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Hearts on the Mend: A Small Town Single Mom Romance
272 pages, Paperback
Published September 25, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
October 10, 2026
4.5🌟 | 3🌶️
A one-night stand, an unexpected second chance, and a grumpy firefighter who turns out to be a total softie? Sign me up!
Cassie and Nolan have such lovely chemistry, and watching them navigate their unexpected reunion while trying to keep their feelings in check made their romance so much fun. I especially enjoyed seeing their connection grow into something neither of them had planned for.
Nolan’s little acts of service had me swooning, and watching him bond with Ruby was easily one of my favourite parts. That little girl’s otter obsession is adorable! Cassie was just as easy to root for as she worked towards a fresh start, and seeing both of them slowly learn to trust again made their relationship even sweeter. Beneath all their stubbornness, you can really see how much they come to mean to each other.
The farmhouse renovations and the Murphy family’s welcoming nature brought so much warmth to the story. I adored the found-family dynamic, and the emotional moments added depth to their journey. Watching these characters find love, healing, and a place to belong made this such a satisfying read.
Between the cozy small-town setting and the sweet romance, I was more than happy to spend a little more time in Merritt Point!
~~~~
A sincere thank you to Becca Hayes and Luna Literary for the ARC! 🥰📚
I’m so grateful for the early read. As always, all thoughts and opinions are completely my own. ✨
A one-night stand, an unexpected second chance, and a grumpy firefighter who turns out to be a total softie? Sign me up!
Cassie and Nolan have such lovely chemistry, and watching them navigate their unexpected reunion while trying to keep their feelings in check made their romance so much fun. I especially enjoyed seeing their connection grow into something neither of them had planned for.
Nolan’s little acts of service had me swooning, and watching him bond with Ruby was easily one of my favourite parts. That little girl’s otter obsession is adorable! Cassie was just as easy to root for as she worked towards a fresh start, and seeing both of them slowly learn to trust again made their relationship even sweeter. Beneath all their stubbornness, you can really see how much they come to mean to each other.
The farmhouse renovations and the Murphy family’s welcoming nature brought so much warmth to the story. I adored the found-family dynamic, and the emotional moments added depth to their journey. Watching these characters find love, healing, and a place to belong made this such a satisfying read.
Between the cozy small-town setting and the sweet romance, I was more than happy to spend a little more time in Merritt Point!
~~~~
A sincere thank you to Becca Hayes and Luna Literary for the ARC! 🥰📚
I’m so grateful for the early read. As always, all thoughts and opinions are completely my own. ✨
September 27, 2026
“I’m already there, honey. I’ve been on my knees for you since the minute I led you out of that bar.”
Becca Hayes is at it again with another heart-warming romance filled with second chances, grumpy x sunshine vibes, and an adorable little found family finding their way together.
Cassie is trying to start over when she finds herself back in the orbit of Nolan, the man she shared one unforgettable night with years ago. Now they’re thrown together as they work to restore a rundown farmhouse, and what starts as an unexpected reunion quickly brings all those old feelings back to the surface.
I really enjoyed Cassie and Nolan’s story! Their relationship had that perfect mix of chemistry, tenderness, and two people who are both trying to put the pieces of their lives back together. I especially loved the theme of finding “home” in each other while they worked on the farmhouse together. 🥹
Nolan may have the grumpy exterior, but underneath it all he was such a softie, and Cassie was strong, determined, and so easy to root for. Add in the adorable otter-loving Ruby, and this was such a cozy, heartfelt read! The Murphy Family and Merritt Point have wiggled their way into my heart! ❤️
Tropes & Vibes
💕 Second Chance Romance
☀️ Grumpy x Sunshine
🏡 Found Family
🔨 Fixer-Upper / Renovating a House
🔥 One-Night Stand
❤️ He Falls First
🥹 Healing & New Beginnings
👀 Forced Proximity
🏠 Small-Town Romance
Becca Hayes is at it again with another heart-warming romance filled with second chances, grumpy x sunshine vibes, and an adorable little found family finding their way together.
Cassie is trying to start over when she finds herself back in the orbit of Nolan, the man she shared one unforgettable night with years ago. Now they’re thrown together as they work to restore a rundown farmhouse, and what starts as an unexpected reunion quickly brings all those old feelings back to the surface.
I really enjoyed Cassie and Nolan’s story! Their relationship had that perfect mix of chemistry, tenderness, and two people who are both trying to put the pieces of their lives back together. I especially loved the theme of finding “home” in each other while they worked on the farmhouse together. 🥹
Nolan may have the grumpy exterior, but underneath it all he was such a softie, and Cassie was strong, determined, and so easy to root for. Add in the adorable otter-loving Ruby, and this was such a cozy, heartfelt read! The Murphy Family and Merritt Point have wiggled their way into my heart! ❤️
Tropes & Vibes
💕 Second Chance Romance
☀️ Grumpy x Sunshine
🏡 Found Family
🔨 Fixer-Upper / Renovating a House
🔥 One-Night Stand
❤️ He Falls First
🥹 Healing & New Beginnings
👀 Forced Proximity
🏠 Small-Town Romance
Review of advance copy
Wow, I could not put this book down. It is so cute, fun and such a good time. Thank you so much to Becca and Luna Literary for the arc.
I love when an fmc realises she's in the wrong and apologises. Queen behaviour. Both Cassie and Nolan are so so stubborn but it was so good to see Cassie realise she was in the wrong at one stage and sincerely apologise. We love to see it.
Ruby is such an icon. I loved her quirky bits adding to the book, often bringing the comic relief when needed.
As much as I loved this book and it was fun and flirty, it was also deep and the grief was a lot heavier than I was expecting, not that that is a bad thing at all. I also love when a book makes me sob. What ride that last 15% was. I cried. A lot. Nolan was a bit of a tool but I'm so happy that he sorted his shit out and came home to his family.
The Murphy family has to be one of the greatest and I loved them, they brought the true found family feeling that you look for in a book. I cannot wait to see what happens next!
I love when an fmc realises she's in the wrong and apologises. Queen behaviour. Both Cassie and Nolan are so so stubborn but it was so good to see Cassie realise she was in the wrong at one stage and sincerely apologise. We love to see it.
Ruby is such an icon. I loved her quirky bits adding to the book, often bringing the comic relief when needed.
As much as I loved this book and it was fun and flirty, it was also deep and the grief was a lot heavier than I was expecting, not that that is a bad thing at all. I also love when a book makes me sob. What ride that last 15% was. I cried. A lot. Nolan was a bit of a tool but I'm so happy that he sorted his shit out and came home to his family.
The Murphy family has to be one of the greatest and I loved them, they brought the true found family feeling that you look for in a book. I cannot wait to see what happens next!
September 28, 2026
✨ ARC Review ✨
WOW, it’s my first time reading a romance with a smoke jumper MMC! 😭 Anyway, we’ve got a smoke jumper and grumpy, currently injured MMC Nolan, and a single mom + nurse Cassie. They had a one-night stand years ago and reunited again years later.
After so much hesitation, banter, and worry, finallyyyyyyyy!!! 🥹 “Tell me it’s you and me, that we’ll make it work.” I’m so glad Nolan decided to keep striking while Cassie, unfortunately, had so many things to consider because of her situation :,)
And later on, we also learn that Nolan is dealing with trauma after his accident too ;,) But I’m glad they finally found the courage to love each other bravely and choose a future together. 🥺🫶🏻
Oh, and I really liked the found-family vibes in this story too! 💛
Thank you for the ARC! 💛
WOW, it’s my first time reading a romance with a smoke jumper MMC! 😭 Anyway, we’ve got a smoke jumper and grumpy, currently injured MMC Nolan, and a single mom + nurse Cassie. They had a one-night stand years ago and reunited again years later.
After so much hesitation, banter, and worry, finallyyyyyyyy!!! 🥹 “Tell me it’s you and me, that we’ll make it work.” I’m so glad Nolan decided to keep striking while Cassie, unfortunately, had so many things to consider because of her situation :,)
And later on, we also learn that Nolan is dealing with trauma after his accident too ;,) But I’m glad they finally found the courage to love each other bravely and choose a future together. 🥺🫶🏻
Oh, and I really liked the found-family vibes in this story too! 💛
Thank you for the ARC! 💛
October 19, 2026
“𝙄’𝙢 𝙖𝙡𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚, 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙮. 𝙄’𝙫𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙤𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙠𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙪𝙩𝙚 𝙄 𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙗𝙖𝙧.”
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3/5
BECCA. HAYES.
MA’AM. WE NEED TO TALK.
Because I’m not usually the first person running toward the single-mom trope.
Do I enjoy it? Absolutely.
Is it usually at the top of my romance shopping list?
NOT NECESSARILY.
BUT YOU, YOU BEAUTIFUL LITERARY MENACE, MAY HAVE JUST CONVERTED ME FOR LIFE.
Four stars. Three peppers. One grumpy smokejumper. And a six-year-old girl who apparently has more romantic intelligence than half the adults in this book.
Let’s start with Cassie.
Our girl is EXHAUSTED.
She’s a single mom working ER shifts, finalizing a divorce that should have happened ages ago, and trying to renovate her aunt’s rundown farmhouse so she can finally start building a better life for herself and her daughter.
BABES. THAT’S NOT A TO-DO LIST. THAT’S A CRY FOR HELP WRITTEN IN BULLET POINTS.
And as if she doesn’t already have enough going on, the man helping renovate the farmhouse turns out to be the handsome stranger she spent one unforgettable night with a year earlier.
THE ONE SHE LEFT BEFORE HE WOKE UP.
WITHOUT EVEN GETTING HIS NAME.
OH, THE UNIVERSE HAS JOKES.
Because that mysterious stranger?
NOLAN MURPHY.
An injured smokejumper recovering in Massachusetts while he waits for medical clearance to return to Montana.
Built like a mountain.
Grumpy as all get-out.
Sporting a mustache that apparently has absolutely no business being that attractive.
SIR. ARE WE FIXING THE HOUSE OR REARRANGING MY PERSONAL STANDARDS?!
Naturally, neither Cassie nor Nolan particularly wants to acknowledge their previous encounter.
They’re adults.
They’re professionals.
They can behave themselves.
So they agree to keep things strictly practical.
He’ll help repair the farmhouse.
She’ll give him somewhere to stay.
No discussing that night.
No complications.
No inconvenient feelings.
HAHAHAHA. THAT’S ADORABLE.
Because apparently sharing a house with your former one-night stand is an excellent way to maintain boundaries.
BABES, WE’RE NOT EVEN PRETENDING THIS IS GOING TO WORK.
And Nolan?
OH, NOLAN.
You grumpy, emotionally guarded, mustache-wearing menace.
This man may not have the most charming approach to communication, but his actions?
THE ACTS OF SERVICE WERE ACTING.
He fixes things.
He shows up.
He helps without making Cassie feel incapable.
And slowly, beneath that gruff exterior, we discover someone with an enormous heart.
But here’s where Becca absolutely got me.
RUBY.
THAT PRECIOUS LITTLE OTTER-LOVING HUMAN. 🦦
Cassie’s six-year-old daughter is funny, spirited, sweet, and apparently determined to make Nolan her favorite person.
AND HE DOESN’T STAND A CHANCE.
THE BIG, GRUMPY SMOKEJUMPER HAS BEEN DEFEATED BY A CHILD WHO LIKES OTTERS.
SOMEONE ALERT THE AUTHORITIES.
Watching their relationship develop was one of my favorite parts of the entire book.
Because Nolan doesn’t simply fall for Cassie while tolerating her daughter.
He genuinely cares about Ruby.
He makes space for her.
He becomes someone she trusts.
And the tenderness of those moments?
SOMEONE GET ME A TISSUE AND AN EMERGENCY CHOCOLATE SUPPLY.
I also loved that Cassie’s strength wasn’t confused with never needing help.
She’s independent, hardworking, and determined to create a better life for her daughter.
But she’s also one person trying to carry an enormous amount of responsibility.
And sometimes being strong means allowing someone else to share that weight.
YES, GIRL. LET THE HANDSOME MAN FIX SOMETHING. YOU’VE EARNED A NAP.
And can we discuss the farmhouse?
Because the symbolism was BEAUTIFUL.
They’re restoring a broken-down home, piece by piece, while slowly confronting the damaged parts of themselves.
Cassie is trying to rebuild after a difficult marriage.
Nolan is recovering from an injury and wrestling with the future he thought was already decided.
Neither one is entirely sure what comes next.
And somewhere between construction projects, unexpected intimacy, family dinners, and Ruby’s adorable antics, they start creating something neither planned.
A HOME.
EXCUSE ME WHILE I GO STARE EMOTIONALLY AT SOME DRYWALL.
But Becca wasn’t finished.
OH, NO.
Because underneath all the humor, flirting, and three-pepper chemistry is a much heavier story about grief, healing, and learning to choose a different future.
Nolan has spent so much of his life defining himself through his work as a smokejumper.
Returning to Montana is his plan.
His purpose.
The thing he’s been working toward throughout his recovery.
And he doesn’t exactly hide that from Cassie.
Which makes the inevitable conflict more painful.
Because this isn’t a random misunderstanding thrown into the final chapters to create unnecessary drama.
These two genuinely want different things.
And loving someone doesn’t automatically make those differences disappear.
BECCA. WHY ARE WE BEING EMOTIONALLY RESPONSIBLE WHILE DESTROYING MY FEELINGS?!
The moment Cassie makes Nolan take responsibility for telling Ruby he’s leaving?
MY HEART.
Because Ruby’s feelings matter.
Cassie isn’t going to shield Nolan from the emotional consequences of becoming important to her daughter.
And she shouldn’t have to.
SIR, YOU CANNOT JUST WALK INTO THIS LITTLE GIRL’S LIFE, BECOME HER FAVORITE HUMAN, AND EXPECT EVERYONE TO EMERGE UNSCATHED.
That heartbreak felt earned.
And it’s one of the reasons the emotional moments worked so well.
I also appreciated that Cassie can recognize when she’s wrong and apologize. Two stubborn characters are infinitely more enjoyable when they’re capable of growth rather than simply competing to see who can remain unreasonable the longest.
COMMUNICATION AND ACCOUNTABILITY?! IN MY ROMANCE NOVEL?!
WHAT A BEAUTIFUL DAY.
And the Murphy family?!
OH, I ADORED THEM.
The warmth, the humor, the way they welcomed Cassie and Ruby into their lives.
That found-family atmosphere made Merritt Point feel like somewhere I genuinely wanted to visit.
Because family isn’t always defined by blood.
Sometimes it’s the people who show up, stay connected, and make room for you even when life gets complicated.
FINAL VERDICT:
Four stars and three peppers for a funny, heartfelt, beautifully emotional small-town romance that may have single-handedly improved my opinion of the single-mom trope.
Hearts on the Mend gave me a strong heroine, a grumpy but deeply caring smokejumper, an unforgettable little girl, wonderful family dynamics, and a relationship that grows through everyday acts of love.
Becca Hayes remains one of my absolute favorite authors, and this is exactly why.
Now, Nolan Murphy?
YOU CAN JUMP OUT OF AIRPLANES TO FIGHT WILDFIRES, BUT A SIX-YEAR-OLD WITH AN OTTER OBSESSION IS WHAT FINALLY BRINGS YOU TO YOUR KNEES?!
SIR.
I LOVE THAT FOR YOU.
FOUR STARS. THREE PEPPERS. AND ONE VERY LARGE, VERY GRUMPY MAN WHO FINALLY LEARNED WHERE HOME REALLY IS. 🦦🏡❤️
Tropes: Small-Town Romance • Single Mom • One-Night Stand • Forced Proximity • Grumpy/Sunshine • Injured Smokejumper • He Falls First • Found Family • Single Mom × Protective MMC • Emotional Healing
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3/5
BECCA. HAYES.
MA’AM. WE NEED TO TALK.
Because I’m not usually the first person running toward the single-mom trope.
Do I enjoy it? Absolutely.
Is it usually at the top of my romance shopping list?
NOT NECESSARILY.
BUT YOU, YOU BEAUTIFUL LITERARY MENACE, MAY HAVE JUST CONVERTED ME FOR LIFE.
Four stars. Three peppers. One grumpy smokejumper. And a six-year-old girl who apparently has more romantic intelligence than half the adults in this book.
Let’s start with Cassie.
Our girl is EXHAUSTED.
She’s a single mom working ER shifts, finalizing a divorce that should have happened ages ago, and trying to renovate her aunt’s rundown farmhouse so she can finally start building a better life for herself and her daughter.
BABES. THAT’S NOT A TO-DO LIST. THAT’S A CRY FOR HELP WRITTEN IN BULLET POINTS.
And as if she doesn’t already have enough going on, the man helping renovate the farmhouse turns out to be the handsome stranger she spent one unforgettable night with a year earlier.
THE ONE SHE LEFT BEFORE HE WOKE UP.
WITHOUT EVEN GETTING HIS NAME.
OH, THE UNIVERSE HAS JOKES.
Because that mysterious stranger?
NOLAN MURPHY.
An injured smokejumper recovering in Massachusetts while he waits for medical clearance to return to Montana.
Built like a mountain.
Grumpy as all get-out.
Sporting a mustache that apparently has absolutely no business being that attractive.
SIR. ARE WE FIXING THE HOUSE OR REARRANGING MY PERSONAL STANDARDS?!
Naturally, neither Cassie nor Nolan particularly wants to acknowledge their previous encounter.
They’re adults.
They’re professionals.
They can behave themselves.
So they agree to keep things strictly practical.
He’ll help repair the farmhouse.
She’ll give him somewhere to stay.
No discussing that night.
No complications.
No inconvenient feelings.
HAHAHAHA. THAT’S ADORABLE.
Because apparently sharing a house with your former one-night stand is an excellent way to maintain boundaries.
BABES, WE’RE NOT EVEN PRETENDING THIS IS GOING TO WORK.
And Nolan?
OH, NOLAN.
You grumpy, emotionally guarded, mustache-wearing menace.
This man may not have the most charming approach to communication, but his actions?
THE ACTS OF SERVICE WERE ACTING.
He fixes things.
He shows up.
He helps without making Cassie feel incapable.
And slowly, beneath that gruff exterior, we discover someone with an enormous heart.
But here’s where Becca absolutely got me.
RUBY.
THAT PRECIOUS LITTLE OTTER-LOVING HUMAN. 🦦
Cassie’s six-year-old daughter is funny, spirited, sweet, and apparently determined to make Nolan her favorite person.
AND HE DOESN’T STAND A CHANCE.
THE BIG, GRUMPY SMOKEJUMPER HAS BEEN DEFEATED BY A CHILD WHO LIKES OTTERS.
SOMEONE ALERT THE AUTHORITIES.
Watching their relationship develop was one of my favorite parts of the entire book.
Because Nolan doesn’t simply fall for Cassie while tolerating her daughter.
He genuinely cares about Ruby.
He makes space for her.
He becomes someone she trusts.
And the tenderness of those moments?
SOMEONE GET ME A TISSUE AND AN EMERGENCY CHOCOLATE SUPPLY.
I also loved that Cassie’s strength wasn’t confused with never needing help.
She’s independent, hardworking, and determined to create a better life for her daughter.
But she’s also one person trying to carry an enormous amount of responsibility.
And sometimes being strong means allowing someone else to share that weight.
YES, GIRL. LET THE HANDSOME MAN FIX SOMETHING. YOU’VE EARNED A NAP.
And can we discuss the farmhouse?
Because the symbolism was BEAUTIFUL.
They’re restoring a broken-down home, piece by piece, while slowly confronting the damaged parts of themselves.
Cassie is trying to rebuild after a difficult marriage.
Nolan is recovering from an injury and wrestling with the future he thought was already decided.
Neither one is entirely sure what comes next.
And somewhere between construction projects, unexpected intimacy, family dinners, and Ruby’s adorable antics, they start creating something neither planned.
A HOME.
EXCUSE ME WHILE I GO STARE EMOTIONALLY AT SOME DRYWALL.
But Becca wasn’t finished.
OH, NO.
Because underneath all the humor, flirting, and three-pepper chemistry is a much heavier story about grief, healing, and learning to choose a different future.
Nolan has spent so much of his life defining himself through his work as a smokejumper.
Returning to Montana is his plan.
His purpose.
The thing he’s been working toward throughout his recovery.
And he doesn’t exactly hide that from Cassie.
Which makes the inevitable conflict more painful.
Because this isn’t a random misunderstanding thrown into the final chapters to create unnecessary drama.
These two genuinely want different things.
And loving someone doesn’t automatically make those differences disappear.
BECCA. WHY ARE WE BEING EMOTIONALLY RESPONSIBLE WHILE DESTROYING MY FEELINGS?!
The moment Cassie makes Nolan take responsibility for telling Ruby he’s leaving?
MY HEART.
Because Ruby’s feelings matter.
Cassie isn’t going to shield Nolan from the emotional consequences of becoming important to her daughter.
And she shouldn’t have to.
SIR, YOU CANNOT JUST WALK INTO THIS LITTLE GIRL’S LIFE, BECOME HER FAVORITE HUMAN, AND EXPECT EVERYONE TO EMERGE UNSCATHED.
That heartbreak felt earned.
And it’s one of the reasons the emotional moments worked so well.
I also appreciated that Cassie can recognize when she’s wrong and apologize. Two stubborn characters are infinitely more enjoyable when they’re capable of growth rather than simply competing to see who can remain unreasonable the longest.
COMMUNICATION AND ACCOUNTABILITY?! IN MY ROMANCE NOVEL?!
WHAT A BEAUTIFUL DAY.
And the Murphy family?!
OH, I ADORED THEM.
The warmth, the humor, the way they welcomed Cassie and Ruby into their lives.
That found-family atmosphere made Merritt Point feel like somewhere I genuinely wanted to visit.
Because family isn’t always defined by blood.
Sometimes it’s the people who show up, stay connected, and make room for you even when life gets complicated.
FINAL VERDICT:
Four stars and three peppers for a funny, heartfelt, beautifully emotional small-town romance that may have single-handedly improved my opinion of the single-mom trope.
Hearts on the Mend gave me a strong heroine, a grumpy but deeply caring smokejumper, an unforgettable little girl, wonderful family dynamics, and a relationship that grows through everyday acts of love.
Becca Hayes remains one of my absolute favorite authors, and this is exactly why.
Now, Nolan Murphy?
YOU CAN JUMP OUT OF AIRPLANES TO FIGHT WILDFIRES, BUT A SIX-YEAR-OLD WITH AN OTTER OBSESSION IS WHAT FINALLY BRINGS YOU TO YOUR KNEES?!
SIR.
I LOVE THAT FOR YOU.
FOUR STARS. THREE PEPPERS. AND ONE VERY LARGE, VERY GRUMPY MAN WHO FINALLY LEARNED WHERE HOME REALLY IS. 🦦🏡❤️
Tropes: Small-Town Romance • Single Mom • One-Night Stand • Forced Proximity • Grumpy/Sunshine • Injured Smokejumper • He Falls First • Found Family • Single Mom × Protective MMC • Emotional Healing
October 6, 2026
Becca, Becca, Becca... you tried to break me, you really did.
And maybe you succeeded. That's a secret for me to know and you to... well... ok I confess. I was broken.
This is a fabulous story of two stubborn (SO stubborn) main characters who just can't give in. When I say that I was crying, I mean sobbing for at least the last 15-20% of the story. Cassie and Nolan have, what we think, is one unforgettable night together. But you know life hits us at full force when we least expect it.
Cassie is a single mom who has moved back to town, into her aunt's rundown farmhouse with her six-year-old daughter, Ruby, while waiting for her divorce to finalize. Her past smacks her in the face when Nolan strolls into the farmhouse, with his father, who has semi-voluntold him that he will be helping Cassie fix up this falling-down home. He's reluctant... for many reasons, but one being this was supposed to be a one night thing. Another? He's not a contractor. He's a smokejumper who is healing from a serious accident while on the job. His biggest goal while back in town? To heal and get back to Montana and the job he loves.
Nolan is the quintessential grumpy guy... but honestly, when we learn more of his story, it's completely understandable why. His current living situation is a grown man, living with his parents, sleeping in his childhood bedroom. He would do anything to get out of that situation. Cassie offers her spare room because it's beneficial for both. He needs a spot, she needs someone to work on the place. His blooming relationship with Ruby... oh my god. That's when we get to see the softie inside this big grump... he's so caring and he'll go above and beyond with acts of service for both Ruby and Cassie. Ruby knew what she wanted... she wanted Nolan to stay. But was she enough to convince him alongside her mama?
Yes, this story features a third act breakup. But it is one that did not infuriate me. It wasn't thrown in just to tornado everything apart and add chaos to the story. It made sense. His goal was to go back to Montana. He never made that a secret.
This is when I broke. I am so proud of Cassie standing up and telling Nolan HE had to tell Ruby he was leaving.
OH
MY
GOD.
Sob. Sob fest. Snot-inducing crying because... you just felt for Ruby. Of course I felt for Cassie too and I cried for her loss too but RUBY BROKE ME.
However, they needed to heal... they needed time... well, maybe not "they," but Nolan did for sure. Thankfully, the Murphy family (Nolan's) stood by the two new ladies in their life and kept the pieces of their hearts together, but not fully pieced back together. They had no issues welcoming them into their lives. They built a relationship with Cassie and Ruby that was unforgettable as well. No matter the result of the story... they found a family.
Thank you so much Becca and Luna Literary for this ARC opportunity. It was an absolute honor to enjoy this amazing story and I look forward to enjoying so many more of your books, Becca.
TL:DR
⭐️ 5/5
🥵 One night stand
🔁 Second chance vibes
☀️ Grumpy x sunshine
🩷 Single mom
💙 He falls first and hard
🏠 Small town romance
🩺 She's a nurse
🔥 He's a smokejumper
🛠️ He's fixing up her house for sale
🧑🧑🧒🧒 Found family
😮💨 Mustache ride
😭 Emotional trauma for the reader
❤️🩹 Physical healing (him) & emotional healing (her)
🌶️ 3/5
And maybe you succeeded. That's a secret for me to know and you to... well... ok I confess. I was broken.
This is a fabulous story of two stubborn (SO stubborn) main characters who just can't give in. When I say that I was crying, I mean sobbing for at least the last 15-20% of the story. Cassie and Nolan have, what we think, is one unforgettable night together. But you know life hits us at full force when we least expect it.
Cassie is a single mom who has moved back to town, into her aunt's rundown farmhouse with her six-year-old daughter, Ruby, while waiting for her divorce to finalize. Her past smacks her in the face when Nolan strolls into the farmhouse, with his father, who has semi-voluntold him that he will be helping Cassie fix up this falling-down home. He's reluctant... for many reasons, but one being this was supposed to be a one night thing. Another? He's not a contractor. He's a smokejumper who is healing from a serious accident while on the job. His biggest goal while back in town? To heal and get back to Montana and the job he loves.
Nolan is the quintessential grumpy guy... but honestly, when we learn more of his story, it's completely understandable why. His current living situation is a grown man, living with his parents, sleeping in his childhood bedroom. He would do anything to get out of that situation. Cassie offers her spare room because it's beneficial for both. He needs a spot, she needs someone to work on the place. His blooming relationship with Ruby... oh my god. That's when we get to see the softie inside this big grump... he's so caring and he'll go above and beyond with acts of service for both Ruby and Cassie. Ruby knew what she wanted... she wanted Nolan to stay. But was she enough to convince him alongside her mama?
Yes, this story features a third act breakup. But it is one that did not infuriate me. It wasn't thrown in just to tornado everything apart and add chaos to the story. It made sense. His goal was to go back to Montana. He never made that a secret.
This is when I broke. I am so proud of Cassie standing up and telling Nolan HE had to tell Ruby he was leaving.
OH
MY
GOD.
Sob. Sob fest. Snot-inducing crying because... you just felt for Ruby. Of course I felt for Cassie too and I cried for her loss too but RUBY BROKE ME.
However, they needed to heal... they needed time... well, maybe not "they," but Nolan did for sure. Thankfully, the Murphy family (Nolan's) stood by the two new ladies in their life and kept the pieces of their hearts together, but not fully pieced back together. They had no issues welcoming them into their lives. They built a relationship with Cassie and Ruby that was unforgettable as well. No matter the result of the story... they found a family.
Thank you so much Becca and Luna Literary for this ARC opportunity. It was an absolute honor to enjoy this amazing story and I look forward to enjoying so many more of your books, Becca.
TL:DR
⭐️ 5/5
🥵 One night stand
🔁 Second chance vibes
☀️ Grumpy x sunshine
🩷 Single mom
💙 He falls first and hard
🏠 Small town romance
🩺 She's a nurse
🔥 He's a smokejumper
🛠️ He's fixing up her house for sale
🧑🧑🧒🧒 Found family
😮💨 Mustache ride
😭 Emotional trauma for the reader
❤️🩹 Physical healing (him) & emotional healing (her)
🌶️ 3/5
October 3, 2026
🏡 Sometimes Home Is a Person 🏡
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars | 🌶️🌶️ 2 Chili Peppers
Oh, this one got me right in the heart. 🥹 Hearts On The Mend was sweet, emotional, funny, and full of those little moments that slowly turn two people into a family. Cassie and Nolan may start with one unforgettable night, but it was everything that happened when life unexpectedly brought them back together that made me fall in love with their story.
Cassie is trying to rebuild her life while juggling ER shifts, raising her six-year-old daughter Ruby, finalizing her divorce, and renovating her aunt’s rundown farmhouse. The last thing she expects is for the contractor helping with the house to be Nolan, the stranger she shared a one-night stand with a year earlier. Nolan is an injured smokejumper who fully intends to heal up and return to Montana, so agreeing to live at the farmhouse while they renovate it should be temporary. Of course, temporary gets a whole lot more complicated when feelings get involved.
I absolutely loved Nolan. Beneath that grumpy exterior is such a soft, caring man, and his acts of service completely won me over. He keeps showing up for Cassie without trying to take away her independence, and watching him become part of Ruby’s life melted me. His relationship with that adorable, otter-loving little girl was easily one of my favorite parts. Ruby had Nolan wrapped around her little finger, and honestly, she had me there too. 🦦❤️
Cassie was just as easy to root for. She is strong and determined to create a better life for herself and Ruby, but she’s also learning that being strong doesn’t mean she has to carry everything alone. I really appreciated that both Cassie and Nolan had healing to do. Their relationship wasn’t simply about attraction. It was about learning to trust again, allowing someone else to help carry the weight, and finding the courage to choose a different future.
I especially loved the symbolism of the farmhouse. While Cassie and Nolan are repairing this broken-down house piece by piece, they’re also slowly putting pieces of themselves back together. Neither one is really sure where home is anymore, and somewhere between renovations, late nights, family dinners, and Ruby’s adorable antics, they begin creating one together. 🏡
And the Murphy family! I loved the found-family feeling they brought to this story. The way they welcomed Cassie and Ruby into their lives made Merritt Point feel incredibly warm and comforting. There were plenty of sweet and funny moments, but this story also went much deeper emotionally than I expected. Nolan’s healing journey especially tugged at my heart, and those final chapters definitely brought some tears.
“I’m already there, honey. I’ve been on my knees for you since the minute I led you out of that bar.” 🥹
A single mom, a grumpy injured smokejumper with a huge heart, an adorable little girl, forced proximity, one unforgettable night, a farmhouse in need of some love, and two people slowly realizing they might have already found home. I loved this one. ❤️
Thank you to Becca Hayes and Luna Literary for the gifted advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars | 🌶️🌶️ 2 Chili Peppers
Oh, this one got me right in the heart. 🥹 Hearts On The Mend was sweet, emotional, funny, and full of those little moments that slowly turn two people into a family. Cassie and Nolan may start with one unforgettable night, but it was everything that happened when life unexpectedly brought them back together that made me fall in love with their story.
Cassie is trying to rebuild her life while juggling ER shifts, raising her six-year-old daughter Ruby, finalizing her divorce, and renovating her aunt’s rundown farmhouse. The last thing she expects is for the contractor helping with the house to be Nolan, the stranger she shared a one-night stand with a year earlier. Nolan is an injured smokejumper who fully intends to heal up and return to Montana, so agreeing to live at the farmhouse while they renovate it should be temporary. Of course, temporary gets a whole lot more complicated when feelings get involved.
I absolutely loved Nolan. Beneath that grumpy exterior is such a soft, caring man, and his acts of service completely won me over. He keeps showing up for Cassie without trying to take away her independence, and watching him become part of Ruby’s life melted me. His relationship with that adorable, otter-loving little girl was easily one of my favorite parts. Ruby had Nolan wrapped around her little finger, and honestly, she had me there too. 🦦❤️
Cassie was just as easy to root for. She is strong and determined to create a better life for herself and Ruby, but she’s also learning that being strong doesn’t mean she has to carry everything alone. I really appreciated that both Cassie and Nolan had healing to do. Their relationship wasn’t simply about attraction. It was about learning to trust again, allowing someone else to help carry the weight, and finding the courage to choose a different future.
I especially loved the symbolism of the farmhouse. While Cassie and Nolan are repairing this broken-down house piece by piece, they’re also slowly putting pieces of themselves back together. Neither one is really sure where home is anymore, and somewhere between renovations, late nights, family dinners, and Ruby’s adorable antics, they begin creating one together. 🏡
And the Murphy family! I loved the found-family feeling they brought to this story. The way they welcomed Cassie and Ruby into their lives made Merritt Point feel incredibly warm and comforting. There were plenty of sweet and funny moments, but this story also went much deeper emotionally than I expected. Nolan’s healing journey especially tugged at my heart, and those final chapters definitely brought some tears.
“I’m already there, honey. I’ve been on my knees for you since the minute I led you out of that bar.” 🥹
A single mom, a grumpy injured smokejumper with a huge heart, an adorable little girl, forced proximity, one unforgettable night, a farmhouse in need of some love, and two people slowly realizing they might have already found home. I loved this one. ❤️
Thank you to Becca Hayes and Luna Literary for the gifted advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 27, 2026
A heartwarming romance with so many endearing characters! This is my first Becca Hayes book and immediately after finishing this book, I want to go back to read the other two books in this series!
Hearts on the Mend is a quick, fun read and you will be immediately immersed from the first page. This is a small town romance between Cassie, a single mom, and Nolan, a grumpy, does-not-want-to-be-back-home- smoke jumper. Their first encounter, she is visiting her aunt in Merritt Point while he is back in town visiting his family. He follows her out of the bar and what ensues is a night they both can't forget - no matter how hard they try! Fast forward a year and they meet again. Both have gone through tough times in their life and the person they are now is different from who they met a year ago. No matter what they've gone through though, their chemistry and attraction are still undeniable. In the small town of Merritt Point, they keep crossing paths and can't seem to stay away from each other. Cassie is back in town after her aunt's death, trying to fix up the house her aunt left her, to sell. The fixer upper is more than she can handle, so she finds help and who is available to help her? None other than Nolan. He's back in town to be closer to his family, while he recuperates after suffering an accident on the job.
I loved both their character arcs in this story! You can see so much of their growth throughout the story. Cassie is navigating post divorce, trying her best to juggle a stressful and demanding job (ER nurse!), taking care of her 6 yr old daughter, Ruby, and fixing up her aunt's home for sale. There is barely any time left for herself, let alone time for dating. She is so tough and strong and barely ever asks for help, because in her experience, she will only get let down, so she would rather do it herself. As the story goes on, she realizes it's OK to ask for help and to put your trust in others. There are still people who you can depend on if only you give a little trust. Nolan, who has always felt out of place at home, feeling like he doesn't really belong compared to his other siblings, isn't exactly happy to be closer to home while he is recovering. His family is so loving and endearing, but he just doesn't feel like he deserves it and wants to go back to Montana. It takes him a very, long time to see that they love him and that they just want to be close to him physically and emotionally. Who helps him figure that out? Cassie (and his therapist). I loved the push and pull between them. Nothing about their relationship was easy, but they put in the work and seeing them get their happy ending was everything! I loved Ruby so much too! All her interactions with Nolan are some of the sweetest parts of the book, especially the otters and the pebbles! I can't wait to go back to read the other books, and I can't wait for Book 4 in January 2027 - Annie and Brooks!
Thank you so much to Luna Literary as always for introducing me to new authors! I am forever grateful for the opportunity to get an advance copy! You have helped me find so many of my favorite books! Thank you, Becca Hayes, for sharing your lovely stories with us! Hearts on the Mend is one of my favorite reads this year!
Hearts on the Mend is a quick, fun read and you will be immediately immersed from the first page. This is a small town romance between Cassie, a single mom, and Nolan, a grumpy, does-not-want-to-be-back-home- smoke jumper. Their first encounter, she is visiting her aunt in Merritt Point while he is back in town visiting his family. He follows her out of the bar and what ensues is a night they both can't forget - no matter how hard they try! Fast forward a year and they meet again. Both have gone through tough times in their life and the person they are now is different from who they met a year ago. No matter what they've gone through though, their chemistry and attraction are still undeniable. In the small town of Merritt Point, they keep crossing paths and can't seem to stay away from each other. Cassie is back in town after her aunt's death, trying to fix up the house her aunt left her, to sell. The fixer upper is more than she can handle, so she finds help and who is available to help her? None other than Nolan. He's back in town to be closer to his family, while he recuperates after suffering an accident on the job.
I loved both their character arcs in this story! You can see so much of their growth throughout the story. Cassie is navigating post divorce, trying her best to juggle a stressful and demanding job (ER nurse!), taking care of her 6 yr old daughter, Ruby, and fixing up her aunt's home for sale. There is barely any time left for herself, let alone time for dating. She is so tough and strong and barely ever asks for help, because in her experience, she will only get let down, so she would rather do it herself. As the story goes on, she realizes it's OK to ask for help and to put your trust in others. There are still people who you can depend on if only you give a little trust. Nolan, who has always felt out of place at home, feeling like he doesn't really belong compared to his other siblings, isn't exactly happy to be closer to home while he is recovering. His family is so loving and endearing, but he just doesn't feel like he deserves it and wants to go back to Montana. It takes him a very, long time to see that they love him and that they just want to be close to him physically and emotionally. Who helps him figure that out? Cassie (and his therapist). I loved the push and pull between them. Nothing about their relationship was easy, but they put in the work and seeing them get their happy ending was everything! I loved Ruby so much too! All her interactions with Nolan are some of the sweetest parts of the book, especially the otters and the pebbles! I can't wait to go back to read the other books, and I can't wait for Book 4 in January 2027 - Annie and Brooks!
Thank you so much to Luna Literary as always for introducing me to new authors! I am forever grateful for the opportunity to get an advance copy! You have helped me find so many of my favorite books! Thank you, Becca Hayes, for sharing your lovely stories with us! Hearts on the Mend is one of my favorite reads this year!
October 9, 2026
“Hearts on the Mend” by Becca Hayes
📘 Format: Digital Book
📚 Pub Date: 09.24.26
⭐️ Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars
“Hearts on the Mend” by Becca Hayes is the third book in the Merritt Point Series, and a great story from dual POVs about resilience, personal growth, and finding a HEA where you least expect it.
This novel tells the love story of the oldest Murphy sibling, Nolan. Nolan & Cassie’s love story starts at the end of book 2, “Hearts at Play”. Nolan and Cassie meet at the local bar and have an agreed upon, but highly memorable, one night stand, since both of them are just passing through town.
A year later, Cassie, who is an ER Nurse, has now taken a local job, and she is staying at her Aunt Ruth’s home in Merritt Point with her 6 year old daughter, Ruby, as she awaits her divorce to be finalized. Cassie’s life plan, since she initiated a divorce with her husband, is to find some stability for her and her daughter. Her Aunt has offered Cassie to stay there and fix up her home in order to put it on the market, and then Cassie can take some of the profit from the sale of the home to get herself settled somewhere with her daughter for their future. Cassie is struggling to cope with all of life’s challenges as a single mom.
Nolan is a hotshot firefighter who jumps out of planes to fight fires in Montana. Nolan’s life plan is to fight fires forever, and avoid ever moving back to Merritt Point, where the majority of his family lives. Nolan is back in Merritt Point temporarily, awaiting clearance to be able to go back to firefighting. He has a naturally grumpy disposition, and is struggling with baggage from his life experiences.
Neither Cassie nor Nolan expected to run into each other again, let alone become woven into each other’s lives. Both Nolan and Cassie are so focused on their goals for the future that they haven’t taken the time to examine if their dreams may have changed. Will they be able to realize that they may have accidentally stumbled into what they truly want out of life?
I will admit that at times I was frustrated with both Nolan and Cassie taking so long to realize what they had together, but it was worth the wait for them to get together in the end!
I still have to read the first book in this Merritt Point Series, “Hearts on the Line”, and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series about the youngest sibling, Annie.
Thank you to Becca Hayes, Luna Literary & BookFunnel for the Advance Review Copy. All opinions are my own.
#HeartsOnTheMend
#BeccaHayes
#LunaLiterary
#BookFunnel
📘 Format: Digital Book
📚 Pub Date: 09.24.26
⭐️ Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars
“Hearts on the Mend” by Becca Hayes is the third book in the Merritt Point Series, and a great story from dual POVs about resilience, personal growth, and finding a HEA where you least expect it.
This novel tells the love story of the oldest Murphy sibling, Nolan. Nolan & Cassie’s love story starts at the end of book 2, “Hearts at Play”. Nolan and Cassie meet at the local bar and have an agreed upon, but highly memorable, one night stand, since both of them are just passing through town.
A year later, Cassie, who is an ER Nurse, has now taken a local job, and she is staying at her Aunt Ruth’s home in Merritt Point with her 6 year old daughter, Ruby, as she awaits her divorce to be finalized. Cassie’s life plan, since she initiated a divorce with her husband, is to find some stability for her and her daughter. Her Aunt has offered Cassie to stay there and fix up her home in order to put it on the market, and then Cassie can take some of the profit from the sale of the home to get herself settled somewhere with her daughter for their future. Cassie is struggling to cope with all of life’s challenges as a single mom.
Nolan is a hotshot firefighter who jumps out of planes to fight fires in Montana. Nolan’s life plan is to fight fires forever, and avoid ever moving back to Merritt Point, where the majority of his family lives. Nolan is back in Merritt Point temporarily, awaiting clearance to be able to go back to firefighting. He has a naturally grumpy disposition, and is struggling with baggage from his life experiences.
Neither Cassie nor Nolan expected to run into each other again, let alone become woven into each other’s lives. Both Nolan and Cassie are so focused on their goals for the future that they haven’t taken the time to examine if their dreams may have changed. Will they be able to realize that they may have accidentally stumbled into what they truly want out of life?
I will admit that at times I was frustrated with both Nolan and Cassie taking so long to realize what they had together, but it was worth the wait for them to get together in the end!
I still have to read the first book in this Merritt Point Series, “Hearts on the Line”, and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series about the youngest sibling, Annie.
Thank you to Becca Hayes, Luna Literary & BookFunnel for the Advance Review Copy. All opinions are my own.
#HeartsOnTheMend
#BeccaHayes
#LunaLiterary
#BookFunnel
September 24, 2026
First of all I want to thank Luna Literary and Becca Hayes for the ARC of Hearts on the Mend :)
Full Disclosure... I hadn't read the first two books in this series so I went into this book blind but I am now in the near future going to go back and read Books 1 and 2 of the Merritt Point Series because I really enjoyed Book 3
I am a sucker for a small-town romance and that's exactly what Hearts on the Mend is. A single mom and a firefighter... sign me up! Nolan and Cassie's story was emotional and sweet at the same time. The constant push and pull between these two and their hearts will have you rooting for them from the get go
Cassie is a single mom who is focused on finding herself and healing while rebuilding trust with people while the hope of happiness/love strikes twice
Nolan is a firefighter (Smokejumper) who is grumpy but that's because he's got a broken heart as well. Once he meets Cassie and Ruby who has Nolan wrapped around her finger in the cutest way possible his softer and romantic side comes to light. The acts of service man that Nolan is even when he's trying not to get close to them because he's protecting his heart was so well done, I loved it!
The pebble and otters were so adorable throughout the story and I love that we got a reference to that at the end of the book which brought a smile to my face :)
Found Family is one of my favorite tropes and I got a vibe from just one book that this is going to be a fun series to read from start to finish because of the found family aspect. The Murphy family treating Cassie and Ruby like they were one of their own even when things were a little rocky with her and Nolan. You are going to fall in love with this group if and when you read this book and series the same way I did
The characters were very relatable which is something I appreciated. Also, learning to trust and open your heart again after being hurt is a very real thing that a lot of people can associate with so the real life themes in this book were a breath of fresh air to read
This story is full of heart and romance that will pull you in very early on. If you are a fan of small-town, single mom, and found family romance books/series then Hearts on the Mend and Merritt Point are right up your alley :)
Again, thank you to Luna Literary and Becca Hayes for the ARC of Hearts on the Mend! 4.5 Stars and I'm excited to see what Book 4 has in store as well as go back and read Books 1 and 2 for the full effect of Book 3 :)
Full Disclosure... I hadn't read the first two books in this series so I went into this book blind but I am now in the near future going to go back and read Books 1 and 2 of the Merritt Point Series because I really enjoyed Book 3
I am a sucker for a small-town romance and that's exactly what Hearts on the Mend is. A single mom and a firefighter... sign me up! Nolan and Cassie's story was emotional and sweet at the same time. The constant push and pull between these two and their hearts will have you rooting for them from the get go
Cassie is a single mom who is focused on finding herself and healing while rebuilding trust with people while the hope of happiness/love strikes twice
Nolan is a firefighter (Smokejumper) who is grumpy but that's because he's got a broken heart as well. Once he meets Cassie and Ruby who has Nolan wrapped around her finger in the cutest way possible his softer and romantic side comes to light. The acts of service man that Nolan is even when he's trying not to get close to them because he's protecting his heart was so well done, I loved it!
The pebble and otters were so adorable throughout the story and I love that we got a reference to that at the end of the book which brought a smile to my face :)
Found Family is one of my favorite tropes and I got a vibe from just one book that this is going to be a fun series to read from start to finish because of the found family aspect. The Murphy family treating Cassie and Ruby like they were one of their own even when things were a little rocky with her and Nolan. You are going to fall in love with this group if and when you read this book and series the same way I did
The characters were very relatable which is something I appreciated. Also, learning to trust and open your heart again after being hurt is a very real thing that a lot of people can associate with so the real life themes in this book were a breath of fresh air to read
This story is full of heart and romance that will pull you in very early on. If you are a fan of small-town, single mom, and found family romance books/series then Hearts on the Mend and Merritt Point are right up your alley :)
Again, thank you to Luna Literary and Becca Hayes for the ARC of Hearts on the Mend! 4.5 Stars and I'm excited to see what Book 4 has in store as well as go back and read Books 1 and 2 for the full effect of Book 3 :)
October 7, 2026
I loved being back in Merritt Point for this third book by Becca Hayes. It was sweet and spicy and so much fun.
Cassie is single mom going through a divorce and working as an ER nurse. She had a very steamy one night stand a year ago with an incredibly sexy stranger that she assumed she would never see again. But she has not been able to stop thinking about him since. She and her daughter, Ruby, move to Merritt Point to take over her Aunt's farm house so she can sell it and move on. But having the man she thought was long gone be the one hired to do repairs on the house has her re-thinking her plans.
Nolan is home in Merritt Point recovering from burn injuries sustained during a wildfire and decides to listen to his Dad and help the new woman in town with some repairs on her house. He is biding his time until he can return to his job is hoping the physical activity will help with make the time go faster. Little did he know that the new woman in town is the exact woman he has not stopped thinking about over the past year. And the bonus is her little girl. The two manage to draw him out of his shell and his grumpy outlook on life while also carving out a space in his heart.
Ruby is an utter delight. She is a precocious year old little girl that has an obsession with otters. Putting pebbles in people's shoes is her love language. She is adorable and so funny and she easily wins over Nolan with his very own nickname...Nollie.
Nolan is grouchy and closed off at the start but the two girls crack him wide open revealing a very tender and loving man beneath that hard exterior. He shows up for Cassie and Ruby over and over and i loved watching him fall for them. Cassie is afraid to trust after being burned during her marriage. Slowly she gives in to the inevitable and lets Nolan in. The transition both Cassie and Nolan go through is beautiful and heart warming because you know they belong together.
The Murphy family, especially Nolan's parents accept Cassie and Ruby as one of their own right from day one. They are so warm and loving and it was just what the girls needed to feel like they finally belong and have a place to call home.
The characters are memorable and authentic and I loved them all. It will make you want to move there yourself. There really is nothing i did not like about this book, except that it ended. Get the bonus epilogue...it was perfect. Highly recommend.
Thank you to Becca Hayes and Luna Literary for the advanced copy to read and review.
Cassie is single mom going through a divorce and working as an ER nurse. She had a very steamy one night stand a year ago with an incredibly sexy stranger that she assumed she would never see again. But she has not been able to stop thinking about him since. She and her daughter, Ruby, move to Merritt Point to take over her Aunt's farm house so she can sell it and move on. But having the man she thought was long gone be the one hired to do repairs on the house has her re-thinking her plans.
Nolan is home in Merritt Point recovering from burn injuries sustained during a wildfire and decides to listen to his Dad and help the new woman in town with some repairs on her house. He is biding his time until he can return to his job is hoping the physical activity will help with make the time go faster. Little did he know that the new woman in town is the exact woman he has not stopped thinking about over the past year. And the bonus is her little girl. The two manage to draw him out of his shell and his grumpy outlook on life while also carving out a space in his heart.
Ruby is an utter delight. She is a precocious year old little girl that has an obsession with otters. Putting pebbles in people's shoes is her love language. She is adorable and so funny and she easily wins over Nolan with his very own nickname...Nollie.
Nolan is grouchy and closed off at the start but the two girls crack him wide open revealing a very tender and loving man beneath that hard exterior. He shows up for Cassie and Ruby over and over and i loved watching him fall for them. Cassie is afraid to trust after being burned during her marriage. Slowly she gives in to the inevitable and lets Nolan in. The transition both Cassie and Nolan go through is beautiful and heart warming because you know they belong together.
The Murphy family, especially Nolan's parents accept Cassie and Ruby as one of their own right from day one. They are so warm and loving and it was just what the girls needed to feel like they finally belong and have a place to call home.
The characters are memorable and authentic and I loved them all. It will make you want to move there yourself. There really is nothing i did not like about this book, except that it ended. Get the bonus epilogue...it was perfect. Highly recommend.
Thank you to Becca Hayes and Luna Literary for the advanced copy to read and review.
October 12, 2026
♡♡♡
We're back in Merrit Point and this time we get eldest son/smoke jumper, Nolan and newcomer/single mom, Cassie's story. I knew I would like this story from the sneak peek we got in the last book but I wasn't expecting charming little Ruby or the angst, heat and all around feel good moments this story gave me.
I loved the second chance trope where fate literally brings to people back into each other orbits so that they can finally finish what they started. Nolan and Cassie both had a single stolen moment for themselves, no strings, no expectations. Then almost a year later, they find themselves back in Merrit Point. Still on opposite life paths but somehow it doesn't matter because the chemistry and the pull is still very much alive between them.
Their story was heartfelt and genuine. It wasn't without it's bumps and a few bruised feelings. Their HEA was a journey with a few detours but the end result was worth it. This can be enjoyed as a standalone but is part of an interconnected series that focuses on a new sibling/couple. I've enjoyed each one and highly recommend if you love small town, every day MCs that find love when/where they least expect it.
I'm super excited for Anne's story next! I have a feelings I'm going to laugh and cry a whole lot!
Favorite Bits:
🖤 Loved Ruby, she was such a cute, light hearted addition to the story.
🖤 Nolan's whole family
SAFETY INFO:
We can pretend all we want, but some fires smolder for months. That's Cassie and me.♡♡♡
We're back in Merrit Point and this time we get eldest son/smoke jumper, Nolan and newcomer/single mom, Cassie's story. I knew I would like this story from the sneak peek we got in the last book but I wasn't expecting charming little Ruby or the angst, heat and all around feel good moments this story gave me.
I loved the second chance trope where fate literally brings to people back into each other orbits so that they can finally finish what they started. Nolan and Cassie both had a single stolen moment for themselves, no strings, no expectations. Then almost a year later, they find themselves back in Merrit Point. Still on opposite life paths but somehow it doesn't matter because the chemistry and the pull is still very much alive between them.
Their story was heartfelt and genuine. It wasn't without it's bumps and a few bruised feelings. Their HEA was a journey with a few detours but the end result was worth it. This can be enjoyed as a standalone but is part of an interconnected series that focuses on a new sibling/couple. I've enjoyed each one and highly recommend if you love small town, every day MCs that find love when/where they least expect it.
I'm super excited for Anne's story next! I have a feelings I'm going to laugh and cry a whole lot!
Favorite Bits:
🖤 Loved Ruby, she was such a cute, light hearted addition to the story.
🖤 Nolan's whole family
SAFETY INFO:
October 10, 2026
“Hearts on the Mend” by Becca Hayes is the third book in the Merritt Point series. Told through dual POVs, it is a heartwarming story about healing, resilience, and personal growth in the face of unexpected challenges. The story follows Nolan, the oldest of the Murphy siblings, a smokejumper from Montana who returns home after being injured and losing a friend in a fire. It also follows Cassie, a single mother and ER nurse who moves east so her daughter can spend time with her father after his relocation. The two share an unforgettable one-night stand, never exchanging names because they each believe they are only passing through town.
A year later, Cassie moves into her Aunt Ruth's house with plans to renovate and sell it as part of her fresh start after her divorce. Her six-year-old daughter, Ruby, is such a delightful character, and her love of otters is absolutely adorable. Meanwhile, Nolan is back home awaiting medical clearance to return to firefighting. He is definitely the grump of the story and is struggling not only with his physical recovery but also with the emotional weight of losing his friend in the fire.
While I understood why it took Cassie and Nolan so long to recognize what they could have together, that understanding did not make it any less frustrating at times. Thankfully, the found-family dynamic more than made up for it. Watching them create a home together while restoring the house was incredibly sweet and heartwarming. Although much of the book is fun and lighthearted, it also explores themes of grief in a thoughtful and authentic way. Those deeper moments are woven seamlessly into the story and make the characters feel even more real.
I also loved the Murphy family and the small-town atmosphere. They are the kind of people who come together whenever something needs to be done, always supporting one another and looking out for their community. Their relationships added so much warmth and charm to the story and made Merritt Point feel like a place I would love to visit.
A year later, Cassie moves into her Aunt Ruth's house with plans to renovate and sell it as part of her fresh start after her divorce. Her six-year-old daughter, Ruby, is such a delightful character, and her love of otters is absolutely adorable. Meanwhile, Nolan is back home awaiting medical clearance to return to firefighting. He is definitely the grump of the story and is struggling not only with his physical recovery but also with the emotional weight of losing his friend in the fire.
While I understood why it took Cassie and Nolan so long to recognize what they could have together, that understanding did not make it any less frustrating at times. Thankfully, the found-family dynamic more than made up for it. Watching them create a home together while restoring the house was incredibly sweet and heartwarming. Although much of the book is fun and lighthearted, it also explores themes of grief in a thoughtful and authentic way. Those deeper moments are woven seamlessly into the story and make the characters feel even more real.
I also loved the Murphy family and the small-town atmosphere. They are the kind of people who come together whenever something needs to be done, always supporting one another and looking out for their community. Their relationships added so much warmth and charm to the story and made Merritt Point feel like a place I would love to visit.
September 26, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Merritt Point is a place I will visit over and over again as long as Becca Hayes keeps writing amazing stories taking place here. Hearts on the Mend is book 3 in the series and once again Becca has split my heart wide opened. She writes with so much heart and passion that her books are impossible to put down when you start reading them. Then she adds an adorable six year old, who reminds me of my own daughter in some ways, and her story becomes that much more sweet.
Everything between Cassie and Nolan works so well. From beginning to end the chemistry between these two never ends. The tension builds to the perfect temperature and then Becca lets it spill over in the way her readers have been wanting since their first hookup. That’s right, these two had a one night stand, thinking they would never meet again. A year later they are back together, unplanned, but the attraction is still there.
Cassie hasn’t had an easy life, but she will do everything she can for her daughter Ruby. Nolan shows up for her and Ruby in ways no one ever has before. A person stepping up to be a steady presence in a child’s life, when they don’t have to, will always cause me to swoon. There are some amazing interactions between Nolan and Ruby that were so sweet and truly showed Ruby how much she is worth.
I have always loved Becca’s writing and the flow of her stories. I love losing myself in her worlds and just letting her characters take over my mind for a few hours. There is so much more in this story than romance between a man and a woman. A different kind of love takes place within the pages as well, the love of a father/daughter relationship forming between a little girl and someone who wanted to give her everything.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
💙Single Parent Romance
🏠ONS to More
💙Roommates to More
🏠Grumpy x Sunshine
💙Smokejumper MMC
🏠ER Nurse FMC
💙Mental Health Rep
🏠Found Family
Merritt Point is a place I will visit over and over again as long as Becca Hayes keeps writing amazing stories taking place here. Hearts on the Mend is book 3 in the series and once again Becca has split my heart wide opened. She writes with so much heart and passion that her books are impossible to put down when you start reading them. Then she adds an adorable six year old, who reminds me of my own daughter in some ways, and her story becomes that much more sweet.
Everything between Cassie and Nolan works so well. From beginning to end the chemistry between these two never ends. The tension builds to the perfect temperature and then Becca lets it spill over in the way her readers have been wanting since their first hookup. That’s right, these two had a one night stand, thinking they would never meet again. A year later they are back together, unplanned, but the attraction is still there.
Cassie hasn’t had an easy life, but she will do everything she can for her daughter Ruby. Nolan shows up for her and Ruby in ways no one ever has before. A person stepping up to be a steady presence in a child’s life, when they don’t have to, will always cause me to swoon. There are some amazing interactions between Nolan and Ruby that were so sweet and truly showed Ruby how much she is worth.
I have always loved Becca’s writing and the flow of her stories. I love losing myself in her worlds and just letting her characters take over my mind for a few hours. There is so much more in this story than romance between a man and a woman. A different kind of love takes place within the pages as well, the love of a father/daughter relationship forming between a little girl and someone who wanted to give her everything.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
💙Single Parent Romance
🏠ONS to More
💙Roommates to More
🏠Grumpy x Sunshine
💙Smokejumper MMC
🏠ER Nurse FMC
💙Mental Health Rep
🏠Found Family
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
Hearts on the Mend by Becca Hayes
4.25⭐️
Becca has once again made my heart physically ache throughout this entire book and I absolutely love that! Although Nolan and Cassie are so stubborn that I want to just shake them senseless, they’re just two people who are slowly trying to heal their broken hearts. It was a constant push and pull of walls to protect their hearts even though they both want the other.
Ruby is a true star and I love that she has Nolan wrapped around her little finger. You can see how much Cassie and Ruby mean to him through his small acts of love, even when he’s trying not to get close to them. The pebble and otters were such a cute little thing to add to the story and I love that we get a reference to them again in the end.
I loved the whole found family trope as well. It was beautiful to see the Murphy family being Cassie and Ruby in as if they were one of their own. They’re such a loving group that you can’t help but to adore.
Thank you Becca Hayes and Luna Literacy for this ARC for an honest review!
Tropes:
🔥 Firefighter (Smokejumper)
🦦 Single Mom
🔥 One Night Stand
🦦 Mental Health Rep
🔥 Forced Proximity
🦦 Renovation Romance
🔥 Dual POV
🌶️ Knight in shining armor
🌶️ Mustache ride
🌶️ “Sit on my face, Hellcat.”
🌶️ He pushes it back in
🌶️ They watch each other go solo
🌶️ Shower fun
🌶️ He rips her panties
🌶️ Squ!rting
Hearts on the Mend by Becca Hayes
4.25⭐️
Becca has once again made my heart physically ache throughout this entire book and I absolutely love that! Although Nolan and Cassie are so stubborn that I want to just shake them senseless, they’re just two people who are slowly trying to heal their broken hearts. It was a constant push and pull of walls to protect their hearts even though they both want the other.
Ruby is a true star and I love that she has Nolan wrapped around her little finger. You can see how much Cassie and Ruby mean to him through his small acts of love, even when he’s trying not to get close to them. The pebble and otters were such a cute little thing to add to the story and I love that we get a reference to them again in the end.
I loved the whole found family trope as well. It was beautiful to see the Murphy family being Cassie and Ruby in as if they were one of their own. They’re such a loving group that you can’t help but to adore.
Thank you Becca Hayes and Luna Literacy for this ARC for an honest review!
Tropes:
🔥 Firefighter (Smokejumper)
🦦 Single Mom
🔥 One Night Stand
🦦 Mental Health Rep
🔥 Forced Proximity
🦦 Renovation Romance
🔥 Dual POV
🌶️ Knight in shining armor
🌶️ Mustache ride
🌶️ “Sit on my face, Hellcat.”
🌶️ He pushes it back in
🌶️ They watch each other go solo
🌶️ Shower fun
🌶️ He rips her panties
🌶️ Squ!rting
September 24, 2026
Thank you to Luna Literary Management and to the lovely author for providing this e-arc!
After reading about Nolan meeting Cassie on the last chapter of Hearts at Play, I was so excited to finally read their story and it didn’t let me down. Cassie is a brilliant FMC, strong, kind and determined to build her life brick by brick and give her daughter the best life possible after getting divorced, I adored her. Nolan is a grumpy MMC who’s actually a softie for Cassie, Ruby and his family. His persistence to get better, to heal and to prove to himself that he was okay was such an emotional journey, as it was his happy ending. A detail that I absolutely loved was how both Cassie and Nolan were searching for a home or a feeling of home and they could only find it in each other as they were fixing a house. The symbolism of them working and putting effort into the house just like they will have to do for their happy ending made the book even better.
I also loved how the healing journey was written for both main characters and how mature and honest their conversations were. Besides that, the deep sense of found family this book gave me was the coziest and sweetest. In Hearts at Play it was hinted at, but in this book, the love between the Murphy family felt like a hug to the soul.
Can’t wait for Annie’s book!
After reading about Nolan meeting Cassie on the last chapter of Hearts at Play, I was so excited to finally read their story and it didn’t let me down. Cassie is a brilliant FMC, strong, kind and determined to build her life brick by brick and give her daughter the best life possible after getting divorced, I adored her. Nolan is a grumpy MMC who’s actually a softie for Cassie, Ruby and his family. His persistence to get better, to heal and to prove to himself that he was okay was such an emotional journey, as it was his happy ending. A detail that I absolutely loved was how both Cassie and Nolan were searching for a home or a feeling of home and they could only find it in each other as they were fixing a house. The symbolism of them working and putting effort into the house just like they will have to do for their happy ending made the book even better.
I also loved how the healing journey was written for both main characters and how mature and honest their conversations were. Besides that, the deep sense of found family this book gave me was the coziest and sweetest. In Hearts at Play it was hinted at, but in this book, the love between the Murphy family felt like a hug to the soul.
Can’t wait for Annie’s book!
September 25, 2026
Firefighter MMC (smokejumper)
Single Mom
One Night Stand
Forced Proximity
Mental Health Rep
Renovation Romance
Dual POV
My heart is no longer on the mend!!!
The one-night stand-to-forced-proximity-to-falling-in-love progression had me hooked from the beginning. A A reader who is a sucker for a single mom romance, and watching Nolan slowly become part of her and her daughter’s lives completely melted me.
MMC (Nolan) was everything and more. Injured smokejumper, big tough guy , mustache and all, but underneath that exterior was such a soft heart. I loved watching him show up for her in all the little ways, especially when she wasn’t expecting it. And the relationship he built with her daughter? 🥹 So freaking sweet.
I also really loved the farmhouse setting, the forced proximity, the emotional healing, and the way their relationship developed from something neither of them expected into something neither wanted to let go of. There was plenty of chemistry, but I especially loved the emotional connection and the feeling of them slowly becoming a family.
This was such a warm, emotional, swoony read with characters I genuinely cared about. Nolan definitely stole my heart, and I was rooting for these two the entire time. ❤️
I received this book as an eARC, although it had no effect on my ability to provide a thoughtful and honest review.
Single Mom
One Night Stand
Forced Proximity
Mental Health Rep
Renovation Romance
Dual POV
My heart is no longer on the mend!!!
The one-night stand-to-forced-proximity-to-falling-in-love progression had me hooked from the beginning. A A reader who is a sucker for a single mom romance, and watching Nolan slowly become part of her and her daughter’s lives completely melted me.
MMC (Nolan) was everything and more. Injured smokejumper, big tough guy , mustache and all, but underneath that exterior was such a soft heart. I loved watching him show up for her in all the little ways, especially when she wasn’t expecting it. And the relationship he built with her daughter? 🥹 So freaking sweet.
I also really loved the farmhouse setting, the forced proximity, the emotional healing, and the way their relationship developed from something neither of them expected into something neither wanted to let go of. There was plenty of chemistry, but I especially loved the emotional connection and the feeling of them slowly becoming a family.
This was such a warm, emotional, swoony read with characters I genuinely cared about. Nolan definitely stole my heart, and I was rooting for these two the entire time. ❤️
I received this book as an eARC, although it had no effect on my ability to provide a thoughtful and honest review.
October 8, 2026
This was my first book by Becca Hayes, but I can guarantee it will NOT be my last! This book has so much depth, and the character development throughout was beautifully done.
I absolutely love a small-town, second-chance, one-night-stand romance, and this one did not disappoint. The banter and chemistry between Cassie and Nolan were amazing! Nolan is the perfect grumpy man with a teddy-bear heart, while Cassie is strong, stubborn, and not afraid to stand her ground. The way Nolan shows his love through acts of kindness completely melted my heart, and the tension building between these two was outstanding!
This was such an emotional ride as Cassie and Nolan helped each other mend their broken hearts and slowly realized that they were each other’s **“home.”** ❤️
The story takes you on a beautiful emotional journey, but it also has just the right amount of humor sprinkled throughout to lighten things up when you need it. I laughed, I swooned, I felt all the feels… and yes, I may have shed a few tears.
**I’m not crying… YOU’RE crying!** 😭❤️
Thank you so much to Becca Hayes and Luna Literary for giving me the wonderful opportunity to read and review this book. I absolutely loved this story and can’t wait to see what Becca Hayes has in store next!
I absolutely love a small-town, second-chance, one-night-stand romance, and this one did not disappoint. The banter and chemistry between Cassie and Nolan were amazing! Nolan is the perfect grumpy man with a teddy-bear heart, while Cassie is strong, stubborn, and not afraid to stand her ground. The way Nolan shows his love through acts of kindness completely melted my heart, and the tension building between these two was outstanding!
This was such an emotional ride as Cassie and Nolan helped each other mend their broken hearts and slowly realized that they were each other’s **“home.”** ❤️
The story takes you on a beautiful emotional journey, but it also has just the right amount of humor sprinkled throughout to lighten things up when you need it. I laughed, I swooned, I felt all the feels… and yes, I may have shed a few tears.
**I’m not crying… YOU’RE crying!** 😭❤️
Thank you so much to Becca Hayes and Luna Literary for giving me the wonderful opportunity to read and review this book. I absolutely loved this story and can’t wait to see what Becca Hayes has in store next!
September 25, 2026
I was excited to get a arc from a author I have never read before. I wasn’t sure what to expect. But I feel in love with Cassie and Nolan and Cassie’s daughter Ruby. Cassie moves into her aunts old house to fix it up to sell it. While she needs a contractor, her aunt sends over Mr. Murphy and his son Nolan. Nolan and Cassie met months before and had a one night stand. And when they see each other again for the first time they are both shocked. He’s home from his firefighter job do to injury and he is just filling time while he gets better. While at first he says no, he then takes it on and moves in. Their employee/ employer relationship turns into something more when she starts relying on him when emergencies arise. His family takes her under their wing and invite her to things and help with fixing up her house. Their love starts to grow and then some challenges happen and while they part ways love brings people back together.
I really enjoyed this book and couldn’t put it down. Ruby is the cutest kid and her personality really brings out the best in Nolan and Cassie! I now have to go back and read the 2 other books.
I really enjoyed this book and couldn’t put it down. Ruby is the cutest kid and her personality really brings out the best in Nolan and Cassie! I now have to go back and read the 2 other books.
October 1, 2026
Single mom ✔️
Firefighter ✔️
Forced proximity ✔️
One night stand ✔️
Mental health rep (MMC) ✔️
Small town ✔️
This was my first Becca Hayes book, it won't be my last by a long shot. Thank you to Becca and Luna Literacy for sending me this ARC, all opinions are my own.
I really fell in love with Merritt point, Cassie (FMC) and Nolan (MMC) throughout Hearts on the mend.
What else could you possibly do when moving and bumping into your ex one night stand other than take his help to renovate your aunt's house so its market ready?!
Nolan moving into the house really allowed the whole story to move without feeling like it was moving too fast, forced proximity always leads to the best scenes in my opinion but the tension that builds between cassie and nolan is palpable.
I love the sneaking around and spicy scenes but Nolan really is the best kind of man. He pays attention to the small things, there are so many genuine acts of love from him that he just brushes off as nothing.
The relationship that he develops with Ruby was really special, I actually teared up at points due to how sweet they are as a little duo. The pebble was definitely one of those things, IYKYK.
Experiencing Nolan fall in love with Cassie and Ruby and Cassie fall in love with Merritt point was a wonderful journey.
The found family aspect of this series was so sweet, and I'm sure is only stronger if you have read the first 2 books.
Firefighter ✔️
Forced proximity ✔️
One night stand ✔️
Mental health rep (MMC) ✔️
Small town ✔️
This was my first Becca Hayes book, it won't be my last by a long shot. Thank you to Becca and Luna Literacy for sending me this ARC, all opinions are my own.
I really fell in love with Merritt point, Cassie (FMC) and Nolan (MMC) throughout Hearts on the mend.
What else could you possibly do when moving and bumping into your ex one night stand other than take his help to renovate your aunt's house so its market ready?!
Nolan moving into the house really allowed the whole story to move without feeling like it was moving too fast, forced proximity always leads to the best scenes in my opinion but the tension that builds between cassie and nolan is palpable.
I love the sneaking around and spicy scenes but Nolan really is the best kind of man. He pays attention to the small things, there are so many genuine acts of love from him that he just brushes off as nothing.
The relationship that he develops with Ruby was really special, I actually teared up at points due to how sweet they are as a little duo. The pebble was definitely one of those things, IYKYK.
Experiencing Nolan fall in love with Cassie and Ruby and Cassie fall in love with Merritt point was a wonderful journey.
The found family aspect of this series was so sweet, and I'm sure is only stronger if you have read the first 2 books.
Review of advance copy received from Author
It’s no secret that I love a cute little romance. It’s no secret that I thoroughly enjoy spicy romances. It’s also no secret that I live for books that make me cry.
Knowing all of that, you should also know that I ate up every second of this book.
Cassie and Nolan are fantastic. The banter, the steam, the will-they-won’t-they, the family — the history. Did I mention the steam? WHOO!
I’d be lying if I said Ruby didn’t steal the show. She’s six. She’s smart. She’s fun. And, boy, does she know how to make friends. I adored her.
Yes, of course, I cried at the end. My heart squeezed so tightly at all of the emotions happening at once.
Becca Hayes is an incredible storyteller. She has this gift of writing complicated love that doesn’t feel complicated to keep up with — but she also writes about big feelings and details how our characters go about feeling and accepting (or changing) them.
Thank you for the opportunity to read and review another of your fabulous books. I’m sat for life. 🖤
Knowing all of that, you should also know that I ate up every second of this book.
Cassie and Nolan are fantastic. The banter, the steam, the will-they-won’t-they, the family — the history. Did I mention the steam? WHOO!
I’d be lying if I said Ruby didn’t steal the show. She’s six. She’s smart. She’s fun. And, boy, does she know how to make friends. I adored her.
Yes, of course, I cried at the end. My heart squeezed so tightly at all of the emotions happening at once.
Becca Hayes is an incredible storyteller. She has this gift of writing complicated love that doesn’t feel complicated to keep up with — but she also writes about big feelings and details how our characters go about feeling and accepting (or changing) them.
Thank you for the opportunity to read and review another of your fabulous books. I’m sat for life. 🖤
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Hearts on the Mend by Becca Hayes is a sweet and emotional small-town romance that pulled me in from the beginning. I really enjoyed the single-mom heroine and the way her story focused not only on finding love, but also on healing, rebuilding trust, and finding happiness again. The romance had plenty of chemistry and tenderness, while the Merritt Point setting added that cozy small-town feeling I love in romance books. The characters felt relatable, and I especially appreciated the themes of second chances and learning to open your heart after being hurt. As the third book in the Merritt Point series, it was wonderful getting to spend more time in this charming community. The story was heartfelt, romantic, and easy to get lost in. Overall, Hearts on the Mend was an enjoyable read for anyone who loves small-town romance, single moms, emotional healing, and happily-ever-afters.
I received an ARC copy from Lunar Literacy. Thank you for giving me the chance to read this novel and share my honest review of the novel
I received an ARC copy from Lunar Literacy. Thank you for giving me the chance to read this novel and share my honest review of the novel
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is such a cute romance, I enjoyed this book from start to finish. It is so easy to fall in love with the setting of Merritt Point as well as the characters. Ruby is a hoot and I love how everyone who met her instantly fell for her cute personality and became her friends.
The writing is clear and easy to follow with a smooth flow. The s*xual chemistry between Nolan and Cassie is strong! The tension in scenes with them seep off the pages and I was here for it!
My only gripe is I wish we got a more depth to their story. It felt a little rushed and I wanted to witness the development of their connection. It isn’t spicy heavy but I wanted to see more tender moment between them so I can really be convinced of their love outside of intimacy. They mention things they admire about each other but I want to see the moments they fall for each other. I want to believe they are soulmates and have a deep connection.
The writing is clear and easy to follow with a smooth flow. The s*xual chemistry between Nolan and Cassie is strong! The tension in scenes with them seep off the pages and I was here for it!
My only gripe is I wish we got a more depth to their story. It felt a little rushed and I wanted to witness the development of their connection. It isn’t spicy heavy but I wanted to see more tender moment between them so I can really be convinced of their love outside of intimacy. They mention things they admire about each other but I want to see the moments they fall for each other. I want to believe they are soulmates and have a deep connection.
September 22, 2026
ARC Review:
5/5⭐️, 3/5🌶️
-Forced Proximity
-One Night Stand
-Single Mom
-Firefighter
-First Person POV: Dual
I have loved this series so much. All of the Murphy boys just have a way with making you fall in love with them and Nolan was no different. He’s definitely a grumpy bear. He’s got eyes for no one but Cassie. And it’s such a beautiful thing to see. He’s got his own flaws and things that he’s dealing with but everything he did to help Cassie makes me tear up.
Cassie is a sweetie. She deserves nothing but the best. It’s not hard to tell that she hasn’t had it the easiest but her and Nolan just make sense together. I found they balanced each other out perfectly and make for such a fantastic pair. There was quite a few points where I did cry, they just pulled on my heart strings.
Becca is such a fantastic author and I will continue to read anything she writes!
I highly recommend!
5/5⭐️, 3/5🌶️
-Forced Proximity
-One Night Stand
-Single Mom
-Firefighter
-First Person POV: Dual
I have loved this series so much. All of the Murphy boys just have a way with making you fall in love with them and Nolan was no different. He’s definitely a grumpy bear. He’s got eyes for no one but Cassie. And it’s such a beautiful thing to see. He’s got his own flaws and things that he’s dealing with but everything he did to help Cassie makes me tear up.
Cassie is a sweetie. She deserves nothing but the best. It’s not hard to tell that she hasn’t had it the easiest but her and Nolan just make sense together. I found they balanced each other out perfectly and make for such a fantastic pair. There was quite a few points where I did cry, they just pulled on my heart strings.
Becca is such a fantastic author and I will continue to read anything she writes!
I highly recommend!
September 24, 2026
I absolutely loved this book, just as I did the first two. It's like returning home to old friends and catching up.
I absolutely loved both Nolan and Cassie and just couldn't put this down! The emotional journey that this book takes you on is so heart wrenching at times that you can't help but shed tears for both. Her for going through a messy divorce and him trying to find himself again after a life threatening work accident. They both have to put themselves together again and try to find a way to make it work.
His family was absolutely great and the best found family dynamic! The way he quickly warmed up to her daughter was so endearing and would make anyone's heart melt!
This was a lovely romance about finding purpose and direction in your life again and choosing what's right for you and not necessary for someone else. It's good to put yourself first.
Thank you Becca Hayes for this ARC
I absolutely loved both Nolan and Cassie and just couldn't put this down! The emotional journey that this book takes you on is so heart wrenching at times that you can't help but shed tears for both. Her for going through a messy divorce and him trying to find himself again after a life threatening work accident. They both have to put themselves together again and try to find a way to make it work.
His family was absolutely great and the best found family dynamic! The way he quickly warmed up to her daughter was so endearing and would make anyone's heart melt!
This was a lovely romance about finding purpose and direction in your life again and choosing what's right for you and not necessary for someone else. It's good to put yourself first.
Thank you Becca Hayes for this ARC
September 25, 2026
Cassie & Nolan
Hearts on the Mend is a feel good small town romance. Cassie and Nolan have one night of passion and neither one of them believes they'll see each other again. Well, they're wrong. They end up sharing not only space under Cassie's roof but stolen kisses and heated moments as these two figure out what to do with the little time they do have. I really enjoyed their character arcs individually. Nolan worked on himself and was set on going back to smoke jumping. & Cassie was muddling through helping fix up a house, manage a six year old, and finalize a divorce her soon to be ex husband was dragging out like the plague.
The supporting characters are such a good added element to the story. It added not only depth but rounded out the story. Cassie had support and help. She just needed to lean into it. & Nolan had family just waiting for him to realize it was time to come home and stay.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing.
Hearts on the Mend is a feel good small town romance. Cassie and Nolan have one night of passion and neither one of them believes they'll see each other again. Well, they're wrong. They end up sharing not only space under Cassie's roof but stolen kisses and heated moments as these two figure out what to do with the little time they do have. I really enjoyed their character arcs individually. Nolan worked on himself and was set on going back to smoke jumping. & Cassie was muddling through helping fix up a house, manage a six year old, and finalize a divorce her soon to be ex husband was dragging out like the plague.
The supporting characters are such a good added element to the story. It added not only depth but rounded out the story. Cassie had support and help. She just needed to lean into it. & Nolan had family just waiting for him to realize it was time to come home and stay.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing.
October 7, 2026
I swear Becca Hayes is becoming one of those authors where I already know I’m going to read whatever she puts out! 😂 I’ve read Hearts on the Line, Hearts at Play, and now Hearts on the Mend, and I’ve enjoyed every single one.
Cassie and Nolan were SO good together. I loved the whole one-night stand to forced proximity situation, especially with him ending up living with her and becoming part of her and Ruby’s little world. Nolan looked like this big tough smokejumper, but he was such a softie underneath it all, and watching him show up for Cassie and her daughter had me swooning. 🥹
The farmhouse, the small-town feel, the healing, the found family, and all the little moments between them just worked for me. And yes, there was definitely some heat too! 🔥 I really loved this one and I’m officially at the point where Becca Hayes is an automatic read for me. ❤️
Thank you so much to Becca Hayes and Luna Literary for the ARC opportunity and the chance to share my honest thoughts!
Cassie and Nolan were SO good together. I loved the whole one-night stand to forced proximity situation, especially with him ending up living with her and becoming part of her and Ruby’s little world. Nolan looked like this big tough smokejumper, but he was such a softie underneath it all, and watching him show up for Cassie and her daughter had me swooning. 🥹
The farmhouse, the small-town feel, the healing, the found family, and all the little moments between them just worked for me. And yes, there was definitely some heat too! 🔥 I really loved this one and I’m officially at the point where Becca Hayes is an automatic read for me. ❤️
Thank you so much to Becca Hayes and Luna Literary for the ARC opportunity and the chance to share my honest thoughts!
October 8, 2026
ARC REVIEW
Hearts on the Mend
Becca Hayes
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
When Cassie met Nolan the first time in the local bar after punching a guy and getting walked out, she surely didn’t expect to hook up with him… or run into him years later back in the same small town! Cassie went back to the small town or Merritt Point after her life fell apart and who knew that Nolan would be exactly what she needed to help get back on her feet and help her with her daughter Ruby.
The way Nolan helped Cassie with Ruby and was always there when they needed something was perfect! He was what Cassie didn’t know she needed to help her find her feet again and get situated in a small town that she didn’t think she wanted to stay in. Even with knowing that Nolan was going back to work to keep jumping into wild fires but soon enough he would be running back home to her and Ruby!
Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this amazing book! I can’t wait for more in the series!
Hearts on the Mend
Becca Hayes
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
When Cassie met Nolan the first time in the local bar after punching a guy and getting walked out, she surely didn’t expect to hook up with him… or run into him years later back in the same small town! Cassie went back to the small town or Merritt Point after her life fell apart and who knew that Nolan would be exactly what she needed to help get back on her feet and help her with her daughter Ruby.
The way Nolan helped Cassie with Ruby and was always there when they needed something was perfect! He was what Cassie didn’t know she needed to help her find her feet again and get situated in a small town that she didn’t think she wanted to stay in. Even with knowing that Nolan was going back to work to keep jumping into wild fires but soon enough he would be running back home to her and Ruby!
Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this amazing book! I can’t wait for more in the series!
Read
September 12, 2026Cassie Whitman está atravesando un divorcio muy difícil. Su ex no está dispuesto a darle el divorcio y siempre encuentra una manera de ponerle trabas cada vez que intenta avanzar con su vida. Con una hija pequeña que cuidar y una casa que renovar, tiene suficiente de lo que preocuparse.
Lo último que esperaba era volver a encontrarse con Nolan Murphy, el hombre con quien tuvo una noche que debía quedar en el pasado. Ahora Nolan está de regreso en Merritt Point, recuperándose de las heridas que sufrió trabajando como bombero paracaidista y está buscando algo que lo mantenga ocupado mientras espera el alta.
Cuando las circunstancias hacen que Nolan termine viviendo en la casa de Cassie y ayudándola a repararla, mantener las distancias comienza a ser mucho más complicado.
Gracias Luna Literary por el ARC.
Lo último que esperaba era volver a encontrarse con Nolan Murphy, el hombre con quien tuvo una noche que debía quedar en el pasado. Ahora Nolan está de regreso en Merritt Point, recuperándose de las heridas que sufrió trabajando como bombero paracaidista y está buscando algo que lo mantenga ocupado mientras espera el alta.
Cuando las circunstancias hacen que Nolan termine viviendo en la casa de Cassie y ayudándola a repararla, mantener las distancias comienza a ser mucho más complicado.
Gracias Luna Literary por el ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
5⭐ 3 🌶️
Wow! These books in the Merritt Point series just keeps getting better and better! Becca wrote another beautiful story!
Hearts on the Mend is a captivating, emotional single mom, firefighter, one night stand to lovers romance. I love Nolan and Cassie's story so much! It's beautifully written with lots of tension, amazing banter, and spicy chemistry!
I love all the Murphy brothers, but I think Nolan is definitely my favorite! He's broody, grumpy but loves hard and cares deeply! I especially love his relationship with Ruby, Cassie's daughter.
I love everything about this story! I love this series, and can't wait to read more!
Thank you Becca and Luna Literary for including me as an ARC reader!!
Wow! These books in the Merritt Point series just keeps getting better and better! Becca wrote another beautiful story!
Hearts on the Mend is a captivating, emotional single mom, firefighter, one night stand to lovers romance. I love Nolan and Cassie's story so much! It's beautifully written with lots of tension, amazing banter, and spicy chemistry!
I love all the Murphy brothers, but I think Nolan is definitely my favorite! He's broody, grumpy but loves hard and cares deeply! I especially love his relationship with Ruby, Cassie's daughter.
I love everything about this story! I love this series, and can't wait to read more!
Thank you Becca and Luna Literary for including me as an ARC reader!!
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