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Sage Ridge #1
A Lifetime of Afters
What if your first love was meant to be your last?
Noelle Brevard can’t remember a time she didn’t love Hawkley Bennett. It didn’t matter that he was her brother’s best friend. She had to tell him.
He chose someone else. And she left.
After ten years, she’s going home. Number one on her to-do list is to stay out of his way.
But Mother Nature has other plans. Locked away from the rest of the world, sparks fly and truths come to light.
Until only one secret remains. And it’s tearing him apart.
She’s got a choice. Protect her heart? Or give everything she has for his.
A Lifetime of Afters is a small town, friends to enemies to lovers, grumpy-sunshine, surprise pregnancy, forced proximity, family saga hybrid of steamy contemporary romance and deeply emotional women’s fiction perfect for fans of Virgin River and This is Grief.
Noelle Brevard can’t remember a time she didn’t love Hawkley Bennett. It didn’t matter that he was her brother’s best friend. She had to tell him.
He chose someone else. And she left.
After ten years, she’s going home. Number one on her to-do list is to stay out of his way.
But Mother Nature has other plans. Locked away from the rest of the world, sparks fly and truths come to light.
Until only one secret remains. And it’s tearing him apart.
She’s got a choice. Protect her heart? Or give everything she has for his.
A Lifetime of Afters is a small town, friends to enemies to lovers, grumpy-sunshine, surprise pregnancy, forced proximity, family saga hybrid of steamy contemporary romance and deeply emotional women’s fiction perfect for fans of Virgin River and This is Grief.
281 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 20, 2023
74 people are currently reading
175 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
March 21, 2023
I'm not sure when I’ve ever been this excited for a book. This gifted writer is one I’ve been with since the beginning, and I’ve had the pleasure of watching her skills grow by leaps and bounds. With this exquisite gem, she's earned a place for her work among the upper echelons of contemporary romance.
Bear with me, because I’ll do a fair amount of going into raptures over this one, but if you want the quick and dirty, here it is. This book. This is the read your romantic heart has been thirsting for. If you love emotion, angst and heart in your romance reading it is a no-brainer, because this will be one of your top reads ever.
This book is a bit of a crossover from the Bridgewater Series, with Noelle Brevard being the connecting link. Shortly after she and Barrett say goodbye, she gets laid off from her job. After ten long years, she decides to go home to Sage Ridge. But home's true heart, the people she loves and who love her, are very different than they were ten years ago.
The Brevards and the Bennetts were lifelong friends, and their children grew up together. Noelle's brother, Max, was best friends with Hawkley and Hunter Bennett, and Noelle was best friends with their sister, Harley. When they were old enough, they each worked at the Bennett family’s resort and got into good-natured mischief together during their free time. Then tragedy struck not once, not twice, but three times really, and Noelle ran. The thing about running from ghosts and grief though is that you can never really outrun them. They're right where you left them, and Noelle will have to deal with everything she tried to escape years ago.
Hold on to your heart, reader friend, because Noelle and Hawk's story is a wildly emotional ride. Their road to forever is fraught with bumps and potholes, all of it overshadowed by grief, guilt, and regret. Their fallible humanity, vulnerabilities, cracks and dents conspicuously displayed only serve to make them more endearing and relatable.
The thing that struck me most while reading this remarkable story is that Devin makes me, a solitary and inconsequential reader, feel seen. Her words are imbued with kinship and compassion and feel like they're written directly to me. And writing that feels like it's more about the reader than the writer, writing that lifts the reader up and encourages her, writing like this is a truly rare commodity and worth everything.
The prose are elegantly poetic, the symbolism is poignantly breathtaking, and these beautifully broken characters make my soul weep for them. This masterful work is one that will burrow deep into your heart, leaving you a different person once you emerge from these pages. It's one of those works of literary art that will reveal new pearls of wisdom each time it's read. It will touch you differently at various points of your life experience, each touch deep, profound and fundamental. A work that, a hundred years from now, will still be relevant. Put Hawk and Noelle at the top of your TBR and don’t miss this read of a lifetime.
Bear with me, because I’ll do a fair amount of going into raptures over this one, but if you want the quick and dirty, here it is. This book. This is the read your romantic heart has been thirsting for. If you love emotion, angst and heart in your romance reading it is a no-brainer, because this will be one of your top reads ever.
This book is a bit of a crossover from the Bridgewater Series, with Noelle Brevard being the connecting link. Shortly after she and Barrett say goodbye, she gets laid off from her job. After ten long years, she decides to go home to Sage Ridge. But home's true heart, the people she loves and who love her, are very different than they were ten years ago.
The Brevards and the Bennetts were lifelong friends, and their children grew up together. Noelle's brother, Max, was best friends with Hawkley and Hunter Bennett, and Noelle was best friends with their sister, Harley. When they were old enough, they each worked at the Bennett family’s resort and got into good-natured mischief together during their free time. Then tragedy struck not once, not twice, but three times really, and Noelle ran. The thing about running from ghosts and grief though is that you can never really outrun them. They're right where you left them, and Noelle will have to deal with everything she tried to escape years ago.
Hold on to your heart, reader friend, because Noelle and Hawk's story is a wildly emotional ride. Their road to forever is fraught with bumps and potholes, all of it overshadowed by grief, guilt, and regret. Their fallible humanity, vulnerabilities, cracks and dents conspicuously displayed only serve to make them more endearing and relatable.
The thing that struck me most while reading this remarkable story is that Devin makes me, a solitary and inconsequential reader, feel seen. Her words are imbued with kinship and compassion and feel like they're written directly to me. And writing that feels like it's more about the reader than the writer, writing that lifts the reader up and encourages her, writing like this is a truly rare commodity and worth everything.
The prose are elegantly poetic, the symbolism is poignantly breathtaking, and these beautifully broken characters make my soul weep for them. This masterful work is one that will burrow deep into your heart, leaving you a different person once you emerge from these pages. It's one of those works of literary art that will reveal new pearls of wisdom each time it's read. It will touch you differently at various points of your life experience, each touch deep, profound and fundamental. A work that, a hundred years from now, will still be relevant. Put Hawk and Noelle at the top of your TBR and don’t miss this read of a lifetime.
April 5, 2023
This book was absolutely amazing! The story was heartfelt and beautiful and I loved every minute of it.
Noelle and Hawk were more than perfect for each other and their happily ever after was a long time coming. Letting go of the past and guilt was the hardest for both of them however their love was so much stronger when they got the second chance. The chemistry was of charts from the start and I'm glad that the author put all the heat and spicy scenes in it.
I cried and laughed many times throughout the story and I would definitely highly recommend it!
Noelle and Hawk were more than perfect for each other and their happily ever after was a long time coming. Letting go of the past and guilt was the hardest for both of them however their love was so much stronger when they got the second chance. The chemistry was of charts from the start and I'm glad that the author put all the heat and spicy scenes in it.
I cried and laughed many times throughout the story and I would definitely highly recommend it!
April 3, 2023
Noelle Brevard left her hometown of Sage Ridge 10 years ago after suffering a loss of not just her mother but a childhood friend as well. Along with admitting her love to Hawkley Bennett, he rejected her and married someone else made her run.
10 years later, after being laid off from work, she is back. Driving in the snow and at the bottom of Hawkleys driveway with roads closed. Noelle is forced to stay with him.
Hawkley and Noelle are one of my most favourite couples I have read by Devin Sloane so far, and I have read all of her books. Hawkley is a tortured, broken soul, and I felt for him so much. Noelle was absolutely perfect in every way for him. Their journey was not easy it was hard, and to navigate the way to their HEA was difficult, but I feel in love with their story none the less.
Hawkleys character took the spice level up 100 notches I would absolutely like to say. Between him and Noelle it was HOT in hereeee!
“Good girl.” WOWZA!!!!🔥🔥🔥
Just the mention of that was, "get me a fan I need to cool down!!"
Devin took a unique approach with this book and included her ARC team in brainstorming ideas for landmarks and different places and names, etc. It was fun to watch and read the comments along the way. Those ladies are hilarious. 😂
I did have a contribution as well and it was lovely to feel included and see it mentioned in the book. So thank you, Devin!❤️
Absolutely 💯 Recommend!!!
ARC Review.
10 years later, after being laid off from work, she is back. Driving in the snow and at the bottom of Hawkleys driveway with roads closed. Noelle is forced to stay with him.
Hawkley and Noelle are one of my most favourite couples I have read by Devin Sloane so far, and I have read all of her books. Hawkley is a tortured, broken soul, and I felt for him so much. Noelle was absolutely perfect in every way for him. Their journey was not easy it was hard, and to navigate the way to their HEA was difficult, but I feel in love with their story none the less.
Hawkleys character took the spice level up 100 notches I would absolutely like to say. Between him and Noelle it was HOT in hereeee!
“Good girl.” WOWZA!!!!🔥🔥🔥
Just the mention of that was, "get me a fan I need to cool down!!"
Devin took a unique approach with this book and included her ARC team in brainstorming ideas for landmarks and different places and names, etc. It was fun to watch and read the comments along the way. Those ladies are hilarious. 😂
I did have a contribution as well and it was lovely to feel included and see it mentioned in the book. So thank you, Devin!❤️
Absolutely 💯 Recommend!!!
ARC Review.
July 28, 2023
Hard one for me to rate I didn’t dislike it, I just didn’t love it. It gripped me but not to the point that I couldn’t put it down. The story line was strong and the characters were likable, it was just missing that extra boom that gets me hooked
April 12, 2023
This is the first book of Devin’s I had the pleasure of reading. Being so new to the book world again, I am grateful to be given this opportunity.
That being said this book had me hook instantly. I connected maybe a little too much to the character. I felt her heartbreak as my own and I wanted to protect her like a best friend would. And boy did I cheer when she stood her ground for herself.
The emotions are so strong and raw. I very much enjoyed the journey I went on reading this story. And I’m incredibly excited to see what else comes from the Sage Ridge series.
That being said this book had me hook instantly. I connected maybe a little too much to the character. I felt her heartbreak as my own and I wanted to protect her like a best friend would. And boy did I cheer when she stood her ground for herself.
The emotions are so strong and raw. I very much enjoyed the journey I went on reading this story. And I’m incredibly excited to see what else comes from the Sage Ridge series.
April 5, 2023
Devin has a way of reaching into your heart and making you feel things with her writing. Things you never thought you could feel from words written on paper.
And this book is no exception.
A lifetime of afters has to be one of her saddest books (even with its HEA) There's so much hurt, loss and grief, along with teasing and laughter. A story about families healing from the tragedies they went through together.
They all lost someone close to them. Some living, some not. But it hurt all the same.
A woman greaves for her one and only love. A man greaves for the bother he lost. A mother greaves the loss of not one but two sons. And a father greaves for his late wife and his daughter who moved away with a broken heart.
They came together to comfort each other as they move forward in life. It's a beautiful story and one you'll need a box of tissues for.
And this book is no exception.
A lifetime of afters has to be one of her saddest books (even with its HEA) There's so much hurt, loss and grief, along with teasing and laughter. A story about families healing from the tragedies they went through together.
They all lost someone close to them. Some living, some not. But it hurt all the same.
A woman greaves for her one and only love. A man greaves for the bother he lost. A mother greaves the loss of not one but two sons. And a father greaves for his late wife and his daughter who moved away with a broken heart.
They came together to comfort each other as they move forward in life. It's a beautiful story and one you'll need a box of tissues for.
April 13, 2023
Having moved around for so many years, losing her job meant maybe it was time to return home, back to Sage Ridge.
The first person she is accidentally reacquainted with is Hawkley. Brother of her best friend Harley, their two families were once one extended family spending so much time together growing up. But after so many tragedies, Noelle was finally back and after the memories of his rejection, the last person she wanted to see was him, Hawkley. The guy she’d loved long ago, who’d broken her heart that had never properly mended.
But this was just a stop gap, she doubted she’d stay long. Too many memories, not all good. Soon she’d be back on the road with her one eyed cat Bruce.
After reading an book that dragged a bit I felt I needed a book I knew I’d fall immediately in love with and this book was absolutely it! From the very start I was hooked on Noelle’s story and her past with Hawkley and their families. I’ve speed read this book, totally unable to put it down. There were some lovely heartwarming parts, some hot, sexy parts and some really emotional parts that had me reaching for the tissues.
I am a huge fan of this lovely authors work and cannot wait to see what comes next. Also hugely thankful to be given the advanced copy of this book and also to be included in the acknowledgements. Feeling ridiculously privileged right now. Thankyou Devin, you’ve smashed it out of the park once again!
The first person she is accidentally reacquainted with is Hawkley. Brother of her best friend Harley, their two families were once one extended family spending so much time together growing up. But after so many tragedies, Noelle was finally back and after the memories of his rejection, the last person she wanted to see was him, Hawkley. The guy she’d loved long ago, who’d broken her heart that had never properly mended.
But this was just a stop gap, she doubted she’d stay long. Too many memories, not all good. Soon she’d be back on the road with her one eyed cat Bruce.
After reading an book that dragged a bit I felt I needed a book I knew I’d fall immediately in love with and this book was absolutely it! From the very start I was hooked on Noelle’s story and her past with Hawkley and their families. I’ve speed read this book, totally unable to put it down. There were some lovely heartwarming parts, some hot, sexy parts and some really emotional parts that had me reaching for the tissues.
I am a huge fan of this lovely authors work and cannot wait to see what comes next. Also hugely thankful to be given the advanced copy of this book and also to be included in the acknowledgements. Feeling ridiculously privileged right now. Thankyou Devin, you’ve smashed it out of the park once again!
April 15, 2023
The fabulous Devin Sloane does it again! She made me cry!!!!
Being a part of her team has been a joyous journey. To have been able to help create this new world and community of characters has been a blessing. It's also been so much fun.
A Lifetime of Afters will make you laugh, shred your heart, then mend it piece by piece.
Devin has a way of infusing so much emotion into her stories. They are realistic to the point that it could be about anyone...even yourself. You find yourself bonding with the characters and you become fully invested in their experiences...their happiness...their heartache. You want to hug them when they're sad, yell at them when they're being stubborn, and laugh with them when they're cracking jokes...and the heat, ooooooh boy, do you feel the heat. It's like having a menopausal hot flash. It starts low and slowly spreads throughout your body. I'm speaking from experience on both counts! 🤣
I hate giving away even the slightest bit of info about the story, so I'm not going to do it...but I will say, Hawkley and Noelle will burrow themselves into your heart. So will Bruce!
This story is a must read. Honestly, I recommend ALL of Devin's books. Real Life, Real Love, Real Messy...they can't be describe any other way...except maybe Real Hot!! Just have a surplus of Kleenex ready because 100% you will need it!
Thank you Devin for allowing me to be a part of this fabulous team. I'm happy to call you my sunshine, but I'm proud to call you my friend!💜
Being a part of her team has been a joyous journey. To have been able to help create this new world and community of characters has been a blessing. It's also been so much fun.
A Lifetime of Afters will make you laugh, shred your heart, then mend it piece by piece.
Devin has a way of infusing so much emotion into her stories. They are realistic to the point that it could be about anyone...even yourself. You find yourself bonding with the characters and you become fully invested in their experiences...their happiness...their heartache. You want to hug them when they're sad, yell at them when they're being stubborn, and laugh with them when they're cracking jokes...and the heat, ooooooh boy, do you feel the heat. It's like having a menopausal hot flash. It starts low and slowly spreads throughout your body. I'm speaking from experience on both counts! 🤣
I hate giving away even the slightest bit of info about the story, so I'm not going to do it...but I will say, Hawkley and Noelle will burrow themselves into your heart. So will Bruce!
This story is a must read. Honestly, I recommend ALL of Devin's books. Real Life, Real Love, Real Messy...they can't be describe any other way...except maybe Real Hot!! Just have a surplus of Kleenex ready because 100% you will need it!
Thank you Devin for allowing me to be a part of this fabulous team. I'm happy to call you my sunshine, but I'm proud to call you my friend!💜
July 9, 2023
What to say ..................
I am usually a hit or miss reviewer, I love reading cheating books but very very rarely do I read a good one. Due to the fact that most writers are not able to redeem the supposed Hero's. I sometimes give a poor rating because a book can be so good but the author failed to make me believe in HEA. I read books for a HEA, but all to frequently I don't get that.
I loved the start of this book, I mean who doesn't love a book with cats in it, well a cat. It was like the h suddenly likes the H and she is going to tell him. I never felt the love or young love between them. Or Hunters love for the h either. I understand why the H turned her down, I really do. I mean his brother died after telling the H he was going to marry the h, but even as h said Hunter was dating many other women at the time he died. Also I have no idea why Hero married Ow, he didn't love OW, it makes no sense to me. It was a glaring plot device to get the h to leave town/family, I mean her mother had died too and she left them grieving. If the author had written that the OW was pregnant (but that is used so often) I could understand she wouldn't want to see the H and the OW together. There really wasn't much romance either I couldn't feel the love between the H and h, yes there was sex, but there was no real feel for the love. There was telling the h loved the H but you don't see it within the written words.
What I really loved was the books comedy moments and the cat moments, which normally tied together. That is why this book got the 3 stars. What I would say to this author is make the reader feel the love, make the reader feel the angst (I didn't get to FEEL much at all). Also I think that a wait of 10 years is too much. That is a really long time. Angst - when she thought about the Hero building a house for OW, there are so many devastating thoughts that could run through her head, give them to us. Also I didn't like how after waiting 10 years she had to keep waiting, well we along with her had to wait, while hero sorted himself out. Hero could have done that time and time again over 10 years, even over a year hero could have sorted himself out. It would have been the angst of all angst's if you could feel the love between the H and h if he were to tell her that he loved her but couldn't be in a relationship with her because his brother told him just before he died that he was in love with her and wanted to make a life with her (but again the brother would not be going out with every women he met to be believable). Anyway just a few thoughts.
I am usually a hit or miss reviewer, I love reading cheating books but very very rarely do I read a good one. Due to the fact that most writers are not able to redeem the supposed Hero's. I sometimes give a poor rating because a book can be so good but the author failed to make me believe in HEA. I read books for a HEA, but all to frequently I don't get that.
I loved the start of this book, I mean who doesn't love a book with cats in it, well a cat. It was like the h suddenly likes the H and she is going to tell him. I never felt the love or young love between them. Or Hunters love for the h either. I understand why the H turned her down, I really do. I mean his brother died after telling the H he was going to marry the h, but even as h said Hunter was dating many other women at the time he died. Also I have no idea why Hero married Ow, he didn't love OW, it makes no sense to me. It was a glaring plot device to get the h to leave town/family, I mean her mother had died too and she left them grieving. If the author had written that the OW was pregnant (but that is used so often) I could understand she wouldn't want to see the H and the OW together. There really wasn't much romance either I couldn't feel the love between the H and h, yes there was sex, but there was no real feel for the love. There was telling the h loved the H but you don't see it within the written words.
What I really loved was the books comedy moments and the cat moments, which normally tied together. That is why this book got the 3 stars. What I would say to this author is make the reader feel the love, make the reader feel the angst (I didn't get to FEEL much at all). Also I think that a wait of 10 years is too much. That is a really long time. Angst - when she thought about the Hero building a house for OW, there are so many devastating thoughts that could run through her head, give them to us. Also I didn't like how after waiting 10 years she had to keep waiting, well we along with her had to wait, while hero sorted himself out. Hero could have done that time and time again over 10 years, even over a year hero could have sorted himself out. It would have been the angst of all angst's if you could feel the love between the H and h if he were to tell her that he loved her but couldn't be in a relationship with her because his brother told him just before he died that he was in love with her and wanted to make a life with her (but again the brother would not be going out with every women he met to be believable). Anyway just a few thoughts.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2025
A Lifeime of After
(Sage Ridge - Book #1)
A Second Chance
Friends to Loves Romance
By Devin Sloane
Let’s just start with the truth…you will cry while reading A Lifetime of Afters. You can always count on that, but your tears will be for the wonderful charcters Author Devin Sloane brings to life. You will also laugh, I promise. With cat one-eyed cat names Mr. Bruce Willis laughter and ugh oh no’s will follow. I know we’ve had cats…they can be loving and they can be crazy (Bruce is crazy and this is the only thing you will get out of me.
Noelle and Hawkley have been family friends for, well forever. Noelle’s family and Hawkley’s family have been like one happy family since both mom’s met. Years ago, lifetimes ago. But things fell apart for both familes when an accident takes Hunter (Hawk’s younger brother) and Noelle’s mother dies. Noelle knew she had to leave living in Sage Ridge was just to much. Time passes and a job loss makes her realize it’s time to go home to Sage Ridge, even if it means seeing Hawkley again.
A snow storm and maybe the angels bring Noelle and Hawkley together again. Memories and apologies and the hope that all will work out keep you reading through their coming together again.
Author Devin Sloane has some of the most amazing, strong characters. They work hard, they love hard and sometimes they break hard. But she has a magical way of healing them. Making them stronger, more loving with beautiful lives ahead.
Was the crying worth it! Oh yes it was….Noelle and Hawkley, in fact the entire cast of characters are people that you want in your life.
Thanks for this wonderfully written story, definitely a five star read for me.
I’ve moved on to Book 2, Every Bit as Perfect and so far no tears!
(Sage Ridge - Book #1)
A Second Chance
Friends to Loves Romance
By Devin Sloane
Let’s just start with the truth…you will cry while reading A Lifetime of Afters. You can always count on that, but your tears will be for the wonderful charcters Author Devin Sloane brings to life. You will also laugh, I promise. With cat one-eyed cat names Mr. Bruce Willis laughter and ugh oh no’s will follow. I know we’ve had cats…they can be loving and they can be crazy (Bruce is crazy and this is the only thing you will get out of me.
Noelle and Hawkley have been family friends for, well forever. Noelle’s family and Hawkley’s family have been like one happy family since both mom’s met. Years ago, lifetimes ago. But things fell apart for both familes when an accident takes Hunter (Hawk’s younger brother) and Noelle’s mother dies. Noelle knew she had to leave living in Sage Ridge was just to much. Time passes and a job loss makes her realize it’s time to go home to Sage Ridge, even if it means seeing Hawkley again.
A snow storm and maybe the angels bring Noelle and Hawkley together again. Memories and apologies and the hope that all will work out keep you reading through their coming together again.
Author Devin Sloane has some of the most amazing, strong characters. They work hard, they love hard and sometimes they break hard. But she has a magical way of healing them. Making them stronger, more loving with beautiful lives ahead.
Was the crying worth it! Oh yes it was….Noelle and Hawkley, in fact the entire cast of characters are people that you want in your life.
Thanks for this wonderfully written story, definitely a five star read for me.
I’ve moved on to Book 2, Every Bit as Perfect and so far no tears!
April 23, 2023
The main characters are Hawkley and Noelle. Their families have all been close since birth. Lurking in the background is Hunter, Hawk's brother, now deceased. He is the root of their problems. Well loved by all, joyful, funny, caring but underneath it all is selfish and self absorbed, which no-one seems to recognize.
Hunter is the cause of years of grief and unhappiness for the couple. He had a plan, part of which included marrying Noelle but only when he was ready. She had no part in this plan because she didn't know and loved Hawk. Hawk knew because just as he was about to tell Hunter he loved Noelle, Hunter asked him to be his best man but in the meantime he continued to be a relentless womaniser. The day Hawk eventually him that he wanted Noelle, Hunter took his car and sped away..angry his plan was to be thwarted and he died in an accident.
Guilt and depression has been carried for years. It is understandable to a degree, but morbidly frustrating because this man is the cause of a lot of unhappiness, especially as Hawk refused to acknowledge and admit his feelings. Decisions made were not in this couple's best interest and Noelle seemed weak in not being able to contain or control her feelings, willing to take up any morsel Hawk was offering and leaving herself wide open without guarantee in return.
The storyline is interesting, well written and the characters well defined. The beginning and end were good, but the middle was drawn out and weary in places and propped up by sexual scenes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Hunter is the cause of years of grief and unhappiness for the couple. He had a plan, part of which included marrying Noelle but only when he was ready. She had no part in this plan because she didn't know and loved Hawk. Hawk knew because just as he was about to tell Hunter he loved Noelle, Hunter asked him to be his best man but in the meantime he continued to be a relentless womaniser. The day Hawk eventually him that he wanted Noelle, Hunter took his car and sped away..angry his plan was to be thwarted and he died in an accident.
Guilt and depression has been carried for years. It is understandable to a degree, but morbidly frustrating because this man is the cause of a lot of unhappiness, especially as Hawk refused to acknowledge and admit his feelings. Decisions made were not in this couple's best interest and Noelle seemed weak in not being able to contain or control her feelings, willing to take up any morsel Hawk was offering and leaving herself wide open without guarantee in return.
The storyline is interesting, well written and the characters well defined. The beginning and end were good, but the middle was drawn out and weary in places and propped up by sexual scenes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 21, 2023
A Lifetime of Afters by author Devin Sloane if filled with so many poignant and funny moments I could not put it down. Devin’s descriptive writing style plays out in my mind’s eye as if I am watching a movie while reading a book. I sometimes felt as if I was right there in the story. To which my olfactory senses rebelled when it came to certain situations with Mr. one-eyed Willis.
You can literally feel Hawkley’s angst as he battles with reconciling his emotions from the past once he sees Noelle again. The raw emotional power of Noelle finally releasing her pent-up grief from multiple life-changing blows over the last decade had me in tears. As one who can relate, Devin is spot on with her emotional description.
This small-town, second chance, friends to lovers’ romance had me reminiscing of days gone by, connections lost and found as well as those no longer with me. Did I mention it has the best brother-sister banter ever written? It does!
This story will take your emotions on a ride, filled with highs and lows, but is so worth it in the end. Just like real life. This is hands down my favorite story from an author who just keeps getting better. If you’re not reading Devin Sloane yet, I must ask you, “What are you waiting for?”
I received an E-ARC from the author, and this is my honest review.
You can literally feel Hawkley’s angst as he battles with reconciling his emotions from the past once he sees Noelle again. The raw emotional power of Noelle finally releasing her pent-up grief from multiple life-changing blows over the last decade had me in tears. As one who can relate, Devin is spot on with her emotional description.
This small-town, second chance, friends to lovers’ romance had me reminiscing of days gone by, connections lost and found as well as those no longer with me. Did I mention it has the best brother-sister banter ever written? It does!
This story will take your emotions on a ride, filled with highs and lows, but is so worth it in the end. Just like real life. This is hands down my favorite story from an author who just keeps getting better. If you’re not reading Devin Sloane yet, I must ask you, “What are you waiting for?”
I received an E-ARC from the author, and this is my honest review.
December 4, 2023
Second chance is one of my favorite tropes, and this second chance romance had me all in my feels.
Noelle has loved her brother's best friend, Hawkley Bennett, for as long as she can remember. She told him once, but he chose someone else. After too many losses, Noelle left. Now, after ten years away, she's going home. She plans to stay away from Hawk, but Mother Nature has other plans and drops her right at his doorstep. This could be their second chance, but a secret could keep them from getting a happily ever after.
One thing that I love about this author's books is that she writes mature characters. These characters have lived. They've loved. They've lost. In this story, these characters have lost so much. My heart broke again and again as they worked through their grief and their guilt. Although there is plenty of steam and some moments that had me smiling and laughing, at its core, this is an emotional story filled with heartbreak.
I loved all of the characters here, our leads and all of their family too, and I definitely found a soft spot for a certain one-eyed cat. I found this to be a beautifully tragic story that is well told and set in a world that I can't wait to visit again in the next book of this series.
Noelle has loved her brother's best friend, Hawkley Bennett, for as long as she can remember. She told him once, but he chose someone else. After too many losses, Noelle left. Now, after ten years away, she's going home. She plans to stay away from Hawk, but Mother Nature has other plans and drops her right at his doorstep. This could be their second chance, but a secret could keep them from getting a happily ever after.
One thing that I love about this author's books is that she writes mature characters. These characters have lived. They've loved. They've lost. In this story, these characters have lost so much. My heart broke again and again as they worked through their grief and their guilt. Although there is plenty of steam and some moments that had me smiling and laughing, at its core, this is an emotional story filled with heartbreak.
I loved all of the characters here, our leads and all of their family too, and I definitely found a soft spot for a certain one-eyed cat. I found this to be a beautifully tragic story that is well told and set in a world that I can't wait to visit again in the next book of this series.
April 21, 2023
A Lifetime of Afters is a wonderful book about grief, guilt, heartbreak and love. Ms. Sloane gives us Hawk and Noelle, two people who were childhood friends but after being rejected and grieving the loss of a friend, Noelle leaves their small town to get away. Hawk owned her heart but when she professed her love he rejected her ten years ago. Returning ten years later, she is faced with seeing and having to be rescued by Hawk, the one man that still has her heart in the palm of his hands. Hawk has lived with and is still living with the guilt of the death of his brother. He wants to love but feels that he is undeserving of it. The problem is that he has loved Noelle for as long as she has loved him but guilt stopped him from following his heart. Forced to spend time together feelings come to the surface. Will Hawk be able to overlook the guilt he feels? Will his heart win in the end or will he break Noelle's heart again?
The storyline is one that moving, and emotional but hopeful at the same time. They were meant to be soulmates and it took reflection, growth and forgiveness for their love to grow.
The storyline is one that moving, and emotional but hopeful at the same time. They were meant to be soulmates and it took reflection, growth and forgiveness for their love to grow.
April 26, 2023
This is a very emotionally charged book with Hawk battling a serious case of depression and PTSD thrown in. Plus, Noelle dealing with the loss of her mother, a close friend and unresolved feelings for Hawk and you have lots of heart string tugs.
When we only get one POV it usually leaves me feeling like the other person is just being moved around in the story like a chess piece and it makes it hard for me to fully immerse like I want to.
These two characters have a lot of history so their seemingly instant connection isn’t really instant it was built on years of being in each other’s lives.
While I empathized with Hawk’s struggles there were times when I wanted to shake him a bit. When the angst factor ramped up in a certain part of the story, I had to reread it a few times because I couldn’t figure out who was talking it all just seemed to blur at that point. Thankfully that didn’t last too long.
There are lots of supporting characters that have some intriguing storylines and I am excited to see what happens with their stories.
I received an ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review.
When we only get one POV it usually leaves me feeling like the other person is just being moved around in the story like a chess piece and it makes it hard for me to fully immerse like I want to.
These two characters have a lot of history so their seemingly instant connection isn’t really instant it was built on years of being in each other’s lives.
While I empathized with Hawk’s struggles there were times when I wanted to shake him a bit. When the angst factor ramped up in a certain part of the story, I had to reread it a few times because I couldn’t figure out who was talking it all just seemed to blur at that point. Thankfully that didn’t last too long.
There are lots of supporting characters that have some intriguing storylines and I am excited to see what happens with their stories.
I received an ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review.
March 28, 2023
This was such a beautiful read!
The story takes us on the journey of Noelle and Hawkley, who are childhood friends but when Noelle gets rejected by Hawkley she leaves town. 10 years later she returns and we see both Main Characters who a dealing with grief and heartbreak come together to face some much needed truths.
Noelle is quietly a strong person who wants what we all want, true meaningful love. I felt absolutely heartbroken every time she was pushed away by a man and could feel her absolute pain. I have the puffy eyes to prove it!
The story is written in a single POV of Noelle so we only get to see her side of things. I would’ve liked to see it from Hawkley’s perspective too especially when Noelle returned to town.
The chemistry was good not too extreme and the love they both share is so sweet it makes you swoon.
This was a quick read and I enjoyed reading it. I hope we get to see Harleys book next. I think I probably would’ve pushed it into a 5 star for me if written in dual POV.
4 🖤 Rating.
🖤 Amy 🖤
The story takes us on the journey of Noelle and Hawkley, who are childhood friends but when Noelle gets rejected by Hawkley she leaves town. 10 years later she returns and we see both Main Characters who a dealing with grief and heartbreak come together to face some much needed truths.
Noelle is quietly a strong person who wants what we all want, true meaningful love. I felt absolutely heartbroken every time she was pushed away by a man and could feel her absolute pain. I have the puffy eyes to prove it!
The story is written in a single POV of Noelle so we only get to see her side of things. I would’ve liked to see it from Hawkley’s perspective too especially when Noelle returned to town.
The chemistry was good not too extreme and the love they both share is so sweet it makes you swoon.
This was a quick read and I enjoyed reading it. I hope we get to see Harleys book next. I think I probably would’ve pushed it into a 5 star for me if written in dual POV.
4 🖤 Rating.
🖤 Amy 🖤
January 30, 2025
A Lifetime Afters is definitely an emotionally charged second chance story that I enjoyed a great deal. This was my first read by this author, and I really liked her writing style. I had one issue with it, I really needed the hero's POV in order to understand some of his awful decision making because it was hard for me to fall in love with him honestly. Noelle & Hawk grew up together as their families were very close, and they had feelings for each other, however, the problem was his brother also had "feelings" for her, though he never told her nor did he ever stop seeing other women. After that brother died in an accident, Hawk went crazy & broke Noelle's heart so she left town without looking back. It's been several years before she came back home, and while she hated him, she never stopped loving him at the same time but their journey was definitely bumpy. So anyway, that's all I'll say about that because you just need to experience it for yourselves! I will say this, I really would love to find my own Sage Ridge, and HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
May 18, 2023
One of the deepest and most beautiful love stories have read in a while. Their story happens in the story after Noelle returns after 10 years, and life hasn't been too kind lately, to her hometown and home where she's always been loved… a LOT. She still loves Hawkley, but refuses to let him know.
After Mother Nature has thrown them together they get reacquainted and spend several days together. It was during this time that they realize they do mean something to each other. One has to travel back in time to sad memories and heartbreak to know why each other treated each other and themselves as they did and they had a lot of hurt and pain to work through.
This story always kept the question alive; "Are they going to end up together?" Enjoyed this book and found the intrigue and mystery Hawk was holding back on throughout kept me wanting to find the answers.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
After Mother Nature has thrown them together they get reacquainted and spend several days together. It was during this time that they realize they do mean something to each other. One has to travel back in time to sad memories and heartbreak to know why each other treated each other and themselves as they did and they had a lot of hurt and pain to work through.
This story always kept the question alive; "Are they going to end up together?" Enjoyed this book and found the intrigue and mystery Hawk was holding back on throughout kept me wanting to find the answers.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 15, 2023
I've read several of Devin Sloane's books, and I have to say each one just gets better and better. This is a bit lighter than her others, which I love. All the hallmarks of Devin's writing style are still present: the family, friends, and struggle against inner demons. Moments of angst are punctuated by the sort of humor one finds when they get caught in ridiculous situations IRL. Totally relatable, and you cringe right along with the FMC (animal farts are brutal, so poor Noelle lol).
Hawkley is the sort of brooding hero we all fall in love with, fighting demons of his own. The tension and heat between him and Noelle sizzles as he struggles to reconcile his feelings for her with secrets from the past.
In all, I think this has been my favorite of Devin Sloane's books and can't wait to read more about the people of Sage Ridge.
Hawkley is the sort of brooding hero we all fall in love with, fighting demons of his own. The tension and heat between him and Noelle sizzles as he struggles to reconcile his feelings for her with secrets from the past.
In all, I think this has been my favorite of Devin Sloane's books and can't wait to read more about the people of Sage Ridge.
June 23, 2023
DNF.
HELL no. This really seemed like something I'd like. I read the sample and purchased it - and it turned into graphic, too-much-info soft porn.
Also, I am not into 'rough' men who get forceful and careless in the sack and cause bruises. The hero, Hawkley, was a big, dumb brute.
In addition to this, I absolutely, unequivocally LOATHE beards. They disgust me and are in my top 3 turnoffs. So, there's that.
I know many readers like their romances explicit. So, if you don't mind reading about feline diarrhea and flatulence and you like your stories to be mostly sex and little substance, give this a go.
I should have known better than to be swayed by all the positive reviews. But this book definitely was NOT what I expected, and so Amazon is processing my refund.
I guess that's the risk of trying new writers. This one is not for me.
HELL no. This really seemed like something I'd like. I read the sample and purchased it - and it turned into graphic, too-much-info soft porn.
Also, I am not into 'rough' men who get forceful and careless in the sack and cause bruises. The hero, Hawkley, was a big, dumb brute.
In addition to this, I absolutely, unequivocally LOATHE beards. They disgust me and are in my top 3 turnoffs. So, there's that.
I know many readers like their romances explicit. So, if you don't mind reading about feline diarrhea and flatulence and you like your stories to be mostly sex and little substance, give this a go.
I should have known better than to be swayed by all the positive reviews. But this book definitely was NOT what I expected, and so Amazon is processing my refund.
I guess that's the risk of trying new writers. This one is not for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2023
I finished the book faster than I had predicted because I wanted to know what happened next. The whole plot was interesting, and for me coming at it from a different perspective, living in a small country, I did have a few conflicting thoughts about the character of Hawkley and the timeline. Other than that, I enjoyed how the characters interacted. Noelle's predicament from start to finish was believable, but the length of time from the inciting incident to where the book starts was a little unbelievable for me. Apart from that one point, I would recommend this book to anyone who looks for an easy-to-read book with characters whose names and personalities will stick in your mind.
I was sent an advance review copy for free and am leaving the above review voluntarily.
I was sent an advance review copy for free and am leaving the above review voluntarily.
April 20, 2023
I have read everything written by Ms. Sloane and this is just slightly a departure from her previous "super angsty, saturated with lots of mental illness included in the plot" books. I think I like the softer edges of this book. There is still angst and mental illness, but not to the previous extreme.
Noelle has returned to Sage Ridge after running away from uncomfortable circumstances ten years previously. A lot of that involved Hawkley. Hawkley had enough guilt and anguish in his being that it was off setting at times and you couldn't help but think that Noelle deserved better. It was made all good though, because Hawkley also acknowledged that she deserved better. I absolutely loved that he went about trying to get himself back to someone who could be good for her. I also loved that the suspense of what the tragedy had happened in their lives was kept a mystery for long enough to keep you turning the pages as fast as you could to discover it.
Thanks to the author for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.
Overall, this was a gentler book by Ms. Sloane. There's still plenty of spice, too, but the edges are rounded a little bit. Very well written (as always) and memorable. I loved it and can't wait for the next Sage Ridge book!
Noelle has returned to Sage Ridge after running away from uncomfortable circumstances ten years previously. A lot of that involved Hawkley. Hawkley had enough guilt and anguish in his being that it was off setting at times and you couldn't help but think that Noelle deserved better. It was made all good though, because Hawkley also acknowledged that she deserved better. I absolutely loved that he went about trying to get himself back to someone who could be good for her. I also loved that the suspense of what the tragedy had happened in their lives was kept a mystery for long enough to keep you turning the pages as fast as you could to discover it.
Thanks to the author for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.
Overall, this was a gentler book by Ms. Sloane. There's still plenty of spice, too, but the edges are rounded a little bit. Very well written (as always) and memorable. I loved it and can't wait for the next Sage Ridge book!
April 21, 2023
I have read all books by Devin and have been really impressed by the plots , characters and writing style. Each book is better than the previous ones I read and this one is no different, It’s not too heavy on mental illness and other heavy topics like her previous but nonetheless it’s definitely worth the read. It’s well written and captivated you from the very beginning. Noelle is returning back to Sage Ridge after 10 years after loosing her job . She finds herself stranded with Hawkley , the reason she left home in first place. I absolutely adored Hawkley’s character. He was a broken and tortured soul and my heart broke for him. He needed Noelle in his life. These two were perfect. Their road to happily ever after was not smooth. Definitely a must read.
April 21, 2023
Noelle and Hawkley’s story is absolutely beautiful. I was entranced by their childhood and all of the small details that went into their story. The characters were well written, and I can’t wait for more from this group. I am definitely hoping Harley and Daire have a story!
Hawkley made my heart hurt for so many reasons, but his pain was palpable. I just loved him so much. Noelle’s character was easily relatable and just so sweet. There were tears, laughs and some spicy spicy scenes!
The story line was great, a story of pain and second chances, a tight knit family group with more stories to come. This story was fairly fast paced and the characters definitely made it an easy read! I can’t wait for Devin’s next book!
Hawkley made my heart hurt for so many reasons, but his pain was palpable. I just loved him so much. Noelle’s character was easily relatable and just so sweet. There were tears, laughs and some spicy spicy scenes!
The story line was great, a story of pain and second chances, a tight knit family group with more stories to come. This story was fairly fast paced and the characters definitely made it an easy read! I can’t wait for Devin’s next book!
April 27, 2023
This was my first book by Ms. Sloane, and definitely won’t be my last.
Noelle returns to her hometown of Sage Ridge after ten years and comes face to face with the love of her life – a love she never got over. Hawkley holds secrets from their past and pines for Noelle, but can’t find the strength to tell her his truth. Lots of emotion and anguish in this story, and at times, I wanted to throw my Kindle across the room. But Ms. Sloane was clever and crafted a compelling story that kept me coming back for more. I HAD to find out what happened next! I loved the character arc of Hawkley and the steps he took to become a better man – a man that Noelle truly deserved. This was a well-written, often steamy, emotion-filled story that will suck you in until the very end. Well done!
Noelle returns to her hometown of Sage Ridge after ten years and comes face to face with the love of her life – a love she never got over. Hawkley holds secrets from their past and pines for Noelle, but can’t find the strength to tell her his truth. Lots of emotion and anguish in this story, and at times, I wanted to throw my Kindle across the room. But Ms. Sloane was clever and crafted a compelling story that kept me coming back for more. I HAD to find out what happened next! I loved the character arc of Hawkley and the steps he took to become a better man – a man that Noelle truly deserved. This was a well-written, often steamy, emotion-filled story that will suck you in until the very end. Well done!
December 8, 2024
This is the first book in a series, and this is Noelle and Hawkley’s story.
Noelle has loved her brother’s best friend for a long time, and when she reveals her feeling, he chose someone else, breaking her heart in the process. Now 10 years later Noelle is returning home, and she is determined to avoid Hawk at all costs, but fate has other plans.
This is a well written emotional roller coaster, with family, friendships, loss, grief, making choices, secrets, guilt, challenges, revelations, enemies / lovers, grumpy / sunshine, humor, witty banter, second chances, and love, which leads to an entertaining, spicy, and tragic, addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this author whose work I recommend.
Noelle has loved her brother’s best friend for a long time, and when she reveals her feeling, he chose someone else, breaking her heart in the process. Now 10 years later Noelle is returning home, and she is determined to avoid Hawk at all costs, but fate has other plans.
This is a well written emotional roller coaster, with family, friendships, loss, grief, making choices, secrets, guilt, challenges, revelations, enemies / lovers, grumpy / sunshine, humor, witty banter, second chances, and love, which leads to an entertaining, spicy, and tragic, addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this author whose work I recommend.
January 24, 2025
Noelle and Hawkley have always loved each other but an incident tore them apart. Many years passed by and they reconcile after Hawkley rescues Noelle during a snowstorm.
Time spent in forced proximity finally brings forth the truth behind his rejection years ago. Though the attraction is still strong, fears and doubts prevent Hawkley from pursuing Noelle openly.
I loved how persistent Noelle was in loving Hawkley, even when it hurt. Thank God he finally stepped up to try and become the man which she deserves. The last act was beautifully written and I loved how they remained connected to each other, even when they were apart.
The ending was nicely wrapped up and I can’t wait to read about Harley’s happy ever after.
Time spent in forced proximity finally brings forth the truth behind his rejection years ago. Though the attraction is still strong, fears and doubts prevent Hawkley from pursuing Noelle openly.
I loved how persistent Noelle was in loving Hawkley, even when it hurt. Thank God he finally stepped up to try and become the man which she deserves. The last act was beautifully written and I loved how they remained connected to each other, even when they were apart.
The ending was nicely wrapped up and I can’t wait to read about Harley’s happy ever after.
January 31, 2025
Tragedy struck and everyone seemed to fall apart and go their own ways. For two families that were so close for so long, two losses were too much to continue their happy lives. It took ten years for these families to heal and come back together as they once were, maybe not as full or whole, but at least they're a family again.
This story was so heartbreaking, healing, and beautiful. I cried and I laughed, but mostly I loved these characters and the story of Hawkley and Noelle's love and reunion. These families had a wonderful, enjoyable life until things fell apart.
This was my first book to read by Devin Sloane, but I liked her writing and her older characters. This isn't fully about young love, but a lifetime love and it's a beautiful, tragic story.
This story was so heartbreaking, healing, and beautiful. I cried and I laughed, but mostly I loved these characters and the story of Hawkley and Noelle's love and reunion. These families had a wonderful, enjoyable life until things fell apart.
This was my first book to read by Devin Sloane, but I liked her writing and her older characters. This isn't fully about young love, but a lifetime love and it's a beautiful, tragic story.
April 21, 2023
The book was beautifully written. Had me captivated from start to end. Had me sharing lots of laughter, and made me emotional a few parts. The characters were well crafted and brought the story to life. There was so much pain and so much love. It was a slow paced love story that was really touching. I felt that this story was relatable with the unrequited love story somewhat and that the way the MFC felt was indeed very real. The MMC brought out the realistic comedy in the story. Nicely done with this page turner. Defintely recommend.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 20, 2023
Devin has done it again - as she always does! A Lifetime of Afters is another 5 star, must read - IMMEDIATELY 🖤
I have said it time and time again, Devin is a master at her craft. She elicits the most raw and relatable emotions from me as woman, as a reader! She always takes me on a journey where I know the detail she includes in her writing will have me feeling as though I am literally waking along side the characters in their journey to their happily ever after.
Always have a tissue box nearby when you read Devin Sloane. She will have you sobbing, sniffling, or dabbing tears when reading her work, guaranteed.
I have said it time and time again, Devin is a master at her craft. She elicits the most raw and relatable emotions from me as woman, as a reader! She always takes me on a journey where I know the detail she includes in her writing will have me feeling as though I am literally waking along side the characters in their journey to their happily ever after.
Always have a tissue box nearby when you read Devin Sloane. She will have you sobbing, sniffling, or dabbing tears when reading her work, guaranteed.
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