The Choices We Regret

by Soraya Naomi

Some choices change your life forever. Others? They break your heart.

Evangeline Thorne thought she had left her past behind—especially Alexander Harrington, the only man she’s ever loved and the one who shattered her heart fourteen years ago. Now, she’s built a new life in New York, curating at an upscale gallery, surrounding herself with art instead of memories. But when Alex walks back into her life without warning, old wounds reopen, and the lines between love, loyalty, and family blur in ways she never saw coming.

He was her past. Now, he wants to be her future.

Alexander Harrington was raised in a world of power, wealth, and ruthless expectations. He was groomed to inherit an empire—but the one thing he could never control? His love for Evie. When fate brings them together again, he’s determined to make things right. But his return comes with secrets, consequences, and a choice that could destroy them both—again.

A love that never faded. A betrayal that still burns. And a second chance that could cost everything.

The Choices We Regret is a standalone, angsty, second-chance romance full of tension, heartbreak, and all the feels. Perfect for fans

✔️ She falls first; he falls harder
✔️ Second chances with a twist
✔️ Billionaire romance & family secrets
✔️ Touch her and die energy
✔️ Break the cycle of the past

Grab The Choices We Regret today and dive into an emotional love story you won’t forget!

Genres: New Adult, Contemporary Romance

354 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 24, 2025

About the author

Soraya Naomi is the author of the Chicago Syndicate mafia series. She writes provocative novels with a sinfully seductive blend of romance, suspense & men who love hard and at all costs. The Chicago Syndicate series - #1 Amazon Organized Crime series - has been translated into several languages.

Soraya has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Arts & Culture from Erasmus University Rotterdam.

Apart from writing and indulging in chocolate pastries much too often, Soraya Naomi is also an avid reader. She has a passionate obsession with the written word and reads many genres but favors intense stories where the male character loves fiercely, without remorse or boundaries. She adores Historical Romances, New Adult, Dark Romances, Romantic Suspense, and PNR. And she welcomes all recommendations!

Her debut novel For Fallon (Chicago Syndicate, #1) was released on July 26, 2014. She's honored that For Fallon won “Best Breakout Novel 2014” in the Novel Grounds Semi Annual Literary Awards.

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Reviews

[Nicole Mcclain · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an emotional love story! The back and forth, the drama, the steam…what more can you want from an angsty second chance romance. After all, there wouldn’t have been a drama if it wasn’t a second chance romance.
Evie and Alex went to the same high school and had an interesting interaction. Things began to move forward and a young love has blossomed. But, events happened and hearts are broken. Or should I say shattered.
Fast forward and Alex/Evie are back into each others lives. Is this fate? Or is this orchestrated?
I really am a sucker for some angst and this book is it. The gut wrenching feeling of having your life stomped on you feeling with some of these scenes. It can be too much at times but something horrible always gives way to something brighter.
I’m not going to divulge too much of this story into this review but if you like grovel, hot sex, and heart stopping betrayals, please read!

I voluntarily accepted an advanced reader copy for my honest review

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I’m here because I can’t stay away from you, Evie,” he finally said with desperation. “I’ve tried, but I can’t. And it kills me seeing you smile at work with Tom!”

This book made me smile for the beginnings of new love, sad for the pressure of family expectations, and happy for a new different kind of love that formed.

Alex and Evie begin their story in high school her poor with a troubled home life and him wealthy but living under the pressure of family expectations from his father. After tragedy strikes more that once Alex is left with an impossible choice to make.

Fast forward several years and they see each other again. Is it just by chance or is there more going on that can't be seen.

This book took me on a rollercoaster that's for sure. There is love, there is betrayal, there are secrets. This book really had everything I love about a book.

Thank you Soraya Naomi for this book. I have left an honest review

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

From high school sweethearts to tragic, star-crossed lovers, Evie and Alex desperately needed a second chance. But not everything is as it appeared, and their second chance could be just as doomed as their first. The drama! The tension! The ANGST! This pair led me on a more than merry chase in search of their Happily Ever After. It’s a bumpy, rocky ride, but it’s worth every second I spent immersed in their story. My heart might feel a little bruised after all that, but it’s so stinking happy. I even wish the book weren’t over already because I’m in no way prepared to let go of this pair.

[Amanda M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This oh my this book was everything. The angst, tension, and emotions, were on point. And the storyline is well executed. I loved the second chance romance component of this, how the main characters lives were connected to one another from the past to the current present. There's lies, secrecy, and truths in this. Of course let me not forget about those twists, they sure took me by surprise. When I thought I knew what was coming bam something else comes along. So expect the unexpected because you never know what's going to happen and you don't want to miss out.

[Gladys · Rating 4 out of 5]

Evie and Alex took me on quite the rollercoaster ride as their second chance at love story unfolded. The highs and lows and twists and turns give your heart and your emotions a solid workout. These two definitely had my heart aching and had me avidly yearning for them to get the HEA they richly deserved.

[Farah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one! The storyline had me hooked from the start, and I loved how the past and present weaved together. The twists kept things interesting, and the angst added just the right amount of tension. It was such a great escape—emotional, a messy love story, and totally addictive. With drama, heartbreak, and a few surprises along the way, this one was definitely worth picking up!

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a brilliant second chance read.
Nothing between Alexander and Evangeline has easy even from a young age.
They met at high school and fall in love but Alexander's life has been mapped out by his demanding father and falling in love with someone beneath them will not happen.
Evie's heart is broken more than once but years later Alex is back in her life and she never got over him. Could this be their chance at a HEA?
Things are not as they seem and there are plenty of twists and turns and Alex's demanding father is even worse now.
I loved how they were together and how we got to see their past and the present in the book and absolutely loved the ending.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Soraya Naomi]

Available now! Free In Kindle Unlimited

AMAZON US ➜ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYDJQWSJ
AMAZON UK ➜ https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DYDJQWSJ
AMAZON CA ➜ https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0DYDJQWSJ
AMAZON AU ➜ https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0DYDJQWSJ
PAPERBACK ➜ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYHJ2T9N

[Heather Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Evangeline (Evie) Thorne grew up with hardly anything. Her mom is an alcoholic and loves to drink more than her own daughter. Evie grew up with the basics, clothing, food and a place to live. But, not really love.

Alexander (Alex) Harrington, grew up in a very wealthy enviroment. His father is very wealthy and his friends are also very wealthy. They are all neighbors in the same area, and the kids all go to the same school.

Alex and Evie met one day at school when they were both called into the pricipals office for not paying for an upcoming class trip. Evie knows she won't have the money, and isn't sure what to really do. Alex realizes that Evie needs help with the funds and pays for her school trip so she won't be left out. This way Alex can be with her on the school trip.

Alex and Evie started dating but once Alex's dad found out he made Alex stop seeing Evie. Then a few months go by and they had started seeing one another again, and samething, Alex's dad made them break up. Evie knows she can't keep doing this back and forth with Alex. After the last time she was moved by Alex's father, to a new city.

We meet Alex and Evie again, 13 yrs down the road. Evie is working in an art gallery and doing very well for herself. She has an apartment, a great job and friends. Then Alex walks into her studio one day an announces he is now the owner. Evie isn't sure what to do. She can't be around him, and she can't be without him.

Alex is hiding something from Evie, but, he isn't sure how to bring it up to her. He wants her to be in his life, and he doesn't want to hurt her again. Will Evie be able to be around him after he shares what he needs to with her? Will Evie run away again and leave everything and everyone she knows?

This book does go into the past / present a few times.

I did receive a free ARC book copy. I am freely leaving an honest review.

[Catreena · Rating 5 out of 5]

#secondchance #oppositesattract #forcedproximity #foundfamily #romance #billionaireromance #angstyromance #sorayanaomi

Vicious Cycle

POV:Dual Evangeline (Evie) Alexander (Alex)

Soraya is back with a second chance romance 😍

Evangeline and her best friend Sophie weren't one of the girls that fawned over Alexander and his friends Dylan and Tucker, cause of their wealth and statuses at school, let alone mixed with them. Coming from opposite sides of the tracks. Until Alexander pays for Evangeline's part of an upcoming class trip, the two of them get closer, but when Evangeline starts to lose those closest to her, Alexander is forced to walk away from her.

Fast forward thirteen years, Evangeline has come face-to-face with her past, as Alexander is now the new owner of the gallery where she works. She never got over him completely, but his presences just draws her back in, she really must stay away from him.

Alexander followed in his father's footsteps, as a corporate lawer in his firm. He's kept tabs on Evangeline over the years, he too hasn't gotten over her. But he's had to follow his father's instructions over the years. He really does want to make it up to Evangeline for the years of heartache he's put her through.

How much more heartache can Evangeline take?
How will Alexander redeem himself?
How many more curve balls are thrown their way?

So emotional, my heart broke for Evangeline. She'd lost so much.
Alexander just had to stand up for himself.

[Crissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Choices We Regret was a great second chance romance story going between past and present giving us the ups and downs, high and lows, loving and heartbreaking, forgiving, regretful, jealousy, push and pull, back and forth banter, laugh out loud, and steamy moments between Evangeline and Alexander, and their friends Sophie, Dylan, Tucker and Alexander's next door neighbor Victoria. This story is not all sunshine and roses. It's one filled with duties, forced loyalty, power, wealth, threats, deaths and unexpected and jaw dropping secrets you won't see coming. Just when I thought I had things figured out the author hit me with a twist I didn't see coming. I felt bad for Alex because he truly was put between a rock and a hard place for all of his life, by his dad James and even Victoria, but I loved his mom, Eleanor. I felt bad for Tucker because of how things were handled between him, Evie and Alex. It seemed brushed over too quickly even if Evie's feels weren't as deep as they were for Alex, Tucker deserved better. However, I was happy that Evie and Alex finally got their HEA in the end because they deserved it after fighting hard so many years, Alex especially. I also enjoyed how the author didn't include everyone in their HEA, I won't mention exactly who, but it just gave a "realness" to the story because sometimes life your life is better without some people in it.

[Hanan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The beginning of the book had my interest piqued.
Getting to know all the characters and about their lives.
The building of Evie and Alex’s relationship. It was cute and endearing.
When the ugly incident occurred by heart dropped. I adored that character.
From that point things just didn’t click for me.
Evie and Alex are 16/17 years old. I don’t understand what Evie thinks Alex can do or fix.
Still holding a grudge thirteen years later. I would have thought her now matured could comprehend there was nothing in Alex’s ability to do. I understood her pain. But not her resentment.
I loved Alex in his earlier years. He was funny and sweet.
Now at thirty, yeah did not like him much. Still depending on his father. Still a puppet.
I wanted to know exactly what happened to Sophie. Why is Dylan still hanging around.
And a couple of other issues needed closure for me.
Tucker got the raw end of the deal. Poor guy. Him and Sophie are the ones I still liked after reading.
I did enjoy the epilogue. It was sweet and heartwarming.

[Sarah Nickles · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Choices We Regret was a great second chance romance story. You will experience all the emotions for Evangeline and Alexander while reading about their love, heartbreak, regret, jealousy, steamy moments and their journey to forgiveness. Their banter made me laugh out loud.

I love how Soraya told the story in both Evie and Alex's points of view, going between their past and present. I've always loved this form of story telling as a reader because it allows me to connect to both characters which I feels helps truly bring the story to life. I loved some of supporting characters and hated others.

Soraya's writing allowed me connect with Evie and Alex, I felt the pain they experienced and continue to live with. The feeling and emotions I felt while reading made me feel like I was there between the pages with everyone. My heart aches for both of them because I have felt that pain in my own life. When I thought I had things figured out Soraya throws a twist I didn't see coming.

Once click now!!!!!

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this novel! I have read other novels by this author and loved them. This novel did not disappoint. I was so excited to jump into this novel and was not disappointed. This novel checked so many boxes for me. So good! I love a second chance romance where the characters were in love in highschool and torn apart by outside forces. From the first chapter this novel pulled me in and held on tight for the entire novel. My heart hurt for Evie and all she had been thru. I loved that Evie and Alex were able to get their second chance at love years later. I loved Alex and Evie together. Their chemistry was so good! I loved watching them reconnect and their walls and defenses come down and watch them rekindle their love. Once I started reading I could not put this novel down. I needed to know what was happening next. So good! I can hardly wait to see what this author has coming next. Loved it!

[Becky Wise · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Choices We Regret is a fabulous read. This gives you the feels and emotions. You feel for Evangeline and Alexander as they find and loss each other just for that second chance. Evangeline has not had an easy life but falls hard as a teenager for Alexander. I love how he supports her and shows her how much he cares until his father steps in. Alexander tries his hardest to do what's right but has never gotten it completely right. Timing and family pressures do not help Alexander at all. You feel his love for Evangeline from the start and how it has grown years later. Evangeline and Alexander have a challenge ahead and you hope their love is strong enough with the pressures breathing down Alexanders neck. You'll have to read to see what happens with Alexander and Evangeline as they take the steps for a second chance. I could not put this down. You need to click this now.

[Maloma · Rating 3 out of 5]

So many things that still needs to addressed at the end of the story that's still a mystery. What ever happened to Tucker and was he somehow following Evie from since high school? Why hadn't Alex broken away from his father by making his own money in those 13 years? No payback for Evie being beaten? Truthfully, Alex was not a character I particularly liked. I felt he was weak and had no integrity. Evie had to have a better discernment radar when dealing with Alex. She got played too many times by him and his false promises and unspoken situations. Both characters still needed some growing to do and the fact that they jumped so quickly into a sexual relationship despite not seeing one another for over a decade is unrealistic. Overall a great story but some holes needs to be plugged.

[Cathy Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Jesus!!! I don’t know what I read but dang, this was incredible! I have not read a book this emotionally entwinned, ever!

Tropes:
• She falls first
• Second Chance
• Billionaire
• Family Secrets
• Touch her and die
• Lost Love

This author is new to me and I never know what to expect when I read someone new, especially an ARC copy but wow, I am so glad I took a chance!

Evie and Alex, oh how my heart ached for them both! To see and feel the pain they both lived in for so long and even now. These two were always connected from then until now.

Young love, family obligations, heartbreak, years gone by, we get all of these in this book by Soraya Naomi! Sit down, grab a blanket, tissues and open it up!

[JBird831 · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

This book started off strong and drew me in. Twist and turns for sure. Highs and lows don't even explain it. There's a lot that happens in a short amount of time. Some I could understand. Others I was thrown off on why it was apart of the story. How things play out was somewhat predictable, but you couldn't stop reading even if you wanted to.

Evangeline has had a hard life and it only gets more complicated and harder.

Alexander's life may seem rich and luxe, but it's also daunting and overwhelming for him having to live up to his father's standards.

It's a crazy story!

Felt bad for Tucker.

[Bewaji · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh wow.. Alex and Evie were perfect together until they were not. Of course his dad was a snobbish, horrible person, but his mom was sweet. She would be the saving grace for the two lovers. When a tragedy occurred Evie was made to leave. Alex had no choice either. Either lose her or lose her. Fast forward about a decade, Alex came to get his girl, but he still had big baggage. The way he was spineless still, standing up to his dad was annoying. He did it at last, but I had almost given up on him.

*ARC provided by the author*

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been a while since I've read a story by Ms. Naomi! I definitely have to raise her stories on my TBR list! Shhh! Don't tell my other books and authors!

This second chance romance drew me in.

It was emotional!
I had my foot tapping…hoping and praying for Alex and Evie!

Life wasn't easy for either of them! So, I can practically guarantee you'll be on the edge of your seat too cajoling Ms. Naomi to give these two an HEA!

[Laura]

The choices we regret
Alex and Evie go through so much and
This story is told in both the starting characters point of view. Good and easy read. I really like how the story takes you from the very beginning (high school) to adulthood. Love half the characters and very much dislike the other half.
Alex and Evie go through life’s ups and downs and all of the in between. Like I said good read and recommend.

[Maria Moody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok

I struggled to get into this book tbh ,it wasn't the writing but the characters didn't really pull me in ,I was annoyed after the choice Alex made to save Evangeline after a death in his fathers estate to save her from trouble she sort of readily agreed to give him time when they meet up years later ,I wished she made him grovel and get a spine ,it was ok to read but I hate a weak female character that deserves better

[Mary Mutisya-Astin · Rating 5 out of 5]

An epic rollercoaster of emotions!

When Evangeline meets Alexander in high school it sets off a chain of events that is the beginning of a new love but with that new love also comes choices of which they both come to regret.

This is an epic story about love, loss, secrets and the things we regret most. Could not put this down.

I read this book voluntarily for an honest review.

[Hester · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was totally awesome had me hooked from page 1. Love a second chance romace

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good second chance story that alternates between past and present with just about every emotion covered.

[Gabriela · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF

[Karina]

the writing is throwing me off . over descriptive amongst other things

[Nicole Ortiz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Evangeline and Alexander

I liked the beginning and was interested to find out what happened between the two. It goes back and forth between the present and the past. Then the middle of the story happened and even though this is a story I like a realism in certain situations. The whole situation with her best friend and then the thing with the father. Also the cheesy encounter between Evie and Victoria in the pool house. But I still went on because I hate DNF books. Then towards the end the events that unraveled was some what better.

I received a copy and read it through Kindle documents.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!! This second chance story had it all! Evie and Alex's story started in high school. This emotional rollercoaster had past, present, secrets, lies, tension, and twists that were nothing I imagined. I was rooting for their HEA throughout! Soraya Naomi never disappoints!!!