After losing his best friend, Nathan, Grady spends years feeling untethered and lost. He takes a chance and moves to Nathan's hometown of Harmony to reconnect with Nathan's sister and husband, but ends up finding the sense of peace he's always been chasing. Years after his wife has passed, Deacon is still just living to get by. When his brother-in-law's best friend shows up, he's reminded just how much of life there's left to live.   

Grady and Deacon are such a lovely couple. They have a shared bond from their grief and are able to connect on a level they wouldn't be able to with anyone else. They are friends first but are able to grow into such an intimate, loving relationship. Deacon hasn't been attracted to anyone except his wife and while he recognizes his sexuality may be something other than straight, he just accepts his new feelings for what they are. Grady makes it easy for Deacon to just be and love Grady the way he deserves. Grady has been searching for something his whole life - acceptance, love. Deacon gives him all this and more, making Grady feel comfortable enough to finally put down roots. Even with the outside world making noise, they are able to find solace and happiness just being together. 

I don't know what Riley is putting in this series but it's hitting all the comfy, small town vibes for me. These characters pulled me in with their connected tragedies and the softness of their love. It's not high angst, but there's the usual family drama and at least one moment that made me cry. It's simply a beautiful story of two people finding hope and comfort in one another. And there's ice cream. I would say I'm looking forward to the next book as always, but I'm already half way through and loving it! 

Read if you like: 
• hurt/comfort                              
• sexual awakening 
• small town romance          

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