweethearts who had their future together all planned out.
Until, a series of events destroyed what they had. Lilly disappeared from town without a trace and Noah was left both confused and heartbroken.
Years later, Lilly has no choice but to return to her small hometown.
While she was hoping to avoid Noah, that was always going to be impossible.
What do you get when you mix a bar, a game of pool and a bet? Some serious sizzling chemistry and one hot night.
Then.... Lilly and Noah must face reality... all the hurt, heartbreak and secrets.
Including Nellie, the sweet daughter Noah didn't even know existed.
ohh.... Noah and Lilly's journey had me going through it all....
I swooned, got frustrated, felt angry, I smiled, I laughed, I cried, I held my breath through the sprinkling of suspense, and finally I felt happy when this little family got the HEA they deserved.
Noah - the man that you are slayed my heart.... The way he always loved Lilly, the letters he wrote her over the years, the way he instantly loved and formed a relationship with his daughter and the relationships he has with his family. Honestly swoooooonnnnnnn!!!!
Lilly - this strong momma bear heroine had me feeling all the feels. Some of her decisions had me like aahhh but at the same time I understood. Then my heart broke for her when secrets were revealed.
I absolutely loved that her and Nellie were blessed with the most wonderful found family.
With a hint of what's to come for 'Lottie' I can't wait for the next book in the series.
February 2, 2025
I'm n0t saying it's required before reading this book but if you want some backstory about Noah's parents and how Noah came into their lives, then I'd encourage you to read Breathing her Fire by the same author. I did this and it helped so much. It made me love this story so much more!!
Noah and Lilly fell in love in high school and had so many plans for the future but then it came to an end. Neither lost their feelings for one another and it was hard for Lilly, since she had her reminder of him everyday to take care.
Noah is following in his dad's footsteps as a firefighter but is missing something in his life. He's never got over Lilly and didn't know why she left him.
When Fate steps in and they see each other again, It's hard for Noah to stay away. He has so many questions and he gets all the answers.
What I loved most, besides the love story of him and Lilly, is after he learned of having a daughter with autism, he did his homework and was so extremely patient with her. He was so much about her and making sure she was comfortable in every situation. His whole family accepted them with open arms and loved on both of them. It was such a great book. My only complaint would have to be with the mystery of Lilly's parents and who might be after her, I expected more then what happened. It was just kinda blah in my opinon.
Since I liked this book so much, I will definitely be reading more of this series and more books from the author.
Noah and Lilly fell in love in high school and had so many plans for the future but then it came to an end. Neither lost their feelings for one another and it was hard for Lilly, since she had her reminder of him everyday to take care.
Noah is following in his dad's footsteps as a firefighter but is missing something in his life. He's never got over Lilly and didn't know why she left him.
When Fate steps in and they see each other again, It's hard for Noah to stay away. He has so many questions and he gets all the answers.
What I loved most, besides the love story of him and Lilly, is after he learned of having a daughter with autism, he did his homework and was so extremely patient with her. He was so much about her and making sure she was comfortable in every situation. His whole family accepted them with open arms and loved on both of them. It was such a great book. My only complaint would have to be with the mystery of Lilly's parents and who might be after her, I expected more then what happened. It was just kinda blah in my opinon.
Since I liked this book so much, I will definitely be reading more of this series and more books from the author.
January 14, 2025
As always, it's a pleasure to receive an ARC copy of Shelby's books! I get so giddy when I receive one! Each book I read is amazing, and this one was no different😍 it too me ages to do this review because I picked too many quotes and couldn't choose which ones I wanted to use 🤣
I bet she was a nervous wreck knowing she might see him again after thinking he had abandoned her.
“𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒊𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒆𝒆 𝒉𝒊𝒎?”“𝑰 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘. 𝑰… 𝑮𝒐𝒅, 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒂 𝒎𝒆𝒔𝒔.” 𝑰 𝒆𝒙𝒉𝒂𝒍𝒆.
It must be so painful not knowing what happened! 🥺
“𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒖𝒔, 𝑳𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒔? 𝑾𝒉𝒚 𝒅𝒊𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒊𝒅?”
It was so good that he was understanding!
“𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒉𝒚 𝒚𝒐𝒖’𝒅 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆. 𝑰’𝒅 𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝒎𝒆𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒃𝒆 𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒎𝒆𝒆𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒎𝒔.”
This fear was totally understandable!
“𝑰𝒔 𝒊𝒕? 𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒊𝒇 𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒔 𝒔𝒉𝒆’𝒔 𝒕𝒐𝒐 𝒎𝒖𝒄𝒉 𝒆𝒇𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒈𝒉𝒐𝒔𝒕𝒔 𝒖𝒔 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏? 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒐 𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒅𝒂𝒅, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝑰’𝒅 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒎𝒚𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇 𝒊𝒇 𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒖𝒓𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒓.”
Him and his filthy mouth 🥵 their chemistry in the bedroom(and out) 🔥
“𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒕’𝒔 𝒊𝒕, 𝑩𝒖𝒎𝒃𝒍𝒆𝒃𝒆𝒆. 𝑹𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒇𝒂𝒄𝒆.”
This sort of love is the sort of love your dream for!
“𝑰 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝑵𝒐𝒂𝒉 𝑱𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒔. 𝑰’𝒗𝒆 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒔𝒊𝒙𝒕𝒆𝒆𝒏, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒚. 𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒂𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒚𝒂𝒍 𝒘𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒕𝒉 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒅, 𝑰 𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝑰’𝒗𝒆 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒎𝒆𝒕, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒂𝒎 𝒃𝒆𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒅 𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒇𝒖𝒍 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒓𝒚.”
I bet she was a nervous wreck knowing she might see him again after thinking he had abandoned her.
“𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒊𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒆𝒆 𝒉𝒊𝒎?”“𝑰 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘. 𝑰… 𝑮𝒐𝒅, 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒂 𝒎𝒆𝒔𝒔.” 𝑰 𝒆𝒙𝒉𝒂𝒍𝒆.
It must be so painful not knowing what happened! 🥺
“𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒖𝒔, 𝑳𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒔? 𝑾𝒉𝒚 𝒅𝒊𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒊𝒅?”
It was so good that he was understanding!
“𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒉𝒚 𝒚𝒐𝒖’𝒅 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆. 𝑰’𝒅 𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝒎𝒆𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒃𝒆 𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒎𝒆𝒆𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒎𝒔.”
This fear was totally understandable!
“𝑰𝒔 𝒊𝒕? 𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒊𝒇 𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒔 𝒔𝒉𝒆’𝒔 𝒕𝒐𝒐 𝒎𝒖𝒄𝒉 𝒆𝒇𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒈𝒉𝒐𝒔𝒕𝒔 𝒖𝒔 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏? 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒐 𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒅𝒂𝒅, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝑰’𝒅 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒎𝒚𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇 𝒊𝒇 𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒖𝒓𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒓.”
Him and his filthy mouth 🥵 their chemistry in the bedroom(and out) 🔥
“𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒕’𝒔 𝒊𝒕, 𝑩𝒖𝒎𝒃𝒍𝒆𝒃𝒆𝒆. 𝑹𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒇𝒂𝒄𝒆.”
This sort of love is the sort of love your dream for!
“𝑰 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝑵𝒐𝒂𝒉 𝑱𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒔. 𝑰’𝒗𝒆 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒔𝒊𝒙𝒕𝒆𝒆𝒏, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒚. 𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒂𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒚𝒂𝒍 𝒘𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒕𝒉 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒅, 𝑰 𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝑰’𝒗𝒆 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒎𝒆𝒕, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒂𝒎 𝒃𝒆𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒅 𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒇𝒖𝒍 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒓𝒚.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2025
Noah and Lilly
FMC: Lilly Gallagher
MMC: Noah James
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Pages: 270
Tropes: Small Town, Second Chance, Firefighter, Secret Baby, Romantic Suspense
Setting: Sonoma, North Carolina
Thoughts: I liked this book a lot. I liked that the miscommunication was cleared up very early in the plot and while Noah and Lilly both felt betrayed, they directed those feelings at the people responsible instead of at each other. I liked that they healed together and never really questioned that they would find a way forward together.
I loved the way Noah stepped up to be a father to Nellie. Despite missing out on the first 8 years of her life, he bonded with her very quickly and didn’t try to be just the fun dad. I also loved the way neither of them ever really gave up on each other.
The suspense felt a little rushed and a little like an afterthought. This was definitely one of the least suspenseful books I’ve read by this author. It still added to the plot overall, and I enjoyed it, I think I was just expecting a little more intensity.
Overall I really liked this book. I would have rated it higher but there were a lot of editing mistakes that made the book a little confusing at times. Other than that I really enjoyed getting back to Sonoma and seeing all my favorite characters a little older.
FMC: Lilly Gallagher
MMC: Noah James
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Pages: 270
Tropes: Small Town, Second Chance, Firefighter, Secret Baby, Romantic Suspense
Setting: Sonoma, North Carolina
Thoughts: I liked this book a lot. I liked that the miscommunication was cleared up very early in the plot and while Noah and Lilly both felt betrayed, they directed those feelings at the people responsible instead of at each other. I liked that they healed together and never really questioned that they would find a way forward together.
I loved the way Noah stepped up to be a father to Nellie. Despite missing out on the first 8 years of her life, he bonded with her very quickly and didn’t try to be just the fun dad. I also loved the way neither of them ever really gave up on each other.
The suspense felt a little rushed and a little like an afterthought. This was definitely one of the least suspenseful books I’ve read by this author. It still added to the plot overall, and I enjoyed it, I think I was just expecting a little more intensity.
Overall I really liked this book. I would have rated it higher but there were a lot of editing mistakes that made the book a little confusing at times. Other than that I really enjoyed getting back to Sonoma and seeing all my favorite characters a little older.
January 16, 2025
I cried!!!! Omg, Shelby Gunter this book broke me! I love the letters that we get throughout the story.
Tropes:
• Firefighter
• Second chances
• Small-town
• Secret child
• Found family
Highschool sweethearts that already had their life planned out together or that is what Noah thought until Lilly disappeared and he never heard anything from her after she left but now after her parents died in a car accident she has to come back and plan the funeral.
Surely Lilly can get in and get done what is needed without running into Noah. She really thought he loved her and would come after her but he didn’t. So here she is, back in their hometown and of course, she runs into him at the bar.
After making a bet, Noah and Lilly find themselves tangled up in sheets both of them knowing, they never stopped loving each other but they both were so angry until they realized the secrets that were kept for one another, including Nellie, Noah’s daughter that he knew absolutely nothing about.
I can’t wait for Lottie and the mystery man in, “Into the Shadows”.
Tropes:
• Firefighter
• Second chances
• Small-town
• Secret child
• Found family
Highschool sweethearts that already had their life planned out together or that is what Noah thought until Lilly disappeared and he never heard anything from her after she left but now after her parents died in a car accident she has to come back and plan the funeral.
Surely Lilly can get in and get done what is needed without running into Noah. She really thought he loved her and would come after her but he didn’t. So here she is, back in their hometown and of course, she runs into him at the bar.
After making a bet, Noah and Lilly find themselves tangled up in sheets both of them knowing, they never stopped loving each other but they both were so angry until they realized the secrets that were kept for one another, including Nellie, Noah’s daughter that he knew absolutely nothing about.
I can’t wait for Lottie and the mystery man in, “Into the Shadows”.
January 21, 2025
I was hooked before I even started the book with all these amazing tropes!
What to expect:
🔥Small town
🔥Suspense
🔥Secret baby
🔥Firefighter
🔥Second chance
🔥High school sweethearts
🔥Second generation
🔥Found family
🔥Spicy
I'm a sucker for a good surprise baby, so I was so excited when I found out why Lilly skipped town. Noah didn't disappoint, and I absolutely loved seeing him step up as soon as he found out he had a daughter. Nellie is a sweet girl who is everything to her mother and doesn't take long to wrap her dad around her little finger! The chemistry between Noah and Lilly is as hot as you would expect from two lost loves who are making up for lost time!
If you have read any books by Shelby Gunter, you know she is amazing at creating amazing characters who will make you fall in love! Her use of found family makes me wish I could live in Sonoma and join the crew! Not to mention, the suspense aspect keeps me on my toes! Don't worry! Noah won't let anything happen to his family now that he has everything he has ever wanted!
February 9, 2025
This is my second ever read from this author and I enjoyed it! This was the perfect combination of small town, second chance, romantic suspense.
Noah & Lilly were high school sweethearts, but after graduation she leaves without a goodbye. Now eight years later an event brings her back to town and they reunite. They quickly realize that things weren’t as they seemed back then. I really liked the pacing of this book.
I was glad that the author didn’t drag out certain aspects of the story. Sometimes that can really take me out of a book & I was thankful to not experience that while reading this one.
The characters were all great. The relationship between Noah and his eight years later old daughter was precious to watch grow throughout this story. Overall, I really enjoyed this one and I can’t wait for the next book in this series!
Thank you to the author for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. :)
Noah & Lilly were high school sweethearts, but after graduation she leaves without a goodbye. Now eight years later an event brings her back to town and they reunite. They quickly realize that things weren’t as they seemed back then. I really liked the pacing of this book.
I was glad that the author didn’t drag out certain aspects of the story. Sometimes that can really take me out of a book & I was thankful to not experience that while reading this one.
The characters were all great. The relationship between Noah and his eight years later old daughter was precious to watch grow throughout this story. Overall, I really enjoyed this one and I can’t wait for the next book in this series!
Thank you to the author for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. :)
January 8, 2026
if you’re in the mood for a palette cleanser, this will do! It’s one of those short, easy reads that’s perfect for when you want some drama but don't want to be stressed out by high angst.
Noah and Lilly, are a perfect second chance couple. They were robbed of eight years together because of some shady manipulation and lies by Lilly’s mom.
Noah never stopped loving or wanting Lilly, he’s a firefighter who finds out he has a daughter and just jumps right into being a dad without missing a beat. Watching him and Lilly navigate their reunion is so satisfying because you can tell they still have that spark, even after years apart.
There’s a bit of a mystery subplot involving a crime family and some danger, which keeps things moving fast, but the focus stays on them building their family back together. If you want something quick that gives you all the feels and a guaranteed happy ending, this is definitely the one to pick up
Noah and Lilly, are a perfect second chance couple. They were robbed of eight years together because of some shady manipulation and lies by Lilly’s mom.
Noah never stopped loving or wanting Lilly, he’s a firefighter who finds out he has a daughter and just jumps right into being a dad without missing a beat. Watching him and Lilly navigate their reunion is so satisfying because you can tell they still have that spark, even after years apart.
There’s a bit of a mystery subplot involving a crime family and some danger, which keeps things moving fast, but the focus stays on them building their family back together. If you want something quick that gives you all the feels and a guaranteed happy ending, this is definitely the one to pick up
January 31, 2025
There is magic to a second chance romance and Shelby captures that magic with Lily and Noah's story. As high school sweethearts, their story met a tragic end as they both thought the other had left them with no word. But things are much darker than it appeared.
I had a blast heading back to the world that Shelby created. Noah had such a golden retriever presence to him and I loved every moment about it. When he and Lily saw each other again, you could see how much he still cared for her, even after all these years. I especially loved the way that he stepped up when he found out that he and Lily had a daughter. The way he and Nellie immediately clicked made my heart sing. Add in the chemistry between Noah and Lily, and I fell in love with this family.
Throughout this book, the mysteries kept me guessing. As each truth was revealed, I could feel the relationships between this family becoming stronger and stronger. I cannot wait to see what comes next for this series!
Thank you so much to Shelby for the early copy of Through the Flames!
Tropes:
Surprise Baby
Second Chance
Childhood Sweethearts
Suspense
I had a blast heading back to the world that Shelby created. Noah had such a golden retriever presence to him and I loved every moment about it. When he and Lily saw each other again, you could see how much he still cared for her, even after all these years. I especially loved the way that he stepped up when he found out that he and Lily had a daughter. The way he and Nellie immediately clicked made my heart sing. Add in the chemistry between Noah and Lily, and I fell in love with this family.
Throughout this book, the mysteries kept me guessing. As each truth was revealed, I could feel the relationships between this family becoming stronger and stronger. I cannot wait to see what comes next for this series!
Thank you so much to Shelby for the early copy of Through the Flames!
Tropes:
Surprise Baby
Second Chance
Childhood Sweethearts
Suspense
May 5, 2025
This was a good second-chance read. And I liked how in this one the MMC wasn't mad for a while and then tried making it up with his child, but then he dived right in and took the role. I didn't really understand the FMC's stand with her parents. She said they loved her, and then she was also like, yeah, it all makes sense, they have been hiding secrets, and they were behaving in so-and-so ways and how for a week they refused to meet their grandchild. I would have loved to really understand the relationship between the MCs in the past and also what the kid was told about her father before they met and how she broke the news about him to her (it is mentioned that she was going to and also after she did, there was mention of it, but we never really saw it happen).
January 14, 2025
Holy Smokes did Shelby create my new fictional book boyfriend?! She sure did! Noah, sweet Noah! He’s perfect, handsome, and oh so uplifting to those around him. This novel focuses on Noah and Nellie whom have been best friends for a long time and were each others first lives. When tragedy strikes Nellies family she returns to town with a secret that upturns Noah’s world.
Noah has the option to run, or to man up and man up does he!! He becomes one of the most passionate, and loving people to Nellie and her daughter. I absolutely loved this romance story and the hint of suspense made it chefs kiss! I cannot wait for Lotties story!
Noah has the option to run, or to man up and man up does he!! He becomes one of the most passionate, and loving people to Nellie and her daughter. I absolutely loved this romance story and the hint of suspense made it chefs kiss! I cannot wait for Lotties story!
January 18, 2025
This book has everything! Small town, swoon worthy moments, and a surprise baby. It was great to return to Sonoma, an adorable small town in North Carolina. Shelby did such a great job making these characters come to life. A little suspense peppered in and I couldn’t put this book down! I loved Noah’s nicknames for “his girls” and how much his love for his little family showed in everything he did. Noah is all that and a hot fire fighter rolled into one. Lilly is cautious and reserved but loves Noah with her whole heart. Nellie steals the show with her awesome personality and straight forward way of looking at life. Just writing this review makes me miss these characters!!
November 6, 2025
I have had this book on my TBR for a while and I finally listened to the audiobook.
I really enjoyed this story and the characters. It was easy to follow the storyline and it will keep you entertained until the end.
I haven't listened to the narrators much that did this story. Theo Sinclair and Chloe Ryan did really good. They were both easy to listen to and hit those emotions when needed during the story. I like this one very much.
Now to jump into the next one because I need to know more about the next couple!
I really enjoyed this story and the characters. It was easy to follow the storyline and it will keep you entertained until the end.
I haven't listened to the narrators much that did this story. Theo Sinclair and Chloe Ryan did really good. They were both easy to listen to and hit those emotions when needed during the story. I like this one very much.
Now to jump into the next one because I need to know more about the next couple!
December 8, 2025
Noah & Lily: trigger: organized crime, theft, stalking, autism. this was my first time reading this author and I was pleasantly surprised. this is a second chance romance for these childhood sweethearts who had plans to be together after high school. unfortunately, Lily's parents were not impressed with Noah and did everything they could to keep them apart... even the unthinkable. years later, Lily is back in town at the request of the local sheriff. it isn't long before the two collide and essentially combust. so good.
February 1, 2025
Shelby Gunter has done it again! I love this second generation romance! Noah was such a cute little kid in “Breathing Her Fire” and now we get to read his story.
I have always loved Shelby’s way of creating characters that you feel a special connection to. Her Sonoma Series is a must read!! It was so exciting to go back to Sonoma and revisit our beloved characters and their children in this second generation romance. Such a cute love story with some mystery and spice thrown in!
I have always loved Shelby’s way of creating characters that you feel a special connection to. Her Sonoma Series is a must read!! It was so exciting to go back to Sonoma and revisit our beloved characters and their children in this second generation romance. Such a cute love story with some mystery and spice thrown in!
April 6, 2025
Secret baby, suspense, HEA
Adored this book! I didn't realize this was Noah's book, who was adopted by Natalie and Tucker in Breathing Her Fire.
I had all the feels once Lilly and Noah realized the miscommunication that led to Noah missing the beginning of his daughter's life. If you liked Reckless by Elsie Silver, it gives you the same heartbreak that those characters went through.
Overall, great story, with characters you just couldn't help but to love.
Adored this book! I didn't realize this was Noah's book, who was adopted by Natalie and Tucker in Breathing Her Fire.
I had all the feels once Lilly and Noah realized the miscommunication that led to Noah missing the beginning of his daughter's life. If you liked Reckless by Elsie Silver, it gives you the same heartbreak that those characters went through.
Overall, great story, with characters you just couldn't help but to love.
February 16, 2025
Method: ebook
Rating: 3/5 stars
H rating: 4/5 - Noah.
h rating: 4/5 - Lilly.
Drama: 4/5
Trope(s): small town; secret child
Thoughts: Good read!
May 29, 2025
Noah and Lilly’s story was a good one. I don’t know how I feel about the time gap of 8 years before she came back home. That was a lot of time to have Noah miss out on Nellie’s life. However it was a really well written story. I kind of thought throughout the book that there were stories before this one and I’m happy to find out that I can go back and read about the family Noah came from!
August 4, 2025
This was a little cute story. I loved everything about it of them being friends to lovers from a childhood and then being separated after some time. Also with him finding out he has a daughter as well. When Lilly found out about her parents and the twists in the book were very shocking but a good read over all.
January 16, 2025
I was hooked from the beginning. Noah and Lilly's story was amazing.. I finished it in one sitting because I couldn't make myself put it down. I had to see where it went especially after the hidden secrets that came to light and the creep at her parents funeral. I loved every second of this story.
January 21, 2025
The fmc is a bad A$$. She is a determined woman for her daughter. Her parents die, and she has to go back to her hometown. The mmc is her ex-boyfriend, and she prays she doesn't run in it. The ups and downs i love. This book kept me on my toes.
January 26, 2025
This book has it all. Second chances, suspense and lots of emotions. Noah and Lily have lost 8 years when they reconnect. I liked the way they decide to give each other another chance. I enjoyed the storyline and liked the characters. Overall a good book I read in a couple of hours.
February 28, 2025
even though I love a second chance romance this one fell short because I felt like it wasn't as emotional as I wanted it to be.
There were times where I couldn't feel the chemistry between the two but I still liked the book
There were times where I couldn't feel the chemistry between the two but I still liked the book
March 23, 2025
I loved this book. There were so many twists I didn’t see coming. I got hooked and needed to know what happened next. I am so glad that the relationship was able to be rekindled between Noah and Lilly. I love stories with second chance romances!
April 13, 2025
Noah James and Lilly Gallagher were high school sweethearts, when she got pregnant with Nellie she ended up leaving town alone. Noah never know about the baby. Loved uncovering the truth and the suspense great read.
April 26, 2025
Second Chance Romance
Misunderstanding!!.Family dynamics with misunderstanding on both sides.Plenty of angst,grovelling with HEA. A slow burn romance set in a small town with plenty of angst.
Misunderstanding!!.Family dynamics with misunderstanding on both sides.Plenty of angst,grovelling with HEA. A slow burn romance set in a small town with plenty of angst.
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