Hibiscus Heights by Jan Moran

Hibiscus Heights by Jan Moran is a sweet second-chance, small-town romance. The story had so much potential—I enjoyed it, but I wanted more from both Deb and Grant to make their reunion feel truly satisfying.

Deb is an independent, successful heroine, and I loved that about her.

She’s built a life on her own terms after having her heart broken, and she’s clearly a strong woman. But at times, it felt like she was holding back. I wanted to see her really embrace her second chance instead of keeping so much of her emotional wall in place. And with the budding relationship with Matteo, it makes the reader wonder what will become of their story. (This is NOT a love triangle.)

Grant comes back to Crown Island as a devoted dad.

I really liked his relationship with his kids—they were bright, heartwarming spots in the story. But when it came to his romance with Deb, I struggled a bit. His redemption arc felt a little too easy. I wanted him to o show that he had grown beyond the man who ghosted her all those years ago. And be the one that told her the real reasons for him not coming back to Crown Island.

That said, the small-town vibe and Crown Island setting are still wonderful, and the closed-door romance fits the tone of the story well. The history between these two characters adds emotional depth, and the glimpses of family and community life are what kept me turning the pages.

Overall, Hibiscus Heights is a nice read if you love second-chance romances with heartfelt moments and a cozy setting. I just wish there had been more emotional intensity and character growth to make Deb and Grant’s reunion feel as epic as their history promised it could be.

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