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Choosing You: A Later in Life, Second Chance Romance
Win a free kindle copy of this book!
18 days and 12:53:53
50 copies available
U.S. only
When the past and music collide in this intense second-chance romance, love becomes the melody that heals the heart.
At forty-one, Melanie Glick has made peace with being perpetually single. She’d rather be alone than be someone’s consolation prize. So, she spends her nights tending bar at The Ugly Mug and fills her days writing music, hoping she’ll someday find the courage to perform it. Nothing in her life has ever been quite the same since she lost her best friend, Cara, in a tragic accident decades ago, but the music keeps her going. When Cara’s brother comes flying into town like a blast from the past, he stirs up old memories, new feelings, and a chance at something she never thought she’d have again.
Country music singer Josh Cote hasn’t set foot in Cape May since he was sixteen. After he lost his sister, the charming small town has been a constant reminder of all he’s lost. But with the 25th anniversary of Cara’s death approaching, Josh decides to pass through on a road trip designed to inspire his first solo album. His first stop? The Ugly Mug, where he comes face-to-face with Melanie, his teenage muse. When he spots the tattoo on her wrist in Cara’s handwriting, Josh has the overwhelming desire to get to know Melanie, all over again.
When Melanie offers Josh a place to stay, it feels impulsive—but their connection is instant, rooted in shared grief and a first love that never died. Neither expects the pull between them to grow stronger each day, as their temporary arrangement deepens into something they can’t ignore. But with Josh’s looming departure and a long-buried secret casting a shadow over their budding romance, Melanie and Josh must confront the ghosts of their past if they have a chance at a future. Can new love truly heal old wounds, or are some scars too deep to mend?
At forty-one, Melanie Glick has made peace with being perpetually single. She’d rather be alone than be someone’s consolation prize. So, she spends her nights tending bar at The Ugly Mug and fills her days writing music, hoping she’ll someday find the courage to perform it. Nothing in her life has ever been quite the same since she lost her best friend, Cara, in a tragic accident decades ago, but the music keeps her going. When Cara’s brother comes flying into town like a blast from the past, he stirs up old memories, new feelings, and a chance at something she never thought she’d have again.
Country music singer Josh Cote hasn’t set foot in Cape May since he was sixteen. After he lost his sister, the charming small town has been a constant reminder of all he’s lost. But with the 25th anniversary of Cara’s death approaching, Josh decides to pass through on a road trip designed to inspire his first solo album. His first stop? The Ugly Mug, where he comes face-to-face with Melanie, his teenage muse. When he spots the tattoo on her wrist in Cara’s handwriting, Josh has the overwhelming desire to get to know Melanie, all over again.
When Melanie offers Josh a place to stay, it feels impulsive—but their connection is instant, rooted in shared grief and a first love that never died. Neither expects the pull between them to grow stronger each day, as their temporary arrangement deepens into something they can’t ignore. But with Josh’s looming departure and a long-buried secret casting a shadow over their budding romance, Melanie and Josh must confront the ghosts of their past if they have a chance at a future. Can new love truly heal old wounds, or are some scars too deep to mend?
336 pages, Paperback
Published March 17, 2026
53 people are currently reading
7071 people want to read
About the author
Linny Mack
12 books284 followersLinny Mack grew up a voracious reader and writer. She spent her days of adolescence up in her room writing her own stories, cutting her characters out of the Delia’s catalog, and then forcing her family to listen to her read them aloud. Now, Linny is a debut author of contemporary romance. When she isn’t writing your next book boyfriend, she is spending time with her real-life romantic hero and their three children in New Jersey.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
March 17, 2026
♾️⭐️ I don’t even know where to start. I loved this book so much! I cried, I laughed, and I cried more, oh and I swooned SO hard for Josh 😮💨
It was just so beautifully written. Melanie is me when it comes to taking care of everyone but herself. Her story had me in tears. Josh though? Talk about a man who YEARNS. *phew I was in love the moment he stared at Mel across the bar. Josh and Mel were together in high school, singing and sneaking around. Their love story was just so sweet and tragic, best friend’s brother, secrets and singing together. Josh coming back into Mel’s life right when they needed each other most. Josh and Mel both have secrets that almost pulled them apart but seeing their love bring them through what happened was beautiful. I cried.
If you enjoy over coming grief, small town, best friend’s brother, secret relationship, a twist that almost breaks them, a man on his knees, and a strong independent woman then I highly recommend this one!
Spice was 🌶️🌶️🌶️ for those who need to know before diving in.
It was just so beautifully written. Melanie is me when it comes to taking care of everyone but herself. Her story had me in tears. Josh though? Talk about a man who YEARNS. *phew I was in love the moment he stared at Mel across the bar. Josh and Mel were together in high school, singing and sneaking around. Their love story was just so sweet and tragic, best friend’s brother, secrets and singing together. Josh coming back into Mel’s life right when they needed each other most. Josh and Mel both have secrets that almost pulled them apart but seeing their love bring them through what happened was beautiful. I cried.
If you enjoy over coming grief, small town, best friend’s brother, secret relationship, a twist that almost breaks them, a man on his knees, and a strong independent woman then I highly recommend this one!
Spice was 🌶️🌶️🌶️ for those who need to know before diving in.
March 18, 2026
4.5 stars.
Linny Mack's "Choosing You" is a wonderful later-in-life dual timeline second-chance romance with two main characters navigating their mutual, shared grief. Melanie and Josh both lost an important figure in their life. Cara was Josh's sister and Mel's best friend when they were younger. Josh and Mel were also friends, bonding over their shared love of music, and were slowly falling in love with one another during high school. An unexpected tragedy takes Cara away from them, irreparably changing the trajectory of their lives before they had a chance to become something great together. Decades later, Mel and Josh are thrust together again, and it turns out, their feelings for one another have never changed. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. As someone who is almost 40 (!!!!!), I love a later-in-life romance that doesn't rely on cliche teenage-adjacent tropes and plot points. This story felt mature, for the most part. I really dug Josh and Mel's connection, especially considering it began through their shared love of music when they were teenagers. I enjoy how music brings them back together in the present, too. Josh went on to become a huge star, and Mel grew up to become a bartender, letting her musical dreams slip by the wayside. Josh's reentry into her life brings those aspirations back to the surface for her. I liked watching them reconnect through their shared location, shared love of song and songwriting, and their shared grief over the loss of Cara. They help each other heal, and they help each other discover who they are really meant to be and what they really want. Though this book does have some bits and pieces about the other couples in this series, I appreciate that this is a standalone through and through. I never felt lost or confused about the couples and their connections. I never found myself bored while reading this, either. The settings, songs, pacing, connections between characters, and plot points kept me wanting more. Though I haven't read the other books in this series, I am *absolutely* going to go back and read them now. I can't wait for the next novel in this series (I hope there are more!!).
Thank you to Linny Mack and Page & Vine for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
Linny Mack's "Choosing You" is a wonderful later-in-life dual timeline second-chance romance with two main characters navigating their mutual, shared grief. Melanie and Josh both lost an important figure in their life. Cara was Josh's sister and Mel's best friend when they were younger. Josh and Mel were also friends, bonding over their shared love of music, and were slowly falling in love with one another during high school. An unexpected tragedy takes Cara away from them, irreparably changing the trajectory of their lives before they had a chance to become something great together. Decades later, Mel and Josh are thrust together again, and it turns out, their feelings for one another have never changed. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. As someone who is almost 40 (!!!!!), I love a later-in-life romance that doesn't rely on cliche teenage-adjacent tropes and plot points. This story felt mature, for the most part. I really dug Josh and Mel's connection, especially considering it began through their shared love of music when they were teenagers. I enjoy how music brings them back together in the present, too. Josh went on to become a huge star, and Mel grew up to become a bartender, letting her musical dreams slip by the wayside. Josh's reentry into her life brings those aspirations back to the surface for her. I liked watching them reconnect through their shared location, shared love of song and songwriting, and their shared grief over the loss of Cara. They help each other heal, and they help each other discover who they are really meant to be and what they really want. Though this book does have some bits and pieces about the other couples in this series, I appreciate that this is a standalone through and through. I never felt lost or confused about the couples and their connections. I never found myself bored while reading this, either. The settings, songs, pacing, connections between characters, and plot points kept me wanting more. Though I haven't read the other books in this series, I am *absolutely* going to go back and read them now. I can't wait for the next novel in this series (I hope there are more!!).
Thank you to Linny Mack and Page & Vine for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
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March 2, 2026Linny Mack knocks it out of the park with this second chance romance. I was instantly hooked and fell in love with Josh and Melanie from the jump. By the time you finish series you cant help but feel like you belong in Cape May. I would absolutely love to have a 4th book in this series that shares Ellies story. This book just leaves you wanting more and more from the people of Cape May.
March 17, 2026
First off, thank you to Linny Mack, Page & Vine, and NetGalley for the advanced reader's copy of "Choosing You". This is the third and final book in the Cape May Series.
4.5 stars, rounded up to 5 stars! I'm going to be 100% honest, I was a little weary going into this book because Melanie was not my favorite side character in the prior books. HOWEVER, I will admit when I am wrong, because I absolutely adored this book. I LOVED the dual POV (first person) and the flashbacks to their high school days. (Solid 90's vibes with I really enjoyed with the passing of notebooks rather than texting) The characters felt deep and emotional, without making me cry (which is a good thing in my opinion, LOL - I hate being super sad).
This book follows Melanie Glick (FMC), a 40 something year old, who has lived her life in Cape May, as a local bartender and secluded song writer/singer. Enter Josh Cote (MMC), Mel's secret high school boyfriend and her deceased BFF's brother. Josh has had success in Nashville as a country music artist, but has recently made his way back to Cape May after being gone for 25 years. After they randomly reconnect while Mel is at work, music makes it's way back into their lives. They're both hiding secrets, but can they get through it as their relationship grows and things come to light?
This book can be read as a stand alone, but I highly recommend reading the other two books in the Cape May series first. Sophie, Liam, Jenna, Miles, and of course, Ellie, are top tier side characters and you should definitely read their stories if you can!
This book deals with some tougher topics: miscarriage, death, and alcoholism - so be prepared if you have triggers. However, Linny handles them with care.
Linny's books have never disappointed and this one is no exception! I'm sad to leave Cape May, NJ, but SO excited to go to Tide Haven, SC for her next series.
Would I recommend? Yes, absolutely. I read this book in less than 24 hours if that gives you any indication of what I thought.
PS... I loved the fact that as Mel and Josh continue their careers at the end of the book, they also find a way to give back to their community. That's all I'll say without spoiling too much.
4.5 stars, rounded up to 5 stars! I'm going to be 100% honest, I was a little weary going into this book because Melanie was not my favorite side character in the prior books. HOWEVER, I will admit when I am wrong, because I absolutely adored this book. I LOVED the dual POV (first person) and the flashbacks to their high school days. (Solid 90's vibes with I really enjoyed with the passing of notebooks rather than texting) The characters felt deep and emotional, without making me cry (which is a good thing in my opinion, LOL - I hate being super sad).
This book follows Melanie Glick (FMC), a 40 something year old, who has lived her life in Cape May, as a local bartender and secluded song writer/singer. Enter Josh Cote (MMC), Mel's secret high school boyfriend and her deceased BFF's brother. Josh has had success in Nashville as a country music artist, but has recently made his way back to Cape May after being gone for 25 years. After they randomly reconnect while Mel is at work, music makes it's way back into their lives. They're both hiding secrets, but can they get through it as their relationship grows and things come to light?
This book can be read as a stand alone, but I highly recommend reading the other two books in the Cape May series first. Sophie, Liam, Jenna, Miles, and of course, Ellie, are top tier side characters and you should definitely read their stories if you can!
This book deals with some tougher topics: miscarriage, death, and alcoholism - so be prepared if you have triggers. However, Linny handles them with care.
Linny's books have never disappointed and this one is no exception! I'm sad to leave Cape May, NJ, but SO excited to go to Tide Haven, SC for her next series.
Would I recommend? Yes, absolutely. I read this book in less than 24 hours if that gives you any indication of what I thought.
PS... I loved the fact that as Mel and Josh continue their careers at the end of the book, they also find a way to give back to their community. That's all I'll say without spoiling too much.
March 17, 2026
I love second chance romances and I also love when MCs in romance novels are in their 40s. Choosing You is all that and more and it’s so good that I felt I had to savor it! I loved that Melanie has felt lost and stuck after Josh walked out of her life when they were young and that Josh coming back into her life not only awakens old feelings but brings back some of Melanie’s hopes and dreams. I felt that the themes of loss, healing and grief felt very real and relatable and I enjoyed the incorporation of original music and songwriting into the story. Thank you to author Linny Mack, Skylar (fairybookmothr on Instagram) and Page & Vine for giving me the opportunity to read this early on NetGalley. It truly was a pleasure to read this book!
January 13, 2026
5 ⭐️
This book touched a piece of my soul. Having lost a brother to a car accident, I just felt so much in this book in relating to the main characters.
I love that the characters were realistic, even as. Musician Josh wasn’t an A list star which made it feel more real.
This book touched a piece of my soul. Having lost a brother to a car accident, I just felt so much in this book in relating to the main characters.
I love that the characters were realistic, even as. Musician Josh wasn’t an A list star which made it feel more real.
February 7, 2026
There’s something about a second chance romance that always sucks me in and this book was no exception. As with any interconnect standalone series, there is always tidbits of characters you’ll meet that becomes highly anticipated for their HEA. In the Cape May series, Melanie is that character. We met her in Changing Tides and unfortunately she just found herself in flings but never could find HER person. When Josh Cote (her childhood secret boyfriend/best friends brother) comes to town , Melanie finds herself right back in her high school mindset, imagining what a life with Josh could be like, even after 25 years apart. They suffered the same unimaginable loss in high school and as a result their paths lead them completely separate from each other, but this could be their chance to try again. This is an opportunity for Melanie to re-discover herself and what she truly wants out of the rest of her life, and Josh is the perfect person to help her do so.
The musical aspect of this book is so beautiful - Josh incorporate his career needs to write music and a strong encouragement to get Melanie singing again, knowing the music they make together is magical. This story is the HEA Melanie deserves but Josh is THE perfect book boyfriend and exactly what she needs. I absolutely adored seeing the way Cape May series came to an end with Melanie and Josh. Though I’m sad to say goodbye to a series that meant so much, I have enjoyed the journey with these characters that are my age, similar to people we know, more relatable than any other series I’ve read.
The musical aspect of this book is so beautiful - Josh incorporate his career needs to write music and a strong encouragement to get Melanie singing again, knowing the music they make together is magical. This story is the HEA Melanie deserves but Josh is THE perfect book boyfriend and exactly what she needs. I absolutely adored seeing the way Cape May series came to an end with Melanie and Josh. Though I’m sad to say goodbye to a series that meant so much, I have enjoyed the journey with these characters that are my age, similar to people we know, more relatable than any other series I’ve read.
March 21, 2026
"Then focus on the now. Enjoy it now. Or it will pass you by and you will miss it. Be where your feet are."
📣 My heart! My heart!! My HEART!!
You ripped it into pieces and put it all back together and I can’t get enough!
Add this to your TBR if you’re into all this good stuff 👇
✨ Later In Life Second Chance Romance
✨ Small Town Vibes
✨ Forced Proximity
✨ Best Friend’s Brother
✨ Original Music
I devoured this book IN A DAY!! I came in completely new to the Cape May series and having not read the previous books, I did not feel like any essential information was missing that could affect my experience… if anything, it made me immediately hop over to GR and add the others to my TBR because this angsty, second chance romance pulled so hard at my heartstrings. I am so emotionally invested now and I want to know everything about this small town.
Fans of Forever My Girl and If He Had Been With Me will absolutely eat this up! The romance was sweet and tender. Both Josh and Mel suffered an unimaginable loss when they were teenagers and it changed the trajectory of their lives, but their love for each other never wavered, even if it took 25 years to figure that out. 😭 Haha, I’m actually tearing up again just thinking about how bittersweet this story was. It has my heart.
I adored their little love notes that they passed back and forth when they were teenagers. 🥺 Josh was her best friend’s younger brother and a person that shared her same hopes and dreams about pursuing music in Nashville. He followed those dreams and she stayed behind. I loved their journey towards finally healing those broken pieces of themselves. Such a sweet story!
📣 My heart! My heart!! My HEART!!
You ripped it into pieces and put it all back together and I can’t get enough!
Add this to your TBR if you’re into all this good stuff 👇
✨ Later In Life Second Chance Romance
✨ Small Town Vibes
✨ Forced Proximity
✨ Best Friend’s Brother
✨ Original Music
I devoured this book IN A DAY!! I came in completely new to the Cape May series and having not read the previous books, I did not feel like any essential information was missing that could affect my experience… if anything, it made me immediately hop over to GR and add the others to my TBR because this angsty, second chance romance pulled so hard at my heartstrings. I am so emotionally invested now and I want to know everything about this small town.
Fans of Forever My Girl and If He Had Been With Me will absolutely eat this up! The romance was sweet and tender. Both Josh and Mel suffered an unimaginable loss when they were teenagers and it changed the trajectory of their lives, but their love for each other never wavered, even if it took 25 years to figure that out. 😭 Haha, I’m actually tearing up again just thinking about how bittersweet this story was. It has my heart.
I adored their little love notes that they passed back and forth when they were teenagers. 🥺 Josh was her best friend’s younger brother and a person that shared her same hopes and dreams about pursuing music in Nashville. He followed those dreams and she stayed behind. I loved their journey towards finally healing those broken pieces of themselves. Such a sweet story!
March 19, 2026
This book is more than a “romance”. It’s a story about life. It’s about the lives that didn’t go as planned, lives touched by trauma, lives that were a result of that trauma instead of lives well lived. Sometimes, when you seal yourself off from pain, you seal yourself off from joy. In some way, we can all relate to that. Will we take a chance on loving and being loved and risk more pain? That’s what Linny Mack is asking and answering in Choosing You! Melanie and Josh clearly love each other, but is that enough? The journey is poignant, heart wrenching and heart warming. The emotions are deep. It’s spicy (easily skippable if you aren’t into that). It’s a full on Second Chance with the found family that we’ve loved in all three books! I loved the way this amazing series was wrapped up in such a gratifying and emotional way! It’s a beautiful story not a genre, and for me, that’s the highest compliment I can give.
March 26, 2026
DNF @ 31%
After a tragic accident and 25 years apart, Melanie’s high school sweetheart and best friend’s younger brother Josh enters back into her life.
The biggest challenge for me was Josh’s motivations for returning to his home town. I was so bothered that his main goal seemed to be dealing with writer’s block for his music. Although more information comes to light around 30%, his reason still seemed self-serving. Honestly, Josh trying to reconnect/reconcile with Melanie felt more like a half-hearted side quest.
Another struggle I had was that after 25 years, and with shifting timelines from past to present, there didn’t seem to be growth with the characters. They came across as immature, and a bit juvenile, as when they were young, which made it hard for me to connect with them and the story.
I was drawn in by the premise of this book as a later in life, second chance romance, but unfortunately, the execution didn’t do it for me and I ended up DNFing.
👩🏼💻 I received an ARC of this book and am providing an honest review.
After a tragic accident and 25 years apart, Melanie’s high school sweetheart and best friend’s younger brother Josh enters back into her life.
The biggest challenge for me was Josh’s motivations for returning to his home town. I was so bothered that his main goal seemed to be dealing with writer’s block for his music. Although more information comes to light around 30%, his reason still seemed self-serving. Honestly, Josh trying to reconnect/reconcile with Melanie felt more like a half-hearted side quest.
Another struggle I had was that after 25 years, and with shifting timelines from past to present, there didn’t seem to be growth with the characters. They came across as immature, and a bit juvenile, as when they were young, which made it hard for me to connect with them and the story.
I was drawn in by the premise of this book as a later in life, second chance romance, but unfortunately, the execution didn’t do it for me and I ended up DNFing.
👩🏼💻 I received an ARC of this book and am providing an honest review.
March 21, 2026
Choosing you is a second chance romance following Mel and Josh on their journey back to each other. This book is filled with grief navigation, songwriting, heartache and found family. A novel about realising the dreams you held as a younger version of yourself and setting yourself on the path to achieve them, despite the fear and apprehension of change so late in life.
Choosing You has:
- older main characters (early 40s)
- second chances
- first loves
- small town
- grief and heartbreak
- healing
This book deals with triggers such as death of a friend/sibling, miscarriage, alcoholism. Book 3 in the Cape May series, this can be read as a standalone. Thank you the author and page and vine for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Choosing You has:
- older main characters (early 40s)
- second chances
- first loves
- small town
- grief and heartbreak
- healing
This book deals with triggers such as death of a friend/sibling, miscarriage, alcoholism. Book 3 in the Cape May series, this can be read as a standalone. Thank you the author and page and vine for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
January 9, 2026
4.5 stars - Choosing You by Linny Mack is the third book in the interconnected standalone Cape May series, and it delivers all the familiar vibes I’ve loved from the previous installments. This time, we follow Melanie and Josh as they get a well-earned second chance at love.
The small-town coastal setting shines once again, paired with more mature characters who have a little life experience under their belts. I also loved spotting cameos from some of my other favorite Cape May residents—it really made the town feel alive and complete.
Melanie and Josh’s story is sweet, heartfelt, and sprinkled with a few truly heart-wrenching moments. While I’m sad to see the Cape May series come to an end, I’m already excited for Linny Mack’s next trilogy!
The small-town coastal setting shines once again, paired with more mature characters who have a little life experience under their belts. I also loved spotting cameos from some of my other favorite Cape May residents—it really made the town feel alive and complete.
Melanie and Josh’s story is sweet, heartfelt, and sprinkled with a few truly heart-wrenching moments. While I’m sad to see the Cape May series come to an end, I’m already excited for Linny Mack’s next trilogy!
March 19, 2026
a good conclusion to the series.
the audio version is fantastic with "every song" played/ sang.
the audio version is fantastic with "every song" played/ sang.
February 2, 2026
I really enjoyed the third book in Linny Mack’s Cape May series. She has a great way of bringing you into a setting and pulls the reader into caring about the characters. This series was one of my favourites because of not only the plots, but just the in-dept characters. I highly recommend for any romance reader.
I was given an advanced copy for my honest review.
I was given an advanced copy for my honest review.
December 21, 2025
I love the Cape May series so much! As much as I loved the other two books this one really tugged at my heart strings! I love how emotional this one was and the layer in life love stories are sooo good! Melanie deserved the world and I’m glad her and Josh made their way back to each other!
Everything they went through at such a young age was so emotional and traumatic, and I knew I was going to love Melanie’s book when she was in the first cape May series. The friendship she has with Sophie also makes my heart happy.
This book gives me hope that I’ll find my dream of what I want to do with the rest of my life!
Everything they went through at such a young age was so emotional and traumatic, and I knew I was going to love Melanie’s book when she was in the first cape May series. The friendship she has with Sophie also makes my heart happy.
This book gives me hope that I’ll find my dream of what I want to do with the rest of my life!
December 7, 2025
Choosing You is a heartfelt second chance romance featuring two musicians in their 40s, both carrying secrets and past hurts that still echo through their lives. I loved seeing “older” characters with history work through forgiveness, vulnerability, and what it means to choose love again. This story does have a HEA but be prepared to shed a few tears along the way.
January 11, 2026
⭐️ ARC ⭐️ No spoilers.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ What an amazing story of second chances, first love, family/friends, and grief. The musical collaboration was legendary between these two songwriters. The journey of their young love & future was absolutely heartbreaking & heartwarming. The description of Cape May & Nashville is stunning. An Absolutely beautiful 5 star series! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ What an amazing story of second chances, first love, family/friends, and grief. The musical collaboration was legendary between these two songwriters. The journey of their young love & future was absolutely heartbreaking & heartwarming. The description of Cape May & Nashville is stunning. An Absolutely beautiful 5 star series! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A big thank you to Linny Mack and Page & Vine for this arc! I was so excited to return to Cape May for Melanie and Josh’s story after meeting Mel in Changing Tides (book 1) and Chasing Stars (book 2).
Melanie and Cara were best friends growing up in the small town of Cape May but Mel had dreams of moving to Nashville to pursue a music career with her best friend’s brother and her first love, Josh. As Mel and Josh bonded over their music and songwriting, they fell head over heels for one another. But following a car accident in their senior year, everyone was left grieving the loss of Cara. In the wake of tragedy and heartache, Josh and his family quickly moved away from Cape May and Mel found herself alone, grieving, and putting her dreams of Nashville on the shelf to remain at home and work at the small local bar.
Since leaving Cape May when he was sixteen, Josh has made a name for himself as a Nashville music sensation with chart topping albums. But when Josh returns to Cape May for the 25th anniversary of his sister’s death, Melanie and Josh come face to face and must confront the “what ifs”, the secrets and the truths of their past. What if your heart has never moved on from your first love? What if your first love feels like coming home?
Wow! What a finale for this series! I had been so curious about Mel’s story ever since we first met her early on in the series and oh boy, did this one have me kicking my feet giggling one second and crying the next! I always had the feeling Mel was on a healing journey after loosing her best friend at such a vulnerable age but also felt it was these life changing situations that shaped her resilience and desire to be a strong support for her loved ones. So getting an in depth look at the challenges she overcame, made me want to cheer for her to receive the love, support and happily ever after she so deserved!
I also absolutely adored getting glimpses into the “then” and “now” to see how Josh and Melanie’s relationship started as first love, then drifted apart for many years and then came full circle in their second chance romance.
And can we talk about Josh?! This man is the definition of yearning and was so down bad for his woman. Learning he has always loved Mel and never truly moved on was so heartwarming. And the way he never takes his eyes off her while they perform their songs will have you weak in the knees!
Tropes:
- Second chance romance
- First love
- Best friends brother
- Life and love after loss
- It’s always been you
- Passion for music
- Shared grief and healing
- Small town
Melanie and Cara were best friends growing up in the small town of Cape May but Mel had dreams of moving to Nashville to pursue a music career with her best friend’s brother and her first love, Josh. As Mel and Josh bonded over their music and songwriting, they fell head over heels for one another. But following a car accident in their senior year, everyone was left grieving the loss of Cara. In the wake of tragedy and heartache, Josh and his family quickly moved away from Cape May and Mel found herself alone, grieving, and putting her dreams of Nashville on the shelf to remain at home and work at the small local bar.
Since leaving Cape May when he was sixteen, Josh has made a name for himself as a Nashville music sensation with chart topping albums. But when Josh returns to Cape May for the 25th anniversary of his sister’s death, Melanie and Josh come face to face and must confront the “what ifs”, the secrets and the truths of their past. What if your heart has never moved on from your first love? What if your first love feels like coming home?
Wow! What a finale for this series! I had been so curious about Mel’s story ever since we first met her early on in the series and oh boy, did this one have me kicking my feet giggling one second and crying the next! I always had the feeling Mel was on a healing journey after loosing her best friend at such a vulnerable age but also felt it was these life changing situations that shaped her resilience and desire to be a strong support for her loved ones. So getting an in depth look at the challenges she overcame, made me want to cheer for her to receive the love, support and happily ever after she so deserved!
I also absolutely adored getting glimpses into the “then” and “now” to see how Josh and Melanie’s relationship started as first love, then drifted apart for many years and then came full circle in their second chance romance.
And can we talk about Josh?! This man is the definition of yearning and was so down bad for his woman. Learning he has always loved Mel and never truly moved on was so heartwarming. And the way he never takes his eyes off her while they perform their songs will have you weak in the knees!
Tropes:
- Second chance romance
- First love
- Best friends brother
- Life and love after loss
- It’s always been you
- Passion for music
- Shared grief and healing
- Small town
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5 stars for the final book in the Cape May series!
Set in the small town of Cape May, following the breakup of his band, Josh returns home for inspiration to write a solo album and runs straight into the first love of his life, Melanie. After the death of his sister, who was also Melanie's best friend, Josh moved away abruptly, breaking her heart and changing her future without even saying goodbye. Over the years, Melanie has watched her friends find love and grow their families while feeling stagnant and wondering if it was too late for her. Josh and Melanie haven't spoken to each other since he left over two decades ago, but they quickly discover the love they once shared is still simmering under the surface.
This was a very enjoyable, quick read. Bits of the past were woven into the present storyline, creating a seamless dual timeline that didn't slow the pace. I loved seeing their young love unfold through the notes they wrote back and forth as teens *swoon*, while also watching their love mature in the present. I liked that we see Josh reconnecting not only with Melanie, but with the friends he left behind all those years ago. As a musician myself, the niche music tidbits sprinkled throughout were perfect.
For me, this would've been a five-star read with a bit more emotional depth. While we get a clear picture of how Josh and Melanie fell in love as kids, their reconciliation in the present and quick willingness to move past the pain of the past felt less authentic. A few quick apologies seemed to cut through 25 years of hurt and confusion. I would've liked more insight into what the past two and a half decades looked like for them apart while working through that lingering hurt.
That being said, I think that was a really well-done second chance love story and a great way to end the Cape May series. There was grief, pain, healing, and growth, not to mention the perfect amount of well-timed spice.
A big thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Set in the small town of Cape May, following the breakup of his band, Josh returns home for inspiration to write a solo album and runs straight into the first love of his life, Melanie. After the death of his sister, who was also Melanie's best friend, Josh moved away abruptly, breaking her heart and changing her future without even saying goodbye. Over the years, Melanie has watched her friends find love and grow their families while feeling stagnant and wondering if it was too late for her. Josh and Melanie haven't spoken to each other since he left over two decades ago, but they quickly discover the love they once shared is still simmering under the surface.
This was a very enjoyable, quick read. Bits of the past were woven into the present storyline, creating a seamless dual timeline that didn't slow the pace. I loved seeing their young love unfold through the notes they wrote back and forth as teens *swoon*, while also watching their love mature in the present. I liked that we see Josh reconnecting not only with Melanie, but with the friends he left behind all those years ago. As a musician myself, the niche music tidbits sprinkled throughout were perfect.
For me, this would've been a five-star read with a bit more emotional depth. While we get a clear picture of how Josh and Melanie fell in love as kids, their reconciliation in the present and quick willingness to move past the pain of the past felt less authentic. A few quick apologies seemed to cut through 25 years of hurt and confusion. I would've liked more insight into what the past two and a half decades looked like for them apart while working through that lingering hurt.
That being said, I think that was a really well-done second chance love story and a great way to end the Cape May series. There was grief, pain, healing, and growth, not to mention the perfect amount of well-timed spice.
A big thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Linny Mack's Choosing You is a fascinating, addicting second-chance romance that unfolds carefully and runs unbearably, set against the salt-stung background of Cape May, the plot focuses on Melanie Glick, who is forty-one years old, intelligent, protective, and far too used to placing herself last! She manages the bar at The Ugly Mug, writes songs she is fearful to sing out loud and carries pain like a second spine, but when Josh Cote, her first love and the brother of her late closest friend, arrives back into town, the atmosphere becomes different! Their shared history is saturated with unsettled business and the memory of a tragedy that separated them at sixteen!
.
Melanie is such a well-researched character with a rich and highly engaging development, she's the lady who organizes everything for everyone else while slowly abandoning herself, and having her embrace that reality was riveting, her relationship with her father delivers an element of tenderness that impacts severely. Josh, on the different part, is yearning incarnate, he's a country singer on the brink of reinventing himself, looking for inspiration for a solo record and getting it in the one lady he'll never forget, his development is remarkable because it is an outcome of kindness, sadness and an eagerness to get down on his knees when it is necessary!
.
The musical vein that runs all throughout the story revitalizes everything! Josh's passion to write and Melanie's fear of performing build a tug of war that is as addicting as the romance altogether! The songwriting scenes are packed with anticipation and prospects, particularly after Josh urges Melanie to reclaim her voice, when words fail, music comes in as the replacement for communication. The approaching anniversary of Cara's death further to the suspense, forcing them to confront long-buried pain, and when a long-buried secret is revealed, it threatens to shatter the tenuous confidence they've built, the twist cuts deep given that it targets the exact fault line in their history and the lyrical compelling prose from the Author is razor-sharp with such perfection that my eyes were tearing in every page!!!
.
Being the final installment of the interconnected Cape May series, this novel reads like coming full circle despite dwelling on nostalgia. Familiar faces appear in meaningful ways, building their feeling of community, what adheres me most of all is the maturity of the situation, two people in their forties choosing love not because it is straightforward, but for the reason it is worth the risk! This is a story of grief, self-forgiveness, and eventually discovering you are not a token of comfort, CHOOSING YOU is a spectacular romance book, a HEA that feels fought for, cultivated, and completely wonderful! Linny Mack has outdone herself and has raised a really high bar with this masterpiece!
.
Melanie is such a well-researched character with a rich and highly engaging development, she's the lady who organizes everything for everyone else while slowly abandoning herself, and having her embrace that reality was riveting, her relationship with her father delivers an element of tenderness that impacts severely. Josh, on the different part, is yearning incarnate, he's a country singer on the brink of reinventing himself, looking for inspiration for a solo record and getting it in the one lady he'll never forget, his development is remarkable because it is an outcome of kindness, sadness and an eagerness to get down on his knees when it is necessary!
.
The musical vein that runs all throughout the story revitalizes everything! Josh's passion to write and Melanie's fear of performing build a tug of war that is as addicting as the romance altogether! The songwriting scenes are packed with anticipation and prospects, particularly after Josh urges Melanie to reclaim her voice, when words fail, music comes in as the replacement for communication. The approaching anniversary of Cara's death further to the suspense, forcing them to confront long-buried pain, and when a long-buried secret is revealed, it threatens to shatter the tenuous confidence they've built, the twist cuts deep given that it targets the exact fault line in their history and the lyrical compelling prose from the Author is razor-sharp with such perfection that my eyes were tearing in every page!!!
.
Being the final installment of the interconnected Cape May series, this novel reads like coming full circle despite dwelling on nostalgia. Familiar faces appear in meaningful ways, building their feeling of community, what adheres me most of all is the maturity of the situation, two people in their forties choosing love not because it is straightforward, but for the reason it is worth the risk! This is a story of grief, self-forgiveness, and eventually discovering you are not a token of comfort, CHOOSING YOU is a spectacular romance book, a HEA that feels fought for, cultivated, and completely wonderful! Linny Mack has outdone herself and has raised a really high bar with this masterpiece!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The third and final installment in a stand alone, interconnected series, this book had lovely costal vibes, great character growth for the main male character, and sweet detail that made the book pop.
I really enjoyed Josh, the MMC, who we meet at a low point in his life. Watching his growth as he tries to right past wrongs while also self-discovering what he wants out of life was heartwarming and enjoyable. There were clear underlying messages of resilience and how one’s hardest moments help share your life - which I think is true for the entire series and so sweet.
I also enjoyed all the details that helped give depth to the story. The description of cape May (and Philly). The notes between Melanie and Josh when they were in school. The side characters and connection to the broader series.
Unfortunately, the female lead, Melanie, is what ultimately lowered my overall score. She came across immature and juvenile, despite being 40. She was quick to over react and
Those reactions were often hypocritical (e.g., mad at Josh for the letter goodbye but planned on telling her big secret with a letter, mad Josh hadn’t told her everything when he came back to town while she kept a big secret from him). There also seemed to be a lack of self awareness that rubbed me the wrong way (e.g., jealous of Josh’s success but getting upset when she started to be successful). While, ultimately, she did grow some at the end, it fell flat for me, given how late and sudden it was min the book.
All in all, a cute way to end the series. I’m happy to have read it but likely won’t reread it. 3.5 stars rounded up.
Thanks to Linny Mack and Page & Vine for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed Josh, the MMC, who we meet at a low point in his life. Watching his growth as he tries to right past wrongs while also self-discovering what he wants out of life was heartwarming and enjoyable. There were clear underlying messages of resilience and how one’s hardest moments help share your life - which I think is true for the entire series and so sweet.
I also enjoyed all the details that helped give depth to the story. The description of cape May (and Philly). The notes between Melanie and Josh when they were in school. The side characters and connection to the broader series.
Unfortunately, the female lead, Melanie, is what ultimately lowered my overall score. She came across immature and juvenile, despite being 40. She was quick to over react and
Those reactions were often hypocritical (e.g., mad at Josh for the letter goodbye but planned on telling her big secret with a letter, mad Josh hadn’t told her everything when he came back to town while she kept a big secret from him). There also seemed to be a lack of self awareness that rubbed me the wrong way (e.g., jealous of Josh’s success but getting upset when she started to be successful). While, ultimately, she did grow some at the end, it fell flat for me, given how late and sudden it was min the book.
All in all, a cute way to end the series. I’m happy to have read it but likely won’t reread it. 3.5 stars rounded up.
Thanks to Linny Mack and Page & Vine for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Out of the 3 books I’ve read in the Cape May series I have to say this is my least favorite. Now I have to be honest I had a feeling it would be that way before I even got the ARC copy. And that feeling stemmed from Melanie being our lead FMC in this. I wasn’t the hugest fan of her as a side character in the last book and wasn’t excited for her to become a lead character. However, I decided to keep an open mind because Linny Mack’s books have been one of my favorite new authors.
I’m glad I did keep an open mind because having Melanie as the lead character allowed me to truly get inside her head and understand truly how much she had struggled with grief, loss and feeling unwanted. I loved that this book allowed us as readers to watch her come out of her shell and heal the parts of her she felt would never be repaired. Plus the music component of this was an incredible addition and I love that we got the QR code for their song to listen right along with them.
Now my biggest issue with this story falls with our MMC Josh. Now don’t get mad at me, I still enjoyed him over all. I think him and Melanie getting that second chance romance is perfect. However, the boy can be a complete dumb-dumb. Like sir did we not learn our lesson the first time you snooped around, clearly not as you did it again during the dumb 3rd act break scene. You overreacted (which PS such a ma thing to do SMH 🤦♀️) like my guy you literally pulled the same shenanigans have some grace.
Overall, even though this isn’t my favorite in this series, I still enjoyed it and would recommend it! Lastly thank you to Page & Vine and NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion
I’m glad I did keep an open mind because having Melanie as the lead character allowed me to truly get inside her head and understand truly how much she had struggled with grief, loss and feeling unwanted. I loved that this book allowed us as readers to watch her come out of her shell and heal the parts of her she felt would never be repaired. Plus the music component of this was an incredible addition and I love that we got the QR code for their song to listen right along with them.
Now my biggest issue with this story falls with our MMC Josh. Now don’t get mad at me, I still enjoyed him over all. I think him and Melanie getting that second chance romance is perfect. However, the boy can be a complete dumb-dumb. Like sir did we not learn our lesson the first time you snooped around, clearly not as you did it again during the dumb 3rd act break scene. You overreacted (which PS such a ma thing to do SMH 🤦♀️) like my guy you literally pulled the same shenanigans have some grace.
Overall, even though this isn’t my favorite in this series, I still enjoyed it and would recommend it! Lastly thank you to Page & Vine and NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion
Review of advance copy received from Author
Just finished reading an advanced copy of a book that is about to be released on March 17th called, Choosing You. This story is about Melanie and her life didn't turn out the way she hoped. She's in her 40s, still in the small town she grew up in, working at the bar, and single. Her passion has always been music, but when she lost her best friend in high school she never quite recovered from that loss. Josh is a country music singer, and he's coming back to his hometown for the first time since he lost his sister back in high school. Josh is hoping that returning to his hometown after all this time will help inspire him with the new album he's working on. When Josh runs into Melanie, his high school sweetheart he left behind, all those first love feelings come rushing back. But Melanie and Josh both have to deal with their grief, their heartbreak, and their shared past if they ever want to create music together again.
This was such a great second chance love story! These characters were written so well, the storyline was enjoyable, I loved the music theme and the beach setting, and I really liked getting their past as well as their present throughout this book. I wish Goodreads would've had this listed as book 3 in this series, because I didn't know it was book 3 and if I did I totally would've read books 1 and 2 first! But I will definitely be going back to read them! This was my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it! I look forward to reading more of her work! 💜📚
Thank you to the author and the publisher for this ARC of Choosing You, in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a great second chance love story! These characters were written so well, the storyline was enjoyable, I loved the music theme and the beach setting, and I really liked getting their past as well as their present throughout this book. I wish Goodreads would've had this listed as book 3 in this series, because I didn't know it was book 3 and if I did I totally would've read books 1 and 2 first! But I will definitely be going back to read them! This was my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it! I look forward to reading more of her work! 💜📚
Thank you to the author and the publisher for this ARC of Choosing You, in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙇𝙞𝙣𝙣𝙮 𝙈𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙂𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮 𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬.
*~ 𝟰.𝟱 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀 ~*
I...am so sad that this is the last book in the Cape May series 🥹
I loved this series so much.🌊
Thie second chance romance focuses on Josh and Melanie's story ❤️
What I liked:
• The setting... UGH Cape May is one of my favorite places in the world. It makes me excited for the summertime. ☀️
• The details - I could picture everything perfectly.
• The spiiiiiice WHEW! There was just enough so it wouldn't take away from the story. 🌶
• How characters from previous books showed up to support Melanie and Josh. Ugh!! I wish we saw more of Ellie 🤣😂🤣
• Josh 🥹🥹🥹
• I loved reading the notes between Melanie and Josh as teenagers.
• The relationship Melanie has with her dad had me in TEARS. It made me think of my dad 😭
• Seeing Melanie and Josh overcome hardship from their past so they can work on their future...ugh ❤️
What I didn't like:
• It was slow at certain points, I did find myself walking away and coming back later to continue reading.
• How quickly Melanie accepted Josh back into her life. Seemed weird to just let someone back in after not being in contact with you for 25 years 😶
• Melanie did act a bit childish. You're mad at Josh for keeping secrets but yet you have this massive secret you haven't told him...🤔 Get it together girllllll...you're in your 40s.
This was such an amazing series and I can't wait for my physical copy of "Choosing You" to arrive next month 🌊 I definitely recommend this entire series.
*~ 𝟰.𝟱 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀 ~*
I...am so sad that this is the last book in the Cape May series 🥹
I loved this series so much.🌊
Thie second chance romance focuses on Josh and Melanie's story ❤️
What I liked:
• The setting... UGH Cape May is one of my favorite places in the world. It makes me excited for the summertime. ☀️
• The details - I could picture everything perfectly.
• The spiiiiiice WHEW! There was just enough so it wouldn't take away from the story. 🌶
• How characters from previous books showed up to support Melanie and Josh. Ugh!! I wish we saw more of Ellie 🤣😂🤣
• Josh 🥹🥹🥹
• I loved reading the notes between Melanie and Josh as teenagers.
• The relationship Melanie has with her dad had me in TEARS. It made me think of my dad 😭
• Seeing Melanie and Josh overcome hardship from their past so they can work on their future...ugh ❤️
What I didn't like:
• It was slow at certain points, I did find myself walking away and coming back later to continue reading.
• How quickly Melanie accepted Josh back into her life. Seemed weird to just let someone back in after not being in contact with you for 25 years 😶
• Melanie did act a bit childish. You're mad at Josh for keeping secrets but yet you have this massive secret you haven't told him...🤔 Get it together girllllll...you're in your 40s.
This was such an amazing series and I can't wait for my physical copy of "Choosing You" to arrive next month 🌊 I definitely recommend this entire series.
March 18, 2026
This book was a second chance, friends to lovers romance that was just…..ok. My honest rating is 2.75⭐️
I want to start by saying I didn’t know that this was a series, I was given this book as an e-arc and it doesn’t rely on any previous books for the plot, but I felt like I was just missing depth to the characters and the story so I wonder if this is why. As a reader you are supposed to believe the main love interests are in their early 40’s, but them seem like late 20 something’s who are coping with a rather recent event. I just couldn’t buy that they were still this wrapped up in their past 25 years later, and are seemingly deeply in love even though they literally haven’t seen each other that entire time.
I did really like their chemistry through the music, and thought the flashbacks to them writing their songs was very cute. I think this was a great use of a plot device, but felt other ones like the sudden idea and opportunity to host a charity concert on Memorial Day weekend (because that isn’t a weekend that the venue would already have plans for) for Cara. You mean to tell me this all just works out???? Also that he NEVER had the idea to dedicate his music to his dead sister for 25 years!?!?!! Like that’s life altering!!!!! There is no way lol.
The plot continues with a 3rd act that doesn’t make sense either, but this is so common I barely judge a book by it anymore. Overall, this book is enjoyable enough for someone who wants a 2nd chance country music romance, but if that those aren’t your favorite tropes I’d say keep looking elsewhere.
I want to start by saying I didn’t know that this was a series, I was given this book as an e-arc and it doesn’t rely on any previous books for the plot, but I felt like I was just missing depth to the characters and the story so I wonder if this is why. As a reader you are supposed to believe the main love interests are in their early 40’s, but them seem like late 20 something’s who are coping with a rather recent event. I just couldn’t buy that they were still this wrapped up in their past 25 years later, and are seemingly deeply in love even though they literally haven’t seen each other that entire time.
I did really like their chemistry through the music, and thought the flashbacks to them writing their songs was very cute. I think this was a great use of a plot device, but felt other ones like the sudden idea and opportunity to host a charity concert on Memorial Day weekend (because that isn’t a weekend that the venue would already have plans for) for Cara. You mean to tell me this all just works out???? Also that he NEVER had the idea to dedicate his music to his dead sister for 25 years!?!?!! Like that’s life altering!!!!! There is no way lol.
The plot continues with a 3rd act that doesn’t make sense either, but this is so common I barely judge a book by it anymore. Overall, this book is enjoyable enough for someone who wants a 2nd chance country music romance, but if that those aren’t your favorite tropes I’d say keep looking elsewhere.
February 26, 2026
A refreshing second chance romance where the characters are older (40 year olds). It felt a little more realistic since sometimes people don't always have everything figured out and it may take them some time, at a later stage in their lives to find love. I loved Melanie and Josh's story. They fell in love through music when they were younger, then tragedy hits and they are separated. It takes over twenty something years for them to reconnect. Sometimes when the connection is there, no matter the time or distance, it can spark again when two people meet again. This story perfectly captures that connection. This story is told in dual POV, so you get to see both sides of their story. There was just one part of the story that I didn't like. Without spoiling anything, the part I didn't like was how Josh reacted to Melanie's secret in the latter half of the book. The way he reacted seemed so selfish and out of character. His repulsive reaction is explained, but it still didn't really sit well with me and made me like Josh a little less. Despite this one little part, the rest of the story was very good. I loved their music writing journey in the story too. There's a QR code at the end of the book to listen to the song they wrote. It's not currently up but when it is, I can't wait to listen to their song! Thanks so much to Victory Editing NetGalley Coop, Page & Vine, and Linny Mack for the advanced eARC!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Linny Mack knows how to write easy and beautiful romances!
Melanie and Josh had such a special and secret romance when they were young, but tragedy hit and their life together was ripped apart.
Flash forward 20 years:
Josh, his band and girlfriend recently broke up so he heads back to Cape May to find the love for music again. When he finds Melanie still working in Cape May they quickly pick up from where they left off, they're no longer teenagers but in their 40s, their love for one another still very much there. They just had to navigate through the waters that were the past to really move on, playing and making music was their way of doing that.
*
Loved that the book was written in dual POV with current and past parts so you can really get in their relationship and what they were dealing with as teenagers. That being said, they had a notebook that they would use to pass along notes and write lyrics in. It brought back so many memories of my best friend and I doing just that.
*
I was able to relate to Melanie and Josh in so many ways:
They have a tattoo in Cara's handwriting, I have one in my late boyfriend's handwriting.
Josh and Cara were Irish twins, I'm an Irish twin.
Mel's dad had a heart attack, my father had a heart attack.
Music was a big part in my high school relationship.
Melanie and Josh had such a special and secret romance when they were young, but tragedy hit and their life together was ripped apart.
Flash forward 20 years:
Josh, his band and girlfriend recently broke up so he heads back to Cape May to find the love for music again. When he finds Melanie still working in Cape May they quickly pick up from where they left off, they're no longer teenagers but in their 40s, their love for one another still very much there. They just had to navigate through the waters that were the past to really move on, playing and making music was their way of doing that.
*
Loved that the book was written in dual POV with current and past parts so you can really get in their relationship and what they were dealing with as teenagers. That being said, they had a notebook that they would use to pass along notes and write lyrics in. It brought back so many memories of my best friend and I doing just that.
*
I was able to relate to Melanie and Josh in so many ways:
They have a tattoo in Cara's handwriting, I have one in my late boyfriend's handwriting.
Josh and Cara were Irish twins, I'm an Irish twin.
Mel's dad had a heart attack, my father had a heart attack.
Music was a big part in my high school relationship.
March 30, 2026
Choosing You was a really great read! This Jersey girl can’t get enough of any book that takes place down the shore, and I am such a sucker for the second chance trope. The angst that comes with that trope is always elite!
Josh and Melanie forged a friendship that led to more when they were teenagers. They bonded over their love of music, but kept their romance a secret since Melanie was Josh’s sister’s best friend. A tragedy takes Josh out of town, and he doesn’t come back for 25 years.
In the present, he’s a country singer, who is at a crossroads with both his personal life and career. He’s hoping that returning to Cape May will connect him to his roots and help him discover how to move forward. While Josh has been following his dreams, Melanie has been kind of stagnant. She never left their small home town and hasn’t really been living. Instead, she’s mostly been going through the motions.
These two really have a lot to work through before they get their HEA. They have both been through a lot and they’ve both been keeping secrets. I also really liked that these characters were older. Both MCs were in their 40s. I also loved how the author incorporated their music into the plot. The book contains lots of their lyrics and she even had one of the songs produced.
I’m looking forward to seeing what this author decides to write next.
4.5/5
Josh and Melanie forged a friendship that led to more when they were teenagers. They bonded over their love of music, but kept their romance a secret since Melanie was Josh’s sister’s best friend. A tragedy takes Josh out of town, and he doesn’t come back for 25 years.
In the present, he’s a country singer, who is at a crossroads with both his personal life and career. He’s hoping that returning to Cape May will connect him to his roots and help him discover how to move forward. While Josh has been following his dreams, Melanie has been kind of stagnant. She never left their small home town and hasn’t really been living. Instead, she’s mostly been going through the motions.
These two really have a lot to work through before they get their HEA. They have both been through a lot and they’ve both been keeping secrets. I also really liked that these characters were older. Both MCs were in their 40s. I also loved how the author incorporated their music into the plot. The book contains lots of their lyrics and she even had one of the songs produced.
I’m looking forward to seeing what this author decides to write next.
4.5/5
February 21, 2026
4⭐️ 1🌶️
I think contemporary romance readers will love this one! While it’s not my typical genre, I still had a good time. The pacing was good and it was an easy read - I stayed engaged and interested throughout.
Thank you to Page & Vine for the ARC!
TROPES
Second Chance Romance
MCs in their 40s
Friends to Lovers
Medium Burn
Grief Processing
Third Act Breakup
THE CHARACTERS
I will say that I enjoyed the MCs and their background as childhood friends and lovers. They had a lot of history and their closeness made it easy for them to reconnect. I especially enjoyed how mature they both were, because there wasn’t miscommunication or immature behavior. Problems got solved easily and healthily.
THE ROMANCE
This was a cozy romance with a medium burn. There was a third act breakup which I thought didn’t fit the characters because it was a bit immature and everything else was handled so healthily.
I think people will like how the romance is set up but at times it felt like trauma bonding to me rather than a genuine connection. Or like they only bonded over music and residual attraction from when they were kids.
QUOTE:
"focus on the now. Enjoy it now. Or it will pass you by and you will miss it. Be where your feet are."
I think contemporary romance readers will love this one! While it’s not my typical genre, I still had a good time. The pacing was good and it was an easy read - I stayed engaged and interested throughout.
Thank you to Page & Vine for the ARC!
TROPES
Second Chance Romance
MCs in their 40s
Friends to Lovers
Medium Burn
Grief Processing
Third Act Breakup
THE CHARACTERS
I will say that I enjoyed the MCs and their background as childhood friends and lovers. They had a lot of history and their closeness made it easy for them to reconnect. I especially enjoyed how mature they both were, because there wasn’t miscommunication or immature behavior. Problems got solved easily and healthily.
THE ROMANCE
This was a cozy romance with a medium burn. There was a third act breakup which I thought didn’t fit the characters because it was a bit immature and everything else was handled so healthily.
I think people will like how the romance is set up but at times it felt like trauma bonding to me rather than a genuine connection. Or like they only bonded over music and residual attraction from when they were kids.
QUOTE:
"focus on the now. Enjoy it now. Or it will pass you by and you will miss it. Be where your feet are."
Review of advance copy received from Author
Loved this one! I’ve been loving the Cape May series, so I was so excited to get Melanie’s story in Choosing You! Melanie, the FMC, is in her 40s and still carrying the weight of losing her best friend years ago. She takes care of everyone else but quietly puts herself last. Watching her struggle with old dreams, jealousy, regret, and the fear that it might be “too late” for her was so real and relatable!! When Josh, the MMC and her high school secret boyfriend (and also her best friend’s brother) comes back to town after 25 years, all those old feelings come rushing back. Their young love, told through sweet notes and shared songs, was so sweet!! Josh is a musician trying to rebuild after his band falls apart. He carries guilt for how he left and truly wants to make things right. I love the way he encourages Melanie to sing again and believes in her talent! Their journey through grief, secrets, and forgiveness felt really emotional but also so hopeful. If you love small town vibes, best friend’s brother, and second chances this one is definitely worth checking out! 💙
Tropes you’ll find inside:
⏳ dual timeline
👩❤️👨 dual POV
🎶 original music
❤️🩹 second chance
🤫 best friend’s brother
💔 shared grief + healing
🛏️ forced proximity
Tropes you’ll find inside:
⏳ dual timeline
👩❤️👨 dual POV
🎶 original music
❤️🩹 second chance
🤫 best friend’s brother
💔 shared grief + healing
🛏️ forced proximity
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