The Exit Strategy: A Small Town Romance

by Avery Maxwell

I, Junie Mercer, have a plan.

Step One: Escape Boston.

Step Two: Survive the internet scandal that turned me into a viral meme.

Step Three: Spend two months hiding out in a tiny coastal town fixing spreadsheets.

Step Four: Avoid Cole Whittaker at all costs.

Oops.

Cole isn’t just my new boss. He’s my brother’s best friend. My first heartbreak. And the one man I’ve spent six years trying—and failing—to forget.

Now I’m living above his garage in a neighborhood full of nosy retirees whose golf cart parades don’t adhere to speed limits.

Worse? Cole keeps acting like he knows me better than anyone else. He’s almost got me fooled.

But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that putting your heart in someone else’s hands is a terrible idea.

So I’ll stick to my plan. Do the job. Collect the paycheck. Execute my exit strategy.

Simple.

At least it would be if Porchlight Cove didn’t feel so much like home…and if Cole wasn’t making me question my entire plan.

The Exit Strategy is a steamy small-town romance packed with found family, brother’s best friend tension, forced proximity, meddling neighbors, emotional scars, big laughs, and a swoony happily ever after.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Second Chance, Found Family, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary, Forced Proximity

542 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 5, 2026

About the author

Hi, I’m Avery!

I write steamy small towns with big found families—the kind of romances that make your heart race and your soul sigh.

My books, like The Westbrooks, Single Dad Hotline, and Happiness Ever After series, are filled with swoon-worthy heroes, messy but lovable heroines, and small towns you’ll want to call home.

When I'm not writing, I live in joyful chaos with my husband and four kids. You can usually find me cheering on the sidelines at their sporting events, sneaking in writing sprints, or slipping into coffee shops for my daily caffeine fix.

I luv connecting with readers, so join me in The Luv Club (my reader group): https://www.facebook.com/groups/Avery...

Or through my weekly newsletter, The Luv Notes—because in my world, there’s always room at the table for one more luv story: https://geni.us/TheLuvNotes

You can also find me on Instagram and TikTok:
https://www.instagram.com/averymaxwel...

https://www.tiktok.com/@averymaxwell_...

Reviews

[Christine Becker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoy Avery’s books and I’m so close to loving this one but just not quite. I found the first 50% a bit of a challenge. These characters have trauma in their pasts but the reader is left out of the details. We keep getting hints about various mysteries and plans for sorting everything out but instead of providing suspense, I was just frustrated because I really didn’t know what was going on. Then when things are revealed, I still felt like I didn’t fully get what actually happened. There are many different threads of story going on, which is why the book is quite long, and it felt like too much at times. I do like the depth of characters and their changes over time but something was just a little off on this one. Knowing how much I like other books by her I will keep reading her stories!

Thank you to Avery’s team for the advanced copy!

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I know exactly what you’re doing. You forget, baby, that I. Know. You. I understand you as Juniper. As Junie. As Viper. As Spite-Berry. I get all versions of you.“—Cole Whittaker

Awww, the way my heart melted! Avery has done it again!! In case you're wondering, Avery always writes the most heartfelt small-town romance with a little bit of other yummilicious tropes that leave you craving more. And this new release is no exception!

Call me biased, but the protagonists, Junie and Cole, had the kind of chemistry only existing between childhood besties that drew me in from the start. Junie got her color-coded spreadsheets, extra spite & pettiness, and Cole’d poured his heart and soul in designing Junie’s dream house only he knew about since the day he left her six years ago.

Then life threw them together, prompting them to face their personal demons head-on and solve whatever stopped them from crossing the uncrossable all those years ago. Heartbreaking truths, ugly secrets, and meddling neighbors/grandma, you name it…

All in all, if you didn’t mind a little…

★childhood friends to lovers
☆older brother’s best friend (5-year age gap!)
★small-town romance
☆South Carolina setting
★Junie and her Berries
☆fake engagement
★architect x financial consultant
☆open door steamy scenes

…then this book would be your next perfect read!

***Massive thanks to Avery and That's What She Said publisher for generously providing me with an e-ARC and a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.***

[S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating - ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice - 🌶

Trope - best-friend's sister, second chance, small town, meddling, fake engagement, it's always been you, he has always loved her, character growth, HEA

Thank you. That's what she said, publishing for the arc. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

The first half made me doubt whether this was a romance, but what a heartbreaking yet healing one it was.

I loved that this was not our normal romance. It focused on the MCs' growth, how they fought their demons and came out stronger before the romance even started, and that's what had me hooked till the end.

Cole and Junie's story was filled with love, desire, yearning, pain, and so many emotions. There were moments when all I wanted was for them to be happy forever.

The characters in this book were imperfect, quirky, and interesting to read. Reading Junie grow and learn to embrace herself, while Cole let go of his control and let people in, was the character arc I never expected. These characters were real, and that's what had me turning the pages one after the other.

Side characters and plot-
• Fen was a lovely character. His quirkiness often made me smile.
• Hudson was the daddy of the group, serious but always protective, and secretly I loved him the most.
• Nolan was an incredible brother and friend, and I loved his role in the book.
• Nana Mae was such an iconic character. I loved her, and her team of elder neighbours was just the comic relief I needed.
• The lighthearted theme, along with heavy topics, was the perfect blend.
• The small-town, found-family vibe here was really fun to read.
____________

Everything came together so well in the second half. Cole's grovelling was spot on. That man knew his women, and he showed it in the best way.

That ending was beautiful; I couldn't be happier for two people than I was for Cole and Junie. They deserved the world after every pain and sacrifice they endured, and they got it in the best way possible, i.e. together.

I loved it.
Overall 4/5.

[Rose Colored Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Exit Strategy is a touching, soft hearted romance with all the forbidden tension you could ask for. I adored the periphery characters of the senior living community, and how much color they and Nana Mae brought to the story! Knowing these two were mutually pining for each other for years just made their reuniting all the sweeter. I loved Cole's protective side, and Junie's complex family dynamics that informed the way she approached relationships at large. There's a quiet sort of heart ache laced in this book that felt so fulfilling to move forward from by the ending. I found some of the pacing here a bit odd—I think on the whole, this book could be about 150 pages shorter and I would have felt just as invested in the storyline— and at times I did feel lost in the family dynamics of our main characters (as well as how they all came together). I'm also not certain if I would have marketed this as a fake engagement story. It's not central to the plot line, and at times I almost forgot it was one of the tropes. At large, I thought this was a charming little small town romance with two genuinely unique characters, and while there are some things I would have adjusted, it still retains its heart from start to finish! Thank you so much to That's What She Said Publishing for providing me with an advanced copy— all opinions expressed are honest and my own. 3.5 stars rounded to 4 ⭐️

[Stephs.bookshelf09 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Cole and Junie’s story. These two were an interesting ride to say the least. They had several hurdles to overcome and this story is a true test to secrets no matter how small or set with the best intentions can be the spoil in the fruit basket and will eventually come out. And sadly with more collateral damage than anyone wants to admit to.

Cole is Junie’s older brother’s best friend and has been apart of her life longer than he hasn’t. Due to tragic losses with Junie’s parents she is raised by her brother and his friends. It’s an interesting dynamic they all have and as time goes on that is when tragedy starts to strike. Cole leaves, creates separation from him the found family he loves.

Junie’s pain over this loss you feel to your core in this book and watching them two have to find a way to find common ground again is both painful and soul healing. They have a lot to overcome come, a lot to own up to and in the end only they can decide where they will end up.

I will say too one of my most FAVORITE parts of this book is the meddlesome old folks of this older community Cole ran to and Junie ends up at with him for a bit. This whole town is adorable, they are the biggest found family around. And they love 10000% there is no length they don’t go for each other and I freaking love it. They each are adorable and play such a special role.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!

This book was beautiful and brilliant. It is a powerful story of finding familial love that turned into romantic love. For her it was before she truly understood what it meant to love him and for him it was before he had a name for it.

Once they came together and finally admitted MUTUAL attraction and feelings though? 🔥🔥🔥🔥

And the supporting characters in this story? Her brother and his BFF’s -outside of Cole— Hudson and Fenway. What gems they each are for different reasons. I hope they and Nolan get books down the road as I would love to see more of the Boston boys! ❤️❤️

[Kaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Exit Strategy is a standalone in a brand new small town and perfect for anyone who loves small town romances, meddling neighbours (I mean, who doesn't love a neighbourhood of retirees that love nothing more than to meddle), brother's best friend - who also just so happens to be the FMC's first heartbreak that she is now forced to work for and basically live with, so she can escape her life and the social media scandal in Boston.

Junie and Cole's story was truly beautiful to read, and while I absolutely loved them and their chemistry, whether that was when she was pranking him and thought that she was getting away with it, when he actually knew what was going on, or when they let their guards down more and actually explored the chemistry that has always been there between them. I think the thing that I really take with me from this story is their individual stories and developments throughout the book. Don't get me wrong, they are a huge part of each other's story and in realising that maybe they don't need to be as strong all the time and that they are allowed to let people in and lean on people in hard times, but I also just loved how Junie realises along the way that she can form genuine friendships and that not all of them will end in heartbreak. I completely understand where both of them are coming from in their individual stories and growth journeys, so I just found it so beautiful to see them growing and healing. And that is one of the things I truly appreciate and love about Avery's books so much: while the romance and the side characters are always top tier and will make you fall in love with not only the couple but the small town and all its inhabitants, what she really excels in is writing a heartbreaking and healing story about two characters who grow and heal and maybe teach us how to heal along the way.

I could tell you so much more about all of the characters, from Junie's brother Nolan, who just so happens to be Cole's best friend, to Fen and Hudson (basically best friends to all Nolan, Cole, and Junie), Coles Nana Mae, Katie, and all the other Porchlight Cove residents - and talking about porch lights, there is so much meaning behind that and how Cole always leaves his light on to reach out to Junei or how often they end up sitting on his porch together - but I truly want you to experience the love, the shenenigans, the found family, the small town, and everything else that you will find in The Exit Strategy for yourself. So I'll just leave you with this: you should definitely add this to your tbr, and you will not regret giving Junie and Cole's story a chance.

Thank you so much to Avery Maxwell and That’s What She Said Publishing for the ARC.

[Ashley Jenkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! What an emotional journey this book takes you on. It’s so raw, pulling deep at your heart strings and making you feel so connected and invested in the characters. Avery’s writing is beautifully done where it paints you a perfect image of what’s going on. She also keeps you hooked with a tiny bit of suspense and a whole lot of wonder. This book has some of the best tropes (brother’s best friend, found family, forced proximity) that I found myself completely absorbed. I also considered this a palate cleanser for the sole reason that it is so different than my typical books I read, making it one that reset my reading lull.

Junie is such a unique character. She’s not grumpy, perse, but definitely has been dealt a hard hand in life making her spiteful and lashes out at those who have hurt her. She is raised by her brother and his best friends, but her one love, Cole, has always been the one who has held her heart. When these two are reunited after some turn of events (not in Junie’s favor), they have to navigate their feelings while keeping Junie out of the spotlight. But Cole fights his feelings the hardest because he is keeping some big secrets from her and his friends. These two have a slow burn that eventually becomes a big flame. But their journey of getting back together is full of mystery, timidness, and lots of yearning.

If you are a fan of a meddling granny, Cole’s Nana Mae is the one you’ll love! She is the perfect mixture of sassy and sweet and I loved her! She lives in the retirement community that Cole has built, and the rest of hey characters are so fun to get to know. Each has such a fun personality that you can definitely see living in a community like that. The found family aspect in this book is a huge part of it and I loved seeing how everyone interacts with each other and they’re all one big family.

I absolutely enjoyed my time reading this book! Thank you Avery Maxwell for the opportunity to read this charming book. This was an ARC read for me, and these are my honest opinions.

[NailedFairytales · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started this book, I knew right away I needed to give it a little more time and attention than normal to really understand and appreciate the story and it did not disappoint!!

The growth that happens during this book, in all of the characters, is so huge! You meet Juniper in her downward spiral after a video of her having a crash out(understandable) goes viral. What happens after is fueled by Spite Berry and starts to unravel all the lies from the past 6 years.

Cole Whittaker singled handedly tries to fix everyone’s problems all the time that he forgot he had his own problems and people who care to lean on. This found family is one for the record books! Hudson, Fenway, Nolan, and all The Haven residents showed up again and again showing how sometimes the people you least expect are who you needed the most🥰

Thank you to That’s What She Said Publishing and Avery Maxwell for not only the eARC but a physical copy that got delivered today as well!!! I can’t thank them enough, I’m so excited to have a shelf trophy now🥰

[The Calm Chapter Mandi Wiencek · Rating 4 out of 5]

🩵 The Exit Strategy 🩵
(( Spoiler-FREE ARC Review ))

Title- The Exit Strategy
Author- Avery Maxwell
Genre- Contemporary Romance
Series- Standalone

Trope City-
🩵 Small Town
🩵 Brother’s Best Friend
🩵 Fake Engagement
🩵 He’s always loved her
🩵 Meddling Grandma

The Exit Strategy makes you believe in second chances and one true loves. We just love a true HEA! Avery Maxwell always delivers on a small town romance. Junie Mercer (FMC) meets an unfortunate scandal online. Really, it can happen to any of us at this point. Her exit strategy is to head to a small town on the coast to escape the brutal interned response to her no meme turned moment. One major link in her big exit plans? Cole Whittaker (MMC). Junie loved him 6 years ago and has spent all that time getting over him. Now? He’s a big obstacle in her seemingly flawless plan to flee Boston and hide until the viral dust settles. Can Cole and Junie get a true second shot at love? Has too much happened? Have they changed too much?

Thank you, Avery Maxwell for always sharing your work with me! I’m grateful. 🩵

[Bookishlyhaley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Exit Strategy is a new small town romance by Avery Maxwell. I was hooked from the very beginning and honestly couldn’t help but fall in love with all of the characters.

Growing up Cole and Junie had a close connection as Cole is best friends with her brother Nolan along with Fenway and Hudson. The guys were always her protectors even well into adulthood. When Junie’s life suddenly changes they were the ones who brought her to Porchlight Cove and back into Cole’s orbit.

Junie is sassy, stubborn, playful, observant, hardworking and a little spitfire while Cole is reserved, protective, kind, grumpy, thoughtful and doesn’t like confrontation. Despite their differences they had such a strong bond that even 6 years couldn't erase. However these two had so much emotional baggage and secrets that they had to overcome in order to be with each other. Their story was emotionally heartwarming with lots of pining and hilarious moments. I will say no one can write a found family quite like Avery! This found family has to be one of my favorites!

You will enjoy this book if you like the following:
- Small town
- Brother’s best friend
- Found family
- Forced proximity
- Meddling grandma and neighbors

Thank you so much Avery Maxwell and That’s What She Said publishing for the gifted copy!

[Melenareads · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

The Exit Strategy is a fantastic new book from Avery Maxwell! I loved Porchlight Cove, Junie and Cole, their friendships, and the humor and love that tied it all together.

Junie does not want to go to Porchlight Cove and she does not want to be anywhere near Cole. When she is forced into town and to work for Cole she's just trying to survive until she can leave. What she doesn't expect is to find love and a home.

This was a really fun, sweet, funny, and romantic read that drew me in from page one. I loved it so much and can't wait to read more in the series.

Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.

[Inês Serra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, this was okay.
The inicial premise was fun to start with, she had a big online dispute, which is a situation that made me think about the way we live our lives these days. The way that we judge others people's lives based on what's shown on social media, which can reallt just be a load of crap. May be true, may not be. I liked that starting point and was looking forward to the way that "need to lay low for a while" start would be the fuel for the romance part.
But it had way too many secrets, stubbornness and miscommunication, which did set me off. It could have been half the length.
I didn't dislike it, and it had potential... but it wasn't IT.

[Piper Brintnall]

I knew this wasn’t going to be the book for me when I started reading it and realized it was more than 500 pages long. And I knew that this storyline did not require 500 pages at all. And I was right. There are so many plot lines that are happening here. You have the X best friend who slept with the boyfriend. You have the social media captured public meltdown. You have a smear campaign to ruin the female main character. You then have an unrequited love that it feels like from both her and the Brother‘s best friend. And then you have a whole storyline about the father committing mortgage fraud. And then you have the mother who is verbally abusive. And then you have some storyline about the male main characters, ex-girlfriend, who bullied the female main character and stole designs and is maybe abusive to her special needs Brother.

Oh. My. God. Trim this down. It does not need to be this intense or this involved.

[Caitlan Congdon · Rating 2 out of 5]

The lack of communication in this book was ridiculous

[Nicole Palmer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sorry but this was awful. Genuinely bad. Almost like, shockingly bad.

[Kaylee Middlebrooks · Rating 2 out of 5]

It started fine, but had all this build up just for the big secret to be “meh” and something that should not have taken that long to resolve

[Ashley · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

Cole is Junie's brother's best friend and they've known each other since she was just a child. After she goes viral in a very unflattering way, she ends up staying near Cole until it all dies down. Junie is spiteful, hence the nickname Spite-berry, and she definitely comes off a little childish to me but you do end up learning why she is the way that she is. That girl has been through some serious pain and heartache. Cole is a protector though and behind the scenes he's always been there to take care of her. Cole & Junie both go through a deeply emotional journey and a lot of secrets are uncovered along the way. It's a HARD path to their HEA but I definitely found myself rooting for them.

I absolutely loved the found family aspect. I loved how the 3 guys and Junie were all true ride or dies... they'll take care of each other no matter the cost. Add in Nana Mae and all the citizens of the Haven and you have a bunch of people who always take care of each other.

Thank you to Avery Maxwell and team for this e-ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Briana Bailon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️/ 3🌶️

*Thank you to That’s What She Said Publishing and Avery Maxwell for providing me an ARC of this book.

Juniper “Junie” Mercer was going through the worst moment in her life at the start of this book. After unfortunately going viral of finding out her best friend and boyfriend had an affair and she lashed out in public, it became the topic of discussion amongst everyone. Needing to get away and regroup, Junie went to the small town where her brother’s best friend and the man she once loved lived, Cole. Avery Maxwell’s story combined humor, reflection, difficult moments, and characters like Junie and Cole trying to navigate the curves they were thrown as they were back together living in close proximity. If you love a small town romance where it’s brother’s best friend, found family, noisy elderly neighbors, an underlying plot line that is kind of unexpected, and a dash of romance and spice, you’ll enjoy this book.

This whole book felt like so much happened! From Junie trying to come back after the fall out of the viral video of her, to the discoveries she later made about her parents, and even about Cole, it was kind of crazy to find out as a reader. At the start of this book, I just thought it was going to be about Junie getting back on her feet and finally working things out with Cole. Instead, this story dug deeper into the many ways Cole was there in the background protecting Junie in ways she never could have imagined. Getting to see how much Cole cared and loved Junie was sweet because, again, I expected a grumpy man, when in reality I got a man who kept things close to the vest, but very much in love and obsessed with Junie. There were a couple of instances that clearly showed how much Junie meant to Cole, and I won’t say exactly what, but just know, Cole was essentially a romantic at heart. I also loved seeing Junie’s older brother and his other best friends who rounded out their little family. As much as Cole had always been there for Junie, Fenway, Hudson, and Nolan were always there for Junie too. I felt the found family from the start, and could see how much these grown men wanted to protect and help Junie in any way they could. Plus the elderly neighbors were a unique bunch that brought the comedic humor to the story. As a whole, this was a mix of lighthearted, but also tackling things like, grief, loss, toxic parents/ parental dynamics. Junie’s story in particularly made me feel sad for her, she went through so much that not everyone in her life realized what she had always dealt with, but through the men in her life and the residents in the town she was living in, she formed a deeper bond between them all, and rallied around Junie to help her through it all.

This was a good small town romance that I liked, and in some ways reminded me of Lucy Score’s small town romances. I think, if you’re looking for a small town romance with found family, an underlying plot that goes deeper than you expect, a man who has loved her for many years, and a woman who learns and grows from her experiences, then go ahead and give this book a read.

[Kristen Shipley · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️ "Love is load-bearing." ❤️

Avery Maxwell has cleverly crafted The Exit Strategy, a story that kept me hooked from beginning to end. Layered with heartbreak, trauma, hope, healing, character growth, and the power of found family, this emotional journey had me invested from the very first page.

Junie and Cole's relationship completely captured my heart. Their history as childhood best friends, secret crushes, and first heartbreak highlights the sacrifices we make for the people we love. Six years after Cole left without saying goodbye, Junie finds herself unwillingly in Porchlight Cove, working for him while trying to uncover the truth behind missing money. Their forced proximity brings every old wound back to the surface, and Junie's petty acts of spite toward Cole had me laughing even as my heart ached for both of them.

Junie sees herself as thorny, unlikable, and simply "too much," and so much of that stems from the childhood trauma she's still carrying. Watching her face those wounds and slowly grow through every challenge was incredibly rewarding. Cole, on the other hand, is the ultimate fixer, quietly carrying impossible burdens while keeping everyone at arm's length. Learning why he walked away all those years ago, and the sacrifices he made because he believed loving Junie would put her future at risk, made my heart break for him. Both Junie and Cole learn the importance of speaking up, asking for help and to trust those around you to help you through life's messes.

The found family was truly the heart of this book. I adored the "Berries" and the way they called each other brothers, openly told one another "I love you," and fiercely protected Junie after her mother's death. Every one of them brought a unique personality that balanced the heavier moments with humor, warmth, and unwavering support. The elderly characters also added so much wisdom and perspective, making Porchlight Cove feel like a place you'd never want to leave.

One of my favorite elements was the symbolism of light woven throughout the story. From Junie's bedroom light and Cole's office light to the porch lights and the lights on Junie's stairs, each one represented hope, healing, and finding the way home. It was such a beautiful thread that tied the story together.

This story has everything I love in a romance: second chances, emotional healing & growth, layered characters, found family, mystery, heartfelt symbolism, and a romance worth rooting for.

Avery Maxwell delivered a story that was both heartwarming and heartbreaking, making The Exit Strategy one of the most profound and emotionally impactful books I've read in a long time.

[Aleksandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much Avery Maxwell for sending me this ARC!

The Exit Strategy is a standalone Contemporary Romance and Avery never disappoints, I loved Juniper and Cole’s story so much.

When her personal and professional lives implode after a viral video, Juniper moves to a small town that’s also a retirement community to have some peace and hide. But at the center of that community is Cole, her brother’s friend and the man who was once her best friend and then her first love that turned into heartbreak. Now forced to see each other daily, they need to navigate the secrets from the past and the feelings they still have for each other, but Cole is still hiding something and being together might still not be possible even after all these years.

You can always count on Avery to deliver a heartfelt and beautiful story and this one was no exception, it was a real roller coaster of emotions that had me crying, smiling, swooning and smiling through my tears, it’s a truly amazing and deeply emotional story and I loved every second I spent reading it. I loved the community the characters created and the idea of it, there were so many interesting characters and all of them were three dimensional with their quirks and I enjoyed getting to know them and the beautiful found family they created. Both Juniper and Cole didn’t have easy lives and my heart was breaking for them so many times while reading, they had a lot trauma to deal with, both from the past and happening in the present, and I loved how strong they both were, they might have had moments of weakness, but ultimately didn’t give up and were fighting for their rights, justice themselves and each other. Their relationship was really complicated, both because of what happened in the past, the secrets they were both hiding and how stubborn they were now, but it was so beautiful, the way they were always supporting and fighting for each other, their conversations and confessions and finally admitting their feelings and learning how to embrace the past and truly be together, I loved seeing them grow and their story unfold, they were truly incredible together and I was rooting for them so hard and I’m really happy with how everything was resolved in the end.

The Exit Strategy is an amazing book that I truly recommend to everyone, I loved it and already can’t wait for Avery’s next book.

[inmyreadingera321 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this book so much. I don't think I've read a book quite like this one before, and I think that's a good thing. The closest thing I can think of, in terms of a comparison, is Things We Left Behind by Lucy Score (one of my favorites of all time, so I mean that in the best way). I love the concept of a second chance romance after the MMC's self-imposed exile, where he's keeping secrets to protect her heart.

The care and devotion that these characters felt toward each other were so apparent in the little moments where they didn't even have to say anything. They really did read each other so well, understood the very essence of the other's being.

It took me a little bit to find my footing with the book, just because you're really thrown into things in utter chaos, but I think that ended up being a good thing, because you're kind of figuring things out as Junie and Cole are.

I was torn between loving and agonizing over the 80% conflict, especially because it lasted so much longer than I expected, but in truth I just did both. It was painful to get through, in the way that real feelings always are. They had to stand there in the wake of everything that fell apart -- years of secrets and lies and hurts -- and actually acknowledge it. Not just pass by it and try to move on but look for the cracks in the foundation that let it happen in the first place and, one by one, heal the hurts that have festered over time.

I want more of this universe so badly -- I want to watch all the other Boston Boys fall in love while leaning on each other and having that found family that means so much to each other -- and us as readers. I want them all to have happily ever afters that mean just as much as Junie and Cole's.

This book is full of feelings -- real, tender, painful, feelings -- good and bad and everything in between. That's why it works so well. It pulls at every thread of pain there is but then reminds you that you can still stitch it back up and tie a bow at the end, so long as you do it with care and love and the people you are always going to be there for you at your side.

-------------------

Thank you to That's What She Said Publishing and Avery Maxwell for the ARC!

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Junie (Juniper) and Cole’s story required tissues, made me laugh and resonated deep in my heart and soul. There are so many regrets, so much yearning and emotional baggage to unpack from their pasts. It is impossible not to empathize with Junie and Cole as they try to sort out their tumultuous feelings for each other while also dealing with a major roadblock or crisis in their respective careers. I loved the small town setting, the forced proximity aspect and the quirky, but lovable citizens of Porchlight Cove. Junie’s brother Nolan and his buddies, Hudson and Fen (Fenway), drop everything to show up and be present when trouble comes for Junie. Cole is still very much a part of their found family, even though he retreated from them six years years ago without explanation. They trust Cole to look after and protect Junie from the trouble in Boston and her own messy impulses.

Junie and Cole’s reunion is not exactly a happy one. She leads with snark and indulges in petty revenge pranks while he struggles to keep his control. The secrets surrounding his decision to leave six years ago lie between them, as do his regrets and her pain. Cole desperately needs her help with the community’s finances, but having her close is bittersweet and testing his limits. Despite her resentment, hurt and need to lash out, Junie is intent on helping Cole. When she discovers something amiss, Junie knows in her heart that Cole is innocent of any wrongdoing. Her goal is to prove it and find evidence to prosecute the real culprit, not just for Cole’s sake but for residents of Porchlight Cove who have wormed their way into her heart.

Their guards begin to lower and stolen kisses lead to so much more. Then Junie’s troubles in Boston escalate and Cole’s secrets are revealed in an explosion of malicious spite. The aftermath sends Junie into retreat and shakes the very foundation of their family unit. Their friends and her brother are not the only ones to rally to support, advise and protect Junie and Cole. The citizens of Porchlight Cove are also on the job. Once again, there is an emotional abyss standing between Junie and Cole. Will they find a way to cross it and move forward together or will it prove to be permanently between them?

This angst-ridden, emotional and thoroughly enjoyable book has my heartfelt recommendation.

[Ashley ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avery Maxwell was a new-to-me author and let me just say… I am SO happy I got the opportunity to read her book, The Exit Strategy. This book has so many different layers to it in the best way possible and I appreciated each different aspect so much. This book was witty, quirky and funny, while also being emotional, sensitive, vulnerable and healing.

One thing I always love in books (and what automatically pulled me in to Avery's writing style) are characters who are unconventional and unique. Our main character, Junie, and honestly all of the characters, including the fun meddling retirees ;) , were exactly that in an awesome way. I honestly just loved our Spite-Berry <3 I thought the setting was SO unique and fun. Porchlight Cove is somewhere I wish I could actually live. I mean, what a fun story for the main character to be thrown in to a neighborhood full of meddling retirees!

While I loved all of the characters, I also truly loved how vulnerable this story was too. I felt like I needed to sit with my feelings about this book for a little bit before I wrote my review because I wanted to make sure my review did this book justice. There were so many internal struggles that the characters were facing. Juniper and Cole each had their own individual battles they were struggling with, while also having a shared history they were forced to face with each other after so many years.

This truly was a story of coming into your own power, releasing any past trauma's and things of the past that no longer serve you, and growing through the hard moments in life. It is a reminder that it's okay to ask for help. And that we aren't always alone in our struggles. A reminder that it's okay to grow and change. Even if it may feel foreign at first. It's a reminder to leave the light on for those we love. Letting them know we are always there. It's a reminder that not all family is blood related. A reminder that sometimes people need you just as much as you need them. Even if they may not show it. This story had so much heart, humor, and healing and I am so grateful to have read Junie and Cole's story. Thank you SO MUCH Avery Maxwell and That's What She Said Publishing for the ARC of The Exit Strategy!!! And congrats, Avery, on your new book!!!! :)

[Pauline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This standalone from Avery Maxwell is an absolutely amazing story of love, spite, revenge and revelations. Juniper Mercer has been in love with her brother's best friend for as long as she can remember. Junie had a horrendous childhood at the hands of her parents, and after her mother died when she was sixteen, Junie's brother and his three best friends move in to help raise her. But the damage has been done, the scars have been etched onto her heart and Spite-Berry has been born. While her brother, Nolan, and his best friends do their best to be there for Junie, no one can know the agony that adolescence has brought her. When Junie's life implodes on line in spectacular fashion, her 'brothers' come to spirit her away to Charleston, to work with Cole, the person she has loved forever, who walked out of her life six years ago with no explanation. Cole knew he had to get away because the secrets he held close could destroy both him and Junie, and he would never want that to taint her life. But now, they've been thrown together and they have to navigate the messy, chaotic journey that passes for life.

This book is a juggernaut of feelings bearing down on you with such force that you are torn between loving and hating, happiness and annoyance and the wish for their chemistry to bring them together. But Junie runs. At the first sign of trouble, Junie's instinct is to flee and Cole's is to protect. Both must understand what drives their actions and work to overcome their demons, if there is any hope for them to move forward.

This is a story of found family, love, trust, betrayal and a community that is there for each other. This was everything you want in a book and so much more. The residents of The Haven bring so much hilarity and togetherness to this story; it creates the perfect foil to the turmoil raging in Junie and Cole's life.

[Kelchickbooklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not prepared for the emotional toll The Exit Strategy would take on me, but it was so worth it. When people say, "Get the tissues ready," you have to believe them. I am not sure how Ms. Maxwell can, over and over again, give us books where you get so involved with the storyline and characters you feel you are right there with them. This book, for me, is her best yet and I have read a lot of her books. This book is like no other and I am so glad I had the chance to read this memorable, moving and heartwarming romance.
Junie, Juniper, and Cole will have you smiling and laughing one moment and the next crying and an emotional wreck. Their story is one of loss, friendship, growth, found family and a love that needed time to grow and bloom. Then there is Nolan, her brother, Hudson and Fen and you have a found family that would do anything for one another.
Junie's life has been hell, to put it bluntly. From having her brother raise her- and it was not because her parents died, but because they were terrible at parenting to finding that her boyfriend and best friend were cheating on her. Now she is back at the one place she really didn't want to go but had no choice: to the man who shattered her heart, Cole. Six years have passed, but the hurt is still there and the trust is gone. Cole wants to do everything to help her heal but he has secrets that could ruin Junie and he is walking a thin line.
You could feel the tension through the pages. The want to trust but holding back because the pain would be too much. The need to protect and help heal but knowing that trust needs to be shown. The love that was shared was being held close to the vest, with walls so high around the heart that it would almost be impossible to break through.
I was not the same person at the end of this book as I was at the beginning and I am not complaining.

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Exit Strategy by Avery Maxwell follows Juniper Mercer and her plans to escape Boston, due to going viral, survive said viral scandal, and avoid Cole Whittaker. Well, avoiding Cole Whittaker is a little difficult because he is not only her brother’s best friend, but now her boss for the next two months or until she cleans up the mess of spreadsheets for Cole’s business.

The history these two have!!! Junie and Cole were always close, best friends and then along the way they fell in love with each other. However, their age difference, 5 years, which is not a lot when you’re both in your twenties but 18 and 23 always stopped Cole from acting on his feelings, and not only this but his ex-girlfriend also played a big role in the emotional scars these two have to work through.

I absolutely adored Juniper Mercer! She is a feisty little spite-berry, and the complete opposite to Cole’s level headedness. With these two thrown together, the chemistry lights up so fast, you can immediately tell that they never stopped loving each other over the six years they stayed apart. Love is messy, emotions are hard, asking for help is hard, and facing the past is even harder. Junie and Cole went through all of this; they grew together and faced the hard things. I loved their character arcs so much. Avery did an amazing job of portraying all the feelings and emotions these two go through. I was immediately hooked from the beginning, and definitely cried a number of times while reading.

All the side characters are amazing too, the whole community of Porchlight Cove is the cutest – with Stanley and his golf carts, Bea and her front porch and color coded cardigans, and Nana Mae with her devious schemes. Nolan, Junie’s older brother, Fenway and Hdudson all had roles to play as well, and created the perfect little family for Junie.

Everything is revealed in the second half of the book, and it all comes together beautifully! Right when you think Junie and Cole are about to get their happily ever after, you better hold on because it is a roller coaster from there on out. The ending is everything I wanted for these two! I’m also hoping we get stories for Nolan, Fenway and Hudson…

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️

Tropes:
Brother’s Best Friend
Found Family
Small town
Meddling grandmother
Fake engagement

Thank you That’s What She Said Publishing and Avery Maxwell for the eARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Exit Strategy is a second chance, brother’s best friends, fake engagement, small town romance.

I have read all of Avery's books and once again she has nailed it! This is the story of Cole and Junie who are both dealing with trauma while on top of dealing with coming back into each other's lives and the feelings that it brings. The chemistry between Cole and Junie is amazing! You can tell as you read that these two are each other’s person. From the moment that they reenter each other’s lives you will find yourself completely invested in their relationship. Every emotion that they feel whether it is sadness or anger your going to feel it.

Other things I liked about this book, one the suspense/wondering. The first part of the book does leave you on the edge wondering what is going on between Cole and his ex-girlfriend. And I liked that there was that suspense because it just added to the story. Two: the writing. Avery is an amazing writer! She writes in a way that as you read you picture her words in your head. You can see Cole and Junie inside the house having the conversation that she wrote. Three: side characters. No one does found family/friends better than Avery. The side characters just add to the story. They are there for Cole and Junie through the good times and the hard times. They aren’t afraid to say how they feel and what they think. This is especially true when it comes to Cole and the situation he got himself in.

Overall, The Exit Strategy is a good read. Cole and Junie’s story is packed with emotions. The writing is good. The side characters are good. This is a story that will have you hooked from the beginning all the way to the end.

[Jenn the Readaholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could talk about how angry Cole made me with his misguided heart. I could rant about how he wasted six YEARS and how he ruined it all and tore a family by choice apart and how he’s never ever going to make it right. I could. But that would end in a lie. Not the dumb moves he made while thinking he was saving everyone. The assumption that he can never make it right. Because he does. He does the work, sits with the hard truths and marinates in the pain for a while before making the choice to put it aside for the better future he sees ahead, and he learns. Yes, a man can learn. Even better is that he learns it at the hands of the men who have been brothers and via the least expected (to him) voice of all.

But this is really about Juniper. Junie has been through it. All of it. Misery, pain, grief, heartbreak, loss, loneliness, knowing that she is utterly alone in every way. And yet, she keeps going. She trusts that those same men have her back and can help her find the way. She trusts the best friend she never knew she wanted or needed. She trusts herself. And while her journey to finally loving who she sees in the mirror is so painful, it’s also very familiar to most women. Maybe even just most people. Being on this ride with Junie and Cole and their motley crew of brothers by choice and friends by determination, it’s easy to see how they make it through.

But now? I kind of hope the rest of these guys (and one spectacular woman) find their happiness and reasons for feeling some hope in life. Maybe we’ll see them again? I hope so.

[Taylor Mae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a book that evokes emotions. "The Exit Strategy" is an emotional roller coaster, and I loved every moment. It's a story of trauma, heartbreak, and secrets, but above all, it's a story of healing and the wonderful relationship of family.

Junie is trying to survive and escape a viral social media scandal. She reluctantly goes to work in Porchlight Cove at a retirement community, which Cole, her brother's best friend, manages. Cole is Junie's first heartbreak. They were super close growing up until Cole ran away without a goodbye.

I loved her grit to keep going and persevere despite all of her trauma. She's not only resilient but she's sassy, intelligent, and pays attention to everything.

Cole is a protector and a fixer. He has spent years carrying others' burdens to protect them. He's taken on and hidden all the problems so everyone else could be happy. Cole holds his emotions in, never asks for help, and puts his own happiness on hold. While unhealthy, it's endearing to see how much he cares about his "family" and the lengths he'll go to.

Fen, Hudson, Nolan, Cole, and Junie are a chosen family. Their relationships are probably my favorite part of the whole book! They will drop everything to help each other and never quit on one another. It's heartwarming to see the love and support they share! They are always there when it matters.

I highly recommend reading "The Exit Strategy"; you won't regret it. It's a beautiful, loving story. There's forced proximity, meddling neighbors, a lot of emotions, tension, swoon-worthy moments, and an incredible family!