Headlines:
Second chance
Careers and families
Anxiety representation

I sunk neck-deep into this story that captured my heart and mind within pages of starting. This return to On Dublin Street characters and context was highly anticipated to me and I found a fresh feeling in this second generation and all the goodness of Braden and Joss in the background.

The main characters in Callan and Beth clashed from the off with Callan moving into Beth's apartment building. There was a slow reveal about why these two had complications from the past that was all a bit sad.

Beth was a sparky character and she made me laugh in the way she befriended Callan's mates and one night companions. I loved seeing Callan irritated by this. Callan took a little longer to get to know and there were things about his character I was unsure of but I was brought around by small behaviours that grew him into eventual good guy territory. The football game was strong in this sports romance and Beth's career got equal air time.

Talking of Beth and her career, she had anxiety and this felt really well represented. The writing of this conveyed the depth of impact and feelings in the acute moments. This was where Callan shone for me.

Joss and Braden were in this enough for me to be satisfied without overtaking the MCs. I loved reconnecting with these two, their dynamic, banter and seeing them of parents of adults. What a treat!

This was a 24 hour read for me, difficult to put down, easy to turn the pages and it left me wanting more (of Baird). I have a lot of needful thoughts about he's doing. I cannot wait to read more from this series that has started oh so well!

Thank you to the author for the review copy which has not affected my honest opinion.