Under the Same Sky by Claudia Burgoa
Under the Same Sky by Claudia Burgoa is everything I love about a small-town romantic suspense novel. It’s packed with emotionally wounded characters, gripping tension, and a slow-burn romance that absolutely wrecks you. In the best possible way.
Right from the start, Burgoa pulls readers into the story with a prologue that explodes with intensity. The mystery hits fast, and you immediately need to know what happens next. Enter our heroine, Nysa Calloway, who returns to her hometown after years on the run. She brings with her the emotional baggage and a resilience she doesn’t yet realize she has. Coming home isn’t just difficult—it’s terrifying. Yet, it’s also where she finds Hopper Timberbridge.
Hopper is the definition of a grumpy single dad. He’s broody, emotionally closed off, and burdened by secrets from a life he won’t talk about.
However, underneath the armor, he’s fiercely loyal, quietly protective, and completely undone by his two-year-old daughter, Maddie. And let me just say—Maddie is an absolute standout. She’s not just a plot device; she’s vividly real, full of charm. All the while, written with a level of authenticity that adds emotional depth to every scene she’s in.
Moreover, the complicated relationships between Hopper and his brothers bring another layer to the story. Their dynamic is messy—full of unresolved tension, loyalty, and attempts at healing old wounds. Burgoa doesn’t shy away from the challenges of family, instead showing the push-and-pull of fractured bonds trying to mend.
What truly sets Under the Same Sky apart from other small town suspense books is the seamless blend of emotional intensity and suspenseful storytelling. With every interaction between Nysa and Hopper, the tension simmers just beneath the surface. The stakes feel high, and the romance unfolds in a way that’s both aching and satisfying. This isn’t a fluffy love story—it’s a journey of healing, reconnection, and learning how to trust again, even when it hurts like hell.
If you’re looking for a gripping small-town romance with suspense, raw emotion, and a beautifully developed slow burn, Under the Same Sky is a must-read.
If you love your romance with a side of mystery, a complicated family dynamic, and a hero who quietly breaks your heart before piecing it back together—Under the Same Sky belongs on your TBR now.
Tropes & Themes:
✔️ Small Town
✔️ Romantic Suspense
✔️ Grumpy Single Dad
✔️ Found Family
✔️ Secrets and Past Trauma
✔️ Return to Hometown
✔️ Forced Proximity
✔️ Slow Burn
POV: Dual First Person
Want more Claudia Burgoa? Check out this Author Spotlight Interview
