Fresh Start

by Melissa Lark

Meet Kate Chen.

She's got a loyal heart, eyeliner sharp enough to cut a man, and a vendetta against her college fling-turned-foe-turned-coworker, Brandon Roberts.

Thanks to the devastating trifecta of the museum where she works nearing bankruptcy, her manipulative parents, and her stupidly hot ex refusing to give up on second chances, Kate is forced to confront her messed-up past or risk losing the future she’s always wanted.

Kate decides a New Year’s resolution to take a chance on love might be the catch-all solution to her problems.

But once she begins to receive mysteriously creepy text messages, she realizes that her new lease on life may not be what she once thought.

Will she find the culprit's identity, self-acceptance, and the unconditional love she’s always wished for?

Or will she only end up reliving her past?

Fresh Start is a closed door, second-chance romance with heartbreak, healing, and humor.

Genres: Clean Romance

412 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 28, 2026

Reviews

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, Kate and Brandon’s story is one roller coaster of emotions. These two have been through it, and while they will make it through to the other side, it’s a hard earned HEA. Wow!

Not going to lie, when I saw the length of this one, I was surprised, but once I realized the depth of the story and the back and forth format between when Kate and Brandon first met and the present, it all made sense. Truth be told, I enjoyed it so much that I flew through it.

Kate and Brandon have a past, and Kate is both surprised and annoyed when she finds out Brandon now works at her job. She insists she can’t stand him and can’t be around him but is that really the truth? Because the lingering looks and unresolved tension say otherwise. Brandon was the one man Kate truly let in, and when a misunderstanding broke them apart, it completely shattered her. Now she’s walled herself off, refusing to be that vulnerable again.

Brandon was all in for Kate, and that same misunderstanding made him believe she wasn’t willing to choose him the way he chose her. Working together is hard, watching her date others is even harder, and wanting more with her feels impossible. They’ve tried before and failed… so is it worth risking their hearts again?

You all the banter, Brandon’s feelings for Kate (so sweet!), and the emotional highs and lows of these two were a bit of a tearjerker, and I was there for it! I cannot wait for Tucker and Julia’s story, I could sense it coming and I’m so excited!

Rating:4.5 stars, rounded up to 5!

Additional Notes:
This is a secular, closed door romance. This is not an exhaustive list, but content notes include:

* Innuendo
* Alcoholism
* S-x outside of marriage
* Closed door: level 3
* Two female side characters engaged to each other
* A line Christian readers may want to know about: “I close my eyes for a second, praying to whatever god is responsible for complicated women with matcha addictions and daddy issues.”

[Sophie Toovey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fresh Start completely captured my heart. Brandon and Kate are wonderfully flawed, layered characters, each carrying real insecurities that make their connection feel raw and authentic. The dual timelines are woven together with real skill, deepening both the emotional stakes and the payoff as their story unfolds.

The chemistry between Brandon and Kate is electric—fabulously depicted and impossible to ignore. This book feels edgier than a typical sweet rom-com, which I absolutely loved. The boxing scenes add real grit and tension, while the mystery subplot brings an extra layer of suspense that keeps the pages turning. Everything builds seamlessly toward a powerful, satisfying climax.

If you enjoy lively, passionate characters and romances that aren’t afraid to dig a little deeper, this is one you’ll love.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melissa Lark does it AGAIN! This story has so much heart, so much humor, and lots of intrigue. My heart went out to Kate so many times while reading this- her girl boss/independent lady persona was so easy to understand. And Brandon Freaking Roberts?! SWOON. Loved him. I enjoyed seeing their banter, their tension, and the slow burn of their romance. I loved their boxing scenes, and all the dares! There’s a dash of mystery in this story as well, and I was constantly second guessing myself on who Kate’s mystery admirer (stalker?) was. It was lovely seeing Amantha and Val again, and we meet new characters that I’m already shipping together, too. HIGHLY recommend this story if you love laughing, getting in your feels, AND figuring out a mystery in the same book.

[Tanvi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a roller coaster. One moment I am enjoying the strong and sassy Kate and then the next I am tearing up about her past.

The book is wonderfully written, and does justice to the story, the characters and the tropes. I am not a big fan of contemporary romance, or second chances but I will recommend this book to everyone, since it hits all the right notes.

The book also tackles strong topics, like toxic parents, alcoholism, and stalking, and you find both Kate and Brandon growing up and growing together.

Looking forward to Book 3 ❤️

[Shayla Riley · Rating 4 out of 5]

FRESH START
(Book 2 in Fresh Series)
by: @melissalarkauthor

••I give 4 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

~Meet Kate Chen. She’s got a loyal heart, eyeliner sharp enough to cut a man, and a vendetta against her college fling-turned-foe-turned-coworker, Brandon Roberts…

-FRESH START, is definitely a real, raw, heartbreakingly-tender, refreshing, dynamic, layered Closed-door, stand-alone romantic women’s fiction novel. It is full of such vigor, a well-thought out plot, well-developed and relatable endearing characters, vivid details, humor, mystery, and it has the ability to move you with all the feels. It’s a story that immediately beckons and demands your attention from start to finish, and will take you on a roller coaster of feels and depth! The heart of this story is the beautiful emphasis on being worthy of love, regardless of flaws, imperfections & brokenness. Hope is weaved within the cracks, and love stitches the pieces of the heart/soul together. Themes of boldness, bravery, fear, loss, grief, patience, hope, happiness, healing, and great joy are weaved precisely throughout. Watching dear characters choose to take a fresh start from the past going forward, standing and learning to fight within the boxing life ring, realizing they can be enough, and choosing to stay with not letting insecurity get in the way was 👌. Watching love not only crash down, grow, bloom, and cement characters to choose each other had such power. This story teeters a fine line and doesn’t hold back. The joy that and belonging that comes is so satisfying with the future ahead swirling with endless possibility. It will have you excited for what’s to come! Wow!🙌🏻📚🩷

“Joy exists. I exist, and I matter.”

•Content: a good amount of low profanity, coping
with vaguely defined promiscuity, strained family relationships/neglect, anxiety, grief/loss of a loved one (past), Alcoholism/stalking, kissing (steamy; talk of s*x)

-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

#freshstart
#melissalarkauthor

“Hurt people hurt people. But healed people? Well, they heal people. now that’s work worth doin’”

#allaboutthebestreads

[Marissa | storiesinthemeadow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Content: mild language, closed door (descriptive kissing), stalker, alcoholic parent, controlling parents, background female character engaged to a woman (comes up super briefly in two scenes)

Genre/Tropes: women’s fiction, romance, mystery, second chance romance, forced proximity, only one bed, dual pov, dual timelines (flashback scenes to their college romance); second in series, can be read as a stand-alone

My thoughts: I should have known better than to pick up this book at 10:30pm. Two nights in a row I forced myself to put the book down after midnight. The next night I was able to start reading earlier in the evening and finish at a decent hour and get much needed sleep.

I loved both Kate and Brandon right from the start, especially getting both of them in some scenes in Fresh Canvas. There are chapters that are flashbacks to their failed relationship in college, and it adds another reason to not be able to put the book down. And adds in more kissing early on in the book too 😉 Both Kate and Brandon care deeply for each other, but they each have hurts from growing up (and for how their college relationship ended) that have to be worked through before they can really work together. But I love that Brandon is so flirty and cocky the entire time. How they each remember small details from six years prior, and that it’s obvious they still care.

And the boxing scenes 😍 perfection. Makes me want to go learn to box.

Their issues/holdups feel real, hard topics are explored well, and they each have some solid friendships despite their family life being strife-filled.

And if you’ve read Fresh Canvas, you’ll be excited to see Val and Amantha in many scenes, including their wedding!

[Liz Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I applied for this ARC team, I had no idea what this book was, but it looked fun. I loved it!!

Melissa Lark is so good at description, and you really feel like you are part of the story and seeing everything to feel like you are there with them. The feelings her writing invokes are so deep. It truly is a wonderful roller coaster of emotions, so buckle up!

** Trigger Warnings:
- Closed-Door (, a few Bible swears
-Strained Family relationships
-Coping with emotion through promiscuity (vaguely defined)
-Anxiety, Grief, Loss of a loved one in the past
-Alcoholism
-Stalking

Ok, so KATE! I love her. She is a perfect example of someone who desperately wants to be loved, but has no example of what that means and is a definite player in college. She doesn't know how to love herself, and although she has friends and family, she is kind of alone in the world. But, she is vibrant, and a force to be reckoned with.
Brandon is the epitome of someone who deals with the pain of his situation through acting like everything is easy going and flirting is his instinct. He is so used to having to be in charge, that he likes Kate's feistiness, and her bossy personality.
After 6 years of both feeling hurt by the other, they wind up having to work together and truly learning about the other person's life. They learn to heal, and are given a second chance to trust and love each other.

Things I loved about this book:
- Her confidence in their first meeting... particularly since she embarrasses the heck out of herself.
- The clothing descriptions
-When they go to the beach. Every time at the beach.
-Their date in town
-The hot tub- it's not what you think
-He remembers their order
-When he drops a location pin for her to meet him. Hahaha
-Who she is when she is a taking pictures
- The darkroom
- After they ride the motorcycle back from the fancy party
-How he always has her back
- Their last fight in the boxing ring

I could go on and on. There are so many things I loved about this book.
The only thing I didn't like was the nose booping. I know that it was pretty much out of jest the whole time, but nose booping just makes me cringe and I've always thought it felt like he recipient was being treated as a child. haha. But that's also just a personal thing. haha

I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.

[Brandy Norris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fresh Start by Melissa Lark
⭐⭐⭐⭐
A closed door, second-chance romance.
They both work in Art

About the Book:
Kate has a loyal heart, eyeliner sharp enough to cut a man, and a vendetta against her college fling-turned-foe-turned-coworker, Brandon Roberts. Thanks to the devastating trifecta of the museum where she works nearing bankruptcy, her manipulative parents, and her stupidly hot ex refusing to give up on second chances, Kate is forced to confront her messed-up past or risk losing the future she’s always wanted. Kate decides a New Year’s resolution to take a chance on love might be the catch-all solution to her problems. But once she begins to receive mysteriously creepy text messages, she realizes that her new lease on life may not be what she once thought. Will she find the culprit's identity, self-acceptance, and the unconditional love she’s always wished for? Or will she only end up reliving her past?

My Thoughts:
I loved this book. It was well written and such a good time. I loved the banter between Brandon and Kate. Their chemistry was off the charts. I loved that Brandon made her feel worthy and loved again. The reason I took off a star is because of some quotes and language I didn’t appreciate. While this was close door, it had a lot of steam & felt lust driven. Also a quote from the book that other fellow Christians may want to know about “I close my eyes for a second, praying to whatever god is responsible for complicated women with matcha addictions and daddy issues.”

Couple: Kate & Brandon
Spice: Closed door Romance - Kisses but very lust driven and innuendo’s.
Language: Some - Very light
TW: Past Family Hurts, Stalker, Self-Image, Innuendo, Sex before marriage, Anxiety, Alcoholism, Same sex couple (Very brief)

🩷ARC received, but all opinions are my own.

Review on Instagram

[Kelli M. Stowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t even know where to begin to express how much I absolutely adored this book. It is raw and real, hilarious and heartbreaking. It strays from my typical romcom reading in the most wonderful ways, while still having so much humor, banter, and sizzling chemistry. These characters are so relatable and my heart was pounding as I made my way through the twists and turns of the story, trying to solve the mystery while also watching hopefully for the relationships to find resolutions. Oh how I adore Kate and Brandon and their messy, passionate, perfectly imperfect love story.

I knew going into this story that I was in for a heavy dose of real life and I was totally here for it. These characters have past baggage and current troubles that made them so human, I wouldn’t have been surprised to see them walk through my door. Both Kate and Brandon have a history of feeling like they aren’t enough as they are, and I loved seeing them work through those issues and see themselves through the other’s eyes.

There are so many deep themes in this story including childhood abandonment, stalking, alcoholism, parental disappointment/non-acceptance, promiscuity, and more. What amazes me is how all of those were woven in alongside the humor, snark, banter, and mystery elements to blend into an amazing story of grit, determination, and so, so much love.

This second chance, forced proximity romance-mystery story is the second in the Fresh Series. I loved seeing the characters from the first book to see just how much found family plays such an important role in everyone’s lives.

[Katrinalee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh! The angst. Brandon and Kate have a second chance at a romance that never should have ended in the first place. But when two people are living with too much emotional pain…well…hurt people hurt people. 

What an unpleasant surprise when former college lovers Kate and Brandon find themselves working in the same art museum. The break-up of their brief, but intense romance destroyed both of them, but now that they have to work together, one of them might end up dead. Well, not really. Kate just keeps threatening Brandon’s life. That’s all. And he keeps provoking her.

The banter and chemistry is off the charts. It ramps up when they come face-to-face in a boxing ring and continues to intensify when he gives her boxing lessons. Yes! Don’t you love the enemies-in-close-proximity-lessons trope? Me, too! I loved so many things about this book. Oh, let’s throw in some fake (but real for him) dating, too! Their new relationship becomes a tug-of-war between vulnerability and self-protection as they navigate their old heartbreak and the confounding issues from their families.

If you love emotional women’s fiction, closed-door romance, this book recommendation is for you. Melissa is a vibe you don’t want to miss.

[Reading Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate is the youngest daughter of a prestigious family whose daughter must do something prestigous like them. Whether it’s being a doctor, or a lawyer, & dating someone along the same lines.

The characters are real life, and banter back and forth like they hate each other, but we as readers know it’s not true. Kate is your strong female who is independent and willing to stand up to anyone in her way. However, she feelsl ike she’s never good enough because of her parents. Brandon is the dependent male who is strong and sneaky to get what he wants as well and willing to protect women he cares about.

The plot is 2 fold, it goes between the present and past, and between Brandon’s and Kate’s perspective. The storyline is dynamic and it makes you want to keep reading. There were three things I couldn’t figure out and had to “just read one more chapter” to figure out, but of course I didn’t tell later on in the book. I loved that. I loved how I was laughing, on the verge of tears, and smiling throughout the entire book.

Thank you Melissa Lark for an advanced copy.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! Just wow!! This story of Kate and Brandon was just phenomenal! I was laughing, I was crying, but most of all I was routing for these two to be together!

Kate is the epitome of confidence, or so she wants everyone to think. Her life is much more complicated than she’d let anyone know. At least that’s her now. She did let one person in but that ended in disaster. She thought after not seeing Bronson for 6 years that she was doing fine, until she sees him in the break room of the museum she works at.

Bronson is charming and smooth. He can get any girl he wants, except one he let slip through his fingers 6 years ago. But fate has brought him and Kate together again and he wants to do everything he can to get her back.

This story is about growth in one’s life and self love. There’s a bit of mystery with an unexpected twist of emotions. I devoured this book any chance in could get! You won’t regret reading this wonderful book!!

[Dev G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melissa Lark’s writing style and humor captured my attention from the start.

Brandon and Kate have such delicious tension, flirtations, banter, and chemistry.

Kate is fierce! She’s stubborn, she’s real, she’s feisty, she’s passionate, and she has a tender heart with such a yearning for love, but too hurt and scared to open herself up.

Brandon, oh Brandon, how you made me swoon from the start. A handsome motorcycle riding “bad boy” with a tender heart that longs to protect and love Kate from the moment he met her.

I was sucked into their journey, past and present, truly in awe of how delicate and emotional topics played out with such emotion and humor. Hard hitting and raw, this was a beautiful story of two broken individuals struggling, learning, and finding their worth (which was always there). Finding joy. Finding love.

Some quotes that really packed a punch:

“I’ve lived a life of papercuts. Small micro-moments that have flayed my soul over the years. No one particular event formed a deeper gash than another, but they’re painful all the same.”

“Because how can I let someone love me when I don’t even know how to love myself?”

“I’ve only ever wanted your love, but nothing I do is ever good enough.”

"Joy exists. I exist, and I matter."

⚠️ Same sex couple (very small part), vague promiscuity, stalking, gaslighting/manipulative parents, alcoholic parent, pregnancy before marriage

Thank you to Melissa Lark for the copy. All opinions are my own.

[Jenna Killpack · Rating 5 out of 5]

🤯🤯🤯 Well that was an unexpected roller coaster of an ending! Loved this one! All the feels and all the healing. Loved Kate learning to stand up for herself and love herself. Loved Brandon learning to trust and let others in. This one had found family and second chances, mystery, plenty of tension and plenty of kisses ❤️

Highlights
📸 Second-chance romance
📸 Forced proximity
📸 Fake dating
📸 Snarky banter
📸 Boxing lessons
📸 Closed-door, high heat
📸 Girl power 💪
📸 Museums and street art
📸 Found family
📸 Heartbreak/healing
📸 Suspense/Mystery
📸 Only one "desk"
📸 Only one bed

Content/ TW
closed door with implied intimacy (heat level 2.5-3), minimal bible swears only, with innuendo. loss of a loved one (previous), coping with emotions through promiscuity (vaguely defined), alcoholism, parental neglect (past), strained family relationships, manipulation, and stalking.

[Coventry Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is book two of publishing for her. It is a different style than book one. But still full of intrigue, mystery, character depth and has you wanting to keep reading. She literally hooked me from the start of the book.

The MMC is Brandon, who has bad boy vibes, is a bit of a player, and drives a motorcycle. Kate is almost a lost soul who is trying to break the mold her parents have put her in. And that’s how the story starts. And then it picks up again 6 years later with them both being stifled and working at the same art museum.

I love how you go from past to present so that it can give you a glimpse into what was going on and the backstory. The intrigue with this mysterious texter for Kate. The family drama. The self confidence. The boxing lessons. Can’t wait to see what you throw at us with book 3.

[Britny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy cow—this book takes you through real-life challenges and heals you in the most beautiful way by the end! Brandon and Kate’s relationship is anything but smooth, but you’d better believe the chemistry between these two is fire!!

Brandon’s protectiveness over Kate is delicious. His teasing, playful demeanor brings even the most stubborn people (insert Kate 😉) up to his fun, big-hearted level.

If you like a good laugh—and perhaps even a good cry—read Fresh Start! It’s beautifully written and full of dangerously good kisses and intense moments of mystery. Hoping for a better future and discovering that you matter and deserve happiness are just some of the powerful messages woven throughout the story.

So listen to your heart and read Fresh Start! 😘

All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I thank Melissa Lark for my ARC copy of the book!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an emotional roller coaster ride from beginning to end. Kate and Brandon have amazing chemistry. They also have a lot of hard things to deal with from their family life. From the moment they first met their love story was anything but conventional.
Kate is fiery and bold to hide her insecurities and Brandon is a charming flirt to hide his. Theirs is a hard fought battle for a Happily Ever After.
From sizzling chemistry, to heartbreaking truths, to tentative friendship, to forgiveness and healing this book has it all.
This book had me laughing, crying, sighing and wanting to throw it across the room. But oh what a ride!

Thank you Melissa Lark for trusting me with this book. All opinions are my own.

[clean.reads.corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You were enough then, and you're enough now."

This beautiful story is full of hope, redemption, and the power of second chances. The characters are fully fleshed out and will take up residence in your head and your heart. This book has given me a massive book hangover that I'm not ready to recover from.

This author has absolutely found her calling and has, in the space of one book, landed herself on my must read list!

The depth of emotion and character growth are both so beautifully written and raw that I felt as if I were experiencing everything right along with these characters.

This book is equal parts heart wrenching, healing, and romantic, and I loved every minute of it!

[Robin Henicksman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fresh Start is such a great book. It has all the feels from insecurities from the swoon worthy moments. Brandon is such a great mmc that you will instantly fall in love with. Kate is such a powerhouse women that I wished I had some of her confidence that she portrays and having her not feel worthy to have Brandon’s love is one of the reasons why I love her. Those two are such a powerhouse women couple when they are together. The ending in this book…! Also where can I find a guy like Brandon? Highly recommend this book!!! #swoon #romancebooks #closedoorromance #booksbooksbooks #romcomauthors

[Melissa Burk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had everything that I could ever want. Witty banter, handsome men, spunky girls, mystery and intrigue. Brandon, the MMC, has my heart for forever. Kate, the FMC, is a survivor and I wish I was more like her. If you have ever had a hard time with fitting in with family's expectations of you, this book is for you. I am excited to go back and read book 1 and am even more excited for book 3.
Melissa Lark knows how to write amazing characters. She also does a great job at writing amazing mysteries that cause you to question everything!

[Sarah Shelton · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

After reading Fresh Canvas and meeting Kate & Brandon, I knew I’d be needing their love story.

Kate & Brandon both had hard family situations, and the residual effects of this left them feeling unworthy of love. Their initial miscommunication led to a sad breakup and six years of no contact. The forced proximity of their workplace served to bring the unresolved feelings to the surface, and it was an enjoyable ride!

I appreciated how similar the MCs were. Their stubbornness and deep devotion to those they loved were so apparent, and it made for some really great angsty moments. The tension was palpable & the yearning was so good! Once they stopped all the miscommunication, their love for one another couldn’t be contained.

The mystery aspect of this read had me guessing so much. Emma (@emma.readsalot on insta) can attest to my nonsense at not being able to guess who the stalker was. And yes, I got it wrong in the end.🫠🤣

Overall, the slow burn and stalker plot kept me invested and reading til the end! I’m also loving the idea of childhood friends to more in Tuck & Julia! Give me all those vibes, Melissa. 💙💙

Thanks for the ARC, Melissa. All thoughts are my own!! 🤩

CW: This is a fade-to-black closed-door romance with mild language and innuendo. There’s mention of alcoholism, parental abandonment and neglect, toxic parental relationships, past promiscuity, and stalking.

[Indie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an amazing stand alone. You can read fresh canvas if you want to know the other characters too but not necessary.
It’s a great second chance at love story mixed in with him saving her but ultimately her learning about her strengths. I loved the boxing lessons in it. Wish there was more. But it’s defiantly on my shelf again for a re read.

[Jazmin Lister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Closed door, a lot of kissing and innuendo, no violence, some language (mostly biblical)

Rip-roaring, tear jerking, empowering

So many green flags in our MMC and some pretty interesting, unexpected twists. Kate is such a powerhouse character. Brandon is a swoony MMC. Family drama with beautiful redemption arcs for everyone involved (mostly).

[Bree · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much! Melissa is a fantastic romance author, she really knows how to write steamy kissing scenes that don’t go too far! I love her characters, they feel like real people and I love their growth!

[M. Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning book! Melissa Lark is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Her stories are character driven and make you laugh, cry and feel all the feels. Absolutely loved reading about Kate and Brandon's individual healing and their romance.

[Amy Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

She's done it again! The banter and the sarcasm is rampant but so is all the feels and the deep themes. You will not regret picking this one up!

[Trina]

Just not feeling it. I’m reading it too slow and don’t really love motorcycles and men with longer hair. It’s a me thing. 🤷‍♀️

[Shari Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fresh Start is a strong and emotionally compelling second installment in the series. Brandon and Kate’s dynamic is layered with palpable tension, and their relationship unfolds in a way that feels raw and authentic. Both characters are deeply human—flawed, guarded, and shaped by past hurt—which made their journey especially engaging.

I appreciated the edgier tone of this book and how unapologetically broken the characters are. The dual POV added depth, allowing the reader to fully understand both perspectives, while the flashbacks effectively enriched their shared history first introduced in Fresh Canvas. Knowing they had unresolved baggage made diving deeper into their past all the more satisfying.

One aspect that resonated strongly with me was the exploration of conditional love and how it influenced their choices and emotional walls. The story is filled with meaningful conflict, and I enjoyed watching each obstacle push them toward growth rather than easy resolution. The payoff felt earned, making their HEA particularly rewarding.

This was a book I couldn’t put down, and I’ve already been eager to recommend it to friends. Fans of emotional, character-driven romance will find a lot to love here.

Tropes & Themes You’ll Find:
• Second-chance romance
• Fake dating
• One bed
• Forced proximity
• Miscommunication
• Best man × maid of honor
• He falls hard
• Strong, confident FMC
• Flirty, unapologetic MMC
• Long-term yearning

[Cadence · Rating 4 out of 5]

- First Person, Dual POV
- Dual Timeline
- Contemporary Romance
- Fade to Black Romance
- mild profanity and innuendo used
- See author's note in book (or feel free to DM me for more content and trigger warnings
- book 2 in Fresh series (okay as a standalone)

"If I want something I've never had, I've got to do something I've never done."

Fresh Start was my first experience with Melissa's writing and let me tell you, I really enjoyed this ride.

This story had me experiencing so many different emotions. The writing was well done and her descriptions and intriguing characters drew me in and held onto me.

Kate's inner dialogue (and those pesky "feral butterflies") had me cracking up quite often. Brandon and Kate had great chemistry and fun banter. The sarcastic nicknames were perfect and had me smiling at the silliness of them.

Fresh Start has characters that feel real. They had real struggles and insecurities, they made real mistakes, and had real regrets, but also real growth. And oh boy, that character growth was beautiful.

I can't wait to read the first book in this series (Fresh Canvas), along with Melissa's future stories that I'm sure will also be beautifully crafted.

I received an advanced review copy of this book. This review is my honest opinion and thoughts

[Amanda Morrill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fresh Start is a second chance romance with deep feelings. Kate and Brandon are exes forced to work together on a project at work. A shared desk, a road trip, and one bed forces them to face the past and why things ended. I loved the journey of two wounded souls learning to trust each other again and heal. There is also a side of mystery as Kate has a mysterious stalker.
Another great read from Melissa Lark. It can be read as a standalone but characters from book one play big roles.
Content: mild language, innuendo, closed door (descriptive kissing), talk of s*x, stalker, mention of two female side characters engaged, controlling parents, alcoholic parent