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Llyn Lakes #3
The Ridge
Steph’s finally getting her life back on track after years of struggle and heartache. Her kids are doing well, she has a new job she loves, and she has great friends that she knows she can rely on. Things are looking up! That is, until he rolls back into town. Seventeen years after he first broke her heart, Riley walks back into her life, determined to rekindle what they once had. Despite some initial misgivings, Steph has a hard time resisting the man-especially once he reveals the truth about what really happened all those years ago. Now she’s wondering if, maybe, they actually can find their way back to each other.
Riley’s made mistakes. A lot of them. He’s spent years wallowing in shame and self-pity, running from a past that he can’t escape–until one day he decides enough is enough. Now he’s home in Llyn Lakes and looking to make amends with all of the people he’s hurt. Number one on that list is the woman he’s never been able to forget. Though he knows he doesn’t deserve it, he’s desperate for a second chance with Steph ... but it turns out she has secrets of her own, and this time she just may be the one to break him.
The Ridge is the third book in the Llyn Lakes series. It features interconnected characters but can be read as a standalone.
Riley’s made mistakes. A lot of them. He’s spent years wallowing in shame and self-pity, running from a past that he can’t escape–until one day he decides enough is enough. Now he’s home in Llyn Lakes and looking to make amends with all of the people he’s hurt. Number one on that list is the woman he’s never been able to forget. Though he knows he doesn’t deserve it, he’s desperate for a second chance with Steph ... but it turns out she has secrets of her own, and this time she just may be the one to break him.
The Ridge is the third book in the Llyn Lakes series. It features interconnected characters but can be read as a standalone.
Unknown Binding
Published April 23, 2026
About the author
Marron Kaye
8 books14 followersMarron Kaye wrote her first novel at the age of forty, proving that it’s never too late to chase your dreams. A long-time lover of soap operas and romantic fiction, she credits her grandmother with introducing her to the genre. She lives in Toronto, Canada, with her dog Rowan and her turtle Franklin. The geography of Llyn Lakes, her debut series, is inspired by a town near her family’s cottage—a place she lovingly calls her forever happy place.
To find out more, visit marronkaye.com or follow @marronkaye_author on Instagram.
To find out more, visit marronkaye.com or follow @marronkaye_author on Instagram.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
April 27, 2026
the beginning is great
There will be spoilers in this review…
This book started out excellent. I was sucked in immediately. “The past” chapters were written so well (normally I hate “past chapters”)—but these were quick and to the point and I truly felt Steph’s heartbreak when Riley abandoned her. Up until about 40%— I was so into this story. But then this book drags. It’s over 500 pages and there’s so much filler. The chapter long sex scenes towards the end just got annoying. I’m also so sick of the “body betraying syndrome” in every single book I read nowadays. I have no respect for heroines that lust after men that have ripped their hearts out. The last thing I would be thinking about a man who destroyed me is how hot he is.
But what bothers me the most about this book, is the secret that Steph kept from EVERYONE. I’m sorry—I loved her in the beginning, but she’s awful. She let her husband think Matty was his for over a decade. He didn’t even want to get married, but they did and the child wasn’t even his—and she knew it. She kept Matty’s biological grandmother and uncle in the dark for 16 years even though they were close to her boys. All because she didn’t want her husband to leave her. But she admits they didn’t even love each other. She was so unbelievably selfish and I just can’t get over it.
There will be spoilers in this review…
This book started out excellent. I was sucked in immediately. “The past” chapters were written so well (normally I hate “past chapters”)—but these were quick and to the point and I truly felt Steph’s heartbreak when Riley abandoned her. Up until about 40%— I was so into this story. But then this book drags. It’s over 500 pages and there’s so much filler. The chapter long sex scenes towards the end just got annoying. I’m also so sick of the “body betraying syndrome” in every single book I read nowadays. I have no respect for heroines that lust after men that have ripped their hearts out. The last thing I would be thinking about a man who destroyed me is how hot he is.
But what bothers me the most about this book, is the secret that Steph kept from EVERYONE. I’m sorry—I loved her in the beginning, but she’s awful. She let her husband think Matty was his for over a decade. He didn’t even want to get married, but they did and the child wasn’t even his—and she knew it. She kept Matty’s biological grandmother and uncle in the dark for 16 years even though they were close to her boys. All because she didn’t want her husband to leave her. But she admits they didn’t even love each other. She was so unbelievably selfish and I just can’t get over it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Book Review – The Ridge by Marron Kaye
Pub Date: 23 April 2026
The Ridge is such a comforting, emotional second-chance romance that really pulls you into its small-town world.
Even though this is book three in the Llyn Lakes series, I went in without reading the first two—and honestly, it worked perfectly as a standalone. I never felt lost, and the story felt complete and easy to follow.
Steph and Riley’s story is all about timing, mistakes, and the kind of love that never quite fades. There’s a real sense of history between them, and that lingering “what if” runs through every interaction. Riley’s determination to make things right, paired with Steph’s hesitation and strength, creates a dynamic that feels genuine and grounded.
What I loved most was how real the characters felt. They’re not perfect, they’ve both made mistakes, and they carry the weight of their past in a way that makes their journey back to each other feel earned rather than rushed. The dual timeline adds depth, slowly revealing what went wrong and why, which makes the emotional moments hit harder.
The small-town setting is another highlight—full of warmth, found family, and those little details that make the story feel cosy and lived-in. And the added touches, like Steph’s role as a mum and the presence of loyal friends (and a rescue pup), give the story even more heart.
Overall, this is a heartfelt, character-driven romance about forgiveness, growth, and finding your way back to the person you never truly let go of.
A really enjoyable read that proves second chances can be worth the risk.
Pub Date: 23 April 2026
The Ridge is such a comforting, emotional second-chance romance that really pulls you into its small-town world.
Even though this is book three in the Llyn Lakes series, I went in without reading the first two—and honestly, it worked perfectly as a standalone. I never felt lost, and the story felt complete and easy to follow.
Steph and Riley’s story is all about timing, mistakes, and the kind of love that never quite fades. There’s a real sense of history between them, and that lingering “what if” runs through every interaction. Riley’s determination to make things right, paired with Steph’s hesitation and strength, creates a dynamic that feels genuine and grounded.
What I loved most was how real the characters felt. They’re not perfect, they’ve both made mistakes, and they carry the weight of their past in a way that makes their journey back to each other feel earned rather than rushed. The dual timeline adds depth, slowly revealing what went wrong and why, which makes the emotional moments hit harder.
The small-town setting is another highlight—full of warmth, found family, and those little details that make the story feel cosy and lived-in. And the added touches, like Steph’s role as a mum and the presence of loyal friends (and a rescue pup), give the story even more heart.
Overall, this is a heartfelt, character-driven romance about forgiveness, growth, and finding your way back to the person you never truly let go of.
A really enjoyable read that proves second chances can be worth the risk.
April 25, 2026
Watching an ex-con return to his hometown, carrying years of regret and heartbreak, determined to make things right… it was raw, emotional, and so deeply human.
Riley was something special, tough on the outside, but underneath? A total softie with so much love, guilt, and hope wrapped up in every decision he makes. His journey to earn forgiveness—from his family, his past, and the girl he never stopped loving—felt real and earned, never rushed or easy.
And the romance? Ugh, my heart. Second chances done right. There’s history, tension, and that quiet, aching kind of love that never really went away.
What truly elevated this story for me was the blend of family dynamics—both the messy, complicated bio family and the beautiful, supportive found family that steps in when it matters most. It added so much depth and warmth.
Emotional, redemptive, and full of heart—this is the kind of story that lingers long after the last page. Highly recommend if you love second chance romance with depth, grit, and a hero worth rooting for.
Riley was something special, tough on the outside, but underneath? A total softie with so much love, guilt, and hope wrapped up in every decision he makes. His journey to earn forgiveness—from his family, his past, and the girl he never stopped loving—felt real and earned, never rushed or easy.
And the romance? Ugh, my heart. Second chances done right. There’s history, tension, and that quiet, aching kind of love that never really went away.
What truly elevated this story for me was the blend of family dynamics—both the messy, complicated bio family and the beautiful, supportive found family that steps in when it matters most. It added so much depth and warmth.
Emotional, redemptive, and full of heart—this is the kind of story that lingers long after the last page. Highly recommend if you love second chance romance with depth, grit, and a hero worth rooting for.
Review of advance copy received from Author
wow this book was an emotion Rollercoaster. heart break, secrets, forgiveness. I definitely was not bored reading this and I was guessing how things would end up right until the end.
it's my first book from marron and I will definitely be going to check out the others.
even though this is the 3rd book in the series it can be read as a standalone no problem.
it's my first book from marron and I will definitely be going to check out the others.
even though this is the 3rd book in the series it can be read as a standalone no problem.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The start of this book was not what I was expecting at all. But it captivated me. I wanted to know what happened with Riley. I wanted to know what happened with Steph. I even needed to know about Matt and Alex. I found this book very well written. I enjoyed the story line. It kept me wanting to read it to find out what was going to happen in the end. Great read.
April 24, 2026
Wow. Lots of twists and turns. Hit every emotion possible. Can't wait to read more about the other Llyn Lakes residents!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews