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Merrymount #2
Daylight
Gwendolyn “Red” Bozelli is Merrymount personified. She’s the first person to offer help to anyone, is a cheerleader to all, remembers the little things, and loves hard. But for the past couple years, it’s been the greatest performance of her life. When every hope, plan, and dream came crashing down, Red became a shell of what once was.
Enter Miller Caswell and his adorable, spitfire of a daughter, Penelope, who have only known life as just the two of them. That is, until they find themselves living in an apartment above Red’s cafe. Miller is quiet and keeps to himself. He doesn’t know what love is beyond what he taught himself while raising his daughter on his own.
Miller sees Red. He sees everything she is and hopes to be, and fully intends to break down every wall she’s built around her heart. But can he make her believe in happily ever afters again?
Enter Miller Caswell and his adorable, spitfire of a daughter, Penelope, who have only known life as just the two of them. That is, until they find themselves living in an apartment above Red’s cafe. Miller is quiet and keeps to himself. He doesn’t know what love is beyond what he taught himself while raising his daughter on his own.
Miller sees Red. He sees everything she is and hopes to be, and fully intends to break down every wall she’s built around her heart. But can he make her believe in happily ever afters again?
362 pages, Paperback
Published February 18, 2025
27 people are currently reading
235 people want to read
About the author
Ila Sikorski
4 books93 followersIla is a hopeless romantic who loves to write small town stories with found family, banter, happy endings, and a dash of spice.
Born and raised in Massachusetts, an overly emotional pisces, she is a girl mom to the coolest kid ever, married to the boy she had a crush on in high school, and completely obsessed with her cat.
When she’s not writing, you can find her and the family checking every Disney destination off their bucket list, speaking in song lyrics, binging early 2000s tv shows, reading books that make her cry, and sending ridiculously long voice memos to her friends.
Born and raised in Massachusetts, an overly emotional pisces, she is a girl mom to the coolest kid ever, married to the boy she had a crush on in high school, and completely obsessed with her cat.
When she’s not writing, you can find her and the family checking every Disney destination off their bucket list, speaking in song lyrics, binging early 2000s tv shows, reading books that make her cry, and sending ridiculously long voice memos to her friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
January 6, 2025
ARC review!!!! ✨ WOW I was so thrilled to be back in Merrymount and honestly, I’m just mad at how quickly I read through this book!!!
Ila writes the most raw and real characters. I love spicy romance books, but there’s just something about Merrymount that’s extra special. In this book we had a chance to go back to this beloved New England small town to learn more about Red + Miller (and P!!). I love the way the characters unfold and learn and grown throughout the story. There’s the perfect bit of spice and sweetness too.
I loved the way both characters dealt with their traumas and were there for one another during their toughest moments. It’s a story that makes you believe in love, even if the home you came from or the last relationship you were in was incredibly broken.
If you love small town romance, Disney, and/or Taylor Swift, this one is one you’ll want to pick up. Just be warned, you won’t want to put it back down until you reach the end!!!
Ila writes the most raw and real characters. I love spicy romance books, but there’s just something about Merrymount that’s extra special. In this book we had a chance to go back to this beloved New England small town to learn more about Red + Miller (and P!!). I love the way the characters unfold and learn and grown throughout the story. There’s the perfect bit of spice and sweetness too.
I loved the way both characters dealt with their traumas and were there for one another during their toughest moments. It’s a story that makes you believe in love, even if the home you came from or the last relationship you were in was incredibly broken.
If you love small town romance, Disney, and/or Taylor Swift, this one is one you’ll want to pick up. Just be warned, you won’t want to put it back down until you reach the end!!!
August 21, 2025
“I don't think about the darkness of the past, it doesn't matter now that I'm standing tall in the daylight on the other side.”
Omg I loved Miller and Gwen sooooo much, and Penelope too! The way they all seamlessly fit together was seriously the sweetest. In every universe Gwen was meant to be P’s Mom, their bond was so wholesome. And seeing Gwen and Miller come together and heal parts of each other still has me swooning.
I also absolutely lovedddddd all the Taylor Swift Easter eggs, and the trio to Disney World had me so giddy! I love the fictional town of Merrymount and the found family in this group of friends and cannot wait for book 3 to finally get Gus and Daisy’s story!!
Tropes:
💕Single Dad x Coffee Shop owner
🩵Forced proximity
💕Found family
🩵Small Town Romance
Omg I loved Miller and Gwen sooooo much, and Penelope too! The way they all seamlessly fit together was seriously the sweetest. In every universe Gwen was meant to be P’s Mom, their bond was so wholesome. And seeing Gwen and Miller come together and heal parts of each other still has me swooning.
I also absolutely lovedddddd all the Taylor Swift Easter eggs, and the trio to Disney World had me so giddy! I love the fictional town of Merrymount and the found family in this group of friends and cannot wait for book 3 to finally get Gus and Daisy’s story!!
Tropes:
💕Single Dad x Coffee Shop owner
🩵Forced proximity
💕Found family
🩵Small Town Romance
January 17, 2025
Wow! Ila has done it again. Book 2 in the Merrymount series is phenomenal. Small town, single dad & found family! Daylight follows the characters Gwen (Red) & Miller. Miller is a single dad to Penelope & the ultimate green flag MMC. Gwen owns the towns cafe & had a complicated past to say the least.
I love that the spice guide is mentioned so if you are not a fan of spice/sexy scenes you can just skip them & still enjoy the book!
Ila has such magical writing & always sucks you right into the story. The references to Taylor Swift & tv shows like One Tree Hill make me smile every time. The ending was so so sweet. I’m ready to get my hands on book 3 because I want to go back to Merrymount! Do yourself a favor & start this series ASAP!
I love that the spice guide is mentioned so if you are not a fan of spice/sexy scenes you can just skip them & still enjoy the book!
Ila has such magical writing & always sucks you right into the story. The references to Taylor Swift & tv shows like One Tree Hill make me smile every time. The ending was so so sweet. I’m ready to get my hands on book 3 because I want to go back to Merrymount! Do yourself a favor & start this series ASAP!
November 3, 2025
what am i supposed to say that encapsulates the absolute undying love that pours out of these pages?
this was beautiful, heart-warming and full of self love affirmations.
i will finish writing this when the knot in my chest releases <3
this was beautiful, heart-warming and full of self love affirmations.
i will finish writing this when the knot in my chest releases <3
February 17, 2025
Ila did it again, two books in a row that left me feeling like I found a little piece of myself in Merrymount. I’ve also been a sucker for a single dad with a spitfire kid, and take on a loudmouth woman - that’s my favorite kind of book. Miller and Penelope’s relationship is so sweet, their bond is so everything. Add in Gwen, a sassy, overthinking, woman that’s only ever wanted what Miller and Penelope have to offer… and the story is hard to put down. I really liked Gwen; is she too in her head? Yes, but she’s highly relatable. I enjoyed the nods to Grey’s Anatomy as well as sprinkling in the love of Disney. Ila’s writing can really make a reader feel like they’re peaking in on another world, I’ve really enjoyed my little escapes to Merrymount and I cannot wait to come back for Gus and Daze (and thank GOD they get a book, because they need it)!! Thank you to Ila for allowing me to be a part of your ARC team for this release. Please grab your copy on release day, February 18!!
January 16, 2025
This book was so cute. Gwen & Miller (+ P & LB) forever. I missed merrymount so much & can’t wait to go back to read Gus & Daisy’s story in book 3. Daylight was a fun & easy read & I loved every second of it. Gwen was so relatable & Miller is everything. Shout out to ila & her team for giving me the opportunity to read this wonderful story a little bit early & I can’t wait for everyone else to get to experience Gwen & Miller’s love for themselves
February 1, 2025
She does it again. And yes I cried. Again. 🥹💛✨
September 12, 2025
so very sweet! i read this in basically one sitting without even trying, i couldn't get enough!
February 18, 2025
Daylight by Ila Sikorski 🕊️
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Just wow🤩 Daylight is the second book in the Merrymount series and let me tell it is perfection! If you love small town romances and Taylor Swift I highly recommend this series! I loved having the little recap in the beginning from For the Hope of It All even though I read them back to back it was super helpful💗 Gwen and Miller were so amazing together! Going through past traumas and current problems but facing them together🥹💗 The found family was beautifully done and the power the main characters both held taking back control of their lives was just chefs kiss! I also loved seeing Gwen with Penelope and how their relationship flourished💗 I was not prepared for that epilogue🥹😭🫶🏼 If you haven’t read For the Hope of It All I highly recommend reading it because trust me your going to want to be back in Merrymount for this!😉🧁 and for those who’ve read FTHOIA Welcome back to Merrymount! 🫶🏼✨
I would like to thank Ila Sikorski and Legends Literary Management for this amazing Arc opportunity! Forever grateful💗✨
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Just wow🤩 Daylight is the second book in the Merrymount series and let me tell it is perfection! If you love small town romances and Taylor Swift I highly recommend this series! I loved having the little recap in the beginning from For the Hope of It All even though I read them back to back it was super helpful💗 Gwen and Miller were so amazing together! Going through past traumas and current problems but facing them together🥹💗 The found family was beautifully done and the power the main characters both held taking back control of their lives was just chefs kiss! I also loved seeing Gwen with Penelope and how their relationship flourished💗 I was not prepared for that epilogue🥹😭🫶🏼 If you haven’t read For the Hope of It All I highly recommend reading it because trust me your going to want to be back in Merrymount for this!😉🧁 and for those who’ve read FTHOIA Welcome back to Merrymount! 🫶🏼✨
I would like to thank Ila Sikorski and Legends Literary Management for this amazing Arc opportunity! Forever grateful💗✨
June 19, 2025
Oh does it feel good to have been able to visit Merrymount again!!
This small town has become a favorite of mine and this time, we get to see Gwen and Miller just be these cutie patooties! I absolutely love a single dad trope and this did not disappoint. Call me a weirdo but I enjoyed the angst of Gwen’s journey after a divorce and the way she learned to let herself be happy. Same with Miller. They both grew so much with one another. 🥹
The beginning of this book was a little hard to read through just because I wasn’t sure what the timeline was. One minute we’re at the hospital, the next time has passed and a paternity test. I also found that the voices of the characters (Gwen, Miller, Penelope) all sounded the same in the way it was written. Nothing horrible, just made it hard to distinguish them.
Also I was watching Inside Out and all I could picture Miller for the last half of the book is as Riley’s crush at the end with the hat. 😆🙃 MY BAD.
Some favorite moments from this book: their Halloweenu outfits and the party, finding the kitten, UM DUH DISNEY WORLD, all the Swiftie references and of course, an engagement? We love to see it.
I can’t wait for the next book in this series. I fear it might be my favorite because I’m a sucker for enemies to lovers.
Thank you Legends Literary and Ila Sikorski for the ARC in exchange of an honest review!
This small town has become a favorite of mine and this time, we get to see Gwen and Miller just be these cutie patooties! I absolutely love a single dad trope and this did not disappoint. Call me a weirdo but I enjoyed the angst of Gwen’s journey after a divorce and the way she learned to let herself be happy. Same with Miller. They both grew so much with one another. 🥹
The beginning of this book was a little hard to read through just because I wasn’t sure what the timeline was. One minute we’re at the hospital, the next time has passed and a paternity test. I also found that the voices of the characters (Gwen, Miller, Penelope) all sounded the same in the way it was written. Nothing horrible, just made it hard to distinguish them.
Also I was watching Inside Out and all I could picture Miller for the last half of the book is as Riley’s crush at the end with the hat. 😆🙃 MY BAD.
Some favorite moments from this book: their Halloweenu outfits and the party, finding the kitten, UM DUH DISNEY WORLD, all the Swiftie references and of course, an engagement? We love to see it.
I can’t wait for the next book in this series. I fear it might be my favorite because I’m a sucker for enemies to lovers.
Thank you Legends Literary and Ila Sikorski for the ARC in exchange of an honest review!
July 1, 2025
(Beta read) Ila created the most beautiful, heartwarming, emotional, and RAW story in Daylight. With every page, I fell more and more in love with Miller, Gwen, and lil P. I could find something relatable in every single one of them because she brought these people to life. This book had me yelling, laughing, crying, and smiling so much it hurt. It even had me feeling guilty when a character scolded other characters — even though I didn’t do anything, and the person giving the verbal smack down was FICTIONAL.
Nothing about this story felt fake. It was genuine and beautiful. I could feel Gwen’s heartache and Miller’s devotion. Ila poured a part of herself into this story and we are lucky to be able to read it.
Daylight is book 2 in the Merrymount series and follows single dad Miller and firecracker Gwen as they realize they were made for one another. These are two incredibly dynamic characters with authentic feelings, fears, and doubts. They are soft and gentle, but also fire (and oh so very spicy!!!). Penelope is the perfect little girl to complete their trio, adding brutal honesty and humorous curiosity to every page she graces.
I am so very proud of you, Ila. You created a masterpiece.
Nothing about this story felt fake. It was genuine and beautiful. I could feel Gwen’s heartache and Miller’s devotion. Ila poured a part of herself into this story and we are lucky to be able to read it.
Daylight is book 2 in the Merrymount series and follows single dad Miller and firecracker Gwen as they realize they were made for one another. These are two incredibly dynamic characters with authentic feelings, fears, and doubts. They are soft and gentle, but also fire (and oh so very spicy!!!). Penelope is the perfect little girl to complete their trio, adding brutal honesty and humorous curiosity to every page she graces.
I am so very proud of you, Ila. You created a masterpiece.
February 14, 2025
𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒅. 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒔𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒕. 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒃𝒓𝒂𝒗𝒆. 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒈. 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒇𝒖𝒍.
Ila Sikorski does it again with another heart-warming, gut wrenching and absolutely stunning small town romance read. Book 1 was all about Margot and Sawyer. Book 2 focuses on Red (sorry I can only call her Gwen now!) and Miller - and don't forget lil ole Penelope.
𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒆𝒆 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒎𝒖𝒄𝒉 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒊𝒕'𝒔 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍.
Gwen seriously thinks that she's not enough, and it's all because of her douche of an ex-husband and gross parents. When you go through the trauma she's been through, for as long as she has, you start to believe it. Though she's gorgeous, funny and independent as hell - she needs someone to remind her that though she feels completely damaged and broken, she's worth it. Cue Miller Caswell. Hot, young and single dad that just so happens to be Margot's half brother. And boy, will he do anything and everything to prove to Gwen that she's worth it.
The chemistry between them is incredible, and I wanted to scream every time Gwen tried to deny it. Like come on girl - LET THE BROODY MAN LOVE YOU. Miller is the epitome of protective and obsessed but not in that cringy, weird way. I mean, come on at one point he essentially growls and says "Did he touch you?" because of her ex-husband's shenanigans. GET HIM MILLER.
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒌𝒔 𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒂𝒄𝒓𝒐𝒔𝒔 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒇𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒔𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒄𝒉 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝒑𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒆, 𝑰'𝒎 𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒊𝒕.
The relationship between Miller's daughter, Penelope, and Gwen made me choke up the entire way through. Being a step mom (who I met at a mere 6 years old), it hit really close to home. I mean, at some points I literally FELT like Gwen. It was amazing to see her immediately take on that motherly role to be there for both Penelope and Miller. And my gosh the "Christmas surprise" made me absolutely giddy.
𝒀𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒊𝒈𝒈𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒅𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒔, 𝑮𝒘𝒆𝒏.
I loved being able to see Gwen love herself again and allow herself to be loved by another. Same for Miller. They both deserve so much love. And reading them "learn" with one another (it's a spicy reference, you'll see) was so freaking heart-warming. It made me smile like a Cheshire Cat with how innocent but dirty it was. I dunno I just love them so much together! And the epilogue at the end - SOB FEST!!!!
𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒊𝒕 𝒂𝒍𝒍, 𝑴𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒓. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒆, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒂𝒃𝒊𝒆𝒔, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒗𝒂𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔, 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒊𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒕 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒎𝒆.
If you love these tropes, you're sure to love this story:
single dad
local cafe owner
small town
best friend's brother
found family
helping each other heal
Thank you Ila for the eARC <3
Ila Sikorski does it again with another heart-warming, gut wrenching and absolutely stunning small town romance read. Book 1 was all about Margot and Sawyer. Book 2 focuses on Red (sorry I can only call her Gwen now!) and Miller - and don't forget lil ole Penelope.
𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒆𝒆 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒎𝒖𝒄𝒉 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒊𝒕'𝒔 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍.
Gwen seriously thinks that she's not enough, and it's all because of her douche of an ex-husband and gross parents. When you go through the trauma she's been through, for as long as she has, you start to believe it. Though she's gorgeous, funny and independent as hell - she needs someone to remind her that though she feels completely damaged and broken, she's worth it. Cue Miller Caswell. Hot, young and single dad that just so happens to be Margot's half brother. And boy, will he do anything and everything to prove to Gwen that she's worth it.
The chemistry between them is incredible, and I wanted to scream every time Gwen tried to deny it. Like come on girl - LET THE BROODY MAN LOVE YOU. Miller is the epitome of protective and obsessed but not in that cringy, weird way. I mean, come on at one point he essentially growls and says "Did he touch you?" because of her ex-husband's shenanigans. GET HIM MILLER.
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒌𝒔 𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒂𝒄𝒓𝒐𝒔𝒔 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒇𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒔𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒄𝒉 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝒑𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒆, 𝑰'𝒎 𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒊𝒕.
The relationship between Miller's daughter, Penelope, and Gwen made me choke up the entire way through. Being a step mom (who I met at a mere 6 years old), it hit really close to home. I mean, at some points I literally FELT like Gwen. It was amazing to see her immediately take on that motherly role to be there for both Penelope and Miller. And my gosh the "Christmas surprise" made me absolutely giddy.
𝒀𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒊𝒈𝒈𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒅𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒔, 𝑮𝒘𝒆𝒏.
I loved being able to see Gwen love herself again and allow herself to be loved by another. Same for Miller. They both deserve so much love. And reading them "learn" with one another (it's a spicy reference, you'll see) was so freaking heart-warming. It made me smile like a Cheshire Cat with how innocent but dirty it was. I dunno I just love them so much together! And the epilogue at the end - SOB FEST!!!!
𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒊𝒕 𝒂𝒍𝒍, 𝑴𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒓. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒆, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒂𝒃𝒊𝒆𝒔, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒗𝒂𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔, 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒊𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒕 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒎𝒆.
If you love these tropes, you're sure to love this story:
single dad
local cafe owner
small town
best friend's brother
found family
helping each other heal
Thank you Ila for the eARC <3
January 8, 2025
✨ARC REVIEW✨
Before I start raving about how much I loved this book, I want to say thank you SO much to Ila & her team for giving me the chance to visit Merrymount a little early again 🩷
Alright, now onto Red & Miller. Or I guess I should say Gwen & Miller. Their story just became one of my all time favorites. There is just so much to love about this book - the mental health rep is so perfectly executed & normalized. I related so much to Gwen & a lot of what she was dealing with, her feelings and thoughts and habits a damn near identical reflection of my own. She’s that type of character that you have to love because she feels so real. Miller is the man of my dreams. Probably all of our dreams. Another character that you can’t help but love because he’s just so pure (but can also make a lady blush a little bit 😅). Penelope is the most adorable and had me reading a majority this book with a smile plastered on my face. Oh, and wishing nothing but the worst to Dean & Katie.
This is that kind of book 2 that perfectly bridges the beginning & ending of a series. I know I haven’t read book 3 yet obviously, but I’m already so excited to dive in because of how this one left off. Fall can’t come soon enough. I’m so happy to see where Sawyer & Margot are now, to see how their lives become intertwined with Gwen, Miller, & P’s, and I’m dying to watch their future play out even further. I loved getting to know Beth, Melanie, Daisy, & Gus more little by little too, and I am beyond excited to get even more of all of them in book 3.
Overall, just a truly perfect found family story. All of the safe, cozy, happy, emotional, feel good vibes you want out of a small town romance.
Before I start raving about how much I loved this book, I want to say thank you SO much to Ila & her team for giving me the chance to visit Merrymount a little early again 🩷
Alright, now onto Red & Miller. Or I guess I should say Gwen & Miller. Their story just became one of my all time favorites. There is just so much to love about this book - the mental health rep is so perfectly executed & normalized. I related so much to Gwen & a lot of what she was dealing with, her feelings and thoughts and habits a damn near identical reflection of my own. She’s that type of character that you have to love because she feels so real. Miller is the man of my dreams. Probably all of our dreams. Another character that you can’t help but love because he’s just so pure (but can also make a lady blush a little bit 😅). Penelope is the most adorable and had me reading a majority this book with a smile plastered on my face. Oh, and wishing nothing but the worst to Dean & Katie.
This is that kind of book 2 that perfectly bridges the beginning & ending of a series. I know I haven’t read book 3 yet obviously, but I’m already so excited to dive in because of how this one left off. Fall can’t come soon enough. I’m so happy to see where Sawyer & Margot are now, to see how their lives become intertwined with Gwen, Miller, & P’s, and I’m dying to watch their future play out even further. I loved getting to know Beth, Melanie, Daisy, & Gus more little by little too, and I am beyond excited to get even more of all of them in book 3.
Overall, just a truly perfect found family story. All of the safe, cozy, happy, emotional, feel good vibes you want out of a small town romance.
January 2, 2025
🏰 !! arc review !! 🏰
releases february 18th!
5+/5 ⭐️
2/5 🌶️
this was even better than book one.
ila truly outdid herself with this single dad romance.
I could not put this book down, i was reading until 3 am 🫥
this was everything i imagined and even more.
i love this little family so so much, and i‘m already missing them.
i missed merrymount so much and was so giddy and excited to go back to this beautiful people and town.
the characters and found family was everything.
miller caswell is such a nerdy, sweet and shy man but that’s what makes him so so perfect 🥹
his crush on gwen was just everything.
crushcrushcrush
the love he has for his little girl is truly so sweet 😭🫂
and he also like so hot 🔥🤭
just how he loves his people is so warming to read.
some things he said was like 🥹🥹
give me a man like him pleaseeee 🙂↕️🫶🏼
gwendolyn bozelli is such a fierce,loving and just such an amazing woman.
i love loved her so much in book one and loved her even more in this one.
the love she holdes for her people is just so beautiful 🥹
I wanna be her friend so bad, like please.
and her calling miller, miller baby. 🥵
this woman is so hot, I can’t 😩
gwen, miller and penelope are just the perfect little family 🥹
I love them like a lot.
you guys have to read about them because they will make you laugh, cry and swoon so much.
this was just a perfect book to start the year,
and I know i‘m going to be talking about them for MONTHS.
releases february 18th!
5+/5 ⭐️
2/5 🌶️
this was even better than book one.
ila truly outdid herself with this single dad romance.
I could not put this book down, i was reading until 3 am 🫥
this was everything i imagined and even more.
i love this little family so so much, and i‘m already missing them.
i missed merrymount so much and was so giddy and excited to go back to this beautiful people and town.
the characters and found family was everything.
miller caswell is such a nerdy, sweet and shy man but that’s what makes him so so perfect 🥹
his crush on gwen was just everything.
crushcrushcrush
the love he has for his little girl is truly so sweet 😭🫂
and he also like so hot 🔥🤭
just how he loves his people is so warming to read.
some things he said was like 🥹🥹
give me a man like him pleaseeee 🙂↕️🫶🏼
gwendolyn bozelli is such a fierce,loving and just such an amazing woman.
i love loved her so much in book one and loved her even more in this one.
the love she holdes for her people is just so beautiful 🥹
I wanna be her friend so bad, like please.
and her calling miller, miller baby. 🥵
this woman is so hot, I can’t 😩
gwen, miller and penelope are just the perfect little family 🥹
I love them like a lot.
you guys have to read about them because they will make you laugh, cry and swoon so much.
this was just a perfect book to start the year,
and I know i‘m going to be talking about them for MONTHS.
February 13, 2025
4.75⭐️
This book hit right in the feels. I loved getting to see Miller and Gwen both trying to figure out who they are and what they want outside of their “defined roles.”
Gwen is always looking out for everyone else around her, but finally taking the steps to put what she wants first and finding her confidence in a relationship again after going through a pretty public divorce in a small town. Miller obviously takes his role as a single dad very seriously and wants to be the best for his daughter Penelope, but also can’t deny his feelings for Gwen and trying to navigate that alongside parenting.
And the chemistry between these two, whew 🥵
But truthfully, my absolute favorite part about this book is the found family. The way these people show up, support, and love each other is just absolutely beautiful. And I feel it so hard for Miller for finally finding a village to raise his child with. And the girlfriends: Gwen, Margot, and Daisy - they’re so friggin fun and everything a girl’s girl group should be.
I love these characters so much and highly recommend checking the series out!
This book hit right in the feels. I loved getting to see Miller and Gwen both trying to figure out who they are and what they want outside of their “defined roles.”
Gwen is always looking out for everyone else around her, but finally taking the steps to put what she wants first and finding her confidence in a relationship again after going through a pretty public divorce in a small town. Miller obviously takes his role as a single dad very seriously and wants to be the best for his daughter Penelope, but also can’t deny his feelings for Gwen and trying to navigate that alongside parenting.
And the chemistry between these two, whew 🥵
But truthfully, my absolute favorite part about this book is the found family. The way these people show up, support, and love each other is just absolutely beautiful. And I feel it so hard for Miller for finally finding a village to raise his child with. And the girlfriends: Gwen, Margot, and Daisy - they’re so friggin fun and everything a girl’s girl group should be.
I love these characters so much and highly recommend checking the series out!
November 16, 2025
Daylight was such a fun and heart-squeezing read. I loved every second of watching Miller slowly break down Red/Gwen’s walls, and Penelope completely stole my heart — Miller’s quiet, steady single-dad energy paired with Red’s soft, trying-her-best resilience worked so perfectly together. This book had me cracking up more than once, and I made quite a few reader noises throughout.
I loved seeing the small-town, found-family vibes shine here, especially with Beth (one of my favorite side characters) and with Miller and Margot fully leaning into their sibling dynamic. There was one character I wasn’t a huge fan of, but it only made the sweeter moments hit that much harder. And Daisy? I absolutely want to know more about her after this.
Miller and Red/Gwen’s shift from friends to lovers — with that best-friend’s-brother tension simmering underneath — felt so natural and so earned. Watching them choose each other, step by step, was easily one of my favorite parts of the book, and the ending was absolutely adorable.
Spice (for future readers): 22, 23, 28, 31.
I closed this book with a huge smile on my face, and I already can’t wait for my next trip back to Merrymount.
I loved seeing the small-town, found-family vibes shine here, especially with Beth (one of my favorite side characters) and with Miller and Margot fully leaning into their sibling dynamic. There was one character I wasn’t a huge fan of, but it only made the sweeter moments hit that much harder. And Daisy? I absolutely want to know more about her after this.
Miller and Red/Gwen’s shift from friends to lovers — with that best-friend’s-brother tension simmering underneath — felt so natural and so earned. Watching them choose each other, step by step, was easily one of my favorite parts of the book, and the ending was absolutely adorable.
Spice (for future readers): 22, 23, 28, 31.
I closed this book with a huge smile on my face, and I already can’t wait for my next trip back to Merrymount.
January 5, 2025
✨ARC Review✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
I have so many feelings from returning back to Merrymount! First, my heart was both broken and repaired in this book. The found family is immaculate, the learning to love yourself through a man that speaks your truth to you is swoon worthy. Red and Miller truly will live in my heart forever and P, that girl steals the show.
Second, it’s hard to not see a little bit of yourself in these characters and story. I feel like every character is a person in my reality and it was put to print.
Third, just be ready to giggle and kick your feet. You will find love, believe in magic and pixie dust, be at a loss for words, and cry happy tears. Everything about this book is ✨chefs kiss✨
•
Ila knows how to write love that you feel like you are living and the little comedy and tone changes make me soar. For all my Disney, Swiftie, Romance people, this is an absolute must read. I’m already wishing I could experience it all again for the first time. 🩷
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
I have so many feelings from returning back to Merrymount! First, my heart was both broken and repaired in this book. The found family is immaculate, the learning to love yourself through a man that speaks your truth to you is swoon worthy. Red and Miller truly will live in my heart forever and P, that girl steals the show.
Second, it’s hard to not see a little bit of yourself in these characters and story. I feel like every character is a person in my reality and it was put to print.
Third, just be ready to giggle and kick your feet. You will find love, believe in magic and pixie dust, be at a loss for words, and cry happy tears. Everything about this book is ✨chefs kiss✨
•
Ila knows how to write love that you feel like you are living and the little comedy and tone changes make me soar. For all my Disney, Swiftie, Romance people, this is an absolute must read. I’m already wishing I could experience it all again for the first time. 🩷
January 7, 2025
So glad I received an ARC of this book. This was my first experience with Merrymount but I WILL be going back and reading book one in this series.
I love a good single dad romance and Miller did not disappoint!!!!! Miller is the kind of guy every woman dreams of 💕 from putting his child first to noticing the smallest details. Penelope hit the jackpot when it comes to having Miller as a dad.
Gwen reminds me a lot of myself, she is always one to help others before helping herself. Her caring nature and the way she treats Penelope is so sweet.
Don’t get me started on her relationship with Miller! There is something about how she calls him Miller baby that just, ughh 🥵 🔥 the two of them together- pure perfection.
Another reviewer said it best when they said that this book is “a story that makes you believe in love, even if the home you came from or the last relationship you were in was incredibly broken.”
I couldn’t have said it better!!
I love a good single dad romance and Miller did not disappoint!!!!! Miller is the kind of guy every woman dreams of 💕 from putting his child first to noticing the smallest details. Penelope hit the jackpot when it comes to having Miller as a dad.
Gwen reminds me a lot of myself, she is always one to help others before helping herself. Her caring nature and the way she treats Penelope is so sweet.
Don’t get me started on her relationship with Miller! There is something about how she calls him Miller baby that just, ughh 🥵 🔥 the two of them together- pure perfection.
Another reviewer said it best when they said that this book is “a story that makes you believe in love, even if the home you came from or the last relationship you were in was incredibly broken.”
I couldn’t have said it better!!
September 12, 2025
5⭐️ and 2🌶️ for Daylight!! Another absolute delight of a book from Ila Sikorski. I love going back to Merrymount to visit and this time get to know Red and Miller more. The way I connected emotionally to Red throughout this entire book had me wrecked in all the best ways.
When you are talking about found family books, Ila and her Merrymount series needs to be in your list. We love a fierce girl gang and that’s what you get with Red, Margot and Daisy.
I love that we have an age gap but it’s not a big deal really for either of them. This is the kind of slow burn friends to lovers I DREAM about. Add in a fiesty 6 year old giving everyone the what for and it’s a recipe for perfection.
I absolutely adored Daylight, and I cannot wait for Long Story Short in November (even if it means the end of the series). Ila, thank you for bringing this sweet small town and it’s found family to life.
When you are talking about found family books, Ila and her Merrymount series needs to be in your list. We love a fierce girl gang and that’s what you get with Red, Margot and Daisy.
I love that we have an age gap but it’s not a big deal really for either of them. This is the kind of slow burn friends to lovers I DREAM about. Add in a fiesty 6 year old giving everyone the what for and it’s a recipe for perfection.
I absolutely adored Daylight, and I cannot wait for Long Story Short in November (even if it means the end of the series). Ila, thank you for bringing this sweet small town and it’s found family to life.
February 18, 2025
AHHH ITS HERE!!! Daylight is a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read for me. Gwendolyn and Miller’s story is captivatingly beautiful. The love that is portrayed is so raw and real. Every emotion spilling out on the pages is absolutely genuine. This book has topics I could closely relate to and I loved how Ila handled those topics with such grace and care. Miller and Gwendolyn!!! Where do I start?! I truly believe their love story really portrays of how love truly is. You can see them both supporting one another and truly helping each other grow. Their love was healing, beautiful, raw, and supportive. I hope everyone finds a love like that. Gwen is a fierce woman with strength like no other, she is determined & learns how to fight for herself. She is so caring with Miller and Lil P & always thinks of the detail. Miller is fiercely protective and thoughtful of Lil P. You can see how much love he has for red immediately and wants to take care of her as well. Their story comes together so beautifully and it is one of my favorite reads! I cannot wait to hold this book in my hands today and read it for the second time. It’s truly so incredibly breathtaking!!! Happy release day Ila! 🤍
January 3, 2025
Where do I even start with this perfectly written story? I’ve loved these characters since reading For The Hope of It All, but the way their story was told in Daylight was just chef’s kiss. Miller baby 🥵 is the sweetest, hottest, absolute best single dad ever. And Red. My girl, my girl. This character is so relatable and watching her grow and blossom into the woman she is at the end of the book was so heartwarming?!?! I love how REAL their story is. They move at their own pace and it kept me wanting more and more and had me reading faster than I’ve ever read in my life because I couldn’t put it down. It has everything I could want in a book. GIMME BOOK THREE!!!!! I NEED MORE MERRYMOUNT!!!
January 3, 2025
✨ARC REVIEW✨ wowowowwowow i truly can’t find the words for how much i loved this book, i am not a quick reader at all and i could not put this down and finished it in two days. i loved miller and red and p in fthoia but their story just completely blew me away. i found myself literally laughing out loud even in the middle of the most gut wrenching scenes and shedding a tear in the middle of the big happy’s about just how sweet it all is. from beginning to end, this book is genius and magic and perfection and the people need merrymount forever!!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2025
ARC review 💗 Y’all, I am OBSESSED with Gwen & Miller’s beautiful love story! The single dad trope is not usually my cup of tea, so I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it in this book. It probably helped that Penelope is the cutest lil angel baby and I’m fully obsessed with her, and also with their found family. This story has so much depth to it, and I loved watching the characters grow and be there for each other through their trauma. I somehow loved Daylight even more than I did book 1 (which I also loved) and I can’t wait for the next book in the series!!
February 26, 2025
Where can I order a man to write me little sticky notes to show that he sees me like Miller Caswell does for Red? I’m willing to pay for expedited shipping 🫠
Ila has created such a beautiful little found family within Merrymount and it is just amazing. I loved reading Gwen and Miller story and watch them find healing and love with each other. I loved experiencing the magic of childhood experiences through P! I can’t wait to get back to Merrymount this fall and see where Daisy and Gus’ story goes!
Ila has created such a beautiful little found family within Merrymount and it is just amazing. I loved reading Gwen and Miller story and watch them find healing and love with each other. I loved experiencing the magic of childhood experiences through P! I can’t wait to get back to Merrymount this fall and see where Daisy and Gus’ story goes!
June 21, 2025
Single dad? Golden retriever energy? And he’s got that dad voice in the bedroom? Oh, we are SO in.
This was such a sweet and steamy continuation of the Merrymount series. Gwen (Red) is the definition of sunshine despite everything she’s been through—always putting others first, even when her own world fell apart. And Miller? Not only is being a good dad hot as hell, but he checks every single box: great partner, supportive brother, loyal friend… yes, yes, and YES.
Their chemistry felt effortless and earned. Add in an adorable little girl, Penelope, a surprise Disney World trip (with a Tangled twist that every girl mom will appreciate 😂), and a love story that heals as much as it burns? This book hit a lot of the emotional and romantic notes I’m looking for!
This was such a sweet and steamy continuation of the Merrymount series. Gwen (Red) is the definition of sunshine despite everything she’s been through—always putting others first, even when her own world fell apart. And Miller? Not only is being a good dad hot as hell, but he checks every single box: great partner, supportive brother, loyal friend… yes, yes, and YES.
Their chemistry felt effortless and earned. Add in an adorable little girl, Penelope, a surprise Disney World trip (with a Tangled twist that every girl mom will appreciate 😂), and a love story that heals as much as it burns? This book hit a lot of the emotional and romantic notes I’m looking for!
August 21, 2025
No Notes
This book was exactly what I needed to read. So much fierce love and devotion in these characters! I enjoyed the first book in this series, so I was looking forward to seeing what else ila was going to share with the world. I did not expect to completely fall madly in love with every person (and cat) in Merrymount. Gwen might be my new dream in life; I want to be like her, I want my family to feel the love that she shows, I’m simply obsessed. Cannot wait for book three
This book was exactly what I needed to read. So much fierce love and devotion in these characters! I enjoyed the first book in this series, so I was looking forward to seeing what else ila was going to share with the world. I did not expect to completely fall madly in love with every person (and cat) in Merrymount. Gwen might be my new dream in life; I want to be like her, I want my family to feel the love that she shows, I’m simply obsessed. Cannot wait for book three
January 7, 2025
I am obsessed with the town of Merrymount and its characters! The story of Red, Miller & Penelope is perfect. The spice is just spicy enough, but mixed with so much sweetness. The relationships and the friendships, ugh, just too cute. I adore the way Ila writes, it’s fast paced but you don’t miss anything. Everyone deserves a Miller, he’s amazing.
I can’t wait to read the next one and I’d really love if someone could do a tv show!
I can’t wait to read the next one and I’d really love if someone could do a tv show!
January 12, 2025
arc review!! i am thoroughly obsessed w merrymount and everyone in it!! i love how relatable it feels to read about red + miller. it was honest, real, and raw. the writing is truly incredible. it felt like the most perfect sequel to fthoia. and this book gave me pieces of literally everything i love?!!?? taylor swift + disney being the biggest ones?!!?! i can’t get enough! 🫶🏼 this was the best first arc i could’ve asked for. thank you for this masterpiece ila :')
January 25, 2025
*eARC review* I don’t think I’ve ever rooted so hard for characters to find happiness than I did this group. This is such a brilliant companion to For the Hope of It All. Ila just sucks you into Merrymount, making you never want to leave. From the character development to all of the pop culture references, I cannot WAIT to get back to this little town soon!!!
February 24, 2025
"Who even are you?"
"Yours."
OMFG this story. This town. These characters!! Gwen and Miller forever. I love loved loved this one. Someone needs to mop me off the floor because I am a happy puddle now. Go visit Merrymount, you wont regret it.
Tropes:
Single dad
Best friend's brother
Small town
"Yours."
OMFG this story. This town. These characters!! Gwen and Miller forever. I love loved loved this one. Someone needs to mop me off the floor because I am a happy puddle now. Go visit Merrymount, you wont regret it.
Tropes:
Single dad
Best friend's brother
Small town
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