Charley's Confession

Mountmooke Series, Book 1

By: Elizabeth Chayse-Williams

Narrated by: Kate Clover, Ryan Pierson

When Harry Met Sally has nothing on these two....

Charley

Life in Mountmooke Bay is safe, predictable, and exactly how I’ve built it as a single mom. My sixteen-year-old son, Troy, keeps me on my toes with baseball and teenage antics.

I don’t need a man in my life—but a little fun on the side? I could go for that.

Then an old crush shows up and we strike a deal: friends with benefits, no strings, and absolutely no one needs to know.

But as things heat up, I start to wonder…am I in over my head, or is he exactly what I’ve been missing?

Drew

I never planned to come back to Mountmooke Bay, but Gran needs me, so here I am.

Then I run into Charley. The girl next door has grown into the kind of woman I can’t ignore, and all she’s asking for is a little excitement.

What happens when “just fun” becomes so much more?

Charley’s Confession is a steamy, heartfelt small-town romance about rediscovering love when you least expect it. A friends (with-benefits) to lovers story and the first in the trilogy, this happy-for-now ending will leave you just like Charley…begging for more.

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Sweet and Spicy with Room to Grow

Charley’s Confession is a fun introduction to the Mountmooke Series, blending small-town charm with a friends-to-lovers romance that packs plenty of heat. Charley, a single mom with a good-girl image and a hidden wild side, reconnects with Drew when he returns to Mountmooke Bay to care for his grandmother. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the mix of tender moments and steamy encounters makes for an engaging listen.

While I enjoyed the story overall, there were times when the pacing felt rushed. Some chapter transitions seemed to skip over details, leaving me wishing for smoother flow and a bit more depth in certain scenes. Despite that, the characters were likable and relatable, and I found myself invested in their journey.

The narration by Kate Clover and Ryan Pierson adds warmth and personality to the characters, making the emotional and intimate moments even more enjoyable.

This is a solid start to the series, and I’m curious to see where the author takes these characters next. If you enjoy small-town romance with a spicy edge, this one is worth checking out.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.

Good premise

I enjoyed the overall story and characters. There were pieces I did feel were left either unresolved or not resolved in a satisfying way to the reader. I also wish there was a little more on page development with some side characters especially Troy. Additionally, there were some time jumps that had a lot happen off page, that was only briefly explained or not explained at all and just made it a little hard to follow, or didn't make sense. Narration was done well.

Fun and Real

The story follows a hard-working single mom of a teenage boy and a fun-loving, down-to-earth firefighter. It touches on real, raw emotions as Charley navigates love and relationships, with narration that really hones in on those feelings. Charley is adventurous and fun, and the narration brings that out beautifully. There were moments where I felt Drew’s narration could have used a bit more emotion, but it never detracted from the story. The ending felt slightly abrupt, but overall the book made me laugh, and I deeply resonated with so many of Charley’s emotions as a mother.

A feel good romance.

I really enjoyed this small town, second chance, friends to lovers romance. Charley and Drew. Two good people deserving of each other. Very compatible, especially in the bedroom. Very spicy. Fun dialogue.

The dual narration of Kate Clover and Ryan Pierson really brought personality and feels to these characters. 5 stars for them as well.