Rating: 4.5⭐️
Narration: 5⭐️
Spice: 2🌶
Audiobook Review: Stephen Dexter and Megan Wicks were absolutely phenomenal in this duet narration. I've heard a few books narrated by Stephen Dexter, and I love his work, so I was already thrilled about starting the audiobook. Megan Wicks was new to me, and she was brilliant. The duet narration also really made the banter between the MCs more enjoyable. I would most definitely recommend the audiobook.
Elodie Darling was confident, determined, charming, and someone who could make people believe in her vision. After losing all that was dear to her, coming back to Star Harbor and starting fresh was not an easy feat, which is what made her character stand out for me. What started as a mere recommendation turned into her taking up the responsibility of restoring Stan's farm and bringing back the magic she'd seen growing up. But it was also more than that. It was the time she needed to figure out what was next for her and also the opportunity to prove herself.
Callum Blackwood was quiet, closed off, and grumpy, preferring to live his life in solitude, focusing only on being the best dad to Levi and running the inn. He hasn't let himself dream or want more for him, but that changes when he finds himself coming up with ideas of what he would want for the future of Stan's farm if he had a say in it. He was a man of few words, but his actions were what spoke for him. His time in the military had left him jaded in many ways, but that shifts when he meets Elodie.
Although Cal did his best, it still felt like it wasn't enough when it came to his son, Levi, and the distance that had grown between them felt too permanent. However, things turned around for them, which Elodie plays a part in.
I loved the bond Elodie gradually formed with Levi. Being a teenager who felt lost, who felt like he was falling short but didn't know how to open up to his father, who was still drowning in grief, helping Elodie restore the farm gave him a purpose. It helped him open up in a way he hadn't been able to, and the two slowly formed a beautiful friendship.
Callum and Elodie start off as rivals, with both of them having very different ideas and plans for the farm. But despite the goals being different, the attraction and chemistry between them was undeniable. I loved how these two couldn't stay away from each other even with their ongoing rivalry.There were a lot of dilemmas on both ends, yes, but things eventually shifted for both of them as their feelings grew. What I also loved about their relationship is that even when they were on opposing ends, they still somehow understood what the other needed and looked out for each other. Everything came together so beautifully towards the end, and it couldn't have been better.
The banter, teasing, and back-and-forth only added to the tension growing between them in the best way. The spice in Lena's books is always top tier, and this was no exception. Callum was intense and yet so gentle, and Elodie matched him every step of the way.
I've always loved the way Lena weaves these mysteries into each series. Which is why I'm really intrigued by the mystery surrounding The Lady of the Dunes, which I think will slowly unfold throughout this series.
The side characters in this book had so much to add to the story and also made me feel like I could fall in love with a place like Star Harbor. The Darling siblings were so different from each other but yet so supportive and present for each other at all times. Callum and his friendships were wholesome and genuine. This book also had moments that made me emotional when it came to certain events that took place with certain side characters.
This is a great start to the series, and I'm super excited to read the rest of the books.
Thank you to Lena Hendrix for providing me with the ALC in exchange for an honest review.