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Ripple Effect #1
When I Come Back: A Second Chance, Small Town Romance
Thirteen years ago, Carrington Grant and Thea Ashford left Indigo Hill, South Carolina with a shared dream of a larger life that only Seattle could offer. Cary hoped to be the next big chef with his childhood sweetheart at his side, leaving his estranged family behind without a second glance.
Eight years ago, Thea moved back home to care for her sick mother, leaving Carrington alone in Seattle. It was the hardest decision she’d ever made, shattering both of their hearts in the process. Moving back to the small town she once tried to escape, Thea promised herself she’d still chase her dreams despite her circumstances.
Now, after a devastating tragedy, they’re brought back together in Indigo Hill. Upon returning, Carrington realizes everything he once knew about his hometown and the woman he never stopped loving has changed.
While grieving the loss of two people important to her, Thea must learn how to work with the man she never fell out of love with. They’re pushed together in a way neither of them could have imagined. Will they rediscover love again and finally mend their broken hearts? Will they be able to forgive each other for their previous mistakes? Or will they stay trapped in the past unable to truly move on?
Eight years ago, Thea moved back home to care for her sick mother, leaving Carrington alone in Seattle. It was the hardest decision she’d ever made, shattering both of their hearts in the process. Moving back to the small town she once tried to escape, Thea promised herself she’d still chase her dreams despite her circumstances.
Now, after a devastating tragedy, they’re brought back together in Indigo Hill. Upon returning, Carrington realizes everything he once knew about his hometown and the woman he never stopped loving has changed.
While grieving the loss of two people important to her, Thea must learn how to work with the man she never fell out of love with. They’re pushed together in a way neither of them could have imagined. Will they rediscover love again and finally mend their broken hearts? Will they be able to forgive each other for their previous mistakes? Or will they stay trapped in the past unable to truly move on?
381 pages, Paperback
First published February 12, 2025
95 people are currently reading
1043 people want to read
About the author
Alise Monroe
3 books75 followersAlise Monroe is an author duo! Best friends turned romance indie co-authors. They write emotional, realistic, raw romance featuring flawed characters getting their HEAs. Their writing is inclusive and will feature all types of love stories. They're currently writing their small town contemporary romance series, Ripple Effect, but have plans to write in different subgenres as well. When they aren't writing, they're typically reading or buying way too many books!
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February 13, 2025
“𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒑? 𝑺𝒕𝒐𝒑 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒕 𝒎𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕”
“𝑳𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕?”
“𝑳𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒉𝒖𝒓𝒕𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒔 𝒎𝒖𝒄𝒉 𝒂𝒔 𝒊𝒕 𝒉𝒖𝒓𝒕𝒔 𝒎𝒆. 𝑱𝒖𝒔𝒕… 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒑. 𝑰 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒘𝒉𝒚 𝒚𝒐𝒖’𝒓𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆.”
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN I present to you an emotional rollercoaster that will probs wreck you :)
I will start this review by saying to PLEASE read trigger warnings. They are there for a reason, either way I'll say it in my review so that you won't be blindsided (even it the list exists) proceed with caution ⚠️ because it has the cheating trope (not between characters) ⚠️ and tbh it made this book so freaking delicious.
OK, I'll start by saying that this book had everything I wanted when I knew we were getting that angst. I wanted to feel the hurt, the tension, and the resolution (I needed a HEA period) and I got it ALL!!! This debut book seriously impressed me. If you love small town romance and an imperfect couple who struggle with life problems, I highly recommend reading this book.
“𝑰 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒂. 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒃 𝒎𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰’𝒅 𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒃𝒆 𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝑰 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒊𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒆. 𝑰 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍. 𝑰… 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝑰 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒔 𝒖𝒔.”
Carrington Grant and Thea Ashford were IT, but life got in the way, leading them down two different paths. Fast forward eight years, and they’re forced to face each other again under the worst circumstances. The whole “we're here for formality, not to rehash our past” tension was TOP TIER, OKAY.
“𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒂. 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝑷𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕.”
I seriously could keep raving about this book, so I’ll close with this: the author did an incredible job portraying how young minds can think one way, but eight years later, perspective, therapy, and communication can change everything. The past and present timelines give readers a full 360° view, and omfg, I read this in 24 hours that’s how good it was. Hope you love it as much as me.
tropes
🌾 small town
🌾 second chance
🌾 forced proximity
🌾 cheating trope (not between characters)
🌾 dual POV
Thank you Luna Literary Management and Alise Monroe for this eARC in exchange for my honest review
⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.
➳ 𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱｡ꪆৎ ˚⋅i’m ready for some angst 🙂↕️ and I want to feel my heartstrings being pulled LET’S GO!!!! 🙂↕️
“𝑳𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕?”
“𝑳𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒉𝒖𝒓𝒕𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒔 𝒎𝒖𝒄𝒉 𝒂𝒔 𝒊𝒕 𝒉𝒖𝒓𝒕𝒔 𝒎𝒆. 𝑱𝒖𝒔𝒕… 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒑. 𝑰 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒘𝒉𝒚 𝒚𝒐𝒖’𝒓𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆.”
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN I present to you an emotional rollercoaster that will probs wreck you :)
I will start this review by saying to PLEASE read trigger warnings. They are there for a reason, either way I'll say it in my review so that you won't be blindsided (even it the list exists) proceed with caution ⚠️ because it has the cheating trope (not between characters) ⚠️ and tbh it made this book so freaking delicious.
OK, I'll start by saying that this book had everything I wanted when I knew we were getting that angst. I wanted to feel the hurt, the tension, and the resolution (I needed a HEA period) and I got it ALL!!! This debut book seriously impressed me. If you love small town romance and an imperfect couple who struggle with life problems, I highly recommend reading this book.
“𝑰 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒂. 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒃 𝒎𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰’𝒅 𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒃𝒆 𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝑰 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒊𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒆. 𝑰 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍. 𝑰… 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝑰 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒔 𝒖𝒔.”
Carrington Grant and Thea Ashford were IT, but life got in the way, leading them down two different paths. Fast forward eight years, and they’re forced to face each other again under the worst circumstances. The whole “we're here for formality, not to rehash our past” tension was TOP TIER, OKAY.
“𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒂. 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝑷𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕.”
I seriously could keep raving about this book, so I’ll close with this: the author did an incredible job portraying how young minds can think one way, but eight years later, perspective, therapy, and communication can change everything. The past and present timelines give readers a full 360° view, and omfg, I read this in 24 hours that’s how good it was. Hope you love it as much as me.
tropes
🌾 small town
🌾 second chance
🌾 forced proximity
🌾 cheating trope (not between characters)
🌾 dual POV
Thank you Luna Literary Management and Alise Monroe for this eARC in exchange for my honest review
⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.
➳ 𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱｡ꪆৎ ˚⋅i’m ready for some angst 🙂↕️ and I want to feel my heartstrings being pulled LET’S GO!!!! 🙂↕️
stay-away
August 20, 2025
March 26, 2025
I’m a sucker for a second chance romance and this one did not disappoint. I’m such a huge believer in what’s meant for you will never pass you. This book was that and more.
After tragedy strikes a man must return to his hometown to face his past. While dealing with grief he also has some loose ends to tie up with the love of his life that left him 8 year prior.
Overall I enjoyed this one. I liked the characters , their growth , and I was cheering for them along the way. I loved the restaurant aspect / chef / distillery aspect of the story as some who’s been in the service industry for many years. It was well done.
After tragedy strikes a man must return to his hometown to face his past. While dealing with grief he also has some loose ends to tie up with the love of his life that left him 8 year prior.
Overall I enjoyed this one. I liked the characters , their growth , and I was cheering for them along the way. I loved the restaurant aspect / chef / distillery aspect of the story as some who’s been in the service industry for many years. It was well done.
December 28, 2024
When I Come Back is a heartbreakingly real story about love and how it both grows and never fades between two people who are meant to be. I LOVED the raw, real emotions that poured off the page of this story—Cary is flawed in more ways than one, but he easily becomes a favorite of mine because of how he works so hard to not only better himself but prove to Thea that she’s the only thing he’s ever wanted. Thea, bless her heart, is stubborn and skeptical, like so many people you likely know, but she wears her heart on her sleeve and pours every ounce of her love and who she is into her relationships and RED. The chemistry and personality poured off the pages, making this a book I couldn’t put down, and I just know you guys are going to be obsessed! It was raw, real, and I am so excited for book 2! Thanks @author.alisemonroe for sharing this story with us!🤍
~
Book Details 📚
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Emotional Damage 💧💧.5
Number in Series 1/?
Genre: Small Town Romance
~
Book Details 📚
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Emotional Damage 💧💧.5
Number in Series 1/?
Genre: Small Town Romance
February 16, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I was given an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for my host review. Thank you to Alise Monroe and Luna Literary for the honor!
This book is so well written. I read it in one sitting. I couldn’t put it down! It’s the beautiful story of Carrington Grant and Thea Ashford. Childhood friends in a small town, who become high school sweethearts who move away to create their futures.
Life gets in the way and 8 years later, tragedy forces them to face their past head on. Things have happened in both their lives they never knew and well, hindsight is 20/20. The love that Cary has for Thea knows no bounds and her stubbornness gives us the angst we all love to read about. The chemistry between these 2 is FIRE!!!! It broke my heart, then put it back together.
Kudos to the authors for their inclusion of a character who struggles with mental help and a character who is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Many times romance novels are not realistic. This books was written in a way that you could see ALL of it being possible. Again, so well written.
This book has everything you could want in a fantastic romance:
Small town romance
Second chance romance
Angst and spice🔥
Dual POVs
Great supporting characters
If you’re a lover of romance, you definitely need to add this book to your library! I can’t wait to read book 2!
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I was given an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for my host review. Thank you to Alise Monroe and Luna Literary for the honor!
This book is so well written. I read it in one sitting. I couldn’t put it down! It’s the beautiful story of Carrington Grant and Thea Ashford. Childhood friends in a small town, who become high school sweethearts who move away to create their futures.
Life gets in the way and 8 years later, tragedy forces them to face their past head on. Things have happened in both their lives they never knew and well, hindsight is 20/20. The love that Cary has for Thea knows no bounds and her stubbornness gives us the angst we all love to read about. The chemistry between these 2 is FIRE!!!! It broke my heart, then put it back together.
Kudos to the authors for their inclusion of a character who struggles with mental help and a character who is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Many times romance novels are not realistic. This books was written in a way that you could see ALL of it being possible. Again, so well written.
This book has everything you could want in a fantastic romance:
Small town romance
Second chance romance
Angst and spice🔥
Dual POVs
Great supporting characters
If you’re a lover of romance, you definitely need to add this book to your library! I can’t wait to read book 2!
February 13, 2025
♾️⭐️
2.75 🌶
🍋 Second Chance
🔴 Childhood Friends To Lovers
🍋 Small Town
🔴 Forced Proximity
🍋 Mental Health Rep
🔴 Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Rep
Where do I even begin with this amazing book? Let's just set the stage with I don't cry often in books. This book had me crying often and hard. Big Ole crocodile 🐊 tears 😢. This book touched home on so many subjects.
Mental health representation is such a HUGE kudo for this author duo. I loved that Cary went in search of Mental health help so that he could be healthy not only for himself but for everyone around him. Everyone deserves to live a mentally healthy life.
Thea's mom Lydia was diagnosed with MS and she hid it from her. As someone with MS it is such a complicated disease to have much less to be able to explain to someone else how hard it is to deal with on a daily basis. Sharing that information that you will never be cured from something and it will always have an effect on you is soo hard. Thea and Lydia did what was best for Lydia and got her into the best care.
Thea and Cary have a long history between them and there is no easy way to ever say goodbye to someone you never stopped loving.
Thea knew her heart was in South Carolina even when she was living in Seattle. She wasn't thriving because it wasn't what she could do. When she was able to spread her wings with Red she was truly able to make Red something so much more than they ever expected it to be! I loved that she wanted to make Red something with Cary's parents even if he wasn't there. Her heart still beat, even if he wasn't there. But that didn't mean she didn't still love him.
I loved Cary even though he definitely had his faults. Everyone has their faults, but he was more open about getting Mental heath help. Even though he could have done things differently and better, he still tried to do what was best. I loved his passion for food and Thea. He loved being able to get his hands on food and make something delicious and beautiful. And I truly think he felt the same way about Thea only he didn't have to make her. She already was beautiful and delicious.
These two carried so much passion between them and I loved that they weren't shy about it. Even if they weren't talking you could feel the palpable tension rolling off of the page. I cried and I swooned for these two and I can't wait to see where their story mingles into the following books in the series!
🔥 Let's Talk About Sex Baby 🥵: 🌶️🌶️.75 /5
Thea and Cary had some of the HOTTEST 🔥🥵 chemistry and passion. They knew what each other needed before they even had to ask.
I loved that they didn't need to have some big complicated scenes for them to be able to enjoy each other. It was primal and filled with last, but more with the love they carried for each other over the last 8 years.
I received a complimentary copy via Alise Monroe. All opinions are my own, honest and voluntary.
2.75 🌶
🍋 Second Chance
🔴 Childhood Friends To Lovers
🍋 Small Town
🔴 Forced Proximity
🍋 Mental Health Rep
🔴 Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Rep
Where do I even begin with this amazing book? Let's just set the stage with I don't cry often in books. This book had me crying often and hard. Big Ole crocodile 🐊 tears 😢. This book touched home on so many subjects.
Mental health representation is such a HUGE kudo for this author duo. I loved that Cary went in search of Mental health help so that he could be healthy not only for himself but for everyone around him. Everyone deserves to live a mentally healthy life.
Thea's mom Lydia was diagnosed with MS and she hid it from her. As someone with MS it is such a complicated disease to have much less to be able to explain to someone else how hard it is to deal with on a daily basis. Sharing that information that you will never be cured from something and it will always have an effect on you is soo hard. Thea and Lydia did what was best for Lydia and got her into the best care.
Thea and Cary have a long history between them and there is no easy way to ever say goodbye to someone you never stopped loving.
Thea knew her heart was in South Carolina even when she was living in Seattle. She wasn't thriving because it wasn't what she could do. When she was able to spread her wings with Red she was truly able to make Red something so much more than they ever expected it to be! I loved that she wanted to make Red something with Cary's parents even if he wasn't there. Her heart still beat, even if he wasn't there. But that didn't mean she didn't still love him.
I loved Cary even though he definitely had his faults. Everyone has their faults, but he was more open about getting Mental heath help. Even though he could have done things differently and better, he still tried to do what was best. I loved his passion for food and Thea. He loved being able to get his hands on food and make something delicious and beautiful. And I truly think he felt the same way about Thea only he didn't have to make her. She already was beautiful and delicious.
These two carried so much passion between them and I loved that they weren't shy about it. Even if they weren't talking you could feel the palpable tension rolling off of the page. I cried and I swooned for these two and I can't wait to see where their story mingles into the following books in the series!
🔥 Let's Talk About Sex Baby 🥵: 🌶️🌶️.75 /5
Thea and Cary had some of the HOTTEST 🔥🥵 chemistry and passion. They knew what each other needed before they even had to ask.
I loved that they didn't need to have some big complicated scenes for them to be able to enjoy each other. It was primal and filled with last, but more with the love they carried for each other over the last 8 years.
I received a complimentary copy via Alise Monroe. All opinions are my own, honest and voluntary.
not-for-me
March 22, 2025Hero cheats on his fiance (OF SIX YEARS) with FMC - and the OW is a nice person. This only works for me if the OW is an Evil Cackling Whore. 🤣
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2025
I literally did not want to stop reading this book…and only did because I had plans but I still devoured it in less than a day! It is written so well and I never would have guessed that this is a debut novel! Both the plot and character development were so well done that I almost felt like I was in Indigo Hills with them! There’s no doubt in my mind that I will re-read this book and I also am excited for the entire series!
Our main characters, Cary & Thea, both experience so many raw and real emotions and I think that makes their story so much more impactful and relatable to real life. There’s grief, heartbreak, friendship, and so much more to this book and Indigo Hills. I loved having the flashbacks to when Cary and Thea were younger and getting glimpses of their relationship over time. Their story had tears in my eyes and had me crying at times too. And then the spice between them is *chefs kiss* (no pun intended)! And the cherry on top of all of this - his nickname for Thea is Lemon and I literally wanted to melt and how much I loved that!
𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝔼𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕔𝕥:
🍋Second chance
🍋Childhood friends to lovers
🍋Small town romance
🍋Mental health rep
🍋Cheating (not on each other)
🍋Love triangle
🍋Workplace romance
🍋Forced proximity
🍋Found family
WICB is the first in the Ripple Effect series of interconnected standalone small town romances. It will be available on KU!
Thank you so much to Alise Monroe for letting me read/review an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
Our main characters, Cary & Thea, both experience so many raw and real emotions and I think that makes their story so much more impactful and relatable to real life. There’s grief, heartbreak, friendship, and so much more to this book and Indigo Hills. I loved having the flashbacks to when Cary and Thea were younger and getting glimpses of their relationship over time. Their story had tears in my eyes and had me crying at times too. And then the spice between them is *chefs kiss* (no pun intended)! And the cherry on top of all of this - his nickname for Thea is Lemon and I literally wanted to melt and how much I loved that!
𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝔼𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕔𝕥:
🍋Second chance
🍋Childhood friends to lovers
🍋Small town romance
🍋Mental health rep
🍋Cheating (not on each other)
🍋Love triangle
🍋Workplace romance
🍋Forced proximity
🍋Found family
WICB is the first in the Ripple Effect series of interconnected standalone small town romances. It will be available on KU!
Thank you so much to Alise Monroe for letting me read/review an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
February 11, 2025
Shoutout to the Alise Monroe team for the ARC!
I loved this book. Genuinely, and I mean this in a good way, I felt like I wrote it. Like this is the sort of story I daydreamed as a love struck teenager. Carrington and Thea are childhood friends, sweethearts, soulmates, and absolutely perfect for one another. I love them, I love this story, the drama, the spice.
The flashbacks and the present really flowed well together. There was always a point to be made or a memory to understand and the writing was truly great. It felt as if we were truly living inside Thea's and Carrington's heads when they would be in a moment and think back to the past.
I will say that the ending felt a little rushed and it didn't necessarily wrap up every lose end. I know this is an inevitable series, but I think some things maybe could have been answered in this book. What happens with Travis? It's hinted at, sure, but I have to know! What about Ripley and the town? Did they find out the truth? I can only hope we get these answers as the series continues.
If you're looking for an adorable small town romance, great spice, music bleeding into every page, and the most wholesome friendship/all the love, then this is definitely the book for you.
And even though the ending did feel a little rushed, I'm hooked and I'm giving it five stars. I LOVED this book.
I loved this book. Genuinely, and I mean this in a good way, I felt like I wrote it. Like this is the sort of story I daydreamed as a love struck teenager. Carrington and Thea are childhood friends, sweethearts, soulmates, and absolutely perfect for one another. I love them, I love this story, the drama, the spice.
The flashbacks and the present really flowed well together. There was always a point to be made or a memory to understand and the writing was truly great. It felt as if we were truly living inside Thea's and Carrington's heads when they would be in a moment and think back to the past.
I will say that the ending felt a little rushed and it didn't necessarily wrap up every lose end. I know this is an inevitable series, but I think some things maybe could have been answered in this book. What happens with Travis? It's hinted at, sure, but I have to know! What about Ripley and the town? Did they find out the truth? I can only hope we get these answers as the series continues.
If you're looking for an adorable small town romance, great spice, music bleeding into every page, and the most wholesome friendship/all the love, then this is definitely the book for you.
And even though the ending did feel a little rushed, I'm hooked and I'm giving it five stars. I LOVED this book.
April 25, 2025
For a debut novel this book really holds a great potential, from tropes to twists to the ending everything was so smooth.
Ok so I'll begin it from starting,
what the book has to offer :-
- Second chance
- childhood sweethearts
- small town romance
- dual time
what's the story about:-
Thea and cary are childhood lovers, they decided to land a job in Seattle and move out of their small town.
where cary was successfully able to land his dream job in the big city, thea was struggling to find her own.
With certain incident taking place she has to move back to the down and decide it's better to leave things between them.
now after 8 year after cary's parents death, he had to come back in town for the funeral where he got to know that he gets an co-ownership of his parents restaurant with thea.
Now seeing her back after 8 years while having the past between them both try to work together as best they can.
with carrington having his own restaurant in Seattle, and figuring his feelings for thea can't decide whether to live in town or leave.
with old love for eachother starting to bloom between them and suddenly his fiance coming to meet him in indigo hill makes things messier between thea and cary. because he never gets to tell her about his fiance.
I could go and spoil the plot twists for you but I really appreciate if you go and read it for yourself about how cary is going to make things work between thea and him, while having his own restaurant in Seattle and now owning half of his parents restaurant with thea. and on top of that the love connection.
Why I gave it 4 stars ?
To be very honest I've always admired second chance romance novels, and this fun felt so realistic with the complex situations between the characters.
Choosing between your career and love has always been the one thing no-one can be sure what the right decision is because everyone has their own reasons to pick one.
but what if you want both ?
how will you make it work, how long are you willing to go to make this a right decision while having both.
personally I'm so touched with all the gestures mentioned In the book.
the only reason why I couldn't gave it a 5 star was how easily you side kicked the side character, such as iris, cary's fiance or so called fiance , I would've appreciated a lot more it for once her feelings were considered too, I'm not saying everything has to be considered in a book, but the injustice of her character ending was not what I think is fulfilling. sure we'll want the main characters to be together but I still don't personally support the cheating part.
otherwise this book holds a really special place in my heart, it's definitely gonna be added to my favourite list.
also I'm looking forward to read the next book in the series and definitely I'm excited for brooks and margot book.
part of me wants a book for Ripley too but that's on the author's yet what's harm in wishing right.
ok now don't waste anymore time and just put this in your tbr and start reading because this is the kind of book you should read once in your lifetime.
Ok so I'll begin it from starting,
what the book has to offer :-
- Second chance
- childhood sweethearts
- small town romance
- dual time
what's the story about:-
Thea and cary are childhood lovers, they decided to land a job in Seattle and move out of their small town.
where cary was successfully able to land his dream job in the big city, thea was struggling to find her own.
With certain incident taking place she has to move back to the down and decide it's better to leave things between them.
now after 8 year after cary's parents death, he had to come back in town for the funeral where he got to know that he gets an co-ownership of his parents restaurant with thea.
Now seeing her back after 8 years while having the past between them both try to work together as best they can.
with carrington having his own restaurant in Seattle, and figuring his feelings for thea can't decide whether to live in town or leave.
with old love for eachother starting to bloom between them and suddenly his fiance coming to meet him in indigo hill makes things messier between thea and cary. because he never gets to tell her about his fiance.
I could go and spoil the plot twists for you but I really appreciate if you go and read it for yourself about how cary is going to make things work between thea and him, while having his own restaurant in Seattle and now owning half of his parents restaurant with thea. and on top of that the love connection.
Why I gave it 4 stars ?
To be very honest I've always admired second chance romance novels, and this fun felt so realistic with the complex situations between the characters.
Choosing between your career and love has always been the one thing no-one can be sure what the right decision is because everyone has their own reasons to pick one.
but what if you want both ?
how will you make it work, how long are you willing to go to make this a right decision while having both.
personally I'm so touched with all the gestures mentioned In the book.
the only reason why I couldn't gave it a 5 star was how easily you side kicked the side character, such as iris, cary's fiance or so called fiance , I would've appreciated a lot more it for once her feelings were considered too, I'm not saying everything has to be considered in a book, but the injustice of her character ending was not what I think is fulfilling. sure we'll want the main characters to be together but I still don't personally support the cheating part.
otherwise this book holds a really special place in my heart, it's definitely gonna be added to my favourite list.
also I'm looking forward to read the next book in the series and definitely I'm excited for brooks and margot book.
part of me wants a book for Ripley too but that's on the author's yet what's harm in wishing right.
ok now don't waste anymore time and just put this in your tbr and start reading because this is the kind of book you should read once in your lifetime.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2025
My heart feels so full after finishing WICB. This book beautifully captures the real and complex dynamics of relationships—whether between family, friends, or partners. The emotional journey it takes you on is raw, relatable, and deeply moving. I connected with this story in ways I didn’t expect and was completely consumed—I couldn’t put it down.
But WICB isn’t just Cary and Thea’s story; it’s about so much more. It’s a heartfelt exploration of love, healing, and the ties that bind us. With second-chance romance, small-town charm, snarky friendships, and deeply layered relationships, this book has a little something for everyone. Don’t miss out!
What would you do if the love of your life suddenly reappeared? That’s the question Thea faces when the dream she’s spent the last eight years building suddenly lands in the hands of her biggest heartbreak, Carrington Grant. She’s convinced Cary could never forgive her for how she left things—breaking his heart and moving back to their small hometown. Meanwhile, Cary has built a life across the country, chasing his career, opening a restaurant, and even finding someone new. On paper, he’s living his dream. So why can’t he let Thea go?
Is being happy the same as being in love?
Dive in and welcome to Indigo Hill—you won’t want to leave.
But WICB isn’t just Cary and Thea’s story; it’s about so much more. It’s a heartfelt exploration of love, healing, and the ties that bind us. With second-chance romance, small-town charm, snarky friendships, and deeply layered relationships, this book has a little something for everyone. Don’t miss out!
What would you do if the love of your life suddenly reappeared? That’s the question Thea faces when the dream she’s spent the last eight years building suddenly lands in the hands of her biggest heartbreak, Carrington Grant. She’s convinced Cary could never forgive her for how she left things—breaking his heart and moving back to their small hometown. Meanwhile, Cary has built a life across the country, chasing his career, opening a restaurant, and even finding someone new. On paper, he’s living his dream. So why can’t he let Thea go?
Is being happy the same as being in love?
Dive in and welcome to Indigo Hill—you won’t want to leave.
July 15, 2025
The hero Cary and there ow:
(SPOILERS IN COMMENTS.)
The hero:
He’s not so bad. Well written.
Passive & unassertive
His personal life is like a comedy of errors caused by himself and the universe. Things spiral so he just goes with it. Poor sod. I like him. He does put effort into his work, though. When he pulls finger and finally fights for his heroine it’s heartwarming to see.
The heroine:
She’s flighty and ambiguous.
Somewhat self-righteous.
Uncommunicative.
Very woe is me.
Not my favourite.
Small town stuff is nice.
(SPOILERS IN COMMENTS.)
The hero:
He’s not so bad. Well written.
Passive & unassertive
His personal life is like a comedy of errors caused by himself and the universe. Things spiral so he just goes with it. Poor sod. I like him. He does put effort into his work, though. When he pulls finger and finally fights for his heroine it’s heartwarming to see.
The heroine:
She’s flighty and ambiguous.
Somewhat self-righteous.
Uncommunicative.
Very woe is me.
Not my favourite.
Small town stuff is nice.
February 11, 2025
This debut novel was absolutely fantastic! I was captivated from start to finish. Thea and Carrington’s story is incredibly moving, childhood sweethearts torn apart by circumstance, only to be reunited years later when Carrington returns to town. As soon as they see each other, their old feelings resurface, but the pain of their past lingers, proving they never truly moved on. However, their reunion is anything but easy, as new obstacles threaten to pull them apart once again. This heartfelt, emotional second chance romance will tug at your heartstrings. It’s a beautifully written story you won’t want to miss!
Thank you, Alise Monroe and Luna Literary for the ARC
Thank you, Alise Monroe and Luna Literary for the ARC
February 9, 2025
This was my first ARC read and I loved every minute!! I’m not usually a romance reader but I ate this up. It’s a second chance trope with small town drama and a reminder that it’s never too late to chase down the one that got away. The FMC & MMC are absolutely perfect together and their chemistry is OFF. THE. CHARTS. Steamy scenes? ✅ Lots of twists and turns? ✅ Family drama? ✅ Sweet romantic gestures that make you weak at the knees? ✅ This book really does have it all.
This is such good read and I can’t wait for Book 2!!! 🩷🩷🩷
This is such good read and I can’t wait for Book 2!!! 🩷🩷🩷
Read
April 2, 2025If the hero cheats WITH you, it will only be a matter of time before he’ll cheat ON you. I don’t care about their history…the other woman did not deserve that at all. Maybe if she was a raging, psycho bitch it might have worked, but the other woman was a sweetheart. When you find yourself liking her more than the hero or heroine, you know this isn’t the book for you.
And when the author makes no mention of whether the heroine actually had any kind of relationship during the 8 years they were apart (no, the fake relationship with the gay friend does not count), then it usually means she definitely WAS celibate. Otherwise it would have been at least mentioned.
So nope. Definitely not a read I enjoyed.
And when the author makes no mention of whether the heroine actually had any kind of relationship during the 8 years they were apart (no, the fake relationship with the gay friend does not count), then it usually means she definitely WAS celibate. Otherwise it would have been at least mentioned.
So nope. Definitely not a read I enjoyed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. It was a breath of fresh air. I was hooked from the beginning and I couldn’t wait to see how it ended! I enjoyed the multiple POV and dual timeline that allowed the reader to genuinely understand the dynamics of Cary and Thea’s relationship. Looking forward to the next book!
January 30, 2025
When I Come Back (Ripple Effect Book 1)
By @author.alisemonroe
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Reunited after a tragedy, Carrington and Thea are brought back to the feelings that began 13 years ago and never left when she did 8 years ago. With interconnected lives in a small town and dealing with tragic loss and grief, the outside world is quickly forgotten until it comes, literally, knocking on the door.
This is my first book by Alise Monroe and it won't be my last! The blurb called me in because I'm a sucker for second-chances. I love the dual timelines that flawlessly show what their relationship was like through the years. It's a beautiful story full of love, grief, heartbreaks, family dynamics, healing, and growth.
I highly recommend this book and cannot wait to read Book 2!
By @author.alisemonroe
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Reunited after a tragedy, Carrington and Thea are brought back to the feelings that began 13 years ago and never left when she did 8 years ago. With interconnected lives in a small town and dealing with tragic loss and grief, the outside world is quickly forgotten until it comes, literally, knocking on the door.
This is my first book by Alise Monroe and it won't be my last! The blurb called me in because I'm a sucker for second-chances. I love the dual timelines that flawlessly show what their relationship was like through the years. It's a beautiful story full of love, grief, heartbreaks, family dynamics, healing, and growth.
I highly recommend this book and cannot wait to read Book 2!
January 19, 2025
Ugh. What a beautiful debut novel.
From finding out Rip was gay to Iris’ ring being meant for Thea & all the way back to Cary right out telling Iris he never really proposed to her, this one was a doozy.
I can’t believe 2 bff’s came together to write such a beautiful story filled with turns but yet still brought the spice & romance & second chance in a small town. Lemon forever. 💛🍋
I’m so excited to continue reading Brooks & Margot’s story as an alpha!!
From finding out Rip was gay to Iris’ ring being meant for Thea & all the way back to Cary right out telling Iris he never really proposed to her, this one was a doozy.
I can’t believe 2 bff’s came together to write such a beautiful story filled with turns but yet still brought the spice & romance & second chance in a small town. Lemon forever. 💛🍋
I’m so excited to continue reading Brooks & Margot’s story as an alpha!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2025
A breathtaking debut that captures the raw, tender complexities of love, loss and second chances. With lush, layered prose and an emotional depth rarely seen in first novels, Alise Monroe delivers a romance that lingers in your heart long after the final page. Achingly beautiful and wonderfully unforgettable.
February 10, 2025
I loved this book!!!!!!!! I already can’t wait for the next one.
February 5, 2025
Rating⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes
🍋Second chance
🥃Childhood friends to lovers
🍋Small town romance
🥃Mental health rep
🍋Cheating (not on each other)
🥃Love triangle
🍋Workplace Romance
🥃Forced proximity
🍋Found family
“You weren’t in love with me then. We were just kids.” “Pretty sure I’ve been in love with you since the moment I met you, Thea.”
“You’re the one thing I need in this life, Thea. More than my career, more than any accolades I could ever get, more than the air I breathe, you are what keeps me going. You are what makes me feel alive. And my greatest accomplishment..”
A.m.a.z.i.n.g!! Seriously such a perfect debut! I fell head over heels for Thea and Carrington. I love them SO MUCH. The way these characters healed each other…it was so beautiful. I love the mental health rep our man Cary shows and how open he is about it. His development was a roller coaster!! Thea is a sweet angel and I adore her! I loved reading about her story! This book made me kick my feet and giggle and cry and I will take zero criticism!! WICB is perfection and I CANNOT wait for book 2!
Spice🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes
🍋Second chance
🥃Childhood friends to lovers
🍋Small town romance
🥃Mental health rep
🍋Cheating (not on each other)
🥃Love triangle
🍋Workplace Romance
🥃Forced proximity
🍋Found family
“You weren’t in love with me then. We were just kids.” “Pretty sure I’ve been in love with you since the moment I met you, Thea.”
“You’re the one thing I need in this life, Thea. More than my career, more than any accolades I could ever get, more than the air I breathe, you are what keeps me going. You are what makes me feel alive. And my greatest accomplishment..”
A.m.a.z.i.n.g!! Seriously such a perfect debut! I fell head over heels for Thea and Carrington. I love them SO MUCH. The way these characters healed each other…it was so beautiful. I love the mental health rep our man Cary shows and how open he is about it. His development was a roller coaster!! Thea is a sweet angel and I adore her! I loved reading about her story! This book made me kick my feet and giggle and cry and I will take zero criticism!! WICB is perfection and I CANNOT wait for book 2!
February 9, 2025
ARC Review: 4.5⭐️
When I Come Back is Book 1 in the Ripple Effect series featuring Carrington ‘Cary’ Grant & Thea Ashford.
Cary and Thea were childhood friends turned lovers. They leave South Carolina at eighteen and move to Seattle to start their life together. Just when Cary’s career as a chef hits a major milestone, Thea must return home to care for her Mom. After being so unhappy in Seattle, Thea decides to stay home, ending her relationship and breaking both of their hearts in the process.
Eight years later when tragedy strikes, Cary must return to South Carolina and see Thea for the first time since things ended so abruptly. Being back in the same place as her only broadcasts how he never stopped loving her, and when his parents leave their business to both of them they must find a way to make it work.
Thea has never moved on and with Cary back in town she finds herself falling back into his orbit. She is worried that he will go back to Seattle breaking her heart all over again and this time taking something from her that means everything to her.
Cary is determined to never loose her again but when someone comes to town from his life in Seattle, will their arrival cause everything to come crumbling down around them once again?
This was an amazing second chance story between two people it was so clear were meant to be together. I really enjoyed their story and I love the world it’s set in. I already can’t wait to see what’s coming in the next book!
Thank you Alise Monroe for allowing me the ARC opportunity !
When I Come Back is Book 1 in the Ripple Effect series featuring Carrington ‘Cary’ Grant & Thea Ashford.
Cary and Thea were childhood friends turned lovers. They leave South Carolina at eighteen and move to Seattle to start their life together. Just when Cary’s career as a chef hits a major milestone, Thea must return home to care for her Mom. After being so unhappy in Seattle, Thea decides to stay home, ending her relationship and breaking both of their hearts in the process.
Eight years later when tragedy strikes, Cary must return to South Carolina and see Thea for the first time since things ended so abruptly. Being back in the same place as her only broadcasts how he never stopped loving her, and when his parents leave their business to both of them they must find a way to make it work.
Thea has never moved on and with Cary back in town she finds herself falling back into his orbit. She is worried that he will go back to Seattle breaking her heart all over again and this time taking something from her that means everything to her.
Cary is determined to never loose her again but when someone comes to town from his life in Seattle, will their arrival cause everything to come crumbling down around them once again?
This was an amazing second chance story between two people it was so clear were meant to be together. I really enjoyed their story and I love the world it’s set in. I already can’t wait to see what’s coming in the next book!
Thank you Alise Monroe for allowing me the ARC opportunity !
February 22, 2025
Obsessed with this story, the small town and all the characters!! From the beginning I was so emotionally invested into these two soulmates and their story. Thea and Cary were high school sweethearts and had big dreams of making it in this world. They left their small town at eighteen and moved across the country to Seattle. The story is told from alternating point of view of Thea and Cary as well as various flashbacks. It’s messy, angsty, with some drama and twists. If you love an emotional, all consuming love story- read this book!!
I really loved the idea of the ripple effect of one's actions shaping and causing a chain reaction of future events. This concept was interwoven through various events by the characters and side characters in this story and I just loved this resounding theme throughout the story and found it such a neat connection.
“No, I said he was her great love. There’s a difference. That’s the love you don’t find twice in a lifetime. Soulmates lift you up and make you shine. Like that.”
I really loved the idea of the ripple effect of one's actions shaping and causing a chain reaction of future events. This concept was interwoven through various events by the characters and side characters in this story and I just loved this resounding theme throughout the story and found it such a neat connection.
“No, I said he was her great love. There’s a difference. That’s the love you don’t find twice in a lifetime. Soulmates lift you up and make you shine. Like that.”
February 12, 2025
Yes absolutely this book was allllll the yes. All the romance, all the plot twists, all of it was incredible.
Cary and Thea’s chemistry is so good! Despite their history their second chance romance is slow burn with a few throw caution to the wind moments. While they’re super sweet, they’re working through some very real problems and I liked that it showed them working together and working it out.
This is not your usual romance plot though, there were some twisty turns that stopped me in my unsuspecting tracks, I was hooked from page one and it just got better and better.
I am completely invested on every character getting their chance at a HEA so I cannot wait for book 2!
Cary and Thea’s chemistry is so good! Despite their history their second chance romance is slow burn with a few throw caution to the wind moments. While they’re super sweet, they’re working through some very real problems and I liked that it showed them working together and working it out.
This is not your usual romance plot though, there were some twisty turns that stopped me in my unsuspecting tracks, I was hooked from page one and it just got better and better.
I am completely invested on every character getting their chance at a HEA so I cannot wait for book 2!
Read
August 23, 2025H is engaged to OW (which is not the h) and lies to the h about it. He’s with OW for 6 years… 😑
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2025
I love a good second chance romance. This is a love story about two people who lose their way for 8 years until fate forces them back into each other’s lives. The chemistry between Thea and Carrington was so well written, you could feel the intensity the second they saw each other again after being apart for years. Their journey was definitely messy and had its fair share of drama but there was no force strong enough to keep them apart. An emotional romance that is quick and easy to read. The story will suck you in and you won’t be able to put it down. Lots of angst and spice.
“Every memory I have of you is etched in my soul, Thea. There is no getting rid of you.”
“From the moment I met you, I was fucking doomed to love you for the rest of my life.”
“You’ve had my heart since we were kids, and I don’t want it back. I never have. It’s made a home with you.”
“Every memory I have of you is etched in my soul, Thea. There is no getting rid of you.”
“From the moment I met you, I was fucking doomed to love you for the rest of my life.”
“You’ve had my heart since we were kids, and I don’t want it back. I never have. It’s made a home with you.”
March 12, 2025
I really enjoyed this debut!
This gave all the small town, second chance romance vibes I love. The pacing was really good and the characters were really solid - not just the two mcs but the side characters also were wholesome.
I loved that we got to see scenes from the past to understand how Thea and Cary fell in love and how they got to this point. The tension and the build up of them getting back together was also perfectly paced. I'm always going to eat up childhood friends to lovers.
Will definitely pick up the next book in the series!
Special thanks to the author and Luna Literary for providing me with the chance to read an eArc
This gave all the small town, second chance romance vibes I love. The pacing was really good and the characters were really solid - not just the two mcs but the side characters also were wholesome.
I loved that we got to see scenes from the past to understand how Thea and Cary fell in love and how they got to this point. The tension and the build up of them getting back together was also perfectly paced. I'm always going to eat up childhood friends to lovers.
Will definitely pick up the next book in the series!
Special thanks to the author and Luna Literary for providing me with the chance to read an eArc
February 6, 2025
This charming contemporary romance really nails the feels of high-school sweethearts finding their way back to each other after some time apart. There's just something about going through tough times together that draws people closer, right? The mix of longing and that second-chance love is on point, and you can’t help but root for the characters all the way through. Can’t wait to see what book 2 brings!
5⭐️
3.5🌶
5⭐️
3.5🌶
Read
December 29, 2024BETA
July 21, 2025
Just finished reading, When I Come Back. This is book one in the Ripple Effect series, and this story is about Thea and Carrington. They have been best friends since they were kids, which turned into a relationship, and then as adults they're each trying to accomplish their dreams and find their place in the world. After high school they had moved away from their hometown and while Carrington began thriving as a chef, Thea wasn't happy there. So when her mom gets hurt and needs Thea's help she decides to move home to care for her mom, breaking Carrington's and her own heart in the process. Years later, after a tragedy, Carrington is called back home and will be seeing Thea again for the first time since they broke up eight years ago. She is happy and thriving now with her dream job. And now that he's back he's wondering why he left his hometown to begin with, and built a life and career somewhere else, when everything he wanted in life is right here in front of him. This story dealt with some heavy topics (cheating, mental health, passing of loved ones) but it was written very well. I am eager to read book two to learn more about Carrington's troubled brother, Brooks. This story was definitely an emotional rollercoaster! I enjoyed this book and look forward to continuing this series. 💛📚
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