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Leffersbee #2
Before and After You: Leffersbee Series, Book 2
Leigh D’Alessandro is a fighter. She fought to escape her dysfunctional family, to end a soul-killing marriage, and to build a new life in a small Tennessee town. When the fate of the community hospital she works for is threatened, she’s primed and ready for battle. What she can’t fight any longer is her unshakable attraction to her best friend’s brother, who has a notorious reputation and triggers all her worst fears about trust and betrayal.
Walker Leffersbee is a lover. At least that’s the reputation he’s built in his hometown. Scion of a prosperous Tennessee banking family, he’s a known ladies’ man and a confirmed bachelor. His hands are full as he juggles competing demands from his family’s bank and his growing property renovation business. The last thing he needs is to give in to his long-standing craving for his sister’s headstrong and hot-tempered best friend. Especially because she’s the only one who knows the secret that threatens to upend his life.
When a home renovation project brings them too close for comfort, they both struggle to withstand the growing heat. As they grow closer helping each other navigate family minefields, Walker learns that love is not a four-letter word, and Leigh realizes that some battles are meant to be lost.
But Walker’s secret is the one thing that could keep them apart, unless they both decide to fight for the love they never looked for but now can’t live without.
Before and After You is a contemporary romance and can be listened to as a stand-alone. Book two in the Leffersbee series, Green Valley Chronicles, Penny Reid Book Universe.
Walker Leffersbee is a lover. At least that’s the reputation he’s built in his hometown. Scion of a prosperous Tennessee banking family, he’s a known ladies’ man and a confirmed bachelor. His hands are full as he juggles competing demands from his family’s bank and his growing property renovation business. The last thing he needs is to give in to his long-standing craving for his sister’s headstrong and hot-tempered best friend. Especially because she’s the only one who knows the secret that threatens to upend his life.
When a home renovation project brings them too close for comfort, they both struggle to withstand the growing heat. As they grow closer helping each other navigate family minefields, Walker learns that love is not a four-letter word, and Leigh realizes that some battles are meant to be lost.
But Walker’s secret is the one thing that could keep them apart, unless they both decide to fight for the love they never looked for but now can’t live without.
Before and After You is a contemporary romance and can be listened to as a stand-alone. Book two in the Leffersbee series, Green Valley Chronicles, Penny Reid Book Universe.
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First published October 19, 2021
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October 21, 2021
PEOPLE!!! Before and After You by Hope Ellis is finally LIVE and available for FREE in Kindle Unlimited! I am so excited for all of you to read this book <3 Go forth and read the goodness!
★★Purchase Links★★
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3CMBcmK
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3yUr4Gc
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/3AZu1WL
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/3k7jp13
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3klssvE
Audiobook: Coming Early 2022!
★★ BLURB ★★
Leigh D’Alessandro is a fighter. She fought to escape her dysfunctional family, to end a soul-killing marriage, and to build a new life in a small Tennessee town. When the fate of the community hospital she works for is threatened, she’s primed and ready for battle. What she can’t fight any longer is her unshakable attraction to her best friend’s brother, who has a notorious reputation and triggers all her worst fears about trust and betrayal.
Walker Leffersbee is a lover. At least that’s the reputation he’s built in his hometown. Scion of a prosperous Tennessee banking family, he’s a known ladies’ man and a confirmed bachelor. His hands are full as he juggles competing demands from his family’s bank and his growing property renovation business. The last thing he needs is to give in to his long-standing craving for his sister’s headstrong and hot-tempered best friend. Especially because she’s the only one who knows the secret that threatens to upend his life.
When a home renovation project brings them too close for comfort, they both struggle to withstand the growing heat. As they grow closer helping each other navigate family minefields, Walker learns that love is not a four-letter word, and Leigh realizes that some battles are meant to be lost.
But Walker’s secret is the one thing that could keep them apart, unless they both decide to fight for the love they never looked for but now can’t live without.
‘Before and After You’ is a contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #2 in the Leffersbee series, Green Valley Chronicles, Penny Reid Book Universe.
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October 21, 2021Today is the Smartypants day!! ‘Before and After You’ by Hope Ellis is ALIVE in Kindle Unlimited!! I’m so excited for this release, y’all! The Leffersbees are this amazing family in Green Valley– connected to the Boones and the Paytons. Hope has Walker’s story for us next! You’re going to love his romance with Leigh. GAH!
★★Reserve your copy TODAY!★★
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3CMBcmK
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3yUr4Gc
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/3AZu1WL
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/3k7jp13
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3klssvE
Audiobook: Coming Early 2022!
★★ BLURB ★★
Leigh D’Alessandro is a fighter. She fought to escape her dysfunctional family, to end a soul-killing marriage, and to build a new life in a small Tennessee town. When the fate of the community hospital she works for is threatened, she’s primed and ready for battle. What she can’t fight any longer is her unshakable attraction to her best friend’s brother, who has a notorious reputation and triggers all her worst fears about trust and betrayal.
Walker Leffersbee is a lover. At least that’s the reputation he’s built in his hometown. Scion of a prosperous Tennessee banking family, he’s a known ladies’ man and a confirmed bachelor. His hands are full as he juggles competing demands from his family’s bank and his growing property renovation business. The last thing he needs is to give in to his long-standing craving for his sister’s headstrong and hot-tempered best friend. Especially because she’s the only one who knows the secret that threatens to upend his life.
When a home renovation project brings them too close for comfort, they both struggle to withstand the growing heat. As they grow closer helping each other navigate family minefields, Walker learns that love is not a four-letter word, and Leigh realizes that some battles are meant to be lost.
But Walker’s secret is the one thing that could keep them apart, unless they both decide to fight for the love they never looked for but now can’t live without.
‘Before and After You’ is a contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #2 in the Leffersbee series, Green Valley Chronicles, Penny Reid Book Universe.
June 27, 2022
Favorite Quotes:
“What did you say you were doing here?” I prompted again, realizing with no small amount of uneasiness that we’d both been silently contemplating the other while I was absorbed in my thoughts. “Bitterly regretting that I left my crucifix and garlic at home,”
One day, you’ll understand the baffling blend of pride and fear that comes from raising your own son in this world.
I’d always joked that God had been bored the day he made Lucia and decided to dally long enough to sculpt the high cheekbones, cupid bow lips, and tip-tilted eyes that made her stunning.
‘You gonna be speechless after you find out what it’s like with a Southern gentleman… We do it different,” I informed her… She smirked. “What, does your dick wear a monocle like Mr. Peanut and talk like Deputy Dawg?”
This must be what the short road to hell felt like. Cozy and pleasant enough that you don’t care about the hot flames licking at your feet.
My Review:
This is my second time reading the cleverly amusing observational humor and insights of Ms. Ellis’s work and she has made me a ride-or-die reader with her oddly compelling Leffersbees. I admire the complexity of her characters, even though I didn’t always like them or what they were doing. Her cast of characters was diverse, complicated, uncomfortably knowable and flawed, curiously irresistible, and authentically drawn. The story unfolded slowly and occasionally dragged, but I was invested, wriggling on the hook, and ensnared in the brutal betrayal of the unfolding family drama as well as the blossoming romance that was an inevitability with combustible sensuality that left me dehydrated and grabbing for libation. I’m beyond curious to see what she does with the remaining sibling who is truly unlikable.
“What did you say you were doing here?” I prompted again, realizing with no small amount of uneasiness that we’d both been silently contemplating the other while I was absorbed in my thoughts. “Bitterly regretting that I left my crucifix and garlic at home,”
One day, you’ll understand the baffling blend of pride and fear that comes from raising your own son in this world.
I’d always joked that God had been bored the day he made Lucia and decided to dally long enough to sculpt the high cheekbones, cupid bow lips, and tip-tilted eyes that made her stunning.
‘You gonna be speechless after you find out what it’s like with a Southern gentleman… We do it different,” I informed her… She smirked. “What, does your dick wear a monocle like Mr. Peanut and talk like Deputy Dawg?”
This must be what the short road to hell felt like. Cozy and pleasant enough that you don’t care about the hot flames licking at your feet.
My Review:
This is my second time reading the cleverly amusing observational humor and insights of Ms. Ellis’s work and she has made me a ride-or-die reader with her oddly compelling Leffersbees. I admire the complexity of her characters, even though I didn’t always like them or what they were doing. Her cast of characters was diverse, complicated, uncomfortably knowable and flawed, curiously irresistible, and authentically drawn. The story unfolded slowly and occasionally dragged, but I was invested, wriggling on the hook, and ensnared in the brutal betrayal of the unfolding family drama as well as the blossoming romance that was an inevitability with combustible sensuality that left me dehydrated and grabbing for libation. I’m beyond curious to see what she does with the remaining sibling who is truly unlikable.
July 26, 2022
Smart, stylish, and very, very rich. The story is layered and the characters fully drawn so they feel like people you can (and want) to know. The goodness in them is palpable and I love reading ajout good people. Highly recommend.
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October 8, 2022Live in Kindle Unlimited!!!!!
November 15, 2021
Hope Ellis knows how to make me swoon!
After the delightful Been There Done That, she is back again with more Lefferbee's.
This delightful slow-burn romance has a strong-headed female protagonist and a very swoony hero.
Yes, maybe the pacing could have been a tad better, but overall, this book is such a comfort read. Grab your tea, a blanked, settle down in a cozy corner and enjoy the ride.
Thank you so much Smartypants Romance for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
After the delightful Been There Done That, she is back again with more Lefferbee's.
This delightful slow-burn romance has a strong-headed female protagonist and a very swoony hero.
Yes, maybe the pacing could have been a tad better, but overall, this book is such a comfort read. Grab your tea, a blanked, settle down in a cozy corner and enjoy the ride.
Thank you so much Smartypants Romance for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 8, 2021
4.5*
Before and After You: The Leffersbee Series book #2 by Hope Ellis
‘“But I don’t expect you to say it just yet. I know you need a little more time to trust what all of this is between us, and to trust this new you that loves me.”.
I do love you. I ached to say it, but the last remaining vestiges of the old fear kept me mute.
“And that’s okay,” Walker said. “You take all the time you need. You lean on my faith in our love until you’ve got as much faith in it as I have. ‘Cause I know what’s going to happen.”’
I figured before going into ‘Before and After You’, that there was a distinct possibility that Walker and Leigh were both going to be beautifully intense, raw and complex but I don’t think I fully comprehended then, just how emotional, beguiling and powerful their story was going to be.
For me, the first quarter or so of the book meandered just a little. The pacing felt lethargic, the characters unsure of their place, things were getting bogged down in too many small details.
However, author Hope Ellis seemed to find her footing once more, with the plot gaining momentum, the characters burning up the pages with passion, unpredictability and hesitancy.
Secrets and lies. The familial tangles and woes. Astoundingly strong friendships. And the precariousness of falling in love in the present, particularly after you’ve been left devastated by the past - all of it comes together, connected and cemented by the absolutely mesmerising and contrasting personalities of our two protagonists.
This is definitely a slow-burn love story but there are so many different elements to it that it all feels like you’re getting one huge epic saga inside one book.
Leigh was a fighter. Not in the physical sense but in the sense that she didn’t back down from a fight when it was something that put others in harm's way. She was dauntless, amazingly smart yet vulnerable. When it came to protecting herself, she stumbled. The drama, hurt and strife that Leigh goes through, broke my heart over and over. Her loneliness and her secret pain were palpable things but this only highlighted for me how incredibly brave and wonderful she was, everything she was trying to overcome on her own. Hope’s writing within all of this felt so commanding and poignant, displaying a depth that was beautiful to experience.
Walker too was an absolute treat. I was worried he was going to be the quintessential bad-boy who slept around indiscriminately, but that was not who he turned out to be at all. To my delight Walker turned out to be the guiding force between himself and Leigh. He was the demonstrative one, the one who saw something in them and in her. It was wonderfully captivating to have the reformed rake be the one casting off cynicism and scepticism, in favour of romance and heat and love. Even when his selfless actions took the story in a new direction, I still loved him. Everything he did in this story was out of a good place and that’s something I can certainly get behind.
Although there were a few speed bumps along the way, Before and After You was a really beautiful and complex romance that showcases author Hope Ellis’s unique and emotive writing style. You don’t just get Walker and Leigh, or Nick and Zora, you get a whole family of personalities and issues to really shake things up.
Hope manages to gather all of those other mini-plot threads of the whole story, tying them all together into one big knot, delivering a breathtaking love story with a difference.
Before and After You: The Leffersbee Series book #2 by Hope Ellis
‘“But I don’t expect you to say it just yet. I know you need a little more time to trust what all of this is between us, and to trust this new you that loves me.”.
I do love you. I ached to say it, but the last remaining vestiges of the old fear kept me mute.
“And that’s okay,” Walker said. “You take all the time you need. You lean on my faith in our love until you’ve got as much faith in it as I have. ‘Cause I know what’s going to happen.”’
I figured before going into ‘Before and After You’, that there was a distinct possibility that Walker and Leigh were both going to be beautifully intense, raw and complex but I don’t think I fully comprehended then, just how emotional, beguiling and powerful their story was going to be.
For me, the first quarter or so of the book meandered just a little. The pacing felt lethargic, the characters unsure of their place, things were getting bogged down in too many small details.
However, author Hope Ellis seemed to find her footing once more, with the plot gaining momentum, the characters burning up the pages with passion, unpredictability and hesitancy.
Secrets and lies. The familial tangles and woes. Astoundingly strong friendships. And the precariousness of falling in love in the present, particularly after you’ve been left devastated by the past - all of it comes together, connected and cemented by the absolutely mesmerising and contrasting personalities of our two protagonists.
This is definitely a slow-burn love story but there are so many different elements to it that it all feels like you’re getting one huge epic saga inside one book.
Leigh was a fighter. Not in the physical sense but in the sense that she didn’t back down from a fight when it was something that put others in harm's way. She was dauntless, amazingly smart yet vulnerable. When it came to protecting herself, she stumbled. The drama, hurt and strife that Leigh goes through, broke my heart over and over. Her loneliness and her secret pain were palpable things but this only highlighted for me how incredibly brave and wonderful she was, everything she was trying to overcome on her own. Hope’s writing within all of this felt so commanding and poignant, displaying a depth that was beautiful to experience.
Walker too was an absolute treat. I was worried he was going to be the quintessential bad-boy who slept around indiscriminately, but that was not who he turned out to be at all. To my delight Walker turned out to be the guiding force between himself and Leigh. He was the demonstrative one, the one who saw something in them and in her. It was wonderfully captivating to have the reformed rake be the one casting off cynicism and scepticism, in favour of romance and heat and love. Even when his selfless actions took the story in a new direction, I still loved him. Everything he did in this story was out of a good place and that’s something I can certainly get behind.
Although there were a few speed bumps along the way, Before and After You was a really beautiful and complex romance that showcases author Hope Ellis’s unique and emotive writing style. You don’t just get Walker and Leigh, or Nick and Zora, you get a whole family of personalities and issues to really shake things up.
Hope manages to gather all of those other mini-plot threads of the whole story, tying them all together into one big knot, delivering a breathtaking love story with a difference.
October 9, 2021
4.5 Stars
Have you ever had a book where you were so invested you were already looking forward to the next time you could pick it up and hopefully finish it? That’s exactly how I felt about this one. Especially near the end.
This book started out a little slow, but then hooked me right in and I couldn’t put it down. And when I had to put it down? I spent my time thinking about these characters and how it was going to end.
Leigh and Walker have this obvious connection throughout their book, and Their chemistry just slides off the pages.
“Love, real love, requires you to have both hands open so you can receive it. It’s surrender, not control that opens us up to the possibilities of what could be.”
With a full cast of characters that are familiar and lovable, this series makes me fall more in love with Green Valley.
But don’t event get me started on Tavia. Hope had me gasping out loud at some of her antics in this book. I’m sure Hope will redeem her in the very best way, but I’m definitely holding a grudge until then.
TW: Heart related illness/ surgery
Have you ever had a book where you were so invested you were already looking forward to the next time you could pick it up and hopefully finish it? That’s exactly how I felt about this one. Especially near the end.
This book started out a little slow, but then hooked me right in and I couldn’t put it down. And when I had to put it down? I spent my time thinking about these characters and how it was going to end.
Leigh and Walker have this obvious connection throughout their book, and Their chemistry just slides off the pages.
“Love, real love, requires you to have both hands open so you can receive it. It’s surrender, not control that opens us up to the possibilities of what could be.”
With a full cast of characters that are familiar and lovable, this series makes me fall more in love with Green Valley.
But don’t event get me started on Tavia. Hope had me gasping out loud at some of her antics in this book. I’m sure Hope will redeem her in the very best way, but I’m definitely holding a grudge until then.
TW: Heart related illness/ surgery
November 2, 2021
Oh, man. Walker and Leigh were *chef's kiss*. Leigh had A LOT of mental baggage to work through and more than a few preconceived notions about Walker. The reno project on her home has her getting to know him better and it turns out that those preconceived notions were a little off base.
Walker also has some issues he needs to work through. Most of them of the familial expectations variety. Being the good guy that he is, he pushes himself to do what he thinks his family needs even as it slowly crushes his soul. Throw in a health scare and things get even more complicated. Toss a little scheming from family members behind his back and ...yeah. The guy has a lot on his plate.
BUT WAIT! Leigh is also dealing with unreliable family (and some SUPER not so great actions on their end) and work chaos that morphs into a desperate fight to save the hospital she loves. While Walker definitely has a lot on his plate, Leigh's running neck-in-neck with him in that regard. She tries her level best to convince herself that anything between them is doomed and they shouldn't even attempt to start a relationship (even if it's only physical! FOR SURE!) because it will crash and burn spectacularly.
Somehow SOMEHOW Walker worms his way under her skin and convinces her that he's the real deal despite his lady killer reputation. So when things go south, they hit Leigh hard and shatter the trust she'd granted him. (Fortunately for everyone involved, families included, someone figures things out before it's too late and doesn't let their entire world stay imploded. But it's a rough time for all parties before they reach that point.)
Verbal foreplay, work drama on both ends, EPIC make-out sessions, family issues, heartache, and plenty of steam and sparks. GLORIOUS!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Walker also has some issues he needs to work through. Most of them of the familial expectations variety. Being the good guy that he is, he pushes himself to do what he thinks his family needs even as it slowly crushes his soul. Throw in a health scare and things get even more complicated. Toss a little scheming from family members behind his back and ...yeah. The guy has a lot on his plate.
BUT WAIT! Leigh is also dealing with unreliable family (and some SUPER not so great actions on their end) and work chaos that morphs into a desperate fight to save the hospital she loves. While Walker definitely has a lot on his plate, Leigh's running neck-in-neck with him in that regard. She tries her level best to convince herself that anything between them is doomed and they shouldn't even attempt to start a relationship (even if it's only physical! FOR SURE!) because it will crash and burn spectacularly.
Somehow SOMEHOW Walker worms his way under her skin and convinces her that he's the real deal despite his lady killer reputation. So when things go south, they hit Leigh hard and shatter the trust she'd granted him. (Fortunately for everyone involved, families included, someone figures things out before it's too late and doesn't let their entire world stay imploded. But it's a rough time for all parties before they reach that point.)
Verbal foreplay, work drama on both ends, EPIC make-out sessions, family issues, heartache, and plenty of steam and sparks. GLORIOUS!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
December 5, 2021
This book has:
✨ so much banter!
✨ forced proximity
✨ best friend’s brother trope
✨ tough characters with a soft side
✨ small town romance
Such a good follow-up. Looking forward to more books from Hope Ellis!
✨ so much banter!
✨ forced proximity
✨ best friend’s brother trope
✨ tough characters with a soft side
✨ small town romance
Such a good follow-up. Looking forward to more books from Hope Ellis!
October 11, 2021
It was strongly hinted that Leigh and Walker would have a story of their own but I wasn't ready for it. Walker was the complete swoony package! He is a reformed bad boy who fights for their relationship and is the driving force behind it all. This is a slow burn and the first 25% could have used some help with pacing but once it hits its stride it was delightful
Read
August 31, 2021Where can I get my own Walker? Do I like pick him up from the grocery store, or what?
October 11, 2021
I received and advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This was my first book by Ellis, I have not read the first of the Lefferbee series. But I was so intrigued by the synopsis for this one I had to read it. I was not at all disappointed and in fact I was so engrossed with this book I must now read Zora and Nick’s story.
I love Ellis’s writing style and her characters, all of her characters even the secondary ones. The tension in this book comes from many different places. Leigh is still getting over the betrayal of not just her philandering a*hole ex-husband but her own family as well. On top of that her professional life has just been turned upside down by money hungry big medical.
Walker is just trying to do right by his family business but his heart just isn’t in it. And speaking of his heart, things are not good there either.
I’m going to spoil a bit here and get very personal to talk about Walker’s heart condition. I have first hand knowledge of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and what it’s like to watch your loved one suffer from it and be so powerless to help them. My own father died of complications from the surgery meant to fix it. I still have some residual triggers from it and knowledge that it is, in fact genetic. It is a very hard to diagnose and can kill any age of person without much warning. I cried a lot while reading the second half of this book. Walker is fictional and there for it was up to Ellis weather he lived or not but it was very cathartic for me personally to read that Walker survived his surgery and got it live to have his HEA.
Thank you Hope, for putting Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy into this book and making it known to the masses.
The spice in this book is perfect, and I enjoyed the build up of Walker and Leigh’s relationship. He so very clearly is in love with her early on and is just trying to wait until she won’t spook before he makes his feeling known. She’s been attracted to him for years so its not hard to just go ahead and fall for wonderful Walker.
I really really loved this book and with the anniversary of my fathers death coming up this book felt like it come to me at the perfect time. I’m looking forward to going back and reading “Been There Done That” and much more from Hope Ellis!
This was my first book by Ellis, I have not read the first of the Lefferbee series. But I was so intrigued by the synopsis for this one I had to read it. I was not at all disappointed and in fact I was so engrossed with this book I must now read Zora and Nick’s story.
I love Ellis’s writing style and her characters, all of her characters even the secondary ones. The tension in this book comes from many different places. Leigh is still getting over the betrayal of not just her philandering a*hole ex-husband but her own family as well. On top of that her professional life has just been turned upside down by money hungry big medical.
Walker is just trying to do right by his family business but his heart just isn’t in it. And speaking of his heart, things are not good there either.
I’m going to spoil a bit here and get very personal to talk about Walker’s heart condition. I have first hand knowledge of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and what it’s like to watch your loved one suffer from it and be so powerless to help them. My own father died of complications from the surgery meant to fix it. I still have some residual triggers from it and knowledge that it is, in fact genetic. It is a very hard to diagnose and can kill any age of person without much warning. I cried a lot while reading the second half of this book. Walker is fictional and there for it was up to Ellis weather he lived or not but it was very cathartic for me personally to read that Walker survived his surgery and got it live to have his HEA.
Thank you Hope, for putting Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy into this book and making it known to the masses.
The spice in this book is perfect, and I enjoyed the build up of Walker and Leigh’s relationship. He so very clearly is in love with her early on and is just trying to wait until she won’t spook before he makes his feeling known. She’s been attracted to him for years so its not hard to just go ahead and fall for wonderful Walker.
I really really loved this book and with the anniversary of my fathers death coming up this book felt like it come to me at the perfect time. I’m looking forward to going back and reading “Been There Done That” and much more from Hope Ellis!
November 10, 2021
Great story, appropriate family drama (secrets! that no one realizes is part of a cycle), a burgeoning illness, a family betrayal, and a feisty grandpa. Also, some really great romantic monologues.
November 1, 2021
After reading the first book in this series I was so impressed with Hope Ellis' writing and storytelling. I was excited when Before and After You was announced and it did not disappoint.
Leigh and Walker were interesting characters each with their own reasons to not give into the growing feelings between them. They had strong chemistry and it was easy to see the connection between them.
The story is full of emotion, character growth, and moments both sweet and swoony. Hope's writing drew me in and I loved every minute spent with Leigh and Walker. I can't wait to see what she writes next!
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
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Bookstagram Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CVv1Ej3BkN9/
Leigh and Walker were interesting characters each with their own reasons to not give into the growing feelings between them. They had strong chemistry and it was easy to see the connection between them.
The story is full of emotion, character growth, and moments both sweet and swoony. Hope's writing drew me in and I loved every minute spent with Leigh and Walker. I can't wait to see what she writes next!
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
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Bookstagram Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CVv1Ej3BkN9/
October 19, 2021
This story might have made me cry a few times…
There are happy and sad tears to be shed when reading Before and After You by Hope Ellis. Of course I was expecting a cute “chick-lit” style romance between Walker and Leigh; however, I was surprised by the emotions I’d feel for secondary characters. Leigh works with children in the town hospital. This element of Leigh is important to the storyline, and I felt bonded to the mentioned families of children struggling through life with a sick child. Some of these moments had me crying at the fictional unfairness of it all. Hope Ellis wrote the care and empathy from Leigh so well that readers will feel it too.
Moving on to all the sexy stuff.
Walker and Leigh have known each other for years. Walker is the older brother of her best friend. They met briefly when he visited his sister at their college dorm. There was an instant attraction, but they let the sexual tension build over the years by being snarky and sarcastic with each other. A fun bantering among them that made it tolerable to be in the same room. The two of them find each other in close quarters during a home remodel of the house Leigh lives in. Seeing each other everyday, and ride sharing to work, means there’s a lot of time for a blistering attraction to rise so fast they can’t stop each other from climbing all over each other.
I loved the fact that they both had reckless family members in their lives. Siblings and parents on both sides had their good intentions, and major faults, but all of them meant well. It caused a natural push and shove for Leigh and Walker while navigating what each wants in their own lives. Leigh was already close to Walker’s family because of his sister, and he unexpectedly saves her from some of the issues she has in her own family.
Leigh is just the right amount of independent bad-ass woman, balanced with enough vulnerability to share with a man strong enough to treat her right. Walker is just the right amount of sensitive lover, balanced with a tough/dominant side that won’t take any disrespect to his people and most of all, Leigh. Its hot AF! On a personal level, I loved that they were an interracial couple because it reflected my life. There’s always room for more interracial relationships in mainstream media. If you don’t know that for sure, search “romance” on giphy like I did when I was looking for a visual of Leigh and Walker to put in this blog. I challenge you to find more than one.
On a much lighter note, I won’t tell you when or why this scene is important in Before and After You, but Walker runs on a treadmill. Here’s a gif for ya, try not to drool on yourself.
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
There are happy and sad tears to be shed when reading Before and After You by Hope Ellis. Of course I was expecting a cute “chick-lit” style romance between Walker and Leigh; however, I was surprised by the emotions I’d feel for secondary characters. Leigh works with children in the town hospital. This element of Leigh is important to the storyline, and I felt bonded to the mentioned families of children struggling through life with a sick child. Some of these moments had me crying at the fictional unfairness of it all. Hope Ellis wrote the care and empathy from Leigh so well that readers will feel it too.
Moving on to all the sexy stuff.
Walker and Leigh have known each other for years. Walker is the older brother of her best friend. They met briefly when he visited his sister at their college dorm. There was an instant attraction, but they let the sexual tension build over the years by being snarky and sarcastic with each other. A fun bantering among them that made it tolerable to be in the same room. The two of them find each other in close quarters during a home remodel of the house Leigh lives in. Seeing each other everyday, and ride sharing to work, means there’s a lot of time for a blistering attraction to rise so fast they can’t stop each other from climbing all over each other.
I loved the fact that they both had reckless family members in their lives. Siblings and parents on both sides had their good intentions, and major faults, but all of them meant well. It caused a natural push and shove for Leigh and Walker while navigating what each wants in their own lives. Leigh was already close to Walker’s family because of his sister, and he unexpectedly saves her from some of the issues she has in her own family.
Leigh is just the right amount of independent bad-ass woman, balanced with enough vulnerability to share with a man strong enough to treat her right. Walker is just the right amount of sensitive lover, balanced with a tough/dominant side that won’t take any disrespect to his people and most of all, Leigh. Its hot AF! On a personal level, I loved that they were an interracial couple because it reflected my life. There’s always room for more interracial relationships in mainstream media. If you don’t know that for sure, search “romance” on giphy like I did when I was looking for a visual of Leigh and Walker to put in this blog. I challenge you to find more than one.
On a much lighter note, I won’t tell you when or why this scene is important in Before and After You, but Walker runs on a treadmill. Here’s a gif for ya, try not to drool on yourself.
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
November 4, 2021
What an amazing sequel to Been There Done That! The Leffersbees were mentioned ownig the local bank one time in one of Penny Reid's Winston books, so Ms. Ellis basically got to invent who this family is from the ground up.
Walker Leffersbee is MY DREAM MAN. Literally everything about him from physical description to his personality and values, is exactly what I want in a future husband. So he was literally, the perfect hero.
Leigh D'Alassandro had a fairly large role in the previous book since she was the heroine's best friend. I felt like I knew her from book 1 and Ms. Ellis had so perfectly set up Walker and Leigh, so I was really happy with how their romance played out.
I liked how the book not only was about the two of them falling in love, but had an undercurrent of family and loyalty. It came through in their family lives as well as both of their prospective work places. I really enjoyed Leigh's work "dilemma" and how the whole thing played out.
There was a lot of spicy sexual tension in this book and I felt it coming off my kindle screen! There are two sex scenes that were medium in length, but detailed and satisfying to read. I actually wished there had of been one more. There wasn't much language (I liked Walker's inability to swear except during sex). There were some uses of the f- word, but probably less than 10 in the whole book. There were uses of other curse words.
It seems like Ms. Ellis set the next book up to be about Tavia, Walker's sister, and Eddie, who is the business partner of the hero from book 1. While I didn't like Tavia at all, and I don't think you are supposed too, I love nothing more than than redemption story, so I look forward to seeing how her character's terrible personality can be redeemed!
Walker Leffersbee is MY DREAM MAN. Literally everything about him from physical description to his personality and values, is exactly what I want in a future husband. So he was literally, the perfect hero.
Leigh D'Alassandro had a fairly large role in the previous book since she was the heroine's best friend. I felt like I knew her from book 1 and Ms. Ellis had so perfectly set up Walker and Leigh, so I was really happy with how their romance played out.
I liked how the book not only was about the two of them falling in love, but had an undercurrent of family and loyalty. It came through in their family lives as well as both of their prospective work places. I really enjoyed Leigh's work "dilemma" and how the whole thing played out.
There was a lot of spicy sexual tension in this book and I felt it coming off my kindle screen! There are two sex scenes that were medium in length, but detailed and satisfying to read. I actually wished there had of been one more. There wasn't much language (I liked Walker's inability to swear except during sex). There were some uses of the f- word, but probably less than 10 in the whole book. There were uses of other curse words.
It seems like Ms. Ellis set the next book up to be about Tavia, Walker's sister, and Eddie, who is the business partner of the hero from book 1. While I didn't like Tavia at all, and I don't think you are supposed too, I love nothing more than than redemption story, so I look forward to seeing how her character's terrible personality can be redeemed!
October 20, 2021
This second book of the Leffersbee family is a sensenstional read!
This book, set in the Green Valley world gives a beautiful fresh view of the world that Penny Reid has created.
This is the story of the eldest Leffersbee, Walker and his sister's best friend Leigh.
First, wow! Leigh is a phenomenal, strong character. For all the hurt and drama of her past and present, she rises above as best she can to be strong and capable, all on her own. It's was devastating to see her go home and face the catastrophe that awaited her.
Walker is a born savior. He is determined to smooth the rough waters in his world. However, when his own world gets rocked, he deals with it in a bit of a selfish way.
The chemistry between Leigh and Walker is amazing. I love how they played off each other's strengths. They were there when they needed each other and they each smoothed the rough edges of the other.
The angst was perfectly blended with a strength of love that they had for each other. This story is going to pull at your heartstrings in a glorious way!
Way to go Ms. Ellis, I can't wait to read what comes next from this family!
This book, set in the Green Valley world gives a beautiful fresh view of the world that Penny Reid has created.
This is the story of the eldest Leffersbee, Walker and his sister's best friend Leigh.
First, wow! Leigh is a phenomenal, strong character. For all the hurt and drama of her past and present, she rises above as best she can to be strong and capable, all on her own. It's was devastating to see her go home and face the catastrophe that awaited her.
Walker is a born savior. He is determined to smooth the rough waters in his world. However, when his own world gets rocked, he deals with it in a bit of a selfish way.
The chemistry between Leigh and Walker is amazing. I love how they played off each other's strengths. They were there when they needed each other and they each smoothed the rough edges of the other.
The angst was perfectly blended with a strength of love that they had for each other. This story is going to pull at your heartstrings in a glorious way!
Way to go Ms. Ellis, I can't wait to read what comes next from this family!
December 5, 2021
I'm just so dang happy at the representation! A black male lead! Yes please! Better still, he wasn't a caricature of a person: he's urbane and kind and professional, his family has issues and love in spades, and he really just is such a gentle giant. Teddy bear heart, you know? It wasn't a perfect novel - the dialogue and plot events were a bit hackneyed, predictable, and too convenient, and honestly not every sibling is awesome and not every shabby parent apologizes and makes amends. I didn't like the overgeneralizations. But seeing Walker and Leigh spar and nature was so worthwhile! Very glad I picked this up.
November 3, 2021
I really enjoyed this one! I had a feeling when I read the first chapter in the SmartyPants Sampler a month or two ago that this was going to turn out to be another one I enjoyed. The enemies to lovers that this romance started out as was tinged with a bit of more friends to lovers in a way. Leigh and Walker had been kind of friends because of Leigh being best friends with Walker’s sister Zora. Even the banter was more playful than enemy-like. But the attraction was there, as Leigh said at one point, from the first time she’d seen him. And Walker had good reasons for the way he was, but he wasn’t quite as all that as Leigh made him out to be a manwhore. But family issues definitely made Leigh leery of Walker, and no one could blame her. And wow, when she went home, the surprise waiting for her there? What in the world is wrong with her family! Or I guess her mom I should say. That was horrible, and they should have told her for sure before she just happened to see it like that unprepared. The relationship as it developed between Walker and Leigh moved at a very perfect pace in my opinion. I was a little irritated with Walker’s reaction after he ended up in the hospital. I always hate when that is how a character behaves. But it worked, and kind of made sense.
Now, I have to say, even as much as Octavia, or Tavia, made herself unlikable in this, the little snippets we got out of context of things she said that were going on with her made me very ready to read her book. I’m also thinking, since she’ll be in Chicago, that we might get some time with the Knitting in the City series women from Penny Reid’s books!
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
Now, I have to say, even as much as Octavia, or Tavia, made herself unlikable in this, the little snippets we got out of context of things she said that were going on with her made me very ready to read her book. I’m also thinking, since she’ll be in Chicago, that we might get some time with the Knitting in the City series women from Penny Reid’s books!
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
November 3, 2021
While life got in the way and only allowed me small snippets of reading, I loved savoring Leigh and Walker’s romance. A forced proximity, best friend’s brother, and an enemies to lovers all rolled into such an emotion-packed story! Family dynamics play roles in both sides of Leigh and Walker’s lives but they also add some color and perspective to their characters as well. I love how Hope Ellis really tied this one together!
November 19, 2021
Another winner from Hope Ellis. I was so curious about Walker. Some of my book friends didn't like
Walker in his sister Zora's book (Been There Done That- book 1) . I didn't think that he was so bad.
I just knew that there was some hot smoldering behind that buttoned up bank exec.
Leigh is Zora's bff. In book 1, Leigh seems to have it all together but there's some stuff that she has to deal with. Namely- her douchy ex grr . Leigh's family really lets her down big time.
Walker does have some family issues of his own.
I wanted to wait for the audio, but nope, could not wait. I listened 2x to Been There done that.
I will definitely do a reread/listen .
And I do want to read about Tavia. She's got some 'splainin' to do !
Walker in his sister Zora's book (Been There Done That- book 1) . I didn't think that he was so bad.
I just knew that there was some hot smoldering behind that buttoned up bank exec.
Leigh is Zora's bff. In book 1, Leigh seems to have it all together but there's some stuff that she has to deal with. Namely- her douchy ex grr . Leigh's family really lets her down big time.
Walker does have some family issues of his own.
I wanted to wait for the audio, but nope, could not wait. I listened 2x to Been There done that.
I will definitely do a reread/listen .
And I do want to read about Tavia. She's got some 'splainin' to do !
October 16, 2021
I knew I'd receive the ARC of this book-thanks, Smartypants Romance!–and tbh I've very impatiently been waiting for it since I finished the first in Hope Ellis's Leffersbee series.
I read most of this book on a cross-country flight, which was perfect because I really didn't want to put it down. The setting, the family and found-family in this are lovely to spend time with. The best part, however, was how the main characters grew into their own even as they were growing together as a couple. Giving your partner space to evolve is maybe one of the biggest signs of true love, right?
I read most of this book on a cross-country flight, which was perfect because I really didn't want to put it down. The setting, the family and found-family in this are lovely to spend time with. The best part, however, was how the main characters grew into their own even as they were growing together as a couple. Giving your partner space to evolve is maybe one of the biggest signs of true love, right?
November 15, 2021
After Been There Done That, I was really looking forward to Walker and Leigh's story and I'm happy to say it was worth the wait. This is a story about finding yourself and then finding someone who really gets you which was what they both were to each other.
You'll laugh, cry and then have your heart brought back together when it's all over. Besides the love story, the friendships, the community coming together and even the family dynamics were enjoyable.
This also had me warming up to Tavia a bit so I guess I'll see. Looking forward to her book next.
You'll laugh, cry and then have your heart brought back together when it's all over. Besides the love story, the friendships, the community coming together and even the family dynamics were enjoyable.
This also had me warming up to Tavia a bit so I guess I'll see. Looking forward to her book next.
October 15, 2021
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
Before and After You by Hope Ellis is the second Lefferbees book in the Smartypants Universe. Walker Lefferbee lives a happy life filled with family, a job with his family bank, a profitable side hustle with his best friend and the company of different women when it suits him. Where he comes up short is one woman, Leigh D’Alessandro, his sister’s best friend and the one woman who doesn’t fall for his charm. Leigh has been living in Tennessee after the collapse of her marriage six years prior. She is in love with her job at the small regional hospital but is now afraid that things may be changing for the worse as a large corporation has purchased it. When Walker begins remodeling his sister’s side of the duplex she shares with Leigh, he finds himself getting closer to the prickly woman he’s known but never understood for so long. The chemistry between them finally explodes and they find themselves wanting so much more than to keep each other’s beds warm. But the future is fickle and Leigh and Walker find themselves at more than one crossroad together.
Walker Lefferbee has tried so hard to be the person everyone needed him to be and it’s finally wearing him thin. He finds that Leigh just wants him to be himself and be happy in whatever form that takes. He struggles to find a balance between his ever growing affection for Leigh and balancing his wants/needs with the family business. With his health in question he finds himself finally sticking up for his dreams when it comes to work but comes up short with how to handle his promises to Leigh.
“This. Her. Forever didn’t seem nearly as frightening anymore.”
Leigh D’Alessandro is a bad*ss woman who doesn’t back down from a worthwhile fight. She had to put in the work to get back to the strong person she’s always been. Her trust in marriage and commitment may be bruised but Walker manages to scale the high walls of her heart. She finds it in herself to trust that he has good intentions and that even though it may be scary and could end up hurting, loving him is worth it. She has her work cut out for her though because between trying to bring down a major hospital purchase and Walker struggling with his new normal, she’s got a full plate. She doesn’t back down from either when everything seems bleak which has me respecting the heck out of her.
“I knew what I was feeling for him, and I knew there was no escaping it.”
Leigh and Walker's story was not just about them finding a way to trust loving each other. It was about the importance of family and the struggles that come with working with them. The small town aspects to both the hospital and the bank are crucial because both Walker and Leigh are fighting to keep businesses controlled and for the community. With all the fun faces showing up to support them you still get the warm feeling you associate with Green Valley, TN but there are underlying themes of race, gender inequality and corporate America that keep the story relevant and important.
4 stars for Leigh and Walker fighting the good fight for the community and for their future.
Before and After You by Hope Ellis is the second Lefferbees book in the Smartypants Universe. Walker Lefferbee lives a happy life filled with family, a job with his family bank, a profitable side hustle with his best friend and the company of different women when it suits him. Where he comes up short is one woman, Leigh D’Alessandro, his sister’s best friend and the one woman who doesn’t fall for his charm. Leigh has been living in Tennessee after the collapse of her marriage six years prior. She is in love with her job at the small regional hospital but is now afraid that things may be changing for the worse as a large corporation has purchased it. When Walker begins remodeling his sister’s side of the duplex she shares with Leigh, he finds himself getting closer to the prickly woman he’s known but never understood for so long. The chemistry between them finally explodes and they find themselves wanting so much more than to keep each other’s beds warm. But the future is fickle and Leigh and Walker find themselves at more than one crossroad together.
Walker Lefferbee has tried so hard to be the person everyone needed him to be and it’s finally wearing him thin. He finds that Leigh just wants him to be himself and be happy in whatever form that takes. He struggles to find a balance between his ever growing affection for Leigh and balancing his wants/needs with the family business. With his health in question he finds himself finally sticking up for his dreams when it comes to work but comes up short with how to handle his promises to Leigh.
“This. Her. Forever didn’t seem nearly as frightening anymore.”
Leigh D’Alessandro is a bad*ss woman who doesn’t back down from a worthwhile fight. She had to put in the work to get back to the strong person she’s always been. Her trust in marriage and commitment may be bruised but Walker manages to scale the high walls of her heart. She finds it in herself to trust that he has good intentions and that even though it may be scary and could end up hurting, loving him is worth it. She has her work cut out for her though because between trying to bring down a major hospital purchase and Walker struggling with his new normal, she’s got a full plate. She doesn’t back down from either when everything seems bleak which has me respecting the heck out of her.
“I knew what I was feeling for him, and I knew there was no escaping it.”
Leigh and Walker's story was not just about them finding a way to trust loving each other. It was about the importance of family and the struggles that come with working with them. The small town aspects to both the hospital and the bank are crucial because both Walker and Leigh are fighting to keep businesses controlled and for the community. With all the fun faces showing up to support them you still get the warm feeling you associate with Green Valley, TN but there are underlying themes of race, gender inequality and corporate America that keep the story relevant and important.
4 stars for Leigh and Walker fighting the good fight for the community and for their future.
October 16, 2021
(ARC Review) Before and After You is book two in the Leffersbee series. We met both Leigh and Walker in the first book, as best friend and brother, respectively, to the heroine. The two generally antagonize each other, but when a bit of forced proximity related to a construction project brings them closer than ever, it’s soon hard to resist their attraction.
Leigh is guarded due to her past (a womanizing father, a cheating ex-husband) so ladies man Walker brings out the worst in her.
Walker was such a swoony gentleman, he was patient as he waited for Leigh to be on the same page as him. He didn’t hesitate to stand up for her, and he continued to show up for her time and time again.
They both had a lot going on professionally and family-wise which did get a bit distracting to me, there was a lot going on outside of the relationship, but I really enjoyed their sweet relationship even as they continued to antagonize each other.
Leigh is guarded due to her past (a womanizing father, a cheating ex-husband) so ladies man Walker brings out the worst in her.
Walker was such a swoony gentleman, he was patient as he waited for Leigh to be on the same page as him. He didn’t hesitate to stand up for her, and he continued to show up for her time and time again.
They both had a lot going on professionally and family-wise which did get a bit distracting to me, there was a lot going on outside of the relationship, but I really enjoyed their sweet relationship even as they continued to antagonize each other.
October 31, 2021
4.75 Stars for the second of the Leffersbee Series! Leigh and Walker had this dance going on for years of love-hate interactions. Seriously, Leigh may have been the last one to see the passion on the walls. Walker knew, kept up the dance because he knew she had walls and hurts that weren’t ready to see it. When they finally crash into their walls, hurts and secrets this pair has chemistry for weeks!
This book had all the things! Both Leigh and Walker had workplace drama happening. With Leigh’s you get to see how fierce and determined she is. With Walker it’s about his family dynamics, secrets and his own questions about what he wants versus obligations. But Walker isn’t the only one with family drama, because Leigh has her own as well as secrets that aren’t so secret. All these things lead to both of them trying to be the others safe place, to trust that someone else could have their back. But oh how we humans struggle with these things. So waiting to see them figure these out for each other to find a happy ending, was truly both sweet and frustrating too. All in all Hope Ellis did another beautiful job telling the story of the Leffersbee family while also incorporating some Green Valley favorites.
This book had all the things! Both Leigh and Walker had workplace drama happening. With Leigh’s you get to see how fierce and determined she is. With Walker it’s about his family dynamics, secrets and his own questions about what he wants versus obligations. But Walker isn’t the only one with family drama, because Leigh has her own as well as secrets that aren’t so secret. All these things lead to both of them trying to be the others safe place, to trust that someone else could have their back. But oh how we humans struggle with these things. So waiting to see them figure these out for each other to find a happy ending, was truly both sweet and frustrating too. All in all Hope Ellis did another beautiful job telling the story of the Leffersbee family while also incorporating some Green Valley favorites.
October 25, 2021
I was soooo excited for this book I couldn't wait to dive in!
It's Walker and Leigh's turn and what a story it is!
These two have plenty of chemistry and they are def both attracted to each other. They are also plenty busy and one of them have some notions about the other..
but a home renovation get them closer and they soon find out that they could be great and maybe they could have it all..or could they?
It's entertaining and full of feels, plenty of drama, family and otherwise, but also full of love!
It's Walker and Leigh's turn and what a story it is!
These two have plenty of chemistry and they are def both attracted to each other. They are also plenty busy and one of them have some notions about the other..
but a home renovation get them closer and they soon find out that they could be great and maybe they could have it all..or could they?
It's entertaining and full of feels, plenty of drama, family and otherwise, but also full of love!
October 26, 2021
love spending more time with the Leffersbees
What I find most impressive is that it feels like the Leffersbees are a real family. There is love and complex dynamics, history that forces people into roles, and the grace to allow people to be who they are.
Walker & Leigh have a great story together, and the larger plot around the bank and the hospital is well crafted.
I’m very appreciative that we get to spend more time with them for Tavia’s story. And I want Hope Ellis to write more.
What I find most impressive is that it feels like the Leffersbees are a real family. There is love and complex dynamics, history that forces people into roles, and the grace to allow people to be who they are.
Walker & Leigh have a great story together, and the larger plot around the bank and the hospital is well crafted.
I’m very appreciative that we get to spend more time with them for Tavia’s story. And I want Hope Ellis to write more.
October 6, 2021
Review will be posted shortly.
"An ARC of this book was provided by SmartyPants Romance in exchange for an honest review."
"An ARC of this book was provided by SmartyPants Romance in exchange for an honest review."
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