Something New: A Romance

by Brooke St. James

Finding love was not on the agenda for John-Michael, but he knew there was no harm in taking a second to enjoy these warm, fuzzy feelings. As a single father, he ultimately had to put his son first, and a fleeting romance was simply not an option.

Still, his heart raced as his gaze reached Sadie's mouth. He would never act on it, but he would love to kiss her. He was definitely attracted to this woman, there was no denying it.

Genres: Romance

224 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 3, 2024

About the author

Brooke St. James is a USA Today bestselling author and Amazon Kindle All-Star. She writes contemporary romance novels with Christian and inspirational themes and happy endings. She was born and raised in south Louisiana but has had the opportunity to travel and live throughout the U.S. An avid reader, writer, audio book addict, and fan of all things artistic, Brooke constantly has her hands in some creative activity. She's currently back home in Louisiana enjoying life with her husband, children, and two lazy dogs.

To find out more about Brooke visit her Facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/brookesaintj...

Her Official website at:
http://www.brookesaintjames.com/

Follow her on Twitter or Instagram:
@brooke_stjames

To join her mailing list or for specific inquiries:
brookesaintjames@gmail.com

Listen to her audiobooks on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@BrookeStJames

Reviews

[Himistchester · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a typical Brooke St James

This book was not at all what I expected from Brooke St. James. The female in the story was a college student who thought it was perfectly acceptable to party on the weekends and use drugs. She was upset that her mother and two brothers wouldn’t get off her back about her behavior. I wish I hadn’t wasted my time reading this book. It was a struggle to read it.

[Deb F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who says opposites attract?

Sadie and Johns Michael met in an unusual way. He has a three yr. old son, Ethan that just steals your heart from the moment you meet him. His parents met at a fire pit at Camp Eden years ago. Now they own the camp and need some work done, Sadie brothers are working for them. This day Sadie met Ethan first and John- Michael later in the day. That starts a love story that was almost to good to end. I was very surprised when the epilogue showed up, I was sure there was more to the story....it is a good easy read. Perfect for the beach or cozied up by a fire. Brooke St. James is an excellent author. Read this today!!

[Travis Peak · Rating 3 out of 5]

Uneven

I feel like this author did a really good job when the characters were having conversations but phoned it in the rest of the time. I never got a feel for the setting and the entire book feels incredibly rushed, especially the ending. It was a rather dull story. It was also an odd choice to have his pov be 3rd person but hers be in the 1st person. The main characters were fine but at one point John Michael lets us know that he wants to "tame" Sadie and that's just way too archaic for me.

[Tiera Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

And another one

I look forward to the entire series. I like that we have a h who is complicated but acknowledges that about herself. Jn-Micheal and E are just the sweetest. As usual pacing worked and I can’t wait to see them live out there happily ever after. I like how this book shows the bad choices we make still can be used leading us to the place God had in mind all along for us. Thanks Mrs. St James for another amazing love story!

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so looking forward to this series. I'm imagining that Camp Eden will have significant meaning to each couple and I love the idea. Although Sadie's family thinks her choices are bad, she doesn't realizes it until she meets Ethan and then his dad John-Michael. I love that God can use all of us in ways that we don't even know are helping others. Sadie begins to look at her life and wants to do better. Great story, great characters, can't wait for more!!

[Sandra Hartzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a free copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. John-Michael isn’t looking for love, and has been concentrating on his young son since his wife died. When he meets Sadie at his parents’ new home, his son is really attracted to her and her personality so he asks her to babysit him on occasion. She’s a student and a uniquely talented photographer. This is a fabulous second chance on love book featuring life changes and trust.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brooks St James always fills my heart with excitement when I see a new book.

Real & gritty - but sensitive to what life is about. Always hope & genuine heart responses. I love her characters - they don’t leave me depressed or want to close the story before the end. In fact I just would love them to continue I can be involved in their lives for longer.

[A.M. Hogue · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!

I really enjoyed Something New! Sadie is an adorable character, and even though she didn't always make the right choices at the beginning of the book, she realized that and changed her ways. Little Ethan was super cute, and John-Michael was nice and swoony. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series!

[DeLyla P Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Author

Best author ever
I appreciate an author that has such great story lines. I have read every one of her books that I can find, she is my favorite. Many authors depend upon filling up the pages with conflict that is just repetitive and boring. I enjoy that the love matches flow, they both work towards marriage and a great appreciation for each other

[A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3* I enjoyed these characters and I’m looking forward to more stories in this series. I thought the connections were a bit weak. Sadie was very attracted to JJ’s good looks, and Sadie seemed to have a stronger connection to the son than JJ. I liked that Sadie was compelled to be a better person and to drop her partying ways.

[Bobbie Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars as usual

This story is different from many of her stories, but I could really relate to the characters. It was a little confusing at first, because I didn't understand Sadie's need to sleep like that. Once I understood where she was, the dynamics with her brothers made more sense. Really good book about growing in awareness of the true treasures and pleasures of life.

[TJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Something Special

“Something New” is more edgy than Brooke St James’ usual stories, but still beautifully written with her usual sensitivity and grace. I was captivated watching the transforming power of love unfold!
I would definitely recommend it or anything by one of my favorite authors!

[Tabitha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seems like a sweet new series. I like that they meet in a kind of crazy way. I like the redemption story and the sweet little guy who loves the classic songs. Enjoyable read. Clean. Draws you in for sure.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a ride!

Love this! I love the life changing power of love that makes us want to be better and do better! So beautifully crafted!

[Gena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute read from a great author. I will read everything she writes.

[Kimterest · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty shallow

[Judith Seale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable book!

Sadie is a very typical college person. Goes with the flow and parties on the weekends. Her life changes when she meets Eden and John-Michael.

[Mia2Four · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite Brooke St. James book. Quick, easy read but I just didn’t click with the lead characters. Ethan, the little boy was a bright spot.

[Abby Huffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this first book in a new series! Age-gap, single dad romance goodness! So excited for more stories from Camp Eden-it sounds like such a special place.

[Eliana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the concept of Camp Eden

[Linnea · Rating 2 out of 5]

I kinda skimmed this

[Misty Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly Recommend

This is my first time reading her books, and I'm thoroughly enjoying her style. I'm excited to dive into her series!

[Sharon Shillato · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Interesting love story developed between John-Michael and Sadie, and the changes they need to make in their lives. It is filled with forgiveness and finding God's grace in their lives. I really enjoy books by this author.

[Michelle Anderson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Typical St James story

After reading a lot of her stuff, I quit reading St James’ stories as the plots were so redundant. Meet, some super frank discussions about being in love soon after dating and then unbelievably impulsive decisions to get married right away. Little to no reality checks or working out the relationship.

I gave this one a chance as it been so long since I read her stuff, hoping she would’ve come up with something different but I’m sorry to say this is more of the same. But This story also had the added impossibility that this super handsome put together single father whose commitment shy would go for a partying druggie. I wouldn’t have a problem with the relationship it if she’d put some good distance between her and her party days, or there was some personal development explored but it’s just poof let’s have one off the cuff comment and get hitched. Not only that but apparently his ex had a substance abuse problem, so no way would he being falling for her without some significant time to prove she was in a good place and changed. I’m okay with uncomplicated sugar sweet plot every once in a while, but this was just dumb and so unbelievably unrealistic.

Also I’m sorry but it bugged me his first name was John-Michael. Why would you purposely name a character in a book such a long name like that?