📖 Overview
Sophie Marren lives on a boat at the Cedar Ridge lake after her divorce, determined to maintain her independence. When she encounters gruff Jacob Kincaid, a Special Ops officer who has returned home to Cedar Ridge after years away, their worlds unexpectedly intersect.
Jacob aims to reconnect with his family and deal with his past while adapting to civilian life. His solitary plans become complicated when Sophie, with her free spirit and unconventional lifestyle, keeps appearing in his path.
Their initial friction evolves into an undeniable attraction as Sophie and Jacob navigate their individual challenges. Both must confront their fears about relationships and trust while dealing with family dynamics and small-town life in Cedar Ridge.
The story explores themes of homecoming, healing from past wounds, and the courage required to open oneself to new possibilities. Through its mountain town setting, the narrative examines how community and family connections can influence personal growth.
👀 Reviews
Readers consistently describe this romance as light and fun while still dealing with emotional themes. Many reviews highlight the chemistry between Sophie and Jacob and the humor in their interactions.
Liked:
- Believable relationship development
- Well-written banter and dialogue
- Strong emotional depth for both main characters
- Side characters and small-town setting
- Balance of serious moments with lighter scenes
Disliked:
- Some found the conflict resolution rushed
- A few readers thought Sophie's insecurities became repetitive
- Several mentioned the plot follows predictable romance patterns
Ratings:
Goodreads: 4.16/5 (12,800+ ratings)
Amazon: 4.6/5 (580+ ratings)
BookBub: 4.4/5 (1,100+ ratings)
Notable reader comments:
"Perfect blend of steam and heart" - Goodreads reviewer
"The characters' emotional baggage felt authentic rather than manufactured" - Amazon reviewer
"Loved the humor but wanted more resolution with the family subplot" - BookBub reviewer
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Fix Her Up by Tessa Bailey A former baseball player returns to his hometown and forms an unexpected connection with his best friend's sister.
The Happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez A woman's life changes when she finds a lost dog that leads her to its musician owner.
The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker A city girl moves to rural Alaska to reconnect with her estranged father and falls for a rugged bush pilot.
In A Jam by Kate Canterbary A woman inherits her grandmother's maple farm and must work with her childhood nemesis to keep the business running.
🤔 Interesting facts
🌲 The book is set in the fictional town of Cedar Ridge, Colorado, which was inspired by the author's own experiences living in the mountains.
💑 This is the third book in the Cedar Ridge series, but it can be read as a standalone romance without having read the previous books.
🏆 Author Jill Shalvis is a New York Times bestselling author who has written over 50 romance novels and sold more than 10 million copies worldwide.
🎭 The main character, Sophie Marren, lives on a boat despite being prone to seasickness - a quirky detail that adds both humor and metaphorical significance to her character's journey.
🖋️ Jill Shalvis wrote this book while recovering from a skiing accident, which may have influenced some of the outdoor adventure elements in the story.