Blackout by Kimberley Anne follows Harley James, a young woman who is trying to rebuild her life after the tragic loss of her father. She is left to run her family’s bakery business in Melbourne while also trying to manage her own emotional trauma. Needing a break, Harley finds herself at Black’s Bar and Grill, where she runs into Zach Black, her old neighbour and childhood crush. Their relationship rekindles as they navigate their shared past, personal challenges, and growing feelings for one another. In the process, Harley confronts her family about the burdens she carries alone, which leads to revelations about her father’s plans for the family business.

Blackout by Kimberley Anne is an emotionally evocative story that draws you in right from the start. The writing is engaging, drawing the reader into the depths of Harley’s story. The musical threads woven throughout the story add an extra layer of resonance. Zach’s guitar, Harley’s rekindled passion for music, and the melodies of their past all work together to create a soundtrack of emotion that carries the reader from scene to scene. The rural setting, with its warm community and slower rhythms, offers the perfect backdrop for a love story that’s as much about finding yourself as it is about finding someone else. Blackout is a heartfelt, romantic escape filled with chemistry, nostalgia, and the sweet hope of second chances. Fans of small-town romances, music-infused love stories, and emotional character journeys will find plenty to fall in love with here. I enjoyed the development of not only Harley and Zach’s relationship but the strength they each found within themselves through their journey together. Blackout is a book that you can take your time reading and enjoying, as the highs and lows of every scene flow through you. It is well worth the read.

Blackout by Kimberley Anne is a heartwarming novel that follows Harley James, a young woman running her family’s baking business in Melbourne, Australia. For the past ten years, Harley has felt every day is like Groundhog Day, a repetition of the last—a never-ending routine that leaves her drowning in work, devoid of a social life, and experiencing blackouts whenever she tries to sing. Her mother is overwhelmed by grief, while her sister, Addison, seems determined to complicate Harley's life with daring challenges. Additionally, her traditional grandparents are of little help. Pushed to breaking point, Harley decides to leave everything behind and travel to a rural town she hasn’t visited in a decade. It is here that she reunites with her childhood love, Zach Black, who is now a grown man ready to embrace her and help her heal.

Blackout by Kimberley Anne is a beautiful story about destined love and the devastating trauma that losing a loved one inflicts on the remaining family members. The book features a music theme, emphasizing its healing power and ability to stir up memories, and addresses important issues such as therapy, grief, sibling rivalry, and family secrets. At the start of the story, Harley is a functioning mess, trapped in a depressing life filled with insomnia and anxiety, yet she successfully manages a family business with three branches. Many readers will identify with her struggle to confront the pain and trauma they experience, often opting to distract themselves with work and avoid their loved ones. Harley and Zach’s romance is marked by missed opportunities and a journey of rediscovery. Their chemistry is electric, and the novel includes some steamy scenes. Their shared love of music creates a strong bond, and I admired how Zach shows patience and understanding throughout Harley’s journey. This is the first book in the Acoustic series, introducing intriguing characters such as Addison and Connor Black, whose stories I look forward to exploring. Overall, a fantastic read filled with swoonworthy moments and relatable characters whose love is easy to root for.