Wedding Woes, Forbidden Kisses, and My Brother's Best Friend

by Kimmy Loth

I came to Whisper Springs for a wedding and lost everything except my suitcase.

My job? Gone.
My apartment? Rented to someone else.
My sanity? Hanging by a thread and probably filing for divorce.

Now I’m crashing at a luxury resort, trying not to trip over my own bad luck while the quiet, unfairly attractive handyman keeps rescuing me from one disaster after another.

Ethan Blackwood fixes things. Broken pipes. Broken plans. Maybe even broken people. And me? I’m just trying not to add myself to his to-do list.

But this town, this family, and this man are starting to feel like the first good decision I’ve made in a long time.

286 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 23, 2026

About the author

Romance pen name for author Kimberly Loth

Reviews

[Dora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Izzy and Jacob's story left me intrigued about Cherry and I was so glad the next story was hers. It captivated me how two such different people as Isaac and Cherry navigated the intense attraction they felt for each other. I felt sorry for such a vibrant and intelligent girl as her, having to deal with so many situations that damaged her self-esteem, but I appreciated that she faced the challenges head-on and with strength. Sometimes I was laughing with her way to deal with things and others I was mad with those trying to hurt her. I was troubled by Isaac's lack of communication, which kept him struggling with his feelings for Cherry and contributed to her insecurities. Isaac had a lot of work to do on that, along with his guilt over something beyond his control. I thoroughly enjoyed the story's development that made me feel with Cherry and liked how Isaac and Cherry finally reached their HEA.

[Shannon Hahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so happy to be back at Whisper Springs...and I think I say that for each and every new tidbit we get!!

I was glad we got to be a part of Cherry's story. I absolutely fell in love with her during Izzy's book. She is definiltey the type of person I would love to be friends with in real life. I would never wish her family on anyone, and I love that she had the strength and character to not let her family dim her light.

Now Ethan...my man....I so wanted to reach through my kindle and slap him upside the head on multiple occasions. He almost ruined the best thing in his life out of fear! I adore his family and how they give it to him straight. I love how much you can feel the love they all share for each other, and the found/adopted family members through all the pages.

Now the tension between Cherry and Ethan...woowee! Loved it. Everything about this story was perfect! Can't wait to get to Issac's story, and hopefully get an answer to the question at the end!!!

[L.D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved returning to Whisper Springs and I absolutely adored this book! I loved Cherry being larger than life and Ethan's stoic mentality complimented her to a T! I loved the angst, the pining, the slow-growing obsession that they eventually overcame and embraced. I'm obsessed with Ethan and basically all the Blackwood brothers!

Cherry is a mentality that basically lives in us all. The second-guessing ourselves, the need for acceptance, and the fear of being too much or not enough. I certainly identified with her. Any Ethan's quiet love was the icing on the cake. I appreciate the struggle Ethan fought and even squealed when he finally gave in and embraced his feelings. I'd love to read about their wedding since Ethan was a closet romanticist. Until then, I'm patiently waiting the next book in this delicious series!

[Luci · Rating 5 out of 5]

We’re back in Whisper Springs—my favorite fictional town that I desperately wish were real. Returning to the Blackwoods feels like slipping into a familiar, comforting world, and at long last, we finally get Ethan’s story. I was genuinely surprised by several turns in his journey; for a character I thought I already understood, he still managed to catch me off guard. But in the end, he got the forever he deserved, and it was so satisfying to see it unfold.

The book carries the same charm, pacing, and emotional pull that I’ve come to expect from the series, though this installment definitely dips into slightly darker territory. Even so, it fits seamlessly into the Whisper Springs universe—just enough edge to keep things interesting while still delivering the heart I love.

[Astrid Rudloff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily review an ARC.
Every time I finish one book of this series I'm kind of sad I have to leave Whisper Springs behind me. It's astonishing how a fictional town and a fictional family can make you feel at home, like you belong there.
I love the writing style, the tension, the reliable characters and the many moments I want to scream at them to go for it despite difficulty experiences in the past.
I'd like to say that this was the absolute best book, but maybe I think exactly the same about every part of the series.
Kim just doesn't disappoint, she ruins readers for other authors.
Some day I'd love to have some kind of convention, all her super fans in a hideaway week in Whisper Springs...

[Amber Christiansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Cherry and Ethan's story. If you've ever been made to feel like you're "too much," you'll be able to relate to Cherry.

The world is amazing. The characters endearing. The romance is full of sparks and tension, but oh so satisfying by the end.

There were several times that I felt like Ethan needed some sense knocked into him, but that only made the end more satisfying.

The only thing disappointing is the lack of certain characters I didn't like getting the figurative beat down that I hoped for.

I received an advanced copy from the author and this is my honest review.

[Jenn Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love this series and every visit to Whisper Springs is like visiting home. The characters are lovable, light and fun, with big hearts. First off, I love Cherry and was so mad for her and what she was put through. Ethan steps in and steps up. They have chemistry which leads to a roller coaster of feelings. I loved how great the tension was between them. It's a story that flows well, brings us to a place we don't want to leave, and I enjoyed every moment on Cherry and Ethan's journey! It's another must read in this series.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Michelle Houghton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better! Kimmy Loth has done a spectacular job with the Whisper Springs series and each book just keeps getting better. The characters keep getting richer and dialogue keeps getting more real. Love Cherry and wish I could meet her in real life in all her colorful glory! And Ethan is her perfect match.

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is definitely my favorite book in the series so far. I love Cherry and her loud personality. She’s not afraid to take up space. I can’t remember how long it’s been since I’ve laughed this much while reading. Ethan is solid and her safe space to land. Their relationship is sweet and full of understanding.

[Richard Goodrum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cherry Maxwell lost her job and her apartment. Now, she's crashing at the Whisper Springs luxury resort where Ethan Blackwood fixes things.

Ollie, Ethan's nephew, while a minor character, is one of the best (Cherry and Ethan are obvious others). Overall, this story is enjoyable and interesting.

Entertaining. Happily Ever After. Romantic. Unpredictable. Wonderful characters.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun, slow burn romance about two people who don't have much luck with relationships. Ethan is the tattooed hero who acts as Cherry's buffer between her and her family, including her bridezilla sister in law. Ethan and Cherry really like each other but Ethan avoids her as much as he can so he does not hurt her. It's obvious they belong together but what fun is it if it is made easy.

[Carol Gil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful! Glad Cherry got a story and to join in the family. she deserves it. Ethan wasn't around the family much so he hasn't meet Cherry until her brother gets married. Both they are both instantly attracted and have a wonderful story of how they end up together.

[Cleocutie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun romance where the chemistry is obvious and the characters are vivid and fun to read about. I love Cherry and was cheering for things to work out for her from the beginning.

[Laurie Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Cherry from the first time we meet her and I love that she got her story and happy ending. Ethan is perfect for her.

[Bookish Serendipity Shannon williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looooved this book soooo much!

I absolutely adore Cherry and loved getting her story!

I love how unapologetically herself she is and that even though so many people tried to dim her, she wouldn’t let them win.

Her and Ethan were so perfect each other!

Even though I wanted to smack Ethan upside the head a few times lol

I loved their story so much and that ending was just perfect!

I can’t wait for the next book in this series!

[Caroline Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so pleased to read Cherry's story, she's such a wild character that I want her in my life!
And Ethan, he really does deserve some happiness, he's really had it hard. And he's so adorable but doesn't see it himself.
Ms Loth's stories always make me feel as if I'm part of them, there's always the rest of the family included in each book that sometimes I feel like I want my story told within the same family, haha.
I love that there are so many layers to each character that it's like peeling an onion, Ethan has the most layers because I think he hides the most.
I have loved all of the whisper springs books I think the world building is wonderful.

[Lisa Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love kimmy loth’s books! I usually don’t read romance, but the whisper springs books are the best!

[Tammy Olsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny, heartwarming, really enjoyed this book. Absolutely love all of the Whisper Springs books!

[Caytee Barkley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whisper Springs is my favorite lighthearted romance series. This book was so fun! As an actuary myself, I was tickled to have a FMC as an actuary. Never seen that before! :)