Unfortunately, this wasn't the book for me. I love my rural romances, but I didn't connect with their relationship and chemistry. The story was jumpy in places. Liked it but couldn't say i loved it.

Thanks to NetGalley, Escape Publishing, and the author for the chance to read this book.

I found this story a bit slow, and it didn't keep me enthralled. There is a lot of baggage for both characters to sort through, and at times, that felt like it was dragged out.
I didn't have strong feelings either way on their relationship and didn't find myself feeling invested in it like other books.

While I enjoyed reading Wattle Brook, I thought the beginning was convoluted as there were a great many characers thrown into the mix. It was hard to work out who was doing what with whom and who were the main protagonists. Once I got over that, the story flowed smoothly. Second chance romance is in heir air between Benjamin Engel and Sarina Cooper, whom he broke up with years earlier and regretted ever since. I liked them both and felt for Ben as he wistfullty watched his friends’ relationships as Sarina danced with other people. The other thing that distracted me was the regular tense jumping between past and present. Other than that, this is a nice story that will fill your afternoon and not require too much effort to read.

Wattle Brook
by R.J. Groves

I had truly hoped to enjoy this book as I began reading it, but I found the lengthy descriptive monologues interspersed between the dialogue to be excessively drawn out, detracting from a pleasant reading experience. This overly detailed narration made it difficult for me to fully engage with the characters, preventing me from immersing myself completely in the story.

Four years ago, Benjamin Engel shattered Sarina Cooper's heart, abruptly leaving their small town without any explanation. He had experienced love only once, and by the time he recognised its significance, it was far too late to reconcile his feelings. Now, fate presents him with a second chance to reconnect with Sarina, and he is resolute in his determination not to squander it. However, the question lingers: Will Sarina be willing to open her heart again and allow him the opportunity to mend what he so carelessly broke?

Benjamin Engel broke Sarina Cooper's heart four years ago. Since has been back in town he hopes to reconnect with Sarina. Sarina has no use for Ben now and steers clear of him at every opportunity. As Ben has worked on being a better man he just needs Sarina to give him a second chance.

There’s something comforting about stories set in small towns, and Wattle Brook delivered on that charm. The setting felt familiar and warm, with that cozy, close-knit vibe I love in rural fiction. While some parts of the story moved a little slower for me, I still found myself enjoying the sense of community and the quieter emotional moments. R.J. Groves has a gentle way of unfolding character growth, and even when the pace dipped, the heart of the story kept me reading. It’s the kind of book that makes you appreciate the little things—home, connection, and second chances.

This was a cute shorter story! The characters were great and the plot was thorough for a short story. I really enjoyed it!

a truly gorgeous second chance of love romance book. this book was sweet and tender and all the things you want from the very first page. right the way through you are drawn into this community. and our pair are meant to be together. i was drawn in to what happened before and also to what was happening in their present. i was rooting for their love and Groves wrote it so that you want it to all work out. not just because its a romance but because these two are truly written as such that you honestly want them to be ok and get their happy ending. no part of this book felt forced or just because. as book 3 in the series you will come to treasure these books. i know i do.