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Real Love #1
Love Realized
For Jake, it's always been Gillian
It's been her since that day she unknowingly stole a piece of his heart.....when he watched her fall for one of his best friends. Resolved to the fate that she couldn't be his, he locked up the deeper emotions he felt for her and loved her as a friend. As friends, they went through it all together. Marriages, births, divorces and even death. But when a shameful secret Gillan has kept from her friends is revealed, Jake realizes that she needs him more than ever. He knew what it was like to go through heartbreak and he wasn't about to stand back and watch her endure it alone. He also knew she would turn to him for support. What he wasn't prepared for was the return of the emotions he had long ago locked away. Could he control these emotions again and did he even want to? Could he make her realize his love for her was real, or would she slip through his fingers again?
It's been her since that day she unknowingly stole a piece of his heart.....when he watched her fall for one of his best friends. Resolved to the fate that she couldn't be his, he locked up the deeper emotions he felt for her and loved her as a friend. As friends, they went through it all together. Marriages, births, divorces and even death. But when a shameful secret Gillan has kept from her friends is revealed, Jake realizes that she needs him more than ever. He knew what it was like to go through heartbreak and he wasn't about to stand back and watch her endure it alone. He also knew she would turn to him for support. What he wasn't prepared for was the return of the emotions he had long ago locked away. Could he control these emotions again and did he even want to? Could he make her realize his love for her was real, or would she slip through his fingers again?
398 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 29, 2013
95 people are currently reading
2263 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Codina
11 books357 followersMelanie is an amazing mother of four, an awesome and tolerant wife to one, and nurse to many. If you don’t believe her, just ask anyone in her family, they know what to say. She is also a devoted chauffer, the keeper of missing socks, a genius according to a six year old, the coolest soccer uniform coordinator according to a twelve year old, and the best damn ‘mac-n-cheese-with-cut-up-hot-dog maker in the whole world. Well that last title isn’t really official, but it’s still pretty cool to be called it.
When not being ordered around by any of the kids, you can find her with her nose in a book or on the sideline of a soccer game cheering on one team or another. But that’s mostly because she has a thing for the coach. When she is not doing all of the above, you can find her obsessed with a group of fictional characters all vying for a spot on the page of whatever she’s working on. It’s a fun and crazy life to lead, but wouldn’t have it any other way.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 234 reviews
May 20, 2013
4 beautiful stars !!!
What drew me to this book was that it felt realistic. Real people, marriage, kids, experiencing life issues. I did not realize how this was going to run parallel to my own story :( .... I loved it. I was racing to the finish because just like **myself** ...THIS STORY DESERVES A HAPPILY EVER AFTER....
The story starts at a birthday party for Gillian's son. Yes, that hurt like hell. Her world came crumbling down. She had to bear witness to her husbands infidelity. Talk about an IN YOUR FACE. My heart broke for her trying to stay strong in front of her family and friends....while on the inside she was dying.
Gillian
Gillian had no regrets. She got pregnant young and at the ripe old age of 17 her life was no longer hers. But the upside to being grouped in a crappy statistic was proving the sterotype wrong
❤Jake~ the best friend and EMT. He could fix more than just a broken heart.
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For Jake It's always been Gillian since that day she unknowingly stole a piece of his heart.....when he watched her fall for one of his best friends. The way that story was told made my face hurt from doing the awwwwwwwwwwww/clutch heart. Damn, I hate "the one who got away".....
Jake never told her how he felt. Mistake numero uno. TELL HER HOW YOU FEEL. But he decided he would wait til she was not in a relationship....well that took 17 years....In that time they were still the best of friends. That's what I loved about this story. Everything was worth the wait.
What I loved about Jake was his forehead kiss. ❤❤❤❤God, I swoon for a guy who uses that as his signature. Jake delivered his forehead kisses with the most beautiful words !!! ever !!!
❤"You would be much more than 'just enough' for me"
❤"I see a selfish undeserving man who took something so perfect and threw it away"
❤"You do more than most people Gillian and I am lucky to have you in my life"
❤"I would always put you before me Gillian"
❤"I found the girl of my dreams. Ive wanted you since we were 17 years old. I saw you get into Logan's car the same day I found you and watched you drive away with him, taking a piece of my heart with you that you didn't even know you had"
❤❤❤❤"Fall Gillian, Go ahead and fall and I promise I will catch you"
WHO THE HELL WAS GONNA CATCH ME...I DID THE SWOON-FAINT FOR JAKE EVERY OTHER SENTENCE HE SAID. HE WAS PERFECT !!!
This book had so many other heart-wrenching moments. Scenes with her children made me do some ugly crying. It is too much to rehash each beautiful moment...its something that a reader just needs to experience in the privacy of their own thoughts/heart.......My heart was bleeding for sure. Her teenage son's speech made me think that one day my son will have the same speech. Nothing will prepare me ....
Finally ....a much deserved happily ever after....a real one...I think that is why I loved this book. Gorgeous epilogue and my heart was complete.
Sorry I can't resist this last picture. It so reminded me of some parts of this book. My heart swelled and just promptly burst....
He watched her be with another guy for 17 years.....
❤17 years
❤❤did I mention 17 years
❤❤❤17 GD years
❤❤❤❤something better be worth the wait after 17 effing years !!!!!
And thats how the west was won !!!
What drew me to this book was that it felt realistic. Real people, marriage, kids, experiencing life issues. I did not realize how this was going to run parallel to my own story :( .... I loved it. I was racing to the finish because just like **myself** ...THIS STORY DESERVES A HAPPILY EVER AFTER....
The story starts at a birthday party for Gillian's son. Yes, that hurt like hell. Her world came crumbling down. She had to bear witness to her husbands infidelity. Talk about an IN YOUR FACE. My heart broke for her trying to stay strong in front of her family and friends....while on the inside she was dying.
Gillian
Gillian had no regrets. She got pregnant young and at the ripe old age of 17 her life was no longer hers. But the upside to being grouped in a crappy statistic was proving the sterotype wrong
❤Jake~ the best friend and EMT. He could fix more than just a broken heart.
[image error]
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">For Jake It's always been Gillian since that day she unknowingly stole a piece of his heart.....when he watched her fall for one of his best friends. The way that story was told made my face hurt from doing the awwwwwwwwwwww/clutch heart. Damn, I hate "the one who got away".....
Jake never told her how he felt. Mistake numero uno. TELL HER HOW YOU FEEL. But he decided he would wait til she was not in a relationship....well that took 17 years....In that time they were still the best of friends. That's what I loved about this story. Everything was worth the wait.
What I loved about Jake was his forehead kiss. ❤❤❤❤God, I swoon for a guy who uses that as his signature. Jake delivered his forehead kisses with the most beautiful words !!! ever !!!
❤"You would be much more than 'just enough' for me"
❤"I see a selfish undeserving man who took something so perfect and threw it away"
❤"You do more than most people Gillian and I am lucky to have you in my life"
❤"I would always put you before me Gillian"
❤"I found the girl of my dreams. Ive wanted you since we were 17 years old. I saw you get into Logan's car the same day I found you and watched you drive away with him, taking a piece of my heart with you that you didn't even know you had"
❤❤❤❤"Fall Gillian, Go ahead and fall and I promise I will catch you"
WHO THE HELL WAS GONNA CATCH ME...I DID THE SWOON-FAINT FOR JAKE EVERY OTHER SENTENCE HE SAID. HE WAS PERFECT !!!
This book had so many other heart-wrenching moments. Scenes with her children made me do some ugly crying. It is too much to rehash each beautiful moment...its something that a reader just needs to experience in the privacy of their own thoughts/heart.......My heart was bleeding for sure. Her teenage son's speech made me think that one day my son will have the same speech. Nothing will prepare me ....
Finally ....a much deserved happily ever after....a real one...I think that is why I loved this book. Gorgeous epilogue and my heart was complete.
Sorry I can't resist this last picture. It so reminded me of some parts of this book. My heart swelled and just promptly burst....
He watched her be with another guy for 17 years.....
❤17 years
❤❤did I mention 17 years
❤❤❤17 GD years
❤❤❤❤something better be worth the wait after 17 effing years !!!!!
And thats how the west was won !!!
November 11, 2013
4 Surprisingly Good Stars
Love Realized is a little bit contemporary romance, a little bit chick lit and a whole lot of a good woman picking up the pieces of her life after the man she's loved for 18 years screws her over. Or rather screws a woman that isn't her. Again. Watching Gillian and her best friend Jake come together after the heartache Gillian endured at the hands of her husband was somehow extremely sexy and touching at the same time. The supporting characters, especially Gillian's sarcastic sister in law, added levity to a story that had the potential to be competely depressing but managed to avoid that.
My main issue is with Gillian and how she treated her ex post breakup. Now, I'm not saying I would've performed any Lorena Bobbit type maneuvers if I discovered my man was cheating, but Gillian let him off way too easily. Yell a little, hold a grudge, SOMETHING! The reasons why her ex had a long term affair when his marriage was seemingly perfect were never discussed and it left me with an incomplete feeling after finishing the book.
Overall this was an enjoyable and quick read. While I'd classify this as a contemporary romance, if chick lit isn't your bag I'd steer clear.
Love Realized is a little bit contemporary romance, a little bit chick lit and a whole lot of a good woman picking up the pieces of her life after the man she's loved for 18 years screws her over. Or rather screws a woman that isn't her. Again. Watching Gillian and her best friend Jake come together after the heartache Gillian endured at the hands of her husband was somehow extremely sexy and touching at the same time. The supporting characters, especially Gillian's sarcastic sister in law, added levity to a story that had the potential to be competely depressing but managed to avoid that.
My main issue is with Gillian and how she treated her ex post breakup. Now, I'm not saying I would've performed any Lorena Bobbit type maneuvers if I discovered my man was cheating, but Gillian let him off way too easily. Yell a little, hold a grudge, SOMETHING! The reasons why her ex had a long term affair when his marriage was seemingly perfect were never discussed and it left me with an incomplete feeling after finishing the book.
Overall this was an enjoyable and quick read. While I'd classify this as a contemporary romance, if chick lit isn't your bag I'd steer clear.
April 18, 2015
I don't understand why this was rated so highly. It had the potential to be a great story, but the execution of it was flawed. We are told over and over that Jake has been pining for Gillian since they were 17, but it was told, not shown. We saw Gillian's devastation over her husband's infidelity, but she snapped from devastation to peaceful coparenting without a ripple in her façade. If she was truly in love with her husband, it wouldn't have been easy to split or move on. As soon as she figured out Jake was into her, that was it. There should have been angst, mistrust, stop and go, not smooth sailing, particularly as their group of friends (really each others' siblings) was incestuously close and all up in each others' businesses. There was all sorts of potential angst that was glossed over to shoe-in a new relationship into the story.
Two huge pet peeves:
There was enough drama here to be mined without the Lifetime Movie climax.
Slut shaming of the other woman while all was forgiven with the cheating husband was unrealistic to me. This sends a message that guys can't help what their d*** falls into, but unchaste women are to be burned at the stake. A woman in love with her husband would not get over his infidelity the way it occurred in this book, nor would the 8- to 17-year-old children be ok with the sudden transfer of her affections to "Uncle Jack".
Two huge pet peeves:
There was enough drama here to be mined without the Lifetime Movie climax.
Slut shaming of the other woman while all was forgiven with the cheating husband was unrealistic to me. This sends a message that guys can't help what their d*** falls into, but unchaste women are to be burned at the stake. A woman in love with her husband would not get over his infidelity the way it occurred in this book, nor would the 8- to 17-year-old children be ok with the sudden transfer of her affections to "Uncle Jack".
February 19, 2025
When you won't treat.....
When you don't treat someone well somebody else will.
Logan and Gillian seem to have the perfect marriage through the past 17 years. However that is a front. Gillian has a three strikes your out policy.
Unfortunately that happens at her son's birthday party, when her husband's mistress shows up. Gillian invited Adam a co-worker and his family to her son's party not knowing that Adam was married to her husband's mistress.
I was happy to see Gillian stand up for herself even though I believe Logan deserved some major beat down. I guess watching your wife call in love with someone else will make you realize what you lost.
Jake has always loved Gillian, finally he gets to show her. The side characters I very much enjoyed especially Allie.
When you don't treat someone well somebody else will.
Logan and Gillian seem to have the perfect marriage through the past 17 years. However that is a front. Gillian has a three strikes your out policy.
Unfortunately that happens at her son's birthday party, when her husband's mistress shows up. Gillian invited Adam a co-worker and his family to her son's party not knowing that Adam was married to her husband's mistress.
I was happy to see Gillian stand up for herself even though I believe Logan deserved some major beat down. I guess watching your wife call in love with someone else will make you realize what you lost.
Jake has always loved Gillian, finally he gets to show her. The side characters I very much enjoyed especially Allie.
May 21, 2013
I liked this one. Kind of a different storyline … Best friends – which I have a bit of a hard time getting around…. Can men and women be just friends. Maybe if they did go to school together, yes. But I went to an all girls Convent school and we had no “boy” friends. Times are different now, I see it with my own kids who attend a co-educational school and with social media they have friends, both male and female…..
It kind of annoyed me that we did not hear more about Logan’s affair and when it started and how long it was supposed to be going on for and why she stood by him after it all came to light….
I think the first half of the book was better for me … I sort of lost interest about 60% in. Maybe it was just me as the writing was very good and the story line was good also….
Jake was cute though ……
"What the hell was it about Jake winking that made her swoon?"
“I’m falling for you Jake, but I need to know that you’ll catch me.”
Not sure I could handle a teenage daughter ….. she sounded like a little witch!
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This is a quick review…. I did like it but did not absolutely love it….
It kind of annoyed me that we did not hear more about Logan’s affair and when it started and how long it was supposed to be going on for and why she stood by him after it all came to light….
I think the first half of the book was better for me … I sort of lost interest about 60% in. Maybe it was just me as the writing was very good and the story line was good also….
Jake was cute though ……
"What the hell was it about Jake winking that made her swoon?"
“I’m falling for you Jake, but I need to know that you’ll catch me.”
Not sure I could handle a teenage daughter ….. she sounded like a little witch!
This is a quick review…. I did like it but did not absolutely love it….
May 15, 2013
Gillian:
Logan:
Jake:
The plot:
Every time someone spoke or engaged in paragraphs of navel gazing:
The drama/baddie:
In conclusion:
March 28, 2019
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Liked it!
February 2, 2014
That was just freaking....
So the synopsis is this....
Jake and Gillian have been friends since high school. As friends, they have supported each other through all the typical life changing events such as marriages, births, divorces and even death. Gillian couldn’t be more thankful for the bond she shares with Jake than she is when all the shameful secrets of her marriage appear front and center, demanding attention. The emotional support she has so freely given to her friend over the years is returned in full force as she nurses the wounds of her failed marriage. But when she starts to notice there might be more to her feelings than just friendship….is she willing to risk what they already have, for what might be???
For Jake, it has always been Gillian. If only she knew she has owned his heart since the day he met her. After watching her fall in love with one of his best friends, he accepted his fate of being one of her closest friends and locked up the deeper emotions he felt for her. So when he watches her marriage fall apart before his very eyes, he knew she would turn to him for support. What he wasn’t prepared for was the return of those emotions he had long ago locked away. It didn’t take long for him to figure out that this was his chance and he wasn’t about to let her slip through his fingers again. He only needed to make her realize, his love for her was real.
So Gillian is married to her hs boyfriend Logan, whom she dated for 6 months and wound up pregnant at the age of 17 then married him a year later. Now hey have 3 children and married for 17 years, what seems like the Perfect marriage, the perfect family is anything but. Gillian is holding tight to a secret that no one knows about other than her, Logan and the one person she never thought she would see again until her sons birthday party when the one person she loathes shows up. Jodi, Logan's mistress. Logan swore the affair was over but it was evident the truth was not in the slimy twat. It was so devastating you wanted to love him and I did at first until the skeletons were aired from the closet. I was....
She is a much better woman than me because I would of never given him a second chance to make amends but she did and now the fall out is much worse. She finds the affair isn't so much off. I have to admit as bad as it kills me to say that I almost felt sorry for Logan when he broke down but of course that lasted a millisecond.
I was so hoping Gillian would of decked Jodi at the party and exposed Logan for the slime he was. But she had the most amazing friends. Jason, Jake( yummy), Allie( love that firecracker) Morgan and Sean. Some awesome peeps.
When Gillian decides she is finished that she is divorcing Logan and tells him so, Jake realizes that he now has a chance at his dream girl. He has loved her since hs and was the first to meet her but lost her to Logan and hung in the balance ever since vowing once he had his chance he would never let her go. And boy he did just that.
I have never felt so much...
I wanted to deliver swift kicks to Logan's ball sack and I wanted to....
Jodi. More than once. Some nerve that hoochie homewrecker has.
Allie well she is my hero, she may of been Logan's sister but she was Gillian's Brest friend and she stood by Gillian despite family. Gillian was her family and she would not uphold her brothers infidelity and want a bit shy of threats to his body. She had me constantly saying you go girl and....
The story was about second chances and how great it was. Epic. Awesome. Wonderful.
To the author.....
Thanks for letting me experience my happy dance!!!
May 13, 2013
Can I just say that I absolutely LOVED this book?
This is Gillian and Jakes story.
This book literally sucked me in from the get go! Gillian is a mother of three, she is in a loving relationship with her husband Logan who she has been married to for 17 years. They have the perfect family and amazing friends and she couldn't be happier. That is until Gillian literally comes face to face with a dirty secret that she has kept under wraps for years in the deepest parts of her soul. She has no choice but to make the hardest decision of her life, even if it means losing her heart and the life that she has made for herself and her family in the process...and can I tell you how heart breaking that was to read. I was actually balling my eyes out coz I could totally feel her pain.
Jake is the best friend. Jake has always been there for Gillian. She was always the one that got away, the one he kept on the highest pedestal and who he would compare any future girlfriends to. He is a single dad, after marrying "the one" he thought he had it all, a loving wife and bouncing baby boy and a house he called home. However it was all shattered to pieces after finding his so called love of his life in bed with another man.
This book was amazing. I loved the dual POV's and I loved all the characters. It was such a nice feeling to finally read about a strong, mature heroine. One who takes no shit from no one, knows what she wants and doesn't spend most of the book whining and acting like an idiot. See totally a breath of fresh air.
Oh and how I loved Jake! You are definitely BB material. He was a loving father, a loyal friend a strong alpha male who isn't ashamed to act like a love sick puppy in the presence of his love. Oh swoon! What more can a girl ask for?
The characters were awesome, I loved their family and friends. The banter between them all was so refreshing and hilariously funny that you could totally feel the love they had for each and every member and I just loved reading it! I spent most of my time giggling, crying, grinning and when it was finished I wanted more, and that's the kind of feeling you want after reading a book right?
Kudos to the author for writing such a refreshing and amazing book! Definitely looking forward to the rest of the series! If you haven't already read this then I definitely suggest adding it because it was such an awesome read for me!
5 AH.MAY.ZING.LEE PERFECT STARS
This is Gillian and Jakes story.
This book literally sucked me in from the get go! Gillian is a mother of three, she is in a loving relationship with her husband Logan who she has been married to for 17 years. They have the perfect family and amazing friends and she couldn't be happier. That is until Gillian literally comes face to face with a dirty secret that she has kept under wraps for years in the deepest parts of her soul. She has no choice but to make the hardest decision of her life, even if it means losing her heart and the life that she has made for herself and her family in the process...and can I tell you how heart breaking that was to read. I was actually balling my eyes out coz I could totally feel her pain.
Jake is the best friend. Jake has always been there for Gillian. She was always the one that got away, the one he kept on the highest pedestal and who he would compare any future girlfriends to. He is a single dad, after marrying "the one" he thought he had it all, a loving wife and bouncing baby boy and a house he called home. However it was all shattered to pieces after finding his so called love of his life in bed with another man.
This book was amazing. I loved the dual POV's and I loved all the characters. It was such a nice feeling to finally read about a strong, mature heroine. One who takes no shit from no one, knows what she wants and doesn't spend most of the book whining and acting like an idiot. See totally a breath of fresh air.
Oh and how I loved Jake! You are definitely BB material. He was a loving father, a loyal friend a strong alpha male who isn't ashamed to act like a love sick puppy in the presence of his love. Oh swoon! What more can a girl ask for?
The characters were awesome, I loved their family and friends. The banter between them all was so refreshing and hilariously funny that you could totally feel the love they had for each and every member and I just loved reading it! I spent most of my time giggling, crying, grinning and when it was finished I wanted more, and that's the kind of feeling you want after reading a book right?
Kudos to the author for writing such a refreshing and amazing book! Definitely looking forward to the rest of the series! If you haven't already read this then I definitely suggest adding it because it was such an awesome read for me!
5 AH.MAY.ZING.LEE PERFECT STARS
May 4, 2013
Shh Mom's Reading
I thoroughly enjoyed Love Realized, it is a wonderful debut novel!
As the story opens Gillian’s world comes crashing around her during her son’s birthday party.
Enter Jake Michaels one of Gillian and her husband’s Logan’s best friends since high school. This story unfolds as Jake finds himself re-experiencing his attraction to Gillian; a love he thought he buried when she chose his best friend years ago.
This is the story of characters who are in their 30′s, I love that! These were real people, grownups, experiencing life.
I was taken aback by how well written these characters were; not just the main characters Gillian, Jake, Logan and Allie but the children as well. Jonathan, Gillian’s oldest son has a scene that pulled at my heart, when he opens up to Jake my heart swelled for the real emotions and conflicts this young man was struggling with.
Madison Gillian’s daughter for me had one of the most emotional scenes in the book, when she truly learns the nature of what has occurred her response is powerful. Even to two youngest, Ryan and Dylan each had their own personality. And their exchanges were so true to younger children, they just want to the trust and a straight forward answer and again in a scene with Jake it was so clear who well these characters were crafter.
Ms. Codina did a wonderful job as she allowed the reader to feel the connection these two share, as the relationship builds – yes there is well written hot scene but there is also the simple touch, and the comfort Gillian finds in Jake’s arms!
Life is not always what you think it will be. Love Realized reminds the reader of that. The reader also sees that actions have consequences – ones that often go deeper than you could even imagine; yes this book has an added element of danger what was well played out; no I am not going to tell you what it is. I will say it opens the characters up to a range of emotions all that felt true to them and it was also used to reenforce their connection to and understanding of each other.
This story also reinforced that sometimes the new path can be even more amazing.
The end of this book was so well done; I loved loved Jake’s twist at the end, just another act on his part to prove to Gillian that he wants her, he always wanted her, that she is his “one.”
Gillian and Jake’s journey is one that that will stick with me. If you like your characters mature, I strongly recommended this book.
I am very much look forward to book 2 about Gillian’s best friend Allie.
I thoroughly enjoyed Love Realized, it is a wonderful debut novel!
As the story opens Gillian’s world comes crashing around her during her son’s birthday party.
Enter Jake Michaels one of Gillian and her husband’s Logan’s best friends since high school. This story unfolds as Jake finds himself re-experiencing his attraction to Gillian; a love he thought he buried when she chose his best friend years ago.
This is the story of characters who are in their 30′s, I love that! These were real people, grownups, experiencing life.
I was taken aback by how well written these characters were; not just the main characters Gillian, Jake, Logan and Allie but the children as well. Jonathan, Gillian’s oldest son has a scene that pulled at my heart, when he opens up to Jake my heart swelled for the real emotions and conflicts this young man was struggling with.
Madison Gillian’s daughter for me had one of the most emotional scenes in the book, when she truly learns the nature of what has occurred her response is powerful. Even to two youngest, Ryan and Dylan each had their own personality. And their exchanges were so true to younger children, they just want to the trust and a straight forward answer and again in a scene with Jake it was so clear who well these characters were crafter.
Ms. Codina did a wonderful job as she allowed the reader to feel the connection these two share, as the relationship builds – yes there is well written hot scene but there is also the simple touch, and the comfort Gillian finds in Jake’s arms!
Life is not always what you think it will be. Love Realized reminds the reader of that. The reader also sees that actions have consequences – ones that often go deeper than you could even imagine; yes this book has an added element of danger what was well played out; no I am not going to tell you what it is. I will say it opens the characters up to a range of emotions all that felt true to them and it was also used to reenforce their connection to and understanding of each other.
This story also reinforced that sometimes the new path can be even more amazing.
The end of this book was so well done; I loved loved Jake’s twist at the end, just another act on his part to prove to Gillian that he wants her, he always wanted her, that she is his “one.”
Gillian and Jake’s journey is one that that will stick with me. If you like your characters mature, I strongly recommended this book.
I am very much look forward to book 2 about Gillian’s best friend Allie.
June 27, 2013
Four Stars
A promise is a promise, and if a man doesn’t stand by his word, he really doesn’t have much to offer.
So after my last read, which was pretty intense (and a bit disappointing), I was in search of a light, fluffy, steamy read. I don’t know what drew me to this book, but I’m really happy to have read it. Though it wasn’t as fluffy as I would’ve wanted, it still helped me get rid of that dark cloud that my last book left.
This story is classic Adult Contemporary: Lots of drama (which left me teary eyed and emotional) and just enough steam to wet the appetite. I really couldn’t put it down.
“Tell me you didn’t forget, Logan. Tell me you didn’t forget that I told you, if you cheated on me again it was over!” With that, his eyes opened wide, and he reached for her.
Gripping her shoulders, eyes actually tearing, he pulled her close to him, begged her, “Please, Gillian, no, please don’t do this. I’m begging you, don’t do this.”
On the surface, Gillian seemed to have it all: a loving husband and three wonderful children. Gillian and her husband, Logan, were high school sweethearts, had their first child while in high school, but have defied odds and have been married for the last sixteen years. We first meet her having a birthday party for her eight year old son where everything seemed to be going smoothly until a her co-worker shows up, with his wife, whom she has never met. However, when she first sets eyes on her, she almost loses her composure. There in front of her was the woman that Logan had an affair with. Shit was about to hit the fan.
“Why wasn’t I enough for him, Jake? Why wasn’t I good enough?”
For the sake of her children, Gillian has kept her husband’s affair a secret. She forgave him the first time, but when she found out that he was still seeing her, she knew it was over. Logan loves Gillian, but he knew he fucked up (again) and there was no going back. That his second chance was all used up, there will no longer be another; this was the breaking point in their marriage.
“You would be much more than ‘just enough’ for me, Gillian.” ~ Jake
Jake has loved Gillian since he was seventeen years old; he knew it the moment he first saw her. Unfortunately, his friend Logan beat him to the punch, and has been on the sidelines looking in. No woman ever compared to her, even his ex-wife. No matter, though, they have always remained best friends and will always be a part of her life. However, with this new turn of events, he knows he has a chance at more and this time, he is not going to let her slip through his fingers.
“Can I have you, Gillian?” he repeated, and she realized she hadn’t actually responded to his request. Her body was screaming hell yes, but she had yet to verbalize it to him. Could she do this? Could she take this step with one of her oldest and best friends?
This was such a good story, which included a very likeable heroine and a sexy Alpha male Hero (jealous, very protective of what’s his and very possessive….LOVE those types of Alphas).
The beginning was a bit slow to start, with lots of narration, but things picked up pretty fast. It was heartbreaking to read the dissolution of Gillian and Logan’s marriage. It literally made me cry seeing how heartbroken the two were. These two loved each other, there was never a doubt, but Logan was an asshat to cheat. Men can be such idiots. However, I was happy to see Jake finally have his chance at winning the girl of his dreams. The only problem, of course, was: Were they ready to take their close friendship to the next level?
Like I said before, I am a sucker for friends-to-lover stories, and this was a prime example of one. Very happy to have picked it up.
A promise is a promise, and if a man doesn’t stand by his word, he really doesn’t have much to offer.
So after my last read, which was pretty intense (and a bit disappointing), I was in search of a light, fluffy, steamy read. I don’t know what drew me to this book, but I’m really happy to have read it. Though it wasn’t as fluffy as I would’ve wanted, it still helped me get rid of that dark cloud that my last book left.
This story is classic Adult Contemporary: Lots of drama (which left me teary eyed and emotional) and just enough steam to wet the appetite. I really couldn’t put it down.
“Tell me you didn’t forget, Logan. Tell me you didn’t forget that I told you, if you cheated on me again it was over!” With that, his eyes opened wide, and he reached for her.
Gripping her shoulders, eyes actually tearing, he pulled her close to him, begged her, “Please, Gillian, no, please don’t do this. I’m begging you, don’t do this.”
On the surface, Gillian seemed to have it all: a loving husband and three wonderful children. Gillian and her husband, Logan, were high school sweethearts, had their first child while in high school, but have defied odds and have been married for the last sixteen years. We first meet her having a birthday party for her eight year old son where everything seemed to be going smoothly until a her co-worker shows up, with his wife, whom she has never met. However, when she first sets eyes on her, she almost loses her composure. There in front of her was the woman that Logan had an affair with. Shit was about to hit the fan.
“Why wasn’t I enough for him, Jake? Why wasn’t I good enough?”
For the sake of her children, Gillian has kept her husband’s affair a secret. She forgave him the first time, but when she found out that he was still seeing her, she knew it was over. Logan loves Gillian, but he knew he fucked up (again) and there was no going back. That his second chance was all used up, there will no longer be another; this was the breaking point in their marriage.
“You would be much more than ‘just enough’ for me, Gillian.” ~ Jake
Jake has loved Gillian since he was seventeen years old; he knew it the moment he first saw her. Unfortunately, his friend Logan beat him to the punch, and has been on the sidelines looking in. No woman ever compared to her, even his ex-wife. No matter, though, they have always remained best friends and will always be a part of her life. However, with this new turn of events, he knows he has a chance at more and this time, he is not going to let her slip through his fingers.
“Can I have you, Gillian?” he repeated, and she realized she hadn’t actually responded to his request. Her body was screaming hell yes, but she had yet to verbalize it to him. Could she do this? Could she take this step with one of her oldest and best friends?
This was such a good story, which included a very likeable heroine and a sexy Alpha male Hero (jealous, very protective of what’s his and very possessive….LOVE those types of Alphas).
The beginning was a bit slow to start, with lots of narration, but things picked up pretty fast. It was heartbreaking to read the dissolution of Gillian and Logan’s marriage. It literally made me cry seeing how heartbroken the two were. These two loved each other, there was never a doubt, but Logan was an asshat to cheat. Men can be such idiots. However, I was happy to see Jake finally have his chance at winning the girl of his dreams. The only problem, of course, was: Were they ready to take their close friendship to the next level?
Like I said before, I am a sucker for friends-to-lover stories, and this was a prime example of one. Very happy to have picked it up.
November 19, 2015
I loved this book! What can I say about new Indie author, Melanie Codina. She is fresh and innovative. This book is such a fantastic story and full of sweet romance. I loved how every conversation in this book made me feel as if I was the one conversing. The characters were well written. They were strong, sensitive, funny, sensual, emotional, and sexy. The story was so engaging. I was hooked in Chapter one.
GILLIAN: Our heroine, I can only pray that I have her strength. After realising her husband has been cheating on her for a long time, she shows poise and remarkable stamina to muddle through the pain. She never falters the line "her family comes first"
Quote: "the fact that he knew he was caught. Clearly you have some explaining to do...but as you pointed out to me, we are supposed to be celebrating our sons birthday. I suggest you suck it up for his sake and put on a happy face. You will not Mar his birthday with your inability to control yourself."
JAKE: the ultimate best friend, tragically in love with Gillian since high school. He knows she needs him now but can he get her to fall in love with him. He is perfection. He is always the shoulder you want to put your head on. Jake is smooth and his words will have your heart gasping and make you melt. Don't be surprised if you find yourself wishing your own significant other could be more like Jake.
Quote: "The only place you will fall Gillian is right where you are, in these arms, in my life." "Fall Gillian. Go ahead and fall, and I promise I'll catch you."
The supporting characters are fantastic and I hope Melanie continues to write about them. Allie is the ultimate best friend who takes no prisoners. Logan is the cheating husband. I must say I was a Logan hater in the beginning but by the end I found myself hoping he finds happiness again someday.
Mrs. Codina's writing just captivates you. Love Realized takes you on a realistic romantic journey. I hope everyone experiences this heart-filled adventure. Much success to one of my favorite authors and most importantly friend!!!
GILLIAN: Our heroine, I can only pray that I have her strength. After realising her husband has been cheating on her for a long time, she shows poise and remarkable stamina to muddle through the pain. She never falters the line "her family comes first"
Quote: "the fact that he knew he was caught. Clearly you have some explaining to do...but as you pointed out to me, we are supposed to be celebrating our sons birthday. I suggest you suck it up for his sake and put on a happy face. You will not Mar his birthday with your inability to control yourself."
JAKE: the ultimate best friend, tragically in love with Gillian since high school. He knows she needs him now but can he get her to fall in love with him. He is perfection. He is always the shoulder you want to put your head on. Jake is smooth and his words will have your heart gasping and make you melt. Don't be surprised if you find yourself wishing your own significant other could be more like Jake.
Quote: "The only place you will fall Gillian is right where you are, in these arms, in my life." "Fall Gillian. Go ahead and fall, and I promise I'll catch you."
The supporting characters are fantastic and I hope Melanie continues to write about them. Allie is the ultimate best friend who takes no prisoners. Logan is the cheating husband. I must say I was a Logan hater in the beginning but by the end I found myself hoping he finds happiness again someday.
Mrs. Codina's writing just captivates you. Love Realized takes you on a realistic romantic journey. I hope everyone experiences this heart-filled adventure. Much success to one of my favorite authors and most importantly friend!!!
June 9, 2013
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I get asked ALL THE TIME for book recommendations involving characters in their thirties instead of the young twenty-something s who are in most books. Love Realized by Melanie Codina involves characters in their 30’s dealing with divorce, cheating, finding love again, children, and real adult problems. It was really nice to read something different and read about adult problems that are realistic.
Gillian is in her 30’s and has been married to her husband Logan for 17 years. They were high school sweethearts who became parents at the young age of 17 and have been together since. To the outside world their marriage is perfect but Logan has been having an affair. When it is revealed Logan’s affair is not over Gillian takes the step to divorce the only man she has ever been with and try to rebuild her life with her three children. Jake is best friends with Logan, he met Gillian before Logan did and has been in love with her since the moment he met her. He missed his opportunity with Gillian after introducing her to Logan but he has never stopped loving her. With Gillian finally available, Jake wants nothing more to be with her finally, but is Gillian ready to love again?
I liked a lot of things about the book. I think the characters and story had potential to be really amazing. I kind of felt I did not get the entire story all the time; for example the affair. I wanted to know so badly the details of his affair, such as how long it was going on for, why Gillian thought the mistress had left town, why Gillian took Logan back.
I really loved the first half of the book, especially the first 25% of the book which was the big shocking moment that took place over one day. Jake was also a bright spot, he seemed really great and just simply good-guy.
I give Love Realized 3 Stars
Book provided by the author in return for an honest review.
I get asked ALL THE TIME for book recommendations involving characters in their thirties instead of the young twenty-something s who are in most books. Love Realized by Melanie Codina involves characters in their 30’s dealing with divorce, cheating, finding love again, children, and real adult problems. It was really nice to read something different and read about adult problems that are realistic.
Gillian is in her 30’s and has been married to her husband Logan for 17 years. They were high school sweethearts who became parents at the young age of 17 and have been together since. To the outside world their marriage is perfect but Logan has been having an affair. When it is revealed Logan’s affair is not over Gillian takes the step to divorce the only man she has ever been with and try to rebuild her life with her three children. Jake is best friends with Logan, he met Gillian before Logan did and has been in love with her since the moment he met her. He missed his opportunity with Gillian after introducing her to Logan but he has never stopped loving her. With Gillian finally available, Jake wants nothing more to be with her finally, but is Gillian ready to love again?
I liked a lot of things about the book. I think the characters and story had potential to be really amazing. I kind of felt I did not get the entire story all the time; for example the affair. I wanted to know so badly the details of his affair, such as how long it was going on for, why Gillian thought the mistress had left town, why Gillian took Logan back.
I really loved the first half of the book, especially the first 25% of the book which was the big shocking moment that took place over one day. Jake was also a bright spot, he seemed really great and just simply good-guy.
I give Love Realized 3 Stars
Book provided by the author in return for an honest review.
August 8, 2016
At first, I thought- no way is this going to work.
A woman who's been married for 16 years finds out her husband has been cheating on her, then falls in love with the guy she has known practically her whole life all in 400 pages.
That's the thing about the escape from reality that a really good book gives you- it all totally works. I LOVED IT!
One of the things I loved most about this story is how we often our perspective of someone's life who is close to us is skewed by what they let us see.
From the outside Gillian appears to have the perfect life. Mother of 3, wife to a caring husband and she takes care of everyone around her. What all the people who love her most don't see is that she's been hiding the mistakes of her husband for some time.
Jake loved Gillian from the first time her saw her in High School, but when she ended up with his friend, he went on with his life as she did. Always a part of each other's lives, those feelings never really went away.
And let me just say Oh Swoon! When Jake says "Can I have you, Gillian?" It is one of the most romantic lines I've read recently.
I love the title of the book, because throughout the story you can see, before even Gillian does how much she loves Jake and that makes you want to cheer for them.
When the secrets of her husbands indiscretions blow into the open all at once, Jake helps Gillian through the most horrible time of her life.
The cast of supporting characters in this story are so much fun and so similiar to people you know in real life. This group of friends and family have been there for each other through it all and these relationships really shined through. I have a feeling that we will be seeing more of them and I can't wait!
A woman who's been married for 16 years finds out her husband has been cheating on her, then falls in love with the guy she has known practically her whole life all in 400 pages.
That's the thing about the escape from reality that a really good book gives you- it all totally works. I LOVED IT!
One of the things I loved most about this story is how we often our perspective of someone's life who is close to us is skewed by what they let us see.
From the outside Gillian appears to have the perfect life. Mother of 3, wife to a caring husband and she takes care of everyone around her. What all the people who love her most don't see is that she's been hiding the mistakes of her husband for some time.
Jake loved Gillian from the first time her saw her in High School, but when she ended up with his friend, he went on with his life as she did. Always a part of each other's lives, those feelings never really went away.
And let me just say Oh Swoon! When Jake says "Can I have you, Gillian?" It is one of the most romantic lines I've read recently.
I love the title of the book, because throughout the story you can see, before even Gillian does how much she loves Jake and that makes you want to cheer for them.
When the secrets of her husbands indiscretions blow into the open all at once, Jake helps Gillian through the most horrible time of her life.
The cast of supporting characters in this story are so much fun and so similiar to people you know in real life. This group of friends and family have been there for each other through it all and these relationships really shined through. I have a feeling that we will be seeing more of them and I can't wait!
July 25, 2013
Bought this book on a whim and I'm so glad I did.
What a complicated love story this was, I really felt for Gillian and also for Logan. They have been together for so long and have all their firsts together so what happened was heartbreaking for everyone.
I really fell for Jake, what an absolute sweetheart and amazing friend.
I was completely absorbed in this story and read it in one sitting because I couldn't put it down.
Loved this book :)
What a complicated love story this was, I really felt for Gillian and also for Logan. They have been together for so long and have all their firsts together so what happened was heartbreaking for everyone.
I really fell for Jake, what an absolute sweetheart and amazing friend.
I was completely absorbed in this story and read it in one sitting because I couldn't put it down.
Loved this book :)
May 8, 2013
Freaking fabulous book! I laughed & cried and just got sucked in to the whole story. I hope you plan on writing more really soon! For this being your 1st book, you did awesome!!!
October 29, 2014
Love Realized by Melanie Codina
First in a series of interrelated standalones. Adult contemporary.
I've had a signed paperback of Love Realized by Melanie Codina (The Real Love Series #1) and a copy on my kindle for a year and a half. I have had Melanie at 2 Wicked Book Events, and a third one coming, yet somehow, I still never got to read the book! It's one of my favorite covers, and one of my first signed paperbacks ever (I would never break the spine), yet I so rarely go back and read older books, or start series in the middle, so this one kept getting skipped.
I'm so freaking glad I finally read it! I don't think I read the blurb in over a year, and I honestly had no idea what it was about, so I was so pleasantly surprised to find that it was about an older couple. It is so rare to find a good romance between mature people...yet it read like any young romance does. Love Realized was lighter than I expected. In fact, I read most of it with a smile on my face, and really enjoyed the whole 'real' aspect of it. There was no rock star, no millionaire, no fighter, no cowboy, no biker and no cop. Just regular people (well, regular gorgeous people).
The book begins with Gillian at her 8 year old son's birthday party. She has 3 kids, ranging from 8-17, and has been married for 16 years. She got pregnant in high school, and except for an old skeleton in her marital closet, she is still very happily married. They also have a great group of best friends and family. She is enjoying her day and basking in her happiness. Her husband, Logan, seems like a great guy.
Lucky just wasn't a strong enough word to describe how fortunate she was to have what she had."
But wouldn't you know it? Skeletons tend to pop up...and Logan's did. And the skeleton was very much alive, and at her son's birthday party!
Jake is one of the couple's closest friends. He has always secretly been in love with Gillian since 10th grade, but since his good friend got to her first and was involved with her, he tucked those feelings away for 18 years. But he is there for Gillian when she needs him.
Her best friend Allie (who happened to be her husband's sister) was an awesome character, and was there for her too.
Allie also witnessed the moment Gillian fell asleep in Jake's arms and...
Gillian was amazing. While I would want to go all Lorena Bobbitt on my husband's ass, she handled herself with grace and dignity, and managed a very friendly relationship through the breakup with her husband for the kids' sake. And with Jake and Allie there every step of the way, Gillian was able to recover. It wasn't a difficult leap to move the gorgeous Jake from friend zone to more-than-friend zone, but Jake handled everything so perfectly. Who could turn him down?
Likes:
•Older hero and heroine.
•The author had the nerve to portray Logan as the perfect husband and all around great guy, except for one MAJOR, marriage ending flaw. She didn't feel the need to vilify him any more.
•Great portrayal of the kids.
•A much lighter read than I expected, though still emotional and exciting.
•An exciting twist or two later in the book.
•Very realistic characters.
•Some funny lines.
•Really makes me want to read the next in the series, Allie's book.
•Though it was 3rd person, which usually isn't my favorite, it was done really well. The transition between his and her point of views were easy to follow and I was never unsure as to what I was reading.
Dislikes:
•It was all just a bit too easy. She was too easy on Logan and she seemed to get over the 16 year marriage a little too easily, but then again, if I had a Jake standing by, I might too.
•I would have liked to know a little more about what drove Logan to do what he did.
Rating: 4.25 Stars, 3.5 Heat
Jake was an amazing hero, and I really enjoyed Gillian's inner voice. All of the side characters are really great and hope we get each of their books. I really enjoyed reading about older characters with baggage, like older kids and exes, and I loved how Melanie was able to take a pretty awful situation and make it light and easy to read. Sure, there was emotion, and excitement, but nothing overwhelming. It was just an all-around great romance with mature, older characters. How refreshing!
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May 24, 2013
WOW this book was simply amazing.
Where do I begin to express my feelings for this book. Well since I usually start with the people I don't like because I love to end it with those that I love.
Logan: you my friend are a week minded jerk who doesn't and probably never has deserved Gillian. Why men cheat when they have the perfect woman at home is beyond me. What you did to her is unforgivable and the fact that she has forgiven you is just that much more proof that you never deserved her pure soul. I still don't like you (I'm not as forgiving as Gillian) I do pray in the end that you will find happiness and if you are lucky enough to. Don't mess it up again. And find away to make it up to your children. And seriously how dare you think you had any claim on her after what you did .
Adam and McSlutty - plain and simple just despise you. Jodi you had a lot of nerve to stay at that party after you realized where you were. I fell bad for your daughter to have to grow up with you and without her father because of your actions.
Adam - seriously dude how could you . None of this was Gillian's fault . Your wife was the slut that destroyed your family. And now you really have no one since your in jail.
Now lets get to the heart and soul of this book.
Jake: I love you . You were an idiot for letting her get away in high school but everything happens for a reason. You wouldn't of had Ryan if you didn't let her get away and Ryan wouldn't have his best friend. Now that you have her cherish her . You completely filled my heart in this book. Your the perfect balance between Alpha male and sweetheart. Every part of this book you were in I loved. The way you laid it all out there for her was amazing. You expressed your love for her in every way . "You would be much more than enough for me Gillian" there are so many of your lines I highlighted in this book it's so hard to choose which is the best. Everything that came out of your mouth made my heart flutter. You are all HEART.
Gillian : wow there really are no words to describe your strength . That party / driveway scene ripped my heart out I cried for you . Your a way better woman than me. Making a scene or not that lady would not have been in my home after I figured out who she was. I will commend you for the way you handled Logan in the driveway again your strength is just unreal . You found the silver lining in thing when no one else could . You deserve the world and Jake will make sure you have it. Your miracle baby loved that part and you gained a new son ( loved the Mother's Day excerpt) . I cried when jake declared to you that he's always loved you since he was 17 :,,,) hold on to your true love. Also you go girl for finally telling off Jodi.
Allie: you are the definition of what a best friend should be. I love you to pieces for standing by Gillian . Even tho Logan is your brother . Love you no nonsense attitude . The after date parties are genius . Hoping to see more of you. Hoping you find love after what you have been thru.
Melanie thanks for such a amazing book. I was truly touched by the amount of love that poured out of this book. I hope you do well with it . It's filled with every thing you can imagine Love, Passion, Betrayal and forgiveness . I laughed I cried a lot happy and sad tears . I was on edge and scared at times. It made the book that much more enjoyable looking forward to more.
Where do I begin to express my feelings for this book. Well since I usually start with the people I don't like because I love to end it with those that I love.
Logan: you my friend are a week minded jerk who doesn't and probably never has deserved Gillian. Why men cheat when they have the perfect woman at home is beyond me. What you did to her is unforgivable and the fact that she has forgiven you is just that much more proof that you never deserved her pure soul. I still don't like you (I'm not as forgiving as Gillian) I do pray in the end that you will find happiness and if you are lucky enough to. Don't mess it up again. And find away to make it up to your children. And seriously how dare you think you had any claim on her after what you did .
Adam and McSlutty - plain and simple just despise you. Jodi you had a lot of nerve to stay at that party after you realized where you were. I fell bad for your daughter to have to grow up with you and without her father because of your actions.
Adam - seriously dude how could you . None of this was Gillian's fault . Your wife was the slut that destroyed your family. And now you really have no one since your in jail.
Now lets get to the heart and soul of this book.
Jake: I love you . You were an idiot for letting her get away in high school but everything happens for a reason. You wouldn't of had Ryan if you didn't let her get away and Ryan wouldn't have his best friend. Now that you have her cherish her . You completely filled my heart in this book. Your the perfect balance between Alpha male and sweetheart. Every part of this book you were in I loved. The way you laid it all out there for her was amazing. You expressed your love for her in every way . "You would be much more than enough for me Gillian" there are so many of your lines I highlighted in this book it's so hard to choose which is the best. Everything that came out of your mouth made my heart flutter. You are all HEART.
Gillian : wow there really are no words to describe your strength . That party / driveway scene ripped my heart out I cried for you . Your a way better woman than me. Making a scene or not that lady would not have been in my home after I figured out who she was. I will commend you for the way you handled Logan in the driveway again your strength is just unreal . You found the silver lining in thing when no one else could . You deserve the world and Jake will make sure you have it. Your miracle baby loved that part and you gained a new son ( loved the Mother's Day excerpt) . I cried when jake declared to you that he's always loved you since he was 17 :,,,) hold on to your true love. Also you go girl for finally telling off Jodi.
Allie: you are the definition of what a best friend should be. I love you to pieces for standing by Gillian . Even tho Logan is your brother . Love you no nonsense attitude . The after date parties are genius . Hoping to see more of you. Hoping you find love after what you have been thru.
Melanie thanks for such a amazing book. I was truly touched by the amount of love that poured out of this book. I hope you do well with it . It's filled with every thing you can imagine Love, Passion, Betrayal and forgiveness . I laughed I cried a lot happy and sad tears . I was on edge and scared at times. It made the book that much more enjoyable looking forward to more.
May 9, 2013
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Love Realized was such a wonderful 4.5 star read for me. It is a completely original story dealing with real life problems. The synopsis had me intrigued and the first few pages had me absolutely hooked.
Gillian is such a relatable character. She juggles being a wife, a mother, a full time worker, a friend, etc. all while trying to be perfect at them all. Aside from a few small blemishes, life has been going perfectly. That is until she comes face to face with her husband's mistress at her son's birthday party. Gillian's life goes spiraling out of control. With her husband throwing around promises at the fear of losing her, she realizes that there is no way she can trust him anymore.
“A promise is a promise, and if a man doesn't stand by his word, he really doesn't have much to offer.”
Gillian is surrounded by family and friends as her world comes crashing down. One friend in particular is Jake. Jake is a family friend that Gillian has known since high school. Jake has had a thing for Gillian since the first day he saw her. Unfortunately, Gillian's husband, Logan got to her first and Jake never got his chance to let her know about his feelings. And he has been fine just being her friend since she seemed happy. But now, everything has changed. Gillian is no longer happy in her marriage and Jake sees his opportunity to do what he wasn't able to 18 years ago.
I instantly fell in love with Gillian. She was the typical woman, trying to do it all. Unfortunately, she just couldn't control everything. I found myself going through many of the emotions along side her. Of course, I landed on anger for a while longer than her. I would hope that I could handle myself as well as Gillian, if ever presented with her struggles but I'm just not sure I would be able to control myself. Hell, I had an overwhelmingly strong desire to kick Logan's ass. So, there is no telling what I would do to my own husband. But Gillian is the definition of class and had her children's best interest at the top of her priority list at all times.
“There is only one Gillian and she is one of the strongest women I know, and I admire everything about her. She is vibrant, determined, and full of love.”
Jake is another wonderful character. Above just clearly being madly in love with Gillian, he is an amazing friend. And the two of them go through so much in their quest to find one another. Ms. Codina did an amazing job of establishing a tight connection between Gillian and Jake without making the reader feel like they had already crossed a line. Everything about their relationship, from beginning to end, was completely believable and comfortable.
“It's like the most exquisite type of torture and the most satisfying addiction all at the same time.”
Once again, Love Realized was such an amazing story that was executed perfectly. The flow of the story was spot on, keeping me from putting it down. I became so invested in Gillian and Jake's story and couldn't have been happier with how it all came together in the end. This is definitely one to add to you TBR.
Love Realized was such a wonderful 4.5 star read for me. It is a completely original story dealing with real life problems. The synopsis had me intrigued and the first few pages had me absolutely hooked.
Gillian is such a relatable character. She juggles being a wife, a mother, a full time worker, a friend, etc. all while trying to be perfect at them all. Aside from a few small blemishes, life has been going perfectly. That is until she comes face to face with her husband's mistress at her son's birthday party. Gillian's life goes spiraling out of control. With her husband throwing around promises at the fear of losing her, she realizes that there is no way she can trust him anymore.
“A promise is a promise, and if a man doesn't stand by his word, he really doesn't have much to offer.”
Gillian is surrounded by family and friends as her world comes crashing down. One friend in particular is Jake. Jake is a family friend that Gillian has known since high school. Jake has had a thing for Gillian since the first day he saw her. Unfortunately, Gillian's husband, Logan got to her first and Jake never got his chance to let her know about his feelings. And he has been fine just being her friend since she seemed happy. But now, everything has changed. Gillian is no longer happy in her marriage and Jake sees his opportunity to do what he wasn't able to 18 years ago.
I instantly fell in love with Gillian. She was the typical woman, trying to do it all. Unfortunately, she just couldn't control everything. I found myself going through many of the emotions along side her. Of course, I landed on anger for a while longer than her. I would hope that I could handle myself as well as Gillian, if ever presented with her struggles but I'm just not sure I would be able to control myself. Hell, I had an overwhelmingly strong desire to kick Logan's ass. So, there is no telling what I would do to my own husband. But Gillian is the definition of class and had her children's best interest at the top of her priority list at all times.
“There is only one Gillian and she is one of the strongest women I know, and I admire everything about her. She is vibrant, determined, and full of love.”
Jake is another wonderful character. Above just clearly being madly in love with Gillian, he is an amazing friend. And the two of them go through so much in their quest to find one another. Ms. Codina did an amazing job of establishing a tight connection between Gillian and Jake without making the reader feel like they had already crossed a line. Everything about their relationship, from beginning to end, was completely believable and comfortable.
“It's like the most exquisite type of torture and the most satisfying addiction all at the same time.”
Once again, Love Realized was such an amazing story that was executed perfectly. The flow of the story was spot on, keeping me from putting it down. I became so invested in Gillian and Jake's story and couldn't have been happier with how it all came together in the end. This is definitely one to add to you TBR.
May 5, 2013
I've been following this book progress for a while, even then I didn't expect the secret that unfolded and how it altered many things. I have always adored the best friends to lovers storyline and this is no different. I can say though of course with the plot and themes, this had lots to do with family and friendship playing a role in it. But it doesn't take away from the sweet and touching factor.
This book surely had interesting side characters in particular Allie, Gillian's BFF. Spunky, ballsy, crazy and tough, the kind of friend everyone would need. I'm excited for her story. She might come off weird at first but she has people's best at heart. She is soft when needed.
Gillian oh this lady, she's strong and loving, all heart. She is one of those people who sees things glass half full, even after all she went try through and all the things people freak out or stress over she comes through. It's no wonder Jake loves her pinned and had some unrequited feelings at first. Such a great guy and so much love to give. He does all be can to let Gilly know he loves her, beyond the relationship they have and for a lifetime. Props to Ms. Codina on how their budding relationship went, truthful, honest and real. The kids, friend side issues settled, ex husband civilly and not over the top.
I enjoyed this love story of these two people who've had ups and downs in their life but they got through it together. After the drama and hurt with a good foundation like Jake and Gilly"s friendship they found out that second chance in rediscovering a new kind of love. It definitely will pull on heartstrings and bring a smile to one's face. Ms Codina is a author to watch for.
I'm not so fond of the association of this song to a movie but just imagine the guy version THOUSAND YEARS TANNER PATRICK COVER
This book surely had interesting side characters in particular Allie, Gillian's BFF. Spunky, ballsy, crazy and tough, the kind of friend everyone would need. I'm excited for her story. She might come off weird at first but she has people's best at heart. She is soft when needed.
Gillian oh this lady, she's strong and loving, all heart. She is one of those people who sees things glass half full, even after all she went try through and all the things people freak out or stress over she comes through. It's no wonder Jake loves her pinned and had some unrequited feelings at first. Such a great guy and so much love to give. He does all be can to let Gilly know he loves her, beyond the relationship they have and for a lifetime. Props to Ms. Codina on how their budding relationship went, truthful, honest and real. The kids, friend side issues settled, ex husband civilly and not over the top.
I enjoyed this love story of these two people who've had ups and downs in their life but they got through it together. After the drama and hurt with a good foundation like Jake and Gilly"s friendship they found out that second chance in rediscovering a new kind of love. It definitely will pull on heartstrings and bring a smile to one's face. Ms Codina is a author to watch for.
I'm not so fond of the association of this song to a movie but just imagine the guy version THOUSAND YEARS TANNER PATRICK COVER
March 2, 2015
FIVE 'I WANT MORE' STARS!
This is the first book I've read by Melanie Codina, and I enjoyed it immensely. This was such an incredibly well written story and I was very impressed by both the style and quality of Ms. Codina's writing. She has a natural storytelling ability and her writing captures the reader from the start and draws them right into the story. I had a very difficult time putting this book down!
This is story hits two of my personal favorite storylines: unrequited love and friends to lovers. Jake Michaels has been in love with Gillian Baxter from the day he met her in high school. That very same day, she also met Jake's friend, Logan, and it was Logan who made the first move and won the girl. Jake was relegated to best friend status, and he proceeded to bury his feelings and be the best friend to Gillian he could.
When Gillian and Logan's marriage fell apart, those long simmering below the surface feelings that Jake had came roaring back to the surface. This is his chance, the one he never thought he'd get, and he's taking it.
Jake and Gillian's relationship was so special, and the addition of romance only added to it. Gillian was the caregiver of their close-knit group of friends and she somehow managed to make this right for everyone.
This was a beautiful love relationship to watch unfold and the talented Melanie Codina took her readers through it without missing a beat. I'm excited to read more from this author!
This is the first book I've read by Melanie Codina, and I enjoyed it immensely. This was such an incredibly well written story and I was very impressed by both the style and quality of Ms. Codina's writing. She has a natural storytelling ability and her writing captures the reader from the start and draws them right into the story. I had a very difficult time putting this book down!
This is story hits two of my personal favorite storylines: unrequited love and friends to lovers. Jake Michaels has been in love with Gillian Baxter from the day he met her in high school. That very same day, she also met Jake's friend, Logan, and it was Logan who made the first move and won the girl. Jake was relegated to best friend status, and he proceeded to bury his feelings and be the best friend to Gillian he could.
When Gillian and Logan's marriage fell apart, those long simmering below the surface feelings that Jake had came roaring back to the surface. This is his chance, the one he never thought he'd get, and he's taking it.
Jake and Gillian's relationship was so special, and the addition of romance only added to it. Gillian was the caregiver of their close-knit group of friends and she somehow managed to make this right for everyone.
This was a beautiful love relationship to watch unfold and the talented Melanie Codina took her readers through it without missing a beat. I'm excited to read more from this author!
December 29, 2018
Read this if you like assholes who regret their actions and epic smack downs (from h and h’s best friend to cheating husband)
This is a well executed cheating trope. You really feel her pain, a bit of the husband’s and her struggle to move on. And the H was very sweet. Maybe the OW and her husband plot line was a bit OTT but I kind of like it when you can unilaterally hate someone in a book. The heroine got furious and defended herself in the face of these crazy circumstances and horrible people, but she was still the mature one. Well not too mature/martyred. She didn’t just take it. she punched her husband when she found out he was cheating again. She did NOT forgive the ow for the affair and for the fact that ow’s husband shot her. But she wasn’t the one who told her kids about her husbands infidelity. She worked at her kids having a good relationship with their dad even in the midst of the divorce. And at him staying in their circle of friends.
IMHO she was just mature enough.
PS maybe this is just the sadist in me, but I liked that the ex husband makes brief appearances in the rest of the trilogy as a regretful, sad man. He did some horrible things and now has to live with the consequences.
This is a well executed cheating trope. You really feel her pain, a bit of the husband’s and her struggle to move on. And the H was very sweet. Maybe the OW and her husband plot line was a bit OTT but I kind of like it when you can unilaterally hate someone in a book. The heroine got furious and defended herself in the face of these crazy circumstances and horrible people, but she was still the mature one. Well not too mature/martyred. She didn’t just take it. she punched her husband when she found out he was cheating again. She did NOT forgive the ow for the affair and for the fact that ow’s husband shot her. But she wasn’t the one who told her kids about her husbands infidelity. She worked at her kids having a good relationship with their dad even in the midst of the divorce. And at him staying in their circle of friends.
IMHO she was just mature enough.
PS maybe this is just the sadist in me, but I liked that the ex husband makes brief appearances in the rest of the trilogy as a regretful, sad man. He did some horrible things and now has to live with the consequences.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2013
Amazing book that I can't wait to read again. There were no billionaires or rock star (which I love to read about by the way) This was about an average 30 something family, with kids, who have something destroy their happy family and then there is Jake. Swoon...Jake!! He has been best friends with Gillian and Logan(the seemingly happy family) since high school and has always loved Gillian. He had to watch from the sidelines as Gillian lead her life with her family. Jake was always involved being best friends, the kids call him Uncle Jake and his son is best friends with Gillian's son. When Gillian and Logan's secret come out, Jake finally has his opportunity to win Gillian's heart. The author does a great job showing Jake's angst. You are swept up right away in this book and just can't put it down. So happy that there is a part 2, it is Allie's story (she is Gillian's best friend ans Logan's sister, who sides with her friend) Everyone needs a Jake to make them feel good. Love, Love, Love!! Jake<3
May 16, 2013
An amazing story about family, friendship, true love, betrayal and grief over what was lost and taken away from you. About thinking that you think you have a perfect life but everything fall into pieces after finding out that the one person you thought truly loves you, ends up betraying your trust and breaks your heart into million pieces.
Gillian thought she has everything - got married to her love of his life for 17 years, she has 3 beautiful children, a successful career and supportive friends and family around her. But during her youngest son's birthday, an unexpected guest came. The Other Woman . What I love about this book is that the author wonderfully wrote scene after scene so
vividly that I felt like I was there, feeling Gillian's pain, denial and the struggle to keep her sanity intact for the sake of keeping her husband's secret.
(to be continued)
September 6, 2015
That was my favorite line from the book! It made me tear up every time I read it! This book will suck you in from the very first chapter! You instantly love Gillian. I want to BE Gillian when I grow up! She's one of cc the strongest, kind, caring FORGIVING people you'll meet....but that doesn't mean she'll take CRAP from anyone... oh no!!! You'll get s second chance....once!!! Jake....awwwww, loved him! It's the reason I want to be Gillian!! Patiently waits for his woman....for 16+ years!!!! ALLIE--- OMG everyone needs an ALLIE in their life!!! I am hoping the next book in this series is about her!!!! She needs her own book!
READ THIS BOOK! You will love it just as much as me!!#
READ THIS BOOK! You will love it just as much as me!!#
August 4, 2014
4.5 stars!! I love reading about my age group and can relate to a lot of what happened in this book. The author wrote this story beautifully, it was engaging and you couldn't help but get emotionally involved and this story was real, this happens in everyday marriages and relationships. I loved it and to be honest I want more...so Melanie can we continue this story?? Pretty please!! (full review to come)
May 12, 2013
I absolutely loved the characters in this book. Gillian is the woman we all strive to be, and Jake is certainly the man we all dream of having! The first three chapters had me sorting through all kinds of emotions. The story is very real and relatable to many. I highly recommend this amazing, emotional, and engaging read! Sonya....you were always my Allie!
May 24, 2013
Just one of the best reads in a long time. I enjoyed reading about my age group. The cheating issue is a touchy subject especially when it is referring to marriage. She writes so well and ties it all in nice. I can't wait to read book 2.
September 19, 2020
I would have given it 4 stars but the book went on and on. The beginning of the book sucked me in, which I love, but around mid-book, the plot seemed to go on and on. I loved that Gillian was close best friends with Jake before hooking up. The husband was a real douche, very selfish.
May 8, 2013
I just finished this book and am in awe. I loved every minute of this book and blown away that this is ten authors first book! I can't wait for more from this amazing author.
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