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Time for Love #1
8 Weeks
Is eight weeks enough time to earn back the love of someone you've betrayed...the only one you've ever loved?
Shelly has been in love with Cal since they started dating in eleventh grade. Despite everyone saying the odds were against them, they got married after graduation and built a life together. Now, six years later, she is faced with the ultimate betrayal. Devastated, her first instinct is to call it quits…
After a drunken binge at his best friends’ bachelor party, Cal betrays the one person who has always been there for him, his wife, Shelly. Terrified and realizing she might divorce him, Cal must come up with a way to prove to her that his love is true…
Cal asks Shelly for eight weeks. Eight weeks to convince her that their marriage is worth the fight. Will Shelly be able to trust him again, or will their marriage end the way many others do when faced with opposition… In divorce?
8 Weeks is book 1 in the Time for Love series, but can be read as a stand alone.
"8 Weeks was an emotionally gripping read. Seeing this couple fight to keep their relationship alive made me believe in true love, forgiveness and hope." ~ The Autumn Review
"A beautifully written love story about betrayal, redemption, and discovering that love really does conquer all.' ~ Tyhada Reads
"8 Weeks is an amazing story of how one night can change a persons life. For Cal, Shelly is all he has ever wanted and needed and when he does something to jeopardize their marriage he will have 8 weeks to prove to Shelly that their love is real. Cal is on the road to redemption but will Shelly forgive Cal?" Tee at A Diary of a Book Addict
Series Reading Order:
1 Night - Prequel Short
8 Weeks
21 Days
42 Hours
15 Minutes
10 Years
3 Seconds
7 Months
For Eternity - Novella
Night & Day - Novella
Shelly has been in love with Cal since they started dating in eleventh grade. Despite everyone saying the odds were against them, they got married after graduation and built a life together. Now, six years later, she is faced with the ultimate betrayal. Devastated, her first instinct is to call it quits…
After a drunken binge at his best friends’ bachelor party, Cal betrays the one person who has always been there for him, his wife, Shelly. Terrified and realizing she might divorce him, Cal must come up with a way to prove to her that his love is true…
Cal asks Shelly for eight weeks. Eight weeks to convince her that their marriage is worth the fight. Will Shelly be able to trust him again, or will their marriage end the way many others do when faced with opposition… In divorce?
8 Weeks is book 1 in the Time for Love series, but can be read as a stand alone.
"8 Weeks was an emotionally gripping read. Seeing this couple fight to keep their relationship alive made me believe in true love, forgiveness and hope." ~ The Autumn Review
"A beautifully written love story about betrayal, redemption, and discovering that love really does conquer all.' ~ Tyhada Reads
"8 Weeks is an amazing story of how one night can change a persons life. For Cal, Shelly is all he has ever wanted and needed and when he does something to jeopardize their marriage he will have 8 weeks to prove to Shelly that their love is real. Cal is on the road to redemption but will Shelly forgive Cal?" Tee at A Diary of a Book Addict
Series Reading Order:
1 Night - Prequel Short
8 Weeks
21 Days
42 Hours
15 Minutes
10 Years
3 Seconds
7 Months
For Eternity - Novella
Night & Day - Novella
268 pages, Paperback
First published March 16, 2014
822 people are currently reading
3734 people want to read
About the author
Bethany Lopez
102 books2,118 followersSign up for my Newsletter for more information about my writing: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/61969e...
Bethany Lopez is a USA Today Bestselling author of more than seventy published works, as both Bethany Lopez and DJ Bryce, and has been publishing since 2011. She's a lover of all things romance, which she incorporates into the books she writes, no matter the genre.
When she isn't reading or writing, she loves spending time with family and traveling whenever possible.
Bethany can usually be found with a cup of coffee or glass of wine at hand, and will never turn down a cupcake!
Literary Agent - Amanda Wooden, SBR Media amanda@sbrmedia.com
Bethany Lopez is a USA Today Bestselling author of more than seventy published works, as both Bethany Lopez and DJ Bryce, and has been publishing since 2011. She's a lover of all things romance, which she incorporates into the books she writes, no matter the genre.
When she isn't reading or writing, she loves spending time with family and traveling whenever possible.
Bethany can usually be found with a cup of coffee or glass of wine at hand, and will never turn down a cupcake!
Literary Agent - Amanda Wooden, SBR Media amanda@sbrmedia.com
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Universal Link - https://books2read.com/8weeks
Kindle: http://amzn.to/1uRc8PF
Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/8-wee...
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/8-wee...
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebo...
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1vsynAa
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/d...
Also Available in Audio - Narrated by Beth Stewart
Audible - https://www.audible.com/pd/B00TZ7C610...
January 14, 2022
everyone sucks here bye
March 15, 2014
2.5 out of 5 Stars
*** ARC received in exchange for an honest review ***
Shelly and Cal have known each other for eight years and have been very happily married for 6. However, on the day of their wedding anniversary, Cal returns from his friend's Scott's bachelor's party and confesses the unthinkable: he woke up naked in a Vegas hotel-room, with a naked blonde on the verge of leaving. He is certain the two of them had sex, but cannot remember a thing - not how they met, not if they did it.
Shelly is understandably mad at him and the situation and runs off to her dad, claiming she wants a divorce. Except Cal won't have it. He asks her to give him 8 weeks before signing the divorce papers. 8 weeks, that is 8 dates to win her back...
Well, first of all, this was a relatively short story, that I managed to read in less than 2 hours. The writing was nice, and as always, having a dual male/female POV makes the story all the more enjoyable. However, the reason why I am only giving this read 2.5 Stars is because I find the story in itself flat. Not extraordinarily interesting.
Don't get me wrong, I really like the characters, and I appreciated the whole "Friends" things going on with that group of friends Cal and Shelly have - who stick around through the good and bad times - and who will certainly have their stories told in the next books in this series. But Cal and Shelly's story was just not "it" for me. I didn't really enjoy it, it had no twist and didn't really catch my attention. Perhaps because it was predictable in some ways. He just tries to win her back. That's it. Plain and simple. The only question all along the book is will she have him?
What also frustrates me is that we're talking about a marriage that was working and perfectly healthy before the Vegas-incident, of which we don't even know if it actually ever happened, since Cal doesn't remember anything. So a story like that - based on something hypothetical - kind of turned me off. And I kept not believing that this very thoughtful and head-over-in-heels-with-his-wife Cal could have slept with someone else - even drunk. Had I known exactly he cheated on Shelly, it would have been easier to relate to her feelings.
Anyway... As I said, I like the side-characters, especially Gaby and Scott, and I will make sure to check out the follow-up books, but unfortunately 8 Weeks just didn't cut it for me...
*** ARC received in exchange for an honest review ***
Shelly and Cal have known each other for eight years and have been very happily married for 6. However, on the day of their wedding anniversary, Cal returns from his friend's Scott's bachelor's party and confesses the unthinkable: he woke up naked in a Vegas hotel-room, with a naked blonde on the verge of leaving. He is certain the two of them had sex, but cannot remember a thing - not how they met, not if they did it.
Shelly is understandably mad at him and the situation and runs off to her dad, claiming she wants a divorce. Except Cal won't have it. He asks her to give him 8 weeks before signing the divorce papers. 8 weeks, that is 8 dates to win her back...
Well, first of all, this was a relatively short story, that I managed to read in less than 2 hours. The writing was nice, and as always, having a dual male/female POV makes the story all the more enjoyable. However, the reason why I am only giving this read 2.5 Stars is because I find the story in itself flat. Not extraordinarily interesting.
Don't get me wrong, I really like the characters, and I appreciated the whole "Friends" things going on with that group of friends Cal and Shelly have - who stick around through the good and bad times - and who will certainly have their stories told in the next books in this series. But Cal and Shelly's story was just not "it" for me. I didn't really enjoy it, it had no twist and didn't really catch my attention. Perhaps because it was predictable in some ways. He just tries to win her back. That's it. Plain and simple. The only question all along the book is will she have him?
What also frustrates me is that we're talking about a marriage that was working and perfectly healthy before the Vegas-incident, of which we don't even know if it actually ever happened, since Cal doesn't remember anything. So a story like that - based on something hypothetical - kind of turned me off. And I kept not believing that this very thoughtful and head-over-in-heels-with-his-wife Cal could have slept with someone else - even drunk. Had I known exactly he cheated on Shelly, it would have been easier to relate to her feelings.
Anyway... As I said, I like the side-characters, especially Gaby and Scott, and I will make sure to check out the follow-up books, but unfortunately 8 Weeks just didn't cut it for me...
February 6, 2017
Very Contemporary/NA approach of a young married couple where the H wakes up naked with a naked woman in his room. He probably had sex but can't remember. He's horrified, but not quite as horrified as his high school sweetheart now wife. She leaves for dad's house immediately.
The rest of the story is his hardcore press to get her back within an 8 week window.
Yeah, it was sweet, and the couple are surrounded by a strong group of friends from high school with their own issues. It had a very clean-cut, latte drinking, Friends-ish vibe to it.
Sadly the most interesting character to me was Melody, the high school tramp, who is desperate to be a part of the gang. Good enough to sleep with but not good enough to hang out. Sad.
The rest of the story is his hardcore press to get her back within an 8 week window.
Yeah, it was sweet, and the couple are surrounded by a strong group of friends from high school with their own issues. It had a very clean-cut, latte drinking, Friends-ish vibe to it.
Sadly the most interesting character to me was Melody, the high school tramp, who is desperate to be a part of the gang. Good enough to sleep with but not good enough to hang out. Sad.
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February 19, 2023TW: CHEATING/SEXUAL ABUSE
H wakes up after a bachelor party and found himself naked and a naked woman getting out of the shower. He has a big big hungover. He is married to h (has been for 6 years) He thinks the worse. He goes home and tell her what happened. Only he doesn’t remember how he ended in that room with ow.
If you read the story 0’5 you know that he actually didn’t cheat. And in the last connected standalone they both realizes that he never cheated.
Anyway, after that h is hurt and doesn’t trust him. Wants a divorce and move out of their house. H says that he would give her an easy divorce if she still want to divorce her after 8 dates (because of 8 years they have been dating)
They are their one and only in every sense of the word.
MY OPINION:
If someone tell me that they have waken up naked in a hotel room after getting wasted, I would think that that person has been assaulted. If you are as drunk as to not be able to remember you can’t consent, so it’s assault.
A friend of mine, sadly, told me not so long ago that she didn’t remember one part of her night when she was in a club and that other friends told her that she did things that she can’t remember. She was drugged. This caused her a lot of grieve and hurt and the not knowing what happened during that night was so heartbreaking and scary.
So, imo this H was a victim. Nothing happened to him (the ow didn’t touch him) but no one pointed out (no even his family) that he couldn’t consent if he was that wasted (no even his “friends” that send him to an hotel in a taxi without caring for him or if he get safely)
Books like this only add more fuel to society not realizing that men suffer sexual abuse too. It seems that because a naked woman was in the room that he wanted to have sex because men always want to have sex and can’t simply be that someone took advantage of him. There is another popular book (iykyk) where h and H separated bc h found H with ow in bed. He didn’t remember anything and for some time though that the girl was h. They may there are adding some scenes in his pov and are going to donate some money to sexual abuse victims so hopefully they will talk more about what really happened.
H wakes up after a bachelor party and found himself naked and a naked woman getting out of the shower. He has a big big hungover. He is married to h (has been for 6 years) He thinks the worse. He goes home and tell her what happened. Only he doesn’t remember how he ended in that room with ow.
If you read the story 0’5 you know that he actually didn’t cheat. And in the last connected standalone they both realizes that he never cheated.
Anyway, after that h is hurt and doesn’t trust him. Wants a divorce and move out of their house. H says that he would give her an easy divorce if she still want to divorce her after 8 dates (because of 8 years they have been dating)
They are their one and only in every sense of the word.
MY OPINION:
If someone tell me that they have waken up naked in a hotel room after getting wasted, I would think that that person has been assaulted. If you are as drunk as to not be able to remember you can’t consent, so it’s assault.
A friend of mine, sadly, told me not so long ago that she didn’t remember one part of her night when she was in a club and that other friends told her that she did things that she can’t remember. She was drugged. This caused her a lot of grieve and hurt and the not knowing what happened during that night was so heartbreaking and scary.
So, imo this H was a victim. Nothing happened to him (the ow didn’t touch him) but no one pointed out (no even his family) that he couldn’t consent if he was that wasted (no even his “friends” that send him to an hotel in a taxi without caring for him or if he get safely)
Books like this only add more fuel to society not realizing that men suffer sexual abuse too. It seems that because a naked woman was in the room that he wanted to have sex because men always want to have sex and can’t simply be that someone took advantage of him. There is another popular book (iykyk) where h and H separated bc h found H with ow in bed. He didn’t remember anything and for some time though that the girl was h. They may there are adding some scenes in his pov and are going to donate some money to sexual abuse victims so hopefully they will talk more about what really happened.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2016
3.5* out of 5*
“I’d always believed that Cal and I would be together forever … That we’d have children and grow old together.That he would never hurt me.Well, he hadn’t just hurt me. He’d crushed me. He’d crushed us.”
The story starts where Cal woke up butt naked besides an unknown woman, after his friend Scott's bachelor party. The thing is that he couldn't remember anything of what happened. He couldn't no wouldn't lie to his wife, Shelly, about this. But when he told Shelly she left him and went straight to her father's place.
Shelly was conflicted at first, she didn't know what to do with Cal's straying how to process it. But the longer she stayed at her father's (no he didn't influence her) she did come to realize that she couldn't stay married to him and asked for a divorce. But Cal wasn't ready to let go.
He wanted her back, she had to forgive him, he couldn't imagine his life without her. And he came up with a plan. Eight weeks to get her back, eight Saturdays where he would take her on a date to prove his love for her was still real.
“Why eight?”
“One week for each year that we’ve been together.”
He's crushed, she's crushed. Would they be able to work it out?
Their friends were the best, they supported them individually but were also rooting for them to work through their differences. They wanted to see their friends back together again, they felt they belonged together. They were the ones that had me convinced that maybe Shelly should forgive him. But while Shelly was angry and hurt, she wasn't unreasonable, I liked that about her.
And the more I read from Cal's point of view, I felt he was genuinely sorry about his one night mistake. And in their semi separation Cal nor Shelly for that matter, went looking for new flings to deal with their sorrow.
“I’m sorry, I don’t want to make it harder, and I don’t want to fight with you,” I implored. “But I will fight for you, Shelly. Give me a chance to.”
His mistake costed them their relationship in more than one way, gone happiness, gone trust, gone them being comfortable in each others presence. They had a lot of work ahead of them.
Their friends, again, they were hilarious. They were a great aspect in this book, brought humor into the story as contrast to the seriousness. TJ and Sasha's banter always had me laughing.
"TJ, I swear to God, if you don't give me back that packing tape this instant, I'm going to kick you right in your flat ass!" I heard Sasha yell from the other room.
"Red, you know my ass is perfect," TJ yelled back. "That's why you haven't been able to take your eyes off of it for the past six years.”
And the mysterious vibe going on with Gabby and Scott, led me to believe they had feelings for each other. But as far as I know they hadn't acted on it, only because Scott is about to get married to a mean old woman....well she's not really old.... No one liked her, but they tolerate her for Scott's sake. But can't say she returned the courtesy, luckily the tolerations only goes so far and doesn't prevent them from sticking it to her.
"Cal," Victoria said dryly. "Still imposing on Scott, I see.""Victoria," I responded with a glare. "Scott's not here. Is there something that I can help you with? A new broom perhaps?"
The story is told from both Cal and Shelly's point of view, it switches from chapter to chapter. I normally don't like a hero that cheats, but I sort of let Cal off the hook. Why you ask, because he showed true remorse and fought to get Shelly back. And as became apparent from the eight dates, was that they both missed the other. The still loved each other too. Another plus was that they didn't fool around with other people while trying to fix their relationship.
I liked this story and think it's a great start to this new series. I just didn't agree with the ending. I needed closure, heck Shelly and Cal needed closure. Who was this other woman, what if he got some nasty disease from her? Cal didn't recall having sex with her, did he use a condom? Why didn't he get himself tested. Maybe he got the other woman pregnant and was she looking for him. What if she comes knocking on their door one day, disrupting their lives once more.
Those questions popped up in my head, and I had hoped to get answers to them. unfortunately I didn't but I do hope that we'll get the answers at some point though...you can't leave me hanging like this.
But for now I'm looking forward to reading TJ and Sasha's story, those two sound like very conflicted characters but together I know they are going to be so much fun.
*Arc provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
“I’d always believed that Cal and I would be together forever … That we’d have children and grow old together.That he would never hurt me.Well, he hadn’t just hurt me. He’d crushed me. He’d crushed us.”
The story starts where Cal woke up butt naked besides an unknown woman, after his friend Scott's bachelor party. The thing is that he couldn't remember anything of what happened. He couldn't no wouldn't lie to his wife, Shelly, about this. But when he told Shelly she left him and went straight to her father's place.
Shelly was conflicted at first, she didn't know what to do with Cal's straying how to process it. But the longer she stayed at her father's (no he didn't influence her) she did come to realize that she couldn't stay married to him and asked for a divorce. But Cal wasn't ready to let go.
He wanted her back, she had to forgive him, he couldn't imagine his life without her. And he came up with a plan. Eight weeks to get her back, eight Saturdays where he would take her on a date to prove his love for her was still real.
“Why eight?”
“One week for each year that we’ve been together.”
He's crushed, she's crushed. Would they be able to work it out?
Their friends were the best, they supported them individually but were also rooting for them to work through their differences. They wanted to see their friends back together again, they felt they belonged together. They were the ones that had me convinced that maybe Shelly should forgive him. But while Shelly was angry and hurt, she wasn't unreasonable, I liked that about her.
And the more I read from Cal's point of view, I felt he was genuinely sorry about his one night mistake. And in their semi separation Cal nor Shelly for that matter, went looking for new flings to deal with their sorrow.
“I’m sorry, I don’t want to make it harder, and I don’t want to fight with you,” I implored. “But I will fight for you, Shelly. Give me a chance to.”
His mistake costed them their relationship in more than one way, gone happiness, gone trust, gone them being comfortable in each others presence. They had a lot of work ahead of them.
Their friends, again, they were hilarious. They were a great aspect in this book, brought humor into the story as contrast to the seriousness. TJ and Sasha's banter always had me laughing.
"TJ, I swear to God, if you don't give me back that packing tape this instant, I'm going to kick you right in your flat ass!" I heard Sasha yell from the other room.
"Red, you know my ass is perfect," TJ yelled back. "That's why you haven't been able to take your eyes off of it for the past six years.”
And the mysterious vibe going on with Gabby and Scott, led me to believe they had feelings for each other. But as far as I know they hadn't acted on it, only because Scott is about to get married to a mean old woman....well she's not really old.... No one liked her, but they tolerate her for Scott's sake. But can't say she returned the courtesy, luckily the tolerations only goes so far and doesn't prevent them from sticking it to her.
"Cal," Victoria said dryly. "Still imposing on Scott, I see.""Victoria," I responded with a glare. "Scott's not here. Is there something that I can help you with? A new broom perhaps?"
The story is told from both Cal and Shelly's point of view, it switches from chapter to chapter. I normally don't like a hero that cheats, but I sort of let Cal off the hook. Why you ask, because he showed true remorse and fought to get Shelly back. And as became apparent from the eight dates, was that they both missed the other. The still loved each other too. Another plus was that they didn't fool around with other people while trying to fix their relationship.
I liked this story and think it's a great start to this new series. I just didn't agree with the ending. I needed closure, heck Shelly and Cal needed closure. Who was this other woman, what if he got some nasty disease from her? Cal didn't recall having sex with her, did he use a condom? Why didn't he get himself tested. Maybe he got the other woman pregnant and was she looking for him. What if she comes knocking on their door one day, disrupting their lives once more.
Those questions popped up in my head, and I had hoped to get answers to them. unfortunately I didn't but I do hope that we'll get the answers at some point though...you can't leave me hanging like this.
But for now I'm looking forward to reading TJ and Sasha's story, those two sound like very conflicted characters but together I know they are going to be so much fun.
*Arc provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
November 6, 2016
I'll just say I won't read the rest of these series. Or anything else from this author. The heroine and one of her friends Sasha are ones of the most self centered, selfish, arrogant people ever. In real life, I would never be friends with them. They are that kind of people that think they are better than everyone else and only their opinions matter. And I
July 20, 2021
I read the prequel first thank heavens so I knew he didn't cheat. Yes he touched her boob while he was sleeping but he called out his wife's name. But it was for a second and there was no thought of cheating. He was puking for crying out loud. But enough about the prequel.
I am very jealous and I hate cheating. I really liked the hero because he went right home an confessed to what happened. I didn't want him too really because nothing happened, but he did. He was honorable and he was in so much pain about it. She wanted a divorce right away and even though it was a knee jerk reaction, I understood why she did it. But what I loved more was his determination to show his wife that he loved her and only her. He asked for 8 weeks to win her back. She had moved out and they went on those 8 dates and they were so sweet.
The only thing I hated were his and her friends. I couldn't like them. Especially the two guys who left him and went on partying. Yes they thought they paid the cab driver and it was all sorted out but they should have taken him back and then went on. And the Sasha and TJ duo, were just not my type of people. I know they were friends but I don't know how. They were as different as night and day.
The one thing I kept hoping is that they would find out nothing happened. I wanted that but I know I am not sure they ever do and I am not invested in in of the other books in this series. The rest of the group is just so New Adult....
I am very jealous and I hate cheating. I really liked the hero because he went right home an confessed to what happened. I didn't want him too really because nothing happened, but he did. He was honorable and he was in so much pain about it. She wanted a divorce right away and even though it was a knee jerk reaction, I understood why she did it. But what I loved more was his determination to show his wife that he loved her and only her. He asked for 8 weeks to win her back. She had moved out and they went on those 8 dates and they were so sweet.
The only thing I hated were his and her friends. I couldn't like them. Especially the two guys who left him and went on partying. Yes they thought they paid the cab driver and it was all sorted out but they should have taken him back and then went on. And the Sasha and TJ duo, were just not my type of people. I know they were friends but I don't know how. They were as different as night and day.
The one thing I kept hoping is that they would find out nothing happened. I wanted that but I know I am not sure they ever do and I am not invested in in of the other books in this series. The rest of the group is just so New Adult....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2014
Shelly and Cal have been married for six years when Cal suddenly finds himself in a position that can ruin his marriage. During a quick guy’s trip to Las Vegas for his best friend’s bachelor party, he wakes up in bed with a woman he’s never met. When he comes home and admits his mistake to his wife, she immediately leaves him and intends to file for divorce. However, Cal convinces Shelly to give him eight weeks (one week for each of the years they’ve known each other) to prove she could come to trust him again and make their marriage work.
First off, my biggest concern in this story was, why didn’t anyone care what happened to Cal in Vegas? He was slap ass drunk and shoved in a cab on his way to his hotel room with the intention of sleeping off his drunken stupor when all of a sudden, he’s in bed with a woman and he has no recollection of what happened that night? Am I naïve by worrying about foul play? If that happened to my husband, I would be freaked out… after I made him take a STD test of course! That whole situation just felt strange, and I can’t believe how it was completely ignored!
If Shelly and Cal were so tight and completely in love with each other, I guess I don’t understand why she didn’t give him the chance to fully explain what happened that weekend. I wish Shelly would have taken more of an opportunity to listen and communicate with Cal during this entire ordeal. They both needed a serious discussion… clearly. Also, I don’t think it was fair of Shelly to lead Cal on during two of their dates by seducing him. For some reason it felt punitive and I wish Cal would have called her on it more than he did.
Cal was absolute perfection! Grant it, he made a terrible mistake. I get it. But, he can’t recall any of the events that night and that was sort of scary. I would have hoped one of his friends, or many his wife would have cared a bit more to explore what happened. It was clear how torn up he was about it and it was quite sad because all he was trying to do was get back to his room and recover a bit. Also, I feel he deserved better from Shelly. There were parts in the story where I wanted him to just walk away and call it quits. He tried so hard to win her back and it felt like the effort to repairing the marriage went only one way. When it came out how much he was vested in his marriage and all the little things he’d do for Shelly to make her life easier, it really pulled at my heart. At the core, Cal was a sweetheart that deserved so much more.
I really enjoyed how the secondary characters added depth to the story. There were all crafted perfectly and I might just enjoy reading their stories. The only secondary character that I feel could have been axed was Melody. She kept popping up for no necessary reason and I felt her space was wasted.
Overall, I can’t deny I enjoyed 8 Weeks, I read it in one sitting, but for some reason I feel there was an opportunity for better character development in some areas and plot substance in others.
First off, my biggest concern in this story was, why didn’t anyone care what happened to Cal in Vegas? He was slap ass drunk and shoved in a cab on his way to his hotel room with the intention of sleeping off his drunken stupor when all of a sudden, he’s in bed with a woman and he has no recollection of what happened that night? Am I naïve by worrying about foul play? If that happened to my husband, I would be freaked out… after I made him take a STD test of course! That whole situation just felt strange, and I can’t believe how it was completely ignored!
If Shelly and Cal were so tight and completely in love with each other, I guess I don’t understand why she didn’t give him the chance to fully explain what happened that weekend. I wish Shelly would have taken more of an opportunity to listen and communicate with Cal during this entire ordeal. They both needed a serious discussion… clearly. Also, I don’t think it was fair of Shelly to lead Cal on during two of their dates by seducing him. For some reason it felt punitive and I wish Cal would have called her on it more than he did.
Cal was absolute perfection! Grant it, he made a terrible mistake. I get it. But, he can’t recall any of the events that night and that was sort of scary. I would have hoped one of his friends, or many his wife would have cared a bit more to explore what happened. It was clear how torn up he was about it and it was quite sad because all he was trying to do was get back to his room and recover a bit. Also, I feel he deserved better from Shelly. There were parts in the story where I wanted him to just walk away and call it quits. He tried so hard to win her back and it felt like the effort to repairing the marriage went only one way. When it came out how much he was vested in his marriage and all the little things he’d do for Shelly to make her life easier, it really pulled at my heart. At the core, Cal was a sweetheart that deserved so much more.
I really enjoyed how the secondary characters added depth to the story. There were all crafted perfectly and I might just enjoy reading their stories. The only secondary character that I feel could have been axed was Melody. She kept popping up for no necessary reason and I felt her space was wasted.
Overall, I can’t deny I enjoyed 8 Weeks, I read it in one sitting, but for some reason I feel there was an opportunity for better character development in some areas and plot substance in others.
April 21, 2017
I was gifted this in Audio format from the author through Audiobook Boom. The reader, Beth Stewart, was pretty good. There are POVs from both MCs and she does a nice job with both voices.
Cal and Shelly have been in love since they first met at 16. Married for 6 years they are now both mid 20's and still deeply devoted to each other.
The story starts with the catalyst that begins the unraveling of their marriage. Cal on a trip to Vegas with his two BFFs gets black out drunk and wakes hungover and naked with a nameless blond.
So I'm not a fan of cheaters, but I like the idea of redemption and that's what this story is about.
Shelly is of course devastated. She wants a divorce and to sell the house, pronto.
Cal is a sweetheart and can't abide the thought of his life without Shelly by his side. He talks her into 8 Saturday dates over 8 weeks to prove their marriage shouldn't be tossed aside. Eight weeks will hopefully lead to cooler heads. We see both characters getting outside POVs of their own marriage and learning from it. The dates are sweet and honestly, Cal is a great husband. It's the little things that make a marriage work. Well that and not taking the other for granted.
I have to say I didn't like Shelly as much as Cal, but I was totally rooting for them to get back together. Shelly grows more over the 8 weeks than Cal and not to be too cliche, but their marriage seemed stronger after all was said and done.
The angst is surprisingly low considering the entire story revolves around betrayal.
The ending felt a bit simplified. Maybe an epilogue would have helped. There are subsequent books of their other BFFs that probably will provide more closure.
I would def read this author again.
Cal and Shelly have been in love since they first met at 16. Married for 6 years they are now both mid 20's and still deeply devoted to each other.
The story starts with the catalyst that begins the unraveling of their marriage. Cal on a trip to Vegas with his two BFFs gets black out drunk and wakes hungover and naked with a nameless blond.
So I'm not a fan of cheaters, but I like the idea of redemption and that's what this story is about.
Shelly is of course devastated. She wants a divorce and to sell the house, pronto.
Cal is a sweetheart and can't abide the thought of his life without Shelly by his side. He talks her into 8 Saturday dates over 8 weeks to prove their marriage shouldn't be tossed aside. Eight weeks will hopefully lead to cooler heads. We see both characters getting outside POVs of their own marriage and learning from it. The dates are sweet and honestly, Cal is a great husband. It's the little things that make a marriage work. Well that and not taking the other for granted.
I have to say I didn't like Shelly as much as Cal, but I was totally rooting for them to get back together. Shelly grows more over the 8 weeks than Cal and not to be too cliche, but their marriage seemed stronger after all was said and done.
The angst is surprisingly low considering the entire story revolves around betrayal.
The ending felt a bit simplified. Maybe an epilogue would have helped. There are subsequent books of their other BFFs that probably will provide more closure.
I would def read this author again.
August 8, 2015
This is one of my favorite types of stories - husband cheats and/or marriage in trouble. So, I couldn't wait to read this one. However, I could not stand Shelly (the wife). Cal is devoted to her, and during a bachelor party, he gets drunk and wakes up with another woman in his bed. According to both parties, he has never done anything like this before. It is a total aberration for him. I can understand Shelly's anger and hurt; I could understand her leaving for a few days when she finds out. But, she leaves for good, tells him she wants a divorce, immediately tells him they have to sell the house and split up their belongings. She does not even try to talk to him or listen to him before all of this.
It seemed to me that Shelly was just waiting for an excuse to be single again. I did not feel the despair from her - she said she cried often, but she changes her hair, gets a nose piercing and a tattoo. She keeps saying she is moving on - without even talking to Cal. This is what concerned me most. It was out of character for Cal, he was blindingly drunk, he honestly doesn't remember but she is ready to move on. He does everything to prove to her he loves her and she knew he did for the 8 years they have been together - but all of a sudden, their history is not considered and the incident is handled like he behaves like this all the time.
I like Cal but did not like Shelly. I liked some of the other characters, but I am unsure if I will read their stories at this point.
It seemed to me that Shelly was just waiting for an excuse to be single again. I did not feel the despair from her - she said she cried often, but she changes her hair, gets a nose piercing and a tattoo. She keeps saying she is moving on - without even talking to Cal. This is what concerned me most. It was out of character for Cal, he was blindingly drunk, he honestly doesn't remember but she is ready to move on. He does everything to prove to her he loves her and she knew he did for the 8 years they have been together - but all of a sudden, their history is not considered and the incident is handled like he behaves like this all the time.
I like Cal but did not like Shelly. I liked some of the other characters, but I am unsure if I will read their stories at this point.
February 7, 2017
I did not care for this book.
I'm sure you read the synopsis for the book, but in case you don't know what it is about I will explain. It starts with a man named Cal waking up naked and extremely hungover in Vegas after his friend's bachelor party the night before. He has no memory of what happened after his friends put him into a cab to return to the hotel. As he is vomiting into a trash can, a naked woman waltzes out of the bathroom, gets dressed, and leaves. He returns home to his wife and tells her what happened and that he thinks he had sex with that woman. His wife packs up, says she wants a divorce, and leaves. He later convinces her to go on one date with him per week for eight weeks to see if he can win her back.
I went into this book okay with the idea that Cal cheated on his wife and is now determined to prove his love. What I did mind, was the ambiguousness. He may have gone through everything in this book for something that didn't even happen. He isn't even sure if he had sex with that woman. Even if he did, he doesn't remember ANYTHING from that part of the night. This wasn't some long, sustained affair that he carried out behind his wife's back. This wasn't even him making a mistake one night with another woman who lives in their small town and his wife will have to see out and about. This is a one-night stand that may or may not have happened in Vegas. He knows nothing about the woman in question, nor will he ever see her again.
I thought Shelly was extremely annoying and unfairly tough on Cal. Yes, assuming he slept with this woman, then he cheated on Shelly and broke his vows. But she punished him so far above and beyond was was called for. Not to mention, we're repeatedly told that Cal and Shelly had this amazing, perfect relationship before this happened. Yet as soon as she gains some freedom, she decides to do things that she never thought Cal would approve of (cutting her hair short, getting her nose pierced, etc.). If their marriage was THAT amazing, then Shelly would have discussed these things with Cal if she wanted to do them that badly. It sort of felt like the author was trying to justify Shelly being so awful toward Cal. I also thought it was unrealistic that they went from having a marriage that amazing and within 2 weeks of finding out about what Cal may have done, their house is on the market and Shelly has bought herself a condo. It just seemed silly.
My main issue with this book, though, is that I legitimately don't think Cal is portrayed in such a way that makes it at all believable that he would have stepped out on his wife. I'm sorry, but there's just no way he did that. No matter how wasted he was.
I don't recommend this book.
I'm sure you read the synopsis for the book, but in case you don't know what it is about I will explain. It starts with a man named Cal waking up naked and extremely hungover in Vegas after his friend's bachelor party the night before. He has no memory of what happened after his friends put him into a cab to return to the hotel. As he is vomiting into a trash can, a naked woman waltzes out of the bathroom, gets dressed, and leaves. He returns home to his wife and tells her what happened and that he thinks he had sex with that woman. His wife packs up, says she wants a divorce, and leaves. He later convinces her to go on one date with him per week for eight weeks to see if he can win her back.
I went into this book okay with the idea that Cal cheated on his wife and is now determined to prove his love. What I did mind, was the ambiguousness. He may have gone through everything in this book for something that didn't even happen. He isn't even sure if he had sex with that woman. Even if he did, he doesn't remember ANYTHING from that part of the night. This wasn't some long, sustained affair that he carried out behind his wife's back. This wasn't even him making a mistake one night with another woman who lives in their small town and his wife will have to see out and about. This is a one-night stand that may or may not have happened in Vegas. He knows nothing about the woman in question, nor will he ever see her again.
I thought Shelly was extremely annoying and unfairly tough on Cal. Yes, assuming he slept with this woman, then he cheated on Shelly and broke his vows. But she punished him so far above and beyond was was called for. Not to mention, we're repeatedly told that Cal and Shelly had this amazing, perfect relationship before this happened. Yet as soon as she gains some freedom, she decides to do things that she never thought Cal would approve of (cutting her hair short, getting her nose pierced, etc.). If their marriage was THAT amazing, then Shelly would have discussed these things with Cal if she wanted to do them that badly. It sort of felt like the author was trying to justify Shelly being so awful toward Cal. I also thought it was unrealistic that they went from having a marriage that amazing and within 2 weeks of finding out about what Cal may have done, their house is on the market and Shelly has bought herself a condo. It just seemed silly.
My main issue with this book, though, is that I legitimately don't think Cal is portrayed in such a way that makes it at all believable that he would have stepped out on his wife. I'm sorry, but there's just no way he did that. No matter how wasted he was.
I don't recommend this book.
July 16, 2020
I don't read cheating stories AT ALL. But.... this book is presented differently. The hero doesn't remember the night in question and the night with the other woman was in Vegas so they will not come into contact again so in some ways it makes it a different issue. Also the disloyalty is said and done (if it happened) so it is dealing with the consequences of cheating.
There are issues to the story, you never know if he really cheated as he can't remember, there is not mention of STD testing, and i would have liked an epilogue, but the series continues as it is based on a group of friends so i assume we will see how their different relationships continue through the books about other couples. If you can accept the other issues then this is an excellent book.
Cal is adorable and so so sorry, not that it makes it okay but you do feel for him. I found it moving, its the first book i have read from this author and i would definitely read more.
The author builds a good atmosphere between the group of friends and there are some funny moments.
After you have read his I recommend you read the book One Night which reveals whether he cheated or not.
Spoiler
He didn't.
There are issues to the story, you never know if he really cheated as he can't remember, there is not mention of STD testing, and i would have liked an epilogue, but the series continues as it is based on a group of friends so i assume we will see how their different relationships continue through the books about other couples. If you can accept the other issues then this is an excellent book.
Cal is adorable and so so sorry, not that it makes it okay but you do feel for him. I found it moving, its the first book i have read from this author and i would definitely read more.
The author builds a good atmosphere between the group of friends and there are some funny moments.
After you have read his I recommend you read the book One Night which reveals whether he cheated or not.
Spoiler
He didn't.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2022
Very simple story with hero married to the heroine - happily.
They are each other’s first and it’s always been them.
He goes to Vegas with his friends for a stag party and ends drunk and naked with a stripper.
When he wakes up he doesn’t remember anything but thinks he cheated on his wife.
And what does the idiot do? He decides he can’t live with the guilt and confess everything to his wife.
She leaves him of course and asks for divorce.
He asks her to have eight weeks to persuade her he loves her, and they have eight dates where he tries to win her back.
Of course he succeeds.
- they are both very young, I think about 24.
- he’s very much in love with her and happy. No reason for cheating
- the end doesn’t explain if he cheated or not
- the book is another of the many attempts writers do to make cheating acceptable.
- we know he didn’t cheat but she doesn’t when she decides to take him back anyway so basically she accepted his cheating even without a cause. Which is a green light to any future cheating, for more solid reasons. Thank you sir but no thanks.
- I loved the other characters in the story. Four friends very interesting and very united and helpful.
- I loved he was not rich or very schooled. He was a mechanic. Nice change.
- for anyone who wonders if it’s possible for a man to be so stinking drunk that he can’t even stand and to have sex, well no, it’s not. He tells her wife he remembers being drunk after a while so much he couldn’t even walk then he doesn’t remember anything else, so even without the prologue 1 night where it’s explained he couldn’t do anything (and puked repeatedly on the stripper who helped him to get to his room) you must know that alcohol loosen inhibitions if you drink a few but if you drink too much it becomes a depressant and prevents from getting erection.
So if really a man is drunk he won’t be able to perform.
- the hero wasn’t a bad man but I didn’t appreciate he told his wife of his distasteful behavior. He couldn’t bear the guilt. I think the least he could do after his behavior was to keep the secret until his death. And to have a test for STD.
He hurt the heroine instead. This for me was worse than what he did.
- basically, even if he had sex with the stripper, he was guilty of reckless behavior and we hope he will be more considerate about his drinking habits. He doesn’t remember anything and I couldn’t feel angst because if really he had sex with ow it was more an abuse from her than a conscious choice. The man was passed out cold and any woman who exploits such a situation is as bad as a man raping an unconscious girl who had too much to drink. So he may be still considered a victim of abuse.
- not much about the eight dates together. They are and has been in love forever and the heroine must only recover from her anger.
It was a decent reading but not very interesting.
They are each other’s first and it’s always been them.
He goes to Vegas with his friends for a stag party and ends drunk and naked with a stripper.
When he wakes up he doesn’t remember anything but thinks he cheated on his wife.
And what does the idiot do? He decides he can’t live with the guilt and confess everything to his wife.
She leaves him of course and asks for divorce.
He asks her to have eight weeks to persuade her he loves her, and they have eight dates where he tries to win her back.
Of course he succeeds.
- they are both very young, I think about 24.
- he’s very much in love with her and happy. No reason for cheating
- the end doesn’t explain if he cheated or not
- the book is another of the many attempts writers do to make cheating acceptable.
- we know he didn’t cheat but she doesn’t when she decides to take him back anyway so basically she accepted his cheating even without a cause. Which is a green light to any future cheating, for more solid reasons. Thank you sir but no thanks.
- I loved the other characters in the story. Four friends very interesting and very united and helpful.
- I loved he was not rich or very schooled. He was a mechanic. Nice change.
- for anyone who wonders if it’s possible for a man to be so stinking drunk that he can’t even stand and to have sex, well no, it’s not. He tells her wife he remembers being drunk after a while so much he couldn’t even walk then he doesn’t remember anything else, so even without the prologue 1 night where it’s explained he couldn’t do anything (and puked repeatedly on the stripper who helped him to get to his room) you must know that alcohol loosen inhibitions if you drink a few but if you drink too much it becomes a depressant and prevents from getting erection.
So if really a man is drunk he won’t be able to perform.
- the hero wasn’t a bad man but I didn’t appreciate he told his wife of his distasteful behavior. He couldn’t bear the guilt. I think the least he could do after his behavior was to keep the secret until his death. And to have a test for STD.
He hurt the heroine instead. This for me was worse than what he did.
- basically, even if he had sex with the stripper, he was guilty of reckless behavior and we hope he will be more considerate about his drinking habits. He doesn’t remember anything and I couldn’t feel angst because if really he had sex with ow it was more an abuse from her than a conscious choice. The man was passed out cold and any woman who exploits such a situation is as bad as a man raping an unconscious girl who had too much to drink. So he may be still considered a victim of abuse.
- not much about the eight dates together. They are and has been in love forever and the heroine must only recover from her anger.
It was a decent reading but not very interesting.
December 6, 2015
4.0 Don't Be Put Off By The Blurb STARS
So the tag line that made me buy this book was,
"What the f**k had I done, and how was I ever going to explain this to my wife?"
And so in a hotel room in Vegas we see Cal wake up, hungover and having totally lost time. He throws up and is hunched over a trashcan in the room. Someone is moving around in the bathroom, the door opens and out walks a tall, blonde woman he has no recollection of. With the immortal words, "That was some party. Have a nice life sugar" she leaves and Cal realises his world as he knew it has just fallen around his ears.
Now, usually I would avoid books with cheating in. They just do not do it for me. But this one had something about it. Cal goes home and confesses to his wife of 6 years that he woke up naked in a hotel room, with no memory of events and that he is pretty sure he slept with another woman.
If this had been an affair or he had slept with someone they knew, I don't think I could have read it because I would find it so hard to tolerate him as a 'hero'. Don't get me wrong, I would not condone his actions. Cheating is cheating. In this case, he doesn't actually know if he did sleep with the woman. (I did wonder if she was a hooker, actually, but we never find out). Shelly, his wife, at one point asks about the night and the woman and she kind of clings to the hope that maybe they hadn't had sex but Cal says they both woke up naked and he was pretty sure they had slept together. The scene where he tells Shelley what happened is heartbreaking. It happens at the very start of the book.
So why did I like Cal, despite his infidelity?
Firstly, he never once thinks he won't tell her. They have never lied to each other and these two have been together since school. They were each others only lover...until now.
Secondly, he really has no recollection of the events. He never would have entertained the idea of cheating and I think he was so shocked at himself.
Thirdly, he and Shelley clearly are soulmates. He adores her and cannot contemplate his life without her. He is ashamed of himself and I thought the scene where he has to go and confess to his family really brought home how one person's actions can impact on so many others.
Finally, Cal is hell bent on getting her back. He does everything to keep his wife.
This book epitomises the theory of what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Cal and Shelley come out of this stronger and more solid. They rediscover each other and somehow see each other in a different light.
Shelley is an impressive heroine. I liked watching her rise from the ashes. She loves Cal so much and his actions crush her. She has a great relationship with her friends and that helps.
Talking of friends....These stories centre around an interesting bunch of friends. Cal, Scott and T.J plus Shelley, Gaby and Sasha. Cal and T.J are mechanics. Scott is the professional white collar guy from a rich but emotionally detached family. He was pseudo adopted by Cal's gorgeous family. T.J kind of brought himself up and we hear more of that in '21 Days' which is the next book. Shelley has a sweet Dad. Sasha is a kind of female version of Scott. Gaby is the kind, sweet and always cheerful girl in the group. The six of them are a pretty tight group having been close for years.
Each book in the series focuses on a different couple but threads run through it so they should be read in order. Cal and Shelley's story ends in a good way but we see how they develop throughout the other characters books.
So, in summary I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I really liked this book and it has kicked off a series that I am hopelessly addicted to!
So the tag line that made me buy this book was,
"What the f**k had I done, and how was I ever going to explain this to my wife?"
And so in a hotel room in Vegas we see Cal wake up, hungover and having totally lost time. He throws up and is hunched over a trashcan in the room. Someone is moving around in the bathroom, the door opens and out walks a tall, blonde woman he has no recollection of. With the immortal words, "That was some party. Have a nice life sugar" she leaves and Cal realises his world as he knew it has just fallen around his ears.
Now, usually I would avoid books with cheating in. They just do not do it for me. But this one had something about it. Cal goes home and confesses to his wife of 6 years that he woke up naked in a hotel room, with no memory of events and that he is pretty sure he slept with another woman.
If this had been an affair or he had slept with someone they knew, I don't think I could have read it because I would find it so hard to tolerate him as a 'hero'. Don't get me wrong, I would not condone his actions. Cheating is cheating. In this case, he doesn't actually know if he did sleep with the woman. (I did wonder if she was a hooker, actually, but we never find out). Shelly, his wife, at one point asks about the night and the woman and she kind of clings to the hope that maybe they hadn't had sex but Cal says they both woke up naked and he was pretty sure they had slept together. The scene where he tells Shelley what happened is heartbreaking. It happens at the very start of the book.
So why did I like Cal, despite his infidelity?
Firstly, he never once thinks he won't tell her. They have never lied to each other and these two have been together since school. They were each others only lover...until now.
Secondly, he really has no recollection of the events. He never would have entertained the idea of cheating and I think he was so shocked at himself.
Thirdly, he and Shelley clearly are soulmates. He adores her and cannot contemplate his life without her. He is ashamed of himself and I thought the scene where he has to go and confess to his family really brought home how one person's actions can impact on so many others.
Finally, Cal is hell bent on getting her back. He does everything to keep his wife.
This book epitomises the theory of what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Cal and Shelley come out of this stronger and more solid. They rediscover each other and somehow see each other in a different light.
Shelley is an impressive heroine. I liked watching her rise from the ashes. She loves Cal so much and his actions crush her. She has a great relationship with her friends and that helps.
Talking of friends....These stories centre around an interesting bunch of friends. Cal, Scott and T.J plus Shelley, Gaby and Sasha. Cal and T.J are mechanics. Scott is the professional white collar guy from a rich but emotionally detached family. He was pseudo adopted by Cal's gorgeous family. T.J kind of brought himself up and we hear more of that in '21 Days' which is the next book. Shelley has a sweet Dad. Sasha is a kind of female version of Scott. Gaby is the kind, sweet and always cheerful girl in the group. The six of them are a pretty tight group having been close for years.
Each book in the series focuses on a different couple but threads run through it so they should be read in order. Cal and Shelley's story ends in a good way but we see how they develop throughout the other characters books.
So, in summary I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I really liked this book and it has kicked off a series that I am hopelessly addicted to!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2015
So disappointed.
I was really looking forward to this book, so when the price dropped I snatched it up. I'm disappointed because I felt this book had potential to be amazing give the topic- a marriage betrayal. But the whole story fell flat. I felt the book could have been more emotionally charged. And the ending was abrupt. I felt there was no resolution to the story nor to the characters feelings.
I was really looking forward to this book, so when the price dropped I snatched it up. I'm disappointed because I felt this book had potential to be amazing give the topic- a marriage betrayal. But the whole story fell flat. I felt the book could have been more emotionally charged. And the ending was abrupt. I felt there was no resolution to the story nor to the characters feelings.
March 28, 2014
3.5 stars!
An ARC was provided to Ever After Romance Blog in exchange for an honest review.
An ARC was provided to Ever After Romance Blog in exchange for an honest review.
January 1, 2014
Okay so as everyone knows I love Bethany Lopez! She is the bomb and I had the privilege to beta read this book and HOLY MOTHER LOVER is this s story that will stay with you for years to come.
Okay so 8 Weeks is such an emotional story that it took me a while to write this review because I was torn between trying to write a spoiler free review but at the same time giving readers a little of what is to come when Bethany releases this story. So this is what I have really it is a question all married couples should ask themselves and that is could you forgive your spouse for the ULTIMATE betrayal?
The answer for me is a resounding HELL NO but life has a crazy way of intervening and setting wrongs to right. This is the story of Shelly and Cal who are high school sweat hearts who marry right out of high school and have a happy life together. That is until Cal goes to Vegas to a bachelors party and wakes up in a room with someone else. Cal is sick to his stomach because he loves his wife and he is not sure what the hell happened in Vegas but he knows this much is true he has to be honest with his wife and tell her the truth about Vegas as soon as he gets home.
He does tell his wife Shelly the truth and she leaves him. Cal is devastated by the reality that he may lose his wife and the life he has built with her. But Cal is determined more than ever to win his wife back and show her that he is the man she loved and he would never do anything to hurt her. He comes up with a proposition and asks his wife to give him 8 weeks to show her how much he loves her and needs her in his life. Will Shelly let him back in after the 8 weeks or is the betrayal to much for her to bare?
Prepare yourself for this read because it is such a roller coaster ride that will have you laughing, crying, and screaming all at once!
Okay so 8 Weeks is such an emotional story that it took me a while to write this review because I was torn between trying to write a spoiler free review but at the same time giving readers a little of what is to come when Bethany releases this story. So this is what I have really it is a question all married couples should ask themselves and that is could you forgive your spouse for the ULTIMATE betrayal?
The answer for me is a resounding HELL NO but life has a crazy way of intervening and setting wrongs to right. This is the story of Shelly and Cal who are high school sweat hearts who marry right out of high school and have a happy life together. That is until Cal goes to Vegas to a bachelors party and wakes up in a room with someone else. Cal is sick to his stomach because he loves his wife and he is not sure what the hell happened in Vegas but he knows this much is true he has to be honest with his wife and tell her the truth about Vegas as soon as he gets home.
He does tell his wife Shelly the truth and she leaves him. Cal is devastated by the reality that he may lose his wife and the life he has built with her. But Cal is determined more than ever to win his wife back and show her that he is the man she loved and he would never do anything to hurt her. He comes up with a proposition and asks his wife to give him 8 weeks to show her how much he loves her and needs her in his life. Will Shelly let him back in after the 8 weeks or is the betrayal to much for her to bare?
Prepare yourself for this read because it is such a roller coaster ride that will have you laughing, crying, and screaming all at once!
December 7, 2014
Let me start by saying that although this book kept my attention, it was a bit of a tough read for me. I do like reading marriage in jeopardy stories. I love to see how couples can work through their issues and come out on the other side whole and their love stronger than it was before. Being married myself, I honestly don't know if I could deal with the level of betrayal that happened to Shelly.
Cal needs 8 weeks, 8 dates to prove how much he loves his wife and win her back. Shelly is just done. Cal has broken everything she held sacred about their relationship. She reluctantly agrees to his 8 week stipulation, knowing in the end she's not going to change her mind.
I read this in an afternoon, it was a quick read, but like I said before the premise of the book was a bit of a tough one for me and I really do try to keep an open mind when I'm reading. I do like books that are different. This one was a hit and a miss for me. So it's only fitting I give it a rating that's middle of the road.
~ Erin, 3.5 stars
Cal needs 8 weeks, 8 dates to prove how much he loves his wife and win her back. Shelly is just done. Cal has broken everything she held sacred about their relationship. She reluctantly agrees to his 8 week stipulation, knowing in the end she's not going to change her mind.
I read this in an afternoon, it was a quick read, but like I said before the premise of the book was a bit of a tough one for me and I really do try to keep an open mind when I'm reading. I do like books that are different. This one was a hit and a miss for me. So it's only fitting I give it a rating that's middle of the road.
~ Erin, 3.5 stars
March 25, 2014
8 Weeks was an emotionally gripping read. Seeing this couple fight to keep their relationship alive made me believe in true love, forgiveness and hope.
June 12, 2018
This is all I can think of when I think of this book:
June 11, 2018
A lovely book of romance and betrayal. Very realistic. Love all B Lopez’s books.
November 28, 2021
.
There's a prequel "1 Night" about the Vegas night which happened right before the start of this book. It's a major spoiler for this book so if you wanna experience the impact, the angst, and the emotional rollercoaster, then read "1 Night" AFTER this book.
Cal and Shelly's marriage was put to the test after his Vegas trip with friends. H had no memory of that night but based on how the morning-after looked like, H concluded that he had drunken sex with a stranger.
h was completely broken and devastated of her husband's possible infidelity. She left him right away without looking back.
I was upset that H allowed himself to be in that situation in the first place. He should've known his limits and said no to his friends. And these so called friends should've known better too than just let H walk alone in the middle of the night, drunk and unguarded. He prolly slept on the sidewalk if the stranger didn't help him.😐
Was the fun they got from that trip worth it?😏
Well, I did have fun reading H's remorse and grovel. Hah! Serves him right.
Yeah, it was satisfying.😌
After reading the prequel "1 Night," I admire their love even more.
At first I was hesitant to read this cuz–
Sex-under-influence is a huge pet peeve of mine, esp if it's between MC and OP. I couldn't help but think all the possible consequences.
▪️ Being heavily drunk /high /intoxicated /incapacitated puts a person in a risky position, incapable to make a sound judgment or think straight or act rationally. Others weaken physically, others become aggressive.
Intoxicated consent (any gender) is a NO for me irregardless if it was a voluntary or involuntary intoxication. A Yes hours ago could be a No later.
Well, if they're a couple and both wanted to have sex before and after they got drunk or high, then I guess it's fine. I've read some MCs couples did it for fun.
▪️ Unprotected sex might result in accidental pregnancy (I've read more than enough Hs drunkenly impregnated OW), and exposure to countless of contagious "skin-to-skin" and "kissing" diseases. Condom won't protect a person from those.
It's me, not you.🤷🏻♀️
〰️〰️
Safe?
〰️
There's a prequel "1 Night" about the Vegas night which happened right before the start of this book. It's a major spoiler for this book so if you wanna experience the impact, the angst, and the emotional rollercoaster, then read "1 Night" AFTER this book.
Cal and Shelly's marriage was put to the test after his Vegas trip with friends. H had no memory of that night but based on how the morning-after looked like, H concluded that he had drunken sex with a stranger.
h was completely broken and devastated of her husband's possible infidelity. She left him right away without looking back.
I was upset that H allowed himself to be in that situation in the first place. He should've known his limits and said no to his friends. And these so called friends should've known better too than just let H walk alone in the middle of the night, drunk and unguarded. He prolly slept on the sidewalk if the stranger didn't help him.😐
Was the fun they got from that trip worth it?😏
Well, I did have fun reading H's remorse and grovel. Hah! Serves him right.
Yeah, it was satisfying.😌
After reading the prequel "1 Night," I admire their love even more.
At first I was hesitant to read this cuz–
Sex-under-influence is a huge pet peeve of mine, esp if it's between MC and OP. I couldn't help but think all the possible consequences.
▪️ Being heavily drunk /high /intoxicated /incapacitated puts a person in a risky position, incapable to make a sound judgment or think straight or act rationally. Others weaken physically, others become aggressive.
Intoxicated consent (any gender) is a NO for me irregardless if it was a voluntary or involuntary intoxication. A Yes hours ago could be a No later.
Well, if they're a couple and both wanted to have sex before and after they got drunk or high, then I guess it's fine. I've read some MCs couples did it for fun.
▪️ Unprotected sex might result in accidental pregnancy (I've read more than enough Hs drunkenly impregnated OW), and exposure to countless of contagious "skin-to-skin" and "kissing" diseases. Condom won't protect a person from those.
It's me, not you.🤷🏻♀️
〰️〰️
Safe?
〰️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2016
As expected, this was a crazy fast read. It was also awesome. Coming into a relationship that had already been established was a refreshing change from the normal romance story. I love what a sweet, dedicated husband Cal proved to be but could also see Shelly's side and it really made me wonder if I could look past an indescretion or I would demand a divorce. Loved this bittersweet story and can't wait to find out what happens with their friends!
November 26, 2016
A repentant crazy-in-love husband asking for forgiveness after his drunken one night stand he can't remember.
An uncommunicative wife.
Forgiveness being granted after 8 weeks.
Would you be able to forgive your significant other in such a scenario?
Truthfully, I wouldn't know.
An uncommunicative wife.
Forgiveness being granted after 8 weeks.
Would you be able to forgive your significant other in such a scenario?
Truthfully, I wouldn't know.
Want to read
August 25, 2020💝 FREE on Amazon today (12/13/2017)! 💝
February 7, 2021
Quick reread 2/7/2021
Maybe it’s me, maybe I read too many cheating books. This isn’t a cheating book. There’s no intent, there’s no conscious choice to cheat, there’s no memory. This is a blind drunk, pass out, no memory of what might have happened book.
He’s honest, desperate to save their marriage and she’s out the door and ready to file for divorce before he’s finished trying to explain what may or may not have happened. She has a right to be hurt and mad, but it’s never good when the “cheater” is more likable and sympathetic than the cheated on.
1 star for the waste of time reread because I didn’t remember reading it the first time and 1 star for a slightly more interesting ensemble cast.
Maybe it’s me, maybe I read too many cheating books. This isn’t a cheating book. There’s no intent, there’s no conscious choice to cheat, there’s no memory. This is a blind drunk, pass out, no memory of what might have happened book.
He’s honest, desperate to save their marriage and she’s out the door and ready to file for divorce before he’s finished trying to explain what may or may not have happened. She has a right to be hurt and mad, but it’s never good when the “cheater” is more likable and sympathetic than the cheated on.
1 star for the waste of time reread because I didn’t remember reading it the first time and 1 star for a slightly more interesting ensemble cast.
January 3, 2019
Romance, true love, strong relationships, friends for life...
I like it...
I like it...
April 18, 2022
Need to feel the emotions
First I don't understand why Cal didn't even ask the blonde what happened since he didn't remember. If he was so drunk to the point he didn't remember anything, how is he even sure he could perform?
Once Cal told his wife she left wanted a divorce, but I didn't get the emotions that we should of felt.
First I don't understand why Cal didn't even ask the blonde what happened since he didn't remember. If he was so drunk to the point he didn't remember anything, how is he even sure he could perform?
Once Cal told his wife she left wanted a divorce, but I didn't get the emotions that we should of felt.
July 30, 2023
This book was ok. I really wanted to enjoy it more than I did, but I just wasn’t feeling it. I will still read her other books.
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