Book Review: Where We Started: A Smalltown MC Romance (Stone Riders MC Book 1)
When I first stumbled upon Where We Started by Ashley Muñoz, I’ll admit, my heart skipped a little beat. Motorcycle club romances have this unique allure—there’s something about the combination of leather jackets, passion, and a hint of danger that truly captivates me. But Muñoz brings so much more to the table, intricately weaving themes of heritage, love, and personal growth that had me hooked from the very first page.
The story follows Callie, who unexpectedly inherits her late father’s motorcycle club’s headquarters—a legacy that carries both nostalgia and turmoil. As she attempts to navigate her new reality, she finds herself face-to-face with Wesley Ryan, the former boy next door who now stands as the club’s dangerously handsome president. Their history is palpable, layered with childhood memories that shift into a complex and intense present. The push-and-pull of their relationship was beautifully crafted, amplifying the enemies-to-lovers trope while maintaining an emotional depth that made their journey feel genuine.
Muñoz’s writing style is remarkably engaging—she has a knack for blending humor with heartache, and it’s evident in Callie’s interactions with her lovable Great Dane, Maxwell. The moments of levity sprinkled throughout the drama made me chuckle and provided a delightful counterbalance to the heavier themes of loss and betrayal. One of my favorite lines encapsulated this perfectly: “His bark is worse than his bite—until it isn’t.” It resonated with me not just as humor but as a reflection of the duality in relationships, which is a recurring theme here.
The pacing kept me eagerly turning pages. The tension between Callie and Wesley crescendoes beautifully, making their chemistry almost tangible. I appreciated the dual timelines that allowed readers to glimpse their past while rooting for them in the present. It reminded me that love, lost and rediscovered, often comes from a place of shared history, childhood innocence, and unresolved feelings that echo through time. As one reviewer put it, “The found family vibe is always sure to win my heart,” and honestly, it had me swooning.
This book also left me pondering significant themes—such as the burdens of family legacies, the scars of lost love, and the importance of healing from trauma. Callie’s want for independence juxtaposed with her ties to the motorcycle club made her a relatable character; I loved her strength and determination to reclaim her narrative. There were moments where I found myself wanting to shake Wesley, hoping he would open his heart just a little wider, and I think many readers will relate to that mix of frustration and affection.
In conclusion, Where We Started is a delightful read for those who revel in second-chance romances laced with nostalgia, steamy encounters, and a touch of suspense. If you enjoy stories that explore deep emotional connections and personal transformations set against the backdrop of a motorcycle club, this book is undoubtedly for you. As I closed the final pages, I felt a bittersweet longing—for both the characters and for more stories from this captivating world. Ashley Muñoz has set the stage beautifully for what promises to be a riveting series, and I’m here for it, eagerly awaiting the next installment.
You can find Where We Started: A Smalltown MC Romance (Stone Riders MC Book 1) here >>