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Lost Stars

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Sometimes love transcends time…

Travis

One summer was all we had, but it was enough to know she was the only one for me.


Then an IED changed the course of my life and everything we’d planned came to a screeching halt.


I chose to let her go…because she deserved better than what I had to give.


I prayed every day that Amelia was living her life to the fullest, our time together nothing but a sweet memory.


Only a twist of fate puts her right in front of me, convincing her this is a sign that we’re meant to be together.


That this could be our second chance.


My real fear?


I might break our hearts all over again.


Amelia


It’s been nine long years since we first met, fell in love, and planned our life together—only it never came to be.


He vanished, leaving me confused and broken-hearted.


Needing a break from my restless life, I take a cross-country trip to visit my friend.


Imagine my surprise when I come face-to-face with the man I’ve been searching for.


Now all of my questions have been answered.


He’s certain that he’s broken beyond repair, but he’s not giving himself enough credit.


The man I adored all those years ago is still there and I am going to prove to him that he’s worthy of love.


I have my work cut out for me, but I’m determined to see this through.


Our love is worth fighting for.

291 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 5, 2025

5 people are currently reading
26 people want to read

About the author

Tracy McJames

3 books70 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
Profile Image for ❅ Karen ❅.
283 reviews94 followers
November 17, 2025
This book seriously broke my heart. There was so much going on and the depth of emotions truly kept me turning the page. Tracy never disappoints with the characters
You follow Travis, an injured soldier and Amelia, a teacher. They meet again after many years of heartbreak. The journey they went through in those first weeks was a rollercoaster. Amelia had the motivation he needed and he was the control she lacked. But they knew how to rekindle.. that's for sure 🤭

🌶️🌶️/5
Profile Image for Stephs.bookshelf09.
401 reviews5 followers
September 17, 2025
This story is Travis and Amelia’s story and I’m just going to say this right now. I have legit been in love with Travis a sentence book one of this series. Travis stole my heart from the beginning we’ve known from the get-go that this man is a wounded soldier and has a very rough past and trying to just live back in society. He of course, has his story of how he comes to live in starboard Beach and how he makes these connections with this group of friends who are just incredible and amazing for him.

The crazy part of this story is that Travis and Amelia actually have kind of a unique past which you find out in their story. This is a second chance and it is a two souls reconnecting, finding their way, and no matter the pain and heartache and hurdles they’ve had to overcome the fact that they are able to overcome them together is just breathtaking.

There were so many times in this book that I was feeling all the emotions. Tracy does a phenomenal job at writing their story and making you feel like you are literally living with Travis and Amelia’s lives inside their heads. Now that doesn’t go without saying I legit wanted to beat Travis on so many occasions. You are getting his internal thoughts in the story and understanding him, was huge and necessary, but it was also hard. That internal struggle is real and brutal and we are not always the kindness to our selves. Hard is probably not even the right word it was just difficult. Travis has legit been broken down and had to rebuild himself back up and his pieces are not all there. If you truly understand the mind of a soldier, especially after going through things like he’s gone through, it’s just a reality and so watching him have to find his new norm and his new him is hard and struggling, but beautiful, and I could not have had it any other way. Tracy truly spoke his true heart and gave us Travis‘s story in the best way possible without losing who he was and where he was going.

Now Amelia has all of her own situations and ends up in town for certain reasons and the way that her and Travis are able to come together and how she is able to overcome some of her past trauma is extremely growing of her character and is a nod to Tracy on how well she could write Amelia and bring her full growth as a character.

I do have to say that this is probably my favorite book in the series and I will forever hold this book in a special place in my heart. I cannot get enough of these two characters and watching them grow and change and become who they are meant to be in the end was just magnificent.
Profile Image for Leah Pretty Pistolz.
181 reviews10 followers
December 7, 2025
My Rating:
4.5⭐️ 2🌶️

Tropes:
💌 Second-chance romance
🌊 Small-town coastal setting
❤️ Healing + emotional rebuilding
✨ Shared history / unfinished business
🫶 Found family vibes

My Review

Lost Stars was exactly the emotional, small-town escape I wanted, and the characters are what made this book feel so special. 🌊✨

The FMC Amelia instantly pulled me in. She’s warm and bright, the kind of woman who tries to hold everything together even when she’s hurting. I loved how soft she is under all that strength, and how deeply she feels things even when she pretends she doesn’t. ☀️💛

The MMC Travis is her perfect opposite — quiet, introspective, still carrying the weight of their past. There’s this ache to him that makes you want to reach through the pages and shake him and hug him at the same time. His return to Starboard Beach felt so raw and honest. 🌙❤️‍🩹

And when these two collide again? Their chemistry is undeniable. It’s that kind of slow-building, heavy-with-history connection where every look means something and every conversation feels like it’s balancing between love and heartbreak. 😮‍💨💫

Tracy McJames did an amazing job showing how these characters grow not just together but individually. Their journey isn’t rushed — it’s tender, messy, and full of those little moments that make you root for them with your whole heart.

Overall, Lost Stars is heartfelt, romantic, and full of coastal charm. A gorgeous addition to the series. 🌟💙📚
Profile Image for Ana.
502 reviews5 followers
November 18, 2025
Listen to me, I have found my new favorite romance series. And more when I know the couples in each one not only have special stories behind them, but also we get to see that their romance was already written in the stars above.

And this one was no exception. Travis and Amelia where meant to be togehter long long ago but life got in the way. After all that time apart, they get a second chance and boy do they get the story we all hope for. Travis is still recovering from the accident he had and that left a mark in his life that makes him feel less of the man he always was. Amelia comes to visit, and comes face to face with the man she stayed waiting for. Absolutely love this story, love this couple (one of my favorite of the bunch), the found family they all have found with each other. Can we talk about the cover? Stunning! I have definitely found my new fave which I will probably reread soon♥︎
Profile Image for Melissa Price.
9 reviews
December 5, 2025
Every once in a while, a book comes along that completely wraps itself around your heart—and this one did that for me in the gentlest, most unexpected way. Travis and Amelia’s story felt like stepping back into a world I already loved, only to find it richer, deeper, and more beautiful than before.

I’ve adored Travis from the very first book, but this story made me fall for him in an entirely new way. We’ve always known he carried scars—some visible, many not—and watching him try to rebuild a life after everything he’s lived through was both heartbreaking and profoundly moving. His journey is messy, raw, and painfully honest. Being inside his head was not always easy, but it was necessary. His thoughts are jagged, complicated, and painfully human, and Tracy gives us a version of him that feels so real you almost forget he’s fictional. There’s something incredibly special about seeing a broken man learn to believe in himself again.

Then there’s Amelia—fiery, determined, and carrying her own weight of hurt. The way her past brings her to Starboard Beach, and the way she finds the strength to face it, made me love her so much. Her growth is beautifully written. She doesn’t just show up in Travis’s life; she becomes a mirror, a light, and a reminder of the future he once thought he didn’t deserve.

Their second chance isn’t neat or easy. It’s two souls who once fit perfectly trying to find their way back through grief, regret, and the years that slipped away. Their past connection—hinted at long before this book—unfolds in such a satisfying, emotional way. I loved how their history becomes the key to their healing, even when the truth hurts.

Tracy balances the heavier moments with humor and warmth so naturally that the story never feels weighed down. The banter, the quiet tenderness, the cameos from characters we already adore—each one adds something special without taking focus away from Travis and Amelia. And yes, Gus absolutely steals the spotlight more than once.

What struck me most, though, was the way Travis slowly, painfully opens up. Watching him take those shaky steps toward rebuilding himself—for Amelia, but also for himself—felt like witnessing someone relearn how to breathe. And Amelia’s unwavering belief in him? That’s the kind of love that stays with you.

I’ve enjoyed every book in this series, but this one carved out its own little corner in my heart. It’s tender, emotional, and filled with the kind of quiet magic that lingers long after the final chapter.

If you love second chances, slow healing, and characters who feel achingly real, this story will absolutely sweep you away. Travis and Amelia’s journey is proof that sometimes, even after years of silence and pain, love has a way of finding its way home again. LOEVED Being an ARC Reader for this book
Profile Image for Nia.
5 reviews
December 6, 2025
📚 Lost Stars

🤩 If you love:

🔹 Second-Chance Romance
🔹 Disability / Injured Vet Rep
🔹 Strong FMC
🔹 Close-knit community vibes
🔹 Wounded MMC who loves animals

THEN THIS IS FOR YOU…

Meet Amelia. She fell in love with Ethan when they were both just 18—they were soulmates, but the timing was all wrong. At the end of the summer, they part ways and agree to meet again four years later to start their life together… but what happens when he never shows?

Nine years apart. Nine years reliving the past… and suddenly you find the love of your life in a cozy seaside village. This is Amelia and Ethan’s story—how two lost stars found their way back to each other.



Characters

Amelia:
I really liked our FMC! She was strong yet vulnerable, loving yet fierce.

Ethan Travis:
I didn’t think it was possible to still like an MMC after what he put our FMC through in the beginning. The fact that his choices came from selflessness and not selfishness made me like him even more, giving us great insight into his character without overdoing the “nice guy” act. Bravo!


⚠️ SPOILERS ⚠️

Plot / Storyline / Pace

The pacing was good! I’m glad the author didn’t make us wait until the middle of the book for the two characters to reunite. Once they were back together, the story kept a good rhythm and dove straight into the other conflict—Amelia’s medical mystery.

⚠️ SPOILERS ⚠️



Themes / Relatability

I thought the theme was sweet, and I liked that it was an unconventional second-chance story. They didn’t break up because of cheating or a common trope—instead, we got a very real and relatable reason.

As for Travis never having another relationship, I found it believable considering everything he went through. On the contrary, I did find Amelia never having another relationship during their time apart a bit harder to believe—but it still works.



Writing Style / Feelings

The writing style is modern, with good descriptions and natural dialogue and banter between Travis and Amelia. It really felt like they jumped right back into their relationship as soon as they met again. I liked how Travis was described, and I felt for him and his struggles adjusting to life after his accident. As for Amelia, I liked how she was portrayed and could relate to how broken she was from their relationship—so much so that she almost put her life on hold until she saw him again.



Book Details

Genre/Type: Second Chance, Special Ed Teacher / Retired Vet
APK: Kindle
Pages: 291
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️ / 5
Series or Standalone: Can be read as a standalone, but best enjoyed in order
Tropes/Themes: Second Chance
Triggers: ⚠️ Mentions of injury during military service
93 reviews
November 22, 2025
ARC review

Fate gives Travis and Amelia a second chance to rekindle their love. It's a no brainer for Amelia but Travis has deeper wounds as he struggles to come to terms with what happened to him while serving his country. How they navigate this in a rollercoaster of a journey and find their happily ever after is what this book is about.

I liked how there was an Easter egg in one of the previous books which was later used here to establish the connection between the two main characters. It was a bit predictable for me but I liked how the connection was made.

The story itself was written very well blending the characters of Amelia with all the fiestiness and of Travis often unsuccessfully fighting to keep his guard up. This is one of those times when having a dual POV is important as both the characters were going through similar feelings but in very different ways.

While the subject was mostly emotionally heavy, it was interspersed with a lot of light hearted moments and banter which helped with the flow.

It was so gratifying to see how Travis breaks out of his shell, and rebuilds himself for the love of his life and himself; and Amelia making him realise that their love is stronger than all his demons. A strong suit of this story was the way the Travis's character was written. I was convinced that if anyone deserves a happily ever after, it's Travis.

However, I didn't quite feel the intense yearning and chemistry I felt in the last two stories. Of course there was romance and there was attraction but I couldn't see the whole "I must have you or I'll die" thing that Alex and Jax had going on in their respective stories. But I could be nitpicking with the standards that were set by the author with the previous stories.

As I've already talked about in my review of book 2, the MCs from the previous books showing up always adds to the story without stalling it at any point. I love continuing to get a peak into Aly and Jax's life, and Alex's cameos are the best.

Also, Travis's dog Gus is the star of the show. End of discussion. 😌

This is a closed door romance, little spice but not a lot. This could be read as a standalone but I highly recommend reading the first two books as well, solely for the fact that the more you read about the people in this universe, the more heartwarming every small thing becomes. This one as such is a very heartening story. 3.5/5 read!

Can't wait to read Carter and Michelle's story next! 🤩
Profile Image for Laura.
363 reviews12 followers
December 4, 2025
✨ Second Chance Romance
✨ Wounded Warrior MMC
✨ Feisty FMC
✨ Forced Proximity
✨ One Bed
✨ Banter
✨ Found Family
✨ Slow Burn
✨ No Third Act Breakup
🌶️🌶️

I’ve been 𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 for Travis’s story since book one, and oh my heart did 𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬 deliver! Finally stepping inside his mind and getting a front-row seat to the tangle of loss, grief, loyalty, and longing he’s been carrying? 𝘌𝘝𝘌𝘙𝘠𝘛𝘏𝘐𝘕𝘎. Tracy McJames crafted his journey with such tenderness and grit that I felt every beat of it.

And Amelia? Oh my 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥, I adore this absolute spitfire of a woman. She’s hilarious, warm, kind, and refuses to shrink herself even when faced with Travis’s walls. Their second chance romance is beautifully heartfelt - full of ache, hope, and the kind of stubborn devotion that makes you root for them with your whole chest. The way she fought for them, even when he pushed back, was exactly what he needed and exactly what I wanted for him.

Their story hurts, but does it ever heal. Watching Travis shed old wounds and choose to open himself again was everything I’d hoped for him since book one.

And the 3rd East Crew? Their instant embrace of Amelia was absolute perfection. The found family vibes are unmatched. The banter is sharp, the humor is flawless, and honestly … I couldn't get enough of Amelia naming animals 😂.

Starboard Beach feels like the kind of place you want to run away to - a community of messy, loyal, hilarious people who love each other fiercely. I truly wish I lived among this fantastic crew.

Lost Stars is heartfelt, healing, funny, and full of love. A standout in the series and a beautiful payoff for readers who’ve been waiting for Travis to find his way to love again.

Special thanks to the author for the gifted copy 💖
Profile Image for Amanda Burkhardt.
39 reviews1 follower
December 5, 2025
Lost Stars by Tracy McJames is an emotional, beautifully written second-chance romance that proves sometimes love really does transcend time. From the first page, Travis and Amelia’s story grips your heart and doesn’t let go.

Told through dual POV, the book captures the raw vulnerability of two people whose lives were torn apart by tragedy. Travis’s chapters are heartbreaking in the best way—his honesty, his guilt, and his belief that walking away was the only way to protect Amelia make him an unforgettable hero. His inner battle is deeply human, shaped by the IED that stole the future he once imagined.

Amelia, on the other hand, shines with resilience and unwavering hope. After nine years of unanswered questions, she finally comes face-to-face with the man who shattered her heart. Instead of retreating, she finds the courage to fight for the love she always believed in. Her determination to show Travis that he is still worthy—still whole—creates some of the most powerful moments in the book.

Their reunion is beautifully messy, emotional, and full of the tension that only long-lost lovers can ignite. McJames takes her time rebuilding their connection, making every glance, every confession, every fragile moment feel earned.

This isn’t just a romance; it’s a story about healing, forgiveness, and rediscovering the pieces of yourself you thought were gone forever. The theme “sometimes love transcends time” isn’t just a tagline here—it’s the heartbeat of the entire novel.

If you love emotional second chances, military-touched heartbreak, and characters who feel like real people fighting their way back to each other, Lost Stars is the book you’ll want to curl up with—and think about long after you’ve turned the last page.
Profile Image for findingthebook.
199 reviews1 follower
November 12, 2025
Amelia has put her all in her work, it seems like her past makes her want to keep her mind occupied.She need a well deserved break. She decides to visit her best friend and enjoy amazing time with her and go sightseeing but never did she expect to see the boy that broke her heart by disappearing many years ago.
Travis has been consumed by darkness for many years, after his attacked he thought that his life was over but with his support system he learned how to cope. He knows he’ll never be worthy of happiness, especially a life with Amelia so he let her go a long time ago but she’s always been in his heart. So when he finds her in his friends house all he can do is run he can’t have her so close he can’t let himself think he can have a life with her because he is not someone she deserves because she deserves the best and all he thinks he is, is a broken man. Amelia won’t let this opportunity pass from what she’s heard of him he’s a great man so she’ll do everything she can to show him that she deserves to know him to be in his life’s and for him to see that he is worth it all. But being in the darkness for too long can make one stubborn but when stubborn meets stubborn who knows what can happened.



I fell in love. I honestly was looking at the remaining pages hoping this book would keep going on forever. Travis and Amelia will forever have a special place in my heart.
I finished this in under 24 hours, i just wanted to keep going but also make it last forever. I felt a deep connection with these two- they have earned a place on my shelf for sure 🤍
Profile Image for Lindsay Williams.
74 reviews7 followers
December 15, 2025
This is the 3rd book in the Starboard Beach Series. I absolutely loved this book! The MMC Travis “Ethan” is a wounded Navy veteran, grumpy, a home body, & does amazing woodworking. The MFC Amelia is a special education teacher, sassy, sunshine persona, & overworked.
Amelia decides to take the summer off and visit her best friend Aly is Starboard Beach. Both characters are still trying to get over a lost love. This is a 2nd chance story that was written in the stars. The banter between these two is top notch! Their chemistry is captivating! We were given a more in depth understanding of why Travis is the way he is & we learn more about a past relationship and promise to meet on New Year’s Eve. This is such a heartfelt story about the two characters. One minute you are crying & the next you are dying laughing from the hilarious banter. Tracy McJames doesn’t disappoint! I received this book as an ARC, and was asked to leave an honest review. Thank you to @tracymcjamesbooks for the opportunity.
Overall Rating- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice Rating- 🌶️🌶️/5
Banter Rating-😂😂😂😂😂/5
Favorite quote- “This view is breathtaking.” I take in a large breath of fresh mountain air. “Yeah. This is very similar to what I see every night at my house.” He stands beside me and looks up. “I don’t think I’ll ever get sick of it.” “It’s never like this where I am in Georgia. Sometimes, I think the stars get lost behind the clouds.” “Really? Like lost stars.” His comment makes me wonder if Aly also shared her theory of how she believes the two of us are destined to be together.
Profile Image for Beverley Chance.
Author 2 books
November 9, 2025
A Beautiful, Emotional Second-Chance Romance

I absolutely loved Lost Stars! As the third book in the series, it completely drew me in and kept me hooked from start to finish. Tracy McJames has such a beautiful way of writing characters that feel real, their emotions, their struggles, and their love story all felt genuine and heartfelt.

Travis and Amelia’s story touched me deeply. You can really feel the weight of their past and the hope that comes with their reunion. It’s not just about romance, but about healing, forgiveness, and finding the courage to love again after heartbreak. The author balanced the emotional moments perfectly with the sweet, tender ones that made me smile.

What I loved most was how natural their connection felt, even after all the time apart. The chemistry between them was strong, but the emotional depth made it so much more than a typical love story. It’s a reminder that sometimes love deserves a second chance, and that even after pain and loss, there can still be light.

If you’ve read the first two books in the series, you’ll love how this one continues the tone and heart of the world Tracy McJames has built. And if you’re new to the series, this book will definitely make you want to go back and read the others!

A truly beautiful, emotional read that stayed with me long after I finished it. Highly recommend to anyone who loves heartfelt romance with real emotion and hope.
Profile Image for Tiffany.
27 reviews7 followers
November 27, 2025
✨ ARC Review - Lost Stars by Tracy McJames ✨

Releases 5th December!

This is the third book in the Starboard Beach series and I will be honest, it really hit me right in the feelings 🥹 Tracy McJames truly knows how to write a heartfelt story 💖

Travis and Amelia’s second-chance romance is soft, emotional, and full of those quiet moments that sneak up on you. Travis is a wounded soldier piecing himself back together, Amelia’s dealing with her own past, and watching them reconnect felt so real and so healing. In the first 2 books, I had many unanswered questions about Travis and it was so rewarding to have some of them answered 🥰

This book is definitely more emotional than spicy and the character growth and dual POV pulled me straight in. Loved seeing the Starboard Beach crew again, obviously! And Gus the dog absolutely steals the show 🐶.

Tropes:
💫 Second chance romance
💫 Small town / returning home
💫 Wounded soldier
💫 Healing + emotional growth
💫 Dual POV
💫 Found family cameos
💫 Loyal dog sidekick 🐾

If you’re into heartfelt small-town romances about healing and finding your way back to each other, this one’s such a good read 💖

Side note: This is the 3rd book in an interconnected standalone series, so you could definitely start with this one and have no trouble working out what’s going on! Then, if you love it? I highly recommend going back and reading When Our Stars Aligned and Counting the Stars ✨
Profile Image for Bevin.
375 reviews17 followers
December 4, 2025
{3.75/5}

CW: PTSD/combat injury, mental health/anxiety and panic attacks, spice, some others

Thank you to the author for the ARC! “Lost Stars” releases December 5, 2025!

This series is always so sweet.

Amelia spent one summer with the love of her life before circumstances ripped the two apart. They promised to meet again, and he never showed up. Now, overworked and fighting with her own health, a summer trip to see an old friend on the Oregon coast seems like the perfect cure. At least until her past reappears where she least expected it.

By the time we’re three books in, I feel like it’s a pretty safe bet that y’all can assume I enjoyed this installment. The Starboard Beach series, and all of its accompanying 3rd East crew, always makes for a good time.

This one was so sweet, and the back and forth between our MCs was so funny; the dialogue between the two felt very genuine. Bonus points for a delightful number of small, fluffy animals. The overall story gives borderline cozy romance while still handling some heftier topics, which is a solid balance for me. These books always make me want to find someplace like Starboard Beach; I just feel like it would be a tiny little haven.

Note: You can read the Starboard Beach series in any order, though you’ll get spoilers for earlier books. For maximum enjoyment, I suggest publication order.
Profile Image for Sweet treats and Smutty reads.
116 reviews2 followers
September 26, 2025
Do you believe in fate and second chances? If the answer is yes, then Lost Stars is for you. This is book 3 in Tracy McJames’ Starboard Beach Series.

If you’ve followed along from the beginning, you have met both our MMC and FMC.

Travis and Amelia met when they were young. A summer romance with plans of a future. However, as the saying goes, “man makes plans, God laughs at those plans.”

Flash forward nine years, and a chance encounter reunite the two.

Amelia is a force. She is sassy and bold. She loves with her whole being and is loyal to a fault. She refuses to give up on Travis. She pushes him and reminds him of who he is on the inside.

Travis. The sweetest soul to grace book pages. I fell in love with him in When Our Stars Aligned. He has been my favorite character throughout this series. If anyone deserved an HEA it is him. Tracy does this man justice and I was giddy the entire time reading.

This may be a closed door book, but you will get all of the spicy vibes.

With tropes of second chance, forced proximity, only one bed, no third act break up, and a found family you only wish you could be a part of, this book has a little bit of everything for every reader.

I hope you all enjoy Lost Stars!
Profile Image for Rae’s Book Nook.
14 reviews
November 30, 2025
✨ARC Review✨

This book truly made me fall in love with the second chance trope.

Travis is a wounded warrior with the cutest dog, Gus.
Amelia is a special education school teacher with a no nonsense attitude. Together they made my heart skip a beat!

I loved reading the flash backs about their past and seeing how that affected the present for them both. (Travis buying land for their animal sanctuary but not being able to do it without her was my favorite!) And how they found each other again was a perfect example of fate.

Travis’s growth throughout the book was so motivating and realistic. Some of the most simple things can seem daunting to those who have been injured, especially our wounded vets. The way Amelia acknowledged his injuries but also made sure he knew she saw past them made me want to tear up.

I loved how this was wrote.

This whole book had me so invested in their relationship it felt like they could be standing beside me. I didn’t want to put it down!
The ended was truly unexpected but beautiful and just right for the two of them. It was wrapped up perfectly!

I can’t wait for Carter and Michelle’s story to come out next! This is definitely a must read! 😍
Profile Image for Farrah.
54 reviews4 followers
December 7, 2025
ARC Review

4 ⭐ 2 🌶

Sweet and Gentle, yet full of heartache and tenderness. This story truly shows how a heart can try to put another first, yet still cause the biggest heartache through unknown negligence. It shows how sometimes the biggest battles are within, even when the battlescars can be seen on the outside.

Travis truly is epitome of a second chance romance. He came back from the brink, but it changed him. He feels he isn't the same, nor good enough for the firework he left behind. And he's afraid he'll drag Amelia's life down. He made the decision for them both, after the accident.

Amelia has been burning the entire candle, forget the wick at both ends. Her life is dedicated to work, and not much else. She hasn't lived since him.... Will a summer away with friends refresh her monotony?

What happens when two lost stars collide. Can they overcome the hurt? Can he forgive himself, can she?

With a great cast of characters, this one was a fun, light spice read with good humor and a fun easy plot. I look forward to going back to catch up on the previous couples, and seeing what happens in the future!

Thanks to Tracy for the opportunity for this one!
868 reviews12 followers
November 30, 2025
Travis and Amelia

In a way, I felt embarrassed for Amelia. She was ghosted by him years earlier. He had a reason, I don’t fully agree with it, but I semi-understand it.
Now, she’s come across him again, and she’s trying to get to know him.
She’s pursuing him, he’s pushing back, and she just keeps going.
I wanted anger. True anger. Not just a sentence shouted, then being all understanding. What he did damaged her. It was brutal in the fact that he just left her hanging, and went on and lived his life.
He acted like an a-z for a good portion of the book. Anyone would think that she was the one who ghosted him.

This story had so much heartbreak. So many twists and turns, but it was also heartwarming. The friendships that were formed, the family that was built and I adored the relationship that they had in the end. While I was angry at Travis, the idea that other stars had to align first was such a good idea… I loved it.

Thanks Tracy, for the opportunity to read in advance.
Profile Image for Caitlyn.
107 reviews
December 5, 2025
I love this series so much, and they continually get better with each new release!

We get to know Travis throughout the first two books, and he is so strong but he also likes his reclusive lifestyle, only hanging out with his friends when necessary. Enter Amelia who is a ball of fire rolled in sunshine! Did I mention they knew each other nine years ago?! When they first see each other again, feelings are confused. Neither of them ever thought that they would see each other again, but lost stars always find each other 💜

This story follows the two of them rekindling their relationship, making memories and realizing that your true love never really disappears.

While this is the third book in the series, and can probably be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the first two books as well! All of the characters make cameos throughout, and there is history mentioned that will just make more sense if you are in the loop.

You will love Lost Stars if you love
💜 Wounded Warrior MMC
🐶 Strong & Sassy FMC
💜 Second Chance Romance
🐶 Found Family
💜 Forced Proximity
Profile Image for El Johnson.
89 reviews3 followers
December 31, 2025
I absolutely loved this book. Travis and Amelia have my whole heart! Lost Stars was such a fantastic edition to this set of standalone rom-com novels. Every book has me falling more deeply in love with the characters of Starboard Beach.
Learning more about Travis was absolutely wonderful and devastating in every way. As someone who has had there fair share of change and devastation, his story is incredibly relateable and pulled on every single one of my heartstrings. Amelia is fiery and fierce, and I loved her sassy and sarcastic personality.
Not only did this book have my heart melting with adoration but it also had me giggling and kicking my feet the whole time. The comedy in this book was not lacking and I am pretty sure the majority of my highlighted quotes were moments that had my stomach hurting with laughter.
This series is one I know I will want to read again and again. They are so feel good and leave me feeling all warm and fuzzy as I turn the last page. I can't wait to see what comes next!
Profile Image for Shivany.
225 reviews6 followers
December 5, 2025
How could I not give it 5 stars?

This book was an emotional journey for me. I know what it feels like when someone disappears without a word, and reading this felt both comforting and refreshing. I could feel every emotion the characters went through, and I loved every bit of it.

Travis is Jax’s friend from book one, and Amelia’s ex-boyfriend. He disappears without any explanation, hoping Amelia will move on and find someone who deserves her.
Amelia, a teacher who works with specially-abled children, is compassionate, emotional, and fiery—still trying, but unable, to forget her first love.

Years later, when they cross paths again, everything becomes a beautiful, heartbreaking mess. What follows is a journey that unfolds with so much heart.

It’s emotional, it’s funny, and you’ll enjoy every second of it.
If you want a romcom with the sweetest emotional backstory, this one is for you.

Tropes:
-Wounded warrior MMC
-Sassy FMC
-Second chance
-Found family
-Forced proximity
-Slow burn
Profile Image for Aida Rivero.
92 reviews5 followers
November 18, 2025
Lost Stars
By Tracy McJames

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

In Lost Stars, the third novel in the "Starboard Beach Series," Tracy McJames delivers a second chance closed door romance that captivates and enlightens. The narrative centers on the dynamic between Amelia, a Fiesty MFC, and Travis, a military veteran whose "wounded warrior" status presents both physical and mental hurdles. While their witty banter and deep connection provide the classic romance elements, the book's true strength lies in its nuanced exploration of a veteran's post-combat struggles.

McJames's portrayal of the tight-knit Starboard Beach community adds significant warmth and depth, providing a comforting backdrop to a story about healing, community, and the profound resilience required to fight for love. McJames reminded me why it is that I love to read.

10/10 Would recommend to family and friends.
Profile Image for Tiffany L Thompson.
221 reviews4 followers
November 18, 2025
This series has my whole heart!! I absolutely LOVE all of characters and I love that the stories are so intertwined in a beautiful way. This one features Travis and Amelia and it's an incredible story. Travis is a veteran who experienced the worst kind of trauma. It left him with deep emotional and physical scars and he does not feel like he is worthy of any kind of love or happy future with someone. Amelia is his long lost love who has been longing for a life with him. They meet again by pure luck of their stars returning to each other and the shock is real! It is not just a "second chance let's do this" kind of things. They both had to work hard to learn about each other again and figure out how to be together after so much trauma. Their love for each other and their friends was beautiful to see and I loved the life that they built together. Truly magical!
Profile Image for Kaylene Ledger.
146 reviews13 followers
December 6, 2025
Wow! Wow! Wow! 🌟

An absolutely beautiful story of second chances and lasting love!!!

When Travis and Amelia met, they fell in love, but soon realised their lives were heading in separate directions. They make a pact to meet up again, but only one of them shows up. Fast forward years later and their paths cross again. So much has happened in the years apart, but there is still so much love between these two.

I am honoured to have been an ARC reader for Tracy since book 1 and I’m so grateful that I get to keep reading this incredible series! 💕

Some of my favourite, no context quotes:
🩷 “I think you’re a Category 5 hurricane of glitter and chaos”

💜 “No it’s a Pumpkin Spiced North Cascadian Mountain Lion. They’re very rare in this neck of the woods”

🩷 “My limbs feel kind of noodley right now - the cooked kind, not the stiff stuff in a box”

💜 “No question in my mind, this woman is all I ever wanted. She makes me complete”
250 reviews5 followers
December 16, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️

I fell head over heels for Travis and Amelia from the very first page. Lost Stars is a heartfelt story of forgiveness, second chances, and the irresistible pull of best friends-to-lovers.

Travis and Amelia share a complicated past, and after nine years apart, fate brings them back together. What I loved most was how Tracy McJames didn’t rush their reunion—she gave these characters the time and space to rediscover each other, making their journey feel authentic and deeply emotional. At one point, I worried Amelia wasn’t giving Travis the breathing room he needed, but by the end, I was completely swept away by their story.

This book is tender, romantic, and beautifully written. If you haven’t started the Starboard Beach series yet, I highly recommend beginning at the start—you’ll want to savor every moment of this seaside world.
Profile Image for Kyler Saesee.
37 reviews
September 19, 2025


Where to begin??? First of all i would like to thank Tracy for the ARC! I dont know that my heart could wait for Travis’s story❤️

This book was amazing! Travis deserves the best and who better for him than Amelia!

Their love story is an epic second chance romance whereas stated in the title the stars were lost, but you’ll have to read to find out how they reconnect.

The starboard friends are a top tier friend group and i love each and every one of them.

The banter between Amelia and Travis was so funny, the sarcasm was perfect!

All the animal names are clever and ones you will never forget! I highlighted them just so i can look back and laugh!

All in all ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars for sure! I love these characters, the story and the series!!!!!!

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
25 reviews1 follower
November 27, 2025
Starboard Beach is BACK! This story will bring you all the emotions!

I’ve been reading this series from the beginning and I am completely in love with each character! Receiving an ARC of this book along with the fiat two, has brought me such joy!

In this story we follow Travis (a wounded soldier that left is true love) and Amelia (one who thought she lost her true love), their story starts when Amelia comes to Starboard beach for the summer to visit her dear friend and old colleague Aly. You know her from book 1🥹. Little does anyone know, things are about to change for the better!

This was such a cute story about reconnecting with your first love and along the way, finding where your true home is.

Get ready on December 5th for you to fall in love with Travis and Amelia 💙💜
Profile Image for Tina Jamison.
49 reviews3 followers
November 23, 2025
Lost Stars
By Tracy McJames
I love the story of Travis and Amelia.
This book broke my heart and then healed it back. Travis and Amelia were in love when they were young and promised to meet up after his service and her travels. He was injured during his service and felt he didn't deserve to be loved. He didn't show up to meet her. She looked for years to find him. Years later Amelia travels to see her best friend Aly only to run into Travis. She has to become his friend all over again and convince him he deserves all the happiness. I loved their story so much. I highly recommend this one. Thanks to Tracy McJames for the opportunity to read this ARC. Look forward to more books
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ashleigh.
31 reviews
December 17, 2025
This is my second ARC by Tracy McJames and I enjoyed it very much I’m looking forward to Carter and Michelle’s story.

Amelia is our FMC and is a special education teacher and was in a relationship with Ethan Travis 9 years ago they suddenly reconnected when Amelia was visiting Aly in Georgia.
Ethan Travis is our MMC and is a former solider who was injured pretty badly by an IED and he hasn’t been with anyone since Amelia. They finally reconnected while Amelia was visiting Aly in Georgia. Amelia fainted when she saw him.
Slowly but surely they take it slowly on rebuilding their relationship.
I loved their respected friend groups.
Profile Image for Melissa  Wright.
464 reviews8 followers
November 22, 2025
Be still my heart this book had all the feels. I laughed, cried, got frustrated, and sighed with hearts in my eyes, in no particular order. It is part of an interconnected series, to get the full enjoyment I suggest starting with the first book of the series. However, if you don't you will not feel lost at all.
Travis and Amelia made you believe in second chances. This book had a great slow burn, found family, priceless banter and a ton of animals with hilarious names. Highly recommend this series!
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