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Winks & Windows
Can I find my way again?
Brinn
My days have become a monotonous slog of grief and solitude since my life changed tragically three years ago. I am trapped in this house, a tomb of the life I’ll never have... Until a misdelivered package forces me outside to talk to my handsome new neighbor and his adorable dog.
Isaac
Art block happens to every artist, but when it happens at the height of your career? Bad news. My dog, Pork Belly, and I moved to Calysto’s Cove to look for inspiration in the beautiful town and its quirky residents. What I didn’t expect to find is my beautiful and enigmatic neighbor, Brinn.
Winks & Windows is an emotional and steamy neighbors to lovers contemporary romance featuring a plus-size heroine, mental health representation, and the best dog in Calysto’s Cove.
Welcome to Calysto's Cove, an idyllic beach town where paranormal and contemporary romance sit side by side, and love can be as stormy as the sea. Calysto's Cove is a shared world created by a group of romance authors for readers of diverse interests. All books are standalones and can be read in any order.
Brinn
My days have become a monotonous slog of grief and solitude since my life changed tragically three years ago. I am trapped in this house, a tomb of the life I’ll never have... Until a misdelivered package forces me outside to talk to my handsome new neighbor and his adorable dog.
Isaac
Art block happens to every artist, but when it happens at the height of your career? Bad news. My dog, Pork Belly, and I moved to Calysto’s Cove to look for inspiration in the beautiful town and its quirky residents. What I didn’t expect to find is my beautiful and enigmatic neighbor, Brinn.
Winks & Windows is an emotional and steamy neighbors to lovers contemporary romance featuring a plus-size heroine, mental health representation, and the best dog in Calysto’s Cove.
Welcome to Calysto's Cove, an idyllic beach town where paranormal and contemporary romance sit side by side, and love can be as stormy as the sea. Calysto's Cove is a shared world created by a group of romance authors for readers of diverse interests. All books are standalones and can be read in any order.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 15, 2025
19 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
About the author
Laurel Holl
1 book11 followersYour new indie romance author bestie, Laurel Holl (she/they), is a thirty-something bisexual disaster who got yelled at for reading her library books in math class growing up.
Laurel graduated from school with plans to write the next Great American Novel—which she’s doing, since so far all of her books are set in America and they’re pretty great (in her opinion). She writes contemporary romance with heart and brings her lived experience with disability, body positivity, and neurodivergence to her stories.
Laurel lives in the Midwest with their husband, dog, and two cats. When they’re not crying over a word document, you can find them reading, swearing at their video games, or stopping on the hiking trail every 15 feet to take a picture of some moss.
Laurel graduated from school with plans to write the next Great American Novel—which she’s doing, since so far all of her books are set in America and they’re pretty great (in her opinion). She writes contemporary romance with heart and brings her lived experience with disability, body positivity, and neurodivergence to her stories.
Laurel lives in the Midwest with their husband, dog, and two cats. When they’re not crying over a word document, you can find them reading, swearing at their video games, or stopping on the hiking trail every 15 feet to take a picture of some moss.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
May 4, 2025
I didnt want this book to end. I love that it was short and I flew through it but also would have loved if it was longer! lovely little small town romance, short and sweet to get you out of a reading slump. I would love more stories about these characters!
May 3, 2025
No one needs someone to save them, but sometimes, they need someone to show up for them. (23)
Winks & Windows follows Brinn and Isaac on their neighbourly (and sometimes not so neighbourly) journey. Brinn is learning what it means to live her life in Calysto’s Cove after a major loss. Isaac has inherited the house next door, and is trying to find his artistic spark again. He didn’t expect the sparks to fly between him and his neighbour.
Laurel Holl has crafted a lovely romance, interwoven with a story about grief and recovery. Brinn isn’t perfect, she’s understandably messy at times. Holl portrays Brinn’s grief and agoraphobia in such a raw and honest manner that you can’t help but empathize with her. Her healing and growth journey throughout the book is realistic, while remaining hopeful. I haven’t experienced half of what Brinn has, but I think there are aspects of her journey that will make many people who have struggled with grief or mental health problems feel seen.
Holl seamlessly weaves humour among the heavier emotions in Winks & Windows. The transition between crying and laughing felt natural, rather than abrupt. The moments of levity strike the perfect balance. It could just be my sense of humour, but none of the jokes or banter felt cringe or ham-fisted here, as can sometimes be the case in romances. Now seems like as good a time as any to mention that I love Pork Belly with my whole heart. I would die for that dog, and may she one day win her battle with the gulls of Calysto’s Cove.
On a craft level, the pacing of this book really stuck out to me. It packs a punch for a 180 page novella. Every moment felt intentional; there were no lulls where I was just waiting for something to happen. Additionally, the relationship progression felt earned. This isn’t an insta-love, or even insta-lust story. We get to watch Brinn and Isaac get to know each other, fall for each other, and figure out how to make a relationship work.
In conclusion, I laughed, I cried, I giggled and kicked my feet, I blushed a little. Winks & Windows has it all and a dog!
May 2, 2025
So happy I got to be an ARC reader for this book!
Got a copy this morning and was so mad it’s a work day! But I still finished it in one day!
Pork Belly, the true star! I always say it’s the dog’s world we’re just living in it and this book confirms it.
The plus size representation in this book is so impactful, then adding the fact that she’s working through some mental health challenges, but neither of those things make her less desirable! Ahh we need more of this!! Hot girls have panic attacks!
This book has the banter, the spice, the genuine connection, the vulnerability, the fun and laughter and just everything you want from a book!
Got a copy this morning and was so mad it’s a work day! But I still finished it in one day!
Pork Belly, the true star! I always say it’s the dog’s world we’re just living in it and this book confirms it.
The plus size representation in this book is so impactful, then adding the fact that she’s working through some mental health challenges, but neither of those things make her less desirable! Ahh we need more of this!! Hot girls have panic attacks!
This book has the banter, the spice, the genuine connection, the vulnerability, the fun and laughter and just everything you want from a book!
June 5, 2025
This was a slow burn, sweet read, but at times sad. The female main character Brinn is two years post losing her husband traumatically and is struggling with her mental health. A series of mysterious deliveries force her get out of her comfort zone and to meet her new neighbor, Isaac, and his adorable dog Pork Belly. Isaac is an artist who inherited the house from his uncle and is looking for new inspiration.
Brinn is dealing with multiple mental health issues, and Isaac and Pork Belly are the start of her healing journey in dealing with and moving on from trauma. The story reflected a lot how depression and grief are not linear, some days are great and others lead to a spiral. I know this makes the book sound very doom and gloom but I swear it isn’t. Isaac becomes Brinn’s rock and Pork Belly her de facto emotional support dog. Isaac is what we wish for in every boyfriend, unconditional love, support, and emotional intelligence to understand when Brinn needs him.
This book feels a little unfinished to me. I’d liked to have seen the packages explained, more about Isaac’s family, and more from Brinn & Isaac after they’re a couple. Still an enjoyable read.
Thank you Laurel Holl, for providing me with an advanced copy of this book!
Brinn is dealing with multiple mental health issues, and Isaac and Pork Belly are the start of her healing journey in dealing with and moving on from trauma. The story reflected a lot how depression and grief are not linear, some days are great and others lead to a spiral. I know this makes the book sound very doom and gloom but I swear it isn’t. Isaac becomes Brinn’s rock and Pork Belly her de facto emotional support dog. Isaac is what we wish for in every boyfriend, unconditional love, support, and emotional intelligence to understand when Brinn needs him.
This book feels a little unfinished to me. I’d liked to have seen the packages explained, more about Isaac’s family, and more from Brinn & Isaac after they’re a couple. Still an enjoyable read.
Thank you Laurel Holl, for providing me with an advanced copy of this book!
April 30, 2025
A beautiful story about finding love after loss, managing the complex world of trauma and mental health, and the miracle of breaking out of an art block!
Laurel Holl takes us on a journey as our main character, Brinn, navigates the harrowing world of losing a spouse, experiencing a painfully traumatic event, and developing an intense mental illness—all on her own. That is, until a new neighbour moves in, and fate seems to keep pulling them together. However, recovery is not linear, and the obstacles in Brinn’s way are numerous.
The handling of such a heavy and sensitive topic in this novel is done so in such an excellent manner. I am not overly familiar with agoraphobia, or losing a spouse, but Laurel Holl made me feel every emotion, fear, and doubt that crept through Brinn’s conscience. It was as though I was living her life myself, just reading the words off the pages. Despite her deep-rooted troubles, Brinn is a complex character with light and fresh qualities that operate to provide her depth both as an individual in her relationships with the other characters, and as a character for our consumption. In all frankness, I have rarely found a pair of characters that doesn’t at the very least test my patience towards dislike for some decision or action within the story. But Laurel Holl has written a set of characters that feel real in their flaws and shortcomings without verging into a near soap opera quality of theatrically bad decisions.
These are real people (as far as characters in a novel can be) with real feelings, judgements, motivations, and insecurities. They will make you smile for their joy, make you cheer for their successes, make you weep for their loses. They will break your heart with their own broken one, and they will rebuild it with their love for each other.
This novel is not in my usual realm of themes and topics, but this beautiful story had me crying for our characters and consuming each line like it was the air I was being sustained on.
Thank you, Laurel Holl, for allowing me the opportunity to arc read your novel and experience this awe-inspiring story early. I look forward to following your ever-growing career in writing!
Laurel Holl takes us on a journey as our main character, Brinn, navigates the harrowing world of losing a spouse, experiencing a painfully traumatic event, and developing an intense mental illness—all on her own. That is, until a new neighbour moves in, and fate seems to keep pulling them together. However, recovery is not linear, and the obstacles in Brinn’s way are numerous.
The handling of such a heavy and sensitive topic in this novel is done so in such an excellent manner. I am not overly familiar with agoraphobia, or losing a spouse, but Laurel Holl made me feel every emotion, fear, and doubt that crept through Brinn’s conscience. It was as though I was living her life myself, just reading the words off the pages. Despite her deep-rooted troubles, Brinn is a complex character with light and fresh qualities that operate to provide her depth both as an individual in her relationships with the other characters, and as a character for our consumption. In all frankness, I have rarely found a pair of characters that doesn’t at the very least test my patience towards dislike for some decision or action within the story. But Laurel Holl has written a set of characters that feel real in their flaws and shortcomings without verging into a near soap opera quality of theatrically bad decisions.
These are real people (as far as characters in a novel can be) with real feelings, judgements, motivations, and insecurities. They will make you smile for their joy, make you cheer for their successes, make you weep for their loses. They will break your heart with their own broken one, and they will rebuild it with their love for each other.
This novel is not in my usual realm of themes and topics, but this beautiful story had me crying for our characters and consuming each line like it was the air I was being sustained on.
Thank you, Laurel Holl, for allowing me the opportunity to arc read your novel and experience this awe-inspiring story early. I look forward to following your ever-growing career in writing!
April 22, 2025
I'll start out by saying that I'm a sucker for animals, so Pork Belly was my favorite part of the whole book.
Now, on to the story. This was a lovely slow burn, he falls first, neighbors to friends to lovers book.
While there were moments that I was frustrated with Brinn, I realized the emotions she was feeling were appropriate for the situation.
I adored how sweet and understanding Isaac was with Brinn.
The window scene was HOT!
I wanted a little more from the conclusion, so I'm holding out hope we'll see more of Brinn, Isaac, and Pork Belly one day.
Now, on to the story. This was a lovely slow burn, he falls first, neighbors to friends to lovers book.
While there were moments that I was frustrated with Brinn, I realized the emotions she was feeling were appropriate for the situation.
I adored how sweet and understanding Isaac was with Brinn.
The window scene was HOT!
I wanted a little more from the conclusion, so I'm holding out hope we'll see more of Brinn, Isaac, and Pork Belly one day.
April 19, 2025
This was an amazing book. I love how it shows the up close picture of dealing with anxiety. Isaac was so patient and understanding. Brinn without saying too much through grief and anxiety, strived. Let's not forget the real star of the show and match maker Pork Belly. Pork belly push the characters out of their comfort zones.
May 10, 2025
Isaac - adorable, warm hearted, golden retriever
Brinn - lovable, grief stricken, relatable
Winks & Windows was a quick easy ARC read that had me grabbing for tissues. Both characters were well written and there was just enough spice!
Brinn - lovable, grief stricken, relatable
Winks & Windows was a quick easy ARC read that had me grabbing for tissues. Both characters were well written and there was just enough spice!
January 1, 2026
I LOVED this book. A fantastic romantic novella about a grieving FMC, controlled by her anxiety, and the gentle artist neighbour MMC and his pit bull dog Pork Belly.
I thought the characters, especially Brinn, were expertedly drawn and my absolut favourit was the dog, hands down. Such a cutie!
It was equally heart-breaking and heart-warming and I loved that the author didn't sugar coat the ugly monster that grief can be while giving the main character a way out.
I'm looking forward to read more of this author.
I thought the characters, especially Brinn, were expertedly drawn and my absolut favourit was the dog, hands down. Such a cutie!
It was equally heart-breaking and heart-warming and I loved that the author didn't sugar coat the ugly monster that grief can be while giving the main character a way out.
I'm looking forward to read more of this author.
May 7, 2025
Spice rating: 1
Tropes:
Neighbors to lovers
Plus size FMC
Slow burn
Mental Health Rep
Finding love after loss
He has a dog
Golden Retriever MMC
Both are creatives
Recommend to: Someone looking for MCs in their 30s. Likes a lot of internal monologue.
While there is a romance happening in the story I found that it was not the main story. To me this was more about the FMC (Brinn) working through the grief she has been holding on to that keeps her trapped in her own mind.
The MMCs (Isaac) POV was about loving someone who is dealing with mental health issues. Understanding them, accepting them and trying to help as much as you can.
The story from his point of view reminds us that even when we are in our darkest of places and feel like there is no light left in us, we can still be someone's light. That's what Brinn was for Issac.
I love how the author utilized the dog twice to show how Brinn goes from needed rescue and trapped, to not needed rescue and breaking free from what has been holding her in time.
The spicy scene to me felt out of place and came out of left field for me. I love spicy stories but I felt that a passionate kiss or a fade to black scene could of achieved the same turning point for their relationship.
Who doesn't love a Dog Dad. Pork Belly the dog was a great addition to the story and played the role of non official support animal very well.
It was a heavy story with sprinkles of joy. Which reflects Brinn's journey.
Tropes:
Neighbors to lovers
Plus size FMC
Slow burn
Mental Health Rep
Finding love after loss
He has a dog
Golden Retriever MMC
Both are creatives
Recommend to: Someone looking for MCs in their 30s. Likes a lot of internal monologue.
While there is a romance happening in the story I found that it was not the main story. To me this was more about the FMC (Brinn) working through the grief she has been holding on to that keeps her trapped in her own mind.
The MMCs (Isaac) POV was about loving someone who is dealing with mental health issues. Understanding them, accepting them and trying to help as much as you can.
The story from his point of view reminds us that even when we are in our darkest of places and feel like there is no light left in us, we can still be someone's light. That's what Brinn was for Issac.
I love how the author utilized the dog twice to show how Brinn goes from needed rescue and trapped, to not needed rescue and breaking free from what has been holding her in time.
The spicy scene to me felt out of place and came out of left field for me. I love spicy stories but I felt that a passionate kiss or a fade to black scene could of achieved the same turning point for their relationship.
Who doesn't love a Dog Dad. Pork Belly the dog was a great addition to the story and played the role of non official support animal very well.
It was a heavy story with sprinkles of joy. Which reflects Brinn's journey.
May 18, 2025
“I take a fraction of a second to examine her. It’s hard to reconcile this Brinn, this shattered, frightened woman in front of me with the laughing, smiling woman I’ve grown to care about. The package is the same—soft golden brown hair that reaches the bottoms of her small, perfect chest. Shorts resting across her soft, round belly and stopping at her wide thighs. But her normally rosy cheeks are stained red in shame and grief. Her mossy eyes are closed in fear. Her body shakes in anguish, not laughter. I’ve met this Brinn before. It was the first version of her I met, and every part of me recoils at the fact that this brilliant woman has to carry this version of herself, too.”
———
Wow. What an incredible story about vulnerability and grief. I came across the author’s page on social media, where character art was displayed for this book and fell in love. I’m not usually a fan of blonde MMCs but man, Isaac is so emotionally intelligent that it makes up for it for me.
This short book was so well written; there were so many lines that resonated with me, a look into grief and the way it affects some of us. I loved the patience and value of friendship. While I wish there was spice, more chapters, and more of an on-page romance, there was something so touching about this story.
———
Wow. What an incredible story about vulnerability and grief. I came across the author’s page on social media, where character art was displayed for this book and fell in love. I’m not usually a fan of blonde MMCs but man, Isaac is so emotionally intelligent that it makes up for it for me.
This short book was so well written; there were so many lines that resonated with me, a look into grief and the way it affects some of us. I loved the patience and value of friendship. While I wish there was spice, more chapters, and more of an on-page romance, there was something so touching about this story.
May 16, 2025
This was a love story grounded in trauma and significant mental health challenges. It was cute. For the most part the mental health piece was handled really well. And I love a book where our FMC is plus sized - adds to the realism for me. There is a very nice dog who steals the show and makes every scene better and that earns an extra half star all on its own.
I didn’t feel any actual chemistry between our MMC and FMC. Nor was I invested in their relationship by the end of the book, which felt quite sudden. Brinn’s lightbulb moment came kind of out-of-the-blue, which is a shame after nailing the mental health piece earlier in the book. I also struggled with the number of times Isaac finds her out walking Pork Belly exactly when she needs to be found - once was fine for me, timing coincidences happen. But more? Feels too convenient.
There’s a lot of fun moments, some delightful dog shenanigans, a very supportive and empathetic MMC, and a cute seaside town. I think lots of people will love this book, it just wasn’t quite for me.
I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
I didn’t feel any actual chemistry between our MMC and FMC. Nor was I invested in their relationship by the end of the book, which felt quite sudden. Brinn’s lightbulb moment came kind of out-of-the-blue, which is a shame after nailing the mental health piece earlier in the book. I also struggled with the number of times Isaac finds her out walking Pork Belly exactly when she needs to be found - once was fine for me, timing coincidences happen. But more? Feels too convenient.
There’s a lot of fun moments, some delightful dog shenanigans, a very supportive and empathetic MMC, and a cute seaside town. I think lots of people will love this book, it just wasn’t quite for me.
I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 29, 2025
I am still riding high on the feels from Winks & Windows. This neighbors-to-lovers romance pulled me in from the first page and parked itself in my heart.
Why this one stayed with me:
Raw, nuanced characters — Brinn was such a refreshing heroine. The emotional layers are real and beautifully portrayed.
Mental health representation done right — Honest, thoughtful, and vital. It was woven into the story with sensitivity, never overshadowing the romance, but enriching it.
Neighbors-to‑lovers done with care and heat — Big chemistry with an organic buildup. Their gradual connection felt authentic and earned.
Emotional resonance — This wasn’t just about finding love—it was about healing, rediscovery, and learning to open up when all you want to do is stay curled up in bed.
The vibe — Warm, steamy, and emotionally honest. It’s the kind of story you savor slowly, then wish you could read again for the first time.
If you love heartfelt romances that are as emotionally powerful as they are sexy—with characters you want to root for—Winks & Windows is a must-read.
Why this one stayed with me:
Raw, nuanced characters — Brinn was such a refreshing heroine. The emotional layers are real and beautifully portrayed.
Mental health representation done right — Honest, thoughtful, and vital. It was woven into the story with sensitivity, never overshadowing the romance, but enriching it.
Neighbors-to‑lovers done with care and heat — Big chemistry with an organic buildup. Their gradual connection felt authentic and earned.
Emotional resonance — This wasn’t just about finding love—it was about healing, rediscovery, and learning to open up when all you want to do is stay curled up in bed.
The vibe — Warm, steamy, and emotionally honest. It’s the kind of story you savor slowly, then wish you could read again for the first time.
If you love heartfelt romances that are as emotionally powerful as they are sexy—with characters you want to root for—Winks & Windows is a must-read.
May 19, 2025
Thank you so much to Laurel Holl for this E-ARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Find more on my IG @kayreads_romance
⚠️ !! Please be sure to check any TWs before diving in !! ⚠️
What to expect:
* Grief
* Tattooed Artist MMC
* Mental Health/ Agoraphobia Rep
* Small Oceanside town
* Cute doggie!
* Neighbors to lovers
* Plus size FMC
* Golden retriever MMC
* Love after loss
* Slow burn
* Open door
“Don’t worry, the dog is fine!”
OKAY YOU MAY PROCEED!!
Okay I LOVED this book! I think the mental health rep was done so well and I loved how Isaac was still there for Brinn and didn’t get upset at her if she was having a hard time. The love and tenderness expressed by both of them had me tearing up multiple times.
My girl Pork Belly stole the whole show!!!!! I love her and I want to take her on a walk to the meadow 🥺🩷💓💕
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Find more on my IG @kayreads_romance
⚠️ !! Please be sure to check any TWs before diving in !! ⚠️
What to expect:
* Grief
* Tattooed Artist MMC
* Mental Health/ Agoraphobia Rep
* Small Oceanside town
* Cute doggie!
* Neighbors to lovers
* Plus size FMC
* Golden retriever MMC
* Love after loss
* Slow burn
* Open door
“Don’t worry, the dog is fine!”
OKAY YOU MAY PROCEED!!
Okay I LOVED this book! I think the mental health rep was done so well and I loved how Isaac was still there for Brinn and didn’t get upset at her if she was having a hard time. The love and tenderness expressed by both of them had me tearing up multiple times.
My girl Pork Belly stole the whole show!!!!! I love her and I want to take her on a walk to the meadow 🥺🩷💓💕
November 27, 2025
Winks & Windows
By Laurel Holl
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a short, sweet and emotional slow burn which will soothe the corners of your soul. I enjoyed this far more than I anticipated, the way this indie author handles the complexities of grief and depression is beyond impressive. I loved the journey Brinn takes and Isaac is a stalwart champion throughout. The story is beautiful, the yearning makes you ache and you will definitely shed a tear or two but you will also laugh and swoon and fall in love again and again.
If you haven’t read this yet, definitely give it a go, who doesn’t love a slow burn with a plus size FMC, a beautiful pup sidekick and an emotionally intelligent MMC who adores her?!
This book deals with some heavy topics and shines a light on the importance of seeking help and therapy in particular. Look after yourself people 💕
By Laurel Holl
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a short, sweet and emotional slow burn which will soothe the corners of your soul. I enjoyed this far more than I anticipated, the way this indie author handles the complexities of grief and depression is beyond impressive. I loved the journey Brinn takes and Isaac is a stalwart champion throughout. The story is beautiful, the yearning makes you ache and you will definitely shed a tear or two but you will also laugh and swoon and fall in love again and again.
If you haven’t read this yet, definitely give it a go, who doesn’t love a slow burn with a plus size FMC, a beautiful pup sidekick and an emotionally intelligent MMC who adores her?!
This book deals with some heavy topics and shines a light on the importance of seeking help and therapy in particular. Look after yourself people 💕
May 11, 2025
I really loved this novella. It was such a quick and adorable, cosy read with the perfect amount of spice. Both the Brinn and Isaac have their own struggles in their lives, and they help each other get through it. They have a truly genuine connection, full of understanding (especially Issac is the epitome of a perfect man - understanding, considerate and so so loving and helpful but also knows when to give space) and their relationship is one of the best representations of people being able to have a healthy relationship despite mental health struggles. I definitely hope there will be more stories, if not about the same people, at least set in the same small town.
I read this as an ARC, but all opinions are honest and my own.
I read this as an ARC, but all opinions are honest and my own.
May 12, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
I LOVED THIS BOOK! I loved it so much I don’t even know where to start.
Brinn is fighting for her life against demons that live inside her head. There are days that she can take on the world and then there are days she’s stuck in bed and can’t be bothered to even drink a sip of water. Trauma can do that to you.
Isaac is an artist who’s been left his uncles home. He’s ready for a new start. A new muse. What he doesn’t expect is that muse to be the gorgeous woman from Nextdoor. The one who struggles to balance her own needs with who she wants to become.
Will they get the HEA they deserve or will Brinn struggle with her ptsd and let it all crumble at her feet?
I loved this. I loved this so much. I cannot recommend this read enough. It was AMAZING!
🌶️🌶️
I LOVED THIS BOOK! I loved it so much I don’t even know where to start.
Brinn is fighting for her life against demons that live inside her head. There are days that she can take on the world and then there are days she’s stuck in bed and can’t be bothered to even drink a sip of water. Trauma can do that to you.
Isaac is an artist who’s been left his uncles home. He’s ready for a new start. A new muse. What he doesn’t expect is that muse to be the gorgeous woman from Nextdoor. The one who struggles to balance her own needs with who she wants to become.
Will they get the HEA they deserve or will Brinn struggle with her ptsd and let it all crumble at her feet?
I loved this. I loved this so much. I cannot recommend this read enough. It was AMAZING!
July 5, 2025
Winks & Windows was such a fun read. Isaac, Brinn, & PB felt like real people as I got to know them throughout the novel. Brilliantly written, I found myself wanting to highlight & quote nearly every other line. I loved the slow burn, yearning, ups & downs, and tension between the main characters. The depiction of grief & mental illness felt spot-on and was heart-wrenching yet skillfully & respectfully written. Yet I still found myself giggling and smiling more than occasionally during my read! Engaging & balanced, author Laurel Holl fits a dynamic story into a relatively quick read without feeling rushed. I didn't want to put the book down until I finished it--and now I can't help but hope for more of Brinn & Isaac!
November 1, 2025
I feel like this book deserves a re read from me because I was reading this during a readathon and I was half paying attention. I think I will definitely say that these characters felt very realistic and very sweet and I think they make a cute couple.
Another thing is that when I read the synopsis of this book it said that the main character had a secret and I was hoping it was a supernatural secret because so far the other books in this series had supernatural elements and this one didn't. And I think since that was what I was expecting, the real thing that was happening kind of disappointed me and I didn't want to read about that.
I think this will be the last book in this series that I will read, at least for a little while.
Another thing is that when I read the synopsis of this book it said that the main character had a secret and I was hoping it was a supernatural secret because so far the other books in this series had supernatural elements and this one didn't. And I think since that was what I was expecting, the real thing that was happening kind of disappointed me and I didn't want to read about that.
I think this will be the last book in this series that I will read, at least for a little while.
May 3, 2025
"No one needs someone to save them, but sometimes, they need someone to show up for them"
This is my first time reading a book by this author and it won't be my last. I'm so blown away by it. It's such an emotional rollercoaster ride that will definitely pull on your heart strings. You can't help but feel her pain and sorrow. It's a super quick read that's action packed and spicy. You instantly connect with brinn and Isaac and let's not forget about pork belly the star if the show!!
A must read, Highly recommend.!
This is my first time reading a book by this author and it won't be my last. I'm so blown away by it. It's such an emotional rollercoaster ride that will definitely pull on your heart strings. You can't help but feel her pain and sorrow. It's a super quick read that's action packed and spicy. You instantly connect with brinn and Isaac and let's not forget about pork belly the star if the show!!
A must read, Highly recommend.!
May 10, 2025
Isaac and Brinn both battle things that are not easy but with the support from one another that can overcome the hardest battles without even realizing they are overcoming it at that moment. Isaac gives his full support from the start and never once makes Brinn feel like she is uncapable of doing the hard things. I also need to give Pork Belly the Pit Bull some credit because she is also plays a huge role in helping Brinn!!
Thank you Laurel for allowing me to be an ARC reader for this wonderful book!!
Thank you Laurel for allowing me to be an ARC reader for this wonderful book!!
May 12, 2025
Winks and Windows is part of the Calysto's Cove Series.
I adored this story. It is a slow burn but it is a great story of healing from the loss of someone and dealing with the fallout of this. I admired Isaac's patience, understanding, and caring nature when it came to Brinn. When he finally had all the information he really worked with Brinn to help her heal from all the trauma she is going through on a daily basis. This was just a really great feel good story which brought a smile to my face by the end. I really liked these two together.
I adored this story. It is a slow burn but it is a great story of healing from the loss of someone and dealing with the fallout of this. I admired Isaac's patience, understanding, and caring nature when it came to Brinn. When he finally had all the information he really worked with Brinn to help her heal from all the trauma she is going through on a daily basis. This was just a really great feel good story which brought a smile to my face by the end. I really liked these two together.
May 21, 2025
I loved the way that Brinn’s mental health was handled and how Issac was as patient as he could be with her. I loved the pacing of the story, but something just didn’t click for me. The romance kind of felt awkward and that’s probably because Brinn’s mental health struggles were so much of the story. I do like how Brinn’s relied on her own strength to overcome the boundaries that were in front of her. As much as I loved that then MCs ended up together, it just felt disjointed. That being said, the writing was really good and I can’t wait to read more of this author.
May 16, 2025
I enjoyed this book so much!!! Thank you for the opportunity to read it early 🫶🏻
🏠Small Town
🏠Dog dad
🏠Found Family
🏠Strangers to Friends to Lovers
I loved how Isaac was there for Brinn, he didn’t give up on her even though she hurts him.
Brinns journey to accepting that she deserves happiness and love again is inspiring and I think learning to ask for help from people close to you is one of the most important lessons I have learned.
And OMG that dog 🐕 🐕 🐕 😍
🏠Small Town
🏠Dog dad
🏠Found Family
🏠Strangers to Friends to Lovers
I loved how Isaac was there for Brinn, he didn’t give up on her even though she hurts him.
Brinns journey to accepting that she deserves happiness and love again is inspiring and I think learning to ask for help from people close to you is one of the most important lessons I have learned.
And OMG that dog 🐕 🐕 🐕 😍
May 13, 2025
4.25 Stars - Got an ARC copy of this book and it was just what I needed at this time. I was in between 2 really detailed books and this was the perfect cute, sweet quick romance read. But it wasn't just all fluff either because they were both going through some real problems in their life and I'm just happy they found each other!
May 12, 2025
One of the most realistic depictions of mental health I’ve ever read. There was a good balance of humor and seriousness, and I felt really immersed in Brinn’s inner world and the town of calysto’s cove. The romance is sweet and spicy and worth savoring! Really good dog as well, PB forever!!
May 15, 2025
W&W is such a sweet story with an even sweeter relationship. It's about mental health and overcoming the hard things and how gentle love can help us to heal. (And it also has my favorite side character, Pork Belly.) If you love small town romance with big feelings, this is def the book for you.
May 29, 2025
comfort romance
This is a sweet neighbor romance with the most cutest doggie.
She has agoraphobia after a loss and can barely leave her house. When a package for her neighbor gets delivered to her door. She must face her fear and return it to him and it goes from there.
This is a sweet neighbor romance with the most cutest doggie.
She has agoraphobia after a loss and can barely leave her house. When a package for her neighbor gets delivered to her door. She must face her fear and return it to him and it goes from there.
May 18, 2025
a fast, easy read with such sweet characters and a heartfelt story!
definitely looking forward to more laurel holl books!
ty to the author for an arc copy :)
definitely looking forward to more laurel holl books!
ty to the author for an arc copy :)
June 9, 2025
I really don't have the words to articulate how intensely this book resonated with me on a personal level. It's cute, it's interesting, it's real...
4 1/4 💜’s.
4 1/4 💜’s.
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