Emerson left to give him the dream he always wanted. Now he’s a star of the NHL.
“You keep talking about time, but all we ever have is right now. This very moment.” Maybe I don’t want to waste it anymore.
Taylor made it big but somehow it’s never truly made him happy.
This is a sweet and sexy second chance romance. There feelings for each other are still strong. The secrets that drove them apart all come out. This series already has me hook , line and sinker!!
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 🌶️ 🌶️ .5 This is a sweet hockey romance where Emmerson thought she was doing what was best for Taylor and his career - Being young and having people influence her decisions at that stage in life. Both her and Taylor aren't truly ever happy even though the both do well in their careers. The story was well written and there is no third act break up. Its truly a story of two people who are meant to be getting back together. If you are looking for a easy read that isnt high on angst this book is right up your ally
The book starts with beautiful quotes and a reminder to read “We Started Here” first, although it’s not necessary, you will enjoy it better if you know the background of the main leads. Their childhood together and the budding romance are precious things to read. And then here comes the story after everything went southways and boom six years have passed in a blip. Both of them have different lives but sometimes the famous saying is true that you don’t forget your first love and I am glad to have read these two experiencing them.
Dakotah has written the book perfectly with a lot of focus on the game since it’s a Hockey romance. What I appreciate the most is that she has actually given a lot of perspective about Hockey from Taylor’s POV and it’s not just a background thing in a story. I have read many stories where it’s some game romance but in the story, we don’t get to see that game and that’s a little disappointing but here it’s all amazing seeing and feeling it upfront. The thriller of the game was real.
Emmerson and Taylor both are so sweet and understanding, I enjoyed their characters and their journey towards a HEA. One more popular quote that fits smoothly with this couple is -“Right person, Wrong Time”. This second-chance romance is done right and lets you feel all the emotions they are feeling or facing. The friends are super adorable and supportive. Everyone should give it a read.
Emerson walked away from Taylor James six years ago, breaking both their hearts in the process. Taylor James was Emerson’s best friend, her first, and the one she thought would be her husband. Now, Taylor is playing for the Seattle Hawks, and is one of the most loved and famous players on the team. Thinking that they have both moved on, that is quickly proven wrong when they meet again.
Review:
I struggle sometime with second chance romances; however, I really enjoyed this one. Not all is as it seems regarding Emerson walking away from Taylor. Most second chance romances that I have read in the past, there is tons of angst before they get together towards the end. I WAS SO HAPPY THIS WAS NOT THE CASE; yes, there was some angst but not an overwhelming amount of it found it past second chance romances. The chemistry between Taylor and Emerson was chef's kiss and I will be looking forward to re-reading this book in the future!
I am seriously in my hockey romance era- I will be attending as many hockey games as I can this season!
*I received this book for free, and I am leaving an honest and voluntary review*
I really wanted this to be a good hockey romance, second-chance read :/.
Firstly, I want to mention that I didn't read the prequel to this book, but I am grateful that the author added a summary of the prequel at the start of the book, which helps us read it as a standalone. Too much chaos in the book (I don't think there were TWs, I am not sure. For me, it wasn't a concern, but I usually check for it so that I can request readers to read that before diving deep into the book).
Some of the characters were not introduced properly - probably because it is assumed that we read the prequel - but it was easy to catch on to who was who. I didn't like a couple of things in the book. For starters, the lack of communication between the MCs that led to the breakup and how the FMC broke things off. Second, while they have remained in touch as friends, I wonder why the MMC gave up so easily and didn't try to win her back or grovel during this time. Three, at the start, we see the MMC repeat so many times that he was with other women to forget her but couldn't forget which is a BIG ICK for me. I really wanted to like this book. While it is a decent read, I have read better hockey, second-chance romance books.
As soon as this hit my kindle I was reading it! I was left with my heart on the floor and my nerves a wreck after the ending of We Started Here. I couldn’t wait to see the conclusion of Taylor and Em’s story. And I honestly couldn’t wait to see how Taylor reacted when he learned how his mom played a huge role in Em’s leaving. I’m really glad it wasn’t one of those drawn out angsty romances where there’s a lot of pain and heartbreak and they aren’t together for most of the book. Dakotah did a fantastic job at bringing these two back together again and gave a beautiful conclusion to their story. It was just perfect. Emmerson and Taylor had a lot of years of hurt, anger, and sadness to make up for and work through, but they did together and did it wonderfully. I loved Emmerson so much. She would’ve had every right to hold anger and resentment towards Taylor’s mom, but she didn’t. I really loved how she handled everything. And Taylor was brilliant too! That ending and his proposal had me swooning! I loved this couple so much and their history together is beyond beautiful. They finally got their HEA and I couldn’t have been more excited for them!
This is book 1 in the Seattle hawks Ice Hockey series. Each book will follow a different member of the team and the love interest. This story follows Taylor and Emerson. Their story began in a novella called We Started Here. I recommend reading that before starting the series. If you happen to miss the novella, Dakotah had a very neat wrap up of that story at the beginning of this book.
-Second Chance -Cinnamon Roll MMC -Sports Romance -Friends to Lovers
I fell in love with Taylor in the Novella but grown up Taylor is oh so good! His demeanor is still the same and his happy go lucky attitudes is even better...Emerson and Taylors story broke my heart in the novella but this is their HEA. Secrets are brought to light that have a very large impact on this story. The romance was wonderful and their story is so sweet. We have some emotional parts in this story that bring it all together. We also get short glimpses of the couples in the future books. I loved the fast paces story and read this in one sitting. If you love a sweet story that contains and super hot NHL star, this book is for you. I give this one 4.5 stars.
This second chance romance about Taylor and Emmerson is so well written. I ate it up.
If you want the story about the first time they met, was best friends, dated and everything went to hell… Read the prequel “we started here” first!
This story begins 6 years later. Taylor is a big shot NHL player, a big playboy who never settled down after Em walked out on him. Em now lives in Florida with her friend Maddison. She moved to get away from everything Taylor James. But even though she had one other man. She never got over Taylor. Em is heading home to Seattle for a few weeks on vacation and see her parents. Taylors mother still lives next door to them. And her girlfriend works for his NHL club. And she is invited to see a game. What happens when old flames catch fire once again, and all secrets from way back when comes out. These two will burn everything you know with their chemistry.
This is a second chance romance with a HEA, no cheating, no 3act breakup. Some hard topics about illness with parents.
I simply loved this book and these two took a place high up on my list of all-time favorite couples. Amazing story 5 ⭐️ 3-4🌶️
🏒Hockey romance 🏒Second chances 🏒Friends to lovers 🏒Cinnamon Roll MC
We Finished Here is book 1 in the Seattle Hawks series. We jump back in six years after the prequel with Emmerson living in Florida and Taylor living out his dreams of being on the Seattle Hawks hockey team.
Back home in Seattle, things have been shaken up a bit. Emmerson’s dad is having health issues, Taylor’s mom reveals some gut wrenching news to her, and she learns that Taylor has never really been happy since she left him despite his appearance of living his dreams and doing well for himself.
From the time Taylor finds out Em is back in town, I was turning pages so fast and couldn’t put this book down. I was on such an emotional rollercoaster. I connected with the main characters so much.
“She’s like home and heaven all at once.”
Dakotah, this was a beautifully written second chance story that was brought together with an amazing HEA for all involved!
“This is where I want to be, and where my heart has always been. With him. And finding our way back to each other feels like magic.”
I cannot wait to read Ashton and Maddison’s story in book 2.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was exactly the kind of ending I was hoping for. It was filled with so much emotion, a little drama, some heartbreaking moments, lots of angst and beautifully sweet moments between Emmerson and Taylor as they try to reconnect.
“You keep talking about time, but all we ever have is right now. This very moment.”
I loved the all of longing looks between Emmerson and Taylor and the realization that their feelings for each other have never gone away but only became stronger over time. I was so happy that they could finally tell each other exactly how they felt and why they initially broke up, even if the reasoning broke my heart.
Emmerson and Taylor had me clutching my chest and aching for their reunion with tears dripping down my face. And when they have their first kiss after 6 years, it was everything and so much more.
Beautifully written story that pulled on my heartstrings, had me laughing and crying, and made my heart soar at the end.
I received a copy of this arc in exchange for my honest review. This is the conclusion to Emmerson and Taylor’s story. This story was absolutely breathtaking. A beautifully written love story that began as young adults and reunite as adults. It is filled with angst and some tears, but with the perfect amount of spice and a HEA guarenteed. This picks up 6 years after the prequel novella left us on a crazy cliffhanger. Emerson is back home in Seattle for a visit with her family, and sees Taylor for the first time in six years. Neither expect for their passion and love to be as strong, if not stronger at present, than when they were growing up. I didn’t want to put this down once I began it. I was starved for their story and for them to overcome all the obstacles that they faced along the way. Absolutely loved everything about this book! You can be prepared to be reeled in quickly and totally submersed into their world. LOVE AND RECOMMEND!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book is the continuation of the novella “Where We Started” and the start of a new series. It’s under two different names which was very confusing for me. However, we are revisiting Taylor and Emmerson six years later. Emmerson decided to break up and leave Taylor just as he made it into the NHL. She left him with a dear John letter. I truly loved the novella but I just liked this longer book. These two were just to civil and fake. I don’t know if I could be friends and socialize with someone who broke my heart. Also there are some interactions with Taylor’s mother that just didn’t seem right. Maybe as an avid reader I insert myself into the story but the actions of these two felt false and awkward. Glad to see their story resolved. Loved meeting all the new characters who will be showcased in additional books but I’m a little disappointed that this story wasn’t more angsty or emotionally charged.
What do you get when mix hockey and second chance romance tropes?
Well you get this angsty and steamy romance that focuses on Taylor and Emmerson. If you read the prequel - and I advise you too - then you know Emmerson left Taylor in a very misguided way.
These two never got over each over and with her visiting her parents, their paths cross. And the sparks fly as usual.
I will say his mom - the catalyst for their breakup - had my blood boiling. Sympathy for her current health was very faint. Luckily I’m glad the couple had adult conversations albeit 6 years later. Love these two and can’t wait to see what’s in store for side characters.
* I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.
Now i love a sport's romance, best friend to lovers trope and drama and *squeals* this book was SWOONWORTHY.
Emmerson and Taylor's relationship was torn apart by others having an impact and then fast forward 6 years and BAM they are still drawn together. Emmerson and Taylor are meant to be. They gravitate towards eachother, but there's heartache and the truth that was needed to said. I adore both Emmerson and Taylor's character!
PAUSE! There sexual chemistry and interaction was SAUCY, HOT, INTENSE AND MOUTHWATERING 😍😍😍 Damn i need me a Taylor!!
Plus Maddison & Ashton dates were super cute and leaves you reeling for more from them!
For me this was a beautiful ending to the journey. This book was the sweetest love story I've read in a while and effortlessly written!
✨We Finished Here Review 5⭐️ 3.5🌶️ I devoured this book! It hit my kindle this morning and I just couldn’t put it down! Such a sweet story! I haven’t read We Started Here (the prequel book) yet but I’m reading it next because this one was so good! I laughed, I cried, I swooned this book gave me all the feels! Emerson and Taylor were childhood sweethearts and first loves but when some outside people get in Emerson’s head she ends up breaking up with Taylor and moves off. This book picks up 6 years later with Em coming back into town. It turns into such a sweet(and spicy!) second chance love story! I highly recommend! I can’t wait for Ashton and Maddie’s story!
Definitely like how it shines the spotlight more on Taylors hockey career and him playing. In general it showed more light on what's going on in the characters lives. Not just shinning light in Taylors and Em's love for each other and all the "fun" they have. I have to admit that having this a slow burn compared to the first book wasn't for me. Loved how I. The end not only did Taylor and Em end on phenomenal terms but so did his parents and even Em's bestie found herself happiness. Once done with this book it made me wanna book tickets for a hockey game! Another book from a fabulous author that didn't disappoint.
After their devastating break up six years ago, Emmerson and Taylor finally meet again face to face. With a bit of encouragement from their friends and families, their relationship takes a new turn and they rekindle their love for each other. Secrets are exposed, truths need to be faced but love can conquer all. I loved how they both couldn't stand to be away from the other, and were both devastated over their break up. The way they make it work is sweet and full of love, despite the time they have spent away from each other. I also enjoyed the snippets of both of their sets of friends and look forward to seeing what they all get up to in the future! A great read!
I was so angry with Emmerson after reading the prequel We Started Here. This book starts six years later!!!! Six years that she could have been with the love of her life. Her soulmate Taylor.
I wanted to throttle this character because she even moved on just two years after she left her supposed soulmate.
She eventually decides to visit home and her friends talk her into going to a hockey game that Taylor will be playing in.
They do reconnect for their second chance but they should have been together the whole time if it weren’t for Emmerson listening to other people and breaking Taylor’s heart.
My little heart is melting! This story picks up 6 years after. My heart broke for Emerson and Taylor in the beginning.Its true about that saying if you love something but in this case someone and you let it go if it was meant to be it will return. Or something like that. In this book there is that type of situation and there were so many factors , that caused so much hurt for both these characters . This book had me in my feels and I could not put this book down. This book to me was sweetly romantic in a lot of areas. I definitely recommend reading this book!
I felt all the emotions for both characters but Taylor was special. I did feel Emmerson needed to do a bit more apologising and explaining than she did. She also needed to give him some time but the emotions got me for sure.
What did disappoint me is that there were so many errors. why didn't the author have an editor or beta readers? The book has been out for a while, so I have to assume the author knows the errors and has decided not to bother to correct. it's a shame. I would have liked to have given 5 stars.
This was a good start to the series. This is my first novel by this author and she definitely provides good back story for the full length novel to come.
I liked that the author provided us with their backstory and how they develop in this smaller novel. I feel that we get to really know them in a way that maybe we wouldn’t be able to in their full length novel.
I am looking forward to seeing where she takes them and how/if they find their way back to each other.
Woah! Talk about book hangover !! Man, Emmerson and Taylor are literally the perfect childhood sweethearts! I am obsessed with their relationship! Dakotah knocked it out of the park with this one!! I couldn’t put it down! 5 stars easy! 10/10 recommended and man I'm so excited to see Maddison and Ashtons story!
Typically, I'm not a fan of slow burn, UNLESS it is done right. Which this one, IT IS. Dakotah combines two of my favorite things, second chance romances and hockey. If you have not read We Started Here, I highly suggest you do. Emmerson has never let go of the mistake that caused so much pain. She tried to move on with her life and attempt at another love, but she couldn't let go of the person she truly loved. Taylor tried to keep everything at bay and build up his walls. BUT when life gives them a second chance when Emmerson comes home for a short time. She looks just keep away but something calls to her and after other life turning events, they'll find out that they'll turn to each other for support and reignite that flame that was snuffed out so long ago.
This tugs on every heart string, every feel. I loved this one and yes I teared up because I'm a sucker. Dakotah, I'm ready for the next one. I'll make sure I bring my tissues.
I really liked it! It’s good written and it has all the feel’s. Still don’t like Taylor’s mum. Yes she came clean and told but nope.
I’m happy they got each other. The road was not easy but they where meant to be! The hot stuff is well written and I like it. My favorite part of the book is that Em helps Taylor to focus….
Now I need to get more!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
After that novella into Emmerson and Taylor's love story, I couldn’t wait for the conclusion. Well, the wait is over. After so many years apart can their love still overcome? This book was amazing and had me on the edge of my seat. I couldn’t put it down. I love a good second chance and this is it. I can't wait for more in this world.
I really enjoyed this book. I read the prequel and loved the connection that Emmerson and Taylor had. They both have grown alot in the six years they were apart, for the better. I really enjoyed their relationship building back up like it never ended. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves sports romance and second chances!
Emerson and Taylor are a fantastic couple, thanks to meddling people they are apart for six years, then by chance or is it fate, they are thrown together, but they’ve both changed.
Suppose to have this great love ❤️ 4year relationship and he just let's her walk away mmm ,didn't realt feel the love for this couple don't know if I would read this author again.
I absolutely loved this story! Tailor and Emerson’s deep love for each other truly shines, and their second chance at romance is beautifully written. One of my favorite moments was when she watched him play hockey—the way it impacted both him and his game was so powerful. Such a great read!