Forever in Honeymoon Harbor

Honeymoon Harbor #5

by JoAnn Ross

“Readers won’t want to leave the heartwarming stories of Honeymoon Harbor, and its characters’ second chances at life and love.”

—Publishers Weekly

Quinn Mannion never believed in destiny until she came to Honeymoon Harbor. The eldest of five siblings, Quinn has always found success—head altar boy, valedictorian of Honeymoon High, big-city lawyer. Until he gave it all up. Walking away from his lucrative career and returning to Honeymoon Harbor to reopen the old family pub wasn’t as tough as he thought. Not nearly as tough as meeting the woman who was meant to be his forever. But loving a married woman is a line Quinn won’t cross.

Despite Amanda Barrow’s attempts to be friendly yet reserved, she knows Quinn has noticed a shadow hanging over her. And walls that don’t invite intimacy. And the unexplained bruises. As much as she tries not to fall so quickly, Quinn’s steady nature and loving concern have Amanda burying memories of her disastrous marriage and feeling hopeful for the future. But she’ll have to let go of the chaos and pain of the past—and accept a staggering family secret—before she and Quinn can get their happy-ever-after.

Honeymoon Harbor

Book 1: Herons Landing
Book 2: Snowfall on Lighthouse Lane
Book 3: Summer on Mirror Lake
Book 4: Second Chance Spring
Book 5: Forever in Honeymoon Harbor

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 22, 2023

About the author

New York Times bestselling author JoAnn Ross has written over a hundred novels for a bunch of publishers. Two of her titles have been excerpted in Cosmo and her books have also been published by the Doubleday, Rhapsody, Literary Guild, and Mystery Guild book clubs.

A member of the Romance Writers of America's Honor Roll of best-selling authors, she's won several awards, including Romantic Times's Career Achievement Awards in both category and contemporary single title.

Currently writing a new Honeymoon Harbor series for HQN set on the Washington peninsula, that will launch in April, 2018, JoAnn lives with her husband (her high school sweetheart, who proposed at the sea wall where her Shelter Bay books are set), in the Pacific Northwest.

Reviews

[Linniegayl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, this was just lovely! I've really enjoyed the whole Honeymoon Harbor series. I'm sad to see it end, but happy that Quinn and Amanda finally got their HEA. Throughout the course of the book, we got to see how most of the other couples from the series were doing, and also met a few new characters.

[Michelle Oliveira · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm really trying to get into this book, but I just can't.. I think the characters and amount of characters are confusing. I tried reading this book multiple times and also recently started it as an audio book as well. I will say it's easier to digest as an audiobook, but I still find myself asking who's this, who's who, what's going on?

The narrator of this book is amazing, though! I love her voice.

I might try to get back into this book when I can get my hands on a physical copy, but right now, it's just not for me. I also think it would be a better read had I read other books or the first few Honeymoon Harbor books prior.

Thank you to JoAnn Ross, NetGalley and Canary Street Press for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Traann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet end to a wonderful series

[Ann C. · Rating 2 out of 5]

The other books in the series were excellent. This one seems to be thrown together to end the series. The main characters did not even get together until half way through the book. It seems like all sorts of stuff were throw in as a filler. I found myself skimming over a lot of the extra stuff as it did nothing for the story.

[Julie]

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[Becca · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was incredibly difficult to finish. If the author wasn't bombarding us with the life histories of all the characters in the previous books--"Bastien and Desiree Broussard, who were shopping for Bastien’s Sensation Cajun restaurant and Desiree’s Ovenly boulangerie" and " Zoe came to town our freshman year of high school, and we became best friends and he and Zoe fell in love. I loved her so much, I couldn’t even be jealous.After they married, she became an Army nurse in Afghanistan and was at the end of her deployment, getting ready to return home so they could start a family when a suicide bomber breached the gates at her base. She died.”--she was tossing out useless facts about the rain forests or Douglas Firs. The book read like an information dump of unrelated trivia--"the town’s name was changed from Port Vancouver to Honeymoon Harbor when European royalty visited here on the advice of their friend, President Theodore Roosevelt, during their honeymoon sightseeing trip across America. Roosevelt had designated part of our peninsula forest to be the Mount Olympus National Monument in order to preserve the native habitat of elk. " Because *that* was really important to the story.
We heard more about Gloria's previous relationship than her current one! And the author committed the Cardinal Sin of series books: mentioning every character from the other books in the series. Boring! It bogs down the story, and quite frankly, who cares? If these books were meant to be stand alone reads we shouldn't have to hear about all the other characters.
I also felt the blurb was deliberately misleading: "loving a married woman is a line Quinn won't cross" when it clearly stated in the first chapter that Amanda was divorced. Ugh. Just ugh.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love JoAnn Ross but I'll admit that this wasn't my favorite book. However, I think part of that might be because I read it out of order in the series. I felt like the plot didn't match the cover copy--all the challenges mentioned on the cover were only mentioned in flashbacks or referenced in dialogue but seemed to have been over before this book actually started. There was no big challenge or hurdle for Quinn and Amanda's relationship. Plus, I love having these small-town series where everyone knows everyone but because I hadn't read all the previous ones (and it had been quite a while since I read any in this series), I had trouble keeping all the people straight. I was trying to learn the old players as well as the new. Having said that though, I did like Quinn and Amanda and enjoyed watching them start their relationship, and I also liked meeting Piper. I hope to see more of her. (Though again, I felt like Quinn's relationship with her and her mother was a missed opportunity for a little drama--he seemed to get over his anger in about 30 seconds and moved on to the calm, rational lawyer mind.) Even though this one wasn't my favorite, it won't stop me from reading more of Ross's books or even more Honeymoon Harbor--though I will have to go back and fill in the gaps.

[Traci Westling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished Quinn & Amandas book & found it to be pleasantly entertaining , funny & gently romantic. I’d say I’m a bit new to her books so as unread this story , it really helped that the author did a brilliant job with familiarizing me with other characters that have been in the ongoing series. I appreciated their slow subtle burn for each other as the other story line was happening during their romancing.. Piper in this collective story was a refreshing bonus plot that turned out to be one of the huge reasons for me liking this book! I do love unexpected plot twists & the author delivers ! I’ll share also that if you love the West coast Washington state region , you’ll adore this book because the author manages to capture the region beautifully AND incorporates a ton of horticulture for all the plant lovers out there ! Superior visuals to accompany the long awaited romance . Definitely recommend this one .

[Kate Vale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another in the Honeymoon Harbor series, in which eldest son, Quinn Mannion, is hugely successful as a brewmaster and pub owner, but lonely, the last of his siblings to find a love to share his life. Then Amanda Barrow comes to Honeymoon Harbor, accompanied by an abusive husband whom she finally loses to a long prison sentence. But she's not ready for intimacy, something former lawyer Quinn understands. Not that his heart agrees with his brain.

Then there's the teenager who shows up, looks remarkably like a great-great-grandmother in the Mannion clan and turns out to be Quinn's daughter from a brief liaison when he was in college in Europe. HIs life is now turning into more complication than he anticipated. Fortunately, Amanda is coming around to considering moving in with him and is totally happy becoming a stepmum to Quinn's daughter should she ever be ready to accept a proposal from Quinn. Will this family never stop growing? I hope not.

[Bobbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fifth book in this series, JoAnn Ross once again shows us what a good small town romance story this is. Quinn is the oldest Mannion son of some of the original Mannions who settled in Honeymoon Harbor in Washington State and the only Mannion not paired off. He quit being a lawyer to learn to brew craft beer and run a pub. Amanda has been around for awhile but because she had been in an abusive marriage, Quinn, although in love with her for forever, decided they should just be friends. Thus starts the courtship of Quinn and Amanda. It was enjoyable revisiting all of the family and watching the slow romance happen. There are several side stories also that give the story depth. Another wonderful tale from one of the queens of small town romance. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

[Patti Jacobs · Rating 1 out of 5]

When this book begins the FMC is already divorced. So the blurb on the back of the book saying that Quinn doesn’t fall in love with a married woman is kind of ridiculous. Obviously, that was the case in previous books in this series, but for this book, she’s already divorced.

This book wastes so much time talking about every other character possible. And every possible thing that happened to every other character. Plus I feel like it was an information dump on any and all topics. Things that I couldn’t care less about and stuff that didn’t matter at all for the story. As if the author needed a specific word count and so just googled different topics and threw all that information in the book.

I feel like the romance between the two main characters took up about a quarter of the book and it was pretty damn boring to boot.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very detailed story. Lots of character and lots about plants. This story revolved around Quinn and Amanda. He had helped her get through her divorce and they were friends. But, most people noticed they wanted to be more than just friends. It did take some time as he didn't want to scare or rush her. Then there was Piper - who took a job at the pub where she met everyone. She was taking a gap year and was away from her parents to traveled the world all the time. She had had many adventures but wanted some answers that she had questions about.
I really liked her character.. I really enjoyed the story and it's outcome for everyone

I got this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another winner!

The latest book in the Honeymoon Harbor series, this story centers on Amanda, recently divorced from an abusive relationship, and Quinn, lawyer-turned-bartender. Of course, the author kept all the rest of the Mannion family, plus their spouses, significant others and townspeople in the book as well. But don't get worried if you haven't read the other books in the series, the backstories are touched upon lightly enough so you get a sense of the history.

I always enjoy books by this author, and recommend them to anyone who enjoys small town romance.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another good contemporary romance in the Honeymoon Harbor series. It centers around a woman who has struggled to get past her divorce and the man, Quinn, that has secretly been waiting for her to get to a better place emotionally so that he can act on his attraction to her. I thought they made for a very good romance.

The other central character in the book is Piper, a young woman who shows up one day and starts working for Quinn. There's a bit of a mystery and drama that revolves around her.

There were some facts thrown in about plants, that would probably be welcome if you were really into them. I was so/so about reading that plant info.

Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a bit slow for me, and it seemed to meander along just basically telling the story of the 2 main characters falling in love and becoming a couple. There wasn't really a 'stryggle' or anything to overcome, the big 'surpruse' was something you could see coming a mile away, and everyone tool pretty well.

I have read all of the other Honeymoon Harbor books, and I am glad to see Quinn finally get his book, but I did likenthe others more. I would suggest reading them prior tonthis one, as younwill miss out on some of the main characters' stories if you don't.

I reveived a copy of this book through NetGalley; all opinions are my own.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quinn fell in love with Amanda when he helped her divorce her abusive husband. After therapy, Amanda feels she is ready to move on from her past. Quinn knows he has to take it slow if he wants Amanda for the long haul. This would have been a four star review, but I took a star off because of all the facts that were recited about horticulture and almost anything else the author could throw in. I found this took away greatly from the story. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for my honest review.

[Barbara Tobey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful romance. Lots of family involvement. This was my first visit to Honeymoon Harbor. Initially I was overwhelmed with the number of characters, but it became easier to identify them all as I progressed. It probably would have been nicer to have read the previous ones, but definitely not a requirement. I really liked getting to know this couple. I did skip over the intimate scenes. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good book in this series. Quinn grew up in Honeymoon Harbor but left to be the big city lawyer . He comes home and opens a brewery . This book follows him as he finally gets together with the woman he has wanted for awhile . Also arriving in town is a 18 year old taking a gap year who starts working The brewery restaurant. She has secrets of her own that will effect Quinn. I hope there are ,ore books in this series.

[Renee Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quinn is the oldest of the Mannion children from Washington State. They live in the town of Honeymoon Harbor with his other family members and other people. A second chance with a job from lawyer to brewer and Amanda, who came from an abusive marriage. The characters are from other books in the series, but you don't have to read the others first.
Received an ARC from NetGalley and leaving a review by my own choice.

[Loy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the final installment in the honeymoon Harbour series. We finally have Quinn’s story. I did enjoy it

I felt there was less story in this book than any of the other books There was less story and more sexual antics between both Quin and Amanda.

The previous books had more story and more developing of the relationship between the two characters. There was sex, but not quite as much


I was glad to have the series wrap up, and really enjoy all in all all the stories

[Kerrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet story about the romance between Quinn Mannion and Amanda Barrow, and it was fun to try matching the fictional settings to real-life places on the Olympic Peninsula near my home. However, I felt this book included too much backstory about other members of the Mannion Family. Perhaps if I had waited to read it until after reading the previous 4 in the series, it would have been revisiting familiar territory and seemed less confusing. An enjoyable read otherwise.

[Diane Saul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quinn has always been successful in his life choices, now he has found a woman he can’t forget. She is coming off an abusive marriage and Quinn knows he has to give her time to heal. This is a story about family, romance and secrets, perfect for a summer read at the beach. It is part of a series but could easily be read as a stand alone. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

[Barb Kates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honeymoon Harbour returns

It's so nice to be back in Honeymoon Harbor with the old gang and meeting new folks. The characters in this set of books are strong and empathetic. They all overcame different life issues. Very uplifting and enjoyable to read. Thank you to JoAnn Ross for all her wonderful stories. May they continue for years to come.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is big brother’s Quinn story and how he quit his large law firm and came home to make craft beer. Falling in love with Amanda the moment he saw her, Quinn took his time until Amanda reached a point that she was open to love after her horrible marriage. All of the Mannion family finally moved back to their home in Honeymoon Harbor after making their mark in the world. Great story

[Barbara Lack · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I read a JoAnn Ross book I always feel as though I’m there with the characters. She does a supreme job of describing scenes. This is a family oriented book. Lots of love flows through the pages. Well worth reading!

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forever in Honeymoon Harbor
JoAnn Ross
After I finished the arc of this book I went back and started reading it again! Why? Because in the first chapter I was able to recapture how the story might be starting, after knowing how it went! The first chapter brought me right back to Honeymoon Harbor, and drew me into the newest adventures of the oldest Mannion boy, Quinn. It’s his story about listening to your heart when strange things happen - things you’d have never imagined happening - then thinking outside the box, as it were, to find the solution. I really enjoyed this last of the Honeymoon Harbor series. I like stories like this which take me out of the hustle and bustle of an urban life and into a more peaceful setting with interesting characters. Thanks.

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quinn Mannion, lawyer turned bar owner and craft brewer, is in love with Amanda Barrow, local landscape architect. But he is waiting to make his move until he believes she is over her bitter divorce and violent ex-husband.

[Yvonne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though there were a couple new characters and a surprise twist, a lot of the book was taken up with the stories of all of the previous characters in the series. It felt more like a retrospective than a new story. I've enjoyed the series, though.

[Denise Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book!

The whole Honeymoon Harbor series is a great read! I have enjoyed the series so much. Joann Ross knows how to get you to care about the characters in these books. Highly recommend not only this book, but the entire series!

[HTP Books]

Women's Fiction, Contemporary Romance
Miniseries
Honeymoon Harbor (Book #5)