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Through a Different Lens
'Sassy strip club owner Daniela has always kicked life's bum despite the challenges it's pelted at her. When her beloved babcia is involved in a car accident, Daniela heads to the small town she was dragged up in, ready to fix everything.
Nothing is ever that simple, though.
Ever since his beloved wife died, Sean's been focused on trying to wrangle his rebellious teenage daughter. The last thing he needs is sexy blast from the past Daniela cavorting about next door, reminding him of the messy, all-encompassing love he had for her so long ago.
When Daniela is confronted by the one thing she dreads most, she has to ask is she really a success, or has she merely been surviving at surface level? And does Sean have the strength to fight for her, knowing she’s more than likely to shatter his heart all over again?'
Nothing is ever that simple, though.
Ever since his beloved wife died, Sean's been focused on trying to wrangle his rebellious teenage daughter. The last thing he needs is sexy blast from the past Daniela cavorting about next door, reminding him of the messy, all-encompassing love he had for her so long ago.
When Daniela is confronted by the one thing she dreads most, she has to ask is she really a success, or has she merely been surviving at surface level? And does Sean have the strength to fight for her, knowing she’s more than likely to shatter his heart all over again?'
256 pages, Paperback
Published January 29, 2026
1 person is currently reading
4 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 27, 2025
Great story, loved the characters and not your typical homecoming romance (don’t go making assumptions about what happens to babcia!).
The only issue i had with this book was that i had trouble putting it down, and binge read it in less than a week.
Highly recommend.
Another excellent book from this Author.
The only issue i had with this book was that i had trouble putting it down, and binge read it in less than a week.
Highly recommend.
Another excellent book from this Author.
December 17, 2024
“It was a firm, unwritten rule of mine to stomp on good things before they had the chance to mutate into ugliness.” ―Daniela Lasecka
It's been way too long since I've read a mature-age romance involving characters in their 40s, and Through a Different Lens was a beautiful read to remedy that.
This is a heartfelt love story about second chances, finding light beyond grief, and facing past trauma head-on.
At eighteen, Daniela fled Sedgwick Hill and the rich, sheltered boy she loved, named Sean, to build a new life in Melbourne, far away from her terribly traumatic upbringing. And Sean, hard under the thumb of his father, simply let her go.
Flash forward twenty-eight years, and Daniela is now a fiercely independent strip club owner. She has money, a pink Mustang named Carlotta, and can still rock a crop top with ease. She’s doing great. She’s healed…or so she thinks.
Sean, on the other hand, has lost his wife and is drowning in grief while trying to raise his rebellious teen. He can’t see any light ahead…until Daniela reappears. But unfortunately for Daniela, this unavoidable trip back home will stir up everything she thought long gone.
I thoroughly enjoyed Through a Different Lens. The short chapters kept the pages turning, and the story kept me hooked!
Daniela was a strong and feisty heroine with whom I could empathise. At one point, her plight had me in tears. Sean was a lovely and patient hero. His grief for his late wife was beautifully written and respectfully balanced with his feelings for Daniela. Sean’s relationship with his teenage daughter, Matisse, was both charming and relatable, and I loved how naturally Daniela bonded with her too.
All the characters felt real and rounded. I really liked Matisse and Renata (Daniela’s babcia) as side characters; they both made me laugh so many times.
There are some great lines in this book! The Aussie references were comforting and provided a trip down memory lane. The author also touched on many important realities: chronic illness, mental health, body positivity… The list goes on.
It’s clear the author poured her heart into this story, and I look forward to reading whatever she writes next!
⭐ What to Expect:
• Second-chance romance
• Mature-age love (40s)
• Opposites attract
• Slow burn
• Mental health
• Past trauma
• Grief
• Chronic illness
• Australian setting
• Dual POV
It's been way too long since I've read a mature-age romance involving characters in their 40s, and Through a Different Lens was a beautiful read to remedy that.
This is a heartfelt love story about second chances, finding light beyond grief, and facing past trauma head-on.
At eighteen, Daniela fled Sedgwick Hill and the rich, sheltered boy she loved, named Sean, to build a new life in Melbourne, far away from her terribly traumatic upbringing. And Sean, hard under the thumb of his father, simply let her go.
Flash forward twenty-eight years, and Daniela is now a fiercely independent strip club owner. She has money, a pink Mustang named Carlotta, and can still rock a crop top with ease. She’s doing great. She’s healed…or so she thinks.
Sean, on the other hand, has lost his wife and is drowning in grief while trying to raise his rebellious teen. He can’t see any light ahead…until Daniela reappears. But unfortunately for Daniela, this unavoidable trip back home will stir up everything she thought long gone.
I thoroughly enjoyed Through a Different Lens. The short chapters kept the pages turning, and the story kept me hooked!
Daniela was a strong and feisty heroine with whom I could empathise. At one point, her plight had me in tears. Sean was a lovely and patient hero. His grief for his late wife was beautifully written and respectfully balanced with his feelings for Daniela. Sean’s relationship with his teenage daughter, Matisse, was both charming and relatable, and I loved how naturally Daniela bonded with her too.
All the characters felt real and rounded. I really liked Matisse and Renata (Daniela’s babcia) as side characters; they both made me laugh so many times.
There are some great lines in this book! The Aussie references were comforting and provided a trip down memory lane. The author also touched on many important realities: chronic illness, mental health, body positivity… The list goes on.
It’s clear the author poured her heart into this story, and I look forward to reading whatever she writes next!
⭐ What to Expect:
• Second-chance romance
• Mature-age love (40s)
• Opposites attract
• Slow burn
• Mental health
• Past trauma
• Grief
• Chronic illness
• Australian setting
• Dual POV
November 19, 2024
Thank you Mikayla Rogers for an Advanced Reader Copy of "Through a Different Lens."
I have read work by this author before (Mikayla Rogers being a nom-de-plume) so I was expecting this to be well written and I wasn't disappointed.
I absolutely devoured this book. I was swept into the story within a couple of chapters and found it to be an easy and engaging read!
This was so much more than a romance novel. The characters were relatable and the real world aspects and emotions were explored so well. Some heavy topics were touched on which added real depth but at the same time didn't overtake the story (trigger warnings are included at the start of the book). Every part added to the story in a positive way.
Bonus points for inclusion of Aussie slang and musical theatre references!
I have read work by this author before (Mikayla Rogers being a nom-de-plume) so I was expecting this to be well written and I wasn't disappointed.
I absolutely devoured this book. I was swept into the story within a couple of chapters and found it to be an easy and engaging read!
This was so much more than a romance novel. The characters were relatable and the real world aspects and emotions were explored so well. Some heavy topics were touched on which added real depth but at the same time didn't overtake the story (trigger warnings are included at the start of the book). Every part added to the story in a positive way.
Bonus points for inclusion of Aussie slang and musical theatre references!
December 29, 2024
I’m going to start by saying I somehow missed/overlooked the fact that this book is set in Australia and got hella confused for a minute when I started it. 😅
This book wasn’t what I was expecting in the best way. It dealt with trauma from childhood and how that impacts people as adults as well as adult trauma/issues and how they impact your life moving forward. I’m a sucker for a second chance romance and this one was really well done. Loved the characters and felt like most of them were relatable.
I’m not sure how I read two books back to back that dealt with the death of a spouse and finding love after that happens but I did and this one was the better of the two!
I received an ARC copy of this ebook through BookSirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book wasn’t what I was expecting in the best way. It dealt with trauma from childhood and how that impacts people as adults as well as adult trauma/issues and how they impact your life moving forward. I’m a sucker for a second chance romance and this one was really well done. Loved the characters and felt like most of them were relatable.
I’m not sure how I read two books back to back that dealt with the death of a spouse and finding love after that happens but I did and this one was the better of the two!
I received an ARC copy of this ebook through BookSirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 3, 2024
This warm story follows Daniela, a strong and independent woman who owns a strip club. When her beloved grandmother is in a car accident, Daniela goes back to her small hometown. She thinks she can fix everything, but things aren’t as easy as she hoped.
Sean, a single dad who lost his wife, is struggling to connect with his teenage daughter. The last thing he expects is for Daniela—an old love he never forgot—to move in next door. Being near each other again brings up memories of their love, and Sean wonders if he can risk his heart again.
As Daniela faces her fears and questions what true success means, she realises that life isn’t just about business or being tough. Sometimes, real happiness means letting people into your life. This book is a touching story of second chances, learning to open up, and finding love where you least expect it. Perfect for readers who enjoy stories about real life, love, and finding happiness.
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**Thank you for the opportunity to read your manuscript, for including my name as one of the characters, and for the kind acknowledgment. This book has taught me that true happiness comes from letting people into our lives, even when it’s difficult. Success isn’t only about hard work or being strong; it’s also about love, friendship, and giving second chances. Real joy is found when we open our hearts to others. Thanks a million!
Sean, a single dad who lost his wife, is struggling to connect with his teenage daughter. The last thing he expects is for Daniela—an old love he never forgot—to move in next door. Being near each other again brings up memories of their love, and Sean wonders if he can risk his heart again.
As Daniela faces her fears and questions what true success means, she realises that life isn’t just about business or being tough. Sometimes, real happiness means letting people into your life. This book is a touching story of second chances, learning to open up, and finding love where you least expect it. Perfect for readers who enjoy stories about real life, love, and finding happiness.
.
**Thank you for the opportunity to read your manuscript, for including my name as one of the characters, and for the kind acknowledgment. This book has taught me that true happiness comes from letting people into our lives, even when it’s difficult. Success isn’t only about hard work or being strong; it’s also about love, friendship, and giving second chances. Real joy is found when we open our hearts to others. Thanks a million!
October 31, 2024
Daniela has been through a lot, and you know by the end she’ll go through more to heal.
As a reader there’s no stopping at the window and watching, not really. You get pulled in. To say that Daniela, Sean, Renata, Belinda, Matisse and Stew are well-developed, three-dimensional characters is like saying there’s earth in the ground. It’s too basic a description for what this author creates.
This is a story very much rooted in a piece of the Australian culture. Set in rural and city, filled with Aussie slang. Little signs everywhere it’s a story full of love for Australia and that’s a treat.
I’m not that into romance reads. The mushy kind with no real plot and characters that aren’t going to elbow their way out of the pages and settle after the book is closed with me, for a while.
This book is not a Bold & the Beautiful but it catches you, the characters take you with them, I’m so glad it’s part our literature.
This is a read that I read every day until I’d read it all. Written with love. I’ll let you into a little secret, no matter the genre this author has written in, she delves hands first and pulls us in with her empathy, open-mindedness and wit.
A word of warning. There are some triggering subjects, she warns people at the very front of the book.
As a reader there’s no stopping at the window and watching, not really. You get pulled in. To say that Daniela, Sean, Renata, Belinda, Matisse and Stew are well-developed, three-dimensional characters is like saying there’s earth in the ground. It’s too basic a description for what this author creates.
This is a story very much rooted in a piece of the Australian culture. Set in rural and city, filled with Aussie slang. Little signs everywhere it’s a story full of love for Australia and that’s a treat.
I’m not that into romance reads. The mushy kind with no real plot and characters that aren’t going to elbow their way out of the pages and settle after the book is closed with me, for a while.
This book is not a Bold & the Beautiful but it catches you, the characters take you with them, I’m so glad it’s part our literature.
This is a read that I read every day until I’d read it all. Written with love. I’ll let you into a little secret, no matter the genre this author has written in, she delves hands first and pulls us in with her empathy, open-mindedness and wit.
A word of warning. There are some triggering subjects, she warns people at the very front of the book.
January 6, 2025
Daniela is our 40+ FMC, she wears leopard print, is not afraid of pink, glitter or sultry attire.
Although she went through a lot as a young teen, she made it out of her town and is now an established business woman.
She would prefer to stay gone from that town but has to return to take care of her grandma.
Some people are surprised she's back, some are happy, some annoyed, some are inspired by her return.
Sean our MMC lost his wife a few years ago and has a teenage daughter who is quite a handful to manage.
Daniela's return has stirred up past memories in Sean and he wonders if this time around they are possibly meant to be? He doesn't know how, he's still grieving..
I really enjoyed this book. I would suggest not going into it as a "romance".
Be prepared for a lot of Australian slang ( which was fun to read).
You have to keep reading to fully grasp the reason she left and how she did and what impact this had on Sean.
I loved the fact that Sean took his time with her and showed her that intimacy doesn't have to be physical.
You can't help but fall in love with Daniela, her sass and determination and you'll want to root for her till the end!!!
Although she went through a lot as a young teen, she made it out of her town and is now an established business woman.
She would prefer to stay gone from that town but has to return to take care of her grandma.
Some people are surprised she's back, some are happy, some annoyed, some are inspired by her return.
Sean our MMC lost his wife a few years ago and has a teenage daughter who is quite a handful to manage.
Daniela's return has stirred up past memories in Sean and he wonders if this time around they are possibly meant to be? He doesn't know how, he's still grieving..
I really enjoyed this book. I would suggest not going into it as a "romance".
Be prepared for a lot of Australian slang ( which was fun to read).
You have to keep reading to fully grasp the reason she left and how she did and what impact this had on Sean.
I loved the fact that Sean took his time with her and showed her that intimacy doesn't have to be physical.
You can't help but fall in love with Daniela, her sass and determination and you'll want to root for her till the end!!!
December 20, 2024
"When you draw someone, you make them immortal."
What an amazing read. Having a 40+ female as the FMC was such an inspiration, especially since Dani owned her own business and took life by the horns, unless it came to her heart and Sean.
A roller-coaster of emotions with trauma. It was brilliantly written.
What an amazing read. Having a 40+ female as the FMC was such an inspiration, especially since Dani owned her own business and took life by the horns, unless it came to her heart and Sean.
A roller-coaster of emotions with trauma. It was brilliantly written.
May 7, 2025
I have recently read Through a Different Lens by Mikayla Rogers and I would like to share my thoughts on it. First and foremost it is a love story between Daniela and Sean—childhood sweethearts who reunited later in life. Both had certain struggles to overcome but their attraction and love for each other was undeniable.
Themes of single parenting, grief, abuse and paedophilia were handled with sensitivity and compassion. The author skillfully described these topics in such a way that the reader’s enjoyment was not at all diminished. In fact, as a reader I felt like I really understood what the character was going through, even if it was something that I have not experienced in my own life.
I loved Through a Different Lens. It was happy and sad all at once and each chapter left me eager to find out what happened next. I would happily recommend this book to anyone who enjoys women’s fiction, romance and contemporary writing. Well done Mikayla—I can’t wait to read your next book!
Themes of single parenting, grief, abuse and paedophilia were handled with sensitivity and compassion. The author skillfully described these topics in such a way that the reader’s enjoyment was not at all diminished. In fact, as a reader I felt like I really understood what the character was going through, even if it was something that I have not experienced in my own life.
I loved Through a Different Lens. It was happy and sad all at once and each chapter left me eager to find out what happened next. I would happily recommend this book to anyone who enjoys women’s fiction, romance and contemporary writing. Well done Mikayla—I can’t wait to read your next book!
January 24, 2025
I enjoyed this book immensely! It was so many things: fresh, zinging, multi-layered, warm and inviting, unafraid to tackle the tough issues, hot! In short, it was life at its finest. In fact, I consider it an antidote to the modern world. The contrasting perspectives of Daniela and Sean kept things moving along, and the flashbacks were well-timed and tantalising. There were plenty of twists and turns and diversions to hook me in, and what I loved most was the authentic, snappy dialogue. New favourite expressions have made their way into my vocabulary; notably 'spicy acrobats', 'thank Gaia', 'embrace the pussy power'. Overall, this was a hopeful and uplifting read (but not in a saccharine or unrealistic way), which I expect you will also enjoy, whoever you are!
October 1, 2025
Through a Different Lens is an emotional second-chance romance that blends sass, heartbreak, and small-town drama. Daniela is bold and flawed, while Sean’s grief and devotion to his daughter feel real and relatable. I liked how their past connection clashed with the struggles of who they’ve become, making the story feel raw and heartfelt. At times the pacing slowed, but the tension and chemistry kept me turning the pages. A moving read about love, loss, and learning to live beyond survival.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews