Author: Alexis Grace

Series: Pine Rock

First Published: 03 January 2026

“…everything will be okay. I’ve got your six. Always.”    

I will start by saying that I was given an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. These opinions are my own. Thank you so much to Alexis and Grey’s Promotions for sending a copy my way!

Six years ago, I kissed my brother’s best friend. He thinks I don’t remember but I do…

Roman is my kryptonite. Ocean eyes, lonely heart and a nasty habit of saving my ass. But I’m done needing my ass saved.

The plan

Return to my hometown.
Open a coffee shop.
Avoid Roman Banks like my life depends on it.

My family think my new business venture is the latest in a long list of bad decisions, but I’ll do whatever it takes to make the coffee shop a reality, even work with the one person who is most definitely off-limits.

I vow to keep things professional but when Roman learns I lied about not remembering our first and only kiss, it’s game over. The boy who said we could never be, is now the man who looks at me like I’m his.

But my reckless past is coming back to bite me. Someone isn’t happy I’m back in Pine Rock and this may be one problem even Roman can’t fix.

As well all know, I’m not a huge fan of small-town romance, but I knew I should just trust Alexis Grace because I adored Wreck the Waves. My emotions were all over the place. I was hooked from the opening chapter and flew through this.

Lola has returned home after six years abroad. She left Pine Rock on bad terms. Her childhood love and brother’s best friend, Roman, rejected her on her eighteenth birthday and at the same party, she was drugged and sexually assaulted. Lola had always wanted to travel, but after the events of her birthday, she left and didn’t plan on coming home. Throughout her travels, she finishes her business degree and discovers a passion for coffee. Lola, now homesick, returns home with a plan to open a coffee shop. Her family and the whole town are against her, thinking that the coffee shop is just another one of Lola’s rushed, poor decisions. The only person who seems to be in her corner is the one person she wants to avoid, Roman. She vows to keep things professional between them, but the closer they work together, her feelings come out in full force, and maybe Roman feels the same. As the coffee shop launch comes closer, a series of setbacks threatens Lola’s dream. It’s clear that someone wants Lola to leave Pine Rock.

Lola is a force to be reckoned with. She was a wild child in her teens. Unfortunately, the small town of Pine Rock still sees her as an irresponsible person, even though she’s been living overseas for six years. They don’t know the person she’s grown up to be. It broke my heart that even her family didn’t believe that she could successfully open her coffee shop. Lola spent years running away from Pine Rock after her fateful birthday and has grown up a lot. Not many people could backpack across the world, managing their own expenses, jobs, travel and visa requirements for years. I adored watching Lola deal with the ups and downs of setting up her shop. The way she yo-yos from I’ve got this to I’m way in over my head felt so realistic. She freaks out at each setback before standing back up and working through it. I loved how the town rallied behind her opening. It helped to heal the self-belief that she’s a failure.

Roman was sent to live with Lola’s family during the summer holidays as ax teen because his rich parents couldn’t be bothered spending time with him. Both her parents see him as an accessory. Especially his father, who wants him to take over the family business and won’t take no for an answer. Luckily for Roman, he found a family with the Fords. He fell in love with Pine Rock and bought the orchard as soon as he could. He loves his life, which is why he’s so hesitant to start a relationship with Lola. Despite living in the community for so long, he still feels like an outsider. He also struggles to believe that people will love him unconditionally, partly because of how his parents treat him. I adored when Roman realised that he’s worthy and he’s part of this community.

When a friends-to-lovers romance is done right, it’s one of my favourite tropes, and it was done perfectly here. I adored the little scenes we get at the top of each chapter because they add to the history of Lola and Roman’s relationship. The tension and longing between the two are palpable from the first page. I ate it up! Lola is haunted by Roman’s rejection on her birthday and is convinced that he only sees her as a pseudo-little sister. Roman is equally worried about how dating Lola would affect his relationship with his best friend and Lola’s brother, Mason, and that Lola is only interested in a casual fling. I love how they both support each other and help to stand up against their shitty parents. I was especially swooning when Roman put Lola’s father in his place. His unwavering support and belief in her were amazing. It’s something we all need from our loved ones. The steam is here do be steaming. The fuck-it moment at the store left me panting. Who knew there was such dominance behind Roman? I will be Roman’s good girl any day!

For a small-town romance, this is on the darker side. It’s not as dark as Alexis’ Of Mine series, but Lola hasn’t fully healed from being assaulted, and there is kidnapping and blackmail. These add to the tension and angst. I thoroughly enjoyed this plot point.

I loved Lola and Roman and was endlessly charmed by this seaside Canadian town. I’m excited for the next book in this series. If you love an angsty romance with a sprinkling of small-town charm, a hint of romantic suspense and a whole heaping of it’s always been you, Wreck the Waves is the book for you!