Since the Day We Kissed by Kerk Murray was an emotional and captivating second-chance romance that I absolutely loved! Kara and Ethan’s reunion after twenty-two years is filled with tension, nostalgia, and undeniable chemistry. Their past is complicated, full of secrets that threaten their future, and I couldn’t help but root for them as they navigated their tangled history. Ethan, with his loyal rescue dog Hero by his side, brought a sense of warmth and sincerity to the story that made him all the more swoon-worthy. The book beautifully explores the themes of forgiveness, healing, and the risks of opening up to love again. As a fan of second-chance romances, this one hit all the right notes—there’s just the right mix of emotional depth, suspense, and hope. The unraveling of their past kept me hooked, and the journey toward their second chance was both heartbreaking and heartwarming.

Such a cute and light read. The perfect weekend sit down and just cozy up and enjoy type of book. I throughly enjoyed.

First love, second chances, and secrets that could destroy it all.

When Ethan Bennett returns to Hadley Cove after twenty- two years, Kara Walker is forced to confront the past she thought she'd left behind. With his rescue dog, Hero, at his side, Ethan is stirring up more than just old memories.

As they navigate their tangled past, Kara and Ethan must decide: keep their secrets hidden and lose each other forever, or risk it all for a love they thought was lost.

When secrets begin to unravel, will the truth set them free? Or will it shatter their second chance at happiness?

Loved it. Will recommend to others

Quick Summary: A second chance, PTSD story

My Review: Since the Day We Kissed by Kerk Murray is book #3 on the Hadley Cove Sweet Romance series. It was published in 2024.

About the Book: "First love, second chances, and secrets that could destroy it all. When secrets begin to unravel, will the truth set them free? Or will it shatter their second chance at happiness?"

In My Own Words: Young love that was never fully realized. Secrets and regrets. Tragedy and forgiveness. Truths and reconciliation. Rescues all around.

My Final Say: This novel had a whole lot of heart and some very big emotions. Ethan and Kara endured so much. Love helped them to overcome what stood against them. Their second chance story is a keeper.

Other: Hadley Cove is a special place with special people experiencing special circumstances.

Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Re-read: Yes
Keeper: Yes
Status/Level: 💛
Special Note: I would love to listen to this as an audiobook.

Sincere appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (BooksGoSocial), and to NetGalley. Thank you for granting me with an opportunity to review this meaningful work. It has been an absolute pleasure to meet the residents of Hadley Cove. I look forward to continuing with the series.

Loved Kara! Haven't read any other books on Hadley Cove but now I really really want to! Beautiful book, well written and formatted. Heartwarming and cozy all around.

Since the Day We Kissed is part of the Hadley Cove series. I enjoyed it a lot and plan to get the first two in the series.
I like second chance romance books, and this one was so well written that I felt connected to the characters. Ethan and Kara’s had excellent chemistry.
I am grateful to have found a new author that writes sweet clean romance.
Thank you NetGalley, Kerk Murray and BooksGoSocial for the copy of the book Since the Day We Kissed. This is my personal review.

3 Stars: It was a cute little story and I loved the characters. It’s a second chance story and was charming. I do wish the end was a little more fleshed out, it seemed to come to a quick resolution that didn’t feel totally natural. That said I did really enjoy this book and look forward to reading the rest of the series if it ever hits my Libby App or Kindle Unlimited.

I really enjoyed this book. Even though it is the third book in the series, I think it can be read as a standalone. However, I did go back and read the first two books just so I could get the context.

I thought this book was super sweet and hits you right in the feels. This is one of those books that once you get into it, you won't be able to put it down.

I can not wait to read more from this author, as I really enjoyed this book

Third book set in Hadley Cove and a beautiful love story that is so captivating. I loved it. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review. I enjoyed the pleasure of reading this one. Totally recommend

"Since the Day We Kissed" by Hadley Cove is a heartwarming and introspective story about first love, second chances, and the weight of secrets that threaten to break what’s already fragile. What makes this story shine is its delicate balance between Kara and Ethan’s tangled history and the hope of a second chance. Their chemistry is natural yet complex, layered with old wounds and untold secrets. Hero, Ethan's dog, adds a comforting presence, almost like a bridge between the past and the present, helping soften moments that might otherwise have been too tense.
While the romance is touching, the pacing around the revelations could feel a bit drawn out. However, it’s a minor trade-off for the depth it brings to their journey. Hadley Cove’s charm as a backdrop is like a character in itself, adding to the cozy, reflective vibe of the story.
If you enjoy second-chance romances with a hint of mystery and a lot of heart, this book will be hard to put down.

"Since the Day We Kissed" by Kerk Murray tells the captivating story of Ethan Bennett, who makes a sudden return to Hadley Cove after twenty-two years, bringing along his loyal rescue dog, Hero. This long-awaited homecoming compels Kara Walker, the woman he left behind, to confront a past she had long sought to bury. Ethan's reappearance reignites a whirlwind of emotions and memories for both Kara and Ethan, delving into themes of lost love, forgiveness, truth, and the possibility of second chances. If you're an animal lover, this is perfect for you.

Enjoyed!

This is the third book set in Hadley Cove, but reads like a standalone with no problem. Kara and Ethan have a history, but do they have a future?

So many things have kept these two apart for 20 years, but when they meet again, the feelings are still there. But so are the secrets that drove them apart in the first place.

This is a clean, easy read and I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

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.