Not His to Keep

by Kate Campfield

In the small town of High Lonesome, gossip spreads like wildfire… and it's about to send our relationship up in flames.

A second chance with Rory Kelley should have been the ultimate win. Ten years after she stomped on my heart and handed me my “freedom,” we were finally back on track... but thanks to the local rumor mill, now she thinks I’ve been keeping secrets.

And okay, fine, I have—but it’s complicated. Like, “drag out my messy past, risk losing the love of my life, and maybe burn down my future” complicated. And while I'm over here trying to work up the nerve to spill my guts, her family lobs their own grenade of a family secret into the middle of this circus.

Now, Rory’s drowning in drama while I’m stuck wondering if telling her the truth will bring us closer…

…or blow everything up like the finale of a bad reality show.

Genres: Second Chance

366 pages, Paperback

Published May 19, 2025

About the author

Kate crafts fast-paced, spicy contemporary romance and romantic comedy. Growing up as one of five kids, she mastered the art of escaping into fictional worlds, often by "borrowing" her mom’s Nora Roberts books. These days, when she's not busy creating her own swoon-worthy tales, she's devouring Meghan Quinn and Elsie Silver novels like they're the hottest gossip at a family reunion.

When she's not embroiling her characters in yet another laugh-out-loud disaster, you can usually find her surrounded by animals or with her nose buried in a spicy read. Her pets behave as if they're the real brains behind her stories, but Kate remains unconvinced—though she admits they do have a knack for comedic timing.

Follow Kate on social media and sign up for her newsletter to hear Ollie’s life advice and book reviews. Disclaimer: Ollie is a German Shepherd. His judgment is questionable. Kate strongly advises against following his advice—unless you’re a dog, in which case, bark away.

Reviews

[Mamawattto4 Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Oh Kate, Kate, Kate!!! Why do you do this to me????? 😭 ugh this story I love it so much. Thank you for letting me read it early! There better be another one coming damnit! 😆

Ugh Nate and Rory are my absolute favorite. So glad we got closure from book one but now I’m gonna need closure from book 3!!!! I loved loved this story and I loved getting Spams perspective this time!!! A solid 5 stars girl keep them coming!!!

[Madison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so excited to read this after the cliffhanger in book 1, I loved Nate and Rory and couldn’t wait for more of their story. But unfortunately I didn’t love this book.

For me it was a little drawn out and the drama was anticlimactic. I didn’t like how stubborn Rory was, if she’d just listened to Nate and let him explain it would have been so much better. Also Nate’s other secret was hinted at being something major but it really wasn’t.

It’s still a cute emotional story but somethings could have been better, I’m interested to see what happens in book 3.

[Kimberley · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Not His To Keep we reunite with Rory and Nate to see how things are going not so well following some comments made towards Rory that made her question everything possible. It seems everything possible just goes wrong in this book for Rory, she loses her trust in Nate which he has to earn back, and family issues that once started small but now feel like the whole world is collapsing around her.

This book will put you through the emotional rollercoaster that comes with books. All I wanted was for Rory and Nate to have their happy ever after but it was as if they had to start from scratch again, and it did not go smoothly at all for them.

I enjoyed Nate's attempts to win back Rory and share his truth of the matter that caused all the issues. There were some funny but painful moments, especially for Nate but his love for Rory always stood strong against anything that could come his way.

The book may end in sadness but I think that although that feeling will linger, some positive feelings will start to come out when Rory or her dog Spam share the most unexpected news with the family and Nate.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5
This is book 2 in Campfield's High Lonesome series and a great addition to the series. Book 1 left on a cliffy and so did this one to an extent. While I found this book to be overall well written, I did find it repetitive, and I had a hard time connecting with Rory this go around. She came thru spoiled and selfish, and I appreciated that she had a support group but even that group knew Nate was worthy. Nate for his part was beyond patient and worked so hard to get her back. I loved the small town feel and characters, I loved Nate's dedication, and I especially loved Spam's point of view - that for me was really the best. Looking forward to seeing if Rory is going to be honest with herself and Nate about the cliffy we're left with or if she'll self-sabotage the love and happiness she's found with Nate...

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

[Larisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review:

This is the second book in the high lonesome series and it’s one of my favorite romance series yet. So honored to be an ARC reviewer for Kate.

This book has a cancer trigger warning however it’s still so heartfelt and watching Nate and Rory’s relationship get better and sweet together it’s hard to put down! Kate really out did herself with the spam (the dog) chapters and just making you feel each characters so much! I loved this one! Highly recommend a good heartfelt read with a tad bit of spice!

[Gretchen Wavra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better! There is nothing better than a book that can make you feel every emotion as you’re reading it. I laughed out loud so many times with this book and cried. I cannot wait to see where this series goes and am not so patiently waiting for the next one to come out!! If you loved the first one, you’ll love this one just as much.

[Rachelle LeBlanc · Rating 4 out of 5]

No surprise but I absolutely loved Not His to Keep by Kate Campfield. I have read all of her books and rated them each 4 or 5 stars. I just love her writing and story telling.

Nate and Rory were just so good together. Their chemistry is so strong that it broke my heart when they split. They do find themselves back together, but I think the break was needed. They both were able to grow and work through somethings that were holding them back. The chapters in Spams (Rory's dog) POV were so funny.

I really enjoyed Not His to Keep.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rory and Nate . . .

Rory stomped down High Street, furious and ready to confront Nate Patterson. Guys have never wanted to date her and she blamed herself. But for the past 10 years, it has been Nate controlling this scenario! At least that’s what Yvonne says. She probably should ask Nate first, but she’s too angry. She storms into his house and yells his name. He had just come out of the shower and wore only sweatpants… not a fair way to fight and it made her even angrier. She asked him what he did, and his face told her what Yvonne had said was true. Apparently he meddled in her life since they broke up, made sure she stayed single for the past 10 years! Why? His look of innocence didn’t work, and she drowned him out when he tried to say anything in his defense. Finally he said none of those guys she dated was right for her. It was always supposed to be him and her, and he kissed her -- but she swiped her lips and started yelling again. How can she ever trust him now? So she packs a duffel bag and leaves to go to her mother.

The past 3 months with him had evidently been a lie. (And lack of effective communication can end a relationship faster than a punch in the nose… give the guy a chance to defend himself against accusations from a busy-body you don’t even trust! Over-reaction for sure, Rory!) Is it too late to restore the trust in each other that they will need to put this behind them? Tearing apart love and letting gossip win is not a sensible course of action. But they need to be willing to talk it out honestly and learn to open up to each other, both now and going forward if they are willing to try again. A fresh start seems definitely in order so they can move on together. Is it too late to put the past behind them? Or is their love worth fighting for?

[donutqueenie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rory and Nate navigate relationship issues as small town gossip takes its toll on Rory and Nate hides a secret. (TW: cancer, alcohol, death of a parent)

“Love is like darts, probably.”

🏔️ Small town
🐴 Miscommunication
👮 Cute dogs
🏔️ Cop MMC
🐴 Second chance
👮 Multiple POV

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The pacing was a little slow in the beginning but I think it actually worked well because it allowed more depth and emotion to develop in the story. There were some suspense elements to the plot which added complexity to the miscommunication trope. I think the miscommunication trope worked here because it felt organic and plausible.

This book was heavier than I was expecting but I loved the ending. I liked the character development of Rory. Rory was a bit stubborn but I understand that she’s guarded and afraid of her own judgment. That’s so relatable.

I loved how willing Nate was to do anything to get her back. The chapters from Spam were the best!

Overall I liked the writing in this book so much. I can’t put my finger on what it is but it’s different than the Betting on Love series and I personally think it’s better. The story or story and Nate is so sweet that you can’t help but root for them and I loved the first book so much.

Thank you to the author for the ARC!
Can’t wait to read book 3!!!

Gray sweatpants ✨

“When you see the bees around, you know the flowers are blooming, that things are happy in the world.” 🐝

🚨 mild (but vague) spoilers below
What kept this book from 5 stars?
-The big plot twist Nate was hiding felt a little anticlimactic.
-The health challenges in the second half had no trigger warning and took up a large part of the book. I was not emotionally prepared and had to slow my reading pace.
-The pacing in the first half was slow and the start of some chapters were confusing.

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Love is like darts, probably. You can think you’re on track, and then just be so far off the goddamn mark that you never have a chance. And when they hit you, it’s a sharp pain, deep inside.”

⭐️ 4/5
📖 Romance
💓Book two in High Lonesome!
💬 You thought Rory and Nate were getting their HEA but ….😬

💓 Read if you like💓:
🪩Small Town
🪩Second-Chance
🪩High School Sweethearts
🪩Slow Burn
🪩It’s Always Been You
🪩Miscommunication Trope

Fun Fact: Book one was my first arc read!🥹

Time to return to High Lonesome to see what is going on with Rory and Nate after Kate left us on a big cliffhanger in book one. Book two has an explosive start and the hits keep coming. Rory can’t catch a break, and Nate is once again on the outside looking in (poor Nate!!).
there is definitely a miscommunication trope running rampant here because Rory chooses to believe some small-town gossip, and straight up refuses to give Nate a chance to explain.

At this point, everyone in her life encourages her to give him a chance to explain, but when she is hit with some devastating family news, she finds it impossible to focus on anything but her family.

This was an emotional read with some spice and some humor mixed in. Our favorite dogs Ollie and Spam return and you know
Spam brings the thunder with his antics!

I enjoyed book two a lot, but I did want to scream at Rory a few times for letting things implode the way she did- she did not even try to give our man Nate the benefit of the doubt. 😩

She owes him imo because this man is dedicated!!!!!

🪩Not His to Keep🪩

Available September 30!

You can also pre-order the paperback now.

Thank you to Kate Campfield for allowing me to read an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review -

I was excited to dive back into this series after the cliffhanger in the last book, and Kate Campfield did not disappoint.

Kate Campfield returns with Not His to Keep, the second installment in her High Lonesome series, continuing the heartfelt journey of Rory and Nate as they navigate the complexities of rekindled love. Following the events of Not Mine to Take, this sequel delves deeper into the challenges that arise when past wounds resurface, testing the resilience of their relationship.

Set against the charming backdrop of a small town, Campfield masterfully portrays the nuances of a couple striving to rebuild their connection amidst lingering doubts and external pressures. The narrative is enriched by the presence of their loyal canine companions, whose perspectives add warmth and humor to the unfolding drama.

While the first book introduced readers to the sparks of second-chance romance, Not His to Keep offers a more introspective look at the work required to sustain love beyond the initial reunion. Campfield’s storytelling shines as she balances moments of levity with the emotional depth of Rory and Nate’s journey, making for a compelling and relatable read.

For fans of contemporary romance that doesn’t shy away from the realities of maintaining a relationship, Not His to Keep delivers a satisfying blend of heartache and hope. Campfield’s authentic characters and engaging prose ensure that readers will be eager to follow Rory and Nate’s story to its heartfelt conclusion.

[Vilma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rory Kelley and Nate Patterson have a complicated history of being friends, more than friends, and then just ‘friends’ again. But when Rory returned to High Lonesome for her reunion after years away and was forced to stay with Nate, they rebuilt on their friendship. Nate’s biggest concern was if Rory was going to stay in town this time. When a secret (of omission) is alluded to, it destroys Rory and Nate. And Rory leaves without a backward glance.

This story breeds so many strong emotions in the reader. As someone who hates surprises and secrets, I can relate to Rory’s ‘I’m done with YOU attitude’. Yet, once she allows herself to hear the details, she’s already in an emotional roller coaster and needs Nate’s support while watching her mom slowly deteriorate and die.

But you know who’s there for her, her girls (Allie and Stacey), her parents, her brother (Dylan), Mandy and the horses, and most importantly, Nate. Nate’s strength and quiet support hold her together during her period of grief.

I truly wanted to shake Rory a few times, but man what life threw at her in this story were a bunch of tough pills to swallow. And with the patience, kindness, and support of a good and loving man, Nate, she was able to navigate her feelings.

Loved, loved, loved this emotion packed romance. And trust me, there some humor in there… remember Spam and Ollie, dogs always bring out humor in people.

[Danielle Renno · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off - this cannot be read as a standalone so if you haven't read Not Mine to Take, put it in reverse and go read that first.

Now that we have that out of the way...I loved the first book in the High Lonesome series. It left us on a cliffhanger and I was dying to get to the second book. However, Not His to Keep let me down a bit. These are supposed to be 2 nearly thirty year olds that combusted over miscommunication. And its almost solely on her part. I got so frustrated that she just would not listen to him. And then his big secret from her? Felt...underwhelming. I wanted to love this book, I really did. But its a 3.5 rounded to 4 for me.

Once we get away from those two situations - the book is both hilarious and emotional. It really is a good rollercoaster to be on! I loved getting Spam's point of view in this book. Its such a unique aspect that Kate brings into the mix! I also was still entertained and had a hard time putting this one down!

Overall - I'd recommend this one for anyone who has read the first in the series and needs answers. But also people who enjoy small town gossip :), second chance romances, and the sweetest alpha male who knows is starting to learn exactly what to do...and when.

[CJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Arc- So this was the 2nd book in he High Lonesome series (HiLo for us bookie locals lol). Really excited to have the opportunity. Super cute book, touched on the grief feels hard but glad it worked out in the end. However, I did not love this book. I felt Rory was a bit childish in this knowing what she knows of Yvette yet instead of talking to Nate, you decide to cut him out completely. Even despite what everyone says when you tell them what (sort of maybe possibly you think happened). Yes, be mad, be hurt then (hell even angrily) talk and hear him out. I felt the secret (while understandable) was not as big as it was made out but it did catch me off guard because of that. I loved the small town effect of just being there for each other. However, sometime I felt like I had reread the same part but it was just covering the same thing again a page later. Still a really cute in the feels story. (Wish we knew more about what maybe Mandy was hiding in her past) Excited to see what’s next in this series (hopefully its not done) and what happens now that new things have presented themselves. Also more Spam is always great!
Thanks again for this opportunity

[Jessica Roose · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the second book in the series and continues the story of Nate and Rory. I loved the first book and was excited to read this one, but I didn’t end up loving it quite as much as the first. I was annoyed with Rory for much of the book and thought the drama with her and Nate was just not worth it. All of that because she wouldn’t listen and let him explain. They could have had a conversation right when it all happened and been fine. I thought the book got much better in the second half with the storyline with her mother and everything she was going through. I loved how Nate stepped up to help the whole family. But I thought the ending felt a bit rushed. I was expecting more with her mom but instead we didn’t really get to see what happened and when and get to be with Rory through that.
The epilogue left more to come so i am expecting a book three and I hope it’s more of them coming together and less drama over nothing.

There was some spice in this book and it was done very well. But it definitely didn’t overtake the book or feel forced.

I was given this book as an ARC but this is my honest review.

[Andrea Mehalco · Rating 4 out of 5]

With Not His to Keep, we’re back in High Lonesome with Rory and Nate—and possibly some trouble in paradise. Rory is thrown off after an old classmate shares some gossip about her and Nate, and instead of letting Nate explain, she makes the big decision to walk away. Things only spiral from there when she’s hit with the shocking news of a cancer diagnosis in her family.

I really felt for Rory. She went through so much in the first book, and it seems like she still can’t catch a break. She ends up pushing away most of the people in her life, until a heartfelt moment with a family member who tells her they can die happy knowing she’s happy and taken care of—with Nate. Sounds simple enough, but with Rory, nothing ever is.

Nate decides to take matters into his own hands and slowly works his way back into her life—as a friend. The big secret he was keeping wasn’t the most dramatic reveal, but it made sense why he thought she might react badly, given everything they’ve been through and all the gossip going around.

Overall, I thought it was a great book! We even get Spam’s perspective this time, and he had some truly funny moments. As usual, it ends on a cliffhanger, but this one feels like it’s setting up something exciting for Rory… maybe.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

OMG. I love that this book carried on the story of Nate and Rory (standalone is awesome, but like I want more involved storyline for my characters, please!). I'm not a fan of the miscommunication trope, especially in Nate and Rorys story because they had the 2nd chance, they know each other and they're gonna split up because they won't talk to each other?? Come on! if Rory just let Nate explain his situation, they never would have split up. That is the reason for the 4⭐️ rating. I did not see the twist with Rorys mom and that had me bawling at times (especially the letter at the end 😭) Rory tackling her moms diagnosis and finding out about Nates secret wealth could have been the entire conflict and I would have rated this book 5 ⭐️.

THE EPILOGUE!! PLEASE tell me book 3 is going to continue Rory and Nates' story!!! I can't wait to see how Spam and Ollie handle the news!! speaking of which, Spam and Ollie's chapters are so cute, and I love the playfulness of adding dialogue from the dogs' perspectives.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only thing I can say about this second installment of our Hi-Lo love story "WOW!". This book started off with the emotions right away. From the beginning our heroine has us in our feels I was both sad for and upset with Rory in the beginning but then when we get more heartbreaking information I was really screaming at her. I knew from the second "breakup" that her actions were coming from a place of insecurity and I was hoping that Nate would put in the work to make sure to clear up the misunderstanding so that he could be that strength that she would need to get through it. I loved the way he got everyone on team Nate prior to making his move. Though this book had lots of tears of pain there were several tears of laughter and joy as well. I think my favorite part might have been the obedience class 😆 I can't wait to see what's next for this amazing couple, our loveable Spam and our good boy Ollie.

[Emery · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been in a reading slump most of 2025 TBH, so I was very excited to receive an ARC copy in advance of publishing. Man this book was one I couldn’t put down. Kate Campfield had me attached to our main characters early on in book #1 and book #2 kept the flow going!! I really enjoyed getting to know more of our supporting characters like Allie, Stacey, Lawton, and more as we see more of Rory and Nate’s relationship unfolding after learning that Nate had been hiding some secrets from Rory that made her doubt herself and her past. Amongst all this relationship obstacles, we really got to see Nate and Rory navigate some tough family issues that resonated with me. It felt like I couldn’t put the book down because I absolutely HAD to know what came next and would Rory and Nate get a happy ending?

[Audi Walbridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate!

I loved getting chapters from Spam's perspective this book since we got Ollie's last book.

I love that we got closure from book one, I am however going to need a book 3 cause how dare you...

Also book 3 can we get Spam and Ollie chapters?!?!

I love Nate & Rory, but I'm not going to lie I was big mad at Rory for a little while in the book. I needed her to not act the way she was acting IYKYK. She redeemed herself, and I loved how Nate was like nope, not giving up on my woman, let me get everyone on my side.

I also cried for Rory, I think you told the story of what her family is going through with her mother's cancer beautifully, and the letter? 🥺😭

Not lots of spice but enough that I'd of told Nate yes sir.

I seriously can't wait to find out what's next for our couple, like I want to know Nate's reaction to the ending, and of course Ollie and Spam.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness me . Rory ,Rory ,Rory Keller can you not see that Nate is where you need to be? This is one heck of a rollercoaster ride well of course it is just look who it’s by ,because Kate Campfield keeps us on our toes and rooting for them . And this awesome storytelling power? Ahem ! Compelling as all heck and I’m already wanting to know what’s coming up next in book three because immersed in book two I have just been .It’s something else and yes we have answers but I’m in need of more . I’m in awe and I’m all awww at these two characters Nate and his Rory and their love and angst and a romance dance story that’s scuppered by circumstance and others . Do they get their chance and will their love come through and be true? Well I’m not telling you that but I will tell you it’s all that and more ,because this book I did adore. Great writing and the storyline is divine.

[Reader_for_LifeTLG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love reignited - Nate and Rory have to put in the work to overcome the crater created by a single spiteful comment. Compounded by a family tragedy that plays out in slow, painful waves, the lovers tiptoe closer even as their little community is rocked by pending loss.

A great sequel to "Not Mine to Take", with the same wonderful characters, dogs included, steamy moments that will set you aflame and a love that refuses to be quelled. Spam offers comedy relief, the little goofball wreaking havoc even as he burrows his way firmly into Nate's heart. A surprise ending leads me to expect even more enjoyment to be had with Nate and Rory. I'm looking forward to it, as well as the possible relationships that seemed to be brewing between other characters.

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

[Cara B · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off - I want to thank Kate for this early read of Not His To Keep. I was lucky enough to read both books early in this series and Kate does not disappoint!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

We start off with Yvonne tell Rory that Nate is keeping tabs on her and Rory takes this as Nate sabotage all of her past relationships after high school. What frustrates me is that Rory didn’t even give Nate the chance to say his side (which was nothing imo). My girl is head strong, but girly-pop we could’ve avoided the heartbreak. 😢

Eventually Nate and Rory get back together and we also learn that Rory’s mom, Cathy, is very sick with cancer. 😭 This story line broke my heart and had me bawling at the end of the book.

And the epilogue!!!!! 🤯🤯🤯 Buckle up cause it’s going to be a ride!

I really really hope book 3 is in the works because I can’t leave it on that cliffhanger!!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Ollie and Spam. I fell in love with them in book one and was so happy to read about them again in book two.

Rory and Nate are a couple that are meant for each other but are caught up in misunderstanding in this book. I still want to shake Rory and tell her to stop overreacting through some of the book. However, this is a couple that is real and messy but meant to be. The author is not afraid to show all sides of people and relationships including what is behind closed doors. My heart was with Rory's mom the entire time. We all encounter situations like this in our lives. It's not all rainbows and butterflies. It is life. That is what makes these characters real and relatable.

Thank you for another enjoyable installment in the series. Book One had me so looking forward to this and it was another great read.

[Gazelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't love cliff hanger but have gotten better about reading series with them before they're completed. I really enjoyed book one with Nate and Rory. The way it ended left the way their relationship went up in the air. I had some strong feelings about Rory in this one. I know that this character's motives are explained, and she is going through a lot, but I still couldn't help but think she was acting more like a teenager then an adult. Miscommunication tropes don't usually bug me this much but maybe it was just too drawn out for me. I don't know I felt bad for Nate and maybe at another date in time I'd give it more than 3.5. I'm invested in the characters and the side characters really helped cushion how much I didn't like Rory and make it more enjoyable.

[Heather Angeli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Y’all this is one emotional roller coaster! Have the tissues handy and be prepared to throw your kindle! I almost did!

Time to take a trip back to High Lonesome and find out what Nate and Rory are up to! Oh, and Spam! I ABSOLUTELY love reading the dogs POV!

Picking up where we left off- Rory confronts Nate, heads back home to her parents and is met with some unsettling news. My heart broke finding out the news but watching Nate work his way back into Rory’s life was sweet, the perfect comfort in her time of need! Nate is that constant, someone we could all use in our lives!

Can we talk that cliff hanger tho? I kept trying to change the page until I realized the book was at 100%!
Thank you for another exciting cliff hanger!
4✨
4🌶️

[Kayla T · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the High Lonesome series and I will say this book hit differently than the first one. One major trigger warning is the topic of cancer since that impacts everyone in a different way. I didn’t know about it going in so when I got to some of the points where it started talking about cancer, I had to take a few breaks for my mental health.

This book does pick up from where the first book left off. Rory was difficult at times with the way she interacted with Nate, but once everything was explained she became more understanding. I did love seeing Spam’s perspective throughout the book.

The ending of this book definitely made me cry. I can’t wait to see what Kate has in store for us next in the High Lonesome series.

[JoAnna VanDorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't think Rori could be more annoying but she walked away with that trophy 😒😒 She pushed Nate away and believed her high school bully's and wouldn't even listen to someone she claimed was a friend to talk to him about it. And then when she finally gave him a chance to explain and they was working it out he pushed him away again when the horrible event happened she refused to lean on him and be supported. Yea I get independence and what not. But show him that he means something to you and not push him away. Spam's POV was a hilarious. His and Ollie's POV was probably the funniest parts in this "romcom" that lacked alot with the com part of it. I've read dark romance funnier 🙃 And the ending like wtf how you really gonna end like that??

[Chasity7474📚❤️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved Rory and Nate in book one. The cliffhanger had me so excited to see what was next. Unfortunately I spent most of the book annoyed by Rory and wondering where the romance was in a romance book.

This book picks up at the end of book one. The town gossip causes issues. What made me mad was that Rory didn’t even give Nate a chance to explain and Nate just stood there. This is why I spent so much time being annoyed by Rory. Even as every person she spoke to said that didn’t sound like Nate she insisted he did something he didn’t. Then he has this big thing he needs to confess. I was expecting so much more.

Overall this book focused on Rory’s family more than the love between her and Nate. If you loved the first book then go in keeping that in mind.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book picks up where the last one left off. Rory has just discovered something that she feels is unforgivable. Nate has to prove himself once again to get his desire of happily ever after.

I really like Nate’s character. It just flows from the golden retriever to alpha male when needed. It feels realistic and he’s charming. Book Boyfriend Certified! I do have to admit that I didn’t like the way Rory wouldn’t even give him the chance to explain but that’s the classic miscommunication trope.

All in all this was a very good read. I liked the first book and this one held that standard. If you like second chance or small town romance then this is for you. I think this series is worth checking out.

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