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A Castle in the Sky: Fern & Connor
Fern thought marriage meant partnership, love, and the quiet safety of family. For four years, she's tried to believe that-tried to ignore the sharp edges of a mother-in-law who never wanted her, an ex who had moved too close for comfort and a husband who is always looking the other way.
But when her husband's negligence leaves their little girl in a hospital bed, Fern can no longer swallow the excuses. She is done being the afterthought in her own marriage.
Her husband Conner insists he loves her, but love doesn't keep their child safe. Love doesn't silence a mother-in-law's whispers or stop an ex from poisoning the air of every family gathering. Love isn't enough-not when Fern's entire world has been built on the shaky ground of compromise.
And as the fractures in their marriage widen into fault lines, Fern has to face the question she's been afraid to ask-
What if walking away is the only way to save herself and her daughter?
But when her husband's negligence leaves their little girl in a hospital bed, Fern can no longer swallow the excuses. She is done being the afterthought in her own marriage.
Her husband Conner insists he loves her, but love doesn't keep their child safe. Love doesn't silence a mother-in-law's whispers or stop an ex from poisoning the air of every family gathering. Love isn't enough-not when Fern's entire world has been built on the shaky ground of compromise.
And as the fractures in their marriage widen into fault lines, Fern has to face the question she's been afraid to ask-
What if walking away is the only way to save herself and her daughter?
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 23, 2026
191 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 24, 2026
This one starts with a bang and will make a mama’s heart bleed. The rage I felt! It was very well done. I won’t even get into the betrayal because it’s… well, a LOT. This is probably a good one to go in blind. I was shocked, so that was fun! This author is getting better and better. I’m glad she’s team ‘Angst & Betrayal’. She truly has a gift.
Tropes:
Marriage in trouble
Secrets
No cheating
Second chances
Evil OW and MIL
I couldn’t put this down. Highly recommend to my angsty friends! ❤️
Tropes:
Marriage in trouble
Secrets
No cheating
Second chances
Evil OW and MIL
I couldn’t put this down. Highly recommend to my angsty friends! ❤️
April 23, 2026
I can’t actually remember how I first came across this author – I think it was on Wattpad – but since then I’ve pretty much worked my way through most of her books on Kindle. This one had been on my radar for a while because I read a little intro of it on Wattpad, and I was hooked straight away. I even had a timer set for the release… and honestly, it did not disappoint.
This is Connor and Fern’s story. They’ve been married around five years and have a daughter together who has some learning difficulties. The story starts in Connor’s hometown, where they moved back to a few years earlier after meeting in Manchester. And it doesn’t ease you in gently – it goes straight into the crisis. Their daughter ends up in hospital with burns after being left in Matilda’s care… Matilda being Connor’s ex.
From that moment, everything just unravels.
We learn pretty quickly from Fern’s POV that Connor has been completely neglecting his family since moving back. He’s always running to Matilda whenever she calls, spending time with her son, prioritising them over his own wife and child. And the one time Fern really needed him – to pick up their daughter – he lets her down. That decision is what leads to the accident, and honestly, the hospital scene where it all comes out? Heartbreaking. Fern just reaches her limit and you can feel it. She’s done.
What I really loved about this book is that it wasn’t your typical “other woman” situation. Connor didn’t have feelings for Matilda at all. The truth, when it comes out, is so much more complicated and honestly quite dark. It all goes back to their teenage years – family affairs, a house fire, manipulation, and Matilda holding a very serious accusation over Connor’s head. From that point on, she essentially controls him through threats, and he’s been living with that for years.
And yes, he absolutely should have told Fern. That’s the whole point. It’s not cheating, it’s not desire – it’s lies by omission, fear, shame, and poor choices. He admits that himself. He kept putting it off because he didn’t know how to explain something like that without it sticking to him.
Fern’s reaction felt so real to me. She doesn’t just forgive him because he’s sorry. She sets boundaries, she chooses herself and her daughter, and she walks away. She tells him to sort his life out, find out the truth about Matilda’s son, and she moves back to Manchester. I loved that strength in her.
From there, you really see Connor step up. You feel how much he loves Fern, how ashamed he is, and how much he wants to be better. He cuts ties where he needs to, faces everything head-on, and actually puts the work in. It’s not rushed, and I appreciated that. By the time they find their way back to each other (almost a year later), it feels earned.
There were also some really good twists – especially towards the end with Matilda – and I liked that there were still loose ends being tied up, like Connor potentially reconnecting with his dad.
The only reason this isn’t a five-star for me is because of the way some of the services and assessments were portrayed. I think because I work in that kind of environment, it just didn’t feel quite right to me, and it pulled me out of the story a bit. But that’s a very personal thing.
Overall though, the writing was amazing – as always with this author. She just has a way of making you feel everything. Even when the storyline isn’t 100% my usual thing, her writing always pulls me in.
This was easily a four-star read for me, and definitely one I’d recommend if you love a messy, emotional “marriage in trouble” trope with real consequences and growth.
This is Connor and Fern’s story. They’ve been married around five years and have a daughter together who has some learning difficulties. The story starts in Connor’s hometown, where they moved back to a few years earlier after meeting in Manchester. And it doesn’t ease you in gently – it goes straight into the crisis. Their daughter ends up in hospital with burns after being left in Matilda’s care… Matilda being Connor’s ex.
From that moment, everything just unravels.
We learn pretty quickly from Fern’s POV that Connor has been completely neglecting his family since moving back. He’s always running to Matilda whenever she calls, spending time with her son, prioritising them over his own wife and child. And the one time Fern really needed him – to pick up their daughter – he lets her down. That decision is what leads to the accident, and honestly, the hospital scene where it all comes out? Heartbreaking. Fern just reaches her limit and you can feel it. She’s done.
What I really loved about this book is that it wasn’t your typical “other woman” situation. Connor didn’t have feelings for Matilda at all. The truth, when it comes out, is so much more complicated and honestly quite dark. It all goes back to their teenage years – family affairs, a house fire, manipulation, and Matilda holding a very serious accusation over Connor’s head. From that point on, she essentially controls him through threats, and he’s been living with that for years.
And yes, he absolutely should have told Fern. That’s the whole point. It’s not cheating, it’s not desire – it’s lies by omission, fear, shame, and poor choices. He admits that himself. He kept putting it off because he didn’t know how to explain something like that without it sticking to him.
Fern’s reaction felt so real to me. She doesn’t just forgive him because he’s sorry. She sets boundaries, she chooses herself and her daughter, and she walks away. She tells him to sort his life out, find out the truth about Matilda’s son, and she moves back to Manchester. I loved that strength in her.
From there, you really see Connor step up. You feel how much he loves Fern, how ashamed he is, and how much he wants to be better. He cuts ties where he needs to, faces everything head-on, and actually puts the work in. It’s not rushed, and I appreciated that. By the time they find their way back to each other (almost a year later), it feels earned.
There were also some really good twists – especially towards the end with Matilda – and I liked that there were still loose ends being tied up, like Connor potentially reconnecting with his dad.
The only reason this isn’t a five-star for me is because of the way some of the services and assessments were portrayed. I think because I work in that kind of environment, it just didn’t feel quite right to me, and it pulled me out of the story a bit. But that’s a very personal thing.
Overall though, the writing was amazing – as always with this author. She just has a way of making you feel everything. Even when the storyline isn’t 100% my usual thing, her writing always pulls me in.
This was easily a four-star read for me, and definitely one I’d recommend if you love a messy, emotional “marriage in trouble” trope with real consequences and growth.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2026
Pretty good
There was a lot to process in this. Dysfunctional families galore. Very sad. Connor was totally afraid of Matilda but he didn't want her anymore. He never cheated but he put Matilda first because she was blackmailing him. Also lying to him. She was a sick piece of work. And what was the ending? Is she going to try again? She was just messed up and vile. Connor and Fern made it through the battle but it was a long long journey. Lots of angst and mental illness. I really think this might be closer to 3 stars but I rounded it up for no cheating.
There was a lot to process in this. Dysfunctional families galore. Very sad. Connor was totally afraid of Matilda but he didn't want her anymore. He never cheated but he put Matilda first because she was blackmailing him. Also lying to him. She was a sick piece of work. And what was the ending? Is she going to try again? She was just messed up and vile. Connor and Fern made it through the battle but it was a long long journey. Lots of angst and mental illness. I really think this might be closer to 3 stars but I rounded it up for no cheating.
April 29, 2026
Emotional
This is the journey of Fern and Connor coming together stronger in the end. . What an emotional ride it was. They have been through so much especially Connor, however it effects Cora and Fern. What happens to Cora is something else. Connor had a long journey of earning trust back.
This is the journey of Fern and Connor coming together stronger in the end. . What an emotional ride it was. They have been through so much especially Connor, however it effects Cora and Fern. What happens to Cora is something else. Connor had a long journey of earning trust back.
April 24, 2026
Earning Forgiveness
Castle in the Sky is not your typical marriage in crisis book. It grabbed a hold of me from the beginning and didn’t let go.
My heart broke over and over again for both Fern and Connor. I was initially super angry with Connor, but it turned out that all was not as it seemed with him. I never doubted his love for Fern, although he epically failed Fern and Coral. I never thought he had any sort of feelings for Matilda either.
Fern was such a strong MFC. I loved that about her. She was a fierce mama bear protecting her cub. Her love for Coral was apparent in everything she did. She had so much patience for Coral. I hurt with her through out the book and was happy that she was able to work things out by the end.
Kayla was a truly terrible human being. I could not believe her selfishness and utter lack of care towards her grand daughter. Her devotion to Matilda was mind boggling and drove me crazy. I was not a fan of Matilda, but at least I kind of understood her and what drives me her and broke her. Kayla was just a heartless monster.
I loved this book! 💜 I have read it multiple times and it was just as good every time. Raegan has a way of writing heartbreak that just draws you in and makes you feel with the characters.
Castle in the Sky is not your typical marriage in crisis book. It grabbed a hold of me from the beginning and didn’t let go.
My heart broke over and over again for both Fern and Connor. I was initially super angry with Connor, but it turned out that all was not as it seemed with him. I never doubted his love for Fern, although he epically failed Fern and Coral. I never thought he had any sort of feelings for Matilda either.
Fern was such a strong MFC. I loved that about her. She was a fierce mama bear protecting her cub. Her love for Coral was apparent in everything she did. She had so much patience for Coral. I hurt with her through out the book and was happy that she was able to work things out by the end.
Kayla was a truly terrible human being. I could not believe her selfishness and utter lack of care towards her grand daughter. Her devotion to Matilda was mind boggling and drove me crazy. I was not a fan of Matilda, but at least I kind of understood her and what drives me her and broke her. Kayla was just a heartless monster.
I loved this book! 💜 I have read it multiple times and it was just as good every time. Raegan has a way of writing heartbreak that just draws you in and makes you feel with the characters.
April 23, 2026
It was a difficult story to read. The trauma that the MMC had to endure was heartbreaking.
Same for Matty and Sawyer. However, you can’t feel too sorry for Matty and the Monster in Law!
The plot and drama was really well written and researched.
But I must say how it was written was very boring and difficult to not loose track. I had to skip all the descriptions and details narrated at the third person! Sometimes I wasn’t sure if I was reading from Fern or Connor’s POV! I had to skip a lot to get to the end which felt like it was unfinished: about Connor and his dad, and what does Marty’s ending means?!!
Not my cup of tea.
Same for Matty and Sawyer. However, you can’t feel too sorry for Matty and the Monster in Law!
The plot and drama was really well written and researched.
But I must say how it was written was very boring and difficult to not loose track. I had to skip all the descriptions and details narrated at the third person! Sometimes I wasn’t sure if I was reading from Fern or Connor’s POV! I had to skip a lot to get to the end which felt like it was unfinished: about Connor and his dad, and what does Marty’s ending means?!!
Not my cup of tea.
May 8, 2026
This is the story of Fern and Connor and it is a marriage on crisis book that you are going to love.
Let me tell you the gut punches start from the opening scene where Fern is sitting in a hospital room with her daughter after Connor left her with his neglectful mother so he can take another woman's son out. Fern has had enough so she decides that she needs to do what is best for her daugther and if that means leaving Connor then so be it.
Before you decide that Connor needs to go remember this is just the start of the book and Connor's story will unfold over the course of the book. Raegan is the Queen of giving as a MMC that you cannot help but get on board with. The grovel is on point and Connors story is heartbreaking. If you have never read a book by Reagan you cannot go wrong starting here.
Let me tell you the gut punches start from the opening scene where Fern is sitting in a hospital room with her daughter after Connor left her with his neglectful mother so he can take another woman's son out. Fern has had enough so she decides that she needs to do what is best for her daugther and if that means leaving Connor then so be it.
Before you decide that Connor needs to go remember this is just the start of the book and Connor's story will unfold over the course of the book. Raegan is the Queen of giving as a MMC that you cannot help but get on board with. The grovel is on point and Connors story is heartbreaking. If you have never read a book by Reagan you cannot go wrong starting here.
April 27, 2026
surprised me
I went into this book thinking, eh and not expecting much. It actually surprised me in a good way. My heart really went out to the mmc. He annoyed me to no end. He was weak. Spineless. However, when it delved into the background, you could understand why. The fmc was strong when she needed to be. She took no prisoners and stood up for her child. The OW. While I couldn’t stand her, I also had pity for her. Her childhood shaped her into what she was.
I really really enjoyed this book. My emotions and who I sympathized with were all over the place through most of it!
I went into this book thinking, eh and not expecting much. It actually surprised me in a good way. My heart really went out to the mmc. He annoyed me to no end. He was weak. Spineless. However, when it delved into the background, you could understand why. The fmc was strong when she needed to be. She took no prisoners and stood up for her child. The OW. While I couldn’t stand her, I also had pity for her. Her childhood shaped her into what she was.
I really really enjoyed this book. My emotions and who I sympathized with were all over the place through most of it!
April 23, 2026
Raegan never fails to write an emotionally impactful story. This was poignant and visceral in equal measure. Fern and Connor had to really put in the work to build a stronger foundation and boy was it a ride!
May 8, 2026
I enjoyed reading this on Wattpad especially as the book starts off in my neighbourhood. I bought a copy when it was released and really enjoyed the extra that was added about Matilda. I needed to get in her head.
Really enjoy this author's work
Really enjoy this author's work
May 1, 2026
👌🏼
Well written with a few errors. Fern was a mama bear and she roared and it was what should have been done. She didn't falter and I loved that.
Harlan is a great dad and the support and strength he lends Fern and Coral is 🙌🏼
And Fern, with the most boss attitude telling Connor that the only thing she needed him to win back was his spine was perfection.
We didn't get much back story to their life before Cora landed in the hospital. I don't know what would change for me if f we did. If he was always a spineless twat then I'd probably side eye Fern a bit. If he wasn't, and only turned into a spineless sycophant after the move, then...I don't know. Truly don't. But I do know that he wasn't redeemed in my eyes.
Well written with a few errors. Fern was a mama bear and she roared and it was what should have been done. She didn't falter and I loved that.
Harlan is a great dad and the support and strength he lends Fern and Coral is 🙌🏼
And Fern, with the most boss attitude telling Connor that the only thing she needed him to win back was his spine was perfection.
We didn't get much back story to their life before Cora landed in the hospital. I don't know what would change for me if f we did. If he was always a spineless twat then I'd probably side eye Fern a bit. If he wasn't, and only turned into a spineless sycophant after the move, then...I don't know. Truly don't. But I do know that he wasn't redeemed in my eyes.
April 29, 2026
Good writing but the MMC is a giant red flag and the FMC should have gotten as far from him as possible. He knowingly put his family at risk to protect himself.
April 24, 2026
A Castle in the sky is the story of Connor and Fern. Is he a negligent father still in love with his high school sweetheart? Or is there more to it. Well short answer….there is definitely more to it.
Raegan uses her own medical background and research to give us a beautifully, woven tale that deals with sensitive topics such as:
Child abuse
Child neglect
Mental health struggles including but not limited to bipolar disorder
Infidelity in a marriage(not main characters)
The story opens with the unspeakable. A mother, alone, in a hospital, sitting at her young daughter’s bedside trying to soothe the little girl who came in with burns on her hand. Now accidents happen everyday…I think most parents have had that scary “oh no” moment. This was not one of those moments. This was one of the parents willingly giving the child to another adult, an adult who only thinks of herself, who belittled her own son as a child because he had learning difficulties. Kayla, may be Connor’s “mom”, and Coraline’s “grandmother” but she is anything but nurturing. The one time Fern, a doting mother, a frustrated wife needs her husband to take care of their daughter, he chooses to take Maddie’s (ow) son. to his game, then dinner, while his phone is dead and calls are missed. Meanwhile, the mom not wanting to be bothered with her less than perfect “granddaughter” pawns her off onto another woman, and that woman is none other than the buzzed, drugged out Maddie!
I am sure you are thinking that there is no way that Connor will be redeemed. Maybe for some people he isn’t. But this is just the beginning of Connor’s story. His sad story starts as a young boy where he is often left alone with his dismissive, emotionally abusive mother as his father travels for work. Then one day the father leaves for good. His closest friends are Sawyer and his twin sister Maddie. But Maddie has her own demons. There is unrest in her own house when She and her brother loses both parents to a fire at a young age. She is beautiful, cruel and knows how to manipulate others to get what she wants. Connor, with his low self esteem, lack of dad, and being raised by a callous mother easily falls into Maddie’s web. She likes to play with her prey, and in her world everyone is prey! When Maddie goes too far, and reveals “truths”, he runs away at 17.
He eventually meets Fern, she is the opposite of every woman he has ever known. She is warm, loving, and encouraging. He has cut off everyone from his past, and never shares it with Fern, being half afraid that she would run for the hills. Then, in a moment of weakness he calls his mom to tell her about this fabulous woman he met and how he wants to make her his wife. That connection to his past opened him up to Maddie’s game playing ways! You see she wasn’t done with Connor yet. Fern ends up pregnant, they marry in a small ceremony. Maddie is still holding on to those “truths”, and she basically blackmails him to move back. So he convinces Fern that moving back to be near family would be best for her and her baby. Fern is close to her father, but he drives truck and is gone for long stretches at a time.
This is the beginning of Fern’s nightmare. Coraline, their daughter, develops a little slower/differently than other children her age. So, Obviously Grandma Kayla has no interest in her as a grandchild. And based on Coraline’s drawings etc she is attached to her dad. But Connor starts spending more and more time with the ow’s child. When the story starts, Fern has been dealing with this for years and now her child is hurt because of the choice Connor made. Fern….is ….done!
So you may be wondering who the new hero is? There isn’t. Connor spends most of the book making the changes needed to be the husband and father he should have always been. He shares with Fern all the “truths” that Maddie was holding over his head and it is heartbreaking. Connor is currently in his late 20’s. He has never dealt with the trauma he was dealt as a child. And yes he grew up with trauma not only from his mom’s emotional abuse, his dad leaving, but also the evil manipulations of Maddie who used his crush for her against him. He grew up to be a scared young man, always looking over his shoulder. He finally found comfort, love, and stability with Fern only for the past to rear its ugly head again and he reverted back to the insecure, scared boy he was at 17. Fern is able to see this. This doesn’t mean she accepts him back based on his sad story, she doesn’t . She makes him work for it. But along the way she helps him slay those demons of the past! They finally work together as a couple with no secrets keeping them apart.
This story was intense and beautiful. As I said, Raegan doesn’t shy away from tackling the hard subjects and along the way there is a lots of love between our two main characters. ‘She also makes sure to deliver karma to those who earned it and hope for those that should have a second chance. In addition to this we get to know Fern’s dad and all I have to say is I hope he gets his own book so I can get to know him more.
I know that I didn’t delve too deeply into the details. I didn’t spill the secrets, because I really feel that in this case spilling those would not translate well. They delivered some hard hits when you read the story, and I live for those hard hits.
Many people go into this story despising Conor in the beginning, only to feel for all he has to overcome in the end. This story has a lot of drama and quite a bit of angst in the beginning. It is not always an easy read but it made me want to read up more on some of the topics it discussed. I also enjoyed reading the additional chapter about Maddie in the end…it is truly dizzying to be in her mind!
Raegan uses her own medical background and research to give us a beautifully, woven tale that deals with sensitive topics such as:
Child abuse
Child neglect
Mental health struggles including but not limited to bipolar disorder
Infidelity in a marriage(not main characters)
The story opens with the unspeakable. A mother, alone, in a hospital, sitting at her young daughter’s bedside trying to soothe the little girl who came in with burns on her hand. Now accidents happen everyday…I think most parents have had that scary “oh no” moment. This was not one of those moments. This was one of the parents willingly giving the child to another adult, an adult who only thinks of herself, who belittled her own son as a child because he had learning difficulties. Kayla, may be Connor’s “mom”, and Coraline’s “grandmother” but she is anything but nurturing. The one time Fern, a doting mother, a frustrated wife needs her husband to take care of their daughter, he chooses to take Maddie’s (ow) son. to his game, then dinner, while his phone is dead and calls are missed. Meanwhile, the mom not wanting to be bothered with her less than perfect “granddaughter” pawns her off onto another woman, and that woman is none other than the buzzed, drugged out Maddie!
I am sure you are thinking that there is no way that Connor will be redeemed. Maybe for some people he isn’t. But this is just the beginning of Connor’s story. His sad story starts as a young boy where he is often left alone with his dismissive, emotionally abusive mother as his father travels for work. Then one day the father leaves for good. His closest friends are Sawyer and his twin sister Maddie. But Maddie has her own demons. There is unrest in her own house when She and her brother loses both parents to a fire at a young age. She is beautiful, cruel and knows how to manipulate others to get what she wants. Connor, with his low self esteem, lack of dad, and being raised by a callous mother easily falls into Maddie’s web. She likes to play with her prey, and in her world everyone is prey! When Maddie goes too far, and reveals “truths”, he runs away at 17.
He eventually meets Fern, she is the opposite of every woman he has ever known. She is warm, loving, and encouraging. He has cut off everyone from his past, and never shares it with Fern, being half afraid that she would run for the hills. Then, in a moment of weakness he calls his mom to tell her about this fabulous woman he met and how he wants to make her his wife. That connection to his past opened him up to Maddie’s game playing ways! You see she wasn’t done with Connor yet. Fern ends up pregnant, they marry in a small ceremony. Maddie is still holding on to those “truths”, and she basically blackmails him to move back. So he convinces Fern that moving back to be near family would be best for her and her baby. Fern is close to her father, but he drives truck and is gone for long stretches at a time.
This is the beginning of Fern’s nightmare. Coraline, their daughter, develops a little slower/differently than other children her age. So, Obviously Grandma Kayla has no interest in her as a grandchild. And based on Coraline’s drawings etc she is attached to her dad. But Connor starts spending more and more time with the ow’s child. When the story starts, Fern has been dealing with this for years and now her child is hurt because of the choice Connor made. Fern….is ….done!
So you may be wondering who the new hero is? There isn’t. Connor spends most of the book making the changes needed to be the husband and father he should have always been. He shares with Fern all the “truths” that Maddie was holding over his head and it is heartbreaking. Connor is currently in his late 20’s. He has never dealt with the trauma he was dealt as a child. And yes he grew up with trauma not only from his mom’s emotional abuse, his dad leaving, but also the evil manipulations of Maddie who used his crush for her against him. He grew up to be a scared young man, always looking over his shoulder. He finally found comfort, love, and stability with Fern only for the past to rear its ugly head again and he reverted back to the insecure, scared boy he was at 17. Fern is able to see this. This doesn’t mean she accepts him back based on his sad story, she doesn’t . She makes him work for it. But along the way she helps him slay those demons of the past! They finally work together as a couple with no secrets keeping them apart.
This story was intense and beautiful. As I said, Raegan doesn’t shy away from tackling the hard subjects and along the way there is a lots of love between our two main characters. ‘She also makes sure to deliver karma to those who earned it and hope for those that should have a second chance. In addition to this we get to know Fern’s dad and all I have to say is I hope he gets his own book so I can get to know him more.
I know that I didn’t delve too deeply into the details. I didn’t spill the secrets, because I really feel that in this case spilling those would not translate well. They delivered some hard hits when you read the story, and I live for those hard hits.
Many people go into this story despising Conor in the beginning, only to feel for all he has to overcome in the end. This story has a lot of drama and quite a bit of angst in the beginning. It is not always an easy read but it made me want to read up more on some of the topics it discussed. I also enjoyed reading the additional chapter about Maddie in the end…it is truly dizzying to be in her mind!
May 9, 2026
A Castle in the Sky: Fern & Connor
Raegan Salander
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:
💕MF Romance
💕Betrayal/Grovel/HEA
💕Small Town
💕OW Drama
💕Marriage in Crisis
💕Second Chance
💕Wattpad to Published
Triggers:
🚩Child Abuse
🚩Mental Health
Spice Level (as of 5.8.26): 🔥🔥🔥
🔥: Clean
🔥🔥: Mild
🔥🔥🔥: Spicy
🔥🔥🔥🔥: Very Spicy
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥: Explicit/Kink-Heavy
—----------------------
Quote From Book:
"Right now," she said softly, "the only thing I need you to win back is your spine. If you manage that, then we'll see about the rest."
Writing Style Rating: 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:
FMC and MMC are married. MMCs childhood friend is causing issues in their marriage. MMC is always leaving to take care of her and her son. But there is more to it. It all comes to a head when the MMC and FMCs daughter is hurt by the OW (childhood friend).
Review:
I believe I read this book or a version of it on Wattpad some time ago. The writing is good it draws you in and keeps you engaged in the story. I really found myself being really upset with the MMC. My heart hurt to have an innocent child hurt due to her father's negligence. I was so grateful for the OW and mom getting their just due.
Want to read this for yourself? Grab your copy here:
Kindle: https://amzn.to/4uCVGIS
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Paperback: https://amzn.to/4wz38GK
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Raegan Salander
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:
💕MF Romance
💕Betrayal/Grovel/HEA
💕Small Town
💕OW Drama
💕Marriage in Crisis
💕Second Chance
💕Wattpad to Published
Triggers:
🚩Child Abuse
🚩Mental Health
Spice Level (as of 5.8.26): 🔥🔥🔥
🔥: Clean
🔥🔥: Mild
🔥🔥🔥: Spicy
🔥🔥🔥🔥: Very Spicy
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥: Explicit/Kink-Heavy
—----------------------
Quote From Book:
"Right now," she said softly, "the only thing I need you to win back is your spine. If you manage that, then we'll see about the rest."
Writing Style Rating: 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:
FMC and MMC are married. MMCs childhood friend is causing issues in their marriage. MMC is always leaving to take care of her and her son. But there is more to it. It all comes to a head when the MMC and FMCs daughter is hurt by the OW (childhood friend).
Review:
I believe I read this book or a version of it on Wattpad some time ago. The writing is good it draws you in and keeps you engaged in the story. I really found myself being really upset with the MMC. My heart hurt to have an innocent child hurt due to her father's negligence. I was so grateful for the OW and mom getting their just due.
Want to read this for yourself? Grab your copy here:
Kindle: https://amzn.to/4uCVGIS
Hardcover: https://amzn.to/4u1TTNm
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4wz38GK
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Join the community and read with me: https://bibliodarling.substack.com
April 24, 2026
Notes for me
Connor
Fern
Married a few years have a 4 year old daughter, Coral.
They’ve moved back to his home town. He spends most of his time with his ex, Matilda, and her son Jacob. Takes Jacob to rugby, runs to Matilda any time she calls.
His mother always calls Matilda the one that got away and is cruel to Fern.
Story opens with a gut punch. Coral is in the hospital with 2nd degree burns on her hand. A neighbor teen found her crying. Fern had asked Connor to pick her up from school due to an appointment. She never does this. Takes care of everything herself.
Matilda had called Connor saying she had a job interview and he needs to take Jacob to rugby. Connor has his mom pick Coral up and she drops her off at Matilda’s.
Matilda who has substance abuse issues and hates Fern and Coral. The burned hand is the result.
Connor’s phone died. He shows up at mom’s to get Coral and finds out about Matilda. He had dropped Jacob off earlier and Matilda is stoned, drunk and dressed in lingerie.
He rushes back over, she tells him there was a small issue and she’s at the hospital.
Fern is DONE. In her mind her husband has most likely been sleeping with Matilda, prefers her and Jacob over his own family. Child Protective Services (called something different but same concept) is involved and she wants all 3 of them to go down. She’s moving home with her dad.
Connor finally tells her the truth. It’s better and worse than she feared.
I enjoy marriage in trouble stories without cheating. This book, while in that genre, is quite a bit different.
Read TWs as it deals with dark subjects.
Connor
Fern
Married a few years have a 4 year old daughter, Coral.
They’ve moved back to his home town. He spends most of his time with his ex, Matilda, and her son Jacob. Takes Jacob to rugby, runs to Matilda any time she calls.
His mother always calls Matilda the one that got away and is cruel to Fern.
Story opens with a gut punch. Coral is in the hospital with 2nd degree burns on her hand. A neighbor teen found her crying. Fern had asked Connor to pick her up from school due to an appointment. She never does this. Takes care of everything herself.
Matilda had called Connor saying she had a job interview and he needs to take Jacob to rugby. Connor has his mom pick Coral up and she drops her off at Matilda’s.
Matilda who has substance abuse issues and hates Fern and Coral. The burned hand is the result.
Connor’s phone died. He shows up at mom’s to get Coral and finds out about Matilda. He had dropped Jacob off earlier and Matilda is stoned, drunk and dressed in lingerie.
He rushes back over, she tells him there was a small issue and she’s at the hospital.
Fern is DONE. In her mind her husband has most likely been sleeping with Matilda, prefers her and Jacob over his own family. Child Protective Services (called something different but same concept) is involved and she wants all 3 of them to go down. She’s moving home with her dad.
Connor finally tells her the truth. It’s better and worse than she feared.
I enjoy marriage in trouble stories without cheating. This book, while in that genre, is quite a bit different.
Read TWs as it deals with dark subjects.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2026
Wow, another great book from the author. I loved reading this marriage in trouble story and so will you. Fern is an amazing FMC whose young daughter Cora is injured because her husband trusted his mother to watch over her while he took his ex's son to his baseball game. She in turn decided to hand Cora over to the toxic OW ex (and close family friend) to watch instead, resulting in Cora sustaining a bad burn on her hand and sending her to the hospital.
Fern and Cora had been uprooted and moved to the MMC's home town a few years ago and had already been suffering coming in second to the needs of the OW ex and her son time and time again. Enough is enough and Fern is ready to take on anyone to protect her girl. Connor can take his mother and his ex who the MIL loves to call "the one who got away" and ..... you can fill in the rest of the sentence with your favorite saying.
As usual the story has amazing characters, especially Fern's dad who I hope gets his own book sometime in the future because he is great. Connor, the MMC, has made so many mistakes before and during his marriage that drive the story. There is a lot of backstory that led to his bad decisions and his secrets but it will be up to the reader to decide if he redeems himself or not in their eyes. He did for me.
Fern and Cora had been uprooted and moved to the MMC's home town a few years ago and had already been suffering coming in second to the needs of the OW ex and her son time and time again. Enough is enough and Fern is ready to take on anyone to protect her girl. Connor can take his mother and his ex who the MIL loves to call "the one who got away" and ..... you can fill in the rest of the sentence with your favorite saying.
As usual the story has amazing characters, especially Fern's dad who I hope gets his own book sometime in the future because he is great. Connor, the MMC, has made so many mistakes before and during his marriage that drive the story. There is a lot of backstory that led to his bad decisions and his secrets but it will be up to the reader to decide if he redeems himself or not in their eyes. He did for me.
April 24, 2026
The h and H have been married for five years and have a four year old daughter. The teenaged H left home after the OW revealed her pregnancy. He finds out that the OW was not exclusive with him and she refuses to agree to a paternity test. While living in another city, he meets and marries the h. He persuades the h to move back to his hometown. The OW and her son become a priority over his wife and child. The story begins with his daughter hospitalized due to neglect by the OW and the H's mother. In most other books with the second best trope, more time is spent providing examples of the neglect to build the angst. I think that was missing for me. This book is the first time that I came across the term 'enmeshment'. The H's sisters used this term to help the H understand how dysfunctional his relationship with his mother was. There are several intertwining plot connections between the H, the OW and the H's mother that the H kept secret from the h. The OW and the H's mother are both extreme in creating drama. Most of the book is the H's remorse and grovel.
April 27, 2026
Rarely disappointed by this author - another great read
I found this author the first time on Wattpad and I have followed her through her transition to Kindle. I do get very frustrated with her MMC‘s but what she does that a lot of other authors are incapable of is she actually shows the reader how apologetic the MMC’s are and how while it’s not an excuse there’s often a reason behind their behavior.
I’m still not sure I would always forgive the MMC‘s if I was in the book, but I rarely read one of her stories and feel like it was a rage read and they shouldn’t have been forgiven. Which is really quite a feat because I find that 75% of the books that I read that are betrayal and grovel I’m just sitting there going you’ve got to be joking me.
I really think this author has figured out the formula how to write very angsty books with just enough spice, just enough misery, but just enough happiness. I always set reminders for when her books come out so that I can download them right away. No regrets here and I highly recommend this book.
I found this author the first time on Wattpad and I have followed her through her transition to Kindle. I do get very frustrated with her MMC‘s but what she does that a lot of other authors are incapable of is she actually shows the reader how apologetic the MMC’s are and how while it’s not an excuse there’s often a reason behind their behavior.
I’m still not sure I would always forgive the MMC‘s if I was in the book, but I rarely read one of her stories and feel like it was a rage read and they shouldn’t have been forgiven. Which is really quite a feat because I find that 75% of the books that I read that are betrayal and grovel I’m just sitting there going you’ve got to be joking me.
I really think this author has figured out the formula how to write very angsty books with just enough spice, just enough misery, but just enough happiness. I always set reminders for when her books come out so that I can download them right away. No regrets here and I highly recommend this book.
May 6, 2026
MFC ruined it for me
The writing was good and I was enjoying the story but I felt the MFC kept focusing on the wrong things and forgetting what happened to the MMC. How Matty traumatized and threatened him. The MFC kept accusing the MMC of “checking out” Matty, having a physical and emotional affair with her when that was the farthest thing from the truth. He wasn’t attracted to her at all and was actually repulsed by her and she was threatening him w accusing him of rape so he was stuck doing what she wanted. Granted, he should’ve told his wife about it but otherwise that’s the only thing he really did wrong. If he had told her, they probably would’ve been able to come up w a plan so he wasn’t at her beck and call. But the MFC just kept getting angry over and over at him over things that weren’t true. I just couldn’t handle it anymore so I stopped reading it. The FMC needed to get a grip and focus on the actual facts.
The writing was good and I was enjoying the story but I felt the MFC kept focusing on the wrong things and forgetting what happened to the MMC. How Matty traumatized and threatened him. The MFC kept accusing the MMC of “checking out” Matty, having a physical and emotional affair with her when that was the farthest thing from the truth. He wasn’t attracted to her at all and was actually repulsed by her and she was threatening him w accusing him of rape so he was stuck doing what she wanted. Granted, he should’ve told his wife about it but otherwise that’s the only thing he really did wrong. If he had told her, they probably would’ve been able to come up w a plan so he wasn’t at her beck and call. But the MFC just kept getting angry over and over at him over things that weren’t true. I just couldn’t handle it anymore so I stopped reading it. The FMC needed to get a grip and focus on the actual facts.
April 24, 2026
I adore this author and she writes some of the best angst. And indeed, I was furious for this little girl's trauma she endured at the hands of a lunatic in the beginning of this story. But the story started going downhill for me towards the second half. I felt awful for what the Hero went through with this psychopath woman from his past, and I felt horrible for the son she had too. But the story got really boring towards the second half for me.
What I liked:
The OW drama was great in the beginning.
The Hero's evil Mother added a lot of fury to this story too.
I LOVED the heroine's awesome kickass father!
And even though I'm not a huge fan of kiddos in a story, this little girl was adorable.
The story is good though. I was definitely getting impatient for something more during the second half of the story.
What I liked:
The OW drama was great in the beginning.
The Hero's evil Mother added a lot of fury to this story too.
I LOVED the heroine's awesome kickass father!
And even though I'm not a huge fan of kiddos in a story, this little girl was adorable.
The story is good though. I was definitely getting impatient for something more during the second half of the story.
April 27, 2026
love a Raegan Salander
Salander has a great way with characters and storytelling. I do hate the miscommunication or really the lack of communication trope. Connor could’ve saved everyone so much trouble if he had told Fern the truth.
I appreciated that we were dropped into the drama instead of having to work our way there. I’m glad that I had all my questions answered in regards to Connor’s relationships with all these people that let him down and dragged him down.
Jack/jake a victim we didn’t really get to see get justice. Matilda is terrifying. I have no idea if the bipolar disorder was correct but it was a lot. His mom was also awful. Glad we had some closure on the dad, but I wish we had more. I’m glad we were done with Sawyer too.
Glad they found their way back to each other.
Salander has a great way with characters and storytelling. I do hate the miscommunication or really the lack of communication trope. Connor could’ve saved everyone so much trouble if he had told Fern the truth.
I appreciated that we were dropped into the drama instead of having to work our way there. I’m glad that I had all my questions answered in regards to Connor’s relationships with all these people that let him down and dragged him down.
Jack/jake a victim we didn’t really get to see get justice. Matilda is terrifying. I have no idea if the bipolar disorder was correct but it was a lot. His mom was also awful. Glad we had some closure on the dad, but I wish we had more. I’m glad we were done with Sawyer too.
Glad they found their way back to each other.
April 25, 2026
Love a strong FMC!
Great story, couldn’t put it down. Fern’s character was fierce, had put up with enough and pushed past her limits when her daughter was hurt. Love how she handled those responsible, and also how she dealt with her husband as she balanced protecting her daughter, standing up for herself, and still supporting him as his own issues come to light.
Looking forward to Harlan and Gracie’s story (I hope!). Thought Matilda was getting set up for a redemption arc, but looked like she’s going to lean into being the villain even more, and I’m here for it!
Great story, couldn’t put it down. Fern’s character was fierce, had put up with enough and pushed past her limits when her daughter was hurt. Love how she handled those responsible, and also how she dealt with her husband as she balanced protecting her daughter, standing up for herself, and still supporting him as his own issues come to light.
Looking forward to Harlan and Gracie’s story (I hope!). Thought Matilda was getting set up for a redemption arc, but looked like she’s going to lean into being the villain even more, and I’m here for it!
April 30, 2026
Twists, turns, narcissists ... oh my!!!
This was such a much needed different type of betrayal. There is sooo much twisted family drama that I was never bored. Fern is a fierce mama bear, and I loved that she spoke her mind, and when she was done with the bs, she burnt them all to the ground. Connor started out being a tstl mmc, and I wanted to smack him, but once his dirty laundry was aired, he fought to get back to his happy place. I loved the dynamic and the growth. This is the perfect telling of the damage a narcissist can inflict on your life. I loved it.
This was such a much needed different type of betrayal. There is sooo much twisted family drama that I was never bored. Fern is a fierce mama bear, and I loved that she spoke her mind, and when she was done with the bs, she burnt them all to the ground. Connor started out being a tstl mmc, and I wanted to smack him, but once his dirty laundry was aired, he fought to get back to his happy place. I loved the dynamic and the growth. This is the perfect telling of the damage a narcissist can inflict on your life. I loved it.
April 26, 2026
Twists and Turns
Loved the book. Fern held Connor accountable and didn't cave to quickly. Did feel bad for Connor. Would have liked to see him reconnect with his Dad. Only bad or confusing thing was which arm Coral injured. Seemed to change a time or two. Highly recommend this book.
Loved the book. Fern held Connor accountable and didn't cave to quickly. Did feel bad for Connor. Would have liked to see him reconnect with his Dad. Only bad or confusing thing was which arm Coral injured. Seemed to change a time or two. Highly recommend this book.
May 3, 2026
Page Turner
I was excited about this release and the author did not disappoint. Great other woman drama by childhood ex and MMC’s mother. Fern was an awesome FMC. She was strong and fierce when her daughter got hurt. Connor was a likeable MMC and he had good emotional growth after Fern brought down the hammer on him.
I was excited about this release and the author did not disappoint. Great other woman drama by childhood ex and MMC’s mother. Fern was an awesome FMC. She was strong and fierce when her daughter got hurt. Connor was a likeable MMC and he had good emotional growth after Fern brought down the hammer on him.
May 7, 2026
Fern and Connor
I started this book anticipating a marriage in crisis storyline but found this to be a bit more complex. Connor has been pulled in so many directions that a serious injury to his child finally forces him to face and deal with problems that may result in Fern leaving him.
Exceptional book!
I started this book anticipating a marriage in crisis storyline but found this to be a bit more complex. Connor has been pulled in so many directions that a serious injury to his child finally forces him to face and deal with problems that may result in Fern leaving him.
Exceptional book!
April 23, 2026
I understand Fern’s anger at Connor for indirectly causing Coral’s accident, but I just can’t get past her low-class scene at the hospital shrieking insults and obscenities at him. “Gormless minger”? “Manky slapper”? No thanks. 🤮
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2026
I loved this one and flew through it!
Castle in the Sky had the kind of emotional tension I love in a marriage in trouble romance. Fern really worked for me as an FMC, She spent years trying to keep the peace with a dismissive husband, a judgmental mother in law and an ex who was far too close for comfort.
But the moment her little girl was hurt her mama bear side came out and I loved that shift.
This wasn’t just about whether the marriage could survive. It was about whether love is enough when loyalty, safety and respect are missing.
Such a good emotional read!
Castle in the Sky had the kind of emotional tension I love in a marriage in trouble romance. Fern really worked for me as an FMC, She spent years trying to keep the peace with a dismissive husband, a judgmental mother in law and an ex who was far too close for comfort.
But the moment her little girl was hurt her mama bear side came out and I loved that shift.
This wasn’t just about whether the marriage could survive. It was about whether love is enough when loyalty, safety and respect are missing.
Such a good emotional read!
May 3, 2026
Tags: betrayal, boring-yaawn, child_abuse_alert, damaged-broken_hero, emotional-cheating, grovel-remorseful, hero-hurts-heroine, hero-loved-or-loves-ow, hero-married-to-heroine, in-laws-from-hell, mean-mean-girls-women, ow-drama, read, second-chance, troubled-marriage
April 24, 2026
Amazing read! Love the characters. I truly felt Fern and Connor’s pain snd redemption. Great book!
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