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The Road Back to Love

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She needs an Airstream. He wants a second chance. Neither of them is ready for the road back to love.

Claire has built her life on grit, long hours, and never needing anyone. Running the Whispering Pines Campground means every dollar counts, and when the chance to buy the perfect vintage Airstream lands in her lap, she’s not about to let it slip away.

There’s just one getting it home means a long road trip with Andrew.

Andrew was Claire’s first love, and the one who broke her heart when he left for Toronto eighteen years ago. Now he’s back in town for a wedding, calmer, older, and far too good at stepping in when she needs help. Sharing a truck, a motel stop, and kilometer after kilometer of unresolved history was never part of Claire’s plan.

But somewhere between tense silences, old wounds, and the silver trailer that could change her future, the walls Claire built around her heart start to crack.

Because Andrew isn’t just offering a ride.

He’s offering the kind of steady, show-up kind of love she stopped believing in.

The Road Back to Love is a sweet, emotional small-town second-chance romance filled with road-trip tension, forced proximity, slow-burn yearning, and a hero determined to prove that this time, he’s here to stay.

202 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 23, 2026

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About the author

Tina Cyr

25 books74 followers
Tina, a Canadian author, draws inspiration from her travels, revisiting places she’s been to in her novels and integrating places she dreams of visiting, sparking a sense of adventure and curiosity in her readers.

She loves Happily Ever After stories with all the fluff but aims to write stories and characters with a sense of realism.

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5 stars
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17 (36%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Jane litherland.
4,437 reviews81 followers
June 23, 2026
Well Tina Cyr. Excellently devised book but then it’s no surprise as everything you write is dynamite and I’d urge anyone to take a look.

Andrew was her first love 🎶 …Couldn’t resist and although Claire did try to deny this. It’s true. There was nothing she could do to stop admitting that he actually did help to secure her new baby and it was only right that he deliver on his promise,no ifs buts or maybe. Get her to where it’s at stat. He’s the only one of their group of friends that it made sense to let go along. Claire though wasn’t exactly singing a song of joy. This is going to be one long road trip …oh boy!

Andrew on the other hand thinks it’s grand . An opportunity that he couldn’t have planned but he’s running with. And makes a vow to himself forthwith. Get her back safe and sound with her new love. But trying to melt the ice around her heart where he’s concerned and let him make her see, it makes sense when he says please choose me…

He broke her heart when he left for Toronto, his thirst for knowledge and headed to college at eighteen. Now they’re both back in town for their friends’ wedding . He can’t understand all the tears that she’d be shedding when he left her bereft. A certain friend knows and shows their suspicions and makes it known that he stay in the friend zone. Being protective and urging his friend to be selective in not repeating past mistakes ,them being the stakes.

Claire actually did well by herself when left on the shelf. She owns her own business and does quite well but wanting to expand and then this opportunity comes up and it WOULD be grand so to heck with it ,shes in agreement that she can’t make the trip a solo one . So Andrew ,you’re on. The road indeed is a long one ,lots of meandering turns that earns a sigh and a what next can go wrong along the way. But they have a lot of ground to cover ,haven’t they?

What ensues on the winding track there and back is clarity and a second chance if only she’s brave enough and he’s convincing and not cause her unnecessary wincing . Brevity even creeps in as she’s remembering good times they shared when she thought he cared long ago. Well he’s a long way to go to earn her trust ,respect in circumspect but her affection matching his ? Gee whiz ,the icing on the biggest cake and a lot of making up to take away the heartache. Wonderfully penned Tina Cyr my friend . The Road Back to Love may be a bumpy one but when a guy has his hon by his side… maybe one day he’ll find him a bride. That would be a heck of a ride. Does this happen ,I’m not telling . Just know that this storyline is divine and ultra compelling.
Profile Image for Wendy.
720 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 21, 2026
This is part of the multi-author "It Happened Up North" series.

I had the opportunity to read The Road Before Love, where we get how Andrew and Claire's relationship started and ended. While I would have been ok reading The Road Back to Love without reading this, I'm really glad I got the backstory.

This is a second chance romance that shows how important it is not to let fear rule your decisions. Andrew really let fear of the distance and the worry of not being able to show up when Claire needed him, be his deciding factor in breaking off their relationship. When he comes back 18 years later for a wedding, it's impossible for Claire to avoid him, especially when he becomes the solution to getting the Airstream she needs for her business.

I love how the road trip is kind of painful, but also the start to healing for both of them. I not only loved how Andrew and Claire interacted, but I loved the side characters as well. I found out that they all have their own books in the Blue Water Cove series - which I'm super excited to read next!

Loved this story and am excited to read the other books in the series!

I received an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Quotes from The Road Before Love
"But hard is not the same as impossible."

"That's the thing no one tells you about rebuilding. It doesn't begin when you feel strong again. It begins when you are still wrecked, still tired, still furious, and you do the next useful thing anyway."

"Believing someone you loved isn't stupidity...It's just trust."

Quotes from The Road Back to Love:
"You're thinking loudly."

"...because if I'm gong to show up, I should actually show up."
21 reviews1 follower
June 20, 2026
Road Back to Love by Tina Cyr is a heartwarming second-chance romance that beautifully explores love and the unexpected ways life brings people back together.

The story follows Claire and Andrew, a couple who ended their relationship years ago and have since gone their separate ways. When mutual friends invite them to participate in their upcoming wedding, circumstances force the former couple into close proximity once again. Before the wedding, Claire and Andrew embark on a road trip to pick up a trailer for Claire’s business, setting the stage for an emotional journey filled with awkward situations, tension, and self-discovery.

As miles pass, Cyr skillfully reveals the history between Claire and Andrew while introducing plenty of twists and turns that keep readers invested in their story. The road trip provides the perfect backdrop for heartfelt conversations, unresolved feelings, and moments that remind them why they fell in love in the first place.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its realistic portrayal of rekindled romance. Claire and Andrew are relatable characters whose struggles and growth feel authentic. Readers will find themselves rooting for them as they navigate past hurts and consider whether they deserve a second chance.

Filled with charm, emotional depth, and satisfying surprises, Road Back to Love is an enjoyable read for fans of contemporary romance. Tina Cyr delivers a touching reminder that sometimes the path forward is found by revisiting the road you once left behind.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
2,097 reviews38 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 21, 2026
I love multi-author series. The samplings from various authors, some new to me and some not, always make me happy. And I love second chance romances. Add that to a road trip and you have the perfect summer read.

Claire and Andrew were high school sweethearts, but Andrew ended their relationship when he left for college. And has regretted that ever since. Claire has rebuilt her life in their hometown and now owns a campground retreat.

Andrew has been unhappy with his job for a while, having found out that corporate life was not what he thought it would be. So when he returns to his hometown for his best friend's wedding, it is more of a homecoming than he expected...

A chance event leads Claire and Andrew on a road trip to collect an Airstream trailer from Andrew's cousin. Along the drive, the two slowly patch up their former relationship.

This is a low drama, low spice story that is just so feel good. It really made me want to head out for a road trip of my own!
Profile Image for Jenny x Carolena .
261 reviews8 followers
June 25, 2026
The Road Back to Love by Tina Cyr is a sweet, steady second chance romance that pulls you in gently and doesn't let go. Claire and Andrew were once everything to each other until choices and fear ripped them apart eighteen years ago. Now they're forced together on a road trip to bring back a vintage Airstream for her campground, and what unfolds is exactly what you'd expect — old feelings surfacing, old wounds tearing open, and conversations that are raw and honest in the best possible way. The pacing is nice and steady rather than rushed, which works beautifully for a story like this. The forced proximity of a long road trip does exactly what it's supposed to do, chipping away at the walls Claire has spent years building while Andrew quietly proves he's not the same person who left.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
45 reviews3 followers
July 9, 2026
This book was a really cute, cozy, small town romance. I loved so many aspects of it, but I just couldn't give it four stars. I loved the characters and the representation of how Claire was trying to protect herself from getting hurt. I also really liked Andrew and how much he was yearning for her. However, there was one big thing that I just couldn’t get past. I didn’t appreciate how Claire just automatically assumed that Andrew was cheating on her, and her insinuation of his promiscuity. It’s definitely not unrealistic, it just wasn’t my personal cup of tea. However, I would still recommend giving this book a try. The romance was really sweet, and the friendships were also super cute. I will for sure be reading more of Tina Cyr in the future. Thank you so much to her for this arc! I am excited to see where this series goes next!
Profile Image for Carissa.
61 reviews2 followers
June 29, 2026
A second chance romance between two high school sweethearts. They haven’t seen each other for 18 years, but a friend’s upcoming wedding brings them together again. It is definitely awkward for both of them at the beginning. You can tell Claire wants to keep her distance from Andrew. However, it is Andrew that helps her find the Airstream she is wanting and even goes on the roadtrip with her. This forces them to spend time together, which causes all those feelings to start rushing back. It was a cute storyline, but I did struggle to connect with the characters. This made it take me much longer than normal to finish the book. Would still recommend to those who love second chance, clean romances.
Profile Image for Amanda Marlowe.
2,662 reviews26 followers
July 5, 2026
Andrew and Claire went to school together, she thought they'd always be together but when they went to different universities, after a year he broke up, not because of someone else but because he couldn't manage not seeing her. She didn't know this but hid her hurt and got on with life, not trusting anyone but a small group of friends.
When the plans are made for Ethan and Sophie's wedding, Ethan wants his best friend, Andrew, as his best man and Sophie wants Claire as her maid of honour, will she be able to see Andrew and be able to carry on being herself without him realising how much he hurt her, they haven't seen each other for a very long time.

An entertaining emotional read from Tina
Profile Image for Momma T's Books.
701 reviews36 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 6, 2026
Ahhh. So refreshing. Young love that never quite went away. So when these two meet back up at a mutual friend's wedding, it's no surprise that you can feel the tension and the temperature in the room rise. A fun read and a trip full of memories you won't soon forget.

Once everything was laid out on the proverbial wide open road, you can't help but fall in love with these two. Their past, their life away from each other, their path back to each other. A great read with no spice and a lot of feels.

Part of an 11 book series, multiple authors, full of road trip fun, and no spice ... I can't wait to read the rest.
Profile Image for Shauna Jones.
794 reviews17 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 8, 2026
A sweet second chance romance
What happens when someone lets fear push them away, then returns years later? That’s the question of this story. Andrew was scared of the future so he pushed Claire away and left for college and a job. Now he’s returned and is faced with the girl he left, hoping that maybe he can make things better. Claire had plans with Andrew when he abruptly left. She had to move on, adjust to her new reality, and start her own business. Now he’s back and she doesn’t like the risk. Can a silver Airstream trailer be just what they need? A very enjoyable read. I received an early copy and this is my honest review.
1,500 reviews14 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 13, 2026
Reading the prequel hurt. I was not liking Andrew at all. And when you find out his reasons for breaking Claire’s heart, you’ll want to hurt him.
I was rooting for them, but 18 years is a long time to pine for someone, especially when they’re in your friend group.

This was cozy and charming, and sweet in a slightly devastating way. It had a bit of whimsy to it. I love the road trip aspect, but oh, how I hurt for Claire, being forced into proximity with the one that hurt her.

A very enjoyable second chance, even if I thought that the separation was a bit too long.
And by the way…. Frank is an azz.
1,449 reviews16 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 20, 2026
When I read the blurb of this story, I was super excited. The story was really fun and entertaining. It is a short read, full of witty banter, awkward situations, and a great second chance romance. I had a little bit of a hard time with the time gap from when they were dating initially to now. 18 years is a long time to pine after somebody. But it ended up working nicely. I loved the airstream as one of the main subjects of this story. I thought it was very classic. Nothing like a vintage airstream. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
4,788 reviews39 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 21, 2026
The Road Back to Love is a heartwarming, small town, second chance, road trip romance. Eighteen years after leaving town, Andrew is back determined to show Claire that he is ready to stay. As Andrew takes Claire to pick up the vintage Airstream she desperately wants, Andrew and Claire get to reconnect, explore their feelings, possibly overcome their fears and hurts, all while eating road trip snacks. I found myself rooting for this union. I like Andrew for his steadfastness now and Claire exhibits quite ae bit of growth. I just read the book in one sitting because I wanted to see how things worked out.
Profile Image for Barbara Hackel.
3,086 reviews47 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 30, 2026
A past history that isn't fully explained. A friend's gathering where there's hostility and strained interactions. But when Claire mentions looking for an Airstream trailer, Andrew calls his cousin who has one for sale...14 hours away... It's Road Trip time.

While the storyline idea was good, I found the characters difficult to like. I didn't like the attitude that Claire showed when Andrew was taking time,energy, and resources to do something nice for her. No cozy vibes, and not much appreciation from Claire made me wonder what the point for writing this story really was.
Profile Image for Heidireadsitall.
270 reviews15 followers
June 13, 2026
The Road Back to Love was a cute, fast-paced second-chance romance with a charming road-trip setting and plenty of slow-burn tension. Andrew’s steady, dependable personality was one of my favorite parts of the story. While Claire’s strong independent streak sometimes made her a little difficult for me to connect with, her growth throughout the book was rewarding to watch. Overall, this was a sweet and heartwarming read with small-town charm and a satisfying journey back to love.

I received an ARC from the author. These thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Liberty Munson.
752 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 22, 2026
A healing road trip brings Andrew and Claire back together after 18 years. He let fear rule him when he ended the relationship, and she lets fear drive her response to him when he returns and offers to help her get an Airstream for her campground. Through the road trip, he tries to not to force anything despite wanting to reconnect. She has strong walls that are difficult to penetrate (rightfully so) and he wants to rectify the mistakes that he made. This story draws you in with quiet reflection of mistakes made and being lucky enough to make them right.
1,480 reviews6 followers
June 23, 2026
Andrew and Claire had a past where he walked away for no reason. Only to come back when he finds out that Claire is looking for an AirStream and he knows someone who is selling but it will require a long road trip. They only had a short time frame to get there and when problems arose, Claire got increasingly angry at Andrew. It seemed like no matter what he did, she was always mad at him. Can she forgive him for the past and let them find their HEA, read to find out.
I enjoyed reading this story, just wish Claire would have been kinder a little sooner, fun road trip read.
441 reviews4 followers
June 26, 2026
Is a sweet, clean, small town, second chance, forced proximity, road trip romance with no cliffhanger.

Some of the lines I really like --- Watching them is like walking past a bakery when you’re starving: warm, obvious, and rude in a way that makes you laugh at yourself while it still stings. --- “I don’t need your permission to ignore you. But since you brought it up, you should know you’re not the center of my universe.” ---

I loved Claire and Andrew's story and I'm sure you will too. I've loved everyone of her books that I've read and I can't wait to read her next book.
939 reviews8 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 1, 2026
Claire never knew why Andrew left eighteen years ago, was it her, was it him, was there someone else.
Now he is back, offering to drive on a twenty eight hour road trip and she just isn't sure how she feels about it. Andrew would love a second chance with Claire, will she ever forgive him, maybe. I enjoyed these characters and their road trip adventure.
Author 26 books6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 5, 2026
Nice writing. Drops you right into the story, too!

Favorite quotes:

“…I keep walking like I’m in a heist movie, except the loot is my own feelings.”

“…I say…like the temperature is a test and I’m failing.”

“…Claire names her problems so she can pretend they’re manageable…something she can negotiate with…”

“…The one that makes my pride bite and my heart want to lean in.”
Profile Image for Helen Taylor.
16 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 18, 2026
Another top read from Tina Cyr, read in one sitting as i couldn't put it down. The traffic on day one sounds like my usual driving experience lol. I love a woman who can stand up for herself and drive a hard bargain, main characters that get in their own way and a good road trip story. All makes for a perfect storm lol. Well done Tina!
Profile Image for Steve Canada.
56 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 20, 2026
📖❤️ The Road Back to Love ❤️📖
I really enjoyed this Small Town. Second Chance romance story. I liked Claire and Andrew as a couple, seeing how they both grew throughout the road trip.
This is part of an 11 book series by 11 different authors. I love Tina’s sense of humor, and I highly recommend reading this entire series! ❤️
244 reviews3 followers
June 19, 2026
Wow! This is a brilliant story! The emotions are accurately described, and the character development is perfect. There are lots of laugh-out-loud moments, and also a few scenes where I've been in tears. Reading the prequel, The Road Before Love, gave me the backstory to understand the emotions even better. This is definitely a story worth reading!
I did not like the misuse of the Lord's Name, though.
Profile Image for Tami Willard.
2,734 reviews16 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 18, 2026
Part of an interconnected series. Can be read as a standalone but some characters overlap with other books.
Sweet and clean small town second chance story.
Kisses only
Second chances
Forced proximity including the one bed pillow wall
Enemies to more
Mutual friends
Profile Image for Tiffany Lindsay.
222 reviews7 followers
June 19, 2026
Using this version of this title to review the prequel, the road before love.

I loved getting a snippet of how these two characters had started. This prequel wove so seamlessly into the main story that they could’ve been one!
Profile Image for Tiffany Lindsay.
222 reviews7 followers
June 19, 2026
This bite size story picks up right where the prequel ends. Having the prequel really helped readers be able to understand the emotions and why that are hinted at throughout this story. The emotions are strong in this story as they should be. I really loved the journey of them refinding/accepting one another again. As always with this author, I’ll be happy for more!
28 reviews
June 25, 2026
A wonderful beginning to the new Canadian series “It Happened Up North”. This is my first time reading a novel by Tina Cyre and I must say I was impressed by her writing. I know you will enjoy the story of Andrew and Claire and their road trip.
Profile Image for Bookish.n.caffinated (Shannon).
127 reviews1 follower
July 1, 2026
Lots of angst and cold shoulder vibes. FMC is way too harsh for my liking in a short romance. There doesn’t appear to be much growth and hard to see them able to continue together without a lot more work. Not what I am looking for in a short romance.
1,060 reviews12 followers
July 7, 2026
This book had clean romance, but I found it to be boring… falling in love then out again, and expectations left unanswered. The ending was quite a cliffhanger, and I just wasn’t interested enough to look for the next book in the series. I received an ARC copy and this is my review.
Profile Image for Ellen.
453 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 7, 2026
Yes, a good read. Though maybe because I’m sick this took me much longer than expected to read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews