What do you think?
Standing Strong
After being summoned back home to Charleston to help with the family business, Madison Whitfield leaves her life behind in Oklahoma, leaving her feeling more isolated than ever. To make things worse, her ex, Ashton, looms in the background, a constant reminder of their tumultuous relationship. He refuses to accept their breakup and will stop at nothing to get her to the altar.
Thankfully, Maddie can rely on her best friend, Tom, for support. But when Tom decides to re-enter the dating scene, Maddie realizes that her feelings for him may run deeper than mere friendship. With the encouragement of her close friends, though, Maddie begins to believe that she can have it all.
As loyalties are tested and betrayal runs deep, Maddie is faced with a difficult decision—will she sacrifice her own happiness to save her family’s reputation, or will she fight for the life she wants, no matter the cost?
Please note that Standing Strong contains content that may be sensitive to some readers. Some scenes depict abuse, intentions of murder, betrayal, and situations where characters are forcibly taken.
Thankfully, Maddie can rely on her best friend, Tom, for support. But when Tom decides to re-enter the dating scene, Maddie realizes that her feelings for him may run deeper than mere friendship. With the encouragement of her close friends, though, Maddie begins to believe that she can have it all.
As loyalties are tested and betrayal runs deep, Maddie is faced with a difficult decision—will she sacrifice her own happiness to save her family’s reputation, or will she fight for the life she wants, no matter the cost?
Please note that Standing Strong contains content that may be sensitive to some readers. Some scenes depict abuse, intentions of murder, betrayal, and situations where characters are forcibly taken.
327 pages, Paperback
Published May 4, 2025
About the author
H.K. Brown
7 books21 followersSuspense that thrills. Romance that sizzles. Doors that close, and happy endings that are worth the wait.
H K Brown is an up-and-coming author committed to making her mark in the literary world. Characters come to life in H K Brown’s romance novels, pulling you in and making you feel as if you’re part of the family. She loves pushing boundaries while ensuring the heavy stuff remains private. As you turn the pages, you can’t help but connect with the characters and see them come alive in your mind.
Raised in Southern California, she now calls Oklahoma home.
She’s a member of the Alliance of Independent Authors and takes every chance she gets to hone her craft, listening to podcasts, taking classes, and watching videos.
With H K Brown around, boredom isn’t normally a problem—she’s always working on something, be it with her human family or furry one. She loves snuggling up with a good book until her eyes become too heavy to stay open (which usually results in regrets the following day). Her favorite activities are creating memories with friends and family through game nights, water fights, and road trips.
H K Brown is an up-and-coming author committed to making her mark in the literary world. Characters come to life in H K Brown’s romance novels, pulling you in and making you feel as if you’re part of the family. She loves pushing boundaries while ensuring the heavy stuff remains private. As you turn the pages, you can’t help but connect with the characters and see them come alive in your mind.
Raised in Southern California, she now calls Oklahoma home.
She’s a member of the Alliance of Independent Authors and takes every chance she gets to hone her craft, listening to podcasts, taking classes, and watching videos.
With H K Brown around, boredom isn’t normally a problem—she’s always working on something, be it with her human family or furry one. She loves snuggling up with a good book until her eyes become too heavy to stay open (which usually results in regrets the following day). Her favorite activities are creating memories with friends and family through game nights, water fights, and road trips.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 28, 2025
If you are looking for a book boyfriend waving all the green flags, then this one is it. It's a bestfriends-to-lovers romance between two people who should have realized what they have between them a long time ago. But I suppose sometimes love has to become accepted at the right time, even if it has been known for a long while already. Only love that is openly and wholeheartedly chosen can flourish, and that I think is what happened between the two main characters in this book.
In a literary romance world filled with morally gray characters - who I don't mind for as long as they would burn the world for the women they love (and a sensible plot, of course)- having a hero who is an all-around honorable man - one who is fiercely protective, unwaveringly loyal, and loves deeply - is never an unwelcome character. He was truly someone you'd definitely want for a spouse or a partner for your daughter.
The heroine here, too, was someone you couldn't help but admire. I liked her justified defiance against those who wish to dictate her life, while at the same time remaining respectful of those whom she knows only means her well. And she stood by her own moral values, which of course is always a laudable thing.
Perhaps if there was something I wished this story wasn't, it would be that I felt it was stretched out far longer than necessary. But I suppose the author wanted to portray the dynamics of both the hero and heroine's family, believing that doing so would give us a better understanding of the main characters' personalities, as well as set the stage for future books.
Overall, it was a gratifying read, and I am thankful that this is my second time doing an ARC read for Ms. Brown. I look forward to the book's yet to come in this series.
I received an advanced review copy of this book from the author and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
In a literary romance world filled with morally gray characters - who I don't mind for as long as they would burn the world for the women they love (and a sensible plot, of course)- having a hero who is an all-around honorable man - one who is fiercely protective, unwaveringly loyal, and loves deeply - is never an unwelcome character. He was truly someone you'd definitely want for a spouse or a partner for your daughter.
The heroine here, too, was someone you couldn't help but admire. I liked her justified defiance against those who wish to dictate her life, while at the same time remaining respectful of those whom she knows only means her well. And she stood by her own moral values, which of course is always a laudable thing.
Perhaps if there was something I wished this story wasn't, it would be that I felt it was stretched out far longer than necessary. But I suppose the author wanted to portray the dynamics of both the hero and heroine's family, believing that doing so would give us a better understanding of the main characters' personalities, as well as set the stage for future books.
Overall, it was a gratifying read, and I am thankful that this is my second time doing an ARC read for Ms. Brown. I look forward to the book's yet to come in this series.
I received an advanced review copy of this book from the author and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 15, 2025
After finishing book 2 of Baycliff Valley series, I was already ready to dive into Tom and Madi’s story. Standing Strong was a very powerful and moving journey for Madi who finally stood her ground and instead of letting her abusive ex and her family run her life, was finally able to let her heart be free and truly fall in love with her best friend, and was able to find herself. I loved how organic and easy it felt like watching Tom and Madison find love with each other.
May 16, 2025
Wow!!! I thought the first two books in series was amazing. No way this beats it!!! I LOVE Maddie and Tom’s love story!! Best friends to lovers. This will take you on a ride that at time is sooooo frustrating!! But soo good!!! This series is so amazing! The characters and world are addicting! Highly highly recommended!!!
May 6, 2025
Great easy read. If you love books with Second chance at happiness, Friends to lovers, Small-town drama, Protective best friend, Toxic ex, Family secrets, Emotional slow burn, and Hidden feelings…… this is the book for you!
Happy reading!
Happy reading!
May 24, 2025
I really enjoyed book 3 in the Baycliff Valley series.
What elements in the book did I enjoy most? The strong family and friendship ties; being true to yourself and standing up for yourself and what you believe is the right thing for your life; not too much of spicyness; also the action and suspense.
Highly recommend this series.
What elements in the book did I enjoy most? The strong family and friendship ties; being true to yourself and standing up for yourself and what you believe is the right thing for your life; not too much of spicyness; also the action and suspense.
Highly recommend this series.
May 5, 2025
ARC Review:
This is the third book in the series, and it is a closed door romance.
The story is great. Even if you haven’t read the others in the series it can read as a standalone
This is the third book in the series, and it is a closed door romance.
The story is great. Even if you haven’t read the others in the series it can read as a standalone
November 27, 2025
What an emotional roller coaster, but it’s at least not as jarring as the first book as some of the things are very similar to book one. But I loved this one. This was the story I was waiting for because these characters are also introduced in book one and I’m so glad to finally see they’re happily ever after. I got to listen to the audiobook narrated by Lisa, Lynn and Lynn and she does an amazing job. I absolutely love her narration of the series. The Baycliff series it’s definitely one of those series that deals more with some of the uglier sides of some relationships while also showing you that you don’t have to settle for them. You don’t have to stay in those relationships. You can choose something better and that is why I love this series.
Please note that Standing Strong contains content that may be sensitive to some listeners. Some scenes depict abuse, intentions of murder, betrayal, and situations where characters are forcibly taken.
Please note that Standing Strong contains content that may be sensitive to some listeners. Some scenes depict abuse, intentions of murder, betrayal, and situations where characters are forcibly taken.
May 25, 2025
📚 Review ~ Standing Strong
🖋 Author ~ H K Brown Author
⭐️ Rating: 4/5
❓What happens when your ex won’t let go—and the one person who’s always had your back might actually be your forever❓
📍What to expect:
💐 Second chance at happiness
💐 Friends to lovers
💐 Small-town drama
💐 Protective best friend
💐 Family secrets
💐 Emotional slow burn
💐 Hidden feelings
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Tom & Maddie
Standing Strong is a stand-alone romantic slow burn. It is a sweet read showcasing the growing love between Maddie and Tom even as they both try to avoid moving their relationship beyond the friend-zone. Afraid of losing the one person who truly understands her, Maddie is constantly manipulated by her passive-aggressive mother and inconsiderate siblings who think they know best. With Tom’s unwavering support though, Maddie is finally able to develop the courage to reach for her dreams.
🖋 Enjoyment: 4. Readability: 5. Writing: 5.
🖋 Setting: 5. Plot: 4. Characters: 5.
#writer #editor #review #books #bookstagrammers #bookreviewer #reader #MustRead #bookclub #bookish #booklover #bookworm #readers #currentlyreading #readersofinstagram #brokenwingbookreviews #ravenblackbird74 #booktok #LiteraryInspiredARCs #RomanceReleases #MayBooks #ContemporaryRomance #SlowBurnRomance #friendstoloversreads Literary Inspired
🖋 Author ~ H K Brown Author
⭐️ Rating: 4/5
❓What happens when your ex won’t let go—and the one person who’s always had your back might actually be your forever❓
📍What to expect:
💐 Second chance at happiness
💐 Friends to lovers
💐 Small-town drama
💐 Protective best friend
💐 Family secrets
💐 Emotional slow burn
💐 Hidden feelings
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Tom & Maddie
Standing Strong is a stand-alone romantic slow burn. It is a sweet read showcasing the growing love between Maddie and Tom even as they both try to avoid moving their relationship beyond the friend-zone. Afraid of losing the one person who truly understands her, Maddie is constantly manipulated by her passive-aggressive mother and inconsiderate siblings who think they know best. With Tom’s unwavering support though, Maddie is finally able to develop the courage to reach for her dreams.
🖋 Enjoyment: 4. Readability: 5. Writing: 5.
🖋 Setting: 5. Plot: 4. Characters: 5.
#writer #editor #review #books #bookstagrammers #bookreviewer #reader #MustRead #bookclub #bookish #booklover #bookworm #readers #currentlyreading #readersofinstagram #brokenwingbookreviews #ravenblackbird74 #booktok #LiteraryInspiredARCs #RomanceReleases #MayBooks #ContemporaryRomance #SlowBurnRomance #friendstoloversreads Literary Inspired
January 11, 2026
Tom and Maddie
Tropes:
* Coming home
* Friends to lovers
* Found family
* Betrayal
* An ex who won;t stay gone
Triggers/Content:
* Abuse
* Murder
* Kidnapping
Wow… what a powerful start.
And what a horrible mother!
Tom and Maddie are just gorgeous together. It’s clear that they both have feelings… He won’t voice them due to bad timing… he came into her life when she didn’t want anything but a friend.
She’s just seeing friendship from him, and can’t quite see the feelings that are driving his actions.
Honestly, Maddie was being betrayed on multiple sides.
First, her brother starts to side with Ashton (the abusive ex). Then Tom has the nerve to decide to go on a date when she’s back in town to visit him. Then, all he can talk about is the girlfriend, and he has no time for her. Plus, the choice of woman? Ugh…
I felt so much hurt for her…
A slow burn, it was a little difficult knowing that she’s dealing with a horrible ex, and he’s acting the way he was. It felt a little passive-aggressive, even if it wasn’t. It took a while for them to move forward, but once it happened… wow! They were all in. Tom was a golden retriever, even more betrayals than I expected, and some very twisty turns… this had plenty to keep the pages turning.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Tropes:
* Coming home
* Friends to lovers
* Found family
* Betrayal
* An ex who won;t stay gone
Triggers/Content:
* Abuse
* Murder
* Kidnapping
Wow… what a powerful start.
And what a horrible mother!
Tom and Maddie are just gorgeous together. It’s clear that they both have feelings… He won’t voice them due to bad timing… he came into her life when she didn’t want anything but a friend.
She’s just seeing friendship from him, and can’t quite see the feelings that are driving his actions.
Honestly, Maddie was being betrayed on multiple sides.
First, her brother starts to side with Ashton (the abusive ex). Then Tom has the nerve to decide to go on a date when she’s back in town to visit him. Then, all he can talk about is the girlfriend, and he has no time for her. Plus, the choice of woman? Ugh…
I felt so much hurt for her…
A slow burn, it was a little difficult knowing that she’s dealing with a horrible ex, and he’s acting the way he was. It felt a little passive-aggressive, even if it wasn’t. It took a while for them to move forward, but once it happened… wow! They were all in. Tom was a golden retriever, even more betrayals than I expected, and some very twisty turns… this had plenty to keep the pages turning.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 2, 2025
This was my first HK Brown read, and I will be reading the remainder of the series now too. This contemporary romance has it all, friends to lovers, stalker ex, family issues (plus Southern upbringing expectations) and more. Maddie will find herself, and her true love with a HEA in this closed door novel, but no without a lot of hurdles, an emotional journey and some scary experiences along the way. I really enjoyed the book because even while it was a stalker scenario, there was never a time where you were left with prolonged sadness or angst, not to say it was all roses but knowing it has a HEA, with just the right build up and resolution at each stage. It flows well and the writing style is one I enjoy, I look forward to reading more of their works.
April 28, 2025
Maddie and Tom were soooo good. Best friends to lovers, yes please. Protective MMC... check!!! I loved every second of this book and had trouble putting it down... I might have stayed up way too late to finish it cause I was too deep in it!!! If you have read books 1&2 then what are you waiting on!!! If you haven't and you are thinking about diving into Baycliff Valley well take the plunge and get ready to be hooked!!!
August 4, 2026
This is book 3. Meet Tom and Madi. I just love how Brown writes. Tom is the perfect man, nothing but green flags. Best friends to lovers in its best form. The story has a great pace and was believable. Their friendship flowed so wonderfully to lovers. Another hit. Just fantastic. Spice is 🌶️🌶️ and stars are 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
May 8, 2025
A closed door romance with a great story do you enjoy slow burn second chance romance full of small town drama where friends become lovers and family secrets come to light… Then give this one a read.
May 19, 2025
Wow!! Great story!! Perfect if you enjoy romantic suspense and friends to more! Very exciting with characters that feel so real! Kept me turning pages for sure!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews