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I left home to escape my father’s world.
I came back because I didn’t know where else to go.


When my father is murdered, everything I ran from is waiting for me.
The city. The family. The expectations I never wanted.

Thirty days of leave.
That’s all I give myself.
Just long enough to show up, help where I can, and disappear again.

I don’t plan on getting involved.
I don’t plan on staying.
And I definitely don’t plan on her.

She’s calm where I’m coiled tight and grounded where I’m always bracing for impact.
A doctor who knows what trauma looks like, and sees straight through my defenses.

She asks questions I don’t answer.
Looks at me like I’m more than the damage I carry.
And makes me feel things I buried a long time ago.

I tell myself it’s temporary.
That whatever this is doesn’t matter.
That I don’t belong here anymore.

But the closer she gets, the harder it is to leave.
And the more I realize the truth I’ve been avoiding.

I know how to survive war.
I don’t know how to survive wanting something that feels like home.

452 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 8, 2026

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About the author

Blakely Stone

44 books85 followers
Also know as B.B. Stone

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5 stars
106 (43%)
4 stars
70 (28%)
3 stars
57 (23%)
2 stars
11 (4%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Loco Reads.
612 reviews44 followers
May 13, 2026
EDIT: She unblocked me again? I don't even know what to think now 😂😂😂

Author blocked me on Facebook after she used the wrong the timeline of how things actually happened in the book and I pointed out that she didn't know her own book timeline. I'm legitimately not trying to be a troll here and maybe I should pick my battles as I realize there are a lot more shady authors doing shady things, however, I can't speak to those, I can only speak to THIS author and THIS experience. The fact she didn't even know how events went down and instead of addressing that, just blocked me is pretty ridiculous and immature. S


DNF 26% when I realized this MMC was a man-child in denial of his responsibilities. I'm SHOCKED anyone would give this dead-beat a second look. I could excuse him before he knew about his kid, but the second he knew she had been pregnant, he should have been up there, at the VERY least offering financial support. Instead, he's cruising by her house like a 17 year old who's still crushing on his highschool sweetheart, not a grown man who has had a child for 5 years that he's not taken any responsibility for. He had the audacity to have an ENTIRE conversation with the h and just...ignore that she even told him she was pregnant. Then we waste 2 chapters with him ACTUALLY deliberating if the kid might be his? This is a freaking NAVY SEAL?! Their entire job is quickly evaluating a situation, drawing the most probable conclusion and acting and this asshole REALLY isn't immediately aware that the 5 year old kid that looks like him after he knows the h was pregnant HAS to be his? Please, that's just bad writing. I read the next couple chapters in disgust, with him still acting like this is some sort of choice. My man, the time for you to deliberate on what you're going to do as far as the kid goes has long, long since passed. You must be the worst SEAL *ever* if this is your deliberation speed. When he admitted that even if he HAD known, he'd still have ran away, I realized that the author's baseline for what was acceptable behavior was so far off from mine that he'd never be able to redeem himself in my eyes and decided to cut my losses before he pissed me off further.
Profile Image for Jetscarbie.
902 reviews47 followers
May 3, 2026
I won’t say it’s a bad book, because the author writes fine. It’s just so unbelievably boring. By 50% very little even happens. The two MCs have maybe said a total of 30 words to each other. They eat, they walk, they go to the beach, they hang out with the kid and have ice cream, and they build pirate traps. He fixes a treehouse. He saves the kid from falling paint. They eat crawfish with h’s parents.
That’s it.
(Possible spoilers ahead)

Look…the setup was interesting. H/h were high school sweethearts. They *almost* had an oops pregnancy, and H let it be known he didn’t want kids and he didn’t want the whole family life. THEN 2 months later, she actually does get pregnant. She knows he has already enlisted into the navy. She leaves a letter on his car telling him about the pregnancy. He decides NOT to read the letter. Why? It’s some dumb reason “she’ll make me want to stay”

H is gone for 6 years. Navy seal. Now he’s back on a leave, and he’s popping ibuprofen like it’s candy over his busted up shoulder.
He finds and read the letter. SURPRISE 😳 “you are a daddy”

Now he wants to meet the kid, but he doesn’t know if he wants to be in the kid’s life. 😱😱😱 and h thinks this is a good idea. wtf?

I guess H has some type of trauma because his mom died when he was 12 and his dad died/murdered a few months before this book starts.
This guy is already a billionaire, he has a great family, and basically I. JUST. DID. NOT. Have any sympathy for his whiny POV. This H already has an amazing job lined up anytime he wants it. He drives a hummer.
I’m just not understanding what this guy’s trauma is.

h owns a small physical therapy center. Some big corporation wants to buy her out, but she’s not selling.

I did appreciate the discussion the two MCs had about child support. H told her no matter what happens moving forward, he wanted to pay it. h protested a bit, but she agreed. Finally, an actual heroine not cutting off her nose to spite her face.

Now…some quotes from this book…..

“I start pulling items from the bags without being asked. Ground beef first, then the buns and cheese”

“I press the patties onto a plate covered with a paper towel and head outside to the small patio where her grill sits covered under a blue tarp. The propane tank feels solid when I check the connection. I turn the gas on and light the burners, adjusting the flame until it burns steady and even. The grill needs a few minutes to heat up, so I go back inside for the rest of the food. Charli has the frozen fries spread on a baking sheet, ready for the oven.”

“I nod and head back outside with the meat. Heat rises the second I lift the lid. Benjy appears beside me as I uncover the plate. "Why do you make them flat like that?" "They cook more evenly."

“He nods like he's committing it to memory. The burgers hit the grates with a sharp sizzle, and I close the lid”

“I load the burgers onto the plate she left on the side table, then carry it to where she's finished setting up everything else. She has cooked bacon on a plate, chips in a bowl, and poured iced tea. The condiments lined up like she's done this a thousand times”

“I should comment on her table-setting abilities, or the weather”

——————

🙃 The above quotes are just ONE example from ONE chapter. Do we really need that much details about hamburgers?

I get it, some people really love details. IMO this ☠️ a book for me. It makes it feel like I’m reading sludge. It’s just so unnecessary and it weighs a book down.

They have smex at 56% in with no condom. She’s on the pill. I just did not feel the chemistry between these two. Even their smex was dull.

There’s a 3rd act breakup because h found out he interfered in stopping that shady company 😩😩 Gawd forbid she actually thank him.

Anyway, he quits the navy, buys a house, and they get back together. 6 months later, she quit taking her birth control.

Another meh
Profile Image for Zen.
3,204 reviews
May 12, 2026
Pleasantly surprised with this one. I was surprised that the MMC kept such a distance between himself and his brothers. And the pacing seemed a bit off in the end, but overall, it was an enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Laura Wolff.
256 reviews4 followers
April 8, 2026
This book gutted me. Like I’m dead, dying, crying in the corner. I can imagine everything these two went through not because I have been in their shoes but because Blakely writes in this precise way to make you feel like you’re in it. You are living their shared trauma and triumphs.

I just found out this is not the first book but it’s where I started. So now I have to go back and find Ridge and see where the story begins.

Reeves is a Navy Seal, he has only ever known the teams and deployments. He never wants roots or to stay anywhere long enough to establish them. But when he finds out he is a dad after being gone for 5 years he is floored and now maybe being in one place isn’t so bad.

Charli built a life for her and her son when the baby’s father deployed and never looked back. She built a practice where she is thriving, if not a little overwhelmed from time to time, and a home where her son thrives with all the love he can stand. Now the Reeves is back in town for his father memorial and she doesn’t quite know where to put him but doesn’t want to rock the boat with the life she has. Can she fit Reeves into their life without losing herself in the process?

This book was so good. I saw little bits of myself in each character. Charli is fiercely loyal to her son, and strong willed and independent to a fault. Reeves is all discipline and structure and doesn’t know where to put his son’s energy. And of course our charming five year old, Benjy, is a ball of all out energy, curiosity and love.

I loved the dynamic of finding their way back to each other, it was hard fought and earned through time and effort on both parts. The ending was not what I expected even though it was. You’ll have to read it for yourself to find out what I mean.

Blakely is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors and you should check her out if you love a good hea, a little drama and a whole lot of good quality man.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for BiblioDarling.
525 reviews103 followers
May 31, 2026
Reeves
The Stone Legacy #3
Blakely Stone

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating System (as of 5.8.26):
⭐: DNF/Almost DNF
⭐⭐: Had Potential. Fell Short.
⭐⭐⭐: Good. Something Was Missing.
⭐⭐⭐⭐: Great Book. Strong Overall Story.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: Loved. Reread Worthy. Recommend.
—-------------------
Tropes/Vibes:
💕Military
💕Secret Baby
💕Part of a Series
💕Second Chance Romance
💕MF Romance
💕Billionaire Romance
💕High School Romance (Past)

Triggers:
🚩Military Injury
🚩Death of a Parent

Spice Level (as of 5.8.26): 🔥🔥🔥
🔥: Clean
🔥🔥: Mild
🔥🔥🔥: Spicy
🔥🔥🔥🔥: Very Spicy
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥: Explicit/Kink-Heavy
—----------------------
Quote From Book:
"That day I drove by your house.: My voice comes out rough. "I saw you teaching him to ride his bike. I figured he was your son, but I never, ever imagined he was our son."

Writing Style: Simple
Simple: Flows Quickly/Easy Reading
Descriptive: Lots of Imagery/Detailed
Lyrical: Feels Poetic/Pretty Sentences
Heavy: Dense/May Have to Reread Sentences

Pace Rating: Medium
Slow: Takes Time to Build
Medium: Things Move Steadily
Fast: Things Happen Quickly
—-------------------------
Summary:
MMC left for the military. FMC had given him a letter he ever read. Six years later, he returns for his father's memorial. MMC finally reads the letter and discovers that FMC was pregnant when he left. Eventual HEA.

Review:
I really liked this book. The story is really good and also paced very well. It kept me engaged. There were a few twists and turns. I didn't realize that this story was part of a series. I may go back and read the other stories. FMC is a strong character. She is determined to protect her son. She has standards and the MMC must meet them. MMC comes to terms with his feelings for his family, and the FMC. It really is a beautiful story.

Want to read this for yourself? Grab your copy here:
Kindle: https://amzn.to/4u2aAaJ
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Join the community and read with me: https://bibliodarling.substack.com







12 reviews
May 31, 2026
2.5 stars Flat

I feel like this easily could have been a 5 star read, but alas it was not. From other reviews I was going into this book thinking it would be a tear jerker (yes I was in the mood to cry) and I have to say not one tear was shed. This book is supposed to be about college sweetheart that we’re together for 4 years, the MMC didn’t want to be stuck in a town working for his families empire he never wanted kids or to be tied down (but dated her for 4 year) she writes a note saying she is pregnant and leave it on his car the day before he leaves for basic training and he ignores it and puts it in a dresser drawer and then forgets about it. His dad dies and he comes back to town for a funeral.

‼️Possible Spoilers below ‼️

There were no emotions from either MMC or FMC. No where in this book did I feel a connection of longing between the MMC and FMC NONE! I gotta say I found it odd after the MMC found the letter about the pregnancy and his next chapter never mentioned it once, like no inner dialogue nothing it was weird he was thinking about his mom and how she decorated the bunker or somewhere no emotions on his college sweetheart being pregnant. If you are wanting some big emotional heart breaking blow up between them you won’t get it so it’s really flat. Idk how this book is over 400 pages and has no climax, it’s like you got most of the details just no emotion or drama.

Unfortunately I don’t think I will be giving this series a shot.
Profile Image for judy.
670 reviews6 followers
April 8, 2026
I love the way the author add information about New Orleans lore/traditions to the beginning of each chapter. This book revolves around the funeral procession . This is what beings Reeves home . The memorial service of his father. The events that follow changes the trajectory of his life and career. He reconnects with his former girlfriend Charli and meets a green eyed boy. This is a very poignant love story between a man and his family. He faces fatherhood. He can run away from them or run towards them. He can choose the military option or the option his brother offer as a career path. This book is well written. All the characters are very engaging. I was invested into the storyline from the beginning to the end. It is more than 5 star worthy. It is the type of book that I will revisit in the future.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
566 reviews6 followers
April 14, 2026
Reeves went back to New Orleans for his father memorial .
He was a Navy seal its been years since he was in New Orleans.
The house felt empty without his father he noticed the study room was open it’s was strange because his father kept it closed ,when he entered he noticed a photo of himself dancing with Charli his ex ,he lost contact with her from that day.
Charli is a pediatric therapist and a single mum, after a small accident at school she went straight to her parents, her father tells her that this weekend it’s the memorial of Robert Stone and asked her if she’s going but she said that she doesn’t feel comfortable, he asked her when she’s going to tell the boy about his father and she said that his father choose his life and she’s not going to change it.
But one day while she was taking the bags from her car she saw his car and her eyes met his.

An amazing book and that I really loved reading.
I highly recommended.
72 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 4, 2026
Love between two people who struggled in their relationship at their young age, both wanting different things in life so they went separate ways for six years. She moved backed to her family's home town and joined the Navy to become a Seal.
When he comes home he learns of something life changing that he should have known before he left for the Navy but he didn't read the last letter he was left by her. Now he knows he has so very much to make up for to a lot of people.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Johanna.
5,747 reviews91 followers
April 9, 2026
'Charlie was the one thing in my life that felt real. The only woman who ever asked me to stay. I told her I didn’t do marriage. Didn’t do kids. Didn’t do forever.
So she built a life without me.
A life that includes a little boy with my eyes.'

The characters were very complex and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was solidly drawn and impressive. 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.
2,758 reviews25 followers
April 13, 2026
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "REEVES"
(THE STONE LEGACY) I was thoroughly taken in by this heartfelt emotional intriguing drama with past trauma, struggles, suspense, danger, secrets, steam, you won't be able to put down.
Reeves is a Navy Seal returning home for his fathers funeral he'd been murdered, he left home to get away from his father.
Charli now a Trauma Doctor who had a relationship with Reeves before he left & her pregnant he doesn't know he has a son, his plan is to leave again.
Reeves knows that Charli is the only one who felt important to him, when she asked him to stay his reply I don't do marriage or kids, she made her life with her son without him.
Will Reeves & Charli get a HEA when he finds out he has a son, can they work out their issues together, to be happy as a family its a very enjoyable read you don't want to miss getting.
Profile Image for Mindy Lopez.
2,475 reviews14 followers
April 15, 2026
This is Book 3 in The Stone Legacy Series by this author, and can be read as a standalone. It is a second chance romance between former lovers, Reeves and Charli. These two flawed but likeable souls and the unique plot make for an interesting read. Once they reconnect, it is a bumpy ride with drama and steam, sexual tension and chemistry, redemption and forgiveness, and twists and turns, plus appealing secondary characters. An emotional page turner.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for L KQ.
6,327 reviews29 followers
April 28, 2026
Complex Emotions

Reeves returns home for his father's funeral and reconnects with Charli who carried a part of him after he had deployed. Their story was heartfelt and full of complex emotions that left me intrigued. It was page turning and I did not want it to end. While their chemistry was off-the-charts, the abrupt transition in the last chapters needed a little more to feel fluid. Overall, i really enjoyed this read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Rachael.
283 reviews
May 12, 2026
Charli & Reeves had a tumultuous relationship, on and off again. It ended when Reeves joined the Navy. She left a note on his windshield saying she was pregnant. He never looked at the note. He's now back in town for his father's memorial service and found the note again.

The rest of the book is the story of how they come back together, more of a slow burn. Reeves needs to learn to stay in one location and to stay for the people who need him. Charlie needs to learn to trust and to let Reeves into their lives.

It's a heart-wrenching story.
Profile Image for Terra Oenning.
3,644 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 2, 2026
This book is so good it will definitely have you hooked from the beginning until the end and wanting more from these characters and their lives. Its one night that ends up with surprise pregnancy and enemies to lovers romance. I definitely loved both Charli and Reeves both have issues but can they find away to be together as a family? Great second chance romance story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,942 reviews30 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 4, 2026
“Reeves” by Blakely Stone

-A gripping, emotional romance with suspense, enemies-to-lovers tension, and an unexpected pregnancy. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.

Charli’s ability to see beyond Reeves’ guarded exterior creates a powerful and vulnerable connection between them. Reeves’ return home following family tragedy adds intensity, danger, and emotional conflict to the story.

A dramatic, fast-moving read filled with passion.
Profile Image for Merry Jelks-Emmanuel.
14.7k reviews161 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 7, 2026
Reeves is an engrossing story about two people who wants different things in life but are drawn to each other. When Reeves leaves town he has no idea what he left behind until he returns for his father's memorial. It is a touching story that is emotionally charged and had me all caught up in Reeves and Charli as they navigate their path to happiness.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,461 reviews25 followers
April 8, 2026
This beautiful second-chance romance between high school sweethearts has drama, uncertainty, surprises, protective instincts, denied feelings, and a chance of a HEA. The secondary characters add to the storyline and the MCs are defined, determined, intelligent, have chemistry, and steam. It is a struggle to erase the lingering doubts. I loved this entertaining, engaging, and enjoyanle book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
9,420 reviews66 followers
Review of advance copy
April 2, 2026
Reeves left the world his father ran, only to come back when his father is murdered, he told himself it was just a tempory return but then he meets Charli, she sees more than what he shows, she sees him and thats dangerous when things get heated, will he find himself staying? Well written the characters are engaging throughout the story with desires suspense, drama and more
8 reviews
June 7, 2026
clearly ai written

The story is really good but this is SO CLEARLY ai written it is annoying. I am not completely against ai writing but this book is missing some serious human editing.
Also, the book moves slowly and then the last 30-ish pages everything happens.
It had great potential but it missed the mark
1,059 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 8, 2026
He Never Knew
Reeves never opened Charli’s last note before he enlisted. Was afraid it would make him stay. Now he has and he hopes she’ll let him back in her life. Because there’s a little person with eyes like his that has also stolen his heart.
Profile Image for Amy Hutchins.
562 reviews2 followers
April 8, 2026
I was so drawn in emotionally throughout the entire story. Reeves and Charli's story is about hoping to get that 2nd chance and finding out about what you left behind. I highly recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sammye.
5,011 reviews35 followers
April 12, 2026
This is the third book in the Stone Legacy series. Reeves and Charli’s journey to their hea was a roller coaster ride! I enjoyed this engaging, emotional romance. A must-read. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Shell.
137 reviews4 followers
May 25, 2026
Secret Not Secret Baby

In case you are like me and don’t like it when the baby is purposely withheld from the Dad this is not that. She thinks he knows.

Otherwise good book. Sweet and mostly low angst.
Profile Image for Paige Whitecotton.
2,775 reviews10 followers
June 4, 2026
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

I loved this book. I loved how Reeves once he found out just became a good dad and how he was so good with Benji.Charlie Charli did an amazing job handling it. I felt like a great book.
Profile Image for Barbara .
7,637 reviews25 followers
April 8, 2026
Blakely wrote this romance book masterfully. The way she weaves the storyline as well as Reeves and Charli together is perfect. This is a 5-star romance book you will devour instantly.
Profile Image for Nate.
24.9k reviews19 followers
May 7, 2026
I enjoyed Reeves and Charli’s story. It was an interesting read. And voluntarily leaving this review.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews