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Chicago #0
Fresh Start
The book is an Introduction to Chicago Series.
Alyssa Masters had been accused of a horrible crime she didn’t commit and was now the most hated woman in America. She’d lost people she’d loved, her credibility, and a part of her life. To get it back on track, she returns home to live with her mother and has all but given up on any hope at a normal life.
Hannah Granger had been off exploring the world and finding herself, only to return home to lose her mother and a lot of what she’d found out about herself while away.
When the two women meet, they discover they can help find what they’d lost and uncover more of what they could have in their lives as they attempt to navigate a complicated situation and deal with the baggage they both bring with them.
500 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2017
About the author
Nicole Pyland
87 books881 followersNicole Pyland is a best-selling author of sapphic stand-alone novels and series.
Since 2017, she’s published over 60 romance novels in different sub-genres (contemporary romance, erotica, mystery, sci-fi, paranormal, historical, fantasy), and more of her books are on their way!
She grew up in Indiana, studying English & Film and then getting a master's degree in Behavior Analysis. She lives with her wife and their opinionated cat, who spends his evenings helping her write stories by occupying half the chair.
"I’ve always had fictional characters trapped inside my head. Now, I’m giving them their voices in my books. I started publishing in November 2017, but out of all the words I’ve ever used to describe myself, writer has been the only constant."
Since 2017, she’s published over 60 romance novels in different sub-genres (contemporary romance, erotica, mystery, sci-fi, paranormal, historical, fantasy), and more of her books are on their way!
She grew up in Indiana, studying English & Film and then getting a master's degree in Behavior Analysis. She lives with her wife and their opinionated cat, who spends his evenings helping her write stories by occupying half the chair.
"I’ve always had fictional characters trapped inside my head. Now, I’m giving them their voices in my books. I started publishing in November 2017, but out of all the words I’ve ever used to describe myself, writer has been the only constant."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
February 2, 2018
2 stars. Yet another case of insta love. The book is also plagued with severe editing issues and often misspelled words. "Hostel" became "hostile" for example and there are many, many different words mixed up the same way. I lost count.
Because of insta love, I wasn't really invested in their relationship or sex scenes which I skipped. They're too long or rather the book, in general, is too drawn out for what it delivers. The only reason I finished it was because of the mystery which also wasn't that hard to figure out if you've read some mysteries in the past. My theory was proven to be right so no surprises there either.
Even though it's longer than your average book I don't really feel like I got to know the characters, they keep mulling over the same issues again and again. And then the grand n' cheezy declarations of love started to drop for no reason and the characters failed to stay consistent.
At the beginning of the story, Alyssa basically tells her life's story to Hannah who at the time was a complete stranger but later on when they're in love she keeps information from Hannah for no reason other than manufactured drama. As I mentioned previously, it has editing issues.
Not to mention the complete cheezfest that was the ending.
Can't recommend.
Because of insta love, I wasn't really invested in their relationship or sex scenes which I skipped. They're too long or rather the book, in general, is too drawn out for what it delivers. The only reason I finished it was because of the mystery which also wasn't that hard to figure out if you've read some mysteries in the past. My theory was proven to be right so no surprises there either.
Even though it's longer than your average book I don't really feel like I got to know the characters, they keep mulling over the same issues again and again. And then the grand n' cheezy declarations of love started to drop for no reason and the characters failed to stay consistent.
At the beginning of the story, Alyssa basically tells her life's story to Hannah who at the time was a complete stranger but later on when they're in love she keeps information from Hannah for no reason other than manufactured drama. As I mentioned previously, it has editing issues.
Not to mention the complete cheezfest that was the ending.
Can't recommend.
September 2, 2021
Every time I’m feeling down or I can’t seem to find a good book to get into, Nicole Pyland never fails to solve that problem.
Can’t believe I never read this book, good read!
Can’t believe I never read this book, good read!
December 1, 2017
Overall I really liked it. The romance arc was well done. But there was one pretty big part about the crime arc that really struck me as bizarre and never explained. The murder of Alyssa's BF and daughter was so high profile that it not only flooded the Los Angeles news market but it reached nation wide audience as well (Chicago). Out of all the crime out there, why was TY's death such a big deal. Cause it was a very very large chunk of the overall book, how Alyssa was perceived in public.
Kinda felt like this was a fan fic at one time (uber Xena/Gabrielle) that got published. Coulda used a good beta or editor pass. Other than that, and I'm probably nit picking, it was pretty entertaining.
Kinda felt like this was a fan fic at one time (uber Xena/Gabrielle) that got published. Coulda used a good beta or editor pass. Other than that, and I'm probably nit picking, it was pretty entertaining.
June 29, 2020
Alyssa Masters had sat in prison for two years for a double-homicide she did not commit. The news of her case is all over the country. So even though she is now a free woman without criminal records, it is very hard to live a normal life. Then Hannah Granger shows up for rental viewings at Alyssa's workplace without knowing who Alyssa is. Hannah is relocating after traveling for three years and just losing her mother. Will their friendly encounter develop into something deeper with Alyssa's past hanging overhead?
Please note that there are uses of ableist language in the book.
This was my first Pyland book and is definitely not going to be my last! I love the plot and the characters. But the editing and parts of the writing? Not so much.
Pyland captured Alyssa's pain vividly. As readers, we constantly feel her fear of strangers harassing her, and her struggles of letting Hannah in are very understandable. Though Alyssa and Hannah's connection was instant, it did not feel like instalove to me. Both characters took the time, albeit just a few days, to get a little more physical. Hannah is incredibly understanding and empathetic, and hers and Alyssa's love for each other radiates off the page. Their relationship is so intense and loving and mutually supportive that I cannot help but root for them. And their physical intimacy and commitments did not feel too fast for me, a slow-burn romance lover. This reads like slow-burn even though the time span of the book is probably a couple weeks, sans the prologue and epilogue. I also love how they are both making progress in their careers. Most books focus on personality growth, but Fresh Start, as the name implied, focuses more on life growth, including career advancements. Yeah, I love strong women with great career goals.
Being in prison for two years for a crime Alyssa did not commit while the person who murdered her loved ones is on the loose is beyond horrible. In addition to the romance, the mystery of arresting the actual murderer is also a main storyline. The romance and intrigue complement each other very well, and I love all the supporting characters along the way. While this book is mostly set in California, I cannot wait for the series to take place in Chicago. I personally love Chi-Town, which is probably the city I have spent the most time in other than my hometown. Since I cannot travel during the pandemic, I would love to visit it through the series.
I totally recommend Fresh Start as long as you can look past the multiple editing problems. It is a book that makes your heart break for Alyssa and melt for the complete trust between her and Hannah.
Please note that there are uses of ableist language in the book.
This was my first Pyland book and is definitely not going to be my last! I love the plot and the characters. But the editing and parts of the writing? Not so much.
Pyland captured Alyssa's pain vividly. As readers, we constantly feel her fear of strangers harassing her, and her struggles of letting Hannah in are very understandable. Though Alyssa and Hannah's connection was instant, it did not feel like instalove to me. Both characters took the time, albeit just a few days, to get a little more physical. Hannah is incredibly understanding and empathetic, and hers and Alyssa's love for each other radiates off the page. Their relationship is so intense and loving and mutually supportive that I cannot help but root for them. And their physical intimacy and commitments did not feel too fast for me, a slow-burn romance lover. This reads like slow-burn even though the time span of the book is probably a couple weeks, sans the prologue and epilogue. I also love how they are both making progress in their careers. Most books focus on personality growth, but Fresh Start, as the name implied, focuses more on life growth, including career advancements. Yeah, I love strong women with great career goals.
Being in prison for two years for a crime Alyssa did not commit while the person who murdered her loved ones is on the loose is beyond horrible. In addition to the romance, the mystery of arresting the actual murderer is also a main storyline. The romance and intrigue complement each other very well, and I love all the supporting characters along the way. While this book is mostly set in California, I cannot wait for the series to take place in Chicago. I personally love Chi-Town, which is probably the city I have spent the most time in other than my hometown. Since I cannot travel during the pandemic, I would love to visit it through the series.
I totally recommend Fresh Start as long as you can look past the multiple editing problems. It is a book that makes your heart break for Alyssa and melt for the complete trust between her and Hannah.
February 11, 2018
When I opened this and saw it was 600 pages, I was surprised. That’s double the length of most books in this genre. I was hopeful because I generally find most books I read to be too short. Things feel rushed and we don’t get enough time to get to know the characters. This book didn’t really take advantage of the extra length. Not enough happened to keep the book engaging for the entire 600 pages. The characters didn’t grow as much as they needed to and the plot didn’t have enough action. I look forward to reading more from this author though.
April 21, 2022
3,5 stars
Not bad. Predictable and a bit formulaic, but a decent romance nevertheless
Not bad. Predictable and a bit formulaic, but a decent romance nevertheless
April 2, 2020
Too long,Too wordy but a great emotional plot but the editing was horrible, it made reading impossible and I really don't care for insta love.
December 30, 2018
Loved it - odd to read the series out of order - but who'd guess that before one there is a zero? Brought the story totally & a really good example of how people buy into other's misfortune and think nothing of destroying lives. Excellent. Thank you.
December 27, 2017
A very good story!
This was a very good story. I was hooked from the very first part of the story. Both Alyssa and Hannah were very compelling characters. There was laughter and sadness all in the same story. The supporting characters Judy, Rachel, Penny, Lyndsey, and the tenacious police detective kept the storyline flowing seamlessly. Well done!!!
This was a very good story. I was hooked from the very first part of the story. Both Alyssa and Hannah were very compelling characters. There was laughter and sadness all in the same story. The supporting characters Judy, Rachel, Penny, Lyndsey, and the tenacious police detective kept the storyline flowing seamlessly. Well done!!!
August 7, 2022
"Fresh Start" is the prequel to Nicole Pyland's Chicago Series (and I'm quite curious to know how it fits into the rest of the series)...It's a wordy, though easy read with a WHOLE lot of back story to the lives of Alyssa Masters and Hannah Granger prior to their meet-cute moment. Alyssa has only just been released from prison after double homicide charges are dropped against her AND faces challenges reintegrating after guilt by botched investigation/media coverage over the last two years when she meets new to town Hannah (who is one of the few people who have NO idea who she is); their connection is near instantaneous. Editing lets this one down, BUT it does offer an insightful look into the challenges faced by Alyssa and Hannah as their worlds collide AND the sex scenes/moments of intimacy are really well written.
Read
November 16, 2022Fresh Start
Nicole Pyland did an amazing job with this book. A slight mystery to solve while falling in love. The chemistry is amazing. I truly enjoyed the book and will add to my reread pile.
Nicole Pyland did an amazing job with this book. A slight mystery to solve while falling in love. The chemistry is amazing. I truly enjoyed the book and will add to my reread pile.
March 4, 2025
I liked the story and the characters, but thought the book was too long for the story itself.
July 26, 2022
4.5 star rating
We have here two people separately attempting to rebuild their lives, one deeply scarred and the other unbeknowingly in need to offer nurture. They meet, partner, face together trials of varying degrees and surmount them all together.
The togetherness is what really reverberate to me from this story. To do together is to offer, accept, believe and persevere regardless of circumstances.
P.S.
I never guessed who the culprit was until the first meet and that also gives this story an additional star from me.
We have here two people separately attempting to rebuild their lives, one deeply scarred and the other unbeknowingly in need to offer nurture. They meet, partner, face together trials of varying degrees and surmount them all together.
The togetherness is what really reverberate to me from this story. To do together is to offer, accept, believe and persevere regardless of circumstances.
P.S.
I never guessed who the culprit was until the first meet and that also gives this story an additional star from me.
Read
January 9, 2025Can't finish reading this.I feel like the book is too slow for me but the romance too fast
January 10, 2018
Story was a 5, editing a 3
I really enjoyed this story and the immediate connection, love and understanding between the main characters. The author did a really good job of not rushing through the story, most often taking us through consecutive days one at a time. I appreciated the length to the story.
What I did find frustrating was the lack of basic editing. There was rampant misuse of the word too when it should have been to. There were many instances of missing a word in a sentence, the use of an extra and irrelevant word in a sentence, etc. The latter part of the book contained several places where a couple of sentences were repeated in consecutive paragraphs. I feel as if a first draft were published without a basic proof-reading.
Overall I enjoyed the book for the story, but an editor is needed.
I really enjoyed this story and the immediate connection, love and understanding between the main characters. The author did a really good job of not rushing through the story, most often taking us through consecutive days one at a time. I appreciated the length to the story.
What I did find frustrating was the lack of basic editing. There was rampant misuse of the word too when it should have been to. There were many instances of missing a word in a sentence, the use of an extra and irrelevant word in a sentence, etc. The latter part of the book contained several places where a couple of sentences were repeated in consecutive paragraphs. I feel as if a first draft were published without a basic proof-reading.
Overall I enjoyed the book for the story, but an editor is needed.
November 24, 2017
Good book. The plot was very realistic and the characters were well developed. It was a little predictable in some areas, however, who I initially thought committed the crime ended up not being the guilty party at all. So that was good. It just seems as though the book was 10 chapters longer than it needed to be. I also wished the author would have had the book edited more. There were soooo many run on sentences, missing words, misspelled words, and incorrect usage of words that it was almost just too much. I had to constantly go back and reread things to understand what the author was trying to convey.
March 5, 2018
Fantastic
Wonderful character development, in both two protagonists and several of the supporting characters, makes this story stand out from others of it's genre. This seems to be the norm in Nicole Pyland's stories. There is also a reasonably well done mystery plot in this story, though it was fairly clear from the start that the real culprit was one of two people because the twist about why she throws up in the prologue was fairly obvious. The path to get to the reveal, however, was well written and fairly realistic in terms of the way assumptions about a person's character can influence people's actions. Highly recommended.
Wonderful character development, in both two protagonists and several of the supporting characters, makes this story stand out from others of it's genre. This seems to be the norm in Nicole Pyland's stories. There is also a reasonably well done mystery plot in this story, though it was fairly clear from the start that the real culprit was one of two people because the twist about why she throws up in the prologue was fairly obvious. The path to get to the reveal, however, was well written and fairly realistic in terms of the way assumptions about a person's character can influence people's actions. Highly recommended.
June 1, 2018
I read book one of the Chicago Series before I read this one which leads up to it. Didn't matter, I was still captivated. The plot flowed smoothly driven by amazing characters. I really enjoy books that deal with overcoming obsticles and have really well developed characters.
April 3, 2018
Quick read, despite the length, because I found Alyssa's storyline so engaging. I plan to read more by Nicole Pyland.
September 16, 2026
DNF at 40%.
The premise was interesting, but unfortunately most of that interest was drained by the writing style. It felt quite amateurish, or like the book hadn't gone through any developmental or line edit.
There was a big info dump at the beginning, only for much of the same information to be repeated later through thoughts and dialogue. The sentence structure also became very repetitive to the point where I found it distracting. And then there were the dialogue tags, tons and tons of unnecessary dialogue tags. And even when a tag was needed, some of the choices felt too elaborate for no apparent reason (she queried, Alyssa chided, Judy commanded… "said" and "asked" work perfectly fine most of the time).
I did want to know what happened to Ty and his daughter, and what the deal was with the ex-girlfriend, but I just couldn't push through anymore.
I will say that I liked how Alyssa and Hannah's relationship started. The meet-cute was nicely done, and their instant attraction actually felt believable to me. I just wish the writing had been stronger, because I think I would've enjoyed the story.
The premise was interesting, but unfortunately most of that interest was drained by the writing style. It felt quite amateurish, or like the book hadn't gone through any developmental or line edit.
There was a big info dump at the beginning, only for much of the same information to be repeated later through thoughts and dialogue. The sentence structure also became very repetitive to the point where I found it distracting. And then there were the dialogue tags, tons and tons of unnecessary dialogue tags. And even when a tag was needed, some of the choices felt too elaborate for no apparent reason (she queried, Alyssa chided, Judy commanded… "said" and "asked" work perfectly fine most of the time).
I did want to know what happened to Ty and his daughter, and what the deal was with the ex-girlfriend, but I just couldn't push through anymore.
I will say that I liked how Alyssa and Hannah's relationship started. The meet-cute was nicely done, and their instant attraction actually felt believable to me. I just wish the writing had been stronger, because I think I would've enjoyed the story.
June 8, 2022
“‘We’ll see, Mom. We’ve been together less than twelve hours, and we’ve only known each other–‘ ‘That’s crap, and you know it. It’s not how long you know someone that matters. If you love them, you love them,’ Judy paused. ‘You mind telling me why you’re here with me instead of with her right now? Not that I don’t enjoy your company… But it seems a little strange to me that while you two have been inseparable recently, tonight, you’re here.’”
Heroine: 26 year old Alyssa Masters
Heroine: 32 year old Hannah Granger
I read the “first” book in this series before diving into this one. I came back to it and devoured its amazing-ness! I was already introduced to Hannah and Alyssa but I wanted to know how they came to be. Their journey wasn’t an easy one. Hannah had more patience than I have experienced in a lead character. She was also very protective. Alyssa had some big things to overcome with having the last two years taken from her and dealing with everything before. At times she didn’t feel deserving of Hannah. This seemed natural. Overall, there weren’t a lot of moments that made me want to bang my head.
Cliffhanger – no (book #0 in series)
POV - Hannah & Alyssa
Heroine: 26 year old Alyssa Masters
Heroine: 32 year old Hannah Granger
I read the “first” book in this series before diving into this one. I came back to it and devoured its amazing-ness! I was already introduced to Hannah and Alyssa but I wanted to know how they came to be. Their journey wasn’t an easy one. Hannah had more patience than I have experienced in a lead character. She was also very protective. Alyssa had some big things to overcome with having the last two years taken from her and dealing with everything before. At times she didn’t feel deserving of Hannah. This seemed natural. Overall, there weren’t a lot of moments that made me want to bang my head.
Cliffhanger – no (book #0 in series)
POV - Hannah & Alyssa
October 28, 2024
I Love This Sort Of Story
Falsely accused of murder, Alyssa Masters’ life has been hell since she was released from jail after a hung jury. Everyone seems to know who Alyssa is and worse, they all still think she’s guilty.
Except Hannah Granger. It’s so rare to see the challenge facing a Sapphic couple be external to them instead of something between them. The consequence of that was, while this is an interesting story because of the background murder plot, it’s also a lovely story where a couple falls in love and then support one another through all the external drama and pressures.
This was a fun good book and I recommend it!
Falsely accused of murder, Alyssa Masters’ life has been hell since she was released from jail after a hung jury. Everyone seems to know who Alyssa is and worse, they all still think she’s guilty.
Except Hannah Granger. It’s so rare to see the challenge facing a Sapphic couple be external to them instead of something between them. The consequence of that was, while this is an interesting story because of the background murder plot, it’s also a lovely story where a couple falls in love and then support one another through all the external drama and pressures.
This was a fun good book and I recommend it!
July 20, 2018
Loved this book. I read the Chicago series first, then came back to this, wish I had read it first as I now want to read them all again just to appreciate it more! Very interesting story. I love Nicole pylands writing style, I'm glad the 'miscommunication' trope that is so heavily used in this genre is not used here, the characters have issues outside of just a relationship which bulls up the story and makes it interesting without being repetitive. I've now read all books by this author, can't wait for another!
March 28, 2020
There’s something about Nicole Pyland’s writing that draws me in. I believe in these characters I cheer for them, I cry for them and my heart aches. She’s my favorite.
Now the book. Can you imagine being accused of a crime of murder that you didn’t commit? Could you imagine ever having a normal life again?? When the right one finds you it just fits. Alyssa was innocent and needed to find herself again. Can she open up when Hannah walks into her life?
I loved this book.
Now the book. Can you imagine being accused of a crime of murder that you didn’t commit? Could you imagine ever having a normal life again?? When the right one finds you it just fits. Alyssa was innocent and needed to find herself again. Can she open up when Hannah walks into her life?
I loved this book.
December 9, 2017
Great book
This story was so different than any I've read. I knew either Rachel or Derrick were guilty, but having to prove it would be a futile effort. Thankfully, the author proved what a cluster the initial investigation was and how the cops failed at finding concrete evidence. Great book.
This story was so different than any I've read. I knew either Rachel or Derrick were guilty, but having to prove it would be a futile effort. Thankfully, the author proved what a cluster the initial investigation was and how the cops failed at finding concrete evidence. Great book.
January 8, 2018
Sweet
The book couldn’t have ended any other way. I’m happy for Al and Hannah. I do really wish there would be a sequel or a short story even. These two are the cutest couple. Hannah should be the poster child for everyone’s idea of a perfect girlfriend. The reveal of the actual killer threw me for a loop
The book couldn’t have ended any other way. I’m happy for Al and Hannah. I do really wish there would be a sequel or a short story even. These two are the cutest couple. Hannah should be the poster child for everyone’s idea of a perfect girlfriend. The reveal of the actual killer threw me for a loop
March 2, 2018
Great
I totally expected to be suffocating in depression when I started this. I felt frustrated, angry, sad, happy, and I laughed a lot throughout the whole book. It was better than I expected and I’m glad I chose to risk my easily hurt heart and read it.
I definitely recommend this book to everyone.
I totally expected to be suffocating in depression when I started this. I felt frustrated, angry, sad, happy, and I laughed a lot throughout the whole book. It was better than I expected and I’m glad I chose to risk my easily hurt heart and read it.
I definitely recommend this book to everyone.
August 15, 2018
2.5
I don´t have much to say.
Its an Insta Love and that is not my cup of tea.
The story telling was good and the writing also.
It was a little bit unbelievable that the police didn´t look other ways for a perp or didn´t do their work properbly and secure all evidence there is.
I thin kanyone who is ok with Insta love will like it.
I will try the next one in the series.
I don´t have much to say.
Its an Insta Love and that is not my cup of tea.
The story telling was good and the writing also.
It was a little bit unbelievable that the police didn´t look other ways for a perp or didn´t do their work properbly and secure all evidence there is.
I thin kanyone who is ok with Insta love will like it.
I will try the next one in the series.
September 4, 2018
Great book
This is one of my favorite books in this authors series. Hannah and Alyssa were an adorable couple and very realistic also. Both characters were very like able and believable. The supporting cast was good also. Definite must read and I can’t wait to read more of her books.
This is one of my favorite books in this authors series. Hannah and Alyssa were an adorable couple and very realistic also. Both characters were very like able and believable. The supporting cast was good also. Definite must read and I can’t wait to read more of her books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews