Alison Robinson
Will Kincaid is a model citizen. Head teacher at the local school, former volunteer firefighter, current Search and Rescue (SAR) volunteer, he's the guy that everyone likes, except one, Catie Berton. He can't believe he offered to be in the Batchelor Auction Catie was organising and she turned him down, because he didn't fit the demographic, and he's been nursing the hurt ever since. Catie is the local hairdresser and estate agent (because Pine Harbour really is that small), she has a love-hate relationship with both Will and Pine Harbour. She thinks he's a stick-in-the-mud who shoots down all her ideas, he's universally adored while she and her mother were the subjects of town gossip. It doesn't help that she also has a massive crush on him! Catie is keen to try new things and face her fears. so volunteering for SAR sounds like a great idea, if only it didn't mean she has to run the gauntlet of Will's disapproval every week. Catie and Will might think they are complete opposites but deep down they are more alike than they imagine. This book is exactly what you would expect of a small-town enemies to lovers romance between the headteacher of the local school and the sole hairdresser. Cute, cosy. wholesome and (whispers) a bit boring. Honestly I read this and then had to reread the last two chapters in order to write a review because I couldn't remember whether I had actually finished the book! As they say, it's not the book, it's me because this is exactly what I was expecting/dreading so shame on me for requesting a book that I was already conflicted over. Recommended for those who like wholesome small-town enemies to lovers romances. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Dar Good
This book was a story of a relationship. I know, that’s romance, but these two, they started out, not quite as enemies, more like adversaries, but it was evident the attractions was there. A nice slow build-up had them, and us, finding out about them. Then the flash heat, and we finally have them finding themselves, and then finding each other. The depth of their emotions, personal and for each other, had me emotional myself, as they worked things through. Quiet and thoughtful, like our characters, the emotions were soul touching, and this story flowed from the pages and deep into my heart <3
Viper Spaulding
Heartwarming romance with deep family roots I love how this story focused not just on the Kincaid family but also on Catie's family dynamics and how that affected her settling into Pine Harbour. I rejoiced with both Catie and Will as the steps were taken to honor those who deserved it. I'm three books in and I'm in love with every one of the Kincaid brothers. They're very different, yet each one is a good man who fulfills every girl's dream of a book boyfriend. Will is a little more straight-laced and still bears the scars from losing his parents, but he's everything that Catie needs and their journey to their HEA just made me swoon every step of the way. I really appreciate how the author let us get to know Catie in the earlier book, so we can understand a bit of her history, especially her feelings for Will. The writing is, as always with this author, top-notch and thoroughly engaging. Much respect to the author for including a land acknowledgement in the book. She handled a sensitive subject with grace and dignity for all, adding just the right touch of authenticity to her fictional world. If you love small town romances, you have to get deep in the Pine Harbour series. Each is a standalone love story, and each one builds on the previous community interactions. Start with this one, then catch up with the earlier books in this series and the previous series set in the same small town. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
