Until We're Dust

by Stacey Rhoades

Set on the rocky shores of coastal New England, Until We’re Dust is a dual-timeline, second-chance romance about love, grief, and the choices that define us.

Bailey Reeder, small-town café owner and newly single mother is fighting to rebuild her life after a year that nearly broke her. But when the man who shattered her heart walks into Caffeine & Alchemy, Bailey is forced to confront the past she never fully escaped.

James Bennett has spent twelve years living the life his parents mapped out for him. But when unexpected news pulls him back to Belle Harbor, he makes a decision he’s never dared to finally choose for himself. He just didn’t expect her; older, wiser, and more guarded than the girl he left behind. As old sparks reignite and grief lingers, Bailey and James must decide if the love they once lost is worth risking everything to reclaim.

This isn’t a story for the faint of heart.
It’s for the ones who’ve clawed their way through heartbreak, and are still willing to fight for something real.

500 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 17, 2025

Reviews

[crystalle ˚ʚ♡ɞ˚ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ☆

until we’re dust by stacey rhoades 🩵🌊🐚

“for everyone who has ever thought they should have it all figured out by now. this one’s for the late bloomers, the second-chancers, the brave hearts still becoming“

it’s not often that i read a second chance romance, because honestly it’s usually not my favourite trope. but until we’re dust by stacey rhoades completely surprised me. and considering this is her debut novel?? i have to give her the biggest round of applause. this book deserves so much love, and i hope anyone reading this will go order or pre-order it because i truly think she’s going somewhere. you honestly can’t tell this is a debut—her writing feels like a seasoned romance author, and that’s what i love about it.

the story follows bailey and james, who fell in love as teenagers in the beach town of belle harbor. it was young, pure love—the kind that completely sweeps you away. then life got in the way, and they reconnect 14 years later when james walks into bailey’s coffee shop. from there, you follow both their past and present, with multiple povs and timelines woven in really cleverly.

this book made me smile, and it definitely made me cry (which i didn’t expect at all). it pulls at your heartstrings in the best way. it’s not just about love, but also about grief, so definitely check trigger warnings if you need them. but it’s handled beautifully, and aubrey is the sweetest addition—fun, cute, and so loveable. (i wish i could give her the biggest hug)

overall, this is a heartfelt, emotional second chance romance that’s done so tastefully. even if you’re not a fan of the trope (like me), i think this one is worth picking up. i’m so excited to see what stacey writes next !!

[Alyssa Mullins · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s something undeniably powerful about second chance romances. There was this sense of the past, the pull of old feelings, and the hope that maybe, just maybe, love is worth fighting for one more time.

The chemistry between the main characters was electric, even when they were at odds. You could feel the weight of everything they’d been through. They had experienced heartbreak, mistakes, missed opportunities, and watching them slowly unravel those wounds to make space for healing? It made me sob and want for more.

It was raw, emotional, and tender in all the right places. Stacey Rhoades didn’t shy away from the hard conversations, and the growth both characters showed made the ending feel absolutely earned. If you’re a fan of love that refuses to die, of soulmates finding their way back to each other, this one will stay with you. I promise.

💜Tropes💜
🫶🏼 Second chance
🫶🏼 Slow burn
🫶🏼 Emotional angst
🫶🏼 Redemption arc

[Madison (madsbookgarden) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was honestly hooked on this from the first line. This book opens and closes with the phrase: “I used to think jumping was the hard part” and it set the scene for this whole story. It’s the journey to the leap and who you leap with that matters most. I loved how we got to watch Bailey and James rekindle and to understand what (or who) broke them apart 12 years ago. Grabs some tissues for the end, Gramps will make you shed some tears.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5-3.75 stars rounded up to 4! This was a very sweet second chance romance. I knew there was no spice going into this & honestly didn’t miss it! The storyline was enough to keep me captivated. There were a few mysterious elements that I definitely wanted answers to! I absolutely adored how sweet James was to Bailey. Truly the only reason I didn’t rate higher was because of the length of the book. It was so heavily detailed & there were many scenes that felt repetitive. I think Jess’s POV(the best friend) could have been left out. I enjoyed Jess in Bailey’s POV & she was an amazing friend! It just wasn’t necessary to the storyline.

[Laura Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book does not feel like a debut novel from an up and coming author! It’s so well constructed and the plot was engaging from beginning to end. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll swoon! The author really paints a picture and it feels like you’re in Belle Harbour!

I also love the pop culture references from my pre and teen years. So nostalgic and well integrated!

[Rachel Witt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can’t even put into words how incredibly written this story is! But this author, Stacey Rhoades, does know how to put this story into the most perfect words!!!!! It’s a beautiful story of a second chance where you feel all sorts of emotions. You fall in love with each character and she does an amazing job of giving them all a special place in this story! It’s more than a romantic love story- but a friendship and family love story. She didn’t hold back from hard and much needed conversations, and they were just so perfectly placed, and said.

I cried, laughed, cried some more, couldn’t put this book down, and definitely never wanted it to end.

Spice rating out of 5: 1 (but butterflies were fluttering and goosebumps were bumpin ♥️)

L O V E!!!!!

[Grace mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so freaking sweet, I was genuinely emotional the whole time reading it. Every single character felt like home.
You don’t just fall in love with the story, you fall in love with the town, the people, all of it. Even the side characters didn’t feel like side characters, everyone had their moment to shine and it made the whole book feel so full and alive.

Bailey and James were adorable together. They had to fight to make things work, but they did, and it made their story feel even more real and worth it. Aubrey was also so cute, I loved every scene she was in.
But honestly? Jessica completely stole the show for me. She is my best friend to a T, it’s actually kind of scary how accurate it felt.

Reading her felt like seeing my own ride-or-die, my soul sister, on the page. You don’t meet people like that often, the ones who just fit into your life so perfectly, and I’m so freaking lucky to have mine.
Thank you, Stacey, for writing such a beautiful book. I can’t believe it took me this long to read

[Haley Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW 📖

Until We’re Dust @authorstaceyrhoades
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🫑 closed door

Stop scrolling and go preorder this book immediately! Let me just tell you how much I adore Belle Harbor, Bailey, James, Aubrey, and especially Gramps..
This book is packed with second chances, overcoming grief, refreshing real and raw conversations, and a few reveals I did not see coming!
You’ll come for the heartfelt romance but you’ll stay because of Gramps and his unending wisdom 🫶🏻

Crossing my fingers and toes for a future trip to Belle Harbor so Jessie can get her happily ever after!

This perfect read is coming SEPT 17th 🙌🏻

[Mich.elles_booknook · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me feeling all the emotions. 🥹 It’s been so long since I’ve read something so raw, emotional, and wholesome all at once. Stacey had me straight-up sobbing.

Bailey and James met 14 years ago and shared an instant, undeniable connection—true love. But just two years in, James was ripped away. 💔

Fast forward 12 years, and James is back. The second he lays eyes on Bailey, he knows he’ll do whatever it takes to win her back. But this time…it’s not just her anymore.

✨ Tropes
🌸 Small town charm
💞 Second chance romance
🧍‍♀️ Strong single mom
🐶 Golden retriever energy love interest

💖 If you’re a sucker for heartfelt second chances, tear-jerker moments, and love that truly stands the test of time, this one’s going to stay with you long after the last page.

Thank you so much to Stacey Rhoades for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. 💕

[Erica Sherlock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I inhaled this book! I immediately fell in love with her characters, and not just the main ones. Stacey did a beautiful job of creating a small village of realistic and lovable people who I just wanted to hang out with as I read their intertwining stories. The dual POV and dual timeline made for a quick and fun read, and I found myself vacillating between tears and laughter! Stacey did a tremendous job of keeping me hooked with tiny little mystery nuggets throughout this second chance romance. I absolutely loved it and I miss the characters already!

[Alexandra Wede · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me feeling so many different emotions. I laughed. I cried. I bawled. I smiled. I panicked. And I fell in love with the characters. I felt as if I was walking alongside the characters in Belle Harbor and just wanted to be there with them. These characters experienced so much life and love when they were young and watching them rebuild it was so special. From the sassy seven year old, to the incredibly loyal and fun loving best friend, to the fierce love from the older brother, the yearning of the MMC and finally the wholesome fmc this book is a must read if you love romance!

P.S. James will 100% become on of your new book boyfriends! 🤗

[Mrs. King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a well written story about second chances, processing through grief, and found family! Beautiful done Dual POV, Dual Timeline, which keeps the reader truly captivated! Cant wait for the next one!!!!

[ReadiscoveringMaegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Until We’re Dust is one of the best romances I’ve read in a really long time. It’s a beautiful story about found love, heartache, redemption, and found family. What I loved most about this story was how the focus wasn’t only on our girl Bailey and her relationship with James, but also on true friendship, and family of our choosing. We all need a friend like Jessie and I loved being able to hear more from her with the story’s multiple povs and dual timelines. Until We’re Dust gives us that second chance romance that we all can’t help, but to root for while not shying away from the harder emotions than come along with that such a self doubt, rebuilding of trust, and being able to open yourself up again. I loved that we see these hard moments from both our female and male main characters. I especially appreciated how Stacey included mental health and the different ways to work through one’s trauma. This isn’t a fluffy romance, there are moments where it wrecked me, but to feel such a connection with a story is an amazing thing. I’ll be honest… I tend to shy away from this genre, but the store that Stacey has written is simply beautiful and I will forever read whatever she writes. So if you’re not already following her you should and I highly recommend grabbing a copy of this beautiful story.

Also BONUS! There are 3 playlist from the 3 main characters on Spotify to listen to while you read and they’re amazing.

[Georgiana Harn · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are books that you read, and then there are books that you experience. Stacey Rhoades’s 'Until We’re Dust' is the latter. To give this masterpiece a mere five-star rating would be an injustice—it would be a gross understatement of the profound impact it had on me. This book doesn't just deserve five stars; it deserves far more, which is why I’m proudly giving it a full, resounding six stars. It didn't just meet the scale; it absolutely shattered it.
​
From the first page to the last, this book became my entire world. It is, without a doubt, my favorite book of the year, and it has soared into my personal top five books of all time, a list that I thought was set in stone. The sheer power and raw emotion that pours from every page are nothing short of extraordinary. The scene setting is so vivid and tangible that you don't just imagine the world—you are completely submerged in it. But what truly makes this book a masterpiece is how Stacey Rhoades crafts her characters. They are not just names on a page; they are living, breathing people with struggles, flaws, and triumphs that make them feel so incredibly relatable. You don’t just observe their journey; you feel exactly what they are going through in the depths of your own soul.
​
My journey with this book was a whirlwind of feelings. I laughed until my sides ached, I rolled my eyes with the characters in their moments of stubbornness, I got giddy and excited with them, and then I absolutely balled my eyes out. And to anyone who has read this book, y'all know exactly what chapter I'm talking about. My heart was broken, put back together, and then shattered again. But what truly astounded me was the connection I felt. Not only was I able to relate to the FMC's journey in such a deep and personal way, but I also found pieces of myself mirrored in the MMC as well. That is a rare and beautiful thing for an author to achieve.
​
The multi-POV structure was a masterclass in empathy. Stacey didn't just switch perspectives; she captured the unique voice and soul of each character so perfectly that it felt like an intimate peek into their innermost thoughts and feelings. It's a testament to her talent that I felt like I knew both of them inside and out.
​
This wasn't just a book Stacey Rhoades wrote; she poured her entire heart, soul, and every single emotion she has into these pages. You can feel the love, the pain, the hope, and the passion leaping off the page. This isn't just a story; it's a piece of art, a gift to her readers, and an unforgettable journey that will stay with me for a lifetime.

[MayeRee Schiess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a good feel good story!

Highlights grief, trauma, and loss as well as finding love and acceptance.

A second chance love story, and the love between Bailey and James is amazing 🤍

You won’t regret reading!

[han__elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW🫶🏼

first i want to say thank you to Stacey for letting me get ahold of this book before it’s released, it was truly such an honor to know these characters and this special town early. this book will always sit with me & be one of my favorites🥹 anyways onto the review:

you guys this book!!!! it made me feel all the emotions & that’s something that (for me) takes a 4⭐️ to a 5⭐️ Belle Harbor will always be in my heart- these characters, this town, i loved everything!!! this felt very authentic, i’ve never read a book like this one and that was very refreshing!! this is a slow burn, second chance romance, a “it’s always been you” love story about Bailey & James (and Aubrey & Jess & Gramps). this story is all about learning lessons and growing through everything that life throws at you, reminding you to “inhale & exhale” and take it one day at a time.

everything that James says… immediate **swoon** i love him and his unrelenting, unconditional love for his “beautiful Bailey”🥹:
~ “but it’s like she a magnet pulling me in. she is the sun. i am the earth, healed sky orbiting her. bailey is a flame, and i am a moth - aching to come closer.”
~”i’ve been a sojourner for 12 years and finally, at last- i’ve made it back to safety. she is the lighthouse on the shore, guiding me home.”

LIKE ARE YOU JOKING ME!?! it’s giving Kai Azer, the Poet iykyk🙂‍↕️

i loved that he came back & took Aubrey in as his own & i loved Jess, she is such a great friend to them & auntie to Aubs, and the fact that we got to see more about gramps, that touched my heart in so many ways.

i’m not joking you guys i could probably talk about this book for 6 hours straight (don’t tempt me)😩 needless to say, PLEASE read this, this will be your new favorite book, town and book besties!!! 10/10 would recommend. no notes. read this immediately (when it drops september 17th😉)

“until we’re dust, and then after” 😭❤️

[Christoph Maximus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book wrecked me in the best way possible. It is beautiful and soulful and written with the kind of emotional depth you don’t just read. You feel it. Stacey Rhoades has a gift for capturing moments and pinning them to the page with raw honesty. There were scenes that hit so deep I had tears sitting heavy in my eyes, sometimes without even realizing they were coming.

James. God. James is written with masterful precision. Loyal, devoted, stubborn in the most admirable ways. His love for Bailey is thick with conviction and it inspires something fierce in you as a reader. I can’t say much without spoiling anything, but the cliff scene. Just know… jaw dropped. Insert eyebrow wiggle.

The flashbacks were flawlessly woven in. Perfectly timed and perfectly weighted. They never broke the momentum of the story. The secondary characters were not background noise. They breathed, lived, and mattered. The story would not be the same without them. They felt integral, human, and unforgettable.

I have to talk about Aubrey. This character made me want to be a dad. Adoptive dad, found family dad, whatever form love chooses. I left this book with dad fomo. To build someone that real, that lovable, that powerful without overshadowing the main story is true talent.

Belle Harbor felt like a place I could drive to if I just kept going long enough. Warm, alive, full of love and softness and healing. I want to visit. I want to stay. I want to sit in the world Stacey created.

I cannot wait for whatever she writes next. The future of this author is bright and brilliant. I will be here for every release, every heartbreak, and every moment that feels like magic on a page.

Stacey Rhoades, I adore you.
And this book. It is a treasure.

[Lucy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I fear that my definition of an angsty book and the author's definition are vastly different. Because I started this thinking that we were going to get a slow burn, second chance that would tear my heart out while reading it. Instead, we got an almost 500 page slog of slice of life antics with a little bit of hard feelings sprinkled in. And I do mean a little bit. Our characters are telling each other that they've always loved each other at around the 25% mark and they are actively dating by the halfway point.

I liked the relationship. Don't get me wrong. They worked well together. But nothing about this was really angsty, as far as the relationship goes. Obviously there are some outside things that add some sad moments and drama, but this was such an easy going read.

Honestly, it was just too long. This had no business being 490 pages. We were getting dual timelines and every time we went back to 14 years prior to the start of the book, I wanted to pull my hair out. I didn't need the ins and outs of how they fell in love because nothing really happened until the breakup. It was just a dozen chapters of two young people dating. It had me bored to tears, especially considering that the second chance portion was basically the same thing 14 years later.

The writing is fine if you like cozy romances. I don't. I like groveling men, toxic miscommunication, and actual angst. This was fine enough but not for me.

[Her Bookish Shelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Until We’re Dust is a small town romance about grief, healing, and the power of finding love even in darkness.

Bailey and James have a love story fourteen years in the making. After many painful and heartbreaking years apart, the two find themselves thrust back together unexpectedly. Despite the hurt and wounds of the past, Bailey and James must decide if they will choose one another and find a second chance at the romance they lost all those years ago. Their relationship is real, raw, and emotional. Their story, while heartbreaking at times, will also restore your belief in love and highlights the transformative power of being truly seen by those who love you.

The secondary characters, Aubrey, Jessie, and Gramps are so lovable. All three play a pivotal role in Bailey and James’ love story and add depth, heart, and at times, levity. The author perfectly captured the beauty and strength of found family and the bonds that bring us together throughout our lives.

I can’t wait to see what else the author has in store for the magical town of Belle Harbor.

Thank you to the author for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Brilee Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Until We’re Dust is so beautifully emotional.

I lived along side James and Bailey and the wonderful found family they have around them. From the very first page, to the very last page, I was captivated. I instantly adored James for his unwavering love of Bailey. And Bailey, while rightfully guarded at first, loved him every bit as much. They were so easy to route for. Jess is the best friend everyone needs. And sweet Aubrey is the perfect balance of sass and sweet I’d expect from a seven year old.

Even when I thought the journey was over, the talented Stacey Rhodes had other ideas. Every single aspect was so perfectly written.

I experienced every emotion imaginable and may or may not have accidentally thrown my Kindle across the room at a twist I did not see coming. Stacey, you made me cry way too many times to count and when an entirely fictional story about characters you created can bring a steady stream of tears down my face, I’m all in. I can’t wait for you to release your next book so I can go back to Belle Harbor! Or better yet, can I move there?

[Ana Blessing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book speaks to loss in so many beautiful ways. Loss of love, loss of loved ones and loss of self. It also renews the idea of second chances. To overcoming the past with one inhale and exhale at a time. This book broke my heart and put it slowly back together. I cannot wait to see what Belle Harbor has in-store for me in the future.

FMC Bailey has been through the worst that life can throw at you. From absent parents to the loss of someone near and dear to her. Not to mention the love of her life. Bailey finds her strength and still manages to forge ahead one deep breath and caffeinated beverage at a time!

MMC James has tried to live up to everyone else’s expectations for his whole life. Yet, he’s only ever had the life he wanted in Belle Harbor. Is it too late for him to find his second chance? Can James figure out how to fix the mess he left behind?

Start reading! Promise you’ll enjoy this one.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet and uplifting

Until We’re Dust is a heartfelt and emotional debut that explores forgiveness, second chances, and healing. James is the kind of swoony love interest who carries regret but is determined to win back the woman he lost. The story focuses on rebuilding trust, which gave the romance a tender and emotional pull.

What stood out most for me was the way the book captured anxiety with care. It added a thoughtful and realistic layer to the main character’s journey. The overall tone of the story is very uplifting, with characters who show compassion and encouragement throughout, making it a comforting read.

For a first self-published book, it’s clear the author poured her heart into these characters, and I think readers looking for a sweet, emotional romance will really enjoy this one.

[Kathryn Cayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Until We’re Dust by Stacey Rhoades transports you to the coast, to the small yet charming town of Belle Harbor. Spend the summer checking items off bucket lists, sipping coffee and strawberry lemonade, and discovering the greatest love story.

Falling in love with every character in this book was a no brainer. Between the witty banter, multiple POVs, and charming town, it’s the kind of story that keeps you saying “just one more chapter.”

The various topics woven throughout the story take you on the best kind of emotional roller coaster. One filled with heartfelt moments, quiet reflection, laughter, and scenes that linger long after you’ve turned the final page.

I highly recommend this as your next romance read when you want to escape the reality of the world, take a trip to Belle Harbor.

[Tasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sighing and Swooning

This book…it is the kind of romance you curl up with alongside your favourite cup of coffee. Steady, soothing and full of warmth. The story carries you along like a glass of strawberry lemonade on a summer afternoon at the beach. It’s bright, sweet and easy to enjoy.

The love story is beautiful, there are moments that make you tear up, moments that make you laugh out loud and moments with everything in between.

Belle Harbor is a town I want to visit again and again. Maybe buy a little place on the beach…just sayin’

Well done Stacey. Loved it and can’t wait for the next one.

Love

Tz

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was captivated from the start, the small-town charm felt like home. This book had me feeling all the emotions. ☺️🥰🔥😭 James and Bailey's relationship is authentic, heartfelt, and emotional. Jessie’s supportive and loving nature makes her the ultimate best friend. Little Aubrey's sass is everything. ❤️❤️Belle Harbour has stolen a piece of my heart, and I'm eager to see what comes next. If you enjoy second chances, multi-POV, slow burn, he falls first, or dual timelines, this book is a must-read.❤️📖🔥

[Nancy Downing · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this to be a heartwarming journey through grief and back to love by the two key characters - who are also having to deal with their own personal, sometimes "forced" obligations.

If you're looking for a fresh new romance that's a little on the cleaner side, this book is for you! Featuring a hot, dark, and sometimes broody male main character and sweet, endearing single mom female main character this was a thoroughly engaging read for me!

[Lanthe Blackwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Until We’re Dust is a beautifully layered second-chance romance that explores love, grief, and the quiet bravery it takes to start again. The dual timeline adds depth to Bailey and James’s history, making their reconnection feel earned and emotionally grounded. Set against a vivid coastal New England backdrop, the story balances tenderness with raw honesty. A moving, character-driven read for anyone who believes some love is worth fighting for-even after everything.

[TinaMarie_Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ One of my FAVORITE reads this year!! ✨
Set on the rocky shores of New England, Until We’re Dust is a dual-timeline, second-chance romance that will break your heart and put it back together again. 💔➡️❤️

Bailey & James’ story is emotional, messy, and unforgettable. If you love small-town vibes, heartbreak, and the kind of love worth fighting for—you NEED this book.

[Rebecca Conner · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is such a sweet story

Bailey and James fell in love as teens, but when James felt forced to leave Belle Harbor, they went their separate ways. 12 years later James is back and wants to makes things right. But Bailey has experienced loss of her own, and isn’t sure she can risk her heart again. Just the sweetest love story. Perfect cosy read.

[Kristina artNerd · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very sweet story! A second chance romance with a HEA - a story about being true to yourself and not just following expectations. I would recommend this to a high school group or young adult to encourage them to see why it’s so important to follow your own heart. no spice - all plot and lessons learned ❤️❤️❤️