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You Belong With Me: A Cozy and Steamy Second Chance Romance
Grab your softest blanket and your pumpkin spice scented candle for this cozy, steamy, small town romance. Welcome to Willow Creek!
Julie McNamara never planned to return to Willow Creek, the town that is a constant reminder of what she could have had. But after her failed music career, she finds herself back in the place she once swore she’s never return to, with her ten-year-old son in tow. What she doesn’t expect is to run into Austin Davis, the man that broke her heart. Austin spent the past decade teaching music and running his shop, but Julie was always the one that got away. As old sparks rekindle and secrets edge toward the surface, Julie must decide if she’s brave enough to let Austin—and Willow Creek—back into her life.
You Belong With Me is a cozy and steamy second chance romance set in the small town of Willow Creek, Wyoming. You Belong With Me is the story of two fated lovers and the obstacles they overcome to have their happily ever after, no matter how many years pass.
Second chanceCozy small townSecret babySingle MomFound familyDual POVNo third act breakupHappily Ever AfterPerfect autumn read
This is the first in a series of interconnected standalones and can be read by itself.
Julie McNamara never planned to return to Willow Creek, the town that is a constant reminder of what she could have had. But after her failed music career, she finds herself back in the place she once swore she’s never return to, with her ten-year-old son in tow. What she doesn’t expect is to run into Austin Davis, the man that broke her heart. Austin spent the past decade teaching music and running his shop, but Julie was always the one that got away. As old sparks rekindle and secrets edge toward the surface, Julie must decide if she’s brave enough to let Austin—and Willow Creek—back into her life.
You Belong With Me is a cozy and steamy second chance romance set in the small town of Willow Creek, Wyoming. You Belong With Me is the story of two fated lovers and the obstacles they overcome to have their happily ever after, no matter how many years pass.
Second chanceCozy small townSecret babySingle MomFound familyDual POVNo third act breakupHappily Ever AfterPerfect autumn read
This is the first in a series of interconnected standalones and can be read by itself.
321 pages, Paperback
Published November 6, 2025
1 person is currently reading
8 people want to read
About the author
Camilla Harlowe
9 books2 followersCamilla was born and raised in rural Canada but moved to England to chase her own happily ever after.
She lives by the seaside with her husband and their very beloved pets. When she isn't reading or writing, she's normally at the beach or the park with her border collie, knitting, baking, or sewing.
She lives by the seaside with her husband and their very beloved pets. When she isn't reading or writing, she's normally at the beach or the park with her border collie, knitting, baking, or sewing.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 14, 2025
ARC review.
This is a sweet second chance romance (one of my fav tropes, not going to lie), where the 2 main characters were together as teens and reconnect over 10 years later.
The set is a small town which is cozy, but also kind of boring and where people are not necessarily all friendly, and you also meet the judgemental character we all know and love (not) in real life.
The story starts with Julie, the single mum FMC, returning to said small town with her son, after swearing she'd never set foot there again. But life happenes and she has no choice.
Austin, our MMC, has never left and when he sees Julie again all the feelings they had for each other surface once more, and we get too live their love story in two timelines, with glimpse of what they were like when they first met and fell in love.
We have heartbreak, yearning, mention of mentally abusive family dynamics, friendship, misunderstanding, big surprise (although not really) and HEA.
I LOVED the fact that the main characters are not effortlessly wealthy, that they have to worry about paying the bills, making ends meet and not squandering on unnecessary things. It made the story more realistic and relatable than most romances out there.
However, I feel that the characters and dialogues could have had some more depth to them. The author does a fantastic job describing the little things that make the story realistic, from potentially insignificant daily actions to the reasoning behind certain choices the characters make (i.e. watering down the coffee because they are running out but are on a budget and can't afford to buy more).
But the same isn't true for other aspects: I would have loved some more introspection and a better insight in the characters' train of thoughts and feelings, while it all feels a little superficial at times, with not enough building leading up to the main revelations and milestones in the story.
All and all, I found this book interesting, and I connected with the characters on several levels, and even though I wish we had more of a deeper perspective when it came to their feelings and general development, I will be reading the next books in the series to learn more about the other characters of Willow Creek.
This is a sweet second chance romance (one of my fav tropes, not going to lie), where the 2 main characters were together as teens and reconnect over 10 years later.
The set is a small town which is cozy, but also kind of boring and where people are not necessarily all friendly, and you also meet the judgemental character we all know and love (not) in real life.
The story starts with Julie, the single mum FMC, returning to said small town with her son, after swearing she'd never set foot there again. But life happenes and she has no choice.
Austin, our MMC, has never left and when he sees Julie again all the feelings they had for each other surface once more, and we get too live their love story in two timelines, with glimpse of what they were like when they first met and fell in love.
We have heartbreak, yearning, mention of mentally abusive family dynamics, friendship, misunderstanding, big surprise (although not really) and HEA.
I LOVED the fact that the main characters are not effortlessly wealthy, that they have to worry about paying the bills, making ends meet and not squandering on unnecessary things. It made the story more realistic and relatable than most romances out there.
However, I feel that the characters and dialogues could have had some more depth to them. The author does a fantastic job describing the little things that make the story realistic, from potentially insignificant daily actions to the reasoning behind certain choices the characters make (i.e. watering down the coffee because they are running out but are on a budget and can't afford to buy more).
But the same isn't true for other aspects: I would have loved some more introspection and a better insight in the characters' train of thoughts and feelings, while it all feels a little superficial at times, with not enough building leading up to the main revelations and milestones in the story.
All and all, I found this book interesting, and I connected with the characters on several levels, and even though I wish we had more of a deeper perspective when it came to their feelings and general development, I will be reading the next books in the series to learn more about the other characters of Willow Creek.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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September 6, 2025Received as a free ARC from the author but my opinions and review is all mine
Tropes hits all the right points for me
-Second chance
-Small Town
-Musical talented heroine and hero
-Single mom
Just to name a few
There was a recipe for something good considering the town the author created.
Does it develop okay in the romance department? Kind of. The romance was too easy made and the heroine lacked in returning feelings to the hero in the same passion.
Heroine and hero. The heroine did lack some likability. She was kind of selfish on several key points that she shouldn't have. There needed to be emotional depth over the topics given in this book. The hero kind of deserved better and there needed to be more explored with his family's side. Also spoiler here: THE HEROINE SHOULD HAVE TOLD HIM SOONER!!!!!
As for the kid, the kid acted more to be five or six than a ten year old. This takes away from the story for me heavily. What ten year old still gets buckled in by their mom and dad? The answer is none.
Mostly I felt the length didn't help it and neither did first person writing style.
This isn't terrible but I think it just needed more time to develop from the author with the awkward interactions and weird writing points.
I am not rating out of respect for the author but I do want to warn others to not go into this thinking you are getting an emotional gripping story or well developed plot.
Tropes hits all the right points for me
-Second chance
-Small Town
-Musical talented heroine and hero
-Single mom
Just to name a few
There was a recipe for something good considering the town the author created.
Does it develop okay in the romance department? Kind of. The romance was too easy made and the heroine lacked in returning feelings to the hero in the same passion.
Heroine and hero. The heroine did lack some likability. She was kind of selfish on several key points that she shouldn't have. There needed to be emotional depth over the topics given in this book. The hero kind of deserved better and there needed to be more explored with his family's side. Also spoiler here: THE HEROINE SHOULD HAVE TOLD HIM SOONER!!!!!
As for the kid, the kid acted more to be five or six than a ten year old. This takes away from the story for me heavily. What ten year old still gets buckled in by their mom and dad? The answer is none.
Mostly I felt the length didn't help it and neither did first person writing style.
This isn't terrible but I think it just needed more time to develop from the author with the awkward interactions and weird writing points.
I am not rating out of respect for the author but I do want to warn others to not go into this thinking you are getting an emotional gripping story or well developed plot.
October 1, 2025
Life has a way of leading us in a direction it thinks is best for us. Julie moved to Tennessee to escape her father and follow her dream to become a singer. Austin was supposed to leave with her, but life had other plans. On her way, Julie finds out she's pregnant by Austin but makes the decision she thinks is best for her. Now, she must sacrifice her dreams for her 10 year old son and do right by him. Tommy is not happy to be leaving his friends, but he understands we all must make sacrifices.
Julie has learned to live life as a single mom in hopes Tommy will appreciate her effort. (I know what it's like to struggle as a single mom.) Julie and Austin reunite. Liam and Austin put all the pieces together. He has to be Tommys father. Austin confronts Julie - he lost 10 years because of her decision. (Sometimes a mother's we have to make a right or wrong decision for our children. May not be the right one, but it was right at the moment.)
Excellent story, rekindling an old love. Second chances. The author grabbed my attention and maintained it. Julie reminds me of myself. Sacrificing your dreams for your child. Amazing mom. I loved that she taught her son to adjust to any situation life throws at you.
Julie has learned to live life as a single mom in hopes Tommy will appreciate her effort. (I know what it's like to struggle as a single mom.) Julie and Austin reunite. Liam and Austin put all the pieces together. He has to be Tommys father. Austin confronts Julie - he lost 10 years because of her decision. (Sometimes a mother's we have to make a right or wrong decision for our children. May not be the right one, but it was right at the moment.)
Excellent story, rekindling an old love. Second chances. The author grabbed my attention and maintained it. Julie reminds me of myself. Sacrificing your dreams for your child. Amazing mom. I loved that she taught her son to adjust to any situation life throws at you.
November 11, 2025
I really wanted to love You Belong With Me by Camilla Harlow. Small town romances are usually my comfort reads—I expect that warm, cozy, feel-good atmosphere. Unfortunately, I just didn’t get that here.
Willow Creek, instead of feeling charming or tight-knit, came across as rather drab and dreary. Because of that, the setting didn’t pull me in the way I hoped. I also found there were a few inconsistencies throughout the story that pulled me out of the narrative more than once.
My biggest struggle, though, was with the main characters. I didn’t feel the chemistry between Julie and Austin, which made it difficult to connect with their relationship or root for them. I found myself wanting more emotion, more spark, and more development between them.
Overall, this one just didn’t quite work for me, though I do appreciate the opportunity to read it.
Thank you for the ARC—this is my honest review.
Willow Creek, instead of feeling charming or tight-knit, came across as rather drab and dreary. Because of that, the setting didn’t pull me in the way I hoped. I also found there were a few inconsistencies throughout the story that pulled me out of the narrative more than once.
My biggest struggle, though, was with the main characters. I didn’t feel the chemistry between Julie and Austin, which made it difficult to connect with their relationship or root for them. I found myself wanting more emotion, more spark, and more development between them.
Overall, this one just didn’t quite work for me, though I do appreciate the opportunity to read it.
Thank you for the ARC—this is my honest review.
September 29, 2025
This was a cozy, romantic and a little steamy book to read🥰
I read this book in a day and I adored the story, the characters are so lovable and real, if you know what I mean🥰 The story feels just a little rushed but other than that it was a cute and nice little book that is perfect for this time of the year🥰
It's the first book I've read that has focused on music and you know what, I love that. It was so different from what I usually read and I found that to be a very refreshing excperiense.
I also like that we do get to go back in time and read about what actually happened to the main characters, understand the way they feel and think, it all brings the story nicly together.
I read this book in a day and I adored the story, the characters are so lovable and real, if you know what I mean🥰 The story feels just a little rushed but other than that it was a cute and nice little book that is perfect for this time of the year🥰
It's the first book I've read that has focused on music and you know what, I love that. It was so different from what I usually read and I found that to be a very refreshing excperiense.
I also like that we do get to go back in time and read about what actually happened to the main characters, understand the way they feel and think, it all brings the story nicly together.
September 5, 2025
This book is a must read! I love a good second chance romance and you definitely get that! Austin and Julie definitely belong together and it took them long enough to find themselves back together! I love that you get a glimpse of the teenage Austin and Julie too! The only complaint is I wish the book was longer. So I guess I will have to wait for more books to come out in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2025
This was a really cute second chance romance! Personally I am skeptical of this trope but this was really well done. I do wish it was a bit longer and went more in depth with character dialogue. I loved how relatable all the characters were.
The plot twist in the book was so good honestly. I wish I could say I expected it but honestly did not! I loved seeing their past that led them to where they were now!! I cannot wait to read more of the series 🤍
The plot twist in the book was so good honestly. I wish I could say I expected it but honestly did not! I loved seeing their past that led them to where they were now!! I cannot wait to read more of the series 🤍
October 13, 2025
such a sweet story! I love the happy ending and that everything was able to work out for the main characters. this is a must read!
December 29, 2025
Such a great second chance romance, I absolutely loved the characters and really felt for them as story went on. I highly recommend and I can't wait to read more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews