Backup Plan

Silver Ridge #1

by Emily Goodwin

When we were only kids, Sam Harris and I made a promise we’d marry each other if we were still single when we turned thirty. Well, my thirtieth birthday has come and gone and I’m still as single as ever.

And as far as I know, so is Sam.

But it’s been ages since we’ve seen each other, and after what he did to me our senior year of college, I wouldn’t put his ring on my finger even if he begged me to marry him. Never mind his devilish good looks. Or the fact that the playboy partier is a doctor now.

Nope, I’m sticking to my guns with this, and when I go back to my hometown of Silver Ridge for the first time in years, I won’t pay him the slightest bit of attention. Well…until he convinces me to go out for drinks to catch up. I knew it was a bad idea the moment I agreed to it.

And then he brings up our childhood promise.

It might be fun and games to him, but it’s not to me. Because as much as I don’t want to admit it, Sam has always been my first choice. And I don’t want to be nothing more than his backup plan.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Second Chance, Friends To Lovers, Second Chance Romance, Marriage

243 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 24, 2020

About the author

Emily Goodwin is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of over a dozen of romantic titles. Emily writes the kind of books she likes to read, and is a sucker for a swoon-worthy bad boy and happily ever afters.

She lives in the midwest with her husband and two daughters. When she's not writing, you can find her riding her horses, hiking, reading, or drinking wine with friends.

Emily is represented by Julie Gwinn of the Seymour Agency.


www.emilygoodwinbooks.com
facebook.com/emilygoodwinbooks
emily@emilygoodwinbooks.com

Reviews

[Paula (on hiatus) · Rating 1 out of 5]

First of, this is a series and it would have been nice if author stated so because it leaves in a cliffhanger which makes this reader not wanting at all to read the next one at all!

Why? I confess that I skim read this to see what the "breakup" was, so here it is:
H & h were HS platonic besties. Hero was a Manwhore and heroine a nerdy bookworm who was in love with Hero but he was too busy shagging others to notice her - though in the "present", he states that he was always attracted to her and that she was "the one" that got away. I call BS to that BTW...

Anyhoo, while in college, Hero was dating a bitch of GF who hated heroine. The OW tricked her into going to a party in full custom mode as a pirate or something and heroine was humiliated. Hero who was semi drunk (I think) just stood there and allowed his GF to humiliate her and to be laughed at. Heroine was heartbroken and hadn't talked to him for 5 or 10 yrs (don't remember exactly).

In the present, Hero is a doctor & heroine is a famous Hollywood writer who writes vampire books, etc. He had been dating on & off a woman for 3 years that he didn't particularly like because it was "easy" for him. Two months prior to reuniting with heroine, and after he had called it quits with her, he calls her to come to his place after a rough night in the ER and they have sex.

He gets calls from this OW repeatedly through the story to which he doesn't answer. At the end, the cliffhanger is with this OW showing up at his door pregnant and telling him that they have to talk. So yeah, you can guess where author is taking this story in the next book which I have no interest in reading - not that I fully read this crap either ... /spoiler>

[Melanie (mells_view) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Backup Plan by Emily Goodwin is the first book in her Boys of Silver Ridge series. If you’ve read her Dawson series then you’ve met the hero, Sam Harris, already. If not, you get to meet him again in Backup Plan and it’s even better this time.

In this book we dive a little deeper with Sam’s family, the Harris family, and the lake town of Silver Ridge where he is from. We also meet Chloe, a long time friend of the family, and sadly someone he‘a lost touch with over the years. Chloe is relatable in the ways that she’s always just been herself. Even if she’s not traditionally “cool”, Sam sees her that way.

Chloe has crushed on Sam since the moment she met him as a young girl. He’s handsome and kind, and always there for her. When Sam promises her on her less than stellar first day of high school that they will get married to each other if neither one of them is married by thirty, she holds onto that hope that maybe he sees her as more than a friend.

Years pass that we miss as readers, and these two find their way back to Silver Ridge at the same time. Cue up those long time longing feelings, past hurts, some second chance at missed opportunity moments, and Emily Goodwin provides us with another winning romance.

This series definitely has the close knit family in a small town elements that Ms. Goodwin excels at, but it also has its own unique vibe from any of her other work. Yes, they are connected by characters, but this first book in the series definitely feels like it’s own little world. I am so in love with Sam and Chloe. The angst, the tension, the sweetness. I can’t. That’s all I’ll say for now. 😚


AVAILABLE NOW!
*ARC provides by Valentine PR

[Wendy'sThoughts · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Figuring It Out Stars
* * * * Spoiler Free- It's LIVE!!!
Emily Goodwin's Backup Plan took two people who knew each other since school, gave them a sweet friendship, allowed a hiccup during their college days, and then...brought them back together to rediscover how good they were together.

These characters were fully formed, had real-life experiences but bad timing when it came to the love they had for each other. There were additional characters woven throughout to keep us interested for more.

This had all the elements for an enjoyable read...but it is important to share, not everything is set in stone at the end...yes, as I read, a cliffy took me by surprise.

The great news is the next book is coming hopefully sooner rather than later.


~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
Remember When Playing With Boys Was Easy...
We Climbed Jungle Gyms, Played Patty Cake...
And Promised To Marry Each Other If We Got OLD...

Old Like Thirty...
Well, I am Not OLD...
But I Am Turning Thirty...

So When I am Back Home...
I Know My Pact...
With The Boy...
Who Broke My Heart In College...
Is Just As Single As I Am...

And I Don't Care One Bit...
He May Be A Doctor Now...
Just As Hot and Charming As Ever...

That Doesn't Matter One Little Bit...
My Having A Drink With Him...
Means Absolutely Nothing...

And When He Starts To Talk...
With Those Lips and Flashing Eyes...
I Will Not Let My Heart Remember...
How It Had Beat For Him...

Because No Matter...
What He Says or Does...
I Will Never Be His...

Backup Plan-August 24, 2020

Backup Plan
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.

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[Amy Dickinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall Grade: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

If you read Rory and Dean’s story from Emily Goodwin’s Dawson family series, then you have the perfect set-up for her newest book, Backup Plan, book 1 of her new Silver Ridge series.. If you recall from Rory’s story, Rock Bottom, she has three rascally, over-protective brothers. In true Goodwin fashion, she has designed stories for Rory’s brothers. Backup Plan is her oldest brother, Mason’s story.

Mason is an anesthesiologist who lives in Chicago. He also lives with one regret: never telling his high school friend, Chloe, his feelings for her and letting her down by failing to protect her at a party in their college years. Years later, Chloe, a renowned author, is back in Silver Ridge to write the next book in her popular series. Needing the quietude of her former home, she decides to visit for a time to get centered. Unfortunately, she doesn’t realize that Mason, her high school/college crush is in town visiting family. The playboyish boy her broke her heart cannot win it…until he does. However, life steps in to complicate a burgeoning relationship.

What is the first truth you should know about Backup Plan? It ends on a cliffie! I didn’t realize that before entering the book, or I would have mentally and emotionally prepared myself for it. To be honest, I would have liked for Goodwin to complete their story in one book. There is quite a bit of repetition in this story in terms of the merry-go-round of Chloe and Mason’s spurned feelings. There are times when the story seemed to move forward. Then, it would return to a place where Mason and Chloe denied their feelings for each other.

Psychologically, I get it. Mason deeply hurt Chloe in college, and there is a need for restoration and reconciliation. That, to be honest, is the crux of Backup Plan. Goodwin uses this space to create a peace between Mason and Chloe, finally moving them in the direction of their former unrequited feelings. As the book ends, though, Goodwin upends their peace, and we are left to determine if these two can realize their happy ending. I hope they do. And given this is an Emily Goodwin book, I am sure they will. I’m just not sure what that future will look like.

Emily Goodwin’s talent lies in crafting large family dramas. Her newest book, Backup Plan (and its next book) reminds us why we love to enter her books. The familial bond that underscores a steamy romance acts as the true binding between the reader and Goodwin’s characters. While I love Mason and Chloe together, Backup Plan’s cliffhanger nature along with the constant reticence of these two to acknowledge their feelings coupled with Mason’s inconsistency (I don’t love her/I love her) slowed the story down. Will I be reading the next book of this series? Of course. Goodwin’s ability to craft two characters who are so interesting you simply want more of their story will grab and pull me through the drama to come. If you love a contemporary romance grounded in the values of family, then you’ll want Emily Goodwin’s Silver Ridge series.

[Flavs is Mrs David Gandy♥~♥’ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay this was an okay story... I didn't know (or probably read that it would be cliffhanger) as I got to like 75% and thinking when are these two getting together. But when the book ended I was like oh okay.... Now I need Book2😳

Chloe has always had the rep of being a weirdo because she like paranormal things and loved reading Harry Potter. And she didn't care that she people thought she was weird. She was also inlove with Sam Harris. But he never saw her as anything more than a little sister.
Now years later Chloe is a famous paranormal writer who's books has been turned into movies and she's living the high life. But lately she's been struggling so she goes home to Silver Ridge to get her groove back. And guess who's also home... Sam Harris. And also reminding her of the pack they mad when they were younger... 😍

I have to say I enjoyed the story. I like that even though they knew each other Chloe didn't just jump into bed with Sam. I loved the chemistry between them and seeing how uncertain Sam was when he was around Chloe was just too cute. And then they finally got together now they need to sort out their living in different places but also the dreaded ex... And that cliffhanger you know the next book is going to be filled with drama😁 I can't wait....

Read on behalf of
Fay's Corner

[SCBookAddict · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chloe and Sam were unlikely friends growing up. Sam was the popular one that went through girlfriends like they were going out of style. Chloe went to the beat of her own drum and was picked on for it. They made a pact to marry if they were both single when they turned thirty but Sam committed the ultimate betrayal that devastated Chloe and ruined their friendship.

Fast forward to being adults, Chloe's quirks have made her very successful. Now, she's back home for a break and runs into Sam and his family.

This one was just okay for me. While I liked the plot, I felt that when the betrayal was revealed, it fell flat. I needed to feel more emotions from the both of them when they reflected on it. If it caused a rift between them, I just felt like I needed more than he did this, I felt this and now this is where I stand. Let me FEEL the betrayal.

There are also things that I felt should have been addressed between the two of them that weren't.

When they finally get over themselves and take the plunge, it gets much better - and hotter.

What I didn't realize however was this would be a cliffhanger. After they get over themselves, something else is about to get in their way.

[Bookjunkie_Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️

Wow.

I have a couple of things I need to say.

First off, I didn't expect to be left hanging in the end... but I'm also excited to know what happens next. No wonder I had questions in my head that was left un-answered. Just when you think everything going to be alright, fate goes and throws a wrench to destroy what was even barely there yet... *sigh* I hope I don't wait too long. It's really frustrating.

Secondly, I wish there was more backstory between Chloe and Sam. At the beginning there was, but after that there was only a very short glimpse about their fallout but it didn't really lay out the story of them falling for each other during their younger years... like more of that please? Because both of them said they were in love with each other in high school but I would've wanted to read about them containing their feelings more, about them on the verge of losing control... those stuff. I'm a hopeless romantic, I can't help it. I wanted more...

And despite all my "inputs" I still enjoyed reading it. It was swoony and sexy and all kinds of charming. Like I said, I'm looking forward to read more of Sam and Chloe!

[All Booked Out · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

[Book Maniac Forever · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ 4.5 "I'll Always Catch You" Stars ⭐️
I was so excited for the start of the Silver Ridge Series. Backup Plan certainly lived up to my expectations with the slow burn romance between Chloe and Sam that was so beautiful! The sexy doctor I had previously met in the Dawson Family Series is so charismatic and truly a good guy. I was really curious about his love interest and I can affirm that Chloe, with all her quirkyness, fits him so well.

Emily Goodwin did a fantastic job to give them a lovely romance bursting with attraction and love. As it's the norm with her books, the presence of interesting and playful supporting characters made this read even more engaging. Sam's sister Rory (heroine from Rock Bottom), and brothers Mason and Jacob, bring humor with all the sibling teasing. These moments with the Harris family had me so delighted.

A chance meeting back in their home town brings back together Chloe and Sam. They were once best friends, but haven't seen each other in the past ten years. Their long hidden feelings effortlessly resurface, but old doubts come with them. Chloe is now a bestselling author living in LA, but she still feels like the same weirdo she was known to be back in high school. The thing I liked the most about this heroine is the fact that she owns her unusual and geeky preferences. Sam is an anesthesiologist in Chicago, but really down to earth. I enjoyed that they both stayed genuine despite where life took them in their professional lives.

Their romance was captivating and such a slow burn that had me dying for them to finally get together. Their share moments are so romantic and burning with underlying desire. They're so dreamy! The ending was not really a surprise to me, but I'm eager to see where this romance between Chloe and Sam will go with this shocking news. Backup Plan entertained me from start to finish and I can't wait to get my hands on the sequel.

** ARC received in exchange for an honest review **

[Nancy Metsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is exactly what I except from Emily Goodwin!!!
I was all the feels and I really mean it. I really feel Emily hit it out of the ball park. Sam Harris has replaced Dean in my heart

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

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As teens, Chloe and Sam were friends, good friends. She may have had a tiny (huge) crush on him, but she was pretty sure Sam didn't feel the same about her. Then came that night, when he broke her heart and she hasn't seen him since. Now she's back in Silver Ridge, though, and she knows she'll eventually run into him. She'll just have to deal, though, and act as if it's not a big deal that she's face to face with him. With him not remembering he promised to marry her if they were both single when she was 30. Him not knowing she was still in love with him. But what if Sam had always felt the same way about her, and spending time with her now has only made those feelings grow stronger?



I liked everything about this story but the damn cliffhanger. Yep, that dreaded cliffie. And I really hope the next installment is not really going where the cliffhanger implied it is. If it does head in that direction, I'm gonna be pissed because Chloe and Sam deserve much better than that. They are such a great couple, so heartfelt in their emotions, and their chemistry is absolute FIRE! As far as I'm concerned, Desperate Times cannot arrive on my Kindle soon enough!



ARC via Valentine PR for an honest review.

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[Melenareads · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

A cute second chance/friends to more story set in the small town of Silver Ridge.

Sam and Chloe were close friends when they were teenagers. They each had a crush on the other but never acted on their feelings. After an incident that ended their friendship they happen to both be back in their hometown at the same time and that mutual attraction has not faded.

The story moves at a quick pace as Chloe and Sam keep crossing paths. I liked that it was fairly low angst as they reconnected and tried to decide if there was something there to pursue.

This book does end on a cliffhanger and the next book will be released in October.

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

[The Bosnian · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a start to a new series from an old hero, okay he's not OLD OLD but we have met Sam in the Dawson Series. Check out my full review & more on my BLOG -> CLICK HERE

[A.BookNerd.Bookseller&Bibliophile.Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily Goodwin is one of those authors I can always count on to give me a good read. If you read the Dawson series, then you met Sam in their books, and he is worthy of his own story for sure. He’s caring and passionate, and then there’s Chloe, a nerdy loner type (who I relate too so much). After Chloe moves back to town, she tries to stay away from Sam.

There are parts of this story where you melt a little bit and parts where your heart is will break your heart. I’m trying to patiently wait but mostly dying to get my hands on part 2 of this story.

~Lauren💜

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (10/6/2022)! 🎁

[Kelly (AndKellyReads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this is more of a 3.5? Maybe higher? I keep wavering. First things first, y'all, this book has a CLIFFHANGER. I don't know if I misunderstood the blurb, I don't know if it's because I'm new to this author and didn't know what to expect by the title, I'm not sure. What I do know, is that a series of standalones also title their books this way too (book one, book two, etc) so I was completely unprepared for that.

Now that that's out of the way, the book itself.

I liked it. I did. Chloe has taught me about the ease and preference of voice memos (I use them all the time now) and Sam was likeable. What I didn't like is that beginning-of-the-book Chloe was kind of different from the Chloe a few chapters/rest of the book later. She came across more vapid and shallow when she was still in LA/coming home for the first time, and based on everything else about Chloe we've read, it didn't quite fit. I did like her a lot, though, and loved her love of fanfiction and "being weird." She's a great character and definitely stuck to her guns which I appreciated.

Sam was also a strong character, and I think I loved him around his family more than anything else. I enjoyed the time we spent at that family home with his siblings, and it kind of felt like I was being let in to hang out with them. I really liked and appreciated that.

NOW THAT I KNOW THE BOOK IS A CLIFFHANGER, the pacing makes a lot more sense. For a while, the book just felt .. slow? I couldn't figure out why everything was moving at a glacial pace, but now it fits. Regardless, there were a few instances where description just felt wordy and unnecessary and I found myself skimming a bit to get the story to move on. It didn't feel like it added to the story, which was a bit of a hindrance, but it was fine.

The story itself was one I was absolutely interested in, and I like how the author worked it into the story. It was a unique way to bring these two back together, and I'm glad it worked out as it did. I AM interested in seeing what happens in the next book, for sure, and I think I'll like it a lot more, KNOWING that it's the second half of this story (maybe second third? I don't really know.)

Long story short: I liked the story, I liked the characters, I had no idea it was a cliffhanger, I wasn't crazy about the writing style, but I'm interested in seeing where it goes.

[Amy [Book Addict Reviews] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Backup Plan is the first book in a new series, however, if you have read the Dawson Family series you’ll remember Sam Harris (friend of Archer and Dean’s brother in law) and we did get little glimpses of the Harris Family in Rock Bottom, so I am glad to get more of them!

Chloe is a friend of the entire Harris family. She was the odd one out in school, she was bullied for being different. Her and Sam made a promise to each other for the future. They were going to be each other’s backup plans, however, Chloe has always had a crush on Sam and she didn’t think he felt the same about her. Flash forward years later and they see each other again, will the keep their promise to each other?

I loved Chloe. She was herself and she stayed true to herself even with finding success in her life. She felt insecurities that I think we all still do. She was surrounded by people, she had fame, however, she still felt alone and that is something I think everyone feels at some point in time. I loved her quirkiness, her nerdiness, but she was also smart and unafraid to be herself. Sam, I liked him from the moment he was introduced in the Dawson Family series. He was a playboy, however, he was always secretly crushing on Chloe but never did anything about it. He is part of a close family and the family connection shows throughout this story. The chemistry between Chloe and Sam is great, there is loads of tension between them throughout the story, too.

This does end on a cliffhanger and I can’t wait to see where Sam and Chloe’s story will go and for the rest of this series! Backup Plan is a MUST READ!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reminded me a lot of Cheat Codes/End Game, the duet that began the Dawson Family Series. I also didn't know it was a duet when I signed up to review (I'm not a huge fan of duets)--I found the pacing slow, but I think that's my aversion to duets. I would have enjoyed it more if I could have finished the whole duet in one go. I didn't love Cheat Codes/End Game (because it was a duet), but by reading it I was setup to love the Dawson Family and all the books that followed. And LOVE them I did, especially Dean's story, which is where we meet Sam the lead in this book (Dean ends up with Sam's sister Rory). And we get guest appearances from Dean and Rory in Backup Plan!

Chloe was a character I could get behind. She's a nerd, successful, yet utterly human. I enjoyed seeing her struggles and strengths. Sam is sweet, but he can be utterly clueless. I loved the glimpse of them in high school and how kind Sam was. And once they finally saw each other again as adults, I was excited to see how it would go. I did see the cliffhanger coming, but I am here for it. I am really looking forward the the second book in this duet to see what happens! Thank you to Valentine PR and Emily Goodwin for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

[☠︎︎༒︎✞︎ ѕℓιм ☠︎︎༒︎✞︎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

...SPOILERS THROWN HERE AND THERE THROUGH THIS REVIEW...

https://ladiikeiii.wordpress.com/2020...

OMG bruhhhh! I am so disappointed the way this book ended lol ugh; now I can’t wait for book two “Desperate times” to come out in October.

I liked this book. It was interesting. I can say it did take them a minute to understand that they both wanted each other even from when they both were teenagers to both of them being an adult.

But Lord; ish about to hit the fan in book two of its about Sam and Chloe. I know it’s about them by how this book ended. Chloë finna act irrationally. I think that’s the word I’m looking for especially if the girl “Stacey” is pregnant. Poor Sam; he finally got the girl and here come Stacey I knew their relationship wasn’t going to end to good lmao some drama was about to show up.

But I kept thinking that maybe Sam was going to adopt the little five-year-old boy. That was had trauma and was in a coma.

Through all of that, his Sam family knew that Chloe was right for him. Hope he doesn’t mess it up. But in my mind it’s going to be Chloe that’s going to RUN probably. Though she had told Sam to talk to Stacey. So I don’t know what’s going to happen in the end. But cannot wait to find out.

Because I liked this book and wasn’t disappointed at all. I read this like in a day or three.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a teenager Chloe’s interests were unconventional when compared to her peers but she wasn’t about to change for anyone, and she had always had Sam there to support her until she didn’t. As an adult she has managed to turn what made her different into a successful career but needing some creativity she heads back to her hometown never expecting to see the boy who fractured her heart.

As a teenager Sam couldn’t have been more different from Chloe as he was part of the popular crowd but that didn’t mean he didn’t care for her. He is now a successful doctor who finds himself back in their hometown for some rest and relaxation when fate brings him and the girl he promised to marry if they hadn’t married other people before they were 30.

The chemistry and connection between them hadn’t diminished over the years but if they are going to have a future together, they must not only heal from the past but deal with the obstacles in the present as well. Their journey takes us on an emotional ride that leaves us wondering what the future holds for this couple.

[Nikki Cudnik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been so excited for the Harris Brothers since finishing Rock Bottom, Rory and Dean’s story and even more excited that we are starting off with Sam. If you read Cheat Codes and End Game ( if you haven’t you should) you know Sam as Archer’s roommate who likes to walk around in the buff. Now it’s his turn for a story and his own quirky but incredibly awesome girl.

Sam and Chloe were friends as kids but unbeknownst to them they both felt more, just never went after it. Now they have a second chance as they are both back home in Silver Ridge and the attraction is definitely still there burning hot. Just as they finally give into the feelings the real world, and distance is getting in the way of them being together, but they are determined to make it work. This book ends on a cliff hanger with something (or someone) from Sam’s past coming back to threaten everything but we are going to have to wait until October to see how this one ends. It will definitely be worth it though!

**I was generously provided with an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review**

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been excited for this book since I knew it was going to happen and trust me, Emily Goodwin did not disappoint with this one! It was witty, emotional and passionate. It had me on my toes, enjoying every moment that was fully wrapped up in this story. The concept behind this story while on the surface may not seem unique but trust me, every word that was written is pure magic as it all plays out and things are more in depth than just the blurb. I had been intrigued with Sam since we met him in the Dawson family series, and he is everything I imagined. Swoon worthy. Caring. Passionate about what he does. Then you have Chloe who was always the outsider. The one with the crush. The one who has moved away to make something of herself after the torture she received in school. There are a lot of moments where your heart will shatter with everything that happened in the past and what will be playing out while you read in the present. I am dying to know more about these two!

[Rina's Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

NOOOOOOOO!
Argh! Talk about a buzz kill...
I'm soooo furious right now.
What a cliffhanger.
The worst part is, I didn't know it was coming. AAAAAARGH!
(I'm calling you some VERY colourful names right now Mrs. Goodwin).

Sam and Chloe were absolute perfection. I actually wanted to reach into the book and pull him out, to have him for myself:
" "You are everything, Chloe," he breathes and puts his lips to mine." SWOON.

I need book two, like RIGHT NOW 😭
Other than the frustrating fact of having to wait for the next book, I really enjoyed this story. There was drama, longing, awesome secondary characters, and plenty of steam (near the end- it actually takes them some time to pull their heads out).
I'll be counting down the days until I can get my grabby hands on the next part of the story.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily Goodwin is one of those authors I can always count on to give me a good read. If you read the Dawson series, then you met Sam in their books, and he is worthy of his own story for sure. He’s caring and passionate, and then there’s Chloe, a nerdy loner type (who I relate too so much). After Chloe moves back to town, she tries to stay away from Sam. There are parts of this story where you melt a little bit and parts where your heart is will break your heart. I’m trying to patiently wait but mostly dying to get my hands on part 2 of this story.

Reviewed for A Book Nerd, A Book Seller, and A Bibliophile Blog

[Jenny B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the start to this small town childhood friends romance and now I need book two stat. Chloe has been in life with Sam forever and vice versa but neither were willing to come forward with their feelings. After a misstep by Sam along the way they went their separate ways. Once they are thrown back in the same town again the buildup was intense and had me longing and cheering and hoping for them to make it. There were so many emotions being pullled in between the past and hoping for a future and holy hotness in the last part of the book - yum.

Truly a fantastic escape from reality but truly I need book two now!!!!

[Darlene Montalvo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so for the early read this book was amazing. Omg Emily I ❤️ this story Chloe is so like me I was a nerdy loner in high school and still am 😂! I totally relate to her, Rory and Quinn Dawson. I was on the fence to start this series since in so attached to my favorite Dawson’s saga but this family has the same feel so far loving Sam and Chloe. And loving the connect to making Chloe a paranormal romance writer any relation to Thorne hill series just different names? I will definitely be reading more and that cliffhanger wtf omg is Stacy pregnant?

[The BookNerdigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

We finally get Sam Harris’ story and Emily Goodwin does not disappoint! If you’ve read her Dawson Family series then you’ve been introduced to him before, if you haven’t, no worries because this book is such a great read! Second chance romance full of laughs, and a swoon worthy couple. Absolutely loved it!

[Rhonda Ziglar · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 WONDERFUL STARS!! As always, I was unable to put this book down...I loved every word. Chloe and Sam will push all your emotion buttons and keep you flipping pages. Emily Goodwin always creates the best characters that are relatable and have you rooting for them...if you are looking for a great book, here it is.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do not like serials or cliffhanger type books. They make me wait and in meantime I've read 50 other books and I've lost the vibe of first book. One star automatically taken off review.

Otherwise there is very likable characters. I'm from Michigan and it's fun to see familar scenery.

[Reading with 2 book lovers Sarah P - · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fab story. Chloe and Sam stole my heart. I need more from this series