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Burn: A Forbidden Brother's Best Friend Romance
A burned-out med student. Her brother’s off-limits best friend. One year in a small town that changes everything.
Lily Moreland didn’t expect Harbor Hill to feel like home. She didn’t expect Cal Holt to become the most dangerous part of her gap year, either.
He’s older, unshakeable, and far too good at pretending he wasn’t watching her.
She’s chaos in human form. He never stood a chance since the moment he saw her.
Resisting each other was never really an option. And when their secret stops being a secret, every sensible reason they’ve been hiding starts to sound a lot like fear.
She has a future to get back to. He has roots he’s never wanted to leave.
A decision needs to be made, and it’s the hardest thing either of them has ever faced.
Let each other go. Or burn it all down for love.
Lily Moreland didn’t expect Harbor Hill to feel like home. She didn’t expect Cal Holt to become the most dangerous part of her gap year, either.
He’s older, unshakeable, and far too good at pretending he wasn’t watching her.
She’s chaos in human form. He never stood a chance since the moment he saw her.
Resisting each other was never really an option. And when their secret stops being a secret, every sensible reason they’ve been hiding starts to sound a lot like fear.
She has a future to get back to. He has roots he’s never wanted to leave.
A decision needs to be made, and it’s the hardest thing either of them has ever faced.
Let each other go. Or burn it all down for love.
488 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 7, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
July 13, 2026
5🌟, 3🌶️
This story completely blindsided me, transforming from what I anticipated as a simple, cozy getaway into a deeply moving exploration of healing and belonging.
Lily, arriving in town to escape the crushing weight of medical school burnout, finds herself caught in a magnetic, forbidden pull toward Callahan. Watching their relationship evolve from hesitant, stolen moments into an undeniable, slow-burn connection felt incredibly authentic and beautifully paced.
Callahan is the definition of a green-flag hero, quiet and fiercely loyal, and watching him lose the battle against his own heart because of his loyalty to Lily’s brother was sheer perfection. Lily, with her refreshing wit and light, is the perfect match for his steady, controlled world. Their chemistry goes far beyond just attraction; it is built on mutual support and emotional intimacy that makes every interaction between them feel deeply earned and remarkably special.
Beyond the romance, the story excels at balancing heavy themes like grief with the warmth of a genuine found family. It is a rare, powerhouse read that manages to shatter your heart and mend it completely by the final page. If you are looking for a story that stays with you long after you finish, offering both intense emotional stakes and a deeply satisfying, hard-won happily ever after, this is one you simply cannot miss.
Keep the tissues handy, because this one will absolutely wreck you in the best way possible.
~~~~
Huge thank you to Romy Hale and Love Notes PR for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
This story completely blindsided me, transforming from what I anticipated as a simple, cozy getaway into a deeply moving exploration of healing and belonging.
Lily, arriving in town to escape the crushing weight of medical school burnout, finds herself caught in a magnetic, forbidden pull toward Callahan. Watching their relationship evolve from hesitant, stolen moments into an undeniable, slow-burn connection felt incredibly authentic and beautifully paced.
Callahan is the definition of a green-flag hero, quiet and fiercely loyal, and watching him lose the battle against his own heart because of his loyalty to Lily’s brother was sheer perfection. Lily, with her refreshing wit and light, is the perfect match for his steady, controlled world. Their chemistry goes far beyond just attraction; it is built on mutual support and emotional intimacy that makes every interaction between them feel deeply earned and remarkably special.
Beyond the romance, the story excels at balancing heavy themes like grief with the warmth of a genuine found family. It is a rare, powerhouse read that manages to shatter your heart and mend it completely by the final page. If you are looking for a story that stays with you long after you finish, offering both intense emotional stakes and a deeply satisfying, hard-won happily ever after, this is one you simply cannot miss.
Keep the tissues handy, because this one will absolutely wreck you in the best way possible.
~~~~
Huge thank you to Romy Hale and Love Notes PR for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
July 28, 2026
This is hands down one of the best books I have ever read. The burn was slooooooow but so fuck worth it. And all the emotions? The all encompassing, life altering, once in a lifetime love? So, so, so perfect. I wish I had one of those brain zappers from Men In Black so I could forget this book just to read it for the first time all over again. It's THAT fucking amazing.
Go. Read. This. Book. Now! Infinite stars!
Go. Read. This. Book. Now! Infinite stars!
July 7, 2026
❤️ When Love Feels Like Home ❤️
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️
Every once in a while, a book comes along that completely surprises me, and Burn was exactly that kind of story. I picked it up expecting a sweet small-town romance, but what I found was a deeply emotional story about healing, belonging, found family, and a love that quietly burns brighter with every page.
This was my first book by Romy Hale, and it definitely won't be my last. I immediately found myself wanting to go back and read the rest of the Harbor Hill series because I completely fell in love with this town, its people, and the way Romy Hale brings every emotion to life.
Lily arrives in Harbor Hill exhausted, burned out from medical school, and unsure of where she truly belongs. Taking a gap year was supposed to help her figure out her future, but instead she finds something she never expected—a community that feels like home and a man she was never supposed to fall for.
Callahan completely stole my heart. He's quiet, dependable, fiercely loyal, and the definition of a green-flag hero. From the moment he meets Lily, he's trying to fight feelings he knows he shouldn't have, but watching him slowly lose that battle was one of my favorite parts of the book. Cal falls first, falls harder, and every stolen glance, quiet conversation, and small act of care made me love him even more.
Lily was the perfect balance to his calm personality. She brings light, humor, and just enough chaos to shake up his carefully controlled world, but beneath her wit is someone desperately searching for purpose and a place to belong. Watching her slowly heal while rediscovering herself made her journey incredibly rewarding.
The romance is a beautiful slow burn filled with longing, tension, and emotional intimacy. Every moment between Cal and Lily felt earned, making the payoff even more satisfying. Their chemistry was undeniable, but it was the emotional connection, unwavering support, and quiet devotion that truly made me fall in love with their story.
Harbor Hill became so much more than just the setting. The small-town charm, wonderful friendships, and incredible found family made this feel like a place I never wanted to leave. And Will Holt... what an unforgettable character. His wisdom, kindness, and unconditional love had me reaching for tissues more than once. Characters like him are what make stories linger long after the final page.
What impressed me most was how beautifully Romy Hale balanced romance with themes of grief, healing, family, and finding where you truly belong. Nothing felt rushed, and every emotional moment landed exactly as it should. This is the kind of story that stays with you because it reminds you that sometimes home isn't a place—it's the people who choose to love you.
If you love slow-burn romance, brother's best friend, small-town settings, emotional healing, found family, and heroes who quietly love with their whole hearts, Burn absolutely belongs on your TBR. This was one of my favorite reads of the year, and I already know I'll be returning to Harbor Hill very soon.
Thank you so much to Romy Hale and Love Notes PR for trusting me with a gifted advanced reader copy of Burn. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️
Every once in a while, a book comes along that completely surprises me, and Burn was exactly that kind of story. I picked it up expecting a sweet small-town romance, but what I found was a deeply emotional story about healing, belonging, found family, and a love that quietly burns brighter with every page.
This was my first book by Romy Hale, and it definitely won't be my last. I immediately found myself wanting to go back and read the rest of the Harbor Hill series because I completely fell in love with this town, its people, and the way Romy Hale brings every emotion to life.
Lily arrives in Harbor Hill exhausted, burned out from medical school, and unsure of where she truly belongs. Taking a gap year was supposed to help her figure out her future, but instead she finds something she never expected—a community that feels like home and a man she was never supposed to fall for.
Callahan completely stole my heart. He's quiet, dependable, fiercely loyal, and the definition of a green-flag hero. From the moment he meets Lily, he's trying to fight feelings he knows he shouldn't have, but watching him slowly lose that battle was one of my favorite parts of the book. Cal falls first, falls harder, and every stolen glance, quiet conversation, and small act of care made me love him even more.
Lily was the perfect balance to his calm personality. She brings light, humor, and just enough chaos to shake up his carefully controlled world, but beneath her wit is someone desperately searching for purpose and a place to belong. Watching her slowly heal while rediscovering herself made her journey incredibly rewarding.
The romance is a beautiful slow burn filled with longing, tension, and emotional intimacy. Every moment between Cal and Lily felt earned, making the payoff even more satisfying. Their chemistry was undeniable, but it was the emotional connection, unwavering support, and quiet devotion that truly made me fall in love with their story.
Harbor Hill became so much more than just the setting. The small-town charm, wonderful friendships, and incredible found family made this feel like a place I never wanted to leave. And Will Holt... what an unforgettable character. His wisdom, kindness, and unconditional love had me reaching for tissues more than once. Characters like him are what make stories linger long after the final page.
What impressed me most was how beautifully Romy Hale balanced romance with themes of grief, healing, family, and finding where you truly belong. Nothing felt rushed, and every emotional moment landed exactly as it should. This is the kind of story that stays with you because it reminds you that sometimes home isn't a place—it's the people who choose to love you.
If you love slow-burn romance, brother's best friend, small-town settings, emotional healing, found family, and heroes who quietly love with their whole hearts, Burn absolutely belongs on your TBR. This was one of my favorite reads of the year, and I already know I'll be returning to Harbor Hill very soon.
Thank you so much to Romy Hale and Love Notes PR for trusting me with a gifted advanced reader copy of Burn. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy
Thank you to LoveNotesPR for the ARC 🫶
And a huge thank you to the loveliest author Romy Hale for naming me in the acknowledgements 🥹 what a flex! Totally unexpected and appreciated 🥰
Easiest 5 stars i have awarded in a long time!
I knew very early on that Cal and Lily's (Caly 😜) story was a special one. This book was the perfect length and mix of plot, spice and all the feelings from laughing, heartbreak, empathy, rooting for the pair, being envious of their friend group and very jealous that Lily gets to experience Cal's dirty chat 🥵👌.
I have read books 1 and 2 of the series, although not essential i do feel that reading in order gives you a much better backstory and builds up to our Caly's turn nicely.
From the opening chapters I was already emotional 😢 and I really appreciated the epilogue to tie the series up in a lovely bow 🎀
This is by far my favourite book of the Harbor Hill series and I enjoyed the first 2!
💙 Brothers best friend
🫶 Found family
🤫 Secret hookups
✌️ Forbidden romance
😜 Age gap (7 years)
🌶 Filthy mouth
📱Text threads
Brief overview of the book cos I dont want to spoil anything... Trainee medical student Lily is burned out and takes a gap year in Harbor Hill where her brother is now living with his beloved Erin. Lily has had her eye on Firefighter Cal since meeting him 6 months before, Cal also has his eye on Lily but their "age gap" and the fact that shes his best friends younger sister who he has been sworn off dating by brother Rome means she is 100% off limits.
An injury pushes Lily closer to Will, Cal's dad and a beautiful friendship grows 🫶 This of course only pushes Caly further together and luckily for us readers makes it harder for them both to resist eachother 🙌
I adore Will and would have loved a bonus epilogue from his POV!
If i really had to pick on anything I would have loved a bit more firefighter chat from Cal - only cos that's hot 🔥🚒 literally!
Excited to see what is next from Romy ❤️
And a huge thank you to the loveliest author Romy Hale for naming me in the acknowledgements 🥹 what a flex! Totally unexpected and appreciated 🥰
Easiest 5 stars i have awarded in a long time!
I knew very early on that Cal and Lily's (Caly 😜) story was a special one. This book was the perfect length and mix of plot, spice and all the feelings from laughing, heartbreak, empathy, rooting for the pair, being envious of their friend group and very jealous that Lily gets to experience Cal's dirty chat 🥵👌.
I have read books 1 and 2 of the series, although not essential i do feel that reading in order gives you a much better backstory and builds up to our Caly's turn nicely.
From the opening chapters I was already emotional 😢 and I really appreciated the epilogue to tie the series up in a lovely bow 🎀
This is by far my favourite book of the Harbor Hill series and I enjoyed the first 2!
💙 Brothers best friend
🫶 Found family
🤫 Secret hookups
✌️ Forbidden romance
😜 Age gap (7 years)
🌶 Filthy mouth
📱Text threads
Brief overview of the book cos I dont want to spoil anything... Trainee medical student Lily is burned out and takes a gap year in Harbor Hill where her brother is now living with his beloved Erin. Lily has had her eye on Firefighter Cal since meeting him 6 months before, Cal also has his eye on Lily but their "age gap" and the fact that shes his best friends younger sister who he has been sworn off dating by brother Rome means she is 100% off limits.
An injury pushes Lily closer to Will, Cal's dad and a beautiful friendship grows 🫶 This of course only pushes Caly further together and luckily for us readers makes it harder for them both to resist eachother 🙌
I adore Will and would have loved a bonus epilogue from his POV!
If i really had to pick on anything I would have loved a bit more firefighter chat from Cal - only cos that's hot 🔥🚒 literally!
Excited to see what is next from Romy ❤️
Review of advance copy
Three times. This book made me ugly cry THREE TIMES. The yearning, devotion, and love is written on to these pages in such a visceral way, it is impossible to not be moved. The way Lily and Callahan struggle through their intense, forbidden attraction until it becomes an inevitability, the way they heal each other, the way they almost destroy each other... It. Is. Everything.
Book three of Romy Hale's debut series can be enjoyed as a standalone without reading the prior two books. It follows the paths of Lily, a recent graduate taking a gap year in her brother's small town before going off to med school, and Callahan, a firefighter and one of her brother's best friends, who lives with and cares for his widowed father. Lily's brother, Rome, witnessed their initial attraction when she first visited him and has made Callahan swear to stay away from her out of fear that he would derail the plans she's worked towards all her life. Callahan agrees, thinking that their paths would rarely cross, until he finds out that she plans to take up temporary residence in the place he calls home. Now he must avoid her at all costs to keep the promise he made and to keep his heart safe. All is fine until it isn't; both succumb to their undeniable attraction. Their love unfolds and builds behind closed doors, but the clock ticking down to the end of their time together is a bomb, waiting to incinerate them both.
I haven't read a book that so thoroughly wrecked me like this one in a long time. PRO TIP: for complete emotional devastation, listen to Sam Smith's "Fire on Fire" starting around 91%. Even knowing that you'll get a HEA (and it's a beautiful one), you'll still want to keep the tissues on standby.
Release date: July 7th
Tropes
Brother's friend
Age gap (22 & 29)
Forbidden love
Secret relationship
Praise/degradation
Small town
Found family
Firefighter x med student
Book three of Romy Hale's debut series can be enjoyed as a standalone without reading the prior two books. It follows the paths of Lily, a recent graduate taking a gap year in her brother's small town before going off to med school, and Callahan, a firefighter and one of her brother's best friends, who lives with and cares for his widowed father. Lily's brother, Rome, witnessed their initial attraction when she first visited him and has made Callahan swear to stay away from her out of fear that he would derail the plans she's worked towards all her life. Callahan agrees, thinking that their paths would rarely cross, until he finds out that she plans to take up temporary residence in the place he calls home. Now he must avoid her at all costs to keep the promise he made and to keep his heart safe. All is fine until it isn't; both succumb to their undeniable attraction. Their love unfolds and builds behind closed doors, but the clock ticking down to the end of their time together is a bomb, waiting to incinerate them both.
I haven't read a book that so thoroughly wrecked me like this one in a long time. PRO TIP: for complete emotional devastation, listen to Sam Smith's "Fire on Fire" starting around 91%. Even knowing that you'll get a HEA (and it's a beautiful one), you'll still want to keep the tissues on standby.
Release date: July 7th
Tropes
Brother's friend
Age gap (22 & 29)
Forbidden love
Secret relationship
Praise/degradation
Small town
Found family
Firefighter x med student
September 1, 2026
Set in the small town of Harbor Hill, ‘Burn’ follows Lily Moreland, a med student seeking a break and a fresh start. Cal had promised Lily’s older brother that he wouldn’t pursue Lily, yet their chemistry is undeniable, even from the first time they lay eyes on each other. As Lily settles into Harbor Hill and reconnects with her community, their relationship intensifies as they try and hide it from the town and her brother.
I read this book very fast, so I think it’s very very bingeable. I couldn’t get enough of this slow burn. The yearning is excellent and the moments of intimacy, especially in Cal’s car, are really beautiful and addictive. While by the end, it did veer into melodramatic territory and became a bit repetitive, the talk with his father at the end and his father’s offer got me good and made me cry. It really sold the whole story for me.
I didn’t understand why her brother didn’t want her to be with Cal, but I feel like Cal’s fears of falling in love because of what happened to his mother and father was very compelling and added another layer to this forbidden romance that you don’t really see. These, and the fact that i’m not much into degradation and wasn’t expecting it so it did take me out of the story a little, is the reason i don’t rate this book higher.
I would recommend if you like the brother’s friend trope.
✨favorite quotes✨
I used to think it was sad, and now I don't know what it is. Devotion, maybe. Love and grief braided so tight you couldn't pull them apart without losing both. I never want to understand that from the inside.
"I feel it every day. All of it, all the time, and standing here not moving is the hardest thing I have ever done." He stops, cursing under his breath, and I instinctively grab his shirt because I can't let him stop now. "All I do is want."
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I read this book very fast, so I think it’s very very bingeable. I couldn’t get enough of this slow burn. The yearning is excellent and the moments of intimacy, especially in Cal’s car, are really beautiful and addictive. While by the end, it did veer into melodramatic territory and became a bit repetitive, the talk with his father at the end and his father’s offer got me good and made me cry. It really sold the whole story for me.
I didn’t understand why her brother didn’t want her to be with Cal, but I feel like Cal’s fears of falling in love because of what happened to his mother and father was very compelling and added another layer to this forbidden romance that you don’t really see. These, and the fact that i’m not much into degradation and wasn’t expecting it so it did take me out of the story a little, is the reason i don’t rate this book higher.
I would recommend if you like the brother’s friend trope.
✨favorite quotes✨
I used to think it was sad, and now I don't know what it is. Devotion, maybe. Love and grief braided so tight you couldn't pull them apart without losing both. I never want to understand that from the inside.
"I feel it every day. All of it, all the time, and standing here not moving is the hardest thing I have ever done." He stops, cursing under his breath, and I instinctively grab his shirt because I can't let him stop now. "All I do is want."
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
With all kinds of happy tears, this book truly touched my soul.
Ever since I started reading romance novels, I've been searching for a story like this, and I'm so grateful I finally found one. This is the kind of book that stays with you long after you've turned the last page, and one I'll cherish forever.
This story continues from Books 1 and 2 of the series.
Lily, Rome's beloved younger sister, takes a year long break before returning to medical school and finds herself in Harbor Hill.
Then there's Callahan, a firefighter, a devoted son, and Rome's best friend.
The moment Cal sees Lily, he's drawn to her. But the real conflict begins when he's forced to choose between the loyalty he has for his best friend and the growing feelings he has for Lily.
The push and pull between these characters is written so beautifully and realistically. Their emotions, fears, and internal struggles felt authentic, making it easy to connect with both of them on a deeper level.
Will Cal keep his promise to Rome and stay away from Lily, or will he follow his heart? You'll have to read the book to find out!
One character who completely stole my heart was Will Holt (Cal's father). His love, wisdom, and ability to understand the things left unsaid moved me deeply. More than once, he had me crying like a baby.
And how could I forget Ruth? Everyone deserves a Ruth in their life. Seriously, everyone.
I wholeheartedly give this book 5 stars. While I'm incredibly sad that this series has come to an end, I'm so thankful I got to experience this journey.
Thank you, Romy Hale, for such a beautiful and unforgettable story. I will treasure it for a long time.
And Thank you to Love Notes PR for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review
Ever since I started reading romance novels, I've been searching for a story like this, and I'm so grateful I finally found one. This is the kind of book that stays with you long after you've turned the last page, and one I'll cherish forever.
This story continues from Books 1 and 2 of the series.
Lily, Rome's beloved younger sister, takes a year long break before returning to medical school and finds herself in Harbor Hill.
Then there's Callahan, a firefighter, a devoted son, and Rome's best friend.
The moment Cal sees Lily, he's drawn to her. But the real conflict begins when he's forced to choose between the loyalty he has for his best friend and the growing feelings he has for Lily.
The push and pull between these characters is written so beautifully and realistically. Their emotions, fears, and internal struggles felt authentic, making it easy to connect with both of them on a deeper level.
Will Cal keep his promise to Rome and stay away from Lily, or will he follow his heart? You'll have to read the book to find out!
One character who completely stole my heart was Will Holt (Cal's father). His love, wisdom, and ability to understand the things left unsaid moved me deeply. More than once, he had me crying like a baby.
And how could I forget Ruth? Everyone deserves a Ruth in their life. Seriously, everyone.
I wholeheartedly give this book 5 stars. While I'm incredibly sad that this series has come to an end, I'm so thankful I got to experience this journey.
Thank you, Romy Hale, for such a beautiful and unforgettable story. I will treasure it for a long time.
And Thank you to Love Notes PR for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Author
5 ✨ ARC REVIEW ✨
If you love a slow-burn, emotionally charged romance, this is the book for you.
Lily is a burned-out medical student searching for a place where she truly belongs. Callahan is a firefighter in Harbor Hill, one of her brother's closest friends, and seven years older than her. Convinced that everyone would disapprove of their relationship, he does everything he can to ignore the undeniable pull between them. But when Lily starts spending every day in his home, helping his father recover after an accident she feels responsible for, avoiding her becomes impossible.
The slow burn in this book had me completely hooked. The tension built so naturally, making every stolen glance and quiet moment feel that much more rewarding. Lily constantly pushed Callahan's buttons with her witty banter, and watching him fight his feelings while their friendship grew had me smiling the entire time.
Romy Hale perfectly balanced the romance, angst, and emotional depth. The chemistry between Lily and Callahan was undeniable, and the heartfelt moments genuinely had me in tears. Every emotion felt authentic, and I found myself completely invested in their journey from beginning to end.
This is a beautifully written friends-to-lovers romance full of longing, healing, and heart. I couldn't put it down and will definitely be recommending it.
Thank you Romy Hale and Love Notes PR for the opportunity to read this ARC.
What to expect:
🩵 Brother's Friend
🤍 Forbidden
🩵 Age Gap (22/29)
🤍 Sunshine Chaos x Quiet Storm
🩵 Sneaking Around
🤍 She's Trouble x He Loves It
🩵 Found Family
🤍 Firefighter MMC x Med Student FMC
If you love a slow-burn, emotionally charged romance, this is the book for you.
Lily is a burned-out medical student searching for a place where she truly belongs. Callahan is a firefighter in Harbor Hill, one of her brother's closest friends, and seven years older than her. Convinced that everyone would disapprove of their relationship, he does everything he can to ignore the undeniable pull between them. But when Lily starts spending every day in his home, helping his father recover after an accident she feels responsible for, avoiding her becomes impossible.
The slow burn in this book had me completely hooked. The tension built so naturally, making every stolen glance and quiet moment feel that much more rewarding. Lily constantly pushed Callahan's buttons with her witty banter, and watching him fight his feelings while their friendship grew had me smiling the entire time.
Romy Hale perfectly balanced the romance, angst, and emotional depth. The chemistry between Lily and Callahan was undeniable, and the heartfelt moments genuinely had me in tears. Every emotion felt authentic, and I found myself completely invested in their journey from beginning to end.
This is a beautifully written friends-to-lovers romance full of longing, healing, and heart. I couldn't put it down and will definitely be recommending it.
Thank you Romy Hale and Love Notes PR for the opportunity to read this ARC.
What to expect:
🩵 Brother's Friend
🤍 Forbidden
🩵 Age Gap (22/29)
🤍 Sunshine Chaos x Quiet Storm
🩵 Sneaking Around
🤍 She's Trouble x He Loves It
🩵 Found Family
🤍 Firefighter MMC x Med Student FMC
July 8, 2026
Burn completely wrecked me... in the best possible way. ❤️🔥
This wasn't just a romance. It was a story about healing, grief, found family, and finding the courage to choose love even when it feels impossible.
Lily heads to Harbor Hill for a fresh start after burning herself out in medical school, never expecting the one person who would make leaving impossible to be her brother's best friend.
And Callahan...
I am officially adding another firefighter to my book boyfriend list. 😮💨
He's protective without being overbearing, patient without ever giving up, and spends so much of this book trying to fight the feelings he knows he shouldn't have. The slow burn between these two was EVERYTHING. Every glance, every conversation, every stolen moment had me waiting for them to finally give in.
But what surprised me most was how emotional this story became. There was one side character who completely stole my heart and had me crying more than once. Those relationships added so much depth to the story and reminded me that this book is just as much about family and healing as it is about romance.
Harbor Hill is one of those fictional towns you wish actually existed. The friendships, the humor, the sense of community... I wanted to move there by the final chapter.
✨ what to expect:
❤️🔥 firefighter romance
🏡 small town
🤍 brother's best friend
❤️🔥 age gap
🏡 slow burn
🤍 found family
❤️🔥 emotional healing
🏡 dual pov
If you love romances that make your heart ache before putting it back together, protective firefighters, unforgettable side characters, and slow burns that are absolutely worth the wait... don't sleep on this one.
This wasn't just a romance. It was a story about healing, grief, found family, and finding the courage to choose love even when it feels impossible.
Lily heads to Harbor Hill for a fresh start after burning herself out in medical school, never expecting the one person who would make leaving impossible to be her brother's best friend.
And Callahan...
I am officially adding another firefighter to my book boyfriend list. 😮💨
He's protective without being overbearing, patient without ever giving up, and spends so much of this book trying to fight the feelings he knows he shouldn't have. The slow burn between these two was EVERYTHING. Every glance, every conversation, every stolen moment had me waiting for them to finally give in.
But what surprised me most was how emotional this story became. There was one side character who completely stole my heart and had me crying more than once. Those relationships added so much depth to the story and reminded me that this book is just as much about family and healing as it is about romance.
Harbor Hill is one of those fictional towns you wish actually existed. The friendships, the humor, the sense of community... I wanted to move there by the final chapter.
✨ what to expect:
❤️🔥 firefighter romance
🏡 small town
🤍 brother's best friend
❤️🔥 age gap
🏡 slow burn
🤍 found family
❤️🔥 emotional healing
🏡 dual pov
If you love romances that make your heart ache before putting it back together, protective firefighters, unforgettable side characters, and slow burns that are absolutely worth the wait... don't sleep on this one.
July 11, 2026
Lily is a medical student who has reached the point of burnout after putting immense pressure on herself, especially following her brother's move away. Deciding to take a gap year, she heads to Harbor Hill to spend time with the people who mean the most to her, including her brother, his fiancée, and the close-knit group of friends who quickly made me feel at home alongside her.
It also happens to be where Cal Holt lives, her brother's best friend and the man she has quietly had feelings for. I really enjoyed watching their relationship develop. Rather than rushing straight into romance, they spent time trying to ignore the obvious attraction between them before eventually admitting how they truly felt. Their progression from friends to something more felt natural, and I found myself rooting for them throughout the story.
One of the more unexpected parts of the romance was how it truly began. Lily's guilt after insisting on helping Cal's father with a chair, which ultimately led to him being injured, became the catalyst that brought her and Cal closer together. It was an unusual way to deepen their connection, but I thought it worked well because it created opportunities for them to spend time together while also allowing Lily to confront the guilt she was carrying.
Overall, this was a heartfelt romance that balanced themes of burnout, healing, family, and finding yourself alongside a sweet love story. I especially loved the chemistry between Lily and Cal, and their relationship was easily the highlight of the book. It was an enjoyable read that left me smiling by the time I reached the final page.
It also happens to be where Cal Holt lives, her brother's best friend and the man she has quietly had feelings for. I really enjoyed watching their relationship develop. Rather than rushing straight into romance, they spent time trying to ignore the obvious attraction between them before eventually admitting how they truly felt. Their progression from friends to something more felt natural, and I found myself rooting for them throughout the story.
One of the more unexpected parts of the romance was how it truly began. Lily's guilt after insisting on helping Cal's father with a chair, which ultimately led to him being injured, became the catalyst that brought her and Cal closer together. It was an unusual way to deepen their connection, but I thought it worked well because it created opportunities for them to spend time together while also allowing Lily to confront the guilt she was carrying.
Overall, this was a heartfelt romance that balanced themes of burnout, healing, family, and finding yourself alongside a sweet love story. I especially loved the chemistry between Lily and Cal, and their relationship was easily the highlight of the book. It was an enjoyable read that left me smiling by the time I reached the final page.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
5 ⭐ - Burn by Romy Hale
Thank you to Love Notes PR and Romy Hale forgiving me the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
Burn is the kind of book that stays with you long after you turn the last page, and I need everyone to pick this book up immediately. Romy Hale has written something so emotionally rich and beautifully layered that I was not prepared for how deeply it would affect me. Have your tissues ready because this one will have you crying happy and heartbroken tears in equal measure.
Lily is a burned out medical student taking a gap year in Harbor Hill, looking for a place to breathe, and what she finds is so much more than she bargained for. Callahan is a firefighter, seven years older, and the one person who is completely off limits as her brother’s best friend. The forbidden tension between them is slow burning and achingly real, built on stolen glances, witty banter, and quiet moments that feel electric. Watching Callahan fight what he feels while their connection deepens had me completely hooked from start to finish.
What truly surprised me was how much I fell in love with a side character I never expected to connect with so deeply. He added so much heart to this story and was responsible for some of my most emotional moments while reading. The spice is perfectly balanced too, never overshadowing the emotional depth of the plot. Burn is a stunning small town, age gap, forbidden romance full of longing, healing, and genuine feeling. I cannot recommend it enough.
Thank you to Love Notes PR and Romy Hale forgiving me the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
Burn is the kind of book that stays with you long after you turn the last page, and I need everyone to pick this book up immediately. Romy Hale has written something so emotionally rich and beautifully layered that I was not prepared for how deeply it would affect me. Have your tissues ready because this one will have you crying happy and heartbroken tears in equal measure.
Lily is a burned out medical student taking a gap year in Harbor Hill, looking for a place to breathe, and what she finds is so much more than she bargained for. Callahan is a firefighter, seven years older, and the one person who is completely off limits as her brother’s best friend. The forbidden tension between them is slow burning and achingly real, built on stolen glances, witty banter, and quiet moments that feel electric. Watching Callahan fight what he feels while their connection deepens had me completely hooked from start to finish.
What truly surprised me was how much I fell in love with a side character I never expected to connect with so deeply. He added so much heart to this story and was responsible for some of my most emotional moments while reading. The spice is perfectly balanced too, never overshadowing the emotional depth of the plot. Burn is a stunning small town, age gap, forbidden romance full of longing, healing, and genuine feeling. I cannot recommend it enough.
August 10, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️ — 3/5
Thank you so much Romy Hale and Loves Notes PR for the ARC!
I really wanted to love this one because there were definitely elements of the story that I enjoyed! I liked both Lily and Cal, and I especially loved the yearning from Cal. The fact that this man basically forgot how to FUNCTION whenever Lily was in the same room as him?? 😭 He wanted her so badly, but was trying so hard to stay away from her because of the promise he made to her brother, and I really liked that forbidden aspect of their relationship.
The writing itself was good and I didn’t necessarily have an issue with the pacing, but I unfortunately struggled to fully get into the story. After a while, a lot of the scenes started to feel very repetitive to me. It felt like we kept getting a similar cycle of Lily going to Cal’s dad’s house, Cal either avoiding her or completely forgetting how to act around her, them having an intense little moment together, and then going their separate ways again. Even the side characters kept reminding Lily how obvious it was that Cal wanted her and couldn’t function properly around her, and I eventually found myself wishing the story would move beyond that dynamic a little more.
There were definitely things I enjoyed—the characters were good, the yearning was YEARNING, and I liked the writing—but I just didn’t connect with the story as much as I hoped I would. This wasn’t a bad book by any means, and I can absolutely see it working for someone who loves a lot of drawn-out tension and yearning, but unfortunately it just wasn’t completely for me. 🤍
Thank you so much Romy Hale and Loves Notes PR for the ARC!
I really wanted to love this one because there were definitely elements of the story that I enjoyed! I liked both Lily and Cal, and I especially loved the yearning from Cal. The fact that this man basically forgot how to FUNCTION whenever Lily was in the same room as him?? 😭 He wanted her so badly, but was trying so hard to stay away from her because of the promise he made to her brother, and I really liked that forbidden aspect of their relationship.
The writing itself was good and I didn’t necessarily have an issue with the pacing, but I unfortunately struggled to fully get into the story. After a while, a lot of the scenes started to feel very repetitive to me. It felt like we kept getting a similar cycle of Lily going to Cal’s dad’s house, Cal either avoiding her or completely forgetting how to act around her, them having an intense little moment together, and then going their separate ways again. Even the side characters kept reminding Lily how obvious it was that Cal wanted her and couldn’t function properly around her, and I eventually found myself wishing the story would move beyond that dynamic a little more.
There were definitely things I enjoyed—the characters were good, the yearning was YEARNING, and I liked the writing—but I just didn’t connect with the story as much as I hoped I would. This wasn’t a bad book by any means, and I can absolutely see it working for someone who loves a lot of drawn-out tension and yearning, but unfortunately it just wasn’t completely for me. 🤍
Review of advance copy
Después del desastre en la universidad, Lily Moreland, decidió tomarse un año sabático, un tiempo para descansar, ordenar sus ideas y descubrir qué hacer con una vida. Lo que encuentra es un pueblo acogedor, nuevas amistades y la sensación de por fin encontrar su lugar. También encuentra a Cal Holt.
Reservado, leal y demasiado atractivo para su bien, Cal parece decidido a mantener las distancias. Sin embargo, cuanto más intenta evitarla, más difícil se vuelve ignorar la conexión que tienen.
Lily está cansada de vivir según las expectativas de otros. Cal lleva años escondiéndose detrás de la rutina y la responsabilidad. Lo que ninguno esperaba era que un pueblo, lleno de vecinos entrometidos, los obligara a enfrentarse a todo aquello que han estado evitando.
___
Ojala Romy escriba una novela o libro completo sobre W y A. Se que sería una historia triste por la muerte de A, pero también podría ser muy bonita y romántica porque a pesar de los años transcurridos, él la sigue amando con la misma intensidad y hasta veo posible meter un poco de misticismo y hacer que pueda ver el fantasma de ella y por eso la razón de que le siga hablando por que tan grande es su amor que ni la muerte los puede separar. Y en el epílogo reunirlos por fin y que le cuente todo sobre Cal y Lily y de los niños.
Gracias Love Notes PR por el ARC.
Reservado, leal y demasiado atractivo para su bien, Cal parece decidido a mantener las distancias. Sin embargo, cuanto más intenta evitarla, más difícil se vuelve ignorar la conexión que tienen.
Lily está cansada de vivir según las expectativas de otros. Cal lleva años escondiéndose detrás de la rutina y la responsabilidad. Lo que ninguno esperaba era que un pueblo, lleno de vecinos entrometidos, los obligara a enfrentarse a todo aquello que han estado evitando.
___
Ojala Romy escriba una novela o libro completo sobre W y A. Se que sería una historia triste por la muerte de A, pero también podría ser muy bonita y romántica porque a pesar de los años transcurridos, él la sigue amando con la misma intensidad y hasta veo posible meter un poco de misticismo y hacer que pueda ver el fantasma de ella y por eso la razón de que le siga hablando por que tan grande es su amor que ni la muerte los puede separar. Y en el epílogo reunirlos por fin y que le cuente todo sobre Cal y Lily y de los niños.
Gracias Love Notes PR por el ARC.
Review of advance copy
First of all I would love to thank LoveNotesPR for sending me this ARC.
And secondly I would like to thank the author Romy Hale for writing such a beautiful story yet again.
This is the 3rd ever book to have ever made me cry whilst reading, so make sure you have a pack of tissues ready to catch those tears!
This book follows Lily Moreland a burnt out medical student who has taken a gap year to Harbor Hills, the only family she has really ever known is her brother Rome Moreland (MMC from Crave) but when she sets roots down in Harbor Hills she finds more than what she bargained for!
Callahan Holt is a 29 year old firefighter who still lives at home with his dad and has always kept to himself and never really had many friends. But one single night when he spots a beautiful young lady, so beautiful he forgets his own name, and his whole life changes forever, not only has she set residence in Harbor Hills, but she is also his best friends little sister which he PROMISED to stay away from.
It has been a few hours since I have finished reading this book and I am only now getting round to reviewing it because for one: I was not ready for this book to be finished and Two: this book emotionally ruined me (in the best way possible) and had to stare at the wall for a couple hours.
The one character in this book I didn't expect to love, as much as I did with the main characters, was Will Holt (Callahan's dad) that man made me cry more in this book than I ever have in my own life. His love for his late wife is something anyone could ever dream of having and the amount of passion he has whilst he speaks about her really tugged on the heart strings.
This book has a perfect amount of Spice which doesnt take away from the plot of the book, and to know that Callahan and Lily were only supposed to be side characters but ended up getting their own book was the best decision Romy could have ever made.
In this book you will find tropes like:
Found Family
Forbidden Romance
Small Town Romance
Age Gap (She's 22/He's29)
Brothers Best Friend
Secret Hookups
He Falls First
Filthy Mouths
This story will having you kicking your feet and giggling!
And secondly I would like to thank the author Romy Hale for writing such a beautiful story yet again.
This is the 3rd ever book to have ever made me cry whilst reading, so make sure you have a pack of tissues ready to catch those tears!
This book follows Lily Moreland a burnt out medical student who has taken a gap year to Harbor Hills, the only family she has really ever known is her brother Rome Moreland (MMC from Crave) but when she sets roots down in Harbor Hills she finds more than what she bargained for!
Callahan Holt is a 29 year old firefighter who still lives at home with his dad and has always kept to himself and never really had many friends. But one single night when he spots a beautiful young lady, so beautiful he forgets his own name, and his whole life changes forever, not only has she set residence in Harbor Hills, but she is also his best friends little sister which he PROMISED to stay away from.
It has been a few hours since I have finished reading this book and I am only now getting round to reviewing it because for one: I was not ready for this book to be finished and Two: this book emotionally ruined me (in the best way possible) and had to stare at the wall for a couple hours.
The one character in this book I didn't expect to love, as much as I did with the main characters, was Will Holt (Callahan's dad) that man made me cry more in this book than I ever have in my own life. His love for his late wife is something anyone could ever dream of having and the amount of passion he has whilst he speaks about her really tugged on the heart strings.
This book has a perfect amount of Spice which doesnt take away from the plot of the book, and to know that Callahan and Lily were only supposed to be side characters but ended up getting their own book was the best decision Romy could have ever made.
In this book you will find tropes like:
Found Family
Forbidden Romance
Small Town Romance
Age Gap (She's 22/He's29)
Brothers Best Friend
Secret Hookups
He Falls First
Filthy Mouths
This story will having you kicking your feet and giggling!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Harbor Hill: Cal and Lily
Off-limits
Brother’s best friend
Age gap
Finding home
Lily… She made my heart hurt a little. She’s happy for her brother, yet feels all alone. So she takes a year to get herself together..
And this is where Cal comes in.
Her brother’s new best friend, he’s a few years her senior and despite their feelings, they try to stay apart.
"I am not going to stand in another room and watch that woman walk away from me without telling her what she is to me. I've done that. I've been doing it for months. And I can't do it anymore."
But proximity while she helps with his father leads to more… and secrets being kept, and surprise decisions being made.
"I have been in love with your sister since the moment I saw her and forgot my own goddamn name. It hasn't changed. It's never going to change."
This is my first Romy Hale story, and I’m really glad that I applied to be an early reader. Found family and friendship are the foundation of this, while mutual longing, hopefullness, healing and a wonderful little small town just wrap this right up into a wonderful story.
Emotional, angsty at times, a bit of banter and humour, this is the whole package.
Off-limits
Brother’s best friend
Age gap
Finding home
Lily… She made my heart hurt a little. She’s happy for her brother, yet feels all alone. So she takes a year to get herself together..
And this is where Cal comes in.
Her brother’s new best friend, he’s a few years her senior and despite their feelings, they try to stay apart.
"I am not going to stand in another room and watch that woman walk away from me without telling her what she is to me. I've done that. I've been doing it for months. And I can't do it anymore."
But proximity while she helps with his father leads to more… and secrets being kept, and surprise decisions being made.
"I have been in love with your sister since the moment I saw her and forgot my own goddamn name. It hasn't changed. It's never going to change."
This is my first Romy Hale story, and I’m really glad that I applied to be an early reader. Found family and friendship are the foundation of this, while mutual longing, hopefullness, healing and a wonderful little small town just wrap this right up into a wonderful story.
Emotional, angsty at times, a bit of banter and humour, this is the whole package.
Review of advance copy
This book made me feel all the feels!
Needing a break, Lily moved to Harbor Hill for a year to regroup and figure out how to live her life without her brother right there. This is also where Callahan lives, a man she met six months prior and is a best friend to her brother. He's also seven years older than her and sees that as a huge age gap. Try as they may, Callahan and Lily attempt to stay away from each other, but after Cal's father falls and breaks his leg, Lily ends up spending more time at their home and getting closer to his dad. When they finally give in, they both agree not to tell Lily's brother. It's only supposed to be a year that she's supposed to be in Harbor Hill, so what happens when her time is up?
Lily and Callahan get their happy ending in this standalone book in a series.
I started this book tearing up and then found myself tearing up at different points throughout the book as well. But I was also chuckling as well at points. I loved how close this group was and how much they poked fun at each other all the time. There were times I was thinking to myself that I wanted to move here and be a part of their group too. I loved how much Callahan's father bloomed with Lily and loved to share what his life was like with his wife and how it is now. I do wonder how much furniture Callahan's father made them over the years, as it seemed like he made their children a bunch of toys!
I received an advance review copy from Love Notes PR, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Needing a break, Lily moved to Harbor Hill for a year to regroup and figure out how to live her life without her brother right there. This is also where Callahan lives, a man she met six months prior and is a best friend to her brother. He's also seven years older than her and sees that as a huge age gap. Try as they may, Callahan and Lily attempt to stay away from each other, but after Cal's father falls and breaks his leg, Lily ends up spending more time at their home and getting closer to his dad. When they finally give in, they both agree not to tell Lily's brother. It's only supposed to be a year that she's supposed to be in Harbor Hill, so what happens when her time is up?
Lily and Callahan get their happy ending in this standalone book in a series.
I started this book tearing up and then found myself tearing up at different points throughout the book as well. But I was also chuckling as well at points. I loved how close this group was and how much they poked fun at each other all the time. There were times I was thinking to myself that I wanted to move here and be a part of their group too. I loved how much Callahan's father bloomed with Lily and loved to share what his life was like with his wife and how it is now. I do wonder how much furniture Callahan's father made them over the years, as it seemed like he made their children a bunch of toys!
I received an advance review copy from Love Notes PR, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
Oh I loved this book so so so much. The found family trope is one hundred percent my all time favourite trope and brother’s best friend is a close second.
I love how speechless Cal would become around Lily. I loved how close she became to his dad and how accepting of her he was. I loved how he knew immediately that she was the one for his son.
Rome lowkey annoyed me with his overprotectiveness but I get it. At the end where Lily tells Rome he doesn’t have to be a parent anymore he just has to be a partner made me cry so much. It was so unexpected. He raised her and wanted the best for her.
The fact that Cal and Will were willing to uproot their lives just so she could follow her dreams is so important to me. They love her so much and it’s obvious.
OMG HOW COULD I FORGET THE ‘BABY’ SLIP OMG. Such a perfect moment. It reminded me so much of Johnny Kavanagh in Binding 13 iykyk. Such a cinematic moment.
But overall I loved this book because it had all my favourite tropes in it: age gap, forbidden romance, found family and brother’s best friend. 👏👏👏
I love how speechless Cal would become around Lily. I loved how close she became to his dad and how accepting of her he was. I loved how he knew immediately that she was the one for his son.
Rome lowkey annoyed me with his overprotectiveness but I get it. At the end where Lily tells Rome he doesn’t have to be a parent anymore he just has to be a partner made me cry so much. It was so unexpected. He raised her and wanted the best for her.
The fact that Cal and Will were willing to uproot their lives just so she could follow her dreams is so important to me. They love her so much and it’s obvious.
OMG HOW COULD I FORGET THE ‘BABY’ SLIP OMG. Such a perfect moment. It reminded me so much of Johnny Kavanagh in Binding 13 iykyk. Such a cinematic moment.
But overall I loved this book because it had all my favourite tropes in it: age gap, forbidden romance, found family and brother’s best friend. 👏👏👏
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2026
I read Crave. Which is the book before this one and when Lily and Cal kept showing up, i hoped i would get their story. And bam, here it is. And when i tell you that Romy Hale didn't disappoint...i whole heartedly mean that. Because oh. my. GOODNESS. One of my top favorites for sure. And i will ☠️ on that hill. The angst and the yearning.. sweet baby jesus. Whew. Also they are both idiots for not speaking up sooner but i get it. I really do. I really didnt get the whole age gap for this though.. 7ish years isnt a huge deal. Not when both are in their twentys. Maybe thats just me. It was made to be a huge deal between the main characters and their friends. I dont know. Thats literally my only issue. I loved the book. I loved their chemistry. I loved how he became this blubbering idiot around her. I laughed so much throughout this book. I also cried. You cant escape crying in some way when it comes to a great romance story. Also. Spoiler..stop reading now if you dont want it! Thank you for not putting him in danger, jobwise. I have a love/hate relationship with those scenes.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Burn is a beautifully emotional brother’s-best-friend romance that blends longing, healing, and small-town charm into a deeply satisfying love story. Lily arrives in Harbor Hill burned out and searching for direction, only to find herself slowly drawn into Cal’s orbit—her brother’s older, fiercely controlled best friend who has been resisting her from the very beginning. Their connection is built on tension, restraint, and undeniable chemistry, making every stolen moment feel earned and meaningful. What makes this story stand out is its emotional depth: grief, growth, and the comfort of found family woven through a romance that feels both tender and intense. The small-town atmosphere is warm and inviting, filled with quirky, lovable characters that make Harbor Hill feel like a place you never want to leave. A heartfelt, slow-burning romance that lingers long after the final page—4.5 stars.
Review of advance copy
I was really happy to receive an ARC copy of this book. I haven’t read the rest of the series which may have added some more depth to the characters, but overall the characters were introduced well and I didn’t feel confused or lost. It was a pretty easy read and I felt the story was easy to follow and nicely paced. However, there were a couple of fundamental things I personally wasn’t a fan of for which I’m dropping a couple of stars:
1. The brother’s overprotectiveness felt a bit odd and rather controlling. I understand the logic behind where it stems from, but these kind of tropes make me a bit annoyed on behalf of the FMC (who are you to tell a 22-year-old what they can and can’t do?)
2. I wasn’t a fan of the spicy scenes / degradation themes.
However, ignoring those points I did enjoy how wholesome some of the characters were and do think the writer has potential. In this case it’s just more of a personal preference- if you’re into the above tropes you may enjoy.
1. The brother’s overprotectiveness felt a bit odd and rather controlling. I understand the logic behind where it stems from, but these kind of tropes make me a bit annoyed on behalf of the FMC (who are you to tell a 22-year-old what they can and can’t do?)
2. I wasn’t a fan of the spicy scenes / degradation themes.
However, ignoring those points I did enjoy how wholesome some of the characters were and do think the writer has potential. In this case it’s just more of a personal preference- if you’re into the above tropes you may enjoy.
Review of advance copy
Burn by Romy Hale is a classic romance story based around the brother’s best friend who absolutely should stay off-limits, but never does. Set in the Harbor Hill world, we follow the story of the FMC Lily Moreland a burned-out med student and the MMC Cal Holt, a firefighter who is her brothers off-limits best friend. One of the things that I felt made this novel a strong read was its tension. Hale leans into slow-burn buildup, with glances, interruptions, and almost-confessions doing most of the heavy lifting early on. The attraction isn’t rushed; instead, it simmers through repeated forced proximity and emotional restraint, which gives the eventual shift in their relationship more impact. Overall, Burn was a solid, trope-forward brother’s best friend romance that delivers on its promise: slow burn attraction, forbidden tension, and emotional payoff.
I received an ARC copy from Love Notes PR. Thank you so much for giving me a chance to read and voluntarily review this novel!
I received an ARC copy from Love Notes PR. Thank you so much for giving me a chance to read and voluntarily review this novel!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to both LoveNotesPR and Romy Hale for this incredible ARC read!
I don’t have enough words to describe how this book gave me all the feels! I was hooked from the first time Lily and Cal spotted each other. Watching the push and pull of their relationship and just how intensely they love had me desperate to keep reading.
The other thing I loved about this read was the intertwined relationships with the other characters. I have to say Lily and Will were my favourite, the way that they went from strangers to family almost instantly gave me goosebumps especially with the back story of the Holt boys lives.
I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone looking Ng for a romance that will drawn them in and give them all the warmth.
Tropes include:
Found Family
Small Town Romance
Forbidden Romance (Brother’s friend)
Age Gap
Secret Hookups
I don’t have enough words to describe how this book gave me all the feels! I was hooked from the first time Lily and Cal spotted each other. Watching the push and pull of their relationship and just how intensely they love had me desperate to keep reading.
The other thing I loved about this read was the intertwined relationships with the other characters. I have to say Lily and Will were my favourite, the way that they went from strangers to family almost instantly gave me goosebumps especially with the back story of the Holt boys lives.
I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone looking Ng for a romance that will drawn them in and give them all the warmth.
Tropes include:
Found Family
Small Town Romance
Forbidden Romance (Brother’s friend)
Age Gap
Secret Hookups
July 31, 2026
3.5 🌟s
I am not in my best moods these days and i think thats taking a toll on my book reading. I love small town romance. This one was good. Maybe I would have loved it more if i wasn’t so messed up. Bcs this had so much potential. I couldn’t do the slow-burn i had to skim alot.. had to stop at the spice part bcs holy moly THE 👏 SPICE 👏 it was so good. So that made me stop my skimming and start reading bcs the mouth on Callahan was indeed smth else. 😮💨🙂↔️🥵💦
Lily was okay - didn’t love her. Callahan was too good to be true. The story was great overall. The friendship between girls was perfect. Hated Rome so much and I don’t like reading his book now bcs he is way too controlling 😡
Will (Callahan’s Dad) made me cry too. He was such a beautiful man. I wanted to hug him and cry some more. 🫂
The ending made me cry alot. What can I say I needed a good cry and this book gave me one. ❤️🩹
I am not in my best moods these days and i think thats taking a toll on my book reading. I love small town romance. This one was good. Maybe I would have loved it more if i wasn’t so messed up. Bcs this had so much potential. I couldn’t do the slow-burn i had to skim alot.. had to stop at the spice part bcs holy moly THE 👏 SPICE 👏 it was so good. So that made me stop my skimming and start reading bcs the mouth on Callahan was indeed smth else. 😮💨🙂↔️🥵💦
Lily was okay - didn’t love her. Callahan was too good to be true. The story was great overall. The friendship between girls was perfect. Hated Rome so much and I don’t like reading his book now bcs he is way too controlling 😡
Will (Callahan’s Dad) made me cry too. He was such a beautiful man. I wanted to hug him and cry some more. 🫂
The ending made me cry alot. What can I say I needed a good cry and this book gave me one. ❤️🩹
June 24, 2026
𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬
𝟱🌟
This book took me by surprise. This is a final book in a series I have never read by an author I had previously never heard of before. Romy Hale smashed it out of the park. There was longing, humor, grief, healing, spice, found family, friendship, and the cutest small town vibes. This book had me longing to pack up my city life and runaway to the town of Harbor Hill. In this book, Cal falls first and he falls harder. Lily comes into this town burntout and longing for connection. What you find as a reader is a beautiful love story and a town full of many personalities that stays with you long after the epilogue ends. I cannot wait to go back and read the rest of the series now.
Thank you so much LoveNotesPR and Romy Hale for this advanced copy!
𝟱🌟
This book took me by surprise. This is a final book in a series I have never read by an author I had previously never heard of before. Romy Hale smashed it out of the park. There was longing, humor, grief, healing, spice, found family, friendship, and the cutest small town vibes. This book had me longing to pack up my city life and runaway to the town of Harbor Hill. In this book, Cal falls first and he falls harder. Lily comes into this town burntout and longing for connection. What you find as a reader is a beautiful love story and a town full of many personalities that stays with you long after the epilogue ends. I cannot wait to go back and read the rest of the series now.
Thank you so much LoveNotesPR and Romy Hale for this advanced copy!
July 7, 2026
Huge thank you to LoveNotesPR for the ARC!
This story completely swept me away. If you're a fan of heartfelt, character-driven romances with a gradual build, you'll want to pick this one up. Romy Hale crafts a story that's equal parts tender, emotional, and unforgettable.
Lily and Callahan's connection felt so natural, and watching their relationship evolve was incredibly rewarding. Their story is filled with vulnerability, growth, and quiet moments that carried just as much weight as the bigger emotional scenes. I was fully invested from the first chapter, and more than once this book had me tearing up.
A touching friends-to-lovers romance packed with hope, healing, and so much heart. I'll definitely be recommending this one!
This story completely swept me away. If you're a fan of heartfelt, character-driven romances with a gradual build, you'll want to pick this one up. Romy Hale crafts a story that's equal parts tender, emotional, and unforgettable.
Lily and Callahan's connection felt so natural, and watching their relationship evolve was incredibly rewarding. Their story is filled with vulnerability, growth, and quiet moments that carried just as much weight as the bigger emotional scenes. I was fully invested from the first chapter, and more than once this book had me tearing up.
A touching friends-to-lovers romance packed with hope, healing, and so much heart. I'll definitely be recommending this one!
July 5, 2026
This age-gap romance delivered plenty of heat, a sweet found-family dynamic, and an emotional love story between Cal and Lilly.
Watching Cal and Lilly navigate their growing feelings while trying to ignore them because of their age difference—and the fact that Lilly is leaving for school—created plenty of tension throughout the story.
One of my favorite characters was Will, Cal’s dad. He truly tied the story together, adding so much heart, humor, and warmth.
While the romance was enjoyable and the spice level was definitely high, I found the pacing a little slow. It was difficult to stay fully engaged at times, and the story took longer than I expected to pull me in.
Watching Cal and Lilly navigate their growing feelings while trying to ignore them because of their age difference—and the fact that Lilly is leaving for school—created plenty of tension throughout the story.
One of my favorite characters was Will, Cal’s dad. He truly tied the story together, adding so much heart, humor, and warmth.
While the romance was enjoyable and the spice level was definitely high, I found the pacing a little slow. It was difficult to stay fully engaged at times, and the story took longer than I expected to pull me in.
Review of advance copy
Thank you to Love Notes PR for the ARC opportunity.
This book immediately caught my attention because it has so many of the elements I naturally gravitate toward: slow burn, forbidden romance, brother’s best friend, small-town setting, and emotional tension that feels just as important as the romance itself.
I’m also a sucker for stories where the characters have to heal before they can truly love, and this one seems to lean heavily into themes of belonging, family, and finding home in someone when you’re still trying to find yourself.
Even though this is my first Romy Hale book, it definitely won’t be my last. I’m looking forward to exploring the rest of the Harbor Hill series.
This book immediately caught my attention because it has so many of the elements I naturally gravitate toward: slow burn, forbidden romance, brother’s best friend, small-town setting, and emotional tension that feels just as important as the romance itself.
I’m also a sucker for stories where the characters have to heal before they can truly love, and this one seems to lean heavily into themes of belonging, family, and finding home in someone when you’re still trying to find yourself.
Even though this is my first Romy Hale book, it definitely won’t be my last. I’m looking forward to exploring the rest of the Harbor Hill series.
July 14, 2026
Just like the previous books in the series— I loved not only getting to know the main characters, but also a bit more of characters that I already loved.
When I first met Lily in her brother Rome’s book I knew that I’d love her and wanted her story before it was even out. Lily and Cal both pull at your emotions in ways that you don’t expect and both will forever have a piece of my heart.
I don’t want to spoil anything, so I will leave it at that and say that the found family in the series is one of my favorite parts.
Thank you to Romy Hale and Love Notes Pr for the ARC. My review opinions are always my own ❤️
When I first met Lily in her brother Rome’s book I knew that I’d love her and wanted her story before it was even out. Lily and Cal both pull at your emotions in ways that you don’t expect and both will forever have a piece of my heart.
I don’t want to spoil anything, so I will leave it at that and say that the found family in the series is one of my favorite parts.
Thank you to Romy Hale and Love Notes Pr for the ARC. My review opinions are always my own ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
I started my year with this series and I'm so happy I did! I was dying waiting for this book and it was worth the wait!!! I had so many moments of my jaw dropping, kicking my feet, giggling and just all around being obsessed with Callahan. Their story had a few twist and turns, but in the best way. I even had to save a few scenes because I couldn't stop laughing! Lily is a riot! When you add Poppy and Erin to the mix you never know what's gonna happen. Over all this whole series is amazing and I hope more people give it a chance!
Did Not Finish
June 30, 2026First of all, thank you love notes pr for this arc!
Sad to say that as much as i wanted to love this book... because i received am arc for the second one as well amd ADORED that one. This one just wasn't for me...
I was bored 😭 I'm so sad about it too because it sounded so good... but i just can't get passed the hold up between these 2 and its getting on my nerves and then for the book to be over 400 pages is throwing me... im sorry i had to stop reading it because i was trying to force myself but i can't do it anymore
Sad to say that as much as i wanted to love this book... because i received am arc for the second one as well amd ADORED that one. This one just wasn't for me...
I was bored 😭 I'm so sad about it too because it sounded so good... but i just can't get passed the hold up between these 2 and its getting on my nerves and then for the book to be over 400 pages is throwing me... im sorry i had to stop reading it because i was trying to force myself but i can't do it anymore
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