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Starting Over #1
Starting Over
Bellamy Carmichael’s finally come home after staying away for six years. There’s just one problem, Luke Carter…
Six years ago she seduced him, but a realization had him turning his back on her and became the cause of her long exodus. But with her brother’s imminent deployment Bellamy knows she’s bound to see him.
Luke Carter made the mistake of crossing a line he never should’ve crossed six years ago…
He knows he’s the reason why Bellamy avoids home, and with her coming back home he’s hoping to make things right. He just wasn’t expecting her to look so damn beautiful.
However, there’s one more problem, Bellamy’s been keeping a secret from Luke for past six years. When passion builds between them she knows that she must tell Luke the truth, but will it bring them closer together?
Or will it drive them apart for good?
Six years ago she seduced him, but a realization had him turning his back on her and became the cause of her long exodus. But with her brother’s imminent deployment Bellamy knows she’s bound to see him.
Luke Carter made the mistake of crossing a line he never should’ve crossed six years ago…
He knows he’s the reason why Bellamy avoids home, and with her coming back home he’s hoping to make things right. He just wasn’t expecting her to look so damn beautiful.
However, there’s one more problem, Bellamy’s been keeping a secret from Luke for past six years. When passion builds between them she knows that she must tell Luke the truth, but will it bring them closer together?
Or will it drive them apart for good?
418 pages, ebook
First published January 25, 2014
696 people are currently reading
2095 people want to read
About the author
Evan Grace
76 books1,720 followershttps://www.authorevangrace.com
A Midwesterner and self-proclaimed nerd, Evan has been an avid reader most of her life, but five years ago got bit by the writing bug, and it quickly became her addiction, passion and therapy. When the voices in her head give it a rest, she can always be found with her e-reader in her hand. Some of her favorites include, Shayla Black, Jaci Burton, Madeline Sheehan and Jamie Mcguire. Evan finds a lot of her inspiration in music, so if you see her wearing her headphones you know she means business and is in the zone.
During the day Evan works for a large homecare agency and at night she’s superwoman. She’s a wife to Jim and a mom to Ethan and Evan, a cook, a tutor, a friend and a writer. How does she do it? She’ll never tell.
A Midwesterner and self-proclaimed nerd, Evan has been an avid reader most of her life, but five years ago got bit by the writing bug, and it quickly became her addiction, passion and therapy. When the voices in her head give it a rest, she can always be found with her e-reader in her hand. Some of her favorites include, Shayla Black, Jaci Burton, Madeline Sheehan and Jamie Mcguire. Evan finds a lot of her inspiration in music, so if you see her wearing her headphones you know she means business and is in the zone.
During the day Evan works for a large homecare agency and at night she’s superwoman. She’s a wife to Jim and a mom to Ethan and Evan, a cook, a tutor, a friend and a writer. How does she do it? She’ll never tell.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 226 reviews
February 27, 2016
So close to DNF'g this one.
Totally bland, lacklustre emotion between h & H. They had one night together 6 yrs earlier, jerk dismissed her & ignored her for the next 6 yrs, making sure to throw his girlfriends in her face. Even noted how he never thought about her, especially when he was with other girls, she never even entered his mind. She of course remained untouched because she loved him & immediately gave into him without a whimper, regardless of his behaviour towards her for all this time.
Totally bland, lacklustre emotion between h & H. They had one night together 6 yrs earlier, jerk dismissed her & ignored her for the next 6 yrs, making sure to throw his girlfriends in her face. Even noted how he never thought about her, especially when he was with other girls, she never even entered his mind. She of course remained untouched because she loved him & immediately gave into him without a whimper, regardless of his behaviour towards her for all this time.
not-for-me
November 26, 2015Self note:
Unoriginal plot, where H sleeps around for six years and throws women in h's face. Then, when he finally makes a move on h, she of course falls to his feet and everything is golden. ...And I'm left unhappy. :(
Unoriginal plot, where H sleeps around for six years and throws women in h's face. Then, when he finally makes a move on h, she of course falls to his feet and everything is golden. ...And I'm left unhappy. :(
Read
May 25, 2014DNF At 34%
The idea and story itself behind Starting Over isn't half bad but the editing is! Yowza! Lots of extra commas, colons instead of semi colons and the like and it all managed to pull me out of the book. Given a decent editor, I could come around and thumbs up this little ditty. No rating because I couldn't pull on my big girl britches and finish it.
The idea and story itself behind Starting Over isn't half bad but the editing is! Yowza! Lots of extra commas, colons instead of semi colons and the like and it all managed to pull me out of the book. Given a decent editor, I could come around and thumbs up this little ditty. No rating because I couldn't pull on my big girl britches and finish it.
February 1, 2019
2 ⭐⭐ - Meh!
January 27, 2014
*3.5 stars*
Not bad, and I'm definitely intrigued enough to want to read the next book in the series; Second Chances. I'm still trying to figure out (based on the blurb of the second book) how in the world Stacy ended up with Mark when , yet according to the blurb of the second book, Mark has a wife and kids AND he seems to turn into a bit of a psycho/stalker... as I said, colour me intrigued!!!
Not bad, and I'm definitely intrigued enough to want to read the next book in the series; Second Chances. I'm still trying to figure out (based on the blurb of the second book) how in the world Stacy ended up with Mark when , yet according to the blurb of the second book, Mark has a wife and kids AND he seems to turn into a bit of a psycho/stalker... as I said, colour me intrigued!!!
February 1, 2017
Editing! I can only recommend this book to people who:
LOVE to hear every single character called "baby,"
who do not care much about editing,
who like men that cry even though they repeatedly threaten to kick someone's a$$ (but never do and I am not sure they could),
are okay with women being abused, crying A LOT,
and those who enjoy multiple points of view and long boring descriptions of minutia.
LOVE to hear every single character called "baby,"
who do not care much about editing,
who like men that cry even though they repeatedly threaten to kick someone's a$$ (but never do and I am not sure they could),
are okay with women being abused, crying A LOT,
and those who enjoy multiple points of view and long boring descriptions of minutia.
Want to read
May 17, 2024🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/25/2019)! 🎁
January 29, 2014
I really loved this book. I couldn't put it down once I started. The story was great and kept me guessing. There was a great mixture of romance, a little suspense and some steamy love scenes. I will definitely read more from that author.
March 23, 2014
4.5 Stars
Starting Over is sexy new adult romance you won’t want to miss! The characters story tugged at my heart until the end. I simply wanted more and can’t wait to sink my teeth in the next story, Second Chances. Firstly, I read Starting Over in one afternoon. Secondly, The sex was hot, and the tension between these characters left me breathless from one page to the next. In the end, I found Luke’s ‘hesitancy’ to be a bit over-the-top, but over all this was a fun, quick read.
*SPOILER ALERT*
So, a quick run through: Bellamy, an adoring little sister falls hopelessly in love with Luke, her big brothers best friend. As much as he hates to admit it, Luke has watched Bellamy grow into a beautiful woman and one mind-blowing night together changes everything…
Years later, Bellamy finds herself back in the same town with the only man she’s ever loved. Bellamy’s life was never the same after they made love for the first and only time that night. His rejection, along with her broken secret continues to haunt her, still.
Luke thought after seeing Bellamy one last time he’d be able to get her out of his system, only he finds he can’t let her go instead. A push and pull relationship built on broken hearts, secrets and fear threatens their happily ever after.
Can Bellamy trust Luke again and in the end, will Luke be able to forgive her?
Review by Angela
Starting Over is sexy new adult romance you won’t want to miss! The characters story tugged at my heart until the end. I simply wanted more and can’t wait to sink my teeth in the next story, Second Chances. Firstly, I read Starting Over in one afternoon. Secondly, The sex was hot, and the tension between these characters left me breathless from one page to the next. In the end, I found Luke’s ‘hesitancy’ to be a bit over-the-top, but over all this was a fun, quick read.
*SPOILER ALERT*
So, a quick run through: Bellamy, an adoring little sister falls hopelessly in love with Luke, her big brothers best friend. As much as he hates to admit it, Luke has watched Bellamy grow into a beautiful woman and one mind-blowing night together changes everything…
Years later, Bellamy finds herself back in the same town with the only man she’s ever loved. Bellamy’s life was never the same after they made love for the first and only time that night. His rejection, along with her broken secret continues to haunt her, still.
Luke thought after seeing Bellamy one last time he’d be able to get her out of his system, only he finds he can’t let her go instead. A push and pull relationship built on broken hearts, secrets and fear threatens their happily ever after.
Can Bellamy trust Luke again and in the end, will Luke be able to forgive her?
Review by Angela
May 15, 2014
I'm a sucker for a second chance romance, though they frequently frustrate me. I liked Luke and Bell, though their relationship was a bit rushed. From barely seeing each other for six years to falling in love in two weeks? Too much, too soon. Not to mention the insane amount of drama (all those hospital visits!) that went on during those two weeks. I did think Bell took on too much of the blame for the big secret she was carrying. Luke was a complete jerk to Bell six years prior, but he was furious that she didn't come to him because he would have helped her? Why on earth would she have believed that?
This book would be greatly served by some further editing. Not for typos/grammar, but to tighten up the story. There's a lot of unnecessary detail, telling instead of showing. And the secondary characters took up too much time. This is supposed to be Luke and Bell's story, all the other POV's were too distracting.
This book would be greatly served by some further editing. Not for typos/grammar, but to tighten up the story. There's a lot of unnecessary detail, telling instead of showing. And the secondary characters took up too much time. This is supposed to be Luke and Bell's story, all the other POV's were too distracting.
June 10, 2019
Bellamy Carmichael only loved one man and it was her brothers friend Luke Carter. Bellamy knew once she was of age she was going to make her play, problem was even though Luke acted upon it he did not want it and Bellamy left home for college and has barely returned home and if she did she made sure she was not around Luke. Six years later the blows from what happened still effect Bellamy but she is home now for an extended amount of time and knows now is the time to have that talk with Luke she would rather avoid. Secrets revealed how will it shake the families that are so close together? Not to mention Bellamy has caught the attention of a very dangerous man who will stop at nothing to get to her.
This was good, a tearjerker though. Its one of those books that you know things are not going to go according to plan and each page you turn you wonder if it will happen now or later. Entertaining story, look forward to the next book.
This was good, a tearjerker though. Its one of those books that you know things are not going to go according to plan and each page you turn you wonder if it will happen now or later. Entertaining story, look forward to the next book.
April 6, 2014
**originally posted at BedroomBookworms.com**
Sometimes getting ARCs and books-for-review can be a little stressful. Don't get me wrong, free books are awesome, but they come with pressure. What if you don't like them? Sometimes I just don't. Sometimes they're written terribly, sometimes they're just not my cup of tea. Authors are nice people (mostly.) I don't want to upset them or hurt their feelings. Megan and I both feel a duty to share truthful opinions about what we read. Many review sites don't publish negative reviews. They just omit them altogether. Megan and I publish everything. That ups the ante when agreeing to take a book for review.
But. Then. There are the ones that are awesome. I mean, books that leave you texting your blog partner in the middle of the night about how she needs to read this book STAT. That would be Starting Over by Evan Grace.
Overall Rating: 4.5 stars- Kept telling myself “just one more chapter.”
The prologue of Starting Over is quite a whirlwind. You mix a little bit of teenage angst with heightened hormones, hot (I actually made a note: "She's now ruined for other men.") sex, and then the male lead being.. well.. An Ass. (Yes, it does require capital letters. He was An Ass.) What do you get? A roller coaster of emotions.
You're then hurtled 6 years into the future and you hang on for the ride. The book does rely on the old stand-by of lack-of-communication. But it's done in such a way that I bought it. Bell is 18 and acts it. Frankly, 18 year olds are dumb. Even when they're smart.
You get to know Luke a little more. I thought I was going to have trouble liking him because he was An Ass. But then something happened. He wormed his way into my heart along with Bellamy's. And then when I get a glimpse of Luke in the sack? Holy cow, I was done more. The man is hard core GOOD in bed. Just when you think he's too nice, he whimpers about how good Bell tastes and then you're falling down the path of Eros again.
The book does deal with some subjects that are hard to take. There is death, kidnapping, attempted rape. I was a little nervous and a little anxious. But I kept hanging on and man was it worth it.
It was so good that when my Kindle dropped to 9% charge at 1am, I was unable to just say I'd finish in the morning. I plugged it in and started doing some chores around the house (Yes, at 1am. And after I Googled "how to get my Kindle to charge faster.") to give it time to charge up a bit again. I needed more!
The book isn't perfect. I found some of the dialogue (particularly in the beginning) a little bit clunky. I did find a few typos. There is the "communication complication" angle which isn't my favorite. But honestly, it was good. I laughed, I cried, I squirmed with desire. You should read it. Now.
Smut Factor: 5 stars- Had to wake my husband at 2am to quench my “need.” (I seriously told Megan this should get 6 stars.)
Character likability: 4 stars- I wish we were friends.
Storytelling: 5 stars- I wake up thinking this really happened.
Writing and editing quality: 3 stars- A few errors, but nothing that took away from the story.
Sometimes getting ARCs and books-for-review can be a little stressful. Don't get me wrong, free books are awesome, but they come with pressure. What if you don't like them? Sometimes I just don't. Sometimes they're written terribly, sometimes they're just not my cup of tea. Authors are nice people (mostly.) I don't want to upset them or hurt their feelings. Megan and I both feel a duty to share truthful opinions about what we read. Many review sites don't publish negative reviews. They just omit them altogether. Megan and I publish everything. That ups the ante when agreeing to take a book for review.But. Then. There are the ones that are awesome. I mean, books that leave you texting your blog partner in the middle of the night about how she needs to read this book STAT. That would be Starting Over by Evan Grace.
Overall Rating: 4.5 stars- Kept telling myself “just one more chapter.”
Bellamy Carmichael’s finally come home after staying away for six years. There’s just one problem, Luke Carter…
Six years ago she seduced him, but a realization had him turning his back on her and became the cause of her long exodus. But with her brother’s imminent deployment Bellamy knows she’s bound to see him.
Luke Carter made the mistake of crossing a line he never should’ve crossed six years ago…
He knows he’s the reason why Bellamy avoids home, and with her coming back home he’s hoping to make things right. He just wasn’t expecting her to look so damn beautiful.
However, there’s one more problem, Bellamy’s been keeping a secret from Luke for past six years. When passion builds between them she knows that she must tell Luke the truth, but will it bring them closer together?
Or will it drive them apart for good?
The prologue of Starting Over is quite a whirlwind. You mix a little bit of teenage angst with heightened hormones, hot (I actually made a note: "She's now ruined for other men.") sex, and then the male lead being.. well.. An Ass. (Yes, it does require capital letters. He was An Ass.) What do you get? A roller coaster of emotions.
You're then hurtled 6 years into the future and you hang on for the ride. The book does rely on the old stand-by of lack-of-communication. But it's done in such a way that I bought it. Bell is 18 and acts it. Frankly, 18 year olds are dumb. Even when they're smart.
"Oh, Bell, you taste so good," Luke groaned with each pass of his tongue.
You get to know Luke a little more. I thought I was going to have trouble liking him because he was An Ass. But then something happened. He wormed his way into my heart along with Bellamy's. And then when I get a glimpse of Luke in the sack? Holy cow, I was done more. The man is hard core GOOD in bed. Just when you think he's too nice, he whimpers about how good Bell tastes and then you're falling down the path of Eros again.
"Bellamy, do you want to explain to me why you weren't here when I woke up this morning? I expect a phone call to at least tell me you're okay. Call me."
The book does deal with some subjects that are hard to take. There is death, kidnapping, attempted rape. I was a little nervous and a little anxious. But I kept hanging on and man was it worth it.It was so good that when my Kindle dropped to 9% charge at 1am, I was unable to just say I'd finish in the morning. I plugged it in and started doing some chores around the house (Yes, at 1am. And after I Googled "how to get my Kindle to charge faster.") to give it time to charge up a bit again. I needed more!
"Bell, you look so fuckin' hot. It's taking all of my self-control not to rip your panties off and fuck you right here against the wall."
The book isn't perfect. I found some of the dialogue (particularly in the beginning) a little bit clunky. I did find a few typos. There is the "communication complication" angle which isn't my favorite. But honestly, it was good. I laughed, I cried, I squirmed with desire. You should read it. Now.
"Baby, I love you no matter what, okay? Please believe that."
Smut Factor: 5 stars- Had to wake my husband at 2am to quench my “need.” (I seriously told Megan this should get 6 stars.)
Character likability: 4 stars- I wish we were friends.
Storytelling: 5 stars- I wake up thinking this really happened.
Writing and editing quality: 3 stars- A few errors, but nothing that took away from the story.
March 16, 2014
I was given this book by author Evan Grace for an honest review. This is book 1 of the Starting Over series by the author.
Growing up with 2 older brothers isn't easy for Bellamy let alone having feeling for their best friend Luke. After 6 years away from home and Luke she was finally going to tell him about their daughter Rose but a few turn of events causes problems and heartache for them.
Bellamy is a strong female character but you can tell her emotions are all over the place and raw when it comes to Luke. Luke never planned to get involved with Bellamy but after being together 1 night he didn't want it to happen again since he considered her a little sister and you can feel his pain also in the story line.
These characters mesh well together and the story is touching that it just makes you want more. The flow of the story was very well written and the author does not take you down a dead end road with any part of the story.
This is a great read for any romance reader who loves a story like this and you won't want to put it down once you start reading it.
Growing up with 2 older brothers isn't easy for Bellamy let alone having feeling for their best friend Luke. After 6 years away from home and Luke she was finally going to tell him about their daughter Rose but a few turn of events causes problems and heartache for them.
Bellamy is a strong female character but you can tell her emotions are all over the place and raw when it comes to Luke. Luke never planned to get involved with Bellamy but after being together 1 night he didn't want it to happen again since he considered her a little sister and you can feel his pain also in the story line.
These characters mesh well together and the story is touching that it just makes you want more. The flow of the story was very well written and the author does not take you down a dead end road with any part of the story.
This is a great read for any romance reader who loves a story like this and you won't want to put it down once you start reading it.
June 3, 2014
This was an Amazon freebie and while I was pleased that there was rather good writing, the story itself was a bit frustrating. I honestly felt there was too much drama that didn't necessarily enhance the overall plot line. Honestly, this romance could've been reduced in length if it weren't' for all the out-of-place drama. Also, second chance romances are a tad tricky. Move too slow in the development of the romance, and I'm bored. But move too fast (a la insta-love) and I'm immediately ticked off by the implausibility of the scenario. Luke and Bellamy's romance stalled for 6 years for a darn good reason, but then they seemed to immediately pick back up and played out in the span of 2 weeks. Really? Ah well, like previously mentioned, the technical writing was decent and I'm actually way more interested in Stacy/Mark/Dustin's storyline. I'll tune in for the next installment. For a freebie, Starting Over definitely of the better quality variety.
September 5, 2014
Really? Why the hell would any sane woman want a sorry excuse for a man like Luke? He's not jus an ass, he's an ASS. Taking her virginity and dropping her like nothing? do the deed and just sweep it under the carpet like nothing happened? how about beeing a man and taking responsibility for your actions? luke is no man... and she still wants him? really?
i was very desapointed by this book.
i was very desapointed by this book.
January 27, 2014
I love this book I could not put it down! I am so excited to read the next installment! Very well written held my attention from start to finish!
August 14, 2016
Loved this story about love, loss and emotions. Couldn't put this down. I can't wait for the next book in this series I am addicted!!
can-never-read
November 25, 2015Same old story...
Self note:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Self note:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
March 8, 2014
This book will keep you guessing from start to finish. A great romance that has passion, drama and suspense. It will leave you turning page after page.
After one wonderful, amazing, life altering night with the love of her life, Bellamy Carmichael leaves home and stays away for 6 years. She’s returning now for two reasons: to see her brother before he deploys, and to finally get some closure. Bellamy knows she has to tell Luke the truth about what happened 6 years ago so that she can finally move forward, but she also knows it’s going to be one of the hardest things she’ll ever do. As soon as Bellamy sees Luke, her old feelings resurface and the sparks start to fly. But the secret she harbors is enough to keep them apart forever. As soon as Luke sees Bellamy again, he knows that his attraction to her is just as strong as it ever was. He also knows he owes her an apology, a big one. As Luke and Bellamy spend time together, it becomes obvious to everyone that they belong together. But when Bellamy’s life becomes in danger, things all of a sudden get a lot more serious. How can Luke protect her physically and emotionally at the same time? How can they spend so much time together without falling in love? And will the secrets between them bring them closer together or push them further apart?
What an amazing book by Evan Grace. These characters suck you in and just seem so life-like that before you know it, you look down at the clock and you’ve been reading for 5 hours! The storyline is so touching, passionate, and suspenseful that you feel drawn to them, desperate to get to the end and find out how everything concludes, yet you know there is no way you can just skip to the end to satisfy your curiosity, there is just so much that goes on, on each page that you have to read it all! Bellamy and Luke’s story is such a tragic one, but fortunately, they do get the chance to start over and the love, passion and romance between them is so moving, so powerful, you just can’t get enough. Loved this book so much, and I cannot wait for the next in the series!
Rating: 4.5
Heat Rating: Steamy
Reviewed by AprilP
Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
After one wonderful, amazing, life altering night with the love of her life, Bellamy Carmichael leaves home and stays away for 6 years. She’s returning now for two reasons: to see her brother before he deploys, and to finally get some closure. Bellamy knows she has to tell Luke the truth about what happened 6 years ago so that she can finally move forward, but she also knows it’s going to be one of the hardest things she’ll ever do. As soon as Bellamy sees Luke, her old feelings resurface and the sparks start to fly. But the secret she harbors is enough to keep them apart forever. As soon as Luke sees Bellamy again, he knows that his attraction to her is just as strong as it ever was. He also knows he owes her an apology, a big one. As Luke and Bellamy spend time together, it becomes obvious to everyone that they belong together. But when Bellamy’s life becomes in danger, things all of a sudden get a lot more serious. How can Luke protect her physically and emotionally at the same time? How can they spend so much time together without falling in love? And will the secrets between them bring them closer together or push them further apart?
What an amazing book by Evan Grace. These characters suck you in and just seem so life-like that before you know it, you look down at the clock and you’ve been reading for 5 hours! The storyline is so touching, passionate, and suspenseful that you feel drawn to them, desperate to get to the end and find out how everything concludes, yet you know there is no way you can just skip to the end to satisfy your curiosity, there is just so much that goes on, on each page that you have to read it all! Bellamy and Luke’s story is such a tragic one, but fortunately, they do get the chance to start over and the love, passion and romance between them is so moving, so powerful, you just can’t get enough. Loved this book so much, and I cannot wait for the next in the series!
Rating: 4.5
Heat Rating: Steamy
Reviewed by AprilP
Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
April 6, 2014
Bellamy (Bell) has been in love with her brothers' best friend Luke since she was a little girl. Once she turned 18 she maps out a plan of seduction to get her man. After their one night of passion, Luke pushed Bell away, and severed ties for 6 long years. Now Bell is coming back to her hometown to see her family, mend fences, and reveal her secret to Luke. Luke hasn't forgotten about Bell (the best sex he has ever had) and some definite sparks fly when they are reunited.
I'm a sucker for brothers best friend romances. Friends that grew up together? Check. Friendly, down-to-earth, sweet guy? Check. Overprotective brothers? Check. Check. Sweet, young, and innocent girl? Check. They just draw me in and make me believe in happily ever afters. Luke is afraid of having a relationship with Bellamy because of the close relationship he has with her brothers. He is best friends with her twin brothers. His parents are best friends with her parents. There are some seriously tight bonds between these two families.
When Bellamy and Luke reunite the two find it hard to fight their attraction. Luke starts out being, well... an ass in the beginning. There's just no way around it. Once he gave in to his attraction he was really sweet and loving. Bellamy was hesitant because of his reaction to her in the past. I kept hoping that she would stand up for herself a bit with Luke and her family. In the end she did take a stand with her family and Luke.
I think the author did a nice job of giving a glimpse into two great families. Loving families without the baggage. Almost an idyllic setting that you find yourself wishing you had. Each of the characters had their own in-depth personalities and they all really cared and looked out for each other.
Starting Over has a little bit of everything: passion (Luke is HOT), romance, and even some action that will have you holding your breath at the end. Pick up Starting Over so that you can meet Bellamy and Luke!
I'm a sucker for brothers best friend romances. Friends that grew up together? Check. Friendly, down-to-earth, sweet guy? Check. Overprotective brothers? Check. Check. Sweet, young, and innocent girl? Check. They just draw me in and make me believe in happily ever afters. Luke is afraid of having a relationship with Bellamy because of the close relationship he has with her brothers. He is best friends with her twin brothers. His parents are best friends with her parents. There are some seriously tight bonds between these two families.
When Bellamy and Luke reunite the two find it hard to fight their attraction. Luke starts out being, well... an ass in the beginning. There's just no way around it. Once he gave in to his attraction he was really sweet and loving. Bellamy was hesitant because of his reaction to her in the past. I kept hoping that she would stand up for herself a bit with Luke and her family. In the end she did take a stand with her family and Luke.
I think the author did a nice job of giving a glimpse into two great families. Loving families without the baggage. Almost an idyllic setting that you find yourself wishing you had. Each of the characters had their own in-depth personalities and they all really cared and looked out for each other.
Starting Over has a little bit of everything: passion (Luke is HOT), romance, and even some action that will have you holding your breath at the end. Pick up Starting Over so that you can meet Bellamy and Luke!
October 27, 2014
Overall I liked the romance plot; I'm a sucker for a good forbidden romance story. However, there were a few typing and punctuation errors in the kindle version (eg, we're/were) and the sentence structure was a little sloppy at times. It just needs tightening up a bit to make the story read so much more smoothly. I also didn't understand the suspense/crime element running through it.
I liked the twins and most of the characters, however I felt they could have done with a bit more depth. Sadly, Bellamy annoyed me a little (she went for a run twice in one day and couldn't allow herself a burger, she was constantly watching what she ate and it was all described like 'look how little I'm eating').
One problem I did have was that a few of the events seemed a little contrived (eg when she hurts her leg and he has to go into her back pocket and get the key; she hurt her leg, not both her arms - then Luke has to go babysit her like she's totally unable to sit for a bit with a sore leg). There was also an excess of pet names, something which irritates me when they're not used thoughtfully.
To summarise, it started off well but went drastically downhill. The crime element seemed contrived and lacked any kind of thought. It didn't appear to have been read by an editor or proofed at all.
I liked the twins and most of the characters, however I felt they could have done with a bit more depth. Sadly, Bellamy annoyed me a little (she went for a run twice in one day and couldn't allow herself a burger, she was constantly watching what she ate and it was all described like 'look how little I'm eating').
One problem I did have was that a few of the events seemed a little contrived (eg when she hurts her leg and he has to go into her back pocket and get the key; she hurt her leg, not both her arms - then Luke has to go babysit her like she's totally unable to sit for a bit with a sore leg). There was also an excess of pet names, something which irritates me when they're not used thoughtfully.
To summarise, it started off well but went drastically downhill. The crime element seemed contrived and lacked any kind of thought. It didn't appear to have been read by an editor or proofed at all.
April 23, 2018
Starting Over is sexy read you won't want to miss! The characters story tugged at my heart until the end. I simply wanted more and can't wait to read the next story, Second Chances. I read Starting Over in one afternoon! The sex scenes were hot, and the tension between these characters left me breathless from one page to the next. In the end, I found Luke's 'hesitancy' to be a bit over-the-top, but over all this was a fun, quick read.
*SPOILER ALERT*
So, a quick run through: Bellamy, an adoring little sister falls hopelessly in love with Luke, her big brothers best friend. As much as he hates to admit it, Luke has watched Bellamy grow into a beautiful woman and one mind-blowing night together changes everything...
Years later, Bellamy finds herself back in the same town with the only man she's ever loved. Bellamy's life was never the same after they made love for the first and only time that night. His rejection, along with her secret, continues to haunt her.
Luke thought after seeing Bellamy one last time he'd be able to get her out of his system. Only, he finds he can't let her go instead. A push and pull relationship built on broken hearts, secrets, and fear.
*SPOILER ALERT*
So, a quick run through: Bellamy, an adoring little sister falls hopelessly in love with Luke, her big brothers best friend. As much as he hates to admit it, Luke has watched Bellamy grow into a beautiful woman and one mind-blowing night together changes everything...
Years later, Bellamy finds herself back in the same town with the only man she's ever loved. Bellamy's life was never the same after they made love for the first and only time that night. His rejection, along with her secret, continues to haunt her.
Luke thought after seeing Bellamy one last time he'd be able to get her out of his system. Only, he finds he can't let her go instead. A push and pull relationship built on broken hearts, secrets, and fear.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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March 27, 2022Holy cow! I have read this book bc it was in my kindle & I wanted to read something I had there and I knew nothing about.
First of all, it was confused. Is it Bellamy’s POV, or Luke, or Ruth’s, or Lola’s, or Charlie’s or Dylan’s or Stacy’s or Mark’s, Or Travis’s. Dear Lord! MAKE IT STOP!!
This book is for you, if you dont mind everything but the kitchen sink. Pregnancy ✅, loss✅, kidnapping ✅, forbidden love✅, hospital visits ✅, near rape✅, over protective siblings ✅, annoying parents✅, picture perfect small town✅, broken hearted turn man whore✅, everything that could happen in two week time frame✅, realization that you want to get married after not seeing each other for 6 yes but now 10 days later and a ridiculous amount of drama & trauma later you just “know”✅
And last but not least, the wondering of why you hate yourself and why you keep reading/skipping just to end the torture that has now consumed your Saturday, but you’re no quitter, so you are gonna finish it anyway, even though you know where it’s going and how it’s going there? ✅
If you didn’t mind the rambling, then this book is perfect. #loveyoumeanit
First of all, it was confused. Is it Bellamy’s POV, or Luke, or Ruth’s, or Lola’s, or Charlie’s or Dylan’s or Stacy’s or Mark’s, Or Travis’s. Dear Lord! MAKE IT STOP!!
This book is for you, if you dont mind everything but the kitchen sink. Pregnancy ✅, loss✅, kidnapping ✅, forbidden love✅, hospital visits ✅, near rape✅, over protective siblings ✅, annoying parents✅, picture perfect small town✅, broken hearted turn man whore✅, everything that could happen in two week time frame✅, realization that you want to get married after not seeing each other for 6 yes but now 10 days later and a ridiculous amount of drama & trauma later you just “know”✅
And last but not least, the wondering of why you hate yourself and why you keep reading/skipping just to end the torture that has now consumed your Saturday, but you’re no quitter, so you are gonna finish it anyway, even though you know where it’s going and how it’s going there? ✅
If you didn’t mind the rambling, then this book is perfect. #loveyoumeanit
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2014
I have to admit, I didn't realize just how deeply I had gotten sucked into this story, until I happened to glance up at the clock. OMG. 3 a.m.! I seriously had to force myself to put it down. There are so many ways that this book pulls you in. The emotions sneak up on you and out of nowhere have tears sliding down your face. The close relationships shared between so many characters in the book are heartwarming and very real. Evan Grace makes these people so real and gets the reader so invested in them as friends and family that you actually miss them once you get to the end. Awesomeness!!
June 12, 2014
Too boring, too long, too flat.
I could go on forever.
I adore second chance romance, loving someone for years and then getting another shot with them, that's my thing!
Well in this case it didn't work out very well.
It's good to have an idea for a book but you've to have the means as well.
Bell and Luke and the rest of characters didn't even get close to my heart, felt nothing throughout the whole time.
I'm actually so 'whatever' about this book, maybe I'll just leave it be.
I'm a big, bad meanie.
1*
I could go on forever.
I adore second chance romance, loving someone for years and then getting another shot with them, that's my thing!
Well in this case it didn't work out very well.
It's good to have an idea for a book but you've to have the means as well.
Bell and Luke and the rest of characters didn't even get close to my heart, felt nothing throughout the whole time.
I'm actually so 'whatever' about this book, maybe I'll just leave it be.
I'm a big, bad meanie.
1*
September 5, 2016
This was a great story until it wasn't! Way too many sex scenes that interrupted the story rather than enhanced it. Thank God Luke and Bellamy had so many loving and supportive family members and friends because the secret between them was absolutely heart-breaking. Will they be able to forgive and forget in order to work their way back to one another?
February 6, 2014
Loved this series and can't wait for the 2nd one - sure hope this series doesn't end with just the 2 books - there are so many others in the books that I would love to know their story - sure hope one of the books is Dylan's story.
July 29, 2014
This really surprised me in a very good way. And it's new favorite of mine and this is because of:
- Great character with depth, edge and realisme.
- Very well-written storyline with realisme, real feelings, great drama and some very HOT passion/romance.
I give this book 5 BIG ⭐️
- Great character with depth, edge and realisme.
- Very well-written storyline with realisme, real feelings, great drama and some very HOT passion/romance.
I give this book 5 BIG ⭐️
February 1, 2014
It was good, overall I was pretty impressed. The author made it seem like Dylan was going to die from all the bases she covered. I hope that isn't the case.
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July 19, 2014Loved this book!!!
once I started reading this book I couldn't put it down. I finished it in one sitting. this book is truly what love is made of.
once I started reading this book I couldn't put it down. I finished it in one sitting. this book is truly what love is made of.
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