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Echoes of Us
Some love stories never fade. They echo through time.
Chase Montgomery has always been the golden boy of Wrightsville Beach—reckless, charming, and impossible to resist. And Savannah Monroe? She was the one girl he never forgot.
Years ago, Savannah left, determined to escape the past—and him. But when she returns for one last summer in this small coastal town, the boy who once set her soul on fire is no longer just a memory. He’s a man. Quieter, stronger, and just as devastating.
One look, one touch, and the sparks reignite. Nights tangled in sheets. Mornings filled with whispered confessions. A love so fierce, so consuming, it feels like fate.… until fear wins.
A year later, an unexpected letter arrives, carrying the one thing they never thought they'd have a second chance at love.
Chase has never been the type to chase anyone. But for Savannah? He’s willing to break every rule.
A heartfelt second-chance beach romance with an unforgettable twist! If you love summer love stories, small-town beach settings, heart-wrenching emotional journeys, and steamy romance novels filled with passion, longing, and fate, this book is for you.
Chase Montgomery has always been the golden boy of Wrightsville Beach—reckless, charming, and impossible to resist. And Savannah Monroe? She was the one girl he never forgot.
Years ago, Savannah left, determined to escape the past—and him. But when she returns for one last summer in this small coastal town, the boy who once set her soul on fire is no longer just a memory. He’s a man. Quieter, stronger, and just as devastating.
One look, one touch, and the sparks reignite. Nights tangled in sheets. Mornings filled with whispered confessions. A love so fierce, so consuming, it feels like fate.… until fear wins.
A year later, an unexpected letter arrives, carrying the one thing they never thought they'd have a second chance at love.
Chase has never been the type to chase anyone. But for Savannah? He’s willing to break every rule.
A heartfelt second-chance beach romance with an unforgettable twist! If you love summer love stories, small-town beach settings, heart-wrenching emotional journeys, and steamy romance novels filled with passion, longing, and fate, this book is for you.
301 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 21, 2025
607 people are currently reading
2239 people want to read
About the author
Aaron McLean
2 books298 followersAaron McLean is a romance author, a swooning romantic, and a firm believer that love has a way of finding you when you least expect it. He made his mark in the publishing world with his debut novel, Where the Tide Meets the Sand, and followed it up with Echoes of Us, both filled with emotionally charged storytelling, witty humor, and just the right amount of spice.
With a background in songwriting, Aaron brings a rhythmic, heartfelt quality to his writing, crafting stories that explore the beauty, intensity, and raw vulnerability of love. He embraces every aspect of romance—the joy, the passion, the heartbreak—believing that even the painful moments shape us and make love all the more meaningful.
Deeply inspired by the North Carolina coast, Aaron weaves its beauty, charm, and undeniable pull into each of his stories, creating settings that feel as alive as the characters themselves. His books are a perfect mix of deep emotions, laugh-out-loud moments, and undeniable heat. Through his stories, he wants readers to feel everything—the rush of new love, the ache of longing, the tension of slow-burning desire, and the undeniable pull of fate. His goal is simple: to create books that make readers get lost in the moment, feel every emotion, and believe in the magic of love.
When he’s not writing, Aaron is based in North Carolina, always dreaming up his next story—one that will make you laugh, cry, swoon, and maybe even blush a little.
With a background in songwriting, Aaron brings a rhythmic, heartfelt quality to his writing, crafting stories that explore the beauty, intensity, and raw vulnerability of love. He embraces every aspect of romance—the joy, the passion, the heartbreak—believing that even the painful moments shape us and make love all the more meaningful.
Deeply inspired by the North Carolina coast, Aaron weaves its beauty, charm, and undeniable pull into each of his stories, creating settings that feel as alive as the characters themselves. His books are a perfect mix of deep emotions, laugh-out-loud moments, and undeniable heat. Through his stories, he wants readers to feel everything—the rush of new love, the ache of longing, the tension of slow-burning desire, and the undeniable pull of fate. His goal is simple: to create books that make readers get lost in the moment, feel every emotion, and believe in the magic of love.
When he’s not writing, Aaron is based in North Carolina, always dreaming up his next story—one that will make you laugh, cry, swoon, and maybe even blush a little.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
December 13, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️ /5
This is truly a beautiful second chance romance, written beautifully even poetic I would say.
If you’ve read Aaron’s first book then this one, the writing style growth is wild. The detail, the growth is incredible, amazing.
This story follows Savannah & Chase whom fought their feelings for each other for a while. Savannah wanted to play it safe cause Chase well his reputation is a bad boy in town. Do bad boys ever really settle down and commit? Savannah played it safe.
Mallory the nosy best friend who will provide you comedy throughout this whole story, is hands down my favorite and I need a story for immediately!
While she risked playing it safe that came with the cost of some regrets. Now what happens when Savannah and Chase reunite and spend two whole weeks together? Do they fall into what they know they have always felt, do they ignore their feelings? Do they continue to play it safe? Or do they let love wreck them because it’s worth it.
By the end of this story, you find out that love isn’t easy, isn’t always a fairytale, there’s some hurt but some healing. But love always finds its way back. Because love is always worth it.
That’s what this story tells you…. Love is always worth it.
This story is a second chancing, healing, spicy and emotional romance.
This story is Raw, Real & Reckless…. Because It’s The Echoes of Us
🌶️🌶️ /5
This is truly a beautiful second chance romance, written beautifully even poetic I would say.
If you’ve read Aaron’s first book then this one, the writing style growth is wild. The detail, the growth is incredible, amazing.
This story follows Savannah & Chase whom fought their feelings for each other for a while. Savannah wanted to play it safe cause Chase well his reputation is a bad boy in town. Do bad boys ever really settle down and commit? Savannah played it safe.
Mallory the nosy best friend who will provide you comedy throughout this whole story, is hands down my favorite and I need a story for immediately!
While she risked playing it safe that came with the cost of some regrets. Now what happens when Savannah and Chase reunite and spend two whole weeks together? Do they fall into what they know they have always felt, do they ignore their feelings? Do they continue to play it safe? Or do they let love wreck them because it’s worth it.
By the end of this story, you find out that love isn’t easy, isn’t always a fairytale, there’s some hurt but some healing. But love always finds its way back. Because love is always worth it.
That’s what this story tells you…. Love is always worth it.
This story is a second chancing, healing, spicy and emotional romance.
This story is Raw, Real & Reckless…. Because It’s The Echoes of Us
May 5, 2025
LOVED THIS BOOK!!! The story of Chase & Savannah was beautifully written! It’s written in third person. Definitely felt all the emotions: happy, sad, frustrated, heartbroken you name it the Author nailed it writing this book. The way he details everything in this book making imagining these characters and these places easy. Also their story felt like it could be real, a lot of books are written and exaggerated with details and story lines but the way the author writes his stories they feel very realistic and something that could actually happen in real life. It was also nice to see a bit of Sara & Jax from his previous book in this book. I was definitely breezing through this book, i read it in less than 8 hours! Loved the detail that he added in with Chase building Savannah a library and a little reading nook! Any book girly would understand that’s definitely our love language lol I most definitely recommend this book! I loved Where the tide meets the sand but this one topped it! Looking forward to book 3!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2025
DNF 16%
There is something really 'off' about the timeline here. Made it to chapter 12 and all the restaurant scenes kept overlapping times in a weird way. 3rd person but switching POVs.
Chapter 9 ends with:
He approaches her table.
Chapter 10 ends with:
He approaches her table and sits down across from her.
Chapter 11:
He approaches her table (again) but he invites them to go sit at his table.
I get it, he walked up to her table lol. This is where I bailed.
There is something really 'off' about the timeline here. Made it to chapter 12 and all the restaurant scenes kept overlapping times in a weird way. 3rd person but switching POVs.
Chapter 9 ends with:
He approaches her table.
Chapter 10 ends with:
He approaches her table and sits down across from her.
Chapter 11:
He approaches her table (again) but he invites them to go sit at his table.
I get it, he walked up to her table lol. This is where I bailed.
April 8, 2025
This book was perfection! I don’t even know what to say! It was so good. It was like reading poetry in the form of a novel!! It’s a second chance romance with all the feels and emotions. It grabs your heart, twists it and doesn’t let go!! I’ve never read anything quite like this book and it’s one that I will def read again and again!!! JUST GO READ IT, you can thank me later!!!
This story follows Savannah and Chase. They had feelings for each other since they were young, but never acted on them, Savannah chose the safe path, and Chase just lived the bachelor life. Neither one married. Then miss Savanah and her best friend decided to go visit her hometown, and she always wondered if Chase was still around, she never forgot about him and he never forgot about her. Then, Savannah and Mallory decided to go to out and have some fun, when lo and behold, guess who was there! The world seemed to stand still when they saw each other, but years had passed and they both build careers and walls that may just be too hard to break down. Sometimes, Love just isn’t enough, or is it?
This book had me in all my feels! It will make you laugh and sad and possibly even make you want to throw this book at points. It’s the love story everybody needs to read!!
This story follows Savannah and Chase. They had feelings for each other since they were young, but never acted on them, Savannah chose the safe path, and Chase just lived the bachelor life. Neither one married. Then miss Savanah and her best friend decided to go visit her hometown, and she always wondered if Chase was still around, she never forgot about him and he never forgot about her. Then, Savannah and Mallory decided to go to out and have some fun, when lo and behold, guess who was there! The world seemed to stand still when they saw each other, but years had passed and they both build careers and walls that may just be too hard to break down. Sometimes, Love just isn’t enough, or is it?
This book had me in all my feels! It will make you laugh and sad and possibly even make you want to throw this book at points. It’s the love story everybody needs to read!!
September 24, 2025
First I have to say how much I loved the story and the idea of this story.
The writing style at times was so believable and descriptive that it made me hold my breath. The tension in some scenes actually made my own body tense up.
Echoes of Us has a very realistic storyline with a second chance romance. The story moved rather quickly in the beginning, and evened out to medium pace after a while.
The characters were decent, Chase was my favourite as Savannah just seemed lost and quite honestly, ticked me off as her decisions made no sense.
There are a few detailed spicy scenes that were well written.
Basically, two friends with hidden crushes from childhood reunite in the future and decide to see what could have been but then it goes haywire. Happy ever after or not? Would have to read to see.
Now, the reason I gave this 3 stars is the execution and the formatting. It definitely needs an editor to be a 4 star read. Which I truly believe it could be.
Unfortunately, along with the formatting, there were quite a few repeated phrases, words and descriptions that became redundant, along with some forgotten changes. (Ie in one paragraph has the shirt off but then the next, she’s taking it off of him etc. or standing in one but she sits on him in the next?) very silly stuff and simple fixes with editing and the book would be great!
Echoes of Us has so much potential and if you can look past the formatting and ignore the little blips, it’s a decent read.
The writing style at times was so believable and descriptive that it made me hold my breath. The tension in some scenes actually made my own body tense up.
Echoes of Us has a very realistic storyline with a second chance romance. The story moved rather quickly in the beginning, and evened out to medium pace after a while.
The characters were decent, Chase was my favourite as Savannah just seemed lost and quite honestly, ticked me off as her decisions made no sense.
There are a few detailed spicy scenes that were well written.
Basically, two friends with hidden crushes from childhood reunite in the future and decide to see what could have been but then it goes haywire. Happy ever after or not? Would have to read to see.
Now, the reason I gave this 3 stars is the execution and the formatting. It definitely needs an editor to be a 4 star read. Which I truly believe it could be.
Unfortunately, along with the formatting, there were quite a few repeated phrases, words and descriptions that became redundant, along with some forgotten changes. (Ie in one paragraph has the shirt off but then the next, she’s taking it off of him etc. or standing in one but she sits on him in the next?) very silly stuff and simple fixes with editing and the book would be great!
Echoes of Us has so much potential and if you can look past the formatting and ignore the little blips, it’s a decent read.
March 29, 2025
Echoes of Us by Aaron McLean grabs you by the neck and does not let go. It’s the perfect mix of romance, emotional depth, and slow-burn tension that’ll have you swooning, laughing, and maybe even crying (you’ve been warned).
This story is more than just a second-chance romance—it’s about love, loss, and the growth that comes with facing your past. The themes of regret, healing, and vulnerability hit hard, and Savannah and Chase’s journey is as emotional as it is electric. Their chemistry? Off the charts. Their connection? Unforgettable.
And let’s talk about the spice—WOW. When things heat up, they REALLY heat up. I’d let Chase do unspeakable things to me anytime of the day. 🥵
The tension? Immaculate. The slow burn? Perfection. The emotional gut punches? Painful, but I loved every second. And don’t even get me started on the letter—if you know, you know.
If you love second-chance romances that make you feel everything, Echoes of Us is your next obsession. Five stars, would let Chase Montgomery emotionally wreck me again.
This story is more than just a second-chance romance—it’s about love, loss, and the growth that comes with facing your past. The themes of regret, healing, and vulnerability hit hard, and Savannah and Chase’s journey is as emotional as it is electric. Their chemistry? Off the charts. Their connection? Unforgettable.
And let’s talk about the spice—WOW. When things heat up, they REALLY heat up. I’d let Chase do unspeakable things to me anytime of the day. 🥵
The tension? Immaculate. The slow burn? Perfection. The emotional gut punches? Painful, but I loved every second. And don’t even get me started on the letter—if you know, you know.
If you love second-chance romances that make you feel everything, Echoes of Us is your next obsession. Five stars, would let Chase Montgomery emotionally wreck me again.
April 3, 2025
I wish I could give this book all the stars in the sky. It broke my heart, it put it back together, and it took me on one hell of a journey. I don’t know if I have any more words that will give this book justice. To be honest, I wasn’t expecting a whole lot from this book. I knew it was the author’s debut novel, so my expectations were low. But I am so extremely glad to say, that he shattered my expectations and gave me a book that was so beautifully written, that I don’t know where to go from here.
December 11, 2025
I went into this genuinely wanting to support a male author writing romance for women and the beginning had promise. But as it went on, the writing started to feel oddly synthetic to me. Not claiming anything as fact, but in my opinion it reads heavily AI assisted. I’m familiar with AI writing/roleplay patterns and this book hits them all: tiny chapters, repetitive emotional loops, a hyper attentive MMC built to maximize swoon points and intimate scenes that feel straight out from character.ai app. It just didn’t feel human to me.
In the end, the book lost me. DNF. (ch 28)
In the end, the book lost me. DNF. (ch 28)
April 1, 2025
This is a me thing…
I only got 12% into this book and had to stop. I am the type of reader that completely immerses herself in a book as if I’m the FMC. I want to know what is going on in their own heads and not be told what it is from the authors POV. I SO Wish this was written in 1 person POV or even multiple POV. I know that this could probably be a really good story and I tried because it’s only 300 pages, but I just can’t connect with the characters in 3 person. So again it’s a me thing.
I only got 12% into this book and had to stop. I am the type of reader that completely immerses herself in a book as if I’m the FMC. I want to know what is going on in their own heads and not be told what it is from the authors POV. I SO Wish this was written in 1 person POV or even multiple POV. I know that this could probably be a really good story and I tried because it’s only 300 pages, but I just can’t connect with the characters in 3 person. So again it’s a me thing.
April 21, 2025
So I did finish it for a moment I didnt think I would. There are a lot of repeating words and sentences, this might be the way this author likes to write, which is totally fine, but didnt help me to get into it. Some chapters didnt fit together, there was this last sentence of a chapter where 'he just sits down at her table' and the next chapter starts with his friends waving them over to sit with them.
This also was my first third pov for a romance and safe to say I prefer first. There are parts that are first povs like the beginning and the end and those chapters are good. There's potential. It was a try out for me.
I missed the bounding and connection other than their past. Im more of the show me what you mean instead of let me read it. Like when he keeps saying she deserves something, show me, dont say it mutiple times. Their time together flew by in words. Their 8 days was a couple of pages, I feel like here is something that could have been more.
Also as I am in the process of writing my own novel I do got to learn a few things from this style of writing and look at my own manuscript with different eyes.
This also was my first third pov for a romance and safe to say I prefer first. There are parts that are first povs like the beginning and the end and those chapters are good. There's potential. It was a try out for me.
I missed the bounding and connection other than their past. Im more of the show me what you mean instead of let me read it. Like when he keeps saying she deserves something, show me, dont say it mutiple times. Their time together flew by in words. Their 8 days was a couple of pages, I feel like here is something that could have been more.
Also as I am in the process of writing my own novel I do got to learn a few things from this style of writing and look at my own manuscript with different eyes.
July 29, 2025
This is a “BookTok made me do it” pick.
I feel like it would have had better potential as a short novella, which would have cut down on a lot of the repetitiveness.
It’s marketed as a second chance romance but we barely got any backstory on the MC’s previous “friendship” so it was hard to connect to the romance aspect of the plot - their relationship came across as very shallow (they crushed on each other when they were younger but she picked another guy now they’re suddenly together again for 2 weeks, have always loved each other and despite having no communication with each other for at least 5 years, they can’t imagine their lives without each other…) so Instalove is a more accurate trope. Then we didn’t get any elaboration on her relationship with the guy she chose over the MMC in the past or why they broke up so the 3rd act breakup makes no sense without a reason as to why she’s so untrusting and scared of a relationship. While some of the writing was beautiful, a majority of it was really disjointed. There are a few typos and continuation issues so another pass through by an editor would be beneficial.
I feel like it would have had better potential as a short novella, which would have cut down on a lot of the repetitiveness.
It’s marketed as a second chance romance but we barely got any backstory on the MC’s previous “friendship” so it was hard to connect to the romance aspect of the plot - their relationship came across as very shallow (they crushed on each other when they were younger but she picked another guy now they’re suddenly together again for 2 weeks, have always loved each other and despite having no communication with each other for at least 5 years, they can’t imagine their lives without each other…) so Instalove is a more accurate trope. Then we didn’t get any elaboration on her relationship with the guy she chose over the MMC in the past or why they broke up so the 3rd act breakup makes no sense without a reason as to why she’s so untrusting and scared of a relationship. While some of the writing was beautiful, a majority of it was really disjointed. There are a few typos and continuation issues so another pass through by an editor would be beneficial.
April 3, 2025
10 stars!
Echoes of Us is the kind of book that burrows into your heart and refuses to let go. Aaron McLean delivers a stunning, deeply emotional second-chance romance that perfectly captures the ache of lost love and the intoxicating hope of rediscovery.
Chase and Savannah’s story is beautifully written, filled with passion, longing, and the kind of chemistry that makes you forget the world around you. The coastal setting adds a dreamy, nostalgic atmosphere, making every moment between them feel like a fleeting summer sunset—stunning, bittersweet, and unforgettable. And just when you think you know where the story is going, McLean hits you with an emotional twist that will leave you breathless.
If you love small-town romance, heart-wrenching emotion, and second chances wrapped in sizzling tension, Echoes of Us is an absolute must-read. Prepare to fall in love, have your heart shattered, and piece it back together again.
Echoes of Us is the kind of book that burrows into your heart and refuses to let go. Aaron McLean delivers a stunning, deeply emotional second-chance romance that perfectly captures the ache of lost love and the intoxicating hope of rediscovery.
Chase and Savannah’s story is beautifully written, filled with passion, longing, and the kind of chemistry that makes you forget the world around you. The coastal setting adds a dreamy, nostalgic atmosphere, making every moment between them feel like a fleeting summer sunset—stunning, bittersweet, and unforgettable. And just when you think you know where the story is going, McLean hits you with an emotional twist that will leave you breathless.
If you love small-town romance, heart-wrenching emotion, and second chances wrapped in sizzling tension, Echoes of Us is an absolute must-read. Prepare to fall in love, have your heart shattered, and piece it back together again.
May 6, 2025
This book was so good! I fell in love with Chase Montgomery, just like every girl does 😏 This book gave me all the emotions! I was happy, sad, in love, mad, anxious.. all the things! 🤣 Savannah and Chase had me on edge till the very end. I will admit that Chase’s letter made me tear up because gosh I wasn’t expecting that! 🥹 Where do we find a Chase Montgomery, asking for a friend. 😍 Everything he did for Savannah was just perfection! 🥰❤️ Definitely a good read if you’re looking for a good romance!
July 31, 2025
Too many POV’s, the MFC was just ridiculous 75% in. I could’ve sworn his eyes were green in the beginning and then they were blue multiple times in one chapter. The writing just wasn’t there, it was all over the place. This book could have been 150 pages if things weren’t repeated 20 times. This could’ve been good but totally missed the mark. I’m not really understanding how anyone rated this 4-5 stars nor how I finished it. I just kept hoping it would get better I guess.
April 19, 2025
I was thinking this was gonna be more of a 3.5 or 4 star read for me because of the lack of details in some scenes. But it quickly became a 5 star read. The story line was so beautiful. Were some parts predictable? Yes. Did I still cry like I wasn’t expecting it? Also yes. I felt physically sick to my stomach from the heartbreak in this book. It felt like I was living through Chase and Savannah’s pain. Such a wonderful fast read. 🥹
July 27, 2025
This book is a sweet yet real second chance romance, that shows that life can get in the way of love even when both people want it badly. I loved the writing style of the author. It really pulls the reader into the story. The way the author describes love is beautiful and really makes the reader think. I cannot wait to read more by this author.
March 28, 2025
A heartfelt amazing gutwrenching love story with spice that had me from the beginning all the way to the end!! 5 🌟 for sure! I highly recommend this one! Way to go Aaron, you knocked it out of the park and out of the hearts of all of us with this!
April 14, 2025
Note: I did not finish the book so my rating may not be representative of the actual story. It just was not for me, and all my dnf books get 1 star (representing my personal experience - not the book)
I really wanted to like this book, but I made it to page 51 and gave up. The redundancy in the story line, the sheer number of times the MMC “exhale” or “shrug” just in the first 30 pages… Was too much for me.
Just did not like the writing or the story really (although that could be because I did not get to read enough of it).
I am glad for the author so many seem to love it. I 💯 could not.
#DNF
I really wanted to like this book, but I made it to page 51 and gave up. The redundancy in the story line, the sheer number of times the MMC “exhale” or “shrug” just in the first 30 pages… Was too much for me.
Just did not like the writing or the story really (although that could be because I did not get to read enough of it).
I am glad for the author so many seem to love it. I 💯 could not.
#DNF
April 14, 2025
My first male author book
I loved this book and the way it was more poetic style of writing. Cool to compare female to male author writing styles. This could definitely be a great rom-com movie but more Netflix and not Hallmark and I love that!
I loved this book and the way it was more poetic style of writing. Cool to compare female to male author writing styles. This could definitely be a great rom-com movie but more Netflix and not Hallmark and I love that!
April 16, 2025
Didn’t really feel or understand why she felt she had to leave…..
but it’s well done. Emotional.
I read your background is in songwriting - which makes perfect sense. Your emotional adjectives/descriptions had a rhythm to them. 3 count. Like poetry. For lack of a better way of saying it - it’s pretty writing. I love poetic songwriting. You paint perfect pictures of everything even the emotions. I really enjoyed that.
but it’s well done. Emotional.
I read your background is in songwriting - which makes perfect sense. Your emotional adjectives/descriptions had a rhythm to them. 3 count. Like poetry. For lack of a better way of saying it - it’s pretty writing. I love poetic songwriting. You paint perfect pictures of everything even the emotions. I really enjoyed that.
April 3, 2025
2/5 - really a 1.5- so many opportunities to be a 4/5 but it's a 1.5 and I round up. I read 20+ books a month and rarely give lower than a 3.
First book l'm not finishing on in so long. I usually shrug it out but l'm not with this one. He needs a reader that's non biased before publishing and it could have been a great read. Definitely not there. I'll route for it to be. The editor should have known this.
EDIT/Add due to quick comments of my review:
The book goes back and forth (as if it would be in 1st person) although written in third person. It jumps between scenes without further explanation. Meanwhile at other times jumping backwards. I tried. Just not a fan. DNF
First book l'm not finishing on in so long. I usually shrug it out but l'm not with this one. He needs a reader that's non biased before publishing and it could have been a great read. Definitely not there. I'll route for it to be. The editor should have known this.
EDIT/Add due to quick comments of my review:
The book goes back and forth (as if it would be in 1st person) although written in third person. It jumps between scenes without further explanation. Meanwhile at other times jumping backwards. I tried. Just not a fan. DNF
May 30, 2025
Ugh….I did a thing I picked up a romance book written by man and I regret it. I didn’t want to regret it, I actually liked the book until the 70%. Then I lost all hope and hated the MMC and there was no redemption for him even at the end.
Warning this review has spoilers and it’s negative.
This book is a second chance small town romance. Before I get into the regret part let’s get into the structural issues first.
The author needed to write a more detailed background of how Chase (MMC) and Savannah (FMC) knew each other and why Savannah and Trevor broke up.
I think the breakup between Savannah and Trevor probably played a bigger issue in Savannah’s mental state on why she wasn’t able to open up to Chase but we never get to see why the SAFER person didn’t work out.
The first few chapters were confusing and there was repetitive information and the information contradicted it self from one page to the next. The author finally found his rhythm and the pace of the book was steady and enjoyable to read until the third act breakup.
This is advertise has slow burn romance. It is insta love I mean three days into their reunion they’re tangled in the sheets and don’t get me started on the reference to the female clit has a petal. I thought the term mound or bundle of nerves was bad, Petal is by far the worse.
Let’s get into where the book lost me. The third act break up. It lasted way too long almost the last 30% of the book. Chase’s behaviour was unacceptable he played a mental emotional mind game with Savannah. I read dark romance and the way Chase treated Savannah was heart breaking.
Their romance was a two week summer fling after not seeing each other for 5 years. He claims she is his and won’t let her go. The moment it’s time for her to go home. He asks
her stay, she says “no.” Of course she doesn’t voice her reason why, the miscommunication trope is strong in the book. The only option for him is she either stays or it’s over. Then he threatens to burn his house down if she leaves. 🤯
I get that Chase is hurt but the guilt trip was unnecessary. There is a year stretch between the breakup and the reunion and within that year Chase continues to push her away with is words. Either through a text message then a written letter saying he is moving on. He tells her in the letter he waited a whole year for her but never once did he show her in that year he was wanting and waiting for her. Now we are at the reunion part, where Savannah finally gets the courage up to see him. Chase is in her city not for her but for business. Her best Friend Mallory who is straightforward and blunt with her words except for when they are actually needed, set this plan up for Chase to see Savannah.
On a side note Mallory talked to Chase a couple of times throughout the year and she never told him the truth about how her friend was actually doing and why she didn’t stay.
When the time comes for the plan to take place and Chases sees her across the room for the first time in a year, he smirks at her and turns around and just ignores her. If I was Savannah every insecurity I would have had on why I left in the first place would have come rushing back. I would have been so embarrassed for putting myself out there, I would have turned around and left.
Yes, love is suppose to messy and hard but it’s not suppose to be a mind game. Savannah took all the blame and Chase just let her, didn’t accept any responsibility for his own actions. This book gave me such an emotional reaction, that I think I was actually triggered by the MMC’s gaslighting behaviour.
He loved bombed her at the beginning and then the first moment it got hard he didn’t fight for her and instead put a guilt trip on her. That is not love.
Warning this review has spoilers and it’s negative.
This book is a second chance small town romance. Before I get into the regret part let’s get into the structural issues first.
The author needed to write a more detailed background of how Chase (MMC) and Savannah (FMC) knew each other and why Savannah and Trevor broke up.
I think the breakup between Savannah and Trevor probably played a bigger issue in Savannah’s mental state on why she wasn’t able to open up to Chase but we never get to see why the SAFER person didn’t work out.
The first few chapters were confusing and there was repetitive information and the information contradicted it self from one page to the next. The author finally found his rhythm and the pace of the book was steady and enjoyable to read until the third act breakup.
This is advertise has slow burn romance. It is insta love I mean three days into their reunion they’re tangled in the sheets and don’t get me started on the reference to the female clit has a petal. I thought the term mound or bundle of nerves was bad, Petal is by far the worse.
Let’s get into where the book lost me. The third act break up. It lasted way too long almost the last 30% of the book. Chase’s behaviour was unacceptable he played a mental emotional mind game with Savannah. I read dark romance and the way Chase treated Savannah was heart breaking.
Their romance was a two week summer fling after not seeing each other for 5 years. He claims she is his and won’t let her go. The moment it’s time for her to go home. He asks
her stay, she says “no.” Of course she doesn’t voice her reason why, the miscommunication trope is strong in the book. The only option for him is she either stays or it’s over. Then he threatens to burn his house down if she leaves. 🤯
I get that Chase is hurt but the guilt trip was unnecessary. There is a year stretch between the breakup and the reunion and within that year Chase continues to push her away with is words. Either through a text message then a written letter saying he is moving on. He tells her in the letter he waited a whole year for her but never once did he show her in that year he was wanting and waiting for her. Now we are at the reunion part, where Savannah finally gets the courage up to see him. Chase is in her city not for her but for business. Her best Friend Mallory who is straightforward and blunt with her words except for when they are actually needed, set this plan up for Chase to see Savannah.
On a side note Mallory talked to Chase a couple of times throughout the year and she never told him the truth about how her friend was actually doing and why she didn’t stay.
When the time comes for the plan to take place and Chases sees her across the room for the first time in a year, he smirks at her and turns around and just ignores her. If I was Savannah every insecurity I would have had on why I left in the first place would have come rushing back. I would have been so embarrassed for putting myself out there, I would have turned around and left.
Yes, love is suppose to messy and hard but it’s not suppose to be a mind game. Savannah took all the blame and Chase just let her, didn’t accept any responsibility for his own actions. This book gave me such an emotional reaction, that I think I was actually triggered by the MMC’s gaslighting behaviour.
He loved bombed her at the beginning and then the first moment it got hard he didn’t fight for her and instead put a guilt trip on her. That is not love.
April 12, 2025
Echoes of Us is the kind of story that grabs your heart with both hands—then squeezes, slowly and deliberately, until you’re breathless. Aaron McLean weaves a love story that’s not just felt, but lived. It's messy, passionate, complicated, and so achingly real.
Savannah and Chase are fire and gravity—two souls pulled toward each other again and again, even when the world tries to keep them apart. Their connection crackles on the page. The emotional tension between them is electric, the kind that makes your pulse race with every near-touch, every stolen glance, every word left unsaid until it can’t be held back anymore. It’s a slow burn, yes—but one that simmers with aching vulnerability and raw desire until it explodes with intensity.
This book isn’t about perfect love. It’s about love that breaks the rules. Love that scares you. Love that stays, even when everything else falls apart. The kind of love that echoes—through memories, through missed chances, through quiet nights and loud heartbreaks. McLean captures it all with lines that hit like poetry and moments that leave you reeling.
What makes this story unforgettable is how deeply it dives into the emotions behind the attraction. The longing, the fear, the surrender—it’s all there, wrapped in words that will stick to your skin long after you’ve turned the last page.
Echoes of Us is for the ones who’ve loved hard, lost deep, and still believe that some people are worth finding your way back to. It’s devastating and beautiful and everything in between.
Savannah and Chase are fire and gravity—two souls pulled toward each other again and again, even when the world tries to keep them apart. Their connection crackles on the page. The emotional tension between them is electric, the kind that makes your pulse race with every near-touch, every stolen glance, every word left unsaid until it can’t be held back anymore. It’s a slow burn, yes—but one that simmers with aching vulnerability and raw desire until it explodes with intensity.
This book isn’t about perfect love. It’s about love that breaks the rules. Love that scares you. Love that stays, even when everything else falls apart. The kind of love that echoes—through memories, through missed chances, through quiet nights and loud heartbreaks. McLean captures it all with lines that hit like poetry and moments that leave you reeling.
What makes this story unforgettable is how deeply it dives into the emotions behind the attraction. The longing, the fear, the surrender—it’s all there, wrapped in words that will stick to your skin long after you’ve turned the last page.
Echoes of Us is for the ones who’ve loved hard, lost deep, and still believe that some people are worth finding your way back to. It’s devastating and beautiful and everything in between.
May 30, 2025
Echoes of Us by Aaron McLean is a heartfelt and emotionally rich second-chance romance that pulled me in with its sincerity and depth. Set in a charming coastal town, the story follows Chase and Savannah as they navigate the challenges of rekindling a past relationship while confronting personal growth and old wounds.
One of the book’s biggest strengths is its emotional resonance—the author does a wonderful job capturing the vulnerability and longing that come with lost love and the hope for redemption. Chase and Savannah are well-developed, and I found myself rooting for them as they tried to rebuild what once was. The setting adds a nostalgic, almost cinematic backdrop that makes their journey feel even more tender and grounded.
While the story is touching and engaging, it does lean on familiar tropes, so parts of the plot felt a bit predictable. There were also a few slow sections, and I wish some of the supporting characters had been more fleshed out to bring additional dimension to the story.
That said, the emotional payoff and beautifully written moments more than made up for those small issues. If you’re a fan of character-driven romances that explore second chances and healing, Echoes of Us is well worth the read.
One of the book’s biggest strengths is its emotional resonance—the author does a wonderful job capturing the vulnerability and longing that come with lost love and the hope for redemption. Chase and Savannah are well-developed, and I found myself rooting for them as they tried to rebuild what once was. The setting adds a nostalgic, almost cinematic backdrop that makes their journey feel even more tender and grounded.
While the story is touching and engaging, it does lean on familiar tropes, so parts of the plot felt a bit predictable. There were also a few slow sections, and I wish some of the supporting characters had been more fleshed out to bring additional dimension to the story.
That said, the emotional payoff and beautifully written moments more than made up for those small issues. If you’re a fan of character-driven romances that explore second chances and healing, Echoes of Us is well worth the read.
May 25, 2025
3.5 stars. I loved the end, the way they both kinda let it fall apart but also the way they both wanted it again. I appreciate that it was messy because in real life people are messy. I LOVE Mallory, she's so funny and abrupt and does things that people would consider overstepping.
The first half was where I almost dnf-d it. I didn't love the part where they went on a date and then were basically in love. I do realize they had history but i feel like if we got a little more of their history written as present day and then it jumped to the two weeks and then the year later, it would've been a little more rounded. Also I didn't get the dark romance vibes from chase at first so I was kinda surprised. He gave me more broody golden retriever. Also savannah was mildly irritating, like I know she was afraid but I wish we got more of where her fear came from. Also I wish we would've found out who mailed the letter because I totally thought it was Sara and Jackson not chase and it was never mentioned again.
Really glad I finished it though, even I felt mold anxiety where she sat in her car outside the bar and debated over and over again.
The first half was where I almost dnf-d it. I didn't love the part where they went on a date and then were basically in love. I do realize they had history but i feel like if we got a little more of their history written as present day and then it jumped to the two weeks and then the year later, it would've been a little more rounded. Also I didn't get the dark romance vibes from chase at first so I was kinda surprised. He gave me more broody golden retriever. Also savannah was mildly irritating, like I know she was afraid but I wish we got more of where her fear came from. Also I wish we would've found out who mailed the letter because I totally thought it was Sara and Jackson not chase and it was never mentioned again.
Really glad I finished it though, even I felt mold anxiety where she sat in her car outside the bar and debated over and over again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2025
Firstly, I have read emotionally deep books before and this was not it. I couldn’t get on board with the sloppy writing style, repetitive words, chapters overlapping, more repetitive scenes - the end of some chapters not fitting together with the start of the next, therefore it was all over the place and left me confused.
Secondly, there were many plot holes and timeline issues. The information giving was massively contradicting itself and not adding up, the miscommunication between the MMF and the FMC was outright ridiculous and quite frankly childish.
Was this a solid plot? Absolutely not. Was there a good enough reason to stay away from the love of your life for a whole 12 months? Absolutely not!! There was no real reason to self suffer like that, nobody in their right mind would turn away that kind of love if they’ve found their soulmate 🙄
Don’t even get me started on the reunion! Where was the emotional rawness? Where were the apologies? We do not need sarcasm in what was meant to be the biggest scene in the book. I was waiting for the punchline.. sadly it never came. Turns out this was massively disappointing and I won’t be picking up another book by this author.
Secondly, there were many plot holes and timeline issues. The information giving was massively contradicting itself and not adding up, the miscommunication between the MMF and the FMC was outright ridiculous and quite frankly childish.
Was this a solid plot? Absolutely not. Was there a good enough reason to stay away from the love of your life for a whole 12 months? Absolutely not!! There was no real reason to self suffer like that, nobody in their right mind would turn away that kind of love if they’ve found their soulmate 🙄
Don’t even get me started on the reunion! Where was the emotional rawness? Where were the apologies? We do not need sarcasm in what was meant to be the biggest scene in the book. I was waiting for the punchline.. sadly it never came. Turns out this was massively disappointing and I won’t be picking up another book by this author.
April 15, 2025
I really wanted to be able to give this 5 stars. It has the base of a really great storyline. It's sweet, it draws you in and the spice is pretty good too. However, the reason for the 4 star and really even maybe 3.5, is due to major repetitiveness throughout the book. The same phrases are used over and over and over again. The one that really ruined it for me was "and then", it's used soooooo many times. Imagine you're getting into a spicy scene and between two pages you read "and then" 5 different times..by the 5th time my brain was no longer in the book, it was playing the Chinese takeout scene from dude where's my car...not a hot scene! I literally LOLed when I realized where my mind had wondered off to. I loved this book and I wanted to love it more, I just feel like it used a ton of filler lines to extend the book out. In my opinion it would have been better to leave out the repeats and make it a shorter story or novella. I still loved it enough to order a paperback copy after reading the digital though ❤️
April 7, 2025
Gave this book 4.5⭐️ I loved!!! The plot and story were very well written and just kept me pulled into their journey together. Absolutely loved Mr Chase Montgomery. He was the just delicious in so many ways. He has the charm total sex appeal plus he has tattoos win win. But when you got to see his other side that he brought out, let’s just say we wanted to be his good girl for sure and begging is not off the table lol. I did like the fmc Savannah (savy) although she frustrated me at times I felt like her character was well written and was definitely relatable. Loved her best friend Mallory she cracked me up with her comments. Loved how blunt and to the pint she was. Def was a slow burn until it wasn’t and things def heated up between them. Loved the tension between them and their banter back and forth. The chemistry was def felt between them. Overall really enjoyed the book was a great contemporary romance with good spice and always a sucker for a good second chance romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2025
The story is cute but ....
Lord have mercy! I desperately wanted to love this book b/c I want to support indie authors, and I live in Wilmington, but Aaron needs an editor. Between the missing words in sentences, the repetitive phrases, the awkward "and then?" ... It was almost DNF'd. I felt like I was reading a retold story but the narrator was a poor historian.
My notes to Aaron, please learn other reactions women have other than "shivers up/down her spine". Butterflies in stomach, quickened heart rate, dizziness, yearning, clammy palms ... The list is endless.
I want to know why Savannah wanted to leave him. Was it her past? What made her leave? The overuse of she was scared ... Okay but why?!
I encourage you to improve the conversations between the characters. There was very little character development , if any at all. I hope you'll continue to work on your writing, but I highly recommend an editor.
Lord have mercy! I desperately wanted to love this book b/c I want to support indie authors, and I live in Wilmington, but Aaron needs an editor. Between the missing words in sentences, the repetitive phrases, the awkward "and then?" ... It was almost DNF'd. I felt like I was reading a retold story but the narrator was a poor historian.
My notes to Aaron, please learn other reactions women have other than "shivers up/down her spine". Butterflies in stomach, quickened heart rate, dizziness, yearning, clammy palms ... The list is endless.
I want to know why Savannah wanted to leave him. Was it her past? What made her leave? The overuse of she was scared ... Okay but why?!
I encourage you to improve the conversations between the characters. There was very little character development , if any at all. I hope you'll continue to work on your writing, but I highly recommend an editor.
September 29, 2025
“I wrote this to make you feel- to crave, to ache, to shatter, to come undone.”
“No matter where life takes us, no matter who we become, no matter what paths we walk from here- there will always be the Echoes of Us.”
So… I have to admit… I’m a little embarrassed but this book was delivered today, and I just finished it. I could not put it down.
The heat between Savannah and Chase was passionately filled with sparks. Their story something from a fairytale world. The heartbreak devastating and emotional.
I knew, after reading @a_mclean3 first book, Where the Tide Meets the Sand, I was in for a soul searching read. This book did not disappoint. It had me craving for a happily ever after. It had my heart shattered into pieces. It had me tearing up with the reality of how life just works.
If you are looking for a read that simply throws you through all the feels and does not apologize, pick this book up today.
“No matter where life takes us, no matter who we become, no matter what paths we walk from here- there will always be the Echoes of Us.”
So… I have to admit… I’m a little embarrassed but this book was delivered today, and I just finished it. I could not put it down.
The heat between Savannah and Chase was passionately filled with sparks. Their story something from a fairytale world. The heartbreak devastating and emotional.
I knew, after reading @a_mclean3 first book, Where the Tide Meets the Sand, I was in for a soul searching read. This book did not disappoint. It had me craving for a happily ever after. It had my heart shattered into pieces. It had me tearing up with the reality of how life just works.
If you are looking for a read that simply throws you through all the feels and does not apologize, pick this book up today.
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