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Fated Loves #3
All This Time
She’s a book nerd and a cat whisperer. He’s scarred and intimidating. Can the quirky bookstore owner tame the beast in the detective?
Lily Young:
I admitted the book boyfriends by the dozen in my Cat’s Cradle bookstore may have taken precedence over dating in real-life. I wanted the real thing, an everlasting true love, a man holding me nightly, but the journey to finding that guy wasn’t so easy. I’d kissed a few frogs along the way, and maybe my quirky sense of style chased a few away. One thing was for sure, the heroines in my romance novels made this falling in love thing seem easier than this.
Jace Delfino:
Scarred for life, that’s what I got for protecting my best Army buddy. My beasty look was great for work, as a detective I could intimidate the most hardened criminals. Women took one look at me, then looked away, leaving me wondering if I’d live alone the rest of my days. But when Lily entered the picture, all I wanted was for her to see how gooey she made me feel inside.
When trouble brews from the local criminal element, will Jace be able to protect Lily for life?
This quirky and the beast story will amuse you with cute cats, a little humor, and steamy bits while delivering a Happy Ever After that satisfies. This standalone is also part of the interconnected Fated Loves series.
Lily Young:
I admitted the book boyfriends by the dozen in my Cat’s Cradle bookstore may have taken precedence over dating in real-life. I wanted the real thing, an everlasting true love, a man holding me nightly, but the journey to finding that guy wasn’t so easy. I’d kissed a few frogs along the way, and maybe my quirky sense of style chased a few away. One thing was for sure, the heroines in my romance novels made this falling in love thing seem easier than this.
Jace Delfino:
Scarred for life, that’s what I got for protecting my best Army buddy. My beasty look was great for work, as a detective I could intimidate the most hardened criminals. Women took one look at me, then looked away, leaving me wondering if I’d live alone the rest of my days. But when Lily entered the picture, all I wanted was for her to see how gooey she made me feel inside.
When trouble brews from the local criminal element, will Jace be able to protect Lily for life?
This quirky and the beast story will amuse you with cute cats, a little humor, and steamy bits while delivering a Happy Ever After that satisfies. This standalone is also part of the interconnected Fated Loves series.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2024
126 people are currently reading
754 people want to read
About the author
Zee Irwin
76 books496 followersZee Irwin is a USA Today Bestselling Author who gets powered up by steamy small town romance. She's a bit of sunshine living countryside in Pennsylvania with her own grumpy alpha guy, two teenagers, and twin kitties. Her favorite character to write is a small town billionaire, especially if he falls first, is former military, and is possessive of the woman he loves.
Visit her at zeeirwinauthor.com to keep up to date on her latest work in progress.
Visit her at zeeirwinauthor.com to keep up to date on her latest work in progress.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
September 3, 2021
This is the third book in the Fated Loves Series but can be read as a standalone. I loved Lily and Jace's story. A little beauty and the beast but so much better. They're online friends but neither knows what the other looks like. She wants to meet him in person but he keeps coming up with excuses since he's self conscious about his military scars. He's a veteran who works as a police detective and he ends up protecting Lily at her bookstore. The mutual love of books is what connected them online. When they meet in person neither realizes at the other is their online friend. A slow burn, sweet romance that will warm your heart. The story line will grab your attention right at the beginning. The characters are great. I read an arc via the author and voluntarily chose to review it.
September 6, 2021
OMG! I love Jace. I think this book is my favorite so far of all the Fated Loves! The man is so yummy with his protective sweetness. I feel horrible that he thinks himself less worthy because of war scars but I get it. We all have scars, visible or not, so it gets me in the feels when a previous cocky player reforms his ways and comes to appreciate what really matters in love.
The way Zee brings you into the story, both visually and emotionally compares to my favorite authors, Lucy Score, Claire Kingley, Marie Force. They all do such a great job sucking my brain and my heart into the story. This one will go on my re-read list when I catch up on sleep LOL
The way Zee brings you into the story, both visually and emotionally compares to my favorite authors, Lucy Score, Claire Kingley, Marie Force. They all do such a great job sucking my brain and my heart into the story. This one will go on my re-read list when I catch up on sleep LOL
August 25, 2021
Sweet Lily finally finds her Prince Charming.
Lily has been chatting online to guy she swears she feels a deep connection with, but he keeps dodging her when she asks to meet. Just when she decides to give up, he offers to meet her. But it seems that they've already met.
Crime is responsible for Jace meeting Lily, but it is her unique sweetness that keeps Jace coming back. But his insecurities, though old, are very present, making him doubt whether his new love will ever see past his scars to the man he is underneath.
I was expecting great things from this installment, and Zee Irwin did not disappoint. I enjoyed this read. It's full of sweet romance, with a good dose of steam and some humor. You will absolutely love it, too.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.
Lily has been chatting online to guy she swears she feels a deep connection with, but he keeps dodging her when she asks to meet. Just when she decides to give up, he offers to meet her. But it seems that they've already met.
Crime is responsible for Jace meeting Lily, but it is her unique sweetness that keeps Jace coming back. But his insecurities, though old, are very present, making him doubt whether his new love will ever see past his scars to the man he is underneath.
I was expecting great things from this installment, and Zee Irwin did not disappoint. I enjoyed this read. It's full of sweet romance, with a good dose of steam and some humor. You will absolutely love it, too.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.
August 24, 2021
Lily is an optimistic bookstore owner who has met someone online but things keep stopping them from meeting in person.
Jace is a detective with scars from his time in the Marines in Afghanistan.
They have been chatting online but under online names. They meet in person without knowing it’s their online “friend“, that doesn’t go well.
Can they get past all his insecurities?
*Adult language and situations.
*I received this book for free for my unbiased review.
Jace is a detective with scars from his time in the Marines in Afghanistan.
They have been chatting online but under online names. They meet in person without knowing it’s their online “friend“, that doesn’t go well.
Can they get past all his insecurities?
*Adult language and situations.
*I received this book for free for my unbiased review.
August 24, 2021
Wow!
I loved how the strong alpha guy in this book also had a vulnerable side to him, making him more real.
Great book and series and I highly recommend this author. Can't wait to read book 4!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved how the strong alpha guy in this book also had a vulnerable side to him, making him more real.
Great book and series and I highly recommend this author. Can't wait to read book 4!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 30, 2021
Love and cats
What`s not to like about a story with a vintage loving girl and a hunky policeman who both love cats?
A little mystery that was foreshadowed, but a little different than I thought.
I liked the characters.
What`s not to like about a story with a vintage loving girl and a hunky policeman who both love cats?
A little mystery that was foreshadowed, but a little different than I thought.
I liked the characters.
August 29, 2021
I’ve always wanted to own my own bookstore so Lily having one made me like her even more. This is the romance between quirky, cat-loving Lily and battle-scarred detective Jace. After a few not so great interactions, thanks to Jace’s self esteem issues with his scars, Lily and Jace realise the online flirtation they’ve been participating in was actually with each other.
This is another good entry in the Fated Love series. What I love is that with each book we get to meet a wider circle of friends who lend genuine enjoyment to the reading experience. I will eagerly await Bella and Hank’s story. It’s time for an enemies-to-lovers trope in the mix.
I received an arc for an honest review
This is another good entry in the Fated Love series. What I love is that with each book we get to meet a wider circle of friends who lend genuine enjoyment to the reading experience. I will eagerly await Bella and Hank’s story. It’s time for an enemies-to-lovers trope in the mix.
I received an arc for an honest review
August 30, 2021
Loved it.
September 8, 2021
Romantic read
Lilly and Jace are two people who have scars from the past they meet online and neither have a clue that they know friends that are close to both,finally they meet in person, read to find out what happens next. By reading the book.
Lilly and Jace are two people who have scars from the past they meet online and neither have a clue that they know friends that are close to both,finally they meet in person, read to find out what happens next. By reading the book.
Want to read
April 14, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/27/2021)! 🎁
August 25, 2021
All This Time is the 3rd standalone book in the Fated Loves series. This book tells the story of Lily and her search for true love. And what a wonderful, fairytale, super sweet romantic story this is!!
Through an online dating service she comes into contact with Bleu92 under her name Flower65. Their click is clear and she wants to meet him, but he continues to avoid an appointment.
In addition to her wish for a loving relationship, there is also reality. Several shops have already been robbed in the street where her bookshop is located and the police are conducting more intensive investigations. That's how she gets to know Jace. A detective who served in the military and returned with scars. The horrific scars scare away people, including women, making it difficult for him to find love. They are shocked when Jace and Lily find out their pseudonym, their internet names.
Even though they know a lot about each other, they don't know each other. Because of his insecurity about his appearance, he doesn't trust that Lily is different from other women. And Lily struggles with a similar insecurity; Can Jace look beyond the way she dresses like she's in the 50's. Her love for vintage clothing and everything around it makes others look up to her strangely.
Slowly the familiarity develops between those they also found on the internet. Slowly the trust in each other arises and they find their love for each other.
The hunt for the burglars also seems to come to an end with Lily's heart being broken. Jace saves her heart with a spectacular, very romantic ending.
Through an online dating service she comes into contact with Bleu92 under her name Flower65. Their click is clear and she wants to meet him, but he continues to avoid an appointment.
In addition to her wish for a loving relationship, there is also reality. Several shops have already been robbed in the street where her bookshop is located and the police are conducting more intensive investigations. That's how she gets to know Jace. A detective who served in the military and returned with scars. The horrific scars scare away people, including women, making it difficult for him to find love. They are shocked when Jace and Lily find out their pseudonym, their internet names.
Even though they know a lot about each other, they don't know each other. Because of his insecurity about his appearance, he doesn't trust that Lily is different from other women. And Lily struggles with a similar insecurity; Can Jace look beyond the way she dresses like she's in the 50's. Her love for vintage clothing and everything around it makes others look up to her strangely.
Slowly the familiarity develops between those they also found on the internet. Slowly the trust in each other arises and they find their love for each other.
The hunt for the burglars also seems to come to an end with Lily's heart being broken. Jace saves her heart with a spectacular, very romantic ending.
August 26, 2021
This is book number 3 in the Fated Loves series and focuses on Jace and Lily. Jace is a detective who is incredibly self-conscious about scars he got while in the military. Lily is Maddie's (book 1) and Cassidy's (book 2) friend and roommate who runs a cat bookshop in town. Jace and Lily have been unknowingly communicating online but Jace was hesitant about meeting in person initially. They had been thrown together a few times because of a string of robberies/break ins on her shop's street and because of Jace's friendship with Daniel. Their identity reveal did not go well AT ALL but thankfully they were able to get past that and got to know each other as more than the bookstore owner and the detective. They both experienced so much loss in their lives and it was so awesome for each of them to discover the real person behind the keyboard. This was hands down my favorite of the series so far! I was completely hooked right away and could not put the book down until I finished it. This book let's you see the insecurity, the hope, the love, and the ups and downs of relationships. Plus some added mystery never hurts. I loved seeing these 2 finally get the person they are meant to be with and finally start the life they both so desperately wanted with each other. Such a great book! I definitely 10/10 recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 26, 2021
Jace and Lily's Story . . .
Lily Young is an optimist who loves her books and cats. But she would like to meet someone special to share her life. Jace Delfino is a detective with scars from his time in the Marines. He also wants to find someone special, but he feels his scars will scare away any woman who sees him.
The two of them have an online friendship where Jace (known as Blue92) can relax and be himself. Lily was known to him as Flower65. The timing never seemed to work out for them to meet in person. It was difficult trying to picture him in her mind. But what happens when his real-life brings him into Lily’s life? They have been under assumed name and don’t know the person they are interacting with is their online buddy. But Jace needed a place to live and his friends invited him over to see the room that he could rent. And when Daniel suggested they go out to dinner to celebrate his renting the room, and he said he can’t since he had a date with someone he had been talking to online, Lily started to faint and was caught in Jace’s strong arms. She looked up and said, “Blue92?”
A subsequent misunderstanding when Jace thought she was staring at his scars, and his bitter comments to her as he hurriedly left, was not a good start to their hopeful relationship. Would they get it sorted out? Would they give each other another chance? Or had the bitter words already done too much damage?
Lily Young is an optimist who loves her books and cats. But she would like to meet someone special to share her life. Jace Delfino is a detective with scars from his time in the Marines. He also wants to find someone special, but he feels his scars will scare away any woman who sees him.
The two of them have an online friendship where Jace (known as Blue92) can relax and be himself. Lily was known to him as Flower65. The timing never seemed to work out for them to meet in person. It was difficult trying to picture him in her mind. But what happens when his real-life brings him into Lily’s life? They have been under assumed name and don’t know the person they are interacting with is their online buddy. But Jace needed a place to live and his friends invited him over to see the room that he could rent. And when Daniel suggested they go out to dinner to celebrate his renting the room, and he said he can’t since he had a date with someone he had been talking to online, Lily started to faint and was caught in Jace’s strong arms. She looked up and said, “Blue92?”
A subsequent misunderstanding when Jace thought she was staring at his scars, and his bitter comments to her as he hurriedly left, was not a good start to their hopeful relationship. Would they get it sorted out? Would they give each other another chance? Or had the bitter words already done too much damage?
August 28, 2021
The addition starts with the book cover….yeah…yeah…yeah don’t judge a book by its cover they say ….well we all do it and this one here it is the scratch to your itch or better yet the filling to your oreos! Within the first chapters you get the panoramic view of whom you’re dealing with! This is book is part of the Fated Love series why just read one when you can start at the beginning and keep reading through the series it won’t be a waste of time. Lily is sweet, loves reading, her cats and she is wanting a fairytale romance no seriously she just wants that special one to share her life with, who completes her (found only in books thus far for her …life is about to change 😊). Jace is a sexy as all get out detective with inside/outside scares from his time in the military, most women take one look wanting nothing to do with him because of his scars. They meet online each being themselves just getting to know one another so they become friends as Blue92 and Flower65, the harder they try to meet up the more life places obstacles in their way, but they are determined, and fate played hand in them meeting without trying. The chemistry is intense, and the magnetic pull is strong especially after catching her when she fainted. But those scares cause a misunderstanding, some not so very nice words later can he explain and apologize, will she accept the apology, and will it lead to happiness?
August 28, 2021
Lily currently has boyfriends on the page but not in her actual life which she longs for.
She desires the type of man who will love her unconditionally and spend his nights with her.
She hasn't found what she is searching for with a few disappointing men in her past and going by romance books this should be easier.
Jace is used to intimidating criminals in his daily life but his looks mean women don't tend to view him lustfully.
He thinks he will always be alone because of this.
Lily treats him like a man and looks beyond his imperfections so when some bad men get near her, he becomes very protective.
Will they show each other what it feels like to be complete?
This was a beautifully written book with an alpha man who has a soft heart and a woman who sees it.
Giving up on a fairytale romance and true love actually leads to it with Detective Jace.
I found this to be a realistic and emotional read which touched my heart with its moving storyline.
I loved how they both had insecurities and yet moved past them to accept each other.
A charming and wonderful book that warmed my insides and brought a tear to my eye.
Exceptional skill has gone into the creation of this story and I will be checking out the other books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
She desires the type of man who will love her unconditionally and spend his nights with her.
She hasn't found what she is searching for with a few disappointing men in her past and going by romance books this should be easier.
Jace is used to intimidating criminals in his daily life but his looks mean women don't tend to view him lustfully.
He thinks he will always be alone because of this.
Lily treats him like a man and looks beyond his imperfections so when some bad men get near her, he becomes very protective.
Will they show each other what it feels like to be complete?
This was a beautifully written book with an alpha man who has a soft heart and a woman who sees it.
Giving up on a fairytale romance and true love actually leads to it with Detective Jace.
I found this to be a realistic and emotional read which touched my heart with its moving storyline.
I loved how they both had insecurities and yet moved past them to accept each other.
A charming and wonderful book that warmed my insides and brought a tear to my eye.
Exceptional skill has gone into the creation of this story and I will be checking out the other books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 27, 2021
I've read a few of Zee's book and now and I am please to report that this book is up to her usual high standards.
A great story about Lily and Jace, she is a cat loving bookworm and he is a scarred ex military policeman.
I love how they meet and it's interesting to hear about their own insecurities, the topic of her self harming is handled very sensitively, as is his worry about his scarring.
It is written from both of their points of view which I enjoy to hear what is going on in their heads. The book toggles between them offering you different perspectives of the same conversation/scene.
The romance is steamy at times but the story never flags anywhere in the book.
The characters are well written and I love the addition of the cats!
Well worth a read - a good stand alone if you've not read any of Zee's previous books.
I was given an advanced reader copy of this book for an honest review, I always given an honest review.
A great story about Lily and Jace, she is a cat loving bookworm and he is a scarred ex military policeman.
I love how they meet and it's interesting to hear about their own insecurities, the topic of her self harming is handled very sensitively, as is his worry about his scarring.
It is written from both of their points of view which I enjoy to hear what is going on in their heads. The book toggles between them offering you different perspectives of the same conversation/scene.
The romance is steamy at times but the story never flags anywhere in the book.
The characters are well written and I love the addition of the cats!
Well worth a read - a good stand alone if you've not read any of Zee's previous books.
I was given an advanced reader copy of this book for an honest review, I always given an honest review.
August 26, 2021
This was such a lovely adorable romance! Lily is a sassy independent doesn’t take no crap from no one type of girl and I’m here for that! I love a strong female character! She owns a business, cares for her brother and is a female boss! Then poor Jace has had it rough and is struggling! To start with it’s a bit of a slow burner and I found myself wanting to shout at Jace and tell him to pull his finger out and ask her out! But then the realisation of who Lily really is happens and then it goes a bit pear shaped but it comes back around! I love how the author has shown the vulnerability of the characters and really portrayed their insecurities. It’s refreshing to see a man with insecurities in a romance book instead of the female too! This was a really lovely, heart warming story with just the right amount of steamyness too!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2022
Lily and Jace have my heart! My fav book of the series!
(Audio Review)
‘All This Time’ is the third book in the ‘Fated Love’ Series but can be read as a standalone. Here, we meet Lily (a bookstore owner) and Jace (a veteran who now works as a police detective) who initially meet and connect online based on their mutual love of books. After several failed attempts to meet IRL, Lily is suspicious of Jace but doesn’t realise they have mutual friends IRL. This is until fate brings them together when he needs her help to solve a string of burglaries in her neighbourhood.
This story was soo cute! Jace was the right amount of protectiveness I need in a romance. And I just loved their chemistry. This def melted my heart! My fav book of the series for sure!
As with the 2 previous books, this was narrated by Matt Haynes. As always, I enjoyed his narration. He really brought both characters, and the story to life. Amazing job!
(Audio Review)
‘All This Time’ is the third book in the ‘Fated Love’ Series but can be read as a standalone. Here, we meet Lily (a bookstore owner) and Jace (a veteran who now works as a police detective) who initially meet and connect online based on their mutual love of books. After several failed attempts to meet IRL, Lily is suspicious of Jace but doesn’t realise they have mutual friends IRL. This is until fate brings them together when he needs her help to solve a string of burglaries in her neighbourhood.
This story was soo cute! Jace was the right amount of protectiveness I need in a romance. And I just loved their chemistry. This def melted my heart! My fav book of the series for sure!
As with the 2 previous books, this was narrated by Matt Haynes. As always, I enjoyed his narration. He really brought both characters, and the story to life. Amazing job!
August 24, 2021
Lily loves books and cats and has found a way to combine both of her loves, but what she really wants is her own book worthy romance. Jace has had to deal with the harsher side of reality and is ready for a spark of his own, but can he trust it?
This book hooked me right from the start in a can’t-put-it-down, eat-with-eyes-glued sort of way. Needless to say that I had to finish it all in one sitting or risk not being able to concentrate on anything else. I liked that both Lily and Jace were well rounded, flawed characters and their relationship felt genuine. The book had just the right pace and I didn’t feel out of the loop, even though I haven’t read the previous books in the series. I will admit that I was expecting a tiny bit more suspense after reading the blurb, but not enough to be disappointed in any way.
I received a free copy of this book from Voracious Readers in exchange for a review.
This book hooked me right from the start in a can’t-put-it-down, eat-with-eyes-glued sort of way. Needless to say that I had to finish it all in one sitting or risk not being able to concentrate on anything else. I liked that both Lily and Jace were well rounded, flawed characters and their relationship felt genuine. The book had just the right pace and I didn’t feel out of the loop, even though I haven’t read the previous books in the series. I will admit that I was expecting a tiny bit more suspense after reading the blurb, but not enough to be disappointed in any way.
I received a free copy of this book from Voracious Readers in exchange for a review.
August 31, 2021
Lily runs a book store and has no dating life. Jace is a detective and her online friend but they have never met in person. He is self-conscious about scars from his time in the military. They met under different names so when they are thrown together in person and they realize who the other is, it didn’t go so well. Will they be able to take up their close friendship from online and see what life has in store for them?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 24, 2021
All this.Time is the third book in the Fated Loves series by Zee Irwin.
These books are fantastic and all this time lives up to the high level of story telling the previous two books had.
The Characters are fantastic, flaws and all. The mystery keeps you glued to.the story and did not let me put it down!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
These books are fantastic and all this time lives up to the high level of story telling the previous two books had.
The Characters are fantastic, flaws and all. The mystery keeps you glued to.the story and did not let me put it down!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 29, 2021
This is the third story in the "Fated Loves" series. This one is about Lily and Jace. Two people who are so meant for each other and help each other. A scared man and a sweet bookworm are brought together by crime but find more than either bargained for. wreck caused them to end their relationship but now he is back and wants to her. The story is interesting, intriguing and nicely developed. I couldn't help cheering these two on.
August 23, 2021
This was a good book. This is a new author for me and I am looking forward to read more. The story flows well, the characters are likeable and fit well together. I enjoyed reading about Lily and Jace and their journey to their happily ever after.
I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 26, 2021
This is book 3 in the fated loves series. These characters are opposites but make a great connection. The storyline has suspense danger and affection.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 28, 2021
DNF. Stopped after a few pages. Didn't care for the heroine who seemed desperate for a guy. She meets a man online & they strike up a relationship. Thereafter she looks at just about every man she meets "oh is this him?". Eye roll
August 28, 2021
Lily and Jace's Journey
Loved the flawed but vulnerable characters. Gripping storyline that never once tempted me to skip to the ending like so much contemporary literature does. This is my first Zee Irwin book. Looking forward to reading more. Enjoy!
Loved the flawed but vulnerable characters. Gripping storyline that never once tempted me to skip to the ending like so much contemporary literature does. This is my first Zee Irwin book. Looking forward to reading more. Enjoy!
September 4, 2021
What a delightful story. Lily is a bookstore owner and she’s thinking romance might be in the air for her. Short book but worth the time to read.
September 9, 2021
very cute story
Downloaded from a free site, this was a wonderful story with a suspenseful and exciting story line. I enjoyed the characters:-)
Downloaded from a free site, this was a wonderful story with a suspenseful and exciting story line. I enjoyed the characters:-)
March 27, 2023
4.5 stars
August 24, 2021
What an enjoyable story! I really liked both Jace and Lily with their pasts, love of cats and quirky online connection. I have to agree- letting others see the “real me” is often a risk many are unwilling to take. It was nice watching this story of Lily and Jace unfold… bumps along the way and all.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews