I loved every minute with these two, even the uncomfortable ones.

Neve is so sure of herself despite having to defend her career at every turn to her family. She knows who she is and she isn't willing to compromise that and for that alone I loved her. Neve is also fiercely loyal... to both her friends and her coffee addiction.

Leo, oh my heart. This soft, complicated man who is struggling to overcome his demons, seems to know what he wants only to have to fight his doubts. He's the character we get the most growth from and the vulnerability in that was so beautifully written. He is so damn worth being patient for.

Their chemistry, *fans face*, right from the jump you can feel the tension in the air, like on a humid summer day when you know a storm is coming. Except when the storm comes for these two, wow! They are HOT! But it's not just their physical chemistry that Santos covers, Leo and Neve just work. She's there for his quiet moments and he's there for her pain filled ones. You truly believe that they'll stick by one another through all the things, good or bad.

The east coast vibes were spectacular, I could practically smell the sea air, my finger hovered over flights to Nova Scotia more than once.

I was also wondering what I needed to renovate in my home because Neve had me itching to paint something. The design stuff was like watching a cozy HGTV show without the corny jokes.

Speaking of jokes, I laughed out loud more times than I can remember. Neve in particular is hilarious, even when she's not intending to be.

From Away is one of those books I'll think about when I hear a gull cry or wave crash. The kind of book that when you finish, you sigh because everything seems right in the world.

It's such a good start to the series and I cannot wait to see what Santos has in store for us because there are so many side characters I am desperate for more of!

🪻ARC Review🌷 5/4 Release

🌟Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
💧Drip-o-Meter: 💦💦💦
💗Something I Loved: About this book? Most everything. No, but really… Cristina always writes the most captivating and interesting characters, ones who feel entirely real and who charm to the point that it’s impossible to not root for and fall in love with them. Neve and Leo are no different. Their personalities shine through the page, their pasts give them depth, and their chemistry… absolutely addicting.
🫤Something I Would Have Changed: Well that third act breakup really hurt my feelings. I wouldn’t change it…. I’m just identifying my newest need for therapy. 🤣
🥰Favorite Moment: Mothers Day… just everything about it *clutches chest* 🌧️🥧But also Leo’s response to Aunt Flo. The overall sentiment wasn’t necessarily new (any good book boyfriend better respond similarly) but his approach was one of my favorites yet 🍰 #letthemeatcake
🌶️Spiciest Scene: I think it’s probably chapter 26. But chapter 21 also has a special place in my… nethers, I guess? Heart’s not the right term (that’s reserved for the spice in chapter 34). Let’s just say there wasn’t a bit of disappointment with the spice. Not a bit. 🥵
📚Standalone vs. Series: Book 1 in Cristina’s new #BalsamBay series. Literally frothing at the mouth for book 2.
📖Would I Recommend: Absolutely. I’ll read anything Cristina writes, but I do have my favorites and this one is now up there. I absolutely loved the characters (main and secondary) and the setting (does it really rain that much in Nova Scotia and if so, who wants to marry me so I can become a citizen? 🇨🇦), and can’t wait to keep inhaling this series. It definitely had me shedding a few tears but Cristina’s humor truly tickles me and I also cackled numerous times, especially at Neve and her unconscious innuendos. Jeepers this was a banger and I’m so grateful to Cristina for always trusting me with her ARCs.
💬Tropes: Workplace Romance, Forced Proximity, Divorced FMC, Social Anxiety Rep, Small Coastal Town

Gruff & grumpy Leo looks like a lumberjack and is a man of few word but once he opens up, you can tell he is much more than his appearance and attitude would suggest. Neve is a no-nonsense woman who knows what she wants and what she doesn't want so when Leo comes into her life, she doesn't know what to think except she can't keep her mind off of him. The chemistry between these two was wonderful and the spicy scenes were immaculate. I actually didn't even know if this book would be spicy considering the cover doesn't really give much away, but when Leo starts talking, whoooo boy, I knew we were in for a special treat. That man delivers in all aspects. This was a wonderful spicy romance and I can't wait to read about the couple in the next book in this series!

Also? The fact that he sets up a tab to pay for her coffee addiction is my love language <3

Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.