Back in May 2025, I wrote about my visit to Willow Shade Island and how I fell for the Barrett brothers. I’d only read the first two books in the series, but I knew I’d be back. Thanks to a discounted Kindle Unlimited subscription, I returned to the island this week to read How Sweet It Is and Can’t Help Falling in Love, the third and fourth books in the series.
While Book 3 has been out since July last year, Book 4 only released in December, so I didn’t feel too far behind. Before diving in, I did a little refresher by rereading my earlier reviews and skimming the blurbs for the first two books. My efforts paid off, and I stepped straight back onto Willow Shade Island without spending the first few chapters trying to remember names, places, or which Barrett brother was which.
How Sweet It Is centres on Levi Barrett and Claire (also known as Amelia), delivering a workplace romance with plenty of sparks and tension. Claire’s connection to the Witness Protection program added a layer of suspense that kept things interesting, while the early bickering between her and Levi slowly softened into friendship and then something more.
I enjoyed the overall baking focus, including the gluten-free treats Levi perfected and behind-the-scenes moments that added warmth and texture to their romance. The small-town island setting once again shone, reinforced by lively conversations with friends and familiar faces. That said, Claire’s parents were… not my favourites. At all. Some characters exist purely to test a reader’s patience, and they most certainly succeeded!
Can’t Help Falling in Love concludes the Barrett brothers’ romances with Micah Barrett and Cricket’s story. As the youngest couple in the series, their relationship has a coming-of-age feel. Both are eighteen and trying to figure out college, careers, independence, and where they stand with each other.
Their lifelong friendship added both sweetness and complication. Cricket’s long-held feelings clouded her ability to read Micah’s signals, while Micah’s anxiety amplified the “in love with my best friend but terrified to say it” trope. Their journey was full of emotion, missteps, and growth, making it a well-rounded and heartfelt conclusion to the brothers’ stories.
Although the Barrett brothers’ romances wrap up here, the Willow Shade Island series isn’t finished with readers yet. A fifth book releases next week (yay!), focusing on a character introduced in Book 4, and I’m hoping to squeeze that one in before my Kindle Unlimited subscription runs out.
If you’ve already visited Willow Shade Island, these two books are a satisfying way to complete the Barrett brothers’ story. If you’re new to the series, well… the island is always ready to welcome more visitors.
Until next time,
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