What do you think?
Rate this book
Nick Hutton is tall, dark and totally Marine. He broke my heart once. Can I trust him not to do it again?
Six foot three, broad shoulders, and the sexiest smile. If it wasn’t for the fifteen hundred miles of east coast separating us, we would have started something a long time ago.
The sparks that fly when we’re together. The honesty and closeness shared through letters, texts, and calls when we’re apart. We’re meant to be. I know it. I’ve always known it.
As we stood face-to-face in the moonlight the night before he left, Nick promised after that tour of duty the timing would finally be right.
His accident changed everything. He came home broken and pushed me away when he needed me most, shattering my heart in the process.
Now Nick is back. Wrestling demons I can’t begin to understand… but still running to my rescue when I need him most.
He hurt me once. Is fate offering us a second chance? Or are we about to make the worst mistake of our lives?
321 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 28, 2025
336 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
About the author
Abby Brooks
54 books903 followersAbby Brooks writes heartfelt contemporary romance with small-town charm, found family, and happily-ever-afters that feel earned. Her stories feature relatable characters, emotional depth, and just the right balance of humor and heat—perfect for readers who love cozy communities, strong connections, and hope-filled love stories.
A lifelong storyteller raised in the Midwest, Abby draws inspiration from close-knit towns and the beauty of everyday moments. She lives in Ohio with her husband and their three cats and believes the best love stories are the ones that feel like coming home.
A lifelong storyteller raised in the Midwest, Abby draws inspiration from close-knit towns and the beauty of everyday moments. She lives in Ohio with her husband and their three cats and believes the best love stories are the ones that feel like coming home.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
January 29, 2025
Free is a slow burn that had me all in my feelings as my emotions swelled like the waves crashing against the sand. Then the tide would recede and the calmness would take over as I hoped these two would stop getting in the way of their happily ever after. Nick and Charlie have this magnetic pull that time and distance can’t erase and it’s beautiful to watch them come together to figure it out. They both always loved each other no matter what. The letters Nick wrote were everything and I fell harder for him after each one he wrote. They were raw, real and honest. I wanted to be his “Wildrose” and he could be my “Cheddar,” lol. The epilogues were breathtaking and swoon worthy. It just goes to show that the right person can ground you, help you heal, be the light in the dark and love you - scars and all. That’s how you know you are “Free” and should cherish each day and live the second chances you’ve been given to the fullest.
Tracey, Life Reads With Friends Book Blog
Tracey, Life Reads With Friends Book Blog
January 26, 2025
Looking for your next read that will keep you reading into the night? The one you say, “Just one more chapter?” 12:30 A.M. I just finished reading Nick and Charlie’s story. I couldn’t wait to get my thoughts down. That’s what you want your next read to do…hook you...keep you. One that holds on even after you finish that last page. One that sets you Free.
Free is a second generation to the Hutton Series. But you could jump right in and read it as a stand-alone. But if The Huttons and The Coopers from Wildrose are already family, you feel home from page one. Ready to fall in love again.
Nick is a Marine struggling with PTSD trying to heal, seeking his worth. Charlie has been waiting for him, only to be pushed away, and now chasing new choices. Their story is a realistic journey of how love has the power to set one Free. Some say letter writing is a lost communication, but putting words to paper, feelings flow. Filled with raw honesty, these letters are meant to be read and reread by Charlie…by the reader! It’s an emotional journey, you shouldn’t miss.
Abby writes her characters with such passion and detail, that you look forward to her new stories, not just for the new characters, but for the opportunity to “check in” on your old friends. Nick and Charlie are no different. You know them. You love them. You laugh with them. You hurt for them. You cheer for them. She writes a setting that will make you feel as if you are standing at the edge overlooking the water on the keys staring out at the painted sunset. She is gifted in writing figuratively that has her readers there, among the pages, experiencing!
Nick and Charlie’s story does not disappoint. Through the beautiful words that flowed across pages, I could feel…Broken. Healing. Loved. Free has what it takes to inspire love, healing, and finding yourself within the pages at a Hutton celebration. Make Free your next read. Fall in love in the journey. Breathe in the ending.
Free is a second generation to the Hutton Series. But you could jump right in and read it as a stand-alone. But if The Huttons and The Coopers from Wildrose are already family, you feel home from page one. Ready to fall in love again.
Nick is a Marine struggling with PTSD trying to heal, seeking his worth. Charlie has been waiting for him, only to be pushed away, and now chasing new choices. Their story is a realistic journey of how love has the power to set one Free. Some say letter writing is a lost communication, but putting words to paper, feelings flow. Filled with raw honesty, these letters are meant to be read and reread by Charlie…by the reader! It’s an emotional journey, you shouldn’t miss.
Abby writes her characters with such passion and detail, that you look forward to her new stories, not just for the new characters, but for the opportunity to “check in” on your old friends. Nick and Charlie are no different. You know them. You love them. You laugh with them. You hurt for them. You cheer for them. She writes a setting that will make you feel as if you are standing at the edge overlooking the water on the keys staring out at the painted sunset. She is gifted in writing figuratively that has her readers there, among the pages, experiencing!
Nick and Charlie’s story does not disappoint. Through the beautiful words that flowed across pages, I could feel…Broken. Healing. Loved. Free has what it takes to inspire love, healing, and finding yourself within the pages at a Hutton celebration. Make Free your next read. Fall in love in the journey. Breathe in the ending.
February 9, 2025
I’ll take a triple order of Angst, please….
The slowest slow burn with the most heaping dose of angst. While it was beautifully written, portraying the struggle with PTSD , survivor’s guilt, and healing so painfully well, it caused me to have heartburn and tension headaches just from the frustration. This is 100% a **me thing** I’ll admit. Overall I just found this not to be my favorite of the series just based on it not being my preference and not related to the writing. If that makes sense. 🤷🏼♀️
I adored their letter writing. ❤️ Even the letters Nick wrote with no intention of sending, when he was brutally and heartbreakingly honest. His struggle with PTSD and survivor’s guilt felt real and authentic, and even though it was painful, it was well depicted.
I often felt like Charlie was still the 15 yo girl with a crush on her brother’s friend. Only she’s not. She’s a grown adult. So her teenage-esque inner monologue and swooning was often eye roll inducing. “Floating” home with a perma-Cheshire Cat smile because the boy you like talked to you?? 🙄🤦🏻♀️
Yes, her fiance was a douche, and she was clearly settling. We know this. Hell, she knows this. But the fact that she essentially had zero emotional fallout from finding out moments before their wedding that he was cheating was more frustrating than anything. She had a split second of an emotional outburst, deciding to flee the church, but from the moment she ran (literally) into Nick, the ex was forgotten completely and the swooning for Nick was the predominant emotion. He was brought up by **others** in comments about how devastated she is, but literally nothing reflected that.
Overall- a beautiful story. But it was not my favorite. Honestly I sort of struggled to continue because the slowest slow burns are not it for me, and just feel like they drag. Would I read it again? Definitely not. But I wouldn’t tell someone else they would feel the same.
The slowest slow burn with the most heaping dose of angst. While it was beautifully written, portraying the struggle with PTSD , survivor’s guilt, and healing so painfully well, it caused me to have heartburn and tension headaches just from the frustration. This is 100% a **me thing** I’ll admit. Overall I just found this not to be my favorite of the series just based on it not being my preference and not related to the writing. If that makes sense. 🤷🏼♀️
I adored their letter writing. ❤️ Even the letters Nick wrote with no intention of sending, when he was brutally and heartbreakingly honest. His struggle with PTSD and survivor’s guilt felt real and authentic, and even though it was painful, it was well depicted.
I often felt like Charlie was still the 15 yo girl with a crush on her brother’s friend. Only she’s not. She’s a grown adult. So her teenage-esque inner monologue and swooning was often eye roll inducing. “Floating” home with a perma-Cheshire Cat smile because the boy you like talked to you?? 🙄🤦🏻♀️
Yes, her fiance was a douche, and she was clearly settling. We know this. Hell, she knows this. But the fact that she essentially had zero emotional fallout from finding out moments before their wedding that he was cheating was more frustrating than anything. She had a split second of an emotional outburst, deciding to flee the church, but from the moment she ran (literally) into Nick, the ex was forgotten completely and the swooning for Nick was the predominant emotion. He was brought up by **others** in comments about how devastated she is, but literally nothing reflected that.
Overall- a beautiful story. But it was not my favorite. Honestly I sort of struggled to continue because the slowest slow burns are not it for me, and just feel like they drag. Would I read it again? Definitely not. But I wouldn’t tell someone else they would feel the same.
January 23, 2025
I read an ARC (advanced readers copy) of Free & loved it! I was thrilled the next generation of the Hutton Family books continued. (I also loved Fate & Fire!) The book hooked me from the first page & I finished it in two days! Nick & Charlie's love story has many twists & turns. Love their nicknames for each other Marine & Cheddar for Nick and Wildrose for Charlie. The Hutton Family includes many people and the author does a nice job reminding us how they are all related. (I wish the Family Tree was in the front of the book, not the back. My only negative.) I especially enjoyed the chapters with 10 year old Nell & yoga. There is a dog named Sunshine also. Is it too soon for Charlie & is Nick too broken are recurring themes. I love stories about second chances & this book did not did not disappoint! ♥
January 24, 2025
ARC reader review. I really enjoyed the story of Nick and Charlie. It was well written. There were many moments when the characters made me laugh and made my heart ache for them. Nick and Charlie had great chemistry. Although this is part of a series and you see repeat characters, you don't feel lost while reading about them. I would definitely recommend this sweet read. The story will squeeze your heart but also make it feel happy again with the HEA.
Currently reading
January 23, 2025Coming January 30, 2025!
January 27, 2025
Free is the 3rd book in the next generation Sutton series. If you’ve read the previous books you may even recognize a few of the early chapters but from Nick and Charlie’s POV. That was a nice touch. This book handles the realities of PTSD and survivors guilt really beautifully. This is the type of book that hooks you in immediately and keeps you up at night with “just one more chapter”.
Nick and Charlie have been “it” for each other since the moment they met. But they never took it further than promises because of Nick’s marine deployments. But there was never a question that they would be together one day. That is until Nick is severely injured on a mission and pushes Charlie away.
Fast forward to over a year later and Charlie is fleeing her wedding after overhearing despicable things from her fiancé. And who comes to her rescue? Nick. And Nick continues to come to her rescue despite pushing her away.
Nick is dealing with PTSD and a huge case of survivors guilt. He doesn’t feel worthy of help from others and so he pushes them away. He is guarded with everyone and carries spiritual, mental & physical wounds. And despite all of that he never stopped loving Charlie. The beautiful part of Nick’s journey was watching him slowly deal with all of these issues with his therapist and with Charlie. His journey was so beautifully written I wanted to reach out and hug him. And don’t even get me started on his letters to Charlie!
Charlie has never stopped loving Nick but made the choice to move on with her life. But fate would lead her right back to Nick over and over again. Her unwavering support of him and the strength to understand and forgive him were so emotional for me. We should all be so lucky to be loved like that.
Nick and Charlie’s story does not disappoint. As you go through their journey, you will feel all the emotions with them. Expect a rollercoaster of feelings but it’s all so beautiful and in the end it will set you free.
Thanks to Abby Brooks for this ARC opportunity and the absolute privilege to review this beautiful book.
Nick and Charlie have been “it” for each other since the moment they met. But they never took it further than promises because of Nick’s marine deployments. But there was never a question that they would be together one day. That is until Nick is severely injured on a mission and pushes Charlie away.
Fast forward to over a year later and Charlie is fleeing her wedding after overhearing despicable things from her fiancé. And who comes to her rescue? Nick. And Nick continues to come to her rescue despite pushing her away.
Nick is dealing with PTSD and a huge case of survivors guilt. He doesn’t feel worthy of help from others and so he pushes them away. He is guarded with everyone and carries spiritual, mental & physical wounds. And despite all of that he never stopped loving Charlie. The beautiful part of Nick’s journey was watching him slowly deal with all of these issues with his therapist and with Charlie. His journey was so beautifully written I wanted to reach out and hug him. And don’t even get me started on his letters to Charlie!
Charlie has never stopped loving Nick but made the choice to move on with her life. But fate would lead her right back to Nick over and over again. Her unwavering support of him and the strength to understand and forgive him were so emotional for me. We should all be so lucky to be loved like that.
Nick and Charlie’s story does not disappoint. As you go through their journey, you will feel all the emotions with them. Expect a rollercoaster of feelings but it’s all so beautiful and in the end it will set you free.
Thanks to Abby Brooks for this ARC opportunity and the absolute privilege to review this beautiful book.
January 25, 2025
“Free” is book three in the second generation of the Hutton’s series, and is a total standalone if you want to start right here. The author specifically chose “Free” as the title of this emotional read because our hero, Nick, suffers from PTSD after serving as a Marine in the Afghanistan war, and it was love that finally freed him.
Abby writes her characters with such care and very realistically, and it really tug at my heart knowing the struggles that Nick in this story, and other Veterans in real life, have gone through.
This is a second chance romance and the author cleverly goes back into the past as we get to know when he first meets Charlie Cooper and is totally smitten. I don’t want to give away spoilers, but these young lovers go their separate ways when he goes off to war, but they’ve never forgotten each other.
She’s about to marry another man when he comes back into her life which was divine intervention and perfect timing, as he obviously was the wrong man (there is NO cheating.) They need each other and I love how they take their time to get to know one another again and are there for each other, supporting each other's dreams, every step of the way.
Nick struggles with inner demons from his days in the desert, and she is his comfort and peace. The author did a wonderful job making you feel every emotion that this couple goes through, and how they always tried to put the other first, even if it meant sacrificing their own happiness.
I’ve read every book in this second-generation series and the Hutton series and just adore this family. Love his parents, siblings, and all of the aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Love how they finally got their HEA and the extended epilogue.
Abby writes her characters with such care and very realistically, and it really tug at my heart knowing the struggles that Nick in this story, and other Veterans in real life, have gone through.
This is a second chance romance and the author cleverly goes back into the past as we get to know when he first meets Charlie Cooper and is totally smitten. I don’t want to give away spoilers, but these young lovers go their separate ways when he goes off to war, but they’ve never forgotten each other.
She’s about to marry another man when he comes back into her life which was divine intervention and perfect timing, as he obviously was the wrong man (there is NO cheating.) They need each other and I love how they take their time to get to know one another again and are there for each other, supporting each other's dreams, every step of the way.
Nick struggles with inner demons from his days in the desert, and she is his comfort and peace. The author did a wonderful job making you feel every emotion that this couple goes through, and how they always tried to put the other first, even if it meant sacrificing their own happiness.
I’ve read every book in this second-generation series and the Hutton series and just adore this family. Love his parents, siblings, and all of the aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Love how they finally got their HEA and the extended epilogue.
January 30, 2025
This story grabbed my heart strings and didn’t let go! Ms Brooks writes with lovely detail and wonderful observation, it was so easy to settle into her world and picture the place and characters.
Nick and Charlie have such a beautiful friendship but the chance to take the next step in their relationship is constantly slipping out of their grasp…. There always seems to be something or someone that gets in their way…the someone being mainly themselves!!
The last book, we knew that Nick was missing in combat and nothing else….this story we meet him both before and after that terrifyingly moment…we learn a bit about the man he was before and the person he is after his trauma. His struggles are real, the everyday challenges that he faces and yet desperately plays down to protect his family. Ms Brooks treats Nick with the respect and concern that he deserves.
Charlie and Nick find their way back together but it’s a journey with ups and downs, honesty and shared secrets. Moments of truth that are essential to their healing and their future together.
Some really lovely, heartwarming moments, laced with heartbreaking truths and guilt ridden confessions.
I enjoyed Charlie and Nick’s journey back together very much and look forward to whatever this talented author brings next.
Nick and Charlie have such a beautiful friendship but the chance to take the next step in their relationship is constantly slipping out of their grasp…. There always seems to be something or someone that gets in their way…the someone being mainly themselves!!
The last book, we knew that Nick was missing in combat and nothing else….this story we meet him both before and after that terrifyingly moment…we learn a bit about the man he was before and the person he is after his trauma. His struggles are real, the everyday challenges that he faces and yet desperately plays down to protect his family. Ms Brooks treats Nick with the respect and concern that he deserves.
Charlie and Nick find their way back together but it’s a journey with ups and downs, honesty and shared secrets. Moments of truth that are essential to their healing and their future together.
Some really lovely, heartwarming moments, laced with heartbreaking truths and guilt ridden confessions.
I enjoyed Charlie and Nick’s journey back together very much and look forward to whatever this talented author brings next.
February 4, 2025
After tearing through “Fire” and “Fate”, I needed “Free” like I need coffee in the morning—desperately! And let’s be real, second chance romance is my ultimate weakness, so my excitement was off the charts.
Nick and Charlie have always been ‘it’ for each other—soulmates from the start. But with Nick’s marine deployments keeping them apart, their love was built on promises and longing rather than action. They always knew they were meant to be… until disaster strikes. Nick gets injured on a mission, and instead of leaning on Charlie, he pushes her away. Cue the heartbreak, angst, and all the feels! But these two? They’re not done. No way.
Abby Brooks weaves their story so beautifully that I couldn’t tear myself away. The heartbreak, the struggle, the undeniable chemistry—it all hits deep. Watching Nick navigate his recovery and fight to become the man Charlie deserves was incredibly moving. The mix of banter, emotional depth, humor, drama, and swoon-worthy romance makes this book an absolute winner.
This story is about love, resilience, and finding your way back home, and it ‘delivers’. I’m completely hooked on this series, and I need more ASAP!
Thank you xo_abbybrooks for the gifted ebook ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
Nick and Charlie have always been ‘it’ for each other—soulmates from the start. But with Nick’s marine deployments keeping them apart, their love was built on promises and longing rather than action. They always knew they were meant to be… until disaster strikes. Nick gets injured on a mission, and instead of leaning on Charlie, he pushes her away. Cue the heartbreak, angst, and all the feels! But these two? They’re not done. No way.
Abby Brooks weaves their story so beautifully that I couldn’t tear myself away. The heartbreak, the struggle, the undeniable chemistry—it all hits deep. Watching Nick navigate his recovery and fight to become the man Charlie deserves was incredibly moving. The mix of banter, emotional depth, humor, drama, and swoon-worthy romance makes this book an absolute winner.
This story is about love, resilience, and finding your way back home, and it ‘delivers’. I’m completely hooked on this series, and I need more ASAP!
Thank you xo_abbybrooks for the gifted ebook ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
January 27, 2025
Charlie and Nick have had feelings for each other as long as they can remember but never acted on them due to his deployment and not wanting to start something when he’s leaving, but neither one could ever imagine the turn of events that would keep them apart. Moving on is hard without the one you love always wondering what if. When fate has Charlie running off with Nick on her wedding day things are about to take another turn. Nick pushed Charlie away when he returned and it was the worst thing he ever did and all he wants to do is make it up to her. These two have a long road back to each other. It's not going to be easy. I loved reading all the letters he never sent, scared he’s not enough for her. Both have trust issues and the feeling that neither one can cement their feelings. This was an amazing read of guilt, suffering and just how real PTSD is and what it takes to move past the question of why am I still here. Their story is emotional, gripping and will have you turning the pages until the end.
January 27, 2025
Oh, My Heart!!
It is quite the lead-up to “current day”. Nick is a marine and in town sporadically. We begin four years ago with the occasional interaction. Then a connection is made, and letters and texts rule the day. Coming home wounded, Nick pushes Charlie away. On Charlotte’s wedding day, with fiance's last name of Chaplin she dropped Charlie, she discovers said fiance has been cheating. Running away she runs into Nick, literally.
This is my second Brooks read, and it is just as in-depth, emotional, romantic and thrilling as the first read.
We have the Cluckin’ Good Chicken Truck, to mend a broken heart. Banter, clever use of words, emotions evoked, humor, drama, romance and a canine companion.
With the prerequisite family and friends, a counselor, some yoga and soccer thrown in, we have a well-balanced, delightful, entertaining and heart-tugging story. Running off to read more from this author!!
***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
It is quite the lead-up to “current day”. Nick is a marine and in town sporadically. We begin four years ago with the occasional interaction. Then a connection is made, and letters and texts rule the day. Coming home wounded, Nick pushes Charlie away. On Charlotte’s wedding day, with fiance's last name of Chaplin she dropped Charlie, she discovers said fiance has been cheating. Running away she runs into Nick, literally.
This is my second Brooks read, and it is just as in-depth, emotional, romantic and thrilling as the first read.
We have the Cluckin’ Good Chicken Truck, to mend a broken heart. Banter, clever use of words, emotions evoked, humor, drama, romance and a canine companion.
With the prerequisite family and friends, a counselor, some yoga and soccer thrown in, we have a well-balanced, delightful, entertaining and heart-tugging story. Running off to read more from this author!!
***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
January 28, 2025
Loved, Loved, Loved this Story
This is the story of Nick Hutton, who is the son of Wyatt and Kara Hutton from Beyond Love and Charlie Cooper, whose brother is Garrett from Fate. This book is guaranteed to pull at your heart strings. The story starts with their meeting 4 years ago and we slowly get to see how the relationship between these two slowly builds from there. With every chapter you can see how much these two care for the other, but Nick won’t move forward with a relationship while he is in the Marines. Until that last fateful day before he leaves for another deployment when they both admit that they are falling in love with each other. From there, Abby takes us on an emotional rollercoaster as we watch these two struggle with Nick’s accident and recovery, Charlie almost marrying another man and then these two slowly working their way back to one another. This story will totally pull you in as you watch Nick struggle with his recovery and find his way to being the man that Charlie needs him to be. I loved everything about this story and you will to.
This is the story of Nick Hutton, who is the son of Wyatt and Kara Hutton from Beyond Love and Charlie Cooper, whose brother is Garrett from Fate. This book is guaranteed to pull at your heart strings. The story starts with their meeting 4 years ago and we slowly get to see how the relationship between these two slowly builds from there. With every chapter you can see how much these two care for the other, but Nick won’t move forward with a relationship while he is in the Marines. Until that last fateful day before he leaves for another deployment when they both admit that they are falling in love with each other. From there, Abby takes us on an emotional rollercoaster as we watch these two struggle with Nick’s accident and recovery, Charlie almost marrying another man and then these two slowly working their way back to one another. This story will totally pull you in as you watch Nick struggle with his recovery and find his way to being the man that Charlie needs him to be. I loved everything about this story and you will to.
January 31, 2025
Another amazing installment in Abby’s second generation of Hutton’s!! Not to mention some of my favorites from her Wildrose Landing series! It was so sweet and swoony and with all the emotions, make sure you have some tissues handy!!
Nick had fallen for Charlie the day he met her, but as a Marine, he was hesitant to start anything. And to him, he proved himself right when an accident ended his career early. He felt broken and unworthy so he pushed everyone away including her. When life threw them back together over a year later would he be in the correct headspace and would she be able to forgive him?
Oh my goodness!! I have been waiting for Nick and let me tell you, he was worth the wait!! I loved how much chemistry these two had. They really took the time to figure out what they both wanted for themselves and for each other. It was a wonderfully woven story that showcased life wasn’t always what you expected, but when you stayed the course and weathered the storm, you may just find your rainbow!
Nick had fallen for Charlie the day he met her, but as a Marine, he was hesitant to start anything. And to him, he proved himself right when an accident ended his career early. He felt broken and unworthy so he pushed everyone away including her. When life threw them back together over a year later would he be in the correct headspace and would she be able to forgive him?
Oh my goodness!! I have been waiting for Nick and let me tell you, he was worth the wait!! I loved how much chemistry these two had. They really took the time to figure out what they both wanted for themselves and for each other. It was a wonderfully woven story that showcased life wasn’t always what you expected, but when you stayed the course and weathered the storm, you may just find your rainbow!
March 1, 2025
Nick and Charlie
FMC: Charlie Cooper
MMC: Nick Hutton
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Pages: 323
Tropes: Second Chance, Military Romance, PTSD, Right Person Wrong Time, Slow Burn
Setting: Florida Keys
Thoughts: While not my favorite in this series, this book was beautifully written. It dealt with PTSD, grief, and survivor’s guilt. It was an emotional slow burn with a lot of back and forth.
Charlie and Nick spent three years as friends that wanted more from each other. It was never the right time, but when Nick suffers a tragic accident during his last deployment, he pushes Charlie away. He has a lot of healing to do and doesn’t believe there’s enough of the man “before” left to give Charlie what she deserves.
A year after Nick ghosts her, Charlie is faced with running out of her wedding to a man who cheated on her for the entirety of their relationship. She runs into Nick and after a year of silence, they find their way back to each other.
FMC: Charlie Cooper
MMC: Nick Hutton
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Pages: 323
Tropes: Second Chance, Military Romance, PTSD, Right Person Wrong Time, Slow Burn
Setting: Florida Keys
Thoughts: While not my favorite in this series, this book was beautifully written. It dealt with PTSD, grief, and survivor’s guilt. It was an emotional slow burn with a lot of back and forth.
Charlie and Nick spent three years as friends that wanted more from each other. It was never the right time, but when Nick suffers a tragic accident during his last deployment, he pushes Charlie away. He has a lot of healing to do and doesn’t believe there’s enough of the man “before” left to give Charlie what she deserves.
A year after Nick ghosts her, Charlie is faced with running out of her wedding to a man who cheated on her for the entirety of their relationship. She runs into Nick and after a year of silence, they find their way back to each other.
January 26, 2025
Another wonderful read coming from the second generation of the Hutton Series which in my opinion is the most intense story so far. A complete standalone, it describes how true love between two people can never end, even under difficult circumstances. Nick and Charlie have loved themselves since their first encounter and what initially started as a friendship turns into something more. Unfortunately misunderstandings and obstacles occur and that will lead them apart. In spite of that, their worlds will collide once again and even through tough times their love will be stronger than before. I really enjoyed reading this book. I loved Nick's sensitivity, how he beforehand decided to sacrifice his well being, in favor of Charlie's happiness. That showed his complete love towards this woman. I highly recommend this book who need the proof that true love can never be set aside.
February 1, 2025
didn’t know how lost I was until I found you. You didn’t just show me the way; you became my home.”
Oooh i don't know how to put everything down so I'm gunna just word vomit..
Cheese. Love. Tears. Hurt. Acceptance. Hurt. Deflection. Redemption. Saviour . Protection. Letters.
Life sux. We all know it. And in true abby style. Real life . Gets brought to life in a page turning piece of brilliance. Charlie and nick . Wow. A fast insta love. But a very slow burn. How it has been written is brilliant. And you just want to keep reading more. It's deep. But also light enough to coat issues without being overwhelmed with their complexity.
Woukd give it 10 stars if I could.
Yeah it helps yo have read the other books. So you get tge family back story. But can pass as a single read too if tge blurb caught your eye .
Enjoy.
Oooh i don't know how to put everything down so I'm gunna just word vomit..
Cheese. Love. Tears. Hurt. Acceptance. Hurt. Deflection. Redemption. Saviour . Protection. Letters.
Life sux. We all know it. And in true abby style. Real life . Gets brought to life in a page turning piece of brilliance. Charlie and nick . Wow. A fast insta love. But a very slow burn. How it has been written is brilliant. And you just want to keep reading more. It's deep. But also light enough to coat issues without being overwhelmed with their complexity.
Woukd give it 10 stars if I could.
Yeah it helps yo have read the other books. So you get tge family back story. But can pass as a single read too if tge blurb caught your eye .
Enjoy.
February 3, 2025
Charlie loved Nick and she was willing to wait for him while he served in Afghanistan however when he returned home rather than picking up where they left off, he walked out of her life. Having no choice, she moves forward and is about to begin the next stage of her life when he reappears when she needs him the most.
Nick believed he made the right decision when he was sent overseas but his last mission changed him, and he is having difficulty accepting what happened and moving forward. He believes that Charlie is better off without him but once he realizes that may not be the case he wants to be there for her but that means making peace with the past.
Nick and Charlie take us on a emotional journey as neither time nor distance has diminished the love they have for each other but that doesn’t mean that they don’t have challenges to overcome.
Nick believed he made the right decision when he was sent overseas but his last mission changed him, and he is having difficulty accepting what happened and moving forward. He believes that Charlie is better off without him but once he realizes that may not be the case he wants to be there for her but that means making peace with the past.
Nick and Charlie take us on a emotional journey as neither time nor distance has diminished the love they have for each other but that doesn’t mean that they don’t have challenges to overcome.
November 16, 2025
Nick met Charlie when her brother started dating his cousin. He fell for her pretty quickly. His job didn't make it easy for them to be together. With him in the marines he was gone most of the time. They kept in touch by text, calls and email.
When he went missing they didn't know where or how he was. This part happened within Nathan's book. That is what is the sucky part.
When this book starts its at least a year later and he broke up with Charlie. Started sleeping around and was pushing everyone away. I wish that part of the story would have been told. We get after he has healed some and comes in to rescue Charlie before she married her mistake of a fiance'.
I wanted the struggle of them fighting for their future and this left me hanging wishing for more beside a bit of a luck warm romance.
When he went missing they didn't know where or how he was. This part happened within Nathan's book. That is what is the sucky part.
When this book starts its at least a year later and he broke up with Charlie. Started sleeping around and was pushing everyone away. I wish that part of the story would have been told. We get after he has healed some and comes in to rescue Charlie before she married her mistake of a fiance'.
I wanted the struggle of them fighting for their future and this left me hanging wishing for more beside a bit of a luck warm romance.
January 26, 2025
I first found Abby Brooks in Beyond Words and absolutely fell on love with the Huttons. The second generation stories have all the feels of the first generation, adding an amazing continuation to the characters we love.
A lot of anticipation had been built for Nick and Charlie’s story and it doesn’t disappoint.
Charlie looses her fire after Nick’s accident and Nick losses himself.
Throughout Free we watch both Nick and Charlie heal with change. Free is a sweet, slow burn romance that simultaneously moves slow and fast, every page leaves you with the anticipation of their HEA.
Abby leave us with the reminder to ‘Chase the things that set your hearts on fire. Be kind to yourselves, to each other, and to the world around you.’
A lot of anticipation had been built for Nick and Charlie’s story and it doesn’t disappoint.
Charlie looses her fire after Nick’s accident and Nick losses himself.
Throughout Free we watch both Nick and Charlie heal with change. Free is a sweet, slow burn romance that simultaneously moves slow and fast, every page leaves you with the anticipation of their HEA.
Abby leave us with the reminder to ‘Chase the things that set your hearts on fire. Be kind to yourselves, to each other, and to the world around you.’
January 30, 2025
Nick & Charlie!! ♥️🩷💞
I forgot all about Charlie Cooper, Garrett’s sister. Reading the prologue it hit me that I remembered them from book 1, Fate, and wondering if they would be paired up.
Their story was much more emotional than I anticipated. Nick, a retired Marine, wounded in combat, is battling serious PTSD. Charlie is a bundle of energy and has so much love to give. The timing was just never right for these two. As Charlie’s mom would say, sometimes bad situations can lead to great rewards or the universe has a way of making things work.
For Nick and Charlie, they needed a galaxy and a whole lot of patience. And it was a sweet reward.
I forgot all about Charlie Cooper, Garrett’s sister. Reading the prologue it hit me that I remembered them from book 1, Fate, and wondering if they would be paired up.
Their story was much more emotional than I anticipated. Nick, a retired Marine, wounded in combat, is battling serious PTSD. Charlie is a bundle of energy and has so much love to give. The timing was just never right for these two. As Charlie’s mom would say, sometimes bad situations can lead to great rewards or the universe has a way of making things work.
For Nick and Charlie, they needed a galaxy and a whole lot of patience. And it was a sweet reward.
February 5, 2025
simply perfect
Be still my heart.
I knew Nick and Charlie’s story was going to be amazing but this book simply blew all of my expectations out of the water.
We all knew there was something going on with these 2 in previous book and we now get their full story. What kind of adjectives can I use to describe it! Phenomenal, amazing, incredible, outstanding? They all fall short.
I love Abby Brooks’ books but this couple may well be my favorite and that is saying something.
Your heart will break and then it will heal right along side of these wonderful people. I was so happy to visit with old & dear friends again too.
Do not skip the bonus epilogue!!! SWOON
Be still my heart.
I knew Nick and Charlie’s story was going to be amazing but this book simply blew all of my expectations out of the water.
We all knew there was something going on with these 2 in previous book and we now get their full story. What kind of adjectives can I use to describe it! Phenomenal, amazing, incredible, outstanding? They all fall short.
I love Abby Brooks’ books but this couple may well be my favorite and that is saying something.
Your heart will break and then it will heal right along side of these wonderful people. I was so happy to visit with old & dear friends again too.
Do not skip the bonus epilogue!!! SWOON
March 3, 2025
4 well done stars
I liked this book as much as Beyond Words, my first Abby Brooks novel. I’ve read all the others as well.
But this one, Nick and Charlie, just resonated for me.
That they were close and moving towards love for 4 years, without even a kiss, is lovely. Real love. Not the insta lust of so many current novels on the scene.
This is emotional and heartfelt. Everything each of them thinks and feels rings true. And squeezes the heartstrings.
I do wish Nick’s PTSD didn’t hold him back so long. And I do wish Charlie’s own insecurities didn’t hold her back so long. The ending was perfect.
And Nick’s unsent letters? Swoon.
I liked this book as much as Beyond Words, my first Abby Brooks novel. I’ve read all the others as well.
But this one, Nick and Charlie, just resonated for me.
That they were close and moving towards love for 4 years, without even a kiss, is lovely. Real love. Not the insta lust of so many current novels on the scene.
This is emotional and heartfelt. Everything each of them thinks and feels rings true. And squeezes the heartstrings.
I do wish Nick’s PTSD didn’t hold him back so long. And I do wish Charlie’s own insecurities didn’t hold her back so long. The ending was perfect.
And Nick’s unsent letters? Swoon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2025
This book continues the Hutton family next generation series. If you have read Fire and Fate, you have already met Nick and Charlie! I have been waiting for their story and this book was worth the wait! Free is a slow burn story of almost love at first sight. Nick is battling PTSD and survivor's guilt. Charlie is literally running away from an almost horrible marriage. Like all of the books by Abby Brooks, this one had me hooked from the first page. It is a beautiful story of letting yourself be free.
January 30, 2025
Another great book on the next generation Hutton Family series!
I enjoyed the story between Nick and Charlie, one that I had been hoping was next! I was glad when they finally were able to make it work between them, however; it did feel a little rushed almost. I understand there was a lot of feelings leading up to now, three years worth, but I felt it seemed to happen almost too fast.
Hoping there are more books in the future for the next generation of Huttons!
Thank you Abby Brooks for the ARC!
I enjoyed the story between Nick and Charlie, one that I had been hoping was next! I was glad when they finally were able to make it work between them, however; it did feel a little rushed almost. I understand there was a lot of feelings leading up to now, three years worth, but I felt it seemed to happen almost too fast.
Hoping there are more books in the future for the next generation of Huttons!
Thank you Abby Brooks for the ARC!
January 30, 2025
I have been (not so) patiently waiting for this book, and I can't tell you enough just how much I adored it! From the very beginning, Nick and Charlie's story had me completely hooked. This book seriously pulled on my heartstrings and me feeling EVERY SINGLE EMOTION. I could go on and on about all the ways this story made me feel every word, but I would rather you feel them for yourself. This book will take you on an amazing journey filled with love, family, second chances, headache, and an hea that is MORE than well deserved!
January 31, 2025
Sooooo Good!!!
I absolutely love this second-generation story! Nick and Charlie’s journey is beautifully written, filled with emotion, passion, and just the right amount of heartache. Abby Brooks has a way of pulling me into her books, making me feel every moment, and tugging at my heartstrings in the best way. She never fails to deliver a heartfelt happily ever after, but the path to it is anything but easy. This book is a perfect blend of love, growth, and resilience. I’m completely hooked on this series and can’t wait for more!💜💙
I absolutely love this second-generation story! Nick and Charlie’s journey is beautifully written, filled with emotion, passion, and just the right amount of heartache. Abby Brooks has a way of pulling me into her books, making me feel every moment, and tugging at my heartstrings in the best way. She never fails to deliver a heartfelt happily ever after, but the path to it is anything but easy. This book is a perfect blend of love, growth, and resilience. I’m completely hooked on this series and can’t wait for more!💜💙
February 1, 2025
Nick and Charlie meet and have a 4 year long distance friendship. They both know there is more there but Nick is reluctant to have a relationship while he is a Marine. There are letters and messages...then Nick is injured and pushes Charlie away. Fast forward 18 months and Nick reappears in the last place you expect. I loved Nick and his cheesy lines. I loved the letters he continues to write, particularly the one after seeing Charlie again for the first time. So nice to see the other characters, even briefly. Great book!
February 11, 2025
What A Wonderful Story!
Wow! I truly love this story, everything Nick suffered through with being injured overseas and Charlie trying to be there for Nick,but he felt like he was a burden. Trying to heal from the injuries, dealing with PTSD, self-worth and survivors guilt. He felt he had to push her away. She found someone else, was going to marry him until she overheard how he was cheating on her. I love this story of two scarred people trying heal and find their way back to each other! Awesome read!
Wow! I truly love this story, everything Nick suffered through with being injured overseas and Charlie trying to be there for Nick,but he felt like he was a burden. Trying to heal from the injuries, dealing with PTSD, self-worth and survivors guilt. He felt he had to push her away. She found someone else, was going to marry him until she overheard how he was cheating on her. I love this story of two scarred people trying heal and find their way back to each other! Awesome read!
February 12, 2025
Oh my heart! I've been anxiously awaiting Nick's story, and Abby Brooks has outdone herself with this one! My goodness, this story is everything. It's swoony and heartwarming, steamy and passionate, and heartbreaking all at once. The journey these two go on leads them through a lot, but the way they return to one another is unforgettable. This book brings everything I love about reading romance together in one impeccable story.
I loved the intersects between the Wildrose Landing families and the first gen Huttons too, all the cameos were so fun.
I loved the intersects between the Wildrose Landing families and the first gen Huttons too, all the cameos were so fun.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews