Review of Where We Started: A Smalltown MC Romance (Stone Riders MC Book 1) by Ashley Muñoz
From the moment I spotted the cover of Where We Started, I felt an electric pull towards it. It promised a rich blend of nostalgia and tension—elements that dance beautifully in a good romance. As a longtime fan of motorcycle club romances, I was eager to dive into this new series from Ashley Muñoz, an author I hadn’t read before but had heard whispers about for her captivating storytelling.
Set against the backdrop of a small town filled with biker lore, Where We Started is a powerful tale of love that wrestles with themes of legacy, loss, and the complexity of second chances. The main characters, Callie and Wesley Ryan, grew up side by side, but their lives took different paths—one escaping the chaos of the MC life while the other became enmeshed in its tumult. When Callie’s father passes, his will brings her back into the fold and right into a tempestuous rivalry with Wes, now the club president. What unfolds is a mesmerizing dance of heartbreak and healing.
Callie is that rare protagonist who embodies both strength and vulnerability. She returns home, not as a naive girl, but as a woman determined to claim her father’s legacy, even as it pits her directly against the man who once held her heart. Wes is equally compelling—his brooding demeanor hints at a deep reservoir of unprocessed emotions. The banter and tension between them crackle with intensity, and the occasional flashbacks to their childhood add an almost bittersweet layer to their interactions. One standout quote that encapsulates their dynamic is when Wes reflects, “I’ve always fought to protect you, but in the end, it was me you needed protection from.”
Muñoz’s writing style is fluid, balancing steamy moments with emotional depth. The pacing keeps you on the edge of your seat, cleverly weaving past and present to enrich the story’s tapestry. I found myself eagerly turning pages, not just for the romance, but for the intricacies of the plot as the stakes grew higher with each chapter.
Readers have pointed out the enemies-to-lovers trope as an exhilarating highlight, and I couldn’t agree more. The complexity of their shared past and current conflicts is depicted with a sharpness that makes their emotional journey feel authentic—a hallmark of Muñoz’s storytelling. One reviewer aptly said it’s a “fabulous ride,” and I simply couldn’t have put it better.
This book isn’t just another romance; it offers a glimpse into a world where loyalty runs deep and love can be both a comfort and a curse. Perfect for fans of second-chance romances and those who revel in a good conflict, Where We Started will resonate long after the last page is turned.
Overall, I can’t recommend this novel enough for readers seeking a blend of nostalgia and sharp emotional stakes. If you reside in the realm of “biker romance” and love complex character journeys, this book is bound to leave an impression. I eagerly await the next installment in the Stone Riders series and am already rooting for the characters who will be featured next. This journey has ignited a spark in me to explore even more of Ashley Muñoz’s work—and I hope it does for you, too!
You can find Where We Started: A Smalltown MC Romance (Stone Riders MC Book 1) here >>