Never Been Ready

Ready #2

by J.L. Berg, James Fouhey (Narrator), Laura Princiotta (Narrator)

8 hours and 53 minutes

Leah Morgan was done with men. After barely surviving a horrendous childhood, and a boyfriend who bailed when things got rough, Leah had given up on love. Then she met him, Hollywood’s new golden boy who suddenly had eyes only for her. She tried to convince herself that one night couldn’t hurt, but after six months, the memories of his mesmerizing gaze and searing touch still invaded her every thought.

Declan James had just one rule when it came to women. Keep it simple, and never linger. That all changed the moment he met Leah. Even across a crowded bar, he could tell she was different. Sweet, with just the right amount of sass, she made him break his golden rule and now he couldn’t walk away.

When casual becomes anything but, and emotions run deep, will Leah and Declan fight their fears, or let old insecurities tear them apart? When Declan’s past comes roaring back in a way neither of them could have expected, will they stand united or be torn apart by the challenges that lie ahead?

It was only supposed to be one night, but only forever will do.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, New Adult, Abuse, Celebrity, Audiobook

9 pages, Audible Audio

First published February 4, 2014

About the author

J.L. Berg is the USA Today bestselling author of the Ready series, the Walls duet and the Lost & Found series. She is a California native living in the beautiful state of historic Virginia. Married to her high school sweetheart, they have two beautiful girls that drive them batty on a daily basis. When she's not writing, you will find her cuddled up, watching a movie with her family, obsessing over minions or devouring anything chocolate! J.L. Berg is represented by Jill Marsal of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency, LLC.

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Reviews

[Lady Vigilante (Feifei) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 “MADE THIS CYNIC BELIEVE IN LOVE” STARS



Well I was wrong. I took a look at the blurb – heroine gives up on love, Hollywood golden boy, womanizer changes ways for said heroine – doesn’t this sound like something I’ve read only 1000 times already? Though the book is based off of an overused and regurgitated premise, the earnest and genuine love Declan and Leah have cannot be denied and no matter how much I tried to be my normal cynical self, it was impossible to NOT fall for these characters.



“That kiss has left me awe-struck. It was earth-shattering in its simplicity, mind-numbing in its intimacy, and completely raw in its emotional depths.”

Leah’s had a shitty childhood. Her dad gets the nomination for asshat of the year and after having her boyfriend bail on her when she needed him the most, Leah no longer has faith in men. She’s naturally kind-hearted nurse and a fun friend to have around, and loyal to a fault.



Declan got burned by love in the past and has no intention of letting it happen again. Dubbed as Hollywood’s golden boy, he’d rather direct movies than act and covets his privacy. Rule #1 is to never go back for seconds until he meets Leah.



Their relationship goes from sex buddies  friends  boyfriend/girlfriend  LOVE!!

Why not 5 stars?

Okay so this section is where I can gripe and complain! Here’s what I didn’t like:

1. Hotshot nickname. It’s endearing but overused =_=

2. Predictability of the storyline. Honestly I predicted everything that happened in the book so that took away from the thrill of reading something unknown. There was this nice little twist around the 70% mark that got my full attention but other than that it’s nothing I haven’t read before.

**Number 2 is what clinched it as a 3.5 rating rather than 4. Until the “revelation,” there were many times I was tempted to put the book down and read something different. In other words, predictability equates boredom.**

Regardless, I am ready for book 3, which I assume is Garrett's story?

ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review.

[London]

Hero sleeps with many OW during 6 month separation even though he wanted the heroine. Heroine doesn't because she can't stop thinking about him. Douche bag shows up at her door looking for an easy lay 6 months later.
I'm sure in the authors typical style the hero gets his shit together quickly, however, I just couldn't get into it after reading the sample.

No thanks

[Syndi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am sorry i have been away from books. There is so much shit going on my life that i have to make difficult choice. I have to be ansent for a while.

But finally i finish this book. This book is OK although i do enjoy it more than the first book. Like the first book, everything about this book is sweet and OTT. The conflict and the resolution is too rushed. The characters also do not develop well. I do not get why they fall in love with each other.

It seems they just happens to fall in love with insta love powder. However thos book os meant to be easy and clean read.

So overall i do enjoy this book ok.

[Deb Dee (autumn delaney) · Rating 5 out of 5]

FIVE SO-HAPPY-TO-FINALLY-READ-IT STARS

You can read teasers here.

Read Prologue here.

Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Well, wow! This is such an amazing read that I finished it up in one night. Oh how I wish for more!

This is Declan and Leah's story. It started as a one time thing but it's the start of their forever...



It was a sweet, hot and fun story. You can tell from the beginning that they clicked.



LEAH

I am 100% happy that Leah was not a whiny, annoying, i-wish-never-to-read-again kind of heroine. She was funny, smart and (from the mental image i have of her) she's hot!

DECLAN

Okay, I have a thing for those Hollywood, reformed bad boy type. And Declan definitely fit the bill. He was crazy about Leah but in an endearing way.





I hope to read more from the Ready series and I wish I'm right with my hunch who the next story will be. *cross fingers*

Again, thank you Jennifer for allowing me to read and review your work. It had a blast reading it!

Would I recommend this book? 101% YES!

[~ Becs ~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never Been Ready is book two in JL Berg’s Ready series and Leah and Declan do in fact meet in the first book but this one works perfectly well as a standalone. There’s enough gaps filled in during the earliest part of the book to bring you completely up to speed so if you haven’t read When You’re Ready, you’re still good to go with this one.

Well, this was just a wonderful, feel-good romance. Declan, the main male protagonist performs a perfect Darcyesque style transformation from arrogant arse to worthy hero all brought about by his love for a woman he doesn’t realise is his very reason for breathing.

Declan and Leah met six months ago through their mutual friend, Logan. Declan is a hotshot movie actor who only really wants to direct and, due to past experiences, he goes through women like a hot knife through butter, never making any promises and rapidly moving on to the next one. BUT, he’ can’t get Leah Morgan out of his mind after their one night of passion and, as he now finds himself back in town, he decides they need one more night together so he can get her out of his system. Leah is in no way prepared to be his booty call and lays down her own terms and conditions and they agree on an exclusive friends with benefits arrangement for the time Declan is back in town.

Declan James wasn't some pussy who waited around for a woman. Women waited around for me, and it was time I got back in the game. This addiction or infatuation I had would cure itself over time. Screw this. I was done waiting.

As you can probably see, Declan is a bit of an arse at the beginning of the book but it’s a very sexy arse and I quickly forgave him! He’s had a troubled childhood, a failed relationship that deeply hurt him and his movie star status has got him behaving like a total manwhore. He and Leah share an incredible attraction but Declan knows he’s in trouble when he finds himself spending more and more time with Leah willingly instead of just enjoying her for sex and it actually scares him a little.

Lines had blurred, and I'd felt myself growing closer to her. Although I still felt every ounce of fiery passion for her, I also felt something deeper brewing. I'd put the brakes on and only made our usual house calls, never lingering too long even though my gut had told me to stay.

Leah, as we know from reading book one, is an incredibly giving person – she gives her whole heart into everything she does and is incredibly selfless. When people need her, she drops everything to help them and this includes her good-for-nothing feckless alcoholic father. She’s also not been able to get that one night with Declan James out of her head and very much wants a repeat performance but this time it will be on her terms and, oh boy, how hot is it when these two get together? Talk about your super-nova hot up-against-the-wall schmexin!!



This was a perfect read for a lazy Sunday when the weather outside is awful – I completely devoured the book in just one sitting and I am a sucker for a apparent bad boy hero brought to his knees by his forever girl and Declan, despite his manwhore status at the beginning of the book, really was a hero to fall in love with as he slowly realises and accepts that no man is an island and he really can’t live without Leah. There’s plenty of challenges for these two to face as issues from both their pasts come back to haunt them but, all in all, this is fairly low on angst and really high on goofy-grin loveliness. We also get to catch up with Logan, Claire and Maddie and meet a couple of potential future book boyfriends.

It’s the perfect combination of emotional romance and super sexy bedroom scenes with a hero and heroine you can’t help but adore and really root for – just great contemporary romance and I think this would appeal to fans of Ella Frank’s Exquisite series.

4.5 feel good stars

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[Anahita · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Star

When I read the first book I was fascinated by Leah character and I really enjoyed reading Leah & Declan story and the way their relationship grow between them. And I liked and enjoyed the presence of Logan, & Carlar in the story.
The only complaint that I have is that, the storyline was very predictable! but still it was a good read for me =)

[Hanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Amazing addition to the Ready series ♥

Full review to come in 2018

[Daisy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Can't wait to read Leah's story which I know I will get to read more of Clare & Logan.

3.75

[Carey Heywood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book focuses on Leah, a side character from When You're Ready. (OMG, READ WHEN YOU"RE READY!!! ps. have tissues!) I loved her in WYR. She is independent and has a take no prisoners approach to life. I also loved her chemistry with Declan. This book was HOT! One things some really sexy books are missing is the plot and character development to really get you invested in the story.

That is NOT the case with this book. It was well crafted with layers to the story that pull you deeper into their lives. I could not put this book down. I had to know what happened next. Fabulous book and one of my new favorite authors. I can't wait to read Ready # 3!

[Svenja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zuckersüß ♥

[Anne OK · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the kind of romance that grabs your heart and doesn't let go. I loved the chemistry between Declan and Leah - it was off-the-charts delish! Hollywood playboy meets his match. She's a labor and delivery nurse. He's alpha male and demanding. She's sassy, witty and alluring. He's only in town for six months. They agree to an arrangement. It will never last --

J.L. Berg did a fantastic job with the second book in the "Ready" series. For me, it was a better read than Clare and Logan's story and I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish.

[Nhu · Rating 2 out of 5]

eintönig, das ganze buch wirkte nicht durchdacht...
mau!

[Kara · Rating 3 out of 5]

cutesy book!

[Chu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review Originally Posted at: Book Freak

PURCHASE IT ►►► AMAZON

I can’t believe I’m reading Leah’s story!!!!

After finishing the first book, I got excited knowing that she too will have her story. This girl had gotten my attention being the tough, funny, naughty and super great best friend for Clare. Now that Clare had gotten her HFN with Logan, it was her time.

My heart went to Leah after a very traumatic childhood. No child should ever suffer and made feel worthless, much more unloved. Her father drunk himself to oblivion when her mother walked out on them. Furthermore, her boyfriend bailed on her when things get tough. So why would she waste any more time on men and love? Then Declan came along – they had an amazing night, but it was just that ONE NIGHT, or so she allowed herself to believe.

Now he’s back and HE WANTS HER ON HIS BED.

Hollywood star or not, I was amazed on Leah’s self control when she decided not to become his booty call. If he wants her on his bed – it would be HER decision. NOT HIS. If Declan is going to keep this casual, the game was on.

Declan had a way of turning me inside out, twisting me in knots, and just when I thought I had recovered, he’d do it all over again.

Declan was desperate to give her everything she wants for her just to be on his bed.

She haunted me, filled my dreams and made me ache.

He can’t believed that someone refused him, he was not used to it. But this was Leah – she was something else, she was different from every girl he knew.

He tried to keep it casual, to keep his emotions in check, but Leah was too good to pass up. How can you not fall in love with this selfless girl? Despite being drunk, she constantly checked and bring groceries to her father, she dotes on Maddie, and even do volunteer works. She’s a superwoman!

Everything was going perfect until the past came back to them – it was a twist I really didn’t see coming and gave me a bit of surprised. It was unexpected, but again, Leah came to the rescue. This girl, despite being raised in an unconventional manner without really some parental guidance (so to speak), was amazing with people, most especially with kids. Her compassion is remarkable.

Watching them fall in love, and make it through the tough times had me teary-eyed. They were a really great couple who started out casually, and found out one couldn’t live without the other. Their relationship had withstood the strongest winds and storms – and none of them, most especially Leah, didn’t give up.

From a happy-go-lucky Hollywood actor, Declan made a 180 change and became someone worth of her. He got a little scared, which is normal, but he quickly realize that it is scarier losing Leah.

This is Leah’s fairytale – it has dungeons, dragons, her not-so-perfect prince charming, great sidekick friends, and most of all, a fairytale ending she really deserved.

J.L. Berg had once again done it. I loved the first book, and I loved this one too, truly a must-read series! I can’t wait for her next work!



•Complimentary Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.•

More of my reviews at http://reviewsofabookmaniac.blogspot.com

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Except for being a tad too long (my opinion), this is one amazing romance novel. Written well with the most intriguing characters that burn up the sheets, it's a novel that captures you from the beginning only to let you up for much-needed air when you reach the end. J.L. Berg ("Berg") really knows how to deliver a story of two people who fall in love.

Gone is the couple who declare their love for one another after having sex for the first time. Gone is the couple who decide to get married within 24-48 hours of having sex. Gone is the ridiculous and asinine bouts of angst, and the miscommunication or lack of, all of which tends to break up the couple at the heart of the story. Gone is the heroine who is strong and intelligent at the beginning of the story only to end up TSTL once she has sex with the hero. Gone is the hero or heroine trying to save the other from heartbreak by denying their feelings, or trying to run them out of their life with lies and deception. What we have is a well-developed story about two people who fall in love with each over a period of time; who support and stand by each other during the good times, and more importantly, the bad times. I could really feel the love that Declan and Leah had for each other. Berg also reintroduces Logan, Clare, and Maddie, from book 1, When You're Ready and instead of keeping them in the background, Berg includes them throughout making them an integral part of the story, in the end enriching the story even more. I truly enjoyed this novel, and thought it was even better than the first. I look forward to reading the next novel in the series. This is a definite must-read for those who love a great romance that also includes some hot sex.

[Lara · Rating 1 out of 5]

the good reviews baffle me.
i made it fifteen pages before i threw in the towel. i read a lot of romance and i mean a lot. i can live with not liking one of the characters but not both of them, so i didn't like leah right away when she complained about the woman's birthing plan. she may have delivered a lot of babies (as is her job) but since she's never had one she doesn't really know what its like and especially for someone's first time. then she curses at the dad, if i was his wife and overheard that i would scratch her eyes out. if you don't like delivering babies why do it?
then we get to declan, and i very much like actor romances, and right away he is whining. oh i'm so sorry you had to lower yourself to acting to get your foot in the door of an industry that thousands clamor to be in every year. oh, and you were successful at it, poor you. and oh, they like you so so much they are giving you producer credit and allowing you to pick the production site.
that's it i'm out. i hope these two end up together and make each other miserable with their woe is me bs for the rest of their lives.

[Melody Cox · Rating 2 out of 5]

Only a hair better than book one. If you like vile, filthy language spewing from the characters' mouth then I guess this one is for you. Personally, I think this only proves a lack of creativity on the author's part. Who needs that kind of language throughout a whole book to make a point??

It also contained a story-line I despise. Just can't tolerate when two people finally get together and are ready to spend their lives together then POOF there is a secret child that appears from an ex-lover. That and cheating are the top two unlikable tropes for this reader.

Cannot Recommend!

[✝✝ Ⓓaisy ❣ ✝✝ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to come soon xx

[Palabasalibro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought When You’re Ready was an awesome book, but it doesn't compare to Never Been Ready. It was more intense, sexier, hotter and a more emotional. I love everything about it especially the characters.

Leah Morgan. If you've read the first book in this series, you’ll remember her as Clare’s best friend. They have been friends since forever. She’s the feistier of the two. A godmother to Maddie. The happy-go-lucky nurse who loves to volunteer and offer free service to other people. She’s hot and she also have a potty mouth. Oh, I love her personality. We knew her as the cheerful best friend in the first book but she keeps a secret that had haunted her ever since she was a kid. She may have been seen as a strong individual but she still felt small when she’s with her father. She was a victim of abuse. She was left in her father’s care when her mother left her when she was a child. Deep inside, it did a number on her because she still questions herself when she remembers it. Was she a bad kid? Wasn't she worth her mother’s love? What did she do?

Declan James. The hunky-licious (is that even a word? LOL!) Hollywood actor who is aspiring to be a Director. And since, they don’t seem to take him seriously so he doesn't have any choice but to take down his ambition a notch and become an assistant director first. This gave him an opportunity to connect with his childhood friend, Logan. And in doing so, he met Leah.

It was only supposed to be one night, but with Leah in my arms...only forever would do.

Let’s just say that they made good use of their night together to know each other’s body. A night to enjoy each other. Little did they know, along with their night together, they both made an impression towards each other and they were imprinted in each other’s minds.

She had a rough upbringing. Growing up was no picnic for her. She might seem tough on the outside, but deep inside, she's just as insecure and unstable as the rest of us. She hides it behind sweet talk and offhanded comments, but she just wants what we all do in life."

"And what's that?" I asked.

"To be loved. She gives her whole heart to everything she does and everyone she lets into her world. She's the most selfless person I've ever met. If there is ever anything anyone needs, you can bet your ass, Leah is there, helping. But when she's hurting, she retreats —"

"And says she's fine as she pushes you out the door?" I finished his thought.

But it wasn’t a smooth road. With Declan and Leah being together, secrets will emerged. He will see a different side to Leah he hasn’t seen before. He will fall deeper. He will realize the gem he has in his hands and he will do everything in his power to make her his. Declan is adorable. He was portrayed as a player, but was a deep person. He has so much in him that people fail to notice because of his physical appearance. I love his sense of humor. They were so much alike. They both had a difficult childhood and as much as they want to hide it, it affected them deeply.

The Leah puzzle was a masterpiece that required expert-level skill. It was no wonder not a single person had attempted to solve it yet.

 I fell in love with the new and improved Declan. The after-Leah Declan. He was so much more than an eye candy. I love how he fought for Leah’s happiness, how he helped her cop up with her life questions, how he helped her achieve her wishes. I especially swooned when he drive her to a pine tree farm just to grant her wish for a Christmas tree. That was a sweet gesture. He was really in for the long ride. I’m glad it was Declan who figured the Leah Puzzle because as much as Leah needs it, Declan also deserves his HEA.

 "For your mom to come back?"

"No," he answered, "I know that's not going to happen."

I was a little sad, but I was also proud of him for saying this. I was sad because he had to realize this at a young age, but I was so proud that he was finally able to come to terms with his mom's death.

"Well then, what did you wish for, Little Man?" I asked, looking down at his eyes that perfectly matched mine.

"I wished for my dad."

Words failed me. I forgot how to breathe.

He looked at that photo on the wall and then back at me. His eyes were so full of hope. "Declan, are you my dad?"

I just nodded and knelt down to catch him as he jumped into my arms. I held him tight, and tears stung my eyes as I finally was able to hold him as his father.

 

This passage was a really heartbreaking scene in this book that brought me to tears.  The part where he had a heart-to-heart talk with his long lost kid. My heart constricted with the emotions I felt for Connor. He think so old for his age. I was glad they were able to connect with each other again.

 "I've been doing some thinking, and I think I've come up with the best pet name for you."

I meant to say something like, "Oh?" or "What is it?" But in the presence of Declan with his shirt open, displaying that new L on his chest, while he held out a ring, all I managed was a garbled mumble.

"Wife."

 

And of course, the best part was when he proposed. Urgh, talk about a panty-dropping, heart-melting proposal. When Declan wants something, he gets it. They had been playing this pet name thing, and Declan’s idea of incorporating this in his proposal was really sweeeeeeeeeeeeet! What made it better was that, it was like something out of the blue and kind of like a spur-of-the-moment thing.

 Sometimes, you just had to fuck the plans and live. Otherwise, life would pass you by, and all you'd be left with was a bunch of useless, unexecuted plans.

J.L. Berg has really upped her game. I love her series. It’s perhaps one of the best I’ve read this year, and Berg’s gonna be on my priority list from now on. I think I’m gonna read Ready For You next. I’m kind of curious as to what really happened between Garrett and Mia.

5 stars

:) written by: Milka :)

[diann bryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never been ready was a sweet , sad and salty mix and it was a joy to listen to!
Leah and Declan’s story! So much Love for these two and all the joys and sorrows combined made this my new favorite in this series!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

**ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review**

~~ 5 Declan and Leah Stars ~~

So I have to say I loved this one just as much as the first book (When Your Ready) Even though these two books are completely different story lines and journeys for the heroines, they are both FABULOUSLY emotional reads. This book to me was flawless. The writing was smooth and quick paced. But J.L. Berg also knows how to tap into every emotion a reader has while reading a book. This book had me laughing at times, crying at times, swooning, and falling in love. I have to say this book was a great feel good fairytale love story. Yes there was some drama in this story, but it was short lived and the book didn't focus on it. What we got was just a really great love story between Declan and Leah. She even managed to throw in a surpass or two just to keep you on your toes. One of the shockers took me completely by surprise and the other one I kind of guessed was going to happen, I just didn't know how it would play out. To know what I am talking about you need to pick this book up and read it. Even though this book is in a series…I guess you could read it as a stand alone. I personally would recommend you reading book 1 first and then reading this one. The story lines are different from each other, but we saw enough of the characters, Clare, Logan, and Maddie, from book 1, that it was like this book was a continuation of their story as well. To me this book would spoil things from book 1.

Leah and Declan were perfectly matched for each other. We met Leah in When Your Ready ( Book 1 ) and I loved her character so much in that book, I was thrilled to see we got the same character in this book. She is a smart, funny, witty, and snarky person, but loyal to a fault. I would love a BFF like Leah. Those characteristics carried over into this book. In this book we find out that with all of those other traits, Leah is also a broken soul. She had a horrible childhood….her father was the devil, in my mind. It was amazing to see that Leah actually came out a strong woman in the end. We do find out that she does have insecurities, just like everyone else, but with the help of Declan she was able to overcome those insecurities. We briefly met Declan at the end of When Your Ready. Well I fell in love with him even more in this book. He was an actor who really just wanted to be a director and work behind the scenes. Yes he was like other actor characters in that he liked women, but a lot of that had to do with a past relationship that broke him down. Declan was a bad boy, who was smart, funny, and totally swoon worthy. Declan and Leah totally complimented each other. They had me laughing throughout this book with their banter back and forth.

We really didn't meet any new secondary characters that stood out to me, yes there are a couple new faces but they just played their part in the story. As I said before we do get to see what happened with Clare, Logan, and Maddie. I was so happy how things worked out for them. We also got to see Garrett ( Clare's Brother ). We are left in the dark when it came to his character. His storyline in this book was quite mysterious, but come to find out in the end it was all a set up for the next book, which is his book. I am so excited to learn all about Garrett :)

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is looking for the feel good, all out fairytale love story. Yes there are some tough subjects talked about in this book and it is emotional and you will cry, but the overall feel of the book will have you smiling. Oh and be careful….this book will definitely melt your panties :)

For more reviews go to www.bookbitchesblog.com

[Dali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swoon: to be overwhelmed by ecstatic joy, a state of ecstasy or rapture. Feel giddy, weak or lightheaded. You think I’m starting to abuse the word swoon or its synonyms? “I could use other words, like fascinating, stunning, breathtaking… beautiful.” I could probably come up with more or google some but they would all be along those lines and they would all describe how I feel about this book which about mirrors what Leah Morgan and Declan James felt about each other.

The general story line could be termed as cliché being that it’s about a handsome actor, who is also a bit of a man whore. He meets this feisty and stunning girl who he can’t stop thinking about and he breaks his evil player rules to be with her. They are so engrossed with each other that they agree to an exclusive no strings attached relationship, because they’re both afraid of investing their feelings and being hurt.

Declan had given me butterflies. Funny.
“What are you smiling about?” he asked.
“Run out of women in L.A., Hotshot?” I joked.
“No, I just got tired of trying to replace you.”

You can feel they’re attraction in the fog up your windows you can’t see outside sexy scenes. But the real story is the journey from the physical and skin deep pull to the soul searing almost DNA resequencing they went through. They are such a good fit in all areas of their lives that lines blurred and the relationship spilled over as easy breathing to friendship, support and companionship. And when feelings ran deep, that’s when all the swooning started melting my insides to a complete s’more goo.

This man – this arrogant, cocky man who I called Hotshot – was turning out to be more, and I didn’t know if my heart could handle that.

I highlighted so much of the book and made so many notes that I could probably post it in its entirety. But I don’t want to spoil you with ANY details. I’ll just say that besides all the swooning (I think I’ve about reached my swoon use quota) and scorching hot occurrences, J.L. injected humor that made me laugh out loud, familial love and friendship that made my cheeks hurt from smiling and heartbreaking achiness that made me hope and cheer for our protagonists to come the other side stronger for it.

This is not an insta-love kind of book, to the relief of some of my friends. It’s written from both points of view, which I love. It could be read as a stand-alone but I’m sure it is better enjoyed if read in order because there are recurring characters from the previous book that make the story so much richer and enjoyable if you know them. We also get to know more about Garrett, the hero in J.L.’s next book which I can’t wait to read.

[Rachel Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC for an honest review. I don't read the synopsis or any other reviews prior to reading and reviewing. I like to go in blind, not expecting anything other than starting a new book.

So let me say, that the acknowledgment page alone would have made me read more! Leah is an awesome chick. How many people that had such a shitty upbringing could be so selfless? I mean, labor and delivery nurse, best friend and babysitter, volunteering at the old folks home? That stuff alone makes her Wonder Woman...add in there shoulder to cry on, laughfest comedienne, and drop dead gorgeous and you have the woman so many of us would like to be...at least before we think about all the time that would take and then we wouldn't have our selfish "me" time.

Enter Declan James, movie star extraordinaire, and lusciously lick-able! I like the way JL Berg lets you "see" their first meeting 6 months previous to the story. It makes the fact that they hop into bed, or should I say against the door, within the first week or so of reuniting, a little easier to believe. (yeah, I know, it's a work of fiction, doesn't need to be believable, yada yada yada...but come on, how many times have you read a book and said, yeah, right...that's so believable...)
Leah and Declan start almost where they left off. Pretty much just fuck buddies. He's trying to get her off his mind, thinking if he can get his fill now that he won't want her later, and she's just trying not to let him into her heart, else he'll take it over an break it when he moves back out to LA.

This is a wonderful LOVE story, with a turn that wants to break your heart..but just because it sweet doesn't mean it's not HOT! And it's not just a scene or two, every couple of chapters, or maybe it was once a chapter, it was just HOT...

I loved the chapters from Declans POV. And you can be with them as they fall in love...will it work for them? Declan being a Hollywood hottie, and Leah being a nurse in Virginia? Will Heather, Declan's old girlfriend, and her secrets keep Leah and Declan apart? Read NEVER BEEN READY by J.L. Berg for yourself and find out!

[twobrokegirls · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the first book and getting Logan and Claire's story I remember loving Claire's wonderful, caring, spunky best friend Leah and I remembered meeting declaw james for the first time and as much as I love Logan and Claire I always wondered if anything would come of Leah and Declan and the wait and wondering is over because this is their story.

Leah is a labor and delivery nurse, who is independent, loving, giving, spunky and also one who is broken but no one has ever known the whole story of her childhood not even Claire, one that she shares all with. Her mother left, her father was a drunk and her boyfriend left her when she was helping Claire. But she still was an exceptional person. She knew Declan from his movies and she met him one night in a bar with lohan and Claire and after they had a amazing night together, but she swears she isn't wanting any type of relationship because she's been in love once and it never worked out well.

Declan James is a HOT, SEXY actor. He doesn't do relationships he had one of those before that didn't end so well. So he has his one time dates, never any emotions, no sleeping over and not to been see. With anyone. Basically he hides. But the one amazing time he had with Leah is always in his mind. He can't get her out of his head and then when he goes back to Virginia to do a movie he has his chance to get her out of his head.

But it doesn't come so easy. Leah isn't someone you forget and one time proves to never be enough. And although Leah says she doesn't do relationships well that doesn't work so well when it comes to Declan.

There are some exciting stuff happening in the book. It was even better because we still get to learn more of Logan and Claire. I love when an author does a book on other characters but still gives you insight into the others lives. Makes you feel complete.

I absolutely loved this book. Everything. The mushy moments, the fun moments, the crazy and the sad moments. It was just simply amazing.

Kudos to the author.

[Alie | Bookscape Away · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

[MK · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC for an honest review...
One man, one women who will touch you in so many ways...Hold on tight because it's emotional, tear-jerking, a life altering change will blow you away...

The one night Declan James meets Leah Morgan, him and his friend Logan Matthews enter a bar...trying to keep a low profile because Declan is a Hollywood film star he really doesn't want to be seen.
now Logan see's his girlfriend Clare with her and they head over by them, and he is overwhelmed with Leah's beauty....well one thing leads to another...and now after 6 months he can't get her out of his head..
When Declan returns to Richmond to direct and be in the film, he's first stop is to go see Leah...
He thinks maybe he'll see her and get her out of his system...Not going to happen the way he planned it...She kicks him out of her place. If anything happens it will be on her terms...
When temporary turns to more are they ready? Leah is dealing with some demons and does not let anyone in...When Declan finds out he does anything to help her and protect her...what will happen? You will love it and get ready because there are so many wonderful moments with Clare, Logan and Maddie...


It's a must read book....J.L. Berg has done it again...If you thought When You're Ready was an emotional read wait until you read this one..


Heat Level: Very Spicy...loved it...

[ℸℎℯrℯᏕα · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this story, the 2nd book in the series.

Declan is Logan's childhood buddy. He is a hot successful hollywood actor who could not forget his tryst with Leah when he was in Virginia six months ago. So when his movie got the greenlight to shoot in Virginia, he sought Leah out to get her out of his system.

Leah is Clare's bff. Godmother to Maddie and Ethan. She is gorgeous, compassionate and is an ER nurse who also works with Clare's husband Logan. One night, Logan asked her to look after a kid who was involved in an accident. The kid lost his mother. Leah didn't know it then but meeting the kid would change her life and Declan's forever.

Declan is cocky, selfish, and just didn't care about anyone else's needs. Whereas Leah is full of insecurities. You wouldn't know it because she always puts a brave front. Although unlike other heroines with insecurities, she did not get on my nerves.

These two were funny together. They were snarky and playful towards one another. Oh and yeah, they were also hot for each other. Their relationship was believable. What they had to overcome as a couple was quite realistic.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was only supposed to be one night, but with Leah in my arms...only forever would do.

J.L. Berg did it again!!!

Leah Morgan and Declan James' story ... totally mindblowing! I knew from the beginning that their story was going to be chock full of awesome!

I laughed, I got teary eyed, I snickered, I fangirled, I girl crushed, I oohed and I ahhed and it was worth every single emotion that ran through me while getting acquainted with these two!

I was also delighted to see my other two fave characters - Clare and Logan - playing key roles in their best friends' lives.

Drama? Like completely not there (not with what you would expect). This was simply created to tell their stories and it was beautifully done from the very first page.

[Nicola · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed When You're Ready; I thought it was a good debut from J. L Berg so I had absolutely no hesitation in reading this. And whilst the characters cross over, Never Been Ready could be read as a standalone.

This had everything that I thought the first book slightly lacked; it flowed better and was a book that surprised me hugely. Leah had a reasonably large part in the first book, Declan was more fleeting, but both are unexpected characters and as much as I loved Logan and Claire, Leah and Declan were something else.

It's hot, sexy and heartfelt, fun, passionate and heart wrenching. You simply can't not want them to find their HEA, but with one a Hollywood hero and the other a quiet town nurse, the question is can they make it work...

A book I would definitely recommend and I can't wait for Garrett's book.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up to 5. A great read about a movie star, Declan, and a nurse in the maternity ward, Leah, who had a brief one night stand a few months ago. Now Declan has returned to shoot a movie and expects Leah to be his booty call while he is in town. Leah has other ideas, even though she really feels the chemistry between them. Poor Declan is not use to being turned down.

Declan learns a lot of things about life and relationships from Leah and its a beautiful journey. A huge twist happens in the middle of the book and the only reservations I have about this whole wonderfully written, entertaining novel is that the circumstances leading up to the surprise were a little too convenient. But, I will forgive that.

This is the second novel in a series but it certainly can be read as a stand alone.