Down Home

Balsam Bay #2

by Cristina Santos

Peter Darcy thought he left "Elizabeth" behind in Halifax. After three unforgettable nights together—first names only, no promises, no future—he returned to Toronto and threw himself back into the life that was slowly crushing him. But when a panic attack lands him on medical leave, he retreats to his cottage in Balsam Bay to figure out who he is beyond the eighty-hour work weeks and impossible expectations.

Billie doesn't do second chances. As the owner of Balsam Bay's premier construction company, she's spent years proving herself in a male-dominated industry and rebuilding what her father nearly destroyed. She learned long ago that love doesn't last—not in her family, anyway—and she's built a good life on her own terms. She doesn't need complications, especially not from the client whose house she just finished renovating.

Except when she shows up to his housewarming party covered in mud, she realizes her client "Darcy" is actually Peter. And he's not letting her walk away again.

Forced to work together on a town development project, Darcy and Billie can't ignore the chemistry that drew them together in the first place. But Darcy's fighting demons he's kept hidden from everyone, and Billie's guarding a heart that's been taught not to trust in forever. When family betrayal threatens everything they're building—together and apart—they'll both have to decide what they're willing to fight for.

Can two people who've spent their lives running finally find the courage to stay?

Tropes:
Second Chance Romance
Forced Proximity
Small Town Romance
Hidden/Mistaken Identity
Sunshine/Sunshine
Friends with Benefits (to Lovers)
Meddling Best Friends
Bonus: Mental health representation (anxiety/panic attacks, ADHD, PMDD)

Genres: Forced Proximity, Adult Romance

Paperback

Published June 2, 2026

About the author

Cristina Santos is a mom of two little boys who hopefully will never read her books. She is married to the man of her dreams and lives lakeside with all her wild boys (pup included) in Nova Scotia, Canada. She loves a good sunset and will forever and ever and ever believe in the power of playlists, 90’s romantic comedies and love stories.

Reviews

[celines_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cristina Santos does it again!! 🥹🫶 After reading Neve and Leo’s story, I was hooked on this series. The first book end in the perfect way to set up book 2 - Down Home.

A small town « come from away » romance which started as a one night stand in the city comes to a head when they both find themselves thrown together in the small town of Balsam Bay, NS.

The characters are real and raw. We get to see all their emotional roller coaster and see how Billie and Darcy come together to overcome their challenges. Sometimes you just need a shoulder to lean on and these two MCs find this with each other. There’s no miscommunication trope, but their communication is lacking because of the commitment issues. As the reader, you get a glimpse into both MC’s inner dialogue from the dual POVs.

Summary: YOU NEED TO READ THIS. (I’m yelling with love💕🤭 )

Main themes:
👀Dual POV
⚕️PPMD & ADHD representation
👩‍⚕️Mental Health representation
🍆One Night Stand
🏝️Vacation Fling
🏡Small Town Romance
🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒Complicated family dynamics

Favourite quote : 🌊« …how the salt air sometimes feels like it can fix anything… »🌊

[Lauren (lololovesthings) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

"Down Home" by Cristina Santos is the second book in her small-town Balsam Bay series. This book is so good, so well-written. It is deep and emotional, hilariously funny, tender, meaningful, intriguing, and sweet. I loved the connection between Peter (aka Darcy) (MMC) and Billie (FMC). The two of them meet in Halifax and are instantly attracted to one another. They decide to have one night of no-names, no-holds-barred fun together. One night quickly turns into several, and the two cannot get enough of each other. I loooOOooOoOOved the days the spend together in the beginning. Their chemistry is apparent from the very first moment they are together. It's the giggle-and-squee kind of chemistry, full of inside jokes, sharing painful truths and anxieties, and steamy nights. Still, they leave each other there with the promise of "nothing more" intact. Flash forward a little bit, Peter has a panic attack and winds up on medical leave at his 80+ hour per week finance job. In an effort to stave off the burnout, he heads to Balsam Bay, where his new cottage is, so he can take some time off and regroup. The two of them are unexpectedly reunited there because, as it turns out, Billie *also* lives there and owns a construction company. Because of Billie's horrible father, Peter and Billie wind up working together on a community project, and those discussions of "nothing more" quickly fly out the window. Second-chance romances are frequently difficult to connect with for me, but Cristina Santos does it so freaking well. I loved watching Peter and Billie circle one another. They have to fake being professional while knowing they have spent three incredible days together, exploring each other's minds and bodies in ways they never thought possible. As they spend more time together, the quiet moments between them become more prominent. They both see each other in a way that others haven't. Their best friends are dating, and they build a little found family with them. The inside jokes. The nicknames. The support. The way he reminds her to eat. The way she remembers when he needs to take his medication. The way Santos details everything from the beachfront setting (horrible sand and all) to the panic attacks and PMDD emotions that the characters experience is excellent, realistic, and visceral. While this is a romance first, it also delves deep into some serious issues, like anxiety, PMDD, panic attacks, burnout, ADHD, and contentious familial relationships. This book is a treat, heck, and I hope you give it a chance! I just loved reading this one, and I hope we get more Balsam Bay adventures!

Thank you to Cristina Santos for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

[HighLadyofSpice · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review:

This book was meant for me. It hit all my favorite tropes, and I related to the characters instantly. Being from Nova Scotia myself, I knew I’d love returning to Balsam Bay — and I was right.
The plot is solid and the heavier topics it tackles are handled thoughtfully. But my favorite part, I cannot lie, was the spice. Cristina Santos is officially a new favorite author. Cannot wait for what she writes next!

[Kelly (miss_kellysbookishcorner) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Down Home
Author: Cristina Santos
Series: Balsam Bay 2
Genre: Romance
Rating: 5.00
Pub Date: June 2, 2026

I received a complimentary eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #Gifted

T H R E E • W O R D S

Homey • Unguarded • Authentic

📖 S Y N O P S I S

Peter Darcy thought he left "Elizabeth" behind in Halifax. Three unforgettable nights together--first names only, no strings, no future--and then he went back to Toronto and the finance job that was slowly killing him. But when a panic attack lands him on medical leave, he escapes to his cottage in Balsam Bay to figure out who he is when he's not working eighty hour weeks.

Billie doesn't do second chances. She's spent years rebuilding her father's construction company and proving herself in an industry that didn't want her. Love doesn't last--her parents' ugly divorce taught her that. The last thing she needs is complications with a client.

Except she shows up to his house covered in mud and realizes her client "Darcy" is actually Peter. The guy from Halifax. The one she hasn't stopped thinking about for weeks.

Now they're working together on a town project, and pretending that weekend never happened isn't an option. Darcy's all in from day one--he doesn't know how to do anything halfway. But Billie's spent her whole life protecting herself from heartbreak, and falling for a guy who's leaving? That's the kind of risk that could destroy her.

She doesn't believe love lasts. He has to choose between the life he built and the one he wants.

💭 T H O U G H T S

I've been seeing Canadian indie author Cristina Santos' books more and more around Bookstagram and when the opportunity to receive an eARC of her newest book, Down Home, arose I jumped at the opportunity. This is book 2 in the Balsam Bay series set on Nova Scotia's coast and I definitely had to read book 1 before jumping into it.

I have to say, Cristina has, yet again, done the little things right with all of the extras! Each one truly brings the town, the characters, and their story to the next level by adding an additional layer. And Cristina got me from the very beginning with her validating dedication (featured below in my favourite quotes).

Told from dual POVs, I absolutely fell in love with Billie and Darcy's love story. Their beginning was spicy, comical, and just so wholesome. That first weekend together was chef's kiss! I instantly felt their chemistry and could see where the story was headed, yet loved the journey of getting there. Billie's bisexuality was simply part of the story and never felt like something thrown in just to check a box. And Darcy's openness about his mental health was truly beautiful to witness. There are so many vulnerable moments where they show up for one another and they are supportive of one another as they are, never trying to 'fix' the other. The secondary characters are just as lovely (except Billie's dad...)

The writing has consistent pacing and is purposeful, interspersing humour (hello Tammy) with more serious topics. The way the author describes Billie's PMDD made me feel seen in so many ways, ways I have never read in a book before and it definitely made me feel less alone. It's truly a breath of fresh air to see more books incorporating misunderstood and/or often misdiagnosed female sexual health issues.

Cristina Santos absolutely hit it out of the park with Dome Home! It was an absolute delight from start to finish. These characters found a home in my heart and I truly appreciated the idea of letting go of what you think life should be in order to take care of yourself. As someone who rarely re-reads, this is one of the books I could see myself re-reading time and time again. I have no doubt it will be among my top romances for the year and now if you'll excuse me while I dive deeply into her entire backlist.

📚 R E A D • I F • Y O U • L I K E
• Canadian coastal towns
• green flag characters
• little extras

⚠️ CW: sexual content, mental illness, panic attacks/disorders, sexism, misogyny, chronic illness, toxic parental relationship, biphobia, alcohol, cursing

🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S

Dedication: "For the ones, who understand exactly what it feels like to be betrayed by your own body, trapped in a cage with a timer, and no escape until the cycle breaks - you are not alone."

"But I know what it's like when your body turns against you. When the thing that's supposed to keep you alive - your brain, your breath, your heartbeat - suddenly decides to betray you. I know what it's like to be sitting in your truck in a parking lot, gripping the steering wheel because your chest hurts so badly you're convinced something is physically wrong. I know what it's like to cancel on people you love because the weight of existing that day is too heavy to carry into someone else's space. I know the particular loneliness of falling apart in a way nobody around you can see."

"Home isn't a city. It's not a house or a job or a street you grew up on. Home is the people who make you feel like yourself."

"Not dramatically. Not sobs. Silent tears, leaking from the corners of my eyes and sliding into my hair. I can't stop them because my body has decided this is the appropriate response to being loved this thoroughly by someone who sees every single part of men and wants them all."

"Real love looks like someone sliding your medication across the counter without being asked. Real love looks like eating cereal standing up because someone burned the toast and neither of your cares. Real love looks like a man telling you he's coming back and you being too broken to make sure he knew you wanted him there."

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me start by saying that I am not a fast reader, but this story… I finished it in a day.

I truly fell in love with Peter and Elizabeth the moment they met. I was kicking my feet reading their meet-cute. The second I read that scene, I knew I was going to love the rest of this book—and that was only Chapter 1.

Down Home starts with two strangers who meet unexpectedly and end up spending a long weekend together in Halifax with no expectations afterward—just enjoying their time together. I loved the way Cristina described the places they visited. Having been to Halifax myself, I could easily picture them walking through the gardens and spending time on the lawn at the Citadel. It made the story feel even more real to me.

I also loved how Cristina created two characters dealing with mental health struggles in a way that felt genuine without becoming too heavy. Elizabeth has ADHD and PMDD, while Peter struggles with anxiety and panic attacks. These challenges are an important part of who they are, especially for Peter as this is part of the reasons he ended up in Nova Scotia instead of staying in Toronto where he lives.

Elizabeth owns a construction company that she’s rebuilding from the ground up after taking it over from her father. And he father is something else.

When she returns home after her hot weekend with a stranger, she discovers that the cottage project she’s been working on with her crew belongs to none other than that same handsome stranger.
Together, they have to decide whether to tell their friends about how they met, navigate their growing feelings for each other, and work together on a project to help revitalize the small town of Balsam Bay.

The side characters are fantastic, and the found-family dynamic and support these friends have for one another is exactly my kind of story.

If you want a great summer read that will leave you smiling, do not hesitate to pick up Down Home.

Thank you Cristina Santos for the ARC copy. As you can tell I had a really great time with these characters.

[Madisyn Ferguson · Rating 4 out of 5]

DOWN HOME (ARC) | ★★★★☆ | KINDLE

three unforgettable nights — no names, no strings, no expectations — peter darcy was certain he would never lay eyes on elizabeth cameron again.

only after returning to toronto, trying to get back into the normality of his mundane life, peter breaks, he spirals into a panic attack that causes him to take a sabbatical leave.

as a way to reset, he retreats to his cottage in little balsam bay. and that’s where he lands a second chance. elizabeth “billie” cameron is there, in charge of the construction company that is working on peter’s cottage. and when billie realizes darcy is her client, she finds herself uncertain, the lines of professional begging to be crossed as her heart yearns for a man she never saw coming.

firstly, thank you to @cristinasantosauthor for the arc of her lovely book! one, as a canadian girly, i adored the setting. felt so homey for me (even if i am in manitoba). two, i loved how real the characters felt, they were impactful. their stress, their feelings towards one another, the wanting but remaining where they needed to be until they were ready. it was flourished very well. i felt like i could be elizabeth or peter with how raw and real their characters were created, their arcs were perfect and the story was just overall beautiful read. i felt like i was in the cozy town of balsam bay and becoming enchanted more and more the further i read.

(ps. tammy was a paid actor…if you know you know).

if you need a feel good romance with raw emotion then i highly recommend this one!

[Jill (readinginpjs) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this one!
Billie was such a relatable FMC, and I adored the way Darcy loved her EXACTLY as she was 🥹

“You think, what? You’re too much? Or you’re not enough for me? You’re everything.”

poor sweet Billie, my heart - she truly thought she was impossible to love, and that she couldn’t be in a relationship because they would eventually leave 😭

and Darcy? I LOVED that he was working on himself, in therapy, taking meds, talking openly about his mental health - and then choosing a path that was best for him 🥰

I loved them separately and together, & this was just such a wonderful read!

✦ tropes & more:
💫 one night (weekend) stand
🪚 FMC in construction
🔢 investment banker MMC
💫 their best friends are in love
🧠 ADHD, PMDD & panic attack rep
🏳️‍🌈 LGBTQIA+ rep (bisexual FMC)
🔗 forced proximity
💫 MCs in their 30s
🌊 small coastal town (Nova Scotia)
🇨🇦 Canadian author & setting
💞 dual 1st person pov

ebook | ⭐️: 5 | 🌶️: open door, several scenes |

📖 Down Home by Cristina Santos
📚 book 2 • Balsam Bay series
💜: contemporary romance (mf)

*Connect with Me*
🤍 Instagram 🤍 Blog 🤍

[Shea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored Down Home - Cristina has such a knack for writing adult, mature, healthy love. I found her writing to be a good rest for an overly-anxious brain, and Down Home was no exception.

“God, she looks good wearing something of mine. She looks like she belongs in my clothes, my world, my life.”

““Can I touch you?” His question is followed by his body, as naked as mine, warming me up as he hovers over me, soulful brown eyes asking for permission as much as his words are.”

“She told me—I think by accident, after admitting she forgot her phone on the counter at a coffee shop—she has ADHD, and she’s always felt like she’s not in control of her brain. She apologized, resignation all over her face when she offered to go back and get it alone. “I’m such an idiot. And this is exactly why I’m too much. I always do shit like this. It’s so annoying.” Those words, said with a wobbly chin and watery eyes, nearly broke me in half, but they also allowed me to see a vulnerable side of Beth. I could tell she didn’t believe me when I told her she’s not too much, that I didn’t mind walking back with her. But I was determined to show her.”

🌊Forced Proximity
🏡Small Town Romance
🌊Hidden/Mistaken Identity
🏡Sunshine/Sunshine
🌊Friends with Benefits (to Lovers)
🏡Meddling Best Friends
🌊Second Chance Romance
🏡Mental health representation (anxiety/panic attacks,
ADHD, PMDD)

[Hilary Delorey · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the beginning of the book. The first line. I knew this was gonna be a great book. Billie our FMC, and Darcy our MMC meet after a quick weekend romance. Steamy, hot, swoony, Cristina had it so we're rooting for these two indearly dubbed 'idiots'.

Cristina knows how to write a scene to feel like you're there. To write characters that infuriate and make you glad when karma kicks in. She also knows how to write plotlines that are deep, and emotional. Our MCs are both battling mental health blunders in their life and I looooved that they didn't self sabotage, they struggled but ultimately they supported one another and grew. In fact I think in supporting the other, they helped themselves. There was no 3rd act break up and I love that in a book.

Nova Scotia summers, steamy scenes, swoony scenes, laughter over instigating swine and depth that will make you root for the character growth. This is the read for you. 5/5.

[Maura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cristina Santos is a new-to-me local author, so I was excited to have the opportunity to read her newest book. It's always fun to read books set where you live, and to recognize all the places the characters visit.

I thought the ADHD, PMDD, and anxiety representation were authentically and thoughtfully written. The characters felt genuine, and like people you actually know.

I have another book by this author waiting to be read, and now I'm definitely more excited to pick it up.

Thank you to the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Ashley Y · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ /5

I absolutely loved this book! While it has romance, it also touches on real-life struggles people experience every day, including ADHD and anxiety. I really related to Billie and the way her mind works, which made the story feel even more personal and meaningful to me.

I especially loved that the story is set in Nova Scotia — the setting felt so vivid and immersive that I truly felt entangled in their lives right alongside them.

I already can’t wait to read more from Cristina Santo 📖

[Sabrina | thebookishspot]

DNF @ 37%

[Cristina Santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darcy and Billie are finally here! This book is so personal. I didn't know how much I needed it until I was well over halfway through the story. I hope you love it!

[stevie ✰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

PETER DARCY MOST UNDERRATED BOOK BOYFRIEND EVER!!!!!!!

[Bonnie Klurfeld · Rating 5 out of 5]

Down Home gets 5 ⭐️ and 1🍦

Cristina, you’ve done it again. Get me to Basalm Bay for a treat from Shore Thing and a hug from Darcy STAT.

I was having quite the reading slump (plus mental health slump), and this book was the first in a hot second to make me feel something.

We have:
Weekend fling to summer fling to…
“Fuck it” 😤
She’s older (35/33)
Bi rep!!!!
PMDD, ADHD, and panic attack rep



TW/CW:
Less than great family dynamics and a less than supportive dad

Thank you Cristina for an ARC!! So happy to be on your team ❤️

[bella (bellasbookreview on ig) ᯓ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t realize how much I needed to read a book that had PMDD representation. I got diagnosed with PMDD about two years ago and it was a lot. I didn’t know anyone else who had it, and managing it was heavy. Reading Billie’s experience with it truly mirrored mine and helped me feel seen. I could relate to how she felt like an outsider to her own body.

The relationship between Peter and Billie was really good. They started by completely matching each other’s energy, and then as they grew, you could feel roots of their relationship take place. They helped each other a lot, even if they only just helped the other feel seen

The revitalization project was a really cool storyline, and from the moment they started working together, I could see the end crystal clear. It was peaceful

Besides the PMDD rep, I didn’t feel pulled into the story. I wish I had found something that pulled me in emotionally, but unfortunately I just didn’t.

[FabledWhimsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of Down Home, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review – thank you Cristina Santos, it’s been such a privilege to be a part of your ARC team. I am so happy that I made the time to read the Balsam Bay series from the start. These books may be interconnected stand-alone stories, but to get the full experience I would really recommend reading the series in its entirety. The familiarity makes you feel like a Balsam Bay local yourself and revisiting this cosy town and all its residents evokes the feeling of coming home. I rated this 4.5 stars!

⋆｡ﾟ☁︎｡⋆𓂃 ོ☼𓂃⋆｡ﾟ☁︎｡⋆𓂃 ོ☼𓂃⋆｡ﾟ☁︎｡⋆𓂃 ོ☼𓂃

☀︎ Down Home was a delightful and charming read. It was the perfect length and never overstayed its welcome. Cristina’s narrative style allows emotional moments to breathe and allows characters to sit with their decisions and actions. Much like Balsam Bay, nothing is ever rushed, and the big story moments hold weight and consequences that ripple through the town and its characters. The storytelling feels like cultivating a plant and feeling the satisfaction of seeing its growth each and every day. There’s just something about Cristina’s writing that is so warm and inviting. She has an innate ability to create safe spaces in her stories to explore more complex subjects, such as mental and physical health issues and neurodivergence. A level of trust is built, and I know that whatever representation is woven into her characters, Cristina will write from a place of understanding and respect.

☀︎ Peter and Elizabeth were a very convincing couple from the start. I found it incredibly heartwarming to see our sunshine boy, Peter, pull Elizabeth out of her own head. Both characters are fully realised and multidimensional. They are more than their past and their disabilities or health conditions. Billie especially made me so happy! A tall, bisexual woman working in construction who predominantly hires women?? Sign me all the way up! I know I speak of representation a lot, but to see Elizabeth’s sexuality portrayed with love and pride means the world. Elizabeth, or Billie to her friends, is also a bright and warm personality. I originally wasn’t sure how to feel about a sunshine x sunshine pairing, but this book proved me wrong.

☀︎ Down Home emphasises that even the brightest characters have their cloudy days. The characters were developed so well and a lot deeper than this trope suggests. They weren’t caricatures of people who are happy all the time, but real people who deal with real problems. Peter and Elizabeth saw each other in ways they weren’t prepared for. They are well versed in the art of hiding their struggles from the prying eyes of others, but they were unable to do so with one another. They never expected each other to pretend they were fine or put a mask over their struggles. I loved seeing these characters lower their carefully constructed walls for each other. They were each other's sunshine. Not the: in your face, look directly at it, and you go blind kind of sunshine, but the steadfast quiet light that warms every part of you down to your very soul. Down Home shows that falling in love with the right person can be so easy, if you just get out of your own damn way.

☀︎ If you enjoy character driven, cosy small town romances, that are infused with representation and community, you will fall in love with the Balsam Bay series like I have. This is a story of friendship, breaking the cycles that harm us and falling in love. Down Home touches upon more than just falling in love with another, but falling in love with yourself. A story about knowing your worth and standing up against those that try to make you smaller or lesser. The characters stole my heart with their charm and resolute support of one another. There is a calm to their help. They offer aid with zero expectations and with the aim of support, never to fix. Balsam Bay is a series that encourages us to never make ourselves smaller. It shows us that you are never too full or too much for the right people. The narrative of how you can never burden the right people and how you should stop trying to mould yourself into something that harms you for the wrong people, is very moving. This is a book about finding “home” and what that means for different people.

[Jessica Stephens · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Tender and sweet small town romance!

Darcy and Billie (who introduce themselves as Peter and Elizabeth, respectively) meet in a hotel bar in Halifax, and their chemistry is instantaneous…so much so that they end up spending one hot, spicy night together. 🔥 It’s supposed to be just a one-night stand, but they can’t deny their connection, which is more than just physical, so they end up spending the whole weekend together. They never exchange full names or any identifying information, so they leave thinking they’ll never see each other again.

Until, Billie walks into the vacation cottage her company has been renovating and runs right into Darcy. 😧 What follows is a tender story about Billie overcoming her fear of letting someone in, and Darcy realizing Billie is the air he needs to breathe.

I loved Darcy and Billie together; they really brought out the best in each other and helped each other in small ways that ended up being devastatingly significant. 😍 I was a little annoyed that it took Billie so long to get over the fact that Darcy was her client and finally decide to resume their weekend fling…but when they finally did, it was as electric the second time as it was the first! This was open door, but not too graphic or terribly spicy; it felt just right ☺️

Darcy was a complete goner for Billie; he would have picked up right where they left off if Billie had let him, but he still let Billie set the pace and waited for her to realize they belonged together. He was a complete Golden Retriever and I am so here for it! 🥰 Billie describes him perfectly when she says he’s like “a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie. He’s golden and warm, soft, approachable, and welcoming. He’s sweet all the way through. He’s comforting and impossible not to love.” 🍪

It was wonderful to watch both Darcy and Billie go on their journey of self-discovery, and for them to be so open and frank about therapy (for Darcy’s panic attacks) and medication (for Billie’s ADHD and PMDD). It was all so positive and well handled! 🤗 I loved that they each had issues they were actually dealing with, not just sweeping under the rug or avoiding at all costs. They knew themselves and knew what they needed to get better, and put in the time and effort to get better!

(And the way he shows up at the tail end of one of her bouts with PMDD and just hugs her, makes her food, shows her he cares for her without asking for anything in return, and doesn’t shy away from the bad parts was beyond swoony!! 🫠When she says “I look terrible.” and he just says “You look like you.”, it was absolute perfection! 💯)

The way Billie’s parents treated her was downright abysmal; I felt so bad for her every time she had to interact with her selfish, arrogant father - the way he constantly put her down and tried to diminish her achievements was so difficult to read! 😤 But it just highlighted how amazing Darcy was to her and for her, and helped to highlight why she was so scared of anything serious with Darcy.

Darcy struggled with his anxiety and panic attacks, all of which was delicately handled and well written; I really felt his deep discomfort with deciding whether or not he should go back to a job that had grown to give him anxiety and panic attacks. It would be so easy to say, of course you should stop doing the job that’s giving you panic attacks! But it’s so hard to give up the career you’ve spent years growing and becoming an expert in, especially for the unknown. I really appreciated his journey toward figuring out how to have a job that you’re good at that is also fulfilling and can support you, without overwhelming you or causing you physical harm.

Lastly, I have to say I’m in love with Balsam Bay; the author did a great job at giving the story such a deep sense of place that it made me want to book a flight to Nova Scotia! ✈️ But I’ll have to settle for going back and reading book 1 in this series, From Away, to catch up with Darcy’s best friend Leo and Billie’s best friend Neve’s love story, and then moving onto book 3 to see Georgia (Neve’s sister) get her HEA! 🤩

Thank you so much to the author, Cristina Santos, for providing this book for review consideration; all thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.

[Ashley Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, a huge thank you to Cristina Santos for the ARC copy! When I first read the synopsis of this book, I immediately reached out because something about these characters and this story already felt deeply personal to me. Cristina was so kind in response, and after finishing this book, I can honestly say it completely lived up to everything I hoped it would be.

From the very beginning, this book gave me strong Carley Fortune vibes—but with even more spice and emotional depth. It has that same nostalgic, coastal romance atmosphere that makes you want to pack up your life and move somewhere you can finally breathe again.

And honestly? Peter’s storyline hit me like a truck.

He’s successful, smart, on partner track at a demanding finance job in Toronto, making great money… and absolutely burning out under the pressure of it all. The anxiety, the exhaustion, the feeling of being trapped in a life that looks good on paper but no longer feels sustainable—it felt painfully relatable to me.

“Gordon, my no-nonsense therapist, tells me this is par for the course…”

Peter’s struggle with figuring out whether he’s ready to walk away from the career that has defined him or whether he simply needs healthier boundaries felt so raw and realistic. I really connected with that feeling of wanting a completely different quality of life, even when everyone around you would probably think you’re crazy for leaving something “successful.”

And then there’s Billie. I absolutely loved her.

Billie isn’t struggling to prove herself—she already is a badass. She took over her father’s construction company in Nova Scotia and built an incredible crew that’s thriving while helping rebuild their town.

“My crew is made up of women who could bench press most of the men in this town.”

I loved the way this book portrayed capable, hardworking women in trades and construction. As someone who grew up taking welding and shop classes and still sometimes wonders if I should have pursued engineering or the trades instead of spending my life in customer-facing management roles, I found this aspect of the story incredibly inspiring.

And what I loved most was how Peter and Billie complemented each other. Darcy and Billie? Peter and Beth? (I actually love how the two call each other by their first names, instead of their given nicknames…. It shows intimacy.)

Peter brings the finance brain, strategy, projections, and structure. Billie brings the practical expertise, leadership, and physical know-how. Together, they become unstoppable—not because one saves the other, but because they genuinely make each other stronger.

That dynamic felt so refreshing and mature.

And emotionally? This book got me.

The beginning especially brought me right back to what it feels like to meet someone and have your entire brain chemistry altered in a matter of days.

“A weekend that altered Billie’s brain chemistry.”

Yeah. I FELT that.

“I had my treat, and I need to move on. Except now I can’t stop thinking about him.”

That ache of returning home after experiencing something—or someone—that changes you forever was written so beautifully.

I also loved the surfing aspects of the story. As someone who recently discovered how healing it can feel to physically exhaust yourself in the ocean and finally get out of your own head for a while, those scenes felt vivid, grounding, and incredibly real to me.

Overall, this was emotional, romantic, nostalgic, sexy, inspiring, and impossible to put down. I absolutely devoured it and loved it!!

[C_C · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

"Down Home"
(Balsam Bay # 2)

by Cristina Santos


This book is not meant to be (just) read; it was written to be savored.
I believe that I took twice as long as necessary reading it to properly appreciate it. I closed my eyes after a few chapters, had my heart pounding in others, shared a few tears with the characters.
Cristina's detailed scenes and feelings and dreams and mental health issues and chronic disease. All of them are invaluable details I was eager to keep with me long before I finished it.

Opening line in 'Down Home':
I'm horny and ready for an 0rgasm. Or two.
I smiled and thought: oh Cristina, game on.

Beth (Billie) and Peter (Darcy).
I was entirely available to read the first 9 chapters turning into 90 chapters. Since the moment they met until they go separate ways and I was glad if Cristina just wrote about the in between: a one night stand that turned into three glorious days. But I was so content this story was so much more and the author had so many developments for us readers.

Billie is an amazing, strong, hardworking woman. And Peter...oh my god, Peter. What a man you are. The amount of respect, of actually listening, of caring. I will never be done with dreaming about him.

And a few side characters that were there to enhance the whole story, not just bits or parts. Oh, and can you believe my Portugal was there too?

An amazing FUNNY and beautiful second chance romance. Plus on the romance, always. But a word of appreciation for the intimate scenes? GORGEOUS. And I wish it had more spicy chapters, because Cristina delivers. All.

I am adding this book to my LIFE favorites.

Released June 2.

Thank you to the author for this incredible ARC. E também na língua portuguesa que eu orgulhosamente partilho com a Cristina: obrigada.

-----

some of my favorite quotes:
🌊
It's impossible to ignore the heat filling my veins as we touch.
🌊
A twelve out of ten.
A complete knockout.
🌊
She smells like summer.
🌊
the Viking across from me is equal parts smokeshow and adorable.
🌊
Every time his fingers graze my skin, my heart rate accelerates.
🌊
Not for the first time this evening, I'm excessively turned on by this man.
🌊
I am, without a shadow of a doubt, in over my head with this woman.
🌊
the sight of Elizabeth in my jacket made me want to reach for her and never let go.
🌊
kissing and kissing until I'm dizzy from lust and lack of air that I have to pull back.
🌊
Or is she really that special? That wonderful. that sexy, and weird, and sassy, and funny, and...
🌊
This man I tried not to miss over these last several weeks. I failed miserably.
🌊
Her words are a million paper cuts. The kind that sting, and bleed like a motherfucker.
🌊
Touching her is stupid. Because once I do, it's all I can think about.
🌊
"F u c k," I whisper, my eyes locked on her tits.
"Let's." She takes a step closer.
🌊
"Jesus, woman, I can never guess what the hell is going to come out of your mouth."
🌊
I am so, extremely, terribly, elatedly f u c k e d in every single way when it comes to this woman.

[Micheala · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review:

First, I want to note that out of all the books I have read, Peter Darcy is my dream man in every way. He is kind, selfless, patient, and it is obvious he cares deeply about his people. He is the best book boyfriend, and I feel like Billie is my friend whom I am just so happy for (and slightly jealous of).

Second, I resonated with Billie in many ways; mostly in her relationship history, leading to a distrust of anyone new. Darcy was careful to rebuild that trust he didn’t break. A side note, the author did a wonderful job writing about the daily struggles Billie faces with her ADHD and PMDD. I really hope someone can come across this series and feel the recognition and validation through Billie's thoughts and feelings.

Okay, carrying on. I loved the meet-cute right at the start of the book. It was funny, and I love a confident man. Darcy is charismatic, intuitive, and so respectful of Billie and the boundaries she had set (no personal info, one weekend only, never seeing each other again). I loved reading about their whirlwind weekend in Halifax, a city I love very much.

Obviously, I knew going into the book they would cross paths again, but I was on the edge of my seat waiting. I love a second-chance trope. I loved the resistance from Billie to restarting an intimate relationship with Darcy. He was so patient with her throughout the entire book, not pushing a relationship, waiting until she was ready but still being accepting if she never got there and then working to understand who she was as a person.

I also loved how well the author painted every scene in this book. I could almost feel the breeze and the sand, smell the south shore, hear the seagulls and see a quiet little town that feels so much classic-Nova Scotia. I would honestly rate her writing 5/5 on that. She did SUCH a great job.

In regard to spice, I am someone who likes the spice to be around 2/5, so I did find myself skimming some of the spicy scenes, but that's just the mood I was in when I was reading.

Lastly, of course, they were going to have a “breakup”. I was bracing myself for that. I was actually quite worried Darcy was going to go back to Toronto, and they would do long-distance. I was very, very relieved for him to make the decision to move to the East Coast. On top of that, he made sure to reassure Billie multiple times that he was coming back to her after finishing things up in Toronto. I was so happy when she showed up at his condo, and I teared up at him telling her, “Look behind me, I told you I was coming back”. AHHH swoon.

I just saw there will be a third book in this series and I am so happy about that. Balsam Bay has definitely made it to my top 5, I can’t wait to recommend to my friends!

[Aqua-Lucia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Down Home by Cristina Santos

Peter Darcy thought he left "Elizabeth" behind in Halifax. After three unforgettable nights together—first names only, no promises, no future—he returned to Toronto and threw himself back into the life that was slowly crushing him. But when a panic attack lands him on medical leave, he retreats to his cottage in Balsam Bay to figure out who he is beyond the eighty-hour work weeks and impossible expectations.

Billie doesn't do second chances. As the owner of Balsam Bay's premier construction company, she's spent years proving herself in a male-dominated industry and rebuilding what her father nearly destroyed. She learned long ago that love doesn't last—not in her family, anyway—and she's built a good life on her own terms. She doesn't need complications, especially not from the client whose house she just finished renovating.

Except when she shows up to his housewarming party covered in mud, she realizes her client "Darcy" is actually Peter. And he's not letting her walk away again.

I absolutely LOVED this book. It was a feel good romance that wasn’t cringey at all. It was well written and the ending wasn’t rushed. It flowed well and I didn’t want to put it down.

This book is all about doing what makes you happy whether that is making life changes, or just meeting the right person. It was so so good.

The authors notes at the beginning were good explaining the name references and the mentions around ADHD and PMDD. They are also optional to read and doesn’t affect your reading of the book if you choose not to. However, they are a great insight and also link in to each chapter they relate to.

You don’t need to have read book 1 in the series to read this one. I haven’t read it and I could pick this one up no problem. However, after reading this one, I’d definitely go back and read the first one. Down Home also sets up book three wonderfully without leaving it too open.

Book 1 is Leo and Neve’s story which they’re integrated well in to book 2 without you feel like you’re missing something by not reading book 1.

I am excited for book 3 as I can’t wait to see Billie and Darcy’s story integrate into the next set of character’s story.

I highly recommend this book as it genuinely is one of the best books I’ve read in a while. To me it was perfect.

Publication Day is 02/06/2026. Congratulations on such a wonderful book Cristina and thank you for giving me an ARC. I genuinely feel like it’s given me that push to think about what I want to do next in life and how I’m going to do it.

I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did. I can’t wait for book 3!

[Melanie MacInnis · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was given the chance to do an advanced read and review for local NS author Cristina Santos, I couldn’t say “Give 🫴” fast enough. Colour me delighted that its a small town romance based in a fictional South Shore town, Balsam Bay. But, even though its a fictional town, Halifax is not, so I had lots of fun imagining “Peter” and “Beth” eating ice cream in the public cardens and reading in the sun on Citadel Hill.

But I am getting ahead of myself. Our MC’s meet in Halifax, and agree to a no names, no future one night stand which actually turns in to a long weekend together. As such, they use variations of their names. In reality our MC’s are Darcy and Billie. And she’s been the contractor renovating his seaside cottage for months. He’s from Toronto, and so they’ve never actually seen each other before. This is a really fun meet cute.

There’s some amazing mental health rep in this book. Darcy is on a medical leave from his Bay Street finance bro job due to anxiety, and she suffers from PMDD. I felt the representations of this, and how they slowly revealed their “flaws” to each other was a great way to demonstrate their developing emotional intimacy. Darcy falls first, and it takes a while for Billie to trust that he won’t leave, like so many before.

There’s some amazing comedy elements to this, like Tammy the pig and Darcy’s first swim in the Atlantic.

I recommend this book fully. Not only am I tickled that I could actually picture the marina and the main street, hear the accents, agree with that if you say dinner or supper tells me where you’re from; but it is so refreshing to see a small town romance that isn’t based on cows or ranching or rodeo or what have you. Its just that I personally connect with NS. I understand that Darcy finds his peace in NS, and is amazed at how quickly he is welcomed in to the Balsam Bay community. I also got a giggle from the Balsam Bay Business Bureau being amazed that Darcy gets his volunteer work done so fast. This is DEFINITELY a trait I noticed myself when I moved back to NS from Ontario. The pace of life truly is different, and life is more than work.

This is a great summer read. It has the summer vibe, it has romance, comedy, and the angst is mild and brief. I highly suggest you bring a copy to the beach this summer.

This is Book 2 of the Balsam Bay Series. The first book, called Come From Away, I still need to read. It’s the story of Darcy’s and Billie’s best friends, Leo and Neve. And Book 3 is planned for next year!

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, my heart!

This book made me FEEL all the feels. I don't even know how to write a review for this beautiful book because it truly just put me through it - it had every single element that I love about good books, and the way that I truly just connected with this book on a deeply personal level... well, it feels personal because it is. I was in Cristina's DM's singing praises to this book and this one is going to stick with me for a longest time because I felt seen. I felt like my struggles were given words that I never had before and that is the biggest gift of reading, the biggest gift that a writer can give to a reader.

Billie & Darcy were so perfect for one another. The way that they organically came together and truly connected was beautiful, but it was the little moments along the way that truly melted my heart. The way he showed up and showed her that he saw her. The way she leaned into him and let him see her was beautiful. Her helping him through the verge of a panic attack left me gasping for air because I know that situation firsthand and I felt it... I also saw her side so clearly, because she did for Darcy what my husband does for me each and every time. She stood there and didn't bend. She didn't run away screaming, and she didn't try to fix him - she just stood there and let him do what he needed. The way that Darcy truly heard her when she opened up about her struggles when she talked about the PMDD... I learnt so much about myself when reading this book. I don't have PMDD, but I do have MDD and so much of what I feel is the same, I just never had the words to express how it feels to always feel like I'm in the dark with the lights turned off.

I loved the found family in this book, in this series, and oh the joy that it brought to continue to see Neve & Leo and to see their love story continue to play out... I love the small town and the way that I feel like I could belong here as well (if only it was a real place!). I love the revitalization project, and knowing how the city will thrive with it because of the work that Billie & Darcy have done, and I truly loved seeing Billie's dad get what he deserved!

This book is breathtakingly beautiful, it's heartfelt & emotional (and a bit heartbreaking) and completely hooked me and stole my heart. I couldn't put it down and can hardly wait to read more by Cristina! Pick this one up - it's the most perfect read.

Thank you to Cristina Santos for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

[TotallyShelfObsessed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Groundhog day, a forgotten phone, a pig, a meeting, a beach day, lemon chicken, a tattoo, and a purple toothbrush. 🐖
.
Oh my goodness, where do I even begin?! Down Home had me in a chokehold from the very first chapter all the way to the end (and for days after I finished reading)! I haven't stopped thinking about this book, and honesty think it may have altered my brain chemistry! It's safe to say that I'll be buying the entire series and frantically searching GoodReads for everything else Cristina Santos has ever written! 😍
.
Billie has had heart heart broken too many times to believe in happily ever after. Peter is suffocating under the weight of his career. 3 nights in the city, first names only and no promises sounds like a perfect distraction, until the memories of those nights become all they can think about. After going their separate ways, Billie returns to her job renovating a property in her hometown but when the owner 'Darcy' turns out to be Peter the pair must decide if tearing downs walls is worth what may be waiting on the other side. 🧱
.
Holy shit, this book was INCREDIBLE! As a fellow ADHD girlie, Billie is such a relatable character! The way ADHD is represented in this book is absolute perfection, I have never felt so seen - it had me SOBBING. This is definitely a book for the girls who have ever been made to feel like they're too much. Honestly, reading this book and watching how Peter loves Billie healed something inside of me that I didn't know was broken. 💗
.
The spice in this book is DELICIOUS! Peter is definitely the king of dirty talk. If you're looking for a slowburn, this isn't it. Down Home is a dual pov, forced proximity, mistaken identity romance that will have you alternating between crying, squealing, blushing, kicking your feet, and clutching your pearls. Peter Darcy may be my new favourite book boyfriend OF ALL TIME. The anxiety rep is so well written, and PMDD is something I've never seen represented in a book; I ate it up. Cristina Santos is BRILLIANT - This is the first book of hers that I have read, but it DEFINITELY won't be the last. The bromance between Peter and his best friend Leo is GORGEOUS - the way the two men are so openly vulnerable and loving is so refreshing to see. 🥰
.
If I had to hand someone an instruction manual and say, 'here, this is how I want to be loved,' it'd be this book. I think Down Home will live in my heart forever. BRB, I have to contact my tattoo artist and get a 90% tattoo. 💓

[Shelby Lessard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Cristina Santos for the opportunity to be an ARC reader for Down Home! This book was everything I didn’t know I needed!

The story takes place on the southern shore of Nova Scotia, in a fictional town called Balsam Bay. After three nights of the most fun they’ve ever had, Darcy and Billie go their separate ways. Once he’s back in Toronto, Darcy has a panic attack that lands him on a medical leave from his finance job. He retreats to his new cottage in Balsam Bay in order to find himself. But little does he know, Billie’s construction company is the one responsible for building said cottage. When Billie realizes Darcy’s the client for their project, she worries that those three nights they shared will jeopardize everything she’s worked so hard to build. Billie’s afraid to let him in, but she can’t ignore her feelings for Darcy. As the story progresses, Billie becomes more comfortable with letting someone love her.

I couldn’t get enough of the dynamic between Billie and Darcy! The chemistry between them is there from the beginning. Their feelings are incredibly passionate, and their intimacy is otherworldly. I really enjoyed how they supported each other and helped each other grow throughout the story. They see each other in ways nobody else can. They become more comfortable exposing the deeper parts of themselves to each other as you read on, and it’s very sweet to see the progression of their relationship. Because they’re so perfect together, it’s no surprise that the spicy scenes are top-tier!

I would also like to thank Cristina Santos for the way she portrays mental health throughout the story. Billie and Darcy’s struggles are shown in a way that humanizes them. Their mental health is part of what makes them who they are, and they never fault each other for it. The difficult subjects throughout the story are handled very carefully. I particularly resonated a lot with Billie’s hardships surrounding her ADHD. She mentions sometimes not feeling in control of her brain and how frustrating that can be. As someone who struggles with issues similar to Billie's, I felt very seen while reading Down Home.

Down Home is packed with Canadian references, which I really loved. This book really hit home for me, and I’ll definitely be reading more of Cristina Santos’ work! If you’ve been looking for a small-town second-chance romance that will leave an impact, Down Home is definitely for you!

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Down Home completely stole my heart.

What starts as a second-chance romance quickly becomes a beautiful story about healing, self-discovery, family, and learning to choose the life—and the people—that truly make you happy.

I picked this book up expecting a sweet romance and ended up laughing, crying, swooning, and feeling every emotion right alongside these characters.

Peter Darcy and Billie were such an easy couple to root for. Their chemistry was evident from the very beginning, and I loved seeing them reconnect after their unforgettable weekend together in Halifax. While Billie struggled with letting herself be vulnerable, Peter was all in from the start, and honestly, he is the definition of boyfriend goals. The way he showed up for Billie, supported her, and loved her exactly as she was made my heart melt.

One of the things I appreciated most about this book was the representation. The portrayals of anxiety, ADHD, and PMDD felt authentic, thoughtful, and incredibly real. As someone who connected deeply with those experiences, I felt seen in a way that doesn’t happen often in romance novels. Cristina Santos handled these topics with so much care while still delivering a hopeful and uplifting story.

The setting was another highlight for me. Being from Atlantic Canada, I loved reading a story that felt so close to home. Balsam Bay was vivid, charming, and full of the small-town warmth that makes you wish you could pack your bags and move there immediately.

I also loved the found family elements woven throughout the story. The supporting characters added so much heart, and the relationships felt genuine and meaningful. By the end, I felt like I was leaving behind a community of people I had grown to care about.

Perhaps the biggest compliment I can give this book is that I finished it in a single sitting. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. Every chapter pulled me further into Peter and Billie’s story, and I needed to know how everything would turn out.

Down Home is emotional, heartfelt, funny, and beautifully executed. It’s a story about finding your way back to yourself, taking a chance on love, and realizing that sometimes home isn’t a place—it’s the people who make you feel like you belong.

I absolutely loved this one and cannot wait to see what Cristina Santos has in store for the next book in the series !

[Jaime Nickerson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pull up a beach chair, down a margarita, pray for sun, and read Down Home.

As a born-and-raised Nova Scotian who has spent summers both in the city and in rural/ coastal Nova Scotia, this book felt wonderfully familiar. The small-town setting, the rogue animals, the overstimulating sand, the marina, the community... it all felt authentic and reminiscent of summers past.

This is a hot romance (like the August sun HOT) that wastes absolutely no time getting started. If spice isn't your thing, be warned. If it is your thing, welcome aboard Captain.

What surprised me most was how much I identified with Billie. I didn't fully realize it until I looked back through my annotations, but her tendency to protect herself from heartbreak despite desperately wanting to be loved hit closer to home than I expected. Darcy, meanwhile, is pure golden retriever energy and proof that fictional men continue to set unrealistic standards. But I choose to believe there are still a few Darcys wandering around out there somewhere. *swoon*

I absolutely lived for the banter and for the fact that Darcy falls first. Give me that trope every 👏 single 👏 time 👏.

The mental health representation felt thoughtful and authentic, particularly as someone who has experienced panic attacks myself. I also appreciated seeing a woman thriving in a male-dominated industry.

One of my favourite lines in the book was Darcy's observation of Billie: "She gives you exactly what she can in the moment and not a syllable more. If you're patient enough, the rest comes later, in small, unexpected ways that mean more than any grand declaration or gesture ever could." I felt personally attacked by how accurate that was... 😅

The only reason this wasn't a five-star read for me is because my completely arbitrary rating system requires tears for five stars, and this one didn't quite get me there.

That said, I devoured it in a few days while on holiday with friends (who were also reading Down Home!) and will absolutely be reading the next books in the series.

Also, Billie's father is a tw@t w@ffle. #SorryNotSorry

[Melting Into Fiction · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5 🌟 | Spice: 3 🌶️

From the very first line, I knew I was in for a spicy & fun ride! This is my second book by Cristina (update: make that three now, since I read “From Away” right after 🤭) & she's quickly becoming one of my fave authors.

𝐃𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 is book two in the 𝐵𝑎𝑙𝑠𝑎𝑚 𝐵𝑎𝑦 series, which can be read as a standalone. You'll meet characters here that were featured in book one (“From Away”), but it doesn't affect the overall reading experience.

I love a small coastal town romance & bonus points that it’s set in Nova Scotia 🍁! Balsam Bay has all the charm & close knit community that make for the perfect backdrop. Plus, it has Tammy the town pig, who appears at the best moments.

You can feel the heat from the spice from the very start! And, if you’re not a fan of it, there's a “Dicktionary” included with all the spicy moments to avoid. Aside from that, there are many real & tender moments. While things started out physical between the MCs, you can feel their emotional connection deepen as they face family drama & mental health challenges together.

Mental health representation is thoughtfully explored in this book. Billie has ADHD & PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder), which she manages with medication. For Darcy, his panic attacks leads him to manage them with meds & therapy. Their open dialogue about their mental health builds trust & a bond that was beautiful to watch unfold.

There's also bisexual rep through Billie. While those close to her have fully embraced this, she does face resistance - especially from her father. Her complicated family dynamic was another layer that showed that she was truly a badass despite all her adversities.

So while there are many great spicy moments, they never overshadow the characters, the challenges they face & the connections they build along the way!

This was so good that I finished it in a few hours. I had to force myself to stop at one point when I realized it was 5AM. I cannot wait for book three, especially after the hints in this book!

A huge thanks to Cristina for giving me the opportunity to read the eARC!

[reading_with_chels · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review - 4.75⭐️

This book made me want to move to a small coastal town like Balsam Bay, with Tammy and all! This was such a sweet and heartfelt story filled with love, found family, finding happiness and your true home, and going after what you want, despite it being scary.

Billie and Darcy are so precious and I just love them. Their meet cute is obviously cute, but also insanely hot. Their chemistry is palpable even when they’re trying to actively suppress their attraction to each other. And the spice aside, their relationship is so funny! There were so many times that I laughed out loud from the jokes that were said, especially by Billie. I mean, holding 2 charred pieces of toast then saying “I think these need another thirty seconds” had me cackling!

I also loved the ADHD AND PMDD and panic attack rep from Billie and Darcy respectively. These sensitive topics were handled with the utmost care and respect which I appreciated. While I don’t have the same physical or mental health issues as them, I have rheumatoid arthritis so I can understand the struggle of your body fighting against itself and feeling like a burden when you’re actively having a episode (or flare up in my case). The quiet sliding of the pill case and making sure each other took their pills made me emotional and it was such a beautiful moment to read. Love doesn’t always mean trying to fix the problem, sometimes it just means being there for support and easing the heaviness of it all.

Overall this was such a beautiful story and I’m so happy I was able to be a part of the ARC team! Thank you to Cristina Santos for allowing me to read your book early for an honest review!

P.S. Storage units suck and I hate them.

Tropes:
🌊 Small coastal town
🌊 One weekend together
🌊 Vacation fling
🌊 Forced proximity
🌊 Nova Scotia, Canada
🌊 Found family
💊 ADHD + PMDD rep
💊 Mental health rep

Microtropes:
🌶️ Pierced nipples (MMC)
🌶️ “F*ck it”
🌶️ She rides his face
🌶️ “Good boy”
🌶️ Finger sucking
🌶️ He calls her darling