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As You Wish
She wants him to stay. He knows he has to leave.
Jade Clark is done with men. She’s determined to spend her time on more important things—like figuring out who is behind the revitalization of her beloved hometown. But when the only man she’s ever loved returns after thirteen years, he’s not alone. He has two wild children in tow, and she finds herself wanting to step in. Once he makes it clear he has no intention of staying, Jade knows that falling back into old habits will only leave her with a broken heart … again. As she gets closer to figuring out the secrets of Strawberry Springs, she realizes the greatest mystery might just be the man who left her behind.
Gabriel Sinclair is at his wit’s end. His twin daughters hate him and have done everything they can to prove it, including setting his apartment on fire. He’s forced to return to his hometown—the last place he should be. He’s way behind on work, and it feels like his life is falling apart. What’s worse, Gabriel’s back to face the feisty, bright-haired woman who told him to never return … and has unearthed the feelings he’s locked away for over a decade. Torn between what he’s built and what his heart wants, he has to decide who he’s living for.
As their spark rekindles, Gabriel and Jade beg for things to be different. Will their second chance have the same ending, or will they break the pattern? While they want the same things, they know more than anyone that life doesn’t always go as you wish.
As You Wish is a small-town, second-chance romance novel with the single dad and found family tropes, set in the town of Strawberry Springs. It’s the fifth in a series of interconnected standalone novels.
Jade Clark is done with men. She’s determined to spend her time on more important things—like figuring out who is behind the revitalization of her beloved hometown. But when the only man she’s ever loved returns after thirteen years, he’s not alone. He has two wild children in tow, and she finds herself wanting to step in. Once he makes it clear he has no intention of staying, Jade knows that falling back into old habits will only leave her with a broken heart … again. As she gets closer to figuring out the secrets of Strawberry Springs, she realizes the greatest mystery might just be the man who left her behind.
Gabriel Sinclair is at his wit’s end. His twin daughters hate him and have done everything they can to prove it, including setting his apartment on fire. He’s forced to return to his hometown—the last place he should be. He’s way behind on work, and it feels like his life is falling apart. What’s worse, Gabriel’s back to face the feisty, bright-haired woman who told him to never return … and has unearthed the feelings he’s locked away for over a decade. Torn between what he’s built and what his heart wants, he has to decide who he’s living for.
As their spark rekindles, Gabriel and Jade beg for things to be different. Will their second chance have the same ending, or will they break the pattern? While they want the same things, they know more than anyone that life doesn’t always go as you wish.
As You Wish is a small-town, second-chance romance novel with the single dad and found family tropes, set in the town of Strawberry Springs. It’s the fifth in a series of interconnected standalone novels.
518 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 19, 2026
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nfmaa
October 12, 2026Spoilers ahead
ETA AGAIN..........I changed my profile picture *ahem* does anyone want to look at it?????? 👀👀👀 Until I can figure out how to add the screenshot here I had to give up my beautiful beach picture 😔. Anyway enough of this mess........ moving on
ETA I have a screenshot, of Goodreads apparently *ahem* misrepresenting people as arc reviewers *ahem* idk how to upload it though 😅. I suffer from being very petty I'm afraid but I'm going to leave this here.......👀
Matter of fact dear author no, no I really really do NOT wish
The H ends his relationship with the h because he doesn't want kids then turns around and donated sperm to his assistant 🫢she dies. 😱 he's given custody......guess who gets to play mommy?????
Y'all just hate us I stg!!! Another grind the woman to dust while the man comes out on top horror masquerading as a romance......girl leave that shit stain with his kids where he's at I PROMISE you there are other men out there 🙄
Thanks to Alina my darling and an actual honest arc reviewer in Reina 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Rebecca's review
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Alicia's very detailed review
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://imgur.com/a/79oXS85
ETA AGAIN..........I changed my profile picture *ahem* does anyone want to look at it?????? 👀👀👀 Until I can figure out how to add the screenshot here I had to give up my beautiful beach picture 😔. Anyway enough of this mess........ moving on
ETA I have a screenshot, of Goodreads apparently *ahem* misrepresenting people as arc reviewers *ahem* idk how to upload it though 😅. I suffer from being very petty I'm afraid but I'm going to leave this here.......👀
Matter of fact dear author no, no I really really do NOT wish
The H ends his relationship with the h because he doesn't want kids then turns around and donated sperm to his assistant 🫢she dies. 😱 he's given custody......guess who gets to play mommy?????
Y'all just hate us I stg!!! Another grind the woman to dust while the man comes out on top horror masquerading as a romance......girl leave that shit stain with his kids where he's at I PROMISE you there are other men out there 🙄
Thanks to Alina my darling and an actual honest arc reviewer in Reina 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Rebecca's review
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Alicia's very detailed review
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://imgur.com/a/79oXS85
Review of advance copy
As my review was flagged, let me just add in the one star as it didn't have it before💙
we love a man who ruins his relationship with the love of his life because he doesn't want kids,
only to go an father 2 kids with his assistant/ friend, then when she dies he has the fmc be their mommy 😍😍 romance am i right?
we love a man who ruins his relationship with the love of his life because he doesn't want kids,
only to go an father 2 kids with his assistant/ friend, then when she dies he has the fmc be their mommy 😍😍 romance am i right?
Review of advance copy
*ARC REVIEW*
This was really tough for me since I LOVE Elle's work normally. But I did not like Gabe, his awful kids and this storyline at all. This was such a huge disservice to Jade and I'm so beyond disappointed in this being the final book. He tells Jade he never wants kids, at all. He ruins their whole relationship over a pregnancy scare. So Gabe being a SD to his assistant makes NO SENSE, why would he even agree to that???? That doesnt even make sense for his character, let alone the story. Like you mean he couldnt fathom having kids with his supposed "love of his life" but yet the second some nobody chick he works with asks, he's like "Sure, I'm down with fathering kids for you!" Him being the bio dad is the ultimate betrayal.
Also his daughter's are only supposed to be 5 but read as 10+ year olds and they are just AWFUL characters on top of it, and honestly, the whole situation ruined the book. If they hadn't been actually his kids? Like his assistant became his good friend and passed so he took them in would have made it better, but still not great. Since that isnt the case it basically reads as, Jade lost her first love, her chance at motherhood and herself to him and then he shows back up with some evil OW spawn that she immediately ends up being the bang nanny to.
It was honestly so disappointing to see Jade, who was one of my favorite characters, get that treatment. She deserved so much better. Giving 2 stars only because there was still some funny parts that showed the glimpse of the Strawberry Springs I've grown to love. Otherwise this is a flop.
I'm just really disappointed this was the end to the Strawberry Springs.
This was really tough for me since I LOVE Elle's work normally. But I did not like Gabe, his awful kids and this storyline at all. This was such a huge disservice to Jade and I'm so beyond disappointed in this being the final book. He tells Jade he never wants kids, at all. He ruins their whole relationship over a pregnancy scare. So Gabe being a SD to his assistant makes NO SENSE, why would he even agree to that???? That doesnt even make sense for his character, let alone the story. Like you mean he couldnt fathom having kids with his supposed "love of his life" but yet the second some nobody chick he works with asks, he's like "Sure, I'm down with fathering kids for you!" Him being the bio dad is the ultimate betrayal.
Also his daughter's are only supposed to be 5 but read as 10+ year olds and they are just AWFUL characters on top of it, and honestly, the whole situation ruined the book. If they hadn't been actually his kids? Like his assistant became his good friend and passed so he took them in would have made it better, but still not great. Since that isnt the case it basically reads as, Jade lost her first love, her chance at motherhood and herself to him and then he shows back up with some evil OW spawn that she immediately ends up being the bang nanny to.
It was honestly so disappointing to see Jade, who was one of my favorite characters, get that treatment. She deserved so much better. Giving 2 stars only because there was still some funny parts that showed the glimpse of the Strawberry Springs I've grown to love. Otherwise this is a flop.
I'm just really disappointed this was the end to the Strawberry Springs.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2026
DNF. The MMC adamantly doesn’t want kids, handles a pregnancy scare terribly, and then shows up 12 years later with two children in tow? Oh, absolutely the f*** not.
The whole premise rubbed me the wrong way, and I was already so irritated that I genuinely didn’t care how he redeemed himself or how much groveling happened along the way. Maybe it gets better, but I had zero interest in sticking around to find out.
The whole premise rubbed me the wrong way, and I was already so irritated that I genuinely didn’t care how he redeemed himself or how much groveling happened along the way. Maybe it gets better, but I had zero interest in sticking around to find out.
Did Not Finish
October 21, 2026DNF @ 25%
What do you mean he told her he never wanted kids after a pregnancy scare, then left her behind when he left town and then came back after 13 years with 5 year old twins bc he WILLINGLY donated sperm to his assistant who ended up dying and now he has custody?!
What do you mean he told her he never wanted kids after a pregnancy scare, then left her behind when he left town and then came back after 13 years with 5 year old twins bc he WILLINGLY donated sperm to his assistant who ended up dying and now he has custody?!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
October 20, 2026not safe for me. mmc doesn’t want kids, but becomes a sperm donor for his assistant, who then dies, and then he steps up and raises the kids. more than that, the fmc who really wanted to be a mother, never gets to have her own kids, and raises his kids with him as their step mom. it just didn’t rub me the right way. he is supposedly celibate while she is not during their separation tho, but that doesn’t mean much to me in this case.
October 19, 2026
Something about this fell flat. This author can definitely write a swoony man, but Gabe is not one of them. He was passive in a way that made him seem indifferent. I think we are supposed to read his donations to the town as yearning for Jade, but it just feels like he is throwing money at what makes him feel guilty.
The MMC was somehow simultaneously anxious and aloof, and the FMC was quirky in a way that I’m sure was supposed to be endearing but came off as annoying.
How was he not worried for Jade’s safety? His demon twins literally burned his apartment to ashes, and he moves them in next to the girl he loves and never got over? The twins are volatile and their confusion about him being their father and their mother’s death could have become an issue when they realized he had feelings for Jade.
I hate that the twins are his biological children. This man was not willing to do anything outside his own desires or give an inch to the love of his life, but gave his sperm to his assistant because she wanted babies and batted her eyelashes at him?! An even bigger red flag is that he stayed in their life, even as a friend of their mother’s. I’m really tired of MMCs giving things the FMC wants and asks for to other women and watching the fallout.
The parallels between Alice and his mother were a little too on the nose. Having the same desire for their children to get the best education and dying in the same manner was overkill. It’s like the only time he will listen to a woman is after she is hit by a drunk driver.
Gabe’s reluctance to discuss his feelings about Alice makes me suspicious. He claims he never crossed the line because she wouldn’t have measured up to Jade, but he made Alice the mother of his children when that’s what Jade wanted most. He was willing to walk out on Jade again to abide by Alice’s wishes. I bet Hugh would have been willing to drink a few beers and lightly run her over if she needed him to take her opinion into account. I didn’t like any of the sprinkles we got about Alice through the book. She posthumously gave off girl best friend, girl he told you not to worry about vibes. At one point, we learn that Gabe was not with anyone else during his time away from Jade, but I would like to ask some follow up questions about the sperm donation. Was it a turkey baster situation? Did they make it happen naturally and he doesn’t count it because it was only to make the babies? He says that Alice was turned down when she tried to become pregnant at clinics, so was she cleared once she had a willing donor and he was paying for it? I’d like details. I was honestly waiting for some reveal that Alice had been scheming behind Gabe’s back for some nefarious purposes, but it never happened.
The icing on the Gabe doesn’t really care cake is her proposing to him. Yes, he had a ring for her too but as usual, couldn’t make up his mind until someone else opened the door for him.
The MMC was somehow simultaneously anxious and aloof, and the FMC was quirky in a way that I’m sure was supposed to be endearing but came off as annoying.
How was he not worried for Jade’s safety? His demon twins literally burned his apartment to ashes, and he moves them in next to the girl he loves and never got over? The twins are volatile and their confusion about him being their father and their mother’s death could have become an issue when they realized he had feelings for Jade.
I hate that the twins are his biological children. This man was not willing to do anything outside his own desires or give an inch to the love of his life, but gave his sperm to his assistant because she wanted babies and batted her eyelashes at him?! An even bigger red flag is that he stayed in their life, even as a friend of their mother’s. I’m really tired of MMCs giving things the FMC wants and asks for to other women and watching the fallout.
The parallels between Alice and his mother were a little too on the nose. Having the same desire for their children to get the best education and dying in the same manner was overkill. It’s like the only time he will listen to a woman is after she is hit by a drunk driver.
Gabe’s reluctance to discuss his feelings about Alice makes me suspicious. He claims he never crossed the line because she wouldn’t have measured up to Jade, but he made Alice the mother of his children when that’s what Jade wanted most. He was willing to walk out on Jade again to abide by Alice’s wishes. I bet Hugh would have been willing to drink a few beers and lightly run her over if she needed him to take her opinion into account. I didn’t like any of the sprinkles we got about Alice through the book. She posthumously gave off girl best friend, girl he told you not to worry about vibes. At one point, we learn that Gabe was not with anyone else during his time away from Jade, but I would like to ask some follow up questions about the sperm donation. Was it a turkey baster situation? Did they make it happen naturally and he doesn’t count it because it was only to make the babies? He says that Alice was turned down when she tried to become pregnant at clinics, so was she cleared once she had a willing donor and he was paying for it? I’d like details. I was honestly waiting for some reveal that Alice had been scheming behind Gabe’s back for some nefarious purposes, but it never happened.
The icing on the Gabe doesn’t really care cake is her proposing to him. Yes, he had a ring for her too but as usual, couldn’t make up his mind until someone else opened the door for him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2026
Okay, major spoilers for this one because I know a lot of people have questions about Gabe being a single dad when he originally said he never wanted kids.
So, here’s the situation: Gabe was a sperm donor for his assistant and friend, Alice. They had agreed that he wouldn’t be involved as a father and that Alice would raise the girls herself. He was still in their lives and would babysit them, but they never knew him as their dad.
Then Alice unexpectedly dies in a car accident around two months before the story begins. Gabe assumes the girls will go to her family, but when he discovers they’ve ended up in foster care, he takes sole custody of them.
The girls are five, and honestly, I had such mixed feelings about this whole situation.
I think part of me just didn’t love the fact that the girls were biologically Gabe’s. I was expecting something different, and I think I would have preferred a storyline where he suddenly had to become guardian to his nieces or something similar. The sperm donor aspect just didn’t quite work for me, especially when it was established that Gabe never intended to be their father.
That being said, I did enjoy seeing Gabe navigate becoming a dad. Watching him figure everything out and grow into that role gave the story some really sweet moments, and I liked seeing the relationship between him and the girls develop. 🥺
I also really liked Jade. Despite being so fiery, she brought a softness to the story and I enjoyed watching her relationship with Gabe develop again, alongside everything else he was dealing with.
My biggest issue was definitely the communication. Jade finds out the truth about the girls around the 30% mark, but unfortunately, it happens while Gabe is extremely drunk. What frustrated me was that they never really had the proper, honest conversation about it afterwards while he was sober. With something this huge, I really wanted to see them sit down and actually talk everything through.
There were quite a few moments where I felt like the characters needed to be more open and honest with each other, and I think the story would have benefited from that. Some of the conflict could probably have been avoided if they had simply communicated better.
I also don’t believe Gabe has been with anyone else since Jade. He says “there weren’t other exes”, now it isn’t explicitly mentioned whether or not he’s had ONS but he hasn’t dated anyone. He does say there was one moment five years ago where he considered being more with Alice but that it wouldn’t be fair to her (Alice) because she would never measure up to Jade and that wouldn’t be fair.
Overall, I didn’t dislike this one. There were definitely parts I enjoyed, and I thought there were some really sweet moments, but I had a few issues with the setup and the communication that stopped this from being a 4 star read for me.
Thank you to the author for the ARC.
So, here’s the situation: Gabe was a sperm donor for his assistant and friend, Alice. They had agreed that he wouldn’t be involved as a father and that Alice would raise the girls herself. He was still in their lives and would babysit them, but they never knew him as their dad.
Then Alice unexpectedly dies in a car accident around two months before the story begins. Gabe assumes the girls will go to her family, but when he discovers they’ve ended up in foster care, he takes sole custody of them.
The girls are five, and honestly, I had such mixed feelings about this whole situation.
I think part of me just didn’t love the fact that the girls were biologically Gabe’s. I was expecting something different, and I think I would have preferred a storyline where he suddenly had to become guardian to his nieces or something similar. The sperm donor aspect just didn’t quite work for me, especially when it was established that Gabe never intended to be their father.
That being said, I did enjoy seeing Gabe navigate becoming a dad. Watching him figure everything out and grow into that role gave the story some really sweet moments, and I liked seeing the relationship between him and the girls develop. 🥺
I also really liked Jade. Despite being so fiery, she brought a softness to the story and I enjoyed watching her relationship with Gabe develop again, alongside everything else he was dealing with.
My biggest issue was definitely the communication. Jade finds out the truth about the girls around the 30% mark, but unfortunately, it happens while Gabe is extremely drunk. What frustrated me was that they never really had the proper, honest conversation about it afterwards while he was sober. With something this huge, I really wanted to see them sit down and actually talk everything through.
There were quite a few moments where I felt like the characters needed to be more open and honest with each other, and I think the story would have benefited from that. Some of the conflict could probably have been avoided if they had simply communicated better.
I also don’t believe Gabe has been with anyone else since Jade. He says “there weren’t other exes”, now it isn’t explicitly mentioned whether or not he’s had ONS but he hasn’t dated anyone. He does say there was one moment five years ago where he considered being more with Alice but that it wouldn’t be fair to her (Alice) because she would never measure up to Jade and that wouldn’t be fair.
Overall, I didn’t dislike this one. There were definitely parts I enjoyed, and I thought there were some really sweet moments, but I had a few issues with the setup and the communication that stopped this from being a 4 star read for me.
Thank you to the author for the ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2026
3.5🌟 | 3🌶️
Thirteen years should be enough time to move on, but apparently nobody told these two. Jade and Gabe’s reunion had me rooting for their second chance, and their chemistry made it easy to get invested. They had plenty of history to work through, and seeing them find their way back to each other was sweet, even if I wanted a little more from certain parts of their relationship.
Gabe figuring out fatherhood brought some genuinely sweet moments, and the Strawberry Springs gossip and familiar faces had me smiling. The sperm donor storyline felt a little odd given how firmly he’d once ruled out having kids, though, and the twins often seemed much older than five. I also wish Jade and Gabe had communicated more openly instead of leaving so much unsaid.
I’m glad I got to revisit this little town one last time, especially with the grant mystery finally coming together and the usual community chaos in full swing. This wasn’t quite the finale I’d hoped for, but the banter, romance, and familiar faces still gave me plenty to enjoy.
I'm leaving Strawberry Springs with a smile, even if I have a few thoughts about how this story unfolded.
~~~~
A sincere thank you to Elle Rivers and Literary Rising for the ARC! 🥰📚
I’m so grateful for the early read. As always, all thoughts and opinions are completely my own. ✨
Thirteen years should be enough time to move on, but apparently nobody told these two. Jade and Gabe’s reunion had me rooting for their second chance, and their chemistry made it easy to get invested. They had plenty of history to work through, and seeing them find their way back to each other was sweet, even if I wanted a little more from certain parts of their relationship.
Gabe figuring out fatherhood brought some genuinely sweet moments, and the Strawberry Springs gossip and familiar faces had me smiling. The sperm donor storyline felt a little odd given how firmly he’d once ruled out having kids, though, and the twins often seemed much older than five. I also wish Jade and Gabe had communicated more openly instead of leaving so much unsaid.
I’m glad I got to revisit this little town one last time, especially with the grant mystery finally coming together and the usual community chaos in full swing. This wasn’t quite the finale I’d hoped for, but the banter, romance, and familiar faces still gave me plenty to enjoy.
I'm leaving Strawberry Springs with a smile, even if I have a few thoughts about how this story unfolded.
~~~~
A sincere thank you to Elle Rivers and Literary Rising for the ARC! 🥰📚
I’m so grateful for the early read. As always, all thoughts and opinions are completely my own. ✨
October 26, 2026
I figured out the plot mystery from the past four books within two chapters of the book. Didn’t ruin the book per se, but just wish it wasn’t so clear off the bat.
October 10, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this book.
Gabe and Jade are wonderful together and their love is so vulnerable. Atticus supporting Gabe from a distance because he thought that was the right thing to do, hurt me. Agnes and Beatrice learning to adjust after such a heavy loss and to trust that people were going to stay and love them was so sad but so real and I loved the way it played out.
I’m thankful to have received this ARC!
Gabe and Jade are wonderful together and their love is so vulnerable. Atticus supporting Gabe from a distance because he thought that was the right thing to do, hurt me. Agnes and Beatrice learning to adjust after such a heavy loss and to trust that people were going to stay and love them was so sad but so real and I loved the way it played out.
I’m thankful to have received this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I love coming back to Strawberry Springs, and I'm genuinely sad knowing that this is the final book. It's a great conclusion, but with so many wonderful people in this town, the series surely could have continued for a while!
Anyway! Gabriel was definitely a looming shadow mentioned throughout the previous books, so his arrival felt like a massive event. And then he comes back with kids when he supposedly didn't want any? No surprise Jade is in shambles when the love of her life returns out of nowhere—and in his hour of need, no less. Because even if she's heartbroken, she's not a monster; of course she's going to help him.
I've already talked about how much I adore the setting of this beautiful small town in previous parts, and this book is no exception. Strawberry Springs just gets better and better. Plus, we finally get our answers to the big mystery! (I had my suspicions, so it's good to know my instincts are still going strong.)
Gabriel navigating how to be a dad while his daughters are literally Satan incarnate (no kidding, really!), lying to himself about what he wants, grappling with the relationship with his stepfather, and, of course, confronting his feelings for Jade—it's a lot. I'm sure no one enjoyed how he and Jade broke up the first time, but then I remembered they were teenagers. Teenagers do stupid things all the time—who doesn't regret at least one thing they did when they were young and foolish? Did it take them a long time to figure themselves out—both him and Jade? Sure. But that's what life is: figuring it out as you go, making mistakes, learning from them, and making new ones.
This was a fantastic conclusion to the series, exploring fresh themes just as each book before it has done. I will really miss this small town and its inhabitants—even Kerry and Hugh!
Thank you to Elle and Literary Rising for the ARC!
Anyway! Gabriel was definitely a looming shadow mentioned throughout the previous books, so his arrival felt like a massive event. And then he comes back with kids when he supposedly didn't want any? No surprise Jade is in shambles when the love of her life returns out of nowhere—and in his hour of need, no less. Because even if she's heartbroken, she's not a monster; of course she's going to help him.
I've already talked about how much I adore the setting of this beautiful small town in previous parts, and this book is no exception. Strawberry Springs just gets better and better. Plus, we finally get our answers to the big mystery! (I had my suspicions, so it's good to know my instincts are still going strong.)
Gabriel navigating how to be a dad while his daughters are literally Satan incarnate (no kidding, really!), lying to himself about what he wants, grappling with the relationship with his stepfather, and, of course, confronting his feelings for Jade—it's a lot. I'm sure no one enjoyed how he and Jade broke up the first time, but then I remembered they were teenagers. Teenagers do stupid things all the time—who doesn't regret at least one thing they did when they were young and foolish? Did it take them a long time to figure themselves out—both him and Jade? Sure. But that's what life is: figuring it out as you go, making mistakes, learning from them, and making new ones.
This was a fantastic conclusion to the series, exploring fresh themes just as each book before it has done. I will really miss this small town and its inhabitants—even Kerry and Hugh!
Thank you to Elle and Literary Rising for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
***MILD SPOILERS AHEAD***
***
***
I've been having trouble putting my thoughts into coherent sentences, but I will do my best.
I am normally not a fan of second-chance romances, but Elle wrote Jade and Gabriel so seamlessly that it just felt so natural. The pacing was spectacular - not too rushed or slow. That being said, I really don't agree with the whole sperm donor thing. He says he can't see himself having kids; okay fine. At least Jade knew that. But to find out he had kids with someone else (even if it wasn't romantic) when he told Jade no, was just heartbreaking. Of course I know this situation can happen in real life, and I love elle for always keeping it real and messy, but I wasn't a fan. Jade was obviously heartbroken because it makes her think, "Well, I guess I wasn't good enough. What's wrong with me?"
I went into this book thinking I knew who the owner of the STM grant was (well, I had two suspects). I really wasn't surprised by the answer, but I was really hoping it was . I enjoy the Facebook group chats; they are always so funny and they accurately reflect many Facebook groups of small towns. Growing up in a small town, this is definitely how it goes there.
I knew this would be the last Strawberry Springs book, but I was still not emotionally prepared for it to be the end. I've gone through so much with the characters, so it feels like leaving a part of my family behind. I am so grateful to have been chosen as an ARC reader for this series, and I can't wait to see what Elle shares with us next.
Thank you so much to Elle and Literary Rising for the ARC opportunity!
***
***
I've been having trouble putting my thoughts into coherent sentences, but I will do my best.
I am normally not a fan of second-chance romances, but Elle wrote Jade and Gabriel so seamlessly that it just felt so natural. The pacing was spectacular - not too rushed or slow. That being said, I really don't agree with the whole sperm donor thing. He says he can't see himself having kids; okay fine. At least Jade knew that. But to find out he had kids with someone else (even if it wasn't romantic) when he told Jade no, was just heartbreaking. Of course I know this situation can happen in real life, and I love elle for always keeping it real and messy, but I wasn't a fan. Jade was obviously heartbroken because it makes her think, "Well, I guess I wasn't good enough. What's wrong with me?"
I went into this book thinking I knew who the owner of the STM grant was (well, I had two suspects). I really wasn't surprised by the answer, but I was really hoping it was . I enjoy the Facebook group chats; they are always so funny and they accurately reflect many Facebook groups of small towns. Growing up in a small town, this is definitely how it goes there.
I knew this would be the last Strawberry Springs book, but I was still not emotionally prepared for it to be the end. I've gone through so much with the characters, so it feels like leaving a part of my family behind. I am so grateful to have been chosen as an ARC reader for this series, and I can't wait to see what Elle shares with us next.
Thank you so much to Elle and Literary Rising for the ARC opportunity!
Review of advance copy received from Author
As You Wish is as gorgeous as its cover. Although it's the 5th book in the Strawberry Springs series, it absolutely works as a stand alone; prior to reading it I had only read book 4 "As We Touch." If you like a long build up, with a secret that takes (figuratively book) years to get an answer about, then you'll want to start with "As It Was." But if you're like me and you're okay with out of order or just plain Want To Know Now then you'll be juuust fine starting with As You Wish.
@elleriversauthor is a truly gifted writer who draws you, not into the "story," but into the lives of the people living on the page until you truly, deeply want their HEA.
As a general rule I don't like the "second chance" trope, they tend to be higher angst and employ some of my least favorite tropes, like keeping the reason for the break up a secret for more than half the book. ugh.
Elle, I love you, thank you for making it the prologue. (also thank you for the review copy)
But here's the thing, the prologue isn't just "this is why they broke up" - it's also the foundation of "this is *who they are* and this is partly why." The book just gets better from there. Although Gabe, my dude, if you had just told Jade things… but even that is not just a plot device, it’s part of his personality that carries through the whole book and has to be addressed by him and the people who love him.
One of the obvious questions - why do Gabe's daughters hate him and why are they so feral? It's not just for laughs and drama; without spoiling things I'll just say that there are very realistic on-page depictions of heartbreaking ways that children may process trauma. How children process trauma also hearkens back to the prologue, Gabe’s choices and why he made them, and Jade’s woundedness and why she reacts the way she does to events.
Agnes and Beatrice are the catalysts for Gabe's return to Strawberry Springs, and Jade is deeply hurt by the revelation. Add to that they're neighbors? Goodbye "never come back" and hello "forced proximity." The twins will also be the catalyst for Jade and Gabe facing each other again, because Jade is exactly the kind of feral Agnes and Beatrice need.
The glory of this book is the relationship dynamics between the characters - Gabe & Jade, Jade & the twins, Gabe & the twins, Jade & her friends, Gabe & the guys (oh my gosh the guys, men and tape measures that's all I'm going to say), Gabe & his stepdad – and how unhealed childhood wounds impact adult decisions.
Through all the humorous events and attempts by the antagonist/s to Do Bad Things, this book is held together by and shows us how the things we never wanted, the things we never planned for, and the things that actually came to pass can bind us up where we were broken, heal the wounds that have bled for years, and bring about the dawn of the life and love we never dreamed we’d have.
@elleriversauthor is a truly gifted writer who draws you, not into the "story," but into the lives of the people living on the page until you truly, deeply want their HEA.
As a general rule I don't like the "second chance" trope, they tend to be higher angst and employ some of my least favorite tropes, like keeping the reason for the break up a secret for more than half the book. ugh.
Elle, I love you, thank you for making it the prologue. (also thank you for the review copy)
But here's the thing, the prologue isn't just "this is why they broke up" - it's also the foundation of "this is *who they are* and this is partly why." The book just gets better from there. Although Gabe, my dude, if you had just told Jade things… but even that is not just a plot device, it’s part of his personality that carries through the whole book and has to be addressed by him and the people who love him.
One of the obvious questions - why do Gabe's daughters hate him and why are they so feral? It's not just for laughs and drama; without spoiling things I'll just say that there are very realistic on-page depictions of heartbreaking ways that children may process trauma. How children process trauma also hearkens back to the prologue, Gabe’s choices and why he made them, and Jade’s woundedness and why she reacts the way she does to events.
Agnes and Beatrice are the catalysts for Gabe's return to Strawberry Springs, and Jade is deeply hurt by the revelation. Add to that they're neighbors? Goodbye "never come back" and hello "forced proximity." The twins will also be the catalyst for Jade and Gabe facing each other again, because Jade is exactly the kind of feral Agnes and Beatrice need.
The glory of this book is the relationship dynamics between the characters - Gabe & Jade, Jade & the twins, Gabe & the twins, Jade & her friends, Gabe & the guys (oh my gosh the guys, men and tape measures that's all I'm going to say), Gabe & his stepdad – and how unhealed childhood wounds impact adult decisions.
Through all the humorous events and attempts by the antagonist/s to Do Bad Things, this book is held together by and shows us how the things we never wanted, the things we never planned for, and the things that actually came to pass can bind us up where we were broken, heal the wounds that have bled for years, and bring about the dawn of the life and love we never dreamed we’d have.
Review of advance copy received from Author
There is something especially emotional about reading the final book in a series you've grown attached to, and As You Wish felt like both a love story and a goodbye letter to Strawberry Springs.
Jade and Gabriel's story had everything I love in a second chance romance. Thirteen years of hurt, missed opportunities, unanswered questions, and feelings that never truly disappeared created so much tension between them. Every interaction carried the weight of their history, and the longing practically leapt off the page.
And Gabriel Sinclair? This man was absolutely, completely, undeniably down bad for Jade Clark.
He could tell himself he was leaving. He could tell himself his life was somewhere else. He could try to ignore what was right in front of him. It did not matter. The second he was back in Strawberry Springs and around Jade again, he was done for. Such a simp. Watching him struggle between the life he'd built and the woman he'd never gotten over was one of my favorite parts of the book.
The chemistry between them was fantastic, and the spice? So. So. GOOOOD. So hot. You could feel the thirteen years of unresolved feelings and longing behind every scene, which made those moments hit that much harder. They never moved on because no one was able to live up to what they had together.
I also loved Gabriel's twin daughters. Those girls were absolute hellions, and honestly, some of my favorite scenes involved them. Watching them slowly bond with Jade while Gabriel tried to survive the chaos was half the fun of this book. And as always, the found family atmosphere that has been such a defining part of this series was present from beginning to end.
What hit me the hardest, though, was knowing this was the last visit to Strawberry Springs. Every familiar face, every return to a favorite place, and every small town moment carried a sense of nostalgia. Even while Jade and Gabriel were finally getting the ending they deserved, there was a lingering sadness knowing I was saying goodbye to this community and these characters.
As You Wish us a heartfelt second chance romance full of longing, healing, excellent chemistry, chaotic children, and a man who never truly got over the love of his life. The perfect bittersweet ending to the Strawberry Springs series.
I'm happy Jade and Gabriel finally got their chance, but I'm definitely not ready to let Strawberry Springs go. 🍓❤️😭
A huge thank you to Elle Rivers & Literary Rising for the early copy!
Jade and Gabriel's story had everything I love in a second chance romance. Thirteen years of hurt, missed opportunities, unanswered questions, and feelings that never truly disappeared created so much tension between them. Every interaction carried the weight of their history, and the longing practically leapt off the page.
And Gabriel Sinclair? This man was absolutely, completely, undeniably down bad for Jade Clark.
He could tell himself he was leaving. He could tell himself his life was somewhere else. He could try to ignore what was right in front of him. It did not matter. The second he was back in Strawberry Springs and around Jade again, he was done for. Such a simp. Watching him struggle between the life he'd built and the woman he'd never gotten over was one of my favorite parts of the book.
The chemistry between them was fantastic, and the spice? So. So. GOOOOD. So hot. You could feel the thirteen years of unresolved feelings and longing behind every scene, which made those moments hit that much harder. They never moved on because no one was able to live up to what they had together.
I also loved Gabriel's twin daughters. Those girls were absolute hellions, and honestly, some of my favorite scenes involved them. Watching them slowly bond with Jade while Gabriel tried to survive the chaos was half the fun of this book. And as always, the found family atmosphere that has been such a defining part of this series was present from beginning to end.
What hit me the hardest, though, was knowing this was the last visit to Strawberry Springs. Every familiar face, every return to a favorite place, and every small town moment carried a sense of nostalgia. Even while Jade and Gabriel were finally getting the ending they deserved, there was a lingering sadness knowing I was saying goodbye to this community and these characters.
As You Wish us a heartfelt second chance romance full of longing, healing, excellent chemistry, chaotic children, and a man who never truly got over the love of his life. The perfect bittersweet ending to the Strawberry Springs series.
I'm happy Jade and Gabriel finally got their chance, but I'm definitely not ready to let Strawberry Springs go. 🍓❤️😭
A huge thank you to Elle Rivers & Literary Rising for the early copy!
October 10, 2026
ARC Review
As You Wish by Elle Rivers
4.75⭐️
This was such a great final book for the series and wrapped everything up so nicely! We get the usual small town shenanigans that we know and love from the other books in the series, but we also get Jade and Gabe front and center this time. We get to see the emotions they tackle, the heartache from losing your first love and them then coming back years later, the internal dilemma of wanting to be there for support but also still being upset about the past, and how they face new challenges as individuals and as a couple.
Jade is such a strong, emotional, selfless, and empathetic woman who just wants to help her hometown in any way she can. Whether it’s the townspeople or the town itself, she loves with all her heart because she’s happy there.
Gabe is a humble, compassionate, and kind man who is just trying to do everything possible to amend for his mistakes as a teen. He wants Jade to be happy no matter what, even if it’s not with him. His road to being a single dad was a tough one filled with so many challenges and sorrow, but he stepped up to the plate to give the girls everything they could want, within reason of course.
Speaking of the girls, they are the true stars of the show. They are the true definition of potty mouthed feral chaotic children. I don’t know how Gabe survived before heading to Strawberry Springs (I guess he didn’t which is why he had to come home), but I loved seeing the growth and love of the girls as they felt more comfortable.
One thing that I loved is that it’s not a dual timeline throughout the book, but we do get enough of a foundation to see Jade and Gabe’s relationship, emotions, and level of maturity (before the second chance) in the prologue.
Overall I’d definitely recommend reading this series, especially if you love small town romances with chaotic and meddling neighbors!
💫 Second chance romance
💫 Single dad to feral twins
💫 Next door neighbors
💫 Black cat FMC x Down bad MMC
💫 Small town
💫 Mutual pining
💫 Dual POV
🌶️ Fun in a natural spring
🌶️ Caught in a supply closet
🌶️ “Just once”
🌶️ Face ride & 69
🌶️ Massage
🌶️ He loves to eat
🌶️ Blindfold & sensory deprivation fun
As You Wish by Elle Rivers
4.75⭐️
This was such a great final book for the series and wrapped everything up so nicely! We get the usual small town shenanigans that we know and love from the other books in the series, but we also get Jade and Gabe front and center this time. We get to see the emotions they tackle, the heartache from losing your first love and them then coming back years later, the internal dilemma of wanting to be there for support but also still being upset about the past, and how they face new challenges as individuals and as a couple.
Jade is such a strong, emotional, selfless, and empathetic woman who just wants to help her hometown in any way she can. Whether it’s the townspeople or the town itself, she loves with all her heart because she’s happy there.
Gabe is a humble, compassionate, and kind man who is just trying to do everything possible to amend for his mistakes as a teen. He wants Jade to be happy no matter what, even if it’s not with him. His road to being a single dad was a tough one filled with so many challenges and sorrow, but he stepped up to the plate to give the girls everything they could want, within reason of course.
Speaking of the girls, they are the true stars of the show. They are the true definition of potty mouthed feral chaotic children. I don’t know how Gabe survived before heading to Strawberry Springs (I guess he didn’t which is why he had to come home), but I loved seeing the growth and love of the girls as they felt more comfortable.
One thing that I loved is that it’s not a dual timeline throughout the book, but we do get enough of a foundation to see Jade and Gabe’s relationship, emotions, and level of maturity (before the second chance) in the prologue.
Overall I’d definitely recommend reading this series, especially if you love small town romances with chaotic and meddling neighbors!
💫 Second chance romance
💫 Single dad to feral twins
💫 Next door neighbors
💫 Black cat FMC x Down bad MMC
💫 Small town
💫 Mutual pining
💫 Dual POV
🌶️ Fun in a natural spring
🌶️ Caught in a supply closet
🌶️ “Just once”
🌶️ Face ride & 69
🌶️ Massage
🌶️ He loves to eat
🌶️ Blindfold & sensory deprivation fun
October 7, 2026
ARC REVIEW
I am so thankful to have received this ARC because I’ve enjoyed the Strawberry Springs series SO MUCH. What makes these books really special is the characters and the small town feel, and this final book in the series is no different. We have all of our favorites, plus we get to finally meet our MMC Gabe and his two little girls. The twins were so sassy and fun! Jade and Gabe finally had their second chance and it was such a rollercoaster! And most importantly, the mystery of the STM grant - just when I thought I had it figured out I was fooled again. I already miss escaping to Strawberry Springs but I’m really excited to see what else Elle has in store for us!!
I am so thankful to have received this ARC because I’ve enjoyed the Strawberry Springs series SO MUCH. What makes these books really special is the characters and the small town feel, and this final book in the series is no different. We have all of our favorites, plus we get to finally meet our MMC Gabe and his two little girls. The twins were so sassy and fun! Jade and Gabe finally had their second chance and it was such a rollercoaster! And most importantly, the mystery of the STM grant - just when I thought I had it figured out I was fooled again. I already miss escaping to Strawberry Springs but I’m really excited to see what else Elle has in store for us!!
Review of advance copy
En la parte final pondré algunos spoilers para que no sufran como yo al principio y sepan que todo se soluciona. Si son de los que prefieren evitar spoilers, no lean la última parte.
Jade y Gabriel fueron novios cuando eran jóvenes. Ella estaba feliz viviendo en Strawberry Springs y no imaginaba su vida en otro lugar, pero Gabriel siempre había querido conocer el mundo y estaba decidido a no regresar a su pueblo. Cuando finalmente se le presenta la oportunidad de irse, no duda en aceptarla y se convence de que Jade se irá con él. Pero ella decide quedarse y Gabriel se marcha con la idea de no volver jamás ya que Jade le dice que no quiere volver a verlo.
Años después, Gabriel regresa a Strawberry Springs por circunstancias que no esperaba y se encuentra nuevamente con Jade. Ella no ha olvidado lo que pasó y tampoco está dispuesta a hacer como si nada hubiera ocurrido. Pero ahora Gabriel tiene una vida muy diferente y dos niñas que dependen de él, mientras que Jade tampoco es la misma chica que dejó atrás. Volver a verse hace que todos esos sentimientos que intentaron dejar en el pasado.
____________
Tengo que ser honesta, casi abandono el libro por cómo empezaron los capítulos. Tenemos un prólogo en el que Gabriel dice claramente que no quiere tener hijos, ni siquiera con Jade, a quien ama y luego, en el capítulo 2, lo vemos años después regresando a Strawberry Springs con sus dos hijas.
Cuando leí lo de las hijas no podía creerlo y se me hizo súper injusto por Jade, porque ella seguía suspirando por él mientras, aparentemente, él había seguido con su vida. Mi curiosidad pudo más y quería saber quién era la mamá de las niñas y cómo había cambiado de opinión. No es hasta el capítulo 12 que Gabriel cuenta toda la verdad.
Spoilers: Él solo donó su esperma a su asistente, quien quería tener hijos. Nunca se involucró en nada relacionado con las niñas porque para él no eran sus hijas, sino las hijas de Alice. Todo cambia cuando ella muere. Incluso después de su muerte, no intenta quedarse con las niñas hasta que descubre que están en un hogar de acogida. Es entonces cuando decide hacerse cargo de ellas y regresa a su pueblo natal.
El que no quisiera tener hijos era porque no quería ser como su padre.
Últimos spoilers: Él permanece célibe durante todos esos años de separación, mientras que ella no. A él le va muy bien en su trabajo y ella intenta descubrir qué hacer con su vida.
Gracias Literary Rising por el ARC.
Jade y Gabriel fueron novios cuando eran jóvenes. Ella estaba feliz viviendo en Strawberry Springs y no imaginaba su vida en otro lugar, pero Gabriel siempre había querido conocer el mundo y estaba decidido a no regresar a su pueblo. Cuando finalmente se le presenta la oportunidad de irse, no duda en aceptarla y se convence de que Jade se irá con él. Pero ella decide quedarse y Gabriel se marcha con la idea de no volver jamás ya que Jade le dice que no quiere volver a verlo.
Años después, Gabriel regresa a Strawberry Springs por circunstancias que no esperaba y se encuentra nuevamente con Jade. Ella no ha olvidado lo que pasó y tampoco está dispuesta a hacer como si nada hubiera ocurrido. Pero ahora Gabriel tiene una vida muy diferente y dos niñas que dependen de él, mientras que Jade tampoco es la misma chica que dejó atrás. Volver a verse hace que todos esos sentimientos que intentaron dejar en el pasado.
____________
Tengo que ser honesta, casi abandono el libro por cómo empezaron los capítulos. Tenemos un prólogo en el que Gabriel dice claramente que no quiere tener hijos, ni siquiera con Jade, a quien ama y luego, en el capítulo 2, lo vemos años después regresando a Strawberry Springs con sus dos hijas.
Cuando leí lo de las hijas no podía creerlo y se me hizo súper injusto por Jade, porque ella seguía suspirando por él mientras, aparentemente, él había seguido con su vida. Mi curiosidad pudo más y quería saber quién era la mamá de las niñas y cómo había cambiado de opinión. No es hasta el capítulo 12 que Gabriel cuenta toda la verdad.
Spoilers: Él solo donó su esperma a su asistente, quien quería tener hijos. Nunca se involucró en nada relacionado con las niñas porque para él no eran sus hijas, sino las hijas de Alice. Todo cambia cuando ella muere. Incluso después de su muerte, no intenta quedarse con las niñas hasta que descubre que están en un hogar de acogida. Es entonces cuando decide hacerse cargo de ellas y regresa a su pueblo natal.
El que no quisiera tener hijos era porque no quería ser como su padre.
Últimos spoilers: Él permanece célibe durante todos esos años de separación, mientras que ella no. A él le va muy bien en su trabajo y ella intenta descubrir qué hacer con su vida.
Gracias Literary Rising por el ARC.
October 22, 2026
۶ৎ ᴀꜱ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡɪꜱʜ ʙʏ ᴇʟʟᴇ ʀɪᴠᴇʀꜱ ۶ৎ
#arcreview
ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: ★★★★★
𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩 - small town, second chance, found family, single dad, forced proximity, mutual pinning
—
Oh how this book was written so beautiful and heartbreaking but also filled with so much love which I always loved about this series and I can’t believe it’s the last book in this series but I was just waiting for these two since the beginning cause I knew they would find their way back to each other. Gab is now back in town after not being back for over an decade when Jade told him not to come back when they were teenagers but he’s back for a while cause he needs help with the twins
Jade my witchy purple hair queen who I loveeee she’s just amazing and I was waiting for her story because she was such a great side character but as a main character she just thrives and I love that about her, she may seems grumpy but she’s a softie and her relationship with the kids proves that.
Gabriel and Jade my shaylassss they are so special to me because you can just tell they belong together and even after things ended badly when they were teens you can see they just as good together than they were back then. Their chemistry is just so good I love them so much and their little family they just needed each other
Gabriel is back after being gone for a long time but he’s not by himself he has two twin girls with him who is rising hell when it comes to him and giving him grey hairs loll. I loved the growth with him and his kids because they are so amazing and they definitely needed each other even though it happened because of their mom passing. I just love gab he’s everything and more
This being the last book is so sad but I loved everything about single book and my guess was right about who was running the grant! I just knew it was that person and their reason behind it is so special ughhh just warms my heart. This book put me through so many emotions but I made it out in the end Jade,Gabriel, and the twins are just everything
Thank You So Much for this arc💖
#arcreview
ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: ★★★★★
𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩 - small town, second chance, found family, single dad, forced proximity, mutual pinning
—
Oh how this book was written so beautiful and heartbreaking but also filled with so much love which I always loved about this series and I can’t believe it’s the last book in this series but I was just waiting for these two since the beginning cause I knew they would find their way back to each other. Gab is now back in town after not being back for over an decade when Jade told him not to come back when they were teenagers but he’s back for a while cause he needs help with the twins
Jade my witchy purple hair queen who I loveeee she’s just amazing and I was waiting for her story because she was such a great side character but as a main character she just thrives and I love that about her, she may seems grumpy but she’s a softie and her relationship with the kids proves that.
Gabriel and Jade my shaylassss they are so special to me because you can just tell they belong together and even after things ended badly when they were teens you can see they just as good together than they were back then. Their chemistry is just so good I love them so much and their little family they just needed each other
Gabriel is back after being gone for a long time but he’s not by himself he has two twin girls with him who is rising hell when it comes to him and giving him grey hairs loll. I loved the growth with him and his kids because they are so amazing and they definitely needed each other even though it happened because of their mom passing. I just love gab he’s everything and more
This being the last book is so sad but I loved everything about single book and my guess was right about who was running the grant! I just knew it was that person and their reason behind it is so special ughhh just warms my heart. This book put me through so many emotions but I made it out in the end Jade,Gabriel, and the twins are just everything
Thank You So Much for this arc💖
October 25, 2026
To be honest, I was a little anxious about this book because, after their introduction in the previous installment, I knew Gabriel and Jade were in for a journey full of angst, regret, and suffering. And boy, was I right! I spent more than half the book wanting to scream at them to PLEASE communicate and stop making things so difficult for themselves. 😭
But the wait was worth it. I loved watching them move from misunderstandings, tension, and regrets about the past to finally looking toward the future, supporting each other, and realizing that maybe they'd always been meant to find their way back to one another.
That said, there were a few things that didn't quite work for me and ultimately affected my rating. Gabriel's stance on having children felt particularly inconsistent. One of the main reasons he and Jade broke up in the first place was that he clearly wanted nothing to do with having children, so seeing him later offer to help his friend in that regard didn't really make sense to me. I struggled to understand what had changed and why, and honestly, I felt like Jade deserved better in that respect.
I also loved re-experiencing the sense of community in this town. Everyone shows up for each other, and there's something so special about seeing people come together when someone needs them. The girls were another highlight for me, as their presence shows how Gabriel's relationship and family life gradually change. Little by little, they're all learning to trust, heal, and build something beautiful together.
This story made me want to shake the characters more than once, but seeing them finally find their way to each other and watching their little family heal together made every frustrating moment worth it. While some aspects kept me from rating it higher, I'm still glad I got to experience their story.
Thank you to Elle and Literary Rising for the ARC!
But the wait was worth it. I loved watching them move from misunderstandings, tension, and regrets about the past to finally looking toward the future, supporting each other, and realizing that maybe they'd always been meant to find their way back to one another.
That said, there were a few things that didn't quite work for me and ultimately affected my rating. Gabriel's stance on having children felt particularly inconsistent. One of the main reasons he and Jade broke up in the first place was that he clearly wanted nothing to do with having children, so seeing him later offer to help his friend in that regard didn't really make sense to me. I struggled to understand what had changed and why, and honestly, I felt like Jade deserved better in that respect.
I also loved re-experiencing the sense of community in this town. Everyone shows up for each other, and there's something so special about seeing people come together when someone needs them. The girls were another highlight for me, as their presence shows how Gabriel's relationship and family life gradually change. Little by little, they're all learning to trust, heal, and build something beautiful together.
This story made me want to shake the characters more than once, but seeing them finally find their way to each other and watching their little family heal together made every frustrating moment worth it. While some aspects kept me from rating it higher, I'm still glad I got to experience their story.
Thank you to Elle and Literary Rising for the ARC!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2026
As you wish
Read this if you love…small town romance. Second chance. 13 years apart. Single dad. Game creator. Right person, wrong time. Purple haired queens
The Strawberry springs guide right at the start was genius! Also did I preorder the ebook just to get a bonus chapter of Kerry even though I’m reading the book early? Why yes I did. I adore this crazy town. Even Hugh 😂
“When are you gonna realise this is Strawberry Springs? We are NEVER normal about anything.”
I know starting an Elle Rivers book is going to cause me some emotional damage and pain, so I was prepared (kind of). Normally it would take me a few days to get through a romance book that’s over 500 pages but I read this within 2 days because I had to know what would happen to our two main characters. I can’t pick favourites out of this series because I adored Piper’s book last time and I know when I read the rest I’ll love their stories too but I do have a special spot for Jade and Gabriel’s book 💜
Jade, my girl <3 I felt her pain and frustration through the words because love can hurt so bloody much. I’ve been so excited to read her story and it’s finally her time to shine 🫶🏻 I also wish I could buy one of her candles as they sound amazing.
I haven’t read many ‘right person, wrong time’ books but this story made me fall in love with that trope and the pain that always comes along with it. When Gabriel confessed to the thing in the closet…oh man. I’m a sucker for that microtrope. As well as the romance arc we also got to see more of Strawberry springs, chaotic kids, their iconic Facebook group (can I please get an invite?), a raccoon in a tutu, and uncovering more mysteries with the town people 🦝💸📚
The antics of the kids, I simultaneously loved it and it also reminded me of why I don’t think I want kids at the moment. I didn’t know kids could cause THAT much fiery chaos! The girls were so entertaining and also one of my favourite parts of this story because of everything they’ve gone through.
I got emotional when I finished this book because this beautiful series has ended :,) excited to see what Elle cooks up next though! Roll on 🌧️🪵
Read this if you love…small town romance. Second chance. 13 years apart. Single dad. Game creator. Right person, wrong time. Purple haired queens
The Strawberry springs guide right at the start was genius! Also did I preorder the ebook just to get a bonus chapter of Kerry even though I’m reading the book early? Why yes I did. I adore this crazy town. Even Hugh 😂
“When are you gonna realise this is Strawberry Springs? We are NEVER normal about anything.”
I know starting an Elle Rivers book is going to cause me some emotional damage and pain, so I was prepared (kind of). Normally it would take me a few days to get through a romance book that’s over 500 pages but I read this within 2 days because I had to know what would happen to our two main characters. I can’t pick favourites out of this series because I adored Piper’s book last time and I know when I read the rest I’ll love their stories too but I do have a special spot for Jade and Gabriel’s book 💜
Jade, my girl <3 I felt her pain and frustration through the words because love can hurt so bloody much. I’ve been so excited to read her story and it’s finally her time to shine 🫶🏻 I also wish I could buy one of her candles as they sound amazing.
I haven’t read many ‘right person, wrong time’ books but this story made me fall in love with that trope and the pain that always comes along with it. When Gabriel confessed to the thing in the closet…oh man. I’m a sucker for that microtrope. As well as the romance arc we also got to see more of Strawberry springs, chaotic kids, their iconic Facebook group (can I please get an invite?), a raccoon in a tutu, and uncovering more mysteries with the town people 🦝💸📚
The antics of the kids, I simultaneously loved it and it also reminded me of why I don’t think I want kids at the moment. I didn’t know kids could cause THAT much fiery chaos! The girls were so entertaining and also one of my favourite parts of this story because of everything they’ve gone through.
I got emotional when I finished this book because this beautiful series has ended :,) excited to see what Elle cooks up next though! Roll on 🌧️🪵
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
ARC reader and loved it!!!
This is the second book in the Strawberry Springs series and it is my favorite! When I read the title all I could think is of the movie Princess Bride. I mean if I really think about it this book kind of hits on some of the main points of that movie. She is the girl that needs rescuing and Gabe is the masked savior that ends up being her one true love. The only thing it didn’t have was Inigo Montoya and his revenge plot.
I loved the story between Jade and Gabe. Their relationship is that push and pull that every great romcom has in it.
I love Jade being this out of box character with colored hair, stone and candle collection woman with a strong personality! Jade really is that best friend you have to try and calm her down from doing anything too crazy while also supporting most of her crazy ideas. I loved her from beginning to end!
Gabe is the typical boy next door who grows up to be rich and knows how to use his money for good. His dynamic of wanting to please people spoke to many of my own childhood thoughts and feelings. I get the desire to fit other people’s narratives. It was refreshing to see him start to break that mold in the end.
I read this book after a really dark twisted read. (No, I won’t be posting a review about it because I didn’t enjoy it. ) It brought in some really funny humor from the main characters and the twins just were the cherry on top. What a fun book to read! I need to get more of her books the next time I am in a reading slump because this book brought me out of it so quick!
This is the second book in the Strawberry Springs series and it is my favorite! When I read the title all I could think is of the movie Princess Bride. I mean if I really think about it this book kind of hits on some of the main points of that movie. She is the girl that needs rescuing and Gabe is the masked savior that ends up being her one true love. The only thing it didn’t have was Inigo Montoya and his revenge plot.
I loved the story between Jade and Gabe. Their relationship is that push and pull that every great romcom has in it.
I love Jade being this out of box character with colored hair, stone and candle collection woman with a strong personality! Jade really is that best friend you have to try and calm her down from doing anything too crazy while also supporting most of her crazy ideas. I loved her from beginning to end!
Gabe is the typical boy next door who grows up to be rich and knows how to use his money for good. His dynamic of wanting to please people spoke to many of my own childhood thoughts and feelings. I get the desire to fit other people’s narratives. It was refreshing to see him start to break that mold in the end.
I read this book after a really dark twisted read. (No, I won’t be posting a review about it because I didn’t enjoy it. ) It brought in some really funny humor from the main characters and the twins just were the cherry on top. What a fun book to read! I need to get more of her books the next time I am in a reading slump because this book brought me out of it so quick!
October 19, 2026
I’m really not ready to say goodbye to Strawberry Springs! 🥹💜 This series has been such a fun and emotional journey, and I couldn’t have asked for a better ending.
Jade and Gabriel’s second-chance romance completely stole my heart. They have so much history, heartbreak, and chemistry, and I loved seeing them find their way back to each other after all those years. Their story was emotional in the best way. 🥹💕
And Gabriel’s twin girls?! Agnes and Beatrice brought so much personality, chaos, and laughter to the story. I loved getting to know them and watching their relationships develop. They added so much heart, while the small-town antics kept everything fun.
The found family, friendships, town gossip, and finally getting answers to the mystery that’s been woven throughout the series made this such a satisfying conclusion. Strawberry Springs will always have a special place in my heart! 💜
As a member of Elle’s team, I’m so grateful I got the chance to receive an ARC and read Jade and Gabriel’s story early. Thank you for giving this series such a beautiful ending—I can’t wait to see what you write next! 🫶🏻💕
Jade and Gabriel’s second-chance romance completely stole my heart. They have so much history, heartbreak, and chemistry, and I loved seeing them find their way back to each other after all those years. Their story was emotional in the best way. 🥹💕
And Gabriel’s twin girls?! Agnes and Beatrice brought so much personality, chaos, and laughter to the story. I loved getting to know them and watching their relationships develop. They added so much heart, while the small-town antics kept everything fun.
The found family, friendships, town gossip, and finally getting answers to the mystery that’s been woven throughout the series made this such a satisfying conclusion. Strawberry Springs will always have a special place in my heart! 💜
As a member of Elle’s team, I’m so grateful I got the chance to receive an ARC and read Jade and Gabriel’s story early. Thank you for giving this series such a beautiful ending—I can’t wait to see what you write next! 🫶🏻💕
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is the fifth and final book in the Strawberry Springs series. What a great way to capture the final love story, the mystery of the grant, and tie everything up together. This is a beautiful second chance romance story. Jade and Gabriel have a history. They grew up together. Knew each other's secrets. Fell in love. Different dreams tore them apart. What feels like a lifetime later, Gabriel returns to Strawberry Springs. When he left 14 years prior, he declared he didn't want children. He returns with two out of control children and a multitude of explanations. Will being back in town erase any of the pain they both experienced? Will Jade allow Gabe the opportunity to explain? Will the twins destroy the town the way they burned down their home in San Francisco? Will they find a way to save the land that means so much to them both? Will they find the HEA they both crave? One click and read this wonderful book. I highly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a beautiful end to the interconnected standalone of Strawberry Springs.
Second chance is not normally my go too kinda trope, but I had been really looking forward to this book since the end of the last one.
And you know what....it kinda sold it to me. I loved the chaos but also kindness that jade bought and the selflessness and caring side that Gabe had. These two are so right for each other but little things kept getting in their way.
The way that they stand up for one another but I love that they also call each other out on their bullsh#t.
And again I loved how the town all comes together when they need to for each other or to just defend their town, i hope towns like this exsist somewhere, if so I kinda want to live there haha.
Also the little teasers of who the grant person is were top tier, I loved figuring it out and all the diversions as well, it made for a fun read.
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Thank you for the ARC of this book!
Second chance is not normally my go too kinda trope, but I had been really looking forward to this book since the end of the last one.
And you know what....it kinda sold it to me. I loved the chaos but also kindness that jade bought and the selflessness and caring side that Gabe had. These two are so right for each other but little things kept getting in their way.
The way that they stand up for one another but I love that they also call each other out on their bullsh#t.
And again I loved how the town all comes together when they need to for each other or to just defend their town, i hope towns like this exsist somewhere, if so I kinda want to live there haha.
Also the little teasers of who the grant person is were top tier, I loved figuring it out and all the diversions as well, it made for a fun read.
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Thank you for the ARC of this book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The epic conclusion to the Strawberry Springs Series and the reveal of the STM Grant. I have loved this series from the start, and this one did not disappoint. I've loved watching the side characters grow from book to book, and now Jade finally gets her HEA. Second-chance romance isn’t always a hit for me, but this one was so well done. They both learned from their mistakes. The twins may be my favorite characters. They made me laugh and break my heart at the same time with what they were going through. This book had me feeling all the emotions in the best way.
Tropes:
🏡Small-town Romance
💕Second Chance Romance
👨👦Single Dad
Black Cat FMC
👥Dual POV
Thank you to author Elle Rivers and Literary Rising for this digital advance reader’s copy in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Tropes:
🏡Small-town Romance
💕Second Chance Romance
👨👦Single Dad
Black Cat FMC
👥Dual POV
Thank you to author Elle Rivers and Literary Rising for this digital advance reader’s copy in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC REVIEW | ⭐️ 5 | 🌶️ 2
WOW. WHAT. AN. ENDING!
When I say I couldn’t put this down, I mean blurry-eyed, 2am, just-one-more-chapter kind of reading.
After four books of build-up, Gabe and Jade had some BIG expectations to live up to, and boy, did they deliver. In my opinion, this is how you do second chance romance right. No dual timelines, no dragging out the past. We got the history upfront, leaving us to focus on their here and now, and I loved it!
This book had so many layers. Gabe suddenly becoming a dad to two wild twin girls who turn his world upside down. Watching this man navigate unexpected fatherhood, their grief and anger, all while being completely outnumbered by two tiny agents of chaos. It was equal parts hilarious and heartwarming, and when they called him Dad for the first time that just about did me in. 🥹
Jade, what a women! The way she stepped in and embraced those girls, chaos and all, while helping them see that Gabe was trying his best. Even when she hated him, she never stopped loving him.
The STM grant mystery finally being solved gave us such a raw, beautiful insight into Gabe’s feelings for Jade over the years that scene at the springs between these two was perfection.
Throw in the usual Strawberry Springs shenanigans, animals where they absolutely shouldn’t be, and a whole lot of heart, and you’ve got one incredible finale.
FIVE STARS NO NOTES. The perfect ending to a series that has completely stolen my heart. I’ll be recommending this one to anyone with ears for the foreseeable future.
I received an advance copy from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.
WOW. WHAT. AN. ENDING!
When I say I couldn’t put this down, I mean blurry-eyed, 2am, just-one-more-chapter kind of reading.
After four books of build-up, Gabe and Jade had some BIG expectations to live up to, and boy, did they deliver. In my opinion, this is how you do second chance romance right. No dual timelines, no dragging out the past. We got the history upfront, leaving us to focus on their here and now, and I loved it!
This book had so many layers. Gabe suddenly becoming a dad to two wild twin girls who turn his world upside down. Watching this man navigate unexpected fatherhood, their grief and anger, all while being completely outnumbered by two tiny agents of chaos. It was equal parts hilarious and heartwarming, and when they called him Dad for the first time that just about did me in. 🥹
Jade, what a women! The way she stepped in and embraced those girls, chaos and all, while helping them see that Gabe was trying his best. Even when she hated him, she never stopped loving him.
The STM grant mystery finally being solved gave us such a raw, beautiful insight into Gabe’s feelings for Jade over the years that scene at the springs between these two was perfection.
Throw in the usual Strawberry Springs shenanigans, animals where they absolutely shouldn’t be, and a whole lot of heart, and you’ve got one incredible finale.
FIVE STARS NO NOTES. The perfect ending to a series that has completely stolen my heart. I’ll be recommending this one to anyone with ears for the foreseeable future.
I received an advance copy from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am so sad to say goodbye to Strawberry Springs! I have read and loved each book in this series. Each book held such a variety of characters with different tropes in each one, it made each book extra exciting.
Each book in this series is so emotional and angsty in different ways, and I love every minute of it. I will say I was hesitant with this one with Gabe leaving town and coming back a single dad, I had my feelings hurt going into this book. HOWEVER, everyone needs to give this book a chance lol and you will not be disappointed.
The yearning of these two only grew over the thirteen years apart, and there is something extra special about a "it's always been you" story line. Gabe has loved Jade quietly over the years and upon coming back they were quick to continue their support of one another, and I loved seeing their friendship grow again and how much they each grew with their openness and communication with one another.
I loved seeing their relationship grow again and see their relationship grow with his two daughters as well. He may seem grumpy to everyone but her, but that is part of his charm! They are also extremely protective of one another, and I loved how quick Jade was willing to defend Gabe, even when she still "hated him".
This book made me feel all the feels in one of my favorite small towns, and I am not ready to say goodbye. But, it really was the perfect ending to the series with so many questions answered!
Each book in this series is so emotional and angsty in different ways, and I love every minute of it. I will say I was hesitant with this one with Gabe leaving town and coming back a single dad, I had my feelings hurt going into this book. HOWEVER, everyone needs to give this book a chance lol and you will not be disappointed.
The yearning of these two only grew over the thirteen years apart, and there is something extra special about a "it's always been you" story line. Gabe has loved Jade quietly over the years and upon coming back they were quick to continue their support of one another, and I loved seeing their friendship grow again and how much they each grew with their openness and communication with one another.
I loved seeing their relationship grow again and see their relationship grow with his two daughters as well. He may seem grumpy to everyone but her, but that is part of his charm! They are also extremely protective of one another, and I loved how quick Jade was willing to defend Gabe, even when she still "hated him".
This book made me feel all the feels in one of my favorite small towns, and I am not ready to say goodbye. But, it really was the perfect ending to the series with so many questions answered!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A stunning romance read with nail chewing tension, beautiful mutual yearning and delicious depth. Elle Rivers has a talent for drawing you into the characters and their stories so well that you will be feeling all the feels that they do as you're reading their books. When I tell you my stomach dropped at the same time as the fmc's, in the first half of the book. I FELT for her. I really loved how complex the mmc's situation was, it truly made for an interesting read. The main character's are quite literally made for one another with the chemistry is off the charts. The kids are by FAR some of the funniest I've read, those two love to swear and are just so hilarious but cute. I adore this small town and its quirky side characters. I really loved this book 💜
Tropes:
🕯️Second Chance Romance
🎮Single Dad
🕯️Black Cat FMC
🎮Doberman MMC
🕯️Catastrophically down bad MMC
Thank you so much to Elle Rivers for this gorgeous arc!
Tropes:
🕯️Second Chance Romance
🎮Single Dad
🕯️Black Cat FMC
🎮Doberman MMC
🕯️Catastrophically down bad MMC
Thank you so much to Elle Rivers for this gorgeous arc!
October 14, 2026
The candle making Goth girl and the anti small town single dad gamer. These are our main characters and they have a lot to unpack in this second chance small town romance with a mystery we all have to uncover. This was such a fun read full of emotions, mystery and love. I was hooked and I love that we got to see Agnes and Beatrice when they are a little older at the end with the bonus content. But I digress, Gabe and Jade are the tiny and yang I love to read about. The emotions the laughter I felt like I was part of the Strawberry Springs family. I caught myself smiling and getting watery eyed with the twins and this love story. I am so sad to see this series end but Elle ended this so perfectly. Now that the series is complete get your copies and enjoy these unique characters and stories.
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