Somewhere You Belong

Carrington Cove, Book 1

By: Harlow James

Narrated by: Connor Crais, MacKenzie Cartwright

One letter changed my life. One night with him might change my forever. Inheriting a beach house in a small town you've never heard of is less than ideal.

Falling for the broody bar owner who hates me because he wants the house? Even worse.

I came to Carrington Cove for one reason: to renovate the home I knew nothing about, sell it, and get back to my life in D.C. and my multi-million dollar business. There was nothing on the agenda about falling for Dallas, the sexy former Marine who chastises me about my manners and withholds how to fend off the murderous geese on my property.

Fighting with him becomes our own messed up form of foreplay. But his tongue? Turns out it has other talents than just sparring with me verbally.

Our banter turns to moans in the dark, our arguments turn to learning more about each other, and the closer we get, the more I question whether I'm meant to stay here with the man I'm falling for.

Until one night, I realize that he and I share a connection neither one of us could have seen coming.

Would I leave this town feeling more lost in my life than ever before?

Or was it possible that I finally found somewhere I belong?

©2024 Harlow James (P)2024 Harlow James

Angsty and emotional

Somewhere You Belong is the first book in the Carrington Cove series, but it can be read as a standalone.

The beginning is so heartbreaking, but it leads to a beautiful story full of angst and healing.

Willow was strong and feisty. She wasn’t one to back down, and I loved that. Also, she was a successful business woman (she was a millionaire), and it was nice to see the FMC being the rich one (rather than the MMC).

Dallas was the owner of a bar in Carrington Cove, and when he met Willow…well, they did not hit it off. He was grumpy and just wanted the rich, stuck-up looking, grumpy woman out of his small town.

But…these two, once they spent more time together, had so much chemistry. There was a lot of tension between them, but they couldn’t deny the connection they felt. And once Dallas fell, he fell hard.

This was so cute, angsty, emotional, and had all the feels of the small town charm. I loved seeing Willow slowly let her guard down and fall in love with the town and its people. And they also welcomed her with open arms, despite her prickly exterior.

And the ending, ah! I can’t wait for the next book.

Narration style: Dual

Connor’s voice was perfect for the grumpy Dallas, and he truly brought him to life. I haven’t listened to Mackenzie Cartwright much, but I loved her narration. She did an amazing job with her character, Willow, and her “male” voice was fantastic.

Loved this Book!

If you’re looking for a story that’ll have you diving head first into the emotion and have you all in your feels, Somewhere You Belong by Harlow James is the perfect book for you.

Willow experienced massive loss at a young age, and has built sky high walls around herself as a result. But when a random letter and a gifted house brings her to Carrington Cove, her life is about to change in ways she never could have planned for. The only thing is, the local bar owner and former Marine, Dallas has had his eye on that house for years, and is willing to do whatever it takes to get it.

A story full of secrets, heat, and facing some of your biggest fears, Somewhere You Belong has everything you could want in a romance. It had bits of humor, plenty of spice, and will tug at your heartstrings throughout.

I’m not sure how to fully express how much I enjoyed this book by Harlow James. Two grumps. One stuck up multi-millionaire and an ex-Marine with a manners kink? Sign. Me. Up.

Add in Connor Crais and Mackenzie Cartwright to dual narrate, and Somewhere You Belong really did hit every corner of what I love about romance books. I’m ready to pack a bag and move to Carrington Cove tomorrow. Maybe without the geese though.

Get tissues ready

When the prologue pulls at every heart string, you know you are going to have a special book in front of you. This is Book 1 in the series, and Harlow James started it off string. Get your tissue ready for Dallas and Willow. This book will have you feeling every emotion, and I was here for it. I was fortunate enough to get to listen to the audiobook. There could not have been a better pairing than Connor Crais and Mackenzie Cartwright. These two did such a phenomenal job conveying the different emotions these characters were going through. This book and the narration deserves so much more than 5 stars. It will be in my top 5 for 2024 for sure.

A great beginning to a new series!

I was so beyond excited for this new release from Harlow and it did not disappoint!
When we first met Willow in the Newberry Springs series, I remember thinking ‘she would be a fun FMC’ and I’m so glad Harlow brought her to life in her own story. I loved her tenacity and fierce independence, but you could tell those were defense mechanisms to keep her heart safe. Until she walks into the bar in Carrington Cove and meets Dallas.
I’m always a sucker for a story about an ex-military character, and this was no different. They always end up being some of the most heartfelt and loving humans because of what they’ve had to endure, and Dallas is no different. He’s the grumpy and scruffy bar owner who has a thing for manners (didn’t think that was a thing, well it is!). He’s so intrigued by Willow and everything she does and as we all know, things change pretty quickly in small towns.
The chemistry and banter between Dallas & Willow was so so good! I love that they’re both grumpy and standoffish because the sass is amazing! I loved seeing them slowly break down each others walls and open up to the other about their pasts and their fears.
I can’t wait for the rest of the series and to follow even more chaotic and loving stories in Carrington Cove!

Best narrators! Great story!

Sweet romance and great overall story, but my favorite was the narration-great voices for romance!

small town charm

I've listened to this twice. It was so good. The enemies to lovers was so well done and the sparks were incredible throughout.

I also loved the town and the friendships Willow made. I love how even though she was a total city girl that she opened herself up to small town life.

This book isn't a light beach read and that is probably why I loved it so much. I love books that make me feel and that bring me to tears. The grief representation in this was so good. I loved how Dallas' family supported each other. I also loved how the military families supported each other.

The narrators of this book were incredible. I highly recommend on audio. But it is also on KU if you prefer.

I received an advanced listening copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review.

Amazing story & narration

Wow! Somewhere You Belong by Harlow James was a fantastic book and the author’s storytelling was beautifully written that it will give you all the feels. I devoured this book right from the prologue and could not put it down. I loved Dallas and Willow, how fate brought them together and enjoyed how their relationship developed throughout this book. I also enjoyed Willow and Astrid’s friendship and that Willow was able to appreciate Carrington Cove and a place to call home. Connor Crais and MacKenzie Cartwright did an amazing job bringing this story to life. They were able to convey all the different emotions the characters were feeling without missing a beat. I highly recommend listening to the audiobook as it will bring you a whole other level of enjoyment.

Military Romance

The military romance between Willow and Dallas has angst, banter, and a hidden secret that brings them together. I’m excited to read the second book.

Love this book!

This was such a fun listen. I laughed, I cried, Dallas is such a great guy and I love the banter with him and Willow! Narration was fantastic!!

WOW!!

It was nice to see a billionaire be a woman instead of a man! It takes a great character like Dallas to be equal to a woman like Willow. I loved seeing the strong Willow being vulnerable with Dallas. They really brought out the best of each other once they got out of their own way! I thought this book was amazing!!!! 💜💙