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These Valley Days #1
The Long Road Home
Crying into an iced coffee in front of a stranger isn't high on anyone's priority list but ...
Gracen Briggs has history in this valley—deep roots, dead dreams, and an ex whose smiling face she sees plastered all over town, every single day.
Wonderful, right?
Malachi Anders left things unfinished here, too. All his trouble and traumas … God knows he already spent too much time trying to leave it behind.
He never wanted to come back.
She can't find a way out.
Welcome to the valley.
It's a long road home.
*
Somewhere along the foggy Acadian Peninsula of northern New Brunswick sits a small valley town with more than one secret being whispered up and down its sleepy streets. These Valley Days features standalone couples, and every book brings someone—new or old—back home where they belong. With a HEA, of course.
Gracen Briggs has history in this valley—deep roots, dead dreams, and an ex whose smiling face she sees plastered all over town, every single day.
Wonderful, right?
Malachi Anders left things unfinished here, too. All his trouble and traumas … God knows he already spent too much time trying to leave it behind.
He never wanted to come back.
She can't find a way out.
Welcome to the valley.
It's a long road home.
*
Somewhere along the foggy Acadian Peninsula of northern New Brunswick sits a small valley town with more than one secret being whispered up and down its sleepy streets. These Valley Days features standalone couples, and every book brings someone—new or old—back home where they belong. With a HEA, of course.
- GenresRomanceContemporary
376 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 16, 2022
21 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
About the author
Bethany-Kris
108 books4,255 followersThe author of too many novels to count, Bethany-Kris is a Canadian, lover of much, and mother to four sons, a glaring of cats, and a pack of dogs. A small town in Eastern Canada where she was born and raised is where she has always called home. With her boys under her feet, a snuggling cat, barking dogs, and a spouse calling over his shoulder, she is nearly always writing something ... when she can find the time.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 10, 2022
3.5 Stars
This is a new series by Bethany Kris. It’s set in a small town and involves a zealot church. There is sense of mystery surrounding the church and the members who have escaped. Being that it’s a small town, everyone knows everyone’s business. And no one messes with the church without repercussions.
I will say that it took me awhile to get into the story. It is very descriptive and I definitely felt as if I was transported into The Valley. But at the same time, I felt like the story dragged at times and did not get me fully engaged. It was towards the end that I got more invested into the story. Gracen and Malachi are both complex and flawed and definitely have a connection. I look forward to the next book in the series as this first book ended in an interesting cliffhanger. It would be safe to remember that messing with the church and it’s members can be a hazard to your health.
*advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
This is a new series by Bethany Kris. It’s set in a small town and involves a zealot church. There is sense of mystery surrounding the church and the members who have escaped. Being that it’s a small town, everyone knows everyone’s business. And no one messes with the church without repercussions.
I will say that it took me awhile to get into the story. It is very descriptive and I definitely felt as if I was transported into The Valley. But at the same time, I felt like the story dragged at times and did not get me fully engaged. It was towards the end that I got more invested into the story. Gracen and Malachi are both complex and flawed and definitely have a connection. I look forward to the next book in the series as this first book ended in an interesting cliffhanger. It would be safe to remember that messing with the church and it’s members can be a hazard to your health.
*advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
January 22, 2022
Well, that was different!
I haven’t read all the stories that Bethany-Kris has penned in the past, but what I have read revolve around mobsters, mafia or cartels. This story is none of those things but the small town this story is set on is anything but gumdrops and rainbows. It’s actually quite dark with a cult-like essence to it. It’s sinister, full of lies and deceit, hiding in the shadows ready to pounce at a moment’s notice. That’s what kept me glued to the story and that’s the overall arc the stories will follow in this series. There’s a romance element to The Long Road Home but it wasn’t what kept me interested. Maybe because it’s the first book in the series, I don’t know, but I was more connected to the mystery/drama surrounding the story than anything else.
I am hooked on this small valley town and can’t wait to read what happens next …
Download your copy today or read in Kindle Unlimited!
Amazon US: https://geni.us/TLRH
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/3rukOT9
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3FBUeMI
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/34OeZIm
I haven’t read all the stories that Bethany-Kris has penned in the past, but what I have read revolve around mobsters, mafia or cartels. This story is none of those things but the small town this story is set on is anything but gumdrops and rainbows. It’s actually quite dark with a cult-like essence to it. It’s sinister, full of lies and deceit, hiding in the shadows ready to pounce at a moment’s notice. That’s what kept me glued to the story and that’s the overall arc the stories will follow in this series. There’s a romance element to The Long Road Home but it wasn’t what kept me interested. Maybe because it’s the first book in the series, I don’t know, but I was more connected to the mystery/drama surrounding the story than anything else.
I am hooked on this small valley town and can’t wait to read what happens next …
Download your copy today or read in Kindle Unlimited!
Amazon US: https://geni.us/TLRH
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/3rukOT9
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3FBUeMI
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/34OeZIm
January 19, 2022
I am not sure how I feel about this one, I have mixed feelings because I didn't love it but, I didn't hate it either. I will say that I had a hard time getting into the book at first but, after that, it was smooth sailing. And that right there is the crux of my mixed feelings, the story and the characters of the story that normally draw me right in and have me falling in love with Ms. Kris's characters right from the onset of the story, that did not happen for me. We can say we liked the characters well enough, but, I can't say we fell in love with any of them. I loved how independent Gracen and Delaney were and how in sheer determination and hard work they did the unthinkable at such a young age a defied the odds and made something of their selves. Love seeing strong independent woman in a story and how they defeated the odds.
We can say we were rooting for Malachi and Gracen to have more than a few enjoyable nights together, early on you could see how perfect they could be together. Gracen deserved happiness.Malachi seemed like a bit of a lost soul. We loved the Malachi was a bit of a mystery and had that bad boy vibe about him.
Overall, the story piqued our interest as we believe something sinister is going on in that small town. There are so many unanswered questions, and we have a feeling we know who is behind the mysterious things happening in this sleepy town and why Delaney and Gracen are the targets, or is it Malachi? Regardless of my feelings being mixed, we did love the ending, and we are glad Malachi did not let us down, we can say he even surprised us. The story left you wanting more, and we are looking forward to getting more answers next time around.
We can say we were rooting for Malachi and Gracen to have more than a few enjoyable nights together, early on you could see how perfect they could be together. Gracen deserved happiness.Malachi seemed like a bit of a lost soul. We loved the Malachi was a bit of a mystery and had that bad boy vibe about him.
Overall, the story piqued our interest as we believe something sinister is going on in that small town. There are so many unanswered questions, and we have a feeling we know who is behind the mysterious things happening in this sleepy town and why Delaney and Gracen are the targets, or is it Malachi? Regardless of my feelings being mixed, we did love the ending, and we are glad Malachi did not let us down, we can say he even surprised us. The story left you wanting more, and we are looking forward to getting more answers next time around.
January 22, 2022
3.5
“𝑰𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒂 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒓𝒐𝒂𝒅 𝒉𝒐𝒎𝒆, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒅𝒊𝒅𝒏’𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌 𝒊𝒕’𝒅 𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝑰 𝒂𝒎. 𝑰𝒕’𝒔 𝒎𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝒈𝒊𝒓𝒍, 𝒊𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒎𝒆, 𝒕𝒐𝒐.”
(arc review)
The long road home is the first book in Bethany-Kris' brand new series and its set in a completely new world. I was so excited for this book because honestly I'll pick up anything from this author, but also because it's different from anything else I've read by her. It was surprising in a way. It's set in a Canadian small town (?) which I love. I enjoy small town settings a lot and the author did a good job at introducing it. And I also liked the characters. Again she's very good at writing complex, even flawed, characters and make them so lovable. I was rooting for Gracen and Malachai both romantically and individually from the start. I feel a little attacked by the ending but also cannot wait for the next book. I'll miss Gracen & Malachai, but I'm excited because I liked the side characters. This book was an introduction and I feel like the rest of the book will dive more into some of the darker themes in this one, especially connected to religion.
I'd say that there aren't big triggers for this one, but if you're religious or have been hurt by religious people then be careful.
“𝑰𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒂 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒓𝒐𝒂𝒅 𝒉𝒐𝒎𝒆, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒅𝒊𝒅𝒏’𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌 𝒊𝒕’𝒅 𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝑰 𝒂𝒎. 𝑰𝒕’𝒔 𝒎𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝒈𝒊𝒓𝒍, 𝒊𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒎𝒆, 𝒕𝒐𝒐.”
(arc review)
The long road home is the first book in Bethany-Kris' brand new series and its set in a completely new world. I was so excited for this book because honestly I'll pick up anything from this author, but also because it's different from anything else I've read by her. It was surprising in a way. It's set in a Canadian small town (?) which I love. I enjoy small town settings a lot and the author did a good job at introducing it. And I also liked the characters. Again she's very good at writing complex, even flawed, characters and make them so lovable. I was rooting for Gracen and Malachai both romantically and individually from the start. I feel a little attacked by the ending but also cannot wait for the next book. I'll miss Gracen & Malachai, but I'm excited because I liked the side characters. This book was an introduction and I feel like the rest of the book will dive more into some of the darker themes in this one, especially connected to religion.
I'd say that there aren't big triggers for this one, but if you're religious or have been hurt by religious people then be careful.
April 10, 2022
4 stars
This book started slower than I'm used to when reading her books. However, once things picked up, then I was invested. This ends on a cliffhanger that I wasn't expecting.
There is a lot of baggage and mystery to the story that I need answers to because there was a lot left undone.
This book started slower than I'm used to when reading her books. However, once things picked up, then I was invested. This ends on a cliffhanger that I wasn't expecting.
There is a lot of baggage and mystery to the story that I need answers to because there was a lot left undone.
January 20, 2022
The long road home is quite different from what I am used to reading from this author. The small town and its communited are vividly portrayed, the scenery and community are easily visinalised.
Malachi left because he was shunned by his family for refusing to abide by their eccentric rules. He has vowed never to return, but here he is. Fate? This is when he meets Gracen who herself is going through an emotional turmoil. She has just learnt that her ex is getting married which has brought back memories of how he broke up with her when she was at her most vulnerable. With her strength, determination and the help of her best friend she has successfully built a life for herself. Getting involved with a man is the last thing that she wants until Malachi comes along. What starts as a casual affair blossoms into something deeper for both of them. Can they put the past behind and see where they end up?
This is a multi layered story where the church dictates. Going against them can be dangerous. There is a mystery behind the bad things that are happening, although there are indications as to who might be behind them. It's a slower pace from what I am used from this author, but it's a solid story where friendship is strong. Malachi and Gracen have found their happy place, but what happens to her business in the end is shocking. I hope that more will be revealed in the next installment. A captivating story.
Malachi left because he was shunned by his family for refusing to abide by their eccentric rules. He has vowed never to return, but here he is. Fate? This is when he meets Gracen who herself is going through an emotional turmoil. She has just learnt that her ex is getting married which has brought back memories of how he broke up with her when she was at her most vulnerable. With her strength, determination and the help of her best friend she has successfully built a life for herself. Getting involved with a man is the last thing that she wants until Malachi comes along. What starts as a casual affair blossoms into something deeper for both of them. Can they put the past behind and see where they end up?
This is a multi layered story where the church dictates. Going against them can be dangerous. There is a mystery behind the bad things that are happening, although there are indications as to who might be behind them. It's a slower pace from what I am used from this author, but it's a solid story where friendship is strong. Malachi and Gracen have found their happy place, but what happens to her business in the end is shocking. I hope that more will be revealed in the next installment. A captivating story.
January 20, 2022
Terrific start to a new series! Moody, dark and dangerous is the tone in the small town and the local cult-like religious sect in this first story. I love this author’s mafia stories with her exciting storytelling and fabulous characters. She also has an unique writing style that is different from anyone else. This is a departure from the mafia genre but the dark tone and a dangerous organization is present. The church is strict and controls through threats and bullying with the leader the worse of the group. The characters are dynamic especially the heroine, Gracen and her friends. Of course, there’s also a hunky hero to swoon over. Malachi is a former member of the church and still fears for the siblings he left behind after he was run out of town and his welfare too. A chance meeting between him and Gracen leads to a steamy encounter and an undeniable connection. There was a lot of buildup about the town, the church and local characters which was a little drawn out for me. The romance was sexy and sweet while both Gracen and Malachi grapple with their pasts and tragic events. Gracen’s are so different from Malachi’s but lost family is a commonality. Gracen’s friends are fabulous and I hope we get their stories especially after that jaw-dropping ending with a bit of a cliffy. I always enjoy BK’s stories and this one is no different. I look forward to the next installment in this new series by one of my favorite authors. Worth the read!
February 2, 2022
"Gracen, nobody knows the future. That's the point. It's what lets us make what we want of it, babe."
Another great read from BK with brilliant world building. I felt like I could imagine this little town completely and I liked all the little details that made it so.
Gracen and Malachi have both suffered difficulties in their pasts and have been determined to not let it shape their futures. A chance meeting leads to an instant attraction, which gradually develops into what is supposed to be a short term fling whilst Malachi is in town.
I loved the relationship between these two and how they didn't play the usual game with one another. Instead, they both made it clear that they were attracted to the other and produced a great display of flirty chemistry throughout the story.
The only thing that annoyed me throughout this story, was Delaney's attitude at times. I wasn't a fan of how she was keeping things from Gracen, but I'm guessing we'll also be getting a story on her her at some point, which will most likely explain her reasoning behind her decisions.
"Take the long road home and appreciate the view."
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review. (completely forgot to post this during release week!)
TW: religious cult aspect.
*TLRH is book one in a new series by Bethany-Kris. Whilst the couple in this story receives a happy ending, the underlying storyline will continue.
Another great read from BK with brilliant world building. I felt like I could imagine this little town completely and I liked all the little details that made it so.
Gracen and Malachi have both suffered difficulties in their pasts and have been determined to not let it shape their futures. A chance meeting leads to an instant attraction, which gradually develops into what is supposed to be a short term fling whilst Malachi is in town.
I loved the relationship between these two and how they didn't play the usual game with one another. Instead, they both made it clear that they were attracted to the other and produced a great display of flirty chemistry throughout the story.
The only thing that annoyed me throughout this story, was Delaney's attitude at times. I wasn't a fan of how she was keeping things from Gracen, but I'm guessing we'll also be getting a story on her her at some point, which will most likely explain her reasoning behind her decisions.
"Take the long road home and appreciate the view."
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review. (completely forgot to post this during release week!)
TW: religious cult aspect.
*TLRH is book one in a new series by Bethany-Kris. Whilst the couple in this story receives a happy ending, the underlying storyline will continue.
January 19, 2022
Bethany-Kris has long been an automatic click for me so I even read the blurbs to any of her new books. To say I wasn't expecting this book would be an understatement since I'm used to her super sexy mafia men. Anyway, Gracen is a girl who lost her family when she was younger with the exception of her Mimi, who has to be in a medical home. She thought she had family with her long time boyfriend, but when he decided to break up with her she lost the family she thought she had. She's not gotten over it yet so when she learned that he was to marry someone else, well, it didn't go over very well. However things take a turn when Malachi Anders comes home for a time. They start hooking up quickly, but feelings are getting caught, however there's all kinds of drama attached to it all. See, he was from a family active in a Church (or a cult as I saw it) and when he didn't want any part of it, he was kicked out of the family completely. I'm telling you those church folks are evil so I was on the edge of my seat the whole time waiting on that other shoe to drop. There's a lot of emotion in these pages but there are also so many secrets that don't make friends as a kicker. I swear that ending was what I was waiting for, and yet, I'm dying inside so next book please! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
April 3, 2022
I admit that this one took a little bit for me to get into, but once I did, I enjoyed it.
This is a departure from her usual mafia stories, and this book focuses on a small town and the secrets people like to hold. Gracen owns the beauty salon in town, and she's an independent woman. She's broken up from her boyfriend of many years, but she's still lacking closure from the experience. Being in a small town, it's hard for her to move on, especially when he has. Malachi comes to town one day and sees Gracen. They start a relationship, but they both have secrets and are connected in ways they don't expect.
This was a great story, and I loved both characters. I think because it was the first in the series, there's a lot of building up and introducing other characters, so sometimes I felt like that took a little bit away from Gracen and Malachi. While they were the main characters, I sometimes felt like I didn't fully "get" them or felt very attached to them. I was also interested in Gracen's ex and HIS back story and his new romance too. Overall, this was a good start to this new series and group of characters, and I look forward to seeing this developed further.
This is a departure from her usual mafia stories, and this book focuses on a small town and the secrets people like to hold. Gracen owns the beauty salon in town, and she's an independent woman. She's broken up from her boyfriend of many years, but she's still lacking closure from the experience. Being in a small town, it's hard for her to move on, especially when he has. Malachi comes to town one day and sees Gracen. They start a relationship, but they both have secrets and are connected in ways they don't expect.
This was a great story, and I loved both characters. I think because it was the first in the series, there's a lot of building up and introducing other characters, so sometimes I felt like that took a little bit away from Gracen and Malachi. While they were the main characters, I sometimes felt like I didn't fully "get" them or felt very attached to them. I was also interested in Gracen's ex and HIS back story and his new romance too. Overall, this was a good start to this new series and group of characters, and I look forward to seeing this developed further.
January 18, 2022
This is the first in a new series and is Malachi and Gracen’s story. Living in a small town where everyone else knows your business has Gracen living in a town she owns her own business with her best friend and is reminded about her ex daily, yet she does not know how to leave. Malachi has returned due to having some unfinished business, and it is a town he never wanted to come back to. Gracen’s heart is broken when she finds out that her ex-Sonny, is getting married to her best friend Delaney’s cousin, and she was kept in the dark about it. This is a good story which is a small-town romance, with emotions, friendships, lies, family, twists, and love. This story ends in a cliffhanger, and I look forward to reading the next book in this intriguing series. The only downside in my opinion only, is that I struggled to connect with the characters at times. I always highly recommend this talented authors work.
January 20, 2022
3.5 Stars
This was a book I picked because of the author. I have read and enjoyed her previous books but this is one even after some reflection I am unsure of. Maybe part of my issue is that is completely different from the darker books I've read before. I had read a good portion of the story before I got into it, some parts are slow and the whole book feels long although compared to other books I've read it is not really. I never felt a particular affinity to any one character with some just annoying and unlikeable. The thing that kept me reading was the mysterious happenings in the town and I wanted to see if bad boy Malachi and independent Gracen would overcome all the obstacles in their way.
This is only the first book in the series with a HFN ending but one that also hints at so much more to come for the characters and the town they live in.
This was a book I picked because of the author. I have read and enjoyed her previous books but this is one even after some reflection I am unsure of. Maybe part of my issue is that is completely different from the darker books I've read before. I had read a good portion of the story before I got into it, some parts are slow and the whole book feels long although compared to other books I've read it is not really. I never felt a particular affinity to any one character with some just annoying and unlikeable. The thing that kept me reading was the mysterious happenings in the town and I wanted to see if bad boy Malachi and independent Gracen would overcome all the obstacles in their way.
This is only the first book in the series with a HFN ending but one that also hints at so much more to come for the characters and the town they live in.
January 19, 2022
I didn't know what to expect with this book. It's different from what I was used to reading from Bethany-Kris. But, as usual, I was captured, and the story definitely didn't let go until the end. It's the story of Gracen's first love with the pain and heartache and bitterness that comes with it and letting the hurt go. I love the main characters, Gracen and Delaney, who share a home and a business; with a friendship that is infinite. Gracen has lived through the worst kind of grief as a young girl and the anguish that comes with it. And then there is Malachi, I don't even know what to say about him except he is EVERYTHING. This is the story of Gracen as she moves forward with Malachi and their journey. Bethany-Kris wrote an exceptional story with so many emotions it will take your breath away.
February 27, 2022
The long road home
This is the first book in this new series by this author and what a good start it is. This is the story of Gracen and Malachi, these two have intense chemistry between them from the start. This is a small town romance read with so much more added into it. Once you start this book you won’t want to put this book down, amazing and gripping form start to finish. I can’t wait for the next book in this series from this author.
I was given an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my honest review
Release date - 16 Jan 2022
www.obsessedbookreviews.com
January 24, 2022
I am no stranger to author Bethany-Kris. I have read several of her books which have all been mafia stories. So, I was excited to read this one which appeared not to be mafia related.
And I loved it.
The love story between Gracen and Malachi was amazing. The conflict facing Gracen seems to be just beginning and will carry over into the next book in the series. The town, simply called The Valley, has so many secrets that I can’t wait to find out more about.
This was a refreshing story by someone who had written mostly mobster stories in the past. Bethany-Kris has shown with this book that she is more than just a mobster story author. I cannot wait for the next book in the series to see who gets their HEA next and to find out exactly what is going on with this “cult” in this town.
And I loved it.
The love story between Gracen and Malachi was amazing. The conflict facing Gracen seems to be just beginning and will carry over into the next book in the series. The town, simply called The Valley, has so many secrets that I can’t wait to find out more about.
This was a refreshing story by someone who had written mostly mobster stories in the past. Bethany-Kris has shown with this book that she is more than just a mobster story author. I cannot wait for the next book in the series to see who gets their HEA next and to find out exactly what is going on with this “cult” in this town.
January 26, 2022
The Long Road Home (These Valley Days Book 1)
Gracen grew up in Canada. Religious zealots run this small valley town. You either comply or get your home/business burned to the ground. Malachai Anders got away from the church as a teen. And now he is back for his young sister's wedding. Delaney is Gracen's best friend who has been ocharsided from her religious 👪. She's and Gracen own a salon. While helping her cousin with the wedding, she's also helping them escape from the life.
This book left me in 😢 y'all. I can barely wait for the next book which will introduce new characters and more ties to the trauma and mystery in this Canadian valley town.
Gracen grew up in Canada. Religious zealots run this small valley town. You either comply or get your home/business burned to the ground. Malachai Anders got away from the church as a teen. And now he is back for his young sister's wedding. Delaney is Gracen's best friend who has been ocharsided from her religious 👪. She's and Gracen own a salon. While helping her cousin with the wedding, she's also helping them escape from the life.
This book left me in 😢 y'all. I can barely wait for the next book which will introduce new characters and more ties to the trauma and mystery in this Canadian valley town.
January 22, 2022
4.5 stars
This book is different from what ive read from BK and at the same time it gave me the same vibes. Like I knew I was reading a BK book because I fell in love with the characters instantly.
The chemistry between Malachi and Gracen was fantastic. The way these two complemented each other was amazing.
The mystery of the town was great and I can't wait to read more of that.
The side characters were great and add to the story. I especially loved Margot! She was amazing.
Overall this was an amazing starting for the series.
Also cover *chef's kiss* gorgeous!
This book is different from what ive read from BK and at the same time it gave me the same vibes. Like I knew I was reading a BK book because I fell in love with the characters instantly.
The chemistry between Malachi and Gracen was fantastic. The way these two complemented each other was amazing.
The mystery of the town was great and I can't wait to read more of that.
The side characters were great and add to the story. I especially loved Margot! She was amazing.
Overall this was an amazing starting for the series.
Also cover *chef's kiss* gorgeous!
April 16, 2022
3.5 stars
Being from New Brunswick and a lover of BK's mafia series I eagerly looked forward to this book.
While I enjoyed the characters I found it took me a bit to get into this very descriptive story. There is an air of mystery about the small town and I feel as if book one just scratched the surface. We got to see both sides learn to open up and learn to be a couple. Malachi and Gracen both have a lot of baggage and I enjoyed watching them grow.
Being from New Brunswick and a lover of BK's mafia series I eagerly looked forward to this book.
While I enjoyed the characters I found it took me a bit to get into this very descriptive story. There is an air of mystery about the small town and I feel as if book one just scratched the surface. We got to see both sides learn to open up and learn to be a couple. Malachi and Gracen both have a lot of baggage and I enjoyed watching them grow.
January 21, 2022
Love helps conquer sorrow
Bethany kris is one of my favorite author she takes you on a journey in all her books . GRACEN and Malachi are both 2 great misunderstood people that once they meet nothing can stop them come hell or high water, they go together like PB&Please read and enjoy
Bethany kris is one of my favorite author she takes you on a journey in all her books . GRACEN and Malachi are both 2 great misunderstood people that once they meet nothing can stop them come hell or high water, they go together like PB&Please read and enjoy
January 19, 2022
Ooh, I am intrigued by this new series and this town. Gracen and Malachi have a connection but there are lies, secrets, mysteries and so much more woven into this small town. I was glued to my screen and then bam! We need another story because I need more!
September 2, 2022
What Did I Read?
First and foremost, I have been an avid reader of Bethany Kris books since high school. Her books were there for me at times of need when I was mentally going though it. However, I have noticed a shift in her writing style lately that I am not a fan of. I think change can be great, but for the better not the worse. Unfortunately, that has been the case with her books lately.
I did not like this book at all. I was excited because this book was connected to a new world and not engrossed in mafia. I like when writers can do multiple genres and have a reach. I think Bethany can do such. This book fell flat in multiple departments. There was no plot when I though a scene was coming that would be a bang it never happened. I was so disappointed because you learned about the church members, not much, but we never witnessed them in person. The book was a complete drag and I felt myself forcing myself to read the novel. Also, I wanted to see Malachi's stepfather, Frankie, and to me there was no closure between Gracen and Sonny. He really didn't care that be broke her heart and basically left her at a time when she needed him most. It was like over 300 pages of repetitive lines and no escalation or climax coming. I was mad at the epilogue because even though it was the end and a cliffhanger I don't understand the purpose of the book in general really.
As for Malachi and Gracen, there relationship was not my favorite because they didn't have a deep connection. I wasn't even fond of Delaney and Gracen friendship because compared to Bethany's other books with friendships this one fell flat. I didn't really like Delaney as much.
I do know there is a second book, but I am hesitant to read the book. It is over 400 pages and there is no way I can force myself to read a book that long. I do want to give it a chance, but if I don't like it I will DNF the book quickly.
First and foremost, I have been an avid reader of Bethany Kris books since high school. Her books were there for me at times of need when I was mentally going though it. However, I have noticed a shift in her writing style lately that I am not a fan of. I think change can be great, but for the better not the worse. Unfortunately, that has been the case with her books lately.
I did not like this book at all. I was excited because this book was connected to a new world and not engrossed in mafia. I like when writers can do multiple genres and have a reach. I think Bethany can do such. This book fell flat in multiple departments. There was no plot when I though a scene was coming that would be a bang it never happened. I was so disappointed because you learned about the church members, not much, but we never witnessed them in person. The book was a complete drag and I felt myself forcing myself to read the novel. Also, I wanted to see Malachi's stepfather, Frankie, and to me there was no closure between Gracen and Sonny. He really didn't care that be broke her heart and basically left her at a time when she needed him most. It was like over 300 pages of repetitive lines and no escalation or climax coming. I was mad at the epilogue because even though it was the end and a cliffhanger I don't understand the purpose of the book in general really.
As for Malachi and Gracen, there relationship was not my favorite because they didn't have a deep connection. I wasn't even fond of Delaney and Gracen friendship because compared to Bethany's other books with friendships this one fell flat. I didn't really like Delaney as much.
I do know there is a second book, but I am hesitant to read the book. It is over 400 pages and there is no way I can force myself to read a book that long. I do want to give it a chance, but if I don't like it I will DNF the book quickly.
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