Denise has been reading since before she could talk. And to this day, escaping into a book is her go-to activity before anything else.
She likes to write about sassy women and semi-flawed alpha-esque men (hard on the outside and just a little soft on the inside.) Denise’s female characters always have strong friendships, potty mouths, and like to drink—a lot.
Denise is loyal to a fault, a bit too sarcastic, blindingly optimistic, and pretty freakin’ happy with life overall. If she couldn't be a writer, she'd be a singer in a classic rock band. Right after she learned to carry a tune. She has more purses than days in the month, an obsession with colored ink pens, and a slightly unhealthy bracelet habit.
Home is in the Pacific Northwest where she lives with six Siberian Huskies and a husband (BW) who has the patience and tolerance of a saint. And, lest she forget, Denise also lives with too many to count characters inside her head, who will eventually have their stories told.
4.5 "Got your 1st love" stars ⭐ A sexy, fun & forbidden, second-chance romance novella with 18 years age Gap, beach fun, insta love, some (necessary) drama, low angst & HEA! The angst happens in 2 particular occasions which are quite obvious in the story, otherwise Logan & Lauren has a pretty sweet, love at first sight story. Seeing the premise how could I have not read it? Devoured it in around 2hrs.
Logan is a 42 year old, famous ex-footballer & Lauren is a 25 year old psychologist who loves football. We get to see 1st hand their past & present!
7 years ago, they met on a trip, had a deep all-encompassing connection, cue sexy first times, fell in love hard & fast...before he finds about her lie. That she's only 18. He leaves. After all, what else could he have done? She's too young!
But throughout the years, they never got over eachother. Now, they're meeting again...But she's Logan's estranged son's fiancee?! Is Logan & Lauren's love worth to risk it all? His son & their reputation? And, after all these years...Will Logan & Lauren's life mesh together seamlessly?
The situation is complicated, hell yes, but I'm glad unlike other forbidden romance stories (& cause of it's shorter size), they talk & stay true to their feelings, loved that! Everyone's reactions were a delight to see! Some expected, some surprising. Overall, an enjoyable quick read with a sweet HEA. Would have loved an epilogue tho!
"You deserve to be happy. So, let it happen."
⭐Story ratings:
1) Main Character(s) likeness: 4/5 2) Side characters: 4/5 3) Top 3 feels in story: *Oh shit!*, Hot, *Aww* 4) Kept me hooked / Story flow: 5/5 5) Satisfaction / Enjoyment: 5/5 6) Creativity / twists: 3.5/5 7) World development: 4.3/5 8) Relationship: 3.8/5 (Insta) 9) Problems+Resolution: 4/5 10) Sexy / steamy scenes: 4/5 11) Cuteness level: 3.5/5 12) Angst level: 1.5/5 13) Darkness level: 0/5 (N.A) 14) POV / Writing style: Dual 1st person POV, 4.2/5 15) Grammar: 4.7/5
This novella has a lot packed into it and does not disappoint. It’s a fun, sexy, emotional, steamy read. What’s not to love about a forbidden, second chance, age gap romance?
When Lauren and Logan reconnect at an engagement party the tension between them is thick. You can feel the shift in the air around them.
We are taken on a flashback to when they first met 7 years earlier. Their connection was instant, their chemistry was natural, and things got heated fast. But their age difference ends their time together abruptly. My heart ached for them both.
Even though so much time has passed they both still harbor feelings for one another. I felt myself holding my breath wondering if they would take a chance and be together or has too much time passed?
The One I Can’t Have by Denise Wells is a steamy age-gap second chance romance with a twist. Seven years ago, Logan fell in love with girl half his age, but he bailed when he realized she had lied to him. He never could get Lauren off of his mind, so imagine his surprise when he walks into his estranged son’s engagement party to meet the bride… Lauren.
This little novella was packed with angst, drama, witty banter, and tons of steam! While I liked the characters in this book, Lauren was at that age, for me, where the age gap mattered at first. And her immaturity showed in her actions. Once the 7 years passed, I felt much better about their connection. I liked seeing Tess and Bennett from The Three Way, a novella in the Valentine’s Date series. They added to the fun in the book. I would love to see more of all the characters in the story honestly. I really needed an epilogue, because I was left wondering about Kyle and just what might have happened in the future. Overall, it was a quick, entertaining, spicy, read with an original twist on a common trope. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Or, like father, like son…I was ambivalent on the premise that Logan was into an eighteen year old girl and then seven years later, he’s still into Lauren, who is engaged to his estranged son. I think the age gap put me off. But the writing is strong and Denise Wells has the writing chops to make this quick read work.
Second chance, age gap. I didn't know how I'd feel about reconnecting with 'the one that got away' since Lauren is getting married but I should've trusted the author. Going back to when Lauren and Logan first met was so good, I was rooting for them when the story comes back to present time. Wonderful! Just wonderful! I reviewed an ARC copy of this book.
“I don’t know what kind of magic you’re weaving here, woman…”
Age gap romances are not one of my favorite tropes mostly because they make such a big deal about the age difference and to me, age is just a number. I almost passed on the Arc for book but for some unknown to me reason, I didn’t. Wow! I didn’t realize how close I came to making the wrong choice. This book was surprisingly delightful. I’m not into football players but I fell hard for Logan. He was truly an amazing lead male. He came across believable and sincere, a former player in the bedroom who fell instantly in love when he least expected it. It was sweet how he seemed almost confused by his feelings and was clearly powerless to resist the strength of love.
Lauren made all the mistakes any woman who suddenly found herself consumed by true love would make. Unlike some, I never found her to be immature. I think she had a zest for life and while in some ways she was a bit naive, she held her own with the rich and famous man she found herself falling for.
My biggest regret is that it took them seven years to find each other again and that it was Chance and not because either of them was searching for the other. That bothered me a little since they both clearly still loved each other after all these years. I don’t think enough was done to explain why Lauren agreed to marry Kyle but I suspect she since she believed she’d never love anyone again like Logan, she decided to settle with a nice man she cared about rather than be alone. I don’t agree with her decision but I can understand it. I felt Logan handled everything that happened perfectly. He showed integrity and selflessness from the moment he saw her at the engagement party. Everything he did made me love him more.
While a part of me wishes this book was longer, another part admits the story was complete. Yes, an epilogue would be nice, but I don’t have any doubts whatsoever that Logan and Lauren will have a happy future together.
The One I Can't Have is a novella that packed a big second chance punch, and was very easy to devour in one sitting. Lauren & Logan have a past, and a connection from that past but since she was too young, that connection was stalled in its tracks. He made the right decision at that time because she was too young, and her actions went along with that but I still felt the sting of it. It's been seven years since then, and imagine their surprise when they come face to face at her engagement party to his estranged son. The connection is still there, but obviously it's very much complicated, and I found myself holding my breath waiting to see how it would all shake out. I'm not going to say anything else because it is better to experience all the emotional goodness for yourselves so you know what to do! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
On a break from college Lauren and her best friend visit the bahamas for fun and relaxation. Lauren is a big sports fan like her six brothers and parents. So it was nothing for her to take off to the bar to watch a game. Logan disappeared from the hustle and bustle of every day life to be by himself. He became enchanted by the sassy woman sitting next to him watching the game. Four beautiful fun filled days swiftly came to an abrupt end when Logan discovers Lauren lied to him. For seven years each one carried their hearts. Never once seeking each other out. Then at Logan's son's engagement party all h€|| broke loose. What's not to love about a steamy, second chance, age gap love story! Thank you Hidden Gems and the author for a digital copy. Read and reviewed voluntarily and the opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
This is a short and spice-filled novella that I enjoyed a lot. It's part of the age is only a number series where every book is an age gap (I have yet to read others, but if all of them are as good as this one, I'm sold!).
Meet Lauren and Logan, our characters who are very fun to read about. They meet when Lauren is only 18, and because she lied to Logan (well ideally he assumed she was older and she never disproved his assumptions), once he gets to know her real age he leaves because she's too young for him (he has a son her age). But the 4 days they spend together leaves them with a hole in their hearts that they were not able to fill. And once they are reunited the sparks ignite again, even if it may be forbidden.
This was fun. Denise never disappoints when I need a light comedic read. The tension, angst, surprise twist kept my interest from the get go.
Logan meets Lauren and together they have a whirlwind romance with more heat than the takes to cook a steak. Water is doused from an older woman when Logan is accused of robbing the cradle. For seven years he tries to move on and can't. Imagine his surprise when he arrives to an engagement party to find Lauren the bride. Who is the groom? None other than Logan's estranged son.
Turmoil ensues, fists fly, tears flood, and the paparazzo flashes shine like diamonds in the night.
Is there a happy ending? Do Lauren and Logan get a second chance or does she marry Logan's son? Read for yourself to find out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The one I Can’t Have by Denise Wells Age is an age gap 18/36, Insta-love, second chance romance with a twist. This is told with both main characters POV and has a HEA. There was also plenty of spice.
I enjoyed the first part of this book even though their short relationship was based on lies told by Lauren (18 years old). I can understand why Logan was upset and broke it off. Then when they meet up again 7 years later Lauren is still immature and selfish, and they are both somewhat cruel to her fiancé who happens to be Logan’s estranged son, which is the twist.
Other than that it was a quick read with plenty of spice, the twist just wasn’t my cup of tea.
Much shorter book than I realized. As a novella it’s focused on their instant attraction and a lot of sex. My main interest after reading the book’s blurb was the potential juicy drama. It turns out his son is from a high school pregnancy and although he’s financially supported him there hasn’t been a relationship except meeting a few times in the month leading up to the big reveal. Again, a quick read but well written and HEA for the couple. Maybe an epilogue further down the road would’ve made the HEA sweeter.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
'The One I Can't Have' by Denise Wells, was hot and heavy from the very beginning right until the last page! This novella was a great read and packed a lot in the pages, it had both the romance and the steamy heat, plus a unique story. I loved Logan, what a great character and well written and Lauren was the typical crazy 18yr old on summer break having a bit of fun and got in a bit over her head. 7yrs later, a lot can happen in that time and well they meet again! Lauren is engaged to Logan's son! No-one is more surprised than Logan and Lauren when they finally see each other at her engagement party, something neither of them ever expected.
You know how sometimes an author will publish a short story/ novella and then years later expand on the story and turn it into a full length novel? I’m hoping Denise Wells does that at some point with this story. I feel like it was an interesting premise but the overall story could have benefited from more internal conflict for the characters (particularly Lauren—how quickly she threw over her fiancé for Logan made her seem a bit heartless and fickle) and perhaps 150 more pages. Not a bad story though.
Wow, this was explosive, for complicated family circumstances. Great storyline, loved the way it was handled with care and as much respect, as nothing was done out of spite and no lines were really crossed. Thought Lauren had a wonderful family, and brothers seemed to be a handful, but they showed love and support. Liked how Logan owned up to everything, and tried his best not to hurt people, but sometimes making the right decisions still wound those we care.
I am voluntarily leaving a review for this book that I received free.
Logan & Lauren shared four, hot and steamy days in the Bahamas. Granted she lied about her age, but she was an adult. When Logan is confronted with her true age, he freaks out and bails.
They lose seven years because of his actions and her lies, but once they see each other again nothing else and no one else matters. It’s true love, but at the cost of his relationship with his son, Lauren’s now ex-fiancé.
Loved the story, the chemistry, their banter. The only thing I didn’t like was leaving out a glimpse of Logan and his son trying to forge a relationship in the future.
Absolutely loved this age gap romance by Denise Wells about Logan and Lauren. She was 18 when they met, and he was twice her age, and within four days, they had made a love connection until he found out her true age and everything fell apart. The storyline was unique, and I was torn as to who I adored more, Lauren or Logan. This was the first book I have read by Denise Wells, but It won’t be the last.
Denise Wells you have completely knocked it out of the park with Logan & Lauren's story. I was hooked & completely immersed in their story from the very first page & could not put the book down until I had finished. I didn't want the story to end. I will definitely be adding the author to my favourites list.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Well not sure where to start with this book ? It will definitely have you hooked from the beginning until the end that's for sure .Logan retired from football and has a son Kyle and is invited to the engagement party but when he sees the woman who got away 7 years ago will he step a side for his sons sake? This book was like no there story I've read and can't wait to see what else this author writes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Logan walked away from the woman he loved seven years ago because he thought she was too young. Now seven years later they meet again at an engagement party where she is engaged to his son. The story is filled will emotional drama that kept me glued to the pages to see how it ends for Logan and Laurn. Is he too late to finally get the woman that holds his heart or will he yield to his son. I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.
This one left me wanting more! The plot was full of angst, steam and drama. I wanted to know what happens to Kyle. I felt kind of bad for him and how he was treated. I’m glad Logan and Lauren got their HEA despite their screw ups over the years. I really wanted to see how they faired several years down the road.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book provided by Hidden Gems.
This was a fast-paced story that will leave any reader breathless. The premise of the book is good and makes you think drama and angst will be the main focus of the story. However, the story develops so fast that whatever drama and angst I was expecting, they kind washed away. I like the energy of the main characters even if they don't grovel much or fight their feelings harder. All in all, it was a good story.
The author has given us a wonderful older man/younger woman story that pulls us into the lives of Logan and Lauren. Their story started seven years ago and ended with heartbreak. When they unexpectedly meet again at her engagement party, will they have a second chance or has too much time passed?
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Liked the connection that they both felt for each other even after only knowing each other for a short amount of time. Although, it was sad for the other character as he had many losses and was not really mentioned again. Would recommend reading, but be warned there are some steamy scenes in this book.
First time author for me. Great book..really enjoyed it. Only thing that kept it from being a 5 star book is there was no epilogue. No idea if they ended up getting married ( which is a given) but did they have kids..did Kyle forgive them? Looking forward to other books in the series.
This was an odd story...what are the chances????? The MMC didn't want anything to do with raising his kid. The FMC was going to marry someone she didn't love. I really didn't like either of their personalities but that is just a personal preference.
This is a new author for me and I am looking forward to reading more from them. The story flow well, easy to read and follow. This is a story of a older male and the younger woman that captures his heart. I enjoyed this book.
I LOVE a good age gap story and this one is fantastic! Logan and Lauren's journey is a fast paced, steamy, quick read that consumes you every second of their story. There's nothing better than discovering/deciding that everything is fair in love and age really is just a number!