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Hope Island #1
After Every Sunrise
Tucker never expected to end up living with his parents again at thirty-two after fleeing an abusive relationship. Back on Hope Island, everything is slower, and he’s welcomed home like he never really left. Between friends and beach sunrises, maybe everything will finally be okay again.
What Tucker never could’ve dreamed of, though, was Charles Augustin. Sweet, retired football player with his own block-sized chip on his broad shoulder. Needing something to do now that he’s back home for good, Tucker takes up the mantle of guitar teacher again. And Charles desperately needs something to do after his unexpected and forced retirement from professional football. Over the course of unexpected beach meetings and guitar lessons, something sweet unfurls for both men. Every smile from Charles slowly breaks down the walls Tucker carefully erected to keep everyone out, even his family. Every hard-earned laugh from Tucker makes Charles feel a little more at home on Hope Island.
Maybe life can be more than just getting by. Maybe life is a wish on every sunrise, and maybe even sometimes those wishes can come true.
After Every Sunrise is a slow-burn romance set in a small southern island town. This story contains memorable side characters, friends to lovers, opposites attract, loads of hurt/comfort, being shipped together by literally everyone, and two men finding renewed hope and love after painful setbacks. Please check content warnings prior to reading.
What Tucker never could’ve dreamed of, though, was Charles Augustin. Sweet, retired football player with his own block-sized chip on his broad shoulder. Needing something to do now that he’s back home for good, Tucker takes up the mantle of guitar teacher again. And Charles desperately needs something to do after his unexpected and forced retirement from professional football. Over the course of unexpected beach meetings and guitar lessons, something sweet unfurls for both men. Every smile from Charles slowly breaks down the walls Tucker carefully erected to keep everyone out, even his family. Every hard-earned laugh from Tucker makes Charles feel a little more at home on Hope Island.
Maybe life can be more than just getting by. Maybe life is a wish on every sunrise, and maybe even sometimes those wishes can come true.
After Every Sunrise is a slow-burn romance set in a small southern island town. This story contains memorable side characters, friends to lovers, opposites attract, loads of hurt/comfort, being shipped together by literally everyone, and two men finding renewed hope and love after painful setbacks. Please check content warnings prior to reading.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 8, 2026
About the author
Maya Jean
10 books109 followersMaya spends most of her time imagining happily ever afters for the characters that live in her head. If she's not plotting how to heal broken hearts for her characters then she’s spending time with her precocious daughter. She loves baking competitions, listening to the same song on repeat for months, and discussing the latest pop culture event in a group chat with her best friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
May 24, 2026
5 stars
Another wonderful story from Maya Jean. She really nails the small town, found family, forever love vibes.
Tucker leaves his abusive ex boyfriend and comes back to Hope Island to his wonderful dads' home. Brent and Mark welcome him with open arms and give him all the love and affection he missed all the years he stayed away because of Anthony.
Charles is a retired football player who lives not far from their home: he moved to Hope Island with his wonderful dog Cupcake and he got himself a few close friends, while trying to find his place in a world that didn't involve football anymore.
I loved Charles so much: he genuinely cared about Tucker and his health (both mental and physical), he became Tucker's safe place without both of them even realising it. Charles never made any demands, he just let Tucker set the pace and he also gave him the freedom to leave or stay as he needed.
Tucker is very unsure at first: even if he feels a strong pull towards Charles, the scars his ex inflicted on him were very deep and it's hard for him to trust himself again to make the right choices.
They bond ove guitar lessons and helping their friends with an upcoming festival: there's no rush and the story progresses at a slow steady pace.
A thing I love a lot from Maya Jean is that she never abandons her "old" characters, but always finds a way to let us know about how they're doing. Nolan and Benji are very dear to my heart and I'm so happy she brought them in this story! And seeing Nolan happy? It was so so beautiful!
The last chapter of this story and the epilogue were literally perfection: I adored the dynamics between Charles and Tucker, how they could both make their relationship work, love each other deeply and, at the same time, how they didn't lose themselves into each other but they kept doing what they needed to stay happy.
I can't wait to read Orson and Courtney's story, I feel like there is a lot to know about them.
And I really hope Maya Jean is considering to write a prequel novella about Brent and Mark
Highly recommended!
Another wonderful story from Maya Jean. She really nails the small town, found family, forever love vibes.
Tucker leaves his abusive ex boyfriend and comes back to Hope Island to his wonderful dads' home. Brent and Mark welcome him with open arms and give him all the love and affection he missed all the years he stayed away because of Anthony.
Charles is a retired football player who lives not far from their home: he moved to Hope Island with his wonderful dog Cupcake and he got himself a few close friends, while trying to find his place in a world that didn't involve football anymore.
I loved Charles so much: he genuinely cared about Tucker and his health (both mental and physical), he became Tucker's safe place without both of them even realising it. Charles never made any demands, he just let Tucker set the pace and he also gave him the freedom to leave or stay as he needed.
Tucker is very unsure at first: even if he feels a strong pull towards Charles, the scars his ex inflicted on him were very deep and it's hard for him to trust himself again to make the right choices.
They bond ove guitar lessons and helping their friends with an upcoming festival: there's no rush and the story progresses at a slow steady pace.
A thing I love a lot from Maya Jean is that she never abandons her "old" characters, but always finds a way to let us know about how they're doing. Nolan and Benji are very dear to my heart and I'm so happy she brought them in this story! And seeing Nolan happy? It was so so beautiful!
The last chapter of this story and the epilogue were literally perfection: I adored the dynamics between Charles and Tucker, how they could both make their relationship work, love each other deeply and, at the same time, how they didn't lose themselves into each other but they kept doing what they needed to stay happy.
I can't wait to read Orson and Courtney's story, I feel like there is a lot to know about them.
And I really hope Maya Jean is considering to write a prequel novella about Brent and Mark
Highly recommended!
May 7, 2026
After Every Sunrise - Maya Jean
🌟 4.5/5 🌟
* SPOILERS *
I swear, if you haven’t read any of Maya’s books, this is the perfect one to start with because Charlie and Tucker were just so adorable from the moment they met to the very last page of this sweetness.
Poor Tucker walked in on his fiancée in bed with another man and what made it worst was, they were asleep and just holding each other. Those are just the worst moments. I also liked how Tucker immediately ran home to his Dads and c’mon, they are probably my favorite parents I’ve read because they were so good to Tucker.
Cupcake was the sweetest dog ever. She was the best old girl and just wanted all the attention she could get and I love how she immediately was drawn to Tucker even though her owner was Charlie. Hell, the girl crawled in Tucker’s bed during the hurricane.
I laughed when Charlie almost got the nick name Chuck but then Tucker didn’t want him calling him Tuck. Ha.
I loved all of the seashell moments, the gluten free dinners, especially when Charlie really went out of his way to make sure he had all the right food and all new cookware. Also, I love the patience that Charlie had for Tucker when it came to healing and moving on from his cheating ex.
I cannot wait for the next installment but I need River’s book immediately because who gave him that hickey? I need more because I love me a good low angst book.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
🌟 4.5/5 🌟
* SPOILERS *
I swear, if you haven’t read any of Maya’s books, this is the perfect one to start with because Charlie and Tucker were just so adorable from the moment they met to the very last page of this sweetness.
Poor Tucker walked in on his fiancée in bed with another man and what made it worst was, they were asleep and just holding each other. Those are just the worst moments. I also liked how Tucker immediately ran home to his Dads and c’mon, they are probably my favorite parents I’ve read because they were so good to Tucker.
Cupcake was the sweetest dog ever. She was the best old girl and just wanted all the attention she could get and I love how she immediately was drawn to Tucker even though her owner was Charlie. Hell, the girl crawled in Tucker’s bed during the hurricane.
I laughed when Charlie almost got the nick name Chuck but then Tucker didn’t want him calling him Tuck. Ha.
I loved all of the seashell moments, the gluten free dinners, especially when Charlie really went out of his way to make sure he had all the right food and all new cookware. Also, I love the patience that Charlie had for Tucker when it came to healing and moving on from his cheating ex.
I cannot wait for the next installment but I need River’s book immediately because who gave him that hickey? I need more because I love me a good low angst book.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
May 19, 2026
I was provided with an ARC from GRR in exchange for an honest review. These are my real sentiments about the story and everything written here is respectful, without meaning to harm anyone, but to offer my opinion as constructive criticism/compliments. Thank you, GRR and Maya, for the opportunity!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 / 5
🔥🔥 / 5
Couple: Tucker and Charles.
Structure: 1st person. Present tense. Dual POV.
Like most of Maya's books I have read, this is so deeply sweet. I'm in awe with her ability to depict such human, interesting characters. I loved both Tucker and Charles. The celiac representation was so good! I knew very little about it, and I loved learning a little more through the story. That's one of my favorite things of reading: learning new things.
Tucker's reactions after an abusive relationship were always very well done. I mean, it did bug me at first how mean he was to Charles sometimes LOL But just because, in Charles' place, I wouldn't have had half the same patience he did hahaha But I also understand where Tucker was coming from, and it was beautiful seeing him finally get the love and care he deserved.
Charles was absolute perfection. Seriously, I cannot spot one single flaw in that guy LOL His relationship with his best friend was adorable. And Cupcake? The true star of this book hahaha I absolutely adored her and everything she meant for Charlie, as I have a very similar relationship to my dogs—they're my whole life.
The way the characters built their relationship was also amazing. I really liked all the And they made it work. It was hard, but with trust and love, they found something beautiful. I'm not sure I believe that level of amazing is possible irl, but I surely loved seeing it depicted in fiction haha It made my heart warm.
Overall, this was a low-to-medium-angst romance without much drama, but showing us people who found their way to each other in a time they both needed to heal. And they were great parts of that healing process for each other, but also weren't everything.
If you're looking for something sweet and that has a more realistic take on relationships, and lots of dog love in a cute little island, this book may be for you 💕
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 / 5
🔥🔥 / 5
Couple: Tucker and Charles.
Structure: 1st person. Present tense. Dual POV.
Like most of Maya's books I have read, this is so deeply sweet. I'm in awe with her ability to depict such human, interesting characters. I loved both Tucker and Charles. The celiac representation was so good! I knew very little about it, and I loved learning a little more through the story. That's one of my favorite things of reading: learning new things.
Tucker's reactions after an abusive relationship were always very well done. I mean, it did bug me at first how mean he was to Charles sometimes LOL But just because, in Charles' place, I wouldn't have had half the same patience he did hahaha But I also understand where Tucker was coming from, and it was beautiful seeing him finally get the love and care he deserved.
Charles was absolute perfection. Seriously, I cannot spot one single flaw in that guy LOL His relationship with his best friend was adorable. And Cupcake? The true star of this book hahaha I absolutely adored her and everything she meant for Charlie, as I have a very similar relationship to my dogs—they're my whole life.
The way the characters built their relationship was also amazing. I really liked all the And they made it work. It was hard, but with trust and love, they found something beautiful. I'm not sure I believe that level of amazing is possible irl, but I surely loved seeing it depicted in fiction haha It made my heart warm.
Overall, this was a low-to-medium-angst romance without much drama, but showing us people who found their way to each other in a time they both needed to heal. And they were great parts of that healing process for each other, but also weren't everything.
If you're looking for something sweet and that has a more realistic take on relationships, and lots of dog love in a cute little island, this book may be for you 💕
May 12, 2026
This book was so very cozy. I felt like every time I picked it up, I entered a trance of… well, coziness. It was the perfect weekend read!
“Our hands are so very different, but I wonder what they'd look like entwined.”
The relationship between our MCs was so sweet. Charlie saw past Tucker’s initial grumpy exterior and was so wonderfully understanding of the trauma Tucker had faced in his previous relationship.
“For so long I've spent my life thinking something was irrecoverably broken inside me, making me undeserving of love, despite all the love that surrounds me.”
Charlie was simply the rock that Tucker needed; someone who could remain a constant, loving place for Tucker to come home to.
“Let me keep him, let me be enough, let us find our way to each other over and over again, until the idea of leaving doesn't stand a chance.”
A few things to expect from After Every Sunrise:
- small town
- former athlete x musician
- healing from past relationship
- found family
- larger bottom
- strict top/bottom dynamic
“Our hands are so very different, but I wonder what they'd look like entwined.”
The relationship between our MCs was so sweet. Charlie saw past Tucker’s initial grumpy exterior and was so wonderfully understanding of the trauma Tucker had faced in his previous relationship.
“For so long I've spent my life thinking something was irrecoverably broken inside me, making me undeserving of love, despite all the love that surrounds me.”
Charlie was simply the rock that Tucker needed; someone who could remain a constant, loving place for Tucker to come home to.
“Let me keep him, let me be enough, let us find our way to each other over and over again, until the idea of leaving doesn't stand a chance.”
A few things to expect from After Every Sunrise:
- small town
- former athlete x musician
- healing from past relationship
- found family
- larger bottom
- strict top/bottom dynamic
May 13, 2026
Awwww, this was so sweet and tender! I loved Tucker and Charles!
The small town vibes of Hope Island were also really good. I loved everyones nosynes and how friendly thery were and everyone pitching in and helping organize the lantern festival.
I really appreciated the fact that Charles and Tucker got to spend time together and got to know each other before jumping into anything. Tucker definitely needed the slower speed after Anthony(bleh) and this way he had time to get back to himself after a long and not so great relationship. I loved how they just wanted to see each other happy and how they both doted on Cupcake, but also each other. I felt like they had the utmost respect for each other and that made me feel so happy for them.
I already love Hope Island and I'm excited to see where this series goes and to experience some more small town nosyness and vibes.
The small town vibes of Hope Island were also really good. I loved everyones nosynes and how friendly thery were and everyone pitching in and helping organize the lantern festival.
I really appreciated the fact that Charles and Tucker got to spend time together and got to know each other before jumping into anything. Tucker definitely needed the slower speed after Anthony(bleh) and this way he had time to get back to himself after a long and not so great relationship. I loved how they just wanted to see each other happy and how they both doted on Cupcake, but also each other. I felt like they had the utmost respect for each other and that made me feel so happy for them.
I already love Hope Island and I'm excited to see where this series goes and to experience some more small town nosyness and vibes.
April 29, 2026
This was cute! Charlie and Tucker were adorable together. I enjoyed their weekly guitar lessons, daily sunrise wishes and gluten free dinners.
I appreciated how much Charlie took Tucker’s healing process into consideration. Tucker’s previous relationship was definitely one he needed to take time to mend from and I liked that Charlie gave him that time and used it to get to know Tucker better.
The dynamic between these two was sweet and supportive. I liked the development from friends to more!
Cupcake was the best girl, the side characters were fun and I enjoyed the writing. I’m interested to see whose story we’ll get next. I’m kinda hoping it’s River!!
💛ARC REVIEW🩷
I appreciated how much Charlie took Tucker’s healing process into consideration. Tucker’s previous relationship was definitely one he needed to take time to mend from and I liked that Charlie gave him that time and used it to get to know Tucker better.
The dynamic between these two was sweet and supportive. I liked the development from friends to more!
Cupcake was the best girl, the side characters were fun and I enjoyed the writing. I’m interested to see whose story we’ll get next. I’m kinda hoping it’s River!!
💛ARC REVIEW🩷
May 8, 2026
Every single book I read of Maya’s has me in my feels and After Every Sunrise was no different. This was such a swoony, sweet story and I wish I had more.
Tucker has just gotten out of a very long term abusive relationship and makes his way back home to stay with his dads while he figures things out. He is going through a healing journey when he meets Charles. Charles was literally the perfect opposite of Tucker and was just everything that Tucker needed. Their relationship is a slow burn and it is just so beautiful. My heart was beating so fast as I read because I just fell in love with them more and more. It did not feel like I was reading a book, that’s how much depth and how beautifully written this book was.
Cannot get away without mentioning how fun it was that everybody was pushing these two together. Plus Tucker’s dads who just immediately accept him back home. AND CUPCAKE!!! Oh, she was the perfect girl! I can’t wait to see whose book is next.
Tucker has just gotten out of a very long term abusive relationship and makes his way back home to stay with his dads while he figures things out. He is going through a healing journey when he meets Charles. Charles was literally the perfect opposite of Tucker and was just everything that Tucker needed. Their relationship is a slow burn and it is just so beautiful. My heart was beating so fast as I read because I just fell in love with them more and more. It did not feel like I was reading a book, that’s how much depth and how beautifully written this book was.
Cannot get away without mentioning how fun it was that everybody was pushing these two together. Plus Tucker’s dads who just immediately accept him back home. AND CUPCAKE!!! Oh, she was the perfect girl! I can’t wait to see whose book is next.
May 22, 2026
4.5 stars rounded up.
May 30, 2026
Had the pleasure of beta reading this beautiful story! I needed moreeee! Forever love Maya!
May 8, 2026
oh this was just the sweetest little thing. i always always always adore maya jeans writing because it just feels like a home comfort and everything cosy warm and full of romance and love.
tucker and charles were just the cutest. their gradual transition from strangers to friends to lovers was so easy and smooth, it was just the cutest to read and i just loved the way they fell into a easy rhythm of being in each others lives, charles was just the sweetest angel, everything he did for tucker all to make him feel at ease and not a burden to be around, it was just so damn heartwarming and wholesome.
i am an absolute sucker for maya always including some sort of furry bestie so i was obsessed with our top girl cupcake and another top moment for me was getting to see my absolute favourites nolan and benji from the sweet southern series, i love anything maya creates so i will very much waiting for the next in this series!
tucker and charles were just the cutest. their gradual transition from strangers to friends to lovers was so easy and smooth, it was just the cutest to read and i just loved the way they fell into a easy rhythm of being in each others lives, charles was just the sweetest angel, everything he did for tucker all to make him feel at ease and not a burden to be around, it was just so damn heartwarming and wholesome.
i am an absolute sucker for maya always including some sort of furry bestie so i was obsessed with our top girl cupcake and another top moment for me was getting to see my absolute favourites nolan and benji from the sweet southern series, i love anything maya creates so i will very much waiting for the next in this series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
"I wonder what his skin tastes like at the hollow of his throat. Would it taste like a lighting strike? a summer rainstorm that lights up the night sky?"
Maya Jean - After
The name of this series could not be more perfect for the way this book made me feel. It renewed my hope in love, in respect, in safe spaces, and in the kind of soul deep connection that awakens something inside you. Every time Maya writes a story, she leaves a mark on your heart. Whether it’s the warmth and comfort of her Southern series or the darker emotional depth of her One For All series, she always makes you feel. But with this book? She awakened hope in me. Reading it felt like the sun finally kissing your skin after a cold evening, warm, bright, comforting, and impossible not to soak in completely.
My heart hurt so much for Tucker in the beginning. Even with the unconditional love and warmth his parents gave him growing up, there’s still something heartbreaking about knowing your biological mother didn’t want you. No matter the reason, I can only imagine how deeply that kind of pain can stay with someone. Then to give your heart and trust to someone, only to be betrayed in the cruelest ways and blamed for it? Of course Tucker built walls around himself. Of course he protected his heart. Watching him slowly learn how to trust again was beautiful and emotional in the best way. Seeing him find someone who genuinely loved him, not just romantically, but fully and selflessly, someone who gave him the safety, patience, and space to chase his dreams while also allowing love back into his heart again… it was everything.
And Charles. Sweet, beautiful Charles. What an absolute breath of fresh air he was. Like Tucker, Charles comes to Hope Island carrying his own pain and uncertainty. After a devastating breakup with his career, he’s forced not only to physically heal, but to finally figure out what home and happiness look like for him. My heart shattered knowing his parents chose their opinions over their own son simply because of his sexuality. The fact that he was kicked out and left to survive on his own at such a young age is devastating. How do parents do that to their child? But Charles endured. He fought through every hardship life threw at him and became someone successful, respected, and strong multiple Super Bowl ring owner who built his life from nothing.
But what I loved most about Charles was not his strength, it was his softness. The moment he saw Tucker on the beach before sunrise, everything shifted for him. Even though his heart already belonged to Tucker, he chose friendship first. He sensed Tucker’s pain and gave him patience instead of pressure, safety instead of demands. SWOON. Truly, my entire heart melted. I adored how gently he loved Tucker and how much space he gave him to simply be.
And what made their relationship even more beautiful was that Tucker gave that same gift back to Charles. Tucker became the safe space Charles never had. He gave him the freedom to embrace the softer parts of himself without shame, regardless of his size, his career, or what the world expected him to be. Because sometimes the big spoon wants to be the little spoon. Sometimes even the strongest people just want to feel held, safe, and loved in someone else’s arms. That part of their relationship touched me so deeply.
And the ending? Oh my God. I was in tears.
Like always, Maya reminds me that love is not something to fear. Her stories reach into your chest and gently awaken parts of you that maybe needed healing too. In this case, she awakened hope in me. And honestly? I don’t think I’ll ever look at a sunrise the same way again.
I’m already so excited to see what comes next in this series.
Maya Jean - After
The name of this series could not be more perfect for the way this book made me feel. It renewed my hope in love, in respect, in safe spaces, and in the kind of soul deep connection that awakens something inside you. Every time Maya writes a story, she leaves a mark on your heart. Whether it’s the warmth and comfort of her Southern series or the darker emotional depth of her One For All series, she always makes you feel. But with this book? She awakened hope in me. Reading it felt like the sun finally kissing your skin after a cold evening, warm, bright, comforting, and impossible not to soak in completely.
My heart hurt so much for Tucker in the beginning. Even with the unconditional love and warmth his parents gave him growing up, there’s still something heartbreaking about knowing your biological mother didn’t want you. No matter the reason, I can only imagine how deeply that kind of pain can stay with someone. Then to give your heart and trust to someone, only to be betrayed in the cruelest ways and blamed for it? Of course Tucker built walls around himself. Of course he protected his heart. Watching him slowly learn how to trust again was beautiful and emotional in the best way. Seeing him find someone who genuinely loved him, not just romantically, but fully and selflessly, someone who gave him the safety, patience, and space to chase his dreams while also allowing love back into his heart again… it was everything.
And Charles. Sweet, beautiful Charles. What an absolute breath of fresh air he was. Like Tucker, Charles comes to Hope Island carrying his own pain and uncertainty. After a devastating breakup with his career, he’s forced not only to physically heal, but to finally figure out what home and happiness look like for him. My heart shattered knowing his parents chose their opinions over their own son simply because of his sexuality. The fact that he was kicked out and left to survive on his own at such a young age is devastating. How do parents do that to their child? But Charles endured. He fought through every hardship life threw at him and became someone successful, respected, and strong multiple Super Bowl ring owner who built his life from nothing.
But what I loved most about Charles was not his strength, it was his softness. The moment he saw Tucker on the beach before sunrise, everything shifted for him. Even though his heart already belonged to Tucker, he chose friendship first. He sensed Tucker’s pain and gave him patience instead of pressure, safety instead of demands. SWOON. Truly, my entire heart melted. I adored how gently he loved Tucker and how much space he gave him to simply be.
And what made their relationship even more beautiful was that Tucker gave that same gift back to Charles. Tucker became the safe space Charles never had. He gave him the freedom to embrace the softer parts of himself without shame, regardless of his size, his career, or what the world expected him to be. Because sometimes the big spoon wants to be the little spoon. Sometimes even the strongest people just want to feel held, safe, and loved in someone else’s arms. That part of their relationship touched me so deeply.
And the ending? Oh my God. I was in tears.
Like always, Maya reminds me that love is not something to fear. Her stories reach into your chest and gently awaken parts of you that maybe needed healing too. In this case, she awakened hope in me. And honestly? I don’t think I’ll ever look at a sunrise the same way again.
I’m already so excited to see what comes next in this series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Arc Review: After Every Sunrise >> Hope Island #1 by Maya Jean
MC:Tuck&Charlie 3.5⭐
🌅 slow burn
🖤 friends to lovers
🌅 quirky small town vibes
🖤 opposites attract
🌅 hurt/comfort
🖤 found family
A.d.o.r.a.b.l.e.
Completely mushy and full of soft, summery vibes — but I kept feeling like I was dropped into the story halfway through.
There’s a lot of backstory that should matter (Tucker leaving an abusive relationship after nearly 10 years, Charles walking away from a 20-year career as a famous QB), but it’s all brushed over so quickly that it never fully lands.
We’re told things rather than shown them — friendships, past lives, even side characters just appear without much context — and it made it harder for me to feel truly connected.
This was a 3.5⭐ for me. I love Maya’s writing, but this felt maybe a bit too low angst for the heavier themes it brings in.
That said, the small-town setting was great, the friend group was really fun, and Tucker’s parents were honestly the best part. And Charlie’s attention and love were genuinely inspiring.
I liked the sweetness and the comfort of it, I just wish it had taken more time to build the emotional foundation instead of jumping straight into the cosy payoff.
I received a copy of this book from the author, and this is my honest review.
❣️Book Safety & Content
Abusive ex (emotina
Other Person Drama: No
Third-Act Breakup: No
Role Dynamics: Strict roles
POV: 1st person dual
Format: Series
Ending: HEA
Angst Level: Low
Spice Level: Mild
Communication: Strong
Pining: Mutual
MC:Tuck&Charlie 3.5⭐
🌅 slow burn
🖤 friends to lovers
🌅 quirky small town vibes
🖤 opposites attract
🌅 hurt/comfort
🖤 found family
A.d.o.r.a.b.l.e.
Completely mushy and full of soft, summery vibes — but I kept feeling like I was dropped into the story halfway through.
There’s a lot of backstory that should matter (Tucker leaving an abusive relationship after nearly 10 years, Charles walking away from a 20-year career as a famous QB), but it’s all brushed over so quickly that it never fully lands.
We’re told things rather than shown them — friendships, past lives, even side characters just appear without much context — and it made it harder for me to feel truly connected.
This was a 3.5⭐ for me. I love Maya’s writing, but this felt maybe a bit too low angst for the heavier themes it brings in.
That said, the small-town setting was great, the friend group was really fun, and Tucker’s parents were honestly the best part. And Charlie’s attention and love were genuinely inspiring.
I liked the sweetness and the comfort of it, I just wish it had taken more time to build the emotional foundation instead of jumping straight into the cosy payoff.
“I never paid attention to the sunrise much before you, but now I see it for what it is and why you love it so much.”
“Why do I love it so much?” I ask thickly.
“It’s a promise, yeah? That no matter how bad the previous day was, no matter how bad the night was, the sun will always come up. After every sunrise, there’s a promise of life.”
“Love,” I whisper.
Charlie’s eyebrows furrow. “Huh?”
“After every sunrise, there’s a promise of love.”
I received a copy of this book from the author, and this is my honest review.
❣️Book Safety & Content
Abusive ex (emotina
Other Person Drama: No
Third-Act Breakup: No
Role Dynamics: Strict roles
POV: 1st person dual
Format: Series
Ending: HEA
Angst Level: Low
Spice Level: Mild
Communication: Strong
Pining: Mutual
May 25, 2026
Maya Jean kicks off her new Hope Island series with the wonderful After Every Sunrise.
When Tucker discovers his long term partner in a compromising position, he heads home to Hope Island and the love of his two dads who are ready to help him heal. Tucker didn’t have an easy life before Dad and Pop, but these two men are parenting goals and made Tucker feel nothing but loved. Unfortunately his ex Anthony did everything he could to isolate and gaslight sweet Tucker, guilting him into turning down professional opportunities and even questioning if his celiac disease was real (yeah, he’s the worst).
Tucker believes in the healing power of sunsets, and one morning he meets Charles, retired NFL QB who is also going through his own difficult life adjustments.
Charles is a walking green flag who has become friends with almost everyone on the island, including Tucker’s dads, since he retired to the island. I loved how their relationship went from friends to lovers in such a sweet, gentle way. Charles was so careful with Tucker, understanding what he’d been through. Tucker getting emotional at how diligent Charles was keeping everything gluten-free for him was a moment he felt seen, believed, and loved.
Guitar lessons, hurricane prep, and bonfires are vivid components to their courtship.
There are so many wonderful reasons to recommend this book:
🌅A dog named Cupcake
🌅An island festival I want to attend
🌅A sad-eyed vet who’s story I can’t wait to read
🌅River, Tucker’s BFF, who is fascinating on so many levels
🌅Plus virtual puzzle solving, crochet, and an island full of inhabitants not so secretly shipping Tucker and Charles
Even though there are some heavy topics covered, this feels like Maya’s least angsty and most hopeful book. It’s the perfect book that I needed to read right now.
And there is a special appearance by one of my favorite couples from one of Maya’s earlier books that made my heart so happy.
You can go home again. And the wealth that comes from friendship, the hope of every sunrise, and the peace in finally finding the person you were meant to be with make the journey more than worth it.
When Tucker discovers his long term partner in a compromising position, he heads home to Hope Island and the love of his two dads who are ready to help him heal. Tucker didn’t have an easy life before Dad and Pop, but these two men are parenting goals and made Tucker feel nothing but loved. Unfortunately his ex Anthony did everything he could to isolate and gaslight sweet Tucker, guilting him into turning down professional opportunities and even questioning if his celiac disease was real (yeah, he’s the worst).
Tucker believes in the healing power of sunsets, and one morning he meets Charles, retired NFL QB who is also going through his own difficult life adjustments.
Charles is a walking green flag who has become friends with almost everyone on the island, including Tucker’s dads, since he retired to the island. I loved how their relationship went from friends to lovers in such a sweet, gentle way. Charles was so careful with Tucker, understanding what he’d been through. Tucker getting emotional at how diligent Charles was keeping everything gluten-free for him was a moment he felt seen, believed, and loved.
Guitar lessons, hurricane prep, and bonfires are vivid components to their courtship.
There are so many wonderful reasons to recommend this book:
🌅A dog named Cupcake
🌅An island festival I want to attend
🌅A sad-eyed vet who’s story I can’t wait to read
🌅River, Tucker’s BFF, who is fascinating on so many levels
🌅Plus virtual puzzle solving, crochet, and an island full of inhabitants not so secretly shipping Tucker and Charles
Even though there are some heavy topics covered, this feels like Maya’s least angsty and most hopeful book. It’s the perfect book that I needed to read right now.
And there is a special appearance by one of my favorite couples from one of Maya’s earlier books that made my heart so happy.
You can go home again. And the wealth that comes from friendship, the hope of every sunrise, and the peace in finally finding the person you were meant to be with make the journey more than worth it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Tucker has come home after leaving his cheating, abusive fiancé, and he needs time at home with his fathers to heal. He loves the sunrise on the beach where he made wishes as a kid after being adopted by his Dads.
He sees a lone jogger who turns out to be Charles, a retired NFL player, and he explains the importance of wishing on the sunrise.
Charles didn’t expect to retire so early but has a busted knee, so he moved to a small town on the beach with his dog, Cupcake. He’s immediately intrigued by Tucker and had become friends with his Dads so they keep crossing paths.
Charles kept his sexuality a secret so he didn’t date much, and Tuck was with his ex for a decade. They both feel attracted, but Charlie knows Tucker needs time to become himself again so he encourages them to go slow.
Tuck sees Charles’ kindness easily, he’s so different from his ex, learning to cook gluten free food, giving him space and listening to his needs, not pressuring or criticizing him.
They start dating and agree to be exclusive, and Tucker teaches Charles the guitar since he used to be a band player for a singer Charles loves.
When they become more serious Charles knows Tucker needs time to live his life, which means going on tours again, dyeing his hair fun colours, but always returning home to him.
I like the way Tucker’s healing involved returning to his roots, who he is, but also learning to let Charles in and recognize the good man he is. Charles understands the freedom Tucker needs and always waits for him with open arms, not an easy thing to do. I like the Dads and how they take Charles in too, Cupcake is lovely, and the lantern festival is beautiful.
I’m happy to write this review with thanks for the book, which I received as an ARC for free.
He sees a lone jogger who turns out to be Charles, a retired NFL player, and he explains the importance of wishing on the sunrise.
Charles didn’t expect to retire so early but has a busted knee, so he moved to a small town on the beach with his dog, Cupcake. He’s immediately intrigued by Tucker and had become friends with his Dads so they keep crossing paths.
Charles kept his sexuality a secret so he didn’t date much, and Tuck was with his ex for a decade. They both feel attracted, but Charlie knows Tucker needs time to become himself again so he encourages them to go slow.
Tuck sees Charles’ kindness easily, he’s so different from his ex, learning to cook gluten free food, giving him space and listening to his needs, not pressuring or criticizing him.
They start dating and agree to be exclusive, and Tucker teaches Charles the guitar since he used to be a band player for a singer Charles loves.
When they become more serious Charles knows Tucker needs time to live his life, which means going on tours again, dyeing his hair fun colours, but always returning home to him.
I like the way Tucker’s healing involved returning to his roots, who he is, but also learning to let Charles in and recognize the good man he is. Charles understands the freedom Tucker needs and always waits for him with open arms, not an easy thing to do. I like the Dads and how they take Charles in too, Cupcake is lovely, and the lantern festival is beautiful.
I’m happy to write this review with thanks for the book, which I received as an ARC for free.
May 17, 2026
Firstly, let me say I got this book from gay romance reviews and this is me leaving my honest review.
I really enjoyed this book. I found it quite cute. Don’t get me wrong. It didn’t start out that way. Tucker had walked in to find his fiance asleep with another man. It’s not the first time that he is hurting but this time after many years of abuse he has finally had enough of being too much he finally decided to pack a bag and move back with his parents. He left his engagement ring on the side and just left, he boarded a plane and was back on Hope Island visiting his two Dad’s. His dad‘s are amazing, I really like them. Tucker struggles to find Work and decides to put some flyers around for private guitar lessons but then he comes across Charles. Charles Augustin. He is a retired professional footballer he’s got an injury and he decided to settle on Hope Island. I think there is an instant attraction between these two they have banter and I think sexual tension. But it’s a bit early for Tucker, who is still carrying the wounds of the last 7plus years. Thankfully Tucker has a best friend who makes sure he sees what a great catch he is. And he’s not shy to call out some Home truths. So this is about Tucker teaching Charles how to play guitar. It just left me with a big smile on my face. Another big part of this book is the fact that Tucker suffers with Celiac and it really opened my eyes because I didn’t know the extent of caring for somebody who has Celiac.
I think Tucker and Charles have something special and the more time they spend with each other Tucker sees that Charles is nothing like his ex. The extent that Charles goes to show Tucker how much he cares is just beautiful I thoroughly enjoyed this Read.
I really enjoyed this book. I found it quite cute. Don’t get me wrong. It didn’t start out that way. Tucker had walked in to find his fiance asleep with another man. It’s not the first time that he is hurting but this time after many years of abuse he has finally had enough of being too much he finally decided to pack a bag and move back with his parents. He left his engagement ring on the side and just left, he boarded a plane and was back on Hope Island visiting his two Dad’s. His dad‘s are amazing, I really like them. Tucker struggles to find Work and decides to put some flyers around for private guitar lessons but then he comes across Charles. Charles Augustin. He is a retired professional footballer he’s got an injury and he decided to settle on Hope Island. I think there is an instant attraction between these two they have banter and I think sexual tension. But it’s a bit early for Tucker, who is still carrying the wounds of the last 7plus years. Thankfully Tucker has a best friend who makes sure he sees what a great catch he is. And he’s not shy to call out some Home truths. So this is about Tucker teaching Charles how to play guitar. It just left me with a big smile on my face. Another big part of this book is the fact that Tucker suffers with Celiac and it really opened my eyes because I didn’t know the extent of caring for somebody who has Celiac.
I think Tucker and Charles have something special and the more time they spend with each other Tucker sees that Charles is nothing like his ex. The extent that Charles goes to show Tucker how much he cares is just beautiful I thoroughly enjoyed this Read.
May 8, 2026
"𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘢 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬𝘴 𝘴𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘭𝘺 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘢 𝘱𝘪𝘦𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘦-𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘨𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘴 𝘥𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥. 𝘔𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘣𝘪𝘳𝘵𝘩."
-Tucker
In After Every Sunrise, we are transported in the small town of Hope Island, a place Charles moved to recently following an abrupt end to his NFL career, and a place wild soul Tucker hasn't been back to in years. Tho their backgrounds couldn't be more different, they both somehow call this piece of paradise home.
Charles is a gentle giant, a soft and tender hearted man determined to build a new life for himself and his dog Cupcake but he is a bit lost and doesn't really know where to start. Everyone on the island is nice to him, life is slow and easy, but his routine is already getting old only a few months into retirement. That is until Tucker moves back home...
Tucker's life has been uprooted one too many times. Thankfully, his two dads always have their arms open, ready to welcome him back after his relationship crashes and burns in a spectacular way. Filled with shame and heartbreak, Tucker returns to Hope Island with the desire to find himself again. The one thing that hasn't changed in the years he was away is the beach, the ocean and most importantly, the sunrise that brings with it a new day, a fresh start.
After Every Sunrise proves that it's never too late to wish upon a sunrise, and if you are really lucky, your wish may come true...
Maya Jean shows her range with this book, giving us a lighter, swoonier read but with complex characters and her usual emotional writing. 💞
Tucker & Charles 🌅🐚
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️/🌶️🌶️🌶️
-Tucker
In After Every Sunrise, we are transported in the small town of Hope Island, a place Charles moved to recently following an abrupt end to his NFL career, and a place wild soul Tucker hasn't been back to in years. Tho their backgrounds couldn't be more different, they both somehow call this piece of paradise home.
Charles is a gentle giant, a soft and tender hearted man determined to build a new life for himself and his dog Cupcake but he is a bit lost and doesn't really know where to start. Everyone on the island is nice to him, life is slow and easy, but his routine is already getting old only a few months into retirement. That is until Tucker moves back home...
Tucker's life has been uprooted one too many times. Thankfully, his two dads always have their arms open, ready to welcome him back after his relationship crashes and burns in a spectacular way. Filled with shame and heartbreak, Tucker returns to Hope Island with the desire to find himself again. The one thing that hasn't changed in the years he was away is the beach, the ocean and most importantly, the sunrise that brings with it a new day, a fresh start.
After Every Sunrise proves that it's never too late to wish upon a sunrise, and if you are really lucky, your wish may come true...
Maya Jean shows her range with this book, giving us a lighter, swoonier read but with complex characters and her usual emotional writing. 💞
Tucker & Charles 🌅🐚
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️/🌶️🌶️🌶️
May 9, 2026
After Every Sunrise was absolutely lovely. This book felt like a warm hug wrapped in ocean air and soft healing moments.
Charlie and Tucker were adorable together. I loved the little routines they built...weekly guitar lessons, sunrise wishes, gluten free dinners… it all felt so soft and comforting.
What really stood out to me though was how gently Tucker’s healing journey was handled. His previous relationship left deep scars, and I appreciated that Charlie never tried to rush him. He gave Tucker the space, patience, and support he needed while slowly getting to know the real him underneath all the hurt. Charlie honestly felt like the safest place Tucker could land.
Their relationship is definitely a slow burn, but it works so perfectly for them. Watching their friendship slowly grow into something deeper felt natural, sweet, and incredibly heartfelt.
I also loved the atmosphere of this book. The small town island setting, the found family vibes, the ocean imagery, the lanterns and sunrise symbolism… it all felt so immersive and comforting. You could really feel the sense of healing and coming home to yourself after heartbreak.
And Cupcake? Best girl ever 🥹
The side characters were so much fun too, and now I desperately want more stories from this little community—especially River’s.
Overall, this was beautiful, emotional, and quietly hopeful. If you love slow burn romances, hurt/comfort, found family, and stories about rediscovering your worth after being hurt, I’d absolutely recommend this one.
Charlie and Tucker were adorable together. I loved the little routines they built...weekly guitar lessons, sunrise wishes, gluten free dinners… it all felt so soft and comforting.
What really stood out to me though was how gently Tucker’s healing journey was handled. His previous relationship left deep scars, and I appreciated that Charlie never tried to rush him. He gave Tucker the space, patience, and support he needed while slowly getting to know the real him underneath all the hurt. Charlie honestly felt like the safest place Tucker could land.
Their relationship is definitely a slow burn, but it works so perfectly for them. Watching their friendship slowly grow into something deeper felt natural, sweet, and incredibly heartfelt.
I also loved the atmosphere of this book. The small town island setting, the found family vibes, the ocean imagery, the lanterns and sunrise symbolism… it all felt so immersive and comforting. You could really feel the sense of healing and coming home to yourself after heartbreak.
And Cupcake? Best girl ever 🥹
The side characters were so much fun too, and now I desperately want more stories from this little community—especially River’s.
Overall, this was beautiful, emotional, and quietly hopeful. If you love slow burn romances, hurt/comfort, found family, and stories about rediscovering your worth after being hurt, I’d absolutely recommend this one.
May 9, 2026
I would like to thank GRR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
After Every Sunrise was a gentle, small-town romance, and a really sweet start to the Hope Island series. This was cute and cozy, but also a bit achy, as an icky ex did Tucker the kind of dirty that sent him heartsore and seeking sanctuary in the supremely loving arms of his dads, after quite a long time away. They honestly made me cry with how hard they loved on him!
This sweet babe, with musically-inclined aspirations, was raised and nurtured by the most loving hearts in all of existence. And though his ex was a real piece of abusive work, and he had a rough couple years before he was adopted, Tuck's dads made sure he knew that he could ALWAYS come home, and I loved that so much!
Tuck was healing his heart through every sunrise gilding the picturesque beachscapes he called home. And as is the way of small-town meet-cute magic, Charlie had also made Hope Island his chosen place to recover, after a career-ending sports injury changed the course of his life forever. They were soft and sweet together as a couple, but I also loved how connected Charlie was to Tucker's dads, who'd extended their hospitality to him as both friendly neighbours, but also as dads who go hard!
I'm looking forward to whatever's next for Hope Island because not only was Tuck and Charlie's soft, dreamy, wish-come-true romance lovely to read, but this also had all the feel-good fun of townies pulling off a shiny, happy event, and that's always a good time!
After Every Sunrise was a gentle, small-town romance, and a really sweet start to the Hope Island series. This was cute and cozy, but also a bit achy, as an icky ex did Tucker the kind of dirty that sent him heartsore and seeking sanctuary in the supremely loving arms of his dads, after quite a long time away. They honestly made me cry with how hard they loved on him!
This sweet babe, with musically-inclined aspirations, was raised and nurtured by the most loving hearts in all of existence. And though his ex was a real piece of abusive work, and he had a rough couple years before he was adopted, Tuck's dads made sure he knew that he could ALWAYS come home, and I loved that so much!
Tuck was healing his heart through every sunrise gilding the picturesque beachscapes he called home. And as is the way of small-town meet-cute magic, Charlie had also made Hope Island his chosen place to recover, after a career-ending sports injury changed the course of his life forever. They were soft and sweet together as a couple, but I also loved how connected Charlie was to Tucker's dads, who'd extended their hospitality to him as both friendly neighbours, but also as dads who go hard!
I'm looking forward to whatever's next for Hope Island because not only was Tuck and Charlie's soft, dreamy, wish-come-true romance lovely to read, but this also had all the feel-good fun of townies pulling off a shiny, happy event, and that's always a good time!
May 16, 2026
This book was a warm hug in all honesty. From the very beginning, I completely fell in love with the cozy small town atmosphere of Hope Island. The warm and curious neighborhood, the beach atmosphere, the lantern festival, even Cupcake, made everything so cozy and vibrant. It was one such story that makes you wish you were in a real town so you can move there as well.
I loved the way Tucker and Charles were so patient and gentle towards one another. I'm glad the story gave Tucker time to heal from his relationship as he went through, which I didn't expect, given all the problems he had faced. Charles was really such a darling. He listened to Tucker, respected his space and boundaries, and supported him without taking over control of him in any way, that made my heart melt. Their relationship was healthy, soft and it had genuine care.
I also enjoyed the fact that the story centered around finding the self again for Tucker. It was quite moving to see him slowly regain his love for the things and gradually becoming more confident. And Charles knew that Tucker had to be free but he still loved him with all of his heart, and they were a perfect fit.
Overall this read was so sweet and comforting with loveable characters, healing, romance and the best small town vibes! I already know that I am going to love the rest of this series as Hope Island totally stole my heart from me.
ARC READ
I loved the way Tucker and Charles were so patient and gentle towards one another. I'm glad the story gave Tucker time to heal from his relationship as he went through, which I didn't expect, given all the problems he had faced. Charles was really such a darling. He listened to Tucker, respected his space and boundaries, and supported him without taking over control of him in any way, that made my heart melt. Their relationship was healthy, soft and it had genuine care.
I also enjoyed the fact that the story centered around finding the self again for Tucker. It was quite moving to see him slowly regain his love for the things and gradually becoming more confident. And Charles knew that Tucker had to be free but he still loved him with all of his heart, and they were a perfect fit.
Overall this read was so sweet and comforting with loveable characters, healing, romance and the best small town vibes! I already know that I am going to love the rest of this series as Hope Island totally stole my heart from me.
ARC READ
May 17, 2026
After every sunrise was an absolutely heartfelt sweet book. It Is the first in the Hope Island series. In this book there is Tucker and Charles. Tucker had to move back home with his parents at 32 because he was getting out of an abusive relationship. Moving back home for him to Hope Island he never felt like he really left but it was still to him like a setback.
Then we have Charles he is a super sweet amazing man who is retired he was a football player and now is just lost. And I mean lost in a sense of he don't really know what to do he's played football of his life and he's had the adrenaline from that and now it stopped.
I do love that this is a slow burn Romance. Charles really had to put in work to break down Tucker's walls. Tucker was very standoffish and very guarded because of the relationship he just left and had all right to be. With every meeting at the beach or guitar lessons or just any type of meeting Charles finally started breaking those walls down that took her head. Now will tell you this it was an absolutely amazing book. It is a friends to lovers, slow burn Romance, most certainly an opposites attract because I guess you just wouldn't see a football player and somebody like Tucker together but hey they work.
Overall, the author did a phenomenal job of this book. The characters were fabulous and just very genuine. The romance felt so natural and real even though it was slow. Everything just fit comfortably together.
Then we have Charles he is a super sweet amazing man who is retired he was a football player and now is just lost. And I mean lost in a sense of he don't really know what to do he's played football of his life and he's had the adrenaline from that and now it stopped.
I do love that this is a slow burn Romance. Charles really had to put in work to break down Tucker's walls. Tucker was very standoffish and very guarded because of the relationship he just left and had all right to be. With every meeting at the beach or guitar lessons or just any type of meeting Charles finally started breaking those walls down that took her head. Now will tell you this it was an absolutely amazing book. It is a friends to lovers, slow burn Romance, most certainly an opposites attract because I guess you just wouldn't see a football player and somebody like Tucker together but hey they work.
Overall, the author did a phenomenal job of this book. The characters were fabulous and just very genuine. The romance felt so natural and real even though it was slow. Everything just fit comfortably together.
May 19, 2026
I have to say, I enjoyed pretty much everything about this book.
•The characters were wonderfully written—both MC’s and their friends, family, etc. Each character was portrayed distinctly from the others and was interesting in their own way.
•The storyline was simple, but the telling of the story wasn’t. It wasn’t some exciting, dramatic, angsty tale, but one that still managed to keep me riveted all the same.
•The spice, while not very detailed or lengthy, was perfectly written for this couple. The story didn’t focus on sex, but their individual wants/needs as far as intimacy is concerned had a substantial place within the story.
Our MCs, Charles and Tucker, are an opposites-attract couple who meet after Tucker’s long-term relationship abruptly ends. He returns home to the small island where he spent most of his childhood, only to run into someone new on the island—Charles, a famous NFL star who was forced to retire early. Charles desperately wants to be Tucker’s friend (or more), but the prickly Tucker isn’t having it...but the more time they spend together, the more Charles’ golden retriever personality begins to thaw Tucker’s guarded heart.
Charles and Tucker’s long road to love is everything, and you can’t help rooting for them. Charles is so patient and loving, and Tucker is so deserving of him!
"For so long I've spent my life thinking something was irrecoverably broken inside me, making me undeserving of love, despite all the love that surrounds me."
"A wish on a sunrise is a wish that always comes true."
ARC review, my opinions are my own.
•The characters were wonderfully written—both MC’s and their friends, family, etc. Each character was portrayed distinctly from the others and was interesting in their own way.
•The storyline was simple, but the telling of the story wasn’t. It wasn’t some exciting, dramatic, angsty tale, but one that still managed to keep me riveted all the same.
•The spice, while not very detailed or lengthy, was perfectly written for this couple. The story didn’t focus on sex, but their individual wants/needs as far as intimacy is concerned had a substantial place within the story.
Our MCs, Charles and Tucker, are an opposites-attract couple who meet after Tucker’s long-term relationship abruptly ends. He returns home to the small island where he spent most of his childhood, only to run into someone new on the island—Charles, a famous NFL star who was forced to retire early. Charles desperately wants to be Tucker’s friend (or more), but the prickly Tucker isn’t having it...but the more time they spend together, the more Charles’ golden retriever personality begins to thaw Tucker’s guarded heart.
Charles and Tucker’s long road to love is everything, and you can’t help rooting for them. Charles is so patient and loving, and Tucker is so deserving of him!
"For so long I've spent my life thinking something was irrecoverably broken inside me, making me undeserving of love, despite all the love that surrounds me."
"A wish on a sunrise is a wish that always comes true."
ARC review, my opinions are my own.
May 25, 2026
I've had to pause reading at a critical juncture (78%) to get this out. Don't give your dog rawhide treats. The general consensus is that they are bad for them and there are so many healthy alternatives nowadays. I'd recommend yak chews which are made with yaks milk and last my cockerpoo for weeks. They're not cheap but, dude, you're a millionaire ex footballer and your dog has just had bloat. Why not give her something to chew on that is actually digestible.
Rant over.
Now on to the review...
This is the first book I've read by this author. Adorable doesn't even begin to describe it. It's remarkably low angst considering the back stories of both MCs. While they were watching sunrises and playing guitar, I was waiting for the other shoe to drop. I expected Tucker's abusive ex to turn up on the doorstep and cause trouble. But no, the sun continued to rise and the lads got closer with little in the way of angst to disrupt Charles gently making Tucker a safe space in his life. No tissues required, unless like me you cry because the dog gets ill.
Tucker's dads are lovely, and his friend group is great fun. Hope Island seems like a lovely place to live without some of the wackiness often found in small town romances.
I'll certainly be picking up the next book in the series.
Rant over.
Now on to the review...
This is the first book I've read by this author. Adorable doesn't even begin to describe it. It's remarkably low angst considering the back stories of both MCs. While they were watching sunrises and playing guitar, I was waiting for the other shoe to drop. I expected Tucker's abusive ex to turn up on the doorstep and cause trouble. But no, the sun continued to rise and the lads got closer with little in the way of angst to disrupt Charles gently making Tucker a safe space in his life. No tissues required, unless like me you cry because the dog gets ill.
Tucker's dads are lovely, and his friend group is great fun. Hope Island seems like a lovely place to live without some of the wackiness often found in small town romances.
I'll certainly be picking up the next book in the series.
Review of advance copy
********** Contains Spoilers**********
I’m pretty new to Maya Jean’s work and I’m looking forward to reading more. I thought it was cool how Maya included a Playlist at the start of this book. I went to Spotify and listened to it while reading Charles and Tucker’s story. Yes, I listen to music while I read from my Kindle as for some weird reason it makes me concentrate a lot more on the words in the book. I thought this was a good start to the Hope Island Series and I thoroughly enjoyed immersing myself in this new world that Maya has created.
I adored Charles & Tucker and I really liked how their relationship progressed as it felt realistic, especially since Tucker has just gotten out of an abusive relationship. I loved how Charles didn’t put any pressure on Tucker knowing everything he’s been through. I really enjoyed some of the secondary characters and I’m looking forward to reading some of their stories as the series continues, as well as more of Maya’s books in the future. I’d recommend this book, series and author to others.
******I received a complimentary copy of this book through GRR. I would still happily review this book even if I purchased it myself. My thoughts and feelings about this book are completely unbiased******
I’m pretty new to Maya Jean’s work and I’m looking forward to reading more. I thought it was cool how Maya included a Playlist at the start of this book. I went to Spotify and listened to it while reading Charles and Tucker’s story. Yes, I listen to music while I read from my Kindle as for some weird reason it makes me concentrate a lot more on the words in the book. I thought this was a good start to the Hope Island Series and I thoroughly enjoyed immersing myself in this new world that Maya has created.
I adored Charles & Tucker and I really liked how their relationship progressed as it felt realistic, especially since Tucker has just gotten out of an abusive relationship. I loved how Charles didn’t put any pressure on Tucker knowing everything he’s been through. I really enjoyed some of the secondary characters and I’m looking forward to reading some of their stories as the series continues, as well as more of Maya’s books in the future. I’d recommend this book, series and author to others.
******I received a complimentary copy of this book through GRR. I would still happily review this book even if I purchased it myself. My thoughts and feelings about this book are completely unbiased******
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2026
4⭐️
This was a very, very cozy book. It never got too stressful or left us waiting too long in any angst and nothing bad happened. It was the perfect book to read before bed, like, I was happy to keep reading but as soon as I got sleepy I was just as happy to put it down.
The MCs were sweet and I liked the dual POV, Charlie might’ve been too sweet and a bit of a pushover at times but Tucker didn’t ever really do anything to hurt Charlie so all was pretty much okay.
I’m really not totally sure what my gripe was with this book but I think most of it has to do with the dog’s breed and age 😅 Saint Bernard’s just don’t live that long and when a dog’s stomach flips and they’re already very old (I think she was already like 12!?) the risks associated with the surgery and quality of life are waaaaay more than what happened in the book. I’m saying this as someone who had to put down an old dog whose stomach flipped and we caught it right away. Maybe if Cupcake was like 8, which is pretty old for a Saint Bernard I could’ve gotten behind the whole incident, but unfortunately I spent every scene with Cupcake thinking about how unrealistic an XL dog breed like that would both be so active and survive such a trauma 🙃
Thanks to GRR for the ARC!
This was a very, very cozy book. It never got too stressful or left us waiting too long in any angst and nothing bad happened. It was the perfect book to read before bed, like, I was happy to keep reading but as soon as I got sleepy I was just as happy to put it down.
The MCs were sweet and I liked the dual POV, Charlie might’ve been too sweet and a bit of a pushover at times but Tucker didn’t ever really do anything to hurt Charlie so all was pretty much okay.
I’m really not totally sure what my gripe was with this book but I think most of it has to do with the dog’s breed and age 😅 Saint Bernard’s just don’t live that long and when a dog’s stomach flips and they’re already very old (I think she was already like 12!?) the risks associated with the surgery and quality of life are waaaaay more than what happened in the book. I’m saying this as someone who had to put down an old dog whose stomach flipped and we caught it right away. Maybe if Cupcake was like 8, which is pretty old for a Saint Bernard I could’ve gotten behind the whole incident, but unfortunately I spent every scene with Cupcake thinking about how unrealistic an XL dog breed like that would both be so active and survive such a trauma 🙃
Thanks to GRR for the ARC!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 stars, rounded up!
Oh, this was absolutely wonderful. I really need to read more of Maya's books asap because so far I've loved every single one of them. After Every Sunrise touched my heart and feels like a warm gentle hug after a rough day.
Tucker and Charles' story is a slow burn. It takes its time, letting you feel these two character's journey in a deep and heartfelt way. Tucker's story in particular is one close to my heart and it's done so well. His journey of healing is beautiful and felt so true to my own experiences. And Charles was the perfect landing place for Tucker. Kind, gentle, caring, considerate, patient. It was achingly beautiful.
The side characters were also a ton of fun. Tucker's sweet dads, their friends & neighbors on the island,... They all felt distinct and real and make me want to read their stories too. The writing itself was gorgeous and so atmospheric that I could almost smell the ocean.
Highly recommend this book if you love slow burn romances with hurt/comfort themes, set in a quirky small town where the ocean is never far away.
Oh, this was absolutely wonderful. I really need to read more of Maya's books asap because so far I've loved every single one of them. After Every Sunrise touched my heart and feels like a warm gentle hug after a rough day.
Tucker and Charles' story is a slow burn. It takes its time, letting you feel these two character's journey in a deep and heartfelt way. Tucker's story in particular is one close to my heart and it's done so well. His journey of healing is beautiful and felt so true to my own experiences. And Charles was the perfect landing place for Tucker. Kind, gentle, caring, considerate, patient. It was achingly beautiful.
The side characters were also a ton of fun. Tucker's sweet dads, their friends & neighbors on the island,... They all felt distinct and real and make me want to read their stories too. The writing itself was gorgeous and so atmospheric that I could almost smell the ocean.
Highly recommend this book if you love slow burn romances with hurt/comfort themes, set in a quirky small town where the ocean is never far away.
Review of advance copy received from Author
*3.75 stars!
thank you to the author for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review! all thoughts and opinions are my own.
this was super sweet! i really enjoyed charlie and tucker's romance because there was a foundation based on a genuine trust and respect that was built up slowly. the acts of service here were a major highlight for me. i nearly cried over the effort charlie put in to make tucker feel supported and cared for regarding his celiac disease. that representation was also done very well and i love seeing that elevate the romance itself. the small-town setting was also great, i immediately felt at home in hope island and it was described in a way that made it feel real. it did feel like once feelings were confessed that it all happened kinda quickly and just passed right on by, but that's likely just because this book is a pretty short and quick read. still a lovely romance for the short story that it is.
being my first maya jean book, i'm pretty impressed by her writing and i can tell that there was a lot of thought and care put into this story. i'm so glad that i've finally read from this author and i am so looking forward to more books in this series!
thank you to the author for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review! all thoughts and opinions are my own.
this was super sweet! i really enjoyed charlie and tucker's romance because there was a foundation based on a genuine trust and respect that was built up slowly. the acts of service here were a major highlight for me. i nearly cried over the effort charlie put in to make tucker feel supported and cared for regarding his celiac disease. that representation was also done very well and i love seeing that elevate the romance itself. the small-town setting was also great, i immediately felt at home in hope island and it was described in a way that made it feel real. it did feel like once feelings were confessed that it all happened kinda quickly and just passed right on by, but that's likely just because this book is a pretty short and quick read. still a lovely romance for the short story that it is.
being my first maya jean book, i'm pretty impressed by her writing and i can tell that there was a lot of thought and care put into this story. i'm so glad that i've finally read from this author and i am so looking forward to more books in this series!
May 8, 2026
I loved Maya's Sweet Southern series and the blurb for AFTER EVERY SUNRISE caught my attention faster than a lightning strike.
This book was GORGEOUS. A slow and atmospheric story filled with the feeling of home and heartbreak and healing.
Tucker James is one hell of a character and of course his HEA is held in the extremely large but devastatingly gentle hands of Charlie. These two were something else.
And while I loved their romance, my favorite part of this story was the feeling of coming home after heartbreak and the realizations of self worth and being worthy of happiness. The joy in remembering who you are after someone, and the world, has tried to shape you into someone else.
There were so many beautiful moments pushed in between little snippets of a slow moving life on a little island in South Carolina.
The imagery of sunrises and lanterns and wishes. Oooooof. Simply beautiful in it's truth.
I loved this story. 4.5⭐️
This book was GORGEOUS. A slow and atmospheric story filled with the feeling of home and heartbreak and healing.
Tucker James is one hell of a character and of course his HEA is held in the extremely large but devastatingly gentle hands of Charlie. These two were something else.
And while I loved their romance, my favorite part of this story was the feeling of coming home after heartbreak and the realizations of self worth and being worthy of happiness. The joy in remembering who you are after someone, and the world, has tried to shape you into someone else.
There were so many beautiful moments pushed in between little snippets of a slow moving life on a little island in South Carolina.
The imagery of sunrises and lanterns and wishes. Oooooof. Simply beautiful in it's truth.
I loved this story. 4.5⭐️
May 11, 2026
After Every Sunrise was such a lovable story.
Charlie and Tucker were absolutely adorable together. I loved all those quiet, peaceful moments they shared — the guitar lessons, the sunrise wishes, the gluten-free dinners… they just felt so perfect together.
What truly stood out to me was how beautifully Tucker’s healing journey was portrayed. His previous relationship left deep scars, and it was so wonderful to see that Charlie never tried to rush him. He let Tucker heal at his own pace, giving him space while treating him with endless patience and support.
And the way Tucker’s dads loved him and made sure he knew he would always have a place with them whenever he came home… ahh, my heart…
Another thing I really loved was the found family vibe and the small-town setting. It felt like the kind of place you’d want to run to after your heart’s been broken.
If you love slow-burn, small-town romances, then this book is definitely for you.
Charlie and Tucker were absolutely adorable together. I loved all those quiet, peaceful moments they shared — the guitar lessons, the sunrise wishes, the gluten-free dinners… they just felt so perfect together.
What truly stood out to me was how beautifully Tucker’s healing journey was portrayed. His previous relationship left deep scars, and it was so wonderful to see that Charlie never tried to rush him. He let Tucker heal at his own pace, giving him space while treating him with endless patience and support.
And the way Tucker’s dads loved him and made sure he knew he would always have a place with them whenever he came home… ahh, my heart…
Another thing I really loved was the found family vibe and the small-town setting. It felt like the kind of place you’d want to run to after your heart’s been broken.
If you love slow-burn, small-town romances, then this book is definitely for you.
May 14, 2026
We love a small town and a "find yourself" again MC!!!
Tucker is coming off of an abusive relationship that forces him to go back to his dads in his small hometown. He's reluctant and he has walls built up miles high around him, but as soon as he touches down there's a sort of calmness in the writing that sort of hints to the reader that everything is going to be okay. Seeing Tucker find himself again, and go back to what he liked pre his past relationship was really touching.
I loved the introduction of Charles and how it comes full circle at the end. Sunrises are important in this new relationship and it adds a bit of softness that is already present in the way that that Charles simply is. I liked how he provided this steadiness for Tucker, and was very adamant about letting Tucker take the lead, and going at a pace that would be comfortable for him.
They both were eachothers safe space, which was something they both desperately needed. Overall this was just as swoony as I expect any Maya Jean book to be, and I loved every second of it!
Tucker is coming off of an abusive relationship that forces him to go back to his dads in his small hometown. He's reluctant and he has walls built up miles high around him, but as soon as he touches down there's a sort of calmness in the writing that sort of hints to the reader that everything is going to be okay. Seeing Tucker find himself again, and go back to what he liked pre his past relationship was really touching.
I loved the introduction of Charles and how it comes full circle at the end. Sunrises are important in this new relationship and it adds a bit of softness that is already present in the way that that Charles simply is. I liked how he provided this steadiness for Tucker, and was very adamant about letting Tucker take the lead, and going at a pace that would be comfortable for him.
They both were eachothers safe space, which was something they both desperately needed. Overall this was just as swoony as I expect any Maya Jean book to be, and I loved every second of it!
May 17, 2026
A redemption event for two gay men with lots of angst, passion and warmth
When we meet Tucker, he has just seen his abusive boyfriend of more than a decade in bed with a barely legal boy. Finally, Tucker has had enough. He leaves with a duffle bag of dirty clothes and his guitar. He goes home to Hope Island, South Carolina, a magical town of misfits. There he meets the retired-due-to-injury football player and winner of four Super Bowl rings Charles Augustin. Their story of finding love is sweet, sometimes tragic and ends so well. Along the way we meet some quirky secondary characters of whom I hope we get a story later as this is book one. In this one, Tucker and Charles circle each other until their orbits are ensnared. If you like gay romance with the hurt/comfort trope, wee bit of intimacy but lots of loving looks, read this book. I volunteered to review an ARC of it through Gay Romance Reviews. So close to five stars!
When we meet Tucker, he has just seen his abusive boyfriend of more than a decade in bed with a barely legal boy. Finally, Tucker has had enough. He leaves with a duffle bag of dirty clothes and his guitar. He goes home to Hope Island, South Carolina, a magical town of misfits. There he meets the retired-due-to-injury football player and winner of four Super Bowl rings Charles Augustin. Their story of finding love is sweet, sometimes tragic and ends so well. Along the way we meet some quirky secondary characters of whom I hope we get a story later as this is book one. In this one, Tucker and Charles circle each other until their orbits are ensnared. If you like gay romance with the hurt/comfort trope, wee bit of intimacy but lots of loving looks, read this book. I volunteered to review an ARC of it through Gay Romance Reviews. So close to five stars!
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