After You Returned: a second chance small town romantic comedy

by D.E. Haggerty

He broke her heart chasing waves. Now he’s back – injured, regretful, and determined not to lose her twice.

If life had a cruel streak, it would look a lot like Miles Raider standing in my treatment room, asking me to fix the shoulder he wrecked while pursuing the surfing career he chose over me.

I should refuse. I should tell him to try the mainland. I should absolutely not touch him. Especially since the muscles I memorized at seventeen are somehow bigger and stronger now.

Unfortunately, I’m the only physical therapist on Smuggler’s Hideaway – a tiny island where secrets sink faster than ships and everyone hears news before you do. So, no, I can’t refuse him. Not unless I want to be publicly shamed at Mermaid Karaoke.

Suddenly Miles is claiming he wants a second chance. After years of being back home. Years of pretending I don’t exist. Now, he wants another chance?

Miles can take his second chance and feed it to the sharks. Because he never stays. Not when things get messy, not when feelings get involved, and definitely not when I start remembering what it feels like to be the only girl he ever wants.

But when Miles Raider turns on the charm – the focused attention, the soft apologies, the smile that says he already knows I’m going to forgive him – how am I supposed to resist the first man to teach me about love?

This second chance small-town romantic comedy features a surfer who’s determined to earn a second chance with the only woman he’s ever loved, a woman who doesn’t believe him when he says he’s staying, and a band of prank-happy brothers who treat emotional growth like it’s a full-contact sport.

After You Returned is a standalone novel in The Raider Brothers series.

Until it was Real – Rhett and Dakota’s story
For the Promise – Jaxon and Blossom’s story
From the Start – Kai and Harper’s story
Since you Arrived – Zane and Sloane’s story
After you Returned – Miles and Hazel’s story

Genres: Second Chance

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 26, 2026

About the author

D.E. Haggerty is actually just plain old Dena, but she thinks using initials makes her sound like one of the cool kids. She was born and raised in the U.S. but has spent the majority of her adult life abroad living in cool-sounding places like Istanbul, Heidelberg, and The Hague. She has job hopped from military policewoman to lawyer to B&B owner. She finally jumped off the job hopping bandwagon a few years ago when she decided to turn her addiction to romance novels into a career. If anyone has ideas on how to turn a love of wine into a job, she's all ears.

Join her newsletter and get a FREE small town romantic comedy ➡️ https://dehaggerty.com/subscribe/

Reviews

[Cheryl Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hazel and Miles are something else.

Miles wants a second chance with his high school sweetheart Hazel after he ditched her for his surfing career and when that didn't pan out he returned to the island and spent years ignoring her for the most part.

I started reading this book ready to give Hazel a piece of my mind for even thinking of giving him a second chance.
What was she thinking?

"Miles whips off his t- shirt and my gaze snags on his six- pack abs. My fingers tingle with the need to reach out and touch him. To trail my fingertips along the ridges of his muscles before my tongue tastes every inch of his chest. To scrape my nails through the smattering of hair on his lower chest."

Ah, that's what she was thinking.

Fortunately, Miles pulls out all of the stops in his quest to win her back and I eventually found myself rooting for him!

"Her anger does nothing to detract from her beauty. On the contrary, her green eyes are entrancing as they blaze with fury. And wrinkling her nose only makes it more adorable. I love the freckles that spread across her nose and cheeks. I’ve kissed every one of them as well as those not visible when she’s dressed."

Miles had to do some maturing in this story to be good enough for headstrong Hazel. I loved the emotional turmoil and the hilarious banter between characters. And last but definitely not least, the island of Smuggler’s Hideaway, "a tiny island where secrets sink faster than ships, and everyone hears news before you do", which is a character in itself.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book and am leaving a completely honest review.

[Claudia, Cmarie927 · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've ever wanted to feel immersed in a storyline and up close and personal with the character's lives, this one's for you. This is funny, steamy, addictive, and easy to read.

Hazel is a lifelong resident of Smuggler’s Hideaway, and the Island's physical therapist. She is also the girl Miles Raider left behind, when he went off to pursue professional surfing. The walls around her heart are necessary protection, when Miles finally realizes what he lost (when he left), and decides to win her back. She's certainly not going to make it easy!

From prior stories in this series, we know how strong the "Raider charm" is, and how very enjoyable it is to see them use it, to get their loves to forgive and commit to forever.

This is FULL of all the things we love from this author:
Banter! (like you're standing right next to them)
Family support! (prank wars, moonshine intervention)
Steamy chemistry! (that's never in question)
Mermaid and Pirates and Island traditions! (yes, please)

While I always recommend reading series in order, this one does a wonderful job looping in the other storylines, and if you need to start here, you could. I highly recommend this series (and all the other connected ones), and this creative author.

I am SO excited for the next new series to begin!!

Thankful for the ARC, I happily leave my thoughts.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Here’s to the ones who sank their ships, lost their hearts, and still showed up for last call."
The last of the Raider Brothers series, sees Miles convince Hazel, the one who got away, that he's serious about being with her, loving her, and building a life with her right there on Smuggler’s Hideaway.
This has all the quirkiness Ms Haggerty is known for with lots of the brothers mayhem and pranks, mermaid and Smuggler’s lore, and a major amount of grovelling by Miles as Hazel makes him work for his happy ever after with her.
The story is easy to read and very entertaining and despite the ups and downs our main couple goes through as they resolve their past hurts, explore job opportunities, and find common ground to build their future on, it remains lighthearted and full of humour. Easy to enjoy!

[D.E.]

The final Raider brothers book is now live! Miles is ready for his second chance. Hazel thinks he should turn around and walk away before she kicks him.

Are you ready for …
❤️ The second chance romance the entire island has been gossiping about since high school?
❤️ A no-nonsense physical therapist vs. a charming surfer who treats responsibility like it’s optional?
❤️ A sports romance featuring a sun-kissed, blue-eyed wave chaser who definitely thought he’d get away with it?
❤️ Groveling. Real groveling. The “I messed up and I know it” kind.
❤️ The hero who never stopped loving her… even when he was too stupid to admit it.
❤️ Small-town shenanigans, island festivals, and neighbors who know your business before you do?
❤️ Banter so sharp it should come with a warning label?

[Se... · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really intrigued by the blurb and the setting, but the book just didn't work for me.

I am not a fan of second chance romance, it often ends up have many pages of regrets, disappointments and miscommunication that I do not enjoy reading unless kept to a minimum. But I was really charmed by the characters: an ex pro-surfer who had to quit his surfing career because of an injury and a physical therapist trying to launch her private practice in a small island.

Many things did not work for me unfortunately.

1. It says "Reading prior books is not required". I am not sure if I would have liked the book that much more, had I read the prior books. But it seemed that all the characters from the previous books were constantly around and I initially struggled, then totally gave up to try and figure out who was who. I do love series with big families and books that explore one of the family members at a time, but when they mention "Reading prior books is not required", I find that these books keep the appearances of other characters to a minimum. Just a gem for those who have read the previous books, but not constant appearances on every chapter. So that a newbie like me can focus on the 2 new characters without being confused by all the intricate family dynamics.

2. Hazel's repetitive inner dialogues. I do like to know what's going on in the heads of the characters, to get a better understanding of their point of view. But for more than half of the book, Hazel's chapter ended with the usual "I cannot trust him", which was a bit boring to read at first, then it got annoying. I do get that trust was a big legitimate issue for Hazel when it came to Miles, but do I have to read it over and over again?

3. The pranks, the smugglers, the mermaids... It was fun and nice at the beginning, it became so recurring that I found it annoying after a while. Like going to a bakery and being told that you can eat all that you want: you love the first 10 pastries, and then you just get sick and can't stand pastries for months afterwards. I do get that smugglers, moonshine, mermaids, ships define the setting, and I do like that they curse without swear words and with sea characters and objects (I do love the sea). But it felt juvenile after a while and especially the pranks and the challenges. I think almost every chapter had a story about a past-present-future prank, which felt a bit detached from reality (how many adults reaching thirty do you know that pay the bills and talk about pranks at least once in EVERY conversation? maybe a few who are the jokers of the group, but not the whole table!) and also left me out (like when you go to a dinner with people who spend the evening talking about their inner jokes, fun at first, just exclusive/excluding after a while, unless you have jokes on them too, which I didn't because of course I don't know Miles and Hazel. I guess it was supposed to give depth to their backstories, but I get it, you like doing pranks, you are funny people in a funny island, can we discover something else about you?).

4. Little real communication. I did love Miles making up his mind and communicating clearly about it, total respect for that. But in second change romance (see regrets and disappointments mentioned before), usually characters need at least one chapter hashing out what went wrong in the past, lining up their reasoning and trying to overcome their emotions from the past to renew their story on a new basis. I think Hazel and Miles deserved to have at least one conversation like that and either I missed it or it was just left implied in Hazel's resolve weakening. Why did Miles ignore Hazel for so many years? There could have been some intriguing reason there to give more depth to his character.

I did like the double point of view.
I looooved the chapter titles with a sentence from the narrating character: it was really intriguing and made me want to find out what was going to happen to the character to make Hazel/Miles say what was written in the chapter's title.
I like Miles resolve and how he went about it, adjusting his well-intended mistakes to learn what relationships require.

I was ambivalent about Hazel's job situation: the solution felt so obvious, that Hazel's thought process puzzled me. And also Miles view of her job situation (I am being generic on purpose, I don't want to spoil it) and how Hazel felt about it: I was kind of agreeing with Miles (because.... couldn't she have figured it out by herself already?) but I do see Hazel's point of view.

It is a well written book.
I would have liked a bit more context and descriptions (I mean the places and Miles/Hazel thoughts and projects, not the family and side characters) and less dialogues at times, and also some longer intimate conversations in lieu of a banter all the time.
As it is, for me, it was just too much (too many people, too many pranks, too many smugglers) and too little (too little Hazel and Miles talking to each other, being honest and by themselves).

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another zany story of the slightly crazy, but loveable residents of Smugglers Hideaway, a small island where mermaids and bootleggers are lore and Sammy the seal has his own website.
Miles Raider is one of the infamous Raider brothers, known for causing chaos and prank wars but now, all but one of the brothers are loved up, some even with children, and running the family distillery.
Miles Raider had been the love of Hazel Harris's life, the boy that she envisaged marrying and raising a family with, but Miles's passion for surfing put everything, including Hazel, on the back burner, to follow his dream competing on the international circuit, leaving Hazel heartbroken and with serious trust problems.
When Miles received a shoulder injury that finished his surfing career, he had no option but to return to Smugglers Hideaway and the family distillery business.
Hazel trained as a physical therapist, but the island was too small to support her working in her chosen career so she was doing shifts at the local eatery but she desperately wanted to be a physical therapist full time, but would she need to leave her beloved island to do this ?
When Miles saw Hazel again, he realized what a mistake he had made and put everything in motion to win her back. Hazel had never stopped loving Miles but he had walked out on her and there was no way that she was going to let that happen again, he was not getting a second chance.
Miles had matured since his return, mature enough to want to settle down, but the girl that he wanted to settle down with would never trust him again, or would she ?..............let the battle begin.
This is a lovely romantic comedy, the characters are wonderful, the town is quirky, the banter is brilliant and the passion is electric.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.

[Smutty Professor · Rating 4 out of 5]

After You Returned was one of those second-chance romances where I wanted to yell at the MMC for a while… and then suddenly I was loving him!

Miles absolutely fumbled Hazel back in high school. He left the island to chase his pro surfing dream, broke her heart on the way out, and when that dream ended because of an injury, he came back but didn’t handle it like a mature adult. So when he finally decides he wants Hazel back for real, she's not impressed. And honestly- Good for her! I really liked that she doesn’t just give in to him because he says he’s changed. She’s built a life for herself as the island’s only physical therapist, and she’s even considering opportunities off the island. This adds some serious tension because now Miles is the one who might get left behind.

Miles had to grow up. Like actually grow up. He needed to deal with his pride, his regrets, and the fact that loving someone means showing up consistently and not just when it’s convenient. The groveling is solid and the effort he put in made me love him. Throughout, the Raider brothers and all the small-town shenanigans kept things from getting too heavy.

It’s sweet and a little frustrating at times, but well worth it. If you like second-chance romances where the FMC knows her worth and makes the MMC earn his way back in, this one’s a good time! I'm sad this is the end of the Raider Brothers series, but looking forward to a fresh series soon!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this Raider brother story. Not as over-the-top as some of the Smuggler’s Hideaway series. Miles had the passion and skill to be a pro surfer and just as he’s ready to start the pro circuit, he dumps Hazel, who really loved him, and off he goes. When he is seriously enough injured on his first pro circuit attempt that he can never compete again, he comes home but doesn’t return to Hazel and instead acts like a toddler having an ongoing tantrum that things didn’t work out just the way he wanted, surfing when he feels like it, and putting in minimal time at the family distillery. He keeps Hazel on a string - giving her attention when he’s drunk and then running. Hazel finally decides she’s had enough and starts looking at jobs off the island and it is a wake up call for Miles. While Hazel did draw out the “second chance” overly long because she had trouble fully trusting that Miles had changed, Miles did everything in his power to prove he wasn’t running again. He really was pretty sweet in “woo” mode. Hazel finally realized that their relationship would only work if they BOTH were open and worked at it. Lots of feels, angst and steam!

I received a free Advance Review Copy of this book and this is my voluntary review.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of the Smuggler’s Hideaway books are good, but this second-chance story stands out for its warmth. Miles and Hazel grew up and were high school sweethearts in small, quirky Smuggler’s Cove. Miles broke up with Hazel and took off after high school to pursue a dream of becoming a professional surfer. He was injured before he could fulfill his dream. Now Miles teaches surfing to tourists and half-heartedly works in sales for the Raider brothers’ distillery. Hazel went off to college to become a physical therapist. She juggles a few jobs on Smuggler’s Hideaway and has a small physical therapy practice. Miles and Hazel may still have a connection and even hook up rarely, but Hazel no longer trusts Miles. She’s actually considering a move to the mainland for her career, while Miles has realized that Hazel is the only woman he wants. There are good dual points of view, as both of these characters move towards a HEA (which involves plenty of alcohol and funny Smuggler’s Cove traditions). I enjoyed revisiting secondary characters from earlier books in this series. Miles' and Hazel's story is entertaining and romantic! I received an advance copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Teresa Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hazel&Mles #SuferBoy #Blaze #TeenageSweethearts

'After You Returned: A Second Chance Small Town Romantic Comedy' (The Raider Brothers Book 5) by DE Haggerty is a romance about Hazel Harris and Miles Raider, former high school sweethearts who broke up when Miles left Smugglers’ Hideaway to pursue a professional surfing career in Hawaii. After injuries ended his ambitions, Miles returns home and joins his family’s distillery as a sales representative, while giving surfing lessons on the side. He had previously avoided pursuing a relationship with Hazel, choosing instead to have multiple good times over one serious one. However, nights with too many shots often led to both of them ending up in the same bed, only for Miles to find himself alone the next morning. The cycle continues until New Year’s Eve, when Hazel leaves without saying goodbye, leaving Miles longing for her again. Hazel avoids Miles, unsure how to fix their relationship, until he injures his shoulder saving a student during a surfing lesson and ends up in her physical therapy clinic. Determined to win her back, Miles faces Hazel’s lingering mistrust and her fears of trusting him again after he left for surfing. Despite her feelings for Miles, Hazel struggles to forgive and move past her hurt. D. E. Haggerty creates a heartfelt ending with a slow-burning romance that makes this story worth reading and savoring.

[Book Worm · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid small coastal town, second chance romance. I am a sucker for a well written one. I am all for first love returning to be a last love. When the right people fall in love at the wrong time, how long does it take for them to risk their hearts in a second attempt at winning the relationship they deserve?

In this contemporary romance it is almost too long. Sick of falling for the scraps offered from the once love of her life the FMC makes a decision to raise her expectations and if that finally means moving on in life and love, then so be it. I loved her self respect and she sets out strong to build better chances and fulfilling her ambitions as a physical therapist.

Having watched his sporting dreams crumble it was hard enough returning to his hometown and finding a way to accept they were over. Finally realising he's about to lose in love too?

Unacceptable.

The real challenge is proving he means it, this time. I hardly believed the sudden turn around and was about throw in the towel too but stuck with it. Glad I did. There's a little too much to forgive but the struggling surfer is not willing to throw in the towel until he's given it a last shot.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hazel knows she needs to do something, as working as a hostess part-time whilst trying to maintain her physiotherapy business running. But Smugglers Hideaway doesn't really have much call for a physio. So now she's left wondering if she'll finally have to leave the island she loves. If only she didn't have to avoid the one man she can't forget, but knows he'll never want her that way again. Unless he's had a drink, then forgets or pretends too the next day. Miles knows he's not meant to work behind a desk. Yet losing his surfing career just as it started means its all he can do. After leaving Smugglers Hideaway and calling things off between him and Hazel coming home again injured and working for his brother, he knows what people say about him. He also knows Hazel will never give him a second chance. That is unless he can prove he's changed. This is another brilliant story in a place where everybody knows your business, but will do anything they can to help. It feels like coming home reading these books. With the added bonus of the fun and hilarious mishaps that always come with the story.

[An · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miles Raider and Hazel Harris had complicated history and Hazel was determined to leave it in the past. Miles, however, had recognized his mistake shortly after he made it, but was too embarrassed to admit it to Hazel so the animosity on her part just grew stronger.

Miles' attempts to rekindle life with Hazel looked more like a Greek tragedy mostly because he usually only got the courage to approach her when he was drunk.

Although her life had moved on since things with Miles went south, Hazel couldn't deny she was still attracted to him but knew he wasn't good for her and the new life she was trying to make for herself.

When an old injury sends Miles to the only physical therapist on the island, Hazel finds herself spending time with the man Miles has become, but she knows to be cautious and not make the same mistake twice.

Miles has other plans and when the Raider brothers put in their two cents along with their epic prank wars, there's no telling how things will turn out. Hazel has no idea what she's up against!

Another great story featuring the Raider family and islanders that live their lives according to their own rules.

Highly recommended!

[Jacklyn B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hazel and Miles's story is here and it’s a good one! This story is funny and emotional and spicy and I am a little sad this series is over (I highly recommend all the books - they can absolutely be read as standalones!)

These two have great chemistry and their banter was so good…but they had history and he left Hazel heartbroken…this was not going to be easy for him. Yes he’s incredibly charming but Hazel is not falling for it this time.

I LOVE a good grovel - a real genuine grovel with thought and effort and Miles definitely goes all in for Hazel. He puts in the work and we get great character from him.

It wouldn’t be a trip to Smuggler’s Hideaway without some small town shenanigans and of course some Raider brother pranks!

Also, can I just say that I once again LOVED the chapter titles/captions!!!

✨What To Expect:
💖Romantic Comedy
🏡Small Town Vibes
✌️Second Chance
❤️‍🔥Opposites Attract
💜It’s Always Been You
💋She’s A Physical Therapist
🏄He’s An Ex-Pro Surfer
🔥Groveling
😂Witty Banter
💞 Found family
🧜🏻‍♀️ Mermaids & Pirates
🧨 Brotherly Pranks
🌊Sports Romance

[Jen ME Warrior · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed another trip to visit the Raider Brothers. This time it was Miles' story.

He left the island and Hazel in his rear view mirror to pursue his dream. Only to injure himself and return with his tail between his legs. Hazel was heartbroken when Miles left, but his return and subsequent booty calls followed by ignoring her have left her angry and bitter.

Enemies to lovers, second chance romances tend to depend on the characters actually growing up which seemed to take Miles a long time to get round to. Hazel is rightfully gun shy around him, but agrees to help him rehab his reoccurring injury.

With time spent together they start to work through their past, but can they make work the second time round.

A bit frustrating at times, with Miles seemingly willfully blind to the fact he spent years playing with ger feelings. Apart from that, this was am enjoyable story and it was good to revisit the other Raider bros.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Krissy C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received as an ARC and leaving my honest review voluntarily. It's always such fun returning to Smuggler’s Hideaway with the interesting, kooky, zany and likeable characters and reading about their antics and mischief. Miles and Hazel's second chance romance was sweet, emotional and steamy. The effort Miles puts in to convince Hazel he was all in was swoony and heartfelt.

In a way, this book is also about Miles' growth, as he realises he had to 'grow up' and let go of his regrets of not becoming a pro surfer, and to learn how to enjoy and appreciate the way his life turned out, including finally learning his role in the family business. For Hazel, agreeing to give Miles a second chance was a risk so she guards her heart and feelings. But soon realises that the only way the relationship stood a chance was if both of them worked at it and she actually went all in too.

Miles and Hazel's story concludes the Raider brothers series, but I'm hoping the Smuggler’s Hideaway stories will continue!

[Suzette · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final chapter of the Raider brothers’ journey delivers everything fans could want and more. The last Raider brother finally gets his well-deserved happily ever after in a heartfelt second-chance romance that had me smiling, laughing, and swooning in equal measure.

Set in a charming small town full of warmth and quirkiness, this story is packed with fun, hilarity, and the kind of community spirit that makes you want to move in and stay forever. The characters are vibrant and well-developed—each one feels like a friend you’d love to grab coffee with—and the interactions between them are both hilarious and heartwarming.

The plot is excellent, weaving together humor, romance, and emotional beats seamlessly. The pacing is just right, never dragging, and always pulling you deeper into the story. By the end, I was completely satisfied and a little sad to say goodbye to the Raider brothers.

If you love small-town romances dripping with heart, laughter, and second chances, After You Returned is a must-read. D. E. Haggerty has knocked it out of the park with this one!

[Tania Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this is the 5th book in the The Raider Brothers series, it was the first one I read. I will definitely be going back to read book 1-4 in the series.

After You Returned centres on Hazel and Miles. High school sweethearts until they weren't. Miles in going off to chase his dreams of becoming a champion surfer ends his relationship with Hazel. When Miles' dreams are crushed through an injury, he returns to their small sleepy town, where his emotional maturity finally catches up to him and he realises he wants a future in his home town with Hazel.

Hazel though, tired of feeling used by Miles when it suits him, decides she needs to look further away from her small town to secure more permanent employment than what her small town offers.

The story has an interesting mix of characters in support of Hazel and Miles. Hazel parents I found frustrating in this day and age, while I enjoyed the visual descriptions given on the many hijinks of the Raider brothers.

This in general was a fun quick read.

[Danelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miles is the last of the Raider Brothers to find his soulmate. Well actually he found her in high school but promptly dumped her when he got a chance at the pro surfing tour after graduation. But after suffering a career ending injury he heads back to Smuggler’s Hideaway. He’s been back 6 years but can’t seem to get up enough nerve to apologize and beg forgiveness, until now. Hazel doesn’t believe him though. Why after all this time would Miles want to get back together now? He has a tough hill to climb to convince Hazel he means business and that he won’t run. Will Hazel ever believe he’s here to stay? Miles is going to do everything in his power to prove he’s worthy of a second chance. Let Smuggler’s Hideaway shenanigans begin! I love this community and all the quirky characters this author has brought to life here. I definitely recommend this series. Can wait for the next book! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[J Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a complimentary copy. Miles and Hazel were high school sweethearts, but everything fell apart when Miles dumped her and left town to chase a surfing career. Now he’s back—injured, frustrated, and acting like the world owes him something. His attitude toward Hazel is awful, and honestly, he doesn’t treat his family much better. Hazel finally reaches her breaking point and decides it’s time to move on with her life. That’s when Miles finally “wakes up” and decides she’s worth fighting for.
I’ll be honest—Miles was not my favorite Raider brother. It’s hard not to feel like he never would have come back to Hazel if life hadn’t forced him home. Hazel, on the other hand, was easy to root for. She’s still heartbroken and still in love, but she makes him earn every inch of ground he gets back. Go girl.
The question is whether Miles and Hazel can truly find their way back to each other… or if Hazel will walk away just as easily as he once did.

[Lisa Benison · Rating 5 out of 5]

More Smuggler's Notch Hijinks with Laughs, Banter, Romance, Pranks, Bets and Found Family

Miles is the final Raider brother to get his story and has been hinted in previous books he has been pining for Hazel for quite some time. After losing her once, he is determined to "woo" her back and of course the usual Smuggler's fun ensues. The book is well written with wonderful characters, and I love the "found family" and support from those not even related. The book is part of a series, but does a good job of recapping for those who either haven't read the previous books or may not remember all the details (me!) so is easily read as a standalone. And unfortunately, it does seem that the series will wrap with this one, but it appears there is more to come - and I can't wait! Enjoy!

I was sent an ARC by the author and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Cheryl Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all the antics on Smuggler's Island. I have especially enjoyed the Raider brothers. The pranks they pull are awesome, and pretty inventive too! These brothers are pure orneriness, but I love each and every one of them! Hazel and Miles story just might be my favorite. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. If you are familiar with the Raider brothers series and the Smuggler's Island stories then you are well aware of the "Grand Gesture" so it won't come as a surprise when you read this one. Although this one has a twist! Also, the Raider Brother's prank war is over. Guess which brother won…. Nope, I'm not telling! If you are not familiar with Smuggler's Island yet, then you are in for an amazing treat. I love the series and I love the author!! Highly recommend!

[Lyn Brownlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the Raider Brothers
This is book 5 in the series and is time for Miles, the last of the brothers to find his second chance with Hazel, the woman he left behind many years ago.
They have a rocky road before they get there happy ever after but there sure are some hilarious times along the way, as expected for this series.
There’s also some steamy scenes plus romantic ones and it’s an all round fun and fitting ending to the series.
I loved it 🩷
It’s sad to see the end of this series as I’ve loved every one of them and the Raider Brothers hilarious antics.
In saying that, I’m really happy that the stories on the island of Smuggler’s Hideaway are still continuing and can’t wait for the next series - The Steel City Seals to start.
Thank you to D E Haggerty and Booksirens for the opportunity to read this book.

[Kandiemarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fifth and final installment in The Raider Brothers series. Miles and Hazel's story is a brilliantly written romantic comedy. This fun and entertaining second chance romance will keep you turning the pages with the intention of putting it down but never really putting it down. Just one more page...means I'll see you when I'm finished with the book. That's what happens when you read these highly addictive books from D. E. Haggerty. The witty banter and dialogue, hilarious moments, characters trust issues, the strong chemistry between Miles and Hazel make for a steamy scene here and there. I was in for the ride of my life on this rocky road of love. I wouldn't have missed it for anything. Highly recommend reading not just this book but the entire series if given the chance. I can't wait to see what's in store for the next series. I'm on pins and needles waiting to find out.

[Courtney Hastings · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this for my honest review

In the final Raiders Brothers book our FMC and MMC dated in high, but when our MMC got a chance to go pro surfing, he didn't look back. But after a shoulder injury ends his dream, he moves back to their small island and promptly avoids her - unless of course he is drinking or lonely. Our FMC has her own practice as a physical therapist, but there really aren't enough people living there to keep her at full time. Maybe what she needs is to seek jobs off the island, even though she really doesn't want to leave, she wants to build her career. When he learns that she is considering leaving, he realizes that she won't always be there if he lets her go - so he's gonna do every thing he can to get her to give him a second chance.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have yet to be disappointed in a book by Ms. Haggerty. The way she knows exactly when to throw in humour when things get rough is perfect! whether its Sammy in the middle of the road or the brothers up to their shenanigans, its a great relief when emotions run high!

Miles desperately wanted his second chance to prove himself to Hazel who is quite stubborn and determined to not give in. I enjoyed every second of these 2 working through their struggles to try and come together.

There was only one part with Hazels family that I wanted a bit of closure on or some sort of reckoning but I can live with not having it since everything else was so good.

[Douglas Pike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hazel is the only physical therapist on Smugglers Hideaway island and has a history with Miles Raider, the sales manager for Buccaneers whiskey distillery. When I say history I mean like high school besties but Miles was called to surf In Hawaii and just left. This book starts off with all the “normal” adventures on Smugglers Hideaway like New Year’s Eve and the drunken sex Hazel and Miles have which leads to her being convinced that Miles gets no second chance. This becomes a long game for Miles to convince her and become her lover by demonstrating that he’s more than a surfer dude! I can’t wait for the next D.E. Haggerty romantic adventure novel.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

MMC/MFC: Miles and Hazel

Second chance
Small town
Found family

Honestly? Miles really pissed me off. Nothing says ‘I love you’ like dumping your girlfriend, ghosting her when you return, then treating her like a booty call.
You know, he’s always loved her, wants her back but hooks up with anyone and everyone instead. I absolutely loathe that trope, and I was disappointed to see it in this.

I felt for Hazel. Reasons above, her family is horrible (I mean her parents are downright archaic in their thinking), and she’s clearly no one’s priority.

This was a rage read for me. It was well-written, but I just can’t get past Miles and his actions…

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miles Raider was all set to become a prolific surfer. That lasted one competition where he got injured. He returned home with his tail between his legs. One thing he did not do was rekindle with the girl who's heart he broke when he left to surf.

Hazel has loved Miles since forever, but she has got to stop succumbing to him with the way he treats her. No one wants to be treated like a dirty secret or worse, a mistake. Doesn't sound like therw is anyway around all of this for these two...or is there?

Gotta love the Raider brothers and Miles' story was much anticipated. He and Hazel have popped up in a couple books now so I loved seeing their story unfold. Definitely a quick, good read.

[Didi · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5-4*
This is a second chance romance featuring the last single Raider brother, Miles, and Hazel. Gonna say I really wanted to whack Miles upside the head a lot. I was relieved to see him slowly mature and make some realizations. Hazel didn’t give in when Miles finally sees what he lost years ago. The Raider brothers and small-town shenanigans, as always, added to the story. I did find myself questioning whether Miles would have come back to Hazel if not for his injury. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Sad to see the end of the series but look forward to seeing where the author takes us next.