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Bend Toward the Sun #2
Right Where We Left Us
Temperance Jean Madigan and Duncan Brady have never gotten it right. After one radiant, secret summer together when they were eighteen, they’ve been on-again off-again ever since. Now, despite red-hot chemistry and TJ’s closeness with Duncan’s family, they’re virtually strangers, only capable of adversarial banter, awkward small talk―and the occasional messy hookup.
When a wedding at the Brady’s vineyard lands TJ there for the summer, their mutual avoidance strategies prove impossible. The last thing TJ wants is to be under those angsty, heated glances Duncan thinks he hides. And for Duncan, having fiery TJ constantly close is the ultimate distraction that he absolutely can’t afford. When forced proximity begins to chip away at their armor, buried tensions resurface, old wounds urge confrontation, and once-in-a-lifetime love demands one last chance to finally get it right.
When a wedding at the Brady’s vineyard lands TJ there for the summer, their mutual avoidance strategies prove impossible. The last thing TJ wants is to be under those angsty, heated glances Duncan thinks he hides. And for Duncan, having fiery TJ constantly close is the ultimate distraction that he absolutely can’t afford. When forced proximity begins to chip away at their armor, buried tensions resurface, old wounds urge confrontation, and once-in-a-lifetime love demands one last chance to finally get it right.
359 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 18, 2024
51 people are currently reading
19029 people want to read
About the author
Jen Devon
2 books461 followersJen Devon is a lifelong lover of love stories. She writes sexy, cinematic romances about imperfect people finding their perfect match. A former ecology academic and adjunct professor, she now works in the Internet tech industry and dreams of writing full-time. An avid gardener, photographer, gamer, and unapologetic nerd, she’s also a mom of five (three kids, two rescue mutts) and lives in central Ohio with her engineer husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 441 reviews
July 30, 2024
writing: solid | plot: too much yappity yap | ending: HEA thank fk
my opinion
I feel like this is the type of book where your enjoyment really hinges on your mood when you pick it up. To maximize your enjoyment:
1. Be on, or close to, your period. It will help you lean into the nonsensical angst because you're most likely feeling nonsensical to begin with. Maybe I shouldn't speak for other, but period Leigh is at her most delulu. If you don't get a period, just pick this up whenever you're feeling particularly off your rocker.
2. Read it in chunks. Don't try to bang through this in one sitting or the angst will really drive you up the wall, no matter your delulu levels.
3. Read this after a particularly emotionless book. A thriller, especially a popcorn thriller, is best. You won't be emotionally spent because trust me you'll need a full tank for this one.
Ultimately I have no idea why they couldn't be together, but I didn't really care that much because the way Jen Devon writes angst should be studied. I don't often get 'caught up' in books, but Devon had my ass in an angsty chokehold. The way she ended a chapter at the emotional climax and then skipped ahead like nothing important happened... girl if you don't get your ass back here and tell me how the rest of the convo went??? Yet it was absolutely perfect and definitely contributed to keeping me in a sturdy chokehold.
Also, there was way too much world-building and way too many characters. The world-building was more appropriate for a fantasy/sci-fi book and at some point I just stopped trying to keep track of who everyone was outside of Temperance and Duncan. We needed a character list at the beginning or just cut some of those hoes loose.
This reminded me of Elsie Silver's Chestnut Hills series but WAAAAYYYY better written. Elsie Silver is very much a smutty Dr. Suess to me, so if you're looking for something a bit more elevated, this is it (please reference the 3 keys to success above before embarking on this journey).
Similar to Daisy Haites, I'm giving this a 4 based on vibes and how it made me feel something in the abandoned mineshaft that is my heart. Even Duncan's abstract wet-dreams had me locked in. Wild times, folks. Yes I'm going to go back and read #1 and yes I'm going to tune in for #3. Maybe one day I'll know who Nate really is—a child? a grown brother? Who's to say?
goodreads giveaway win
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Check out my YouTube
my opinion
I feel like this is the type of book where your enjoyment really hinges on your mood when you pick it up. To maximize your enjoyment:
1. Be on, or close to, your period. It will help you lean into the nonsensical angst because you're most likely feeling nonsensical to begin with. Maybe I shouldn't speak for other, but period Leigh is at her most delulu. If you don't get a period, just pick this up whenever you're feeling particularly off your rocker.
2. Read it in chunks. Don't try to bang through this in one sitting or the angst will really drive you up the wall, no matter your delulu levels.
3. Read this after a particularly emotionless book. A thriller, especially a popcorn thriller, is best. You won't be emotionally spent because trust me you'll need a full tank for this one.
Ultimately I have no idea why they couldn't be together, but I didn't really care that much because the way Jen Devon writes angst should be studied. I don't often get 'caught up' in books, but Devon had my ass in an angsty chokehold. The way she ended a chapter at the emotional climax and then skipped ahead like nothing important happened... girl if you don't get your ass back here and tell me how the rest of the convo went??? Yet it was absolutely perfect and definitely contributed to keeping me in a sturdy chokehold.
Also, there was way too much world-building and way too many characters. The world-building was more appropriate for a fantasy/sci-fi book and at some point I just stopped trying to keep track of who everyone was outside of Temperance and Duncan. We needed a character list at the beginning or just cut some of those hoes loose.
This reminded me of Elsie Silver's Chestnut Hills series but WAAAAYYYY better written. Elsie Silver is very much a smutty Dr. Suess to me, so if you're looking for something a bit more elevated, this is it (please reference the 3 keys to success above before embarking on this journey).
Similar to Daisy Haites, I'm giving this a 4 based on vibes and how it made me feel something in the abandoned mineshaft that is my heart. Even Duncan's abstract wet-dreams had me locked in. Wild times, folks. Yes I'm going to go back and read #1 and yes I'm going to tune in for #3. Maybe one day I'll know who Nate really is—a child? a grown brother? Who's to say?
goodreads giveaway win
__
Check out my YouTube
March 29, 2024
Right Where We Left Us by Jen Devon is a masterful tribute to the trope of forced proximity and second chances. Devon’s story centres around Temperance Madigan and Duncan Brady who several years before the novel’s main timeline thought they had it all figured out. That their big, young, optimistic love was enough to get them by. Little did they know fate had other plans for them. Many years later they orbit around each other in their small community with several connections in common using sarcasm and dark humour to keep distance between themselves when they are forced to be in close contact. A Brady family event will push and pull the boundaries of their unspoken arrangement more than either is aware. They’ll have to agree to disagree or make a pact if they want to get through this in one piece. The themes of different families and their values, striving to be the best, most authentic version of yourself despite outside influences are intricately woven throughout this work. This novel is equal parts deep and thoughtful and steamy and romantic. The range of the characters and what it means to be both traditional and found family are expertly navigated and flawlessly executed. Temperance is equal parts resilient, adventurous and optimistic. She does everything with kindness and a genuine heart. The authors ability to make her both relatable and inspiring was a delight to witness. Duncan’s often hidden selflessness, sense of mischief and fierce determination are like a force of nature and provide a layer of complexity to his character and added readability that make this work simply amazing. Jen Devon is a delight to the genre and her story was one that I’ll be reaching for again. Thank you to NetGallery and St. Martin’s Press for the pre release copy.
June 20, 2024
Right Where We Left Us by Jen Devon
2nd book in the series (unnamed and unlabeled in Goodreads) with the Brady family. Contemporary romance. Second chance. Large family and many secondary characters. Can be read as a stand-alone but takes place subsequent to the first book.
Temperance Madigan has been a peripheral part of the Brady family for a long time. In her eyes, they are the ultimate goal: loving, supportive, teasing, loud, and comforting. Her own parents are lacking any true feelings for anything other than their medical community.
Duncan and Temperance have always been like magnets. Attracted but often with opposing goals. They had a brief explosive affair at eighteen, but have only circled from the outside since then. Temperance will be at the family vineyard for the summer. Maybe they can finally more forward together or regretfully break all ties.
Duncan can’t keep his eyes off Temperance. He’s been in love with her for a long time. But as the only family member without a higher education degree and the construction work he does, Duncan doesn’t feel worthy. There is also a secret back from their teenage days that he needs to resolve. Temperance isn’t really part of the Brady family and her own parents are pressuring her to give up the medicine she loves.
There is a lot of longing and yearning. Angst. I loved both Duncan and Temperance and felt their pain and love. Over and over. A hundred pages less would have helped the unending suffering. All of those pages added to the story and family and love. Like his secret schooling. Or the animal prints in the floor of the remodel. All enriching. And great storytelling. Still too much. So that’s the main reason for my rating of 4 rather than higher. Beautiful, engrossing, angst and eternal love.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley. I will read the author again.
2nd book in the series (unnamed and unlabeled in Goodreads) with the Brady family. Contemporary romance. Second chance. Large family and many secondary characters. Can be read as a stand-alone but takes place subsequent to the first book.
Temperance Madigan has been a peripheral part of the Brady family for a long time. In her eyes, they are the ultimate goal: loving, supportive, teasing, loud, and comforting. Her own parents are lacking any true feelings for anything other than their medical community.
Duncan and Temperance have always been like magnets. Attracted but often with opposing goals. They had a brief explosive affair at eighteen, but have only circled from the outside since then. Temperance will be at the family vineyard for the summer. Maybe they can finally more forward together or regretfully break all ties.
Duncan can’t keep his eyes off Temperance. He’s been in love with her for a long time. But as the only family member without a higher education degree and the construction work he does, Duncan doesn’t feel worthy. There is also a secret back from their teenage days that he needs to resolve. Temperance isn’t really part of the Brady family and her own parents are pressuring her to give up the medicine she loves.
There is a lot of longing and yearning. Angst. I loved both Duncan and Temperance and felt their pain and love. Over and over. A hundred pages less would have helped the unending suffering. All of those pages added to the story and family and love. Like his secret schooling. Or the animal prints in the floor of the remodel. All enriching. And great storytelling. Still too much. So that’s the main reason for my rating of 4 rather than higher. Beautiful, engrossing, angst and eternal love.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley. I will read the author again.
April 17, 2024
I would like to thank St. Martins press and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I’m sorry but I had to DNF😭😭 i could very well be the problem.. so this book was extremely hard to read with all the characters and their back stories that I did not really follow at all.. it’s definitely a very slow burn book and for sure does not work as a standalone novel.. you’ll get way to confused if you don’t read whatever novel comes first.. I DIDNT even know there was another book before this!! but I would definitely need to read the first book to understand anything.. and Duncan and Temperance were extremely immature in my opinion.. they’re both characters that did not heal in any way at all.. anyway I could definitely come back to this one once I read the first book to understand everything way better!
I’m sorry but I had to DNF😭😭 i could very well be the problem.. so this book was extremely hard to read with all the characters and their back stories that I did not really follow at all.. it’s definitely a very slow burn book and for sure does not work as a standalone novel.. you’ll get way to confused if you don’t read whatever novel comes first.. I DIDNT even know there was another book before this!! but I would definitely need to read the first book to understand anything.. and Duncan and Temperance were extremely immature in my opinion.. they’re both characters that did not heal in any way at all.. anyway I could definitely come back to this one once I read the first book to understand everything way better!
February 21, 2024
I recall giving Devon's debut novel Bend Toward the Sun a generous review despite a number of reservations. While those reservations didn't sit well with me at the time, there were definitely aspects of the first novel I appreciated, and I wanted to see if a second book would change how I was feeling about this author's writing. Well, the problems I had with the first novel are unfortunately amplified tremendously in this follow-up book. The Brady family is the center focus once again with Duncan Brady as the tortured hero. Temperance, Rowan's best friend from the first book, is the tortured female main character and the love of Duncan's life, as well as perpetual thorn in his side.
This book attempts to review the long, painful history of Duncan and Temperance to explain why these long-lost lovers can never be together. The reasons are exhaustively long and illogical. They do further my deep-seated belief that second chance romances are not a trope I enjoy. Duncan is a tragic soul, misunderstood by his family, the rock in every relationship he has, but never truly appreciated. Not to be outdone, Temperance too is a tortured soul, misunderstood by her family, hardworking to a fault, and forced to hide secrets that she mysteriously feels she cannot share with anyone. Hidden secrets are in abundance, even when the reasons for bottling them makes no sense. From the first pages, the romance is overladen with years of deceit and misunderstanding. Aside from disliking this type of heavy handedness, I struggled to empathize with their failed relationship. I also greatly disliked the platitudes that are shared by all sorts of people throughout the book. At one point I started highlighting them but then stopped because there were so many. Taken out of context as I go back and look at my notes, the inspirational words of wisdom spewing out of so many characters' mouths seem even more absurd.
Angsty romances can be so wonderful, but I think they take a deft hand to pull off. Clearly this book rubbed me the wrong way, and I think given my hesitance about her first one, she's just not an author who works for me.
This book attempts to review the long, painful history of Duncan and Temperance to explain why these long-lost lovers can never be together. The reasons are exhaustively long and illogical. They do further my deep-seated belief that second chance romances are not a trope I enjoy. Duncan is a tragic soul, misunderstood by his family, the rock in every relationship he has, but never truly appreciated. Not to be outdone, Temperance too is a tortured soul, misunderstood by her family, hardworking to a fault, and forced to hide secrets that she mysteriously feels she cannot share with anyone. Hidden secrets are in abundance, even when the reasons for bottling them makes no sense. From the first pages, the romance is overladen with years of deceit and misunderstanding. Aside from disliking this type of heavy handedness, I struggled to empathize with their failed relationship. I also greatly disliked the platitudes that are shared by all sorts of people throughout the book. At one point I started highlighting them but then stopped because there were so many. Taken out of context as I go back and look at my notes, the inspirational words of wisdom spewing out of so many characters' mouths seem even more absurd.
Angsty romances can be so wonderful, but I think they take a deft hand to pull off. Clearly this book rubbed me the wrong way, and I think given my hesitance about her first one, she's just not an author who works for me.
March 8, 2024
thank you to St. Martin's Press for the ebook in exchange for an honest review
I slurped this up like that guy in the bathtub scene in saltburn.
4.5 stars
read if you’d enjoy a slow burn, will-they-won't-they, second chance romance with complex characters and found family. there is also a career in medicine represented very well (but the bar is on the floor in that regard). some over-complicated interpersonal conflict but within the context of convoluted circumstances, I can appreciate and respect that as part of the characters’ journeys.
devon writes beautiful imagery and poetic prose, which makes her stories even more romantic. her vineyard setting comes to life like a movie in your head, and I'm so glad we got to revisit it in her sophomore novel. speaking of which, although the books are interconnected standalones, trust me: reading book one is 100% mandatory before diving into book two. here’s to hoping frankie and malcolm are the next book.
fans of more literary fiction-esque romantic dramas akin to Emily Henry and Abby Jimenez will adore.
pinterest board
I slurped this up like that guy in the bathtub scene in saltburn.
4.5 stars
read if you’d enjoy a slow burn, will-they-won't-they, second chance romance with complex characters and found family. there is also a career in medicine represented very well (but the bar is on the floor in that regard). some over-complicated interpersonal conflict but within the context of convoluted circumstances, I can appreciate and respect that as part of the characters’ journeys.
devon writes beautiful imagery and poetic prose, which makes her stories even more romantic. her vineyard setting comes to life like a movie in your head, and I'm so glad we got to revisit it in her sophomore novel. speaking of which, although the books are interconnected standalones, trust me: reading book one is 100% mandatory before diving into book two. here’s to hoping frankie and malcolm are the next book.
fans of more literary fiction-esque romantic dramas akin to Emily Henry and Abby Jimenez will adore.
pinterest board
April 28, 2024
I liked Jen Devon's debut a lot, but it didn't sink into me in the way that it did for so many of my reading friends. For me, Right Where We Left Us is that book. The craft in making me feel the entire weight of the protagonists past without deploying very many flashbacks is extraordinary and the FEELINGS of it all, resonated so beautifully. The book also takes the stale familial meddling trope and executes it in a way that actually feels the familial warmth and love that's more often said told but not shown. If the book has a flaw, it's that the cast of characters is SO large and it has been some time since the previous book, so jogging my memory as to how all of these characters are connected was sometimes a challenge. But again, the author gives you what you need, so you can figure it out as you go along. Loved reading this very much and looking forward to future works in this universe and among this family with eagerness.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for a fair review.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for a fair review.
May 25, 2024
This book gave me deep-seated "hmmm" feelings. Where I was charmed and debut-talked myself out of some of the lack of tightness in the first (and I do find the writing compelling mostly so that helps), for this release I didn't allow for the same level of grace. I LOVE second-chance, but even this push and pull was...weird? And for a book that feels so grounded and organic in its setting, I found this massively frustrating.
And guys, it's dripping with sentimentality, but not always the kind I am on board with. The secondary characters wholly serve the romance and only care about love, the idea that her sister's kids are "previews"of what hers might look like bleh. It's just disjointed and a little unfocused. Rather than having that hazy magical setting it felt like it shamelessly exploited characters but dropped you right back in with the lot (I didn't pre-read)
Did I like some of it? I did? And tightened up with more interrogation for ALL the characters' motivations would be helpful.
I also had misgivings about both characters as well. I enjoyed reading it but not always what I was reading. I think it's between a 2-3, but because I will give this author another chance I will say 3.
And guys, it's dripping with sentimentality, but not always the kind I am on board with. The secondary characters wholly serve the romance and only care about love, the idea that her sister's kids are "previews"of what hers might look like bleh. It's just disjointed and a little unfocused. Rather than having that hazy magical setting it felt like it shamelessly exploited characters but dropped you right back in with the lot (I didn't pre-read)
Did I like some of it? I did? And tightened up with more interrogation for ALL the characters' motivations would be helpful.
I also had misgivings about both characters as well. I enjoyed reading it but not always what I was reading. I think it's between a 2-3, but because I will give this author another chance I will say 3.
February 6, 2024
I seem to be in the minority with my opinion but I genuinely do not understand how. Before requesting this ARC, I was hesitant because my memory was saying I didn’t really enjoy this author’s first book, yet when I looked, I’d given it 4 stars. So I requested this one thinking I must’ve forgotten something.
Then I started reading, and realized my initial memory was correct. I went back to the review and read it and apparently I forgave a whole lot of issues because I loved the characters and their relationship, but with this book, those issues were HUGE and made this book a slog. The pacing was awful, the writing is WAY too flowery and over described, the array of side characters is way too wide to keep track of seeing as all of them continue to appear consistently, and the relationship - to me - has zero chemistry. There’s no reason the two leads can’t be together for most of the book, meaning there’s no stakes and only frustration from my end as a reader as to why they aren’t together, and I honestly did not care or want to root for either of them. Like, they literally felt like they truly hated each other at times. Like they were two toxic people stuck in a tailspin they couldn’t escape, and I wanted nothing to do with. In fact, there were two side characters dancing around each other on maybe a total of 10 pages throughout this book and I cared more about them then the characters whose story this was.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Then I started reading, and realized my initial memory was correct. I went back to the review and read it and apparently I forgave a whole lot of issues because I loved the characters and their relationship, but with this book, those issues were HUGE and made this book a slog. The pacing was awful, the writing is WAY too flowery and over described, the array of side characters is way too wide to keep track of seeing as all of them continue to appear consistently, and the relationship - to me - has zero chemistry. There’s no reason the two leads can’t be together for most of the book, meaning there’s no stakes and only frustration from my end as a reader as to why they aren’t together, and I honestly did not care or want to root for either of them. Like, they literally felt like they truly hated each other at times. Like they were two toxic people stuck in a tailspin they couldn’t escape, and I wanted nothing to do with. In fact, there were two side characters dancing around each other on maybe a total of 10 pages throughout this book and I cared more about them then the characters whose story this was.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 15, 2024
First of all thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I was surprised by this book. It’s one where not much happens plot wise (it all takes place around the wedding of the couple from the first book) and despite the characters shared past has no flashbacks but I was so deeply invested. Not only in the romance but
Both characters careers and their relationships to their families. This was my first Jen Devon but won’t be my last.
Both characters careers and their relationships to their families. This was my first Jen Devon but won’t be my last.
June 10, 2024
Right Where we Left Us is a gorgeous romance made even more so by Jen Devon's beautiful writing. No one writes angst and pining the way she does. Beyond the delicious love story, the family dynamics were so well done, and it made me want to be a member of the Brady family too. Funny at times and extremely steamy at others, fans of her debut Bend Towards the Sun will not be disappointed!
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for my complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for my complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own.
July 15, 2024
Right Where We Left Us is the sequel to Bend Toward The Sun. This romance book has different narrators, however the characters from the first book are all in this book. I highly recommend reading this in order (and I really don't understand why this isn't listed as a series on Goodreads).
These books focus so much on family. That is definitely one of the best parts of this series. It was really nice to see all of these characters from the first book again.
This book is divided into four parts with alternating male and female POVs. This is Temperance and Duncan's story. Duncan is part of the Brady family. His brother Harry was the male main character in Bend Toward The Sun. Temperance's best friend is Rowan the heroine of that book. And Temperance's sister is married to one of the Brady brothers.
I was actually very surprised that this book picks up right where the first book left off. However from a different couple's POVs.
We met Temperance and Duncan in the last book. They fell in love as teenagers. But they broke up. She is a doctor. He is a general contractor for his family's winery. I like them so much. However I really did not understand why they couldn't be together. Overall I really did enjoy this book. And I am definitely looking forward to the next book.
Thanks to SMP Romance for allowing me to read this book.
April 11, 2024
Temperance Jean Madigan and Duncan Brady have a history. Their whirlwind secret romance years ago has culminated in occasional fast and furious hook-ups and sporadic run-ins. These two have a pull to each other that they can’t escape and at times is frustrating to witness. Temperance is dear friends with the Brady family. She and Duncan are bound to cross paths often, which they do- at Duncan’s brother’s summer wedding.
The wedding changes the course of their relationship trajectory. It sets in motion events which lead to a beautifully complicated, complex, and chaotic second chance romance. I almost had too much of the back and forth in this one. I kept reading and by the end of the book the totality of the relationship makes sense and is understandable. Extremely slow burn and angsty, but the conclusion is worth it! Stick with it to get the complete picture of what makes these two such a couple to root for. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The wedding changes the course of their relationship trajectory. It sets in motion events which lead to a beautifully complicated, complex, and chaotic second chance romance. I almost had too much of the back and forth in this one. I kept reading and by the end of the book the totality of the relationship makes sense and is understandable. Extremely slow burn and angsty, but the conclusion is worth it! Stick with it to get the complete picture of what makes these two such a couple to root for. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
June 15, 2024
Bend Toward the Sun, Jen Devon’s debut novel, chemically altered my brain and became the book that both defined my 2022 reading year and the one I recommend to everyone.
I’m adding Right Where We Left Us to that pantheon of stories in my head that are everything I want in a love story.
When they were eighteen, Temperance and Duncan’s story was the brief, beautiful flare of a comet.
Fourteen years later, there is a well of pain and hope between them.
There has never been anyone else for either of them.
Read it. Read it. Read it.
I’m adding Right Where We Left Us to that pantheon of stories in my head that are everything I want in a love story.
When they were eighteen, Temperance and Duncan’s story was the brief, beautiful flare of a comet.
Fourteen years later, there is a well of pain and hope between them.
There has never been anyone else for either of them.
Read it. Read it. Read it.
August 27, 2024
I’ve been eagerly anticipating Jen Devon’s next book ever since finishing the beautifully angsty Bend Toward the Sun. This is a slow burn second chance romance, laden with pining. It’s best to read BTtS first to get the full effect, otherwise readers might get lost.
Let me first say I really enjoyed this. It’s a strong sophomore effort that could have used another round of developmental edits to address logistical issues so it could really shine. But even when I was confused, I was very into Duncan and Temperance’s dynamic. I was rooting for them. I believed in their chemistry and their love for each other just as much as I believed they needed to get out of their own way. It was a joy to see the Brady family again and see what was happening with the vineyard.
I also appreciated that this is a second chance romance without many flashbacks. I have to wonder, however, if there’s a version of the manuscript where flashbacks were initially included because I have a lot of questions about what happened when they broke up. There are some hints here and there throughout the book but they never really hash it out so I’m still confused about what actually went down. All this to say, it’s hard to know what to make of their second chance when I’m still unclear on what drove them apart or why they were still able to occasionally have sex over the years in spite of this.
It all speaks to unhealthy patterns. They have sex instead of communicating. Duncan never says no to her about anything. I needed to know why Temperance kept pushing him away but then going to him for sex. I also needed to know why Duncan didn’t try to win her back sooner if he’s been in love with her the whole time. They keep secrets from each other and from the Bradys and those omissions have ramifications. I really hope they go to couple’s counseling because there’s no evidence that these patterns won’t repeat themselves.
Temperance is also in an unhealthy pattern with her toxic parents. The book didn’t do enough to confront this and in fact even whitewashes their relationship.
The plot is meandering, which I didn’t entirely mind. It also pulled its punches when it came to the angst potential, which I minded greatly. Had we gotten more answers about Duncan and Temperance’s past, then their emotional arcs would have worked well for me. But since I was left with so many questions, I kept waiting for something to happen. Temperance hardly ever goes to work, spending a lot of time at the farm for being a doctor. This has the benefit of forcing her to interact with Duncan but left me without a clear idea of what her life actually looks like or how it can fit with Duncan’s. Additionally, there were timeline issues with what their ages are purported to be, if they did indeed break up 14 years ago.
Okay so that was a lot of where the book fell short but I did really enjoy this one. Duncan calls her “Teacup”, which made me giddy. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series!
Characters: Temperance is a 34 year old white pediatrician who wears glasses. Duncan is a 35 year old white farmer, family business manager, artist, and community college student. They broke up when they were 18. This is set in Linden and Vesper Valley, PA.
Content notes: nightmares, blood platelet disorder, vertigo, vomit, sprained wrist and mild concussion from being hit by falling tree limb, toxic parents, past emotional neglect and outsourced parenting, FMC’s sister is estranged from their parents, past bribery , possible orthorexia (FMC runs an awful lot), Addison’s disease (secondary character’s mother), past harassment by secondary character’s ex-husband, secondary character uses a cane (past accident), pregnant secondary character, secondary character has sole custody of his daughter, past death of grandparents (mention), past death of pet dog (mention), family planning discussion, on page sex, public sex, masturbation, alcohol, inebriation, hangover, pipe (secondary character), gendered pejoratives, ableist language, hyperbolic language around addiction
Let me first say I really enjoyed this. It’s a strong sophomore effort that could have used another round of developmental edits to address logistical issues so it could really shine. But even when I was confused, I was very into Duncan and Temperance’s dynamic. I was rooting for them. I believed in their chemistry and their love for each other just as much as I believed they needed to get out of their own way. It was a joy to see the Brady family again and see what was happening with the vineyard.
I also appreciated that this is a second chance romance without many flashbacks. I have to wonder, however, if there’s a version of the manuscript where flashbacks were initially included because I have a lot of questions about what happened when they broke up. There are some hints here and there throughout the book but they never really hash it out so I’m still confused about what actually went down. All this to say, it’s hard to know what to make of their second chance when I’m still unclear on what drove them apart or why they were still able to occasionally have sex over the years in spite of this.
It all speaks to unhealthy patterns. They have sex instead of communicating. Duncan never says no to her about anything. I needed to know why Temperance kept pushing him away but then going to him for sex. I also needed to know why Duncan didn’t try to win her back sooner if he’s been in love with her the whole time. They keep secrets from each other and from the Bradys and those omissions have ramifications. I really hope they go to couple’s counseling because there’s no evidence that these patterns won’t repeat themselves.
Temperance is also in an unhealthy pattern with her toxic parents. The book didn’t do enough to confront this and in fact even whitewashes their relationship.
The plot is meandering, which I didn’t entirely mind. It also pulled its punches when it came to the angst potential, which I minded greatly. Had we gotten more answers about Duncan and Temperance’s past, then their emotional arcs would have worked well for me. But since I was left with so many questions, I kept waiting for something to happen. Temperance hardly ever goes to work, spending a lot of time at the farm for being a doctor. This has the benefit of forcing her to interact with Duncan but left me without a clear idea of what her life actually looks like or how it can fit with Duncan’s. Additionally, there were timeline issues with what their ages are purported to be, if they did indeed break up 14 years ago.
Okay so that was a lot of where the book fell short but I did really enjoy this one. Duncan calls her “Teacup”, which made me giddy. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series!
Characters: Temperance is a 34 year old white pediatrician who wears glasses. Duncan is a 35 year old white farmer, family business manager, artist, and community college student. They broke up when they were 18. This is set in Linden and Vesper Valley, PA.
Content notes: nightmares, blood platelet disorder, vertigo, vomit, sprained wrist and mild concussion from being hit by falling tree limb, toxic parents, past emotional neglect and outsourced parenting, FMC’s sister is estranged from their parents, past bribery , possible orthorexia (FMC runs an awful lot), Addison’s disease (secondary character’s mother), past harassment by secondary character’s ex-husband, secondary character uses a cane (past accident), pregnant secondary character, secondary character has sole custody of his daughter, past death of grandparents (mention), past death of pet dog (mention), family planning discussion, on page sex, public sex, masturbation, alcohol, inebriation, hangover, pipe (secondary character), gendered pejoratives, ableist language, hyperbolic language around addiction
June 15, 2024
Rating: 3.5 stars
I have some mixed feelings about this book. I was debating rating it a 4 star, but I'm going to settle with 3.5 because it seems more right.
To start off, I have read Bend Toward the Sun by this author. I read the eARC last year and loved it so much that I picked up a physical copy as well. I was really looking forward to being back in this setting and with these characters again. This book is a true second book in the series. I do not recommend reading it as a standalone. I honestly think this is the strangest thing that this is considered a standalone book. If I had not read the other book, then I would have been completely lost, especially in the beginning. I wouldn't have known the characters or their personality or really what happened or was going on in this book.
I loved the setting, as with the last book, this setting is amazing and I truly enjoy reading about this place. I liked the characters and I really enjoyed the writing style and how things were described and written. I did find the pacing off at times and kind had this notion of "when will this book end" but at the same time enjoyed other parts and was immersed in the story. The second chance just felt off. I didn't love that they just pretty much hooked up all the time while still denying that they wanted to be together. Duncan went from wanting to be with her to deciding he wasn't good enough to wanting her and it was just this weird push back and forth that confused me. I still don't completely understand why Temperance didn't want to be with him other than she had her heart broken by him before. Just the fact that she kept going back to him for hookups was mind baffling to me. I understood her caution with not wanting her heart broken, but not so much why she kept going back in the 14 years they were apart.
As I said, I do have mixed feelings about this one. While I did enjoy parts of it, other parts just felt off to me. I'm glad I read this one though and I'm looking forward to the next book in this series...and yes I'm calling it a series because that's what it is.
I have some mixed feelings about this book. I was debating rating it a 4 star, but I'm going to settle with 3.5 because it seems more right.
To start off, I have read Bend Toward the Sun by this author. I read the eARC last year and loved it so much that I picked up a physical copy as well. I was really looking forward to being back in this setting and with these characters again. This book is a true second book in the series. I do not recommend reading it as a standalone. I honestly think this is the strangest thing that this is considered a standalone book. If I had not read the other book, then I would have been completely lost, especially in the beginning. I wouldn't have known the characters or their personality or really what happened or was going on in this book.
I loved the setting, as with the last book, this setting is amazing and I truly enjoy reading about this place. I liked the characters and I really enjoyed the writing style and how things were described and written. I did find the pacing off at times and kind had this notion of "when will this book end" but at the same time enjoyed other parts and was immersed in the story. The second chance just felt off. I didn't love that they just pretty much hooked up all the time while still denying that they wanted to be together. Duncan went from wanting to be with her to deciding he wasn't good enough to wanting her and it was just this weird push back and forth that confused me. I still don't completely understand why Temperance didn't want to be with him other than she had her heart broken by him before. Just the fact that she kept going back to him for hookups was mind baffling to me. I understood her caution with not wanting her heart broken, but not so much why she kept going back in the 14 years they were apart.
As I said, I do have mixed feelings about this one. While I did enjoy parts of it, other parts just felt off to me. I'm glad I read this one though and I'm looking forward to the next book in this series...and yes I'm calling it a series because that's what it is.
June 26, 2024
mmm mmm mmmm this book is SCRUM-DIDDLY-UMPTIOUS! YUM.
In all seriousness, I loooooved this delicious second (third/fourth/fifth) chance slow burn; it was an absolutely captivating, atmospheric page-turner written by a highly talented and capable writer.
Set in the intimate universe built in her debut, BEND TOWARD THE SUN, this book tells the story of Duncan Brady and Temperance Madigan, and in a dual POV tight-tension journey, we experience the roadblocks keeping these fated mates apart, and how they ultimately choose long-awaited love amidst setback.
Not only is this book extremely hot, like HOT hot, it is also just so beautifully written. I got emotional throughout this book, and it wasn't just from the utter Feels™ I got from TJ and Duncan's story. The writing was so lush while still clearly crafted with care and intention. It's a higher-plane reading experience that I didn't want to end. And the tension, the pining, the heat: WOW. Excruciatingly next-level good.
I desperately hope we get more stories in the Brady-verse, especially ESPECIALLY Mal's story. I need *that* book immediately.
I can't wait to scream about RIGHT WHERE WE LEFT US -- it really deserves all the hype and I can't wait for more readers to fall in love with Brady and Temperance -- and with Jen's singularly special brand of storytelling.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest, unbiased review. RIGHT WHERE WE LEFT US is out now!
In all seriousness, I loooooved this delicious second (third/fourth/fifth) chance slow burn; it was an absolutely captivating, atmospheric page-turner written by a highly talented and capable writer.
Set in the intimate universe built in her debut, BEND TOWARD THE SUN, this book tells the story of Duncan Brady and Temperance Madigan, and in a dual POV tight-tension journey, we experience the roadblocks keeping these fated mates apart, and how they ultimately choose long-awaited love amidst setback.
Not only is this book extremely hot, like HOT hot, it is also just so beautifully written. I got emotional throughout this book, and it wasn't just from the utter Feels™ I got from TJ and Duncan's story. The writing was so lush while still clearly crafted with care and intention. It's a higher-plane reading experience that I didn't want to end. And the tension, the pining, the heat: WOW. Excruciatingly next-level good.
I desperately hope we get more stories in the Brady-verse, especially ESPECIALLY Mal's story. I need *that* book immediately.
I can't wait to scream about RIGHT WHERE WE LEFT US -- it really deserves all the hype and I can't wait for more readers to fall in love with Brady and Temperance -- and with Jen's singularly special brand of storytelling.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest, unbiased review. RIGHT WHERE WE LEFT US is out now!
June 16, 2024
WORTH. THE. WAIT!!! I was obsessed with the Brady family after reading Bend with the sun last year and I couldn't wait for Duncan and Temperance's second chance love story. Told from a dual POV with some flashbacks, this beautiful star crossed lovers romance was full of angst, pining and miscommunication (which might not work for everyone but sure did for me)!
With a GORGEOUS purple cover, this story was full of heart, humor and heat and filled my cup up like no other. I loved the big messy family, the aloof, cold distant parents of Temperance and Maren and the way the sisters took control of their lives and the feel-good friendships between the three main women. I soo look forward to Frankie and Mal's story next and can't recommend this one enough!!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review. This is perfect for fans of Emily Henry, Abby Jimenez or Christina Lauren!! Bring on book three! I will be waiting in eager anticipation!!!
With a GORGEOUS purple cover, this story was full of heart, humor and heat and filled my cup up like no other. I loved the big messy family, the aloof, cold distant parents of Temperance and Maren and the way the sisters took control of their lives and the feel-good friendships between the three main women. I soo look forward to Frankie and Mal's story next and can't recommend this one enough!!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review. This is perfect for fans of Emily Henry, Abby Jimenez or Christina Lauren!! Bring on book three! I will be waiting in eager anticipation!!!
June 23, 2024
“Second chances are for when you weren’t ready for the first.”
Temperance and Duncan had an instant connection when they met as teens. But for unknown reasons, they weren’t meant to go the distance. Most couples would move on, but since their families and friends are so intertwined, they too have reluctantly remained connected.
Although the attraction they had for one another never went away, they still try to keep up a facade when around their loved ones. Of course, the only ones they’re fooling are themselves. Coming together at Duncan’s family vineyard for a wedding only manages to push those feelings even more to the forefront.
Although Duncan and Temperance both acknowledge their mutual attraction, they never really talk about what went wrong all those years ago. But the more time they spend together the more each wonders if this is another opportunity to get it right.
Right Where We Left Us is the second novel by author, Jen Devon. I didn’t realize this was a sequel of sorts to her first novel, Bend Toward the Sun until I started reading. Looking back on my review of that book I noted how I hoped the side characters would get books of their own, and I’m glad they did. As secured by her sophomore effort, Devon consistently writes love stories with tremendous amounts of palatable angst and longing, but still weaves in bouts of believable banter. Second chance romance readers will rejoice in getting to know not only these characters, but Devon’s burgeoning body of swoon worthy romances.
Temperance and Duncan had an instant connection when they met as teens. But for unknown reasons, they weren’t meant to go the distance. Most couples would move on, but since their families and friends are so intertwined, they too have reluctantly remained connected.
Although the attraction they had for one another never went away, they still try to keep up a facade when around their loved ones. Of course, the only ones they’re fooling are themselves. Coming together at Duncan’s family vineyard for a wedding only manages to push those feelings even more to the forefront.
Although Duncan and Temperance both acknowledge their mutual attraction, they never really talk about what went wrong all those years ago. But the more time they spend together the more each wonders if this is another opportunity to get it right.
Right Where We Left Us is the second novel by author, Jen Devon. I didn’t realize this was a sequel of sorts to her first novel, Bend Toward the Sun until I started reading. Looking back on my review of that book I noted how I hoped the side characters would get books of their own, and I’m glad they did. As secured by her sophomore effort, Devon consistently writes love stories with tremendous amounts of palatable angst and longing, but still weaves in bouts of believable banter. Second chance romance readers will rejoice in getting to know not only these characters, but Devon’s burgeoning body of swoon worthy romances.
September 30, 2024
Temperance and Duncan have loved each other since they were 18 but have had a million reasons to not pursue it, including her shitty parents, their very different life paths, his own self-worth or lack thereof. Now in their 30s, it becomes so clear that it’s only ever been one for the other but they have to unleash some ugly truths before they can really be together.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️💫
Spice: 🌶️
Liked
* I liked the way it all finally came together. The end was satisfying.
* I genuinely liked the characters and always love a big, wholesome family.
* Some of the writing in this book is absolutely beautiful. There were lines that took my breath away.
* Duncan is down so so bad. I almost felt bad for him trying to navigate his feelings so poorly.
Disliked
* I just wanted to like this so much more than I did. There were problems all over the board - the pacing, the transitions, the time sequences, the characters.
* There were too many characters. Full disclosure: I got confused about the series order and read this first, having never read Bend Towards the Sun. I assume reading that first would have been helpful.
* I struggled so much with the time sequencing. It was hard to tell if we were in present or flashback or how much time had passed between the prior scene. Some of the chapters had a time marker, some did not. But I think two week spans are not necessary for chapter headings.
* The number of times Temperance and Duncan were about to have The Very Big Important Conversation and got interrupted was overused. Like do it once or twice, but don’t use the same tool half a dozen times. It was maddening.
* The biggest secret in this book was not handled well. It was revealed. Then barely addressed again until about 80 percent through the book. And then once it was revealed, it had very little repercussion on their relationship.
🫡 Tropes deployed: it was always you, second chance romance, childhood friends to lovers, complex family dynamics, small town, opposites attract
Rating: ⭐️⭐️💫
Spice: 🌶️
Liked
* I liked the way it all finally came together. The end was satisfying.
* I genuinely liked the characters and always love a big, wholesome family.
* Some of the writing in this book is absolutely beautiful. There were lines that took my breath away.
* Duncan is down so so bad. I almost felt bad for him trying to navigate his feelings so poorly.
Disliked
* I just wanted to like this so much more than I did. There were problems all over the board - the pacing, the transitions, the time sequences, the characters.
* There were too many characters. Full disclosure: I got confused about the series order and read this first, having never read Bend Towards the Sun. I assume reading that first would have been helpful.
* I struggled so much with the time sequencing. It was hard to tell if we were in present or flashback or how much time had passed between the prior scene. Some of the chapters had a time marker, some did not. But I think two week spans are not necessary for chapter headings.
* The number of times Temperance and Duncan were about to have The Very Big Important Conversation and got interrupted was overused. Like do it once or twice, but don’t use the same tool half a dozen times. It was maddening.
* The biggest secret in this book was not handled well. It was revealed. Then barely addressed again until about 80 percent through the book. And then once it was revealed, it had very little repercussion on their relationship.
🫡 Tropes deployed: it was always you, second chance romance, childhood friends to lovers, complex family dynamics, small town, opposites attract
January 26, 2025
"...𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘺 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘋𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘤. 𝘐𝘵'𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘴𝘮𝘪𝘤."
𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗪𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗳𝘁 𝗨𝘀 is poetrrrry. The imagery was elegant and evocative of sweet summer mornings spent during a blissful childhood.
- ~ -
The story follows Temperance Madigan and Duncan Brady and in a second chance setting where they try to act as friends for a mutual wedding only their history suggests they could never be anything but lovers. With subtle matchmaking hijinks and oddly fitting analogies, Temp and Duncan realise they've grow up but not quite grown out of each other.
- ~ -
Duncan is a sweetheart. He deserves all the love. It was quite obvious even in the previous book he used humour as disguise for all that he hid underneath and it was a pleasure to read his story.
Temperance's fierceness towards her profession was abundant throughout but I fear she didn't add much to the story.
Above all, I wish to have Frankie and Mal's book in my hands soon. I just know she'll be a sassy queen and Mal'd be wrapped around her fingers.
3.97 / 5✩
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘚𝘵. 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘯'𝘴 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.
𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗪𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗳𝘁 𝗨𝘀 is poetrrrry. The imagery was elegant and evocative of sweet summer mornings spent during a blissful childhood.
- ~ -
The story follows Temperance Madigan and Duncan Brady and in a second chance setting where they try to act as friends for a mutual wedding only their history suggests they could never be anything but lovers. With subtle matchmaking hijinks and oddly fitting analogies, Temp and Duncan realise they've grow up but not quite grown out of each other.
- ~ -
Duncan is a sweetheart. He deserves all the love. It was quite obvious even in the previous book he used humour as disguise for all that he hid underneath and it was a pleasure to read his story.
Temperance's fierceness towards her profession was abundant throughout but I fear she didn't add much to the story.
Above all, I wish to have Frankie and Mal's book in my hands soon. I just know she'll be a sassy queen and Mal'd be wrapped around her fingers.
3.97 / 5✩
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘚𝘵. 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘯'𝘴 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.
June 21, 2024
It was great to be back with the Brady family! Right Where We Left Us picks up where Bend Toward the Suns ended. Former high school sweethearts who still have an on/off relationship, Temperance and Duncan are forced together as they help with Rowan and Harry's wedding.
I enjoyed this super angsty, slow burn, second chance romance! There’s so much pining by both Temperance and Duncan and yet they think no one has noticed. 😆 It was clear they both wanted to be together but neither knew how to bridge the gap caused by their initial breakup.
“Every version of me has loved every version of you” 🫠
Right Where We Left Us is so beautifully written. I only wish the reveal of Temperance and Duncan's history began earlier so we could understand sooner what was keeping them apart.
Second chance romance fans will devour this book and love Temperance and Duncan's well deserved happy ending. I'm looking forward to the next book featuring Mal and Frankie.
Thank you to SMP Romance for the gifted copy of this book.
I enjoyed this super angsty, slow burn, second chance romance! There’s so much pining by both Temperance and Duncan and yet they think no one has noticed. 😆 It was clear they both wanted to be together but neither knew how to bridge the gap caused by their initial breakup.
“Every version of me has loved every version of you” 🫠
Right Where We Left Us is so beautifully written. I only wish the reveal of Temperance and Duncan's history began earlier so we could understand sooner what was keeping them apart.
Second chance romance fans will devour this book and love Temperance and Duncan's well deserved happy ending. I'm looking forward to the next book featuring Mal and Frankie.
Thank you to SMP Romance for the gifted copy of this book.
February 14, 2024
Right Where We Left Us was a quick and enjoyable second chance romance. I did think it started out a little slow, but I was able to read it in one sitting and absolutely loved the dual perspectives. It had a good blend of humor, romance, and also some steamy moments. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for an enjoyable contemporary romance!
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Jen Devon for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Jen Devon for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
June 17, 2024
Right Where We Left Us
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Jen Devon
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: Temperance Jean Madigan and Duncan Brady have never gotten it right. After one radiant, secret summer together when they were eighteen, they’ve been on-again off-again ever since. Now, despite red-hot chemistry and TJ’s closeness with Duncan’s family, they’re virtually strangers, only capable of adversarial banter, awkward small talk―and the occasional messy hookup.
When a wedding at the Brady’s vineyard lands TJ there for the summer, their mutual avoidance strategies prove impossible. The last thing TJ wants is to be under those angsty, heated glances Duncan thinks he hides. And for Duncan, having fiery TJ constantly close is the ultimate distraction that he absolutely can’t afford. When forced proximity begins to chip away at their armor, buried tensions resurface, old wounds urge confrontation, and once-in-a-lifetime love demands one last chance to finally get it right.
My Thoughts: This was a sweet, fun read. Temperance Jean “TJ” and Duncan had a passion filled summer together at 18 years old, in secret. They have been in an on and off relationship since then. Even with that, they are strangers, only able to have adversarial banter, small talk that is stiff and awkward, and still having the occasional hook up. TJ is visiting her hometown for the summer. A wedding (the characters from first book) brings them back together, even as much as they try to avoid each other. Duncan cannot afford having a TJ distraction and TJ can feel Duncan staring a mile away. Old wounds inch to the surface, deep tensions submerge to a boiling point, and two soulmates have only one opportunity to strike gold. This follows the tropes of forced proximity and second chance romance.
This story is a follow up book to Bend Towards the Sun. The Brady family owns the vineyard and TJ is Rowan’s best friend. There are a lot of characters with backstories, and with so much time since the prior novel, it was hard to keep up. The current novel is not advertised as a follow up novel, which could impact readers, thinking this is a standalone. Our two MCs in this story, TJ and Duncan, are both tortured characters. TJ is really misunderstood by her family and hides secrets that she believes she has too. Duncan is also misunderstood by his family and often is unappreciated, and his character soaks in this aspect. Their relationship has too many years of miscommunication, maybe too many to even fully recover. The characters were created with depth, well fleshed out, witty banter, chemistry, and were creatively executed. The author’s writing style was complex, thought-provoking, engaging, and steamy. The family dynamics that was created, especially for the Brady family were well executed and makes you want to be part of that family.
This was a balanced read with some really tender moments with hard topics balanced with some funny movements. It was beautifully written. I would recommend picking up.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Jen Devon
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: Temperance Jean Madigan and Duncan Brady have never gotten it right. After one radiant, secret summer together when they were eighteen, they’ve been on-again off-again ever since. Now, despite red-hot chemistry and TJ’s closeness with Duncan’s family, they’re virtually strangers, only capable of adversarial banter, awkward small talk―and the occasional messy hookup.
When a wedding at the Brady’s vineyard lands TJ there for the summer, their mutual avoidance strategies prove impossible. The last thing TJ wants is to be under those angsty, heated glances Duncan thinks he hides. And for Duncan, having fiery TJ constantly close is the ultimate distraction that he absolutely can’t afford. When forced proximity begins to chip away at their armor, buried tensions resurface, old wounds urge confrontation, and once-in-a-lifetime love demands one last chance to finally get it right.
My Thoughts: This was a sweet, fun read. Temperance Jean “TJ” and Duncan had a passion filled summer together at 18 years old, in secret. They have been in an on and off relationship since then. Even with that, they are strangers, only able to have adversarial banter, small talk that is stiff and awkward, and still having the occasional hook up. TJ is visiting her hometown for the summer. A wedding (the characters from first book) brings them back together, even as much as they try to avoid each other. Duncan cannot afford having a TJ distraction and TJ can feel Duncan staring a mile away. Old wounds inch to the surface, deep tensions submerge to a boiling point, and two soulmates have only one opportunity to strike gold. This follows the tropes of forced proximity and second chance romance.
This story is a follow up book to Bend Towards the Sun. The Brady family owns the vineyard and TJ is Rowan’s best friend. There are a lot of characters with backstories, and with so much time since the prior novel, it was hard to keep up. The current novel is not advertised as a follow up novel, which could impact readers, thinking this is a standalone. Our two MCs in this story, TJ and Duncan, are both tortured characters. TJ is really misunderstood by her family and hides secrets that she believes she has too. Duncan is also misunderstood by his family and often is unappreciated, and his character soaks in this aspect. Their relationship has too many years of miscommunication, maybe too many to even fully recover. The characters were created with depth, well fleshed out, witty banter, chemistry, and were creatively executed. The author’s writing style was complex, thought-provoking, engaging, and steamy. The family dynamics that was created, especially for the Brady family were well executed and makes you want to be part of that family.
This was a balanced read with some really tender moments with hard topics balanced with some funny movements. It was beautifully written. I would recommend picking up.
March 25, 2024
TL;DR It's giving Happy Place by Emily Henry with a larger gap between the "first" and "second chance" so to speak.
I received the ARC for this book through a Goodreads Giveaway and, my first ARC ever, so I felt a lot of responsibility to write a great review to give people an idea of what to expect if they pick up this book. Thankfully, it looks like there are PLENTY of other people who received the ARC so that lifted the weight of perfectionism (barely) off my shoulders so here is my contribution to the discourse.
From the get-go there were two main thoughts that I had about this book: "I'm missing something" and "I'm absolutely hooked". I've read romance trilogies "out-of-order" a few times, so to speak so I figured that had happened again (and I was correct). I was tempted to put this book down and get a copy of "Bend Toward the Sun" so I could get to the bottom of what I was missing, but I already waited a solid month after receiving the book to start it and wanted to make sure I got my review out far in advance of the official release. I would definitely suggest that readers pick up "Bend Toward the Sun" first as I feel like my experience with this book would have been enhanced had I had a little more background, but this certainly wasn't a bad "stand-alone" (may I also say, I'm excited for the final book in the trilogy since I can guess who the Main Love Interests will be!).
Now, if you read my TLDR, you'll see that I likened this book to Emily Henry's Happy Place and I don't want to go too in depth about the parallels I see because I don't want to post any spoilers, but I would say that this book took some of the things that I didn't love about Happy Place and improved upon them while also having its very own "second chance" story. That being said, there were also things that I preferred how they were done in Happy Place versus Right Where We Left Us, but that's not to say that this book "did it wrong" or anything, but it is also why I rated it 4 stars instead of 5.
I would also like to say that there is a very large chance that I am not meant for ARCs because all the typos I found really took me out of the experience. It says very clearly on my book that it's not the finished version so I knew there could be issues like that, but there were TOO many for me to ignore them. That could also have contributed to the 4 star. My guess is, without that, I probably would have rated the book 4.5 stars and went ahead and rounded up to 5 on Goodreads.
All in all, this is a fantastic book and I will be upset if it's not in the Goodreads Choice Awards this year because it deserves to be in the top 20 at least, especially since it is so similar to last year's winner for Romance. But it also deserves to be there because Temperance and Duncan's story and their love is so beautiful, the descriptions of that love and longing were so well written, I almost felt them myself, not to mention the spice was SPICING! This book was worth every minute of my time and honestly is worth my money enough that I might consider getting a final copy (especially because the front cover is the most BEAUTIFUL purple and my ARC's spine is white 😭 I want the pretty purple on my shelf!) once the book comes out in June. But this book, check it out from the library, share with a friend, do whatever you have to do to get your hands on this book!
I received the ARC for this book through a Goodreads Giveaway and, my first ARC ever, so I felt a lot of responsibility to write a great review to give people an idea of what to expect if they pick up this book. Thankfully, it looks like there are PLENTY of other people who received the ARC so that lifted the weight of perfectionism (barely) off my shoulders so here is my contribution to the discourse.
From the get-go there were two main thoughts that I had about this book: "I'm missing something" and "I'm absolutely hooked". I've read romance trilogies "out-of-order" a few times, so to speak so I figured that had happened again (and I was correct). I was tempted to put this book down and get a copy of "Bend Toward the Sun" so I could get to the bottom of what I was missing, but I already waited a solid month after receiving the book to start it and wanted to make sure I got my review out far in advance of the official release. I would definitely suggest that readers pick up "Bend Toward the Sun" first as I feel like my experience with this book would have been enhanced had I had a little more background, but this certainly wasn't a bad "stand-alone" (may I also say, I'm excited for the final book in the trilogy since I can guess who the Main Love Interests will be!).
Now, if you read my TLDR, you'll see that I likened this book to Emily Henry's Happy Place and I don't want to go too in depth about the parallels I see because I don't want to post any spoilers, but I would say that this book took some of the things that I didn't love about Happy Place and improved upon them while also having its very own "second chance" story. That being said, there were also things that I preferred how they were done in Happy Place versus Right Where We Left Us, but that's not to say that this book "did it wrong" or anything, but it is also why I rated it 4 stars instead of 5.
I would also like to say that there is a very large chance that I am not meant for ARCs because all the typos I found really took me out of the experience. It says very clearly on my book that it's not the finished version so I knew there could be issues like that, but there were TOO many for me to ignore them. That could also have contributed to the 4 star. My guess is, without that, I probably would have rated the book 4.5 stars and went ahead and rounded up to 5 on Goodreads.
All in all, this is a fantastic book and I will be upset if it's not in the Goodreads Choice Awards this year because it deserves to be in the top 20 at least, especially since it is so similar to last year's winner for Romance. But it also deserves to be there because Temperance and Duncan's story and their love is so beautiful, the descriptions of that love and longing were so well written, I almost felt them myself, not to mention the spice was SPICING! This book was worth every minute of my time and honestly is worth my money enough that I might consider getting a final copy (especially because the front cover is the most BEAUTIFUL purple and my ARC's spine is white 😭 I want the pretty purple on my shelf!) once the book comes out in June. But this book, check it out from the library, share with a friend, do whatever you have to do to get your hands on this book!
June 18, 2024
I love a second chance romance, and I was rooting for Temperance and Duncan to figure out their sh!t and get together.
I was a little confused as to why they weren’t together, and I would have loved flashbacks or a dual timeline to show what happened in their past.
I still felt the emotion and SO MUCH ANGST - they very clearly loved one another deeply, were meant to be together, and were each getting in their own way.
For some reason this isn’t listed as a series, but it’s most definitely book 2 (following Bend Toward the Sun).
I happened to read some early reviews that said they felt like they were missing something without having read the first book, and I’m glad I did and went ahead and read it.
I have to agree, I’m not sure this can be read as a standalone. I big part of why I enjoyed it was because I was already invested in these characters & the side characters that played a large part in the story.
I absolutely ADORED Bend Toward the Sun, and highly recommend starting there ☀️ I’ll be sharing my review soon (catching up on new releases of arcs first).
I’m still giving this a 4, mostly because I’m invested in this “world.”
I really hope to get a Frankie + Malcom book next - the little bits we’ve gotten so far have me desperately wanting to read their story!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
tropes + topics:
2️⃣ second chance
💖 first love
💛 best friend’s brother
🔗 forced proximity
🫶🏼 found family
🐢 slow burn
💞 dual 3rd person pov
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
*Connect with Me*
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I was a little confused as to why they weren’t together, and I would have loved flashbacks or a dual timeline to show what happened in their past.
I still felt the emotion and SO MUCH ANGST - they very clearly loved one another deeply, were meant to be together, and were each getting in their own way.
For some reason this isn’t listed as a series, but it’s most definitely book 2 (following Bend Toward the Sun).
I happened to read some early reviews that said they felt like they were missing something without having read the first book, and I’m glad I did and went ahead and read it.
I have to agree, I’m not sure this can be read as a standalone. I big part of why I enjoyed it was because I was already invested in these characters & the side characters that played a large part in the story.
I absolutely ADORED Bend Toward the Sun, and highly recommend starting there ☀️ I’ll be sharing my review soon (catching up on new releases of arcs first).
I’m still giving this a 4, mostly because I’m invested in this “world.”
I really hope to get a Frankie + Malcom book next - the little bits we’ve gotten so far have me desperately wanting to read their story!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
tropes + topics:
2️⃣ second chance
💖 first love
💛 best friend’s brother
🔗 forced proximity
🫶🏼 found family
🐢 slow burn
💞 dual 3rd person pov
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
*Connect with Me*
🤍 Instagram 🤍 Blog 🤍 Email 🤍
February 18, 2025
Romance-wise, this wasn't my favorite, even though I was really hyped for Temperance and Duncan. Bend Toward the Sun was so perfectly up my alley that I wanted that here, but I really kind of saw it coming.
There are a lot of reasons for that, largely stemming from this being a second chance romance solidly comprised of tropes that aren't ones I tend to enjoy: misunderstandings, mutual pining, angst. My only actual complaint is that I do not understand why it took them SO FREAKING LONG to talk. Some of the misunderstandings and issues were understandable given their age when they broke up (18). I actually even think it's cool that it's a romance where the hero ; I've never seen that done, and I thought the way it was handled was thoughtful in multiple ways.
Even though I didn't really love the romantic arc, I did enjoy the banter and chemistry between these two. Jen Devon is so good at writing that. I especially enjoyed the last 100-150 pages where they started communicating finally. I flew through the end, once there was emotional progress and not just tension.
But hey, even though I didn't like the tropes used, I still enjoyed the book a lot, because I'm so attached to this whole family and friend group. I am crushed there won't be more books in this series (unless the author self-pubs), which uh I would buy that. Even though I don't think Mal and Frankie would be my tropes either.
I highly recommend Jen Devon to contemporary romance fans. And if you love pining and second chance, you will LOVE this.
There are a lot of reasons for that, largely stemming from this being a second chance romance solidly comprised of tropes that aren't ones I tend to enjoy: misunderstandings, mutual pining, angst. My only actual complaint is that I do not understand why it took them SO FREAKING LONG to talk. Some of the misunderstandings and issues were understandable given their age when they broke up (18). I actually even think it's cool that it's a romance where the hero ; I've never seen that done, and I thought the way it was handled was thoughtful in multiple ways.
Even though I didn't really love the romantic arc, I did enjoy the banter and chemistry between these two. Jen Devon is so good at writing that. I especially enjoyed the last 100-150 pages where they started communicating finally. I flew through the end, once there was emotional progress and not just tension.
But hey, even though I didn't like the tropes used, I still enjoyed the book a lot, because I'm so attached to this whole family and friend group. I am crushed there won't be more books in this series (unless the author self-pubs), which uh I would buy that. Even though I don't think Mal and Frankie would be my tropes either.
I highly recommend Jen Devon to contemporary romance fans. And if you love pining and second chance, you will LOVE this.
June 5, 2024
I have to start this review with saying that I did not read the first book Bend Towards the Sun. I am slightly regretful because I think it might have made this a better read. Right at the start of the book we are introduced to the Brady family and a slew of characters. I needed a family tree to try to keep it all straight as many characters also had nicknames. That said, this book is considered a stand alone but I really do think it would be much better having read the first book and getting to know the characters.
Right Where We Left Us follows Temperance and Duncan and their fraught history of on and off again love. Their story is truly beautiful and the writing was so descriptive, I really feel like I was there. The story spans 14 years, I would have liked to have more details on their history to try to better understand their actions but over all I enjoyed the book.
I definitely would read more from Jen Devon. I am going to go back and read the first book to see if I can gain a better understanding of the characters and how they fit together.
Thank you Jen Devon, Net Galley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Right Where We Left Us follows Temperance and Duncan and their fraught history of on and off again love. Their story is truly beautiful and the writing was so descriptive, I really feel like I was there. The story spans 14 years, I would have liked to have more details on their history to try to better understand their actions but over all I enjoyed the book.
I definitely would read more from Jen Devon. I am going to go back and read the first book to see if I can gain a better understanding of the characters and how they fit together.
Thank you Jen Devon, Net Galley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
April 16, 2024
Right Where We Left Us
"Real love can be messy, T.J. Anyone who says otherwise is either doing it wrong, or they just haven't gotten down to the bones of it yet."
Oh my stars, the PINING! The second chance romance worked SO WELL for me! I do NOT often say that, but I adored the pining, the backstory, the chemistry, the BANTER and the delight that Jen Devon wove into Duncan and Temperance's love story.
Set back at Cloud Tide winery, Temperance and Duncan are continually thrown together for wedding related activities to celebrate Rowan and Harry. The meddling friends work, and eventually Temperance and Duncan call a truce because they'd rather not waste another second not being together.
SO DELIGHTFUL. Devon has a beautiful way with words. Her imagery and love declarations - my heart.
Y'all don't sleep on this one! Much like Duncan, this one is "the embodiment of full-throttle joy".
Check this one out for:
Second chance romance
Forced proximity
Best friend's brother
Small town setting
Right Where We Left Us is on shelves June 18, 2024! Thank you to Netgalley and St Martin's Press for this ARC. My opinions are my own.
"Real love can be messy, T.J. Anyone who says otherwise is either doing it wrong, or they just haven't gotten down to the bones of it yet."
Oh my stars, the PINING! The second chance romance worked SO WELL for me! I do NOT often say that, but I adored the pining, the backstory, the chemistry, the BANTER and the delight that Jen Devon wove into Duncan and Temperance's love story.
Set back at Cloud Tide winery, Temperance and Duncan are continually thrown together for wedding related activities to celebrate Rowan and Harry. The meddling friends work, and eventually Temperance and Duncan call a truce because they'd rather not waste another second not being together.
SO DELIGHTFUL. Devon has a beautiful way with words. Her imagery and love declarations - my heart.
Y'all don't sleep on this one! Much like Duncan, this one is "the embodiment of full-throttle joy".
Check this one out for:
Second chance romance
Forced proximity
Best friend's brother
Small town setting
Right Where We Left Us is on shelves June 18, 2024! Thank you to Netgalley and St Martin's Press for this ARC. My opinions are my own.
June 17, 2024
Temperance Madigan has never been able to fully close off her heart to Duncan Brady ever since their summer fling when they were eighteen. But now that her best friend Rowan is getting married to Duncan’s brother Harry, Temperance and Duncan can’t escape each other no matter how hard they try. As they prepare Cloud Nine vineyard for the wedding and start spending time together Temperance and Duncan try to keep their feelings from running away with them once again. But past memories and undeniable chemistry can’t keep Duncan and Temperance apart. When the choice between careers and happiness converge Temperance and Duncan must decide if everything they have is worth a second chance.
Jen Devon once again writes a stellar, beautifully raw romance in the most transportive and picturesque rural Pennsylvania setting. The characters are fighting for their own self worth and discovery which is a journey we all take as adults and can connect with. And I think we would all like a support system like the Brady family and friends like Rowan and Frankie. Their love and community is enviable. What an all around fantastic read!
Jen Devon once again writes a stellar, beautifully raw romance in the most transportive and picturesque rural Pennsylvania setting. The characters are fighting for their own self worth and discovery which is a journey we all take as adults and can connect with. And I think we would all like a support system like the Brady family and friends like Rowan and Frankie. Their love and community is enviable. What an all around fantastic read!
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