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Too Much to Hope For: Book 2 of the Haddon House Series
One love. One home. One life she never saw coming.
But can forever survive who they’re still becoming?
Scarlett Hope has found a surprising rhythm at Haddon House. Just months into life with Edward Cameron-Reid, their chemistry is electric and the future feels full of promise – but something inside her is stirring. She’s traded city charm for estate calm, yet still feels caught between worlds.
Then Harry shows up. A famous music producer – and a blast from Scarlett’s past – he’s in town to film with a renowned band. His arrival is magnetic, disruptive, and the last thing she ever expected. Scarlett loves Edward, but Harry’s presence reawakens the version of herself she thought she’d left behind.
When Edward’s daughter announces she’s pregnant and moves in full-time, the pressure only grows. And when Scarlett meets Sophie, a young woman struggling to make a home for her unborn child, one small act of kindness turns into something far bigger – a project that might just change everything.
But as tragedy strikes, Scarlett faces a deeper choice – not between two men, but between who she was and who she’s becoming.
Too Much to Hope For is a spicy, emotionally layered story of love, legacy, and identity – about staying rooted in love while growing into something more.
Perfect for readers who loved the emotional fire of A New Hope in the Highlands, the small-town heart of Things We Never Got Over, and the soul-deep reckoning of After I Do.
But can forever survive who they’re still becoming?
Scarlett Hope has found a surprising rhythm at Haddon House. Just months into life with Edward Cameron-Reid, their chemistry is electric and the future feels full of promise – but something inside her is stirring. She’s traded city charm for estate calm, yet still feels caught between worlds.
Then Harry shows up. A famous music producer – and a blast from Scarlett’s past – he’s in town to film with a renowned band. His arrival is magnetic, disruptive, and the last thing she ever expected. Scarlett loves Edward, but Harry’s presence reawakens the version of herself she thought she’d left behind.
When Edward’s daughter announces she’s pregnant and moves in full-time, the pressure only grows. And when Scarlett meets Sophie, a young woman struggling to make a home for her unborn child, one small act of kindness turns into something far bigger – a project that might just change everything.
But as tragedy strikes, Scarlett faces a deeper choice – not between two men, but between who she was and who she’s becoming.
Too Much to Hope For is a spicy, emotionally layered story of love, legacy, and identity – about staying rooted in love while growing into something more.
Perfect for readers who loved the emotional fire of A New Hope in the Highlands, the small-town heart of Things We Never Got Over, and the soul-deep reckoning of After I Do.
Kindle Edition
Published February 17, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 26, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed the follow-up to A New Hope in the Highlands. Although this is a spicier book than I would usually read, it also had a lot of character depth unrelated to the bedroom! The supporting cast was wonderful. I particularly enjoyed Lily's arc and that of her 'entourage' and the testosterone-fuelled matches between James and Edward. I also cried as there were so many heart-wrenching moments. I look forward to seeing more of Haddon House in the future.
February 22, 2026
Too Much To Hope For by Rachel Debrave
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
One love. One home. One life she never saw coming.
But can forever survive who they’re still becoming?
Scarlett Hope has found a surprising rhythm at Haddon House. Just months into life with Edward Cameron-Reid, their chemistry is electric and the future feels full of promise – but something inside her is stirring. She’s traded city charm for estate calm, yet still feels caught between worlds.
Then Harry shows up. A famous music producer – and a blast from Scarlett’s past – he’s in town to film with a renowned band. His arrival is magnetic, disruptive, and the last thing she ever expected. Scarlett loves Edward, but Harry’s presence reawakens the version of herself she thought she’d left behind.
When Edward’s daughter announces she’s pregnant and moves in full-time, the pressure only grows. And when Scarlett meets Sophie, a young woman struggling to make a home for her unborn child, one small act of kindness turns into something far bigger – a project that might just change everything.
But as tragedy strikes, Scarlett faces a deeper choice – not between two men, but between who she was and who she’s becoming.
My Opinion
Too Much To Hope For is the second book in The Haddon House series and I would highly recommend reading the books in the order. Rachel Debrave takes the reader on an emotional journey. A lovely, well-written novel. An entertaining and engaging read.
Rating 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
One love. One home. One life she never saw coming.
But can forever survive who they’re still becoming?
Scarlett Hope has found a surprising rhythm at Haddon House. Just months into life with Edward Cameron-Reid, their chemistry is electric and the future feels full of promise – but something inside her is stirring. She’s traded city charm for estate calm, yet still feels caught between worlds.
Then Harry shows up. A famous music producer – and a blast from Scarlett’s past – he’s in town to film with a renowned band. His arrival is magnetic, disruptive, and the last thing she ever expected. Scarlett loves Edward, but Harry’s presence reawakens the version of herself she thought she’d left behind.
When Edward’s daughter announces she’s pregnant and moves in full-time, the pressure only grows. And when Scarlett meets Sophie, a young woman struggling to make a home for her unborn child, one small act of kindness turns into something far bigger – a project that might just change everything.
But as tragedy strikes, Scarlett faces a deeper choice – not between two men, but between who she was and who she’s becoming.
My Opinion
Too Much To Hope For is the second book in The Haddon House series and I would highly recommend reading the books in the order. Rachel Debrave takes the reader on an emotional journey. A lovely, well-written novel. An entertaining and engaging read.
Rating 4/5
February 25, 2026
This is the second of Debrave's "duet" that started with A New Hope in the Highlands (review here) and you do need to read that book first as this one follows immediately on.
Whereas A New Hope was about the romance between Scarlett and Edward, Too Much to Hope For delves deeper into their relationship. It's not all sunshine and roses - because life isn't - but it's a very real story about love, compromise, and remaining true to oneself, even in the heady days of love.
I really wanted to like Too Much to Hope For. It's rare to read a romance about a couple that's already coupled up. However, I found that there are too many sex scenes. Or rather, the sex scenes don't serve the story. You can skip them and the story still makes sense... and that shouldn't be the case.
Yes, I am picky about my smut. A girl has to have standards, right?
But skipping the sex scenes, the rest of the book is a great read. The brother is a piece of work, but the band members are fabulous. And Harry... Even the right thing can sometimes feel wrong.
Too Much to Hope For is a great book, but it didn't quite work for me. YMMV.
Whereas A New Hope was about the romance between Scarlett and Edward, Too Much to Hope For delves deeper into their relationship. It's not all sunshine and roses - because life isn't - but it's a very real story about love, compromise, and remaining true to oneself, even in the heady days of love.
I really wanted to like Too Much to Hope For. It's rare to read a romance about a couple that's already coupled up. However, I found that there are too many sex scenes. Or rather, the sex scenes don't serve the story. You can skip them and the story still makes sense... and that shouldn't be the case.
Yes, I am picky about my smut. A girl has to have standards, right?
But skipping the sex scenes, the rest of the book is a great read. The brother is a piece of work, but the band members are fabulous. And Harry... Even the right thing can sometimes feel wrong.
Too Much to Hope For is a great book, but it didn't quite work for me. YMMV.
February 20, 2026
3.5⭐️
The plot follows the story of Edward and Scarlett as they settle into their relationship at a Scottish castle and navigate exes,admirers, family dynamics and varying emotions.
I enjoyed the closeness between them and how they expressed their love in different ways. The spice meter is very high and I loved how the author captured these feelings/moments.
It was engaging and was plot/character driven. There was never a dull moment from the onset and this was sustained throughout the book.
Although marketed as a standalone I still feel some bits missing as this is a continuation of the first book. Some things were not made clear- leaving the burden to the reader -which I didn’t like.
If you love reading about ‘where are they now’, gorgeous Scottish setting and eclectic characters you will enjoy this and I suggest starting with the first book.
The plot follows the story of Edward and Scarlett as they settle into their relationship at a Scottish castle and navigate exes,admirers, family dynamics and varying emotions.
I enjoyed the closeness between them and how they expressed their love in different ways. The spice meter is very high and I loved how the author captured these feelings/moments.
It was engaging and was plot/character driven. There was never a dull moment from the onset and this was sustained throughout the book.
Although marketed as a standalone I still feel some bits missing as this is a continuation of the first book. Some things were not made clear- leaving the burden to the reader -which I didn’t like.
If you love reading about ‘where are they now’, gorgeous Scottish setting and eclectic characters you will enjoy this and I suggest starting with the first book.
February 16, 2026
This is the second book featuring Scarlett and Edward and although there is plenty of steamy moments threaded through it this also has a great storyline. Scarlett has really settled in to life at Haddon House and her relationship with Edward is going from strength to strength. However music producer Harry turns up with a famous band it puts a strain on their relationship as he has history with Scarlett……. As well as all this going on Edward’s daughter Lily announces that she is pregnant, deferring her university place and moving in with them. I really liked all the characters in this and how they are portrayed. The interactions between them all really flow and it is easy to work out how they’re all connected. The ins and outs, twists and turns make this a great read to get stuck into with plenty to keep you engaged.
February 25, 2026
Scarlett and Edward are enjoying their life together; their emotional connection is deep, and the romance is hot. Edward would like to formalise their relationship, but Scarlett believes their commitment to each other is enough. When an old friend from Scarlett's youth stays at the estate, it unsettles them. Edward, because he doesn't want to lose her and Scarlett, because she wonders if she is living her best life. I like the storytelling and the rural setting for this romantic tale of self-realisation. It has complex and relatable characters and life challenges, and a lovely emotional romance.
I received a copy of this book from the author.
I received a copy of this book from the author.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
It was fantastic to be back at Haddon House and to catch up with Scarlett and Edward.
The chemistry between these characters really sparks and we soon were caught up in their passionate going ons!
It was interesting to see a character from Scarlett’s past arrive, causing a few ripples in the process.
Some unexpected happenings occur adding pressure to the relationship between Scarlett and Edward, and offering an opportunity for a new way of life in the community.
Delightfully spicy at times, this was a very entertaining and engaging read. Edward is a very attractive character and I definitely think he’s rather naughty too!
Such a passion filled adventure, I hope we visit Haddon House again soon.
The chemistry between these characters really sparks and we soon were caught up in their passionate going ons!
It was interesting to see a character from Scarlett’s past arrive, causing a few ripples in the process.
Some unexpected happenings occur adding pressure to the relationship between Scarlett and Edward, and offering an opportunity for a new way of life in the community.
Delightfully spicy at times, this was a very entertaining and engaging read. Edward is a very attractive character and I definitely think he’s rather naughty too!
Such a passion filled adventure, I hope we visit Haddon House again soon.
April 27, 2026
this sequel was amazing and way better than the first one. i loved it so much.
Review of advance copy
💜 Blurb -
Scarlett Hope has found a surprising rhythm at Haddon House. Just months into life with Edward Cameron-Reid, their chemistry is electric and the future feels full of promise – but something inside her is stirring. She’s traded city charm for estate calm, yet still feels caught between worlds.
Then Harry shows up. A famous music producer – and a blast from Scarlett’s past – he’s in town to film with a renowned band. His arrival is magnetic, disruptive, and the last thing she ever expected. Scarlett loves Edward, but Harry’s presence reawakens the version of herself she thought she’d left behind.
When Edward’s daughter announces she’s pregnant and moves in full-time, the pressure only grows. And when Scarlett meets Sophie, a young woman struggling to make a home for her unborn child, one small act of kindness turns into something far bigger – a project that might just change everything.
But as tragedy strikes, Scarlett faces a deeper choice – not between two men, but between who she was and who she’s becoming.
Too Much to Hope For is a spicy, emotionally layered story of love, legacy, and identity – about staying rooted in love while growing into something more.
💛 Review -
This was such a brilliant and well written novel. I enjoyed Too Much To Hope For as much as the first novel in the series. I loved the author's writing style and the story was easy to follow. I loved Scarlett and Edward's chemistry and I wanted them to have their happy ending. Also being a dog lover, I loved Daisy and Duke, Edward's dogs. Overall a brilliant novel that I highly recommend to other readers. I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources, the author Rachel Debrave and the publisher for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Scarlett Hope has found a surprising rhythm at Haddon House. Just months into life with Edward Cameron-Reid, their chemistry is electric and the future feels full of promise – but something inside her is stirring. She’s traded city charm for estate calm, yet still feels caught between worlds.
Then Harry shows up. A famous music producer – and a blast from Scarlett’s past – he’s in town to film with a renowned band. His arrival is magnetic, disruptive, and the last thing she ever expected. Scarlett loves Edward, but Harry’s presence reawakens the version of herself she thought she’d left behind.
When Edward’s daughter announces she’s pregnant and moves in full-time, the pressure only grows. And when Scarlett meets Sophie, a young woman struggling to make a home for her unborn child, one small act of kindness turns into something far bigger – a project that might just change everything.
But as tragedy strikes, Scarlett faces a deeper choice – not between two men, but between who she was and who she’s becoming.
Too Much to Hope For is a spicy, emotionally layered story of love, legacy, and identity – about staying rooted in love while growing into something more.
💛 Review -
This was such a brilliant and well written novel. I enjoyed Too Much To Hope For as much as the first novel in the series. I loved the author's writing style and the story was easy to follow. I loved Scarlett and Edward's chemistry and I wanted them to have their happy ending. Also being a dog lover, I loved Daisy and Duke, Edward's dogs. Overall a brilliant novel that I highly recommend to other readers. I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources, the author Rachel Debrave and the publisher for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
April 17, 2026
This is the second book in the Haddon House series by Rachel Debrave. Although it could be read as a standalone, this is a continuation of a romance so I highly recommend that you read the first book first, A New Hope in the Highlands.
This was a romance with a high spice level, but the story also had considerable depth with serious themes and incredibly poignant moments.
I loved the connection between Scarlett and Edwards, their chemistry was off the charts, but sometimes things happen to make the path of love slightly more difficult, and the arrival of a friend from Scarlett’s past causes them both to reflect on what they want from life.
Packed with plenty of twists and turns, this story was compelling and entertaining and I found myself reading it at every opportunity, including into the night.
This was a romance with a high spice level, but the story also had considerable depth with serious themes and incredibly poignant moments.
I loved the connection between Scarlett and Edwards, their chemistry was off the charts, but sometimes things happen to make the path of love slightly more difficult, and the arrival of a friend from Scarlett’s past causes them both to reflect on what they want from life.
Packed with plenty of twists and turns, this story was compelling and entertaining and I found myself reading it at every opportunity, including into the night.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews