Sweet but predictable Hallmark-like story with some heat.
Overall enjoyable and easy to read.
3.5-4 stars

I am thoroughly enjoying Reese Ryan's Holly Grove Island series. She has captured the vibe of a small Outer Banks town that makes that area so popular to visit but it's her characters who really shine. I love the friendships at the center of the stories, both male and female. The family relationships add an extra layer of depth - and conflict - to the main characters' journeys. Even the secondary characters add a richness that only makes the read that much more satisfying. In this book, it's Mama Mae, Rett's irrepressible, matchmaking grandmother who won my heart with her cooking, her humor, her wisdom, and her unconditional love for her grandson.

Enemies to lovers is one of my favorite romance tropes. Couple that with Rett's and Sin's "hate crush" from their high school years, a secret hook-up five years ago, unwelcome attraction today, and a total misperception about one another's wants and goals and, what can I say, I was hooked. I liked the complexity the author created within both Rett and Sin. These characters had layers, fears, vulnerabilities, and family issues that were not easily overcome. I loved the chemistry between them (yay for sizzle) but I also appreciated the emotional work they put in on themselves and their relationships - both with their families and one another - in order to grow while remaining true to their core values and desires. The evolution they each experienced, both as a couple and individually, over the course of their story was realistic, relatable, and crucial to the viability of their romantic relationship.

Return to Hummingbird Way stands well on its own but readers should be aware that the main couple (Sin's and Rett's best friends, Dakota and Dexter) from book one, Second Chance on Cypress Lane, are featured prominently in book two. If you're a series purist, you may wish to read the two books in order.

4.5 Stars

*ARC received from publisher. Fair and unbiased review.

I received an eARC from NetGalley and Forever in exchange for an honest review. Sinclair Buchanan is happy for her best friend, Dakota, and is going to help plan the wedding of her dreams. But a little voice in the back of her head reminds her that maybe, just maybe, she wants to find the kind of love Dakota has found. Now she's focused on her career, which is flourishing. The best man, and her high school nemesis, Garrett Davenport, swooped into town and claims to want to help with the wedding. His history of not wanting to settle down in any place with anyone, along with all the barbs they traded for years, makes Sinclair skeptical. Garrett was the bad boy, always in the principal's office, wanting to leave town as quickly as possible to never return. But now, at 37, he has been working on himself and his relationships for years. He's finally healed the damage in the relationships with his mom and stepdad and wants to show up for his best friend Dexter and his fiancée Dakota. It's going to take work to prove to Sinclair that he's changed, but he's up to the task. The only thing in their way is that one night five years ago that neither can seem to forget... Is Garrett ready to settle down? Can Sinclair learn to trust after her last boyfriend broke her heart?

The story sucked me in. Hate crush? Yes please. Reformed bad boy? My catnip. Spicy with a misleading cover? Absolutely. Strong FMC? There's nothing better. In this book I found a beautiful story of two people who'd known each other for decades but never really knew each other. It was the story of getting to know someone, despite their faults or your preconceived notions. Sinclair was an amazing, strong career woman who knew her worth and didn't need a man to show her that love is more important than career, she needed a man who respected who she was and loved her for her strength. And it was full of spice! (Can you say c*****less panties?) I would recommend this to fans of black romance, enemies to lovers, workplace romance, forced proximity, strong FMC, and spicy romance.

A small town enemies to friends and maybe more romance that is a truly fun read. Sinclair is thrilled to be her best friends maid of honor. She gets to flex her planning skills while making sure the day is everything her BFF wants it to be. What she didn’t expect was that Rett, her sworn mortal enemy is not only going to be there, but that she has to be up close and personal with him for a multitude of reasons. Will they be able to set aside their issues to make the wedding perfect, dealing with a lot of nosy and invasive family and friends while renovating a home, not killing each other, fighting their undeniable chemistry, and their own issues with trust and what they know about each other? A fun well written read that has me looking forward to the next in the series.

This series has been so lovely - I seriously love Reese Ryan's writing style and how she set up the picturesque town of Holly Grove Island. This book is the second in this companion series and another winner! The first book featured Dexter and Dakota as they embarked on their second chance romance; this one follows Dakota's best friend Sinclair and Dexter's best friend Garrett. 

Mild spoiler for book one, but Dexter and Dakota are heavily featured in this book as they're planning their wedding. Naturally Sin and Rett are the MOH and Best Man so they're tasked with pulling off their wedding planning in short order while also working on a joint bachelor/bachelorette party. (Sidenote: if you're someone who loves when the first couple in a companion series makes an appearance in the next book, you'll love this one - Dex and Dakota were major characters throughout the story, so you can see their friendships and relationship develop throughout still.) On top of that, they're both working on redoing Rett's grandmother's house to prepare for sale. Sinclair and Rett are both realtors with construction and/or interior design skills so they collaborate on the fixer upper. 

The only problem? These two don't really get along. They butted heads in high school, managed to have a quick one night stand years ago, and have generally avoided each other ever since. Rett is back in town to help his family and decides to stick around to work on these projects, but he's itching to get back on the road somewhere new. Sinclair is a born-and-bred-and-never-leaving resident of Holly Grove Island. The two are super different and similar at the same time.

There were a ton of things happening in this book between the hate-to-love / enemies-to-lovers vibes as well as a mini second chance romance, in a way. Every character and plot line was really interesting, including the family dynamics for both Rett and Sinclair. Lots to unpack and deal with between parents, siblings, grandparents, etc. It did feel fleshed out and not like the author was taking on too much, IMO. Sinclair always had issues with her mom while Rett was still dealing with the loss of his father and how his family changed (new sister, stepdad, etc.).

If I have one complaint, it's that the first 10% or so of the book was very repetitive inside Rett and Sinclair's heads. They kept thinking about how attractive the other person looked, how their one night stand went, etc. - the entire time they were around each other at the engagement party this was ALL they thought about. The story quickly improved from there and I really enjoyed their chemistry by the halfway point.

One of my favorite things about this book is how incredibly low drama it was. They had normal conversations and disagreements occasionally throughout the book but no true ~dramatic breakup~ moment. Even the mini third-act issue/breakup felt a little manufactured and lasted for truly less than a chapter. I love that they were always open and honest with each other, so they never even really had a chance to fight or breakup. 

Overall, I hope more books are coming in this series! I've loved the Holly Grove Island setting and cast of characters. My prediction is that Dakota's sister and her best friend will be the subjects of the next one ;)

Return to Hummingbird Way is the second book in the Holly Grove Island series, and what a fun, delightful journey it is for two frenemies (with secret crushes on each other) who find themselves as the Maid-of-Honor and the Best Man for their friends’ wedding. Toss in a lovely matchmaking grandmother who had me in stitches throughout this one, and you have the makings for an outrageously funny romance.

Sin and Rett definitely have a history, one that goes all the way back to high school where they loved to hate each other by way of those secret crushes. And a few years ago, they might have given in to the sizzling chemistry that has always simmered beneath the surface of their relationship. But now, thanks to the sudden wedding plans of Dex and Dakota (the main characters from the previous title – Second Chance on Cypress Lane) they’ve been thrown together to make this wedding happen, and as smooth sailing as possible… which considering their reactions to each other might mean rough weather ahead!

What I liked most about their romance, and the secondary characters in this novel was the feeling of reality, the growth they experienced throughout as they got to really know each other better, go through those issues and misunderstandings, and perhaps simply experience those emotions when two people fall in love yet know that there are things that need to be addressed in their relationship. They might be hot and heavy on the passion side (which includes that hate crush), but the everyday stuff that any relationship is made up of might need some attention. I saw growth in both themselves and their relationship, I also saw them acknowledge those flaws that no one wants to admit exist but need to be faced. There are levels to Return to Hummingbird Way, and I enjoyed each step of the journey to a happy ever-after ending that Sin and Rett deserved.

I had such fun with Sin and Rett’s romance, with Rett’s grandmother, and seeing Dex and Dakota once again. If you enjoy a romance that while having all the passion and emotions possible will still face the realistic aspects of building a life together… then you’re going to love this one!

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own – good, bad, or indifferent.*

Release date: April 25, 2023

Small town romance at it's best! Reese Ryan delivers an awesome second dip into her Holly Grove Island world when she reconnects a pair of former high school enemies that loathe the fact that they've been secretly crushing on each other throughout the years. The setting is quaint with a comfort feeling of home with a secondary character that steals the show in all the very best ways. Sinclair and Garrett are each easy to like on their own and their attraction yields a pull that had me routing for them to get together from the very beginning. Loving this series!

Sin is accomplished and self-assured and knows how to go after what she wants in life and I simply adored her go-getter, take no prisoners sass.

Rett is a sweetheart and I loved his wholesome heart when it came to Mama Mae.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a small town romance with lots of sass and sweet, addictive romance.

Thank you NetGalley, Reese Ryan and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the ARC of Return to Hummingbird Way. This is my personal review.
This book has so much in it that made me at times wonder what was going on. I had to go back and reread a few pages, but I was able to connect the storyline together.
This book was a enemy to lover and second chance at love. It was a pleasant book to read.

Return to Hummingbird Way by Reese Ryan

I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley for review. My opinions are my own.

3/5 stars

I had never heard of a “hate crush” trope until I read this. Enemies to lovers, yes, but hate crush? New terminology, here.

This hate crush trope was mehhh to me. I liked the characters themselves but I disliked the repeated characterizations. I get that Rett has a broad back and Sin has a delicious backside. I get it.

There was a twist that I didn’t see coming, but ultimately, this book was just ok. Props, though, to the author for (spoiler alert!) discussing the decision to be childless. I appreciate that.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
Reese Ryan is one of those authors that almost never fails to impress me with her take on familiar tropes, even those I’ve often grown tired of, and that’s definitely the case here.
At first, I wasn’t sure how to feel about the “hate crush” (with elements of “hate hookup”) that was going on, and fully expected this book to be a fairly standard read. Throw in some bits about a temporary fling, and I was even more wary. But, this book ended up doing some interesting things with those tropes. The backstory between Sin and Rett is much more complicated, rooted in their complex family dynamics, especially Sin’s.
And it was getting to know them and seeing them come to get over the things that kept them at odds and apart in the past that made me love them and root for them. Sin comes from an interracial family, and her mother particularly puts a lot of pressure on her kids to do well in all aspects. Sin is doing well career-wise, but she’s constantly chafing against her mother’s nagging about her marrying well and having kids (even if Sin isn’t sure she wants that) and measuring her success against her sister’s. Rett’s family situation is similarly fraught, with him having dealt with the loss of his father and his mother’s remarriage, and as a result feels closer to his grandmother. They have some truly lovely moments together where they help and support each other through rough patches in their interactions with their respective families, and each of those moments contributed to sealing the deal for me that they were indeed a good match.
This is another winner from Reese Ryan, and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for diverse small-town romance.

Garrett and Sinclair have nursed a mutual hate crush since high school. As best man and maid-of-honor at their best friends' wedding, they're forced to plan the event together. With the help of Rett's matchmaking grandmother, can they admit their growing affection?

This enemies-to-lovers romance crackles with tension from the beginning. The author does a great job of capturing the animosity that develops through dumb teenage misunderstandings and lingers into adulthood. Garrett and Sinclair have spent a lifetime denying their feelings for each other, so allowing themselves to be vulnerable is a risk neither of them wants to take. But true love will have its way in this steamy, uplifting romance.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Small-town romance lovers will delight in this outstanding new enemies-to-lovers second-chance romance by Reese Ryan. The main characters, Garrett and Sinclair, were part of a tight-knit friend group in high school. Unfortunately, they knew precisely how to push each other's buttons and drove each other crazy. Many years later, when two of their best friends reconnect, find love, and are headed down the aisle, Rett and Sin join forces to help make the wedding happen. I adored the dynamic between these two characters. While adamantly denying their attraction, the two couldn't get enough of each other. Their mutual feelings of desire sizzled off the pages. With the help and scheming of Rett's grandma, Mama Mae, they finally realize that what they are feeling might be something worth fighting for. I enjoyed the realistic and relatable backstory and the family drama woven into this tale. I also loved the character development and growth. It was nice to see an author touch on the unfair judgment passed on couples who don't want children. This is a burden many couples have to deal with, especially from well-meaning friends and family. I highly recommend this story of friendship, family, forgiveness, and finding love.

Thank you, Forever and NetGalley, for the opportunity to read an advanced reader copy of this book.

Years after high school, Sinclair and Rhett are back together helping to plan their best friend’s wedding. Several years earlier they had a brief hookup that they both walked away from with feelings of regret. Now they are back at it with their own issues and agendas.
Reese Ryan does a great job of providing an easy read, fun love story that is the perfect book to curl up and ignore the world around you while you read. Thank you NetGalley, Reese Ryan and Forever Grand Central Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

the setup…
Sinclair Buchanan is not only Holly Grove Island’s top selling real estate agent but is well known for her superior planning skills. She’s her best friend Dakota’s maid of honor and is in charge of all things related to that upcoming wedding. But they throw a real wrench into her planning when the groom announces his best man is Garrett (Rett) Davenport, her nemesis from high school, who will be “helping” her with everything. Rett’s also a real estate agent now living in Charlotte and has matured since those days when he made sport of tormenting Sinclair. He’s lots of regrets but that doesn’t include that explosive night they shared five years ago.

the heart of the story…
Both Garrett and Sinclair are complicated people with extremely strong family ties to Holly Grove Island, even though he moved away years ago. He was raised by his grandmother Mama Mae after his parents divorced, his father died and his mother remarried. Rett has lots of regrets but none more than how he treated his family and Sinclair. She is highly successful but continues to be compared to her sister by her mother and harangued for not being married and childless. It took a bit for Garrett and Sinclair to declare peace and find a way to work together for the sake of their friends, with lots of meddling by Mama Mae who was responsible for many hilarious moments. Her schemes were brilliant, too, as Garrett and Sinclair eventually find their way to a great romance.

the bottom line…
There’s something about this community I find irresistible and I pounced on the opportunity to read this second book as soon as it became available. Sinclair and Rett are well developed characters who had distinct, admirable personalities and qualities that were powerful when combined. It took a while for Sinclair to trust him and he worked hard to get there, which I liked and thought it was needed. I loved their deep family ties, despite some things being at issue. Rett’s relationship with his grandmother was delightful as was she. But you shouldn’t read this on an empty stomach as the meals were described in mouth-watering detail, even inspiring me to create a few. This was a lovely, steamy romance and wonderful reading experience. I can’t wait to return to Holly Grove Island.

This is the second of two books in a series; first was Second Chance on Cypress Lane. I have not read the first title but had no trouble following along in this one.

This is a novel that uses a well known trope of romantic/women’s fiction. An old rivalry/connection with someone who seemed to be in the past comes to the forefront. This is what happens with Sinclair and Rett (that is surely a name that brings romance to mind as in Mr. Butler, even if that had a different spelling).

The two are reunited when they become involved in a mutual friend’s wedding. Readers may feel that they know where this story is going. That is okay. This is just a relax and enjoy it kind of story. It will be savored by those who like small town romances.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Forever Grand Central for this title. All opinions are my own.

I like this series of stand alones that feature the denizens of Holly Grove Island (the Outer banks of South Carolina). Talented author, Reese Ryan presents a engaging look into the lives of Sinclair “Sin” Buchanan, a top real estate agent in Holly Grove and Garrett “Rett” Davenport, also a top broker of real estate. Sin and Rett are in the category of frienemies. Sin claims she wants nothing to do with Rett, and he claims commitment phobia. Yet, they really are perfect for each other, and everybody sees it but them.
As it happens, Sin and Rett are forced to work together to see to it that their best friends, Dakota and Dexter,’ wedding events are perfect.. Dakota and Dexter are featured in the first book of this series, Second Chance on Cypress Lane.. The storyline not only revolves around the wedding events, but also how Sin and Rett navigate through family trauma and relationships.
Return to Hummingbird Way is an entertaining and well written story that I recommend for your reading pleasure.

Everyone knows Sin and Rett don't really hate one another - even if they put on a good act about it. See, even though others don't know, they did have a one night stand five years ago that neither has forgotten Now her sister is getting married and Rett's grandmother (she's a hoot) wants Rett, who is in town to stand up for the groom, to work with Sin to prepare her house for sale. We can all guess what's going to happen but Ryan has a nice way of taking you to their small island town and making you like both characters. Thanks to Netgalley for the ArC. A good read.

I loved this small town romance and the trope foes who really loved one another. Reese does an excellent job with making you feel like you truly know the characters and I found myself rooting for them to make it.

I loved this book! I didn’t read the first one in the series but I had no trouble at all reading this one. It read just like a standalone novel.

Small town romances are my favorite and this one did not disappoint! This one is a bit spicy so be prepared. I found myself completely invested in the plot and the characters…I adored Mama Mae and wish I had a grandmother just like her!

I would definitely recommend picking up this book if you love a good small town romance.

This is the second book in a series, but can be read as a standalone. Really enjoyed this story. likeable characters and a hea.