Rylee Kent didn’t plan on starting over on a tiny island, but life left her no choice. What she needs is space. Quiet. A place where she can finally breathe again.
What she doesn’t need? A charming neighbor who can match her sharp humor beat for beat and enjoys doing it far too much.
She isn’t looking for friendship.
She definitely isn’t looking for connection.
And she absolutely isn’t looking for it right next door.
Elliott Sawyer is steady, easygoing, and the kind of man who turns strangers into friends without trying. His life hums along in familiar rhythms until the feisty, guarded woman next door crashes straight into it.
Falling for Rylee wasn’t part of the plan. Neither was the way she challenges him, surprises him, or makes him want more than the life he’s always accepted.
But maybe that’s the magic of the unexpected. It shows up quietly, exactly when you need it most and changes everything you thought you wanted.
Truce is a slow-burn, spicy small-town romance featuring friends to lovers, close proximity, a sunshine blue-collar hero, a guarded millionaire heroine, opposites who ignite, he falls first, but she falls harder. No third-act breakup.
Such an amazing read. Rylee and Elliott completely pulled me in from the start. Rylee is strong but guarded, and I really felt her need to start over and find peace. Elliott is such a sweetheart. He’s steady, kind, and the perfect balance to her fire.
I loved watching their relationship grow. The slow burn was done so well, and the tension between them made every moment feel worth it. It made me feel warm, hopeful, and honestly a little giddy seeing Elliott fall first and how Rylee slowly lets her walls down.
Their chemistry was amazing, and the small-town island setting made everything feel cozy and real. I also loved that there wasn’t a dramatic breakup just two people figuring things out together.
Overall, I loved this story. It’s sweet, spicy, and full of heart. Rylee and Elliott are definitely a couple I won’t forget. The back and forth pranks between them were hilarious. And i definitely recommend pausing to listen to each song on the playlist as you read it. So many amazing songs were chose for this book. 💛
A couple of my favorite quotes 💕
I'm going to go grab life by the fucking balls.
When someone cuts you deep, it isn't easy to reopen stitched wounds. But forgiveness is good for your soul. Rather than carrying that burden, you can set it down. And sometimes that weight isn't yours to carry in the first place.
Small town romance, grumpy sunshine, slow-burn friends to lovers, close proximity, a blue-collar welder mmc, and a secret millionaire fmc, this book had everything I love, and I absolutely adored this couple. The chemistry and buildup were perfection, and the fact that there was no unnecessary third-act breakup made me love it even more. At this point, this author might as well put me on the street team because I’m completely addicted. I’m already counting down the days until book two. The setup for the next story was so good, and that sneak peek at the end was absolutely perfect. 😍
A captivating story! Really enjoyed reading Rylee and Elliot’s story. There’s something so freeing about having the ability to start over fresh somewhere new, and with all new people. Rylee was sassy and independent and Elliot was honestly such a sweetheart. Their balance together was perfect. We all know I love a slow burn and I felt this was done so well. The banter. The pranks. It was all so fun! Loved the playlist for the book also.
A Heartfelt, Banter‑Filled Debut That Feels Like Coming Home
Truce by Amanda Zombro is a standout debut — warm, witty, and full of the kind of emotional sincerity that gives you Nora Roberts charm with a touch of Nicholas Sparks tenderness. It’s a small‑town romance wrapped in banter, pranks, and perfectly timed spice, but at its heart, it’s a story about healing, belonging, and opening yourself up to new people after life knocks you sideways.
What I loved most was that the heartbreak in this book didn’t come from a failed romance. Zombro beautifully captures how friends can break your heart just as deeply, and how betrayal from someone you trusted can reshape your world. Rylee’s journey reflects that truth — she’s rebuilding not from a lost love but from a fractured friendship, which makes her growth feel grounded and real.
Rylee and Elliot aren’t out searching for love, and that’s exactly why their connection feels so refreshing. Their relationship unfolds naturally, without hesitation or overthinking. Watching them move through the stages of dating — choosing each other with honesty, humor, and trust — felt like a breath of fresh air. Two adults letting life and love take their natural course is something I wish we saw more often in romance.
I also appreciated how Rylee’s lottery win didn’t change who she is. She stays true to herself, using her new circumstances not to reinvent her identity but to uplift the people she loves. It adds depth to her character and reinforces the book’s themes of integrity, generosity, and emotional resilience.
Truce is sweet, spicy, hopeful, and full of heart — the kind of small‑town romance that leaves you smiling and rooting for every character. Amanda Zombro’s debut is a feel‑good read in every sense, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next
I went into Truce with zero context, and somehow that made the experience even better. This story completely and totally snuck up on me ! (In the best way) Rylee and Elliott felt so genuine from the start. Their connection wasn’t forced or overly dramatic, it just unfolded naturally, and I found myself attached to them almost immediately. I loved how seamlessly the POVs flowed because it made their emotions feel intertwined, like you were experiencing every moment with both of them instead of separately. There was something so comforting about this book. Even during emotional moments, it never felt heavy in a way that drained me. It felt warm, funny, soft, and full of heart. The kind of story that makes you smile while reading without even realizing it. Banter was top tier. I love a good flirt. Amanda Zombro’s writing made every scene feel vivid and alive. I could picture the expressions, feel the tension, and soak in all the little moments that made Rylee and Elliott special. And every single “pretty girl”? Yeah… those got me every time. Like literal swoons. By the end, I wasn’t ready to let these characters go. I’m already impatient for book two because I need more of it all! Bravo
Truce is the kind of book that grabs you by the throat and refuses to let go. It beautifully encapsulates all the things you love most about summer and falling in love.
Rylee and Elliott are truly a match made in heaven, but their relationship doesn't come without hard work and determination. This book is a friends to lovers, millionaire romance, with lots of laughs and pranks between the FMC and MMC. Oh, and did I mention lovable side characters and banter between the cast that will have you clutching your sides and trying not to pee your pants laughing?
Now, what about the emotional end of things? There is no shortage of this in Truce, either. You get to see just about every emotional side of Rylee and Elliott and the way the navigate the different challenges is done with nothing short of grace and love.
This book will make you laugh. It will make you cry. It will make you swoon. And it may even get you a little hot and bothered ;) Whatever your reason for picking it up, I promise you're going to find more than you even thought possible within these pages. I already can't wait for the next installment in the Game of Hearts series!
I have never read any Amanda Zombro books before and I have to say I’m excited to read the next one she comes out with cause this book was a great romance book📚
If you love a friends to lovers kind of book this is definitely for you!. I absolutely loved this book it was definitely a 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read for me. It’s a slow burning romance but it’s so good!. Rylee and Elliot both grabbed my attention at the very beginning when they met. Their story line was so cute and healing for both of them. The chemistry between them was amazing and I loved all the pranks they pulled on one another throughout the book. Neither one of them are searching for love but they both found one another. This booked was so good and had the right amount spicy. I absolutely loved how slow burning the book was because it just built there relationship more and gave more insight on what each one was thinking an I love details like that in books.
Amanda Zombro did an amazing job and thank you so much for allowing me to read your ARC copy and do a review. I can’t wait to read your next book on Lettie and hopefully Ryan❤️
I had the pleasure of Alpha reading this and this is one of the realest books you will ever read and come across. From alpha reading to binge reading, I just couldn't put this down. The characters are so relatable, extremely lovable and I couldn't get enough. The author put so much realism into these pages that, it was hard to finish a chapter and not relate to it. This story is captivating, so much so that it makes you reflect on what you're currently going through in life or have gone through in life. There is tension that coils from these pages, which gives you such a delicious slow burn that is every bit worth the wait. The heartbreak you bear within this story is different beyond measure from what I've ever read. In addition, the author has made sure that these characters have such an amazing growth along with great banter along the way. This was a breath of fresh air, and this story will be one that lives rent free in my head. If this is not on your TBR, this should be one to add. No matter your favorite genre.
Truce pulled me in right away and kept getting better as the story went on. The chemistry between Rylee and Elliott feels natural, and the slow burn payoff really works. Amanda balances tension, humor, emotional moments, and the small town setting in a way that feels believable. What stood out most was how easy the writing felt to sink into. Every scene added something meaningful to the characters or their relationship, and the pacing stayed smooth from beginning to end.
The banter, the prank war, and the found family dynamic made the characters feel real. Even the quieter moments between Rylee and Elliott added a lot to their relationship. And Elliott definitely grew on me more than I expected.
At its core, this is a story about healing, connection, and finding people who make life feel a little lighter. It’s the kind of romance that stays with you after you finish.
If you like friends to lovers, slow burn tension, blue collar MMCs, and character driven romances with both humor and heart, Truce is definitely worth picking up.
I absolutely loved this book. From the very first page, I was completely hooked and found it nearly impossible to put down. Truce is the kind of story that pulls you in and keeps you turning pages Elliot and Rylee’s journey was so beautifully written. Watching them go from complete strangers to undeniable soulmates was incredibly heartwarming and emotional in the best way. Their connection felt real, natural, and deeply moving, which made every moment between them even more impactful. The pacing was perfect, and there was never a dull moment—it truly is a page-turner. Every chapter left me wanting more, and I found myself fully invested in their story. And that ending? Absolutely perfect. It wrapped everything up in such a satisfying and meaningful way that left me smiling long after I finished.
This was an easy five-star read for me, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves emotional, romance-driven stories with unforgettable characters. Can’t wait for book 2
This romance was such a fun and heartwarming read. The story follows a female main character who wins the lottery and decides to move to a quiet oceanside town to figure out who she is and what she wants out of life. What she doesn’t expect to find is love. Living right next door. After she moves in, she slowly gets to know the male main character, and their relationship develops in the most natural, swoony way. I loved how their connection grew through playful pranks, supportive friends, sweet dates, and constant texting that felt very real and relatable. The small-town vibe, combined with the slow burn romance and lighthearted humor, made this book a joy to read. Overall, it was charming, fun, and left me with a big smile by the end.
Truce is an absolute page-turner from start to finish. The story pulls you in right away with Rylee’s everyday routine and the single, life-changing decision to take a chance on a lottery ticket. From there, everything shifts—new town, breathtaking ocean views, and a fresh start after a past marked by betrayal.
The connection between Rylee and Elliott is instant and undeniable. Their playful pranks add such a fun, lighthearted spark that naturally grows into a deep and beautiful friendship—and eventually, something more. Watching their relationship develop was both heartwarming and exciting.
Once you start, you won’t want to put it down. I’m already counting the days until book2
Truce is contemporary romance done right. Two people not desperately searching for love, and then it finds them anyway. Naturally. Effortlessly.
The two main characters are quite literally made for each other, the prank wars had me laughing, and the found family? ELITE. Truly, where do I submit my application to join this group immediately?
And the tension build-up?? Top tier. The kind that has you kicking your feet and reading faster. If this isn’t already on your TBR, fix that immediately.
I had the absolute privilege of getting an advanced copy of this book, and it did not disappoint.
Amanda did a fantastic job with this book and the characters in it.
Elliott and Rylee are opposites who are made for each other. Their back and forth banter is something that is so relatable and funny. They start off friends and as they grow closer and closer, their chemistry is undeniable. Their love is one of a kind, and magical. ✨
Love a small town romance with no angst or third-act breakup! The banter between the main characters was great, the pranks were hilarious, and just the right amount of spice. Can’t wait to continue following the friend group and their relationships too!