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Starting Over
Liz Matthews agrees to a blind date for her daughter's wedding with only one goal in mind- making her ex-husband jealous. The plan works, but also backfires as she finds herself enjoying the company of her younger date. Widower Bennett Grayson has his hands full enough adapting to single parenthood of a teenage son and has no intention of falling in love again. When a friend arranges a blind date, Ben reluctantly accepts as a favor to his friend, but gets more than he bargained as the funny and charming divorcee catches his eye. Brandt Matthews has much to atone for in life, starting with his daughter and his ex-wife. In spite of their troubled marriage, the one constant for Brandt has been Liz, until a new man in her life makes him realize how much he stands to lose- or has already lost. As Liz and Ben embark on a new adventure called dating, they are faced with a host of challenges, including the ghosts of the past and Ben's son Landon, who wants nothing to do with his father's new girlfriend. Can they overcome the obstacles and start a new life together, or will Liz succumb to Brandt's charms again?
302 pages, Paperback
First published December 9, 1014
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64 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 22, 2014
It all started with a little plan to make her ex jealous. Who knew that something so much more would come out of it? Certainly not Liz, and definitely not Bennett, aka Ben.
Liz just wants to jab at her ex a little at her daughter's wedding. She's got a very complicated history with her ex, and things are very crazy at times. Her friends set her up with a guy they know and things go very differently from there.
Ben is a widower and he still struggles to this day with the loss of his wife. It doesn't help that his teenage son is grieving as well and they don't always know how to deal with it alone, or even together.
To both of their surprise, Liz and Ben hit it off rather well. Their friendship quickly turns to more, but is either one ready for something more?
Starting Over is a perfect title for the story. Liz and Ben are much older than the hero and heroines I read about lately, and it's a very welcome change! Don't let their age stop you from reading this heartwarming, emotionally engaging story because you will be missing so much. This story is real. And by real I mean it's very easy to relate to the characters and their situations. Full of complexity, Starting Over hooked me from the start and kept me emotionally invested the entire duration of the book. Michele Shriver is a fantastic author who writes realistic and wonderful characters. Starting Over is well written and I highly recommend it to all!
Liz just wants to jab at her ex a little at her daughter's wedding. She's got a very complicated history with her ex, and things are very crazy at times. Her friends set her up with a guy they know and things go very differently from there.
Ben is a widower and he still struggles to this day with the loss of his wife. It doesn't help that his teenage son is grieving as well and they don't always know how to deal with it alone, or even together.
To both of their surprise, Liz and Ben hit it off rather well. Their friendship quickly turns to more, but is either one ready for something more?
Starting Over is a perfect title for the story. Liz and Ben are much older than the hero and heroines I read about lately, and it's a very welcome change! Don't let their age stop you from reading this heartwarming, emotionally engaging story because you will be missing so much. This story is real. And by real I mean it's very easy to relate to the characters and their situations. Full of complexity, Starting Over hooked me from the start and kept me emotionally invested the entire duration of the book. Michele Shriver is a fantastic author who writes realistic and wonderful characters. Starting Over is well written and I highly recommend it to all!
May 24, 2020
Excellent book 👏👏👏👏👏
Liz was a very strong woman,she left Brandt the moment she realised,he had been Cheating on her from years..
Brandt was a 🐖 a scumbag he was constantly Cheating on her from day one , a useless father a useless husband...
Liz was with him, because she loved him, stlll he always had other women he had been sleeping...
The best part!
After having Ben , Liz realised Brandt was hopeless at sex, he was a useless sex partner in whole 25 years ..
The worst part she was divorced from 17 years, still from past six years she started having sex with him,so she was his free Lay ...
He was such a Dog, he still kept sleeping with other bitches, even he brought his latest Hook upMarrisa who not only harassed his daughter Chelsea but tried to seduce her boyfriend Hayden, on top of that he wanted to play happy family with Liz 🤮
Thanks to Chelsea, she was a lovely daughter and her best friend Maggie she dated Ben , even for pretence...
*****Ben was a gem😍 after having him Elizabeth/ Liz learnt what a true man is like, he was an honest and loyal man,an excellent lover 👌
****The best part now Liz realised that Brandt was worthless,and Brandt thought l he broke up with that utter Bitch Marrssaa , he realised he was a born cheater!!
Liz has found a real Man in Ben 🥰
Liz was a very strong woman,she left Brandt the moment she realised,he had been Cheating on her from years..
Brandt was a 🐖 a scumbag he was constantly Cheating on her from day one , a useless father a useless husband...
Liz was with him, because she loved him, stlll he always had other women he had been sleeping...
The best part!
After having Ben , Liz realised Brandt was hopeless at sex, he was a useless sex partner in whole 25 years ..
The worst part she was divorced from 17 years, still from past six years she started having sex with him,so she was his free Lay ...
He was such a Dog, he still kept sleeping with other bitches, even he brought his latest Hook upMarrisa who not only harassed his daughter Chelsea but tried to seduce her boyfriend Hayden, on top of that he wanted to play happy family with Liz 🤮
Thanks to Chelsea, she was a lovely daughter and her best friend Maggie she dated Ben , even for pretence...
*****Ben was a gem😍 after having him Elizabeth/ Liz learnt what a true man is like, he was an honest and loyal man,an excellent lover 👌
****The best part now Liz realised that Brandt was worthless,and Brandt thought l he broke up with that utter Bitch Marrssaa , he realised he was a born cheater!!
Liz has found a real Man in Ben 🥰
December 1, 2014
Who says love is only for young people? Certainly not Liz and Bennett!
There are advantages at having been around the block a few times. For one, you know yourself already and you're established in your career. But sparks can still fly and pants can still drop at the least expected moments, because guess what? Passion doesn't die after fifty.
Liz Matthews is in a toxic relationship with her ex-husband. Ironic, isn't it? Since she's a therapist and knows she shouldn't let him manipulate her. But the specter of going dateless to their joint daughter, Chelsea's, wedding has Liz up in knots. The solution? A "fake" date, in the form of widower Bennett Grayson.
What happens next is poignant, romantic, and heart tugging. Both Liz and Bennett, and even ex-husband Brandt, find that they're never too old to grow and change. The story wraps itself nicely in a circle when each of them solve a problem that had been holding them back.
I love how everyone came out stronger at the end, and that Liz and Bennett prove that it's never too late for love, or second chances, or starting over.
There are advantages at having been around the block a few times. For one, you know yourself already and you're established in your career. But sparks can still fly and pants can still drop at the least expected moments, because guess what? Passion doesn't die after fifty.
Liz Matthews is in a toxic relationship with her ex-husband. Ironic, isn't it? Since she's a therapist and knows she shouldn't let him manipulate her. But the specter of going dateless to their joint daughter, Chelsea's, wedding has Liz up in knots. The solution? A "fake" date, in the form of widower Bennett Grayson.
What happens next is poignant, romantic, and heart tugging. Both Liz and Bennett, and even ex-husband Brandt, find that they're never too old to grow and change. The story wraps itself nicely in a circle when each of them solve a problem that had been holding them back.
I love how everyone came out stronger at the end, and that Liz and Bennett prove that it's never too late for love, or second chances, or starting over.
July 5, 2017
Simple yet clean!
December 7, 2014
*** I Love Story Time was Gifted an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review ****
4 Stars!
When I first started reading this story I was a little hesitant due to the age of the characters. I must say that all the books I have read usually range from high school to young adult. This was the first story that I've read where the male character is 47 and the female character is 54! It took some getting used to, especially the love scenes. However, I really found myself enjoying the story and the characters. This was a great story about Ben and Liz meeting on a blind date that led to a relationship they didn't plan on having.
Ben has a 16 year old son named Landon, and is getting over the loss of his late wife. He thought he was going to be with her forever but it didn't turn out that way. The last year had been the hardest to get through, so when he is asked to go on a blind date he wasn't too excited about it.
Liz hasn't been married for 17 years, but for some reason her ex-husband Brandt has always had a hold on her. So, in hopes of making him jealous, she agrees to bring a blind date to her daughters wedding. When the night started she knew it was all for show, but she couldn't help the feeling she got when she first meets Ben.
Ben and Liz hit it off from the beginning. The chemistry they feel for one another has Liz constantly reminding herself that it's a fake date. Ben feels the same connection with Liz and can't keep his distance from her and notices she's the first person to make him smile and laugh in the last year.
After the "fake date" they agree to meet for a "real date" and make arrangements to have dinner. After their first real date, things start to come together for Ben and Liz. They start having a relationship and hope for more.
Ben and Liz's relationship was really sweet. It wasn't easy in the beginning. Landon is still struggling with his mom being gone, and doesn't want anyone to replace her, which is totally understandable. So, when he first meets Liz he isn't very nice. As time goes on, he realizes that Liz is a good person and really makes his dad happy. But Landon isn't the only one that gets in the way of Ben and Liz's relationship. Now that Brandt sees Liz with another man, he realizes he wants her back. He does what he can in hopes to get between them.
If your looking for a great story about Starting Over you will definitely want to read this! It was really good. I loved the relationship that Ben had for his son Landon. Some of the heart to heart conversations brought tears to my eyes. This really is a heart warming sweet story that I would recommend to anyone that is looking for a great love story, that doesn't want to deal with the younger crowd drama. Don't get me wrong, this did have a little drama, but it was very tasteful.
I am really looking forward to reading Love & Light . I did enjoy Landon's character and while reading this I was thinking to myself... I hope he has a book! So when I got to the end and it said that he did in fact have a book coming out, I got excited! I will definitely be reading that!
~Juls
December 7, 2014
*** I Love Story Time was Gifted an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review ****
4 Stars!
When I first started reading this story I was a little hesitant due to the age of the characters. I must say that all the books I have read usually range from high school to young adult. This was the first story that I've read where the male character is 47 and the female character is 54! It took some getting used to, especially the love scenes. However, I really found myself enjoying the story and the characters. This was a great story about Ben and Liz meeting on a blind date that led to a relationship they didn't plan on having.
Ben has a 16 year old son named Landon, and is getting over the loss of his late wife. He thought he was going to be with her forever but it didn't turn out that way. The last year had been the hardest to get through, so when he is asked to go on a blind date he wasn't too excited about it.
Liz hasn't been married for 17 years, but for some reason her ex-husband Brandt has always had a hold on her. So, in hopes of making him jealous, she agrees to bring a blind date to her daughters wedding. When the night started she knew it was all for show, but she couldn't help the feeling she got when she first meets Ben.
Ben and Liz hit it off from the beginning. The chemistry they feel for one another has Liz constantly reminding herself that it's a fake date. Ben feels the same connection with Liz and can't keep his distance from her and notices she's the first person to make him smile and laugh in the last year.
After the "fake date" they agree to meet for a "real date" and make arrangements to have dinner. After their first real date, things start to come together for Ben and Liz. They start having a relationship and hope for more.
Ben and Liz's relationship was really sweet. It wasn't easy in the beginning. Landon is still struggling with his mom being gone, and doesn't want anyone to replace her, which is totally understandable. So, when he first meets Liz he isn't very nice. As time goes on, he realizes that Liz is a good person and really makes his dad happy. But Landon isn't the only one that gets in the way of Ben and Liz's relationship. Now that Brandt sees Liz with another man, he realizes he wants her back. He does what he can in hopes to get between them.
If your looking for a great story about Starting Over you will definitely want to read this! It was really good. I loved the relationship that Ben had for his son Landon. Some of the heart to heart conversations brought tears to my eyes. This really is a heart warming sweet story that I would recommend to anyone that is looking for a great love story, that doesn't want to deal with the younger crowd drama. Don't get me wrong, this did have a little drama, but it was very tasteful.
I am really looking forward to reading Love & Light . I did enjoy Landon's character and while reading this I was thinking to myself... I hope he has a book! So when I got to the end and it said that he did in fact have a book coming out, I got excited! I will definitely be reading that!
~Juls
4 Stars!
When I first started reading this story I was a little hesitant due to the age of the characters. I must say that all the books I have read usually range from high school to young adult. This was the first story that I've read where the male character is 47 and the female character is 54! It took some getting used to, especially the love scenes. However, I really found myself enjoying the story and the characters. This was a great story about Ben and Liz meeting on a blind date that led to a relationship they didn't plan on having.
Ben has a 16 year old son named Landon, and is getting over the loss of his late wife. He thought he was going to be with her forever but it didn't turn out that way. The last year had been the hardest to get through, so when he is asked to go on a blind date he wasn't too excited about it.
Liz hasn't been married for 17 years, but for some reason her ex-husband Brandt has always had a hold on her. So, in hopes of making him jealous, she agrees to bring a blind date to her daughters wedding. When the night started she knew it was all for show, but she couldn't help the feeling she got when she first meets Ben.
Ben and Liz hit it off from the beginning. The chemistry they feel for one another has Liz constantly reminding herself that it's a fake date. Ben feels the same connection with Liz and can't keep his distance from her and notices she's the first person to make him smile and laugh in the last year.
After the "fake date" they agree to meet for a "real date" and make arrangements to have dinner. After their first real date, things start to come together for Ben and Liz. They start having a relationship and hope for more.
Ben and Liz's relationship was really sweet. It wasn't easy in the beginning. Landon is still struggling with his mom being gone, and doesn't want anyone to replace her, which is totally understandable. So, when he first meets Liz he isn't very nice. As time goes on, he realizes that Liz is a good person and really makes his dad happy. But Landon isn't the only one that gets in the way of Ben and Liz's relationship. Now that Brandt sees Liz with another man, he realizes he wants her back. He does what he can in hopes to get between them.
If your looking for a great story about Starting Over you will definitely want to read this! It was really good. I loved the relationship that Ben had for his son Landon. Some of the heart to heart conversations brought tears to my eyes. This really is a heart warming sweet story that I would recommend to anyone that is looking for a great love story, that doesn't want to deal with the younger crowd drama. Don't get me wrong, this did have a little drama, but it was very tasteful.
I am really looking forward to reading Love & Light . I did enjoy Landon's character and while reading this I was thinking to myself... I hope he has a book! So when I got to the end and it said that he did in fact have a book coming out, I got excited! I will definitely be reading that!
~Juls
December 28, 2014
This is the second book I have read from Michele Shriver. The first book I read of hers was The Art of Love. I absolutely adored it. And now Michele gives us another fantastic story. She wrote Liz Matthews’s story, Chelsea’s mom from The Art of Love. I loved Liz in the first book and was thrilled she wrote another book that happens right after The Art of Love.
Liz has everything she’s ever wanted. Well... everything except love. She divorced her ex when her daughter was a small child and threw herself into work. Only problem is she still has feelings for her playboy ex Brandt Matthews after all these years.
So, what happens when your only child is getting married? You let your friends set you up on a blind date of course.
I absolutely loved the chemistry between Liz and Ben from the first moment they met. They both kept the other at arm’s length and played the hot and heavy couple to a tee.
Liz Matthews is a very strong willed woman who didn’t realize how much she missed being spoiled and fussed over by a man. And the fact the man was seven years younger than her bothered her at first. Watching Liz work though if she could handle a relationship was great. What would any of us do if the person who wants to date us recently lost his wife and has a 16 year old son who does not like us that much?
Bennett ‘Ben’ Grayson is one sexy man. He is successful, sweet, and knows how to treat a won. The only problem is he recently lost his wife and doesn’t want to move on past her death. He feels he cannot love again after her. And his son keeps reminding him of that.
That is until he meets Liz and she throws his entire world for a loop. Ben realizes he has been living in a fog and wants to be with the person who makes him feel whole again, Liz.
This story is well written and filled with love, loss, and finding true love again. It had my heart swelling as I read. Yes, there are bumps along the way but what good story doesn’t. You can tell Michele put her heart into this book.
It is a must read.
I cannot wait to read Landon's story, though I think this next book my have me sniffling some.
Liz has everything she’s ever wanted. Well... everything except love. She divorced her ex when her daughter was a small child and threw herself into work. Only problem is she still has feelings for her playboy ex Brandt Matthews after all these years.
So, what happens when your only child is getting married? You let your friends set you up on a blind date of course.
I absolutely loved the chemistry between Liz and Ben from the first moment they met. They both kept the other at arm’s length and played the hot and heavy couple to a tee.
Liz Matthews is a very strong willed woman who didn’t realize how much she missed being spoiled and fussed over by a man. And the fact the man was seven years younger than her bothered her at first. Watching Liz work though if she could handle a relationship was great. What would any of us do if the person who wants to date us recently lost his wife and has a 16 year old son who does not like us that much?
Bennett ‘Ben’ Grayson is one sexy man. He is successful, sweet, and knows how to treat a won. The only problem is he recently lost his wife and doesn’t want to move on past her death. He feels he cannot love again after her. And his son keeps reminding him of that.
That is until he meets Liz and she throws his entire world for a loop. Ben realizes he has been living in a fog and wants to be with the person who makes him feel whole again, Liz.
This story is well written and filled with love, loss, and finding true love again. It had my heart swelling as I read. Yes, there are bumps along the way but what good story doesn’t. You can tell Michele put her heart into this book.
It is a must read.
I cannot wait to read Landon's story, though I think this next book my have me sniffling some.
December 7, 2014
Kindle ARC Copy
Liz Matthews attends her daughter’s wedding with a blind date to make her ex-husband jealous. Her former husband deciding he wants her back after all this time but she ended up enjoying her date’s company.
Her date Bennett Grayson is struggling with his teenage son and the memory of his deceased wife who passed away the past year. He is not ready for a relationship as he still feel that he is betraying her memories. Ben reluctantly accepts the blind date and is blinded by Liz.
Brandt Matthews realizes that he still loves his ex wife and that she has always been there for him even after their divorce. Can he mend his relationship with Liz or is it too late now since there is another man in the picture and that of their own child?
As Liz and Ben continue to date, will this be a new beginning for them? Will Ben’s son Landon be able to accept their relationship or will he be the one to be a hurdle in their possible future?
Liz Matthews attends her daughter’s wedding with a blind date to make her ex-husband jealous. Her former husband deciding he wants her back after all this time but she ended up enjoying her date’s company.
Her date Bennett Grayson is struggling with his teenage son and the memory of his deceased wife who passed away the past year. He is not ready for a relationship as he still feel that he is betraying her memories. Ben reluctantly accepts the blind date and is blinded by Liz.
Brandt Matthews realizes that he still loves his ex wife and that she has always been there for him even after their divorce. Can he mend his relationship with Liz or is it too late now since there is another man in the picture and that of their own child?
As Liz and Ben continue to date, will this be a new beginning for them? Will Ben’s son Landon be able to accept their relationship or will he be the one to be a hurdle in their possible future?
January 5, 2015
I very much enjoyed this story. I especially liked the storytelling from three points of view - Liz’s, Ben’s and Brandt’s. It gave the reader valuable insight to their thoughts and hurts. The supporting characters including Ben’s young son, Landon, and Liz and Brandt’s daughter, Chelsea, added lots of dimension to the story.
Landon is still grieving and it shows in his reactions to Liz. Chelsea is still pissed at her dad and has little to do with him. The two of them really help round out the back-history and I enjoyed their interplay with their parents - their reactions were real.
I read this book in one sitting - I had to know what happened in the end. You’ll want to do that too, so plan for it! ~ Missy, 4.5 stars
Landon is still grieving and it shows in his reactions to Liz. Chelsea is still pissed at her dad and has little to do with him. The two of them really help round out the back-history and I enjoyed their interplay with their parents - their reactions were real.
I read this book in one sitting - I had to know what happened in the end. You’ll want to do that too, so plan for it! ~ Missy, 4.5 stars
December 17, 2014
After reading The Art of Love, I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book!! And I was right to be excited! Right from the start, I was glued to my kindle, unable to put it down unless I absolutely had to! I thoroughly enjoyed the roller-coaster ride of emotions Michele Shriver took me on via Liz and the men in her world, causing me to fly through this story in one afternoon. By the time I reached the happy ever after Liz so greatly deserved, my need for a 'romance fix' was perfectly satisfied!
The only thing I'm now craving is a slice of cheesecake ;-)
The only thing I'm now craving is a slice of cheesecake ;-)
December 12, 2014
Loved how this author as taken this plot and made it into a story. A story that you can feel each and every emotions. A story that you can feel as if you are the one living the lives of the characters. Of course, I don't do spoilers, but I will say this much... This is one hell of a book to read if you haven't yet!
*Received for an honest review*
*Received for an honest review*
December 1, 2014
Releasing December 9th! Excited to share Liz and Ben's story with readers!
December 2, 2014
Loved where this story picked up after Art of Love. Bennett was dreamy and I loved the rivalry between him and Brandt. This book was a sweet read, but also just the right amount of steam!
March 30, 2017
Reread- I even liked it the second time
March 15, 2018
Who says love is only for young people? Certainly not Liz and Bennett!
There are advantages at having been around the block a few times. For one, you know yourself already and you're established in your career. But sparks can still fly and pants can still drop at the least expected moments, because guess what? Passion doesn't die after fifty.
Liz Matthews is in a toxic relationship with her ex-husband. Ironic, isn't it? Since she's a therapist and knows she shouldn't let him manipulate her. But the specter of going dateless to their joint daughter, Chelsea's, wedding has Liz up in knots. The solution? A "fake" date, in the form of widower Bennett Grayson.
What happens next is poignant, romantic, and heart tugging. Both Liz and Bennett, and even ex-husband Brandt, find that they're never too old to grow and change. The story wraps itself nicely in a circle when each of them solve a problem that had been holding them back.
I love how everyone came out stronger at the end, and that Liz and Bennett prove that it's never too late for love, or second chances, or starting over.
There are advantages at having been around the block a few times. For one, you know yourself already and you're established in your career. But sparks can still fly and pants can still drop at the least expected moments, because guess what? Passion doesn't die after fifty.
Liz Matthews is in a toxic relationship with her ex-husband. Ironic, isn't it? Since she's a therapist and knows she shouldn't let him manipulate her. But the specter of going dateless to their joint daughter, Chelsea's, wedding has Liz up in knots. The solution? A "fake" date, in the form of widower Bennett Grayson.
What happens next is poignant, romantic, and heart tugging. Both Liz and Bennett, and even ex-husband Brandt, find that they're never too old to grow and change. The story wraps itself nicely in a circle when each of them solve a problem that had been holding them back.
I love how everyone came out stronger at the end, and that Liz and Bennett prove that it's never too late for love, or second chances, or starting over.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews