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Ten Years and Then...
What if the love of your life was the one who got away… over and over again?
In 1988, Daniel Keller is a shy, brilliant college sophomore who never expected to fall for anyone—until Nora Langley crashes into his life like a thunderstorm in heels. With wit, ambition, and a wild heart she tries to hide, Nora makes Daniel feel seen for the first time. Their love is messy, exhilarating… and more than either of them knows how to handle.
When the pressure of family expectations and uncertain futures becomes too much, they break apart—but the story doesn’t end there.
Over the next ten years, Daniel and Nora keep finding their way back to each other. Different cities. New careers. Almost-relationships. But the connection never fades. Every reunion brings joy and pain, hope and heartbreak. And always, the what if?
Told with nostalgia, emotional depth, and aching romanticism, Ten Years and Then… is for anyone who’s ever looked back at a lost love and wondered what might have been. Can two people who never stopped loving each other finally get it right, or are some hearts never meant to stay?
In 1988, Daniel Keller is a shy, brilliant college sophomore who never expected to fall for anyone—until Nora Langley crashes into his life like a thunderstorm in heels. With wit, ambition, and a wild heart she tries to hide, Nora makes Daniel feel seen for the first time. Their love is messy, exhilarating… and more than either of them knows how to handle.
When the pressure of family expectations and uncertain futures becomes too much, they break apart—but the story doesn’t end there.
Over the next ten years, Daniel and Nora keep finding their way back to each other. Different cities. New careers. Almost-relationships. But the connection never fades. Every reunion brings joy and pain, hope and heartbreak. And always, the what if?
Told with nostalgia, emotional depth, and aching romanticism, Ten Years and Then… is for anyone who’s ever looked back at a lost love and wondered what might have been. Can two people who never stopped loving each other finally get it right, or are some hearts never meant to stay?
- GenresContemporaryRomance
563 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 16, 2025
5 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
J.J. DiBenedetto
33 books402 followersJ.J. (James) DiBenedetto was born in Yonkers, New York. He attended Case Western Reserve university, where as his classmates can attest, he was a complete nerd. Very little has changed since then.
He currently lives in Arlington, Virginia with his beautiful wife and their cat (who has thoroughly trained them both). When he's not writing, James works in the direct marketing field, enjoys the opera, photography and the New York Giants, among other interests.
J.J. is the author of the Dream Doctor Mysteries, the Jane Barnaby Adventures and several other works.
He currently lives in Arlington, Virginia with his beautiful wife and their cat (who has thoroughly trained them both). When he's not writing, James works in the direct marketing field, enjoys the opera, photography and the New York Giants, among other interests.
J.J. is the author of the Dream Doctor Mysteries, the Jane Barnaby Adventures and several other works.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 16, 2025
Official Lady C Review:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
"Right person, wrong time" has never hurt so good.
This was my first read by J.J. DiBenedetto, and I had the pleasure of reading it as an ARC—what an absolute gem!
There’s no explicit spice, but the emotional tension? Absolutely mouthwatering. This book had all the feels. The second-chance romance. The emotional payoff. The angst. The slow, aching burn. The personal growth. And the ultimate question that will haunt you after: Why wait for the right time when love is already right in front of you?
10 Years and Then... is a heartfelt, nostalgic second-chance romance that spans from the late 1980s through 2000. It beautifully blends romance, coming-of-age, and emotional growth with just the right amount of angst and sentimentality. Let me just say this: if angst, nostalgia, and a slow-burn second chance romance are your love languages, this book is going to absolutely wreck you—in the best way.
Daniel and Nora’s connection is deeply emotional and compelling from the start. Daniel and Nora don’t meet the “normal” way—they hear each other’s voices first, and that alone sparks something undeniable, and that unique start sets the tone for their decade-long push and pull. Nora doesn’t even know who he is, but Daniel’s heart knows. When he finally sees her? It's over for him. And for me. And for my emotional stability.
Daniel is the shy, swoony, cinnamon roll computer nerd we all secretly wanted in college. Nora is strong, driven, and emotionally layered. I can picture the vibes of Stacy + Mark from Fast Times at Ridgemont High (minus the drama) for Daniel and Nora’s early college days, that evolve into Leonard and Penny from Big Bang Theory. And their chemistry? Instant. But timing? A total menace. They meet, they spark, they drift. Again and again. Together, they’re literal magic—but life keeps getting in the way. Career goals. Wrong timing. Different cities. Every time they reconnect, it’s like no time has passed… which only makes it hurt more when they part. 😭🕊️ And you’ll find yourself begging them to stop waiting.
Their first Christmas gifts to each other? Chef’s kiss. So thoughtful. So sentimental. They literally give each other the same gift in their own unique way. The locket? Keep your eye on it. It matters. 🥹
And the setting? ICONIC. This book is a love letter to late-'80s and '90s college life. This isn’t just a love story—it’s a full-blown time capsule. Set across the late '80s to the early 2000s, the layout is beautifully done. The nostalgic references were not only accurate, but also incredibly grounding. I truly felt like I was right there with the characters as they navigated college life, evolving technology, and their ever-changing relationship. Each chapter is marked by time jumps, locations, and even individual days—so you feel every shift in their lives. The little illustrations scattered throughout are such a thoughtful touch, hinting at key events in that era. It adds so much to the immersive experience.📞💿
Prepare for flashbacks to:
The original Top Gun in theaters
Dorm phones + long-distance drama
Early Macintosh computers
First pagers, then cell phones, then emails... it's giving vintage tech romance and I was here for it. 🧑💻🖤
Their relationship is full of missed chances, emotional reconnections, and the ache of “what could’ve been.” Their pact to reunite if they’re still single in 10 years (2001) after Daniel graduates is giving My Best Friend’s Wedding vibes, but it hits harder because we live those ten years with them. Their growth, their heartbreaks, the missed chances. Every reconnection feels like fate—and yet they still part ways. WHY DO THEY DO THIS TO ME. I had tissues in hand more than once. Not a drill.
The side characters—especially Bianca and Aunt Rachel—were absolute standouts. They deserve their own novellas, honestly. Everyone needs this kind of support squad. Wise, loving, and always showing up with a reality check or a hug (or both).
While it’s a longer read at over 500 pages, it never dragged. Watching Daniel and Nora grow into themselves while still circling back to each other made every page worth it.
If you love:
✅ Slow burn
✅ Second chances
✅ Time jumps
✅ Major '80s/'90s nostalgia
✅ Characters you root for HARD
✅ Emotional gut punches (the good kind)
...10 Years and Then... deserves a spot on your TBR, like, yesterday. 📖❤️
So yeah. I laughed. I cried. I screamed into my pillow.
Highly recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
"Right person, wrong time" has never hurt so good.
This was my first read by J.J. DiBenedetto, and I had the pleasure of reading it as an ARC—what an absolute gem!
There’s no explicit spice, but the emotional tension? Absolutely mouthwatering. This book had all the feels. The second-chance romance. The emotional payoff. The angst. The slow, aching burn. The personal growth. And the ultimate question that will haunt you after: Why wait for the right time when love is already right in front of you?
10 Years and Then... is a heartfelt, nostalgic second-chance romance that spans from the late 1980s through 2000. It beautifully blends romance, coming-of-age, and emotional growth with just the right amount of angst and sentimentality. Let me just say this: if angst, nostalgia, and a slow-burn second chance romance are your love languages, this book is going to absolutely wreck you—in the best way.
Daniel and Nora’s connection is deeply emotional and compelling from the start. Daniel and Nora don’t meet the “normal” way—they hear each other’s voices first, and that alone sparks something undeniable, and that unique start sets the tone for their decade-long push and pull. Nora doesn’t even know who he is, but Daniel’s heart knows. When he finally sees her? It's over for him. And for me. And for my emotional stability.
Daniel is the shy, swoony, cinnamon roll computer nerd we all secretly wanted in college. Nora is strong, driven, and emotionally layered. I can picture the vibes of Stacy + Mark from Fast Times at Ridgemont High (minus the drama) for Daniel and Nora’s early college days, that evolve into Leonard and Penny from Big Bang Theory. And their chemistry? Instant. But timing? A total menace. They meet, they spark, they drift. Again and again. Together, they’re literal magic—but life keeps getting in the way. Career goals. Wrong timing. Different cities. Every time they reconnect, it’s like no time has passed… which only makes it hurt more when they part. 😭🕊️ And you’ll find yourself begging them to stop waiting.
Their first Christmas gifts to each other? Chef’s kiss. So thoughtful. So sentimental. They literally give each other the same gift in their own unique way. The locket? Keep your eye on it. It matters. 🥹
And the setting? ICONIC. This book is a love letter to late-'80s and '90s college life. This isn’t just a love story—it’s a full-blown time capsule. Set across the late '80s to the early 2000s, the layout is beautifully done. The nostalgic references were not only accurate, but also incredibly grounding. I truly felt like I was right there with the characters as they navigated college life, evolving technology, and their ever-changing relationship. Each chapter is marked by time jumps, locations, and even individual days—so you feel every shift in their lives. The little illustrations scattered throughout are such a thoughtful touch, hinting at key events in that era. It adds so much to the immersive experience.📞💿
Prepare for flashbacks to:
The original Top Gun in theaters
Dorm phones + long-distance drama
Early Macintosh computers
First pagers, then cell phones, then emails... it's giving vintage tech romance and I was here for it. 🧑💻🖤
Their relationship is full of missed chances, emotional reconnections, and the ache of “what could’ve been.” Their pact to reunite if they’re still single in 10 years (2001) after Daniel graduates is giving My Best Friend’s Wedding vibes, but it hits harder because we live those ten years with them. Their growth, their heartbreaks, the missed chances. Every reconnection feels like fate—and yet they still part ways. WHY DO THEY DO THIS TO ME. I had tissues in hand more than once. Not a drill.
The side characters—especially Bianca and Aunt Rachel—were absolute standouts. They deserve their own novellas, honestly. Everyone needs this kind of support squad. Wise, loving, and always showing up with a reality check or a hug (or both).
While it’s a longer read at over 500 pages, it never dragged. Watching Daniel and Nora grow into themselves while still circling back to each other made every page worth it.
If you love:
✅ Slow burn
✅ Second chances
✅ Time jumps
✅ Major '80s/'90s nostalgia
✅ Characters you root for HARD
✅ Emotional gut punches (the good kind)
...10 Years and Then... deserves a spot on your TBR, like, yesterday. 📖❤️
So yeah. I laughed. I cried. I screamed into my pillow.
Highly recommend!
January 22, 2026
This novel is a treat for anyone who loves romantic stories with that unmistakable ’90s feel—the kind of love stories that linger. If movies like Serendipity captured your heart, or if you grew up loving romances associated with John Cusack and Meg Ryan, this book will feel wonderfully familiar in the best way.
The story is about Daniel and Nora—two college students whose connection begins simply and grows into something meaningful and complicated, as real love often does. Their relationship unfolds through moments of closeness, distance, and growth, shaped by timing and life, and then face the twists and turns that life throws their way. I’ll avoid spoilers, but the emotional journey is satisfying and thoughtfully written from start to finish.
The tone reminded me of classic romantic novels like The Notebook or A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks, romantic, emotional, magical, while still managing to feel lighter and more hopeful. And for readers who need reassurance: this is a love story that doesn’t rely on devastating heartbreak to make its point.
What stood out most to me was how effortlessly the author pulled me into the characters’ world. The writing is smooth, evocative, and emotionally grounded, making it easy to connect with the characters and root for them. This is a story about love, timing, and the choices that shape us.
A truly lovely read for anyone who misses romance with depth, nostalgia, and genuine feeling. Highly recommend.
The story is about Daniel and Nora—two college students whose connection begins simply and grows into something meaningful and complicated, as real love often does. Their relationship unfolds through moments of closeness, distance, and growth, shaped by timing and life, and then face the twists and turns that life throws their way. I’ll avoid spoilers, but the emotional journey is satisfying and thoughtfully written from start to finish.
The tone reminded me of classic romantic novels like The Notebook or A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks, romantic, emotional, magical, while still managing to feel lighter and more hopeful. And for readers who need reassurance: this is a love story that doesn’t rely on devastating heartbreak to make its point.
What stood out most to me was how effortlessly the author pulled me into the characters’ world. The writing is smooth, evocative, and emotionally grounded, making it easy to connect with the characters and root for them. This is a story about love, timing, and the choices that shape us.
A truly lovely read for anyone who misses romance with depth, nostalgia, and genuine feeling. Highly recommend.
September 17, 2025
⭐️ 4 stars for me!
When I saw the book was around 500 pages, I was kind of shocked—but not gonna lie, every page was worth it! Their first meeting had me giggling, it was just so cute. To find someone you truly love and never forget really stuck with me.
Daniel and Nora as a couple felt like home. It even got me wondering, will someone ever love me the way Daniel and Nora loved each other? The story shows what I imagine love to be like. My heart definitely hurt in some parts, but like they say, love will always find its way.
“I knew you'd be here. I knew I'd find you.”
Overall, this was such a great story. It made me realize that love can be both beautiful and cruel, heartwarming yet heartbreaking.
P.S. As someone born after the pager era, I actually had to look up how it worked 😂 I really loved the 80s–90s setting!
When I saw the book was around 500 pages, I was kind of shocked—but not gonna lie, every page was worth it! Their first meeting had me giggling, it was just so cute. To find someone you truly love and never forget really stuck with me.
Daniel and Nora as a couple felt like home. It even got me wondering, will someone ever love me the way Daniel and Nora loved each other? The story shows what I imagine love to be like. My heart definitely hurt in some parts, but like they say, love will always find its way.
“I knew you'd be here. I knew I'd find you.”
Overall, this was such a great story. It made me realize that love can be both beautiful and cruel, heartwarming yet heartbreaking.
P.S. As someone born after the pager era, I actually had to look up how it worked 😂 I really loved the 80s–90s setting!
September 20, 2025
Daniel Keller and Nora Langley are names that will probably stay with you for a looooong time, recurring at the oddest of times...much like the romance between these two characters did.
I am an avid reader but reading a romance novel does not really figure high on my list of books to read. Typical a man. Yet, with this book, Ten Years and Then by author JJ DiBenedetto, really had me paging the book very fast indeed. Imagine that...a.romance that took ten years to culminate in marriage.
Why? No, I will not reveal it here. But it made sense somehow all along and hats off to the abilities of the author.
I thoroughly enjoyed the Dream series by this author and now Ten Years and Then joins that series of one of my top reads.
Enjoy!
I am an avid reader but reading a romance novel does not really figure high on my list of books to read. Typical a man. Yet, with this book, Ten Years and Then by author JJ DiBenedetto, really had me paging the book very fast indeed. Imagine that...a.romance that took ten years to culminate in marriage.
Why? No, I will not reveal it here. But it made sense somehow all along and hats off to the abilities of the author.
I thoroughly enjoyed the Dream series by this author and now Ten Years and Then joins that series of one of my top reads.
Enjoy!
October 30, 2025
We all remember our first love. Nora and Daniel were just that - first loves. But, like most first lives the timing is not be right. Follow them through college and beyond to see if/how they recover from that first love. What happens five, ten years later? Can a first love really last forever?
September 19, 2025
This book was so sweet. I smiled, got angry, and even cried.
October 19, 2025
I had the pleasure of reading this in advance and here is my unbiased opinion.
This book is definitely one of those books that has you feeling hopeful throughout the entire book. I love how the author incorporated the many years that it took for the couple to come together, but my favorite part was the fact that a 80s/90s element was added to it. I enjoy this because it allows me to feel a huge sense of nostalgia when I read books as well as it allows me to feel as though I am part of the journey with the characters.
I will just say this: you will laugh, you will cry, you will feel happy and it's the good type of emotions.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a good romance about second chances, nostalgia, and lots of emotions.
it's a 4.25/5 stars for me
This book is definitely one of those books that has you feeling hopeful throughout the entire book. I love how the author incorporated the many years that it took for the couple to come together, but my favorite part was the fact that a 80s/90s element was added to it. I enjoy this because it allows me to feel a huge sense of nostalgia when I read books as well as it allows me to feel as though I am part of the journey with the characters.
I will just say this: you will laugh, you will cry, you will feel happy and it's the good type of emotions.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a good romance about second chances, nostalgia, and lots of emotions.
it's a 4.25/5 stars for me
January 22, 2026
⭐️5 stars ⭐️
Spice Rating Scale: No spice/Behind closed doors
Some Tropes You’ll Find:
➵ Second Chance Romance
➵ 80s/90s Nostalgia
➵ Right Person, Wrong Time
➵ Slow Burn
➵ College Sweethearts
➵ Dual POV
➵ Cinnamon Roll MMC
➵ Star Crossed Lovers
“I knew you’d be here. I knew I'd find you.”
This was my first read by J.J. DiBenedetto, and Ten Years and Then was a tender, emotionally rich second-chance romance. After reading a dark romance, this was the perfect palate cleanser to start the holiday season. While there are no explicit spice scenes, the romance and slow burn are beautifully written. The story leans more toward a behind-closed-doors approach, and it works perfectly for Nora and Daniel’s relationship.
Daniel and Nora’s story is rooted in timing, how love can be right, but life can still get in the way. Watching them reconnect over the course of ten years felt incredibly authentic, especially as they navigate who they were versus who they’ve become. This isn’t a flashy, over-the-top love story; it’s thoughtful, nostalgic, and deeply emotional. The slow burn allows the feelings to build naturally, making the emotional payoff feel earned.
I especially loved how, as readers, we grow alongside Daniel and Nora, from the moment they meet in college to who they become as adults. Nora really grew on me as she matured and learned to communicate more openly, while Daniel remained a total cinnamon roll, an emotionally available computer science/engineering nerd who never shies away from honest communication. And honestly, who doesn’t love an MMC who communicates!
If you enjoy second-chance romance, emotionally grounded slow burns, and stories about finding your way back to the person who always felt like home, this one is absolutely worth picking up!
Spice Rating Scale: No spice/Behind closed doors
Some Tropes You’ll Find:
➵ Second Chance Romance
➵ 80s/90s Nostalgia
➵ Right Person, Wrong Time
➵ Slow Burn
➵ College Sweethearts
➵ Dual POV
➵ Cinnamon Roll MMC
➵ Star Crossed Lovers
“I knew you’d be here. I knew I'd find you.”
This was my first read by J.J. DiBenedetto, and Ten Years and Then was a tender, emotionally rich second-chance romance. After reading a dark romance, this was the perfect palate cleanser to start the holiday season. While there are no explicit spice scenes, the romance and slow burn are beautifully written. The story leans more toward a behind-closed-doors approach, and it works perfectly for Nora and Daniel’s relationship.
Daniel and Nora’s story is rooted in timing, how love can be right, but life can still get in the way. Watching them reconnect over the course of ten years felt incredibly authentic, especially as they navigate who they were versus who they’ve become. This isn’t a flashy, over-the-top love story; it’s thoughtful, nostalgic, and deeply emotional. The slow burn allows the feelings to build naturally, making the emotional payoff feel earned.
I especially loved how, as readers, we grow alongside Daniel and Nora, from the moment they meet in college to who they become as adults. Nora really grew on me as she matured and learned to communicate more openly, while Daniel remained a total cinnamon roll, an emotionally available computer science/engineering nerd who never shies away from honest communication. And honestly, who doesn’t love an MMC who communicates!
If you enjoy second-chance romance, emotionally grounded slow burns, and stories about finding your way back to the person who always felt like home, this one is absolutely worth picking up!
December 30, 2025
Ten Years and Then… by J.J. DiBenedetto is a touching and realistic love story that follows Daniel Keller and Nora Langley from their college days in the late 1980s. Daniel is quiet, kind, and thoughtful, while Nora is strong and lively but hides her fears inside. From their first meeting, their connection feels natural and honest. The story shows how two people can fall deeply in love even when they are not fully ready for what that love demands.
As the years pass, life keeps pulling Daniel and Nora in different directions. They move to new places, build careers, and try to move on, but they keep finding their way back to each other. Each meeting brings happiness along with pain, because the feelings never really fade. The book does a good job of showing how timing plays a big role in love, and how loving someone does not always mean being able to stay together.
This book connected with me because it reminded me of past relationships and people who once felt important but slipped away with time. Daniel’s gentle nature and open communication made him very easy to like, and Nora’s growth over the years felt real and relatable. The story made me feel hopeful at times and sad at others, just like real love often does.
I would recommend Ten Years and Then… to readers who enjoy slow romance, second chances, and emotional story . If you like books that focus on feelings, personal growth, and long-lasting connections, this story is worth reading. It gently shows that love can be patient, painful, and beautiful all at once.
As the years pass, life keeps pulling Daniel and Nora in different directions. They move to new places, build careers, and try to move on, but they keep finding their way back to each other. Each meeting brings happiness along with pain, because the feelings never really fade. The book does a good job of showing how timing plays a big role in love, and how loving someone does not always mean being able to stay together.
This book connected with me because it reminded me of past relationships and people who once felt important but slipped away with time. Daniel’s gentle nature and open communication made him very easy to like, and Nora’s growth over the years felt real and relatable. The story made me feel hopeful at times and sad at others, just like real love often does.
I would recommend Ten Years and Then… to readers who enjoy slow romance, second chances, and emotional story . If you like books that focus on feelings, personal growth, and long-lasting connections, this story is worth reading. It gently shows that love can be patient, painful, and beautiful all at once.
September 27, 2025
I started reading the book and realized it was a lot longer than I thought it was going to be but that turned out not to be a problem. The love story between Daniel Keller and Nora Langley needed to be this long. It was really refreshing to read about a first love that never really went away. I’m not the only one who felt that way wondering where my first love is and how he’s doing. Secretly, I’ll bet many people feel the same way they just don’t admit it. I really got into the 80’s timeframe as well. Those were some good days and the start of cell phones.LOL. I enjoyed reading how two people who loved each other but never seemed to be able to be together forever. Through their walks of life and seeing each other was at times funny and imaginative since it probably never would happen in real life. Very good read and I recommend it. I wonder if my first love ever thinks of me??
October 3, 2025
DiBenedetto has a knack! His main characters are supremely real and relatable. Their angst, their excitement, their hopes, their doubts all feel real. There are so many scenes that are deeply touching and full of wisdom. The overarching story would make a great romance movie with a perfectly satisfying ending.
My one warning is that it is long. Fantasy novel long. There came a point where I thought, "Okay, now we'll have our happily ever after!" but wait, there was more.
If you're expecting a cutesy, highly predictable romcom with all the familiar beats and tropes, this may not be your book. However, if you want to dig deeper and explore bigger struggles in relationships, then it is worth the read.
My one warning is that it is long. Fantasy novel long. There came a point where I thought, "Okay, now we'll have our happily ever after!" but wait, there was more.
If you're expecting a cutesy, highly predictable romcom with all the familiar beats and tropes, this may not be your book. However, if you want to dig deeper and explore bigger struggles in relationships, then it is worth the read.
November 25, 2025
10/10 read. Daniel and Nora are sweet together and although they went through a lot in the end, everything always comes together the way you’d expect. I really loved the way they kept meeting and the actual plot was top notch. It had romance as well as the angst you need in these kinds of books. I really liked it!
November 21, 2025
Awesome story.
February 14, 2026
This book was way too long. There is nothing about this book that held my interest. I found myself daydreaming while trying to read it. Let’s just hope Sapphire doesn’t write her story.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews