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Hazel Island #1

Forever Mine

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They’re just friends…until one kiss changes everything.

After a messy divorce, Gwen Parker retreats to idyllic Hazel Island to start a new life. She has no time for relationships now, not when she has a bed and breakfast to run.

No matter that her friend, the gruff and ruggedly handsome Jack Benson, makes her yearn for more.

Yet Gwen knows that she’s too broken from her first marriage to risk heartbreak a second time.

Jack Benson prefers to live a solitary life. As a fisherman, he’s well-aware that relationships, like the tides, come and go.

Gwen is special, though. She makes him want a different life, one that he never thought he’d want.

But Jack can never act on his attraction to Gwen and risk ruining their friendship.

When temptation proves to be too much, Jack and Gwen can no longer ignore the heat between them.

As the past rears its ugly head, can these two friends let go of old heartbreaks to embrace a newfound love?

197 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 12, 2021

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About the author

Iris Morland

44 books1,084 followers
A coffee addict and cat lover, USA Today bestselling author Iris Morland writes sparkling, swoon-worthy romances, including the Flower Shop Sisters and the Love Everlasting series.

If she's not reading or writing, she enjoys binging on Netflix shows and cooking something delicious.

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5 stars
219 (42%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
Profile Image for Anindita ლ.
227 reviews111 followers
December 29, 2022
The new novel in the small-town romance series, which is set on a small island south of Seattle, introduces us to Gwen, the proprietor of the bed and breakfast on the island. This series features eccentric characters and quaint town charm.

Gwen is a kind businesswoman, yet she guards her personal life like the Federal Reserve's vault doors. Jack is merely an introvert because of his upbringing. Their relationship is special and trustworthy, quietly deepening over time. Going further is difficult, but feelings are stronger. Fear of prior comments and family criticism makes moving forward more difficult. It was breathtaking to see as they slowly pulled back their protective walls and barriers since they each had so many of them in place.

The interaction between Gwen and Jack was great to watch! They transitioned from being friends to friends with advantages, which I found endearing, but they also just seemed to find so much comfort and calm in one other's embraces. Although their former relationships may not have been the best, I admired their commitment to one another and the passion that did grow between them. Their friendship and the way everything turned out in the end both appealed to me.

I kept flipping the pages because the plot was compelling and nicely written. There are a lot of strong people and strong emotions in it. Although the story went smoothly, the finale sadly had the impression that the author was rushing to tie up loose ends.

The book is an overall decent, entertaining small town romance comedy. Not your average pals to lovers scenario. Not negatively, but certainly not in the way I had hoped. It was still enjoyable.
Profile Image for ☆☆Hannah☆☆.
3,160 reviews41 followers
January 14, 2022
This was a good read. Gwen and Jack are friends. They decide to take it further. It's complicated for them due to each of their pasts. Luckily in the end everything works out and they get their happy ending.
Profile Image for BookAddict.
1,732 reviews141 followers
October 8, 2021
Welcome to Hazel Island, the newest book world from one of my favorite queens of small-town romance. With quirky charm, vivid characters and no mosquitoes (can I move there now?!!) this inviting setting will welcome you with open arms and feel like home.

Gwen Parker believes something in her is broken. Still, she survived her husband's betrayal and the subsequent divorce and she's rebuilding her life as the owner of the new bed and breakfast on Hazel Island. She plans to avoid romantic relationships and stick with what she's best at – running the B&B.

Jack Benson is a man's man, a fisherman by trade and a man of few words who never talks about feelings. He might scratch an itch when it needs it, but his partners never spend the night and they know the deal up front. He doesn’t really have friends, and certainly not female friends, but in the five years he's known her, Gwen has managed to work her way inside his friend zone and under his skin.

I love these two so much! They’re both so relationship avoidant that it's great entertainment watching them tiptoe across the hot lava of getting closer and becoming vital to each other. Their journey is raw and messy and authentic, making it impossible not to love everything about them. Warn your people not to disturb you then settle in and start reading this phenomenal, heartfelt, swoony romance today! Your romantic heart will thank you.
October 18, 2021
Get ready for a new series from Iris Morland! Based on a small-town island outside of Seattle, this series gives us both quirky characters and quaint town charm, we meet Gwen, who owns the island’s bed and breakfast. After going through a rough divorce, Gwen feels that she’s broken after analyzing what went wrong in her marriage. Jack is a local fisherman who has had a difficult childhood that has affected him through adulthood. He’s always had a thing for Gwen, although she’s been oblivious to it, but he finally gets his chance with her after seeing her in a time where he can help fix the problem at hand. This book was a little difficult of a read for me because I felt like it started a little abruptly as well as I felt like I was missing something from the characters and their backstories, and it made it a little hard to relate or understand the characters. Thankfully, this couple was able to get their HEA and Gwen was able to expand her budding business!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Becky Claxon.
1,927 reviews12 followers
October 9, 2021
Gwen opened a bed and breakfast in an old house she had made over after she divorced her husband and moved to Hazel Island off the coast by Seattle. Her husband was abusive mentally to her where she felt she couldn’t be intimate with her husband. She is petrified to try with anyone now as her husband beat her down so much. It’s kind of funny that Jack who delivers her fish is one of the quietest and to himself of anyone on the island and they both have an interest in each other. I was impressed with how gentle and patient Jack was with Gwen. I hated how Jack was raised and how much it has affected him as an adult. There were definitely problems the two needed to work through. Some of Gwen’s friends were real characters. It was an interesting book. I was given a copy of the book and voluntarily wrote a review.
Profile Image for Mary McFarlane.
641 reviews6 followers
October 19, 2021
This was cute but I wish we could have gotten more with Danny or the restaurant. Maybe Danny will come back in a different book but I felt like the whole story should have been about her restaurant and then working together on that. Oh well, let’s see how book #2 is
Profile Image for alli.
217 reviews19 followers
October 18, 2021
3.5 was so excited for Gwen and the sexy fisherman Jack but it just didn’t give 😭
Profile Image for Maria.
238 reviews11 followers
January 16, 2023
Meh, unfortunately the writing style is just not for me. Also, the MMC was less of a grumpy teddybear and more of an asshole. Gwen deserved better.
1,376 reviews7 followers
October 12, 2021
This book is a very emotional read. I loved both Gwen and Jack. Both of them have gone through so much in their pasts that neither is ready for a relationship. These two develop a friendship that brings them close together. That friendship sparks something between them that neither are ready for. This book will take you on a journey of these two that is messy, complicated and so much more. You honestly do not want to miss reading about it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
841 reviews1 follower
October 13, 2021
This was a good start to a new series that Iris is bringing us. I found her writing a few years back with the Thortons series so I'm thrilled for another series. This one won't be family based I'm assuming like the Thortons but instead at Hazel Island. I loved the sound of Hazel Island in NC and enjoyed the folks we have been introduced to. I enjoyed Gwen and Jack. They both were down on themselves in different ways based upon their past and it was nice to see them come together and slowly start to become their full self. I loved watching Jack fall for Gwen and not knowing how to deal with it. It was a good start to a new series I know I'll enjoy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Delacey.
1,083 reviews8 followers
October 23, 2021
An enjoyable story with two characters who have their own set of baggage. I liked the H & h, and you can see how much they each cared for each other before they started circling each other relationship wise. The book had a few amusing parts, but I don't think I would classify this book as a comedy. Overall, an enjoyable story. * I received an ARC of this book from Hidden Gems and this is my voluntary and honest review.
Profile Image for Cindy van Wyk.
266 reviews14 followers
December 8, 2022
Bubbly BnB owner Gwen and gruff, reticent fisherman Jack have apparently been friends for five years but don't know much about each other when they begin a 'friends with benefits' arrangement. Gwen has issues with sex and the whole 'I'll show her how good it can be' vibe from Jack was just... Ew. His character was terrible and his choices made no sense. It's a nope from me.
Profile Image for Kait.
99 reviews
October 15, 2021
Very sweet, friends to lovers romance novel with charming characters and an PNW island full of rainy romantic entrances that are sure to make you go weak at the knees.

Both main characters, Jack and Gwen, have baggage. Jack is closed off, gruff and a little rough around the edges but an absolute cinnamon bun at heart. Does so many things right, and then so many things so very, very wrong. All in the foolish attempt at trying to protect others from knowing the pain of his childhood. Gwen has been left dealing with the emotional abuse of her ex-husband. Finally willing to come out of her shell for the right person. They are fully rounded out characters with emotional weight but enough breezy romance to not get too heavy.

I can’t wait to read the rest of the books in this collection! The characters were adorable and the setting was charming. This was a fun, sweet and steamy romance that I just couldn’t put down!



** I am voluntarily leaving this review after receiving an ARC of this book, all opinions herein are my own **
Profile Image for Amber.
5 reviews
October 8, 2021
I had the opportunity to read an ARC copy of this book and I am so happy that I was given this chance! This story was great, the characters felt well developed and I was seriously invested by the end of the story. I loved the feel of Hazel Island, the author did such a good job of bringing it to life. The love story was sweet and spicy all at the same time! Jack made my heart break more than a few times throughout the story. Overall this was a great, easy read and I am so glad I got a chance to see it a bit early. Can not wait to read more stories from this author!
1,217 reviews8 followers
November 8, 2021
Forever Mine is the first full length romance set within the Hazel Island series. Gwen and Jack have been friends since she moved to the island, but now they want to try something a little more. Both have baggage from their past, both are a little bit broken, but they’re finding that together, they feel safe and whole. When one realizes deeper feelings, will that bring them closer together, or drive a wedge permanently between their friendship and relationship?

I started this book thinking I would just take my time, but once I got into the book, I found I didn’t want to stop reading! I really enjoyed the dynamic between Gwen and Jack! I liked how they went from friends to friends with benefits, but also just found so much peace and comfort in the arms of each other. Gwen felt so unlovable after she split with her ex-husband, so she had a beautiful transformation within these pages, finding her confidence and freedom to feel what she does feel. Jack was really reserved, not one to talk about his feelings and had a lot of pride and refused to ask for help. They might not have been the best with relationships in their past, but I loved the devotion they had towards each other, and the passion that did develop between them. I liked their connection, and I loved how everything played out in the end. I do wish that Jack could have felt more comfortable with opening up and trusting at the very least Gwen with his past and heart. This book was a great introduction to a new series, with new side characters I want to learn more about, and all in all, I really liked this book!
1,759 reviews8 followers
October 12, 2021
I was so excited for this new series by Iris Morland. I am a fan and have enjoyed her other series so, unfortunately this book was a bit of a disappointment. I wanted to love these characters on Hazel Island but, all they do was annoy me. Jack is an okay guy with a lot of issues. They are understandable to a degree but, not to his extreme behavior. The platonic relationship with Gwen takes a turn toward awkwardness as the flame of desire starts to spark between the two. Gwen is no better. Her ex-husband really did a number on her self esteem and she is all over the place with her feelings for Jack. Once again, it is understandable to have serious doubts about starting a relationship and becoming intimate with someone new after the horrors Gwen has suffered. However, she gives off so many mixed signals at the beginning. I had a difficult time waiting for these two to get their acts together. As far as some of the supporting cast of characters go, they don't work for me either. Jocelyn and Alex's fragile sibling relationship is juvenile and petty. Luke, Jack's friend, is smug and condescending. These "friends" seem selfish, inconsiderate and do not really have each other's backs as they should.

Not to be down on everything, the book is well written and there are parts of the happy ending that I found to be a good turn of events. All is how it should be after the drama and clashes of events between Gwen and Jack.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.
3,171 reviews30 followers
October 12, 2021
This is book one in The Hazel Island Series and it is Gwen and Jack's story and what a great start to a new series. When Gwen's abusive husband betrays her and then she goes through a messy divorce she is not only devastated, lost and feels broken but decides to run a B & B on Hazel Island and rebuild her life and she is definitely not ready for a relationship any time in her future. Jack is a fisherman and he is quiet, broody and grumpy and he definitely doesn't do relationships or commitment of any kind especially after what he has been through. Gwen and Jack have some much baggage and trust issues after what they both have been through but there chemistry is so strong and they are also perfect for each other in every way that matters and there walls are so high that it will take a special person to break them down. You find yourself hoping that they will be able to overcome all there hang ups to get that something special that they both deserve and a happy ending but will it happen only time will tell. I absolutely loved this book and I couldn't put it down as it was a real page turner and so addictive and the storyline you in right from the start and kept your attention right until the last and and I can't wait to read the next book in this series. Iris Morland is an amazing author and writer and I have read many of her books and I look forward to reading more in the future.

I Voluntarily Reviewed an Arc Copy of this book
Profile Image for Rebmay.
1,868 reviews27 followers
October 12, 2021
Can two wounded souls really find a happily ever after together? Both Gwen and Jack have suffered horrific emotional and mental abuse at the hands of someone who was supposed to love and support them unconditionally. While Gwen can be a chatterbox and is always sociable, Jack is often silent, broody, somewhat rude and socially distant. He has had his share casual encounters and one night stands with women, while she has avoided dating and any intimate encounters since she left and divorced her husband. They are not looking for love or companionship, but somehow these two forge a friendship. Time has changed their perceptions of each other, deepened their connection and sparked tender feelings for each other. Jack offers his financial support for Gwen’s plans to expand her business, but when other obligations and business troubles make this impossible, Jack closes up shop and leaves Gwen behind, heartbroken and bewildered. Both are forced to deal with their pasts, the residual pain and their feelings for each other. Most importantly, they finally open up to each other in order to reach toward love and that once elusive happily ever after.

Gwen and Jack’s story is emotional, complicated and captivating. They are two characters that are very realistic, intriguing and relatable. I look forward to reading the next book in this series. I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
1,415 reviews10 followers
October 12, 2021
Another fantastic small town romance by Iris. In the first book of the Hazel Island series, we get the privilege of meeting Jack and Gwen. Jack is a fisherman who is down on his luck. He is estranged from his brother and has a very rough relationship with his mom. He is content being single and scratching the itch when needed. I wish the relationships with his his family, especially his brother, would have been dealt with more. Gwen believes something in her is broken. She isn’t looking for a relationship because her ex destroyed her heart.
Jack and Gwen are business associates and find each other attractive but don’t believe the other would want anything more than friendship. The characters are wonderful and well developed. I loved the connection between them, even when they weren’t admitting their feelings for one another. Jack is a truly nice guy, but he is stubborn and proud. When he offers to help Gwen fund her dream he is all in, until something unexpected happens. I was so irritated with him at this point, and if I were Gwen I probably would have made him grovel a little more
Overall, I loved this book. Even though there were some things I wish were wrapped up a little tighter, the main points were taken care of. I can’t wait to see what happens next in this little town. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.
Profile Image for Kelly  DeMarco.
1,788 reviews5 followers
October 10, 2021
He’s an island unto himself, she’s the safe harbor surrounding him
Forever Mine (Hazel Island Book 1) by Iris Morland is a wonderful romance in a fascinating small town island setting and characters that will invade your heart. Jack is aloof, a little bit grumpy, a lot broody. Behind his gruff exterior that tends to keep others at a distance is a heart of gold that only Gwen gets a glimpse of. Gwen guards her own heart because of a painful past, but is still girl next door sweet and savvy business woman.
The plot is so emotional from both Gwen and Jack’s perspectives as both of them have issues that make connection and trust difficult. They develop a solid foundation through friendship along with the sexual chemistry that builds. The anticipation as the steaminess increases is as sweet as it is sensual. Jack is absolutely swoon-worthy and just exactly what Gwen needs. Jack convinces himself that it’s all for Gwen, but he needs her as much as she needs him, but stubbornly refuses to acknowledge it.
Overall, stubbornness leads to a mistake, generous though it was. Jack returns and redeems himself, setting him and Gwen up for a truly wonderful and promising HEA.
I read an ARC of this book and voluntarily share my review.
885 reviews
October 11, 2021
Gwen and Jack have been friends for several years. Both have moved to Hazel Island to make new starts in their lives. Neither one wants a relationship but they find each themselves attracted to each other. Gwen runs a bed and breakfast. Jack is a fisherman and supplies fish for Gwen's bed and breakfast. Gwen is wary of a relationship because her ex-husband did a job on her mentally and called her cold and unable to have sex. Jack has family problems with a mother who is an addict and only gets in touch when she wants money. As Gwen and Jack explore their friendship and try to take it to the next level, Gwen learns to trust her body with Jack. Things get complicated when Jack feels like he's let Gwen down by not being able to follow through on his offer to back her new restaurant idea. His fishing isn't going well and he's having to dig into his savings for repairs plus his mother wants money. Instead of working it out, he leaves the island without talking to Gwen. Will they be able to salvage their relationship before it's too late? I really like this new series by Iris Morland. I'm looking forward to the next book. I received an advanced copy to read early by Hidden Gems and I'm leaving my honest review.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
74 reviews
October 12, 2021
Jack & Gwen are both transplants to Hazel Island and local businesses owners. Jack owns his own fishing business and sells salmon to Gwen for her bed and breakfast. Jack is a bit of a loner due to his childhood and Gwen is emotionally reserved due to awfulness from her time with her ex husband - so both have their fair share of emotional baggage.

After 5 years of friendship they enter into a no strings attached relationship. While reading I had a hard time relating to Gwen and found myself frustrated that she wouldn’t just open up and be honest about her past. She had people in her life that cared about her, and she didn’t open up to them - which I recognize is a defensive mechanism but one I’m always frustrated with. At the same time I was frustrated with Jack for being so closed off and not opening up to Gwen or his friend about why. That’s said, both characters are likable despite my personal annoyance with them and I was rooting for them to overcome their insecurities and flourish together! Their non-relationship relations was filled with steamy moments and emotional highs and lows. Overall I enjoyed reading their story and look forward to the next installment!
3,201 reviews33 followers
October 9, 2021
🌊🛥 Fisherman Jack reeled me in!🎣

4-4.5🌟 stars
I liked this easy-to-read romance which had a good balance of emotion and steam. I am not a big fan of extended bedroom scenes and Morland brought the heat without overdoing it for me. The secondary character count was kept fairly low and that kept the focus on divorced innkeeper Gwen and commercial salmon fisherman Jack who finally open themselves up to be more than friends.

Jack, the lead male in this first novel in a romance series about the folks on a small island off Puget sound, was the character that seemed most real and sympathetic for me. His need to keep his problems to himself and not rely on the help of others just seemed so true to life for a guy whose family life was so messed up. He WANTS to do the right thing regarding Gwen but what he wants and what he achieves don't always mesh.

I now have a taste for the Hazel Island series and will be looking for more.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

Profile Image for Jackie Wright.
4,872 reviews107 followers
October 11, 2021
4.5 Stars for Forever Mine (Hazel Island #1)
Iris Morland is a new author to me but after my visit to Hazel Island I will certainly be checking out her other books as well as looking forward to the rest of this series. If you love small town romances with strong characters look no further than Gwen Parker and Jack Benson’s journey.
Gwen is rebuilding her life after a bitter divorce and she is determined to concentrate on building her business a B&B on Hazel Island. Relationships are not in the cards for her until she gets close to local fisherman Jack.
Jack is a man of little words, not looking for anything mote than a few nights means he could be the perfect friend for Gwen but what happens when this friendship turns into so much more. Will this couple take a chance on love or will their pasts ruin what ever future they could have.
This is small town romances at its best, it’s a heartwarming, swoony love story they will tick all your boxes. Looking forward to my next visit to Hazel Island to catch up with a couple more locals.
672 reviews7 followers
October 12, 2021
Gwen Parker has started a new life on Hazel Island after her divorce from a husband that cheated and abused her verbally. She is running a very successful bed and breakfast and a lot of that has to do with her personality and smile. Jack Benson, a fisherman, supplies her with fresh salmon and even though he thinks the world of her, he plans to remain distant and live alone. He comes from a home where his mother was either drunk or doing drugs. As she feels her children owe her and Jack was the oldest, he took care of her and his young brother until he couldn’t take it anymore. He walked away and moved to the island where he became a fisherman, had his own boat and loved every minute of it until the fish became scarce and he was having trouble making ends meet. They both had their struggles from their past that they kept to themselves but could they learn to trust each other and find that they were good for each other?
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
7,636 reviews46 followers
October 10, 2021
Even though Gwen is a personable businesswoman, she guards her personal life like the vault doors of the Federal Reserve. Jack is simply a loner, made that way by how he grew up. Together, Jack and Gwen remind me of the old joke about how porcupines mate. They’ve both got so many walls and defenses in place to protect themselves, it was a beautiful sight to see as they peeled them back. I loved the way Jack showed Gwen that her ex’s shortcomings weren’t her fault and how Gwen pulled Jack out of his solitude. I thought these two made a wonderful couple once they stopped bristling at one another. There are the seeds of some interesting things to come for some secondary characters. I already can’t wait to find out what happens next.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book through Booksprout.
676 reviews2 followers
October 20, 2021
3.5* ARC Review – Start of a new Series
I was first introduced to this author through an ARC program and have read most of her prior series, the Thortons. The new series takes place on Hazel Island off the coast of Washington. It has most of the characteristics of a small-town romance and interesting secondary characters for further books in the series. This book focuses on the friends-to-lovers story of Gwen Parker and Jack Benson, who both live on the island and have built a friendship over the last five years. As the story develops, they begin to see each other as more than friends. Unfortunately, they both have a lot of baggage from their past lives and are reluctant to try to move forward. Although, I liked many parts of the book, I found both characters’ inhibitions frustrating and did not feel they resolved them in the end.
5,530 reviews57 followers
October 26, 2021
Jack is a salmon fisherman who keeps to himself and does not talk about his life. Gwen is a divorcee who opened a B & B five years ago, which is doing well and she wants to expand. Their friendship is unique and trusting, growing slowly and closer as time goes by. Fear of things said in the past as well as family comments, makes going farther harder, but feelings are stronger. Loved the characters, who are heartwarming in their compassion and trusting natures, and their strength and devotion to close friends and family. The storyline deals with many issues and topics held by people in these situations, giving you a better view of where the characters are coming from and why they act that way. Would you go against your family, even if they do not understand how you feel? Great ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
10.1k reviews84 followers
October 12, 2021
Gwen is still bearing the emotional scars from the aftermath of her failed marriage, so she returns to Hazel Island to put some distance between her and the situation and open a Bed & Breakfast where she reunites with her friend Jack.

Jack is a fisherman who has a difficult past of his own who when it comes to relationships is more familiar for people wanting him for what they can do for him rather than for who he is. Just when he and Gwen start to become more than friends when life hands them a curveball will they be able to find their way back to each other?

After all that Gwen and Jack have endured, I enjoyed seeing them open their hearts and learn to trust other so that they can have the happiness they both deserve.
Profile Image for Nathathida Atirekasâra.
1,125 reviews6 followers
October 14, 2021
Gwen and Jack's story is friends to lovers romance. Both Gwen and Jack have moved to Hazel Island from their past. They both also have their own baggages so the story is a little bit angst. While the story is well written, I find that I don't impressed by Jack's behaviors much and it effects my feeling while I am reading the book. I totally understand why he lives like a lone wolf and with his personality and interactions with a lot of islanders, he should be stronger than this... I think. But I like Gwen. She is strong, smart, and lovely. Actually, I like Jack more when he's with Gwen. She seems to bring the best of him out. Anyway, with Gwen and Jack's businesses, they have connections with a lot of people so it is quite a good start of the series though.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews

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