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Return to Morro Harbor
Devin Davis swore she'd never set foot in Morro Harbor again. After losing her mother, seeing her best friend die in a surfing accident, and being cast out by her father when he caught her kissing Keri Stone, she packed her car and disappeared into the night.
Ten years later, her father's sudden death forces her back to the hometown she vowed to forget. Devin plans to settle her affairs quickly and leave—before the past can catch up to her.
But Keri Stone is still there. Still steady. Still the only person Devin ever really loved. And one look is enough to remind them both that time hasn't erased what they once shared.
As the waves crash against Morro Harbor's familiar shores, Devin and Keri must decide if they'll let old wounds keep them apart—or if forgiveness might finally open the door to a future neither of them ever stopped wanting.
Ten years later, her father's sudden death forces her back to the hometown she vowed to forget. Devin plans to settle her affairs quickly and leave—before the past can catch up to her.
But Keri Stone is still there. Still steady. Still the only person Devin ever really loved. And one look is enough to remind them both that time hasn't erased what they once shared.
As the waves crash against Morro Harbor's familiar shores, Devin and Keri must decide if they'll let old wounds keep them apart—or if forgiveness might finally open the door to a future neither of them ever stopped wanting.
210 pages, Paperback
Published November 18, 2025
About the author
Alicia Gael
4 books19 followersAlicia Gael (she/her) started writing stories when she was twelve, but didn’t publish her first novel until she was sixty-five. She has a Creative Writing Certificate from UC San Diego Extension, a master’s in criminology from CSU Fresno and is a graduate of the Golden Crown Literary Society’s writing academy I-III. She is also a retired probation officer and criminal justice professor. Her short stories have been published in The Bangalore Review (Deception) and The Quiet Reader (No Time For Stories.) The first chapter of her yet to be completed historical fiction novel, The Journey, was published in the 2022 CA Writer’s Literary Review anthology.
She lives on the California Central Coast with her wife and can often be found kayaking or looking for sea glass on the beach.
She lives on the California Central Coast with her wife and can often be found kayaking or looking for sea glass on the beach.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 30, 2025
Entertaining, fun, engaging story with light spice and a bit of suspense.
Returning to Morro Bay after 10 years, Devin is faced with painful memories and some who are unhappy with her return and want her gone. But, Devin is there to take care of her estranged, deceased father’s home and belongings.
Keri, childhood friend, the one she was caught kissing and subsequently thrown out of the house by her father, is still there as are their feelings for each other. Devin battles with demons from the past to allow her feelings for Keri to emerge once again.
Can they let the wounds of the past go and get to know each other in the present? It’s a good read to find out the answer.
I received an arc from the author and leave my review voluntarily.
Returning to Morro Bay after 10 years, Devin is faced with painful memories and some who are unhappy with her return and want her gone. But, Devin is there to take care of her estranged, deceased father’s home and belongings.
Keri, childhood friend, the one she was caught kissing and subsequently thrown out of the house by her father, is still there as are their feelings for each other. Devin battles with demons from the past to allow her feelings for Keri to emerge once again.
Can they let the wounds of the past go and get to know each other in the present? It’s a good read to find out the answer.
I received an arc from the author and leave my review voluntarily.
November 10, 2025
devin davis had moved on with her life...after the big fall out with her dad 10 years ago when he caught her with her then girlfriend making out she had done a lot with her life.....
now she was back in morro harbor taking charge of his funeral and his house... it was a strange situation for her after no contact with him in all that time
but it was difficult she didnt want to see anyone and was hoping to be in and out and back to her life though what that was going to look like was anyones guess after her being shot in the line of duty
but as she went about the business of settling her dads affairs people came up to her and said nice things about her dad and how he had helped them... that was something she couldnt reconcile in her head ... could this be the same person who had kicked her out for being gay....
and then their were her grandparents who were pleased to see her and wanted her to stay... and then there was keri the girl she had loved back then and who her dad had caught her with...those pesky feelings were doing a number on her....
thoroughly enjoyed this read.... just wondered what would happen and what devin would do with all the life changes that were happening around her...kept me reading till very late at night...
looking forward to the next book from this author
now she was back in morro harbor taking charge of his funeral and his house... it was a strange situation for her after no contact with him in all that time
but it was difficult she didnt want to see anyone and was hoping to be in and out and back to her life though what that was going to look like was anyones guess after her being shot in the line of duty
but as she went about the business of settling her dads affairs people came up to her and said nice things about her dad and how he had helped them... that was something she couldnt reconcile in her head ... could this be the same person who had kicked her out for being gay....
and then their were her grandparents who were pleased to see her and wanted her to stay... and then there was keri the girl she had loved back then and who her dad had caught her with...those pesky feelings were doing a number on her....
thoroughly enjoyed this read.... just wondered what would happen and what devin would do with all the life changes that were happening around her...kept me reading till very late at night...
looking forward to the next book from this author
November 4, 2025
This was about Devin who is a police officer, shot in the line of duty and back to her home town to settle her father's financial affairs. She left 10 years ago and hasn't been back. Her father kicked her out when her walked in on Devin kissing her high school girlfriend, Keri. Devin and Keri had another friend Melissa who drowned in a surfing accident in HS, and Devin blames herself for not being able to save her.
I liked this story because it generated pure, honest emotional feelings. Devin doesn't know how to deal with her past, she's still drawn to Keri but feels guilty about leaving her. She's felt no love from her dad and overall she feels unwanted in the town of Moro Harbor. Keri is a sweetheart and Devin's grandparents are wonderful people. Jen Lyons has a real life cameo in the book and that was fun.
I've been to Moro Bay and to Cambria, CA and loved them, so this story gave me warm memories of a wonderful vacation. Of course there is a very nice HEA, and not a lot of surprises in the story.
I liked an earlier Gael book I read and will definitely read more of her books in the future. Thanks to Bella Books for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
I liked this story because it generated pure, honest emotional feelings. Devin doesn't know how to deal with her past, she's still drawn to Keri but feels guilty about leaving her. She's felt no love from her dad and overall she feels unwanted in the town of Moro Harbor. Keri is a sweetheart and Devin's grandparents are wonderful people. Jen Lyons has a real life cameo in the book and that was fun.
I've been to Moro Bay and to Cambria, CA and loved them, so this story gave me warm memories of a wonderful vacation. Of course there is a very nice HEA, and not a lot of surprises in the story.
I liked an earlier Gael book I read and will definitely read more of her books in the future. Thanks to Bella Books for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
December 30, 2025
Alicia Gael’s Return to Morro Harbor explores the idea that returning home can often be emotional and unsettling. Prompted by her father’s death, the novel’s central character, Devin Davis, returns to her coastal small town after ten years away. That return forces her to revisit a series of losses that shaped her decision to leave in the first place: her mother’s death, the drowning of a close friend, and her father’s rejection after discovering her relationship with her high school sweetheart, Keri Stone. What is intended as a brief visit to settle her father’s affairs becomes something far more complicated for Devin. As Devin boxes up a lifetime of her family’s memories, she finds herself coming face to face with the past she tried to outrun, giving the story a poignancy that’s certainly touching.
The novel avoids turning Devin’s choices at eighteen into moral absolutes, and that makes the storytelling much more realistic and compelling. Rather than depicting Devin’s departure as an act of fleeing, Gael frames it as a coping mechanism. Those left behind, particularly Keri, experience that choice as a profound loss. Though Keri appears rooted and outwardly steady, an unresolved longing remains, shaping many of the decisions she’s made while Devin was gone. When the two reconnect during Devin’s return, the tension between them is fueled by competing versions of the past. Their emotions, sharpened by time, silence, and unspoken hurt, remain raw and complicated. While engaging, it isn’t unfamiliar; Gael manages to make it work without becoming too cliche.
There are several subplots that weave itself into Return to Morro Harbor’s main storyline but it hooks readers with the familiar notion that love alone does not fix everything. Readers like Devin and Keri and they want them together. However, Devin and Keri’s attempts to reconnect are often uneven, with old patterns resurfacing and complicating an easy path to reconciliation and love. Themes of forgiveness, honesty, and emotional presence run throughout the novel, though they are explored in ways readers of second-chance romances will likely recognize. These ideas are handled sure-handedly, but with little surprise.
Final remarks…
Return to Morro Harbor ultimately frames itself as a story about choosing presence over avoidance and accepting what is truly in one’s control. While it does not break new ground or push the genre in new directions, it does offer an engaging exploration of grief, family, friendship, and second chances. In the final analysis, it remains a solid, thoughtful novel worth reading.
Strengths…
Solidly written
Emotionally reticent
Well-developed themes
Read-worthy romance
The novel avoids turning Devin’s choices at eighteen into moral absolutes, and that makes the storytelling much more realistic and compelling. Rather than depicting Devin’s departure as an act of fleeing, Gael frames it as a coping mechanism. Those left behind, particularly Keri, experience that choice as a profound loss. Though Keri appears rooted and outwardly steady, an unresolved longing remains, shaping many of the decisions she’s made while Devin was gone. When the two reconnect during Devin’s return, the tension between them is fueled by competing versions of the past. Their emotions, sharpened by time, silence, and unspoken hurt, remain raw and complicated. While engaging, it isn’t unfamiliar; Gael manages to make it work without becoming too cliche.
There are several subplots that weave itself into Return to Morro Harbor’s main storyline but it hooks readers with the familiar notion that love alone does not fix everything. Readers like Devin and Keri and they want them together. However, Devin and Keri’s attempts to reconnect are often uneven, with old patterns resurfacing and complicating an easy path to reconciliation and love. Themes of forgiveness, honesty, and emotional presence run throughout the novel, though they are explored in ways readers of second-chance romances will likely recognize. These ideas are handled sure-handedly, but with little surprise.
Final remarks…
Return to Morro Harbor ultimately frames itself as a story about choosing presence over avoidance and accepting what is truly in one’s control. While it does not break new ground or push the genre in new directions, it does offer an engaging exploration of grief, family, friendship, and second chances. In the final analysis, it remains a solid, thoughtful novel worth reading.
Strengths…
Solidly written
Emotionally reticent
Well-developed themes
Read-worthy romance
December 27, 2025
Opening was intriguing with the back story realistically woven in as the story progressed. Good characters, and I especially liked Keri. It’s well-written, spot-on emotions and the dialogue is natural. It ended a little abruptly but the epilogue rounded it out nicely. An entertaining read.
November 1, 2025
Nice story but nothing new. Women returns home after being away for many years. someone has died and they must clear up the estate.
It was impossible to like Devin. She just continually felt sorry for herself over an accident...I repeat...accident...that happened 10 yrs ago. Everyone in town, except for one drunk, assured her it was not her fault, but she wasn't having it. oh poor me.
The rest of the story was nice but predictable.
The writing was good, it kept a good pace, the dialog was good and most characters were very likeable.
I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It was impossible to like Devin. She just continually felt sorry for herself over an accident...I repeat...accident...that happened 10 yrs ago. Everyone in town, except for one drunk, assured her it was not her fault, but she wasn't having it. oh poor me.
The rest of the story was nice but predictable.
The writing was good, it kept a good pace, the dialog was good and most characters were very likeable.
I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 2, 2026
I just finished reading Alicia Gael's Return to Morro Harbor, and I really enjoyed it. Gael does a terrific job describing the town along California's Central Coast as well as the characters in the book. I was especially interested in the relationship the MC, Devin, had with her now-deceased father, as it mirrors the relationship I had with my own father. Although my own dad died before I officially came out as a lesbian, his responses would have likely been just like those of Devin's father's. Both men were loved by the community, considered kind and generous, etc. But being their gay daughter was a whole nother thing.
The decisions Devin must make—whether to rekindle an old relationship or keep her distance, whether to allow herself to be fully present with a friend who continues to blame her for his sister's death or avoid him, and even whether it's worthwhile trying to restart a life in her hometown—all carry significant weight and require Devin to take on a variety of burdens. I don't like to give spoilers in reviews, but suffice it to say that the ending makes the reader's investment of time worthwhile!
The decisions Devin must make—whether to rekindle an old relationship or keep her distance, whether to allow herself to be fully present with a friend who continues to blame her for his sister's death or avoid him, and even whether it's worthwhile trying to restart a life in her hometown—all carry significant weight and require Devin to take on a variety of burdens. I don't like to give spoilers in reviews, but suffice it to say that the ending makes the reader's investment of time worthwhile!
November 19, 2025
(3.5 Stars) Devin Davis returns to her childhood town of Morro Harbor after the death of her estranged father. While old friends and her grandparents welcome her back she is determined to settle things and move on quickly. Her high school love, Keri Stone, owns a local wine bar and is happy to see her again. Devin is at a crossroads in her life. She is a police officer, but not on active duty while recovering from injuries. Does she return to her work where she doesn’t feel welcome? She also has guilt about being home over an incident from the past and anger towards the father who couldn’t accept her. Devin carries around a lot of anger and guilt that brings a sad tone to this second chance romance.
I like Keri and her easy way of trying to reconnect with her high school friend. But Devin is harder to embrace. She has had some hard knocks in life and the story is seeing where it takes her at this moment in time. I was engaged in the story but found it angsty and predictable. I liked it overall but wished for some lighter moments to balance out the tone. The author also chooses to keep the intimacy door solidly closed, which is fine, but I did feel it took away from my seeing the connection between Keri and Devin.
I loved the cameo by real life author Jen Lyon appearing as herself in the book. It was a funny, light moment, in an otherwise serious book.
I’ve enjoyed the author’s two previous books and will look for her work in the future. Thank you to Gael and Bella Books for the eARC and I am leaving an honest review.
I like Keri and her easy way of trying to reconnect with her high school friend. But Devin is harder to embrace. She has had some hard knocks in life and the story is seeing where it takes her at this moment in time. I was engaged in the story but found it angsty and predictable. I liked it overall but wished for some lighter moments to balance out the tone. The author also chooses to keep the intimacy door solidly closed, which is fine, but I did feel it took away from my seeing the connection between Keri and Devin.
I loved the cameo by real life author Jen Lyon appearing as herself in the book. It was a funny, light moment, in an otherwise serious book.
I’ve enjoyed the author’s two previous books and will look for her work in the future. Thank you to Gael and Bella Books for the eARC and I am leaving an honest review.
November 5, 2025
This is a story that looks at Devin, whose dad has recently died. She has to return to her home town to settle his estate. She was estranged from her father for the last ten years and carries a lot of hurt and anger over that.
So far, it sounds pretty run of the mill. She has to see lots of people that she hasn't seen since she left.
it's much more than that though.
She is a cop on sick leave following getting shot on duty. Her ex was a bent cop and her colleagues had ostracised her for blowing the whistle on her. She was shot as they did not answer her request for back up. Her fall out with her father was due to his non acceptance of her sexuality, and his inability to cope following the death of her mother. He found out after walking in on her kissing her friend Keri. And she blames herself for her best friend Melissa's death.
So a whole load of grief and emotions that needed to be processed. And we watch them play out on her return.
As is often the case her harshest critic is herself - and she needed to work through those losses and process things before she can hope to move forward.
It just so happens that we get to watch her do just that - and get to a point where she can move forward.
Sometimes going back is the only way to go forward.
From out of that whole heap of misery is a feel good romance that sparks from the page.
Thanks to the author and publisher for an ARC in exchange for this honest review
So far, it sounds pretty run of the mill. She has to see lots of people that she hasn't seen since she left.
it's much more than that though.
She is a cop on sick leave following getting shot on duty. Her ex was a bent cop and her colleagues had ostracised her for blowing the whistle on her. She was shot as they did not answer her request for back up. Her fall out with her father was due to his non acceptance of her sexuality, and his inability to cope following the death of her mother. He found out after walking in on her kissing her friend Keri. And she blames herself for her best friend Melissa's death.
So a whole load of grief and emotions that needed to be processed. And we watch them play out on her return.
As is often the case her harshest critic is herself - and she needed to work through those losses and process things before she can hope to move forward.
It just so happens that we get to watch her do just that - and get to a point where she can move forward.
Sometimes going back is the only way to go forward.
From out of that whole heap of misery is a feel good romance that sparks from the page.
Thanks to the author and publisher for an ARC in exchange for this honest review
November 2, 2025
This was a nice angst free read with a lot of sweet moments. It was about finally being able to forgive and move on in life. The past is the past and there is a life out there worth pursuing.
Devin is returning to Morro Harbor after 10 years since her father has passed. She only plans to be there for a short time, fixing all practical things and seeing her grandparents. Devin only has very bad memories of the town and her father after he threw her out after finding her kissing Keri. On top of that she feels so much guilt after losing her best friend Melissa in a surfing accident all those years ago. Devin can do all this since she is on leave from being a cop after being shot, her crazy ex-girlfriend to blame for that. Soon clear that Morro Harbor may not be a horrible place after all, she has her grandparents, friends and above all Keri, the high school girlfriend she never could forget is there. It is not all sweet though since Devin’s crazy ex-girlfriend is still causing issues that must be solved.
A first for me that you have a cameo with a real sapphic author in a book, in this case Jen Lyon that even helps Devin with her crazy ex. That was something extra fun since Jen Lyon is not only one of Devin and Keri’s favourite authors, I also love her writing.
I received a free ARC from Bella Books and leave a review voluntarily.
Devin is returning to Morro Harbor after 10 years since her father has passed. She only plans to be there for a short time, fixing all practical things and seeing her grandparents. Devin only has very bad memories of the town and her father after he threw her out after finding her kissing Keri. On top of that she feels so much guilt after losing her best friend Melissa in a surfing accident all those years ago. Devin can do all this since she is on leave from being a cop after being shot, her crazy ex-girlfriend to blame for that. Soon clear that Morro Harbor may not be a horrible place after all, she has her grandparents, friends and above all Keri, the high school girlfriend she never could forget is there. It is not all sweet though since Devin’s crazy ex-girlfriend is still causing issues that must be solved.
A first for me that you have a cameo with a real sapphic author in a book, in this case Jen Lyon that even helps Devin with her crazy ex. That was something extra fun since Jen Lyon is not only one of Devin and Keri’s favourite authors, I also love her writing.
I received a free ARC from Bella Books and leave a review voluntarily.
November 26, 2025
With her third book, Gael moves from a heavy emphasis on mystery and thriller to the more romance-focused side of the scale...not to say there aren't still elements of both. Return to Morrow Harbor is almost a second-chance romance, if the relationship had gotten off the ground the first time, before it was squashed. Now adults who haven't seen one another since, Devon and Keri meet again, and the spark is still there. But so are feelings of regret and guilt.
Gael does an admirable job of painting a picture of what it's like to go through a parent's home and their belongings after their death, especially when estranged. The arduous task felt so real, it was almost difficult to read. She balances that darkness with a cast of quirky supporting characters, not all of them likeable, at least at first. But they each have their role to play in Keri and Devon's lives and their relationship.
Besides the romance, one of the loveliest parts of the book came from the author's description of the setting in which the story takes place. Depicted so lifelike, you can almost feel the glide of a kayak through glass-like waters, hear gulls calling overhead, and see the unmatched West coast sunsets in your mind's eye. Her ability to make California's central coast come alive on paper is almost as enjoyable as the romance itself.
Gael does an admirable job of painting a picture of what it's like to go through a parent's home and their belongings after their death, especially when estranged. The arduous task felt so real, it was almost difficult to read. She balances that darkness with a cast of quirky supporting characters, not all of them likeable, at least at first. But they each have their role to play in Keri and Devon's lives and their relationship.
Besides the romance, one of the loveliest parts of the book came from the author's description of the setting in which the story takes place. Depicted so lifelike, you can almost feel the glide of a kayak through glass-like waters, hear gulls calling overhead, and see the unmatched West coast sunsets in your mind's eye. Her ability to make California's central coast come alive on paper is almost as enjoyable as the romance itself.
October 31, 2025
Life can be difficult when returning home to take care of things after the death of a parent. In this story, such a task was complicated by many factors for Devin Davis.
This well-written romance kept me involved as the many layers of her dilemma unfolded. Devin had originally been thrown out of her home when her father caught her making out with her high school girlfriend, Keri Stone.
She had planned to take care of her father’s things and then leave town. However, sparks with Keri were reignited, ones that confused her intentions to leave. She wrestled with wanting to stay, but not all thoughts were positive in nature. The complications began when she encountered others who were not happy with her presence and flat-out told her to leave. These persisting dangers, some destructive, appeared in the form of unkind encouragement, some even from ex-girlfriends. This provided drama and intrigue that the author cleverly wove into the story.
I found it very interesting to speculate, but then I would find myself surprised, more than once, by new twists in the plot. This was a very easy read and enjoyable book, enhanced by a colorful cast of characters.
I would like to thank Bella Books for the opportunity to read and give my honest opinion.
This well-written romance kept me involved as the many layers of her dilemma unfolded. Devin had originally been thrown out of her home when her father caught her making out with her high school girlfriend, Keri Stone.
She had planned to take care of her father’s things and then leave town. However, sparks with Keri were reignited, ones that confused her intentions to leave. She wrestled with wanting to stay, but not all thoughts were positive in nature. The complications began when she encountered others who were not happy with her presence and flat-out told her to leave. These persisting dangers, some destructive, appeared in the form of unkind encouragement, some even from ex-girlfriends. This provided drama and intrigue that the author cleverly wove into the story.
I found it very interesting to speculate, but then I would find myself surprised, more than once, by new twists in the plot. This was a very easy read and enjoyable book, enhanced by a colorful cast of characters.
I would like to thank Bella Books for the opportunity to read and give my honest opinion.
November 4, 2025
A reflective book of second chances
Return to Morro Harbor is full of second chances in life and in love. It lets us reflect about the crossroads in life, the burdens we carry, our views of reality and how to accept love in all of its different forms when it comes knocking at our doors.
Devin returns albeit very reluctantly to the home town she fled 10 years ago to settle her father‘s affairs after his death. Devin carries a big bundle of grief, guilt, betrayal and she needs to start over. She does not expect acceptance and love outside her grandparents (and their adorable doggie).
What we (and Devin) get is a lot of self-reflection, the insight that things are not always what they seem, a lot of growth of the main character, small town scenery and a sweet second chance love story.
Gael gives us with Return to Morro Harbor a pensive and again well-written story. She is a versatile author: Murder, Mayhem and Sex on the Beach was a romp which had me laugh out loud, Return to Morro Harbor deals with the riptides of life and how to anchor oneself.
I received an ARC from the publisher. The review is left voluntarily.
Return to Morro Harbor is full of second chances in life and in love. It lets us reflect about the crossroads in life, the burdens we carry, our views of reality and how to accept love in all of its different forms when it comes knocking at our doors.
Devin returns albeit very reluctantly to the home town she fled 10 years ago to settle her father‘s affairs after his death. Devin carries a big bundle of grief, guilt, betrayal and she needs to start over. She does not expect acceptance and love outside her grandparents (and their adorable doggie).
What we (and Devin) get is a lot of self-reflection, the insight that things are not always what they seem, a lot of growth of the main character, small town scenery and a sweet second chance love story.
Gael gives us with Return to Morro Harbor a pensive and again well-written story. She is a versatile author: Murder, Mayhem and Sex on the Beach was a romp which had me laugh out loud, Return to Morro Harbor deals with the riptides of life and how to anchor oneself.
I received an ARC from the publisher. The review is left voluntarily.
November 4, 2025
Return to Morro Harbor was a decent read about Devin Davis returning to the town that she never thought that she would return to again. She is prompted to return by her father's death and the need to settle his affairs.
The story was written in a very matter of fact manner which didn't really help this reader establish a deep connection with either of the main characters, Devin and Keri. The writing also didn't convey the romantic chemistry that I anticipated between Devin and Keri. To me their relationship felt rather bland. There were also a lot of side characters such as Devin's ex, Tracy, and Keri's ex, Miranda, that just seemed to detract from the major storyline of Devin and Keri's reunion. Overall, I would recommend other readers explore this book to form their own opinion. 3 stars
I received an ARC from Bella Books in exchange for an honest review.
The story was written in a very matter of fact manner which didn't really help this reader establish a deep connection with either of the main characters, Devin and Keri. The writing also didn't convey the romantic chemistry that I anticipated between Devin and Keri. To me their relationship felt rather bland. There were also a lot of side characters such as Devin's ex, Tracy, and Keri's ex, Miranda, that just seemed to detract from the major storyline of Devin and Keri's reunion. Overall, I would recommend other readers explore this book to form their own opinion. 3 stars
I received an ARC from Bella Books in exchange for an honest review.
November 13, 2025
Devin experiences tragic loss as a youth and leaves Marrow Harbor. Years later when her career is at a turning point, she returns to Marrow Harbor to deal with another loss. Her return stirs up past memories and connections with people from her past along with a ton of guilt & remorse and the rekindling of an old flame.
The characters in the book are well thought out and the journey they are on is one of growth and acceptance.
Alicia Gael has written a page turning second chance romance with a sweet hometown backdrop. I really enjoyed this book.
The characters in the book are well thought out and the journey they are on is one of growth and acceptance.
Alicia Gael has written a page turning second chance romance with a sweet hometown backdrop. I really enjoyed this book.
November 29, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this new offering by Alicia Gael. It’s a well written story of first love, loss, and second chances. Return to Morro Harbor tells the story of Devin Davis, whose life has been defined by trauma, returning to her hometown after a decade. As the story unfolds, Devin finds the past giving way to healing and a future she never imagined. Gael offers hope, redemption, forgiveness, and love; creating a path for her characters and readers alike to look inward and return to the harbor of their making.
December 11, 2025
This was a definite feel good read. While there was a bit of resistance and issues, it wasn't enough to make it particularly angsty in my definition of the word. While I don't mind adversity and obstacles, it is frustrating when main characters get in the way of their own happiness. I think that was my main frustration with Devon. While her feelings were absolutely understandable, it was still very obvious from my perspective that she was very much so cared for and appreciated in the town. Even the couple naysayers had their own demons to fight. I'll definitely read more by this author.
November 6, 2025
Return to Morro Harbor is a great read. Devin’s return to her home town of Morro Harbor to take care things after her father’s death is full of emotion good and bad. Good in that she gets to see her grandparents, who love her, bad in that she has to deal with people she thinks hate her. Her goal is to get in and out quickly but the past gets in her way. Read the book to see how Devon deals with it all.
May 31, 2026
Awesome read. Sad it ended as soon as it did. Page turner. Great, well-developed characters. You love, hate, care for, sympathize with, and urge on the characters. The author's writing style is easy to slip into, like a warm blanket. Poetic at times, the writer knows when/how to pace the narrative to the necessary developments. I'm interested in a series.
Oh, and the author cameos? Fantastic! I especially liked the JL bookshop scene.
Oh, and the author cameos? Fantastic! I especially liked the JL bookshop scene.
November 19, 2025
First time reading this author and I really enjoyed this book! a sweet return to hometown and reconnecting with your teenaged love with some jealous ex drama thrown in. Anastasia Watley's narration was fantastic, as always.
December 4, 2025
Alicia Gael is always such a pleasure to read. You know, going into her books, that they will be filled with humor, quick dialogue, and leave you feeling good.
Ms. Gael writes about Morro Bay, it is ev
Ms. Gael writes about Morro Bay, it is ev
January 1, 2026
It might be a 4.5 rounded up but I enjoyed the book. I don’t need a book to be funny or dramatic. A character wrestling with real issues is perfect for me. Life is hard. Books should reflect reality for me. And processing loss is hard but important.
February 11, 2026
I really enjoyed this book and the narration. The author did a great job putting me into Morro Harbor and making me care for the characters (with a couple exceptions - but no spoilers).
I laughed at a couple of the connections to other authors. Fun to read.
I laughed at a couple of the connections to other authors. Fun to read.
February 1, 2026
If you're looking for a sweet story that touches on loss and reclaiming one's life, the Return to Morro Harbor will be a good book for you.
July 17, 2026
Another wonderful release from Alicia Gael. Light on the spice but with a dash of suspense, all mixed in with painful memories, crazy exes and a wonderful cast of side characters who help bring the story to life.
Return to Morro Harbor tells the story of Devin, a cop, recovering from serious injuries incurred in the line of duty returning to her hometown following the death of her father. Facing the demons of her past is not high on her to do list. Her plan is to get in, get her father's affairs sorted and get out as quickly as she can. Hopefully she can manage that without having to come across any of the people she left behind, particularly her childhood friend Keri. After the trauma of losing her friend in a tragic surfing accident and then being kicked out of home the day her father caught her kissing Keri as a teenager, Devin left town, leaving only a very brief note for Keri with no plans to ever return. However, when Devin and Keri cross paths again it is evident that the sparks are still there. The question is whether they (and some of the other side characters) can let go of past hurts to help Devin realise that, just maybe, Morro Harbor is where she is meant to be.
What follows is a wonderfully slow story of growth through grief, love, tears, acceptance and letting go of the past to live in the present. I am very grateful to the author and Bella Books for providing me with an ARC copy of Return to Morro Harbor and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Return to Morro Harbor tells the story of Devin, a cop, recovering from serious injuries incurred in the line of duty returning to her hometown following the death of her father. Facing the demons of her past is not high on her to do list. Her plan is to get in, get her father's affairs sorted and get out as quickly as she can. Hopefully she can manage that without having to come across any of the people she left behind, particularly her childhood friend Keri. After the trauma of losing her friend in a tragic surfing accident and then being kicked out of home the day her father caught her kissing Keri as a teenager, Devin left town, leaving only a very brief note for Keri with no plans to ever return. However, when Devin and Keri cross paths again it is evident that the sparks are still there. The question is whether they (and some of the other side characters) can let go of past hurts to help Devin realise that, just maybe, Morro Harbor is where she is meant to be.
What follows is a wonderfully slow story of growth through grief, love, tears, acceptance and letting go of the past to live in the present. I am very grateful to the author and Bella Books for providing me with an ARC copy of Return to Morro Harbor and am leaving this review voluntarily.
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