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Where The Sun Shatters
He promised her one day.
But left without a word.
Madison Taylor learned the hard way that loving Hunter Dawson meant loving a man haunted by his past. When he disappeared, six months of silence broke her, turning her into a shadow of the woman she used to be. Someone she barely recognizes.
Hunter carries the guilt of leaving her… and fear over the letters he found. Letters he can’t bring himself to read, because opening them means facing the grief and trauma he’s spent years burying.
Now, he’s home, and Madison wants space. To stay friends. To rebuild her confidence. To find herself without him.
But being just friends was never part of Hunter’s plans.
He wants forever, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to win her over… even if it means crawling his way back into her heart. But promises are easy to make, and sometimes, love isn’t enough.
She doesn’t want his words.
She wants proof that it’s always been her.
Can Hunter finally put her first—above his past, his fear, and the letters that haunt him?
Or will one wrong step shatter their fragile second chance forever?
Where The Sun Shatters is book two in the Sunlit Cove series. A friends-to-lovers, second-chance romance about learning to let go of the past and leaping into love. Emotionally raw and heavy with angst, this story will have you gasping, laughing, and tearing up.
But left without a word.
Madison Taylor learned the hard way that loving Hunter Dawson meant loving a man haunted by his past. When he disappeared, six months of silence broke her, turning her into a shadow of the woman she used to be. Someone she barely recognizes.
Hunter carries the guilt of leaving her… and fear over the letters he found. Letters he can’t bring himself to read, because opening them means facing the grief and trauma he’s spent years burying.
Now, he’s home, and Madison wants space. To stay friends. To rebuild her confidence. To find herself without him.
But being just friends was never part of Hunter’s plans.
He wants forever, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to win her over… even if it means crawling his way back into her heart. But promises are easy to make, and sometimes, love isn’t enough.
She doesn’t want his words.
She wants proof that it’s always been her.
Can Hunter finally put her first—above his past, his fear, and the letters that haunt him?
Or will one wrong step shatter their fragile second chance forever?
Where The Sun Shatters is book two in the Sunlit Cove series. A friends-to-lovers, second-chance romance about learning to let go of the past and leaping into love. Emotionally raw and heavy with angst, this story will have you gasping, laughing, and tearing up.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 18, 2026
15 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
About the author
K. Garrod
2 books62 followersK.Garrod is an Indie Romance Author from the Gold Coast, Australia. She loves to write emotional angsty stories that will pull at your heartstrings and remind you what it feels like to heal and feel again.
When she isn't writing, you can find her diving into her favourite romance, fantasy, and thriller books, going on adventures with her husband, son, and two French Bulldogs, or baking in the kitchen.
K.Garrod also known as Kiki or Kirilee Garrod loves to connect with her readers and share all the upcoming sneak peeks.
Instagram: authork.garrod
TikTok: authork.garrod
Threads: authork.garrod
When she isn't writing, you can find her diving into her favourite romance, fantasy, and thriller books, going on adventures with her husband, son, and two French Bulldogs, or baking in the kitchen.
K.Garrod also known as Kiki or Kirilee Garrod loves to connect with her readers and share all the upcoming sneak peeks.
Instagram: authork.garrod
TikTok: authork.garrod
Threads: authork.garrod
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February 16, 2026"𝘕𝘰𝘸, 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦… 𝘞𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦 𝘢 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘪𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘐 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨"
Being a beta reader for your debut and now your second novel has been such a blessing. I’ve loved every second of this journey. I’ve just finished my reread of my ARC copy, and I can’t believe how incredible this story is. Congratulations again to you. Kiki, I’m beyond proud of you and all your hard work. I cannot wait to see book two in everyone’s hands!
I love Hunter and Madison so much. They completely pulled me in. Hunter is so beautifully haunted by his past, carrying guilt that shapes every decision he makes. He broke Madison’s heart. Watching Hunter fight for his "friend", slowly proving himself, was everything. The growth, the tension… it was always her. Such an emotional and satisfying read.
Can we take a moment for the friend group? I love every single one of them. The banter, the loyalty, and the way they show up for each other. Give me all the found family vibes! And Mumma Claire… I love you. Honestly though, can someone add me to the group chat? I’m free Mondays and Fridays for wine. IYKYK.
- Dual POV
- Small Town
- Second Chance
- Friends to Lovers
- Healing with Trauma
- Found Family
While Where the Sun Shatters can be read as a standalone, I definitely recommend reading in order to have the full experience. ✨️
* Please remember to check TW.
Being a beta reader for your debut and now your second novel has been such a blessing. I’ve loved every second of this journey. I’ve just finished my reread of my ARC copy, and I can’t believe how incredible this story is. Congratulations again to you. Kiki, I’m beyond proud of you and all your hard work. I cannot wait to see book two in everyone’s hands!
I love Hunter and Madison so much. They completely pulled me in. Hunter is so beautifully haunted by his past, carrying guilt that shapes every decision he makes. He broke Madison’s heart. Watching Hunter fight for his "friend", slowly proving himself, was everything. The growth, the tension… it was always her. Such an emotional and satisfying read.
Can we take a moment for the friend group? I love every single one of them. The banter, the loyalty, and the way they show up for each other. Give me all the found family vibes! And Mumma Claire… I love you. Honestly though, can someone add me to the group chat? I’m free Mondays and Fridays for wine. IYKYK.
- Dual POV
- Small Town
- Second Chance
- Friends to Lovers
- Healing with Trauma
- Found Family
While Where the Sun Shatters can be read as a standalone, I definitely recommend reading in order to have the full experience. ✨️
* Please remember to check TW.
March 29, 2026
This follows Hunter and Madison’s story two friends with undeniable chemistry trying to navigate a complicated relationship.
Starting with Madi, I loved watching her finally put her foot down with a man who was constantly half in and half out. Prior to him leaving they were sneaking around, he was struggling with guilt, and trying to be with Madi but didn’t know how. Before he left for six months, she felt completely consumed by his presence, but Hunter’s past played a huge role in his behaviour. He needed closure and to let go of the guilt he carried. He knows Madi is it for him he just has to prove it. I did not expect the incident around the 80% mark. I was in shock. But it was the push Hunter needed to really see things clearly. I’m also obsessed with the found family aspect it’s supportive, wholesome, and adds so much to the story.
I do want to mention a few things. Having read the first book definitely helps with understanding Hunter’s storyline, but I felt like something was missing. In the first book, it’s hinted there’s more to why Hunter left Halle behind, even saying it would be discussed another time. Going into this book, I expected to finally get that full answer. There’s even a letter from his mother implying Halle doesn’t know the real reason but by the end, we still don’t get that clarity. It felt like a major gap in the storyline that we don’t have a clear answer.
The letters themselves were great, but honestly expected. A lot of “I’m sorry,” “look after Halle,” and “don’t feel guilty.” I was hoping for something a bit more revealing.
While I really enjoyed Hunter and Madi’s story, I don’t feel like I got the full picture of their relationship before he left for those six months. It jumps straight into the present, with mentions of sneaking around, but I wish that time had been explored more to really understand the foundation of their issues. My takeaway was that Hunter struggles with commitment due to his past and guilt, but beyond that, it felt a bit vague.
There was also a moment in the first book that hinted at something between them, but no one acknowledged it at the time. So it was surprising in this book when all their friends seemed to already know. It didn’t match up to the idea that they had been so secretive.
Please know I did enjoy this book it took me on an emotional, angsty rollercoaster and still deserves 4 stars. But a few points mentions above leaves this haze of unknowns. But I’m really looking forward to watching this author grow, especially as this is only her second release.
Genre/Type: Adult Romance 18+
APK: Kindle ARC
Pages: 328
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Spicy Chapters: 18, 22, 30, 33
POV: First Person
Series or Standalone: Book Two In The Sunlit Cove Series
Tropes or Themes: Small Town, Friends To Lovers, Second Chance, Found Family, Angst, Grovelling, It’s Always Been You, Letters, Past Memories, Trauma, Guilt, Medical Content, Sexual Content, Dirty Talk, Oral Play, Crawling Scene, Pool Table Scene and Bath Scene.
Past Memories and Discussion: Suicide, Verbal and Physical Abuse, Death Of A Parent and Toxic Family Dynamic
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Fable | Margins | Pagebound | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
Starting with Madi, I loved watching her finally put her foot down with a man who was constantly half in and half out. Prior to him leaving they were sneaking around, he was struggling with guilt, and trying to be with Madi but didn’t know how. Before he left for six months, she felt completely consumed by his presence, but Hunter’s past played a huge role in his behaviour. He needed closure and to let go of the guilt he carried. He knows Madi is it for him he just has to prove it. I did not expect the incident around the 80% mark. I was in shock. But it was the push Hunter needed to really see things clearly. I’m also obsessed with the found family aspect it’s supportive, wholesome, and adds so much to the story.
I do want to mention a few things. Having read the first book definitely helps with understanding Hunter’s storyline, but I felt like something was missing. In the first book, it’s hinted there’s more to why Hunter left Halle behind, even saying it would be discussed another time. Going into this book, I expected to finally get that full answer. There’s even a letter from his mother implying Halle doesn’t know the real reason but by the end, we still don’t get that clarity. It felt like a major gap in the storyline that we don’t have a clear answer.
The letters themselves were great, but honestly expected. A lot of “I’m sorry,” “look after Halle,” and “don’t feel guilty.” I was hoping for something a bit more revealing.
While I really enjoyed Hunter and Madi’s story, I don’t feel like I got the full picture of their relationship before he left for those six months. It jumps straight into the present, with mentions of sneaking around, but I wish that time had been explored more to really understand the foundation of their issues. My takeaway was that Hunter struggles with commitment due to his past and guilt, but beyond that, it felt a bit vague.
There was also a moment in the first book that hinted at something between them, but no one acknowledged it at the time. So it was surprising in this book when all their friends seemed to already know. It didn’t match up to the idea that they had been so secretive.
Please know I did enjoy this book it took me on an emotional, angsty rollercoaster and still deserves 4 stars. But a few points mentions above leaves this haze of unknowns. But I’m really looking forward to watching this author grow, especially as this is only her second release.
Genre/Type: Adult Romance 18+
APK: Kindle ARC
Pages: 328
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Spicy Chapters: 18, 22, 30, 33
POV: First Person
Series or Standalone: Book Two In The Sunlit Cove Series
Tropes or Themes: Small Town, Friends To Lovers, Second Chance, Found Family, Angst, Grovelling, It’s Always Been You, Letters, Past Memories, Trauma, Guilt, Medical Content, Sexual Content, Dirty Talk, Oral Play, Crawling Scene, Pool Table Scene and Bath Scene.
Past Memories and Discussion: Suicide, Verbal and Physical Abuse, Death Of A Parent and Toxic Family Dynamic
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Fable | Margins | Pagebound | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
March 1, 2026
I’m so lucky to be on the Street Team for K. Garrod!!! I think the word “obsessed” barely covers my feelings for this book and its characters. I love all of them so so so much!! Hunter and Madi were perfection, and I LOVED Mamma Claire. I think I figured out who the next book is going to be about and I can’t wait to see if I’m right!
March 25, 2026
5 CRAWL TO ME stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3.5🌶
3.5🌶
March 12, 2026
Where the Sun Shatters by K Garrod
★★★★★
𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘐 𝘴𝘦𝘦. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘯, 𝘯𝘰𝘸, 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳.
Tropes
- Small town
- Found family
- Second chance
- It’s always been you
- Healing after trauma
- Friends to lovers
Firstly, thank you to Kiki for trusting me to help beta read your second book baby. I just know whatever you write I’ll be there to read and cheer you on. I’m so incredibly proud of you! ✨
There is just something about Kiki’s writing that draws me in instantly. I get so emotionally attached to her characters and I’m fully invested wholeheartedly, Hunter and Madi were no exception.
These two were meant to be and the way Hunter grovels to get Madi back, I was here for it. She deserves the best version of him and I think she truly got that in the end.
That plot twist though 🤯 my heart was completely shattered and the tears were flowing.
Although this one can still be read as a stand alone. I Highly recommend reading where the stars heal before jumping into this one because it’s just as amazing. And look at those covers together. Absolute perfection. Now I’m Patiently waiting for Connor and Sarah’s story 🤭
Where the Sun Shatters available March 18th on KU and paperback.
𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘐’𝘭𝘭 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵. 𝘍𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘴 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴. 𝘐’𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦. 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐’𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘰’𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘐’𝘭𝘭 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘐’𝘷𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘵. 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘢 𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘯.
★★★★★
𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘐 𝘴𝘦𝘦. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘯, 𝘯𝘰𝘸, 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳.
Tropes
- Small town
- Found family
- Second chance
- It’s always been you
- Healing after trauma
- Friends to lovers
Firstly, thank you to Kiki for trusting me to help beta read your second book baby. I just know whatever you write I’ll be there to read and cheer you on. I’m so incredibly proud of you! ✨
There is just something about Kiki’s writing that draws me in instantly. I get so emotionally attached to her characters and I’m fully invested wholeheartedly, Hunter and Madi were no exception.
These two were meant to be and the way Hunter grovels to get Madi back, I was here for it. She deserves the best version of him and I think she truly got that in the end.
That plot twist though 🤯 my heart was completely shattered and the tears were flowing.
Although this one can still be read as a stand alone. I Highly recommend reading where the stars heal before jumping into this one because it’s just as amazing. And look at those covers together. Absolute perfection. Now I’m Patiently waiting for Connor and Sarah’s story 🤭
Where the Sun Shatters available March 18th on KU and paperback.
𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘐’𝘭𝘭 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵. 𝘍𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘴 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴. 𝘐’𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦. 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐’𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘰’𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘐’𝘭𝘭 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘐’𝘷𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘵. 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘢 𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘯.
March 18, 2026
Where the Sun Shatters was everything and more 🥰 The group texts, the letters 🥹, the banter! The descriptiveness of the town of Sunlit Cove as you’re reading paints such a picture that you can imagine where each scene is taking place.
There were so many lovable characters in WTSH, so getting more from them and their stories made this book so cosy and honestly just like a warm hug. The found family is EVERYTHING in this world!
Madi and Hunters story is not an easy one, they have their share of hurdles to overcome, but it’s such a beautiful journey. The obstacles they both face and the trauma they have both dealt with is written about with so much care and grace, it is an emotional rollercoaster! The twist has me gasping and not being able to sleep until I read more!
While Madi and Hunters relationship steals the show, there are so many beautiful relationships that you feel all the feels about. Madis relationship with her mum was such a beautiful standout for me, I feel like we don’t see enough of those positive relationships!
Loved it so much
There were so many lovable characters in WTSH, so getting more from them and their stories made this book so cosy and honestly just like a warm hug. The found family is EVERYTHING in this world!
Madi and Hunters story is not an easy one, they have their share of hurdles to overcome, but it’s such a beautiful journey. The obstacles they both face and the trauma they have both dealt with is written about with so much care and grace, it is an emotional rollercoaster! The twist has me gasping and not being able to sleep until I read more!
While Madi and Hunters relationship steals the show, there are so many beautiful relationships that you feel all the feels about. Madis relationship with her mum was such a beautiful standout for me, I feel like we don’t see enough of those positive relationships!
Loved it so much
March 24, 2026
I fear tiktok got me again 🫠 second chance where he wasn’t with anyone else immediately had me downloading this however they were only separated for 6 months like give me a break lmao
I also couldn’t tell you anything about anyone in this book. It says it can be read as a standalone but I feel like a lot of the details I was missing I would have gotten from reading the first book (or maybe I skimmed over them idk). Like how long were Madi and Hunter fooling around? At the start of the book she breaks it off and thats when he leaves for 6 months. He had been there for years (I think) and she was working in his bar so bad that been hooking up the whole time? Just recently? Who knows! And on top of everything they weren’t even being secretive like everyone knew 🙄 but he still refused to call her his girlfriend. He had trauma he has to work through and he felt like he should be healed and whole before giving her everything ??? But it seemed like they were basically together without labels idkkkk
I also thought she was going to make him WORK FOR HER when he came back but nope. She has been miserable the past 6 months but the second he’s back in town all of a sudden she’s back to herself just bc he’s around ???? Yuck. Let’s not talk about how he shows up with another girl and her kid so she gets the wrong impression that just pmo I don’t care that the girl was his childhood best friend. It just seemed like she was living life, having a great time reconnecting with his friend and helping her with her son and then we have Madi who was apparently so miserable.
Then she finally decides she’s going to take up another man’s offer for a date (of course the day that she sees Hunter again so it’s like out of spite) but never goes through with it and is even embarrassed and almost scared when Hunter finds out she was thinking about dating someone else 🙄
I guess you can say she made him wait and didn’t immediately give in to him but as soon as he’s back in town it was only a matter of time. There was almost no grovel in my opinion. On top of everything they go back into the SAME SITUATION where he is hiding/putting something off he needs to in order to put the past in the past and she just lets it go for WEEKS. Let herself get back in the same routine of them sleeping together but not being together. Give me a break. I wish she would have woken up from her accident and forgotten him
I also couldn’t tell you anything about anyone in this book. It says it can be read as a standalone but I feel like a lot of the details I was missing I would have gotten from reading the first book (or maybe I skimmed over them idk). Like how long were Madi and Hunter fooling around? At the start of the book she breaks it off and thats when he leaves for 6 months. He had been there for years (I think) and she was working in his bar so bad that been hooking up the whole time? Just recently? Who knows! And on top of everything they weren’t even being secretive like everyone knew 🙄 but he still refused to call her his girlfriend. He had trauma he has to work through and he felt like he should be healed and whole before giving her everything ??? But it seemed like they were basically together without labels idkkkk
I also thought she was going to make him WORK FOR HER when he came back but nope. She has been miserable the past 6 months but the second he’s back in town all of a sudden she’s back to herself just bc he’s around ???? Yuck. Let’s not talk about how he shows up with another girl and her kid so she gets the wrong impression that just pmo I don’t care that the girl was his childhood best friend. It just seemed like she was living life, having a great time reconnecting with his friend and helping her with her son and then we have Madi who was apparently so miserable.
Then she finally decides she’s going to take up another man’s offer for a date (of course the day that she sees Hunter again so it’s like out of spite) but never goes through with it and is even embarrassed and almost scared when Hunter finds out she was thinking about dating someone else 🙄
I guess you can say she made him wait and didn’t immediately give in to him but as soon as he’s back in town it was only a matter of time. There was almost no grovel in my opinion. On top of everything they go back into the SAME SITUATION where he is hiding/putting something off he needs to in order to put the past in the past and she just lets it go for WEEKS. Let herself get back in the same routine of them sleeping together but not being together. Give me a break. I wish she would have woken up from her accident and forgotten him
March 15, 2026
When The Sun Shatters by K Garrod
•Small Town • Second Chance • Friends to Lovers • Found Family • Healing after Trauma • It’s Always Been You • He Grovels •
I am privileged to be on K Garrod’s Street Team and am so thankful for the chance to ARC read.
Hunter and Madi’s story was everything.
Reading as Madi and Hunter heal their way back to each other, the joy, the sadness and THE GASP I GUSPED. The beautiful second chance arc in every facet of their lives.
This is a town I want to take a drive to visit.
I think I love this more than WTSH simply because it felt like going home.
I love this small town, this squad, the family BBQs, the fierce loyalty and support.
“No more should-haves. No more what-ifs.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
•Small Town • Second Chance • Friends to Lovers • Found Family • Healing after Trauma • It’s Always Been You • He Grovels •
I am privileged to be on K Garrod’s Street Team and am so thankful for the chance to ARC read.
Hunter and Madi’s story was everything.
Reading as Madi and Hunter heal their way back to each other, the joy, the sadness and THE GASP I GUSPED. The beautiful second chance arc in every facet of their lives.
This is a town I want to take a drive to visit.
I think I love this more than WTSH simply because it felt like going home.
I love this small town, this squad, the family BBQs, the fierce loyalty and support.
“No more should-haves. No more what-ifs.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 27, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up to 5 for good reads!
After reading where the stars heal for bookclub last year I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the second installment of the sunlit cove series!
Madi and hunters story is just beautiful, truly two souls helping each other to find their way to the opposite.
Found family, tragedy, abuse, a cute dog, it really has all the things I love 🩷
After reading where the stars heal for bookclub last year I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the second installment of the sunlit cove series!
Madi and hunters story is just beautiful, truly two souls helping each other to find their way to the opposite.
Found family, tragedy, abuse, a cute dog, it really has all the things I love 🩷
Read
January 2, 2026BETA READ - RTC 🥹🫶🏽✨
March 18, 2026
Review of the ARC received by the author.
This book HURT, but like the kind you willingly sign up for again.
Going back to Sunlit Cove felt so comforting, and then boom emotional damage. Hunter and Madi’s story was messy, raw, and honestly so real. Their healing wasn’t pretty, and that made every moment hit harder.
“I never wanted to be the reason her light dimmed.”
The angst?? Insane. The pining?? Even worse. And the groveling hit!!
The found family remains EVERYTHING. The way they show up, the warmth, the loyalty it makes all the heartbreak feel softer somehow.
“He’s going to have to wait for me… I need to be me without him first.”
“She is it. My turning point. My reason.”
“You’re all I see. All I want. Then, now, forever.”
Emotional, comforting, and quietly devastating.
Thank you for the ARC! 🩶
This book HURT, but like the kind you willingly sign up for again.
Going back to Sunlit Cove felt so comforting, and then boom emotional damage. Hunter and Madi’s story was messy, raw, and honestly so real. Their healing wasn’t pretty, and that made every moment hit harder.
“I never wanted to be the reason her light dimmed.”
The angst?? Insane. The pining?? Even worse. And the groveling hit!!
The found family remains EVERYTHING. The way they show up, the warmth, the loyalty it makes all the heartbreak feel softer somehow.
“He’s going to have to wait for me… I need to be me without him first.”
“She is it. My turning point. My reason.”
“You’re all I see. All I want. Then, now, forever.”
Emotional, comforting, and quietly devastating.
Thank you for the ARC! 🩶
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Dang this book had me in a *chokehold*🤯 I love Kiki's writing to pieces; it's so raw and emotional, her books are guaranteed to pull at your heartstrings. If you wanna laugh then cry two pages later, look no further🙂↕️
At this point, I need to keep a jar next to my bookshelves with a label reading "tears caused by the characters in Sunlit Cove". There's been so much emotional damage, especially in Where The Sun Shatters, and all I can do is take it and send Kiki a thank you😭 the secrets, the tension, the piningggg? I'm down bad and I don't ever wanna recover🫡
I can't wait to read book 3! I need Connor's story like I need air, but also that other secret romance peeking in the corner there?? I'm sat!
You'll love this if you love:
📖 small town
📖 found family
📖 friends to lovers
📖 "it's always been you"
📖 dual POV
✨TW: this book contains cuss words and topics of anxiety, cancer, drug overdose, physical abuse (from step parent and partner), sexual content, death of a parent, and traumatic head injury.
🎬 Sexual Content: NC-17: detailed on-page scenes (chp 18, 22, 30, and 33). Not for under age 18.
🩸Violence: R: violence/harm is clearly described but not graphic
💬 Language: frequent strong language (including f***); frequent sexual innuendos
At this point, I need to keep a jar next to my bookshelves with a label reading "tears caused by the characters in Sunlit Cove". There's been so much emotional damage, especially in Where The Sun Shatters, and all I can do is take it and send Kiki a thank you😭 the secrets, the tension, the piningggg? I'm down bad and I don't ever wanna recover🫡
I can't wait to read book 3! I need Connor's story like I need air, but also that other secret romance peeking in the corner there?? I'm sat!
You'll love this if you love:
📖 small town
📖 found family
📖 friends to lovers
📖 "it's always been you"
📖 dual POV
✨TW: this book contains cuss words and topics of anxiety, cancer, drug overdose, physical abuse (from step parent and partner), sexual content, death of a parent, and traumatic head injury.
🎬 Sexual Content: NC-17: detailed on-page scenes (chp 18, 22, 30, and 33). Not for under age 18.
🩸Violence: R: violence/harm is clearly described but not graphic
💬 Language: frequent strong language (including f***); frequent sexual innuendos
March 18, 2026
I got this book as an ARC right after finishing book one in the Sunlight Cove series, and I signed up immediately and honestly, I’m so glad I did.
Without giving too much away (because I could literally go on and on about this one 🙃), I loved it. Like… really loved it.
Madison and Hunter start off as super close friends, but then things turn into something more just… in secret. And the best part? Everyone around them already knows 😂 which made it even better.
Hunter’s past is still weighing on him, and when he goes back to his hometown and childhood home, he finds letters his mom wrote to him while she was stuck in an abusive relationship. That whole part hit hard. Instead of dealing with everything though… he completely ghosts Madison.
So when he finally comes back… everything is just tense.
Without giving too much away (because I could literally go on and on about this one 🙃), I loved it. Like… really loved it.
Madison and Hunter start off as super close friends, but then things turn into something more just… in secret. And the best part? Everyone around them already knows 😂 which made it even better.
Hunter’s past is still weighing on him, and when he goes back to his hometown and childhood home, he finds letters his mom wrote to him while she was stuck in an abusive relationship. That whole part hit hard. Instead of dealing with everything though… he completely ghosts Madison.
So when he finally comes back… everything is just tense.
March 18, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Honestly one of the best romance books I’ve ever read
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Where the Sun Shatters, and I’m still thinking about it. I loved the first book, but this one completely surprised me — it’s deeper, more emotional, and somehow even better.
The characters feel so real, and the way their relationships shift and crack and rebuild had me fully invested. The pacing is fast, the tension is constant, and the emotional moments hit exactly where they should. I couldn’t put it down.
It’s rare for a second book to outshine the first book, but this one absolutely does. A solid, easy five stars from me.
I could have gone into more detail but didnt want any spoilers. I still am in love with Asher though. Would love a third book!
Honestly one of the best romance books I’ve ever read
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Where the Sun Shatters, and I’m still thinking about it. I loved the first book, but this one completely surprised me — it’s deeper, more emotional, and somehow even better.
The characters feel so real, and the way their relationships shift and crack and rebuild had me fully invested. The pacing is fast, the tension is constant, and the emotional moments hit exactly where they should. I couldn’t put it down.
It’s rare for a second book to outshine the first book, but this one absolutely does. A solid, easy five stars from me.
I could have gone into more detail but didnt want any spoilers. I still am in love with Asher though. Would love a third book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
♥ “I never wanted to be the reason her light dimmed.” ☀
This book was emotional damage between covers, but I would absolutely sign up to experience it again if it meant returning to Sunlit Cove. There’s just something about this group that pulls me in every time. The sense of community, loyalty, and warmth among the characters makes the setting feel as comforting as it is heartbreaking.
♥ "Where the sun shatters across the water, I lose her." ☀
Much like the first book, K. Garrod doesn’t shy away from difficult topics. Instead, she approaches them with compassion and care, allowing the emotional weight of the story to land without feeling exploitative. Hunter and Madi’s journeys were incredibly moving, both individually and together. Their healing wasn’t simple or quick, and that made every step forward feel meaningful. It wasn’t just something we watched unfold; we felt it alongside them. Their pain, their growth, and the quiet moments of hope were all written in a way that made it impossible not to become emotionally invested. The found family dynamic was another highlight. Watching the Sunlit Cove crew rally around Madi, and eventually Hunter as well, was incredibly heartwarming. Their loyalty and support for one another continues to be one of the most special elements of this series, and it adds such a strong emotional backbone to the story.
☀ “One day, I’m going to beg for you to give me the chance to show the world you’re mine.” ♥
And then there was that plot twist. I happened to be on a plane when I reached that scene, which was possibly the worst location imaginable. Fighting back tears, gasps, and the urge to loudly react while cruising at 35,000 feet was an experience in itself. It was one of those moments that completely shifts the emotional atmosphere of the story and leaves you scrambling to process everything.
♥ “...he’s going to have to wait for me. Not to forgive him, but to find myself without him. I need to be me without him before I can be me with him.” ☀
If there were any areas where I found myself wanting more, one was Hunter’s backstory. We’re given glimpses through memories and letters, but some pieces still felt just out of reach. Glimpses of his time in Sunlit Cove through moments like the red door story and references to his past hinted at a deeper history that I would have loved to explore more fully. Similarly, the pining and angst were beautifully written, but I did find myself wishing Hunter had been made to work just a little harder to earn his place back in Madi’s life. The emotional tension was strong, and a bit more groveling might have made the payoff even more satisfying.
☀ “She is it. My turning point. My reason. I would walk through hell again, face every f*cked-up thing life threw at me, if it meant coming out on the other side to her.” ♥
Even so, this book delivered exactly what I’ve come to expect from Sunlit Cove: emotional depth, heartfelt relationships, and characters who feel real enough to root for long after the final page. I’m already looking forward to returning for Sarah and Connor’s story, and the small hints about Tessa’s future book have me especially curious about what’s coming next.
♥ “Holy shit, baby. Did you see the stars? Because I swear I saw the whole damn universe.” ☀
Stars: 4.25/5
Spice: 2/5
Tropes:
☀ Second Chance ♥
♥ Friends to Lovers ☀
☀ Healing Journey ♥
♥ Found Family ☀
☀ “Beg” / “Crawl” ♥
♥ “You’re all I see. All I want. Then, now, forever.” ☀
☀♥☀---ARC Review---♥☀♥
This book was emotional damage between covers, but I would absolutely sign up to experience it again if it meant returning to Sunlit Cove. There’s just something about this group that pulls me in every time. The sense of community, loyalty, and warmth among the characters makes the setting feel as comforting as it is heartbreaking.
♥ "Where the sun shatters across the water, I lose her." ☀
Much like the first book, K. Garrod doesn’t shy away from difficult topics. Instead, she approaches them with compassion and care, allowing the emotional weight of the story to land without feeling exploitative. Hunter and Madi’s journeys were incredibly moving, both individually and together. Their healing wasn’t simple or quick, and that made every step forward feel meaningful. It wasn’t just something we watched unfold; we felt it alongside them. Their pain, their growth, and the quiet moments of hope were all written in a way that made it impossible not to become emotionally invested. The found family dynamic was another highlight. Watching the Sunlit Cove crew rally around Madi, and eventually Hunter as well, was incredibly heartwarming. Their loyalty and support for one another continues to be one of the most special elements of this series, and it adds such a strong emotional backbone to the story.
☀ “One day, I’m going to beg for you to give me the chance to show the world you’re mine.” ♥
And then there was that plot twist. I happened to be on a plane when I reached that scene, which was possibly the worst location imaginable. Fighting back tears, gasps, and the urge to loudly react while cruising at 35,000 feet was an experience in itself. It was one of those moments that completely shifts the emotional atmosphere of the story and leaves you scrambling to process everything.
♥ “...he’s going to have to wait for me. Not to forgive him, but to find myself without him. I need to be me without him before I can be me with him.” ☀
If there were any areas where I found myself wanting more, one was Hunter’s backstory. We’re given glimpses through memories and letters, but some pieces still felt just out of reach. Glimpses of his time in Sunlit Cove through moments like the red door story and references to his past hinted at a deeper history that I would have loved to explore more fully. Similarly, the pining and angst were beautifully written, but I did find myself wishing Hunter had been made to work just a little harder to earn his place back in Madi’s life. The emotional tension was strong, and a bit more groveling might have made the payoff even more satisfying.
☀ “She is it. My turning point. My reason. I would walk through hell again, face every f*cked-up thing life threw at me, if it meant coming out on the other side to her.” ♥
Even so, this book delivered exactly what I’ve come to expect from Sunlit Cove: emotional depth, heartfelt relationships, and characters who feel real enough to root for long after the final page. I’m already looking forward to returning for Sarah and Connor’s story, and the small hints about Tessa’s future book have me especially curious about what’s coming next.
♥ “Holy shit, baby. Did you see the stars? Because I swear I saw the whole damn universe.” ☀
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Stars: 4.25/5
Spice: 2/5
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tropes:
☀ Second Chance ♥
♥ Friends to Lovers ☀
☀ Healing Journey ♥
♥ Found Family ☀
☀ “Beg” / “Crawl” ♥
♥ “You’re all I see. All I want. Then, now, forever.” ☀
March 23, 2026
4.5 stars! I really loved this book. I think the storyline itself was incredibly captivating, the found family that we get to witness throughout these characters lives honestly enhanced the reading experience so much and all the heartache we experienced made this book so much more emotional.
This was my very first time reading anything by this author, but I have every intention of going back to read the first book in this interconnected standalone series and also reading all future books that are set to release.
I loved Hunter and Madison's story so much! I could feel their connection through the pages, and I became so emotionally attached to the pair of them. I honestly had no idea how this story would tun out because there is so much history between them but there is also so much heartache.
Hunter is a tortured soul that is haunted by his past and also the guilt of the decisions he made. He managed to escape a less than stellar living situation when he was younger in order to forge a better life for himself in a completely different town. By making this decision he left behind his mother and sister, and he has felt nothing but guilt over that decision especially when you find out more about what happened and the tragedy that occurred. Not only has he refused to deal with his past demons, but he also broke the heart of the one girl he loves and would love to share his life with forever. Let me just say my heart broke for him at some points but at other points I was so frustrated with some of his decisions because he wasn't just hurting himself, he was hurting Madison more than he already had.
Madison on the other hand deals with her own emotional rollercoaster. She was raised by a single mother and loves the life that they were able to create but she also wants the opportunity to share her own life with someone. She thought she had that with Hunter but then he left without saying goodbye and wouldn't let her behind his impossibly high walls, so she was left in the wreckage of all that. She doesn't know who she is anymore and whilst she has an absolutely amazing friend group that keeps her laughing, she still feels like she is missing a piece of herself.
Reading about these two getting their second chance and facing old demons definitely had it's good and it's bad moments. There was a lot of character growth for Hunter in particular which I loved because this man needed to put old skeletons to rest so that he could live his life in the present as opposed to the past. I also loved how Madison didn't immediately take him back once he apologised, she actually made him work for it and prove that he wouldn't just shred her heart again.
I won't lie this book did make me a little bit teary eyed once we hit the plot twist because it is not something I expected! With that being said I absolutely loved this book and would absolutely recommend but please be sure to check trigger warnings as there are a number of heavier topics discussed throughout.
Thank you so much to the author for allowing me to read this early! I cannot wait to read more of your work.
This was my very first time reading anything by this author, but I have every intention of going back to read the first book in this interconnected standalone series and also reading all future books that are set to release.
I loved Hunter and Madison's story so much! I could feel their connection through the pages, and I became so emotionally attached to the pair of them. I honestly had no idea how this story would tun out because there is so much history between them but there is also so much heartache.
Hunter is a tortured soul that is haunted by his past and also the guilt of the decisions he made. He managed to escape a less than stellar living situation when he was younger in order to forge a better life for himself in a completely different town. By making this decision he left behind his mother and sister, and he has felt nothing but guilt over that decision especially when you find out more about what happened and the tragedy that occurred. Not only has he refused to deal with his past demons, but he also broke the heart of the one girl he loves and would love to share his life with forever. Let me just say my heart broke for him at some points but at other points I was so frustrated with some of his decisions because he wasn't just hurting himself, he was hurting Madison more than he already had.
Madison on the other hand deals with her own emotional rollercoaster. She was raised by a single mother and loves the life that they were able to create but she also wants the opportunity to share her own life with someone. She thought she had that with Hunter but then he left without saying goodbye and wouldn't let her behind his impossibly high walls, so she was left in the wreckage of all that. She doesn't know who she is anymore and whilst she has an absolutely amazing friend group that keeps her laughing, she still feels like she is missing a piece of herself.
Reading about these two getting their second chance and facing old demons definitely had it's good and it's bad moments. There was a lot of character growth for Hunter in particular which I loved because this man needed to put old skeletons to rest so that he could live his life in the present as opposed to the past. I also loved how Madison didn't immediately take him back once he apologised, she actually made him work for it and prove that he wouldn't just shred her heart again.
I won't lie this book did make me a little bit teary eyed once we hit the plot twist because it is not something I expected! With that being said I absolutely loved this book and would absolutely recommend but please be sure to check trigger warnings as there are a number of heavier topics discussed throughout.
Thank you so much to the author for allowing me to read this early! I cannot wait to read more of your work.
April 1, 2026
✨ARC REVIEW✨
Where The Sun Shatters
Book #2
SunLit Cove
By K. Garrod
5⭐️
2 🌶️
What to expect:
•small town
•found family
•healing from trauma
•friends to lovers
•he grovels
•it’s always been you
*check trigger warnings*
K. Garrod; just knows how to put an emotional and heartfelt book together with difficult topics.
The way the depth of these topics are handled through the story between the characters is beautifully stitched together.
Hunter and Madison’s story pulled me in deep. To the point the emotional depth of their relationship. Hunter is haunted by his past which lead him towards the decision he faces through his life. In that breaks sweet Madison’s heart. These characters just felt raw and real during the flip of every page. It’s like being apart of the friend group. Seeing their healing process. The way Hunter fights to prove himself to Madison.
The growth they overcame together. The tension between the two. She’s been the one!!
The plot twist… I had no words. Tears just flowed. Honestly; I took sometime to process it because it shifts every thing before picking it back up.
Overall, this book is about two characters trying to heal. But most importantly it’s surrounded by the friends who became family and are there for them through it all. Even if it takes them a few after it all.
I'm excited for the return of Sarah and Connor. Maybe see a book about Tessa in the future.
Thank you so much, K. Garrod for the opportunity to read this book! You are truly a wonderful author. I can’t wait to read the next.
Quotes:
"She is it. My turning point. My reason. I would walk through hell again, face every f*cked-up thing life threw at me, if it meant coming out on the other side to her."
"Holy shit, baby. Did you see the stars? Because I swear I saw the whole damn universe."
"Where the sun shatters across the water, I lose her."
"I never wanted to be the reason her light dimmed."
“Every part of me already belongs to her. I'll wait. For as long as it takes. I'll show her who I can be. Prove to her that I'll stand beside her, not in front of her. The man who'll fight like hell to deserve her. I'll give her everything I've got. I can be a patient man.”
“You’re all I see. All I want. Then, now, forever.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received book 2 in the “Sunlit cove” series as an Arc from the author.
After reading and enjoying book 1, I was eager to hear more of Hunters story. I feel in this case, getting another characters POV completely changed my opinion of the character. I did not like Hunter at all. I also now have a changed perspective of the friend group and my personal feelings on their reactions really changed my perspective of the story. I really couldn’t get past Hunters actions at the start of the book and I feel like Maddison deserved so much better from a partner, friends and her mum. I kept waiting for Hunter to do something other than try to sleep with Madi every opportunity he got.
In my mind; this is how the book is summed up
Madi; raised by a single mum, her dad bailed and now she’s attached herself in a one sided unhealthy relationship where she’s treated like a dirty secret for YEARS. Hunter ghosts her and she goes into a depressive state. He comes back with another woman and she’s reacted better than I would. She tries to put boundaries in place which are constantly disregarded and her friends are all smirks and innuendos. She has no back bone and I didn’t like that she was okay being treated like that but I guess he’s got a magic dick because that makes treating her like she’s only good for one thing okay. I’m sure Xavier would’ve treated her like an actual person with feelings other than desire.
Hunter: abused by his step dad as a child; mum is happy to watch him be physically assaulted and stays with her boyfriend. Hunter leaves to better his life. ELEVEN YEARS pass, no therapy, stringing along Madi saying he can’t date her but he’s happy to sleep with her in secret. What did he do for those 6 months? Suddenly he came back and decided yup he wants Madi but made no changes to his life, treated her as some convenience to have his fun and do no work on himself? It was always “after tonight we’ll talk” but then they never did, he continued to use her for support and gave nothing back. He did not want to “work things out” with Madi. Again it was WEEKS of excuses and just him distracting her with sex. And it was his fault.
After reading and enjoying book 1, I was eager to hear more of Hunters story. I feel in this case, getting another characters POV completely changed my opinion of the character. I did not like Hunter at all. I also now have a changed perspective of the friend group and my personal feelings on their reactions really changed my perspective of the story. I really couldn’t get past Hunters actions at the start of the book and I feel like Maddison deserved so much better from a partner, friends and her mum. I kept waiting for Hunter to do something other than try to sleep with Madi every opportunity he got.
In my mind; this is how the book is summed up
Madi; raised by a single mum, her dad bailed and now she’s attached herself in a one sided unhealthy relationship where she’s treated like a dirty secret for YEARS. Hunter ghosts her and she goes into a depressive state. He comes back with another woman and she’s reacted better than I would. She tries to put boundaries in place which are constantly disregarded and her friends are all smirks and innuendos. She has no back bone and I didn’t like that she was okay being treated like that but I guess he’s got a magic dick because that makes treating her like she’s only good for one thing okay. I’m sure Xavier would’ve treated her like an actual person with feelings other than desire.
Hunter: abused by his step dad as a child; mum is happy to watch him be physically assaulted and stays with her boyfriend. Hunter leaves to better his life. ELEVEN YEARS pass, no therapy, stringing along Madi saying he can’t date her but he’s happy to sleep with her in secret. What did he do for those 6 months? Suddenly he came back and decided yup he wants Madi but made no changes to his life, treated her as some convenience to have his fun and do no work on himself? It was always “after tonight we’ll talk” but then they never did, he continued to use her for support and gave nothing back. He did not want to “work things out” with Madi. Again it was WEEKS of excuses and just him distracting her with sex. And it was his fault.
April 1, 2026
Where the Sun Shatters is a deeply emotional second-chance romance that resonates long after you turn the last page. With its raw exploration of love, grief, and the weight of unspoken truths, this story pulled me into the delicate balance between holding on and letting go. Just like book one, Where the Stars Heal., K. Garrod wove an intricate web of perfection that captivated my soul.
At the heart of the story are Madison Taylor and Hunter Dawson, two people connected by a bond that never truly faded, even when everything else fell apart. Madison’s pain feels immediate and real; her struggle to rediscover herself after Hunter’s unexplained disappearance feels achingly authentic and relatable. She is trying to learn how to exist without him, and that journey is both empowering and heartbreaking to witness.
Hunter, on the other hand, is a deeply flawed yet an intriguing character. His emotional avoidance creates a tension that impacts several of his relationships in the story. His return is messy, uncertain, and filled with the kind of vulnerability that makes redemption feel earned rather than given. Will he beg? He won’t hesitate to grovel if necessary. Will he crawl? He’s willing to get down on his hands and knees… literally.
What sets this book apart for me is K. Garrod’s refusal to romanticize easy forgiveness. Madison doesn’t simply fall back into Hunter’s arms, their relationship as “just friends” is packed full of unresolved feelings, tension, and longing. The emotional tug-of-war between them is felt deeply, but a resolution doesn’t come easy.
For me, Where the Sun Shatters is about more than rekindled love, it’s about proving it, it’s about showing up for the one you love. It asks whether actions can truly outweigh past mistakes and whether love, no matter how strong, can survive without growth and accountability. How far are you willing to go to continuously work for that love?
For readers who enjoy slow-burn tension, emotionally rich characters, and romances that confront hard truths, this book delivers a powerful and unforgettable experience. If you haven’t yet explored the Sunlit Cove series, I highly recommend embarking on a journey to Where the Stars Heal and then travel to Where the Sun Shatters.
.
Thank you, K. Garrod for the eARC copy of this book.
At the heart of the story are Madison Taylor and Hunter Dawson, two people connected by a bond that never truly faded, even when everything else fell apart. Madison’s pain feels immediate and real; her struggle to rediscover herself after Hunter’s unexplained disappearance feels achingly authentic and relatable. She is trying to learn how to exist without him, and that journey is both empowering and heartbreaking to witness.
Hunter, on the other hand, is a deeply flawed yet an intriguing character. His emotional avoidance creates a tension that impacts several of his relationships in the story. His return is messy, uncertain, and filled with the kind of vulnerability that makes redemption feel earned rather than given. Will he beg? He won’t hesitate to grovel if necessary. Will he crawl? He’s willing to get down on his hands and knees… literally.
What sets this book apart for me is K. Garrod’s refusal to romanticize easy forgiveness. Madison doesn’t simply fall back into Hunter’s arms, their relationship as “just friends” is packed full of unresolved feelings, tension, and longing. The emotional tug-of-war between them is felt deeply, but a resolution doesn’t come easy.
For me, Where the Sun Shatters is about more than rekindled love, it’s about proving it, it’s about showing up for the one you love. It asks whether actions can truly outweigh past mistakes and whether love, no matter how strong, can survive without growth and accountability. How far are you willing to go to continuously work for that love?
For readers who enjoy slow-burn tension, emotionally rich characters, and romances that confront hard truths, this book delivers a powerful and unforgettable experience. If you haven’t yet explored the Sunlit Cove series, I highly recommend embarking on a journey to Where the Stars Heal and then travel to Where the Sun Shatters.
.
Thank you, K. Garrod for the eARC copy of this book.
March 19, 2026
4.5⭐️
Thank you so much to Kirilee for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
WTSS follows Madison & Hunter after Hunter suddenly left town and hasn’t contacted her for 6 months. She’s left devastated, so when she sees him back in town, she does the only thing that makes sense—runs. Is she ready to forgive him? And is he ready to finally go all in for her and how can he prove it to her and get back the girl he lost once and for all?
This was a wonderful, devastating, incredible second chance romance! I will say firstly, I think you need to read the first book in the series before this in order to understand the history and dynamic here, as I was a bit confused at first. However, I figured things out and honestly this book had me giggling and blushing almost the whole time! Don’t get me wrong, it’s a hard hitting story with lots of trauma and absolute devastation—but, it’s also, at its core, a moving testament to how no matter what, no matter how far you roam, true love will always find its way back to you.
I really liked the dynamic between Madison and Hunter, the banter had me giggling and more than a few times Hunter had me blushing!! Although, I felt she forgave him a bit too quickly and I was a little unclear on what the overall conflict actually was, but I think that was on me because I hadn’t read the first book! So, no fault of Kirilee or the story itself!! This book also has such a cute representation of found family and strong relationships and I loved seeing all the different dynamics between characters. I think this is setting up for an even greater series as it continues! There were so many hard hitting emotional moments here and real people dealing with very real stuff, but at the end of the day, finding in each other the strength to overcome and to heal—together.
I’d absolutely recommend this if you love a quick read full of second chances, emotional bonds, and strong found family relationships!! Thanks again to Kirilee for the early copy and I hope you all check this one out!!
Thank you so much to Kirilee for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
WTSS follows Madison & Hunter after Hunter suddenly left town and hasn’t contacted her for 6 months. She’s left devastated, so when she sees him back in town, she does the only thing that makes sense—runs. Is she ready to forgive him? And is he ready to finally go all in for her and how can he prove it to her and get back the girl he lost once and for all?
This was a wonderful, devastating, incredible second chance romance! I will say firstly, I think you need to read the first book in the series before this in order to understand the history and dynamic here, as I was a bit confused at first. However, I figured things out and honestly this book had me giggling and blushing almost the whole time! Don’t get me wrong, it’s a hard hitting story with lots of trauma and absolute devastation—but, it’s also, at its core, a moving testament to how no matter what, no matter how far you roam, true love will always find its way back to you.
I really liked the dynamic between Madison and Hunter, the banter had me giggling and more than a few times Hunter had me blushing!! Although, I felt she forgave him a bit too quickly and I was a little unclear on what the overall conflict actually was, but I think that was on me because I hadn’t read the first book! So, no fault of Kirilee or the story itself!! This book also has such a cute representation of found family and strong relationships and I loved seeing all the different dynamics between characters. I think this is setting up for an even greater series as it continues! There were so many hard hitting emotional moments here and real people dealing with very real stuff, but at the end of the day, finding in each other the strength to overcome and to heal—together.
I’d absolutely recommend this if you love a quick read full of second chances, emotional bonds, and strong found family relationships!! Thanks again to Kirilee for the early copy and I hope you all check this one out!!
March 10, 2026
5 ⭐️
|ARC|
⋆ dual pov
⋆ he grovels
⋆ found family
⋆ second chance
⋆ friends to lovers
⋆ it’s always been you
⋆ small town romance
__________
Omg yall are not ready! Where the sun shatters is a small town, second chance romance where we follow our FMC Maddie as she tries to continue after the love of her life leaves and our MMC Hunter as he tries desperately to heal from his past while also trying to find his future. We watch through their eyes as they meet again, tension between them is high but the live is not lost. We watch as they break down each other’s barriers, open old scars and heal.
My my! I loved these two, I knew that they would be amazing characters after reading the first book but wow. Maddie and Hunter are just so beautiful together. I loved watching them break each other’s barriers down after not seeing each other for a bit but it’s like time didn’t pass them! Both of these characters are so raw and real, such complex inspiring beautiful characters. I loved watching Hunters journey through this book and I loved that Maddie got her happily ever after!! Ugh I love them so much!
I need to like sit down after this one!! Don’t even get me started! This series and its writing has been so consistent and so dang good! The way you could feel every emotion and be put into every situation! I loved how everything connected to ‘Where the stars heal’ it honestly felt like I never left this world! it was so incredible to be back in sunlit cove! K, Garrod does an incredible job keeping you hooked in on the book and I’m falling deeper and deeper in love with her characters and writing! I’m so excited to read the rest of the groups books!!
Overall, Another amazing book in the sunlit cove series!! Thank you so much K. Garrod for the amazing ARC! I’m so excited to continue this found family series with the other group members (I already know I’m gonna be obsessed with Connor and Sarah’s story)! ☀️✉️🩵
|ARC|
⋆ dual pov
⋆ he grovels
⋆ found family
⋆ second chance
⋆ friends to lovers
⋆ it’s always been you
⋆ small town romance
__________
Omg yall are not ready! Where the sun shatters is a small town, second chance romance where we follow our FMC Maddie as she tries to continue after the love of her life leaves and our MMC Hunter as he tries desperately to heal from his past while also trying to find his future. We watch through their eyes as they meet again, tension between them is high but the live is not lost. We watch as they break down each other’s barriers, open old scars and heal.
My my! I loved these two, I knew that they would be amazing characters after reading the first book but wow. Maddie and Hunter are just so beautiful together. I loved watching them break each other’s barriers down after not seeing each other for a bit but it’s like time didn’t pass them! Both of these characters are so raw and real, such complex inspiring beautiful characters. I loved watching Hunters journey through this book and I loved that Maddie got her happily ever after!! Ugh I love them so much!
I need to like sit down after this one!! Don’t even get me started! This series and its writing has been so consistent and so dang good! The way you could feel every emotion and be put into every situation! I loved how everything connected to ‘Where the stars heal’ it honestly felt like I never left this world! it was so incredible to be back in sunlit cove! K, Garrod does an incredible job keeping you hooked in on the book and I’m falling deeper and deeper in love with her characters and writing! I’m so excited to read the rest of the groups books!!
Overall, Another amazing book in the sunlit cove series!! Thank you so much K. Garrod for the amazing ARC! I’m so excited to continue this found family series with the other group members (I already know I’m gonna be obsessed with Connor and Sarah’s story)! ☀️✉️🩵
Review of advance copy received from Author
What an enjoyable & absorbing read! I have been anxiously waiting for our next trip to Sunlit Cove and had the best time visiting with this found family again. They had me giggling, tearing up, rolling my eyes, sighing, silly smiling, and feeling the feels.
Madison is a bartender/office wizard.
Hunter is a bar owner.
They have been friends for years and secret lovers in the nighttime. He has been going through some things. She has been waiting for him to come back. Things are rocky.
Madison is has found herself, somewhat unexpectedly, on a journey of self discovery. She wants to figure out who she is on her own, love herself without Hunter because she doesn't want to risk herself or their relationship by just allowing herself to be absorbed in him. I loved watching her stand up for herself and set boundaries. She is strong and she deserves the best and I loved that she realized that.
Hunter is working through some big stuff and is facing his past & how he was raised. And he doesn't always handle it the right way. He is still learning and teaching himself. But he loves his people and he keeps trying. I loved watching him grow and step up even more. He and his sister have been through so much and I loved that he didn't let his past keep him away from happy forever.
I enjoyed watching these two work on themselves & their relationship while being such big parts of their loud, messy family. Their love story is so sweet and the love story of their family is really beautiful. The found family here is so wonderful.
Excited to see where this series takes us next!
I received this as an ARC and am so grateful. This had zero influence on my review.
Madison is a bartender/office wizard.
Hunter is a bar owner.
They have been friends for years and secret lovers in the nighttime. He has been going through some things. She has been waiting for him to come back. Things are rocky.
Madison is has found herself, somewhat unexpectedly, on a journey of self discovery. She wants to figure out who she is on her own, love herself without Hunter because she doesn't want to risk herself or their relationship by just allowing herself to be absorbed in him. I loved watching her stand up for herself and set boundaries. She is strong and she deserves the best and I loved that she realized that.
Hunter is working through some big stuff and is facing his past & how he was raised. And he doesn't always handle it the right way. He is still learning and teaching himself. But he loves his people and he keeps trying. I loved watching him grow and step up even more. He and his sister have been through so much and I loved that he didn't let his past keep him away from happy forever.
I enjoyed watching these two work on themselves & their relationship while being such big parts of their loud, messy family. Their love story is so sweet and the love story of their family is really beautiful. The found family here is so wonderful.
Excited to see where this series takes us next!
I received this as an ARC and am so grateful. This had zero influence on my review.
March 5, 2026
Where the Sun Shatters is the second book in the Sunlit Cove series and I loved it!! After Hunter has been gone and silent for months Madi is hurt and angry. But he’s ready and determined to make her his, and he’s willing to do anything it takes for a second chance.
Madi and Hunter’s story was beautiful, emotional, and filled with tension. The way these two obviously were in love with each other while giving the other what they needed was incredible. I loved how even when Madi was understandably angry with Hunter she was still there for him when he needed her. And the way he agreed to be her friend but still groveled and flirted was chef’s kiss. The part near the end totally had me tearing up and hurting but the way it brought them closer was so well done.
She was so feisty and kind and I adored how she stood up for what she wanted. He was determined, sweet, and I loved that he would do anything for those he cared about. He had his demons and I enjoyed his journey of working through them, my heart broke for him. On a swoon worthy note, the man crawled for her. I mean, come on!
Then we also got to see everyone again and got two new additions to this found family! I absolutely loved this family and seeing more of Hunter and Halle growing closer. And Connor calling Madi Queen was awesome and hilarious.
I’m so looking forward to Connor’s book!! If you haven’t started this series yet I highly recommend you do so!
🩵 small town
☀️ second chance
🩵 friends to lovers
☀️ it’s always been you
🩵 he grovels
☀️ found family
🩵 healing after trauma
Madi and Hunter’s story was beautiful, emotional, and filled with tension. The way these two obviously were in love with each other while giving the other what they needed was incredible. I loved how even when Madi was understandably angry with Hunter she was still there for him when he needed her. And the way he agreed to be her friend but still groveled and flirted was chef’s kiss. The part near the end totally had me tearing up and hurting but the way it brought them closer was so well done.
She was so feisty and kind and I adored how she stood up for what she wanted. He was determined, sweet, and I loved that he would do anything for those he cared about. He had his demons and I enjoyed his journey of working through them, my heart broke for him. On a swoon worthy note, the man crawled for her. I mean, come on!
Then we also got to see everyone again and got two new additions to this found family! I absolutely loved this family and seeing more of Hunter and Halle growing closer. And Connor calling Madi Queen was awesome and hilarious.
I’m so looking forward to Connor’s book!! If you haven’t started this series yet I highly recommend you do so!
🩵 small town
☀️ second chance
🩵 friends to lovers
☀️ it’s always been you
🩵 he grovels
☀️ found family
🩵 healing after trauma
March 18, 2026
𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘶𝘯 𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴 by K. Garrod
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.✨
The way I absolutely loved being back in this world and in Sunlit Cove again. 🥹 Kiki has such a beautiful writing style that you can’t help but picture yourself by the water with the breeze in your hair. Jumping back into this world felt like being wrapped up in your favorite blanket. Just cozy and warm and never wanting to leave. And I was just so happy to be back with everyone. The way I was so giddy every time Halle and grumpy Asher showed up. And the way he was protective of her. I just love him. 🤭 But this story isn’t about them. You’ll have to read Where the Stars Heal if you’re curious. 😉 (which I highly recommend by the way!)
This story follows Madi and Hunter and them just trying to make their way back to each other again. And ugh…. It wasn’t easy. 😭 I absolutely loved how strong and determined Madison was. She held her ground when it came to him even though he’s everything she wants. And Hunter…. I just wanted to hug him and tell him to let all the guilt go the whole time. It broke me how much he hurt and how much he blamed himself for so much. But I also understood why he did and why he was so hesitant. I yelled at him a lot sure…. But I got it. Lol All I know is, that man needed to grovel bad and Madi sure he did it. Even if it meant crawling. 🤭
This story was a rollercoaster of emotions and the plot twists were twisting. My heart felt like the sun, just shattered into a million pieces. And going back and like DID I READ THAT RIGHT!!?!? 😭 Then having to pause til later…. Straight up anxiety the entire day. 😩 but it was all worth it cause this story was just so beautiful and tragic yet healing too. And can we talk about all the little breadcrumbs we got with Connor and Sarah and Remi!!?!!? Cause…… yeah. I’m gonna need that book immediately. I’m already so in love with Connor. I know I’m gonna be a goner. 🫠
Happiest release day Kiki!! I’m so SO proud of you and this world you created. I can’t wait for more. 😍
What to expect:
☀️ deals with grief
☀️ second chance
☀️ found family
☀️ small town
☀️ friends to lovers
☀️ it’s always been you
☀️ groveling
☀️ tears… 😭😭😭
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.✨
The way I absolutely loved being back in this world and in Sunlit Cove again. 🥹 Kiki has such a beautiful writing style that you can’t help but picture yourself by the water with the breeze in your hair. Jumping back into this world felt like being wrapped up in your favorite blanket. Just cozy and warm and never wanting to leave. And I was just so happy to be back with everyone. The way I was so giddy every time Halle and grumpy Asher showed up. And the way he was protective of her. I just love him. 🤭 But this story isn’t about them. You’ll have to read Where the Stars Heal if you’re curious. 😉 (which I highly recommend by the way!)
This story follows Madi and Hunter and them just trying to make their way back to each other again. And ugh…. It wasn’t easy. 😭 I absolutely loved how strong and determined Madison was. She held her ground when it came to him even though he’s everything she wants. And Hunter…. I just wanted to hug him and tell him to let all the guilt go the whole time. It broke me how much he hurt and how much he blamed himself for so much. But I also understood why he did and why he was so hesitant. I yelled at him a lot sure…. But I got it. Lol All I know is, that man needed to grovel bad and Madi sure he did it. Even if it meant crawling. 🤭
This story was a rollercoaster of emotions and the plot twists were twisting. My heart felt like the sun, just shattered into a million pieces. And going back and like DID I READ THAT RIGHT!!?!? 😭 Then having to pause til later…. Straight up anxiety the entire day. 😩 but it was all worth it cause this story was just so beautiful and tragic yet healing too. And can we talk about all the little breadcrumbs we got with Connor and Sarah and Remi!!?!!? Cause…… yeah. I’m gonna need that book immediately. I’m already so in love with Connor. I know I’m gonna be a goner. 🫠
Happiest release day Kiki!! I’m so SO proud of you and this world you created. I can’t wait for more. 😍
What to expect:
☀️ deals with grief
☀️ second chance
☀️ found family
☀️ small town
☀️ friends to lovers
☀️ it’s always been you
☀️ groveling
☀️ tears… 😭😭😭
March 14, 2026
4⭐️
🌶️🌶️
This was such a heartwarming and a little bit angsty story but I enjoyed every moment of it. Hunter and Madison’s story was truly heartwarming from the beginning to the very end. You could tell that no matter what, they were always meant to be with each other.
We start off with Hunter coming back to town after some months with no contact to his friends and especially Madi while he was away but he’s also coming back with a lot after finding letters from his mum and his past. Honestly, I loved how Hunter came with a plan once he got back. He was going to beg for forgiveness, get his girl back and try his best to work through his own trauma. And that was exactly what he did even though there was a lot of ups and downs.
Madi, our sweet outgoing girl definitely didn’t make it easy for him which is what I love but she was still there for him when he was going through it with those letters. You could definitely tell these two would always end up together even if it took them a while to each heal and move forward.
When I say Hunter was so serious on getting Madi back immediately, trust me. He was groveling, begging, on his knees….literally for her!
The ending of this book shocked me, like gasp and shout no way in real life shocked. Was not expecting that but so happy we got a very good ending😭. Honestly I was about to scream that there’s no way we’re gonna have Hunter go through trauma a second time😭. However, I think this also helped their relationship a lot in a way, definitely made it a stronger bond between these two.
Thank you for the author for the arc!
🌶️🌶️
This was such a heartwarming and a little bit angsty story but I enjoyed every moment of it. Hunter and Madison’s story was truly heartwarming from the beginning to the very end. You could tell that no matter what, they were always meant to be with each other.
We start off with Hunter coming back to town after some months with no contact to his friends and especially Madi while he was away but he’s also coming back with a lot after finding letters from his mum and his past. Honestly, I loved how Hunter came with a plan once he got back. He was going to beg for forgiveness, get his girl back and try his best to work through his own trauma. And that was exactly what he did even though there was a lot of ups and downs.
Madi, our sweet outgoing girl definitely didn’t make it easy for him which is what I love but she was still there for him when he was going through it with those letters. You could definitely tell these two would always end up together even if it took them a while to each heal and move forward.
When I say Hunter was so serious on getting Madi back immediately, trust me. He was groveling, begging, on his knees….literally for her!
The ending of this book shocked me, like gasp and shout no way in real life shocked. Was not expecting that but so happy we got a very good ending😭. Honestly I was about to scream that there’s no way we’re gonna have Hunter go through trauma a second time😭. However, I think this also helped their relationship a lot in a way, definitely made it a stronger bond between these two.
Thank you for the author for the arc!
March 19, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
7 out of 10
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘖𝘯𝘦 𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘏𝘦 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘉𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘊𝘳𝘢𝘸𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘏𝘦𝘳
🍻 Bar Owner x Bartender
🔁 Second Chance
🫶 Friends to Lovers
🏘️ Small Town Romance
🖤 Possessive MMC
😅 Friend Zoned But Not Really
🫂 Friendship
❤️🩹 Past Trauma
❤️🔥 Intense Chemistry
💬 Witty Banter
I think all I can really say is “awww”. I’m a sucker for second chance romances and I appreciate that the FMC made the MMC suffer for most of the book. I wish there was a more angst as it’s very clear they are NOT just friends from the get go, but I love their characters and their story. It did kind of fizzle out at the end but I didn’t mind too much as I simply enjoyed reading about them. Looking forward to the next book and couple!
“Madison Taylor learned the hard way that loving Hunter Dawson meant loving a man haunted by his past. When he disappeared, six months of silence broke her, turning her into a shadow of the woman she used to be. Someone she barely recognizes.
Hunter carries the guilt of leaving her… and fear over the letters he found. Letters he can’t bring himself to read, because opening them means facing the grief and trauma he’s spent years burying.
Now, he’s home, and Madison wants space. To stay friends. To rebuild her confidence. To find herself without him.
But being just friends was never part of Hunter’s plans.”
“Where the Sun Shatters” is Book Two in the standalone, interconnected series Sunlit Cove and is out today! Thank you so much to K. Garrod and her team for the ARC opportunity 🫶✨
Rated MA for Spice and Trigger Warnings (Past Trauma) 🌶️🌶️🌶️
7 out of 10
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘖𝘯𝘦 𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘏𝘦 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘉𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘊𝘳𝘢𝘸𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘏𝘦𝘳
🍻 Bar Owner x Bartender
🔁 Second Chance
🫶 Friends to Lovers
🏘️ Small Town Romance
🖤 Possessive MMC
😅 Friend Zoned But Not Really
🫂 Friendship
❤️🩹 Past Trauma
❤️🔥 Intense Chemistry
💬 Witty Banter
I think all I can really say is “awww”. I’m a sucker for second chance romances and I appreciate that the FMC made the MMC suffer for most of the book. I wish there was a more angst as it’s very clear they are NOT just friends from the get go, but I love their characters and their story. It did kind of fizzle out at the end but I didn’t mind too much as I simply enjoyed reading about them. Looking forward to the next book and couple!
“Madison Taylor learned the hard way that loving Hunter Dawson meant loving a man haunted by his past. When he disappeared, six months of silence broke her, turning her into a shadow of the woman she used to be. Someone she barely recognizes.
Hunter carries the guilt of leaving her… and fear over the letters he found. Letters he can’t bring himself to read, because opening them means facing the grief and trauma he’s spent years burying.
Now, he’s home, and Madison wants space. To stay friends. To rebuild her confidence. To find herself without him.
But being just friends was never part of Hunter’s plans.”
“Where the Sun Shatters” is Book Two in the standalone, interconnected series Sunlit Cove and is out today! Thank you so much to K. Garrod and her team for the ARC opportunity 🫶✨
Rated MA for Spice and Trigger Warnings (Past Trauma) 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Review of advance copy received from Autor
Where The Sun Shatters is an emotional, angsty second-chance romance that really pulls you in from the start.
Madison’s journey was, without a doubt, my favorite part of the story. Watching her rebuild herself after being left behind—learning to put herself first, rediscover her confidence, and not immediately fall back into old patterns—felt real and empowering. I loved that she didn’t just forgive and forget. She needed proof, and that made her character feel strong and grounded.
Hunter, on the other hand, is deeply flawed and carries a lot of emotional baggage. His guilt and fear add depth to his character, but at times it was frustrating to see how much had to happen for him to truly confront his feelings and step up. I’m not a big fan of tragedy being the main trigger for growth, and I wish his realization had come more from personal accountability rather than external circumstances.
The chemistry between them is undeniable, and their history adds a beautiful layer to their connection. However, I do think some of the explicit scenes were unnecessary. A few moments could have been implied instead, which would have kept the emotional intensity without interrupting the pacing.
Overall, this is a heartfelt story about healing, forgiveness, and choosing love—both for yourself and for someone else. It’s messy, emotional, and at times frustrating, but still a very enjoyable read.
Madison’s journey was, without a doubt, my favorite part of the story. Watching her rebuild herself after being left behind—learning to put herself first, rediscover her confidence, and not immediately fall back into old patterns—felt real and empowering. I loved that she didn’t just forgive and forget. She needed proof, and that made her character feel strong and grounded.
Hunter, on the other hand, is deeply flawed and carries a lot of emotional baggage. His guilt and fear add depth to his character, but at times it was frustrating to see how much had to happen for him to truly confront his feelings and step up. I’m not a big fan of tragedy being the main trigger for growth, and I wish his realization had come more from personal accountability rather than external circumstances.
The chemistry between them is undeniable, and their history adds a beautiful layer to their connection. However, I do think some of the explicit scenes were unnecessary. A few moments could have been implied instead, which would have kept the emotional intensity without interrupting the pacing.
Overall, this is a heartfelt story about healing, forgiveness, and choosing love—both for yourself and for someone else. It’s messy, emotional, and at times frustrating, but still a very enjoyable read.
March 20, 2026
Great Follow Up!
Gahhhh, the angst! Loved every bit.
This is a great follow up to this new author, who had an impressive debut with Where the Stars Heal. In this book, we read about Halle’s brother, Hunter, and his journey towards love and healing.
Per the cliffhanger in the first book, I wasn’t totally sure which direction Hunter’s path would go, but I love him and Madison. The longing and angst is top notch, and the HEA made my heart flutter.
After being gone for months to face his past, Hunter finally returns to Sunlit Cove, but what awaits him is a continued journey of healing. Madison has longed for him for years, and while they have given into their attraction, Hunter has never been ready for her. The ghosts of Hunter’s traumatic past plague him. Madison is heartbroken at the months of his absence and silence, and is ready to wipe the slate clean and move on. Until Hunter finally returns and is ready to claim the girl he’s always loved, and finally put his past to rest.
Where the Sun Shatters is a very emotional story full of angst, healing, and so much found family vibes, it’ll make you all warm and fuzzy. There is a twist that I did not see coming, and only adds to the emotional fallout that these characters must power through, but in the end, it’s so satisfying. Love this book and SO excited for Connor and Sarah! Plus!! Hints of a new series!
Gahhhh, the angst! Loved every bit.
This is a great follow up to this new author, who had an impressive debut with Where the Stars Heal. In this book, we read about Halle’s brother, Hunter, and his journey towards love and healing.
Per the cliffhanger in the first book, I wasn’t totally sure which direction Hunter’s path would go, but I love him and Madison. The longing and angst is top notch, and the HEA made my heart flutter.
After being gone for months to face his past, Hunter finally returns to Sunlit Cove, but what awaits him is a continued journey of healing. Madison has longed for him for years, and while they have given into their attraction, Hunter has never been ready for her. The ghosts of Hunter’s traumatic past plague him. Madison is heartbroken at the months of his absence and silence, and is ready to wipe the slate clean and move on. Until Hunter finally returns and is ready to claim the girl he’s always loved, and finally put his past to rest.
Where the Sun Shatters is a very emotional story full of angst, healing, and so much found family vibes, it’ll make you all warm and fuzzy. There is a twist that I did not see coming, and only adds to the emotional fallout that these characters must power through, but in the end, it’s so satisfying. Love this book and SO excited for Connor and Sarah! Plus!! Hints of a new series!
March 14, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️
💐Small town
💐Found family
💐Friends to lovers
💐Second chance
💐Healing after trauma
“𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴, 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘯 𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘴, 𝘸𝘦’𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘪𝘨𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘶𝘵. 𝘛𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳.”
Thanks Kiki for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. WTSS is available March 18. This is book 2 of the series, and while it can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading book 1 first.
“𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘵. 𝘔𝘺 𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘵. 𝘔𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘰𝘯. 𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯, 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘶𝘱 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘸 𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘦, 𝘪𝘧 𝘪𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘛𝘰 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦.”
Hunter and Madi…where do I start. I’m obsessed. Hunter’s resilience, patience and love for Madi is beautiful. He selflessly put his wants/needs aside to let Madi heal, and he put in time/effort to prove he was worthy of a second chance. It was heartwarming to see Madi let her walls down. Their connection was so strong and they truely are a couple that make you hope for a love like theirs.
“𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘐’𝘭𝘭 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵. 𝘍𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘴 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴. 𝘐’𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦. 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐’𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘰’𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘐’𝘭𝘭 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘐’𝘷𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘵. 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘢 𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘯.”
I simply adore this town. The found family in this book is perfection. The love they have for one another is so sweet and I am so excited for more of Connor, Remi and Ace in future books.
“𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘰 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘺 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩, 𝘪𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘮𝘦. 𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘐 𝘴𝘦𝘦. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘯, 𝘯𝘰𝘸, 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳.”
This book is emotional, romantic and there’s a great twist. You can tell how much thought, effort and passion went into writing this. I’ve followed Kiki since day 1, and she’s going from strength to strength with her writing. I can’t wait to see what’s in store next ❤️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
💐Small town
💐Found family
💐Friends to lovers
💐Second chance
💐Healing after trauma
“𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴, 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘯 𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘴, 𝘸𝘦’𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘪𝘨𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘶𝘵. 𝘛𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳.”
Thanks Kiki for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. WTSS is available March 18. This is book 2 of the series, and while it can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading book 1 first.
“𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘵. 𝘔𝘺 𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘵. 𝘔𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘰𝘯. 𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯, 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘶𝘱 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘸 𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘦, 𝘪𝘧 𝘪𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘛𝘰 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦.”
Hunter and Madi…where do I start. I’m obsessed. Hunter’s resilience, patience and love for Madi is beautiful. He selflessly put his wants/needs aside to let Madi heal, and he put in time/effort to prove he was worthy of a second chance. It was heartwarming to see Madi let her walls down. Their connection was so strong and they truely are a couple that make you hope for a love like theirs.
“𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘐’𝘭𝘭 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵. 𝘍𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘴 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴. 𝘐’𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦. 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐’𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘰’𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘐’𝘭𝘭 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘐’𝘷𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘵. 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘢 𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘯.”
I simply adore this town. The found family in this book is perfection. The love they have for one another is so sweet and I am so excited for more of Connor, Remi and Ace in future books.
“𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘰 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘺 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩, 𝘪𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘮𝘦. 𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘐 𝘴𝘦𝘦. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘯, 𝘯𝘰𝘸, 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳.”
This book is emotional, romantic and there’s a great twist. You can tell how much thought, effort and passion went into writing this. I’ve followed Kiki since day 1, and she’s going from strength to strength with her writing. I can’t wait to see what’s in store next ❤️
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