What do you think?
Rate this book
Calamity Falls #8
You're Still the One
✔️ Hot, inked, motorcycle-riding hero
✔️ Sexy wedding planner with a whole lot of explaining to do
✔️Steamy, small town romance
✔️Second chance romance
✔️And lots and lots of make-up sex
When Stella Cavanaugh gets the chance to come home after a seven-year, self-imposed exile, she takes it. She was born to be a wedding planner, and she hopes creating her sister's wedding might just earn her the redemption she's been hoping for.
The only thing holding her back is the fear of running into Griffin James, the love of her life. Because she not only hurt her family, she destroyed their relationship. Burned it right to the ground. And she just doesn't know if she can bear to find out he's moved on. She sure hasn't.
Griffin James has a roommate. The fourteen-year-old's staying with him while his dad's on deployment. Sounds simple, but the boy's grandparents are looking for any excuse to pull him out of the clutches of the big, tattooed owner of a bike shop. If Griffin can just stay under their radar, everything should be fine.
But that's just not possible when Stella bursts into their lives. Her sparkly spirit, her big, splashy ideas, and her impulsiveness always lead to disaster. He knew that...but he couldn't resist her.
And now she's on the run again, because...
The very things they love about each other are also what tear them apart.
✔️ Sexy wedding planner with a whole lot of explaining to do
✔️Steamy, small town romance
✔️Second chance romance
✔️And lots and lots of make-up sex
When Stella Cavanaugh gets the chance to come home after a seven-year, self-imposed exile, she takes it. She was born to be a wedding planner, and she hopes creating her sister's wedding might just earn her the redemption she's been hoping for.
The only thing holding her back is the fear of running into Griffin James, the love of her life. Because she not only hurt her family, she destroyed their relationship. Burned it right to the ground. And she just doesn't know if she can bear to find out he's moved on. She sure hasn't.
Griffin James has a roommate. The fourteen-year-old's staying with him while his dad's on deployment. Sounds simple, but the boy's grandparents are looking for any excuse to pull him out of the clutches of the big, tattooed owner of a bike shop. If Griffin can just stay under their radar, everything should be fine.
But that's just not possible when Stella bursts into their lives. Her sparkly spirit, her big, splashy ideas, and her impulsiveness always lead to disaster. He knew that...but he couldn't resist her.
And now she's on the run again, because...
The very things they love about each other are also what tear them apart.
Unknown Binding
Published March 1, 2024
218 people are currently reading
753 people want to read
About the author
Erika Kelly
45 books1,858 followersAward-winning author Erika Kelly writes sexy, passionate, and emotional contemporary romance. Married to the love of her life and raising four children, she lives in the southwest, drinks a lot of tea, and is always waiting for her cats to get off her keyboard.
GET A FREE SHORT STORY:
https://erikakellybooks.com/pages/new...
SUBSCRIBE:
https://erikakellybooks.com/pages/new...
FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/erikakellya...
FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
JOIN MY PRIVATE READER GROUP:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Erika...
FIND ME ON TIKTOK:
https://www.tiktok.com/@erikakellyrom...
GET A FREE SHORT STORY:
https://erikakellybooks.com/pages/new...
SUBSCRIBE:
https://erikakellybooks.com/pages/new...
FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/erikakellya...
FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
JOIN MY PRIVATE READER GROUP:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Erika...
FIND ME ON TIKTOK:
https://www.tiktok.com/@erikakellyrom...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
July 22, 2021
"'Wherever life takes us, wherever we wind up, I know that as long as you’re with me, that’s where I’m meant to be.'"
This was the first book I ever read by Erika Kelly, and I absolutely loved it. It has all the stuff that makes it perfect for me: the small town, the families, the grumpy hero, a heroine that you wish was your friend, and it's a second-chance story. The best kind of second-chance story, about the one who got away.
This was a heartwarming book, with so much love, and a love story that builds a bridge between past and present, and sets the tone for the future that is surely to come.
"Seems crazy to fall in love when you’re a kid, to know down to your bones that you’ve found the one person for you. But he’d known, all right. He’d never had a doubt."
I think book boyfriends may be ruining me for any man that's out there. Griffin is perfect. Yes, he's grumpy and moody. Yes, he can be a bit controlling, as if you could ever fully control your life, or really prevent the people you love from getting hurt. But he really tries. And something that happened in his past makes him even more controlled and less willing to go with the flow.
"Stella was magic. All she had to do was walk by, and people bloomed."
Stella is incredible. OK, she can be a handful, but she does everything for all the right reasons. She gives in to her impulses because all she really wants is for people to be happy. She wants to make them happy. And because of it, and a rash decision, she lost the love of her life, she thinks she's lost the love of her family, and she's filled with regret.
"'Oh, I don’t need time. I’ve been rehearsing my vows since I was twelve years old and doodling his name all over my notebook.'"
A job offer brings her back to Calamity Falls, her hometown, where Griffin and her family still live, and she takes the chance, not knowing what's waiting there for her, or even if there is something waiting. And she meets the 14-year-old boy Griffin is taking care of while his dad is overseas. And when she sees Griffin, everything comes rushing back to her, and she gets involved in his life again – yes, due to another rash decision, but don't judge her too harshly. It's just who she is.
“Half of me wants to make you walk home for shaking up our lives like this.” She really had no idea the threat the Pilsons posed. Their mouths were a breath away. Her eyes went sultry, smokey, and she licked her lips.
“What does the other half want to do to me? Because that’s the only half I’m interested in.”
However, they seem to be further apart than ever. Stella is still her impulsive self, while Griffin has grown up not taking chances, being careful, and, honestly, avoiding life. He's been going through the motions, but not really living.
It was killing me that they weren't communicating, that they were allowing the past to make up their decisions for them. But once they get it all out in the open, it's clear as day these two were meant to be. There's so much there, so many memories, so much love, so much want, so much chemistry, and fire. It's all them, and it's all perfect.
"'I’m telling you I knew when we were kids, and I knew when I finally got to be with you at nineteen, that you were the only girl for me.'"
Without spoiling anything, there's a moment close to the end where you see he was always looking out for her. He was always in her orbit, and she was always in his. It's just endearing and makes your heart swell. All they needed to do was surrender to what was going on between them.
"He kissed the woman who owned his heart. Kissed her with a mind full of memories and a heart full of want.”
Griffin and Stella really are soulmates. They bring out the best of each other, and when they're together, everything is better. Their world is better with the love they feel for each other. And I think they made my world better a bit, too.
I'll surely be reading more Calamity Falls stories!
This was the first book I ever read by Erika Kelly, and I absolutely loved it. It has all the stuff that makes it perfect for me: the small town, the families, the grumpy hero, a heroine that you wish was your friend, and it's a second-chance story. The best kind of second-chance story, about the one who got away.
This was a heartwarming book, with so much love, and a love story that builds a bridge between past and present, and sets the tone for the future that is surely to come.
"Seems crazy to fall in love when you’re a kid, to know down to your bones that you’ve found the one person for you. But he’d known, all right. He’d never had a doubt."
I think book boyfriends may be ruining me for any man that's out there. Griffin is perfect. Yes, he's grumpy and moody. Yes, he can be a bit controlling, as if you could ever fully control your life, or really prevent the people you love from getting hurt. But he really tries. And something that happened in his past makes him even more controlled and less willing to go with the flow.
"Stella was magic. All she had to do was walk by, and people bloomed."
Stella is incredible. OK, she can be a handful, but she does everything for all the right reasons. She gives in to her impulses because all she really wants is for people to be happy. She wants to make them happy. And because of it, and a rash decision, she lost the love of her life, she thinks she's lost the love of her family, and she's filled with regret.
"'Oh, I don’t need time. I’ve been rehearsing my vows since I was twelve years old and doodling his name all over my notebook.'"
A job offer brings her back to Calamity Falls, her hometown, where Griffin and her family still live, and she takes the chance, not knowing what's waiting there for her, or even if there is something waiting. And she meets the 14-year-old boy Griffin is taking care of while his dad is overseas. And when she sees Griffin, everything comes rushing back to her, and she gets involved in his life again – yes, due to another rash decision, but don't judge her too harshly. It's just who she is.
“Half of me wants to make you walk home for shaking up our lives like this.” She really had no idea the threat the Pilsons posed. Their mouths were a breath away. Her eyes went sultry, smokey, and she licked her lips.
“What does the other half want to do to me? Because that’s the only half I’m interested in.”
However, they seem to be further apart than ever. Stella is still her impulsive self, while Griffin has grown up not taking chances, being careful, and, honestly, avoiding life. He's been going through the motions, but not really living.
It was killing me that they weren't communicating, that they were allowing the past to make up their decisions for them. But once they get it all out in the open, it's clear as day these two were meant to be. There's so much there, so many memories, so much love, so much want, so much chemistry, and fire. It's all them, and it's all perfect.
"'I’m telling you I knew when we were kids, and I knew when I finally got to be with you at nineteen, that you were the only girl for me.'"
Without spoiling anything, there's a moment close to the end where you see he was always looking out for her. He was always in her orbit, and she was always in his. It's just endearing and makes your heart swell. All they needed to do was surrender to what was going on between them.
"He kissed the woman who owned his heart. Kissed her with a mind full of memories and a heart full of want.”
Griffin and Stella really are soulmates. They bring out the best of each other, and when they're together, everything is better. Their world is better with the love they feel for each other. And I think they made my world better a bit, too.
I'll surely be reading more Calamity Falls stories!
November 8, 2021
Big thank you to the New Adult BookClub and author for free e-book in exchange for an honest review!
Learning to accept ourselves is one of the most difficult things anyone can do. Learning to accept others for who they are might be even harder. After a series of epic misunderstandings, Griffin and Stella haven't heard from each other for 10 years. Now they're stuck together, taking care of a teenager. And Stella is absolutely determined to prove to Griffin that He is Still The One.
I am so glad to see Stella completely unafraid to be herself. While she is brave enough to acknowledge her wrongdoings and wants to make amends, she will not let anyone try to change her to fit into someone's box of what is right behaviour and I admire that about her.
I cried so hard when Austin finally found the courage to stand up for himself. His grandparents are assholes and absolutely overstep their boundaries as grandparents. While his grandfather is a right jerk, I will not make excuses for the grandmother. Not only does she meekly follow her husband in making Austin's life hell, she contributes to it. To paraphrase Edmund Burke; The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good people to do nothing.
The timeline does not match! It says it has been ten years, and that Stella was 18 at the time. The books also claims that Griffin is peer with her two years older sister. However, the author also wrote that Griffin is now 28 years old. By that logic, he should be 30, and Stella should be 28.
This wonderful love story about the importance of family deserves 4 out of 5 stars. It teaches us that family is more than just the blood in our veins.
Learning to accept ourselves is one of the most difficult things anyone can do. Learning to accept others for who they are might be even harder. After a series of epic misunderstandings, Griffin and Stella haven't heard from each other for 10 years. Now they're stuck together, taking care of a teenager. And Stella is absolutely determined to prove to Griffin that He is Still The One.
I am so glad to see Stella completely unafraid to be herself. While she is brave enough to acknowledge her wrongdoings and wants to make amends, she will not let anyone try to change her to fit into someone's box of what is right behaviour and I admire that about her.
I cried so hard when Austin finally found the courage to stand up for himself. His grandparents are assholes and absolutely overstep their boundaries as grandparents. While his grandfather is a right jerk, I will not make excuses for the grandmother. Not only does she meekly follow her husband in making Austin's life hell, she contributes to it. To paraphrase Edmund Burke; The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good people to do nothing.
The timeline does not match! It says it has been ten years, and that Stella was 18 at the time. The books also claims that Griffin is peer with her two years older sister. However, the author also wrote that Griffin is now 28 years old. By that logic, he should be 30, and Stella should be 28.
This wonderful love story about the importance of family deserves 4 out of 5 stars. It teaches us that family is more than just the blood in our veins.
April 15, 2023
⛔️ (in notes)
Are you seriously trying to tell me that h was “trying” to help her sister see what a cheating asshole her fiancé is by flirting with him and KISSING him? When h even has a boyfriend and that fiancé is her SISTERS fiancé?
Okay, it does say h makes rash decisions without thinking, but are you really that far gone that you weren’t thinking what would be the consequences when your sister and boyfriend would find out? If I was in the sisters place like I don’t know she’s not my sister anymore, she can go fuck herself, I get it she wanted to help and show what an asshole he is but by kissing him?? There are million other ways to prove that and you went with one that literally would hurt your closest people the most, I’m sorry but she’s dumb as rocks and a little bitch
Are you seriously trying to tell me that h was “trying” to help her sister see what a cheating asshole her fiancé is by flirting with him and KISSING him? When h even has a boyfriend and that fiancé is her SISTERS fiancé?
Okay, it does say h makes rash decisions without thinking, but are you really that far gone that you weren’t thinking what would be the consequences when your sister and boyfriend would find out? If I was in the sisters place like I don’t know she’s not my sister anymore, she can go fuck herself, I get it she wanted to help and show what an asshole he is but by kissing him?? There are million other ways to prove that and you went with one that literally would hurt your closest people the most, I’m sorry but she’s dumb as rocks and a little bitch
July 9, 2021
Second chance romance is one of my favorite tropes and Erika Kelly delivers up a fine one in You’re Still the One. This couple have known each other most of their lives and spent their high school years and a few years after together and planning a future, but one night changed everything and for the last almost 8 years they’ve been apart. An opportunity brings the heroine back to the small town of Calamity Falls and in to the middle of a crisis the hero is trying to deal with. With so much between them from before and past hurt still lurking not to mention the lost of trust, it was interesting watching these to find their way back into each other.
Stella Cavanaugh has always been a jump first and thinks about the consequences later type of gal. As the baby in a family filled with a famous mother and father and with her older siblings rising to fame in their respective careers on their own talent, she always felt a bit out of place. She knew she was loved and she loved back fiercely, but she always felt a bit less than. So Stella make sure she was well liked and the life of the party to everyone, she was good a reading people and used that to her advantage and that also led to the rash decision she made at her sister’s engagement party to prove to her that her soon to be husband was a lying, cheating snake and all it took was a bit of flirting and a kiss she’d love to forget especially since it cost her the man of her dreams, her family, and sent her fleeing from her home where she hasn’t returned.
Griffin James knew almost the minute he told Stella they were through it was a mistake and after several months of being a broody a$$ barely able to function, he drove to Dallas where she was working and found out that she was on her honeymoon. Dejected, angry, and not sure what to think Griffin returned home to get over her and get on with his life including at the moment being the guardian to his best friend’s 14 year old son while he’s stationed overseas. Griffin is happy to be there for Austin, but Austin’s maternal grandparents don’t like Griffin for something he did as a teenager and are waiting for him to screw up so they can get their hands on Austin. While Austin loves his grandparents, their rules and what they feel are best for him makes him a runaway threat something Griffin worries about every time he’s with them.
Stella’s impulsivity has her and Griffin pretending to be engaged to keep Austin’s grandparents at bay, but Griffin isn’t happy about it because he doesn’t trust her and while he can see that she’s good for Austin he knows she isn’t good for him, or he wants to believe she isn’t good for him. There was a lot of push and pull in this story between Stella and Griffin, the incident that had Griffin from going to wild, bad boy to upstanding citizen weighs heavily on him and Stella constantly pushes his buttons. On top of that Stella is trying to make amends with her family and lying about their engagement doesn’t help at all. I did like Stella and Griffin together, it was easy to see that the familiarity they have with each other comes from all the time they spent together as friends and then more, but Griffin holds himself back because he doesn’t want to feel the pain when Stella decides to bail again.
I really loved the side story with Austin and watching him come into his own under the encouragement of Stella and Griffin once he began to see the changes in Austin’s demeanor. I also think watching that helped Griffin realize how much he held back and needed to be more vulnerable with Austin. I think them dealing with everything going on with Austin also make them realize that together they made a good team and helped Griffin realize that Stella would be a great life partner to have.
It was fun to see couples from past books especially Stella’s sisters as well as the Bowie brothers and their wives. While at times I got frustrated with them revisiting the past so much and not concentrating on the future, I also know that Griffin needed that closure from the past in order to move forward.
You’re Still the One is another amazing story in the Calamity Falls series and a delightful contemporary romance.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
Stella Cavanaugh has always been a jump first and thinks about the consequences later type of gal. As the baby in a family filled with a famous mother and father and with her older siblings rising to fame in their respective careers on their own talent, she always felt a bit out of place. She knew she was loved and she loved back fiercely, but she always felt a bit less than. So Stella make sure she was well liked and the life of the party to everyone, she was good a reading people and used that to her advantage and that also led to the rash decision she made at her sister’s engagement party to prove to her that her soon to be husband was a lying, cheating snake and all it took was a bit of flirting and a kiss she’d love to forget especially since it cost her the man of her dreams, her family, and sent her fleeing from her home where she hasn’t returned.
Griffin James knew almost the minute he told Stella they were through it was a mistake and after several months of being a broody a$$ barely able to function, he drove to Dallas where she was working and found out that she was on her honeymoon. Dejected, angry, and not sure what to think Griffin returned home to get over her and get on with his life including at the moment being the guardian to his best friend’s 14 year old son while he’s stationed overseas. Griffin is happy to be there for Austin, but Austin’s maternal grandparents don’t like Griffin for something he did as a teenager and are waiting for him to screw up so they can get their hands on Austin. While Austin loves his grandparents, their rules and what they feel are best for him makes him a runaway threat something Griffin worries about every time he’s with them.
Stella’s impulsivity has her and Griffin pretending to be engaged to keep Austin’s grandparents at bay, but Griffin isn’t happy about it because he doesn’t trust her and while he can see that she’s good for Austin he knows she isn’t good for him, or he wants to believe she isn’t good for him. There was a lot of push and pull in this story between Stella and Griffin, the incident that had Griffin from going to wild, bad boy to upstanding citizen weighs heavily on him and Stella constantly pushes his buttons. On top of that Stella is trying to make amends with her family and lying about their engagement doesn’t help at all. I did like Stella and Griffin together, it was easy to see that the familiarity they have with each other comes from all the time they spent together as friends and then more, but Griffin holds himself back because he doesn’t want to feel the pain when Stella decides to bail again.
I really loved the side story with Austin and watching him come into his own under the encouragement of Stella and Griffin once he began to see the changes in Austin’s demeanor. I also think watching that helped Griffin realize how much he held back and needed to be more vulnerable with Austin. I think them dealing with everything going on with Austin also make them realize that together they made a good team and helped Griffin realize that Stella would be a great life partner to have.
It was fun to see couples from past books especially Stella’s sisters as well as the Bowie brothers and their wives. While at times I got frustrated with them revisiting the past so much and not concentrating on the future, I also know that Griffin needed that closure from the past in order to move forward.
You’re Still the One is another amazing story in the Calamity Falls series and a delightful contemporary romance.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
June 22, 2021
The magic of Stella and Griffin brings all of the emotions to your heart...tears, anger, hurt, laughter, chemistry and the love of a lifetime. Loved it!!❤❤❤❤❤
July 19, 2021
Review & Giveaway: YOU’RE STILL THE ONE by Erika Kelly https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-bPo
Publication Date: July 8, 2021
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Cori
Rated 4.5 Stars
I know I’m going to get a good love story when I pick up one of Erika Kelly’s books and this one definitely did not disappoint! I loved everything about it and couldn’t put it down. YOU’RE STILL THE ONE is a second chance small town romance in Erika Kelly’s Calamity Falls Series. There is plenty of steamy romance, great characters, a storyline that pulled me in and kept me turning the pages and a love story that gave me all the feels. Each book in this series is a standalone and you do not need to read them in order to enjoy them but I recommend the entire series. I highly recommend this book/ series for readers looking for a feel good summer romance book or series. Erika Kelly is on my automatic buy list because she always delivers a great love story that leaves me wanting the next book.
*Review copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
~*~*~*~
Kindle $3.99 https://amzn.to/3i7eJsO
✿The Calamity Falls Series by Erika Kelly✿
✦ KEEP ON LOVING YOU ➢ Review 5 Stars https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-aGl | Kindle http://amzn.to/2FNkzNd
✦ WE BELONG TOGETHER ➢ Review 4 Stars https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-aUV | Kindle https://amzn.to/2QxdZwV
✦ THE VERY THOUGHT OF YOU ➢ Review 4.5 Stars https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-b6s | Kindle $3.99 https://amzn.to/2OGGTd8
✦ JUST THE WAY YOU ARE ➢ Review 4.5 Stars https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-bfc | Kindle https://amzn.to/2Yivx6y
✦ IT WAS ALWAYS YOU ➢ Review 4.5 Stars https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-bpT | Kindle https://amzn.to/2vsi67d
✦ CAN’T HELP FALLING IN LOVE ➢ Review 4.5 Stars https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-bvk | Kindle https://amzn.to/2UpMY1N
✦ COME AWAY WITH ME ➢ Review 4.5 Stars https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-byB | Kindle https://amzn.to/330c6Qg
✦ WHOLE LOTTA LOVE ➢ Review 4.5 Stars https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-bIn | Kindle https://amzn.to/2N62rDQ
✦ YOU’RE STILL THE ONE ➢ Kindle https://amzn.to/3i7eJsO
(Note: this was previously called the Bad Boyfriend Series)
Publication Date: July 8, 2021
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Cori
Rated 4.5 Stars
I know I’m going to get a good love story when I pick up one of Erika Kelly’s books and this one definitely did not disappoint! I loved everything about it and couldn’t put it down. YOU’RE STILL THE ONE is a second chance small town romance in Erika Kelly’s Calamity Falls Series. There is plenty of steamy romance, great characters, a storyline that pulled me in and kept me turning the pages and a love story that gave me all the feels. Each book in this series is a standalone and you do not need to read them in order to enjoy them but I recommend the entire series. I highly recommend this book/ series for readers looking for a feel good summer romance book or series. Erika Kelly is on my automatic buy list because she always delivers a great love story that leaves me wanting the next book.
*Review copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
~*~*~*~
Kindle $3.99 https://amzn.to/3i7eJsO
✿The Calamity Falls Series by Erika Kelly✿
✦ KEEP ON LOVING YOU ➢ Review 5 Stars https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-aGl | Kindle http://amzn.to/2FNkzNd
✦ WE BELONG TOGETHER ➢ Review 4 Stars https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-aUV | Kindle https://amzn.to/2QxdZwV
✦ THE VERY THOUGHT OF YOU ➢ Review 4.5 Stars https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-b6s | Kindle $3.99 https://amzn.to/2OGGTd8
✦ JUST THE WAY YOU ARE ➢ Review 4.5 Stars https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-bfc | Kindle https://amzn.to/2Yivx6y
✦ IT WAS ALWAYS YOU ➢ Review 4.5 Stars https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-bpT | Kindle https://amzn.to/2vsi67d
✦ CAN’T HELP FALLING IN LOVE ➢ Review 4.5 Stars https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-bvk | Kindle https://amzn.to/2UpMY1N
✦ COME AWAY WITH ME ➢ Review 4.5 Stars https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-byB | Kindle https://amzn.to/330c6Qg
✦ WHOLE LOTTA LOVE ➢ Review 4.5 Stars https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-bIn | Kindle https://amzn.to/2N62rDQ
✦ YOU’RE STILL THE ONE ➢ Kindle https://amzn.to/3i7eJsO
(Note: this was previously called the Bad Boyfriend Series)
June 22, 2021
Welcome back to Calamity Falls! This is Stella and a Griffin’s story and it’s fantastic! Who knew you could meet your soulmate when you are a kid? These two have been in each other’s lives forever and through love, mistakes, a long time apart, a teenage boy and some growth on each of their parts, they find their way back to each other.
Stella is the youngest Cavanaugh sister who has a HUGE heart and lives BIG! Everything she does is big - her ideas, her plans, her love and, unfortunately, her mistakes. She is a bright light to those around her, loves everyone and has a huge heart for wanting everyone to be happy. That lead her to making a tragic mistake as a teen and doing something to her sister that caused a huge rift between them and for Griffin to break up with her. She left town embarrassed and heartbroken and stayed away for seven years because she didn’t know how to come back. The longer she stayed away, the harder it was for her to figure out how to go home. An amazing job offer gets her to return home where she will have to see her family and Griffin again.
Griffin is the oldest in his family and is now a too serious and broody guy. He is a good guy who puts his family first, has a successful business and cares deeply for others. Because of this, his best friend gives him responsibly for his teenage son while he is deployed in Afghanistan. He has loved Stella his entire life and never stopped. As a teen he also made a mistake that he hasn’t been able to recover from. It changed the way he sees himself and because of that, he loses the fun and lightness that he had as a young man. The second mistake he made during that time frame was breaking up with Stella after she did something incredibly stupid. While he regrets it the next day and goes to get her back, she has already left town due to shame and a broken heart. He can’t recover from that either. The ‘light’ in his life just went dark. He spends years brooding and becoming grumpier. Stella’s first day back has them meeting in an unusual way with another one of her ‘BIG’ ideas which he reluctantly goes along with.
These two have much to overcome and I honestly was worried about whether they could do it or not because they are simply too opposite of each other. But Griffin’s extremely protective and conservative nature is just drawn to Stella’s sunny and very loving nature. While he is definitely wary around Stella as he sees her big ideas and big risks, he can’t help but notice and fall in love with again, her loving nature as he watches her charm and draw out a very withdrawn and lonely teenage Austin. He’s right to be wary of her because she continues to let her fear guide many of her actions, but he simply cannot help but to love her. Watching them finally deal with the mistakes of their pasts to become true grownups was amazing to watch. I couldn’t help but cheer them on because I knew that it would bring them closer to each other! And that ending? OMG! 💗
While Stella and Griffin’s relationship was the heart of the story it was Austin’s relationship with them that melted my heart. Watching Griffin be awkward and stilted and then seeing Stella instinctively know that she needed to draw him out was interesting. And Griffin watching Stella’s natural way with him and seeing the boy just blossom while he was around her, melted his heart.
This story is not to be missed! Great characters, great catching up with old favorites, many hawt times and a soul deep true love makes for another great story! While this is a stand alone, don’t miss the previous stories to get a feel for the Cavanaugh family dynamics. Well done!
Stella is the youngest Cavanaugh sister who has a HUGE heart and lives BIG! Everything she does is big - her ideas, her plans, her love and, unfortunately, her mistakes. She is a bright light to those around her, loves everyone and has a huge heart for wanting everyone to be happy. That lead her to making a tragic mistake as a teen and doing something to her sister that caused a huge rift between them and for Griffin to break up with her. She left town embarrassed and heartbroken and stayed away for seven years because she didn’t know how to come back. The longer she stayed away, the harder it was for her to figure out how to go home. An amazing job offer gets her to return home where she will have to see her family and Griffin again.
Griffin is the oldest in his family and is now a too serious and broody guy. He is a good guy who puts his family first, has a successful business and cares deeply for others. Because of this, his best friend gives him responsibly for his teenage son while he is deployed in Afghanistan. He has loved Stella his entire life and never stopped. As a teen he also made a mistake that he hasn’t been able to recover from. It changed the way he sees himself and because of that, he loses the fun and lightness that he had as a young man. The second mistake he made during that time frame was breaking up with Stella after she did something incredibly stupid. While he regrets it the next day and goes to get her back, she has already left town due to shame and a broken heart. He can’t recover from that either. The ‘light’ in his life just went dark. He spends years brooding and becoming grumpier. Stella’s first day back has them meeting in an unusual way with another one of her ‘BIG’ ideas which he reluctantly goes along with.
These two have much to overcome and I honestly was worried about whether they could do it or not because they are simply too opposite of each other. But Griffin’s extremely protective and conservative nature is just drawn to Stella’s sunny and very loving nature. While he is definitely wary around Stella as he sees her big ideas and big risks, he can’t help but notice and fall in love with again, her loving nature as he watches her charm and draw out a very withdrawn and lonely teenage Austin. He’s right to be wary of her because she continues to let her fear guide many of her actions, but he simply cannot help but to love her. Watching them finally deal with the mistakes of their pasts to become true grownups was amazing to watch. I couldn’t help but cheer them on because I knew that it would bring them closer to each other! And that ending? OMG! 💗
While Stella and Griffin’s relationship was the heart of the story it was Austin’s relationship with them that melted my heart. Watching Griffin be awkward and stilted and then seeing Stella instinctively know that she needed to draw him out was interesting. And Griffin watching Stella’s natural way with him and seeing the boy just blossom while he was around her, melted his heart.
This story is not to be missed! Great characters, great catching up with old favorites, many hawt times and a soul deep true love makes for another great story! While this is a stand alone, don’t miss the previous stories to get a feel for the Cavanaugh family dynamics. Well done!
August 28, 2021
This is my first time reading Erika Kelly and I loved her style. I am a fan of books with love at first sight and then some drama and this book had all it all.
Stella and griffin have been in love since they were 14 but initially, she had to hold back because her sister had a crush on him but then when her sister got into relationship she and griffin got together and everything was going amazing until Stella did one reckless thing which not only distance her from her best friend her sister but also the love of her life and she left the town and stopped keeping in touch with anyone
Fast forward nine years Stella is back in town and on the very first day, she finds griffin in a bad situation and makes things better by declaring them to be engaged.
This book has a lot of drama and I love drama. the character of Stellar she was very fun-going, spontaneous, loving and she has the quality of knowing what people want even when they themselves didn't realise. Also the relationship between Stella Griffin and Austin was so adorable, I want a book on Austin ,he is so intense but like you want to know more about him is that kind of a character.
So in short I enjoyed reading this work and would definitely recommend this and after reading this book I realise there are so many books in this series so I am gonna go back and read them.
Arc provided for honest review
Stella and griffin have been in love since they were 14 but initially, she had to hold back because her sister had a crush on him but then when her sister got into relationship she and griffin got together and everything was going amazing until Stella did one reckless thing which not only distance her from her best friend her sister but also the love of her life and she left the town and stopped keeping in touch with anyone
Fast forward nine years Stella is back in town and on the very first day, she finds griffin in a bad situation and makes things better by declaring them to be engaged.
This book has a lot of drama and I love drama. the character of Stellar she was very fun-going, spontaneous, loving and she has the quality of knowing what people want even when they themselves didn't realise. Also the relationship between Stella Griffin and Austin was so adorable, I want a book on Austin ,he is so intense but like you want to know more about him is that kind of a character.
So in short I enjoyed reading this work and would definitely recommend this and after reading this book I realise there are so many books in this series so I am gonna go back and read them.
Arc provided for honest review
July 23, 2021
Another visit to Calamity Falls and another great addition to this wonderful small town romance series. This is wedding planner Stella Cavanaugh and motor bike mechanic Griffin James story.
Stella left her hometown after Griffin broke her heart but now after a disastrous marriage she finds herself with a job offer back home and that means facing her family as well as Griffin….
Griffin had always love her and even after the disastrous stunt she pulled that had them both going in different directions. he finds all the feelings he felt all those years ago soon bubble to the surface once he realises she is back in town. But will second time around be any different, will Stella still be speaking before she thinks, will she still be doing what she feels is best without consulting anyone….
I loved everything about this book, I fell hard and fast for Griffin and I adored Stella and her heart of gold. This is book 9 in the series but it can certainly be read and enjoyed as a stand-alone, it’s a romance with all the feels, I swooned, I sighed, I laughed and I found myself cheering this couple on . You’re Still The One s second chance/ friends to lovers at its best and I’m excited where the very talented Ms Kelly going to take us next.
Stella left her hometown after Griffin broke her heart but now after a disastrous marriage she finds herself with a job offer back home and that means facing her family as well as Griffin….
Griffin had always love her and even after the disastrous stunt she pulled that had them both going in different directions. he finds all the feelings he felt all those years ago soon bubble to the surface once he realises she is back in town. But will second time around be any different, will Stella still be speaking before she thinks, will she still be doing what she feels is best without consulting anyone….
I loved everything about this book, I fell hard and fast for Griffin and I adored Stella and her heart of gold. This is book 9 in the series but it can certainly be read and enjoyed as a stand-alone, it’s a romance with all the feels, I swooned, I sighed, I laughed and I found myself cheering this couple on . You’re Still The One s second chance/ friends to lovers at its best and I’m excited where the very talented Ms Kelly going to take us next.
July 26, 2021
I throughly enjoyed this book. I read it as a standalone but I sure feel like I would love to read the other books about her sisters. This is the first book I read by Erica Kelly and I think it started out on the right foot.
She wrote these two main characters so well. Family was a big part of this book and I really enjoyed seeing the love they had for each other despite whatever has happened in the past. One of my favorite parts was Austin becoming so adjusted because of Stella's bubbly personality and determination. Austin needed a certain spark of life and she sure brought it, I found myself being happy for him when he found his own voice in situations.
Griffin and Stella had many ups and downs, as individuals and as a couple. I enjoyed seeing how they handled everything, and got to where they wanted in the end. I feel like this book has characters I fell in love with immediately and some I just did not enjoy, but I think that is good to be able to have all type of emotions and feelings towards different characters in a book. I was never bored while reading and forsake would pick up again to read.
She wrote these two main characters so well. Family was a big part of this book and I really enjoyed seeing the love they had for each other despite whatever has happened in the past. One of my favorite parts was Austin becoming so adjusted because of Stella's bubbly personality and determination. Austin needed a certain spark of life and she sure brought it, I found myself being happy for him when he found his own voice in situations.
Griffin and Stella had many ups and downs, as individuals and as a couple. I enjoyed seeing how they handled everything, and got to where they wanted in the end. I feel like this book has characters I fell in love with immediately and some I just did not enjoy, but I think that is good to be able to have all type of emotions and feelings towards different characters in a book. I was never bored while reading and forsake would pick up again to read.
July 9, 2021
I have not read the other stories in the series, but I love a biker, a small-town romance, and I loved this story! Stella was real! She had such emotions and feelings about returning home after 7 years away from talking with her family, and she is unsure how she will be received. And how she will feel running into her one true love after he broke her heart. Stella seems to have a lot of growing up to do and to address the wrongs she's done while she grows.
Griffin is not ready for Stella to be back in town but of course, she immediately is where he least expects it and definitely not when he wants it. Although Griffin badly needs the influence Stella has onto his young charge, Austin. And Stella is really what he needed. Stella is truly the fun, feisty, caring, headstrong person that he remembers and how he still loves her and her impetuousness. But that is what Griffin and Austin need.
This story was just so consuming. I couldn't put it down and now I want to go back and read more of this series!
Griffin is not ready for Stella to be back in town but of course, she immediately is where he least expects it and definitely not when he wants it. Although Griffin badly needs the influence Stella has onto his young charge, Austin. And Stella is really what he needed. Stella is truly the fun, feisty, caring, headstrong person that he remembers and how he still loves her and her impetuousness. But that is what Griffin and Austin need.
This story was just so consuming. I couldn't put it down and now I want to go back and read more of this series!
July 9, 2021
My rating: 4 stars
What I liked: I liked Stella(h). Yeah she made mistakes but she owned them. She truly did things with best intentions and I liked her character because of it. I also liked how she was always looking out for Austin.
What I didn’t like: I hated the grandparent. I also was a little annoyed with Griffin(H) and couldn’t wait for him to pull his head out of his a$$ (but I understood why he was like he was) and was really happy when he finally did.
How hot was it: 3 out 5
Final thoughts: I was worried that I wouldn’t like Stella because I really liked Lulu and I felt her pain when Stella does what she does but I actually fell in love with Stella. I’m glad she finally gets her HEA with Griffin. There is just something about small town romance that makes me feel all warm and cuddly. I hope that Austin gets a book of his own too.
What I liked: I liked Stella(h). Yeah she made mistakes but she owned them. She truly did things with best intentions and I liked her character because of it. I also liked how she was always looking out for Austin.
What I didn’t like: I hated the grandparent. I also was a little annoyed with Griffin(H) and couldn’t wait for him to pull his head out of his a$$ (but I understood why he was like he was) and was really happy when he finally did.
How hot was it: 3 out 5
Final thoughts: I was worried that I wouldn’t like Stella because I really liked Lulu and I felt her pain when Stella does what she does but I actually fell in love with Stella. I’m glad she finally gets her HEA with Griffin. There is just something about small town romance that makes me feel all warm and cuddly. I hope that Austin gets a book of his own too.
April 30, 2022
This was...fine. I liked it OK, but it didn't scratch any of my itches when it comes to why I read romance novels. Too prosaic and small-town maybe. It also took me what felt like weeks to read because I would read a couple of pages at a time and not feel compelled to keep going.
June 9, 2023
Review in English and Spanish / Reseña en Inglés y Español
____________________________________
[ENGLISH]
Kelly is now one of my favorite romance authors since the last year I read a book by her. This book is one of those that talk about different types of love: family, friendship, loyalty and of course, between soul mates. The story isn't just about Stella and Griffin and their relationship, it also includes Austin, Stella's family and friends.
Stella trying to do good to one of her sisters, she made a mistake in the past that took her miles away from her love and her family, and now, after 7 years, she has finally returned, but everything is not the same and now she must face the changes she missed all those years. On the other hand, Griffin with injuries from the past, has to face the impetuous return of the love of his life and who broke his heart 7 years ago. For the sake of Austin - the son of Griffin's best friend - both must pretend to be engaged in front of everyone and also try to avoid the attraction they both have for each other.
I think what I like the most about these kinds of stories is the idea that true love is always there, no matter how much time passes, if they can put aside their differences and face their fears, they can be happy.
Stella is an impulsive but creative person who takes the best of her personality to shine in a family full of famous and successful people, but almost all the time that gets her into trouble at the worst moments of her life and she doesn't want to confront them; for this reason, Griffin, now responsible for Austin, tries to push her away and not go along with her fake engagement since his love for her never faded. Throughout the book, we can see that they, like Austin, have many flaws that made them very relatable to reality and more human.
I love the way the author touches on the issues and the idea of both of them facing their ghosts from the past to try not to lose the second chance they have to be together. I don't know why, but it really touched me in a way that made me cry.
I highly recommend this book for lovers of second chances, romance, and love.
____________________________________
[ESPAÑOL]
Kelly es ahora una de mis autoras románticas favoritas desde el último año que leí un libro de ella. Este libro es uno de esos que hablan de diferentes tipos de amor: familiar, de amistad, de lealtad y por supuesto, entre almas gemelas. La historia no es solo sobre Stella y Griffin y su relación, también incluye a Austin, la familia y los amigos de Stella.
Stella tratando de hacer un bien a una de sus hermanas, cometió un error en el pasado que la alejó a kilómetros de su amor y su familia, y ahora, después de 7 años, finalmente ha regresado, pero no todo sigue igual y ahora debe enfrentar los cambios que ella perdió todos esos años. Por otro lado, Griffin con heridas del pasado, tiene que enfrentar el regreso impetuoso del amor de su vida y quien hace 7 años le rompió el corazón. Por el bienestar de Austin -el hijo del mejor amigo de Griffin- ambos deben fingir estar comprometidos frente a todos y también tratar de evitar la atracción que ambos tienen el uno por el otro.
Creo que lo que más me gusta de este tipo de historias, es la idea de que el verdadero amor siempre está ahí, no importa el tiempo que pase, si pueden dejar de lado sus diferencias y enfrentar sus miedos, lo lograrán. ser feliz.
Stella es una persona impulsiva pero creativa que toma lo mejor de su personalidad para brillar dentro de una familia llena de personas famosas y exitosas, pero casi todo el tiempo eso la mete en problemas en los peores momentos de su vida y ella no quiere confrontarlos; por eso, Griffin, ahora responsable de Austin, intenta alejarla y no seguir la corriente de su falso compromiso ya que su amor por ella nunca se desvaneció. A través de todo el libro, podemos ver que ellos al igual que Austin, tienen muchas fallas que los hicieron muy identificables con la realidad y más humanos.
Me encanta la forma en que la autora toca los problemas y la idea de que ambos se enfrenten a sus fantasmas del pasado para intentar no perder la segunda oportunidad que tienen de estar juntos. No sé por qué, pero realmente me conmovió de una manera que me hizo llorar.
Recomiendo mucho este libro para los amantes de las segundas oportunidades, el romance y el amor.
____________________________________
[ENGLISH]
Kelly is now one of my favorite romance authors since the last year I read a book by her. This book is one of those that talk about different types of love: family, friendship, loyalty and of course, between soul mates. The story isn't just about Stella and Griffin and their relationship, it also includes Austin, Stella's family and friends.
Stella trying to do good to one of her sisters, she made a mistake in the past that took her miles away from her love and her family, and now, after 7 years, she has finally returned, but everything is not the same and now she must face the changes she missed all those years. On the other hand, Griffin with injuries from the past, has to face the impetuous return of the love of his life and who broke his heart 7 years ago. For the sake of Austin - the son of Griffin's best friend - both must pretend to be engaged in front of everyone and also try to avoid the attraction they both have for each other.
I think what I like the most about these kinds of stories is the idea that true love is always there, no matter how much time passes, if they can put aside their differences and face their fears, they can be happy.
Stella is an impulsive but creative person who takes the best of her personality to shine in a family full of famous and successful people, but almost all the time that gets her into trouble at the worst moments of her life and she doesn't want to confront them; for this reason, Griffin, now responsible for Austin, tries to push her away and not go along with her fake engagement since his love for her never faded. Throughout the book, we can see that they, like Austin, have many flaws that made them very relatable to reality and more human.
I love the way the author touches on the issues and the idea of both of them facing their ghosts from the past to try not to lose the second chance they have to be together. I don't know why, but it really touched me in a way that made me cry.
I highly recommend this book for lovers of second chances, romance, and love.
____________________________________
[ESPAÑOL]
Kelly es ahora una de mis autoras románticas favoritas desde el último año que leí un libro de ella. Este libro es uno de esos que hablan de diferentes tipos de amor: familiar, de amistad, de lealtad y por supuesto, entre almas gemelas. La historia no es solo sobre Stella y Griffin y su relación, también incluye a Austin, la familia y los amigos de Stella.
Stella tratando de hacer un bien a una de sus hermanas, cometió un error en el pasado que la alejó a kilómetros de su amor y su familia, y ahora, después de 7 años, finalmente ha regresado, pero no todo sigue igual y ahora debe enfrentar los cambios que ella perdió todos esos años. Por otro lado, Griffin con heridas del pasado, tiene que enfrentar el regreso impetuoso del amor de su vida y quien hace 7 años le rompió el corazón. Por el bienestar de Austin -el hijo del mejor amigo de Griffin- ambos deben fingir estar comprometidos frente a todos y también tratar de evitar la atracción que ambos tienen el uno por el otro.
Creo que lo que más me gusta de este tipo de historias, es la idea de que el verdadero amor siempre está ahí, no importa el tiempo que pase, si pueden dejar de lado sus diferencias y enfrentar sus miedos, lo lograrán. ser feliz.
Stella es una persona impulsiva pero creativa que toma lo mejor de su personalidad para brillar dentro de una familia llena de personas famosas y exitosas, pero casi todo el tiempo eso la mete en problemas en los peores momentos de su vida y ella no quiere confrontarlos; por eso, Griffin, ahora responsable de Austin, intenta alejarla y no seguir la corriente de su falso compromiso ya que su amor por ella nunca se desvaneció. A través de todo el libro, podemos ver que ellos al igual que Austin, tienen muchas fallas que los hicieron muy identificables con la realidad y más humanos.
Me encanta la forma en que la autora toca los problemas y la idea de que ambos se enfrenten a sus fantasmas del pasado para intentar no perder la segunda oportunidad que tienen de estar juntos. No sé por qué, pero realmente me conmovió de una manera que me hizo llorar.
Recomiendo mucho este libro para los amantes de las segundas oportunidades, el romance y el amor.
July 8, 2021
Welcome back to Calamity Falls! This is Stella and a Griffin’s story and it’s fantastic! Who knew you could meet your soulmate when you are a kid? These two have been in each other’s lives forever and through love, mistakes, a long time apart, a teenage boy and some growth on each of their parts, they find their way back to each other.
Stella is the youngest Cavanaugh sister who has a HUGE heart and lives BIG! Everything she does is big - her ideas, her plans, her love and, unfortunately, her mistakes. She is a bright light to those around her, loves everyone and has a huge heart for wanting everyone to be happy. That lead her to making a tragic mistake as a teen and doing something to her sister that caused a huge rift between them and for Griffin to break up with her. She left town embarrassed and heartbroken and stayed away for seven years because she didn’t know how to come back. The longer she stayed away, the harder it was for her to figure out how to go home. An amazing job offer gets her to return home where she will have to see her family and Griffin again.
Griffin is the oldest in his family and is now a too serious and broody guy. He is a good guy who puts his family first, has a successful business and cares deeply for others. Because of this, his best friend gives him responsibly for his teenage son while he is deployed in Afghanistan. He has loved Stella his entire life and never stopped. As a teen he also made a mistake that he hasn’t been able to recover from. It changed the way he sees himself and because of that, he loses the fun and lightness that he had as a young man. The second mistake he made during that time frame was breaking up with Stella after she did something incredibly stupid. While he regrets it the next day and goes to get her back, she has already left town due to shame and a broken heart. He can’t recover from that either. The ‘light’ in his life just went dark. He spends years brooding and becoming grumpier. Stella’s first day back has them meeting in an unusual way with another one of her ‘BIG’ ideas which he reluctantly goes along with.
These two have much to overcome and I honestly was worried about whether they could do it or not because they are simply too opposite of each other. But Griffin’s extremely protective and conservative nature is just drawn to Stella’s sunny and very loving nature. While he is definitely wary around Stella as he sees her big ideas and big risks, he can’t help but notice and fall in love with again, her loving nature as he watches her charm and draw out a very withdrawn and lonely teenage Austin. He’s right to be wary of her because she continues to let her fear guide many of her actions, but he simply cannot help but to love her. Watching them finally deal with the mistakes of their pasts to become true grownups was amazing to watch. I couldn’t help but cheer them on because I knew that it would bring them closer to each other! And that ending? OMG! 💗
While Stella and Griffin’s relationship was the heart of the story it was Austin’s relationship with them that melted my heart. Watching Griffin be awkward and stilted and then seeing Stella instinctively know that she needed to draw him out was interesting. And Griffin watching Stella’s natural way with him and seeing the boy just blossom while he was around her, melted his heart.
This story is not to be missed! Great characters, great catching up with old favorites, many hawt times and a soul deep true love makes for another great story! While this is a stand alone, don’t miss the previous stories to get a feel for the Cavanaugh family dynamics. Well done!
Stella is the youngest Cavanaugh sister who has a HUGE heart and lives BIG! Everything she does is big - her ideas, her plans, her love and, unfortunately, her mistakes. She is a bright light to those around her, loves everyone and has a huge heart for wanting everyone to be happy. That lead her to making a tragic mistake as a teen and doing something to her sister that caused a huge rift between them and for Griffin to break up with her. She left town embarrassed and heartbroken and stayed away for seven years because she didn’t know how to come back. The longer she stayed away, the harder it was for her to figure out how to go home. An amazing job offer gets her to return home where she will have to see her family and Griffin again.
Griffin is the oldest in his family and is now a too serious and broody guy. He is a good guy who puts his family first, has a successful business and cares deeply for others. Because of this, his best friend gives him responsibly for his teenage son while he is deployed in Afghanistan. He has loved Stella his entire life and never stopped. As a teen he also made a mistake that he hasn’t been able to recover from. It changed the way he sees himself and because of that, he loses the fun and lightness that he had as a young man. The second mistake he made during that time frame was breaking up with Stella after she did something incredibly stupid. While he regrets it the next day and goes to get her back, she has already left town due to shame and a broken heart. He can’t recover from that either. The ‘light’ in his life just went dark. He spends years brooding and becoming grumpier. Stella’s first day back has them meeting in an unusual way with another one of her ‘BIG’ ideas which he reluctantly goes along with.
These two have much to overcome and I honestly was worried about whether they could do it or not because they are simply too opposite of each other. But Griffin’s extremely protective and conservative nature is just drawn to Stella’s sunny and very loving nature. While he is definitely wary around Stella as he sees her big ideas and big risks, he can’t help but notice and fall in love with again, her loving nature as he watches her charm and draw out a very withdrawn and lonely teenage Austin. He’s right to be wary of her because she continues to let her fear guide many of her actions, but he simply cannot help but to love her. Watching them finally deal with the mistakes of their pasts to become true grownups was amazing to watch. I couldn’t help but cheer them on because I knew that it would bring them closer to each other! And that ending? OMG! 💗
While Stella and Griffin’s relationship was the heart of the story it was Austin’s relationship with them that melted my heart. Watching Griffin be awkward and stilted and then seeing Stella instinctively know that she needed to draw him out was interesting. And Griffin watching Stella’s natural way with him and seeing the boy just blossom while he was around her, melted his heart.
This story is not to be missed! Great characters, great catching up with old favorites, many hawt times and a soul deep true love makes for another great story! While this is a stand alone, don’t miss the previous stories to get a feel for the Cavanaugh family dynamics. Well done!
July 18, 2021
YOU’RE STILL THE ONE is the tenth instalment in Erika Kelly’s contemporary, adult CALAMITY FALLS erotic, romance series focusing on the people of Calamity Falls. This is twenty-five year old, wedding planner Stella Cavanaugh, and mechanic/motorcycle detailer Griffin James’ story line. YOU’RE STILL THE ONE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Stella and Griffin) YOU’RE STILL THE ONE follows the rebuilding romance and relationship between twenty-five year old, wedding planner Stella Cavanaugh, and mechanic/motorcycle detailer Griffin James. Seven years earlier Stella and Griffin’s life imploded when Stella, acting before she thought, destroyed her sister’s trust and faith, and lost the only man she would ever love. Running to places unknown, Stella would settle in New York City where she would eventually find herself working as an event planner. Fast forward to present day wherein, having not spoken to her family in close to seven years, our heroine finds herself back in Calamity Falls, where everything fell apart years before. What ensues is the rebuilding romance and relationship between Griffin and Stella, and the potential fall out as Stella’s inability to think first, may have cost Griffin everything and more.
Stella’s return to Calamity Falls is about to take a turn she never saw coming. Griffin is looking after his best friend’s fourteen year old son Austin, but the young man’s grandparents are demanding more than Griffin will allow. In an effort to protect the man that she has never stopped loving, Stella surprises everyone with a ‘fake’ engagement announcement, placing herself in the direct line of fire with the man who could destroy her heart. Griffin James never stopped loving Stella Cavanaugh but betrayal came at a cost. Hoping to beg forgiveness from the woman he loved, Griffin discovered Stella had moved on, leaving everything and everyone behind in Calamity Falls.
The relationship between Stella and Griffin is a second chance romance; a fake engagement that threatens Stella’s return to her home town, and the forgiveness of the people she left behind. Stella had yet to reveal to her family that she was back in Calamity Falls, and the within minutes of arrival she had already embarked on a plan of secrets and lies that would surely scream more betrayal at the cost of their love. Griffin wanted nothing more than to forgive the woman that called to his heart but issues of trust meant Griffin struggled with what happened and why. Rekindling his relationship with our story line heroine mean changing his direction in life, a life that now involved a fourteen year old boy. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and familiar characters including Stella’s sisters Coco, Lulu and Gigi; their parents; Austin and his father Peyton, and Austin’s grandparents Judge Leonard and Mrs. Pilson, as well as several previous story line characters.
YOU’RE STILL THE ONE is a story of betrayal, secrets, lies and forgiveness; trust and acceptance; romance and love. The premise is emotional, heart warming and real; the romance is seductive ; the characters are sassy, edgy and inspiring.
www.thereadingcafe.com
Told from dual third person perspectives (Stella and Griffin) YOU’RE STILL THE ONE follows the rebuilding romance and relationship between twenty-five year old, wedding planner Stella Cavanaugh, and mechanic/motorcycle detailer Griffin James. Seven years earlier Stella and Griffin’s life imploded when Stella, acting before she thought, destroyed her sister’s trust and faith, and lost the only man she would ever love. Running to places unknown, Stella would settle in New York City where she would eventually find herself working as an event planner. Fast forward to present day wherein, having not spoken to her family in close to seven years, our heroine finds herself back in Calamity Falls, where everything fell apart years before. What ensues is the rebuilding romance and relationship between Griffin and Stella, and the potential fall out as Stella’s inability to think first, may have cost Griffin everything and more.
Stella’s return to Calamity Falls is about to take a turn she never saw coming. Griffin is looking after his best friend’s fourteen year old son Austin, but the young man’s grandparents are demanding more than Griffin will allow. In an effort to protect the man that she has never stopped loving, Stella surprises everyone with a ‘fake’ engagement announcement, placing herself in the direct line of fire with the man who could destroy her heart. Griffin James never stopped loving Stella Cavanaugh but betrayal came at a cost. Hoping to beg forgiveness from the woman he loved, Griffin discovered Stella had moved on, leaving everything and everyone behind in Calamity Falls.
The relationship between Stella and Griffin is a second chance romance; a fake engagement that threatens Stella’s return to her home town, and the forgiveness of the people she left behind. Stella had yet to reveal to her family that she was back in Calamity Falls, and the within minutes of arrival she had already embarked on a plan of secrets and lies that would surely scream more betrayal at the cost of their love. Griffin wanted nothing more than to forgive the woman that called to his heart but issues of trust meant Griffin struggled with what happened and why. Rekindling his relationship with our story line heroine mean changing his direction in life, a life that now involved a fourteen year old boy. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and familiar characters including Stella’s sisters Coco, Lulu and Gigi; their parents; Austin and his father Peyton, and Austin’s grandparents Judge Leonard and Mrs. Pilson, as well as several previous story line characters.
YOU’RE STILL THE ONE is a story of betrayal, secrets, lies and forgiveness; trust and acceptance; romance and love. The premise is emotional, heart warming and real; the romance is seductive ; the characters are sassy, edgy and inspiring.
www.thereadingcafe.com
July 8, 2021
"They were doing this whole fake engagement thing—that meant they had to be together. When had she ever accepted defeat? It wasn’t in her DNA. She’d use this time together to get to know him again, flirt her ass off…and she’d win Griffin James back. Because he was her one and only. She’d known it then, and she knew it now."
Stella is finally going home, after a seven years of self imposed exile she is finally back to create the most perfect weddings as the new wedding planner in town. The only issue being; how is her family going to react to her after the Lulu incident and what is going to happen once she comes face to face with Griffin James,the only man that has ever held her heart. And in true Stella fashion she acts before thinking it through, only this time will Griffin see that her intentions are pure?
••
"She wasn’t going anywhere. She wanted to live in his scent, in this lush kiss that hinted at the barely restrained desire rumbling under the surface. She wanted to kick down the barriers, let out the carnal man who took what he wanted."
Griffin has his hands full with trying to take care of Austin while his dad is on deployment and having to fend of his maternal grandparents who are determined to take the boy away from him. The last thing Griff needs is for Stella to rope him into one of her crazy schemes even if it's to help him and Austin. The real issue Griff has to face is that no matter how hard he tries to push Stella away, she always just fits so perfectly next to him, the question is, is Griffin willing to live life to its fullest with all of Stella’s crazy wildness or is he going to hide in his safe box?
••
“Stella, you are the party. You’re the focal point in any group. You’re the brightest light and the warmest heart, and I will always love you…”
Loved it! I absolutely ate this book up, after hearing about the wild impulsive Stella in Lulu’s book I had been dying to get to know the real girl behind the crazy and let me just say; Stella was the best! I loved getting to see all my old favorites in Calamity Falls and falling in love with Stella and Griffin!
••
"His love, it was like a blanket on a cold day. It was like hot cocoa in front of a fire. It enveloped her, comforted her, and strengthened her.Griffin James was the fabric of her soul, and she would never be complete without him."
Both Stella and Griffin were amazing, completely opposite of each other but the perfect pair! I loved getting to see them fall in love all over again and growing from their past hurts and mistakes. However it was Austin that made this book all the more cute. I loved the little family that they created and that Stella helped bring him out of his shell.
••
The realness and relatableness of the entire story is was made this second chance romance all the more sweet! I would highly recommend reading this novel and all the previous books in this series, I can not wait to see what Kelly has planned for next!
Stella is finally going home, after a seven years of self imposed exile she is finally back to create the most perfect weddings as the new wedding planner in town. The only issue being; how is her family going to react to her after the Lulu incident and what is going to happen once she comes face to face with Griffin James,the only man that has ever held her heart. And in true Stella fashion she acts before thinking it through, only this time will Griffin see that her intentions are pure?
••
"She wasn’t going anywhere. She wanted to live in his scent, in this lush kiss that hinted at the barely restrained desire rumbling under the surface. She wanted to kick down the barriers, let out the carnal man who took what he wanted."
Griffin has his hands full with trying to take care of Austin while his dad is on deployment and having to fend of his maternal grandparents who are determined to take the boy away from him. The last thing Griff needs is for Stella to rope him into one of her crazy schemes even if it's to help him and Austin. The real issue Griff has to face is that no matter how hard he tries to push Stella away, she always just fits so perfectly next to him, the question is, is Griffin willing to live life to its fullest with all of Stella’s crazy wildness or is he going to hide in his safe box?
••
“Stella, you are the party. You’re the focal point in any group. You’re the brightest light and the warmest heart, and I will always love you…”
Loved it! I absolutely ate this book up, after hearing about the wild impulsive Stella in Lulu’s book I had been dying to get to know the real girl behind the crazy and let me just say; Stella was the best! I loved getting to see all my old favorites in Calamity Falls and falling in love with Stella and Griffin!
••
"His love, it was like a blanket on a cold day. It was like hot cocoa in front of a fire. It enveloped her, comforted her, and strengthened her.Griffin James was the fabric of her soul, and she would never be complete without him."
Both Stella and Griffin were amazing, completely opposite of each other but the perfect pair! I loved getting to see them fall in love all over again and growing from their past hurts and mistakes. However it was Austin that made this book all the more cute. I loved the little family that they created and that Stella helped bring him out of his shell.
••
The realness and relatableness of the entire story is was made this second chance romance all the more sweet! I would highly recommend reading this novel and all the previous books in this series, I can not wait to see what Kelly has planned for next!
July 8, 2021
"You're Still the One" by Erika Kelly was a heartwarming second chance romance featuring endearing, well-developed characters and an engaging plot. It is the ninth book of Kelly's Calamity Falls series; several characters from earlier stories make return appearances in this one, but it still works as a standalone.
Seven years after leaving town and cutting off contact with her family because of an incident at her sister Lulu's rehearsal dinner, Stella Cavanaugh made the difficult decision to move home to Calamity Falls, Wyoming. As a fledgling wedding planner, Stella looked forward to learning from her new boss, Diane, and potentially taking over the business one day. Unfortunately, she arrived in Calamity to learn that Diane had been called out of town to care for her sick mother, leaving Stella on her own with the plans for several weddings, including her estranged sister Gigi's.
Meanwhile, Stella's former boyfriend, Griffin James, had become the temporary guardian for his friend Peyton's teenage son, Austin, while Peyton was deployed. Austin's strict maternal grandparents, the Pilsons, were displeased with Peyton's decision, so they were constantly hovering and trying to find reasons to remove Austin from Griffin's care. When Stella learned of the situation, particularly the terrible rumors the Pilsons were threatening to spread about Griffin, she couldn't help getting involved in an effort to ensure both Austin and Griffin's happiness.
Before I started reading this book, I was a bit worried that what I knew about Stella from her sisters' stories would make it difficult for me to like her. Now that I've learned her side of the story, however, not only did I like her, she ended up being my favorite of the Cavanaugh sisters. Even though some of her past decisions weren't the right ones, I completely understood why she made them. One of those decisions, an impulsive, misguided attempt to protect her sister Lulu, was what led to the end of Stella's relationship with Griffin. Their messy past was a lot to overcome, but Stella and Griffin never stopped loving each other, and their chemistry was as strong as ever when she returned to Calamity. In order for them to find their way back to each other, Stella needed to earn back Griffin's trust, while Griffin had to stop playing it safe and start living his life.
Overall, "You're Still the One" gave me all the feels and I loved it. I highly recommend this book for all contemporary romance fans and look forward to the next book in the series.
*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
Seven years after leaving town and cutting off contact with her family because of an incident at her sister Lulu's rehearsal dinner, Stella Cavanaugh made the difficult decision to move home to Calamity Falls, Wyoming. As a fledgling wedding planner, Stella looked forward to learning from her new boss, Diane, and potentially taking over the business one day. Unfortunately, she arrived in Calamity to learn that Diane had been called out of town to care for her sick mother, leaving Stella on her own with the plans for several weddings, including her estranged sister Gigi's.
Meanwhile, Stella's former boyfriend, Griffin James, had become the temporary guardian for his friend Peyton's teenage son, Austin, while Peyton was deployed. Austin's strict maternal grandparents, the Pilsons, were displeased with Peyton's decision, so they were constantly hovering and trying to find reasons to remove Austin from Griffin's care. When Stella learned of the situation, particularly the terrible rumors the Pilsons were threatening to spread about Griffin, she couldn't help getting involved in an effort to ensure both Austin and Griffin's happiness.
Before I started reading this book, I was a bit worried that what I knew about Stella from her sisters' stories would make it difficult for me to like her. Now that I've learned her side of the story, however, not only did I like her, she ended up being my favorite of the Cavanaugh sisters. Even though some of her past decisions weren't the right ones, I completely understood why she made them. One of those decisions, an impulsive, misguided attempt to protect her sister Lulu, was what led to the end of Stella's relationship with Griffin. Their messy past was a lot to overcome, but Stella and Griffin never stopped loving each other, and their chemistry was as strong as ever when she returned to Calamity. In order for them to find their way back to each other, Stella needed to earn back Griffin's trust, while Griffin had to stop playing it safe and start living his life.
Overall, "You're Still the One" gave me all the feels and I loved it. I highly recommend this book for all contemporary romance fans and look forward to the next book in the series.
*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
June 26, 2021
“Even if I couldn’t have you, I wanted to be around you any chance I could.”
You're Still The One is my favorite of the Cavanaugh sisters’ books. Griffin and Stella exude passion, love, and so much angst. I couldn’t get enough of them.
Stella and Griffin were teenage sweethearts, but when Stella made the biggest mistake of her life, she lost her family and the love of her life. Griffin quickly realized that his life would not be complete without Stella and went after her but found that she had moved on her life so he vowed to forget her. When she returns to town, can Stella and Griffin resist the spark that still burns between them and will Stella’s family forgive her?
“Stella threw herself into life wholly and recklessly. She was a passionate woman who fell in love fast and hard, while he…well, he’d only ever loved her.”
Stella is full of life and passion. She loves with her whole heart and has a habit of jumping into things without thinking of the consequences. She struggles with the guilt and pain she has caused herself and others from her actions in the past, but she always picks herself up and dusts herself off again. She wants nothing more than to repair her relationships with Griffin and sisters.
“Griffin James was the fabric of her soul, and she would never be complete without him.”
Griffin was once the daredevil who was up for anything, but a tragic event in his past has made him cautious and now he is the caretaker who looks out for everyone in his life and makes sure they are safe. He has always loved Stella, but her recklessness scares him.
“Life without you…it’s going through the motions. It’s eating without tasting and laughing without finding anything funny.”
The love and chemistry between these two is palpable. It leaps off the page. You can feel how perfect they are for each other. Their banter is electric and the longing and heat is perfection. I loved how they made each other a better person and really balanced each other out.
I have loved every book in this series and think each sister’s love story is special, but Stella and Griffin are my favorite. They are just meant to be. I cannot recommend You're Still The One enough!!
You're Still The One is my favorite of the Cavanaugh sisters’ books. Griffin and Stella exude passion, love, and so much angst. I couldn’t get enough of them.
Stella and Griffin were teenage sweethearts, but when Stella made the biggest mistake of her life, she lost her family and the love of her life. Griffin quickly realized that his life would not be complete without Stella and went after her but found that she had moved on her life so he vowed to forget her. When she returns to town, can Stella and Griffin resist the spark that still burns between them and will Stella’s family forgive her?
“Stella threw herself into life wholly and recklessly. She was a passionate woman who fell in love fast and hard, while he…well, he’d only ever loved her.”
Stella is full of life and passion. She loves with her whole heart and has a habit of jumping into things without thinking of the consequences. She struggles with the guilt and pain she has caused herself and others from her actions in the past, but she always picks herself up and dusts herself off again. She wants nothing more than to repair her relationships with Griffin and sisters.
“Griffin James was the fabric of her soul, and she would never be complete without him.”
Griffin was once the daredevil who was up for anything, but a tragic event in his past has made him cautious and now he is the caretaker who looks out for everyone in his life and makes sure they are safe. He has always loved Stella, but her recklessness scares him.
“Life without you…it’s going through the motions. It’s eating without tasting and laughing without finding anything funny.”
The love and chemistry between these two is palpable. It leaps off the page. You can feel how perfect they are for each other. Their banter is electric and the longing and heat is perfection. I loved how they made each other a better person and really balanced each other out.
I have loved every book in this series and think each sister’s love story is special, but Stella and Griffin are my favorite. They are just meant to be. I cannot recommend You're Still The One enough!!
July 20, 2021
Ah, Calamity Falls! I love these small town romances with the fabulous Cavanaugh family. I’ve been waiting for Stella’s story after she did the wrong thing for the right reason in her sister Lulu’s story. After the horrible outcome to Stella’s bad decision she ran. So much hurt with her longtime love Griffin’s response plus her shame had her out of touch for years. Now she’s has the offer of a lifetime so she takes it and back home she goes. Right off the bat she jumps in to help Griffin with his nephew Austin. Here she goes again…jumping in with her special brand of help. It puts her up close with her ex, the delicious Griffin. He’s the hunky biker helping out his friend by taking care of Austin while his friend is overseas in the military. I love Stella with her sunshiny personality and sweet soul. She’s got so much to make up for with her family. But this family is all about love and forgiveness. It may take some work but Stella is determined to have her family back. Then there’s Griffin. They have been in love since their teens and it didn’t go away. The heat between the two is sizzling. But can Griffin live with her snap decisions and crazy plots in his quiet, orderly life. He’s toeing the line to keep the closed off teen Austin in a good place and away from his awful grandparents. Yep, the Hanging Judge wants his grandson. Tons of emotion in this story as Stella and Griffin try to find their way back to each other and both trying to help the teen find his place in a new town. The big, loving Cavanaugh family is the best and I love seeing this family as they support and love each other. And let’s not forget that other fabulous Calamity Falls family the Bowie hot guys and their lovely gals. I hope there are more stories to come from these fabulous folks in a Wild West town with an energy that’s contagious and so much love abounds. A terrific friends and family atmosphere with that small town familiarity and a sexy romance makes this an outstanding read.
January 6, 2022
I don’t even know where to start. After finishing the book I started to feel emotional as I thought the series has finished . Until I opened my emails to find Erika’s newsletter, letting us know Declan’s story is coming (that was before I finished the book, so I was happy to see it at the end of the book too) . I’m not ashamed to admit that I got really excited 😄 I didn’t and don’t want the series to end.
When I read the previous books,I already made my mind up about Stella. I thought she was selfish,self-centred and always got what she wanted
I was so wrong.
She is impulsive but in a good way.She always acts without thinking but only because she wants the best for everyone even if it might blow up in her face later.
Griffin is the opposite.He overthinks everything and doesn’t act until he is sure he is doing the right thing.
I always say that I love second chance romances but I absolutely loved how Stella stood up for herself and used those two most hurtful words: We’re done! Even if it broke her , she knew she had to do it as she didn’t want to change for anyone.Not even for Griffin.
When you find out what happened to him in the past, you understand where he is coming from. Why he is so careful with everything and everyone in his life.
Even though the book is about Stella and Griffin, I absolutely loved his and Austin’s relationship. Let’s not forget how much Influence Stella had on him too.
I had a bit of “Love actually” feeling reading chapter 21 ☺️
Chapter 25 made me swoon and fall in love with Griffin. It literally changed my mood from “I don’t like him anymore” to “Oh my God Stella,please give him a chance “ 😊
And the epilogue? Ah God, I had tears in my eyes ❣️
Thank you Erika Kelly for another beautiful book/story.
Cannot wait to read Declan’s story
When I read the previous books,I already made my mind up about Stella. I thought she was selfish,self-centred and always got what she wanted
I was so wrong.
She is impulsive but in a good way.She always acts without thinking but only because she wants the best for everyone even if it might blow up in her face later.
Griffin is the opposite.He overthinks everything and doesn’t act until he is sure he is doing the right thing.
I always say that I love second chance romances but I absolutely loved how Stella stood up for herself and used those two most hurtful words: We’re done! Even if it broke her , she knew she had to do it as she didn’t want to change for anyone.Not even for Griffin.
When you find out what happened to him in the past, you understand where he is coming from. Why he is so careful with everything and everyone in his life.
Even though the book is about Stella and Griffin, I absolutely loved his and Austin’s relationship. Let’s not forget how much Influence Stella had on him too.
I had a bit of “Love actually” feeling reading chapter 21 ☺️
Chapter 25 made me swoon and fall in love with Griffin. It literally changed my mood from “I don’t like him anymore” to “Oh my God Stella,please give him a chance “ 😊
And the epilogue? Ah God, I had tears in my eyes ❣️
Thank you Erika Kelly for another beautiful book/story.
Cannot wait to read Declan’s story
July 16, 2021
I love second chance romances and Erika delivers it with this fantastic book.
Stella is back home to do a job for a wedding planner that needed to take care of her mother. Problem is that one of the weddings she needs to work on is one her sister's. Stella left here years ago after hurting her other sister and loosing the only man she has ever loved, Griffin. Her heart is on turmoil because she left with the thought of her family hating her and Griffin never wanting to see her again. She finds a friend in a teenage boy that is smart, helpful but is living with Griffin. What happens when she comes face to face with the man she cannot forget? Will he still have this deep hatred for her? How will she be able to deal with all the emotions of seeing him and her family? When she starts to lie to help will it backfire?
Griffin has been given the responsibility of caring for Austin, the teenage son of his friend that has been deployed. He loves Austin and will do anything for him. When Stella wonders in with Austin, what will Griffin do? Will he accept the lie to save Austin from the grips of his grandparents? Can he forgive Stella for what she did or will his heart win? Griffin needs to keep a steady head for both his bike shop he owns and Austin's safety and happiness.
Erika never disappoints with her writing. She has a way of getting under your skin with the characters she writes about. I wanted to yell at both Griffin and Stella like I was right there. You get invested in her stories because of the way she writes and the details she uses. This book and the Calamity Falls series is a must addition to your TBR list.
Stella is back home to do a job for a wedding planner that needed to take care of her mother. Problem is that one of the weddings she needs to work on is one her sister's. Stella left here years ago after hurting her other sister and loosing the only man she has ever loved, Griffin. Her heart is on turmoil because she left with the thought of her family hating her and Griffin never wanting to see her again. She finds a friend in a teenage boy that is smart, helpful but is living with Griffin. What happens when she comes face to face with the man she cannot forget? Will he still have this deep hatred for her? How will she be able to deal with all the emotions of seeing him and her family? When she starts to lie to help will it backfire?
Griffin has been given the responsibility of caring for Austin, the teenage son of his friend that has been deployed. He loves Austin and will do anything for him. When Stella wonders in with Austin, what will Griffin do? Will he accept the lie to save Austin from the grips of his grandparents? Can he forgive Stella for what she did or will his heart win? Griffin needs to keep a steady head for both his bike shop he owns and Austin's safety and happiness.
Erika never disappoints with her writing. She has a way of getting under your skin with the characters she writes about. I wanted to yell at both Griffin and Stella like I was right there. You get invested in her stories because of the way she writes and the details she uses. This book and the Calamity Falls series is a must addition to your TBR list.
July 8, 2021
Erika Kelly’s Calamity Falls is one of my favorite places to visit and experience the the amazing characters who call it home. Griffin is taking care of his friend’s teenage son while Peyton is deployed with the service. Griffin is the protector and care taker of his loved ones so he avoids risk and chaos. His heart still belongs to Stella Cavanaugh even though she broke his heart 7 years ago.
Stella Cavanaugh has moved back to Calamity Falls and after running away over 7 years ago. She’s not contacted her family and the years with no communication between them has her scared and fearful of her welcome. Stella has always been a big personality, friendly and passionate for life. She is apprehensive about seeing Griffin, and fears the possibility of having to see him married with children with someone else.
Stella and Griffin are suddenly back in each other’s lives due to a lie told to protect a reputation and to offer Austin a stable home life. Emotions and feelings as strong as theirs don’t lie dormant, so both of them have to face the past and learn to grow together with or they risk failing again.
This is a fantastic book which focuses of Griffin and Stella, but brings Stella back in touch with her parents and her siblings. Their relationships strengthen, but a lie told to protect someone is still a lie. Does it matter why when everyone finds out?
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review. I adore this series and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Stella Cavanaugh has moved back to Calamity Falls and after running away over 7 years ago. She’s not contacted her family and the years with no communication between them has her scared and fearful of her welcome. Stella has always been a big personality, friendly and passionate for life. She is apprehensive about seeing Griffin, and fears the possibility of having to see him married with children with someone else.
Stella and Griffin are suddenly back in each other’s lives due to a lie told to protect a reputation and to offer Austin a stable home life. Emotions and feelings as strong as theirs don’t lie dormant, so both of them have to face the past and learn to grow together with or they risk failing again.
This is a fantastic book which focuses of Griffin and Stella, but brings Stella back in touch with her parents and her siblings. Their relationships strengthen, but a lie told to protect someone is still a lie. Does it matter why when everyone finds out?
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review. I adore this series and thoroughly enjoyed it.
January 17, 2022
I have to start with the fact that this a review that I have done without any payment or incentives, having said that I have to give this book 4 out of 5 stars! There is an interesting series in this book that I throughly enjoed, the twists and turns keep you on your toes. A story of depth and love that lasts, there are lot of things that I loved about this story and some that drove me a little nuts. Two people that are driven apart by a bad decision are then brought back together seven years later, and the series of events that follow will have you laughing, and crying. I had not read a Erika Kelly book before this, and I will be reading more after a taste of her writing, she is a very talented writer that can make you feel for her characters. The pepper rating is not that high for this book with a Manzano Pepper, there are a couple of explict scenes that will get your blood heating but mainly it's the chemistry between the two main characters that will make you crave more of their interactions, and not the action between the sheets (or on top of them.)
I recommend this book to anyone who likes the fake relationship trope, as well as the second chance trope. There maybe a few other tropes that would be easily attached to this book as well but those two are the main two. If you don't like explicted scenes then this book is one that you may want to stay away from, there may not be many but they are difinitely not fade to black scenes.
I hope this helps you find your next Tantalizing Tome!
I recommend this book to anyone who likes the fake relationship trope, as well as the second chance trope. There maybe a few other tropes that would be easily attached to this book as well but those two are the main two. If you don't like explicted scenes then this book is one that you may want to stay away from, there may not be many but they are difinitely not fade to black scenes.
I hope this helps you find your next Tantalizing Tome!
November 8, 2021
I liked the book, at times it felt like like the story dragged. It definitely had its ups and down. I did feel for the characters, the last three chapters are the best, brought me to tears sad and happy. What I didn’t like much I guess was the style of writing in third person. There were times I had to read a paragraph or sentence to know who was saying what. I put the book down at times, as I said it dragged and I lost interest; but I would pick it up because I never quit a book or DNF. I believe each author puts a lot into the writing and if I am going to leave a review I better finish it.
I give this a 3.75 stars.
Characters are strong, great heroine and hero was a good respectfully.
There were lots of secondary and extra characters, and sometimes I would forget who was who. Lots of names to keep tracked.
Style of writing: third person, like narrating the story.
At times the story had its funny moments.
Some sex, very sweet no much description which it was good a it suited the story. I liked that.
Inconsistency: the books mentioned the characters ages at different point in time which does not match with their ages at present times. At times it mentions she was a minor when they gotten sexually active, other times they don’t.
I am interested in reading the stories of the other sisters and hopefully there is an Austin book in the future.
I give this a 3.75 stars.
Characters are strong, great heroine and hero was a good respectfully.
There were lots of secondary and extra characters, and sometimes I would forget who was who. Lots of names to keep tracked.
Style of writing: third person, like narrating the story.
At times the story had its funny moments.
Some sex, very sweet no much description which it was good a it suited the story. I liked that.
Inconsistency: the books mentioned the characters ages at different point in time which does not match with their ages at present times. At times it mentions she was a minor when they gotten sexually active, other times they don’t.
I am interested in reading the stories of the other sisters and hopefully there is an Austin book in the future.
July 7, 2021
WOW! WOW! WOW! Welcome to all the feels! I ADORED Stella and Griffin's story. They had quite the past. The feelings between them and the chemistry had always been intense. And time didn't diminish that either. Stella loved hard and she was quick to protect those around her; even from herself. But she also grew up and learned things about herself. She grew more confident in who she was and her talents. I liked that she was a strong woman, but yet she was worried about her family. Yes, they had things to work on, but they were still family. And Griffin!... Mercy! Griffin was a good man! He had a good career and he was looking out for his buddy's son. Austin had maternal grandparents but they didn't want what was best for Austin and Griffin did. The struggle was real. And those grandparents were a doozy! But when Stella learned about said grandparents, she was there for Griffin. And while things took a turn neither one of them were expecting, Austin was still the one they were looking out for. I was completely lost in this book and didn't want to put it down. I FELT everything and I can't tell you how much I loved it. My words aren't good enough, but if you love a book you can get lost in and get hit with all the feels, then be sure not to let this book pass you by!
July 24, 2021
First of , Erika Kelly has become one of my favorite writers . Every time you pick up one of her books you are guaranteed a awesome read . Your Still The One is part of ( a calamity falls Small town romance series ) From the moment I picked up this book I could not put it down . Stella and Griffins story has all the feels , I was feeling so many different emotions throughout their story . One of the things I loved most was that they had a past , and coming together once again only made the chemistry and the feelings they had for each other that so much clearer . I also loved Stella’s strength and the way she took care of the ones she loved in her life . Seeing her character grow and mature was also quite beautiful. Griffin, was such a genuinely great guy , who had a lot on his plate but dealt with it beautifully. Stella was definitely there for griffin especially when he needed the support. Things were not easy . There were obstacles each of their characters had to deal with . I don’t truly have the words to express how much I not only loved this entire book but also the two of them together . This really is a book I believe you need to read to truly appreciate how amazing it is
July 19, 2021
“He couldn’t control his world with her in it. But then the world isn’t made for us to control it.”
You're Still the One is a story about forgiveness, self-discovery and acceptance, and family.
The family reunions had me teary-eyed. As a sister myself, I was invested in mending these sister relationships. I also loved seeing Austin come into his own, as well as see Stella and Griffin show him the security family and love can bring.
This book set me off into moments of contemplation quite a bit. It's inspirational in a sometimes difficult way. Accepting differences, finding the compassion to forgive oneself, and releasing the illusion of control over life are among the difficult lessons Stella and Griffin learned.
I felt like it took me a while to read this book. It can be read as a standalone but I felt like I was missing a lot. Regardless, I enjoyed this romance. Griffin and Stella made a sweet couple (when he wasn't being as stubborn as a rock!). Erika Kelly wrote these characters in a way where they could be difficult--but I understood them. They made mistakes. They hurt. They're human.
You're Still the One is a story about forgiveness, self-discovery and acceptance, and family.
The family reunions had me teary-eyed. As a sister myself, I was invested in mending these sister relationships. I also loved seeing Austin come into his own, as well as see Stella and Griffin show him the security family and love can bring.
This book set me off into moments of contemplation quite a bit. It's inspirational in a sometimes difficult way. Accepting differences, finding the compassion to forgive oneself, and releasing the illusion of control over life are among the difficult lessons Stella and Griffin learned.
I felt like it took me a while to read this book. It can be read as a standalone but I felt like I was missing a lot. Regardless, I enjoyed this romance. Griffin and Stella made a sweet couple (when he wasn't being as stubborn as a rock!). Erika Kelly wrote these characters in a way where they could be difficult--but I understood them. They made mistakes. They hurt. They're human.
July 20, 2021
Stella Cavanaugh is truly more deep down than her mistakes would paint her out to be. She's a person who will do anything for anyone, even if things go badly like when she was trying to help her sister out. The fallout from that night was the moment she lost the love of her life and her family so before anyone could blink, she was gone. It's 7 years later before she even attempts to come home, and that's because she is offered a dream job at home but she's worried about it all. She actually runs into the love of her life, Griffin pretty quickly, and it's kind of dicey to say the least. Now Griffin hasn't gotten over her either, and nowadays he's a broody fellow but that doesn't mean that he's willing to be around her. He's also taking care of the son of one of his buddies who was deployed, and that's when Stella pulled another stunt to help him though he's not pleased about it. I know Stella made mistakes but she was woman enough to own them which can be a rare thing in the real world. This story was an emotional second chance story that I couldn't get enough of so I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
September 2, 2021
Stella has been away from home and without contact with her family for years, and with her heart beating for Griffin, her true love and ex boyfriend.
A mistake on her part, though done with the best of intentions, is what caused this whole debacle. But a job offer as a wedding planner returns her to her home and to face her fears: that her family is angry at her, that she no longer fits into their lives, that the man she lives has move on and fall in love with other woman and have a family…
On her first day, she met Austin, a 14-year-old boy who is staying with Griffin until his father returns from his deployment in the army.
When she hears an argument between Griffin and Austin’s grandparents accusing Griffin of something horrible, she doesn’t hesitate to defend him by telling a lie, that she is Griffin’s fiancé, which leaves Austin’s grandparents somewhat calmer with the situation. But this charade will make Griffin and Stella spend more time together, which will make Griffin relive some pain from the past.
It’s a good story and the relationship between the MCs is fantastic despite all the problems they face.
A mistake on her part, though done with the best of intentions, is what caused this whole debacle. But a job offer as a wedding planner returns her to her home and to face her fears: that her family is angry at her, that she no longer fits into their lives, that the man she lives has move on and fall in love with other woman and have a family…
On her first day, she met Austin, a 14-year-old boy who is staying with Griffin until his father returns from his deployment in the army.
When she hears an argument between Griffin and Austin’s grandparents accusing Griffin of something horrible, she doesn’t hesitate to defend him by telling a lie, that she is Griffin’s fiancé, which leaves Austin’s grandparents somewhat calmer with the situation. But this charade will make Griffin and Stella spend more time together, which will make Griffin relive some pain from the past.
It’s a good story and the relationship between the MCs is fantastic despite all the problems they face.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews