Book: Hearts On the Line by Becca Hayes
Reviewed by Maggie Hayes
Rating: 3.5/5
I enjoyed Ethan and Sloane’s second-chance romance. Their backstory immediately hooked me—secretly dating as teenagers because he was her brother’s best friend is elite romance drama—but I did find myself wishing we had gotten more of it on page. A stronger dual-timeline element, especially scenes that showed how they originally fell in love and what ultimately tore them apart, would have made their connection hit even harder emotionally.
That said, the present-day romance absolutely worked for me. Ethan’s lingering love for Sloane is incredibly swoony, and the quiet yearning throughout the book? So good. More than anything, it’s the small moments between them that really sell the relationship—ice cream dates, beach walks, lingering familiarity, all the tiny acts of service that prove he never truly stopped caring. What I appreciated most is that they aren’t trying to recreate their teenage relationship; they’re building something steadier and more mature this time around.
My favorite part of the book, though, is honestly Merritt Point itself. The town feels completely lived-in, not just a backdrop but an actual character woven into the story. It captures that quintessential small-town New England vibe perfectly, and I could picture every dock, beach, and local spot so clearly.
Overall, this is a quick, breezy read with lots of heart and just enough emotional depth to keep you invested.
Thank you to the author and Naughty Nook PR for providing an ARC!