This book was an absolutely breathtaking and possibly my favorite book I've read this year!! This book was pure magic—haunting, tender, unforgettable. From the moment Leo and Darby met in the golden light of a Pacific Shores summer, I was spellbound. She was the sheltered girl with a purity ring and a quiet longing for more. He was the boy who saw her—really saw her. Their love bloomed, until one day she vanished without a word. Ten years later, on the morning of her arranged wedding to a man she doesn’t love, a long-lost letter finds its way to Leo. And just like that—he comes for her. I adore a good second chance, and this one is filled with longing, fate, and the kind of love that never truly fades. Their past and present weave together so beautifully, each moment pulling at your heart. When she called, he came. That alone undid me. If you're craving a love story full of yearning and hope—this is the one. It will stay with you long after the final page. Also as a girl from Wichita, and a Kansas girlie, this book meant even more to me!

4.5 🌟
Spice: open door

Low key kicking myself for not reading this one sooner. This is such a heartbreaking story with a beautiful second chance. I instantly fell in love with Leo, he is such a great example of a book boyfriend. If I could reach through this book and punch Darby's dad, I 1000% would. The hospital scene had me raging for real. My only complaint was the jumping back and forth in timelines. I often felt like I missed important stuff until we returned to the past. I would have preferred maybe the first half be the past, then the second half be now. If that makes sense.
I will definitely want to read the rest of the series.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

3⭐️

Thank you to Netgalley and Sarah Bailey for an e-ARC of this book.

This book comes strongly recommended by a few of my friends. I wanted to love it more than I did, but the way their story ended? *chef’s kiss* 🤌🏽

This story was told in an alternating timeline (that grew on me eventually) about Darby (Honeysuckle) and Leo (Heathen)’s pasts. I think the pace of the book itself was a bit slow and I found myself skimming at times, but once I hit 40%, the story really broke its stride.

I love Leo. LOVE. He is the kind of protective man who would’ve gladly burned Pacific Shores for Darby and he was so cute. I loved how even though they were no longer in touch, he still came to save her without hesitation. A MAN. I also really liked Darby- she was shy, introverted but kind and resilient. She is under the thumb of her father, but eventually, she finds the courage with Leo to do what she needs to do for herself. The ending? The news part?? So cute 😭

I think what held me back from loving this book was my personal ick, which is nicknames. I just… did not love Honeysuckle at all. I was able to get behind Heathen, but I cringed every time I read it (which was frequent). Now, this is my personal opinion/preference, but honestly, the author’s writing was gorgeous and I loved it. I would still recommend this book 🤍

Oh wowww. What an emotional rollercoaster this one was. Totally not what I was expecting but I absolutely loved it. Amazing second chance romance.

Heathen & Honeysuckle completely swept me up in its sun-soaked nostalgia and aching second-chance romance. Sarah A. Bailey has such a way with emotional tension, it’s soft when it needs to be, sharp when it stings, and real throughout.
The story flips between then and now, and I genuinely cared about both timelines. Teenage Leo and Darby had that perfect, golden-summer energy—equal parts tender and electric. Their chemistry was instant but believable, and their dynamic felt alive in every scene. Fast forward ten years, and the stakes are heavier, the feelings more complicated, and the pull between them even stronger. I especially loved how Bailey explored the tension between expectation and authenticity, and how both Leo and Darby had to confront the choices that shaped their lives.
Darby’s journey from being the “good girl” to someone who dares to want more: more love, more freedom, more her, was incredibly satisfying to watch. And Leo? Messy, stubborn, loyal Leo. He’ll stay with me for a while. There were a couple of moments in the pacing that felt a bit rushed, and I would’ve loved just a bit more closure on a few of the side plot threads. But overall, this was a beautifully written, heartfelt story about first love, second chances, and the wild, messy hope of starting over.

Highly recommend if you love emotional romance with just the right amount of angst and heart.

This was brilliant! It started a bit slower, but it ended up delivering. Darby and Leo were adorable, I suffered with them, I cheered for them and almost blushed when thong got hot.

This is a brilliant combination of literary fiction, romance and erotica, there is something for everyone. Author did a masterful job infusing these characters with a lot of personality and depth, every single one of them, main and support ones were wonderful to read and I'm looking forward to the rest of this series.

Ah, brilliant!

This one actually was so good, I have a lot of questions still on what happened with the dad afterward, or dahlia and Lou. I wish those were answered but I loved the little inkling of foreshadowing throughout the book.

I love their love and how nothing will come between them. This book is the type of love all women want to feel.

I loved so much about this story! So many things I love all in one book: a second chance romance, surfing main character, the Pacific Shore beach location, falling in love at the beach, the bad boy vibes, it was always you!

The way the story is told in the dual timelines and from dual point of view. It fills in the pieces of the story slowly as to what happened in past to bring the characters where they are now. You get to know a little bit more about each of the characters as time goes on and fall in love with them as they slowly find their place.

Darby and Leo will always have a special place in my heart!

I recieved this book as an ARC. I loved every second of it! I am usually not a huge fan of second chance romances that start when the characters are teenagers, but this book blew me away! I loved the depth of all the characters. The timeline jumping was a beautiful echo and really pushed the plot forward. Overall, I loved it and can't wait to read the next one!

3.75⭐️ *spoilers*

I really enjoyed getting to read Leo and Darby’s story! It was certainly frustrating to know that Darby fell back into her old patterns of being manipulated by her parents after her summer with Leo since he seemed to help her find a healthier mindset.

But, seeing how her parents treated her and Dahlia, it’s understandable to see how she made the choices she did. It’s devastating to think about the time she lost because of them but I’m glad both Darby and Dahlia find better lives for themselves in the end! I’m excited to continue the series and see how everyone else gets their happily ever after.

Thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing, and Sarah A. Bailey for the opportunity to read this ARC!

*this review is posted on goodreads*

I knew the moment I started read this book that it was gonna break my heart in the best way possible. There were so many moments filled with raw emotions that I’m shocked I didn’t shed tears. If you need a good cry read this book!

Absolutely adored this second chance romance! The past to present wasn’t my favorite but it didn’t hinder my enjoyment. I will for sure be continuing this series!

Just amazing , truly a diamond . Two soulmates who were separated for 10 years but they found their way to be together .
Darcy at 17 was sent to spent her summer at her grandmother in California away from her sister by her very strict father . The first person she met was a Leo a young boy who always challenge her and tried to make her have fun without worrying about what the other will think . She also met and became friends with his best friends . Their relationship only last two months and half but it was powerful , everlasting and real until she vanishes one night without one word . Now 10 years later she is getting married a guy she doesn't want but her father is telling her to . The day of her wedding and couple hours before the venue Leo is there to help her because he received her letter that she never was to sent him and asking him to come to find her . Together they travel back to the place that had felt like home for both of them . Will the secret that kept them apart be able to make him stop loving her ?
I received this book from netgalley , the author and the publisher as an ARC . Thank you . All thoughts and opinions are my own .

I read this in a single afternoon ! I HAD to know why they broke up! There were a few things I didn’t like like 1) the shower scene reminded me too much of another run away bride book I read and didn’t like and 2) sometimes the way Leo ( especially 17 year old Leo ) talked was unrealistic . However I ended up LOVING it and the car hood scene is to probably one of my fav spice scenes I’ve ever read. This was very emotional at times and OMG their dad sucks sooooo bad . I immediately started book 2 and I am obsessed . Thank you soooo much for this arc !

Being a very picky person when choosing a book out of this category, I can totally say I absolutely enjoyed this story.
Sometimes sweet, sometimes bitter, sometimes yearning...
The storyline is very well written and you can keep up with the back and forth in time between the past and the present very easily.
Perfect match between reader and book if you're looking for a second chance love story that will not let you disappointed.

Thank you Netgalley

This was an amazing book! I couldn't put it down.

The romance was beautiful and was a fun easy read :)

Thankyou to netgalley for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Oh my God I could not put this book down. Heathen & Honeysuckle is a story of love, loss and finding your way home. Honestly this book broke and healed so many things in me and everyone should read it. Its dual pov and past and present timelines. Please everyone pick this book up, i will definitely be continuing with the series and reading all of Sarah's books

This is one of the best second chance romance stories I’ve read in a while.
The dual timeline was executed perfectly, revealing key information at just the right moments for maximum emotional impact. The story was beautiful, emotional, and deliciously spicy.

My main issue was with the main character, Darby. I struggled with how long she allowed herself to be controlled and victimized—especially since she had the means and ability to move on. While I understand this was necessary for the timeline and emotional arc of the story, it sometimes felt like she let others take advantage of her for far too long.

On the other hand, I absolutely loved Leo. He was patient, understanding, and never held a grudge. His unwavering support when Darby needed him most made him such a standout character.

I’m especially excited to read more about the other characters—particularly Dahlia. I really enjoyed the author’s writing style and can’t wait to dive into more of their work.

This book was so good!

Second chance romance with a dual timeline & a HEA!
Fell in love with the characters & their love for each other.
There were parts of the story which were so emotional & so impactful. This book had the ability to make me feel so strongly for the characters!

Would definitely recommend.
4 stars!

Second Chance / Right Person Wrong Time.

This story follows Darby, who’s sent to spend the summer with her grandmother due to family troubles. There, she meets Leo—and the chemistry is immediate. Darby, who’s led a sheltered life, begins to truly experience what it means to be a teenager, thanks to Leo’s gentle encouragement and support.

The novel alternates between past and present, giving a beautiful, bittersweet look at the evolution of their relationship—from that unforgettable summer to the present day. Leo is the definition of a green flag: respectful, supportive, and patient. He never pressures Darby, but empowers her to make her own choices—like attending her first party and getting drunk—while always staying by her side.

What I loved most was Leo’s unwavering belief in Darby and his role in helping her chase her dreams. Their love story felt so real. I can't wait to read the rest of the series!