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Down Home: A small town, forced proximity summer romance
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.
Vacation FlingForced ProximitySmall Town Romance (Nova Scotia, Canada)Hidden/Mistaken IdentitySunshine/SunshineFriends with Benefits (to Lovers)Meddling Best Friends Mental health representation (anxiety/panic attacks, ADHD, PMDD)
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.
Vacation FlingForced ProximitySmall Town Romance (Nova Scotia, Canada)Hidden/Mistaken IdentitySunshine/SunshineFriends with Benefits (to Lovers)Meddling Best Friends Mental health representation (anxiety/panic attacks, ADHD, PMDD)
317 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 2, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
June 5, 2026
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.
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.
September 10, 2026
I loved returning to Balsam Bay and getting Darcy and Billie's story! And first of all, THOSE NAMES. Yes, I do love Pride and Prejudice, so I absolutely loved that Cristina chose Elizabeth and Darcy for this sort of modern spin on things with their names but a brand new story. Even though Elizabeth goes by Billie and Peter Darcy is just Darcy, you catch my drift.
I loved the vacation fling that turned into a whole lot more. The chemistry between these two was so obvious, and I loved that they couldn't stop thinking about each other even when they thought they'd never see each other again. The one night stand turning into a whole weekend, only for them to unknowingly be reunited because their best friends are dating each other and I was internally so happy because YES.
I also really loved them working together on the town project. It gave me Ben and Leslie from Parks and Rec vibes with the whole working together on a town event while slowly falling in love thing, and I enjoyed it a lot.
But one thing I really want to highlight is Billie's ADHD and PMDD representation. As someone who also deals with PMDD and doesn't see it represented in books very often, I was genuinely in tears over how thoughtfully and realistically Cristina included it. THAT MATTERS. I felt so seen by this part of the story, and I really appreciate an author taking the time to represent something that so many people experience but don't often see talked about.
I loved Darcy so much. His anxiety and panic attacks really resonated with me, and he just deserves the world. I loved how he figures out what he actually wants instead of continuing to live a life that was making him miserable.
I just really loved this book if you can't tell, and I love anything Cristina writes. I encourage anyone to check out this book, the book before this (From Away), AND all of her other books because they are so good!
I am already SO ready for book three!
I loved the vacation fling that turned into a whole lot more. The chemistry between these two was so obvious, and I loved that they couldn't stop thinking about each other even when they thought they'd never see each other again. The one night stand turning into a whole weekend, only for them to unknowingly be reunited because their best friends are dating each other and I was internally so happy because YES.
I also really loved them working together on the town project. It gave me Ben and Leslie from Parks and Rec vibes with the whole working together on a town event while slowly falling in love thing, and I enjoyed it a lot.
But one thing I really want to highlight is Billie's ADHD and PMDD representation. As someone who also deals with PMDD and doesn't see it represented in books very often, I was genuinely in tears over how thoughtfully and realistically Cristina included it. THAT MATTERS. I felt so seen by this part of the story, and I really appreciate an author taking the time to represent something that so many people experience but don't often see talked about.
I loved Darcy so much. His anxiety and panic attacks really resonated with me, and he just deserves the world. I loved how he figures out what he actually wants instead of continuing to live a life that was making him miserable.
I just really loved this book if you can't tell, and I love anything Cristina writes. I encourage anyone to check out this book, the book before this (From Away), AND all of her other books because they are so good!
I am already SO ready for book three!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review
5⭐|2🌶️|13%🌶️frequency
Sometimes it's easy for me to write a review, and sometimes it's hard. This is one of the hard ones. Hard or easy doesn't mean anything about how much I liked a book; it's about how to articulate my feelings.
I have zero knowledge about any mental health issues. ZERO. Yes, I 100% feel like an alien because everyone else has at least a small issue. So, it's not the people with issues who are the minority; it's the people without 🙈
And here I am, just finished another book that featured a lot of mental health issues 🩷 . I love that. And I loved the book. I learned a lot.
It's incredible how perfect Darcy and Billie are for each other. OK, a little disclaimer... The only person who calls Peter Peter is Billie (OK, and his parents), and the only person who calls Billie Beth is Darcy (and his parents). And yes, his parents think it's funny that these two have so many names, and me too 😁
Darcy isn't just a golden retriever; he is so much more. He's so sweet, and if you read this review on IG, you can see one quote that says how sweet he is 😉 I would say, for him, it's love at first sight, and he was a complete goner 😍 Hook, line, and sinker. Hey, come on, it's a coastal town, I can say something like that 😁 And I can't wait to get back to Balsam Bay. This town is where I would love to live. For real. Not just saying it lightly. It was my dream for a long time, still is, but unfortunately, not every dream is made to come true 🥺 So, I live my dream through reading Cristina's books 🩷
Thanks to the author for trusting me with an ARC 🩷
Follow me on IG for more
https://www.instagram.com/minnie.love...
5⭐|2🌶️|13%🌶️frequency
Sometimes it's easy for me to write a review, and sometimes it's hard. This is one of the hard ones. Hard or easy doesn't mean anything about how much I liked a book; it's about how to articulate my feelings.
I have zero knowledge about any mental health issues. ZERO. Yes, I 100% feel like an alien because everyone else has at least a small issue. So, it's not the people with issues who are the minority; it's the people without 🙈
And here I am, just finished another book that featured a lot of mental health issues 🩷 . I love that. And I loved the book. I learned a lot.
It's incredible how perfect Darcy and Billie are for each other. OK, a little disclaimer... The only person who calls Peter Peter is Billie (OK, and his parents), and the only person who calls Billie Beth is Darcy (and his parents). And yes, his parents think it's funny that these two have so many names, and me too 😁
Darcy isn't just a golden retriever; he is so much more. He's so sweet, and if you read this review on IG, you can see one quote that says how sweet he is 😉 I would say, for him, it's love at first sight, and he was a complete goner 😍 Hook, line, and sinker. Hey, come on, it's a coastal town, I can say something like that 😁 And I can't wait to get back to Balsam Bay. This town is where I would love to live. For real. Not just saying it lightly. It was my dream for a long time, still is, but unfortunately, not every dream is made to come true 🥺 So, I live my dream through reading Cristina's books 🩷
Thanks to the author for trusting me with an ARC 🩷
Follow me on IG for more
https://www.instagram.com/minnie.love...
May 6, 2026
I don’t even know where to begin with this book because it has given me so many feels and so many areas of it that I feel like I could connect with on a personal level.
Forced proximity
Small town romance
Anxiety rep
Found family
Open door spice
He falls first
ADHD & PMDD
Peter Darcy struggles with panic attacks, something I haven’t experienced personally but have seen others experience. He is career driven until he feel like he can’t be and he needs a break. A break that turns into the best decision he has ever made.
Elizabeth is everything I wanted the FMC in this book to be and more. She feels EVERYTHING to the fullest of her ability. She thrives with her ADHD and PMDD. I learnt so much about myself in this book but also about PMDD. Beth’s characters progression throughout the book is something to be marvelled. The changes in her are incredible and I felt like a proud mum reading her story.
The way Peter understands Beth almost better than she understands herself and vice versa is something I will remember forever. I think I love Peter Darcy!
A one night stand, turned into something more and I have never loved a book quite like this. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for trusting me with this story before its release.
Forced proximity
Small town romance
Anxiety rep
Found family
Open door spice
He falls first
ADHD & PMDD
Peter Darcy struggles with panic attacks, something I haven’t experienced personally but have seen others experience. He is career driven until he feel like he can’t be and he needs a break. A break that turns into the best decision he has ever made.
Elizabeth is everything I wanted the FMC in this book to be and more. She feels EVERYTHING to the fullest of her ability. She thrives with her ADHD and PMDD. I learnt so much about myself in this book but also about PMDD. Beth’s characters progression throughout the book is something to be marvelled. The changes in her are incredible and I felt like a proud mum reading her story.
The way Peter understands Beth almost better than she understands herself and vice versa is something I will remember forever. I think I love Peter Darcy!
A one night stand, turned into something more and I have never loved a book quite like this. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for trusting me with this story before its release.
Review of advance copy received from Author
📚 Review: Down Home by Cristina Santos
Billie has ADHD, PMDD, and something to prove. She’s turned her family’s struggling construction business into a success, but it’s never enough for her father.
While on a work trip, a chance encounter leads to three unforgettable nights with a mysterious stranger. No last names. No numbers. No strings attached.
A month later, Billie arrives at a cottage renovation project only to discover her new client is Peter—the man she hasn’t been able to forget.
As they work together over the summer, old fears, family pressures, and Billie’s struggle to let people in threaten what could be something real.
This emotional, heartwarming, and at times heartbreaking romance completely hooked me. I couldn’t put it down, and I’m already looking forward to reading more from Cristina Santos!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Billie has ADHD, PMDD, and something to prove. She’s turned her family’s struggling construction business into a success, but it’s never enough for her father.
While on a work trip, a chance encounter leads to three unforgettable nights with a mysterious stranger. No last names. No numbers. No strings attached.
A month later, Billie arrives at a cottage renovation project only to discover her new client is Peter—the man she hasn’t been able to forget.
As they work together over the summer, old fears, family pressures, and Billie’s struggle to let people in threaten what could be something real.
This emotional, heartwarming, and at times heartbreaking romance completely hooked me. I couldn’t put it down, and I’m already looking forward to reading more from Cristina Santos!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
June 3, 2026
I cannot tell you much about this ARC. But I can tell you about the unexpected character who had me laughing out loud🤍
This book was dreamy, tender, steamy and if you like small town romances this is a must read!
The highlights of this book is
1. The love - what really got me was the love between the main characters.It was heartfelt, real and it’s the kind of love that makes you believe in romance again
2. The writing - is simple and relatable. There is no overdose. It is raw, honest emotion that hits you in the chest.
3. Tammy - this character is stubborn, charming, and unpredictable - I loved every second of Tammy.
This is a four star ★★★★ read for me and I am holding back spoilers because I want to scream about this unexpected character to everyone. Add this to your TBR immediately and tag someone who loves a good dreamy romance. They need this!!
This book was dreamy, tender, steamy and if you like small town romances this is a must read!
The highlights of this book is
1. The love - what really got me was the love between the main characters.It was heartfelt, real and it’s the kind of love that makes you believe in romance again
2. The writing - is simple and relatable. There is no overdose. It is raw, honest emotion that hits you in the chest.
3. Tammy - this character is stubborn, charming, and unpredictable - I loved every second of Tammy.
This is a four star ★★★★ read for me and I am holding back spoilers because I want to scream about this unexpected character to everyone. Add this to your TBR immediately and tag someone who loves a good dreamy romance. They need this!!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
This book was so so cute! It is based in Halifax with tiny bits of Toronto. Peter and Billie’s story is so intriguing and I absolutely love how relatable it was. Their love story is not like any other and showed what real love looks like in the real world! I adored how Peter always stood up for Billie even when she was not around. Cannot wait for the next book!
🌶️
This book was so so cute! It is based in Halifax with tiny bits of Toronto. Peter and Billie’s story is so intriguing and I absolutely love how relatable it was. Their love story is not like any other and showed what real love looks like in the real world! I adored how Peter always stood up for Billie even when she was not around. Cannot wait for the next book!
June 3, 2026
Well Well so good!
AHHH Cristina has done it again. She is an auto buy author for me and I will always forever read her writing.
Absolutely adored this story and knowing how much it hit the author when writing this, makes it even better.
If you’re into characters that have so much depth, passion, AND written from a personal perspective. Please go download this book.
AHHH Cristina has done it again. She is an auto buy author for me and I will always forever read her writing.
Absolutely adored this story and knowing how much it hit the author when writing this, makes it even better.
If you’re into characters that have so much depth, passion, AND written from a personal perspective. Please go download this book.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Making beauty out of the ashes. Down Home by Cristina Santos is an incredibly endearing book that I simply couldn’t put down!!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews