Vera Gallagher is chasing constant. For four years, her life was anything but normal. And the years before that she refuses to even remember. Dwelling on the past only hurts. Life is fragile, a lesson her mother taught her well. She’s determined not to waste a moment of her newfound freedom.
Maybe some would consider her crush on Mateo Eden wasted time. Maybe some would call her a fool for loving a man who hasn’t once dropped a crumb of interest her way. Still, to Vera, it’s Mateo or nothing.
He’s handsome. Charming. Witty. And he loves his family the way Vera loves—with her whole heart.
Maybe he’ll never notice her. Maybe she’s too damaged, too broken, to find that normal life she craves. Maybe her secrets will always keep them apart. But Vera will love him anyway. Whether Mateo realizes it or not.
An unrequited love, small town romance.
Quotes:
“This life of ours was clear and a million.”
“Some of us hadn’t started with the last name Eden. Some of us had changed it with marriage. But every person in this house claimed it. We were the Edens.”
My thoughts:
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain minor spoilers for those who have not yet read the first five books in the Edens series.
The final installment of the Edens series has solidified my admiration for Devney Perry. While the series may not have been without its imperfections, it came remarkably close. As for Mateo and Vera’s story, Sable Peak was nothing short of perfection.
These characters have secured a permanent place in my heart. It was a joy to witness the entire Eden family together one last time, but what truly stood out was the deeper exploration of Mateo and Vera. Both characters revealed layers beyond what had been previously shown. Mateo, in particular, proved to be far more complex than earlier portrayals suggested, and the introduction of his daughter, Allie, played a significant role in his development. His growth, shaped by his relationships with both Allie and Vera, was beautifully portrayed. Vera’s journey was equally compelling. Having missed out on so much during her years on the run, she had considerable ground to cover. With the support of Mateo and the Edens, she evolved from a resilient woman into a confident one, unafraid to rely on others when needed.
The plot of Sable Peak was less intense and fast-paced compared to previous books, yet it remained thoroughly engaging. This story placed greater emphasis on character development, focusing on Mateo and Vera’s individual growth and their evolving relationship. While there was a minor mystery surrounding Vera’s father, it served as a secondary plot point rather than the central focus.
The chemistry between Mateo and Vera was exquisitely portrayed. I would categorize their romance as a slow burn, which felt entirely fitting given their long-standing friendship. The gradual transition from friends to lovers allowed their relationship to unfold naturally, building tension until the moment things finally fell into place.
Overall, bidding farewell to the Edens is bittersweet, but this conclusion was everything I could have hoped for. Sable Peak left me feeling content and smiling long after I turned the final page.
No additional notes—this was the perfect ending to the Edens series. This series has it all: romance, family dynamics, emotional depth, and suspense. If you haven’t dived into it yet, make this the year you do. You won’t regret it.