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Jersey Strong #1
The Day We Met
Was it a fling . . . or was it forever?
Another unforgettable love story from USA Today Bestselling Author Barbara Bretton
It's 7:08 on the morning of Maggy O'Brien's thirty-fifth birthday and she's driving carpool in her pajamas and bunny slippers. She can't remember the last time she shaved her legs. She's hasn't slept past dawn since her kids were born and one of them is now a teenager.
Can life possibly get any worse?
The second she sees her sisters waiting impatiently at the foot of her driveway, she knows the answer to that question. Claire and Ellie are staging a makeover intervention and no amount of protest can save Maggy from being cut and colored and waxed to within an inch of her life. And as if that's not enough, they announce she's being banished to Atlantic City for an all-expenses-paid getaway weekend for one.
Maggy isn't a sequins-and-stilettos kind of woman. She's a single mom who is more comfortable pushing a shopping cart through Stop & Shop than sipping champagne in the backseat of a stretch limo headed toward Vegas on the Jersey Shore. Still even Maggy isn't immune to playing Cinderella for a weekend, even if it only means room service lobster and trying her hand at the penny slots.
But when she locks eyes a few hours later with ruggedly handsome police detective Conor Riley, she discovers there's more to Cinderella's story than dancing until midnight.
They agree it's just a fling. A weekend of magic with no strings attached. They'd say goodbye on Sunday night and return to their everyday lives with sweet memories and no regrets.
But Maggy and Conor are about to discover that maybe some flings are meant to last forever . . .
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 1999
470 people are currently reading
941 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Bretton
130 books598 followersBarbara Bretton is the USA Today bestselling, award-winning author of more than 40 books. She currently has over ten million copies in print around the world. Her works have been translated into twelve languages in over twenty countries.
Barbara has been featured in articles in The New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Romantic Times, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Herald News, Home News, Somerset Gazette,among others, and has been interviewed by Independent Network News Television, appeared on the Susan Stamberg Show on NPR, and been featured in an interview with Charles Osgood of WCBS, among others.
Her awards include both Reviewer's Choice and Career Achievement Awards from Romantic Times; Gold and Silver certificates from Affaire de Coeur; the RWA Region 1 Golden Leaf; and several sales awards from Bookrak. Ms. Bretton was included in a recent edition of Contemporary Authors.
Barbara loves to spend as much time as possible in Maine with her husband, walking the rocky beaches and dreaming up plots for upcoming books.
Barbara has been featured in articles in The New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Romantic Times, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Herald News, Home News, Somerset Gazette,among others, and has been interviewed by Independent Network News Television, appeared on the Susan Stamberg Show on NPR, and been featured in an interview with Charles Osgood of WCBS, among others.
Her awards include both Reviewer's Choice and Career Achievement Awards from Romantic Times; Gold and Silver certificates from Affaire de Coeur; the RWA Region 1 Golden Leaf; and several sales awards from Bookrak. Ms. Bretton was included in a recent edition of Contemporary Authors.
Barbara loves to spend as much time as possible in Maine with her husband, walking the rocky beaches and dreaming up plots for upcoming books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
March 1, 2016
Finding love for the second time 3.5 to 4 stars.
The book opens on Maggy O'Brien thirty-fifth birthday, she's a divorced mother of two and as she's driving her daughter Nicole to school in pj's and bunny slippers no less she discovers that her ex-husband is getting re-married, in fact the book opens with the words "Daddy's getting married"
Now Maggy's content with her life she has her children, even if Nicole at fifteen is just the right age to drive her crazy, her job, school and her family and while she's not deliriously happy she's content.
So as I said it's her birthday and her sisters decide enough is enough she's thirty-five not eighty-five and needs a makeover and a glamorous night out to remind her there's more to life.
“No, he can’t cut my hair,” Maggy said, growing annoyed. “Is this a makeover or an execution? Don’t I have any say in what goes on?”
"No!” said the other three in unison.
"You’re stuck in cement,” Ellie said. “It isn’t 1982 any longer, Mags, and you’re not eighteen.”
"Thanks for the reminder.”
Her sisters Claire and Ellie just want to show her how much they appreciate everything she does for them and how much they really care about her and while Maggy appreciates the gesture she can't help thinking she'd be better off at home. Before she can convince the limo driver to turn around they arrive at the casino and she catches site of an attractive man, now it's years since Maggy's felt any kind of attraction like this but there's just something about him that draws her in.
Conor is visiting his brother and catches site of a petite woman getting out of a limo, she's obviously well out of his league but he's intrigued anyway, there's just something about her.
I have to say I enjoyed this book I liked both Conor and Maggy it made a change reading about an older couple finding love for the second time, we get there doubts and uncertainty and it was lovely reading about them finding each other and realising what the future could hold and how much they'd been missing out on.
Being totally honest I have to say this book felt dated, when I checked I discovered it had originally been released back in 1999 so that explained it.
It's not perfect there were certain things I didn't like including both their family's reactions to this growing relationship but overall it's a lovely sweet romance.
September 4, 2017
This was free on Kindle via one of the Bookbub deals a few months ago - I picked it up so that I'd have something for a day when I needed something fluffy, light and easy to read.
This was written in the late 1990s, which explains why some of the references to celebrities and technology are so dated (Stephanie Beacham, Sharon Stone, Cindy Crawford, Payphones, Portable CD Player, Answering Machine). It's about a 35 year old single mother who heads off to Atlantic City for a weekend on her own after her sisters decide she needs a little fun in her life again.
My immediate thought was - why wouldn't they go with her? - (maybe because they're horrible) -
but anyway, Maggy heads off alone and meets Conor, a 39 year old cop who is still grieving the loss of his work partner. Maggy and Conor have an instant attraction and spend a hot, steamy weekend together, but then reality hits - what happens when you take away the romantic, exciting setting and go back to a world of stroppy teenage children and difficult family members?
This was one of those books I needed to switch off my sarcasm gene for, because I felt myself starting to make fun of it (people really do not like when I do that, seriously, I've had messages). I had to remind myself why I chose it - for light, romantic, escape. And that's what it was - it was actually a lot better than some in the same genre, particulary when it came to the sex scenes - they weren't overly graphic, and while there were off-putting words like "mound" and "juices" and a knicker-sucking scene that made me gag, I was delighted when Maggy had *gasp* - a full bush!! I also appreciated the emphasis on making things "enjoyable" for Maggy, and less about Conor's shaft/shard/length/fullness/manhood etc.
The story had a little depth to it and I enjoyed the other events going on, there were a few different stories to follow and I liked the contrast between the different storylines. That cover, though - actually, all versions of the covers are horrible.
It's sweet, it's cheesy, it's the perfect switch-off book.
This was written in the late 1990s, which explains why some of the references to celebrities and technology are so dated (Stephanie Beacham, Sharon Stone, Cindy Crawford, Payphones, Portable CD Player, Answering Machine). It's about a 35 year old single mother who heads off to Atlantic City for a weekend on her own after her sisters decide she needs a little fun in her life again.
My immediate thought was - why wouldn't they go with her? - (maybe because they're horrible) -
but anyway, Maggy heads off alone and meets Conor, a 39 year old cop who is still grieving the loss of his work partner. Maggy and Conor have an instant attraction and spend a hot, steamy weekend together, but then reality hits - what happens when you take away the romantic, exciting setting and go back to a world of stroppy teenage children and difficult family members?
This was one of those books I needed to switch off my sarcasm gene for, because I felt myself starting to make fun of it (people really do not like when I do that, seriously, I've had messages). I had to remind myself why I chose it - for light, romantic, escape. And that's what it was - it was actually a lot better than some in the same genre, particulary when it came to the sex scenes - they weren't overly graphic, and while there were off-putting words like "mound" and "juices" and a knicker-sucking scene that made me gag, I was delighted when Maggy had *gasp* - a full bush!! I also appreciated the emphasis on making things "enjoyable" for Maggy, and less about Conor's shaft/shard/length/fullness/manhood etc.
The story had a little depth to it and I enjoyed the other events going on, there were a few different stories to follow and I liked the contrast between the different storylines. That cover, though - actually, all versions of the covers are horrible.
It's sweet, it's cheesy, it's the perfect switch-off book.
February 19, 2019
Divorced single mother of 2 and former army wife, Maggy O'Brien, doesn't know how her life got to where it is; as she's driving her 15 year-old daughter to school, in her pajamas and bunny slippers. Thus begins the morning of her 35th birthday. Her sisters take matters into their own hands as soon as Maggy arrives back home. Maggy reluctantly goes along with their plans and her life is forever altered while in Atlantic City.
Being a Jersey girl myself, I really enjoyed this book. It takes place in central Jersey and the Atlantic City area. The book is a little dated; but it didn't detract from the story. It is well written and the characters are believable.
Being a Jersey girl myself, I really enjoyed this book. It takes place in central Jersey and the Atlantic City area. The book is a little dated; but it didn't detract from the story. It is well written and the characters are believable.
did-not-finish
March 1, 2025Too OTT emo and time in their heads!
Want to read
January 28, 2018💝 FREE on Amazon today (1/28/2018)! 💝
April 17, 2016
4.5 stars! They are regular people. No billionaire. They met in Atlantic City on her 35th birthday, a gift from her more exciting sisters. I enjoyed how they awkwardly flirted with each other, had missed signals, and finally got together. At first, it was a fling, a vacation thing. But they lived nearby, had some similar life challenges, and weren't quite ready to let go.
I got absorbed in how imperfect they both were. Both struggled with intimacy and trust. He had made a mistake in his past that cost his cop partner his life. She was reeling from finding out that her ex-husband was getting married to the woman he had left her for. This was some heavy emotional baggage for them to bring into a relationship. I liked the romance of their relationship, the humor, and their vulnerabilities made this a more interesting romance novel for me.
"She was more than beautiful to Conor. She was strong and lovely and intelligent and womanly. It was in everything she did."
"He tasted like sunshine and coffee.
She tasted like orange juice and stars.
The kiss was sweet, lips pressed to lips, eyes open, fingers entwined. It was both promise and fulfillment, less exploration than a kind of coming home."
Then there was her 15 y/o daughter, Nicole, rebelling hard against her mother. Her sister, Claire, trying to go behind Maggy's back to set up an opportunity for Nicole. Conor has to go to trial and face the very situation that he has been figuratively running from for a long time. He has to face what he didn't do, and the family that was torn apart by that inaction.
However, neither one is perfect. Both get caught up in internal struggles that keep them from fully being there for each other. Maggy makes a judgment call that she later regrets. And Conor is forced to face the truth. Then the unexpected happens, and Conor gets a chance to redeem himself.
I liked the dimensions of relationships in this story. There were no easy answers, just people trying to make the best of their lives, while making mistakes, making up, and never giving up. I was impressed enough with this story that I'd like to read book 2. And when I 1-clicked #2, I found out that I own it already. :)
I got absorbed in how imperfect they both were. Both struggled with intimacy and trust. He had made a mistake in his past that cost his cop partner his life. She was reeling from finding out that her ex-husband was getting married to the woman he had left her for. This was some heavy emotional baggage for them to bring into a relationship. I liked the romance of their relationship, the humor, and their vulnerabilities made this a more interesting romance novel for me.
"She was more than beautiful to Conor. She was strong and lovely and intelligent and womanly. It was in everything she did."
"He tasted like sunshine and coffee.
She tasted like orange juice and stars.
The kiss was sweet, lips pressed to lips, eyes open, fingers entwined. It was both promise and fulfillment, less exploration than a kind of coming home."
Then there was her 15 y/o daughter, Nicole, rebelling hard against her mother. Her sister, Claire, trying to go behind Maggy's back to set up an opportunity for Nicole. Conor has to go to trial and face the very situation that he has been figuratively running from for a long time. He has to face what he didn't do, and the family that was torn apart by that inaction.
However, neither one is perfect. Both get caught up in internal struggles that keep them from fully being there for each other. Maggy makes a judgment call that she later regrets. And Conor is forced to face the truth. Then the unexpected happens, and Conor gets a chance to redeem himself.
I liked the dimensions of relationships in this story. There were no easy answers, just people trying to make the best of their lives, while making mistakes, making up, and never giving up. I was impressed enough with this story that I'd like to read book 2. And when I 1-clicked #2, I found out that I own it already. :)
May 5, 2016
I just finished this book and I found myself torn between giving it a 3 or a 4.
In many ways I adored it. It was nice that the attraction between Conor and Maggy was more than simply physical, their connection on an emotional and intellectual level was lovely and well written. So was Maggy's confusion over how quickly things were moving between them.
But then that's kind of where it lost me for a while. I romped through the first section super quickly, because I love a good romance. But then the story kind of got stuck in a rut with all the drama going on in their families and I found myself putting the book down for a few days, reading a couple more chapters, putting it down again...
And then there was Maggy's disappointment once she found out about Conor's past. She seemed to want him to be perfect and didn't seem to show a whole lot of sympathy or support for what he was going through and struggling to deal with.
Still, it had a lovely ending and I thought Conor was completely awesome. If he walked across my path I'd snatch him up without any qualms!
In many ways I adored it. It was nice that the attraction between Conor and Maggy was more than simply physical, their connection on an emotional and intellectual level was lovely and well written. So was Maggy's confusion over how quickly things were moving between them.
But then that's kind of where it lost me for a while. I romped through the first section super quickly, because I love a good romance. But then the story kind of got stuck in a rut with all the drama going on in their families and I found myself putting the book down for a few days, reading a couple more chapters, putting it down again...
And then there was Maggy's disappointment once she found out about Conor's past. She seemed to want him to be perfect and didn't seem to show a whole lot of sympathy or support for what he was going through and struggling to deal with.
Still, it had a lovely ending and I thought Conor was completely awesome. If he walked across my path I'd snatch him up without any qualms!
Read
March 27, 2016Maggy is a 35 year old divorcee who is stuck in a rot. All she does is carpool her children go to work and make her home. On her birthday her sisters give her a surprise makeover a limo and sent her to atlantic city. While there she comes across Conor the cop who is there visiting his brother. Conor senses a connection but Maggy is terrified that its all the just the magic of them being away from their real life. Maggy tells him give her a week before he called and before a week is calling and they both realize this is more than their atlantic city affair. I did not like her sisters giving her hard time about Conor especially after they were the one who sent her off on the trip. His family too gave some issues but in all due to an accident that happen their realize how much both people love each other.
June 17, 2016
The Day We Met is a Sweet heart melting romance Lol funny and dramatic! I stayed up all night devouring this amazing book!
I adored Maggy & Conor they make each other so much stronger two souls healing each other with unconditional love!!!
5 Stars Barbara Bretton!!!
I adored Maggy & Conor they make each other so much stronger two souls healing each other with unconditional love!!!
5 Stars Barbara Bretton!!!
August 20, 2018
I love this author's books. She writes about real people with real problems and throughout all her stories is the thread of family bonds. They are not all wonderful mushy relationships, but real families who fight and don't always like each other even when they love each other.
Maggie is newly divorced with 2 kids. Her ex is getting remarried and her sister's decide to send her on a weekend trip to Atlantic City for her birthday. They give her a makeover and send her on her way. Maggie has always been the practical mom and wife and doesn't take crazy chances.
She meets Conor, a Jersey cop who is also divorced. He is haunted by the death of his partner, which happened on the job. They have weekend fling which turns to more. Neither family is happy about their new relationship and they aren't shy about letting them know.
Maggie starts to rethink her feelings for Conor when everyone seems so against it. She isn't sure he is really the person she thought he was.
I won't spoil anymore but I loved the ending!
Maggie is newly divorced with 2 kids. Her ex is getting remarried and her sister's decide to send her on a weekend trip to Atlantic City for her birthday. They give her a makeover and send her on her way. Maggie has always been the practical mom and wife and doesn't take crazy chances.
She meets Conor, a Jersey cop who is also divorced. He is haunted by the death of his partner, which happened on the job. They have weekend fling which turns to more. Neither family is happy about their new relationship and they aren't shy about letting them know.
Maggie starts to rethink her feelings for Conor when everyone seems so against it. She isn't sure he is really the person she thought he was.
I won't spoil anymore but I loved the ending!
July 17, 2018
It is a cute story.
Ok, I admit I am a very harsh critic of romance novels. Having said that it is a cute story. The plots were a little too convenient for the happy ending moment but hey it is a romance novel with a murder/guilt subplot going on. The subplots were all tied up nicely but they were a bit weak. Overall it is an okay read for a romance novel, it is like watching a Hallmark movie.
Ok, I admit I am a very harsh critic of romance novels. Having said that it is a cute story. The plots were a little too convenient for the happy ending moment but hey it is a romance novel with a murder/guilt subplot going on. The subplots were all tied up nicely but they were a bit weak. Overall it is an okay read for a romance novel, it is like watching a Hallmark movie.
April 17, 2019
Sweet all the way
From beginning to end we experience the drama of a young teen who seems lost in the melee of her parents divorce and finding herself within the ever increasing changes within her family. Experience the discovery of a new love, the painful struggles of being a single parent, a doting daughter and a protective elder sister. The in fighting makes you cringe and the coming together of two families sweet, cute and a relief. Awesome.
From beginning to end we experience the drama of a young teen who seems lost in the melee of her parents divorce and finding herself within the ever increasing changes within her family. Experience the discovery of a new love, the painful struggles of being a single parent, a doting daughter and a protective elder sister. The in fighting makes you cringe and the coming together of two families sweet, cute and a relief. Awesome.
November 29, 2019
Lyrical and earthy
I enjoyed reading The Day We Met. Bretton takes us on Maggy's journey of self-discovery and acceptance of the reality of her life. Divorced and in a rut, Maggy begins a love affair. Bretton's prose is so lyrical during inner monologues by both Maggy and Conor as they embrace an intense connection! This really separates the characters' romantic world from the earthy world of their everyday lives.
I enjoyed reading The Day We Met. Bretton takes us on Maggy's journey of self-discovery and acceptance of the reality of her life. Divorced and in a rut, Maggy begins a love affair. Bretton's prose is so lyrical during inner monologues by both Maggy and Conor as they embrace an intense connection! This really separates the characters' romantic world from the earthy world of their everyday lives.
May 9, 2017
The Day We Met (Jersey Strong Book 1)
The love story of Connor and Maggy. Maggy is a mother of two and have been divorce for two years. Connor is a cop, father of one and divorce for many years. They met in AC on Maggy's birthday and fall in love at first sight. Can they love last longer then a weekend? You love it. A great summer read.
The love story of Connor and Maggy. Maggy is a mother of two and have been divorce for two years. Connor is a cop, father of one and divorce for many years. They met in AC on Maggy's birthday and fall in love at first sight. Can they love last longer then a weekend? You love it. A great summer read.
May 29, 2018
The reason I put such a ludicrous number of books on my challenge is because of this small romances I get for free. This was a fairly tender, straightford second-chance romance with no cheating and a HEA. Sex is not overly graphic, but you get enough to know what is going on without every little detail. Not something that I would have read or bought if it was not given to me.
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April 7, 2022Well done
Barbara Bretton has constructed a beautifully written, evocative, real love story. Maggy and Conor have baggage that sometimes presents as lack of confidence combined with messy and meddlesome families; the journey in navigating these pitfalls toward their HEA provides the reader with an authentic and satisfying experience.
Barbara Bretton has constructed a beautifully written, evocative, real love story. Maggy and Conor have baggage that sometimes presents as lack of confidence combined with messy and meddlesome families; the journey in navigating these pitfalls toward their HEA provides the reader with an authentic and satisfying experience.
December 2, 2017
The day we met(Jersey Strong Book 1)
What a delightful book to read. The characters are written by a good Author that seems to feel her sensitivity as she writes. I totally recommend this book to Moms and Dads that had changes in their families.
What a delightful book to read. The characters are written by a good Author that seems to feel her sensitivity as she writes. I totally recommend this book to Moms and Dads that had changes in their families.
March 22, 2018
This started off great. The beginning had me interested but then, about 40% in, it just started to drag. I kept finding reasons to put it down. Plus I really hated the side characters. Maggy’s whole family just irritated me and honestly, they way they talked and acted took away from the story.
September 3, 2020
Second chances
Loved this sweet story of two people finding their second chance at a soulmate. Adding in the family of both and the realities of blended families just made it perfect.
Loved this sweet story of two people finding their second chance at a soulmate. Adding in the family of both and the realities of blended families just made it perfect.
December 10, 2021
Quick Fix Story
It's a decent way to waste a few hours. Fast paced plot, straightforward story. Takes a look at how to date with kids and family on the sidelines giving their opinions.
It's a decent way to waste a few hours. Fast paced plot, straightforward story. Takes a look at how to date with kids and family on the sidelines giving their opinions.
May 4, 2017
Good, well-developed story and characters.
February 12, 2018
Great Read
Easy love story that makes you smile at the end. Something to read on vacation or lounging by a pool.
Easy love story that makes you smile at the end. Something to read on vacation or lounging by a pool.
December 1, 2017
Loved it
Great read. I had trouble putting it down. Nicely paced, heartfelt read. Well done. Off to read another of Barbara's works.
Great read. I had trouble putting it down. Nicely paced, heartfelt read. Well done. Off to read another of Barbara's works.
March 11, 2018
Kindle Freebie
March 22, 2018
What a wonderful and charming vintage romance (set in the late 90s) about finding love when and where you don't expect it.
April 11, 2018
It was pretty good
April 13, 2018
Dated
Who would arrange for relative to spend birthday alone?
Cheesey
Could relate to the children being difficult
35 isn’t THAT old... made her sound past it
Who would arrange for relative to spend birthday alone?
Cheesey
Could relate to the children being difficult
35 isn’t THAT old... made her sound past it
April 22, 2018
Great story
Loved the fun in the beginning. And the raw emotion in this book made me cry. And dealing with a teen was very real
Loved the fun in the beginning. And the raw emotion in this book made me cry. And dealing with a teen was very real
August 26, 2019
Not my type of book. Read while camping.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews