Painted Sky

by Heather Grey

Run.

That’s what Alexandra Langley does when things get hard. She creates distance, and this time an entire ocean felt like the only way to escape the heartbreak Ben Shaw caused. Now she’s back in Bluefield for the first time in seven years, and every memory she tried to outrun comes racing back. Forgetting him was easy when she lived across the world. But being back in the same small town as him? Not a chance.

For seven years, Ben Shaw has lived in survival mode. Devoted single dad. Steadfast son. Reliable brother. A lawyer who puts everyone else first. He carries every title with pride, but somewhere along the way, he lost the part of himself that responsibility didn’t define. Starting over in Bluefield was supposed to be a fresh start for him and his son. But then Alex walks back into his life, and suddenly the past he’s tried to bury of a love he lost is everywhere he turns.

One weekend was all it took for them to build something real, but one choice shattered it all. And now, the spark between them is as undeniable as ever, and far more dangerous. Because what tore them apart all those years ago isn’t finished with them yet, and the ghosts they’ve both tried to forget aren’t ready to let go.

Two broken hearts.

Seven years to move on.

One second chance they might not survive.


Painted Sky is a second chance, small-town romantic suspense novel set in the fictional town of Bluefield, Canada.

This story can be read as a standalone, and is the fourth book in the Bluefield Beach series

Genres: Second Chance

346 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 18, 2026

About the author

Heather is a Canadian author with a passion for romance—and just the right touch of suspense. After years spent in the financial world, she traded in spreadsheets for storylines and now crafts tales that weave love, drama, and a little mystery into every page.

When she’s not writing or dreaming up her next plot twist, you’ll find her curled up with a book, surrounded by her beloved pets, enjoying time with friends, or exploring the outdoors with family.

To stay up to date on Heather's upcoming projects, connect with her on social media @authorheathergrey

Reviews

[Briana Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review ✨
First I would like to say a big thank you to Heather for letting me be apart of this ARC Team!
Rate: 4/5⭐️
Spice: 1.5/5🌶️

What to expect when reading Painted Sky;
-Single Dad
-Romantic Suspense
-Second Chance
-Small Town
-Chronic Illness Rep
-Close Proximity

This is book four of the Bluefield Beach series! You get to follow Alexandra and Ben! When your heart gets broken what do you do? Well you do what Alex does and take off to the UK. Now it’s seven years later and she’s ready to go back home. Only problem is home isn’t exactly how she left it and she will have to face what she was running from sooner than expected. Ben was devastated when Alex left and now he juggling being a dad, lawyer and life. With Alex back he has to figure out what to do while keeping his son a priority. This story came with sooo many shocking moments, I can’t tell you how many times I said “no freakin way” while reading lol One thing I have loved about this series is when you think you figured out what is going on, she throws in a plot twist and you’re left shocked lol. The pureness of the main characters had to be my favorite part, just two genuine people finding their way back to each other. I couldn’t have asked for a better ending for these two, it melted my heart. If you haven’t read this series you should each one takes you on such a different adventure!

Side notes:
-Faith needs a book ASAP

Fav Quote:
•”You think Miss Langley is hot?”


Make sure you get your copy of the book when it releases Feb. 13th🖤
#bookstagram #romance #review

[Cozy PagesW Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review:

4 🌟

Painted Sky is one of those second chance romances that sneaks up on you emotionally and leaves your heart aching in the best way. Alex’s return to Bluefield after seven years felt incredibly authentic. You could sense how the past still lingered beneath the surface for both her and Ben, just waiting to resurface.

Ben Shaw absolutely broke my heart 🥺 He’s a devoted single dad who’s spent years simply getting by instead of truly living, always putting others first while quietly holding onto a love he never released. The bond between him and Alex never disappeared, it just sat in the background, heavy with regret, longing, and that fragile hope that maybe love can find its way back when the timing is right.

One of my favorite elements was Alex’s relationship with Noah. The way she connected with Ben’s son felt so natural and sincere, nothing forced, just soft moments, trust forming, and genuine care. Watching Noah open up to her added so much depth and made Ben and Alex’s second chance feel even more meaningful.

This story is tender, nostalgic, and threaded with romantic tension that keeps the emotions simmering. Two wounded hearts, one life-altering weekend, and a love that never truly faded, only paused.

Also, this is the fourth book in the series, and even though I haven’t read the previous ones, I never felt lost. The story was easy to follow and still completely immersive on its own.

Huge thank you to Heather Grey and Ember Literary PR for trusting me with an ARC of this story ♥︎

[Kim Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

• Book Review / ARC Review • ✨

Painted Sky by Heather Grey
@authorheathergrey

Book Review : 4.5 ⭐️
Spice Level : 2 🌶️

I want to say Thank you to Heather Grey for trusting me to be apart of her ARC team for this book and Ember Literary PR for the opportunity to get an ARC of this book!

Painted Sky was one of those second chance romances that quietly wrecked me.

Alex running from heartbreak felt painfully real, and returning to Bluefield after seven years trying to live a different life made every buried feeling come rushing back. You could feel how much the past still had its grip on her and on Ben.

Ben Shaw… my heart hurt for him. 🥺
A devoted single dad who’s spent years surviving instead of living, putting everyone else first while carrying a love he never let go of. The connection between Ben and Alex never faded, it just waited. Their story is layered with regret, longing, and that fragile hope that maybe love can still find its way back.

One of my favorite parts of Painted Sky was Alex’s relationship with Noah. The way she connected with Ben’s son felt so natural, gentle, and full of warmth. There was no forcing it, just quiet moments, trust building, and a bond that showed how deeply Alex cares. Seeing Noah let her in added so much heart to the story and made the stakes of Ben and Alex’s second chance feel even more meaningful.

This story is emotional, nostalgic, and layered with romantic suspense that keeps the tension simmering. Two broken hearts, one weekend that changed everything, and a second chance that feels both hopeful and terrifying.
It’s a reminder that some loves don’t end, they just pause, waiting for the right moment to return. 🌅🤍

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alex Langley regresa a Bluefield convencida de que volver a casa será un nuevo comienzo. Vuelve para cuidar lo que queda de su familia, para enfrentarse a su enfermedad con más calma y para reconstruirse lejos de la vida que dejó atrás. Lo que no esperaba era reencontrarse con Ben Shaw, el chico que marcó su corazón y la razón por la que un día decidió huir sin mirar atrás. Ahora Ben no solo sigue ahí, sino que es padre y su hijo termina siendo alumno de Alex. Bluefield ya no es el lugar idealizado de los recuerdos ni el escenario del dolor que intentó olvidar, sino un espacio donde el pasado y el presente chocan obligándolos a mirarse de frente. Volver a casa significa aceptar lo que dolió, lo que quedó pendiente y la posibilidad de que algunas historias no terminaron cuando creían.


__

Fui mal pensada al sacar cuentas de cuanto tiempo tenía que se separaron y cuantos años tenía el niño y pensar lo peor de Ben. Creo que esto se llego a mencionar en los libros pasados y como no los he leído la situación me llevo por otro lado, también quiero creer que por eso no hay advertencias de contenido.

Me da curiosidad la historia de F y D.


TW, puede contener spoilers:
-Violación, se menciona y se cuenta por encima. No hay escenas graficas.






Gracias Ember Literary PR por el ARC.

[Crystal LoCicero · Rating 4 out of 5]

'But I think being seen without love feels pretty great right now. Being seen by someone who is practically a stranger but feels like more is so exciting.'

A small town second chance romance with a twist of suspense. Yes. Sign me up. This is book 4 in a series and I(ofc) read it out of order. I eas able to follow along well, but there are a bazillion characters with thier own hea story that come up throughout. My interest has been peaked and I want to read more.

Alex is a teacher who comes back to her hometown after years of being away. She went away bc of heartbreak from Ben. Ben is a single dad who moved to this small town of his past to raise his son surrounded by friends who became family. They still have feeling for eachother.

This was sweet and a mid to slow burn. The mystery subplot had me guessing like this was a Catherine Cowels book. Everyone was a suspect. Lol. I liked the couple, the kid, and all the nosey friends. The flashbacks were a sweet buildup and I liked that they weren't too long.

I am interested in Faith and what her story will be like. So I will be reading that when it comes.

Overall, I enjoyed the story, it was a quick and easy read, I finished it in one sitting. I will read more from this author.

I received this book as an ARC, but the review is completely independent and reflects my genuine thoughts, feelings, and opinions.

[Megan Meyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you’re here for the romance, Painted Sky absolutely delivers.

What I loved most about this story was how deeply emotional and intimate the relationship felt. This isn’t just instant sparks and surface-level chemistry — it’s layered, vulnerable, and built on two people learning how to open their hearts again. The connection between them feels earned, not rushed, and that made every moment so much more satisfying.

The tension? So good. The kind that lingers in glances, almost-touches, and conversations loaded with things left unsaid. Heather Grey really leans into the emotional push and pull — the hesitation, the fear, the longing — and it made their journey toward each other feel incredibly real.

I especially appreciated how the romance wasn’t just about attraction (though the chemistry is definitely there 🔥). It’s about trust. Healing. Choosing someone even when it’s scary. Watching their walls slowly come down was one of my favorite parts of the entire book.

By the end, I wasn’t just rooting for them — I was fully invested in their happiness. This is the kind of love story that feels tender, hopeful, and deeply satisfying.

If you love emotional, slow-burn romance with heart and depth, this one is for you. 💛

[Alyssa W · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into Painted Sky hoping for a sweet second-chance romance, and overall it delivered. It’s a good, easy read that flows really well and doesn’t take much effort to get into, which I appreciated. Sometimes you just want a story you can settle into without feeling like you have to work for it, and this definitely fit that vibe.

It is a bit of a slow burn, especially in the first half, but I didn’t mind it too much because the second half really picks up and makes it worth it. That’s where the emotions hit harder and the relationship starts to feel more real and engaging.

My biggest issue was the twist toward the end. It felt rushed and didn’t fully make sense to me, like it needed more buildup or explanation to really land. Instead of adding to the story, it kind of pulled me out of it a little.

Overall, I still enjoyed it. It’s a solid contemporary romance with a satisfying emotional payoff, even if the ending didn’t completely stick for me. If you like second-chance love stories and don’t mind a slower start, this one is still worth picking up.

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to Bluefield Beach - where everybody knows somebody and grandma always has a stash of her favourite cookies. I was very lucky to have been chosen for the ARC for painted sky. And I have to say I went on an emotional roller coaster. Alex small town girl breed and raised falls in love- like every other girl in town- with hot lifeguard Ben. A surprise chance at meeting thanks to a blown up toy and the rest is history. Wrong 🤣

Enter in a good and surprising plot twist which brings Alex home to Bluefield Beach and back surprisingly into Ben’s life. With building a relationship to maybe more than just friends, a stalker Ex and more, chronic illness and nosey friends and family, this story will have you wanting to venture more into the life’s of the people who call Bluefield Beach their home.

Just remember to always enjoy the purples in the sunset on a clear night sky 🌌

[Kymberly Lamb · Rating 5 out of 5]

4⭐️ 2🌶️

I loved this book! I don't want to say much about the plot because I don't want to spoil anything, but it is the perfect mix of heart, mystery, and suspense. I loved this take on the second chance romance trope; it was low angst with a lot of mystery and suspense. I typically love angst with second chance romance, but this was a refreshing take where the MCs just let their feelings be what they are. I was truly shocked by the twists in this book! I had a few theories and none of them were correct, I audibly gasped a few times while reading.

Thank you, Heather Grey and Ember Literary PR for the advanced copy of this eBook. This book is a true standalone, I didn't feel lost or confused by not reading the first three books in the series, however, I do look forward to reading the first 3 books in this series.

[Chey · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, thank you Heather Grey and Ember Literary for the eARC for my honest review.

I have been obsessed with the Bluefield Beach series from the start and I was so looking forward to Ben’s story. I can say this story pulled on all my heart strings. I was trying so hard not to cry so many times while reading this. Alex’s and Ben’s story from the start was beautiful and I loved them together. Their story may have taken a break and they both went through SO MUCH but their love for each other and Noah just continued to grow.

Definitely read if you are in the mood for:
- single dad
- small town
- second chance
- suspense
- found family

And as also, check the content warning

I need Dylan’s story right now 👀

[Kerry Glynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Heather for allowing me to be on your ARC team for Painted Sky. This is a 4.5 star read for me as it had some unexpected suspense that was really well done and I really enjoyed it. I won’t lie, I did NOT see that coming at the end (you will have to read it to find out!)! Alex and Ben are the definition of first love finding its way back but with a deeper appreciation for the other person and to not take anything for granted. Love all the characters from the first books and I’m already excited for Dylan and Faiths story later this year. Quick read and kept me engaged and interested to basically read it in one day! Well done Heather!

[ten31reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review - 3.75 stars

This is a cute small town, second chance romance. Two young adults share a magical weekend that starts leading to more when they are separated by betrayal. Seven years later, they find themselves coming back to where it all started and unable to avoid each other.

The characters are likable. I found myself wanting more of their emotions and reactions based on the events that were taking place. There were also a couple of times where I had to go back and reread some things as it didn’t land with my initial read through.

There is some discussion of off-page sexual assault of one of the main characters. Nothing distasteful.

[FN · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like how the characters are portrayed and how they evolved from their youth to the present timeline. The FMC and MMC begin as innocent, hopeful individuals, caught in situations and misunderstandings that changed the course of their lives. It’s a poignant reminder of how fragile life can be and how powerful unspoken emotions are. And what's more beautiful is that, they are surrounded with people who matters, support and ground them with all their hearts. Absolutely love the story.

Im thankful to be given the opportunity to read this in advance.

[Gabriela Viveros · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book, I don’t usually like multiple timeline books but this was SO well written and it didn’t feel like i was getting any unnecessary content. Everything flowed so nicely and it had a plot twist i wasn’t expecting at all. The climax/ conflict wasn’t bad and wasn’t overly dramatic which is something i like, and obviously last for best no third breakup, which im glad for. Overall would totally recommend reading!!!! CHECK TW !!!!

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing better than a second chance single dad story. Ben and Alex had a whirlwind of a weekend seven years ago where they made a deep connection in Bluefield. Something happened that sends Alex to the UK with a broken heart. When she comes home, she's surprised to learn Ben has moved to town with his son. They try to stay away from each other but their pull is too strong.
I really enjoyed their chemistry and banter. The friend group is so strong in their love for one another.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first Heather Grey book and it won't be my last.
I was worried this would be "just another romance" but it absolutely was not!
The suspense, the unknown, the who done it, it all had me on the edge of my seat. This started out as your typical romance but twist after twist was thrown at me and I didn't want to put it down. Ben and Alex's story is heartbreaking and beautiful.
I am so glad I took a chance on this local author.

[Madison Rusnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️
🌶️

Reading Heather's books is like coming home 🥰. It helps that it's set in Canada, but mostly her writing is just so cozy, I love to immerse myself in it!

As always, the romance was beautiful, the suspense was suspenseful and the vibes were top tier! Plus, who doesn't love a single dad? ;)

Thank you so much, Heather, for the opportunity to read this book early! I'm forever grateful!

[Kayleigh Hudgins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excited to have received an ARC for this book! This is the 4th book in the series, but as someone who hasn’t read the others, I was able to pop into the world easily. Romantic small-town single dad suspense with an incredible found family. Definitely 4/5 ⭐️ and I’d say 1/5 🌶️. Fast-paced without being rushed. Will definitely be reading the rest of the series!

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Painted Sky is a sweet second chance romance with a bit of suspense woven into the fabric. The slow burn is so worth it when Alex and Ben ignite after some meddling by friends and family. The history between Alex and Ben is divvied out in a way that keeps interest high and the twist at the end is a nailbiter.

[Jackie Kiracofe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Painted Sky is the first book I've read by Heather Grey. I was hooked from the start. I love a good second chance romance. I enjoyed reading about Alex and Ben's past and present relationship. Throw in a little suspense and it was a good read. I'll definitely go back and read the other books in this series. Thanks for the ARC! #heathergrey

[Bre · Rating 5 out of 5]

ok alex and ben were everything i needed from bluefield beach. this was a small town second chance romance with the perfect addition of suspense to it. i have been rooting for these two from the beginning and im so happy they finally got their hea!

[Lindsey Kramer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic read! I was hooked from go!

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

What can I say. A nice little read.
Watching Alex and Ben fall in love then lose it, to finding it again, with hurdles we didn't see coming. Who doesn't want them to get there happy ever after?