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Oklahoma Sky

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Lucy Dalton knows moving back to her childhood hometown after being gone for twenty years isn't going to be easy. Facing a past that haunts you never is.

But after inheriting her late grandma's home and her small business, Lucy decides it's time to move back to the little town of Twin Pines, Oklahoma, where she just may finally find the peace she craves in her life.

Lucy is prepared to have a full plate when she arrives. What she doesn't expect is her friend's protective older brother to move in with her.

Cal Beckett is a successful small businessman who tends to keep to himself. But he has never forgotten the girl with the jade green eyes that stole his heart all those years ago. After two decades apart, seeing Lucy again reignites a fire in him. She disappeared from his life without a trace last time. Now, he isn't letting go without a fight.

Cal will do everything he can to prove to Lucy that she is not alone, and that this is right where she belongs.

UNDERNEATH THE OKLAHOMA SKY.

Oklahoma Sky is a forced proximity, he falls first, trauma healing, childhood friends to lovers romance with found family/friendship, and a protective cinnamon roll MMC who is only sweet for her. This book includes a happily ever after and is book one in the new small-town romance series of interconnected standalones, The Beckett Family. NOW A CLOSED-DOOR ROMANCE.

320 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2024

8 people are currently reading
158 people want to read

About the author

Bennett Rhodes

4 books24 followers
Bennett lives in a small town with her husband and their two rowdy boys. She still can’t decide if she’s a cat person or a dog person, so she’s declared herself both and moved on. When she’s not writing swoony, heartfelt small-town love stories, she’s probably reading one—iced tea in hand, laundry untouched, and her TBR pile threatening to topple. She loves family game nights, comfy clothes, and quiet moments at home—perfect inspiration for her stories about love, family, and finding your place in the world.


Follow Bennett on Amazon, Goodreads, and Social Media!

Instagram: @author.bennett.rhodes
TikTok: @author.bennett.rhodes


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5 stars
56 (39%)
4 stars
64 (45%)
3 stars
16 (11%)
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5 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
Profile Image for Kate.
58 reviews54 followers
September 21, 2024
Absolutely devoured this book.

Love Cal & Lucy. I honestly enjoyed all the characters!

This book is super sweet & swoon-worthy.

I received this as an arc and I finished this book in a day. I couldn’t put it down! Will definitely be buying the physical copy! 🌻🌻🌻

Thank you Sunnybabepr for sending me a copy of this lovely book!!
Profile Image for McKenzie.
393 reviews92 followers
October 6, 2024
“I’m the farthest thing from a people person. It’s possible I may just be a Lucy person.”

This was a really cute debut! Perfect if you love small town, childhood friends to lovers romance.

A very beautiful and heartwarming story-I loved Cal and Lucy’s relationship. And no third act breakup?! Love that! Also love that it had dual POV!

The story had depth to it too and enjoyed the found family aspect. I loved the entire friendship group and their dynamics and can’t wait to read future books in the series about the others.

Very quick and enjoyable read and impressed it was just a debut. Recommend checking it out!💛

Thank you @sunnybabepr & @author.bennett.rhodes for this #gifted e-copy!🫶🏼
Profile Image for Kaatiereads.
151 reviews11 followers
November 19, 2024
Lucy is returning to Oklahoma after her grandparents left her their house and business. When she gets back to town and discovers her grandparents house was ransacked her she knows she needs to get a roommate. She doesn’t expect the roommate to be her friend’s older protective brother she remembers from her childhood.

This debut novel was everything I needed and more! I absolutely loved the small town vibes and the found family with Wren and the whole Beckett family! There are trigger warnings to check out before diving in and it broke my heart to read about everything Lucy has been through. Overall, I would highly recommend this amazing romance that will keep you hooked!
Profile Image for Emily.
278 reviews19 followers
October 6, 2024
It was such a sweet read that had me hooked right from the start!

I adored how protective yet gentle and patient Cal was with Lucy while she worked through some triggers that bought her trauma to the surface. He never pressured her and let her work through her thoughts in her own time.

Cal’s siblings and their friends added another layer of fun and playfulness to the story, which was needed to balance the heavy topics and I adored them all. I’m looking forward to reading their stories in the interconnected standalones, The Beckett Family, when released.

Overall this was a fabulous debut that flowed really well. There is open door spice (very tastefully done) and trigger warnings, so please consider those before diving in.

Thank you to the author and sunny Babe PR for a copy to read in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Kellie.
302 reviews31 followers
October 23, 2024
Thank you Bennett Rhodes and Sunny Babe PR for my copy of Oklahoma Sky. 🤍 I received this book for review, all opinions are my own and given freely.

Oklahoma Sky is such a cute, easy read. I didn’t want to put it down! This is Bennett Rhodes debut novel and so well done, I was super impressed and honored to read an arc. 👏🏻 I can’t wait to read more from this author in the future. The cover is gorgeous and the story is wonderful. I’ll be thinking about this book and these characters for awhile to come.

Oklahoma Sky is right up my alley containing tropes such as small town romance, friends to lovers, found family and he falls first (swoon!!). I really loved the characters and while the story did contain some heaviness, the author wrote them gracefully and balanced everything very well.

Oklahoma Sky is available now! 🎉
Profile Image for Misty.
247 reviews12 followers
November 28, 2024
I absolutely loved this story, and I can't believe it was Bennett Rhodes' debut novel.

Lucy inherits her grandmother's house and business, bringing her back to the small Oklahoma town she loved and missed. Although she is happy to be back, it doesn't take long for old wounds to start to fester.

Cal is Lucy's best friend's brother. When Lucy comes back to town, old feelings he didn’t know he was harboring are brought to the surface. And when a man threatens Lucy's safety and well-being, Cal steps in to save the day, but will it be enough or will he lose Lucy before he gets a chance to tell her how he feels?

Oklahoma Sky is a small town, friends to lovers, best friends brother romance. Check the TW before starting this book. Some sensitive issues are discussed.
Profile Image for Marissa | Readswith_marissa.
251 reviews14 followers
September 26, 2024
“A guy I fell in love with right here underneath the Oklahoma sky.”

💭Thoughts💭
For the first installment in the Beckett Family series, I devoured it in just a couple days!

This book has everything from comfort read, to swoony cinnamon roll MMC, to working through past trauma and making a new life!

I loved the pinning Cal had for Lucy from when they were kids. Reconnecting it’s like he didn’t skip a beat. Cal is the perfect protective, sweet and reassuring man that most women dream of. Lucy is the hard working, stubborn, strong woman that everyone wants to be! Together they make nothing less than that of a power couple.

All in all, I really enjoyed this book from start to finish. I only wished the epilogue would have been longer. I was just craving a little more Cal and Lucy. I recommend to all my besties who love a short and sweet small town romance! 💛🌻

Thank you to Bennett Rhodes and Sunny Babe PRfor allowing me the ARC of this book!
Profile Image for Char.
251 reviews7 followers
September 29, 2024
This is a sweet small town romance that will melt your heart.
I mean he calls her ‘Blue,’ he was her first kiss, and he is her best friends older brother (like it’s just all the things I need!)
While there were heavier topics mentioned in this book, Bennett Rhodes handles them with the care required.
I really loved watching the relationship and friendships blossom throughout this book.

Memorable Moments
🌻 life’s a master of timing, and it loves a cheap shot
Profile Image for Phoebe.
127 reviews22 followers
October 24, 2024
This book was so cute! It had all the best tropes & things I love about small town settings. Also HE BUILDS HER A BOOKSHELF!!! I mean 😍😍😍

I was LIVING for the dual POV between Lucy & Cal and also... NO THIRD-ACT BREAKUP!! WOOHOO!! 😂

I could seriously see this book being made into a cute movie!! 🍿

My only downfall was I wish we had a bit more character depth & backstory, that aspect felt a bit rushed for me.
Profile Image for Linds.
68 reviews13 followers
October 25, 2024
This is a comfort read for me that I will definitely be re-reading again soon! Highly recommend if you’re a small town romance fan - especially if you can identify with an FMC who is slow to trust, but has a heart of gold. The characters and the story are soooooo sweet!!!
Profile Image for Hanat reads_.
55 reviews
October 19, 2024
A easy and amazing read, love this

Oklahoma sky review

4 ⭐️

Thank you @sunnybabepr for granting me a chance to read this arc.

Oklahoma sky by Bennett Rhodes is an easy read, I love Cal and Lucy, although I’m not really keen on small town romance but this was an easy read and you should definitely check out this and give her debut novel a chance.

I loved the interaction between cal and Lucy, they take their time in catching up and loving themselves, I love wren and Lucy, their friendship is so strong and special. And we have indie and wilder,those two who always denied their relationship with other people knowing and them denying it. And Carson, the introverted chef and Cal best friend. I would say his is me….i love my introverted self.
I love Lucy for those things she got over from her mom’s boyfriend and that her nasty uncle.

You should give this debut book a try!

Oklahoma sky will be released on: 10•01•2024.

A little peek at my highlighted part

“Come sit with me, Blue.” Cal pats his leg and grins over at me.

The heat I felt in my belly earlier in the pool returns as his eyes stay on mine.

“Where did the other stool go? I know you made enough for everyone.” I walk toward him and stop, waiting for his response.

“Not sure where it went.” He shrugs and grabs me around the waist, gently pulling me down onto his lap. “But this seat’s all yours,” he whispers against my ear.”

Thank you and have a nice day ✨
Profile Image for Court Small.
637 reviews36 followers
October 8, 2024
Great Read

This was my first time reading this author and I thought this was a great read. I means what’s not to like…small town, friends to lovers, friends older brother, forced proximity. This was written really well and the characters had depth.
Lovers of Catherine Cowles and Denver Perry will love this, I can’t wait for book two
Profile Image for Emma.
393 reviews54 followers
October 21, 2024
thank you sunny babe pr and the author for an e arc of this book!

i thought this was a really cute book! however i just didn't really connect with any of the characters. it was cute and fun small town romance but didn't really wow me in any other way. i will probably read more from this author because i did like how the author wrote!
Profile Image for Jessi | whats.jes.reading.
222 reviews
September 30, 2024
4 ⭐️

Oklahoma Sky is a heartwarming small-town romance that brings together elements of nostalgia, healing, and second chances. The story follows Lucy Dalton, who returns to her hometown of Twin Pines after inheriting her grandparent’s house and business. She's ready for a fresh start but finds herself grappling with old wounds. Enter Cal Beckett, her best friend’s protective older brother, who has been carrying a torch for Lucy for years.

What stands out in Oklahoma Sky is the strong sense of community and the theme of found family. Bennett Rhodes paints a vivid picture of small-town life, where everyone knows each other and bonds run deep. Growing up in a small town, this was so nostalgic for me.

Overall, Oklahoma Sky is a feel-good read for anyone who enjoys slow-burn romance, protective heroes, and the charm of small-town life. I am so invested in these characters and cannot wait for the Wilder and Indie banter in book 2! 🖤
Profile Image for Zury Z.
92 reviews2 followers
October 24, 2024
Beautifully written story and great debut from the author.
Every character on the book is likeable, as are the 2 main characters.
I Liked the dual pov.
I am hoping there will be more books about the other characters in the future.
This book has some discriptive spice and trigger warnings. proceed with caution.
Overall, great book and i hope the author continues writting.
Profile Image for Samantha.
179 reviews9 followers
September 21, 2024
🌻 Oklahoma Sky 🌻

This is my first ARC read (huge thank you to @sunnybabepr and @author.bennett.rhodes for this opportunity) and I was so excited.

Lucy Dalton is moving back to her small hometown of Twin Pines after inheriting her late grandma’s home and small business. After living in the city, Lucy hopes this will mean she finally gets the peaceful, slow paced life she has been wishing for. However, after an unexpected and very unwelcome visitor from her past, Lucy’s friend’s protective older brother decides to move in to the spare room she was thinking of renting out.

Cal Beckett is a successful small businessman who generally keeps himself to himself. He can’t believe it when he lays eyes on the girl who left Twin Pines two decades ago and the fire he felt when he very first saw her is reignited. Cal isn’t prepared to let Lucy go again so easily and is going to do everything he can to keep her around.

I could totally relate to Lucy and thought the way her childhood was retold was written perfectly and handled so well. She is a great FMC and her character development throughout the book was amazing to see.

Cal, Cal, Cal…what a guy! He would literally do anything and everything for Lucy and he always has her back. He isn’t overbearing which I love but was always a reassuring presence.

The friendship group is one I wish I could be a part of, the dynamics were brilliantly written and I am so excited for future books in the Beckett Family series!

Bennett, a huge congratulations on your first book. I am definitely ordering the paperback when it is released and I urge all of my bookish friends to get your hands on this as soon as it releases.

🌻 Cinnamon Roll MMC
🌻 Found Family/Friends
🌻 Slow Burn
🌻 Smalltown Romance
🌻 Trauma Healing

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

#bookstagram #books #booklover #book #bookworm #bookstagrammer #reading #bookish #bookaddict #booknerd #instabook #booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #fyp #read #bookaholic #booksbooksbooks #bookphotography #bookshelf #bookreview #bookcommunity #bookblogger #instabooks #booklovers #reader #igreads #bookrecommendations #arc
Profile Image for 𝓐𝓪𝓼𝓱 .
Author 0 books9 followers
December 20, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Smut: 3/5 (enough to make you blush but still keeps it classy)

If you’re into cinnamon roll book boyfriends, small-town vibes, and love stories that make your heart ache in the best way, Oklahoma Sky is your next read.

First off, Lucy Dalton is THAT girl. She’s relatable, messy in all the right ways, and watching her come into her own after moving back to Twin Pines? Chef’s kiss. Bennett Rhodes nailed the nostalgia by weaving Lucy’s childhood memories into the narrative, making it feel like we were unpacking her past right along with her.

And Cal Beckett? Let’s just say, move over, every other book boyfriend ever. He’s the perfect blend of protective but not overbearing, sweet but lowkey smoldering. The fact that he’s been pining for Lucy since forever? I’m dead. Forced proximity with him moving into her house? Double dead. Watching him balance letting her grow while making it clear he’s all in? Straight up goals.

The romance is everything. Childhood friends-to-lovers + forced proximity = elite trope combo. The chemistry is electric without feeling rushed, and that slow-burn tension? UGH, I lived for it. Every glance, every touch, every moment between Lucy and Cal felt earned and so satisfying.

But what makes this book stand out is the community. The found family vibes are immaculate—Lucy’s friend group, the small-town charm, and even the dogs (Severus and Sirius deserve their own novella). Twin Pines feels like a place you’d want to move to, grab a coffee, and gossip about Cal and Lucy with the locals.

The emotional depth of this story is what really got me, though. It’s not just a cute small-town romance; it’s about rediscovering yourself, leaning on your people, and letting love show up in its own time. Bennett Rhodes crushed it with this debut, and I can’t wait to devour the rest of the Beckett Family series.

If you love small-town romances with found family feels, slow-burn chemistry, and a MMC who will ruin you for real-life men, Oklahoma Sky is IT. Highly recommend snatching this up ASAP—trust me, your TBR will thank you.
Profile Image for Missi.
279 reviews9 followers
October 2, 2024
🅱🅾🅾🅺 🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆 - 𝔸ℝℂ
🌻𝐎𝐤𝐥𝐚𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐚 𝐒𝐤𝐲 🌻
✍🏼 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐭 𝐑𝐡𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐬 | @author.bennett.rhodes

“𝙃𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙄 𝙩𝙤𝙡𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙛𝙖𝙫𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙚?”

Lucy Dalton thought she was ready for the quiet life when she moved back to her small hometown of Twin Pines. Inheriting her grandmother's house and business felt like the perfect excuse to leave the city behind and start fresh. But when Cal Beckett, her best friend's older brother, shows up, everything changes. The plan was for her to rent out the spare room, not have Cal move in to "keep an eye on things." Still, there's no denying the chemistry between them-and for Cal, those feelings he had for Lucy years ago are burning brighter than ever.

I absolutely loved watching Lucy's journey as she rediscovered herself in Twin Pines. The way her childhood memories were woven into the narrative really hit home, making her character feel genuine and relatable. And Cal...well, let's just say he completely stole the show. He's the kind of guy who'll do anything for the woman he loves, but he doesn't smother her—he lets her grow. That balance was spot-on and made him irresistible. He's hands-down the definition of book boyfriend material.

Their romance? Absolutely swoon-worthy. There's something about childhood friends reconnecting that gives everything more weight. And throw in the forced proximity trope, with Cal moving into Lucy's house? It was all so perfectly done. You could feel the history between them, but it never felt rushed or forced. It was that warm, slow burn that small-town romances do so well.

l'm also obsessed with the community aspect of this book-the friends, the found family vibe, and even the dogs named Severus and Sirius! It all added layers to the story, making Twin Pines feel like a place you want to visit. Bennett Rhodes captured that small-town warmth effortlessly, and I was completely wrapped up in it.

This is one of those stories that's not just sweet but feels real. Life isn't always easy, but Lucy and Cal's connection gave it that extra something, a reassurance that love can weather any storm. I devoured this book in a single sitting and I'm already counting down the days until the next one in the Beckett Family series drops.

Bennett, for a debut novel, you've outdone yourself. Congratulations on such a heartfelt, genuine story-I'll definitely be picking up the paperback when it releases.
If you love small-town romances with real depth and heart, this is the book you need in your life!

“𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙫𝙚 𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙚 𝙊𝙠𝙡𝙖𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙖 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙗𝙞𝙩𝙘𝙝.”

🌻 𝗖𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗼𝗹𝗹 𝗠𝗠𝗖
🌻 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗻
🌻 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆
🌻 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘅𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘆
🌻 𝗛𝗲 𝗙𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁
🌻 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀

#𝘉𝘦𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘍𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺𝘚𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 #𝘚𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘛𝘰𝘸𝘯𝘙𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 #𝘉𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴
Profile Image for Lisa Conant.
635 reviews41 followers
October 16, 2024
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5
Spice: 🌶🌶 out of 5

Tropes:
💘Childhood Friends
🧁Cinnamon Roll MMC
🏘Small Town Romance
💞Found Family
💙He Falls First

✨️Blurb:
Lucy Dalton knows moving back to her childhood hometown after being gone for twenty years isn't going to be easy. Facing a past that haunts you never is.

But after inheriting her late grandma's home and her small business, Lucy decides it's time to move back to the little town of Twin Pines, Oklahoma, where she just may finally find the peace she craves in her life.

Lucy is prepared to have a full plate when she arrives. What she doesn't expect is her friend's protective older brother to move in with her.

Cal Beckett is a successful small businessman who tends to keep to himself. But he has never forgotten the girl with the jade green eyes that stole his heart all those years ago. After two decades apart, seeing Lucy again reignites a fire in him. She disappeared from his life without a trace last time. Now, he isn't letting go without a fight.

Cal will do everything he can to prove to Lucy that she is not alone, and that this is right where she belongs.

✨️Review:
A sweet, rather swoony small town romance that will give you the fuzzy feelings. If you want a couple who's chemistry falls together easily but oh so cutely, then this is for you!

There's a bit of side drama with Lucy's difficult home life in the past, but it's the relationship with Cal and her that grabbed me more. Loved their little interactions and Cal's kindness and boyish charm.

This is an easy read, lighter on conflict and a lovely little town to escape to for an afternoon. The siblings/friends our main characters are nicely rounded as well, and I can see a few will be getting their own spin off!
Profile Image for Fierce Heroine.
425 reviews55 followers
August 16, 2025
What initially caught my eye with this book was the cover and that it was small town romance. But when I saw some tropes I decided to give this one a try.

This was a very quick read with short chapters which is a plus for me. Lucy comes back to Oklahoma after her grandparents leave her their house and their work place. She bumps into her childhood friend from when she visited as a child and she helps her get settled into everything. And also sees her brothers and instantly remembers her crush on her older brother Cal, who was also her first kiss. She had a turmoilous past with her family and one shocking encounter, Cal offers to be her roommate to keep her safe.

Lucy wasn’t really a type of heroine I like to read about although I do always try to understand and relate. She was too insecure, needing reassurance until the very end of the book. Cal was like the most golden retriever male character. I did like the pace of how their relationship progressed from friendship to something more but I admit it was somewhat unrealistic.

I felt like this story had much potential at the start but continuing I just found so many flaws. Small town stories are best told having good supporting characters, and there were these friends and siblings but it just wasn’t much explored. The chapters mostly ended abruptly not following through the whole scene and starting something else. For me it felt the trauma was thrown in just as a try to make a story more emotional but yet again I wasn’t invested.
The whole thing felt like it just scratched the surface of what could have been more meaningful and deep story.

There were some phrases that were repeatedly written and it started to irk me, like ‘rolling her lips’.

I might try book two and see if the potential grew with the next couple.
Profile Image for Faith H.
98 reviews3 followers
September 30, 2024
“It’s like you flipped a switch I didn’t know was off.”
-
After her grandma passes and leaves her with a business to run and a house to stay in, Lucy Dalton finds herself back in the town she grew up in. Lucy decides to take this as a sign for a fresh start and to finally take charge of her life.
Cal Beckett can’t believe his eyes when he sees that gorgeous girl back in his world. He never realized just how much he missed those beautiful green eyes. He takes every opportunity to help her in anyway he can.
She never would’ve thought that her best friend’s older brother to be her knight in shining armor. They find themselves in a roomie situation, not that they’re complaining. 😏
The more time Lucy spends in Twin Pines Oklahoma, the more she realizes that this is what she’s been craving all along. A true family that loves her for who she is, a sweet and caring man to turn to, and her fur babies. All under the Oklahoma sky🫶🏼
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This book is the author’s first book! I’m honestly shocked to even say that because it was AMAZING! It all flowed so nicely and had me hooked from the beginning! The first chapter alone was enough for me to absolutely LOVE the FMC! (Which never happens)
The found family aspect of this story was so sweet. You could feel the love and the family dynamic through the words! Not many found family stories have me in my feels. This was too good.
I truly cannot wait for whose story is next. I can’t confidently say I KNOW whoever is next, it’ll be an amazing story. This book alone set up a few different amazing relationships🫣
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Thank you sunnybabepr for this arc!! I enjoyed every second!
Profile Image for Kennedy.
225 reviews2 followers
October 1, 2024
The first installment in the Beckett Family series and it was such a wholesome and raw story! Lucy returns to her small hometown of Twin Pines, Oklahoma, after inheriting her grandparents' home and business. The way her childhood is retold adds depth and emotional resonance, making her character journey both relatable and engaging. Lucy’s development throughout the book is remarkable, showcasing her strength as she navigates the challenges of her past.

Cal is the epitome of the perfect male main character—sweet, attentive, and protective, yet never overbearing. His immediate instinct to move in with Lucy when someone from her past starts lurking around exemplifies his commitment to her well-being. I loved how he provided her with the reassurance she needed during such a tumultuous time in her life.

The dynamics within the friendship group are brilliantly crafted, creating a vibrant backdrop that enhances the story. I found myself wishing to be part of their circle! Cal's patience and understanding as Lucy shares her family trauma in her own time is incredibly touching, allowing their relationship to deepen naturally.

This small-town romance captures all the feels, and it’s hard to believe this is a debut novel—I simply didn’t want to put it down! Lucy and Cal complement each other perfectly, and I’m left with heart eyes for their love story. I can’t wait for more adventures in the Beckett Family series.

Tropes:
-Return to small town
-Childhood friends to lovers
-Best friend’s older brother
-Found family
-Forced proximity
-Sprinkle of suspense
-Slow burn
Profile Image for Abigail K.
137 reviews5 followers
October 23, 2024
OOO I loved this book! I was a little wary going in, due to some of the content warnings and I just wasn't sure how they would fit in and how I would feel. But oh it was so good. (PLEASE CHECK THE CONTENT WARNINGS IF THERE IS ANYTHING YOU ARE SENSITIVE ABOUT).

This book follows Lucy, a girl who moves back to her hometown, she had to leave when she was 11 after her grandparents died, leaving her their home and business. Once there, she reunites with Cal, her childhood best friend's old brother, aka her first crush. Some things are happening, which leads to Cal and Lucy having to become roommates. From there, they can reconnect like they were when they were younger, and some old feelings come back!

I loved watching the relationship bloom. I'm a sucker for friends to lovers and this one did it so well! I adored how Cal handled Lucy’s past, and how he was always there for her, no matter hat she needed. I also loved the friend group. The found family vibes were immaculate and I cannot wait for this author to hopefully (/0 publish more books on the rest of the characters! I can already see it.

I will admit, that the pacing of this book felt off at times. At some points in this book, it felt super fast and not as in-depth, and then other times there were just details you didn’t need as much. But all being said, this is such a minor thing in the grand scheme of things.

I loved this book and cannot wait to see more from this author!

Thank you to Sunny Babe PR and the author of this ARC in exchange for an honest review! Thank you!
Profile Image for emily.
21 reviews
October 30, 2024
Thank you to Mimi Gunn and Sunny Babe PR for letting me read this treasure. Thank you for also allowing me to post these at my pace due to the impact of Hurricane Helene.

Following the heartfelt story of Lucy, who returns to her small hometown of Twin Pines, Oklahoma, after inheriting her grandparents’ home and business. Reconnecting with her childhood friend Wren and her older brother Cal, she finds herself drawn to Cal, her first crush. When someone from her past starts lurking around, Cal becomes her protective roommate, allowing them to rekindle their relationship.

I adored watching their love story unfold! The friends-to-lovers dynamic was executed beautifully, with Cal embodying everything you could want in a romantic lead—sweet, attentive, and always willing to help. He provides Lucy with the reassurance she needs while navigating significant life changes and family trauma, adding depth to the story and their relationship. Cal’s unwavering support made him an instant favorite of mine, and I found myself having serious heart eyes for him!! He’s just a dream to read.

The tension between Lucy and Cal builds deliciously; unfortunately, the pacing occasionally feels off. Some moments feel rushed, while others include unnecessary details, but these are minor concerns. The found family vibes with their friend group were fantastic, and I can’t wait to see if the author explores more stories about these characters.

Tropes include:
- found family
- childhood friends
- first love
- forced proximity
- small town romance
Profile Image for Lumie.
668 reviews2 followers
November 21, 2024
Thank you to Sunny Babe PR for the ARC.

Plot 3.5/5
Characters 3.75/5
Ending 3.5/5
Interest 3.75/5

Overall 3.5/5

-I like a cute romance. But I feel like every small town romance is really similar. Which kind of makes sense that they follow a similar outline but they’re literally the same. Main character leaves small town and comes back years later changed, everyone there hasn’t move once and just stays put, cute romance between the main character and her childhood crush, something big happens, random trauma and then happily ever after. I guess I’m just kinda over it now. Nothing against this book but my mood nowadays doesn’t fit small town romances anymore.

-The characters were alright to follow and read about although there were some things that were weird and irked me. There was like, random trauma dumping at the beginning, And there was a bit too much talk of how they were practically already in love at ages 11 and 13, which doesn’t seem realistic. I would have preferred if they were a bit older. Being those ages and sort of knowing that person was it is a bit odd. Otherwise, the characters were very cute together. But I feel like very time the characters are happy, something has to bother them right after making everyone question everything for no reason. Side characters were alright.

-The ending is a typical small town romance ending; Happily ever after between the two main characters. Main character resolves all her problems and confronts all her enemies. It was a good book and I enjoyed reading it still.
Profile Image for tash.bookish.
257 reviews5 followers
September 30, 2024
🌻🌻🌻🌻

This was such a great love story, with just the right amount of depth, and a bit of spice sprinkled in!

Lucy moves back to her small home town of Twin Pines, Oklahoma after inheriting her grandparents home and business. She's got roots there from early in her life, including her childhood friend Wren and her older brother Cal.

Cal is immediately drawn to and protective of her, and ends up moving in with her after someone from her past starts lurking around. Cal is everything you could ever want in a MMC - sweet, attentive, protective, cooks for her, provides her with the reassurance she needs, always willing to help out and make her life easier, and good with his hands😉

Cal was so unapologetically all about her I seriously had heart eyes for him. It was exactly what Lucy needed while undergoing such big changes in her life. She was also working through some family trauma, which created more depth to the story and to their relationship.
Cal has officially been added to my list of fave book boyfriends😍🥵

I found the tension between them was a yummy and slow build up, and it came to a head at the perfect time in their story. Their first kiss was so hot, but also magical 🌻There's just the right amount of spice sprinkled in!

What an amazing debut novel by Bennett Rhodes! I'll definitely be sticking around for the rest of the Beckett Family Series!!!
Profile Image for Crystal.
352 reviews17 followers
October 2, 2024
“𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞? 𝐓𝐨 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐮𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦. 𝐍𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦, 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐫𝐮𝐧—𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞.“

Every bit of this book felt so nostalgic to me. When you have a little place in your heart that brings back memories of your childhood and returning there brings all the feels.

Cal and Lucy are so sweet and just the epitome of all the things you want in a childhood friends to lovers romance. They have an easy kind of love that fits so perfectly in the chaos of life. After the past comes back to haunt Lucy, Cal is there to protect and nurture her. 🫠🥹

“𝑰𝒕’𝒔 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝑩𝒍𝒖𝒆. 𝑰’𝒗𝒆 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒘𝒂𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒏’ 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒐 𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒄𝒉 𝒖𝒑.” 🥲

Lucy has inherited her grandparents home and plant store and is back in Oklahoma after 20 years. Once back, she is reunited with friends and they all become this hilarious dynamic of banter and found family. I am so in love with Wilder and Indie! I seriously don’t know what I’m going to do with myself waiting on their book. 😂

This was a super sweet, amazing debut! I am so excited to continue this series!

𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓭 𝓲𝓯 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮…
🌻childhood friends to lovers
🫶🏻found family
🌸best friends brother
🧔🏻‍♂️cinnamon roll
🏘️small town
🤏🏻sprinkle of suspense
🐢slow burn
👯‍♀️the best trio of girls
✌🏻dual POV
🪵he’s good with his hands
🧠mental health rep
⚠️check author warnings
Profile Image for Olivia.
347 reviews43 followers
October 5, 2024
Tropes:
🌻Small Town
🌻Forced Proximity
🌻Childhood Friends to Lovers
🌻Cinnamon Roll MMC
🌻Slow Burn
🌻Found Family
🌻Mutual Pining

💭My Thoughts💭
I finished this book so quickly! I really enjoyed it. After 20 years, Lucy returns to Oklahoma, to her childhood small town and gets right into learning about the business her grandmother left her after she passed away. She reconnects with her childhood friends and moves on with her life, alone. I loved how Lucy slowly started to become more confident and began to stick up for herself. Cal is so protective and such a great guy. He is always sweet to Lucy. Right away he jumped into helping her. His family and friends also accepted her without hesitation. I loved these two together and that they each had childhood crushes on each other. They had this comfort they felt when they were together. You can just tell how much they truly care for one another.

This book also made me feel all the feelings too. There were times where I was angry, sad or giggling. This book does talk a lot about healing from trauma and abuse. Please make sure you check the content warning before reading. Overall, I thought it was a great book. I can’t wait to read more about the Beckett family. I would recommend!

Thank you Bennett Rhodes and SunnyBabe PR for the ARC for an honest review!
Profile Image for Jordan Mains.
141 reviews3 followers
October 15, 2024
Wow! What a fantastic debut novel! This was a highly anticipated release for me being an Oklahoma girl, and it did not disappoint in the slightest!

This is everything you want in a romance, and more! Lucy and Cal are so cute together and getting to see their relationship grow and develop was such a joy. You’ve got a sweet cinnamon roll MC who is super protective and has the cutest nickname for her. Then our FMC is a fun but slightly anxious woman returning to her childhood home and trying to figure out what life looks like outside of her mother’s narcissistic gaslighting ways. There’s some forced proximity, he’s her best friend’s brother, she’s his childhood crush, in a small town, with some adorable pets involved. Add to all of this the amazing siblings and friends Lucy meets and grows closer to throughout the book and it is just *chefs kiss*. I can’t wait to see even more of our side characters hopefully in their own stories as the series progresses.

This story does have some heavy topics (make sure to check CWs) that we get to see the characters work through together in some super sweet and supportive ways, and there was the perfect amount of humor and fun to balance it all out in the end.

I am so impressed and can not wait for more from Bennet Rhodes!

Thank you to SunnyBabePR and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book!
Profile Image for Mariette De kock.
143 reviews13 followers
October 24, 2024
Oklahoma Sky by Bennett Rhodes is a small town romance and I loved it!

This is the first book the interconnected standalone series, The Beckett Family. The tropes are childhood friends to lovers, he falls first, Forced Proximity, Found Family and Small town romance.

The book follows Lucy and Cal. Lucy returns back to her home town after 20 years as she inherited her late grandmothers business and house. What she didn't expect was her friend's brother moving in with her . He also happens the be her first crush. Cal has his own business and he never forgot his first childhood crush. He thought he would never see her again and now she's back.

This was a quick and easy read but with heavy triggers. I love Cal, he is such cinnamon roll and will do anything to protect Lucy. He is so patient with her and gives her space, even though she doesn't know she needs it. Lucy is such an amazing character with such a big heart. She goes from running from her past to being a strong women that stands up for herself. I loved their relationship from the start and the way the fur babies just fits in.

The writing style is amazing and the atmosphere is just right. I can't wait to read the rest of the series as we already got a taste of the future relationships!!

Thank you Sunny Babe PR and Bennett Rhodes for sending me this book in exchange for my honest review .
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