Finally Mine

by Sam Crescent

After a life changing incident, Hawk Masters is back in his small town. He has to make changes to his life, the doctors have warned him that he wouldn’t make it if he had another heart attack.

It’s time for him to … relax, to rest, and to figure out what he wanted to do with the rest of his life. He was the owner of a multi-million dollar advertising company. He was the best one out there.

Now, he’s in Hope, the small town he didn’t want to come back to. There was nothing here for him, until he bumped into her, Katie Smith, now Katie Palmer. Now is his chance, and he’s not going to let it slip away.

Seven years ago, Katie lost her husband to cancer. He wanted her to move on, but there is no one for her, until Hawk walks back into her life. There is a spark. Katie didn’t know this but Hawk has wanted her since they were kids. But, he didn’t know how to handle it, and so, he said nothing.

There has not been anyone else since her husband, but Hawk, he is different. He makes her heart race, and every single day, she looks forward to seeing him. It doesn’t feel wrong falling in love. It doesn’t feel wrong being with him.

But what is going to happen when she falls pregnant? Will Hawk be able to handle being a dad, or was this all just for show to get what he wanted?

113 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 20, 2026

About the author

Sam Crescent is passionate about fiction. She loves a good erotic romance and so it only made sense for her to spread her wings and start writing. She began writing in 2009 and finally got that first acceptance in 2011 by Total-E-Bound.
She loved creating new characters and delving into the worlds that she creates. When she’s not panicking about a story or arguing with a character, she can be found in her kitchen creating all kinds of havoc. Like her stories the creations in the kitchen can be just as dubious but sometimes things turn out great.

Reviews

[Joanne Farley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hawk knows what it feels like to realise you may not live. Determined to do better he moves home to heal after his heart attack. He can no longer work day and night.
Katie is still just sustaining herself after the death of her beloved husband seven years ago. Knowig she wants more she is not sure how to go about it.

When these two meet again there is an instant spark. There journey is not smooth as each of them learn to put the past behind them and focus on the future.

A wonderful read.

[JaneH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katie and Hawk, their journey to a HEA and a swoon worthy epilogue was incredibly emotional, loving and spicy.
Both have experienced trauma, hers was the death of her husband and first love, his was a serious heart attack that meant he needed to step back from his own million dollar company.
Turns out Hawk had always been attracted to Katie.
This is a slow burn love story. It starts with a date, a kiss and coffee. Lots of emotional angst, not between them but individually they wonder what the other wants.
High heat, lots of caring, family encouragement, fun times, working together, tears and great happiness.

Tears will be shed
I received an ARC Booksirens

[Francesca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally Mine - Sam Crescent

Hawk Masters left his home town of Hope seventeen years ago. He made a huge impact in the world of advertising but it came at the cost of his health. Determined to recuperate and reevaluate his life he heads back home to Hope and to his family with the goal of doing just that, however he wasn't prepared to run into Katie Palmer again and she will have the biggest affect on him yet! At thirty five Katie Palmer focuses on her life of running her gift shop. She has been dealing with the sad passing of her husband Adam seven years prior and is trying to move forward but no one has made her truly want to until she bumps into Hawk Masters again. The guy from her school days who didn't leave the best of memories with Katie but we soon learn why. Katie understands Hawk, she truly sees him and together they heal one another in so many ways that when they do come together its just magical. I thoroughly enjoyed this story from beginning to end. It has characters that kept me engaged throughout and I loved the way the leading characters interact with each other but also their families. It is a delightful small town romance, giving us a second chance at love with no outside drama and lots of delicious heat that leaves you breathless. What a great start Sam Crescent has given us to the New Year, I am excited to see what she gives us next! Happy Reading.
Please note that I was given an arc of this book for my honest review which is exactly what I have given.
5 out of 5 stars.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short but addictive so hang on you won’t put it down until the last page has been turned. Hawk sexy as all get out young man who lives a life of constant stress so much so that it caused him to have a heart attack doctor has informed if he doesn’t slow down the next one he may not make it back from and with those odds he decides to head home back to the small town he grew up in Hope to heal. Katie a widow has learned to live after the death of her husband a few years ago watching him lose his battle with cancer took its toll on her mentally, she is finally to a point of healing finally moving forward and when she sees her old friends it brought back so many memories feelings. The magnetic pull has always been there from the beginning but neither said anything both went their separate ways fast forward years and they meet again second chance but where are they headed, will they see the chance fate is giving them, him a second chance at life, her a second chance at love, and is this their time for happiness?

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

A slow-burn second chance…

Katie and Hawk came from a small town but their lives took very different paths. Katie stayed, married her sweetheart and they build a life together. Until it ended so tragically. She grew to enjoy her new life but not the one she would have chosen. Alone… Hawk was driven to excel, work being the catalyst for every moment he lived. The next deal, all the meetings, the do or die phone call. He was up for all of it, was obsessed with it, until his body said no more. Forced to slow down, he went back home and discovered the person who got away…

I loved how these characters came back together in a way that felt natural and right… Katie, realizing she could love again, helped Hawk realize there was more to life than money and work success. And she did it, one moment at a time.

I’m always ready for a new title by this author and this was a favourite…

*I happily reviewed this story
**Thank you to the author and BookSirens

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hawk Masters left his hometown and hardly ever came back until a heart attack makes him step back from the company he built if wants to survive to his next birthday. Now he is back in his hometown determined to make changes in his life. He bumps into the only person he ever loved, Katie Smith/Palmer. She was married to a good friend of his, who past away seven years ago and he never knew.

Hawk was not a nice person to Katie in high school, typical teenage male, not know how to talk to a girl, is mean to her instead. From the moment they meet again there is a spark, he becomes the first relationship since her husband. This is a heartfelt story, it deals with unplanned pregnancy and starting over with a new man.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[J Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a complimentary copy.

Hawk Masters has spent years running from the past, but a life‑altering event sends him back to his hometown of Hope. Katie never left — she built a life, loved deeply, and now carries the weight of widowhood. When Hawk and Katie unexpectedly cross paths, an easy friendship forms, the kind that feels both familiar and brand new.

As they spend more time together, their connection deepens into something neither of them expected. But Hawk still has one foot in his big‑city life, and Katie isn’t sure she’s ready to loosen her grip on the memories of her husband.

Will Hawk choose the life he left behind or the second chance waiting for him in Hope… and will Katie be brave enough to reach for her own new beginning?.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Book Addict · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beneath the heat and intensity that define the author's words, this book carries a surprisingly tender message: life is fragile, unpredictable, and worth fighting for.

The novella follows two characters - Hawk and Katie whose lives have been shaped by loss, regret, and the weight of time. Crescent uses their emotional history not just to build tension, but to highlight how easily life can slip away while we’re busy hesitating. Every moment between them feels charged with the awareness that tomorrow isn’t guaranteed.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hawk Masters had a life scare. He had to cut back on all the stress. He decides to return to his home town Hope. Katie has been moving forward in her life after losing her husband Adam to cancer. When these two meet up again, old feels return. For Hawk, this is his chance to make things right. He has always loved Katie he was just too scared to tell her. I love that his sister brings laughter and opens his eyes. Katie didn’t have anyone to talk to about her feelings for Hawk which sucked. These two got to know each other and fall in love. It was a sweet love story. The HEA was great.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lyn Brownlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coming home
This was an enjoyable story featuring Hawk and Katie, they have history as they knew each other from high school.
Coming back to his hometown was never on the cards for Hawk until tragedy struck and he was forced to slow down and stay with his family.
Katie had lost her husband and had never gotten past it until she sees Hawk again.
He is a changed man and. It at all like he was back in high school.
This is a story of one persons secret unrequited love, heartbreak, then a chance to find love again, new beginnings plus some steamy scenes.
A lovely story with some spice added.

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

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful second chance romance that's charged by loss and regrets. Hawk as suffered a huge health scare and has to completely reshape his life...or lose it. Katie lost her husband to cancer years ago and while she's plodding along with her life, she doesn't know how to reach out for more. When these two meet again, their connection is surprising as he pretty much bullied her in high school. Heartfelt conversations explain the past and open the door to a wonderful future...and a surprising revelation ;P I loved Hawk's sister who helped him out in so many ways. Expect to feel all the emotions as these two work their way to a fab and spicy HEA. Good fun!

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

'After a life changing incident, Hawk Masters is back in his small town. He has to make changes to his life, the doctors have warned him that he wouldn’t make it if he had another heart attack.'

The characters drove the storyline and they were so very appealing and likeable and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and well paced. World building was solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bernie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A second chance opportunity for each of this couple, in life and love. Katie widowed young. Hawk built a business that he become so involved in, he had a severe heart attack. Life has thrown them both into turmoil but for different reasons, in different ways. Adam was his friend, and her husband. His wishes were for her to find love again. Now is the perfect opportunity for this couple.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[ObsessiveReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

After suffering a major heart attack due to his workaholic lifestyle, Hawk returns to the town he grew up in where he runs into Katie. Katie was the girl he liked but he never knew how to talk to her so he acted like a jerk.

Katie is a sweet woman. She married her childhood sweetheart and became a widow early. They begin seeing each other as friends and slowly developed into something more.

This is a sweet story about second chances at love for two characters who are really likable.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

So good! What a emotional ride! I have read other novels by this author and enjoyed them. This novel although short did not disappoint. This was a great story about getting second chances at life and love. From the first chapter this novel pulled me in and held on tight. I loved Hawk and Katie's story. Both are getting a second chance at life and love. Their chemistry was so good! Once I started reading I didn't want to put this novel down. I loved watching their walls and defenses come down and fall in love. So good! Such a emotional ride to find happiness. I can hardly wait to see what this author has coming next.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hawke returns home after a heart attack. The doctors said he needed to change his lifestyle. Working 24/7 at his corporation,with all the stress, had to change.

Katie had never left their hometown. She had married and owned a small store.

This is their story about growing up, loss, change, friendship, and love.

I really liked this story and highly recommend it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hawk returns to his small home town after a medical episode means he needs to slow down, what he didnt expect was Katie the one who got away, now a widow he sees his chance to tell her how he felt all those years ago but what happens when she gets life changing news will Hawk stay or split? Well written engaging steamy, later in lofe, second chances, love after loss and more.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely sweet storyline, Hawk had faced a medical challenge and went home to the love and support of his family. It was there that he ran into Katie, someone he knew from school who he had always liked, she was surviving a loss. It flowed beautifully, second chance, low angst, sweet romance. Thank you to BookSirens for the arc, this is my own personal opinion.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's hard to move on when you have lost the love of your life and taking a chance on one who may only be out for a good time is hardly calming. But what if risking it all leads to the most rewarding relationship you can imagine? Katie and Hawk can only hope that the choices they make will culminate in their most fervent desire.

[Unrulyreadr Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hawk/Katie's story is a great 2nd chance even when one of the main didn't know she had a first chance. It's one was a ugly cry for me personally. Her loosing her husband and trying to get back out there. Him with his heart attack, but trying to live life to the fullest. Them trying to find their HEA .

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Hawk and Katie's story. It was sweet and touching. He's back home after a medical issue and she lost her husband. They've known each other for a long time but Hawk left because Katie married his friend and didn't want to interfere. Now, times are different and he's finally going to claim her. Sweet and wonderfully written. This one will be a keeper!

[Renee Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good afternoon read. Sweet storyline about two people who find each other again after trauma touches their lives. Hawk and Katie are charming. A medical scare and the death of a spouse bring these characters, individually, to look deeply into what they really want in life. Together, they discover what is important. My heart needed this treasure.

[Amy Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Good, Loved it!!
Loved reading Finally Mine. Once I started reading this book I had a hard time putting it down because it was so good. The chemistry between Katie and Hawk was beautifully done and I loved their story!!

[laura.lovesreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Katie and Hawk’s story is tender, sweet and heartwarming.

It’s a book full of healing, physically and emotionally, second chances, tension, regrets and love.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tina Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short read is so worth it. I love Sam Crescent’s books so much! Hawk and Katie’s book was so good. There was so much going on with these two and past trauma of loss. They help each other heal which moves into more. Great book!

[Patricia Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic read. It pulls you in right from the start and makes you realize that life is short and you need to live life to the fullest. The characters portray this message perfectly. A great read.
This is a voluntary review.

[tre.wandereads · Rating 4 out of 5]

it's a really sweet story and shows that fate sometimes really plays a role in your growth and development and this kickstarts something new in your life, the way it was meant to be lived. i love how they reconnected and things just fell into place. it was a really feel good story

[Trixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story was pretty straightforward, but the feelings the main characters stirred up were anything but simple. It was really a love story—no fuss, just real emotions.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[C bond · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very sweet read. I loved Hawk, after a heart attack he totally changed his life. I don't blame him. Katie is the safe choice at this time of his life. They clicked.

[Lisbeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

short and sweet, great read.