Vasey Hamlin has been loved and forgotten. West is part of her past and she’s determined to keep him there. It doesn’t matter how many sweet memories he rekindles. There’s only pain at the end of the rainbow. There’s no way he’ll get her to stay.
Weston Evers knows a lot about the art of a deal. He’s managed to parlay his meager army earnings into a financial empire. He can size up an opponent in one look and take him down in the next. What he can’t seem to do is convince his old love that he’s back for good but he’ll do anything to get her to say she’ll stay forever
It was a safe second-chance romance, but wow, ten years is quite a bit of wasted time. West was aware of where Vasey was working since he had been keeping an eye on her for years, yet he still failed to take any action to make her aware of his presence. I was really looking forward to some angst because I’m sure a lot must have changed during that decade they were apart. But once they met, it was as if the time apart never existed, and they reunited in no time. Well, that's primarily due to West's bulldozing ways, but Vasey wasn't really putting up a fight either.
Anyway, it was a quick read with a bit of suspense thrown in. It's a solid little read to kill some time.
Book info: - Novella - Second chance (10 yrs, each other's first and only) - Animal harming (by side char) - Violence (a bit) - It's always been you - No cheating, OM/OW - HEA (yrs later, married with twin girls and pregnant)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Plenty of spoilers ahead with quotes so I can remember the story. I do not enjoy separation romances and I did not like this one. I love Ella Goode. We have a guarantee with her that her books are safe DV's so I am always excited to read her books, but this one was a miss. Warning! Plenty of spoilers ahead. DUAL VIRGINS! Quote "We were each other’s firsts in every way. He learned everything I liked." end quote
Safe No cheating Unwanted OM attention (Gideon the psycho makes a move on her and she knees him in the balls) No OW drama Separation (too long, 10 years)(both faithful during separation) Quote, "When I was younger, I was on birth control, and we’d both been virgins. “I haven’t been on anything in years,” I admit, hoping it doesn’t kill the moment or cause him to freak out. “So?” He shrugs as though what I said is no big deal. “But—” I close my eyes, not wanting to say this. The thought of him having been with someone else kills me, but it’s been years, so I shouldn’t expect that he was celibate. It makes me want to throw up. “Don’t you fucking say it, Vasey.” My eyes flutter open to meet his. “I’d never do that. You’re my only girl. Ever.” end quote
No gross condom use No stupid third act break up HEA
This is Vasey's story, a young woman who fell in love at 14 with another foster kid Weston (same age I think). They had a long romance until he leaves for the military to earn money so she can have nice things. *heavy eye roll* He comes back to see her gone, but she works for a rich family where she fosters/nannies an adorable girl, Jasmine, who is in danger of being hurt by her sadistic step brother. Ware who is protective of Jasmine is married to a bitch whom he doesn't have anything to do with other than giving Jasmine a mother. This woman has a sadistic son and Vasey makes it her mission to protect Jasmine, but can only do so much, so she breaks down and goes to Weston, her long lost love who left her, for his help. It is said that he did everything for her, but it is hard to believe. She wanted him, not his money. He left but came back, and then made himself a billionaire who now owns a prestigious school, for her, because she wanted to be a teacher. She did not want any of that, she wanted him! He left despite her begging for him to stay, but he left anyways. I hated that. He did not take her feelings into consideration, and the worst part, is he did not regret to this day leaving to go the army, despite knowing Vasey has abandonment issues.
Quote, "That’s how it had been when he made the decision to go to the Army. He didn’t even take my opinion into account. I begged him not to go, but still he went. He left, but I’d been the one to end things. I told him if he left me, I’d leave too. I was young and stupid. Hurt, really. I had become accustomed to people abandoning me or leaving me behind. I wasn't the best at handling things either. Still, those wounds ache inside of me." end quote
Quote, “Your dreams are mine too, sweetness. When we would lie in the barn and you would envision a future and explain everything to me, you also inspired me to desire those things. I could envision us working together to achieve these goals. Before you, I only lived day to day. You gave me dreams.” end quote
Firstly, the part where they dream a life together conflicts with him leaving, when she asked him not to, and never contacting her for 10 years. He says everything he did, he did for her, but no. He could have earned money and stayed like she asked! Doing what they dreamed, which is working together. I think this was inserted to make us feel like his leaving her was warranted. It wasn't. That part killed the romance for me, and the fact that even when he was back, he did not rush to her! There is no good reason as to why. That is why I hate separation romances when they are not done right. He left her sad and miserable, and did not think to go to her when he was back. The reason he gave was stupid, and it was not enough.
Quote, "I should have gone to her sooner. I don’t know why I didn’t. Was it pride? Was it hurt feelings? When I was discharged, I went straight home only to find out she’d moved. When the Army fixed its fucked-up logistics, I found a letter where she wrote to tell me of a nanny position she’d accepted. I followed her here and found her living in a mansion bigger than the mayor’s house from back home. Her boss was one of the richest men in the world. I couldn’t compete with that on my retired sergeant’s salary, and decided I’d earn money and come back to her." end quote
Why would she come to the man that abandoned her? Why did he wait for years when they lived in the same town, and he knew where she worked, plus he was already well established money wise. I can't really see past him not going to her when he arrived back from the military. Also, he left for the military at 18 to make money for her, but why did he not get a job closer to her? I don't get his decisions. She was right when she said that he stayed away for 10 years, he can stay away for longer. I hate separation romances for that reason. He chose to leave even when she begged him to stay and when when he came back, he chose to not let her know he was back. In fairness, she severed connections with him, to never call or text, but I really don't blame her for it. Also the way he made his money was through wall street. That was just one tiny sentence to explain how he became a billionaire. He says that he would rather have her than riches, which does not explain 10 years of absence including him making himself rich for her. If he wanted her, HE SHOULD HAVE STAYED!! They had a whole teen romance that spanned years before he left. They met when they were 14 years old, he kissed her at 15 years old (I am assuming they are the same age), so they had a 4 year relationship, and had sex of course, losing their virginity to one another, but 10 years is too long. He might have bought a school for her because she wanted to be a teacher, but that is not what she wanted. She has a right to be mad, and his take charge alpha ways, saying he will marry her, will never leave her, will fight for her....why should she or we believe him? He bought a mansion across from where she works,....by the way, why did he not do that years ago when he made all that money? He loved her enough to remain faithful, I don't believe he loved enough to stay. He was able to stay away from her for 10 years and that is just too long. He might have gone to the army to earn money for her, bought the school for her, but that is not what she wants! She wanted her man to stick by her and he didn't.
Quote, "I suppose part of my hurt stems from the fact that it took him so long to find me. Scratch that; he clearly always knew where I was. He just hadn’t attempted to contact me. I think that’s what I’m struggling with. In fact, it was I who ultimately reached out to him." end quote
Their story is intermingled with getting rid of the evil step mother to rescue 12 year old Jasmine, but he asks Vasey if she trusts him and she says yes. She has NO reason to trust him! He left her! Since Jasmine hates the idea of Vasey rekindling her romance with Weston, she is scared she will be left alone. So Weston packs to move across the way to Ware's residence. I am a bit wary of Ware, because Jasmine is attached to Vasey but not Ware. If he is such a standup man that takes care of her wanting the best for her, why is he passive? His intro is not very promising. He should have been more protective and observant of Jasmine's well being. But that is a whole other issue. West just bought the mansion like it was nothing, and now he moves to the Ware's mansion across the street because Vasey won't leave Jasmine until the problem with her family is resolved. Why was he not proactive YEARS ago? We now are supposed to think that this romance will last? I don't feel it. The book starts when she goes to him for help. So we are supposed to forget their decade and half long past? They both must be 28 years old and just got back together. She let him in and forgave him too quickly.
Quote, "West had been true to his word when he left for the Army. He’d gone to make something of himself so that he could give us a life we could only dream of. I may not have understood it at the time, but somewhere deep inside me, I knew he would find me again." end quote But YOU went to HIM. And he did find you but did not go to you directly. Also, you severed ties with him, so you didn't believe he was going to come back! You even thought that he moved on and stopped loving you! Clearly your love for each other was strong enough to remain faithful, but not strong enough for him to go to you and you to believe that he fell out of love with you. The moment you cut ties with him when he was in the army, he should have chased after you. But he didn't.
Many details were forgotten from when we met West in the DV, "Make Her Stay" (which I loved and recommend, Griff and Lauren were both awesome). He called Vasey his little mouse and talked about setting a trap for her. We never got an answer except that he bought the school and waited for her go over to him and what? Demand it? He said that she was all caught up being a nanny so he waited for her to untangle herself to then do what? Go to him and fall in his arms? He doesn't even know that she is not a school teacher, nor went to school to become one. He really is a blind idiot! This setting a trap to catch his "little mouse" was not explained in their story, it was forgotten.
Separation romances only work when our love birds were torn from each other from a third party, and they both fight their way back to each other. This was not it. He left despite her begging for him to stay, and waited too long after he came back. I need more than 'I fucked up', 'I should have gone to her sooner' for an explanation. This romance was dead when he left for the military when she begged him to stay, but he left her anyway. There is no coming back from that or forgiving that. It hurt her to the point where she thought he fell out of love with her and moved on. This just goes to show their love as teens was flimsy. This was a miss for me. I hoped West and Vasey's story would be good, but it wasn't, and it left me frustrated and sad. I do not recommend it.
As a positive, I love Ella Goode, because she consistently gives us Dual virgin romances, and I will always read her books, knowing I am in safe hands, gifted a guaranteed DV, (which I cannot say about any other author). Whenever she releases a book I get excited because I know that her couples are each others first/last, one and only, and faithful to one another, and we got that in this book as well. As long as Ella gives us safe, one true love, dual vcard romances, I will voraciously read her books. I think the next book is with the hero boxer, Mick. I hope we get his story. Also Jasmine is not Ware's bio kid, so we have an opportunity for a DV romance with him too. He married this woman he hated to give Jasmine a mother, but never was intimate with her or anything, so I think Ella can give us a good DV story with him. Until then I am hoping her next book will be good.
DNF 40% it was really confusing for me , hard to get into it..they had a lot of history in the past which was OFF PAGE and TEN YEARS prior... i hated being told about it , i wanted and needed to see it. Then after they reconnect i felt nothing for them , also the fact that he came back in the same city as hers for a few years (i think) and didn't go after his woman left me with a bad taste, yeah he did things for her in the background but i just couldn't get into them as a couple.
My reviews always contain spoilers, I write them so I can remember the story.
I really wanted to like this book but the separation was to long, 10 years. So much wasted time. Pulse the “hero” knows where she is the whole time but does not go after her once he returns from military service. He waits. When she becomes desperate she goes to him. Then he just bulldozes his way back into her life and she pretty quickly gives in.
Weston is the school owner from Make Her Stay, he has bought the school because his love Vasey wanted to be a teacher. They grew up in foster care and were each others first and everything until Weston decides to join the military to make money to give Vasey a better life. The problem is he never talked with her about his plans so when he left she was heartbroken. Vasey is the nanny for a young girl, Jasmine, her father, Ware married a woman to give her a female influence in her life but the woman came with a son, Gideon who terrorizes Jasmine. Things have escalated over time and Vasey is getting no help from Ware and his wife, Roberta will do anything to keep her position as wife to a very very wealthy man. Desperate she goes to Weston for help. The scene in his office was sad, he acted like everything was ok between them when he had hurt her so badly. He talks over her and won’t listen to what she is saying. Then when she tells him she won’t leave Jasmine he buys the mansion across the street to be near Vasey. He does nothing for 10 years and now that she has initiated contact he takes that as a go to run over all her objections and concerns. I really didn’t like him. But he does redeem himself a little by taking care of the problem with Gideon. He plans to have Gideon attack him so he can be sent to jail. Was it a bit extreme to get shot to achieve his goal. A little but hey it’s a grand gesture. Vasey has forgiven him and they do enjoy sexy times together. It all ends well with them living across the street from Jasmine so Vasey can still be with her all day. Epilouge years later with Jasmine going off to college, Vasey has been her mom figure for years and they have a close bond. They have twin daughters and Vasey is pregnant again. Would have been rated higher if the separation wasn’t 10 years and Weston had contacted her when he returned from service. Instead he knew where she was and just worked on making more money instead of contacting her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The big bad boss has been biding his time to claim his first love. I wasn't sure I understood the reasons, but I was very much into this couple so I wanted to believe in them.
So, it seems a tough decision and a misunderstanding put too long a wedge between them. Yet fate proves that true lovers cannot stay away forever. When I read a previous novella, I knew I had to find out about this mean boss. Young love, a past bond that cannot be broken, lots of passion, a mission to save a kid and a family in need of a good shake.
I enjoyed the couple's fiery reunion, their history together and how it linked with the present situation. The female character is in a predicament, but it's so entertaining to watch West deal with it.
The way it all aligns with the couple from the previous novella is great. The happy ending has a nice touch as they decide what to do with their lives that goes beyond their own family.
Hasta el momento, el que menos me gustó de la autora. Los libros siguen manteniendo el mismo patrón, amor instantáneo. La única diferencia es que ellos estuvieron separados durante mucho tiempo y ahora vuelven a reencontrarse.
’Puede que te haya gustado, que me hayas amado, pero yo malditamente te amo, Vasey.’
•Mi opinión puede contener Spoilers. •Esta destinada a ser un descargo personal no para que alguien más lea pero si lo haces y te ofende, me disculpo porque sé lo que es que te guste un libro y otros lo critiquen.
Say You'll Stay de Ella Goode
Argumento:
Vasey Hamlin ha sido amada y olvidada. West es parte de su pasado y está decidida a mantenerlo allí. No importa cuántos recuerdos dulces reavive. Solo hay dolor al final del arcoíris. No hay forma de que él consiga que se quede.
Weston Evers sabe mucho sobre el arte de los tratos. Ha logrado convertir sus magras ganancias del ejército en un imperio financiero. Puede evaluar a un oponente con una mirada y derribarlo con la siguiente. Lo que parece que no puede hacer es convencer a su antiguo amor de que ha vuelto para quedarse, pero hará cualquier cosa para conseguir que diga que se quedará para siempre.
Mi humilde opinión:
Romance con amor a primera vista, enamorados desde la adolescencia, segunda oportunidad.
Vasey y West se conocieron en una familia de acogida siendo jóvenes y se enamoraron fuerte. West quería poder darle todo a Vasey antes de casarse con ella y pensó que unirse al ejercito era lo mejor. Vasey no quería que él se fuera y al abandonarla la relación se rompió.
Vasey siguió con su vida y se convirtió en niñera de una familia rica e intentó olvidar a Wes pero la niña que cuida esta en peligro y solo una persona puede ayudarla, aunque lo ultimo que quiere es volver a verlo. Lo que ella no sabe es que después de diez años Wes nunca la olvidó y tiene intenciones de recuperarla.
Bueno, la historia estuvo entretenida, me gustó que E.G incluyera peligro y suspenso con villanos como una madrastra y su hijo adolescente que me resultaron bastante terribles.
En cuanto a la historia de amor, no me encantó pero estuvo bien, tenia su parte dulce con flashbacks de Vasey y West jóvenes, luego sus momentos picantes cuando vuelven a verse.
Lo que me dejó molesta es que West nunca se comunicó con Vasey durante su tiempo lejos en el ejercito. Entendí su razón para irse pero no entendí su manía de tener dinero para poder estar con ella, que es importante sí, pero esperar años y años para hacer riqueza y volver por ella? Bastante loco.
Look, I'm not a huge fan of the FC hating on the MC, making his life difficult, and his balls heavy, and the both of them being miserable for most of the book, in fact I'm a huge fan of let's sort that shit out and get on with loving each other while the rest of the story unfolds.
... but grief! Vasey gave in almost at "hello"
West left her to go to the army, I get that 100% I do.
What I don't get is, is that when he got back from the army, he kept tabs on her for 10 years... TEN YEARS!
If I was Vasey, I'd at least let him have it ... before letting him have it (see what I did there?)
I liked West. He knew what he wanted, and what he wanted was Vasey, so taking no for an answer was never going to happen... but FFS Vasey, you could have called him an asshole... just once .. you know...for shits and giggles
This is the follow up to Make Her Stay. We even get small peeks of the characters from that story. In this one we have West and Vasey, and he is determined that they will get their second chance. I really liked the intrigue, I wish we had a little more on Ware, or even Mick. Who knows maybe she will still add them. Also I liked the story of their past wasn't perfect but was a building to their current places. Overall definitely read these two stories if you get the chance.
FMC: Vasey MMC: Weston “West” Tropes: novella, instalove, second chance Spice Rating: 2 Series: Yes Cliffhanger: No
3.5 Stars - I was intrigued by West and the woman who held his attention when his character was introduced in the first book, Make Her Stay.
I didn’t love it as much as Make Her Stay, but it was an enjoyable read. The characters were together in the past and experienced years apart. This led to them both being unsure of the other’s feelings, especially Vasey. She doesn’t realize how much West loved her and continues to love her, even while they were separated.
Vasey and West experience love at a young age until he left her to join the military and she broke up with him. Years later he’s made something of himself and he’s ready to get his woman. I loved Vasey especially! She was a great care taker to the little girl she nannied for and would do anything to ensure she was safe. West would do the same for Vasey which included protecting Jasmine. Such a sweet story!!
Weston did everything with the sole purpose of winning back his true love. But when they reconnected, Vasey couldn’t leave her charge - Jasmine. She loved that little girl as if she was her own. So Weston pivoted so he could watch over them and keep them safe. That made me chuckle. He also swiftly dealt with the threat facing both Jasmine and Vasey. Although I think the bad guy got off too easy. Overall I liked this one and can’t wait for Ella Goode’s next.
10 years is a long time to be apart, they got back together quickly but they didn’t have a proper conversation on everything that happened from that time to present as West didn’t take Vaseys feelings into account, she begged him to stay and he wanted money for her but money wasn’t what she wanted all she wanted was him.
He knew where she was and if she didn’t go to him then it would of been even longer
Vasey and West, were in love, lovers in their teens. West joined the military and Vasey became a nanny. After years apart West becomes determined to win his girl back. Story includes creepy mother and son, a lovely young girl that Vasey cares for, a determined West and a HEA.
-10 years separation - Bith their first and only - No owd, omd or cheating - Novella
Super cute.
They broke up when he went to the army, so he could make something out of him self. They were both raised in foster homes. He always kept an eye out and waited for her, she was nanny for a rich man and the kid’s stepmother and stepbrother are awful. Thanks to the hero he helps the kid and the h.
This one is a but different that any other book I have read from this author. I'd a second chance story, and Vasey and Weston are in their late twenties (I think) They met when in foster care, and despite going to their separate ways, they remained faithful to each other. It was an OK read, not angst or excitement. It was OK
West and Vasey finally get their happy ever after even if it was years in the making. Vasey is trying to protect her charge Jasmine and West steps in to help. But can they get Jasmines father to step up. Loved this action packed sweet and steamy story. Wonderful happy ending.
Vasey has been taking care of Jasmine and keeping her safe from her step brother who seems to be out to hurt her. West has been working on a plan to get Vasey back in his life but he knows things need to be safe for Jasmine first. Loved this story!!
Such a miss. I skimmed the last 20% because I just didn’t care how it ended. The story was especially unbelievable, poorly executed, and I don’t know why I was supposed to care about West and Vasey’s hea.
I have been waiting for this one! It did not disappoint. I definitely didn’t expect that this one would be a second chance romance. And I loved it. I just love Vasey and her big heart. Westin and Vasey are meant to be together and I love their happily ever after. 💜
I needed her to hold out more. She gave in to easily. I was unsatisfied . I felt he could hv groveled more. N the fmc could have made him work harder for forgiveness. A major letdown.
I could not connect to this story. Plot wise it was all over the place and many things just didn't make since. Also Jasmine in no ways acted like a realistic 12 year old girl. Honestly in the story I would have said she was about 8 years old with the way she acted.
-2nd chance -dual POV -no ow/om drama -10 year separation -no cheating -both virgins -both are around 28 y/o when they reconnect -frustrating dumb hero -epilogue: around 6 years later -married with twins and another baby on the way