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Sweetbriar Mountain #5
One and Only
I kept telling myself to stay away,
but then he kissed me…
Protective. Gorgeous. Sweet as sin.
Those are just three things that made Detective Caden Barrett impossible to resist.
I should know since, after high school graduation, I married him.
I promised to love him forever and he tattooed my name on his chest.
But beneath it beats the heart I had to break when I left our small town.
Now, after vowing I’d never return and risk hurting him again, I’m back home and I have a secret—the dangerous kind.
Hiding out, working, and avoiding my stalker were my only plans until I crashed back into Cade.
And that one accidental kiss we shared?
It reignited the fire between us.
Can one last night together extinguish the heat before I have to go?
Or should I stay and convince him to take the one and only chance we have to get it all back?
but then he kissed me…
Protective. Gorgeous. Sweet as sin.
Those are just three things that made Detective Caden Barrett impossible to resist.
I should know since, after high school graduation, I married him.
I promised to love him forever and he tattooed my name on his chest.
But beneath it beats the heart I had to break when I left our small town.
Now, after vowing I’d never return and risk hurting him again, I’m back home and I have a secret—the dangerous kind.
Hiding out, working, and avoiding my stalker were my only plans until I crashed back into Cade.
And that one accidental kiss we shared?
It reignited the fire between us.
Can one last night together extinguish the heat before I have to go?
Or should I stay and convince him to take the one and only chance we have to get it all back?
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 22, 2022
644 people are currently reading
5392 people want to read
About the author
Nora Everly
32 books1,232 followersSign up for my newsletter: https://www.noraeverly.com/newsletter
Nora Everly is a lifelong bookworm. She started reading the good stuff once she was tall enough to sneak the romance novels off the top of her mother’s bookshelf and it has been non-stop ever since.
Once upon a time she was a substitute teacher and an educational assistant. Now, she’s a writer and stay at home mom to two small humans and one fat cat.
Nora lives in the Pacific Northwest with her family and her overactive imagination.
Follow Nora!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authornoraev...
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/NoraEverly
Nora Everly is a lifelong bookworm. She started reading the good stuff once she was tall enough to sneak the romance novels off the top of her mother’s bookshelf and it has been non-stop ever since.
Once upon a time she was a substitute teacher and an educational assistant. Now, she’s a writer and stay at home mom to two small humans and one fat cat.
Nora lives in the Pacific Northwest with her family and her overactive imagination.
Follow Nora!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authornoraev...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nora.everly/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NoraEverly
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
June 23, 2022
Divorced after being childhood sweethearts.
She married and divorced again during separation.
'Trent and I had always been platonic, even during our marriage. He’d needed a wife to claim an inheritance from his old-fashioned, stick-up-his-butt grandfather. We stayed married for a year, Trent got his fifty million dollars, then bada-bing-bada-boom—divorce'.
"I know what type of man you are.” His voice was kind when he said, “You encouraged her to follow her dreams at your own expense. You could have put the pressure on for her to stay here, but you didn’t. And you could have gone with her to New York but that would have been sacrificing what you thought your own dreams were."
They have a major communication issues which is frustrating.
She has returned to her home town as she has a stalker.
Lots of potential for more stories about siblings.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
Both with others during separation of 10 years but no details.
HEA.
Epilogue.
She married and divorced again during separation.
'Trent and I had always been platonic, even during our marriage. He’d needed a wife to claim an inheritance from his old-fashioned, stick-up-his-butt grandfather. We stayed married for a year, Trent got his fifty million dollars, then bada-bing-bada-boom—divorce'.
"I know what type of man you are.” His voice was kind when he said, “You encouraged her to follow her dreams at your own expense. You could have put the pressure on for her to stay here, but you didn’t. And you could have gone with her to New York but that would have been sacrificing what you thought your own dreams were."
They have a major communication issues which is frustrating.
She has returned to her home town as she has a stalker.
Lots of potential for more stories about siblings.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
Both with others during separation of 10 years but no details.
HEA.
Epilogue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
June 20, 2024
★★F R E E Book Alert!★★
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What to expect:
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🌿“One more time for closure…"
🌼Famous heroine with a dangerous secret
🌿Protective, cinnamon roll hot cop hero
🌼“Who did this?"
🌿So much pining...
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June 24, 2022
In the last years, I’ve read a few of the author's stories and they always left me with a smile on my face.
I'm a huge fan of second chance romance and this book ticks all the marks in my cards.
We get to read what happened then, ten years ago when they divorced, and the nowadays story when Charlotte is back in town and everything changes at full speed.
Trying to run away from a stalker because she's a well-known author, and he thinks she's the main female character in this world.
Reigniting those sparks between her and her ex-husband, Cade, it wasn't in the plans. But he's not one to take a step back and while he proves he's worth of her love, he also has to recognise that his heart belongs to her.
Beautiful romance story that will fill your heart with love and swoon worthy characters. Perfect for any romantic reader.
Arc review
I'm a huge fan of second chance romance and this book ticks all the marks in my cards.
We get to read what happened then, ten years ago when they divorced, and the nowadays story when Charlotte is back in town and everything changes at full speed.
Trying to run away from a stalker because she's a well-known author, and he thinks she's the main female character in this world.
Reigniting those sparks between her and her ex-husband, Cade, it wasn't in the plans. But he's not one to take a step back and while he proves he's worth of her love, he also has to recognise that his heart belongs to her.
Beautiful romance story that will fill your heart with love and swoon worthy characters. Perfect for any romantic reader.
Arc review
November 25, 2022
Small town , second chance romance.
Charlotte and Cade.
Charlotte comes back to Sweetbriar. Why is she here? Cade still has feelings for Charlotte and vice versa. Cade is so determined to find a way to make it work. Then he starts to lose home.
Charlotte pushes back. She's got something/someone she's avoiding. Cade is determined to find out what it is.
This is not a slow burn, since they're exes. Gets a bit steamy !
I wanted to give Cade a big shove, then Charlotte too. Whelp, they might have heard me.
Time for compromise ? Give up the life he/she has known?
I loved the small town, but not small people. Charlotte comes back, but for once the community embraces and supports these too. I loved that difference. Very refreshing.
A bit of mystery. The romance takes priority, but C&C need to solve this!!
I want more Sweetbriar and I really enjoyed these two.
Charlotte and Cade.
Charlotte comes back to Sweetbriar. Why is she here? Cade still has feelings for Charlotte and vice versa. Cade is so determined to find a way to make it work. Then he starts to lose home.
Charlotte pushes back. She's got something/someone she's avoiding. Cade is determined to find out what it is.
This is not a slow burn, since they're exes. Gets a bit steamy !
I wanted to give Cade a big shove, then Charlotte too. Whelp, they might have heard me.
Time for compromise ? Give up the life he/she has known?
I loved the small town, but not small people. Charlotte comes back, but for once the community embraces and supports these too. I loved that difference. Very refreshing.
A bit of mystery. The romance takes priority, but C&C need to solve this!!
I want more Sweetbriar and I really enjoyed these two.
dnf
June 28, 2022I feel like a proper heel for doing this, but unfortunately this didn't work for me. I am a sucker for a second-chance romance, but then have a high expectation for its execution. I need all the angst, the sheer torture that the characters feel for being apart and then the work that they have to do to get back together. One and Only felt very mellow, and I felt that it didn't really deliver on the angst.
Since this is a very personal preference, I will not be rating this book.
ARC provided by author. All opinions are my own.
Since this is a very personal preference, I will not be rating this book.
ARC provided by author. All opinions are my own.
June 22, 2022
ARC review
What a rollercoaster ride! ‘One and Only’ is Nora Everly’s latest offering following the story of Sweetbriar’s swoony cop, Cade Barrett (Lily, Rose and Violet’s brother), and Charlotte, his ex-wife but forever love.
As their second-chance love story began to unfold, I was struck by just how much timing plays a part in the notion of ‘ever after’ and that perhaps there is a season for everything.
I am always easily and happily immersed in the tender and humorous familial worlds that Nora creates but do not kid yourself, there is plenty of suspense to be had too, an occupational hazard perhaps for Charlotte who is a crime novelist and who rather amusingly scares easily!
Ooh…and she has a brood of brothers and a gentle giant of a dad all of whom are so adorably attentive to their baby sister/daughter. So much potential for more juicy storylines!
It remains a delight to return to Sweetbriar and ‘One and Only’ does not disappoint. This is a series that I will return to again and again because it's like a comfy blanket. I can't wait for what happens next!
What a rollercoaster ride! ‘One and Only’ is Nora Everly’s latest offering following the story of Sweetbriar’s swoony cop, Cade Barrett (Lily, Rose and Violet’s brother), and Charlotte, his ex-wife but forever love.
As their second-chance love story began to unfold, I was struck by just how much timing plays a part in the notion of ‘ever after’ and that perhaps there is a season for everything.
I am always easily and happily immersed in the tender and humorous familial worlds that Nora creates but do not kid yourself, there is plenty of suspense to be had too, an occupational hazard perhaps for Charlotte who is a crime novelist and who rather amusingly scares easily!
Ooh…and she has a brood of brothers and a gentle giant of a dad all of whom are so adorably attentive to their baby sister/daughter. So much potential for more juicy storylines!
It remains a delight to return to Sweetbriar and ‘One and Only’ does not disappoint. This is a series that I will return to again and again because it's like a comfy blanket. I can't wait for what happens next!
June 17, 2022
Dang! This was such a great romance with an engrossing suspense plot woven into it! I also loved that Charlotte and Cade were so totally over the moon for each other that they became a bit air-headed when thinking about each other and trying to make plans for the future. Silly, sweet idiots.
Sweetbriar is such a fun town and the more citizens we meet the more I wish I could visit it in real life.
It was also great to see Charlotte insight on being an author. This aspect gave an “own voice” feeling to One and Only that felt so authentic. Nora, I adore your books!
Sweetbriar is such a fun town and the more citizens we meet the more I wish I could visit it in real life.
It was also great to see Charlotte insight on being an author. This aspect gave an “own voice” feeling to One and Only that felt so authentic. Nora, I adore your books!
June 26, 2022
I was really intrigued the moment I read the description for this book. It sounded angsty, emotional and just full heartwarming scenes. The premise for this book sounded great, but unfortunately I wasn't a fan how it executed. There was a lot, and I mean A LOT of miscommunication in their relationship. The characters even mentioned how they weren't great with words or how they would communicate with each other. There was also quite a bit of push and pull, especially in Cade's side. Wasn't a fan of that either. I was more invested in the other subplot going on with Charlotte.
October 15, 2023
DNF.
There is no conflict between this couple other than that exacerbated by the author. Conversations take left turns constantly to artificially drag out the HEA. conversations basically go like this
"I want to be with you again"
"I do too"
"Let's have one night together to get this out of our systems"
Moronic.
Also, anyone who has dealt with a stalker will tell you they no longer have a laissez-faire attitude to safety. It's genuinely insulting how this is handled.
There is no conflict between this couple other than that exacerbated by the author. Conversations take left turns constantly to artificially drag out the HEA. conversations basically go like this
"I want to be with you again"
"I do too"
"Let's have one night together to get this out of our systems"
Moronic.
Also, anyone who has dealt with a stalker will tell you they no longer have a laissez-faire attitude to safety. It's genuinely insulting how this is handled.
June 20, 2022
Cade and Charlotte were childhood sweethearts who married too young, which led to a heartbreaking divorce when life just got in the way. Charlotte went off to college and became a successful author and Cade let her go, because he wanted all her dreams to come true.Their love never died but they made it a point to avoid each other whenever Charlotte would return to Sweetbriar to visit her family. Cade was a lonely man who lost himself in his job as a detective, sometimes working double shifts just to keep busy.
Charlotte arrived back in town for another visit but this time she came with a secret, and danger on her tail. Cade knew she was hiding something but he couldn’t protect Charlotte if she wasn’t honest with him. Charlotte never stopped loving Cade and being back home was almost too much to take. The minute she entered his house, which was once their house, her heart broke because it reminded her of all that she had missed. Cade was still a sweetheart but Charlotte loved his new, demanding side. He made it known to her right away that he wanted her back and he swept her off her feet with a toe curling kiss. Cade was a man with a mission who I found to be sexy, handsome and brutally honest. Charlotte would be his again and nothing and no one would stand in his way, except possibly her job. Charlotte loved living in New York City, but could she leave it all behind to be with her one true love again?
Charlotte arrived back in town for another visit but this time she came with a secret, and danger on her tail. Cade knew she was hiding something but he couldn’t protect Charlotte if she wasn’t honest with him. Charlotte never stopped loving Cade and being back home was almost too much to take. The minute she entered his house, which was once their house, her heart broke because it reminded her of all that she had missed. Cade was still a sweetheart but Charlotte loved his new, demanding side. He made it known to her right away that he wanted her back and he swept her off her feet with a toe curling kiss. Cade was a man with a mission who I found to be sexy, handsome and brutally honest. Charlotte would be his again and nothing and no one would stand in his way, except possibly her job. Charlotte loved living in New York City, but could she leave it all behind to be with her one true love again?
June 23, 2022
Charlotte and Cade got married young and then ended up divorced so Charlotte could chase her dreams of NYU and become an author. But they both still love each other and the chemistry is off the charts for these two- after a car crash they talk and meet for the first time in years. Cade asks her to dinner and it starts back up. This one Nora also throws in some drama and suspense - twists and turns which makes you just not want to put it down. I absolutely loved that Charlotte was an author! This one had some great lol moments and was spicy- steam!
Overall, I loved this spin off from her other series set in the same location. Loved the familiar faces and of course the setting - small town OR. Really enjoyed the plot and flow of this one- it felt very real!
Overall, I loved this spin off from her other series set in the same location. Loved the familiar faces and of course the setting - small town OR. Really enjoyed the plot and flow of this one- it felt very real!
June 18, 2022
Nora writes the best swoony, amazing, real and beautifully broken characters.
I love the suspense aspect to this story along with the wonderful small town of Sweetbriar and it’s residents. I want some of Gwen’s famous brownies and some of Violet’s coffee!
This is a beautiful second chance-new beginning between Cade and Charlotte- they are so vulnerable, tentative and fearful to give into their feelings due to past hurt.
Cole is a policeman and a fierce protector of his town, people and family. He hasn’t moved on from the past.
Charlotte has an amazing family but is hiding things because she thinks she can take care of herself and she doesn’t want to worry her family.
Watching these two find their way back to one another and the unending love/support from their families is so beautifully written. There provide time to get her is deliciously hot and satisfying. :)
I received a complimentary copy and I am leaving my honest review.
I love the suspense aspect to this story along with the wonderful small town of Sweetbriar and it’s residents. I want some of Gwen’s famous brownies and some of Violet’s coffee!
This is a beautiful second chance-new beginning between Cade and Charlotte- they are so vulnerable, tentative and fearful to give into their feelings due to past hurt.
Cole is a policeman and a fierce protector of his town, people and family. He hasn’t moved on from the past.
Charlotte has an amazing family but is hiding things because she thinks she can take care of herself and she doesn’t want to worry her family.
Watching these two find their way back to one another and the unending love/support from their families is so beautifully written. There provide time to get her is deliciously hot and satisfying. :)
I received a complimentary copy and I am leaving my honest review.
June 24, 2022
I am so happy to make a trip back to Sweetbriar! And now we get a second chance romance with divorced couple, Charlotte and Cade. I loved that Charlotte was a writer and that she didn’t give up on her dreams even though it cost her a lot.
It was so nice to see a couple who obviously belongs together finally take the steps to make things right. I loved that Cade was all-in from the beginning. *Swoon* But I did want to shake Charlotte for not being transparent with him and giving Cade reasons to doubt her, or not be a position to help her when needed.
Such a great love story with a twist of intrigue!
I requested an early reader copy of this book and these are my honest opinions.
It was so nice to see a couple who obviously belongs together finally take the steps to make things right. I loved that Cade was all-in from the beginning. *Swoon* But I did want to shake Charlotte for not being transparent with him and giving Cade reasons to doubt her, or not be a position to help her when needed.
Such a great love story with a twist of intrigue!
I requested an early reader copy of this book and these are my honest opinions.
June 15, 2022
This series is just so lovely. I read one and then think “oh that’s my favorite couple” and then I read the next book and nope now it’s definitely Cade and Charlotte. I am a sucker for second chance romance and this one was just wonderful.
July 25, 2022
Not for me. I'd give it a 2.5 to sit it right in the middle but goodreads doesn't allow 1/2 star ratings
It started out well enough. The story itself was a good concept and it had a lot of potential. At the beginning, I was even wondering about books/series that may have come before that would tell me more about the other characters and had developed a mild interest in finding some of these books to read.
But, then, the cringe-worthy dialogue began. The sections of dialogue that were supposed to constitute the romance scenes, to me, feel like they've been written by a man writing what he thinks a woman would wants to hear a man say, rather than what a woman would actually want to hear.
At first these bits of dialogue were just annoying and I could ignore them, but then they became worse and more frequent and invariably turned me off the book altogether. It's a shame really, because the bones of the story were there and it had potential.
It may be some people's cup of tea, it just isn't mine.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Am I glad I read it - not really
Was it a waste of my time - if I'm being honest, my time would have been better spent reading something else.
Would I sit down and read it all over again - no
Would I read more by this author based on this book - I have another one I've committed to read and review so I'll be giving her another chance and hoping for the best.
It started out well enough. The story itself was a good concept and it had a lot of potential. At the beginning, I was even wondering about books/series that may have come before that would tell me more about the other characters and had developed a mild interest in finding some of these books to read.
But, then, the cringe-worthy dialogue began. The sections of dialogue that were supposed to constitute the romance scenes, to me, feel like they've been written by a man writing what he thinks a woman would wants to hear a man say, rather than what a woman would actually want to hear.
At first these bits of dialogue were just annoying and I could ignore them, but then they became worse and more frequent and invariably turned me off the book altogether. It's a shame really, because the bones of the story were there and it had potential.
It may be some people's cup of tea, it just isn't mine.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Am I glad I read it - not really
Was it a waste of my time - if I'm being honest, my time would have been better spent reading something else.
Would I sit down and read it all over again - no
Would I read more by this author based on this book - I have another one I've committed to read and review so I'll be giving her another chance and hoping for the best.
October 2, 2023
Such a good book! Nora Everly is quickly becoming one of my favorite contemporary romance authors. I really love the town of Sweetbriar that she's created. And I love all the Barrett family as well as the other cast of characters.
Charlotte was introduced at the end of From The Heart. There was a lot of tension between her and Cade, and I was excited to see what would happen!
Ms. Everly wrote a wonderful second chance romance with a healthy amount of sexy times as well as forgiveness and love.
Cade could be kind of annoying at times when he would make assumptions or get scared and then run away instead of talking to Charlotte. I was really happy when everyone (especially Trent) called him out and told him to stop being an idiot.
The story had a good suspense element added into it. It didn't take over the story but was enough to add a little extra something in there.
There's three sex scenes. They're detailed, and two of them are on the longer side. There's some cursing, but not tons. It's mostly contained in high emotional situations (like sex and run-ins with stalkers).
I'm bummed I can't immediately read the next book in the series since I finished this one the day it came out! I highly anticipate the next entry into the Barrett Brothers series!
Charlotte was introduced at the end of From The Heart. There was a lot of tension between her and Cade, and I was excited to see what would happen!
Ms. Everly wrote a wonderful second chance romance with a healthy amount of sexy times as well as forgiveness and love.
Cade could be kind of annoying at times when he would make assumptions or get scared and then run away instead of talking to Charlotte. I was really happy when everyone (especially Trent) called him out and told him to stop being an idiot.
The story had a good suspense element added into it. It didn't take over the story but was enough to add a little extra something in there.
There's three sex scenes. They're detailed, and two of them are on the longer side. There's some cursing, but not tons. It's mostly contained in high emotional situations (like sex and run-ins with stalkers).
I'm bummed I can't immediately read the next book in the series since I finished this one the day it came out! I highly anticipate the next entry into the Barrett Brothers series!
October 18, 2023
This was such a good, sweet, compelling and heartwrenching story. I loved these two journey to giving their past relationship another go, it is rare but it does happen and the second chance can be healthy and sucessful, it is touching.
June 29, 2022
Charlotte Cassidy and Caden "Cade" Barrett grew up together in the small town of Sweetbriar, Oregon. When they got married shortly after high school graduation, they thought they'd be together forever; unfortunately, fate had other plans, and they've now been divorced for about ten years. Cade has become a police detective and is planning to take over as chief when his father, the current chief, retires. Meanwhile, Charlotte left for college in New York City, has been married and divorced a second time, and is now a bestselling murder mystery writer. Back in their hometown for an extended visit, a car accident brings Charlotte and Cade into contact for the first time in years. They quickly discover that the flames between them burn as brightly as ever, but Cade suspects that Charlotte is keeping a secret from him. Can he figure out the truth in time to keep her safe and convince her to give their relationship another shot at the same time?
I really enjoyed this fun, sweet story, which featured incredibly likeable, relatable characters and a captivating plot. From the beginning, it was obvious that Cade and Charlotte still had strong feelings for each other; the main reason they hadn't been able to make their marriage work was that they wanted different things and couldn't come up with a way to compromise. They'd each grown and matured in the years they were apart, helping them realize what was truly important and setting the foundation for their long-awaited second chance. I found it very easy to cheer them on to their HEA.
I highly recommend "One and Only" for all fans of contemporary/small town romance, romantic comedy, and even light romantic suspense. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!
*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
I really enjoyed this fun, sweet story, which featured incredibly likeable, relatable characters and a captivating plot. From the beginning, it was obvious that Cade and Charlotte still had strong feelings for each other; the main reason they hadn't been able to make their marriage work was that they wanted different things and couldn't come up with a way to compromise. They'd each grown and matured in the years they were apart, helping them realize what was truly important and setting the foundation for their long-awaited second chance. I found it very easy to cheer them on to their HEA.
I highly recommend "One and Only" for all fans of contemporary/small town romance, romantic comedy, and even light romantic suspense. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!
*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
June 23, 2022
This book had an amazing fun premise and an opening that had me reading while trying to eat spaghetti one handed.
Right from the very moment a maybe-pursuit caused a too fast driver to careen off the road, I was hooked. And I thought the way the truth of that crash came out was so realistic and interesting. I loved knowing what was going on when some of the characters didn’t, too!
I thought the characters and their past were heart-wrenching and honest, and I really loved seeing them reconnect despite the past wounds getting in the way. The supporting characters were equally engaging and really added to the overall story.
I did struggle a little with some of the dialogue and the quickness with which they shifted from angry to chili peppers a little jarring when placed side by side. And I thought the romance conflict was a little light in the second half in favour of exterior suspense conflict.
But overall, I enjoyed this story and was really pleased with the ending. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more.
I received an advanced copy of this book. I’ve left this review voluntarily.
Right from the very moment a maybe-pursuit caused a too fast driver to careen off the road, I was hooked. And I thought the way the truth of that crash came out was so realistic and interesting. I loved knowing what was going on when some of the characters didn’t, too!
I thought the characters and their past were heart-wrenching and honest, and I really loved seeing them reconnect despite the past wounds getting in the way. The supporting characters were equally engaging and really added to the overall story.
I did struggle a little with some of the dialogue and the quickness with which they shifted from angry to chili peppers a little jarring when placed side by side. And I thought the romance conflict was a little light in the second half in favour of exterior suspense conflict.
But overall, I enjoyed this story and was really pleased with the ending. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more.
I received an advanced copy of this book. I’ve left this review voluntarily.
June 28, 2022
Cade and Charli were married young. But their ambitions were pushing them in different directions - hers to NYU and being a writer, his to stay in their small town and become the Chief of Police. They divorce and spend the next 10 years trying to avoid each other. When a situation brings Charli home for a longer period of time, they realize their feelings have not changed. Have they both changed enough to make a second chance work?
I really liked this book and the characters. They both have lots of siblings so opportunities for more books too! I think this book ties into another series by this author - I have not read those books but plan to check them out since I liked this one so much.
I read an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I really liked this book and the characters. They both have lots of siblings so opportunities for more books too! I think this book ties into another series by this author - I have not read those books but plan to check them out since I liked this one so much.
I read an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
June 22, 2022
Wonderful book about second chances. They never stopped loving each other, just couldn't figure out how to have it all when they were fresh out of high school - can any of us? But true love really does win out and (with the help of a stalker) a happily ever after is in the cards for them both.
This book has you hanging on until the end - because you want to know (1) what happened to separate them in the beginning , (2) who's the stalker, and (3) do they make it work. Love the cast of characters and how they all interact with each other - definitely small town life in it's truest form!
Great book for a day by the pool or at the beach!
This book has you hanging on until the end - because you want to know (1) what happened to separate them in the beginning , (2) who's the stalker, and (3) do they make it work. Love the cast of characters and how they all interact with each other - definitely small town life in it's truest form!
Great book for a day by the pool or at the beach!
June 22, 2022
Format - E ARC
Rating- ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️💫
Spice- 🌶 🌶 🌶
Series- Barrett Brothers #1
Troupes- Childhood sweethearts, second change romance,
CW- Stalking and harassment
In this the first in a series set in Sweetbrair, OR Nora gives us a second chance romance about two people who grew up together are pulled apart by their dreams and brought back together by unforeseen but very lucky circumstances.
Nora’s writing is so easy to read and this book is a good length. Her characters are always flushed out and multi faceted. With these two dummies she brings us a small town detective Cade and best selling thriller novelist Charlotte. Cinnamon roll Cade doesn’t know that he’s been waiting from for his first and only love to come back to him. But one little car accident and she’s suddenly back in his life and in their town and he knows that he can’t stay away from her or let her walk away again.
Charlotte has a stalker, so she’s taken an extended vaca back in her hometown. One frightful incident ending in an accident that has her crashing into a tree on what used to be her marital home. A run in with the lost love of her life was not in her plans but one hug is all it takes for all those feeling to come flooding back.
This two could not stay away from each other, and the burn is not slow! 10 years of repressed sexual tension and it does not take long for then to fall back into bed together.
This was a fast paced, action ( both kinds) packed, sweet second chance story and I can not wait for the rest of this series!
Rating- ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️💫
Spice- 🌶 🌶 🌶
Series- Barrett Brothers #1
Troupes- Childhood sweethearts, second change romance,
CW- Stalking and harassment
In this the first in a series set in Sweetbrair, OR Nora gives us a second chance romance about two people who grew up together are pulled apart by their dreams and brought back together by unforeseen but very lucky circumstances.
Nora’s writing is so easy to read and this book is a good length. Her characters are always flushed out and multi faceted. With these two dummies she brings us a small town detective Cade and best selling thriller novelist Charlotte. Cinnamon roll Cade doesn’t know that he’s been waiting from for his first and only love to come back to him. But one little car accident and she’s suddenly back in his life and in their town and he knows that he can’t stay away from her or let her walk away again.
Charlotte has a stalker, so she’s taken an extended vaca back in her hometown. One frightful incident ending in an accident that has her crashing into a tree on what used to be her marital home. A run in with the lost love of her life was not in her plans but one hug is all it takes for all those feeling to come flooding back.
This two could not stay away from each other, and the burn is not slow! 10 years of repressed sexual tension and it does not take long for then to fall back into bed together.
This was a fast paced, action ( both kinds) packed, sweet second chance story and I can not wait for the rest of this series!
June 21, 2022
I am so super excited for this spinoff series of the Sweetbriar Hearts. One and Only is a top-notch second chance romance. It's full of pining and spice and the sweetest cinnamon roll cop ever known. The ups and downs of Cade and Charlotte took me for a slightly angsty ride and it was glorious. I loved the suspense/mystery plotline but it was done with Nora Everly's signature feel-good style and the right amount of humor. It was just enough, intriguing, but I'll still be able to sleep tonight (anyone else scared of the dark?). It's great to be back in Sweetbriar seeing others get their heas and spend some time with characters I already love. Highly recommend!
June 21, 2022
Sigh, this was such a great book!
Cade & Charlotte were high school sweethearts that got married too young.
They divorced, and went there separate ways when they could not agree on their future together.
Charlotte left Sweetbriar to go to University and became a famous author, while Cade stayed and became a police officer.
Neither of them truly moved on, and when Charlotte comes home to try and finish her latest novel, also hiding from a stalker, they cannot fight the feelings they still have for one another.
This book was filled with lots of swoon, funny moments, romance and suspense.
Such a good book!
Cade & Charlotte were high school sweethearts that got married too young.
They divorced, and went there separate ways when they could not agree on their future together.
Charlotte left Sweetbriar to go to University and became a famous author, while Cade stayed and became a police officer.
Neither of them truly moved on, and when Charlotte comes home to try and finish her latest novel, also hiding from a stalker, they cannot fight the feelings they still have for one another.
This book was filled with lots of swoon, funny moments, romance and suspense.
Such a good book!
June 26, 2022
Sweetbriar return!! This is a small town second chance romance, this is Charlotte and Cades story, plus we see some of the characters from the Sweetbriar Hearts series. These two fell in love when they were young but ended in divorce. Charlotte returns and the heat is there but after a decade Cade knows what he wants and that is Charlotte, his one and only. I enjoyed this story of ‘getting it right’, as the heart knows what the heart wants, this is a spicy read.
July 9, 2022
Great start to this series!
Cade and Charlotte have actually been in love most of their life. Circumstances made them split up after high school. They made a lot of mistakes and regret it, but they were too young to realize it. Cade is a detective, ready to take over as chief of police once his father retires. Charlotte is a writer of hot mysteries, and is back home because she’s trying to get away from a stalker. Neither of them can resist one another. It’s hard to open your heart again once it’s been broken. Assumptions are made on both their parts. Always find out the other side of the story. There is an HEA, though. Oh, and the steamy scenes throughout! The writing is awesome, but easy to follow
Cade and Charlotte have actually been in love most of their life. Circumstances made them split up after high school. They made a lot of mistakes and regret it, but they were too young to realize it. Cade is a detective, ready to take over as chief of police once his father retires. Charlotte is a writer of hot mysteries, and is back home because she’s trying to get away from a stalker. Neither of them can resist one another. It’s hard to open your heart again once it’s been broken. Assumptions are made on both their parts. Always find out the other side of the story. There is an HEA, though. Oh, and the steamy scenes throughout! The writing is awesome, but easy to follow
July 16, 2022
Wonderful!
Wonderful second chance love story. Too young when they married and too much in love, neither Cade nor Charlotte realized they had different immediate goals. They divorced and he stayed with n their home town while she went to New York. Ten years, she returns home to escape a stalker. This is their “ new” love story. Lots of family on both sides, giving advice, meddling,and generally causing havoc! Bittersweet!
Wonderful second chance love story. Too young when they married and too much in love, neither Cade nor Charlotte realized they had different immediate goals. They divorced and he stayed with n their home town while she went to New York. Ten years, she returns home to escape a stalker. This is their “ new” love story. Lots of family on both sides, giving advice, meddling,and generally causing havoc! Bittersweet!
January 10, 2025
3.75 ⭐️ but rounding up.
i’m okay with minimal miscommunication but boy did this one have a lot.
loved the suspense. “it’s always been you” but they had more sexual chemistry than actual chemistry
personally loved how i started off with this book first and wasn’t overwhelmed by the amount of side characters included
i’m okay with minimal miscommunication but boy did this one have a lot.
loved the suspense. “it’s always been you” but they had more sexual chemistry than actual chemistry
personally loved how i started off with this book first and wasn’t overwhelmed by the amount of side characters included
July 1, 2022
Second chance romance is one of my favorites because the author has a unique challenge of fixing what is broken while also laying down groundwork for a fresh start. In this book Cade and Charlotte's lives get tangled together when after she returns to their small town after years in the big city where she established her career as a writer. Not only were they high school sweethearts, but they even got married and divorced! They had a lot of years and a lot of heartbreak to get past but they were soooo good together even when they were arguing. The heated banter was off the charts as were the sparks.
These two spent years avoiding one another so they are practically different people when they meet again but also they are the same. Charlotte is now a published author and Cade is on the local police force. They each have friends and responsibilities and secrets that need to be revealed before they can consider the future. The author did a great job of setting up the angsty will they won't then and using that added bit of suspense and mystery to keep the us on our toes.
Their story was funny, sweet, and steamy with some great suspense and drama mixed in. The small town vibe and all the great supporting characters added to the overall swoony feel of this book. I am genuinely excited for more from this series. Some of my favorite characters were Charlotte's brothers who were all kinds of domesticated alphas who cooked and cleaned while also being giant mountain men.
These two spent years avoiding one another so they are practically different people when they meet again but also they are the same. Charlotte is now a published author and Cade is on the local police force. They each have friends and responsibilities and secrets that need to be revealed before they can consider the future. The author did a great job of setting up the angsty will they won't then and using that added bit of suspense and mystery to keep the us on our toes.
Their story was funny, sweet, and steamy with some great suspense and drama mixed in. The small town vibe and all the great supporting characters added to the overall swoony feel of this book. I am genuinely excited for more from this series. Some of my favorite characters were Charlotte's brothers who were all kinds of domesticated alphas who cooked and cleaned while also being giant mountain men.
June 25, 2022
This was my introduction to Sweetbrier and how sweet it was. Cade and Charlotte we high school sweethearts who needed very different things and lived separate lives did 10 years until their paths finally cross again. This was a great second chance romance with a great mystery and I couldn’t put it down! It also lays the foundation to figure books WHICH I CANNOT WAIT TO READ! Nora Everly is great and has written another gem!
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