The Only Right Thing

Paradise Springs #1

by Ellie Sabine

Danni has nowhere else to run but Paradise Springs, the only real home she ever knew, and the one place that holds her heart and the past she's forgotten. But she picked the worse day to run—straight into the arms of a major hurricane and a stubborn, sullen cowboy with too many secrets.

Now that she’s back in Paradise Springs, Heath has only one goal: avoid Danni at all costs. Eleven years ago, Danni was torn away from him, her memory of the love they shared erased by tragedy. But when tragedy strikes once more, and Danni has no one else to turn to, he knows he can’t let her get hurt again—even if being with her is a bitter reminder that what they once had is gone forever.

The Only Right Thing is a small town, second chance, forced proximity love story with no cliffhanger.

Genres: Westerns, Small Town Romance, Romance

200 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 19, 2025

Reviews

[Kayleigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a simultaneously heartwarming and heartbreaking story. I was confused for the first 30% of the book (which was a lot considering it’s only 200 pages). I didn’t feel a strong connection to the characters, but their story was heartfelt and evoked a lot of emotion. The end of the book felt like what could have been the beginning of so much more; I wish it would have been longer to further develop the relationship between the two main characters. Overall, I liked the premise but I felt unsatisfied by the ending and didn’t love the writing throughout.

*Thank you so much to NetGalley & Victory Editing for the eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review*

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Después de la ruptura de su compromiso, Danni regresa a Paradise Springs, el lugar donde, en su adolescencia, fue feliz. Allí se reencontrará con Heath, el hermano de una amiga, con quien también compartió una amistad, pero es evidente que él no está contento con su regreso y hay cosas que está ocultando.


~


No puede ser, necesito el epílogo (si es que lo tendrá en la versión final), necesito más capítulos de ellos después de que Danni descubriera toda la verdad. No sé cómo Heath logró perdonar a esa señora.
Los capítulos de las cartas fueron un golpe al corazón, eran tan lindas y al mismo tiempo tan tristes. 💔❤️



Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Jamie-Lee Blair · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall I enjoyed this book. It was a cosy romance and the characters were likeable. It was a really short read and it gave off more of a novella feel. I’d have liked the story to have been a bit more detailed or thought out in parts as it moved a bit too quickly in places for me. Worth a read if you like a short, small town romance.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Only Right Thing is a cozy, clean second-chance romance that delivers the right blend of slow burn, "forbidden love", and self-discovery. Though it’s a shorter read, it still packs an emotional punch.


I loved how the story unfolded between Danni and Heath! There’s just the right amount of suspense and angst to keep the pages turning. Their chemistry and shared history give the story real depth, and watching them reconnect felt both heartwarming and authentic.


Because of how short the book is, I don’t want to spoil too much, but it’s a perfect quick read when you need a cozy, heartfelt palate cleanser. If you love emotional, character-driven romances that stay clean but still tug on your heartstrings, this one’s for you!

[Breanna Butler]

Weird book. Potential not realized and I need to know why grandpa didn’t get a wedding invite.

[kenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

“‘Heath like the chocolate bar?’ ‘Chocolate bars are sweet. I’m not.’”

The Only Right Thing by Ellie Sabine
4.25/5 Stars - Wonderful!
Read March 2025

The Only Right Thing is a hidden gem of writing. Beautiful—full of laughter and tears.

Positive messages: 3/5
Forgive others. The things—and people—you love are worth fighting for and giving up everything for. Hard time come, and it matters how you handle your emotions and navigate the tides. Love can stand the test of time. Don’t blame yourself for things in the past; It’ll eat you alive. Instead, move on and forgive yourself and others.

Positive role models: 3.5/5
Danni, the main character, struggles from an accident that happens in her past, which causes her to forget events…and people. She has to learn how to deal with grief and fear and embrace life with joy. She is a relatable character and one readers will adore.
Heath/Bear, a narrator, struggles from past hurts. When readers first meet him, he seems nonchalant, unsocial, and rude, but when his true colors are brought to light…I, personally, loved him. He cares for others deeply—it’s inspiring.
Cassie, Danni’s best friend, is absent for the last part of the book, but you don’t figure out why until later. Her character is somewhat of a mystery to readers, but what we do not from the start is that she was loving and very lovable—always full of laughter and smiles.
Lacy, Cassie’s sister and Heath’s brother, is a prominent character later in the book, when she takes care of Danni. Her warm hugs and bright smiles light up others’ lives and add a little more light to the book.
Ned (GrandNed) is Danni’s grandfather. He was the parental figure in her life growing up and is there for her whenever she needs someone to process with. Their bond is one that is unbreakable.
Tank, and friend of Danni’s, is supportive and kind. He is a side character, but one who makes the book more realistic and relatable.
Rena is welcoming and bubbly and reminds me of one of my close friends. She is a side character but brings out Danni’s personality and has a bright smile that lights up a room.

Drinking, Drugs, and Smoking: 1.5/5
A drunk character hurts others (beginning of book). Characters take medications for pain/relief. Characters drink beer and get a little tipsy.

Language: 3.5/5
‘Bulls—t,’ ‘s—t’ (frequent), ‘damn,’ ‘hell,’ ‘motherf—ker’ (once), ‘f—king’ (once), and ‘b—h’ (once). Various words, but spread out.

Violence, Gore, and Scariness: 2.5/5
During a hurricane, a roof caves in on a character, causing her to almost bleed out. She is given sutures, medicine, and a blood transfusion by a friend (not in a hospital) Her pain afterward is barely described. A coma/serious accident (the details are here and there throughout the novel) deeply affects a main character’s life. Some hints to abuse (in the first few pages, it is implied that a character is being seriously abused by her boyfriend and is afraid of him when he’s drunk).

Sex, Romance, and Nudity: 2/5
A character strips down out of her dress when it gets soaked (a man somewhat sees her). Characters have lustful thoughts for one another. Characters kiss and touch.

What You Should Know:
I was pleasantly surprised with this one. It truly is a hidden gem! Despite the cover (it is fine, but not the most appealing), the book’s content was well-written and enjoyable. I will definitely be reading more of Ellie Sabine’s work.
I finished this one in two sittings. That’s how you know that it’s good (usually). The content is definitely for mature teens only. There’s lots of trauma from a characters past, hints of abusive relationships, hints to a car accident, death of loved ones, and language. (For all of the trigger warnings, look in the section below).
If you have any more questions or concerns, feel free to reach out the comments.
I recommend this one—I think you’ll love it.
Happy reading!

Age Range Recommendation: 15+ A Fiction/Romance
TRIGGER WARNINGS/ADULT CONTENT: DEATH OF LOVES ONES, PTSD, PAIN/LOSS OF BLOOD, ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIPS, COMA, LIFE-CHANGING ACCIDENT, LANGUAGE

Fave Quotes

“‘Heath like the chocolate bar?’ ‘Chocolate bars are sweet. I’m not.’”

“You said to me once that I took some getting used to because you didn’t know what I was thinking. I know I don’t wear my heart on my sleeve. I wasn’t even sure I had a heart until I met you. I should have told you this sooner: I fell for you, hard and fast. Mind and body. I should have told you every time we were together that I loved you.”

“‘You might not like me. I can be a little rough around the edges.’ ‘I hadn’t noticed.’ I finger the locket. ‘You might not like me.’ He takes my hand and holds it between both of his. ‘That’s not possible.’”

*Thank you to BookSirens for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

[Gwen Chester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what can I say? This book is excellent. I cried, laughed, and I prayed. I will say that I greatly enjoyed this book and will be looking for more of Ellie Sabine's work.

We start the story out with Danni coming home to Paradise Springs. This is the only real home that she has ever known. The place that holds her heart and many memories that she has forgotten. Eleven years ago she was in a terrible car accident that killed her best friend Cassie and when she woke up she had no memory of anything from the past. After her long hospital stay her mother swept in and took her to California for her to recuperate and a stay in the rehab center. She also stole her away from all of her friends and family and any type of future she was planning in Paradise Springs, including a fiancé, Heath. Her mother would not tolerate any contact with him so after a while he just gave up. He was barred from the hospital, phone calls were denied and letters or any thing else he sent Danni was returned.

Danni had finally had enough of her mother controlling her so she was coming home. The only problem is she was arriving about the same time that a major hurricane was expected to hit this area as well. She is sure that her grandpa will welcome her with open arms if she can ever get there.

[Patricia Baxes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an incredible story…unfortunately it was terribly convoluted in the beginning. It was like someone took all the plot points, shook them up and dumped them out, then tried to write a story. I struggled through the first two-thirds of the book, then tried to keep up with the remaining chapters. The storyline was fairly fluid; the characters were well-written with definable traits; the plot twists and turns were all over the place; and the HEA—while not your ‘normal’ HEA—left you with warm fuzzies for the future. Even though this isn’t the best book I’ve had the pleasure to review, it’s still worth your time. I think it definitely deserves to be on your TBR list. (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and was deeply touched by the story once I got past the beginning chapters.) ❤️

[Patty · Rating 3 out of 5]

When runaway bride Dani runs back to her happy place at her grandfather’s place, she is filled with guilt. It’s the middle of a hurricane, and when Heath rescues her and takes her to his house to recover, she has no memory of ever having met him.

The author uses a technique of informing the reader of Dani’s story through a series of letters from an unknown author to an unknown recipient. It’s a good method and I found it to be helpful. This was a fast read, second chance clean romance, I believe that the scene has been set for another book set in the same location, so I will watch for it.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

[Kim Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book follows Danni, our FMC and Bear, our MMC during a Hurricane. This book started with absolute CHAOS in the beginning and I had no idea where this story was going, but like magic it all came together! Stranded at Bears home, Danni works through the foggy memories to sort of get her life back on track after an accident that left her with a TBI. We learn, through love letters, what her life was like before. My only complaint, is that I would have liked to have known more about Danni's mother. Overall, a nice closed door romance book to read! Thank you #NetGalley and #VictoryEditing for giving me a copy of #TheOnlyRightThing to read early!

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Danni’s life falls apart for the second time she runs back to Paradise Springs where her grandfather lives. The first time her life falls apart is when she had a car accident causing her to lose her memory and her best friend Cassie then the second is walking away from a wedding that should have never been planned. Just as she enters Paradise Springs a hurricane hits then she gets injured and has to stay with Heath and his sister Lacey. What she does not remember is before her accident she and Heath were in love and he still loves her and maybe she will love him if her memory comes back. Wonderful book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ann-Maree · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Only Right Thing
by Ellie Sabine

In this captivating book, the author skillfully reveals Dani's complex past through a series of heartfelt love letters she encounters, illuminating the years that have slipped away from her memory. Despite its brief length, the story delivers an emotional experience, brimming with drama, suspense, and richly developed characters. The story kicks off with an intense burst of drama that left me eagerly guessing about its unfolding path. Overall, I found great enjoyment in this book, although I did encounter some moments, particularly at the beginning, that left me feeling a bit disoriented.

[Kath · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story was an emotional and intriguing love story. Danni, a young woman who came back to her roots and to be with her GrandNed, still has a 5 year memory loss with her love, Bear/Heath still in love with her an waiting for her there. Danni’s coming home and living in Bear’s home during hurricane Edna and finding Bear’s hidden love letters to her along with finally spending time with GrandNed help her though this tumult her mother made for her

I received an early free copy, ARC, and am giving my free, honest and voluntary review

[Mamawattto4 Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️

I enjoyed this book. I was a little confused for some of the books especially the beginning. It just seems to jump around and took me a good 40% for me to figure out what exactly was happening. But besides that I enjoyed the story. I enjoyed the characters and the plot of the story.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Alex Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want more! That’s the only thing I want now. I loved this book, I just feel like there is more to Danni and Heath’s love story.

Ellie definitely hooked me from page one. Now I feel the need to read more of her books. I’m without a doubt a huge fan now.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

She lost her memory and did not remember him, when she got back to town she thought he was a handsome stranger, he dropped her off at her grandfathers plays. the hurricane to the roof of and he saved her and she went to his place. her mother lied to her and she had an abusive ex. She read all his letters but could not remember him, in the end they tried again and was happy.

[PAMpublish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Appreciated the creative plot and the great interaction between characters to make for a riveting and enjoyable read. However, what started with Callie was never concluded which seemingly made it unfinished for me. Where was Bear to the rescue with this? Just needed a concluding chapter and or epilogue for closure despite almost doing so between Dannie and Bear.

[Jean Katchmar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danni and Heath were a young couple living in Paradise Springs in one of her Grandad Ned's cabins along the lake. Heath was building them a house for them to live in once married. One day Cassie, Danni's BFF, told her she had to get away from her abusive boyfriend Max. So the 2 of them packed the car and left town only to have an accident, leaving Danni with no memory of the past 11 years. Her mom took her to CA to heal. Danni meets Joe there and they become engaged. But Danni knows she has to go back to Paradise Springs for answers and wants to be with her Granddad Ned. In the middle of Hurricane Edna, Danni gets hurt when the roof falls in Ned's porch. Heath finds her and takes her back to his house where his sister Lacy also lives. Heath and Lacy keep things from Danni until Danni finds Heath's letters he wrote to her while she was away from him. Danni finds things in Heath's closet that trigger the memory of her feelings for Heath. Maybe there may be chance for them to find their way back to each other.

[BecReadReview · Rating 4 out of 5]

This turned out to be a sweet read. I was abit confused in the beginning but as we discover details bit by bit, it's starts to make sense. An easy read that flows as 2 people overcome obstacles in life to get back together. It was bitter-sweet with a new beginning to enjoy.

[Barbara Tobey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Thrilled to see it is the first of a series. I am eager to read more about these characters. It is a quick read. Maybe that was because I did not want to stop reading this sweet, heartwarming story. Chores...later. Thanks to BookSirens for providing a copy. My review is voluntary.

[Noreen Bennett · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is Danni's story. A girl that has been through hell and lost part of her memory so therefore part of her life.
She returns to her grandfathers place during a hurricane and meets up with her past.

[Laurel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a bittersweet read. Interesting characters with a history that slowly unravels. This was a clean read. I was very disappointed with the ending of the book. This is not a spoiler. The book just ends.

[Isabele · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised to find out this book was actually really good, despite not being long it manages to tug at your heartstrings. Really liked how the letters were included! Wish this had an epilogue and a MUCH NEEDED prequel 🗣🔍👀🙏

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweet read pulled me in and didn't let me go! It started with just the right amount of tension to keep me guessing on the history between the two characters and seeing their history and present unfold was enough to make me not be able to put it down. I wasn't ready for their story to end!

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read, but it felt chaotic and it was hard for me to get invested in the story a characters. Overall good writing, it just felt kind of rushed and confusing for me.

[Bitsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this. I’m not afraid to say, I do love a bit of spice and a while this is a clean, cosy, small town romance, I ate it up. This is a great little spring/summer read

[Tammy D. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not what i expected. The end was strange and I was a little disappointed. It left me hanging. Not sure I want to continue the series.

[Patty Sayles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy

Thus book wad good. I did not see what was coming and it made me happy in the end. Two people forever in love.

[Susan Mahon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

Wow, a great story about traumatic brain injury and memory loss and how it can affect people 's lives in many ways.,

[Dawn Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

This ending is not worthy of the book,

I'm disappointed with the abrupt ending of this story. Can't recommend this author or book, I'm not going to read anymore of this author.