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Arches
A sexy summer fling. A tangled past. A second chance at love.
Ross has a pack up her grandmother’s farmhouse, avoid old wounds, enjoy a little no-strings bedsport, and move on in Manhattan. She doesn’t expect to rekindle the scorching chemistry with a hot, opera-singing single dad—or confront the shocking family secrets buried long ago.
Single dad Xander Grace has sworn off serious relationships—until Ross Beaufort, the unforgettable one-night stand who’s haunted him for months, shows up at her grandmother’s farmhouse…next to the property he’s renting. She’s only there for six weeks. A perfect summer fling.
As desire turns into something deeper, Ross must decide if she can let go of the past and fight for the future she never saw coming.
ARCHES is a steamy, emotional contemporary romance about love, healing, and unexpected second chances.
Ross has a pack up her grandmother’s farmhouse, avoid old wounds, enjoy a little no-strings bedsport, and move on in Manhattan. She doesn’t expect to rekindle the scorching chemistry with a hot, opera-singing single dad—or confront the shocking family secrets buried long ago.
Single dad Xander Grace has sworn off serious relationships—until Ross Beaufort, the unforgettable one-night stand who’s haunted him for months, shows up at her grandmother’s farmhouse…next to the property he’s renting. She’s only there for six weeks. A perfect summer fling.
As desire turns into something deeper, Ross must decide if she can let go of the past and fight for the future she never saw coming.
ARCHES is a steamy, emotional contemporary romance about love, healing, and unexpected second chances.
426 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 10, 2025
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5 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 8, 2025
Firstly to start I would of have read this book in one day if it wasn’t for the fact of being sick and work,life of a mom lol. Cathryn did an amazing job I don’t want to give stuff away but the strong characters in this story between Xander, Tiercy, Ross, Gaby and especially love Hon!!!
This story caught me from the beginning with wanting to know why Ross was the way she was and didn’t want to go back home. Then thru out the story to met the loving most smart woman grandmother Hon was I think I loved her the most. Then the way the story showed gut wrenching of why the sisters were so estranged I wanted to read more to see what caused all of this. Then the twists and turns between Ross and Xander as well. The way everyone had a hurt wrenching past and there were so many assumptions that weren’t cleared and just kept let happening was OMG. I wanted to scream at the book once I knew what was going on telling each character to just stop being cowards 😂😂.
Thank you so much Cathryn for letting me read this book as an ARC reader o really loved this book it had me in so many emotions between laughter, irritation, crying and just shock.
This story caught me from the beginning with wanting to know why Ross was the way she was and didn’t want to go back home. Then thru out the story to met the loving most smart woman grandmother Hon was I think I loved her the most. Then the way the story showed gut wrenching of why the sisters were so estranged I wanted to read more to see what caused all of this. Then the twists and turns between Ross and Xander as well. The way everyone had a hurt wrenching past and there were so many assumptions that weren’t cleared and just kept let happening was OMG. I wanted to scream at the book once I knew what was going on telling each character to just stop being cowards 😂😂.
Thank you so much Cathryn for letting me read this book as an ARC reader o really loved this book it had me in so many emotions between laughter, irritation, crying and just shock.
June 10, 2025
#Fling #SingleDad #HealingLove #ARC
I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance reader copy of the book. Written in third person from an alternating dual POV, this can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA.
After meeting Ross and Zander in Heartstrings, I was excited for them to find their HEA together. It wasn’t an easy one though. Each of them has suffered past hurts and are dragging their baggage with them. Xander is a single dad to an adorable 6-year-old boy named Petey. Ross is an independent, career-driven, commitment-averse force of nature. What they cannot deny is the magnetic chemistry that pulls them together. What begins as a no strings summer fling quickly involves more feelings than either one is prepared to address.
I loved the heat between them. They can’t keep their hands off each other. Ross is so driven by hurt and anger and biases based on the reality she knows it prevents her from seeing the truth of reality in front of her at times. Xander is enamored with Ross and justifiably afraid she could crush his heart. There are secrets, twists, and heartaches along the way to healing and forgiveness in this book. I adore how the author deals with grief, guilt, and trauma, and that it ultimately makes these characters stronger once they lean on each other. I enjoyed the complexity of the characters and their history. The writing was superb. As only the second book by this author, I continue to be impressed with her talent at bringing deep, complicated stories to life.
I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance reader copy of the book. Written in third person from an alternating dual POV, this can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA.
After meeting Ross and Zander in Heartstrings, I was excited for them to find their HEA together. It wasn’t an easy one though. Each of them has suffered past hurts and are dragging their baggage with them. Xander is a single dad to an adorable 6-year-old boy named Petey. Ross is an independent, career-driven, commitment-averse force of nature. What they cannot deny is the magnetic chemistry that pulls them together. What begins as a no strings summer fling quickly involves more feelings than either one is prepared to address.
I loved the heat between them. They can’t keep their hands off each other. Ross is so driven by hurt and anger and biases based on the reality she knows it prevents her from seeing the truth of reality in front of her at times. Xander is enamored with Ross and justifiably afraid she could crush his heart. There are secrets, twists, and heartaches along the way to healing and forgiveness in this book. I adore how the author deals with grief, guilt, and trauma, and that it ultimately makes these characters stronger once they lean on each other. I enjoyed the complexity of the characters and their history. The writing was superb. As only the second book by this author, I continue to be impressed with her talent at bringing deep, complicated stories to life.
June 11, 2025
Could not put down
Wow really enjoyed Ross and Xanders story. I could not put this book down. I loved how they fell for each other. But this isn’t just a love story, it’s a story about family and forgiveness, the way the story reveals the truths Ross and her sister needed to learn from each other was nothing short of amazing. There is some sadness in the story but it doesn’t overtake the love in the story which I really prefer as a reader.
Wow really enjoyed Ross and Xanders story. I could not put this book down. I loved how they fell for each other. But this isn’t just a love story, it’s a story about family and forgiveness, the way the story reveals the truths Ross and her sister needed to learn from each other was nothing short of amazing. There is some sadness in the story but it doesn’t overtake the love in the story which I really prefer as a reader.
June 6, 2025
Great book. I love the story of Xander and Ross. The growth of these characters throughout the book draw you in and keep you there until the very end. Love, loss, misconceptions and acceptance run the gamut within the pages of this book. Get it today and Xander and Ross.
June 24, 2025
This is the second book I’ve read by Cathryn Lyons, and once again, I couldn’t put it down. Arches is the kind of romance that gets under your skin—in the best way.
Ross and Xander meet at their best friends’ wedding, where the chemistry is instant, but both are emotionally guarded for their own painful reasons. Ross is still reeling from the loss of her parents, unable to face her grief. Xander is a single dad trying to move on after his wife left him and their son behind. When they reconnect at Ross’s grandmother’s farm, they strike up a “summer agreement” to keep things casual. Of course, that plan goes sideways as feelings deepen—without either of them admitting it.
I was completely immersed in their story. The emotional layers, the secrets (both past and present), and the slow build of trust had my heart aching for these two. Lyons has a real talent for blending witty, realistic dialogue with beautifully tender moments. The banter made me laugh, and the quiet scenes hit me right in the feels.
If you love romance with heart, humor, and just the right amount of steam, I highly recommend Arches. I finished it and immediately wanted more. Ross and Xander will stay with me for a long time.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ross and Xander meet at their best friends’ wedding, where the chemistry is instant, but both are emotionally guarded for their own painful reasons. Ross is still reeling from the loss of her parents, unable to face her grief. Xander is a single dad trying to move on after his wife left him and their son behind. When they reconnect at Ross’s grandmother’s farm, they strike up a “summer agreement” to keep things casual. Of course, that plan goes sideways as feelings deepen—without either of them admitting it.
I was completely immersed in their story. The emotional layers, the secrets (both past and present), and the slow build of trust had my heart aching for these two. Lyons has a real talent for blending witty, realistic dialogue with beautifully tender moments. The banter made me laugh, and the quiet scenes hit me right in the feels.
If you love romance with heart, humor, and just the right amount of steam, I highly recommend Arches. I finished it and immediately wanted more. Ross and Xander will stay with me for a long time.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 11, 2025
When I read Heartstrings, not that long ago, I wondered how Ross got her name and now I have my answer...Arches provided many more answers to questions I wondered about Ross previously and gave me a few new things to wonder. This follow up book by Cathryn Lyons may be a different couple's story than the first, but it is not any less complex emotionally. It deals with so much more than the challenges of new romance : complicated family dynamics & misunderstandings, our childhood caregivers aging, past trauma stemming from the death of loved ones, pregnancy loss, infertility struggles and even touches on rape. The story is thoughtfully and tastefully written when it comes to some hard and triggering topics. The characters are engaging and believable. The spicy bits were a ton of fun too. I regretted any time I had to put this book down because of "adulting", but still was able to finish it in one day. I was just that hooked! This second novel from Cathryn Lyons is so touching and engaging in all of the best ways.
I was thrilled that I was gifted an ARC copy of this book from the author's team for review consideration. The opinions above are are strictly my own impressions.
July 4, 2025
Another smart and sassy and read-me-in-one-sitting book by Cathryn Lyons. I loved her first novel, Heartstrings. And I love Arches. The dialogue is smart and snappy, the characters are loveable, and the story well-paced and satisfying. IMHO, this writer is in league with best-selling romance novelists Rebecca Serle, Abby Jimenez, Carly Fortune, and Emily Henry. I was fortunate to receive an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC). I always hate to tell an author "I read your book in two days" when I know they have spent years putting it together! But I suppose that is the highest compliment - to love being in the world they created.
June 17, 2025
I was privileged to read an advanced copy of Catherine Lyons’ second book, Arches. Lyons has an exquisite way of creating characters and drawing you into their stories. Lyons kept me riveted throughout the story as I waited to see if Ross and Xander could come together, despite their fears of a relationship and if Ross and her sister could heal and reconcile decades after tragedy and secrets ripped them apart.
Readers will be glad that they made time to read this story of discovery, reconciliation, healing, love, and a bit of spicy romance.
Readers will be glad that they made time to read this story of discovery, reconciliation, healing, love, and a bit of spicy romance.
January 1, 2026
As I was reading, I began to think that the story was plodding along but then realized that everything had a purpose and place. This was an excellent follow-up to Heartstrings. Many emotions involved and not to mention a few tearful moments. The characters and development were good. Everything was treated with sensitivity. Xan and Ross experienced much in their lives which made them who they were today. The spice level was a bit more than I like, but overall a recommended read.
January 8, 2026
Second Chance at Love, book 2
One night stand, no strings were perfect for Ross and Xander, except he can’t stop thinking about her. Months later, he learns that maybe one night isn’t enough when he finds out his neighbor is Ross.
Follow Ross and Xander and watch them navigate through healing and unexpected second chances.
One night stand, no strings were perfect for Ross and Xander, except he can’t stop thinking about her. Months later, he learns that maybe one night isn’t enough when he finds out his neighbor is Ross.
Follow Ross and Xander and watch them navigate through healing and unexpected second chances.
August 25, 2025
This is a hard one to put down! Loved the characters and the layered story that pulls you in to deal with trauma, grief, guilt, forgiveness and love. There is so much to appreciate in this beautifully written romance.
June 30, 2025
Ross and Xander are just a fun summer deal, that becomes so much more. Ross had a great deal of heartache as a teenager and has never really healed from it; she just closed herself off. Xander had his own trauma to deal with regarding the dissolution of his marriage and becoming a single parent. When Ross returns to her family's Virginia farmhouse and finds Xander living with his son on the property, their summer deal can begin. Unsurprisingly, they both catch feelings but have yet to work through their past hurts. Eventually, everything is laid bare, and they are able to find their HEA. Be prepared with tissues for the beautiful story and the healing both characters deserve, with a decent amount of spice to lighten it up. Enjoy
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews