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Return to Saltaire
A lot can change in ten years...
Raegan
First loves are false and fleeting.
I’ve been trying to make myself believe that for years now.
This is my first time back to Fire Island since the summer before college–since Penn broke my heart.
I knew it was inevitable that I’d see him here, and yet, even after a decade apart, I wasn’t prepared.
Not for his striking eyes that still turn my heart inside out. Not for the way a quick flash of his tattoos sends heat flooding my skin.
Penn is in my past, though, and Joshua is my future. Handsome, kind, financially secure. He’s everything a woman could want in a husband.
It shouldn’t matter that he’s not Penn, and maybe once we’re married, it won’t.
But seeing Penn again after all this time reminds me why I’ve never really let him go.
Penn
When I pushed Raegan away, I knew I’d regret it. I just didn’t understand how much.
Now she’s back on Fire Island for a visit, looking every bit as beautiful as the day she left.
I would have gone to California to win her back, but life had other plans for me. Instead, I let her believe I’d forgotten.
I’ve had ten long years to contemplate the past, and she’s spent most of that time building her future.
The future she deserves.
In our time apart, I’ve relearned how to live, letting my music piece together the wounds of life, and doing my best to forget the biggest mistake I ever made.
But when fate throws us together again, I can’t help feeling like it’s meant to be.
The problem? Even if I can convince Raegan our love never faded, she’s marrying someone else.
For the best reading experience, Saltaire, which is book one of the Fire Island series, should be read before Return to Saltaire.
Raegan
First loves are false and fleeting.
I’ve been trying to make myself believe that for years now.
This is my first time back to Fire Island since the summer before college–since Penn broke my heart.
I knew it was inevitable that I’d see him here, and yet, even after a decade apart, I wasn’t prepared.
Not for his striking eyes that still turn my heart inside out. Not for the way a quick flash of his tattoos sends heat flooding my skin.
Penn is in my past, though, and Joshua is my future. Handsome, kind, financially secure. He’s everything a woman could want in a husband.
It shouldn’t matter that he’s not Penn, and maybe once we’re married, it won’t.
But seeing Penn again after all this time reminds me why I’ve never really let him go.
Penn
When I pushed Raegan away, I knew I’d regret it. I just didn’t understand how much.
Now she’s back on Fire Island for a visit, looking every bit as beautiful as the day she left.
I would have gone to California to win her back, but life had other plans for me. Instead, I let her believe I’d forgotten.
I’ve had ten long years to contemplate the past, and she’s spent most of that time building her future.
The future she deserves.
In our time apart, I’ve relearned how to live, letting my music piece together the wounds of life, and doing my best to forget the biggest mistake I ever made.
But when fate throws us together again, I can’t help feeling like it’s meant to be.
The problem? Even if I can convince Raegan our love never faded, she’s marrying someone else.
For the best reading experience, Saltaire, which is book one of the Fire Island series, should be read before Return to Saltaire.
- GenresSecond ChanceRomance
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 21, 2023
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2,278 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
March 1, 2023
Return to Saltaire picks up 10 years after Raegan and Penn’s last summer together. This was a fantastic second chance romance with some unexpected twists! I cant wait for the next book in the fire island series, and to see what else this author does!
I received an ARC of this book.
February 14, 2023
*ARC received from author in exchange for my honest review. *
Hazel Jacks captured my heart in Saltaire. She left me brokenhearted for Rae and Penn wondering where their story would go when they finally reunited. With Return to Saltaire she healed every piece of that broken heart with the beautiful and harrowing path that Rae and Penn had to take to get back to one another.
" 'Were broken together,' Penn whispers into my ear.
'But healed with one another,' I whisper back to him."
For many their first love holds a special place in their hearts and for others letting go of their first love seems impossible. Raegan has finally started to heal from that summer on Fire Island and even though so much of heart still aches for Penn she knows that she has to start living again. Here she is engaged and ready to head back to Fire Island for the first time in a decade, maybe it is time for some closure. Putting old heartaches to rest might just be what she needs to start this new life over with her fiancé.
All those "putting old ghosts to rest" thoughts are quickly shattered when she encounters Penn again....
Penn never thought he would see Raegan again but here she is. Sitting next to him and he doesn't know what to think. Could this be their second chance? After that one summer together, he could never escape the one and only girl he ever loved. Life isn't the same anymore and she is engaged now, his choices set this course for them but if there is even a modicum of hope shouldn't he try.
As Raegan and Penn start to fall back into what once was and secrets from the past are revealed will these revelations mean hope for a new beginning or an instant ending for their second chance.
Hazel Jacks gave us a second chance for Raegan and Penn that left me sobbing. I never saw any of this coming for them and even though I was so mad for them and the time they lost experiencing this story in the way that Hazel told it gave me hope.
While you can't go back, you can move forward and sometimes moving forward means that you get back what you thought was once lost...
Hazel Jacks captured my heart in Saltaire. She left me brokenhearted for Rae and Penn wondering where their story would go when they finally reunited. With Return to Saltaire she healed every piece of that broken heart with the beautiful and harrowing path that Rae and Penn had to take to get back to one another.
" 'Were broken together,' Penn whispers into my ear.
'But healed with one another,' I whisper back to him."
For many their first love holds a special place in their hearts and for others letting go of their first love seems impossible. Raegan has finally started to heal from that summer on Fire Island and even though so much of heart still aches for Penn she knows that she has to start living again. Here she is engaged and ready to head back to Fire Island for the first time in a decade, maybe it is time for some closure. Putting old heartaches to rest might just be what she needs to start this new life over with her fiancé.
All those "putting old ghosts to rest" thoughts are quickly shattered when she encounters Penn again....
Penn never thought he would see Raegan again but here she is. Sitting next to him and he doesn't know what to think. Could this be their second chance? After that one summer together, he could never escape the one and only girl he ever loved. Life isn't the same anymore and she is engaged now, his choices set this course for them but if there is even a modicum of hope shouldn't he try.
As Raegan and Penn start to fall back into what once was and secrets from the past are revealed will these revelations mean hope for a new beginning or an instant ending for their second chance.
Hazel Jacks gave us a second chance for Raegan and Penn that left me sobbing. I never saw any of this coming for them and even though I was so mad for them and the time they lost experiencing this story in the way that Hazel told it gave me hope.
While you can't go back, you can move forward and sometimes moving forward means that you get back what you thought was once lost...
February 20, 2023
ARC Reviewer
"It's been you. Every moment. You've had my heart since the very beginning."
A love story that starts during Raegan's summer before college and lasts a lifetime. Penn was and always will be her first love, but she needs to move on and live her life. She tries to see the light after being heartbroken and even moves on.
10 years have gone by and she finally goes back to Fire Island. She's engaged and Penn is still the handsome muscular man she remembers. When they finally get down to the gritty past will they both gain the closure they need to move on? Or are they stuck in the summer that they fell in love?
- Thoughts -
Penn and Raegan have a relationship that embodies the wrong time. Raegan was too young when they first met needing to go to college and live her life. They grow while their part changes into different people, but when they are together they still embody the young couple that fell in love that summer. So much has happened to them so they see the world differently. Realizing that life is short and every day counts because there are no guarantees. They've never stopped being in love and destiny has decided they deserve a second chance to write their happy ending. But do they take that chance?
This book is deep, honest, beautiful, broken as it shows the story of first love.
Tropes found in book
- Dual POV
- Second Chance Romance
- Soulmates
- Wounded Hero
- Love Triangle (no cheating)
"It's been you. Every moment. You've had my heart since the very beginning."
A love story that starts during Raegan's summer before college and lasts a lifetime. Penn was and always will be her first love, but she needs to move on and live her life. She tries to see the light after being heartbroken and even moves on.
10 years have gone by and she finally goes back to Fire Island. She's engaged and Penn is still the handsome muscular man she remembers. When they finally get down to the gritty past will they both gain the closure they need to move on? Or are they stuck in the summer that they fell in love?
- Thoughts -
Penn and Raegan have a relationship that embodies the wrong time. Raegan was too young when they first met needing to go to college and live her life. They grow while their part changes into different people, but when they are together they still embody the young couple that fell in love that summer. So much has happened to them so they see the world differently. Realizing that life is short and every day counts because there are no guarantees. They've never stopped being in love and destiny has decided they deserve a second chance to write their happy ending. But do they take that chance?
This book is deep, honest, beautiful, broken as it shows the story of first love.
Tropes found in book
- Dual POV
- Second Chance Romance
- Soulmates
- Wounded Hero
- Love Triangle (no cheating)
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March 12, 2023
✨️ ARC REVIEW ✨️
Saltaire was a light, heartwarming, first love summer romance, set in 2004, to a punk rock soundtrack, contrasted with the bittersweet pressures of growing up, and further complicated by a 6yr age gap and different backgrounds.
Return to Saltaire picks up in 2014, so much has changed for Rae and Penn, and nothing has turned out how they expected.
The tone of this book was very different from book one. We got to experience so much from each perspective, (without giving any spoilers) the range of these characters was insane to me, their emotions, their struggles, their triumphs, I felt them all so deeply.
If Saltaire was a rom-com, this was a heart-wrenchingly intimate romance. The writing is incredible, the storyline is well-paced and not filled with unnecessary drama, and seeing these characters slowly expose who they are and what they've been through had my stomach in knots, and my heart pounding.
This is an emotional romance must-read 💛
Saltaire was a light, heartwarming, first love summer romance, set in 2004, to a punk rock soundtrack, contrasted with the bittersweet pressures of growing up, and further complicated by a 6yr age gap and different backgrounds.
Return to Saltaire picks up in 2014, so much has changed for Rae and Penn, and nothing has turned out how they expected.
The tone of this book was very different from book one. We got to experience so much from each perspective, (without giving any spoilers) the range of these characters was insane to me, their emotions, their struggles, their triumphs, I felt them all so deeply.
If Saltaire was a rom-com, this was a heart-wrenchingly intimate romance. The writing is incredible, the storyline is well-paced and not filled with unnecessary drama, and seeing these characters slowly expose who they are and what they've been through had my stomach in knots, and my heart pounding.
This is an emotional romance must-read 💛
February 27, 2023
The conclusion to Rae and Penn’s story was well worth the wait. It made me laugh and cry and it showed me that a lot can happen in 10 years. I felt a deep connection to both Rae and Penn and I was heartbroken after finishing Saltaire. I missed the Boys of Summer and the carefree days spent on Fire Island. This was an emotional journey with lots of unexpected twists and turns and I enjoyed every gut wrenching moment.
March 9, 2023
4.5 stars! I was heartbroken by the end of the first book and have been waiting for this one ever since. It absolutely did not disappoint. I love a second chance romance, and this one was so good. Penn is swoon worthy in all the right ways, and I adored how Hazel Jacks normalized how day to day life can be for people who have overcome illnesses and/or accidents. Amazing read full of romance and emotion! *I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
February 18, 2023
Ten long years have passed since they last saw one another, the day Rae left was soul crushing for both of them, even though Penn will never admit it. He thought letting her go was the right thing to do at the time, but it's something that he has secretly regretted everyday since. Now she is back in town, she has built a new life for herself, a life that doesn't have a place for him in it... or is there?
My heart broke for these two when I first met them in Saltaire and I have been dying to get my hands on the conclusion to their story, to see if they'd find a way to reunite and get the happily ever after they deserved. As I settled down with Return to Saltaire I felt myself immediately being pulled back into their world, the heartache settling in not long after, and a little spark of hope taking flight. It had been ten long years since their summer together, both not knowing what this reunion would bring, but both harboring a little excitement at the idea of seeing one another again.
Rae's life has changed a lot in the last few years, she left town thinking that Penn didn't have room in his life for her, so she found a man that did, a man that made her a promise of a future that she had always wanted. But after seeing Penn again and all those unresolved feelings coming to the surface she began to second guess her new life. Was she with the right man? Could a future with Penn really work out?
I loved every word of this perfectly crafted duet, even though its pages left me an emotional mess, it gave me everything I was hoping for in the end. A story with words I could lose myself in and get my emotional fix from, and characters that stole my heart and lingered long after the last page came. It's a story that proves that sometimes love is messy and you have to go through the mess to get to the good stuff... and these two finally found their good stuff! I highly recommend this one, its guaranteed to wreck you heart in all the best ways!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
My heart broke for these two when I first met them in Saltaire and I have been dying to get my hands on the conclusion to their story, to see if they'd find a way to reunite and get the happily ever after they deserved. As I settled down with Return to Saltaire I felt myself immediately being pulled back into their world, the heartache settling in not long after, and a little spark of hope taking flight. It had been ten long years since their summer together, both not knowing what this reunion would bring, but both harboring a little excitement at the idea of seeing one another again.
Rae's life has changed a lot in the last few years, she left town thinking that Penn didn't have room in his life for her, so she found a man that did, a man that made her a promise of a future that she had always wanted. But after seeing Penn again and all those unresolved feelings coming to the surface she began to second guess her new life. Was she with the right man? Could a future with Penn really work out?
I loved every word of this perfectly crafted duet, even though its pages left me an emotional mess, it gave me everything I was hoping for in the end. A story with words I could lose myself in and get my emotional fix from, and characters that stole my heart and lingered long after the last page came. It's a story that proves that sometimes love is messy and you have to go through the mess to get to the good stuff... and these two finally found their good stuff! I highly recommend this one, its guaranteed to wreck you heart in all the best ways!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
February 12, 2023
(I received an ARC for this book)
Trigger Warnings include:
for a full listing, which includes spoilers for the story, you can visit the author’s website
My heart was still in pieces after book one. And starting this one definitely didn’t help mend any wounds. Building a new life, a bright future, with another man doesn’t drown out the thoughts and feelings Rae drowns in every day of her life because of Penn. When life brings her back to the island for the first time in a decade, Rae decides that it’s finally time to say goodbye to her past and let in her future. The moment we spend time with Penn for the first time, I was reminded why he won my heart. He’s still just as selfless and kind, with a big ol’ heart! And I could NOT be prouder of the things he’s accomplished. Both professionally and personally. No matter what life tossed at him, he clawed his way through to build a better version of himself. Gosh, I feel like a proud mom! As their stories unraveled, the tears just kept coming. Every time I thought I was all cried out, I’d have an all new reason to cry. And no, it wasn’t always sad tears either! There were plenty of happy things worth crying over! We all had good cries together. Nothing will keep them apart. Penn and Rae want it all. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Especially the ugly. As long as they’re together. No matter the trials and tribulations, these soulmates aren’t meant to be anywhere but with each other. This is a love letter. Not just to Penn and Rae, but to the readers who fell in love with them. The readers who felt their love in their own hearts. These books are my heart song.
My Favorite Quotes:
• “You never had to beg for my heart. It was always yours.”
• “I’ve missed sharing firsts with you.”
• “We’re not whole unless we’re together.”
• “Never once has it not been you.”
• “Let me be that person for you.”
7/10 Dirty Birdy
10/10 Second Chance
10/10 Tearjerker
10/10 Series
This is my review for Saltaire
Trigger Warnings include:
for a full listing, which includes spoilers for the story, you can visit the author’s website
My heart was still in pieces after book one. And starting this one definitely didn’t help mend any wounds. Building a new life, a bright future, with another man doesn’t drown out the thoughts and feelings Rae drowns in every day of her life because of Penn. When life brings her back to the island for the first time in a decade, Rae decides that it’s finally time to say goodbye to her past and let in her future. The moment we spend time with Penn for the first time, I was reminded why he won my heart. He’s still just as selfless and kind, with a big ol’ heart! And I could NOT be prouder of the things he’s accomplished. Both professionally and personally. No matter what life tossed at him, he clawed his way through to build a better version of himself. Gosh, I feel like a proud mom! As their stories unraveled, the tears just kept coming. Every time I thought I was all cried out, I’d have an all new reason to cry. And no, it wasn’t always sad tears either! There were plenty of happy things worth crying over! We all had good cries together. Nothing will keep them apart. Penn and Rae want it all. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Especially the ugly. As long as they’re together. No matter the trials and tribulations, these soulmates aren’t meant to be anywhere but with each other. This is a love letter. Not just to Penn and Rae, but to the readers who fell in love with them. The readers who felt their love in their own hearts. These books are my heart song.
My Favorite Quotes:
• “You never had to beg for my heart. It was always yours.”
• “I’ve missed sharing firsts with you.”
• “We’re not whole unless we’re together.”
• “Never once has it not been you.”
• “Let me be that person for you.”
7/10 Dirty Birdy
10/10 Second Chance
10/10 Tearjerker
10/10 Series
This is my review for Saltaire
February 18, 2023
5/5⭐️
———ARC review———
“We’re broken together,” Penn whispers into my ear.
“But healed with one another,” I whisper back to him.
I liked this one so so much more than the first book. I finished it in one day. I could not put this book down.
It starts off 10 years after the first book ended, besides the first couple chapters, so it’s not a standalone. Raegan is engaged and living her best life, except she’s not on the inside. She still can’t seem to forget her first love, despite trying to erase the memory of him. She avoids New York and Fire Island because she’s afraid of seeing him, but when her uncle is getting married, she decides to go back to Fire Island. Will she see her first love? Will their love rekindle?
I can’t express how good this book is. I just love everyone, from the main characters all the way to the side characters. I will admit, I got super annoyed with Lily because miss girl could not keep her mouth shut with Raegan’s secrets. I also still think Lily and Jed will get together. They are always together and tell each other everything.
Penn’s accident broke my heart. I feel for him so much, and I’m glad with how the author wrote his experiences. Raegan and Penn’s love was so wholesome and amazing. No matter the challenges, their love always pushed through. They are the freaking blueprint. And I hope to find a love like theirs.
“I thought I could make myself love Joshua the way I love Penn, but I realize now that Penn has always held the final pieces of me, even when I thought he didn’t.”
Next book will be Eamon’s and I’m curious how that will go because I thought he already got his HEA. Maybe it���ll tell about his past? Either way, I’ll definitely read it.
———ARC review———
“We’re broken together,” Penn whispers into my ear.
“But healed with one another,” I whisper back to him.
I liked this one so so much more than the first book. I finished it in one day. I could not put this book down.
It starts off 10 years after the first book ended, besides the first couple chapters, so it’s not a standalone. Raegan is engaged and living her best life, except she’s not on the inside. She still can’t seem to forget her first love, despite trying to erase the memory of him. She avoids New York and Fire Island because she’s afraid of seeing him, but when her uncle is getting married, she decides to go back to Fire Island. Will she see her first love? Will their love rekindle?
I can’t express how good this book is. I just love everyone, from the main characters all the way to the side characters. I will admit, I got super annoyed with Lily because miss girl could not keep her mouth shut with Raegan’s secrets. I also still think Lily and Jed will get together. They are always together and tell each other everything.
Penn’s accident broke my heart. I feel for him so much, and I’m glad with how the author wrote his experiences. Raegan and Penn’s love was so wholesome and amazing. No matter the challenges, their love always pushed through. They are the freaking blueprint. And I hope to find a love like theirs.
“I thought I could make myself love Joshua the way I love Penn, but I realize now that Penn has always held the final pieces of me, even when I thought he didn’t.”
Next book will be Eamon’s and I’m curious how that will go because I thought he already got his HEA. Maybe it���ll tell about his past? Either way, I’ll definitely read it.
February 20, 2023
Raegan and Penn were simply destined to be together and this book is a beautiful reminder that if two people are meant to be together they’ll find their way back to each other.
I wish I could give this book 1000/5 stars but it still wouldn’t describe my love for it! My expectations for this book were extremely high after reading and loving Saltaire, and I’m so happy to say that Hazel Jacks did not disappoint with this sequel novel. Return to Saltaire had me feeling a rollercoaster of emotions. I laughed. I cried. I experienced so many different feelings and emotions while reading this book.
I adored the book playlist Hazel made and found myself being able to picture certain parts of the book so vividly in my head while I listened to the songs and read at the same time. The playlist also includes some of my all time favorite artists and bands (Taylor Swift, Jimmy Eat World, Yellowcard, Jack’s Mannequin, + more) so I have been blasting this playlist in my car everyday and it reminds me of the book!
I loved that Penn and Raegan grew so much during their ten years apart and liked that they formed their own paths and experiences but it was always clear that they never stopped loving each other.
I’m so sad to see their story come to an end, but I’m so excited for the next book in this series and can’t wait to hopefully discover more about the side characters. I’d love to read a book with Lily as the main character because I love her.
I hope you all love this book as much as I do!
Tropes/Themes:
Second Chance Romance
Spice 🔥
Beach Romance
Love Triangle
Dual POV
Soulmates
I wish I could give this book 1000/5 stars but it still wouldn’t describe my love for it! My expectations for this book were extremely high after reading and loving Saltaire, and I’m so happy to say that Hazel Jacks did not disappoint with this sequel novel. Return to Saltaire had me feeling a rollercoaster of emotions. I laughed. I cried. I experienced so many different feelings and emotions while reading this book.
I adored the book playlist Hazel made and found myself being able to picture certain parts of the book so vividly in my head while I listened to the songs and read at the same time. The playlist also includes some of my all time favorite artists and bands (Taylor Swift, Jimmy Eat World, Yellowcard, Jack’s Mannequin, + more) so I have been blasting this playlist in my car everyday and it reminds me of the book!
I loved that Penn and Raegan grew so much during their ten years apart and liked that they formed their own paths and experiences but it was always clear that they never stopped loving each other.
I’m so sad to see their story come to an end, but I’m so excited for the next book in this series and can’t wait to hopefully discover more about the side characters. I’d love to read a book with Lily as the main character because I love her.
I hope you all love this book as much as I do!
Tropes/Themes:
Second Chance Romance
Spice 🔥
Beach Romance
Love Triangle
Dual POV
Soulmates
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2023
Book 2 for Reagan and Penn see's us 10 years down the line from where book 1 left Reagan broken hearted and Penn regretting sending her away.
Now Reagan is returning to the Island for the first time since that fateful summer, for her uncles wedding. She knows seeing Penn is inevitable but she's engaged now to Joshua, she's unsure how she will feel seeing her first love Penn again.
That first meeting happens a lot sooner than either of them expect, when Reagan finds herself sat next to Penn on the airplane. Old feelings bubble to the surface for them both, but Penn also realises that Reagan doesn't know about the accident that happened and left one of their friends dead and him a paraplegic.
For both Reagan and Penn their journey forward is far from certain. Reagan has to resolve not only her feelings for Penn but for Joshua as well. Penn, whilst he's know almost since that day 10 years ago when sent Reagan away, that it was a mistake to do so, he's never really let her go.
Theirs is not an easy journey, it's a journey full of emotions and one where Reagan in particular has really search herself to find the answers and the peace she needs. I'm looking forward to reading more in this series.
Now Reagan is returning to the Island for the first time since that fateful summer, for her uncles wedding. She knows seeing Penn is inevitable but she's engaged now to Joshua, she's unsure how she will feel seeing her first love Penn again.
That first meeting happens a lot sooner than either of them expect, when Reagan finds herself sat next to Penn on the airplane. Old feelings bubble to the surface for them both, but Penn also realises that Reagan doesn't know about the accident that happened and left one of their friends dead and him a paraplegic.
For both Reagan and Penn their journey forward is far from certain. Reagan has to resolve not only her feelings for Penn but for Joshua as well. Penn, whilst he's know almost since that day 10 years ago when sent Reagan away, that it was a mistake to do so, he's never really let her go.
Theirs is not an easy journey, it's a journey full of emotions and one where Reagan in particular has really search herself to find the answers and the peace she needs. I'm looking forward to reading more in this series.
February 19, 2023
ARC REVIEW.
Thank you so much Hazel for inviting me into the Fire Island universe. 🫶🏼
"𝘞𝘦'𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘬𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳" 𝘗𝘦𝘯𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘺 𝘦𝘢𝘳. "𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳" 𝘐 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘪𝘮.
Oh my gosh, I was not expecting this second chance romance to be such an emotional rollercoaster. The surprises had my heart breaking more and more on every page, finding out the details from the last ten years.....
I'm so happy fate threw Penn and Raegan back together again after all this time, and seeing them re-connect and discover what their hearts really want is so strong and beautiful after all they've been through.
I'm so excited to read Eamon's story. 🫣
- Dual POV
- Second Chance Romance
- Soulmates
- Wounded Hero
- Love Triangle (no cheating)
𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗯𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸 𝗧𝗪.
- Multiple critical medical conditions and incidents that change the way of life, including mental and physical struggles. Loss of a loved one. Mentions of suicide and suicidal thoughts.
𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲, 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲, 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗵 𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀, 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗯𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲.
Return to Saltaire is available on Amazon and KU 21st February 2023.
Thank you so much Hazel for inviting me into the Fire Island universe. 🫶🏼
"𝘞𝘦'𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘬𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳" 𝘗𝘦𝘯𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘺 𝘦𝘢𝘳. "𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳" 𝘐 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘪𝘮.
Oh my gosh, I was not expecting this second chance romance to be such an emotional rollercoaster. The surprises had my heart breaking more and more on every page, finding out the details from the last ten years.....
I'm so happy fate threw Penn and Raegan back together again after all this time, and seeing them re-connect and discover what their hearts really want is so strong and beautiful after all they've been through.
I'm so excited to read Eamon's story. 🫣
- Dual POV
- Second Chance Romance
- Soulmates
- Wounded Hero
- Love Triangle (no cheating)
𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗯𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸 𝗧𝗪.
- Multiple critical medical conditions and incidents that change the way of life, including mental and physical struggles. Loss of a loved one. Mentions of suicide and suicidal thoughts.
𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲, 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲, 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗵 𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀, 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗯𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲.
Return to Saltaire is available on Amazon and KU 21st February 2023.
February 20, 2023
This was the perfect ending of Penn and Reagan’s story! Hazel Jacks left me utterly heartbroken at the end of Saltaire and the beginning of Return to Saltaire broke my heart all over again. But watching Penn and Raegan’s love grow again throughout this book made me so happy! I truly believed they were soulmates from the words written in the pages.
Ten years have passed since Penn left Raegan heartbroken on the beach her last summer on Fire Island and she hasn’t been back since. A chance encounter on the plane ride home for her Uncles wedding really sets up the story and I love how Hazel Jacks brings Penn and Raegan back together. I don’t want to give to much away because this book is worth reading but Penn has his reasons for staying away for so long. I’m a sap and cried sad and happy tears throughout this book. It was very well written and worth all the angst from the first book and the beginning of this book. If you haven’t started the Fire Island series you should. Exceptional writing and amazing story!!
Ten years have passed since Penn left Raegan heartbroken on the beach her last summer on Fire Island and she hasn’t been back since. A chance encounter on the plane ride home for her Uncles wedding really sets up the story and I love how Hazel Jacks brings Penn and Raegan back together. I don’t want to give to much away because this book is worth reading but Penn has his reasons for staying away for so long. I’m a sap and cried sad and happy tears throughout this book. It was very well written and worth all the angst from the first book and the beginning of this book. If you haven’t started the Fire Island series you should. Exceptional writing and amazing story!!
February 20, 2023
This is the second books from Hazel Jacks it is the ending to Saltaire. You will need to read that one first to understand this book.
I am absolutely in love with this story of Penn and Raegan! This characters are so amazing and I honestly feel like they are real people in my own life.
I knew going into this book that I was going to be emotional and I probably cried way more then I should have but that’s okay!
Reagan goes back to fire island because her Uncle Rhett is finally getting married to his longtime girlfriend Finn. She has not been back since the summer of 2004 before she left for college.
They haven’t seen each other in 10 years a lot can change in that time.. I am not going to give anything else away.. this book blew my socks off and Penn and Raegan will stay with my for a very long time. Well done Hazel Jacks!
Quote I loved- We’re broken together, Penn whispers into my ear
But healed with one another, I whisper back to him.
I am absolutely in love with this story of Penn and Raegan! This characters are so amazing and I honestly feel like they are real people in my own life.
I knew going into this book that I was going to be emotional and I probably cried way more then I should have but that’s okay!
Reagan goes back to fire island because her Uncle Rhett is finally getting married to his longtime girlfriend Finn. She has not been back since the summer of 2004 before she left for college.
They haven’t seen each other in 10 years a lot can change in that time.. I am not going to give anything else away.. this book blew my socks off and Penn and Raegan will stay with my for a very long time. Well done Hazel Jacks!
Quote I loved- We’re broken together, Penn whispers into my ear
But healed with one another, I whisper back to him.
February 15, 2023
Nothing and I mean nothing could have prepared me for Return to Saltaire. The beginning gives you a glimpse into the struggle Raegan went through trying to come to terms with the way things were left for her and Penn. Hazel used her words to paint a picture of absolute darkness and hurt...you could feel the desperation and emotion with every word.
I don't want to spoil anything but fast forward sometime and Raegan has put herself back together, she has a job she adores, a man who is beyond patient with her and the love of her best friend and brother. But one fateful plane ride changes everything.
Penn has always remembered Rae...there were so many times he wanted to reach out and tell her everything but never seemed to be the right time. And fate has brought these two back together...but there is a lot to acknowledge and discuss if they can move forward and be friends.
Can Rae and Penn forgive each other for the past and move forward in the future as friends?
This should come with a disclaimer "will make you cry."
Hazel the way you told their story was everything...thank you for creating these characters.
I don't want to spoil anything but fast forward sometime and Raegan has put herself back together, she has a job she adores, a man who is beyond patient with her and the love of her best friend and brother. But one fateful plane ride changes everything.
Penn has always remembered Rae...there were so many times he wanted to reach out and tell her everything but never seemed to be the right time. And fate has brought these two back together...but there is a lot to acknowledge and discuss if they can move forward and be friends.
Can Rae and Penn forgive each other for the past and move forward in the future as friends?
This should come with a disclaimer "will make you cry."
Hazel the way you told their story was everything...thank you for creating these characters.
February 16, 2023
The long-awaited second book in this series did not disappoint. The story of Penn and Rae is a poignant tale of lost love and the enduring power of the heart's deepest connections. Despite a decade of separation and no contact, there remains an unbreakable bond between them that is beautifully portrayed throughout the book. When fate brings them together on a plane, the story unfolds with an engaging mix of heartache, longing, and the quest for closure.
What makes this story particularly captivating is the depth of the characters and their journey. The reader can feel their pain and growth as they navigate life-changing events and face the unresolved questions that have haunted them for years. The author's skillful writing keeps you engaged throughout the story.
It's a moving story of love and heartbreak that will leave a lasting impression on the reader. Whether you're a fan of romance or just love a good story about the human experience, this book is sure to leave a mark.
Arc provided for an honest review!
What makes this story particularly captivating is the depth of the characters and their journey. The reader can feel their pain and growth as they navigate life-changing events and face the unresolved questions that have haunted them for years. The author's skillful writing keeps you engaged throughout the story.
It's a moving story of love and heartbreak that will leave a lasting impression on the reader. Whether you're a fan of romance or just love a good story about the human experience, this book is sure to leave a mark.
Arc provided for an honest review!
February 19, 2023
Now every time I listen to a song I think, could this be a heart song? And I love it! Return to Saltaire is the perfect ending to Raegan and Penn’s story that started in Saltaire. And I’m so sad to say bye to them for now! But luckily we get more of the Boys of Summer in future books in this series. As for Return to Saltaire, these reviews for books that I absolutely love are so difficult to write. I want to make sure I do justice to the story and the writing. That this is Hazel Jacks second book, her first being Saltaire, is amazing to me. You can’t help but fall in love with these characters. Who doesn’t enjoy a second chance love story of two fated people!? The way this story evolves and keeps delivering surprises makes you want to read it and never put it down until you are done with the last word! And that is definitely a 5 star read!
~Alexis💜
~Alexis💜
February 19, 2023
Reviewed for BBB Girls blog
Now every time I listen to a song I think, could this be a heart song? And I love it! Return to Saltaire is the perfect ending to Raegan and Penn’s story that started in Saltaire. And I’m so sad to say bye to them for now! But luckily we get more of the Boys of Summer in future books in this series. As for Return to Saltaire, these reviews for books that I absolutely love are so difficult to write. I want to make sure I do justice to the story and the writing. That this is Hazel Jacks second book, her first being Saltaire, is amazing to me. You can’t help but fall in love with these characters. Who doesn’t enjoy a second chance love story of two fated people!? The way this story evolves and keeps delivering surprises makes you want to read it and never put it down until you are done with the last word! And that is definitely a 5 star read!
Now every time I listen to a song I think, could this be a heart song? And I love it! Return to Saltaire is the perfect ending to Raegan and Penn’s story that started in Saltaire. And I’m so sad to say bye to them for now! But luckily we get more of the Boys of Summer in future books in this series. As for Return to Saltaire, these reviews for books that I absolutely love are so difficult to write. I want to make sure I do justice to the story and the writing. That this is Hazel Jacks second book, her first being Saltaire, is amazing to me. You can’t help but fall in love with these characters. Who doesn’t enjoy a second chance love story of two fated people!? The way this story evolves and keeps delivering surprises makes you want to read it and never put it down until you are done with the last word! And that is definitely a 5 star read!
February 20, 2023
This is the second and conclusion of Reagan and Penn’s story. It has been 10-years since Penn broke Raegan’s heart, and she is heading back to the island for her uncle’s wedding. Raegan knows it is inevitable that she will cross paths with Penn again, but it happens a lot sooner that she would have liked, as they are seated together on the aeroplane. Penn want another chance to prove to Raegan that they are soulmates, however she is engaged to someone else. It is too late to make amends for the past! This is a beautifully written emotional roller coaster, with intrigue palpable chemistry, regrets, romance, and love, which leads to a tragic and compelling page turner, which pulls at the heartstrings throughout.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
February 16, 2023
OMG, OMG, OMG, This book was unexplainable, it is one of the best books I've read, the way it's written, the way you connect with the characters, Jesus, this book made me feel like I've been rebuilt, destroyed, and rebuilt all over again, there is stuff you don't expect, I was shocked and heartbroken by some of the stuff, but the character development both the MC,s and side characters have is awesome, there's so many difference between the characters in Saltaire and the characters in this book and I admire them so much, they've survived a lot and were still able to be optimistic and able to forgive no matter what, I love them, I love the group so much, they're just awesome.
I also loved the fact that every song mentioned in both of the books was mentioned, that doesn't happen often and omg I love the concept of heart songs, it should definitely be a thing.
I also loved the fact that every song mentioned in both of the books was mentioned, that doesn't happen often and omg I love the concept of heart songs, it should definitely be a thing.
February 13, 2023
This story picked up 10 years after the previous book ended. Raegan and Penn living apart and not knowing what happened after their summer together on Fire Island.
Gosh I was not expecting this story to be so emotional and heartbreaking. The things this couple has to go through to get back together was incredible. The love they have and kept for so long will bring you to tears.
I could not put this book down. Finding out the details of their 10 years apart kept me up all night reading. I cried tears of sadness and tears of happiness. This story really melted my heart. Definitely one of my top reads of 2023. It is a must read but don’t forget the tissues!
Gosh I was not expecting this story to be so emotional and heartbreaking. The things this couple has to go through to get back together was incredible. The love they have and kept for so long will bring you to tears.
I could not put this book down. Finding out the details of their 10 years apart kept me up all night reading. I cried tears of sadness and tears of happiness. This story really melted my heart. Definitely one of my top reads of 2023. It is a must read but don’t forget the tissues!
February 20, 2023
If you read the beginning of Penn & Raegan’s story in Saltaire, this is the second part of their story and this story made me laugh and cry. If Saltaire ripped your heart out, this book puts it back together.
So much has happened to both Penn & Rae in the 10 years they have been apart. I can’t even get into it bc I’ll end up crying and spoiling things, so I’ll just say that it’s an emotional read but ultimately so fulfilling.
If you are looking for a second chance romance and emotional read with some angst and “it’s always been you” vibes, you need to check this out!
*ARC in exchange for a honest review
So much has happened to both Penn & Rae in the 10 years they have been apart. I can’t even get into it bc I’ll end up crying and spoiling things, so I’ll just say that it’s an emotional read but ultimately so fulfilling.
If you are looking for a second chance romance and emotional read with some angst and “it’s always been you” vibes, you need to check this out!
*ARC in exchange for a honest review
February 16, 2023
Wow, this one really played with my heart!
After reading Saltaire I couldn't wait for Return to Saltaire. Raegan and Penn's story picks up 10 years after saying goodbye to their summer together on Fire Island. Raegan tries to keep their bond going so she writes Penn letters. But she never gets one in return...
This one blew me away. I couldn't stop reading, yet I never wanted it to end. I swore I wouldn't cry if it got sad, but it wrung those tears out along with the laugh and the cringes. We do get an answer of why Penn hasn't responded to Reagan's letters, and it's a devastating one.
The emotions in this one and the maturity of characters... Totally captivating.
Easy 5 stars. And I'm so looking forward to the next book.
After reading Saltaire I couldn't wait for Return to Saltaire. Raegan and Penn's story picks up 10 years after saying goodbye to their summer together on Fire Island. Raegan tries to keep their bond going so she writes Penn letters. But she never gets one in return...
This one blew me away. I couldn't stop reading, yet I never wanted it to end. I swore I wouldn't cry if it got sad, but it wrung those tears out along with the laugh and the cringes. We do get an answer of why Penn hasn't responded to Reagan's letters, and it's a devastating one.
The emotions in this one and the maturity of characters... Totally captivating.
Easy 5 stars. And I'm so looking forward to the next book.
February 22, 2023
This one was beautiful....I was addicted from first page to the end. Raegan and Penn's story was phenomenal, these two deserved it all...my heart will never be the same. I definitely need to read book 1, but you can read this one without book 1. This was my first book by this author and i can't wait to read more of her words.
February 21, 2023
𝙍𝙚𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙎𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙧𝙚 𝙗𝙮 𝙃𝙖𝙯𝙚𝙡 𝙅𝙖𝙘𝙠𝙨
★ ★ ★ ★.5
𝘐’𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘤𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘴, 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘬𝘺, 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳, 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘪𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦.
This is everything I needed. Penn and Reagan…. I have no words. The love I have for these two… and the love they have for each other after all these years made my heart incredibly happy. I was an emotional wreck most of the way through this book.
“𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘙𝘢𝘦.”
(Seriously 🫠)
The only thing I need from this book is closure on Lily? I have questions. 🫣
Tropes
- Second chance
- Soul mates
- Love triangle
- Wounded hero
- Dual pov
- Beach romance
𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘗𝘦𝘯𝘯 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭. 𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘙𝘰𝘴𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘙𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘭, 𝘜𝘯𝘤𝘭𝘦 𝘑𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘉𝘦𝘤𝘬𝘺, 𝘚𝘦𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘚𝘶𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘳, 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘊𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘛𝘰𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘢.
Return to Saltaire is available now.
The covers are stunning and i will be purchasing my paperback.
★ ★ ★ ★.5
𝘐’𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘤𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘴, 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘬𝘺, 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳, 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘪𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦.
This is everything I needed. Penn and Reagan…. I have no words. The love I have for these two… and the love they have for each other after all these years made my heart incredibly happy. I was an emotional wreck most of the way through this book.
“𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘙𝘢𝘦.”
(Seriously 🫠)
The only thing I need from this book is closure on Lily? I have questions. 🫣
Tropes
- Second chance
- Soul mates
- Love triangle
- Wounded hero
- Dual pov
- Beach romance
𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘗𝘦𝘯𝘯 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭. 𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘙𝘰𝘴𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘙𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘭, 𝘜𝘯𝘤𝘭𝘦 𝘑𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘉𝘦𝘤𝘬𝘺, 𝘚𝘦𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘚𝘶𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘳, 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘊𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘛𝘰𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘢.
Return to Saltaire is available now.
The covers are stunning and i will be purchasing my paperback.
July 25, 2024
Not me tearing up on an airplane😭😭 I loved how real this was & how much the characters grew from the first book!! Such good early 2000s teen drama vibes. Love!!
February 13, 2023
WOW!!! 5 stars are not enough for Return to Saltaire! I have been patiently waiting for this and it did not disappoint however it did blow my mind!!!
February 18, 2023
This was a really good ending to Raegan and Penn's duet. Hazel Jacks is an amazing storyteller, and the duet was so well-written. I loved the whole love triangle aspect of the story, but nobody could break the bond that Raegan and Penn created 10 years before. A really well told story that I would definitely recommend!
June 3, 2023
The BEST sequel to the first story ugh my heart I love Penn and Reagan
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