Unforgiven in Cheshire Bay

Cheshire Bay #9

by H.M. Shander

Revenge is never a fool-proof plan.

Erin has learned to guard her heart and keep her secrets safely stashed away. When she’s asked to design a huge mural and collaborate on the project with a handsomely rugged man, she jumps at the chance to say yes and impress. What a gift to her business, and her mounting debt. How could she refuse?

Until… she learns who he is.

Blissfully single, David Dean is surprisingly smitten by Erin’s fierce tongue, her blunt honesty, and a willingness to call him on his bullshit, something no one has challenged before. It’s intoxicating, and because she’s a single mom, he wants to do right by her and treat her well, even if it comes across as old-fashioned.

Until… he learns who she is.

As his past business mistake collides with her aggressive social media smear, he starts to question their building attraction. Was any of it real? While revenge may have been part of her plan, destroying a heart – especially the one she’s fallen in love with – never was. Can they forgive each other or is the damage unrepairable?

205 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2023

About the author

H.M. Shander is an award winning and USA TODAY bestselling author who is a hopeless romantic and lover of chocolate, coconut and a damn good cup of coffee.

She's the author of several reader's choice books (Bronze medal for Return to Cheshire Bay and the Gold Medal for Living La Vida Mocha). An upcoming release was also a Kobo Writing Life finalist - so watch for that to release soon.
She writes swoon-worthy, gentle beta heroes, in sweet or steamy storylines that all end with a happily ever after.

When not writing, she is a part-time librarian and Educational Assistant to a group of kindergartens, a devoted mother to her two kids, and believes she's married the sweetest man and the greatest inspiration for her heroes.

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Reviews

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was able to receive this as an ARC, and voluntarily writing a review. In order to support her daughter and build her business, Erin has worked hard. Her business flopped after she hit rock bottom. She eventually decided to take a risk and invest in a new business venture. With hard work and dedication, she was able to turn her business around and make a success of it. She is now thriving and supporting her daughter with her newfound success. This was a perfect storm of hurt for David as well. Their mutual admiration grew deeper as they got to know one another. A hard worker and a caring person, both are. Their love for each other has endured all the bumps of life, and they have found a love that is worth fighting for despite all the obstacles they have faced. There's nothing better than "imperfectly perfect" love for two people! Despite the struggles they had both gone through, the support and admiration they had for each other only grew stronger. Even through the hardships, the feelings they had for one another never wavered, and they have found a deep and lasting love that is worth celebrating.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Book 8 of the Cheshire Bay series and brings us the story of Erin and David. Erin is a single mom working hard to make her woodworking business thrive so she can support her daughter. She gets a great opportunity to make some money when David commissions her for an exclusive collection of woodwork. Her and David had a run-in a while back, but he doesn't remember her. But she hasn't forgotten him. Mistakes were made and Erin almost lost her job back then because of him. She uses this opportunity to get a little revenge, but as they spend time together, they start to develop feelings for one another. But when David finds out what Erin did, their chance at happiness is at risk and he begins to question if what they have is real.
Another lovely addition to the series which was such a delight to read! Wonderful characters that I was immediately endeared to and a storyline that grabbed my attention from the start and kept me glued till the end. This series is amazing! I am so glad to have the opportunity to read this!
Thank you to the author for providing a complimentary copy. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book eight in The Cheshire Bay series and it is Erin and David’s story and it is definitely a must read. Erin in a single mom and loved working with wood and exploring her creativity and passion while working from home and it also provided what she needed to support herself and her daughter while given her freedom but with her daughters health and mounting medical bills things were always difficult and tight but doing some large custom pieces helped a lot. David ran and owned Birch Bay Burgers and he had commissioned a exclusive collection of woodwork from Erin to go in his shop after he had completed the renovations and he was willing to pay the price that she quoted even if it was a bit steep. Erin and David had history because when she was pregnant and ate from his shop she was really bad with food poisoning and nearly miscarriage her daughter and when she complained after she had lost her job due to being in hospital David was rude and basically told her to take a hike so now she is basically getting a bit of revenge without him knowing who she was. The more time that Erin and David spend together feelings start to grow but when David finds out exactly what Erin did things take a turn for the worse breaking them apart but will Erin eventually be able to convince David how sorry she was for what she did and show him just how much he means to her and will David forgive her giving them the happiness and future that they both deserve. I absolutely loved this book and even with all the ups and downs and emotional situations that had me in tears i still couldn’t put it down and had to keep turning the pages to see what would happen next and what the outcome would be for them and I can’t wait to read the next book in this amazing series. I definitely recommend you read this book and series and you will not be disappointed.

[J Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a complimentary copy. Erin is a single Mom who owns her own business. She gets the chance to create a mural and is excited about the opportunity it will give her as well as the money it will bring her. The excitement lasts until she finds out who she will be working for, David Dean, a man with a past that she now has to deal with again.

David and Erin are attracted to each other but will a past mistake cause them to give up on a future for both of them? I liked how fierce and independent Erin was and I get why she was upset about David but let him explain and give him a chance. David was a good guy who made a mistake. Things happen get over it. Will David and Erin give their new found attraction a chance to thrive?

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an incredible series that I eagerly devour each book as they come out. This time it’s Erin’s story and it’s one hell of an emotional and wonderful read and I couldn’t put it down. Erin is a wonderful character, she’s strong, she’s tough and she a fantastic mother and she makes and creates the most beautiful things. Enter David a local restaurantier who falls for Erin and her work and asks her to create a mural for the reopening of his restaurant. Unbeknown to him, he and Erin have a past and it’s not a good one but mistakes were made on both sides and revenge isn’t everything it’s all cracked up to be. It’s a great story that definitely had me hooked from start to finish and left me with all the right feels!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Erin has worked hard to build her business and support her daughter. After a rock bottom low point, she struck out at David’s business. David was also at a low point so it was a perfect storm of hurt. As they got to know each other, they found much to admire about each other. Both are hardworking and caring. Ms. Shander’s stories always have a strong element of emotion and inspiration, the need for forgiveness for themselves and each other, and that good people make mistakes and deal with tough situations the best they can at the time. Good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bernie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Erin meets David as he sees the unveiling of the commission mural she has made for the doctor. She is Wood Carver producing bespoke work. He is the owner of a local, established and popular diner and he asks her to provide several art works for the newly renovated restaurant.
Secrets and lies have a way of coming back to hit you hard and Erin's is not one she wants him to discover, especially when they start dating.
Their relationship needs to be strong enough to overcome the disappointment and difficulties of the fallout when it is discovered as it gives them both reflection on their behaviour.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. Erin and David are interesting. It took a long time and several bumps for them to communicate. I was so frustrated at times, because while I understood both of their sides, I just wanted them to talk about the past and forgive. It was wonderful to see them reach their happy ending. I loved Erin, she is very persistent and so creative. David is also interesting, he seemed to have it all, but there is more to his story. I recommend you read the book, to see how they found happiness. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading, Unforgiven in Cheshire Bay (Cheshire Bay, #8) by H.M. Shander because it was great second chance story about Erin and David. Both characters had some issues in the past and only one knew the truth. Several years later, both characters meet up and have a chance at love again. But as time goes on, the truth will come out sooner or later no matter what. I love the characters of Cheshire Bay because they feel like family. I received an ARC of this story and I am voluntarily choosing to leave this review. What a great story!!!

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unforgiven in Cheshire Bay was a heartwarming read. The story was well-written with charming characters who, for me, were the best part about the book. The main characters, David and Erin, were three-dimensional and very relatable. They experienced the lowest moments in their lives which led to each of them showing the other the worst side of themselves. But in spite of the ugly history, they were able to move past their mistakes and forgive each other. Everything tied up together so well in this sweet, small-town romance.

I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.

[Tahnia Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seven years ago, currently pregnant Erin ate a chicken wrap at Birch Bay Burgers and got food poisoning so bad she had to be hospitalized and lost her job. Erin tried to tell the owner what happened but he laughed and hung up. Now, Erin has her own woodworking business and a 7-year-old daughter who is going deaf. When Erin meets David, a new customer, she finds that he is the one who blew her off. This story has plenty of romance and steam, ending in a HEA. Very highly recommended.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with all of the books in the Cheshire Bay series this one did not disappoint. Erin has built her business up to be able to support her and her daughter that has special needs even though the earlier years had a few setbacks along the way. David has a thriving business in the town also but it wasn't always that way. When David reaches out for Erin's help, history gets in the way of possibilities that might just end up cooling the sparks of love between them.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

David and Erin had me connecting with them in this heartfelt story. They both are experiencing success with their business after setbacks in their lives. When Erin sees who it is she is partnering with for the project sparks fly. As their relationship builds Erin has secrets, she doesn't want David to learn about. Their story will have you in their corner cheering them on to finding happiness.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dee Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful addition to the Cheshire Bay series.
Erin and David are great characters, easily relatable and they draw you into their story.
Secrets have a way of coming out and Erin has to deal with the fallout of her secrets once she and David start dating.
A slow burn, emotional, sweet and steamy read with a perfect HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rhonda Howell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can you recover from mistakes? The author leads us on a windi ng story of two individuals who unknowingly jaf crossed paths in the past. Will David be able to make up for the mistake he made or will Erin not forgive him? This is an enemies to lovers story that will have you anxiously waiting for the conclusion.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

And the author has done it again with a fabulous story I couldn't put down. This series and author quickly became one of my favorites and I'm never disappointed with any of her work. You know it's a great series when you can't help but get lost in the story and forget everything around you. A great series you'll want in your library. n.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CATHERINE BURHANS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Erin and David had such a sweet chemistry together! It was so enjoyable watching their relationship grow and develop. It’s always special to come back to Cheshire Bay and get to know more of its residents who are more like family to one another. But Erin has some skeletons in her closet that will really hurt David and could potentially sabotage their entire future together!

[Alex Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this is book 8 in a series, it's my first H.M. Shander novel, and I wasn't disappointed. Delightfully hot and sexy. Great characters, and a well written storyline. Would recommend. Will look out for the other books in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[KL Cassanello · Rating 5 out of 5]

She knows exactly who he is, and she'd like to continue to be a thorn in his side. He doesn't remember her at all. Until he does. I've been a single mom, and have so much respect for Erin. But David? He's a complete gentleman. This was such a heartwarming story, just a joy to read. I received an advance copy of the book, and this is my honest review.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a lot of books written by H.M. Shander; she is one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the eighth book in the Cheshire Bay Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Erin & David.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about learning to communicate, forgive and the power of love. Emotions run deep in this book and it was a sweet story of second chances. It was well written with a great plot and wonderful characters that feel like your friends. I really enjoyed this heartwarming read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Raylene Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is story of fixing what you have do even though you don’t have all the information. Erin has to learn to let go of the past. David has to come to turn with his feeling and her to him. Can they forgive each other or not?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cecly Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

We return to Chesire Bay with delightful characters who face life's challenges with gusto and hope and give you the inspiration to face your situation with a strength you did not know you had.
Wonderful characters who populate an enchanting setting and work through their conflicts and issue that are plot perfect.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading so many dark romances, this series is always a breath of fresh air!

This is an enemies to lovers romance with plenty of sweet and a nice bit of steam!

Erin hasn't had it easy and when she has to work for David, well, things aren't getting any easier! Or maybe...

Have you escaped to Chesire Bay? If not, I highly recommend this series!

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this story Erin and David learn the lesson of forgiving as they work through their past where they were both hurt by the other and now have come together on a mutual project which turns out perfectly. Loved this story and the characters were perfectly flawed.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Single mom stories are always really good...I was raised by a single mom and I love reading stories about single moms getting a second chance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Simone Dyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really the definition of a second chance being given. The love and emotions that came pouring out of Erin and David was extremely evident.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed David and Erin’s book. It was an intriguing, fun read. Great characters. And am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Federica S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful story in the Cheshire Bay series. This time it’s about Erin’s story and it feels like adding another piece to a puzzle. As any books from this series you can read it as a stand alone too. If you find yourself loving this book as much as I did, then you would definitely love to read the other stories too. The author’s way of writing is just what I like the most, each time the characters grow throughout the storyline and their story is unravelled. You really never know what’s behind a person’s way of talking or actions. A story of revenge and forgiveness that I really recommend. I was given an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I reallllly loved Erin and David’s story. Two people from two different lives unknowingly reconnect into each other's lives. Through all the bumps in life they have gone through finding each other and finding a love worth fighting for. I am so glad these two both got their “imperfectly perfect” love for one another!