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Scottish Isles #2
Drifting Dawn
After eighteen years, I’ve come home to the Scottish island of my childhood. It’s the place I vowed I wouldn’t return to so I never again had to see the man who broke my heart into a million pieces.
Yet family has inevitably brought me back, and avoiding my ex, Quinn McQuarrie, is proving impossible when he insists on digging up the past every time we meet.
Quinn is now a single dad, the local contractor, and the person the entire town is rooting for to get his happily ever after. The problem is, he wants me to be his HEA, and I just want to move on. When Quinn sees my plans to save the town’s volunteer lifeboat service as an opportunity to work together, I’m stuck with him. And, unfortunately, I soon realize there’s no denying that the chemistry we share has only grown more intense with the passing of time.
I know Quinn wants more than just a physical relationship, but it’s all I can promise with so much hurt and distrust between us.
However, when strange disturbances escalate to harassment, our lives are turned upside down, and Quinn proves he will do anything in his power to protect me. Even if it means losing each other before we ever get our second chance…
Yet family has inevitably brought me back, and avoiding my ex, Quinn McQuarrie, is proving impossible when he insists on digging up the past every time we meet.
Quinn is now a single dad, the local contractor, and the person the entire town is rooting for to get his happily ever after. The problem is, he wants me to be his HEA, and I just want to move on. When Quinn sees my plans to save the town’s volunteer lifeboat service as an opportunity to work together, I’m stuck with him. And, unfortunately, I soon realize there’s no denying that the chemistry we share has only grown more intense with the passing of time.
I know Quinn wants more than just a physical relationship, but it’s all I can promise with so much hurt and distrust between us.
However, when strange disturbances escalate to harassment, our lives are turned upside down, and Quinn proves he will do anything in his power to protect me. Even if it means losing each other before we ever get our second chance…
374 pages, Paperback
First published April 16, 2026
About the author
Samantha Young
126 books28.6k followersSamantha is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author and a Goodreads Choice Awards Nominee. Samantha has written over 60 books and is published in 31 countries. She writes emotional and angsty romance, often set where she resides—in her beloved home country Scotland. Samantha splits her time between her family, writing and chasing after two very mischievous cavapoos.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 523 reviews
April 22, 2026
This is so garbage that I was reminded today to take out my trash 😂😂😂😂
I am jealous of all the people who haven’t read this book.
I’m actually furious. BRB, need to calm down first ✋
=============
So this is like Chasing Forever by Hannah Cowen but way way WORSE.
Taran(FMC) and Quin(MMC) broke up/took a break/needed space/whatever when they were 19yrs old.
Afterwards, he got blackout drunk but still conscious enough to fuck someone Taran is insecure about.
The OW got pregnant so dumbass dickbag decided to marry her. He said he was still in love with Taran blahblahblah. But guess what? He was so devastated Taran left his foul ass to the point he said, he doesn't regret his daughter 😭and he was attracted to his wife anyway so why not make baby #2 w/ her despite his pathetic pleas of convincing us he can't get over the fmc, that he's still pining for her, that he can't stop thinking about her, that she is the love of his life 🥺poor guy🥺He lived his best life while the Taran as usual didn't because she is the FMC (it’s a requirement for authors that in 2nd chance, the women MUST be miserable and stagnant af)
Sure she was not celibate (thank god at least), had boyfriends then eventually fiancée but of course that didn't go nowhere. Was not even used as a foil for the mmc to be jealous because boy mom authors don't wanna put their baby boys through too much hurt and heartache anyways 😪
This is why #UsedGoodsMMCs are worthless subhuman and exhausting to take seriously.
The winner of all this drama was the OW, Kiera. She had a crush on Quinn since kids, she pursued him until their drunken ONS, she became his wife, gave him a daughter and son and divorced his ass when he won't open up to her. She found love with Gary, married him and is now very happy co-parenting their kids.
I think this author has a boner for Kiera. It's so obvious, she gave her every win in life 🤣
All these people hating Taran and her valid anger are…well idk what to say but try not to be too much of a pick me 😬✋
I am jealous of all the people who haven’t read this book.
I’m actually furious. BRB, need to calm down first ✋
=============
So this is like Chasing Forever by Hannah Cowen but way way WORSE.
Taran(FMC) and Quin(MMC) broke up/took a break/needed space/whatever when they were 19yrs old.
Afterwards, he got blackout drunk but still conscious enough to fuck someone Taran is insecure about.
The OW got pregnant so dumbass dickbag decided to marry her. He said he was still in love with Taran blahblahblah. But guess what? He was so devastated Taran left his foul ass to the point he said, he doesn't regret his daughter 😭and he was attracted to his wife anyway so why not make baby #2 w/ her despite his pathetic pleas of convincing us he can't get over the fmc, that he's still pining for her, that he can't stop thinking about her, that she is the love of his life 🥺poor guy🥺He lived his best life while the Taran as usual didn't because she is the FMC (it’s a requirement for authors that in 2nd chance, the women MUST be miserable and stagnant af)
Sure she was not celibate (thank god at least), had boyfriends then eventually fiancée but of course that didn't go nowhere. Was not even used as a foil for the mmc to be jealous because boy mom authors don't wanna put their baby boys through too much hurt and heartache anyways 😪
This is why #UsedGoodsMMCs are worthless subhuman and exhausting to take seriously.
The winner of all this drama was the OW, Kiera. She had a crush on Quinn since kids, she pursued him until their drunken ONS, she became his wife, gave him a daughter and son and divorced his ass when he won't open up to her. She found love with Gary, married him and is now very happy co-parenting their kids.
I think this author has a boner for Kiera. It's so obvious, she gave her every win in life 🤣
All these people hating Taran and her valid anger are…well idk what to say but try not to be too much of a pick me 😬✋
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2026
This will be brutal...sorry. 😔
Well. He fucked up. He fucked up ROYALLY. As in the infamous Ross & Rachel style. Ya know.....
(yep, updated. I finally figured out how to add gif lols)
But Quinn took it further. Oh, I wanted to throat punch him hard. He went rip- roaring drunk and slept with the chick that was always after him. And of course knocks her up. AND since his own father was a pos who abandoned them, Quinn was determined to not end up like that. So what does he do? Marries Keira and try to make a real family with her. He wanted desperately to be a stand up guy. One who marries the mother of his children. That is the way. Geesh, someone hand me a baguette so I can smack the living daylight of this misguided fool. Like forget co-parenting. Let's just be husband and wife for our little nugget. Love? Who needs that silly notion. Such rubbish
It was absolutele agony when Quinn confessed to Taran what happened and his plan. Poor girl. Yet. Amazingly, despite being devastated by the news, she was WILLING to still be with him. Cuz she loves him that much. But the fucker says nope ✋️, slow your roll, I am not choosing you. Instead he picked the other woman, married her months later. While the "love of his life" is discarded like yesterday's trash. I was livid, fuming on Taran's behalf. She left the island and cue the heartbreak that spans nearly two decades.
What ticked me off even more than the betrayal was the LACK. OF. EFFORT. He never went looking for Taran. Even when he knew the marriage was bull crap and he didn't love Keira. He made them both miserable for years but still held on trying to be a family. Even having another kid. Ugh! What a 🗡 to the heart for Taran. He didn't fight for her at all. Eventually his wife ends up divorcing HIM. Because the coward that he is, he would rather live in misery and fake bliss instead of having a broken marriage. So selfish. He wasted EVERYONE 'S time. And if Taran had never came back (her mom was dying), never been back in his orbit, his world again. Well, he would have just carry on. Living in denial and misery. Hence my gripe with this book and the wuss hero. So glad that Taran didn't give in easily and made him work for it. Beacause some of the below will test you and boil your blood:
“I didn’t cheat. Okay. I didn’t cheat. It was after we broke up. I got shit-faced. I don’t even remember it. I just remember waking up next to her—"
"I can’t be with you, Taran. I made a promise to Kiera. We’re getting married before the baby gets here.”
"It wasn’t getting Kiera pregnant that hurt her. It was me just … I told her I was marrying Kiera. No discussion. No Let’s talk about it. I didn’t even fucking consider choosing her and Heather. She said I couldn’t possibly love her the way she loved me. That’s why she hates me."
“If I was conscious of my actions, no way would I ever have slept with Kiera. I don’t remember it. But Taran, if we’re to make any headway with each other, I need you to know this now … I don’t regret Heather. I regret how it happened, but I don’t regret my daughter.”
The last time Taran and I spoke was eighteen years ago, and she’d sobbed and screamed and told me she hated me. I didn’t reach out again. There didn’t seem to be a point at the time, and I thought it would only hurt her more.
Ridiculous. IMO she needed a new hero. Good thing Taran was not pining exactly but she did try to move on. Had a boyfriend, a fiancée. Unfortunately doesn't pan out and fate decided she needed to suffer more ands reunites her with Quinn. Boo. 🙄
Well. He fucked up. He fucked up ROYALLY. As in the infamous Ross & Rachel style. Ya know.....
(yep, updated. I finally figured out how to add gif lols)But Quinn took it further. Oh, I wanted to throat punch him hard. He went rip- roaring drunk and slept with the chick that was always after him. And of course knocks her up. AND since his own father was a pos who abandoned them, Quinn was determined to not end up like that. So what does he do? Marries Keira and try to make a real family with her. He wanted desperately to be a stand up guy. One who marries the mother of his children. That is the way. Geesh, someone hand me a baguette so I can smack the living daylight of this misguided fool. Like forget co-parenting. Let's just be husband and wife for our little nugget. Love? Who needs that silly notion. Such rubbish
It was absolutele agony when Quinn confessed to Taran what happened and his plan. Poor girl. Yet. Amazingly, despite being devastated by the news, she was WILLING to still be with him. Cuz she loves him that much. But the fucker says nope ✋️, slow your roll, I am not choosing you. Instead he picked the other woman, married her months later. While the "love of his life" is discarded like yesterday's trash. I was livid, fuming on Taran's behalf. She left the island and cue the heartbreak that spans nearly two decades.
What ticked me off even more than the betrayal was the LACK. OF. EFFORT. He never went looking for Taran. Even when he knew the marriage was bull crap and he didn't love Keira. He made them both miserable for years but still held on trying to be a family. Even having another kid. Ugh! What a 🗡 to the heart for Taran. He didn't fight for her at all. Eventually his wife ends up divorcing HIM. Because the coward that he is, he would rather live in misery and fake bliss instead of having a broken marriage. So selfish. He wasted EVERYONE 'S time. And if Taran had never came back (her mom was dying), never been back in his orbit, his world again. Well, he would have just carry on. Living in denial and misery. Hence my gripe with this book and the wuss hero. So glad that Taran didn't give in easily and made him work for it. Beacause some of the below will test you and boil your blood:
“I didn’t cheat. Okay. I didn’t cheat. It was after we broke up. I got shit-faced. I don’t even remember it. I just remember waking up next to her—"
"I can’t be with you, Taran. I made a promise to Kiera. We’re getting married before the baby gets here.”
"It wasn’t getting Kiera pregnant that hurt her. It was me just … I told her I was marrying Kiera. No discussion. No Let’s talk about it. I didn’t even fucking consider choosing her and Heather. She said I couldn’t possibly love her the way she loved me. That’s why she hates me."
“If I was conscious of my actions, no way would I ever have slept with Kiera. I don’t remember it. But Taran, if we’re to make any headway with each other, I need you to know this now … I don’t regret Heather. I regret how it happened, but I don’t regret my daughter.”
The last time Taran and I spoke was eighteen years ago, and she’d sobbed and screamed and told me she hated me. I didn’t reach out again. There didn’t seem to be a point at the time, and I thought it would only hurt her more.
Ridiculous. IMO she needed a new hero. Good thing Taran was not pining exactly but she did try to move on. Had a boyfriend, a fiancée. Unfortunately doesn't pan out and fate decided she needed to suffer more ands reunites her with Quinn. Boo. 🙄
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2026
Samantha Young is an auto read author and I love most of what she puts out... that being said this one missed the mark a bit. I kept putting it down because I wasn't invested in this couple. Second chance romance is one of my favorite tropes, but I didn't care for this one. I think the pacing was off and I was never really given a reason why I should hope for this couple to get back together. Overall enjoyed it, but Young has given us much better than this.
2026 Ripped Bodice Summer Bingo category: Single Parent
2026 Ripped Bodice Summer Bingo category: Single Parent
April 17, 2026
I think the ‘hate Taran’ crowd read a different book than me. I don’t feel like she was to blame for what Quinn did. And frankly, I wouldn’t have forgiven him either.
I looked forward to this book despite knowing what the H did, but found that I just couldn’t get to liking the H. Once a cheater and all that. It felt like Taran and he just ended up back together because of proximity and maybe public, including her mother, pressure.
I hope the next book is better.
I looked forward to this book despite knowing what the H did, but found that I just couldn’t get to liking the H. Once a cheater and all that. It felt like Taran and he just ended up back together because of proximity and maybe public, including her mother, pressure.
I hope the next book is better.
May 14, 2026
I am conflicted...
I knew this would be a second chance and that can often have flashbacks and/or a dual timeline. However, I fell that each time a chapter from the past was shown, we also had to repeat it again in the current timeline. That means we were drug through the past 2 times. Every Time. It got very tiring and it felt like we were dragging on the pain.
I also think their reconnection was pushed until way too late in the book. The pacing felt off.
Overall, it left me a bit frustrated. If I hadn't been listening to it, I probably would have moved on from it. But I love this author and these characters were intruging. But it was just too heavy for me.
Dual narrated by Shane East and Mhairi Morrison and they slayed, as always.
3.5 Stars
3 on the spice scale
*Thank you to MLA and the author for an ALC of this title.*
I knew this would be a second chance and that can often have flashbacks and/or a dual timeline. However, I fell that each time a chapter from the past was shown, we also had to repeat it again in the current timeline. That means we were drug through the past 2 times. Every Time. It got very tiring and it felt like we were dragging on the pain.
I also think their reconnection was pushed until way too late in the book. The pacing felt off.
Overall, it left me a bit frustrated. If I hadn't been listening to it, I probably would have moved on from it. But I love this author and these characters were intruging. But it was just too heavy for me.
Dual narrated by Shane East and Mhairi Morrison and they slayed, as always.
3.5 Stars
3 on the spice scale
*Thank you to MLA and the author for an ALC of this title.*
April 18, 2026
This author's books are going from one disaster to another..
April 24, 2026
3.25🌟, 3🌶️
I was equal parts excited and nervous going into this one.
I really liked the idea of a second chance romance with so much history already built in, and Taran and Quinn definitely have that deep, complicated past that gives their story a strong emotional pull. You can really feel how much time and distance has shaped them, and that foundation made me want to see how they would find their way back to each other.
That said, I did struggle a bit with some of Quinn’s choices after their breakup and how messy things became between them. It made it harder at times to fully connect to him as a romantic lead, even though I understood the intent behind the story and his perspective. Taran’s pain and hesitation felt very real though, and I did appreciate that she didn’t just fall back into things easily, even with feelings still clearly there on both sides.
Overall, it was still an engaging, emotional read with a setting and atmosphere I really enjoyed. The romance didn’t completely sweep me away, but there were enough strong moments and tension to keep me invested throughout.
It’s one of those stories that worked more in pieces for me, but I’m still glad I read it.
~~~~
Special thanks to Samantha Young & House of Hearts Lit. for providing this Advanced Reader Copy. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. ✨
I was equal parts excited and nervous going into this one.
I really liked the idea of a second chance romance with so much history already built in, and Taran and Quinn definitely have that deep, complicated past that gives their story a strong emotional pull. You can really feel how much time and distance has shaped them, and that foundation made me want to see how they would find their way back to each other.
That said, I did struggle a bit with some of Quinn’s choices after their breakup and how messy things became between them. It made it harder at times to fully connect to him as a romantic lead, even though I understood the intent behind the story and his perspective. Taran’s pain and hesitation felt very real though, and I did appreciate that she didn’t just fall back into things easily, even with feelings still clearly there on both sides.
Overall, it was still an engaging, emotional read with a setting and atmosphere I really enjoyed. The romance didn’t completely sweep me away, but there were enough strong moments and tension to keep me invested throughout.
It’s one of those stories that worked more in pieces for me, but I’m still glad I read it.
~~~~
Special thanks to Samantha Young & House of Hearts Lit. for providing this Advanced Reader Copy. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. ✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
Taran + Quinn
We already met them both in the first book.
Quinn is a divorced dad of two. And Taran came back to the island after 18 years to take over her late mum's bookstore/café.
They used to be each other's everything until Taran left for university and they broke up a bit later. And then Quinn did a stupid drunk thing and felt he had to marry the mom of his soon-to-be-born daughter.
And now Taran is finally back on the island and Quinn wants her back.
══════════════════
That was so sweet and heartbreaking and frustrating. I loved it!
I did a quick re-read of the first book - because #Bookalzheimers! Quinn and Taran are in book #1 a lot.
And now, in book #2, we really need to get that happy end for them. After almost 20 years. Ugh. Those poor darlings.
Next to Quinn doing everything to win Taran back, we also have some Island life and family problems and some threatening things and dangerous things.
Lots of stuff happening.
I loved reading this!
I loved Quinn's kids and the friendships between all our island darlings!
Like I already said about the first book:
Amazing location.
Perfect Cast!
Can't wait for the next books in this series!
London and Cammie with Murray and Forde!
DRIFTING DAWN was the perfect second book in this amazing new series!
Adorable. Funny. Frustrating. Sparky. Heartbreaking. Suspensy. Mysterious.
Amazing location. Amazing cast!!
Run to your nearest bookdealer for your own Quinn - this one is MINE!
If you can't click the buy-links
from your phone - click ► HERE!
💜
💜
April 16, 2026
5 Stars!
(ARC provided by author)
Quinn McQuarrie lives in a coastal town in Scotland where he's the local contractor. He has a great life with two beautiful kids, wonderful friends, and a town and job he loves. The only thing missing was the one woman he couldn't forget. Taran was his first and only love, and nearly two decades ago everything between them fell apart. Now she's finally within touching distance, and he just wants another chance with her. He's willing to work for it, and do whatever it takes for her to let him love her again.
Taran Macbeth returns home to Leth Sholas because of family. It has been around eighteen years since her heart was crushed by her ex-boyfriend, and she swore she'd never see him again. She grew up with Quinn, and had known him her whole life. She'd never recovered from losing him. He was once the person she trusted most. Now he was like a stranger. She has to try and co-exist with him on a tiny island, while the town keeps pushing them together. She sets clear boundaries, but her traitorous heart still feels too much. They have a complicated history, and she can't seem to let go of the past, but as their paths continue to cross, he becomes impossible to avoid. Will unresolved feelings lead to a second chance, or will outside forces derail their happily ever after?
Drifting Dawn (Scottish Isles Series #2) by Samantha Young is a slow burn, small town, single dad, childhood sweethearts, forced proximity, second chance romance about heartbreak, friendship, forgiveness and unbreakable connections. It's a fabulous romantic suspense love story full of emotion, passion, danger, humor, chemistry and all the swoon. <333
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FGCMCTNM?...
(ARC provided by author)
Quinn McQuarrie lives in a coastal town in Scotland where he's the local contractor. He has a great life with two beautiful kids, wonderful friends, and a town and job he loves. The only thing missing was the one woman he couldn't forget. Taran was his first and only love, and nearly two decades ago everything between them fell apart. Now she's finally within touching distance, and he just wants another chance with her. He's willing to work for it, and do whatever it takes for her to let him love her again.
Taran Macbeth returns home to Leth Sholas because of family. It has been around eighteen years since her heart was crushed by her ex-boyfriend, and she swore she'd never see him again. She grew up with Quinn, and had known him her whole life. She'd never recovered from losing him. He was once the person she trusted most. Now he was like a stranger. She has to try and co-exist with him on a tiny island, while the town keeps pushing them together. She sets clear boundaries, but her traitorous heart still feels too much. They have a complicated history, and she can't seem to let go of the past, but as their paths continue to cross, he becomes impossible to avoid. Will unresolved feelings lead to a second chance, or will outside forces derail their happily ever after?
Drifting Dawn (Scottish Isles Series #2) by Samantha Young is a slow burn, small town, single dad, childhood sweethearts, forced proximity, second chance romance about heartbreak, friendship, forgiveness and unbreakable connections. It's a fabulous romantic suspense love story full of emotion, passion, danger, humor, chemistry and all the swoon. <333
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FGCMCTNM?...
April 1, 2026
I’m not usually a second chance romance girl, but this one completely got me.
From the very first chapters, I was hooked on the history between them. There’s so much weight to their past years of hurt, missed chances, and unresolved feelings and you can feel it in every interaction. Nothing feels forced or overly dramatic either. It’s just two people who never truly let each other go, trying to find their way back.
The flashbacks to their younger years were such a standout for me. They made everything hit harder, because you see exactly what they had… and what they lost. It made every present-day moment feel more emotional and meaningful.
And the chemistry? Still there and intense!
I also really loved how their growth was handled. He has to learn how to open up, she has to find her courage again, and watching that unfold felt so real and satisfying.
I listened to this on audio, and wow, the narration elevated everything. The accents, the emotion, the delivery… it pulled me even deeper into the story and made those emotional moments hit even harder. Did I mention the accents??
This book had me laughing, swooning, and yes… definitely crying. It’s emotional in the best way, the kind that lingers after you finish. Yes I was crying happy tears over that ending!!
Such a beautifully done second chance romance. Genuinely obsessed. This was more than a five star read for me and I will be thinking about them for a long time. I can’t wait for more books in this world!
From the very first chapters, I was hooked on the history between them. There’s so much weight to their past years of hurt, missed chances, and unresolved feelings and you can feel it in every interaction. Nothing feels forced or overly dramatic either. It’s just two people who never truly let each other go, trying to find their way back.
The flashbacks to their younger years were such a standout for me. They made everything hit harder, because you see exactly what they had… and what they lost. It made every present-day moment feel more emotional and meaningful.
And the chemistry? Still there and intense!
I also really loved how their growth was handled. He has to learn how to open up, she has to find her courage again, and watching that unfold felt so real and satisfying.
I listened to this on audio, and wow, the narration elevated everything. The accents, the emotion, the delivery… it pulled me even deeper into the story and made those emotional moments hit even harder. Did I mention the accents??
This book had me laughing, swooning, and yes… definitely crying. It’s emotional in the best way, the kind that lingers after you finish. Yes I was crying happy tears over that ending!!
Such a beautifully done second chance romance. Genuinely obsessed. This was more than a five star read for me and I will be thinking about them for a long time. I can’t wait for more books in this world!
April 18, 2026
I absolutely loved this book 😭 Samantha Young completely wrecked me in the best way!
Second chance romance is quickly becoming one of my favorite tropes, and this one delivered on every level. Quinn and Taran had me fully invested, but honestly… Quinn’s kids? They stole so many scenes. Their teasing and bickering felt so real and reminded me so much of my own siblings equal parts hilarious and heartfelt.
This might honestly be my favorite Samantha Young book yet.
The found family element was everything. Taran’s friendship with London was so genuine and moving proof of how far we’ll go to protect the people we love 🥹 And Quinn’s friendships? Just as strong. I loved how they showed up for each other and weren’t afraid to speak the hard truths when it mattered.
This series is an absolute MUST READ.
✨ Tropes:
💙 Romance suspense
💙 Second chance
💙 Single dad
💙 “Touch her & die”
💙 Found family
💙 Slow burn (and when it burns… it BURNS 🔥🥵)
💙 Forced proximity
And the narrators? Absolutely FABULOUS. Shane East & Mhairi Morrison
💬 Favorite lines:
“Taran wasn’t sure of me. But I was. I knew that if Taran Macbeth let me love her again, I would spend the rest of my life trying to make her the happiest woman who ever lived.”
“I didn’t want to be afraid anymore. The light was worth battling the fear.”
Second chance romance is quickly becoming one of my favorite tropes, and this one delivered on every level. Quinn and Taran had me fully invested, but honestly… Quinn’s kids? They stole so many scenes. Their teasing and bickering felt so real and reminded me so much of my own siblings equal parts hilarious and heartfelt.
This might honestly be my favorite Samantha Young book yet.
The found family element was everything. Taran’s friendship with London was so genuine and moving proof of how far we’ll go to protect the people we love 🥹 And Quinn’s friendships? Just as strong. I loved how they showed up for each other and weren’t afraid to speak the hard truths when it mattered.
This series is an absolute MUST READ.
✨ Tropes:
💙 Romance suspense
💙 Second chance
💙 Single dad
💙 “Touch her & die”
💙 Found family
💙 Slow burn (and when it burns… it BURNS 🔥🥵)
💙 Forced proximity
And the narrators? Absolutely FABULOUS. Shane East & Mhairi Morrison
💬 Favorite lines:
“Taran wasn’t sure of me. But I was. I knew that if Taran Macbeth let me love her again, I would spend the rest of my life trying to make her the happiest woman who ever lived.”
“I didn’t want to be afraid anymore. The light was worth battling the fear.”
April 24, 2026
The 2 stars are because she didn’t stay celibate and she rejected him near the end (although that clearly didn’t last long)
Oh boy this book, it was…okay. First off almost 2 decades of separation? That’s way to long for me, 2nd I’m sorry I hated how she’s supposed to be villainized in this town for not wanting to take him back, I agreed with her, it’s not like she had a problem with him fathering someone else’s kid she literally still wanted to be with him and he just wasn’t willing to fight for her, 3 I’m supposed to believe Quinn never got over taran but he made no move to win her back until she permanently moved back, when he realized his marriage was a sham he still stayed, kiara (the ex) was the one who walked away I honestly doubt he be the one to walk away and you wanna know why? Even when the divorce is finalized he still DOESN’T. FIGHT. FOR. HER! But of course when she moved back suddenly it’s his mission to get her back🙄 the closest he came and I’m being generous was when he called her WHILE HE WAS MARRIED WITH KIDS!
I’m sorry but I’d be friends only, to much time has passed at that point
Oh boy this book, it was…okay. First off almost 2 decades of separation? That’s way to long for me, 2nd I’m sorry I hated how she’s supposed to be villainized in this town for not wanting to take him back, I agreed with her, it’s not like she had a problem with him fathering someone else’s kid she literally still wanted to be with him and he just wasn’t willing to fight for her, 3 I’m supposed to believe Quinn never got over taran but he made no move to win her back until she permanently moved back, when he realized his marriage was a sham he still stayed, kiara (the ex) was the one who walked away I honestly doubt he be the one to walk away and you wanna know why? Even when the divorce is finalized he still DOESN’T. FIGHT. FOR. HER! But of course when she moved back suddenly it’s his mission to get her back🙄 the closest he came and I’m being generous was when he called her WHILE HE WAS MARRIED WITH KIDS!
I’m sorry but I’d be friends only, to much time has passed at that point
April 21, 2026
Quinn and Taran’s story is such a beautiful yet messy second chance romance that really pulls you in. Their history adds so much depth, even when the push and pull between them felt a little repetitive at times.
That said, it absolutely pays off in the end. The emotional journey is worth it, and the suspense element completely caught me off guard in the best way. I also loved the single dad aspect, those moments with the kids added so much heart and balance to the story.
Overall, a compelling mix of romance, tension, and unexpected twists.
That said, it absolutely pays off in the end. The emotional journey is worth it, and the suspense element completely caught me off guard in the best way. I also loved the single dad aspect, those moments with the kids added so much heart and balance to the story.
Overall, a compelling mix of romance, tension, and unexpected twists.
April 4, 2026
Rating: 4.5/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
I just love the way Samantha Young writes romantic suspense! This second chance romance was so angsty and heart wrenching, as we got to witness their childhood love and how they broke up. I loved seeing Quinn and Taran’s interactions with each other in the “present” time as they ran into each other around the small town. I equally loved all of their friends and totally wish I could live in a small town in Scotland and have this same sort of crew. The ending had me on the edge of my seat and was a nice tie to bring in Ramsey’s secret from the first book.
I read this book immersively and loved the narrators! The Scottish accents were perfect and the female narrator easily switched between London’s American accent and Taran’s.
Thank you to the author for the ARC and ALC!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
I just love the way Samantha Young writes romantic suspense! This second chance romance was so angsty and heart wrenching, as we got to witness their childhood love and how they broke up. I loved seeing Quinn and Taran’s interactions with each other in the “present” time as they ran into each other around the small town. I equally loved all of their friends and totally wish I could live in a small town in Scotland and have this same sort of crew. The ending had me on the edge of my seat and was a nice tie to bring in Ramsey’s secret from the first book.
I read this book immersively and loved the narrators! The Scottish accents were perfect and the female narrator easily switched between London’s American accent and Taran’s.
Thank you to the author for the ARC and ALC!
April 12, 2026
Drifting Dawn is the second book in the Scottish Isles series of interconnected standalones. I was already fully invested after book one and couldn't wait to see where Samantha Young was going to take Taran and Quinn's story second chance love story. There's no one like Ms Young when it comes to a story set in Scotland. And with a place like the small island town of Leth Sholas, characters that have a huge history and friends that are always there to support them, I knew this one was going to pull me in too.
Taran hasn't been back home in years after getting her heartbroken by her first love. But when tragedy strikes, she must return and face all her problems head on. Quinn has never left the small town he grew up in and is now a single dad to 2 children. He never fell out of love with his first childhood love and just made do with what life threw at him, even if he was miserable. With Taran now back in town, he will do anything to make things right between them, but he's still 100% in love with the woman that left him after nearly 20 years.
While I'm not always a second chance romance fan, I felt for both Quinn and Taran and everything that was thrown at them while they were still figuring out who they were as young adults. They had a rough ending when they were teens, but you could see that their feelings never once changed in nearly 2 decades. That's why it was a little frustrating for all the running around and Taran denying her heart what it obviously always wanted. But at the heart of the matter were 2 people that cared deeply about each other but also had to remember it wasn't just the 2 of them anymore. They had a history and one in which gave Quinn 2 children. And Taran never wanted to step over that relationship. I liked that Young made both of his kids a priority and included them in the way they navigated their relationship together. It was definitely a slow burn that had Taran continuously running away from Quinn's advances and Quinn trying to open up and let Taran understand the reasonings behind his past actions.
Not only did we get Quinn and Taran finding their way back to each other, but as with the first book in the series, we also got some suspense surrounding this small island town that seemed to target Taran and her friends. And Quinn was having none of it! I loved that he stepped up and proved to Taran he was not going to give up so easily this time. He was there to show her that he not only loved her, but he was going to protect her at all costs. In addition, we get a sneak peek into who the next story is going to be about and I'm ecstatic. I have a feeling it's going to be a good one!
Overall, I enjoyed this story and the way you can feel the love Samantha has for Scotland and the characters she creates. While I got frustrated with Taran running from her feelings, I could commiserate with Quinn more. But the fact that they worked through everything and still had a deep seated love after nearly 2 decades is what mattered in the end. I'm even more excited for what's to come with the next installment after the little teases we got.
Taran hasn't been back home in years after getting her heartbroken by her first love. But when tragedy strikes, she must return and face all her problems head on. Quinn has never left the small town he grew up in and is now a single dad to 2 children. He never fell out of love with his first childhood love and just made do with what life threw at him, even if he was miserable. With Taran now back in town, he will do anything to make things right between them, but he's still 100% in love with the woman that left him after nearly 20 years.
While I'm not always a second chance romance fan, I felt for both Quinn and Taran and everything that was thrown at them while they were still figuring out who they were as young adults. They had a rough ending when they were teens, but you could see that their feelings never once changed in nearly 2 decades. That's why it was a little frustrating for all the running around and Taran denying her heart what it obviously always wanted. But at the heart of the matter were 2 people that cared deeply about each other but also had to remember it wasn't just the 2 of them anymore. They had a history and one in which gave Quinn 2 children. And Taran never wanted to step over that relationship. I liked that Young made both of his kids a priority and included them in the way they navigated their relationship together. It was definitely a slow burn that had Taran continuously running away from Quinn's advances and Quinn trying to open up and let Taran understand the reasonings behind his past actions.
Not only did we get Quinn and Taran finding their way back to each other, but as with the first book in the series, we also got some suspense surrounding this small island town that seemed to target Taran and her friends. And Quinn was having none of it! I loved that he stepped up and proved to Taran he was not going to give up so easily this time. He was there to show her that he not only loved her, but he was going to protect her at all costs. In addition, we get a sneak peek into who the next story is going to be about and I'm ecstatic. I have a feeling it's going to be a good one!
Overall, I enjoyed this story and the way you can feel the love Samantha has for Scotland and the characters she creates. While I got frustrated with Taran running from her feelings, I could commiserate with Quinn more. But the fact that they worked through everything and still had a deep seated love after nearly 2 decades is what mattered in the end. I'm even more excited for what's to come with the next installment after the little teases we got.
April 18, 2026
I wont lie I went back and forth in this book with the MCs on who I was mad at😅 The h seriously pissed me off with how she treated the H when she went away to university like ya she was a big ole asshole. Like he should of dumped her big ole asshole. I will say she owns that though and even admits that she was the reason they broke up and what followed.
With that being said I completely understood her POV and why she held a grudge against the H. It wasn't that he knocked someone else up its that he chose that woman over her. She was willing to try and work it out and be together and even though he confessed he loved her and didnt wanna be with the OW he said he had to marry OW anyways😐 made zero sense. She also made a valid point when she said that sure he regretted it and wished he didnt marry OW but they only divorced because OW wanted too...like dude admitted it was a loveless marriage (not sexless) but made no moves to end it.
So I understood where the h was coming from. It wasn't the pregnant OW, or the baby she couldn't forgive ( she actually owned that they werent together and it was her fault that they weren't)it was how carelessly and fast he cut her from his life to be with the OW all while professing his love for the h. That he didn't even try to fight for their relationship all while talking about how they were soulmates😐
It was also refreshing to not have the ex wife be a raging jackass. It was also nice that she owned her actions and even admitted that she didnt care for awhile about the H or h's pain because she was happy.
So idk how I feel about this one. It kind of reminded me of Pierced Hearts by Ahren Sanders (LOVE👏THAT👏BOOK) expect this H did not have near the devotion that Ahren's Hero did for his herione.
So 4 thanks for not being scared to bring the angst and dreadful knocked up and married OW trope while on a break stars😂😂
With that being said I completely understood her POV and why she held a grudge against the H. It wasn't that he knocked someone else up its that he chose that woman over her. She was willing to try and work it out and be together and even though he confessed he loved her and didnt wanna be with the OW he said he had to marry OW anyways😐 made zero sense. She also made a valid point when she said that sure he regretted it and wished he didnt marry OW but they only divorced because OW wanted too...like dude admitted it was a loveless marriage (not sexless) but made no moves to end it.
So I understood where the h was coming from. It wasn't the pregnant OW, or the baby she couldn't forgive ( she actually owned that they werent together and it was her fault that they weren't)it was how carelessly and fast he cut her from his life to be with the OW all while professing his love for the h. That he didn't even try to fight for their relationship all while talking about how they were soulmates😐
It was also refreshing to not have the ex wife be a raging jackass. It was also nice that she owned her actions and even admitted that she didnt care for awhile about the H or h's pain because she was happy.
So idk how I feel about this one. It kind of reminded me of Pierced Hearts by Ahren Sanders (LOVE👏THAT👏BOOK) expect this H did not have near the devotion that Ahren's Hero did for his herione.
So 4 thanks for not being scared to bring the angst and dreadful knocked up and married OW trope while on a break stars😂😂
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I'm not always a second chance fan but I really enjoyed Quinn and Taran's story. They were childhood sweethearts and had a rough ending to their relationship while Taran is in college but they never stopped loving each other.
Taran has now moved back to their small town Scottish island and being around each other makes it so hard to avoid their feelings.
In between all the angst and emotion of Quinn and Taran's romance is a suspense plot that was so interesting.
I listened to this on audio and I love Samantha's audiobooks! I am such a sucker for a Scottish accent and love that Samantha's books always have them. The audiobook for Drifting Dawn made everything hit so much harder.
I am loving this series and cannot wait for the next installment. I have a guess for who its going to be about and I am crossing my fingers I am right!
Taran has now moved back to their small town Scottish island and being around each other makes it so hard to avoid their feelings.
In between all the angst and emotion of Quinn and Taran's romance is a suspense plot that was so interesting.
I listened to this on audio and I love Samantha's audiobooks! I am such a sucker for a Scottish accent and love that Samantha's books always have them. The audiobook for Drifting Dawn made everything hit so much harder.
I am loving this series and cannot wait for the next installment. I have a guess for who its going to be about and I am crossing my fingers I am right!
April 22, 2026
This had the classic Samantha Young comfort that most of her books have, except for the fact that I ended up being so tired of Taran’s shit. Also, the guy on the cover scares me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What to Expect:
Small Town Scotland
Heroine in Danger
Second Chance
Single Dad
Slow Burn
Emotional Healing
We are back in Leth Sholas, and once again Samantha has made me fall in love with another couple. Quinn and Taran were childhood sweethearts and expected to be together forever. But through a series of decisions and lack of communication, Taran and Quinn go their separate ways. After 18 years, Quinn is finally back in Leth Sholas and Quinn is determined to make amends and to show Taran they are soulmates.
There were hints of what was to come for Quinn and Taran's story in Half-Light Harbor, but seeing the history play out hurt my heart in so many ways. Both Quinn and Taran were young and both played a part in their break up. There is still so much pain and hurt between them because of how much they loved each other. I loved seeing their growth. In many ways, it felt like Taran and Quinn were stuck in time and without closure and fleshing out their past, they could not move on.
I loved seeing Quinn as a father and how much he loved them. I also loved how they opened Taran into their family as she spent time with them. Seeing Taran's interactions with Quinn's children was fantastic. It truly felt like Quinn and Taran were able to find their footing forward and it made my heart so happy after the pain they both were put through.
Just as Quinn and Taran were finding their footing, the suspense snuck up and had me glued to the pages. I also loved the hints at the next couple we will see. I need their story based on those glimpses. Thank you so much to Samantha for the early copy of Drifting Dawn!
Small Town Scotland
Heroine in Danger
Second Chance
Single Dad
Slow Burn
Emotional Healing
We are back in Leth Sholas, and once again Samantha has made me fall in love with another couple. Quinn and Taran were childhood sweethearts and expected to be together forever. But through a series of decisions and lack of communication, Taran and Quinn go their separate ways. After 18 years, Quinn is finally back in Leth Sholas and Quinn is determined to make amends and to show Taran they are soulmates.
There were hints of what was to come for Quinn and Taran's story in Half-Light Harbor, but seeing the history play out hurt my heart in so many ways. Both Quinn and Taran were young and both played a part in their break up. There is still so much pain and hurt between them because of how much they loved each other. I loved seeing their growth. In many ways, it felt like Taran and Quinn were stuck in time and without closure and fleshing out their past, they could not move on.
I loved seeing Quinn as a father and how much he loved them. I also loved how they opened Taran into their family as she spent time with them. Seeing Taran's interactions with Quinn's children was fantastic. It truly felt like Quinn and Taran were able to find their footing forward and it made my heart so happy after the pain they both were put through.
Just as Quinn and Taran were finding their footing, the suspense snuck up and had me glued to the pages. I also loved the hints at the next couple we will see. I need their story based on those glimpses. Thank you so much to Samantha for the early copy of Drifting Dawn!
April 5, 2026
4.5*⭐️ (Bumped up because I refuse to rate it 4⭐️)
I’m such a sucker for a second chance romance! I was sucked in by Quinn & Taran from start to finish. The kids, the heartfelt moments, and the heartbreaking moments had me all in my feels. The banter, on point. The kids, adorable and chaotic. The family dynamics, priceless. Everyone showed up for each other in a way that felt real and genuine. It was nice to see everyone come together after all those years apart—
Samantha is quickly climbing the ladder of my favorite authors🩷
✨ Tropes:
⭐️ Second chance
⭐️ Single dad
⭐️ Found family
⭐️ Slowwww burn
⭐️ Forced proximity
⭐️ Enemies-to-lovers
And the narration? 10/10 👏 Shane East and Mhairi Morrison nailed it! The emotions and depth they brought to each character had me on the edge of my seat wanting more 😍
I’m such a sucker for a second chance romance! I was sucked in by Quinn & Taran from start to finish. The kids, the heartfelt moments, and the heartbreaking moments had me all in my feels. The banter, on point. The kids, adorable and chaotic. The family dynamics, priceless. Everyone showed up for each other in a way that felt real and genuine. It was nice to see everyone come together after all those years apart—
Samantha is quickly climbing the ladder of my favorite authors🩷
✨ Tropes:
⭐️ Second chance
⭐️ Single dad
⭐️ Found family
⭐️ Slowwww burn
⭐️ Forced proximity
⭐️ Enemies-to-lovers
And the narration? 10/10 👏 Shane East and Mhairi Morrison nailed it! The emotions and depth they brought to each character had me on the edge of my seat wanting more 😍
April 16, 2026
4.5 stars really
I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Once again I was hooked by the characters in this new series by Samantha Young and swept along with their story. We knew Taran and Quinn had a past after the first book, and that she wasn’t going to forgive Quinn. But it makes sense because of how they broke up. The fact that he got someone else pregnant and married them, I mean even with the being broken up aspect, would make it really hard for Taran to forgive I would agree.
We also got a lot of different connections being hinted at with other characters throughout the story. Once again it was a suspense story, not my usual, but there were some people out there for both of them that were causing issues. One that was blaming Quinn for things in the past that weren’t his fault, one that wanted something from Taran’s mother’s estate, things that he told her were fakes and had no value. But he wanted them because he knew they were real and worth a LOT of money. Of course this put Taran in danger, as well as Quinn’s family.
I adored Quinn’s children. It’s one of those situations, that even though he and his ex-wife both knew that they weren’t meant to be together and they divorced, they were amiable/friendly even, and neither would change a thing, because that would mean they wouldn’t have the kids. I do love examples of ex-spouses like this for sure. When they put the kids first, but also since neither did any cheating on the other or treated them badly.
Getting to know the other people in the town was a lot of fun as well. While I thought the neighbor who gave the antique guy’s name to Taran might be not so great, there were others that it was more obvious that they were good and the town/island was a great place. Once again I really enjoyed this next story in this new series from Samantha Young. I have some hopes of who the next couple will be, a marriage of convenience trope maybe? And I know where the suspense will probably come from for them if it is.This review was originally posted on Lisa Loves Literature
I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Once again I was hooked by the characters in this new series by Samantha Young and swept along with their story. We knew Taran and Quinn had a past after the first book, and that she wasn’t going to forgive Quinn. But it makes sense because of how they broke up. The fact that he got someone else pregnant and married them, I mean even with the being broken up aspect, would make it really hard for Taran to forgive I would agree.
We also got a lot of different connections being hinted at with other characters throughout the story. Once again it was a suspense story, not my usual, but there were some people out there for both of them that were causing issues. One that was blaming Quinn for things in the past that weren’t his fault, one that wanted something from Taran’s mother’s estate, things that he told her were fakes and had no value. But he wanted them because he knew they were real and worth a LOT of money. Of course this put Taran in danger, as well as Quinn’s family.
I adored Quinn’s children. It’s one of those situations, that even though he and his ex-wife both knew that they weren’t meant to be together and they divorced, they were amiable/friendly even, and neither would change a thing, because that would mean they wouldn’t have the kids. I do love examples of ex-spouses like this for sure. When they put the kids first, but also since neither did any cheating on the other or treated them badly.
Getting to know the other people in the town was a lot of fun as well. While I thought the neighbor who gave the antique guy’s name to Taran might be not so great, there were others that it was more obvious that they were good and the town/island was a great place. Once again I really enjoyed this next story in this new series from Samantha Young. I have some hopes of who the next couple will be, a marriage of convenience trope maybe? And I know where the suspense will probably come from for them if it is.This review was originally posted on Lisa Loves Literature
May 26, 2026
*ARC Given to Blog for Honest Review*
4.5 “Mo luaidh” “LSLS” Kisses
Alright, that’s it – I need to go to Leth Sholas immediately. Goodness gracious, the Scottish Isles series has quickly sucked me in and taken me on the ride of my life and I am loving every second of it. It shouldn’t be a surprise to me, Samantha Young always creates series that steal my heart but this time it was almost too easy. I mean, I read Half-Light Harbor (the first book) in almost a day…something I sadly don’t do very often anymore. But I will happily stay in my Leth Sholas bubble for as long as Samantha wants to keep me here. So…the books in the Scottish Isles series, can be read as standalones, but I will say each book is building off of the other…so if you truly want to have a full appreciation for the characters and world that Samantha is building (and you’re addicted to series like me) then I would highly recommend reading them in order. Plus Half-Light Harbor has been one of my favorite books of 2026 so far and is such a great introduction to this island and the amazing people that live on it. Aaaaand, even better, you get a front row seat of all the information leading up to Drifting Dawn. I knew I was going to love Quinn and Taran from the moment I heard about them in Half-Light Harbor…and I was absolutely correct.
Quinn McQuarrie…I say this with my full chest, this man might be one of my favorite hero’s that Samantha has ever written…and that’s saying A LOT because she has written some of the most ah-mazing male MC’s that I adore with everything in me…but Quinn is a step above. I am literally obsessed with everything about him – that obsession did start with seeing his friendship with Ramsay in Half-Light Harbor but ooooooomg I had no idea how deep it could go seeing him with Taran and getting inside his brain. There is literally one scene, involving books (because of course that’s the way to my heart) and Taran and I had to put my kindle down because I thought my heart was going to explode with love for him. I don’t want to go into detail because I don’t want to spoil it. Even thinking about what he did for Taran brings tears to my eyes – it is not intentionally romantic (which I think makes it that much more romantic strangely enough) but it was one of the purest forms of showing love and caring that I’ve ever read. From that point forward, he could truly do no wrong for me…and he really didn’t. He’s an amazing father, great friend, a pretty kick ass drummer, co-owns his own successful construction business…oh and in his spare time he volunteers to help save people with the Leth Sholas Lifeboat Service – the man is a national treasure and I will not believe anything else. But nineteen years ago he made some bad choices (tbh…as one does when they’re a teenager) and it caused him to lose the love of his life…but his heart never let her go.
Taran Macbeth…I loved this girl fiercely but man alive can she hold a grudge. I get it…she had her whole world smashed, the life she thought she was going to be her future was gone in an instant and the only way she could think to cope with it was to block it out completely. It was easier to avoid it than confront the hurt and seeing the only boy you’ve ever loved living the dream life you imagined with him is a kind of heartbreak I wouldn’t wish on anyone. But I do think her stubbornness and refusal to confront their past hurt them more unnecessarily…but at the same time, I’m a scorpio so I’m also a huge fan of being unreasonably stubborn. I did like to see the change in Taran, the fact that she was choosing to open up more, learning to listen to her mom’s voice in her head and allowing herself to unburden all that hurt. After everything she had been through in the past year, her entire life changed in the span of months and when your world is flipped upside down, that’s the perfect chance to make some necessary changes – and not only with her relationship with Quinn, this was just as much about her as it was about them as a couple. I loved her bravery…I loved seeing how strong she was…and I loved that she finally found her way home.
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Quinn and Taran have what is my ultimate kryptonite…H-I-S-T-O-R-Y!!! I am the biggest sucker for a couple that has known each other their wholes lives (which these two have) and especially if they’ve already been in a relationship (which they were)…they just have a bond that nothing can duplicate or recreate. You cannot give yourself more time with a person and the history that these two have together is absolutely beautiful (aside from their break up of course). I was crossing my fingers that we were going to get flashbacks of their past and we do!!!! Obviously I wanted more (I always want more) but the pieces we got were instrumental and crucial points in their relationship and I loved them to bits. I knew it was going to be an uphill climb to get Taran back on #TeamQuinn – and trust me, she didn’t make it easy on Quinn (or me) but…it was so well done. It wasn’t drama for the sake of drama, it wasn’t drug out unnecessarily, it felt very mature and reasonable and realistic for who these two were and I appreciated so much the way Samantha handled it. They were absolutely worth the heartache and turmoil because the thought of existing in a world where they weren’t together was completely unfathomable to me.
Samantha Young’s talent continues to astound me in new and glorious ways. I love that she can take a trope that has been done before (heck, even she has done it before) and put new and even more unique spins on it that make me fall in love all over again. This is going to sound like a really weird thing to like about a book…but it is what it is – I loved the way she handled the divide between Quinn and Taran – they’re not teenagers anymore, they haven’t seen each other in almost 2 decades, they’re older, have lived their own lives and yet still find themselves back with the fact that they’re still not over each other. There are loads of complicated feelings and there is still that unending passion and pull between them and rather than being ridiculous and fighting it unnecessarily, I loved that Samantha just let them handle it realistically and like adults. It was so refreshing and I loved the rawness of it. I love every kind of romance but reading adult (30+ year olds) romance has given me a new and greater appreciation of the genre and I have Samantha to thank for that.
It’s been approximately a week since I gushed about a Samantha Young ending and here I am again, to sing her praises because Lord have mercy, this woman knows how to freaking end a book. To be honest, I never want her books to end but somehow she has magically made me look forward to her endings because then I get to try and guess what twist she’s going to spin on me. I can’t say I figured the ending out completely, but I did guess part of it…but it was still very effective and I did like the impact it had overall. And of course the epilogue was exactly what I needed and wanted for them…it was perfect and I loved that Quinn’s children were involved. So…Samantha just announced who the next book is going to be about and I. Am. SOOOOOO freaking excited. I already figured out who the last two couples were going to be but I am thrilled that Twilight Tides is going to focus on London (Tierny’s best friend) and Murray – the hints that were dropped about these two made me beyond excited because I knew Samantha was going to give us a marriage of convenience and that’s exactly what it’s going to be!!! Don’t mind me, I’ll just be over here counting the days until July!
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4.5 “Mo luaidh” “LSLS” Kisses
Alright, that’s it – I need to go to Leth Sholas immediately. Goodness gracious, the Scottish Isles series has quickly sucked me in and taken me on the ride of my life and I am loving every second of it. It shouldn’t be a surprise to me, Samantha Young always creates series that steal my heart but this time it was almost too easy. I mean, I read Half-Light Harbor (the first book) in almost a day…something I sadly don’t do very often anymore. But I will happily stay in my Leth Sholas bubble for as long as Samantha wants to keep me here. So…the books in the Scottish Isles series, can be read as standalones, but I will say each book is building off of the other…so if you truly want to have a full appreciation for the characters and world that Samantha is building (and you’re addicted to series like me) then I would highly recommend reading them in order. Plus Half-Light Harbor has been one of my favorite books of 2026 so far and is such a great introduction to this island and the amazing people that live on it. Aaaaand, even better, you get a front row seat of all the information leading up to Drifting Dawn. I knew I was going to love Quinn and Taran from the moment I heard about them in Half-Light Harbor…and I was absolutely correct.
Quinn McQuarrie…I say this with my full chest, this man might be one of my favorite hero’s that Samantha has ever written…and that’s saying A LOT because she has written some of the most ah-mazing male MC’s that I adore with everything in me…but Quinn is a step above. I am literally obsessed with everything about him – that obsession did start with seeing his friendship with Ramsay in Half-Light Harbor but ooooooomg I had no idea how deep it could go seeing him with Taran and getting inside his brain. There is literally one scene, involving books (because of course that’s the way to my heart) and Taran and I had to put my kindle down because I thought my heart was going to explode with love for him. I don’t want to go into detail because I don’t want to spoil it. Even thinking about what he did for Taran brings tears to my eyes – it is not intentionally romantic (which I think makes it that much more romantic strangely enough) but it was one of the purest forms of showing love and caring that I’ve ever read. From that point forward, he could truly do no wrong for me…and he really didn’t. He’s an amazing father, great friend, a pretty kick ass drummer, co-owns his own successful construction business…oh and in his spare time he volunteers to help save people with the Leth Sholas Lifeboat Service – the man is a national treasure and I will not believe anything else. But nineteen years ago he made some bad choices (tbh…as one does when they’re a teenager) and it caused him to lose the love of his life…but his heart never let her go.
I’d just given him my back when he called, “After you left … I used to come here every year and roar into the sky.”
My breath faltered again as I whirled to stare at him in disbelief.
Quinn nodded, expression tortured. “Every year. I always wondered if the clouds carried the sound of it over to the mainland … to you.”
His poetic words caused fresh tears to spill down my cheeks. “Quinn …”
“All I’m saying is that you weren’t alone in your pain. I just want us both to be free of it … and I think there’s only one way that happens.”
Taran Macbeth…I loved this girl fiercely but man alive can she hold a grudge. I get it…she had her whole world smashed, the life she thought she was going to be her future was gone in an instant and the only way she could think to cope with it was to block it out completely. It was easier to avoid it than confront the hurt and seeing the only boy you’ve ever loved living the dream life you imagined with him is a kind of heartbreak I wouldn’t wish on anyone. But I do think her stubbornness and refusal to confront their past hurt them more unnecessarily…but at the same time, I’m a scorpio so I’m also a huge fan of being unreasonably stubborn. I did like to see the change in Taran, the fact that she was choosing to open up more, learning to listen to her mom’s voice in her head and allowing herself to unburden all that hurt. After everything she had been through in the past year, her entire life changed in the span of months and when your world is flipped upside down, that’s the perfect chance to make some necessary changes – and not only with her relationship with Quinn, this was just as much about her as it was about them as a couple. I loved her bravery…I loved seeing how strong she was…and I loved that she finally found her way home.
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I was utterly in love with this woman.
Always had been.
Always would be.
And I knew in that terrifying knowing that lived in your very soul that this time between us was my one and only chance to bring us back together.
Quinn and Taran have what is my ultimate kryptonite…H-I-S-T-O-R-Y!!! I am the biggest sucker for a couple that has known each other their wholes lives (which these two have) and especially if they’ve already been in a relationship (which they were)…they just have a bond that nothing can duplicate or recreate. You cannot give yourself more time with a person and the history that these two have together is absolutely beautiful (aside from their break up of course). I was crossing my fingers that we were going to get flashbacks of their past and we do!!!! Obviously I wanted more (I always want more) but the pieces we got were instrumental and crucial points in their relationship and I loved them to bits. I knew it was going to be an uphill climb to get Taran back on #TeamQuinn – and trust me, she didn’t make it easy on Quinn (or me) but…it was so well done. It wasn’t drama for the sake of drama, it wasn’t drug out unnecessarily, it felt very mature and reasonable and realistic for who these two were and I appreciated so much the way Samantha handled it. They were absolutely worth the heartache and turmoil because the thought of existing in a world where they weren’t together was completely unfathomable to me.
“Mo luaidh.” His voice was gruff in my ear. “Mo luaidh, no one can promise you that. You’re still grieving your mum. The truth is you probably always will.” He kissed my temple as I tried to calm my tears. “But you can’t live your life in fear of losing the people you love. Because what’s the point in life without love, Taran? I love you.” He pulled me impossibly closer. “I can’t be happy without you, and I would risk losing you a thousand times over if it meant having just the smallest chance at forever with you.”
Samantha Young’s talent continues to astound me in new and glorious ways. I love that she can take a trope that has been done before (heck, even she has done it before) and put new and even more unique spins on it that make me fall in love all over again. This is going to sound like a really weird thing to like about a book…but it is what it is – I loved the way she handled the divide between Quinn and Taran – they’re not teenagers anymore, they haven’t seen each other in almost 2 decades, they’re older, have lived their own lives and yet still find themselves back with the fact that they’re still not over each other. There are loads of complicated feelings and there is still that unending passion and pull between them and rather than being ridiculous and fighting it unnecessarily, I loved that Samantha just let them handle it realistically and like adults. It was so refreshing and I loved the rawness of it. I love every kind of romance but reading adult (30+ year olds) romance has given me a new and greater appreciation of the genre and I have Samantha to thank for that.
‘For years I’d been terrified of this. Fearful of the light that Quinn had brought into my life … because there was nothing but shadows when it went away.
His love was like a drifting dawn I’d been afraid to anchor to so it could transform into sunrise.
But I didn’t want to be afraid anymore.
The light was worth battling the fear.’
It’s been approximately a week since I gushed about a Samantha Young ending and here I am again, to sing her praises because Lord have mercy, this woman knows how to freaking end a book. To be honest, I never want her books to end but somehow she has magically made me look forward to her endings because then I get to try and guess what twist she’s going to spin on me. I can’t say I figured the ending out completely, but I did guess part of it…but it was still very effective and I did like the impact it had overall. And of course the epilogue was exactly what I needed and wanted for them…it was perfect and I loved that Quinn’s children were involved. So…Samantha just announced who the next book is going to be about and I. Am. SOOOOOO freaking excited. I already figured out who the last two couples were going to be but I am thrilled that Twilight Tides is going to focus on London (Tierny’s best friend) and Murray – the hints that were dropped about these two made me beyond excited because I knew Samantha was going to give us a marriage of convenience and that’s exactly what it’s going to be!!! Don’t mind me, I’ll just be over here counting the days until July!
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April 15, 2026
Drifting Dawn was an exciting, all-consuming read, and by the end, my heart was exploding! I love it when I immediately feel lost in a story, a part of the world, caught up in the characters’ lives and feelings. That is exactly what happened with this, I felt it all! I loved the rich details and development as everything unfolded for Quinn and Taran, it had me in a chokehold. There was tension and drama, the perfect amount of suspense, plus an incredible slow burn with an edge of angst. This made for a perfect second-chance romance!
I felt so much for Quinn and Taran as their history was learned. I liked how it was set up with flashbacks to their past. I was filled with anticipation to hear all the details that caused their time apart. It was emotional, painful, raw, and real. I understood their hurt and why Taran had such high walls up. I loved her defenses coming down one by one, and how she opened her heart, and how Quinn worked to get in there. I loved the healing, vulnerability, forgiveness, and growth as they came together. I adored their simmering chemistry. The slow burn between them was worth the wait because holy goodness, it hit at just the right time. It was passionate and hot and sweet and beautiful all rolled into one.
The suspense element was fantastic. I loved the drama it created, and I was excited for it all to play out. By the end, I was on the edge of my seat. There was a wonderful cast of characters. I adored Quinn’s kids and how they were woven into everything. I loved seeing Tierney and Ramsay again, along with their friends, and I can’t wait for what’s ahead with London and Murray and Cammie and Forde. I loved the different friendships, especially between Quinn and Ramsay. There were so many fun, sweet moments, and it all came together perfectly.
I swear every book I read by Samantha Young is a new favorite, and this one was no different. This was an exceptional story and a great addition to the Scottish Isles series that’s not to be missed. It made for a truly amazing happily ever after!
Complimentary copy received.
I felt so much for Quinn and Taran as their history was learned. I liked how it was set up with flashbacks to their past. I was filled with anticipation to hear all the details that caused their time apart. It was emotional, painful, raw, and real. I understood their hurt and why Taran had such high walls up. I loved her defenses coming down one by one, and how she opened her heart, and how Quinn worked to get in there. I loved the healing, vulnerability, forgiveness, and growth as they came together. I adored their simmering chemistry. The slow burn between them was worth the wait because holy goodness, it hit at just the right time. It was passionate and hot and sweet and beautiful all rolled into one.
The suspense element was fantastic. I loved the drama it created, and I was excited for it all to play out. By the end, I was on the edge of my seat. There was a wonderful cast of characters. I adored Quinn’s kids and how they were woven into everything. I loved seeing Tierney and Ramsay again, along with their friends, and I can’t wait for what’s ahead with London and Murray and Cammie and Forde. I loved the different friendships, especially between Quinn and Ramsay. There were so many fun, sweet moments, and it all came together perfectly.
I swear every book I read by Samantha Young is a new favorite, and this one was no different. This was an exceptional story and a great addition to the Scottish Isles series that’s not to be missed. It made for a truly amazing happily ever after!
Complimentary copy received.
April 17, 2026
This couple had this reckoning coming for a long time. I have to say that I didn't care for Taran for most of the book. I liked her in a way, felt sorry for her, but didn't see her with Quinn. I felt it more so with the flashbacks and we saw how she treated Quinn when she left for uni and learned she was the one who broke up with Quinn, then was made at what she found out when she came back. She felt she'd been wronged, when really she was reaping what she sowed. Did Quinn do something stupid with Kierra and then compound it by marrying someone he wasn't in love with, yes, but with his history with his father you saw why, even as you knew it was the wrong decision.
It was painful to see Taran and Quinn interact, more so when they finally talked about the past, where their heads were and the why of the choices they made. It was nice to see that both of them got where the other was coming from, more interesting was Taran and Kierra talking about things. By the end of the book things were good with all 4 adults and you know they will be getting along going forward, the past in the past.
The other drama Taran and Quinn found themselves in was a bit crazy! I called it as soon as the one person showed up. So it was satisfying when I found out I was right. Glad things ended there in the best way possible for all involved and the bad guys got theirs.
It was painful to see Taran and Quinn interact, more so when they finally talked about the past, where their heads were and the why of the choices they made. It was nice to see that both of them got where the other was coming from, more interesting was Taran and Kierra talking about things. By the end of the book things were good with all 4 adults and you know they will be getting along going forward, the past in the past.
The other drama Taran and Quinn found themselves in was a bit crazy! I called it as soon as the one person showed up. So it was satisfying when I found out I was right. Glad things ended there in the best way possible for all involved and the bad guys got theirs.
April 19, 2026
4.5⭐️
This author has been on my TBR for ages. I’ve seen so many great reviews for her books and the tropes are right up my street, I honestly have no idea why it’s taken until now to pick one up!
I went in mostly blind, knowing it was small town with a second chance romance but that was it! Guys I loved it! This was so freaking good!. The writing hooked me straight away and I was pleasantly surprised when I realised it was romantic suspense. As usual, I was so sure I had it all figured out but I was wrong! I was kept guessing right until the end.
Second chance romance is one of my faves and it was done so well. The flashbacks to the early days of their relationship gave us the depth and history to really understand the here and now! I was rooting so hard for them to get back together!
If you’re also fans of small town and found family then you will 100% love this! Whilst it is book 2 of the Scottish Isles series, you can read it as a standalone however, you will end up wanting to know more about the side characters so I recommend downloading both! I immediately downloaded the first book as I need to know more about Ramsay!
Read if you like:
Small town
Romantic Suspense
Single parent
Second chance
Found family
Slow burn
This author has been on my TBR for ages. I’ve seen so many great reviews for her books and the tropes are right up my street, I honestly have no idea why it’s taken until now to pick one up!
I went in mostly blind, knowing it was small town with a second chance romance but that was it! Guys I loved it! This was so freaking good!. The writing hooked me straight away and I was pleasantly surprised when I realised it was romantic suspense. As usual, I was so sure I had it all figured out but I was wrong! I was kept guessing right until the end.
Second chance romance is one of my faves and it was done so well. The flashbacks to the early days of their relationship gave us the depth and history to really understand the here and now! I was rooting so hard for them to get back together!
If you’re also fans of small town and found family then you will 100% love this! Whilst it is book 2 of the Scottish Isles series, you can read it as a standalone however, you will end up wanting to know more about the side characters so I recommend downloading both! I immediately downloaded the first book as I need to know more about Ramsay!
Read if you like:
Small town
Romantic Suspense
Single parent
Second chance
Found family
Slow burn
June 5, 2026
I love her brooding Scots but the formula is getting stale. I will of course continue to read because I love it all.
April 19, 2026
4.25⭐️
April 26, 2026
Woof. This book was unfortunate...
First off, I am so over the dual timeline. I don't know if I can read any more of them at this point. I DREAD reading about 15-year-olds in the old chapters. It seldom makes the book better to have to oscillate back and forth - in first person - to past and present... and in this case, different present times... it was just not effective.
Second, I think authors of interconnected standalones must feel obligated to write second-chance romances because I genuinely can't understand why else they would. With very few exceptions, they are consistently some of the worst books in the genre. I just don't believe that two people who dated in high school would be this obsessed 18 years later: given what happened, what continued to happen, and their current lives. I don't need my romances to be realistic - but it just isn't romantic. I was not rooting for them.
Last, the conflict/romantic suspense piece was as obvious as it was out of left field. I don't think this one was well set up to be a romantic suspense book.
The whole narrative/writing of this book felt so messy, and there were so many chapters that felt completely unnecessary. I suppose: to each their own, but I am just genuinely shocked by the high overall GR rating.
First off, I am so over the dual timeline. I don't know if I can read any more of them at this point. I DREAD reading about 15-year-olds in the old chapters. It seldom makes the book better to have to oscillate back and forth - in first person - to past and present... and in this case, different present times... it was just not effective.
Second, I think authors of interconnected standalones must feel obligated to write second-chance romances because I genuinely can't understand why else they would. With very few exceptions, they are consistently some of the worst books in the genre. I just don't believe that two people who dated in high school would be this obsessed 18 years later: given what happened, what continued to happen, and their current lives. I don't need my romances to be realistic - but it just isn't romantic. I was not rooting for them.
Last, the conflict/romantic suspense piece was as obvious as it was out of left field. I don't think this one was well set up to be a romantic suspense book.
The whole narrative/writing of this book felt so messy, and there were so many chapters that felt completely unnecessary. I suppose: to each their own, but I am just genuinely shocked by the high overall GR rating.
April 16, 2026
Quinn and Taran, you have my heart
🏴Second Chance
🌊 Small Town
🏴Romantic Suspense
🌊Grief
🏴Hurt/Comfort
🌊 Found Family
This was such a beautifully paced story. The journey Taran and Quinn go on was a perfectly paced slow-burn as the pair learnt to trust and open up to each other once again.
One of my favourite things about Samantha’s books is her ability to create such a strong sense of community between the characters, they feel like a family and I feel connected to every single character, no matter how big or small a part they play.
Quinn’s children were such a fundamental part of this story and Heather, I would go to the ends of the earth for you. Quinn learning to open up not only to Taran, but also to his kids, really hit me and I loved watching their relationship strengthen and grow. Taran’s slot into their family dynamic couldn’t have been done better.
Murray and London, I’ll be waiting for you 💕
Thankyou to Samantha for another wonderful story 🫶
🏴Second Chance
🌊 Small Town
🏴Romantic Suspense
🌊Grief
🏴Hurt/Comfort
🌊 Found Family
This was such a beautifully paced story. The journey Taran and Quinn go on was a perfectly paced slow-burn as the pair learnt to trust and open up to each other once again.
One of my favourite things about Samantha’s books is her ability to create such a strong sense of community between the characters, they feel like a family and I feel connected to every single character, no matter how big or small a part they play.
Quinn’s children were such a fundamental part of this story and Heather, I would go to the ends of the earth for you. Quinn learning to open up not only to Taran, but also to his kids, really hit me and I loved watching their relationship strengthen and grow. Taran’s slot into their family dynamic couldn’t have been done better.
Murray and London, I’ll be waiting for you 💕
Thankyou to Samantha for another wonderful story 🫶
April 20, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!!
yay for another samantha young book!! boo (if you don’t appreciate angst the way i do) for a story that’ll put you through the wringer and pull you in different directions. because let me tell you, this one put the mcs (and reader) through A LOT.
i liked quinn in book 1, so i was very much looking forward to his story. i loveeeee a good single-dad romance, but make it second-chance romance too?? that is the way to my heart!
this was messy and gut-wrenching but sweet and heart-warming in all the best ways. this was a slow-burn by necessity as there are a lot of heated feelings for both parties, but the pacing of the romance was sublime.
taran’s character, though i’ve never before been in her shoes, was written in a way that made her achingly relatable and easy to have compassion for. i wanted to reach into the book and give her a hug! 🤍
quinn, on the other hand? not as easy for me to understand, but i could empathize with his present-day struggles and feelings. honestly, more than how he showed up in the romance department/who he became for taran, i *loved* the dad he was for his children. heather, especially.
i do think the suspense element of the storyline was weaker compared to that of the first book, it was still engaging!
*i received an arc from the author in exchange for an honest review!*
the reason why i deducted a star is below:
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okay, while ‘friends’ was before my time, i 100% see how quinn & taran’s initial breakup was before ross & rachel coded. maybe i’m inured to the hurt and rage-inducing aspect of it bc of all the second-chance romances i’ve read, but i did find the ending of the story quite satisfactory. i’m a girl’s girl but i DO think both taran & quinn had roles to play in their unbelievably messy breakup.
1. i felt like taran treated quinn quite crappily when she went away to university. she ignored him, disregarded his efforts and time, didn’t put a stop to the derogatory comments her friends made about men like quinn, etc.. and she openly flirted with julian right in front of quinn, and tried to hide the fact that julian kissed her despite knowing full well that she was in a relationship.
2. although they were on a “break”, quinn never should’ve slept with keira!!! i fully understand that. he simply should’ve ended things with taran before getting so hammered, he couldn’t remember hooking up with someone else. and if had he broken up with taran to begin with, it a) would’ve made a lot more sense! he was tired of being treated like dogsh*t & having his efforts be disregarded, but b) would’ve lent the same level of angst to the present-day timeline!!!
but 3. they were KIDS. they were stupid and idiotic and had a minimally-developed frontal lobe. ofc they were gonna be messy and idiotic!! i can forgive them for that.
however, *my* biggest gripe with the story is how the whole town came together in support of quinn winning back “his girl” despite the fact that he *did* (non-consensually? unwittingly? he was too blacked out to consent to sex with keira!!) cheat on her but offered no support to taran while navigating a small-town with an ex who broke her heart and her mother’s passing. in fact, they conspired to get her to forgive him & fall back in love with him by forcing them together 24/7. the fact that they didn’t consider taran’s feelings or a bench even once is what irritated me!!
yay for another samantha young book!! boo (if you don’t appreciate angst the way i do) for a story that’ll put you through the wringer and pull you in different directions. because let me tell you, this one put the mcs (and reader) through A LOT.
i liked quinn in book 1, so i was very much looking forward to his story. i loveeeee a good single-dad romance, but make it second-chance romance too?? that is the way to my heart!
this was messy and gut-wrenching but sweet and heart-warming in all the best ways. this was a slow-burn by necessity as there are a lot of heated feelings for both parties, but the pacing of the romance was sublime.
taran’s character, though i’ve never before been in her shoes, was written in a way that made her achingly relatable and easy to have compassion for. i wanted to reach into the book and give her a hug! 🤍
quinn, on the other hand? not as easy for me to understand, but i could empathize with his present-day struggles and feelings. honestly, more than how he showed up in the romance department/who he became for taran, i *loved* the dad he was for his children. heather, especially.
i do think the suspense element of the storyline was weaker compared to that of the first book, it was still engaging!
*i received an arc from the author in exchange for an honest review!*
the reason why i deducted a star is below:
*
*
*
*
*
okay, while ‘friends’ was before my time, i 100% see how quinn & taran’s initial breakup was before ross & rachel coded. maybe i’m inured to the hurt and rage-inducing aspect of it bc of all the second-chance romances i’ve read, but i did find the ending of the story quite satisfactory. i’m a girl’s girl but i DO think both taran & quinn had roles to play in their unbelievably messy breakup.
1. i felt like taran treated quinn quite crappily when she went away to university. she ignored him, disregarded his efforts and time, didn’t put a stop to the derogatory comments her friends made about men like quinn, etc.. and she openly flirted with julian right in front of quinn, and tried to hide the fact that julian kissed her despite knowing full well that she was in a relationship.
2. although they were on a “break”, quinn never should’ve slept with keira!!! i fully understand that. he simply should’ve ended things with taran before getting so hammered, he couldn’t remember hooking up with someone else. and if had he broken up with taran to begin with, it a) would’ve made a lot more sense! he was tired of being treated like dogsh*t & having his efforts be disregarded, but b) would’ve lent the same level of angst to the present-day timeline!!!
but 3. they were KIDS. they were stupid and idiotic and had a minimally-developed frontal lobe. ofc they were gonna be messy and idiotic!! i can forgive them for that.
however, *my* biggest gripe with the story is how the whole town came together in support of quinn winning back “his girl” despite the fact that he *did* (non-consensually? unwittingly? he was too blacked out to consent to sex with keira!!) cheat on her but offered no support to taran while navigating a small-town with an ex who broke her heart and her mother’s passing. in fact, they conspired to get her to forgive him & fall back in love with him by forcing them together 24/7. the fact that they didn’t consider taran’s feelings or a bench even once is what irritated me!!
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