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Tanner and Esme
Esme
Things can become clear in a second. When I found Tanner in his office with that woman, so many things became obvious. Tanner's always held himself back from me, but now, secrets and lies come tumbling out into the light. He's never loved me and he never will. I'm no longer willing to be a placeholder in his life, and I have to end our marriage.
Tanner
I'd been married for four years to someone I didn't believe I loved because I thought I still loved another woman. A woman I had to give up when I chose to marry my wife after I got her pregnant.
Now, the other woman's back, she's divorced and is telling me it's our time to be together.
Just as soon as I divorce my wife, who's pregnant with our second child.
The allure of the past was impossible to resist, so I gave in, met her at my office and my wife found us just...after.
So many things became clear to me even before I looked into my wife's devastated eyes.
What had I done?
I knew what I'd done, and now I had to prove to my wife that she's the one I want.
Things can become clear in a second. When I found Tanner in his office with that woman, so many things became obvious. Tanner's always held himself back from me, but now, secrets and lies come tumbling out into the light. He's never loved me and he never will. I'm no longer willing to be a placeholder in his life, and I have to end our marriage.
Tanner
I'd been married for four years to someone I didn't believe I loved because I thought I still loved another woman. A woman I had to give up when I chose to marry my wife after I got her pregnant.
Now, the other woman's back, she's divorced and is telling me it's our time to be together.
Just as soon as I divorce my wife, who's pregnant with our second child.
The allure of the past was impossible to resist, so I gave in, met her at my office and my wife found us just...after.
So many things became clear to me even before I looked into my wife's devastated eyes.
What had I done?
I knew what I'd done, and now I had to prove to my wife that she's the one I want.
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Published January 1, 2023
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January 23, 2024I'm not going to rate this, as I know that I'm biased toward stories that have a cheating trope.
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Background:
Tanner's first love, Mindy, got divorced, and his brother reconnected them. He went to his brother's house as he was throwing a party, and Mindy was invited. They flirted until it led to a full-blown make-out session. Then, after a week of incessant texts from her, they met in his office, where she gave him a head. Esme walked in on them (aftermath), and based on their appearance, she knew right then and there what just happened.
========
I knew what I was jumping into, and I did my best to be open-minded about it. Not about the cheating, but with the way Tanner would redeem himself. I have to admit it was a freaking struggle, and my heart was heavy for the first half of this story. I was an utter mess for the majority of this book because I don't understand how a person can betray someone they are supposed to love. I cried so hard, like Esme did, because the excuse he gave was just not making sense and so selfish.
They got divorced, but Tanner didn't want that. He said he wanted to fix what he broke, but Esme was done with him. So for the past year, he went to therapy to see where he went wrong. He made it his goal to improve himself, to be a better father, son, businessman, and person overall. While doing so, he started to build something new with Esme, and he started by being her friend and supporter. She got back to studying after their divorce, and Tanner was by her side all that time, helping her to be more focused on her studies and making her life a bit easier.
They were divorced for more than a year, and Esme dated other people during this time. Tanner knew all about it, and although he was dying inside every time she went on a date, (look how the tables turned) he never said anything about it because he knew how much he fucked up and he didn't have any right. He waits patiently for her, and the idea of dating someone else didn't even cross his mind. There had been no one else for him after the cheating incident. After more than a year of therapy and knowing himself a little better, he's so confident that it has to be Esme or no one else.
I have to say, Tanner did redeem himself. I was surprised too, and that was saying something. He really changed, stepped up in so many ways, and became the man that Esme and their kids needed. Tbh, I can't blame Esme for taking him back, because even I see how hard he worked to better himself. Tanner became so much more than what was expected of him.
But then again, I am me, and cheating is my deal-breaker. Despite seeing all these changes and improvements, I will never be able to get back with someone who betrayed me that way. I might forgive them, but I will never forget what they did. I don't even think I can build friendship with them, it's close to impossible, and obviously this is a me problem.
Anyway, I did like the redemption and that it took them almost 3 years before they got married again. I'm not sure if I'm happy they got back together, though. 🤷♀️
========
Background:
Tanner's first love, Mindy, got divorced, and his brother reconnected them. He went to his brother's house as he was throwing a party, and Mindy was invited. They flirted until it led to a full-blown make-out session. Then, after a week of incessant texts from her, they met in his office, where she gave him a head. Esme walked in on them (aftermath), and based on their appearance, she knew right then and there what just happened.
========
I knew what I was jumping into, and I did my best to be open-minded about it. Not about the cheating, but with the way Tanner would redeem himself. I have to admit it was a freaking struggle, and my heart was heavy for the first half of this story. I was an utter mess for the majority of this book because I don't understand how a person can betray someone they are supposed to love. I cried so hard, like Esme did, because the excuse he gave was just not making sense and so selfish.
They got divorced, but Tanner didn't want that. He said he wanted to fix what he broke, but Esme was done with him. So for the past year, he went to therapy to see where he went wrong. He made it his goal to improve himself, to be a better father, son, businessman, and person overall. While doing so, he started to build something new with Esme, and he started by being her friend and supporter. She got back to studying after their divorce, and Tanner was by her side all that time, helping her to be more focused on her studies and making her life a bit easier.
They were divorced for more than a year, and Esme dated other people during this time. Tanner knew all about it, and although he was dying inside every time she went on a date, (look how the tables turned) he never said anything about it because he knew how much he fucked up and he didn't have any right. He waits patiently for her, and the idea of dating someone else didn't even cross his mind. There had been no one else for him after the cheating incident. After more than a year of therapy and knowing himself a little better, he's so confident that it has to be Esme or no one else.
I have to say, Tanner did redeem himself. I was surprised too, and that was saying something. He really changed, stepped up in so many ways, and became the man that Esme and their kids needed. Tbh, I can't blame Esme for taking him back, because even I see how hard he worked to better himself. Tanner became so much more than what was expected of him.
But then again, I am me, and cheating is my deal-breaker. Despite seeing all these changes and improvements, I will never be able to get back with someone who betrayed me that way. I might forgive them, but I will never forget what they did. I don't even think I can build friendship with them, it's close to impossible, and obviously this is a me problem.
Anyway, I did like the redemption and that it took them almost 3 years before they got married again. I'm not sure if I'm happy they got back together, though. 🤷♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2024
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Liked it!
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Wattpad
Excellent story that completely hooked me.
Our villain got what she deserved and it was a delight to know. Karma is a bitch.
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Wattpad
Excellent story that completely hooked me.
Our villain got what she deserved and it was a delight to know. Karma is a bitch.
June 13, 2024
PS: I just read "Izan and Mist by GroveltoHEA" and I want to write a review. Anyone knows how to add this on GR?
December 28, 2023
He was such an idiot. He cheated with his first love. But he did and it was disgusting. He did have epic groveling but they got divorced and I guess this is still being written so I don't know if she is really dating someone. So far its hard to rate because of his nothing of an excuse. But it was gross. The writing is good and I read it. Even with the cheating so my bad. But I do like the author. They have been separated over a year and HR has been celibate and going to therapy. She was pregnant when he cheated and they already had a son. Cheating was a blow from his ex girlfriend that he loved. But once he did it, he was disgusted with himself. He never wanted her again
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2024
It's unusual to read from the pov of someone who is at fault and try to set things right. It was refreshing and interesting. You usually get the pain from the one that was wronged and not from the other side.
April 28, 2024
One of my favorites by her OMFG the way I hated tanner in the beginning but loved him by the end .. it certainly helped that esme stuck to her guns I loved the heroine she was so amazing the way she cared for her kids and then her self was great to see tanner did not deserve her.
I believed in their HEA at the end it was believable for me that they could work it out because they communicate very well the second time and also I loved seeing tanners emotional growth he was so Immature at the beginning I honestly didn’t think he could win me over but I’m so happy they they got together at the end
I believed in their HEA at the end it was believable for me that they could work it out because they communicate very well the second time and also I loved seeing tanners emotional growth he was so Immature at the beginning I honestly didn’t think he could win me over but I’m so happy they they got together at the end
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January 25, 2024Self note - MC cheats on his wife when they were happy with no marriage troubles. Can't excuse that.
Don't read.
Don't read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2024
3.5 stars 🌟
October 29, 2024
Not bad. Tanner was an ass there was no doubting that. The ow angst was high which is always appreciated. The only thing that bugged me which is why I took off a star was how much the inner monologue of both characters was repeated. It was the same thing over and over again until the end and I found myself skimming those parts because it was just repeated thought processes. Overall enjoyed and will continue reading from this author because there's guaranteed angst.
July 23, 2025
To say I dislike OW drama and cheating is an understatement. So for a story that contained these components to get a 4 star rating from me … it feels like the review should start and end with “enough said.”
I recently discovered this author and am thoroughly enjoying her back catalog. Why are you not published wider (I consumed works via an online platform.) Though many are novella size I could easily see several strung together and published as a compilation.
Actually in the current trend of duet, trilogies the length of these were a breath of fresh air. Just enough to tell the story with little to no filler.
I recently discovered this author and am thoroughly enjoying her back catalog. Why are you not published wider (I consumed works via an online platform.) Though many are novella size I could easily see several strung together and published as a compilation.
Actually in the current trend of duet, trilogies the length of these were a breath of fresh air. Just enough to tell the story with little to no filler.
February 11, 2025
Never thought I’d touch a cheating book with a 10 foot barge pole but here we are.
This author has earned the title of ‘grovel queen’ for sure. I did not think I would ever like Tanner. Cheating is a deal breaker for me, but I gotta hand it to the guy he actually went and worked on himself. The character development was just *chefs kiss*.
If I were Esme, would I have got back with this guy? Hell no. But did I end up liking Tanner and believing he’d grown up? Yes. Did I feel ooey gooey as Esme and Tanner fell back in love? Sure did.
Can all book guys get therapy, please? It does wonders.
This author has earned the title of ‘grovel queen’ for sure. I did not think I would ever like Tanner. Cheating is a deal breaker for me, but I gotta hand it to the guy he actually went and worked on himself. The character development was just *chefs kiss*.
If I were Esme, would I have got back with this guy? Hell no. But did I end up liking Tanner and believing he’d grown up? Yes. Did I feel ooey gooey as Esme and Tanner fell back in love? Sure did.
Can all book guys get therapy, please? It does wonders.
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January 22, 2024WIP
Want to read
January 31, 2024I'm reading this now. and I LOVE his mom- she is team Ez all the way and this quote made me DIEEEEE laughing. His mom is 100% on her side which is so nice to see in stories like this.
SO the mom--- she is a star of this story so far lol
So she throws his (her cheating son's)cloths on the lawn and then:
"you need to get your clothes and go, Tanner."...."Your mother threw everything out there and then spent half an hour doing donuts with her car over your clothes. She said to tell you to clean up your filth and then leave."
SO the mom--- she is a star of this story so far lol
So she throws his (her cheating son's)cloths on the lawn and then:
"you need to get your clothes and go, Tanner."...."Your mother threw everything out there and then spent half an hour doing donuts with her car over your clothes. She said to tell you to clean up your filth and then leave."
April 7, 2024
This awesome Wattpad story involves a Hero cheating with his ex. The ENTIRE STORY revolves around this cheating scene and break up. If this isn't your cuppa, then move on and read something else, and FFS stop giving one star ratings to books you will never read just because you don't like cheating stories. For the rest of us who love and thrive on reading heartbreaking/soul sucking stories, this is the story is for YOU!
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I just did a re-read of this story and I'm ashamed of myself for not giving this baby a proper review the first time around. GrovelToHea has become my favorite go to for angsty reads, and she absolutely outdid herself with this story. Holy hell.....
This is a cheating story with the actual cheating scene off page, but the wife walks in just after the deed was done, seeing enough to know EXACTLY what happened. I didn't even need to witness the actual cheating scene, the story starts off with a kick to the gut devastation that doesn't stop for most of the story. There is nothing like the angst of a broken up marriage from cheating story, and this one had so many agonizing feels.
This hidden part of the review has serious spoilers in it. Only read if you are okay with having most of the story spoiled for you.
The journey that Tanner had to take to get his wife back was worth it all. His regret was on full display and there was plenty of grovel to melt my heart. I was pulling for these two to get back together through the whole story and I was 100% happy with the way these two finally got their happy ending.
This story had all the angsty heartbreak and devastation feels I could ever ask for and more. The evil ex got what she had coming to her, and even though I wish we could have seen Tanner's brother get his ass kicked for real, I still loved this entire story. It was SO GOOD!!
***********************************************
I just did a re-read of this story and I'm ashamed of myself for not giving this baby a proper review the first time around. GrovelToHea has become my favorite go to for angsty reads, and she absolutely outdid herself with this story. Holy hell.....
This is a cheating story with the actual cheating scene off page, but the wife walks in just after the deed was done, seeing enough to know EXACTLY what happened. I didn't even need to witness the actual cheating scene, the story starts off with a kick to the gut devastation that doesn't stop for most of the story. There is nothing like the angst of a broken up marriage from cheating story, and this one had so many agonizing feels.
This hidden part of the review has serious spoilers in it. Only read if you are okay with having most of the story spoiled for you.
The journey that Tanner had to take to get his wife back was worth it all. His regret was on full display and there was plenty of grovel to melt my heart. I was pulling for these two to get back together through the whole story and I was 100% happy with the way these two finally got their happy ending.
This story had all the angsty heartbreak and devastation feels I could ever ask for and more. The evil ex got what she had coming to her, and even though I wish we could have seen Tanner's brother get his ass kicked for real, I still loved this entire story. It was SO GOOD!!
July 25, 2024
So I'm truly confused by all the people reviewing this talking about how they'd never forgive a cheater, blah, blah, blah. OK, so you dislike cheating and there's never a good reason for it, but you go into a book KNOWING there's cheating and that the couple get back together, and then you complain about the FMC forgiving the MMC because YOU would never forgive or move forward with a cheater?! Why do people read books they know they won't enjoy? Isn't life too short for that? Do we truly not feel happy unless we can complain about something?
Honestly, I LOVE cheating books because I LOVE angst. Would I ever, personally, forgive or move forward with a cheater? NO. But I do love when an FMC makes the cheater work for it. Sadly, most times, I don't feel the cheater grovels or does enough work to earn her forgiveness, but I still enjoy the story, not as much as I enjoyed this one because in this one Tanner most definitely puts in the work to earn Esme back. She doesn't just believe that he's changed and get back together with him. She truly makes him work for it. She dates other people; both go to therapy because they both need to grow up and realize their own mistakes, not at all saying hers is equivalent to his, but she didn't put her feelings out there either. The assumption was always that they didn't love each other but made it work for the kids and had a decent relationship. She never told him her feelings changed, that she loved him and wondered based on his actions if he felt the same. Granted based on some of his thoughts and behaviors it seemed like he did love her, but he didn't recognize it as love. Both grew up and worked on themselves. It took years for them to ever start dating again. He wanted to date her but didn't want to push, so he worked to be her friend first. He wasn't just a weekend dad; he took them more than the custody agreement allowed and stepped up to help her, so she could go back to school and get her degree. He continually told his brother who kept putting into his head that he wasn't happy with Esme for his own shitty reasons and his ex that he was done and to leave him alone, even when Esme wasn't around to hear it. So do I think Tanner's reason for cheating was ok? No. Do I think out of all of the cheating books I've read that he deserved forgiveness and a second chance? Yes, even if I wouldn't give him that chance myself. I feel like this book dealt with cheating in a pretty healthy and realistic way. I don't think ppl in a relationship where someone cheated should just jump back into their relationship with no counseling or no work on either side. I think they both handled things well, esp. with the children. They didn't drag the kids into the middle of anything and got along to ensure the kids had what they needed from both of them. So all in all, one of my fave cheating books ever.
Honestly, I LOVE cheating books because I LOVE angst. Would I ever, personally, forgive or move forward with a cheater? NO. But I do love when an FMC makes the cheater work for it. Sadly, most times, I don't feel the cheater grovels or does enough work to earn her forgiveness, but I still enjoy the story, not as much as I enjoyed this one because in this one Tanner most definitely puts in the work to earn Esme back. She doesn't just believe that he's changed and get back together with him. She truly makes him work for it. She dates other people; both go to therapy because they both need to grow up and realize their own mistakes, not at all saying hers is equivalent to his, but she didn't put her feelings out there either. The assumption was always that they didn't love each other but made it work for the kids and had a decent relationship. She never told him her feelings changed, that she loved him and wondered based on his actions if he felt the same. Granted based on some of his thoughts and behaviors it seemed like he did love her, but he didn't recognize it as love. Both grew up and worked on themselves. It took years for them to ever start dating again. He wanted to date her but didn't want to push, so he worked to be her friend first. He wasn't just a weekend dad; he took them more than the custody agreement allowed and stepped up to help her, so she could go back to school and get her degree. He continually told his brother who kept putting into his head that he wasn't happy with Esme for his own shitty reasons and his ex that he was done and to leave him alone, even when Esme wasn't around to hear it. So do I think Tanner's reason for cheating was ok? No. Do I think out of all of the cheating books I've read that he deserved forgiveness and a second chance? Yes, even if I wouldn't give him that chance myself. I feel like this book dealt with cheating in a pretty healthy and realistic way. I don't think ppl in a relationship where someone cheated should just jump back into their relationship with no counseling or no work on either side. I think they both handled things well, esp. with the children. They didn't drag the kids into the middle of anything and got along to ensure the kids had what they needed from both of them. So all in all, one of my fave cheating books ever.
February 14, 2024
Another GtH story where women are expected to shoulder the burden of the self development of the man. It's a typical story where the MMC develops his emotional EQ at the EXPENSE of the FMC (his wife's) emotional wellbeing, sexual health, and sense of safety in their family.
Tanner treats Esme like an incubator that he enjoys having as a roommate. It was his idea to try for a second child and had the audacity to run out the door to meet the OW for a blowjob in his office and blame it on quickly disappearing youth.
He felt entitled to cheat on his wife because at the end of the day he believed that it was her fault for getting pregnant and "ruining his youth and the dreams he had for the future with the OW" never mind, it was his idea to get married and it was explicitly HIS idea to have a second child because he "liked seeing her swollen with his child".
The MMC's sense of entitlement to relive his glory days and re-connect/fuck his first love was nauseating and hearing how just how unrepentant he was about cheating on his wife was SICKENING.
I also recognize there is an clear pattern of internalized misogyny with the author where her FMC's desire to be with a partner that is faithful is written to be a completely unrealistic expectation which is the biggest load of bullshit considering it's FICTION.
Each of her MMCs are completely and utterly pathetic and are gentle parented into learning that their actions affect their partner and that cheating is wrong AFTER they completely destroy the sense of safety and fidelity of the FMC.
Almost every single supporting/secondary character coddles and holds the cheating MMC's hand into the realization that what they've done is wrong and they shouldn't feel entitled to have their partners and an OW on the side. 🙄
The mom was the only one who held it down but it she's the reason he even exists so that's on her that her two sons are absolutely shit human beings. I couldn't even imagine how much guilt I would feel knowing I brought two unredeemably shitty men into the world that treated women like that.
I hope Trent gets some kind of horrible virus while he travels abroad and gets diarrhea and dies. He deserves nothing less than to eat it on a toilet.
-cheating MMC
-divorce --> second chance
-OWD
-on page sex scene with OW
-on page cheating scene (MMC & OW)
Tanner treats Esme like an incubator that he enjoys having as a roommate. It was his idea to try for a second child and had the audacity to run out the door to meet the OW for a blowjob in his office and blame it on quickly disappearing youth.
He felt entitled to cheat on his wife because at the end of the day he believed that it was her fault for getting pregnant and "ruining his youth and the dreams he had for the future with the OW" never mind, it was his idea to get married and it was explicitly HIS idea to have a second child because he "liked seeing her swollen with his child".
The MMC's sense of entitlement to relive his glory days and re-connect/fuck his first love was nauseating and hearing how just how unrepentant he was about cheating on his wife was SICKENING.
I also recognize there is an clear pattern of internalized misogyny with the author where her FMC's desire to be with a partner that is faithful is written to be a completely unrealistic expectation which is the biggest load of bullshit considering it's FICTION.
Each of her MMCs are completely and utterly pathetic and are gentle parented into learning that their actions affect their partner and that cheating is wrong AFTER they completely destroy the sense of safety and fidelity of the FMC.
Almost every single supporting/secondary character coddles and holds the cheating MMC's hand into the realization that what they've done is wrong and they shouldn't feel entitled to have their partners and an OW on the side. 🙄
The mom was the only one who held it down but it she's the reason he even exists so that's on her that her two sons are absolutely shit human beings. I couldn't even imagine how much guilt I would feel knowing I brought two unredeemably shitty men into the world that treated women like that.
I hope Trent gets some kind of horrible virus while he travels abroad and gets diarrhea and dies. He deserves nothing less than to eat it on a toilet.
-cheating MMC
-divorce --> second chance
-OWD
-on page sex scene with OW
-on page cheating scene (MMC & OW)
Read
February 18, 2024*won’t be rating these books (or at least some of them) just because I have no idea how I feel about them lol not used to reading books where the asshole gets the girl. Kudos to the author for making me rage out on all the guys in these stories. Can’t stand any of the guys but some get redeemed in my eyes*
💜First person/Multi POV
💜cheating (physical and emotional)
I can’t believe I read my first real cheating book. I don’t know why I did it SIGH. And I actually kind of ended up liking him by the end. 🫣
Esme walks into Tanners office right as he was zipping himself up so at least she didn’t have to see any of it 😩 He got a BJ from his ex and instantly regretted it even before Esme walked in. Convenient that you regret it AFTER you came down that whores mouth. Nor did you regret making out with her the week before 🙄. And I’m ok with calling his ex a whore because she knows he’s been married to Esme for FOUR years.
For the emotional cheating, his ex broke up with him cuz she wanted to see other people before getting back with him. Like 2 weeks after the break up, he meets Esme. He gets her pregnant and chooses to marry her cuz iTs ThE rIgHt ThInG tO dO. The ENIRE relationship he thinks about his ex and views her as the one that got away. He has a wall up with Esme and doesn’t fully open up to her because of his love for the ex. He kind of resents her. You mean to tell me you have been married for four years and you can’t let that whore go? No, you have to literally SPRINT out of the house the moment she says she’ll be at your office, leaving your pregnant wife and child at home just so you can get your dick wet and walk down memory lane. You should have kept walking.
The groveling was great, glad she ACTUALLY divorced his ass. Should have stayed that way honestly but in a way (like a small way) he redeemed himself. BLAH
💜First person/Multi POV
💜cheating (physical and emotional)
I can’t believe I read my first real cheating book. I don’t know why I did it SIGH. And I actually kind of ended up liking him by the end. 🫣
Esme walks into Tanners office right as he was zipping himself up so at least she didn’t have to see any of it 😩 He got a BJ from his ex and instantly regretted it even before Esme walked in. Convenient that you regret it AFTER you came down that whores mouth. Nor did you regret making out with her the week before 🙄. And I’m ok with calling his ex a whore because she knows he’s been married to Esme for FOUR years.
For the emotional cheating, his ex broke up with him cuz she wanted to see other people before getting back with him. Like 2 weeks after the break up, he meets Esme. He gets her pregnant and chooses to marry her cuz iTs ThE rIgHt ThInG tO dO. The ENIRE relationship he thinks about his ex and views her as the one that got away. He has a wall up with Esme and doesn’t fully open up to her because of his love for the ex. He kind of resents her. You mean to tell me you have been married for four years and you can’t let that whore go? No, you have to literally SPRINT out of the house the moment she says she’ll be at your office, leaving your pregnant wife and child at home just so you can get your dick wet and walk down memory lane. You should have kept walking.
The groveling was great, glad she ACTUALLY divorced his ass. Should have stayed that way honestly but in a way (like a small way) he redeemed himself. BLAH
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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April 11, 2024The author blocked me for commenting this on Wattpad so I’ll leave it here.
I'm curious as to why the OW in the stories is never given a second chance.
In every cheating story this author has written, the OW is villianised and morally regresses as a character whereas, the man is given a redemption.
There's never any growth for her but beyond that her life is ruined in an irreparable way. She suffers more than the hero who had the obligation to remain loyal. It wouldn't stick out to me as much if the OW wasn't developed as character further in the book but she always is. Why are men the only ones to be granted with the grace of forgiveness? More importantly why do all these books make the OW suffer so extremely??
Examples of this include:
Tanner and Esme, Tilly and Quest, Tenn and Lark, Mason and Sage, Cage and Gemma, Ivan and Mist, Chain and Genny etc
I might as well add on this review that I find it strange that the author emphasises the fact that the FL does not get with anyone after their break up. The fact that they don’t is not an issue as much as the fact of the author bringing it up and indirectly informing/reassuring the H that the h has only been with him. Even if the FL’s dating or pretending too, rest assured that she has not been defiled by another man.
It’s okay for the H to cheat whilst they’re in a committed relationship but god forbid the FL wants to hook up while they have broken up or divorced.
I'm curious as to why the OW in the stories is never given a second chance.
In every cheating story this author has written, the OW is villianised and morally regresses as a character whereas, the man is given a redemption.
There's never any growth for her but beyond that her life is ruined in an irreparable way. She suffers more than the hero who had the obligation to remain loyal. It wouldn't stick out to me as much if the OW wasn't developed as character further in the book but she always is. Why are men the only ones to be granted with the grace of forgiveness? More importantly why do all these books make the OW suffer so extremely??
Examples of this include:
Tanner and Esme, Tilly and Quest, Tenn and Lark, Mason and Sage, Cage and Gemma, Ivan and Mist, Chain and Genny etc
I might as well add on this review that I find it strange that the author emphasises the fact that the FL does not get with anyone after their break up. The fact that they don’t is not an issue as much as the fact of the author bringing it up and indirectly informing/reassuring the H that the h has only been with him. Even if the FL’s dating or pretending too, rest assured that she has not been defiled by another man.
It’s okay for the H to cheat whilst they’re in a committed relationship but god forbid the FL wants to hook up while they have broken up or divorced.
February 22, 2024
This one wasn't for me. GroveltoHEA is still the best grovel writer in the game though!
The whole story was about Tanner's growth and regret, which I liked, but I felt I never really connected with Esme. Though I don't think she's a weak character, I just didn't really feel that much about her one way or another. Honestly, I felt like Tanner's mom moved the story along and had more personality than Esme did.
His mom also bugged me so bad. She was way too involved, and I can't help but think - why weren't you this involved when your youngest son was being immature and your oldest son had his heart broken so bad that he turned into a raging asshole? I mean something has to be said for a set of parents just raising two seriously emotionally-inept people.
Tanner's remorse was great but it felt like it dragged for too long. Like the book could have been 3 chapters shorter (or more).
In the end (and I have no idea how this happened, I will be talking to my therapist about it) I just felt bad for Trent and hoped that he also got his happy ending too.
Though to be fair, its kind of hard to stay invested in 20 chapters of will they, won't they when its literally in the "toHEA" part of the name - they will.
The whole story was about Tanner's growth and regret, which I liked, but I felt I never really connected with Esme. Though I don't think she's a weak character, I just didn't really feel that much about her one way or another. Honestly, I felt like Tanner's mom moved the story along and had more personality than Esme did.
His mom also bugged me so bad. She was way too involved, and I can't help but think - why weren't you this involved when your youngest son was being immature and your oldest son had his heart broken so bad that he turned into a raging asshole? I mean something has to be said for a set of parents just raising two seriously emotionally-inept people.
Tanner's remorse was great but it felt like it dragged for too long. Like the book could have been 3 chapters shorter (or more).
In the end (and I have no idea how this happened, I will be talking to my therapist about it) I just felt bad for Trent and hoped that he also got his happy ending too.
Though to be fair, its kind of hard to stay invested in 20 chapters of will they, won't they when its literally in the "toHEA" part of the name - they will.
February 28, 2024
I wanted to like this, but the writing drove me nuts and it’s going on DNF.
The same things have been repeated by each person a dozen or so times within the first 3 chapters.
It’s completely insane to me how the parents of the MMC completely cut him out and locked him out of their home in the blink of an eye. I get that he was wrong. But they didn’t even hear his side. Refused to listen to anything he had to say. The mother even throws out all his clothing into the yard and does donuts on everything just to be petty. Then they inform him of how they manipulated his previous relationship and are manipulating him all over again. Kicking both of their children out of their house, even through the holidays. I understand that they’re supporting the FMC, but this was over the top and childish. Especially considering they didn’t even know all of the details on what had happened.
I’m not saying it’s okay to cheat, whatsoever. And I’m not saying a parent should back up their children when they do something despicable. But they fully support their daughter in law and encourage her to leave their son right off the bat without further explanation.
The same things have been repeated by each person a dozen or so times within the first 3 chapters.
It’s completely insane to me how the parents of the MMC completely cut him out and locked him out of their home in the blink of an eye. I get that he was wrong. But they didn’t even hear his side. Refused to listen to anything he had to say. The mother even throws out all his clothing into the yard and does donuts on everything just to be petty. Then they inform him of how they manipulated his previous relationship and are manipulating him all over again. Kicking both of their children out of their house, even through the holidays. I understand that they’re supporting the FMC, but this was over the top and childish. Especially considering they didn’t even know all of the details on what had happened.
I’m not saying it’s okay to cheat, whatsoever. And I’m not saying a parent should back up their children when they do something despicable. But they fully support their daughter in law and encourage her to leave their son right off the bat without further explanation.
June 24, 2025
The only one of GTH’s that I’ve managed to finish. I started off as a fan, purely because of the way she opens with a gut punch.
But I’m quickly realising all of her stories… get a bit boring after that. There’s a lack of emotional depth in her characters that just isn’t giving the pay off you want after a huge betrayal. It reminds me a lot of Maya Alden’s work.
I’m currently reading Paul and Veronica and it’s the same thing - massive gut punch at the start, silent machinations from the h, inexplicable emotional turnaround from the H.
Tanner and Esme is probably one of the few of her stories that deals with character development, and it was great to see that from the H’s POV. The turnaround wasn’t sudden, it was a bit chaotic and messy, but otherwise well developed. And the OW wasn’t as overly cartoonish as some of the OW’s in other books.
Not bad.
But I’m quickly realising all of her stories… get a bit boring after that. There’s a lack of emotional depth in her characters that just isn’t giving the pay off you want after a huge betrayal. It reminds me a lot of Maya Alden’s work.
I’m currently reading Paul and Veronica and it’s the same thing - massive gut punch at the start, silent machinations from the h, inexplicable emotional turnaround from the H.
Tanner and Esme is probably one of the few of her stories that deals with character development, and it was great to see that from the H’s POV. The turnaround wasn’t sudden, it was a bit chaotic and messy, but otherwise well developed. And the OW wasn’t as overly cartoonish as some of the OW’s in other books.
Not bad.
May 20, 2024
I read this book on one of those 'pay per chapter' apps
You know going into this book that its a cheating partner that eventually gets forgiven, but man Ez was such an awesome FL I wish she didnt take him back! She was awesome and clear headed and very logical with everything Tanner put her through. Its a good thing he went to therapy but some things dont need to be forgiven, and it wasnt just the cheating but a 4 year deception in the form of marriage. Mindy and Trent are pieces of work! Im suprised Mindy didnt come back into it more, I doubt someone like her would have backed off, and her ending was stupid sorry to say, but it was a good book that flowed really well.
You know going into this book that its a cheating partner that eventually gets forgiven, but man Ez was such an awesome FL I wish she didnt take him back! She was awesome and clear headed and very logical with everything Tanner put her through. Its a good thing he went to therapy but some things dont need to be forgiven, and it wasnt just the cheating but a 4 year deception in the form of marriage. Mindy and Trent are pieces of work! Im suprised Mindy didnt come back into it more, I doubt someone like her would have backed off, and her ending was stupid sorry to say, but it was a good book that flowed really well.
Read
April 6, 2024Esme find Tanner in his office with his ex girlfriend. They have been married 4 years. They met while Tanner and his ex were on a break and Esme got pregnant. Tanner married her but still had thoughts of his ex. His brother invited old hs friends over and the ex was one of them Esme did not go because she was sick. While there Tanner made out with his ex. She had been texting him and told him to meet at his office. Tanner leaves his house forgetting his phone. Esme goes to take it to him and catches him after his ex gave him a bj
January 30, 2024
5⭐️
Honestly, the character development is what got this story a 5, plus the fact that all the other characters were so wonderful! I couldn’t even REALLY, TRULY be mad while reading because the other characters were such a delight .. minus the obvious two who shall not be named!
But it was a really good read!!
Honestly, the character development is what got this story a 5, plus the fact that all the other characters were so wonderful! I couldn’t even REALLY, TRULY be mad while reading because the other characters were such a delight .. minus the obvious two who shall not be named!
But it was a really good read!!
April 26, 2024
I hate cheating tropes.
But I do read what this writer wrote cause i'm her fan.
But this dude... thinking about him still piss me off.
He literally let his ex gave him a BJ and his wife of four years saw it!
They even have a 3yo child and another one on the way, she literally pregnant!
If it was me, i would never take him back eventhough he make 20 years of grovelling.
But I do read what this writer wrote cause i'm her fan.
But this dude... thinking about him still piss me off.
He literally let his ex gave him a BJ and his wife of four years saw it!
They even have a 3yo child and another one on the way, she literally pregnant!
If it was me, i would never take him back eventhough he make 20 years of grovelling.
October 31, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed Tanner’s redemption arc. His parents were AMAZING, and I loved how they supported Esme. Still struggling to feel for this author’s characters - they just come across really bland to me. These betrayal books should HURT, and I’m not getting that at all. The words are there, but they feel shallow.
February 16, 2024
I absolutely loved this story. A tale of love, betrayal and redemption, this is the best book I’ve read by the author. Tanner owns his cheating right from the start and doesn’t bulldoze Esme into forgiving him. Loved it!
March 1, 2024
I've been seeing this all over my Facebook so I decided to give it a try. And it was good. Like really good. I loved the growth Tanner made as he worked to fix his colossal screw up. And I loved that Esme stood her ground. I'll be reading more from this author.
October 5, 2025
I like that this book was predominantly from the MMC POV. Most of the cheating books I've read are from the cheated on FMC's perspective which is definitely different from the cheating MMC's. Pleasantly surprised at how much I liked it.
January 26, 2024
Although this was cheating, but the grovel was so good.
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