Rachel Gibson’s 2017 books are all about character-driven romance, and 'Run to You' nails it. Ethan’s this alpha with a soft center, and Stella’s got this resilience that makes her so compelling. Their love story’s got just the right mix of tension and tenderness.
Gibson’s side characters are equally memorable, like the nosy small-town folks or the ex-military pals who add humor and heart. Her writing makes even the quieter moments feel significant, whether it’s a shared glance or a heated argument. It’s the kind of book where you finish the last page and immediately want to flip back to your favorite scenes.
If we’re talking Rachel Gibson’s 2017 lineup, 'Run to You' is the standout for me. Ethan and Stella’s story is this perfect blend of suspense and slow-burn romance. Ethan’s got this brooding intensity, and Stella’s vulnerability hides a ton of strength—it’s impossible not to root for them. Gibson really shines when she writes about flawed characters finding their way to each other.
I also adore how she weaves in secondary characters, like Stella’s quirky best friend or Ethan’s tight-knit unit buddies. They don’t just fade into the background; they add layers to the main relationship. Gibson’s books always leave me with that warm, satisfied feeling, like I’ve just spent time with old friends.
Rachel Gibson's 2017 releases brought some unforgettable characters to life, especially in 'Run to You'. The story revolves around Ethan and Stella—two people who couldn't be more different. Ethan's this rugged, protective type with a military background, while Stella’s a free-spirited artist running from her past. Their chemistry is electric, and the way Gibson writes their banter makes the romance feel so real.
Then there’s 'The Trouble with Valentine’s Day', which technically isn’t from 2017, but I always end up revisiting it because Rob and Grace’s dynamic is just chef’s kiss. Rob’s the grumpy small-town sheriff, and Grace is this city girl who’s way out of her element. Gibson has this knack for making even the most tropey setups feel fresh with her sharp dialogue and emotional depth.
2026-03-22 15:55:20
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Ashley Black thought she had it all. The perfect marriage and the perfect husband until one night he came home breaking her heart into a million pieces.
"You will walk out of this marriage as you came into it, with only your clothes. You won't get sent nor will you get a house or a car. Sign them and get lost." I fight back the tears as I signed the papers and when I look at him I almost gasp as I saw the hate he has as he look at me.
"The day you realize you made a mistake it will be too late," I tell him emotionless as I walked to the door just as I was about to step out I feel someone grabbing my arm hard making me whimper, "Why would I want someone as disgusting, ugly as you again? I'm glad I finally got rid of you why would I want to come running back to you Ash?" I feel my heart shattered into a million pieces as I hear him say those hurtful words.
Ashley left the house heartbroken and pregnant after he chased her away.
Five years later Adrian realized the mistake he made back then but the question is will Ashley forgive him?
Find out what will happen between Ashley and Adrian in this romance.
Lots of people are asking so here it is:
Branston high series order - Jake, Nathan, Shane, Luke, Billy.
Thank you so much for reading xxx
~~~~
Luke doesn't do relationships, he enjoys a long line of willing women and has no desire to change that.
One day the new girl at school asks him to teach her how to kiss. No relationship, no strings, a simple student/teacher relationship or is it?
Lots of people are asking so here it is:
Branston high series order - Jake, Nathan, Shane, Luke, Billy
Thank you all so much for reading!
~~~~~
Jake has one goal in life - protect his brothers and keep his family together. He has to find a job, earn his keep. He doesn't have time for trivial things like friends and girlfriends.
Kim wants freedom, adventure and excitement. She's not interested in living a life of regrets or what if's.
A chance encounter with the stoic and mysterious new guy in school, has Kim adamant to bring a little joy to his life, even if he doesn't think he wants it.
Jenny has a secret, one that she hasn't told a single person: she's not single, but her boyfriend has a strict family that doesn't allow relationships.
After months of guarding it closely and playing the part of the happy singleton, one night is all it takes for that secret to come out.
For reasons she doesn't understand, she spills everything to a stranger she never thought she'd see again, but he's got other ideas.
Will her love be strong enough to withstand lies, betrayal and a jealous, possessive guy she desperately wants to forget?
"Sheltered her entire life, Jubilee Thornton yearns to spread her wings and fly after a childhood marked by illness. Her first goal? To attract the attention of the handsome schoolteacher she’s had a crush on for years, Heath DiMarco.
One fateful night, Jubilee throws caution to the wind and kisses Heath—until he pushes her away and tells her they can never be together.
Heartbroken, Jubilee vows to forget Heath and live the life she’s always wanted. In a fit of inspiration, she creates a list of resolutions: to go skinny-dipping, to go on dates, and to finally lose her virginity.
Heath DiMarco moved to the small town of Fair Haven seven years ago to escape the memories of his past. Now a well-respected elementary school teacher, he can’t afford to have a dalliance with the youngest sister of his best friend, no matter how much that single kiss on Halloween night shook his world.
That is until Heath finds Jubilee’s list of risqué resolutions. He can’t bear the thought of her with any man but him.
Yet he knows he can’t have her himself. Instead, Heath decides he’ll vet the men Jubilee wants to date. Jubilee agrees, but only if he teaches her how to flirt—and how to kiss.
He knows he should tell her no, but he can’t resist the temptation she presents.
As desire heats to a roaring flame between them, secrets threaten everything they both hold dear. Unless they untangle themselves from a dangerous web of lies, they will face heartbreak—or be transformed by a passionate love."
Oh wow, if you mean books where a character named Rachel is central, I've got a little rolling list that I always bring up in conversations.
First off, 'The Girl on the Train' puts Rachel Watson at the center — she’s the unreliable, alcohol-tinged narrator who obsesses over a couple she watches from the train. The other important players there are Megan Hipwell (the woman who disappears), Anna Watson (Rachel’s ex’s new wife), Tom Watson (her ex), and Scott Hipwell (Megan’s husband). That book is all about perception and memory.
Then there are very different takes: 'Crazy Rich Asians' features Rachel Chu as the sympathetic, slightly bewildered outsider who gets thrown into Nick Young’s impossibly wealthy family — Nick, his mother Eleanor, BFF Peik Lin, and Astrid all matter hugely. 'My Cousin Rachel' revolves around Philip Ashley and Rachel (the title character) in a tense, gothic swirl of suspicion. And for urban fantasy fans, Kim Harrison’s series puts Rachel Morgan front and center, with sidekicks Ivy Tamwood and Jenks and recurring figures like Trent Kalamack.
They’re all vastly different Rachels — unreliable narrator, fish-out-of-water, ambiguous heroine, and tough-as-nails witch — so pick whichever vibe you’re craving and dive in.