Merren and Kellyn made a pact when they were thirteen: brothers are off-limits. It seemed like a fair deal at the time—after all, Kade didn’t even notice Merren, even if she was secretly dreaming of him every night.
Fast forward seven years, when Merren arrives early at the lakeside resort where they all work, and Kellyn’s family owns. Kellyn’s still at school for another week, but Kade’s already there, and the week they spend together without Kellyn around changes everything.
Now, Kade’s noticing her in a way he never did before, and Merren is tangled up in the very thing she swore she’d avoid. What started as a just friends dinner has turned into something deeper—something real. But there’s one problem: when Kellyn finds out, and she will find out, Merren might lose the best friend she’s ever had.
Keeping their relationship under wraps is hard enough, but when Kade’s ex shows up—someone Kellyn happens to adore—Merren feels the pressure building fast. And when Kade starts talking about forever, she realizes she can’t keep the secret much longer.
Loving Kade might mean losing the friendship that’s always been her safe place. But letting him go could break her heart.
Welcome to Sweetwater Resort, where it's always summer, the playlist is life, and you're forever twenty-one!
T. R. Hill is an Oklahoma indie-romance author. A native of Oklahoma, she lives in a small town with her husband and three children. For as long as she can remember, she has loved reading and creating stories, and now, she puts those stories into books to share with others.
You can follow her work and sign up for exclusive bonus content by joining her newsletter
I got this book for free on one of those “stuff your kindle” romance days. I was excited for the plot — getting together with your best friends’ brother, being at a summer camp resort, navigating how you’re gonna tell the bestie. I didn’t realize this was the second book in a series, but I oftentimes feel like a lot of spicy romances like this one can be read as standalones so I forged ahead anyway.
My issue with this book is that the synopsis of the book just… doesn’t match up to what goes down. The synopsis says: “. . .and the week they spend together without Kellyn around changes everything. Now, Kade’s noticing her in a way he never did before, and Merren is tangled up in the very thing she swore she’d avoid. What started as just friends dinner has turned into something deeper—something real.” The last two paragraphs are pretty true to the book: keeping their relationship secret, feeling the pressure from her bestie, etc.
So, the book starts with the two MC’s hooking up for the first time — about a month after the “week that changes everything” and the “just friends dinner.” At first I’m feeling a little lost, like okay, maybe we’re gonna see this scene first and then flashback and get to see their relationship develop. But that never happened. We literally don’t see ANY of their relationship development. We’re immediately thrown into the latter part of the synopsis — sneaking around and trying to figure out how to tell her bestie. It was pretty disappointing because I looooove the build-up, seeing the characters yearn for each other, all that jazz. Plus, this is my first time meeting these characters, so I know nothing about them and how they got together. I kept reading bc I just wanted to know what happens, and I also like the spicy scenes hehe. There are some things that happen later in the book that are obviously supposed to have an emotional impact, but it really just fell flat for me due to the fact that I have no background of these characters all. We get random tidbits of Merren’s upbringing and stories about Kade’s ex girlfriends, but that’s it.
I think this book would’ve been so much more impactful if Kade and Merren’s story actually started when she arrives at the resort. It feels like the author was eager to get to the good stuff, which I totally understand, but then just never went back to write the build-up. The writing is decent, the spicy scenes are good, but other than that this book wasn’t really giving what I wanted it to give/what I thought it would give based on the synopsis.
📚✨ ARC REVIEW ✨📚 Check Yes, Juliet by T.R. Hill ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 (3.5/5 stars)
Thank you to T.R. Hill for providing a free ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Merren has crushed on her best friend’s older brother, Kade, for as long as she can remember—but he never noticed her… until now.
When Merren returns to work at the lakeside resort Kade’s family owns, sparks fly. Their secret summer romance quickly heats up, but with Merren terrified of losing her best friend if the truth comes out, it’s only a matter of time before the secret gets too big to hide.
This book has one of my all-time favorite tropes: the reformed playboy. Kade was in a serious relationship through the end of high school/start of college, but since ending things with his ex, it has been a string of casual hookups... until Merren. Who doesn't want to be the good girl who gets the handsome sex god to change his ways? His experience and vocality in bed was crazy sexy- talk about a dirty talking king. And the way he is so open about his feelings for Merren? I was swooning the entire time I was reading.
I also loved the summer resort setting. It felt like summer camp, an experience I missed out on growing up and now pine for as an adult. The Redneck Olympics had me cracking up, and I loved the camaraderie among the staff. I want to play Never Have I Ever around a bonfire!
While I struggled with Merren’s hesitation to tell her BFF (it was far too drawn out for my liking), and Kellyn came across as a complete brat without the context of book one, the romance and small-town summer atmosphere made this a fun, ultra-spicy read.
Second in T.R. Hills Sweetwater Resort 'Check Yes, Juliet' brings into a summer full of fun. Between beach days at the surf shack and fun in the main lobby. You get the full picture of what Sweetwater Resort offers. After the secrecy of the relationship in the first book, things keep staying a secret, but this time, it is between Kellyn's best friend, Merren, and her brother Kade. Merren thought for sure her 'No dating the brothers promise' would never be broken, but Kade, with the golden retriever book boyfriend charm. Takes notice to the woman she has become. He falls fast and knows what he wants. Their relationship is sweet and spicy from the moment they cross the line. I loved every step they took in this book. I was only a little frustrated with Kellyn for not even trying to be happy and understand her friend for loving brother. Kellyn can be so stubborn. if you have not read the first one, you still definitely find that out in this one. There is wavering confidence in Merren, but there is always Kade to come to the rescue with his wise,sweet, understanding words. They work so well together. I could have finished this book in less time than I did, but life gets a little in the way. I can not wait for the 3rd in the series and hope I can continue being on this wonderful ARC team.
💕 T.R. Hill, you are amazing and bring out all the nostalgia in your books (20 in 2009).💕
Maybe I've read too many books with a third act break up and I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop and it didn't and I was glad because this was a great HEA. Kade is literally the book boyfriend. He's hot, he's only got eyes for her, puts her first, and he knows what he wants and goes after it. It was a quick & fun read, I loved all the 2009 throwback references. As someone who was in their 20's in 2009, I appreciated it all. Literally was singing
Check yes Juliet, Are you with me? Rain is falling down on the sidewalk I won't go until you come outside
more than was necessary.
I haven't read the first book, but I think that I had all the information I needed without having to read it, so it can be a standalone. I DO want to see what happens with Dane and Sadie though so I will be looking for book 3, and will read book 1 because I want to know more about Kellyn and Vinny!
The tropes: - Best friend’s brother - Spicy summer romance (open door) - He’s off limits / secret relationship - Reformed playboy + Girl next door - 2000s nostalgia + flirty heat - Workplace romance (lakeside resort)
I loved the setting, it just had the right vibes. It felt more like reading a memory at points which helped drive the story along. I enjoyed the dual POV, and that it didn't lapse on itself the way some dual POV's do.
Honest ARC Review Time! Check Yes, Juliet | by T.R. Hill @author.trhill
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 4.5/5 🌶🌶🌶/5
Y'all, this was the perfect way to end summer. I sped through this sweet little number (lol, for me at least with a toddler and full-time work) in only a few days.
It was fun, it was entertaining, it was hot...and the nostalgia. Whewf. I may have only been 8 when this story takes place but I still feel it.
Sweetwater Resort sounds totally fun and idyllic, with all kinds of activities, and honestly I wanted to visit. I was snorting and laughing out loud. The side characters are fully formed and were a lot of laughs.
LOVE that there's no third act break up. This story was unique in that it opened with the MCs getting together and the main conflict wasn't really between the two of them. I admire that so so much and it was honestly refreshing!
The only thing that didn't quite hit for me was the antagonist's apology/make up. After being super awful for 80% of the book...y'all, I don't think she quite made up for it. But then again, maybe I don't know her well enough because I haven't read Book 1 yet!
Best of luck to Dane in Book 3! I hope to be there for his story too!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book was a great way to end summer. Merren and Kade were perfect. It was hot and spicy, and Kade treated Merren like she was the only important thing in the world.
Mini Kellyn rant: Kellyn drove me crazy the whole time, and I loved Merren and Kade showing her that she was wrong about them. I mean, she made me mad in the first book at points, but it was constant in this one (which was kind of the point. She was supposed to be the main conflict for Mer and Kade. So, really, her making me mad was still perfect😂). I feel like she has a lot more sucking up to do for me to forgive her for the way she treated her best friend!
I loved this book, and I am really curious about how it left off; I am excited to see Dane in the next book. I think he deserves his happy ending!
Tropes: ✨️ Best friend's brother ✨️ Secret relationship ✨️ Spicy summer romance ✨️ Rom-com ✨️ Reformed playboy ✨️ Early 2000s
Thank you to the author for letting me ARC read this book. I love the Sweetwater world🫶🏻
Check Yes, Juliet is the second book in the Sweetwater Resort series, and it's focus on Merren and Kade. I was so excited and glad that I got the ARC for this book because I liked the first book, Dirty Little Secret!
When Merren and Kellyn where thirteen, they made a pact about brothers beingoff limit- even that Merren's all time crush was Kellyn's brother, Kade.
Years passed by, and Kade finally notice Merren, and they decide to go for it!
At first It was a little struggle for me, as there was a lot going on with Kellyn that put aside Merren and Kade, but I was glad when Merren finally finding her voice to stand up to her. Kade gives such a golden retriever vibes <3 There was a bit more spicy than plot for my taste, but It was good read!
If you like: -Best Friend's brother -Spicy Summer Romance -He's off limits / secret relationship -Reformed playboy + Girl next door -2000s nostalgia = Flirty heat -Workplace romance This book is for you! Mark your calendar, as this book is release on Sept 9,2025!!
Thank you @author.trhill for the opportunity of reading arc in exchange for my honest review. Can't wait for Dane and Sadie on book 3 !!!
Even if you aren’t a millennial like me… you NEED to read TR Hill’s second book in the Sweetwater Resort series, Check Yes, Juliet. Be ready to be transported back to 2009 (ah like the same time I’d be around the age of some of the characters.. yes I’m old ha), into a family summer camp where the staff are all young adults who just want to have fun and embrace the recklessness of being wild and free. Camp fires, drinking games and chances are everyone’s been in each others bed at some point. ;)
Only THIS time it’s Merren and her BEST FRIEND’S BROTHER who she swore to never fall for (but come on … it’s Kade 😍). Will Kells find out? How will she react? Guess you’ll have to read and find out. Trust me you will want to! 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book is such a feel-good read—it gave me all the 2009 vibes! The author paints the scenery so vividly that you can picture every moment. From the golf cart rides to the cinema scenes. It’s filled with sweet “aww” moments, a few “oh wow” surprises, and one massive jaw-drop twist.
The heart of the story lies in a childhood promise: never fall in love with your best friend’s brother. But what happens when you’ve secretly loved him your whole life?
If you’re looking for a quick, playful read with dual POVs, spice, workplace romance, girl-next-door charm, off-limits tension, a secret summer fling, and that nostalgic early-2000s vibe—this book is it.
Marren has liked Kade since they were kids and now Kade is looking at her like an adult, not his little sister’s best friend. The heat between them ignites and they have an unforgettable summer.
I loved the first one, but this one didn’t do it for me. There was not enough of their past looped in to see why she had liked him since they were kids other than he was her best friend’s older brother. There is A LOT of spice, which is what you would expect from counselors at a summer camp, so that didn't bother me. There is angst from her best friend and that was pretty much expected.
If you are looking for a good beach read, this is the one for you. I will read the next one, I just think this particular one wasn’t for me. 3/5⭐️ 5/5 🌶️
Merren always had a crush on Kade, but she and her best friend Kellyn made a pact that brothers are off-limits.
One summer, Merren arrives early to her job at the lakeside resort that Kellyn and Kade’s family owns. Kellyn isn’t done with classes yet, but Kade is there. This is the first time they ever spent time alone together and it changes things, especially for Kade.
Kade’s feelings start to show towards Merren and they decide to keep whatever is going on between them.
Check Yes, Juliet is a great summer romance read about love and friendship. I adore the relationship that Merren and Kellyn have and I love how everyone handles the new relationship between Merren and Kade.
Check Yes, Juliet by T.R. Hill is a fast-paced, small-town romance filled with swoony moments and plenty of spice. I loved how quickly the story hooked me, the chemistry between the main characters was undeniable, and the banter kept me turning the pages.
What didn’t quite work for me was how much influence Kellyn had over everything. Her decision to completely cut off her best friend for falling for Kade felt a little too extreme, and it added drama that didn’t always feel necessary.
Still, this was such a fun, steamy read, and I’ll definitely be picking up more from T.R. Hill in the future. Perfect if you’re in the mood for small-town charm with a spicy kick!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This one was a bit of a struggle for me. While the spice wasn’t necessarily higher, there was a lot more of it, and it often felt like it overshadowed the actual story. Some of the choices Merren and Kade made didn’t feel believable, which made it hard for me to connect with them. That said, it was an entertaining, quick read- just not my favorite of hers. I’m curious to see where the next book takes us!
Perfect for those who like: Dual POV Best friends brother Spicy summer romance He’s off limits Secret relationship 2000s nostalgia Flirty heat Workplace romance
Kade and Merren....I loved their story! Merren is best friends with Kellyn and made a promise to never date Kellyn's brother Kade. That promise only became hard to keep when Kade started to notice Merren and pursue her. I loved the forbidden romance aspect of this book! The spice was SPICY and I loved it. There were some twists I didn't see coming. I've really been enjoying this series and I can't wait for what's coming next! Tropes: Best friend's brother Forbidden romance Secret romance Summer camp vibes
3.5 ⭐️ If diving back into 2009, returning to summer vacation / camp all while following a best friend’s brother romance sounds enticing, check this out! This is book two in an interconnected series, but can be read as a standalone. If you’re like me though, catch up on book one AND follow the author for bonus prequels to enjoy every moment leading up to this. Perfect book length and I’m looking forward to the third installment!
Thanks to T.R. Hill for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Released today on Kindle Unlimited or for purchase!
I received an ARC. I loved this book! At the end of book 1, I was so excited to see how Kade and Merren's story played out. I did find this book spicier than book 1- but that's not a bad thing! This book pulled in me in and I finished it in less than 48 hours! There is conflict- enough to keep your on your toes, but not enough to be unbearable or make you want to quit reading. You have to keep going to find out what happens! Can't wait for book 3!!
Bring on the spice! T. R. Hill did it again with a knockout spicy summer romance! If you like fast paced, spice filled novels- grab yourself a copy of Check Yes, Juliet!
I loved Merren and Kade’s dynamic both as individuals and a couple. This story is a fast burn, best friend’s brother romance that will have you hooked from the get go.
I have truly enjoyed the entire Sweetwater series so far! Thank you T. R. Hill for the opportunity to read these advanced copies
Such a cute quick read! Best friend brother, workplace, forced proximity! What happens when you go back on a pact you made to your best friend, as teens, to never date brothers? You will have to read to find out! I loved this cute romance book so much I read it in 1 day!
This book was just all around amazing I loved every minute of it the plot was incredible and the characters were fantastic , the perfect book to end off the summer season with this enemies to lovers and some spicy banter is amazing. chefs kiss 💋
This was definitely a quick read! Could’ve finished in one sitting but kids lol umm the story is cute but the ending kinda was disappointing! I was expecting more but I was left wanting! Hopefully the next book is better….
✅Thank you @author.trhill for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
My thoughts: What a fun read! Merren and Kellyn decided brothers were off-limits…a decision made when they were thirteen years old. But, what happens when you get older and this seems like the worst pact you could ever had made? Merren has a tough decision to make….stay true to the pact she made with her best friend or, see where things go with Kade?
💜Workplace Romance 🤍Duel POV 🩷Spicy 💛Girl Next Door 💚Chemistry 💙Secret Relationship 🤎Best Friend’s Brother
Check Yes, Juliet was a fun, fast read. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. #shortbookthyme @shortbookthyme
I absolutely adored the Sweetwater Resort series. This was an amazing second installment.
I truly enjoyed Merren and Kade's relationship -- how conflicted Merren feels about going behind Kell's back but finally finding her voice to stand up to her and how Kade is desperate to prove his love to her. how this time is different from all of his other flings.
only thing I didn't really care for was how childish Kell was about the whole thing. I understand that her and Merren made a pact when they were younger and how much of a control freak she is, but I would have liked to see her trying to be a little more understanding.
overall, great read and I can't wait to read more in this series!
Omg, where to start? This book was such a fun, cute and relaxing read! The kind of read that once it ends you have to sit and hug the book just to keep it with you for a while longer. The characters were charming, the sugar and spice were impeccable and the HEA left me swooning!
Check Yes, Juliet is the second book in the Sweetwater Resort series. I was so excited for this book because I knew it would be a juicy story while I was reading the first book, Dirty Little Secret! Kellyn and Merren have been best friends since they were girls and they made a pact, no dating Kade, Kellyns older brother. Mercenary has always secretly had a crush on Kade, but he has only ever seen her as his little sisters friend. That all changes one summer and Merren has to decide if she wants to go for it with her life long crush or stay true to the pact with her best friend. The chemistry between Merren and Kade was phenomenal! Kade was such a golden retriever and I was here for it. He fell and he fell hard! I was so happy to be back at Sweetwater Resort and can't wait for Dane and Sadie!!!