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Fire Island #1
Tender Heart
He’s hidden himself from the world. She’s desperate to escape it. But fate—and a crumbling lighthouse—has other plans.
Callum McCreary has spent two decades in self-imposed exile, keeping watch over the weather-beaten lighthouse his father once tended to on a remote island off the coast. The only tether to his past is his sister Iris, who runs the cozy café on the mainland—and the only person left who hasn’t given up on him. After a devastating loss and a town that turned its back on him, Callum shut the door on love for good.
Now, the lighthouse that has sheltered him is falling apart—and with it, the fragile life he’s built. Unless it’s restored, it will be shut down for good. But the local Restoration Society couldn’t care less.
Evie Holland hasn’t written a word of her long-awaited fantasy novel since the accident that shattered her life five years ago. With her career hanging by a thread, her editor gives her a final ultimatum: finish the book in nine months—or it’s over. Her escape? A residency far from the noise, pressure, and haunting reminders of the man who’s stalked her with cryptic messages and dead Monarch butterflies for years.
Evie can't see past her own desperation—but something about the lighthouse, the island, and the broken man who lives there just might change her mind.
Callum McCreary has spent two decades in self-imposed exile, keeping watch over the weather-beaten lighthouse his father once tended to on a remote island off the coast. The only tether to his past is his sister Iris, who runs the cozy café on the mainland—and the only person left who hasn’t given up on him. After a devastating loss and a town that turned its back on him, Callum shut the door on love for good.
Now, the lighthouse that has sheltered him is falling apart—and with it, the fragile life he’s built. Unless it’s restored, it will be shut down for good. But the local Restoration Society couldn’t care less.
Evie Holland hasn’t written a word of her long-awaited fantasy novel since the accident that shattered her life five years ago. With her career hanging by a thread, her editor gives her a final ultimatum: finish the book in nine months—or it’s over. Her escape? A residency far from the noise, pressure, and haunting reminders of the man who’s stalked her with cryptic messages and dead Monarch butterflies for years.
Evie can't see past her own desperation—but something about the lighthouse, the island, and the broken man who lives there just might change her mind.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 31, 2025
32 people are currently reading
6765 people want to read
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June 21, 2025So.... my draft is done, my edits complete and Tender Heart has left my desk for the copy editors! Less than 6 weeks until the world meets Callum McCreary...
Add to your shelf so you don't forget!
Alex xx
Add to your shelf so you don't forget!
Alex xx
August 23, 2025
* 3.25⭐️4🌶️
* a reclusive lighthouse keeper with a painful past finds his solitude—and his guarded heart—threatened by an author-in-residence desperate to overcome her writer's block.
* Read if you like: age gap, grumpy x sunshine, forced proximity, one bed, lone wolf MMC, past lost loved one, FMC has stalker, “baby girl”, ends on cliffhanger
* a reclusive lighthouse keeper with a painful past finds his solitude—and his guarded heart—threatened by an author-in-residence desperate to overcome her writer's block.
* Read if you like: age gap, grumpy x sunshine, forced proximity, one bed, lone wolf MMC, past lost loved one, FMC has stalker, “baby girl”, ends on cliffhanger
July 17, 2025
Ahhhhhhhhhh….i can’t wait for the next one!!! I love nothing more than a grumpy guy showing his softness to the girl. Something no one else gets to see. And the tenderness Cal shows Evie is everything. The heartbreak they go through and the fight they have with each other and themselves is everything. And to leave it the way it is……….i can’t wait for #2.
July 30, 2025
4 stars
A beautifully emotional and unexpected grumpy/sunshine, close proximity, age-gap love story for two people who have been broken by their pasts and who have pretty much given up on finding happiness. This is such a gorgeous romance from a new-to-me author, and I really enjoyed this book!
Five years after a devastating loss, romantasy author, Evie hasn’t written a word and is at risk of losing her publishing deal. In a final desperate move, her editor sends her to a small coastal town to get away from it all and get her book finished, and she finds herself holed up in a lighthouse on a remote island. Trying to be positive, she sees it as the chance to escape that she needs, and it comes with the bonus of getting her away from a creepy stalker who has been sending her threatening letters.
Callum is the reclusive lighthouse keeper who is furious when his lighthouse home is rented out from under him. It’s been his only solace since he lost everything and he became a pariah in his home town. But he needs every penny he can get to keep his lighthouse going, so he unwillingly accepts his unwelcome intruder, making it known from the very start just how very unwelcome she is, and he plans to have absolutely nothing to do with her while she’s on his island.
It’s not the best of starts for these two and Callum is an antisocial a-hole to Evie, but slowly and surely things start to change. There is an 18 year age gape between them (Callum is 43, Evie is 25), but they get to know each other, they share their pasts, and two people who are so shattered by grief and lost love begin to open up to each other in ways they never expected. It’s a slow burn that is full of passion, and I loved watching them come together.
You can feel the connection between these two. Callum may be a broody recluse, but he’s got a sweet protective streak, and like all beloved grumpy heroes, when he falls – he falls hard! The chemistry is wild, and the sexy time is frequent and intense (with a healthy dose of dirty talk). But this book is all about the emotion, and I was absolutely feeling it! Their pain is so visceral, which makes the tender and joyful moments between them just that more amazing, and I loved seeing their walls come down as they fall so hard for each other.
But they both know their time together is limited, and Callum insists that he is in no way ready for a real relationship, bringing angst and drama as they wrestle with their situation and all that they’re feeling.
Evie’s stalker also brings added drama, though honestly, I didn’t really care too much for that part of the story, I was too swept up in the romance.
The book ends on a wicked cliffhanger, and I can’t wait to see where the story goes next.
4 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author for an honest review.
A beautifully emotional and unexpected grumpy/sunshine, close proximity, age-gap love story for two people who have been broken by their pasts and who have pretty much given up on finding happiness. This is such a gorgeous romance from a new-to-me author, and I really enjoyed this book!
Five years after a devastating loss, romantasy author, Evie hasn’t written a word and is at risk of losing her publishing deal. In a final desperate move, her editor sends her to a small coastal town to get away from it all and get her book finished, and she finds herself holed up in a lighthouse on a remote island. Trying to be positive, she sees it as the chance to escape that she needs, and it comes with the bonus of getting her away from a creepy stalker who has been sending her threatening letters.
Callum is the reclusive lighthouse keeper who is furious when his lighthouse home is rented out from under him. It’s been his only solace since he lost everything and he became a pariah in his home town. But he needs every penny he can get to keep his lighthouse going, so he unwillingly accepts his unwelcome intruder, making it known from the very start just how very unwelcome she is, and he plans to have absolutely nothing to do with her while she’s on his island.
It’s not the best of starts for these two and Callum is an antisocial a-hole to Evie, but slowly and surely things start to change. There is an 18 year age gape between them (Callum is 43, Evie is 25), but they get to know each other, they share their pasts, and two people who are so shattered by grief and lost love begin to open up to each other in ways they never expected. It’s a slow burn that is full of passion, and I loved watching them come together.
You can feel the connection between these two. Callum may be a broody recluse, but he’s got a sweet protective streak, and like all beloved grumpy heroes, when he falls – he falls hard! The chemistry is wild, and the sexy time is frequent and intense (with a healthy dose of dirty talk). But this book is all about the emotion, and I was absolutely feeling it! Their pain is so visceral, which makes the tender and joyful moments between them just that more amazing, and I loved seeing their walls come down as they fall so hard for each other.
“I was born to love you, woman. I could spend the rest of my days like this.
But they both know their time together is limited, and Callum insists that he is in no way ready for a real relationship, bringing angst and drama as they wrestle with their situation and all that they’re feeling.
Evie’s stalker also brings added drama, though honestly, I didn’t really care too much for that part of the story, I was too swept up in the romance.
The book ends on a wicked cliffhanger, and I can’t wait to see where the story goes next.
4 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author for an honest review.
August 7, 2025
4 stars.
I need book 2 NOW! Ahhh! "Tender Heart" by Alexandra Banks is excellent! It's emotional, raw, captivating, and surprising at times. I loved the characters here. Callum and Evie are perfect together. I loved their chemistry and banter with one another. They have both been through immense traumas that have shaped who they are in the present. Callum is suuuuuch a grump, but his brooding isn't without reason. He is guarded with a massive chip on his shoulder, but his walls get slowly undone by Evie over time. I think that's what makes this book so successful: Banks takes the time to grow Callum and Evie's relationship so that readers get invested in their future together. I also enjoyed the mystery element of the story. This book moves very quickly, mostly because you won't be able to put it down. I just loved reading this one.
Thank you to Alexandra Banks and Grey's Promotions for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
I need book 2 NOW! Ahhh! "Tender Heart" by Alexandra Banks is excellent! It's emotional, raw, captivating, and surprising at times. I loved the characters here. Callum and Evie are perfect together. I loved their chemistry and banter with one another. They have both been through immense traumas that have shaped who they are in the present. Callum is suuuuuch a grump, but his brooding isn't without reason. He is guarded with a massive chip on his shoulder, but his walls get slowly undone by Evie over time. I think that's what makes this book so successful: Banks takes the time to grow Callum and Evie's relationship so that readers get invested in their future together. I also enjoyed the mystery element of the story. This book moves very quickly, mostly because you won't be able to put it down. I just loved reading this one.
Thank you to Alexandra Banks and Grey's Promotions for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
August 14, 2025
(i’ll do a proper review later) FIVE STARS 🌟 this was SUCH a good book. I loved how emotional and real it was, the angst was to DIE for omg. all the tropes were so well executed and thought out. I’m utterly obsessed with this book and will definitely have to read again 😫😫
‧₊˚ ┊💌┊ ೀ୭ 𝐩𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝
This little “stalker” romance trope is turning me off from this book but yk people say don’t judge a book by its tropes (or something like that) and im here to test this one out !! 🤭🤭 So excited for an emotional roller coaster of a book
‧₊˚ ┊💌┊ ೀ୭ 𝐩𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝
This little “stalker” romance trope is turning me off from this book but yk people say don’t judge a book by its tropes (or something like that) and im here to test this one out !! 🤭🤭 So excited for an emotional roller coaster of a book
July 21, 2025
I'm not sure I can put into words how much I loved this book! This is my first ever ARC read!
Callum + Evie find themselves living together in Cal's lighthouse. Evie needs to finish writing her book, and Cal just wants to be left alone. Soon they realize they can't ignore this attraction between them. They know Evie's time on Fire Island has an expiration date, but they can't stay away from each other. Cal doesn't want her to sacrifice her life to stay with him, but does she even want to go back to her old life in the city? Being with Cal has healed parts of her that she never thought would get better. Evie has managed to crack Cal's heart wide open. Their story is full of love and heartbreak as they each work through their past grief, falling in love and making the best of their short time together. But Evie is keeping a secret from Cal and it could change everything for them.
I fell in love with Cal + Evie, and I never want to leave Fire Island! I did not expect to be left with such a big cliffhanger and I need book 2 NOW!!!
Callum + Evie find themselves living together in Cal's lighthouse. Evie needs to finish writing her book, and Cal just wants to be left alone. Soon they realize they can't ignore this attraction between them. They know Evie's time on Fire Island has an expiration date, but they can't stay away from each other. Cal doesn't want her to sacrifice her life to stay with him, but does she even want to go back to her old life in the city? Being with Cal has healed parts of her that she never thought would get better. Evie has managed to crack Cal's heart wide open. Their story is full of love and heartbreak as they each work through their past grief, falling in love and making the best of their short time together. But Evie is keeping a secret from Cal and it could change everything for them.
I fell in love with Cal + Evie, and I never want to leave Fire Island! I did not expect to be left with such a big cliffhanger and I need book 2 NOW!!!
July 15, 2025
Holy Cow! I received this as an ARC this morning and absolutely devoured it!!!!!! it was absolutely perfect!!! I just need book number two now!!!! Alexandra Banks absolutely killed it!!!!
October 26, 2025
I’m going to dive straight into this review. I think the storyline was great, and I did enjoy it overall, but there were quite a few things I struggled with. First off, there’s a fair amount of spice and it was delicious. I loved the grumpy MMC and the whole island setup. The FMC was great too, but I wouldn’t describe her as completely sunshine she had her moments, but she wasn’t always cheerful and smiling.
Overall, I feel like we could’ve had more plot development with the stalker. Once the spice started around the halfway mark, it happened so frequently that the story began to feel a bit disjointed. The writing was good, but there were several sentences that could have been worded better. Also, the number of times the MMC pointed out the age gap and kept using the term “twentysomething” was infuriating. I understood there was an age gap, but it didn’t need to be reiterated so many times using the same phrasing in the first half of the book.
As for the stalker storyline why didn’t she just tell the MMC about the letters? I was really unsure why she kept that to herself. And then there was the fair scene where she needed to use the toilet located a block away, and insisted on going alone honestly, that was crazy. Then it suddenly turned into a weird author signing? That whole section just felt odd.
The ending also felt quite rushed. She left the island, met with her publisher, and then returned—it was a lot of back and forth that didn’t feel necessary.
Overall, I think the story was good but lost its way toward the end.
Genre/Type: Adult Romance 18+
APK: Kindle Read
Pages: 317
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Series or Standalone: Book One In The Fire Island Series
Tropes or Themes: Love After Loss, Age Gap, Grumpy Sunshine, Forced Proximity, One Bed, Stalker, Threats, Letters, Guilt, Playlist, Sexual Content, Dirty Talk, Praise, Oral, Crawling and Light BDSM
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
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Overall, I feel like we could’ve had more plot development with the stalker. Once the spice started around the halfway mark, it happened so frequently that the story began to feel a bit disjointed. The writing was good, but there were several sentences that could have been worded better. Also, the number of times the MMC pointed out the age gap and kept using the term “twentysomething” was infuriating. I understood there was an age gap, but it didn’t need to be reiterated so many times using the same phrasing in the first half of the book.
As for the stalker storyline why didn’t she just tell the MMC about the letters? I was really unsure why she kept that to herself. And then there was the fair scene where she needed to use the toilet located a block away, and insisted on going alone honestly, that was crazy. Then it suddenly turned into a weird author signing? That whole section just felt odd.
The ending also felt quite rushed. She left the island, met with her publisher, and then returned—it was a lot of back and forth that didn’t feel necessary.
Overall, I think the story was good but lost its way toward the end.
Genre/Type: Adult Romance 18+
APK: Kindle Read
Pages: 317
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Series or Standalone: Book One In The Fire Island Series
Tropes or Themes: Love After Loss, Age Gap, Grumpy Sunshine, Forced Proximity, One Bed, Stalker, Threats, Letters, Guilt, Playlist, Sexual Content, Dirty Talk, Praise, Oral, Crawling and Light BDSM
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Fable | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
July 17, 2025
Tender Hearts by Alexandra Banks – 4 ★
Ahhhhhhh… I need book 2 NOW. Why did you do that to us?! This was everything I love about a grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity romance. Angst, tenderness, spice, and a grump who only softens for her.
Callum McCreary? Perfection. A reclusive, broody lighthouse keeper who hides his heart from the world but can’t seem to stop showing his soft side to Evie? I melted every single time he slipped and let her see that tenderness no one else gets. He falls first, he falls hard, and the way he quietly protects her? Ugh, my heart. 💔 The age gap (43/25) is handled so well, and the fact that he’s a widower just adds another layer to his character.
Evie, our timid but strong as hell writer FMC, grew on me so much. Watching her go from guarded and hesitant to finding her confidence again was beautiful. Their romance felt slow burn and earned, which I loved, especially those soft moments where it’s just them on the island, healing together. And yes, only one bed + forced proximity = perfection.
Now… the spice? Whew. It hits pretty early (and so does their lust for each other, which I felt was a little misplaced, since they are both supposedly grieving SO much) and, for the most part, it worked. Some of the dirty talk felt a little too “trying too hard copy and paste” for me (the constant baby girl and Callum suddenly turning into Mr. Filthy Mouth was a bit jarring considering how reserved he usually is). But when it leaned into the tenderness + Gaelic endearments instead? Oh, now that HITS.
I’ll be honest, the suspense subplot with the “threat element” felt a bit tacked on. I think their emotional journey alone would have been enough to carry the story. But honestly? The romance made me not even care. The grump falls first, the angst, the soft moments, the lighthouse setting... yeah, I ate it all up.
And that ending??? How dare Alexandra Banks leave us like that. I’m already counting down the days until book 2.
If you love:
✅ Grumpy/sunshine + age gap
✅ Slow burn, tender but spicy romance
✅ Healing & comfort in a small town, isolated setting
✅ A man who’s soft for only one woman
Then grab this one immediately!
Thank you to Alexandra Banks and Grey’s Promotions for an eARC of this book.
Ahhhhhhh… I need book 2 NOW. Why did you do that to us?! This was everything I love about a grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity romance. Angst, tenderness, spice, and a grump who only softens for her.
Callum McCreary? Perfection. A reclusive, broody lighthouse keeper who hides his heart from the world but can’t seem to stop showing his soft side to Evie? I melted every single time he slipped and let her see that tenderness no one else gets. He falls first, he falls hard, and the way he quietly protects her? Ugh, my heart. 💔 The age gap (43/25) is handled so well, and the fact that he’s a widower just adds another layer to his character.
Evie, our timid but strong as hell writer FMC, grew on me so much. Watching her go from guarded and hesitant to finding her confidence again was beautiful. Their romance felt slow burn and earned, which I loved, especially those soft moments where it’s just them on the island, healing together. And yes, only one bed + forced proximity = perfection.
Now… the spice? Whew. It hits pretty early (and so does their lust for each other, which I felt was a little misplaced, since they are both supposedly grieving SO much) and, for the most part, it worked. Some of the dirty talk felt a little too “trying too hard copy and paste” for me (the constant baby girl and Callum suddenly turning into Mr. Filthy Mouth was a bit jarring considering how reserved he usually is). But when it leaned into the tenderness + Gaelic endearments instead? Oh, now that HITS.
I’ll be honest, the suspense subplot with the “threat element” felt a bit tacked on. I think their emotional journey alone would have been enough to carry the story. But honestly? The romance made me not even care. The grump falls first, the angst, the soft moments, the lighthouse setting... yeah, I ate it all up.
And that ending??? How dare Alexandra Banks leave us like that. I’m already counting down the days until book 2.
If you love:
✅ Grumpy/sunshine + age gap
✅ Slow burn, tender but spicy romance
✅ Healing & comfort in a small town, isolated setting
✅ A man who’s soft for only one woman
Then grab this one immediately!
Thank you to Alexandra Banks and Grey’s Promotions for an eARC of this book.
July 21, 2025
No wait. How can this be the end. I need the second book in the series now!
I don’t know what to think anymore. This cliffhanger.. I can’t.
In this book you follow Evie, a young writer who has a bit of a writers block and is being send to a small island by her publisher to focus on her book.
She’s staying on this island for 9 months, with Callum. Grumpy and distant Cal.
You follow het struggles with writing, their complicated relationship, past traumas and a very scary situation. Secrets are uncovered. Bonds are formed.
This was so good!
I finished this book in half a day, after just DNF’ing 2 other books. I was convinced I was on the edge of a reading slump and this book fixed it all. It’s a must read if you’re into romance books, with good spice and an amazing plot. With some mystery and serious subjects.
I received this book as an ARC from Grey’s promotions. This is my honest opinion. I loved the book!
I don’t know what to think anymore. This cliffhanger.. I can’t.
In this book you follow Evie, a young writer who has a bit of a writers block and is being send to a small island by her publisher to focus on her book.
She’s staying on this island for 9 months, with Callum. Grumpy and distant Cal.
You follow het struggles with writing, their complicated relationship, past traumas and a very scary situation. Secrets are uncovered. Bonds are formed.
This was so good!
I finished this book in half a day, after just DNF’ing 2 other books. I was convinced I was on the edge of a reading slump and this book fixed it all. It’s a must read if you’re into romance books, with good spice and an amazing plot. With some mystery and serious subjects.
I received this book as an ARC from Grey’s promotions. This is my honest opinion. I loved the book!
August 9, 2025
that ending was criminal 🫣😭
i need the second book asap!
i need the second book asap!
July 20, 2025
This book is soaked in a quiet kind of grief; lingering under the surface, stitched into both main characters in a way that makes everything feel a little heavier, a little more real. And yet somehow? It still made me scream at Callum, “Get your shit together, you idiot you’re in love with her!”
One of the things I loved most was the simplicity of the life portrayed here. I know that might sound odd, but gosh, sometimes the idea of running away to a quiet island and living off the land just hits different. Evie learning to grow her own veggies, catching some fish, finding calm in the chaos of her grief; it was wholesome and grounding in a way that really worked for me.
Callum’s grumpy, emotionally walled-up exterior? Adored. Truly. And learning why he’s like that added so much depth though I do wish we’d gotten just a bit more. Hopefully that’s something we’ll see fleshed out in Book 2 (manifesting it with my whole chest).
And the ending? No. Absolutely not. I have no words, only a deep, primal need for the next book IMMEDIATELY.
Massive thanks to the author for the ARC now for the excruciating wait for Book 2.
Fave Quotes
I like this version of me. The way this feels, being here. Being squared away on this island with Callum. But this isn’t my life—it’s a temporary solace to ensure my productivity is restored. And it is. I’m grateful. But I can’t help thinking, now that I’ve found all this . . . How will I ever go back to the city? To a world Callum’s not a part of. So many buts.
Happiness is a man wrapped around the woman he loves.
“This pretty little cunt has been mine since the second you stepped foot on this damn island. When you leave, it will still belong to me.”
One of the things I loved most was the simplicity of the life portrayed here. I know that might sound odd, but gosh, sometimes the idea of running away to a quiet island and living off the land just hits different. Evie learning to grow her own veggies, catching some fish, finding calm in the chaos of her grief; it was wholesome and grounding in a way that really worked for me.
Callum’s grumpy, emotionally walled-up exterior? Adored. Truly. And learning why he’s like that added so much depth though I do wish we’d gotten just a bit more. Hopefully that’s something we’ll see fleshed out in Book 2 (manifesting it with my whole chest).
And the ending? No. Absolutely not. I have no words, only a deep, primal need for the next book IMMEDIATELY.
Massive thanks to the author for the ARC now for the excruciating wait for Book 2.
Fave Quotes
I like this version of me. The way this feels, being here. Being squared away on this island with Callum. But this isn’t my life—it’s a temporary solace to ensure my productivity is restored. And it is. I’m grateful. But I can’t help thinking, now that I’ve found all this . . . How will I ever go back to the city? To a world Callum’s not a part of. So many buts.
Happiness is a man wrapped around the woman he loves.
“This pretty little cunt has been mine since the second you stepped foot on this damn island. When you leave, it will still belong to me.”
September 23, 2025
5⭐️ I’m sorry that ending?!?! POP OFF ALEXANDRA.
Our FMC, Evie, is a successful writer who suffers a traumatic event in her early twenties. Her publisher has given her plenty of breaks to write a book in the time since, but she has nothing left to give. As her last resort, she sends Evie to Fire Island to stay for 9 months in solitude to finish her book. What she doesn’t know is the lighthouse keeper, Callum, who is a decade older than her, will be her only company other than his sister and his best friend who live on the mainland. Callum has suffered loss of his own, and the two have to find a way to exist together. Also, let’s not forget Evie has a psychotic stalker. Fast paced and so good!!
Our FMC, Evie, is a successful writer who suffers a traumatic event in her early twenties. Her publisher has given her plenty of breaks to write a book in the time since, but she has nothing left to give. As her last resort, she sends Evie to Fire Island to stay for 9 months in solitude to finish her book. What she doesn’t know is the lighthouse keeper, Callum, who is a decade older than her, will be her only company other than his sister and his best friend who live on the mainland. Callum has suffered loss of his own, and the two have to find a way to exist together. Also, let’s not forget Evie has a psychotic stalker. Fast paced and so good!!
July 26, 2025
✨ ARC Review ✨
Tender Heart surprised me in the best way.
I expected a moody romance on a remote island, and while it delivered that, it also gave me so much more.
Callum isn’t just a grumpy recluse. His pain runs deep, and the way he’s closed himself off from the world feels heartbreakingly real. Evie, on the other hand, is trying to survive her own kind of grief and pressure. She’s not there to fix him, and he’s not there to save her. They’re two broken people learning how to let someone in again.
Their connection builds slowly and naturally. The tension is there, but so is a quiet tenderness that made their story feel grounded and real. I loved watching them open up, little by little.
The mystery element caught me off guard in the best way. It starts subtle but adds this undercurrent of danger that kept me turning pages.
By the end, I was fully invested. The writing is beautiful, the setting is vivid, and that ending? Absolutely brutal. I need the next book now.
If you love slow-burn, emotionally layered romance with a touch of suspense, this one is a must-read.
Tender Heart surprised me in the best way.
I expected a moody romance on a remote island, and while it delivered that, it also gave me so much more.
Callum isn’t just a grumpy recluse. His pain runs deep, and the way he’s closed himself off from the world feels heartbreakingly real. Evie, on the other hand, is trying to survive her own kind of grief and pressure. She’s not there to fix him, and he’s not there to save her. They’re two broken people learning how to let someone in again.
Their connection builds slowly and naturally. The tension is there, but so is a quiet tenderness that made their story feel grounded and real. I loved watching them open up, little by little.
The mystery element caught me off guard in the best way. It starts subtle but adds this undercurrent of danger that kept me turning pages.
By the end, I was fully invested. The writing is beautiful, the setting is vivid, and that ending? Absolutely brutal. I need the next book now.
If you love slow-burn, emotionally layered romance with a touch of suspense, this one is a must-read.
July 20, 2025
4⭐️|
Tender Heart was my first read by Alexandra Banks, and definitely won’t be my last. I need book 2 already.
This was such a well done grumpy/sunshine romance! I loved the dynamic between Callum and Evie Their chemistry was so believable and emotionally layered. It had just the right amount of angst, healing, and tension.
The writing pulled me in quickly, and the emotional beats hit hard in all the right places. I was rooting for these two the whole way through. That ending left me both satisfied and impatient.
Highly recommend if you love emotional small-town romance, deep character growth, and a touch of longing that feels real.
Tender Heart was my first read by Alexandra Banks, and definitely won’t be my last. I need book 2 already.
This was such a well done grumpy/sunshine romance! I loved the dynamic between Callum and Evie Their chemistry was so believable and emotionally layered. It had just the right amount of angst, healing, and tension.
The writing pulled me in quickly, and the emotional beats hit hard in all the right places. I was rooting for these two the whole way through. That ending left me both satisfied and impatient.
Highly recommend if you love emotional small-town romance, deep character growth, and a touch of longing that feels real.
July 17, 2025
Brilliant!
I NEED MORE.
I am wholly invested in Callum and Evie.
This book starts with heartbreak, ends on a cliff hanger and I couldn't get enough. Forced proximity yes please! Filthy mouthed grumpy older man who will make your toes curl. Hell yes. What else do you need to hear to pick up this book?
I NEED MORE.
I am wholly invested in Callum and Evie.
This book starts with heartbreak, ends on a cliff hanger and I couldn't get enough. Forced proximity yes please! Filthy mouthed grumpy older man who will make your toes curl. Hell yes. What else do you need to hear to pick up this book?
August 18, 2025
2.5
I feel as if this could've been really good, but the author chose to prioritize spice over the plot. Nothing happens for the first 75% of this book, which is sad because I did like the little bit of what was happening in the background and wish we had gotten more. there is a second book coming out soon, so maybe I will read that one since it'll (hopefully) start at the cliffhanger
I feel as if this could've been really good, but the author chose to prioritize spice over the plot. Nothing happens for the first 75% of this book, which is sad because I did like the little bit of what was happening in the background and wish we had gotten more. there is a second book coming out soon, so maybe I will read that one since it'll (hopefully) start at the cliffhanger
July 31, 2025
Callum has my heart. This was such a good book. I 10/10 recommend reading this book.
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
July 16, 2025
Welp. This book was fantastic. Super grump✔️ Timid, but then is a badass✔️ One bed✔️ Forced proximity ✔️ Angst✔️ Spice🥵✔️ I didn't think any book boyfriend could compete with the Rawlins men, but sheeesh.. Cal is up there! I cannot WAIT for book 2!
July 18, 2025
Received an ARC of this book. Rate this a 3.5 but am rounding up to 4. This is the first book I've read by this author. I wasn't expecting, but really enjoyed, the mystery/thriller twist to what I had thought was to be just a contemporary romance.
Will definitely need to read the next book.
Will definitely need to read the next book.
November 28, 2025
This was such a good book. Callum has my heart
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
July 30, 2025
What a ride!! I loved this heart wrenching story! Seeing Evie and Cal both learn to love again and open up to each other was so real and heartwarming. And boy, the spice was hot!
The ending was....wow. I'm not sure how I'm going to sleep at night till I get the next book!! Watch out for the cliff!
Alexandra Banks really knows how to get you invested in her stories, I'm so happy to have received this arc. :)
The ending was....wow. I'm not sure how I'm going to sleep at night till I get the next book!! Watch out for the cliff!
Alexandra Banks really knows how to get you invested in her stories, I'm so happy to have received this arc. :)
August 3, 2025
Thank you to LoveNotes PR & the author for the arc!
I was really intrigued by the premise of the book; but the plot didn’t deliver much 😭 the forced proximity aspect of the book was fantastic; she’s on his island to finish writing her book, and she can’t access the mainland easily without his help.
Callum was a little too grumpy for my liking 👩🦯, and his nickname for Evie pissed me off like pls tone it down, it’s a nickname for a reason
Evie and Callum were really cute throughout the book but there was wayyyy too much spice 😭 they were banging on literally every other page, like a good chunk of those scenes could’ve been used to further the plot or give the characters more personalities.
Overall it was a fun read, but it could’ve been executed way better, I’m still excited to read the next book because this ended on a cliffhanger!
I was really intrigued by the premise of the book; but the plot didn’t deliver much 😭 the forced proximity aspect of the book was fantastic; she’s on his island to finish writing her book, and she can’t access the mainland easily without his help.
Callum was a little too grumpy for my liking 👩🦯, and his nickname for Evie pissed me off like pls tone it down, it’s a nickname for a reason
Evie and Callum were really cute throughout the book but there was wayyyy too much spice 😭 they were banging on literally every other page, like a good chunk of those scenes could’ve been used to further the plot or give the characters more personalities.
Overall it was a fun read, but it could’ve been executed way better, I’m still excited to read the next book because this ended on a cliffhanger!
September 25, 2025
𝑰’𝒎 𝒊𝒔𝒐𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒏 𝒊𝒔𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒂 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓. 𝑨 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒊𝒔 𝒂 𝒎𝒂𝒏, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒍𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒎𝒆 𝒃𝒚 𝒂 𝒇𝒂𝒊𝒓 𝒃𝒊𝒕. 𝑰’𝒎 𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒆𝒍𝒔𝒆’𝒔 𝒉𝒐𝒎𝒆. 𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒏𝒐 𝑾𝒊-𝑭𝒊 𝒐𝒓 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒄𝒕 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅. 𝑵𝒐 𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒐𝒇𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒊𝒔𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒅, 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒂𝒎 𝑰 𝒌𝒊𝒅𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈? 𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒏’𝒕 𝒅𝒓𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒂 𝒄𝒂𝒓 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕, 𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝒂𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒂 𝒃𝒐𝒂𝒕. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒔𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒂𝒔𝒏’𝒕 𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒌𝒆𝒏 𝒂 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒆 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒘𝒆 𝒎𝒆𝒕.
The premise of this book immediately caught my attention: a man living in isolation in a lighthouse, haunted by his past, and a writer in search of inspiration and a safe haven, whose paths eventually cross.
Alexandra Banks’ writing is promising, and you can tell she has a real sensitivity for creating vulnerable and emotionally complex characters. However, I felt that much of the narrative was told rather than shown (if that makes sense!), which left me feeling somewhat distant from the story and its protagonists. I also felt the book should have been longer the characters clearly have a lot of depth, but that richness was explored only on a very superficial level.
At a certain point, the narrative shifted almost entirely to sex scenes, and the little connection that remained with the characters was lost. This is exactly the kind of book that needed more development, because the potential is definitely there it just wasn’t worked through as consistently as it could have been.
That said, I’m still curious to see how the author will continue the series in the second book.
The premise of this book immediately caught my attention: a man living in isolation in a lighthouse, haunted by his past, and a writer in search of inspiration and a safe haven, whose paths eventually cross.
Alexandra Banks’ writing is promising, and you can tell she has a real sensitivity for creating vulnerable and emotionally complex characters. However, I felt that much of the narrative was told rather than shown (if that makes sense!), which left me feeling somewhat distant from the story and its protagonists. I also felt the book should have been longer the characters clearly have a lot of depth, but that richness was explored only on a very superficial level.
At a certain point, the narrative shifted almost entirely to sex scenes, and the little connection that remained with the characters was lost. This is exactly the kind of book that needed more development, because the potential is definitely there it just wasn’t worked through as consistently as it could have been.
That said, I’m still curious to see how the author will continue the series in the second book.
July 21, 2025
Arc Review:
First of all thank you so much for the opportunity to read this book in advance in exchange for my honest review.
When I first read the blurb, I thought this book had such great potential, i just think that I personally didn't connect with the characters, and that's a bit of a deal breaker for me, I did enjoy the plot and I believe that a lot of people will really love it.
First of all thank you so much for the opportunity to read this book in advance in exchange for my honest review.
When I first read the blurb, I thought this book had such great potential, i just think that I personally didn't connect with the characters, and that's a bit of a deal breaker for me, I did enjoy the plot and I believe that a lot of people will really love it.
July 21, 2025
ARC review 😩
Sobbing. Dead inside. Absolutely amazing. 🥲
The way this book put my heart through the wringer, damn it I need moreeee😮💨
I cried, screamed, laughed, giggled, felt all the feels. I don’t know how I’ll recover from this one 🤠
I have no more words, I wish I did (I do, just can’t spoil it for anyone)😩🥰
Sobbing. Dead inside. Absolutely amazing. 🥲
The way this book put my heart through the wringer, damn it I need moreeee😮💨
I cried, screamed, laughed, giggled, felt all the feels. I don’t know how I’ll recover from this one 🤠
I have no more words, I wish I did (I do, just can’t spoil it for anyone)😩🥰
July 26, 2025
*MF
*Contemporary
*Dual-1st-PoV
*Age Gap
*Forced Proximity
*Stalker
*MCs with grief
*High segsual tension
*Slower Burn
*Book 1 / 2
Take me to Fire Island and a rugged housekeeper now 😍
This was my first read of this authors and I really enjoyed it. The book was well written and the plot flowed smoothly with a good balance of angst and spice, whilst the characters are engaging! I found the pacing a little slow at first, but it did pick up around 1/3 way in 😄
The story follows a wrote in the midst of a block and succumbing to her grief causing her to be sent to a remote island to find herself again. Eve is a soft FMC carrying inner guilt presenting as meek and mild, yet her interactions with lighthouse/island owner Callum soon brings her out of the self imposed cage 🙈 Callum has his own past trauma, meaning he’s grumpy, isolated and wild 😳 yet the connection with Evie proves his heart can indeed beat again! These two are ideal for each other and the tension between them is undeniable 🥰 and when they get together it is raw chemistry🔥🌶️ however their 9month time limit together may hinder their growing relationship either that or the stalker encroaching on Evie?! And with that cliffhanger it’s going to be tough to see how these two can have a future 😯 looking forward to the final book in this duology!
*Contemporary
*Dual-1st-PoV
*Age Gap
*Forced Proximity
*Stalker
*MCs with grief
*High segsual tension
*Slower Burn
*Book 1 / 2
Take me to Fire Island and a rugged housekeeper now 😍
This was my first read of this authors and I really enjoyed it. The book was well written and the plot flowed smoothly with a good balance of angst and spice, whilst the characters are engaging! I found the pacing a little slow at first, but it did pick up around 1/3 way in 😄
The story follows a wrote in the midst of a block and succumbing to her grief causing her to be sent to a remote island to find herself again. Eve is a soft FMC carrying inner guilt presenting as meek and mild, yet her interactions with lighthouse/island owner Callum soon brings her out of the self imposed cage 🙈 Callum has his own past trauma, meaning he’s grumpy, isolated and wild 😳 yet the connection with Evie proves his heart can indeed beat again! These two are ideal for each other and the tension between them is undeniable 🥰 and when they get together it is raw chemistry🔥🌶️ however their 9month time limit together may hinder their growing relationship either that or the stalker encroaching on Evie?! And with that cliffhanger it’s going to be tough to see how these two can have a future 😯 looking forward to the final book in this duology!
August 2, 2025
This was such an enjoyable read. It had emotion, lovely characters and is set on an island away from all the people. Literal goals.
Evie is a writer who has been struggling to write for years after a traumatic event left her world shattered.
Callum is a lighthouse keeper who lives on an island by himself and he keeps to himself except for the times when he absolutely must go to town.
They meet when she is sent away to staybat his lighthouse to write the book she is contractually obligated to write and has been granted one last extension to finish. He is very grumpy about it. She is worried & uncertain. Theirs is definitely not a meet cute. They do eventually reach a place of tolerating-ish which allows for some getting to know each other and sharing and grown up fun times.
They have both been through great tragedy & loss which of course impacts their now and hinders their future. Walking with them as they share themselves and their stories is tough at times and emotional and sweet. I was rooting so hard for these two. As a couple but also as individuals. I just wanted the best for them.
It does end on a cliffhanger, so be warned and prepare your screams & heart accordingly.
I received this as an ARC and am so, so thankful. My review is in no way influenced by this and is based only on the story itself.
Evie is a writer who has been struggling to write for years after a traumatic event left her world shattered.
Callum is a lighthouse keeper who lives on an island by himself and he keeps to himself except for the times when he absolutely must go to town.
They meet when she is sent away to staybat his lighthouse to write the book she is contractually obligated to write and has been granted one last extension to finish. He is very grumpy about it. She is worried & uncertain. Theirs is definitely not a meet cute. They do eventually reach a place of tolerating-ish which allows for some getting to know each other and sharing and grown up fun times.
They have both been through great tragedy & loss which of course impacts their now and hinders their future. Walking with them as they share themselves and their stories is tough at times and emotional and sweet. I was rooting so hard for these two. As a couple but also as individuals. I just wanted the best for them.
It does end on a cliffhanger, so be warned and prepare your screams & heart accordingly.
I received this as an ARC and am so, so thankful. My review is in no way influenced by this and is based only on the story itself.
August 21, 2025
4⭐
If you love a grumpy-sunshine romance with an age gap, a lighthouse keeper, and spice, then this is for you. The tension in this book was good, and it made watching Callum and Evie come together rather great.
We meet Evie, a twenty-something writer stuck in the city, who needs a break. A break from life, from thinking and just needs a space to concentrate to meet her deadline. When she gets to said place, she is occupying a space that's already inhabited and has to learn how to deal with Callum and his particular ways.
Callum was beautiful in this book. Forty-something, a lighthouse keeper, an ex-Navy soldier and downright grumpy. He isn't prepared when Evie comes to stay on his Island, and not only does she stay for nine months, she's staying in his house. Close proximity is a thing in this book, and sharing a bed is one of them.
The tension in this book was delicious, and considering neither Callum nor Evie has been with a partner in many years, when they come together, it's yummy reading. A few things annoyed me and didn't make sense at times, but it was a good read overall. Shared POV and ends in a cliffhanger.
If you love a grumpy-sunshine romance with an age gap, a lighthouse keeper, and spice, then this is for you. The tension in this book was good, and it made watching Callum and Evie come together rather great.
We meet Evie, a twenty-something writer stuck in the city, who needs a break. A break from life, from thinking and just needs a space to concentrate to meet her deadline. When she gets to said place, she is occupying a space that's already inhabited and has to learn how to deal with Callum and his particular ways.
Callum was beautiful in this book. Forty-something, a lighthouse keeper, an ex-Navy soldier and downright grumpy. He isn't prepared when Evie comes to stay on his Island, and not only does she stay for nine months, she's staying in his house. Close proximity is a thing in this book, and sharing a bed is one of them.
The tension in this book was delicious, and considering neither Callum nor Evie has been with a partner in many years, when they come together, it's yummy reading. A few things annoyed me and didn't make sense at times, but it was a good read overall. Shared POV and ends in a cliffhanger.
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