Since the Day We Kissed is a return to Hadley Cove, a beach town on the Georgia coast, and the sweet love story of two people who parted with misunderstandings and hurt that was never resolved until now, twenty years later. Kara is a single mom running an animal rescue, but she never forgot about Ethan and the summer they fell in love. She lost her mom to an accident and Ethan left for the army at the same time. Ethan is back for a short time to close his father's estate. When Kara's daughter, arriving home from college, is involved in a car accident, Ethan is able to come to her aid. This is a story of rekindling a friendship and maybe romance with two hurting people who need healing and reconciliation and also one of secrets that need to be revealed so that that can happen. Lovely story added to the series., stories that can be read as a standalone.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts.

Times are hard for Kara at the Hadley Cove animal shelter. They are at full capacity, the number of volunteers has decreased, and bills keep piling up. Her high school sweetheart, Ethan, whom she hasn’t seen in over twenty years, comes back into town. Can they resolve the misunderstandings that occurred so long ago? Find out in this sweet romance that is hard to put down. The story immediately draws the reader in with characters that the reader will care about. Once you read one book in the Hadley Cove series, you will want to read them all.

3.5 Stars! This was a sweet second-chance romance that pulls you right back into the emotional whirlwind of first loves and unfinished business. Ethan Bennett returns to Hadley Cove after twenty-two years, bringing along his adorable rescue dog, Hero (who totally steals the show, by the way). Kara Walker, the girl he left behind, is forced to face a past she thought was long buried—and let's just say, sparks fly.

Ethan and Kara’s chemistry is undeniable, but what really stood out was the emotional depth behind their reunion. They both have secrets, regrets, and all that complicated stuff that comes with reconnecting after two decades apart. You can feel the weight of their past, but also the hope for something new. It’s the kind of story that reminds you that love can survive time and distance—if you’re brave enough to let it.

There were some parts that felt a bit slow, especially when the characters were doing a lot of internal back-and-forth, but overall the pacing works for the story. The slower moments give space to really feel the tension and unresolved emotions between Ethan and Kara. By the end, it’s totally worth it as they finally figure out if they’re willing to risk it all for love.

If you're into emotional, slow-burn romance with characters that have a lot of history and heart, Since the Day We Kissed is definitely one to check out!

Thanks to NetGalley and Publisher for the opportunity to receive the ARC.

Oh get ready for the sweetest love story ride. I have not read a great love story like this in a LONG time! It was just so good! I loved the main characters and their sweet journey of love. Well done Kerk. Beautiful story! Highly recommend.