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Blackwood Valley #2
Pink Skies and Promises
Sometimes the promises you can’t keep are the most important …
Camilla Wilder belongs in Blackwood Valley. But she made her brother Kade a promise: finish her degree and make a life away from the Valley. With only one subject left until graduation, Camilla is miserable about walking away from the place and the people she loves.
Jameson Cole has loved Camilla since he was 12 years old. Knowing Kade wants her out of Blackwood Valley – and away from their violent grandfather – means he’ll never act on it. And he’s not the kind of man who’d ever break a promise, certainly not one made to his best friend.
When Camilla unexpectedly returns home, and the two work side by side to plan his bar’s next big gig, Jameson’s resolve to only be her friend begins to crumble. And with his gaze hot on her skin, Camilla is desperate to claim a life – and a love – that’s hers.
But they’ve both made promises they intended to keep, and with Camilla’s deadline to leave approaching, and her grandfather hellbent on retribution, their future isn’t the only thing on the line.
Pink Skies and Promises is book 2 in the Blackwood Valley series. A brother’s best friend, small town, slow burn romance.
Camilla Wilder belongs in Blackwood Valley. But she made her brother Kade a promise: finish her degree and make a life away from the Valley. With only one subject left until graduation, Camilla is miserable about walking away from the place and the people she loves.
Jameson Cole has loved Camilla since he was 12 years old. Knowing Kade wants her out of Blackwood Valley – and away from their violent grandfather – means he’ll never act on it. And he’s not the kind of man who’d ever break a promise, certainly not one made to his best friend.
When Camilla unexpectedly returns home, and the two work side by side to plan his bar’s next big gig, Jameson’s resolve to only be her friend begins to crumble. And with his gaze hot on her skin, Camilla is desperate to claim a life – and a love – that’s hers.
But they’ve both made promises they intended to keep, and with Camilla’s deadline to leave approaching, and her grandfather hellbent on retribution, their future isn’t the only thing on the line.
Pink Skies and Promises is book 2 in the Blackwood Valley series. A brother’s best friend, small town, slow burn romance.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 26, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
May 30, 2026
This is a story of yearning & unraveling hidden emotions, of finding your place and promises you wish you didn’t have to keep.
I personally wasn’t the biggest fan of this book, but there were some parts I quite enjoyed. I found the storyline with the grandfather more enjoyable than the romance storyline, but that could be because I’m messy and love trauma 😅
There were some issues in the pacing for me, as the first handful of chapters were quite slow and made me reluctant to get out my kindle, but it picked up and flowed a lot better in the last third of the book.
I enjoyed how promises were used throughout the book, showing that some promises made in your youth need to be broken in order to make new promises that honour who you have become.
Camilla’s journey of self discovery is key to this book, and the pivotal scene in the car with Baby was very well done. Unfortunately I just didn’t really connect with anyone before this point, but I do think it’s just a me problem.
If you like small town, cowboy romances with yearning and family drama, I think it’s definitely worth giving this a go! I’m new to the slow burn trope so it scores a bit lower for me than I imagine it will if you’re a big fan of watching a man yearn.
Thank you to The Berry Agency and Lauren Parker Rhodes for this eARC!
I personally wasn’t the biggest fan of this book, but there were some parts I quite enjoyed. I found the storyline with the grandfather more enjoyable than the romance storyline, but that could be because I’m messy and love trauma 😅
There were some issues in the pacing for me, as the first handful of chapters were quite slow and made me reluctant to get out my kindle, but it picked up and flowed a lot better in the last third of the book.
I enjoyed how promises were used throughout the book, showing that some promises made in your youth need to be broken in order to make new promises that honour who you have become.
Camilla’s journey of self discovery is key to this book, and the pivotal scene in the car with Baby was very well done. Unfortunately I just didn’t really connect with anyone before this point, but I do think it’s just a me problem.
If you like small town, cowboy romances with yearning and family drama, I think it’s definitely worth giving this a go! I’m new to the slow burn trope so it scores a bit lower for me than I imagine it will if you’re a big fan of watching a man yearn.
Thank you to The Berry Agency and Lauren Parker Rhodes for this eARC!
June 1, 2026
I went back to Blackwood Valley and I was not sad about it at all!
Camilla and Jameson played a part in the first book of the series so it was lovely to watch their story unfold while revisiting the small country town and the friendship group they're part of.
Jamie is the sweetest MMC I've read in a while. He has been in love with Cami since he first saw her at the age of 12, has pined for her ever since and the yearning is next level but needing to stick by the promise he made his best friend leaves him so conflicted.
I love that Cami is both strong willed and independent while also being the sweetest sister and wanting to see her brother happy. She also has a strength and confidence to her that I loved. The female friendships were so good and you can already see the beginnings of which characters may be the centre of the next books in the series.
If you love your small town country romances with some deeper themes and you want to see your characters stand up and fight to be with each other then you will absolutely love Jamie and Cami!
Camilla and Jameson played a part in the first book of the series so it was lovely to watch their story unfold while revisiting the small country town and the friendship group they're part of.
Jamie is the sweetest MMC I've read in a while. He has been in love with Cami since he first saw her at the age of 12, has pined for her ever since and the yearning is next level but needing to stick by the promise he made his best friend leaves him so conflicted.
I love that Cami is both strong willed and independent while also being the sweetest sister and wanting to see her brother happy. She also has a strength and confidence to her that I loved. The female friendships were so good and you can already see the beginnings of which characters may be the centre of the next books in the series.
If you love your small town country romances with some deeper themes and you want to see your characters stand up and fight to be with each other then you will absolutely love Jamie and Cami!
June 8, 2026
**Arc Review**
This book is perfect for lovers of:
- Friends to Lovers
- He falls first
- Brothers Best Friend
Cami and Jamie have secretly loved each other for most of their lives. With Cami about to finish her studies she has promised, her big brother Kade, that she will leave town to be safe from their abusive grandfather. Jamie has also made the promise that he won’t do anything to stop her from leaving.
I enjoyed this sequel in the Blackwood Valley series. It follows on straight from where we left off in Gin & Grudges. I got to say Jamie is the king of yarning. He has loved Camilla since they were 12 years old, but was ready to let her leave town to find a better life away from Walter, her abusive grandfather. Camilla is a strong woman and can finally stand up to the bully he’s been her entire life. It was a little slow at times, but I enjoyed getting to know some of the minor characters more. I loved Cami and Jamie’s relationship, it was the perfect mix of sweet and spicy.
I look forward to the third book in this series.
A big thank you to The Berry Agency and Lauren Parker Rhodes for gifting me this copy to arc read.
This book is perfect for lovers of:
- Friends to Lovers
- He falls first
- Brothers Best Friend
Cami and Jamie have secretly loved each other for most of their lives. With Cami about to finish her studies she has promised, her big brother Kade, that she will leave town to be safe from their abusive grandfather. Jamie has also made the promise that he won’t do anything to stop her from leaving.
I enjoyed this sequel in the Blackwood Valley series. It follows on straight from where we left off in Gin & Grudges. I got to say Jamie is the king of yarning. He has loved Camilla since they were 12 years old, but was ready to let her leave town to find a better life away from Walter, her abusive grandfather. Camilla is a strong woman and can finally stand up to the bully he’s been her entire life. It was a little slow at times, but I enjoyed getting to know some of the minor characters more. I loved Cami and Jamie’s relationship, it was the perfect mix of sweet and spicy.
I look forward to the third book in this series.
A big thank you to The Berry Agency and Lauren Parker Rhodes for gifting me this copy to arc read.
May 27, 2026
An easy 4.5 stars for me.
The much anticipated book featuring Camilla and Jameson and one of my favourite tropes, brother's best friend. Lauren has such a refreshing voice, making the characters relatable and likeable. I couldn't wait to dive into this story when it hit my kindle.
Knowing each other since their early teens, they've always harboured feelings for each other, but due to promises made to Kade, Cami's brother, they could never act on their feelings.
Now, due to actions taken by their horrible grandfather, Cami returns to their small town without warning, and Jamie has no time to push down those feelings, instead, they bubble to the surface.
The yearning from Jamie is *chefs kiss* - this is a proper slow burn, as he has always loved her.
I absolutely adored seeing Kade and Peri make appearances throughout, as well as the girls friend group, especially including Cami.
The much anticipated book featuring Camilla and Jameson and one of my favourite tropes, brother's best friend. Lauren has such a refreshing voice, making the characters relatable and likeable. I couldn't wait to dive into this story when it hit my kindle.
Knowing each other since their early teens, they've always harboured feelings for each other, but due to promises made to Kade, Cami's brother, they could never act on their feelings.
Now, due to actions taken by their horrible grandfather, Cami returns to their small town without warning, and Jamie has no time to push down those feelings, instead, they bubble to the surface.
The yearning from Jamie is *chefs kiss* - this is a proper slow burn, as he has always loved her.
I absolutely adored seeing Kade and Peri make appearances throughout, as well as the girls friend group, especially including Cami.
Read
May 6, 2026Camilla Wilder ha pasado años intentando construir un futuro lejos de todo lo que conoce, siguiendo el plan de su hermano. Pero cuando las circunstancias la empujan de vuelta a Blackwood Valley, se reencuentra con una vida que avanza sin ella y queriéndose quedar.
Jameson ha aprendido a mantener sus emociones en control. Entre el crecimiento de su negocio y los lazos que lo mantienen atado al valle, ha aceptado ciertos límites que no está dispuesto a cruzar, aunque cada día le empieza a costar más trabajo.
___
Entendí porque el hermano de Cam no la quería en el Valle, pero todo tiene un limite y la pobre no estaba disfrutando de nada de lo que hacía.
Aconsejo leer el primer libro para saber más sobre la situación con el abuelo y la herencia.
Gracias The Berry Agency por el ARC.
Jameson ha aprendido a mantener sus emociones en control. Entre el crecimiento de su negocio y los lazos que lo mantienen atado al valle, ha aceptado ciertos límites que no está dispuesto a cruzar, aunque cada día le empieza a costar más trabajo.
___
Entendí porque el hermano de Cam no la quería en el Valle, pero todo tiene un limite y la pobre no estaba disfrutando de nada de lo que hacía.
Aconsejo leer el primer libro para saber más sobre la situación con el abuelo y la herencia.
Gracias The Berry Agency por el ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Pink Skies and Promises ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book absolutely wrecked me in the best possible way. From the beginning, the build-up around Baby Blue performing at Meadow set the perfect backdrop—there’s this constant sense that something big is coming, not just for the town, but for Camilla and Jamie themselves. The stakes feel personal, emotional, and deeply rooted in everything this place represents.
The forced proximity between Jamie and Camilla is *so* well done. It never feels artificial—it’s lived-in, natural, and loaded with tension that slowly builds into something completely consuming. The brothers best friend trope is executed flawlessly here, especially with Jamie constantly balancing what he wants versus what he thinks is right for her future. That push and pull between “stay with me” and “you deserve to leave” genuinely hurts in the best way.
And honestly, the horse element added such a unique layer of intimacy that I didn’t expect to hit as hard as it did. Jamie letting Camilla ride his mare isn’t just a sweet moment—it’s trust, vulnerability, and connection in a way that words can’t really capture unless you’ve been around horses and understand what that bond means. It made their relationship feel even more grounded and real.
The romance itself is soft in places and absolutely devastating in others. Moments like skinny dipping in the river, the bossy possessiveness, and the “claiming kiss” all build this overwhelming sense of inevitability between them. Even when they’re not together physically, they’re constantly orbiting each other emotionally. The jealousy creeping in around Aiden only intensifies that tension, and you can feel everything slowly tightening toward a breaking point.
Walter Wilder was genuinely infuriating in this book. His attempts to control Camilla’s future and shut down the bar in the name of “legacy” add a really heavy external conflict that directly impacts her sense of freedom and identity. It reinforces just how trapped this town can be when power and family history are weaponised.
The ranch setting moments—especially Ted casually forcing them into that one-bed situation—added levity and chaos in all the right ways. Ted is an agent of chaos in the best possible sense and honestly deserves credit for half the emotional escalation in this book.
But what really makes this a five-star read is the ending. It completely broke me. I was crying, genuinely heartbroken, and then somehow it put everything back together again in a way that felt earned and emotionally satisfying rather than neat or easy. That balance is so hard to get right, and this book absolutely nails it.
This is one of those romances that stays with you after you finish it—the kind that makes you sit in silence for a bit just processing everything you’ve felt. Heartbreaking, tender, intense, and ultimately healing in its own way. Easily a five-star read.
This book absolutely wrecked me in the best possible way. From the beginning, the build-up around Baby Blue performing at Meadow set the perfect backdrop—there’s this constant sense that something big is coming, not just for the town, but for Camilla and Jamie themselves. The stakes feel personal, emotional, and deeply rooted in everything this place represents.
The forced proximity between Jamie and Camilla is *so* well done. It never feels artificial—it’s lived-in, natural, and loaded with tension that slowly builds into something completely consuming. The brothers best friend trope is executed flawlessly here, especially with Jamie constantly balancing what he wants versus what he thinks is right for her future. That push and pull between “stay with me” and “you deserve to leave” genuinely hurts in the best way.
And honestly, the horse element added such a unique layer of intimacy that I didn’t expect to hit as hard as it did. Jamie letting Camilla ride his mare isn’t just a sweet moment—it’s trust, vulnerability, and connection in a way that words can’t really capture unless you’ve been around horses and understand what that bond means. It made their relationship feel even more grounded and real.
The romance itself is soft in places and absolutely devastating in others. Moments like skinny dipping in the river, the bossy possessiveness, and the “claiming kiss” all build this overwhelming sense of inevitability between them. Even when they’re not together physically, they’re constantly orbiting each other emotionally. The jealousy creeping in around Aiden only intensifies that tension, and you can feel everything slowly tightening toward a breaking point.
Walter Wilder was genuinely infuriating in this book. His attempts to control Camilla’s future and shut down the bar in the name of “legacy” add a really heavy external conflict that directly impacts her sense of freedom and identity. It reinforces just how trapped this town can be when power and family history are weaponised.
The ranch setting moments—especially Ted casually forcing them into that one-bed situation—added levity and chaos in all the right ways. Ted is an agent of chaos in the best possible sense and honestly deserves credit for half the emotional escalation in this book.
But what really makes this a five-star read is the ending. It completely broke me. I was crying, genuinely heartbroken, and then somehow it put everything back together again in a way that felt earned and emotionally satisfying rather than neat or easy. That balance is so hard to get right, and this book absolutely nails it.
This is one of those romances that stays with you after you finish it—the kind that makes you sit in silence for a bit just processing everything you’ve felt. Heartbreaking, tender, intense, and ultimately healing in its own way. Easily a five-star read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2026
4.5 stars
Pink Skies & Promises is everything I hoped Camilla and Jameson's story would be and more. After getting glimpses of their connection in the first book, Gin & Grudges, I couldn't wait to see what was really going on and this story absolutely delivered.
The characters feel genuine and grounded and that's exactly what makes this romance so bingeable. Cami and Jamie aren't caught up in unnecessary drama or miscommunication. Instead, they're navigating years of history, loyalty, family expectations and promises that have shaped their lives. The emotional weight of those choices felt authentic from start to finish.
I love a good slow burn romance and this one is exceptional. Jamie's unwavering love for Cami has been simmering beneath the surface for years and I loved watching him wrestle with his feelings while trying to honour a promise to his best mate. It was both heartbreaking and beautiful. The yearning in this book is next level. Every glance, every shared moment and every bit of tension between them had me desperate to keep turning the pages.
Cami was such an easy character for me to love. Her loyalty to her family, particularly her brother Kade, drives so many of her decisions, even when those choices come at a personal cost. Watching her figure out what she truly wants from life, rather than what everyone else expects of her, added so much depth to the story.
I also loved returning to Blackwood Valley. The small town setting feels warm and familiar, with a wonderful sense of community and found family woven throughout. Seeing familiar faces from the first book made the story even richer and the friendships added another layer of heart to an already emotional romance.
The writing flows effortlessly, making this one of those books that's impossible to put down. The romance is sweet and full of swoon worthy moments, but it's also a story about healing and choosing your own happiness. By the time I reached the ending, I was completely invested in these characters and their hard earned journey.
If you love brother's best friend romances, mutual pining, small town settings, friends-to-lovers vibes and heroes who have been hopelessly in love for years, Pink Skies & Promises is a must-read. It's a heartfelt, emotional romance filled with longing, hope and a love story that feels worth every moment of the wait.
Pink Skies & Promises is everything I hoped Camilla and Jameson's story would be and more. After getting glimpses of their connection in the first book, Gin & Grudges, I couldn't wait to see what was really going on and this story absolutely delivered.
The characters feel genuine and grounded and that's exactly what makes this romance so bingeable. Cami and Jamie aren't caught up in unnecessary drama or miscommunication. Instead, they're navigating years of history, loyalty, family expectations and promises that have shaped their lives. The emotional weight of those choices felt authentic from start to finish.
I love a good slow burn romance and this one is exceptional. Jamie's unwavering love for Cami has been simmering beneath the surface for years and I loved watching him wrestle with his feelings while trying to honour a promise to his best mate. It was both heartbreaking and beautiful. The yearning in this book is next level. Every glance, every shared moment and every bit of tension between them had me desperate to keep turning the pages.
Cami was such an easy character for me to love. Her loyalty to her family, particularly her brother Kade, drives so many of her decisions, even when those choices come at a personal cost. Watching her figure out what she truly wants from life, rather than what everyone else expects of her, added so much depth to the story.
I also loved returning to Blackwood Valley. The small town setting feels warm and familiar, with a wonderful sense of community and found family woven throughout. Seeing familiar faces from the first book made the story even richer and the friendships added another layer of heart to an already emotional romance.
The writing flows effortlessly, making this one of those books that's impossible to put down. The romance is sweet and full of swoon worthy moments, but it's also a story about healing and choosing your own happiness. By the time I reached the ending, I was completely invested in these characters and their hard earned journey.
If you love brother's best friend romances, mutual pining, small town settings, friends-to-lovers vibes and heroes who have been hopelessly in love for years, Pink Skies & Promises is a must-read. It's a heartfelt, emotional romance filled with longing, hope and a love story that feels worth every moment of the wait.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 ⭐️ 2.5 🌶️
Angst. Aching. Vulnerable. Profound.
Be still my beating heart… Jameson… you’re a cool drink of gin with that moustache ❤️🔥
I read this in one sitting… it had me so intrigued from the beginning.
You get a sense for the strong connection between Camilla and Jameson in Gin & Grudges (Book 1) and I loved the build-up. It left me seeking out this story in record time.
From the very beginning, you get the sense there is something brewing. It all seems too calm.
Camilla is a dynamo. She is steadfast in her unwavering loyalty and support for her brother. She holds so much respect for him that she’s willing to put aside her own happiness and wants to make sure she keeps her promise to him. She knows the protective shield that he was and still is against their grandfather and feels as though she owes Kade to keep this one promise.
Jameson is a stalwart. He is a safe place for Cami and Kade. The trio have been through a lot and their friendship has stood the test of time. However, what Cami doesn’t know is that he has secretly been yearning for her for years! He made a promise to Kade and he is TORN. It is tearing him up inside trying to keep Cami at arms length, fighting his feelings for her so he can keep his promise. The longer they spend time together in close proximity, the harder it is for Jameson to deny his feelings. There is this push and pull that feels extremely genuine in the sense that he wants Cami to achieve great things and doesn’t feel as though he deserves her or has any right to ask her to stay.
This book has tipped Gin & Grudges at the post with the ending. I was screaming, crying and nearly threw my Kindle across the room and had me reaching for the tissues. It is one hard-earned, intense ending.
If you love small town romance, brother’s best friend and a dynamic between two people that just feels right, this book is for you. This is an interconnected standalone, however there is an over-arching storyline that would be best understood by reading the first book in the series. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Thank you to Lauren Parker Rhodes and The Berry Agency for the advanced reader copy in return for an honest review.
Angst. Aching. Vulnerable. Profound.
Be still my beating heart… Jameson… you’re a cool drink of gin with that moustache ❤️🔥
I read this in one sitting… it had me so intrigued from the beginning.
You get a sense for the strong connection between Camilla and Jameson in Gin & Grudges (Book 1) and I loved the build-up. It left me seeking out this story in record time.
From the very beginning, you get the sense there is something brewing. It all seems too calm.
Camilla is a dynamo. She is steadfast in her unwavering loyalty and support for her brother. She holds so much respect for him that she’s willing to put aside her own happiness and wants to make sure she keeps her promise to him. She knows the protective shield that he was and still is against their grandfather and feels as though she owes Kade to keep this one promise.
Jameson is a stalwart. He is a safe place for Cami and Kade. The trio have been through a lot and their friendship has stood the test of time. However, what Cami doesn’t know is that he has secretly been yearning for her for years! He made a promise to Kade and he is TORN. It is tearing him up inside trying to keep Cami at arms length, fighting his feelings for her so he can keep his promise. The longer they spend time together in close proximity, the harder it is for Jameson to deny his feelings. There is this push and pull that feels extremely genuine in the sense that he wants Cami to achieve great things and doesn’t feel as though he deserves her or has any right to ask her to stay.
This book has tipped Gin & Grudges at the post with the ending. I was screaming, crying and nearly threw my Kindle across the room and had me reaching for the tissues. It is one hard-earned, intense ending.
If you love small town romance, brother’s best friend and a dynamic between two people that just feels right, this book is for you. This is an interconnected standalone, however there is an over-arching storyline that would be best understood by reading the first book in the series. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Thank you to Lauren Parker Rhodes and The Berry Agency for the advanced reader copy in return for an honest review.
June 5, 2026
This book felt like standing in the middle of a thunderstorm you secretly never want to end 🌩️
I loved the first book, but this sequel dug its hands in deeper. Camilla and Jameson absolutely wrecked me in the quietest ways. There’s something so painfully beautiful about two people loving each other for years while trying to do the “right” thing, even when it’s tearing them apart. Every interaction between them carried this unbearable tension, like a match hovering over gasoline.
Jameson especially had me spiralling. The loyalty he carries, the way he keeps putting everyone else first, the restraint of loving Camilla for so long while believing he can never truly have her… it made every tiny moment feel gigantic. A look, a touch, a conversation at the bar somehow felt louder than a dramatic declaration ever could. And when that restraint finally starts cracking? Absolute emotional carnage in the best way.
Camilla’s journey hit hard too. You can feel how torn she is between promises, expectations, and the life she actually wants for herself. Her love for Blackwood Valley bleeds through every page, and the push and pull between leaving and staying gave the story this aching sense of inevitability. Like watching someone try to outrun their own heartbeat.
And the family tension? God. The grandfather’s presence hangs over everything like smoke in the walls. Even in quieter scenes, there’s this constant undercurrent of danger and pressure that keeps tightening around the characters.
What I loved most is that this didn’t rely on cheap drama. The emotion came from history, loyalty, sacrifice, and years of wanting. It felt earned. Messy in a deeply human way, not manufactured.
This sequel took all the emotional threads from the first book and pulled them taut until they nearly snapped. Tender, tense, romantic, and quietly devastating. I finished it with my heart in pieces and immediately wanted more
I loved the first book, but this sequel dug its hands in deeper. Camilla and Jameson absolutely wrecked me in the quietest ways. There’s something so painfully beautiful about two people loving each other for years while trying to do the “right” thing, even when it’s tearing them apart. Every interaction between them carried this unbearable tension, like a match hovering over gasoline.
Jameson especially had me spiralling. The loyalty he carries, the way he keeps putting everyone else first, the restraint of loving Camilla for so long while believing he can never truly have her… it made every tiny moment feel gigantic. A look, a touch, a conversation at the bar somehow felt louder than a dramatic declaration ever could. And when that restraint finally starts cracking? Absolute emotional carnage in the best way.
Camilla’s journey hit hard too. You can feel how torn she is between promises, expectations, and the life she actually wants for herself. Her love for Blackwood Valley bleeds through every page, and the push and pull between leaving and staying gave the story this aching sense of inevitability. Like watching someone try to outrun their own heartbeat.
And the family tension? God. The grandfather’s presence hangs over everything like smoke in the walls. Even in quieter scenes, there’s this constant undercurrent of danger and pressure that keeps tightening around the characters.
What I loved most is that this didn’t rely on cheap drama. The emotion came from history, loyalty, sacrifice, and years of wanting. It felt earned. Messy in a deeply human way, not manufactured.
This sequel took all the emotional threads from the first book and pulled them taut until they nearly snapped. Tender, tense, romantic, and quietly devastating. I finished it with my heart in pieces and immediately wanted more
June 12, 2026
Pink Skies and Promises is the kind of slow-burn romance that sneaks up on you — tender, steamy, and threaded with the kind of emotional tension that only comes from loving someone you’re not supposed to. Lauren Parker Rhodes delivers a beautifully heartfelt story about two young people caught between loyalty and longing, and she does it with a deftness that feels both intimate and deeply relatable.
Set in a small rural town that feels instantly familiar, the story orbits around a lively gin bar that becomes the backdrop for flirtation, frustration, and the kind of chemistry that simmers long before it boils over. The setting adds charm and texture, grounding the romance in a world full of community, expectation, and the quiet pressure of being known by everyone around you.
At the centre are two characters who are impossible not to root for — she’s the sister, he’s the best friend, and both are torn between following their hearts and honouring the promises they’ve made to the people who matter most. Their internal battles feel real, especially for anyone who grew up with family expectations shaping who they were meant to be and where they were meant to go. Rhodes captures that universal tug-of-war between duty and desire with honesty and warmth.
The slow burn is delicious, the steam is worth the wait, and the emotional payoff is everything you want from a friends-to-lovers, brother’s-best-friend romance. But what elevates this book is its exploration of identity — of finding your place in the world, even when that means rewriting the script others have handed you.
Pink Skies and Promises is tender, sexy, and full of heart. A perfect read for anyone who loves small-town romance with depth, charm, and characters who stay with you long after the final page.
Set in a small rural town that feels instantly familiar, the story orbits around a lively gin bar that becomes the backdrop for flirtation, frustration, and the kind of chemistry that simmers long before it boils over. The setting adds charm and texture, grounding the romance in a world full of community, expectation, and the quiet pressure of being known by everyone around you.
At the centre are two characters who are impossible not to root for — she’s the sister, he’s the best friend, and both are torn between following their hearts and honouring the promises they’ve made to the people who matter most. Their internal battles feel real, especially for anyone who grew up with family expectations shaping who they were meant to be and where they were meant to go. Rhodes captures that universal tug-of-war between duty and desire with honesty and warmth.
The slow burn is delicious, the steam is worth the wait, and the emotional payoff is everything you want from a friends-to-lovers, brother’s-best-friend romance. But what elevates this book is its exploration of identity — of finding your place in the world, even when that means rewriting the script others have handed you.
Pink Skies and Promises is tender, sexy, and full of heart. A perfect read for anyone who loves small-town romance with depth, charm, and characters who stay with you long after the final page.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I adore the way Lauren writes, it's so engaging and sweet; and the way she pulls the characters together until they burst with want, tempered with harder storylines running beneath is so beautifully done - you honestly don't want to put the book down until you've finished. Which essentially is what I did...
We pick up the story with Camilla and Jameson (Kade from book one's younger sister and his best friend), with Jameson having been helplessly in love with Camilla since they were kids, and trying desperately not to fall harder as an adult. Camilla, in her last months of her teaching degree, had always promised Kade she'd leave Blackwood Valley afterwards to explore the world and remove herself from her toxic and abusive Grandfathers reach, but she never wanted to leave her home... or Jameson.
What follows is a beautiful unravelling of years of pent up emotions, the softest of friends to lovers but with an undercurrent of fear, worry and tough decisions - not of their making. Add in the imminent threat to her family and friends, Camilla has to try and work out if she can have all of her hearts desires, or if leaving without looking back will keep those she loves safe.
I can't recommend this series enough, it's just a gorgeous read.
If you love -
- friends to lovers
- brothers best friend
- small town
- mutual pining
- family issues
- horses and ranches
- he falls first
- a moustache that steals the show
Then don't hesitate to pick this up! I read this prior to official release.
We pick up the story with Camilla and Jameson (Kade from book one's younger sister and his best friend), with Jameson having been helplessly in love with Camilla since they were kids, and trying desperately not to fall harder as an adult. Camilla, in her last months of her teaching degree, had always promised Kade she'd leave Blackwood Valley afterwards to explore the world and remove herself from her toxic and abusive Grandfathers reach, but she never wanted to leave her home... or Jameson.
What follows is a beautiful unravelling of years of pent up emotions, the softest of friends to lovers but with an undercurrent of fear, worry and tough decisions - not of their making. Add in the imminent threat to her family and friends, Camilla has to try and work out if she can have all of her hearts desires, or if leaving without looking back will keep those she loves safe.
I can't recommend this series enough, it's just a gorgeous read.
If you love -
- friends to lovers
- brothers best friend
- small town
- mutual pining
- family issues
- horses and ranches
- he falls first
- a moustache that steals the show
Then don't hesitate to pick this up! I read this prior to official release.
June 10, 2026
Thank you to The Berry Agency for providing me with an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 out of 5 stars)
Summary
Camila is Kade’s little sister, studying to become a teacher but not really sure what she wants to do after graduation since teaching isn’t her true passion. Jamie (Jameson) is Kade’s best friend, who has secretly been in love with Camila since they were kids. Now that Camila has moved back home after her meddling grandfather interfered in her life, being so close to Jamie is making their feelings a lot more complicated.
What I Liked
The story is exactly what you'd expect: a cute brother’s-best-friend romance where he’s been in love with her forever.
The grandfather subplot is interesting because it keeps you wondering what he’s going to do next.
What I Didn't Like
-Kade’s promise being the only obstacle to the relationship felt really silly, and the resolution was just as ridiculous.
Tropes & Content Warnings
Tropes:
- One Bed
- Brother’s Best Friend
- Cowboy Romance
- Small-Town Romance
Triggers/Content Warnings:
- Off-page mentions of abuse
- One brief physical altercation between Camila and her grandfather
My Review
I flew through the first book and loved all of its details. This second book felt a little slower during the first 30%, so it took me a while to get through that section. After that, the story picked up considerably, and I finished the remaining 70% in one sitting.
I do think Kade’s promise came across as childish, and Walter deserved a much harsher punishment. That said, Camila and Jamie’s relationship was sweet, and the ending felt like a classic 2000s rom-com with a grand romantic gesture.
Would I Recommend This Book?
If you enjoy cowboy romances, small-town settings, and predictable plots that will make you go "aww," then this book will probably be right up your alley.
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 out of 5 stars)
Summary
Camila is Kade’s little sister, studying to become a teacher but not really sure what she wants to do after graduation since teaching isn’t her true passion. Jamie (Jameson) is Kade’s best friend, who has secretly been in love with Camila since they were kids. Now that Camila has moved back home after her meddling grandfather interfered in her life, being so close to Jamie is making their feelings a lot more complicated.
What I Liked
The story is exactly what you'd expect: a cute brother’s-best-friend romance where he’s been in love with her forever.
The grandfather subplot is interesting because it keeps you wondering what he’s going to do next.
What I Didn't Like
-Kade’s promise being the only obstacle to the relationship felt really silly, and the resolution was just as ridiculous.
Tropes & Content Warnings
Tropes:
- One Bed
- Brother’s Best Friend
- Cowboy Romance
- Small-Town Romance
Triggers/Content Warnings:
- Off-page mentions of abuse
- One brief physical altercation between Camila and her grandfather
My Review
I flew through the first book and loved all of its details. This second book felt a little slower during the first 30%, so it took me a while to get through that section. After that, the story picked up considerably, and I finished the remaining 70% in one sitting.
I do think Kade’s promise came across as childish, and Walter deserved a much harsher punishment. That said, Camila and Jamie’s relationship was sweet, and the ending felt like a classic 2000s rom-com with a grand romantic gesture.
Would I Recommend This Book?
If you enjoy cowboy romances, small-town settings, and predictable plots that will make you go "aww," then this book will probably be right up your alley.
Review of advance copy
Thank you to the Berry Agency for this ARC.
This was another sweet instalment in the Blackwood Valley series by Lauren Parker Rhodes. I really enjoy her writing, it flows well and has a poetic feel about it. It’s basically romance magic for me. The book itself says it best “Let’s have some time out in a quaint little town with flowers and gin. What more could we want?”
Jamie has been in love with Cami since he was 12 years old. He never made any sort of move because of her brother Kade who is also his best friend and a promise he had made years ago. Those pesky promises can’t be kept when Cami is back in their hometown being the goddess
she is and that magnetic pull they have for each other is forcing them together. You have got to love those magnetic forces.
There are so many swoony moments especially those under a fairy floss sky. I could picture everything in this little world which is a testament to her writing. I loved Cami and Jamie together and I was living for how down for her this man was.
Many promises were broken but also new ones forged too. I think my favourite was about him keeping the moustache. Oh and maybe the one about loving each other forever too I guess.
“Now, tilt your hips so you can see the same stars I do when you’re in the room.”
I cannot wait to see what’s next for Blackwood Valley.
This was another sweet instalment in the Blackwood Valley series by Lauren Parker Rhodes. I really enjoy her writing, it flows well and has a poetic feel about it. It’s basically romance magic for me. The book itself says it best “Let’s have some time out in a quaint little town with flowers and gin. What more could we want?”
Jamie has been in love with Cami since he was 12 years old. He never made any sort of move because of her brother Kade who is also his best friend and a promise he had made years ago. Those pesky promises can’t be kept when Cami is back in their hometown being the goddess
she is and that magnetic pull they have for each other is forcing them together. You have got to love those magnetic forces.
There are so many swoony moments especially those under a fairy floss sky. I could picture everything in this little world which is a testament to her writing. I loved Cami and Jamie together and I was living for how down for her this man was.
Many promises were broken but also new ones forged too. I think my favourite was about him keeping the moustache. Oh and maybe the one about loving each other forever too I guess.
“Now, tilt your hips so you can see the same stars I do when you’re in the room.”
I cannot wait to see what’s next for Blackwood Valley.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Camilla is studying teaching even though she can’t picture herself actually doing it in the future. Still, she made a promise to her brother, Kade, that she would finish her degree and leave their small town and more importantly, get away from their abusive grandfather. Forced to complete her studies online in Blackwood Valley, Camilla finds herself stuck in the very place she’s desperate to escape.
Jameson is the swoon worthy best friend every small-town romance reader dreams of. He’s been in love with Camilla since the moment he met her, but there’s one problem, he promised Kade he would help make sure Camilla leaves Blackwood Valley and gets the fresh start she deserves. Acting on his feelings could risk everything.
When Camilla and Jameson are thrown together while working on a local event, they’re forced to confront the feelings they’ve both been trying to ignore. But with Camilla and Kade’s grandfather determined to make their lives miserable, building a relationship won’t come easy.
I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it. If you enjoy small-town, brother’s-best-friend, slow-burn romances with emotional depth and plenty of tension, this is definitely one to pick up!
Jameson is the swoon worthy best friend every small-town romance reader dreams of. He’s been in love with Camilla since the moment he met her, but there’s one problem, he promised Kade he would help make sure Camilla leaves Blackwood Valley and gets the fresh start she deserves. Acting on his feelings could risk everything.
When Camilla and Jameson are thrown together while working on a local event, they’re forced to confront the feelings they’ve both been trying to ignore. But with Camilla and Kade’s grandfather determined to make their lives miserable, building a relationship won’t come easy.
I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it. If you enjoy small-town, brother’s-best-friend, slow-burn romances with emotional depth and plenty of tension, this is definitely one to pick up!
June 20, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5/5 Stars
I was so lucky to get the opportunity to read Pink Skies and Promises after loving the first book, and it definitely lived up to my expectations.
Lauren Parker Rhodes has a wonderful way of bringing her characters and settings to life. I found myself completely invested in the story and emotionally connected to the characters as their journeys unfolded. The relationships, friendships, and heartfelt moments kept me turning the pages.
One of my favourite parts of this series is Blackwood Valley itself. Lauren describes it so beautifully that it feels like a real place you could visit. By the end of the book, I was ready to pack my bags, grab a drink at Meadow and Velvet, and spend time with all the characters I've grown to love.
This book gave me all the small-town charm, emotion, and heart that I loved in the first one, while continuing the story in a way that kept me engaged from beginning to end. The only reason it's not a full 5 stars is that I wasn't quite ready for it to end!
If you enjoyed the first book, you'll absolutely want to pick up Pink Skies and Promises. It's a beautiful continuation of the series, and I'm already looking forward to returning to Blackwood Valley Township!!!!!
I was so lucky to get the opportunity to read Pink Skies and Promises after loving the first book, and it definitely lived up to my expectations.
Lauren Parker Rhodes has a wonderful way of bringing her characters and settings to life. I found myself completely invested in the story and emotionally connected to the characters as their journeys unfolded. The relationships, friendships, and heartfelt moments kept me turning the pages.
One of my favourite parts of this series is Blackwood Valley itself. Lauren describes it so beautifully that it feels like a real place you could visit. By the end of the book, I was ready to pack my bags, grab a drink at Meadow and Velvet, and spend time with all the characters I've grown to love.
This book gave me all the small-town charm, emotion, and heart that I loved in the first one, while continuing the story in a way that kept me engaged from beginning to end. The only reason it's not a full 5 stars is that I wasn't quite ready for it to end!
If you enjoyed the first book, you'll absolutely want to pick up Pink Skies and Promises. It's a beautiful continuation of the series, and I'm already looking forward to returning to Blackwood Valley Township!!!!!
May 11, 2026
4.5⭐️
This is the first cowboy romance I have read in a long time and I fell in love with it. Cami and Jamie are literally perfect for each other and the yearning in this book is literally to die for “ I’ll never Want to sleep again - or try to - without her presence” I was giggling and kicking my feet the whole way through.
I especially loved the small town vibe it made me want to go back to my home town and have a gin & tonic at sunset.
I LOVED ted he was my favourite character after cami & Jamie and I will forever thank him for the “there’s only one bed” 😏. The spice level was also perfect for me every spicy scene felt necessary and it made sense within the plot which I am so grateful for because I feel some books now’s day just have them for the sake of having them. My emotions were all over the place while reading this one minute was sobbing then laughing then I was getting angry with a certain old man who really grind my gears
but I loved every second of it. it was overall just a beautiful story and I will telling anyone who will listen about this book
This is the first cowboy romance I have read in a long time and I fell in love with it. Cami and Jamie are literally perfect for each other and the yearning in this book is literally to die for “ I’ll never Want to sleep again - or try to - without her presence” I was giggling and kicking my feet the whole way through.
I especially loved the small town vibe it made me want to go back to my home town and have a gin & tonic at sunset.
I LOVED ted he was my favourite character after cami & Jamie and I will forever thank him for the “there’s only one bed” 😏. The spice level was also perfect for me every spicy scene felt necessary and it made sense within the plot which I am so grateful for because I feel some books now’s day just have them for the sake of having them. My emotions were all over the place while reading this one minute was sobbing then laughing then I was getting angry with a certain old man who really grind my gears
but I loved every second of it. it was overall just a beautiful story and I will telling anyone who will listen about this book
June 1, 2026
Absolutely loved this book. It was such a cute, cozy cowboy read.
Camilla and Jameson
James has held a torch for Cami forever, and as her brother's best friend, he has managed to keep his promise to never cross that invisible line. But when Cami comes back to town unexpectedly, sparks fly and keeping his promise becomes far more difficult than expected.
Heading home for Cami is both a relief and a challenge. Family drama with her very powerful grandfather has caused her brother Kade to try to keep Cami as far from Blackwood Valley as possible. But this town is a part of her, its farms and people, it's where she becomes the best version of herself, but she also promised her brother this visit would be short, and then she would go and live her life free from her grandfather's grasp.
So when both Cami and James find that keeping their promises is possibly going to break both their hearts, what will they decide?
*Slow Burn
*Brothers best friend
*Spicy
*Small town
*Cowboy Romance
Camilla and Jameson
James has held a torch for Cami forever, and as her brother's best friend, he has managed to keep his promise to never cross that invisible line. But when Cami comes back to town unexpectedly, sparks fly and keeping his promise becomes far more difficult than expected.
Heading home for Cami is both a relief and a challenge. Family drama with her very powerful grandfather has caused her brother Kade to try to keep Cami as far from Blackwood Valley as possible. But this town is a part of her, its farms and people, it's where she becomes the best version of herself, but she also promised her brother this visit would be short, and then she would go and live her life free from her grandfather's grasp.
So when both Cami and James find that keeping their promises is possibly going to break both their hearts, what will they decide?
*Slow Burn
*Brothers best friend
*Spicy
*Small town
*Cowboy Romance
June 4, 2026
Pink Skies & Promises 🩷
Ahh I absolutely loved this one, just like I did the first! It felt like its own story but still had the connections and relationships of Blackwood Valley which is what I like to see in connected romances. Once again, Lauren has written beautiful & mature adult relationships that I love. Jameson, this man is perfect, he’s loved her forever, he is sweet, kind & only wants what’s best for her. Camilla, goes through so much self growth to finally be able to stand up for herself and what she wants. We even see Kade, our mmc from the first book continue his self development. And the way the situation at the end was handled, with maturity and understanding made me so happy! And a special mention for Ted, I love that little old man 🥹
This book is face paced, easy to read, immersive and full of delicious yearning! It also makes me want to go frolic under some pink skies 😉
Thank you Lauren for the ARC, Pink Skies & Promises 🩷
Ahh I absolutely loved this one, just like I did the first! It felt like its own story but still had the connections and relationships of Blackwood Valley which is what I like to see in connected romances. Once again, Lauren has written beautiful & mature adult relationships that I love. Jameson, this man is perfect, he’s loved her forever, he is sweet, kind & only wants what’s best for her. Camilla, goes through so much self growth to finally be able to stand up for herself and what she wants. We even see Kade, our mmc from the first book continue his self development. And the way the situation at the end was handled, with maturity and understanding made me so happy! And a special mention for Ted, I love that little old man 🥹
This book is face paced, easy to read, immersive and full of delicious yearning! It also makes me want to go frolic under some pink skies 😉
Thank you Lauren for the ARC, Pink Skies & Promises 🩷
May 31, 2026
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Pink Skies and Promises by Lauren Parker Rhodes, and it was such a fun read.
I loved the first book in the series, Gin and Grudges, so I was excited to return to Blackwood valley. This story features Jamie and Cammi, an older brother’s best friend romance, childhood friends, plenty of tension, and just the right amount of spice.
I’ve been in a bit of a reading slump lately, and this was exactly the kind of book I needed. It was easy to get into, entertaining, and kept me turning the pages.
This was a solid four stars and a thoroughly enjoyable escape. If you’re a fan of small-town romances with heart, chemistry, and a little bit of forbidden romance, I’d definitely recommend giving it a go.
Thank you to Lauren Parker Rhodes and The Berry Agency for the ARC.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
May 15, 2026
There’s something so addictive about a romance where the feelings have always been there… buried under loyalty, timing, and promises that were never meant to be broken.
This book completely pulled me into Blackwood Valley again. The tension between Camilla and Jameson felt inevitable from the start, but what made their story stand out was how deeply rooted their relationship already was. These aren’t two people falling for each other out of nowhere, they already know each other inside and out, which made every moment between them feel heavier, softer, and so much more emotional.
Camilla carries so much responsibility on her shoulders, especially when it comes to her family, and I loved how determined and selfless she was even when it cost her personally. And Jameson? The blueprint for quiet devotion. Watching him try to fight years of feelings while convincing himself he was doing the right thing was equal parts frustrating and heartbreaking in the best way.
The romance itself had this warm, aching quality to it, intimate without needing grand gestures all the time. Just stolen looks, lingering moments, unspoken history, and the kind of chemistry that feels natural rather than forced. Lauren Parker Rhodes writes relationships in a way that makes them feel lived in, and it made this story impossible not to sink into.
And then that ending came along and emotionally steamrolled me.
If you love small-town romances with history, longing, emotional tension, and a hero who has been hopelessly in love for years, this one absolutely delivers.
This book completely pulled me into Blackwood Valley again. The tension between Camilla and Jameson felt inevitable from the start, but what made their story stand out was how deeply rooted their relationship already was. These aren’t two people falling for each other out of nowhere, they already know each other inside and out, which made every moment between them feel heavier, softer, and so much more emotional.
Camilla carries so much responsibility on her shoulders, especially when it comes to her family, and I loved how determined and selfless she was even when it cost her personally. And Jameson? The blueprint for quiet devotion. Watching him try to fight years of feelings while convincing himself he was doing the right thing was equal parts frustrating and heartbreaking in the best way.
The romance itself had this warm, aching quality to it, intimate without needing grand gestures all the time. Just stolen looks, lingering moments, unspoken history, and the kind of chemistry that feels natural rather than forced. Lauren Parker Rhodes writes relationships in a way that makes them feel lived in, and it made this story impossible not to sink into.
And then that ending came along and emotionally steamrolled me.
If you love small-town romances with history, longing, emotional tension, and a hero who has been hopelessly in love for years, this one absolutely delivers.
May 27, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
Dare I say for once the second book is better than the first...
Since the first book came out I’ve been waiting for Camilla and Jamson’s book and it was so good. Something about a small town, brothers best friend romance with yearning and found family just hits the spot.
I loved how their relationship didn’t need grand gestures. They’re just two people with a lot of unspoken history falling for each other through the small lingering moments.
It was so satisfying to see their grandfather get what he deserved. He truly is the worst.
Thank you to the Berry Agency for the opportunity to read the ARC!
Dare I say for once the second book is better than the first...
Since the first book came out I’ve been waiting for Camilla and Jamson’s book and it was so good. Something about a small town, brothers best friend romance with yearning and found family just hits the spot.
I loved how their relationship didn’t need grand gestures. They’re just two people with a lot of unspoken history falling for each other through the small lingering moments.
It was so satisfying to see their grandfather get what he deserved. He truly is the worst.
Thank you to the Berry Agency for the opportunity to read the ARC!
July 25, 2026
Yay! I've been waiting for Cami and Jamie's story and I was not disappointed. I loved the emotional depth to these two characters and the pining between the two. The chemistry between these two characters was amazing. Jamie is a sweet and loving golden retriever who is a little quiet. Cami is a strong woman who wants to help her brother. They are perfect together. The small town side characters were fun and I loved the plotting and matchmaking. The Big Bad (Grandfather) continues to wreak havoc with these two, and Kade and Perry. The Girl's Club was also excellent. Fabulous ending! looking forward to the next one.
big thanks to the author for a copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.
big thanks to the author for a copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy
Review of Advance Copy Received from The Berry Agency
I think I just discovered that I love Small Town romance books and slow burn 🤭💕
The build-up, the push and pull...Babyyy! I kept holding onto my seat because I couldn't wait for everything to fall in place!
The yearning and protection.
I felt all the emotions, all of them
It feels like everything is too calm at the beginning but somehow like something else is gonna happen..but everything flows so natural...overall this book is so well put together!
Definitely enjoyed reading this book💕
I think I just discovered that I love Small Town romance books and slow burn 🤭💕
The build-up, the push and pull...Babyyy! I kept holding onto my seat because I couldn't wait for everything to fall in place!
The yearning and protection.
I felt all the emotions, all of them
It feels like everything is too calm at the beginning but somehow like something else is gonna happen..but everything flows so natural...overall this book is so well put together!
Definitely enjoyed reading this book💕
June 9, 2026
This series continues to make me fall in love with the slow burn cowboy romance. Camilla and Jameson captured the essence of a slow burn. The journey of self discovery from both characters of them going after what they deserve. The yearning from afar. The promises that were made to be broken. They showed us how to be who we want to be not who others want us to be. To go after what we want not what others want for us. I loved the second instalment of Blackwood Valley. The crossover of our beloved characters from book 1 complemented the story without taking over. *ARC read*
June 17, 2026
This was such a great story with Cami and Jameson. I loved the small town, best friends sister… it doesn’t get much better than that. Especially when they’re both secretly pining for one another. A sister never wants to upset her brother. And of course his best friend doesn’t want to do him wrong either. But the attraction between these Terry was so intense. I loved their back and forth. It was such a sweet and spicy read. Kade rubbed me the wrong way just a bit. But overall, I thought this was an excellent story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Pink Skies & Promises is a fabulous second installment in the Blackwood Valley series!
I absolutely adore Cami and Jamie—their yearning for each other hurts so good.
The story is layered with compelling conflict: Cami searching for a passion that will truly fulfill her; Kade pushing her to leave the Valley to keep her safe from their grandfather; Jamie struggling to honor his promise to his best friend despite his feelings; and the escalating danger from Walter.
This book takes you on a full emotional rollercoaster—you’ll laugh, cry, yell, and smile so hard your cheeks hurt.
I’m so pleased with how everything unfolded, and I can’t wait for book three!
I absolutely adore Cami and Jamie—their yearning for each other hurts so good.
The story is layered with compelling conflict: Cami searching for a passion that will truly fulfill her; Kade pushing her to leave the Valley to keep her safe from their grandfather; Jamie struggling to honor his promise to his best friend despite his feelings; and the escalating danger from Walter.
This book takes you on a full emotional rollercoaster—you’ll laugh, cry, yell, and smile so hard your cheeks hurt.
I’m so pleased with how everything unfolded, and I can’t wait for book three!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Pink Skies and Promises by Lauren Parker Rhodes completely swept me away. Small-town romance, brother’s best friend tension, years of unspoken feelings, and emotional stakes that kept me hooked from start to finish.
Camilla and Jameson’s connection felt so raw and genuine — the slow burn absolutely hurt in the best way. Every glance, every almost moment, every promise standing between them had me desperate for them to finally choose each other, and encouraging me to go camping…..iykyk
“Somehow Lauren Parker Rhodes took everything I loved about book one and made book two even better.”
I am so happy to be back in Blackwood Valley feeling all the emotion, and balancing tender moments with tension, grief, healing, and so much yearning. I could not put this down and honestly finished it completely obsessed with these characters and the Valley.
If you love small-town romance with emotional depth, protective love interests, messy family dynamics, and “we shouldn’t want each other but absolutely do” energy, this one delivers.
Camilla and Jameson’s connection felt so raw and genuine — the slow burn absolutely hurt in the best way. Every glance, every almost moment, every promise standing between them had me desperate for them to finally choose each other, and encouraging me to go camping…..iykyk
“Somehow Lauren Parker Rhodes took everything I loved about book one and made book two even better.”
I am so happy to be back in Blackwood Valley feeling all the emotion, and balancing tender moments with tension, grief, healing, and so much yearning. I could not put this down and honestly finished it completely obsessed with these characters and the Valley.
If you love small-town romance with emotional depth, protective love interests, messy family dynamics, and “we shouldn’t want each other but absolutely do” energy, this one delivers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
**ARC READER REVIEW**
A man who has been yearning for many years? Check. Best friend’s little sister? Double check. Single bed trope? Abso-fucking-lutely!
I couldn’t put the book down from the first chapter. Cami and Jamie’s story is a small emotional rollercoaster, but a good one!
⭐️ 4 stars!
🌶️ 1 1/2 chilli for slow burn spicy… I can no longer look at bodies of water the same…
Thank you to Chloe from The Berry Agency and Lauren the amazing author!
A man who has been yearning for many years? Check. Best friend’s little sister? Double check. Single bed trope? Abso-fucking-lutely!
I couldn’t put the book down from the first chapter. Cami and Jamie’s story is a small emotional rollercoaster, but a good one!
⭐️ 4 stars!
🌶️ 1 1/2 chilli for slow burn spicy… I can no longer look at bodies of water the same…
Thank you to Chloe from The Berry Agency and Lauren the amazing author!
May 25, 2026
I devoured this in a day!! It hit me right in the feels and made me smile, laugh and cry.
Cami is so relatable. All she wants to do is make everyone happy even if it's at the cost of her own happiness.
Jameson is determined to do what he promised his best friend he would do and that means burying his feelings for his best friends sister.
I love how self-discovery is made in this book. I love the friendship circle, and I love how much love everyone has for each other.
Advanced Reader Copy
Cami is so relatable. All she wants to do is make everyone happy even if it's at the cost of her own happiness.
Jameson is determined to do what he promised his best friend he would do and that means burying his feelings for his best friends sister.
I love how self-discovery is made in this book. I love the friendship circle, and I love how much love everyone has for each other.
Advanced Reader Copy
June 7, 2026
A fun addition to Blackwood Valley, featuring Kade's best friend and sister.
Jameson and Camilla are a fun couple to follow. Jamie has loved Cami since they were young. There is so much yearning in this book. The horses and the bar make another return, as do Kade, Peri, Juniper and Linden... unfortunately so does the grandad.
As with Gin & Grudges, this is a shorter read that packs a punch. Looking forward to the next installment.
Jameson and Camilla are a fun couple to follow. Jamie has loved Cami since they were young. There is so much yearning in this book. The horses and the bar make another return, as do Kade, Peri, Juniper and Linden... unfortunately so does the grandad.
As with Gin & Grudges, this is a shorter read that packs a punch. Looking forward to the next installment.
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