It's been more than ten years since Maddie said she never wanted to see my face again...
Ewan The fact that she and I still married on paper tortures me every day. She has to know that every moment that passes without seeing her face, hearing her voice, destroys me. Now, a rare opportunity has come for me to return to Songbird Ridge, and to try again to save our marriage. The only problem is, Maddie never was one to give people a second chance. Will she forgive the things I said when I was young and stupid? There's no telling. I only know I'll never forgive myself if I don't try to win her back.
MaddieMy life in Songbird Ridge is finally taking shape. I just opened my own business. I see my best friends every week. And I still make time for my hobbies. If my ex, Ewan, ever crosses my mind, it's only a passing thought that maybe I should get around to filing that divorce paperwork. Okay, I admit it. I did think about Ewan for half a second on Valentine's Day. And when I thought I saw him in the crowd, it wrecked me. But I'm better now. Better than ever. Thriving. And far too busy to be bothered by the memories of our secret, passioniate nuptials all those years ago. The demands on my time are too great to pause and address the prickling sensation on the back of my neck -- the one that tells me that Ewan's back in Songbird Ridge, and that he's here because he wants a second chance.
Unfinished: How to Fail at Avoiding Your Ex by Abby Knox is a heartfelt second-chance romance that proves some love stories aren’t truly over—they’re just waiting for the right moment to begin again. Full of emotion, nostalgia, and the messy reality of unfinished feelings, this story beautifully captures what happens when two people who never stopped loving each other are finally forced to face the past.
Maddie has spent the last decade building a life for herself in Songbird Ridge. She’s opened her own business, surrounded herself with loyal friends, and created a routine that feels safe and fulfilling. The one thing she hasn’t done? Deal with the fact that she’s technically still married.
Because even after eleven years apart, Ewan is still her husband.
When they married at eighteen, they believed love would be enough to carry them through anything. But when Ewan joined the armed services and distance, fear, and hurtful words got between them, their relationship fractured. One painful fight led to separation—and somehow neither of them ever found the courage to fix what broke.
Now, ten years later, Ewan has returned to Songbird Ridge with one goal: win Maddie back.
Ewan’s determination to fight for their marriage is both frustrating and deeply romantic. He knows he made mistakes, and he’s willing to face every consequence if it means proving to Maddie that their love was never truly lost. Maddie, on the other hand, has spent years convincing herself she’s moved on. But seeing him again quickly reminds her that some feelings never disappear, no matter how hard you try to bury them.
What makes this story so compelling is the emotional honesty between them. Both Maddie and Ewan carry guilt and regret for the things they said when they were young and hurting. Watching them slowly confront their past, admit their mistakes, and rebuild trust feels authentic and deeply satisfying.
The setting of Songbird Ridge adds warmth to the story, with familiar characters, strong friendships, and the sense of community that makes small-town romances so comforting. And a special shoutout has to go to the loyal dog whose protective instincts and impressive training bring a few extra heart-melting moments to the story.
This book is the perfect reminder that love isn’t always smooth or easy—but sometimes the best relationships are the ones that survive mistakes, distance, and time.
If you love second-chance romance, estranged spouses, high school sweethearts, and emotional reunions filled with banter, chemistry, and healing, Unfinished: How to Fail at Avoiding Your Ex is a quick, sweet, and steamy read you won’t want to put down.
Because sometimes love isn’t broken… it’s just unfinished.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
They never stop loving each other, only surviving the silence.
More than a decade after their marriage falls apart, Maddie and Ewan are still tied to everything they never faced. She keeps herself busy enough to function, but the hurt underneath her careful life never really settles. He comes back carrying regret, fixation, and a devotion that’s nowhere near clean. When they’re forced into each other’s orbit again, the past doesn’t feel finished. It feels hungry.
What begins as proximity turns into something much harder to resist: care. Ewan steps in when Maddie is stretched too thin, and every quiet act of tenderness pulls old feelings closer to the surface. Even Pascal becomes part of that fragile space between them, softening the edges just enough to make the rest hit harder. The anger is still there, so is the want, and every small moment leaves them more exposed than before. What should feel simple starts to feel dangerous, because being seen by each other again means reopening everything they tried to survive apart.
Maddie starts out guarded, overworked, and shut off from the part of herself that still aches for him, but being pulled back into his presence forces her to confront how much grief she’s been carrying under all that control. Ewan begins as a man shaped by remorse and obsession, then slowly learns that loving her means accountability, patience, and change instead of certainty. Together, they move from buried resentment and raw need into something more honest, where desire, caretaking, and emotional truth finally stop working against each other.
It’s a hot second chance romance about estranged spouses finding their way back through mutual longing, buried hurt, and the slow rebuilding of trust. More than anything, it asks whether love can survive pride, silence, fear, and all the damage left behind when two people never really let each other go.
The Elevator Pitch: More than a decade after a marriage breaks without ever fully ending, a woman who’s taught herself to survive and the man who never stopped carrying her are pulled back into each other’s orbit. What begins with old hurt and unfinished anger shifts into something far more dangerous as care, desire, and regret start stripping away the lives they’ve built around the loss. It’s a second chance love story about whether two people can return to each other without being destroyed by everything that still burns between them.
Unfinished: How to Fail at Avoiding Your Ex is an emotional second-chance romance that proves some relationships never truly end—they just wait for the right moment to be revisited. Ewan and Maddie’s story is layered with regret, lingering love, and the complicated reality of trying to rebuild something that once fell apart.
More than ten years have passed since Maddie told Ewan she never wanted to see him again. Yet despite the distance and the silence, one thing never changed—they’re still married on paper. For Ewan, that unfinished chapter has haunted him every day, and returning to Songbird Ridge feels like his last real opportunity to try and make things right.
Maddie, on the other hand, has worked hard to move forward. Her life in Songbird Ridge is finally settling into place with a new business, close friendships, and routines that make her feel grounded. In her mind, Ewan is part of a past she simply hasn’t gotten around to officially closing yet… until the possibility of seeing him again reminds her that some feelings never disappeared the way she thought they had.
What makes this story stand out is the emotional history between the characters. Their separation wasn’t built on simple misunderstandings—it was shaped by hurtful words, stubborn pride, and the reality that people sometimes grow apart before they grow up. Watching them confront that past and decide whether forgiveness is possible gives the story real weight.
The small-town setting adds warmth and familiarity to the narrative, grounding the characters in a community where memories linger and second chances are always a possibility. At its heart, the story explores what it means to truly move forward—whether that means letting go or daring to rebuild.
Overall, Unfinished: How to Fail at Avoiding Your Ex is a thoughtful and emotional romance about unfinished love, personal growth, and the courage it takes to face someone you once loved deeply. For readers who enjoy second-chance stories with history, heart, and the possibility of healing, Ewan and Maddie’s journey offers a meaningful and engaging read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
"Unfinished: How to Fail at Avoiding Your Ex," the third installment in Abby Knox's "Songbird Ridge: A Year in the Life" series, delivers an emotionally resonant and thoroughly engaging second-chance romance. Readers are immediately drawn into the lingering tension between Maddie and Ewan, whose unresolved past and heartfelt longing set the stage for a compelling story of forgiveness and rediscovery. Knox’s writing brings depth and authenticity to both characters, making their journey feel raw and relatable.
Maddie’s new life in Songbird Ridge is full and flourishing—she’s running her own business, staying connected with friends, and pursuing her passions. Yet, when Ewan returns, old wounds and memories resurface, challenging the careful balance she’s built. The realistic portrayal of Maddie’s emotional struggle and Ewan’s sincere attempts at reconciliation make this story stand out among contemporary romance novels.
Knox excels at crafting authentic dialogue and genuine emotional stakes. Even though readers do not need to have read the first two books in the series, doing so adds extra layers of enjoyment and familiarity with the setting and supporting characters. The author’s ability to convey the complexity of long-standing relationships and the challenges of giving someone a second chance makes the story both heartwarming and deeply satisfying.
In addition to its emotional depth, the novel addresses important themes such as marital separation, divorce, and reconciliation with sensitivity and care. While there are brief mentions of difficult topics—including a non-character suicide implication—the content is handled thoughtfully. "Unfinished: How to Fail at Avoiding Your Ex" is a beautifully written, highly recommended read for anyone who loves authentic, character-driven romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Unfinished: How to Fail at Avoiding Your Ex by Abby Knox is emotional, heartfelt, and packed with the kind of second-chance tension that keeps you turning the pages.
Ewan and Maddie have been separated for over ten years—but technically they’re still married. That alone makes the story instantly intriguing. Ewan has spent all that time regretting the mistakes he made when he was younger, and when the chance finally comes to return to Songbird Ridge, he knows he has to try one last time to win Maddie back.
Maddie, on the other hand, has built a life she’s proud of. Her business is thriving, she has a strong circle of friends, and she’s finally in a place where she feels stable and happy. At least… that’s what she tells herself. Because the truth is, the memories of her passionate, secret marriage to Ewan never completely went away.
The emotional tension between them is what really makes this story shine. Maddie isn’t someone who easily gives second chances, and Ewan knows he has a lot to make up for. Watching him return to town determined to prove he’s changed—and seeing Maddie wrestle with the feelings she tried to bury—makes their story feel real and powerful.
Songbird Ridge also continues to feel like a warm, welcoming small-town world filled with friendships and support, which adds even more heart to the story.
If you enjoy second-chance romance, emotional reunions, and characters who have to face the past before they can move forward, this book delivers a beautiful and satisfying journey back to love. 💛📚.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book was in the shorter side, and captivated me from cover to cover. The plot was beautifully crafted between banter, insights, a chemistry that feels magnetic and true to the couple.
Maddie and Ewan married right off high school, very much in love, but their honeymoon phase was short lived to 1 year. An argument and a bad fight later they go their separate ways, he lives to the Army, and she stays in Songbird Ridge. 10 years later, the divorce papers have yet not been signed, but Ewan is back in town to try and patch their marriage, while Maddie is ready to hin sign the papers.
Both Maddie and Ewan are still much in love. the 10 years have not killed their attraction or connection, more like put it on the backburner. He realized his mistakes and wants to ammend them, ask for forgiveness, and show her that he still loves her. Her pride is holding her back from allowing him to have a chance. They both made mistakes, they both were too stubborn to ask for forgiveness, and now that they have a chance, they have to learn to listen, understand, and forgive.
A great read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a complimentary copy.
Maddie and Ewan married young at eighteen and separated a year later, though they never officially divorced. Maddie built a life for herself in Songbird Ridge while Ewan spent the next decade serving in the military. Now he’s back—and determined to win her heart again.
Years of miscommunication and stubborn pride kept them apart, but the connection between them never really faded. Can they finally face the past, work through their mistakes, and embrace the second chance they’ve both been waiting for?
An enjoyable story about two people who should have fought harder the first time around, but who are lucky enough to get another shot at happiness.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Book 3 of the Songbird Ridge: A Year in the Life series. For maximum enjoyment read the books in series order.
'The demands on my time are too great to pause and address the prickling sensation on the back of my neck -- the one that tells me that Ewan's back in Songbird Ridge, and that he's here because he wants a second chance.'
The characters were very appealing and likeable and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building continues to impress and be solidly drawn. Another great addition to the series. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Maddie and Ewan got married at eighteen, and after a year of marriage, Ewan joined the military and left. They have been separated for years, and neither got around to getting a divorce, but they still thought about the other often. Now ten years later, Ewan is back and determined to win Maddie's heart again. These two finally get a second chance at love, and they finally get their happily ever after. This is a sweet and steamy second chance love story with believable characters and a story that had me reading nonstop to find out how their story would end. Unfinished is book three and a wonderful addition to the Songbird Ridge: A Year in the Life series. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
These two had been apart more than they had been together, they married young, when things got hard they said things that hurt and had been estranged ever since. Ewan is forced to take time off from his job, face his past and decided once and for all what he wanted to happen between him and his wife. I liked that they were open and honest, faced things, learnt from their mistakes and that they were brave enough to take their second chance, I also liked the support they had from their friends.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is book 3 in Songbird Ridge: A Year in the Life series. Tropes: second chance, high school sweethearts, and estranged husband. Ewan and Maddie have been separated 11 years but never stopped loving each other. Ewan is back in Songbird Ridge and determined to get Maddie back. I was rooting for Maddie and Ewan since they were mentioned in the first two books in the series. I read this book in one setting due to be invested in their relationship. Good addition to the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
While I'm not a lover of second chance romances, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The couple, while separated, aren't really broken up, just estranged. Watching them find each other again and address their past while working towards a new future was a fun ride. I loved the dog and his protective instincts - his training was amazing. A quick and enjoyable read and I'll be sad if this is the final book set in this idyllic town. Hopefully we'll see more from either this group of friends, or at least in the town.
I received a free copy of this story and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Better late than never for reconnection; the protagonists, suffering from their breakup (not divorcing), are still in love, knowing each other so well and working around each other's behavior patterns, accepting each other, but acknowledging there's work to be done for better dealing with problematic situations. I like their relationship dynamic, not the part that led them to breaking up years ago; I slightly dislike the heroine.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Book 3 of Songbird Ridge: A Year in the Life story of Maddie and Ewan. Awesome second chance at love for these two. I think Ewan should have gotten a shack for not talking to Maddie sooner but also Maddie needs a shack too for letting that poor man walk away after one fight. Love is worth fighting for and fights are what loving is for after. I couldn’t put this story down and loved how the ending went.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is book 3 of Songbird Ridge and it’s Ewan’s and Maddie’s story. It’s a second chance for both. They married at 18 and after a year of marriage Ewan joined the armed services and left Maddie. Terrible things were said by both and now 10 years later Ewan returns to try to win Maddie back. Will he be 10 years too late. Fast paced story, well written with great characters. Sweet and steamy and I loved it. This is a great series and I’m looking forward to the next in the series.
Maddie and Ewan’s story is a quick, sweet and steamy second chance read. They married young and tension and tempers have seen them separated for ten years until a forced retirement and sickness makes them face their mistakes and their relationship. This is another Songbird Ridge romance with familiar characters, friendships, emotion and banter.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Maddie is sick, she fainted when she saw her ex after eleven years. She now has the flu (I feel that!). Ewan, her husband is back in town after leaving and staying away for eleven years.
These two are hit and cold and have very bad habits. Fighting, jealousy, fighting, no communication. Do they need serious therapy? You bet. But you want them to work through their issues and bad habits to get to their HEA.
Each story in this series features a distinct, engaging plot and a happy ending. Ewan and Maddie were very young when they married; a marital dispute and poor communication led them to separate for far too many years. Neither of them was truly living life to the fullest, but the day finally arrived when they had to acknowledge that only together could they find happiness.
Maddie and Ewan got married at eighteen. They had a fight that ended up with them separating. Neither one wanted a divorce so over a decade later he returns to seek a second chance. These two both admit their faults and talk. They both want the marriage to work and finally get their hea.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
They got married young. When they got into a fight the went different ways but didn't want to divorce, He wants a second chance many years later, They both have grown up. They still have love in their hearts, A wonderful read,.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I liked this second chance story. It might have taken too long but Ewan comes back for Maddie. They still have to deal with things but I'm glad their love carries them forward into their renewed relationship.
The author has given us an emotional story that pulls us into the lives of Maddie and Ewan. The heartwarming story keeps us turning the pages with a shared past, second chances, determination and steam.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.