Book Review | Worth The Wait – J. Sterling (Sugar Mountain Series, Book Two)

Worth The Wait
By: J. Sterling

Series: Sugar Mountain
Book # in Series: 2 of 3
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Trope: Second Chance, Band of Brothers, Small Town
Publisher: Inspire Magic
Publication Date: January 24th, 2025
My Rating: ✮✮✮✮
My Reading Format: I received an eArc to review honestly.

Synopsis:

I’ve been in love with Addison Whitman since high school. I knew right away that she was my end game and I thought she felt the same. I never thought there’d come a time when she’d leave me behind, but that’s exactly what she did. And as much as I’ve tried to move on and be happy without her… the truth is that I can’t do either of those things. I want one woman, and one woman only, but I don’t think she’s ever coming back.

Leaving Patrick was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do, but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to chase my dreams in New York City. Not to mention the chance to reconnect and spend time with my little sister. I never expected to stay away from Sugar Mountain for so long, but it’s been almost 4 years now and I haven’t been home once.

How long is too long to stay gone?
And can love find its way back together after that much time apart?

honey-script.light

Worth The Wait is the second book in J. Sterling’s Sugar Mountain Series. If you’re new to this series, have no fear, Patrick O’Grady and Addison Whitman’s story can be read as a standalone!

Patrick once had his happily ever after within fingertip reach. Until those dreams of a fairy tale ending came to a screeching halt when Addison is accepted into a prestigious culinary school. He knows this is an offer she can’t refuse, and even though it’ll crush his very soul, he’s willing to put his life on hold for the two years it’ll take for her to complete the course. Four years later, and Patrick has made a vow to himself, if one more year goes by without Addison showing up, he’ll do what he can to try and move on from the life he had envisioned for so long…

For the past four years Addison has been living in New York City living out her dreams one day at a time. She should be filled with joy, but instead, she’s consumed with loneliness. Her heart belongs next to the heart she left behind in Sugar Mountain. When her dad has an accident, Addie is forced to return to all that she left behind, including her one true love.

My Thoughts:

J. Sterling has a way of pulling reader’s into her novels and not letting them go until the very end. The moment I read the synopsis for Worth The Wait I knew I needed to read this book soon and happily it did not disappoint! My heart loved Patrick and Addison’s story. And honestly, if you are new to this series like I am, be prepared to want to read the first book in this Sugar Mountain Series, Worth The Fall!

Before I dive into my points on the main characters I’m going to say if you like novels that incorporate the band of brothers trope you most definitely will love this series. I’m one book in and I’m already really enjoying this trope! If you love strong family vibes, this is definitely a must read book for you! I loved the O’Grady family just as much as I loved the Whitman, minus one family member, family!

Let’s start with Patrick O’Grady! Patrick took my breath away from the moment he stepped on the page of this book. I loved his charm and how he wore his heart on his sleeve. What can I say aside from I’m a sucker when it comes to male characters not being afraid to show vulnerability in front of family and the women they love. It hits me in the feels every damn time and I’m here for it! I dropped a ½ star on Patrick’s side of the story because I wanted to see him in his element and working more with his hands. I wanted to see the part of his character that wasn’t attached to Addison. I wanted to get to know the man for who HE is. But aside from that, I loved this man and his swoony vibes!

And then we have Addison Whitman. Addison’s life is complicated, and it shows! I think she’s the character that I had the most trouble understanding…. And when you read this novel, you will completely understand why I said what I said. Here’s a woman who is caught between her dream of becoming a well known chef in New York City and her picture perfect love story in Sugar Mountain. My heart broke for her throughout this novel, but not only for the decision she had to make, but also for the way she was treated. I literally wanted to reach into this novel a throat punch one particular character in particular. Never having to see this character again would make my day! DAMN! And herein lies the reason why I dropped a ½ star on Addison’s point of view. I felt like there were a few gaps in her story where it concerned her family. I was given a glimpse into what looked like a disaster zone, and now I want to know the full story and why a certain member of said family seems to dislike Addison so much. There has to be a story there.

Overall, I really enjoyed Worth The Wait by J. Sterling. Patrick and Addison screamed Couple Goals! Here’s a man who gave no ultimatums and a woman who never stopped loving the man of her dreams. I loved the whole concept of this novel. I’ll wrap up this review by saying, I need Matthew’s story now! I have a feeling the youngest brother is going to give his older brother’s a run for their money where the swoon factor is involved!

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