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Larkspur Love Stories #1
A Life Where We Work Out
Ellie Turner only ever wanted one thing—to get out of Larkspur, Texas.
That is, until she gets swept off her feet by a brown-eyed boy with a smile bigger than Texas, and for the first time, she’s torn between two dreams. What’s a girl to do when she needs to leave but desperately wants to stay?
Griffin Hart loves his hometown—but he loves Ellie Turner more.
He’d move heaven and earth if it meant he could have both. But how do you convince someone that leaving home doesn’t have to mean leaving everyone behind?
When Ellie pursues her dreams, taking Griffin's heart with her, they're both left facing some harsh truths—
Some dreams aren’t worth having if you have no one to share them with.
Sometimes home isn’t a place, it’s a person.
Ten years later, Ellie and Griffin find themselves in the same place at the same time again. When she returns to Larkspur as part of the committee for their 10-year class reunion, old memories stir, old wounds reopen, and old sparks reignite.
Can this reunion bring more than just former classmates back together?
That is, until she gets swept off her feet by a brown-eyed boy with a smile bigger than Texas, and for the first time, she’s torn between two dreams. What’s a girl to do when she needs to leave but desperately wants to stay?
Griffin Hart loves his hometown—but he loves Ellie Turner more.
He’d move heaven and earth if it meant he could have both. But how do you convince someone that leaving home doesn’t have to mean leaving everyone behind?
When Ellie pursues her dreams, taking Griffin's heart with her, they're both left facing some harsh truths—
Some dreams aren’t worth having if you have no one to share them with.
Sometimes home isn’t a place, it’s a person.
Ten years later, Ellie and Griffin find themselves in the same place at the same time again. When she returns to Larkspur as part of the committee for their 10-year class reunion, old memories stir, old wounds reopen, and old sparks reignite.
Can this reunion bring more than just former classmates back together?
- GenresRomance
458 pages, Paperback
Published November 19, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 22, 2026
I met Kathryn at a local adult book fair and so glad I did! I loved this story and adored the characters! Ellie started making me a little angry there but I’m glad she figured it out! 😂🥰 I was hooked from the start and had a hard time any time I had to put it down!
November 21, 2025
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (can it be a million stars??👀)
Speechless. This book has rendered me speechless, and that’s saying a lot because my favorite pastime is talking. I’m a yapper, what can I say. It’s been a HOT minute since I’ve read a good book like this. One that grips you by the heart and throat at the same time and just captivates you. I’m honestly
still in shock that this is a debut novel because this book was off the charts amazing.
It was so so, right person wrong time and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. I couldn’t stop reading it. It’s angsty, a little sad, sweet, relatable and so so funny. The characters are amazing and I think Griffin is probably the sweetest, and most passive man in the history of book boyfriends. You are going to love him. I think I swooned anytime he did so much as opened his mouth honestly 🤣
Ellie is so easy to relate to as a fellow chronic over-thinker myself 👋🏻 she is constantly at war with herself and essentially running from her own shadow, always preparing for that other shoe to drop…which unfortunately leads to things being a bit unsteady between her and Griffin.
Ellie and Griffin are high school friends turned lovers and they love each other Fiercely…but when life throws Ellie and Griffin lemons, our sweet Ellie girl decides to try and make apple pie 🥧 🍋 🍎 **now cue the angst between her and Griffin** so when I tell you this book had me by the throat- IT HAD ME BY THE THROAT. There were definitely a few times where my Kindle was this close 🤏🏻 to being chunked across the room. I felt like I was in the verge of crashing out the entire time I was reading it. But like a good crash out obviously 😚
I loved the mental health representation in the book. Anxiety and depression can be difficult things to deal with and sometimes we don’t always know Why we are dealing with them. It can be a hard, hard thing to navigate and sometimes self sabotage is a side effect. I think the book really highlighted the importance of taking care of your mental health while also giving those who are struggling, the grace they need while they heal and figure things out.
I loved the side characters so, so much-David’s my favorite and I will stand ten toes down for him 🫵🏻 he’s just a goofy boy okay?!
The banter between everyone had me giggling and kicking my feet laughing. I loved the entire dynamic between everyone and I can’t WAIT to get more books from Kathryn.
If you’re ready to swoon, laugh, and have your heart broken…kinda repeatedly…but then put back together again I highly recommend you add A Life Where We Work Out to your TBR 🪻
Speechless. This book has rendered me speechless, and that’s saying a lot because my favorite pastime is talking. I’m a yapper, what can I say. It’s been a HOT minute since I’ve read a good book like this. One that grips you by the heart and throat at the same time and just captivates you. I’m honestly
still in shock that this is a debut novel because this book was off the charts amazing.
It was so so, right person wrong time and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. I couldn’t stop reading it. It’s angsty, a little sad, sweet, relatable and so so funny. The characters are amazing and I think Griffin is probably the sweetest, and most passive man in the history of book boyfriends. You are going to love him. I think I swooned anytime he did so much as opened his mouth honestly 🤣
Ellie is so easy to relate to as a fellow chronic over-thinker myself 👋🏻 she is constantly at war with herself and essentially running from her own shadow, always preparing for that other shoe to drop…which unfortunately leads to things being a bit unsteady between her and Griffin.
Ellie and Griffin are high school friends turned lovers and they love each other Fiercely…but when life throws Ellie and Griffin lemons, our sweet Ellie girl decides to try and make apple pie 🥧 🍋 🍎 **now cue the angst between her and Griffin** so when I tell you this book had me by the throat- IT HAD ME BY THE THROAT. There were definitely a few times where my Kindle was this close 🤏🏻 to being chunked across the room. I felt like I was in the verge of crashing out the entire time I was reading it. But like a good crash out obviously 😚
I loved the mental health representation in the book. Anxiety and depression can be difficult things to deal with and sometimes we don’t always know Why we are dealing with them. It can be a hard, hard thing to navigate and sometimes self sabotage is a side effect. I think the book really highlighted the importance of taking care of your mental health while also giving those who are struggling, the grace they need while they heal and figure things out.
I loved the side characters so, so much-David’s my favorite and I will stand ten toes down for him 🫵🏻 he’s just a goofy boy okay?!
The banter between everyone had me giggling and kicking my feet laughing. I loved the entire dynamic between everyone and I can’t WAIT to get more books from Kathryn.
If you’re ready to swoon, laugh, and have your heart broken…kinda repeatedly…but then put back together again I highly recommend you add A Life Where We Work Out to your TBR 🪻
May 1, 2026
5 ⭐️
Wow. They say everything is bigger in Texas, that’s definitely true with how much LOVE is displayed in Ellie and Griffins story. This is a second chance, dual timeline, dual POV story that will leave you feeling every emotion under the sun… Truly, I haven’t been on an emotional rollercoaster ride in a while. Kathryn does an incredible job creating characters that feel real, raw and authentic. I loved this group of friends and it was such a treat watching them grow up from teenagers to young adults. One thing that I appreciated about this group is their unwavering love for one another over 15 years. David was absolutely hilarious, Jack was the best “peacemaker” and I was just so impressed by the stability of their friendships. This group is seriously one of a kind, and I am really excited to see where Kathryn takes them next!
Ellie and Griffin were truly remarkable.As their individual lives changed, I loved that these two never stopped caring and supporting one another even when it wasn’t convenient… (or it was just downright heartbreaking to do so). They go through so much over this span of 15 years and I just admire their ability to forgive each other and themselves. Ellie especially demonstrates so much personal growth and resilience throughout her personal story. I think so many of us, especially young women, can relate to being young and being afraid to take chances. Griffin was such an incredible picture of forgiveness, security, and love. Seeing them continue to love and support each other over lifes ups and downs was so moving. It’s been a long time since a book made me feel so emotional, but I enjoyed every minute! Grab your tissues, cowboy boots and movie theater candy for this incredible romance!
Wow. They say everything is bigger in Texas, that’s definitely true with how much LOVE is displayed in Ellie and Griffins story. This is a second chance, dual timeline, dual POV story that will leave you feeling every emotion under the sun… Truly, I haven’t been on an emotional rollercoaster ride in a while. Kathryn does an incredible job creating characters that feel real, raw and authentic. I loved this group of friends and it was such a treat watching them grow up from teenagers to young adults. One thing that I appreciated about this group is their unwavering love for one another over 15 years. David was absolutely hilarious, Jack was the best “peacemaker” and I was just so impressed by the stability of their friendships. This group is seriously one of a kind, and I am really excited to see where Kathryn takes them next!
Ellie and Griffin were truly remarkable.As their individual lives changed, I loved that these two never stopped caring and supporting one another even when it wasn’t convenient… (or it was just downright heartbreaking to do so). They go through so much over this span of 15 years and I just admire their ability to forgive each other and themselves. Ellie especially demonstrates so much personal growth and resilience throughout her personal story. I think so many of us, especially young women, can relate to being young and being afraid to take chances. Griffin was such an incredible picture of forgiveness, security, and love. Seeing them continue to love and support each other over lifes ups and downs was so moving. It’s been a long time since a book made me feel so emotional, but I enjoyed every minute! Grab your tissues, cowboy boots and movie theater candy for this incredible romance!
March 10, 2026
A Life Where We Work Out by Kathryn Basham
✨Five Big Shiny Stars!!✨
I very quickly from the beginning got sucked into Eleanor & Griffin story. Talk about angst and pining. This was dual timeline blended well with the present. Starting when they are in high school and ending during their class reunion. Griffin had all the charm of a southern gentleman and Kathryn give us emotions we don’t always get in the male characters, the raw emotions and vulnerability the he feels and getting the emotional depth really made me love him even more. He was the definition of a green flag. Eleanor I enjoyed her character but I also had a mix of frustration and sadness for her. She really was her own worst enemy. These two were soulmates that needed to find the right time to find pure happiness. The friend group that has me absolutely feral for Jack, I am so glad he is next in the series!
—“𝙎𝙤 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙩 𝙞𝙨, 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣, 𝙝𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙛𝙪𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚–𝙄 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙂𝙧𝙞𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙣 𝙃𝙖𝙧𝙩. 𝙄𝙣 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙣 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧. 𝙄 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡, 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙡𝙡 𝙡𝙚𝙩 𝙢𝙚.”—
I honestly don’t know how more people are not talking about this book. I highly recommend if any of these are your vibe!
🤍Small Town
🩵Second Chance
🤍Friends to Lovers
🩵He Falls First
🤍Slow Burn
🩵Friend Group
🤍It’s Always Been You
—𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙙 𝙢𝙚. 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙛𝙞𝙗𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙮 𝙗𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙥𝙞𝙚𝙘𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙡–𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄 𝙖𝙢 𝙨𝙤 𝙢𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙞𝙩.”—
✨Five Big Shiny Stars!!✨
I very quickly from the beginning got sucked into Eleanor & Griffin story. Talk about angst and pining. This was dual timeline blended well with the present. Starting when they are in high school and ending during their class reunion. Griffin had all the charm of a southern gentleman and Kathryn give us emotions we don’t always get in the male characters, the raw emotions and vulnerability the he feels and getting the emotional depth really made me love him even more. He was the definition of a green flag. Eleanor I enjoyed her character but I also had a mix of frustration and sadness for her. She really was her own worst enemy. These two were soulmates that needed to find the right time to find pure happiness. The friend group that has me absolutely feral for Jack, I am so glad he is next in the series!
—“𝙎𝙤 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙩 𝙞𝙨, 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣, 𝙝𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙛𝙪𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚–𝙄 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙂𝙧𝙞𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙣 𝙃𝙖𝙧𝙩. 𝙄𝙣 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙣 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧. 𝙄 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡, 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙡𝙡 𝙡𝙚𝙩 𝙢𝙚.”—
I honestly don’t know how more people are not talking about this book. I highly recommend if any of these are your vibe!
🤍Small Town
🩵Second Chance
🤍Friends to Lovers
🩵He Falls First
🤍Slow Burn
🩵Friend Group
🤍It’s Always Been You
—𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙙 𝙢𝙚. 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙛𝙞𝙗𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙮 𝙗𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙥𝙞𝙚𝙘𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙡–𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄 𝙖𝙢 𝙨𝙤 𝙢𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙞𝙩.”—
January 2, 2026
5 emotional stars ⭐️
I absolutely adore Griffin and Ellie’s story, this book has so many of my very favorite tropes! Kathryn’s writing style had me immediately hooked. I was so emotional throughout reading this, Kathryn depicts emotion in her writing so beautifully and really has a way of making you feel exactly what the characters are going through.
Ellie returns to her hometown, Larkspur, Texas for her 10 year high school reunion after years of living in Boston, ultimately reuniting with her high school sweetheart. After many years of ups and downs, the love that Griffin and Ellie have always had for each other has never changed. Second chance romance is one of my all time favorite tropes, and Griffin and Ellie’s story perfectly captures why. There was so much angst and build up due to the years of push and pull between them, which had me unable to put the book down and rooting for them the whole time! The storyline felt so realistic and it felt very easy for me to feel connected to both of the MC’s because of how real their characters felt. I also am OBSESSED with all of the side characters in this! Ellie and Griffin’s friends, especially Jack and Abby, were incredible. I am very excited to see where this series goes in the future.
I absolutely adore Griffin and Ellie’s story, this book has so many of my very favorite tropes! Kathryn’s writing style had me immediately hooked. I was so emotional throughout reading this, Kathryn depicts emotion in her writing so beautifully and really has a way of making you feel exactly what the characters are going through.
Ellie returns to her hometown, Larkspur, Texas for her 10 year high school reunion after years of living in Boston, ultimately reuniting with her high school sweetheart. After many years of ups and downs, the love that Griffin and Ellie have always had for each other has never changed. Second chance romance is one of my all time favorite tropes, and Griffin and Ellie’s story perfectly captures why. There was so much angst and build up due to the years of push and pull between them, which had me unable to put the book down and rooting for them the whole time! The storyline felt so realistic and it felt very easy for me to feel connected to both of the MC’s because of how real their characters felt. I also am OBSESSED with all of the side characters in this! Ellie and Griffin’s friends, especially Jack and Abby, were incredible. I am very excited to see where this series goes in the future.
March 15, 2026
This book was so good .
October 31, 2025
this book though 😭😭
i really feel for ellie and her struggle of wanting to leave her small town to explore the world, but also feeling tied to the friends who have become like family.
i love ellie. i love griffin. i love abby. but i think i love jack the most 🥹 im so excited to see where this series goes next!!
i really feel for ellie and her struggle of wanting to leave her small town to explore the world, but also feeling tied to the friends who have become like family.
i love ellie. i love griffin. i love abby. but i think i love jack the most 🥹 im so excited to see where this series goes next!!
November 7, 2025
ALWWWO captures the tender ache of first love and the healing power of second chances. With its blend of nostalgic charm and heartfelt vulnerability, the story invites readers to revisit the innocence of youth while exploring how time, friendship, and forgiveness can mend what was once broken.
The author’s writing style makes you feel like you’re right there in the room with her characters. I didn’t just read about Ellie, Griffin, David, Jack, and Abby; I felt like I was growing up alongside them. The dynamic between “Ellie and the Dudes,” in particular took me back to my own high school days, just goofing off and being a little unhinged with my best friends. Their victories felt like my victories, and their heartbreaks became my own. That, combined with the small-town warmth of Larkspur, creates a cozy and nostalgic reading experience.
It’s refreshing to see a “will-they-won’t-they” dynamic that doesn’t feel contrived. Every obstacle Ellie and Griffin face comes from a place of genuine confusion and immaturity, which is exactly what you’d expect at ages 15, 18, or 23. Even when I wanted to scream at the characters to JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER FOR GOODNESS SAKES, I understood why they didn’t. It reminded me that I used to be that way too. And that realism makes their big romantic moments feel all the more special, because we’ve witnessed the personal growth that brought them there.
As someone who also lives with anxiety and depression, I found Ellie Turner especially relatable. At times, she’s frustrating to read about, but that’s just because I have the benefit of hindsight as a 32-year-old who’s learned healthier coping mechanisms. Ellie’s struggles to communicate her feelings and fears reminded me of a younger me. That impulse to assume everyone is better off without you is such a human one. I think young readers who share those feelings might find comfort or insight in Ellie’s journey. And for readers who love someone like Ellie, her friends, especially Abby and Jack, show what compassion and patience can look like.
Speaking of Jack: boy, howdy, do I hope this author has plans for him! He’s my favorite character by far, probably because he reminds me a little of my husband. Jack has some of the best lines in the book and often says exactly what I wish I could say to Ellie when she’s deep in her feelings. Though he’s a side character, his depth and backstory make him feel fully realized. I’m begging this author for a Jack spinoff!
In summary, ALWWWO is more than your average small-town romance. It’s a coming-of-age story that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable: a reminder that sometimes love isn’t about starting over…but about finding your way back home
The author’s writing style makes you feel like you’re right there in the room with her characters. I didn’t just read about Ellie, Griffin, David, Jack, and Abby; I felt like I was growing up alongside them. The dynamic between “Ellie and the Dudes,” in particular took me back to my own high school days, just goofing off and being a little unhinged with my best friends. Their victories felt like my victories, and their heartbreaks became my own. That, combined with the small-town warmth of Larkspur, creates a cozy and nostalgic reading experience.
It’s refreshing to see a “will-they-won’t-they” dynamic that doesn’t feel contrived. Every obstacle Ellie and Griffin face comes from a place of genuine confusion and immaturity, which is exactly what you’d expect at ages 15, 18, or 23. Even when I wanted to scream at the characters to JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER FOR GOODNESS SAKES, I understood why they didn’t. It reminded me that I used to be that way too. And that realism makes their big romantic moments feel all the more special, because we’ve witnessed the personal growth that brought them there.
As someone who also lives with anxiety and depression, I found Ellie Turner especially relatable. At times, she’s frustrating to read about, but that’s just because I have the benefit of hindsight as a 32-year-old who’s learned healthier coping mechanisms. Ellie’s struggles to communicate her feelings and fears reminded me of a younger me. That impulse to assume everyone is better off without you is such a human one. I think young readers who share those feelings might find comfort or insight in Ellie’s journey. And for readers who love someone like Ellie, her friends, especially Abby and Jack, show what compassion and patience can look like.
Speaking of Jack: boy, howdy, do I hope this author has plans for him! He’s my favorite character by far, probably because he reminds me a little of my husband. Jack has some of the best lines in the book and often says exactly what I wish I could say to Ellie when she’s deep in her feelings. Though he’s a side character, his depth and backstory make him feel fully realized. I’m begging this author for a Jack spinoff!
In summary, ALWWWO is more than your average small-town romance. It’s a coming-of-age story that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable: a reminder that sometimes love isn’t about starting over…but about finding your way back home
November 25, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up to 5 for GR for A LIFE WHERE WE WORK OUT by @authorkathrynbasham ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
My three favorite tropes — small town + friends-to-lovers + second chance romance — SIGN ME UPPPP.
This independently published debut absolutely blew me away. Griffin and Ellie’s story hit me right in the feels and took me straight back to my own high school days. Their chemistry is so natural, and watching them grow from friends into something deeper was both heartwarming and gut-wrenching.
I read the Abby and Aaron wedding scene in my car and ended up crying in the school pick-up line. My chest physically acheddd — I felt that scene in my soul.
Reading this book felt like traveling through the Taylor Swift eras. I could practically hear a different song for every chapter. And these lyrics from “Eldest Daughter” screamed Eleanor in the best way:
“When you found me I said I was busy / That was a lie / I have been afflicted by a terminal uniqueness / I’ve been dying just from trying to seem cool.”
Now… the reason I’m docking half a star — Ellie drove me absolutely nuts. The back-and-forth and emotional running hurt my heart almost as much as Griffin’s. He deserved better in those moments. I’m glad she eventually sought counseling and found the words for her feelings, but whew — there were MANY times I wanted to throw this book across the room and shake some sense into her. I just struggled to understand her reasoning.
And yet… I get it. Without her struggle, the payoff wouldn’t have hit as hard. But by the time we reached their reunion, I felt like I’d survived an emotional rollercoaster right alongside them.
I loved traveling back to their high school years & the dual POV. Getting to know them — and their friends — made everything richer. Jack, Abby, David… phenomenal side characters — the kind of people you’d want in your corner.
I just want more from Larkspur. Their story could’ve easily been two full books — friends-to-lovers + fallout as book one, and the adult rekindling + class reunion as book two. I would’ve devoured every page.
Kathryn Basham, thank you so much for gifting me this copy. I’m truly honored I got to read it. Thank you for giving me Griffin and Eleanor. 🩵
My three favorite tropes — small town + friends-to-lovers + second chance romance — SIGN ME UPPPP.
This independently published debut absolutely blew me away. Griffin and Ellie’s story hit me right in the feels and took me straight back to my own high school days. Their chemistry is so natural, and watching them grow from friends into something deeper was both heartwarming and gut-wrenching.
I read the Abby and Aaron wedding scene in my car and ended up crying in the school pick-up line. My chest physically acheddd — I felt that scene in my soul.
Reading this book felt like traveling through the Taylor Swift eras. I could practically hear a different song for every chapter. And these lyrics from “Eldest Daughter” screamed Eleanor in the best way:
“When you found me I said I was busy / That was a lie / I have been afflicted by a terminal uniqueness / I’ve been dying just from trying to seem cool.”
Now… the reason I’m docking half a star — Ellie drove me absolutely nuts. The back-and-forth and emotional running hurt my heart almost as much as Griffin’s. He deserved better in those moments. I’m glad she eventually sought counseling and found the words for her feelings, but whew — there were MANY times I wanted to throw this book across the room and shake some sense into her. I just struggled to understand her reasoning.
And yet… I get it. Without her struggle, the payoff wouldn’t have hit as hard. But by the time we reached their reunion, I felt like I’d survived an emotional rollercoaster right alongside them.
I loved traveling back to their high school years & the dual POV. Getting to know them — and their friends — made everything richer. Jack, Abby, David… phenomenal side characters — the kind of people you’d want in your corner.
I just want more from Larkspur. Their story could’ve easily been two full books — friends-to-lovers + fallout as book one, and the adult rekindling + class reunion as book two. I would’ve devoured every page.
Kathryn Basham, thank you so much for gifting me this copy. I’m truly honored I got to read it. Thank you for giving me Griffin and Eleanor. 🩵
November 19, 2025
🫶🏻✨
“It’s okay darlin’. I’d do it all again a thousand times over.” 😭😭😭
First of all, a huge thank you to Kathryn for reaching out and sending me a copy of her debut novel. This sounded right up my alley, it absolutely was! A second chance romance, high school sweethearts and he calls her darlin? Yes please! 🤭 this is also the first time I’ve ever annotated a book, Griffin has such a way with words 🥹
Ellie has one goal, eventually leave her hometown of Larkspur, Texas. She meets Griffin, his “howdy darlin” and brown eyes sweeping her right off her feet. Torn between chasing her dreams, or the boy who has her heart. Feeling like she can’t have both, she leaves taking a piece of Griffin with her. Ten years later, Ellie is back in Larkspur for their ten year reunion. Of course seeing each other is unavoidable, bringing back emotions and opening old wounds.
I loved this book so so much, I could barely put it down. I loved the dual POV and dual timeline, giving you the full picture of their journey. It was a rollercoaster of emotions in the best way, a true right person wrong time. My heart broke for Griffin, he was so sweet and patient. I also really felt for Ellie, I feel like she’s so relatable. The anxiety, self doubt and the self sabotaging because of it. You could feel the pain both of them were feeling, but rooting for them the entire time. The ending was beautiful, Ellie and Griffin forever! I also loved Abby, Jack and David, hoping to see more of them in the future!
“It’s okay darlin’. I’d do it all again a thousand times over.” 😭😭😭
First of all, a huge thank you to Kathryn for reaching out and sending me a copy of her debut novel. This sounded right up my alley, it absolutely was! A second chance romance, high school sweethearts and he calls her darlin? Yes please! 🤭 this is also the first time I’ve ever annotated a book, Griffin has such a way with words 🥹
Ellie has one goal, eventually leave her hometown of Larkspur, Texas. She meets Griffin, his “howdy darlin” and brown eyes sweeping her right off her feet. Torn between chasing her dreams, or the boy who has her heart. Feeling like she can’t have both, she leaves taking a piece of Griffin with her. Ten years later, Ellie is back in Larkspur for their ten year reunion. Of course seeing each other is unavoidable, bringing back emotions and opening old wounds.
I loved this book so so much, I could barely put it down. I loved the dual POV and dual timeline, giving you the full picture of their journey. It was a rollercoaster of emotions in the best way, a true right person wrong time. My heart broke for Griffin, he was so sweet and patient. I also really felt for Ellie, I feel like she’s so relatable. The anxiety, self doubt and the self sabotaging because of it. You could feel the pain both of them were feeling, but rooting for them the entire time. The ending was beautiful, Ellie and Griffin forever! I also loved Abby, Jack and David, hoping to see more of them in the future!
November 22, 2025
4 ⭐️
If you love A Love Letter to Whiskey (without the miscommunication trope) or if Love and Other Words is your favorite for its emotional depth and timelines that intertwine, this novel will likely be right up your alley.
One of the book’s strongest elements is its structure. The seamlessness between past and present POVs really allowed me to uncover Griffin and Ellie’s relationship. Even though we don’t receive an extensive amount of personal backstory for either main character, the storytelling compensates by letting us experience their relationship rather than simply being told about it. I was truly invested in their relationship from start to finish.
And the spice? Absolutely fantastic!! Well placed, well written, and extremely realistic. The reason why I mention this is because I feel like romance books often falsely represent a characters first sexual encounter. And this book was as close to a true experience as I’ve ever read.
My only critique is the length of the book. The story felt a touch long for the romance genre. I loved the side characters, Jack and David, and I felt like they played an important part in the story. But I do feel like moments with them could have been trimmed without losing any emotional impact.
Overall, this is a heartfelt, compelling romance with emotional resonance and chemistry like no other. A wonderful option for fans of emotional dual-timeline love stories.
If you love A Love Letter to Whiskey (without the miscommunication trope) or if Love and Other Words is your favorite for its emotional depth and timelines that intertwine, this novel will likely be right up your alley.
One of the book’s strongest elements is its structure. The seamlessness between past and present POVs really allowed me to uncover Griffin and Ellie’s relationship. Even though we don’t receive an extensive amount of personal backstory for either main character, the storytelling compensates by letting us experience their relationship rather than simply being told about it. I was truly invested in their relationship from start to finish.
And the spice? Absolutely fantastic!! Well placed, well written, and extremely realistic. The reason why I mention this is because I feel like romance books often falsely represent a characters first sexual encounter. And this book was as close to a true experience as I’ve ever read.
My only critique is the length of the book. The story felt a touch long for the romance genre. I loved the side characters, Jack and David, and I felt like they played an important part in the story. But I do feel like moments with them could have been trimmed without losing any emotional impact.
Overall, this is a heartfelt, compelling romance with emotional resonance and chemistry like no other. A wonderful option for fans of emotional dual-timeline love stories.
November 25, 2025
I just finished this book and I swear my heart is still somewhere on the floor. This cowboy romance gave me every feeling — the longing, the tension, the ache, the healing… all of it. Kathryn Basham writes in a way that makes you forget you’re reading. I felt like I was standing right there with these characters, living every moment with them.
The MMC? Oh my GOD. A man with a heart of absolute gold. The kind of guy who falls first, falls hardest, and would do anything — literally anything — for the girl he loves. He ruined me in the best way.
The FMC was so relatable and so human. I understood her completely, and watching her navigate her emotions made me root for her even harder.
And Jack and David?? I fell in love with both of them for totally different reasons.
Jack is the sweetest, softest girls’ guy who shows up when it matters.
David is this charismatic little storm of chaos that somehow makes every scene brighter.
This story felt like a world I didn’t want to leave. It’s immersive, emotional, and full of that slow-burn “please just be together already” energy that makes you kick your feet.
I was rooting for their happily-ever-after like they were my real friends. 🤍
Add this one to your TBR — it’s going to steal hearts.
November 5, 2025
I absolutely adored this book! a childhood friends to lovers, second chance story that perfectly captures the ache of growing up, growing apart, and finding your way back to the one person who always felt like home. it had the perfect balance of sweet shared memories with the raw vulnerability of two people learning to trust each other again.
I loved the friendships, they felt very real and special! Jack is so stinkin cute, I love him!!! and the rest of them hehe!
Ellie and Griffin forever!!!!! ♥️♥️♥️
I loved the friendships, they felt very real and special! Jack is so stinkin cute, I love him!!! and the rest of them hehe!
Ellie and Griffin forever!!!!! ♥️♥️♥️
December 1, 2025
A Life Where We Work Out introduces us to Ellie Turner and Griffin Hart, two high school sweethearts whose relationship ends when Ellie leaves for college. Years later, they’re reunited at their high school reunion and let’s just say a lot of feelings bubble right back to the surface.
But both characters carry baggage… a lot of it. And before they can fully show up for each other, they have to figure out how to love themselves first. It’s tender, emotional, and ultimately a story about healing, growing, and finding your way back to the people you love, including yourself.
But both characters carry baggage… a lot of it. And before they can fully show up for each other, they have to figure out how to love themselves first. It’s tender, emotional, and ultimately a story about healing, growing, and finding your way back to the people you love, including yourself.
April 21, 2026
This book instantly pulled me in and did not let go.
The dual POV? Obsessed. The time jumps back to their teenage years added so much depth- I loved getting to really see how their relationship and personalities were built from the start.
The MMC Griffin… honestly, a saint. The level of patience this man has?? Incredible. Because the FMC Ellie tested me a little 😂
She struggles with anxiety, which adds a real, emotional layer- but I won’t lie, there were moments I wanted to yell “girl, wake up and look at what’s right in front of you!!”
But that’s also what made her feel real.
And Abby?? Say less. I loved her. Their friendship felt so genuine and grounding- it was one of my favorite parts of the book.
And the friend group as a whole? Elite. Each person brings their own unique personality, and together they make the dynamic so fun. The banter and antics had me laughing more than once.
I live for these tropes, and this book delivered.
I definitely recommend this one- and I cannot wait for you to read the next book in the series 😏
Go ahead and add this one to your TBR 🩵
The dual POV? Obsessed. The time jumps back to their teenage years added so much depth- I loved getting to really see how their relationship and personalities were built from the start.
The MMC Griffin… honestly, a saint. The level of patience this man has?? Incredible. Because the FMC Ellie tested me a little 😂
She struggles with anxiety, which adds a real, emotional layer- but I won’t lie, there were moments I wanted to yell “girl, wake up and look at what’s right in front of you!!”
But that’s also what made her feel real.
And Abby?? Say less. I loved her. Their friendship felt so genuine and grounding- it was one of my favorite parts of the book.
And the friend group as a whole? Elite. Each person brings their own unique personality, and together they make the dynamic so fun. The banter and antics had me laughing more than once.
I live for these tropes, and this book delivered.
I definitely recommend this one- and I cannot wait for you to read the next book in the series 😏
Go ahead and add this one to your TBR 🩵
May 3, 2026
I am unwell. This book was so good. I wanted to take Ellie and Griffin and force them to kiss like I used to with my Barbies because what do you mean they’re soul mates and don’t end up getting their shit together until 14 years after they meet??? Still, Miss Basham knows how to write yearning. I was in love with them and their story and am also sort of devastated that Griffin Hart isn’t a real person.
P.S. I AM SAT for Jack’s story.
P.S. I AM SAT for Jack’s story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2026
Such a sweet romance novel that constantly makes you feel like “will they?!?” “Won’t they?!?”. It leaves you truly wanting to root for the underdog in every single way. We love a small town USA romance novel and this one truly knocks it out of the park. You feel so connected to the writing and the story. My heart is still recovering from reading it ! Hope to read more from this author !
January 20, 2026
4.30 ⭐️ rounded up. Ellie drove me absolutely bananas. That said, I wish we would’ve heard more about her depression so we could relate and see what was going on in her head. It felt like we had to read between too many lines in that regard. Griffin 🤠 💛
December 10, 2025
Would have been a 5 star read if it wasn’t for the back and forth with Ellie. She drove me insane the whole book.
January 23, 2026
4.25 ⭐️
Really enjoyed this one!
Ellie sucked.
Griffin had the patience and forgiveness of a saint.
The boys were the best ♥️
Really enjoyed this one!
Ellie sucked.
Griffin had the patience and forgiveness of a saint.
The boys were the best ♥️
January 27, 2026
“I think life is just more overwhelming as we grow up.” Ellie is so relatable it hurts.
February 4, 2026
I love a small town Texas romance and this one DELIVERED. So cute with lots of ups and downs. It flowed so well, showing Ellie and Griffin’s story. And the end 🥹🥹🥹🥹 perfect. Chefs kiss.
November 18, 2025
A Life Where We Work Out is a beautiful second-chance, small-town romance that sweetly captures first love, first heartbreak, everything in between — and maybe even a little something after that.
Basham brings both the characters and the small town to life with such vivid detail that I felt like I was right there beside them in every chapter.
I’m already looking forward to seeing where these characters go next!
Basham brings both the characters and the small town to life with such vivid detail that I felt like I was right there beside them in every chapter.
I’m already looking forward to seeing where these characters go next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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