This was a really sweet girl next door romance! Spending a summer getting to know someone never feels like enough, but is so all consuming at the same time. Heartbreak and healing takes over here.

I am most definitely in the minority here, but I just didn’t like this one. I expected it to absolutely shatter my heart but it just felt very… unrealistic. The writing felt very ‘pretty prose’ with lots telling and no showing. They were ‘destined to be together’ and ‘soulmates’ but they lacked chemistry and Darby in particular felt very flat to me. I totally get why her situation (trying to avoid spoilers) was heartbreaking but again I felt more shown than told and it almost felt like she was being very…. Martyr-y (please stash the pitchforks!). Ten years just seems like an awful long time to blame yourself for something that’s not your fault.

This book is ideal for readers who enjoy emotional, dual-timeline romances exploring second chances and the tension between societal expectations and personal desires.

Sarah A Bailey is now an autobúy author for me. Heathen & Honeysuckle pulled me in with incredible writing, emotional, loving characters, and amazing chemistry.

I loved the chapters that were both in the present and in the past. I loved how different they were. I feel like you can really see the characters growth and how they had changed while they were away from each other. I think it made them reconnected so much more impactful.

First and foremost, thank you to Sarah Bailey, Victory Editing and Netgally for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Summary:
Darby Andrews was the golden girl, but one wild summer in Pacific Shores, California, changed everything. There, she met Leo Graham: the troublemaker next door with a surfboard, a smirk, and a mission to bring out her spark. Their bond was electric and deep—until she vanished without a word. Ten years later, Darby’s on the brink of a passionless marriage when Leo shows up with a letter she never meant to send and an offer that just might change her life. Torn between duty and desire, Darby must choose between the life she was told to live and the one her heart still wants.

Short and Sweet Opinion:
Beautifully written and emotionally intense, Heathen and Honeysuckle is a perfect second-chance romance that captures the ache of young love and the power of rediscovery.

In-Depth Opinion:
I absolutely devoured this book. From the very first page, the story hooked me with its dual timeline structure. The then chapters—set during a magical summer on the California coast—were filled with sunshine, tension, and first love that felt so visceral. I loved how Leo helped Darby break free from the box her family kept her in, encouraging her to be bold, to dream, to feel. And then the now chapters brought all the longing and heartbreak to a head in the best, most satisfying way.

Their connection never dulled over the years, and watching them navigate the pain of their separation while reigniting their love was incredibly moving. I loved how Leo didn’t just show up—he came through, again and again. His unwavering belief in her, both as a teenager and a grown woman, was powerful.

The setting of the sleepy beach town contrasted perfectly with Darby’s stifling upbringing, and the writing beautifully captured the slow burn, the heartbreak, and ultimately, the healing. Second chance romances can sometimes feel far-fetched, but this one felt earned—every tear, every kiss, every step toward freedom.

This is easily one of my favorite contemporary reads of the year. If you want a romance that makes your heart ache and then heals it, Heathen and Honeysuckle is a must-read.

Heathen and Honeysuckle, the story of Dary and Leo, was the sweetest, beautiful love story. This book was written with past and present timelines, which the author wove into the story beautifully. The complexity of the characters kept me wanting to learn more and the support they present to each other, leaves me swoony. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

4⭐, 3🌶️

This was a cute and fun runaway bride/ second chance romance! Leo and Darby first fell for each other one summer as teenagers, but when Darby ran away with no explanation, Leo was left longing. Until he hears from her right before her wedding and she is in need of a getaway driver. This mini roadtrip leads to them resolving their past relationship, and possibly returning to more sparks flying.

💚Runaway Bride
💛Second Chance Romance
🌻Dual Timeline
💚Good Girl x Bad Boy

The one thing that kept me from LOVING this book was my own qualms with comparing it with another second chance/ surfer romance Ive rad that I hold so near and dear to my heart. I didn't feel as emotionally invested in it the way so many people have been raving over it. But none the less, I liked it! Just didnt love it.

Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op for an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

Leo and Darby's romance begin as teenagers when Darby spends the summer with her grandmother in California. When she leaves to return to Kansas without saying goodbye, Leo is heartbroken. Years later, Leo receives a letter from Darby that has him taking a road trip to find her. When he does, he finds that Darby is about to marry a man her father chose for her. Knowing that Darby is not in love with her future husband, Leo offers to take her away. Darby is conflicted by her love for Leo and pleasing her father but ultimately love wins. A sweet, emotional, second chance romance. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series

This book was everything,

Second chance, dual time line, good girl x bad boy!! Tropes that I absolutely adore and I was HOOKED in this book from the very first page.

This was an absolute rollercoaster of emotions, it was real and raw, emotional and had me in my feels especially towards the end, but also had me giggling, swooning and happy dancing for these two.

It was EVERYTHING.

𝓗𝓮𝓪𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓷 𝓐𝓷𝓭 𝐇𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐘𝐒𝐔𝐂𝐊𝐋𝐄
By @sarahabaileyauthor
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book took me on an emotional roller coaster! Heathen & Honeysuckle is a heartfelt second chance romance between Darby and Leo two teens who once shared a whirlwind summer love, only to be torn apart for years.

Told in dual POV and dual timelines, we follow them both as teens in a small town, and as adults 10 years later. Young Darby is sent to her grandma’s house for the summer after her sister causes some family drama. There, she meets Leo the “bad boy” next door with a reckless smile, and a heart that only beats for her.

They fall fast, love hard, yet lose everything. A summer of love turns into years of silence, heartbreak, and unsent letters.

Fast forward to the present: Darby is about to marry a man she doesn’t love a marriage meant to save her family. But her sister finds a letter… the last one Darby wrote to Leo but never sent. She sends it and Leo comes back for her. Just like he promised.

If you’re into sweet, emotional second chances with an easy-to-follow storyline and lots of romantic tension, this one’s for you

Tropes I Loved:
🤍 Runaway Bride
🌸Second Chance Romance
🤍 Dual Timeline
🌸 Surfer Boy
🤍 Summer Romance
🌸Good Girl x Bad Boy
🤍 Roadtrip
🌸Forbidden Love

✨ Thank you to Sarah and NetGalley for this ARC! I’m really excited and looking forward to seeing what’s next.

4.5 stars.

I read "Heathen & Honeysuckle" by Sarah A. Bailey when it was an indie novel, and I loved it then. I am so thrilled that I got the chance to re-read it because I still loved it! It's a summertime second-chance romance with a dual timeline where two people who fell in love as teenagers reconnect when they are older after Honeysuckle, aka Darby, runs away from her wedding and finds solace in the arms of Heathen, aka Leo, her childhood sweetheart. This is a passionate, deep, delicious novel with fantastic characters (even the secondary characters are excellent!!), tons of emotion, and even some humor. The banter between Darby and Leo is incredible. I have a hunch that some readers might say that their love story is unbelievable because they fall in love when they are young, but I think that aspect of the story is handled just as well as their reconnection. It's one of those all-encompassing, burning loves that flickered out because of reasons (I don't want to spoil, please go in blind if you can!), but they still secretly pined for one another for the rest of their lives. This novel really resonated with my heart and my spirit. The prose is very lovely, dramatic and profound and oh so tantalizing. It's full of heart and heat and intensity that you won't soon forget. Please give this book a chance. You will not be disappointed!

Thank you to NetGalley, Sarah A. Bailey, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, and Page & Vine for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

Ms. Bailey - we need to have words!!! The amount of times I SOBBED while reading this book was not okay!!! I was absolutely enamored with this book - and with Heathen & Honeysuckle themselves! Their love story was so beautiful and tender but also dang heartbreaking. But on top of that, Sarah's writing was just so mesmerizing. I also loved how thoughtful she (and obviously the characters) were when they discussed love/infatuation/relationships in general. One of my favorite quotes came from Elena:
 
"I think there is a difference between love and infatuation. Infatuation is dangerous. Obsessive. Toxic, ike holding matches when you're covered in gasoline. You know you're going to destroy yourself-destroy each other- but you do it anyway, just because you wonder what the burn feels like."
 
And BOY did I relate to this. And there were just SO many heavy-hitting quotes throughout this book that hit me just as hard and fast.
 
I loved the way the book was structured, with us going back and forth between Now and Then. I did not find it confusing whatsoever, and I loved that this was the way we saw their story unfold - I loved learning what happened Then alongside Leo - I felt like that made it all the more impactful and we also really could see and understand Darby's struggle with everything in this way.
 
Overall, a phenomenal read and I would highly recommend! I cannot wait to return to Pacific Shores!
 
Rating: 5 stars
Spice: 2 chilis

Second chance romance between childhood sweet hearts, throw in a runaway bride, a road trip to mend their hearts, and a undeniable love. Leo and Darby met in the summer and had an undeniable connection, a love that bloomed... but when Darby's family reels her back in she has to break his heart and leave him without ever telling him why. Yet years later after never hearing from her again he receives a letter asking for his help to stop her wedding and suddenly she's running off with him again. Now Darby and Leo are on a road trip back to the town where their romance started and on the way they have to talk about what happened between them... and if they can still be together. This book was so much fun to read, the angst, the yearning, and the romance was just so well done. Darby and Leo's love is undeniable, they love each other so much and have endured so much. This love story was just so good and I can't wait to read the next book in this series!

Release Date: June 10, 2025

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op | Page & Vine for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

This was a lot more emotional than I expected, but in the best way. It was raw and tender and heartfelt. The writing was beautiful- at times flowery and unrealistic for most 17yr olds- but beautiful. The dual timeline and dial POV was done SO WELL. When the spice hit?? It hits. I loved the way Sarah made the romance scenes more closed door when they were underage, but then brought it front and center as adults. Leo & Darby don’t shy away from real discussions and deep feelings. When the whole backstory comes to light? Ugh my heart hurt for all involved. A huge part of this book highlights how shame and familial expectations can be used as manipulation and control, and Leo sees it and tries to help Darby find her true self when she’s been suppressed all her life.

HONESTLY SARAH- BRAVO.

“Four squeezes, okay?”
“You came” “You needed me.”

A perfectly sweet and easy to read, but with a side of heaviness that made it feel more deeply emotional. Leo and Darby were perfect, and I appreciated the care taken in the way they were brought back together. I love the found family aspects of this book, for someone who so desperately needed a family she could choose. I enjoyed the exploration of how religion can be used to control and abuse, and how hard it may be to pull oneself out of that. Leo's protective instincts over Darby were swoon-worthy, as well as the way Leo's friends don't know the whole story, but are still so willing to accept Darby and protect her too.
Dahlia and Darby are a beautiful sister relationship, but I would kind of liked to see a bit of exploration into Dahlia's resentment of Darby, because of the differences in how they were treated by their parents. I know Darby and Dahlia's books are both out, so we won't see this, but it would have been nice.

I didn’t expect to have a reckoning with shame when reading a book some would classify as smut. But here we are.

Heathen and Honeysuckle spoke to me on so many levels it was borderline unnerving. Sheltered childhood? Check. Religious trauma? Double check. A woman reclaiming her power, her life, and her body—without asking for permission? Hell yes.

This book is raw and tender and furious and sensual. It’s about shedding the weight of silence, of shame, of everything we were told we had to be. And yes, it’s sexy as hell. But the steam is never just there to titillate. It’s part of the healing. Part of the unlearning. Part of the becoming.

It made me feel seen in a way I didn’t expect. Like it handed me a mirror I didn’t know I needed.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC, and to Sarah A. Bailey for writing a book that feels like both a liberation and a love letter to the ones still clawing their way free.

I was absolutely obsessed with this book. I couldn’t get enough of Leo and Darby, so much so that I find myself re-reading some sections just to feel the butterflies that these guys gave me. Sarah A Bailey does good girl/bad boy soooooo well. I had no expectations going in, other than I loved the premise of old flames still burning bright, but I was blown away. The chemistry that Leo and Darby have is seriously unmatched. It’s spicy in all the right places, without being smutty for the sake of it. Leo is an absolute dream of a man, and Darby has the most pure heart. They truly are the perfect couple.

I can’t wait to dive into Book 2.

Second chance romances and insta-love stories are not my favorite rom com tropes but I enjoyed this one, and I think it had to do with the depth as well as the growth the characters went through. The dual timeline storyline of this book is probably the best I have read, the way it was done and how the story unraveled through the dual timeline was phenomenal. Somehow the book managed to be a great combo of sweet with heartbreak, deep emotions and 🌶️. Can’t wait to read the next book. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy!

I really enjoyed this second chance dual narration audio! This was my first read from this author and I’ll definitely read more!

Both narrators were new to me also and I really enjoyed both! I’ll definitely want to hear more from them!

Oh my gosh. I loved this book SO SO much.

I savoured every single word of Darby and Leo's beautiful story. The sweet and tender love between them as teenagers, the mysterious circumstances surrounding their decade long separation, the freedom of escaping a life controlled by misogynistic men - it was all *chefs kiss* perfection!

Darby and Leo had this heartwarming connection - and honestly... I WISH 17/18 year old boys were like him when I was that age. He was both protective of Darby while challenging her to step outside the sheltered little world she had been forced into.

Darby's relationship with her sister is everything I would want from a sister. I loved how they looked out for one another.

As soon as I finished this book, I immediately went and downloaded the next book in the series along with Sarah Bailey's backlist and even though I have other books/arcs I need to read, all I want to do is live in the pages Sarah writes forever!

**Reread for NetGalley/rerelease!**

I'm so happy for Sarah in getting a trad deal for this amazing book!
This was my first read by Sarah A Bailey and it immediately inspired me to buy the rest of her back list so I can consume everything she writes.

Rereading this book gave me all the same feels it did the first time! It made me cry, swoon, blush and laugh in all the best ways. This is one of those books that I know will be a comfort read and I will likely reread it many more times.