Morgan Bartley is still not over events that happened two years ago. She is grief-stricken, depressed, stuck, and having anxiety attacks. So she bought a dilapidated beach house and plans to renovate it before starting her new job as a teacher in the Fall. But her new house is in just about as bad of shape as she is. 

Her new neighbor, Jackson Montgomery already has a bit of a savior complex. He is a devoted single dad and coast guard search and rescue pilot. And he wants to step in and help his new neighbor who is obviously in over her head. 

But she has big walls up, is stubborn, scared, and determined not to rely on anyone ever again. But as they become friendlier, Jax starts to do the impossible. He starts to bring her out of her shell, make her want to get better, and begin to truly live again. But she has a lot of work ahead of her. He has patience, understanding, and truly wants to be there for her. But they both have some secrets and there are some misconceptions. And his biggest secret might be the one thing that she cannot handle. 

I will admit, I have not read this whole series so some of the details of her past actually came as a surprise to me. Based on her level of depression, I was thrown when the full backstory was revealed. Fans of the series will enjoy plenty of cameos. There are a lot of unresolved feelings that need to be dealt with from the past two years and her friends are a big part of it. But due to the explanations the author wrote in, I was able to still understand the relationships, dynamics, and grow attached to the characters I did not know. I also loved his adorable, scene-stealing daughter, Fin, and his best friends Garrett and Sawyer who had his back even when they were giving him a hard time.

This is an epic and multi-layered story of heartbreak, hope, rebuilding, priorities, and living life to the fullest. It is emotional, angsty, and at times frustrating, but also sweet and inspiring. There are steps forward and steps back, and it is not an easy process. Jax is such a swoony hero. He is so patient, accepting, and loving. But there are some things he cannot change. And Morgan has a long way to go, but is a fighter. These two really balance each other out and have serious chemistry. But their lives are complicated and circumstances are not always in their control, and they will both have to decide what they are willing to fight for. 

I was prepared for some things to probably occur, but some of the events totally surprised me and had me white-knuckling my kindle. But the journey all leads right where it needs to.  And it leaves with a wonderful, heartfelt epilogue that ties up everyone's stories. 

Morgan is still reeling from grief after almost 2 years, and hopes that putting her effort into renovating a beach house will help her move on. She wants a change of scenery, hoping that distance between the people who know her past will help her move on. Her new neighbor, Jackson, and his daughter are a distraction she wasn’t counting on. 

Jackson has been raising his daughter on his own, with help from friends and Finley’s grandmother. His entire focus when he isn’t working is his daughter, and she comes first in every decision he makes. 

Neither of them was looking for a relationship, though for different reasons. But as they get to know each other (beginning with a very embarrassing first meeting) they find a connection that has them wondering if this could be something different. 

I loved the dual narration, especially as their story reaches the ultimate point of the conflict. Hearing from both characters gives this story a roundness that 1 narrator would not reach. There are also flashes from the past as Morgan hears the memory of the phone call that changed her course, as well as the farewell letter she was left with. 

The side characters also add to the emotion of the story. Fin steals every scene she is in, providing the perfect conduit to break down some of Morgan’s walls. Jackson’s best friends provide levity (and a push) that gives great perspective throughout. 

This was an emotional story, with a well developed timeline of grief, counseling, and dealing with a past that has caused significant trauma. I was pulled into the story quickly, even though it has been some time since I read the previous books in the series. There is enough of Morgan’s backstory that readers will be able to jump in again (or for the first time) and fall in love with these characters and their journey.