Series: The Brunswick Series #2
Author: Mariah Jolie
Published May 1st 2025
Goodreads Synopsis
She’s my little sister’s best friend. My kids’ favorite babysitter. And the one woman I’ve spent years convincing myself I can’t want.
Running for mayor of my small town wasn’t in the plan, but between my daughter’s PE teacher nominating me and the town rallying behind it, here I am. Add an evil ex-wife suing for custody and the last thing I need is another distraction.
That’s exactly what Shae Levinson is—a distraction.
Shae’s always been magnetic, her wild red curls and sharp wit impossible to ignore. But since she returned from college eight years ago, something in her changed—a quiet sadness she keeps hidden from the world, but I see it.
I’ve tried to keep her in the “off-limits” category where she belongs, but lately, that’s been impossible.
It used to just be the occasional family dinner but now she’s everywhere—helping with the kids, volunteering for my campaign, staying late to strategize. Each moment with her chips away at my resolve. She’s too close to my family, too much to lose if things don’t work out.
But the pull is undeniable.
For eight years, I’ve done the right thing and kept my distance. Always being the good guy is exhausting. I’m tired and those walls are crumbling fast. Giving in could cost me everything.
But then again, what if it’s worth it?
Goodreads
Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via BookSirens. This in no way impacted on my view.
Cal Calloway has never wanted anything to do with politics, so how has he allowed his sister's best friend Shae to convince him to run for mayor of Brunswick, GA? Maybe the fact that he would do anything for Shae, though he knows she's off limits. She's not only his sister's age, but also his babysitter, and he's in the middle of a custody battle. But he can't deny his feelings, especially not when it looks like she feels exactly the same. However, Shae is hiding something, and there's a reason why she is pushing him away.
I love the best-friend's-brother trope, and Mariah shot it out of the park with this one. Shae was such a complex character, with an awful backstory, and it was great seeing her growth throughout the book, and how she allowed herself the chance to be happy and let Cal, Willow and Rowe in to her heart. I haven't read book 1, but it wasn't really necessary because we get to know the whole cast of characters really well without needing to see Bree and Cohen's story. Cal was definitely a protector, who would do anything at all for the ones he loves, and he was perfect for Shae, both supporting her and fighting for her in equal measure. The epilogue tied their story up nicely, and has definitely whet my appetite for book 3.
Dates Read:
August 11-12, 2025
Rating
4 Stars
