What’s a Jersey Girl to do when she moves to Catswallow, Alabama? Isabel Lang finds the answer in an unlikely bond with the musically gifted Aidan Roycroft. The two share everything from a first kiss to startling family secrets. But when Aidan is accused of a violent crime, the two flee to Las Vegas where Isabel’s future comes tumbling down.
Seven years later, the past is buried, including any relationship with Aidan. Isabel is busy running a radio station and closing in on commitment with Nate Potter, a guy who defines ideal. Life seems cozy until new station management demands a sudden-death ratings grabber, putting everyone’s future on the line. What should be a simple solution leads to a stunning revelation as Isabel is forced to call on the past and the only rock star she knows.
Echo Moon is my eighth published novel. Author? Maybe. In truth, I’m a girl from Long Island who fell in love with the South and ended up calling New England home. Along the way, ideas emerged, leading to the books I've written, and Echo Moon is among my favorites—it is the final novel in the Ghost Gifts series.
When Ghost Gifts was published, I never thought I’d write about ghosts again. One and done, as they say.
To my surprise, the book was the #1 bestseller in Kindle store during most of its debut month, and went on to become a RITA awards finalist, RT Book Reviews finalist, and winner of an Audie, for Best Paranormal Romance. Foretold, book two, was an Amazon Editors' Pick the month it debuted. I remain humbled by reader reaction and the desire to hear more of Aubrey Ellis’s story.
Not all my novels are about ghosts, though I seem to have a good relationship with the ethereal world. Unstrung offered a change of pace for me and readers. The mainstream women’s fiction novel met with solid critical acclaim, including a starred review from Publishers Weekly, as well as being named to PW’s seasonal list of most anticipated and notable titles. I hope readers are as taken with quirky and capricious Olivia Klein as I was; I had the most marvelous time writing about her.
I live not far outside Boston with a husband, three technically grown children, two dogs and two cats. That's Auggie in the photo! Life takes place in a 130-year-old house where I can always be found writing my next novel. As always, I love to hear from readers. Feel free to drop me a line here, and many thanks for reading a Laura Spinella novel!
Beautiful beautiful story!!! A solid 4.5 for an almost perfect book :)))
Poignant, heartwarming and I just fell in love with them. This isn't the usual angsty love story. Aiden and Isabel were best of friends, then became lovers but because of some bad circumstance and people. They didn't stand a chance. Years later, Isabel needs Aiden's help. What happens then.
It was heartbreaking what happened to them in the past. But this is one of those stories, where from the get go the characters truly love each other. You don't even question it. I always believe that at a young age, immaturity and mistrust are factors that make relationships go awry. Yet in this case, manipulative people took that opportunity. But I guess, they needed to be mature.
Towards the end, we'll find out there twist and I hope everyone jumps from their position and say" i never saw that coming" . Unexpected twists really does make or break a story. In this case, I loved it. It made sense. And wonderful ending.
Inspite of all these, there are still a little thing lacking for me--- and it was the maturity development of the characters. Although from the start they have always loved each other. And not to mention there was acceptance and moving on. Maybe its just me, but thats what I always look for in a story :)
This was the first book I have ever read by this author and it did not disappoint. Perfect Timing is the story of childhood friends Isabel and Aiden who grow up in a small town in Alabama. As they get older their friendship turns into something more but than both of them get caught up in a crime and flee their small town. I don't want to give any spoilers away but, throughout the rest of the book we follow Isabel and Aiden over the years as they grow into adults. Laura Spinella weaves us through their lives while going back to the present and the past seamlessly in a way you do not see many authors do. I loved this book so much I read it in 2 days and was sad to see it end. I cannot say enough good things about this book. This is a story of love, friendship and understanding. I cannot wait to read more by Laura Spinella.
Words can not express how much I loved this book. So full of emotion and ah the ending was so swoon-worthy! I only wish I could read more of this amazing couple, especially rock star Aiden! I couldn't put this book down even in the early goings... simply amazing!
perfect-timing-laura-spinellaIsabel Lang’s mom moved her to a small Alabama town shortly after Isabel’s parents’ divorce. Isabel quickly became friends with playboy, Aidan Roycroft, who went through girlfriends like someone with a cold goes through tissues. But Isabel and Aiden were tight friends and she made sure never to become one of the countless other girls panting after him.
Aiden had big dreams of becoming a rock star, and right when his dreams appeared to becoming true, Isabel suffered the worst moment of her life; her mom’s boyfriend, Rick, tried to rape her. Aiden got there just in time to stop it, but found himself being accused of the crime and attempted murder of Rick. Isabel pleaded Aiden’s innocence to the police, but her pleas fell on deaf ears, nobody believing an upstanding man of town could be responsible for something so vile.
In an effort to keep Aiden out of jail, he and Isabel flee to Las Vegas, where Aiden’s dreams start to come true; he convinces the girl he loves to marry him and meets with a record label mogul who sees dollar signs when he looks at Aiden.
But Isabel is forced to leave Aiden, breaking his heart in the process, in order to keep his rock star dream alive and to keep him out of jail!
Seven years after Isabel’s ultimate sacrifice, she is forced to reach out to Aiden. The radio station she works for is changing formats and if she can’t get the unrealistic ratings the new owner is expecting, she and her two co-workers will be out of a job! Little does she know that it’s a scheme perpetrated by her ex-husband in order to win her back once and for all.
What can I say? I absolutely adored this book! It’s always great when you are reading a book and get to the end and can’t put it down, but it’s quite a rarity to find a book you can’t put down even in the beginning! And, that is exactly what I found with Perfect Timing! I honestly just wanted to put my life on hold to finish reading this book! It really is that good!
I really loved seeing the flashbacks to Aiden and Isabel’s past in the beginning of the story. Their friendship that grows into so much more was so sweet and touching. And, the way he was willing to sacrifice everything to protect Isabel, made me fall in love with him even more!
After the trip to Vegas, I quickly hated Fitz! What a snake in the grass! But that’s what makes a good villain! It was heart-wrenching watching Isabel break Aiden’s heart! And, then to see the lengths that Fitz went to keep the couple apart.
“I’ll be a son of a bitch,” Patrick said.
Aidan could barely make his eyes move, forcing them from the papers onto him. “What?”
“I make a living, even life and death judgments, by reading peoples’ body language, their raw reactions to situations. And I’d almost swear you’ve never seen those documents before.”
“Well,” Aidan said, swallowing hard, calculating what fame and money had cost him. “I’d say you’re damn good at your job, because I haven’t.”
I hated seeing Aiden with Anne, even if he was only trying to replace what he had with Isabel (falling short of course). The only part of this book I really didn’t like was seeing her working with Fitz and staking her claim on Aiden to Isabel! Granted, it’s a part of the book you aren’t supposed to like!
Isabel’s boyfriend was nice enough, but I knew after reading her history with Aiden, that Nate was doomed to heartbreak. Especially after reading the part about Aiden’s tattoo and the meaning behind the design (not sharing the meaning here though)!
“No hay problema,” Orlando agreed. “But you haven’t said where?” His eyes grazed over the rumpled tux, Aiden not having thought about where the tattoo might go. Isabel had an answer.
“His neck.”
“My neck?”
“Tiene cojones,” Orlando said slyly grinning.
“Yes, your neck. It’ll be your thing, you know, when you’re famous–like an insigna. It’s sexy and dangerous. Aidan’s going to be a famous rock star, Orlando.”
Aidan admired her confidence. “From her lips …”
“I surely hope, mis amigos, because putting that thing on your neck does not say nine-to-five employment.”
I was honestly surprised that Nate gave up so easily. I know it was supposed to be a noble exit, but I was dismayed that he didn’t fight more for her.
But of course the important part was Isabel and Aiden! The ending was as great as the rest of the book! And, I loved the whole contract signing scene; priceless! And, of course the concert where he bares all!
“Seven years ago tonight, every dream I ever had came true. That’s not something too many men get to claim. I’m very lucky, blessed, whichever you believe. Probably a lot of both.“
I wanted to include much more of the above scene in this review, but it’s such a good part of the story that I was afraid it would give away too much and it would lose its appeal when people read the novel!
If you’re looking for a book chock full of steamy sex scenes, this book isn’t for you. There are a few sex scenes, but they aren’t overly detailed, as that’s just not the kind of book this is. But if you’re looking for an amazing love conquers all story, full of emotion and powerful writing, this is a book you will NOT want to miss!
What a wonderful romance! This book was so touching, with sweet and tender moments, as well as devastating ones that broke my heart. Both of the main characters were great. Bad boy persona aside, Aidan Roycroft was very intelligent, caring, with firm values and a very protective nature. Isabella was strong, gutsy, and also willing to do anything necessary to protect the one she loved. The 2nd chance romance between these two was an enjoyable storyline, and the book had multiple great settings. There were a few wonderful secondary characters, and a few of those that readers love to hate. This book is one I'd definitely recommend for lovers of contemporary romance.
Adrian Roycroft and Isabella Lang are the best of friends. After something unimaginable happens to Isabella and precipitates events that spell trouble for both, they take off for Vegas. While there, Adrian's big chance as a rock star seems to be in the palm of his hand, but in order to secure his future, Isabella has to sever the connection between them.
Seven years later, Adrian is wildly successful as a rock star, but still feels the loss of Isabella. She is working for a radio station and has been running a non-profit foundation. When the radio station is sold and changes formats, only something huge will save her job and those of her co-workers. When Isabella decides that her only option is to ask Adrian to do a concert for her radio station, both of their futures will be impacted.
I loved this book! Great characters, an interesting storyline, and colorful settings made this a book that was very enjoyable to read. The transitions between past and current storylines was handled very well, and every moment of reading this book was pure pleasure.
Isabel Lang works at a radio station. She has just received news that the station is failing and she needs to come up with a miracle if she wishes to keep her job.
Aidan Roycroft is a famous rock star. It just so happens that Isabel knows Aidan. She decides to call in a favor to Aidan. However Isabel may not be ready to face her past with Aidan.
It has been a while since I can comment on a contemporary romance novel that I thoroughly enjoyed. Anymore when I see a romance novel, I cringe some and have my guard up about the book. In fact, I usually will read these types of books last. Author, Laura Spinella has made me a believer again of these books.
What I loved the most about this book was that Isabel and Aidan's love was for real. It was not just a fling or crush that Isabel or Aidan had but one formed from childhood and friendship. Isabel had me cheering for her. She did not just give in to Aidan and made him work for her. Aidan on the other hand is the boy from the wrong side of the tracks but who grows up to be a rock star and Isabel's true love. The first half of the book is told really from the past but the second half is in the present. Yes, there is a happy ever after ending.
I am a huge fan of Ms Spinella's debut novel, BEAUTIFUL DISASTER, which you can probably tell from my photo! Honestly? I didn't think she could create another hero as sexy as Flynn. (He's one of my top five romantic heroes of all time.) Oh boy, was I wrong. Aidan made my heart pound. The bad boy rocker who only ever loved one girl? And he's gorgeous? With a mysterious tattoo? *SIGH*. My life went on hold while I discovered Aidan and Isabel's story. I tried to eek out my reading, but it was like binge eating candy. However, I do plan to re-read PERFECT TIMING--but a little slower.
Perfect Timing is Laura Spinella's second book and carries with it the same second chance romance theme the author had with her debut novel, Beautiful Disaster, but with a different twist to it, making it creative and original. ^.^
Spanning several years, the story has lead characters Isabel Lang and Aidan Roycroft starting off as allies in a town filled with people busy worrying about appearances and what-not. They become the closest of friends and are each other's support system. When something happens to Isabel, Aidan intervenes but is later accused of taking that intervention too far. Forced to flee and landing in Las Vegas, the two decide to do what a lot of couples who end up in Vegas do, believing this is the beginning of their happily ever after. Unfortunately, the selfish plans of one individual get in the way and Isabel leaves Aidan.
Flash forward years later, Aidan has become a famous rock star and Isabel works at a radio station in desperate need of more listeners. Fate intervenes and their paths cross again. With other people not wanting these two to even consider having a second chance at love, Isabel and Aidan need to wade through all their past and present issues and decide whether or not they're meant to be together after all.
Perfect Timing is a beautiful story that has wonderful characters, though I will admit that Isabel got on my nerves more than once. It did have a tendency of feeling long-winded at times and frustratingly so. However, this is definitely a book worth checking out and I would happily recommend it.
I'm giving Perfect Timing 4.5 stars, rounding that rating off to five stars. ^.^
I won my copy of Perfect Timing in a pre-release giveaway and finished it within days of receiving it. After reading Laura Spinella's award-winning debut (and other can't-put-it-down) novel Beautiful Disaster, I'd been waiting with bated breath for her second book to come out. Perfect Timing is another winner.
When you first meet Isabel and Aiden, they're a couple of teenagers who seem like old souls. Isabel thinks she's just an average girl. Aiden is pre-judged by his rock-star good looks and phenomenal musical talent. At first glance they seem completely different, but their similar home circumstances and mutual need for a safe place draw them into a deep friendship that no one else seems to understand. When life and other people get in the way, you can't read fast enough to see what happens. Laura Spinella has a huge talent for writing strong characters who seem ageless and real. Her stories are well-crafted, unique page-turners, and the fact that a good romance happens to be in the mix is just icing on the cake.
Laura Spinella is the only author I have ever read that can move from the present to the past so seamlessly. The past is where I got to know and love Aiden and Isabel, even with their speckled histories. The present is where I got to hope that true love, first love, is a real thing and will overcome all the obstacles. It was so touching to see how their friendship progressed from a young love to an adult relationship. Aiden is truly one of a kind, the kind that every girl hopes to have in her life.
As the story is told, there are twists and turns that I never saw coming. One in particular had me setting the book down and making me think about what was being told. This twist truly makes the story one that I will be talking about for a long while and be happily sharing with all my fellow readers. This is a book of love conquering all with a ton of emotion and amazing writing.
This is a book that I will recommend to EVERYONE. Laura Spinella wrote another amazing book that is sure to touch anyone who reads it.
I will post a link to my full review from Fresh Fiction as soon as it is available.
But I will go ahead and say that I completely adored this book. Spinella's writing is captivating and Isabel and Aidan's story is so engrossing. I completely devoured this book and all my emotions were on high alert from every situation they were put in. This is a must read for YA Contemp and Adult Contemp readers alike. Spinella switches chapters between NOW (present) and THEN (past), so you get to experience the characters youth and adult lives, and there is nothing in the book that is inappropriate for a younger reader. HIGHLY recommended!
I was a little worried going into this book because I absolutely LOVED the first book by this author. Well no need to worry I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!! It was a completely different story but had similarities in a past history between the main characters that was wonderfully intertwined with current happenings. It had a fabulous twist at the end that had me not able to put it down!! Kid was almost late to the bus!!!! :) I'm so sad I'm finished reading it but also very happy for having read it!! Both books are definite re-reads in my world!!! Can't wait to see the next book!!!
Incredible story! Aidan and Isabel are best friends who have all the wrong timing to become more. I admit that when I first began reading, I was getting caught up in the sentance structure and slightly awkward syntax, but it wasn't long before I was absolutely hooked. I found myself genuinely caring for the characters and incredibly frustrated that I couldn't help them. And it's definitely the first time I cried while reading a sex scene! Great book and I absolutely recommend it.
I was beyond honored to recieve an ARC from the author. All I can really say is, Laura Spinella did it again! I finished this book in one sitting. It is so beautifully written. Once again she surprises me that it's possible to cry tears of joy while reading a book. She is quickly becoming my favorite author!
I liked this 2nd novel by Laura Spinella (no relation) as much or more than her debut novel, Beautiful Disaster. The characters are again well-developed and the storyline intriguing. The author skillfully handles flashbacks and there is plenty of suspense to keep you turning the page. I confess to falling in love with Aidan. This is a good read!
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads. I really liked this book...there are some books that I always hang onto because I know that I will read it over and over...this is one of those stories...
Perfect Timing is a wonderful book that captivated me to the point that I thought about the story and characters even when I had to put it down....and never putting it down for very long! A heart-warming story about first loves, regrets, and outside forces determined to keep the young lovers apart. Aidan and Isabel were best friends; Aidan a talented singer, Isabel the person who grounds him; both of them wishing for a life far away from their home of Catswallow, Alabama. The scenes between the two of them took my breath away with their honesty, love, and heartache.
My life does not often afford the luxury of "I couldn't put it down," but if I had a less busy life, this would have been one of them. I found myself looking for excuses to get back to it. A story involving a woman who had a past relationship with a rock star sounds like a fluffy beach read, but Spinella's take on it has much more meat. Very enjoyable.
While I enjoyed it, there was so much background and history and I felt like the main couple’s reunion was nearly forgot. There was a lot of side story to get thru just for the reunion to be kinda blah. Also there we’re no trigger warnings (which I think is a new thing in books?) but it was all well done.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
PERFECT TIMING by Laura Spinella is a beautifully-written, captivating story of friendship, love and second chances. I was totally engrossed in Aidan and Isabel’s story of missed chances and unfortunate timing over the years. The story alternates seamlessly between their past and present so the reader comes to know them from their teen years to adulthood and all the time in-between. As always, Laura Spinella’s character development is exceptional. I found myself drawn into their world and caring about them as if they were my real friends. There were unexpected surprises and plenty of suspenseful moments to keep me turning the pages. I loved this heartfelt story of an unlikely friendship and an enduring love and didn’t want it to end. Another winner for Laura Spinella!
Another Lauren Spinella great. I loved this book. Spinella is an amazing writer. Even though Beautiful Disaster is still on top of my list of favorites, this one isn't far behind.