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Timber Falls #3
Right Back Where We Started
Second chance? Fat chance. True love can kiss her high-heeled boots.
Just before college, Martina fled her high school sweetheart’s house like Cinderella a minute before midnight. Lost shoe? Who cares. She’d expected a ring, not the break-up talk. She's spent the last few years pouring herself into her work at the hospital in Timber Falls by day, studying to become a nurse-practitioner by night. She's very good at it, too, but she didn't expect to be asked for by name the moment she joined the home health agency. Especially not by her Prince Not-So-Charming.
Carter has been shouldering his stepmother's medical care alone for months now, and the weight is getting to him. His classy, put-together mom is falling apart, and Martina is the best person to help. He never imagined that she'd say yes to the job, but now that she has, he's wondering if he's not the only one still regretting what happened. She wasn't just the one who got away; she was The One. The shoe fits: now he just needs to give her a reason to try it on again…
Can Carter prove he's worth the drama and ready to give her a happily ever after after all?
Right Back Where We Started is the third book in the Timber Falls sweet romantic comedy series. It does not contain cheating or open-door sex scenes; it does contain secret kisses in dark kitchens, golf-learning coziness, and bonding over brownies. Content warning: this book does center on a parent with early-onset Alzheimer's, but does not depict her death. If you like fashion-savvy heroines who can name the entire Seahawks defensive line, headstrong heroes who are learning to ask for help and an ending that's so sweet it hurts, you need this book now.
Just before college, Martina fled her high school sweetheart’s house like Cinderella a minute before midnight. Lost shoe? Who cares. She’d expected a ring, not the break-up talk. She's spent the last few years pouring herself into her work at the hospital in Timber Falls by day, studying to become a nurse-practitioner by night. She's very good at it, too, but she didn't expect to be asked for by name the moment she joined the home health agency. Especially not by her Prince Not-So-Charming.
Carter has been shouldering his stepmother's medical care alone for months now, and the weight is getting to him. His classy, put-together mom is falling apart, and Martina is the best person to help. He never imagined that she'd say yes to the job, but now that she has, he's wondering if he's not the only one still regretting what happened. She wasn't just the one who got away; she was The One. The shoe fits: now he just needs to give her a reason to try it on again…
Can Carter prove he's worth the drama and ready to give her a happily ever after after all?
Right Back Where We Started is the third book in the Timber Falls sweet romantic comedy series. It does not contain cheating or open-door sex scenes; it does contain secret kisses in dark kitchens, golf-learning coziness, and bonding over brownies. Content warning: this book does center on a parent with early-onset Alzheimer's, but does not depict her death. If you like fashion-savvy heroines who can name the entire Seahawks defensive line, headstrong heroes who are learning to ask for help and an ending that's so sweet it hurts, you need this book now.
290 pages, ebook
First published July 24, 2020
98 people are currently reading
206 people want to read
About the author
Fiona West
21 books125 followersFiona West is an American author living in the Pacific Northwest. Writing romance is her favorite thing, followed closely by reading, knitting and drinking tea while looking out the window. When she’s not doing those things, she’s spending time with her husband and two kids. Her debut novel, The Ex-Princess, received a starred review from Publishers Weekly and was named one of their Best Books of 2019. Could Be Something Good, the first book in her new Timber Falls small-town romance series, is out now. Find out more about Fiona at http://www.fionawest.net or sign up for her newsletter at http://www.subscribepage.com/westwind.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
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March 8, 2021Ok, so this is more like an incredulously raised eyebrow. In its description, the author goes out of her way to make sure the reader knows this is closed door sex scene, no cheating, no to low angst and every other warning tag out there. Yet one "reader" says no, because H shows "inappropriate arrogance". What the HELL? That's like the Nun's that taught my English classes when they said "inappropriate emotion" on my report cards when I got mad. Why are you reading if you can't accept anything?!?!
September 9, 2020
3.5 stars!
Martina and Carter broke up after their senior year of high school and haven't talked to each other since then but Carter's mother is diagnosed with alzheimer's disease and needs a nurse, Martina is the only one who can handle her. When Martina starts working for them, Carter starts wondering if he can make things right and win her back.
It was a quick read, I wasn't expecting to like this book as much as I did. Martina and Carter were pretty cute but the book kind of felt rushed towards the end. There were a few new characters introduced in this book and I'm definitely looking forward to their books.
Martina and Carter broke up after their senior year of high school and haven't talked to each other since then but Carter's mother is diagnosed with alzheimer's disease and needs a nurse, Martina is the only one who can handle her. When Martina starts working for them, Carter starts wondering if he can make things right and win her back.
It was a quick read, I wasn't expecting to like this book as much as I did. Martina and Carter were pretty cute but the book kind of felt rushed towards the end. There were a few new characters introduced in this book and I'm definitely looking forward to their books.
October 23, 2020
Fiona West returns to the small town of Timber Falls with this sweet second-chance romance between two high school sweethearts whose romance ended suddenly because the wealthy Carter got nervous about maintaining a long-distance relationship with Martina. Now it’s many years later. Carter realizes what a terrible mistake he made. And now he needs Martina to be a nurse for his stepmother who is suffering from early-onset Alzheimer’s. This is a very touching of the pain that seeing a loved one suffer from this terrible disease. Martina’s care and relationship with his mother was so very sweet.
Carter’s father is depicted as a stereotypical arrogant snob. Then that subplot just disappeared. I enjoyed the romance and the relationships Martina has with her family and her patient.
I voluntarily reviewed a review copy of this book that I received from the author; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.
Carter’s father is depicted as a stereotypical arrogant snob. Then that subplot just disappeared. I enjoyed the romance and the relationships Martina has with her family and her patient.
I voluntarily reviewed a review copy of this book that I received from the author; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.
November 9, 2020
If I’ve said it once, I’ve probably said it a thousand times: I’m a sucker for a second chance. Carter and Martina are in desperate need of the opportunity to try again to get it right. Youth, stupidity, fear, and family expectations got in the way the first time, but only a couple of those have been dealt with. Can they fix the issues that remain, or will history repeat itself? I really loved this pair; together and separately. Carter’s just everything I look for in the best book boyfriends. He’s sweet and caring and hopelessly devoted to the people who are important to him. And he can recognize when he’s done something wrong and apologize for it. Some of Martina’s choices left me scratching my head, but I think that’s mostly because I would have done it a different way. Other than that, I loved her almost as much as Carter. I’ve only just finished reading this, and already I can’t wait to get started on the next Timber Falls story.
August 6, 2020
✨I loved this book and this series just gets better!
✨In this book, we follow Martina, a nurse who got her heart broken by her high school sweetheart. She just wanted to work quietly in her corner, but Carter finds out that she’s working with the elderly and decided to hire her to be his mother's nurse.
✨Martina doesn't want to get involved with him and his family, but she can't ignore how much she could help his mother. She’s quite a professional, it was great to see her taking care of Willow!
✨As for romance, ah, I loved it. They get to know each other again, but now with much more maturity. The honesty, trust and love between them is wonderful. I loved seeing them find ways to help each other and be the best version of themselves. Lots of chemistry, love and affection.
✨I just thought it was a little short, rushed and missed more love scenes.
✨This book is cute, and I'm looking forward to the next!!!
✨In this book, we follow Martina, a nurse who got her heart broken by her high school sweetheart. She just wanted to work quietly in her corner, but Carter finds out that she’s working with the elderly and decided to hire her to be his mother's nurse.
✨Martina doesn't want to get involved with him and his family, but she can't ignore how much she could help his mother. She’s quite a professional, it was great to see her taking care of Willow!
✨As for romance, ah, I loved it. They get to know each other again, but now with much more maturity. The honesty, trust and love between them is wonderful. I loved seeing them find ways to help each other and be the best version of themselves. Lots of chemistry, love and affection.
✨I just thought it was a little short, rushed and missed more love scenes.
✨This book is cute, and I'm looking forward to the next!!!
March 22, 2021
I loved this second chance romance and especially love this series. Timber Falls is the perfect small town to get wrapped up in. There’s lots of characters and it’s fun to get to know them throughout the series.
Carter broke things off with Martina but now he’s really hoping he can show her that there’s still something there. It’s sweet watching them get to know each other again and appreciate each other for the people they are now.
I especially love Martina’s compassion for Carter’s mom and their interactions are so heartfelt.
Fiona West is the queen of writing stories of perfectly imperfect people falling in love! I also always find that she’s got some real wisdom in each book. This one really depicted the challenges of aging parents and the emotional journey of becoming their caregivers.
Carter broke things off with Martina but now he’s really hoping he can show her that there’s still something there. It’s sweet watching them get to know each other again and appreciate each other for the people they are now.
I especially love Martina’s compassion for Carter’s mom and their interactions are so heartfelt.
Fiona West is the queen of writing stories of perfectly imperfect people falling in love! I also always find that she’s got some real wisdom in each book. This one really depicted the challenges of aging parents and the emotional journey of becoming their caregivers.
August 17, 2020
One of the best types of romance novels there are, are the second chance romance novels.
This second chance romance novel follows Martina who just graduated from her most recent medical program and Carter and rich and hardworking pillar of their community. In Timber Falls everybody knows that Martina and Carter don't get along ever since they broke up after their high school graduation. So imagine everyones surprise when Martina goes to work for Carter to help care for his mother. I love how this series continue to unravel more people in this small town and the next couple has been the one I've been waiting for for a while and I honestly can't wait!
This second chance romance novel follows Martina who just graduated from her most recent medical program and Carter and rich and hardworking pillar of their community. In Timber Falls everybody knows that Martina and Carter don't get along ever since they broke up after their high school graduation. So imagine everyones surprise when Martina goes to work for Carter to help care for his mother. I love how this series continue to unravel more people in this small town and the next couple has been the one I've been waiting for for a while and I honestly can't wait!
January 23, 2021
Martina "Tini" Lopez and Carter "Crash" Carpenter were high school sweethearts and their relationship ended badly. Years later they are reunited and all the hurt feelings are still there. They lean on each other over the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays when Carter's mom is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's and Martina deals with drama in her large family.
This is another enjoyable clean romance by Fiona West. I am looking forward to reading more in this wonderful Timber Falls series.
This is another enjoyable clean romance by Fiona West. I am looking forward to reading more in this wonderful Timber Falls series.
November 21, 2020
Sweet romance
Such a beautiful story with compelling characters and an engaging premise set in a picturesque community. Love this series! Can't wait for the next one!
Such a beautiful story with compelling characters and an engaging premise set in a picturesque community. Love this series! Can't wait for the next one!
September 19, 2022
A sweet second chance romance and a quick read. It was a little rushed at the end, but overall I enjoyed it.
August 4, 2021
Love certainly has its ups and downs. And young love can be painful…. very painful. It also more than likely will be immature. What teenager has the maturity needed for true love, the kind of love that lasts, that can survive those ups and downs?
Martina thought she had found her one true love, the death do us part kind of love. But Carter still had a wild seed in him…. or was it more of a fearful seed that hid behind a youthful wildness?
Martina thinks after graduation there will be a ring on her finger. Ahhhh, but Carter has other ideas. He wants his freedom. He’s headed off to Duke, far away from Oregon. No long distance relationship for him, no entanglements and certainly no wedding plans. He wants to be free tnot only to date but also to sleep with other women on campus.
Their breakup is nasty. Martina convinces herself to never see Carter again. She’s not only hurt but also broken. She trusted Carter with all her heart. He’d been nothing but caring, loving and kind during their two year relationship. How could she ever trust again?
And Carter? When the fog lifts and his eyes are open, he realizes what he’d done. He’s that poor little rich boy and finds out that all the gold in Fort Knox won’t do him a bit of good. Martina is gone. she refuses to acknowledge his existence.
It will be years before they see each other again. Years of painful growth. Years of change. And change they do …. both of them. No simple ‘I’m Sorry’ apologies from Carter will do. Oh yes, he’s sorry alright, but she’s no longer his ’Tini’. Her heart is shielded, barriers erected. His heart is splitting wide open. He needs her, in more ways than one. Tini not only can help this new, very adult Carter heal but also his mother. See Tini’s expertise is geriatrics and Carter’s mom has early stage AD.
It’s a long journey for both Carter and Martina. It’s an uphill battle with both hearts on the line.
👁^👁OBSERVATIONS:
Appreciated the way Carter had to earn Tini’s trust again. Yes, he truly was a changed man but past actions cause deep damage. There are consequences to choices.
Speaking of consequences, what happened to bring Carter’s dad around? Throughout the book, he’s rude, arrogant and dead set against Martina with his son. I didn’t see him as a racist, I saw him as heartless, self-righteous and selfish. His wife and children had to fit into his social setting. What happened to change him, to turn him around? After all, we ‘see’ him ‘helping’ at the ‘venue’ in the last chapters of the book. (Being vague as to not give spoilers.)
Martina’s mom needed a good talking too. She and at least one of Martina’s sisters were out of control.
Martina's planned cruelty to Greg was every bit as bad as Carter's cruelty to her, maybe even worse. She was an adult and planned to use Greg for ulterior motives, at least teenage Carter was upfront with her.
Martina thought she had found her one true love, the death do us part kind of love. But Carter still had a wild seed in him…. or was it more of a fearful seed that hid behind a youthful wildness?
Martina thinks after graduation there will be a ring on her finger. Ahhhh, but Carter has other ideas. He wants his freedom. He’s headed off to Duke, far away from Oregon. No long distance relationship for him, no entanglements and certainly no wedding plans. He wants to be free tnot only to date but also to sleep with other women on campus.
Their breakup is nasty. Martina convinces herself to never see Carter again. She’s not only hurt but also broken. She trusted Carter with all her heart. He’d been nothing but caring, loving and kind during their two year relationship. How could she ever trust again?
And Carter? When the fog lifts and his eyes are open, he realizes what he’d done. He’s that poor little rich boy and finds out that all the gold in Fort Knox won’t do him a bit of good. Martina is gone. she refuses to acknowledge his existence.
It will be years before they see each other again. Years of painful growth. Years of change. And change they do …. both of them. No simple ‘I’m Sorry’ apologies from Carter will do. Oh yes, he’s sorry alright, but she’s no longer his ’Tini’. Her heart is shielded, barriers erected. His heart is splitting wide open. He needs her, in more ways than one. Tini not only can help this new, very adult Carter heal but also his mother. See Tini’s expertise is geriatrics and Carter’s mom has early stage AD.
It’s a long journey for both Carter and Martina. It’s an uphill battle with both hearts on the line.
👁^👁OBSERVATIONS:
Appreciated the way Carter had to earn Tini’s trust again. Yes, he truly was a changed man but past actions cause deep damage. There are consequences to choices.
Speaking of consequences, what happened to bring Carter’s dad around? Throughout the book, he’s rude, arrogant and dead set against Martina with his son. I didn’t see him as a racist, I saw him as heartless, self-righteous and selfish. His wife and children had to fit into his social setting. What happened to change him, to turn him around? After all, we ‘see’ him ‘helping’ at the ‘venue’ in the last chapters of the book. (Being vague as to not give spoilers.)
Martina’s mom needed a good talking too. She and at least one of Martina’s sisters were out of control.
Martina's planned cruelty to Greg was every bit as bad as Carter's cruelty to her, maybe even worse. She was an adult and planned to use Greg for ulterior motives, at least teenage Carter was upfront with her.
May 30, 2023
I really am loving these books. Both for the romance, and for the serious issues in life that it weaves somehow seamlessly into the story. Not just the major issues that are playing a major role in the key plot points of the story, but also the side issues that get brought up for one reason or another. It's surprisingly well done for a story that I still consider to be rather low in the drama department. I mean... there's drama. There's an epic screw up from the past that plays a major role in the angst and tension we first see between our two main characters. But the characters are also older now, more mature, and that's part of what makes them loveable at this stage. I don't think I would've liked the Carter of the past that we were only told about and didn't really get to know, but I do like the Carter that we're presented with now, as the man he's grown into and is still growing into.
It's just a really well rounded book, which is awesome considering I still consider this a rather short novel. (Bear in mind, anything 300 pages and under is something I consider 'short' by my standards. Meaning, I can read it in a day if I'm feeling it and it's a good book.) These are also just good books for anyone looking for a clean romance. I love my smut and spice just as much as a lot of other romance readers out there, but when you're in the mood for a clean romance that still makes you smile and swoon, I would highly recommend these books. Fiona West just makes me happy. Can't wait to dive into the next one. (Pretty sure that's Starla and Sawyer's story, which I'm excited to see how that's gonna go.)
It's just a really well rounded book, which is awesome considering I still consider this a rather short novel. (Bear in mind, anything 300 pages and under is something I consider 'short' by my standards. Meaning, I can read it in a day if I'm feeling it and it's a good book.) These are also just good books for anyone looking for a clean romance. I love my smut and spice just as much as a lot of other romance readers out there, but when you're in the mood for a clean romance that still makes you smile and swoon, I would highly recommend these books. Fiona West just makes me happy. Can't wait to dive into the next one. (Pretty sure that's Starla and Sawyer's story, which I'm excited to see how that's gonna go.)
February 26, 2021
⭐Review⭐
***
Right Back Where We Started was such a cute and sweet book to read. Crash was super sweet and loving. I was constantly smiling and sighing. This book made me wish I had a high school sweetheart. I love second chance books and this was one of the best I have read. I love that Fiona includes topics in her stories like Ahlzeimer's and dyslexia because it makes the stories so much more relatable. The ending was a bit bittersweet, but I absolutely loved it.
***
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Romance:💙💙💙💙
Steam:🔥
***
Right Back Where We Started was such a cute and sweet book to read. Crash was super sweet and loving. I was constantly smiling and sighing. This book made me wish I had a high school sweetheart. I love second chance books and this was one of the best I have read. I love that Fiona includes topics in her stories like Ahlzeimer's and dyslexia because it makes the stories so much more relatable. The ending was a bit bittersweet, but I absolutely loved it.
***
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Romance:💙💙💙💙
Steam:🔥
February 19, 2025
Beautiful
This book hit home with Alzheimer's and the fact that the main love interest is Hispanic. I found it funny that as first generation Mexican-American female I to should my kids how to handle getting pulled over. I digress, this book is so well written sexy and clean. There are so many moments with family and friends that just touched my heart. Will definitely recommend this book.
This book hit home with Alzheimer's and the fact that the main love interest is Hispanic. I found it funny that as first generation Mexican-American female I to should my kids how to handle getting pulled over. I digress, this book is so well written sexy and clean. There are so many moments with family and friends that just touched my heart. Will definitely recommend this book.
June 4, 2021
We need to learn from past mistakes.
This story deals with learning from past mistakes, and accepting family with all its faults. Then learning to deal with one of today's sadest diseases, alzheimers. I really liked the way this was dealt with. There's a sweet romance as well. This book has it all.
This review is posted by
Virginia Jones
This story deals with learning from past mistakes, and accepting family with all its faults. Then learning to deal with one of today's sadest diseases, alzheimers. I really liked the way this was dealt with. There's a sweet romance as well. This book has it all.
This review is posted by
Virginia Jones
October 13, 2021
Right back where we started
This story started with great conflict right away, making me want to dive right in. Kept me Turing the pages right through till the end. I look forward to more and more from this author. If you haven’t yet read any of her works, you need to get started right away
This story started with great conflict right away, making me want to dive right in. Kept me Turing the pages right through till the end. I look forward to more and more from this author. If you haven’t yet read any of her works, you need to get started right away
November 5, 2021
Crash & Tini
What a great read. Loved the main characters. Harrison not so great. Easy read and so well crafted. Also note HEA. I need to continue on with this series. Please add to your your library.
What a great read. Loved the main characters. Harrison not so great. Easy read and so well crafted. Also note HEA. I need to continue on with this series. Please add to your your library.
February 22, 2024
Mostly good but the main character pissed me often multiple times. I liked the lead up-they’re exes and I prefer when there isn’t an appropriate amount of pretending the other one doesn’t exist for a while-but they don’t get together til about 80% into the book. Works for me, but not for everyone.
June 12, 2024
A Very Good Romance Book
This book was so well written. It had good information about dementia. I loved the characters and the love of family and friends. The romance was awesome. I enjoyed this book from start to finish.
This book was so well written. It had good information about dementia. I loved the characters and the love of family and friends. The romance was awesome. I enjoyed this book from start to finish.
August 29, 2025
I liked the book.
I LOVED the relationship btw the mother and Martina. They are amazingggggg.
I wanted to read another book then I read this book. I mistook it for the other one. Still liked it tho
I LOVED the relationship btw the mother and Martina. They are amazingggggg.
I wanted to read another book then I read this book. I mistook it for the other one. Still liked it tho
May 12, 2021
Post Modern lack of morality
Disappointed with other reviews didn't mention the total lack of morality and crude comments about using someone for prurient purposes.
Disappointed with other reviews didn't mention the total lack of morality and crude comments about using someone for prurient purposes.
June 2, 2021
Didn't finish
I really didn't like Martina. She seemed great at first, but then deliberately set out to use Greg, who didn't deserve it. Very self-absorbed.
I really didn't like Martina. She seemed great at first, but then deliberately set out to use Greg, who didn't deserve it. Very self-absorbed.
June 25, 2021
3.5
ahhh i loved tini and crash
ahhh i loved tini and crash
July 1, 2021
Loved this
I really enjoyed this story! It made me feel all sorts of emotions. I want to find out if Greg gets his HEA too!
I really enjoyed this story! It made me feel all sorts of emotions. I want to find out if Greg gets his HEA too!
November 14, 2021
Sometimes you meet the right book at the right time. This is one of those moments.
December 9, 2021
Not Just A Romance
This book held my attention from the start. It was more than the same old,same old. I will continue with the series.
This book held my attention from the start. It was more than the same old,same old. I will continue with the series.
May 17, 2023
As good as the previous books in the series. Loved Carter and Martina together. This one deals with Alzheimer's and how they deal with it is amazing.
November 19, 2025
Loved this one!
I could have read the one for hours and hours more. With a need to know what happened to W and to the step dad etc. I loved this one! Great work.
I could have read the one for hours and hours more. With a need to know what happened to W and to the step dad etc. I loved this one! Great work.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews