Drifting Dawn

Scottish Isles Series, Book 2

By: Samantha Young

Narrated by: Shane East, Mhairi Morrison

After eighteen years, I’ve come home to the Scottish island of my childhood. It’s the place I vowed I wouldn’t return to so I never again had to see the man who broke my heart into a million pieces.

Yet family has inevitably brought me back, and avoiding my ex, Quinn McQuarrie, is proving impossible when he insists on digging up the past every time we meet.

Quinn is now a single dad, the local contractor, and the person the entire town is rooting for to get his happily ever after. The problem is, he wants me to be his HEA, and I just want to move on. When Quinn sees my plans to save the town’s volunteer lifeboat service as an opportunity to work together, I’m stuck with him. And, unfortunately, I soon realize there’s no denying that the chemistry we share has only grown more intense with the passing of time.

I know Quinn wants more than just a physical relationship, but it’s all I can promise with so much hurt and distrust between us.

However, when strange disturbances escalate to harassment, our lives are turned upside down, and Quinn proves he will do anything in his power to protect me. Even if it means losing each other before we ever get our second chance…

©2026 Samantha Young (P)2026 Samantha Young

Yearning

4.5 Stars ⭐️ Love the suspense plot and the angst of the second chance romance between Quinn and Taran. She broke up with him 19 years ago, and immediately regretted it. However, he made a mistake that she couldn’t get over. Now she is back on the island and he is not letting her get away. Quinn yearned for Taran. She frustrated me because of how even after 19 years, she couldn’t just communicate with him. I really liked his kids and the secondary characters.

Repeated formula gives nothing

Second chance romance that didn’t actually seen romantic at all. I love Samantha Young ands was so excited for this release — but this one was lack lustre and didn’t do it for me. Her formula for these books has been over done and I hope future novels give me a reason to care about the characters

Could have been better…

This was an okay listen, but not a favorite. The story leans heavily on miscommunication and repeated avoidance, which I find more frustrating than compelling after a while.

I also struggled with the female main character. While she was young and clearly hurt, it felt like she avoided taking accountability for choices that had lasting consequences, which made it hard to connect with her.

Narration was mixed. I always enjoy Shane East, but the female narrator’s slower pacing—especially in dialogue—disrupted the flow for me.

Overall, predictable but fine if you’re just looking for something easy to pass the time.

Another great Samantha listen!

This second chance romance was everything I wanted and more. Great performances and story. Highly recommended.

2nd chance at love & suspense

I ALWAYS enjoy Samantha Young books and even better it’s a SERIES!

The way I felt Taran’s grief and Quinn’s regret based on how Samantha Young strings words together is amazing!! Thank you for such an inthralling read. Please give us more (and maybe quickly?).