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Again, not a fan of novels with leads who have “seen the real world” and changed, usually due to negative events. However, this novel struck a chord with me. I have known my husband all my life and fell in love with him long before we dated. However, we both had a lot of growing up to do. Had we tried a relationship before we did, I don’t think we would still be together. There is a time and place for everything and I certainly felt that in accordance with this novel.

I think because of that, I felt more forgiving of all the little things that annoyed me in this novel, whether it was something eye-rolling worthy that someone said or did or something that was just cliché or annoying.

Overall, I enjoyed this novel especially because I felt more connected to it than others. I could understand the character’s motivations and actions even if I didn’t agree with how they handled them. Definitely a touching second chance romance.
  
Claiming His Cowgirl (Crawley Creek #3)
Claiming His Cowgirl (Crawley Creek #3)
Lori King | 2015 | Contemporary, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The third in the series concentrates on second chances, which I love. Vin made a decision twenty years ago that he has regretted ever since. Now he has a chance to put it right, and maybe get his very own HEA.

This series is a like a warm blanket you pull over to snuggle down. The characters are familiar and the new ones quickly become favourites. The humour and love are rampant and are the mainstay of the book, which makes it wonderful for a sappy romantic like myself.

I loved how Lori intertwined the new and old storylines, bringing about a hot and steamy romance, whilst getting updates on stories already told, preparing for new stories and don't forget, battling Mother Nature.

With some definite smokin' scenes, this is guaranteed to warm you up. Definitely recommended.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
 
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 15, 2015
  
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Merissa (11697 KP) rated Adjoining Rooms in Books

Apr 3, 2023 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)  
Adjoining Rooms
Adjoining Rooms
Alex Winters | 2023 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
ADJOINING ROOMS is a standalone novella about two (used to be) best friends who were in the closet during school and still sort of are. They shared one "half-kiss" (that still seems like a real kiss) before Knox left town and ghosted Trevor until four years later when he returns - but only because he has to because of work.

This is an extremely fast-paced novella, with plenty of flashbacks and memories to give you the back story. The current story I found to be a little confusing as they change extremely quickly from yes, to no, to maybe, to knock on my door and see what happens... and back again!

I feel this story would have been better as a full-length novel, where the back story was given time to shine, the characters would have a chance to reconnect before falling into bed, and their emotions really would make a difference between them. The most impactful moment, for me, in the book was the surfboard scene in the current time. Then I felt the connection between them for sure.

On the whole, it's a good, quick coffee-break read about second-chance romance.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
April 3, 2023
  
Our Summer Together
Our Summer Together
Fanny Blake | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry, Romance
8
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
<i>I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.</i>

This latest book by women’s fiction author Fanny Blake is an uplifting story about family and finding love later in life. <i>Our Summer Together</i> begins with Caro, a portrait painter, and part-time art teacher, running around after her two adult daughters, Lauren and Amy. With barely a moment to herself, Caro flits between looking after her three-year-old grandson and helping out at Amy’s florist shop. However, one day, a brief encounter on the train home sparks excitement back into her life.

From the train to decorating her house and, finally, becoming her lodger, Caro gets to know the mysterious Damir as he gradually opens up about his past. Despite being fifteen years younger than her, Caro falls in love with the Bosnian and he with her, but can this elation last?

Despite her new chance at love, Caro has so many other things to worry about. Her ex-husband Chris is filing for divorce so that he can marry his new, much younger woman. However, this involves selling the house that Caro lives in and where her children grew up. On top of that, her eldest daughter, Lauren, is sceptical about Damir and is not afraid of saying so. With life as she knew it crashing down around her, Caro must decide whether Damir is worth it, but, most importantly, does he really want her in his life?

The title of the book, <i>Our Summer Together</i>, creates a sense of foreboding from the very beginning. Implying that Caro and Damir will only have one season together puts the reader on tenterhooks: what will go wrong? Desperate for a happy ending, we plough through the chapters wishing that their happiness could last forever.

It is refreshing to read about a romance developing between older characters rather than the typical twenty or thirty-something. A second chance at love feels much more satisfying than a will-they-won’t-they, playing hard-to-get attempt at a first serious relationship.

Alongside the love and joyfulness is a darker history that opens the readers’ eyes to events occurring during their lifetime that they may not have been very aware of. Growing up in Bosnia, Damir was subjected to war and violence, losing all his family and having a disastrous start at adulthood. For Damir, his relationship with Caro is not only a second-chance at love, but a second-chance at life, too.

<i>Our Summer Together</i> is a relaxing book to read that can either be devoured quickly or eked out over a period of time. With humour, reality and a range of emotions, it is impossible to find the story boring. Whatever your usual genre of choice, this book will be a refreshing change.
  
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Lindsay (1693 KP) rated Numbers Game in Books

Apr 9, 2019  
Numbers Game
Numbers Game
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
A book about Numbers. This book got my attention with it title. It keep me guessing though out the book. We learn about a girl who is the main character named "Treena", and the other main character named "Vance". There seems strange about NORA.

It get even better and better once Treena gets her Rating on Rating day. Though things start to get more complicated and many others things get even more interesting. Though why does she get rating that makes her a Red?

Treena get her second chance to a deal that would get her a Rating reconsideration. So she send to the EPIC. That about what starts to get you to keep guessing going to happen. Is Treena Rating wrong?

Though seem to want her dead after a while. Though we also see a romance form. Though what can all this be about. Why is NORA capturing and killing their own citizens. She and Vance have to figure out what going on and way they want Treena dead. There are may surprises and I do not want to spoil the ending of this book.
  
CF
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Khloe Harper’s dream has always been to run a successful flower shop. Now if she could only open her heart again to love after being betrayed by her previous boyfriend. Could the handsome yet mysterious entertainment lawyer Derek Thomas repair her shattered heart?
Connie Albright is a bit of a frumpy office mouse that is endlessly teased by the mean girls she works with. She creates an imaginary boyfriend that sends her flowers weekly from Khloe’s flower shop. When she finds discovers Walt and a possible happy ending, does her lies make her lose her prince charming?

Gabby Lewis is a recently widowed senior. She is trying to get over the loss of the love of her life and her friends convince her to sign up for a dating website for senior citizens. She is soon matched up with Harry an energetic widower. Can he help to ease Gabby’s grief and make her realize she can have another chance at love?

This is a wonderfully touching story about new love, second chances, and opening your heart to romance. Each character is wonderfully developed (with flaws and all) and has you rooting for a happy ending.
  
Fear The Reaper
Fear The Reaper
Jami Gray | 2019
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I've never read any books by this author and neither have I read the previous books in the series but that wasn't a big issue as the events of the previous books are explained in short pretty early on in memories and discussions between the characters but you still feel like you've missed something.

There is a history between Reaper and Lilith and I enjoyed the chemistry that still sparked. It was definitely a second chance romance while trying to bring about a certain someones downfall.

It had some nice description in this but I did struggle at times to get absorbed in the story. I'd pick it up, read about 5% and then put it back down again and concentrate on my paperback instead. I think it sounded more like my kind of read than what it turned out to be.

If you liked the previous books or like futuristic stories set on Earth where everything has gone to ruins and people are doing what ever they can to make money and keep the peace between the remaining areas of the USA then you'll more than likely enjoy this.
  
The Happy Ever After Playlist
The Happy Ever After Playlist
Abby Jimenez | 2020 | Contemporary, Fiction & Poetry, Romance
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Amazingly sexy and sweet romance
Sloan Monroe's fiance, Brandon, died two years ago, and Sloan is still hurting, a lot. Then one day she finds an adorable dog on the road--literally--and takes him home. His owner never answers her texts, and the dog, Tucker, seems to help Sloan move on. Then suddenly Tucker's owner shows up, via text, and he wants Tucker back. But Sloan's strong enough now that she's not giving up Tucker. As she starts texting with Tucker's owner, Jason, she realizes he really cares about his dog. Then Sloan also recognizes that Jason is a good guy. A really good, handsome guy. This is confirmed once they meet in person. But Jason's a musician with stardom just around the corner. Sloan needs someone here, whom she can count on. Can she really handle someone else who might leave her, again?

"I didn't cook anymore. Everyone knew that. I didn't do a lot of things anymore."

I absolutely adored this book. It was just what I needed at the time I picked it up. Jimenez gives us such a happy and sexy romance with two characters with awesome chemistry. There's the best blend of small mix-ups and humor, and you cannot help but root for Sloan and Jason from the very beginning (especially if you've read The Friend Zone). Knowing that Sloan is completely broken from Brandon's death while Jason is confident and embarking on a new career, it's completely understandable that Sloan can't risk losing herself again. Watching her find happiness--even knowing it could be gone again in a second--is beautiful, and both of these characters are so real, so true.

"I'd been lonely and attached to someone invisible for two years. I wouldn't do it again. I couldn't do it again."

While this book is emotional, it's also very sweet, and, wow, sexy at times. Jason is just a darn good guy, seemingly too good to be true, and I found myself willing him and Sloan together, desperately wanting her to get a second chance at happiness. Throw in the adorable Tucker and there's basically nothing not to love about this book. Great characters, great romance, great humor--it's all there. I loved it from beginning to end. 4.5 stars.
  
CM
Call Me Michigan
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is a second chance novel - Mason and Tyler were best friends in their younger years, although both of them wanted more, neither of them said anything. When Tyler left home under difficult circumstances, Mason got blinding drunk before chasing after her and giving her a drunken kiss. Now, this is not guaranteed to win anyone over, so unsurprisingly, Tyler leaves anyway. Fast forward a few years, and Tyler returns to take care of her family. Of course, the first person she sees is Mason, although he doesn't recognise her. Things are about to change for the pair of them.

This is a well written, fast moving and smoothly paced contemporary romance, showing character growth and not just with the two main characters. With getting to know each other again, things don't go exactly smoothly. However, things eventually work out for them, which is good because the situation is about to get a whole more complicated.

This is a story guaranteed to give you the warm fuzzies, at the same time as you laugh and cry with the characters and the situations they find themselves in. Definitely recommended by me.

* I was given this book in return for a review which has in no way affected my opinion. *
  
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Merissa (11697 KP) rated A Very Witchy Yuletide in Books

Nov 5, 2020 (Updated Aug 14, 2023)  
A Very Witchy Yuletide
A Very Witchy Yuletide
D. Lieber | 2020 | Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
A VERY WITCHY YULETIDE is a seasonal standalone romance that involves Pagans. It isn't all about paganism and rituals. If you are looking for that then I can suggest a multitude of other books but this isn't one of them. Saying that, I enjoyed how it was incorporated into the story. It is something they feel/do every day but the Sabbats are special, as are Naming Days, etc.

Eeva and Sawyer were young star-crossed lovers - neither of them prepared to make that first step and both of them feeling let down by the other. Five years later, they get a second chance.

This is a warm and low-angst story that will melt your heart on a cold winter night. Eeva and Sawyer have a great supporting cast, including Sol who was adorable.

The descriptions are very well done and the pacing is perfect for the story. All in all, this was a great story that I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 5, 2020