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Even if We Last

Not yet published
Expected 17 Feb 26
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I’m what people call a charmer. Maybe it’s the drawl, maybe it’s the dimples, or maybe it’s the entire ex-Special-Forces package. Either way, I’ve never met a woman I haven’t been able to sweep off their feet . . . until Mallory Monroe. The only female on our team, she’s all fierce words, brave actions, and impenetrable walls around her heart. She’s also the only girl I’ve ever loved.

After burying my feelings for over a decade, I’m not surprised I dream of waking up married to her. Except, it isn’t a dream; the certificate claiming we’re husband and wife is real, and neither of us remembers a thing. Dream come true or not, I never wanted this. Not when my new bride looks horrified, accuses me like our situation is my fault, and demands we “fix it.”

But while I’d do almost anything for her—including taking a bullet for her, again—leaving her, in any sense of the word, isn’t one of those things. And when Mallory makes no move to annul our secret marriage, even months later, I decide to test the waters by attempting to date my wife.
Friends to LoversDrunken ElopementBlack Cat x Golden RetrieverEx-Special ForcesSecurity Team RomanceStrong Female LeadHe Falls FirstFound Family

450 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 17, 2026

2 people are currently reading
84 people want to read

About the author

Molly Barlowe

4 books132 followers
Molly grew up in California but now lives in the oh-so-amazing state of Texas. When she's not diving into the world of her characters, some of her hobbies include hiking, snowboarding, traveling, and long walks on the beach . . . which roughly translates to being a caffeine-fueled homebody. She has a weakness for nerdy movies and loves curling up in a fluffy blanket during a thunderstorm . . . or under one in a bathtub if there are tornados. That way she can pretend they aren't really happening.

Wrote as Molly McAdams from 2012-2024

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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Profile Image for Nika Chapin.
389 reviews1 follower
January 24, 2026
3.25 ⭐️

I am so so so incredibly grateful to have received the eARC to this book. Molly has been one of my top favorite authors for years now and the fact that I’ve gotten to read 3 of her books early now is truly mind blowing. I have absolutely loved seeing her transition to closed door romances and I truly believe I would read any book she writes no matter what genre or sub-genre.

As for this book specifically… Even If We Last is a pull at your heartstrings romance with a touch of dark romance/ suspense. I do have to admit it’s not my favorite in the series, however, like I said Molly is one of my favorite authors so she’s setting a high bar for herself. I lovedddd Gray and seeing the way he supported Monroe throughout the story was truly so beautiful. If you want a book to put you in your feels, but also super fast paced and easy to binge, this book and this series is perfect for you!
Profile Image for Sarah Shelton.
107 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 27, 2026
Wowee, what a ride!! I’d be awaiting the release of this book for quite some time, and I was so pleased that I got an ARC for it.

Hudson and Mallory were two characters we met in the first two books, and their storyline always intrigued me. I was under the impression that their relationship with one another was one way, but they were actually much closer than expected. Their over-a-decades long past was riddled with miscommunication and misconception on both sides. It was sad to watch them struggle with trusting each other, and there were a lot of two steps forward, one step backward moments, for Mallory especially. Her history was sad, and she was scared to feel anything other than the mask of confidence she constantly donned.

There were some great plot twists in the book that I didn’t see coming! The book is a bit on the longer side because there’s a lot going on with major conflict started in Even If It Hurts. There’s a lot of characters you meet that interact with H & M who play into the ongoing conflict running throughout the series, but also family members and others introduced that don’t play huge roles. I did feel a bit confused at times when names were introduced and had to read parts again to reorient myself in the story.

The tension, chemistry, and love the MCs had for one another was very apparent. They cared for and fought beside one another for so long, and it brought them so close. When the impromptu marriage turned the tide on their story, the result was bound to be deep and lasting. Molly delivers that for sure in this read. It feels like I highlighted the whole book just because their conversations were so sweet. 🥹

Overall, the ending and the epilogue left me hanging & ready for Cameron and Peyton. :) Before picking up this read, I’d definitely recommend reading the first two books in the series to understand the conflict and characters of the Shadow team. There’s lot parts from the history you’d miss otherwise.

Thanks for the ARC, Molly!! All thoughts are my own. 💗

CW: This is a closed-door romantic suspense book with implied intimacy between a married couple & passionate kisses with no language. There’s heavier themes in this book, with the ongoing conflict of trafficking, mafia ties, and death as a part of the plot. The MCs also had personal struggles that can be triggering for some readers.
Profile Image for Misty (Reds Romance Reviews).
3,425 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
February 7, 2026
With his sexy drawl, smooth one-liners, and dimples Gray Hudson is pretty darn irresistible. She should know, she's watched him work his magic on women for years now. He's had the same affect on her too... but letting him know that fact will never happen. It's a secret she'll keep forever... or will she?

Even if We Last is a perfectly penned romance about a girl who grew up in a man's world, never knowing about girlie things, never wearing dresses or make-up, and never sharing her feelings... because after all that is a sign of weakness. She was raised to be a soldier, a protector of her country, a woman who can hold her own amongst men.

So what is this girl to do when she finds herself falling for the guy that she swore she never would. Hudson is supposed to be her best friend, the partner who always has her six, not the guy she swoons over in secret. It's not like he'd ever feel the same about her anyway... or would he?
She's not the kind of girl that swoons, gets weak in the knees for a guy, or marries one mistakenly while drunk... or is she?

Don't get me wrong I have loved every book in this series so far, but this one, it just hit different. The words wrapped themselves around my heart and had me completely entranced, it was all I could think about until I was able to finish it. It was one of those books that you start reading and never want it to end, with characters that you never want to say goodbye to when the last page comes. Ms. Barlowe really outdid herself with this one. The emotional depth, the hesitancy and longing, the strength and bravery, and of course the love and devotion to one another... it was all so perfect and so deeply felt. I loved every single second of this story, Mallory was one tough cookie and she spoke to me on many levels... I loved watching find her well deserved happily ever after. Definitely my favorite read so far this year!! Highly recommend you meet these two, they'll steal your heart and full attention at first meet!

I requested an advance copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
Profile Image for Randi Sampson.
1,793 reviews97 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 23, 2026
Simply put, just... wow! I'm truly at a loss for words to adequately explain the grip this book had on me. From the moment Mallory and Hudson woke up in a hotel room and discovered they'd eloped... and had absolutely no memory of it, I was completely hooked. And it only got better from there! I don't want to say too much, because there are definitely many aspects of this story that just need to be experienced firsthand... discovering it all right along with these characters. It was tender and emotional, leaving me reaching for the tissues on more than one occasion. I loved Mallory's strength and how he loved that about her... but how he also wanted to protect her. And when we see those more vulnerable moments from her? My goodness, I just loved it. There was the perfect blend of romance and danger, and I was here for absolutely all of it. This team truly does have a great feeling of found family, and I've enjoyed every book in these series... but this one is hands down a new favorite. So far. We're given just enough of a glimpse of what's to come to keep me excited... I cannot wait! If you love an emotional romance with a protective MMC, this is a book (and series) not to be missed. A top read for me!

Even If We Last is a closed-door romance with implied intimacy between a married couple and no language. It is the third book in the Hutley Square series. While you may be able to enjoy this one as a standalone, there are certain threads that carry through the series and as such, it really is best to start from the beginning to get the most out of it.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Abbs.
24 reviews21 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 10, 2026
Molly Barlowe truly never disappoints. Her writing has a way of pulling you in so deep that you don’t feel like you’re reading a book—you feel like you’re right there living it with the characters. You feel every emotion, every moment of tension, every heartbeat of the story.

Monroe and Gray’s story is hands down my favorite. Their connection is intense, emotional, and beautifully written. What makes it even better is that they’ve both been in love for so long… and neither of them even fully realizes it. The slow unraveling of their feelings, the unspoken emotions, and the way everything builds had me completely hooked.

Gray is the kind of hero you can’t help but love—loyal, protective, and all in. He protects Monroe even though she doesn’t need it, and somehow that just makes you love him even more. And Monroe is everything I want in a strong female lead—fierce, guarded, and unforgettable.

This book is filled with heart, found family, and a love story that will stick with you long after you finish. If you love emotional romance with deep characters and a relationship that feels real, this one is an absolute must-read.
Profile Image for Natasha Larson.
14 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 8, 2026
I am so grateful to Molly for the opportunity to be able to read this eARC.
This book had my husband curious about what I was reading because it had me laughing out loud, covering my face in surprise, talking/yelling to myself and had me anticipating every twist and turn, not quietly. I talked to this book a lot. I stay up way too late reading all of the books in this series simply because the characters and stories grip me.

I loved walking through them navigating all the feelings they've had over the years and finally prioritizing each other, as well as learning to be vulnerable and trust each other in a whole different way.

Usually I can see plots setting up but there were definitely a few in this book I was not expecting at all, which I really loved.
I really enjoyed reading it and I am SO excited for the next books in the series!!
Profile Image for K. Leah.
Author 10 books283 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 5, 2026
If I could give this book more stars, I would! I loved every second of Gray & Monroe's story. From the first page, I was hooked. Just when you think you know what's happening, something changes. I love how all the Shadow men are fiercely protective of their women, and even though Mallory can certainly take care of herself, the fact that she lets Hudson is so special, because she doesn’t need him—she chooses him.

I thought it was going to be hard to top Asher Briggs from the first book, but Molly made me fall in love with Hudson Gray even more. Definitely add this book to your TBR! I can't wait for everyone to read this story.
Profile Image for Beverly Burge.
50 reviews
Read
January 23, 2026
OMG THAT ENDING. The gasp I gasped. And totally in public. Holy shnikees!! Oh how I love being back in Huntley and having so much time with ARCK! Cannot wait for Rush and Peyton cuz that’s gonna be so good and so fun with both crews together. And we got to go back to Amber too! Love love love it! So much drama. So much mystery. So much love and giggles and levity in totally inappropriate and serious situations. Gray is amazing and Monroe is frustratingly heartbreaking. Her dad really is the worst. Her brothers too. I only hope we get to see more of her healing in the next story. The end of the this series is going to need one heck of an epilogue.
Profile Image for Dana.
197 reviews
January 25, 2026
Yall, I LOVED LOVED LOVED this book. Mallory and Hudson are a force to be reckoned with. They are fire and ice. Like oil and water. Sparks… i felt deeply for Mallory, she grew up in a tight world. Always fighting for her place in this world. She was a woman in a man’s world. Never wanting to let anyone see her weaknesses. Gray…. Oh Hudson Gray. Can we say swoon!!! I was completely wrecked with Hudson and Mallory. Even the other Shadow members had me in the feels. Bring the tissues, yall. It’ll grip you like a vise.

Completely and whole heartedly 10000 percent AMAZING book.

I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Allyson Anthony.
1,184 reviews52 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 19, 2026
Mallory and Hudson's story had me hooked from the start. Even though Mallory was quite capable of taking care of herself, she chose Hudson to take care of her. Both of them had lessons they learned. Even If We Last has tension, bickering, family dynamics, found family, and suspense.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Veronica Pham.
219 reviews17 followers
February 10, 2026
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
Spice: closed door

•Hudson(Gray) & Mallory (Monroe)
Huntley Square book 3

*I was provided an ARC of this book by the author and their promotion team

I was so excited to finally get Gray & Monroe's book after experiencing their banter in the earlier books! For over a decade now, these two have been best friends, essentially joined at the hip since Monroe became the first female SEAL and they were assigned to the same team. Unbeknownst to either of them, they've harbored the same feelings for each other in secret all this time. In order to preserve their friendship and for the sake of their team, those feelings remained a secret. Monroe became hard, avoiding relationships all together, as she was raised. Gray chose to drown himself in a string of one night stands. For years, they've operated this way. Until now, because somehow they secretly got married, but neither remember how. Gray wants nothing more than to take this opportunity to finally show Monroe how great they can be together, regardless of the consequences, but Monroe's been different. Her typical no-nonsense attitude has turned downright cold towards Gray. He was once her confidant, now she can barely be in the same room as him, and he has no idea why. The tension is affecting their jobs, their found family, and neither knows if they'll ever get back to how they once were...

This couple and their story really pulled on my heart strings! Both these characters, but especially Monroe, are sooo complex with so many layers. It was so clear to see now much her upbringing influenced her reaction towards Gray and their marriage. As frustrated as I was at both of these character for their actions and reactions in this story, I understood their behaviors, and it only made their journey of working through their past traumas that much more beautiful! I commend @authormollybarlowe on writing their complicated stories and character arcs so well! Overall, this is was a sweet and unexpectedly emotional read I enjoyed so much! I've come to love this whole security crew and hope to get more of their stories soon!

*available 2/17/26
Profile Image for Sarah.
111 reviews8 followers
February 2, 2026
💖ARC REVIEW💖


THIS BOOK😭 the way I’ve been SO EXCITED for Monroe & Gray’s story, I’ve been obsessed with their dynamic ever since book 1 in this series🥹

Gray and Monroe’s book was an absolute rollercoaster of highs and lows in the best way, their history is SO layered & complex but through it all you see just how much they both care and love one another🥹😭

These characters fought for their HEA’s so hard, by the end of it I was sobbing😭 Gray is a sunshine boy who was there for Monroe through thick and thin, the way he always is there for her even in the midst of fighting shows just how selfless his heart is🥹

Now Monroe.. my girl, she broke my heart at so many points in this book, the way she’s just a soul character for me in so many ways, I love her heart & how Molly portrayed Monroe’s vulnerable side in this book, she’s not just all hard edges💖

I found Mollys books last year and have ADORED all of them!! THANK YOU THANK YOU Molly for letting me ARC read for you this release!! I love your writing, characters, and books so so MUCH💖

Even if We Last by Molly Barlowe is the third installment of the Huntley Square Series. An interconnected romantic suspense series with an amazing found family, protective MMCs, and AMAZING slow burn, no spice romances✨
Profile Image for Simone Gremillion.
24 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 3, 2026
A friends to more, small town, sweet romance as Mallory and Hudson navigate an unplanned marriage and mafia hitmen. I had so many emotions as I read through this book. First with the laughing, then the anxiety, to crying, and finally happy crying. Don’t miss it!

When Hudson and Mallory fly to Aruba with their friends for a wedding, they don’t remember that night. They awake clothed next to each other in bed and can’t remember how they got there. The wedding certificate on the table fills them in. Something both secretly hoped for but never told the other of their feelings. He tries to fill mistime, prior to this being with others, which includes the ladies. She has her own coping mechanisms.

When people from the past rear their ugly head again, as they are trying to navigate each other, only time will tell their future.

#arcread #loveatfirstsight #smalltown #deadlyduo #friendstomore #securityteam #foundfamily #mafiahitmen #hefallsfirst #shadowmen #supermodelassassins

**I received an advanced copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Melissa Guy.
167 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy
January 26, 2026
All I can say is wow! Even if we Last is one you can’t put down and will have you on the edge of your seat until the very end! It had me laughing one minute and crying the next! Grey and Monroe are a deadly duo team of their on. Every page will have you ready for the next.
Profile Image for Morgan  W. .
4 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 2, 2026
I could not put this book down! You will absolutely fall in love with Hudson and Mallory starting with chapter one. The twists and turns in the story made you crave more. The way Molly writes its as if you are truly in the story and moment with the characters.
Profile Image for Lissa Ruck.
975 reviews17 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 18, 2026
I absolutely adore Hudson & Mallory's intense ,fiery, caring,heartbreaking, loving, sweet, hopeful, forgiving, swoony happily ever after!!!
Profile Image for Heather.
187 reviews16 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 31, 2026
Molly Barlowe has quickly become a favourite author of mine. I did not want to do anything else but get back to this book after I started it! I love the found family at Shadow that we have seen since book 1 in this series. This may be my new favourite of the series. My heart actually hurt for Hudson and Mallory in their seemingly endless cycle of unintentionally hurting each other.

But when it came to a head and they had it out 🥰😍🔥.

There was swoony romance, there was heartbreak, there was healing, there was a bit of suspense/mystery, there was found family, and fabulous security team dynamics. Loved this book so much and after reading the epilogue, most definitely cannot wait for book 4!

Closed door, no swearing

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. All opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews

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