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Love in Ashford Falls #3
Hidden Vows
Their vows were hidden in the past, but maybe it’s time to bring them into the light.
Abbey Selbey thought she met the love of her life when she was five years old—clearly, she was wrong. He broke her heart seventeen years ago, and yet it’s clear she hasn’t truly moved on. Living in the small town where they grew up—where everyone thinks they know their story—doesn’t help. He left and never looked back. It’s been almost two decades—it’s time to move on.
Jude Murphy never wanted things to happen the way they did. If he’d been smarter, he never would have left Ashford Falls or Abbey, but sometimes life has other ideas. Staying away was in the best interest of everyone, even if it was the last thing he wanted.
Returning to town wasn’t part of the plan, especially with Abbey still living there, but just like life tore him away from everything he loved most, it was determined to bring him back. Is it possible to forgive the past and move forward, or is the damage too far gone?
Hidden Vows is a second-chance, forced proximity, emotional, contemporary romance set in a fictional small town. It is the third and final book in the Love in Ashford Falls series but can be read as a standalone. Happily ever after, guaranteed!
Abbey Selbey thought she met the love of her life when she was five years old—clearly, she was wrong. He broke her heart seventeen years ago, and yet it’s clear she hasn’t truly moved on. Living in the small town where they grew up—where everyone thinks they know their story—doesn’t help. He left and never looked back. It’s been almost two decades—it’s time to move on.
Jude Murphy never wanted things to happen the way they did. If he’d been smarter, he never would have left Ashford Falls or Abbey, but sometimes life has other ideas. Staying away was in the best interest of everyone, even if it was the last thing he wanted.
Returning to town wasn’t part of the plan, especially with Abbey still living there, but just like life tore him away from everything he loved most, it was determined to bring him back. Is it possible to forgive the past and move forward, or is the damage too far gone?
Hidden Vows is a second-chance, forced proximity, emotional, contemporary romance set in a fictional small town. It is the third and final book in the Love in Ashford Falls series but can be read as a standalone. Happily ever after, guaranteed!
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 10, 2025
14 people are currently reading
138 people want to read
About the author
Erin Graves
4 books39 followersBorn and raised in Maryland, Erin Graves lives with her husband and two cats in a small town in Pennsylvania. She rediscovered her love of writing after finding some old stories she wrote in high school and decided to give the author thing a try. She still works full-time in corporate America and isn't sure that will ever change, but she's open to the idea of making writing a full-time thing. She won't call it a job because it doesn't feel like one … yet.
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September 18, 2025Skimmed after the 40% mark…
Not sure if it’s just me or the book, but it was really boring and I couldn’t connect with the main characters at all.
First of all, I was so confused in the beginning because there were too many side characters. I feel like it would’ve been better if I had read the series from the very start!
.
.
Spoilers ahead‼️
Jude (MMC) and Abbey (FMC) were childhood friends who fell in love and started dating around 14/15, and eventually ended up secretly married at 18/19. But just three months later, for some reason the MMC told the FMC he had cheated on her and broke her heart and that was the end of their marriage. (Spoiler: he never cheated). He left town and didn’t come back for 17 years, while the FMC never really moved on and kept people at arm’s length all that time. I wish there had been chapters about their past so I could invest in their love story.
Now after 17 years, he he returns to town after his father has a heart attack. He still hasn’t moved on either, still in love and longing for the FMC, while she keeps avoiding him. He’s trying to win her back and prove he’s not the same person she once knew..
➥ The MMC never actually planned to come back but because of his father’s poor health, he was forced to return. Suddenly he decides he’s ready to be with the FMC now? He could’ve fixed things ages ago, cleared up the misunderstanding and explained everything to her instead of wasting all those years… but he says he didn’t have the courage or strength to fight for her.
He and the FMC actually talked about this and that was his answer :
He was also celibate during the whole 17 years… I’m all for a celibate MMC but I didn’t get why he stayed celibate if he never planned to come back to the FMC! Was he planning to stay celibate his whole life? Not only that, he actually wanted her to move on and be with someone else… I prefer my MMC to fight tooth and nail to win back his woman.
➥ The first 40% of the book… nothing really happened. It was just scenes of them with side characters and a few moments together with barely any real conversation (they’d talk for a few minutes at most). When she avoids him, he just lets her have her space… This dynamic went on for way too long and he didn’t put much effort into trying to win her back. And whenever he tried to tell her the truth and explain why he left her, she would always stop him and never let him finish. Both of them were so frustrating and honestly it was giving me a headache.
➥ You can guess who was responsible for the MCs’ breakup from the start!
(‼️Spoiler alert for the plot, so skip this if you’re planning to read the book)
The MMC’s father and the FMC’s mother were childhood friends who never really separated until the FMC’s mother went to college, met the FMC’s father, got pregnant, and married him. She didn’t come back to town for years (the FMC was only five when her mother returned to town).
the FMC’s father never liked the MMC or his father because of the history between his wife and the MMC’s father. Their friendship was completely platonic and they both loved their own partners deeply but the FMC’s father was jealous and possessive about his wife’s close friendship and worried the MMC’s father would steal her from him.
the FMC’s father didn’t approve of the FMC and MMC’s relationship either, so he schemed to break them up. He convinced the MMC that he wasn’t good enough for the FMC and even threatened that if he didn’t leave her, he’d take the FMC’s mother away so they’d never see each other again and that he’d shut down the MMC’s father’s bar. So, the MMC pretended he had cheated so she’d leave him.
We later learn that the MMC actually returned to town 15 years ago (two years after their breakup), when the FMC’s mother died. But he didn’t show himself to her because she was with her father. He didn’t tell her the truth to avoid hurting her relationship with her father and he didn’t think she would forgive him after two years, so he decided to leave again.
______
Safety:
— H (36) / h (35)
— Second chance
— Slow burn
— Beta hero
— Long separation (17 years)
— The MCs’ sexual history:
╰┈➤ They were each other’s first everything.
╰┈➤ The h wasn’t celibate during the separation. Years after her divorce from the H, she had a one-night stand with some guy she met at a bar, then she felt guilty about it. It took her a few more years before she tried again.
╰┈➤ the H stayed celibate, the h was the only woman he had ever been with.
— Not really OM :
One of the h’s hookups showed up for a short scene and kissed her on the cheek. When the H saw them together, he tried to walk away but she stopped him and told OM to leave. She said the last time she was with OM was two months ago.
— Pushing away from the h
— HEA
==================
Finally a celibate MMC!!
Jude (MMC) and Abbey (FMC) were married and divorced 17 years ago (this might be a spoiler but if you care about safety keep reading)…
Before the divorce, the MMC claimed he cheated on the FMC just so she’d leave him (he didn’t cheat and no idea why he did it? it’s just part of the plot).
Anyway, they’ve been apart for 17 years and THE MMC STAYED CELIBATE the whole time… so rare to see a truly faithful MMC!
The FMC on the other hand wasn’t celibate.
Not sure if it’s just me or the book, but it was really boring and I couldn’t connect with the main characters at all.
First of all, I was so confused in the beginning because there were too many side characters. I feel like it would’ve been better if I had read the series from the very start!
.
.
Spoilers ahead‼️
Jude (MMC) and Abbey (FMC) were childhood friends who fell in love and started dating around 14/15, and eventually ended up secretly married at 18/19. But just three months later, for some reason the MMC told the FMC he had cheated on her and broke her heart and that was the end of their marriage. (Spoiler: he never cheated). He left town and didn’t come back for 17 years, while the FMC never really moved on and kept people at arm’s length all that time. I wish there had been chapters about their past so I could invest in their love story.
Now after 17 years, he he returns to town after his father has a heart attack. He still hasn’t moved on either, still in love and longing for the FMC, while she keeps avoiding him. He’s trying to win her back and prove he’s not the same person she once knew..
➥ The MMC never actually planned to come back but because of his father’s poor health, he was forced to return. Suddenly he decides he’s ready to be with the FMC now? He could’ve fixed things ages ago, cleared up the misunderstanding and explained everything to her instead of wasting all those years… but he says he didn’t have the courage or strength to fight for her.
He and the FMC actually talked about this and that was his answer :
“But you’re only here now because of your dad. If he didn’t have a heart attack, you’d still be in Harborview.”
“I don’t know if I ever would’ve come back in any other circumstance.”
He was also celibate during the whole 17 years… I’m all for a celibate MMC but I didn’t get why he stayed celibate if he never planned to come back to the FMC! Was he planning to stay celibate his whole life? Not only that, he actually wanted her to move on and be with someone else… I prefer my MMC to fight tooth and nail to win back his woman.
“Abbey,” Jude says gently. I hear him move closer, his heat hitting my back as he rests his forehead against the back of my head. “I know I had a really shitty reaction earlier outside your apartment, but I always expected and wanted you to move on. I never wanted you to be alone, but I couldn’t watch you move on with someone else. I couldn’t stand the idea of watching you build the life we always planned without me.”
➥ The first 40% of the book… nothing really happened. It was just scenes of them with side characters and a few moments together with barely any real conversation (they’d talk for a few minutes at most). When she avoids him, he just lets her have her space… This dynamic went on for way too long and he didn’t put much effort into trying to win her back. And whenever he tried to tell her the truth and explain why he left her, she would always stop him and never let him finish. Both of them were so frustrating and honestly it was giving me a headache.
➥ You can guess who was responsible for the MCs’ breakup from the start!
(‼️Spoiler alert for the plot, so skip this if you’re planning to read the book)
The MMC’s father and the FMC’s mother were childhood friends who never really separated until the FMC’s mother went to college, met the FMC’s father, got pregnant, and married him. She didn’t come back to town for years (the FMC was only five when her mother returned to town).
the FMC’s father never liked the MMC or his father because of the history between his wife and the MMC’s father. Their friendship was completely platonic and they both loved their own partners deeply but the FMC’s father was jealous and possessive about his wife’s close friendship and worried the MMC’s father would steal her from him.
the FMC’s father didn’t approve of the FMC and MMC’s relationship either, so he schemed to break them up. He convinced the MMC that he wasn’t good enough for the FMC and even threatened that if he didn’t leave her, he’d take the FMC’s mother away so they’d never see each other again and that he’d shut down the MMC’s father’s bar. So, the MMC pretended he had cheated so she’d leave him.
We later learn that the MMC actually returned to town 15 years ago (two years after their breakup), when the FMC’s mother died. But he didn’t show himself to her because she was with her father. He didn’t tell her the truth to avoid hurting her relationship with her father and he didn’t think she would forgive him after two years, so he decided to leave again.
______
Safety:
— H (36) / h (35)
— Second chance
— Slow burn
— Beta hero
— Long separation (17 years)
— The MCs’ sexual history:
╰┈➤ They were each other’s first everything.
╰┈➤ The h wasn’t celibate during the separation. Years after her divorce from the H, she had a one-night stand with some guy she met at a bar, then she felt guilty about it. It took her a few more years before she tried again.
╰┈➤ the H stayed celibate, the h was the only woman he had ever been with.
— Not really OM :
One of the h’s hookups showed up for a short scene and kissed her on the cheek. When the H saw them together, he tried to walk away but she stopped him and told OM to leave. She said the last time she was with OM was two months ago.
— Pushing away from the h
— HEA
==================
Finally a celibate MMC!!
Jude (MMC) and Abbey (FMC) were married and divorced 17 years ago (this might be a spoiler but if you care about safety keep reading)…
Before the divorce, the MMC claimed he cheated on the FMC just so she’d leave him (he didn’t cheat and no idea why he did it? it’s just part of the plot).
Anyway, they’ve been apart for 17 years and THE MMC STAYED CELIBATE the whole time… so rare to see a truly faithful MMC!
“Jude,” she whispers. “You can’t seriously tell me you thought I’d never be with someone else for the rest of my life.”
“Why not? I haven’t been.”
“What?” She stumbles back, shocked by my words. Honestly, so am I.
It’s another unfair statement to make. I may have been celibate for the last seventeen years, but I never thought or wanted Abbey to be alone. I always wished and hoped she found someone else to be happy with. Abbey deserves to spend her life with someone. To have a family with someone. I just never wanted to witness it.
“There’s been no one. I’ve only ever been with you,” I whisper.
Her mouth opens and closes, her head moving back and forth so minutely it’d be easy to miss. “What do you mean?” she breathes out. “That can’t be right.” Her eyes fill with tears, and all the fight and anger falls away.”
The FMC on the other hand wasn’t celibate.
“I haven’t exactly been celibate over the last seventeen years, but I wouldn’t call what I’ve been doing dating either. There were no outings around town or shared anecdotes, just a couple of men I’d let close enough to feel comfortable allowing them into my home for a few hours. It was safer that way—no chance of getting close or getting hurt again.”
September 10, 2025
4.5⭐️ | 2.5🌶
This book was so painfully beautiful. The yearning. The 'what if?' I was so curious about Abbey and Jude from book 1 and I absolutely loved seeing them get their happiness. This book hurt but i wouldn't have it any other way. I loved all the connections between the characters. This book heals something inside of you. Thank you to luna literary management for the arc
This book was so painfully beautiful. The yearning. The 'what if?' I was so curious about Abbey and Jude from book 1 and I absolutely loved seeing them get their happiness. This book hurt but i wouldn't have it any other way. I loved all the connections between the characters. This book heals something inside of you. Thank you to luna literary management for the arc
September 11, 2025
Hidden Vows closes out Erin Graves' Ashford Falls series, and Abbey and Jude's story was painfully beautiful. Not only was this a second-chance story between childhood best friends and sweethearts, but it was a second-chance story for a divorced/secretly married couple, and those are my favorite kind of second-chance stories.
It's been 17 years since Jude broke Abbey's heart and left town, and he hasn't been back since. (Except for one time that she didn't know about, and Oh. My. Heart.) But when his father has a heart attack and falls into a coma, Jude receives a call that has him finally coming home. Ashford Falls is a small town, and as much as Abbey tries to avoid him, it's impossible, especially since they end up living across the hall from one another.
There is a lot for them to go through before they can move forward. Hurt feelings, resentment, regret, guilt… and the issues with her manipulative father. I thought the pace at which the story unfolded was nicely done, and I was really rooting for Jude and Abbey to work out their issues by the time they got there.
Jude's journal entries were really a nice touch to the "past" of their relationship. It was heartwrenching to read some of those, but they gave the relationship so much depth. Neither of them ever forgot about the other or really even moved on over the years, but finding out just how devoted Jude was to Abbey during their time apart was heartbreaking and beautiful. (I am a sucker for secret tattoos!)
Gage and Ava play a big part in this story as Abbey and Jude's best friends, but there are appearances from Quinn and Declan as well, which I loved, having read their book.
I am sad to see Love in Ashford Falls come to an end, but I look forward to what's next from this relatively new author! I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
It's been 17 years since Jude broke Abbey's heart and left town, and he hasn't been back since. (Except for one time that she didn't know about, and Oh. My. Heart.) But when his father has a heart attack and falls into a coma, Jude receives a call that has him finally coming home. Ashford Falls is a small town, and as much as Abbey tries to avoid him, it's impossible, especially since they end up living across the hall from one another.
There is a lot for them to go through before they can move forward. Hurt feelings, resentment, regret, guilt… and the issues with her manipulative father. I thought the pace at which the story unfolded was nicely done, and I was really rooting for Jude and Abbey to work out their issues by the time they got there.
Jude's journal entries were really a nice touch to the "past" of their relationship. It was heartwrenching to read some of those, but they gave the relationship so much depth. Neither of them ever forgot about the other or really even moved on over the years, but finding out just how devoted Jude was to Abbey during their time apart was heartbreaking and beautiful. (I am a sucker for secret tattoos!)
Gage and Ava play a big part in this story as Abbey and Jude's best friends, but there are appearances from Quinn and Declan as well, which I loved, having read their book.
I am sad to see Love in Ashford Falls come to an end, but I look forward to what's next from this relatively new author! I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
September 26, 2025
4⭐️
“Mo ghrá, you’ve always been in my heart. A lifetime could pass us by and I’d still want everything with you”
⋆⑅˚₊ ⋆⑅˚₊ ⋆⑅˚₊ ⋆⑅˚₊ ⋆⑅˚₊ ⋆⑅˚₊ ⋆⑅˚₊ ⋆⑅˚₊ ⋆⑅˚₊ ⋆⑅˚₊ ⋆⑅˚₊ ⋆⑅˚₊ ⋆⑅˚₊ ⋆⑅˚₊
🖋️ second Chance romance
🍪 childhood lovers to strangers to lovers
🖋️ small town romance
🍪 he was celibate during their years apart
🖋️ first love
⋆⑅˚₊ ⋆⑅˚₊ ⋆⑅˚₊ ⋆⑅˚₊ ⋆⑅˚₊ ⋆⑅˚₊ ⋆⑅˚₊ ⋆⑅˚₊ ⋆⑅˚₊ ⋆⑅˚₊ ⋆⑅˚₊ ⋆⑅˚₊ ⋆⑅˚₊ ⋆⑅˚₊
Hidden vows was an enjoyable read which didn’t take me long to finish. At first the pace was slow but after the second half it picked up my problem with the book is I felt the second part was so rushed ok I like a fast paced book but due to the rush many of the feelings of the characters I didn’t feel it or left an impact.
The FMC was so sweet and kind . I felt like she was running from her problem most of the time but that’s humane reaction so it didn’t annoy that much .
The MMC was lovable and a yearner . He hasn’t moved on from the FMC for like 17 years if I remember correctly. He was down bad for her .
The side characters were a good addition. I looooved Eva she was so cute and her husband cage too .
⋆⑅˚₊ 𝓟𝓻𝓮 𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓭 ⋆⑅˚₊
Angst and longing?! Say no more
Thank you Luna literaly for sending me the e-ARC
“Mo ghrá, you’ve always been in my heart. A lifetime could pass us by and I’d still want everything with you”
⋆⑅˚₊ ⋆⑅˚₊ ⋆⑅˚₊ ⋆⑅˚₊ ⋆⑅˚₊ ⋆⑅˚₊ ⋆⑅˚₊ ⋆⑅˚₊ ⋆⑅˚₊ ⋆⑅˚₊ ⋆⑅˚₊ ⋆⑅˚₊ ⋆⑅˚₊ ⋆⑅˚₊
🖋️ second Chance romance
🍪 childhood lovers to strangers to lovers
🖋️ small town romance
🍪 he was celibate during their years apart
🖋️ first love
⋆⑅˚₊ ⋆⑅˚₊ ⋆⑅˚₊ ⋆⑅˚₊ ⋆⑅˚₊ ⋆⑅˚₊ ⋆⑅˚₊ ⋆⑅˚₊ ⋆⑅˚₊ ⋆⑅˚₊ ⋆⑅˚₊ ⋆⑅˚₊ ⋆⑅˚₊ ⋆⑅˚₊
Hidden vows was an enjoyable read which didn’t take me long to finish. At first the pace was slow but after the second half it picked up my problem with the book is I felt the second part was so rushed ok I like a fast paced book but due to the rush many of the feelings of the characters I didn’t feel it or left an impact.
The FMC was so sweet and kind . I felt like she was running from her problem most of the time but that’s humane reaction so it didn’t annoy that much .
The MMC was lovable and a yearner . He hasn’t moved on from the FMC for like 17 years if I remember correctly. He was down bad for her .
The side characters were a good addition. I looooved Eva she was so cute and her husband cage too .
⋆⑅˚₊ 𝓟𝓻𝓮 𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓭 ⋆⑅˚₊
Angst and longing?! Say no more
Thank you Luna literaly for sending me the e-ARC
September 9, 2025
“𝘔𝘰 𝘨𝘩𝘳á, 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵. 𝘈 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘴 𝘶𝘴 𝘣𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐’𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”
4.5/⭐️
1/🌶️
I love them 🥹 Jude had me in tears for about 60% of this story.. he’s ’if he wanted to he would’ personified. I won’t give away spoilers, so I’ll be vague and short but it’s always been Abbey for him — no matter what. The journal entries? Ugh 😭 I was a blubbering mess. Learning the secrets? The whole Walt storyline? I was a MESS… Erin, I’ll be sending you a bill for all my tissues and comfort snacks I went through reading this!! 😭
Abbey and Jude are soulmates. I could feel the emotions and tension rolling off the pages. These two had me on the edge of my seat needing more and more! I loved how it unfolded for them though. And learning what Jude has been doing for work? My heart was beating so fast, I truly did not have control of my emotions while reading this!
This series has such a huge found family aspect and I love that!! Seeing the other couples made me so happy — I love this group of friends and how they’re there for each other! I truly cannot wait to see what’s next 🫶🏼
Small Town
Second Chance
Childhood Friends to Lovers
Forced Proximity
Secret Tattoos
Found Family
4.5/⭐️
1/🌶️
I love them 🥹 Jude had me in tears for about 60% of this story.. he’s ’if he wanted to he would’ personified. I won’t give away spoilers, so I’ll be vague and short but it’s always been Abbey for him — no matter what. The journal entries? Ugh 😭 I was a blubbering mess. Learning the secrets? The whole Walt storyline? I was a MESS… Erin, I’ll be sending you a bill for all my tissues and comfort snacks I went through reading this!! 😭
Abbey and Jude are soulmates. I could feel the emotions and tension rolling off the pages. These two had me on the edge of my seat needing more and more! I loved how it unfolded for them though. And learning what Jude has been doing for work? My heart was beating so fast, I truly did not have control of my emotions while reading this!
This series has such a huge found family aspect and I love that!! Seeing the other couples made me so happy — I love this group of friends and how they’re there for each other! I truly cannot wait to see what’s next 🫶🏼
Small Town
Second Chance
Childhood Friends to Lovers
Forced Proximity
Secret Tattoos
Found Family
September 4, 2025
First Loves, Second Chances, Zero Closure
Dedication: To those who need a reminder to chase after their dreams. Go after them. They’re just as important as everything else.
Abbey (FMC): 35 • Bookstore & Cafe Owner • Loyal • Quiet Strength • Forgiving •
Jude (MMC): 36 • Author • A Bit of a Vagabond • Dedicated & Unwavering • Hardworking •
Tropes:
📚 Second Chance
🍀 Small Town Romance
📚 Childhood Friends to Lovers
🍀 Secret Tattoos
📚 Return to Hometown
🍀 Forced Proximity
📚 Journal Entries Like Love Letters
🍀 Found Family
📚 Longing
🍀 Nicknames
Rating: 🍰🍰🍰.☕️(3.5⭐️)
Spice: 🌶️.🫑🫑(dirty talk, praise, 🐫)
T/W: heart attack (referenced), emergency medical care (on page), parental death (referenced), ALS (referenced), alcohol consumption (on page), allusions of infidelity (referenced), manipulation (referenced), unplanned pregnancy (on page)
He broke her heart at eighteen, vanished for seventeen years, and now he’s back and ready to fight for the woman he should never have let go. Sounds like the setup for my favorite kind of small town second chance romance. And in many ways, it was. Jude and Abbey’s chemistry was undeniable, their history rich, and their “meant-to-be” love practically leapt off the page.
But here’s where it lost me: Abbey forgave far too quickly. I wanted her to dig in, demand answers, and make Jude really work for that redemption. Instead, she seemed all too willing to smooth over the past without addressing the heartbreak that defined her adult life. For me, skipping those tough conversations left their reunion feeling incomplete and, honestly, frustrating.
That said, the emotional pull between them was strong. I had zero doubt they were soulmates and the small town backdrop and found family vibes gave me all the cozy feels. For me, though, it was a second chance romance that missed the mark by not fully grappling with the past.
Swoony Line:
“Mo ghrá, you’ve always been in my heart. A lifetime could pass us by and I’d still want everything with you.”
I received an ARC copy and wanted to leave an honest review.
Dedication: To those who need a reminder to chase after their dreams. Go after them. They’re just as important as everything else.
Abbey (FMC): 35 • Bookstore & Cafe Owner • Loyal • Quiet Strength • Forgiving •
Jude (MMC): 36 • Author • A Bit of a Vagabond • Dedicated & Unwavering • Hardworking •
Tropes:
📚 Second Chance
🍀 Small Town Romance
📚 Childhood Friends to Lovers
🍀 Secret Tattoos
📚 Return to Hometown
🍀 Forced Proximity
📚 Journal Entries Like Love Letters
🍀 Found Family
📚 Longing
🍀 Nicknames
Rating: 🍰🍰🍰.☕️(3.5⭐️)
Spice: 🌶️.🫑🫑(dirty talk, praise, 🐫)
T/W: heart attack (referenced), emergency medical care (on page), parental death (referenced), ALS (referenced), alcohol consumption (on page), allusions of infidelity (referenced), manipulation (referenced), unplanned pregnancy (on page)
He broke her heart at eighteen, vanished for seventeen years, and now he’s back and ready to fight for the woman he should never have let go. Sounds like the setup for my favorite kind of small town second chance romance. And in many ways, it was. Jude and Abbey’s chemistry was undeniable, their history rich, and their “meant-to-be” love practically leapt off the page.
But here’s where it lost me: Abbey forgave far too quickly. I wanted her to dig in, demand answers, and make Jude really work for that redemption. Instead, she seemed all too willing to smooth over the past without addressing the heartbreak that defined her adult life. For me, skipping those tough conversations left their reunion feeling incomplete and, honestly, frustrating.
That said, the emotional pull between them was strong. I had zero doubt they were soulmates and the small town backdrop and found family vibes gave me all the cozy feels. For me, though, it was a second chance romance that missed the mark by not fully grappling with the past.
Swoony Line:
“Mo ghrá, you’ve always been in my heart. A lifetime could pass us by and I’d still want everything with you.”
I received an ARC copy and wanted to leave an honest review.
September 10, 2025
Hidden Vows is the third and final book in the Love in Ashford Falls series..... and what a way to end a series🙌🏻🙌🏻. It can be read as a standalone.
•••••••••••••••••
Abbey and Jude met when they were kids and quickly became best friends, later turned boyfriend and girlfriend, and then turned husband and wife. Not long after they were wed, one moment changed everything. They divorce, Jude leaves town without looking back..... leaving Abbey blindsided and her heart obliterated.
Seventeen years later, Abbey is just beginning to live life again and is coming into her own when an event brings Jude back to town and back into her life. This time he refuses to lose her, but she is reluctant to let him in.
GAH!! You guys....this book is so wonderful. I can't recommend this book (or series) enough. Friends to Lovers and Second Chance are two of my favorite tropes. When they're friends at such a young age and have such a long break from each other.... it just sweetens the story even more.
Abbey is such a fun FMC. She is sassy, smart, and puts up a tough front... when in reality she is still so wounded and vulnerable. I wanted to hug her so badly.
Jude *freaking* Murphy!! That man..... he is confident in who he is and what his value is. He offers an emotional intelligence and safety that is INTOXICATING!! His determination to get Abbey back will make your heart melt. His devotion to her is.... gosh.... just everything! HIS JOURNALS!! The tattoos. What he discloses to her (you’ll know when you read it). You will fall head over heels for this man and his love for Abbey.
These two are the epitome of soul mates. They're meant to be together. The way they see and know each other like no one else ever has, even after all the time apart, it is undeniable that they belong together!!
This story will make you cry, so be prepared. There is plenty of heartbreak and betrayal within. But the longing, the chemistry, the tension...... it makes the tears worth it. Their connection is undeniable and will have you rooting for them the whole time.
I truly cannot recommend this enough. I'm sad the series has come to an end, but when the end is this good, I can't be too sad about it. 😅 I couldn't put it down. Their love story had me eager for more from start to finish.
All the Stars 💫💫💫💫
•••••••••••••••••
Abbey and Jude met when they were kids and quickly became best friends, later turned boyfriend and girlfriend, and then turned husband and wife. Not long after they were wed, one moment changed everything. They divorce, Jude leaves town without looking back..... leaving Abbey blindsided and her heart obliterated.
Seventeen years later, Abbey is just beginning to live life again and is coming into her own when an event brings Jude back to town and back into her life. This time he refuses to lose her, but she is reluctant to let him in.
GAH!! You guys....this book is so wonderful. I can't recommend this book (or series) enough. Friends to Lovers and Second Chance are two of my favorite tropes. When they're friends at such a young age and have such a long break from each other.... it just sweetens the story even more.
Abbey is such a fun FMC. She is sassy, smart, and puts up a tough front... when in reality she is still so wounded and vulnerable. I wanted to hug her so badly.
Jude *freaking* Murphy!! That man..... he is confident in who he is and what his value is. He offers an emotional intelligence and safety that is INTOXICATING!! His determination to get Abbey back will make your heart melt. His devotion to her is.... gosh.... just everything! HIS JOURNALS!! The tattoos. What he discloses to her (you’ll know when you read it). You will fall head over heels for this man and his love for Abbey.
These two are the epitome of soul mates. They're meant to be together. The way they see and know each other like no one else ever has, even after all the time apart, it is undeniable that they belong together!!
This story will make you cry, so be prepared. There is plenty of heartbreak and betrayal within. But the longing, the chemistry, the tension...... it makes the tears worth it. Their connection is undeniable and will have you rooting for them the whole time.
I truly cannot recommend this enough. I'm sad the series has come to an end, but when the end is this good, I can't be too sad about it. 😅 I couldn't put it down. Their love story had me eager for more from start to finish.
All the Stars 💫💫💫💫
September 14, 2025
This was an emotional book for me. Abby and Jude have been separated for 17 years. After being best friends to lover to husband and wife, Jude suddenly asks for a divorce after two months. It’s not a happy reunion when Jude’s dad has a heart attack and goes into a coma. There is a lot of bad feelings and mistrust on Abby’s side. Jude is determined to win her back. To make things harder on the couple, Abby’s father is strictly against the reunion and he is Abby’s only surviving parent who she wants to make proud. A lot of ups and downs in the book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and had a hard time putting it down.
September 9, 2025
As I first time reader I didn’t know what to except of Erin graves writing and it was brilliant. Her main characters of Jude and Abbey are characters as a reader I could route for the to get and HEA with there second chance. Events unravel as part of the plot to explain why Jude left town a few years earlier. What’s clear is abbey is the women who he loved and left behind. The plot is spectacular and the character driven narratives are brilliant. Author Erin graves finds a way to continue with forward movement of the character growth of Jude and Abbey in the moment when plot is forefront. The character driven narrative is excellent and skillful interwoven with the main focus of character driven narrative romance. Tropes to draw reads into picking up this novel Hidden Vows: small town romance, second chance, forced proximity , return to home town and secret tattoos. As a reader I highly recommend give author Erin Graves a try, pick up Hidden vows it’s worth the read. I selected this novel as second chance and forced proximity drew my interest to Erin graves newest novel.
September 3, 2025
I'm a big fan of the second-chance trope, and this was my first book by Erin Graves, so I was immediately intrigued. From the start, I needed to know what happened and why Jude broke both his and Abbey's hearts.
Abbey and Jude were just good, normal people who fell in love from a young age. They were inseparable, sharing all their "firsts" together. They even married at the young ages of 18 and 19. Life and outside threats, however, got in their way. One night, Jude suddenly told Abbey it was over, shattering both of their hearts.
Seventeen years later, Jude is forced to return to Ashford Falls. It's a rollercoaster from that moment on. The chemistry between them is undeniable, as if no time has passed. Abbey is on the verge of making her own dreams come true, while Jude carries his own secrets. You'll feel the raw emotions as you read, and you can't deny love when it comes knocking.
This was such a good book that I read it in one sitting. While I loved the raw feelings, I did feel there could have been a bit more groveling from Jude; it seemed Abbey forgave him a little too easily. Despite that, this was an easy and engaging read with just the right amount of drama and surprises. And while I typically gravitate toward dark romance, this book was a fantastic and welcome departure, proving that a heartfelt second chance can be just as captivating.
This book is a must-read if you love second-chance romance, childhood friends to lovers and small-town romance
I was kindly provided an ARC, but my review is honest and completely my own.
Abbey and Jude were just good, normal people who fell in love from a young age. They were inseparable, sharing all their "firsts" together. They even married at the young ages of 18 and 19. Life and outside threats, however, got in their way. One night, Jude suddenly told Abbey it was over, shattering both of their hearts.
Seventeen years later, Jude is forced to return to Ashford Falls. It's a rollercoaster from that moment on. The chemistry between them is undeniable, as if no time has passed. Abbey is on the verge of making her own dreams come true, while Jude carries his own secrets. You'll feel the raw emotions as you read, and you can't deny love when it comes knocking.
This was such a good book that I read it in one sitting. While I loved the raw feelings, I did feel there could have been a bit more groveling from Jude; it seemed Abbey forgave him a little too easily. Despite that, this was an easy and engaging read with just the right amount of drama and surprises. And while I typically gravitate toward dark romance, this book was a fantastic and welcome departure, proving that a heartfelt second chance can be just as captivating.
This book is a must-read if you love second-chance romance, childhood friends to lovers and small-town romance
I was kindly provided an ARC, but my review is honest and completely my own.
September 10, 2025
Hidden Vows
Erin Graves
Love in Ashford Falls, Book 3
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“You’re in my soul, never far from me, even if you’re thousands of miles away.”
This book had everything—love, heartbreak, growth, and one emotional reunion. It wrecked me in the best way and was the best end to this series. I’ve been dying for Jude and Abbey’s backstory, and Hidden Vows delivered it beautifully. Jude’s journal entries? Gut-wrenching and perfection. Man…I just love Jude!
I am a sucker for a second chance romance, and this one had it all: the fallout, the longing, the fight to make it back, and the HEA. Jude and Abbey’s connection was soul-deep—the secret tattoos and the meaning of those secret tattoos…yes please…all day!! 🥹💜
Abbey’s personal growth was powerful, and Jude’s return brought all the feels. Watching him fight for Abbey, his family, and his place in Ashford Falls made this story everything I wanted and more!!
If you love:
💜 Small Town Romance 💜 Second Chances 💜 “My Wife” Vibes 💜 Forced Proximity 💜 Forbidden Love 💜 Found Family 💜 Secret Tattoos
…this one’s for you!
I’ve been hooked on Erin Graves since Shuttered Hearts, and this series just keeps getting better. Hidden Vows can be read as a standalone, but the full series is absolutely worth reading in order:
🍂 Shuttered Hearts ❄️ Unexpected Love ☀️ Hidden Vows
All books are available on KU. Don’t miss them—Love in Ashford Falls will steal your heart!
“You’re in my soul, never far from me, even if you’re thousands of miles away.”
This book had everything—love, heartbreak, growth, and one emotional reunion. It wrecked me in the best way and was the best end to this series. I’ve been dying for Jude and Abbey’s backstory, and Hidden Vows delivered it beautifully. Jude’s journal entries? Gut-wrenching and perfection. Man…I just love Jude!
I am a sucker for a second chance romance, and this one had it all: the fallout, the longing, the fight to make it back, and the HEA. Jude and Abbey’s connection was soul-deep—the secret tattoos and the meaning of those secret tattoos…yes please…all day!! 🥹💜
Abbey’s personal growth was powerful, and Jude’s return brought all the feels. Watching him fight for Abbey, his family, and his place in Ashford Falls made this story everything I wanted and more!!
If you love:
💜 Small Town Romance 💜 Second Chances 💜 “My Wife” Vibes 💜 Forced Proximity 💜 Forbidden Love 💜 Found Family 💜 Secret Tattoos
…this one’s for you!
I’ve been hooked on Erin Graves since Shuttered Hearts, and this series just keeps getting better. Hidden Vows can be read as a standalone, but the full series is absolutely worth reading in order:
🍂 Shuttered Hearts ❄️ Unexpected Love ☀️ Hidden Vows
All books are available on KU. Don’t miss them—Love in Ashford Falls will steal your heart!
September 10, 2025
Jude and Abbey have had a heartbreaking journey. They were best friends at 6 and married just after high school and then Jude broke her heart or shattered it really. Abbey hasn’t truly lived for 17 years and now Jude is back and vows to make things right. Ow matter how long it takes. So much heartbreak and resentment. He definitely should have done a bit more grovelling but they worked it out in the end. I really enjoyed the second chance and the small town vibes 💕
September 5, 2025
I didn’t expect this book to hit me so hard, but it truly did. Jude was full of quiet strength and devotion, never letting go of his love for Abbey, while Abbey showed such vulnerability and growth that made me admire her journey even more. Their bond was intense. I loved how the story balanced tenderness with tension, making every moment between them meaningful and unforgettable. The writing was heartfelt. By the end, I was smiling through tears because it felt so real and timeless. Thank you so much to the author and Luna Literary PR for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving an honest review.
August 29, 2025
Have you ever been around those couples and just thought, “That’s what they mean when they say true love.”? Well you will get that same feeling when you read and fall in love with Jude and Abbey.
Hidden Vows is Erin Graves’ third book in her Ashford Falls series. Jude and Abbey met as children. They were friends turned boyfriend girlfriend turned husband and wife. After an even that blindsided Abbey, the two divorce, and Jude leaves never returning.
After an incident requires Jude to return, he no longer is that unsure boy, but rather a man who knows himself and his worth. He vows to get Abbey back.
And Abbey, she is coming into her own after years of feeling lost. She never stopped loving Jude, but will that love be enough this second time around?
Oh this book was absolutely stunning. These two will break you and then put you back together. Their journeys apart showed so much personal growth allowing them to be ready for who they are today.
Hidden Vows is Erin Graves’ third book in her Ashford Falls series. Jude and Abbey met as children. They were friends turned boyfriend girlfriend turned husband and wife. After an even that blindsided Abbey, the two divorce, and Jude leaves never returning.
After an incident requires Jude to return, he no longer is that unsure boy, but rather a man who knows himself and his worth. He vows to get Abbey back.
And Abbey, she is coming into her own after years of feeling lost. She never stopped loving Jude, but will that love be enough this second time around?
Oh this book was absolutely stunning. These two will break you and then put you back together. Their journeys apart showed so much personal growth allowing them to be ready for who they are today.
September 3, 2025
Hidden Vows completely swept me away! I loved the first two books in the series but this one pulled me in from the very beginning. The characters felt so real and the story was absolutely beautiful. The tension, growth and deep love between the two main characters made their connection even better and special.
What I loved the most was how raw and vulnerable the characters were with each other. Their emotions felt real and it made every moment between them even better. Honestly I didn't want the story to end.
What I loved the most was how raw and vulnerable the characters were with each other. Their emotions felt real and it made every moment between them even better. Honestly I didn't want the story to end.
August 30, 2025
hidden vows 💍📚🍻
‘to those who need a reminder to chase after their dreams.
go after them.
they’re just as important as everything else.’
release date📆
september 10th
“mo ghrá, you’ve always been in my heart. a lifetime could pass us by and i’d still want everything with you.”
tropes📚
~second chance
~return to small hometown
~emotional and forbidden romance
‘my eyes stay glued to the woman through the bookstore. the woman i can’t stop thinking about. the woman i’ve been obsessed with my entire life.’
review💭
i’m so grateful to erin who has given me the opportunity the alpha read for her, this was my first alpha read and considering i’m a lover of erin’s words and a second chance romance, i was really looking forward to jude and abbey’s story.
this book was sweet, emotional and very heartwarming. whilst jude and abbey broke my heart in so many ways they also made me feel so happy and i loved seeing how the rekindled their romance after so many years apart. abbey was so independent and so strong which i loved seeing but i also loved seeing her open herself up to letting people in and reclaiming her life back. i adored seeing her go for her dreams and grow as a person in this. jude was such a mystery, i felt bad for him learning about the reasons as to why he left. he was so young and so scared he did the only thing he thought was right to protect those who he loved. despite years apart they still had such raw and beautiful chemistry that was so special, it was so lovely seeing them grow together and learn about each other again. i adored all the cameos from the other ashford falls residents, this really was such a sweet and wholesome read.
this is the 3rd and final book in the ashford falls series, all books have been so amazing, i highly recommend them. thank you erin for allowing this to be my first alpha read, jude and abbey were everything. i also am so excited for what you come out with next 💝
‘to those who need a reminder to chase after their dreams.
go after them.
they’re just as important as everything else.’
release date📆
september 10th
“mo ghrá, you’ve always been in my heart. a lifetime could pass us by and i’d still want everything with you.”
tropes📚
~second chance
~return to small hometown
~emotional and forbidden romance
‘my eyes stay glued to the woman through the bookstore. the woman i can’t stop thinking about. the woman i’ve been obsessed with my entire life.’
review💭
i’m so grateful to erin who has given me the opportunity the alpha read for her, this was my first alpha read and considering i’m a lover of erin’s words and a second chance romance, i was really looking forward to jude and abbey’s story.
this book was sweet, emotional and very heartwarming. whilst jude and abbey broke my heart in so many ways they also made me feel so happy and i loved seeing how the rekindled their romance after so many years apart. abbey was so independent and so strong which i loved seeing but i also loved seeing her open herself up to letting people in and reclaiming her life back. i adored seeing her go for her dreams and grow as a person in this. jude was such a mystery, i felt bad for him learning about the reasons as to why he left. he was so young and so scared he did the only thing he thought was right to protect those who he loved. despite years apart they still had such raw and beautiful chemistry that was so special, it was so lovely seeing them grow together and learn about each other again. i adored all the cameos from the other ashford falls residents, this really was such a sweet and wholesome read.
this is the 3rd and final book in the ashford falls series, all books have been so amazing, i highly recommend them. thank you erin for allowing this to be my first alpha read, jude and abbey were everything. i also am so excited for what you come out with next 💝
September 7, 2025
4.25 ⭐️
Releases 10th September 💜
Second Chance ✔️ It’s always been you ✔️ childhood friends to lovers ✔️ small town ✔️ return to hometown ✔️ secret tattoos and other things 👀 ✔️
Hidden Vows was my first introduction to Erin’s writing, and yes I know it’s book 3 in the series… my toxic trait is jumping into series’ without reading in order okay 🤣 but I will absolutely be going back and reading the first two books after this.
Abbey and Jude had always been friends, inseparable, a connection like no other and when that connection turned into something more, they fell hard and fast and married straight out of high school. But then without warning, everything changed and Jude broke her heart and left Ashford Falls. Now, 18 years later, he came back to town after his dad fell ill and Abbey and Jude were forced to face their past, and things that were kept hidden were brought to light…
I loved this story so much, second chance is my jam, and when it involves such a long time apart, it just makes it so much better. So much time had passed between these two and yet, it’s like their souls had never forgotten each other, not really. Their re-introduction was a slow burn, it was full of yearning and tension… but when they finally gave in to what was inevitable… it was EVERYTHING.
Abbey was such a likeable character, she was sassy and funny, she was like sunshine and I’m so glad she decided to open her heart to Jude again.
And Jude… my gosh that man… he was so stuck regretting his past, keeping his secrets convinced it was for the best, but he IS the epitome of it was always you. I knew from the moment he came back into Ashford Falls he was going to fight for Abbey, to finally speak his truth, and boy did he!!! The revelation he gave… I was SHOOK. There was never anyone else that owned his heart, his soul, like Abbey and for him she had always been the one. The letters he wrote in his journal, the meaning behind the tattoos 🥹😭
Not once did I feel lost, even jumping into this series at book 3, I was given enough back story to have an idea where the characters were in their stories, and the interactions and connections between the girl in particular have me so excited to go back and find out more about what has already gone down.
Releases 10th September 💜
Second Chance ✔️ It’s always been you ✔️ childhood friends to lovers ✔️ small town ✔️ return to hometown ✔️ secret tattoos and other things 👀 ✔️
Hidden Vows was my first introduction to Erin’s writing, and yes I know it’s book 3 in the series… my toxic trait is jumping into series’ without reading in order okay 🤣 but I will absolutely be going back and reading the first two books after this.
Abbey and Jude had always been friends, inseparable, a connection like no other and when that connection turned into something more, they fell hard and fast and married straight out of high school. But then without warning, everything changed and Jude broke her heart and left Ashford Falls. Now, 18 years later, he came back to town after his dad fell ill and Abbey and Jude were forced to face their past, and things that were kept hidden were brought to light…
I loved this story so much, second chance is my jam, and when it involves such a long time apart, it just makes it so much better. So much time had passed between these two and yet, it’s like their souls had never forgotten each other, not really. Their re-introduction was a slow burn, it was full of yearning and tension… but when they finally gave in to what was inevitable… it was EVERYTHING.
Abbey was such a likeable character, she was sassy and funny, she was like sunshine and I’m so glad she decided to open her heart to Jude again.
And Jude… my gosh that man… he was so stuck regretting his past, keeping his secrets convinced it was for the best, but he IS the epitome of it was always you. I knew from the moment he came back into Ashford Falls he was going to fight for Abbey, to finally speak his truth, and boy did he!!! The revelation he gave… I was SHOOK. There was never anyone else that owned his heart, his soul, like Abbey and for him she had always been the one. The letters he wrote in his journal, the meaning behind the tattoos 🥹😭
Not once did I feel lost, even jumping into this series at book 3, I was given enough back story to have an idea where the characters were in their stories, and the interactions and connections between the girl in particular have me so excited to go back and find out more about what has already gone down.
September 15, 2025
ARC review
5⭐️
3🌶
I really enjoyed the second book in this series Unexpected Love but this one takes the cake. Jude and Abbey have a love for the ages. Its beautiful and heart breaking all at once. You feel every moment of this book deeply. From the pining to the sadness to when they kiss for the first time and it feels like such a relief. Not only was this book about the romance between the two MC but also the importance of building independence, forgiveness, and letting those who surround you support tou and become your family. It was an incredible journey that im sad is over but really enjoyed the ending.
5⭐️
3🌶
I really enjoyed the second book in this series Unexpected Love but this one takes the cake. Jude and Abbey have a love for the ages. Its beautiful and heart breaking all at once. You feel every moment of this book deeply. From the pining to the sadness to when they kiss for the first time and it feels like such a relief. Not only was this book about the romance between the two MC but also the importance of building independence, forgiveness, and letting those who surround you support tou and become your family. It was an incredible journey that im sad is over but really enjoyed the ending.
September 7, 2025
When I read the blurb for Hidden Vows, I was so excited. Small town + second chance romance? Total catnip for me. And honestly, the setup really delivered — Jude and Abbey had history, and you could feel it every time they were on the page together. The chemistry was definitely there, and I loved those little moments that showed they never really got over each other.
But here’s where it fell a bit flat for me: the forgiveness. Abbey had been holding on to this heartbreak for seventeen years. Seventeen. I was expecting a lot more emotional unpacking, more tension, more back-and-forth before she let him in again. Instead, it happened way too quickly for me to believe it. I get that Jude had his reasons and he was hurting too, but it just didn’t feel earned after all that time.
So yeah — Hidden Vows was good in parts, and I liked the vibes of the small-town, full-circle romance. I just wish the healing journey had been slower and more layered, because then it would’ve hit so much harder.
Thanks to Erin Graves and Luna Literary for the ARC!
But here’s where it fell a bit flat for me: the forgiveness. Abbey had been holding on to this heartbreak for seventeen years. Seventeen. I was expecting a lot more emotional unpacking, more tension, more back-and-forth before she let him in again. Instead, it happened way too quickly for me to believe it. I get that Jude had his reasons and he was hurting too, but it just didn’t feel earned after all that time.
So yeah — Hidden Vows was good in parts, and I liked the vibes of the small-town, full-circle romance. I just wish the healing journey had been slower and more layered, because then it would’ve hit so much harder.
Thanks to Erin Graves and Luna Literary for the ARC!
September 11, 2025
I wasn’t expecting to be emotionally wrecked and repaired simultaneously while reading this romance. Married young and divorced shortly after, Abbey needs to adjust to Jude being back in town, as well as confront her lingering feelings for him. Their second chance to a happily ever after wasn’t easy and uncannily relatable…I was wholly invested in their emotional, chaotic yet beautiful, spicy romance. 4.5 stars
Thanks to the author and Luna Literary Management for the eARC.
Thanks to the author and Luna Literary Management for the eARC.
September 4, 2025
4.5 🌟
I really loved learning Abbey and Jude’s story! It so full of emotion that had me tearing up and being shook at a few revelations/reveals.
I love Abbey’s strength despite all the hardships she faced over the years. It takes a strong person to let someone back in after 17 years. She still had feelings for Jude but tried to move on but no one was ever able to make her feel what she felt with him.
I love Jude’s devotion to Abbey during those 17 years away. He never stopped loving her or thinking about her.
These two knew deep down that they were endgame. After seeing each other, the feelings came bubbling back to the surface and the chemistry between them was still there. I just loved everything about this story and these characters. It was a perfect way to round out the series and I’ll miss this group of friends.
This book is perfect for people who love second chance, small town, forced proximity, secret tattoos, childhood friend to lovers and return to hometown.
Thank you to Erin Graves and Luna Literary for selecting me to read this arc!
I really loved learning Abbey and Jude’s story! It so full of emotion that had me tearing up and being shook at a few revelations/reveals.
I love Abbey’s strength despite all the hardships she faced over the years. It takes a strong person to let someone back in after 17 years. She still had feelings for Jude but tried to move on but no one was ever able to make her feel what she felt with him.
I love Jude’s devotion to Abbey during those 17 years away. He never stopped loving her or thinking about her.
These two knew deep down that they were endgame. After seeing each other, the feelings came bubbling back to the surface and the chemistry between them was still there. I just loved everything about this story and these characters. It was a perfect way to round out the series and I’ll miss this group of friends.
This book is perfect for people who love second chance, small town, forced proximity, secret tattoos, childhood friend to lovers and return to hometown.
Thank you to Erin Graves and Luna Literary for selecting me to read this arc!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2025
Yes,yes, yes, 100% yes!!!!! Jude and abbey’s story is my favorite from this series!!!!! I can’t even fathom the love Jude has for her. I love it when a man really fights for his woman! 🤌🏼
September 10, 2025
I'm so glad we finally got Jude and Abbey's story! It was PERFECT. It was a bit of an emotional roller-coaster, but that's ok. I love stories that give me all the feels. I'm excited to read about Reid!
August 31, 2025
4⭐ | ✨He broke her heart 17 years ago, now he’s back, and not letting her go again.
💭 Erin Graves saved the best for last with this one. Abbey and Jude were childhood friends who married and divorced at age 18. Abbey stops trusting people and her life shrinks. She’s just started living again when Jude returns to town. Second chance romances are hit-or-miss for me, and this one was a hit. Getting insight into Jude’s thinking while he was away was woven into the story of their reconnection, and added an emotional though frustrating punch. It’s clear these two loved hard, burned bright, and when it ended it was devastating. The slow burn as they rebuild trust, while contending with the love for the other that neither lost, was so well done. Having read the whole series, the friend group was lovely to see again.
This is definitely one to add to your TBR pile today!
☑️ For fans of: small town romance, found family, second chance, childhood friends to lovers
I was kindly provided an ARC, but my review is honest and completely my own.
📍Technically an interconnected stand alone. But I’d suggest reading at least book #2 before this one if you want an even better reading experience!
💭 Erin Graves saved the best for last with this one. Abbey and Jude were childhood friends who married and divorced at age 18. Abbey stops trusting people and her life shrinks. She’s just started living again when Jude returns to town. Second chance romances are hit-or-miss for me, and this one was a hit. Getting insight into Jude’s thinking while he was away was woven into the story of their reconnection, and added an emotional though frustrating punch. It’s clear these two loved hard, burned bright, and when it ended it was devastating. The slow burn as they rebuild trust, while contending with the love for the other that neither lost, was so well done. Having read the whole series, the friend group was lovely to see again.
This is definitely one to add to your TBR pile today!
☑️ For fans of: small town romance, found family, second chance, childhood friends to lovers
I was kindly provided an ARC, but my review is honest and completely my own.
📍Technically an interconnected stand alone. But I’d suggest reading at least book #2 before this one if you want an even better reading experience!
September 10, 2025
Love, love, loved it!!! I have been so excited for Abbey and Jude's story, and it was amazing! All of the characters are so well written they are unforgettable. This is a beautiful story about a second chance at true love.
September 19, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ ARC Read
Hidden Vows was my first taste of Erin Oliver’s writing (yes, I jumped in at book 3—don’t judge me 🤣), and now I will definitely be going back to read the first two!
Abbey and Jude’s story wrecked me in the best way. Childhood best friends turned high school sweethearts, torn apart by heartbreak, and reunited 18 years later? Say less. Their second chance was slow-burning, emotional, and full of yearning—when they finally gave in… it was everything.
Abbey was sunshine, funny, sassy, and so easy to love. And Jude? Whew. That man carries so much regret and love it practically poured off the page. His secrets, the journal letters, the tattoos—I was full-on sobbing 😭🥹. He was always hers, and deep down, she was always his.
Even starting mid-series, I never felt lost. Erin gave just enough backstory to pull me in—and now I can’t wait to dive into the rest. Second chance romance lovers, this one needs to be on your radar.
Thank you so much Erin and Luna Literary for the ARC! 🩷
Hidden Vows was my first taste of Erin Oliver’s writing (yes, I jumped in at book 3—don’t judge me 🤣), and now I will definitely be going back to read the first two!
Abbey and Jude’s story wrecked me in the best way. Childhood best friends turned high school sweethearts, torn apart by heartbreak, and reunited 18 years later? Say less. Their second chance was slow-burning, emotional, and full of yearning—when they finally gave in… it was everything.
Abbey was sunshine, funny, sassy, and so easy to love. And Jude? Whew. That man carries so much regret and love it practically poured off the page. His secrets, the journal letters, the tattoos—I was full-on sobbing 😭🥹. He was always hers, and deep down, she was always his.
Even starting mid-series, I never felt lost. Erin gave just enough backstory to pull me in—and now I can’t wait to dive into the rest. Second chance romance lovers, this one needs to be on your radar.
Thank you so much Erin and Luna Literary for the ARC! 🩷
August 31, 2025
I have been waiting for Abbey and Jude's story, and it did not disappoint!
This is the third book in the Ashford Falls series. It's my favorite! If you love a great second chance love story, this one is it.
I felt all the emotions, and they wrapped me up in a big hug. This was such a beautiful story, and I absolutely ate it up! The angst and longing were perfection. The slow burn was torture, but it was worth it! I loved the chemistry and warmth between them.
My favorite part of this series is the interconnected characters. Each book can be read as standalones, but they really do compliment each other and are best read together.
Thank you, Erin, for welcoming me into Ashford Falls and introducing me to your amazing characters.
The release date is September 10
This is the third book in the Ashford Falls series. It's my favorite! If you love a great second chance love story, this one is it.
I felt all the emotions, and they wrapped me up in a big hug. This was such a beautiful story, and I absolutely ate it up! The angst and longing were perfection. The slow burn was torture, but it was worth it! I loved the chemistry and warmth between them.
My favorite part of this series is the interconnected characters. Each book can be read as standalones, but they really do compliment each other and are best read together.
Thank you, Erin, for welcoming me into Ashford Falls and introducing me to your amazing characters.
The release date is September 10
September 1, 2025
You know it’s a good book when you can’t put it down and read it in 1 day!
They say if you truly love something let it go, and if it comes back it was meant to be ❤️ Jude and Abbey’s story is one of a kind true love. The love you can only hope you have for yourself. I fell in love with all the series from the beginning and I will continue to read and recommend anything by Erin.
They say if you truly love something let it go, and if it comes back it was meant to be ❤️ Jude and Abbey’s story is one of a kind true love. The love you can only hope you have for yourself. I fell in love with all the series from the beginning and I will continue to read and recommend anything by Erin.
September 1, 2025
If a book makes me cry its an automatic 5 star read for me !! This story is incredible and I could feel every word in this book. Judes love for Abbey is honestly beautiful and I love that he never stopped loving her. You will find this book to be a small town , second chance and childhood friends to lovers. There is abit of spice in this book but it's the perfect amount for this story.
September 3, 2025
Beta + ARC read.
An absolute PRIVILEGE to read this beautifully heartbreaking book that had me sobbing into my Costco sized pack of tissues, but also put me back together at the end.
Erin, it has been so amazing to watch you grow as an author. From Shuttered Hearts up until now with Hidden Vows, your books just keep getting better and better. The characters you create are relatable, they exhibit growth, and they experience some of my favorite love stories. And this one, well you already know Jude Murphy is MY man.
Blurb:
It’s been 17 years since Abbey Selbey has seen the man who shattered her heart into a million pieces. 17 years since their divorce. Sure, they got married what some might consider “young,” but she thought Jude Murphy was her soulmate, her forever. Now he’s back in town visiting Ashford Falls after 17 years away due to his father’s health scare. Just being in his proximity is more than Abbey though she could handle. So many old feelings resurface, even after Jude destroyed their marriage.
What Abbey didn’t expect was for Jude to want to rehash the past. She’s spent over a decade and a half trying to rebuild and recover, and she doesn’t know if she can ever talk about what wrecked their relationship. But Jude is here, and he’s not planning on leaving. Not until he gets his second chance with the woman he’s never stopped loving.
Gosh, just typing that little blurb has tears forming in my eyes. Please prepare yourselves for the emotions this book will bring you, but know it’s SO worth it.
Jude Murphy is one of my new favorite MMCs. Tattooed, quiet, and only ever had eyes for one woman– Abbey Selbey. This man takes acts of service to a whole new level. His love for Abbey is astounding. To avoid spoilers, all I will say is that this man has a way with words - in more ways than one.
Our girl Abbey – she’s resilient, hardworking, forgiving, and has a heart of gold. She’s got her guard up after all she’s been through, but Jude will forever be the only man to make her take those walls down.
A job well done to Erin for writing a story that constantly left me wanting to know what would happen next. What truth would be revealed? Would the tension snap? I couldn’t stop reading. And I can’t write this review without mentioning that it’s been a long while since I’ve cried this much over a book, but this one… Well, the amount of times I wrote “I’m unwell” or “I’m sobbing,” in the beta doc was... a lot lol.
But the tears made the HEA the most rewarding experience when we got to see Abbey and Jude get the ending and love they deserve.
Last but not least, I’m sad to say goodbye to the town of Ashford Fall, MD. The found family in this series has been so awesome to immerse myself in. All of our characters have their HEA, but you know, I wouldn’t mind a little holiday novella or bonus epilogues of their futures 😉
Thank you x1000 to Erin for trusting me with this story in its early stages and allowing your readers to experience each of these amazing books. This series owns a special place in my heart.
Read Hidden Vows if you like:
- Small town romance
- Second chance
- Secrets
- Found family
- HEA
An absolute PRIVILEGE to read this beautifully heartbreaking book that had me sobbing into my Costco sized pack of tissues, but also put me back together at the end.
Erin, it has been so amazing to watch you grow as an author. From Shuttered Hearts up until now with Hidden Vows, your books just keep getting better and better. The characters you create are relatable, they exhibit growth, and they experience some of my favorite love stories. And this one, well you already know Jude Murphy is MY man.
Blurb:
It’s been 17 years since Abbey Selbey has seen the man who shattered her heart into a million pieces. 17 years since their divorce. Sure, they got married what some might consider “young,” but she thought Jude Murphy was her soulmate, her forever. Now he’s back in town visiting Ashford Falls after 17 years away due to his father’s health scare. Just being in his proximity is more than Abbey though she could handle. So many old feelings resurface, even after Jude destroyed their marriage.
What Abbey didn’t expect was for Jude to want to rehash the past. She’s spent over a decade and a half trying to rebuild and recover, and she doesn’t know if she can ever talk about what wrecked their relationship. But Jude is here, and he’s not planning on leaving. Not until he gets his second chance with the woman he’s never stopped loving.
Gosh, just typing that little blurb has tears forming in my eyes. Please prepare yourselves for the emotions this book will bring you, but know it’s SO worth it.
Jude Murphy is one of my new favorite MMCs. Tattooed, quiet, and only ever had eyes for one woman– Abbey Selbey. This man takes acts of service to a whole new level. His love for Abbey is astounding. To avoid spoilers, all I will say is that this man has a way with words - in more ways than one.
Our girl Abbey – she’s resilient, hardworking, forgiving, and has a heart of gold. She’s got her guard up after all she’s been through, but Jude will forever be the only man to make her take those walls down.
A job well done to Erin for writing a story that constantly left me wanting to know what would happen next. What truth would be revealed? Would the tension snap? I couldn’t stop reading. And I can’t write this review without mentioning that it’s been a long while since I’ve cried this much over a book, but this one… Well, the amount of times I wrote “I’m unwell” or “I’m sobbing,” in the beta doc was... a lot lol.
But the tears made the HEA the most rewarding experience when we got to see Abbey and Jude get the ending and love they deserve.
Last but not least, I’m sad to say goodbye to the town of Ashford Fall, MD. The found family in this series has been so awesome to immerse myself in. All of our characters have their HEA, but you know, I wouldn’t mind a little holiday novella or bonus epilogues of their futures 😉
Thank you x1000 to Erin for trusting me with this story in its early stages and allowing your readers to experience each of these amazing books. This series owns a special place in my heart.
Read Hidden Vows if you like:
- Small town romance
- Second chance
- Secrets
- Found family
- HEA
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