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The Soulmate Theory
When fate brings them back together, can their love survive the secrets that tore them apart?
Carter Edwards has always been a go-with-the-flow type of guy. Except when it comes to Penelope Mason: his childhood neighbor, and the only girl he's ever fallen in love with. When he finally gathers the courage to make his life-long love for Penelope known, he finds that she's already chosen a future for herself- one without him in it.
Penelope Mason is a planner by nature. She'd do just about anything to secure the future she imagined for herself, including leaving behind the boy she never planned on falling for. But at twenty-three, that future blows up in her face when she's expelled by her prestigious university and forced to move back in with her parents.
Things only seem to get worse for Penelope when Carter re-enters her life unexpectedly. She forces herself to keep him at arms-length in attempt to stop him from learning the truth of her past five years. Yet, Penelope can't ignore the realization that the one person who always made her feel most herself has walked back into her life at the time she needs him most.
Carter won't give up so easily on his second chance with the girl of his dreams. But is Penelope's past, and her looming secrets, too hard to overcome?
In this heartwarming second-chance romance, two childhood friends find themselves pondering fate, coincidence, and maybe even... the existence of soulmates?
Carter Edwards has always been a go-with-the-flow type of guy. Except when it comes to Penelope Mason: his childhood neighbor, and the only girl he's ever fallen in love with. When he finally gathers the courage to make his life-long love for Penelope known, he finds that she's already chosen a future for herself- one without him in it.
Penelope Mason is a planner by nature. She'd do just about anything to secure the future she imagined for herself, including leaving behind the boy she never planned on falling for. But at twenty-three, that future blows up in her face when she's expelled by her prestigious university and forced to move back in with her parents.
Things only seem to get worse for Penelope when Carter re-enters her life unexpectedly. She forces herself to keep him at arms-length in attempt to stop him from learning the truth of her past five years. Yet, Penelope can't ignore the realization that the one person who always made her feel most herself has walked back into her life at the time she needs him most.
Carter won't give up so easily on his second chance with the girl of his dreams. But is Penelope's past, and her looming secrets, too hard to overcome?
In this heartwarming second-chance romance, two childhood friends find themselves pondering fate, coincidence, and maybe even... the existence of soulmates?
384 pages, Paperback
Published November 25, 2025
21 people are currently reading
12015 people want to read
About the author
Sarah A. Bailey
19 books745 followersSarah fell in love with reading as a child, starting with the Magic Treehouse Series. She quickly learned that books can take her to all the places she always dreamed of going, and allow her to live endless lifetimes in the one that we are given.
Sarah believes that a good, fluffy romance novel can make even the darkest days a little bit brighter. She believes in love stories readers can root for, the kind that will make even the skeptics believe in all that cheesy stuff like soulmates. She longs to produce stories that readers can pick up, and regardless of what’s weighing them down in life, feel a little lighter when they finish.
Sarah was born in California and raised in Southern Oregon, and still considers herself a Pacific Northwest gal at heart; right down to being a coffee snob, collecting hydro flasks, adamantly believing in Sasquatch, and feeling like rain-drenched forests are a form of therapy. Sarah now resides in North Carolina with her husband, Mike, and their dog-baby, Rue. When she’s not writing, she’s likely reading, and if she’s not reading, odds are she’s out searching for a decent cup of coffee, or a rainy pine forest.
Sarah believes that a good, fluffy romance novel can make even the darkest days a little bit brighter. She believes in love stories readers can root for, the kind that will make even the skeptics believe in all that cheesy stuff like soulmates. She longs to produce stories that readers can pick up, and regardless of what’s weighing them down in life, feel a little lighter when they finish.
Sarah was born in California and raised in Southern Oregon, and still considers herself a Pacific Northwest gal at heart; right down to being a coffee snob, collecting hydro flasks, adamantly believing in Sasquatch, and feeling like rain-drenched forests are a form of therapy. Sarah now resides in North Carolina with her husband, Mike, and their dog-baby, Rue. When she’s not writing, she’s likely reading, and if she’s not reading, odds are she’s out searching for a decent cup of coffee, or a rainy pine forest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
January 3, 2026
I wanted to love this so much more than I did. But sadly this was not my favorite by Sarah.
This book was pitched as an epic friends to lovers story that spanned over multiple years filled with pining, angst and love. But instead I got a really long dragged out book of our FMC just really needing therapy. To the point where I’m so mad it took everyone in her life that long to realize how bad she needed it from how she was hurting. I understand that sometimes people in Penelope shoes can’t help and feel like they have to suffer in silence. But come on not even her parents or siblings. But I digress. Even though I’m nitpicking I still overall enjoyed the story. Sarah always does a fantastic job of creating such detailed and thought provoking characters. You connect to them so easily making it ash to fall for Penelope and Carter. Carters supportive and absolute devotion of her was one of the best things about this book, in my opinion.
Overall, I think if this book had been a little shorter and maybe omitted a few things the book would’ve flowed a little better. But even with that said I still enjoyed the book and can’t wait to read book 2.
Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing for the ARC!
This book was pitched as an epic friends to lovers story that spanned over multiple years filled with pining, angst and love. But instead I got a really long dragged out book of our FMC just really needing therapy. To the point where I’m so mad it took everyone in her life that long to realize how bad she needed it from how she was hurting. I understand that sometimes people in Penelope shoes can’t help and feel like they have to suffer in silence. But come on not even her parents or siblings. But I digress. Even though I’m nitpicking I still overall enjoyed the story. Sarah always does a fantastic job of creating such detailed and thought provoking characters. You connect to them so easily making it ash to fall for Penelope and Carter. Carters supportive and absolute devotion of her was one of the best things about this book, in my opinion.
Overall, I think if this book had been a little shorter and maybe omitted a few things the book would’ve flowed a little better. But even with that said I still enjoyed the book and can’t wait to read book 2.
Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing for the ARC!
November 21, 2025
Sarah writes romance like she’s trying to pry your heart open with beautifully crafted sentences, and The Soulmate Theory proved (again) that she’s dangerously good at it. Her prose is soft, poetic, emotional in that “oh great, now I’m feeling things” way, and every line hits exactly where it’s supposed to.
Penelope’s healing arc was raw and real, and Carter? Please. That man is a walking green flag with golden-retriever loyalty and main-character devotion. He’s been in love with her since forever and acts like it—loudly, proudly, and without a single ounce of shame.
Their second-chance, childhood-friends-to-lovers dynamic? Elite. The yearning was premium-grade. The tension? Criminal. And the way Sarah writes those almost-confessions and emotional gut punches? Illegal. Truly.
Beautiful, emotional, and full of that “fine, fate, we’ll try again” energy. I devoured it.
Thank you to Sarah, her team, and NetGalley for the ARC! I need the rest of this series immediately.
Penelope’s healing arc was raw and real, and Carter? Please. That man is a walking green flag with golden-retriever loyalty and main-character devotion. He’s been in love with her since forever and acts like it—loudly, proudly, and without a single ounce of shame.
Their second-chance, childhood-friends-to-lovers dynamic? Elite. The yearning was premium-grade. The tension? Criminal. And the way Sarah writes those almost-confessions and emotional gut punches? Illegal. Truly.
Beautiful, emotional, and full of that “fine, fate, we’ll try again” energy. I devoured it.
Thank you to Sarah, her team, and NetGalley for the ARC! I need the rest of this series immediately.
December 9, 2025
The Soulmate Theory — Sarah A. Bailey
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 (honestly… SO close to 5)
Sarah A. Bailey is literally a QUEEN. Every single book she writes feels like a masterpiece, but I think this one might actually be my favorite.
Second chance.
Always been you.
Friends to lovers.
All my weakness in one story.
This book was beautifully written—so much so that I’m grateful it was an ebook because I highlighted so. many. quotes. The emotions, the tension, the history between the characters… it all felt so real and deeply felt.
Heart full, soul wrecked (in the best way), and already thinking about a reread.
If you love stories about timing, fate, and the one person who’s always been your person… don’t walk. Run. 💫📖
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 (honestly… SO close to 5)
Sarah A. Bailey is literally a QUEEN. Every single book she writes feels like a masterpiece, but I think this one might actually be my favorite.
Second chance.
Always been you.
Friends to lovers.
All my weakness in one story.
This book was beautifully written—so much so that I’m grateful it was an ebook because I highlighted so. many. quotes. The emotions, the tension, the history between the characters… it all felt so real and deeply felt.
Heart full, soul wrecked (in the best way), and already thinking about a reread.
If you love stories about timing, fate, and the one person who’s always been your person… don’t walk. Run. 💫📖
January 12, 2026
WOW. I want a love like Carter & Pep, that’s my hope one day I swear because there are some books sometimes where you feel like the main characters may not REALLY make it in the long haul… this isn’t one of them. Carter & Pep are literal soulmates, they’re FATED, and I loved every bit of it. I also loved the epilogues (BOTH), and loved how the author threw August from Vice & Violet in there too — he did Carter’s tattoo — which was cool!
This book had me sobbing, in the BEST way. I had so many feelings and that’s exactly what I want in my romance books💞 I can’t wait to read the next in this series!
🫶🏼 thank you Page & Vine for the gifted copies!
This book had me sobbing, in the BEST way. I had so many feelings and that’s exactly what I want in my romance books💞 I can’t wait to read the next in this series!
🫶🏼 thank you Page & Vine for the gifted copies!
January 3, 2026
Omg, the way this book was written was beautiful, I can’t even comprehend what my soul just went through. Usually I hate how long the chapters are but I had no problem speeding through this book. I LOVE CARTER. The love he had for Penelope was amazing, he made her love herself before they fully emerged themselves into this relationship. I absolutely loved this book and will forever recommend to many people. I cannot wait to read the second book in this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2026
I absolutely loved this book. It had everything I want in a second-chance, friends-to-lovers romance, and it completely stole my heart.
Carter Edwards is truly top-tier book boyfriend material. He’s patient, steady, and so deeply in love with Penelope that it hurts in the best way. The way he never gives up on her, even when she’s pushing him away, just did something to me. He feels like home in human form.
What really made this story special, though, was Penelope’s growth. I loved that she didn’t magically fix everything overnight. She struggled, made mistakes, and actually put in the work to heal and figure out who she was outside of her carefully planned life. Watching her rebuild herself while Carter stood by her side—supportive but never overbearing—was incredibly satisfying.
The friends-to-lovers-to-second-chance arc was done so well, full of quiet longing, shared history, and that feeling that these two were always meant to find their way back to each other. It was emotional, tender, and comforting all at once. If you love soulmates, childhood connections, and soft but meaningful romance, this one is an absolute win.
Carter Edwards is truly top-tier book boyfriend material. He’s patient, steady, and so deeply in love with Penelope that it hurts in the best way. The way he never gives up on her, even when she’s pushing him away, just did something to me. He feels like home in human form.
What really made this story special, though, was Penelope’s growth. I loved that she didn’t magically fix everything overnight. She struggled, made mistakes, and actually put in the work to heal and figure out who she was outside of her carefully planned life. Watching her rebuild herself while Carter stood by her side—supportive but never overbearing—was incredibly satisfying.
The friends-to-lovers-to-second-chance arc was done so well, full of quiet longing, shared history, and that feeling that these two were always meant to find their way back to each other. It was emotional, tender, and comforting all at once. If you love soulmates, childhood connections, and soft but meaningful romance, this one is an absolute win.
December 1, 2025
I don’t feel super strongly about this but there’s not much im mad at either. Solid across the board. I like Carter. Glad we got rid of Macie’s piece of shit boyfriend who’s name I already forgot because he sucked
November 10, 2025
The Soulmate Theory by Sarah A. Bailey.
Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op | Page & Vine and NetGalley for my gifted ARC.
I should’ve known I was in trouble when I met Carter Edwards on page one and immediately thought, “Well, here’s a man who’s about to ruin me emotionally.” And ruin me he did—with tenderness. This book? It’s not just a second-chance romance. It’s a full-blown emotional reckoning wrapped in forced proximity, childhood history, slow burn, and one bed. Oh yes, she went there.
Let’s talk characters, because that’s where this story really sinks its hooks in.
Penelope Mason is a beautiful, brilliant mess. She’s a planner. A control freak. A woman clinging to perfectionism like it’s a life raft. And behind all that? A girl who’s been burned, betrayed, and left alone in all the worst ways. The trauma that sent her spiraling out of Oxford isn’t just a plot device—it’s a gut-wrenching reminder of how women are expected to stay quiet to survive. But Penelope isn’t some passive, tragic figure. She’s layered. She’s stubborn. She’s stuck in her head and stuck in her past and so desperately trying to prove she deserves a future. Honestly, if you don’t relate to Penelope on some level, I have questions.
Now Carter? Carter Edwards is the blueprint. He’s Hawaiian, tattooed, artistic, emotionally fluent (I KNOW), and casually drops soulmate theories like some kind of philosophical golden retriever. He’s not just Pep’s childhood friend—he’s her safe place, her soft landing, her person. He loves her with a patience that made me physically ill in the best way. Carter fell first, fell hard, and never got up. The way he respects her space while still showing up for her? That’s the real fantasy. No love-bombing, no games. Just steady, unconditional loyalty.
Sarah A. Bailey wrote these two like she cracked open her own ribcage and said, “Here, have my heart.” Their banter is witty. Their chemistry? Literal flames. Their emotional wounds? Real and raw. Carter may be the golden retriever, but Penelope’s the guarded cat who hisses if you get too close—and somehow, it works.
They aren’t just romantic archetypes—they’re walking, bleeding metaphors. Carter is the sun and the tides; Penelope is the moon and the stars. They orbit each other even when they want to stay apart. The metaphor isn’t subtle—but it works. Because this book isn’t afraid to be big, emotional, and a little bit messy. Just like the characters.
Also? Shoutout to Macie, Penelope’s ride-or-die best friend. She’s the kind of bestie who’ll call you on your self-destructive BS while also offering to run someone over with her car. Iconic.
The family dynamics were another stand-out. Penelope’s adoption trauma and her complicated relationships with her parents and siblings were handled with care. Carter’s relationship with his dad was subtle but powerful. The way Bailey contrasts their upbringings—showing how two people can carry the same weight of not being “enough”? Devastatingly accurate.
Here’s the quote that shattered my soul:
“Maybe I’m the sun and the tides, and you’re the moon and the stars; but all that means to me is that you are light in the dark.”
Carter and Penelope don’t just fall in love again—they choose each other. Every day. Even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard. That’s what makes their journey so deeply satisfying. The tension builds like a slow storm—quiet, heavy, inevitable. You’re not just rooting for them to kiss. You’re rooting for them to heal.
The pacing is deliberate, the prose poetic yet sharp, and the dual POV gives us full access to both their insecurities and longing. Bailey delivers. This isn’t just a cute small-town romance—it’s a love story for people who’ve been through some things. A reminder that even when life gut-punches you, you still deserve a love that’s soft and steady and safe.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#TheSoulmateTheory #SarahABailey #NetGalley #RomanceBooks #BookReview #SoulmateRomance #SecondChanceLove #FriendsToLovers #GoldenRetrieverMMC #TattooedSurferBoy #HealingThroughLove #Bookstagram #BookTokRecs #SlowBurnRomance #RomanceReadersUnite #BookInfluencer #BooksWithQuotes #CharacterDrivenFiction #BooksAreMagic
Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op | Page & Vine and NetGalley for my gifted ARC.
I should’ve known I was in trouble when I met Carter Edwards on page one and immediately thought, “Well, here’s a man who’s about to ruin me emotionally.” And ruin me he did—with tenderness. This book? It’s not just a second-chance romance. It’s a full-blown emotional reckoning wrapped in forced proximity, childhood history, slow burn, and one bed. Oh yes, she went there.
Let’s talk characters, because that’s where this story really sinks its hooks in.
Penelope Mason is a beautiful, brilliant mess. She’s a planner. A control freak. A woman clinging to perfectionism like it’s a life raft. And behind all that? A girl who’s been burned, betrayed, and left alone in all the worst ways. The trauma that sent her spiraling out of Oxford isn’t just a plot device—it’s a gut-wrenching reminder of how women are expected to stay quiet to survive. But Penelope isn’t some passive, tragic figure. She’s layered. She’s stubborn. She’s stuck in her head and stuck in her past and so desperately trying to prove she deserves a future. Honestly, if you don’t relate to Penelope on some level, I have questions.
Now Carter? Carter Edwards is the blueprint. He’s Hawaiian, tattooed, artistic, emotionally fluent (I KNOW), and casually drops soulmate theories like some kind of philosophical golden retriever. He’s not just Pep’s childhood friend—he’s her safe place, her soft landing, her person. He loves her with a patience that made me physically ill in the best way. Carter fell first, fell hard, and never got up. The way he respects her space while still showing up for her? That’s the real fantasy. No love-bombing, no games. Just steady, unconditional loyalty.
Sarah A. Bailey wrote these two like she cracked open her own ribcage and said, “Here, have my heart.” Their banter is witty. Their chemistry? Literal flames. Their emotional wounds? Real and raw. Carter may be the golden retriever, but Penelope’s the guarded cat who hisses if you get too close—and somehow, it works.
They aren’t just romantic archetypes—they’re walking, bleeding metaphors. Carter is the sun and the tides; Penelope is the moon and the stars. They orbit each other even when they want to stay apart. The metaphor isn’t subtle—but it works. Because this book isn’t afraid to be big, emotional, and a little bit messy. Just like the characters.
Also? Shoutout to Macie, Penelope’s ride-or-die best friend. She’s the kind of bestie who’ll call you on your self-destructive BS while also offering to run someone over with her car. Iconic.
The family dynamics were another stand-out. Penelope’s adoption trauma and her complicated relationships with her parents and siblings were handled with care. Carter’s relationship with his dad was subtle but powerful. The way Bailey contrasts their upbringings—showing how two people can carry the same weight of not being “enough”? Devastatingly accurate.
Here’s the quote that shattered my soul:
“Maybe I’m the sun and the tides, and you’re the moon and the stars; but all that means to me is that you are light in the dark.”
Carter and Penelope don’t just fall in love again—they choose each other. Every day. Even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard. That’s what makes their journey so deeply satisfying. The tension builds like a slow storm—quiet, heavy, inevitable. You’re not just rooting for them to kiss. You’re rooting for them to heal.
The pacing is deliberate, the prose poetic yet sharp, and the dual POV gives us full access to both their insecurities and longing. Bailey delivers. This isn’t just a cute small-town romance—it’s a love story for people who’ve been through some things. A reminder that even when life gut-punches you, you still deserve a love that’s soft and steady and safe.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#TheSoulmateTheory #SarahABailey #NetGalley #RomanceBooks #BookReview #SoulmateRomance #SecondChanceLove #FriendsToLovers #GoldenRetrieverMMC #TattooedSurferBoy #HealingThroughLove #Bookstagram #BookTokRecs #SlowBurnRomance #RomanceReadersUnite #BookInfluencer #BooksWithQuotes #CharacterDrivenFiction #BooksAreMagic
December 4, 2025
Penelope Mason just wants to be perfect; the perfect daughter, sister, and student. So coming back home to live with her parents disgraced and without an option for grad school has her questioning her entire identity and feeling like a complete failure. The last person she wants to see is Carter Edwards, the boy she has loved forever, kissed once and never felt good enough to deserve.
Carter, equally in love with Penelope and believing it is unrequited, barely recognizes the quiet, sullen and angry girl that he considered his best friend. Carter has felt protective of Penelope almost her whole life, and he just wants to see her smile again like she used to.
This second chance romance has so many beautiful points! The relationship between Penelope and Carter is friends to lovers perfection- snarky banter, yearning, sizzling chemistry, and a healthy dose of protectiveness.
The character arc for Penelope as she learns to accept love, acknowledge her past trauma and find her place amongst her family and friends is truly beautiful and a huge part of that is the stunning relationship between her and her friend Macie. I did not Macie a likeable character when we first met her, but I grew to LOVE her. She supported and lifted up Penelope in the way that every girl wants in their life, with unwavering love, support and encouragement no matter what.
Carter also plays a huge role in helping to heal Penelope's self-hate. I really enjoyed how these two discussed their theories on soulmates and how each understood the complexities of the other's smiles and what they each meant.
As someone who was adopted (though with very different circumstances than Penelope) I always love seeing adoption rep in books, especially when handled lovingly as this is. This story explores the idea that no matter how much you are loved by the people around you, the way you perceive yourself and talk to yourself will always be the most important facet in your happiness.
I've heard so much about Sarah Bailey, but this was the first book of hers that I have a read and I totally get the hype and all the love she receives! This book was beautiful and tender and I cant wait to read more!
Carter, equally in love with Penelope and believing it is unrequited, barely recognizes the quiet, sullen and angry girl that he considered his best friend. Carter has felt protective of Penelope almost her whole life, and he just wants to see her smile again like she used to.
This second chance romance has so many beautiful points! The relationship between Penelope and Carter is friends to lovers perfection- snarky banter, yearning, sizzling chemistry, and a healthy dose of protectiveness.
The character arc for Penelope as she learns to accept love, acknowledge her past trauma and find her place amongst her family and friends is truly beautiful and a huge part of that is the stunning relationship between her and her friend Macie. I did not Macie a likeable character when we first met her, but I grew to LOVE her. She supported and lifted up Penelope in the way that every girl wants in their life, with unwavering love, support and encouragement no matter what.
Carter also plays a huge role in helping to heal Penelope's self-hate. I really enjoyed how these two discussed their theories on soulmates and how each understood the complexities of the other's smiles and what they each meant.
As someone who was adopted (though with very different circumstances than Penelope) I always love seeing adoption rep in books, especially when handled lovingly as this is. This story explores the idea that no matter how much you are loved by the people around you, the way you perceive yourself and talk to yourself will always be the most important facet in your happiness.
I've heard so much about Sarah Bailey, but this was the first book of hers that I have a read and I totally get the hype and all the love she receives! This book was beautiful and tender and I cant wait to read more!
November 24, 2025
Soulmates are real
This is the first book I have read by Sarah A. Bailey, and it has left me wondering, why? THE SOULMATE THEORY is more than just a small town romance. It is a slow burn, unconditional love with childhood friends, heartbreak, deep emotions, and the inevitable passing of time. Two soulmates destined to be together.
Penelope Mason and Carter Edwards grew up together as best friends. Gradutaions brings on confessions and the a five year separation with no contact, then they both return to their home town. Tragedy, heartbreak, and undeniable love for each other is what makes Penelope and Carter's story so special. They don't just love, they choose to love each other.
Penelope is a survivor, albeit a quiet one. She has so many layers needing to be peeled back, and Carter is just the man to stand by her and do just that. He is a golden retreiver, a cinnmon roll, willing to be there yet give her room to breathe. He falls hard for her, and just has to convince her, in his own way, that they wer meant to be.
Sarah has delovered a story which hits hard. A beautifully written journey which envelopes your whole heart. Sarah will make you believe that soulmates and true love really exist. I cannot wait for more of this series, and I'll definitely be checking out her other books.
Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction
✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE STARS
This is the first book I have read by Sarah A. Bailey, and it has left me wondering, why? THE SOULMATE THEORY is more than just a small town romance. It is a slow burn, unconditional love with childhood friends, heartbreak, deep emotions, and the inevitable passing of time. Two soulmates destined to be together.
Penelope Mason and Carter Edwards grew up together as best friends. Gradutaions brings on confessions and the a five year separation with no contact, then they both return to their home town. Tragedy, heartbreak, and undeniable love for each other is what makes Penelope and Carter's story so special. They don't just love, they choose to love each other.
Penelope is a survivor, albeit a quiet one. She has so many layers needing to be peeled back, and Carter is just the man to stand by her and do just that. He is a golden retreiver, a cinnmon roll, willing to be there yet give her room to breathe. He falls hard for her, and just has to convince her, in his own way, that they wer meant to be.
Sarah has delovered a story which hits hard. A beautifully written journey which envelopes your whole heart. Sarah will make you believe that soulmates and true love really exist. I cannot wait for more of this series, and I'll definitely be checking out her other books.
Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction
✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE STARS
November 17, 2025
Penelope and Carter grew up together pretty much as best friends. Come graduation, after a spur of the moment half confession of feelings, they go their separate ways and never speak again. That is, until 5 years later when they both move back home temporarily. In that 5 years, a lot of life happened but with the two of them in the same place once more, what will that mean for them?
I’m not going to lie, the type of love that was described in this book is that once in a lifetime, we’re both pining for one another but don’t know what to do about it type love. I loved it. The obstacles that were needing to be overcome were pretty big for Penelope and watching the growth there was amazing and really well written. Her supportive and absolute opposite of her best friend was one of the best things about this book, in my opinion.
The inner monologue of the main characters were slightly long on my opinion and the book did feel very slowly paced during the first half. There were times I felt like I had been reading for a long time but had only made a few pages. That’s not always a bad thing but I do feel that some things could’ve been omitted.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and the writing style and will absolutely read whatever this author write next!
Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing for the ARC!
I’m not going to lie, the type of love that was described in this book is that once in a lifetime, we’re both pining for one another but don’t know what to do about it type love. I loved it. The obstacles that were needing to be overcome were pretty big for Penelope and watching the growth there was amazing and really well written. Her supportive and absolute opposite of her best friend was one of the best things about this book, in my opinion.
The inner monologue of the main characters were slightly long on my opinion and the book did feel very slowly paced during the first half. There were times I felt like I had been reading for a long time but had only made a few pages. That’s not always a bad thing but I do feel that some things could’ve been omitted.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and the writing style and will absolutely read whatever this author write next!
Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing for the ARC!
December 6, 2025
Be still my heart...
This friends-to-lovers was the perfect heartwarming, cozy, sweet, swoony with just the right amount of heat story. Carter is the perfect book boyfriend. He is the biggest green flag ever. The pining, angst, and delicious tension had me hooked from beginning to end. Sarah A. Bailey just has a way of writing that is easy to read, inviting, and comforting like the best cup of hot cocoa. The sweet small-town feel along with well-written characters captured and held my attention as they had me swooning and melting.
Absolutely beautiful story, Penelope and Carter go from growing up together to being apart through college losing touch, and in a twist of fate they have to work together. I just loved their story so much, it made my heart happy.
"I think I loved her the day I was born. Maybe even before. I think I’ll be falling in love with her until the day I die. Maybe even after."
“I think that soulmates are the person who inspires us to become the best version of ourselves, regardless of where they fit into it. Even when it means letting someone go when they need to find themselves. When they need to live without us.”
Tropes:
Opposites attract
Slow-burn
Childhood friends
Forced proximity
Small town
Dual POV
Check TW
Thank you NetGalley and Sarah A. Bailey for the opportunity to read this book.
This friends-to-lovers was the perfect heartwarming, cozy, sweet, swoony with just the right amount of heat story. Carter is the perfect book boyfriend. He is the biggest green flag ever. The pining, angst, and delicious tension had me hooked from beginning to end. Sarah A. Bailey just has a way of writing that is easy to read, inviting, and comforting like the best cup of hot cocoa. The sweet small-town feel along with well-written characters captured and held my attention as they had me swooning and melting.
Absolutely beautiful story, Penelope and Carter go from growing up together to being apart through college losing touch, and in a twist of fate they have to work together. I just loved their story so much, it made my heart happy.
"I think I loved her the day I was born. Maybe even before. I think I’ll be falling in love with her until the day I die. Maybe even after."
“I think that soulmates are the person who inspires us to become the best version of ourselves, regardless of where they fit into it. Even when it means letting someone go when they need to find themselves. When they need to live without us.”
Tropes:
Opposites attract
Slow-burn
Childhood friends
Forced proximity
Small town
Dual POV
Check TW
Thank you NetGalley and Sarah A. Bailey for the opportunity to read this book.
December 7, 2025
- I kid you not the first page had me hooked. The yearning was off the charts right off the bat! Trust me read the first page- no the first paragraph and you will see how down bad mmc (Carter) is for our fmc (Penelope).
- This is the perfect read if you love forbidden romance x and DOWN-BAD mmc.
- I cant share enough how well written the prologue is… it will 100% get you hooked. Without spoiling ANYTHING, I am not going into detail, I just think you should see for yourself at how our mmc thinks…
- Childhood friends is a tricky trope, but when done correctly… literally nothing compares. This book was totally executed correctly.
- childhood friends/who’s parents are best friends.
- The best books in my opinion are the ones that made readers feel multiple emotions. I cried, I laughed, and I bought the physical copy to annotate!
- At the beginning of the book (chapter 1) we have then reuniting… just as perfect as the prologue. This was extremely well done. I don’t know how else to convince you to read this book, I had such a great time! I prefer going in blind, and I feel like this is all you need to know before going into this book! Have a great time reading!!
- This is the perfect read if you love forbidden romance x and DOWN-BAD mmc.
- I cant share enough how well written the prologue is… it will 100% get you hooked. Without spoiling ANYTHING, I am not going into detail, I just think you should see for yourself at how our mmc thinks…
- Childhood friends is a tricky trope, but when done correctly… literally nothing compares. This book was totally executed correctly.
- childhood friends/who’s parents are best friends.
- The best books in my opinion are the ones that made readers feel multiple emotions. I cried, I laughed, and I bought the physical copy to annotate!
- At the beginning of the book (chapter 1) we have then reuniting… just as perfect as the prologue. This was extremely well done. I don’t know how else to convince you to read this book, I had such a great time! I prefer going in blind, and I feel like this is all you need to know before going into this book! Have a great time reading!!
December 7, 2025
Thank you, @pageandvine and @sarahabailey, for the gifted ARC!
Rundown:
✨️childhood friends to lovers
✨️second chance romance
✨️one bed
✨️soulmates
Synopsis ✒️
Penelope and Carter were best friends growing up. After a tense moment at graduation, they went their separate ways and had no contact for a few years. When they both move home again and take up teaching at a local school, sparks fly. Can Carter's calm demeanor help Penelope heal?
Thoughts 💭
This is the first book in The Soulmate Theory series, and I can't wait to check out the other two! I absolutely loved Carter. He's the definition of a golden retriever type with complete devotion to Penelope. She's guarded with secrets, and he's the only one that can get her to open up. Their love story was a sweet, slow burn that was years in the making. We toggle between his and her perspectives so we understand the yearning and challenges on each side. The beginning of each chapter had quotes about soulmates, and they added such a nice touch. It was so fun to read their story and be a part of their journey. On to book two!
Rundown:
✨️childhood friends to lovers
✨️second chance romance
✨️one bed
✨️soulmates
Synopsis ✒️
Penelope and Carter were best friends growing up. After a tense moment at graduation, they went their separate ways and had no contact for a few years. When they both move home again and take up teaching at a local school, sparks fly. Can Carter's calm demeanor help Penelope heal?
Thoughts 💭
This is the first book in The Soulmate Theory series, and I can't wait to check out the other two! I absolutely loved Carter. He's the definition of a golden retriever type with complete devotion to Penelope. She's guarded with secrets, and he's the only one that can get her to open up. Their love story was a sweet, slow burn that was years in the making. We toggle between his and her perspectives so we understand the yearning and challenges on each side. The beginning of each chapter had quotes about soulmates, and they added such a nice touch. It was so fun to read their story and be a part of their journey. On to book two!
December 28, 2025
This was my first book by Sarah Bailey and I loved it! The writing is so beautiful, and this story captured that young love, second chance romance perfectly. You feel the yearning, so, so much yearning. The story captures all the butterflies you feel with love. I loved the main characters, Penelope and Carter. The story follows how they met when they were very young, how they went separate ways for college and then how they meet again a few years later. The time apart didn't dampen their feelings for each other. When they meet again, despite previous misunderstandings, they are still inexplicably drawn together and it doesn't take long for all the feelings to come roaring back. I don't know what magic Sarah weaves but her words captures all the emotion, and you can really feel what the characters are going through. It may not be that rare for a book to do that, but it is not an easy task and not all books can capture that feeling and emotion that packs such a big punch. I was so in awe after reading this book! I especially loved the whole concept of the Soulmate theory and one of my favorite parts was how Carter would always dote on Penelope and remind her to wear SPF. That little reminder throughout the book was very cute lol. I'm excited to read the other 2 books in this series! I really loved Penelope's best friend, Macie, and Carter's best friend, Dominic and can't wait to see how their story develops. Macie had a very douchey boyfriend in this book and I really hope she finds someone that will let her shine like the queen she is! Thank you Victory Editing, Sarah Bailey and NetGalley for the eARC!
February 1, 2026
I wanted to love this book so much but it just missed the mark for me. It's set up like the two main characters are star crossed lovers that have just always been meant to be and they could have been, if they ever tried...then they do try and they are together.
The FMC has a tragic backstory that made me want to love her and feel so much compassion for her, but she didn't ever seem to grow. She really had no personality that added to the story. The MMC is very sweet and likable.
The book is just set up like there should be a ton of angst and issues keeping these two childhood friends from coming together, when there is literally nothing preventing it. I did truly appreciate the descriptions of the scenery. I could vividly imagine the book as I read it, however, it seemed quite long for the story that played out.
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to ARC read this book in exchange for my honest review.
The FMC has a tragic backstory that made me want to love her and feel so much compassion for her, but she didn't ever seem to grow. She really had no personality that added to the story. The MMC is very sweet and likable.
The book is just set up like there should be a ton of angst and issues keeping these two childhood friends from coming together, when there is literally nothing preventing it. I did truly appreciate the descriptions of the scenery. I could vividly imagine the book as I read it, however, it seemed quite long for the story that played out.
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to ARC read this book in exchange for my honest review.
November 15, 2025
A story that proves soulmates aren’t perfect, they’re persistent. It’s heartbreak, growth, hard-won hope, and the most unconditional love wrapped into one beautiful journey.
This second-chance, childhood-friends, slow burn wrecked me in the best possible way.
Carter? The greenest of green flags,an absolute cinnamon-roll king. And Penelope’s journey? Heartbreaking, raw, and beautifully handled. The heavy moments hit hard, but the writing is so effortless and heartfelt that the entire story feels like being cracked open and gently put back together again.
Sarah’s storytelling completely swept me away, and her Pacific Shores series has now shot right to the top of my TBR. I adored every minute of this emotional, soul-stirring ride and I cannot wait to read the rest of this series.
Thank you to the Author, NetGalley and Victory Editing for an eARC for my honest review.
This second-chance, childhood-friends, slow burn wrecked me in the best possible way.
Carter? The greenest of green flags,an absolute cinnamon-roll king. And Penelope’s journey? Heartbreaking, raw, and beautifully handled. The heavy moments hit hard, but the writing is so effortless and heartfelt that the entire story feels like being cracked open and gently put back together again.
Sarah’s storytelling completely swept me away, and her Pacific Shores series has now shot right to the top of my TBR. I adored every minute of this emotional, soul-stirring ride and I cannot wait to read the rest of this series.
Thank you to the Author, NetGalley and Victory Editing for an eARC for my honest review.
November 19, 2025
I love the way Sarah takes a love story between two characters and writes it like poetry; I'm always able to feel it to my core. I love second-chance romances, and this one was no different. Carter and Penelope's story was beautiful and heartbreaking to read because of how much time they let pass them by, but also learning about the common themes that they share about accepting love.
Penelope went through a traumatic experience that left her feeling as though she didn't deserve love, and it was so refreshing to see her come to terms with that trauma and fighting for herself to get through it. Carter loves her loudly and proudly, and there's nothing more that I love than a man who is obsessed with his woman.
Beautiful story and I can't wait to read the rest in the series.
Thank you to Sarah, her team and NetGalley for the ARC!
Penelope went through a traumatic experience that left her feeling as though she didn't deserve love, and it was so refreshing to see her come to terms with that trauma and fighting for herself to get through it. Carter loves her loudly and proudly, and there's nothing more that I love than a man who is obsessed with his woman.
Beautiful story and I can't wait to read the rest in the series.
Thank you to Sarah, her team and NetGalley for the ARC!
November 27, 2025
Sarah A. Bailey has such a lyrical way of turning a love story into something that feels like poetry. I always feel her words in my chest, and this second chance romance was no exception! Carter and Penelope’s journey is both tender and heartbreaking. Their story has years of missed moments, shared wounds, and the quiet ache of learning how to let love in.
Penelope’s trauma shapes so much of her belief that she’s unworthy of love. Watching her find her strength and reclaim what she really wanted was incredibly moving. Carter loves her with a fierce devotion. I will forever love any man who is unabashedly obsessed with his woman. Their connection felt raw and impossible not to root for.
This was such a beautiful story. I’m fully invested in seeing where the rest of the series goes!
Thank you to Sarah, her team, and NetGalley for the ARC!
Penelope’s trauma shapes so much of her belief that she’s unworthy of love. Watching her find her strength and reclaim what she really wanted was incredibly moving. Carter loves her with a fierce devotion. I will forever love any man who is unabashedly obsessed with his woman. Their connection felt raw and impossible not to root for.
This was such a beautiful story. I’m fully invested in seeing where the rest of the series goes!
Thank you to Sarah, her team, and NetGalley for the ARC!
November 19, 2025
UGH I absolutely loved this book, absolutely a new favorite.
I will definitely be reading more from this author.
This was so different than anything I’ve ever read before, I absolutely loved all the quotes before the chapters.
The characters in this story were so beautifully written and I absolutely fell in love with them and their love. Seeing Penelope work through her trauma was so refreshing and written so realistically. As someone who has always felt unworthy of love because of who I am she was so so relatable.
Carter was so refreshing seeing him love her all this time no matter what with absolutely no doubt over time.
I received this book as an ARC for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I will definitely be reading more from this author.
This was so different than anything I’ve ever read before, I absolutely loved all the quotes before the chapters.
The characters in this story were so beautifully written and I absolutely fell in love with them and their love. Seeing Penelope work through her trauma was so refreshing and written so realistically. As someone who has always felt unworthy of love because of who I am she was so so relatable.
Carter was so refreshing seeing him love her all this time no matter what with absolutely no doubt over time.
I received this book as an ARC for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 3, 2025
4.5/5⭐️
Personally, I believe that friendship is the foundation of every successful relationship and I loved those flashbacks to their childhood days. Carter was always there for Penelope (Pep) —for her comfort, protecting her.
Now, five years later, fate leads them back to each other, and this time Carter is not letting her go. As they gradually share their secrets with each other, one secret remains lurking in the background.
The last act was a painful one to read and I shed many tears for Pep. I also loved how The Alchemist was weaved into the plot. This is an amazing quote and I loved how Carter helped Pep to see the truth behind this quote: ‘One is loved because one is loved. No reason is needed for loving.’
Personally, I believe that friendship is the foundation of every successful relationship and I loved those flashbacks to their childhood days. Carter was always there for Penelope (Pep) —for her comfort, protecting her.
Now, five years later, fate leads them back to each other, and this time Carter is not letting her go. As they gradually share their secrets with each other, one secret remains lurking in the background.
The last act was a painful one to read and I shed many tears for Pep. I also loved how The Alchemist was weaved into the plot. This is an amazing quote and I loved how Carter helped Pep to see the truth behind this quote: ‘One is loved because one is loved. No reason is needed for loving.’
November 24, 2025
Fate. Soulmates. Childhood friends given a second chance to love each other later in life. I am a believer, especially after a story like this. When childhood friends with requited secret crushes Penelope and Carter find themselves as co-workers, they have to navigate their unrelenting chemistry and sparks. She has secrets she wants to keep hidden, his relentless adoration and support unearths them. A beautiful, heartwarming romance that showcases yearning (the yearning!), exemplifies the soulmate theory, and convinces you that destiny is real.
Thanks to the publisher, Page and Vine for the eARC via NetGalley.
Thanks to the publisher, Page and Vine for the eARC via NetGalley.
November 29, 2025
Sarah A. Bailey delivers a beautiful, atmospheric romance that feels both fated and deeply human. This story takes the idea of soulmates and grounds it in emotional intelligence, honest communication, and two characters who truly choose one another.
I was completely drawn in by the chemistry…not just the romantic pull, but the emotional depth behind it. Their connection feels inevitable, but the relationship still requires vulnerability, growth, and intention. That balance made their bond feel real in a way.
If you enjoy romance that blends fate with genuine character work, this is one you shouldn’t miss. A heartfelt, soulful read that earned every one of its five stars.
I was completely drawn in by the chemistry…not just the romantic pull, but the emotional depth behind it. Their connection feels inevitable, but the relationship still requires vulnerability, growth, and intention. That balance made their bond feel real in a way.
If you enjoy romance that blends fate with genuine character work, this is one you shouldn’t miss. A heartfelt, soulful read that earned every one of its five stars.
December 20, 2025
3.5⭐️ Pep and Cater’s story was sweet. Childhood friends-to-lovers / second-chance romance. A lot happened in the five years they were separated, especially for Penelope. She lost a life she craved due to a misguided decision and the folly of a selfish man. She’s in the midst of a hard reset of her life when her first love is thrust back into her orbit.
Carter is and always has been enamored with Penelope. This is their story of finding their way back to each other. It’s apparent these two are meant for each other. Perhaps romantic “soulmates” is really a thing. 🤷🏻♀️
Carter is and always has been enamored with Penelope. This is their story of finding their way back to each other. It’s apparent these two are meant for each other. Perhaps romantic “soulmates” is really a thing. 🤷🏻♀️
January 30, 2026
This was gifted to me and it was my first Sarah Bailey book so I was excited to read it. Honestly, it was a bit slower than I typically enjoy and Penelope's very hot and cold behavior towards Carter was a bit annoying at times because he'd never done anything wrong.
That being said, I did enjoy the gist of the story. Penelope's past and what she's gone through is heartbreaking, and Carter's patience with her is unyielding so that was adorable and something everyone wishes for. Overall it was a good book, but I just sadly isn't worth recommending for me.
That being said, I did enjoy the gist of the story. Penelope's past and what she's gone through is heartbreaking, and Carter's patience with her is unyielding so that was adorable and something everyone wishes for. Overall it was a good book, but I just sadly isn't worth recommending for me.
November 24, 2025
3 stars
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book gave solid, cute romance vibe.
This book gave sorta instalove but it wasn’t t cause they knew each other from before the book starts. Maybe not instalove but a “it’s only been you” vibe which is just not my fave book troupe.
I will say it was annoying how the FMC was constantly down on herself, but I also get the trauma.
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book gave solid, cute romance vibe.
This book gave sorta instalove but it wasn’t t cause they knew each other from before the book starts. Maybe not instalove but a “it’s only been you” vibe which is just not my fave book troupe.
I will say it was annoying how the FMC was constantly down on herself, but I also get the trauma.
November 28, 2025
I received a review copy from NetGalley. I have enjoyed reading romances similar to this in the past but this one didn’t seem to keep my attention quite as much. I was trying to take a break from reading romantasy after having my heart shattered from my previous read when I picked this up. I am unsure why I was struggling through this book. I think it has to do with me wanting more romantasy than a hometown romance. I think this will be a popular book and enjoyed by many. I may retry reading this later when I am back in my romance phase.
November 28, 2025
There is just something about Sarah’s writing that captivates me every time. It is beautiful and she has a way of making you feel like the MC’s truly belong together each time. At some points during this one I was getting frustrated with Penelope but I had to keep reminding myself that she went through trauma and just needed to work through it. I am very excited to read the next book♥️
Thank you to Page & Vine and Netgalley for the e-arc♥️
Thank you to Page & Vine and Netgalley for the e-arc♥️
January 31, 2026
I lovedddd this book!!! My only criticism is the sort of lack of plot, then suddenly a LOT of plot all at once in the end. But this book is so cute and I just loved it. I also would have liked to have been able to read more about how she processed her trauma but still. Love all the characters except for Marshall and Macie’s partner. Anyhoo very like lowkey, cute, relaxing book to read (with GREAT intimate scenes btw)!
November 14, 2025
This was a sweet love story about 2 friends that grew up together.
They had their ups & downs, but I enjoyed following them through their story.
The characters were well developed & I enjoyed their interactions with their families as well.
Thanks to the author, publisher & Netgalley for the ARC read. All opinions are my own.
They had their ups & downs, but I enjoyed following them through their story.
The characters were well developed & I enjoyed their interactions with their families as well.
Thanks to the author, publisher & Netgalley for the ARC read. All opinions are my own.
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