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Honey Mountain #2
Ever Mine
He’s hockey’s golden boy, my new client, and the man I’ve avoided for the last nine years. I was hired to fix him—but he’s not the only one who’s broken.
Hawk Madden was my first love.
I thought he would be my forever.
But life wasn’t always fair.
And grief could be a cruel beast.
Fight or flight?
I’d always run.
But now he’s back in my life after all these years.
With one look.
One touch.
One kiss.
Old feelings resurface.
Feelings that I thought I’d buried a long time ago.
Hawk Madden was my first love…
I just didn’t know that he’d be my last.
Read less
Hawk Madden was my first love.
I thought he would be my forever.
But life wasn’t always fair.
And grief could be a cruel beast.
Fight or flight?
I’d always run.
But now he’s back in my life after all these years.
With one look.
One touch.
One kiss.
Old feelings resurface.
Feelings that I thought I’d buried a long time ago.
Hawk Madden was my first love…
I just didn’t know that he’d be my last.
Read less
268 pages, Paperback
First published June 23, 2022
3816 people are currently reading
14961 people want to read
About the author
Laura Pavlov
55 books9,903 followersLaura Pavlov is a USA Today and Amazon top 10 Bestselling author. She writes sweet and sexy small town romance that will make you both laugh and cry. Laura is happily married to her college sweetheart, mom to two awesome kids who are currently adulting, one temperamental yorkie and one wild bernedoodle. She's living her own happily ever after in Las Vegas. Be sure to sign up for updates on new releases. Laura loves hearing from readers!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,563 reviews
August 16, 2023
2.5 stars.
Okay, I wanted to give the series a second chance after the disappointing experience with the previous book and it clearly hasn’t met my expectations.
To sum it :
Everly is a sports psychologist and she end up trying to "fixe" her ex-boyfriend aka the GOAT of the NHL.
First of all, Everly kept repeating "fixing him" like a broken record, again and again. It just didn’t feel right, I mean it was clearly not a wise choice of words for a professional psychologist to caricature how she could sort out whatever was going on with her patient.
Second point , the male protagonist didn’t even face what was actually going on, I mean Everly was paid for six months plus a big rental chalet to actually do nothing.. talk about work ethic. The main reason that made me want to give it a try was her job and how she could help him… none of these two topics were present nor treated.🙃
I understand the need of the author to paint a break up that happened nine years ago (while they were still teenagers) with no angst or a lot of hard feelings and drama but at times the main characters felt plain and the relationship shallow. Don’t get me wrong they had their cute moments but it wasn’t enough to pull out the picture of the soulmates that the storyline was trying to translate.
I liked the fact that there wasn’t any third act breakup even if there was a quick misunderstanding situation. I loved the dynamics of the family and especially Dylan and her gross jokes. I think I may read the third book ‘cause I’m intrigued about Ashley and Jace.
Okay, I wanted to give the series a second chance after the disappointing experience with the previous book and it clearly hasn’t met my expectations.
To sum it :
Everly is a sports psychologist and she end up trying to "fixe" her ex-boyfriend aka the GOAT of the NHL.
First of all, Everly kept repeating "fixing him" like a broken record, again and again. It just didn’t feel right, I mean it was clearly not a wise choice of words for a professional psychologist to caricature how she could sort out whatever was going on with her patient.
Second point , the male protagonist didn’t even face what was actually going on, I mean Everly was paid for six months plus a big rental chalet to actually do nothing.. talk about work ethic. The main reason that made me want to give it a try was her job and how she could help him… none of these two topics were present nor treated.🙃
I understand the need of the author to paint a break up that happened nine years ago (while they were still teenagers) with no angst or a lot of hard feelings and drama but at times the main characters felt plain and the relationship shallow. Don’t get me wrong they had their cute moments but it wasn’t enough to pull out the picture of the soulmates that the storyline was trying to translate.
I liked the fact that there wasn’t any third act breakup even if there was a quick misunderstanding situation. I loved the dynamics of the family and especially Dylan and her gross jokes. I think I may read the third book ‘cause I’m intrigued about Ashley and Jace.
August 30, 2022
"We’re both fine. I chased my dreams and you chased yours."
"We could have been chasing them together."
I'm not going to lie. This is the kind of book that makes my heart flutter. Small-town romance, a second-chance story, mixing in families and friends... it's perfect. I loved both these characters and how strong they were, and especially how imperfect they were.
Their journey made it all worthwhile.
"He was the whole package. Beautiful, strong, charming, humble, and kind."
How was I supposed not to fall for Hawk? I mean, honestly. The guy is a straight-shooter. He sees what he wants and he goes for it. And underneath all that muscle, brawn, and toughness lies a wonderful heart that feels so damn much. I think that's what I loved most about him. He's going to be a hard one to beat.
"He’d always called me Ever, and for years he’d followed it with the word mine. Ever mine."
Ever was such an amazing heroine! I loved her strength but I also that she wasn't strong all the time. That it was hard for her to remember the past. That she thought she could outrun her feelings and just not feel again. I've been there, done that. I know what it's like.
"And then on the first day of our freshman year, you taped a note to my locker and asked me to be your girlfriend."
I nodded. "Damn. I had mad game back then."
I want to say that Everly and Hawk were high school sweethearts, but they were so much more than that. There was a bond between them, something special, something you can only find once in a lifetime. But then life happened, and she pulled away. She let him go, thinking she was probably doing the right thing, breaking both their hearts in the process.
"Do you think I forgot how it feels to have you? A lifetime wouldn’t be enough time to make me forget."
Hawk became the NHL GOAT. A millionaire. A celebrity. He made all his dreams come true. But that's suddenly not enough because there's something missing, and he's off his game. Everly became a sports psychologist, and she's hired to 'fix him'. They're forced to work together, and it's hard because the past hasn't stayed in the past – I don't think that was even possible with these two. There are so many special moments between them, both memories and in the present, that made this such a heartwarming book for me!
"I’d spent the past decade searching for something I couldn’t find. Because I’d already found it. And nothing ever compared after."
There's no question that they want each other. However, is this a good idea? Hawk is every bit in love with her as he's ever been, and she is too. But she keeps running away because she can't deal with the loss again, the heartbreak, the loneliness. It's easier to lie to herself and tell herself this is nothing. I loved that he never gave up on her.
"Thanks for waiting for me."
"I told you once, forever isn’t long enough with you."
Being in their hometown puts them in a wonderful bubble, but what happens when real life comes knocking? Can they handle it? Can Everly take a leap of faith on this thing between them that we all know is strong enough to get through whatever bumps on the road? Can she meet him halfway?
"My life. My home. And my love. My forever."
This all hits you in the feels in the best possible way. If you're a sucker for small moments and they make you swoon, get this book. Sometimes you do find your soulmate when you're fifteen years old, and you'll never find anyone who can compare, no matter how hard you look. And if life gives you another shot at forever, you take it. Ever and Hawk were perfect.
"We could have been chasing them together."
I'm not going to lie. This is the kind of book that makes my heart flutter. Small-town romance, a second-chance story, mixing in families and friends... it's perfect. I loved both these characters and how strong they were, and especially how imperfect they were.
Their journey made it all worthwhile.
"He was the whole package. Beautiful, strong, charming, humble, and kind."
How was I supposed not to fall for Hawk? I mean, honestly. The guy is a straight-shooter. He sees what he wants and he goes for it. And underneath all that muscle, brawn, and toughness lies a wonderful heart that feels so damn much. I think that's what I loved most about him. He's going to be a hard one to beat.
"He’d always called me Ever, and for years he’d followed it with the word mine. Ever mine."
Ever was such an amazing heroine! I loved her strength but I also that she wasn't strong all the time. That it was hard for her to remember the past. That she thought she could outrun her feelings and just not feel again. I've been there, done that. I know what it's like.
"And then on the first day of our freshman year, you taped a note to my locker and asked me to be your girlfriend."
I nodded. "Damn. I had mad game back then."
I want to say that Everly and Hawk were high school sweethearts, but they were so much more than that. There was a bond between them, something special, something you can only find once in a lifetime. But then life happened, and she pulled away. She let him go, thinking she was probably doing the right thing, breaking both their hearts in the process.
"Do you think I forgot how it feels to have you? A lifetime wouldn’t be enough time to make me forget."
Hawk became the NHL GOAT. A millionaire. A celebrity. He made all his dreams come true. But that's suddenly not enough because there's something missing, and he's off his game. Everly became a sports psychologist, and she's hired to 'fix him'. They're forced to work together, and it's hard because the past hasn't stayed in the past – I don't think that was even possible with these two. There are so many special moments between them, both memories and in the present, that made this such a heartwarming book for me!
"I’d spent the past decade searching for something I couldn’t find. Because I’d already found it. And nothing ever compared after."
There's no question that they want each other. However, is this a good idea? Hawk is every bit in love with her as he's ever been, and she is too. But she keeps running away because she can't deal with the loss again, the heartbreak, the loneliness. It's easier to lie to herself and tell herself this is nothing. I loved that he never gave up on her.
"Thanks for waiting for me."
"I told you once, forever isn’t long enough with you."
Being in their hometown puts them in a wonderful bubble, but what happens when real life comes knocking? Can they handle it? Can Everly take a leap of faith on this thing between them that we all know is strong enough to get through whatever bumps on the road? Can she meet him halfway?
"My life. My home. And my love. My forever."
This all hits you in the feels in the best possible way. If you're a sucker for small moments and they make you swoon, get this book. Sometimes you do find your soulmate when you're fifteen years old, and you'll never find anyone who can compare, no matter how hard you look. And if life gives you another shot at forever, you take it. Ever and Hawk were perfect.
February 19, 2024
4 stars
A second chance hockey romance… I’m here for it! Ever Mine is the second book in Laura Pavlov’s ‘Honey Mountain’ series and we all know I’m a Laura Pavlov fan. Her books are entertaining, easy to read, and just lovely. Ever and Hawk’s book was no exception. I can’t wait to read the next one- single dad and the nanny! Sign me up.
A second chance hockey romance… I’m here for it! Ever Mine is the second book in Laura Pavlov’s ‘Honey Mountain’ series and we all know I’m a Laura Pavlov fan. Her books are entertaining, easy to read, and just lovely. Ever and Hawk’s book was no exception. I can’t wait to read the next one- single dad and the nanny! Sign me up.
Audio book source: Audible
Story Rating: 4 stars
Narrators: Sarah McEwan & James Gloucester
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Romance
Length: 7h 19m
June 11, 2023
Hockey and a second chance romance?? Yes, please! This had so many amazing tropes. Hawk and Everly dated through high school, but they broke up before Hawk went on to be a superstar hockey player. Now, though, Hawk has hit a rough patch and his coach wants him fixed asap. Which means calling in Everly, who is a sports psychologist. They return to their hometown to work through Hawk's block and they have to face how they left things. I loved a good second chacon romance and I loved how they interacted with everyone from their past as they went through their own past. I wasn't the biggest fan of how insecure Everly was near the end when it came to their relationship, but I loved how Hawk was determined to be with her and make it work. The end was so cute and I really love when the hero and heroine are forced to work with one another and can't avoid their feelings. Overall, this was another fun small town romance from Laura and I can't wait to continue the series!
May 24, 2023
I’m not sure why but I didn’t love this one. Was bored :/
July 16, 2022
2✨
Ever Mine is so bland. I was hoping for an angsty second chance romance and what I got was a boring plot with boring characters.
2 stars because there wasn’t miscomm and an external conflict (that lasted 1 chapter) which I preferred.
Ever Mine is so bland. I was hoping for an angsty second chance romance and what I got was a boring plot with boring characters.
2 stars because there wasn’t miscomm and an external conflict (that lasted 1 chapter) which I preferred.
June 14, 2023
4/5★
This was so freaking sweet, cute and endearing!! A huge improvement from book 1 if you ask me. I wasn’t really able to find myself liking nor connecting with the couple in book 1 which is why I didn’t really enjoy it.. but this one is the complete opposite!!
I was grinning so freaking hard while reading this book!! It has me blushing and kicking my feet. It was just so freaking adorable!
I’m also starting to love second chance romance more and more! Like the still existing and obvious tension?? The unintentional pining after one another?? The need to be with each other and having to fight it because you think it’s for the best??
I-C-O-N-I-C!!!
I just loved their relationship so much! And the forced proximity?! Ugh… so so soooo good!
I also fell in love with the characters individually.
Haws is a freaking dream! The way he is so determined to fight for Ever and be with her again?! Oml I was swooning!! Literally, the way he thought about her was too good to be true. I want someone to think about me the way he thought about Ever! Like… my heart couldn’t take it!! It was so cuteeeee!!!!
I was able to relate soooo much with Ever, when it came to her anxiety and problem to overthink a lot. These aspects made me like her even more than I already did. Besides that she was so sweet and I just wanted to give her a hug and tell her that everything is going to be ok. She’s just too adorable for this world.
And the fact that he is a hockey player and she was a figure skater?? Ugh I love these sort of couples. It’s just so nicely done.
I do gotta say though that I didn’t really get a 5 star feeling for this book. It was nice and I couldn’t really find anything to criticise or dislike about it but it still wasn’t 5 star worthy for me personally. Still loved it though!!
Overall, am glad that I still decided to give the rest of the series a try! I believe that it’ll only get better and better from here on out!
This was so freaking sweet, cute and endearing!! A huge improvement from book 1 if you ask me. I wasn’t really able to find myself liking nor connecting with the couple in book 1 which is why I didn’t really enjoy it.. but this one is the complete opposite!!
I was grinning so freaking hard while reading this book!! It has me blushing and kicking my feet. It was just so freaking adorable!
I’m also starting to love second chance romance more and more! Like the still existing and obvious tension?? The unintentional pining after one another?? The need to be with each other and having to fight it because you think it’s for the best??
I-C-O-N-I-C!!!
I just loved their relationship so much! And the forced proximity?! Ugh… so so soooo good!
I also fell in love with the characters individually.
Haws is a freaking dream! The way he is so determined to fight for Ever and be with her again?! Oml I was swooning!! Literally, the way he thought about her was too good to be true. I want someone to think about me the way he thought about Ever! Like… my heart couldn’t take it!! It was so cuteeeee!!!!
I was able to relate soooo much with Ever, when it came to her anxiety and problem to overthink a lot. These aspects made me like her even more than I already did. Besides that she was so sweet and I just wanted to give her a hug and tell her that everything is going to be ok. She’s just too adorable for this world.
And the fact that he is a hockey player and she was a figure skater?? Ugh I love these sort of couples. It’s just so nicely done.
I do gotta say though that I didn’t really get a 5 star feeling for this book. It was nice and I couldn’t really find anything to criticise or dislike about it but it still wasn’t 5 star worthy for me personally. Still loved it though!!
Overall, am glad that I still decided to give the rest of the series a try! I believe that it’ll only get better and better from here on out!
March 11, 2023
i’m obsessed with this series.
this one was so cute - small town, second chance, hockey romance. she’s helping him get his game back but they have a lot of unresolved feelings from their past.
hawk was the star of the show for me. SUCH a good hero who never made her question his actions/intentions and was so ready to do whatever it took to have her.
ngl tho i was itching to get through this one because the next book is single dad, nanny, age gap and what’s a better combo than that?
this one was so cute - small town, second chance, hockey romance. she’s helping him get his game back but they have a lot of unresolved feelings from their past.
hawk was the star of the show for me. SUCH a good hero who never made her question his actions/intentions and was so ready to do whatever it took to have her.
ngl tho i was itching to get through this one because the next book is single dad, nanny, age gap and what’s a better combo than that?
June 23, 2022
4.5 stars!
This is the second book in the Honey Mountain series, a second-chance sports romance that is fun yet emotional, with great chemistry and lots of feels, and I loved it!
Everly is the eldest of the Thomas sisters. She’s been living in New York City but has returned to her home town of Honey Mountain on the west coast for a job as a sports psychologist, working one-on-one with the NHL’s golden boy… who just happens to be her high school boyfriend and first love.
Hawk and Everly where the ‘it’ couple. They got together as teenagers, fell in mad, all-consuming love, and planned on a future together. But it all fell apart in senior year when Everly’s world changed forever, and she ran from her family, her home, and the boy she loved.
Now, it’s nine years later and they’re both back where it all started, and where it all fell apart. Old feelings are very quickly reignited (not that they ever really went away), and with Hawk determined to take this chance to reconnect with the only woman he’s ever loved, it’s all on.
Second-chance-romances bring the feels, and this one certainly does, but it has more of a fun/playful feel, which I really enjoyed. There’s lots of teasing and joking around, reminiscing and playful competitiveness as Hawk and Everly quickly recapture the easy closeness between them, and there are fun reunions as Hawk catches up with old friends (Everly’s family included). Everyone can see that there’s still a spark of something between the two of them, and Hawk holds nothing back from Everly – putting his feelings right out there and not letting her push him away again.
Their chemistry absolutely sizzles, and the sexy time is passionate, intimate, and so meaningful, as they come back together after so many years apart.
But they still have to deal with the past. Everly not only has to confront her feelings about Hawk coming back into her life, but she never dealt with the reason why she left in the first place. There’s a lot of old hurt and grief for her to come to terms with, and it’s a beautifully emotional journey as she (with the love and support of Maddox and her sisters) does exactly that.
At the same time, there’s the reason why Hawk is in town in the first place – he’s struggling with decisions about the future of his career, and Everly is helping him to work through that. I enjoyed the scenes of them together – reminiscing and embracing the magic of them together, while at the same time working through Hawk’s feelings. Their reconciliation ties in really beautifully with all of that, and with the two of them finally confronting the past, they need to figure out how, and whether they even can, make it work a second time around.
I loved being back in this world. The town of Honey Mountain is so gorgeous, but the highlight is, of course, Everly’s family. God, what a hilarious bunch! I loved seeing Vivi and Niko from the first book, Always Mine, and seeing more of their HEA, and getting to see more of Everly’s sisters was so much fun. God, I can’t wait for Dylan’s story - she’s a feisty and filterless handful, and so much fun. But next up is Ashlan, and with her story beautifully set up, I’m so excited for her story.
This is a really cute romance. It’s fun, sexy and heartfelt, with great character development and a nice amount of emotion with no unnecessary angst or drama, and I loved watching Hawk and Everly find their way back to each other.
4.5 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second book in the Honey Mountain series, a second-chance sports romance that is fun yet emotional, with great chemistry and lots of feels, and I loved it!
Everly is the eldest of the Thomas sisters. She’s been living in New York City but has returned to her home town of Honey Mountain on the west coast for a job as a sports psychologist, working one-on-one with the NHL’s golden boy… who just happens to be her high school boyfriend and first love.
Hawk and Everly where the ‘it’ couple. They got together as teenagers, fell in mad, all-consuming love, and planned on a future together. But it all fell apart in senior year when Everly’s world changed forever, and she ran from her family, her home, and the boy she loved.
Now, it’s nine years later and they’re both back where it all started, and where it all fell apart. Old feelings are very quickly reignited (not that they ever really went away), and with Hawk determined to take this chance to reconnect with the only woman he’s ever loved, it’s all on.
I had nothing to hide. I wanted her. Hell, I didn’t have a memory where I didn’t want this girl.
Not a single one.
I’d missed her in a way I couldn’t explain. Like I’d spent the past decade searching for something I couldn’t find. Because I’d already found it. And nothing ever compared after.
Second-chance-romances bring the feels, and this one certainly does, but it has more of a fun/playful feel, which I really enjoyed. There’s lots of teasing and joking around, reminiscing and playful competitiveness as Hawk and Everly quickly recapture the easy closeness between them, and there are fun reunions as Hawk catches up with old friends (Everly’s family included). Everyone can see that there’s still a spark of something between the two of them, and Hawk holds nothing back from Everly – putting his feelings right out there and not letting her push him away again.
“This is us. You and me. You can keep fighting it if you want, and I’ll just be here waiting until you admit what we both know.” He continued kissing down my neck.
“And what’s that?” I whispered over a moan.
“That when we’re together, we want one another.”
Their chemistry absolutely sizzles, and the sexy time is passionate, intimate, and so meaningful, as they come back together after so many years apart.
But they still have to deal with the past. Everly not only has to confront her feelings about Hawk coming back into her life, but she never dealt with the reason why she left in the first place. There’s a lot of old hurt and grief for her to come to terms with, and it’s a beautifully emotional journey as she (with the love and support of Maddox and her sisters) does exactly that.
Why the hell did I have to meet my soul mate at fifteen years old? That wasn’t fair, right? That allowed me far too much time to mess things up.
At the same time, there’s the reason why Hawk is in town in the first place – he’s struggling with decisions about the future of his career, and Everly is helping him to work through that. I enjoyed the scenes of them together – reminiscing and embracing the magic of them together, while at the same time working through Hawk’s feelings. Their reconciliation ties in really beautifully with all of that, and with the two of them finally confronting the past, they need to figure out how, and whether they even can, make it work a second time around.
“Ever mine, it doesn’t matter where you live. As long as you want me, I’m yours.”
I loved being back in this world. The town of Honey Mountain is so gorgeous, but the highlight is, of course, Everly’s family. God, what a hilarious bunch! I loved seeing Vivi and Niko from the first book, Always Mine, and seeing more of their HEA, and getting to see more of Everly’s sisters was so much fun. God, I can’t wait for Dylan’s story - she’s a feisty and filterless handful, and so much fun. But next up is Ashlan, and with her story beautifully set up, I’m so excited for her story.
This is a really cute romance. It’s fun, sexy and heartfelt, with great character development and a nice amount of emotion with no unnecessary angst or drama, and I loved watching Hawk and Everly find their way back to each other.
Needing him was terrifying, but loving him was worth it.
4.5 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
December 25, 2024
2/5⭐️
Це було дуже слабо, можу сказати що Хоук і сестри Томас витягнули цю книгу🤷🏿♀️
Я люблю троп другий шанс, тут він був не поганий
Але всю книгу мене бісила головна героїня Еверлі🤦🏿♀️
Мені вона взагалі не сподобалась, не знаю чого її всі називали сильною жінкою 🤷🏿♀️ як на мене вона просто боялась відмов, тікала перша і не хотіла шоб їй зробили боляче, не думала ні про кого окрім себе і думала що тим шо вона піде, зробить краще🤦🏿♀️ оце мене дуже сильно бісило
Просто хотілось вдарити її чимось і сказати відкрий очі😢
Хоук дуже сподобався, він єдиний в цій парі адекватний
Щось я не замітила між ними кохання в цій книзі, чесно сказати ні про шо🤷🏿♀️ якесь розчарування 😢
Ще прочитаю 3 книгу, бо мені дуже подобається троп няня і буду закінчувати з цією серією
Таки перша книга для мене однозначно набагато краща, і точно входить в топ найкраще прочитане 2024❤️
Це було дуже слабо, можу сказати що Хоук і сестри Томас витягнули цю книгу🤷🏿♀️
Я люблю троп другий шанс, тут він був не поганий
Але всю книгу мене бісила головна героїня Еверлі🤦🏿♀️
Мені вона взагалі не сподобалась, не знаю чого її всі називали сильною жінкою 🤷🏿♀️ як на мене вона просто боялась відмов, тікала перша і не хотіла шоб їй зробили боляче, не думала ні про кого окрім себе і думала що тим шо вона піде, зробить краще🤦🏿♀️ оце мене дуже сильно бісило
Просто хотілось вдарити її чимось і сказати відкрий очі😢
Хоук дуже сподобався, він єдиний в цій парі адекватний
Щось я не замітила між ними кохання в цій книзі, чесно сказати ні про шо🤷🏿♀️ якесь розчарування 😢
Ще прочитаю 3 книгу, бо мені дуже подобається троп няня і буду закінчувати з цією серією
Таки перша книга для мене однозначно набагато краща, і точно входить в топ найкраще прочитане 2024❤️
February 26, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
October 9, 2022
i usually find second chance romances okay but jesus christ this one knocked me off of my feet. IM IN LOVE. the growth. the development. THE FACT THAT THEY *BOTH* MATURED. and literally that they *both* worked on themselves before reconciling made my heart so happy.
November 28, 2023
This is book 2 in the Honey Mountain series. It was an easy read and very enjoyable because ONCE AGAIN I am loving the second chance romance books (which is what this is). I loved how much this book touched on grief and how everyone responds and reacts to that differently. There is not a right or wrong way to do so. You just have to do what works for you at that time in your life. In Everly's mind, that meant running away. Everything was too hard after her mom died, and she wasn't there when it happened. She did so much to protect her sisters and dad but could only do so much. She ran from her sister, her dad and her soulmate, Hawk Madden.
Now nine years later, they are thrown together for work. Everly has become a successful sports psychologist and Hawk is the GOAT of the NHL. He is in a slump and needs to get his head checked as his coach says. Immediately, their attraction is apparent. There are things that were left unsaid between them. Things that need to be addressed for either of them to be able to move on. But do they want to move on? I love how much the characters in second chance romance books fight their feelings. I get it. I do- they don't want to get hurt again. But if your one person came back into your life and there was the slightest possibility it could work between you and them, take your shot! Which is exactly what Hawk and Ever do. They TALK. It's a crazy concept, I know. The way that Everly finally confronts her grief kind of breaks your heart a little bit. She knew that Hawk coming back would do it but finally realizes it is what needed to be done.
Now onto book 3, single dad, hot fireman with a new college graduate who are both hot?? Let the sparks FLY yall!
Now nine years later, they are thrown together for work. Everly has become a successful sports psychologist and Hawk is the GOAT of the NHL. He is in a slump and needs to get his head checked as his coach says. Immediately, their attraction is apparent. There are things that were left unsaid between them. Things that need to be addressed for either of them to be able to move on. But do they want to move on? I love how much the characters in second chance romance books fight their feelings. I get it. I do- they don't want to get hurt again. But if your one person came back into your life and there was the slightest possibility it could work between you and them, take your shot! Which is exactly what Hawk and Ever do. They TALK. It's a crazy concept, I know. The way that Everly finally confronts her grief kind of breaks your heart a little bit. She knew that Hawk coming back would do it but finally realizes it is what needed to be done.
Now onto book 3, single dad, hot fireman with a new college graduate who are both hot?? Let the sparks FLY yall!
October 31, 2024
EVER MINE
● Everly & Hawk
● sports psychologist / NHL player
● former high school sweethearts
● Hawk calls her Ever and sometimes ‘Ever Mine’
● Everly is hired to help Hawk gain his mojo
● small mountain/lake town
● second-chance sports romance
The five sisters:
Oldest to youngest
Everly - sports psychologist
Vivian (2 years younger than Everly) - bakery owner
Charlotte (twin & 2 years younger than Vivian) - teaches kindergarten
Dylan (twin & 2 years younger than Vivian) - attending law school
Ashlan (2 years younger than the twins) - college student
Honey Mountain:
#1 Vivian & Niko - Always Mine
#2 Everly & Hawk - Ever Mine
#3 Ashlan & Jace - Make You Mine
#4 Charlotte & Ledger - Simply Mine
#5 Dylan & Wolf - Only Mine
**Each one can be read as a complete standalone. A HEA is guaranteed!**
● Everly & Hawk
● sports psychologist / NHL player
● former high school sweethearts
● Hawk calls her Ever and sometimes ‘Ever Mine’
● Everly is hired to help Hawk gain his mojo
● small mountain/lake town
● second-chance sports romance
The five sisters:
Oldest to youngest
Everly - sports psychologist
Vivian (2 years younger than Everly) - bakery owner
Charlotte (twin & 2 years younger than Vivian) - teaches kindergarten
Dylan (twin & 2 years younger than Vivian) - attending law school
Ashlan (2 years younger than the twins) - college student
Honey Mountain:
#1 Vivian & Niko - Always Mine
#2 Everly & Hawk - Ever Mine
#3 Ashlan & Jace - Make You Mine
#4 Charlotte & Ledger - Simply Mine
#5 Dylan & Wolf - Only Mine
**Each one can be read as a complete standalone. A HEA is guaranteed!**
Audiobook source: Hoopla
Narrator: Sarah McEwan & James Gloucester
Length: 7H 19M
June 25, 2022
#HoneyMountain
#EverMine
#HawkyPlayer
#CaptainOfMyHeart
#Hawk
#Everly
#Sisters
#LoveAgain
#SecondChance
#FightORFlight
#KeepFightingDoc
#SmallTownRomance
#LoveTheThomasSisters
#EverMine
#HawkyPlayer
#CaptainOfMyHeart
#Hawk
#Everly
#Sisters
#LoveAgain
#SecondChance
#FightORFlight
#KeepFightingDoc
#SmallTownRomance
#LoveTheThomasSisters
June 16, 2022
I'm sorry but can we all take a minute and appreciate the beautiful cover? It captured the story so well.
By now you all know I’m a huge fan of second chances and boy oh boy what a second chance this book was. My heart was hurting for both while reading. The sheer fear Everly felt since her mother died was overwhelming. She's going through motions but not actually living. When her past comes knocking on her door, she's sure that her heart can take it.
But little does she know Hawk is coming back to find peace with how things ended between them. Time spent together shows them that there is still chemistry there and when sparks catch fire it burns brightly, showing them that without one another they could never be truly happy.
This story has all the feelings one wants in a single book. It will leave you with a big smile on your face knowing if there was ever a couple who deserved to be happy, its these two!
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
By now you all know I’m a huge fan of second chances and boy oh boy what a second chance this book was. My heart was hurting for both while reading. The sheer fear Everly felt since her mother died was overwhelming. She's going through motions but not actually living. When her past comes knocking on her door, she's sure that her heart can take it.
But little does she know Hawk is coming back to find peace with how things ended between them. Time spent together shows them that there is still chemistry there and when sparks catch fire it burns brightly, showing them that without one another they could never be truly happy.
This story has all the feelings one wants in a single book. It will leave you with a big smile on your face knowing if there was ever a couple who deserved to be happy, its these two!
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
March 6, 2024
Я розчарувалась, очікувала чогось цікавішого, а тут таке. Може я вже перечитала ромкомів, але в цій книжці все в них. Єдине, що мені було цікаво принаймні читати, це були моменти з вагітністю Ві і трішки пораділа, що того тренера, через якого дівчина відмовилась від Хоука, звільнили, бо таке дніще
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2023
Second chances and forced to work together ughh I felt more of an connection with this couple! Can’t wait to continue this series!!
July 21, 2025
Cute story, kinda corny. Taking a break from the small town romances for a bit😅
April 7, 2023
Ayy ölücem tatlılıktan😍😍
June 23, 2022
Few romance authors write stories as dreamy as Laura Pavlov’s. The sweeping romance, the small town charm, the tender connections and swoony chemistry- they’re all always so beautifully interwoven to create authentic characters with heartfelt stories that bring all the butterflies and charming worlds you can’t help but get lost in.. And I am just loving this new Honey Mountain series, with the most lovable gaggle of sisters and a small town I never want to leave, this series is the perfect romantic escape! And Ever Mine is the most adorable and sweet second chance story.
I smiled and swooned as we got to watch hardened hockey star Hawk reconnect with his first love Everly, His “Ever Mine.” I MEAN SWOON. My heart is exploding. Once high school sweethearts, Hawk’s career and Everly’s grief from a life changing tragedy tore them apart. But fate, and a bit of Hawk’s shrewdness, have brought them back together to their hometown in Honey Mountain. A town chock full of lovable busy bodies, small town antics, and the Thomas brood, including Everly’s laughably entertaining sisters. Forced to work together, we get to see Hawk and Ever work through their ever-present feelings, to reconnect and work through the unaddressed emotions between them- the good memories, their emotionally rich chemistry, and all the unresolved heartbreak. But despite their past baggage, their love story is quite sweet. Two people who never fell out of love who find their way back together and who push each other, gently and with compassion, to address the stuff that tore them apart before. Maturity, time, and the lived perspective of living without the other has changed them, but the love and support they still find in each other gives them the courage to do the hard work of dealing with your own heartache and mental health. As they rediscover their relationship, they also learn how to pursue their dreams and face challenges together, fight over flight. And it’s just so darn adorable to see them find their way. Plus, I love every minute with all of these sisters all together- and I loved catching up with Viv and also seeing some delightful clues for whose story is next. AND I NEED IT NOW!
Come on over to Honey Mountain, dear readers- the stories are as dreamy and romantic as the gorgeous covers, and you’ll find some lovable and memorable characters to spend your time with.
I smiled and swooned as we got to watch hardened hockey star Hawk reconnect with his first love Everly, His “Ever Mine.” I MEAN SWOON. My heart is exploding. Once high school sweethearts, Hawk’s career and Everly’s grief from a life changing tragedy tore them apart. But fate, and a bit of Hawk’s shrewdness, have brought them back together to their hometown in Honey Mountain. A town chock full of lovable busy bodies, small town antics, and the Thomas brood, including Everly’s laughably entertaining sisters. Forced to work together, we get to see Hawk and Ever work through their ever-present feelings, to reconnect and work through the unaddressed emotions between them- the good memories, their emotionally rich chemistry, and all the unresolved heartbreak. But despite their past baggage, their love story is quite sweet. Two people who never fell out of love who find their way back together and who push each other, gently and with compassion, to address the stuff that tore them apart before. Maturity, time, and the lived perspective of living without the other has changed them, but the love and support they still find in each other gives them the courage to do the hard work of dealing with your own heartache and mental health. As they rediscover their relationship, they also learn how to pursue their dreams and face challenges together, fight over flight. And it’s just so darn adorable to see them find their way. Plus, I love every minute with all of these sisters all together- and I loved catching up with Viv and also seeing some delightful clues for whose story is next. AND I NEED IT NOW!
Come on over to Honey Mountain, dear readers- the stories are as dreamy and romantic as the gorgeous covers, and you’ll find some lovable and memorable characters to spend your time with.
July 14, 2022
��Forever will never be long enough’
Girl you just keep knocking it out of the park!!!
I loved every single page of this book and I might have a new favourite book boyfriend, seriously, how could you not love Hawk? ❤️
I loved getting back to Honey Mountain so much, I loved catching up with all of the girls again and seeing what they are doing in life. I especially loved getting to catch up on Vivi and Niko and see how they were getting on since we last saw them.
I loved Hawk and Everly together so so much, they really were the perfect match and definitely belong together. They truly are best friends who brought the best out of each other and it was so lovely to see how much trust they had in one another. Such a pure sweet love with a huge side of sexy thrown in ❤️
I loved the last chapter so much, it made me smile so big. Then there is the epilogue which was really brilliant, loved the little sneaks of what we will see next, so excited for Ashlans story, one of my favourite tropes. Loved the bonus chapter, such a special chapter filled with so much love.
Great storyline in a beautiful setting filled with wonderful characters.
Thanks for having me Laura ❤️
Girl you just keep knocking it out of the park!!!
I loved every single page of this book and I might have a new favourite book boyfriend, seriously, how could you not love Hawk? ❤️
I loved getting back to Honey Mountain so much, I loved catching up with all of the girls again and seeing what they are doing in life. I especially loved getting to catch up on Vivi and Niko and see how they were getting on since we last saw them.
I loved Hawk and Everly together so so much, they really were the perfect match and definitely belong together. They truly are best friends who brought the best out of each other and it was so lovely to see how much trust they had in one another. Such a pure sweet love with a huge side of sexy thrown in ❤️
I loved the last chapter so much, it made me smile so big. Then there is the epilogue which was really brilliant, loved the little sneaks of what we will see next, so excited for Ashlans story, one of my favourite tropes. Loved the bonus chapter, such a special chapter filled with so much love.
Great storyline in a beautiful setting filled with wonderful characters.
Thanks for having me Laura ❤️
January 13, 2025
Idc if it’s my period or the fact that I haven’t seen my fiancé in nearly half a year but this had my BAWLING
It’s not a masterpiece but damn some parts really got me.
I liked him.
Had a few issues with her
I love small town story’s idk they make me happy
Yeah it was a fast and easy read
Very nice
It’s not a masterpiece but damn some parts really got me.
I liked him.
Had a few issues with her
I love small town story’s idk they make me happy
Yeah it was a fast and easy read
Very nice
December 22, 2024
Так троп другий шанс я взагалі не люблю, і тому не було якогось очікування великого від цієї книги.
Але, але вона дійно класна, і дуже мені сподобалась.
Пара: Хоук & Еверлі
Тропи:
💛 Другий шанс
💛 Вимушена близкість
💛 Возз’єднання колишніх закоханих
💛 Головний герой — спортсмен (зірка НХЛ)
Трошки знову про символізм назви. Назва Ever Mine є глибоко символічною, адже нагадує про незмінність справжнього кохання, яке витримує час та життєві труднощі. У книзі ця фраза символізує те, що кохання між Хоуком і Еверлі залишалося живим, навіть після багатьох років розлуки.
Крім того, ім'я головної героїні, Еверлі, скорочене до "Евер" — це також метафора її зв’язку з вічністю та непорушністю почуттів. Ця деталь підкреслює її роль у житті Хоука як тієї, хто завжди була його коханням, його "вічністю". Ever Mine - Навічно моя.
Ця історія має все, що можна полюбити в романтичних книгах: зворушливу подорож головних героїв, сповнену пристрасті, болю та надії. Хоук — сильний і рішучий, не лише в спорті, але й у своїх почуттях. Його боротьба за Еверлі викликає повагу й захоплення. Еверлі, попри свою силу, також показує вразливість, яка робить її справжньою . Їхній зв’язок це щось, завжди тропи
Ця книга особливо запам’ятовується теплими моментами між героями та їхньою родиною, адже сім’я Еверлі додає історії багато гумору й щирості.
В кінці книги блін, я так нервувала, бо я думала що буде капець.
Але все було добре. Хоук просто нереальний чоловік...🥹
Ever Mine — це ідеальна історія для тих, хто любить другий шанс, спорт, родинну підтримку та щирі емоції. Цей роман змушує вірити, що справжнє кохання завжди знайде свій шлях.
Тому я дуже задоволена книгою, рекомендую!❤️🔥
Але, але вона дійно класна, і дуже мені сподобалась.
Пара: Хоук & Еверлі
Тропи:
💛 Другий шанс
💛 Вимушена близкість
💛 Возз’єднання колишніх закоханих
💛 Головний герой — спортсмен (зірка НХЛ)
Трошки знову про символізм назви. Назва Ever Mine є глибоко символічною, адже нагадує про незмінність справжнього кохання, яке витримує час та життєві труднощі. У книзі ця фраза символізує те, що кохання між Хоуком і Еверлі залишалося живим, навіть після багатьох років розлуки.
Крім того, ім'я головної героїні, Еверлі, скорочене до "Евер" — це також метафора її зв’язку з вічністю та непорушністю почуттів. Ця деталь підкреслює її роль у житті Хоука як тієї, хто завжди була його коханням, його "вічністю". Ever Mine - Навічно моя.
Ця історія має все, що можна полюбити в романтичних книгах: зворушливу подорож головних героїв, сповнену пристрасті, болю та надії. Хоук — сильний і рішучий, не лише в спорті, але й у своїх почуттях. Його боротьба за Еверлі викликає повагу й захоплення. Еверлі, попри свою силу, також показує вразливість, яка робить її справжньою . Їхній зв’язок це щось, завжди тропи
"- Твоя кар'єра пішла в верх. Цього не було б якщо би був зосереджений на мені. Кращого результату і не могло бути.
Вона помилялась. Звісно міг буди і кращий результат.
Де ми були разом."
Ця книга особливо запам’ятовується теплими моментами між героями та їхньою родиною, адже сім’я Еверлі додає історії багато гумору й щирості.
"- Йди сюди, крихітко, - сказав я, відсуваючи стілець назад, бо я не мав жодного шансу пробитись через цей сестринський бар'єр, який зараз зводився напротив мене."
В кінці книги блін, я так нервувала, бо я думала що буде капець.
Але все було добре. Хоук просто нереальний чоловік...🥹
Ever Mine — це ідеальна історія для тих, хто любить другий шанс, спорт, родинну підтримку та щирі емоції. Цей роман змушує вірити, що справжнє кохання завжди знайде свій шлях.
Тому я дуже задоволена книгою, рекомендую!❤️🔥
May 7, 2025
second chance romance x hockey player x sports psychologist
There’s something about a second chance romance that gets me in the heart every single time. I love the history and the understanding of each other especially when they start as childhood best friends like in Ever Mine. It’s so easy to read, a great continuation of the series and gives a little sneak peek into who is getting a book next. Love this series of sisters!
Read this if you’re in the mood for…
- second chance romance
- hockey player x sports psychologist
- a big family of sisters
This was so sweet! The small town aspect of it is put to the side to really focus on the second chance romance and working on making a future together. There’s on page hockey moments which we love and great full circle moments that I always look for in second chance romance.
Here are a few of my favorite things…
- we love a fancy honor ceremony dress moment
- he is so gone for her the entire time
- that they communicate about their emotions/when they hurt each other and don’t judge but try to learn and do better
- the sister moments are sometimes overwhelming bc there’s so many of them but they are great
I will be recommending!
There’s something about a second chance romance that gets me in the heart every single time. I love the history and the understanding of each other especially when they start as childhood best friends like in Ever Mine. It’s so easy to read, a great continuation of the series and gives a little sneak peek into who is getting a book next. Love this series of sisters!
Read this if you’re in the mood for…
- second chance romance
- hockey player x sports psychologist
- a big family of sisters
This was so sweet! The small town aspect of it is put to the side to really focus on the second chance romance and working on making a future together. There’s on page hockey moments which we love and great full circle moments that I always look for in second chance romance.
Here are a few of my favorite things…
- we love a fancy honor ceremony dress moment
- he is so gone for her the entire time
- that they communicate about their emotions/when they hurt each other and don’t judge but try to learn and do better
- the sister moments are sometimes overwhelming bc there’s so many of them but they are great
I will be recommending!
June 10, 2022
Oh, Hawk. You made it supremely difficult to like you a few times. Pushing Everly outside her comfort zone is one thing, but being cruel to make your point is beyond the pale. It’s a good thing you listened to your mother when she told you that you were going about this all wrong. Otherwise, I’d never find a way back to liking you.
Everly, you needed confidence. In yourself. And a little in others, but mainly yourself. I was so glad when you reached out to Lala and trusted her to help you find exactly what you needed within yourself to finally heal and let go of the guilt. I just wish you hadn’t felt the need to pile it all on yourself for so long, but I got it. I really did. And I’m ecstatic that you found your way back to happy and whole.
These two had such pain in their past to work through that sometimes I doubted whether they’d end up together. They fought. They made up. They lobbed verbal grenades…or one of them did. But that’s reality when two people loved and lost and don’t know how to really connect and find their way back to good. So even though I was so angry at Hawk and his nastiness a few times, so disgusted with his determination to hit below the belt, and so upset with Everly for feeling like she deserved every hit she took, I had to love their story. Because it felt real. It felt like a couple scrambling to find their way to good or to the end without knowing which would be best. Luckily, they found the right path in the end, but you’ll need some tissues for this ride. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll end up hoping for a story about a certain star who stepped in to try to make it all work out. I know I’d like to see more of her because of her ability to be a true friend above all else.
Everly, you needed confidence. In yourself. And a little in others, but mainly yourself. I was so glad when you reached out to Lala and trusted her to help you find exactly what you needed within yourself to finally heal and let go of the guilt. I just wish you hadn’t felt the need to pile it all on yourself for so long, but I got it. I really did. And I’m ecstatic that you found your way back to happy and whole.
These two had such pain in their past to work through that sometimes I doubted whether they’d end up together. They fought. They made up. They lobbed verbal grenades…or one of them did. But that’s reality when two people loved and lost and don’t know how to really connect and find their way back to good. So even though I was so angry at Hawk and his nastiness a few times, so disgusted with his determination to hit below the belt, and so upset with Everly for feeling like she deserved every hit she took, I had to love their story. Because it felt real. It felt like a couple scrambling to find their way to good or to the end without knowing which would be best. Luckily, they found the right path in the end, but you’ll need some tissues for this ride. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll end up hoping for a story about a certain star who stepped in to try to make it all work out. I know I’d like to see more of her because of her ability to be a true friend above all else.
June 24, 2022
Unable to handle the challenges that life was throwing at her Everly left her hometown and the man who stole her teenage heart and is now a sports psychologist. Years later she is back, and she will have to face her past decisions as her client just happens to be the same man she left.
Hawk is a professional hockey player who is going through a difficult time, so Everly is hired to help him emerge on the other side. Although he is still hurt by her actions, he soon realizes that she has always owned his heart but first they must deal with their past.
Although Everly wasn’t as certain that they had a future together Hawk breaks through her walls and once she opens her heart she is all in. This is a heartwarming story about two people who have always belonged together and finally get their chance in part due to the family and friends who know them better than they know themselves.
Hawk is a professional hockey player who is going through a difficult time, so Everly is hired to help him emerge on the other side. Although he is still hurt by her actions, he soon realizes that she has always owned his heart but first they must deal with their past.
Although Everly wasn’t as certain that they had a future together Hawk breaks through her walls and once she opens her heart she is all in. This is a heartwarming story about two people who have always belonged together and finally get their chance in part due to the family and friends who know them better than they know themselves.
October 8, 2023
Ever since the untimely passing of her mother, Everly has coped with tragedy, and her fear of abandonment, through denial and escapism. It all started when she broke up with her high school sweetheart, Hawk (on the heels of his signing a major contract with the NHL) and left her small hometown of Honey Mountain to attend college and graduate school in NYC. There, she pursued a career in sports psychology, avoiding her childhood home, and any mention of her talented famous hockey player ex-boyfriend, as much as possible.
Now, nine years later, Hawk seems to have lost his love of hockey, and it has begun to affect his playing. He’s even considering retiring from the sport, for good. Hawk’s team hires Everly to work with Hawk in his hometown during the off season, to get to the root of his newfound lack of game enthusiasm.
Being back together in Honey Mountain spurs a lot of memories, desires and regrets on the part of both Hawk and Everly. After years apart, the pair are finally forced to come to grips with the secrets, obfuscations, and insecurities that separated them in the first place.
Can Everly help Hawk rediscover his love for professional hockey and, in doing so, kickstart her own career, in earnest? Might the time Everly and Hawk spend getting reacquainted, help them find their way back to the deep love they once shared?
Ever Mine was . . . fine.
The way the “sports psychology” premise of the novel was handled, required a VERY healthy suspension of disbelief for THIS reader to enter the tale. Last I checked, sports psychology wasn’t synonymous with “fixing” an athlete, a verb regularly used throughout Ever Mine to describe Everly’s job. Not to mention the fact that (1) hiring a professional athlete’s high school ex-girlfriend (who has no experience beyond an unpaid summer internship) to provide psychological services to ONLY that athlete, in a secluded town, hours away from where the team plays; and (2) providing said ex-girlfriend with free lodging in that town that extends months beyond the term of her contract, is highly unorthodox at best, and violates a ton of HR and medical principals, at worst.
Also, Everly never actually seems to provide Hawk with psychological counseling throughout the course of the book. Basically, she just kind of watches him workout with his trainer. Then they go for jogs, ice skate and swim together, while endlessly rehashing their childhood relationship. Then, at around the 50 percent mark, they start sleeping together. Bam! Hawk is “fixed” . . . by the power of love, naturally!
To further complicate matters, the entire novel ends up being premised on the fact that EVERLY, not Hawk, is entirely to blame for the couple’s childhood breakup, because of HER undiagnosed and avoidant attachment and abandonment issues, stemming from the loss of her mother. So, in order to rekindle her romantic relationship with HER CLIENT, Everly ends up attending therapy, midway through the book. To accomplish this, Everly hires as her psychologist . . . wait for it. . . her college roommate and best friend. Because there is NO conflict of interest or crossing of professional boundaries THERE!
I actually think the “Everly as sports psychologist” angle was unnecessary to the story. It marred some of the otherwise enjoyable aspects of the romance, with its inherent ethical quandaries and baffling plot points. Ever Mine would have worked just as well if Hawk simply returned to Honey Mountain during the off season to recuperate, and happened to run into Everly while he was there. If they wanted her job to relate to his somehow, maybe should could have been an athletic trainer, or worked in sports medicine, and been tasked with helping him rehabilitate an injury . . . something a bit less intimate and, therefore, less taboo.
Odd premise aside, I did appreciate the growth Everly underwent throughout the course of the novel. I think Pavlov tackles these types of emotional and mental health issues stemming from past trauma really well in her stories.
As a female reader, part of me wishes that the reason behind the initial breakup between Hawk and Everly was a bit more evenly split between both parties, and that Hawk wasn’t portrayed as quite so perfect, understanding, and beyond reproach, in comparison to the “troubled and broken” Everly. But I do understand that a lot of romance novels are written to cater to a particular kind of female fantasy. And the unfathomably wealthy, immeasurably talented, ridiculously attractive (BUT, OF COURSE, TOTALLY HUMBLE!), amazingly patient, endlessly understanding, super empathetic, unfathomably generous (both in life and in bed), only has had eyes for one woman his entire life, male archetype, that is Hawk scratches a certain itch in the female romance reader population.
On a more positive note, Ever Mine is the second novel in the Honey Mountain series. I continue to enjoy the beauty of this particular small town, as depicted by Pavlov. I also really like the cast of supporting characters in this series, and continue to be intrigued by the subtle teasing of future stories involving Everly’s many siblings.
I also appreciate that Laura Pavlov generally manages to avoid third-act breakups in her novels, and this one was no exception. Yes, the third act did involve a rather implausible confluence of events for the sake of drama (not to mention a conveniently aggressive heel turn of one particular character from mildly unpleasant to mustache-twirling psychopathic super villain). But at least, through it all, Everly and Hawk remained on the same page!
I know I seem like I’m pretty aggressively negging Ever Mine. But silliness aside, I thought it was a perfectly serviceable and sweet, second-chance, small-town sports romance . . . one that featured some refreshing growth on the part of its female lead and teased a few future series installments, which I will likely try out, largely in spite of myself!
Now, nine years later, Hawk seems to have lost his love of hockey, and it has begun to affect his playing. He’s even considering retiring from the sport, for good. Hawk’s team hires Everly to work with Hawk in his hometown during the off season, to get to the root of his newfound lack of game enthusiasm.
Being back together in Honey Mountain spurs a lot of memories, desires and regrets on the part of both Hawk and Everly. After years apart, the pair are finally forced to come to grips with the secrets, obfuscations, and insecurities that separated them in the first place.
Can Everly help Hawk rediscover his love for professional hockey and, in doing so, kickstart her own career, in earnest? Might the time Everly and Hawk spend getting reacquainted, help them find their way back to the deep love they once shared?
Ever Mine was . . . fine.
The way the “sports psychology” premise of the novel was handled, required a VERY healthy suspension of disbelief for THIS reader to enter the tale. Last I checked, sports psychology wasn’t synonymous with “fixing” an athlete, a verb regularly used throughout Ever Mine to describe Everly’s job. Not to mention the fact that (1) hiring a professional athlete’s high school ex-girlfriend (who has no experience beyond an unpaid summer internship) to provide psychological services to ONLY that athlete, in a secluded town, hours away from where the team plays; and (2) providing said ex-girlfriend with free lodging in that town that extends months beyond the term of her contract, is highly unorthodox at best, and violates a ton of HR and medical principals, at worst.
Also, Everly never actually seems to provide Hawk with psychological counseling throughout the course of the book. Basically, she just kind of watches him workout with his trainer. Then they go for jogs, ice skate and swim together, while endlessly rehashing their childhood relationship. Then, at around the 50 percent mark, they start sleeping together. Bam! Hawk is “fixed” . . . by the power of love, naturally!
To further complicate matters, the entire novel ends up being premised on the fact that EVERLY, not Hawk, is entirely to blame for the couple’s childhood breakup, because of HER undiagnosed and avoidant attachment and abandonment issues, stemming from the loss of her mother. So, in order to rekindle her romantic relationship with HER CLIENT, Everly ends up attending therapy, midway through the book. To accomplish this, Everly hires as her psychologist . . . wait for it. . . her college roommate and best friend. Because there is NO conflict of interest or crossing of professional boundaries THERE!
I actually think the “Everly as sports psychologist” angle was unnecessary to the story. It marred some of the otherwise enjoyable aspects of the romance, with its inherent ethical quandaries and baffling plot points. Ever Mine would have worked just as well if Hawk simply returned to Honey Mountain during the off season to recuperate, and happened to run into Everly while he was there. If they wanted her job to relate to his somehow, maybe should could have been an athletic trainer, or worked in sports medicine, and been tasked with helping him rehabilitate an injury . . . something a bit less intimate and, therefore, less taboo.
Odd premise aside, I did appreciate the growth Everly underwent throughout the course of the novel. I think Pavlov tackles these types of emotional and mental health issues stemming from past trauma really well in her stories.
As a female reader, part of me wishes that the reason behind the initial breakup between Hawk and Everly was a bit more evenly split between both parties, and that Hawk wasn’t portrayed as quite so perfect, understanding, and beyond reproach, in comparison to the “troubled and broken” Everly. But I do understand that a lot of romance novels are written to cater to a particular kind of female fantasy. And the unfathomably wealthy, immeasurably talented, ridiculously attractive (BUT, OF COURSE, TOTALLY HUMBLE!), amazingly patient, endlessly understanding, super empathetic, unfathomably generous (both in life and in bed), only has had eyes for one woman his entire life, male archetype, that is Hawk scratches a certain itch in the female romance reader population.
On a more positive note, Ever Mine is the second novel in the Honey Mountain series. I continue to enjoy the beauty of this particular small town, as depicted by Pavlov. I also really like the cast of supporting characters in this series, and continue to be intrigued by the subtle teasing of future stories involving Everly’s many siblings.
I also appreciate that Laura Pavlov generally manages to avoid third-act breakups in her novels, and this one was no exception. Yes, the third act did involve a rather implausible confluence of events for the sake of drama (not to mention a conveniently aggressive heel turn of one particular character from mildly unpleasant to mustache-twirling psychopathic super villain). But at least, through it all, Everly and Hawk remained on the same page!
I know I seem like I’m pretty aggressively negging Ever Mine. But silliness aside, I thought it was a perfectly serviceable and sweet, second-chance, small-town sports romance . . . one that featured some refreshing growth on the part of its female lead and teased a few future series installments, which I will likely try out, largely in spite of myself!
June 25, 2022
****AVAILABLE NOW****
4 Stars
Loved it. Super sweet with a little bit of spice.
What I loved:
1. I still love this family to pieces. Each of the sisters brings a bit of something, and I love them together.
2. Greats secondary cast that creates a home town feel I want to curl up in.
3. Hawke was such a study character and completely different from the average jock hero.
4. I loved the focus on the need for mental health checks for athletes.
5. She set up the next book so perfectly and made me need it!
Second Chance and small town are not my go to tropes, but this one kept me engaged and smiling. I just love the whole standalone series so far.
4 Stars
Loved it. Super sweet with a little bit of spice.
What I loved:
1. I still love this family to pieces. Each of the sisters brings a bit of something, and I love them together.
2. Greats secondary cast that creates a home town feel I want to curl up in.
3. Hawke was such a study character and completely different from the average jock hero.
4. I loved the focus on the need for mental health checks for athletes.
5. She set up the next book so perfectly and made me need it!
Second Chance and small town are not my go to tropes, but this one kept me engaged and smiling. I just love the whole standalone series so far.
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