3.5⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Setting ~ Tennessee Publication date ~ July 4, 2024 Est Page Count ~ 343 (49 chapters) POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ titled c3.5⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Setting ~ Tennessee Publication date ~ July 4, 2024 Est Page Count ~ 343 (49 chapters) POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ titled chapters, home renovations, small town, high school sweethearts, slow burn, second chance, minimal steamage, family drama, mentions of loss of parent to cancer and to a freak accident
Torran & Beck (love the unusual names) Torran and her business partner, Manny, have a home renovation business that focuses on restoring the legacy of old homes. She has her eye on a home on Huckleberry Lane and is super mad when she's outbid at the auction. The anger rises when she learns the man who bought it is the one that broke her teenage heart 10 years ago, Beck.
Beck wasn't planning on buying his childhood home, but gets swept up in the thought that bringing his sister, Piper, back to Ivy Falls will help her struggles with alcohol and drug addiction. Beck feels responsible for his parents untimely death and has made it his mission to over~protectively take care of his 24 year old sister. While I can appreciate how he felt Piper was his responsibility, I just feel like that took up too much of the story and took away from him and Torran finding their way back to each other seamlessly.
Torran has a wonderful relationship with her sister, Tessa, her 2 nieces, and business partner, Manny, but a rocky one with her father. While she's a very successful businesswoman, she does come off as immature and stuck in the past at times. I wish she would've gotten out of the tunnel a lot sooner than she did. Beck was frustrating to me, as well. Don't even get me started on the 3rd act break up.
Overall, as far as second chances goes this one fits the bill. I enjoyed the introduction of the small town of Ivy Falls. I'm pretty sure I know who book 2 will be about and I'm all for it, so fingers crossed it's who I hope it is and I don't have to wait too long for it.
*Thanks to the author and Rachel's Random Resources for my copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
3.5⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ January Cove, #1 Setting ~ Georgia Publication date ~ book ~ March 22, 2013, audio ~ November 14, 2023 Est Page 3.5⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ January Cove, #1 Setting ~ Georgia Publication date ~ book ~ March 22, 2013, audio ~ November 14, 2023 Est Page Count ~ 210 (12 chapters) Audio length ~ 3 hours 53 minutes Narrator ~ Mallory Fuccella POV ~ dual 3rd Featuring ~ small town, single mother, second chance, no steamage, references to past abuse
Jenna & Kyle were high school sweethearts, but her parents forced her to break up with him. Now years later she's a divorced single mother who can't catch a break and is very much in debt. A little too woe is me with her for me to be honest.
Kyle is a wealthy property investor. He's just purchased a foreclosed house with beautiful beach views. When he goes to tell the owner to vacate the premises he's in for the shock of his life when he sees it's the woman who broke his heart all those years ago.
Overall, a nice second chance story for two people that never really got over each other. Can't say I liked the reason for the breakup, or the quickness of their reconciliation, but I loved how Kyle welcomed 5 year old, Kaitlyn, into his life in an adorable way.
*Another Hoopla bonus borrow*
Narration notes: Ugh with only one narrator. She didn't even try to make her voice should manly, which maybe is a good thing. Either way I would have loved a male narrator.
4.25⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance, Christmas fiction Setting ~ NYC to Illinois Publication date ~ October 24, 2023 Est Page Count ~ 284 (38 chapters +e) A4.25⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance, Christmas fiction Setting ~ NYC to Illinois Publication date ~ October 24, 2023 Est Page Count ~ 284 (38 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 7 hours 27 minutes Narrators ~ Tim Paige, Brianna Cohen POV ~ dual 3rd Featuring ~ slow burn, divorced to enemies to lovers, second chance, no steamage
Katherine (36) & Tom divorced a few years ago, but find themselves spending the holidays together when he offers to watch over her when she has a concussion. The problem is that he's supposed to be in Chicago getting ready to propose to his girlfriend on Christmas Eve. So they set off on an adventure that tests their patience with each other. If something can go wrong it does and I was all for the chaos of it all.
Katherine hates Christmas, understandably so. She was a little much with her workaholic~ness and bickering with Tom, and he made some valid points of why they got divorced. He was really sweet. The banter was good! You just can't help but root for these two to get back together. Overall, a wonderfully fun holiday read.
I was able to listen to a copy as well. Narration notes: I don't have any complaints, except Tim's female voice is not great, which I've been saying for ages.
4⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Setting ~ NYC Publication date ~ June 27, 2023 Est Page Count ~ 348 (p+ 40 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 9 hours 43 minutes Na4⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Setting ~ NYC Publication date ~ June 27, 2023 Est Page Count ~ 348 (p+ 40 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 9 hours 43 minutes Narrator ~ Brittany Pressley POV ~ single 1st Featuring ~ titled chapters, multiple timelines, grief, slow burn, second chance, no steamage, references to suicide
Clementine is a workaholic, not looking too hard for love. But then she meets Iwan unexpectedly one day she wonders what if, but it's just not the right time for them.
I love the unique idea of a magic apartment. How fun would that be? But it can't all be magical because there's some heartbreak, as well, when his present is your past and you wonder if you'll ever see each other again.
This was really cute with some sweet moments. There's a great set of side characters. Light on the romance and more about Clementine's journey in life. I enjoyed both characters and was really rooting for their happily ever after.
I can see why it's so highly rated.
Narration notes: It's Brittany, do I need to say anything really?
3⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Setting ~ Florida & Illinois & California Publication date ~ June 4, 2024 Est Page Count ~ 318 (42 chapters) Audio length3⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Setting ~ Florida & Illinois & California Publication date ~ June 4, 2024 Est Page Count ~ 318 (42 chapters) Audio length ~ 10 hours 31 minutes Narrators ~ Christine Lakin, Tim Paige POV ~ dual 1st, present tense Featuring ~ debut, 9 parts, HS sweethearts, reverse grumpy/sunshine, slow burn, second chance, some steamage, side character infidelity
Molly & Seth Molly is a rom com screenwriter that doesn't believe in love and marriage due to her father's example. Seth wants nothing more than to find 'the one' and live happily ever after. He thought he found that with Molly when they were in high school, but she left him and broke his heart. Now they're at their 15 year reunion and the attraction is still there. Can they easily find their way back to each other?
Oh Seth I felt so bad for him. He wears his heart on his sleeve and just wants someone to love him forever. He keeps getting his heart broken and his emotions clearly came through on the page, or in my ears rather.
Eh with Molly. I never really warmed up to her on the romance front, but she was a great friend to her bff's.
Overall, this is fine as a debut. There were enough funny bits to keep me entertained, but I just felt like so much time was wasted.
Side note ~ there are a lot of emails and text messages, which I wouldn't have minded if I was reading it, but to hear all the info following 'to..., from..., date..., time..., subject...' over and over and over again annoyed me.
Narration notes: They both did fine. Tim still needs to work on his lady voice.
2.5⭐ Genre ~ romantic comedy Series ~ Some Kind of Love, #1 Setting ~ NYC & South Carolina Publication date ~ June 23, 2020 Est page Count ~ 297 (35 chapte2.5⭐ Genre ~ romantic comedy Series ~ Some Kind of Love, #1 Setting ~ NYC & South Carolina Publication date ~ June 23, 2020 Est page Count ~ 297 (35 chapters) Audio length ~ 9 hours 1 minute Narrators ~ Amanda Stribling, Andrew Gibson, Blake Lockheart POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ brother's best friend, best friend's sister, second chance, slow burn, no steamage
Dani & Alex She works at the fashion house LeFranc and is so loyal to her boss Sasha that it's annoying. He works for her twin brother and is a part of Sasha's family.
Dani seems like she has mad designing skills, but you just know what a mess she is going to get herself into at work and I was yelling at her not to do it, but guess what she didn't listen to me. One good thing about her work environment was her friendship with Chase. He was a really great side character and friend. Dani's bff, Paige, was great, too, and so understanding.
I liked how Dani & Alex worked together to bring his family down, and how he tried to make that a sort of redeeming factor for what he did, but I just couldn't get past why and how he left her in the first place. Communicate! I wasn't feeling the chemistry between them either.
The brother's best friend trope is here, but it wasn't a big part of the story, so if you're looking for the drama to come along with that you won't find it here. Speaking of her brother, I really liked Isaac, but not how she wasn't really nice to him all the time. That all works out in the end though as you know it will.
Overall, fine, but slow moving. Not sure if I'll pick up the next book, but since it's Isaac's book I just might since I did like him.
Narration notes: I'm pretty sure there were only 2, so I'm not sure why Amazon lists 3. Either way I don't have any complaints.
3.25⭐ Genre ~ holiday novella Series ~ Snowflake Falls #2 Setting ~ not sure, but I don't think the USA with spellings like tyre and humour Publication da3.25⭐ Genre ~ holiday novella Series ~ Snowflake Falls #2 Setting ~ not sure, but I don't think the USA with spellings like tyre and humour Publication date ~ December 4, 2020 Est page Count ~ 52 (8 chapters +e) POV ~ dual 1st, present tense Featuring ~ small town, neighbors, insta love, second chance, minimal steamage
Had this one waiting since December 2020, so I figured I might as well read book 2 right after book 1.
Neva & Elden Neva is back in her hometown after a breakup and getting fired. Elden is still pissed about her standing him up back in high school, so he's not to thrilled when he sees her at the train station freezing her bazookas off waiting for a ride.
Overall, this was fine. I liked it better than the last book. We have a smidgen of drama with the ex and a sleazeball Santa to round out this quick one.
Side note ~ I obviously have not been in every elevator ever constructed, but I have never seen one with a bench. Is that common in the UK or only for this book for some steamage time? And if so, are they located in the middle or against the wall?
3.25⭐ Genre ~ holiday novella Series ~ more info below Setting ~ Colorado Publication date ~ December 3, 2019 Est page Count ~ 156 (p+ 10 chapters +e) Audio3.25⭐ Genre ~ holiday novella Series ~ more info below Setting ~ Colorado Publication date ~ December 3, 2019 Est page Count ~ 156 (p+ 10 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 3 hours 56 minutes Narrator ~ Kelsey Navarro POV ~ dual 3rd Featuring ~ characters in their late 20's, cop, small town, opposites attract, good guy/bad girl, forced proximity, snowed in, second chance, minimal steamage
Another one that's been chilling on my kindle since December 2021. I was a little scared when I read the prologue because she was 17 and I am not interested in reading steamage books about kids this age, but then we time jump 10 years so it's okay.
Darryl & Penelope shared an intense kiss 10 years ago, so intense that neither forgot about it all this time....wowza that musta been quite the smooch.
Penelope does have a sad backstory, but I didn't really care for how she handled her emotions as it was on the immature side. Also, I know this is fiction, but she passes out drunk and wakes up the next day not knowing whose bed she is...if that's not bad enough there was a glass of water that said 'drink me' and 2 pills that said 'take me', ummmm you don't know where you are, but you're just going to pound it back? Girl.
Darryl was a sweet guy with a heart of gold, and has an adorable pup named Tyson that likes to put on antler ears and cheer up sick kids.
Overall, it was alright.
Series notes: It seems to be #4 in the Kinky Spurs series and the prequel to the Three Chicks Brewery series. This is my first time reading this author, so I'm not sure if truly a standalone, however Penelope is living with her cousins, which are the TCB characters and they're not settled down yet, so I'd suggest reading this one, then that those, then head on over to the Kinky Spurs series if you so desire. But don't quote me on this because maybe the KS series is the way to go first because there was a quick mention of them in this one. So I guess basically do what you want and don't listen to me.
Narration notes: I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the info above for reference.
4⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ Cold Springs #2 Others in the series ~ The Wrong Bridesmaid #1 Setting ~ Cold Springs (not sure what state we're 4⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ Cold Springs #2 Others in the series ~ The Wrong Bridesmaid #1 Setting ~ Cold Springs (not sure what state we're in, but I think it's on the East Coast) Publication date ~ December 12, 2023 Est page Count ~ 285 (p+ 28 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 10 hours 10 minutes Narrators ~ CJ Bloom, Ryan West POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ small town, lawyer, construction worker, fast burn to slow burn, miscommunication, second chance, some steamage, no 3rd act breakup
The prologue starts us off with a bang (literally) with Jesse & Wren in a friends with benefits situation. and then nada for a bit.
We've met the awful Jed already, who is Wren's uncle and Jesse's boss and currently going through a divorce because he cheated on wife, Chrissy, with a much younger lady who is now pregnant. Why am I telling you all this, well because this takes up a big part of the book, more so then the actual romance, which I really wish wasn't the case because I really liked these two. Jesse & Wren, not Jed & Chrissy because they were both a hot mess.
Jesse is a possessive, jealous, yet sweet alpha, and I loved him. He's a foreman at a construction company and cared so much about his guys. I was mad at him though for acting like he wasn't worthy of Wren because of his job. Hello, where would we be without blue collar workers? We wouldn't have a house to live in for one. And all the muscles from all the labor is not necessarily a bad thing either.
Wren is the towns's lawyer and really showed her smarts and skills to do what's best for her small town. She's fierce, strong and independent. I could have went without the other man drama with Chrissy's lawyer, Oliver, but I suppose the story wouldn't be complete without it.
Like I said above the divorce is a big part of the book, but when these two were on page the chemistry was burning my kindle. There is the dreaded miscommunication, but that's dealt with pretty early, so we didn't wait around too long for them to get their act together, speaking of act...no 3rd act breakup, hallelujah ...more
3.75⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ Sinclair Duet Others in the series ~ Rekindling Desire Setting ~ Minnesota Publication date ~ September 14, 2023.75⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ Sinclair Duet Others in the series ~ Rekindling Desire Setting ~ Minnesota Publication date ~ September 14, 2023 Est page Count ~ 306 (35 chapters) Audio length ~ 6 hours 13 minutes Narrators ~ CJ Mission, Charlotte Bloom POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ alpha, billionaire, fast burn, second chance, steamage, cliffhanger
Gabriella & Damien meet again on a plane after not seeing each other for 2 years. There's still a connection there and these two do not lack any chemistry that's for sure. It's fast burn practically right out of the gates.
They have to work together, but they can't deny their passion and keep their hands off each other.
Overall, fast paced that leaves off on an intriguing cliffhanger.
I just noticed there is a prequel Falling Again, so now I'm mad I didn't read that one first.
3⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Setting ~ Canada Publication date ~ May 2, 2023 Est page Count ~ 334 (28 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 9 hours 56 minutes Narr3⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Setting ~ Canada Publication date ~ May 2, 2023 Est page Count ~ 334 (28 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 9 hours 56 minutes Narrator ~ A.J. Bridel POV ~ single 1st Featuring ~ now and then timeline, characters in their 30's in the now, slow burn, second chance, minimal steamage
Fern's mother has passed away and left her lake resort for her to run. As a kid she had no interest in this, but now as an adult does she feel obligated or will she sell it?
She and Will spent a day together 10 years ago and he broke a promise the following year and never met her. I totally predicted why he left her high and dry ~ it was a great reason, just maybe something that could have been communicated earlier. I was chugging along nicely at 4 stars, but then he really made me mad at the end, so I bumped er down.
3⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Setting ~ Oregon Publication date ~ November 29, 2023 Page Count ~ 340 (36 chapters +e) POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ characte3⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Setting ~ Oregon Publication date ~ November 29, 2023 Page Count ~ 340 (36 chapters +e) POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ characters in their early 20's, teenage sweethearts, reality tv, second chance, no steamage
Berkley & Will have been together for 7 years, since they were 15. A tinsey lie to him, but a big lie to her put a damper on all the future plans they made.
The first half of the book Will is a hot mess. It dives deep into how making a wrong decision leads one down the path of alcoholism. Eventually he gets his act together and stands up for himself, but is it too little too late in Berkley's eyes? It was just about too late for me.
Thank goodness Berkley had a good set of friends and a twin sister to keep her sane with everything that Will put her through. There was a side budding romance that I liked and I wouldn't be surprised if they get their own book.
I liked the articles about what was happening with the reality show and the time jumps, so that the story didn't feel too long. But everyone on the show was an awful person. They're conceited, rude and care way too much about money. There are some Kardashian name drops if that tells you anything.
Quite possibly Will's family is the worst I have ever read about. I mean wow, talk about entitled, snobby tools and I'm glad they got exactly what they deserved.
Overall, this was good as a second chance romance. The ending was fast, or maybe not based on all the time they were together and then apart.
*Thanks to the author, Boldwood Books, Rachel's Random Resources and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
3⭐ Genre ~ sports romance Series ~ The Diamond Boys #3 Others in the series ~ Fast Ball, Curve Ball Publication date ~ April 28, 2023 Page Count ~ 33 (7 ch3⭐ Genre ~ sports romance Series ~ The Diamond Boys #3 Others in the series ~ Fast Ball, Curve Ball Publication date ~ April 28, 2023 Page Count ~ 33 (7 chapters) POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ college, baseball, second chance, minimal steamage
Penn & Shannon have an on again off again type of relationship. Currently they are off when she joins the baseball team as a ball girl.
To me they seemed like they'd be better off apart, but they can't seem to stay away from each other. I wasn't really convinced of their chemistry. That's all I will say since it's such a short story. Not my favorite of the series.
Series notes: Absolutely fine as a standalone. Dylan from book 1 was referenced, but he did not play any part in this story.
*Thanks to the author and Booksprout for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
4.35⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ Hooked #1 Setting ~ Boston, Massachusetts Publication date ~ October 3, 2023 Page Count ~ 322 (38 chapters p+e)4.35⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ Hooked #1 Setting ~ Boston, Massachusetts Publication date ~ October 3, 2023 Page Count ~ 322 (38 chapters p+e) Audio length ~ 8 hours Narrators ~ Alexander Cendese, Meg Sylvan POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ 2 parts, alpha hero, billionaire, boss/employee, forbidden love, forced proximity, office romance, one night stand, second chance, secret romance, workplace romance, steamage, NO 3rd ACT BREAKUP!
Easton/Mr. Boston & Drake/Love The first part is strictly in Easton's POV. He's one of 3 founders of the app for hooking up called Hooked. He matches 100% with Saaralove, which is unheard of. They meet up, and hook up, but they're both wearing masks so they have no clue what each other looks like. They text back and forth for a while, but never get the chance to meet up again. Until we flash forward 5 1/2 years and they're in each other's lives again, but neither knows who the other is.
I've got another book boyfriend to add to my list! Easton was perfect from beginning to end. A sweet, caring alpha that'll sizzle your socks right off.
I didn't love Drake at first, but I easily warmed up to her as her story unfolded and the reasoning for earlier things became clear.
There is a conflict, but can I get a whoop whoop for no 3rd act breakup? So refreshing! And what Easton did to resolve the conflict was everything.
Overall, a wonderful start to a new series. I can already see how Holden and Grayson's stories are going to be just as great!
Narration notes: I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the info above for reference.
*Thanks to Marni Mann, Valentine PR and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
3⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Publication date ~ September 13, 2022 Page Count ~ 332 Audio length ~ 11 hours 30 minutes Narrator ~ Stacey Glemboski POV ~3⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Publication date ~ September 13, 2022 Page Count ~ 332 Audio length ~ 11 hours 30 minutes Narrator ~ Stacey Glemboski POV ~ single 3rd Featuring ~ debut, grad school, characters in their 20's, scattered flashbacks, enemies to lovers, second chance, fade to black, miscommunication Content warning from the author ~ there is expressed fatphobia by characters and in flashbacks, including by a family member, and the story deal with death and loss
We begin with an author's note that tells us all about why she chose to write this book with a fat main character. "Fat people are more than their bodies. We deserve happily-ever-afters, both romantic and otherwise."
Allison & Colin are up against each other for a TA position, but it's not the 1st time they've competed with one another.
Although, I liked Allison's work ethic and how she loved herself and didn't care about eating donuts, sometimes you just need a donut ya know?, I didn't care for her character. In fact, I didn't like anyone really. Colin was a bit of a tool. Her mother was pushy. Her father was awful, but written well to make the reader hate him like we should, but what's up with what was said by his secretary? makes no sense.
I never really felt the connection between them either. I mean she kept his contact name in her phone as Unknown Number for the whole book, so what does that tell ya? Not meant to be in my opinion. We've got the typical miscommunication, which I'm come to expect when reading enemies to lovers, but I still hate it. They both have a lot of growing up to do, but they are in their 20's, so they'd better get cracking on that.
Overall, I was not a super big fan, but it was decent~ish as a debut.
I was able to listen to a copy as well. Narration notes ~ I don't have any complaints with Stacey's skills.
*Thanks to the author, St Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
4.25⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Publication date ~ June 1, 2023 Page Count ~ 422 POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ debut, dual timelines ~ present & past (15 y4.25⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Publication date ~ June 1, 2023 Page Count ~ 422 POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ debut, dual timelines ~ present & past (15 years ago), found family, teen love, grief, second chance, minimal steamage
Content warnings from the author~ (view spoiler)[Cancer, Death of Family Member (On Page), Miscarriage, Family Member in Prison, Thoughts of Suicide, Depression, Smoking, Family Abandonment, Alcohol Abuse (hide spoiler)]
Olivia & Milo's story begins when his Ma is killed and his father, Mac, is in the prison for killing her. Olivia's mom, Marie, opens her heart and home to Milo and thus sets forth this emotional tale.
The timeline alternates between the present and the past, which follows them in 10th to 12th grade, and slowly gives clues as to why Olivia is so close to Milo's dad, Mac, and why Milo is not.
Olivia's heart has been trampled on and yet she still manages to stay strong and positive. Milo is a tough character to like. He's faced so much heartbreak and your heart goes out to him, but he was his own worse enemy. I really wasn't liking him when he first arrived in the present, and a few other times along the way. His possessiveness was unwarranted and I didn't care for it.
Olivia and Marie's relationship was so beautiful. Olivia and her fathers relationship might have been one of the most heartbreaking and neglectful ones I've ever read.
Overall, this was a very well written debut that takes you on an emotional journey of loss, grief and love. I'm looking forward to what Ann writes next.
*Thanks to Ann Einerson and Novel Cause for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
4.25⭐ Series ~ Lake Starlight Publication date ~ May 16, 2023 Page Count ~ 282 POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ soccer, childhood sweethearts, friends to lovers4.25⭐ Series ~ Lake Starlight Publication date ~ May 16, 2023 Page Count ~ 282 POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ soccer, childhood sweethearts, friends to lovers to enemies to lovers, small town, slow burn, second chance, flashbacks, minimal steamage
Calista & Rylan were childhood sweethearts on the same professional soccer career track, but plans get derailed when Calista gets injured and her dream is over.
Everyone knew they were meant to be, especially the meddling grandma's. Normally I am not a fan of meddling, but the retirement home ladies were so cute. I actually thought the app Buzz Wheel, where busy bodies could post what's happening in the town, was a fun element that gave that small town vibe.
There is a great cast of side characters and while this is a standalone I do wish I had read the Greene family series and the Bailey family series first, just so I'd have some background on these two. It does make me want to read them more now after having met some of the family here.
I hate how so much time was wasted for them to figure their stuff out, but I suppose that's all part of growing into your own person. They often referred to themselves as being on a roller coaster and that's the perfect description for what went on for 16 years. And that epilogue ~ gah the cutest! Overall, another delightful read from these two fun authors.
2.5⭐ Publication date ~ May 2, 2023 Page count ~ 396 Audio length ~ 11 hours 8 minutes Narrator ~ Karen Cass ~ a fine job POV ~ single 1st Featuring ~ cowor2.5⭐ Publication date ~ May 2, 2023 Page count ~ 396 Audio length ~ 11 hours 8 minutes Narrator ~ Karen Cass ~ a fine job POV ~ single 1st Featuring ~ coworkers, opposites attract, enemies to lovers, slow burn, second chance, slim steamage
Harper & Ryan have a past that Harper wants to keep a secret from her coworkers.
I enjoyed Ryan's character way more then Harper. I found him to be sweet and fun. I didn't care for Harper's grudge towards Ryan or the miscommunication that went along with it. I might have liked Harper slightly more if we had Ryan's POV too, but since all chapters were just from her it was too much for me. I was happy with her work ethic and personal growth though.
The banter was fun at times, but then that got to be a little much for me so my ears began to wander. Overall, not a super big fan, but there are quite a few positive reviews, so don't let mine sway you.
*Thanks to the author, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
4⭐ Publication date ~ April 4, 2023 Est page count ~ 424 (65 chapters) POV ~ single 1st person & dual 3rd person Featuring ~ 4 part story, multiple timel4⭐ Publication date ~ April 4, 2023 Est page count ~ 424 (65 chapters) POV ~ single 1st person & dual 3rd person Featuring ~ 4 part story, multiple timelines, amnesia, second chance, no steamage
CW from the author ~ this text contains potentially upsetting material relating to abusive relationships, emotional abuse and coercive control.
Lili/Alice & Ben Lili and Ben meet and spend one glorious day together. They agree to meet again at the same location 1 year later. We flash forward 5 years, Lili has amnesia and shows up in Ben's town 500 miles away and we slowly learn why they never met up.
Told in multiple timelines ~ it's 1st person for the meet cute 5 years ago and then the chapters that countdown until the wedding, and their current time together is in dual 3rd person.
Emotional abuse is slowly revealed to the reader with the alternating chapters in the past with fiancé, Justin. It was heartbreaking to watch it happen to Lili and I was yelling at the pages when she didn't realize what he was doing to her. I hate that this is very much a reality for some.
Ben was such a lovely man. He was super sweet and a doting uncle to niece, Willow, who he has custody of.
Overall, I found this to be a well written and emotional read. While most of the story is about Ben and Lili finding their way back to each other it really didn't have enough of them as a couple for me to fully love it. Maybe we could get a sequel of their happily ever after? I'd definitely read more from this author.
*Thanks to Sophia at Harper Collins for my paperback ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
4.5⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ Carolina Banks #1 Publication date ~ April 13, 2023 Page Count ~ 271 POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ grump, island li4.5⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ Carolina Banks #1 Publication date ~ April 13, 2023 Page Count ~ 271 POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ grump, island life, small town, second chance, some steamage
Bennett & Claire spent a summer crushing on each other 9 years ago. Now Claire is back in the Carolina Banks on business. Bennett is happy to see her, but he's not too happy about the resort proposal she is trying to get approved in his small town.
Bennett is a flannel wearing grumphole most of the time with his pooch Larry in tow wherever he goes. He's one of 8 siblings and their bond was evident. He's a great uncle too ~ I absolutely loved when he went to Dad's and Doughnuts Day at school with niece, Sophia. Claire is a hardworking attorney just in town for a short time, so it doesn't make much sense to get involved with Bennett. But they can't seem to deny their attraction even though they have opposing opinions on the resort.
I thought the Banks Brew Co. was quite the clever name for Bennett's bar on one side for the night owls and Carmen's coffee shop on the other for the early birds. It's just one example of how tight knit the family really is. There isn't any rivalry just good old banter between them.
I gotta have one little gripe ~ Claire spent one summer there 9 years ago, 9! and she was acting like she knew everything about the place. That's a short amount of time and so long ago to still know what's up with a place IMO, but maybe that's what small town living is like.
Overall, a delightful start to a new series. I do like series that follow siblings and I'm looking forward to ~ One Perfect Kiss next.
*Thanks to Jessica Ruddick and Booksprout for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Heather Adores Books
>
Books:
second-chance
(35)
Loading...
